Tuesday, June 30
Two found dead in separate incidents
POLICE are investigating two more homicides after two men were found dead in separate incidents Tuesday.
Bahamians explore the world of online dating
It comes as no surprise that online dating activity has seen a massive surge since the COVID-19 pandemic forced countries to lock down public life and order its citizens to stay at home.
EDITORIAL: Warning signs for the economy
HOW seriously is our economy being hurt by COVID-19? Our lead story today is a telling sign.
PETER YOUNG: For the Windrush families it was a scandal which so easily could - and should - have been avoided
In reaction to recent claims that Britain is a racist and unfair society, I argued in this column last week that it was inaccurate to say that the nation was dominated by bigotry and race hatred, as has been maintained by some people. It cannot be plausibly denied, however, that discrimination against minorities exists in one form or another in parts of society, with ethnic minorities affected by economic and social inequality - though claims of systemic institutionalised racism are often unwarranted.
FACE TO FACE: A remarkable life detailed in a folder telling the story of one of our nation’s builders
The “Father of Paediatrics” in The Bahamas was laid to rest this weekend, signalling the passing of yet another of our great nation builders. Time goes on, as it must, but it is right to take time to honour those who paved the way, paying tribute to their life and work.
Lloyd promises school statement by week's end
EDUCATION Minister Jeffrey Lloyd said a statement will be released at the end of the week advising the public on the way forward for children’s education amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents have been speculating, on social media, that when the new s
Bethel says sorry for failing to renew emergency orders
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel apologised yesterday after his office failed to deliver a resolution extending Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ emergency orders in time for last week’s sitting of the House of Assembly, causing the Governor General’s ori
Family and friends remember Zion, 16
FAMILY and friends gathered at the Fox Town Park in Abaco on Saturday for a memorial service for 16-year-old Zion Clarke, who was tragically killed in a traffic accident on that island about two weeks ago. Edith Clarke, the boy’s mother, said the se
Shot toddler still has the bullet inside her
THE mother of the two-year-old girl shot in Eleuthera on Saturday night believes the gunmen were after a man who lived nearby and not her mother’s house. The toddler, Da’Nyla Roberts, was sitting on the porch in her grandmother’s arms when she was s
Atlantis delays opening to July 30
THE Atlantis resort on Paradise Island has delayed its opening to July 30, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced in the House of Assembly on Tuesday.
THE BIG QUESTION: Independence and your hopes for the nation
The 47th anniversary of Independence finds The Bahamas wrestling with the effects of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. What are your hopes for the nation as it grapples with these issues and beyond?
‘Don’t panic’ on $2bn COVID loan deferrals
A Bahamian banker yesterday warned against premature panic after it emerged that borrowers sought repayment waivers for almost $2bn worth of loans at the COVID-19 lockdown's peak.
Freeport’s ‘open arms’ for Andros trade investor
A prominent QC yesterday said Freeport “would welcome with open arms” the billionaire philanthropist whose proposed North Andros free-trade zone was rejected by the Prime Minister at the weekend.
BPL pledges ‘price stability’ with new hedging strategy
Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) chairman last night said it has taken “the first step” to providing long-suffering consumers with “price stability and certainty” after the Government approved its fuel hedging strategy.
Central Bank reassures on $2bn reserves
The Bahamas’ key foreign currency reserves were maintained at around $2bn through the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown amid predictions yesterday that they will remain “more than adequate” to sustain the US dollar peg. The Central Bank, unveiling its m
$6m investor injection 'biggest in over a year'
A Bahamian investment bank yesterday revealed that investors injected “the biggest monthly sum that we’ve seen for over a year” into its mutual funds immediately upon the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Michael Anderson, RoyalFidelity Merchant Bank
125 police officers expected to retire, with 270 to be recruited
THIRTY-FIVE senior police officers and 90 contracted officers are expected to retire from the Royal Bahamas Police Force this year.
First arrivals due in from U.S. ‘spike’ zones
SIX flights are due to arrive in the country from the United States when international commercial travels resumes tomorrow, according to officials at Lynden Pindling International Airport.
'My brother coughed, then died in my arms’
THE brother of a man fatally shot in Nassau Village on Sunday said he will never forget the moment his sibling took his last breath in his arms after being shot in front of their home.
Straw vendors - keep market closed
STRAW vendors are calling for the government to push back the Straw Market’s re-opening date until the cruise ship industry resumes in September.
Drugs haul found on boat
A MAN was arrested after police found suspected marijuana on a boat docked at Potter’s Cay. Police said officers armed with a search warrant boarded the vessel shortly after 9pm on Sunday. Officers found drugs on board and arrested a man who on the
YOU GO GIRL: Jaleal spreads optimism via new platform for Bahamian workers
If you take a moment to look around you right now, you will probably find a world in chaos, contending with an uncertain future. And it’s no different here in the Bahamas. The global outbreak of coronavirus and its aftermath have left many Bahamians without jobs, and worse, without hope. A feeling of optimism is hard to come by.
Dwight Coleby to return for 2nd stint in Turkey
DWIGHT Coleby (above) will return for a second stint in Turkey once pro basketball resumes in the country’s Turkish Basketball League (TBL).
Weir: ‘We will see what the new board decides’
WITH the election of officers scheduled for Saturday, outgoing president Darnett Weir said it will be up to the new executive board of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association to decide whether or not they will keep the current Davis and Fed Cup teams in place.
Munnings to join top-tier Portugese Basketball League
TRAVIS Munnings was the latest Bahamian senior men’s national team member to capitalise on his free agency when he signed with a new club in a new country.
Mortier: ‘All of us came from grass root tennis’
As the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s election of officers draws near, former female national team player Dyphany Mortier is confident that she and her team will become the newly elected executive officers.
Stop these attacks on children
It is absolutely pathetic and heart-breaking that in situations where armed conflict breaks out, children who are the most vulnerable members of societies are mostly affected by the consequences of war. The six most common violations are recruitment and use of children in war, killing, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals and denial of humanitarian access.
A gift I can't forget from Peter Graham
I have been fortunate to have known the late Hon. Peter Donald Graham, who passed into Eternity recently.
Columbus keeps the tourists happy
Christopher Columbus statue is here to stay. Christopher Columbus is among the “been here” and will be here longer than Father Sebastian Campbell and all those other set of “just come here” opinions.
Ordered to pay $3.5k for marijuana possession
A 38-year-old man was ordered to pay a $3,500 fine yesterday after he pleaded guilty to marijuana possession with the intent to supply . Jerry Erme appeared in Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Samuel McKinney after officers seized two pound
Alleged child abductor faces court date
ALLEGED child abductor De’Edra Gibson will appear before Justice Bernard Turner next week to receive the date she will stand trial for abducting four boys from various places in New Providence early last year. Last April, Gibson was charged before M
San Salvador pair accused of having sex with minors in separate incidents
TWO San Salvador men appeared before Magistrate Sandradee Gardiner after they were accused of having sex with teenagers in two separate incidents. Terreance Storr, 21, was charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse after he was accused o
39-year-old man is charged with incest
A 39-year-old man appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with incest and indecent assault. The man, whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of the complainant, was accused of indecently assaulting and engaging in sexual inte
LIFE LINES: Learning to think wisely
Most of us think too much. And most of those thoughts are unproductive and repetitive, like a tune we once played because we loved it but then couldn’t couldn’t stop it from going round and round in our heads for days.
Six flights for LPIA on first reopen day
The Bahamas’ major airport is set to receive six inbound international flights from key US tourism source markets on the first day that the country’s borders reopen.The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), Lynden Pindling International Airport’s
Training Agency gains 55% job placement rate
The National Training Agency (NTA) boasts a 55 percent job placement rate, a Cabinet minister has revealed, with nearly 6,000 Bahamians trained over the past year.Dion Foulkes, Minister of Labour, told the Senate: “The NTA continues to effectively ca
Resorts back narrowed COVID-19 test window
Bahamian resorts yesterday backed the Government’s decision to narrow the COVID-19 testing window for tourists from ten to seven days prior to travelling even though the move has caused some market confusion.Matthew Brear, Cape Santa Maria’s general
Tour operator hits out at COVID capacity inequity
A Bahamian tour operator yesterday complained that a double standard is being imposed through the stipulation that buses and vehicles can only operate at 50 percent capacity.Marvin Gibson, general manager of Marvelous Tours, told Tribune Business thi
Aliv and Digicel make it easier to send top-ups to Haiti
Aliv has teamed with Digicel, the pan-Caribbean communications provider, to enable Haitians resident in The Bahamas to send mobile top-ups and plans to relatives and friends. The Bahamian mobile provider said customers will now be able to send Digic
Andros remains the final frontier
Andros, vast and barely touched by modern society, remains one of the least densely populated areas in the Caribbean and the last true frontier of The Bahamas. It is the ultimate blank slate for nature enthusiasts and those looking to truly get off-t
Monday, June 29
Two in custody after man shot dead
Two men are in custody after a man was shot dead in Nassau Village on Sunday night.
AG's office fails to deliver emergency orders extension in time
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel apologised Monday after his office failed to deliver a resolution extending Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis' emergency orders in time for last week’s sitting of the House of Assembly, causing the Governor General’s original proclamation of emergency to end at midnight.
EDITORIAL: Safe to come in but not to go out?
There was a contradiction at the heart of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ national address yesterday.
WORLD VIEW: CCJ offers parties in Guyana pathway to the rule of law
There have been unhelpful and destructive attacks by leading members and zealous supporters of the APNU-AFC caretaker government in Guyana against all with whose position they disagree. The targets are international organisations, CARICOM Heads of Government, other governments that have been major partners with Guyana and their diplomatic representatives.
INSIGHT: The number of cases are skyrocketing and, to put it bluntly, reopening as planned will cost lives
As a concerned Bahamian citizen living in one of the southern states in the United States currently experiencing an unprecedented spike in COVID cases, I am deeply worried about the potential consequences of The Bahamas opening its borders to international tourists, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
Rotary’s putting the ‘R’ in Dorian recovery
Rotary International to spend approximately $10 million on the recovery of the island of Abaco, immediate past president, Barry Rassin has told The Tribune.
INSIGHT: We can’t stay closed for ever but now isn’t the time to roll the dice
As we stand on the doorstep of the day of reckoning, anxiety is in the air. On one hand, many Bahamians are ready to get back to a place that can be considered normal. On the other, those taking a considered approach to the government’s decision to reopen the country are deeply uneasy. As we think about our loved ones and other citizens – those with compromised immune systems in particular - it is frightening to witness the coronavirus uptick continue with record-shattering force in the US.
Davis criticises Minnis over hotel redundancies
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis has attacked Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis for the “heartless and mean-spirited” way in which redundancies are being happening at the Grand Lucayan hotel. He called on the Minnis administration
Two-year-old girl in critical condition after she was shot while being held in her grandmother's arms
A FAMILY is desperately appealing for blood donations for a two-year-old girl left in critical condition after she was shot by gunmen in Eleuthera on Saturday night. A relative has identified the child as Da’Nyla Roberts. According to police, offic
Blaze destroys $500,000 boat
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a boat fire near Valentines Resort and Marina in Harbour Island on Saturday. A party of five was on board the boat when it became engulfed in flames, however no one was injured, police said. Ac
Police find body of man in a van
ABACO police discovered the body of an adult man in a van Saturday afternoon. However, the officer in charge of the island said foul play is not suspected at this time, but an autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death. A video sur
Moody’s warn COVID impact will remain beyond 2024
Bahamian economic output will not recover to pre-COVID-19 levels "until after 2024", Moody's has warned, in a stark illustration of the economic devastation unleashed by the pandemic.
VAT's 'blood from stone' for commercial landlords
A Bahamian realtor says the VAT Department sought to get “blood from a stone” by rejecting pleas from commercial property landlords to switch to cash-based filings/payments at COVD-19’s peak. David Morley, Morley Real Estate’s president, told Tribun
Lucayan on high alert for 'unrest'
The Grand Lucayan will today be placed on high alert due to expected industrial unrest over the termination of 170-plus staff, with its chairman pledging: “I’m going to nip this in the bud.” Michael Scott QC told Tribune Business he will respond wit
Ex-casino worker faces jail 12 years after 'theft'
A former Crystal Palace casino worker has been ordered to report to Fox Hill prison so he can begin serving a near-three year sentence for a $20,000 counterfeit money/theft offence committed almost 12 years ago. Appeal Justice Jon Isaacs, writing a
ACTIVTRADES: The faster the better - some things never change
In the distant year of 490BC a Greek messenger raced from Marathon, the site where a Greek army had just fought and beaten the invading Persians, to Athens, more than 25 miles away, to deliver the good news. Many centuries later, in 1896, this feat w
DON’T TRAVEL: As PM confirms full re-opening, he begs - don’t go overseas
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis urged residents yesterday not to travel overseas for non-essential travel and outlined revised rules for entry to the country.
Beaches back in business - but abuse it and lose it
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that people who fail to wear masks in public will be fined $200 or face one month imprisonment as the Royal Bahamas Police Force forms a new COVID-19 enforcement unit to ensure compliance with his emergency orders.
Marley called it mental slavery
American hegemony and cultural domination looms large all over the world, nowhere more so than here in the Caribbean.
Let the games begin
According to our minister of tourism it would appear that we may very soon be welcoming visitors from the US and from Europe to our shores at the drop of a hat. No quarantine, no negative test results.
Gardiner wins 300m, falls short of Brown’s record
Bahamian world 400 metre champion Steven Gardiner sprung out of the COVID-19 lockdown with a victory in the 300 metres as he chased the Bahamian male national record on Saturday in San Juan, Florida.
Alam bells ringing
The alarm bells are ringing loud and clear.
Candidates to vie for presidency of the BLTA
FORMER female national team member Dyphany Mortier has assembled a group of enthusiastic candidates that will join her in her bid to win the presidency of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association.
PM pledges no approval for Andros 'non-starter'
The prime minister’s pledge that the government “will not grant” permission for a free trade zone in North Andros was yesterday hailed as “very encouraging” by the Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) top executive. Eric Carey, the Trust’s executive direc
Tourism providers find re-opening tough going
Several tour, attraction and excursion providers say they are struggling to understand and implement the necessary COVID-19 protocols after the Prime Minister yesterday gave the go-ahead for their July 13 re-opening. Peter Rebmann,Pearl Island’s man
Sunday, June 28
PM addresses nation as reopening moves into new phase
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis gave updates on the phased reopening of the nation on Sunday afternoon, saying, “We are able to reopen our economy in a safer manner than many other jurisdictions.”
Friday, June 26
Commissioner has 'every confidence' in how police-involved killings are investigated
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said he has "every confidence" in how police-involved killings are investigated despite calls for an independent body to investigate the matters.
University of the Bahamas office operations resume on July 1
THE UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas will resume office operations for employees at Oakes Field Campus and North Campus in Grand Bahama on July 1. It is a part of their transition into phase two of their reopening plan.
PM officially opens Fishing Hole Road Causeway
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis officially opened the Fishing Hole Road Causeway in Grand Bahama Friday, marking the end to what he called a long and difficult chapter for Grand Bahama residents.
Man admits assaulting and threatening mother of his children
A MAN admitted to assaulting and threatening the mother of his children during a court hearing on Friday.
Jamaican man accused of unlawful sex
A JAMAICAN man was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on Friday accused of unlawful sex last month with a minor.
Man pleads guilty to breaking cousin's windshield
A MAN shattered his cousin's windshield during an argument, a court heard on Friday.
Man fined for violating curfew
A 28-year-old man was fined $500 in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday for violating the national curfew and lying to a police officer.
Two charged with stealing cleaning supplies
TWO men were charged in the Magistrate’s court on Friday with stealing an assortment of cleaning supplies from the company for which they worked.
Cooper criticises government after Moody's downgrade
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Deputy Leader Chester Cooper condemned the government for not heeding warnings when Moody’s placed the country under review for downgrade in April.
EDITORIAL: The economy didn’t just break - it’s been breaking a long time
WHEN Bill Clinton campaigned against George HW Bush for the US presidency, three words spoken by one of his strategists struck home.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Marijuana could benefit health and the economy
As we wade through the final stages of the COVID -19 quarantine, I still find myself willingly wanting to “social distance”.
DIANE PHILLIPS: It’s not COVID that’s the killer, it’s poverty
It’s no wonder we can’t wrap our heads around the COVID crisis. First of all, it came out of nowhere.
Seniors and disabled to get first donated Abaco homes
SENIORS and disabled people are top priority to receive the 46 homes donated by Discovery Land Company Foundation to Abaco residents, an official from the Disaster Reconstruction Authority said yesterday. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis made the anno
Struggling mother left owing four months' rent
A MOTHER-of-three says she needs a job and approximately $1,600 for the four months of rent she owes her landlord. Although she has a home-based nail business, 35-year-old Tassia Thompson said she was unable to pay her $400 monthly rent from March t
9,000 in Abaco ask for help with food
SOME 9,000 people in Abaco have recently appealed to Idea Relief, a Bahamian non-profit organisation, for food assistance.A representative from the organisation revealed the figure yesterday.This comes after the group’s co-founder told The Tribune la
Loss of a legal legend
PETER Graham, a former parliamentarian and the founding partner of Graham Thompson, died suddenly Wednesday night having planned to fly with friends on Thursday morning to his special island retreat - Hog Cay just off Long Island. It is said that he
DOUBLE DIP: COVID fallout sees two-point downgrade
The “extraordinary beating” inflicted upon the tourism industry by COVID-19 was critical in Moody’s decision yesterday to strip The Bahamas of its ‘investment grade’ credit rating, the deputy prime minister says.
