Tuesday, August 31
PETER YOUNG: As an island nation what do you do to halt the flood of refugees?
WITH surprising candour, even the minister responsible for immigration has admitted it. In the words of the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, the UK’s current asylum system is “broken”. This is an issue of prime importance in Britain, not least because the nation’s lack of control over its own borders was one reason for withdrawing from the European Union. So perhaps it is worth examining the current situation in some detail.
PETER YOUNG: As an island nation what do you do to halt the flood of refugees?
WITH surprising candour, even the minister responsible for immigration has admitted it. In the words of the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, the UK’s current asylum system is “broken”. This is an issue of prime importance in Britain, not least because the nation’s lack of control over its own borders was one reason for withdrawing from the European Union. So perhaps it is worth examining the current situation in some detail.
EDITORIAL: The cost of those PLP promises to the unions
PROMISES, promises. It’s election time, and that means that candidates are making their pledges to would-be voters in hopes of winning their support.
FACE TO FACE: Work hard, never settle added up to success for Antoinette
She climbed to the heights of her career in financial services and pioneered in her field, blazing a trail for women in The Bahamas. She has travelled the world representing her country, helping to secure the second pillar of the economy. She has led premier international companies with footprints in The Bahamas, always lobbying for this jurisdiction.
Day one difficulties with virtual learning system
THE first day of virtual school was plagued with several challenges for some public school students and teachers who were unable to access the Ministry of Education’s virtual learning system yesterday, according to Bahamas Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson.
Minister hails exam result improvements
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd, pictured, yesterday highlighted several improvements in this year’s national exam results, which showed more students achieving A, B and C grades in 2021 when compared with 2020.
PMH: If you’ve had a COVID test, bring the results if you need care
PUBLIC hospital officials are asking people who show up at Princess Margaret Hospital for medical care to present a recent PCR or rapid antigen test if they are able to do so.
33 GB candidates make their pitches to voters
GRAND Bahama is experiencing for the first time the largest surge of independent candidates and new political parties to contest the five constituency seats in the 2021 general election.
Cocaine seized near Long Island
A JOINT operation with local police, OPBAT, the US Drug Enforcement Administration and US Coast Guard netted a large quantity of cocaine in the Long Island area yesterday.
Moxey: We’re making things better for our customers
BAHAMAS Power and Light chairman Dr Donovan Moxey announced that the power company has advanced its customer service unit so citizens with unclear land titles can now have access to electricity.
‘We seem to have agreement’
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister said there are a number of issues of concern at Bahamas Power and Light that require his involvement but added that they will have to be dealt with in the Minnis administration’s second term.
BOB secured $34,000 loan on stolen vehicle
Bank of The Bahamas secured a $34,000 loan on a vehicle despite being informed three days before that it had been stolen in Florida, a Supreme Court judgment has revealed.
$700m Gov’t bond goes forward despite election
The Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday said the Government’s $700m foreign currency bond issue is proceeding “unless we get some kind of policy directive to change course” from the new administration.
Confident in BPL $535m refinance despite election
Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) chairman yesterday voiced confidence that the utility’s mammoth $535m refinancing will be executed by year-end 2021 despite the potential general election interruption
BOB chief pledges lending tightened
Bank of The Bahamas’ managing director yesterday pledged that lending policies have been tightened significantly since it secured a $34,000 loan on a vehicle it already knew was stolen.
‘Gibson accusations must be looked into’
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis has called on the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police to instruct the Anti-Corruption Unit at the Royal Bahamas Police Force to launch an investigation into allegations regarding contracts awarded at Water and Sewerage Corporation.
Death toll soars by 27 as Grand Bahama cases confirmed
MORE than 3,200 COVID-19 cases were recorded in August as a surge in new infections continues to plague the country.
Candidate’s silence on his $53m fortune
KEVIN King, the Kingdom Government Movement’s leader who is vying for the East Grand Bahama seat, yesterday evaded questions to clarify his declared net worth of $53,129,820.
‘Bankrupt’ warning over PLP’s deal with unions
Private sector representatives yesterday warned that the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) deal with the two umbrella trade unions threatens to “bankrupt companies” if fully enacted post-general election.
Tahnaj Thomas picks up his third win of season
Tahnaj Thomas picked up his third win of the season and several players had multi-hit games to highlight play from Bahamians in Minor League Baseball over the weekend.
Bacchus Rolle eager to venture into world of politics
AFTER spending the last few years giving back to the next generation of basketball players as a coach, former basketball/softball/baseball player Bacchus Rolle said he’s eager to venture into the world of politics.
Strachan heads into pivotal season of high school football
EXPECTATIONS continue to mount for Prince Strachan as he heads into a pivotal senior season of high school football.
Bahamas on path to possible FIBA Basketball WCup 2023 qualification
THE Bahamas will learn its path toward a possible FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 qualification today when the organisation hosts the Official Draw Ceremony.
BPL unveils ‘indemnity’ to address ownership woes
Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) yesterday unveiled a process that will enable it to supply electricity services to “hundreds” of Family Island customers who lack clear title ownership of their properties/land.
Marinas facing ‘go-slow mode’
The Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president yesterday said the industry was in “go-slow mode” due to the approaching hurricane season peak and issues with COVID-19 related entrance protocols.
Gov’t’s $109m payables are ‘highly questionable’
The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday branded the Government’s assertion that it owes vendors some $109m in current accounts payables as “highly questionable”.
Water Corp controversy highlights reform need
I was extremely reluctant to write this article because it is political “silly season”, and at this time whatever one says or does in our polarised country, you are then labelled as being affiliated with a certain party.
Atlantis workers
I read with disgust and dismay the article in the August 27th edition of The Tribune regarding the letter from Atlantis informing its staff that they would have to pay for their own COVID testing as of September 1st. and
Disclose our debt
Election date has been set, Parliament has been dissolved and the Bahamian people are ready to go to the polls to select the next government to run the country.
Disclose our debt
Election date has been set, Parliament has been dissolved and the Bahamian people are ready to go to the polls to select the next government to run the country.
Stealing from the poor
I am writing this letter to you because I am fed up with the unscrupulous practices by merchants across the Bahamas. The stores have decided to take on the reversed philosophy of Robin Hood. In my opinion it is the perfect example of the rich stealing from the poor.
Navigating the grim
Access to medicine and health care should be a basic human right but with our hospitals beyond capacity who will take precedence?
Marine accused of pulling gun says he was extorted
A MARINE accused of pulling a gun on his former girlfriend and her new lover yesterday claimed the couple tried to extort him of $5,000 to drop the charges.
Man accused of defaming Davis walks free
A MAGISTRATE yesterday discharged the man accused of defaming Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis after the prosecution’s main witnesses failed to attend his trial to give evidence.
‘Inciting a riot? He has no case to answer’
THE attorney representing a social media entertainer who was last year accused of inciting a riot yesterday argued that his client does not have a case to answer.
Suspect faces attempted murder charge
A MAN was charged in the Magistrate’s court on Monday with attempted murder.
Peter Galanos dies, aged 80
FORMER parliamentarian and insurance businessman Peter Galanos died at his home early yesterday morning at the age of 80.
Monday, August 30
EDITORIAL: A nomination day of crowds and COVID
NOMINATION day is a landmark in the Bahamian political world. Normally, it is a riot of colour and sound as candidates make the most of their moment as they hand over $400 to confirm their nomination. Would COVID-19 make a difference? Sadly, not as much as it should have done.
13,000 people vaccinated in The Bahamas last week
MORE than 13,000 people were vaccinated in The Bahamas last week, according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
THE KDK REPORT: The world shuts down
THERE are some days when getting out of bed comes with great ease and other times when it is a hard-fought mountainous struggle.
INSIGHT: Tough decisions lie ahead and that may mean mandated vaccines
POLITICAL factions and Bahamians alike, enjoy the lead up to election day. The chest rattling vibrations of booming stereo systems accompanied by pom-pom shaking party supporters is an energy unlike any other in The Bahamas. Undeniably, election season is nearly as culturally affixed to who we are as Bahamians as Junkanoo. But soon, the music will fade and we will have to snap back to reality and the task that lies ahead.
INSIGHT: The lessons of Afghanistan should not go unheeded
The heart-wrenching scenes in Afghanistan in recent days, which culminated in horrendous terrorist attacks in Kabul airport, sent shock waves across the world and generated much soul-searching in the West. The chaos, desperation, and uncertainty unleashed in the aftermath of Taliban’s rapid take-over of the country was rightfully interpreted as a drastic policy failure of its foreign occupiers.
PLP: We’ll build a new hospital
THE Progressive Liberal Party has promised to build a new hospital on New Providence through a public private partnership while making improvements to Princess Margaret Hospital.
Doctors concerned nomination day may have spread virus
THE president of the Consultant Physicians Staff Association has highlighted concerns surrounding Friday’s nomination day fanfare, saying it could contribute to the spread of COVID-19 while the country’s health system is in a precarious state.
33 candidates to battle it out for Grand Bahama seats
SOME 33 candidates were nominated on Friday to contest the five constituency seats on Grand Bahama.
Minnis: PLP union deal deceived Bahamians
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has accused the Progressive Liberal Party of “deceiving” Bahamians after a Memorandum of Understanding with two umbrella labour unions exposed discord among affiliates last week.
Gibson denies accusations over contracts
WATER and Sewerage Corporation Executive chairman Adrian Gibson has denied accusations that he facilitated the awarding of no bid contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to a company alleged to be owned by people he knew.
Reserves bolstered by $247m from IMF
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given the central bank $247m from special drawing rights (SDR) to bolster external reserves.
SBDC awards $735,000 to local shipping company
AN Andros business has received $735,000 from the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), the largest amount of funding for any business through the agency.
SCB issues warning about ‘scam’ company
THE Securities Commission of The Bahamas has issued a warning about an unlicensed “scam” company that it says is part of a “noticeable increase” in the number of such firms seen operating since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why Bitcoin profits from China’s mining ban
ActivTrades
THE cryptocurrency Bitcoin has gained around 70 percent in value within five weeks – although China is regulating the cyber currency ever more closely. In the long term, the ban from Beijing could even stabilize the crypto market.
Two divers die ‘from bends’
TWO divers died on Saturday during a fishing trip off Rose Island, apparently after suffering from the bends.
COVID death toll rises by 38
THE number of fatalities from COVID-19 has risen to 381 - an increase of 38 according to data released by officials over the weekend.
LW Young and broke candidates
Leon Walter Young, better known to us as L W Young, was first elected to the House of Assembly in 1912, during the governorship of either Sir Gilbert Thomas Carter or Sir William Grey-Wilson. A carpenter and building contractor by profession, Young would serve in Parliament for the Eastern District of New Providence, from the aforementioned 1912 to 1942 – the year of the Burma Road Riots.
Jonquel Jones scores 14 as Sun beat Sparks
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Brionna Jones had 16 points and a career-high 15 rebounds and the WNBA-leading Connecticut Sun won their eight straight game and 20th of the season, beating the Los Angeles Sparks 76-61 on Saturday night.
Lewis: ‘I want to commend those who served before me’
He has only been in office for a couple of months, but Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Iram Lewis said he was continuing a robust programme that was left in place by former ministers Lanisha Rolle and Michael Pintard.
Colts’ Strachan optimistic about his chances of making the regular season roster
MIKE Strachan concluded the NFL preseason with his best game as a member of the Indianapolis Colts and is optimistic about his chances to make the regular season roster.
One dead and more than 50 migrants detained
MORE than 50 migrants and one deceased individual were taken to Inagua after they were discovered on a cay in the Southern Bahamas on Thursday morning by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
The millionaires club
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar tops the list of millionaire candidates who are vying for re-election with a total net worth of $37,951,803, according to financial disclosures submitted to the Parliamentary Registration Department.
BIG3 championship set
THE BIG3 had a successful launch playing its playoff rounds internationally for the first time and next week’s championship matchup is all set as the league’s fourth season is gearing up for an exciting conclusion.
One dead and more than 50 migrants detained
MORE than 50 migrants and one deceased individual were taken to Inagua after they were discovered on a cay in the Southern Bahamas on Thursday morning by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Problems in getting the vaccine
I’m reaching out to you hoping that light can be shed on the issue of the difficulty that some face getting a vaccine.
Friday, August 27
Bamboo Town candidates' supporters turn out for nomination day
FEW social distancing protocols were practised by people who came to support the Bamboo Town candidates of their respective political parties on nomination day on Friday.
Confidence from Carmichael candidates
CANDIDATES for the Carmichael constituency presented themselves at Gerald Cash Primary School for nomination on Friday, each expressing full confidence that they will win the seat for their respective political parties.
PLP leader: We are ready for the task
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said his party is up to the task of leading the country out of the “dark age” it is now in.
PM coy on reasons for early election: 'I think as we progress you would see'
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was coy on Friday regarding his reasoning for calling an early general election as the country faces a surge in COVID-19 cases.
EDITORIAL: A lack of due diligence over PLP deal
IT didn’t take long for the house of cards that was the PLP deal with unions to come tumbling down.
DIANE PHILLIPS: What happened to our compassion for Haiti?
ON Saturday, August 14, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Haiti, killing more than 2,000 people, over 20 times the number who died in the Surfside building collapse which had us glued to our TV screens watching the tragedy unfold.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Coalition chaos - and a prayer for Sawyer Boy
THIS week, the “coalition of coalitions” fell apart, and a fan favourite battles COViD.
Workers worried over Atlantis letter on testing
BAHAMAS Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union President Darrin Woods expressed concern yesterday over a letter sent from Atlantis to its staff reminding them that they will have to pay for COVID-19 tests themselves as of September 1.
Doctors union concern over honorarium delay
THE Bahamas Doctors Union has raised concern at the delay of honorarium payments to junior physicians who worked on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19.
Grand Bahama rollout for new vaccines this weekend
THE roll-out of the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will start this weekend in Grand Bahama at the Christ the King Hall, where already 1,000 vaccination appointments have been booked for Saturday and Sunday.
Debate organisers frustrated by FNM lack of participation
AN official from the National Election Debate Series has come out and accused the Free National Movement of being “in breach of good faith” because of its stance against participating in a national debate.
PI developer slams gov’t for Crown Land lease
THE businessman fighting to develop part of Paradise Island has accused the government of siding with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s plans for a five-star beach club on the island that would devastate his plans.
IDB report: Bahamas had ‘negative return on investments in 2020’
The Bahamas had a negative return on investments in 2020 despite having forbearance and financial support measures for non-performing loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, says an Inter-American Development Bank report.
No minimum wage increase without NTC decision, says Commerce director
A Chamber of Commerce director said no increase to the minimum wage should happen unless it comes through the National Tripartite Council (NTC).
11 more COVID deaths, 223 new cases reported
THE Ministry of Health has reported 11 more COVID-19 deaths and 223 new cases.
Nomination Day – as it happened
All the latest from Nomination Day ahead of the general election on September 16th.
FNM headquarters ransacked overnight
THE Free National Movement woke to an unwanted surprise on one of the busiest days of the political calendar on Friday after the party's headquarters was ransacked overnight.
People waking up to COVID danger
A LOCAL religious leader on Abaco is urging Bahamians to take COVID-19 seriously after claiming to have lost over a dozen friends and other community members to the virus in the last two weeks.
