Tuesday, February 28
PETER YOUNG: Too soon to judge if China’s involvement is positive or not
THE world headlines said it all on Friday. On February 24, one year ago, life for millions of people changed in an instant when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, expecting to take over the country in a matter of days. But, despite big advances at first, its assault on Kyiv itself was successfully repulsed and local Ukrainian forces later beat back attacks in other areas.
FACE TO FACE: Elaine Hinsey - a woman who lets her work speak for itself
A WOMAN who lets her work speak for itself, looks for no praise, and humbly goes about her day with a deep reverence for God and a love and respect for others, gets her flowers today.
EDITORIAL: Govt should be applauded for egg project
FOR many years, some farmers have felt that governments have only paid them lip service when it comes to giving the industry a solid footing.
‘Stop incitement against Haitians’
A LOCAL activist said the ongoing harassment and “inciting of violence” against Haitians in The Bahamas needs to be addressed.
Ukraine support from PM
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday committed his support to Ukraine following the one-year mark of Russia’s violent invasion.
Government approves hiring of two psychologists for prison
ACTING Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare said he is “happy” with recent progress made for the care of mentally ill inmates at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS), following approval from Cabinet for the hiring of psychiatrists.
King Charles III: ‘The Bahamas are much-loved... members of the Commonwealth’
A MESSAGE from King Charles III was delivered during last week’s visit by The Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar.
Farmer: ‘Blowing smoke’ of 30 years seems over
A Bahamian poultry farmer last night voiced optimism that the Government is finally serious about ending three decades of “blowing smoke” on food security as it formally unveiled its $15m egg self-sufficiency ambitions.
December air arrivals up 13% on pre-COVID
Stopover visitors for December 2022, which included the peak Christmas and New Year's tourism period, more than doubled year-over-year to beat the industry's pre-COVID performance by almost 13 percent.
‘Back end of the spike’ after 60% revenue rise
A Bahamian realtor yesterday voiced optimism his firm will “put up the same numbers if not better this year” following 2022’s 60 percent revenue growth, adding: “We’re on the back end of the spike.”
$352m Abaco resort to be 'hospitality beacon'
Abaco's $352m Montage Cay development will be a "beacon of hospitality", its developer and resort operating partner pledged yesterday.
Bahamas goes ‘backwards’ on yachting sector potential
The Bahamas has unlocked just one-third of the boating/yachting industry’s economic benefits, marina operators argued yesterday, with last week’s exhibition exposing “gaps that Bahamians need to fill.”
Airline honours Sandals founder
An airline will honour Sandals Resorts International’s (SRI) founder, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, by naming a new aircraft that is set to be delivered this year after him.
Fierce bidding likely for $28m PI estate
A 20,000 square foot Paradise Island home valued at $28m-plus is expected to be the subject of fierce competitive bidding when it is put up for auction on March 10.
‘Golden Yolk’ scheme to make us self-sufficient
THE launch of the Ministry of Agriculture’s “Golden Yolk” initiative was hailed yesterday by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis as “one of the first steps in a marathon toward a more resilient, self-reliant Bahamas”.
Man hurt in dog attack
A MAN is receiving medical care after he was attacked by a friend’s pit bull yesterday.
CARICOM delegation heads to Haiti
A CARICOM delegation, consisting of representatives from The Bahamas and other countries in the region, left for Haiti yesterday to meet with politicians and other officials there to discuss security issues facing the crisis-torn nation.
‘One or two’ want disclosure extension
“ONE or two” parliamentarians have requested extra time to disclose their assets and liabilities, according to chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission Bishop Victor Cooper yesterday.
Father is jailed for 25 years for incest
A FATHER was yesterday sentenced to 25 years in prison on two counts of incest for forcing his now adult daughter to have sex when she was still a teenager.
PM: No change of tone on shanty town issue
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis insisted yesterday his tone has never changed in addressing the shanty town issue, adding demolition in these unregulated communities will begin once “preliminary” steps are completed.
‘I WANT ANSWERS ON KENISE’S DEATH’: Hospital probe leaves family with questions
THE husband of Kenise Darville said he is left with more questions than answers following the completion of a probe by the Public Hospitals Authority into the death of his wife at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) last month.
Police investigate man accused of raping daughter
POLICE have confirmed they are investigating allegations that a man allegedly raped his daughter.
Excess bank liquidity at $2.8bn by end-January
BAHAMIAN commercial bank surplus liquidity almost hit the $2.8bn mark at end-January 2023 even though the decline in the industry’s deposit base outpaced the contraction in domestic credit, it was revealed yesterday.
Gov’t to create $15m SPV intermediary for egg plan
THE Government will create an off-balance sheet special purpose vehicle (SPV) to facilitate the $15m project designed to drive The Bahamas to 100 percent self-sufficiency in egg production.
Gov’t to create $15m SPV intermediary for egg plan
THE Government will create an off-balance sheet special purpose vehicle (SPV) to facilitate the $15m project designed to drive The Bahamas to 100 percent self-sufficiency in egg production.
Minister expects to ‘have 32 teams instead of 24’
36TH HUGH CAMPBELL BASKETBALL CLASSIC
IN the final game of the 39th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic, the Sunland Baptist Academy Stingers defeated the GSSSA champions C.I. Gibson Rattlers.
BAISS’ annual track & field meet starts Wednesday at national stadium
THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools is set to host the annual track and field meet at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium this week Wednesday through Friday.
Stingers stun Rattlers to win Hugh Campbell crown
With a very well executed defensive plan from start to finish, the Sunland Baptist Stingers stunned the CI Gibson Rattlers 64-52 to capture the 2023 Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic last night at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Team Bahamas in the win column
BLTA’S NATIONAL TEAM WINS FIRST MATCH OF THE ITF JUNIOR DAVIS CUP TIE VS. JAMAICA
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s national team won their first match of the International Tennis Federation’s Junior Davis Cup tie against Jamaica in Guatemala yesterday.
Shanty town action is needed now
Please allow me space in your daily to touch on a vexing national concern, illegal and irregular communities aka shanty towns.
Teen sent to Simpson Penn Centre for Boys over armed robbery
A 17-year-old has been accused of robbing a laundromat earlier this month.
Man held without bail on sexual assault charge
A 59-year-old man was remanded to prison after being accused of attempting to sexually assault a 33-year-old woman in Nassau earlier this month.
Teen not granted bail on Key West Street shooting death
AN 18-year-old was charged yesterday in connection with a fatal shooting on Key West Street earlier this month.
FNM wikipedia
I was surprised at how inaccurate a Wikipedia article is on the Free National Movement leadership. The article, which was last edited in December 2022, asserts that Peter Turnquest serves as deputy leader to Michael Pintard. The readership would know that the FNM deputy leader is St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright. Turnquest isn’t even an MP, which the writer of the Wikipedia article seems to assume.
Monday, February 27
WORLD VIEW: The war on Ukraine is now a global war
THE people of Ukraine are the principal victims of the unjustified and unprovoked war, launched against them by Russia on February 24, 2022. But in the year since then, it has become clear that other victims - on a different scale - have been all the nations of the world, particularly the small, poor and powerless.
THE KDK REPORT: Savour every moment spent with the ones you love
WE OFTEN learn life’s lessons, whether consciously or subconsciously, through our own experiences or by learning from what others have taught us but the lessons that resonate most deeply typically come from individual trials.
INSIGHT: Govern for today, don't fight about 50 years ago
IT was a pleasure travelling around Nassau on Friday. Wherever I went, people were wearing the colours of the nation.
EDITORIAL – Haiti policy: What happens next?
THE question “what happens next?” is very useful when examining public policy.
Church forum divided over criminalisation of marital rape
THE proposed amendment to the Sexual Offences Act criminalising marital rape continues to receive mixed reviews from various Bahamian stakeholders.
Cartwright: Government needs to stop ‘tax and spend’ policy
OPPOSITION deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright called out the Davis administration for failing to prioritise the needs of vulnerable Bahamians, saying the government must stop the practice of “tax and spend policy”.
Governor: Income tax allows better targeting
The Central Bank’s governor says introducing an income tax will make it easier for the Government to focus investment incentives on target industries and direct social assistance to those most in need.
Village Road auto dealer ‘in a pickle’
A Village Road businessman says he is “in a pickle” despite commerce returning with a “bang” as he seeks compensation for lost trade and damage to his property that he alleges was caused by ongoing roadworks.
New Budget outlay finances 350 jobs
A newly-introduced $5.8m Budget outlay is financing the temporary employment of 350 persons who have largely been jobless since Hurricane Dorian struck three-and-a-half years ago, it was asserted last night.
Two hit-and-runs and a suspicious death
A SWIMMER died after he was hit by a jet ski driver on Saturday.
George Smith: PM did not deliberately mislead
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister George Smith yesterday came to the defence of Prime Minister Phillip Davis for comments he made last week about the 1972 constitutional conference, saying he did not believe that Mr Davis would deliberately seek to mislead Parliament.
Gov’t targets $15m egg self-sufficiency
The Government has not cut food security funding by 50 percent but is instead reallocating financing to a $15m project designed to make The Bahamas self-sufficient in egg production, a Cabinet minister has revealed.
‘Enough is enough’ say gas dealers
THE vice president of the Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association said to “stay tuned” as fuel retailers await government addressing a long-waited margin increase, saying the industry feels “enough is enough”.
Bain and supporters try to demolish shanty homes
LINCOLN Bain and several of his supporters were stopped by police on Saturday when they went to a shanty town off Bacardi Road and tried to tear down illegal structures in the unregulated community.
PINTARD QUESTIONS AG AUTHORITY OVER PAC: FNM Leader asks House speaker for intervention
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard says the opposition intends to seek intervention from House Speaker Patricia Deveaux in light of recent actions made by Attorney General Ryan Pinder with respect to the work of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Two youths among four persons shot last week
A TEN-year-old boy who left home to purchase food was shot and injured on Friday.
China’s Ukraine position
RE: CHINA’S position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis: 1. Respecting the sovereignty of all countries. Universally recognised international law, including the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, must be strictly observed.
Stingers vs Rattlers in final
36TH HUGH CAMPBELL BASKETBALL CLASSIC @ KENDAL ISAACS GYM
It was revenge time for the Sunland Baptist Stingers against their Grand Bahama arch-rivals Tabernacle Baptist Falcons, but it was all about earning the respect of the homecourt advantage for the CI Gibson Rattlers against the other Grand Bahama team, St George’s Jaguars.
Bahamian athletes take spotlight at indoor track and field meets in US
IT was a big weekend for the various indoor track and field conference meets around the United States of America where Bahamians Terrance Jones, Antoine Andrews, Shaun Miller, Wayna McCoy, Anthaya Charlton, and Charisma Taylor were among those in the spotlight.
FIBA: Team Bahamas falls to Panama 88-66
THE Bahamas men’s national basketball team wrapped up its final two games in the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifier with another loss. The team, coached by Moses Johnson, John Nutt and James ‘Jimmy’ Clarke, suffered a 88-66 decision against Panama yesterday. The loss came after the Bahamas was handed a 117- 70 rout against Venezuela on Thursday in Caracas.
Team Bahamas all set for Jr Billie Jean King Cup, Davis Cup in Guatemala
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) has fielded the first two international tennis teams for 2023 - The Bahamas Jr Billie Jean King Cup and Jr Davis Cup teams.
‘Rubber hits the road’: 14 airports set for PPP
FAMILY Island Chamber presidents yesterday said “the rubber has hit the road” on critical infrastructure upgrades as they hailed the Government’s move to invite private sector bids on 14 airports.
Bahamas needs to ‘sustain’ doubled GDP growth rate
THE Bahamas must double its average economic growth rate over “a sustained period” through an “aggressive” pursuit of the right foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities.
No political will to deal with SOEs ‘black hole’
A FORMER minister of state for finance has lamented that “there is no political will” to reform loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and cease throwing taxpayer monies down a “black hole.”
Digital entrepreneurs expose boating sector to innovations
BAHAMIAN digital entrepreneurs used the first-ever Bahamas Charter Yacht Show to showcase their products and services to potential customers in the maritime industry.
Let’s start digging
ActivTrades
Worries about inflation and interest rates flared up again and triggered a price slide on the international stock markets during Friday last week. In the US, the PCE price index for January, which is based on consumer spending, was significantly higher than expected.
Sunday, February 26
Hugh Campbell down to final four
THE CI Gibson Rattlers, the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association senior boys basketball champions, are the only school from New Providence to make it to Sunday’s final four of the 38th edition of the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic.
Friday, February 24
Five more teams exit Hugh Campbell
Five more teams made their exit as the 38th edition of the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic continued on Friday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Sail boat crashes into rocks in Exuma (video)
A sail boat crashed onto rocks at Hybourne Cay, Exuma, on Thursday - despite the efforts of the crew of another boat to raise the alert.
Police investigate bomb threat at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture Office
POLICE are investigating a bomb threat at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture Office located on University Boulevard.
Bahamas Kidney Association encourages everyone to wear green on Fridays in March
WITH March observed as kidney month, The Bahamas Kidney Association is urging people to wear green in support.
Man jailed for breaching curfew four times
A MAN on bail for armed robbery and attempted murder was sent to prison Friday for breaching his curfew four times.
Man fined for stealing $3,000 worth of supplies
A 46-year-old man was fined in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday for stealing over $3,000 worth of supplies from a mechanical company last year.
Advancement of women 'still has a long way to go'
FREEPORT attorney Berlice Lightbourne-Pintard says there is still a long way to go regarding the advancement of women in the world of work and other sectors of society.
US Embassy, local fire department conduct fire drill
On Friday morning, US Embassy Nassau’s Regional Security Office (RSO), in cooperation with the local fire department, conducted a routine fire drill at the embassy.
DIANE PHILLIPS: What is wrong with this picture?
SOMETIMES it is not what is in a picture, but what is missing that matters. Say a story about about a little boy and the dog who follows him everywhere, but only the child is pictured, leaving the image of the dog to the imagination. An oversight? Most likely. But the picture doesn’t hit the mark. You know something is missing.
Royal visitors meet golden stars
ROYAL visitors Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and Forfar, and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar, attended an awards ceremony at SuperClubs Breezes last night.
EDITORIAL: Double standards in judging nations
AS the FTX crypto platform collapsed in spectacular fashion, one of the aspects of the whole affair that left a bad taste was the attitude displayed towards our country in international commentary.
Halkitis fully confident on government budget forecasts
INSISTING that the country is moving in the right direction, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis yesterday dismissed criticism from the opposition that the government was too optimistic in its budget projections.
12,000 on food assistance to receive ten percent boost
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the number of people receiving food assistance has grown by 1,000 since October, climbing to roughly 12,000 monthly, however those receiving help will get an increase of more than 10 percent beginning next week.
ORG calls for transparency as government considers NIB rate hike
A GOVERNANCE reformer said yesterday the proposed National Insurance Board rate increase should include consultations in citizens’ interest, adding more transparency should be given to those who will be affected.
‘Heavy spending’ led to deficit rise
A Cabinet minister yesterday blamed an increased deficit on “very heavy spending commitments” incurred during the 2022-2023 fiscal year’s first half, but voiced confidence the Government will “meet or exceed” target.
Loss-making SOEs: You’ll ‘pay one way or another’
Bahamians must decide whether to pay the full cost of public services directly or as taxpayers to eliminate the financial “black hole” created by many state-owned enterprises (SOEs), a prominent banker is arguing.
Watson: PM's tone was different but message never changed
IN the face of criticism over what some believe to be “mixed messages” from Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis on shanty towns, press secretary Clint Watson said while his tone may be different on the issue, Mr Davis’ message has never changed.
Moultrie: AG Pinder ‘over-reaching’ on PAC
FORMER House Speaker Halson Moultrie believes Attorney General Ryan Pinder is indirectly trying to overturn his 2021 decision on the Public Accounts Committee.