DPM confident over beating $1.3bn deficit
The deputy prime minister yesterday voiced optimism that the government will beat its $1.327bn fiscal target for the upcoming 2020-2021 fiscal year as he reassured that The Bahamas’ debt burden is not yet “unbearable”.
Union chief: 2020 a tourism write-off
The hotel union’s president has described this year as a write-off for the tourism industry while voicing optimism that 2021 could be “a banner year” for the sector based on pent-up COVID-19 demand.
Financial sector faces 'heightened challenge'
The Central Bank is warning that the Bahamian financial services industry faces “heightened challenges” with sector employment levels falling for the fifth consecutive year in 2019. Unveiling its latest annual survey of the industry’s economic contr
Lucayan payroll has cost taxpayers $11m
The Government will have spent more than $11m on employee termination packages and support by the time it closes the Grand Lucayan’s sale, it was revealed yesterday.
U.S. COVID spike - we can cope
AS coronavirus cases skyrocket in the United States, a top local infectious disease expert says The Bahamas can still manage reopening the country without an explosion of COVID-19 cases if protocols are executed properly.
Andros plan ‘is threat to bird stocks’
AN international non-profit environmental organisation warned the proposed mining projects in North Andros will threaten the winter home for migratory shorebirds.
16-year-old accused in killing of woman, 79
A 16-year-old Bahamian boy was charged with killing a 79-year-old Haitian woman yesterday.
World Athletics launches ‘Road to Tokyo’
As the new norm for the world of sports continues to take shape in the midst of COVID-19, World Athletics yesterday revealed its plans for the postponed 2020 Olympic Games in launching what they call ‘Road to Tokyo.’
Man accused of fraud over passport and certificates
A SIERRA Leone man was charged in Magistrate’s Court with 18 fraud-related counts including uttering forged documents, fraud by false pretense, and possession of false documents. Seth Christopher William Beoku-Betts, 44, appeared before Magistrate A
Time to end provisions
The Prime Minister announced on 19th March, 2020, that he was invoking the provisions of Article 29 of the Constitution to decree a proclamation of emergency under which a number of emergency regulations and orders have been legislated to address the crisis arising from the Corona Covid-19 virus. The emergency regulations and orders put in place a number of measures such as a twenty-four curfew, a complete lockdown on weekends as well as limits on the number of persons who can gather in one place and imposed a 6ft physical distancing requirement on gatherings.
Second man accused over Lorencia killing
A SECOND man has been arraigned in connection with the murders of ten-year-old Lorencia Walkes and another man. Donald Cox, 24, was arraigned before Magistrate Andrew Forbes and charged for the May 29 shooting incident that claimed the lives of the
Brother denies matching stories with officer accused of rape
THE brother of the chief immigration officer who was accused of raping a Jamaican woman has denied conversing with the officer before the hearing to ensure their statements supported one another. Norman Bastian was accused of taking Claudia Edwards
McPhee-McCuin lobbying for social justice
COACH Yolett McPhee-McCuin continues to use her platform as the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels Women’s Basketball programme to lobby for social justice in her adopted home state of Mississippi.
Biden in a bind
Today, the conversation of drugs in America have politically resurfaced, and now it’s an open question whether Biden’s response to the issue can be an asset - catapulting him successfully or a liability - by eliminating him in the US 2020 election campaign.
Two deny obtaining spouse permit by fraud
TWO people pleaded not guilty to fraud charges in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Yvonel Amilphat, 41, and Raquel Amilphat, 47, were charged before Magistrate Andrew Forbes, accused of allegedly committing fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud.
‘I went on to win six gold medals’
ALIYAH Brown was off to a promising start to the 2020 track and field season for the CH Reeves Raptors and the 4-D Stallions before the coronavirus pandemic interrupted her performance at the National High School Track and Field Championships and possibly her debut at the CARIFTA Games.
IAN FERGUSON: Ensuring productivity among remote staff
With the call being made for public servants and private sector employees to return to work, many workers are questioning whether a return to centralised work space is necessary. COVID-19 has certainly tested our capacity to engage in productive work
Taxi chief 'very concerned' on Bay Street cruise bypass
The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union’s president yesterday said he was “very, very concerned” that the cruise lines will direct their passengers to bypass downtown Nassau whenever the industry resumes sailing. Wesley Ferguson told Tribune Business he is fearf
Food stores predict 20% sales decline
Food store retailers yesterday said they expect sales to drop by 20 percent between now and September. Atwell Ferguson, Golden Gates Supermarket’s general manager, told Tribune Business: “Sales have dropped for sure since the pandemic, and basically
Businessman voices Customs frustration
A Grand Bahama businessman is voicing frustration that Customs is undermining the ease of doing business by preventing freight forwarders and couriers from bulk clearing shipments. Darren Cooper, owner of D’s Car rentals, told Tribune Business that
Straw Vendors: Authority 'not candid' on re-opening
Straw vendors yesterday accused the Straw Market Authority (SMA) of not being “candid” with them about its plans for the downtown facility ahead of the July 1 post-COVID-19 borders re-opening. Reverend Esther Thompson, president of the Straw Busines
Thursday, June 25
STATESIDE: Love him or loathe him, Trump’s far from beaten and could easily win a second term
What a mess. We’re just over four months away from a pivotal presidential election in the US - and what do we see?
More travel restrictions lifted
TRAVEL restrictions from China, Europe, South Korea and Iran will be lifted on July 1 when international commercial flights to The Bahamas resumes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday. Residents and visitors coming to this country wi
300 receive food care packages in Grand Bahama
ABOUT 300 residents of East End Grand Bahama received food care packages on the weekend thanks to Reach Out Ministries, assisted by the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama and other local volunteers. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest was on hand helping
Minnis reveals COVID trends at virtual meet
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said 50 percent of COVID-19 patients who have required hospitalisation had one or more comorbidities. This contrasts with the 29 percent of patients without comorbidities who required hospitalisation.
FNM taking credit for PLP work, claims Darville
PLP Senator Dr Michael Darville has accused the Minnis administration of taking credit for the completion of several major projects started during the Christie administration. “The PLP finds it necessary to point out yet again that the FNM simply do
AG: We hope to have Bail Act amendments passed in July
MONTHS after the government tabled an amendment to the Bail Act in the House of Assembly, Attorney General Carl Bethel revealed yesterday officials are hoping to have the bill passed in July. Giving his 2020/21 budget communication in the Senate yes
We're working hard to get off EU blacklist, says Bethel
FOREIGN affairs officials are in discussions “at the highest levels” with the European Commission over its decision to blacklist the country last month, Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday.These discussions, according to Mr Bethel, will conti
Munroe to file action to cancel police appointments
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe says he will look at filing action next week to scrap recent senior Royal Bahamas Police Force appointments after the government failed to respond to his concerns about the legitimacy of the Police Service Commission. Assistant
Scholar Shanea sets her sights on film and TV
GRAND Bahama’s Shanea Strachan is this year’s Bahamian Chevening Scholar, the British High Commission in Nassau has announced. Selected from a competitive field of candidates, Ms Strachan will travel to the UK to pursue a master’s degree in producin
Food stores brace for sales plummet
Super Value’s president yesterday revealed he is bracing for a “below normal” sales decline as the post-COVID lockdown reality bites, and said: “If we fall ten percent below last year we’ll be in trouble.” Rupert Roberts told Tribune Business that t
Grand Lucayan lay-offs start on Holistica deal
The Grand Lucayan resort was yesterday said to have begun the “phased” termination of its remaining 208-strong workforce as it readies to complete the property’s sale to the ITM Group/Royal Caribbean joint venture. Michael Scott QC, the Grand Lucaya
BTC, Cable fees '150 times' more' than US access
A niche provider says wholesale direct Internet access (DIA) rates charged by The Bahamas’ two telecommunications giants are “in excess of 150 times” greater than comparable US prices and squeezing out competition.Theofanis Cochinamogulos, chief exec
Small business loans slow with $50m requests
Applications for the government’s COVID-19 small business recovery loan have collectively sought double the $25m initially allocated for the programme, it was revealed yesterday.Davinia Grant, the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) director,
Immigration officer - I’m no rapist
A CHIEF immigration officer who was accused of raping a Jamaican woman while she was in his exclusive custody in 2014, yesterday insisted that he is not a rapist and would not sleep with a woman without her consent.
Baha Mar receivers’ actions ‘a shocker’
A New York judge says it is "a shocker" that Baha Mar's former receivers and contractor kept the Bahamian Supreme Court in the dark over
Last chance for firms to meet plastic rules
WITH the July 1 date for the full ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam approaching, an environmental officer from the Department of Environmental Health said inspections will be ramping up to ensure business compliance.
‘Christie song’ suspect wins $60k off police
A MAN arrested in 2016 under suspicion that he recorded a disturbing song about former Prime Minister Perry Christie has been awarded $60,000 in damages after a Supreme Court judge found that he was unlawfully arrested, falsely imprisoned and had his constitutional rights breached.
‘Buddy’ tests positive for the coronavirus
Sacramento Kings guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield has tested positive for COVID-19.
Jamaican man, 22, charged with armed robbery and attempted murder
A JAMAICAN man was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday with armed robbery and attempted murder. Shakiel Smith, 22, also known as “Shak”, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after he was charged with six counts of armed robb
National Food Distribution task force gets extra $1.4m
THE government has injected $1.4 million into the National Food Distribution Task Force since the public/private group was established to provide emergency food assistance for vulnerable Bahamians and residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pri
Time to look after our own interests
The Caribbean relationship with the US is complex but enduring as a result of the 1821 Monroe Doctrine that designates the region under US sphere of influence.
Virtual learning: BBF launches ‘Summerfest 3-on-3 Basketball Training’
NO official timeline has been given on basketball’s return to the court but the country’s governing body of the sport began a virtual learning campaign for its latest initiative.
Ready for a second wave?
We all, inclusive of myself, have been demanding the relaxation or even absolute abolition of the powers granted, unconstitutionally in my view, to the Competent Authority. Well, over the course of the last week or two they are being eased and many businesses, where they still exist, will be reopening next week.
‘The biggest factor for me was my health’
Jonquel Jones cited COVID-19 concerns and a lack of clarity in the WNBA’s return to play proposal as the main factors behind her decision to opt out of the upcoming season.
Defence 'layers' key over cyber security
An information technology (IT) specialist yesterday said the Government must upgrade its systems in “layers” to prevent a repeat of recent hacks at the Registrar General’s Office. Scott MacKenzie, chief executive of Cloud Carib, told Tribune Busines
Entertainment venues hopeful on re-opening despite no date
Cinemas and entertainment destinations yesterday voiced optimism they will be able to re-open in July even though the Government’s latest COVID-19 emergency powers Order gives no date for this. Chris Mortimer, Galleria Cinemas’ president, told Tribu
Bahamas 'pressing' for October FATF removal
The Bahamas is “pressing” to be removed by October 2020 from a list of countries with identified weaknesses in their anti-financial crime defences, the attorney general said yesterday. Carl Bethel QC, in is contribution to the 2020-2021 Budget debat
Wednesday, June 24
Free tuition at BAMSI to start in the fall
FULL-TIME students at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) will be able to study for free when it resumes in the autumn. Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard made the announcement during his contributi
EDITORIAL: Prepare for the worst and hope for the best
IN today’s Tribune, we publish our annual Hurricane Guide – and in view of last year’s damage from Hurricane Dorian, we hope it will serve as a reminder to readers to be prepared.
ALICIA WALLACE: Is the curfew still in place because we know the more desperate people become, crime will rise?
The rules keep changing. We are getting some of what we asked for, but not all of it makes sense. It does not seem as though the decisions will be explained without a considerable amount of pressure. We are one week away from the opening of the borders to commercial flights yet the curfew remains in place, albeit it starts an hour later.
Missing woman found safe
A WOMAN who had been reported missing has been found in good health, police said. On Monday, police issued a missing person's report that said Re'Khanna Russell, 33, was last seen on Saturday morning at a residence in Charlottesville, Old Fort Bay.
Campbell pleads with parents 'not to cross line'
SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell is pleading with parents and guardians not to “cross the line from disciplining to abusing” children. His comments came after three people were charged in two separate cases of child cruelty in the Magistrat
70 still in shelters
AN estimated 70 people are still in shelters in New Providence some nine months after Hurricane Dorian, according to Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell.
Pinder: Jobless rate not expected to rocket
THE Minnis administration’s extension of unemployment benefits has helped to ensure the unemployment rate won’t skyrocket at the end of the month, Labour Director John Pinder said yesterday. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Monday that u
Davis calls on govt to reject Andros proposals
PHILIP “Brave” Davis has called on Bahamians to urge the government to reject two development proposals for North Andros, which aim to harvest aragonite in the island. His comments come after this newspaper last week revealed three separate investmen
Pandemic a 'devastating blow' to WSC - Gibson
WATER and Sewerage Corporation executive chairman Adrian Gibson said the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a “devastating blow” to the company’s revenue, adding officials anticipate that between 60 percent to 70 percent of its customers will not be able to
Fears as Sahara dust cloud heads to Bahamas
MASK wearing as well as taking other precautions is recommended for those with allergies and respiratory illness as a plume of Sahara dust is predicated to impact some parts of the Bahamas this week. Known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), a vast clou
'Expensive money': $150m port bond set for refinance
Nassau Cruise Port will move to refinance its recent $150m bond issue at the earliest possible opportunity, it was revealed yesterday, having elected to keep the offering’s $20m over-subscription. Michael Maura, the cruise terminal operator’s chief
Atlantis defends contract worker re-hiring move
A former candidate for the hotel union’s presidency yesterday called for a government investigation as he blasted Atlantis for keeping himself and other full-time staff on furlough while re-engaging contract workers. Dave Beckford, a 25-year employe
Downtown Nassau sees 70% revenue fall in cruise close
Cruise tourism-dependent downtown Nassau businesses yesterday said they may close down until September with revenues down by up to 70 percent in a bid to survive until the industry’s return. George Mousis, Athena Café’s general manager, told Tribune
Cruise tourism jobs 'simply evaporated'
A Cabinet minister yesterday conceded all cruise tourism-dependent jobs have “simply evaporated for the time being” as he revealed that one major line suggested the industry might not relaunch until mid-November.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of touris
$100m for 'serious food security dent'
The Bahamas needs to invest “at least $100m” to boost food security and make “a serious 40 percent” dent in its import bill, an agriculture entrepreneur is arguing.Caron Shephard, president of the newly-formed Bahamas Agro Entrepreneurs Group, told T
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 24th June: Freeport
STARTS: 06/24/2020 1:35 PM EDT EXPIRES: 06/24/2020 3:45 PM EDT
FULL STEAM AHEAD: COVID crisis won’t blow Global’s port project off course
Nassau Cruise Port yesterday confirmed it is steaming ahead with Prince George Wharf's transformation after raising $20m more than it needed from Bahamian and foreign investors.
Archer assault charge withdrawn
OMAR Archer walked out of court a free man yesterday after an accuser withdrew an assault charge against him during a hearing before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes.
FNM convention could be missed for fourth year
ST ANNE’S MP Brent Symonette said it may not be appropriate for the Free National Movement to have a national convention this year.
Like putting a band aid on a mortal wound
The Bahamas is in an unprecedentedly precarious fiscal situation.
25-year-old accused of murder, attempted murder
A 25-year-old was charged yesterday with murdering a man and attempting to murder a police officer earlier this year. Lorenzo Wilson appeared in Magistrate’s Court before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with the shooting death of Deano
It's time for leaders to improve performance
What with the laxity of Iram Lewis’s grossly incorrect report on the availability of hurricane shelters in Family Islands, and Customs “not wanting to come in and clear arriving boats” at multiple marinas in Nassau, things seem to be running just as irresponsibly as usual.
BOC makes good on promise regarding athletes’ welfare
After making an announcement last month that they have formed a committee to assist developing athletes, the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) has made good on its promise through its newly-formed Athletes Welfare Commission.
Spencer Cartwright ‘a top-level international sailor’
THE Bahamas National Sailing School (BNSS) is pleased to introduce Spencer Cartwright as a top-level international sailor who began his impressive sailing career with the BNSS at the age of eight.
Summer camp in memory of Webb, Smith
VERSATILE athlete Jonique ‘Mini’ Webb and veteran coach Sherman Smith, who both passed away this year, will be remembered with a girls’ and boys’ summer camp presented by the Diamond Basketball development programme.
Blue Lagoon Island to re-open on July 11
BLUE Lagoon Island will resume operations on July 11, following three months of closure. The top-rated private island destination has implemented “a comprehensive enhanced safety programme” to ensure that as local and international guests are welcom
15 months in jail for Corrections officer
A BAHAMAS Department of Correctional Services officer was sentenced to 15 months in prison in Magistrate’s Court yesterday, after he pleaded guilty to marijuana possession and drug possession with the intent to supply. Delroy Barr, 23, appeared befo
Two men fined after they admit to drug possession
TWO men were fined for marijuana possession in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, while another man was conditionally discharged and ordered to attend drug counselling classes. Narado Knowles, 38, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes
Now you are insulting our intelligence
I think that the ONLY thing that my good friend Mike Maura Jr did not say in this warning from the Wheelhouse of the Nassau Port was “We’re all right Jack, pull the ladder up” !