Progress in talks for resolving BPL's issues
ONE week after line staff at Bahamas Power and Light walked off the job, the union representing the workers said it is happy with the progress made on long standing issues.
Brave’s pact with unions wasn’t what it appeared
NINE affiliates of the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas yesterday denounced their president, Bernard Evans, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Progressive Liberal Party.
A FINAL FAREWELL
FAMILY, friends and prominent political figures yesterday paid their final respects to former Governor General and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Dion Hanna, a man who was described as a fierce patriot, brilliant scholar and “true national hero”.
Olympic champion Gardiner settles for 3rd in the 200m
Steven Gardiner, still celebrating his triumph in the men’s 400 metres at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, dropped down to his first love in the 200m yesterday at the Wanda Diamond League. But the double Bahamian national record holder had to settle for third place.
Knowles-Tener and Cavaliers return to full regular season
RONDRE Knowles-Tener and his Virginia-Wise Cavaliers football programme return to a full regular season for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
MLB.com ranks Reckley No.9 on international prospects list
ANOTHER major publication has projected Ryan Reckley as one of the elite sought after targets for Major League Baseball franchises for the upcoming international signing period.
Candidates make their cases in Grand Bahama
GRAND Bahama candidates are continuing to canvas in their respective constituencies sharing their plans with constituents who will be heading to the polls next month to vote.
Versatile pitcher/infielder Burton ‘Juice’ Saunders dies
VERSATILE pitcher/infielder Burton ‘Juice’ Saunders, who was an avid member of the Saxons Superstars junkanoo group, has left a void among his close knitted friends after he passed away on Wednesday morning in Hollywood, Florida.
IAN FERGUSON: Coping with Workplace Death
This entire week and month has been filled with death and sickness in our country and abroad. COVID-19 and the variants which must have penetrated the Bahamian bubble, have wreaked havoc in the lives of so many. We must all pay attention to the fact that young people have succumbed to the virus - young people who would be normally contributing to the work environment.
Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown named Coach of the Year
CHRIS ‘Fireman’ Brown may still be negotiating the final chapter of his storybook career as a quarter-miler, but he’s off to a great start in his introduction as a head coach at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia.
Deyton Albury settling in with Chipola Indians in Florida
AFTER taking a year off to compete for Believe Prep Academy in Rock Hill, South Carolina, guard Deyton Albury is now settling into his new environment in Marianna, Florida.
PLP using Trump’s playbook
It is quite depressing to reflect on the journey that the Republican Party has taken since the days of the American Civil War. It was once the party of Abraham Lincoln that ended slavery in the United States. Today it is the party of Donald Trump and uses anger, fear, conspiracy theories and fake news to whip up the emotions of a section of society that is shrinking and getting more desperate by the day.
Let the games begin
The proverbial electoral bell has been rung and Bahamians go to the polls on the 16th September, God willing. We who are registered voters will have an opportunity to either return Dr Hubert A Minnis (FNM-Killarney) and the FNM to power or to vote in the New PLP led by the Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis, QC, (PLP-Cat Island). I am persuaded that the upcoming general elections will be a nail biter of the highest order.
RBC’s awful customer service
I nominate RBC for the “Worst Customer Service of the Year Award.”
Teenager accused of being a ‘Peeping Tom’
A TEENAGER accused of being a “Peeping Tom” was yesterday remanded to prison pending a bail hearing.
‘I hit car that ran a red light’
A MAN said he “totalled” his car when he “t-boned” another vehicle that had run through a red light.
Stolen wedding gifts found in ceiling of neighbour
A WOMAN’S stolen wedding gifts were found stashed in the ceiling of one of her neighbour’s homes, a court was told.
Canon calls for funerals to be held inside churches
CANON Crosley Walkine has urged the government to allow families to have funerals inside churches.
Thursday, August 26
EDITORIAL: The unknown cost from excess deaths
WHAT is the real price of COVID-19?
STATESIDE: The changing faces of today’s America
THE government has announced that preparations are well underway for the next Bahamian national census. An estimated 119,000 households are due to be surveyed over the first three months of 2022. Ho-hum?
FRONT PORCH: Moultrie’s grand farce and the carnival of egotism
Parliament Square has been the site of extraordinary events in the nation’s political history. On April 27, 1965, in protest against the gerrymandered results of the Boundaries Report and the UBP’s intransigence on the Report, Leader of the Opposition Lynden Pindling famously threw out the Speaker’s Mace from an eastern window of the House of Assembly to an expectant crowd in the Square.
From Connery with love
A RECENT $100,000 donation by the family of the late Sir Sean Connery is following his wishes and keeping the James Bond star and longtime Bahamas resident’s passion for the performing arts alive.
Bannister hails housing community as a sign of growing confidence
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister yesterday hailed the development of an upscale housing community in western New Providence as a sign of the growing investor-confidence in the Bahamian economy.
Curfew changes to help Abaco vaccine demand
DUE to the high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine on Abaco, special provisions have been made to the daily 8pm to 5am curfew to help ensure that all residents who wish to receive the vaccine will have the opportunity, the Office of the Prime Minister said.
Travelling abroad? Check all travel requirements
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged travellers to check all entry and transit requirements before international travel due to changing restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plea to help ‘Sawyer Boy’ fight COVID
FAMILY and friends of local comedian Timico “Sawyer Boy” Sawyer have launched a GoFundMe page seeking donations to help in his healthcare as he battles COVID-19.
Munroe: There should be a debate between leaders
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ lack of accountability while in office is chief among reasons why he and PLP leader Philip “Brave” Davis ought to go head-to-head in a national debate, according to Wayne Munroe QC.
Signs, signs everywhere . . .
WITH some Bahamians shaking their heads over the proliferation of election paraphernalia on the streets, one environmentalist has branded the excessive signage as “ridiculous” and “over the top”.
Promises by FNM left unfulfilled
A NUMBER of Free National Movement promises made during the previous general election campaign remained unfulfilled when Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis called an early election last week.
Weather blamed for outage
BAHAMAS Power and Light yesterday blamed severe weather for a power disruption that affected more than two dozen residential areas.
Leading health insurer rebounding from 2020 COVID fallout
A BISX health insurer disclosed that the company is rebounding from the 2020 COVID-19 fallout with a near 2,000 percent net investment income increase for the first six months of this year.
Douglas: Andros set to take its place in tourism industry future
A SENIOR Andros manager in the Ministry of Tourism is “excited” for the future of the industry and believes community based tourism is where we need to head.
SBDC plans to launch own crowd-funding platform
A SMALL Business Development Centre (SBDC) executive told the Andros Business Outlook yesterday that plans for the agency to launch its own crowd-funding platform are in development and will be launched “really soon.”
CBL exec. praises company’s healthcare web portal
A Cable Bahamas Ltd (CBL) executive yesterday praised the company’s virtual healthcare assistant – “Patch” – as a major tool in helping businesses monitor the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nygard suffers new court defeat
THE United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has dismissed a complaint by Peter Nygard made under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act in the United States.
1,500 apply for PM’s housing initiative
ABOUT 1,500 applications have been received for housing lots in the government’s Prospect Ridge community for young professionals.
Funeral homes ‘overwhelmed’
A SIGNIFICANT increase in deaths is overwhelming and distressing funeral home workers, according to Funeral Directors Association President Kirsch Ferguson.
UNION LEADERS SIGN UP TO PLP: Party pledges it will resolve issues and raise minimum wage
UNION leaders representing more than 200,000 workers in The Bahamas yesterday rejoiced in the possibility of the Progressive Liberal Party becoming the next government following the impending general election.
A vote for the people
In light of the recent crash election announced by the Rt Hon Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, there has been an uproar regarding the circumstances in which the announcement has been made. Amidst a number of dire crises, from a healthcare collapse to strikes from a number of agencies, there has been a sudden dissolution of Parliament.
Jones and Sun clinch playoff spot
JONQUEL Jones and the Connecticut Sun clinched a playoff spot in the 2021 WNBA playoffs and took sole possession of the league’s No.1 seed with their sixth consecutive win.
BIG3 Semifinals all set for Saturday
The Bahamas will host a new sports tourism initiative this weekend as the BIG3 concludes its fourth season of professional 3-on-3 basketball.
Gardiner to contest 200, Thomas 7th in high jump
STEVEN Gardiner will return to competition for the first time since his 400 metre gold medal triumph at the Tokyo Olympics earlier this month.
Caution over election campaigning
A PAN American Health Organization official said evidence suggests election campaigning leads to higher transmission of the coronavirus as opposed to actual voting on Election Day.
Munnings signs with Sporting Lisboa Benfica in Portugal
TRAVIS Munnings will return to Portugal for a second season but will make the move to a new club in the Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol (LPB).
‘I took $1k of goods so I could play baseball with the kids’
A MAN told a court that he stole more than $1,000 worth of sporting equipment from a local school because he wanted to play baseball with the kids in his neighbourhood.
Officer says he found marijuana in boxes
A 37-year-old man accused of marijuana possession denied the allegations when he was questioned in police custody, a court was told.
Man acquitted over beer claim
A MAGISTRATE yesterday acquitted a man charged for patronising a bar earlier this year, after ruling the prosecution failed to prove their case.
Leadership conundrum
One of the greatest conflicts facing aspiring or “established” leaders is not so much a lack of support, as much as it is a lust of support and power. Too many leaders “live to be liked personally”, as opposed to living to make life better for other persons. As a result of this flawed viewpoint, many of them work harder trying to build their own “Fan Clubs and Ego-centric Empires”, instead of demonstrating a commitment to build healthy organisations and communities that truly empower and inspire others to be their best, even when things are at their worst.
Wednesday, August 25
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 25th August, 6.45pm: Freeport
STARTS: 08/25/2021 6:45 PM EDT EXPIRES: 08/25/2021 7:45 PM EDT
EDITORIAL: If you promise to fix a date, why call an early vote?
WHEN the FNM laid out its manifesto for the 2017 election, one item was very clear – a fixed date for General Elections. It’s a promise that remains unfulfilled.
ALICIA WALLACE: We vote in a broken system which fails us and the options in most cases are terrible
THE signs are here – and they are terrible. The uninteresting, uninspiring, unsightly lawn signs litter New Providence with red, yellow and not much else.
Robbery suspect: You have the wrong person
A 25-year-old man charged with armed robbery yesterday claimed that police had arrested the wrong person.
Bannister: We are still monitoring shanty towns
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister has said his ministry continues to monitor the development of unregulated shanty towns across the country and is ready to act as soon as an opportunity presents itself.
Sawyer boy in hospital with COVID
LOCAL comedian Timico “Sawyer Boy” Sawyer has been admitted to hospital suffering from complications related to the COVID-19 virus.
Pfizer nod gives confidence boost
THE US Food and Drug Administration’s full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine gave more confidence to those who received the vaccine at the Kendal G L Isaacs National Gymnasium yesterday.
‘Competent authority to say’ over quarantined voters
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames, who has responsibility for elections, said the competent authority will have to say how and whether people in quarantine can vote in the upcoming general election.
Cabinet members defend early election call by PM
SEVERAL Cabinet ministers yesterday defended Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ decision to call an early election against criticism that it could further exacerbate the existing COVID crisis.
New coalition formed ahead of general election
MEMBERS of the Bahamas Constitution Party, Bahamas Democratic Movement, and some independent candidates have formed a coalition to contest the next general election.N
Wells: No plans to reimpose lockdown in COVID fight
DESPITE calls for stricter COVID-19 measures, Health Minister Renward Wells insisted yesterday the government has no plans to reimpose another COVID-19 lockdown to fight the current surge of infections.
D’Aguilar: Bahamas COVID numbers ‘a lot better than the United States’
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar yesterday acknowledged the Bahamas’ COVID-19 numbers are high but still better than in the US which has raised our travel advisory status to Level 4.
‘Higher prices coming in October,’ says Super Value president
Super Value’s president said higher prices are coming to stores in October, but he will do the best he can to keep prices from getting out of control.
Commerce director concerned about state of BPL
A Chamber of Commerce director has voiced her concerned about Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) being left in limbo during the election season, with no Rate Reduction Bond (RRB) and no execution of the Shell North America power plant deal.
BPL Skyguard Wind Warning 25th August: Freeport
STARTS: 08/25/2021 9:29 AM EDT EXPIRES: 08/25/2021 3:00 PM EDT
BTC appoints first female Director of Technology Operations
BTC has appointed Shantell Cox-Hutchinson to the position of Director of Technology Operations. Shantell is the first woman to lead this function and brings almost two decades of vast experience in the fields of technology, innovation and finance.
Davis sets ‘debate me’ challenge
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis has challenged Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to a national debate before next month’s general election.
Suspect wins $160k for police assault
A MAN who was unlawfully arrested, beaten by officers and falsely accused of stealing his own possessions was awarded over $163,000 in damages by the Supreme Court.
Crisis’ toll on non-COVID patients
FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands believes some people who have sought medical care for non-COVID-19 illnesses in the public healthcare system have probably suffered and died due to the strain the virus has had on resources.
Former PMs question early election
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said a consistent election date is necessary to ensure people are properly advised and prepared for a general election.
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 25th August: Freeport
STARTS: 08/25/2021 8:03 AM EDT EXPIRES: 08/25/2021 11:00 AM EDT
Sign of the times as man accused of stealing FNM election posters
A 41-year-old man accused of stealing nearly $500 worth of Free National Movement paraphernalia from the Mount Moriah constituency was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
FNM ‘lie machine’
In the run up to the 2017 election, seemingly the entire Bahamian media fixated on some leaked email exchanges involving Jerome Fitzgerald. The narrative was that, as Minister of Education at the time, Mr. Fitzgerald broke some (as yet unspecified) rule relating to conflicts of interests.
Acting coroner to be appointed ‘very soon’
CHIEF Justice Brian Moree said an acting coroner will be appointed “very soon”, allowing for the resumption of inquests into police-involved killings and other matters.
Are FNMs ready for PM Davis?
I believe that diehard Free National Movement (FNM) supporters must now come to terms with the possibility of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis becoming the next prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Three years ago, Davis becoming this nation’s leader seemed farfetched. However, the onslaught of COVID-19 and the catastrophic passage of Hurricane Dorian have placed this highly coveted job well within reach of the PLP leader.
A big decision
Well it’s election season and it would appear the two main parties are not short of cash.
Team Bahamas: ‘We are all safe’
By now the Bahamas’ nine-member team should have returned home from the World Athletics’ Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, but they had to take a slight detour in Johannesburg, South Africa.
‘Pork’ adds to his résumé as international baseball umpire
MARTIN ‘Pork’ Burrows continues to add to his résumé as an international baseball umpire.
Tuesday, August 24
EDITORIAL: A family torn apart by COVID
It started with a scratchy throat.
PETER YOUNG: A helping hand for poor, desperate Haiti
The televised images of human suffering in Haiti are heart-rending. It is hard to watch the misery of individuals as their lives have been torn apart in an instant by another devastating earthquake, and the turmoil has been made worse by the damage from a tropical storm.
FACE TO FACE: Seize the day – and Bridgette’s doing just that
A WOMAN of many talents, Bridgette Bell Bastian has found after decades of using those talents to help others, that all along, they existed for her to help herself most of all.
Census to begin in January - and you can take part online
THE Census of Population and Housing will take place starting January 2022 and people will have the option to complete the questionnaire online, via telephone or in person.