Government to meet with retailers on price control
GOVERNMENT hopes to soon meet with food retailers to come up with a permanent expanded price control list or other solutions before its existing price control regime ends on April 17, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said yesterday.
FTX investors target Bahamas bank in suit
A Bahamian bank and its chairman yesterday pledged to “vigorously defend” themselves against a class action lawsuit’s accusations that they helped “perpetuate” an $8bn fraud by FTX’s founder.
Failed Lucayan sale to cost taxpayers $9.1m
The failed $100m Grand Lucayan sale is set to cost Bahamian taxpayers a further $9.1m with subsidies to the resort for the full fiscal year near-doubling in the 2022-2023 mid-year Budget.
‘TELL ME HOW MY SON’S BODY WAS BURNED’: Mother still waits for answers on condition of her son’s remains
AFTER the death of her seven-year-old son in the hospital last December, Bianca Wilkinson is still trying to understand how her child's remains were severely burned while in the morgue at the Rand Memorial Hospital.
‘Abundance of caution’ in $232m loan clean-up
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Central Bank Act is being “cleaned up out of an abundance of caution” to ensure the Government can lawfully borrow the $232.3m IMF special drawing rights (SDRs).
UB Mingoes men earn 10-1 win over Baha Juniors
THE University of The Bahamas men’s soccer team seemed as if it just could not stop scoring against Baha Juniors Football Club in Bahamas Football Association play on Sunday at the Roscow AL Davies field.
UB Mingoes track & field team wins 4x400 relay at St Thomas University
THE University of The Bahamas Track and Field team won the 4x400m relay at the St. Thomas University Season Opener meet over the weekend.
QC Class of 1985 remember Frankie Simmons
IN memory of their deceased classmate Frankie Simmons, the class of 1985 of Queen’s College made a cheque presentation to the Freedom Farm Green Parrots to assist in their travel to the Perfect Game Tournament in Sandford, Florida.
Men’s national basketball team suffers 115-70 loss to Venezuela
IT wasn’t the performance that coach Moses Johnson anticipated from the men’s national basketball team in the opener of their two-game road trip in their final appearance in the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifier.
Day 4 double elimination
36TH HUGH CAMPBELL BASKETBALL CLASSIC @ KENDAL ISAACS GYM
It was the start of the elimination process and the survival round on day four of the 36th edition of the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic for senior boys at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Rotary Club of East Nassau marks 60 years with special events
THE ROTARY Club of East Nassau has kicked off its 60th anniversary year of celebration.
Grand Bahama gospel concert to benefit local charities
PASTOR Simeon Outten has announced plans to hold a free gospel concert on Sunday at the Independence Park in aid of three local charitable ministries on Grand Bahama.
MAN ACCUSED OF DEATH THREATS AGAINST PM GRANTED $5,000 BAIL
A MAN accused of threatening to kill Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis was granted bail yesterday. Isaac Roberts, 21, was charged earlier this week before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson- Pratt with making death threats.
$1,000 BAIL FOR STOLEN PRESSURE WASHER
A MAN was granted $1,000 bail yesterday after being accused of having a stolen pressure washer last week.
ABACO MAN HELD ON UNLAWFUL SEX WITH 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL
A 49-year-old Abaco man accused of having sex with a young girl appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this week in Abaco. Ivan Curry, of Central Pines, was charged with having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl on February 14.
GERMAN WITH BAHAMIAN MEN GIVEN 6 MONTHS FOR HEMP
A GERMAN resident and two other men were placed on six months’ probation yesterday after admitting in court of having a gram of Indian hemp.
MAN GRANTED $5,000 BAIL FOR STOLEN CAR PARTS
A MAN was granted $5,000 bail in court yesterday after being accused of stealing $920 worth of car parts in Nassau Village earlier this month.
Office of the Prime Minister appoints two press personnel
JOURNALIST and former news anchor Keishla Adderley has been appointed deputy press secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Troubles at BTC accounts
I think that BTC has completely lost the plot now. Over the last few days I have had several missed calls from a number 702-0795. When I called back I got the message that it was BTC but we can’t take your call right now.
Haiti is in dire straits
Jovenel Moïse’s death has created a power vacuum for the local gangs to seize control over more than half of Port-au-Prince as the death toll rises from gang warfare and the Haitian national police struggle to keep the peace while being underfunded, outmanned and outgunned.
First-ever yacht show to boost Bahamas potential
A BROKER yesterday voiced optimism that the first-ever Bahamas Charter Yacht Show will draw more focus to this nation’s rising potential as a boating destination.
Gov’t seeking end to price control ‘combat’
THE GOVERNMENT wants to avoid “a combative relationship” with the food distribution industry as it seeks to determine what the industry’s price controls will be once the expanded regime ends on April 17.
Business licences: More than 10,000 issued within past week
MORE than 10,000 Business Licences have been issued within the past week, a Cabinet minister said yesterday, as he sought to reassure the private sector that “steady progress is being made” in processing their applications.
CIBC profits drop 15% on inflation, provisions
A BISX-listed bank has blamed a combination of inflationary pressures and $22m year-over-year increase in loan loss provisions for a near-15 percent decline in its 2022 full-year profitability.
Thursday, February 23
STATESIDE: Biden’s visit to front line shows his commitment to winning this war
TOMORROW marks the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Commemorations have been extensive and substantial.
FRONT PORCH: Reading and research key to integrity in journalism
GOOD journalism and well-crafted commentary play a critical role in public policy and political debates. They enliven and enlighten national dialogue.
Members of Davis administration say ‘real action’ on illegal immigration taking place now
MEMBERS of the Davis administration defended government’s plan to tackle illegal immigration, arguing that “real action” is happening for the first time in a long time.
Branville: ‘it’s time for action’ on shanty towns
BRANVILLE McCartney, a former state minister for immigration, called on both political parties to “stop all the committees”, saying that it is time for action on shanty towns.
PM owes Foulkes and Turnquest a ‘public apology’ says Pintard
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard yesterday called on Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to apologise for his claims about the 1972 Constitutional Conference in London, accusing Mr Davis of misleading the House of Assembly.
Bahamas beats airlines; US has ‘strong concerns’
Bahamian airlines yesterday escaped the threat of US sanctions after federal authorities rejected the aviation industry’s accusations that this nation’s air navigation fees regime is “discriminatory”.
‘Come clean’: $232m loan made lawful retroactively
The Opposition yesterday demanded the Government “come clean” over its $232.3m IMF special drawing rights (SDRs) borrowing after reforms were tabled in Parliament to retroactively make the transaction lawful.
‘Don’t water down’ fiscal transparency
Governance reformers yesterday urged that fiscal accountability and transparency are “not lost and watered down” through a comprehensive reform package unveiled by the Prime Minister.
Save The Bays: Stop the sale of Equinor until oil spill clean-up done
SAVE The Bays has called for the sale of Equinor’s South Riding Point storage facility in Grand Bahama to be halted until the clean-up of the massive 2019 oil spill is done, saying amounts of residual oil still remain on the site.
PM ‘proud’ of record-breaking revenue in tourism
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis expressed his pride in the latest tourism statistics for visitor arrivals last year, placed at seven million, which resulted in “record-breaking revenue” for hotels and short-term rentals.
Pintard: Government overly optimistic
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the Davis administration is too optimistic in its budget projections.
Repair projects target of $38m increase for Education
THE government has increased the capital budget allocation for the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training by over $30 million, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday.
‘Era of fiscal mismanagement’ at an end
AFTER “inheriting” nearly $1bn in unpaid bills and unfunded obligations left behind by the previous Minnis administration, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis declared yesterday that the government’s fiscal strategies are working as he pointed to a decline in government arrears.
FNM anger at AG attempt to ‘handcuff and muzzle’ PAC
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard expressed the opposition’s outrage over Attorney General Ryan Pinder’s attempt to “handcuff” and “muzzle” the Public Accounts Committee.
‘Wary’ over deficit rise, $76m spend increase
Bahamians should be “wary” but not alarmed after the Government yesterday revealed a modest $11.4m increase to its forecast 2022-2023 fiscal deficit along with a similar-sized capital spending cut-back.
PM's mid-year budget communication: Revenue is up
PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said for the first six months of the year, revenue collections are estimated at $1.2bn, which represents a $111.5m increase over the same period in the previous fiscal year.
Children in poverty
“Suffer The Little Children to come unto Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
PLP opposed independence too
My interest was piqued by a Nassau Guardian article pertaining to a Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister's claim in Parliament that the Free National Movement opposed independence. The PLP minister is correct. However, I wish the minister would have demonstrated the level of bipartisanship that senior PLP statesman George Smith showed when he corrected an untruth about FNM delegates to the Constitutional Conference leaving before an agreement was reached in 1972.
Bahamas yet to leverage anti-corruption reforms
THE BAHAMAS has not properly leveraged the strength of recent anti-corruption reforms, a governance reformer argued yesterday.
Arbitration reforms hailed as ‘futuristic’
THE TWO Arbitration Bills tabled yesterday in Parliament were hailed as “futuristic” concepts that open up alternatives to the Supreme Court as a forum for resolving commercial and other disputes.
Gov’t’s $286m deficit over 50% at half-way
THE GOVERNMENT yesterday revealed that its $285.7m fiscal deficit at the 2022-2023 half-way point was more than 50 percent of that projected for the full-year despite revenue collections increasing by $111.5m year-over-year.
PM hits back over price control critics
THE PRIME Minister yesterday hit back at critics of the Government’s efforts to expand price controls by accusing them of participating in “anti-competitive practices” that hurt Bahamian consumers.
Depositor protection fund $87m below IMF’s target
THE FUND to protect Bahamian bank depositors had reached just 45.8 percent of the minimum $160.775m target recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at year-end 2021.
Man accused of sexual abuse of 10-year-old
A 41-YEAR-OLD man was sent to prison yesterday after being accused of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl earlier this year.
Police search for multiple armed robbers and a hit and run suspect
POLICE are searching for a female driver and two male passengers, all occupants of a silver coloured Nissan Note, responsible for robbing a business on Tuesday.
No bail granted for man accused of rape
A 40-YEAR-OLD man was remanded in custody yesterday accused of raping a 31-year-old woman in the nation’s capital last week.
Mother charged with child abuse granted bail
A 29-YEAR-OLD mother was granted bail yesterday after she was charged with the alleged abuse of her two children last Sunday.
Four men charged with firearm possession
FOUR men were charged yesterday after being accused of driving with a loaded gun in their car early Monday morning.
Higgins aims to qualify for Olympics
Growing up on Harbour Island and a lover of water sports, Joshua Higgins said he knew that one day he would follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late Jacob Higgins, his father Melvin Higgins and his uncle Dwayne Higgins.
St George’s Jaguars beat Temple Christian Academy Suns, 50-34
VISITING TEAMS MAKE THEIR PRESENCE FELT ON DAY 3
THE intensity level at the 36th edition of the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic for senior boys increased yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium as the visiting teams outside of New Providence made their presence felt during their first day of competition.
Dame of CARIFTA Pauline Davis: ‘Come gold with us’
THE 50th CARIFTA Games are six weeks away and the anticipation for this 50th anniversary of the games continues to grow.
NPPPSSA members take advantage of two-day NPVA volleyball seminar
TO ensure that they are abreast of all of the rule changes before they start their volleyball competition, the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association is engaging its members in a two-day seminar with the New Providence Volleyball Association.
Wednesday, February 22
Police warn: Stay vigilant after series of armed robberies
POLICE are advising people to continue to be vigilant after a number of recent armed robberies, with a fast-food restaurant and a bank recently falling victim to theft.
ALICIA WALLACE: People and human rights need to be honoured over votes and power
INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day is two weeks away, and the celebration of The Bahamas’ 50th year of independence is 20 weeks away. Whenever there is talk about independence, I think about women’s rights.
EDITORIAL: A clever solution to a long-time problem
THERE always seems to be more problems in public life than solutions – so when an imaginative way to resolve an issue is suggested, it is well worth taking a moment to applaud it.
Small home repair programme to start with 20 homes on Grand Bahama
REPAIRS are underway on about 20 homes in Grand Bahama and work should start soon on Abaco, according to Executive Chairman of the Disaster Reconstruction Authority Alex Storr.
Kenise Darville’s death at PMH investigation ‘nearly complete’
AN INVESTIGATION into the death of Kenise Darville, the mother of three who died last month after posting a heart wrenching video about the alleged negligence she experienced at Princess Margaret Hospital, is nearly complete.
Minister of Health says Exuma COVID cases ‘seem to be under control’
A WEEK after confirming a cluster of COVID-19 cases in Exuma, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said yesterday that officials are still monitoring the situation, but noted that “everything seems to be under control” on the island.
Dr Darville denies Dr Sands infection surge claim
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville has denied reports about there being a surge in upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal cases in the country, insisting that current infection numbers are “below the normal value.”
Beach clean-up at Fort Montagu
A BEACH clean-up is being held on Saturday by the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute.
EMS crew is suspended as ambulance incident probed
THE Public Hospitals Authority has launched an official inquiry into an alleged incident reported to have occurred in an ambulance involving a pregnant woman.
Minnis says PM Davis is ‘mixed and confused’ on shanty towns
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis expressed his disappointment at Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ national address on immigration, calling the government “mixed and confused” on the shanty town issue.
Former FNM candidate facing legal strike-off
A former FNM election candidate, already ruled a bankrupt, now faces being disbarred from the legal profession over a $192,870 Rum Cay land deal that was plagued by claims of fraud and forgery.
Agriculture ‘status quo’ of Gov’t control must change
The Bahamas “needs a system that works for the farmers and its people”, an agriculture entrepreneur argued yesterday, after the Government rejected outsourcing key industry assets due to concerns over who controls them.
Just 10-15% of Bahamian fraud cases prosecuted
A Bahamian fraud investigator yesterday said just 10-15 percent of such cases are subjected to extensive probes and prosecution in this nation due to corporate victims fearing their reputations will be damaged.
PM meet’s ‘way to defuse’ VAT health claims dispute
The Prime Minister’s Business Round Table with senior corporate executives may have created a pathway for “defusing” the row over the VAT treatment of health insurance claims, one attendee said last night.
Trade deficit jumps 10% as imports exceed $1bn
The Bahamas’ trade deficit increased by $82.37m or 10.3 percent year-over-year for the 2022 third quarter as goods imports spiked to over $1bn for the period, it was revealed yesterday.
Girl Guides celebrate Bahamas 50th year of independence
MORE than 400 people gathered at Xavier’s Lower School to launch celebrations by the Bahamas Girl Guides Association for the 50th anniversary of Independence of The Bahamas.
Man killed in hit-and-run on Exuma
Police on Exuma are investigating after a man died in a hit-and-run on Tuesday night.
Foulkes calls PM claim ‘untruth’
FORMER Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes yesterday dismissed Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ claims that the opposition left the 1972 independence conference in London, saying it’s a “persistent” untruth.
Man in Cuban prison pleads for Bahamian jail transfer
A BAHAMIAN man being held in a Cuban prison on drug charges is pleading for the families of the Bahamian prisoners in detention there to peacefully protest outside the Cuban Embassy in an effort to get transferred to The Bahamas to serve their sentences.
FNM Chairman: Eleuthera water woes due to neglect
AFTER reports of days of water disruption in South and Central Eleuthera, Free National Movement Chairman Dr Duane Sands called out the government for “neglecting” residents.
WHY THE NO-SHOW AT PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE? Pintard wants answers as Attorney General advises PS to stay away
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard is “concerned” that Permanent Secretary Luther Smith was a “no show” before the Public Accounts Committee yesterday.
$2.8m to fix stadiums for CARIFTA
WITH the Local Organising Committee getting all of the logistics in place, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has embarked on a renovation plan that will cost close to three million dollars to ensure that both Thomas A Robinson Track & Field National Stadiums are ready for the 50th CARIFTA Games.
TCI Premier: Still a lot we can learn from Bahamas
AS ONE of the fastest growing economies in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Charles Washington Misick says there is still a lot they can learn from The Bahamas through further assistance in training.
