Saturday, August 31
Taking shelter: Abaco residents prepare for Dorian
ONE person brought a brand new television. Another arrived with a refrigerator. One man even brought his pitbull in a cage to the Central Abaco Primary School shelter in Marsh Harbour but was promptly asked to leave and take the dog elsewhere.
PM makes final appeal to residents ahead of Hurricane Dorian
In a last-ditch effort to make residents realise the severity of the potential impact of Hurricane Dorian, Dr Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister, strongly appealed to them evacuate to safer locations.
Two dead after shooting and stabbing
Two men are dead after a stabbing and a shooting on Friday night.
Friday, August 30
Man who died after cement machine injuries 'was disliked by coworkers'
A man who was killed after his legs were mangled by a cement mixing machine that suddenly turned on while he was cleaning it was disliked by his coworkers because of his work ethic, a court has heard.
Abaco residents recall Hurricane Floyd ahead of Dorian arrival
FOR Abaco residents, nothing encourages storm preparation like memories of Hurricane Floyd, the storm that devastated the island twenty years ago.
Non-profits mobilised for post-Dorian assistance
NON-PROFIT organisations have mobilised to assist residents following the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, which is projected to pass over Abaco and Grand Bahama in the coming days.
$100m line of credit for hurricane response
THE Minnis administration’s disaster, mitigation, response and recovery plan features a $100m line of credit from the Inter-American Development Bank.
PHA: Make use of polyclinics
THE Public Hospitals Authority is urging the general public to make use of polyclinics throughout New Providence as Hurricane Dorian approaches.
HURRICANE DORIAN UPDATES: Latest on airport operations
HURRICANE Dorian could intensify into a “very damaging” 156mph Category Four storm that lingers for hours in the Bahamas, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Kottlowski yesterday.
PM makes evacuation plea ahead of storm
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis made a final plea on Friday to residents living in high-risk areas of Grand Bahama and Abaco to evacuate, warning that to ride out the dangerous storm could be a gamble with life.
Turnquest proclaims lowest deficit level in a decade
FINANCE Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday touted that “for the first time in a long time” the government has met its deficit target, having recorded a deficit of $222.4m for fiscal year 2018/2019.According to the Ministry of Finance the deficit is
Union delays challenge to strike order
A HEARING about whether the Bahamas Doctors Union breached the Industrial Relations Act and will remain restrained from participating in a strike was adjourned yesterday.
Teen in Breanna killing goes free
AN 18-year-old woman who admitting to taking part in the carnage that led to teenage mother Breanna Mackey’s death last year is now a free woman.
Haitians hurt by move to suspend visas
HAITIAN Foreign Minister Bocchit Edmond said yesterday that the suspension of visa issuance to Haitian nationals is damaging to the people of his country.
What real support?
ON Sunday, 18th August, Our Prime Minister toured BPL Clifton and Blue Hills and declared “It’s a Crisis Now”, and offered the Bahamian people ( at least in Nassau) “sympathy”. I’ve been waiting all week to see if anything else might be offered, and since none has been, presumably there won’t be else.
FNM meltdown?
IT is written, rightly or wrongly, “That whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad”. Whether or not this applies to the Minnis administration may be moot, but clearly, something is wrong with it’s style of governance. In recent times any number of troubling issues and public policy initiatives seem to be plaguing this regime.
Potter's Cay facing peril
It is with great anguish I add the plight of the vendors at Potter’s Cay to the list of fumbles by the government.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Bringing light to the children whose lives are in darkness
The first time I saw Angel, her frightened eyes flashed back to some unnamed horror she had experienced. Those dark eyes, so filled with fear and terror, dominated her face, obliterating other features. Later, I would see a new Angel, growing up and out of the fear, strong, smiling, overcoming the terror that had forced officials to remove her from her home as a child.
'No grounds for appeal' of Frank Smith acquittal
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe, QC, yesterday suggested the government did not have any legal grounds to appeal the Court of Appeal’s ruling on Frank Smith’s acquittal.Mr Munroe noted the Court of Appeal Act was amended in 1996 to make it the final court to a
20 years in jail for rape of tourist
A SAN Salvador native has been sentenced to two decades in prison for raping a 17-year-old American tourist on that island five years ago.Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson sentenced Henry Gay to 20 years for the April 2014 rape of the woman, who is now i
$1m price tag to renovate senate building
RENOVATIONS to the ground floor of the Senate building will cost around $1m, according to Speaker Halson Moultrie, who noted the work would be undertaken by the Ministry of Works as a capital development.Mr Moultrie also revealed the new digital Hans
Grand Bahama: Expect severe flooding
GRAND Bahama residents have been warned to expect severe flooding due to storm surge from Hurricane Dorian. The advice came from State Minister for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson yesterday, who said there may be evacuation orders for some low lying are
Juvenile one of two injured in separate shooting incidents
POLICE on New Providence are investigating two shooting incidents which left a juvenile male and an adult male in hospital on Wednesday. In the first incident, shortly after 9pm, two males were standing in front of a home on Sunrise Road, Gamble Hei
Tributes after judge's death
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis expressed sadness over the death of retired Court of Appeal Justice Emanuel Osadebay, who died yesterday. In a statement released yesterday, Mr Davis said, “I was saddened to learn of the passing
Smith case may feature in no-confidence vote
THE Official Opposition’s resolution of a vote of no confidence in the prime minister could also ask parliamentarians to consider the government’s handling of the case brought against former Senator Frank Smith.Progressive Liberal Party chairman Fred
Be on the alert for fraud, warns police
A “trend of fraudulent activities” has been occurring in the country, police revealed yesterday. Some of these trends observed include third party transfer fraud, credit card fraud, fraudulent cheques and sham marriages. Police discussed these matt
Police officer contradicts teen's claim in child sex case
A WOMAN police officer yesterday contradicted a teenager’s claims that her official statement against a police reservist who allegedly had sex with her was not read back to her by the officer after she gave it.Inspector Altida Bowles testified that n
Call for hotline to be set up to tackle elder abuse
A LOCAL accountant is expressing his support for the establishment of an elderly abuse hotline.Dr John Bain also suggested more public awareness initiatives and enforcement of existing legislation as other tactics the government can utilise to help p
Surprise visit for student who wrote to prime minister
MATTHEW Stuart, a Queen’s College eighth grader who wrote to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis asking for a surprise visit to his blind grandmother on her birthday, received a surprise of his own yesterday when the nation’s leader dropped in on the boy
'Corruption and fraud is the Bahamian way of life'
A well-known forensic accountant yesterday lamented what he described as “endemic” corruption in The Bahamas and the refusal to prosecute “fraudsters”.John S Bain, managing partner at UHY Bain and Associates while speaking on the sidelines of an Elde
Administrator: Abaco in the line of fire
AS Hurricane Dorian continues to barrel its way toward The Bahamas bringing with it potentially devastating winds, rain and storm surge, Abaco residents are preparing for the worst. While New Providence, Eleuthera, Abaco, Grand Bahama, North Andros,
Meditation Bowed down
In the story of the woman bent double, we learn that her 18-year condition is treatable, that Jesus is her healer and that praising God is the only response: “On the Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had b
It's official: Lashann Higgs back with Texas Longhorns
LASHANN Higgs is officially back with the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball programme.The Big 12 approved a hardship waiver for Higgs, making the senior guard eligible to return to the Longhorns for the 2019-20 season.In November 2018, Higgs was dia
Wadadli Bowl: Clarke advances to the final
BAHAMIAN top seed Sydney Clarke made quick work of Canadian Hana Gamracy to advance to the final of the International Tennis Federation’s J5 St John’s Wadadli Bowl in Antigua and Barbuda. However, she ended up staying on the court at the National Te
Hepburn chef de mission
AFTER spending more than four decades playing, coaching and administrating the game of volleyball, Cora Hepburn is now serving in her first term as a vice president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee.Next year, she will hold the distinction of being th
Religious happenings around town
(events subject to weather conditions) • Divine Purpose Kingdom Ministries' ninth anniversaryTime: Friday, 7.30pm; Sunday 11amVenue: Divine Purpose Kingdom Ministries, Sunlight Cottage, off East Street NorthUnder the theme "Let's Rise and Build", the
COG teens, especially boys, shine at international Teen Talent competition
The Church of God International Team Bahamas this year received the most trophies, honourable mentions, and superior ratings in its history of participating in the international Teen Talent competition.A contingent from three islands – New Providence
McDonald's and St Andrew's Kirk's ninth annual back-to-school distribution extends reach
For the ninth year, McDonald’s has extended its reach beyond the golden arches above its doors and into neighbouring communities to equip students headed back to school with some of the tools necessary to function in the classrooms. Through a longsta
Yahweh House celebrates its youth
It is the belief of the Yahweh House of Prayer (YHOP) that the children are our future. So to that end, they hosted their 22nd annual honours convocation last Sunday during which 26 of the best and brightest children of YHOP were recognised for their
Miller-Uibo shatters her national record in 200m
Shaunae Miller-Uibo was in a class all by herself as she shattered the Bahamian national record, the Diamond League record and a personal best in running a world-leading time of 21.74 seconds to win the women’s 200m final at the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s Diamond League.
Ariel Weech looks to qualify for Tokyo Olympics in 2020
VERY seldom do you get to see swimmers stick around and remain as competitive as Ariel Weech, even after undergoing surgery on her shoulders that could have signalled the end of her career. Although that was one of a series of setbacks, Weech manage
A call for prayers for the nation's men
This Tuesday, a group of men gathered at the Creative Christian Arts Ministries International on Nassau Street to participate in “A Call to Prayer for Men”. Organised by Apostle Henry Higgins, the event sought to bring men together to pray for their
Florida State league finals cancelled due to Dorian
CHAVEZ Young and the Dunedin Blue Jays were one of the top contenders for a Class-A Advanced title. However, Hurricane Dorian preempted those plans. Florida State League President Ken Carson announced yesterday that the Florida State League final we
Hey, I know her! Inquisitive Indira vs Gossipy Gabrielle
As we end this Summer series, I can report that I’ve gotten so much feedback from women, about the type of female friends and family members in their lives I’ve described, and also about the type of woman they are themselves.Proverbs 31 describes the
You are on the brink of a breakthrough
“Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might
NewBirth seeks to combat youth's mindset of defeat and lack of faith
In a time where many young people are turning away from the Church, one ministry is hoping to convince them that a life with God in it can be an invigorating, exciting and eventful experience.Turning Point Youth Ministry – the youth arm of NewBirth C
Leslie Miller test
Former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP for Tall Pines, Leslie Miller, presents a litmus test for Philip Brave Davis and Fred Mitchell.
Revenues beat budget target by $81M
COLLECTIONS of stamp taxes on financial and realty transactions “surged two-fold”, from $109.5m in fiscal year 2017/18 to $225.3m in fiscal year 2018/19, outpacing the budgeted $143.7m the Ministry of Finance’s fourth quarter fiscal snapshot and repo
Port development 'must bring life to downtown Nassau'
BAHAMAS Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive, Jeffrey Beckles, yesterday stressed that a commitment to Bahamian ownership and involvement in the Nassau cruise port redevelopment is “critical”, adding Bahamians mus
IAN FERGUSON: Celebrating milestones in your employees life
Everyone loves to feel appreciated, values and celebrated. Recognising employees for their accomplishments and life events—big or small—shows them you care and are invested in their well-being and success. Whether it’s a birthday, work anniversaries,
Roberts joins BPF board
Bahamas Property Fund (BPF) Limited Chairman Michael Anderson has announced the appointment of Larry Roberts as a Director of the Company effective September 2.Mr Anderson noted that Mr Roberts brings a wealth of experience to BPF as his real estate
Thursday, August 29
UPDATED: Hurricane Dorian could intensify into Category Four storm
HURRICANE Dorian could intensify into a “very damaging” 156mph Category Four storm that lingers for hours in the Bahamas, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Kottlowski Thursday.
2019 Bahamas Hurricane Shelters list
Prepare for Hurricane Dorian.
EDITORIAL: A process that brings answers
EARLIER this year, we raised grave concerns over an incident of alleged police brutality in Eleuthera.
STATESIDE: The President’s apologists parading like a mobster and his moll
When they walked into the large meeting room lined with pew-like benches, the couple looked like nothing so much as an ageing mobster and his moll. Of medium height and with thinning black hair and a face relaxed into a constant scowl, he strutted forward with a bulldog’s purpose and tenacity. The woman trailing slightly behind looked vaguely troubled under her shock of red hair.
FACE TO FACE: They said I wouldn’t last a month - I stayed 31 years
When you think of advocates for disability in The Bahamas, it’s hard not to think of Mrs. Sheila Culmer. She has been at the forefront of advocacy before I was even born. I recently sat with her and found out why she has dedicated her entire life to helping those with special needs.
'BPL takes precedence over union demands'
FINANCE Minister Peter Turnquest suggested yesterday that matters related to Bahamas Power and Light’s generation reliability will take precedence when other issues including those of incensed unions are considered.The deputy prime minister told repo
Water sales up ahead of storm’s passage
WITH Hurricane Dorian expected to begin impacting the southern Bahamas tonight, some businesses in New Providence have already seen an increase in water sales since the storm was announced.
Record-breaking Shaunae wins third consecutive Diamond League 200m
Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo completed the hat trick, winning her third consecutive International Amateur Athletic Federation's Diamond League women's 200 metre final in grand style.
Grand Bahamians get ready for hurricane
GRAND Bahamians are not taking any chances and have started heading to grocery and hardware stores to purchase water and necessary hurricane supplies as Dorian approaches.
UPDATED: Govt’s appeal of Frank Smith acquittal dismissed
THE Court of Appeal has unanimously rebuked the Crown’s appeal of former PLP Senator Frank Smith’s acquittal of multiple bribery and extortion charges, marking the state’s second loss in what PLP supporters have called a political “witch hunt” against him.
Injunction delay keeps strikers out
PUBLIC healthcare services remained limited to emergencies only for most of yesterday despite a court injunction ordering junior doctors back to work.
Global Ports CEO hails port deal as economic bonanza
GLOBAL Ports Holding’s chief executive said yesterday the developer’s $250m ‘transformation’ of Nassau cruise port will generate billions of dollars for the local economy and thousands of jobs for Bahamians.
Senior officer to face action over ‘assaults’
POLICE Commissioner Anthony Ferguson has brought disciplinary charges against a senior officer accused of punching two women in an Exuma incident that recently went viral.
Haitians rescued after freighter runs aground
EIGHT Haitian nationals were rescued during a combined effort by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and OPBAT yesterday morning after their vessel ran aground in the southern Bahamas. The 57-ft wooden cargo freighter ‘SHAMU TOO’ was en route
Promiscuity in The Bahamas
We Bahamians must now come to grips with our rampant sexual promiscuity and its attendant sexual transmitted diseases (STDs), namely HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. I was alarmed by the recent statistics on syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea among Bahamians that were given by Health Minister Dr Duane Sands.
Strike demands
Re: Little sympathy for doctors’ demands. The Tribune, Editorial August 26, 2019.
80 pre-schools sign up to join partnership with ministry
MORE than 80 private pre-schools have entered into partnership with the Ministry of Education this year. The announcement was made at the Ministry of Education’s private pre-school contract presentation and official signing ceremony. The Ministry o
Thieves hold man at knifepoint after car accident
A MAN was able to escape armed thieves who took him to his home at knife-point after a car accident, police said yesterday. The incident began shortly after 10pm on Tuesday, when a man was driving on Acklins Street, Coconut Grove. Police said the vic
Girl says her sex claims against cop were not true
THE teenage girl at the heart of an unlawful sexual intercourse allegation against a police reservist yesterday told a court that the claims against the accused in her statement to police are not true.The teenager, testifying by video link before Jus
$250m agreement signed for cruise port management
THE Minnis administration signed a Heads of Agreement yesterday for a $250m project with Global Ports Holding to redevelop and manage the Nassau Cruise Port.The project will anchor the administration’s efforts to revitalise downtown Nassau.Through it
Team Bahamas honoured for Pan Am Games performance
The Bahamas Olympic Committee honoured the athletes and staff of Team Bahamas for their recent performance at the XVIII Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. For the first time, the BOC doled out monetary gifts for medallists and finalists while coaches
It's official: Sammy Hunter joins Ole Miss Rebels
A LATE arrival in Oxford, Mississippi, Sammy Hunter officially joined the Ole Miss Rebels and is quickly becoming acclimated to the Rebels’ basketball programme.Hunter, the incoming freshman forward, fulfilled his academic requirements over the summe
Deveaux plays with Knowles and Owlz
TRENT Deveaux advanced within the Los Angeles Angels organisation and joined D’Shawn Knowles with the Orem Owlz in the Pioneer League. The duo appeared as teammates last night in the Owlz 10-8 loss to Tod Isaacs Jr and the Grand Junction Rockies. K
Lucayan chair: 'Calculated conspiracy to embarrass board'
Lucayan Renewal Holdings Ltd (LRHL) chairman Michael Scott yesterday said it was a “calculated conspiracy to embarrass the board” to suggest that the entity was suing the government in its recent Industrial Tribunal proceedings.He was responding to
Turnquest hopes for early release from FATF process
GOVERNMENT is aiming to be released from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG) process “at the earliest opportunity”, Finance Minister Peter Turnquest said yesterday, noting the country had “carried s
Jazz Chisholm named to All-Star team
JAZZ Chisholm’s advancement to Double-A baseball has produced an All-Star nod for the highly touted prospect in the Miami Marlins organisation. The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp shortstop was named a member of the Southern League Postseason All-Star tea
Doctors' dispute
As the nation grapples with the strike action by medical doctors, after failed attempts by the Government to avert it, the pain is that the strikers’ demands are very familiar. It’s true that there may be anger with junior doctors in the short term.
100 migrants repatriated
MORE than 100 Haitian migrants were repatriated to Port-au-Prince yesterday under a deportation order. A press release from the Department of Immigration said a joint team of law enforcement officers departed Lynden Pindling International Airport at
Customs gamechanger in switch to Click2Clear
CUSTOMS officials said yesterday they had reached a “major milestone” having integrated New Providence seaport to the Click2Clear Portal which will become its primary processing system on September 1.Superintendent Tyrone Sands, underscoring the impo
ART OF GRAPHIX: How advertising can help your business
Businesses use advertising to accomplish varied goals. Besides advertising products in traditional venues such as newspapers and general interest magazines, businesses advertise in media that reach specific markets. It can be anything from your shop
Tapping into youth innovation
Bahamas First General Insurance Company joined with STEMboard to present Hack IT 2019 – a five-day summer camp providing hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics instruction to private and public school students in grades 9-12 at no
Wednesday, August 28
EDITORIAL: In the worst moment, you are not alone
ONE of the worst parts of depression is the feeling of isolation – that no one is there to help you, that no one feels the way you are feeling.
ALICIA WALLACE: Black and white lives - the conversation is long overdue
Race is a difficult subject to broach in almost any space or circumstance, and particularly challenging when participants are in denial about the ways it impacts our lives.
'We're eating ourselves into an early grave'
BAHAMIANS are eating themselves into an early grave, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday, noting that more than 70 percent of the population is overweight. He gave the sober news as he presented the results of the 2019 STEPS Survey. The re
More than one in ten has had sex act against will
MORE than one in ten Bahamians have been the victim of a non-consensual sex act, according to the Ministry of Health’s recent STEPS survey. Health Minister Duane Sands yesterday described this as a “disturbing number”. The survey found 13.1 percent
Unified bus system pilot plan to cost $600,000
THE government’s unified bus system study will cost about $600,000, Transport Minister Renward Wells said yesterday.He said the government expects to reap about $300,000 from the programme while Cabinet has already approved that amount for it.The stu
People have to accept public services means paying taxes
BAHAMIANS must be educated on the fact they cannot demand modern infrastructure and services without paying taxes, according to a local businessman, stating: “We cannot have our cake and eat it too.”Dr Keenan Larry Carroll, owner of the Sandpiper Inn
UK’s envoy: So much to work on together
ACCESS to British visa and consular services will remain unchanged despite the return of a resident High Commissioner to the capital.