Parties say blueprints are ‘in the works’
WITH the 2021 general election less than a month away, major political parties say blueprints of their plans are in the works and will soon be released.
30k may be voting in early poll
ACTING Parliamentary Commissioner Lavado Duncanson announced yesterday that the advanced poll for the next general election will be held on September 9 - with about 30,000 people eligible to take part.
State funeral to be held for former Governor General
A STATE funeral will be held on Thursday at Christ Church Cathedral for former Governor General and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Dion Hanna.
U.S. steps up Bahamas’ alert level over COVID
THE United States has moved its travel advisory for The Bahamas to level four: Do not travel.
Bahamas placed on Level 4 ‘do not travel’ list by US
THE Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president called it “regrettable” that the US has placed The Bahamas on its Level 4 “do not travel” list.
Red Lobster Bahamas seeks $2.7m investment from local crowd funding platform
The Arawak X crowd funding platform is looking to deliver $2.7m for a new Red Lobster franchise.
Rahming: Arawak X will push The Bahamas to a ‘greater arena’
The Arawak X crowd funding platform is moving offshore services near-shore says the company’s chief executive officer.
Maura to serve as chairman for 2021 Anchor Awards Gala
THE American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) has announced that Mike Maura, CEO of Nassau Cruise Port Ltd., will serve as the chairman of the distinguished 2021 Anchor Awards Gala.
Online classes are here to stay
AS students prepare to return to the classrooms, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said it is likely that online learning will be the dominant model of instruction for the new school year if infection rates continue to climb and the nation’s healthcare system remains overwhelmed.
Full approval for Pfizer vaccine
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar yesterday said he was hopeful more Bahamians will now get vaccinated against COVID-19, following the US Food and Drug Administration’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine.
AS MOTHER AND SON DIE WITHIN 24 HOURS: ‘No ifs, ands, buts or maybes about it. Absolutely get vaccinated. So many people have died in this past month’, you absolutely must get vaccinated.’’
A FAMILY is grieving after losing their mother and brother to COVID-19 just a day apart.
Bahamian pros to face off on court as NBA releases full regular season schedule
THE NBA released its full regular season schedule over the weekend, and several marquee games highlight the matchups for the league’s Bahamian players.
FREEDOM FARM REPRESENTS BAHAMAS WELL AT CAL RIPKEN MAJOR/70 WORLD SERIES
FREEDOM Farm Baseball League returned to the Babe Ruth’s Cal Ripken Baseball Major/70 World Series and finished fourth in the International Bracket.
Higgs signs in Germany
BAHAMIAN pro basketball player Lashann Higgs will make the move from Spain to Germany for the upcoming season.
Jones ‘Player of the Week’
For the 10th time in her five-year career, Grand Bahamian Jonquel Jones has been one of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Players of the Week.
Furloughed
The plight of an Atlantis Furloughed staff member.
Back to the future or same again
This, like every other election before it, is supposedly to secure our future. The FNM platform leans into the future. The PLP dreams of a new day, asking voters to gaze into a crystal ball.
The upcoming General Election
It’s official, the bell has been rung.
Man who denied having pistol granted bail
A 21-year-old man who denied having a loaded pistol was yesterday granted bail before his trial.
Court upholds sentence for man who killed ex’s new lover
THE Court of Appeal has affirmed the nine-year manslaughter sentence of a man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend’s new lover nearly a decade ago.
24-year-old accused of murder
A 24-YEAR-OLD man was charged in the magistrate’s court yesterday with murder.
$25 of marijuana? Fined 20 times the value
A 23-year-old man who was found with $25 worth of marijuana must pay 20 times that amount to avoid spending a month in prison.
‘Help in race to save me from becoming wheelchair bound’
A COMMUNITY activist who has dedicated his time to helping inner city areas is now seeking the public’s assistance in helping him pay for “life-changing” surgery he needs to avoid becoming wheelchair bound.
Billboards up and Grand Bahama campaign has begun
ELECTION billboards and political paraphernalia are out in Grand Bahama where five constituency seats are up grabs.
Monday, August 23
EDITORIAL: PM calls on citizens to get vaccinated
WITH COVID-19 still surging and after the election bell was rung last week, there was a lot of expectation around last night’s national address by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
THE KDK REPORT: Robbed of a lifetime’s memories, slowly slipping away
I’M OFTEN asked by friends, patients and family members alike what I consider the most frightening, the most difficult or the most agonizing of all medical conditions that I’ve seen throughout my career. In every case they were, as I assume you will be, surprised to hear my response.
INSIGHT: Don’t be dazzled by the show - it’s substance we need
IF you somehow missed Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ announcement, then the forest of signs that appeared overnight on the roads would soon have told you the election is coming.
Passengers not vaccinated? Then it’s no entry for ships
CRUISE ships will not be allowed to enter a port in The Bahamas unless passengers aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the latest amendment to the emergency order.
Eight COVID-19 deaths confirmed
DEATHS from COVID- 19 increased by eight over the weekend, pushing the nation’s toll to 338 since the start of the pandemic.
Officials seek to tackle spike in Long Island
WITH a reported spike of COVID-19 cases on Long Island, officials are taking measures to try to control the situation.
Police probe video of apparent threat by PLP supporter
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said police are investigating a video that appears to show Progressive Liberal Party supporters threatening violence towards a man.
Bowe: Don’t expect significant changes from a new gov’t
A LEADING financial expert doesn’t expect a new government to make significant changes before the mid-term budget which is due next February.
Shipping delay stalls GB water plant reconstruction
A DELAY in shipping has stalled the reconstruction of the Grand Bahama Utility Company’s reverse osmosis plant.
Bahamas top finalists in IDB “Superhero of Development” contest
THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has named The Bahamas as one of eight finalists in its “Superhero of Development” contest for the country’s digitisation initiatives.
Tax holiday boosts sales for computer retailer
THE value added tax (VAT) holiday boosted sales for one computer retailer – but not for all.
How will gold perform during the second half of the year?
ActivTrades
AUGUST 2020 was a remarkable month for gold traders, with the price of the precious metal reaching an all-time high of more than $2000 per ounce.
FNM candidate stands down
THE Free National Movement has replaced its general election candidate for Mangrove Cay, Central and South Andros, Kenneth Smith, with 31-year-old D’Angelo Ferguson.
Schools to reopen but not face-to-face
JUST days ahead of the start of the new school year, the Ministry of Education has announced that all public schools will open with a virtual learning format due to the current resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Minnis-less FNM party
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has been the second most successful leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) in the 51 years of its existence, second only to former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
Local ice-cream producer sees noticeable uptick in business
A Bahamian ice-cream producer says selling ice-cream in The Bahamas is a “no brainer” and the main thing is you have to be able to distinguish yourself.
Jason Johnson earns another pro card
JASON Johnson will now have plenty of time on his hands trying to juggle his fitness level to compete on stage as both a World Beauty and Fitness Fashion (WBFF) and International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) physique professional bodybuilder.
Keyshawn Strachan: ‘I tried my best’ at World Under-20s
IT wasn’t what he anticipated, but men’s national javelin record holder Keyshawn Strachan is hoping that his experience at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday will be the impetus to get him ready for his return to the global stage next year.
Chavez Young has most productive hitting stretch of his career
CHAVEZ Young had the most productive hitting stretch of his career and has powered his New Hampshire Fisher Cats offence in AA Baseball.
Strachan continues bid to earn spot on opening day roster
MIKE Strachan made his second appearance in the NFL preseason and continues his bid to earn a spot on the opening day roster.
‘Jazz’ scores lone run in Marlins’ 3-1 loss to Reds
The Miami Marlins are mired in a seven-game losing streak after sweeps in consecutive series but Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr has been one of the few bright spots offensively for the struggling club.
Minnis-less FNM party
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has been the second most successful leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) in the 51 years of its existence, second only to former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
It’s time for all hands on deck
There are three fundamental principles that guide followership and leadership.
Police suspect illegal landing
POLICE apprehended a group of foreign nationals on Friday in Grand Bahama for suspected illegal landing after a boat chase.
Sick-outs still affecting healthcare services
AFTER more than a week of staff sick-outs, officials said on Friday that while normal operations resumed at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre and at institutions in Grand Bahama, services at Princess Margaret Hospital continued to be affected by delays.
Sunday, August 22
PM urges public to take COVID-19 vaccine
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis once again urged residents to take the COVID-19 vaccine during a national address on Sunday night.
Friday, August 20
FNM Chairman defends PM's election decision
FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer on Friday defended Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ decision to call an early election as COVID-19 strains the country's healthcare system, saying: “COVID ain' going anywhere.”
Two plead guilty to drug charges
TWO Jamaican men pleaded guilty in a Magistrate’s Court in relation to several drug related charges on Friday.
Man charged in connection with two separate murders, two attempted murders
A MAN was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court in connection with two separate murders and two attempted murders on Friday.
Couple plead guilty to child cruelty
A GRAND Bahama couple was convicted of child cruelty against a 15-year-old minor and fined more than $15,000 on Friday after pleading guilty in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court.
EDITORIAL: It's not just a vote, it's the country's future
WHO do you trust? That’s the question our front page headline asks today, and it’s a question that voters must find an answer to. Who do you trust with the future of our country?
DIANE PHILLIPS: For Whom the Bell Tolls
THERE is a particular line in the novel For Whom the Bell Tolls that goes like this: “The world is a fine place and worth fighting for and I hate very much to leave it.”
A COMIC'S VIEW: Grab your popcorn, the race has started
THIS week, the outgoing Speaker of the House presided over his first and last “open parliament,” and the proverbial election bell got rung. Let’s get started.
Rush for Pfizer vaccine as demand on the rise
WITH demand for COVID-19 vaccinations continuing to climb, National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee Chairperson Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis said officials are now facing the challenge of meeting it as she appealed for more Bahamians to volunteer to assist with the country’s vaccination programme.
Workforce industrial action branded ‘illegal’ by BPL
BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) has branded yesterday’s industrial action by its workforce as “illegal” while assuring the public a contingency plan is in place to ensure power disruption is minimal.
38,400 doses of J&J vaccine delivered
ABOUT 38,400 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrived in the Bahamas yesterday.
Doctors ‘overwhelmed’ - and distressed at election call
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ announcement of a general election next month has distressed senior doctors who along with other medical workers have shouldered the burden of a COVID-19 induced near collapse of the nation’s healthcare systems.
BEWU head: $58,000 a year ‘flat out lie’
THE Bahamas Electrical Workers Union head said yesterday it is a “flat out lie” that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) line staff make an average of $58,000 a year
ORG exec: Snap election leaves “several outstanding issues unresolved”
CALLING a snap election has left “several outstanding issues unresolved,” which are “now at risk”, a governance reformer has warned.
South Andros Commerce president: New curfew will bring COVID surge under control
SOUTH Andros Chamber of Commerce president Joe Rahming says he welcomes the new 8pm curfew on the island as it will help bring their COVID-19 surge under control.
14 more COVID-19 deaths confirmed
FOURTEEN additional people have been added to the nation’s COVID-19 death toll, according to data released by the Ministry of Health yesterday.
Unions dangle national strike threat
THREATENING a national strike, union leaders came out in heavy support of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union yesterday as its members walked off the job for the second time in less than two months.
Okay folks, the race is on. There’s one thing to decide . . . WHO DO WE TRUST?
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced an early election yesterday after Governor General Sir C A Smith dissolved Parliament, a step he said is needed to ensure the next administration has the mandate to address the major economic and health challenges ahead.
Accused ‘fired six warning shots’ says police officer
A MAN fired six warning shots after a police officer tried to arrest him for pulling out a gun in a packed nightclub, a court was told.
Butler pleased with progress of his Southwest Tennis Club
MICHAEL Butler is pleased with the progress his Southwest Tennis Club has made in bringing more awareness of the sport to the Flamingo Gardens community.
‘Tappy’ Davis helps students get enrolled in boarding school
FOR the past five years, former volleyball/ basketball player Philip ‘Tappy’ Davis has served as a student consultant for boarding and day schools Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee and Tallulah Falls School in Georgia.
Kristin Munroe climbs to No. 26 prospect for Los Angeles Angels
YOUNG Bahamian baseball players continue to progress and climb the ladder in the pipeline of their respective organisations.
Rhema Otabor breaks junior national record in the javelin
Although she produced a junior national record, Rhema Otabor said she was a little disappointed in falling short of getting on the medal podium in the women’s javelin at the World Athletics’ Under-20 Championships.
Rental assistance
Navigating one's way through the sweltering heat of hardship is no easy undertaking. An unduly harsh economic climate, reduced work hours and the myriad of uncertainty that surrounds and assails the poor and marginalised in this country can be daunting.
Anniversary of FNM’s 1992 victory
I consider former Prime Minister Hubert Alexander Ingraham to be the greatest political leader in the annals of modern Bahamian history. If Sir Lynden Pindling is the Black Moses, then Ingraham is the Black Joshua, who led The Bahamas into the land of Canaan, where true democracy along with its attendant freedom of speech and expression, evident in the opening of the airwaves, resides.
Abaco man accused of murder attempt
AN Abaco man was charged in the Magistrate’s court yesterday with attempted murder.
Officer found marijuana blocks while looking for stolen building supplies
A POLICE officer testified yesterday of finding four packages of marijuana in a man’s home after conducting inquiries for stolen building supplies in his area.
20-year sentence upheld for man who shot his victim in head in nightclub
THE COURT of Appeal has affirmed the 20-year prison sentence of a man convicted of fatally shooting another man nearly five years ago.
Couple plead guilty to child cruelty charges
A COUPLE accused of child cruelty were arraigned on various serious child-abuse related charges in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Man admits unlawful sex with boy aged 15
A 39-YEAR-OLD man who admitted to having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old boy was sentenced to four years in prison yesterday by a Grand Bahama magistrate.
Health worker sick-out goes into eighth day
WITH yesterday marking the eighth day of a staff sick out affecting public health services, Health Minister Renward Wells said officials are in discussions with unions.
Thursday, August 19
STATESIDE: Biden’s blundered in the execution but the decision to leave was the right one
AT 12:30AM on Sunday morning, lightning struck the Washington Monument, perhaps the most distinctive memorial in America’s capital city that is full of them.
FRONT PORCH: The balm and grace of mercy
WITH many more deaths, illness, fear and unrelenting heartbreak during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic we are bewildered, grief-stricken, angry, frustrated and embroiled in a range of emotions coursing through individual souls and the soul of the nation.
‘Lift travel ban so we can help Haiti’
HAITIANS in The Bahamas want the Minnis administration to lift the Haiti travel ban so they can help the country in the wake of a massive earthquake that killed at least 1,900 people and injured thousands more.
PAHO does not recommend COVID third booster shot
THE Pan American Health Organization has “no concrete evidence” to recommend a third COVID-19 booster shot at this time for Caribbean countries.
Thompson: Please get vaccinated
STATE Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson is pleading with residents to get vaccinated, amid the surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations on Grand Bahama.
Chamber chief: ‘Ship has sailed’ on Abaco redesign
An Abaco Chamber head is concerned over the failure to redesign Marsh Harbour to protect it from massive flooding, as happened in 2019 with Hurricane Dorian, lamenting “the ship has sailed”.
Wholesaler warns of very expensive xmas
Leading wholesaler Heath Pritchard has warned consumers can expect a very expensive Christmas with wholesale prices continually rising, something he expects to carry on into 2022.
