Friday, April 29
Govt discussing how to bring relief to gas operators and consumers
THE Davis administration is currently discussing how best it can bring relief to both gas operators and consumers in response to rising fuel prices sparked by the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis on Friday.
Digital assets industry 'a major opportunity' for the Bahamas
PRESS Secretary Clint Watson said the government is working with key stakeholders to ensure that Bahamians can benefit from the digital assets industry.
'Not feasible' to remove VAT on breadbasket items
ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis maintained on Friday that removing value added tax on breadbasket items is not feasible at this time, noting the tax regime was a necessary initiative meant to reduce government borrowing and improve the nation’s overall “fiscal health.”
Former World leaders at crypto conference
At the FTX/Salt Cryptocurrency Conference at Baha Mar Convention Center on Thursday, on the second day featuring a financial panel presentation...
Marco Alert System 'Testing Phase' underway
The Royal Bahamas Police Force, in conjunction with its partners, officially began the “Testing Phase” of the Marco Alert System on Friday at 2pm.
DIANE PHILLIPS: What it takes to breathe new life into historic Nassau
PARTS of this column first appeared nearly five years ago. Sadly, it remains all too relevant. The Tribune has agreed to re-run it today at my request in light of the Davis administration’s commitment to rescuing and resuscitating the historic city of Nassau.
The impossible made real
HOW many times in your life have you said something like this? “That could never happen. It’s impossible.” “Not in my wildest dreams can I imagine that ever coming true.” “I’ll never get through this. It’s over. This is all there is or ever will be.” “No way. Not now, not ever.”
First Pine Crest homes to be completed next month
THE first set of homes in the government’s affordable housing programme will be completed next month, according to Jobeth Coleby-Davis as she insisted the construction process aligned with the highest standards available.
‘Inflation is raising costs for helping the hungry’
A LOCAL feeding organisation says the current period of inflation as well as the reintroduction of value added tax on breadbasket items has increased its operational costs.
Ingraham tours GB for book launch
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham presented his new book to Grand Bahama school principals at the Sir Charles Hayward Library yesterday.
Summit to discuss COVID and climate change
REGIONAL leaders are expected to discuss COVID-19’s impact, the effects of climate change as well as disaster preparedness at the ninth Summit of the Americas scheduled to be held in Los Angeles this summer.
‘Progress being made’ in appointing first US ambassador since 2011
US Senator Christopher Dodd said he’s been told that officials are making progress to find a new US ambassador to The Bahamas, more than ten years after the last American ambassador stepped down.
‘World’s in worst state that I have ever seen’
Super Value’s principal has voiced hope that “we can do better than” the World Bank’s dire prediction of high food prices lasting for three years, but conceded: “The world is in the worst state I’ve ever seen.”
Disney triples construction workforce promise to 300
Disney Cruise Line yesterday revealed it is near-tripling the number of construction jobs created by its Lighthouse Point project to 300 amid hopes that Eleuthera can attract up to $1bn in total investment over the next decade.
Vacation rental fears on ‘full package’ VAT
A Bahamian vacation rental website developer yesterday voiced concern that the Government’s plans to impose VAT on “the full package” will undermine the industry’s affordability and competitiveness.
‘Creatures of evolution’: Digital firm to top $130m
A Bahamian digital payments provider yesterday predicted it will this year “top” the $130m worth of transactions it settled in 2021, and said of this shift: “This is not going to be the norm; it is the norm.”
Airports must give ‘awe, not dismay’
A senior Ministry of Tourism official yesterday affirmed that stopover visitors generate “26 times’ more in visitor spending” than cruise passengers as he hailed Eleuthera for “leading the way in increased airlift” capacity.
Recognise the talent within all employees
In large companies and government agencies, we often run into the challenge of viewing team members as multiple ‘fish’ swimming in a large ocean. Sometimes our companies become so large and impersonal that people - and their talents and gifts - get lost in the fray. I understand this all too well, as I have in many cases felt undervalued in various companies where I have served, both socially and from a work perspective.
Deltec chief: Banks quietly investing in crypto talents
A Bahamian financial institution’s chief executive yesterday said traditional financial services providers are quietly making “huge investments” in digital assets talent and infrastructure as they embrace the inevitability of its evolution.
Traditional finance providers have ‘duty’ to embrace crypto
Deltec Bank & Trust’s chairman yesterday asserted that traditional financial services providers have a “duty” to help innovators in the digital assets and crypto currency space.
SOE reforms critical to economic revival
For those who pay attention to The Bahamas’ affairs, it is clear the challenges we face today could be with us for a while yet.
Suns finish off Pelicans in Game 6
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Chris Paul has accomplished so many things in his 17 NBA seasons that it's nearly impossible to rank his Mount Rushmore moments.
Murder in Grand Bahama takes year’s tally to 48
A MAN believed to be in his early 40s was shot and killed at his home in Grand Bahama early yesterday morning, pushing the country’s murder count to 48 so far for the year, according to this newspaper’s records.
PM: ‘We’re first to sell blue carbon credits’
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has given a glimpse into what his administration’s plan for economic and climate resiliency for The Bahamas will look like amid an inflationary climate and a looming hurricane season.
‘I struggled with breadbasket VAT decision’
ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin admitted yesterday that she struggled with the Davis administration’s decision to return value added tax to breadbasket items, adding that she hoped all food items would be free of the tax one day.
MAN SHOT DEAD BY POLICE ‘FIRED FIRST’: Officers’ vehicle struck by bullets during gun battle
A MAN, who allegedly shot at police, was killed by officers on Antigua Street yesterday.
Two accused in cases of causing harm
TWO men were granted bail after being charged in Magistrate Court’s yesterday on separate charges of causing harm.
Man in court over assault rifle find
A MAN was charged yesterday after being found in possession of a prohibited assault rifle and 33 lbs of drugs.
Lucayan Basketball Club gets some hardware
ALTHOUGH they fell short of last year’s success, head coach Ricardo Lees said he was still satisfied with the performances of his Lucayan Basketball Club at the three-day Super 6 Tournament in Orlando, Florida.
Jazz, Marlins sweep Fox and Nationals
JAZZ Chisholm Jr and the Miami Marlins completed a three-game sweep over Lucius Fox and the Washington Nationals.
In WNBA, Jonquel Jones and Sun begin preseason on Sunday
EXPECTATIONS loom large for reigning WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones and her Connecticut Sun as the franchise is expected to be a major contender once again in pursuit of its first title.
Miller praises PM for helping to boost morale of CARIFTA athletes in Jamaica
IMMEDIATE past president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee Wellington Miller is in agreement with Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis that sports is a deterrent to crime in the country.
Miller-Tooley named executive director of Bahamas Bowl
A RECOGNISED leader in the sports industry, Lea Miller-Tooley has been named the executive director of ESPN Events’ Bahamas Bowl.
Moncur issue is a distraction
The former Senator the Hon Rodney Moncur and I go back decades as community activists and influencers. He has no known public scandal attached to his name.
Bitcoin and The Bahamas
Boy full blast all cylinders the PR from OPM but possibly they could have done a Google search first before all the claims - exclamations and use of superlatives.
Man denies series of Paradise Island thefts
A MAN was charged in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a series of thefts on Paradise Island that included over $5,000 worth of smart TVs and almost $200 worth of alcohol.
Thursday, April 28
Jamaica studying Bahamas unemployment insurance
JAMAICAN officials are in The Bahamas studying its unemployment insurance programme as part of their feasibility study concerned with introducing the benefit to their country.
FRONT PORCH – Hubris: Wavering between reality and fantasy
Years ago in a high school English literature class reading and studying Macbeth, many of the students were surprised that the eponymous leading character constantly refused to heed the warnings of his impending doom as he vaingloriously pursued his bloody ambitions.
EDITORIAL: Is our permit system up to scratch?
A COURT case in today’s Tribune raises interesting questions about the permit process in this country.
Celebrating our heritage
CLIMATE change’s potential impact to Bahamian culture was highlighted at a ceremony at Clifton Heritage National Park celebrating World Heritage Day yesterday.
STATESIDE: Victory doubts over GOP vote?
THE Republicans are widely favored to win majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate this November. This has been a heartening rallying cry for the GOP, but their increasingly smug assurance of victory might be faltering a bit these days.
Sears: I’m not involved with WSC operations
WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears says he is not personally involved in the operations of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, however, he is confident the utility provider’s board of directors will handle any issues and turn them over to the proper authorities if needed.
Miller: We won’t let the world decide our future
THE Climate Change and Carbon Markets Initiatives Bill 2022 demonstrates that The Bahamas will not sit idly by and allow the rest of the world to decide its future.
Hanchell: We need help
BISHOP Walter Hanchell said his organisation needs help to fight the stark rise in homelessness and hunger in New Providence over the past few years.
‘Thunderball’ causes storm on Staniel Cay
The Supreme Court this week extended the construction halt on a property at the centre of an escalating dispute between Staniel Cay homeowners over fears it is a boutique hotel development in disguise.
Permit ‘backdoor’ allows developers to evade law
The immediate past environment minister has warned that the permitting system “creates a backdoor” for developers “to cloak their boutique hotels as single family residences” and evade Bahamian law.
Super Value principal backs VAT’s breadbasket removal
Super Value’s principal yesterday backed calls to remove VAT from breadbasket foods as a means to ease the burden soaring inflation has imposed on hard-pressed consumers still struggling to recover from COVID-19’s fall-out.
Aliv: Third mobile player will damage consumers
Aliv is urging regulators to stop viewing the mobile market as “silos” in its approach to over-the-top (OTT) services such as What’s App, while warning that permitting a third market entrant could undermine investment in 5G technology.
‘No more time to avoid pain’ over NIB reforms
Governance reformers yesterday warned “there is no more time to avoid the pain” associated with saving the National Insurance Board (NIB) as they called for “a clear plan” of rescue that will gain widespread buy-in from society.
Celebrating Earth Day at Botanical Gardens
THE Botanical Gardens proved the perfect space for students and their teachers to celebrate Earth Day.
DPM pledges ‘innovative’ digital assets approvals
The deputy prime minister yesterday pledged that the Government’s revamped investment promotion and approvals agency will be “transparent” and “innovative” in how it handles applications from digital assets providers.
Second crypto exchange eyes Bahamas expansion
A second cryptocurrency exchange yesterday confirmed it plans to establish and grow a Bahamas presence although it has no plans yet to follow FTX in making this nation a headquarters.
FTX attorney: Be ‘thrilled’ at digital asset feedback
A former Cabinet minister yesterday said the private sector “should be thrilled that the Government has institutionalised” how it will be consulted on the future evolution of the digital assets industry.
Come to Bahamas, PM tells digital asset firms
The Prime Minister yesterday urged digital asset firms to consider establishing a physical presence in The Bahamas while hailing the “transformative” impact the sector will have for all industries and the wider economy.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Reaping the reward from our hospitality
Good service is critical to success in any business, especially in the hospitality sector.
Cartwright threatened with removal
DEPUTY House Speaker Sylvanus Petty threatened to have St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright removed from yesterday’s morning sitting of Parliament after the member continuously stood to argue with Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin as she made a contribution.
Work permit clampdown in restaurants, construction
LABOUR Director Robert Farquharson says his department has denied labour certificates in all restaurant manager applications and in the vast majority of applications for construction site supervisors and project managers since September, preventing the applicants from getting work permits.
GOING GLOBAL: PM hails potential of crypto industry for The Bahamas
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the arrival and presence of FTX underscores the “readiness of The Bahamas to be a home for global leaders in the crypto space.”
Definition of hypocrisy over war
While the western media agonises over Russia’s supposedly out-of-the-blue intervention in a war that their audiences probably do not realise has been going on since 2014, half a world away events are transpiring that show the staggering hypocrisy and double standards that neo-colonial politicians in certain countries continue to press upon the world.
Baseball prospect Adari Grant performs well in minor league camp
ADARI Grant has yet to receive his minor league assignment for the 2022 season, but the highly touted St Louis Cardinals prospect made enough of an impression in preseason minor league camp for franchise staff to take notice.
Foster signs with Barry University Buccaneers
ST Augustine’s College senior Malik Foster made it official with the Barry University Buccaneers and signed his letter of intent to join the men’s baseball programme next fall.
Two Bahamian players star in MLB game: Marlins’ Chisholm, Nats’ Fox
THEY were members of the same International Signing Class in 2015 and now seven years later, Jazz Chisholm Jr and Lucius Fox made Bahamian baseball history once again at the major league level.
Ayton, Suns look to end series tonight
Deandre Ayton said his Phoenix Suns refocused in one particular area to take a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven first round series against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Woman ‘stabbed boyfriend in eye’
A WOMAN was remanded to prison yesterday after she was charged with stabbing her boyfriend in his right eye.
Teenage thief ordered to pay back victim after car raid
A TEENAGER was yesterday ordered to compensate a woman whose car he broke into last month and stole over $1,000 worth of items.
Boy cursed caretaker on day he was spanked
A BOY who testified in court yesterday of his alleged beating at the Children’s Emergency Hostel admitted to cursing one of the caretakers and calling her a “b----” on the day he got spanked.
Thank you for rescuing me
I am writing this letter in the hopes that it may be read by the wonderful, caring couple who came to my aid last Saturday night.
Consultants and advisors
So, we chose advisors and consultants — let’s hope their choice or initial consideration for retention is based on critical criteria at the least in the area they are intended to be retained the person or persons have already shown their expertise and have been called on by a Ministry — a Minister - a Permanent Secretary or a Board.
Wednesday, April 27
ALICIA WALLACE: How to make groups work online - and what to avoid
THIS week, I joined two working groups on separate thematic areas, and these groups are meant to produce reports within a short time period.
EDITORIAL: Seizing the weapons - but we need to stop the flow
ACTING Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander is eager to show the successes police are securing on the street.
$400,000 donated to encourage backyard farming
THE Agricultural Development Organisation and Solutions AE donated nearly $400,000 to churches to promote backyard farming yesterday.
Food kitchens are planned throughout Family Islands
AGRICULTURE, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said his ministry is working with other government entities to promote national food sustainability and to introduce food kitchens throughout the Family Islands.
Public to see liveable wage proposals ‘this year’
LABOUR Minister Keith Bell said he expects legislation to introduce a liveable wage in The Bahamas to be presented to the public this year.
‘Hope and pray’: Food, energy cost hike may last three years
Bahamians were yesterday urged to “hope and pray” that the World Bank’s forecast of high food and energy costs lasting three years does not come true, with cooking oil and other staples increasing by up to 80 percent in recent months.
‘No more blight’ on Rum Cay’s revival
A Supreme Court judge says it is “difficult to digest” that the Prime Minister’s Office would assert a 15-acre Rum Cay land parcel was Crown Land when this totally contradicted evidence from the Government’s own surveyors.
Judge: ‘Difficult to digest’ Gov’ts Rum Cay claims
A Supreme Court judge says it is “difficult to digest” that the Prime Minister’s Office would assert a 15-acre Rum Cay land parcel was Crown Land when this totally contradicted evidence from the Government’s own surveyors.
