Sunday, February 28
Police investigate fatal traffic accident on Exuma
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Exuma that happened last weekend.
Friday, February 26
Warm welcome for new Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in Freeport
IRAM Lewis, the new Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, returned to Freeport on Friday to a warm welcome from a large turnout of well-wishers at the Grand Bahama International Airport.
PLP Chairman calls for PM to 'come clean' about Rolle resignation
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell has called on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to “come clean” about the resignation of former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle.
Tighter restrictions on Abaco 'a painful blow'
AN Abaco administrator said impending tighter restrictions for the island will be a “painful blow” for those trying to “resurrect” their business activities after Hurricane Dorian.
Former bank employee charged with stealing $30,000
A FORMER Commonwealth Bank employee was charged in a Magistrate's Court on Friday with stealing more than $30,000 from her employer over a seven-month period.
Man accused of stealing car bumper
A 50-year-old man accused of stealing a car bumper last month was granted $500 bail in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Man charged with threatening to kill two men
A 44-year-old man was charged in Magistrate’s Court on Friday for threatening to kill two men.
$1m refurbishment plan for Solomon's Lucaya Property
AML Foods Limited announced a $1million renovation of its flagship Solomon's store in Freeport, Grand Bahama on Friday. More than 95% of the work on the Solomon’s Lucaya project, which is expected to be completed by mid-June, will be carried out by local contractors and artisans. The company also stated that most of the materials being used for the renovations will be sourced and purchased locally on island.
EDITORIAL: What is being done to help women shine in politics?
THE issue of women in politics has been in the air lately – and has been brought back to the surface by the departure of Lanisha Rolle, who was the only woman serving as a minister under Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Every little bit of care helps in the life of a single mom who lost her job to COVID
If you want to measure the impact of COVID-19, you can find it in the bare cupboards at Alysha’s apartment. Or the empty space where the refrigerator used to go before she had to sell it to help keep a roof over her children’s heads. The signs of the pandemic are everywhere in this space – the stove parts on top of the pulled apart appliance that only needs $153 to make it work again, but right now in Alysha’s world, $153 might as well be a thousand.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Time to say bye, Lanisha
This week, we said goodbye to a minister, learned a new medical term, and prayed for a former Prime Minister.
AG: I don’t know what future will hold over oil
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday suggested that exploratory oil drilling could again take place in Bahamian waters, telling senators: “I don’t know what the future will hold.”
Former PM Ingraham continues to recover
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham continues to “convalesce and improve” in hospital, former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.
Abaco clampdown after spike in cases
THE recent spike of COVID-19 cases on Abaco prompted Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to reinstate more restrictive measures on the island, including a new curfew and tighter travel guidelines.
‘Less talk of elections, more delivering on promises’
SENATOR Renard Henfield said the governing Free National Movement must focus on delivering on its promises, especially those made to certain segments of society, instead of talking about an election.
Dismay as Rolle replaced by a man
THE local chapter of a regional advocacy group for women has raised concern about the resignation of Lanisha Rolle from Cabinet and her subsequent replacement by a male parliamentarian.
Minnis: Rolle not being directly investigated
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle is not being directly investigated after an internal audit he is said to have requested uncovered findings that led to the resignation of the Seabreeze MP.
‘I heard the shots - I had no idea my son was the victim’
WHEN Chavon Johnson heard gunshots in her community on Monday night, she had no idea the bullets had struck her son, Anthon Percentie.
Fifth person shot dead since Sunday
A MAN was found dead yesterday morning with apparent gunshot injuries.
Gov’t facing ‘ejection’ over $26m land claim
The Government is being threatened with “ejection” from the North Eleuthera Airport and other assets unless it pays almost $26m in compensation for their use over a six-decade period.
NIB chair: We’ll recover $10.8m
The National Insurance Board’s (NIB) chairman yesterday reassured social security beneficiaries it will recover the $10.8m Ministry of Housing loan that was the subject of a scathing auditor’s report.
Downtown chief ‘not as negative’ as Carnival boss
The Downtown Nassau Partnership’s (DNP) co-chair yesterday said he was “not as negative” as senior Carnival executives on the city’s prospects although he agreed “there’s room for improvement”.
Leading banker hits out over VAT ‘maze’
The Government “created a maze” for the Bahamian private sector and consumers when it abandoned the low-rate, broad base VAT model, a prominent banker is arguing.
Carnival: Anchor damage is not us
Carnival Cruise Line executives have told Tribune Business none of their ships were involved in causing damage to the seabed while at anchor off the Berry Islands.
Sky’s the limit: Weather services project offers key to help Treasury
A group of Bahamian entrepreneurs have the “Green Light” for a $427M investment in what US global aerospace, defence, intelligence and weather contractor Raytheon Technologies has termed as the “ 'First-of-Its-Kind Transformational, Aviation Climate, Meteorological, Navigation, 3D Terrain, Street and Chart Mapping & Severe Weather Sensing Network... that exceeds those of any industrial nations” — providing Dr Minnis' administration with the components necessary to collect what is projected to be $300M in “Overflight Fees” from the 594,00 commercial, cargo and private carrier flights using Bahamas' sovereign airspace each year.
Lisa Bostwick-Dean: I’m not running in '22 election
SENATOR Lisa Bostwick-Dean said she did not seek the Free National Movement’s nomination for Seabreeze “for personal reasons”.
Sands is on FNM ticket
THE Free National Movement ratified five candidates for the next general election last night, including former Health Minister and Elizabeth MP Dr Duane Sands.
Six charged for care home cruelty
SIX women were charged yesterday with child cruelty in connection with the beating of a number of wards at the Children’s Emergency Hostel.
Collegiate baseball players making impact
THE 2021 campaigns are underway at nearly every level of play in collegiate baseball and several Bahamian players had early impacts with their respective programmes.
Gov't gives nod to 30 'smart farming' acres
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government has approved the allocation of 30 acres at the Gladstone Road Research Centre for use as “smart farms”.
Hydroponic farm turns 320 feet into 15 acres
A New Providence-based hydroponic farm is using racks of produce in shipping containers to scale-up 320 square feet into the equivalent of 15 acres of farmland.
Abaco Chamber chief backs tighter curfew
Abaco’s Chamber of Commerce president yesterday backed the Prime Minister's decision to extend the island's curfew via an 8pm start due to a recent spike in the island's COVID-19 cases.
Crawfish prices slump over 20%
Bahamian fishermen yesterday said average crawfish prices have dropped by 21.5 percent for this season compared to last year.
Investment body elects new board
An association representing Bahamian investment and securities professionals has unveiled its new Board of Directors who will serve a two-year term.
BTC announces Foster as new chief executive
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday confirmed Tribune Business's Monday revelation that André Foster has been named chief executive with effect from March 1, 2021.
Decius-Norius gets in shape for Bikini Physique Figure Fitness Classic
AS she gets set to return to the NPC 2021 CJ Classic and Sunshine State Bodybuilding Bikini Physique Figure Fitness Classic next month, Serena Salis Decius-Norius is hoping to make an impression on her rivals in two different categories.
$1,800 fine for man found with $1,000 worth cocaine
A 51-year-old man, found with $1,000 worth of cocaine last week, was ordered to pay $1,800 to avoid spending six months in prison.
GSSSA coaches, officials hoping they will be paid
While they wait for the return of students to the classrooms and subsequently after-school sporting activities, Government Secondary Schools Sports Association coaches and officials are hoping that the Ministry of Education will pay them the monies owed for their services already rendered.
Greed and double dipping
Last week, my friends came to visit me from the USA for a week of fun in The Bahamas.
Law failure
When a law enforcement officer only knows one small part of the law we are in trouble.
‘Buddy’ Hield scores nine, Knicks rout Kings 140-121
NEW YORK (AP) — Immanuel Quickley scored 18 of his 25 points in the first half, and Julius Randle had 21 points and 14 rebounds to power the New York Knicks to a 140-121 win over the Sacramento Kings last night.
Retrial ordered for man accused of sex with child
THE Court of Appeal yesterday ordered a retrial after it set aside a judge’s ruling regarding a man who was accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
Haitian woman who lied to immigration fined $1,500
A HAITIAN woman who falsely told immigration officers that she had travelled to the country on a wooden sloop, although in fact she had entered by plane, was yesterday fined $1,500.
11 NEW CASES OF COVID CONFIRMED
THE Ministry of Health reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Thursday, February 25
EDITORIAL: Say a prayer for former Prime Minister
THERE comes a moment when political rivalries must be set aside – and the news that former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has COVID-19 is one such moment.
STATESIDE: To Rush Limbaugh it was all so simple - most Americans just don’t like the Left and Democrats
Rush Limbaugh died last week. A defiant cigar smoker, he died at the age 70 from lung cancer.
FRONT PORCH: Keep your world big and open!
A beloved late mentor often advised and enthused: “Keep you world big!” He was referring to cultivating one’s mind and heart and having an expansive and open consciousness and spirit.
Woman is quizzed over stabbing death
POLICE are questioning a woman in connection with the stabbing to death of another woman, according to police press liaison officer Superintendent Audley Peters.
Rotary hails bravery of women who accused Nygard
TEN women who came forward to allege they were part of Peter Nygard’s alleged international sex trafficking ring were recognised yesterday for their “incredible bravery in the face of unimaginable odds” during a ceremony hosted by the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS).
Mentor said ‘notorious hitman’ promised to make things right
GRAND Bahama Educator and Youth Mentor Darrin Rolle said the young man killed in Freeport on Sunday promised him when they recently spoke “to make things right”. He said he was known as a “notorious hitman”.
Small Homes Repair scheme resumes after suspension
AFTER several months of being suspended, the Disaster Reconstruction Authority has officially resumed its Small Homes Repair programme, with officials targeting June 30 to complete work for the “first tranche” of those homeowners who were promised help.
No damage to party image, insists FNM chairman
FREE National Movement chairman Carl Culmer was adamant yesterday that he didn’t think that the party’s image has been negatively affected by controversy over the last few years, most recently the resignation of former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle.
Minnis: I’d call early election - but it’s not just up to me
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis suggested yesterday that if it were up to him alone, he would call an early election but said he is being guided by his team.
Bostwick-Dean favourite for Seabreeze nomination
FREE National Movement Senator Lisa Bostwick-Dean is said to be the frontrunner to run on the party’s ticket in Seabreeze in the next general election, according to insiders.
Sir Albert Miller home blaze still being probed
GRAND Bahama fire chief Superintendent Floyd Bastian said the fire that destroyed the former residence of Sir Albert Miller in the Bahama Terrace Subdivision is still under investigation.
$141m deficit increase ‘a tremendous warning’
The $141m increase in the Government’s forecast 2021-2022 fiscal deficit “is a tremendous warning” that The Bahamas’ must urgently address long-standing structural woes to maximise COVID recovery.
NIB ‘lost control’ of $11m housing loan
The National Insurance Board (NIB) “lost control” of its $10.8m loan to the Government’s housing scheme, a forensic audit probe found, leading to $2.753m in “unauthorised obligations” being incurred.
Gov’t targeting $74.5m in additional spending
The Government yesterday unveiled a $74.511m spending increase beyond its initial Budget approvals that may have to increase further after Bahamasair used up all its extra subsidy in six months.
Cruise port chief: ‘We’ll ignite fuse’
Nassau Cruise Port’s top executive yesterday pledged that Prince George Wharf’s $268m transformation will “ignite the fuse” to spark the downtown improvement both Bahamians and cruise lines desire.
Senior accountant ‘disputes’ $10.8m NIB loan findings
A prominent Bahamian accountant yesterday said he “completely disputes” a forensic audit report’s conclusion that he and his firm “neglected their obligations” over a $10.8m government housing loan.
Johnson warning on email frauds
FINANCIAL Services, Trade, Industry and Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson said fraudulent emails are being sent out in his name soliciting a “payment fee” from unsuspecting recipients to access an “international grant”.
Why sit on it for a year?
A FORENSIC audit initiated by the Minnis administration found there were $1,119,231 in inappropriate payments made in connection with a $10m loan the National Insurance Board made to the Ministry of Housing under the Christie administration.
‘I don’t believe police version of shooting’
THE sister of Rashad Laroda, the man who was killed in a police-involved shooting after reportedly speeding through a checkpoint, does not believe the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s version of the events.
Dominoes game ends in court
A MAN who dislocated his neighbour’s shoulder after she cheated in a game of dominoes was yesterday ordered to compensate her for her injuries.
INDECENT ASSAULT SUSPECT DENIED BAIL
A 40-year-old man was remanded to prison accused of indecently assaulting a woman earlier this month.
Man given $150 fine for slapping six-year-old boy
A 32-year-old man who claimed he slapped a little boy because he called him a “sissy” and threw a bottle at him was yesterday fined $150.
Man who refused to put out fire is bound to keep the peace
A MAN who refused to extinguish an open fire he started after being instructed to do so by police officers was yesterday bound to keep the peace for six months.
Shackeel Butters named AMC Player of the Week
SHACKEEL Butters received another conference-wide accolade in the NAIA as he prepares to lead his William Baptist Eagles into the postseason.
Bastian and Seminoles 200 yard medley relay team earn NCAA Championships qualifying standard
IZAAK Bastian and his Florida State Seminoles 200 yard medley relay teammates earned an NCAA Championships qualifying standard on the opening night of the 2021 Atlantic Coast Conference Swimming Championships.
Follow the rules and avoid deaths
I see that government publishes a regular report on the number of Covid-19 cases throughout the 15 islands of the Bahamas.
Recalcitrant lawyers
Many years ago, I was disbarred for a gross act of malfeasance – commingling a client’s funds with my own. This is what lawyers call it but it is pure and simple the unauthorised use of a client’s money. In the real world it is called stealing, but not with the intent to deprive the client permanently of his/her funds. Lawyers do this as a matter of routine, especially when there is a slow down in the economy. I am talking about lawyers across the board, regardless of race; colour or creed.
Jones makes free throw to seal comeback victory
THE Texas Longhorns outscored the Kansas Jayhawks by 12 at the free throw line and scored the last five points of the game from the charity stripe, including one from Kai Jones that sealed his team’s largest comeback win of the season.
Strachan: ‘I’m definitely the best in the draft’
MIKE Strachan introduced himself to the Los Angeles Chargers fanbase with the confidence that has scouts bullish on his potential and continues to propel his rise up several 2021 NFL draft boards.
New directors chosen for Bahamas family planning
LAST fall, at its annual general meeting, the Bahamas Sexual Health and Rights Association (BaSHRA), also known as Bahamas Family Planning, elected a new slate of directors.
New Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture outlines platform
IRAM Lewis, the new minister of youth, sports and culture, has outlined his platform for the appointed post, which includes objectives at immediately impacting the sporting community.
Wednesday, February 24
Former PM Hubert Ingraham has COVID-19
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is in Doctors Hospital with COVID-19 but is expected to make a full recovery, according to his personal doctor, former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands.
EDITORIAL: Questions remain after Lanisha Rolle’s departure
THE story of Lanisha Rolle’s time in the public eye has been, it’s fair to say, a turbulent one.
ALICIA WALLACE: Serena has nothing to prove even if she doesn’t lift that 24th crown
Last week, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka met again at the Australian Open. I have always been #TeamSerena.
Man dead and woman in hospital after shooting
A MAN is dead and a woman is in serious condition in hospital after a shooting on Monday.
Students return - but up to 25 schools still shut
EDUCATION Minister Jeffrey Lloyd said there are approximately 20 to 25 schools on four islands that did not see students return to campus today for face-to-face instruction due to needed repairs.
Cat Cay Yacht Club in ‘self-imposed lockdown’
CAT Cay Yacht Club’s manager says the community is in “self-imposed lockdown” after a spike of COVID-19 cases emerged last week.
Carnival chief: Nassau needs more than port
A senior Carnival Corporation executive yesterday warned Nassau needs to improve more than just its port facilities given that three-quarters of passengers declined to book excursions pre-COVID.
‘Tax system is broken’
The Bahamian taxation “system is broke” and in dire need of “comprehensive reform” to develop a suitable framework for the next 50 years, a top banker argued yesterday.
GB Shipyard to be ‘biggest Caribbean industrial’ player in $100m investment
The Grand Bahama Shipyard will become “the biggest industrial concern in the Caribbean by far” if it proceeds with a $100m-plus investment to build the world’s largest floating dock.
Carnival awaiting permits for GB ‘crown jewel’ start
A senior Carnival Corporation executive yesterday voiced optimism that construction on its Grand Bahama “crown jewel” can still start this year despite the pressures imposed by COVID-19.
Marina chief hits at increased red tape
The Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) yesterday voiced frustration that the entry process for incoming boats and yachts has been made “more complicated and difficult” for 80 percent of the market.
Man shot dead by police as car ‘speeds through checkpoint’
A MAN was shot dead last night in a police-involved shooting after reportedly racing through a checkpoint at speed.
Grieving mum begs: Give yourself up
THE mother of Omar “Punch” Penn is calling on the gunman who killed her son “like an animal” to turn himself in to the police.