Men’s national basketball team in Venezuela
WITH the unavailability of some of the players to travel, head coach Moses Johnson said he’s still pleased with the make-up of the men’s national basketball team that will represent the Bahamas in the next two games in the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifiers.
Marine accused of attack on police officer at betting shop
A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force marine was granted bail yesterday after being accused of assaulting a police officer at a betting shop earlier this year.
US woman charged over ATV death
AN American woman was granted $18,000 cash bail yesterday after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with the death of a male tourist in an ATV accident at Arawak Cay on Saturday.
Children’s learning disorders
Please allow the publishing of this open letter to the Minister of Education & Culture:
UB Mingoes look to build off experience at Skinner Classic
NORTH MIAMI, Florida - The rebuilding University of The Bahamas men’s basketball team picked up valuable experience at The Skinner Classic over the weekend in North Miami, Florida.
National stadium to receive $2.8m face-lift
YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said yesterday that renovation works at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium should be completed next month before the upcoming 50th CARIFTA games.
Health conference to be hosted in Bahamas
THE Caribbean Public Health Agency will host its 67th annual research conference in The Bahamas, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Day 2: Timberwolves beat Cougars 42-35
36TH HUGH CAMPBELL BASKETBALL CLASSIC @ KENDAL ISAACS GYMNASIUM
IT was the tale of the two ends of the tape as the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association senior boys’ basketball runners-up Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves and the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools champions Charles W Saunders Cougars faced off.
Cyclists Felix Neely, Kami Roach crowned King and Queen of the Hill
FELIX Neely and Kami Roach were crowned champions of the New Providence Cycling Association’s King and Queen of the Hill cycling race that was held on Sunday.
DPM: Bahamas poised for ‘accelerated tourism growth’
THE deputy prime minister yesterday said “all signs indicate The Bahamas is about to enter a period of accelerated growth” in tourism with some $2bn worth of investment projects “in the pipeline”.
Abaco farm eyes resort expansion
AN ABACO farm yesterday unveiled ambitions to develop a full-scale resort attraction within the next five months as it seeks to exploit growing worldwide interest in eco-tourism and agro-tourism.
Tuesday, February 21
PETER YOUNG: Sunak in the spotlight amid international issues
INEVITABLY, news of President Biden’s surprise first visit to Ukraine yesterday has dominated the headlines. During his dramatic brief stay in Kyiv he is reported to have reassured President Zelensky directly about the unprecedented continuing military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine by a “coalition of nations”, and he is now on a three-day trip to Poland shortly before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
FACE TO FACE: Life lessons learned during the battle with long-term COVID
LOCKDOWNS may have been lifted, and mask mandates may have been suspended, but the effects of COVID-19 have been vast and devastating, and they leave a lasting impression on many today. Bahamian families have been ripped apart by the pandemic. In some cases, several members of one family have died due to the coronavirus disease.
Bank card fraud alert from police
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has consistently recorded complaints relating to bank card fraud, warning that those participating will be prosecuted.
Policing plan outlines priorities to stop crime
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander’s policing plan, which was tabled in Parliament yesterday, outlines six key priorities that aim to upset crime trends and tackle gun violence in the country this year.
Public sector wages expected to grow to $941.7m by 2027
STATE Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said the government forecasts a growth in public sector wages over the medium term from $863.9m in the 2023/2024 fiscal year to $941.7m in the 2026/2027 fiscal year.
Adrian Gibson removed from Public Accounts Committee
FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard has requested that Long Island MP Adrian Gibson be removed from the Public Accounts Committee and be replaced with Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis.
Sears says task force set up on shanty towns
WORKS Minister Alfred Sears said Cabinet has reconvened a shanty town task force and the Bahamian public will soon be given a roadmap which the government will use to address the issue of illegal structures.
Fidelity ready to ‘put money behind’ bad mortgage cure
Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) stands ready to "put money behind" a properly structured investment vehicle that could cure this nation's housing and distressed mortgage woes, its top executive said yesterday.
Ex-top Gaming Board official in $42,000 wrongful dismissal
The Gaming Board's former top official has been awarded $42,404 after the Supreme Court found he was wrongfully dismissed by the regulator.
Civil service wages to grow $77m in 3 years
The Government's civil service wage bill is forecast to grow by $77.2m or 9 percent over the three years to 2026-2027, it was revealed yesterday, with the Davis administration's industrial deals already adding $18m to the annual cost.
Robber crawled through drive-through window
AN ARMED assailant climbed through a drive-through window and stole cash from a business on Madeira Street on Sunday morning.
Exercise to bring extra Census data
THE Bahamas National Statistical Institute will be conducting a post-enumeration survey where census enumerators will re-enter the field to capture additional data needed to assist in validating and finalising the 2022 Census report.
'No stone left unturned' on Gov't accountability
The Opposition's leader yesterday pledged to "leave no stone unturned" in holding the Government accountable while asserting that the Public Accounts Committee is now "rolling" into action.
Govt's $50m loan recovery via BPL fuel charge hikes
The Government is seeking to recover $50m in advances made to Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) via fuel charge hikes of up to 163 percent that will be imposed on households and businesses in 2023, it emerged yesterday.
How many taxi plates? Minister won’t say
AMID repeated calls from the opposition for her to reveal the number of taxi plates that have been issued since assuming office, Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis did not confirm the total number while answering questions on the issue in the House of Assembly yesterday.
PM SAYS NEVER TO COMMITTEE MOVE: Pintard request for immigration panel by House snubbed
PRIME Minister Philip Davis said he will not at this time or ever support a House of Assembly select committee on immigration, calling it unnecessary and questioning the motivation for the committee itself.
Tour de Turquoise raises a record $165,000 for Exuma
FOR donors who wonder where exactly their dollars go and who they help, in Exuma they only have to look as far as the school bus that proudly bears the name LN Coakley High.
36th St Valentine’s Regatta ‘a huge success’
THE 36th edition of the St Valentine’s Regatta turned out to be a huge success over the weekend in Montagu Bay.
Falcons fly past Saints, 76-49
36TH HUGH CAMPBELL BASKETBALL CLASSIC @ KENDAL ISAACS GYMNASIUM
THE Jordan Prince Williams Falcons, in their first game since losing the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ senior boys title to the Charles W Saunders Cougars, didn’t have any mercy on the Kingsway Academy Saints.
Minister opens Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic for senior boys
WALKING back into the AF Adderley Gymnasium for the opening ceremonies of the 36th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic brought back some fond memories for Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.
McPhee-McCuin and Lady Rebels fall short
Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her University of Mississippi Lady Rebels had their chances in regulation on Sunday, but they blew it and lost in overtime as the NCAA top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks stayed undefeated.
Two accused of armed robberies on Inagua
TWO Inagua men were charged with stealing $8,500 in cash in a set of armed robberies on the Family Island last week.
Two jailed over gun possession
TWO men were sentenced to 30 and 15 months in prison respectively after admitting to having a banned gun and ammunition last weekend.
Basic freedoms
I do not agree with Lincoln Bain. With that said, however, I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to defend the right of Lincoln Bain to have a voice in this country.
Certainty and issue of immigration
I have often spoken about the concept of “certainty” and why it is important to the success of any endeavour.
17-year-old escapes from Simpson Penn
POLICE are looking for a 17-year-old who escaped his holding quarters at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys over the weekend.
Union unveils multiple grievances with BPL
UNION leaders yesterday unveiled multiple grievances with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) relating to the processing of union dues, pension and medical benefits, and the re-engagement of retirees.
Credit bureau database has 50% of population
THE Bahamas’ first-ever credit bureau yesterday estimated it now has half the country’s population in its database with all commercial banks and credit unions supplying it with their clients’ files.
Unified bus dispatch centre close to ready
THE dispatch centre that will play a key role in efforts to unify New Providence’s jitney system is expected to be unveiled within the next month, it was confirmed yesterday.
Monday, February 20
INSIGHT: Wait and see if CARICOM was a success
SO CARICOM came, and CARICOM went – and while there may have been some bumps at the outset, now that it’s all done, what was achieved?
US Coast Guard reports Cubans repatriated after vessels intercepted
THE US Coast Guard reported that 31 Cubans were repatriated yesterday following two vessels being intercepted.
WORLD VIEW: End sexual violence against women for the sake of all mankind
RAPE, and other forms of sexual violence against women in war and conflict, represent one of the great silences and suppressed issues in modern-day history.
THE KDK REPORT: Childhood amnesia; life moments forgotten but never truly gone
MOST human beings suffer from childhood amnesia. We don’t remember being born or learning to walk or speak.
EDITORIAL: A hard line on migration from govt
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis set a hard line in his national address on the issue of migration.
Marion Bethel elected vice-chairperson of UN’s CEDAW
BAHAMIAN human rights expert and attorney Marion Bethel was elected to the position of vice-chairperson and rapporteur of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee).
CARICOM makes decision to provide support for Haitian National Police
AFTER days of high-level meetings mainly centred on the crisis in Haiti, member states of CARICOM have agreed to provide direct support to the Haitian National Police (HNP) to help restore peace to the crisis-torn nation, CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister Phillip Davis revealed Friday.
21-year-old charged with death threats against PM
AN 21-year-old was remanded to prison on Monday after he was accused of threatening to kill Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis on Saturday.
‘Scary’ food hikes starting to stabilise
Bahamians “finally have some hope” that food price inflation is easing, Super Value’s president says, while admitting that the past two years have been “scary” for both retailers and consumers.
Decades-old systems hit fiscal reporting deadlines
The Government’s fiscal transparency drive has burdened decades-old accounting and payroll systems with legally-mandated reporting deadlines they are not equipped to meet, a top official is asserting.
Turks and Caicos Premier lauds opportunities as he invites citizens to return
TURKS and Caicos Island Premier Charles Washington Misick spoke about job opportunities and over $1bn worth of investments in the pipeline in the nation during an official visit to Grand Bahama on Saturday.
Delight in Grand Bahama at Junior Junkanoo return
THE 2023 Grand Bahama Junior Junkanoo Parade returned to downtown Freeport after a three-year absence, delighting many junkanoo fans.
Recovery continuing for CB Moss after hospital release
AFTER being released from hospital exactly a month after his collapse at the Majority Rule Service on January 10, the Rev Dr CB Moss has been continuing his recovery.
Latest shooting takes life of a father
A 51-year-old father was shot dead at Kenilworth Avenue, South Beach on Sunday.
‘Egregious conduct’: Ex-PLP MP faces law profession axe
A former PLP MP and Senator faces being disbarred from the Bahamian legal profession over “the most serious and egregious” conduct related to client monies that were to pay $116,300 in due taxes.
Prince Edward and Countess of Wessex to visit Bahamas
THE Bahamas will play host to a Royal visit this week.
Man held after death threats made against Prime Minister on Saturday
POLICE have a man in custody after he allegedly threatened on Saturday morning to kill Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis. This comes nearly two weeks after a 58-year-old man was brought in for questioning for similar death threats against the nation’s leader.
‘Every 100 migrants cost taxpayers $500k’
The Ministry of Finance’s top official has voiced fears that the migration crisis could “throw our Budget off completely” with taxpayers incurring an additional $500,000 in costs for every 100 new arrivals reaching Bahamian shores.
CRACKDOWN – PM: We cannot have shanty towns on our islands
PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis pledged to take “decisive” action on shantytowns, saying prosecutions will be made where seen fit on the issue.
Hugh Campbell opening day
PRESTIGIOUS BASKETBALL CLASSIC JUMPS OFF TODAY
Will the Grand Bahama Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s senior boys’ basketball champions be Tabernacle Baptist Falcons or will the New Providence champions Charles W Saunders or CI Gibson Rattlers have enough left in the tank to pull off the 39th edition title of the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic?
PM: No immediate move to demolish shanty towns
PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis suggested on Friday that the government will not immediately move to demolish shanty towns despite the recent lifting of a court injunction, saying it makes no sense “responding to a crisis to create another crisis”.
Rumour has it
ActivTrades
The ups and downs in the international markets continued last week. Robust economic data fuelled concerns about interest rates but, at the same time, consumer activity remained strong. This created a dilemma for many investors.
Cotton Bay revival targeting $12m yearly wage, tax boost
REPRESENTATIVES of the developer behind the Cotton Bay Club’s $200m revival have forecast that the project will generate an annual $12m economic impact in wages and taxes alone when fully operational.
Atlantis concern over cruise line’s PI environment impact
AN ATLANTIS executive says the Paradise Island mega resort has concerns over how Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) plans to mitigate any environmental risks resulting from its proposed Beach Club project.
DEREK SMITH: Make best strategic use of your Board’s directors
CORPORATE governance has been transformed over the past century from an ‘old boys clubhouse’ to a strategic asset focused on preparing a company to withstand future volatility in markets, human capital, competition, money laundering, cyber crimes and other factors. According to Forbes contributor Betsy Atkins: “When we look back five years from now, governance 4.0, the era of future-proofing, will seem the obvious thing we should have embraced sooner.”
Two more GSSSA champions crowned
COACH Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson and his CI Gibson Rattlers celebrated another Government Secondary Schools Sports Association championship feat, this time in the senior girls’ division.
Tabernacle Baptist Falcons win title
THE Tabernacle Baptist Falcons captured the Grand Bahama Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s senior boys basketball title on Saturday at the St George’ High School Gymnasium.
‘Buddy’ Hield misses out on his second 3-point title
CHAVANO ‘Buddy’ Hield has hit some big three-pointers during his eight years in the National Basketball Association. In fact, the Grand Bahamian now owns the Indiana Pacers’ single-season franchise record, surpassing legendary Reggie Miller.
Florida tourist dies in traffic accident
AN American tourist is dead after he was thrown from a four-wheeler in the Arawak Cay area on Saturday.
Let us pray
A FORMER Barbados and International fast bowler (Cricketer) Pastor Courtney Selman, now radio Evangelist, believes that he was Divinely called to “make this clarion call globally in order to make our world a better one.” He thinks, “this can be achieved by calling the 2.2 billion Christians and 1.2 billion Catholics world-wide to regular corporate daily prayer.
Don’t avenge our self-harm on Haitians
Before I was ten, I was all heated up about the Haitian migration issue.
Armed robberies reported at ATM locations
POLICE are investigating three armed robberies that occurred in New Providence on Wednesday - two of them taking place near ATMs.
Attempted suicide after domestic dispute
POLICE said a woman attempted suicide on Thursday following a domestic dispute at her home in New Providence.
Rock Sound without water after ‘major failure’
A “major failure” at a Water and Sewerage Corporation desalination plant on Eleuthera on Friday left residents in Rock Sound and Tarpum Bay without water.
Saturday, February 18
Car in flames but occupants uninjured
A CAR went up in flames on Munnings Road on Saturday - but the occupants were uninjured in the incident.
Friday, February 17
Lincoln Bain charged with unlawful assembly
POLITICAL hopeful Lincoln Bain was once again charged in court with unlawful assembly on Friday after protesting outside Baha Mar ahead of a CARICOM meeting on Wednesday.
Ukraine President addresses CARICOM, PM expresses solidarity
Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis spoke with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by video at the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting and, on behalf of the Caribbean community, expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Man jailed for having loaded gun in his car
A MAN was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday after he admitted to having a loaded gun in his car as he took his niece to the airport.
DIANE PHILLIPS: When hallmark holidays exact a toll on our soul, just bring on the super sports
SUPER Bowl Sunday was enough excitement for the week so when Valentine’s Day rolled around 48 hours later, some of us just weren’t quite ready for another celebratory occasion, though there’s little doubt that restaurants were full, jewellery was flying off the shelf and you couldn’t find a red rose in town unless you spray painted it.
One Eleuthera Foundation: ‘Placemaking’ important to engagement and innovation
I RECENTLY had the opportunity to travel from my residence in the United States to visit Eleuthera and to join fellow One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) board members for our quarterly meeting at the Rock Sound campus.