BPL could miss target for engines back on line
BAHAMAS Power & Light has encountered difficulties bringing its engines online and has been forced to reassess the time it will take to repair the units, the company said yesterday.
Dorian’s path may miss us
IT IS still too early to tell whether Tropical Storm Dorian will strengthen into a hurricane in time to affect the country.
Suicidal thoughts - 17,000 have them
MORE than 17,000 Bahamians “seriously considered” attempting suicide in the last year, according to the Ministry of Health’s recently conducted STEP survey.
Get back to work: Govt wins court order forcing halt to strike action
BAHAMAS Doctors Union has been blocked from taking further industrial action against the government and ordered to return to work after an injunction was granted yesterday by Supreme Court Justice Ian Winder.
2nd straight loss for Women's national softball team
THE youthful Bahamas women’s national softball team suffered its second straight loss at the World Baseball Softball Confederation Softball Americas Qualifier for the 2020 Olympic Games.On Monday in a battle of two winless teams in Surrey, Canada, Cu
'Total radar coverage' by 2020
DOPPLER weather radars will be installed in Mayaguana and Ragged Island “early next year” - meaning by 2020, the Bahamas will have “total radar coverage” for approaching systems, Department of Meteorology Senior Deputy Director Jeffrey Simmons confir
Immigration must listen to Exodus
I must commend The Tribune for its courageous decision in being the voice for Rights Bahamas and Migrant Rights chairperson Mona Agenor, who has alleged that her young family was brutalised by officers from the Department of Immigration.
Police inaction
Can somebody please tell me how I can get a copy of a statement I made to the police on 11th July 2019?
Limits of the city
It is not often that I get an opportunity to travel the Bay Street and downtown areas.
Summer of Thunder: Bahamas Women's All-Stars knock off York University Lions
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation’s 2019 Summer of Thunder Basketball Tournament closed out on a high note on Monday night with the Bahamas Women’s All-Stars knocking off the visiting York University Lions out of Toronto, Canada. In the lone women’s
World Bowling: Bahamas women close out play
COMPETITION for Team Bahamas at the 2019 Women’s World Bowling Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, has come to a close. While there is still team bowling to be completed, with only four bowlers (team requires five), they will only be bowling for ‘sc
Clarke, Armbrister in the win column
Both have already won doubles titles so far, but Sydney Clarke and Donte Armbrister are hoping to close out their month-long Caribbean tour of the International Tennis Federation’s junior tournaments with a singles crown before they are done this wee
Man with gun 'planned to hand it in to police'
A MAN has been given a conditional discharge for being caught with a loaded firearm because he planned to “do the right thing” and turn it in to police, but was afraid to do so. On Monday, Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis ordered Vaughn Johnson
94 Haitians told not to come back illegally
NEARLY 100 Haitians were granted a conditional discharge yesterday after admitting to entering the country illegally earlier this week. The 94 Haitian migrants — 79 men and 15 women — have been ordered not to return to The Bahamas in the manner they
Pair accused of $2,000 fraud
AN immigration officer and an air-conditioner technician were charged yesterday with defrauding another man of $2,000. Edwin Morley, 31, and Clive Schroeter stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on one count each of fraud and conspirac
Men's National soccer Team gearing up for Nations League Qualifier
THE Bahamas men’s national soccer team is gearing up for the start of Nations League Group C qualifying on Match Day 1. They will battle the Dutch team from Bonaire at 6pm on September 9 at the Thomas Robinson Stadium.Players named to the Bahamas tea
Workshop to tackle the abuse of children
BAHAMAS Against Crime announced yesterday that it will host a national workshop to address and bring awareness to the abuse and exploitation of children in the Bahamas.The workshop will be held at the Holy Trinity Activities Centre, tackling many chi
Bahamian pair given Chevening scholarships
THE British High Commission in Nassau is pleased to announce that two Bahamians have been awarded Chevening Scholarships to pursue master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.Confirmation of the scholars, Dwaneisha McGregor and Ashley Sturrup, comes after
AID Clay Court finalists get trophies, cash awards
THE 27th annual AID Clay Court Championships concluded on Sunday evening at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows with the presentation of trophies and cash awards to all finalists. This was preceded by the final matches in which Shannon Francis def
Airbnb on hunt for new sign-ups
ONLINE vacation home marketplace Airbnb is encouraging locals to tap into the tourism market through the launch of Airbnb Experiences in The Bahamas.Yesterday the company said the new initiative “provides a unique opportunity for local culture curato
Pocket guide to fishing regulations
The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) has begun the official distribution of the pocket brochures, “A Quick Guide to Fisheries Regulations of The Bahamas”.The brochure was made possible with the assistance of Family Island Resea
Delta going daily with Boston-Nassau schedule
DELTA Airlines yesterday announced that starting in December it will expand flights between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Lynden Pindling Nassau International Airport (NAS) from Saturday-only to daily.
Seven Seas nine-year extension on Emerald Bay
Seven Seas Water, a water management services company, has extended its agreement for the delivery of potable water and wastewater treatment services to the Emerald Bay development in Great Exuma by nine years.Seven Seas Water is an operating segment
Retailers fear 'back-to-school' impact from Dorian
BAHAMIAN retailers yesterday expressed concern that the trajectory of Tropical Storm Dorian could impact this weekend’s “back-to-school” sales rush which would impact increased sales in recent months.Traditionally, the back-to-school shopping period
Tuesday, August 27
5pm BPL Street Smart Tropical Update (Courtesy of Bahamas 'First Alert' Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network)
Storm forecast
EDITORIAL: Time to resolve this dispute
WITH more arguments back and forth yesterday between medics and the government, it is a welcome move to see the dispute being referred to the Industrial Tribunal.
'One Country, Two Systems' – a policy China believes works and will defend against all violence
Recently, the situation in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China has caught the attention of Bahamian media. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the fact, so as to assist Bahamian people in understanding the situation in
FACE TO FACE: They said I wouldn’t last a month - I stayed 31 years
When you think of advocates for disability in The Bahamas, it’s hard not to think of Mrs. Sheila Culmer. She has been at the forefront of advocacy before I was even born. I recently sat with her and found out why she has dedicated her entire life to helping those with special needs.
‘Strike is now illegal’ claims hospital authority
The Public Hospitals Authority last night claimed the Bahamas Doctors Union strike was now illegal following further demands by officials.
Teachers sign petition to call for principal to go
NEARLY two dozen teachers at Carlton Francis Primary School have signed a petition calling for the removal of the school’s principal.
DPM to ease Customs tensions in Abaco
FINANCE Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday led a delegation to Abaco yesterday to meet with the Chamber of Commerce and the Customs Department to address issues regarding the Click2Clear system.Tribune Business reported earlier this month of how th
Murder victim due to start job
THE day before he was to have started a new job, 28-year-old Justin Davis was shot and killed on Sunday night on Ross Corner.
STOP IT - NOW: Foulkes orders halt to strike as it’s ‘safety threat’
LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes has referred the Bahamas Doctors Union’s dispute over outstanding holiday pay to the Industrial Tribunal, noting their strike action has “threatened the public interest”.
‘Don’t blame us - Dr Sands at fault’
THE Bahamas Doctors Union has blamed Health Minister Dr Duane Sands for the inconvenience and frustration experienced by citizens who have been affected by industrial action since last week.
DPP issued new money laundering directive
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel has tasked Director of Public Prosecutions Garvin Gaskin to consider whether money laundering charges and asset seizures can be applied to cases investigated by the police.
Bahamas not faring well at World Bowling Championships
WITH two days of competition under their belt, Team Bahamas, if you just look at the scores bowled, is not faring well at the 2019 World Bowling Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.However, coach Tyrone Knowles, who heads the delegation, has a positiv
Something is better than nothing
Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic.
'Shaq' Cleare re-signs with basketball club in Spain
AFTER a successful late-season stint with Actel Forca Lleida less than a year ago, Shaquille Cleare resigned with the club for the upcoming 2019-20 campaign. Actel Forca Lleida competes in Spain’s Liga Española de Baloncesto – Gold, the second divis
Rahming meets with International Judo Federation officials at the World Judo Congress in Tokyo
FOLLOWING the success of the Junior World Championships in October 2018, this past week Bahamian judo president D’Arcy Rahming met with International Judo Federation officials at the World Judo Congress in Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of the meeting wa
Thomas leads Pirates to 2-1 win over Yankees
TAHNAJ Thomas’ first win of the season came at an opportune time for the Bristol Pirates as the club looks to clinch a playoff berth in the final series of the season. After a series of “no decisions” or a lack of run support in several impressive p
Political corruption
THE other day Boggie, Yakka, Porky and me was having our usual discussion under Ms Annie Canep tree. After Yakka finished talking about pa doody and what killed him we decided to talk about the most corrupt agency in government. Boggie said it gotta be road traffic, Yakka axed if he was crazy, he say it gotta be Physical Planning.
Phony outrage from Mitchell
Fred Mitchell is upset at the Deputy Prime Minister for denouncing a calculated smear attack on his own son, while failing to say anything about some offensive comments made about certain individuals by two public servants.
Recognising our nation builders
Summer is over and now it is back to the grind for students and teachers who will be stepping back into the classroom.
Minimum wage and its effects
Recently, there has been some public discourse about poverty and the minimum wage in this country. It is impossible to exhaustively cover this topic with limited time and space, but with your permission, I would like to add a few thoughts to the ongoing conversation.
YOU GO GIRL: Teen entrepreneur spreads her wings
At age 18 and just a year into studying law and criminal justice at the University of the Bahamas, Mercedes Taylor is spreading her wings in more ways than one. She is also the founder and owner of Mercedes Rose, a clothing boutique, and Mercedes Rose Cosmetics, with a relatively big clientele.
THE PETER YOUNG COLUMN: Britain down and out - don’t you believe it
As a final reflection on our lengthy summer visit to England, I was genuinely puzzled by the degree of negativity, particularly in the media, about Britain and its status in the world. According to some, the nation’s standing and influence as a leading global power has suddenly been severely curtailed or even no longer exists. Such a view is often expressed by those who believe the UK’s departure from the European Union is an act of extreme folly and that it will be unable to prosper on its own.
Blue Lagoon Island and Miss World Bahamas team up to protect the ocean
Miss World Bahamas Nyah Bandelier has spent much of her Summer getting in touch with her inner child as a way to further promote the importance of reducing our consumption of single-use plastics.
LIFE LINES: Good men – They still exist
Something a little different this week. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am someone who treasures the small gestures in life. They will give me pause for sincere gratitude and make me smile when I recall that moment, although it may not have been a big deal at the time for the person responsible.
Cement mixer turned off when worker heard screams
A 38-year-old man’s death inside a cement mixer last year may have resulted from his co-worker inadvertently turning on the machine without knowledge he was inside, jurors heard yesterday. James Wallace, manager of Block World, said he suspects his
Nuking hurricanes won't stop them, President Trump
A LEADING scientific agency yesterday warned against the use of nuclear weapons to destroy hurricanes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shot down the idea as reports circulated American President Donald Trump had floated th
100 Haitians stopped on boat
A GROUP of nearly 100 Haitian nationals were on their way to the capital yesterday after they were apprehended Sunday afternoon by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.“While on routine patrol at 2pm, RBDF patrol craft P-45, coxswained by Petty
BTVI enrolment up by more than a quarter
ENROLMENT at the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute is up 26 percent since the government began offering free tuition to students, BTVI President Robert Robertson said yesterday.
Abaco mom releases memoir on loving and losing children with sickle cell
In her newly released, deeply emotional memoir, Zetta Sylvia Baillou-Poitier shares the challenges of raising children with sickle cell disease and the pain of losing her daughter.
"We can blame ourselves for airport's problems"
THE lack of accountability and management is at the heart of Abaco airport terminal’s woes, the Out Island Promotion Board’s president said yesterday, arguing: “We’re not maintenance conscious.”Dr Keenan Larry Carroll argued the issues at the $30m Le
Ten-year-old Tarique soldiers on as episodes of severe swelling worsen
Like many other Bahamian kids his age, 10-year-old Tarique Miller was enjoying his Summer holidays and looking forward to a family vacation in Florida. But unlike other children, Tarique suffers from hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare condition that causes recurring and severe swelling in various parts of the body. And he had his most recent and “scariest” attack yet on the first day of his stay in Florida.
Para-athlete Erin Brown close to fulfilling her Tokyo dreams
Erin Brown’s dream of competing in the 2020 Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan is so close to becoming a reality that she can already envision carrying the Bahamian flag in an international arena.
Women's national softball team suffers 9-4 loss to Guatemala
The Bahamas women’s national softball team watched as Guatemala broke away from a 4-4 tie to put up five unanswered runs in the final two innings to snatch a 9-4 win. It was day one of Group A competition in the WBSC Softball Americas Qualifier in S
Bank looks for relevancy in changing economies
THE Bahamas Development Bank is “wide open to innovation”, its managing director Dave Smith said yesterday, noting: “We need to broaden our focus”.Mr Smith who was is slated to be a speaker at the 16th annual Abaco Business Outlook noted the BDB role
"Airbnb's just a pain for boutique operators"
AIRBNB has become a “proverbial pain in the butt” for boutique resort operators, the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board’s (BOIPB) president said yesterday.Dr Keenan Larry Carroll, owner of the Sandpiper Inn, said: “Airbnb is a vexing problem that we
Flying visit's focus on Freeport
The Vertical Department team of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA) recently led a group of 40 people comprising private pilots, flying ambassadors, fixed based operators (FB0) and aviation media professionals to Freeport, Grand Baham
Dorian danger now 50/50
FORECASTERS yesterday projected there was now a 50-50 chance Tropical Storm Dorian could become a “big deal” for the country by strengthening into a hurricane once it reaches warm waters in the coming days.
Monday, August 26
The Tribune
Mitchell’s phony outragee EDITOR, The Tribune. Fred Mitchell is upset at the Deputy Prime Minister for denouncing a calculated smear attack on his own son, while failing to say anything about some offensive comments made about certain individuals b
Mitchell: Govt dishonest in its union dealings
SENATOR Fred Mitchell yesterday accused the government of negligence and dishonesty in its handling of trade disputes with public sector unions.
Nurses could add to industrial action problems
LOOMING industrial action from the Bahamas Nurses Union could further cripple the country’s public healthcare system, with labour officials yesterday urging the government to immediately meet demands.
Minnis: We're taking unions seriously
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has stressed the government takes the concerns of unions seriously after high-ranking officials held “frank” discussions on Saturday with the labour movement on the state of the country’s finances and the need to reduc
Celebrating 84 years with Sir Sol
Staff at the Four Seasons Ocean Club on Paradise Island turned out on Friday night to welcome legendary hotelier Sir Sol Kerzner who was celebrating his 84th birthday.
INSIGHT: ‘Yes’ to a higher minimum wage - but it’s all about timing
WHILE the nation’s power crisis has weighed heavily on the Bahamian people over the past nearly three months, we have somehow been able to shift our focus to another subject - increasing the minimum wage. It is four years since the last increase of the national minimum wage to $210 per week or $11,500 per annum – and since then the government raised value added tax from 7.5 percent to 12 percent.
INSIGHT: Shining a light on why we’re so slow switching on to solar
The Bahamas is one of the “solar capitals” of the world with more solar irradiation falling on our land than most other countries. In spite of this, the Bahamas has the least amount of solar integration compared with almost any country.
Grandson’s death was senseless
“SENSELESS” is how Sheralyn Anderson described the murder of her grandson, Dimetri Dormeus, who was shot and killed with his best friend, Dion Adderley, one week ago today.
Disney unveils cultural theme central to Lighthouse Point project
DISNEY Cruise Line said yesterday that work at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has oc
Strike wishlist: Doctors' demands include duty-free car and no property tax
JUNIOR doctors have asked for real property tax exemptions, Crown land for the construction of an office, duty-free exemptions on car imports or the construction of a paid parking lot at Princess Margaret Hospital with the proceeds to be split between the government and the Bahamas Doctors Union.
Jean Rony files suit - next Privy Council
BAHAMAS-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles has filed his appeal to the Privy Council, arguing to the country’s top court that his constitutional rights were breached notwithstanding purported procedural issues.
Two dead in 'out of control' violence
TWO men are dead following gun violence on two Family Islands this weekend.
Senior medics beg Sands 'end it now'
SENIOR doctors pleaded with Health Minister Dr Duane Sands during a hastily arranged meeting last night to quickly resolve its dispute with junior doctors because of what the group’s leader called an “unprecedented crisis” at public healthcare facilities.
Fingers crossed we'll be okay
NEWLY formed Tropical Storm Dorian is projected to have no significant impact on The Bahamas, according to forecasters.
Sailing: 16-member team to represent Bahamas
A 16-member team will represent the Bahamas as the island nation prepares to host one of the most prestigious junior regattas in the world. The Nassau Yacht Club and Bahamas National Sailing School will host the 2019 Optimist North American Champion
Billboard to step up bid to Stop Disney project
THE Stop Disney - Last Chance for Lighthouse Point campaign took its crusade a bit further, bringing a mobile billboard to The Walt Disney Company’s D23 event on the weekend in Anaheim, CA. The billboard was meant to draw attention to the “growing g
$10,000 heroin seized
DRUG Enforcement Unit officers seized more than $10,000 worth of suspected heroin hidden in bushes in Grand Bahama on Friday.According to a police report, shortly after 4pm on Friday, DEU officers, acting on intelligence, went to a dirt road in Lewis
New agreements this week to boost economy
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is touting new agreements to spur the economy that will be unveiled this week. These agreements, he believes, will provide more opportunities for Bahamian businesses and workers as well as spark the “turnaround” of Gr
Clouds on the horizon but Turnquest insists: we're on the right track
GOVERNMENT must continue to stay the course in the management of this nation’s fiscal affairs, according to Finance Minister K Peter Turnquest who insists: “We are making tremendous progress”.In an interview with Tribune Business Mr Turnquest said:
Minnis wants more women to become MPs
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday vowed to assist with more women being elected to office by working with organisations such as the Free National Movement’s Women’s Association.Dr Minnis added more women need to run for the House of Assembly
Bahamas girls suffer 3-1 loss to Guyana in CONCACAF qualifier
TEAM Bahamas fell just short of automatic 2020 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship qualification with a second place finish in the stage.The team suffered a 3-1 loss to Guyana yesterday as the qualifier concluded at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Wil
'Sandman' KOs Hawkins, stays undefeated
Amron ‘Sandman’ Sands wasted little time against American Thomas Hawkins, knocking him out one minute and nine seconds into round two to remain undefeated as a heavyweight boxing contender.In the co-main event on Friday night at the Bryan Glazer JCC
International Tennis Federation Level 1 coaching course a success
AT the close of the International Tennis Federation Level 1 Coaching Course over the weekend, the participants from the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association were able to put all the knowledge and skill learned into practice.On court at the National Tennis
NPSA regular season action in high gear
THE Chances Mighty Mitts and the University of the Bahamas Mingoes took advantage of their hapless opponents, Renegades and Strikers, as the New Providence Softball Association continued its regular season action. On Saturday night at the Baillou Hi
Dean move a blow to the FNM
The 19th century French diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville said that the power of the periodical press is second only to that of the people.
Debunked ideology killing us
I have been frequenting Lyford Cay since the 1970s.
Sparks knock Jones and Sun out of WNBA top spot
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Riquna Williams scored 21 points and the Los Angeles Sparks beat Connecticut 84-72 yesterday, knocking the Sun out of the top spot in the WNBA standings.
WORLD VIEW: How long with Venezuela remain a pawn in the game of global chess?
MICHELLE Bachelet is a torture survivor. She was arrested in 1975 by the late dictator Augusto Pinochet’s political police and detained in the notorious Villa Grimaldi torture centre. So, she knows much about the suffering of people.
Solar - an absurd lost opportunity
A well-known environmentalist has slammed as “quite absurd” how solar and renewable energy penetration in this nation has been stymied, stating: “Look where it’s gotten us”.