One-shot rollout likely for vaccines
THE country is expected to receive its first doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine by the end of the week, according to Health Minister Renward Wells - and Mr Wells said the government will likely use all doses at once to give 100,000 people their first shot.
‘The FNM is not falling apart’
SEVERAL Cabinet ministers yesterday dismissed speculation that the Minnis administration is “falling apart” following Lanisha Rolle’s resignation, with one MP saying “not everyone is going to make the full five-year term”.
‘LOCK IT DOWN’: Rolle quits after PM ‘shut’ ministry and ordered in auditors
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis ordered a lockdown of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture just days before an internal audit he requested uncovered findings that led to the resignation of Sea Breeze MP Lanisha Rolle, The Tribune can confirm.
UNIVERSITY ACCUSED OF ENDING AGREEMENT
THE Public Managers Union has accused University of Bahamas of abruptly discontinuing a legally binding financial agreement to a segment of the union’s bargaining group.
Guilty of riding around in car with loaded guns
A MAGISTRATE yesterday convicted a man who was caught riding around in a car with two loaded guns.
Software player has big Caribbean goals
A Bahamian software company is already targeting domestic and Caribbean expansion just over a year after it was formed, its founder revealed yesterday.
Regulators approve BPL's 119 MW solar energy plan
Regulators yesterday granted full approval to Bahamas Power & Light's (BPL) first renewable energy plan that aims to install 119 mega watts (MW) of solar generation by 2023.
Ex-finance minister says income tax 'stable' choice
An ex-minister of state for finance yesterday backed income tax as a more "stable" and equitable alternative to the present regressive structure that is dominated by VAT and import duties.
STAY OUT OF TROUBLE, MAN TOLD AFTER THREAT TO KILL BOAT MATE
A 45-year-old who threatened to kill his boat mate during a drunken argument was yesterday discharged on the agreement that he would stay out of trouble.
MAN DENIES POSSESSION OF GLOCK GUN
A 47-year-old man who denied being in possession of an unlicensed firearm was granted bail ahead of his trial.
64 Haitian migrants are repatriated
SIXTY-FOUR Haitian migrants were repatriated from New Providence yesterday morning.
Where is your heart and soul?
Recent events and statements by senior FNM ministers and Chairmen suggest that the administration is trying its level best to lose the next general elections.
Who are PLP trying to fool?
It is the height of hypocrisy for the Progressive Liberal Party to be crying foul over any harsh criticism they get online or elsewhere. I see the PLP leader complaining about garbage campaigns and suddenly a flurry of well-timed Letters to the Editor claiming to be from “patriots” and “independent voters”, repeating Davis’ talking points almost word for word.
Why we need income tax
There are 15 countries in the world that deem it unnecessary to levy a progressive personal or corporate income tax.
Saequan making waves in water polo
ADD the name Saequan Miller and water polo to the list of sporting disciplines that Bahamian athletes are now excelling in at the collegiate level.
‘The antics of having to stand when she enters a board meeting is not one that sports leaders were very comfortable with’
While many declined to speculate on what may have led to her resignation, some of the sporting leaders welcomed Olympian Iram Lewis, who will replace Lanisha Rolle as the new minister of youth, sports and culture.
Mackey makes tennis and track teams at Mars Hill
SOPHOMORE Elana Mackey, making her transition from the University of the Bahamas to Mars Hill University, is hoping to contribute to both the Lions women’s tennis and track and field teams.
‘We need the fresh air because we don’t know how long this pandemic will be’
THIS is the second week that Mario Ford has moved his youth baseball camp to the Columbus Primary School field and, although the players are slowly making their way there, he’s pleased with what he’s seen so far.
Tuesday, February 23
Fitness coach takes on 2021's fad diets
Many people like to start the new year off with new weight loss and health goals. In many cases, they will turn to the internet to see what the most popular diet plans are. And of course, there are countless different ones out there.
The truth behind meal plan
Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic
Problem with premature ejaculation?
There’s an app for that
Premature ejaculation is the most common male sexual dysfunction, with 30 to 40 percent of adult men suffering from this frustrating and often depressing sexual disorder.
Local technicians lauded for keeping life-saving machines running and up-to-date
Three service technicians, all with impeccable records of servicing the machines that save our lives, are being lauded by their company, which is considered a leader in health and innovation in the Bahamas.
“Things I wish I knew before I had sex...”
Bahamian women share their regrets and advice
For some women, recalling their first sexual encounter is no big deal; it’s something they can talk about freely and easily. For others, however, it’s a memory that takes some rediscovering, and maybe even some reassessing.
Look like a star – Finding your celeb fashion inspiration
You see them on Instagram and on the cover of magazines. They are the fashionable elite: the celebrities who look effortlessly chic in their designer garb, which has been meticulously picked out for them by their stylists. And we all share the same thought upon seeing them: I wish I looked like that.
Girl Guides salute of their own as Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis receives Queen’s Honour
The Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) salutes one of its own this week: Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, who has been awarded the Companion of the Most Excellent Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) for excellence in public and community health from Queen Elizabeth II.
Eleuthera woman goes ‘Ohhhh Natural’ to offer Bahamians healthier options
A health scare in 2014 was what lead to Menishca Barr re-evaluting her life and deciding that she would be more aware of what she was putting in her body.
EDITORIAL: Time to catch up with rest of the world
WHO wants a national televised debate for the next election?
PETER YOUNG: Harry and Meghan have made their bed and now they have to lie in it
The sad saga of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is in the news again. But the plethora of global reports have, by their all-encompassing nature, tended to obscure what has actually happened to bring them to the world’s attention once again.
FACE TO FACE: The rage of Hurricane Andrew set Shaun on a mission to serve
ELEUTHERA is emerging as a leading island in The Bahamas due, in part, to an organization committed to strengthening the community, connecting the island and planning for the future. The One Eleuthera Foundation has found a way to be just that - a strong foundation for the island and its residents to grow and thrive - together. It has been so successful many people throughout the country have heard of One Eleuthera. Its motto sets the tone for a mantra the entire country should follow - “Working Together to Own and Sustain Our Economy”.
Mitchell slams court delays with 2013 shooting still unresolved
SENATOR Fred Mitchell has raised concern about the time it takes for matters to close in the judicial system, noting how the trial into the killing of four Fox Hill residents in a 2013 mass shooting has still not reached resolution.
Ministry building renamed to honour Sir Orville Turnquest
THE Ministry of National Security building was officially renamed in honour of former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest during a special ceremony yesterday.
Women praised for bravery in accusing Peter Nygard
THE first women to come forward and expose Peter Nygard’s alleged international sex trafficking ring are being celebrated for “their incredible bravery in the face of unimaginable odds,” becoming the inaugural recipients of Rotary International’s Action Group Against Slavery Hero Award for Outstanding Courage.
Wells: More nurses for Family Islands planned
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said yesterday his ministry plans to send additional nurses to the Family Islands to administer COVID-19 vaccines once doses become available.
Bethel: Govt ‘close’ on bill to replace COVID restrictions
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel says his office is close to completing a post-Emergency Orders Bill that will replace current COVID-19 restrictions.
Davis says candidates committee will decide over Vaughn Miller
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said criticism of Golden Isles MP Vaughn Miller does not “go to the root of whether he will be nominated or not.”
Culmer aims for McAlpine seat
A LOCAL government representative in Grand Bahama thinks he is the best choice to run on the Free National Movement’s ticket in Pineridge, as the party interviews candidates in Nassau to replace incumbent Rev Frederick McAlpine.
UPDATED: Cabinet Office confirms Lanisha Rolle's resignation, says 'certain matters' are under investigation
IN a statement confirming Lanisha Rolle’s resignation as minister of youth, sports, and culture, the Cabinet Office said “certain matters have been brought to the attention” of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and are now “under investigation”.
Ex-Sky staff pushing for ‘speedy’ hearing
Some 40 former Sky Bahamas employees were yesterday said to be hoping for “a speedy” hearing against the failed airline after the Industrial Tribunal set aside five days to hear their $740,000 claim.
Economist: ‘Be open’ to discuss income tax
The Bahamas “must be open” to discussing “more progressive taxation” reform options that could include a personal and/or corporate income tax, a local economist is arguing.
Brewery’s $1.331m loss exposes COVID fall-out
Commonwealth Brewery yesterday unveiled a negative $11.685m bottom line reversal as full-year 2020 revenues slumped by 28.4 percent due to COVID-19’s economic devastation.
Wells: Vaccine will be in the country by end of the week
MINISTER of Health Renward Wells says the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be in the country by the end of this week.
Bran slams Gibson’s ‘amazing’ claim reply
The DNA’s former leader yesterday said the prime minister was “as quiet as a lamb” while slamming the “amazing” response to his law firm’s action against the Water & Sewerage Corporation.
Top soccer chief’s home tied to Cavalier wind-up
The $20m home belonging to the chairman of one of England’s top Premier League soccer clubs has emerged as a potential major recovery source for Cavalier Construction creditors.
Suspect held in double shooting
A MAN is dead and another is in hospital after a double shooting last night on John Road off Hospital Lane.
It’s back to school - but not all campuses ready
WHILE public schools in Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma and New Providence will welcome students back to the classrooms for in-person learning today under a hybrid model, not every campus will be ready to accommodate pupils.
ARE YOU UP FOR IT, PM? Davis lays down new challenge for election TV debate with Minnis
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said he is willing to participate in a national televised debate with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
Shepherd and JSU Tigers off to 0-2 start
IT has not been the kind of season that Iesha Shepherd expected as she completes her senior year for the Jackson State women’s tennis team.
Albury leads team to championship
AS a tune-up to the Big Shots Prep Nationals this weekend, Deyton Albury had an impressive showing as he led his Believe Prep Academy to a championship title this past weekend in South Carolina.
Saunders catches touchdown in win
MAVIN Saunders has had an immediate impact on the field for Las Rozas Black Demons of the LNFA Serie A, the second-tier division of American football based in Las Rozas, Spain.
Ayton scores 19 to help Suns rout Trail Blazers
PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored 34 points, Deandre Ayton added 19 and the Phoenix Suns kept rolling with a 132-100 win over the Portland Trail Blazers last night.
Weekend magazine
I AM an avid reader of the Weekend Magazine which forms an important part of my weekend reading.
Weekend magazine
I AM an avid reader of the Weekend Magazine which forms an important part of my weekend reading.
Vaccines and outright lies
There is a lot of furore and outright lies going on with the roll out of the COVID vaccine. When we were children we were all given our numerous vaccines we had no say in the matter. That’s because our parents trusted the doctors, scientists and the experts. Now the world is in a staggering health crisis like nothing any of us has ever seen. Not since the Spanish flu of 1919 has anything of the scope of COVID been such as an existential threat not only to our health but also to our very civilisation.
Stay away from bells, Dr Minnis
In December 2011, Andrew Holness was a 39-year-old rookie Prime Minister of Jamaica in the job just over a month when he made the disastrous decision to call an election 12 months early.
Bahamian student athletes take NCAA Division I spotlight
CHARLES Bain’s scoring output since last week’s senior night has been his best stretch of the season to highlight play from Bahamian student athletes in NCAA Division I basketball last weekend.
Man jailed for having gun
A MAN was yesterday sentenced to two years in prison after he admitted being in possession of a loaded gun last week.
$200 fine for marijuana
A FISHERMAN who was found with over two ounces of marijuana was yesterday fined $200.
Man guilty of overstay says he fled uncle’s killers
A JAMAICAN man, who claimed he fled his home country to avoid being targeted by his uncle’s killers after he witnessed the murder, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court with overstaying his time in The Bahamas.
Monday, February 22
EDITORIAL: The vaccine can restore our health - and the health of our economy
THE battle to develop a COVID-19 vaccine has been won – now begins another battle, this time to convince people to take it.
WORLD VIEW: Don’t take the vaccine and all you’ll do is prolong this crisis
PEOPLE in the Caribbean who refuse to take vaccinations to counter the corona virus will cause the COVID-19 pandemic to remain longer in the region, endangering lives, livelihoods, and entire economies.
INSIGHT: To conquer COVID, we must tackle inequality over vaccines
THE day when vaccinations will begin in The Bahamas is getting closer.
McAlpine ‘aware’ of FNM interviews
PINERIDGE Member of Parliament Frederick McAlpine said he is “aware” of reports the Free National Movement is interviewing candidates in Nassau to receive a nomination to represent the constituency in the next election.
Not all pay promises to nurses met
BAHAMAS Nurses Union president Amancha Williams says about 60 percent of nurses who were owed COVID-19 overtime pay have now been paid and officials have promised money due for Hurricane Dorian work will be settled by the end of next month.
16 test positive at workplace in Cat Cay
SIXTEEN people tested positive for COVID-19 after the Ministry of Health conducted a mass testing exercise at a workplace in Cat Cay last week.
Thousands without power after ‘engine trip’
THOUSANDS of homes in New Providence were left without power yesterday due to an “engine trip” at one of Bahamas Power and Light’s stations.
INSIGHT: It’s 10 o’clock on Friday night and on Paradise Island the party’s going strong
COVID-19 restrictions have, admittedly, crippled many businesses especially those in the entertainment sector. Yet it would appear the restrictions placed on businesses are seemingly being enforced on some while others get a free pass to do as they please.
Stopover visitors off 100,000 for January
The Bahamas saw January visitor arrivals fall by more than 100,000 or 84 percent, a Cabinet minister disclosed yesterday, with COVID travel protocols set to remain until vaccination levels hit 80 percent.
Clinging to life for 36 hours
A Jamaican national was rescued in the waters off Florida after 36 hours clinging to a boat that capsized as he tried to enter the US from The Bahamas, while six of his compatriots are missing and presumed dead.
Next govt urged: Initiate VAT rate, exemption review
The next government has been urged to review both the VAT rate and associated exemptions in a bid to maximise revenue yields and lower the burden on struggling Bahamians post-COVID-19.
Auto dealers brace for 70% orders fall
New car dealers are warning that the government’s tax earnings from the industry will be severely reduced with 2021 orders expected to be up to 70 percent off compared to pre-COVID levels.
BTC goes Bahamian on new top executive
The two Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) trade unions yesterday voiced hope for better industrial relations with appointment of a Bahamian as chief executive once again.
Inflation fears trigger higher treasury yields
ActivTrades
EARLIER in the year many analysts shared their predictions for how we could expect the financial markets to behave in 2021. The very large majority foresaw a continuation of the stock market rally that emerged in the aftermath of the pandemic. The underlying conditions were, after all, expected to remain in place, with protracted dovish monetary policies and robust asset purchase programmes of the main central banks dictating the course of the events.
Problems persist in schools reopening
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson yesterday said there is still a “lack of information” regarding the strategy the Ministry of Education plans to employ to ensure that teachers and students are able to work in a safe environment as face-to-face classes resume in several islands.
Branville and Gibson in dispute over ‘debt’
A NEW lawsuit alleges the Water and Sewerage Corporation refused to pay Halsbury Chambers legal fees for its work with delinquent customers after WSC Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson rejected the firm’s advice about an unrelated defamation matter.
Staff heading back to renovated Royal
SOME Atlantis workers will return to work for the opening of The Royal on March 11.
‘DON’T BE AFRAID’: PM urges public to accept vaccination as first rollout nears
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis made a strong appeal for all citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine yesterday, insisting the country’s economic rebound hinged on widespread administration of the jab.
Union leader's legal threat on severance pay suspend
A trade union leader is threatening to take legal action over the Government's COVID-related suspension of the Employment Act's full termination pay clauses.
Pub owner: Capacity curb more harmful than curfew
A pub and restaurant owner says capacity restrictions rather than the 10pm curfew are more damaging to his business, adding that a few extra evening hours will do little to improve trade.
Galleria targets Friday re-open
Galleria Cinemas is targeting this Friday for its re-opening after an 11-month COVID-19 enforced shutdown even though it is still awaiting the formal go-ahead from the Government.
Banks: 25% never verified Building Code compliance
The Central Bank is urging all licensees to ensure their offices can withstand a Dorian-type Category Five hurricane after 25 per cent said they had never confirmed Bahamas Building Code compliance.
Derek Smith: Keys to identifying risks posed by finance clients
I recently had the opportunity to sit and discuss the evolving roles of both the compliance officer and the money laundering reporting officer (MLRO) with a group of second-year law students from the Eugene Dupuch Law School.
Customs
I don’t know if English Language Comprehension is the problem or if it is a matter of outdated legal terminology, but dealing with import brokers, who deal with Bahamas Customs, indicates that Bahamas Customs doesn’t understand the fundamentals of commerce today, particularly e-Commerce.
28 migrants detained
POLICE in Abaco arrested 28 migrants for suspected illegal landing last week.
Five men on fishing trip rescued
FIVE fishermen whose vessel experienced mechanical problems during a fishing trip were rescued by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and US Coast Guard.