Aliv in COVID-inspired demand for fibre services
A senior Aliv executive says the COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for fibre services, transitioning away from lower bandwith standard modem services.
SBDC exec says technology pivot successful for SMEs
A Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) executive said pivoting towards technology is what successful small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have been doing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Solomon’s on the move with Lucaya grand opening
With a $1m remodel completed, Solomon’s Lucaya held a re-grand opening yesterday, and plans are proceeding to reopen by next March a second Solomon’s location in Downtown, Freeport, that will bring AML Foods’ total investment to over $5M in Grand Bahama.
Prime Minister announces General Election will be on 16th September
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has announced that he has advised Governor General Sir C A Smith to issue the writs of election, which will be held on Thursday, September 16.
READY TO RUN, DOC? Parliament prorogued - reconvenes September 22, PLP attacks Minnis for ‘playing games’
THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE: Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle, in his capacity as Provost Marshall, read a proclamation from Governor General CA Smith this morning dissolving Parliament. The next session of Parliament will be on October 6
Clerk says ‘fanfare’ will now begin
AFTER Parliament was prorogued yesterday, Chief Clerk David Forbes said the government will now have to roll out all of the “fanfare” that usually precedes a new session of the House of Assembly.
Sands - we need tough action
FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands believes the country should return to harsher COVID-19 measures as both public and private healthcare systems continue to be gripped by crisis.
Moultrie denounces Minnis’ ‘political game’
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie yesterday called Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ decision to prorogue Parliament minutes ahead of his planned “open Parliament” session “an excuse” for him to not attend and a “weak and feeble” political game.
Inaugural Baha Mar Hoops set for November 22-27
THE Baha Mar Resort and bd Global Sports have partnered on a new initiative to add another collegiate basketball event to a busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend this fall.
Electric workers to walk out
MEMBERS of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union plan to stage another “walk out” at BPL this morning, citing disrespect of the union and poorly handled negotiations of an industrial agreement.
Another career milestone for our WNBA star
JONQUEL Jones reached another career milestone this season and added another résumé builder to an MVP calibre 2021 season.
Jones, Munnings shine bright in NBA Summer League
BOTH Bahamian participants concluded their respective runs in the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League and while Kai Jones prepares for the preseason, Travis Munnings hopes to have made an impact on an organisation for the next step in his pro career.
Bahamas Bowl set to return in December
A LANDMARK event on The Bahamas’ sports tourism calendar, the Bahamas Bowl is set to return in 2021.
Strachan advances to final
Day one of competition for Team Bahamas at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya featured Keyshawn Strachan in the men’s javelin and a quartet of sprinters in the 100 metres.
Misleading on vaccines
There is no mandatory policy for the vaccination of children.
A holiday for Arthur D Hanna
Am begging public support for a holiday to mourn the passing of unclaimed National Hero, the late Arthur D Hanna.
Social media and COVID
Speaking as a senior when we were younger we got all our information/news from TV and radio.
EDITORIAL: Is the election bell about to ring?
IN a flurry of ceremony, Police Commissioner Paul Rolle not once, but twice made the trip to Parliament to announce first that Parliament has been prorogued, then some hours later announcing when Parliament is to reconvene.
Woman to lead Tripartite Council
FOR the first time, the National Tripartite Council has elected a female as its new chairman who will take the helm in labour and industrial relations over the next three years.
AG’s office wins damages court fight
THE Office of the Attorney General was successful in challenging a Supreme Court judge’s decision to award three men and a local non-profit group at the centre of an international fraud allegation damages for constitutional breaches.
Car battery explanation lands man in court
A 64-YEAR-OLD man who could not give a satisfactory account of how he came to possess a car battery was yesterday placed on probation for six months.
Ngumi wins increased damages - but only $750K for illegal detention
THE Court of Appeal yesterday increased the damages awarded to Kenyan native Douglas Ngumi to $750,950 after he challenged the figure originally awarded to him for his unlawful six-and-a-half-year imprisonment at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
64 Haitian migrants deported
SIXTY-FOUR Haitian migrants were repatriated to their home country yesterday.
Wednesday, August 18
EDITORIAL: We have failed to protect our healthcare system
THE point of imposing restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was to give our healthcare facilities the best chance possible to deal with the pandemic. We have failed.
ALICIA WALLACE: Learn, listen then explain and perhaps people will feel ready for the vaccine
WE are tired of the COVID-19 pandemic and there is no end in sight. The Prime Minister made the ridiculous statement a few weeks ago that the pandemic is over for the vaccinated. That was far from the truth. While some of us have some protection, we are all still vulnerable to COVID-19 and its effects.
Rotary Clubs donate $200,000 of supplies to help students
ROTARY Clubs donated over $200,000 worth of school supplies to the Ministry of Education on Monday to help students in Abaco as a part of the organisation’s ongoing Hurricane Dorian relief initiative.
More than 16,000 Bahamians still receiving assistance
MORE than 16,000 Bahamians continue to receive weekly government assistance due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to Public Service Minister Brensil Rolle yesterday.
Carnival waiting for permits for $200m cruise terminal
CARNIVAL is awaiting the necessary project permits to begin construction of a $200m mega cruise terminal in East Grand Bahama, according to a statement released by the cruise line yesterday.
Dames: We’re trying to find ways to encourage officers to get vaccinated
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday his ministry is looking at several options to encourage more law enforcement officers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as hesitancy in taking the jab continues to be a challenge.
Lloyd clarifies vaccination comments
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd has clarified earlier remarks he made regarding vaccinations for public school students, saying he was not inferring that COVID-19 vaccines are mandatory for students.
Mitchell says Wells should resign as minister
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell said Health Minister Renward Wells should do the “honourable thing” and resign.
‘Why did non-frontline workers get payment?’
HEALTHCARE union officials are expressing displeasure with the roll out of COVID-19 honorariums that awarded non-frontline workers over nurses and doctors who work daily in the fight against the pandemic.
Second proclamation: Next session of Parliament on 22nd September
2.10pm UPDATE: Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle has read a second proclamation from the Governor General – saying the next session of Parliament will be on 22nd September, 2021.
NIB considers extension as pandemic benefits reach $100m
The National Insurance Board (NIB) has paid out over $100m in pandemic unemployment benefits thus far and a decision on whether payments will continue will happen by the end of September.
Cable in revenue increase pass expectations
Cable Bahamas Ltd (CBL) “surpassed expectations” for the 2021 fiscal year with revenue increasing by four percent in the final quarter.
Island Luck teams up on sports betting technology
Kambi Group Plc, a provider in sports betting technology, has teamed up with local gaming house, Island Luck, to provide the latter with premium sports betting technology.
Lumber now in greater supply
A building materials supplier said lumber prices have “flattened out considerably” riding the wave of greater supply and availability.
Payment provider enters wedding promotion
A digital payments provider is expanding its brand into the wedding business by partnering to provide a payment solution for micro-wedding promotion.
PLP Senator victim of robbery attempt
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Senator Jobeth Coleby-Davis was the victim of an attempted armed robbery yesterday.
Man shot dead in Fox Hill area
A MAN was found shot dead in front of a residence on Collie Bluff in the Fox Hill area yesterday.
RBDF on standby for Haiti sailings
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains on heightened alert should there be an influx of migrants to The Bahamas in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Haiti.
No end in sight to payment sick-out
UP to 300 healthcare workers participated in a sick-out for a sixth straight day yesterday despite an effort by Public Hospitals Authority leaders to resolve their concerns.
Rape claim goes on after ‘victim’ dies
THE attorney representing the late Claudia Bethel, the woman at the centre of a rape allegation against an immigration officer, yesterday criticised the government for questioning his client’s credibility in her civil suit, despite the Crown prosecuting the officer on her behalf during his criminal trial.
Minister shrugs off union strike threat
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd said he is not concerned “whatsoever” by recent comments made by Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson, who warned that the union could take industrial action if schools are not ready before the new school year or if increments are not paid.
PMH has ‘passed breaking point’
A TOP doctor at Princess Margaret Hospital described the strain COVID-19 has on the hospital in stark terms yesterday, insisting the institution has “passed the breaking point”.
Pair in human trafficking case to learn trial date
A MAN and woman who were accused of conspiring to sexually exploit two teenage girls through human trafficking will learn their new trial date on Friday.
Repeat offender to face investigation
A MAGISTRATE yesterday ordered the Department of Social Services to conduct an investigation on a repeat drug offender who admitted struggling with marijuana addiction.
‘I don’t see myself as setting the pace, even though I am the first Olympic gold medallist in the 400m’
WHILE she’s proud holding the distinction of being the first Bahamian athlete to win both the Olympic and World Championship titles in the 400 metres, Tonique Williams said the performances from Team Bahamas at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan must be commended.
Afghanistan: Asia’s pit of despair
The Taliban has control of Afghanistan once again. The power elites throughout the globe will act as though this is a surprise to them, inconceivable, unplanned and unwanted. The Taliban will consolidate its power in one of three ways.
What has happened to missing boys?
I am distraught – I haven’t slept a wink after reading in The Tribune that two little Bahamian boys — six years old, no less – were deported to Haiti shortly before that island was hit by an earthquake. And their only sin?
World U-20s take spotlight
Sprinters Camille Rutherford, Lacarthea Cooper and Carlos Brown, Wendell Miller and javelin thrower Keshawn Strachan will begin competition for Team Bahamas today as the World Athletics’ Under-20 Championships gets started in Nairobi, Kenya.
Tuesday, August 17
EDITORIAL: How can immigration defy a court order?
TWO young boys have not been heard from since the earthquake in Haiti last week – and they should not have been there at all.
PETER YOUNG: We couldn’t stay for ever but a chaotic exodus opens the door to disaster
THE age-old maxim about a little knowledge being a dangerous thing should be uppermost in the minds of newspaper columnists who cover a wide range of topics on a regular basis. They should also be aware of the warning by George Bernard Shaw – the famous Irish playwright, critic and polemicist – to “beware of false knowledge since it is more dangerous than ignorance”.
FACE TO FACE: Bain Town boy building big on his vision
ANDREW “Andy” Ingraham is in a league of his own. A Bahamian born in Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera and bred in Bain Town, he is known around the world as a leader in creating ownership for blacks and minorities in the hotel industry. He is a successful businessman with a unique flair for networking and connecting people in ways they may have never envisioned and continues to create more and more scholarship opportunities for young Bahamians to become educated and see the world as their oyster.
Report on dumped wood forwarded to police force
A REPORT from the Department of Customs about the unlawful dumping of contaminated wood in Freeport, Grand Bahama, last month has been forwarded to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Department of Public Prosecutions for review.
Some schools to reopen with mix of virtual and face-to-face
AS students prepare to return to the classrooms later this month, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said public schools on some islands will re-open under a hybrid model, while others will feature face-to-face instruction.
Family Island doctor dies from COVID-19
NOTED Family Island physician Dr Charles Edward Wildgoose III lost a short battle to COVID-19 on Sunday, leaving behind a wife and two children.
Abaco workers ‘overwhelmed’ in poor conditions
THE increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Abaco has overwhelmed healthcare workers who are already strained by “poor” working conditions coupled with ongoing staff shortages.
Port Authority initiatives sees new micro-business growth
NEARLY 200 new micro-businesses are licensed to do business in Freeport following two initiatives launched by the Grand Bahama Port Authority earlier this year.
Back to school with little sales bump
Retailers are holding their breath for a bump in sales stemming from whatever form schools reopen next month.
Unions question vaccination statistics
UNIONS representing healthcare workers have challenged official statements that claim that only 50 percent of their members have been vaccinated.
A-C grades increase in exams
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd revealed yesterday that the number of BGCSE students receiving A, B and C grades this year increased by more than 10 percent compared with 2019.
Wells asks his aides to forego payment
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said he has asked his driver and personal assistant to return the $1,158.40 the government gave them in honorarium payments as a sickout persisted among some 300 healthcare workers in New Providence and Grand Bahama for a fifth day yesterday.
Governor General struck by COVID-19
GOVERNOR-General Sir Cornelius A Smith has tested positive for COVID-19.
BOYS DEPORTED DESPITE ORDER: Six-year-olds in landmark case were sent to Haiti and now stuck in quake
THE deadly earthquake in Haiti has attorney Wayne Munroe concerned about the well-being of two young boys in a landmark citizenship case who were deported to that island in defiance of a Supreme Court order and not returned to The Bahamas as requested.
Families of health workers who died in first wave given funds
THE families of Nurse Sherrilyn Charlton-Bain and custodian Marion Burrows-McKinney who died during the first wave of COVID-19 were presented with cheques totalling $100,000 yesterday.
No extension for thief’s appeal bid
THE Court of Appeal yesterday refused the extension of time application of a man attempting to appeal the sentence he received for breaking into a humanitarian aid organisation in Abaco to steal building supplies.
Indecent assault charge
A 23-year-old man, who denied indecently assaulting a minor, was yesterday remanded to prison pending a bail hearing.
26-year-old accused of drive-by murder
A 26-year-old was charged in the Magistrate’s court yesterday with murder and attempted murder.
‘Pay up for breaking AC’
A CONTRACTOR who damaged his ex-girlfriend’s AC unit was yesterday ordered to attend anger management classes and pay for the repairs.
Teens accused of robbery
TWO teenagers were remanded to prison accused of robbing a man of $300 worth of jewellery earlier this month.
Squabble over bank note change
What a dreadful image for The Bahamas internationally to see our Prime Minister and other MP’s arguing about who is most responsible for completely eliminating our Head of State Queen Elizabeth II from our currency notes. There was no public consultation when this process began and none when The Queen was removed from our coinage.
Keep the Queen
Our family purchased a property and made investments in The Bahamas after consultation with your Government Investment Authority and Nassau lawyers. We were told that our investments would be safe and secure because Queen Elizabeth was Head of State and there was a British style Parliament and Court system. Based on these reassurances we went ahead with transactions.
Well done, PM
After many months of criticism of our Prime Minister in the handling of this COVID pandemic in our country (by myself personally)... I feel the need to congratulate him today.
FLASHES OF BRILLIANCE: Rookie wide receiver Mike Strachan has an impressive showing in Colts training camp, NFL preseason debut
Mike Strachan has had an impressive showing early in training camp and showed flashes of brilliance in his NFL preseason debut with the Indianapolis Colts.
Team Bahamas brings home the hardware
THE Bahamas Bodybuilders and Fitness Federation’s eight-member team returned yesterday from the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in San Salvador, El Salvador, over the weekend.
Pro basketball players are on the move as free agents
BAHAMIAN pro basketball players continue an eventful free agency period with recent transactions featuring national team players on the move to new leagues in new countries.
Jones has 19 points, 14 rebounds, Sun top the Wings 80-59
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jonquel Jones had a double double - 19 points and 15 rebounds - to help the Connecticut Sun beat the Dallas Wings 80-59 on Sunday.
Gifts for gold medal heroes
OLYMPIC gold medalists Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner were rewarded yesterday with money from a local company.
Monday, August 16
THE KDK REPORT: A simple test can save a life and not just leave you with memories
There is a line in Les Misérables wherein one of the characters affirms there is often a grief that can’t be spoken and the pain goes on and on.
WORLD VIEW: Are people in the Caribbean becoming architects of their own destruction?
