Monday, November 30
11302020 EDITION
Monday, 30th November, 2020.
EDITORIAL: The price of freedom
DOUGLAS Ngumi was wronged by this country.
WORLD VIEW – The Haitian people: sadly and badly in need of a champion
HUMAN rights and constitutional violations in Haiti have been ignored for too long by the Organization of American States (OAS). The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has also avoided dealing with incendiary political issues in Haiti.
INSIGHT: Whoever jumps into Turnquest’s shoes needs to fill us all with confidence
The lawsuit naming former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest as part of allegations over a $27m fraud scheme last week spurred a wide range of emotions. While some defended the Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, others noted a distraction of this nature saw it necessary for Turnquest to resign with immediate effect.
Fresh crew transfer to cruise ships in Nassau
CARNIVAL Corporation on Saturday completed a routine embarkation of fresh crew on to a number of their vessels in accordance with established COVID-19 protocols, officials said.
Four more ventilators donated
THE Ministry of Health has received four ventilators to help the fight against COVID-19.
Symonette: Turnquest right to resign
EAST Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest was right to resign last week as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, according to St Anne’s MP Brent Symonette.
Grand Lucayan deal woe as February reopen eyed
The Grand Lucayan’s Board is mulling a February 2021 re-opening in a bid to prevent the resort from becoming a “wasting asset” amid the growing uncertainty surrounding its potential sale.
Activists: Study exposes oil’s ‘roll of the dice’
OIL exploration opponents yesterday said their demands for a drilling halt are justified by a study showing The Bahamas must match almost 60 percent of US offshore crude output to fully offset all economic risks.
COVID testing system’s providers await payment
A CABINET minister last night disclosed that the COVID-19 visitor testing system’s providers have yet to be paid as the Government determines the most efficient mechanism for getting funds to them.
Unworkable rules
I have been coming to Nassau for most of my life. I came first as a schoolboy when my late Father worked for the Bahamas Government civil service. Our family have returned regularly because we like the surroundings, the lovely weather and the friendly and welcoming Bahamians.
USA runs past The Bahamas 99-59 in AmeriCup qualifier
The United States dominated both the boards and points in the paint en route to a lopsided win over a shorthanded Team Bahamas at the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers.
Bodybuilding: 11-member CAC team selected
DESPITE the restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation has selected a 11-member team, inclusive of seven competitors and four officials, to represent the Bahamas at the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships.
A response to hate
In response to Kevin Evans’ bigoted and hateful letter published in your newspaper on Friday, please see below an article that was published shortly after the tragic shooting at a Pittsburgh Synagogue in 2018. I have highlighted several lines that are particularly relevant as a response to Kevin Evans’ myopic view of his fellow man (and woman).
SIX STOLEN YEARS: Record $640K in damages to Kenyan illegally held and beaten at detention centre
DOUGLAS Ngumi, a Kenyan national who endured cruel and inhumane treatment during an unlawful six-and-a-half-year imprisonment at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, has been awarded $641,950 in damages by the Supreme Court.
‘Threat to climate yet we’re okay to drill’
THE Bahamas National Trust has declared it is “categorically opposed to oil exploration in The Bahamas.”
BAIC chief says union rejected ‘olive branch’
THE Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation’s (BAIC) general manager last night accused the trade union representing its line staff of rejecting “the olive branch” he offered upon taking office.
How to prepare for those inevitable security threats
THE management of risk has been a crucial and complex undertaking for businesses globally. Its efficient and effective handling requires solid corporate governance. Every business must protect themselves against the risk of potential interruption by fully assessing their vulnerabilities and deploying mitigating controls. One such risk is fraud.
GOV’T STANDS FIRM ON FOREIGN FISHERIES BAR
A CABINET minister says the Government will not abandon legal reforms that bar foreigners from working on Bahamian-owned fishing vessels despite push back from major wholesalers and processors.
Sunday, November 29
‘Risk we are opening our doors to a third wave’
WITH major resorts set to open by mid-December, consultant physicians are concerned the country could be on the brink of a third COVID-19 wave.
Lucayan could open by mid-February
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar hopes the Grand Lucayan in Grand Bahama can be turned over to its purchasers by January, telling reporters COVID-19 had brought “frustration” to the deal.
Friday, November 27
PM: New Deputy PM, Minister of Finance will be announced 'very soon'
ANNOUNCEMENTS about who will be the new minister of finance and deputy prime minister could come this week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis suggested on Friday.
14 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday
THE Ministry of Health recorded 14 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, continuing a trend in declining numbers.
Thanksgiving dinner held for Grand Bahama Children's Home
IL Cares Foundation held a Thanksgiving dinner for the children at The Grand Bahama Children’s Home – an initiative started three years ago.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Who is Potcake?
If you live on the eastern side of New Providence or have reason to be there, you see a figure that’s hard to ignore. He’s about 5’8”, sinewy, looks tough as nails and then some and oh, yes, he’s dragging a oversized cart of some kind with hubcaps hanging off the side, a mashed up stuffed animal on the handlebar and a cardboard sign with his thought of the day on the back.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Reasons to be thankful
YESTERDAY as I enjoyed every “foodies” warm up for Christmas gorging, Thanksgiving Dinner with my family, I realised that despite it not being the normal Bahamian Thanksgiving we still have a lot to be thankful for.
EDITORIAL: Having powers doesn’t mean you have to use them
THERE seems to be something of a conspiracy theory circulating over the government’s use of emergency powers.
Parents want answers over son’s Texas death
THE parents of murdered Bahamian student Kani Rahming are still waiting for justice two months after their son was fatally shot in Houston, Texas.
In year of lockdowns and curfews, crime down
WITH movement restrictions and curfews in place for most of the year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, National Security Minister Marvin Dames expects a “double digit” drop in major crime when 2020 statistics are revealed.
‘We’re flattening the curve’
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells declared in the House of Assembly yesterday that Bahamians are flattening the COVID-19 epidemic curve.
‘Economy doesn’t sit on one man’s shoulders’
WHILE Peter Turnquest’s resignation from Cabinet presents a challenge for the government, the country’s economic recovery does not rest on the shoulders of one man, a top banker asserted yesterday.
FNM thanks Turnquest
THE Free National Movement yesterday officially thanked former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest for his service, saying he did a “commendable job” in the face of “unprecedented, back-to-back crises”.
Economy cannot hit 5k annual new jobs need
The Bahamas will never generate the 4,000-5,000 new jobs that it needs per year over the next two decades by remaining reliant on its ‘twin pillar’ economic model, a top attorney warned yesterday.
Oil opponents: BPC gives us ‘no choice’
OIL exploration opponents last night said they have “no choice” but to apply for an injunction halting Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) activities as its drilling ship began its voyage to this nation.
Resorts voice fears on COVID ‘seeds of doubt’
A HARBOUR Island hotelier is hoping that the “seeds of doubt” sown by COVID-19 lockdowns and other restrictions will evaporate once the Government “lands” on a more consistent approach.
Rocky Creek rebuilding continues
THE Rotary Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Committee, in its recent partnership with the Grand Bahama Power Company, supplied a truck load of building materials to residents of Rocky Creek in East Grand Bahama.
DeMarco: ‘We like our team’
Despite the challenges the programme has faced to this point, Chris Demarco remains optimistic on his official debut as head coach of the senior men’s national team at the FIBA level.
Love lights a tree event to be held tonight
THE annual Love Lights A Tree event will be held tonight.
Drilling ship sets sail for Bahamas
The 750-foot Stena IceMAX drill ship has sailed from the Canary Islands en route to Grand Bahama in preparation to drill an exploratory oil well off the coast of West Andros.
Dames - my respect for Turnquest resignation
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest made the “honourable” decision to resign in the best interest of his family and the government.
Can Bay Street survive ‘til cruise ships return?
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has questioned whether Bay Street can “hold on” for the return of the cruise ship market, which is the lifeline of businesses down town.
PM - WE’RE DOING THE RIGHT THING: Minnis bats off critics insisting emergency extension is needed
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis called assertions that the government’s emergency powers are unnecessary “highly irresponsible, reckless and unreasonable”.
IAN FERGUSON: Motivating workers to the benefit of all
Employee benefits are any form of compensation paid to employees over and above their regular salary or wages. Employee benefits come in many forms, and are an important part of the overall compensation package offered to workers. Here we outline three common examples of small business employee benefits that will prove most beneficial in 2021.
Gymnastics centre fails to find rebound ‘miracle’
A Grand Bahama fitness centre and gymnastics school has permanently closed after failing to pull- off the “miracle” needed to rebound from Hurricane Dorian’s destruction of its facilities and equipment.
Early 2021 for disaster management regulation
The Bahamian communications industry regulator yesterday said disaster management regulations for the sector will be implemented by early 2021.
URCA unveils changes to its pricing structures
The Bahamas’ communications regulator yesterday said pricing structure changes for satellite services and FM spectrum bands will take place within the next few months.
Central Bank expands its demolition to Post Office
The Central Bank yesterday said it was asked to extend the demolition work for its new headquarters to also include the take-down of the General Post Office building across the street.
Adrian Gibson helps out schools
LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson visited all schools in his constituency last week and presented the principals/administrators with a combined total of 300 tablets.
Too hard to get to The Bahamas
I have operated a travel agency in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for over 45 years. We have consistently and with enthusiasm sent clients regularly to both Nassau and the Family Islands during all this time. Our family have regularly visited and my wife’s family now own a vacation property. It was always easy to book people on the flights from our area with the easy connection through Toronto. The Bahamas was the prime destination for our clients. especially in the winter.
Cornish, Taylor to guide new group in latest FIBA window
D’SHON Taylor and Jaron Cornish are two of the few returning members from the Baha Mar men’s national team’s last appearance at the FIBA AmeriCup qualifiers and hope to use that experience to guide a new group in the latest window.
Atkins: ‘I know I had to become a head coach’
FOR men’s national 100 metre record holder Derrick Atkins, it was a matter of time for him to make his breakthrough as a highly acclaimed track and field coach just as he did with his storied career as an athlete.
Two face court accused of separate murders
TWO men were remanded to prison yesterday after being charged in connection with two separate murders that occurred last week.
Five more airlines to join travel bubbles
(AP) Five additional global airlines and the Airport Council International (ACI) World have announced they will join the CommonTrust Network to create “Safe&Clean” travel bubbles on flights in and out of New York, Boston, London and Hong Kong as of December 2020.
Why follow the Pope?
According to Wikipedia, the Catholic Church, with its estimated 1.3 billion members around the world, is the largest branch of Christianity.
Thursday, November 26
EDITORIAL: Turnquest right to resign
AT the start of this week, we said in this column that Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest faced a battle to keep that title. Yesterday, he waved the flag of surrender – for now – and resigned.
STATESIDE: We’ll still be picking over the bones of this election the next time we go to the polls
It’s an old, time-tested lament from a losing team as its members complain about an officiating error that provided just that extra oomph to get their opponent across the finish line. There is a clear implication that under normal circumstances, the complainant’s team would have prevailed.
FRONT PORCH: Magical thinking won’t see us through this crisis, following a clear strategy will
Jodi Doering is an ER nurse in South Dakota who has nursed Covid-19 patients, some of whom have died. In a series of tweets and somber recollections, Doering described the deaths of some patients who “don’t want to believe that Covid is real”, aggressively denying the existence of the virus and the pandemic.
FRONT PORCH: Magical thinking won’t see us through this crisis, following a clear strategy will
Jodi Doering is an ER nurse in South Dakota who has nursed Covid-19 patients, some of whom have died. In a series of tweets and somber recollections, Doering described the deaths of some patients who “don’t want to believe that Covid is real”, aggressively denying the existence of the virus and the pandemic.
‘Pay drugs fine or risk jail’
A 33-year-old man was ordered to pay $1,500 or risk spending six months in prison yesterday after he was found last week with marijuana.
Minister says Bahamians won’t be forced to take vaccine
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells stressed yesterday that Bahamians will not be forced to take a vaccine for COVID-19 while at the same time revealing his ministry has already drafted a “fully functional, laid out vaccination plan” developed over the past two months.
Hanna Martin will ‘fight to the death’ against citizenship by investment
ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin says she will “fight to the death” any attempt by the government to implement a citizenship by investment policy.
Retailers: Look after economy and we have no issues with proclamation
RETAILERS say they have no issues with the new proclamation of emergency as long as Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis looks out for the best interests of business owners.
Munroe: 8,000 police cannot subjugate 400,000 people
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe, QC, has accused the competent authority of “playing games” with Bahamians’ liberty, as he suggested the country could be on the brink of upheaval over the issuance of a new emergency proclamation.
Health experts say put safety first this holiday season
LOCAL and regional health officials are calling on travellers to be responsible this holiday season to prevent a spike in COVID- 19 given that a vaccine will not be available for months.
Fisheries split deepens on proposed foreign bar
THE fisheries industry’s divide over plans to bar foreigners from working on Bahamian-owned boats deepened yesterday as the two sides hit out at the positions each have taken.
Investigators: Get Sky’s records for fate of $28m
FORENSIC investigators have urged Sky Bahamas’ main financier to subpoena its accounts via the Supreme Court so the fate of more than $28m advanced to the failed airline can be determined.
Bahamas to get $60m for COVID battle boost
The Government is set to borrow $60m to boost the public health sector in its fight with COVID-19 and eliminate the paper-based system it employed to manage the crisis up until August 2020.
Man killed and woman hurt in shooting
A SHOOTING incident on Tuesday left a man dead and a woman in hospital with gunshot wounds in her leg.
‘Enormous sum’ for senator’s relatives
THE Auditor General says a Senator’s relatives stand to earn “an enormous sum” from leasing their Gladstone Road property to a government agency that typically loses over $1m per year.
Gym owner ‘unsettled’ by indifference to his plight
A Bahamian gym owner yesterday branded the Government’s seeming indifference to his and the wider sector’s plight as “unsettling” as a competitor switched their focus to other ventures.
Defendants face ‘onus of proof’ on foreign tax fraud
Reforms to the penal code will place the “onus of proof” on foreign residents of The Bahamas to demonstrate they have not defrauded overseas governments, Cabinet ministers said yesterday.
Food store awaits mid December sales rise
A food store yesterday said they anticipate sales will increase by mid-December following the traditional “seasonally low period” that normally occurs at this time of year.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Design a way out of your ‘comfort zone’
All designers were not born professionals. At some point in their career they were amateurs. And even if a masterpiece was created, there is always room for correction, accentuation and criticism. While perfection comes with trials, persistence and inspiration is the power to achieve greater heights. Being an inspiration means being a role model or the driving force for the people of your genre.
World Athletics’ return for 2021 season all set
WORLD Athletics has scheduled its return for the 2021 season in an amended Olympic year.
Canada’s Atlantic University Sport season cancelled
SEVERAL Bahamian basketball student athletes that compete in Canada’s Atlantic University Sport learned yesterday that their 2020-21 season has been cancelled.
FIBA: Team Bahamas down to eight players
TEAM Bahamas will have to contend with a shortened rotation next week in the latest window of the FIBA Americup 2022 Qualifiers.
Jones perfect
Kai Jones had a perfect season debut while Franco Miller Jr and Radshad Davis shined in their new surroundings in wins for their respective programmes on the opening night of NCAA Division I basketball.
Citizenship by investment?
I write in response to the article in your daily (Wednesday, November 25) featuring an interview with the Hon Mr Elsworth Johnson, Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry, and Immigration, in which Mr Johnson indicated that the Government is “looking at” citizenship by investment as an option for economic stimulus. I find this unacceptable.
Oil drilling concerns
I am a concerned Bahamian citizen who is very concerned with the potential for grave and permanent damage to our country inherent in your drilling for oil. After reading the comments by James Smith, I was very concerned about a conflict of interest, as he is a director of the company and is listed on the company’s website as a major shareholder (11,475,630 shares and 1,500,000 options, the currency is not listed).