Businessman George Myers dies age 83
BUSINESSMAN, restauranter, and tourism mogul George Myers died peacefully at his home on Thursday at the age of 83.
EDITORIAL: Canada PM putting money where his mouth is
AFTER the ceremony – and the protests – of the start to CARICOM, yesterday saw delegates getting down to business.
Fidelity targets $25m annual profits despite 2022’s miss
Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) is targeting $25m in net profits for 2023 despite failing to achieve the same goal last year, its top executive revealed yesterday.
Cable’s $10.69m profits swing amid refinancing drive on Aliv
Cable Bahamas yesterday unveiled a positive $10.69m bottom line turnaround for the first half of its 2023 financial year despite encountering frustration over the pace of Aliv’s debt refinancing.
Bahamas liquidators set to access ‘elusive’ FTX data
FTX’s Bahamian liquidators believe they will soon gain access to critical records that have “so far eluded them” while avoiding the risk of costly and time-consuming legal battles in Delaware.
Digital provider calls for Bahamas CSME sign-on
A digital payments provider yesterday argued that the Bahamas should join the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) to break down barriers facing local firms seeking to expand into the region.
Sweeting aims to cut imports by a quarter
AGRICULTURE, Marine Resources and Family Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said yesterday officials hope to reduce imports by 25 percent by 2025.
Canadian navy to strengthen and stabilise Haiti
THE deployment of Canadian navy vessels to Haiti will not be used to intercept migrants trying to flee the troubled country, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed yesterday.
Lease setback strikes PI lighthouse entrepreneur
A Bahamian entrepreneur battling to restore Paradise Island’s lighthouse yesterday suffered a setback in his fight with the Government and Royal Caribbean after the Supreme Court found he does not possess a valid Crown Land lease.
Insurer: New VAT policy will increase costs
BAHAMIAN consumers will “undoubtedly” see increased cost of services at pharmacies and other places due to the new interpretation of the VAT Act regarding remittance on medical insurance and healthcare services.
TRUDEAU PLEDGE ON AID TO HAITI – Canadian PM also promises climate change funding
AS he addressed regional leaders at the 44th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday pledged to offer $44m in funding to aid Caribbean countries in the fight against climate change, while also unveiling his nation’s plans to help bring stability to Haiti.
Teenager found with knife given curfew
A teenager admitted in court yesterday to having a knife on George Street.
Man on release for armed robbery caught second time with firearm, denied bail
A MAN was denied bail yesterday after being accused of having a loaded gun while on release for pending armed robbery and firearm charges.
Man held without bail on attempted killing of a police officer and armed robberies
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday accused of two separate armed muggings and the attempted killing of a police officer in the nation’s capital last week.
Three granted $60k bail on cocaine charges
TWO men and a woman were granted $60,000 bail in court yesterday after being accused of smuggling $1,000,000 worth of cocaine into the country through Bimini last weekend.
Alcohol, drugs and gambling
In Jesus put all your trust, all your belief, and all your heart.
Defend our freedoms
Like many Bahamians, I watched several clips circulated on social media on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. As I watched, I was very disturbed to see what was transpiring and now find it not only necessary to put pen to paper, but important to do so.
GSSSA champions crowned
CI GIBSON RATTLERS SENIOR BOYS VICTORIOUS, CH REEVES RAPTORS JUNIOR GIRLS WIN TITLE
The CI Gibson Rattlers and CH Reeves Raptors have regained bragging rights as the senior boys and junior girls champions in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s best-of-three basketball championship series.
‘Finishing touches’ on Bahamas Games
WITH just about five months left before the return of the Bahamas Games, the Games Secretariat is putting the finishing touches on the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the games.
Richard ‘Lion Heart’ Johnson gets third induction
LONG after he’s retired from playing, Richard ‘the Lion-Heart’ Johnson is still receiving the awards of his accomplishments as a pitcher, both locally and internationally.
Sports Notes
THE New Providence Volleyball Association will begin its best-of-five championship series at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium on Sunday.
Junior tennis players face off in Bahama Pure Water and Ice Tourney
ANOTHER junior tournament has successfully closed on the island of Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Bahamas Goombay Punch supports the St Valentine’s Day Regatta
OVER the weekend of love the Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) is pleased to partner with the St Valentine’s Day Regatta at Fort Montagu.
Owls stop UB Mingoes 77-71 in North Miami
THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes stayed close with the Florida Palms University Owls and led by as much as nine points in the Skinner Classic action Wednesday in North Miami.
IAN FERGUSON: Why we must cherish our small businesses
Here are seven reasons to support micro and small businesses.
VAT health claims change may drain foreign reserves
THE changed VAT treatment on health insurance claims payouts could further drain The Bahamas’ foreign reserves by driving patients to seek care outside the country, a senior executive warned yesterday.
Thursday, February 16
STATESIDE: Republican competition for presidential nominee warming up
WHAT state seems to be the centre of the American political universe these days? Some feel that it’s Florida, home now to both former president Donald Trump and his most talked-about potential heir, governor Ron DeSantis. The governor, aided by the Republican-controlled legislature, is plowing headlong into one culture war after another, from packing with conservatives the board of trustees at quirky, progressive New College in Sarasota to casting doubt about school curricula that teach youngsters about the history of African-Americans.
FRONT PORCH: Constitution matters and questions
“IT IS something which is very healthy and something which is very much in keeping with the democratic spirit of the country to periodically examine the Constitution and make changes which are likely to be to the benefit of the country over the long term.” – Sean McWeeney, chair, 2013 Constitutional Commission.
Dog chases off a 12-foot hammerhead shark
A remarkable video circulating on social media shows a dog chasing off a 12-foot hammerhead shark.
Western Air flight makes emergency return to LPIA
A WESTERN Air flight had to make an emergency return shortly after takeoff from Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday morning after the pilot observed that the landing gear had not fully retracted.
Immigration probe over barber shop incident ‘concluded by next week’
IMMIGRATION Minister Keith Bell said he is hoping that an investigation into a video involving two alleged immigration officers assaulting two Haitian barbers last week will be concluded by next week.
EDITORIAL: Journalists must not be impeded in their duties
THE start of CARICOM began with a very disturbing call to The Tribune yesterday.
Amy Pope: There needs to be a humane approach to irregular migration
THERE needs to be a humane approach when dealing with irregular migrants living in communities, according to a US candidate for director general of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Digital payments ‘not as robust’ despite 30% rise
The Bahamian use of digital payments is “not as robust as we’d like to see” yet, one provider asserted yesterday, even though the volume of transactions it processed increased by 30 percent in 2022.
Bahamas ‘big part of the FTX puzzle’
FTX’s Bahamian operation was yesterday branded “a big piece of the puzzle that needs to get resolved” as its provisional liquidators successfully obtained US legal recognition for their ongoing investigations.
Construction work permits ‘shifting in wrong direction’
The “balance” between Bahamian and foreign labour in the construction industry has “started to shift in the wrong direction”, a prominent contractor is arguing, while calling for a halt to all general labour work permits.
Hotel union eyes industrial agreement ‘red letter day’
The hotel union’s president yesterday said it will be a “red letter day” for its several thousand members when their now ten-year wait for a new industrial agreement with the main employer body is ended.
Fishing Hole Road in urgent need of repair by mow; GBPA prepares temporary road
A GRAND Bahama Port Authority official said it is critical that the government hire a contractor to commence remedial work to resolve the issues at the Fishing Hole Road causeway in Hawksbill Creek because the temporary service road is prone to deterioration during bad weather.
ARRESTS AT CARICOM: Lincoln Bain detained during Baha Mar protest, Tribune reporter’s phone taken by police officer
POLICE arrested activist Lincoln Bain as he and his supporters tried to demonstrate outside Baha Mar where regional leaders were gathered ahead of CARICOM meetings.
Road closures and diversions announced
A series of road closures and diversions for today were announced late last night.
Shane Gibson: NIB increase inevitable to save fund
SHANE Gibson said the proposed National Insurance Board rate increase is inevitable and that rescuing the fund comes down to increasing contributions.
Dame Janet Bostwick receives CARICOM Triennial Award for Women
DAME Janet Bostwick was last night awarded the CARICOM Triennial Award for Women, becoming the 13th recipient to receive such a prestigious award.
PM kicks off CARICOM meetings
Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis last night called on Caribbean leaders to “seize the opportunity” to collaborate to make progress in areas of concern facing the region.
Name the highway for boxing champion
We, the Committee to Honour Elisha Obed, our first World Champion in an Independent Bahamas, formally make a request to government to name the East West Highway, The Elisha Obed Highway.
Poultry farmer’s eight year land wait persists
AN ABACO poultry farmer was yesterday still waiting for the Government to give him ownership of his property despite the transaction being verbally approved by the Prime Minister.
Rattlers win opener
SENIOR BOYS EARN 58-49 WIN OVER T-WOLVES, KNIGHTS BEAT CI GIBSON SENIOR GIRLS 47-46
After his senior girls got stunned by one point by the CR Walker Knights, CI Gibson Rattlers coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson made sure his senior boys didn’t go down in the opening games of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s best-of-three championship series.
FNM, tell the truth
The FNM needs to tell the truth. It was interesting to see the barrage of letters that flooded your column a few weeks ago in response to the Mackey Street Man’s opinion on who should lead the FNM into the next general election. The litany of letters to the editors seemed so insubstantial and offered no real substantive case in support of Mr Pintard’s leadership, other than he is not Dr Minnis.
Sears reveals disaster toolkit
WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears announced the release of a series of six manuals to support a disaster-based planning toolkit launched for the Family Islands by his ministry and the Inter- American Development Bank yesterday.
More sponsors for the CARIFTA games
THERE will be plenty to drink and lot of fireworks to watch at the 50th CARIFTA Games, thanks to the sponsorship of Drifters and Fireworks Unlimited.
Man sentenced for two years for theft of $80
A MAN was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after he admitted to stealing cash in a housebreaking in Andros late last year.
Woman ordered to repay store $100 of groceries stolen
A WOMAN was ordered to fully reimburse her former employer yesterday after she admitted to stealing more than $100 worth of groceries from Super Value.
No bail for accused of armed robbery of man at ATM machine
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of robbing a man of his phone and ATM cards at knifepoint.
Dorsett appointed tournament director of WBSC qualifier
FOUNDING president of the English-speaking Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) and former Bahamas Softball Federation (BSF) president Burkett Dorsett, who now sits as a commissioner on World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Technical Commission, has been appointed as the tournament director for the upcoming WBSC Qualifier/ECASC Championship February 28 to March 6, in the US Virgin Islands.
‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt meets former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield
DURING a visit to the Bahamas this week, former Bahamian professional boxer Quincy ‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt met former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.
Businesses report strong sales for Valentine’s Day
BUSINESSES that specialise in Valentine’s Day sales yesterday said demand for flowers and gift arrangements appeared strong despite continued concern over inflation pressures and the high cost of living.
Govt told: ‘Reverse course’ on Business Licence move
THE Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday renewed demands for the Government “to reverse course” and improve the ease of doing business surrounding the Business Licence renewal process.
Wednesday, February 15
ALICIA WALLACE: Building the capacity to care is key to healthy love
VALENTINE’S Day can be one of the most illuminating special occasions that is not a holiday. There are people who like this kind of day, people who despise them, and people who are completely indifferent. Most people seem to like it when they are able to reap its rewards. Similarly, for those who are not recipients of gifts and gestures grands and small, it can be a day of disappointment, and even lead to feelings of low self-worth.
EDITORIAL: Climate and Haiti issues in spotlight
THE CARICOM meeting is upon us – and with weighty issues to discuss. There are many matters on the table – including healthcare, crime, food and energy security, and even a video message from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring the global picture beyond our regional concerns.
Abaco shanty town residents say there is nowhere for them to go
GERALD Francois, a resident of an Abaco shanty town, says if the demolition process starts soon in the community he and many other residents will be left with no place to go.
Possibility of air travel within the Caribbean to be discussed at CARICOM
TOURISM and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper looks forward to progressive discussions in relation to tourism and multi-destination travel at this week’s CARICOM meetings.
Electric auto dealer targets 30% of market in five years
A Bahamian dealer yesterday forecast that electric vehicles will account for 30 percent of all new auto sales within five years despite rivals’ concerns that this nation must first “catch up on the back end”.
Cruise port eyeing Ritz-Carlton boost
Nassau Cruise Port executives yesterday voiced optimism that Monday’s visit by Ritz-Carlton’s first “large yacht” will expand into multiple calls that diversify its vessel mix and bring higher-spending visitors to downtown.
Advocate: SMEs must take blame on Business Licence
A small business advocate says the blame for Business Licence delays falls largely on the sector and not a government which is seeking to “squeeze every dime” out of entrepreneurs by the March 31 deadline.
NIB staring at $95m loss as pension deficit builds
A Cabinet minister yesterday warned the National Insurance Board (NIB) will lose $95m this year unless contribution rates are raised with the pensions branch alone incurring a monthly $4m deficit.
‘It’s time to settle’ 11-year Gov’t compensation wait
A prominent realtor last night asserted “it’s about time for them to settle” after his family’s more than 11-year wait for compensation survived the Government’s bid to slash the payout by over $120,000.
Senator Maxine Seymour encourages children to read
A SENATOR was a guest speaker as Albury Sayle Primary School celebrated Literacy Month at an event recently.
Deputy PM: ‘Always available’ after union claims breach
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper insisted yesterday that he will not engage with the labour movement through the press, saying he has a “very open” door policy.
Akhephran students become climate ambassadors
SCHOLARS of Akhepran International Academy (AIA), in Fox Hill, have become the first members of the Bahamas Chapter of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) - a platform to train young people as climate change ambassadors.
School hit amid cluster of COVID cases
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville has revealed that there is a small cluster of COVID-19 cases in Exuma, noting that up to 12 people have tested positive.
NIB fund on course to lose $95m this year
MYLES LaRoda, minister of state with responsibility for the National Insurance Board (NIB), warned that if there is no raise in the contribution rate this year the National Insurance fund will lose $95m.
John Kerry: US ‘delegation here to listen’
UNITED States special presidential climate envoy John Kerry last night told government officials at a welcome reception hosted by the US embassy that every country must join in the fight against climate change and do its part to respond to the crisis for the future generations to come.
As leaders gather in Nassau for CARICOM meeting, Prime Minister Davis says: HAITI NEEDS STABILITY FOR VOTE
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he is looking forward to speaking with international world leaders today about support and resources to assist with stabilising the situation in Haiti to allow for “free and fair” elections within that country.
Finally! Hugh Campbell Classic returns
AFTER a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the AF Adderley Junior High School will be bringing back the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic with all games being played at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Two officers investigated after suspicious plane landing
TWO police officers from Andros are under investigation regarding a suspicious plane that was allegedly carrying drugs.
Man granted bail on shop breaking charge
A MAN was granted bail in court on Monday after allegedly stealing over $2,000 worth of property from a car rental company over the weekend.
Drive-by shooting leaves two men in critical condition
TWO men are in critical condition in hospital after they were shot yesterday afternoon.
Teen accused of armed theft sent to juvenile centre
A 17-YEAR-OLD boy was sent to a juvenile centre yesterday after being accused of the armed mugging of a pizza delivery driver earlier this month.
Columbian man fined $1,000 on fraud charges and overstaying
COLOMBIAN man was remanded to prison after he was accused of fraudulently having guest cards for the Atlantis and Margaritaville resorts.
A name fit for a road
Today I mount my hobby horse, again – about street names.
Borrowing from NIB
Once again I find it necessary to put pen to paper and express a growing concern for the citizenry of The Bahamas.
Such a noise
Why do the RBPF need to make such a noise when escorting a dignitary?
The reason for so little property tax
In a well-written letter in Tuesday’s Tribune, a Mr. Jerome Smith questions why the Ministry of Finance cannot seem to collect property taxes.
Championship time
The Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves, CR Walker Knights, SC McPherson Sharks and the HO Lions got the job done in their sudden death playoff games yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium to book their tickets to the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s best-of-three championships.