Sherwin-Williams makes it a treble with new superstore
Paint retailer, Sherwin-Williams Paints, has reached a new milestone with the acquisition of a new superstore location. Fully acquired since June 2019, the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, as well as artists’ paint
Sunday, August 25
Armbrister wins the doubles title, Clarke falls short
IT wasn't what Sydney Clarke, nursing a thumb injury, anticipated after she fell short of winning another title in the finals of both singles and doubles at the International Tennis Federation's Trinidad Summer Bowl.
UPDATED: Tropical Storm Dorian strengthens as it moves west
MIAMI (AP) — Forecasters say the fourth tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season has strengthened as it moves toward the Lesser Antilles.
Saturday, August 24
One dead, another injured in Abaco home shooting
Police in Abaco are investigating after a man was shot dead and another was injured at a home in Marsh Harbour early on Saturday.
NCTU Acting President believes govt will make deal with unions
NATIONAL Congress of Trade Unions (NCTU) Acting President Paul Maynard believes it’s clear the government will move to make a deal with public sector unions following an “informative” omnibus meeting Saturday morning.
Friday, August 23
Nygard attorney defends recusal motion
AN attorney for Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard yesterday defended his client’s recusal motion against claims its ulterior motive was to derail proceedings against him.
BTC donates 2,500 tablets to schools
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company donated 2,500 tablets in support of the Ministry of Education's digital transition for public-school systems.
Taxi Cab Union expects resolution over outstanding NIB payments
THE Bahamas Taxi-Cab Union expects some resolution to the outstanding payments owed to the National Insurance Board, according to BTCU President Wesley Ferguson.
Health minister 'has not lived up to union's expectations'
BAHAMAS Doctors Union President Dr Melisande Bassett yesterday said Health Minister Dr Duane Sands has not lived up to the union’s “expectations”, urging the minister to be more “concerned” about junior doctors.
EDITORIAL: A long, hot summer of trouble
AT the start of the summer, this column raised a question: Is a summer of discontent heading our way?
A COMIC'S VIEW: Back to school
School bells are ringing across the nation, and once again, the dreaded school run is right back upon us.
Treatment of patients 'legalised apartheid'
THE treatment of patients in the public wards at the Princess Margaret Hospital was compared with “legalised apartheid” yesterday.Tribune publisher Robert Carron, former Deputy Chairman of the Public Hospitals Authority board, explained there was a s
Airport upgrades gain 1% of needed $200m
The government has allocated just one percent of the $200m needed to upgrade 28 Family Island airports in this year’s budget, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, told Tribune Business that the
On the march
HUNDREDS of civil servants stormed Bay Street yesterday to protest for higher wages and to negotiate their outstanding industrial agreement.
Workers out in solidarity in Grand Bahama
SOME 80 workers from the various trade unions on Grand Bahama staged a “solidarity march” yesterday in Freeport in support of junior doctors and over unresolved outstanding issues with the government. The group first gathered at the Harold DeGregory
Haitians in dark over visa ban
HAITI’S Foreign Affairs Minister Bocchit Edmond said yesterday he hoped the government’s decision to suspend visa services to Haitians would be resolved quickly.
Child ‘rape’ victim stays silent
THE teenage girl at the heart of an unlawful sexual intercourse allegation against a police reservist quietly told a court that “nothing” happened between her and Dwayne Decosta in June 2018.
Doctors strike day two - ‘it’s not just about pay’
THE junior doctors’ strike continued for a second day yesterday, despite their union having a “favourable” meeting with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Wednesday.
PM ‘understands anger and frustration’
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis hopes that union representatives will come to appreciate the less-than-ideal state of the government’s finances when he meets them on Saturday, but says he understands the anger and frustration of Bahamian workers.
Showdown: Public service unions warn tomorrow’s talks with Minnis critical
The Government must explain why it is “in such dire financial straits” that it cannot meet public sector worker demands, trade union leaders warned yesterday.
Abaco airport 'sorely lacking' for tourism
Visitors to Abaco have endured “first and last impressions” that are “sorely lacking” due to the failure to properly maintain the island’s $30m airport, a private sector leader said yesterday. Ken Hutton, pictured , the Abaco Chamber of Commerce’s p
The greater good for our community
Navigating through life can be a very simple process, but we human beings, although positioned at the top of the evolution chain, are amazingly dumb animals when you think about it, especially if we haven’t been properly prepared and sufficiently anchored to a firm foundation.
Is PLP pro-gay?
BAHAMIANS mustn’t put too much stock into a Nassau based downmarket tabloid newspaper, which recently asserted that there is currently an ongoing intramural feud between heterosexuals and homosexuals in the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
Families unable to identify loved ones during strike
FAMILIES who cannot identify their loved ones, complaints in the maternity ward, and patients being turned away from public clinics — these are all the effects of the Bahamas Doctors Union’s strike, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands and other health pro
Clarke has double dose of victory, Armbrister wins
SYDNEY Clarke had a double dose of victory yesterday as she survived in the women’s singles and doubles, while Donte Armbrister made it in the men’s doubles at the International Tennis Federation’s Trinidad Summer Bowl. In the women’s singles semi-f
Swimmers making presence felt at FINA World Juniors
THE Bahamas’ three-member team of Izaak Bastian, Davante Carey and Lamar Taylor continue to make their presence felt at the 7th FINA World Junior Swimming Championships in Budapest, Hungary.Taylor, the Grand Bahamian native, got an opportunity yester
Man cleared over friend's Independence Day shooting
THE Court of Appeal has overturned a man’s manslaughter conviction in connection with the shooting death of his friend on Independence Day 2017.The appellate tribunal of Sir Hartman Longley, Stella Crane-Scott and Milton Evans unanimously set aside D
Power to the people
We are an island nation that has gone from fairly consistent power generation in our capital city to having power outages every single day.
20-year-old's murder was 58th of the year
THE man who was shot dead on Wednesday night in the area of Cowpen Road has been identified as 20-year-old Ashton Smith. He is the country’s 58th murder victim of the year, according to this newspaper’s records. Police said Smith, who celebrated hi
Bowling teams all set for the big lanes
OVER the next few weeks, bowling will be in the spotlight for the Bahamas with the island nation preparing for three teams to compete internationally. The first team, according to federation public relations officer Clayton Gardiner, begins their ‘a
'Last chance meet' to qualify for IAAF Worlds
With none of the Bahamas’ relay teams officially qualified to compete and a few athletes still on the bubble for the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s World Championships, Demaris Cash has once again decided to stage a Last Chance Meet.Orga
DIANE PHILLIPS: Where was the battle to clean up Clifton won? The courtroom
If you think the environmental woes of the world will be solved by tree-hugging, species-loving do-gooders, you’re so wrong.
Mason-Smith takes up ombudsman role at UB
THE UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas has announced the appointment of Marisa Mason-Smith as the first ombudsman for the institution and in the Bahamas. In this role, Ms Mason-Smith will, through consulting, mediation and negotiation, provide impartial, neu
CCA says Sarkis has no rights on protected papers
Baha Mar’s main contractor is using a Bahamian Supreme Court ruling to argue it has not breached Sarkis Izmirlian’s rights by obtaining confidential legal documents prepared for him.Attorneys for China Construction America (CCA), in a letter and othe
Moody's: BPL is 'bottleneck to expansion'
Moody’s has labelled the Bahamian energy sector as “a bottleneck to economic growth”, although its latest analysis makes no mention of the daily outages plaguing New Providence.The international credit rating agency, in its latest annual assessment o
Faith continues to guide young pianist towards fulfilling his dream
For pianist Elijah Stevens, the journey to funding his musical education continues to be a walk of faith. And though he has yet to raise all the money required to begin the Masters programme at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, he plans on t
Bishop Neil C Ellis to be honoured at ICABA Global Hall of Fame Weekend
Bishop Neil C Ellis will be inducted into the International Career and Business Alliance (ICABA) Global Hall of Fame during the organisation’s inaugural weekend mega conference, taking place September 26-29 at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood,
An unsung hero of Pinewood Gardens
He went about his mission very quietly, unassuming, avoiding any public acclaim or limelight. He knew what he had been called to do by God and he carried out his mandate in an excellent way. He fed poor, hungry needy souls. His meals were not your av
Stay with the Church!
“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem-Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and t
Christian filmmaking brothers return with sixth film, "Overcomer"
Hitting movie theatres this weekend is the latest feature from the Kendrick Brothers, who have generated over $150 million at the worldwide box office with their faith-based films.“Overcomer” tells the story of Coach John Harrison (played by Alex Ken
Benefit concert for the 'Divine Lady' takes place this Sunday
A number of the country’s top gospel recording artists will come together this Sunday at 6pm at the New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church to host a benefit concert in aid of award-winning singer Vanessa Clarke’s medical fund.The event, which is be
Minister downplays public union unrest
The Minnis Cabinet will meet this Saturday with all the public sector unions in a bid to address the concerns that have sparked growing industrial unrest, the minister of labour said yesterday. Dion Foulkes, pictured , downplayed the strained labour
Govt defends its fiscal reform from US study
The government last night defended itself against US findings that it has failed to meet minimum fiscal transparency standards by hailing the “tremendous progress” it has made in this area. KP Turnquest, deputy prime minister, said the Minnis admini
Oil exploration plans 'absolutely disturbing'
ENVIRONMENTALISTS yesterday branded the Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) plan to drill an exploratory well in Bahamian waters during the 2020 first half as “absolutely disturbing”. Activists again called on the Government to publicly clarify its po
Thursday, August 22
EDITORIAL: Frustration for too long - and on both sides
IT has been a long time coming – but junior doctors walked out yesterday.
STATESIDE: The #MeToo creator changing the world
We often read stories about lottery winners. We read the winner was living a modest life and the unimaginable riches from the lottery will transform his or her life. There is once-in-a-lifetime excitement, then a list of worthy things the person will do with the money.
BUSINESS BITES: Doctors Hospital - a little diamond in the rough
Investors should take a close look at Doctors Hospital Health System (DHS), our only non-Government full-service medical centre. DHS has never attracted much attention because of its small market capitalisation - ten million shares outstanding, trading at about $2.20 per share. But its recent Annual Report for the fiscal year to January 31, 2019 (released in June) should be required reading for it is positive news.
'We shouldn't have hired US team to fix power issues'
A FORMER Bahamas Electricity Corporation chairman yesterday slammed the government’s decision to hire a six-man team of American specialists to address the power generation issues at Bahamas Power and Light. Leslie Miller, a former MP and Cabinet min
Family shares in Marco milestone
ON the eve of what would have been Marco Archer’s 19th birthday, a $3.05m contract was signed between the government and Multimedia Technologies for the MARCO’s Alert system.National Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday explained citizens can enr
BPL faces ‘consumer war’ with class action
A former Cabinet minister yesterday said he is pursuing a class action lawsuit over Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) outages, and warned: “This is a straight-up consumer war.”
Visas for Haitians suspended by govt
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended issuing visas to Haitians until further notice.
Elderly’s plight when power goes off
PAT’S Senior Citizens Home has lost medication, food, four air-conditioning units and three electronic beds due to daily load shedding exercises by Bahamas Power and Light.
‘We have to check Turin 2 evidence’
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Darren Henfield yesterday said the government’s independent probe into the mysterious deaths of two Bahamian men in Italy was launched to ensure it has done all it “possibly can” to attain satisfactory answers regarding this tragedy.
EMERGENCY ONLY: Doctors’ patience runs out as they launch snap strike
FED up with a lack of a resolution over longstanding disputes, more than 400 junior doctors went on strike yesterday forcing the nation’s public healthcare system into “emergency mode”.
Woman who fell on dock must pay costs
BAHAMAS Ferries Limited has been absolved of a Supreme Court order to pay a woman $10,000 in damages because she slipped and fell on a rain-soaked deck of one of its vessels six years ago.The Court of Appeal set aside the previous court order for Bah
Girl to testify in rape case
THE teenager at the heart of an unlawful sexual intercourse allegation against a former police reservist will give her testimony in open court today.The girl, who was 13 at the time of the incident, will take the witness stand before Justice Cheryl G
Just two bidders left for Nassau Flight Services
Just two bidders remain in the race to acquire Nassau Flight Services (NFS) ahead of a key presentation next Tuesday to the committee charged with selecting the best offer.Algernon Cargill, pictured, director of aviation, confirmed yesterday to Tribu
Seven accused of illegal landing
SEVEN foreign nationals discovered in an apartment unit in the Lucaya area with four other undocumented migrants were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court this week with illegal landing. Six males from India and one Haitian male appeared befor
THE PRESS BOX: News from ‘Lakerland’ – No ‘Boogie’ wonderland in LA
LAKERS centre DeMarcus Cousins’ ACL tear, and its aftermath, is coming into focus in Los Angeles.
Grab the flag: Bahamas Flag Football Youth League to kick off 4th season this Saturday
ON Saturday, the Bahamas Flag Football League will commence its 4th season of youth flag football at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, using the exterior fields.
Clarke advances to quarter-finals, Armbrister ousted
OUR top-ranked junior tennis players Sydney Clarke and Donte Armbrister had mixed results yesterday at the International Tennis Federation’s Trinidad Summer Bowl in Trinidad & Tobago.
Miller-Uibo ‘training’ for the 200m final in Zurich
With her performance in the Muller Grand Prix, Shaunae Miller-Uibo is heading to Zurich, Switzerland, next week for a hat trick as the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s Diamond League 200 metre champion.
Baha Mar vehicles
There have been previously letters on this issue... unlicensed vehicles of the landscape people at Baha Mar driving on the public road. Are they allowed to drive on the side walk? Surely Baha Mar, or their contractor, can afford to licence them?
Basketball helps nation
The 2019 Basketball Summer of Thunder is now history. The mammoth venture cannot go unnoticed.
Did Pindling swipe at Wilchcombe?
For Monique Pindling, daughter of the late Sir Lynden Pindling, hitching her family’s prominent name to the Brave Wave bandwagon made good political sense.
Public service workers to march in protest
PUBLIC service workers have planned a major withdrawal of services for this morning in protest of the government’s unwillingness to immediately give them a $1,200 lump sum payment.BPSU assistant secretary general Lelotha Coleby confirmed yesterday th
Police hunt for gunman after late-night shooting
POLICE are investigating after a man was injured in a shooting incident on Tuesday. According to reports, shortly before 10pm the man was at a home on Commonwealth Boulevard in Elizabeth Estates when he was approached by an armed male who shot him m
UK diplomat takes up post
THE government is looking forward to deepening its relationship with the United Kingdom, especially in the areas of education, climate and security, according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. His comments came in a statement released by the Office
Four marijuana fields discovered
FOUR separate marijuana fields were discovered this week in East Grand Bahama, totaling over 800 plants with an estimated street value of $80,000, a senior police official reported. Assistant Superintendent of Police Terecita Pinder said Drug Enforc
Oil explorer in 2020 first half well drill goal
An oil explorer yesterday hailed its “rapid progress” towards drilling a first exploratory well in Bahamian waters during the 2020 first half regardless of whether it secures a joint venture partner. The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC), in a stateme
Energy tax breaks urged amid ‘double whammy’ concern
The government was last night urged to swiftly grant tax breaks for the importation of generators and solar systems to mitigate a “double whammy” from Bahamas Power & Light (BPL).
BTC VSEP offer 'better, but not what we wanted'
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) management union president yesterday said the carrier’s voluntary separation offer was “better but not what we were seeking”.Ricardo Thompson, head of the Bahamas Communications and Public Managers Union
Chamber teams up for China trade visit
The Bahamas China Friendship Association (BCFA) teamed with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce (BCCEC) for an information session on the upcoming trade mission to China. The event allowed entrepreneurs, business owners and individuals to learn more abo
Sky employee dispute hearing next thursday
The government’s top labour official yesterday confirmed that a hearing on the trade dispute filed by Sky Bahamas employees will take place next Thursday.John Pinder, director of labour, confirmed to Tribune Business that the matter has been filed an
BTC invests $3m to boost smart schools
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has presented 2,500 tablets to the Ministry of Education to support its smart schools’ initiative.BTC’s chief executive, Garry Sinclair, told the public schools administrators conclave on Monday that the c
Wednesday, August 21
THE ALICIA WALLACE COLUMN: A friend’s family opened my eyes to a different way to educate children
This week, I am catching up with a friend who lives in New York. She has two children - 13 and ten - who attend the Waldorf school where she works as a teacher.
Rand hospital faces shortage of 40 nurses
GRAND Bahama Health Services is facing a shortage of about 40 registered nurses at the Rand Memorial Hospital, according to acting hospital administrator Sandra Mortimer-Russell. She said the entire nursing pool consists of about 295 professionals a
Haitian relations still 'strong' despite corruption allegations
AFTER an investigation into alleged corruption at the Haitian Embassy in Nassau led to the removal of some diplomats, Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield said the relationship between the Bahamas and Haiti still remains “strong”. Speaking to re
Pinewood still plagued by flooding in community
ADMITTING the chronic flooding in Pinewood is a “historic issue”, area MP Reuben Rahming yesterday confirmed additional drains will be placed in the constituency.
Bar Council: Why hire foreign lawyers for prosecutor posts?
THE Bahamas Bar Council wants the director of public prosecutions to justify the hiring of two foreign lawyers to top-level posts at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and is not inclined to give the lawyers entry into the Bahamas Bar without adequate justification, The Tribune understands.
BPL’s energy crisis ‘refloats’ prior offer
A Floating Power Plant solution to New Providence’s energy crisis has been “dusted off”, with its advocates telling the government yesterday: “Send us a signal if you’re interested.”
Murder suspect ‘beaten’
A 22-year-old man accused of murdering Transport Minister Renward Wells’ younger brother has claimed he was beaten by police to confess to the crime.
Fire-damaged school not ready for term
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd said the repairs to the Huntley P Christie High in North Andros won’t be completed before public schools reopen in two weeks.
They came to kill: Families mourn best friends shot dead by gunmen
Relatives of two best friends gunned down at their Pinewood home yesterday described the horror of the attack which has devastated their families.
Policeman accused of raping girl
A TEENAGE girl was allegedly raped by a former police reservist at a southern New Providence police station a year ago, jurors heard yesterday.
Fidelity Bulldogs get wins over BAF Stars in the Banker's League best-of-7 softball championship
THE Banker’s League’s best-of-7 softball championship series came to a close on Saturday in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex with the Fidelity Bulldogs winning both softball games over the BAF Stars. It was a very competitive
Champ sends his regards
I’ve been advised that in order to be considered credible, people that write, speak or make public announcements should at the onset, state their biases, relationships or interests, whether direct or indirect and they should do so early out of an abundance of caution and for the sake of full and frank disclosure.
Former NFL wide receiver no stranger to Bahamas
FORMER National Football League wide receiver Kelvin Edwards is a regular visitor to the Bahamas. But he was even more thrilled to have been in town to watch the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer of Thunder games last week.Edwards, drafted by th
BGDSA All-Star Classic on Saturday
THE Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association will hold its All-Star Classic on Saturday at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The ladies’ game will begin at 12:45pm, followed by the men’s game. • Here’s a look at the players selected t
BFA names Women's Under-17 National Soccer team
AFTER months of training, the women’s under-17 national soccer team has been named by the Bahamas Football Association’s Technical Department. The team is off to Willemstad, Curacao for a tournament which kicks off today and wraps up on Sunday. The
Southwest Tennis Club hosts Back 2 School Fair
THE Southwest Tennis Club (SWTC) hosted a Back-To-School Fair in conjunction with the Kiwanis clubs of Cable Beach and Montagu, Rotaract Club, Nassau Sunset, BreAnns’s Care Closet Foundation and The Southern Shores Tennis Camp.The event was held at t
BP&L bills
Before BP&L with the assistance of whoever resolves the current catastrophe which PM Minnis and his Cabinet don’t seem to realise, we the public want some indications as to what will this spending of $95m for new engines do to my BP&L bill?
New school bags for 600 Grand Bahama children
SOME 600 young people here in Grand Bahama will receive new school book bags, thanks to a generous donation from the Edwards family, the founders of 242Giveback America.This is the third year that Jason and Vernetta Edwards have donated boxes of back
Rutherford prepares to secure Div. one Athletic scholarship
WITH this being his final year in high school at Providence Academy in Arkansas, JP Rutherford has decided to concentrate solely on track and field as he prepares to secure a division one athletic scholarship. Rutherford, at 6-feet, 3-inches, was al
QC: ‘Death knell sounds’ for public interest actions
An outspoken QC yesterday said a recent Court of Appeal ruling has “sounded the death knell” for public interest legal challenges to major Family Island developments.