Union chief: UoB liveable wage ‘can’t be brought in now’
The $2,625-$3,550 livable wage suggested by a University of the Bahamas study “cannot be implemented at this time”, a trade union leader argued yesterday, adding: “We’ve got to keep the hen that lays the eggs.”
Just 6% of clients hit by data breach at Sebas’ venture
The e-commerce platform owned by Sebas Bastian yesterday said only 6 percent of customers were impacted by a recent data breach as it sought to reassure that all necessary measures are being taken to rectify the problem.
Gov’t committed over liveable wage pledge
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government remains committed to “eliminating” the minimum wage and replacing it via a so-called “livable wage”, with legislation to give effect to this due to be released later this year.
BAMSI targets May for greenhouses roll-out
The Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute’s (BAMSI) chairman yesterday said the nationwide roll-out of its “commercial greenhouses” project will begin at the end of May.
‘Apology was promised to Osborne’
FORMER Works Minister Desmond Bannister allegedly promised to publicly apologise for the “wrong information” he gave about Darnell Osborne, but never did so, a former Bahamas Power and Light consultant claims in a new witness statement.
COVID cases doubled in two weeks
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville indicated that in the last two weeks, officials have watched the COVID-19 numbers “double”.
Armed robberies on the rise
ARMED robberies are on the rise in New Providence, according to Acting Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander who urged people to be vigilant as they move about.
‘Excellent’ results in crime fight
A HIGH-powered rifle capable of firing 200 rounds of ammunition, more than $35,000 and nearly 85 lbs of marijuana were some of the substantive discoveries of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Operation Ceasefire.
Unvaccinated lives matter
Bahamians are now cautiously optimistic that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is finally behind us, with declining infections and hospitalisations.
Restoring Nassau’s glory days
Every time I drive through downtown Nassau it depresses me.
Baha Mar snub
BAHA MAR... snubbed By PM! Years open incredible success but celebration snubbed by Prime Minister - Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of Tourism and virtually all of Cabinet as they were off to Regatta! A massive red-letter day...massive investor confidence, but No.
Teenager accused of gunpoint robbery
AN 18-year-old boy accused of robbing a man of his vehicle at gunpoint last week was denied bail yesterday.
Coaches Hall of Fame: Greene to be inducted
There’s a saying that it’s better late than never. For Bahamian Rolando “Lonnie” Greene, it couldn’t be any better as he looks forward to his induction into the Drake Relays Coaches Hall of Fame.
School cricket ‘in its infancy stage’
WHEN Corey Edwards was appointed as the new development officer for the Bahamas Cricket Association, one of the first initiatives he felt was needed was to get the sport included into the school curriculum that will be expanded with a national youth programme.
Stars to attend Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational gala at Baha Mar
LEGENDARY professional baseball player turned executive Derek Jeter will hold his inaugural Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational (DJCI) Gala at Baha Mar’s Performing Arts & Convention Center in The Bahamas on Saturday, April 30.
Rugby Sevens Qualifiers rock Nassau
RUGBY Americas North (RAN) hosted its Sevens Qualifiers over the weekend as the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium hosted the top programmes in the region looking to advance in further international competition.
Tuesday, April 26
PETER YOUNG: United Nations’ growing involvement in Ukraine
THE capacity of the United Nations to take meaningful action in dealing with a world crisis is all too often hampered by the veto system in the Security Council. After examining this in a recent column and discussing the need for UN reform, it may be helpful now to follow up with information about two new developments concerning the organisation’s involvement in Ukraine.
FACE TO FACE: A return to Eleuthera to be part of something truly special
WHEN Keyron Smith was a little boy growing up in Eleuthera, he was fascinated by the planes that would fly above his home across the street from the North Eleuthera Airport.
EDITORIAL: Be guided by experts on rolling back restrictions
IN yesterday’s Tribune, we reported that officials are monitoring a “slight increase” in COVID-19 cases over recent days. In today’s Tribune, you can read that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is discussing getting rid of mask mandates by summer.
Davis dismisses claims of conflict of interest over Rodney Moncur appointment
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis questioned how Rodney Moncur’s appointment as a “violence interrupter” in the Ministry of National Security could be considered a conflict of interest, adding he viewed the talk show host as someone who understood inner-city communities.
Joy for Jasmine as she lands full scholarship
GRAND Bahama student Jasmine Pinder is the very first recipient of the C Clarke Scholarship — a full-ride academic scholarship — to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Groundbreaking ceremony for FTX headquarters
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said FTX Digital Markets’ groundbreaking for its headquarters sent a strong message that The Bahamas is a safe place for international companies to set up shop.
Eric Carey to step down as BNT executive director
THE Bahamas National Trust announced yesterday that Eric Carey will step down as executive director on December 31.
BISX-listed Fund ‘stabilises’ with commitments for $8m
The BISX-listed Bahamas Property Fund has “stabilised” occupancies and rental rates at its flagship property “for the first time” in almost a decade amid expectations its current $8m capital raise will be fully subscribed.
QC, husband embroiled in ‘cynical’ condo battle
A Bahamian QC and her attorney husband have voiced hope that lengthy legal appeals can be avoided in their battle with a Nassau condo complex, which has accused them of “cynical” behaviour over $222,302 in disputed fees.
Biggest VAT increase from restaurants with zero rating elimination
Restaurants will likely be the sector that produces the biggest increase in VAT payments due to the elimination of zero ratings and exemptions, the Ministry of Finance’s top official has predicted.
Economist omits IMF bail-out for Bahamas forecast after 2 years
A prominent Caribbean economist yesterday omitted predictions that The Bahamas will require an International Monetary Fund (IMF) restructuring programme for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Tell the Bahamian taste
THE Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation will hold a “Taste and Tell” fair on Saturday to promote Bahamian made products.
BAIC chair focuses on better local distribution
THE Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation’s (BAIC) executive chairman yesterday said the agency is focused on improving the distribution of local farm produce as a means to improve the country’s food security.
Empowering youngsters
STUDENTS of the L W Young Boys and Girls Empowerment Club participated in a one-day seminar at the Fox Hill Community Centre on Friday.
Ingraham to hold Grand Bahama event for book
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham will be in Freeport this week for the launch of his new book in Grand Bahama. This comes on the heels of a successful March launch in New Providence of “I Say What I Mean and I Mean What I Say, Hubert A Ingraham in His Own Words”.
Delinquent mortgage buyer gives insurer $8m ‘windfall’
A Bahamian insurer yesterday said it is targeting a 15 percent profit increase for 2022 once the $8m “one-off windfall” it enjoyed last year from its investment in a delinquent mortgage buyer is stripped out.
Children tell of beatings at hostel
TWO children testified about alleged beatings they endured at the Children’s Emergency Hostel during the trial of six women accused of child cruelty at the care home.
Sex offender register ‘is active’, says Munroe
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said the sexual offenders register is active and being updated as required by law.
MASK MANDATES GONE BY SUMMER? Prime Minister says officials considering indoor venue rules
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said remaining mask mandates in the country could be totally lifted by the summer, adding officials are currently mulling over whether indoor venues have proper ventilation to ensure COVID-19 does not circulate easily in those settings.
Knowles hits 2nd walkoff in a week
FOR the second time in the series against the Stockton Ports, D’Shawn Knowles delivered late-game heroics and another walk-off win for the Inland Empire 66ers.
Donaldson and Flames clinch spot in the GSU tourney
SIERRA Donaldson and The Lee University Flames clinched a spot in the Gulf South Conference (GSU) Championships tournament with a 6-3 win over Delta State University.
Bain and Gold Rush advance to big dance
JACOBI Bain and his Xavier University of Louisiana Gold Rush men’s tennis team have advanced to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championships.
Ayton and Suns ‘facing uphill battle’
Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns are facing an uphill battle in the midst of a physical first round series against the upset minded New Orleans Pelicans.
Versatile Ras Delancy makes his transition to the high jump
AFTER earning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Volleyball Player of the Year for the Benedict College Tigers last week, Bahamian Ras Jesse Delancy showed his versatility as he made the transition to track and field where he competed in the high jump.
‘Surprising upsets’ at Bahamas Chess Federation Easter qualifier
THE Bahamas Chess Federation’s Easter Qualifier 2022 was a closely contested tournament filled with intense competition and surprising upsets.
Three deny $1m marijuana charges
THREE men who denied being found with over $1m worth of marijuana in Abaco last week were yesterday granted bail before their trial.
Prison officer denies smuggling drugs
A SENIOR prison officer has denied smuggling drugs into the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services last week.
Man denied bail in indecent assault case
A 54-year-old man accused of molesting a teenage girl earlier this year was denied bail yesterday.
Larson a victim of fragility?
I must confess from the outset that I too had joined the chorus of irate Black Bahamians subsequent to revelations in Parliament by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis that the former Free National Movement (FNM) government had paid Susan Holowesko-Larson $1,750 per week to chair the National Food Security Taskforce.
We want PM - not the PR
Seems the OPM has totally adopted the US system of a “policy-stating Director of Public Relations”... a position that should simply tell the facts — certainly never editorialise and just state the “policy” oh, sorry guy, no attacking a critical comment from the free press except correcting misinformation.
Bail granted in deadly reckless driving case
A WOMAN accused of killing a man by reckless driving earlier this year and then fleeing the scene was granted $10,000 bail yesterday.
Monday, April 25
WORLD VIEW: The rejection of military aggression - a CARICOM achievement
CARICOM states led the way in the Organization of American States (OAS) on April 21, 2022 in an historic vote to suspend the status of the Russian Federation as a Permanent Observer to the Organization.
THE KDK REPORT: The sound of silence
ALL musicians, spanning the breadth of history, can attest to the fact that music has the power to heal. There is a song for every heartache and one for every celebration. No matter the genre, every melody, chord, tune, lyric and sound is capable of touching the soul and jarring or soothing our every emotion.
INSIGHT: Blood on our streets
KEVIN Andrews was reportedly standing at a fruit and vegetable stall in Gamble Heights when he was shot and killed on Thursday.
EDITORIAL: Do words match the reality of crime levels?
THERE is a childhood song that goes “One of these things is not like the other…”
Union: Heastie departure from role at BPL was ‘late coming’
THE president of the union representing staff at Bahamas Power and Light said he thinks the recent resignations of BPL CEO Whitney Heastie and Director of Human Resources Evis Missick had been “a bit late coming,” adding workers were “disrespected” for too long.
Small repairs on 2,500 homes ‘soon’
URBAN Renewal is expected to soon start small home repairs on about 2,500 homes in the northern Bahamas. Deputy director of Urban Renewal Senator Kirkland Russell said Urban Renewal Revitalisation will enhance several areas to improve the lives and bring relief to residents of the northern Bahamas.
Mitchell: US crime warning has not affected tourism product
AFTER the US Embassy in Nassau issued a recent security alert for Americans in The Bahamas, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said it has not affected the tourism product. However, he said, the Bahamas government is working to get on top of the crime issue.
Gov’ts $40m property tax arrears in ‘22 goal
The Government is on track to collect $40m in real property tax arrears in 2022, a top official has revealed, while pledging that there have been “lessons learned” from the recent New Providence-wide revaluation.
Tourism chief urges ‘all hands on deck’ to combat crime
A senior hotelier is calling for an “all hands on deck” approach to combating crime given that it poses “a major risk” to The Bahamas’ continued post-COVID tourism and economic recovery if not controlled.
Data breach hits Sebas’ ‘Amazon’
Sebas Bastian’s regional e-commerce platform yesterday revealed it has been hit by a data breach that “compromised” the credit card information of Bahamians and other nationalities across the Caribbean and Latin America.
Bahamas bond prices ‘don’t reflect investor confidence’
The Ministry of Finance’s top official is asserting that this nation’s bond prices “don’t reflect the confidence investors have in The Bahamas” and “a benchmark issue” may be needed to help address this.
Crypto Thieves
ActivTrades
FTX and SALT will jointly present a new event, Crypto Bahamas, that will debut this week from April 26-29 at the Baha Mar resort in Nassau. The invitation-only event will feature collaboration and networking among leading investors and builders in the digital assets industry.
Billionaire sues on $100k Atlantis COVID ‘windfall’
A billionaire US property developer is suing Atlantis, its owner and American Express over “an improper windfall” totalling $100,000 after he was forced to leave his yacht in the resort’s marina due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
‘Explain Moncur appointment’
THE Davis administration must explain what qualifies Rodney Moncur for a role as consultant in the Ministry of National Security, Free National Movement St Barnabas MP and Shadow Minister for National Security Shanendon Cartwright said yesterday.
Officials monitoring ‘slight increase’ in cases of COVID
OFFICIALS at the Ministry of Health and Wellness are monitoring the “slight increase” in positive COVID-19 cases over the past few days and will be discussing ongoing concerns about the pandemic at an upcoming meeting this week.
Osborne: I have been without a job since minister’s allegations
DARNELL Osborne says she has not found suitable employment and has been “without a job and benefits” since former Works Minister Desmond Bannister made damning allegations about her in 2018.
‘SECRET PAYMENTS’ TO FORCE SARKIS OUT: Claim Baha Mar contractor gave money to government officials and their associates
Sarkis Izmirlian is alleging that Baha Mar’s contractor make secret payments to unnamed “government officials, their family and associates” as part of a scheme to force him out from the multi-billion dollar development.
Anfernee Seymour homers in debut with Dirty Birds
ANFERNEE Seymour’s 2022 season opened on a high note in his debut with Charleston Dirty Birds.
Two shot at Grand Bahama nightclub
TWO men were shot at a Grand Bahama nightspot on Friday, police said.
YES Giants are NPBA Div. II champions
AFTER leaving his Your Essential Store (YES) Giants with a 2-0 lead in their New Providence Basketball Association men’s division II championship series, coach Mark Hanna said he was disappointed to come back and see that the Sun Oil Rockets pulled even at 2-2.
Regatta time again!
CLOSING ceremony festivities for the National Family Island Regatta C & E Class Championship were held in George Town, Exuma, on Saturday evening.
Softball community mourns death of two prominent players
IN the space of a few hours of each other, the softball community lost two prominent players in Eleuthera and in New Providence respectively on Friday.
Plea for Kietta
I am writing on behalf of the dog on the street named Kietta to formally complain about the terrible conditions she is in, the way she is being treated, and my concerns. As a former owner, this is really unsettling.
The cost of hosting sport events
July 10th, 2023 will be our 50th anniversary of Independence — certainly we should celebrate and celebrate but let’s use some sense and purpose.
Jazz has first 4-hit game of career
An eventful weekend for Jazz Chisholm featured a career milestone, two home runs and one viral moment saw the Miami Marlins infielder become one the slugging percentage leaders in all of Major League Baseball.
Strachan beats Fraser-Pryce in 200m
SPRINTER Anthonique Strachan and quarter-miler Steven Gardiner were both in fine form as they led a contingent of elite and collegiate athletes in action in various meets in the United States and Jamaica over the weekend.