FNM is bigger than Turnquest
Regarding the troubling allegations of fraud concerning Alpha Aviation Limited, Advanced Aviation Limited and Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest, the East Grand Bahama MP should be given the full benefit of the doubt by the Bahamian people.
Man accused of unlawful sex with girl
A BAHAMIAN man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with procuring a minor for the purpose of unlawful sexual intercourse.
Suspect denied bail over maiming charge
A 24-year-old man was remanded to prison yesterday charged with maiming another man last week.
Bound to keep peace after girlfriend attack
A 32-year-old man who assaulted his girlfriend during a domestic dispute earlier this week was bound over to keep the peace for one year.
Turnquest goes quietly – for now: 'I will have more to say about the allegations made against me and the actors that have perpetuated it'
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis accepted Peter Turnquest’s resignation as deputy prime minister and minister of finance yesterday evening, ending nearly a week of political intrigue after the East Grand Bahama MP was named in a Supreme Court lawsuit relating to an alleged $27m fraud.
Wednesday, November 25
EDITORIAL: Praise the helpers - and keep the support coming
SOMETIMES, there is little in the way of thanks for those trying their hardest to help others.
Turnquest resigns as Deputy PM, Minister of Finance
Peter Turnquest has resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. In a statement, Mr Turnquest hit out at the “unfounded and untrue claims” against him and said he would continue to serve as the Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama.
ALICIA WALLACE: Throwing the spotlight on a problem which just won’t go away
Today, International Day to End Violence Against Women (IDEVAW), is the first of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
Tablets given to help students
ABOUT 1,500 students in the disaster zones in the northern Bahamas have received tablets for virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Baldness link to severe symptoms from COVID
BALD men may be at higher risk of suffering from severe COVID-19 symptoms, emerging evidence suggests.
29 new cases confirmed - but only three in New Providence
THE Ministry of Health recorded 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, with only three of those cases in New Providence. THE Ministry of Health recorded 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, with only three of those cases in New Providence.
Mitchell counters Scott claims of no conflict over Turnquest case
PLP chairman Fred Mitchell has chided Hotel Corporation chairman Michael Scott on his claims of “no conflict” regarding the explosive writ filed in the Supreme Court featuring allegations against Finance Minister Peter Turnquest.
‘Vicious’ infighting in PLP over candidate selection
ATTORNEY Sean McWeeney has described the ongoing aspirant candidates’ process within the Progressive Liberal Party as being plagued by “vicious” infighting.
Bishop Neil Ellis: Stay home - and don’t spread the virus
BISHOP Neil Ellis has cautioned Bahamians against travelling to the United States over the next few weeks, warning that those who return home could cause COVID-19 cases to increase, threatening the impending opening of major resorts.
D’Aguilar hopes U.S. will change travel warning
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar says he hopes the United States will soon change its decision to warn residents not to travel to this country.
500 meals given out for Thanksgiving
DUDLEY and Katie Seide, of Reach Out Youth Organization, distributed Thanksgiving lunches to hundreds of needy residents and senior citizens on Grand Bahama.
Fisheries suffers ‘rift’ on non-Bahamian workers
A fisheries industry “rift” has been exposed over arguments that over 1,000 persons will be hurt, and up to $8m lost, if planned legal reforms stop foreign nationals working on Bahamian-owned boats.
‘Tragic and ironic reality’ over expat fisheries workers
A BAHAMIAN fisherman last night confirmed the long-standing “split” with the sector’s major wholesalers and processors over what he described as “a tragic and ironic reality”.
Union leader urges: Avoid labour unrest at all costs
A TRADE union leader yesterday said he had informed his colleagues that industrial action in any form must be avoided until the Bahamian economy fully recovers from COVID-19.
GB hotelier: ‘We need something to go our way’
A MAJOR Grand Bahama hotelier yesterday said his property is losing between $200,000 to $300,000 per month, as he lamented: “We need something to go our way.”
Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona dies at 60
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Diego Maradona, the Argentine soccer great who scored the "Hand of God" goal in 1986 and led his country to that year's World Cup title before later struggling with cocaine use and obesity, has died. He was 60.
Man dead, woman injured in shooting
A man is dead and a woman is in hospital after a shooting incident on Tuesday night.
‘SHAME ON YOU’: Food task force leader condemns social media attacks on ‘heroic’ staff
THE chairwoman of the National Food Distribution Task Force has defended the “heroic” efforts of various partner NGOs and their workers in the face of “shameful” social media attacks.
‘I’m focusing on work, that’s all’
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said he is focused “on the work of the Bahamian people” yesterday as observers await word on how Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his Cabinet will respond to allegations of fraud that have been brought against him.
Emergency rule renewed - PLP says ‘we won’t back it’
GOVERNOR General C A Smith issued a new proclamation of emergency last night, his third since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Dangers of oil drilling
I recently read with interest the comments espousing the multiple advantages with very few disadvantages of drilling for oil in our pristine waters.
In Spain, Lashann scores 10 in loss
Although her trek to Spain to begin her professional basketball career has not been a great one winning wise, Harbour Island native Lashann Higgs has been making the best of her appearances with the Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM.
Trump and racism
There was a letter earlier this week in The Tribune from a black conservative praising Trump as a non racist and alluding to the reason why Trump lost the election as being due to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Eroding Bahamian ownership
Some months ago, I predicted that the Economic Recovery Committee would (in part on account of its composition) do little more than repeat and amplify some of the same misguided ideas that got this country into the mess exposed (though not caused) by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 crisis.
Man accused of gunpoint robbery
A 38-year-old man was remanded to prison yesterday accused of robbing a man at gunpoint of $9,000 last week.
Tuesday, November 24
Former Speaker Ingraham dies at 82
FORMER House of Assembly Speaker Oswald Ingraham died on Monday at the age of 82.
Officers survive shotgun shooting
TWO police officers were shot in Abaco after responding to a domestic dispute on the island late yesterday morning.
Help Timiesha get back to school!
Student overcomes multiple hardships striving for a better life
All of the money Timiesha Knowles made and diligently savedfrom workingmultiple jobs just so she could fund her tertiary education has been sacrificed to keep her mother and family afloat, who were devastated by Hurricane Dorian and have now been left facing financial strains due the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christmas shopping during COVID-19
It’s definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But before we get to that special time of the year, we have to get through the holidays of a shopaholic’s dream - Thanksgiving and the Black Friday and their sales.
You Go Girl – Ysa Valdes connects with northern Bahamian communities
Grand Bahama businesswoman Ysa Valdes is expanding her business communications empire, with an online television channel, and has taken her brand to two additional islands - Abaco and Bimini.
EDITORIAL: Words without action mean nothing
TO read the story of the murder of Ednique Walker, who died at just eight years old alongside her mother, Alicia Sawyer, is tragic. The pair were victims of violence, and their murder is yet another alarm bell for our nation.
PETER YOUNG: We can’t rewrite history just because the way we look at the world has changed
WITH almost the whole world, it seems, focused on the coronavirus pandemic, not least because of the prospect of a vaccine becoming available soon, “wokeness” is not an issue of major concern to most people. But it has come to the fore again in Britain with a group of Tory Members of Parliament speaking out against what they maintain is an attempt to rewrite or denigrate the nation’s history.
FACE TO FACE: Alicia and her daughter Ednique were lost - when will we wake up and stop the violence?
A precious eight-year-old little girl is on a memorial billboard at the entrance of Nassau Village. She shouldn’t be there. She should be counting down the days to her birthday on December 12. She should be trying to adjust to the new normal of online schooling and thinking about what she wants for Christmas. But on September 28 this year, Ednique Wallace became the victim of murder. She and her mother Alicia Sawyer lost their lives together in a senseless act of violence that occurs too often in our society.
In-school classes ‘going well’ in Grand Bahama
A GRAND Bahama education official says resumed face-to-face instruction is going well in the island’s public schools.
Permanent voter registration plan to be tabled ‘next week’
THE government has decided to implement a permanent voter register and plans to table an amendment to the Parliamentary Elections Act “by next week” to effect the change, according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday.
Fred Mitchell speaks out over pensions
PLP chairman Senator Fred Mitchell yesterday heavily criticised the way in which pensioners, especially those who served in Parliament, are dealt with when it comes to receiving payments.
PM signals no more assistance likely for rent
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday suggested the government is not in a position to do more for people needing rental assistance.
Minnis: Stay at home - and don’t give the gift of COVID for Thanksgiving
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday warned Bahamians against celebrating Thanksgiving outside of their homes, saying they may give their families and friends the “gift of COVID” if they gather for the usual social events.
Man killed as fishermen thrown from their boat
A FISHING trip ended yesterday with three men being ejected out of their 40ft Contender after it struck an object – leaving one of them dead.
Former NBA star Fox raises concerns over oil drilling
FORMER NBA player Rick Fox has raised concerns over Bahamas Petroleum Company’s proposed oil exploration project.
Oil opponents deny ‘malice’ motivation
A prominent QC yesterday blasted suggestions by Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) shareholders that opposition to the company’s oil prospecting was driven by “malice”.
PI resort to open after ‘abnormal last few months’
A MAJOR Paradise Island resort has confirmed it will re-open on December 10 after several “abnormal” months as the US eased its COVID-19 warnings on travel to The Bahamas.
Governance reformer: DPM must ‘make call’ over claims
A governance reformer last night said the deputy prime minister will have to “make the call” with the Prime Minister as to whether the $27m “bogus loans” accusations will become too big a distraction.
Minister and MP out as $2.4m claim defendants
A CABINET minister and current MP have been removed as defendants to a $2.405m unfair dismissal claim brought by the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s former general manager.
Aliv addresses 50% data demand growth
Aliv’s top executive says the COVID-19 pandemic has driven a 50 percent increase in data demand as it works on finalising a $70m loan from its controlling shareholder.
Contradictory advice in U.S. over travel to The Bahamas
Confusion over what countries are safe to visit during the COVID crisis has been laid bare by contradictory advice by the US to its citizens on travel to The Bahamas.
Lawyer hits back - ‘I’m no one’s prophylactic’
ATTORNEY Michael Scott has rejected assertions he is in a conflicted position after his law firm filed a writ alleging Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest “conspired” to defraud Sky Bahamas’ financier of almost $27m by way of sham loans.
WAITING GAME: Turnquest forced to hold on for sign PM will give his support
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday broke his silence over allegations of a $27m fraud levelled against Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest saying Cabinet is “deliberating” over how it will handle the situation.
Not as bad as I feared
I expected returning home to the Bahamas was going to be a tedious experience, judging by what I’ve heard from a couple of my fellow Bahamians.
Adorning your locs
More and more Black women around the world, including here in the Bahamas, have been embracing their natural hair, especially now during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bahamian men need to be more aware of their health
I became a urologist with the aim of improving the quality of lives of Bahamian men, women and children. Bahamian men are unfortunately notoriously poor at addressing their own health needs. Prostate cancer will strike one in six Bahamian men in their lifetime. The Bahamas has the 14th highest per capita prostate cancer incidence in the world.
Go nuts about healthy snacks
Are you worried you’ve gained weight during the pandemic? Well, you’re not alone. Collette Thompson said one of most common statements she’s heard during these past eight months is how people can't stop eating, mainly because they're home almost all of the time now and bored.
Bahamians to compete in NCAA Division 1 openers
THE NCAA Division I basketball season tips off Wednesday, November 25 and several Bahamian players are scheduled to compete on the opening day of the COVID-19-shortened season.
COVID-19 STOPS HUNTER AND THE REBELS
SAMMY Hunter and the Ole Miss Rebels will not tip off their season as scheduled due to a series of COVID-19 tests within the men’s basketball programme.
NESBITT EMERGES AS LEADER IN FIRST YEAR WITH NEW CLUB
AFTER several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil’s Novo Basquete Brasil finally opened its 2020-21 season and David Nesbitt has emerged as a leader in his first year with a new club.
Romad Dean expected to continue his star climb
ROMAD Dean is expected to continue his star climb for the Crestwood Hoops basketball programme this upcoming season as he makes strides towards diversifying his skillset.
Views of an oil shareholder
I am a shareholder in Bahamas Petroleum (‘BPC’). I am not part of a PR agency, specialist interest group, employee, or supplier. Just an ordinary shareholder with a relatively small amount of shares out of the four billion plus on issue.
Driving visitors away
The main economic drive of the Bahamian economy is tourism. The role of the Ministry of Tourism is to promote the country and bring as many visitors as possible. The opposite is currently happening as entry rules for the needed visitors are so difficult that few can complete them.
Suspect accused of beating victim with a metal pipe
A 35-year-old man, accused of assaulting a man with a metal pipe last week, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Suspect accused of beating victim with a metal pipe
A 35-year-old man, accused of assaulting a man with a metal pipe last week, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Man who said he broke into store for food jailed for three years
AN Eleuthera man was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday after he pleaded guilty to breaking into a woman’s store last week, claiming it was because he needed food.
20-year-old accused of killing one and trying to kill two more
A 20-year-old man was remanded to prison yesterday accused of murdering a man and attempting to kill two others earlier this month.
Monday, November 23
WORLD VIEW: We’re in a new reality and those who control the purse strings need to realise that - and help
GOVERNMENTS in Central America are calling for “climate justice” after the devastation of their countries by Eta and Iota as both tropical storms and hurricanes.
INSIGHT: If a leader has a true vision the people will follow
IN times of crisis, the mettle of true leaders is put to the test. Winston Churchill, known for his refusal to surrender to Germany in World War II, Nelson Mandela’s leadership and negotiations that led to the end of Apartheid, George W Bush navigating the US through the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and his successor, Barack Obama, steering the country during the 2008 recession – all names synonymous with incredibly trying times throughout history. And now, with COVID-19 affecting the whole world, leaders have had to dig deep.
Grand Lucayan deal merits under review
Consultants have been hired to review the Grand Lucayan deal’s merits amid growing doubts that it now delivers the promised benefits to the Bahamian people, Tribune Business can reveal.
Liquidator concern on $8m taken from collapsed broker
A Bahamian broker/dealer’s liquidator has voiced concern that its majority shareholder and then-senior management removed over $8m in the two-and-a-half years prior to its insolvency.
Abaco to meet Gov’t on ‘number one issue’
ABACO’s private sector is scheduled to meet with the Government today to resolve the “number one question” that is the fate of the island’s post-Dorian Special Economic Recovery Zone.
‘Abandoned’ Sky staff claim $740,000 owed
Some 40 former Sky Bahamas employees will appear before the Industrial Tribunal today claiming that the former airline has “totally abandoned” them and the collective $740,000 it owes.
Bitcoin – The new gold or another supernova moment?
ActivTrades
By the current year’s standards, 2017 was pretty average.
INSIGHT: From persecution to prison to poverty – a political refugee’s five-year ordeal in The Bahamas
Fleeing his native Gambia in fear of extra-judicial execution, Ousman Bojang accepted a friend’s invitation to take refuge in The Bahamas. Expecting safety and protection in accordance with our international obligations, he was met instead with arbitrary detention, false imprisonment, inhumane treatment and shocking conditions. Then he was released, only to be forced into poverty by a cruel and spiteful government.
‘When will we be told about probe into seabed damage?’
ENVIRONMENTAL activists are still awaiting results of an investigation by a government-appointed task force into alleged seabed damage by cruise ships.
American escapes unhurt from Mayaguana plane crash
AN American man escaped injury after his plane crashed in Mayaguana on Saturday.
27 customers cited for breach
A GROUP of people were cited over the weekend for breaching Emergency Orders.
PM: Cabinet 'deliberating' on how to handle Turnquest fraud allegations
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said on Monday that Cabinet is "deliberating" over how it will handle fraud allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest.
‘SWEET BELLS’ ON KLAY INJURY: ‘IT’S A PART OF LIFE’
MYCHAL ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson, the first Bahamian and international player to be selected as the No.1 pick in the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s draft in 1978, remembered when he suffered a broken leg in a pickup game at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.
STRACHAN BROTHERS RECORD MILESTONES
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation named its Baha Mar senior men’s national team scheduled to compete in the next round of FIBA Americup 2022 Qualifiers.