Swimmers make splash at FINA World Juniors
Florida State’s Izaak Bastian led the Bahamas’ three-member team yesterday at the 7th FINA World Junior Swimming Championships at the Duna Arena in Budapest, Hungary, by advancing to the semi-final of the men’s 100m breaststroke. Swimming out of the
Ex-senator: Put $20m job spend to solar loans
A former FNM senator yesterday urged the government to make Bahamians “energy producers” by redirecting its $20m annual job allocation to solar loans.John Bostwick II told Tribune Business that true “liberalisation of the energy sector” would allow B
Minister open to meet Compass Point's owner
A Cabinet minister yesterday said that while he is open to meeting with Compass Point’s owner over his concerns, they need to be addressed in a wider discussion with the private sector. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, indicated
Minimum wage can't be raised 'in vacuum'
The minimum wage cannot be increased “in a vacuum”, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive warned yesterday, with the “ramifications” for the private sector requiring careful study.Jeffrey Beckles told Tribune Business that The Bahamas needed to m
Minister: Sky Bahamas woe 'has been mounting'
A Cabinet minister yesterday suggested that Sky Bahamas’ inability to secure a renewal of its air operator certificate (AOC) is not the sole factor behind its potential demise. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, said that “bills a
Legal directory names GB law firm in top 50
A Grand Bahama-based law firm yesterday announced it has been named as one of the top 50 global firms by LegalComprehensive.com.“Nobody at our firm chose this profession to win awards or accolades. We’re all here to help people. However, when things
BTC to shrink retail networK to 11 sites
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) chief executive yesterday said it will likely reduce its retail footprint on New Providence to 11 locations in a bid to “optimise” its network.Garfield “Garry” Sinclair, in an e-mailed response to Tribun
Tuesday, August 20
08202019 EDITION
Tuesday, 20th August, 2019.
UPDATED: Load shedding back after daytime reprieve
NEW Providence residents and businesses got a temporary reprieve from power woes Tuesday as Bahamas Power & Light avoided load shedding throughout the day.
Beauty salons, tailors hit hard by BPL outages
Just hours before a wedding, Sophia Darville, who operates a dressmaking business in the Pinewood Gardens area, had to pack up an unfinished wedding gown and her sewing equipment to relocate to the home of a client with a generator to complete last-minute alterations for a bride.
EDITORIAL: Is there a plan for our children? "Not really"
AS the nation continues to struggle through the power problems affecting New Providence, there continue to be moments that make you realise how little prepared the government was for this.
FACE TO FACE: Mdeez - From the bleachers to Montego Bay
On the very day Davon Alistar “MDeez” Knight was scheduled to light up the stage at Sumfest in Montego Bay, Jamaica, he was laid to rest. The festival was to be widely broadcast throughout the Caribbean with a live stream available for fans around the world.
Homeowners to be paid to take in university students
THE University of The Bahamas has enacted Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ vision of paying rent to homeowners who accommodate university students in their homes, UB president Dr Rodney Smith said yesterday.During his budget communication in June and
Power cuts hit children's centre
CANCELLED therapy sessions, frustrated clients, and autistic children who have their crucial routines disrupted — these are effects of Bahamas Power and Light’s consistent load-shedding exercises that Carla Gibson experiences every day.Ms Gibson is t
'No abandonment' of joining the WTO
The government was yesterday said to have told private sector executives it has “not abandoned the policy of acceding” to full membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Darron Pickstock, who heads the Chamber of Commerce’s trade and investme
Poachers threat to economy
MINISTER of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard expects to meet with officials in the Dominican Republic in a matter of weeks to address the serious issue of illegal poaching by Dominicans in Bahamian waters.
Two dead, one injured in Pinewood Gardens shooting
Two men were killed and a woman was injured after a shooting incident in Pinewood Gardens on Monday night.
‘Schools will just have to manage’
THE frequent power cuts carried out by Bahamas Power and Light can have a “negative effect” on schools once they reopen in a few weeks, according to Minister of Education Jeff Lloyd.
US trio give up $27k to walk free
THREE Americans were spared a criminal conviction yesterday despite admitting to making a false declaration concerning $27,000 in cash when they tried to leave the country on the weekend.
Sands’ plan for major new hospital
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands is eyeing a multi-million dollar transformation for public health that would see the government embark on a public-private partnership to lease-to-own new health facilities over a 20-year period.
‘BPL’s neglect will be fixed’
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said Bahamas Power and Light’s woes constitute an “emergency situation” and blamed this on “more than 20 years of neglect”.
BPL crisis ‘torturous’ for key retail season
Back-to-School retailers face being stuck with excess inventory, and lost sales opportunities, as a result of Nassau’s energy crisis, the Chamber of Commerce’s top executive warned yesterday.
Donte Armbrister wins opener in ITF Trinidad Summer Bowl
DAVIS Cupper Donte Armbrister picked up his opening victory in the International Tennis Federation’s Trinidad Summer Bowl yesterday in Trinidad & Tobago.
All natural skincare to battle allergies
As a nature lover and someone who enjoys a healthy lifestyle, Catriona Sands believes that fresh ingredients are the best ingredients, not only to consume in food, but to be applied topically as well.
Why Bahamian men are at high risk of prostate cancer
Obesity, alcohol and African ancestry play a role
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Bahamian men. Present statistics show that one in six men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
LIFE LINES: Can you take criticism?
Criticism – sometimes hard to take but often too easy to dish out.
Tené’s journey to holistic triumph
Five years ago, Tené L Thompson was sitting at her desk at work when suddenly, out of nowhere, her body seized up and she couldn’t breathe. She didn’t know if she was experiencing a panic or a heart attack. She lost sensation in both legs, causing her to fall to the ground when she tried to get up from her chair.
Mega Bemax hold off Texas Tech Red Raiders, 76-73
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation’s 2019 Summer of Thunder men’s play concluded on Sunday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium with the Mega Bemax holding off Texas Tech Red Raiders 76-73. Meanwhile, over at the makeshift gymnasium in the ballroom at the
CARIFTA: Triathletes in tie for 5th
The Bahamas’ 20-member team to this year’s CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon returned home from Kingston, Jamaica, with four medals and a tied fifth-place finish with Aruba.The team, coached by brothers Dorian and Cameron Roach, got a silver medal from
Disney project a done deal
We saw some funny things, trying to be engineered earlier - remember an NGO group wanting to have a hearing with Government, with their concept and they had no legal attachment or MOU or Agreement subject to approval, but they pushed and failed.
Is this any way to show respect?
From my very earliest memory, two words that should evoke human compassion and Christian kindness are Widows and Orphans. By their very definition they suggest vulnerability and to some extent, weakness against the misfortunes and outrages of simply living, much less living alone.
THE PETER YOUNG COLUMN: Is the nanny state taking over?
Another fascinating debate being aired during my wife’s and my extended summer visit to England was about the balance between civil liberties and state intervention in people’s lives.
Wilson: Talks on agreement for teachers next month
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers officials are expected to resume negotiations over a new industrial agreement with the Ministry of Education next month, according to BUT President Belinda Wilson. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Ministry of Edu
13 Haitians held by immigration
IMMIGRATION officials apprehended 13 Haitians - seven males and six females - during an operation conducted by the Department of Immigration’s Enforcement Unit. Led by Chief Immigration Officer Harold Thurston, this operation commenced at approximat
Groper: Six years? Man, they don't like me in the prison
SERIAL groper Sidney Cooper was sentenced to six years in prison yesterday for grabbing a teenage girl’s buttocks and shoving her to the ground when she tried to retaliate.Magistrate Samuel McKinney sentenced the 43-year-old to six years for groping
Tabernacle taken in raid on church
THIEVES ransacked the St Cecilia Roman Catholic Church off Coconut Grove Avenue on Sunday night. The church’s tabernacle was among the items stolen. Robbers left mess strewn throughout the church after digging through draws and breaking the sanctua
Man jailed after admitting having drugs worth $111,000
A MAN was sentenced to almost two years in prison yesterday for admitting to being caught with over $100,000 worth of marijuana he planned to distribute to others last week. Acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain sentenced Christopher Mortime
Man accused of scamming $40,000 from bank accounts
A 25-year-old man was remanded to prison yesterday over allegations he stole over $40,000 cash from a woman’s two bank accounts as part of an online banking scam earlier this year. Andre Spence Jr denied allegations he stole $44,500 from Elizabeth L
BTC and unions 'in much better situation today'
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) relationship with its two trade unions is “in a much more progressive place today” than it was a fortnight ago, its chief executive asserted yesterday. Garfield “Garry” Sinclair, speaking on the sidelin
Sky employees 'must do what they have to do'
Sky Bahamas’ principal yesterday said the airline’s staff “have to do what they have to do”, with its near-two month grounding pushing him towards legal action against industry regulator. Captain Randy Butler told Tribune Business he would seek to b
Cable 'faced dark future' without $333M US sale
Cable Bahamas was “staring a very dark future in the face” until it stunned the capital markets by revealing its $332.5m US exit, a prominent businessman said yesterday.Sir Franklyn Wilson, who first made public his concerns about the BISX-listed com
BTC chief: VSEP offer 'compelling'
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) chief executive yesterday said it has put a “compelling” voluntary separation offer on the table for staff wishing to exit the company. Garfield “Garry” Sinclair, its chief executive, speaking on the si
Bahamian Brewery expands in Nassau
The Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company has moved to an expanded three-acre warehouse and office complex in Nassau’s Airport Industrial Park to serve its continued growth. The brewer and distributor of Sands Beer, and brands such as Bush Crack, Hi
Monday, August 19
INSIGHT: Forget power cuts, some of our neighbours suffer greater indignities
CRYSTAL Miller is a 30-year-old mother-of-two. In this modern Bahamas of luxury resorts shares and affluent tourists she, like many other ordinary people, still has to use two outside toilets along with five people at her home in Centreville.
Baha Mar: Power disruption is not acceptable
AN open “line of communication” with Bahamas Power & Light has allowed Baha Mar to weather the relentless wave of ongoing power cuts, however the mega resort’s senior vice president of government and external affairs said the daily disruption in power is “not acceptable”.
INSIGHT: Are we being lulled to sleep on Carnival’s ocean dumping?
JUST four months ago, the nation was flabbergasted with the revelations of Carnival cruise line’s illegal dumping at sea.
Cable hails $333m sale as capital market record
Cable Bahamas chief executive yesterday hailed the $332.5m sale of the company’s US interests as “the biggest single transaction” by any Bahamian publicly traded company. Franklyn Butler told Tribune Business that the “fantastic deal” involving Summ
Public service unions three-year deal
Trade union leaders have insisted they will not be “made the scapegoats” if the government misses its 2019-2020 fiscal targets.
Haitian embassy reputation 'stained'
HAITI’S inquiry into corruption at its embassy in The Bahamas has revealed “unacceptable situations” and “wrongdoing,” Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bocchit Edmond has reportedly said.
Minimum wage not on agenda - it is now: $300 a week
Trade union leaders want a minimum wage increase to between $250-$300 per week, and are pushing for the issue to be formally discussed by the National Tripartite Council.
Childhood obesity sparks drinks ban
THE Ministry of Health will ban the sale of sugary drinks from all of its nearly 80 nationwide institutions, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.
Now it's a crisis as PM offers sympathy
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis toured Bahamas Power & Light’s plants on Sunday in a private visit and declared unreliable power in New Providence a “crisis” for Bahamian families.
No surprise over lack of RFP bids
Whow, the RFP for Nassau Flight Services attracted 3-as in 1-2-3 bids. Are you surprised?
Clarke and Yabuta take home doubles title
BAHAMIAN top-ranked junior female tennis player Sydney Clarke was hoping to go for the double dose of victory at the SVGTA NLA Junior Tennis Tournament in St Vincent & the Grenadines over the weekend.
Hardaway and Tigers top DeMarco and Bahamas 87-77
COACH Penny Hardaway knew his University of Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team would finally get the competitive game they got from the Bahamas men’s national basketball team.
Time to stop plastic pollution
The Bahamas National Trust joins Bahamians and Bahamian NGOs in welcoming the Environmental Protection (Control of Plastic Pollution) Bill, 2019.
Missing point on minimum wage
Some faulty economic thinking is predictably creeping into the narrative of the debate for increasing the minimum wage and it has the potential for undermining support for the increase at this time, especially among those not fully committed to it in the first place.
EDITORIAL: Leading the way for a healthier diet
OUT goes the sin tax, in comes a ban on sugary drinks.
WORLD VIEW: Trump’s new rules will reduce Caribbean migration to the US
US President Donald Trump’s new rule on immigration and nationality, published on August 12, is no different from the rules applied by Caribbean countries.
Miller-Uibo snatches another win in 200m
Against a star-studded field, Shaunae Miller-Uibo propelled from the middle of the pack to snatch another victory in the women’s 200 metres at the Muller Grand Prix in Birmingham, England.
INSIGHT: We should teach our children to enjoy the ocean, not fear it
Only one in 100 government school students can swim, according to empirical data gathered by Andy and Nancy Knowles, the co-founders of the Let’s Swim Bahamas programme.
Armed robber must serve sentence as appeal denied
AN armed robber, who was captured by a hospital employee, has failed in his bid to have the Court of Appeal overturn his decade-long prison sentence.The Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed Marco Oliver’s appeal of his ten-year sentence for robbing
Bimini couple arrested after gun found
A couple in Bimini was arrested by police after a firearm was discovered during a search of their home over the weekend. According to reports, officers on that island, acting on information, went to a home in Bailey Town with a search warrant shortl
Two ak-47 rifles seized in police search
NEW Providence police have arrested three men who, allegedly, were discovered with illegal firearms and ammunition in their possession on Thursday. According to reports, shortly after 5pm, Mobile Division officers assisted by K-9 officers and dogs s
BPL: Base rate cut 'genesis' of woes
BAHAMAS Power & Light’s (BPL) chairman has blamed the “genesis” of the utility’s present predicament on the first Christie administration’s decision to cut its base tariff rate.
Bahamian law firm in maritime award nod
A Bahamian law firm says it has been nominated as a finalist for excellence in the 2019 Lloyd’s List Americas Awards.They are part of the Lloyd’s List Excellence in Shipping Awards, the industry’s flagship awards programme that recognises and rewards
BPL in 'salvage' mode on parts
Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has been forced to "salvage parts" for its aged generation fleet, its chief executive has revealed, adding that preventative maintenance has been almost impossible to perform.
Bahamas must lay foundation for WTO
Agriculture, light manufacturing and entrepreneurship, both in the Family Islands and New Providence, are some of the key industries that will be impacted if The Bahamas completes the process of becoming a full World Trade Organisation (WTO) member.
Friday, August 16
MP hits out at marijuana laws
BAIN and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson criticized the country’s marijuana laws Friday night and appeared to express support for some form of marijuana decriminalization.
FNM to mark anniversary of 1992 victory with Grand Bahama activities
THE Free National Movement will commemorate the anniversary of its August 19, 1992 victory at the polls with several activities here on Grand Bahama, including a church service, and back to school giveaways, starting this weekend.
ALIV employee claims Freeport call centre has mould
A disgruntled ALIV employee has complained about mould at the call centre based in Freeport, saying spores were on bags and walls in the building.
Jamaican man fined, recommended to be deported
A 27-year-old Jamaican man was fined and recommended to be deported on Friday for turning a brief visit to his mother into a two-year stay.
Woman denies stealing four boys
HAIR stylist De’Edra Gibson has denied allegations she stole four boys between the ages of three and eight from various places in New Providence earlier this year.
Restaurant opens on Grand Bahama after $3.5m investment
WITH an investment of some $3.5 million, the newly renovated Stoned Crab Restaurant at Taino Beach was officially opened on Thursday, marking the rebirth of the iconic landmark building constructed in the early 70's on Grand Bahama.
FNM slams Christie over 'broken promises' on BPL
THE Free National Movement slammed former prime minister Perry Christie's "empty rhetoric and broken promises" after he criticised the government’s actions amid the ongoing load shedding by Bahamas Power and Light.
Three arrested after firearms, ammunition found
NEW PROVIDENCE police have arrested three men who, allegedly, were discovered with illegal firearms and ammunition in their possession on Thursday evening.
EDITORIAL: An unforced error ahead of union talks
Stormy waters lie ahead for the government – some of them literally – as it tries to keep on track for its deficit target of one percent this year.
A COMIC'S VIEW: When it comes to cutting the line, it’s best to know the rules of engagement
We have all waited on a line, especially here in the Bahamas.
NIB sets up serious arrears task force
THE National Insurance Board has established a Serious Arrears Task Force to go after the millions in contributions arrears which are owed to it, stressing those who do not pay what they owe may face prosecution. NIB stressed the millions which are
Plastics ban: Transition period to help business
THE six-month transition period for businesses to sell off prohibited single-use plastic bags represents efforts to provide relief to businesses who have made significant financial commitments, according to Ministry of Environment officials.In an int
US specialists won't have much impact, says Maynard
THE emergency fix by a US specialist team will have little impact on Bahamas Power and Light’s load shedding, according to Paul Maynard, the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union’s (BEWU) president.However, Mr Maynard acknowledged the return of an additio
How have the power cuts affected your life?
Load shedding from Bahamas Power and Light continues to cause misery.
Record year - 'seven million visitors'
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar predicts that 2019 will feature a record-breaking seven million visitors coming to The Bahamas.
Union demands ‘a fly in the ointment’
Public sector pay negotiations are a potential "fly in the ointment" that may cause the Government to miss its 1 percent deficit target for 2019-2020, the deputy prime minister warned yesterday.
Worker was crushed in mixer
Human negligence ultimately led to a 38-year-old man’s death last year when the cement mixing machine he tried to clean suddenly turned on and mangled his lower extremities, jurors heard yesterday.
Haitian Embassy: Five moved
FORMER Haitian Embassy Chargé d’Affaires François Michel yesterday confirmed his replacement will be Dorval Darlier, former minister counselor to the Nassau Embassy.
So what is the truth at BPL?
BP&L…what is the truth?
Putting Sir Roland Symonette into context
Over 39 years since his demise, Sir Roland Symonette, first premier of The Bahamas, remains a lightning rod and a polarising political figure among Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporters who are unwilling to exonerate deceased members of the Bay Street Boys and their heirs.
Patrick Ewing and Hoyas rout DeMarco and Bahamas 91-61
The Georgetown Hoyas were just a little too much for the under-sized Bahamas men’s national basketball team to handle. And it wasn’t any easier for the New Providence Basketball Association Select team as they got clobbered 135-60 by Memphis State Tigers.
Undefeated Amron to square off with Hawkins
AMRON Sands, the Bahamian heavyweight contender now under new management, will return to the boxing ring on Friday, August 23 when he takes on American southpaw Thomas Hawkins at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC Auditorium in Tampa, Florida.
Mike Sands making presence felt as the new NACAC president
ALTHOUGH he won’t take office until after the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s Congress in Doha, Qatar next month, Mike Sands is making his presence felt as the new president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association.
Jones’ double double helps Sun defeat Mercury 78-71
PHOENIX (AP) — Jonquel Jones finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds, Jasmine Thomas scored 18 and the Connecticut Sun held off the short-handed Phoenix Mercury 78-71 on Wednesday night after giving up almost all of a 20-point lead.
THE PRESS BOX: Cowboys rookie RB Tony Pollard ‘turning heads early’
WHILE Ezekiel Elliott continues to hold out, all while Dak Prescott’s alleged contract demands are downright ludicrous, and Amari Cooper continues to hobble around on an injured heel, Cowboys fans have rookie RB Tony Pollard to take our minds off the aforementioned Elliot, Prescott, Cooper drama in Dallas.