RUGBY SEVENS – Qualifiers: Bahamas has 1-4 win loss record
RUGBY Americas North (RAN) hosted its Sevens Qualifiers over the weekend as the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium hosted the top programmes in the region looking to advance in further international competition.
Friday, April 22
Officials 'in dialogue' over return to normal numbers in classrooms
EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said officials are in dialogue with the Ministry of Health regarding when children can come in normal numbers to the classroom.
Three charged with obtaining credit by false pretenses
A professional Bahamian Chef, along with two others, was charged with obtaining credit by false pretenses in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Man charged with failing to give address to officers, resisting arrest
A MAN was arraigned in a Magistrate's Court Friday after allegedly failing to give his address to officers and resisting arrest.
Woman accused of murder and attempted murder
A WOMAN, accused of the murder of another woman after a shooting in Pinewood Gardens, was arraigned in a Magistrate's Court on Friday.
UPDATED: Police investigating traffic fatality
A MAN is assisting police with investigations into a traffic fatality after turning himself in on Friday.
One year sentence for firearm related charges
A MAN was sentenced in a Magistrate's Court on Friday to one year in prison for firearm related charges after claiming to have found the loaded gun that was on him when he was arrested.
Man accused of threatening and assaulting the mother of his child
A MAN was granted bail in a Magistrate's Court on Friday on charges of threatening and assaulting the mother of his child.
Diane Phillips: Transforming an Eleuthera eyesore – a lesson for historic Nassau?
FOR 45 years, the single-storey stone building stood abandoned. Shards of glass were all that remained of what had been windows. Once the home of a local family, it slowly sank into a hideaway for rats and rodents, strewn with broken beer bottles and half-pints, blind to nefarious activity. The structure in total disrepair was not in some remote out of the way place, but in direct view of hundreds going and coming daily from Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera to Cupid’s Cay and beyond.
A new vision
THE Bahamas always benefited from nefarious activities; giving shelter to crooks and shady characters is a historical fact. From 1698-1718, The Bahamas became the world’s capital of piracy. New Providence was sprinkled with whorehouses, motels and shops that catered to pirates. The records will bear witness to corrupt politicians, even governors, of that period, taking bribes and a share of ill-gotten loot.
EDITORIAL: Too soon to declare success in tackling murders
MURDER in our country is continuing at a pace – with two men shot dead yesterday, adding to a woman shot dead on Sunday, and following last month which was one of the deadliest months on record in our nation’s history.
Lack of lawyer means police inquests still at a halt
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe confirmed yesterday that police-related Coroner’s inquests have not yet resumed as the director of public prosecutions has yet to appoint a lawyer to marshal the cases.
‘We’ll scrap nationality bill and deal with the issues one by one’
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder says the Davis administration plans to scrap the draft 111-page Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill 2018, saying while it addressed a number of different issues, the government is of the view that it was a better approach to tackle matters individually.
Five years on and roaring to success
BAHA MAR president Graeme Davis said the resort is marking its fifth year anniversary with record success as the COVID-19 pandemic appears to wane.
‘Govt is seeing success in fight to stem gang war’
THE Davis administration says it is seeing success in its fight to stem a gun war between gangs and this may be the result of the return of senior Royal Bahamas Police Force officers who were sent on leave and then on special assignments under the previous government.
Taylor Industries staff gain 33% of severance
Forty-one former staff of now-defunct Taylor Industries will receive just 33 percent of the total termination pay and benefits owed to them in what the company’s liquidator defended as “a relatively positive outcome”.
Arawak Homes ‘umbrage’ on former-PM’s criticism
Sir Franklyn Wilson yesterday said Arawak Homes “takes serious umbrage” with Dr Hubert Minnis’ assertion that a southern New Providence community it is developing is “set up for disaster” and was started without the necessary permits.
US to freeze PI ‘Raider’s’ $21m
US regulators have moved to freeze three Bahamian bank accounts owned by the Paradise Island “Raider” as they bid to seize $21.1m in “ill-gotten gains” generated by a $100m multinational securities fraud ring.
AG: ‘We cannot be left out on digital assets ‘revolution’
The Bahamas cannot afford to be “on the outside of this digital assets revolution looking in”, the attorney general asserted yesterday, adding that the Government’s just-released policy paper positions the country to be “a leader”.
Police investigate rape attack
POLICE are investigating an alleged rape and assault that took place off Prince Charles Drive earlier this week.
IAN FERGUSON: How to handle office romance
Many people meet their lifelong partners at work, yet dating someone in the office is often frowned upon.
GB law firm hails its maritime recognition
A Grand Bahama law firm says it has been recognised as a shipping and maritime law specialist by a major global referral network for legal services.
Pintard: ‘Real questions’ on likely new BPL chief
The Opposition’s leader yesterday charged that there are “real questions” over the energy regulator’s “objectivity” amid suggestions that one of its senior executives is being eyed as Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) new chief executive.
Moncur has govt job - as ‘violence interrupter’
THE appointment of former senator and talk show host Rodney Moncur as a consultant in the Ministry of National Security was yesterday defended as a key component in the government’s plan to fight crime in inner-city communities.
Carbon credit buyers have approached government
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said the government has already been approached by people interested in buying carbon credits.
The US warns visitors over violent crime
THE US Embassy in Nassau has advised American citizens to “exercise vigilance” in New Providence due to an increase in reported violent crime.
Why is a mentor so essential?
The beginning of your career is both thrilling and frightening too. Starting anything new is enticing, but uncertainty of how you will do or how your career will unfold is also daunting.
Fidelity Bank High School Track and Field Championships start April 25th
THE Grand Bahama Secondary Schools Athletic Association announced on Thursday that this year’s Track and field Championships will be at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex next week.
Two new certified boxing officials announced
WHEN he assumed the role of presidency of the Boxing Federation Of Bahamas, Vincent Strachan said there were some important things that needed to be implemented.
BTC continues regatta sponsorship
FOLLOWING a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, BTC will continue its on-going sponsorship of the National Family Island Regatta that is being held this week in George Town, Exuma.
Tigers’ run ends in semifinal
The Bahamian connection for the Benedict College Tigers men’s volleyball team had their run in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship tournament end in the semifinals.
Cameron Riley on course for professional golf
Following an accolade filled collegiate career, Cameron Riley’s transition to professional golf continues on the Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour.
Delancy named SIAC player of the year
IN what has been an impressive debut season with the Benedict College Tigers men’s volleyball team, Bahamian Ras Jesse Delancy was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Player of the Year.
JUNIOR ROWERS MAKE HISTORY: Duo land gold and bronze medals in Lima, Peru
EXUMA junior rowers Andrew Bowe and Destiny Rolle made history on Thursday when they grabbed gold and bronze medals respectively in the under-19 boys and girls Beach Sprints at the America’s Cup Coastal Rowing Regatta.
Man accused of sex with 12-year-old
A MAN accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl is expected to stand trial in the Supreme Court in three months.
Two accused of attacks on women
TWO men were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday on separate charges of assaulting women.
Man fined over fake licence plate
A MAN was fined in Magistrate’s Court yesterday for deceiving a public officer and driving with a fraudulent licence plate.
Police officer testifies in stolen goods trial
A POLICE officer testified yesterday in a man’s trial for possession of stolen toolboxes.
Raising the rates for NIB
So, PM Davis will not increase the level of NIB Contributions although the experts, the IMO actuaries say NIB must have higher contributions and experts for 10 plus years have been telling Government it is a must..
Thursday, April 21
STATESIDE: Zelensky at the heart of the storm
THE portentous announcement was made by a well-known, largely trusted source. “Now we can state that the Russian forces have started the battle for the Donbas that they have been getting ready for a long time. A very large part of the entire Russian army is now focused on this offensive.”
FRONT PORCH: The hubris and delusions of autocrats and power
Operation Barbarossa, the code name for Adolf Hitler’s and Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, exposed the hubris, delusions of power, and psychological isolation of both Hitler and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin.
‘Get rid of the guns’
WHILE urging for an aggressive push to remove illegal guns from the streets of New Providence, St Anne’s MP Adrian White said the law must be amended so that police can make arrests without formal complaints from victims of crime.
EDITORIAL: We cannot turn back the rising tide
THERE is a well-known story about a long-ago King of England, called Cnut the Great, also known as Canute – you may well know the story.
‘Roll back restrictions gradually’, expert advises
A LOCAL infectious disease expert says that while COVID-19 cases are low, public health measures should be rolled back gradually to ensure people’s safety.
Infections declining, but vaccine rates ‘plateaued’
WHILE a Pan American Health Organisation official acknowledged that COVID-19 infections and deaths are declining throughout the region, she also stated that vaccine rates have “plateaued” in the Caribbean.
‘Does Rodney Moncur have a job in the government?’
THE Davis administration did not respond to former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday when he asked in the House of Assembly whether Rodney Moncur has been hired as a consultant on crime in the Ministry of National Security.
‘Take VAT off the breadbasket items’
FORMER State Finance Minister Kwasi Thompson has again called on the government to remove VAT on bread basket items, this time after an International Monetary Fund report projected consumer prices in The Bahamas would increase by 7.3 percent this year.
Fishermen fret despite ‘best lobster season for 30 years’
Bahamian fishermen, who have just enjoyed “the best lobster season for 30 years”, are now fretting over a potentially fallow summer due to a “tripling” of expenses brought on by soaring fuel prices.
‘Reclaiming lost ground’: Gov’ts digital asset plan
The Bahamas has “an incredible opportunity to reclaim lost ground and be part of finance’s new frontier”, digital asset specialists argued yesterday, as they hailed the Government’s release of its “vision” for the $3trn industry.
No choice but to ‘ride out’ inflation
The Bahamas has no choice but “to ride out” escalating inflationary pressures, a governance reformer warned yesterday, although continued strong economic growth forecasts could produce “a compensating effect”.
Bahamas can be ‘first out gate’ over carbon credits
The Bahamas has “the ability to be first out the gate” in the Caribbean, and earn a potential multi-million dollar boost from the climate change fight, through legislation tabled in Parliament yesterday.
Marrying blockchain with carbon trading
The Government’s newly-released digital assets policy proposes employing blockchain technology to help record the trading of Bahamian carbon assets and the activities of a wider “Caribbean market”.
Scholarship fund to benefit from cathedral art exhibition
AN exhibition is being held by artist Jé-Rome Harris Miller, titled Colours of Celebration 2022. The event will be held tonight at the Dean Patrick L Adderley venue at Christ Church Cathedral Hall on George Street, at 6pm.
Workshop helps protect rights
A WORKSHOP designed to help protect the rights of Bahamian children and persons with disabilities was recently held. The event brought together United Nations officials and government agencies which make up the National Reporting Cooperation Mechanism.
Atlantis in multi-million product refreshments
ATLANTIS yesterday unveiled further multi-million dollar renovations and partnerships designed to refresh its product offering and provide guests with an upgraded experience.
Man in hospital after shooting
A MAN is in critical condition in hospital after he was shot on Tuesday. Police said they responded to the incident on Nassau Street shortly after 3pm.
Carbon bill ‘first step’ in bringing payments
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday that the Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill 2022 is his administration’s first step in securing carbon credit payments for The Bahamas.
Minnis: Govt is failing on crime
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said crime in New Providence escalated as his successor travelled “all over the place with large delegations on very expensive trips in the early months of his term.”
PM says govt will do all it can to minimise impact of rise in consumer prices
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday his administration will do what it can to ensure the impact of a projected 7.3 percent rise in consumer prices is minimised for Bahamians.
Inflation could hit BPL bills
AMID concerns of soaring inflation and rising fuel prices, Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said “there is always the possibility” of an increase in Bahamas Power and Light bills due to external factors.
Groce has high hopes for basketball ‘transfer product’ Sammy Hunter
HIGHLY sought after transfer product Sammy Hunter decided on the Akron Zips for the next step in his collegiate basketball journey and the defending Mid American Conference Champions have high expectations for their Bahamian signee.
Rockets are NPBA Division 1 champions
THE Discount Distributors Rockets celebrated with a three-game sweep of the New Providence Basketball Association men’s division one championship series, dethroning the Commonwealth Bank Giants.
D’Shawn Knowles’ RBI single lifts his team to 9-8 win
A PERFECT night for D’Shawn Knowles came complete with a storybook ending - a walk-off hit in extra innings.
Rugby Sevens qualifiers on Saturday
Rugby Americas North (RAN) officially announced its tournament schedule for its Sevens Qualifiers as The Bahamas prepares to host the top national programmes in the region.
CARIFTA teams enjoy welcome home reception
IT WAS a CARIFTA celebration for both the country’s athletics and aquatics teams following their performances at their respective regional championships.
$1,300 fine over marijuana
A MAN was fined $1,300 yesterday after he pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
Rape accused denied bail
A 23-year-old man accused of raping a woman last year was denied bail in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
‘Officer attacked my client’, says attorney
AN attorney representing a 35-year-old man accused of assaulting a police officer claimed he was attacked by the officer.
Travel rules
Your Tourism and Hotel Association officials are hailing the decision of the American Government to upgrade the travel advisory for travel to The Bahamas. They say that now conferences and conventions will return. The Americans have done their part. Now we await your Government abolishing all the ridiculously difficult entry rules to make that happen.
My Winn Dixie nostalgia
A prominent Grand Bahamian fisherman informed me today that he saw a 10 pound bag of chicken wings going for $35 minus VAT in a major grocery store.
Wednesday, April 20
ALICIA WALLACE: Keep the masks
AS mask mandates are overturned and removed in other parts of the world, we are forced to depend more heavily on others to help manage our own risks related to COVID-19.
Mother tells of ‘hard-working and awesome’ son who died in crash
KENU Adderley was remembered by relatives yesterday as a selfless and hardworking man who was loved by all who knew him.
190 years in jail for man who killed mother of former Bahamas ambassador Avant
A PAROLEE who murdered 81-year-old philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, the wife of a legendary music executive, was sentenced Tuesday to 190 years in a California prison.
EDITORIAL: Masks still serve a purpose
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper sounded the bell yesterday that could bring the end to wearing masks.
More research needed - but minimum wage proposals coming soon
OFFICIALS of the National Tripartite Council want to do more research before presenting their recommendation on the minimum wage to the government, the deputy chairman of the body said yesterday.
Carbon market legislation is being prepared
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the government is preparing to table legislation that will allow the country to participate in the global carbon market.
Miss Teen Bahamas heads for Grand Bahama
HISTORY is about to be made in Grand Bahama with the hosting of the Miss Teen Bahamas International preliminaries this week.
Tributes paid to veteran educator Mary Cooper
THE Grand Bahama community is grieving the “huge loss” of well-known retired veteran educator Mary Cooper, who died on Easter Monday.
Sands: Be cautious over lifting restrictions
FREE National Movement Chairman Dr Duane Sands wants the government to be cautious when considering easing additional COVID-19 restrictions, saying data has shown the nation’s positivity rate has increased while local testing has declined.
Potter’s Cay vendors still waiting
VENDORS at Potter’s Cay are still waiting for the government to authorise the repair work to fire damaged stalls.