Retailers ‘scared’ on emergency extension
RETAILERS say the Government’s extension of its COVID-19 emergency powers Order through to December 28 threatens to create more uncertainty for the key Christmas shopping season.
Bay Street nervous on cruise return wait
A DOWNTOWN Nassau restaurant owner is hoping cruise tourism can make a full rebound earlier than 2021 given that 60 percent of his business is generated by that industry.
Bahamas targets summit for conference planners
THE Bahamas was the only international destination represented and presenting at the recent National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) conference under the theme Focused and Empowered.
UN body teams to aid local MSMEs
THE Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) has teamed with a United Nations (UN) body for an initiative designed to aid Dorian-ravaged micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Public officials need to ‘un-think’ how they work
THE Government’s digital transformation initiative requires public officials to “un-think” their traditional approach to serving the Bahamian people, a Cabinet minister has said.
Anthaya joins the track and field connection at Kentucky
Top junior versatile sprinter/ hurdler/jumper Anthaya Charlton will be the latest track and field athlete to join the Bahamian track and field connection at the University of Kentucky.
PLP increase calls for Deputy PM's resignation
PRESSURE mounted from PLPs yesterday who demanded answers from government and the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest over damaging fraud allegations.
Numbers down - but we must stay alert
AMID a decline of positive COVID-19 cases in the country, a local infectious disease expert said it appears The Bahamas has flattened the curve in the second COVID-19 wave, but warned residents must still not let their guards down as “things can still change”.
Dr Timothy McCartney dies from COVID virus
THE psychiatric community is mourning the loss of Dr Timothy McCartney, who died yesterday in Florida from COVID-19. He was 87 years old.
DOUBLE HOMICIDE: Mother recalls finding daughter dead in parked car
THE mother of a woman killed in a double homicide on Saturday has recalled the horrific moment when she discovered her dead daughter as “cold as ice” inside of a parked car on Ida Street.
Turnquest - will he ride this out?
THE deputy prime minister was “praying to God” that allegations connecting him to unproven claims of tax fraud and a worker’s wrongful dismissal would never emerge in The Bahamas.
Saturday, November 21
Bodies of man and woman found in car
Police are treating the deaths of a man and woman, whose bodies were found in a car on Saturday morning, as murder.
Friday, November 20
Davis calls for Turnquest to resign over fraud allegations
Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip "Brave" Davis has called for Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest to resign over allegations of a $27m fraud.
Man accused of knife assault remanded to prison
A 47-year-old man accused of assaulting a woman with a knife was remanded to prison on Friday.
Woman ordered to reimburse store she stole from
A 41-year-old woman who stole over $200 worth of food items from Super Value last week was ordered to reimburse the store or risk spending two months at the Bahamas Department of Corrections.
$200 fine for violating curfew
A 59-year-old man who pleaded guilty to violating curfew in New Providence was ordered to pay a $200 fine or spend one week in prison on Friday.
Two plead guilty to disturbing public peace
Two men who were involved in a physical altercation were charged with disturbing the public peace in the Freeport Magistrate Court this week.
An oily Bahamas Christmas
An Oily Christmas in The Bahamas before 2020 is out, in a matter of weeks, foreign oil interests calling themselves Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC), are poised to begin drilling for oil in Bahamian waters. For those unfamiliar with Bahamian waters, they are hard to see. Why? Well, these waters are hard to see because they are so clear and clean.
EDITORIAL: Good riddance to a building long past its best
IT’S the end of an era – and not before time.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Virginia got her wish, Santa, can I have mine?
Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Video not only thing going viral at Charms
THIS week we saw the quest for aragonite continue, the birth of yet another new political party, and the usual wheels spinning in the mud from parliament.
$1,200 to be given to 1,000 this month to help pay rent
SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell says 1,000 rental assistance applicants will be given $1,200 to help them with paying rent this month.
Day is chance to hail male unsung heroes
A MURAL was unveiled yesterday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in observance of International Men’s Day.
Illegal residents ‘considerable portion’ of hurricane deaths
IRAM Lewis, State Minister of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, told Caribbean risk managers yesterday that illegal residents made up a “considerable” portion of those who died or went missing in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
New party vows to fight every seat - except that of Glenys Hanna Martin
A NEW political party promising to ensure equality, justice and labour rights for all Bahamians has formed with the intention of contesting all but one seat in the 2022 general election.
General Post Office demolition underway
DEMOLITION of the General Post Office at East Hill Street began yesterday as part of efforts to modernise the downtown area.
Save The Bays: Oil director Smith seems ‘shockingly uninformed’
ENVIRONMENTALISTS criticised Bahamas Petroleum Company director James Smith yesterday, saying he seems “shockingly uninformed” about oil issues.
BPL's Shell MoU hits its expiry date
Bahamas Power & Light's (BPL) chairman yesterday confirmed a key agreement with Shell for New Providence's new power plant has expired amid suggestions the Government may approach "other parties".
'Grey clouds' must lift to get Cable dividends
Cable Bahamas' top executive says dividend payments to ordinary shareholders will only resume after "some of the grey clouds" presently hovering over the Bahamian economy disappear.
No full cruise rebound forecast until late 2022
Nassau Cruise Port's controlling owner has warned industry stakeholders that full recovery may be two years away with 2019 passenger numbers not returning until the 2022 second half.
'Not reassured in slightest' by oil drill ship's watchdog
Environmental activists say they are "not reassured in the slightest" by the promised presence of the Government's watchdogs on Bahamas Petroleum Company's drilling ship.
Activists slam BPC director as 'downright wrong' on oil
Environmental activists yesterday said a Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) director's criticism of legal efforts to halt its oil exploration plans as "downright wrong" and "a false equivalence".
THOMAS ON THREE-PITCH ARSENAL
THE premier pitcher in the Bahamian minor league pipeline, Tahnaj Thomas’ performance at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ instructional league has the team looking forward to a new addition to his skill set.
NCAA SWIM: BAHAMIANS MAKE DEBUTS
NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving opened its season and Bahamian student athletes in the Atlantic Coast Conference opened their seasons on an impressive note.
IAN FERGUSON: Signs that it is time to move on
These are quite difficult times in the job market. This is certainly not the ideal time for anyone to up and leave their jobs without a secure option, or a passion and plan for entrepreneurship. Sometimes, though, the bad week turns into a month or year, sending the signal to the progressive employee that it may be time to transition to another workplace or sector altogether.
Fisheries to 'thrive for generations' due to Bill
A major fisheries group yesterday threw its support behind the recently-tabled Fisheries Bill 2020, hailing it as “comprehensive” and for bringing a “fair and balanced approach” to the industry.
Abaco resorts: 'We must know what we're facing'
Abaco resorts yesterday called for more clarity around the COVID-19 travel protocols as they seek to rebound from the combined devastation of Hurricane Dorian and the global pandemic.
Scotiabank in branch closure over COVID
Scotiabank Bahamas yesterday announced the temporary closure of its Nicholl’s Town branch in Andros following the confirmation of a COVID-19 case among its staff.
Sir Randol Fawkes is named a national hero
SIR Randol Fawkes, the father of labour, was posthumously named a National Hero in the 2020 National Honours.
‘Extending powers is right’
SUPER Value owner Rupert Roberts yesterday voiced his support for the government’s intention to extend the country’s Emergency Powers Orders to December 28.
Police probe deadly house fire
NEW Providence police are investigating a structural fire, which they believe caused the death of a man early Tuesday morning.
Jailed for breaking into his parent’s home
A 29-year-old man who broke into his parent’s home and stole an assortment of items was yesterday sentenced to three months in prison.
Throwing rocks ends up costing man $150
A 31-year-old man who threw rocks at another man during an argument earlier this week has been ordered to pay him $150 compensation.
Haitian man who entered country twice sent to prison
A HAITIAN man who illegally entered the country on two separate occasions was yesterday fined $3,000 and sentenced to six months in prison.
Tourism requirements
Exciting articles in your newspaper the past week about the imminent rebound of tourism with hotels reopening and new easier tests are absolutely unbelievable considering the harsh entry requirements. Who will fill the hotels and resorts if they cannot gain entry? It is like a fairy story.
Suspect denies claims of attacking sisters
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday over allegations he assaulted two sisters.
Man accused of assaulting police officers
A FREEPORT man accused of assaulting two police officers was arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Threatening neighbour sees man warned
A 35-year-old man who threatened to harm his neighbour last week was yesterday discharged with a warning.
Thursday, November 19
Turnquest denies conspiracy claim
The deputy prime minister on Thursday night branded claims that he “conspired” to defraud Sky Bahamas’ financier of almost $27m via sham loans as “categorically false”.
EDITORIAL: So much for Christmas . . .
IN a surprise move, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed emergency powers were to be extended again last night – this time until the far side of Christmas.
STATESIDE: Trump still plays the squatter in the White House as Republicans struggle to cut the chains to their electoral loser
IT’S been 16 days now since America’s general election. A nasty joke has been making the rounds. It goes like this:
FRONT PORCH: Take a look around - our democracy is so precious we must all strive to protect it
“Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” - Winston Churchill
Vaccine expected to be available in spring - at a cost
PAN American Health Organisation officials say The Bahamas can have access to COVID-19 vaccines between March and April of 2021, however, delivery will be challenging and costly.
‘We’re feeding the pigs and we’re ready to reopen again’
CELEBRITY Eco-Adventures stand ready to resume tours, featuring their swimming pigs at Crystal Beach in West Grand Bahama, as soon as the tourism sector reopens on the island.
Festival place demolition almost complete
DEMOLITIONS of the former Bahamas Customs Warehouse and Festival Place on Prince George Wharf are almost complete in the transformation of Nassau Cruise Port with construction set to begin at the end of the month.
Atlantis guests won’t have to take antigen test
EVEN though Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has stressed that all guests staying more than five days in The Bahamas have to take a mandatory antigen test, Atlantis Resort’s guests will not be required to do so as they will be engaged in a “Vacation in Place” programme, Tourism Officials said.
Three-generation retailer to shutter
A 74 year-old Bahamian retailer that has remained in the same family for three generations yesterday confirmed it plans to close in the New Year once all existing inventory is sold-off.
Tourism operators seek oil exploration 'pull back'
Water-based tourism operators yesterday voiced optimism that the threat of legal action will force the Government to "pull back" on oil exploration with some revealing it has already cost them business.
BPC director blasts 'preposterous' action
A Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) director yesterday slammed "preposterous" environmental activists for seeking to block this nation from discovering whether it has natural resources to exploit.
COVID blamed over fiscal strategy delay
The Prime Minister blamed the COVID-19 pandemic's "fluid nature" for the Government's failure to meet yesterday's deadline for tabling the annual Fiscal Strategy Report in Parliament.
Cruise port poised for berth expansion
Nassau Cruise Port is poised to begin the expansion of key vessel berths as it revealed yesterday that demolition of the former Festival Place welcome centre is now 90 percent complete.
Bahamas services exports shrink by 26% in 2020 Q1
The Bahamas suffered a 25.9 percent year-over-year contraction in its 2020 first quarter services exports as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, it was revealed yesterday.
COVID blamed over fiscal strategy delay
The Prime Minister blamed the COVID-19 pandemic's "fluid nature" for the Government's failure to meet yesterday's deadline for tabling the annual Fiscal Strategy Report in Parliament.
Jonquel leads her team to brink of FIBA qualification
Jonquel Jones has led Bosnia and Herzegovina to the brink of FIBA EuroBasket 2021 qualification after another pair of dominant performances in the latest window.
Local cruise port buy-in when 'we have something to show'
Bahamians will get the opportunity to own a piece of Nassau's new $268m cruise port in the 2021 second quarter once tangible progress is made on its redevelopment, it was disclosed yesterday.
Local cruise port buy-in when 'we have something to show'
Bahamians will get the opportunity to own a piece of Nassau's new $268m cruise port in the 2021 second quarter once tangible progress is made on its redevelopment, it was disclosed yesterday.
Tavario Miller makes impact in Argentina
TAVARIO Miller was an early season acquisition for Boca Juniors in Argentina’s Liga Nacional de Básquet and has had an immediate impact with his new club.
Prince Strachan and Rams have thrilling finish in the playoffs
PRINCE Strachan and his John Carroll Catholic High School Golden Rams will continue their season after a thrilling finish in the first round of the Florida 2-3A regional playoffs.
Videos show clubgoers breaking rules
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames had stern words yesterday for people who persist in breaking Emergency Powers Orders after numerous people were cited for violating protocols at a club on Tuesday night.
$16.5m recovery boost for Gulf Union creditors
Depositors and creditors of a long-collapsed Bahamian bank may receive an unexpected late windfall through a potential near-$16.5m increase in asset recoveries.
Deportation threat over filing report
VISITORS to The Bahamas face deportation if they do not complete a short survey each day for at least 14 days if they are in the country, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.
Land row director is rehired by govt
TEX Turnquest, a former director of the Department of Lands and Surveys who was forced to resign in 2009 amid controversy over Crown Land grants, has been rehired by the government.
Forbes assured he’ll keep South Andros
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said only something egregious would prevent incumbent PLP parliamentarians from being ratified as candidates in the next general election.
Man must pay for door damage
AN Andros man, who trespassed on another man’s premises and damaged his door, was yesterday ordered to pay compensation for the damage he had caused.
Black Friday temptation to travel?
BLACK Friday is one of the biggest shopping days in the United States, along with Cyber Monday and Super Saturday.
Prison officer behind bars
A CORRECTIONAL officer, found with almost $2,000 worth of marijuana, was yesterday sentenced to seven months in prison.
Teen accused of causing harm
A TEENAGER, accused of harming two people last week, was yesterday denied bail ahead of his trial.
Ban oil drilling in Bahamas
Government enacted lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic have forced Bahamians to stay home, crushed the economy, and destroyed Bahamian businesses. Meanwhile, Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) – which is not Bahamian – has been allowed to forge ahead with its plans to drill for oil in The Bahamas.
Two bailed over fraud allegations
TWO men, who denied last week defrauding a local cell phone store, were yesterday granted bail ahead of their trial.
Wednesday, November 18
PM intends to extend state of emergency till December 28th
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis gave notice in the House of Assembly yesterday evening of his intention to extend the country’s state of emergency until December 28.
Kendalia’s encounter with racism in USA
As an athlete coming from the Bahamas, Kendalia Turner didn’t know the true effect of racism until she encountered it when she went to Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, on a softball scholarship.
EDITORIAL: Don’t reach too eagerly for more and lose it all
IT always seemed likely that the plans for oil exploration might end up in court.
ALICIA WALLACE: While others play by the rules others show total disregard – we won’t forget them
I know two couples who rescheduled their weddings multiple times this year. Neither of them had planned huge ceremonies or receptions, but they had plans.
Remembering loved ones in bid to stop domestic violence
FAMILY members of women killed came together to remember their loved ones as the Zonta Club launched its 16 days of activism.
Two arrested after marijuana find
TWO men were arrested for possession of dangerous drugs in Freeport on Monday.
Work may start on medical school by end of the year
GROUND-breaking and construction on a new medical school in Grand Bahama expected to create some 200 jobs could start before the end of the year, according to State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson.
No parades - but Junkanoo to live on with virtual events
ALTHOUGH Junkanoo parades will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials say avid fans can still enjoy this integral part of Bahamian culture through several virtual events.
Oil explorer: 'We will pay double required royalties'
A Bahamas-based oil explorer yesterday said it will "pay double the royalties that the law provides for" to the Government should it strike success when exploratory drilling starts in less than a month.
Segmenting COVID test window 'could be floated'
A Cabinet minister yesterday said extending the COVID-19 PCR testing window for tourists from countries with fewer cases is "an idea that could be floated" when the present global spike is arrested.
'Buy Bahamian' initiative critical for 25,000 jobs
Around 45 companies yesterday joined forces in a bid to drive "behavioural change" among Bahamian consumers and help preserve up to 25,000 jobs heading into the Christmas shopping season.