Clarke eases into doubles finals, singles semi-finals in ITF Under-18 Tournament
SYDNEY Clarke eased her way into the girls’ doubles finals and singles semi-finals in the International Tennis Federation’s Under-18 Tournament yesterday in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Moody's predicts $82m fiscal deficit overshoot
Moody’s is predicting that the government will overshoot its 2019-2020 deficit target by more than $82m and take longer than anticipated to produce the budget surplus it is seeking.The international credit rating agency, in its latest update on The B
PHA dismisses claims over 'postponed' talks
THE Public Hospitals Authority released a statement yesterday dismissing the claims of Bahamas Public Services Union president Kimsley Ferguson concerning “postponed” negotiations.In the statement, officials from PHA said they have been made aware of
28-year-old accused of stabbing man to death
A 28-year-old man accused of stabbing another man to death in the Pinewood Gardens area in June will appear before a Supreme Court judge in a month’s time.Whitney Johnson will appear before Justice Bernard Turner to be formally arraigned in connectio
American leads reef restoration project
AMERICAN Steve Wilson loves to visit Grand Bahama, but he took his love of the island to another level when he spearheaded a reef restoration and coastal clean up in McLean’s Town, East Grand Bahama. In addition to the clean up exercise, he also mad
DIANE PHILLIPS: The strange, sick case of Jeffrey Epstein and why some people can never be satisfied
The world has watched the Jeffrey Epstein story unfold with the same kind of stomach-churning fascination with which it watched the Charlie Manson murders, curiosity piqued by a failure to understand how someone could do the things he did.
'Stupid is as stupid does' on BPL crisis
A governance reformer yesterday blasted The Bahamas’ tendency to only address key problems “in a crisis” as he blamed its energy woes on “irresponsible governance” and bad fiscal habits. Robert Myers, pictured , a principal with the Organisation for
Taxi union in compliance row with NIB
THE taxi cab union is in a “chokehold”, its president said yesterday, as he threatened legal action against the National Insurance Board (NIB) for allegedly failing to provide it with a letter of good standing.Wesley Ferguson told Tribune Business: “
DPM: Just 50% of registry firms deemed 'active'
Just 50 percent of companies listed on the registry are thought to be “active”, the deputy prime minister said yesterday, as thousands of entities were informed of their removal.KP Turnquest told Tribune Business that the “gazzetting” of their remova
Meditation Caribbean Christian spirituality
SpiritualityIf we follow the guideline that things spiritual refer to matters of “the soul especially as acted upon by God” (Oxford Dictionary), then our spirituality is our way of being ourselves in God’s world. Our character, personality, thoughts,
Religious happenings around town
• Mother’s Club 46th Anniversary ServiceTime: Sunday, 3.30pmVenue: Macedonia Baptist ChurchThe Fox Hill branch #2 of the Mother’s Club is celebrating its 46th anniversary with a special service. Guest speaker will be Pastor Larry Green of the Seventh
Hey, I know her! Frank and Stubborn
Each woman is a unique blend of strength and softness makes her worth knowing. She can represent the very best of humanity with grace, faith and steadfast love. Of course, as a helper and then as a leader herself, she truly stands out as one of God’s
Industrial Tribunal in Caribbean first
The Industrial Tribunal was yesterday hailed as a Caribbean leader for this week’s launch of electronic case filing and management services. The National Tripartite Council, in a statement, said one of its executive members, Rionda Godet, became the
Foreign minister to lead Abaco summit
The Minister of Foreign Affairs will deliver the keynote address at the 16th annual Abaco Business Outlook conference, which will be held on September 5 in Marsh Harbour.Darren Henfield, also the north Abaco MP, will lead the speaker line-up at the A
IAN FERGUSON: Do not leave employee performance to chance
Every progressive business establishes improving worker performance as a primary goal. Greater productivity and efficiency results in increased profit and market share; it’s that simple. When workers are not learning or improving, and are not motivat
Thursday, August 15
EDITORIAL: How about a living wage, not just a minimum wage?
There was a very quick retreat yesterday from Finance Minister Peter Turnquest after the subject of a possible rise in the minimum wage was broached.
Minimum wage rise talk ‘unequivocally not true’
A National Tripartite Council member yesterday described the minister of labour’s assertion that it is debating a minimum wage increase as “unequivocally not true”.
Activists in court after joint raid
RIGHTS Bahamas chairperson Mona Agenor, her teenage daughter, and two other persons with Haitian roots were charged yesterday with being antagonistic towards immigration and police officers during a joint raid last month. Agenor, 37, was charged befo
Dominican woman denies human trafficking charges
A 37-year-old Dominican woman yesterday denied allegations she smuggled a woman into the country eight months ago, and withheld the woman’s passport as a means of exploitation. Sobeyda Garcia Reyes stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt
We left plan for sustainable power, insists former PM
FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie is adamant the Progressive Liberal Party left in place a plan that provided both short and long-term strategies for sustainable power generation, as he urged officials to fix the ongoing crisis quickly.
Minimum wage rise ‘not anytime soon’
FINANCE Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday said the government has not given any detailed consideration to increasing the minimum wage.
Police arrests in overtime probe
SOME employees of the Ministry of Education have been questioned at the Central Detective Unit this week and told they were “under arrest” as police investigate alleged misappropriation of funds.
Falling short: Minnis addresses power crisis - but blackouts go on
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis expressed deep unhappiness with the state of power generation in New Providence yesterday, calling it unacceptable.
Experts remove killer bee hive
THE hive of the bees that attacked and killed an elderly man and two dogs in the Caravel Beach area was located and removed from the area by a local pest control company, The Tribune understands.
Welcome for bill to ban single-use plastics
BREEF executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert yesterday applauded the draft bill to ban single-use plastics as a critical first step in the country’s fight against pollution. Mrs McKinney-Lambert said the Environmental Protection (Control of P
Patrick Ewing, Bowers dare Bahamian youth to ‘dream big’
STEPHANIE Bowers, United States chargé d’affaires, witnessed the power of sports to inspire young people at the Kendal Isaacs gym in Nassau. The renowned Georgetown University Hoyas men’s basketball team and their coach Patrick Ewing are in Nassau until August 17 for a week-long summer training camp, which included a basketball clinic with dozens of Bahamian youth.
DeMarco and Bahamas earn 63-57 win over Red Raiders
Chris DeMarco got the first victory under his belt with the men’s national basketball team by pulling off a 63-57 decision over the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium last night.
Caribbean Tip-Off Showcase back for 2nd straight year
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation is bringing the Caribbean Tip-Off Basketball Showcase back for its second consecutive year. And when the event is held from November 1-3, the Bahamas will feature two All-Star teams instead of the local school teams.
‘I really got along with the staff and players’
CHRIS DeMarco has some big plans for the Bahamas men’s national basketball team. It may not come overnight, but he considers it a work in progress with the potential of talent available at his disposal.
We need to get tough on immigration laws
Countries all around the world are getting serious about protecting the borders of their country.
The buck does indeed stop with the prime minister
Have zero patience anymore, the buck, Mr. Most Honourable Prime Minister, stops right at your desk. A national Address, with a Press Question and Answer, live Press conference broadcast has to happen, as the residents of New Providence cannot take BP&L any longer.
STATESIDE: Amid conspiracies and crises, a reality check on the world today
It’s so hard to keep everything straight in Washington, DC these days.
Retrial order for suspect accused of robbing pizza delivery man
THE Court of Appeal has ordered a man be retried over allegations he robbed a pizza delivery man three years ago. The appellate court unanimously said Kadero Munroe should be retried over the Crown’s claims he robbed Marco’s Pizza delivery man Franc
Doctor who died in car crash will be much missed, says PHA
THE Public Hospitals Authority released a statement yesterday mourning the death of Dr Katrice Maycock, who died tragically in an Abaco traffic accident earlier this month. Dr Maycock was a senior house officer with Grand Bahama Health Services. She
Man arrested with illegal firearm
ABACO police have arrested a man who was allegedly discovered with an illegal firearm in his possession earlier this week. Assistant Superintendent of Police Terecita Pinder reported that a 31-year-old man was taken into police custody late Monday a
Family Island schools to get digital push
FAMILY Island schools will be linked to New Providence classrooms digitally as the government seeks to address teacher shortages. The eLearning platform has cost the taxpayers $20m to date, according to Education Minister Jeffery Lloyd.
More Bahamians jobless than when govt elected
More Bahamians are jobless now than when the Minnis administration took office just over two years ago despite the national unemployment rate’s reduction to 9.5 percent.A closer examination of the May 2019 Labour Force Survey data reveals that some 2
Customs portal allows boating fee payments
THE Customs Department’s new digital system will allow pleasure craft to apply for cruising and fishing permits, the deputy prime minister said yesterday. Announcing the launch of the registration campaign for Customs’ Electronic Single Window (ESW
Bran: BPL 'puts us back in third world'
The DNA’s ex-leader yesterday said Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) inability to provide reliable power had “put us back into third world status”, and blasted: “It’s a disaster for the economy.”
Chamber chief: 'No downside' to Customs system
The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive says “there’s really no downside” to Customs’ new digital system, but called for “patience” as all parties go through their “learning curve”.Jeffrey Beckles, urging the private sector to stay the course over
Contractors Board to be finalised soon
THE Board that will oversee the construction industry’s self-regulation could soon be in place, a Cabinet minister has told Tribune Business.Desmond Bannister, minister of works, said: “Cabinet has made, or is in the process of making, all Board appo
Airbnb unveils offering expansion into hotels
Airbnb’s expansion into “boutique-type” hotels and local “experiences” was among the items discussed at The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) recent Board meeting.A variety of panellists addressed the challenges and opportunities faced b
ART OF GRAPHIX: Graphic differences impact image types
Rasterising is the process of turning vectors, text layers, layer effects or any other type of graphics into a simple bitmap image made of pixels. Raster graphics can be made from vectors and are a collection of coloured pixels that make up images.
'Tighter controls' with new Customs system
The introduction of Customs's new digital system will introduce "tighter controls" and cut fraud and corruption, the deputy prime minister said yesterday. Speaking at the launch of a public education campaign and registration drive for the Electron
Sebas' Titan gains $4.5m from over 1,000 investors
Sebas Bastian’s investment house yesterday said its Titan Balanced Fund had “met every expectation and more” by raising $4.5m from over 1,000 investors.Investar Securities, in a statement, said the fund - which had a lower investment entry threshold
Wednesday, August 14
EDITORIAL: Plastics law to have teeth - now enforce it
When the ban on single-use plastics was first proposed, we warmly welcomed it in this column – with one caveat: It has to be enforced.
THE ALICIA WALLACE COLUMN: Let us know when the lights are going off and at least we can plan around it
Bahamas Power and Light held a press conference on Sunday, and while many of us tuned in, none of us have better information that we had before.
Lloyd: 75% of critical school repairs are done
WITH less than three weeks until public schools reopen, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said those facilities needing critical repairs are about 75 percent complete. According to the minister yesterday, contractors have assured him the work will be do
Frequent outages are hitting Airbnb business
THE frequent power cuts carried out by Bahamas Power and Light have negatively impacted the home rental business, according to Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar. Speaking to reporters outside of Cabinet yesterday, Mr D’Aguilar said lo
Sky Bahamas issues affecting tourist trade, admits D'Aguilar
TOURISM and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar yesterday said blowback from the grounding of Sky Bahamas has negatively impacted the country’s tourism product especially service to the Family Islands. He said: “I think that Sky Bahamas made some c
Govt review of sex education underway
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd yesterday said the government is reviewing school curriculum to ensure that it is “relevant for the 21st century,” including increasing sexual education for students. Stating that a revised syllabus is “very much underw
Turnquest predicts better news on jobs
FINANCE Minister Peter Turnquest yesterday conceded the latest national unemployment rate is still high, but said the government is relying on several factors to reduce joblessness. Both he and Labour Minister Dion Foulkes expressed optimism that th
No agreement over worker ratios at $200m The Pointe
LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes revealed yesterday the government and The Pointe’s executives have conflicting numbers when it comes to the worker ratio at the $200m West Bay Street development.The minister told The Tribune a discrepancy was discovered
Police chief warns officers: No photos
DEPUTY Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle has warned police officers that photographing innocent people during routine traffic stops could result in disciplinary action. He made the warning in an email to RBPF commanders and department heads which wa
Bee swarm stings man to death
AN 82-year-old man was stung to death when a swarm of bees attacked him as he was doing yard work at his Freeport home last week.
Inquiry ordered into jail ‘beating’
THE mother of a man jailed for armed robbery yesterday pleaded for her son’s safety as officials investigate claims he was severely beaten on the weekend.
Don’t let go: Plastics ban to include $2,000 balloons fine
THE upcoming ban on single-use plastics will also outlaw the release of balloons, according to draft legislation that details fines up to $3,000.
New blueprint for Grand Lucayan unveiled today
A Cabinet minister and Grand Lucayan Board members will today visit Miami to view an updated blueprint for Royal Caribbean’s multi-million transformation of the resort and nearby harbour.
A shock to travel along Bay Street
It is not often that I get an opportunity to travel the Bay Street and downtown areas. On Monday, 12th instant, I had to take my family somewhere in those environments. I was appalled and deeply shocked by the absolutely deplorable and unkempt conditions from the East Street intersection and beyond travelling east on Bay Street! A few years ago it was terrible, but now it is even worse than before.
20-member team named for CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon
THE Bahamas Triathlon Association has named a 20-member team that will represent the Bahamas at the third Carifta Triathlon and Aquathlon this weekend in Kingston, Jamaica. The team, made up of competitors from New Providence and Grand Bahama, will
RBDF officers and marines clash on court
A cross-section of officers and marines from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force took time away from their stressful duties to exert some energy and experience bonding through friendly competition in the form of an inter-rate and rank basketball tourname
Stuart to make debut on pro volleyball circuit in Finland
From the collegiate ranks, Eugene Stuart said he’s excited about his journey to Joensuu, Finland, where he’s preparing to make his debut as the third Bahamian to play on the professional volleyball circuit. Over the weekend, he left for Joensuu and
Burrows and Bridgewater hope to face off in France
A YEAR ago, Jaraun ‘Kino’ Burrows helped to pave the way for talented, young point guard Dominick ‘Nardo’ Bridgewater to ink a professional contract right out of high school.This year, they hope to eventually play against each other as Burrows has mo
'Hooping by the Park' awards
ORGANISER Jabari Wilmott turned the second annual ‘Hooping by the Park’ basketball tournament into a tremendous success. The five-day event was held over the Emancipation holiday weekend at the Freedom Park in Fox Hill.Behind the most valuable player
Banks must do better
Banks are raising, seemingly at any opportunity, the cost of doing business with them, and no one is making any noise, but if their customers were to make noise, the management of the bank would at the least know their customers are dissatisfied. Make noise people!
US gun law affecting us in the Bahamas
As Americans are massacred by guns that should only be on the battlefield, the right of every American to own a gun for self defence is such a sacred right in the US that it doesn’t even tolerate sensible discussion.
Woman jewellery thief fails to overturn her two-year sentence
A WOMAN has failed in trying to get the appellate court to overturn her two-year sentence for stealing over $100,000 worth of watches from her employer, a high-end jewellery store on Paradise Island.
Code to the future
FIFTEEN Harbour Island children built and programmed their own robots as part of a summer ‘hackathon’ that seeks to inspire Bahamians to code their future. The two-week camp run by BYTES (Bahamian Young Technology Enthusiasts) Bahamas focused on cod
BOB shrugs off $6m default to resume profits
Bank of The Bahamas shrugged off a $6m default judgment bid by an ex-Cabinet minister’s companies, and resumed its slow recovery march, by posting $2.99m in 2019 full-year profits. The BISX-listed institution, which has twice had to be rescued by mu
‘Blow hole in budget’ to fix BPL emergency
A former finance minister yesterday urged the government to “blow a hole in the budget” to end the “national emergency” created by Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) generation crisis.
Manufacturers: BPL is ‘wreaking havoc’ on sector
A Bahamian water supplier yesterday said it has spent “tens of thousands of dollars” replacing equipment damaged by frequent power outages, and blasted: “It’s wreaking havoc on us.”
'Very confident' on Nassau handling Customs reforms
The Ministry of Finance’s top official is “very confident” that next month’s roll-out of Customs’ new system on New Providence will be “manageable” despite concerns voiced elsewhere.Marlon Johnson, acting financial secretary, told Tribune Business th
Restaurant chains ready for single-use plastics ban
A Bahamian restaurant operator yesterday said it had been moving towards eco-friendly packaging long before the government’s decision to ban Styrofoam and single-use plastics. Gandhi Pinder, Bamboo Shack’s vice-president of marketing and public rel
BISX-listed insurer in 29% profits rise
Colina Holdings (Bahamas) yesterday unveiled a 29 percent year-over-year increase in total net income to $8.9m for the 2019 first half.The BISX-listed holding company, revealing a $2m bottom line increase upon last year’s $6.9m, said net income attri
Tuesday, August 13
One fatality, two injured in shooting
THREE people were shot, one fatally, on Amos Ferguson Street off Palmetto Avenue Tuesday.
EDITORIAL: Have we lost our way just to get shares and likes?
There are times when you wonder about the humanity of some people.
FACE TO FACE: Rotary needs to change, not just for the sake of it but to make things better
The cover of the international magazine the Rotarian features Barry Rassin and his wife Esther with a group of flamingoes gathered in front.
BCAA tells Sky Bahamas it is not being singled out
ADMIST the ongoing standoff between the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority and Sky Bahamas, BCAA Director General Charles Beneby yesterday insisted the airline is not being “singled out” — as he underscored the Authority had nothing to do Sky Bahamas b
Outages have not led to increase in generator sales
FREQUENT power cuts in New Providence have not sparked an uptick in generator sales, according to one supplier of generators. Nor have the power cuts led to an increase in requests to the government to import solar panel systems. While solar systems
DJ Big O dies at 35
POPULAR radio personality Santonio “Big O” Smith, 35, was remembered yesterday by his mother Carolyn Gray as a humble man who will be dearly missed. Smith, a disc jockey at 100 JAMZ, died last Thursday after having a heart attack. His sudden death ha
QC: ‘KYC Once’ will stop bank ‘dangling’
The government was yesterday urged to develop a “KYC Once Act” to cut through the banking industry red tape that has “left customers dangling in their business and personal lives”.
Jean Rony fight to put life on track
MORE than a year since a landmark Supreme Court ruling brought him back to the country, Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles has not yet applied for citizenship.
Why film a dying girl and not help?
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday bemoaned the recording of a video that captured the distress of a bloodied woman who later died.
Davis: Why secrecy on BPL deals?
A REVELATION that Bahamas Power and Light is effectively sworn to secrecy over certain portions of agreements it has entered into with Shell North America and Wärtsilä is “concerning”, according to Official Opposition leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday.
BPL staff working to get 60-year-old turbine online
These photos and videos show the scene at the Blue Hill Road Power Plant last night . . .
Jury rules knifeman’s death lawful
A POLICE officer was justified in shooting and killing a 22-year-old man who charged at him with a knife almost ten years ago, a jury found yesterday.
Haiti diplomats ordered home – Three recalled after visa scam corruption probe
THE Haitian government has recalled three diplomats from its Nassau embassy, including Chargé d’Affaires François Michel.
No retrial is ordered after armed robbery conviction overturned
THE Court of Appeal has overturned a man's armed robbery conviction, though reluctantly did not order a retrial because it would not be in the “interests of justice” to keep him in custody just to be retried and quite possibly acquitted. Appellate J
Police threatened and beat us, claim suspects
TWO men charged with armed robbery yesterday in the Freeport Magistrates Court claim they were beaten and threatened by police officers while in custody at a police station in Grand Bahama. Jamal Laroda, 24, and Isaiah Walkine, 25, appeared before M
Talks are moving along speedily, says union chief
THE president of the Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union yesterday said his group is satisfied with the government’s progress on issues of concern for the sector. Frederick Farrington, BUBDU president, told The Tribune the government is “actually movi
Business 'baffled' over insufficient reform progress
The private sector is “baffled” by the seemingly “insufficient action” to address The Bahamas’ ease of doing business woes, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive warned yesterday. Jeffrey Beckles told Tribune Business that the government and pri
Check your facts
Politicians – especially the Prime Minister – had better do their due diligence before they speak… the advent of the service property, commonly known as Airbnb or Home Away from home, is a thriving sector impacting visitor arrivals considerably but sorry PM your quote of $400 per night is not the average price, far from it. Try between $120-180 and at the high end you are looking at the luxury property on the beach with all the mod cons.