THE question has to be asked. Are some people in Caribbean countries becoming the architects of their own and the region’s destruction?
INSIGHT: A family holiday which turned into a Bahamian nightmare
What started out as a vacation in paradise for Rui Hao and his family and friends turned into a total nightmare.
INSIGHT: We’ve got the vaccines but need to do a much better job persuading the public to take them
THE arrival of more vaccines and more assurances will bolster our supply before the year’s end is certainly good news. However, with a void the size of the Grand Canyon in the government’s communication and vaccine education machinery, vaccination hesitancy may still prevail. If it does, you can bet the people of The Bahamas will lose handily.
Bahamas ready to do ‘whatever is necessary’ to assist Haiti
THE Bahamas is ready with CARICOM to do “whatever is necessary” to assist Haiti following the earthquake that shook the country on Saturday, killing more than 700 people.
Hopes that 60,000 can be fully vaccinated over the next six weeks
THE National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee is seeking to fully vaccinate 60,000 Bahamians and residents over the next six weeks, with the addition of the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Fire destroys Church of God Bahamas in Cat Island
A FIRE destroyed the Church of God Bahamas in Orange Creek, Cat Island yesterday morning.
UPDATED: Woman dead, man injured after Saturday morning shooting
A WOMAN is dead and a man is in hospital after a shooting in Victoria Gardens on Saturday.
Assistant Commissioner of police ends tenure in Grand Bahama district
ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Ashton Greenslade has ended a successful tenure in the Grand Bahama district during his command as the officer-in-charge of the northern Bahamas district.
Activists in new court filing over oil drilling
TWO leading environmental groups have filed a Supreme Court application to discontinue a judicial review of the government’s approvals concerning Bahamas Petroleum Company’s exploratory drilling in Bahamian waters.
Cooper: AG suggestion of change to beneficial ownership act ‘laughable’
PLP deputy leader Chester Cooper has called the attorney general’s explanation of how money was spent from a $250m International Monetary Fund loan “laughable” as well as a possible “violation” of the terms of the loan.
Eleuthera calls bridge upgrade ‘waste of time’
SOME Eleuthera businesses say it is a waste of money to repair or rebuild the Glass Window Bridge and it would be better to build a causeway on the Bahama-bank side instead.
Governance reformer: Secure procurement process, integrity
SECURING procurement integrity must be two-fold with a specific process for resolution as well as any legislation having strong technical systems in place, says a governance reformer.
The world leading sand dollar
ActivTrades
LAST year The Bahamas became a global leader in e-money, after launching its own Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the Sand Dollar, ranked number one in the PwC Global CBDC Index. A remarkable achievement for the nation, that captured headlines around the world. But what is a CBDC? Should other nations follow the example of The Bahamas? Why not instead adopt an existing cryptocurrency, like bitcoin, for example, like El Salvador did?
UPDATED: 1,297 dead and 5,700 injured in Haiti earthquake
MONDAY UPDATE: Haiti's Civil Protection Agency said 1,297 dead from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake had been counted by Sunday, a day after the temblor turned thousands of structures into rubble and set off frantic rescue efforts ahead of a potential deluge from an approaching storm.
Water supplier challenged by 400% raw material increase
A Bahamian bottled water supplier says sourcing raw materials is the “challenge of the day” sparked by freight charges ballooning by over 400 percent.
Manufacturers: Sales returning but not close to 2019 levels
SOFT drink manufacturers have reported soft sales numbers despite the recent hot weather.
A new way to fly between Nassau and Fort Lauderdale
TROPIC Ocean Airways has launched international scheduled service between Fort Lauderdale and Nassau.
Two injured in separate shooting incidents
POLICE in Abaco and Grand Bahama are investigating two separate shootings that left two men injured.
Miller-Uibo and Gardiner celebrate their Olympic gold
BAHAMIAN Olympic gold medallists Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner were treated to a series of events on Saturday as the country celebrated their performances in Tokyo, Japan on their return home.
‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr homers as Marlins beat reeling Cubs 4-1
BACK in the lineup after a brief sting on the 10-day injury reserve list, Bahamian shortstop Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm added to his glaring season with two impressive outings for the Miami Marlins over the weekend.
‘All in all, I think the team did its best’
TEAM manager Kenton Roker said the Bahamas’ four cyclists competing at the Caribbean Elite Men/Women Cycling Championships in the Dominican Republic did the best they could.
Tilford-Rutherford: ‘I’m just super excited to be able to represent the country’
AFTER watching the debut of sprinter Camille Rutherford at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Under-23 Championships last month, long jumper Alexis Tilford-Rutherford is eager to join her cousin in her debut at the World Athletics’ Under-20 Championships.
Grace is not expected to be major threat
LOCAL meteorologists are monitoring the development of Tropical Depression Grace, however, it is not expected to be a major threat to this country.
Hospitals suffer as sick out continues
A STAFF sick out at public hospitals in New Providence and Grand Bahama severely affected healthcare services on the islands for a fourth day, the Public Hospitals Authority said yesterday.
HALF OF MEDICAL STAFF STILL WON’T TAKE JAB: Doctor among COVID deaths as Pfizer rollout scheduled for Thursday
AN unvaccinated physician has died of COVID-19 complications, while three unvaccinated healthcare workers are currently hospitalised with the virus, according to Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee chairperson.
Issues with the Travel Health Visa
Our family operate several travel agencies in southern England and have sent clients to The Bahamas for many years. My late parents purchased a property there and we have enjoyed wonderful holidays over the years. It was always pleasing to send people for Bahamas holidays.
CAC: Team Bahamas earns eight medals - two are gold
Wellington Wallace will return home with a pair of gold medals after leading the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s eight-member team at the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in San Salvador, El Salvador, over the weekend.
Dissolve the Credit Bureau
In honour of the memory of Arthur Hanna (among so many other good things, a smart and nationalist Minister of Finance) the incoming PLP government should dissolve the recently established Credit Bureau and repeal the legislation upon which it stands. It has no utility whatsoever to the Bahamian consumer and only serves the interests of the (mostly foreign) commercial banks, herding Bahamians into convenient categories to be better exploited.
Baker’s Bay to test charge for unvaccinated staff
BAKER’S Bay will today begin charging unvaccinated staff for mandatory COVID-19 testing while inoculated employees will be given test frees of charge until the Club hits its target of 70 percen of the workforce having received a jab.
Saturday, August 14
Bahamas Power & Light | SKYGuard Tropical Storm Grace Projected Track, Arrival Times & Intensity (e-Alert #1)
Saturday, 14th August, 2021.
Friday, August 13
Mother of seven jailed for four months
A MOTHER of seven who failed to report the abuse of two of her young children was on Friday sentenced to four months in prison.
Tourist pleads guilty to possession of marijuana
AN American tourist who was found with 10 grams of marijuana must pay $500 to avoid spending three months locked up.
Man denies damaging woman's vehicle
A 31-year-old man who denied damaging a woman’s vehicle after trying to pry off a car part was on Friday granted bail before his trial.
131 new COVID-19 cases, one more related death
THE Ministry of Health recorded 131 new COVID-19 cases and one more related death on Thursday.
Health services sick out continues for second day
A SICK OUT at Princess Margaret Hospital and Grand Bahama Health Services continued for a second day on Friday over COVID-19 honorarium payouts.
EDITORIAL: Wrong time for hospital staff to take action
THE hospitals are full of COVID patients, we are in the middle of a surge that has already seen us have the record number of cases in a single day… and hospital staff are choosing this moment to stage industrial action.
DIANE PHILLIPS: What in the world has happened to us?
I’VE often wondered if my parents had it a whole lot better than my generation and I think they did. We’ve never eaten more but felt less satisfied. We’ve never owned more but felt less complete. We’ve never had so much technology and so much information at our fingertips yet done so little to make the world safer. We’ve never worked longer but relaxed during time off less. We’ve never travelled more but arrived home less rested or changed by what we experienced.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Choose your vaccine - but choose to be safe
THIS week had its moments but the two stories that caught my eye were a multitude of options on vaccines for the nation and more PLP crying over spilt milk.
Education officials still in talks over school reopening
THE Ministry of Education is still in discussions with health officials to determine the appropriate model of instruction when school reopens amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and fears of the highly contagious Delta variant.
Funeral directors say protocols leading to long morgue delays
THE president of Bahamas Funeral Directors Association said adhering to protocols for coroner’s cases and bodies awaiting death certificates are some of the aspects leading to bodies being stored at the morgue for protracted periods.
COVID pandemic ‘will be with us for a long time’
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel predicted yesterday that the coronavirus pandemic will likely be with us for a long time, adding suggestions that an end to the COVID-19 Emergency Power Orders will allow for a quicker return to normalcy are simply not realistic.
FNM chairman accuses PLP counterpart of inciting violence against the PM
THE chairman of the Free National Movement has accused his counterpart in the Progressive Liberal Party of inciting violence against Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
Bahamas Power & Light | SKYGuard last Advisory on Tropical Depression Fred ( e-Alert #13)
Friday, 13th August, 2021.
Luna owner’s ‘nightmare’ on $734k debt deadline
A Bahamian businessman yesterday said he is facing the “nightmare” prospect of losing his near 40-year investment in just 45 days’ time if he cannot pay a $734,222 tax debt owed to the Government
BPL | SKYGuard Tropical Depress Fred Update & Invest 95L Long Range Projected Track
Tropical Depression Fred Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
Bahamas at pre-COVID airlift by fourth quarter
A Cabinet minister yesterday predicted incoming airlift to The Bahamas will return to pre-pandemic capacity of 4,000 seats daily by the 2021 fourth quarter with airline confidence “going through the roof”.
Bahamas’ ‘first class fills before economy’
The Bahamas’ tourism rebound is seeing “first class fill up before economy class”, a Cabinet minister said yesterday, estimating that as much as 80 percent of the industry’s economic impact has returned.
Disney: ‘We’ve struck right tone’ on Eleuthera project
Disney Cruise Line’s president yesterday asserted the cruise line had “really struck the right tone” in balancing economic development with conservation at a Lighthouse Point project it hopes to start this year.
$35m Glass Window upgrade to be ‘world famous attraction’
The government’s $30m-$35m Glass Window Bridge replacement will combine “the most ambitious bridge building project” with “a world-famous tourist attraction”, the deputy prime minister revealed yesterday.
Govt moves to open up ownership details
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel said regulations under the Register of Beneficial Ownership Act will be issued as early as today to allow the Ministry of Finance to access the secure system on beneficial owners and respond to queries from international agencies and the Office of the Auditor General.
Fred downgrade - but rain to come
Tropical Depression Fred headed for a drenching of The Bahamas after weakening from a tropical storm.
Pfizer rollout to start on Monday
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday declared the country finally has enough vaccines to meet demand and administration of the 128,700 Pfizer vaccine doses donated by the United States government will begin as early as Monday.
MASS SICKOUT HITS HOSPITALS: Workers strike over being omitted from ‘COVID payments’
SERVICES at public hospitals were severely affected yesterday by a sickout involving staff who have not received honorariums.
Administrator denies $100K bakery fraud
AN office administrator who denied defrauding a local bakery of more than $100,000 was yesterday granted bail before her trial.
Fox Hill basketball legends recognised
WHILE there were no normal activities to commemorate the Fox Hill festivities on Tuesday, Pastor Robert ‘Bob’ Brown took the opportunity to recognise the achievement of some of the legendary basketball players in the community.
The Queen on $500 note?
I am delighted that Sir Arthur’s image will adorn our one hundred dollar currency note, but wondering why we have never taken that next little step and issued a Five Hundred Dollar note.
God is going to get you
So you ripped the grill, the bumper, and the lights of my Cube. A car that I made great sacrifices to purchase.
Man accused of stabbing
A 25-year-old Grand Bahama man was charged with causing grievous harm in connection with a stabbing incident on Grand Cay, Abaco.
Teacher on sex charge
A 39-year-old Grand Bahama primary school teacher was accused in the Freeport Magistrate’s court yesterday of having sex with an underaged girl.
Man denies having loaded gun
A 21-year-old who denied having a loaded pistol was yesterday remanded to prison pending a bail hearing.
Man denies breaking into fish fry
A MAN found with goods stolen from an Arawak Cay restaurant vehemently denied breaking into the Fish Fry stall.
‘Stay out of trouble or be fined’
A 27-year-old man who was caught smoking marijuana must stay out of trouble for six months to avoid being fined.
Ministry rejects social media claims
THE Ministry of Health has denied social media allegations that Health Minister Renward Wells received an honorarium payment of $10,000 for the COVID-19 response.
Athletes bring home Olympic gold medals
With all of the pomp and pageantry, Bahamian ‘speedy’ quarter-miler Steven Gardiner returned home yesterday to celebrate his gold medal performance at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Provider: Cyber security must be national effort
A Bahamas information technology provider yesterday said the government is taking the “right steps” towards improved cyber security, but added: ‘It’s about all of us.”
Sand Dollar set to enjoy ‘multiple security levels’
A Central Bank official yesterday said there are “multiple levels of security” to protect transactions involving the Bahamian digital currency, the Sand Dollar.
Cable targets push on ‘hospitality TV’
A Cable Bahamas executive yesterday predicted that “hospitality TV” will be “big” for the tourism industry as it seeks to build momentum for greater nationwide penetration.
Doctors chief: Non-COVID patient care ‘under threat’
Doctor’s Hospital’s top executive yesterday warned that care for non-COVID patients is “under threat” as pandemic sufferers drive bed occupancy levels at its main hospital to near 80 percent.
Thursday, August 12
EDITORIAL: No more supply issues - so get your jab
THROUGHOUT the battle against COVID-19, one of the repeated questions has been over the need for the government to secure enough vaccines for everyone. That question has now been answered – and emphatically so.
STATESIDE: Architects of their own demise - and possible presidential future
American governors are very much in the news these days. Mostly, it’s for the wrong reasons.
FRONT PORCH: Many are finally waking up to the harsh reality of COVID and taking the vaccine
A SOLDIER heading to war or to a military engagement usually has a number of normal fears. Once on the battlefield or in a foxhole surrounded by enemies, mortar fire and other deadly instruments of death his fears morph, sometimes growing more intense.
Second fatal double shooting this week
ONE man is dead and another is in stable condition after being shot on Commonwealth Boulevard yesterday.
Union officials frustrated by Grand Lucayan sale delay
THE delayed sale of the Grand Lucayan hotel in Grand Bahama is being watched closely with frustration and optimism by local hotel union officials.
PAHO renews call for people to take the vaccine
WHILE acknowledging the startling increase in COVID-19 cases in The Bahamas, Pan American Health Organization officials have renewed appeals to regional people and healthcare workers to take the vaccine.
Wells: COVID-19 positivity rate 21 percent
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said the COVID-19 positivity rate is now 21 percent, far higher than the low of three percent in February and the World Health Organisation’s recommendation that the rate not exceed five percent.
$500m spent to support Bahamians
MORE than $500m has been spent by the government to assist ordinary Bahamians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Service and National Insurance Minister Brensil Rolle said yesterday.
PLP: Putting Arthur Hanna on the $100 bill was our idea
THE Progressive Liberal Party said the plan to place the image of Arthur Hanna on the Bahamian $100 bill was the idea of the previous Christie administration.
‘This boom has legs’
Palm Cay’s developer is planning to invest a further $100m in accelerating its build-out by exploiting surging real estate demand, its top executive saying yesterday: “This boom has got some legs.”