GB Port Authority to keep supporting children's home
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority has pledged its continued support of the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, assuring stakeholders the buildings were fully insured and would be rebuilt at a cost of $850,000. Additionally, surrounding structures are being
Recovery Committee targets early September completion
The prime minister’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Committee last night said it will present its final report on the road map for The Bahamas’ revival by early September 2020, with consultations to start next month. The committee, in a statement, said
PwC: IT spending 'paying dividends'
A Bahamian accounting firm yesterday said its technology investments are “paying dividends” by upholding productivity throughout COVID-19 even though just ten percent of staff have currently returned to the office. Prince Rahming, territory manger f
Compliance officers elect new executive committee
The Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers (BACO) elected its 2020-2022 executive committee last Friday during its biennial general meeting held via Zoom conference .“Members of BACO should expect more collaboration, increased partnership and int
Restaurants: 'No choice' on 50% indoor capacity
Bahamian restaurants yesterday said they have “no choice” but to adjust their business models to the 50 percent indoor dining capacity limit set by the prime minister in the latest COVID-19 health protocols. Jacques Carlino, owner/operator of Blue S
Tuesday, June 23
EDITORIAL: The confusing tiptoe back to normality
RESTRICTIONS are easing again – but not by much.
PETER YOUNG: Removing reminders of a country’s past will do nothing to address genuine social injustice
Last week in this column, I covered the issue of criminal vandalism of statues and monuments in Britain and stressed the need for the police to enforce law and order. I return to the subject today because of a more recent development that, in the view of many, has reached a new low of craven submission by authority.
Rand set for $20m boost
MORE than $20m has been earmarked in the upcoming fiscal year for the phased redevelopment of the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday. Dr Minnis, who is also minister of health, said $9m is allocate
Measures are not enough, says Davis
MINUTES after Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis addressed the House of Assembly on further COVID-19 relaxations, PLP leader Philip “Brave” Davis said the measures do not provide enough relief for the “angst” people are experiencing. In his contributio
Homes for Abaco families
FORTY-SIX families will be gifted homes in Central Pines, Abaco, according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. He said the land lease for the development of the homes is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General and that a subdivision in
Govt to save $62m in healthcare costs
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the government aims to save $62 million in healthcare costs over the next five years by integrating public healthcare systems, using the National Health Insurance programme as the anchor. He also said the Public H
FACE TO FACE: Boston Blackie’s final count
Leonard Joseph ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller spent his last Father’s Day on Earth, this Sunday past. His life and legacy is one of a nation builder in athletics in The Bahamas, and mentor to many.
Cruise passengers won’t be downtown this year
Nassau Cruise Port's top executive yesterday warned that downtown Bay Street is "unlikely to see any cruise passengers" before year-end 2020 regardless of whenever the industry resumes sailing.
Jitneys want fare rise to offset new limits
Jitney drivers yesterday confirmed they are lobbying for a 60 percent increase in adult fares to compensate for bus capacity being slashed in half due to COVID-19 safety measures.
Bahamas ‘obvious target’ for hackers
Attorneys yesterday warned the latest Registrar General’s Department hack shows the government “cannot get away” with any IT system deficiencies, adding: “We’re an obvious target.”
Hurricane Hole developer's new $352m project
Hurricane Hole developer’s has received initial approval for a $352.2m development on Matt Lowe’s Cay that promises a desperately-needed boost for Abaco’s Dorian-ravaged economy, it was revealed yesterday. Dr Hubert Minnis, in his contribution to th
Economy 'wipe out' if firms fail in complying
The Bahamian economy “could be wiped out” if business owners and employees fail to take compliance and enforcement of COVID-19 health protocols seriously, a top private sector executive warned yesterday.Jeffrey Beckles, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerc
Family’s shock at brutal murder of grandmother
THE murder of a 79-year-old Haitian woman in Eight Mile Rock has left a family in shock over the brutal manner in which she was killed and left in bushes “like an animal”.
NOW, BEHAVE: Minnis warns - follow the rules as he okays major relaxation step
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said his emergency powers will be extended into July as the country enters Phase Five of his reopening plan.
Trust sounds alert on Andros plans
BAHAMAS National Trust is sounding the alarm over concerns about three development proposals for North Andros which have grabbed headlines recently.
Jonquel Jones to sit out WNBA season
Connecticut Sun star Jonquel Jones has officially announced her intention to forego the upcoming shortened WNBA season amid COVID-19 pandemic concerns.
Equestrian Bahamas takes part in a virtual Zoom discussion
AGAINST the backdrop of civil unrest being played out across North America in recent weeks, questions about underlying ideals and values and systemic discrimination are being raised… not only regarding race, but also in gender and in other forms.
Miller ‘was one of the most outstanding fighters in our history’
FORMER boxing champions Patrick ‘the Centreville Assassin’ Strachan and Arthur Buchanan, along with the Progressive Liberal Party, joined those who remembered national boxing/cycling legend Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller.
Bahamas Bodybuilding Federation prepares for proposed championships
WITH the Bahamas Government announcing the reopening of gyms and spas, the Bahamas Bodybuilding Federation is now looking forward to preparing for the proposed National and the Central American and Caribbean Championships.
A fantastic statue
The Bahamas was discovered by Christopher Columbus. In 1492 Columbus sailed the Ocean blue, they had three ships: the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria.
Why can't people obey the rules on social distancing?
As a permanent resident ln the Bahamas I am reluctant to express my views, but suffice it to say I am so disappointed and frustrated with the country’s, and in particular the Government’s, reaction to the COVID 19 situation that I am compelled to put pen to paper.
Columbus: Let a noble Lucayan family look him in the eye
At the moment, we are disconnected from those whom we love. We are living with deep uncertainty, a future unknown.
Economic zone to expand
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced yesterday that New Providence’s economic empowerment zone will be expanded to now include Englerston and Montel Heights, expanding access for some to tax concessions. “This zone will now extend south past Wu
Dumping of derelict vehicles causing concern
THE illegal and improper dumping of derelict vehicles, particularly in Freeport following the passing of Hurricane Dorian, is causing concern for city officials who have now identified a designated plot of land for their disposal. The Grand Bahama P
Downtown gets ready to party
THE government is launching “Downtown Under the Stars” next month, an event aimed at stimulating the domestic economy. According to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, the event, which will take place over several weeks starting in the latter half of J
Two men put on probation after confessing to fraud
TWO men were yesterday placed on probation and ordered to repay a marketing agency which they defrauded nearly two years ago. Tristian Rolle, 33, and Travado Taylor, 35, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes, charged with possession of forged doc
Woman admits assault and then pleads for leniency
A 38-year-old woman was ordered to pay $1,300 yesterday after being charged with assault and threats of death. Ventina Turnquest, stood before Kara Turnquest-Deveaux, accused of unlawfully assaulting Sasha Dorsette and threatening her with death on J
Crown Land inequity must be addressed
Crown land can be defined as public land. It is a territorial area owned by the state (government) that citizens can access and also have the right to use. In The Bahamas, the controversies surrounding crown land can be divided into two parts: Owners
Social distancing key to gym re-openings
Bahamian gyms and fitness centres yesterday acknowledged that social distancing will be critical to their safe COVID-19 re-opening on July 1. Jennifer Godet, owner of J-Line Fitness Bahamas, told Tribune Business that the permission granted by Dr Hu
Taxi drivers: Return a 'double-sided coin'
Taxi drivers yesterday said they remain cautious about the tourism reopening and accepting fares from visitors due to the 2.2m COVID-19 infections plaguing The Bahamas’ major source market.Wesley Ferguson, the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union’s (BTCU) presiden
Arawak Cay vendors: Why still punish us?
Furious Arawak Cay restaurant owners yesterday questioned why they were being singled out as the only location where customers are not allowed to dine inside, arguing: “A restaurant is a restaurant.” Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch
Companies urged to focus on IT system weaknesses
A cyber security specialist yesterday urged Bahamian businesses and government agencies to identify “extremely sought after” soft targets in their IT systems following the attacks on the Registrar General’s Department. Philip Darville, SolveIT Baham
Monday, June 22
Nellie and Julia enjoy celebrating their long lives
SOCIAL distancing rules set to combat COVID-19 didn’t stop special recognition of Nellie Louise Moss and Julia Ann Huyler in honour of their longevity. Governor General Cornelius A Smith maintained his practice of honouring the country’s men and wom
EDITORIAL: So what direct action will we see over racism?
It is nearly a month since the killing of George Floyd sparked worldwide protests against racism.
WORLD VIEW: Caribbean among countries being unfairly targeted by US senators over Cuba
THREE US senators, who have done little to advance the interests of the Caribbean and with whom requests for meetings by many Caribbean Ambassadors are usually shunted to their staff, are now proposing US government punishment for Caribbean countries that request assistance from Cuba for medical personnel.
INSIGHT: A helping hand for the hundreds left devastated by Dorian
Last September, Hurricane Dorian struck the Northern Bahama Islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama causing billions of dollars in damage. The One Eleuthera Foundation stepped in to assist hundreds of evacuees who resettled in Eleuthera, with just over half still remaining today.
INSIGHT: We put our trust in the police but rogue officers must be held to account
COUNTLESS images of police brutality have nearly been just as common as the mantra of “protect and serve” - widely used terminology in policing globally. And yet, The Bahamas refuses to take much-needed steps toward enhancing the level of accountability that currently exists in local law enforcement.
Relief as boy, 12, is found safe and well
A 12-year-old boy who was reported missing on the weekend has been found and is safe with his family, a close relative told The Tribune yesterday. Kooban Barr was last seen leaving his residence on Farrington Road on Saturday, according to police re
Don't get too excited, Andros residents told
A CHAMBER of Commerce president is urging Andros residents to wait for more definitive details surrounding the proposed North Andros “free trade zone” project before coming to a conclusion on the potential development, which promises thousands of job
Ministry highlights protocols required for entry
IN preparation for the country’s full tourism re-opening on July 1, the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is reminding residents and visitors to ensure that they complete the necessary protocols in order to gain entry into the country.
Arawak Cay is open for business and obeying all the rules
DESPITE “rumours to the contrary”, Fish Fry at Arawak Cay was not shut down and remains open for business, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources said. Vendors said a barricade was placed at Arawak Cay’s main entrance on West Bay Street a
HACKERS STRIKE AT GOVT SYSTEM: Russians and Bulgarians behind cyber raid on key banking and personal data
The Government is "betwixt and between" over the Registrar General's Department's cyber security woes after being forced to again shut down its online database following fresh hacking attempts.
Sept 15 earliest cruise lines return
The Downtown Nassau Partnership's (DNP) co-chair yesterday said the cruise lines' decision not to resume sailing until September 15 is "a very serious blow" that may mean many small businesses "will not survive".
Union leader to continue battle on bankruptcy
A trade union leader yesterday said “all options are on the table” after the Court of Appeal rejected his bid and those by three fellow ex-pension fund trustees to overturn bankruptcy orders made against them.Bernard Evans, pictured, the National Con
No third mobile firm before 2022
The government will make no decision on whether to licence a third mobile operator until 2022 at the earliest, its newly-released electronic communications sector policy has revealed. The 2020-2023 policy calls on the Utilities Regulation and Compet
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 22nd June: Nassau
STARTS: 06/22/2020 10:20 AM EDT EXPIRES: 06/22/2020 11:15 AM EDT
Beaches in New Providence, Paradise Island, Bimini to reopen June 29, curfew shortened
BEACHES and parks in New Providence, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and Bimini will reopen on Monday, June 29, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced in Parliament.
PATIENT VISITS TO RESUME
THE Public Hospitals Authority has announced the resumption of patient visitation to its facilities starting July 1, under strict guidelines due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
SHORT TRIP TRAVEL: ‘NO TEST NEEDED’
HEALTH officials have recommended that residents travelling outside the country for “a short period” of time do not need to produce a negative COVID-19 test to return home, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen said yesterday.
Negative result for cargo ship worker
A CARGO ship worker who was transported from Exuma to New Providence last week has tested negative for COVID-19, the Ministry of Heath said. The 33-year-old male patient works on a cargo ship that services the Caribbean and the Turks and Caicos Isla
Shark bite victim
A SHARK bite victim was transported from The Bahamas to a Palm Beach County hospital last week, according to Florida reports. The Palm Beach Post said a spokesman for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue confirmed the incident. Crews stationed at Palm Bea
Bridgewater climbing pro basketball 'ladder' in France
DOMINICK Bridgewater continues to climb the pro basketball ladder in France and was promoted for the upcoming season. Bridgewater, a member of the For-Sur-Mer Provence Byers Club, was placed on loan to Sapela Basket 13 of France’s Nationale Masculine
Roberts: 'We are just training, trying to get better'
JUSTIN Roberts, reeling in the catches from his new found fishing hobby, was excited to hear the International Tennis Federation’s announcement last week that the ITF World Tennis Tour will resume on August 3 for ladies’ events and August 17 for the
We need the imagination to run our country ourselves
I had an interesting chat with a lady several days ago. Her name was Andros and she belonged to the Bahamas family.
Willis Mackey Jr to make move from Spain
BAHAMIAN pro basketball player Willis Mackey Jr will make the move from Spain to France next season. Mackey is set to join JSA Bordeaux Métropole Basket of France’s Nationale Masculine 1 (NM1 League, the third-tier division of club basketball in the
Don't believe airline's tears
Recently we have had a river of tears cried over Bahamasair by everyone from the Minister of Tourism, the Chairman and the CEO of Bahamasair and most recently the auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Leonard 'Boston Blackie' Miller dies in hospital
Father’s Day was a somber one for the family of Bahamas National Hall of Famer Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller and the Bahamas Boxing Federation fraternity as one of the country’s most versatile athletes/coaches passed away. Miller, who would have c
ACTIVTRADES: Is a conflict between the USA and China inevitable?
Thucydides was one of the greatest Greek historians of the classical era. He wrote The History of the Peloponnesian War, an eight-volume treaty recounting the conflict between Athens and Sparta, in the 5th Century BC. Sparta, the dominating power at
BTC: URCA 'broke law' on internet regulations
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is accusing regulators of breaching the industry’s governing law in proposing new regulations to prevent “anti-competitive behaviour” in the broadband internet market.The former state-owned monopoly is all
'Full transparency' urged on North Andros projects
The North Andros Chamber of Commerce’s president is calling for “full transparency” over the three investment projects targeting the area while warning residents against “rushing to judgment” over their merits. Darin Bethell, in a statement sent to
Saturday, June 20
Man in custody after woman found dead in Eight Mile Rock
The body of a woman who was reported missing was discovered in bushes near her home in Eight Mile Rock early on Saturday morning.
Friday, June 19
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 19th June: Freeport
STARTS: 06/19/2020 7:50 PM EDT EXPIRES: 06/19/2020 8:50 PM EDT
'Don't kill me in front of my family': Singer Sammi Starr describes being robbed at gunpoint
SINGER Sammi Starr begged gunmen "Please don't kill me in front of my family" as he was robbed outside his home while his children called his name.
Man charged with robbing two people at gunpoint
A 25-year-old man was remanded to prison on Friday after he was charged with holding a man and woman at gunpoint and robbing them of cash earlier this month.
More than 700 food vouchers distributed in Freeport
MORE than 700 food vouchers were provided to five local entities in Freeport through the national food distribution programme launched on Friday in Grand Bahama.
Firearm found in bushes
AN illegal firearm was discovered in bushes in the Eight Mile Rock area early Friday morning, Grand Bahama Police reported.
Bahamas joins call for 'urgent debate on racism'
THE Bahamas has joined the international chorus calling for "an urgent debate on racism” as people across the world continue to protest police-involved violence against black people, which was sparked by the killing of George Floyd – an unarmed African American man who died in Minneapolis last month.
EDITORIAL: Andros projects show our potential
LIKE buses, it seems you wait forever for a project in Andros, and then three come along at once.
DIANE PHILLIPS: This pandemic is no respecter of reputation
We see the statistics, the staggering numbers of new cases in places where beer taps flow freely again or people gather in peaceful protest convinced their moral conviction could keep COVID at bay.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Are we now a mirror to the U.S.?
THIS week we saw our borders being prepared for re-opening, and a police involved shooting, clouded in controversy and conspiracy theories, in which three young Bahamian males lost their lives.
Bahamian choked to death is remembered in New York
A BAHAMAS-born man who was choked and killed by American police more than 40 years ago was remembered in New York City on Sunday.Thrity-year-old Arthur Miller was killed on June 14, 1978, in New York City by local police after an officer “choked him
New officers complete training
BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net Fifty-four police recruits, including 35 Bahamians and 19 from the Turks and Caicos Islands, completed their training at the Police College in Grand Bahama amidst the COVID-19
University commencement ceremony goes online
THE 2020 commencement for University of The Bahamas may not have the traditional pomp and circumstance, but it will have an even more elevated significance for graduates who are closing one chapter of their lives and entering a new one during an unpr
Andros MP unhappy he was not consulted on project
NORTH Andros and the Berry Islands MP Carlton Bowleg said it is “high disrespect” for investors to pursue a massive development affecting his constituents without consulting him first.He was referring to a proposed multi-million development in Morgan
Steroid is available for COVID-19 treatment
BRITAIN has made a breakthrough with a drug for the treatment of COVID-19 and according to coordinator of the government’s COVID-19 task force the medicine is already here in The Bahamas awaiting approval to be used. The drug, a low dose steroid, is
Abaco airport to be 'clean and ready' on July 1
AMID cleanliness concerns surrounding the re-opening of the Leonard M Thompson International Airport, the North and Central Abaco island administrator has assured the airport will “be back on its regular cleaning schedule” soon and will be ready for
Aggregate miner targeting 'full' $125m Andros spend
An aggregate mining and land reclamation development, featuring a $15m-$20m first phase investment and creation of 35 jobs, is among three “very different and separate projects” currently targeting North Andros. Cameron Symonette, The Symonette Grou
‘Pure insanity’ if Andros investor ignores Freeport
A prominent QC yesterday argued it would be “pure economic insanity” if the government permits a US billionaire philanthropist to develop a free-trade zone on Andros instead of basing his project in Freeport.