Man denied bail for multiple curfew violations
A MAN on bail for murder was sent to prison yesterday after being accused of breaching his curfew five times.
Black Marlins Swim Club hosts Winter Invitational
THE Black Marlins Swim Club hosted its Winter Invitational at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex on Saturday. • Here’s a look at the top three finishers in the various events contested:
Investment Authority’s reforms set for ‘roll-out’
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said a “roll-out plan” for reform of the Government’s main investment agency will be unveiled in upcoming weeks amid a drive to “make doing business easier”.
Tuesday, February 14
THE BIG QUESTION: What actions would you like to see as a result of this week’s CARICOM meeting?
Post your answers in the comments section.
PETER YOUNG: Horror of a lethal earthquake
WITH video coverage of natural disasters and war zones beamed instantly around the world these days, people have become almost accustomed to witnessing human suffering from afar. But the images and stories of the scale of destruction and horror this past week following Monday’s severe earthquake in southern Turkey and northern Syria have been hard to take in.
FACE TO FACE – Velenzo Miller: Creating digital innovation with the use of drones
GREAT dreams are made of innovation and solutions to some of humanity’s biggest challenges. Creative enterprise comes from the ability to seize those great dreams and bring them to life for your own people. Velenzo Miller has vivid dreams for his country, as well as the drive and the enterprising spirit to bring them to reality.
FNM leader challenges House committee to ‘modify the rules’
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the opposition party is challenging those in the House of Assembly’s Rules Committee to modify the rules so that no administration can “duck” Parliament’s question and answer period.
Shanty town residents seek sympathy from govt
SHANTY town residents are calling on government to be sympathetic following the lifting of an injunction to legally allow officials to evict residents and tear down the unregulated communities throughout The Bahamas.
Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas celebrate long-standing connection
PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis celebrated The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos’ long-standing friendship, saying both countries have shown cooperation and support to each other.
Ex-PM backing four lanes ‘all the way to Lyford Cay’
A former prime minister yesterday backed research calling for a four-lane highway to be constructed between the airport and Old Fort Bay to ease escalating traffic congestion in western New Providence.
New judge’s law firm loses unpaid bill fight
A law firm whose principal is a newly-named Supreme Court judge has lost its bid to recover an unpaid $24,544 legal bill because it failed to properly present its evidence before the court.
GB Power union: ‘We’ll never give up the fight’
A trade union leader yesterday pledged to “never give up the fight” after the Court of Appeal overturned an Industrial Tribunal verdict that it won previously against Grand Bahama Power Company.
Pintard on FNM: ‘Under my leadership, we are far stronger’
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard has said that the opposition party is “far stronger” under his watch.
Bahamas National Trust promotes ‘conchscious conchservation’
THE Bahamas National Trust is calling all Bahamians for preservation, moderation and “conchscious conchservation” as they yesterday premiered a documentary at Baha Mar highlighting conservation efforts in East Grand Bahama.
Munroe warns: Don’t ‘test’ law enforcement
WITH the country prepared to host CARICOM this week, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe is warning people not to “test” law enforcement.
Mitchell: Haiti to be a main topic during CARICOM
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said yesterday that Haiti is one of the main issues that will be addressed at CARICOM, noting the country’s political and security challenges.
Minnis: Injunction was a setback to the country
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis says he believes the country would have been further ahead in dealing with unregulated shanty towns if Supreme Court Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson had made a similar ruling to Friday’s judgement when his administration was in office.
SEBAS EYES $200M INVESTMENT IN HOTEL: Project set to create over 500 jobs when done
Sebas Bastian’s Brickell Management Group is entering the resort industry with a 226-unit condo hotel as part of a $200m western New Providence development set to create over 500 full-time jobs at completion.
Personalised care packages donated by Anchor Club of Lucaya
ANCHOR Club of Lucaya members and Advisors presented 20 personalised care packages to director Dudley Seide of Reach Out Outreach Community Centre.
Search for two men after four shot in Tropical Gardens
POLICE are searching for two men responsible for shooting four people outside a residence in Tropical Gardens
Customs ‘almost there’ on Click2Clear restart
CONFUSION last night surrounded Customs’ efforts to restore its electronic import clearance system, which has been offline for the past week, even though a senior officer said: “We are almost there.”
Construction industry outlook ‘looking great’
BAHAMIAN professionals yesterday said “things are looking great” for the construction industry in 2023 with multiple new projects anticipated to break ground during the year.
56-year-old man accused of sexually abusing 10-year-old
A 56-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison accused of sexually abusing a ten-year-old girl over the course of a year.
Man held on rape and drug possession charges
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of the sexual assault of a 41-year-old woman last week.
Man receives two-year sentence for gun possession
A MAN was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting having a loaded gun in his car over the weekend.
Man accused of stabbing tourist
A MAN was granted $4,000 bail yesterday after being accused of stabbing a male tourist in Nassau earlier this month.
CI Gibson Rattlers in the win column
While his CI Gibson Rattlers senior girls had to dig down deep to hold onto a three-point win over the RM Bailey Pacers, coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson had his Rattlers’ senior boys clinching on all cylinders from start to finish in their 30-point rout over the CR Walker Knights.
BAAA has $1m goal
WITH an ambitious plan that includes eight international meets to participate in, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is calling on the public to assist in their campaign to raise over one million dollars to get the job done.
Monday, February 13
90 kilos of suspected cocaine seized in Bimini
Bahamian law enforcement officials seized over 90 kilos of suspected cocaine – worth $1m – onboard a vessel at the Cat Cay Marina in Bimini on Sunday.
NIB to rise? Prices up? ‘They’re robbing us now’
“THEY’RE robbing us now,” was the view of some Bahamians as they voiced their opinion on the National Insurance Board’s recommendations to increase the contribution rate - on top of other financial pressures such as rising prices on sugar and salt.
WORLD VIEW: Haiti at the tipping point of becoming fully hostage to criminals
HAITI continues to occupy the concerns of nations around the world, especially its closest neighbouring states.
INSIGHT: Climate change and Haiti in the CARICOM spotlight
THE great and the good are coming to The Bahamas this week - with a CARICOM meeting due to be held from February 15—17.
THE KDK REPORT: A long way down – part 2
IN an effort to combat illicit drug use amongst minors, US First lady Nancy Reagan created the slogan ‘Just say no’ in the mid-1980s, just as the war on drugs ramped up in the United States. The campaign was international and throughout her husband’s presidency, it became her mission to educate children about the danger of peer-pressure and the physical and social ramifications of drug addiction.
‘Severe water crisis’ in Sweetings Cay
FORMER State Minister for Finance Kwasi Thompson MP has called for action over a “severe water crisis” in Sweetings Cay.
Water improvement project for Eleuthera
A WATER project aiming to improve supply in Eleuthera was commissioned on Friday, with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis in attendance.
EDITORIAL: Has a decision been made or not?
SOMETIMES watching Bahamian politics is like a game of smoke and mirrors – you’re never entirely sure what is being said will come true.
Haitian barbers ‘slapped’ and ‘beaten’ by men dressed as immigration officers
TWO Haitian barbers with legal work permits say they are traumatised after being “slapped” and “beaten” by men dressed as immigration officers at their workplace this weekend.
Honouring the memory of Kenise
KENISE Earla Symonette-Darville’s funeral was held yesterday at Mount Tabor Church, officiated by Bishop Neil Ellis. The 33-year-old mother of three passed away on January 19, after an illness while at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).
BOB eliminates ‘external influences’ of past rescue
Bank of The Bahamas has “eliminated a lot of the external influences” that helped produce two taxpayer-funded rescues, its top executive has revealed, with the institution “on track” to hit this year’s $8m-$9m profits target.
‘Land locked’: Cable Beach restaurant help backfires
A landlord’s bid to prevent its Cable Beach restaurant tenant from becoming “land-locked and inaccessible” to customers has backfired after the Supreme Court rejected its claim to ownership of a key asset.
Debt jumps $256m on IMF rights borrowings
Much of the $256.2m increase in the national debt during the six months to end-December was driven by the Government’s “use” of $232.3m in IMF special drawing rights (SDRs), it has been revealed.
Dialogue ongoing for ‘language that’s acceptable to all’ on marital rape bill
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said on Friday he could not confirm a timeline for when consultations for marital rape legislation will be done, adding discussions are still continuing .
Opposition leader’s actions ‘despicable behaviour’ says Davis
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis on Friday berated the actions of the opposition leader in the House of Assembly, calling it “despicable behaviour”.
FNM wants immediate action on shanty towns
FREE National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard said now that the “legal hurdles” have been overcome, the party supports and calls for immediate action after a Supreme Court Justice lifted a previous injunction regarding shanty towns.
PM will ‘resist’ further burden on poor
PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis refused to reveal whether the government intends to increase National Insurance Board contribution rates.
FTX creditors ‘fortunate’ Bahamas acted on hack
FTX’s US chief has admitted to the Delaware Bankruptcy Court that clients and creditors were “fortunate” The Bahamas acted to safeguard assets from theft by hackers in a total reversal of his previous attacks.
Three dead on weekend in separate incidents
A MAN, believed to be a Dominican national, was shot dead on Friday morning as he got into his vehicle - one of two murders on Friday, with a third man yesterday dying from wounds suffered in an incident last Monday.
PM: SHANTY TOWNS WILL BE DEALT WITH – Davis says they ‘have a plan moving forward’
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the recent shantytown court outcome allows officials to employ the process to correct those issues within those communities.
BLTA ‘saddened’ by death of Wesley Rolle
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is saddened by the passing of Wesley Rolle. Past president Rolle has made numerous contributions to the growth and development of tennis in The Bahamas over the years.
Earthquakes and history
ActivTrades
LARGE earthquakes have been a persistent threat to human civilisations throughout history, causing destruction and altering the course of entire societies.
Sustainable tourism now the ‘fastest growing’ niche
SUSTAINABLE tourism has become the “fastest growing” segment of The Bahamas’ most important industry in COVID-19’s aftermath, a leading official says.
Architects chief loses building permit appeal
THE Institute of Bahamian Architects (IBA) president has pledged to “definitely” use any available appeal options after a court found there was “an abundance of evidence” to reject his building permit Judicial Review.
We must benchmark swift justice success
THERE are many moving parts to bringing about peace and justice for citizens of The Bahamas.
Baha Mar resurfaces the tennis courts in Yellow Elder Gardens
ON Saturday The Baha Mar Foundation held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the tennis courts in Yellow Elder at the Tom “The Bird” Grant park.
Jasmine Mackey misses CARIFTA-qualifying time
IN a gutsy performance on Saturday at the Road Runners’ Dianna Lynn Thompson’s Memorial Track Classic, middle distance runner Jasmine Mackey came so close to eclipsing the qualifying standard for the girls under- 20 1,500 metres for the 50th CARIFTA Games.
Charisma Taylor sets national indoor record in triple jump
DEVYNNE STRIKES GOLD IN 60M HURDLES
A BAHAMIAN national indoor record for versatile Charisma Taylor and a big victory for Devynne Charlton highlighted a number of performances from Bahamian athletes around the United States in their various meets over the weekend.
Super Bowl: Chiefs top Eagles 38-35
GLENDALE, Arizona (AP) — Patrick Mahomes shook off an ankle injury, turned back into a magician and pulled out another comeback on the biggest stage to help the Kansas City Chiefs win their second Super Bowl in four years.
Clean it up
Lake Cunningham cleaning overgrown sides of lake... congrats to the ever going Mr Pot Cake, Hon Leslie Miller - Mr Get-it-done.
Why can’t Finance collect property tax?
PM says we are collecting 40 percent of the whole due from Real Property Tax - the FNM and then the PLP governments re-assessed New Providence and found, so they say, and it is reported that thousands are not registered and hundreds with enormous arrears… didn’t they say $600m?
Haiti must find own solution
No sensible person is able to deny that the Republic of Haiti is a ‘failed’ state. This is a sad indictment and is fast becoming a geopolitical problem and a source of dislocation for her people and a bane on the wider Caribbean, inclusive of The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos. The resources of these two nations have been stretched to the limits and the seams could rapidly burst in short order.
Sunday, February 12
m/v Legacy freed, now docked at Arawak Cay
SUNDAY UPDATE: The m/v Legacy has been freed after it ran aground in waters near Egg Island off Spanish Wells last week and is now docked at Arawak Cay. The vessel reportedly managed to avoid taking on water during the incident.
Saturday, February 11
Wilchcombe slams FNM"s parliament protest
OBIE WILCHCOMBE, the leader of government business, on Friday blasted the Free National Movement’s protest in parliament, describing it as just a “show” and a misuse of the media.
Friday, February 10
Shanty town demolitions, evictions can resume after court ruling
DEMOLITION of shanty town properties and evictions of residents can resume after a Supreme Court Justice lifted a previous injunction on Friday when residents failed to prove such actions would be unlawful.
Two charged over separate deadly shootings
TWO MEN were sent to prison on Friday after being accused in two separate deadly shootings in the nation’s capital last month.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Another iconic Bahamian voice gone, there’s a hole in my radio dial
There’s a hole in my radio dial. It’s where Island FM 102.9 used to be. I can’t even write Island FM 102.9 without humming the music in my head, drawing out the ‘point niiiiiine’ as if it were a word.
Rich polluters must pay for damage to the Caribbean, but how?
THANKS to the voices of developing world leaders such as Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis and Gabon’s President Ali Bongo at the recent United Nations conference on climate change, there is now a global agreement on establishment of a fund to compensate poor nations for the excesses of developed countries.
Moody’s claims that we’re optimistic? We have to be
The Bahamas must “hold the line” on government spending to build investor confidence that it is not solely relying on economic growth “to fund any errors” in its fiscal projections, a well-known banker urged yesterday.
‘Can’t look other way’: Queries on 47% of Business Licences
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the tax authorities simply “cannot look the other way” when 47 percent of Business Licence applicants are submitting no turnover or “exactly the same amount for the last three years”.
Bran: 'Can't water out of stone' over health VAT
A former Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader is blasting the Government's "misguided decision" to change the VAT treatment of health insurance claims payouts, arguing: "You can't get water out of a stone."
Sarkis set for August 2024 trial on $2.25bn CCA claim
Baha Mar’s original developer will see his $2.25bn fraud and breach of contract claim against the project’s main contractor go to a full two-week trial before the New York state court in August 2024.
Upcoming CARICOM to showcase Bahamian culture and discuss regional issues
LESLIA Miller-Brice, the Bahamas High Commissioner to CARICOM, looks forward to progressive discussions on energy security, climate change, and food security in The Bahamas at the CARICOM meeting next week.
STATESIDE: Restlessness in the US over amount of aid to Ukraine
THERE’S been a lot of talk since the beginning of this year about American resolve.
GB Junior Junkanoo postponed due to inclement weather
The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture has announced that the 2023 Grand Bahama Junior Junkanoo Parade has been postponed due to inclement weather.
Priest calls on government to ‘respect and protect’ sacramental right to marijuana
WITH legislation for marijuana legalisation near completion, Rastafarian priest Rithmond McKinney is urging the government to “respect and protect” his community’s sacramental right of cannabis possession.
FNM leader: Davis administration ‘undemocratic’
OPPOSITION leader Michael Pintard is accusing the Davis administration of being “undemocratic” and is warning that the FNM will not be quiet when the rights of opposition parliamentarians and the Bahamian people are being abused.
Brensil Rolle says uncollected fees the major issue facing NIB
A FORMER minister says he believes the major issue facing the National Insurance Board (NIB) is the collection of outstanding fees – as well as making certain other businesses and individuals pay their national insurance.
Press secretary says Wilchcombe will address the FNM’s questions when the House reconvenes
AFTER Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said he would summon senior civil servants before the Public Accounts Committee, press secretary Clint Watson said yesterday parliamentarians will deal with the matter if it arises.
Watson: ‘we don’t know what decision has been made’ on NIB increase
PRESS secretary Clint Watson was unable to confirm yesterday whether the government has approved an increase for National Insurance Board contribution rates.