COVID - crime and choice
There were 73 people murdered in 2020, down from 95 person in 2019. This gives a homicide rate for 2020 of 18. 6 per 100 000. This is still considered an epidemic. According to United Nation, Homicide rate of 10 per 100 0000 or above is considered an epidemic.
Nearly 30 fishermen arrested
NEARLY 30 fishermen were apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force last week.
WOMAN STABBED IN PARKING LOT
A WOMAN is in hospital after she was stabbed during an argument with another woman in a parking lot on Saturday.
Charisma Taylor double record breaking triumph
VERSATILE Charisma Taylor turned in another impressive performance to lead a number of Bahamian collegiate and professional athletes in action over the weekend in various track and field meets around the United States of America.
‘Cudas’ win as swimmers make a splash
Despite the chilly weather conditions yesterday, the ninth annual LENO Barracuda Invitational Swim Meet turned out to a successful event at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.
Knowles and Coleby enjoying win streaks
BOTH Zane Knowles and Dwight Coleby are currently enjoying win streaks for their respective clubs in the Turkish Basketball First League with just a few weeks remaining in the regular season.
BJ Murray establishes reputation for electric starts on opening weekend
BJ Murray has established a reputation for electric starts on opening weekend and continued to build on that legacy to open the 2021 campaign.
Bahamas’ FIBA 2022 AmeriCup qualification bid comes to an end
TEAM Bahamas experienced another fourth quarter collapse against Puerto Rico and saw their FIBA 2022 AmeriCup qualification bid come to an end.
Sunday, February 21
UPDATED: Plane crashes into waters off North Cat Cay
A PLANE crashed in waters off North Cat Cay shortly after takeoff on Saturday afternoon with three people on board.
Saturday, February 20
Former residence of Sir Albert Miller destroyed by fire
The former residence of well-known businessman the late Sir Albert Miller was destroyed by fire on Thursday evening.
Friday, February 19
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 19th February: Freeport
STARTS: 02/19/2021 9:00 PM EST EXPIRES: 02/19/2021 11:30 PM EST
AG says new Bill 'for the benefit of every Bahamian'
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel, leader of government business in the Senate, said Bahamians will no longer sit by and watch others become wealthy from the resources of the Bahamas, but instead will also benefit.
Scotiabank donates $30,000 to Rand Memorial Hospital
A $30,000 cheque donation by Scotiabank Bahamas Limited was made on Friday to the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport where major renovations are underway to restore the public health facility which sustained severe hurricane damage.
Two charged with murder
TWO men were charged with murder in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Six months for marijuana possession
A REPEAT offender found with a quantity of marijuana was on Friday sentenced to prison for six months.
Man denies stealing car
A 25-year-old man who denied stealing another man’s car and trying to pass it off as his own was on Friday granted bail ahead of his trial.
EDITORIAL: Next election will be a dirty fight
IN case anyone was under any illusions that the next election is going to be a clean fight, the sparring in today’s Tribune between the FNM and the PLP ought to dismiss such notions.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Why are we blind to what outsiders can see?
SOMETIMES it takes someone from afar to show us what is right in front of our faces.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Deep fakes and catfights
THIS week we were introduced to the idea of “deepfakes” in our politics, and watched an unnecessary catfight play out in public.
Davis believes government heading towards IMF adjustment
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said he believes the Minnis administration is heading towards an International Monetary Fund structural adjustment programme but that he would go to the IMF only as a last resort if elected.
‘Plans in place to save vaccines from power outages’
DEPUTY Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen has maintained that the Ministry of Health has a proper contingency plan in place for the protection of COVID-19 vaccines in the event there are power outages that could compromise vaccine supply.
Dames: Technology upgrade for vote ‘daunting’
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames says that to introduce technological upgrades to the voting process one year before the general election could be a “daunting” task that confuses and complicates how ballots are cast.
Davis: No talks with Bimini MP
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday he has had no discussions with West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe about her joining the PLP.
Buyer beware
HOT on the heels of a threat to sell his Lyford Cay home troubled Peter Nygard may be moving quickly to offload the property before his creditors can get their hands on the proceeds of the sale.
Vehicle imports down up to 90%
Vehicle import volumes at the Nassau Container Port have dropped by up to 90 percent, its top executive revealed yesterday, as half-year profits dropped by almost 36 percent compared to pre-COVID.
‘Absolutely untrue’: PM blasts Davis on IMF bail-out claim
The prime minister last night slammed as “absolutely untrue” assertions by the opposition’s leader that The Bahamas is headed for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) supervised restructuring.
Fidelity: ‘We’ll recapture $10m COVID provisions’
A BISX-listed bank yesterday said it ultimately expects to recover two-thirds of last year’s $15m loan loss provision increase as it bids to shrug-off COVID-19 by more than doubling profits in 2021.
New aragonite regime ‘almost ready’ to unveil
The government is working to develop a new licensing regime for aragonite mining that is “almost ready” for unveiling, a Cabinet minister has revealed.
Union pension trustees: Bankruptcy fight goes on
A union leader yesterday pledged he and his fellow three ex-pension fund trustees will continue the fight to “clear our names” after the bid to take their bankruptcy appeal to the Privy Council was halted.
‘Election should be fixed date’
A representative from a local non-profit organisation says a fixed election date will bring more stability to the Bahamian election process.
Court evacuated in bomb scare
A BOMB scare in the Magistrates Court building forced hundreds to evacuate the complex yesterday morning. Police said they received reports of the possible bomb threat shortly after 9am.
Clusters fuelled infections spike
NEARLY 30 percent of new positive COVID-19 cases recorded in New Providence and Grand Bahama during the past two weeks were identified as clusters – some of which were connected to the workplace and large social gatherings, health officials revealed.
‘IT’S GETTING DIRTY’: Davis alleges FNM using fake social media ads to harm opposition chances
FNM chairman Carl Culmer last night blasted Opposition leader Brave Davis over allegations the governing party was behind “fake” anti-PLP ads on social media.
‘It feels amazing’
SIERRA Donaldson, a junior on the Lee University Lady Flames tennis team, was elated to have been selected as the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Female Athlete of the Week for the first time. “It feels amazing,” Donaldson told The Tribune after the GCAC made the announcement this week.
Shard Munroe signs with the ValleyCats in Frontier League
SHARD Munroe officially signed with the Tri-City ValleyCats and joins the club in their debut season as a member of the Frontier League.
Pagliaro and ‘Beau’ get set for the Endurance Worlds
THE FEI Endurance Young Rider World Championships are rapidly approaching. As the first ever to represent The Bahamas at this event, Reine Pagliaro and her mount Beautiful Knightmare (known as Beau) are training, refining, and doing all the research necessary to represent The Bahamas to the best of their ability.
Charles Bain scores season high 12 points in back-to-back games
CHARLES Bain celebrated senior night with his most productive performance in back-to-back games for the Robert Morris University Colonials.
Softball, baseball can resume under strict COVID-19 rules
The Bahamas Softball Federation and the Bahamas Baseball Association both welcomed the news from Prime Minister Hubert Minnis that they can resume training and host competitions under strict COVID-19 rules and regulations.
Girls and school closures
It is very sad that our girl children have to endure this challenge of walking long distances while on their menstrual cycles. Rural children, particularly the girl child will be the most affected by the closure of schools due to the COVID-19-induced period, legal consultant and educationist.
Time to break cycle
The reasons for the upcoming snap election (the first in Bahamian history) are as clear as daylight. The unprecedented fiscal challenges posed by a year of lost economic activity have the government facing a dilemma long in the making.
BAR ASSOCIATION EXPECTS TIGHTER SCRUTINY
BAHAMAS Bar Association president Kahlil Parker anticipates that procedures for admission to the prison will be “more robustly scrutinised” after a woman was sentenced for using a fake lawyer’s ID to smuggle drugs into the facility.
BAR ASSOCIATION EXPECTS TIGHTER SCRUTINY
BAHAMAS Bar Association president Kahlil Parker anticipates that procedures for admission to the prison will be “more robustly scrutinised” after a woman was sentenced for using a fake lawyer’s ID to smuggle drugs into the facility.
Man accused of raping 74-year-old woman
A 36-year-old man of Eight Mile Rock was charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday with attempted rape.
Man deported ‘after living in bushes and eating coconuts’
A HAITIAN man who claimed he lived in bushes and survived off coconuts after he travelled to The Bahamas on a wooden sloop was yesterday fined $300 before being deported back to his home country.
Appeal court quashes harbouring conviction
THE Court of Appeal yesterday ordered that a woman who had been fined $3,000 for harbouring an illegal immigrant be reimbursed, after ruling the magistrate could not have found the charge against the appellant proved.
Call for more police after Chippingham robbery
A SMALL business owner yesterday appealed for more police presence in the Chippingham area after an armed man robbed her convenience store on Wednesday night of all the day’s earnings.
Businesses report mixed 2021 start
Bahamian businesses yesterday reported a mixed performance to 2021 to-date as they and the wider economy continue to grapple with the devastation inflicted by COVID-19.
Airlift concerns on Lucayan's re-open
Grand Bahama businesses yesterday identified the island's lack of airlift as a major obstacle to the Government's plans to re-open the Grand Lucayan resort on March 25.
CHAMBER CHIEF’S CONCERN OVER $10M MARINA PROJECT
Exuma's Chamber of Commerce president yesterday said he was “really concerned” about the potential environmental impact from a $10m resort/marina project that is now seeking government permits.
IAN FERGUSON: Internal promotion has its benefits
In our ever-changing and fast-paced corporate world, strong leadership is paramount in steering workforce teams towards sustained growth and success.
Thursday, February 18
EDITORIAL: Water charge increase overdue - but is now the time?
IT’S fair to say the announcement about water bills going up will not be a vote winner.
STATESIDE: The gloves are off for an embittered ex-president and those who turned against him
It’s just hard to resist the continuing saga of Donald Trump. A couple of things have happened in the past week that many foresaw but whose dramatic impact is nonetheless notable.
FRONT PORCH: Wise owl or preening peacock? I know what my view is
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. - Proverbs 17:28
Real Time Crime Centre unveiled
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force officially opened its Real Time Crime Centre yesterday in a move officials say will allow for better policing and help strengthen the agency’s fight against crime.
Rules tabled for COVID compensation
PEOPLE who allegedly suffer loss or injury after taking COVID-19 vaccines will have one year to send their claim for compensation to a specially created, five-member tribunal that will assess their case, according to new rules tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday.
India firm claims it has ‘world’s safest’ vaccine
INDIA’S Bharat Biotech International claims to have developed “the world’s safest” COVID-19 vaccine and is hoping to register nations in the region as customers as soon as the World Health Organisation gives the drug the seal of approval.
‘Raising water rates will hurt far too many’
ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin wants the Minnis administration to scratch plans to increase Water and Sewerage Corporation rates, saying an increase will hurt too many Bahamians.
A new era for medical firm
BAHAMAS Medical and Surgical Supplies has opened a new corporate complex.
Digital provider targets $100m in payments
A Bahamian digital payments provider yesterday said it expects to increase the collective value of transactions it processes by 67 percent this year to $100m as it unveiled a “world first”.
Grand Lucayan targeting 50-60 ‘fresh’ recruits
The Grand Lucayan’s chairman last night said the government-owned resort will not necessarily re-hire former staff among the 50-60 persons it is seeking to recruit for the re-opening.
Magistrates Court building evacuated after bomb scare
A BOMB scare in the Magistrates Court building forced hundreds to evacuate the complex on Thursday morning.
PLP picks Laroda to fight for Pinewood
PUBLIC Disclosure Commission chairman Myles Laroda has been chosen by the PLP’s Candidates Committee to fight as their election candidate for the Pinewood constituency, The Tribune can confirm.
Pintard: We could have done better
MARCO City incumbent Michael Pintard admitted yesterday the governing Free National Movement “without question” could have done many things better during its term in office, but maintained the party is the better choice for Bahamians.
‘Criticism of COVID policing is unfair’
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle yesterday defended the conduct of officers against complaints that they have been using excessive force when citing businesses found in breach of the COVID-19 Emergency Orders.
BPC deal had govt over a barrel
The Bahamas would have been “on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars”, and its credit rating endangered, if the Government had halted Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) oil exploration.
DPM: Water Corp free ride now over
The deputy prime minister yesterday voiced optimism that Water & Sewerage customers are “prepared” for price increases as he hinted they will no longer receive their first 3,000 gallons for free.
Bill to halt genetic resource ‘plunder’
A Cabinet minister said legislation passed by the House of Assembly yesterday will halt "the plundering" of The Bahamas' genetic resources by foreign researchers without this nation earning one cent.
Oil exploration costs decision in 48 hours
A SUPREME Court judge yesterday said she will rule within 48 hours on whether environmental activists must lodge a $200,000 performance bond to cover an oil explorer’s costs.
HBO: New channel cut Caribbean piracy
A MAJOR TV network yesterday said the English-speaking channel it developed for The Bahamas and wider Caribbean has cut piracy of its US transmissions across the region.
Cable ‘reimagines’ TV gateway
A SENIOR Cable Bahamas executive yesterday competition and programming costs were impacting its ability to source all the TV content its subscribers desire.
Chisholm looks to earn starting job at second base
JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm is headed into Miami Marlins’ spring training attempting to earn the starting job in what is expected to be a heated position battle at second base.
Regatta cancelled for second straight year
A MAJOR staple of The Bahamas’ sporting calendar, the National Family Island Regatta committee was forced to cancel its signature event for the second consecutive year due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ayton and Suns squander 24-point lead in loss to Nets
DEANDRE Ayton and the Phoenix Suns nearly had a perfect ending to their six-game homestand, but squandered a 24-point second half lead in a loss to the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night.
Bowleg and Team Bahamas touch down in Puerto Rico
Team Bahamas is set to face its toughest test in their FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualification bid this weekend in the third and final leg of the process.
Will union perish with no vision?
Please publish this letter to our Prime Minister.
Jail for attack with metal bar
A HARBOUR Island man who last week swung a metal bar at a man before threatening to kill him was sentenced to three months in prison.
Man ‘threatened to kill’ ex
A 28-year-old man who threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend during an argument was yesterday warned to be of good behaviour.
Venezuelan women on overstaying charge
TWO Venezuelan women who said they fled their home country to escape violence after their husbands were murdered were yesterday charged with overstaying.
Concerns over backlog and lack of judges in Grand Bahama
A GRAND Bahama attorney has expressed concern about the lack of judges and long delay in trial dates for criminal matters at the island’s Supreme Court.
Rise in people seeking criminal records expunged
CHAIRMAN of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee Paul Farquharson said the group has seen an increase of people seeking criminal record expungements for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Digital billboards to play part in MARCO alerts
FOUR digital billboards have been erected across New Providence to send out warnings about missing children to facilitate the rollout of the Mandatory Action Rescuing Children Operation (MARCO) Alert system.
McDonald’s tells healthcare workers: Be our guest
WITH frontline workers pushed to the limit during the COVID-19 crisis, one of The Bahamas’ most popular eateries is providing sizzling sustenance – McDonald’s is dishing out 1,000 Be Our Guest coupons and health care workers are lovin’ it, according to Ministry of Health officials.
Wednesday, February 17
Married to the Bishop
New book reveals challenges of being a church leader’s wife
Pastor’s wives – often misunderstood and misjudged; often viewed only like the extras in a movie who grace the scenery but do not play a major role. Some have lived without having their voices heard, and died with their purposes unfulfilled, never understanding that they, too, had a personal mission apart from their spouse. When facing personal trials, they struggle with the question of who to turn to with their burdens, all because of who they are – the wives of deacons, rectors, pastors or even bishops.
Bahamian women reveal makeup must-haves
Makeup hasn’t really been the focus for most women over the past year, given the fact that face masks have made putting on a full-face of cosmetics rather redundant. But that doesn’t mean we’ve lost our love for makeup, and it doesn’t mean there aren’t still must-have products, especially in skin care, that we’ve continued purchasing.
EDITORIAL: Long saga still left unresolved
THIS is a long story – 60 years long in fact.
In the driving seat at electric car show
BAHAMIANS of all ages fell in love with electric vehicles over the Valentine’s Day weekend.
ALICIA WALLACE: It’s time to stop playing lip service to women’s role in government
International Women’s Day is less than a month away and the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations follows closely behind. The themes for these events focus on women’s leadership.
Airport workers ‘to receive outstanding payments’
THE government has agreed to pay all outstanding money owed to Airport Authority employees over a six-month period starting in the March pay period, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation said last night.
Call for people to become blood donors in Grand Bahama
The Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama indicated that there is a dire need for people to become blood donors to help maintain adequate blood supply at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama.
Food donated by Chinese community
THE Bahamas Red Cross received more than $5,000 worth of food yesterday from the Chinese Community Association.
Chinese businesses hard hit by pandemic
THE Chinese Community Association of The Bahamas said some members reported up to a 50 percent reduction in business amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Displaced voters must register in new constituency
VOTERS who have relocated after being displaced by Hurricane Dorian will have to register to vote in their new constituency, National Security Minister Marvin Dames suggested yesterday.