Don’t ‘hide behind letter of law’ over beneficial owners
A prominent banker yesterday criticised the government for “hiding behind the letter of the law” in not providing beneficial ownership details on COVID contract winners to the Auditor General.
Palm Cay developer’s $100m ‘Rise’ in west
Palm Cay’s developer yesterday said it was aiming to “Rise” in western New Providence by the 2022 second quarter with a $100m investment in its latest real estate project.
Ice cream firm gets RBC/SBDC ‘Shiver’
A Bahamian-made ice cream producer is accusing the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) of trying to “choke” it out of business amid COVID-related distress.
Wind and rain warning over Tropical Depression Fred
A TROPICAL storm watch remains in effect for the southern Bahamas after a weather system in the Atlantic developed into Tropical Storm Fred – before being downgraded to a tropical depression – with heavy rainfall and wind likely in those areas.
Heroes head home - to a cash reward
SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner will each receive $40,000 for winning gold in the 400m at the Tokyo Olympics, Youth, Sports & Culture Minister Iram Lewis said yesterday.
Davis calls for clarity on who won contracts
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Phillip “Brave” Davis yesterday called for more accountability and transparency by the Minnis administration on the awarding of COVID-19 related contracts.
JABS FOR ALL: US donates massive supply of Pfizer with 128,000 arriving today
THE race to vaccinate Bahamians and curb the spread of COVID-19 will gain a huge boost today when 128,700 doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrive in the country through a donation by the government of the United States, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced yesterday.
‘The NACAC area took Olympic Games by storm’
North American, Central American and Caribbean President Mike Sands was thrilled by the performances he saw from the athletes representing the region at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Basketball camp Fosters more than talent with CWCO backing
ON the heels of national celebrations for various Bahamian sporting achievements, over 50 campers are now better equipped and motivated to make their basketball stardom dreams a reality.
Nine-member team to ‘dominate’ U-20 worlds
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations will be sending a nine-member team to the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday.
$140k of cocaine found by officer in shipment box
A CUSTOMS officer discovered $140,000 worth of cocaine in a shipment box addressed to a man who was wanted by police for more than a year, a court was told.
Marijuana seller must pay $3K or go to jail
A MAN who admitted selling marijuana must pay $3,000 to avoid spending nine months behind bars.
Indecent assault accusation
A 23-year-old who denied indecently assaulting a woman was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial.
Colina and Indigo the same?
Re: The Insurance Act 2005 and Colina Insurance/ Indigo Insurance
Heroes of Zimbabwe
It is a pity that Zimbabweans said that they are celebrating Zimbabwe heroes and defence forces days recently.
Wednesday, August 11
Emergency Operations Centres activated in southeastern Bahamas
National Emergency Operations Centre to follow suit with partial activation
Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) in Acklins, Crooked Island, Great Inagua, Long Cay and Ragged Island were activated at 2pm Wednesday afternoon (August 11, 2021) as local and national Disaster Managers and Planners continued to closely monitor Tropical Storm Fred.
Bahamas Power & Light | SKYGuard Tropical Storm Fred Projected Track, Winds & Arrival Times ( e-Alert #10)
Tropical Storm Fred Discussion Number 8 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
EDITORIAL: Show us the money
WHO owns the companies that received contracts related to COVID-19?
ALICIA WALLACE: You shouldn’t need to be exceptional to enjoy basic rights
“You like bad treatment.” When is the last time you heard that? Whether it was directed to you or someone else, you likely got the feeling the person saying it does not want to offer their support. How does it feel when someone tells you your situation is due to your failure to remove yourself from it?
Wells: All honorariums now paid
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells has said all eligible frontline workers who were promised honorariums for their services during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been paid.
‘Bittersweet’ for doctors as resources come - but so do cases
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ announcement of additional beds and manpower to combat the resurgence of COVID-19 cases was described yesterday as “bittersweet”.
Rev CB Moss denies fake social media reports
THE Rev CB Moss last night issued a statement denying reports circulating on social media that his wife had passed away.
People at GB hospital ‘sicker and with poor outcomes’
COVID-19 cases are increasing in Grand Bahama, according to a leading health official who reported that more patients are coming to the hospital “sicker and with poor outcomes”, resulting in more deaths.
Police warn of increase in counterfeit currency
POLICE have seen an increase in counterfeit Bahamian currency being distributed in communities, the most common being $20 and $50 notes.
Retailers glad curfew won’t prevent shopping
RETAILERS were yesterday happy that the newest curfew change taking effect today does not prevent customers from shopping and gives workers sufficient time to get home from work.
2PM ADVISORY: Bahamas Power & Light | SKYGuard Tropical Storm Fred Projected Track, Winds & Arrival Times ( eAlert #9)
Wednesday, 11th August, 2021.
NAD’s private aviation levy ‘a slippery slope’
An aviation industry executive yesterday warned the Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD) plan to levy a $28 fee on all arriving international private plane passengers was “a slippery slope”.
Nearly $70m of IMF’s $250m went to SOEs
Governance reformers yesterday renewed demands for more transparency around state-owned enterprises (SOEs) after they collectively consumed $70m of last year’s $250m IMF loan to The Bahamas.
Super Value chief seeking to avoid ‘perfect storm’
Super Value’s president yesterday said he was hoping to avoid the perfect storm of an earlier COVID curfew and potential hurricane if tropical depression ‘six’ becomes a major threat later this week.
‘Catastrophe collision’: No COVID mitigation without IMF’s $250m
The Bahamas would not have been able to finance the health, unemployment and business support measures to mitigate COVID-19’s fall-out without the IMF’s “emergency” $250m loan.
128,700 Pfizer vaccine doses donated from U.S. to arrive on Thursday
THE country will receive 128,700 doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Thursday, donated by the government of the United States of America, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.
Bahamas Power & Light | SKYGuard Tropical Storm Fred Projected Track, Winds & Arrival Times ( eAlert #7)
Wednesday, 11th August, 11am.
Potcakes rescue mission
AROUND 80 dogs from the Bahamas Humane Society will take part in a “Wings of Rescue” flight to the United States this morning as a part of a plan to reduce the population in the overcrowded shelter.
Arthur Dion Hanna to replace Queen on $100 bill
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced yesterday that the face of former Governor General and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Dion Hanna will replace that of Queen Elizabeth II on the $100 bill starting next year.
Tropical storm watch continues
CHIEF Meteorologist Basil Dean predicted heavy rainfall starting as early as today due to a disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean – which has since developed into Tropical Storm Fred.
WHO OWNS FIRMS GIVEN GOVT COVID CONTRACTS? – Auditor General reveals his request for beneficial owners list still pending
The Government has failed to meet the Auditor General’s demand to provide ownership details on all the companies awarded COVID-related contracts despite this being deemed “pivotal” to good governance.
Abaco Tennis holds first annual Sheri Roberts Open Memorial Tournament
THE Abaco Tennis Association (ATA) held the first annual Sheri Roberts Open Memorial Tennis Tournament over the weekend. The event was sponsored by Daron Roberts.
PLP plays politics with lives
The PLP is playing politics with people’s lives.
‘Jazz’ placed on COVID-19 injured list
AS a precaution, Bahamian professional baseball player Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm was placed on the Miami Marlins’ COVID-19 injured list with flu-like symptoms on Monday, the Marlins’ announced on their website.
Haitian man forfeits $20,000
A HAITIAN man who failed to declare nearly $20,000 in cash when he attempted to travel back to his home country had his money forfeited to the Crown yesterday.
$350 fine for gathering
A 23-year-old man who admitted attending a get-together earlier this year in violation of the COVID-19 Emergency Powers Orders was yesterday fined $350.
Two accused of attempted murder
TWO men were charged with attempted murder in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Immigration officer ‘told police they couldn’t lock her up’
AN immigration officer told police they could not lock her up after they tried to detain her for interfering with a lawful arrest, a court heard.
Elite nine get set for World Jr Championships
With the success of Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo at the Olympic Games still fresh in the minds of many, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is hoping that the nine-member team to the World Junior Championships will provide some more excitement.
Tributes to former Antigua Prime Minister
“SIR Lester Bryant Bird left us this morning at about 5.30 lying peacefully in bed. He was 83. Antigua and Barbuda has lost a very special son,” Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador, said in paying tribute to Sir Lester who died early Monday morning.
Renowned basketball coach Steve ‘Bulla’ Pinder dies at 85
RENOWNED basketball coach Steve ‘Bulla’ Pinder, known as one of the role models in the Bain and Grants Town community, passed away on Tuesday morning.
Papers, please
Suggestion: A combination card that holds three sets of information of each Canadian Citizen:
Police probe Abaco stabbing
ABACO Police are investigating a stabbing that left a male resident of Grand Cay, Abaco, hospitalized with serious injuries.
40,000 J&J vaccines here by month end
THE Bahamas should receive some 40,000 doses of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine by the end of this month, Health Minister Renward Wells said yesterday.
Tuesday, August 10
PETER YOUNG: Europe’s day of darkness when it betrayed its core values
IT HAS been called the worst civilian atrocity in Europe since the Second World War and the darkest page of modern European history. In July 1995, in Srebrenica in the state of Bosnia – part of the former Yugoslavia – over 8,000 people, mainly Muslim men and boys, were rounded up and executed by Serbian forces.
FACE TO FACE: Striving for a healthier future in our own back yard
IN a world where more and more people are getting sick and the cost of imports are steadily rising, the chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), Bishop Gregory Anthony Collie, is calling on Bahamians to invest in farming as one of the keys to a healthier, wealthier future for the country.
Marijuana found in U.S. man’s home and boat
POLICE recovered a quantity of marijuana from an American man’s boat and home earlier this month, a court was told.
‘Niche marketing is the way forward for GB’
A SENIOR tourism official in Grand Bahama said they are focusing attention on niche markets to boost the island’s tourism sector.
US Embassy quiet on numbers of construction site cases
WHILE construction at the US Embassy’s new site resumed last week after suspected COVID-19 cases were reported, officials have declined to reveal the number of virus-related incidents tied to the ongoing project.
Immigration Minister has caught COVID - while Munroe is discharged
IMMIGRATION Minister Elsworth Johnson has confirmed he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Mother queries testing for kids
A BAHAMIAN mother wants the government to revisit the age requirements of its mandatory testing policy for people travelling to The Bahamas after reportedly being told by numerous medical facilities abroad that COVID testing for children aged two is not offered.
Delta variant fears drives vaccinations
CONCERN about contracting the Delta variant was among the reasons residents turned up at Loyola Hall yesterday to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Clinical nurse has reportedly died from COVID
ANOTHER healthcare professional has reportedly died from COVID-19 while working on the frontline at Princess Margaret Hospital.
Rastafarian community unhappy with Marijuana Bill delay
A RASTAFARIAN leader has expressed his disappointment in the delay of the much-promised Marijuana Bill being tabled in Parliament.
Water Corp ‘author of own demise’ on supply cut-off
The Water & Sewerage Corporation has been blasted as “the author of its own demise” over $644,000 in unpaid bills that resulted in water supply to central Eleuthera residents being cut-off for several days last October.
Ministerial ‘intervention’ call as Morton Salt releases 24
The minister of labour was yesterday urged to “intervene” in the planned termination of 24 Morton Salt workers amid union complaints that the company had failed to follow the law or their industrial agreement.
NAD plans $28 private aviation passenger fee
Aviation operators yesterday described fees as “a dirty word” after Nassau’s main gateway unveiled plans to create equality between commercial and private plane passengers by levying a $28 charge on the latter.
Pearl Island happy to have ‘survived’
A Bahamian destination provider yesterday said it is preparing to receive its first post-COVID cruise ship guests this Thursday after hotel clients kept it afloat over the past several months.
Bahamas First severs Colina General tie-up
Bahamas First has issued Colina General Insurance Company with 90 days’ notice that it plans to terminate their agency relationship because of the latter’s parent re-entering the underwriting business.
Officials keep watch on potential tropical storm formation
OFFICIALS at the National Emergency Management Agency are closely monitoring one of two disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean, one of which could be in Bahamian waters by Wednesday.
One dead, man hurt in ambush
A MAN is dead and another rushed to hospital after being shot off Marshall Road last night.
BPL | SKYGuard Projected Track, Intensity, Direction for Future Tropical Cyclone (eAlert #5)
Tuesday, 10th August, 2021.
Inspection outsource to cut approval ‘bottleneck’
Construction professionals yesterday said that allowing licensed engineers and architects to perform third-party building inspections will help “reduce the bottlenecks in the Ministry of Works”.
BICA president: Tough times increase fraud
The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president yesterday said tough economic times often result in an increase in fraudulent activity as persons turn to such activities to “make ends meet”.
Pair behind bars as they wait bail ruling
TWO men who claimed they stabbed a third man in self-defence were yesterday remanded to prison pending their bail hearing.
Man accused of abducting teen
A 45-year-old man who denied abducting a teenage girl who was reported missing was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial.
COVID ambassador saw ‘red flag’ on test
A COVID-19 ambassador yesterday testified of noticing a red flag on the COVID test of a man who was attempting to travel earlier this year.
Pandemic trauma
Since the turn of the century, warnings have been given about the powerful effects of virus and influenzas. Such diseases have killed billions throughout human history. Black Plague, Spanish Influenza to name a few you may recognise. Various Governments have not ignored their powerful destructiveness, and established agencies to study, catalogue and research these viruses and their cures. Much has been done to understand these powerful predators and governmental responses have saved the lives of many in the past.
Bringing home gold: Time for a national celebration
Team Bahamas, led by gold medallists Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, will be returning home on Thursday for national celebrations for their performances at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Cyclists in top gear for the Caribbean Elite Championships
NATIONAL champions Lorin Sawyer, Marla Albury and Antinece Simmons will head a five-member team that will represent the Bahamas at the Caribbean Elite Men/Women Road Cycling Championships in the Dominican Republic.
BLTA congratulates Denali Nottage for championship win
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) congratulates Denali Nottage, who emerged as champion at the ATA Under-18 Boys category in Orlando, Florida. The event was a 64 draw, Level 5.
Twenty participants complete Fulbright Training Programme
TWENTY participants completed the first Fulbright App Development Training programme in Grand Bahama, creating more human technology capacity and young entrepreneurs on the island.
Monday, August 9
SPREAD THE WORD - IT WILL SAVE LIVES: Vaccinated are urged to explain to others why they took jab, curfew changes announced
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed Monday night that a deal has been inked for the delivery of substantial vaccine supplies, giving The Bahamas the capacity to administer the shot to all who wish to receive it - and urged those who have had to vaccinations to talk to those who have not to encourage them.
EDITORIAL: We must stop the surge
THE state of emergency is about to be extended, it would seem.
WORLD VIEW: Rethink full membership of CARICOM to make it effective
Almost 80 years ago, Jamaica’s Norman Manley asked a question that has been echoing throughout the 12 independent English-Speaking Caribbean countries that form the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
INSIGHT: Vaccinations are still a personal choice - but for how much longer?
DESPITE a third tranche of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine landing on our shores last week, the country is still far behind in the race to increase vaccination uptake and fend off this third surge of COVID-19.