IT toys not the solution
The Marco Alert programme will cost $3 million plus.
PETER YOUNG: The man to deliver Brexit or is Boris just full of flashy hogwash?
In last week’s column, I surmised that Britain was in for an autumn of political disruption over Brexit. The nation has been overwhelmed by this thorniest of issues that has provoked deep divisions and the resulting uncertainty and instability could become even worse.
Modified Pitch Softball league's All-Star Classic
THE New Providence (Wholesalers) Modified Pitch Softball League continued its regular season on Sunday after hosting its All-Star Classic at the Blue Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday. BTC Outsiders 17, Undertakers 4 There was no match for the Un
Mackey: The Best of Sports World 10 years old, getting stronger
THE Best of Sports World, a television talk show that highlights the performances of local and international Bahamian athletes, is now a decade old and getting stronger, according to director Carlos Mackey. When Mackey started the show in December 2
Loving those who forget
TAREA Sturrup, a local fashion model and marketeer, is using her platform to raise awareness of dementia – a condition her 76-year-old grandmother and numerous other elderly Bahamians are struggling with.The aspiring philanthropist, who is signed wit
LIFE LINES: The art of being happy
How do we define happiness? If we were asked each of us would probably offer up a different answer or perhaps perhaps struggle for the answer. We often seem to think that happiness is or should be a kind of permanent blissful state with no interrupti
'Reno' enjoying stardom at home
SINCE his return home after winning the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) middleweight title last month, Tureano ‘Reno’ Johnson has been enjoying his stardom with the Bahamian people. He attended service at United Faith Ministries on Fire Trai
Teen business owner aims to boost self-esteem in others
At just 17 years old, Elliyah Miller is proud to call herself a business owner and founder of Deshea’s Treasure Box.For Elliyah, the reality of owning a business has taught her discipline, and has also given her new motivation to always be her best.
Ballin' from one 'Extreme' to next
For the 10th consecutive year, coach Nekeno Demeritte has hosted the Extreme Athletic Basketball Club. This year, however, he has had to move the venue from Temple Christian Academy auditorium to the DW Davis gymnasium. Now into its third and final
High jumper Alcine to compete for Wildcats this year
AN injury prevented Kyle Alcine from achieving his ultimate success with the Cloud County men’s track and field team. But the high jumper is hoping to soar when he transfers to compete for the Kansas State University Wildcats this year. In his trans
Summer of Thunder: Ewing and Hoyas rout Giants 103-77
FORMER NBA star Patrick Ewing and his Georgetown Hoyas opened their appearance in the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer of Thunder basketball tournament with a 103-77 rout of the depleted Commonwealth Bank Giants yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs G
Bahamian nurses shine in South Florida
Nurse Joanna Curry got the chance to shine and make her country proud as she was presented with the prestigious Presidential Award at the National Nurse Empowerment and Leadership Conference, held recently in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.The fourth annua
Prostrate cancer treatments
Bahamian men are predominately of African ancestry and have a disproportionately high rate of obesity – both of which are risk factors for developing a more aggressive form of prostate cancer and a greater risk of suffering from prostate cancer at an
Rotary golf tournament is successful fundraiser for special autism classroom
The Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise’s inaugural charity golf tournament was a much more than a “putting” success. It attracted well-known golf enthusiasts and supporters, including Rotarians, who answered the call to assist in the fundraising efforts f
No money? No problem
Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic.
Third man charged over electricity theft
A 42-year old man was charged yesterday in Freeport Magistrates Court in connection with electricity theft and causing damage to Grand Bahama Power Company property in March of this year. Michael Neymour Jr is the third person to be arraigned in the
23-year-old in court over shooting incident in GB
A 23-year-old Freeport man was charged yesterday with negligently causing grievous harm in connection with a shooting incident on Grand Bahama. Deshawn Anthony Rolle, 23, appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith. It is alleged that on August 8, at
Regulator 'won't be strong armed' on Sky Bahamas
SKY Bahamas’ principal yesterday vowed the airline “will rebound” as he and the aviation regulator again clashed over the airline’s continued inability to fly. Captain Randy Butler, the airline’s president and chief executive, doubled down on claims
BPL’s $95m Wartsila deal hit existing plant
Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) decision to direct all its financing towards the $95m Wartsila acquisition left it “unable to meet maintenance goals”, a union leader charged yesterday.
Water Corp: Two-thirds of its debt ‘delinquent’
More than two-thirds of the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s $12.7m debt to its main BISX-listed supplier was “delinquent” at mid-year despite this sum being cut by $5m since 2018 year-end.
BTC voluntary separation roll-out 'in coming days'
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) chief executive has confirmed it will roll-out its latest employee voluntary separation programme (VSEP) “in the coming days”.Garfield “Garry” Sinclair, in a statement, said: “BTC reaffirms our commitmen
Key Morton Salt issues 'remain outstanding'
The lead negotiator for Morton Salt’s line staff union says that despite “some movement” in talks between the two sides the key issues of salary increases and medical insurance remain unresolved.Obie Ferguson, who is also the Trades Union Congress (
Govt listing to take BISX close to $9bn
The total market value of all securities listed on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) will be just short of $9bn once the government completes the listing of its debt. The stock exchange’s 2019 first half report, released yesterday
Long-serving tourism executive is rewarded
A Ministry of Tourism executive has won the Apex Award presented annually by Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine.Linville Johnson, who is responsible for the Ministry’s multi-cultural market development, joins previous winners such as tourism ministe
Monday, August 12
EDITORIAL: No comfort over BPL’s failings
If the public was hoping for reassurance from yesterday’s BPL press conference, there was little to be found.
PLP unimpressed by Bannister in dispute between Archer and Roach
“NOT acceptable” is how Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell has described Works Minister Desmond Bannister’s response to a dispute between Registrar of Contractors Omar Archer and Works Director Melanie Roach. Last week, Mr Archer, a co
At 9.5%, jobless total at lowest level for 10 years, says Turnquest
FINANCE Minister Peter Turnquest said while the government is pleased the national unemployment rate has dropped to 9.5 percent, its goal is to drive numbers even lower by securing stronger and more broad based growth for the economy. The ministry s
‘Recent fire had no direct effect on load shedding’
A RECENT fire at Bahamas Power and Light’s Clifton Pier Plant has had no bearing on ongoing load shedding in New Providence.
NBA star Harden rides around handing out cash
A FEW Bahamians are a little bit richer today after Houston Rockets basketball star James Harden handed out cash while sightseeing in Nassau on Saturday. Instagram videos show the NBA star and some friends riding around Nassau on four-wheelers and h
INSIGHT: Come on Mr Bannister, do your job
MUCH of what we understand about the world comes from the carrot and stick approach – do something good and get something good in return, or vice versa.
New $95m power plant will be ready by December 15
BAHAMAS Power and Light’s new $95m power plant will be complete by December 15, according to Edmund Phillips, Wärtsilä business development manager.
BPL is on the edge of a cliff every day
BAHAMAS Power and Light CEO Whitney Heastie said the company sits “on the edge every day” and cannot guarantee there will be no further electricity cuts or when the nightmare will end.
Spoiled kid who needs a sharp lesson
In most international hostage taking situations, it is usually a local cretin who grabs hold of some unfortunate foreigner and demands a king’s ransom for their return. Exhibit A: the nefarious pirates of Somalia.
Words I would prefer not to hear
What does URCA actually do? License Cable franchises - cellular systems - Radio and TV licenses - supposed to be now monitoring BP/L, but do we ever see URCA in action?
Why must we rely on gambling?
Gambling - be it Web Shops, Lottery or what have you! Do we, the Government, have to rely on this social breaker to such a high extent?
INSIGHT: ‘Four years on and I’m still waiting for police to apologise’
ON reading the complaint of the beating by the police of two women in Exuma last week and the promise by National Security Minister Marvin Dames that there would be no “cover up” if officers in the case were found guilty of wrong doing, a senior government employee reveals today that he is still awaiting the results of his own complaint against two junior police officers.
Woman bleeds to death after cutting arm on glass window
A WOMAN died in hospital after reportedly smashing a glass window, leaving her with serious injuries to her arm. Last night, police said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which they have classified as a “sudden deat
CRASH LANDING: Two men escape injury as private aircraft gets into trouble
ONE day after a private aircraft crash landed at Lynden Pindling International Airport, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar is underscoring the airport’s safety as well as the fact that it has “contingency plans” in place to swiftly tack
Hundreds stranded as sailing cancelled
HUNDREDS of frustrated Bahamians and tourists scheduled to sail on Friday to Grand Bahama and Bimini on the Balearia were stranded for more than 24 hours in Fort Lauderdale. Balearia Bahamas Express, which provides fast ferry service between Florida
Police hunting for two suspects who stole car
POLICE are looking for two suspects who stole a man’s car Friday night. Shortly after 10pm, a man was on St Vincent Road when he was accosted by two men who robbed him of cash and grey Nissan Note, licence plate unknown. This came a day after a wom
URCA investigates ‘tightrope walking’ BPL over outages
Regulators have initiated an investigation into load shedding at Bahamas Power & Light (BPL), which admitted yesterday it is “walking a tightrope” every day to keep the power on.
WORLD VIEW: Caribbean contempt of Haitians is shameful
THE response to Haitians arriving in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries has been lamentable at best and contemptible at worst. They have been treated, for the most part, as pariahs particularly by the ignorant and bigoted.
Black Point Regatta held in honour of the late Adderley, Ferguson, Patton
THE 56th annual Black Point Regatta, held in honour of the late Rev Lawrence Adderley, Van Ferguson and Captain Leviticus Patton, took place over the Emancipation holiday weekend in Black Point, Exuma.
Anthony Burrows wins in the British Junior Circuit
BAHAMIAN Anthony Burrows, playing in the British Junior Circuit, captured another victory over the weekend.
Spencer leads Caribbean team to over 70 tennis tourney
KIT Spencer, president of IC Bahamas, led a combined IC Caribbean team to an over 70 tennis tournament in Belgium.
Under-12 girls bring bronze medals home
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s three-member girls’ team of BreAnn Ferguson, Saphirre Ferguson and Jalisa Clarke captured third place over the weekend at the ITF/Cotecc Under-12 Team Competition Sub Region 3 in the Dominican Republic.
Laura Morley emerges as champion of B final in 200m IM
IT wasn’t the type of performance that our men’s 4 x 400 metre relay team or twin brothers Lathone and Latario Collie-Minns expected on the final day of competition for track and field at the XVIII Pan American Games.
Racers rock Summer of Thunder
THE visiting Murray State Racers men’s basketball team turned in a great series in the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s 2019 Summer of Thunder, leaving head coach Matt Mahon beaming with excitement for the upcoming collegiate season.
Tynia Gaither 'shocked' but 'contented' with medal
Grand Bahamian native Tynia Gaither was quite “shocked” but yet “contented” leaving the XVIII Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, with the Bahamas’ only medal in the women’s 200 metres.
Baha Mar receivers ‘secretly gave Sarkis’ papers to Chinese’
Sarkis Izmirlian has accused Baha Mar’s former receivers of violating a Bahamian Supreme Court Order by passing confidential legal documents to the project’s main contractor.
Minister: Jobs rise 'more meaningful' than under PLP
A Cabinet minister yesterday hailed the ten-year low in the national unemployment rate as “more meaningful” jobs growth than that achieved by the former administration’s “failed policies”.
Tourism minister: BPL blackouts 'embarrassing'
The minister of tourism yesterday admitted that the frequent power outages are “very embarrassing” for the industry, and said: “Relief can’t come soon enough.”Dionisio D’Aguilar told Tribune Business that the government is “striving every day” to fix
Chamber chief urges income inequity focus
The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday said that despite the “encouraging” 1.2 percentage point decline in the national jobless rate, income inequality and unemployment among men must be addressed.Jeffrey Beckles told Tribune Business:
Palm Cay marina wins fifth successive award
Palm Cay Marina, located on New Providence’s southeastern coast, has sailed away with the coveted title of boaters’ favourite marina in The Bahamas for the fifth consecutive year.Demaro Demeritte, the marina dockmaster, revealed the latest win after
Straw workshop attendees praised as 'quick learners'
Twenty-two Bahamian women created an array of straw products during a recently-completed workshop facilitated by the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC). The participants in the Straw Craft Workshop Stage II produced handbags, bea
Saturday, August 10
LPIA services resume after crash landing
Two men escaped injury after a plane crash landed at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Saturday afternoon.
Woman found dead in hotel room ‘had dispute with couple over payment of drinks’
The last known social interaction of South African Carla Van Eeden, who was found hanging in a room in Atlantis, involved a “dispute” with an unknown couple over paying for drinks, Atlantis employees have testified.
Friday, August 9
Search for suspects after armed robbery
POLICE are looking for two suspects in an armed robbery committed on Thursday night.
Taxi-cab industry issues 'will be resolved by October'
TRANSPORT and Local Government Minister Renward Wells has “promised faithfully” that by October all issues surrounding the taxi-cab industry will be resolved, according to Bahamas Taxicab Union president Wesley Ferguson.
$6.5m Fishing Hole Road causeway nears completion
THE new $6.5 million Fishing Hole Road causeway is just about completed, but some adjustments are being made in the area to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians accessing the fish market and vendor stalls on the north side.
Mother believes Turin deaths were a 'hate crime'
CATHLEEN Rahming, the mother of one of the two Bahamian men who were found dead in Italy two months ago, is praising the Minnis Administration’s probe into their mysterious deaths – which Mrs Rahming firmly believes was a hate crime.
Unemployment rate down to 9.5 percent
THE national unemployment rate has improved - with labour force officials revealing on Friday a decrease to 9.5 percent.
Tynia Gaither wins 200m bronze at Pan Am Games
TYNIA Gaither clinched the Bahamas' first medal at the XVIII Pan American Games by securing the bronze in the women's 200 metres on Friday at the National Stadium in Lima, Peru.
A COMIC'S VIEW: My friends tell me that Nassau has more blackouts than a bar full of drunks
WHILE entertaining some of my fellow professional stand-up comedians, who were in town recently, you know libations were a must, so off to the pub we went.
EDITORIAL: It’s time to tell us everything, BPL
“This has gone beyond a crisis. This is an all-out catastrophe.”
Compass Point row highlights FNM failures, claims Mitchell
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell yesterday accused the Minnis administration of creating the environment in The Bahamas where a foreign investor can feel “emboldened” enough to threaten the government. However, speaking in the wake o
Business slams 500% Customs burden rise
The government yesterday promised that Customs’ new system will “smooth out” after furious Abaco businesses blasted a “400-500 percent” increase in the goods clearance workload. Ken Hutton, the Abaco Chamber of Commerce’s president, estimated this
Father recalls shark attack horror
RELATIVES of the American woman killed in a shark attack while swimming off Rose Island are still mourning her death and cry every night over the tragedy. Californian Jordan Lindsey, 21 was savaged by sharks while swimming with her mom on June 26.
We’re alive – three escape injury after plane crash lands
A TWIN-engine Piper PA-34 airplane crash-landed in waters near Cat Cay after experiencing engine problems yesterday. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, three American men were on board the plane when it went down in about 15ft of water. No one was injured.
Killer stabbed his dad 47 times
A MAN has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the brutal murder of his 76-year-old father. Justice Bernard Turner sentenced Lee Sweeting to 45 years in prison concerning the November 2017 murder of Leon Sweeting who was stabbed 47 times. However, Sweeting’s sentence was reduced to 43 years, three months and two weeks to reflect the 20 months and two weeks he has already spent in custody.
Turin 2: New probe launched
THE government has launched an independent investigation into the deaths of two Bahamian men who died under mysterious circumstances in Italy.
Crisis? This is a catastrophe – Maynard warns ‘no end it sight’ for blackouts
THE power generation situation at Bahamas Power and Light has gone beyond crisis mode, having bloomed into a full-fledged “catastrophe”, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Paul Maynard said yesterday.
Four charged over string of break-ins in Freeport
FOUR young men, including two juveniles, were arraigned in the Freeport Magistrates Court yesterday in connection with a string of stealing incidents and break-ins. Bernard Marcellas, 26, Damaine Sterling, 19, and two juveniles, ages 16 and 17, appe
DIANE PHILLIPS: Why violence and hatred are so hard to understand
Let me state this up front. I am not a psychologist and I have absolutely no training in the psyche of anything. Sometimes I don’t even understand why my dog barks at nothing, or nothing that we can see or hear. Just stating all that up front so you don’t have any expectations that what I am about to discuss has any scientific basis whatsoever and is based solely on serious conjecture.
Colin Trotman, one of TV's finest
When people think of journalists, they think of the faces they see, the bylines they read, the voices they hear. They rarely think of those behind the scenes who make the broadcasts of familiar voices and faces possible.
It's time we had some meaningful dialogue
Fifty-four percent of citizens in democracies believe their voice doesn’t have an impact on political decisions, and 64 percent think their government doesn’t act in their interest, ‘Democracy Perception Index 2018’ a survey conducted by Dalia Research, Alliance of Democracies and Rasmussen Global – found.
No one has the divine right to be nominated
What is it, people demanding nominations?
'I only wanted to fight, so when I got the opportunity to go to Thailand, I took it'
AFTER the death of Kevin ‘Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson in 2016, the community of Fox Hill has seen the rise of another local mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter in Giovanni ‘Mofire’ Johnson. After his family moved to Florida in 1995, Johnson returned home in
We deserve better than being held hostage by BPL
The recurrent power outages has negatively impacted so many businesses and residents in New Providence. This has left many of us with no air conditioning during the brunt of high tempered conditions, spoiled perishable food items, and for some difficulties involving their health. To this date there are no clear answers and poor communication about resources for mitigation.
Neely to represent Bahamas at Junior Caribbean Cycling
FELIX Neely, the top junior cyclist in the country, will leave town today to represent the Bahamas at the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships in Georgetown, Guyana, August 10-11. Neely, 16, will travel with Grand Bahamian Kenton Roker, the first
Gibson and Seymour just miss the medal podium
Bahamian national record holders Jeffery Gibson and Pedrya Seymour just missed out on getting on the podium with a medal in their respective men’s 400 and women’s 100 metre hurdles yesterday at the Pan American Games.In defending his title at the gam
Women's Softball Americas: Team named
DESPITE the challenges they had faced in securing the necessary funding and the players available, the Bahamas Softball Federation has announced the list of players that will represent the Bahamas at the World Baseball/Softball Confederation Women’s
Summer of Thunder: McNeese State in win column, Dukes dominate in debut
THE McNeese State Cowboys concluded their experience in the Bahamas with a pair of wins while Duquesne Dukes made their debut in dominant fashion at the Summer of Thunder. The Cowboys lost the first game of the series to the Commonwealth Bank Giants
THE PRESS BOX: Cowboys one of the best at 'unearthing hidden gems'
By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA THE Dallas Cowboys have been one of the best teams in the NFL at unearthing gems in undrafted free agency. Tony Romo is the best example, but he's far from the only one. S Barry Church was an undrafted free agent
The 'new face' of mixed martial arts in Bahamas
BAHAMIAN mixed martial arts fighter Giovanni Johnson continues to hone his craft and elevate his profile during his second training stint in Thailand. Johnson now has three wins in professional fights this summer, training out of True 8 Muay Thai Gy
Students heading to Scholar's Cup in Australia
A GROUP of Aquinas College high school students will travel to the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Sydney, Australia this month to compete in the renowned academic competition. In February, 42 Aquinas College scholars, comprising of 14 teams, pa
Employees walk out of PMH over AC fault
DISGRUNTLED employees of the record’s section in Princess Margaret Hospital staged a sit-out yesterday because of no air-conditioning in their department. Bahamas Public Services Union President Kimsley Ferguson said the air-conditioner in that part
Keeping Grand Bahama clean
NEW signage erected on Coral Road, Freeport, is part of an ongoing campaign to promote cleanliness of the environment in Grand Bahama. The Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee (KGBC), partnering with the Bahamas National Trust, Ministry of Tourism and
Amnesty issues warning about travelling in US
AMNESTY International has issued a travel advisory for the United States urging people worldwide to use caution while travelling throughout the country amid “ongoing high levels” of gun violence. The human rights watchdog said an emergency contingen
Motorist dies after accident on West Bay Street
A MAN is dead following a traffic accident early Thursday morning on West Bay Street. According to Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs, around 2.50am four males in a Honda Accord were traveling on West Bay Street near Arawak Cay, when the driver lost
UB happy to welcome 1,600 first-time students
THE University of the Bahamas hasy welcomed nearly 1,600 first-time students for the upcoming fall semester. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of orientation on Wednesday, Dr Rodney Smith, UB president, said about 5,000 students are currently a
Contracts issued for school repairs in Grand Bahama and Bimini
CONTRACTS for all school repairs have been issued on Grand Bahama and Bimini with work already being carried out in preparation for the new school year, according to State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson. “The scopes were approved b
Man, aged 25, denies GBH charge
A man was charged with causing grievous harm in the Freeport Magistrates Court yesterday. Jermaine Thompson, 25, appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and remanded in custody with the matter adjourned to Sept
Customs warns: No 'short cuts' on new system
The Customs Department yesterday apologised to Abaco’s private sector for difficulties caused by its new system, but warned that previous “short cuts” are now no longer possible. In a statement to Tribune Business responding to concerns raised by th
PM urged: ‘Take a knife and slice red tape apart’
The prime minister was yesterday warned he must urgently “take a knife and slice through the red tape” otherwise investors will “simply say goodbye” to The Bahamas.