PLP aims for complete slate of candidates by end of month
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said the PLP hopes to ratify all its candidates for the next general election by the end of this month.
Leslie Miller: I have support of Tall Pines
THE battle for the Progressive Liberal Party’s nomination for Tall Pines is heating up, with former area MP Leslie Miller adamant that he has the support of the area despite indications that PLP Senator Dr Michael Darville is the front-runner.
Entertainment rivals ask: What about us?
Entertainment businesses yesterday voiced relief they can finally begin “the long road” to rebounding from COVID-19’s multi-million dollar losses even though several have yet to reach the starting line.
Land owners threat to airport expansion
The government’s repeated failure to settle a 60 year-old grievance has put the planned North Eleuthera airport expansion in peril from potential legal action by over 3,000 “common” land owners.
Fisherman urges ‘crack down’ on Florida vessels
A prominent fisherman yesterday urged the authorities to “crack down on clandestine fishing boats coming out of Florida” as these were inflicting havoc similar to that of Dominican poachers.
Jobless benefits to strike $230m
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the National Insurance Board (NIB) and government have spent a combined $230m on unemployment and income support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Activists alarmed over rise in BPC JV interest
The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) yesterday alarmed environmental activists by indicating it has not given up on The Bahamas following a surge in interest from potential joint venture partners.
Reopening - but it’ll be a long road back
ENTERTAINMENT businesses such as Galleria Cinemas and Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace will soon join the Fusion Superplex in reopening to patrons as the country creeps to normalcy.
Civil service jobs will remain safe
THE government does not plan to send public servants home to reduce public expenditure given the economic fallout from the pandemic, Public Service and National Insurance Minister Brensil Rolle said.
FNM CHIEF COOLS TALK OF ELECTION: Culmer insists party has no signal for early dash to polls
FREE National Movement chairman Carl Culmer says he’s had no indication that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will call an early general election despite widespread speculation to the contrary.
Sydney Clarke and Blazers pull off 7-0 victory
ON a cold and chilly St Valentine’s Day on Sunday, Sydney Clarke and her University of Arlington at Birmingham Blazers had nothing but love to offer Alabama A&M after pulling off a 7-0 whitewashing victory.
Man accused of assaulting wife is granted bail
A MAN who denied assaulting his wife with a firearm was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial.
Fake lawyer who smuggled drugs is jailed
A 25-year-old woman who pretended to be a lawyer so she could smuggle a cell phone and more than $2,000 worth of marijuana into the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for an inmate was yesterday sentenced to 15 months in prison.
New director for NIB to take office ‘shortly’
THE government has officially selected a new director for the National Insurance Board who is expected to “take office shortly”, according to NIB Minister Brensil Rolle.
NACAC Athletes Commission session
IN its first information session, the NACAC Athletes Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to becoming particularly active, increasing its visibility and working with all its athletes, addressing issues and concerns they may have.
Amron ‘Sandman’ Aands eager to get back in ring
AFTER being inactive for the past year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Amron ‘Sandman’ Sands is eager to get back in the ring to continue his professional boxing career.
Bahamas will field solid team for FIFA World Cup Qualifier
ALTHOUGH the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down their preparation, head coach Nesly Jean is still confident that the Bahamas Football Association will field a solid team for the FIFA World Cup Qualifier.
Golden Eagles shine: Bahamian connection breaking records at Oral Roberts University
For the past few years, head coach Joe Dial said he has been pleased with the improved performances of the Bahamian connection of Golden Eagles athletes at Oral Roberts University.
All is not right in the world
IN THE nineteenth century poet Robert Browning wrote that “God’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world.”
The Bahamas and COVID vaccination
To bring this pandemic to an end, a large share of the world needs to be immune to the virus. The safest way to achieve this is with a vaccine. Vaccines are a technology that humanity has often relied upon in the past to bring down the death toll of infectious diseases.
In Nevada desert, a technology firm aims to be a government
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — In the Nevada desert, a cryptocurrency magnate hopes to turn dreams of a futuristic “smart city” into reality. To do that, he’s asking the state to let companies like his form local governments on land they own, which would grant them power over everything from schools to law enforcement.
Tuesday, February 16
EDITORIAL: Melia shutdown is a disaster for its staff
The news about the Melia Nassau Beach Resort could hardly be worse – it will close down for two years.
PETER YOUNG: There’s only one question on everyone’s lips - when will it be my turn?
Having written briefly about coronavirus vaccines only last month, I hesitate to return to the subject today. However, this column not only allows me to offer my own views on a range of issues but also provides an opportunity to articulate as best I can the concerns of other people whose voices do not get heard. At this stage of the virus pandemic, people are expressing anxiety about the urgent need for a vaccination programme here in The Bahamas - and it seems this is increasingly seen as the single most important issue facing the country at the moment.
FACE TO FACE: Jayah overcomes adversity to make history at Scottish school
WHEN faced with the amount of adversity that Karajayah, affectionately called “Jayah” experienced in his life, one may have folded up, given up, or simply accepted the lot he had been handed in life. He could have chosen the mediocre route, just passing by doing whatever was required of him, allowing himself to stay stuck in a past that was so muddy it could have cemented his outlook on life forever.
Bannister concern at Holmes Rock delays
DEPUTY Prime Minister Desmond Bannister, who is also Public Works Minister, has expressed concern over the protracted construction and some technical issues at the new $12m Holmes Rock Junior High School in West Grand Bahama.
52 samples sent to be tested for new strains
HEALTH officials are still waiting to receive the test results of 52 positive COVID-19 samples which were sent abroad to determine if any of the new coronavirus strains are present in The Bahamas.
Mitchell: How many are really out of work?
PLP chairman Fred Mitchell has called on the Minnis administration to be clear about the country’s unemployment rate after what he termed contradictions from Labour Director John Pinder and Labour Minister Dion Foulkes on the issue.
Moultrie? He neglects us
SOME Nassau Village residents have bad reviews about their current area MP Halson Moultrie while giving mixed opinions about the election hopefuls wanting to be their representative.
Baha Mar cuts losses on $100m Melia renovations
Baha Mar will cut its losses by closing the Melia Nassau Beach property until 2023 for a $100m renovation, its president revealed yesterday, resulting in up to 300 hotel job losses.
Cavalier collapse took down affiliate
Cavalier Construction’s insolvency took down its equipment supplier affiliate even though the latter had generated a net profit in each of the previous four years, its liquidators have revealed.
Bahamian bank selected for $140m airport funding
A Bahamas-based investment bank has been selected to arrange up to $140m in financing that will fund multiple airport infrastructure upgrades throughout the Family Islands.
Union leaders fear ‘catastrophic’ effect on Melia employees
Trade union leaders yesterday voiced fears that the Melia Nassau Beach’s two-year closure will have a “catastrophic” impact on the 200-300 employees who will be terminated from March 1.
Members of Rastafarian community: We want stake in cannabis industry
MEMBERS of the Rastafarian community want to see “special provisions” put in place for them as it relates to the manufacturing and cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use once legislation has been passed.
Defence Force officer on rape charge
A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force officer was yesterday charged with the rape of a female colleague.
Sands - I’m sure I’ll be selected
FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands has expressed confidence that he will be ratified as the Free National Movement’s Elizabeth candidate for the next general election.
Fusion Superplex celebrates: 70 set for cinema open recall
The Fusion Superplex last night said 70 more workers will be recalled after the government gave the go-ahead to re-open its cinemas, its top executive saying: “The staff want to bring champagne in.”
HAMMER BLOW: Melia closes doors for two years laying hundreds out of work
THE Melia Nassau Beach resort will stop operating for 24 months as it undergoes renovations, an action that could make more than 300 people redundant.
Man ‘stole liquor to pay for drugs’
A 55-year-old man who stole two bottles of liquor he claimed he planned to sell to support his drug addiction was yesterday fined $600.
Lashann scores 31, earns MVP award, Jonquel on court
LASHANN Higgs earned another weekly MVP award for Pajariel Bembibre in Spain’s Liga Femenina Endesa while Jonquel Jones and UMMC Ekaterinburg returned to Russian Premier League play.
Mark St Fort dominates with 38 points, Nesbitt in the win column
MARK St Fort’s transition to the Japanese B2 League has been a welcome change to the veteran swingman.
Beal gets the best of Wall as Wizards defeat Rockets 131-119
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bradley Beal scored 37 points in an entertaining matchup with ex-teammate John Wall, and the Wizards beat the undermanned Houston Rockets 131-119 last night in Wall’s return to Washington.
‘Staying at home wasn’t a problem for me’
Despite the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, Shaunae Miller-Uibo admitted that she didn’t have any problems making the adjustment as she prepares for the trek towards the postponed 2020 Olympic Games.
GB restaurants hail later curfew boost
Grand Bahamian restaurants yesterday hailed the island's one-hour curfew extension to 11pm as a major boost that will “help out very much" with their patrons and operations.
Taxi union president vows further protest
The taxi union president yesterday vowed to stage another Rawson Square protest tomorrow as he accused the Government of failing to meet its demands.
Employer caution required on staff COVID vaccination
THE Government of The Bahamas has announced it could receive 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine beginning during the second half of February, and rolling into the end of the 2021 second quarter.
Why is this allowed?
Following up on Diane Phillips’ column in today’s paper, Tell Me Why This is Allowed to Happen:
Too hard to travel to Bahamas
Your recent story about the Bahamian stranded in Canada has once again shed light on the difficulties facing visitors and residents wanting to enter The Bahamas.
We cannot afford to find oil
With a few notable exceptions, the oil industry subsidizes failures. In the most corrupt countries, like Nigeria, it has not cured but rather exacerbated corruption and wastage. In backward tribal kingdoms (like Saudi Arabia) it has deepened and hardened a primitive conservatism that stifles dissent and militates against any substantial movement of the population up the human development scale.
Pair charged with armed robbery
A MAN and teenager were yesterday charged in the Magistrate’s Court with armed robbery.
Man claimed he groped girl accidentally
A 27-year-old man who claimed he accidentally groped a little girl in the back of a local food store because he was high on drugs was yesterday fined $1,000.
A year behind bars for stealing $1,500
A SAN SALVADOR man who broke into a woman’s residence to steal nearly $1,500 was yesterday sentenced to a year behind bars.
$1m complex ‘a sign of investor confidence in Grand Bahama’
THE new $1m Agora building complex that was officially opened in Freeport over the weekend signals the growing investor-confidence of local Bahamians in the Grand Bahama economy, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard said.
SIX NEW CASES CONFIRMED ON SUNDAY
SIX new cases of COVID-19 were recorded on Sunday.
Monday, February 15
EDITORIAL: The path that leads to crime
SOMETIMES, it is too easy to focus on the statistics.
WORLD VIEW: Haiti – on the edge of disaster again
HAITI – a country to which all other countries that suffered slavery are deeply indebted – is once again in turmoil.
INSIGHT: Nygard casts a dark shadow some will find hard to escape from
THE disturbing revelations about multimillionaire fashion mogul and long-time political donor Peter Nygard remain a dark shadow over the Opposition’s chances of reclaiming the government. Already having the reputation during its last stint of being a corrupt and scandal-ridden bunch, the Nygard case brings back memories of forgettable leadership.
One more death amid uptick in positive cases
THE recent uptick of coronavirus cases and hospitalisations is something health officials will have to continue to monitor to determine if the country is experiencing another COVID-19 outbreak, a local infectious disease expert said yesterday.
‘Churches should speak up’
FORMER Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Simeon Hall says he is disappointed that there have been no public statements released from church groups on the issue of COVID-19 vaccines.
Official confident on vaccine
A local senior health official has expressed her confidence in the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine despite recent reports about the drug getting some push back in European countries.
Ban on Haiti travel
GOVERNMENT has banned all commercial flights and vessels from Haiti beginning today in a move, officials said, was done as a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of imported coronavirus cases from Haiti now that the country has entered its Carnival season.
Nicole Martin video not part of official FNM campaign
A VIDEO of prospective Nassau Village candidate Nicole Martin, which was spread on social media last week, is not an official FNM campaign clip, the former Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union president said.
Six missing after vessel capsizes
THE United States Coast Guard is searching for six people on board a vessel that capsized off the coast of Florida after setting sail from Bimini last week.
Minnis opens Exuma office
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis officially opened Exuma’s Passport Office on Friday in an effort to improve passport services throughout the country.
Bahamas ‘can’t afford’ to ignore oil discovery
The Bahamas “cannot afford” to ignore commercial oil discoveries within its territory, an ex-Central Bank governor argued yesterday, while pleading for far greater government transparency on the issue.
Cavalier suffered $1m loss ahead of liquidity crunch
A major Bahamian contractor suffered more than $1m in operating losses over a four-year period before it collapsed into insolvency due to an “unmanageable liquidity shortfall” in early 2020.
Oil opponents seek to ‘draw line in sand’
Oil exploration opponents are persisting with their Judicial Review challenge in a bid to “draw a line in the sand they will not back away from” over future drilling activities, a prominent QC is warning.
Melia Nassau Beach to close for two years
Baha Mar today announced its Melia Nassau Beach resort will close for two years to undergo a $100m renovation, which will result in several hundred more hotel workers losing their jobs.
The 21st century tulip bubble?
ActivTrades
THE 1600s were undoubtedly the Dutch golden age, a period during which the European country became a leading arts, science and military global power. As Holland became rich and powerful so did its citizens, with many using growing disposable incomes to invest and speculate, creating a thriving financial market where concepts such as future contracts were first traded. It was around this time that occurred one of the most famous and bizarre episodes in the history of finance: The tulip bubble.
Miller-Uibo wins 400m, shatters NACAC record
It was the second record breaking performance this year for Shaunae Miller-Uibo as she powered to victory in the women’s 400 metres at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in New York.
Moultrie denies deal with PLP
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie has lashed out at a “fabricated, fake and politically motivated” story printed in The Punch last week that claimed he was set to “cut a deal” with the Progressive Liberal Party.
Bahamasair’s $40m taxpayer blow-out
Bahamian taxpayers have spent $40m “and counting” to prop up Bahamasair over the past seven months, its chairman has revealed, while confirming the airline was late meeting payroll last week.
INSIGHT: ‘We’re living in a cowboy town and there’s nothing anyone can do about it’
Hardly a week goes by when another young man’s life is lost on the streets of New Providence - a victim of gang violence which still plagues our country.
Man in hospital after shooting
NEW Providence police are investigating a shooting on Friday that left a man in hospital.
Need for anti-arms trafficking
We have no shortage of public speakers who are speaking out against the rampant homicides and other forms of gun crimes since the 1980s, but we have a shortage of people that understands this problem and are willing to tackle it head on.
Transparency?
During the introduction of The Public Debt Management Bill and The Public Finance Management Bill in Parliament, The Prime Minister is reported to have made the following remarks:
Speaker independence
There has been so much fussing and fuming of late because House Speaker Halson Moultrie has decided to free himself of party affiliation and become independent of all political party control while he sits in the Speaker’s chair.
Freedom Farm Baseball All-Star weekend blast
THE Freedom Farm Baseball League returned to the diamond with its All-Star weekend and scouting combine featuring the league’s top 50 players ages 13-18 in a showcase of drills and exhibition games for international scouts and coaches.
DaVante Carey achieves NCAA Championships qualifying standard
DAVANTE Carey achieved an NCAA Championships qualifying standard and was a part of a record-setting relay team for his McKendree Bearcats at the 2021 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships.
Young named Blue Jays’ Major League Spring Training non-roster invitee
FOLLOWING his Canberra Cavalry’s third place finish in the Australian Baseball League, Chavez Young was named one of the Toronto Blue Jays’ 28 non-roster invitees to Major League Spring Training.
Algernon Cargill returns as president of Bahamas Aquatics federation
THE Bahamas Aquatics Federation, the national governing body for aquatic sports, held its annual general meeting and elections of its executive board on Saturday, February 13, 2021.
Katrinka Marshall dies at 53 after long illness
KATRINKA Marshall, one of the top scoring officials in local basketball, who helped to groom her two daughters to follow in her footsteps, died on Saturday after a long illness.
‘Revamp agriculture in its entirety
BAHAMIAN farming “needs to be revamped in its entirety”, an agriculture group’s head has conceded, arguing that this nation has “no choice but to support its own” with wide-ranging reforms.
PRIVATE SECTOR MIXED ON OIL DRILLING RESULTS
A MAJOR realtor said it was a “good thing” that the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) did not find commercial quantities of oil as the private sector offered mixed views on the exploratory drilling results.
Exuma resort owners seek $11m in auction
THE owners of an Exuma resort are seeking at least $11m when the property is sold via international auction in two weeks’ time.
Saturday, February 13
PLP in Grand Bahama aiming to put a first-time voter in the driving seat
The Progressive Liberal Party in Grand Bahama launched a voter registration drive on Friday at its headquarters in Freeport, where a Nissan Cube car is being raffled to encourage first-time voters to register.