FTX’s Bahamas cash shrank 76% in month before collapse
Cash assets held by FTX’s Bahamian subsidiary were “materially depleted” to the extent they shrank by 76 percent - or more than three-quarters - in the five weeks immediately prior to the crypto exchange’s implosion.
Taxis and vendors on licence fast track
ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis revealed yesterday that business licence applications for taxi drivers, straw vendors, and roadside vendors will be fast-tracked - while only 3,000 of 33,000 applications have been approved so far.
Mailboat runs aground off Egg Island
A GROUP of passengers and crew members had to be evacuated from the M/V Legacy after the mailboat ran aground in waters near Egg Island off Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, on Wednesday morning.
‘More must be done’ to stop school violence
“MORE must be done” to deal with violence in schools, said Bahamas Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson yesterday, following a stabbing at an Abaco high school this week.
Man in custody in connection with death threats to Prime Minister
A 58-year-old male resident of Carmichael Road is in custody being questioned in connection to last week’s death threats made against Prime Minister Phillip Davis, according to police.
Customs import clearing system off-line ‘for week’
CUSTOMS’ system for electronically clearing goods has been down for the past week and is “holding up” The Bahamas’ import economy, brokers confirmed yesterday.
Aviation fees dispute hits ‘diplomatic level’
THE DEPUTY prime minister says the Government is engaging at the “diplomatic level” with the US government over airline accusations that The Bahamas’ air navigation fees are discriminatory and anti-competitive.
Cleaner recall
A RECALL notice has been issued for 4.9 million units of Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner by manufacturer Colgate-Palmolive because of bacteria in affected batches, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) has announced.
Will COI air dirty laundry?
I’M GUESSING that the average Bahamian is unaware of Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis’ role in CARICOM as chairperson. Davis will head this year’s 44th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community or CARICOM in New Providence. The meeting will be held on February 15-17.
Speaking for Bahamians?
A voice note has been sent around on Whatsapp from the president of the taxi union, Wesley Ferguson – and it has to be heard to be believed.
Bus driver fined $250 for assaulting another bus driver
A BUS driver was ordered to financially compensate a fellow bus driver after he admitted to assaulting him over vehicle repairs.
Man gets one year in prison for marijuana possession
A MAN was sentenced to a year in prison yesterday after he changed his plea and admitted to having $70,000 worth of marijuana in 2018.
Bail breach leads to 6 months in prison
A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison yesterday after he admitted to breaching curfew while on bail for a murder charge.
Teen on probation after causing harm to a woman
A MALE TEENAGER was placed on a year’s probation in court yesterday after he admitted to injuring a woman.
CARIFTA tickets on sale
With the box office now open, patrons are flocking to the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium to purchase their tickets for the 50th Independence CARIFTA Games.
Philanthropists join CARIFTA sponsorship
THE husband-and-wife team of Trent and Julia Jordan have thrown their philanthropic support behind the Local Organising Committee for the 50th CARIFTA Games as they support their daughter, who has a disability, but is eager to participate in track and field.
36th St Valentine’s Day Regatta in Montagu Bay February 18-19
IN keeping the memory of their father alive, the family of the late Eleazor ‘the Sailing Barber’ Johnson will continue with the 36th edition of the St Valentine’s Day Regatta in Montagu Bay next weekend.
Free HIV tests
A VALENTINE’S Day HIV testing event for couples will be held on Monday at Windsor Park.
Bahamas professional golfers start new year off with a bang
Glenn Pratt unanimously elected as the new president
THE Bahamas Professional Golfers Association has started this new year off with a bang. Following recent elections, Master golf pro and former Young Lions standout Glenn Pratt was unanimously elected as the new President.
Businesses ‘not asked to do Inland Revenue’s job’
A Cabinet minister yesterday denied that the Government is “asking business persons to do the Department of Inland Revenue’s job” by providing the agency with their landlord’s property tax assessment number.’
Thursday, February 9
Junior Junkanoo's Bay Street return 'a huge success'
THE annual Junior Junkanoo made its return to Bay Street on Thursday after a two-year hiatus.
Hunt for suspect in attempted child stealing
POLICE are hunting for a suspect in an attempted child stealing.
Police searching for missing 13-year-old girl
POLICE are appealing for help in finding a missing 13-year-old girl.
FRONT PORCH: Emancipation and education still needed 50 years after independence
At the 50th anniversary of independence there is tremendous work to be done to educate Bahamians about our basic history and basic civics, including the Constitution. Those charged with organising this commemoration have an obligation to ensure that it is not overwhelmingly a parade of festivities and feel-good events. We should not mostly be engaged in a series of blowout parties. At the heart of this anniversary should be a variety of educational and meaningful cultural activities.
EDITORIAL: Questions should be answered - by all governments
THERE was no shortage of drama – and theatrics – in the House of Assembly yesterday.
Mitchell: FNM behaviour disgraceful
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday berated the opposition for their behaviour in the House of Assembly, saying it was “nothing short of disgraceful”.
Pintard speaks out over death threats
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard yesterday said “we need to repudiate any form of death threats” after threats were made to the Prime Minister on Friday.
‘Tell us details on NIB decision’
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said he is glad government has made a decision on the National Insurance Board, but “we now need to hear what the details are”.
Gov’t to double its share of treasure
A multi-million underwater explorer yesterday said it is “still evaluating the economics” after the Government moved to double its share from treasure salvaging in Bahamian waters.
Bahamas liquidators explore FTX ‘restart’
FTX’s remaining Bahamas-based staff were paid a collective $635,297 through to end-January 2023 as provisional liquidators explore “options” that may include restarting its trading platform, it was revealed last night.
Bahamas ‘into line’ on economic substance
The Attorney General yesterday said reforms to bring The Bahamas’ economic substance regime “into line” are “not necessarily” designed to address the deficiencies that led to the country’s re-blacklisting by the European Union (EU).
Board games donated to university
THE GB Chapter of the University of the Bahamas Alumni Association this week presented board games to the UB North campus, in Freeport.
Police seek to identify victim
POLICE are seeking help in identifying the man shot and killed on Sunday at the South Beach ramp.
Residents welcome move to improve street lights
FRANKLIN McMinns, a resident of Bain Town, says he feels safer as a result of The Royal Bahamas Police Force’s partnership with Bahamas Power & Light that aims to improve streetlights throughout the community to combat crime.
Construction under way on Fort Charlotte straw market
CONSTRUCTION has started on the new straw market at Fort Charlotte, with the redevelopment of Fort Fincastle Straw Market also being prepared in time for the country’s 50th independence celebrations this year.
Junior Junkanoo back on Bay Street today
JUNIOR Junkanoo finally makes its return to Bay Street today - with Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg yesterday confident over preparations for the event.
Suicide of 57-year-old man suspected at Harbour Island
POLICE are investigating the suspected suicide of a 57-year-old man from Greece that occurred on Tuesday in Harbour Island.
Decades in jail for killers of ZNS host
THE KILLERS of a ZNS broadcaster were yesterday sentenced to decades in jail.
Police may be placed at school after stabbing
AFTER a high school student was stabbed on campus in Abaco this week, Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said she’s asked officials to consider placing police officers at the school where the incident occurred.
Probe into ‘legitimacy’ of $7.7bn FTX withdrawals
FTX’s Bahamian liquidators are probing whether $7.7bn was withdrawn from its local subsidiary via “legitimate” transactions as they yesterday revealed virtually all countries are represented in its 2.4m-strong client base.
HOUSE HALTED BY FNM PROTEST: Speaker suspends business as MPs chant ‘answer the questions'
THE House of Assembly was suspended yesterday morning after a screaming match erupted when Opposition Leader Michael Pintard chastised the government for avoiding the question and answer period in Parliament.
Murder accused denied bail
A MAN was denied bail for the fourth time in the Supreme Court yesterday as he awaits trial on multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.
DPM rejects union chief’s neglect claim
THE DEPUTY prime minister yesterday rejected accusations by trade union leaders that he is neglecting their concerns and ignoring calls for intervention in workplace disputes.
Cutting off workplace disputes at the root
Employees in the same workplace can often create discord through personal disagreements. Chances are that if you notice tension between employees, others within the office will too. Workplace discord comes in many forms, yet there is no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with it. Such conflict not only threatens productivity, but creates tension in an environment that contributes to poor morale, absenteeism and even lower rates of employee retention. What can you do?
Scotiabank Bahamas sponsors 50th CARIFTA Games
WITH a deposit of $100,000 into the account of the Local Organising Committee, Scotiabank became a gold elite sponsor of the 50th CARIFTA Games.
Fourteen coaches, administrators take advantage of Sports Visitor Programme
A TOTAL of 14 coaches and administrators - seven males and seven females - will be the recipients of a fully funded exchange to benefit the development of Bahamian youths in track and field through the United States Embassy’s Bridging the Gap Sports Visitor Programme.
Ellianne Higgs earns 1st place in Laser Fleet
THE KPMG Youth Winter Olympics, now in its ninth year, kicked off the Bahamas National Sailing School’s 2023 season with the first major junior sailing regatta over the weekend in Montagu Bay.
BAISS soccer returns after three years
THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools has returned to soccer play after a three-year hiatus with action in the junior girls’ division with the Comets of Queen’s College hosting the Big Red Machine from St Augustine’s College.
A clean sweep
It was a clean sweep of all four divisional titles in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools 2023 best-of-three basketball championships that ended last night at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Clinic marks anniversary
LUCAYAN’S Family Care and Concierge Ltd has reached its one-year milestone as a family medicine clinic in Freeport.
Man denies handgun attack
A MAN was denied bail in court yesterday after being accused of assaulting another man with a handgun.
Bail granted in firearm case
A MAN was granted $8,000 bail in court on Wednesday accused of being found by police with a loaded gun in the nation’s capital earlier this week.
Freeport man charged in 2016 murder case
A 45-YEAR-OLD Freeport man was charged with murder in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Sort out parking at Goodman’s Bay
GOODMAN’S Bay a public open space guaranteed under Law to remain so BUT are the employees of the opened Wynn Cable Beach Hotel taking over the eastern parking area as theirs?
Injunction on blood transfusions
The New York Times has posted a digital version of a June 12, 1977 article regarding the death of one Nathan H. Knorr on the Internet. Unbeknownst to most Bahamians, Knorr was the third president of the US based Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society - succeeding Judge Joseph Rutherford in 1942.
Wednesday, February 8
ALICIA WALLACE: Getting the most out of conferences and workshops
IN many areas of work and study, there are conferences, workshops, trainings, and summits of all sizes that bring people together to hear from experts, share ideas, and make decisions about the way forward.
As the year heats up, BPL shares tips on energy and cost savings
WITH spring fast approaching, Bahamas Power and Light officials are advising consumers to “get in the habit of practising energy consumption” to avoid increased electricity costs.
Shaunae’s pregnancy reignites calls for equality on citizenship
SOME WOMEN activists are again calling for equality over citizenship rules after the recent news of Bahamian Olympic star Shaunae Miller-Uibo’s pregnancy.
Shining a light so criminals cannot hide
IN AN effort to curb crime, the Royal Bahamas Police Force partnered up with Bahamas Power & Light to improve the source of light throughout communities in New Providence.
Tourism Minister calls Minnis’ Bahamasair comments ‘irresponsible’
TOURISM, Aviation and Investments Minister Chester Cooper said former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was “irresponsible” when he told parliamentarians on Monday that millions of dollars were missing from Bahamasair.
Missing 16-year-old found safe after community search
A MISSING girl has been found after a search party canvassed the Palm Breeze Drive area last night.
‘Stop fattening pockets’ of foreign food suppliers
The Bahamas must “stop fattening the pockets” of foreign food suppliers by enabling its farmers to exploit more than $50m worth of meat and vegetable possibilities, an agriculture entrepreneur argued yesterday.
BPL to re-enter hedging via 15% fuel cost lock-in
Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) yesterday signalled its intent to re-enter the fuel hedging market just one day after the Prime Minister sought to discredit how the strategy was employed by the former administration.
Avoid ‘jack up numbers’ on Business Licence renewal
Companies are only suffering delayed Business Licence renewals if they have “jack up numbers” and are unable to provide proof of income, a small business consultant and activist argued yesterday.
New construction permits off 20% due to commercial drop
The value of new construction permits issued in the 2022 third quarter fell by almost 20 percent year-over-year due to a significant drop-off in new commercial projects, it was disclosed yesterday.
‘Worryingly low’ graduation’s blow to high-value economy
The Bahamas’ ability to develop high-value industries and diversify its economy are impaired by “worryingly low” graduation rates at its sole university with just 7 percent of students studying science and technology-related courses.
New nurses leader seeks a rebrand
THE NEWLY-elected president of the Bahamas Nurses Union, Muriel Lightbourn, is determined to rebrand the union, despite tensions over the previous administration.
Munroe responds to Minnis on threats
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday that death threats against anyone will be investigated once reported to police.
PLP ‘DECIDED’ ON NIB FUND . . . but we have to wait longer to find out what will be done
AFTER months of deliberation, the Davis administration finally made a decision yesterday concerning the future of the National Insurance Board fund, according to State Minister Myles Laroda with responsibility for NIB.
Man fined for causing injury and damaging car
A MAN was fined in court yesterday and ordered to financially compensate a man he admitted to injuring and damaging his car on Arawak Cay.
Return of Chickcharney Challenge has ‘decent turn out’
THE Chickcharney Challenge’s ‘return’ is now officially in the books, with event organisers already setting their sights on a possible relay event which they hope can be held in tandem with the country’s upcoming 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations.
More than 30 basketball coaches in NPPPSSA pass certification course
PRIOR to the start of their Sherman Smith Mini Basketball Tournament at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium last week, more than 30 coaches in the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association participated and passed their certification course.
Biel: Mariposa Gold Drops emerge victorious again
THE Mariposa Gold Drops emerged victorious for the second time this year in Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League (BIEL) competition.
Tennis ace Justin Roberts looking forward to productive season
AFTER sitting out for the past two months and-a-half with an injury, the Bahamas’ top ranked international tennis player Justin Roberts is back and is looking forward to a productive season this year.
Men’s national team ready for T20 Americas Region Qualifiers
COACH Andrew Moles is confident that he will have the men’s national team fit and ready to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina to compete in the International Cricket Club’s World T20 Americas Region Qualifiers.
Scoring King: James passes Abdul-Jabbar for NBA points mark
LeBron James is the NBA’s new career scoring leader.
Two denied bail over violent robbery pending status check
TWO MEN were sent to prison after being accused of a violent robbery on West Bay Street earlier this month.
Man accused of raping a woman during home invasion denied bail
A MAN was remanded yesterday accused of the rape of a woman during a home invasion last month. Kumar Lloyd, 28, faced Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of rape, burglary and two counts of armed robbery.
Probation for American woman on marijuana possession
AN AMERICAN woman was placed on six months probation yesterday after admitting in court to having marijuana while on vacation in Nassau.
The Bahamas has enough US fast food chains
We are crossing a dangerous threshold. At risk is not only the nation’s veritable blood pressure, but Nassau’s sociocultural integrity.
Changes to VAT and healthcare
Please allow me space to touch on the upcoming changes to VAT payments as it relates to health/medical insurances.
Freeport man granted $9k bail on harbouring criminal charge
A FREEPORT man was this week charged with harbouring a criminal in a case before the Freeport Magistrate’s Court.
Two GB men denied bail on separate counts of sex crimes
A GRAND Bahama man was charged in Freeport’s Magistrate’s court on Tuesday with rape and causing harm.
FNM accuses government of ‘failing small businesses’
THE FREE National Movement has accused the Davis administration of failing small businesses, saying its “ill-advised” policies has made it difficult for business owners to operate.
Tuesday, February 7
PETER YOUNG: Germany changes tack on Ukraine
IN writing last week about the West’s supply of tanks to Ukraine, I suggested it might be interesting to examine further the sensitivities surrounding Germany’s involvement.