Tourism could be off by 75% 'through 2021'
The Bahamas could endure tourism volumes up to 75 percent below last year's record-breaking 7.2m visitors "through 2021", the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) warned yesterday.
Retailer's 'hard decision' to exit Mall at Marathon
A Bahamian retailer yesterday said high rental rates combined with the ongoing uncertainty over COVID-19 restrictions had given it no choice but to exit its space at the Mall at Marathon.
Greater FDI linkages 'beautiful' for locals
A Bahamian manufacturing advocate yesterday said it would be "beautiful" if the Government fosters greater “linkages” between local producers and major resort and real estate developments.
Scotia named Bahamas private banking leader
Scotia Wealth Management says it has been named by Global Finance Magazine as the best private bank in the Bahamas.
Giorgio Baldacci Open Challenge in limbo
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s annual Giorgio Baldacci Open Challenge Tennis Tournament at the National Tennis Centre in December maybe in limbo, but it won’t have any effect on the selection of the men’s and women’s Davis and Fed Cup teams respectively.
Sarah Mahfoud’s fight called off
AFTER spending the past six weeks in sparring and training sessions for Sarah Mahfoud, Bahamian heavyweight fighter/ trainer Sherman ‘The Tank’ Williams said it was disheartening to learn that her December 11 fight in Las Vegas was called off.
Harnessing messy data for future improvements
Data does not rest. It is everywhere, created by everyone for anything and everything. Silently, it has grown exponentially over the past few years, especially most recently, with the attention on COVID-19. We are obsessed with the moment-to-moment updates. While data is messy, I believe it is the most significant contributor to our emotional discomfort and mistrust, as well as disinformation – which are all at unprecedented levels. We would like to believe what the data says but do not trust it.
Man gunned down in ambush
A MAN believed to be in his late 30s became the country’s latest murder victim yesterday evening.
Atlantis guests won’t face tests
GUESTS registered at Atlantis resort will not be required to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests once they remain confined to the Paradise Island “safe zone” for the duration of their stay.
No place for petty politics
ANGLICAN Bishop Laish Boyd has expressed concern about the level of “petty politics” that goes on in The Bahamas, which he deemed “not good” for the country.
Speaker hits out at 'erosion of authority and function of legislative branch'
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie yesterday suggested there is a deliberate attempt to undermine his authority, telling reporters it appeared that once he makes recommendations “Cabinet is going to deny it”.
Last-ditch threat to oil exploration
Environmental activists last night threatened to initiate legal action against the Government and Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) within 14 days unless the latter halts its oil exploration plans.
Cellphone thief must pay victim
A MAN who stole a woman’s cellphone has been ordered to reimburse her for her missing device.
No bail for man accused in bar fight
An ANDROS man, accused of harming two men at a bar on the island last month, has been denied bail ahead of his trial.
$150 fine for punching girlfriend in face
A 29-year-old man who punched his girlfriend in her face after she refused to unlock her phone was yesterday ordered to pay her $150 compensation.
Aliv presents 10,000 tablets to students
AS part of ALIV’s continued support as a digital service provider, more than 10,000 tablets along with data plans have been distributed to Bahamians students across the country currently on the Ministry of Education’s food programme.
The political Arena
As we approach the electoral period it is important that the major political parties vet; select and groom potential new candidates to offer on behalf of the respective entity. Hitherto we have seen the spectacle of the actual nomination and election of assorted candidates over the years who would have been elected on the ticket for one party only to turn renegade and switch to another party after falling out with his/her original party.
Water and Sewerage and leaks
Thank you for allowing me the space in your newspaper, to address several points of national concern, I appreciate it.
Tuesday, November 17
Grand Bahama nurse and Nassau humanitarian awarded for heroic deeds
Seven newborns, a shrinking food supply, and rising floodwaters in the Grand Bahama Rand Memorial Hospital during Hurricane Dorian quickly turned Nurse Nicole Morgan into what her colleagues describe as a timely hero.
A new hope for diabetics: Mini clinics to offer ‘affordable, accessible’ assistance for foot problems
UNDER the theme “New Hope For the Diabetic Foot”, The Foot and Ankle International team recently hosted its third annual conference geared towards solving painful and dangerous problem many Bahamian face.
Bahamians both cautious and optimistic about potential COVID vaccine
With two major pharmaceutical companies announcing significant progress in a potential COVID- 19 vaccine, Tribune Health asked Bahamians how comfortable they would feel taking an early version of the drug.
The limits of sisterhood
Being the disadvantaged sex since the beginning of time, there has always been this notion that women should always support each other in a some sort of universal bond of sisterhood.
Iyeasha’s blooming adventure
This year, thanks to a global pandemic, we have found ourselves spending more time in our homes than ever before. So it’s important that the space we now use for living, working, and in many cases, even teaching our children, is comfortable, welcoming, and yes, attractive.
EDITORIAL: Poised to create her own legacy
WHEN Monique Pindling took the stage at the PLP convention in 2017, her words were a breath of fresh air.
PETER YOUNG: And you thought things were bad in the White House
Whether or not one agrees with former US President Richard Nixon who said, with supreme irony, that he ‘rejected the cynical view that politics is a dirty business’, there is no denying recent goings-on at the heart of Britain’s political establishment have been dramatic and messy.
FACE TO FACE: Women make up half our population - why not half the assembly?
Women political leaders are seriously outnumbered in The Bahamas – a fact that the Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWiL) intends to change. The first step was to establish a Bahamas chapter of this regional organisation.
‘Unfortunate’ that curfew convictions on records
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said it is “unfortunate” that convictions for breaching COVID-19 rules is showing up on some people’s police records.
Taskforce to tackle oil dumping
A Police task force led by two senior officers has been assigned to deal with any further illegal oil dumping incidents on Grand Bahama following two recent incidents on the island.
Helping to keep students safe in school
TO ensure a safe school environment for students and teachers, the local government of Pinder’s Point Township made a generous presentation of critical items to the Lewis Yard Primary School, in Hunters.
Neighbourhood watch groups on the increase
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis highlighted the increase in neighbourhood watch groups during an event yesterday at which a campaign associated with the programme was launched.
PM urges partygoers to go into quarantine
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has urged those attending a party on Bimini over the weekend to self-quarantine, insisting the event could be a “super spreader” for COVID-19.
Recreation Grounds opened Over-the-Hill
THE historic Southern Recreation Grounds in the Over-the-Hill Community was officially opened during a brief ceremony yesterday.
A new star weapon to tackle COVID-19
HOW to bring tourists safely back to The Bahamas has been taxing the government’s minds for months.
Ayton poster boy
Bahamian Deandre Ayton, preparing for his third season in the National Basketball Association (NBA), was the poster boy for the upstart Phoenix Suns as they unveiled their new Nike City Edition uniforms.
DPM targets 'missing COVID puzzle piece'
The deputy prime minister yesterday pledged that the Government's upcoming Fiscal Strategy Report will seek to provide "the missing piece of the puzzle" to its COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
Baha Mar 'unsure what caused' halt in benefit payouts
A senior Baha Mar executive was last night "unsure what caused" the delay in resort employees receiving their unemployment benefit but said the situation had been resolved at one of its properties.
Water Corp debt to major supplier slashed to $15m
The Water & Sewerage Corporation managed to cut the debt owed to its main BISX-listed supplier by $3.3m in October after making zero progress during then first nine months of 2020.
Exuma businesses: We saw it all coming
Exuma businesses yesterday backed the Government's decision to tighten COVID-19 restrictions on the island with many saying they could "see it coming" due to non-compliance with health protocols.
Retailers forecast a bleak Christmas
Retailers yesterday forecast a bleak Christmas after recently-removed curb-side restrictions further dampened sales expectations amid the COVID-19 pandemic's economic fall-out.
Eleuthera COVID outbreak gives Gov't few alternatives
Eleuthera's COVID-19 restrictions will be “very challenging” for an island that is now at the “cusp” of the winter tourism season, several businesses have warned.
BTC launches Xmas campaign
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday launched its seven-week ‘All I want for Christmas is’ campaign featuring special offers on all its products and services.
'Worrying' growth in uninsured accidents
Bahamas First's top executive yesterday revealed that COVID-19 restrictions have produced a "noticeable" drop in motor vehicle claims despite a "worrying" increase in uninsured driver accidents.
Don't 'add insult to injury' over Dorian's tax breaks
An Abaco resort manager yesterday warned the Government it will "add insult to injury" if it fails to extend the Hurricane Dorian tax breaks that are due to expire at year-end 2020.
Inter-island travel visa hits final stage
THE domestic travel visa, which is expected to facilitate the removal of the two-week quarantine requirement for inter-island travel has now been completed, according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
MONIQUE PINDLING STAKES HER CLAIM FOR SOUTH ANDROS: Former PM’s daughter confirms ambition to secure seat and replace existing 13-year MP
MONIQUE Pindling, the daughter of former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling, has publicly confirmed her bid to be the Progressive Liberal Party’s nominee in the South Andros constituency in the 2022 general election, telling The Tribune she wants to help “fulfil the plan that was laid out for Andros so many years ago”.
Police investigate suicide attempt
POLICE are investigating an attempted suicide that happened Sunday.
Texas of Caribbean
Someone forgot to remind US Representatives Debbie Wasserman Shultz and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell that The Bahamas is a sovereign nation, like the United States of America.
Oil drilling
I am superstitious. I don’t want to be and try to fight it because it’s not evidence based belief.
The state of the judiciary
I hold that the main stream media does not always portray the truth of the status quo of most governmental agencies and bodies as it relates to the dispensation of services expected by citizens. Two cases in point. Even before the onslaught of the pandemic it was difficult for litigants to file documents in the Magistrates’ Courts and/or to obtain timely trial dates.
Discharge over police assault
AN Andros man who threatened and assaulted a police officer last week was conditionally discharged on the agreement he would be of good behaviour for six months.
Man accused of stealing iPhone
A 27-year-old was remanded to prison yesterday accused of stealing a woman’s iPhone and robbing another woman of more than $200 in cash.
Fined $2k over drug possession
A 29-year-old man who was found with more than five ounces of drugs was fined $2,150 in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Police investigate suicide attempt
POLICE are investigating an attempted suicide that happened Sunday.
Monday, November 16
EDITORIAL: Weigh criticism of projects against the need for jobs
TWO different developments in the spotlight today raise a weighty question – in the time of COVID-19, how picky should we be about the impact of projects?
WORLD VIEW: The world waiting to breathe normally again
CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM) countries should by now have worked out a strategy for securing the early attention of US President-elect, Joe Biden, and the team working on his transition into the White House and to the helm of government.
INSIGHT: What climate, conch salad and the land have to do with knowledge of self and freedom
In the first of a series of articles compiled by the University of The Bahamas - entitled the Mangrove Series - writers take a critical look at what it is that we value as a Bahamian people and the risks that a changing climate poses to these treasures.
INSIGHT: We need to wise up - blind allegiance to parties who provide no solutions gets us nowhere
IDENTITY politics has been around long before my time and will be around for much longer. However, it may be high time for us to question how it has helped us as Bahamians.
Rebuilding effort goes on in Abaco
ROTARY Bahamas Disaster Relief is packing a container full of humanitarian help
HELP FEED A FAMILY AT CHRISTMAS
A DRIVE has been launched to help ensure families receive a Christmas dinner.
Rocky Creek residents determined to rebuild
ALTHOUGH Rocky Creek was devastated by Hurricane Dorian, displaced residents have returned after a year determined to rebuild their small fishing village in East End.
‘No perfect fix’ for catching COVID at work
LABOUR Director John Pinder said there is no “perfect fix” that could eliminate the likelihood of employees being exposed to COVID-19 on the job as many occupations require personal contact with other people.
‘How can Albany go ahead without asking South Ocean residents?’
RESIDENTS of South Ocean Village yesterday criticised Albany for allegedly going forward with their latest project without consulting the surrounding community.
Fame to famished
STRUGGLING tour operators on Exuma are disappointed that the government is not helping to feed the island’s main tourist attraction: the swimming pigs.
Minister blames Baha Mar over benefits delay
A Cabinet minister last night blamed Baha Mar for the hold-up that has resulted in hundreds of its furloughed employees not receiving due unemployment benefits for up to four weeks.
Water sports chief in retirement delay following $2m loss
An Exuma water sports operator yesterday said he did "not know if I'll ever retire" after the COVID-19 pandemic cost his family-owned business "$2m and counting".
'We don't know where the next dollar is coming from'
An ex-Cabinet minister says his family's business "doesn't know where the next dollar is coming from" as losses hit $150,000 per month due to COVID-19's devastating impact on the entertainment sector.
'Stop relying on good US fortune', top banker urges
The Bahamas must "stop relying on its good fortune" and US proximity to reverse its downgrade spiral and recover its economy from COVID-19's clutches, a top banker has warned.
St Fort, Coleby shine in Japan
MARK St Fort and Kadeem Coleby produced different results for their respective teams as Niigata Albirex and Akita Northern Happinets continued competition in the Japanese Basketball League’s B1 Division over the weekend. Eighth ranked Niigata A defeated 10th ranked Hokkaido L 77-68 on Saturday. They outrebounded Hokkaido L. 43-29 including a 34-20 advantage in defensive rebounds.
BLTA hosts successful International Tennis Federation National School Officiating Course
AMIDST the loosening of the COVID-19 restrictions, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association hosted a successful International Tennis Federation’s National School Officiating Course at the National Tennis Centre over the weekend.
Joanna Evans ends up 3rd overall
With a first and second place finish in the women’s 400 and 200 metre freestyle races respectively in her regional competition in San Antonio, Texas, Grand Bahamian Joanna Evans placed third overall in both events at the US Open Swimming Championships.
The light at the end of the tunnel
ActivTrades
IF ONE was asked to call out an influential year in history, it is unlikely that 1796 would be picked. Years and dates tend to fade into the immense background that makes up the fabric of history, with only a few standing out among the myriad of events that brought us to where we are today.
Bahamian insurers see high ratings confirmed
Two Bahamian insurance companies have seen their A (Excellent) financial strength rating reaffirmed by the industry's leading rating agency.
FamGuard payouts drop $3.7m on COVID fall-out
Family Guardian's chairman has attributed a $3.7m decline in policyholder payouts for the nine months to end-September 2020 to a fall-off in medical claims caused by COVID-19.
'Between devil and the deep blue sea' over $100m Love Beach development
An ex-Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) president yesterday said he and the Government are "caught between the devil and the deep blue sea" over a $100m Love Beach condominium project.
$5m 'game changer' for farming, fisheries
A Cabinet minister has branded as a "game changer" the development of a $5m grant funding initiative for the farming and fisheries industries.
Newly-launched realtor says 'interest never more robust'
The principals of a newly-launched Bahamian real estate firm say "inquiries have never been more robust" as high-end clients seek socially-distanced getaways amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk identification vital to minimising all threat
Governance, risk and compliance (GRC), once carefully crafted, can effectively manage and monitor a company's enterprise risk environment and ensure compliance with industry regulations, while also addressing vulnerabilities that can negatively impact it.
‘Lords of Doom’ contractors put on staff
BPL’s booze and drug taking group nicknamed the “Lords of Doom” were upgraded from contract workers to permanent and pensionable employees of the power company.
Partygoers fined for breaking the rules
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said police have cited the organisers and attendees of a large gathering in Bimini over the weekend because they broke COVID-19 rules.
Another seven families grieve
HEALTH officials yesterday added seven deaths to the tally of overall COVID-19 deaths in the country, bringing the total to 163.
Entry requirements
My wife and I are and have been permanent residents of The Bahamas for the past 23 years.
Why I backed Donald Trump
The Republican Party’s standard bearer President Donald Trump only secured 217 electoral college votes compared to President-elect Joe Biden’s 290, paving the way for the former Delaware Senator to become the 46th president of the United States. Obviously upset at the election results, the Trump camp continues its stone walling tactics, not willing to concede defeat to Biden.