Friday, February 12
North Abaco MP: I did my best
NORTH Abaco MP Darren Henfield says he gave constituents his best effort as their representative these last four years.
Chester Cooper calls for relaxed restrictions on Exuma
EXUMA and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper insisted Friday that it is time for Exuma to have its restrictions relaxed.
Safety protocols considered for future Straw Market opening
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister has suggested there could be new health and safety protocols implemented at the Nassau Straw Market when it re-opens to safeguard vendors and visitors from contracting COVID-19.
US Coast Guard seeks partnerships to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
THE United States Coast Guard is eyeing partnerships in the region with a view to tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses as a major threat to the global fishing industry.
Harbour Island man charged with shooting death
A HARBOUR ISLAND man was charged on Friday with murder in connection with a shooting incident last week that left another man in the settlement dead.
Haitian man fined over fraudulent permit
A HAITIAN man who travelled to the country on a fraudulent work permit that he claimed to have purchased from an airline agent in his home country was ordered to pay $2,200 to avoid spending a year behind bars.
Four siblings accused of assault with bat
FOUR siblings accused of assaulting a woman with a bat were granted bail on Friday ahead of their trial.
Maid ordered to pay back stolen money
A MAID who stole more than $1,000 cash from her employer was on Friday fined $500 and ordered to pay back the stolen money.
EDITORIAL: PAC is a tool that can bring better government
THE Public Accounts Committee has new powers – and Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis is determined to use them.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Can someone please explain why this is allowed to happen?
A real-life Hatfield-McCoys is playing out on a narrow, paved path off Village Road in Nassau. That’s where a few residents on the southern side and in a neatly fenced in area at the cul de sac on the western end have been fighting a seemingly endless battle with an unlicensed hotel that occupies the northern side.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Love and laughs
Valentine’s Day is upon us again, and since there are no love stories emanating from the HOA or across the political divide, I thought I’d share a few funny stories from my career as a professional stand up comedian.
Union wants plan on school reopening
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers is again calling on education officials to release a clear plan on new school health and safety procedures that will allow for a safe return to the classrooms on islands that are still practising virtual learning.
‘We’re getting best price possible for Grand Lucayan’
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is satisfied his government is getting “the best price possible” for the Grand Lucayan hotel on Grand Bahama, adding negotiations are progressing well.
Cable’s $70m loan remedies ‘breaches’ with Aliv bond terms
Cable Bahamas’ $70m long-term loan to its Aliv affiliate was yesterday said to have remedied the mobile operator’s non-compliance with conditions attached to $60m in previously-issued bonds.
Law needs to alter for GB airport deal
The government must change the Airport Authority Act to facilitate its acquisition of Grand Bahama International Airport, a Cabinet minister has revealed, adding that a deal “is so close I can feel it”.
Bahamian stuck in Canada after flights to Bahamas stop
BAHAMIAN Todd Eldon is stuck in Canada and trying to get back home.
Abaco residents: We need someone to fight for us
CENTRAL and South Abaco MP James Albury’s decision to not run again in the upcoming election did not disappoint some of his constituents, who told The Tribune they need a representative who will fight for them and better serve their needs.
A new home at last
A YEAR after losing everything to Hurricane Dorian, Abaco resident Bernice Brown can now live comfortably in her new home thanks to Good Samaritans.
$100,000 to buy coolers for vaccines
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said the government will spend about $100,000 for a number of ultra-cold coolers that could store Pfizer vaccines even though there are no plans to acquire those vaccines at the moment.
Oil opponents: ‘Books not closed’ on drilling
Oil exploration opponents last night said the fight against drilling is not over despite the Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) failure to strike a commercial find as they renewed calls for a lasting ban.
Three in court on fraud charges
Three persons accused of possessing forged cheques in connection with the purchase of goods totaling over $20,000 were arraigned on more than a dozen fraud-related charges on Tuesday in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court.
Davis aims to move quickly on oversight
OFFICIAL opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis says there are “a lot of issues” surrounding how public funds have been spent during the Minnis administration’s term in office that need a closer look.
Fusion Superplex cut-off over $506,000 BPL dispute
The Fusion Superplex was yesterday locked in urgent negotiations with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) after its electricity was cut-off over a $506,000 debt despite fully complying with a payment plan.
Security guard shot in robbery
A SECURITY guard was shot during an attempted armed robbery at a money transfer company yesterday.
PM points to easing restrictions on Grand Bahama
DUE to the low number of COVID-19 cases on Grand Bahama, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has revealed that by this weekend residents can start to see a relaxation of the curfew.
Activists bid to seize $14m Nygard Cay
Environmental activists are urging the Supreme Court to permit a receiver to seize possession of Nygard Cay, which was last valued at $14m, and sell it to satisfy its owner’s Bahamian legal debts.
A LOVEFEST FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
LAUGHTER is the best medicine, especially after almost a year of lockdowns and curfews.
Political candidates for election
I have known and supported the Hon Leslie Osborne Miller all of our lives. He has served the nation well in the political and community areas. Miller has compassion; empathy and a heart for the unwashed masses and may well be some of the reasons why he is referred to as ‘Pot Cake’ A good family man, he has successfully raised his children and established several businesses, such as Sun Burst Coatings & Paints and Mario’s Bowling Alley & Family Entertainment Centre.
Huge sums owed to the government
Issue: The huge sums of money owed to the Government of the Bahamas, its ministries, departments and institutions. From newspaper and other media reports it is estimated that the total indebtedness could be over $1.5 million.
The future of the Republicans
The Republican Party is at a crossroads. This is the party of Lincoln and grand sweeping ideas. Impeachment of Trump is a battle for the soul of the GOP.
Charles ‘Chuck’ Mackey passes away
CHARLES ‘Chuck’ Mackey, an outstanding local softball/ baseball player and coach, and an exceptional basketball coach at both the high school and national team level, died on Wednesday night.
Bahamian student athletes set to begin NCAA Division I baseball seasons this month
SEVERAL Bahamian student athletes are set to begin their NCAA Division I baseball seasons this month as programmes in various divisions return to the field under strict COVID-19 protocols.
Bahamas Aquatics AGM and election of officers on Saturday
AS Bahamas Aquatics heads into their annual general meeting and election of officers on Saturday via Zoom, Algernon Cargill is expected to be confirmed as the president unopposed.
Sydney Clarke and Blazers in the win column
AFTER losing their first three games on the road this spring, freshman Sydney Clarke and her University of Arlington at Birmingham Blazers women’s collegiate tennis team got on the winning circle.
COVID-19 hits Franco and Eagles
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause modifications to the NCAA Division I basketball schedule and Franco Miller Jr’s Florida Gulf Coast Eagles became the latest programme to experience a setback.
‘Pay back missing cash or spend three more years in jail’
AN ex-convict who pocketed nearly $2,000 from two women without completing the transactions they paid him for was yesterday ordered to reimburse them to avoid spending another three years behind bars.
Leroy ‘Uncle Lee’ Archer Sr dies at 96
VERSATILE Leroy ‘Uncle Lee’ Archer Sr, one of the Bahamas’ greatest soccer players, coach and mentor and a participant in a number of sports while excelling as a seamster, died on Wednesday.
Man who sent death threats must take counselling
A 27-year-old man who admitted sending death threats to his ex-girlfriend was yesterday ordered to attend anger management counselling.
Scholar search to offer scholarships
WINDSOR School Million Dollar Scholar Search was launched yesterday which aims to provide full scholarship learning for Bahamian students currently in 8th, 9th or 10th Grades.
Sports bar killer’s sentence upheld by Court of Appeal
THE Court of Appeal has upheld the 30-year prison sentence of a man who was convicted of manslaughter and two counts of attempted murder after he was accused of opening fire in a local sports bar in 2015.
Thursday, February 11
Nine new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday
NINE new cases of COVID-19 were recorded on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Health.
STATESIDE: So, what’s this really about and how will it end?
The two friends were back on Anne’s patio, sitting six feet apart from each other, bundled up and wearing masks except when they were sipping from mugs of hot coffee that was a necessity because in America where they sat, it is very cold in February.
FRONT PORCH: The conceits and decline of US Republican Party
It still surprises the number of Bahamians who little understand American society or politics but who, hook, line and sinker, have been caught and netted by the country’s mythologies, which continue to be unmasked, demystified and demythologised by the march of facts and history.
$400,000 cybersecurity project to include response team
THE government launched the National Cybersecurity Project yesterday that will establish a national computer incident response team.
Peter Turnquest says he made decision to withdraw candidacy
JUST days after Peter Turnquest announced he’d been told by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis he would not receive a nomination to contest the next general election, the FNM’s deputy leader claimed last night he had in truth made the “difficult” decision to withdraw his candidacy.
Prime Minister Minnis tables finance bills
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis tabled a Public Debt Management Bill, a Public Finance Management Bill and a Statistics Bill in the House of Assembly yesterday, legislation that he said will be “critical to advancing sound fiscal management and evidence-based decision making”.
Voter registration centres to open on Monday
SEVERAL centres for voter registration are expected to open on Monday, as officials ramp up a phased plan to expand the existing register to first time voters and people needing constituency transfers before the next general election.
FNMs vote against taking opposition questions
FREE National Movement MPs voted against answering questions from members of the opposition in the House of Assembly yesterday, choosing instead to move forward with their own agenda.
Super Value cuts Sunday hours on 25% sales drop
Super Value has slashed Sunday shopping hours after sales “dropped off 25 percent”, its principal revealed yesterday, adding: “They aren’t coming to show off their church hats any more.”
Oil opponents: BPC’s $200,000 demand will knock out legal action
Oil exploration opponents yesterday admitted they will have to halt their challenge to Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) drilling approvals if it succeeds with its $200,000 “security for costs” demand.
‘Sea change’ for national finances
The Ministry of Finance’s top official last night said reforms tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday represent “a sea change” in the way the government manages the public finances.
Govt to plug genetic exploitation loophole
The government yesterday moved to finally plug a loophole that has enabled foreign exploitation of The Bahamas’ biological and genetic resources without this nation earning a cent.
‘Reinvent’ agriculture for $190m import cut
The Bahamas can slash $190m off its food import bill only if it completely “reinvents” the business model for its shrinking agriculture sector, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has disclosed.
‘UFO’ was U.S. missile test
A STRANGE sight spotted in the sky on Tuesday night that fueled rumours of an unidentified flying object is said to be a Trident submarine-launched ballistic missile test that occurred over the Atlantic Ocean.
Now taxi drivers out in protest
SCORES of angry taxi drivers gathered in Rawson Square yesterday to protest what they consider poor treatment and a blatant “disregard” to their concerns about their industry.
In-class lessons from February 22
EDUCATION Minister Jeffrey Lloyd said officials are now targeting February 22 for the resumption of in-person classes in public schools on islands still engaging in virtual learning.
Moultrie moves to hold government to account
IN his first ruling yesterday as an independent Speaker of the House of Assembly, Halson Moultrie overturned a controversial ruling that his predecessor had made that restricted the powers of the Public Accounts Committee.
OVER-65s CLEAR FOR UK VACCINE: Officials respond to WHO sign-off and okay elderly’s usage
THE Office of the Prime Minister announced yesterday that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be given to all people over the age of 18 after the World Health Organisation endorsed its use for people over 65.
Haitian quartet had expired visas
FOUR Haitian men who claimed the devastation wrought on Abaco by Hurricane Dorian caused them to remain in the country after their visas had expired were yesterday fined $300.
Bahamian student-athletes shine at junior college level
SEVERAL Bahamian student-athletes are having an immediate impact on their respective programmes at the Junior College level.
Young and Cavalry advance to semifinals
CHAVEZ Young and the Canberra Cavalry continued their recent streak into the Australian Baseball League playoffs and advanced to the semifinals.
Freedom Farm Baseball returns with All-Star weekend
The Freedom Farm Baseball League outlined its plans for a return to the baseball diamond following a nearly year-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ayton scores 17 to help Suns top Bucks, 125-124
PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored 30 points, Chris Paul added 28 and the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to four games by rallying to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 125-124 last night.
Oil and democracy a tough mix
In a previous letter (published on January 12, 2021), I maintained that a legislative ban on oil drilling and extraction would not amount to compulsory possession or acquisition without compensation of BPC’s property under Article 27 of The Constitution.
Why run AWOL Miller?
I read in The Tribune that several PLP supporters are unhappy with Golden Isles MP Vaughn Miller being selected as their standard bearer over Michael Halkitis, who has been nominated in St Barnabas.
Plaza ‘a demonstration of investor confidence’
A NEWLY built $3m Brickhouse Plaza in Freeport opened by Bahamian contractor Rev Lloyd Rolle is said to be a demonstration of the faith and investor confidence in Grand Bahama.
Grand Bahama man accused over drugs
A GRAND Bahama man was charged with possession of dangerous drugs this week in Freeport.
MAN WHO GAVE FALSE NAME IS FINED
A MAN who gave police officers a false name when he was stopped for a traffic violation was yesterday fined $150.
Man jailed for stealing from boss
AN Eleuthera man who admitted walking into a woman’s unlocked house and stealing $4,000 worth of her personal belongings was yesterday sentenced to six months in prison.
URCA plans to study third mobile operator feasibility
The Bahamian electronic communications sector faces a comprehensive market review that could possibly pave the way for the introduction of a third mobile phone operator.
Electric vehicle first launches at the Mall
The Bahamas' first electric vehicle (EV) show launches today in a bid to showcase a product that is in growing worldwide demand to Bahamian consumers.
Electricity price review targets summer finish
An electricity sector tariff review will be completed by summer 2021 with the entire sector showing “great interest” in completing this pricing review.
Distillery 'overjoyed' at February re-open
A prominent Bahamian distillery and tourist attraction yesterday said it was "overjoyed" to have re-opened last week after being closed for nine months due to COVID-19 and associated restrictions.
Minister: Give us ‘offset’ to halt oil drilling pursuit
A Cabinet minister yesterday argued The Bahamas should seek "offsetting” compensation from neighbouring countries if it bows to their demands to give up oil exploration.
Wednesday, February 10
Taneka Sandiford-Mackey making a name for herself on LPGA Tour
SHE’S not playing, but Taneka Sandiford-Mackey is still making a name for herself as the first Bahamian and only black female full-time caddie on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.
EDITORIAL: Lack of basic skills shows we’re failing students
When the national exam results came out in January, they were declared a success… by the Ministry of Education, at least.
ALICIA WALLACE: Throwing money at a problem doesn’t mean it’s going to go away
Last week, it was reported a woman was sleeping in a car with her children, including an infant. She was asked to leave her previous apartment after being allowed to live there rent-free for several months. She expressed concern about her children’s education, noting her daughter had fallen behind over the past year. She noted there were other people in the same situation, forced on to the streets.
Minister: Rape allegation against defence force officer ‘disturbing’
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday called the rape allegation made against a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer “concerning” and “disturbing”.
Minister disagrees with Pinder on severance
LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes says he doesn’t agree with the position that companies should offer employees redundancy packages as a form of assistance to struggling workers.
‘Public Disclosure Commission needs to be made independent’
PUBLIC Disclosure Commission Chairman Myles Laroda says the group needs to be independent of the government, a change that will give the body the “teeth” it needs.
Police sergeant: I feel abandoned
A POLICE sergeant says he is now homeless and barely able to make ends meet because he claims the Royal Bahamas Police Force owes him money after they discontinued his salary following an injury he received on the job ten years ago.
Andros lodge: Oil strike out removes ‘dark cloud’
An Andros bonefishing lodge’s co-owner yesterday said “a large dark cloud” that helped slash bookings by 30-40 percent has been removed with the failure to discover commercial oil quantities.
$10m Exuma development unveils plans
A $10m resort/marina project is aiming to create 50 construction, and up to 30 full-time, jobs on Exuma if it received the go-ahead from the government’s regulatory agencies.
BPC director: Activists can’t dictate on oil
A Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) director yesterday argued that “pressure groups” cannot dictate to a sovereign nation whether it should seek out and exploit its natural resources.
‘Rude awakening’ awaits on true COVID-19 costs
Bahamians face “a rude awakening” once COVID-19’s true economic and fiscal costs are revealed, a governance reformer warned yesterday, as he called for “accelerated efficiency” in government.
Man found dead with gunshot wounds to the face
POLICE are investigating another homicide that occurred on Monday night – just a few hours after another man’s body was found on Cowpen Road.
Cubans lived on coconuts for five weeks
THE United States Coast Guard rescued three Cubans who were stranded on an uninhabited Bahamian island for more than a month.
Miller’s PLP nomination in doubt
SOME Progressive Liberal Party supporters in Golden Isles say MP Vaughn Miller is so vulnerable in the constituency that he would lose the seat on the PLP’s ticket in the general election, a challenge for party leaders who are leaning towards giving him the nomination.
PHA says sorry for maternity problems
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said building work in the maternity ward at Princess Margaret Hospital has now been completed after a social media post went viral this weekend, showing unsanitary conditions.