Coral Harbour project ‘scaled back’ to $300m
A “mega project” targeted for Coral Harbour “has been scaled back significantly” with an up-to-$300m investment targeted for its initial development phase, its Bahamian attorney said yesterday.
Real estate firm enjoys 105% Q1 sales boost
A Bahamian real estate firm yesterday said sales volumes for the 2022 first quarter had more than doubled year-over-year to produce another record year, its principal saying: “We’re firing on all 12 cylinders.”
Bahamas largely compliant on key tax evasion ‘action’
The Bahamas has been cited for just relatively minor deficiencies by an Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) review of its compliance with a key anti-tax evasion standard.
Realtor seeing record property ‘bidding wars’
A Bahamian realtor yesterday said a record number of “bidding wars” are erupting over lower to mid-market properties due to a limited supply that is unable to keep up with still-buoyant market demand.
The Moody’s verdict on the state of The Bahamas
Any endeavour that does not seek answers and direction for improvement is but a frolic.
Fourth straight CARIFTA swim title
Just before wrapping up their fourth consecutive title and eighth in nine years, Bahamas Aquatics got the confirmation that the Bahamas has received the bid to host the 2024 edition of the championships.
Ex-minister faces legal fight over $1.25m debt
An ex-Cabinet minister yesterday slammed as “ridiculous” an escalating legal battle that he has become embroiled in over a controversial New Providence dolphin attraction that was ordered to close by the Supreme Court.
‘Act on NIB or retirement fund is gone’
WITH a possible six-year insolvency timeline set for the National Insurance Board fund, a noted banker has said the harsh reality is if higher than normal administrative costs are not adjusted and contributions raised, people with more than 20 years to retirement may have no benefit to look forward to.
Galleria shuts cinema down - and workers file disputes
GALLERIA Cinemas has shut down and made its employees redundant after the COVID-19 pandemic weakened its business, according to Director of Labour Robert Farquharson.
COOPER: MORE COVID LIMITS TO BE LIFTED – Deputy PM expects further easing if case numbers stay down
GIVEN the continued decline in COVID-19 numbers, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper says he expects a further ease to virus restrictions in the weeks ahead.
The crime problem
My name is John Brown. For a minute, crime is at the top of everyone’s concern, MP ministers and the police. So I take this opportunity to call BS on an effort for the last 20 years to stop crime.
CARIFTA swimming team hailed as having ‘made your country proud’ by sponsor IBS
THE CARIFTA swim team has been hailed as having “made your country proud” by sponsor Integrated Building Services (IBS).
Inaugural Bain and Grants Town Summer Games set
MEMBER of Parliament Wayde Watson said one of the alternative ways of helping to deter some of the crime in his inner city community is to stage their inaugural Bain and Grants Town Summer Games.
Lucayan Basketball Club off to Florida on another tour
THE Lucayan Basketball Club, one of the fastest growing basketball and volleyball organisations for high school boys and girls players, is off to Florida to participate in another tour.
Archer looks ahead to 2023 CARIFTA games on home soil
AFTER turning in another distant second place finish behind powerhouse Jamaica at the return of CARIFTA, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations president Drumeco Archer said there’s a lot of work to do to prepare for the hosting of the 50th anniversary of the championships next year.
Boy, 14, accused of $12k fraud
A 14-year-old boy was granted bail yesterday after he was arraigned in connection with $12,000 worth of fraud charges.
Man denied bail in murder case
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after being charged with murder.
Bank fees
Convinced after my experience today to be treated as if I am an alien and have not been a client of either of my two banks for 30 plus years.
A Brave New World
It is exactly seven months since the fateful election of the PLP and its parliamentary team, led by the Honourable Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, QC, MP. How do you, the Bahamian voter, rate their performances without fear of bias, rancor or downright fawning? I am a partisan of the ruling party, but I do believe that all of my views expressed herein are truthful and based on the ground facts and figures.
Climate change
Thank you for granting me this space to support my fellow scientist Kelli Armstrong, who last week gave voice to one of the worst kept secrets among the local scientific community: that when it comes to the critical challenge of climate change, The Bahamas is essentially flying blind.
An Easter gift from Kelly’s to kids in hospital
KELLY’S House & Home donated 24 Easter baskets for boys, and 24 for girls and numerous plush toys for the children and infants hospitalised at Princess Margaret Hospital.
Tuesday, April 19
WORLD VIEW: Developing countries also victims of Ukraine war
IN the words of UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, the war on Ukraine by Russia “is fast becoming a matter of life and death for vulnerable people around the world”.
PETER YOUNG: Britain gets tough on immigration
THE thorny issue of immigration has hit the headlines again on both sides of the Atlantic. In the US, the ending of Title 42, which allows the authorities to expel migrants before they have a chance to file for asylum, is causing major controversy while the UK government announced last week bold and imaginative new plans to handle illegal migrants landing on the country’s shores.
FACE TO FACE: Helping others to overcome life’s hurdles
“TURN hopelessness into hope, can’t into can, and impossible into possible” - a quote that Charlis Robins resonates with as she reflects on her growing career as an occupational therapist.
Second Bahamian dies after US road crash
THE second Bahamian man involved in a fatal traffic accident in New Haven, Connecticut earlier this month has died, officials confirmed over the weekend.
Three held after 26 sacks of marijuana discovered
THREE Abaco men were arrested on Sunday after police found $1.2m worth of marijuana in a residence on the island.
Govt ‘working to reduce backlog on citizenship’
PRESS secretary Clint Watson said while the government refuses to respond to criticism from the United States, it is working to reduce the backlog of people seeking a response to their citizenship applications.
EDITORIAL: CARIFTA bid sounds good - but thin on details
IT has been a successful sporting weekend for The Bahamas, with the country’s CARIFTA team bringing home four gold medals in its 17-medal haul from the event in Jamaica.
Government ‘still in talks’ over Cabbage Beach access
PRESS secretary Clint Watson said the government is still in talks about how to ensure access to Cabbage Beach.
‘Place consumers ahead of votes on price control’
Eliminating price controls “would more than offset” soaring inflation, a Bahamian retail chief is arguing, but politicians remain too obsessed with “perception” and election votes to allow consumers to benefit.
'Misunderstood' on gasoline VAT cap
Abaco's Chamber of Commerce president believes the Government may have "misunderstood" calls for it to cap - not cut - the amount of VAT it earns on gasoline sales in a bid to ease inflationary pressures in the Family Islands.
Bill, Tony and Tom to elevate digital ‘front runner’ Bahamas
A former US president and ex-UK prime minister, plus a record-breaking Super Bowl winner, are heading the speaker line-up at a conference that will next week seek to elevate The Bahamas’ position as a digital assets “front runner”.
Highest US COVID rating ‘paves way’ for test ease
A senior hotelier yesterday voiced optimism that The Bahamas’ achievement in attaining the highest-possible COVID rating with US health regulators “paves the way” for both to review the testing protocols required to enter their nations.
Stocks and wars
ActivTrades
“BUY when the cannons roar. Sell when the violins are playing.” This stock market wisdom comes from Carl Mayer von Rothschild (1788-1855), partner in the Frankfurt banking and trading house, M.A. Rothschild & Sons. “Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy when others are fearful,” Warren Buffett also said.
Gov’t touts 26% VAT rise despite rate cut
The Ministry of Finance’s top official has touted a 26 percent VAT revenue increase, compared to pre-COVID numbers, for the first two months of calendar 2022 as a signal that the rate cut has not impacted government revenues.
Police probe suspected suicide
POLICE are investigating a suspected suicide on Norman’s Cay after a man was found with gunshot wounds yesterday.
Scholarship fund to benefit from cathedral art exhibition
AN exhibition is being held by artist Jé-Rome Harris Miller, titled Colours of Celebration 2022.
CARIFTA: Bahamas second with 17 medals
With confirmation to host the 50th CARIFTA Games in 2023, the Bahamas’ 54-member team will return from Kingston, Jamaica, with second place with 17 medals, including four gold, at the top regional junior track and field competition.
UPDATED: Gunwoman kills woman in nation’s latest murder
A WOMAN is dead after she was shot by another woman outside a home on Pinewood Drive on Sunday afternoon.
‘It’s time to talk frankly about state of NIB fund’
FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard said the Davis administration must have a sober and candid conversation with Bahamians about the financial state of the country and the National Insurance Board.
Bahamas to host CARIFTA next year
WITH The Bahamas set to host the 2023 CARIFTA Games, Youths, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg says he is hoping the event will bring needed exposure to Bahamian athletes and a further boost to the local economy.
36-member swim team in the lead heading to final day
BAHAMAS Aquatics continues to produce the top junior national programme in the region and the country’s top swimmers are closing in on an opportunity to chase history with a fourth consecutive CARIFTA title.
Ayton and Suns top Pelicans 110-99 in Game 1 of series
DEANDRE Ayton and the Phoenix Suns dominated a physical game one in their series against the New Orleans Pelicans and the veteran centre said he likes the tone that has been set for the postseason.
Chisholm’s 3B, 2B lead Marlins over Phillies for series win
JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr continues to emerge as the face of the Miami Marlins franchise and his hot start to the season has him among the team leads early in the 2022 season.
NPBA Championships: Rockets sweep Giants
WHILE the Discount Distributors Rockets celebrated with a three-game sweep of the New Providence Basketball Association men’s division one championship series, dethroning the Commonwealth Bank Giants, the division II series between the Sun Oil Rockets and the Your Essential Store (YES) Giants will go right down to the wire in the fifth and deciding game.
Impressive wins for Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Laquan Nairn
OLYMPIC and world women’s 400 metre champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo and men’s long jumper Laquan Nairn posted impressive victories to lead a list of Bahamians in action in separate meets in the United States over the weekend.
Athol Island
The former “Most Honourable Prime Minister” Dr Hubert Minnis, will undoubtedly go down in history as The Crown Land Prime Minister, if for no other reason than his largesse in this sphere. I don’t know if there is any register anywhere where one can discover what Crown Land any particular Prime Minister transfers, from the Crown or Treasury to private citizens and Corporations, but it would surely make interesting reading in this case.
Oil embargo
MINISTER of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis’ comment to Our News about the government not benefiting from fuel inflation has rankled the feathers of many middle to lower class Bahamian households attempting to keep their heads above water.
Monday, April 18
Body found in waters on Grand Bahama
Police are investigating after the body of man was found in waters on Grand Bahama.
Man dies in suspected drowning
Police in Abaco are investigating the suspected drowning of a man on Sunday.
Sunday, April 17
Man in hospital after shooting on Milton Street
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Milton Street on Saturday morning.
Thursday, April 14
CDC lowers COVID-19 Travel Risk Advisory Rating for Bahamas to Level 1
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further lowered the COVID-19 Travel Risk Advisory Rating for The Bahamas to Level 1 (low) on Thursday.
'Everything on the table' as potential solution to soaring gas prices
FINANCIAL Secretary Simon Wilson said “everything is on the table” as a potential solution to soaring gas prices, including tax relief.
Police host Easter egg hunt and fun day in Eight Mile Rock
POLICE in the Eight Mile Rock Division hosted an Easter egg hunt and fun day for some 300 children in the Eight Mile Rock area on Thursday.
Year's probation for drug charge
A MAN was placed on a year's probation on Thursday on a drug charge.
Woman accused of death threat
A WOMAN was granted bail in the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after threatening another woman with death.
Ministry issues reminder for churches about COVID protocols
THE Ministry of Health & Wellness has reminded churches and places of assembly that adherence to COVID-19 protocols is required, namely mask wearing, sanitisation, and physical distancing during services.
Learning how to restore mangrove population
MANGROVE education and training is underway on Grand Bahama for some 30 participants at the Rand Nature Centre as part of a major Mangrove Restoration Project by Waterkeepers Bahamas and Earthcare Bahamas.
EDITORIAL: Is the PLP ship veering off course?
IS EVERYONE in the Davis administration on board the same ship?
Let us go to Galilee
THE angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He has been raised, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay, then go quickly and tell His disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him.” (Matthew 28:5-7).
An Easter message from Rt Rev Laish Boyd
“YOU yourselves are a letter... to be known and read by everyone; and 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 –
GB charity launches home repair initiative
THE Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation, a charity founded by the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and funded entirely by private donations, is launching a new home repair initiative.
Fuel costs up - and so is price of fish and hot cross buns
THE rising cost of fuel coupled with inflationary pricing at grocery stores have sparked price increases among fishermen and bakeries that produce the Easter season favourite - hot cross buns.
260,000 vehicles - and only 436 of them electric
THE more than 260,000 registered vehicles in The Bahamas contribute significantly to the country’s air pollution, a Department of Road Traffic official said at a World Health Day Symposium hosted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Pan American Health Organisation.
STATESIDE: Putin and his ‘lost’ Ukraine
IRREDENTISM is a ten-dollar word most often employed to describe the origins of wars and other geopolitical disagreements. Irredentism means political or popular movements whose members claim and seek to occupy territory on behalf of their nation that they consider “lost” to their nation, based on history or legend.
FRONT PORCH – Lack of civility, respect and cleanliness: we like it so!
A friend in his late 60s recalls walking along Market Street and coming upon a teenage boy around the age of 13, who was sitting in a car eating guineps, discarding the seeds and shells onto the road, even though there were several garbage bins within easy reach.
Regattas and festivals return
AGRICULTURE and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting yesterday announced the relaunch of festivals, homecomings and regattas after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Live entertainment back at Count Basie
THE official launch of Port Lucaya Marketplace Xperience on April 19 will signal the return of live Bahamian entertainment at the Count Basie Square and an authentic experience for visitors and residents of Grand Bahama.
‘Shocked’ at 106% spend jump for universal health
The Bahamas may never achieve universal health care (UHC) if it “kicks the can down the road another five years”, an ex-Cabinet minister warned yesterday, while voicing “shock” at estimates it needs to increase investment by 106 percent.
‘Incredibly prohibitive’: Retail tariff cuts push
Bahamian retailers were yesterday said to be seeking a meeting with the Government to press for tax cuts on multiple high-tariff items and remove an “incredibly prohibitive” barrier to increased local commerce.
Law compliance fear over BPL fuel costs
Concerns were voiced yesterday that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) could potentially be violating the law by failing to fully pass its fuel costs on to residential and business consumers.
Bahamians must pay for benefits they want
A prominent financial analyst says Bahamians cannot expect to remain “a low tax jurisdiction” while expecting to enjoy the same social security benefits as developed nations.
Artist turned ambassador presents Royal cartoon
AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE for Cultural Affairs Jamaal Rolle presented a copy of a Tribune cartoon this week to the British High Commission.
Arawak Cay bathroom repairs complete early next month
AFTER a tour of Arawak Cay yesterday, a government official said some unfinished repair work to bathrooms at the popular eatery and hangout spot should be completed as early as this week with the remainder expected to be completed by early next month.
Business still not fully returned at Fish Fry
BUSINESS at Arawak Cay has still not fully rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic and a few businesses are still closed, according to Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Food Vendors Association President Rodney Russell.