Managing anger in the time of COVID
I am not a medical practitioner so my opinions are just that – my opinions.
Sunday, November 15
One dead, two seriously injured after car hits tree
A man is dead, and two others sustained serious injuries when the vehicle they were in crashed into a tree on East Sunrise Highway on Sunday morning.
Friday, November 13
26 of 38 new Grand Bahama COVID cases 'from employee interactions in the workplace'
AFTER more than 30 COVID-19 cases were recorded for Grand Bahama on Wednesday, Health Minister Renward Wells revealed that investigations showed that the majority of those newly confirmed cases had originated from employee interactions in the workplace.
NIB pays out $20.5m to Grand Bahamians unemployed after Dorian and COVID-19
Some $20.5 million has been paid out by the National Insurance Board to Grand Bahamians left unemployed as a result of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson said.
Govt hopes to turn Grand Lucayan over to Holistica Group by end of year
The government is hoping for full turnover of the Grand Lucayan Resort to the Holistica Group by the end of year, according to Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson, who describes the deal as “hugely important” to Grand Bahama’s recovery.
'New' Rand Memorial Hospital nearly complete
Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson has indicated that major rebuilding of “a new Rand Memorial Hospital” is nearly completed and should “see some normalcy” by late November.
Police appeal to the public over body discovery
A senior police official is appealing to the public to assist them with investigations into discovery of a badly decomposed body that was found in Queen’s Cove on Thursday evening.
Four test positive for COVID five days after arrival
FOUR people who travelled to The Bahamas during the country’s first week of re-opening tested positive for COVID-19 five days after arrival, health officials revealed on Friday.
Man pleads guilty to attempted stealing
A man who attempted to steal a part from a woman’s car was bound over to keep the peace for one year on Friday.
Two in court for acting disorderly at police station
TWO men who acted disorderly at a police station while under the influence of alcohol were ordered to keep the peace for one year on Friday.
Man ordered to attend drug counselling
A 21-year-old man who was found with a quantity of marijuana in his car earlier this week was on Friday ordered to attend drug counselling classes.
DIANE PHILLIPS: It’s not a number we should be afraid of but we’re selling ourselves short
If Friday is supposed to be the most eagerly anticipated day of the week - a tease to the excitement of the upcoming weekend - why is it that at least once every year it is saddled with being a 13th? And wouldn’t you just know it – in 2020, the year we cannot wait to wave goodbye to – we got a double dose of misfortune with two Friday the 13ths, today being the second.
A COMIC'S VIEW: How would Have-Nots know how much they don’t have if the Haves didn’t throw it in Have-Not’s faces?
ONE of the most controversial stories in the country this week revolves around a little known (at the time) wedding with huge implications.
MP pushes for bank shared service hubs
Long Island's MP yesterday urged Bahamian commercial banks to created shared services hubs that will cater to multiple Family Islands rather than abandon these locations completely.
Decomposed body found in Queen’s Cove area
POLICE were last night investigating after a man’s body was found in Grand Bahama.
No need for extra $2,000 to travel
THE United States Embassy has dismissed a report that $2,000 is required to travel to the US.
Rotary helps Yellow Elder residents
YELLOW Elder residents in need received food items yesterday at the community’s Tom “The Bird” Grant Park.
Senators speak out over impact of curfew on criminal records
SENATORS JoBeth Coleby-Davis and Lisa Bostwick-Dean both expressed concern yesterday regarding Bahamians having permanent stains on their criminal records for curfew infractions.
Island Luck donates tablets for students
THE Island Luck Cares Foundation donated 500 tablets to the Ministry of Education yesterday in support of its virtual learning platform.
Ex-landfill manager 'won't be driven out'
The New Providence landfill's former top executive yesterday said he and his company have been "targeted and harassed" in a bid to drive them out of The Bahamas and halt their pursuit of legal claims.
Grand Lucayan 'turn over' before end-20
A Cabinet minister yesterday voiced optimism that the Grand Lucayan will be "fully turned over" to the ITM Group/Royal Caribbean joint venture before year-end 2020.
Gov't pivots to Cisco MOU on technology hub
The Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cisco Systems to lay the education foundation for its technology hub ambitions, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.
'Hidden agendas' are slammed over $580m 'gold mine'
South Abaco's chief councillor says "hidden agendas" are attempting to derail a $580m investment project that she believes can transform the area into an economic "goldmine".
Gov't to acquire 400 acres for new Long Island airport
The bidding process to select a contractor to build Long Island's new international airport, which will have runway 2,000 feet longer than the present version, will be launched by January 2021 at latest.
Mikhail McLean making impact as assistant director of player development
AFTER suffering an injury, Bahamian basketball player Mikhail McLean thought his career was over.
World champion runner Naser faces appeal in doping case
MONACO (AP) — Women’s 400-metre world champion Salwa Eid Naser faced a new legal case yesterday that could see her banned before the Tokyo Olympics.
Derrick Atkins named head women’s track and field coach
Men’s national 100 metre record holder Derrick Atkins, who still holds the distinction of being the only Bahamian to win a male sprint medal at the World Championships, has been named the new head women’s coach of the Trailblazers’ track and field club at Dixie State University in Utah.
Tempers flare over who broke the rules
A ROW erupted in the Senate yesterday when Attorney General Carl Bethel chided Opposition Senator Fred Mitchell about breaking COVID-19 regulations.
Nightclub and guests fined for breaches
POLICE cited the owner and patrons of a nightclub on Anthol Street, Montel Heights, on Wednesday night after they were found in breach of emergency orders.
First cruise back hit by virus
One of the first cruise ships to ply through Caribbean waters since the pandemic began ended its trip early after at least five passengers tested positive for COVID-19, officials said yesterday.
FDI fear on latest S&P downgrade
An economist last night warned that investors will likely seek greater tax breaks and concessions as a result of The Bahamas' latest sovereign credit downgrade.
In-class lessons back by year end? Lloyd signals pupils may soon be allowed to head back into the classroom
FACE-to-face learning could resume in all schools across the country before year’s end, according to Education Minister Jeff Lloyd.
‘Pawns’ to pay back bank
TWO men who claimed they were unknowingly used as pawns to carry out a fraud scheme were each fined $1,000 and ordered to reimburse the bank that they had defrauded.
Community service order for beating man at gas station
A 26-year-old man who assaulted another man at a local gas station was yesterday ordered to perform 80 hours of community service.
Renew CEO’s conviction quashed
THE Court of Appeal has quashed the criminal conviction of former Renew Bahamas CEO Michael Cox who had been found guilty last year of working at a local scrapyard without a valid work permit.
Punch-up at work costs man $350 fine
A 23-year-old man, who assaulted another man at his place of employment last week, was ordered to pay $350 compensation to the victim.
‘Pawns’ to pay back bank
TWO men who claimed they were unknowingly used as pawns to carry out a fraud scheme were each fined $1,000 and ordered to reimburse the bank that they had defrauded.
Bahamas faces tourism catch-up
The Bahamas is playing catch-up to Caribbean tourism rivals who avoided lockdowns and continued operating throughout COVID-19, a top official yesterday.
IAN FERGUSON: Stepping up to tackle COVID education woe
The COVID-19 pandemic has created the greatest-ever disruption of education systems in world history. It has affected nearly 1.6bn learners in more than 190 countries. Closures of schools and other learning spaces have impacted 94 per cent of the world’s student population, a figure that rises to 99 per cent in developing countries.
Entrepreneurs warned to brace for model changes
Entrepreneurs were yesterday urged to radically adjust their business models if they are to survive the COVID-19 pandemic's fall-out and emerge into prosperity on the other side.
Thursday, November 12
EDITORIAL: No ifs, no buts - get breakwaters repaired
DON’T put tasks off when things are going well – because when things are going badly, they’ll come back to bite you.
STATESIDE: A sigh of relief but history will say without COVID Trump would have walked it
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. That sums up America’s great 2020 election about as well as anything.
FRONT PORCH: Guardians of decency and democracy - after four years of Trump you can’t be serious
A democracy is as strong or as parlous and unstable as its institutions and the willingness of leaders and citizens to accept and abide by democratic laws, norms, conventions and traditions.
Rebuilding lives and communities
GLOBAL Emergency Relief Recovery and Reconstruction (GER3) is not only rebuilding communities in Abaco, but also helping to rebuild the lives of residents there, including Dorian survivors.
Hope remains for Pelican Point
EVEN after the devastation of Dorian a year ago, St Matthew’s Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of hope and a source of strength for East End residents in the Pelican Point community.
Thank you for being good Samaritans
THE Public Hospitals Authority has announced the departure of Samaritan’s Purse, as it concludes its business with the Princess Margaret Hospital after a one month stay.
PAHO: Don’t use antigen test at borders to detect virus
AS The Bahamas’ tourism market reopens, the Pan American Health Organization is not recommending the use of antigen rapid test at our borders for detection of the deadly COVID-19 virus on our guests, nor does that organization recommend laboratory testing prior to travel and upon arrival.
New recruits follow in footsteps of Dr Judson Eneas
FOLLOWING the tragic COVID-19 death of Dr Judson Eneas, founder and medical director of RenalMed Associates Medical Centre, the facility has welcomed two new doctors to its team.
No preclearance change for Bahamasair flights
BAHAMASAIR has said requirements to travel on the airline to the United States have not changed, adding preclearance requirements for Bahamians remain the same.
Advice sought over curfew infractions on police records
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle says he’s seeking guidance over matters related to curfew infractions that have been recorded on police records.
Leaders honour nation’s veterans
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and other officials paid tribute to the country’s war veterans yesterday by laying wreaths at the Cenotaph in Rawson Square in honour of Remembrance Day.
Oil opponents to Gov't: 'Come to your senses'
Oil exploration opponents yesterday voiced hope that the "big deal" of support from around 80 international sources would "make the Government come to its senses before it is too late".
Aliv targets up to 10% revenue rise
Aliv's top executive yesterday said it aims to shrug off COVID-19 by growing revenues up to 10 percent after launching a product to "revolutionise" mobile post-paid services.
In Japan, Mark St Fort wins, Kadeem Coleby suffers loss
IT was contrasting results for Bahamian professional basketball players Mark St Fort and Kadeem Coleby yesterday as they continued their journey in the regular season of the Japanese B League.
Kendal Isaacs Gym ‘not available for us to use’
The Bahamas Basketball Federation was faced with the dilemma of securing the necessary funding to send its men’s national team off to the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers from November 27 to December 1.
Michael Carey Jr won’t be making trip to Indiana
WHILE the men’s national basketball team is preparing to head to Indianapolis, Indiana, in a couple of weeks for the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers, professional player Michael Carey Jr has made it clear that he won’t be making the trip.
$580m developer 'stretches to max' for environment
The economic viability of a $580m South Abaco project has been "stretched to the maximum" to produce "the lowest density project in The Bahamas" and satisfy environmental concerns.
Minister: 'Friday at latest' for domestic travel visa
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the domestic travel visa will "roll-out by Friday at the latest" as he admitted the Government had "absolutely" under-estimated the COVID-19 testing regime's complexity.
Sandilands patient dies by suicide
A WOMAN died after attempting suicide at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre on Sunday.
Police fine wedding party for breach of orders
GUESTS of a wedding that broke COVID-19 protocols last Friday have been fined for attending the wedding reception and failing to socially distance.
Port: Breakwater woes threaten harbour crisis
Repairs to Nassau Harbour's "severely damaged" breakwaters are a national "imperative" that cannot be delayed due to the "significant threat" posed to tourism, cruise and commercial shipping.
Spike in cases puts Exuma in measures
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that 24-hour weekend curfews and other restrictive measures will take effect for Exuma in light of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases on that island.
Embracing Hinduism?
The Economic Recovery Committee’s recommendation that the Free National Movement administration decriminalise Indian Hemp (aka marijuana, ganja and cannabis) is a sign that the central government is understandably desperate for a new source of revenue. Committee members seem oblivious to the dire spiritual implications of recreational marijuana, apparently not realising that such a legislation would amount to nothing more than a formal embrace of Hinduism.
Drilling will destroy us
The Bahamian people have become accustomed to being shafted. Since time immemorial there has been secret deals where the people have been given the “stinking end of the stick”, an unenviable position.
It’s up to us over COVID
The world is desperate to find a weapon to destroy COVID-19, to which nature has given free reign to cripple, if not destroy mankind. Prime Minister Minnis is seemingly being blamed for not knowing what to do to halt the pandemic’s spread in the Bahamas, which is expected to get a second and even stronger life to take us humans down. It is up to us as to who wins this battle.
Going to borrow money costs man a $250 fine
A MAN who claimed he violated curfew because he went to a family member to borrow some money was fined $250 yesterday.
Man threw rock through ex-girlfriend’s window
A MAN who threw a rock through his ex-girlfriend’s window was yesterday fined $500 and ordered to pay her $350 in compensation.
Thief took tools from inside truck
A 56-YEAR-OLD man who broke into another man’s truck to steal an assortment of tools was fined $1,500 yesterday.
Regulator focuses on tax compliance
The Securities Commission's top executive yesterday said the regulator plans to focus on compliance with the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), and cracking down on tax evasion and avoidance.
Grant applications double to near 870
Applications for the Small Business Development Centre's (SBDC) new $5,000 grant have more than doubled compared to the 400 unveiled by the Prime Minister on Sunday, it was revealed yesterday.
Pharmacies eye boost through COVID easing
Pharmacies yesterday said the COVID-19 easing unveiled by the Prime Minister will boost revenues and staff hours while also improving healthcare-related services offered to customers.
Entrepreneur hits Target with scalp-care product
A Bahamian entrepreneur yesterday said she is planning to "give back in a great way" to her homeland after her flourishing scalp-care product line penetrated 200 Target stores in the US.
Wednesday, November 11
Apple unveils first Macs built to run more like iPhones
SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP) — Apple is rolling out new Mac computers powered by the same kind of chips that run iPhones and iPads, a move aimed at making it easier for its most popular products to work together.
EDITORIAL: Credit for action over wedding breach
WE would like to commend the police force, for taking action following the publication of yesterday’s Tribune highlighting a wedding held in breach of emergency orders on Friday.
‘Overdue at BPL? Call to make payment plan’
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister has urged Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) customers with overdue accounts to contact the electricity provider to work out payment plans.
Immigration bill being reviewed
IMMIGRATION Minister Elsworth Johnson said yesterday the government is reviewing the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill – newly proposed legislation that if passed could spark changes to the country’s immigration laws.
Decomposed body found in Mackey Street building
A PARTIALLY decomposed body was found on a bed inside a building on Mackey Street yesterday.
Officer dies in police gym
A ROYAL Bahamas Police Force training officer was found dead in the gym of the RBPF’s training college on Monday.
Second oil dump site found in Grand Bahama
A second illegal oil dumping site has been discovered on Grand Bahama following a similar incident about two weeks ago.
Cable pledges 'remedy' over Aliv $60m bond
Cable Bahamas' top executive yesterday said itself and the Government will "remedy any challenges" caused by non-compliance with covenants related to $60m in bonds issued on Aliv's behalf.
Arawak port predicts 20% profits plummet
New Providence's major commercial shipping port is projecting a near-20 percent year-over-year profit decline for its current financial year as COVID-19 depresses demand for cargo imports.
Major Bahamas investor defeats 'nuclear weapon'
A Supreme Court judge has rejected a Nassau hotel owner's bid to deploy a "nuclear weapon" against a prominent Bahamian investment house and resort/real estate developer.
Bahamians invited to participate in One Run Global Challenge
BAHAMIANS are being invited to participate in the One Run Global Challenge on December 10.
NACAC says Miller-Uibo’s concerns ‘require urgent attention of World Athletics’
North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) is supporting Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo in questioning why World Athletics didn’t penalise women’s 400 metre world champion Salwa Eid Naser from Bahrain for apparently missing a series of drug testing.
Roadmasters’ Bahamas Half marathon, 10k race goes virtual
IN the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Bahamas Roadmasters has decided to take its 2020 Bahamas Half & 10 kilometre race virtually, powered by the Cancer Treatment Centres of America.