Abaco shanty town issue ‘will be treated humanely’
IMMIGRATION Minister Elsworth Johnson said yesterday his ministry has been working in conjunction with other government agencies to address illegal immigration and shanty town concerns in Abaco, vowing officials will clamp down on the problem, but in a humane manner.
UNFIT TO HIRE: AID boss says lack of English and Maths is harming job applicants
A major Bahamian retailer says “the biggest obstacle” to its expansion is the lack of “basic Maths and English” skills among potential recruits as it aims to build a 200-strong workforce by June.
Vaccinating the elderly
It was with shock and bitter disappointment – disappointment that almost brought me to tears, that I read that those of us over the age of 65 are going to be denied the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I have looked forward to getting vaccinated for so long in order to feel safer going to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc, but also going through an airport and travelling on a plane.
Hield scores 21 in loss to 76ers
SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — Chavano “Buddy” Hield scored 21 points last night but it wasn’t enough as Joel Embiid’s 25 points and 17 rebounds helped the Philadelphia 76ers turn up the defensive intensity in the fourth quarter to beat the Sacramento Kings 119-111.
Smith finally gets to feel Vince Lombardi Trophy
His role as a player ended in 2015, but after playing on a number of different teams, he ended up back where he started in the National Football League as a professional scout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Free tennis clinics ‘well suited for the current environment’
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is pleased that free tennis clinics are being offered in various islands in The Bahamas.
In its 35th year, the Mario Ford Baseball Camp has new location
ALTHOUGH they have changed location, the Mario Ford Baseball Camp continues to grow strong, now into its 35th year of existence.
FULL SEVERANCE PAY IS ‘DOUBLE EDGED SWORD’
A Cabinet minister yesterday argued it was a “double-edged sword” for companies to give furloughed workers full severance packages, as he urged persons to remain committed to their employers.
MINISTER: 13% OF WORKFORCE STILL CLAIMING JOBLESS BENEFITS
A Cabinet minister yesterday said an estimated 13 percent of the Bahamian workforce is still receiving unemployment benefits financed by the Government.
TAXI CHIEF CONTRADICTS MINISTER ON GRIEVANCES
The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union's president yesterday contradicted assertions by a Cabinet minister that their complaints have already been addressed ahead of today's planned protest outside Parliament.
Pop-up market ‘christens’ SBDC incubator location
The Tin Ferl pop-up market has already "christened" what its co-founder yesterday described as an "amazing location" for small businesses via the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC).
Man accused of sex with 16-year-old boy
A 59-year-old man who was accused of having sex with a teenage boy was yesterday denied bail ahead of his trial.
Power outage affects hundreds
HUNDREDS of homes in New Providence were without power for hours yesterday because of a “mechanical failure” at BPL.
Resignation of Speaker Moultrie
Since the resignation of Speaker Halson Moultrie on February 4, I have received numerous calls and messages from members of the press, friends and other persons asking for my views on the resignation. So here goes.
Man bailed in fraud trial
A MAN who denied defrauding a local business of $2,000 was yesterday granted bail before his trial.
Tuesday, February 9
Fitting fitness into Bahamian women’s lives
It’s been 13 years since she opened a gym specifically for women in the Bahamas, and today, more than ever, Sibrena Ingraham is committed to doing her part to promote the importance of women’s health and wellness.
COVID-19 can cause erectile dysfunction
COVID-19 can unfortunately lead to erectile dysfunction, both during the time of having the virus and possibly even after recovery from it.
Something to smile about: Protecting your child’s oral health
In this new regular column for Tribune Health, the Bahamas Dental Association is seeking to spread awareness of the importance of dental health to a person's overall well-being. Various dentists who are members of the Association will seek to educate readers on a wide range of topics, all pertaining to your teeth.
A new entertainment network for the ‘new normal’
EWURABENA Appiah has been a freelance writer and media professional for more than a decade.
Local author’s Valentine treat
“Once out of sight from the main road, they relaxed on a seat beneath a casuarina tree and kissed. Then they gazed out across the sapphire blue sea to a lone sailboat on the horizon. The sun was going down, the sky like an artist’s canvas with gold and orange brush strokes. The sweet aroma of a barbecue drifted along the sea shore.” – Excerpt from the short story "Love at Sunset".
When ‘beauty is pain’ goes too far – Bahamian share their horror hair stories
We all know there is truth to the old adage “beauty is pain”, and many women will endure that pain as the price to slay all day.
EDITORIAL: There’s nothing in the well after all
So much for the oil drilling.
PETER YOUNG: Fate’s wheel turns again for a heroine then reviled and now prisoner again
With political confrontation and accompanying violence happening around the world all the time, much of it goes unreported in the international media as other news competes for attention. But events in one place in particular - the Asian nation of Myanmar - are often covered, largely because of its famous politician, Aung San Suu Kyi.
FACE TO FACE: Forget the Law – your future lies in media
“FOR every cause, there is an effect... for every action, an equal and opposite reaction!” Debbie Bartlett started out her famous show “Reaction” on ZNS Channel 13 with this quote for over a decade.
‘What’s the plan for Abaco shanty town residents?’
A LOCAL human rights activist says he hopes the government will have a proper contingency plan in place that includes housing alternatives for occupants of a new shanty town in Abaco when it moves to demolish the newly built illegal structures.
People ‘may need a booster shot’ for COVID
DEPUTY Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen said it is likely that people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 this year may need a booster shot in the future to continue their protection against the disease.
As MP Turnquest heads to exit door, PM arrives in Grand Bahama
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis flew into Grand Bahama yesterday afternoon to meet with executives of the East Grand Bahama Constituency Association.
Grand Bahama's PLP candidates named ‘in two weeks’
PLP leader Philip “Brave” Davis said the party should announce its Grand Bahama candidates in the next two weeks.
Abaco MP: I’m stepping back at next election
CENTRAL and South Abaco MP James Albury says he is not seeking re-election but will instead step back from frontline politics to do what’s best for his family.
Three arrested after high-powered weapons found
A joint surveillance by law enforcement officers in Grand Bahama has led to the arrest of three men and the discovery illegal high-powered weapons and ammunition in the Freeport area.
Fisheries chief: Oil drilling end ‘is for the best’
A leading fisherman yesterday argued “it’s for the best” that the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) failed to strike commercial oil quantities despite the potential fiscal boost it could have provided.
Oil opponents demand ‘permanent drilling ban’
“Ecstatic” oil opponents yesterday urged The Bahamas to “seize the moment” and impose a permanent drilling ban after Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) first exploratory well came up empty.
Marinas chief’s fears on online ‘push back’
The Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president yesterday said this nation could enjoy “huge benefits” if government agencies end their resistance to online payments and filings.
AID in expansion to Harbour Bay
A major Bahamian retailer yesterday confirmed it has expanded to the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in a bid to reach consumers who would never travel to its main location.
Minister’s go-ahead over ‘vaccine passport’ study
The government is “exploring” whether to adopt so-called COVID-19 “vaccine passports” in a bid to make two-way travel involving The Bahamas easier, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday.
Culmer insists selection process is above board
FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer has defended his party’s candidate selection process amid complaints the party’s leader is getting personally involved.
Officer held on Inagua rape charge
A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force officer accused of raping a colleague has been “relieved of his duties” pending a police investigation into the allegations, the RBDF confirmed yesterday.
24 hours - two more murdered
POLICE are investigating two new homicides after a man’s body was found on Cowpen Road yesterday and another man died in hospital on Sunday after being stabbed.
WELL, WELL, WELL - BPC STRIKE OUT: Activists celebrate as drilling finds no viable oil deposits
BAHAMAS Petroleum Company announced yesterday that it did not find commercial volumes of oil after drilling a well off Andros.
Pair accused of crown land fraud bailed
TWO people, accused of pocketing thousands of dollars from the fraudulent sale of a plot of Crown Land, were yesterday granted $10,000 bail before their trial.
$300M ALBANY EXPANSION GIVEN PLANNING GO-AHEAD
THE Town Planning Committee’s chairman yesterday said it has approved a $300m New Providence project that aims to create some 500 new jobs.
Abaco 'not up to speed' by time tax breaks end
Abaco’s Chamber of Commerce president yesterday warned the island “won’t be back up to speed for June 30" when the reconstruction tax breaks expire due to the need to “get past COVID-19".
Patricia Minnis takes up CARICOM appointment
PATRICIA Minnis, wife of the Prime Minister, has been appointed new chair of the Spouse of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN).
Standards regulator in testing partnership
The Bahamas' standards regulator has signed an agreement with a US-based testing company to help improve product quality certification.
Use of an offensive word on air
I wonder if the constant use of the word “negroes” by Rodney Moncur (host) on his show televised on Island Luck TV, Channel 224 is offensive in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of URCA or other communication legislation.
‘Great Reset’ of economy
Re: Business Section, Feb 3, 2021 - “Challenge to IMF’s Proposal”
We must save our coral reefs
Originally from South Africa, I have lived in Nassau, New Providence for five years. I am passionate about the ocean and consider myself to be a mermaid. Shortly after I arrived in Nassau, I started volunteering for BREEF, participating in their beach clean-ups, snorkel events and coral restoration programme.
Bahamians urged to support investors as $3m plaza opens
A Cabinet minister yesterday urged Bahamians to shop at home and help rebuild the economy post-COVID-19 as he opened a $3m Grand Bahama shopping plaza.
Tennis ace Sydney Clarke and Blazers suffer loss
FRESHMAN Sydney Clarke and her University of Arlington at Birmingham women’s tennis team suffered another loss on Saturday at the Rula Tennis Pavilion in Starkville, Mississippi.
LaQuan eyes spot on Team Bahamas for Tokyo Olympics
ONE down and one more Bahamas national record to go for long/triple jumper LaQuan Nairn as he eyes a spot on the Bahamas team heading to Tokyo, Japan for the postponed 2020 Olympic Games this summer.
Young and Cavalry clinch playoff berth
Chavez Young was back in the lineup for the Canberra Cavalry and had his most productive series of the season to help his team clinch a playoff berth in the Australian Baseball League.
Ayton posts double double, Suns defeat Cavs 119-113
PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored a season-high 36 points, Deandre Ayton had another double double, Mikal Bridges added 22 and the Phoenix Suns rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-113 last night.
Mobile commerce provider at 100,000 download mark
A Bahamian mobile commerce provider says its app has hit the 100,000 download mark through local businesses increasingly using the platform to drive digital sales.
Freeport business sees little of Dorian tax breaks
Freeport businesses yesterday said they have felt little impact from the $100m-plus worth of tax breaks and waivers granted to facilitate Hurricane Dorian reconstruction efforts.
$1,000 FINE FOR SELLING MARIJUANA
A 24-year-old man who told police he was selling marijuana to make a “couple of dollars” was yesterday fined $1,000.
‘Road rage knifemen’
A MAN and a teenager were charged with murder yesterday in connection with a stabbing that left another man dead following an argument after a car accident last week.
Another bad move for tourism
Biden’s first move to combat COVID-19 and its newest strains became controversial for the Bahamas, as all travelers globally will now have to undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival and the Ministry of Tourism fears that it will discourage travelers and prolong the economic downturn locally.
Monday, February 8
EDITORIAL: If elections are a game of chess, then pieces are being put in place
WE are well and truly gearing up for election season now – with every day seemingly bringing another piece being moved around the electoral chess board.
WORLD VIEW: MILLIONS LEFT BEHIND AS RICH NATIONS GRAB COVID VACCINES
DEVELOPING countries, including the member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), are being left behind in the rollout of vaccinations against COVID-19 now underway in rich countries.
INSIGHT: Let the games begin
THE silly season might be stranger than usual because of COVID-19 restrictions – but things are starting to move on the political front. With his resignation last week from the Free National Movement, House Speaker Halson Moultrie may have catapulted himself into the political wilderness. He has seemingly committed himself to his convictions – even though the Bahamian people may not always be clear on what they are.
INSIGHT: ‘I can’t make any apologies for the way God created me and who I am’
A DAY after he quit the Free National Movement, House Speaker Halson Moultrie said he has no intention of resigning from his Parliament post but suspects the governing party will try to prorogue Parliament to remove him.
INSIGHT: The dynamics of suicide
During the past few months, The Bahamas has had an increase in suicides and suicidal attempts. According to Commissioner Paul Rolle, there were 11 suicides reported in 2020, a slight increase from the eight reported in 2019.
Search goes on for three missing at sea since January
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force has not given up hope in finding three people who went missing at sea after leaving for a fishing trip last month.
Harbour Island murder ‘may be drug-related’
A MAN was shot dead in Harbour Island Friday night in an area that local MP Rickey Mackey said might be a drug-related incident.
‘Don’t talk, act’ call on marijuana pledge
The former Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader is urging the government to “not just talk but act” on its proposed medical marijuana legislation, adding: “It’s better late than never.”
Property tax complaints system branded ‘flawed’
A leading real realtor has branded the real property tax appeals system as “flawed” because complainants first have to pay the sum they are disputing for the process to launch.
KFC’s 35 lay-offs reveal economic ‘chains’ breaking
The hotel union’s president says KFC’s decision to lay-off 35 workers exposes how “the chains” that bind the Bahamian economy together have either been weakened or broken by COVID-19.
02082021 EDITION
Monday, 8th February, 2021.
Accountants brace for surge in insolvencies
Bahamian accountants are bracing for “an uptick” in corporate insolvency work during the 2021 second half with companies already moving to restructure as hopes for a quick economic rebound fade.
BPC ceases drilling as no commercial volumes of oil found
Environmental campaigners were celebrating this morning after Bahamas Petroleum Corporation announced it has ceased its drilling operations after having failed to find commercial volumes of oil.
All aboard for the market manipulation game
ActivTrades
First GameStop then silver shortly after, hit the front pages of the business press across the globe in the last couple of weeks.
Buccaneers top the Chiefs 31-9, Brady wins Super Bowl No. 7
TAMPA, Florida (AP) — Tom Brady made the Buccaneers, their fans and their city believe from the moment he arrived in Tampa Bay.
Bannister promises action on new Abaco shanty town
THE rapid construction of unregulated structures and the lay out of these homes in a new Abaco shanty town shows “there is tremendous collusion in the community by influential persons,” Works Minister Desmond Bannister said.
Nygard’s Bahamas court actions cost him dear
PETER Nygard’s contempt for The Bahamas’ legal system was a key reason a Canadian judge refused to release the Canadian businessman from detention pending possible extradition to the US.
McCartney won’t be running in election: I’m out of politics
BRANVILLE McCartney, the former head of the Democratic National Alliance, said yesterday he is “sitting out” the next general election, putting to bed rumours he’ll join the Free National Movement’s ticket.
DUMPED: Turnquest dropped from election list and others will follow
PETER Turnquest, the deputy leader of the Free National Movement and former Deputy Prime Minister will not receive his party’s nomination for the next general election.
Advocate criticises 'ant like' pace on marijuana
A marijuana advocate has voiced concerns the Government is moving too slowly to legalise the sector and develop industrial hemp, comparing its speed to "an ant trying to nip at a piece of bread".
Gov't urged: Tackle GB airport's costs if you buy
A prominent Freeport hotelier is warning the Government that it must tackle Grand Bahama International Airport's (GBIA) high costs if its prospective purchase is to "grow the destination".
Chamber director disagrees over severance payout call
A Chamber of Commerce director says he disagrees with the director of labour's call for some employers to pay furloughed workers full severance packages over fears they will not find new jobs.
Gov't grants $116m in Dorian tax breaks
The Prime Minister says the Special Economic Recovery Zones (SERZs) have provided more than $105m in VAT, Customs duty and Excise tax breaks to aid Hurricane Dorian reconstruction.
Kai Jones one rebound shy of 2nd double double this season
KAI Jones finished one rebound shy of his second double double this season while head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Valerie Nesbitt and their Ole Miss Rebels ended a six-game losing streak.
Hield’s 3-pt streak comes to an end
CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield had his worst shooting night of the season and saw his three-point streak come to an end, but his Sacramento Kings continued their recent winning streak.
Bowleg to coach Team Bahamas in AmeriCup Qualifier
MARIO Bowleg will return to the sidelines to coach the Bahamas Basketball Federation men’s national basketball team when they travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to take on the United States of America and Puerto Rico in the third and final leg of the FIBA 2020 AmeriCup Qualifier.
Nairn erases national indoor long jump record
A Bahamas national indoor record for Laquan Nairn, a school record by Charisma Taylor and victories by Steven Gardiner, Jyles Etienne, Sasha Wells and Denisha Cartwright highlighted a series of weekend performances by Bahamian athletes around the United States.
Moultrie quit pre-emptively
Halson Moultrie’s resignation from the Free National Movement (FNM) should’ve come as no surprise to Bahamians who have been keeping abreast of his every move as House Speaker and Nassau Village MP.
Speaker wants his cake
A shotgun political marriage of convenience has now ended in a very messy public divorce of necessity.