FACE TO FACE: Kenise leaves behind a legacy of giving
KENISE Symonette-Darville will be remembered and honoured in a special memorial candlelight vigil tomorrow, Wednesday February 8, 2023 at 7pm at the Pinewood Park. Her death was a blow to many, and hundreds are expected to show up in her honour.
Prison parole programme to begin with Grand Bahama inmates
ACTING Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare said government expects to soon announce the commencing of parole for inmates, starting first in Grand Bahama.
EDITORIAL: Less arguing and more evidence, please
YOU blame me and I blame you and are we ever nearer the truth?
Migrants held in Inagua all repatriated
ALL 375 migrants being held in Inagua have been repatriated, said Immigration Minister Keith Bell yesterday.
Community helps mother find missing daughter
RESCUERS are launching a search tonight for a 16-year-old girl who has been missing since January 30.
PM outlines six key fiscal strategies; hopes to double revenue collection
PRIME Minister Phillip Davis outlined six key priorities of the 2022 Fiscal Strategy report as he led debate in the House of Assembly yesterday - and hopes to nearly double the amount of real property tax collected.
Centreville crime watch receives car from MP
CENTREVILLE MP Jomo Campbell, along with corporate partners, donated a new neighborhood watch vehicle to The Bahamas National Neighborhood Watch Council (NNWC) of Centreville.
Poverty key contributor to sexual violence offences, says minister
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday pointed to poverty as the main factor contributing to the level of rape and sexual violence offences plaguing the country.
Obie Wilchcombe: Government shelter unused by fire victims
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said no one had shown up to shelter facilities set up for some 40 victims of Sunday’s shanty town fire. He said government agencies will take the “necessary actions” investigating any undocumented people.
Rejected web shop loses licence appeal
The Gaming Board’s decision to reject a web shop’s licence bid during the industry’s legalisation was fully vindicated yesterday by the Supreme Court.
House hostilities erupt on $150m BPL arrears
The Prime Minister and Opposition’s leader yesterday accused each other of making “false” statements as renewed hostilities erupted over Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) $150m in unpaid bills.
PM targets 75% of property tax billings ‘within four years’
The Prime Minister yesterday defended the Government’s aggressive target of more than tripling real property tax collections by asserting it plans to collect 75 percent of annual billings “within the next four years”.
'Full-throated' effort urged on regulatory compliance
The Bahamas must display a "full-throated commitment" fighting all forms of financial crime, the attorney general reiterated yesterday, while pointing to the imminent challenge posed by global corporate tax reforms.
Opposition finance chief: GBPA has 'outlasted time'
The Opposition's finance spokesman yesterday backed calls for change at the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and argued that its present structure has "outlasted the times".
Art Lucaya to showcase talent in Grand Bahama
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority has announced its first Freeport art festival for March 23-25, featuring some 45 artists on Grand Bahama.
Opening of bank branch ‘milestone’ to serve Bahamians
THE BANK of The Bahamas held the grand opening of its John F Kennedy branch yesterday - with Prime Minister Philip Davis saying the “milestone” was a testament to the bank’s commitment to serving the Bahamian people.
Outage due to lightning, BPL Says
PARTS of New Providence experienced power outages yesterday morning due to a system interruption at Bahamas Power and Light.
Bishop Hall calls out ‘sanctified silence’
AFTER two murders were recorded on Sunday, Bishop Simeon Hall lashed out against those who engage in “sanctified silence” by failing to report criminal activity.
Minnis: PM’s reaction to threats is ‘overkill’
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ reaction to recent death threats is “overkill”, noting it’s not uncommon for a Prime Minister to receive such threats.
Who’s to blame for BPL costs?
PRIME Minister Philip Davis and FNM leader Michael Pintard continued their war of words in the House of Assembly yesterday over the controversial Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) fuel charge increase, with the opposition leader once again laying the blame for burdening Bahamians with additional costs at the government’s feet.
Threats and political turmoil
Bahamians of all political persuasions must join in the condemnation of alleged death threats against Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis. Hopefully, those responsible are caught and punished.
Questions are still not answered
The intention of this correspondence is to inform you of matters of public interest that appears to have been forgotten over the past few years the issues and stories were very prominent in newspapers for a period and your reading public was seeking answers or some form of explanations.
Maintain value of $34m airport upgrade contract
AN EXUMA businessman yesterday said The Bahamas must do better at maintaining its infrastructure after a $34m contract was signed to upgrade the island’s international airport Ramon Darville, Darville Lumber’s general manager, told Tribune Business “it does not make any sense” to spend such money on Exuma International Airport if the facility does not receive annual maintenance once the work is completed.
Crawfish prices fall 42% but catch high
BAHAMIAN fishermen are confirming that crawfish prices have slumped 42 percent from last year’s high although catch volumes remain high.
BOB hopes for imminent commercial loan restart
BANK of The Bahamas is hoping to receive regulatory approval to restart commercial lending activities next month, its managing director said yesterday.
Two men accused of last week's Fox Hill murder remanded until trial
TWO MEN were remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of the fatal shooting of a man while the suspects were in a stolen car last week.
Bud Light and Jimmy’s to send six to Super Bowl LVII
On February 12, diehard football fans from across the globe will be glued to their televisions for the monumental showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs in Glendale, Arizona.
No place for death threats
I am deeply concerned about the recent death threats against our Prime Minister. This behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in a civilised society. Threatening the life of a public official is a serious crime, and those responsible should be held accountable.
Armed robbery accused claims he was beaten for confession
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday in connection with a spree of armed robberies and a housebreaking in the nation’s capital last month.
Star Performers Track Classic produces three CARIFTA-qualifying performances on field
THE Star Trackers Track Club’s 2023 Star Performers Track and Field Classic on Saturday produced three qualifying performances on the field in the same event, despite the inclement weather that forced officials to cut short the meet at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
UB Mingoes women’s softball team gets some international experience during South Florida Tour
THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes women’s softball team picked up international experience during a South Florida tour against Fort Lauderdale University and Florida Memorial University recently.
Man fined $2,500 for curfew violations
A MAN on bail for murder was fined $2,500 in court on Monday after he admitted to breaching his curfew five times last month.
Cougars take Game 1
BAHAMAS ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS BASKETBALL FINALS
The Charles W Saunders Cougars took the early bragging rights over the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons in the showdown of the two Baptist schools in the senior boys’ finals of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools last night.
Monday, February 6
Bahamian allegedly plotted with Maryland woman to attack power grid
BALTIMORE (AP) — BAHAMIAN Brandon Russell, a self-described Neo-Nazi and former St Andrews School student based in Florida, is alleged to have spent months conspiring with a Maryland woman to plan an attack on Baltimore's power grid, hoping to further their racist mission, law enforcement officials said Monday.
WORLD VIEW: Haiti and Peru biggest worries as democracy in Americas in decline
ALL the countries of ‘the Americas’ ie, those in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean are experiencing political, social and economic trials to some extent.
ROAD TO 50: What next for nation’s environment?
WITh the country’s 50th independence approaching, Tribune Business sat down with people in the environmental field to discuss their vision for our environment going into the next 50 years.
THE KDK REPORT: A long way down – part 1
THE internationally beloved movie, Mrs Doubtfire, starring Sally Field and Robin Williams, was released in 1993 and quickly became a smashing, box-office success. In it, Williams played a devoted and loving but unreliable father who temporarily loses custody of his children following his divorce.
INSIGHT: Death threats to Prime Minister must be condemned outright
TALKING politics can be a passionate business. When I sit down and talk politics, it can get heated. People believe strongly in their viewpoints. But at the end of the day, we win or we lost at the ballot box. How did we get to a place where death threats are part of our new political landscape?
EDITORIAL: The language of hate must not prevail
IT seems the language of hate has taken a grip in our nation.
Bain denies recent protests responsible for threats on PM
COALITION of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain says he finds it “ridiculous” that people would seek to blame last week’s protest as the catalyst for threats being made to the nation’s leader, insisting the party would never incite people to do such a thing.
Two dead after separate shootings
Police are investigating two separate shooting incidents that have left two men dead.
‘Albany owns it now, OK?’
A controversial Austrian is moving to draw Albany’s principal investor into a multi-million dollar legal battle over his rival bid to acquire the neighbouring South Ocean resort property.
Fiscal Strategy provokes ‘credibility’ and ‘love’ mix
The Government’s latest fiscal forecasts yesterday provoked contrasting reaction, with a governance reformer saying he “truly loves” the growth focus but the Opposition’s finance spokesman pointing to “credibility problems”.
Up to 15% of property tax bills missing target
The Ministry of Finance’s top official says business tenants must accurately identify their landlord to prevent 10-15 percent of real property tax bills from being returned annually to the Government without payment.
Bahamasair suspends flights to Haiti’s capital
Bahamasair’s weekly jet service to Cape Haitien has been “leaving full every time” even though service to the country’s capital has been suspended from January 28, its managing director revealed yesterday.
BPSU members protest over Parks and Beaches management
A GROUP of Bahamas Public Service Union members protested outside the Ministry of Works and Utilities on Friday to voice their frustrations about management at the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority.
Bahamas Waste partners with organisers of 2023 Carifta Games
BAHAMAS Waste will continue to provide the sanitary care of the Thomas A Robinson National and Track and Field Stadiums by coming on board as one of the latest sponsors of the 2023 Golden Jubilee Carifta Games.
Ministry of Transport signs MOU with Port of Miami
A MEMORANDUM of understanding has been signed with the aim of helping to build links with Port Miami in Florida.
Strong winds and heavy rain expected for week ahead
WEATHER officials are urging Bahamians in the northwest and central Bahamas to brace for strong winds and heavy rain this week from an approaching thunderstorm.
FTX’s Bahamian liquidators move for US legal standing
FTX’s Bahamian liquidators will next Wednesday seek US legal recognition that will enable them to conduct investigations and pursue the local subsidiary’s assets held in the United States.
AG seeks permission to demolish shanty towns
THE Attorney General filed a summons on Friday seeking permission from the courts to demolish an expanded shanty town in Abaco as well as at two locations in New Providence.
‘All I want is justice for my child’ says victim’s mother
THE mother of a teenage girl shot dead on Saturday has said she is left heartbroken and hoping for justice for another child.
PM ‘AS NORMAL’ DESPITE THREATS: Two anonymous calls warning of death for Davis
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis plans to continue his normal duties despite his office receiving two anonymous calls on Friday from someone who made death threats, prompting a full-blown investigation.
DEREK SMITH: Balancing the risks of working at home
There is no doubt that remote working will continue to grow. With remote work becoming a significant business practice, it has quickly risen to the top of many executives’ agendas and become a vital component of talent attraction, employee retention and staff satisfaction. According to Deloitte & Touche’s Global Remote Work Survey, “over 80 percent of organisations have implemented some form of remote work policy”.
Lender expands to private sector credit
A PAYDAY lender yesterday said it has developed the staff and infrastructure necessary to expand into providing private sector employees with credit.
GBPA licensees ‘reluctant’ to see Gov’t take over Port
GRAND Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees are “reluctant” to see the Government take over responsibility for Freeport’s governance, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president says.
Reasons to be (moderately) optimistic in 2023
ActivTrades
The global economy has been on a roller coaster ride since the start of 2020. First, we had COVID and the lockdowns, with economic activity almost coming to a standstill. Then came the euphoria of the reopening, which followed the success of the global vaccination programme. However, it was not long before inflation appeared on the radar of policymakers.
UB Mingoes men beat Giants 69-51
THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes men’s basketball team pulled off a 69-51 rout over the TMT Giants as the two teams faced off in their second matchup of the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) season at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Saturday night.
Star Trackers Classic has CARIFTA qualifiers
DESPITE the inclement weather, which forced officials to finish the meet ahead of time, at least a pair of CARIFTA Games qualifying standards were established in the same event at the Star Trackers Track Classic on Saturday.
Primary School Basketball Champions crowned
THE members of the Carlton E Francis girls’ basketball team knew that there was no better way to keep the memory alive of their beloved deceased coach Sherman Smith than winning the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association mini basketball tournament.
Charlton wins 60m hurdles at New Balance Grand Prix
Although there’s no indoor championships to compete in this year, national record holder hurdler Devynne Charlton continues to shine, while men’s 400m national record holder Steven Gardiner made his return to action after a year of inactivity over the weekend.
Appreciation for ‘Bishop of Motivation’
THANK you kindly for allowing me to write a few words in your newspaper on behalf of one of our highly talented and inspiring radio and television talk show host for the twenty-first century era.
Time to seek highly skilled labour in agriculture
AS we hear the constant advocacy for reformed agriculture policy, we must admit there are many areas to be addressed. Access to land, stiffer penalties for theft of agricultural goods and labor are just a few of the areas that concern Bahamian agriculturists.
Sunday, February 5
Families left homeless after shanty town blaze
FAMILIES were left homeless Sunday after a massive fire ripped through homes and vehicles in a shantytown in the Carmichael area.
Saturday, February 4
Shaunae Miller-Uibo announces she is expecting first child
BAHAMIAN Olympic star Shaunae Miller-Uibo has announced today that she and her husband, Maicel, are expecting their first child.
Friday, February 3
Death threats made against the Prime Minister
THE Prime Minister’s office received two anonymous calls on Friday from someone who made death threats against Prime Minister Phillip Davis, prompting a full-blown investigation.
Police hunting for two men after attempted child abduction
POLICE have launched an island-wide manhunt for two men who tried to kidnap an 11-year-old girl on Thursday.
Environmental activist 'exceedingly happy' over action against oil spill company
A LOCAL environmental activist is “exceedingly happy” that action is being taken against the company responsible for last summer’s Exuma oil spill, adding it has been long overdue.
Three charged in connection with Andros armed robbery
THREE men were sent to prison on Friday in connection with the armed mugging last month of a businessman in Andros when over $10,000 in cash and a cheque was stolen.
Man bailed on firearm, ammunition charges
A MAN was granted $10,000 bail in court on Friday after being accused of being found by police with a loaded gun.
Man charged with sexually assaulting 10-year-old niece
A 38-year-old man was sent to prison on Friday after being charged with sexually assaulting his 10-year-old niece last month.
JUST SAYIN': RCCL deal is the final straw
AS IN nature, balance is the essence of order. Ecosystems that become imbalanced collapse. Environments subjected to invasive species where there is no natural predator can overwhelm indigenous species. There is a natural order to everything and if not carefully maintained can spell disaster. We fear that this may be the case with the cruise industry.
Art bringing awareness to young lives lost on the street
VIOLENCE in society was the inspiration behind artist Dwight Ferguson’s latest installation - a public artwork in Elizabeth Estates Park, which was unveiled on Saturday.
One Eleuthera Foundation: A good diet is the secret to good health
AN ancient Ayurvedic proverb states that “If diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. If diet is correct, medicine is of no need”.
Faded flags need replacing
Honouring Our National Flag - nowhere should there be a faded or tattered flag flying - please.
EDITORIAL: Has government given up on deadlines?
HERE at The Tribune, we know our fair share about deadlines. We have to meet them every day – so that you can read the newspaper in your hands.
Teaching union chief concerned at school violence
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson said there is an ongoing concern about school violence.
Govt and BNT plant mangroves at Bonefish Pond National Park
THE government and Bahamas National Trust partnered for a tree planting ceremony at Bonefish Pond National Park in celebration of World Wetlands Day.
Anger over new business licence requirements for renewals
SOME small business owners expressed frustration over the new requirements affecting business licence renewals, describing them as “short notice”, “offensive”, “insensitive” and “cruel”.
FTX may only owe government real property tax, says AG
AFTER multiple government agencies were listed as FTX creditors, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said the only thing he’s aware of that could be owed to the government by the collapsed crypto currency exchange is real property tax.
$250m resort developer: We want to be with ‘best of best’
The developer behind Grand Bahama’s $250m Six Senses project yesterday said he wants it to be viewed “at the top level of resort development in the world” with a construction start targeted for early 2024.