Duane sands warns of ‘tsunami’ of infections
THE Bahamas reached another grim milestone as it recorded over 600 new COVID-19 cases last week, including 228 cases on Thursday alone, representing the highest single day tally reported since the start of the pandemic.
Exuma family: Give better equipment to Family Islands
A GRIEVING family wants the government to better equip Family Islands with the resources needed to treat positive COVID patients after the deadly virus took the life of their loved one last month.
MP airlifted after car collision
NORTH Andros and the Berry Islands MP Carlton Bowleg revealed that he was in a car collision that resulted in him and the driver of another vehicle being flown out of Andros by air ambulance.
RBDF hunt for migrants after empty sloop found
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force is actively searching for possible migrants after an empty sloop was found drifting in waters approximately eight nautical miles off Goulding Cay on Saturday.
‘Perfect storm’ triggers forensic accounting rise
Bahamian accountants have revealed a significant increase in demand for forensic services to detect potential financial crime, and trace assets, arising out of the economy’s post-COVID emergence.
COVID like ‘bad nightmare that won’t go away’
Bahamian businesses were last night bracing for the imposition of additional restrictions to combat “out of control” COVID-19 infection rates, with one saying: “It cannot be business as usual.”
Top hotelier: COVID cases ‘unacceptable’
The Bahamas’ top hotelier last night branded soaring COVID-19 case numbers as “unacceptable” and backed the government imposing “prudent” measures and conditions to control the outbreak.
Law change to open building inspections
The government is planning to reform construction-related laws so that licensed architects and engineers can approve building works performed by their counterparts, the deputy prime minister has revealed.
Inflation, structural or transitory?
ActivTrades
MUCH has been said about the recent escalation in consumer prices, which some see as the result of the economic boom and logistical issues arising in the aftermath of the pandemic, likely to soon start fizzling out. However, others view the situation as something more serious that is likely to linger on for years.
Gunman strikes in yard
POLICE are investigating another homicide after a man was found unresponsive with gunshot wounds on Saturday night in a yard of an Odel Corner home.
Three perish in house fire
THE charred remains of a woman and two children were discovered after a fire at a residence on Coco Plum Road off East Street was extinguished yesterday.
Doctors’ fears mount as COVID cases soar
THE Consultant Physicians Staff Association has again expressed concern over the continued increase in COVID-19 cases that has overwhelmed the nation’s healthcare system.
MPS RECALLED TO PASS EMERGENCY EXTENSION: House reconvenes tomorrow to process continuing orders
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert will give notice of his intention to extend the country’s state of emergency beyond August 13 when the House of Assembly reconvenes tomorrow in response to the current resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
A lot still separates political parties
On the very same day last week that Arthur Hanna, the lead architect of Bahamianisation, slipped into history, I had the dubious honour of meeting one of the Free National Movement’s batch of candidates for the upcoming election.
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate...
Vitriolic debates, some of which degenerate into insults and name calling, rage on social media with respect to covid 19 vaccine hesitancy and rejection.
GOLDEN MOMENT: ‘Bahamian super woman’ shines again at Olympics
Not once, but twice the national anthem was played in the Tokyo National Stadium on Friday as the ‘Bahamian Super woman’ Shaunae Miller-Uibo joined ‘speedy’ Steven Gardiner in clinching her victory in the women’s 400 metres in a dominating performance at the 2020 Olympic Games.
Veteran coach Rupert Gardiner says he never felt more humiliated
VETERAN coach Rupert Gardiner, with more than 30 years of experience, said he never felt more humiliated than he did when he was sent home from the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan for what the Bahamas Olympic Committee called an insubordination of team officials.
Woman denies trying to run man over
IN the Magistrate’s court today a woman denied trying to run over a man with a car on Friday.
Bahamas 41st overall in medal count with 66 world ranking
BEHIND the dominating performances from quarter-milers Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, The Bahamas’ 16-member team rode to a 12th place in athletics and was tied with Kosovo at 41st overall in the medal count with a 66 world ranking in what has been termed a successful Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
No.19 pick Kai Jones posts double double in ‘sensational’ NBA Summer League debut
KAI Jones had an immediate impact on the Charlotte Hornets organisation and made the league take notice with a sensational NBA Summer League debut.
Businesses support Govt over extending COVID emergency
Several Bahamian businesses are backing the government’s move to extend its COVID-19 emergency powers beyond August 13 on the basis that Bahamians need to be protected from themselves.
Farmer gains 2,500 clients over backyard consultancy
One farm has pivoted to providing backyard farming consultancy services to more than 2,500 persons as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on incomes and food security.
Govt must talk less, show more over procurement transparency
It was really not my intention to write another article before September, but so much has been happening on the public procurement front lately that I believe I am duty bound to respond to these issues.
Friday, August 6
BPL issues in western New Providence
BAHAMAS Power and Light experienced major issues in western New Providence overnight.
70 to 80 correctional officers 'still waiting on promotions'
DESPITE 110 correctional officers being promoted to corporals this week, the Correctional Officers Staff Association estimates that many more await their awards.
Second officer testifies about recovering loaded gun
A SECOND police officer on Friday testified of recovering a loaded gun from the underwear of a man who denied being in possession of an unlicensed firearm during his first court appearance.
Office of the Prime Minister in Abaco closed after COVID case
THE Office of the Prime Minister at Abaco will be closed to the public for two weeks after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Man in serious but stable condition after stabbing
A MAN is in stable, but serious condition after he was stabbed while walking in the area of Finlayson and Curtis Street.
228 new cases of COVID-19
TWO-hundred and twenty-eight new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Thursday, historically the highest number of cases recorded in The Bahamas in one day.
Man denies damaging, stealing vehicles
A MAN who denied damaging and stealing the vehicles of two women was granted bail on Friday before his trial.
Men charged in connection with fight video
SEVERAL men were charged before a Freeport Magistrate’s court Friday after a video of a group of men fighting went viral on social media.
IAN FERGUSON: Minimising COVID risk for business travellers
As we closed borders, cancelled events and self-quarantined at home on a mass scale, the travel industry - as well as most other sectors - began its plummet into a tailspin. The collective effort to save lives meant economic catastrophe for an industry that profits from people leaving their homes. The wound inflicted by the pandemic on the travel industry is deep, and it has not stopped bleeding yet.
DIANE PHILLIPS: There’s always a heavy price for broken promises and betrayal
WE don’t often talk about love and politics in the same breath. Well, maybe if we are married to a politician but for most of us, the words politics and love are about as far apart as the Model T and Tesla.
A COMIC'S VIEW: The epidemic of fake news
I recently had a chance to have a candid and very informative conversation with Dr Duane Sands on ‘Talking Heads’ on Kiss 96 FM, a talk show I co-host with my better half Mary Jane, who you all know from mid-days on our sister station Y-98.
Rastafarian community says no members caught virus
THE Bahamas Rastafarian community says none of its members has contracted COVID-19 thanks to natural remedies that have safeguarded them as cases surge in the country and around the world.
Mt Tabor suspends in-person services after rise in COVID-19 cases
BISHOP Neil Ellis, head of Mount Tabor Church, has suspended all in-person services, citing the rise in COVID-19 cases.
‘Mums giving birth while fighting COVID’
FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands says healthcare workers have seen a “significant” number of Bahamian mothers giving birth while battling COVID-19.
‘Mother’ Pratt: I’m doing very well
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia “Mother” Pratt said she is doing well and will return to The Bahamas next week after successfully dealing with COVID-19 and the after effects of the illness.
Bootle confident on Pineridge campaign trail
THE Free National Movement’s candidate for Pineridge Welbourne Bootle is taking the campaign trail in his stride amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions as he covers areas of that constituency.
Cruise ship’s ‘arrest’ sparks $25m battle
A Bahamian shipping agent is fighting to overturn a $25m “default judgment” stemming from the earlier “arrest” of a major cruise ship that brings thousands of visitors to this nation annually.
Credit unions brace for ‘heightened oversight’
The Central Bank has pledged that credit unions will be subjected to “heightened oversight” because they have “very minimal excess capital” with which to withstand a surge in COVID-related loan delinquencies.
Sunryse founder leaves following company’s sale
Sunryse Information Management’s founder was yesterday said to no longer be with the company he founded over two decades ago following its sale to a US-based provider.
Ex-Luciano’s managers get $74k compensation
Two former restaurant managers at the now-closed Luciano’s have been awarded a combined $74,000 after the Industrial Tribunal found their ex-employer in breach of the Employment Act’s redundancy provisions.
More Caribbean growth now on insurer’s ‘radar’
A Bahamian insurer says “there is something on our radar” for further Caribbean expansion as it bids to cut its reliance on this nation to just 55-60 percent of its annual business activity.
EDITORIAL: Gardiner brings home the gold
EVEN the darkest day can be transformed by a ray of sunshine.
GOLD FOR SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO
FORGET the injury. Erase the major disappointment of last place in the 200 metres. Shaunae Miller-Uibo was in vintage form as she blew away the field to successfully defend her title in the 2020 Olympic Games women’s 400 metres.
US says efforts to tackle corruption are not enough
THE United States continues to highlight the inadequacy of local legislation and enforcement efforts to combat corruption and conflicts of interest in public office.
‘Tourist’ dies after being hit by white van
POLICE are investigating a traffic fatality that occurred at the intersection of Bay and Nassau Streets last night just outside of the Holiday Inn Express.
Teen gets 18 months for loaded pistol
A TEENAGER who was found with a loaded pistol was yesterday sentenced to 18 months in prison.
High-speed chase ends with $1,800 fine for marijuana
A 40-year-old man who led police on a high-speed chase while attempting to evade arrest was yesterday fined $1,800 for marijuana possession.
Man jailed for repeated sex with 15-year-old
A MAGISTRATE yesterday sentenced a 21-year-old man to 18 months in prison after he admitted having sex with a teenager.
COVID gap between rich and poor
The recent photo of eight patients crowded on the porch of the Critical Care Block at the Princess Margaret Hospital was an ominous reminder of the overcrowding dilemma at the nation’s leading public health institution, owing to soaring COVID-19 cases.
Farewell to a happy warrior
AD Hanna had a unique way of communicating as much by what he didn’t say as by his actual well-chosen words.
Strachan: ‘I felt something in my left knee’
THREE young collegians were hoping their debut at the 2020 Olympic Games would be memorable in the women’s 4 x 400 metre relay. It was. Just not under the circumstances that it ended.
John Bradley, 73, dies at home on Grand Bahama
JOVIAL John Bradley, the 73-year-old former versatile athlete turned sports administrator extraordinaire, passed away at his home in Grand Bahama on Wednesday afternoon.
Jones and Munnings look to make impression at NBA Summer League
KAI Jones will make his debut with the Charlotte Hornets organisation while Travis Munnings, with the Golden State Warriors, will have an opportunity to make an impression on several franchises at the NBA Summer League.
Carnival hopes 20-year port wait nearing end
Senior Carnival Cruise Lines executives have voiced optimism that their 20-year search for a private port location in Grand Bahama is nearing an end with their latest $100m project.
Carnival’s GB port eyeing 2025 finish
Carnival Cruise Line executives have pledged to transplant any coral that may be threatened by its multi-million Grand Bahama cruise port which will incorporate a significant amount of precast materials into its construction.
Don’t reinvent wheel on investment agency
The Bahamas must not reinvent the wheel in creating a new investment promotion and approvals agency as envisioned by the government’s Economic Recovery Committee (ERC), a prominent banker warned yesterday.
Man accused of threat to kill cop and his family
A MAN threatened to break into a police officer’s house and murder him and his entire family, a court heard yesterday.
Grand Bahama residents donate equipment to Rand
CONCERNED Grand Bahamians have donated a “vital” piece of equipment to the Rand Memorial Hospital, which lost most of its equipment during Hurricane Dorian.
GARDINER’S GOLD: 'It feels amazing'
STEVEN Gardiner accomplished an historic feat as the first Bahamian male gold medalist and the country’s second athlete to win both the World Championship and Olympic Games title in the same event when he powered past his rivals in the men’s 400 metres on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan.
Thursday, August 5
Man found dead in subdivision
POLICE are seeking information from the public after a man died on Wednesday night with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
STATESIDE: A deep divide but salvation lies in awaking the middle ground
The old friends sat together on a comfortable bench whose careful contours well suited their ageing frames. Shaded from a brilliant hot summer sun under a large oak tree, two men who had known each other for nearly 40 years talked together about the events of the day.
FRONT PORCH: A voice of reason against a choir of confused clerics
In response to recent restrictions on public gatherings, including the duration and numbers at religious services due to the increase in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd counselled cooperation. He touted the Church’s promotion of personal responsibility and the common good.
Union chief warns there must be safety plan for all in schools
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson believes schools should reopen in the coming weeks as planned but warned a comprehensive strategy must be implemented for the safety of all.
Keep wearing masks even if vaccinated, warns McMillan
CHIEF Medical Officer Dr Pearl McMillan is urging vaccinated people to continue following public health measures like mask wearing, noting they can still contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
Voters urged: Challenge parties on business ease
A prominent realtor yesterday urged Bahamian voters to challenge general election candidates on how they plan to drag The Bahamas’ ease of doing business “from a third world mentality to a first world mentality”.
Doctors in COVID testing expansion
Doctors Hospital is aiming to expand its COVID-19 testing sites to southern New Providence after its newly-opened British Colonial Hilton location hit a “3,000 run rate within the first week”.
BTC’s half-year better via 16% revenue rise
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) enjoyed a 16.3 percent year-over-year increase in 2021 second quarter revenues, it was revealed yesterday, despite losing close to 3,000 prepaid mobile subscribers.
Hospital ‘must beat misperception’ that it’s not affordable
Doctors Hospital “must beat misperceptions” that its healthcare services are too expensive to be accessed by middle and lower income Bahamians, its chief financial officer says.
Bank ‘hopelessly deficient’ on $600k loan guarantee
Bank of The Bahamas’ “hopelessly deficient case” has left it unable to enforce a guarantee for a near-$600,000 delinquent mortgage owed on a property in south-west New Providence’s Coral Vista subdivision.
Virgin in return of flights to Heathrow
VIRGIN Atlantic yesterday announced the launch of twice-weekly services from The Bahamas to Heathrow, London, beginning November 20.
Women's 4x400m relay team don't complete race
THE expectations were not that high for the women’s 4 x 400 metre relay at the 2020 Olympic Games, but it wasn’t anticipated that they would not complete the race on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan.
Tributes continue for A.D. Hanna
TRIBUTES continued to pour in yesterday from both sides of the political divide following the death of former Governor General and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Dion Hanna.
QC Wayne Munroe in hospital with COVID
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe, QC, the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate for Freetown in the next general election, has been hospitalised with COVID-19.
Missing pilot held by Venezuela after ‘drug flight’ crash in Randy Butler’s stolen plane
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed missing pilot Oran Munroe is in police custody in Venezuela and being questioned for alleged drug trafficking.
GOLD FOR STEVEN GARDINER: First medal for The Bahamas in Tokyo
STEVEN Gardiner can now add the 2020 Olympic Games title to his 2019 World Championship crown.
Commission summons police over firm’s ‘fake certification’
The Securities Commission has brought in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) to help investigate an entity falsely claiming to be licensed and registered with the financial services regulator.