IT: Bahamas needs 15-year overhaul completed in five
The Bahamas and wider Caribbean must complete a 15-year transformation in just five years to catch up with the developed world in information technology (ICT), a local provider is arguing.Scott MacKenzie, chief executive of Cloud Carib, told Tribune
Ex-US diplomat in 25,000 acre Andros venture
A $5m commercial faming venture that involved a former US ambassador to The Bahamas was yesterday identified as one of three competing investment proposals targeting North Andros.Documents obtained by Tribune Business name Ned Siegel, an ex-US ambass
Budget ‘a missed opportunity’
The 2020-2021 budget represents a missed opportunity to kickstart talks on progressive reforms such as personal and corporate income taxes, a University of The Bahamas (UoB) economics lecturer is arguing.
Carib visitors to face quarantine
TRAVELLERS coming to The Bahamas from English-speaking CARICOM member countries will not be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test for entry to this country, according to Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu.
‘Can anyone out there help me?’
A WOMAN is desperate for help, saying she needs to pay her landlord more than $2,000 today or will be evicted.
‘We’ll look out for ourselves’
ABACO residents say they are not waiting for the government to issue evacuation plans for the 2020 hurricane season but are instead making their own plans if another storm were to hit the island.
Team captain Jodie earns unprecedented achievement
4-D Stallions Track Club’s team captain Jodie Ritchie earned an unprecedented achievement as the middle distance runner graduated in the Queen’s College Class of 2020 with academic awards.
NCAA outlines timeline for return of men’s, women’s basketball
THE NCAA Division I Council has outlined the projected timeline for a return to action for both men’s and women’s basketball programmes.
Spotlight on young achievers in awards
BTC’s New Providence Junior Achievement company won top awards at the JA end of year review virtual ceremony which took place on June 1. BTC Horizon’s president, Noel Seymour won President of the Year, Most Distinguished Achiever and was awarded an
Children's home renovations complete 'by end of July'
RENOVATIONS at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home are in full swing again and are expected to be completed by the end of next month, according to a representative from the orphanage. The facility was severely destroyed by Hurricane Dorian, leaving 31
Fraud accused faces court
A 39-year-old man was accused of defrauding the Securities Exchange Commission earlier this year. Damalus Curry appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with possession of a forged document and uttering the same, after he was fo
Sands' delay
I write in connection with your Editorial of the 12th June in which you question the delay in former minister of health, Dr Duane Sands speaking out about his concerns over the government’s handling of the list of missing persons following Hurricane Dorian.
Man in hospital after shooting
A MAN is in hospital after he was shot on Wednesday, police said. Shortly before 6pm, a man and a woman were sitting outside a home on Congo Court and Step Street in Fox Hill when a white Honda Fit drove past. A man got out of the car and opened fir
Counselling order over marijuana possession
TWO men charged with marijuana possession were yesterday conditionally discharged after they agreed to attend drug counselling classes. A woman who was charged with the same offence was also placed on six months’ probation after her attorney told th
Lessons of COVID-19
With the many negatives that covid-19 has and continues to leave in its wake, it is imperative for countries such as The Bahamas to derive as many positives from this period as possible.
Eight fishermen granted bail
EIGHT fishermen from Spanish Wells and Eleuthera who were accused of using prohibited apparatus to catch fish were each granted $1,000 bail ahead of their trial. Headly Sweeting, 70; Kirkwood Pinder, 51; Garrison Sweeting, 44; Michael Wood, 35; Andy
Two accused of causing harm
TWO men were charged in Magistrate’s Court yesterday with causing harm in two separate incidents. In the first incident, D’angelo Adderley, 40, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after he was accused of punching his neighbour, Rya
Serena trying to make the best of life in Iowa
WITH the resurgence of racism and another spike in the coronavirus in the United States, Bahamian female national discus record holder Serena Brown is trying to make the best of her living situation in Iowa.
Bahamas Food Services unveils staff terminations
Bahamas Food Services’ US parent yesterday confirmed that the wholesale giant has been forced to permanently terminate staff due to the protracted nature of the tourism industry’s COVID-19 recovery. Sysco, in response to Tribune Business inquiries,
Bahamasair: Ticket rises, bag fees still up in the air
Bahamasair has yet to determine the timing or amount of any ticket price increases or baggage fee levies, its managing director said yesterday. Tracey Cooper, asked by Tribune Business when the national flag carrier plans to introduce the “nominal”
Atlantis: More assets to reopen on July 14
The “first wave” of Atlantis employees will return to work next week as the mega resort confirmed it remains on target for its July 7 return with additional amenities to open seven days later. The Paradise Island destination, in a statement released
Over 7,500 trained for COVID health protocols
More than 7,500 persons underwent a COVID-19 compliance workshop in preparation for the tourism sector’s July 1 re-opening, a Cabinet minister has disclosed. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister for tourism and aviation, told the House of Assembly during th
Top tourism official predicts 'late summer' travel restart
A top Ministry of Tourism official yesterday promised there was “light at the end of the tunnel” for the nation’s largest industry as research shows “70 percent of Americans” will still travel this year. Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry’s director-general,
Developer hit by $327,000 in 'unauthorised contracts'
A Harbour Island developer fears he will suffer “irreparable harm” if he fails to honour more than $300,000 worth of “unauthorised” contracts agreed by his former project manager. Michael Wiener, principal of 4M Harbour Island Ltd, is alleging that
Thursday, June 18
EDITORIAL: Worried about US COVID-19? Open tourism to Bahamians
“So, what are we to do now?”
STATESIDE: If we’re not really careful a very, very bad cold may be coming our way
Let’s be frank: being geographically and culturally close to the US has been good for The Bahamas in many ways for much of its existence as a sovereign, independent state.
FRONT PORCH: How privilege blinds us from seeking justice and equality
“The past is the present, isn’t it? It’s the future, too. We all try to lie out of that but life won’t let us.” - Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 18th June: Freeport
STARTS: 06/18/2020 6:00 PM EDT EXPIRES: 06/18/2020 8:00 PM EDT
'Awesome' Sands is backed by his people
DAYS after former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands criticised his former Cabinet colleagues over the handling of Hurricane Dorian victims, members of the Free National Movement’s Elizabeth Association have come out in his defence.Sandra Stuart, a resid
Activists unhappy about AG citizenship appeal
ACTIVISTS have criticised the Office of the Attorney General’s appeal of Justice Ian Winder’s landmark ruling on citizenship. Local group Equality Bahamas and the Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights, an international organisation, said they
Moves to improve sanitation at Dept of Corrections
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames says the government will rectify the problem of Bahamas Department of Correctional Services officers having to collect human waste in bags and transport it away in trucks. Due to a lack of toilets in some area
Body cams by August - Dames
THE long-awaited body cams for law enforcement officers are now in the country and are expected to be officially rolled out by August, National Security Minister Marvin Dames revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday. In the meantime, the minister
Ex-Commodore Bethel given role to inspect security forces
FORMER Commodore Tellis Bethel has been appointed the security standard inspector at the Ministry of National Security, a role that will allow him to review the ministry’s “respective agencies and programmes” and make recommendations where necessary.
North Andros ‘10,000 jobs’ proposal
A US-based billionaire is behind a proposed North Andros “free trade zone” that aims to create up to 10,000 construction jobs over the project’s lifetime, it was revealed last night.
COVID testing change may hit tourist opening
A Cabinet minister yesterday conceded that maintaining the existing COVID-19 testing requirements for tourists entering The Bahamas could negatively impact both travel decisions and hotel re-openings.Dionisio D’Aguilar, pictured, minister of tourism
Bahamasair eyes baggage fees and ticket price hikes
Bahamasair is being “implored” by the COVID-19 crisis to increase revenues by $7.5m annually through the levying of “nominal” ticket price rises and baggage fees, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviat
BPL’s $535m bond in Singapore listing
Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) mammoth bond refinancing aims to raise $535m and will be listed in Singapore when placed with international and local investors, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday.
Dames - If I thought it wrong, I’d speak out
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday defended his character amid controversy surrounding the government’s handling of missing Hurricane Dorian victims, insisting that whenever he sees wrong “whether inside or outside Cabinet”, he will “express” himself.
Atlantis cuts staff transport
AN ATLANTIS executive has confirmed the company is unable to provide transportation for workers when the hotel reopens next month due to cost cutting and job preservation.
Florida rescue for Grand Bahama strays
Animal rescue organisations in the US have come to the aid of The Humane Society of Grand Bahama after it had to deal with an influx of homeless dogs and cats since Hurricane Dorian, a situation made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
NO TEST - YOU’RE NOT COMING IN: Rising infections in U.S. force retention of test for visitors after July 1
TRAVELLERS will need a COVID-19 negative test result to enter the country when international commercial flights resume on July 1, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar announced yesterday.
Man denies punching a police officer in the eye
A MAN was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday, accused of punching a police officer and acting disorderly at a police station. Edwin Thompson III, 27, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after he was accused of causing harm t
MLB: International Signing Period begins Jan. 15
As the status of the 2020 Major League Baseball season hangs in the balance, the organisation made a decision that could affect several Bahamian prospects.
Happinets re-sign Kadeem Coleby in Japan B-League
KADEEM Coleby will return to the Akita Northern Happinets for his fourth consecutive season of pro basketball in Japan.
Life Prep Academy pipeline for Bahamian student athletes
LIFE Prep Academy continues to be a pipeline for Bahamian student athletes across various sporting disciplines.
Minister visits Andre Rogers national baseball stadium
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle and a delegation from her ministry visited the construction site of the new Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium June 12.
World’s fastest man suspended for missing doping tests
THE likelihood that the world’s fastest man, Christian Coleman, might miss the Olympics next summer increased yesterday when he received a provisional suspension for failing to be home when drug testers showed up last year.
Six put on probation after they admit part in cheque fraud case
ONE man and five women were placed on 12 months’ probation and ordered to compensate a marketing agency they defrauded two years ago, after they pleaded guilty to a string of fraud-related charges in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. The defendants
A museum is now the right place for Columbus statue
It is no coincidence that the debate surrounding the statue of Christopher Columbus has resurfaced in recent weeks.
Magistrate discharges man for lockdown violation
A MAGISTRATE discharged a man who violated a weekend lockdown after the accused said he only went across the street to get something from his car. Jamal Jones, 31, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney after officers found him on Cowpen Road ar
Time to get the 'boot' off financial services neck
Hubert Edwards, in the fourth of a five-part series, identifies the areas that require attention if The Bahamas is to improve its value proposition. Regional or similar-sized competitor jurisdictions essentially have the same value proposition as
US wants share of overflight revenues
The US has “indicated they want a piece of the pie” if The Bahamas starts charging airlines for flying through its national airspace, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, confirmed that the US
Govt alters course on tourist COVID testing
The government yesterday reversed course on its COVID-19 tourism protocols by announcing that all visitors must produce evidence of negative PCR swab tests to enter The Bahamas from July 1. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister for tourism and aviation, told
Wednesday, June 17
EDITORIAL: Missing Bahamians are not just a number - and they deserve better
HOW seriously is the government taking the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian?
ALICIA WALLACE: There’s more to do than move a statue of Columbus
Every now and then, the conversation about the statue of Christopher Columbus starts again. It generally does not last for a long time, but people weigh in and we end up with the same sets of opinions. Some people think it should be removed from Government House while others think it should stay.
Parents must be careful, warns education minister
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd hit out yesterday at the “so-called educational establishments” that are operating without the legal authority to do so, revealing that his ministry has had to shut down several institutions. He said the existence of th
Attorney calls for decent new hospital
A GRAND Bahama attorney is calling for a new “decent” hospital to be built in Freeport, stressing that Grand Bahamians deserve a proper public healthcare facility. K Brian Hanna, of K Brian Hanna Chambers, claims that the current hospital is a “tota
Grand Bahama is worse of under Minnis, claims McAlpine
GRAND Bahama is “worse off” since the Minnis administration - which won all five constituency seats on the island - was elected to office, claims Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine. “The harsh reality is, Grand Bahama has gotten worse despite all the p
Justice will prevail, says Dames after shootings
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames has called the police-involved shooting that left three men dead on Saturday “unfortunate” and “concerning”. However, he insisted that “at the end of the day, justice will prevail”. Speaking ahead of a Cabinet
Tourists need negative COVID-19 test from July 1
TOURISTS who come to the country when commercial international travel resumes on July 1 will have to present a negative COVID-19 test.
Unpaid Lucayan workers ‘authors of own distress’
The Grand Lucayan’s chairman yesterday said the 40 managerial staff alleging they have not been paid for weeks are “authors of their own distress” after they failed to co-operate on accessing unemployment benefits.
Contractor’s part win over bungled BTC agreement
A bungled contract triggered a dispute that resulted in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) being ordered by the Supreme Court to compensate an independent contractor for four months of work.
Bahamian resorts give mixed relaunch dates
More major Bahamian resort properties yesterday unveiled a variety of opening dates, with several pledging an instant relaunch while others have elected to wait until almost year-end.SuperClubs Breezes, the Cable Beach-based all-inclusive, and Comfor
Web shop taxes set to generate 43.5% increase
The government is betting that the “full effect” of the revised web shop gaming tax structure will generate a 43.5 percent year-over-year increase in the upcoming fiscal year, a top official said yesterday. Marlon Johnson, the Ministry of Finance’s
'Too early' to decide new/increased taxes
The deputy prime minister has reiterated that “it’s too early” to determine if new and/or increased taxes will be needed for The Bahamas to escape the fiscal hole created by COVID-19 and Hurricane Dorian.K Peter Turnquest, pictured, in a recent inter
Vendors - it’s not our fault
ARAWAK Cay vendors are hopeful the popular dining spot will not be closed again despite some patrons’ behaviour over the weekend. Pictures and videos showed customers not wearing masks or social distancing when operations were allowed to resume on Friday.
‘LET’S NOT FIXATE ON THE NUMBERS’: Dames – Nothing ‘amiss’ on Dorian deaths but he can’t explain police total
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said he cannot say why the number of people he identified on Sunday as missing after Hurricane Dorian differed from the figure Assistant Commissioner of Police Solomon Cash gave at a recent press conference.
Sands: I’d like to be leader one day’
FORMER Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands acknowledged that he has aspirations to one day become leader of the Free National Movement.
Conch thriving on remote Cay Sal Bank
A NEW study has documented evidence of a thriving conch population located at a remote bank in The Bahamas, bringing hope for conch conservationists.
RBDF squad celebrates 21 years of service with donation to GCM
MEMBERS of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force entry 34 squad recently made a donation to Great Commission Ministries. As the squad celebrated 21 years of service, current and past members of that squad observed the occasion by assisting GCM. A non-gove
Two conditionally discharged after agreeing to counselling
TWO men who were charged with marijuana possession were conditionally discharged after they agreed to attend drug counselling classes.
BLTA officers’ election all set for July 4
AMIDST the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association is planning to host its election of officers on Saturday, July 4, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association.
Pair to compensate person they assaulted
TWO men were ordered to compensate a man $150 after they admitted to assaulting him during a traffic accident earlier this month. Errol Knowles, 32, and Charles Sweeting, 25, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney after they were accused of assa
Three accused of theft in separate incidents
THREE men were charged in Magistrate’s Court yesterday for stealing in two separate incidents. In the first case, an Inagua man denied a string of shop breaking and stealing charges. Jeremy Charlton, 28, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney c
Helping hand for fishermen
MARINE Education Initiative, a South Florida based nonprofit organisation, in partnership with community partner Lend a Hand Bahamas have announced a $30,000 donation to assist fishermen and women in Grand Bahama. The donation of $17,300 combined wi
‘This is the best thing for me’
Although she has not gotten the ultimate desire expected in the three years she has been training there, Bahamian sprinter Anthonique Strachan feels she’s in the right place training with some of the world’s best in Kingston, Jamaica.
Boy given curfew after receiving stolen goods
A 15-year-old boy has been given a daily curfew and placed on two years’ probation after he pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods from a local pre-school. The teenager appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with dishonestly receiving
‘Reno’ Johnson happy pro boxing is back, can’t wait to travel
AFTER all of the problems he has experienced training here at home with the Bahamas Boxing Federation, Tureano ‘Reno’ Johnson said he’s glad that professional boxing is back and he can’t wait for the international borders to open so he can return either to Cuba or the United States to continue to prepare for a possible world title shot.
Time to get the ‘boot’ off financial services’ neck
Hubert Edwards, in the third of a five-part series, sets out the process for repositioning the Bahamian financial services industry.
Out Island resorts fear altered tourism reopen
Family Island resorts yesterday voiced fears that the government may halt plans for the tourism industry’s July 1 re-opening as they make preparations to cater to guests from that date. Krystel Brown, general manager of Rollez Villas Beach Resort on
Fiscal Council's MoU eyes July completion
The Fiscal Responsibility Council (FRC) is seeking “autonomy” in its financial affairs as it finalises the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will govern its relationship with the government. Gowon Bowe, who represents the Bahamas Institute of Ch
Hotel re-openings delayed to avoid 'horrendous' loss
A cabinet minister yesterday said “I don’t like, but understand” the decisions taken by Baha Mar and Sandals to postpone their COVID-19 reopenings beyond July 1 to the fall/winter period.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister for tourism and aviation, said: “I
Tuesday, June 16
PETER YOUNG: No country should forget about its past nor allow lawlessness to run free
It comes as no surprise that in Britain increasing numbers of people are genuinely shocked that protests in London and other cities about racism and police brutality across the Atlantic have turned into an attack on their own country’s history and culture.