Fidelity pledges no 'false euphoria' on planned stock split
Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) yesterday pledged that its proposed early 2020 stock split will guard against the “false euphoria” that such moves sometimes provoke in local shareholders.Gowon Bowe, the BISX-listed commercial bank’s chief financial officer,
BPL crisis: What else can we say?
The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday said there is “not much else to say” over the Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) crisis other than “hope resolution is in sight”.
Meditation: Caring for the sick
I. Coping with life after the diagnosis When you care for someone with a chronic disease or serious illnesses there are several issues or changes which may occur for both the patient and the caregivers: 1. Loss of the norm and the need to establi
Controversy will 'force BTC to perform better'
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) ultimate parent has “almost been forced to do better” by its chief executive’s controversial comments, a trade union leader said yesterday.Bernard Evans, the National Congress of Trade Unions (NCTU) pres
Latter-day Saints help ready the Crisis Centre for back-to-school
New and returning Fall attendees, their families and visitors to the Bahamas Crisis Centre, particularly of school age, will not only be warmly welcomed by Dr Sandra Dean Patterson and her team, but will also have the benefit of additional provisions
Top Works officials in 'resignation' bust-up
Two senior Ministry of Works officials were yesterday embroiled in an extraordinary bust-up that saw one publicly call for the other’s resignation - a demand that was quickly dismissed. Melanie Roach, director of works, brushed aside the calls by Om
Prayer, needed now more than ever - Baptist women host spiritual conference -
It was indeed “Praying Time” for the St Paul’s Baptist Church’s Women’s Ministry as they held their yearly conference last week.The conference, held at the church on Bernard Road, spanned two nights of prayer and praise, culminating with a prayer bre
Hey, I know her! Ethereal Eve
Women are such fun creatures. They naturally birth ideas, grow concepts and multiply anything that is given to them. Every woman is a force to be reckoned with.We are looking at personality traits that will make us say, “Hey! I know her!”Let’s call o
Bahamas among nominated Butterfield Trust subsidiaries
The Bahamas is among the jurisdictions where Butterfield has been shortlisted in the Citywealth International Finance Centre (IFC) Awards 2020. The bank has been nominated for Trust Company of the Year in four categories: Switzerland; Hong Kong and
Thursday, August 8
EDITORIAL: Implement alert for Marco’s sake
It is almost eight years since Marco Archer was murdered, a killing which shocked Bahamians at a time of too many killings.
STATESIDE: A city’s demise sparks another new low from the Oval Office
Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland and the epicentre of its political life, has seen better days. Now 290 years old, the city was still America’s second largest - after only New York - as recently as 1850.
MARCO alert contract will be signed in two weeks
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday confirmed the contract signing for the implementation of the MARCO Alert system will occur in two weeks. Dr Minnis made this announcement while delivering remarks at the re-opening ceremony of the Rolleville
I have been doing exactly what I told residents I would do, says McAlpine
AMID a call for his resignation by executive members of the Pineridge Constituency Association, Pineridge MP Rev Frederick McAlpine says the chairperson has never reached out to him or invited him to any of their association meetings.
$580m project fears on 'over-taxed' BEST
Opponents of a $580m south Abaco resort project yesterday voiced a lack of confidence in the ability of “over-taxed and under-resourced” government agencies to properly assess its impacts. The Sustainable South Abaco coalition, in e-mailed replies t
Six injured in three separate shooting incidents
Police are investigating after six people were injured in three separate shooting incidents hours apart.
Blackout apology - but no easy fix
THREE Bahamas Power and Light generators providing nearly 70 megawatts of power to thousands of households in New Providence are offline, with one asset needing at least a month for repairs, The Tribune understands.
Randy begs: End this nightmare
WITH operational costs mounting and revenue at an all-time low, Sky Bahamas CEO Captain Randy Butler told The Tribune he is fighting an uphill battle in an ongoing standoff with the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority.
‘Assault officers must be punished’
Rights Bahamas has called for an independent body to investigate allegations of police brutality and misconduct following the alleged assault of two young women by police in Exuma on Sunday.
26 ‘sex crimes’ on cruise ships
ALLEGED sexual assault remains the most reported criminal activity on board cruise ships, according to international statistics.
Pathologist’s shock at ‘staged suicide’ evidence: I’m dumbfounded
A LOCAL pathologist yesterday said he was “dumfounded” at a suggestion from his South African counterpart that a woman found hanged in her Atlantis hotel room was embroiled in a “violent struggle” and sustained over 60 injuries before her death.
Eugene Stuart to begin rookie yearas pro volleyball player in Finland
DIRECTOR of Sports Timothy Munnings joined 6’7” Eugene Stuart at the Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday as he prepared to leave for Finland to begin his rookie year as a professional volleyball player for the ‘Karelian Hurmos’ volleyball
Military link to today's data mining
After world war 2, Fredrick Terman became head of Standford University School of Engineering. He brought personnel that work with him at Harvard University that created technology used in World War 2. The office of Naval Research gave the Stanford University Engineering Department their first contract. (microwave research). In 1951 he created the Stanford industrial park. The Stanford Industrial Park which eventually became Silicon Valley leased land to companies such as Lockheed Corporation, Hewlett Packard, General Electric, and other important technology companies.
Political deception
The FNM came into high office in May, 2017 based on Christie fatigue and the myriad of fools' dreams and promises which it sold to the expectant electorate. The slogan: 'It's the people's time' resonated with most Bahamians. The PLP's: 'We believe in Bahamians' had come to resemble a four lettered cuss word. The PLP and it's erstwhile leader, Christie, had to go one way or the other. What did we get instead?
Thomas on a roll, Chisholm makes an impact
TAHNAJ Thomas set a season’s best strikeout total for the third time this season and continues to be the leading pitcher in the rotation for the Bristol Pirates. Thomas now has 42 strikeouts on the season to lead the Pirates and is seventh in the Ap
Seymour advances to final of 100m hurdles
Pedrya Seymour led the list of top performers for Team Bahamas yesterday at the 18th Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.Seymour advanced to tonight’s final of the 100m hurdles and will enter with the fourth fastest qualifying time of the field. She fin
Bahamas eliminated
DESPITE a stellar performance on the mound from Cleve Sutherland, Team Bahamas was unable to generate enough run support and was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Cal Ripken Baseball Major 70 World Series. Sutherland finished with 10 strikeout
Team Bahamas in Back-To-Back 3-0 victory
ON the Dominican Courts of Clay our girls came to play.After recording a shutout victory against the host country, the Bahamas’ under-12 girls team followed up with another 3-0 victory over Cuba yesterday.Saphirre Ferguson would lead out the gate str
Carey Jr sets sights on Spain, Miller set to join the UBL
A PAIR of Bahamian senior men’s national basketball team players will be on the move to new franchises this fall in their pro careers. Mike Carey Jr will head to the LEB Silver league in Spain while Tavario Miller exits the LEB Silver for the Urugua
BUSINESS BITES: Shifting sands in the way we spend money
I have been reading about a new Sand Dollar - not the physical sea urchin, but an immaterial financial concept based on digital technology. We will never see a Sand Dollar to hold in our hand, just a numeral in an account statement.
Minnis opens new Exuma police station
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday celebrated Exuma’s “economic expansion” as he delivered remarks at the re-opening ceremony of the Rolleville Police Station, which was renovated to “meet the demands” of the island. Dr Minnis noted renovatio
TV's Colin Trotman Jr dies, aged 57
TRIBUTES poured in yesterday for veteran producer Colin Trotman Jr who died at 57. Trotman was the assistant general manager of tv production at ZNS. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also offered condolences to him. He was a former m
Officials to boost ebola awareness
THE Ministry of Health is enhancing its Ebola preparedness protocol after the World Health Organisation declared a recent outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern”. Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday that though it is
Crown withdraws acquittal appeal after suspect killed by police
THE Crown has been forced to withdraw its own appeal of a man’s acquittal of a murder charge because he was controversially killed by police two months before the appeal could be heard. Trevor Cooper Jr was due to appear before the appellate court o
Compass Point owner 'speaks for 85% of us'
Compass Point’s owner is speaking for “85 percent of business persons in The Bahamas”, the DNA’s ex-leader asserted yesterday, adding: “I sympathise with him big time.” Branville McCartney told Tribune Business that Leigh Rodney’s decision to go pub
Sky chief: 'If it's me I'll step down'
Sky Bahamas principal last night vowed to step aside if he was the only obstacle to the airline restarting operations, revealing he had told his managers to prepare for a Saturday resumption.Captain Randy Butler, speaking after he met with the airlin
BTC's parent 'confident' on 2020 revival
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) ultimate owner yesterday voiced optimism its mobile business will deliver an “improved performance” heading into 2020 despite further subscriber losses.Balan Nair, Liberty Latin America’s chief executive
Many Labour on Block hires 'temporary'
“Many” of those hired through the government’s Labour on the Blocks initiative were only employed temporarily, the director of labour revealed yesterday.John Pinder, pictured, said the Department of Labour’s follow-up inquiries with employers showed
Bimini 'getting back on track' after BPL issues
BIMINI’s Chamber of Commerce president yesterday voiced optimism that the island’s economy will “get back on track” despite taking a “hit” from recent energy woes. “Things have normalised to a certain degree,” Edward Reckley told Tribune Business of
Farmers urged: 'Take the bull by the horns'
BAHAMIAN farmers have been urged to “get on one accord” and tackle The Bahamas $500m food import bill, amid warnings that the “livelihood of our nation depends on it”.Caron Shepherd, the Farmers United Co-operative president, told an agricultural con
Bahamian institute teams for scholarship initiative
The Bahamas Institute of Business Technology (BIBT) yesterday unveiled a new scholarship programme with DeVry University, a US higher learning institute founded in 1931.Called “Bridge to Brilliance”, the programme offers online undergraduate and grad
Wednesday, August 7
Amazon’s delivery robots head to California
NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon’s self-driving robots will be roaming the streets of another neighbourhood.
Japan’s NEC shows ‘flying car’ hovering for a minute
ABIKO, Japan (AP) — Japanese electronics maker NEC Corp. on Monday showed a “flying car,” a large drone-like machine with four propellers that hovered steadily for about a minute.
TECH TALK
• A Texas airport has begun testing a driverless shuttle outfitted with cameras and sensors to ensure passengers are transported safely and without the danger of being hit.
THE ALICIA WALLACE COLUMN: We all need a plan for a time we can’t avoid
We are ageing, living longer and it is does not seem like we realise it.
Today is the entry deadline for 27th AID Claycourt Championships
AS the tournament start date approaches, the organisers remind all local tennis enthusiasts that the entry deadline for the 27th AID Claycourt Championships is today (Wednesday, August 7).
EDITORIAL: Show a little respect, Mr Rodney
Do it my way or I’ll close my resort.
McAlpine row 'will not hurt FNM party'
DEPUTY Prime Peter Turnquest said public pushback regarding the representation of Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine would not hurt the Free National Movement, but show it is a “democratic” party.As he expressed confidence in the FNM’s internal procedur
We could have blackouts until November, warns Maynard
Power blackouts could continue until November, warned Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Paul Maynard yesterday. He told The Tribune the beleaguered electricity provider simply did not have the capacity to meet summer demands. He also blaste
Davis claims a 'constitutional crisis' over Town Centre Mall
OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday Friday’s broken valve incident at the General Post Office illustrates the fact that renovations done to Town Centre Mall to accommodate the facility were not done in accordance with “acceptable in
UPDATED: Police find body as murder count goes up to 54
POLICE found a man’s lifeless body outside of a building with gunshot wounds early yesterday morning.
Compass Point owner ‘completely out of line’
A Cabinet minister yesterday said he will “not be bullied” by the Compass Point owner’s threat to close the resort and put 60 Bahamians out of work, blasting: “He’s completely out of line.”
Compass Point owner warns govt to meet his demands: I’m serious - I’ll shut it for ever
COMPASS Point proprietor Leigh Rodney yesterday doubled down on his threat to make the historic resort disappear if the government does not take credible steps to improve the ease of doing business.
Victim warned to change lifestyle
RONALD Pierre remembers pleading with his younger brother to transform his life for himself and his young daughter.
Beating charge ‘very concerning’
AS HE pledged to make public the findings of an investigation into allegations of police brutality in Exuma, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said there will be no “cover-up” if officers are found culpable of wrong doing.
Mocs rout Giants 95-72 in Summer of Thunder
Coach Lamont Paris liked the physicality that the Commonwealth Bank Giants brought. He was even more impressed with how his University of Chattanooga Mocs responded to the pressure.
Gibson, Morley advance out of prelims in Peru
MEN’S defending 400 metre hurdles champion Jeffery Gibson and swimmer Laura Morley were the only two Bahamians to advance out of the preliminary rounds in both track and field and swimming as the XVIII Pan American Games got started for those two disciplines yesterday in Lima, Peru.
‘Hoopin’ by the Park’ a success
EMANCIPATION Day saw the culmination of the second annual Hooping by the Park Basketball Tournament which came to an exciting close on Freedom Park in Fox Hill as the champions were crowned in all four divisions.
Man, 36, accused of unlawful sex with boy
A 36-year-old man was charged yesterday with having unlawful sexual intercourse with a teenage boy. Ricardo Dunbar stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt over allegations he had sex with the 14-year-old sometime in June. Dunbar is also
Turnquest: We need to find better ways to resolve conflicts
DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said while the country remains plagued by “unacceptable” levels of crime and violence, people need to find better ways to resolve conflicts. He said although major crime categories have been trending downward, a
Accused denies document fraud
A MAN with an unconfirmed nationality was charged yesterday with defrauding three government agencies of various legal documents between 2011 and 2014. Germy Charles aka John Doe, was charged before Senior Magistrate Rolle-Davis with fraudulently ob
Three men found safe after vanishing at sea
THREE Bahamian men who vanished at sea were found safe just five miles north of Andros on Saturday. In a statement, Unites States Coast Guard confirmed the three men had safely arrived on land. “The Coast Guard ended its search for three overdue bo
Former national athlete on fraud charges
A 41-year-old former national athlete used six aliases to defraud a local movie theatre complex of over $3,000 worth of credit over the last seven months, police have alleged.Allen Mortimer - who allegedly used the names Sean Miller, Tracy Mortimer,
Southern Shores Tennis Clinic gets underway
THE third annual Southern Shores Tennis Clinic is currently underway at the Percy Munnings Community Centre. And according to coordinator Cory Francis, this promises to be an exciting time for all of the participants.
Woman on cocaine charges in Colombia is from GB
THE Bahamian woman arrested over the weekend in Cartegenia, Colombia, accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine out of that country, is a resident of Grand Bahama, The Tribune has learned. The woman - of Freeport - was arrested while at the airport a
Inagua's 'viability' at stake in latest Morton meeting
A Cabinet minister yesterday said resolving the Morton Salt dispute is “a top priority for the sake of all Inagua residents” with the warring parties due to meet tomorrow. Dion Foulkes, minister of labour, said the company’s management and line-staf
Modified Pitch Softball league All-Star games on Saturday
THE New Providence (Wholesalers) Modified Pitch Softball league is scheduled to play its 2019 All-Star games at the Blue Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday.
Duty free shopping a shocker
It’s a ritual for some of us to get off the island to visit family and friends abroad. A part of the routine is to pick up a few bottles of rum or some such other inebriant to take along as a gift.
Pleased to see Montagu Park has smartened up
Many thanks to Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority chairman Shanendon Cartwright and the hard-working staff for their prompt response to letters complaining about the unsightly, oversized billboards at Montagu Park.
BTC suffers $13.6m first half revenue fall
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) $13.6m first-half revenue decline last night underscored the urgency of pleas for corporate unity as its business continues to slip away.Figures for the first six months of 2019, released by its ultimate
Ferry provider in Bimini deal 'stolen from it'
Resorts World Bimini has this week switched the location and provider of its Florida-based ferry service, selecting an operator that previously claimed the deal was “stolen” from it.The resort, owned by the Malaysian conglomerate, Genting, has swappe
Judicial reforms to give 'clout beyond our size'
An ex-attorney general yesterday hailed the chief justice’s reforms as potentially giving The Bahamas “an influence way beyond our size” in both legal services and attracting new business.Alfred Sears told Tribune Business that the planned digital tr
Anti-tax dodge unit getting 'big results'
THE Government’s Revenue Enhancement Unit is already achieving “significant results”, the deputy prime minister said yesterday, voicing optimism it will “achieve our targets”. Speaking ahead of a Cabinet meeting, K Peter Turnquest said: “We are up a
Labour chief's concernfor domestic workers
The government’s top labour official yesterday said he is open to working with the Department of Immigration to prevent exploitation of domestic workers - the labour category in greatest demand. John Pinder, director of labour, said his interest had
BISX welcomes newest member Lydda Capital
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) has announced that Lydda Capital has become the stock exchange’s seventh broker/dealer member.Keith Davies, BISX’s chief executive, said of the new addition: “It is our pleasure to welcome Lydda Ca
Tuesday, August 6
EDITORIAL: Power to the people
The holiday weekend was a well-deserved break for many. People packed up work on Friday, and headed home ready to enjoy the three-day break – ready to relax and unwind. It’s a shame Bahamas Power and Light had other plans for Bahamians.
Man dies after being shot by police
A man died after being shot by police in Fox Hill early on Tuesday.
FACE TO FACE: Bob marched to his own drum and enriched my life
The value of life and the value of this weekly column was put into deep perspective for me as I prepared this edition – a dedication to media pioneer Bob Thompson.
UPDATED: Doctor dies in traffic accident
ABACO police are investigating a traffic accident that claimed the life of a woman who was a passenger on Sunday.
Chief Justice unveils ambitious e-reforms
The Chief Justice is targeting the total digital transformation of the Bahamian court system through a multi-year “e-services” roll-out designed to “catch up with where the rest of the world is”.
McAlpine urged to resign from FNM
THE Free National Movement’s Pineridge Constituency Association wants its Member of Parliament Frederick McAlpine to resign from the party, its chairman told The Tribune.
‘Police officer punched us in face’
WHAT began as a routine ticketing exercise for a broken headlight turned into a nightmare for two women in Exuma who claim they were brutalised on Sunday by one of the most senior officers on the island.
Blackout misery for families
BAHAMAS Power and Light’s load shedding exercises continued throughout New Providence over the holiday weekend, with residents in various communities suffering three to five hour-long power cuts.
MP’s brother gunned down: Renward Wells’ younger sibling shot outside home
The younger brother of Transport Minister Renward Wells was gunned down and killed outside his home over the holiday weekend.