Vaccines for over-70s
Dear Dr Dahl Regis, Thank you for the Press Conference last evening from the Vaccine Consultative Committee. We have all been watching and waiting for news on the COVID Vaccine programme you are organising.
Taxi union targeting Wednesday protest
The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union is planning a Wednesday protest outside Parliament against the Road Traffic Department's efforts to "confiscate" 40 plates belonging to retired drivers.
Saturday, February 6
KFC Nassau operators to lay off 35 team members
AN unprecedented economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as reduced operating hours brought on by the government-imposed curfew have forced the management of Restaurants Bahamas Limited, operators of KFC Nassau, to lay off 35 team members.
Police investigating after man found dead on Harbour Island
Police are investigating after a man was found dead with apparent gunshot wounds on Harbour Island on Friday night.
Friday, February 5
'Wait and see' situation for three senior officers
WAYNE Munroe, QC, says it is now a “wait and see” situation for three senior Royal Bahamas Police Force officers whose special assignments have now expired.
Nygard denied bail
A JUDGE in Winnipeg, Manitoba denied Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard bail Friday on a US extradition request over charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Haitian woman fined $300 for illegal landing
A HAITIAN woman who admitted travelling to the Bahamas on a wooden sloop was fined $300 on Friday.
Moultrie resignation 'came as no surprise' to FNM
DAVID Thompson, national vice chairman and chairman of the GB FNM Council, said the resignation of House Speaker Halston Moultrie from the Free National Movement came as no surprise to the party due to his recent “provocative behaviour.”
Suspected illegal immigrants arrested in Freeport
FOUR suspected illegal migrants were discovered at an apartment complex in Freeport this week.
Teen denies assaulting police officer
A TEENAGER who denied assaulting a police officer with an unlicensed firearm was on Friday granted bail before his trial.
Man ordered to keep the peace after threats
A MAN who threatened to kill his cousin during a verbal argument late last month was bound over to keep the peace for six months.
Halson Moultrie won't resign as Speaker
AFTER severing ties with the Free National Movement, Nassau Village MP Halson Moultrie said he has no intention of resigning as Speaker of the House of Assembly.
EDITORIAL: Speaker’s departure a sign of election times
The ever-disgruntled House Speaker, Halson Moultrie, has quit the Free National Movement.
PM: Govt aiming to legalise medicinal marijuana
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Friday that government is currently completing legislation to legalise medicinal marijuana, bringing the country another step closer to marijuana reform.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Another slice of history lost to our cultural apathy
ON January 29, another historic building on Bay Street burned. Long before it was known as the Cotton Ginny building - named for the popular clothing store it housed - the striking stone structure had been the art studio of the late Elyse Wasile whose hand-painted small ceramics found their way into homes, embassies and great estates around the world.
A COMIC'S VIEW: While we go slow, the world is moving on
AS we continue to wait patiently as a nation, on the final word from the Marijuana Commission on the legalisation and decriminalisation of medicinal and recreational marijuana use in The Bahamas, the world continues to push forward in this regard both on the medical and legislative forefronts.
A COMICWhile we go slow, the world is moving on
AS we continue to wait patiently as a nation, on the final word from the Marijuana Commission on the legalisation and decriminalisation of medicinal and recreational marijuana use in The Bahamas, the world continues to push forward in this regard both on the medical and legislative forefronts.
Lloyd: Up to voters if I am re-elected
INCUMBENT South Beach MP Jeffrey Lloyd said that while he is satisfied with his personal record as the area’s representative, it is up to voters to decide if he is re-elected.
Talks are held on school reopening
EDUCATION Minister Jeffrey Lloyd said officials held meetings with education unions this week on the way forward for schools on certain islands that will return to face-to-face learning under a hybrid model.
Nygard attorneys to take appeal bid to Privy Council
ATTORNEYS for Peter Nygard are seeking conditional leave to appeal to the Privy Council over the Court of Appeal’s rejection of his appeal of a contempt conviction.
Airbnb industry suffering shortage of bookings
AS the COVID-19 virus continues to wreak havoc around the world many stakeholders in the Airbnb industry here are feeling the pinch having little to no bookings.
Equinor site clean-up continuing
EQUINOR’s clean-up work at South Riding Point in East Grand Bahama continues, with a target completion of forest cleaning early this year, according to a consultant who works closely with the multinational energy company.
Healthcare ‘disaster’ if no expanded NHI
The Bahamas will face a healthcare “disaster” if National Health Insurance (NHI) does not fulfill its potential, an ex-health minister has warned, urging: “We must get past this ‘deep state’ debate.”
Property tax woe ‘a colossal mess’
Leading realtors yesterday branded the real property tax system “a colossal mess” that needs to be outsourced to the private sector after it was revealed that up to 40 percent of bills go astray.
Aliv gains network ‘ownership’ through $24m loan payback
Aliv has gained “ownership” of its mobile network equipment by paying off a $24m loan with the proceeds from long-term debt advanced by its controlling shareholder, its top executive has revealed.
Airline industry faces $3.7m Customs debt
The Auditor General’s Office has urged Customs to collect millions of dollars in unpaid taxes and fees, including $3.747m collectively owed by 13 airlines as at end-June 2018.
Bahamas ‘inconsistent’ in anti-corruption battle
The US government says The Bahamas’ anti-corruption laws have been “inconsistently applied” amid a decades-old system of political patronage that has “plagued” the country.
Two BTVI staffers dismissed for theft
TWO Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute staff members have been fired for stealing following an independent investigation by its board of directors.
PM promises nurses: I’ll sort money
AFTER protesting several times this week over overtime pay concerns, Bahamas Nurses Union President Amancha Williams said nurses were finally able to meet with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday, who she says promised to ensure the payments are made even if it comes out of “his own salary”.
Fake Nygard video reported to police
HUMAN Rights Bahamas yesterday insisted it did not sponsor a “sham” video that “maliciously and heartlessly exploits” the victims of embattled Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard’s alleged sex trafficking ring.
UPDATED: Halson Moultrie quits FNM
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie resigned from the Free National Movement yesterday in a shock move, insisting his personal convictions collided with continued affiliation with the organisation.
OVER-65s WON’T HAVE UK VACCINE: Govt follows other countries in holding off rollout to elderly
OXFORD-ASTRAZENECA’S COVID-19 vaccine will only be given to people between 18 and 65, though this may change as scientific studies about the effectiveness of the vaccine in the over-65 population are reviewed.
An archaic judicial system
The entire nation knows that I am a disbarred lawyer acting now as a so-called media personality and radio talk show host. This illustrates that when one door is closed in one’s face one must adapt and recalibrate one’s career path. In many ways I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the experience and knowledge which I would have gained after disbarment. They could not have been learned or imparted from an Ivy League College or university. They came with the licks and knocks of life itself.
How many more, Jah, must carry this load?
It is with an acute sense of pain that I write to express my deep concern as a Bahamian father/grandfather/brother/uncle, against the barbaric acts being perpetrated on our young Bahamian men, by other young Bahamian men. My pain, although not resulting from some physical trauma on my being, is no less painful, for it originates from deep within my soul.
Pinder surpasses 200 three pointers made
TYLER Pinder continues to deliver standout performances during his senior season and notched another career milestone.
McFall having standout junior season
JONATHAN McFall is having a standout junior season for the Chowan Hawks in NCAA Division II basketball.
McKay Jr named Player of the Week
HE is only in his freshman year, but already Bahamian Gregory McKay Jr is making a name for himself with the Hosanna College Warbirds men’s basketball team in the New South Athletic Conference.
Knowles and Saints eye championship repeat
Although they have a slightly different team this year, Theo Knowles is still confident that his Pasadena Faith Saints men’s basketball team can repeat as the 2021 Texas A1 State champions.
BLTA extends best wishes to female college players
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates Grand Bahamian Abigail Simms on her historic ranking in the national polls for Indiana Tech. At the same time, the BLTA extends best wishes to all of their college players, who are well in the tennis season.
Teenager on sex charge
A TEENAGER who is accused of having sex with a minor was yesterday remanded in custody.
Two Haitian men fined
TWO Haitian men who were found living on two different islands without the required legal documents were each fined $300 yesterday.
FINED FOR CURFEW BREACH
A MAN who claimed he violated the nightly curfew because he went to drop off his children at home was fined $600 yesterday.
Man charged with murder
A 27-year-old man was charged with murder in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Dispute resolution ‘can help to deal with case backlog’
ALTERNATIVE dispute resolution can bring resolve to the “burgeoning backlog of cases” in the court system, according to Michael Diggiss, chair of the Bahamas branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).
Thursday, February 4
EDITORIAL: Public purse empty - but look at the unpaid taxes
IS it any wonder our country is in the financial state it’s in?
STATESIDE: Biden brings back normalcy even as Trump’s minions start making their move
YESTERDAY marked a couple of anniversaries in very recent American political history. Both seem to be historically significant. And both fundamentally concern just one person.
FRONT PORCH – Joe Biden: repairer of the breach
At 78, with his wizened face and white mane grown long at the back, President Joe Biden somewhat resembles Sir Ian McKellen’s Gandalf from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Like the JRR Tolkien wizard, in countenance and character, Biden is the archetype of the wise man.
Aviation bills are passed in Parliament
THE House of Assembly passed a compendium of aviation bills yesterday, one of which seeks to set up the necessary infrastructure so that the country can monetise its airspace.
Hanna Martin ‘does not know extent of Nygard links’ to PLP
ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin said she does not know the extent of the personal or political relationships Peter Nygard cultivated with people in the Progressive Liberal Party.
Govt ‘very close’ to Grand Bahama airport deal
TOURISM and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said the government is “very close” to acquiring the Grand Bahama International Airport from the Hutchison Group.
‘We’ll listen to valuable ideas’
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells says while his ministry considers all recommendations made by medical experts to help strengthen the country’s fight against the COVID-19, it will only follow those that are “salient” and “valuable”.
Training for vaccinations has begun
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells says training for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines has already begun as the country awaits the arrival of its first vaccines.
Labour director has recommended severance packages
LABOUR director John Pinder said he has recommended to some major employers that they offer severance packages to furloughed workers who may need the assistance.
Aliv set to double Cable ‘contribution’
Aliv is on track to double last year’s $8m “contribution” to Cable Bahamas’ results, its top executive revealed yesterday, while reiterating it was “never a quick dash to the finish line” on net profitability.
Union seeking answers as CIBC sale collapses
A trade union leader is today hoping to today discover whether CIBC’s efforts to exit majority FirstCaribbean ownership have hit “the end of the road” following the collapse of a $797m deal.
Arrears hit $600m as 40% of property tax bills don’t reach
Up to 40 percent of real property tax bills never reach the intended taxpayer, the Auditor General’s Office revealed yesterday, as unpaid arrears breached the $600m mark.
Tax break scrutiny urged as Albany’s exemption $23m
The high-end Albany project received more than $23m in tax breaks during the 2017-2018 fiscal year as the government’s financial watchdog called for a “cost benefit analysis” on all such exemptions.
You Go Girl – Leah Davis gets passionate about charitable causes
“Running my own marketing agency was always on the cards for me, the question had always been, when would be the right time?” That was the question Leah Davis, a 20-year marketing executive asked herself. The answer to the “right time” question was, surprisingly, at the start of a global pandemic.
Complaint over AG’s ‘threat’ to be heard
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie has referred a complaint Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis made against Attorney General Carl Bethel to the Committee of Privileges yesterday, despite opposition from the governing side.
Revenge porn post ends in jail
A 21-year-old man who sent naked pictures of his children’s mother to her co-workers was yesterday sentenced to nine months in prison.
‘Most nurses have already been paid’
AS nurses demonstrated in Rawson Square for money they say is owed to them over a two-year period, Health Minister Renward Wells told the press the government has paid nurses $162,000 in overtime between March and September last year.
‘PLEASE DON’T LET ME DIE’: Desperate last words of driver dragged from car and stabbed to death
BYSTANDERS who say they witnessed Tuesday night’s latest murder said the victim’s last words were “man, don’t let me die”.
Campbell praise
If Oscars were given for a job well done, without hesitation I would nominate Jomo Campbell.
Gov't eyes 'self-sustaining aviation regulation regime
The Government yesterday moved to reform "outdated" aviation regulation by separating air navigation services from the Civil Aviation Authority and paving the way to charge overflight fees.
Restaurants back plan for ‘capacity certificate
Restaurant operators yesterday backed calls for the creation of a formal "Capacity Certificate” mechanism that would allow the sector to resume indoor dining at 50 percent occupancy.
Gov't pushes on PPP financing for airports
The Government has "shifted" to a public-private partnership (PPP) model to finance "hundreds of millions of dollars in investments" for Family Island airports, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.
Firms 'understate' $18.7m Business Licence turnover
Six companies reported "significantly understated turnover" worth a collective $18.674m on their business licence renewals during the 2017-2018 fiscal year, it was revealed yesterday.
Ayton scores 13 points in loss
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson punctuated a 28-point performance with a soaring, one-handed alley-oop jam during a decisive fourth-quarter surge, and the New Orleans Pelicans soundly defeated the Phoenix Suns 123-101 last night.
NFL: Mike Strachan invited to 2021 Draft Scouting Combine
MIKE Strachan reached another important milestone on his path to the National Football League when he received an invitation to the league’s official 2021 Draft Scouting Combine.
Magnum to be honoured for Final Four run
Magnum Rolle will be one of several players honoured by the Louisiana State University Tigers’ men’s basketball programme for their Final Four run in the 2006 NCAA Tournament.
Hield earns double double, Kings hold off the Celtics
SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — De’Aaron Fox had 26 points and 11 assists, Chavano “Buddy” Hield made two free throws with six-tenths of a second remaining and the Sacramento Kings held off the short-handed Boston Celtics 116-111 last night.
It’s Miller time
Subsequent to the 2017 general election, the talk within the official Opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was the goal of rebranding its image – a public relations exercise to regain the trust of the Bahamian people.
ART OF GRAPHIX: The graphic benefits from a design career
A graphic designer is a professional responsible for designing contents for products and various activities related to print, advertising, website, magazines, brand identity and games. This role calls for understanding a client’s needs before making a design decision. There are many benefits involved with being a graphic designer, both job and lifestyle-related. A good salary is not the only thing that matters.
Bahamas a nation of comedians
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas pretends to be a first world nation but in reality we are third world if not less when it comes down to political accountability and transparency. We talk and sometimes walk a big talk but we are almost a nation of comedians. Here is why.
Man denies housebreaking charge
A 32-year-old man who denied breaking into a woman’s house to steal an assortment of electronics was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial.
Jamaicans ‘bought visas’ from officer
THREE Jamaican women, caught residing in the country on fraudulent extension visas they claim they bought from an immigration officer, were each fined $3,000 yesterday.
SIX MORE CASES IN NEW PROVIDENCE
THE Ministry of Health recorded six cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday.
Wednesday, February 3
EDITORIAL: The right move to protect children – but don’t stop now
WHEN a video circulated on social media showing staff beating children in a children’s home, there was understandable anger.
ALICIA WALLACE: It’s our job to protect young girls by recognising the reality facing us
The issue of sexual violence against women and girls is in the media too often for us to pretend the incidents are isolated or separate from systemic issues. We struggle to recognise and address some of those issues, such as capitalism and misogyny, while others are universal enough to receive widespread acknowledgement.
‘Tackling domestic violence part of police plan’
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said yesterday that domestic violence and protection of people at risk is one of the priorities of his policing plan.
Appointment of former policeman at Immigration ‘not a slight’
IMMIGRATION Minister Elsworth Johnson has defended the appointment of a former police officer to assistant director at the Department of Immigration, saying officials wanted to bring in someone not connected to the agency who had the expertise to help crack down on internal illegal operations.
D’Aguilar: Things will improve by third quarter
WITH the continued roll-out of several COVID-19 vaccines abroad, Tourism Minister Dionisio d’Aguilar said yesterday he expects “things will begin to improve” in the country’s tourism industry by the third quarter of the year.
‘Adequate’ policing to deal with fish fry crowds
AMID complaints of large crowds gathering at the popular Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle said he thinks there is adequate police presence at the site.
Passport offices plan for Family Islands
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Darren Henfield said yesterday the government hopes to establish passport offices on several Family Islands that will make it more accessible for residents in those communities to collect the important documents.
Entrepreneur fears investment ‘at risk’ over $700k losses
A downtown Nassau nightclub and restaurant entrepreneur yesterday voiced fears his latest investment is “at risk” after losing more than $700,000 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Insurer challenge to IMF’s proposal
A top insurer yesterday challenged how The Bahamas could enforce the IMF’s “mandatory property insurance” proposal when it is currently failing to do this with existing laws.
$2m PI entrepreneur takes govt to court
The entrepreneur behind the proposed $2m restoration of Paradise Island’s lighthouse has initiated legal action against the government for failing to give effect to his crown land lease.
Insurers hope policy lapse increase is ‘bottoming out’
Bahamian life and health insurers are hoping the “noticeable increase” in policy lapses inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic “bottomed out” in 2020’s final quarter, it was revealed yesterday.