Renovation on Grand Lucayan to begin 'within budget year'
MINISTER of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson said the government expects renovation and construction to begin at the Grand Lucayan hotel “within this budget year”. “We had recent conversation with the developers… RCL and ITM and we are
Detention centre on Inagua still govt plan
IMMIGRATION Minister Elsworth Johnson said the government still plans to construct a new detention centre on Inagua, however it will not come in the upcoming fiscal period. He also said the Immigration Department hopes to hire between 60-100 new rec
Health chiefs concerned by crowding at Arawak Cay
CONCERNED health officials say they found the behaviour of Arawak Cay patrons toward COVID-19 requirements on Saturday “disturbing”. In phase four of the country’s plan to re-open, stalls at the popular eating spot were allowed to open for outdoor d
RBDF sinks fishing boat used by poachers
THE Dominican fishing vessel “Digna Rosa 1” was sunk by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force last week. The vessel was escorted to its watery grave west of Coral Harbour by HMBS Lignum Vitae, under the command of Lieutenant Owen Sands, last Th
FACE TO FACE: Father Scott on ducking bullets and ministering to the people
Growing up, I attended Holy Cross Anglican Church with my family. For most of my years there, the late Canon Neil Roach, affectionately called “Father” by many, was rector. He was assisted by a priest who found a way to connect with the young people of the church and make a difference.
Ministers to rescue on tourism's 'rocky start'
Ministerial intervention yesterday overcame “a rocky start” to the tourism industry’s re-opening after Bahamas Customs failed to appear at multiple marinas to clear incoming boats and yachts Peter Maury, the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) pres
‘Now or never’ for Freeport
A prominent QC yesterday urged the government to seize the “now or never” opportunity provided by COVID-19 to transform Freeport into “the economic juggernaut for the future of The Bahamas”.
Central Bank chief: Fiscal 'discipline' key after COVID
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday warned that the government must reimpose fiscal discipline once the COVID-19 crisis has passed so it can continue to access the debt markets. John Rolle, during a webinar hosted by the Ministry of Finance, said
Over 100 private planes targeting Bahamas visits
A Bahamian fixed base operator (FBO) says it has close to 100 private aircraft inquiring about coming to The Bahamas within the next month after the sector reopened for business yesterday. Alphonso Bowe, general manager of Jet Nassau Air Elite, told
Auto dealer’s fury over port charges
A frustrated Bahamian auto dealer yesterday revealed he “cannot make any headway” in resolving demands for thousands of dollars in port storage fees after COVID-19 left his vehicle imports “stuck on the dock”.
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 16th June
STARTS: 06/16/2020 1:15 PM EDT EXPIRES: 06/16/2020 5:15 PM EDT
Chemists’ degrees ‘invalid’
THE Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed the appeal of 13 pharmacists who sought to have their licences renewed by the Bahamas Pharmacy Council, after ruling that doing so would “reduce quality pharmacy care”.
AG lodges appeal on ‘dad’ ruling
THE Office of the Attorney General has filed a notice of appeal against Justice Ian Winder’s groundbreaking ruling on citizenship.
ISLANDS TOLD: DRAW UP EVACUATION PLAN – Search for shelters goes on but families may have to leave
THE National Emergency Management Agency says evacuation plans should be considered this hurricane season for Central Abaco, Grand Bahama, Salina Point in Acklins and Spanish Wells in Eleuthera.
EDITORIAL: Leave no island behind
WHEN Iram Lewis spoke in Parliament during his Budget contribution, his words would have been reassuring.
Social media personality ‘Daddi Whites’ jailed over video
TWO social media personalities and one man were sentenced to three months in prison in two separate incidents after they pleaded guilty to child cruelty in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Two hurt in car crash
TWO men were injured after a car accident outside of Sandy Point, Abaco. One of them is in critical but stable condition and was airlifted to Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau. Chief Superintendent Wendell Smith, officer in charge of the Abaco di
Teenage pair charged with armed robbery
TWO teenagers appeared in court yesterday to be charged with armed robbery yesterday. Delgado Rolle, 18, and a 16-year-old boy appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with one count of armed robbery after they were accused of s
Man agrees to counselling after discharge
A 24-year-old man who was charged with marijuana possession was given a conditional discharge yesterday after agreeing to take drug counselling classes. Lawrence Tynes appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after officers found him on
BPL reports cuts
BAHAMAS Power and Light reported a number of areas in New Providence were without power yesterday afternoon. According to a notice from BPL at 4.45pm yesterday, a portion of Sir Lynden Pindling Estates, Montgomery Avenue, Flamingo Gardens and Oak Ri
Six Chinese held
SIX Chinese nationals were arrested yesterday morning at a condominium in Freeport, police reported. According to reports, shortly before 5am on Monday, a team of officers, acting on information, went to a condo complex at Kelly Court in South Baham
Abaco Chamber of Commerce 'concern over corruption'
THE Abaco Chamber of Commerce is sounding the alarm about corruption among a small number of government employees. Abaco Chamber of Commerce president Ken Hutton said yesterday there were three incidents reported in the last two weeks of government
People seem to kill at the drop of a hat
The good old fashioned system of values which my late father (Reverend Dr. Ortland H. Bodie Sr.) and my late beloved mother (Annie Hepburn Deveaux) instilled in me and my siblings growing up back in the day has stood the test of time. Those values included a love and respect for The Lord Jesus Christ; taking responsibility for one’s behaviour and choices; self reliance; hard work; thrift and honesty.
Etienne gets All-American honours
Bahamian Jyles Etienne, who decided to give up a promising career as a basketball player to compete in track and field, is fast becoming one of the premier high jumpers to watch at the collegiate level.
Minister Rolle outlines official Guidance Document
AS local sporting activities remain on hold throughout the country due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, organisations eagerly anticipate the guidelines that will allow them to return to participation.
RBC unveils second covid relief phase
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) yesterday unveiled a second phase of loan repayment deferrals for Bahamian and Caribbean clients impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.RBC’s personal banking clients will be able to apply for further three-month payment
Business Licence Act needs 'export turnover' clarity
The government is being urged by the financial services industry to reform the Business License Act to clarify the definition of “export turnover”, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.Elsworth Johnson, minister of financial services, trade and Immigrat
Beauty sector re-opens with appointment-only
Barbers and hair salons yesterday said they were focusing on appointments only as the sector re-opened following three months of COVID-19 lockdown. Garcia Davis, The Edge of Paradise Barber Shop’s owner/operator, told Tribune Business : “Our first d
Govt not hostage to WTO 'target dates'
The government will not be held hostage to any deadlines or timelines for completing The Bahamas’ accession to full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership, a Cabinet minister said yesterday. Elsworth Johnson, pictured , minister of financial serv
New auto sales plunge 90% at COVID’s peak
New car sales plunged more than 90 percent during the COVID-19 lockdown’s peak, data seen by Tribune Business has revealed, with many dealerships “not selling a single vehicle” for April.
Monday, June 15
EDITORIAL: Triple shooting by police must be fully investigated
THREE men were shot dead by police this weekend.
WORLD VIEW: Yet another knee on the neck of the Caribbean
THE failure of the world’s richest nations to respond adequately to the abrupt and rapid decline in the economies of developing countries, including the Caribbean, is resulting in huge increases in unemployment and poverty and could, ultimately, erode democracy and the rule of law.
INSIGHT: Opening the borders is a high risk game we could live to regret
IT is no secret that success in the hotel business...
INSIGHT: It’s only a matter of time before we pay the price for our shameful silence
Tragically, police and Immigration abuse, oppression and brutality in The Bahamas remain systemic, ubiquitous, unreformed, unrelenting, unaccountable and unapologetic. PLP and FNM governments alike do nothing about it!
We need plans to take us in a new direction, says Rev Moss
CHAIRMAN of Bahamas Against Crime Reverend CB Moss is calling for the government and stakeholders to come together to “prepare plans” that would take policing in a “new direction”, following a recent police-involved shooting that left three men dead
Baha Mar will not reopen until October
BAHA MAR has announced it will not resume operations until October and will carry out additional staff cuts. The luxury hotel property says it has postponed reopening in light of the “evolving nature” of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to its emp
Timing of comments ‘an insult’, says Abaco resident
AN ABACO resident yesterday lambasted the timing of former Health Minister Dr Duane’s Sands comments which criticised how the government handled Hurricane Dorian victims that went missing after the storm.
Baha Mar eyeing 15-20% job cuts
A Cabinet minister yesterday conceded it is “deeply concerning” that Baha Mar has delayed its re-opening amid plans to make “additional staffing reductions” that could result in hundreds losing their jobs. Dionisio D’Aguilar, pictured , minister of
'Transformative' COVID leaves retailer targeting overseas expansions
A Bahamian retail entrepreneur says COVID-19’s “transformative” impact has spurred him to look at regional expansion with sales “30 percent off” as his businesses emerge from lockdown.Andrew Wilson, the Quality Business Centre (QBC) proprietor, told
Unemployment back to 'single digits' by 2022
The government’s top labour official is projecting that various “anchor projects” will return The Bahamas’ jobless rate to “single digit” levels by the end of 2022. John Pinder, the director of labour, told Tribune Business that multiple development
ACTIVTRADES: A green revolution could emerge from the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus
In the face of adversity, it’s normal and healthy to find reasons to be cheerful, so spirits can be kept high and the fightback initiated; every cloud has a silver lining, as the saying goes. One of the silver linings found during the coronavirus cri
Consultant Physician Staff Association wants people tested before entering the country
THE Consultant Physician Staff Association wants people abroad to be tested before they enter the Bahamas as countries around the globe are experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases as restrictions are relaxed.
‘AMBUSHED’: Police shoot three dead in car after they ‘fired at officer’
GRIEF stricken family members reacted furiously after police killed three of their relatives on Saturday after an officer was “ambushed” by gunshots. The deaths marked the country’s deadliest police-involved killing since three men were killed in the Blair Estates community in May 2019.
‘Shocked’ Dames blasts Sands’ criticism
POLICE lists show that 279 people are still missing after Hurricane Dorian, according to National Security Minister Marvin Dames.
Ardastra Gardens set to remain closed
By Tosheena Robinson-Blair AS the tourism sector prepares for its July 1 reopening, one popular attraction will remain closed as it attempts to stave off worsening financial conditions triggered when business ground to a halt due to COVID-19. In th
Looks like Columbus has overstayed his tourist visa
The latest in a long line of protests for equality in the United States has pricked the consciences of some here who are again questioning the symbols of veneration that dot our landscape.
Top junior female tennis player Sydney Clarke graduates
With most students here and abroad not able to have the graduation they expected from high school or college because of the COVID-19 pandemic, top junior female player Sydney Clarke is basking in the fact that she accomplished the feat at Windsor School.
Mackey Jr returns home
AFTER months under quarantine in Spain since his rookie season of pro basketball abruptly concluded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Willis Mackey Jr is one of many Bahamian residents who have finally returned home.
‘NACAC don’t support racism in any way, shape or form’
WHILE Mike Sands indicated that that there is no room for systemic racism that has resurfaced in the United States, there is an opportunity to help unite the athletes in the region through a track and field meet staged here in the Bahamas.
Smith to make move to Big 10
SPRINT hurdler Oscar Smith will make the move to the Big 10 when he transfers to a new programme.
Gunmen rob two women in car
POLICE are looking for two suspects who robbed two women on Friday. According to a police report, two women were sitting in a silver Nissan Cube in front of a home off Soldier Road when two gunmen accosted them shortly before 8pm. The thieves stole the women’s car and personal property.
Long Island resort in 50% room night drop
A Long Island resort is predicting that its room nights will be down almost 50 percent year-over-year for July after generating business via its social media platform.Matthew Brear, general manger of Cape Santa Maria, told Tribune Business: “We’re ki
Airlines plot different Bahamas return time
Major US airlines are taking different positions on when to resume services to The Bahamas, with some opting to wait one month as rivals relaunch with the border opening on July 1.Delta Airlines, telling Tribune Business it will be back from day one,
Atlantis 'domino effect' failing to materialise
The hotel union’s president says the hoped-for “domino effect” from Atlantis announcing its July 7 re-opening has failed to materialise after Baha Mar delayed its own comeback and warned of “staff reductions” to come.Darrin Woods, the Bahamas Hotel,
Time to get the 'boot' off financial services' neck
Until The Bahamas adjusts its business model or approach to delivering financial services it will be vulnerable to the vagaries of international (supra-national) agencies and developed countries seeking to destroy it as an international financial cen
Restaurant proprietor 'blessed to be open'
A Sandy Port restaurant’s proprietor says he is “blessed to be open” after enduring a three-month COVID-19 lockdown even though the prohibition on indoor dining will cost him 40 percent of normal revenues. Jacques Carlino, owner/operator of the Blue
How hotels, banks can fight human trafficking
As the world’s greatest economy approaches June 19, a date that marks news of the abolition of slavery reaching Texas, financial crime professionals across the US and the world are grappling with a different but uncomfortably similar problem. It is m
Pelican Bay staff in COVID-19 training
Some 40 staff members at a Grand Bahama hotel have participated in the government-mandated tourism business compliance training sessions. “We are elated and excited to welcome both our Bahamian and international guests back to our happy hotel, and w
Saturday, June 13
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 13th June
STARTS: 06/13/2020 7:28 PM EDT EXPIRES: 06/13/2020 9:00 PM EDT
Three shot dead by police after officer ‘ambushed’
POLICE shot and killed three men on Cowpen Road on Saturday, after an officer was “ambushed” by a gunman.
Friday, June 12
Potter’s Cay, Arawak Cay reopen for business
After a near three month closure, vendors and stall owners at Potter’s Cay Dock and Arawak Cay were allowed to reopen for business on Friday.
Call for donations for suspected arson attack victims
A relative is calling for donations to help the victims of a suspected arson attack.
Haitian man and woman accused of assault, putting a child in harm's way
A HAITIAN man and woman were charged with assaulting another woman and putting her child in harm’s way in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Ash evidence preserved in alcohol sale case
THE Comptroller of Customs and the Office of Attorney General have agreed to preserve the goods that were seized from Jonathan Ash after he was charged for violating the emergency orders earlier this year.
Man accused of stealing cash and phone
A 24-year-old man was charged with armed robbery in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Man accused of cutlass attack
A 30-year-old man was charged with causing harm in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
75 repatriated to Haiti
SEVENTY-FIVE people were repatriated to Haiti on Friday, the first repatriation of illegal immigrants since March when countries began implementing border closures to prevent spread of COVID-19.
Feeding programme grows to help families on Grand Bahama
AS many as 7,000 families on Grand Bahama struggling with unemployment during COVID-19 have benefited from a local feeding programme that receives a weekly donation from a private charity.
$4m in school reconstruction contracts awarded in Grand Bahama
MORE than $4 million in school reconstruction contracts have been awarded to get public schools in Grand Bahama ready for reopening in September, Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd announced this week in Grand Bahama.
EDITORIAL: Sands had his chance to speak out - but chose silence
When Dr Duane Sands rose in the House yesterday, he had strong words to say about the government’s handling of Hurricane Dorian.
DIANE PHILLIPS: How easy it is to forget how lucky we really are
We are so spoiled. So utterly, utterly spoiled and fortunate and lucky beyond our wildest dreams. We live in The Bahamas.
A COMIC'S VIEW: The South may never rise again
I’ve been a professional comedian for the past twenty-two years, and one thing I take pride in, is being topical and relevant.
Sophie puts her back into helping out a good cause
BAHAMIAN rower Sophie Paine will be racing for a good cause in the MCH.London virtual boat race to raise funds for charity.She will be among Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship and club rowers in teams from Oxford and Cambridge for the virtual ra
'Unfortunate' Hilton did not wait before cutting workforce
AFTER about 30 staff members of the Hilton hotel hit the unemployment line, the country’s director of labour said it is unfortunate that the hotel did not at least give the economy a chance to rebound before letting workers go.Tribune Business report
Senior cops want promotions scrapped
ASSISTANT Commissioners of Police Clayton Fernander and Leamond Deleveaux want the recent appointments of four Chief Superintendents to Assistant Commissioners of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to be rescinded.In a letter this week to Governor Genera
COVID-19 rise 'inevitable' with tourism's reopening
Requiring visitors to take a COVID-19 test before they enter The Bahamas is “a non-starter”, a Cabinet minister argued yesterday, while warning that the tourism industry’s July 1 re-opening will “inevitably” increase cases. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minis
Sandals' November reopen to have 'devastating effect'
A union leader last night warned that Sandals’ delaying the re-opening of its flagship Cable Beach property until November 1 will have “a devastating effect” on staff who will be “unable to survive another five months”.Obie Ferguson, the Trades Union
Bahamas 'biggest' employment claim rejected on appeal
A $1.346m wrongful dismissal claim against a BISX-listed insurer, rejected by the Court of Appeal, was yesterday branded by an employment law specialist as the “biggest” he has ever seen in The Bahamas. Robert Adams, consultant attorney at Delaney P
Insurer: Dorian causes largest vehicle losses
Bahamas First says Hurricane Dorian’s devastation caused its “largest motor vehicle” loss ever with 538 claims producing gross losses of more $6m in that business category.The property and casualty insurer’s 2019 annual report adds that while most of
Oil explorer: Merger 'assures' Bahamian well will be drilled
An oil explorer yesterday said its pending merger with another Caribbean-based operator “assures rather than threatens” the delivery of its first well in Bahamian waters by year-end 2020.Simon Potter, Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) chief executive
‘We need clarity on Dorian dead’: Sands hits out over handling of missing hurricane victims
FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands assailed the Minnis administration’s handling of people who went missing after Hurricane Dorian yesterday, saying the credibility of the government has been hurt by how the matter has been handled.
Sandals shut until November 1
SANDALS Royal Bahamian will not open to guests until November 1, the resort has announced.