Fritzie ran good race
The passing of Dr. Cleveland “Fritzie” Eneas Jr. made me reflect on old fashioned values that make The Bahamas so special.
Boot camp beauties: Taking notes from a queen
It’s not every day you get to learn the tricks of the trade first-hand from a queen. So when the opportunity arises, you seize it. And that is exactly what participants in the boot camp of former Miss Bahamas World Chantal O’Brian event did.
Williams, Jones help Sun beat the Liberty 94-79 for 7th straight win
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) — Courtney Williams shots have been falling lately and that’s been a big reason why the Connecticut Sun have been able to keep their winning streak going.Williams scored a season-high 28 points and Connecticut won its seventh
Acclaimed US motivational speaker returns to The Bahamas
Lisa Nichols, a renowned American motivational speaker who aims to brings the sizzle to the serious message for women to recognise their financial power, will return to the Bahamas in October for the second “Live life Free” experience.One of the orga
School security officers trained to provide first aid in case of emergencies
To ensure the safety and well-being of students ahead of the new school year, the Ministry of Education’s Security Division for the the first held special CPR/First Aid classes for officers stationed at schools throughout the country.The classes were
BLTA fields girls and boys teams for ITF/Cotecc Under-12
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association has fielded a three-member Under-12 girls team and a three-member boys team to represent the Bahamas at the ITF/Cotecc Under-12 Team Competition Sub Region 3 in Santiago de Los Caballeros, Domincan Republic. The t
Summer of Thunder tourney gets off to exciting start
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer of Thunder got off to an exciting start last weekend with a thrilling finish in the series opener and the first win by a local team in the series. The series began as the Temple Owls escaped with a 98-96 wi
Athletics, swimming and judo up next for Bahamas
WITH the tennis competition completed, the focus for Team Bahamas at the XVIII Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, switches to athletics, swimming and judo this week.Both the 19-member track and field team, the 10-member swim team and the two judokas w
Accentuating God-given beauty
The beauty industry is bigger than it has ever been. Thanks to influencers on Instagram and beauty gurus on YouTube, more young women – and men – are trying make-up tricks and tips in an attempt to apply makeup at an almost professional level. While
Coach Yo makes surprise visit to 'Buddy' camp
Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin made a surprise visit to the Buddy Hield Summer camp in their native Grand Bahama. McPhee-McCuin hoped to serve as an inspiration alongside Hield and urged campers to explore careers off
Hield: 'It always feels great to be back'
YEAR five of the Buddy Hield Summer Basketball Camp concluded in Grand Bahama as the NBA star continues to seek innovative ways to use his platform to assist community outreach.The Sacramento Kings guard, set to enter his fourth NBA season this fall,
Vasectomy: A great family planning choice
Vasectomies are the subject of many unfounded myths and plagued by numerous negative connotations. Many Bahamian men, like men everywhere, have a fear of the unknown regarding vasectomies.All children are a blessing, but once you have completed your
Older women: Changing the conversation
The “change of life” is a phrase usually applied to women going through menopause and, more often than not, is regarded as a negative happening both during that phase and when it is completed. True, for some women it can be a difficult time with dist
Far too much speeding
I have never seen on TV, or otherwise, The Queen of England being raced through the streets of London, with a siren blaring and I am wondering why it is that her designated representative in the Bahamas, Our Governor General, should feel the need himself, to be raced around our streets as has been the case since his ascension to this high office. It is so undignified.
Follow Britain's lead
I am becoming more and more discouraged about the direction of our country and, of course, the world.
Attracting the sharks
Over the past month much has been written about the subject due to the brutal attack of a young woman snorkeling off Rose Island, along with several other attacks last month. While it may seem farfetched, I think shark feeding has become a tourist attraction in The Bahamas. Why do I say that? I will give you two examples that I know of first hand.
Ministry offers condolences over mass shooting in US
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement offering condolences over the two deadly mass shooting incidents that occurred in the United States over the weekend which left more than 30 people dead and many injured.
Two Bahamians held among migrants stopped by Customs
TWO Bahamians were among a group of migrants apprehended by US Customs and Border Protection officials on Thursday.
‘For too long we’ve accepted mediocrity’
The Bahamas needs “comprehensive financial sector reforms” if its economy is to grow, with a leading investment analyst arguing: “For too long we’ve been accepting mediocrity.”
Supreme Court Rules revamp by April 2020
The Chief Justice is aiming to revamp the Supreme Court Rules, some of which are 40 years old, by April 2020 in a bid to develop “an entirely new and modern foundation” for handling civil and commercial cases.
Don’t be capital markets ‘follower’, Bahamas is urged
The Bahamas must focus on “leading capital market developments in the Caribbean” and stop being a follower, an investment bank chief is urging.
Over-the-hill group hosts business pitch night
A local non-profit is aiming to promote entrepreneurship within the inner city and likely see its over-the-hill incubator initiative replicated in similar communities.
Inner city youth to get ‘a hand’ in job placements
A BAHAMIAN non-profit is aiming to prepare inner city youth for the workforce through leveraging its connections in an effort to help individuals get their “foot in the door”.
Some cruise projects ‘closer than others’
A Cabinet minister says negotiations over multiple cruise industry investments in The Bahamas remain on track although some “are closer than others” to coming to fruition.
Monday, August 5
Three in hospital after shooting and stabbing incident on Grand Bahama
Three men are in hospital after a shooting and stabbing incident on Grand Bahama early on Monday.
Two dead in shootings hours apart
Police are investigating after a man was shot dead off East Street – hours after another homicide in New Providence.
Sunday, August 4
Man shot dead in Ridgeland Park
Police are investigating after a man was shot dead in the Ridgeland Park area early on Sunday.
Friday, August 2
Friend says woman found hanging in Atlantis room was not suicidal
A CLOSE friend of the 25-year-old South African woman found hanging from a cellphone lanyard in an Atlantis hotel room last year insisted on Friday that her friend was not suicidal.
44 enrolled in Agriculture and Marine Resources' first diving programme
AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard said 44 Bahamians are enrolled in the department’s first diving training programme.
'Minimal impact' on Post Office operations after mail and staff showered with water
TRANSPORT Minister Renward Wells said yesterday that operations at the Post Office continued with minimal impact after a broken valve caused mail and employees to be showered with water.
Residents urged to be vigilant amid increasing armed robberies
IN the wake of an increasing number of armed robberies in the capital, Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash of the Central Detective Unit urged residents to be vigilant and to take all necessary precautions to remain safe.
Rev CB Moss honoured at Government House
A LEADING pastor has been honoured in a ceremony at Government House.
American man, 12 Haitians arrested in Northern Abaco operation
AN American man found in possession of suspected marijuana was arrested with 12 Haitians during a joint operation in Northern Abaco on Thursday.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Football widows beware
Yesterday, I was standing on line at BPL trying to pay my power bill before another ‘load shedding’ exercise takes place.
PLP won't commit on Fiscal Responsibility Act
THE Progressive Liberal Party will not commit to leaving the Fiscal Responsibility Act in place if it returns to power, PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell indicated yesterday. Robert Myers, a member of the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), told
It’s a privilege to thank these fine men and women, says PM
SEVEN distinguished Bahamians received the 2019 Queen’s New Year Honours at Government House yesterday. During his remarks, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis expressed his gratitude to recipients “who devoted their full measure in service of their fellow citizens”.
'What did we do? I felt so violated. My children were afraid. I was crying ...What I do? Am I a criminal?'
RIGHTS Bahamas chairperson Mona Agenor yesterday said she feels deeply violated and humiliated after she and family members were arrested in a joint operation with police and immigration officers.Ms Agenor is calling for immigration officers to wear
EDITORIAL: Don’t let profit kill our conch
Imagine a Bahamas without conch.
BISX chief 'never lost faith' over $3bn listing
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange’s (BISX) chief executive yesterday hailed its listing of $3bn in government debt securities as “a day I never doubted would come”. Keith Davies, speaking after the exchange announced a successful end to
Only one in ten taught to swim
BAHAMAS Swimming Federation president Algernon Cargill wants a national programme to teach people how to swim, saying government research shows fewer than 10 percent of Bahamians can swim to save their lives.
‘Help our boy with cancer’
THE mother of an 11-year-old boy who was diagnosed with stage three cancer this summer is making a passionate plea for assistance.
Hotel death – No signs of crime: Atlantis’ expert suggests woman ‘strangled herself’
AN American homicide detective yesterday counteracted suggestions by a South African forensic pathologist that the hanging death of a 25-year-old female guest at the Atlantis resort last year was likely a homicide staged to look like a suicide.
Fishermen reject closed season
GRAND Bahama fishermen and vendors yesterday rejected arguments for a closed conch season, telling The Tribune such a move would seriously impact their livelihood.
Obie stunt blows up in his face
Thank God for the drama that unfolded over the fight for chairman of the PLP, otherwise their just-concluded convention would have had the same effect as a handful of sleeping pills.
Jones posts another double double, Sun beat Mercury
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Jonquel Jones had 15 points and 14 rebounds for her 11th double-double this season, and the Connecticut Sun beat the short-handed Phoenix Mercury 68-62 last night for their sixth straight win.
DIANE PHILLIPS: That sexy lingerie . . . why, oh why did I save it all these years?
For my 50th birthday, our close friends Jackson and Pam Burnside gave me a very sexy, see-through piece of lingerie. It was an all-in-one panty and top with ever so thin straps, made all of lace and imagination.
BAAA open nationals provides economic boost in GB
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ hosting of the National Open Track and Field Championships in Grand Bahama was a great economic boost to the island, but Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest is hoping that from a national perspectiv
Top athletes get set for Pan Am, IAAF Worlds
Not that many athletes participated in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Open Track and Field Championships in Grand Bahama over the weekend.But for those who did, it was an opportunity to showcase their talent before the Bah
Morley and Munroe make history as first Bahamians to compete in Crossfit Games
DAVID Morley and Chanelle Munroe both failed to make the top cut of 75, but they made history yesterday as the first Bahamians to compete in the Reebok Crossfit Games at the Alliant Energy Centre in Madison, Wisconsin. The games, which got started i
Two shooting incidents and spate of armed robberies
POLICE are investigating two shooting incidents and a spate of armed robberies this week.
Don't change Arawak Cay – it's a native area
I saw the plans proposed by the Prime Minister for Arawak Cay and I feel that these plans should not take place. Arawak Cay is a native space. This is the main reason for its appeal to visitors and Bahamians alike.
I cry shame on you, Mr Bennett Minnis
THE garbage of Mr Bennett Minnis…seems he is embarrassed that Milton Taylor who hailed from Long Island and formed the first political party in The Bahamas which eventually became the PLP.
PM's wife presented with award for mentoring girls
PATRICIA Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, was awarded for her commitment to mentoring girls throughout the country. Mrs Minnis was honoured at a “Flames of Inspiration and Commitment Grand Gala”, a celebration that marked 25 years of
SEBAS BASTIAN: Housing market is key but we need to speed things up
Modern economies are complex and interdependent systems whose components should work together to create value. Technological advancement, taxation, consumption, and productivity, for example, are all forces that work together to power the economic m
BTC labour relations 'not beyond repair'
Union leaders say labour relations at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) are not beyond repair provided management treats the workers with “respect”. Bernard Evans, the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas (NCTUB) president, to
BISX listing part of 'more rigorous' debt oversight
Listing $3bn in bonds on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) links directly to plans for “more structure and rigour” in managing government debt, it was revealed yesterday.K Peter Turnquest, deputy prime minister, told Tribune Busin
Insurer's Caribbean expansion is 'very much on burner'
RoyalStar Assurance’s chairman says Caribbean expansion remains “very much on the burner” as a means to address diversification concerns voiced by an international rating agency.Sir Franklyn Wilson told Tribune Business that the Bahamian property and
Farmers must be 'business minded'
BAHAMIAN farmers were yesterday urged to become more “business minded” in order to take the sector to the “next level”. Caron Shepherd, the Farmers United Cooperative president, told Tribune Business that the first annual agricultural conclave, Baha
Christian outreach comes to the Mall at Marathon this weekend
The Mall at Marathon is extending an invitation for Bahamians to join in the fun this Friday and Saturday as they host their annual Community and Church Days event.The weekend is set to highlight inspirational entertainment, membership drives, praise
Trust's National Park leases being finalised
THE Bahamas National Trust (BNT) yesterday said leases that will give it oversight of some 20 National Parks are now being finalised, with 43 more still under government review. Eric Carey, the Trust’s executive director, told Tribune Business: “We
IAN FERGUSON: Firms must extract graduate potential
We have known the benefits of pursuing a college education for a long time. Research tells us that individuals with higher education earn more, pay more taxes and are more likely than others to be employed and have benefits such as pensions and healt
Meditation: Hoping for the best
Usually the phrase “hoping for the best” means to be in a difficult situation with no guarantee of the outcome, but there is the desire to not lose hope. Is this where you find yourself right now? Is your heart heavy for one reason or another? Let me
Nazarene Church hosts historic ordination service
The Church of the Nazarene in Palmetto Point, Eleuthera recently held its historic Bahamas district ordination service.Having met the educational and experiential requirements, examination by the ordination board, and election by the district assembl
Now's the time
Isaiah 60:1-3 says, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen up
Thursday, August 1
EDITORIAL: What have immigration officers got to hide?
It happened in the dead of night. At four in the morning, officers from the immigration department swooped in an operation called Rising Sun – but it ended with accusations of violence, claims officers entered a property without a warrant, and a prominent member of a Bahamas human rights group held in custody with family members for hours.
STATESIDE: States’ rights could signal trouble ahead for Trump
America is the United States of America. The 50 states all agreed, upon gaining entry into the confederation that is the USA, to subordinate their preferences in several areas to those of the federal government in Washington, DC. Areas often cited for exercise of this federal primacy are national defence, foreign affairs and intelligence operations. Other examples are maintenance and development of transportation networks such as federal roads and waterways.
We need an explanation for this photo, says Hanna Martin
ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin is demanding answers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force in view of a “disturbing” viral image that appeared to show two uniformed officers dragging a handcuffed woman across the road. Videos posted to social media
Govt to carry out survey on views about closed conch season
AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard said a national survey is being conducted among stakeholders about a closed conch season which would protect stocks. Speaking to reporters yesterday at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Pintard
Don't be petty, warns Bannister over $9,000 rent for the GG's home
THE Minnis administration could indefinitely foot a reported $9,000 per month bill for Governor General CA Smith’s rental home. This was the suggestion of Minister of Works Desmond Bannister yesterday, as he revealed that works officials in the proc
Alleged abductor has charges upgraded to child stealing
DE’EDRA Gibson, the woman previously accused of abducting four young boys between the ages three and eight, has had her charges upgraded to child stealing. The 29-year-old hair stylist received her four voluntary bills of indictment (VBI) yesterday,
Politicians told: 'Stop throwing fiscal rocks'
A governance reformer has urged the Opposition to publicly affirm its commitment to responsible government finances, while urging both political parties: “Stop throwing fiscal rocks.” Robert Myers, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG)
Officers ‘beat’ suspects on immigration raid
RIGHTS Bahamas chairperson Mona Agenor was arrested yesterday in an alleged violent encounter with police and immigration officials.
Are cabinet women respected? No
FORMER official opposition leader Loretta Butler-Turner has insisted that regardless of what female politicians bring to the table they aren’t respected by men who have dominated the political arena.
Hotel room body - Was it suicide? Family’s expert raises questions over girl’s death
THE hanging death of a 25-year-old South African woman in a bathroom at the Atlantis resort last year may have been staged to look like a suicide, a South African forensic pathologist claimed yesterday.
‘We won’t be bullied by Miller’
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party deputy leader Chester Cooper has issued a warning to former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller, telling him the PLP’s leadership team “will not be bullied”.
Sky Bahamas faces inspection stand-off
Sky Bahamas was last night embroiled in a new stand-off over an “on-site inspection” - scheduled for today - that its regulator will use to determine if the airline has addressed its concerns.
UB Mingoes women’s softball team in 15-0 loss to Wildcats
THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes women’s softball team allowed the Wildcats to score eight runs in the second inning as the defending NPSA champions Wildcats ended the game in three innings 15-0 Tuesday night in the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Inaugural Mario Bowleg Basketball Camp is free
WHILE the majority of summer basketball camps are staged in a gymnasium with a fee being charged, the inaugural Mario Bowleg Fundamental Basketball Camp is outdoors at the Garden Hills No.1 Park and it’s free of charge.
Anthony Burrows Jr on winning streak
ANTHONY Burrows Jr, who won the Barnet Open Under-14 Boys last week, follows up with another good win in the Our Lady of Muswell Summer Series Tournament in Middlesex, Great Britain.
Eastwood Judo Club in 31st Annual USA Judo Championships
EASTWOOD Judo Club, headed by sensei Neville ‘Mickey’ Munnings, led a team of judoists to the 31st annual USA Judo Championships at the Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, over the weekend.
‘Hooping By The Park’ tournament jumps off today
THE Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) and the local basketball community had an exciting summer with a series of Sprite-sponsored events.
THE PRESS BOX: Cowboy Nation, here’s the deal with ‘Zeke’
SLOWLY, things are starting to progress positively in contract talks, with sources close to the situation confirming that an offer has been made to Ezekiel Elliott and proposals have been swapped.
Church of God of Prophecy holds its annual bowling competition at Mario’s
THE Church of God of Prophecy recently held its annual bowling competition at Mario’s bowling alley, with hundreds of Prophecy bowlers, members and supporters flooding the event.
BBF boss Bowleg praises FIBA U-17 coaching staff
MARIO Bowleg, president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, feels that he selected the right coach to lead the boys’ national basketball team at the FIBA Centrobasket Under-17 Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Marlins trade Gallen to D-backs for Jazz Chisholm
After spending the past four years with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jazz Chisholm is moving closer to home with the Miami Marlins in a deal before Wednesday’s trade deadline that will allow him to join fellow Bahamian right fielder Anfernee Seymour on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Double-A team.
Roberts eliminated
JUSTIN Roberts’ appearance in the men’s singles at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, came to an end yesterday.
Too many sign eyesores
Re: We need regulations to control the signs everywhere.
A booming rental world
Slowly people are realizing that the biggest economic betterment that has come about in the past 3-4 years is the “service tourist accommodation” the AirBnB service condo-house, etc.
$37,000 donation for children's home
ATTORNEY Brenford Christie, a trustee of the Alice Sauberli Trust, donated $37,000 to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home yesterday. Mr Christie also made a personal commitment to purchase ten cribs sorely needed at the Home. Minister of Social Servic
Crawfish season opens with warning on rules
AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard has warned stakeholders to comply with Fisheries Regulations as crawfish season opens today. The legal size limit for a crawfish tail is five and a half inches, while the limit for whole craw
Disney key to South Eleuthera 'survival'
Major investments such as Disney’s cruise port are essential if South Eleuthera communities are to “survive into another generation”, the island’s Chamber of Commerce argued yesterday. Thomas Sands, pictured , the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce’s pre
'Rogue' group can't be found at Harbour Bay
Security staff at the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre last night said they knew nothing of a group now subject to an “extraordinary precautionary warning” from the Securities Commission.
'One of best closings' aids $68m lobster haul
BAHAMIAN fishermen yesterday voiced optimism for a “strong” 2019-2020 crawfish season following the previous one’s $68m haul and “one of the best closings in 22 years”. Keith Carroll, the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance’s vice-president, told Tr
Development Bank unveils scholarship
The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) has established a scholarship programme named after its first managing director to coincide with its 40th anniversary celebrations. The Warren Logan Rolle apprenticeship programme will offer a scholarship to a Baha
Fisheries minister reveals conch exports phase-out
A Cabinet minister yesterday urged conch exporters to switch to other products given the government’s desire to ultimately eliminate sales to other countries. Michael Pintard, minister of agriculture and marine resources, confirmed that the governme
ART OF GRAPHIX: Use design thinking to unlock creativity
Think like a designer and be more creative. Take inspiration from the teachings of Michelangelo, who said: “Every block of stone has a statue inside, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” Creativity is a process, and great ideas do not