‘Abusers should compensate victims’
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe wants laws changed so people convicted of abuse must financially compensate their victims.
‘Give gas dealers reward for no Easter shut down’
The Government was yesterday urged to give gas station operators some reward for letting “common sense prevail”, as the industry pledged “there’ll be no shut down on this island” over the Easter weekend.
Governor General is released from hospital
GOVERNOR General Sir Cornelius A Smith has been released from Doctors Hospital and is now “resting comfortably” at home, according to a statement from his office.
Davis says no to NIB increase
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday there will be no increase in National Insurance Board contributions until his administration is able to arrest the hardships facing Bahamians.
Buddy Hield excited about the coming season at the Pacers
Buddy Hield had a strong conclusion to the 2021-22 season for the Indiana Pacers and he is looking forward to his future with the third franchise of his NBA career thus far.
Big Pharma and price controls
As we hear about Easter gas station strikes, because of price controls, I have heard about strange medical and insurance practices before, but came across a doozer today.
Who gains from a long war?
Greed is an antidote to good judgment. The profit-oriented military industrial machine that drives western countries to pursue endless wars is simply incapable of sensitivity to the fact that, thanks to its antics, the world is now closer to self-destruction than at any point during the Cold War, which ended in 1989.
Omar Archer bailed and is told to stay off social media
OMAR Archer was granted $8,000 bail ahead of his intentional libel trial yesterday.
Woman accused of aiding murder bid
A 25-year-old woman was remanded to prison yesterday accused of aiding in the attempted murder of a man last week.
Antoan Richardson says Padres coach’s words ‘reeked undertones of racism’ – Resolution reached after incident in Tuesday’s game
San Francisco Giants first base coach Antoan Richardson was ejected from Tuesday night’s contest against the San Diego Padres but the story that emerged was the confrontation that led to the incident.
Ministry ‘would support push for sailing in schools’
MINISTER of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting says that his ministry would support a push for sailing in schools as the government moves to make it the national sport.
BLTA responds to parents’ concerns
Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association executives have responded to claims made by a group of parents regarding logistical issues around the junior national team programme.
Homer for Chisholm, Fox makes second start
Jazz Chisholm Jr homered for the second time this season and Lucius Fox received his second Major League Baseball start Tuesday night.
Wednesday, April 13
ALICIA WALLACE: Read the facts, learn the problem - then act
APRIL is Sexual Assault Awareness Month — a period for raising awareness and educating the public on sexual assault in parallel with advocacy for laws, policies, programmes, and services to prevent it, effectively respond to it, and ensure access to justice for survivors.
EDITORIAL: Everything going up, now it’s NIB
IT seems like everything is going up.
Shanty towns being probed
WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears says his ministry is investigating the development of unregulated shanty towns across the country with a view to make recommendations to Cabinet on how to deal with the illegal communities.
First Pinecrest homes next month
TRANSPORT and Housing Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis said she expects the first set of homes being built in the government’s Pinecrest Subdivision will be completed by next month, with the remaining houses expected to be finished in the months thereafter.
‘Churches have acted responsibly on capacity’
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said churches have acted responsibly and he expects them to continue to do so this Holy Week, when they will be at maximum capacity.
British man held after drugs found on sailboat
A BRITISH citizen was arrested in Grand Bahama after Bahamian authorities allegedly discovered illegal drugs on a sailboat docked at a canal in the Bahama Reef Boulevard area.
Prison service ‘needs hundreds of officers’
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services is short hundreds of prison officers and has requested additional mental health experts.
State of NIB fund not a surprise, says FNM Chairman
FREE National Movement Chairman Dr Duane Sands says the National Insurance Board’s fund has been in a dangerous position for many years, adding its projected six-year depletion time frame was not surprising.
‘We cannot let NIB go broke’
The Bahamas cannot “let the National Insurance Board (NIB) go broke”, top business executives warned yesterday, with financial analysts asserting: “You cannot kick the can down the road any further.”
‘No water from stone’ warning on cost hikes
The Government was yesterday warned it “cannot get water from a stone” with a likely National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rate hike set to add to multiple cost increases facing the Bahamian private sector and consumers.
Post-Easter tourism is ‘higher than ever’
A top hotelier yesterday said tourism demand for the post-Easter weekend period is “higher than it’s ever been” and “going beyond the traditional ring fencing” that usually marks the peak winter season climax.
Airlines say fare rises are ‘almost automatic’
Rival airline operators yesterday said it is “almost automatic” that ticket prices will increase to partially offset soaring fuel costs after Bahamasair revealed its fares have risen.
Nassau auto pool rises faster than population
New Providence’s transport system is not supporting its “economic, social, or environmental well-being”, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report has affirmed, with the number of cars on-island growing faster than the population.
Neurotrauma workshop held to teach medics
A NEUROTRAUMA workshop for Caribbean nurses was held to teach frontline medical providers how to accurately manage head and spine trauma.
Rising to local govt challenge
RISE Bahamas, an advocacy group, has launched its Imagine Local Government campaign joined by partners, Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) Bahamas and One Bahamas in Nassau.
Gas margin rise ‘non-starter’ despite fairness questions
A Cabinet minister yesterday ruled out increased margins for gas station dealers as “a non-starter” even though a major petroleum supplier conceded that current volatility “calls into question the fairness” of the industry’s pricing structure.
‘We must stop drugs being thrown over prison walls’
WAYNE Munroe said prison officers’ ability to smuggle cell phones and contraband into prison has largely been curtailed but officials face a new challenge: officers who retrieve and distribute drugs that are thrown over the prison’s walls.
Trying to avoid an Easter shutdown
ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said the government is planning to meet with the Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association today to address their concerns about rising fuel prices, among other things.
US criticises Bahamas on citizenship measures
THE United States said the Bahamas government has not effectively implemented laws to provide long-term residents the chance to get Bahamian citizenship “in a timely manner and on a non-discriminatory basis.”
GET READY TO PAY UP FOR NIB: Laroda says rates will likely increase within next year
MYLES Laroda, the minister of state with responsibility for the National Insurance Board, says he anticipates that NIB contribution rates will increase within the next year given the unsustainability of the social agency’s fund.
Deterring gangs
As the debates are being discussed about the legal age of consensual sex at age 16 or 18 with a young teenager there are some things to examine and consider that are impacting the social issues with families in the Bahamas. For too long young teenage girls 14,15,16 and 17 were having babies as a single parent.
Tough love really love?
Last night in a social setting a video was shown about one of our former athletes that has been experiencing the most challenging time one can imagine. While the video was heartbreaking what was most disturbing were the negative comments coming from some of the people in the group. It makes one wonder what happened to us as a people. When did we become so cold and uncaring?
End the Travel Health Visa
When is The Bahamas going to become realistic and end all the complicated and time consuming entry rules like most other countries? We were regular visitors to Nassau coming to stay at our holiday home for many years. However, we have not been able to complete all the hassles and be on the ground in three days.
Security manager testifies in Fresh Market theft trial
A SECURITY manager testified yesterday in the ongoing trial of a former employee of Solomon’s Fresh Market, who is accused of stealing $342.50 worth of groceries.
Girl, 14, charged over knife attack
A 14-year-old girl was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of attacking a woman with a knife.
Man accused of harming woman
A MAN was granted bail yesterday after he was charged with causing grievous harm to a woman at a bar.
The Bahamas ‘going for four straight’ at Carifta Swimming
WITH just two days to go before they head to Bridgetown, Barbados for the return of the Carifta Swimming Championships, head coach Travano McPhee said he’s confident that the Bahamas regain the team title once again.
Women’s national team heading to El Salvador
The Bahamas Football Association’s Beach Soccer Women’s National Team is off to San Luis la Herradura, El Salvador to compete in the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup.
Sydney Clarke and Blazers ‘have been improving’
THE collegiate season is starting to wind down for Sydney Clarke and her University of Arlington at Birmingham Blazers women’s tennis team.
Da Boyz win the Old Timers Memorial Softball Tournament
WITH renovations at the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreational Grounds not completed yet, the New Providence Old Timers Softball Association staged their first Memorial Softball Tournament over the weekend at the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Tuesday, April 12
PETER YOUNG: Boris in Ukraine - brave or foolhardy?
WHAT to cover in a weekly column needs to be determined well in advance in order to leave time for research.
FACE TO FACE: Beauty queen who heard her calling
She has graced the stage of the Miss World Beauty Pageant representing the Bahamas... and she very well could have lit stages afire around the world as a dancer. But something drew Bridgette Cooper back home – the desire to educate those who likely needed her help the most.
‘We don’t know how long our money will last’
RISING prices brought on by inflation have created a difficult situation for some people who were already struggling financially before this latest hurdle.
EDITORIAL: Good news for science... if the rules allow it
HERE comes the cavalry!
Abaco school ‘still needs another ten teachers’
THE president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers says that Patrick J Bethel High School in Abaco still desperately needs more teachers, about a month after staff held a demonstration on the island.
Extra $1.5m from US to fight COVID in Caribbean
THE United States government has announced plans to provide $1.5 million in urgent COVID-19 assistance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for countries in the Caribbean, including The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Should we cut taxes over gas prices? Pintard says yes
FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard says the Davis administration should give “serious consideration” to reducing taxes in response to soaring gas prices.
Fidelity bank chief Bowe says it would be unwise to reduce taxes on gas
A TOP financial expert says reducing taxes on gas in response to soaring prices would be unwise and short-sighted.
Out Island hotels ‘dial up volume’ to offset fuel hike
Out Island resorts are “dialling the volume up” on air fare and fuel credits in a bid to offset the impact of fuel price volatility on airline tickets, a senior executive has revealed, thus enabling them to avoid slashing room rates.
Gas station shut down to ‘bring country to halt’
A gas station shut down would “bring the country to a halt” and threaten the “nascent recovery” from COVID-19, a governance reformer warned yesterday, adding that such a move would be “ill-advised”.
Private bank worker’s $58k win overturned
A private bank employee has seen a $58,000 damages award against her former employer overturned after she breached its client confidentiality policies in deciding to complete work assignments at home.
Treasure Cay buyer refuses $20m bond
A controversial purchaser of Abaco’s Treasure Cay Resort has failed to lodge a $20m bond demanded by the seller, North Abaco’s MP confirmed yesterday.
Full churches to boost funeral employment
The Bahamas Funeral Directors Association’s (BFDA) president yesterday said the post-COVID return of 100 percent church occupancy will enable the industry to hire more people.
Tourism giants in ‘coral reef gene bank’ move
Conservationists are partnering with Atlantis and Disney to create a “coral reef gene bank” to save several Bahamian species in danger of being wiped out by disease, Tribune Business can reveal.
30 months for sex offence
A 32-year-old man who masturbated in front of a woman with whom he shared a cell last year was sentenced to 30 months in prison yesterday.
Omar Archer charged over voice note
OMAR Archer was charged with intentional libel yesterday for allegedly defaming National Security Minister Wayne Munroe in a voice note that went viral last month.
‘Govt should have handled food programme row better’
OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Michael Pintard said the government should have been more measured in how it handled allegations about the Minnis administration’s food programme, adding that with recent developments it was duty bound to answer questions in Parliament.
NIB FUND ‘RUNS OUT IN 6 YEARS’: Laroda says report warns depletion rate has increased
A NEW actuarial review of the National Insurance Board has predicted that the fund could be depleted by 2028 should officials neglect to take urgent action.
Parents’ concerns over tennis trips organisation
A group of parents have voiced their concerns about two recent Bahamas junior national tennis team trips, including issues about organisation of team travel, team uniforms and the selection process for coaches of the national teams.
Sun Oil Limited sponsors Team Bahamas for the Carifta Aquatics Championships
SUN OIL Limited is again partnering with the Bahamas Aquatics Federation to sponsor Team Bahamas’ participation at the 2022 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, scheduled for April 16-19 in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Williams lowers his own national marathon record
ONEIL Williams lowered his own Bahamas national record in the men's marathon when he competed in the fourth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon in Kenya on Sunday.
Grand Bahama basketball tournaments completed
THE Grand Bahama Secondary Schools Sports Association completed the joint Carl Sands Construction under-17 and Franco/Scott/Quinton Big Three under-13 basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Jack Hayward Secondary High School.
International Basketball Academy Bahamas to host ‘Set It Off’ event
International Basketball Academy Bahamas is using the Easter Holiday break to showcase student athletes in their first “Set It Off” Tournament.
Two game leads in NPBA best of five championship series
THE Giants basketball teams are at opposite ends of the spectrum against the Rockets as the New Providence Basketball Association began its best-of-five championship series over the weekend at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.
Strachan and Colts get set for offseason training
In less than a week, Mike Strachan and the Indianapolis Colts will begin their offseason training regimen in preparation for the 2022 season.
Murder suspect denied bail
A 26-year-old man accused of murdering another man as he sat on the porch of his home last week was denied bail yesterday.
Stop gun terrorists
Over the last few days, a gang war erupted in the streets of Nassau, disrupting the peace and leaving over 20 people dead in March. Recently, Nassau suffers one murder every two or three nights since the weekend where five people were killed, hours apart from one another.
Laws on age of consent in Canada
In the public discussion about the age of consent, it is useful to see what other jurisdictions are doing. It is important when making laws to not allow a particular case or the unwise pronouncements by a Minister of National Security to determine legal canons.
Climate change impact to be focus of symposium
CLIMATE change and its impact on health in The Bahamas due to threats such as the rising sea level and greenhouse gases was highlighted at this year’s World Health Day Symposium yesterday.
Monday, April 11
WORLD VIEW: Those who damage legal international order must be held to account
OVER the last few weeks since the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the world has witnessed the greatest weakness in the machinery entrusted with maintaining international peace and security.
THE KDK REPORT: What lies beneath
THERE was a time growing up in Nassau, and perhaps many places, when finding out someone had cancer was so rare that it was considered shocking. The island gossip mills churned for weeks on end with callous disregard and absolute bewilderment by the mere occurrence and in some cases friends of the newly diagnosed quietly shied away out of fear that it might be contagious.
INSIGHT: Cautious but confident in this COVID lull
YESTERDAY marked a moment when things seemed to get back to normal for many Bahamians.
BAARK given support by government
THE government has pledged to support the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK) through grant funding.
Government plans to build 140 affordable homes in GB
THE government intends to construct over 140 affordable homes in Grand Bahama, Minister of Transport and Housing Jobeth Coleby-Davis said on Friday.
Pintard criticises Munroe comments
FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard said controversial comments made by National Security Minister Wayne Munroe regarding a child sex case can “cultivate the wrong mindset” among some in society, including law enforcement officers.
‘We are looking at anti-gang legal move’
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said he has been asked by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to look at regional gang legislation to determine if a stand alone new law should be enacted or if changes should be made to the Penal Code.
Amnesty considered in crackdown on guns
CABINET has discussed reintroducing a gun amnesty policy as a way of reducing the number of illegal weapons on the street.
Super Value chief: Food price peak ‘in 6 months’
Super Value’s principal is optimistic that soaring global food prices could peak “in six months’ time” as it relies on high warehouse inventories and “forward bookings” to mitigate the impact on Bahamian consumers.