'Very little left in tank' for GB private sector
Grand Bahama has "very little left in the tank" after a September 2020 survey revealed almost two-thirds of its businesses are faring "worse or in danger of not surviving" due to COVID-19 and Dorian.
POLICE ACT OVER WEDDING BREACH: AG’s son among guests cited after issuing apology for attending ceremony
The Attorney General’s son Carlyle Bethel was among a number of individuals informed by police last night they would face action over a rules-breaking wedding which took place in Nassau last Friday.
Atlantis confirms opening is Dec 10
ATLANTIS’ announcement of its re-opening on December 10 has sparked elation among Tourism officials who view it as a light at the end of the tunnel for the rebound of the country’s economy.
Union boss knew of ‘Lords of Doom’
FORMER union president at Bahamas Power and Light Paul Maynard has told The Tribune he was aware of the “dope smoking” actions of “Lords of Doom” and had warned them the union would not stand by them if the company took action against them.
Aviation stunned by 'flip-flop' over domestic travel
Bahamian aviation operators were left stunned last night by the Government's 48-hour "flip-flop" in re-imposing a mandatory 14-day quarantine on all domestic inter-island travel from New Providence.
Tourism to revive Latin America, Asia 'outreach'
A top Ministry of Tourism official yesterday said The Bahamas will resume "outreaches" to Asia and Latin America once borders re-open in a bid to further diversify its tourism base.
Virgin Galactic plans first New Mexico space launch this month
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Virgin Galactic said last week that it expects to launch its first manned test flight into space from New Mexico this month.
Walmart teams with GM to test autonomous deliveries
DETROIT (AP) — Walmart is teaming up with the General Motors’ autonomous vehicle unit to test driverless delivery in Arizona.
'More direct' intervention if no rebound by mid-21
The deputy prime minister yesterday indicated the Government will be forced to take "more direct" measures if tourism and foreign exchange inflows do not significantly rebound during the 2021 first half.
Top Finance official denies that Bahamas over-taxed
A top Ministry of Finance official yesterday acknowledged that the Business Licence fee could be transformed into a flat-rate corporate income tax as he refuted arguments this nation is over-taxed.
Gov't accounting shift eyes 2023 completion
The Government is aiming to complete the shift to accrual-based accounting, and full compliance with global public sector financial reporting standards, by mid-2023, it was revealed yesterday.
Atlantis to re-open on December 10
Atlantis yesterday confirmed it will begin its phased re-opening on December 10 via the return of the Royal Towers, The Reef and Harborside timeshare complexes.
Bahamas moving rapidly over Basle III compliance
A top Central Bank official yesterday said The Bahamas was aiming to roll out the “world’s simplest and cheapest” capital adequacy regime in compliance with the Basel III standards.
Taxi driver on probation for death threat
A TAXI driver who threatened to kill a security officer was placed on probation for two years yesterday.
Woman guilty of stealing water tank from park
A 35-year-old woman accused of stealing a water tank from a community park was yesterday placed on probation for two years.
Father beat his daughter with a power cord
A FATHER who used an electrical cord to beat his daughter after he allegedly caught her sending inappropriate messages to older men on social media was yesterday ordered to pay the girl $500. He was also put on two years’ probation.
Seven win scholarships
THE CA Smith International Educational and Community Development Scholarship has awarded scholarships to seven students in Grand Bahama.
Tuesday, November 10
Tales from the bush
NAGB hosts ‘fun, profound’ stories about natural medicine
AS a way to keep her immune system in tip top shape, Nellie recently tried lemon grass tea for the first time in her life. She heard it was a great immunity booster, something she saw as a necessity in the time of COVID-19.
Nighttime urination may be a sign of uncontrolled hypertension
Waking up to urinate multiple times could lead to disruptive sleep and daytime fatigue with reduced productivity. Excessive nighttime urination may also be an important warning sign of serious medical conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension or an enlarged, obstructive prostate in men.
You Go Girl – Sculptor is in the business of capturing memories
JUST like a fingerprint, Christina Nonorme says each and every one of her sculptures is unique.
A blueprint for escaping abusive relationships
HAVING made good on her escape from an abusive relationship, nurse Jemeica Freckleton has chronicled her experience in a new book in hopes that her triumph will help other women facing a similar “hell”.
Family brews up bush tea as healthy alternative
Growing up, Shavaughn Sturrup got to enjoy home-made Bahamian bush teas like soursop and fever grass, brewed for him by his parents and grandparents.
EDITORIAL: There must be one rule for all
When photographs and videos from a wedding in Harbour Island went viral in July, the sense of hurt from people who had followed the rules and cancelled or delayed their weddings was palpable.
Is the Bahamas ready for a female prime minister?
As American Democrats celebrate the historic election of Kamala Harris as their first female vice president, here at home Bahamian women are reflecting on the possibility of having a female prime minister one day.
PETER YOUNG: Is America about to come back in from the cold?
In the midst of the hullabaloo and hysteria in the days following the US presidential election, the focus has been firmly on the drama rapidly unfolding and the mainstream media has given less attention to reactions elsewhere in the world.
FACE TO FACE: A helping hand for three students chasing success
WHEN you hear of scholarships for students, they are often allocated for higher education or private institutions. In this case, a unique kind of scholarship offering made it possible for three primary school students to get the assistance they need right where they are – helping parents afford books, school fees, equipment and basic necessities.
Flooded again - residents of Coral Harbour left frustrated
CORAL Harbour residents voiced their frustration again yesterday after the area was once again flooded by the weekend’s heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Eta. The community has had to battle flooding issues for years, they said.
Hotel union welcomes indoor dining
A HOTEL union official yesterday praised the government’s decision to resume indoor dining for hotels, saying the move allows for more industry workers to return to work.
Eleuthera residents unhappy - but officials say measures necessary
WHILE Eleuthera residents are up in arms about newly imposed COVID-19 restrictions, officials on the island are satisfied the right measures have been taken.
‘Harris success should spur equality here’
FORMER Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson said Kamala Harris’ election to Vice President of the United States should cause Bahamians to think about how men and women can be treated equally in The Bahamas through passage of an Equal Pay Act and a mandate that boards of public companies have at least 50 percent female representation.
Born in The Bahamas, and elected in the U.S.
BAHAMAS-born Shannan Ighodaro secured 62 percent of votes to become councilwoman-elect for Miami Gardens, Florida.
Pinder sued for certifying union election results
LABOUR Director John Pinder is being sued for certifying the results of the Bahamas Public Services Union’s recent election in which BPSU president Kimsley Ferguson and his team were returned to top executive positions.
Dorian tax exemption 'Xmas present' urged
The Marsh Harbour/Spring City Council’s head yesterday urged the Government to give Dorian-ravaged Abaco and Grand Bahama "a Christmas present" by extending their tax breaks beyond year-end.
COVID relaxation eases 'pressure' on food stores
Food stores yesterday said the return of Saturday shopping and longer opening hours will ease "a lot of the pressure and stress" caused by Friday afternoon crowds trying to beat weekend lockdowns.
Kadeem Coleby posts double double for win on birthday
Birthday boy Kadeem Coleby helped the Akita Northern Happinets pick up their second straight victory in two nights over his celebrated weekend against the same team in the Japanese D1 professional basketball league.
Basketball, bodybuilding national teams won’t get full funding
THEY won’t get the full funding, but the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture will make a contribution to the Bahamas Basketball Federation and the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation as they prepare to send their national teams off in the next few weeks.
Top athletes in spotlight for National Sports Heritage Month
WITH sports taking on a new look due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has made some changes to its National Sports Heritage Month.
Playing by the rules?
A MINISTRY of Health communications officer was the groom at a wedding Friday that featured more than ten people, including a son of Attorney General Carl Bethel.
Cays fears over who will carry out tests
WITH no COVID-19 testing facilities yet identified for several Abaco cays, many residents there are expressing concern about travellers’ ability to meet the five-day antigen testing deadline.
BPL's 'Lords of Doom' exposed by dismissal
Members of a Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) employee group known as the "Lords of Doom" were able to smoke marijuana and drink alcohol while on the job at Clifton Pier, it has been revealed.
'We can wage COVID war without lockdowns'
Eleuthera's Chamber of Commerce president yesterday told the Prime Minister "we can wage war against COVID without going to the extreme" of lockdowns, adding: "Every visitor counts."
Markets moving up but they won’t like a long electoral inquest
ActivTrades
THE US presidential election seemed like a thriller with multiple possibilities for a conclusion. In the end, the originally predicted outcome has proven accurate, albeit with a smaller margin.
Judge slams CCA over Sarkis papers
A Supreme Court judge has blasted Baha Mar's contractor for "unacceptable" conduct in failing to disclose it obtained Sarkis Izmirlian's disputed legal papers one day before a court hearing on the matter.
Take no joy in seeing suffering
Chief Medical Officer Dr Pearl McMillian’s announcement to the press that The Bahamas has experienced a decline in COVID-19 infections at a 50 percent rate between October 10 and November 5 is good news for a beleaguered nation.
On bail over joint
A 35-year-old man, found by police with a marijuana joint yesterday, was put on probation for one year.
Man denied bail over gun find
A 34-year-old man was remanded to prison yesterday on charges that he was found last week with an unlicensed firearm and a quantity of illegal ammunition.
Poor communication
Communication etiquette is certainly in the toilet these days, particularly if one is trying to communicate with people in government, who are theoretically “Servants of the people”. We have gone from the never answered telephones, to the voicemail expeditions, to email which sometimes will elicit a response and can be programmed to confirm receipt or even opened. No proof of reading, of course, and certainly none of comprehension.
Teens who fled police fined $500
TWO teenagers who attempted to evade arrest when they were caught on the road after curfew hours were each fined $500 yesterday.
Jitney driver is fined for threat
A BUS driver who threatened to kill another jitney driver during an argument last month was fined $1,000 yesterday.
Arawak Cay fearful on 'repeat COVID dance'
Arawak Cay vendors yesterday said they want reassurances that the latest COVID-19 easing will not be "another repeat dance" where their operations are swiftly shut down again once cases increase.
Airport Authority 'negligence' upheld over stolen aircraft
The Airport Authority yesterday failed in its final bid to overturn a verdict that its "negligence" was responsible for the 2007 theft of a Western Air plane from Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).
Monday, November 9
EDITORIAL: Rules inconsistencies still maddening
THE news about the end of the weekend lockdown might be good news – at least as long as it doesn’t reverse the downward trend of new COVID-19 cases – but it remains maddeningly inconsistent in many ways.
WORLD VIEW: Democracy, not autocracy must prevail
DEMOCRACY, including free and fair elections, is under siege in the Western Hemisphere, including now in the United States. But the country that cries out for immediate vigilance is Bolivia.
INSIGHT: Open doors after months of the Abaco Rebuild
IT’S now over a year since Hurricane Dorian devastated Abaco and the long rebuilding programme began. Here’s Insight’s latest update supplied by abacobuzz.com on what’s open for visitors and residents on the island.
INSIGHT: Soothing platitudes which skirt over realities isn’t going to get the job done
PRESIDENT-Elect Joe Biden’s path back to the White House is a story of perseverance and triumph. While Americans had no shortage of reasons to vote Biden, President Trump’s response to the coronavirus is likely what led to him losing the election in a close race. Many pundits have discussed the early delay in responding to the pandemic in what looks to be the final nail in the coffin of Donald Trump’s political career.
More than 2,800 calls to report COVID infractions
SINCE the establishment of the COVID-19 Command Centre in August, more than 2,888 calls have been received to report various Emergency Powers Orders infractions, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed yesterday.
Medics upset association not consulted on travellers
THE Medical Association of The Bahamas is “disappointed” that the body was not consulted regarding the country’s newly adopted COVID-19 screening strategy for incoming international travellers.
Antigen test eventually ‘only for symptomatic people’
CHIEF Medical Officer Dr Pearl McMillan said she expects tourism officials to eventually use the rapid antigen test in the way required by the country’s health protocol – that is, only on symptomatic people.
Hundreds left without power after 'feeder trips'
HUNDREDS of families were left without power in New Providence for about six hours yesterday as Bahamas Power and Light grappled with “feeder trips”.
Just when we get the all clear to go back to the beaches what do we find has been swimming around offshore - a great white shark
Florida’s scariest snowbird paid a visit to the state just in time for its winter tourist season — a 2,000-pound, 15-foot great white shark.
BNT: No measures needed to reduce shark population
THE Bahamas National Trust says it does not believe measures are needed to reduce shark conservation, adding the shark attraction industry brings in more than $100 million a year.
Eta brings flooding and fallen trees
TROPICAL Storm Eta brought strong winds, flooding, sea swells and fallen trees to the northwest Bahamas, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.
Minnis sends congratulations to Biden on election victory
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis extended congratulations to United States President-elect Joe Biden on Saturday, saying he is confident The Bahamas’ long-standing relationship with the US will be strengthened.
Paying tribute to veterans of world wars
DEFENCE Force Commander Commodore Raymond King along with the Officers and Marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force yesterday joined the world in commemorating veterans of World Wars I and II on Remembrance Day.
Food stores given weekend choices
Super Value's president last night said the Prime Minister wants "to maintain a certain level of control" over his COVID ease as he revealed food stores were given the choice of which weekend day to open.
Make COVID-19 ease 'permanent', PM urged
The Prime Minister was last night urged to make his latest COVID-19 relaxation "permanent" after he gave retailers on the brink of closure a last-minute reprieve that may enable their survival.
Current visa valid for delayed flights
ALL travelers whose flights were cancelled yesterday due to bad weather will be able to return home on their current travel health visa, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation said last night.
In Spain, Lashann Higgs sinks 13 in losing effort
Bahamian guard Lashann Higgs turned in another outstanding performance, but it wasn’t quite enough to lead her Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM women’s professional basketball team to victory in the Spanish League yesterday.
Justin Roberts and Maginley ousted in semifinals
THE run for the men’s doubles title at the Legacy Bank NWA Tennis Series ended in the semifinals for Bahamian Justin Roberts and his long-time partner Jody Maginley from Antigua & Barbuda.
Swaby: ‘He got me with a really good left hook to the body’
BAHAMIAN professional boxer D’Angelo Swaby suffered his second straight defeat as a heavyweight and now he’s contemplating dropping down to the cruiserweight division for his next bout.
Tourism 'destroyed' if no COVID lockdown
The Prime Minister yesterday justified the COVID-19 restrictions imposed on businesses by arguing that the tourism industry would have been "destroyed" had the virus been allowed to run amok.
Family's sponge business eyes Eleuthera alternative
A Long Island family has shrugged off the devastation Hurricane Dorian inflicted upon their sponging expansion plans by targeting another island as an alternative.
Family Islands hope for domestic tourism boost
Family Island resorts are hoping yesterday's end to the mandatory 14-day quarantine for travellers coming from New Providence will spark a repeat of July's domestic tourism boost.
COVID easing shows worries 'have not fallen on deaf ears'
The Chamber of Commerce's chairman said last night's easing of COVID-19 restrictions showed the private sector's "recommendations and concerns have not fallen on deaf ears".
Restaurant hails return with new sushi product
A Sandy Port restaurant proprietor last night said he will introduce a new sushi shack product when he re-opens this week, with staff "incredibly excited” to be back with the return of outdoor dining.
Eleuthera pays the price for ignoring rules
WHILE New Providence and Abaco have reduced the number of new cases, the island of Eleuthera has not had the same success, sparking more strict measures for the mainland, where 117 cases have been recorded.
$65m Exuma airport: December start eyed
The Government's top aviation official yesterday said we "definitely want to break ground" on Exuma's $65m airport redevelopment early next month as part of a wider $165m Family Island upgrade.
Finlaysons fail in COVID bit to halt creditor's pursuit
The Court of Appeal has rejected the Finlaysons' bid to use the COVID-19 pandemic to halt a US financier's pursuit over a multi-million dollar debt owed on a luxury yacht.