NHI: We’ll protect 90% of Bahamians by 2025
The National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme is targeting a rapid expansion that aims to provide “more than 90 percent” of Bahamians with its basic primary care coverage by 2025.
Stabbed to death after car accident
AN argument after a car accident at the junction of Fifth Street and Palm Tree Avenue yesterday led to a man being stabbed to death, police said.
PLP old guard signed on for fight in 2022
THE National General Council of the Progressive Liberal Party ratified 18 candidates for the next general election last night.
Six newcomers join FNM’s candidate list
THE Free National Movement has ratified 17 candidates, including some newcomers and 11 incumbents, to contest the next general election.
Beating care home kids to be banned
SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell said yesterday his ministry plans to eliminate corporal punishment in all children’s homes following recommendations from the National Child Protection Council that the practice be “ceased” immediately.
Focus on Nygard - not on the police
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said yesterday people should focus on sex crime allegations against fashion mogul Peter Nygard and not claims that link him to corruption by members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
AT LAST - HELP IS ON THE WAY: Up to 100,000 doses of COVID vaccine to arrive within weeks
THE country is expected to receive up to 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine beginning the second half of this month through the second quarter of 2021, the Office of the Prime Minister has announced.
Trying to lose next election?
While driving to work this morning and being made aware of the protests by the Nurses Union, the dissatisfactions of the Customs Union and disappointments of the Hotel Union, along with the actions/non-actions by the FNM government with regards to Abaco and Grand Bahama, following hurricane Dorian and mostly the general feeling amongst Bahamians on the whole, a thought/realisation suddenly hit me, “are the FNM intentionally trying to lose the next election”?
Tribute to Zelma Dean
I received news recently about the sad demise of Zelma Dean. I was a colleague of Mrs Dean’s in the late 60s, when she was a maths teacher at Robinson Road School, through to the late 70s when the school became C H Reeves Junior High and Mrs Dean was the principal.
Fenton in second straight Super Bowl
IT’S very rare that a professional athlete gets to play for two consecutive titles in any sport in the same state that he was born in.
GB schools bracing for return of sporting activities
With classroom sessions back in rotation since November, schools in Grand Bahama are now bracing for the return of their sporting activities.
IC Bahamas Junior Series hosts its first tennis tournament of the year
OVER the weekend, the IC Bahamas Junior Series hosted its first tournament of 2021 for players in the under-10 and under-12 categories at the National Tennis Centre (NTC).
Minister: Difficult to put limits on social welfare
A Cabinet minister yesterday said it was difficult to place timelines and limits on the Government's COVID-19 social assistance initiatives given the continued uncertainty created by the pandemic.
Govt ‘very close’ on Lucayan re-opening
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government is “very close” to deciding when the Grand Lucayan hotel will reopen after it missed the original February 1 timeline set by the resort's Board.
Minister disputes IMF over jobless benefits
A Cabinet minister has disputed assertions by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that up to 13,500 "informal economy" workers may have been unable to obtain COVID unemployment benefits.
Bahamian excursion firms hit foreign tax 'imbalance'
Bahamian excursion operators are again accusing foreign charter vessels of failing to pay their fair share in taxes and leaving them at a competitive disadvantage.
Nygard distraction
It is with great and predictable fanfare that the FNM and its allies have suddenly begun to promote the sordid tales emerging about Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard and his legal travails abroad.
GB Chamber chief's airport deal hopes
Grand Bahama's Chamber of Commerce president says he expects the Government’s purchase of Grand Bahama International Airport could be announced by the month's end.
Teen accused of murder
A TEENAGER was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday with attempted murder.
Car importer fined
A CAR importer who tried to sell fraudulent dock receipts he made in the name of a local shipping company was yesterday fined $5,000.
Man falsely accused uncle of assault
A MAN who went to a police station and falsely accused his uncle of assaulting him with a gun in an attempt to get him arrested was yesterday fined $500.
Freeport economy
Perhaps in a move to get under the skin of the Free National Movement administration that sacked him from the Hotel Corporation in 2018, the outspoken Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine tabled a private Bill for an Act to repeal the Ocean Industries Incorporated (Aragonite Mining Encouragement) 1971 in the House of Assembly in early December 2020.
Tuesday, February 2
The story behind wisdom teeth
EVER wondered why the third molars are called “wisdom teeth”?
Learning made fun with Rosheeda Rolle
Rosheeda Rolle is a firm believer that learning should be fun; it should be engaging for the students and allow them to be creative.
National Student of the Year nominee is a little girl with big dreams
EVEN at the age of 10, Delronae Mitchell understands the magnitude of the first Black and South Asian-American female Vice President of the United States of America being sworn into office.
EDITORIAL: Money is tight - but straight answers are priceless
PROMISES, promises. They don’t get you very far.
PETER YOUNG: We’ve enough on our plate - but climate change can’t be put off 'til tomorrow
Since writing last week, in the context of Britain’s special relationship with the US, about the UN Climate Change conference - known as COP 26 and to be hosted by the UK in Scotland in November - I have seen reports of another UK climate initiative that was announced on January 25. This is worth covering today because I believe The Bahamas could benefit from it. As everyone knows, an archipelagic nation with its low lying islands is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change and the threat of rising sea levels from global warming.
FACE TO FACE: It was all so different when police and communities worked together - to everyone’s benefit
I called up an old friend to say happy birthday yesterday, and I realised that sometimes, we miss opportunities to show gratitude and give merit to those who work selflessly for the betterment of their country. Retired Chief Superintendent of Police Derek Burrows is no exception.
Man accused of having child porn
A 24-year-old Freeport man, accused of possessing a child pornography video, was arraigned in Grand Bahama yesterday.
There’s a new chargé in charge
THE United States has appointed Usha E Pitts as the new chargé d’affaires to The Bahamas. She paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield at the ministry’s offices yesterday.
Final report on marijuana due ‘in first quarter of year’
THE Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana hopes to submit its final report surrounding the use of marijuana to the government in the first quarter of this year, according BNCM co-chair Quinn McCartney.
Tribute to swim coach Bell
THE Grand Bahama community paid final farewell to educator and swim coach Albert ‘Bert’ Bell who was laid to rest on Saturday at the Grand Bahama Memorial Park.
Sky chief: COVID-19 sickness hit $28m ‘sham loan’ defence
Sky Bahamas’ former principal says he failed to meet the deadline for filing a defence to the $28m “bogus loan conspiracy” claims against him because he contracted COVID-19.
No automatic lending rise via Central Bank ‘shackles’ ease
The Central Bank’s move to lift “the shackles” on lending limits does not necessarily mean borrowers will be able to obtain extra credit, commercial bank chiefs warned yesterday.
‘True extent’ of loan delinquency soon revealed
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday warned that the “true extent” of COVID-19 loan delinquencies will soon reveal itself as the final 8.5 percent of credit balances in deferral exit these arrangements.
Tourism return to pre-COVID peak in 2023
The start of tourism’s revival has been “pushed back” beyond the peak winter season, the Central Bank’s governor warned yesterday, with a return to top performance not expected until 2023.
‘No delusions’ on foreign reserves
The Central Bank has “no delusions” over an external reserves mix that will likely fall below pre-pandemic levels of $1.5bn prior to COVID-19 recovery starting, its governor said yesterday.
GameStop for short sellers?
ActivTrades
IT was March 2010, in the aftermath of, the then, worst financial crisis since the 1930’s, when Michael Lewis, an American author and financial journalist, published his best-selling book The Big Short.
Why did police have to shoot?
THE sister of a man who died under a hail of bullets from police at the Bahamas Hot Rod Association track on Sunday night believes officers had no reason to shoot him.
Nygard delivered new court blow
THE Court of Appeal yesterday refused Peter Nygard’s application for leave to appeal a contempt conviction for breaching an injunction that banned him from publishing stolen emails from environmental group Save The Bays.
Customs union protests at ‘outside’ recruitment
THE BAHAMAS Customs, Immigration and Allied Workers Union has filed a trade dispute over the appointment of a new assistant director at the Department of Immigration.
SHOW US THE MONEY: Fed-up nurses take action over failure to pay for overtime
HUNDREDS of nurses gathered outside the Ministry of Health yesterday morning, waiting up to three hours in some cases for Health Minister Renward Wells to come and address their overtime pay concerns.
Bail granted in theft case
A MAN who denied breaking into a woman’s car to steal over $1,000 worth of appliances was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial.
RBC OPENS NEW OFFICE AT ALBANY
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has moved closer to its high net worth clients by opening an office at Albany to serve such customers.
BPC DEMANDS $200K FROM ACTIVIST OPPONENTS
The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) is demanding that environmental activists lodge a $200,000 bond to cover its legal costs associated with defending their Judicial Review action.
Governor: When will the penny drop?
The Central Bank's governor yesterday said the speed at which Bahamians are redeeming one-cent coins is presently below his expectations with less than $1m worth handed in to-date.
Man accused of murder
A 25-year-old man was charged with murder in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
A year in prison for carrying handgun
A 27-year-old man who was caught carrying a handgun he claimed he found in a field in which he was working was yesterday sentenced to one year in prison.
Help our children
Today (19/1/20) I received a very disturbing video on social media of the physical and psychological abuse being committed on well over a dozen children by four or five female staff at the Children’s Emergency Hostel. This is totally unacceptable and heads should roll for this. These women should hang their heads in shame for their behaviour.
PLP and vested interests
In the United States, the production and repetition of empty political slogans (“Yes we Can”, “Make America Great Again”, etc.) have come to mask not only the widening gap between lofty professed ideals and persistently depressing outcomes, but also the minuscule distinction between the parties themselves on virtually any matter of substance.
ZNS angers at ‘pay for it or lose it’ plan on medical insurance
UNIONS representing workers and managers at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas are outraged at executive management’s reported plan to force employees to pay for their medical insurance or drop it completely.
Saunders gets opportunity to play pro football in Spain
Mavin Saunders will have an opportunity to play football at the professional level with a club in Spain.
Ayton books double double, Suns beat the Mavs by one
Booker hits winning 3 in return
DALLAS (AP) — Devin Booker hit a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left in his first game since January 22 and the Phoenix Suns rallied past the Dallas Mavericks for the second straight game, winning 109-108 last night.
Robinson, Chisholm on MLB pipeline’s top 100 prospect list
KRISTIAN Robinson and Jazz Chisholm were again featured on Major League Baseball Pipeline’s Top 100 prospect list.
Coleby grabs season high 19 rebounds in win, Knowles cans 16 in loss
THE race for the final playoff spot in Turkey’s Turkish Basketball First League with both Dwight Coleby and Zane Knowles looking to secure spots for their respective clubs.
Throwers take advantage of Blue Chips meet
AMIDST the postponement of the CARIFTA Games and not too many meets to compete in, throwers are taking advantage of the Blue Chips Throwers Club’s series of events at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
Biden blow to athletes
According to the Bahamas COVID-19 Dashboard, as of January 22, there have been 8,088 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 6,720 recoveries.
Monday, February 1
Man shot dead on Deveaux Street
A MAN was shot and killed on Deveaux Street Monday morning, becoming the nation’s 11th murder victim for the year.
EDITORIAL: The new PLP - same as the old one?
SO much for a new-look Progressive Liberal Party.
WORLD VIEW: A second UN term for a champion of causes crucial to the Caribbean
UNITED Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced his availability to serve a second term when his current term ends on December 31.
INSIGHT: When you read ‘no comment’ or ‘not available’ it’s not for a lack of trying
Based on many accounts of ongoing experiences, it is evident the once treasured Fourth Estate of The Bahamas is now an ignored entity which is shown much disrespect by its formerly eager partners - Bahamian Cabinet Ministers.
INSIGHT: Clumsy words which could cost the government dear
LAST week’s events in the House of Assembly may rank among the darkest of days of Bahamian political history. As a people, we have far too often entertained the level of buffoonery that goes on when the people’s business should be what’s being tended to. Nonetheless, as we have not made it clear to our Members of Parliament the code of conduct we would like to see adhered to, we continue to be subjected to the same type of antics.
BTVI probe into misconduct claim
Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute is carrying out an investigation into alleged misconduct, board chairman Kevin Basden has told The Tribune.
Davis criticism of PM ‘may have exposed him to prosecution’
THE Office of the Attorney General said Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis has exposed himself to possible criminal prosecution for claiming that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis breached rules of the emergency powers order.
Large blaze breaks out at Abaco landfill site
THE Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) advises residents of Abaco to report unauthorised dumping and foraging at the Great Abaco Sanitary Landfill, located on Snake Cay Road, in the wake of a large fire that continues to burn at the site.
Cancelled flights - but no word of Bahamians stuck in Canada
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has no reports of Bahamians being stuck in Canada after airlines there cancelled Caribbean flights.
COVID cuts corporate revenues by up to 70%
Corporate Bahamas saw the COVID-19 pandemic slash its 2020 revenues by up to 70 percent, with business licence filings placing the average fall-off between 40 to 50 percent.
Govt backs ‘mandatory’ property insurance call
The government has “agreed” that property insurance must be mandatory throughout The Bahamas with Dorian-related reinsurance inflows giving the external reserves a $1.3bn boost.
Revenue gap ‘shrinks’ but deficit still $736m
Tourism and the economy’s gradual re-opening enabled the government to narrow the gap between its revenue forecasts and outturn despite a $736.1m first half deficit, it was revealed yesterday.
Gross govt borrowing leaps four-fold to $2bn
The government’s gross borrowings leapt four-fold year-over-year to more than $2bn during the six months to end-2020, it was revealed yesterday, exceeding what was projected for the full fiscal year.
16 candidates for PLP's election list
THE Candidates Committee of the Progressive Liberal Party has finalised 16 candidates to represent the party in the next general election, a group that includes old hands and new faces that will help form the PLP’s team - in addition to the five incumbent PLP MPs.
Dames declares all claims will be examined
MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames has again expressed confidence in the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s capability to investigate local complaints against Lyford Cay homeowner Peter Nygard despite allegations of bribery made against officers.
NOTHING TO HIDE: Christie and Davis insist party’s reputation is clear amid Nygard allegations
FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie said in a new Canadian television programme that he has “no fear of any investigation” into his conduct in public life concerning Peter Nygard.
Lashann Higgs and club suffer 87-69 loss to 3rd ranked Girona
CAN it get any better for Harbour Island native Lashann Higgs and her Club Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre in the Spanish Women’s Professional Basketball League?
Clarke and Blazers suffer second straight match loss
SYDNEY Clarke and her University of Arlington Blazers at Birmingham suffered their second straight match loss, dropping a 5-2 decision to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Friday at the Ken Byers Tennis Complex in Atlanta.
Complaints against police
The violent attack on the 117th United States Congress and US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 6th must be of concern to law-enforcement agencies and democratic governments and societies around the world, particularly in this region.
Timing is everything over credit bureau
Your Monday, January 18th, Business Section headlines: “Credit Bureau to hit 30% borrowers”. Timing is everything it is said and this just confirms it.
Where will Bahamians go?`
I operate a travel ASUE on WhatsApp and have sent clients on a regular basis to both Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Florida has always been a popular destination for these travellers — on any given long weekend look for the suitcases in Sawgrass!
Collie Jr continues productive start to season for Warriors
DOMINIQUE Collie Jr continues his productive start to the season at the plate for the Webber International University Warriors baseball.
'Make current taxes work before the income option'
The private sector is urging the Government to eliminate wasteful spending, and collect all revenues currently on the books, before it hits businesses with new and/or increased taxes.
Canada in new ‘stumbling block’ for tourism’s revival
Canada's decision to halt all flights by its airlines to The Bahamas until April 30 was yesterday branded "another stumbling block along the road to recovery" for this nation's battered tourism industry.
Police seize over $20k fake currency
Police seized more than $22,000 in counterfeit Bahamian currency last year even though the ratio of fake notes to genuine bills appears to be dropping.
Arawak Cay chief issues early Sunday closing call
Arawak Cay's president is urging the Government to enforce the popular Fish Fry destination's closure on Sundays from 6pm for four months to combat patrons failing to abide by COVID-19 protocols.
Ayton and Hield take NBA spotlight
CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield enjoyed his best shooting stretch of the season the last three games in the state of Florida while Deandre Ayton restarted his streak of double doubles over the weekend.
BBF does not have proper training venue
ALREADY faced with the task of securing the funding to travel to the FIBA AmeriCup 2020 Qualifier in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas Basketball Federation now finds itself without the proper venue to train in.
Swimmers qualify for postponed Carifta games
ALTHOUGH it was announced last week that the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Barbados have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, more than a dozen swimmers have attained the qualifying standards at the Alpha Aquatics Invitational.
Shaunae Miller-Uibo clocks personal best, wins 200m
And erases Pauline Davis-Thompson’s national record
Another year and another impressive performance for Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
Police shoot dead fleeing suspect
A MAN was killed in a police-involved shooting yesterday after he attempted to “evade” officers, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.