Lorencia: Accused in court
A 24-year-old man was charged in Magistrate’s Court yesterday with murdering a man and a 10-year-old girl and attempting to murder another man late last month.
'We’re not doing enough COVID testing'
FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands says The Bahamas is not testing nearly enough people for COVID-19 and he does not support re-opening the country’s borders to people not tested for the virus.
Man fined $4,000 for receiving stolen crabs
A MAN was ordered to pay $4,027 after he pleaded guilty to receiving two stolen crab pens that contained an assortment of white and black crabs. Demetrius Smith appeared before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis after he was accused of dishonestl
Explorer’s landmark must stay
Nothing is black and white; there are always areas of grey. Columbus’ statue is no exception.
Counselling for man found with hemp
A 21-year-old man has been ordered to attend drug counselling classes for six months after he pleaded guilty to drug possession in Magistrate’s Court. Phillip Cleare appeared before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis this week after officers foun
In defence of the statue of Columbus
I have never read so much rubbish out of the mouth of a clergyman as I read in Thursday’s Tribune giving reasons why Christopher Columbus’ statue should be removed from in front of Government House.
Coral at risk as disease takes grip of The Bahamas
RESEARCHERS have warned that coral is increasingly threatened by a disease that is taking a firmer hold of the nation. Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has been confirmed by the Perry Institute for Marine Science less than three months after
Shooting accused in court
A 25-year-old man was charged yesterday with fatally shooting another man in the Moore Avenue area last week. Kendrick Lundy also known as “Papa” appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with the death of Angelo Lightbourne on
Minister Rolle: ‘I’m just not the type of mother that has favourites’
LIKE a mother with three children, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle said her triple portfolios will be treated the same in the allocation of funds.
THE PRESS BOX: ‘Boogie wonderland’
WITH a three-month layoff still looming since the last time the Lakers last played, the major question in ‘Laker Land’ is whether they’ll be able to pick up where they left off.
‘Buddy’ scorching hot on his return to court
Chavano Rainer ‘Buddy’ Hield returned to the basketball court for competitive play for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined the NBA.
Sprinter Resias is seeking financial support
WITHOUT any success in securing any financial support from the Bahamas Government, sprinter Cliff Resias is forced to come home from the United States of America to redirect his career as he prepares for the 2020 Olympic Games.
Riley looking to qualify for Olympics
ALTHOUGH he has been forced to join the workforce to support his wife and daughter, quarter-miler Ashley Riley said he’s still looking to continue his athletic career with the goal of qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Games.
15 fishermen held by RBPF for violations
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force detained fishermen suspected of fisheries violations on Wednesday morning.
$350 fine for going to get food for mother
A 37-year-old man was fined $350 for violating the curfew after claiming he was trying to go to his neighbour’s house to get food for his mother.He was one of several who appeared in Magistrate’s Court for curfew and lockdown violations, including tw
Woman dies in car collision
A WOMAN is dead after a traffic accident in New Providence on Wednesday night.
NIB makes $47m in COVID distributions
The National Insurance Board (NIB) has to-date paid out more than $38m in benefits to unemployed workers impacted by COVID-19, a Cabinet minister confirmed yesterday. Brensil Rolle, pictured , minister for the public service with responsibility for
Use COVID-19 to kickstart domestic tourism's revival
The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday urged The Bahamas to exploit the COVID-19 crisis to kick-start domestic tourism after managing to successfully contain the virus to-date.Jeffrey Beckles said that while “the restarting of our touris
'Tremendous uptick' in cyber breaches
A cyber security specialist yesterday said urged companies to identify gaps in their information technology (IT) defence after seeing a “tremendous uptick” in attacks on Bahamian networks. Philip Darville, SolveIT Bahamas’ managing director, told Tri
Airbnb teams with Ministry to drive vacation demand
Airbnb yesterday said it has formed a strategic alliance with the Ministry of Tourism to further drive vacation rental demand that, based on booking data, is “beginning to bounce back” in COVID-19’s wake.Since the pandemic began, Airbnb said the perc
Onion farmers fear bumper crop waste
North Andros-based onion farmers are fearful that COVID-19 restrictions could result in their bumper harvest going to waste. The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), in a statement yesterday, said farmers are worried that continui
IAN FERGUSON: How to deliver quality amid COVID-19 crisis
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, and governments mandate, that we wear masks and exercise social distancing in all public spaces. Engaging customers is a challenge at the best of times, and as we continue our phased
Modular home builder expanding its reach
A newly-established modular home builder is expanding from its Freeport base to serve Family Island residential and small commercial clients with storm-resilient structures.Mosaic Modular, led by its chief executive, Edward Rice, opened in Freeport j
Thursday, June 11
Burrows: ‘I viewed with dismay slashes in the current budget’
THE local sporting community continues to react to reports of massive budget cuts to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EDITORIAL: 13 years to find justice for being shot in the back by police
WHAT are the consequences of police using excessive force?
Library transformation
THE only public lending library on Grand Bahama that was severely damaged by Dorian is undergoing restoration, thanks to funds provided in excess of $250,000 from the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited.
STATESIDE: On the streets of a standoff at the heart of the nation
It’s early on a weekend morning in downtown Washington DC in the time of the coronavirus and Black Lives Matter. A light north breeze carries away some of the deepening humidity and rising air temperature, but summer has totally arrived in America’s capital city and everyone on the streets feels it.
FRONT PORCH: Why do black people have to keep explaining racism?
A young black Jesuit priest in the United States is depressed and frustrated. He lives in an overwhelmingly white religious community and works in overwhelmingly white institutions. He is exhausted with having to constantly explain to white colleagues and friends the legacy of racism he and other blacks endure day after day.
Union calls for help in WSC talks
THE Bahamas Utilities and Services and Allied Workers Union is again calling on the government to intervene in ongoing disputes with executives at the Water and Sewage Corporation.
Police hold suspect over gas station armed robbery
POLICE have a man in custody who is helping with an armed robbery investigation.
Bahamians stuck in Europe heading home
BAHAMIAN citizens and residents who were stuck in the United Kingdom and Europe due to the COVID-19 pandemic are set to return home today.
Johnson puts faith in $30m investment
AFTER spending some $30m, the Department of Immigration will soon have a fully online application and cashless system, Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson said yesterday.
‘We should march to force removal of Columbus statue’
REVEREND Sebastian Campbell says Bahamians are too docile and should march to force the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue in front of Government House.
Govt sued over PI project ‘u-turn’
The Bahamian entrepreneur behind the proposed $2m renovation of Paradise Island's lighthouse yesterday said he refuses to continue "begging like a Jonser" after taking his battle with the Government to court.
Atlantis to open its doors on July 7
Hotel workers yesterday voiced optimism that Atlantis's planned July 7 re-opening represents "real progress" towards a full-on tourism rebound almost three months after the industry's near-total shutdown.
Hotel union 'bracing for worst' as Hilton cuts 15%
The hotel union yesterday said it is “bracing for the worst” after the British Colonial Hilton blamed the “unprecedented” COVID-19 fall-out for forcing a 15 percent cut in its workforce.Darrin Woods, the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Uni
Bahamas First fights off IT system hackers
A major Bahamian insurance company has revealed it almost fell victim to computer hackers “during the height” of the COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown. Bahamas First, the property and casualty underwriter, revealed in its just-released 2019 annual report
Father and son safe after arson attack
A QUADRIPLEGIC and his elderly father escaped injury after a suspected arsonist set fire to their home home early on Tuesday morning.
‘Pulling trigger is last resort’: Victim wins payout 13 years after being shot twice by police
A SUPREME Court judge has said police must guard against criticism of excessive force but warned that pulling a trigger on an unarmed person “should be a measure of last resort”.
Court discharges Muslim man from China seeking asylum
A MAGISTRATE discharged a Muslim man who was arrested for violating the national curfew after the accused explained he is homeless and seeking asylum in the country after fleeing China.
Bimini man, 22, facing double murder charge
A 22-year-old Bimini resident was arraigned in Freeport yesterday for a double murder which occurred three years ago.
Man admits threatening harm
A 33-year-old man who was accused of threatening to harm his ex-girlfriend during an argument last month was charged in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Charged with violating his bail
A 46-year-old man was charged in Magistrate’s Court for violating the conditions of his bail.
Entertainers bring in a surprise lunch
LOCAL entertainers recently surprised staff at the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development and the Department of Social Services with lunch.
Like it or not, Columbus belongs to us
“Dad changed the world!” shouted a happy, innocent 6-year-old child as she rode on her uncle’s back while he plowed through crowds of demonstrators, shouting her father’s name in protest to his death at the hands of the Houston police.
Bahamas resident to compete in first virtual boat race
THIS Saturday, June 13, local Bahamas rower and current Cambridge University women’s boat squad member Sophie Paine will join Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship and club rowers, representing teams from Oxford and Cambridge to compete in the very first MCH.Londonvirtual boat race.
Miller-Uibo gets set for Inspiration Games
As World Athletics seeks to return to a state of normalcy, an innovative new approach will feature some of the biggest names in the sport competing remotely, including Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
Court overturns rape conviction
THE Court of Appeal has overturned the 12-year prison sentence of a man who was accused of raping a woman in 2015, after he argued his conviction was unsafe since the trial judge failed to give the jury a good character direction.
Ministers hails 'unprecedented' $140m social protection net
A Cabinet minister yesterday hailed the 2020-2021 Budget’s expanded $140m social safety net as “an unprecedented measure for an unprecedented time”. Frankie Campbell, minister for social services and urban development, told the House of Assembly dur
Realtors support rate cut to boost economy
The Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president is hoping the government will consider economic citizenship and interest rate cuts as ways to stimulate growth for her industry and the wider economy. With realtors reporting strong interest in
Caribbean Bottling expands home-produced product line
Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) has expanded its locally-produced product line with the launch of Sprite Cranberry just prior to summer 2020. The new flavour, which features the crisp taste of fresh cranberries, contains no sugar or calories. It wi
Tax crackdown ramp up 'slower than we wanted'
The Ministry of Finance’s top official has blamed COVID-19 for disrupting the “ramp up” of its tax cheats crackdown through a unit charged with ultimately generating $80m-$100m in extra revenues per annum.Marlon Johnson told Tribune Business that the
Lands and Surveys set for 'great leap forward'
The Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors (BALS) yesterday said it is awaiting the imminent arrival of a new surveyor-general as the government unveiled plans to upgrade the Department of Lands and Surveys. Pakeisha Parker-Edgecombe, parliamentary s
Rising oil prices hit Bahamians at pump
A major Bahamian fuel provider yesterday said rising global oil prices, driven by increased economic activity as the world emerges from the COVID-19 lockdown, has driven its gasoline prices back to almost $4 per gallon. Valentino Hanna, general mana
Tourism is promoted through 'virtual sales'
The Ministry of Tourism held a series of virtual sales missions during the COVID-19 lockdown in a bid to maintain The Bahamas’ status as a top destination with the US and Canadian travel industries. Officials participated in online events such as we
Arawak and Potter's Cay vendors not 100% ready
Not all restaurants at Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay dock will be re-opening tomorrow as some are still implementing the COVID-19 health and safety protocols mandated by the Government. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetabl
Wednesday, June 10
Mother hopes son's death will highlight road dangers
AN Abaco mother hopes her son’s tragic death will bring urgent attention to the “dangerous” conditions at the S C Bootle Highway in the Fox Town settlement of Abaco. Edith Clarke - whose 16-year-old son Zion Pratt was killed on Sunday night while wa
EDITORIAL: US epidemic is the elephant in the room
AS The Bahamas busily prepares to reopen to tourists, there is an elephant in the room that we are struggling to address – the ongoing number of cases of COVID-19 in the United States.
ALICIA WALLACE: We won’t go away and the questions won’t stop just because you treat us with contempt
The resignation of Dr. Duane Sands as Minister of Health has come up again. We all still had questions about what happened to lead to that action. We heard there was a breach of protocol, but never a description of the breach. How did Sands overstep and who else was responsible for what took place?
Fined $250 for visiting terminally ill gran
A man who claimed he violated the weekend lockdown because he was heading home after visiting his terminally ill grandmother was fined $250 yesterday.
MP sends out 1m seeds to encourage farming
LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson has sent more than one million seeds to his constituents in Long Island in an effort to encourage the resurgence of local farming on the island.
Youngsters get set to become marines
As the world accepts its new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a new batch of young motivated Bahamians have accepted the call to become potential Defence Force marines. Joining on June 6, the group of 50 males and 10 females now make up New Entry 57 Woman Entry 26 and is already hard at work towards transforming both their bodies and minds.
$2 million drop in loan balance
THE Education Loan Authority’s outstanding balance decreased by nearly $2 million between June 2019 and March 2020, ELA chairman Miriam Emmanuel said yesterday during her budget communication.
Mother hopes son’s death will highlight road dangers
AN Abaco mother hopes her son’s tragic death will bring urgent attention to the “dangerous” conditions at the S C Bootle Highway in the Fox Town settlement of Abaco.
Bannister: Recent outages not due to power issues
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister stressed that recent Bahamas Power and Light electricity outages are not due to power generation issues.
Accountants bracing for insolvency 'spike'
Bahamian accountants are bracing for “a spike” in corporate liquidations, receiverships and restructuring over the next two-three months as the post-COVID-19 fate of many businesses is determined. Craig A “Tony” Gomez, the Baker Tilly Gomez accounta
Oil explorer: Uruguay licence 'won't distract' from Bahamas
An oil explorer yesterday pledged its Uruguay licence success “will not distract” from efforts to drill in Bahamian waters as it remains “absolutely 100 percent focused” on its well obligations to this nation. Simon Potter, the Bahamas Petroleum Comp
Businessman hails end to COVID travel permit's 'nightmare'
A Bahamian businessman has hailed the end to the government’s COVID-19 travel card “nightmare” that he says cost his corporate group “two weeks’ worth of work”.Robert Myers, head of the Caribbean Group of Companies, told Tribune Business that the req
Doctors Hospital in 'second record' before COVID-19
Doctors Hospital says a 30.4 percent cut in losses at its Blake Road facility, combined with increased patient revenues, drove a “second consecutive year of record” financial results during the 12 months to end-January. The medical services provider
Atlantis to welcome guests back on July 7
Atlantis will welcome guests back to the resort starting on July 7.
Insurers: COVID order 'too restrictive to trade'
Bahamian property and casualty insurers are urging the government to adjust its COVID-19 premium deferral order on the grounds that it is “too restrictive to trade” as peak hurricane season nears.Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing directo
Family Island parents question exam ruling
SOME parents have reacted with fury at news that the national high school exams will take place next month after weeks of uncertainty, fearing the irregularity caused by the COVID-19 crisis will doom the performances of their children.
DPP wants new trial for Vasyli
THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will petition the Court of Appeal to retry Donna Vasyli for the murder of her husband.
‘Time to bin Columbus memorial’
A PETITION to remove the Christopher Columbus statue at Government House has garnered nearly 8,000 signatures.
JULY 1 - ALL EYES ON U.S. NUMBERS: Infection rates and mass protests raise reopening concern
DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest has acknowledged concerns that ongoing protests and other factors in the United States may lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases there and have an impact on the country’s July 1 date for resuming commercial travel.
UB Mingoes Athletics in first of 4-phase plan to normalcy
MINGOES Athletic Director Kimberley Rolle is confident that with an additional $1.5 million allocated in the Bahamas government’s 2020/21 budget to the University of the Bahamas, they could continue to become a viable tertiary institution for Bahamian student athletes to attend.
Track and field nationals in limbo
EVEN with the economy starting to get back to normalcy in the wake of COVID-19, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ President Drumeco Archer is still not sure whether or not their National Track and Field Championships will take place.
Many great memories of Edna Lowe
The passing of Edna Lenora Lowe (according to Death Notice published May 21, 2020) at age 94 years marks the end of an era in the history of the Registrar General’s Department, where she was the last survivor of what was referred to in the old days as “the Lily White Registry”.
Three boys accused of breaking into a house
THREE boys were brought to court yesterday, to face charges of breaking into a house to steal a gaming system.
Two on drug charges in separate incidents
TWO men were charged with drug possession in two separate incidents in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Pair arrested after police raid
ABACO police discovered a “substantial” quantity of dangerous drugs, illegal firearms, and ammunition at a house that resulted in the arrest of two men on Monday evening.
Lashann signs with SIG to make next move in Europe
Although she didn’t get to fulfill her dream of being the next Bahamian to become a member of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) fraternity, Lashann Higgs is not letting the disappointment get the best of her professional basketball career.
Taxi driver fury on new 'road blocks'
Furious taxi drivers yesterday slammed the Road Traffic Department (RTD) for shutting down efforts to resume business at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) following the restart of inter-island domestic travel. Wesley Ferguson, the Bahamas
Air travellers adjust to COVID protocols
Bahamian airlines yesterday said travellers have been “receptive and understanding” of the new COVID-19 health measures following inter-island domestic travel’s Monday restart. Sherrexcia “Rexy” Rolle, Western Air’s vice-president of operations and
Govt 'aggressively pursuing' GB airport
The government is “aggressively pursuing” the Grand Bahama International Airport’s (GBIA) acquisition as a “high priority” for the island’s economic revival, a Cabinet minister reiterated yesterday. Kwasi Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama
DPM unaware of more bank exits
The deputy prime minister yesterday said he was unaware of any further Swiss-owned financial institutions preparing to exit The Bahamas while acknowledging the continued pressures on the sector.K Peter Turnquest, pictured, speaking to reporters asse
Govt 'dedicated' to technology hub goal
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the government has not abandoned its Grand Bahama “technology hub” ambitions as it refocuses on training to drive a “resurgence” in entrepreneurs. Kwasi Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama, said: “We are con
Service station robbers caught on camera
POLICE are looking for two brazen thieves who robbed a Rubis service station on West Bay Street yesterday.