EASING THE PAIN: PM declares lockdown worked to halt second wave so eases controls
A 50 percent decrease in new COVID-19 infections over the last four weeks coupled with a 68 percent drop in virus-related hospital cases since mid-October has prompted the relaxation of various restrictions in New Providence and Abaco.
It’s not about you, Mr Mitchell
Because of his decades of service to this country Darrell Erwin Rolle was deserving in death of the full glorious tribute and sendoff we typically give.
GB solution
I read in your paper that the business community do not have any ideas to improve the economy of Grand Bahama. There is a very simple solution.
Compliance specialist to address Jamaica forum
A Bahamian regulatory and compliance professional will join a panel discussion at Jamaica’s ninth annual anti-money laundering/counter terror financing virtual conference set for this week.
Sunday, November 8
24-hour weekend lockdowns to end for New Providence and Abaco
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Sunday afternoon that the 24-hour weekend curfew for New Providence and Abaco will be lifted – effective Monday.
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert until 9th November: Freeport and Nassau
STARTS: 11/07/2020 10:00 PM EST EXPIRES: 11/09/2020 11:30 AM EST
Saturday, November 7
UPDATED: PM offers congratulations to President-Elect Joe Biden
9.30pm UPDATE: WASHINGTON (AP) – In his first speech after securing the White House, President-elect Joe Biden made an appeal to supporters of President Donald Trump.
Friday, November 6
BPL | SkyGuard Tropical Storm Warning (eAlert 5)
Tropical Depression Eta near 17.3N 86.5W 1002 mb at 4 PM EST moving NE at 6 kt. Maximum sustained winds 30 kt gusts 40 kt. Eta is moving toward North-Eastward at a faster forward speed of around 10 kt.
Two accused of illegal oil dumping
Two men accused of illegal oil dumping in the Barbary Beach area were arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
59 in hospital with COVID-19 – down from 122 two weeks ago
FIFTY-NINE people are currently hospitalised with COVID-19 in the Bahamas––down from a peak of 122 two weeks ago.
Employers 'do not have the right' to see medical records without employee's consent
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said employers do not have the legal right to request medical records of employees without their written consent.
Court of Appeal upholds 18-year manslaughter sentence
THE Court of Appeal recently upheld the 18-year manslaughter sentence of a woman who fatally stabbed her boyfriend in 2016.
Relative heard gunshots that killed teen
A RELATIVE of a 17-year-old boy who was fatally shot on Wednesday said she heard gunshots moments before learning the teen had met his demise.
Man gets nine months for breaking into bar and stealing
A 38-year-old man who broke into a bar and stole an assortment of items was sentenced to nine months in prison on Friday.
Two month sentence for assault and threatening to kill
A 41-year-old man who punched one man in the face and threatened to kill another man in two separate incidents was sentenced to two months in prison on Friday.
Man fined for breaking church window, windshield of pastor's car
A 27-year-old man who broke a church window and the windshield of a pastor’s car during a traffic dispute was fined $800 and ordered to pay for the property he damaged.
EDITORIAL: A steady hand at the tiller
THERE is not a soul in The Bahamas who does not want to see the back of COVID-19.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Backyard issues make the best frontline politics
On November 12, a revised proposal for a major $100 million development on Love Beach in western New Providence will go before a public meeting at Town Planning. The proposal calls for multi-storey buildings housing 121 condominiums to be constructed adjacent to the four small buildings of Palms of Love Beach on one of the finest stretches of soft powdery white sand in a near-urban environment anywhere in The Bahamas.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Watching and waiting for the U.S. to decide
THE whole world is anticipating the results of the US Presidential election.
‘How do we get justice for police wrongdoing?’
LOCAL activists are again calling for an independent body to investigate allegations of police wrongdoing, saying there needs to be a fair and unbiased process to ensure that when officers do wrong, they are held accountable.
Balearia back - but cargo only yesterday
BALEARIA Caribbean had expected to resume passenger sailings between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama yesterday, however, the vessel arrived in port on Thursday with cargo only.
Rocky Creek residents determined to rebuild
ALTHOUGH Rocky Creek was devastated by Hurricane Dorian, displaced residents have returned after a year determined to rebuild their small fishing village in East End.
Closed until restrictions over
A POPULAR West Bay Street cocktail bar and coffee shop announced yesterday its decision to cease operations until the government eases COVID-19 restrictions.
34 new cases confirmed and one death
THE latest figures released by the Ministry of Health show 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed, and one more death.
Industry urges Central Bank: Stay in your lane
Commercial bankers are urging the Central Bank to effectively stay in its lane and "not intervene in financial reporting matters" after the regulator's recent COVID-19 guidance release.
'Philanthropist' in $1.5m bank account freezing
Flamboyant "philanthropist", Rudolph Kermit King, is the subject of another US Justice Department investigation that has resulted in the freezing of $1.5m in a Bahamian attorney's client account.
Prosecuting fraudsters to remain challenging
A well-known Bahamian accountant yesterday praised the Government for moving to outlaw Ponzi-type frauds while highlighting the challenges of successfully prosecuting perpetrators.
Doctors Hospital worker wins $30k for unfair sacking
A former Doctors Hospital employee has been awarded more than $30,000 after the BISX-listed healthcare provider was found to have unfairly terminated him following an industrial accident.
IAN FERGUSON: Stopping politics getting out of hand in workplace
As the US remains embroiled in election turmoil, the topic of politics in the workplace again surfaces. How vocal should employees be on topics of religion, sexual orientation and political persuasion? With the start of our Bahamian political season looming, how employees talk about their party of choice and opposing political views matters. We all know how distracting political aggression and banter can be in the workspace. Efforts to minimise this confusion, while not thwarting free speech, are the great balancing act that corporate leaders must achieve.
Asues not outlawed under legal reforms
The Securities Commission's chief yesterday said the traditional Bahamian Asue savings scheme has not been outlawed in the new Financial and Corporate Services Providers (FSCSP) Bill 2020.
Walkover victory: Roberts and Maginley advance to semifinals
A positive test for the coronavirus by one of their opponents enabled Bahamian Justin Roberts and his close friend and long-time partner Jody Maginley to advance to the semifinal of the men’s doubles in the Legacy Bank NWA Tennis Series.
Long Island Outlook set for November 12
The sixth annual Long Island Business Outlook conference will be held virtually on November 12 under the theme, A new era: Resilience in the face of vulnerability.
Major fast tracks to 2022 Commonwealth Games
WITH the postponed 2020 Olympic Games that have been pushed back to next year in Tokyo, Japan out of his grasp, cyclist Jay Major is focusing his attention on his third appearance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
'We're not hearing anything for Bahamian businessmen'
Bahamian gym owners were yesterday said to be "in limbo" and facing a "crazy" situation with no word from the Government on when the sector will be allowed to re-open and its long term plans.
Curb-side 'takes away our ability to survive'
A Bahamian restaurant and bar owner yesterday warned that tourists are describing COVID-19 curb-side restrictions as a turn-off, and asking: “What’s the point of vacationing?"
‘We must not let our guard down’: Expert warns fall-off in numbers doesn't signal COVID crisis is over
A LOCAL infectious disease expert is urging residents not to become relaxed about the apparent downward trend of COVID-19 cases, explaining other factors might be contributing to those lower numbers.
HOUSING CONTRACT SIGNED
A CONTRACT was signed on Wednesday for the installation of civil works for phase one of the Carmichael Village Subdivision.
Two accused of hitting man after car crash
TWO men and a woman were charged in Magistrates Court yesterday with causing harm to a man after they were involved in a dispute stemming from a traffic accident earlier this week.
Accused denies assaulting man
A 22-year-old man yesterday denied allegations of assaulting a man last month with a dangerous instrument.
$123,000 donated to help students
LENO Corporate Services is playing its part in helping students to adapt to virtual learning - with a donation of devices.
The flaws in travel regulations
I am writing both as the operator of a travel agency in Ottawa, Canada, and the owner for a long time of a holiday home in The Bahamas. I regularly follow your news, especially now in the tourism sector.
It doesn’t add up
COVID19 entry regulation change
Time for tourism to rise again
“IT’S better in The Bahamas”! There was a time when we all truly believed this and it showed as the world marked the manner of our bearing. It’s time to believe again.
Hunt for knifeman after fatal stabbing
A MAN died in hospital after he was stabbed at a Joe Farrington Road residence yesterday morning, police said.
Resort’s reopening seen as trigger for recovery
LABOUR Director John Pinder said officials are excited about the spin-off economic benefits to come from major resort openings next month.
U.S. ELECTION: Trump predicts 'lot of litigation' in fight to keep his job
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is looking at a political map in which he might have to persuade the Supreme Court to set aside votes in two or more states to prevent Joe Biden from becoming president.
Thursday, November 5
EDITORIAL: Just in time for Christmas
IT’S wonderful to report two pieces of good news today.
FRONT PORCH: Block out all the noise and nonsense and the truth is we are making progress
Approximately two and a half weeks ago, after Germany recorded its highest daily number of COVID-19 infections (7,830) in a 24-hour period, a startling record since the pandemic began, German Chancellor Angela Merkel sounded the alarm.
Residents urged to monitor Eta
A WEATHER official is urging residents to monitor the progression of Tropical Depression Eta, which could develop into a tropical storm by Friday.
STATESIDE: If Trump really is heading for the exit as it appears, he won’t be going quietly
Maybe you heard. Tuesday was election day in the US. It might have the most widely anticipated day in America since the dawn of the new millennium nearly 20 years ago.
Protest over resources
A GROUP of people protested outside of the House of Assembly yesterday, calling for more transparency regarding the country’s natural resources.
53 new cases and one death
THE Ministry of Health said 53 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded on Tuesday while another person has died from the disease.
Turnquest disappointed by Scotiabank move
DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest is disappointed by Scotiabank’s decision to close branches at several islands and says the move would bring “hardship” for residents.
‘It’s their world, not ours, Mr Turnquest’
A LOCAL conservationist has called statements about protected marine animals made by Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest “backwards”.
Don't criminalise Asues, urges Opposition deputy
The Opposition's deputy leader yesterday urged the Government to clarify whether new laws will criminalise the Asue savings schemes long popular among many Bahamians.
Superplex holding firm; avoids 'tough decisions'
The Fusion Superplex is "holding firm" and not made any decisions about staff terminations or financial restructuring as it awaits word from the Prime Minister on when it can open.
BTC's revenues drop over $21m
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) fell by more than $21m year-over-year for the nine months to end-September 2020 despite further slowing the erosion of its mobile customer base.
Baha Mar: February 'goal' for final hotels
Baha Mar's president yesterday revealed its two remaining hotel brands will re-open in February 2021 as he hailed the mega resort's return as "a real shot in the arm" for the Bahamian economy.
Sterling names environmental overseer for $500m in projects
Sterling Global Financial has named an environmental and operations project manager to help oversee more than $500m in resort and residential developments presently underway in The Bahamas.
Miller-Uibo, Gardiner don’t make nominees’ list for athlete of year
Unlike the two years, no Bahamian athletes made the list of nominees for the World Athletics’ 2020 Male or Female Athlete of the Year.
Provider partners with Super Value for QR code payments
A Bahamian financial technology provider has teamed with Super Value to enable shoppers to pay for their groceries using QR codes that facilitate cashless transactions.
Justin Roberts and Maginley stay alive in doubles
AFTER they both got eliminated the day before in their singles, Bahamian Justin Roberts and his close friend and long-time partner Jody Maginley from Antigua and Barbuda stayed alive in the men’s doubles in the Legacy Bank NWA Tennis Series.
Bahamas must 'cooperate' over marijuana legalisation
A prominent advocate for marijuana's legalisation yesterday urged that The Bahamas adopt the "co-operative business model" to facilitate a homegrown industry that has true local ownership.
Digital assets legislation to 'expand playing field'
The deputy prime minister yesterday hailed new legislation as "expanding the playing field" for the Bahamian financial services industry into the digital assets and technology space.
Gov't moves to outlaw major financial frauds
The deputy prime minister yesterday unveiled legal reforms designed to outlaw Ponzi schemes and other common financial frauds that have "plagued unsuspecting Bahamians for generations".
Port Authority highlights benefits from mentorship
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) highlighted the virtues of mentorship to the licensees and entrepreneurs that attended the launch of MicroMentor’s Virtual Marketplace.
Beverage manufacturer expands beyond home
A home-based drinks provider is expanding to the Soldier Road Industrial Park after leasing premises from the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC).
'Carve out' tourism from future COVID lockdowns
A "jubilant" Cabinet minister yesterday urged that the tourism industry be "carved out" from future COVID-19 lockdowns after Baha Mar confirmed plans to begin a phased re-opening from December 17.
Super Value digs deep with $100k donation
SUPER VALUE donated $100,000 to the Bahamas Feeding Network yesterday to aid families in need.
Get-rich-quick Ponzi schemes to be illegal
THE Minnis administration passed legislation in the House of Assembly yesterday that seeks to criminalise Ponzi schemes that have over the years defrauded Bahamians of hard-earned money.
Five shot, one dead
A SHOOTING incident on Peters Street has left one person dead and four others sent to the hospital with injuries.
BAHA MAR-VELLOUS: Unions welcome resort reopening Dec 17 with 1,500 staff due to return
MEGA resort Baha Mar has announced its reopening in December, which was hailed by a hotel union official as a “good signal” for the tourism industry.
Man found driving with goods taken from warehouse
A 27-year-old man who was caught driving during the weekend lockdown with an assortment of building supplies he could not give an account for was fined $800 yesterday.
Pair accused of harming child
A MAN and a woman were remanded to prison charged with causing grievous harm to the woman’s young child earlier this year.
GB off the beaten path? Is that all?
Last week, the Government rolled out the “come work or study from the Bahamas for a year” invitation. A commendable idea to stimulate the struggling economy.
Two pandemics face the nation
Fundamentally there are two forms of criticism – destructive and constructive.
NINE ARRESTED AFTER POLICE SWOOP
NINE people were arrested following a police operation launched in Grand Bahama yesterday morning, police reported.
CYBER SECURITY PROJECT PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED
THE government has announced the execution and commencement of an “historic” National Cyber Security Project in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union.
$2,000 compensation order for throwing bucket at girlfriend
A MAN who threw a plate of food and a bucket at his girlfriend on two separate occasions was yesterday ordered to pay her $2,000 compensation and attend anger management classes.
Wednesday, November 4
U.S. ELECTION: Biden wins Michigan, Wisconsin, now on brink of White House
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden won the battleground prizes of Michigan and Wisconsin on Wednesday, reclaiming a key part of the "blue wall" that slipped away from Democrats four years ago and dramatically narrowing President Donald Trump's pathway to reelection.
'Too early to say' if Tropical Storm Eta will impact The Bahamas
WEATHER officials say it’s too early to say whether Tropical Storm Eta, which was downgraded from a Category Four hurricane, could impact The Bahamas after it moves away from Central America and treks towards South Florida over the weekend.
ALICIA WALLACE: What message are they sending - stay away, stay locked up, you can’t come here?
We have endured, over the past seven months, more than we could have ever imagined. The first lockdown was a shock but, for the most part, we accepted it as a necessary and temporary measure.
MP voices support for lockdown of Eleuthera
Central and South Eleuthera MP Hank Johnson voiced support for a total lockdown of the island during a virtual town hall.
Nearly 1,000 apply to the Ministry to visit Bahamas
DEPUTY Director General of Tourism Ellison “Tommy” Thompson revealed yesterday that nearly 1,000 travellers have already made applications to the Ministry of Tourism’s travel unit wanting to visit The Bahamas during the country’s second week of relaxed travel restrictions.
'Spread of COVID in the country is down’
Minister of Health attributes decreased testing to drop in cases
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells yesterday attributed decreased COVID-19 testing in the country to a reduction in cases, as he revealed the virus’ positivity rate is now 12 percent – the lowest it has been in months.