‘Leave us alone and we’ll blow 2018 GDP out water’
Abaco’s economic output “will come roaring back and blow 2018’s figures out of the water” if the island’s recovery is freed from the Government’s constant rule changes, its Chamber of Commerce president argued yesterday.
Gas dealers: 50% margin rise to avoid Easter strike
Gas station operators are seeking a 50 percent margin increase and for its calculation to be based on a percentage, as opposed to a fixed amount, amid threats that up to 80 percent of them may strike this Easter weekend.
Soaring prices
ActivTrades
THE US Federal Reserve apparently intends to raise interest rates significantly – and reduce the balance sheet. Fed Reserve governor, Lael Brainard, signalled this aggressive action.
Address Dorian-spill liabilities in South Riding sale approval
Activists are urging the Government to ensure all environmental and financial liabilities stemming from the Dorian-related oil spill at South Riding Point are properly addressed in the approval for the facility’s potential sale.
HUBERT EDWARDS: The Moody’s verdict on state of The Bahamas
In the first of a two-part series, Hubert Edwards examines the implications of the rating agency's assessment for the country's economic and fiscal outlook.
Ex-minister: Civil servants hijacked new research Act
A former environment minister is urging the Government not to “throw the baby out with the bath water” in reforming an Act that has been accused of bringing scientific and environmental research in The Bahamas to a near-standstill.
Home construction must not be ‘Russian roulette’
A Bahamian engineer is urging the Government to hire “third party inspectors” from the private sector as a means to relieve the burden facing the Building Control Department.
Bahamas’ sustainable future requires action, not promises
The Bahamas no longer has “the luxury of making grand speeches” that are not backed by action, a Cabinet minister has conceded, as it faces “falling further behind” if sustainability does not become a reality.
PI developer takes on Schooner Bay
A Nassau financier/developer has struck a deal to take over management, and develop a boutique resort, at a south Abaco community once hailed as a sustainable development model for The Bahamas.
Bahamian killed in US road crash
ONE Bahamian man is dead and another is in hospital in the United States after a car crash in New Haven, Connecticut, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed yesterday.
UPDATED: Man in bulletproof vest shot by police
A man wearing a bulletproof vest was shot by police in the early hours of Saturday.
PETROL STRIKE FOR EASTER WEEKEND? Operators say they are struggling to survive as fuel costs increase
THE leadership of the Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association is trying to ward off a planned Easter weekend strike by around 80 percent of operators who say their businesses are struggling to survive the economy compounded by the rising cost of fuel.
Surge to a new record
WHILE it was another record breaking performance for decathlete Kendrick Thompson on Saturday in Miami, Florida, sprinters Steven Gardiner and Anthonique Strachan surged to victories in the men and women 200 metres in Devonshire, Bermuda. The trio led an array of Bahamian elite and collegiate athletes in action in various meets overseas.
Strong turnout for Atlantis Tennis Day
ALTHOUGH it was just their first initiative to get the parents of their children involved, coordinator Philip Major Jr said he was thrilled by the turnout and participation for the Island Tennis Family Fun Day.
Bahamians land minor league assignments
MORE Bahamian minor league prospects received their minor league assignments to begin the 2022 season this week.
Cox and Pritchard crowned victors
JOHN Cox and Erin Pritchard emerged as the King and Queen of the New Providence Cycling Association’s road race held on Sunday around the Medical Arts building on Fort Charlotte.
Rivals - but close friends
ALTHOUGH there’s a lot of pressure competing against each other for the crown of the most versatile track and field athlete, Ken Mullings and Kendrick Thompson don’t allow that competitive edge to get in the way of their friendship outside of the sporting arena.
Chisholm goes viral but miss for Marlins
ANTOAN Richadson’s San Francisco Giants got the better of Jazz Chisholm Jr and the Miami Marlins in a tightly contested opening week series where each of the three games was decided by a single run.
Fox makes major league debut
LUCIUS Fox Jr made Bahamian history with his Major League Baseball debut and his storybook ending exceeded his own lofty expectations.
A prayer for success ahead of Carifta challenge
WITH less than a week to go before they head off to the 2022 Carifta Games, the Bahamas Associations of Athletic Association’s 54-member team is making last minute preparations before they head off to Kingston, Jamaica.
Feeding Bain Grants Town project seeks support
THE Feeding Bain Grants Town project is appealing for assistance in its efforts to support poeple affected by the economic effects of COVID-19.
Wayne Munroe’s opinions
So our esteemed cabinet minister Wayne Munroe feels his 40-year-old male client got a “too severe sentence” for having sex with a 14-year-old child. He said the child consented so everything is presumably rosy in the garden. Well, Mr Munroe, if the girl was 12, 10 or 8 and consented is that similarly fine by you? The reason why civilized societies have age of consent laws is to protect children. Guess why, Munroe? Yes, they are children they are not emotionally or intellectually developed so we protect them. Your client is a paedophile and in a first world country they would throw away the key and even on his release he would be carefully monitored.
Permits problem
I read with great interest what Dr Nick Higgs and other scientists had to say on how permit delays and red tape are holding up important environmental research and conservation, and threatening the survival of our natural resources.
Ship building and the Star class sailboat
On the flight from Nassau to New Jersey a couple of weeks ago I read the interesting and entertaining letter from Bruce Raine about the rich history of ship building and sailing in The Bahamas. Not only did it make the flight seem shorter, but it also brought up vivid memories of some of my experiences at sea while growing up as a young boy in Nassau during the war years.
28 new cases over three days
THE Ministry of Health recorded just 28 new cases of COVID-19 over a three-day period last week.
Friday, April 8
Man charged with string of robberies on Exuma
A MAN from Exuma was granted bail on Friday for a string of robberies on the island and was also ordered to pay a fine on a drug charge.
Not guilty plea to marijuana possession
A MAN was arraigned on Friday accused of marijuana possession.
Man in court on ammunition and firearm component part charges
A MAN was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services on Friday after he was arraigned on ammunition and firearm component part charges.
Churches approved for 100% occupancy at services across The Bahamas
CHURCHES and places of religious worship across the country are now allowed to have services at maximum capacity, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said on Friday.
AG: Draft of Citizenship Act should be presented to Cabinet by summer
A DRAFT version of the Citizenship Act should be presented to the Cabinet by the summer, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said on Friday.
UPDATED: Governor General remains in Doctors Hospital under observation
FRIDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: Government press secretary Clint Watson said the Governor General remains in Doctors Hospital under observation by his medical team. He continues to rest comfortably.
DIANE PHILLIPS: How long will we bury our heads in the sand?
THERE are 8,700+ words in the Chapter 5 of the constitution of The Bahamas. That’s the chapter dealing with Parliament. I read every one of those words, some of them twice, because I wanted to make sure I was reading correctly when I saw references to disqualifications for serving in the Senate or the House of Assembly if you are deemed to be of unsound mind, for instance, or serving a sentence exceeding 12 months or under sentence of death.
A national radical change in values - Easter demands it
THE Easter Season is the oldest in the Christian calendar. The season’s English name, Easter, is derived from Eostre, a teutonic goddess of spring, who gave her name to what corresponds to the month of April. The whole season of Easter is a festival season.
EDITORIAL: Good intentions - but red tape stopping scientists
WHEN the Biological Resources and Traditional Knowledge Bill was passed in February last year, it was said that it would stop “the plundering” of The Bahamas’ genetic resources by foreign researchers without earning any money for our country.
PM: Face question of sustainability head on
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis challenged those attending the Sustainable Grand Bahama Conference to face head on the question of how best to embrace ideas of sustainability in the context of national development.
Increase in cases of child abandonment
CHILD abandonment has become more “prevalent” in recent years, according to Social Services and Urban Development Minister Obie Wilchcombe.
Permit crisis is ‘debasing’ Bahamas’ science brand
The fight against a deadly coral disease, and preservation of endangered species, have been undermined by a bureaucratic bottleneck that is “debasing” Bahamian science and reduced it to near-standstill, Tribune Business can reveal.
PM: Carbon credit drive to ‘supplant’ oil drilling
The Prime Minister yesterday suggested The Bahamas’ efforts to extract value from carbon credits will “supplant” oil exploration and extraction as a potential future multi-million dollar revenue source.
‘Caught in the act’ over soccer bribe chief deal
A senior Bahamian banker’s claim for wrongful/unfair dismissal, after he was “caught in the act” dealing with a key figure in world soccer’s bribery scandal, was yesterday rejected for a second time by the judicial system.
‘A poor excuse for governance’
The Attorney General yesterday said he and environmental chiefs are aiming to complete a “page by page” review of an Act that has brought scientific research in The Bahamas to a near-standstill “by the end of next week”.
PM negotiates 38% discount on shipping container costs
The Prime Minister yesterday said he had negotiated a 38 percent “discount” on the cost of shipping containers coming into The Bahamas from the Far East as the Government ramps up efforts to combat soaring inflation.
GB ‘is famous for pipeline projects’
A Grand Bahama businessman yesterday said the island is “famous for having things in the pipeline” and he will believe the Grand Lucayan has been sold when he sees it.
Fears Treasure Cay will ‘die on the vine’
Treasure Cay residents yesterday voiced fears that the island will “die on the vine” unless the uncertainty surrounding the long-pending sale of its resort is urgently resolved so the economy can kick-start.
Year-long research crisis is debasing local science
As a Bahamian scientist, I am writing today out of deep concern, but also a renewed sense of hope. As you may have read in the OpEd by fellow Bahamian researcher, Candace Fields, last November, a crisis is developing for the Bahamian scientific community. In her eloquent article, Candace explained that more than a year ago we were thrown into chaos because, almost overnight, it became nearly impossible to secure approvals to do vital research and environmental conservation work in this country.
‘Throw tennis coach off team for bullying on weight’
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said a coach accused of criticising a young tennis player’s weight ought to be let off the team if the claims are true.
Davis: We still have no record of food spending
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday doubled down on his assertions about the former government’s food assistance programme, saying his administration still has no record of how money was spent by the food task force despite reports saying otherwise.
PM: No need for Munroe to resign
PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis says he doesn’t think National Security Minister Wayne Munroe should resign in the wake of backlash about his recent controversial comments concerning a child sex case involving a 40-year-old man.
Shopping for gas at a discount
THE government is negotiating with several shipping companies to import fuel into the country at discounted rates to help buffer soaring gas prices, according to Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis yesterday.
Sixth person since Sunday shot dead
A MAN died after he was shot while sitting on a porch of a home on Ragged Island Street yesterday afternoon, marking the sixth murder since Sunday.
Fighting back on crime
IN the wake of a recent spate of murders and violent crime, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis yesterday announced a series of crime fighting initiatives to tackle gun violence in the country.
‘$3k of drugs belonged to my boyfriend’ court is told
A WOMAN was fined yesterday after being found in possession of more than $3,000 worth of marijuana which she said belonged to her boyfriend.
Marlins to host second Bahamian Appreciation Celebration
Bahamian culture will once again take centre stage at loanDepot Park when the Miami Marlins hosts its second annual celebration of the relationship between the franchise and the Bahamas.
Bahamas national cricket team set for T-20 Cayman matches
AS a spin-off for their trip to Antigua for the International Cricket Council’s World Cup Division Qualifier Tournament in November, the Bahamas Cricket Association will be sending another men’s team off to the Cayman Islands.
Young scientists at work
PAPIER mache, picture books, cardboard televisions, brochures, posters and 3-D models are all ways in which students of Uriah McPhee Primary School depicted their assignments for a Science Literacy Exhibition.
Two accused of threats of harm
TWO men were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday for two separate charges of threats of harm.
Adderley sisters get set for Carifta
Almost every year, there are at least one or two sibling pairs who make an impact as members of the Bahamas Carifta team in the biggest junior regional track and field competition.
National sport
What’s the national sport of The Bahamas? - Tribune Wednesday, 6th April.
Albany West proposals
As a resident of South Ocean Village Phase I am an opponent of the foolish rerouting of Adelaide Road to accommodate the high end, gated luxury development of Albany, I feel compelled to respond to The Tribune’s March 21st edition public notice from the Department of Physical Planning concerning the proposed Albany West development.
Old timers softball returns this weekend
After missing two years of competition, the New Providence Old Timers Softball Association will return to action this weekend (April 9th and 10th, 2022) with a memorial tournament, but at a different venue under new leadership.
Ras Jesse Delancy is Benedict College’s all-round volleyball player of the year
RAS Jesse Delancy, who helped to form a Bahamian connection to start a vibrant men’s volleyball programme at Benedict College Tigers, is having an exceptional season.
Thursday, April 7
STATESIDE: The history of Germany and Russia’s relationship
FOUR months ago this morning, America was in solemn remembrance of an infamous, consequential day that would shape the nation’s history for decades. December 7, 2021, was the 80th anniversary of the surprise attack by Japanese military forces on the sprawling American naval base at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii.
FRONT PORCH: National Development: Majority Rule, Independence, Republican Status
DURING the 1962 general election there was mass propaganda circulated by the United Bahamian Party (UBP) and parroted by others, including many black Bahamians, of the supposed innate inferiority of black people.
EDITORIAL: What shall we do to stop wave of murders?
IT is now ten days since Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis held an “urgent” conclave to address the sharp increase in murders.
PAHO calls for caution on COVID restrictions
ALTHOUGH COVID- 19 cases have been declining in the region, a Pan American Health Organisation official has called for caution amid a rollback of public health measures, saying there is a risk of a new coronavirus wave as cases surge in other jurisdictions.
‘Outdated laws holding Freeport back’
DESPITE several successful derelict building demolitions and removal of 3,000 derelict vehicles in Freeport, a top GBPA executive has indicated that “current outdated city bye-laws” are hampering their efforts to rid the city of the many old abandoned buildings and vehicles in the Freeport area.
Port Authority hails $1bn in projects over next two years
OVER $1 billion of new investments generated by the Grand Bahama Port Authority is expected to be invested in the Freeport area over the next two years, a GBPA official said.
Pintard accused of ‘power play’ over finance reporting act debate
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder yesterday accused FNM Leader Michael Pintard of making a "power play" in Parliament last week, saying he did not agree to debating an amendment to the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, meaning it could not be passed in both chambers.
Defence Force rammers’ ‘lenient’ penalties upheld
The Court of Appeal’s president has declined to impose harsher punishment on three Dominican poachers who rammed a Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) vessel despite branding their original sentences as “lenient”.
Airbnbs: ‘Don’t wring them out like sponge’
The Government was yesterday warned against “wringing out vacation rentals like a sponge” amid fears it is targeting any growth industry for extra tax dollars in its haste to combat The Bahamas’ debt and deficit crisis.
BID to end ‘piecemeal’ Bay Street approach
The Downtown Nassau Partnership’s (DNP) co-chair yesterday renewed calls for Bay Street and surrounding areas to be designated as a Business Improvement District (BID) to escape the “piecemeal” approach to redevelopment.