Tuesday, June 9
EDITORIAL: Rushing students into exams could harm their futures
SHOULD students who have had to study at home through the pandemic have to take their examinations in the coming weeks?
We need to rid our country of the institutional inequalities that persist in our laws, our policies, and our practices
THE death of George Floyd in the US has ignited a movement that aims to challenge the issues of racial injustice and police brutality that continue to plague that nation.
PETER YOUNG: A sickening cycle which can never be broken by turning to violence
Most people will be thoroughly familiar by now with the circumstances of the death two weeks ago of George Floyd at the hands of the police in Minneapolis and its violent aftermath. But it is hard to refrain from commenting on this and the subsequent protests both in the US and around the world. The killing of an unarmed and handcuffed Afro-American man already in police custody, with the sickeningly graphic video footage for all to watch, has triggered revulsion around the world.
FACE TO FACE: Two white officers on the front line of policing in the US - what do they think?
Two police officers in Hollywood, Florida took the time to speak with me over the weekend about the protests happening in America and throughout the world.
Turnquest defends budgeting policy
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said government debt under the Minnis administration has increased by $977 million since taking office. He was speaking during the start of the 2020/2021 budget debate yesterday and was r
Grand Bahama businesses hoping to bounce back
COVID-19 has hindered economic recovery in Grand Bahama, but businesses are hopeful that things will “bounce back” as the economy moves towards full reopening. Retail stores reopened to the public for the first time last Tuesday since the March shut
Mother and child reunion
A MOTHER had an emotional reunion yesterday with her four-year-old son who was stuck in Cat Island for more than two months due to travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The boy, Leroy Hutchison, was only expected to have a short v
Ten-year-old victim remembered as a happy child
TEN-year-old Lorencia Simmons Walkes was remembered yesterday as a “loving, happy child” who always greeted her teachers with hugs.
Why borrow $252m from IMF, asks PLP’s Cooper
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party deputy leader Chester Cooper yesterday questioned why the Minnis administration will borrow $252 million from the International Monetary Fund.
Wilson sets sights on COVID ‘fails’
A Bahamian insurer’s parent is targeting companies struggling to rebound from COVID-19, its chairman has revealed, after its corporate structure provided a $2.33m buffer against Hurricane Dorian claims payouts.
Hitting IMF target like 'defeating Usain Bolt'
The Bahamas needs an “extraordinary economic shot in the arm” to meet the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) targets, an ex-finance minister said yesterday, as hitting them would be comparable to “beating Usain Bolt”.James Smith, also an ex-Central
Bahamians urged: Abandon foreign investor 'xenophobia'
Bahamians must abandon their “xenophobic and schizophrenic” attitude towards foreign investors if the economy is to survive the devastation inflicted by COVID-19, a prominent doctor warned yesterday.Dr Johnathan Rodgers, pictured, the “eye doctor” an
Revenue unit makes $39m 'fiscal impact'
The Ministry of Finance’s Revenue Compliance and Enforcement Unit (RCEU) has made a $39.2m “fiscal impact” by cracking down on tax leakages over the 2019/2020 fiscal year’s first ten months. K Peter Turnquest, deputy prime minister, in kick-starting
Insurers: 'Long battle' over VAT is resolved
Bahamian general insurers yesterday voiced relief that “a long battle” with the government over the VAT treatment of insurance claims payouts has seemingly come to a resolution. Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, told Tribune B
‘YOU WERE TOLD - EXAMS GO AHEAD’: Lloyd insists lockdown was ‘not a holiday’ and state tests will proceed
DESPITE pushback from some quarters, the Ministry of Education remained firm yesterday on the July date for national exams, saying it was always known the tests were being postponed, not cancelled.
Mum’s agony as car kills teenage son
A 16-year-old resident of Fox Town, Abaco was tragically killed by a motorist on Sunday evening while walking home after playing basketball.
Dr Sands? That story is dead
FREE National Movement chairman Carl Culmer said the party has “moved on” from the issue of Dr Duane Sands’ resignation from Cabinet and is instead focused on getting through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teacher and cousin admit several fraud charges
A PRE-SCHOOL teacher and her cousin were charged in Magistrate’s Court charged with attempting last week to defraud two Super Value stores with fraudulent food store stamps. Tromar Sweeting, 26, and Bendra Thompson, 25, appeared before Chief Magistr
Beer bottle thrower told to pay $1,000 fine
A 32-year-old man was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine or spend six months in prison after he admitted to throwing a beer bottle at a shop owner during an argument last month. Andrew Smith appeared before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis charged wi
Curfew rules are lost in translation for Spaniard
A SPANISH man was fined $400 yesterday after he claimed he violated the recent weekend lockdown because he was not aware of the emergency orders and saw people jogging outside. He was among several people who appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann
Justin Pinder looking forward to graduation
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and now the protest for the late George Floyd in the United States, former St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine and CARIFTA champion Justin Pinder has been taking it all in stride in Richmond, Virginia.
McPhee-McCuin one of several Rebels in Unity Walk
YOLETTE McPhee-McCuin was one of several leaders of Ole Miss Rebels student athletics to lead a Unity Walk on the Oxford, Mississippi campus as protests against police brutality continue across the globe.
Not if, but when we devalue
The question was is the Bahamas Treasury broke?
Man threatens to kill two women during row
A 30-year-old man was charged in Magistrate’s Court after he threatened to kill two women during a verbal altercation at a gas station last week. Thorne Bootle appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with threatening Samantha
Accused of underage sex
A 21-year-old man was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of having sexual intercourse last month with a minor. Ashton Sturrup appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt after he was accused of engaging in sexual intercourse
About time we put some money into new homes
The so-called question of affordable housing has eluded successive national government since the days when the Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham served as Minister of Housing under the Pindling administration. He was charged with the development of several new lower income housing subdivisions. Successive governments all tried their level best to bring affordable housing to as many qualified Bahamians as possible.
Financial provider backs IMF over interest rate cut
A Bahamian financial services provider yesterday joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in urging the Central Bank to cut interest rates to stimulate economic growth and investment post-COVID-19. Robert Pantry, Simplified Lending’s founder and
Planning critical for $9m food security investment
Planning and co-ordination will be critical if the government’s $9m food security investment in the 2020-2021 budget is to have any impact, agricultural sector participants have warned.Dr Earl Deveaux, a former minister for agriculture and current da
Govt 'very near' to online solution for cruising permits
The government is “very near” to going live with the portal that will allow visiting boaters and fishermen to pay for key permits online, the deputy prime minister said yesterday.K Peter Turnquest, kicking-off the budget debate in the House of Assemb
DPM slams opposition 'hypocrisy' over deficit
The deputy prime minister yesterday slammed the opposition’s “hypocrisy” for criticising the projected $1.3bn fiscal deficit for 2020-2021 when it had called for some $2bn worth of borrowing just weeks before.K Peter Turnquest, leading off the Budget
Hundreds register for COVID-19 certification
More than 500 barbers and beauty professionals have registered to obtain the necessary COVID-19 prevention certification that will allow them to return to work on June 15. Dr Dellarese Taylor, president of the Bahamian Cosmetologists and Barbers Ass
Monday, June 8
INSIGHT: Cocktail of factors leaves one in four adults highly stressed
It is recognised by regional and international health organisations that in the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health is an important metric to gauge population health and to direct governmental response and policies. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres spoke in May about the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health. The World Health Organization has also raised concerns about mental health. They agree that mental health matters and should be prioritised as an “essential part of all government response to COVID-19”.
EDITORIAL: Once more unto the beach, dear friends?
We’re back in business – although not quite everyone yet.
Churches begin to reopen doors for worshippers
AFTER nearly three months of participating in virtual worship, churches in New Providence were allowed to open their doors for “in house” worship over the weekend with social distancing and hygiene requirements. However, not every church was willing
8,000 call for exams to be cancelled
OVER 8,000 students and parents across the country have signed an online petition calling for the cancellation of the country’s national examinations which are set to begin next month. The exams, which usually start in April, were postponed after th
Ministry sets guidelines for return to work
AS the country enters Phase Four of the plan to restart the economy, the Ministry of Environment and Housing has issued a statement on guidelines for returning to work. According to the statement, Minister of the Environment Romauld Ferreira issued
Davis: We need more clarity on reopening
OPPOSITION leader Brave “Brave” Davis yesterday called Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ recent announcements on the re-opening of the country’s economy a “ball of confusion”, saying more clarity is needed on the country’s travel requirements for visi
Labour Day victims are remembered
A wreath-laying ceremony was held Friday in memory of the four victims of the 2018 Labour Day tragedy. Tabitha Haye, Tami Gibson, Dianne Ferguson and Kathleen Fernander, who lost their lives tragically on June 1, 2018 during the Sir Randol Fawkes La
WORLD VIEW: Can Guyana stand up to this trial of its democracy?
ADHERENCE to democracy, including free and fair elections, has been on trial in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region over the past three months in Guyana and Suriname.
INSIGHT: The boiling point of social injustice confronts us with a new dilemma
WITH tens of thousands of Bahamians on the verge of poverty as a result of the the COVID-19 pandemic, much-needed relief is on the way. The government has moved the country into Phase Four of the reopening plan – one step closer to a life as close to normal as possible – and June 15 will see the tourism industry begin to feel its first jolts of new life.
IMF: Bahamas must hit 'average' $500m surplus
The government must run an unheard-of $500m fiscal surplus beginning in the 2024-2025 budget year to hit a key debt reduction target by the end of this decade, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed. The fund, in a report accompanying it
Govt may replace BPL on bond raise
The government may move Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) aside and secure the nine-figure refinancing the state-owned utility requires itself, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday.
$30m 'sin tax' rise rejected by govt
The government rejected plans for a $30m hike in so-called “sin taxes” on alcohol and tobacco in the run-up to the 2020-2021 budget, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed. The fund, in a report accompanying its decision to grant The Bah
IMF signals scope for interest rate cut
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has nudged the Central Bank towards a more proactive monetary policy stance by saying it has "some room to lower interest rates" amid the COVID-pandemic.
SpaceX success shows the new space race is on
IN 1957 the then Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the world’s first communication satellite, firing the starting shot for the first space race. Over the following decades the USSR and the USA were involved in a competition, with each side trying to out
Jamaican man wins new $60k payout over detention
AFTER a series of court wins, Jamaican national Matthew Sewell has scored another legal victory, with the Supreme Court ordering a $60,000 interim payment within 60 days.
ANOTHER CHILD’S LIFE CUT SHORT: Lorencia, who dreamt of growing up to teach, is gunmen’s latest victim
The 10-year-old girl who was injured last month in a shooting in Bel Air Estate died on Sunday morning.
U.S. wants Prince Andrew on Epstein
THE US has officially demanded Britain allow Prince Andrew to be quizzed over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. According to reports in the British press, the US Department of Justice has formally told the UK the Duke of York is now caught up in a criminal probe for the first time. Prince Andrew has so far refused to answer questions from New York prosecutors investigating Epstein’s historic sex trafficking network but strongly denies any wrongdoing.
Let's not risk another surge
In The Bahamas, and around the world, there are people that are acting as if the COVID-19 virus has gone away.
Dr Patrick Roberts, 78, dies in hospital
DR Patrick Roberts, a general practitioner who helped to revolutionise sports medicine in the Bahamas, died around noon on Saturday at Doctor’s Hospital as a result of a heart failure.
Jones and Sun could return to action soon
JONQUEL Jones and her Connecticut Sun could return to action soon as the WNBA has a tentative proposal in place for its delayed 2020 season due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We must work with the workers
Without worker participation, creating a “Plan for Re-entry into the Tourism Market” is wrong.
Gibson: ‘As an executive of the board of the BAAA, I know that I am going to be reduced’
TRACK and field athletes’ representative Jeffery Gibson said he’s quite aware that there is expected to be at least a 20 per cent cut in the subvention to the Bahamian athletes in the Bahamas Government’s new budget that will be debated in Parliament this month.
Naser suspended
Bahamas Olympic women’s 400 metre champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo and her management team declined comments on the alleged doping scandal of arch rival Bahrain women’s world 400m champion Salwa Eid Naser that could lead to a possible two-year suspension.
Airport calls for early arrivals as it reopens
Officials at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) are urging travellers to arrive two hours ahead of departure time when domestic inter-island flights resume today.The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), in a statement released yesterda
Analyst: VAT hike to 15% 'inevitable'
A leading financial analyst says a VAT rate hike to 15 percent is “inevitable” within two years of the next election as he called for a shift to a more progressive system via personal and corporate income tax.Anthony Ferguson, CFAL’s principal, speak
Tour operator fears on COVID protocols
Tour and excursion provider are voicing concerns over the cost and ease of execution associated with implementing portions of the tourism industry’s post-COVID-19 Readiness and Recovery Plan . Captain Mike Russell, owner of Chubasco Charters, told T
Minister not disappointed at missing $500m 'dream'
The minister of works says he is “not at all disappointed” by his $151m capital works budget for 2020-2021 even though it falls well short of his previously-voiced desire for $500m.Desmond Bannister, speaking ahead of today’s Budget debate kick-off,
Govt 'not serious' over food security
The government’s 2020-2021 budget allocation for agriculture shows it “can’t be serious” about improving The Bahamas’ food security, a well-known financial analyst says.Anthony Ferguson, CFAL’s principal, speaking on a webinar hosted by the Chartered
Economy set to contract by 15%
The Bahamian economy is likely to shrink by 15 percent this year due to the combined effects of COVID-19 and Hurricane Dorian, a financial analyst has predicted. Anthony Ferguson, CFAL’s principal, speaking to a webinar hosted by the Chartered Finan
'Baffled' over failure to reform public pensions
The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive says he is “baffled” at the government’s failure to reform public sector pensions by making civil servants contribute towards their own retirement costs.Jeffrey Beckles, speaking on a webinar hosted by the Ch
Saturday, June 6
SATURDAY UPDATE: One new case of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health reported on Saturday that there is one new confirmed case of COVID-19.
Friday, June 5
FRIDAY UPDATE: No new cases of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health reported on Friday that there are no new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Thursday, June 4
PM refuses to explain decision to accept Sands’ resignation
AFTER weeks of being silent concerning the resignation of former health minister Dr Duane Sands, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Thursday refused to explain his decision for accepting Dr Sands’ resignation, only saying he wished the Elizabeth MP “well” in his future endeavours.
Returning Bahamians and residents no longer required to quarantine
BAHAMIANS and residents returning to the country will no longer be mandated to quarantine or self-isolate upon arrival, but will instead be monitored by the health surveillance team “if necessary”, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Thursday.
Last stages but curfew stays for overnight
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Thursday that the country has officially began the transition to stage four of the government’s reopening plan, allowing for restaurants to open under certain guidelines and a further relaxation of restrictions on the national curfew.
Murder victim remembered as 'cool person'
"CALL the ambulance," a shooting victim implored people who tried to help after he was hit by gunshots on Wednesday night. He later died in hospital.
University: 'Zero tolerance' for sexual impropriety
The University of The Bahamas has declared it has "zero tolerance" for sexual impropriety after a series of allegations on social media about inappropriate behaviour.
EDITORIAL: Facing up to police problems in The Bahamas
THE protests in the United States have rightly drawn support from Bahamians – joining in the stand against racism and police brutality.
STATESIDE: In ’68 when America burned, voters turned to Nixon - now Trump will be praying they’ll do the same for him
As America writhes in agony over the death of George Floyd and its bloody aftermath, politicians, pundits, journalists, observers and just plain citizens are trying to make sense of all the chaos, confusion and heartbreak. One way of doing this is to compare what’s happening today with sometime in the nation’s past. Since the US survived that comparable period, it will survive the current collection of calamities. Or so the thinking goes.
FRONT PORCH: Seriously, where does this version of history come from?
Once again University of The Bahamas professor Dr Nicolette Bethel has me scratching my head wondering at her interpretation of our history and how confused our young students must be.
RBPF delivers care packages across island
THE ROYAL Bahamas Police Force delivered care packages to people in a few New Providence communities yesterday.
Economic problems force delay in promotions
THE country’s economic situation has caused the Royal Bahamas Police Force to have to fill vacancies “incrementally” and wait for sufficient funds to address shortages.
Davis: We support worldwide protests over Floyd killing
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday his party stands in solidarity with the protests across the world over the killing of George Floyd, the African American who died last week while being detained by police officers in Minnesota.
PM: Weekend lockdowns will be lifted from June 13th
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Thursday that the weekend lockdowns due to COVID-19 will be lifted on June 13th – next weekend. However, the 9pm-5am curfew will continue, Monday to Sunday.
Steer clear of protests – Ministry
MINISTRY of Foreign Affairs officials are urging Bahamians living in or visiting the United States not to get involved in ongoing protests.
Families worry as toxic toads found in gardens
RESIDENTS in Venetian West say they are fearful for the safety of their children and pets after an invasive and toxic toad species was recently discovered in the western community.
Activists call for better treatment of migrants at Detention Centre
RIGHTS Bahamas is calling for better treatment of distressed and anxious migrants at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
Ambulance crashes on Shirley Street
A patient had to be transferred from one ambulance to another after a crash on Shirley Street on Thursday afternoon.
That’s friendly of you! Jubilee Gardens shows how to hit it off with your neighbours
AMONG more than 400 competitors, the Jubilee Gardens Neighbourhood Watch Group achieved second place in NUSA’s 2020 “Neighbourhood of the Year’’ category.
‘No difficulties’ over $150m airport raise
The government “sees no difficulty” in securing private financing to kickstart the bulk of its “over $150m” Family Island airport redevelopment ambitions, a senior official told Tribune Business yesterday.