Antigen test rollout could be ‘bumpy’
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said the rollout of the COVID-19 rapid antigen test policy could be bumpy and asked Bahamians to bear with officials as the kinks are ironed out.
246 police officers have contracted COVID-19 since pandemic onset
SINCE the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 246 Royal Bahamas Police Force officers have contracted the virus.
Marina frustration on narrowed test window
The Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president has voiced frustration over the Government's failure to approve on-arrival COVID-19 PCR testing for boaters who miss "the five-day window".
Bahamasair to 'take advantage of crisis' through Mexican route
Bahamasair is aiming to "take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis" to open up more Latin American tourism markets via development of a Mexico City route, its chairman revealed yesterday.
Bahamasair to 'crank up' local services with quarantine end
Bahamasair's chairman yesterday voiced hope it will be able to "crank up" domestic services that are less than one-third of their pre-COVID schedule with the 14-day quarantine's immediate end.'
Arrival COVID test would have 'cost us competitive advantage'
Resorts on some Family Islands had feared "losing a competitive advantage" had the COVID-19 'upon arrival' test remained in place, a senior Ministry of Tourism official revealed yesterday.
Joanna Evans: Training for US Open Swim Championships ‘going pretty good’
While she continues to train at her alma mater at the University of Texas, Bahamian multiple national record holder Joanna Evans is preparing to get back into the pool when she competes in the 2020 US Open Swimming Championships.
Jimmy Norius: ‘There’s no reason why I can’t crack the top three in this show’
THEY’VE been married for the past two years and training together, now Jimmy and Serena Salius Decius-Norius are planning to compete in the same venue, albeit in two different events, in one weekend.
Six months probation for man who wielded cutlass at neighbour
A 43-YEAR-OLD man who wielded a cutlass at his neighbour during an argument last weekend has been put on six months probation.
Man and woman deny disorderly behaviour and obstructing justice
A MAN and woman who denied disorderly behaviour and obstructing justice were yesterday granted $2,000 bail before their trial.
Man fined $750 for causing harm
A MAN who injured another man in the face during an argument was fined $750 and ordered to compensate the victim for his injuries.
Retailers to hit 'point of no return' this week
The Bahamas Federation of Retailers (BFR) yesterday revealed multiple members will reach "the point of no return" and close permanently as early as this week unless curb-side restrictions are lifted.
One-in-five bullied at workplace
THE Bahamas could be suffering from a high rate of bullying in the workplace, according to the first study of its kind published in the International Journal of Bahamian Studies.
‘Shark attack won’t stop me diving’
Spearfisherman Anthony Feaster is lucky to be alive after being bitten by a reef shark while spearfishing on Friday in waters off East End, Grand Bahama.
‘Die’ Stubbs can fight sentence
THE Privy Council recently advised the Court of Appeal to give Stephen “Die” Stubbs permission to appeal the 45-year sentence imposed on him for the murder of a police officer and the attempted murder of another man over two decades ago.
Another $10m allocated to food aid programme
A NEW $10m budget has been allocated for the second phase of the National Food Distribution Task Force programme, which is now shifting focus toward the country’s most vulnerable.
Freedom of speech in debates
“THAT the Freedom of Speech and Debates or Proceedings in Parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any Court or Place out of Parliament.” This quote from Article 9 of the United Kingdom’s Bill of Rights is the foundational law for the principle of freedom of speech in democratic legislatures.
Motorbike rider dies in traffic accident
A MALE motorcycle rider in his early 50s died in a traffic accident that occurred around 1pm yesterday.
Confusion: The new normalcy?
I have long held that the most seasoned businessman and visionary within the FNM administration is the Hon Dionisio D’Aguilar (FNM-Free Town), our erstwhile Minister of Tourism. I still hold to this belief and I was very impressed by his address to the nation this past Saturday and the fact that he actually took any and all questions from the media.
Atheist Nation
It’s really sad that the Christian community has nothing better to do but to suggest who is or is not an atheist.
Police investigate suspicious death on Grand Bahama
Police in Grand Bahama are investigating a suspicious death.
U.S. ELECTION: Trump wins Florida, locked in other tight races with Biden
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump carried Florida, the nation's most prized battleground state, and he and Democrat Joe Biden were increasingly focused early Wednesday on the three Northern industrial states — Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania — that could prove crucial in determining who wins the White House.
Tuesday, November 3
EDITORIAL: Horrifying statistics - and attitudes we must change
ONE in three University of The Bahamas students who answered a survey have been raped – either in the form of sex without consent or statutory rape.
PETER YOUNG: We’re not alone in locking down - but are we right?
While trying to avoid going over old ground again, I hasten to comment about major developments in relation to coronavirus this week in Europe which is in turmoil once more over the pandemic. New national lockdowns in France and in Germany have been followed by an announcement at the weekend of another total lockdown in Britain. This is due to start on Thursday this week and will last for one month in the hope of bringing down the level of transmission of the virus – the so-called R-rate.
Bahamians in the U.S. anxious about election results
AS our neighbours to the north casted ballots in the US Presidential Election, some Bahamians living in the United States were anxious about the results.
FACE TO FACE: Sandena’s devotion - to help our youngsters build a better future
Spend just a few moments around Sandena Neely and you will find an effervescent character with lots of energy to go around. She is positive, joyful and very involved in anything she sets her mind to do.
Deputy backs Speaker in dispute over facilities
DEPUTY HOUSE Speaker Don Saunders has come out in support of House Speaker Halson Moultrie saying he needs to be more respected and the legislative branch of the government needs to be independent.
Claims that BTVI intimidating workers over union
THE Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas has accused the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute’s administration of using intimidating tactics to discourage workers from becoming members of the union.
Report child abuse - it’s a crime not to
A senior officer at the Royal Bahamas Police Force in Grand Bahama is warning that any abuse against a minor/child must be reported to the relevant authorities, and that failure to do so is an offence.
No uptick in visitors expected this week
LYNDEN Pindling International Airport does not anticipate any uptick in visitors this week or in the immediate future given the upcoming United States presidential election, according to a Nassau Airport Development Company official.
Tourists told miss a test, get a fine
A TRAVELLER who fails to undergo a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on the fifth day of their stay in the country will be liable to a $1,000 fine or one month in prison.
Police: some businesses are not abiding by rules
COMMISSIONER of Police Paul Rolle said his men are aware of several businesses not adhering to curbside regulations and others breaking social distance or mask wearing protocols.
Church farm project aims to help people feed themselves
SEVERAL religious denominations have come together in an “historic” initiative with the launch of the Church Commercial Farming Group designed to help Bahamians feed themselves.
Straw vendors not hopeful as borders reopen
DESPITE the reopening of the country’s tourism industry, straw vendors say they do not feel optimistic the Straw Market will be able to resume operations this year given the uncertainty surrounding the cruise industry’s return to the country.
Complete tourism rebound pushed back until 2023
Tourism's full rebound has been delayed until 2023, the Central Bank's governor predicted yesterday, as he conceded that The Bahamas' recovery from COVID-19 is "further behind than expected".
Deferred bank loans slashed to under $1bn
Just under $1bn of commercial bank credit remained on deferral at end-September 2020, it was revealed yesterday, as new loan applications slumped by almost 60 percent in the 2020 first half.
Jehu Wright making a name for himself
BAHAMIAN high school basketball prospect Jehu Wright is headed to a new programme in South Florida as his recruiting profile increases.
Serena 2nd in bikini class
Serena Salis Decius-Norius is fast becoming a household name on the local and international bodybuilding scene.
‘Reno’ gets busted lip ‘stitched right away’
TUREANO ‘Reno’ Johnson was on the verge of setting himself up for one of the greatest accomplishments in Bahamian boxing history. But that was thwarted by Mexican Jaime Munguia at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, on Saturday night.
Oliver loses the first international bout of his career
TYRONE Oliver suffered a loss in the first international bout of his young professional boxing career.
Minister: 'Element of truth' behind Sandals' concerns
The Bahamas is moving to urgently bring "stability" to its tourism industry, a Cabinet minister said yesterday, agreeing there was "an element of truth" to concerns voiced by Sandals' top executive.
Port chief: Nassau won't see cruise ships till 2021
The cruise lines will resume calling on The Bahamas' major ports in the 2021 first quarter, Nassau Cruise Port's top executive predicted yesterday, while warning: "We won't see anything in 2020."
UB STUDENTS SEX ASSAULTS SHOCK: Campus survey reveals one-in-three are victim of some form of rape
MORE than 35 percent of University of the Bahamas survey respondents experienced either statutory rape or sex without their consent, according to new research published in the International Journal of Bahamian Studies.
Triple killer verdict overturned
THE Court of Appeal yesterday quashed the 18-year sentence of a man who was accused of killing three people in 2011, after he argued the trial judge erred when he rejected the no case submission and allowed the case to go to the jury.
Port profits off 34% amid signs of grim retail Xmas
Nassau's major commercial shipping port yesterday revealed profits slumped by 34 percent during the three months to end-September as it detected further signs of a grim Christmas for retailers.
‘Tinfoil’ vendors robbed
JUST when members of the “Tinfoil” pop-up food vendor community were beginning to enjoy the spoils of their labour, thieves ransacked the place during the weekend lockdown.
Fighting the virus
We have made a complete mess. Our government does not understand that lockdowns are not a panacea, and refuses to learn from the experiences of others.
THREE ACCUSED OF ROBBERY
TWO men and a teenager were charged with armed robbery when they appeared in Magistrates Court yesterday.
Unwieldy rules
We are holiday home owners in Nassau coming from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, for many years.
DETAINEE WHO ESCAPED SENT TO PRISON
A HAITIAN man who last week escaped from the Detention Centre was yesterday sentenced to six months in prison.
COVID strategy
The US adult obesity rate stands at 42.4 percent which is a 26 percent increase from 2008. Vietnam has the lowest obesity rate of 2.1 percent. Vietnam currently has 35 deaths from COVID-19 while the US has 232,834 deaths due to COVID-19.
Monday, November 2
24 cases of COVID-19 and two deaths on Sunday
THE Ministry of Health recorded 24 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday along with two additional deaths.
EDITORIAL: It’s D’Aguilar vs D’Aguilar over policy
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar was adamant when he spoke up on Saturday about rapid antigen testing.
INSIGHT: When there is no other choice, you play the hand you have
THE Bahamas is one of the most beautiful places on earth – charismatic people, pink sands and crystal blue waters - and attracts millions of tourists a year. Our natural beauty also enables citizens in the private sector to earn an income and put food in their families’ mouths. When a global pandemic snatches all of that away, we have seen that our gift is also our curse in some respects.
WORLD VIEW: Democracy is not guaranteed by elections alone
A BIZARRE moment at the 50th session of the general assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), on October 20 and 21, was a claim by the outgoing Foreign Minister, Karen Longaric that her government had brought democracy to Bolivia.
Davis: Policy reversal increases risk of spread
THE government’s “confusing” COVID-19 travel policy reversal increases the risk of spread to Bahamians, Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday.
Test plus insurance for visitors
VISITORS to The Bahamas will not only have to present a negative COVID-19 test, but they will also have to purchase an approved travel health visa and travel insurance, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar announced Saturday.
Doctor’s concern over rethink on rapid testing
A SENIOR physician yesterday raised concerns about the reversal of protocol for antigen testing on arrival in the country, saying the relaxed measures have many loopholes that could potentially lead to negative consequences for the country.
Eleuthera bracing for lockdown
AS health officials conduct more COVID-19 testing on Eleuthera, some residents say they have already started preparing for a possible lockdown should the government take that course of action.
Economy rebound ‘in six months’
LABOUR Director John Pinder said yesterday he believes the Bahamian economy will start to rebound from COVID-19’s impact in the next six months now that the country has started its phased re-opening of the tourism industry.
Bran: Banks cannot hold nation hostage on marijuana plans
The Bahamas' ambitions to develop a legalised medical marijuana/hemp industry cannot be held hostage by the banking industry's concerns, an ex-Democratic National Alliance leader is arguing.
Retailer 'can't afford to take risks blindly' after 80% sales fall
A Bahamian retailer has warned he and others "cannot afford to take blind risks any more" due to the Government's handling of COVID-19, with curb-side restrictions slashing his sales by 80 percent.
Holding our breath for what could turn out to be a dangerous day
ActivTrades
ONE of the greatest political upsets of all times happened four years ago, when Donald Trump beat the expectations of many and proved pollsters wrong by snatching victory from the hands of the hot favourite Hilary Clinton.
Prince Strachan has another standout performance
It WAS another standout performance from Prince Strachan in the regular season finale for the John Carroll High School Golden Rams football team. The junior wide receiver finished with five catches for a game high 94 yards and one touchdown in the Rams’ 35-3 win over Sebastian River on homecoming night in Port St Lucie, Florida.
Tureano Johnson loses by KO
Jaime Munguia caught Tureano Johnson with a vicious uppercut that severely gashed the Bahamian middleweight’s upper lip and led to a doctor’s stoppage. Munguia retained the WBO Intercontinental title and was awarded a sixth round knockout win over Johnson in Friday night’s DAZN Boxing main event at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.
Coleby, St Fort, Higgs deliver season highs
AN active weekend for Bahamian pro basketball players in their respective leagues across the globe featured several season high performances. Headlining the list was veteran forward Kadeem Coleby in the Japanese B-League. Coleby finished with 30 points and 15 rebounds - both season highs - in an 89-86 loss for his Akita Northern Happinets to Hitachi SRT. He shot 11-14 from the field and also added two blocked shots. Akita dropped to 6-4 on the season, sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
COVID testing: '11th hour' u-turn blasted
* Coalition stunned by '180 degree' reversal * Came after 3m kits distributed to entry ports * Principal: 'This why I don't like work for Gov't'
‘Don’t blame PLP for GB’s increase in COVID cases’
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell said a social media post that accused PLP Leader Philip “Brave” Davis and party supporters of attending a “super spreader” event in Grand Bahama is nothing more than political “propaganda”.
Chamber war on COVID advocacy
A furious internal row has erupted at the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce over a major retailer's complaint that it is doing to little to address private sector concerns over COVID-19 restrictions.
Speaker Moultrie hands in his keys
HOUSE of Assembly Speaker Halston Moultrie has turned in his keys to the government because he is not satisfied with the state of his office and bathroom facilities. He is refusing to set foot in that area again unless the situation has been corrected.
Bahamas must be 'clear' to restore tourism confidence
The Bahamas must set "clear and concise rules" for its tourism opening, and stick to them, if it is "to restore confidence in the market", a top Ministry of Tourism official has warned.
Johnson’s views
It should matter to nobody what Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson’s views (or lack of them) on religious matters are. What should and does matter is that he and his political masters continue to pursue and justify fiscal and economic policies that have made The Bahamas among the most unequal places on earth and continue to needlessly dampen its economic prospects.
Pastors and politics
Perhaps it’s because people have such bad memories that we can listen to a Pastor pontificate about a Prime Minister who wants to be God, or wants to be “a” god and not remember that it is actually a class of Pastors who have had a hand in creating the political monsters we have had to deal with since 1967.
BFSB elects new Board of Directors
The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) elected a new board of Directors to serve for a two-year term (2020-2022) at its recent annual general meeting (AGM).
Digital currency is 'a giant step'
A financial services provider has the Central Bank's launch of a Bahamian digital currency as "historic" and "a giant step" that will help propel The Bahamas ahead of many industrialised nations.
Atheism and the FNM
It would be discriminatory of evangelical Christians and other theists to single out Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson for harassment and disenfranchisement for his atheism.
Hotel queries on COVID test and quarantine plan
A major New Providence hotel says numerous unanswered questions remain over the COVID-19 re-opening protocols - especially around the five-day testing and quarantining of asymptomatic visitors.
RBC starts building new Abaco branch
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) says it has begun construction on a digitally-enabled branch that will serve Marsh Harbour and the Abacos once it opens in February 2021.
Reporting compliance key to fighting financial crime
In the Bahamas, both supervised financial institutions (SFIs) and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) are required to appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).