AG: Minnis tax changes ‘threatened’ IBC sector
The Attorney General yesterday accused the former Minnis administration of endangering The Bahamas’ International Business Company (IBC) sector through ill thought-out changes to tax laws.
Bahamas targets ‘perfection’ on anti-financial crime rating
The Bahamas must achieve “perfection” and “40 out of 40” total compliance with anti-financial crime standards given the double standards often employed against it, the Attorney General said yesterday.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Overcoming adversity is the entrepreneur's role
Setbacks in business can provide lessons that generate long-term rewards in the future. We must accept that adversity happens to everyone at some point in life. Overcoming challenges is critical on the path to success, so dealing with them in a healthy manner is really important for entrepreneurs. Always remember that it is possible to bounce back from failure, and get back on track in no time, than to remain mired in misfortune. An entrepreneur is not defined by the number of times he or she fails, but what they learnt from those mistakes.
Tribune artist becomes cultural ambassador
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the appointment of seven new envoys at an official swearing-in ceremony at the Balmoral Club yesterday.
Govt asks for files on Bahamians’ Italy deaths
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said the government has asked Italian officials for the files connected to the investigation of the deaths of two Bahamian men who died mysteriously in 2019, but have yet to receive them.
NIB workers vote to strike
THE majority of Public Managers Union members yesterday voted in favour of taking industrial action against the National Insurance Board after 29 months of wrangling for resolution of outstanding issues.
Bahamian Minor League Baseball prospects receive 2022 assignments
Several Bahamian prospects have received their 2022 assignments in Minor League Baseball as seasons commenced in leagues across the United States.
2022 Orjan Lindroth Memorial Open Chess Championship
The local chess community hosted several masters of the sport from across the globe at the 2022 Orjan Lindroth Memorial Open Chess Championship. Norwegian Grand Master Johan-Sebastian Christiansen won the inaugural event.
Basketball camp in Eleuthera
WITH schools being closed for the Easter holiday, Tony Crean and Sharon ‘the General’ Storr are combining their skills to host another basketball camp for high school students in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera.
Three Bahamians get set for Major League Baseball action
Major League Baseball’s opening week of the 2022 season has arrived and three Bahamians are expected to be in action with their respective clubs.
Franchise record for Ayton’s Phoenix Suns
When Deandre Ayton joined the Phoenix Suns as a rookie in the 2018-19 season, the team finished just 19-63.
Knife attack accused on bail
A 62-year-old woman who denied assaulting another woman with a knife last month was granted $3,500 bail ahead of her trial yesterday.
$100 theft case reaches court
A SENIOR magistrate yesterday deferred the sentencing of a man who admitted to stealing $100 cash from a woman last month.
$200 fine for man over marijuana found in vehicle
A 20-year-old man who was found with a small quantity of marijuana earlier this week was fined $200 yesterday.
New appointments
I was sitting with my knitting as ordered so to do by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs when my attention was drawn to the appointment of new envoys for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was so struck by the announcement that I dropped a stitch in the scarf I was knitting for the Hon Minister.
The Ike Turner syndrome
Senate President LaShell Adderley gave a heartwarming tribute to the late Carissa Culmer, who is alleged to have taken her own life on March 10.
Will Smith and the slap
Over the past several days most of us have seen the Chris Rock/Will Smith showdown at the Oscars. My honest question to you is this: What if Chris Rock had been a white comedian say on par with one of the late night TV comedy hosts, do you think Will Smith would have slapped Chris Rock in a public venue?
$75k fine over cocaine
A 24-YEAR-OLD man who smuggled $100,000 worth of cocaine into the country last year was fined $75,000 yesterday as part of a plea deal.
Five killed since Sunday in deadly murder toll
TWO men were killed in separate homicides just hours apart on Tuesday night - and another in a shooting last night. Five people have been killed since Sunday.
Wednesday, April 6
ALICIA WALLACE: We need more than laws
LAST week was tough. The conversations taking place in public and private spaces were difficult. Reading the news was a chore. The constant barrage of video clips, audio snippets, and sensational quotes were intrusive and exhausting.
Govt monitoring spread of Omicron subvariant
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville says the government is closely monitoring the highly infectious Omicron subvariant that is spreading in some parts of the world and is preparing in the event of another potential surge.
Students are urged to stay away from gangs and violence
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force and education officials held a special forum at AF Adderley Junior High School yesterday to caution students about the dangers of gangs and violence.
GB airport first in line for public private deal
THE government has officially launched phase one of the public private partnership to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain several airports throughout The Bahamas.
Bain vows to sue over clampdown on land use
LINCOLN Bain, leader of the Coalition of Independents, has vowed to take legal action against the government if officials move to prosecute Bahamians living and farming on Crown land.
Coalition reiterates opposition to oil drilling
A COALITION of activists, business owners and tourism advocates, has reaffirmed its position calling for a permanent nationwide ban on oil drilling following the most recent United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.
EDITORIAL: A transformation we should reach towards
WHEN a meeting was held last month to discuss the problems affecting Downtown Nassau – problems that frankly stretch back decades – Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper talked of the need for “aggressive transformation.”
‘Intelligent’ planning to slash urban growth cost by $1.6bn
New Providence’s urban development costs could be slashed by $1.6bn over a 30-year period via “intelligent” planning, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report revealed yesterday, as it urged “vexing challenges” be confronted.
DPM’s vacation rental ‘law breaking’ concern
The Government is aiming to roll-out a vacation rental register that could ultimately feature 10,000 properties in time for the May Budget, the deputy prime minister said yesterday, as he voiced concern over “law breaking” by some owners.
Bahamasair raises fares on $100k weekly fuel cost rise
Bahamasair has increased ticket prices on all domestic and international routes with effect from early April after its fuel costs soared by an “extra $100,000 per week”, its managing director revealed yesterday.
Ex-Grand Lucayan director backs aggressive sale push
A former Grand Lucayan director is backing the Government’s decision to set aggressive timeline for the resort’s sale, saying it would “be great” if the deputy prime minister achieves a signed sales agreement by end-April.
New board to help steer UWIOCB
THE University of the West Indies Open Campus Bahamas (UWIOCB) has appointed an advisory board of directors.
Two dead after separate shootings
Two men are dead after separate shooting incidents on Tuesday night.
Nurses warn non-urgent surgery delay may be lengthy
BAHAMAS Nurses Union President Amancha Williams says Princess Margaret Hospital’s non-urgent surgical procedure backlog could continue for a long time, as large numbers of nurses continue to leave the public system for lucrative opportunities abroad.
Buyer chosen for Grand Lucayan ‘by end of month’
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper anticipates that the government will choose a buyer for the Grand Lucayan resort by the end of this month, after which a contract for the purchase of the hotel will soon be executed.
Age of consent legislation may go to Cabinet next week
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder says he hopes to present draft legislation that addresses juvenile matters, including the age of consent, to Cabinet as early as next week.
$450m to make Nassau a truly sustainable city
Transforming Nassau and wider New Providence into a truly resilient, sustainable island demands a $450m investment spread over a 20-year period, a newly-released Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report has revealed.
Murder suspect ‘violated bail’
A MAN accused of murder appeared in court yesterday for violating the conditions of his bail.
A dream come true for Lucius Fox
IT’S a dream come true for Lucius Fox as he prepares to become only the eighth Bahamian to play in Major League Baseball.
MAKING HISTORY: First ever rowing medal for The Bahamas
THE quartet of Jessica and Poppy Profitt – who are sisters – Breanna Gayla and Leah Bethel made history as they became the first team ever to win a rowing medal for The Bahamas in an international event.
Man accused over fake currency
A MAN was arraigned yesterday on possession of forged currency and drug charges.
Two men face court over drug possession charges
TWO men were sentenced in Magistrate’s Court yesterday for separate drug charges.
Where is the outrage over guns?
It is refreshing to see the outrage being expressed by Bahamians about sexual exploitation and domestic violence. It clearly speaks to an evolving civil culture – with perhaps a bit of virtue signaling thrown in, too.
Mystified by commentary
Hearing the pronouncements of Mr Williams, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, and the subsequent media statements from Minister Wayne Munroe, QC, and Attorney Christina Galanos in reference to the plea-bargained sentence handed to the 40-year-old gentleman who admitted to having sexual intercourses with a then 14-year-old girl, I remain mystified by their logic.
Age of consent
Recently, a 40-year-old child sexual predator was given a light plea deal sentence of four years in prison for repeatedly engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old child. Such a light sentence for such a horrific crime should cause us to hang our national head in shame. Why? Because the way a society truly feels about a particular crime is expressed by the punishment meted out to it. And it matters not that the maximum sentence for unlawful sexual intercourse with a child under age 16 is life in prison. Sadly, that maximum sentence on the law books is functionally irrelevant because the sentences given to child sexual predators are slaps on the wrist. In truth, they amount more to reward than punishment.
Tuesday, April 5
PETER YOUNG: Farewell to a famous prince
BY its nature, news reporting has to be selective. Editors worldwide determine what is of interest and whether, for a variety of reasons, it should be brought to public attention and is worthy of publication.
FACE TO FACE: The women of Sankofa Flamingo
SANKOFA Flamingo is a unique and purposeful group. It comprises Bahamian men and women with a passion for Africa. They have made it their life’s mission to connect the dots between Africa and The Bahamas. For centuries, blank spaces in the history of the black people of The Bahamas have existed.
Medals for Grand Bahama officers
GOVERNOR General Sir Cornelius A Smith presented medals to some 60 police officers in Grand Bahama yesterday.
Expert takes to TV to spread the word about stingrays
A LOCAL stingray expert says he hopes to “normalise” the marine animals and bring an end to the public stigma against them with his involvement in an upcoming Canadian documentary.
UN: Cut emissions by 45 percent this decade
THE United Nations secretary general said countries must cut global carbon emissions by 45 percent this decade to ward off the worst effects of the environmental crisis.
Carissa Culmer ‘lived in perpetual fear’
SENATE President LaShell Adderley remembered the life and tragedy of Carissa Culmer yesterday, saying in the months before her death she lived in perpetual fear as the man responsible for her alleged abuse enjoyed life despite an active warrant for his arrest.
‘Give us the facts’ on North Andros mining
The North Andros Chamber of Commerce’s president yesterday urged that the community “get all the facts” so it can make an informed decision on a multi-million aggregate mining project following a heated weekend Town Meeting.
Bahamas hotel rooms off 2,500 against pre-COVID
The Bahamas’ total resort room inventory has been slashed by 2,500 compared to 2019 levels, a top hotelier said yesterday, arguing that no indicator of industry performance should be viewed in isolation.
‘All-time high’ demand to offset tourism risks
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president yesterday voiced optimism that “all-time high” travel demand will help offset newly-elevated Central Bank concerns about the “downside risks” facing the sector.
External reserves jump on banks’ $84m inflow
The Bahamas’ external reserves grew by almost $55m in February 2022 as commercial banks collectively received a net $84.2m foreign currency inflow from their customers.
Family Islands eye Easter boost from COVID test end
Easter holiday is looking “very good” for domestic tourism now that the COVID-19 inter-island testing requirements have been dropped, multiple Family Island hotel operators said yesterday.
Minimum wage increase likely to be $250 ‘or close’
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) labour division head yesterday said the minimum wage increase will likely “match $250” per week or “close to it”.
American tourist had marijuana as he headed to flight
AN American tourist who was arrested at the airport for marijuana possession was yesterday bound to keep the peace for one year.
45-year-old faces court over rape
A 45-year-old man was charged in Magistrate’s Court yesterday, accused of raping a woman last month.
‘Our Daddy only had a gun to protect us’
A POLICE officer yesterday testified how daughters of a man accused of firearm possession told him on the day of his arrest that their father only had the weapon to protect them.
Two men are accused of Baillou Hill shooting
TWO men accused of shooting a man while he was driving on Baillou Hill Road last month were charged with murder yesterday.
UB North to host event on sustainability
THE University of the Bahamas North will host the third Sustainable Grand Bahama Conference this week. The event will be held Thursday to Saturday.
‘Significant’ wait for non-urgent surgeries
THE Public Hospitals Authority yesterday said there may be significant wait times for non-urgent surgical procedures at Princess Margaret Hospital.
One dead as two shooting victims found in doorway
ONE man is dead and another is in hospital after a shooting off Malcolm Road.
Churches hope to be full for Easter
BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander said church leaders hope to have services at 100 percent capacity during Easter once COVID-19 cases remain low.
BNT chief: $50m to enter carbon credits
A senior Bahamas National Trust (BNT) executive yesterday said this nation must likely invest $50m to enter “what could be the very lucrative international financing mechanism” of carbon credits.
Christian Council leader backs consent age change
A RELIGIOUS leader said yesterday that he too believes the age of consent should be 18.
‘Law must change to protect minors’
SENATE President LaShell Adderley said the four-year sentence a 40-year-old man received for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl was a “slap on the wrist,” charging that the law must change to protect minors.
NPBA sets the stage for championship
WITH all two game sweeps of their best-of-three semifinal series over the weekend at the AF Adderley Gymnasium, the stage is now set for the New Providence Basketball Association’s best-of-five championship series in both the men’s division one and II.
King Jr decommits from Cardinals
NCAA Division I basketball prospect Fredrick King Jr has reopened his recruiting process and will be a highly sought after prospect of the late signing period.
Red-Line Athletics donates to Great Commissions Ministries
FOR the second consecutive year, Red-Line Athletics have made a substantial donation to the Great Commissions Ministries.
Egg on the face
Mr Prime Minister egg all over your face warned and told by the professionals don’t include bread basket items with the Vat 10% but you did … you will have to remove Vat on bread basket very soon and face the laughter from the opposition and the public.
Anita Doherty – a valued club member
TODAY I became aware of Anita Doherty’s passing in Grand Bahama.
Rasta belief
Based on a March 25 Tribune article on Bobo Ashanti members of the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress (EABIC), I am inclined to believe that these Nassau-based Rastas were unhappy about the visit of the Dutch and Duchess of Cambridge to The Bahamas. It was either on the 26 or 27 of March when Prince William posted on Twitter a moving tribute about the resilience of Abaconians some two-and-a-half years removed from Hurricane Dorian.
National Youth Service
I have long called for the introduction of a scheme/system of National Youth Service.
BAHAMAS GAMES ARE BACK: ‘Golden Jubilee’ version of event to return for 50th year of Independence
AFTER a hiatus of more than 20 years, the sixth version of the Bahamas Games has been launched as the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games to coincide with the nation’s 50th Independence celebrations.
Kai Jones recalled to Hornets
Kai Jones completed a dominant rookie season in the NBA G-League with the Greensboro Swarm and was recalled to the Charlotte Hornets following the season finale.
U-turn for Fox as he returns to Nationals
After a whirlwind seven day period featuring miles of travel and transactions, Lucius Fox went from Washington National Spring Training, to the Triple-A affiliate and now back to the big league club with a legitimate shot at a spot on the opening day roster.
Monday, April 4
WORLD VIEW: How serious is the Caribbean about reparations?