Don’t ‘dilute tourism’ through incentives
Government and tourism industry executives are arguing it is too early to use incentives to reboot the country’s number one industry, with one warning against “diluting existing business”.
Marinas: We didn’t ask for cruise permit waiver
Bahamian marinas have denied that they are behind the tourism industry recovery plan’s call for the government temporarily waive cruising permit fees in a bid to attract boaters back to these waters post COVID-19.
Bahamasair accepting bookings for domestic flights
BAHAMASAIR is now accepting bookings for domestic flights which resume on Monday, with airline officials saying there will be different protocols in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Two men missing at sea
Grand Bahama police, along with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, BASRA, U.S Coast Guard and local fishermen, are searching for two residents of Eight Mile Rock who have yet to return from a fishing trip at sea.
One man dead, another injured after separate shootings
One man is dead and another is in hospital after two separate shooting incidents on Wednesday night.
Bahamasair cutting its summer schedule by 20%
Bahamasair yesterday said it is planning a 20 percent cut to its summer schedule after incurring $18.5m in revenue losses and unfunded costs due to the combination of Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19.
Commissioner insists he is working on police image
COMMISSIONER of Police Paul Rolle said he is putting in place a number of policies to clean up the public’s negative perception of Royal Bahamas Police Force.
‘WHY IGNORE THE PROBLEMS HERE?’: Activist asks why U.S. police brutality enrages us but not local issues
AS Bahamians show solidarity with protests against excessive and deadly policing of black people in the United States, one local activist says residents should show similar interest in incidents of questionable police conduct in The Bahamas.
Tourism payroll given $2m more than needed
A Cabinet minister has admitted that his ministry's payroll was over-budgeted by $2.5m for the 2019-2020 fiscal year and has now been returned to normal levels by the new Budget.
‘Elite athletes may require more financial assistance, not less’
Romell Knowles, president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, is calling on the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to not cut the subvention of elite athletes, considering that it is critical for them to receive every penny they can get to prepare for the 2020 Olympic Games.
Hield’s Kings, Ayton’s Suns in proposed NBA restart
THE NBA has proposed a format to complete the 2020 season with a limited number of participating teams which will include both Buddy Hield’s Sacramento Kings and Deandre Ayton’s Phoenix Suns.
Kai Jones No.30 on top prospects list for 2021 NBA Draft
DESPITE a freshman season where he received inconsistent playing time from the Texas Longhorns coaching staff, Kai Jones has been listed as a highly coveted prospect for the 2021 NBA Draft by Sports Illustrated.
Strachan featured by NFL Draft Blitz
HEADING into his senior season with the University of Charleston Golden Eagles football programme, Mike Strachan looks to continue to rewrite the record books and boost his stock for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Magistrate discharges man delayed by 'crazy traffic'
A MAGISTRATE discharged a man who violated the weekend lockdown after the accused said he was on his way home but had got stuck in heavy traffic.
Couple admit posting video of naked woman
A MAN and woman were charged in Magistrate’s Court yesterday after posting a nude video of the man’s ex-girlfriend on his Whatsapp status last month.
Jamaican man still on the run, two weeks after escaping
JAMAICAN Anthony Lee who escaped from the Eight Mile Rock Police Station about two weeks ago is still at large, according to a senior police official in Grand Bahama.
Pair fined after admitting drug possession charges
TWO men were fined yesterday after being arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court on drug possession charges.
How compliance can assist with adaptation
“Strategy”, “new normal”, “pivoting” and, most recently, “agility” have been among the most popular buzz words and topics employed by speakers and presenters from around the world in recent months.
Jitneys drivers eye licensing extension
Jitney drivers yesterday asked the government for two months’ grace to licence their vehicles as they prepare to return to the roads on July 1 after a two-and-a-half month absence.
COVID-19 costs Mall retailers 40% of sales
Mall at Marathon retailers yesterday voiced optimism that business activity will rebound swiftly after the COVID-19 lockdown cost some between 30-40 percent of their annual sales.
Wednesday, June 3
EDITORIAL: The injustices on our doorstep
THE world is watching the United States at present, as it convulses with protests, riots and looting, all sparked by a police officer kneeling on George Floyd’s neck until he died.
ALICIA WALLACE: There is reason to be enraged, to protest, not to remain silent
Restricted to our homes and already exhausted by the effects of COVID-19 on our lives, many of us watched as Black Americans demanded recognition of their humanity and justice for the lives that have been stolen by law enforcement. It raised questions about race and racism in The Bahamas — a topic we do not often discuss and people try to quickly shut down.
US-based Bahamian woman caught up in Floyd protests
A trip to church on Sunday turned into a scary ordeal for Margaret Davies, a 49-year-old Bahamian living in the US, who got stuck in the midst of a heated protest in Tampa.
Dames 'concerned' over marines video
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday he was concerned about the videos that circulated on social media this weekend allegedly showing newly promoted RBDF marines involved in vulgar conduct while ignoring COVID-19 assembling protocols.
Unemployment could hit 40%, says Foulkes
THE country’s unemployment rate could be as high as 40 percent, Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes said yesterday but stressed officials won’t know the exact figure until the Department of Statistics does its jobs survey.
Date set for Public Procurement Bill debate
THE Public Procurement Bill, dubbed as landmark legislation by the government, will be debated after the annual budget debate wraps up.
Haitians go on hunger strike at Detention Centre
Haitian migrants detained at the Carmichael Road detention centre went on hunger strike yesterday morning, demanding to be returned to their country. Some two hours later, after RBDF marines had de-escalated the situation, a fight broke out between two Haitians.
Marinas aim to save '75% of the summer'
Bahamian marina operators yesterday hailed the sector’s June 15 reopening as potentially “saving 75 percent” of the peak summer season, adding: “Our phones are ringing off the hook.” Joseph Dargavage, pictured , managing partner at Harbour Island’s
Govt extends termination payout date
A Cabinet minister yesterday confirmed that the government has extended the 12-week mandatory redundancy payout deadline to 30 days past the end of the emergency protocols. Dion Foulkes, minister for labour, said the move was designed to prevent per
Govt halts $130m civil service spend
The government has halted the $130m initiative designed to upgrade civil service skills and transform its delivery of public services to the Bahamian people, the 2020-2021 budget reveals.A close examination of the government’s spending allocations re
Architects urge Building Control reform speed-up
Bahamian architects yesterday urged the prime minister to focus on “the low hanging fruit” of the Building Control Department (BCD) in his efforts to “bulldoze red tape” following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Institute of Bahamian Architects (IBA), vo
Minister: Bahamas Ltd 'must get going again'
The Bahamas “can’t afford” to keep its tourism industry shut any longer, a Cabinet minister warned yesterday, as he admitted that the threat posed by COVID-19 can only be “mitigated, not eliminated”.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviatio
Eleuthera men charged with marijuana stuck in Nassau
WHEN police brought Cordell Evans from Eleuthera to New Providence in a boat last month, the 20-year-old bumped his head during the ride and suffered a seizure so severe his friend began to cry, thinking he would die at sea.
‘Seek and destroy’ deadly toad mission
THE Ministry of the Environment and Housing reactivated a task force on Friday to deal with the reemergence of the cane toad in western New Providence.
‘We’ll still honour Labour Day victims’
DESPITE the annual Labour Day parade being cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, union officials said yesterday they still plan to celebrate the patriotic holiday this year and honour the four women who died during the 2018 parade.
Several charged with separate drug offences
SEVERAL people were given fines or community service after being arraigned for separate incidents of drug possession in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Patrick was a man of enormous wisdom and knowledge
As I knew Patrick Bethel, here is my salute to an incomparable national hero.
Nairn on Floyd protests: ‘I am a Bahamian first’
Laquan Nairn, graduating as a Razorback track star at the University of Arkansas, joined big brother Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn - a former basketball player with the Michigan Stated Spartans - in forming a rare Bahamian siblings to finish their tertiary education in the United States in two different sports.
Class of 1988 donate hurdles to the NCA Crusaders
AS they deal with the uncertainty of COVID-19, Nassau Christian Academy will start rebuilding its Crusaders’ track and field team for the new school year with a generous donation of hurdles from the graduating class of 1988.
Teenager accused of armed robbery
A 19-year-old man was arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of armed robbery and causing damage to public school property in Grand Bahama.
FINAL COUNTDOWN TO A NEW REALITY: D’Aguilar warns phased reopening must show we can meet July 1 targets
THE Bahamas’ tourism industry will begin a phased opening on June 15 when boaters, yachters and private pilots will be allowed into the country, the Ministry of Tourism announced yesterday.
Judge dismisses firearm charges against mother and daughters
A Grand Bahama mother and her three children - including a 20-year-old son and two juveniles - were arraigned on illegal firearm and ammunition possession charges yesterday after police found a gun in a bedroom of their home.
31-year-old admits cruelty to stepson
A 31-year-old man was ordered to attend parenting classes after he pleaded guilty to child cruelty yesterday.
I was only stretching my legs, claims man who was fined $500
A MAN was fined $500 yesterday for violating the weekend lockdown after claiming he only went for a walk to stretch his legs.
DPM urges patience on small business financing
The deputy prime minister yesterday urged entrepreneurs to have patience with the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) as it lacks the necessary staff to meet all private sector demands in a timely manner. K Peter Turnquest, speaking outside the
NHI providers: Only one third trained in tele-health
Just one third of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme’s primary care providers have been trained in tele-health systems that cover around 20,000 patients, it was revealed yesterday.Dr Monique Thompson, the NHI Authority’s manager of healthcare
IMF: Bahamas faces 'deep recession' risk
The Bahamas faces “a deep recession” due to the “unprecedented crisis” caused by the combination of COVID-19 and Hurricane Dorian, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned.The Fund, in approving this nation’s request for an “emergency” $250m
Shell seeks licence for new power plant
Shell North America says it has become the first company to apply for an independent power producer (PP) licence in The Bahamas through its May 29 submission to local regulators.The energy giant, in a statement, said the approval as an IPP is essenti
Development Bank in $3m COVID support
The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) yesterday said it has approved more than $3m in COVID-19 financing for small businesses as it prepares to open its doors to the public on June 8. The state-owned institution, in a statement, disclosed that it has p
Tuesday, June 2
EDITORIAL: The impossible choice between virus and tourism
THE closer we get to reopening the country for business, the more conundrums we face. Open up too much and risk the virus coming back in, or keep the door so tightly closed we don’t let the tourism industry rebuild.
PETER YOUNG: Are we heading for another China crisis with Hong Kong?
THE former British colonial territory of Hong Kong has attracted the world’s attention again, but for potentially harmful reasons. Last week, China’s parliament, the National People’s Congress, rubber-stamped a sweeping new draft security law to be imposed directly on Hong Kong and its population of over seven million.
FACE TO FACE: Think there are no lessons for us to learn in what’s happening in the US?
Marching, rioting, looting… anger, frustration, shouts for equal rights and justice…. fires, tear gas, rubber bullets… angry mobs, demonstrations and confrontation. It looks like the scene of a war zone in more than 40 states across America as people have taken a stand against the senseless killing of yet another black man at the hands of the police.
Police probe after database hacked
THE digital database of the Registrar Generals Department was hacked in January and its contents have been published online, according to a statement from the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs. A group called Distributed D
‘Quash coconut conviction’
KHANDI Gibson, founder and president of the local advocacy group Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), is calling on the government to quash the conviction of a teenager who was fined for selling coconuts on the side of the road last month.
'Revisions' sought to Grand Lucayan deal
A Cabinet minister yesterday said “it’s full steam ahead” on the Grand Lucayan’s redevelopment even though the ITM/Royal Caribbean joint venture is seeking “certain proposed revisions” to the deal. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviatio
Restaurants 'can't survive' with 60% sales devastation
Restaurants will simply be unable to survive if the loss of 60 percent of their sales persists amid continuing COVID-19 restrictions, one operator told Tribune Business . Mario Cash, the Burger King franchise’s operations manager, told this newspape
Atlantis further delays reopening to June 25
Atlantis has delayed its phased re-opening until June 25 after informing staff over the holiday weekend that it is “unable to announce a definitive date at this time”.The Paradise Island mega resort has pushed back plans to re-open the Royal Towers,
From 160,000 to near zero at COVID-hit LPIA
Major Nassau/Paradise Island resorts suffered a 28 percent room revenue fall for the 2020 first quarter just before COVID-19 unleashed its full fury with only 445 passengers exiting The Bahamas’ major airport during April. The Central Bank of The Ba
Auto industry re-opening 'matter of life and death'
Auto dealers say today’s full sector re-opening was increasingly becoming “a matter of life and death” with as much as “half the industry” in danger of folding had the Government not relaxed COVID-19 restrictions.Ben Albury, Bahamas Bus and Truck’s g
How human risk-perception influences stock markets
WITH the global economy contracting at the fastest ever peacetime pace, it is bewildering to see stock markets moving in the opposite direction. So, why are investors endangering their capital at a time of such uncertainty by speculating on the perfo
Foreign visitors will not face quarantine
THE Minnis administration is still considering whether it will require tourists to produce a negative PCR test result to gain entry into the country but have ruled out visitors being forced into quarantine.
ISLANDS TRAVEL GETS GO AHEAD: Block on travelling around the country to end next week
DOMESTIC travel will resume next Monday without the need for a COVID-19 travel card, the Office of the Prime Minister announced yesterday.
Hurricane shelters expanded
MINISTER of Disaster Preparedness Iram Lewis said officials are increasing hurricane shelter capacity to ensure people in these facilities can maintain social distance amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His comments came during a virtual press conference on Sunday, where stakeholders discussed the country’s readiness for the hurricane season, which began yesterday.
Bahamian consulates monitoring protests over George Floyd killing
BAHAMAS’ Ambassador to the United States Sidney Collie yesterday said all of the Bahamian consulates in America are closely monitoring the mass protests that have spread across the nation after an African-American man was killed while being detained by police officers in Minnesota.
JP Rutherford Jr: ‘The servant leader award, I was shocked that I got that too’
THE COVID-19 pandemic prevented Peter and Chavez Rutherford from travelling to Arkansas with other family members over the weekend to watch their son, Peter ‘JP’ Rutherford Jr, graduate from Providence Academy. What they didn’t regret was the decision they made four years ago to allow their eldest son to leave St Augustine’s College to further his high school education.
Brewers release Orveo Saint
AT least one Bahamian player was among the hundreds of roster cuts throughout minor league baseball last week amid the uncertainty of the 2020 season and respective franchise’s decisions on continuing payments to players.
One chance to create a new vision
The global economy is on lockdown and the predictions are staggering. And, there is one regional economy where the long-term realities of the coronavirus are already clear: The Caribbean.
Elite athletes’ subventions cut by just over $269,000
As expected, there will be some major changes for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in the 2020 budget that was outlined by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest in the House of Assembly last week.
Mable gets a special visit as she hits 103
Grand Bahama centenarian Lottie Mable Thomas-Russell celebrated her 103rd birthday on Saturday with a phone call from Governor-General of the Bahamas C A Smith who wished her a happy birthday. Iram Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama, and former Amba
Let's keep it quiet
I’m looking forward to going to the beach, but I am NOT looking forward to ear splitting “music” when the Montagu Park and Club Waterloo reopen.
Pandemic exposes lack of immigration enforcement
Immigration takes place when a country permits non-nationals from other nations to stay (reside) within its borders rather than “come and go” for visiting purposes. Immigrants, meaning those who migrate to another country through immigration, signifi
Airport cuts departure area seating by 30%
Seating in post-security departure areas at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) has been reduced by 30 percent as part of multiple health-related measures to combat COVID-19. The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), LPIA’s operator, sa
Weekend closure costs retailers 40% of sales
Bahamian retailers are divided between the “desperate need” to generate more sales by opening at the weekend and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Herbert Marshall, general manager of Sell-All Electronics, told Tribune Business : “Opening up on wee
Development Bank targets $2m investment in poultry
The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) is planning to facilitate or invest up to $2m to boost local farmers’ share of the fresh poultry market.Aiming to boost farmers’ revenue streams and reduce food imports, the BDB is launching its Community Poultry pi
Exuma Chamber chief: struggle to return 60%
Exuma’s Chamber of Commerce president has warned it will take time for economic activity to return to levels where it can support 60 percent of businesses that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.Hailing the prime minister’s decision to allow full
Scotiabank wins regional honour
Scotiabank Bahamas is celebrating its second consecutive Best Bank award after again being named on Global Finance Magazine’s list of 2020 Best Banks in the Latin American region. The selection comes amid an ongoing digital transformation designed t
Airlines: We needed more re-open notice
The government should have given more than 24 hours’ notice of its decision to re-open “the lifeline for the Family Islands” so that the private sector could be better prepared, aviation operators said yesterday.Anthony K Hamilton, president of the B
Monday, June 1
Cancer Society appealing for donations as events called off
THE Cancer Society of The Bahamas is appealing for donations to continue its operations and outreach after the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Dorian prompted the cancellation of major fundraising events. The non-profit organisation is committed to
$10m received in Dorian donations with $7m spent
THE Bahamas has received about $10 million in donations to assist with Hurricane Dorian relief efforts in Grand Bahama and Abaco, with about three quarters of that sum already expended to help storm victims, according to a NEMA official. Captain Ste
New York City imposes 11pm curfew amid Floyd protests
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City imposed an 11 p.m. curfew Monday as the nation's biggest city tried to prevent another night of destruction amid protests over George Floyd's death.
Statement on the reopening of regular domestic travel
As part of the ongoing and phased reopening of the country, domestic borders will be opened for regular domestic commercial flights and for domestic pleasure craft and yachts. This applies to all islands of The Bahamas.