Bring back Dr Sands as Health Minister
It is now clear that the Minnis administration has no real plan based on science to combat and reduce the surging rates of infection and possibly deaths. Whatever plans it has it would appear to be based on politics and not science. The Emergency Powers Act confers almost dictatorial powers within the hands of the Competent Authority, who has emerged as Dr Minnis and not the collective cabinet, at least that is the optics. With elections being just around the corner political considerations are first and foremost.
Growing pessimism on Grand Lucayan’s sale
Grand Bahama businesses yesterday voiced growing pessimism that the Grand Lucayan’s sale to the ITM Group/Royal Caribbean joint venture will ever be completed especially as a general election nears.
Ex-DPM backing 2023 for full COVID rebound
The former deputy prime minister yesterday backed the Central Bank’s assessment that the Bahamian economy will not fully recover from COVID-19 until 2023, with much depending on how the latest case surge is handled.
Treat internal audit as trusted advisors
Internal auditors should be considered trusted advisors who work along with the board and management to help your company achieve its goals and business objectives.
Minnis and the church
The August 3 Nassau Guardian front page caption “Killer convention?” was a major source of conviction, sadness and embarrassment for this writer, as an evangelical Christian who loves the church, the mystical body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Valerie Nesbitt to make pro basketball debut in Spain
VALERIE Nesbitt will begin the next phase of her basketball career in Spain - her debut as a professional.
$5,000 fine for man who defamed girlfriend online
A MAN who defamed his former police girlfriend online because he believed she was responsible for the deaths of his friends was yesterday fined $5,000.
Fishermen prove they had correct licence
A magistrate yesterday discharged four fishermen who were accused of fishing with prohibited apparatus after they were able to prove they had the appropriate licence to do so.
Thief has more than a year cut off sentence
THE Court of Appeal yesterday reduced the sentence of a man who was convicted of stealing an assortment of items from a woman almost two years ago.
Two million have died in region since start of pandemic
PAN American Health Organisation officials have reported a “grim milestone” this week in that since the start of the pandemic some two million people in the region have died of COVID-19 complications.
Crash biker dies
Motorcyclist Phillip Parker, 23, of Pinedale, Eight Mile Rock, who was injured in a traffic accident a week ago, has died in hospital in Grand Bahama.
Wednesday, August 4
Medal hopes for Steven Gardiner in 400m
Steven Gardiner heads into Thursday morning’s 400m final with the lofty expectations of claiming The Bahamas’ first medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
EDITORIAL: The vaccine is here - so get your jab while you can
IF a shortage of supply has been your excuse for not getting vaccinated, then today you have no reason not to book your jab.
ALICIA WALLACE: We celebrate individual national successes but where are the goals we should all strive for?
It’s that time again. Many people are glued to their televisions, calculating time differences, pulling out their flags to wave, and preparing the honey and lemon to soothe throats after screaming at athletes who cannot hear them.
‘Use fake tests and you’ll get caught’
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames has again warned people against using fake COVID-19 tests, ahead of an impending travel policy requiring those who are fully vaccinated to have a negative test before arriving in the country.
Church of God says it followed guidelines
THE Church of God claimed yesterday that it is following the guidelines the Bahamas Christian Council has recommended and that the Ministry of Health has approved following reports that several people who attended a recent youth convention contracted COVID-19 and died.
Minnis: Get vaccinated ASAP
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday again encouraged people to get vaccinated as quickly as possible as he marked the arrival of 33,600 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines.
Bahamas ‘not doing enough’ to fight corruption perception
Governance reformers yesterday warned The Bahamas “is not doing enough to change perceptions of corruption” as the US government again cited irregularities in this nation’s procurement and investment approvals process.
Governor: Use $200m for Dorian rebuilding
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday urged Dorian-ravaged businesses and homeowners to draw down on “at least $200m” in unused reinsurance funds to finance rebuilding, adding: “The economy will be better off.”
Doctors sees 75% growth in demand
Doctors Hospital has seen a 75 percent year-over-year increase in demand for its services based on top-line revenue growth during the first six months of its 2022 financial year, a senior executive has revealed.
‘Near-term risk’ to the economy has increased
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday warned that “very near-term risks to the economy have increased” as a result of surging COVID-19 infection rates in The Bahamas and its key tourism source markets.
Restrictions gave external reserves ‘$200m cushion’
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday revealed that restrictions imposed last year in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic’s outbreak had “provided at least a $200m cushion for the external reserves”.
Shaunae storms into 400m final
After a slow start, defending champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo stormed back in the latter part of the race to secure her berth in the women’s 400m final at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Pilots blamed for Abaco crash
PILOTS who died in a plane crash in Abaco last month did not properly configure the settings on the aircraft for takeoff, investigators say in their report on the crash.
Fire quickly contained at BPL plant
BAHAMAS Power and Light said a mid-morning fire yesterday at its decommissioned Station O at Clifton Pier had no impact on generation or other operations.
Don’t like Parliament? Try Speaker’s version
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie is to hold “Open Parliaments” for the public each Wednesday starting next week.
STAY ALIVE - PROOF IS IN THE NUMBERS: Less than 5 percent of fully vaccinated are admitted to hospitals
LESS than five percent of people fully vaccinated in The Bahamas have been infected with COVID-19 and fewer than one percent of recovered patients have been re-infected with the disease, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen has said.
Physicians happy with testing change - but not staffing level
CONSULTANT physicians are happy that fully vaccinated travellers now need to present negative tests to enter the country, but they remain concerned that public health facilities remain understaffed.
Pompey - a hero for our nation
Universal Negro Improvement Association founder Marcus Garvey, George William Gordon and Paul Bogle were the first three recipients of Jamaica’s Order of National Hero in 1969 – the year it was created by the Jamaica Labour Party administration via its National Honours and Awards Act.
COVID demagogues
I have read and taken note of the PLP’s press release of 28 July, 2021 – addressing their official opposition position on COVID-19 in The Bahamas.
One Bahamas
My heart, mind and prayers with the Bahamian people and the Bahamas dealing with challenging times COVID-19, ecomomic hardship and division among Bahamians. It is my prayer, hope and vision for A One Bahamas, a Bahamas where there would be no dishonesty, but trust.
‘I felt my hamstring so I decided to shut it down’
Citing a hamstring injury that hampered her progress, Shaunae Miller-Uibo couldn’t gut it out with the field yesterday and had to basically jog to the finish line in 24.00 seconds for eighth place in the women’s 200 metres.
Couple arrested after marijuana find
A FREEPORT couple were arrested by police following the discovery of suspected marijuana at a residence on Friday.
Bar owner sold numbers without licence
A MAGISTRATE is set to determine the fate of a businessman who sold numbers at his bar without a valid licence.
Man accused of raping child
A MAN was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday with the rape of a minor.
Man awaits psychiatric test
A MAN whose arrest by police was widely seen on social media was yesterday remanded into custody pending a psychiatric evaluation.
Child was sitting in back seat next to $42k of marijuana
POLICE officers found two men and a young child riding in the Carmichael Road area with $42,000 worth of marijuana in the back seat, a court was told yesterday.
Book claims Aaliyah was drugged before fatal flight
A NEW allegation in an upcoming book claims American pop singer Aaliyah was drugged before she boarded an ill-fated flight that led to her death along with eight others in Abaco, Bahamas nearly 20 years ago.
Men who died at work named
AS investigations continue into a fatal industrial accident on Grand Bahama, two of the men killed have been officially identified by police.
Tuesday, August 3
A TRUE BAHAMIAN PATRIOT: Former Governor General Arthur Dion Hanna dies age 93
FORMER Governor General and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Dion Hanna, the ardent progressive whose faith in Bahamians helped push The Bahamas toward independence and sparked the Bahamianization policy that defined an era, died at home yesterday at 93.
EDITORIAL: A swift response - now make sure it is a thorough one
WHEN The Tribune reported last week on wood infested with an invasive beetle in Grand Bahama, this column called for swift action.
PETER YOUNG: Vaccines are essential but so is personal choice in a Free Society
SO much has been written recently about the compelling need for vaccinations in face of the new surge of COVID cases in The Bahamas that I hesitate to add to the plethora of comment. But two developments encourage me to offer a few observations – the Prime Minister’s wise and appropriate national address last Wednesday and the action by the Democratic speaker of the US House of Representative threatening to arrest staffers not wearing masks in the building, with many saying this amounts to a reprehensible abuse of power.
FACE TO FACE: A national hero – wait til you meet his mum
Today is the anniversary of one of the most memorable events in all of Bahamian sports history. On August 3, 1992, Frank Garfield Rutherford Jr won a bronze medal in the triple jump at the Olympics in Barcelona. This was The Bahamas’ first Olympic medal in track and field, and the first achieved by an Independent Bahamas.
‘Obey the law’ as crawfish season gets under way
THE Department of Marine Resources is urging fishermen to abide by fisheries laws as crawfish season opened on August 1.
Govt to probe offloading of beetle-infested wood in GB
THE Bahamas Government has launched an investigation into the offloading of wood reportedly infested with an invasive beetle by a Panama-registered cargo vessel at Grand Bahama last week.
Five more deaths and 334 confirmed cases since Friday
THE Bahamas recorded 334 new COVID-19 cases since Friday along with five new deaths.
Police hunt killers in drive-by shooting
POLICE are investigating the country’s latest homicide that took place in the Sandilands Village Road area on Saturday afternoon.
Highway horror
A male driver was killed and his passenger was seriously injured in a traffic accident in Grand Bahama on Sunday evening.
Doctors in 40% public GB hospital ownership
Doctors Hospital is planning to offer at least a 40 percent collective ownership stake to Grand Bahamians in the $15m-$20m hospital it plans to open on that island by the 2022 second quarter.
Minister: 'Extreme frustration' over Grand Lucayan
A Cabinet minister says it is "extremely frustrating" that the Grand Lucayan's sale continues to be delayed by the protracted wait for ITM/Royal Caribbean to close their separate deal with Freeport Harbour Company.
Disappointment for Shaunae Miller-Uibo in 200m final
The 200m final in Tokyo, Japan turned out to be a major disappointment for Shaunae Miller-Uibo as she jogged across the finish line in eighth place.
Bahamian official to be sent home from Olympics
BAHAMAS Olympic Committee president Romell Knowles confirmed that they had to revoke the accreditation of relay coordinator Rupert Gardiner and will send him home because of his insubordination to the team officials at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Cruise line COVID cases ‘are going to happen’
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said six passengers testing positive for COVID-19 on a Royal Caribbean International cruise which left The Bahamas last week is not a cause for alarm noting the passengers did not interact with locals.
DON’T BLAME US FOR BEETLE CARGO FIASCO: Shipping agents say sub-contractor was to blame for blunder
The Bahamian shipping agent for a vessel that offloaded wood waste containing an invasive beetle species yesterday pledged to fight impending Customs charges and efforts to make it “a scapegoat”.
Get rid of the Health Visa
As a long-time travel agency owner in cities in northern New Jersey I am writing because I am alarmed at the steep decline in interest for vacations in The Bahamas. For many years both Nassau and some of the out islands were very popular destinations for our clients. They were easy to book and good airline connections.
Charlton: ‘I expected more, so I think that hurts more’
HER dream was to become an Olympic medallist, but having fallen short of that goal, Devynne Charlton said she gave it all she had, finishing sixth in the women’s 100 metres hurdles final in Tokyo, Japan, in her first appearance at the games.
COFFEE AND GLOBALIZATION
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THE etymology of the word offers clues on the history and trajectory of what is, after water and tea, the most popular drink in the world; the English term coffee was adapted from the Dutch koffie, which in turn evolved from the Turkish kahve, itself based on the Arabic qahwah, which I’m told means “dark in colour”. It is believed the plant originates from Ethiopia and Sudan, while the first known reports of coffee being drunk dates from the 15th century, in Yemen, where it had arrived transported by Somali merchants.
Burger King expanding ‘where it makes sense’
Burger King management say they are always looking to “expand where it makes sense” after the brand opened its latest restaurant on East Street south.
Arawak Cay chief backs loitering ban
The Arawak Cay Association’s president says “one of the good things” about the government’s COVID-19 crackdown is the ban on loitering at the popular Fish Fry destination.
Tourism chief: COVID test tightening ‘right thing to do’
The Bahamas’ top hotelier yesterday said the government’s tightening of COVID-19 testing requirements for incoming travellers was “the right thing to do” in a bid to bring the country’s soaring infection rate under control.
Algernon Cargill makes history at Tokyo Olympics
WITH the competition already over for the Bahamas’ two-member team at the 2020 Olympic Games, Bahamas Aquatics president Algernon Cargill made history when he became the first Bahamian to be a part of a medal presentation in the swimming competition.
Jones puts on No.23 for first time
KAI Jones and the remainder of the Charlotte Hornets’ 2021 Draft Class were formally introduced to the organisation’s fanbase and donned his No.23 jersey for the first time.
BTVI needs Jeff Lloyd
Please - allow me to speak candidly about my experience as a 2021 graduate of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute. I am a fully employed mother who decided to enroll in BTVI after attending the graduation ceremony of a friend in 2017 and hearing the newly appointed Minister of Education Mr Jeffrey Lloyd speak about his plans for Technical Education and how he will work to make sure that technical education gets the respect that it deserves. I took him at his word, knowing that he also graduated from BTVI.
Lucius Fox Jr gets call up to Major Leagues
LUCIUS Fox Jr became the latest Bahamian baseball player in the country’s history to receive his call up to the Major Leagues.
NACAC chief Sands presents flowers to Jamaican sprinters
AS the president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean, Bahamian Mike Sands was afforded the opportunity to present the flowers to the Jamaican trio of Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson for their sweep of the women’s 100 metres final.
Monday, August 2
Vaccinated visitors now have to take five-day test
INFECTIOUS disease expert Dr Nikkiah Forbes says changes to travel requirements revealed Monday by the Office of the Prime Minister are consistent with data about how COVID-19 variants are affecting the ability of vaccinated people to transmit the virus.
Steven Gardiner qualifies for 400m final, Alonzo Russell misses out
Bahamian national record holder Steven Gardiner and Grand Bahamian Alonzo Russell finished at the two ends of the spectrum in the men’s 400 metre semi-final at the 2020 Olympic Games.
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 2nd August – updated: Nassau
STARTS: 08/02/2021 8:50 AM EDT EXPIRES: 08/02/2021 12:00 PM EDT
Shaunae Miller-Uibo into 200m final, Anthonique Strachan bows out
SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo had to power back for a second place finish in her heat of the women’s 200 metres to advance to the final, but Anthonique Strachan’s third place comeback effort in her heat wasn’t enough for her to move on.
Sunday, August 1
Charlton sixth in 100m hurdles final
Bahamian national record holder Devynne Charlton gave it her best shot in her debut at the 2020 Olympic Games, but she had to settle for sixth place in the final of the highly contested women’s 100 metre hurdles on Sunday.
Miller-Uibo and Strachan advance to 200m semis
AFTER all of the confusion over which three women should run the 200 metres at the 2020 Olympics, only two showed at the starting line on Monday at the Tokyo National Stadium in Japan with both Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Anthonique Strachan advancing to the semi-finals.
Devynne Charlton advances to 100m hurdles final, Pedrya Seymour bows out in semis
DEVYNNE Charlton came close to her national record in making the final in her Olympic debut in the women’s 100 metre hurdles, while Pedrya Seymour bowed out in her bid for her second straight appearance in the big dance.