ON March 25, the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, publicly pointed out that “only six of our 34 active member states have ratified the Inter-American Convention against Racism, Racial Discrimination and Related Forms of Intolerance”.
THE KDK REPORT: As the orchids bloom
A POPULAR theory amongst gardeners is that the lunar cycle can affect plant growth. It follows that as the moon’s gravitational pull alters the rise and fall of ocean tides, it also directly influences the amount of moisture in the soil. In doing so, planting seeds in the right moisture conditions will allow the seeds to germinate much faster and accordingly yield bigger, healthier plants.
Banking
The Bank is the legal business where money is kept at all times. If there is no money and bankers in the bank it cannot function. If all the clients take all of their money out of the bank, it cannot survive. Continue to bank. The number places are trying to replace the banks in the Bahamas. Mr Banks from USA was here.
Property taxation
Real property owners screaming on the valuations Property Tax Department sent.
INSIGHT: Back to normal, or building back better?
THE latest step in removing COVID restrictions is perhaps one of the most significant for Bahamians. The removal of the need for COVID tests for inter-island travel is more than welcome – it makes us able to travel freely within our nation. No longer will there be the hassle of arranging a test or the worry of what happens if it shows up positive before we go and visit our family members on different islands.
EDITORIAL: Why do so many seek to blame the victim?
IF there is one thing this past week has shown, it is that we are ill equipped for a discussion of the issues surrounding sex crimes and underage children.
Blame game
Crime, just like our Finances, no Government has been willing to address the fundamental issues and continually play politics and most of the time knee jerk reactions – of course the blame game.
Athol Island and plans of the past
The late E Dawson Roberts often quoted what has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson “Eternal Vigilance is the price of Liberty”.
Senator: Focus on protecting young rather than insensitive comments
SENATOR Michela Barnett Ellis wants the Davis administration to place greater focus on how the country can offer better protection for underage children instead of making “insensitive” comments about victims of sex crimes.
Sands urges caution over lifting COVID restrictions
WITH the emergence of new and more infectious COVID-19 strains, Free National Movement Chairman Dr Duane Sands says the government must not become overly eager when easing additional restrictions and instead take a more cautious approach.
Tributes to nurse after fatal car crash
FAMILY, friends and colleagues of Nurse Latisha Cash, who was killed in a car crash last week, say her tragic death was an unexpected blow for many.
Wilchcombe: No smear campaign over food scheme
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe denied that the Davis administration has launched a “smear campaign” against the former administration’s national food programme, saying the government just wants to account for the millions of dollars spent.
Omar Archer wanted by police
OMAR Archer, former registrar of contractors in the Ministry of Works, is wanted by the Royal Bahamas Police Force for alleged intentional libel.
Decide Freeport’s post-2054 direction ‘within next 5 years’
An ex-Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) counsel says The Bahamas must within “the next five years” determine the direction that Freeport takes once the Hawksbill Creek Agreement expires in 2054.
‘Prosperity on paper’ must reach the street
The Bahamas must ensure “prosperity on paper trickles down” to the street level so that persons feel the impact from rising GDP in their daily lives, a well-known accountant has asserted.
Bahamas in modest financial centre rankings improvement
The Bahamas has improved its ranking in a key financial centre index by four spots after plummeting 26 places in 2021, it has been revealed.
Plans to bring hospital to Eleuthera by end of year
A BAHAMIAN-OWNED health system, already positively affecting the lives of Eleuthera residents, has begun expansion and is eyeing hospital status for the end of 2022.
The economic war
ActivTrades
RUSSIA’S invasion of Ukraine is not going as Vladimir Putin expected. After more than a month of fighting, Moscow’s ‘special operation’ has stalled. Despite almost 200,000 soldiers, supported by large numbers of armoured vehicles and sophisticated weaponry, Russian forces have been held back by poor planning and logistics, a fierce Ukrainian resistance, and an unusually united West, whose weapon supplies and intelligence sharing proved decisive in the unfolding of events on the ground.
Cat Island urges: Do ‘due diligence’ on $60m resort
Cat Island business owners are urging the Government to conduct proper “due diligence” on a $60m resort project after its principal developer accepted US sanctions over his role in a $122m investment fraud.
Sanctioned resort principal’s project hearing put ‘on hold’
Tomorrow’s public hearing on a $60m Cat Island resort project, whose principal last week agreed to accept US sanctions over his role in a purported multi-million investment fraud, has been placed “on hold” by the Government.
Marijuana ambitions damaged if too hasty
A marijuana advocate is warning that ambitions to develop medical marijuana and industrial hemp industries could be endangered if “long overdue” legislation is not implemented effectively.
Fuel cost surge to hit construction site ride
Contractors may no longer give their workers rides between home and the job site in a bid to counteract higher fuel costs, the Bahamas Society of Engineers (BSE) president has warned.
Lighting it up blue for autism
GOVERNMENT ministers attended REACH’s “Light It Up Blue 2022” World Autism Awareness Day ceremony on Saturday. The drive-up event was held at Queen’s College.
Multiple investors target Athol Island
Multiple Bahamian investors yesterday confirmed they are targeting Athol Island with tour and beach break destination proposals that one said could create up to 100 jobs if approved.
UPDATED: Man shot dead at barbershop
A MAN in his mid-20s was shot and killed at a barber shop yesterday afternoon, police said.
Munroe regrets reaction - but doesn’t take back rape comments
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said that he “deeply” regrets that his comments about an unlawful sexual intercourse case involving a 14-year-old victim “have caused concern”.
The first BLTA Play Tennis Bahamas Festival livens up national centre
THE first Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association Play Tennis Bahamas Festival was held at the National Tennis Centre (NTC). The event marked the culmination of the first installment of the spring session of the BLTA Play Tennis Programme which was conducted in the months of February and March.
Burrows and Tigers finish 5th in U Sports Men’s Basketball Final 8
SHAMAR Burrows and the Dalhousie Tigers concluded their season with a fifth place finish overall at the U Sports Men’s Basketball Final 8.
Saunders gets call up to join Mets for spring training
WARREN Saunders received the call up to join the New York Mets for Spring Training in the Grapefruit League and just hours later, reached a career milestone.
From one winner to another
‘GOLDEN Girl’ Pauline Davis presents a copy of Running Sideways, The Olympic Champion Who Made Track and Field History, to Prime Minister Philip Davis during a ceremony at his office on March 29.
Anthonique just shy of personal best in 400m
Megan opens her outdoor season with 2nd in 400m
SPRINTER Anthonique Strachan, coming off an impressive victory in the 100 metres a week ago, came back and posted a third-place finish in the 400m on Saturday in Kingston, Jamaica.
Final Trials: Athletes qualify for CARIFTA
There was more than enough excitement packed in the Bahamas Association of Athletic
Fraud charge for using friend’s card
A GRAND Bahama man who used his friend’s credit card without permission while vacationing on Paradise Island was charged with fraud on Friday.
Sunday, April 3
54-member Carifta team named
FOLLOWING the final trials held over the weekend at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, the Bahamas Associations of Athletic Association named a 54-member team to represent the Bahamas at the 2022 Carifta Games.
Deputy PM: Age of consent should be raised to 18
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the age of consent should be raised to 18 to “further protect minors.”
Friday, April 1
STEM pilot programme at two Grand Bahama schools
A STEM pilot programme will be launched at two schools on Grand Bahama on Saturday by the Grand Bahama Port Authority, in partnership with other major stakeholders.
Woman dies after car crashes and catches fire
Police are investigating after a woman died when her car crashed and caught fire on Sir Milo Butler Highway early on Friday morning.
Drug counselling classes ordered for man found with marijuana
A 39-year-old man was ordered to attend drug counselling classes for six months after police found him with two grams of marijuana last month.
Man charged with murder over Coconut Grove double shooting
A 21-year-old man was sent to prison on Friday to await trial in connection with a double shooting in Coconut Grove that happened nearly a month ago. He was charged with murder.
Man accused of rape denied bail
A 33-year-old man accused of raping a teenager last month was denied bail on Friday.
UPDATED: Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe releases statement
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe suggested yesterday that a 40-year-old man convicted of having unlawful sex with a 14-year-old girl received a sentence that was too severe, saying had he defended the case he would have argued it was not rape and that the girl consented.
Minister Bowleg presents awards at National School Golf Championships
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg presented a number of awards to participants in the Bahamas Golf Federation’s National School Golf Championships at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex Golf Range on March 28. Photos by Eric Rose/BIS
‘Bread price rise shows need to remove VAT’
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright MP said a leading wholesaler’s recent announcement about the increase in the cost of locally produced bread further exacerbates the need for the government to remove VAT on breadbasket items.
Religion and medicine
Ancient Medicine was practised by religious and spiritual leaders throughout the history of mankind and shows a connection between mind and body.
April start for census
THE Census of Population and Housing will begin this month and end in June, with some 115,000 households targeted to be surveyed for the data collecting exercise.
New step in sanctions against Russian finance
THE Bahamas will suspend the automatic exchange of financial information with Russia on its citizens, according to Attorney General Ryan Pinder yesterday.
Cannabis draft legislation to go to Cabinet this month
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder has said that draft legislation to govern a cannabis industry in The Bahamas is expected before Cabinet sometime this month.
Donation to help buy septic tanks for Sweeting’s Cay
THE Grand Bahama Rotary Disaster Relief Committee received a donation from the Bahamas Real Estate Association to help acquire septic tanks for rebuilt and renovated homes on Sweeting’s Cay.
Real estate thriving, says association president
THE president of the Bahamas Real Estate Association said real estate sales in the country are on the rise and the trend is continuing.
Commissioner: School policing may be expanded
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said school policing will be expanded to other campuses as necessary.
‘I thought I was going to die at sea’
AFTER drifting for days unnoticed by planes above and at least one drone, Andrew Rolle said he began to accept that his death would come at sea.
Minister: ‘We’ll surpass 2019 by end of the year’
A Cabinet minister yesterday voiced optimism that The Bahamas’ economic performance will “surpass” that of 2019 by year-end after it was revealed that COVID-19 wiped out a decade’s worth of growth.
End to inter-island COVID tests a ‘world of difference’
Hotels and airlines yesterday hailed the Government’s decision to eliminate COVID testing for inter-island travel from New Providence and Grand Bahama as “making a whole world of difference” for domestic tourism and commerce.
Minister: ‘Diversify within, not away, from tourism’
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the number of registered Bahamian businesses has increased by 37 percent over the past two years, adding: “We must diversify within, and not away, from tourism.”
Banks ‘shying away’ from hospitality, entrepreneurs
A senior Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) executive yesterday conceded that Bahamian commercial banks “shy away” from providing credit to both The Bahamas’ largest industry and even successful entrepreneurs.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Activists in the board room? Can it happen in The Bahamas?
WE may tout our advanced technology, our award-winning cloud data saving capability, our internationally acclaimed Family Island beaches, but when it comes to knowing how to make a difference in something that could save our very country, we turn our backs on today’s tools and dig out yesterday’s toys.
Concern over illegal land clearances
ENVIRONMENT and Natural Resources Minister Vaughn Miller says his ministry is concerned about increased incidents of unlawful land clearing in the country, while vowing to clamp down on those engaging in the illegal practice.
$60m resort investor accepts US sanctions
The lead principal behind a proposed $60m Cat Island resort project has accepted the imposition of sanctions over his role in an alleged $122m investment fraud, Tribune Business can reveal.
Inter-island travel to be test-free
PERSONS travelling from New Providence and Grand Bahama will no longer be required to take a COVID-19 test for inter-island travel, press secretary Clint Watson announced yesterday.
Watson says govt has no record of food spend
A DAY after the head of the now disbanded National Food Distribution Task Force shared with the media a comprehensive database of its work to provide pandemic relief, press secretary Clint Watson insisted the government still has no record of how the task force’s money was spent.
Cyclists continue season with 30-mile cycling race around Clifton Heritage Park
THE New Providence Cycling Association continued its cycling season on Sunday with a 30-mile cycling race around the Clifton Heritage Park site.
Flowers: Clubhouse will separate juniors from the adults
WITH the driving range and nine-hole golf course now in full operation, businessman Craig Flowers said they will now focus on the construction of a clubhouse that will separate the juniors from the adults.
Local chess community hosting several masters of the sport, 3 grandmasters
ORJAN LINDROTH MEMORIAL OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
THE local chess community is currently hosting several masters of the sport from across the globe at the Orjan Lindroth Memorial Open Chess Championship.
Rising hoops star Rhema Collins happy to return home
AFTER helping Webb School clinch their second consecutive senior girls basketball title in Cookeville, Tennessee, rising young basketball sensation Rhema Collins was happy to return home to spend time with her family and get some good old home cooking.
FTX makes donation to teams ahead of CARIFTA
FTX Digital Markets made a major contribution to youth development and the CARIFTA movement as the country’s elite junior athletes prepare for regional competition.
GB vendors need more than $500 Gov’t ‘relief’
A Grand Bahama restaurant manager yesterday welcomed the $500 relief package unveiled by the Government but said businesses require more help to recover from the twin blows inflicted by Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19.
Concern at Treasure Cay’s ‘state of limbo’
A Treasure Cay resident yesterday voiced frustration at the seeming “state of limbo” involving the sale of its resort property, urging that its fate be rapidly resolved.
BOB appoints first ever female chair
Bank of The Bahamas yesterday said it has appointed its first-ever female chair with attonery Donna Harding-Lee taking over the post with effect from March 18 following the necessary Central Bank approval.
‘Wonderful’ if Freeport cruise surge sustained
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president yesterday said it would be “wonderful” if the four cruise ships that visited the island on Wednesday can be sustained.
IAN FERGUSON: Skills required for proper leadership
Successful leadership never happens by choice. We have suffered for many years as a nation by giving titles to those who have no clue in the art of leadership. A leadership track record does not consist of big jobs or large networks. When a person cannot build healthy trust, centred on relationships, and nurture the talent of those around them, they cannot be regarded as having leadership skills.
Accused ‘assaulted girlfriend and police officer’
A MAN was arraigned yesterday accused of assaulting his girlfriend and a police officer in two separate incidents.
Exuma man accused of murder bid
A MAN from Exuma appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday for allegedly attempting to murder another man in New Providence.
Consult with different people on crime
Crime, just like our Finances, no Government has been willing to address the fundamental issues and continually play politics and most of the time knee jerk reactions – of course the blame game.
Health Visa and medical tests must be abolished
From all the coverage in the UK press the Royal Visit to the Bahamas has been an outstanding success. As my family are owners of travel agencies along the south coast of England and with family connections in Nassau we have always tried to promote your country to our clients.
Crime prevention and prisoner rehabilitation
As the debates are being discussed as how to solve the crime problems in the Bahamas, here are some suggestions to deal with the vexing problems. The first way to deal with the crime problem is having a Police Task Force assigned to dismantling gangs in the Bahamas and be able to identify gang members so they can get them off the street from committing crimes.
PwC: Governance failures will cost companies dearly
Companies could lose key staff, customers and investments if they fail to live up to environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations, a Bahamian accountant said yesterday.