Stop ‘squeezing blood from stone’ on taxation
The Bahamas must reform a tax system that “squeezes blood from a stone”, a well-known banker argued yesterday, renewing his plea for greater “equity” via income-based taxation.
Cheque end ‘solving non-existent problem’
A Bahamian businessman says the Central Bank and its licensees are seeking to “solve a problem that does not exist” with their drive to eliminate the use of cheques by year-end 2024.
Opposition ‘stunned’ at tripling of property tax
The Opposition yesterday said it was “stunned” by the Government’s forecast that property tax revenues will more than triple to $555m within four years, its leader saying: “I don’t see what the Prime Minister does.”
Goodman’s Bay property opens to $1.5m bookings
A NEWLY-opened Goodman’s Bay resort has more than $1.5m worth of confirmed bookings during its initial months, its developer revealed yesterday.
Signing allows $150m Briland expansion
THE Davis administration signed an amended Heads of Agreement yesterday with developers behind the Briland Club Residences & Marina development that will allow for the expansion of the Harbour Island-based project, set to cost some $150m.
Company responsible for Exuma Spill ‘will face penalties’ says AG
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said yesterday the company responsible for last summer’s Exuma oil spill will face penalties.
Marijuana laws nearly complete - but no date for Parliament yet
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said legislation for marijuana legalisation is nearly completed however, he was unable to provide a timeline as to when it will be presented to Parliament.
Call for select committees on immigration and FTX
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard has called for the establishment of select committees in Parliament on matters relating to the country’s immigration crisis and the collapse of FTX.
$64K NIB SALARY AS MUCH AS AUDITOR’S: IDB says ‘bloated’ cost structure highlighted by average income
National Insurance Board (NIB) employees enjoy an average $64,000 income that nearly matches the earnings of the Government’s top financial watchdog due to a bloated cost structure, a study has revealed.
72 foreign nationals charged with various immigration violations
SEVENTY-TWO foreign nationals were charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday for various immigration infractions, the Department of Immigration said.
PM: ‘Happy medium’ was goal on health claims VAT
THE PRIME Minister says the Government sought to achieve “a happy medium” in ensuring health insurance companies are no longer able to reclaim VAT on claims payment made on the patient’s behalf.
IAN FERGUSON: Customer loyalty brings its rewards
There is no doubt that attracting new customers is essential for your small business. Every business person, especially proprietors of micro, small and medium-sized businesses, are always hungry to increase market share. Turning those first-time buyers into repeat customers, however, is arguably just as important.
Insurers dismiss VAT Act ‘misinterpretation’
BAHAMIAN health insurers yesterday said “no one wants to pay an additional 36 percent on their medical insurance” from April 1, 2023, when consumers will have to bear the full VAT burden on claims payments.
University of the Bahamas Mingoes Women’s Volleyball Team knocked out of the postseason
THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes women’s volleyball team was knocked out of the New Providence Volleyball Association postseason after dropping to the Lady Technicians in a play-in game Tuesday night at The Anatol Rodgers Gym.
Minister officially launches Bertram McPhee Memorial Basketball tourney
MINISTER of National Security Wayne Munroe congratulated the Street Legends Basketball league for their continuous dedicated work in the community at the 1st Annual Bertram McPhee Memorial Basketball tournament on Saturday, January 28.
Rotarians urged to lend support to CARIFTA
LYNDEN Maycock, chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 50th Golden Jubilee CARIFTA Games, said they would like nothing better than members of the Rotary Club of South East Nassau to lend their support and volunteer for the region’s greatest junior track and field competition over the Easter holiday weekend.
Chisholm remembers those who helped him
Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm clearly remembers the days he spent with the late Franklyn Simmons at Freedom Farm.
Exuma woman ordered to repay over $10k cash she stole from Paradise Games
A WOMAN was ordered to fully reimburse her former employer yesterday after she admitted stealing more than $10,000 in cash from Paradise Games in Exuma late last year.
Two men granted bail on possession of drugs charges
TWO men were granted bail in court yesterday after being accused of having illegal narcotic pills.
BDCS recruiting 100 new officers from Family Islands
OFFICIALS from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services are in Grand Bahama to search for 100 new recruits.
Loss of discounts for health insurers will land patients in Florida
My health insurance group has just been advised by Doctors Hospital that they will be discontinuing the traditional “discounts” given to Health Insurers for treatment at DHS.
The Bahamas going to join the cannabis club?
Marijuana/Cannabis policy in both Germany as in The Bahamas plans are in the works toward its legalisation. Of the 28 EU states, Malta has legalised cannabis use, but with hefty fines for smoking in the presence of children, minors and public smoking.
Thursday, February 2
STATESIDE: Church, State and votes
MARGARET and her friend Cecile were worrying about the latest coming of the polar vortex and how it would affect their desire to go shopping in Manhattan later this week. Enjoying a latte together in a suburban New York coffee house as they contemplated changing their plans, Cecile frowned.
FRONT PORCH: Responsibilities, rights and obligations of a free press
RESPONSIBLE, competent and professional media are indispensable to the maintenance, development and flowering of a democracy.
EDITORIAL: Captain Rolle offers insight into Haiti situation
THE diplomats who have returned safely from Haiti have seen the situation on the ground there first-hand.
Bahamian diplomats return from Haiti ‘temporary’
PRIME Minister Philip Davis yesterday met with Bahamian diplomatic officers recently evacuated from Haiti, who expressed being “okay” despite an “abnormal” incident involving the country’s law enforcement.
PM aims for budget surplus by fiscal year 2024/25
WHILE tabling the 2022 Fiscal Strategy Report (FSR) in Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister Phillip Davis said his administration’s plan to restore the country’s fiscal health is working and already “bearing fruit.”
Davis administration has ‘thrown in the towel’ on illegal migration, Pintard says
AMIDST the upswing in illegal migrants seeking refuge in The Bahamas, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard called on the Davis administration to do more to stem the flow.
UPDATED: BPL’s hedge mishandling to cost Bahamians $150m
Bahamians have been burdened with a $150m bill due to the mishandling of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) fuel hedging strategy, it was revealed yesterday.
Gov’t revenues beat early goal by $50.6m
The Government’s top finance official yesterday said “close to $50m” in real property tax arrears has been collected during the 2022-2023 fiscal year’s first seven months as it seeks to crack down on tax and bill duckers.
Corporate income tax paper before Q1 end
The Government is hoping to release a public consultation paper on possible corporate income tax reforms before the 2023 first quarter’s end, it was revealed yesterday.
Bipartisan support as debate begins on new Nurses and Midwives bill
MEMBERS of Parliament yesterday began debating the Nurses and Midwives Bill (2022) which, once enacted, will repeal the Nurses and Midwives Act (1971) and expand the nursing and midwifery practice in the country.
‘No new tax measures’ for $4bn revenue goal
The Government’s top finance official yesterday reiterated his optimism that “no new tax measures” will be required to grow its revenues by some 43 percent to over $4bn during the next four years.
‘Mango season girls’ arrested, says Bell
FOUR Jamaican women, known as the “Mango Season Girls,” were arrested last month for working illegally in the country as a part of government operations to stamp out illegal immigration, Immigration Minister Keith Bell revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday.
Firearms task force ‘to create safer Bahamas’
PRIME Minister Philip Davis said the success of a firearms task force will make fighting illegal weapons more likely by providing a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the problem.
DAVIS: IT’S YOUR FAULT, DR MINNIS – PM blames hospital woes on former administration
PRIME Minister Philip Davis accused the Minnis administration of neglecting Princess Margaret Hospital during its four years in office, but charged that he will “fix” the problems left behind.
Man airlifted following alleged suicide attempt
ABACO police are investigating an alleged attempted suicide by a 21-year-old man who was found with a rope around his neck at a residence.
Wrong on leader
Please permit me a space to say a few short words in response to the Mackey Street Man.
$800m Abaco project branded a ‘God-send’
ABACO’S Chamber of Commerce president yesterday said the $800m investment project targeted at South Abaco will be a “God-send” for the area’s residents.
Debt report’s ‘worrying story’ for The Bahamas
A GOVERNANCE reformer says a recently-released report on Caribbean debt levels tells a “worrying story” for The Bahamas and its regional counterparts as they battle to overcome the fall-out from countless hurricanes and COVID.
National debt forecast to peak at $11.462bn
THE Government yesterday forecast that the national debt will peak at $11.462bn in the next fiscal year with its ratio as a percentage of economic output declining steadily to 67.1 percent by 2026-2027.
Pintard slams ‘nonsensical’ fiscal strategy report delay
THE Opposition’s leader yesterday blasted the “nonsensical explanation” given by the Prime Minister for why the Government was two-and-a-half months late in releasing its key fiscal strategy document.
Movi Group sponsors CARIFTA
THE Movi Group, having produced some top notch local and international events in the past, became the latest media company to become a partner with the 50th CARIFTA Games, making sure that the best production is secured for the regional’s greatest track and field competition in April.
Ed Armbrister Baseball League officially open
PLAY ACTION ON DIAMOND CONTINUES THROUGH TO APRIL
AFTER hosting their developmental training programme at Flamingo Park in Carmichael Road, organiser Michael Butler said it was time for them to expose the players to a full-fledged league with games being played at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Chisholm looking for MVP season
Birthday boy Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm said he’s thrilled to have been selected as the face of the Major League Baseball (MLB) The Show video game. But he’s even more excited about returning to the Miami Marlins line-up in a new role in a bid to win the Most Valuable Player award this year.
Elderly man who stole rifle given probation and counselling
AN ELDERLY man was placed on probation for six months and ordered to attend drug counselling after he admitted to stealing a semi-automatic rifle from the car he was cleaning.
Two-year sentence for man caught with gun and ammunition
A 24-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after police found a loaded gun in his car on Monday.
Teen pleads guilty on drug possession granted bail
A TEENAGER was placed on probation yesterday after admitting to having two grams of marijuana earlier this week.
Man accused of assaulting wife with cutlass
A MAN was granted bail after being accused of assaulting his wife with a cutlass earlier this week.
Man wanted for stealing
GRAND Bahama Police are searching for a man accused of stealing by reason of service.
Minnis not the man to lead FNM
Please allow me a small space in your paper to respond to a letter to the editor penned under the name The Councilman.
Stop expecting water into wine from Pintard
I write my first letter to the editor to shake my head at the vocal minority of FNM’s who cling to hope that any of their former leaders will sit on the throne once again.
Wednesday, February 1
Coalition of Independents holds protest over illegal immigration
MEMBERS of the Coalition of Independents protested outside the House of Assembly Wednesday over what they deem an immigration crisis, narrowing in on Haitian nationals.
Decomposed body found at International Bazaar in Freeport
A badly decomposed body was found early this week in an abandoned building at the International Bazaar in Freeport.
Girl sexually assaulted by home intruder
A GIRL was sexually assaulted by an intruder who unlawfully entered a residence in the Freeport area early this week, police reported.
ALICIA WALLACE: Misconceptions of what anger is
THERE was a time that I was afraid of anger. It appeared to be more than an emotion, bordering on a disease that temporarily transformed some people into monsters and inhabited others indefinitely, making their presence dark and unwelcoming.
Eleuthera water issues improve while new tanks install under way
AGRICULTURE, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting confirmed that two one million-gallon tanks are on the ground in Eleuthera.
EDITORIAL: Family to view footage of shooting - but what are the rules?
THE Minister of National Security, Wayne Munroe, was to allow the family of the young man shot dead by police officers to view camera footage of the incident last night.
Bahamian diplomats safely returned home from Haiti
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the safe return of its diplomatic officers stationed at the Embassy of The Bahamas in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday.
British Colonial Hilton may be fully opened by end of year
TOURISM, Aviation and Investments Minister Chester Cooper said officials anticipate that parts of the Hilton hotel will be open during the summer months based on the most recent information from the owners of the property.
Businesses dreading the summer as BPL bills bite
SOME local businesses are dreading the approach of summer due to increased electricity costs.
‘Area footage’ to be shared with police shooting victim’s family
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday that he intended to share area footage of a man being fatally shot by police to the deceased’s family.
Police to make reporting sexual assault crimes ‘easier’ for women
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said officials intend to continue to make it much easier for people to report sexual offences.
Abaco Club opponents in partial Privy Council win
Activists yesterday won a partial Privy Council victory in their battle to prevent public interest legal challenges from being priced out of the Bahamian justice system.
Push reforms to make ‘real dent’ in corruption
The Bahamas can make “a real dent” in its anti-corruption standing if it passes four critical laws this year, a governance reformer argued yesterday, having “missed the opportunity” in 2022.
DPM targets 8m visitors for 2023
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday forecast that 2023 tourist arrivals will hit the eight million mark with downtown Nassau’s British Colonial Hilton set to fully re-open by year-end.
Patients are warned: Brace for VAT ‘shock’
Bahamian patients were yesterday warned to brace for “a shock even at the smallest levels” as the change in VAT’s treatment of medical insurance claims payouts will further fuel already-soaring medical costs.
Bahamian liquidators say ‘no’ to DOJ FTX examiner
FTX’s Bahamian liquidators are opposing the US Justice Department’s bid for an investigator to probe the crypto exchange’s collapse on the grounds it is overkill and will cost creditors “tens of millions of dollars”.
Island FM radio station goes silent
ISLAND FM 102.9 has announced that it will be closing its doors and taking a “hiatus” after more than two decades in service. The radio station delivered the news in a statement released to the media. The move takes effect today, February 1.
Helping hand to fight crime
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said new vehicles donated to the Royal Bahamas Police Force by the United States, as well as additional vehicles ordered by the government, will boost law enforcement’s saturation patrols and help combat crime.
American man granted bail on gun charges
AN American man was granted $12,500 bail in court yesterday after he was accused of bringing a firearm and ammunition into the county last month.
Basketball as national sport
Information from reliable sources indicates that our government intends introducing Sailing to be the National Sport of The Bahamas, replacing Cricket, that held the position for decades.
No shortage of support
Allow me to respond to your recent article in The Tribune in the Tuesday, January 31, edition, concerning the “Lack of Support” by the Anglican Clergy towards the State Recognised Funeral of the Hon. Justice Roger Keith Gomez, Sr (Ret). I do not believe there was a “lack of support”.
Hospital has been in crisis
I am glad to see that some people have realised that the hospital is in crisis, but the reality is the hospital has always been in a crisis. We have seen governments come and go, allocate funds for renovations and yet here we are after millions of dollars being invested, it seems to have worsened.
Man pleads ‘not guilty’ for theft and armed robbery
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday in connection with a series of armed robberies and a housebreaking in the nation’s capital over the last two months.
Is Carlos Brown Jr the real deal?
Over the past few years, Swift Athletics’ coach Andrew Tynes has been grooming sprinter Carlos Brown Jr for his major breakthrough. He’s hoping that this will be the year for him to shine.
LOC set and ready to host CARIFTA games April 8-10
THE Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the CARIFTA Games Bahamas 2023 is set and ready to host an exciting championship April 8-10.
Mother claims son innocent of murder accusation
A MAN was sent to prison yesterday in connection with the fatal shooting of a former gang member last month.
‘Hoops for Homes’ champions emerge
BLYTHE Rolle and Kyle Rolle, of no direct relation, emerged as the upper and lower champions of the Hoops for Homes initiative that was hosted by Xavier’s Lower School Student of the Year Adrian Dean.
Overall winners of Macedonia Baptist Church Men’s Anniversary Family Fun Run/Walk Race awarded
ANTHONY Saunders, Holly Ferguson, Earl Bethel and Alicia Williams emerged as the overall winners of the men and women run and walk races in the Macedonia Baptist Church Men’s Anniversary 2023 Family Fun Run/Walk Race held on Saturday.
Carlton E Francis, CW Sawyer undefeated in mini basketball tournament
CARLTON E Francis and CW Sawyer finished undefeated in their five games played as the two days of the round robin segment of the New Providence Public Primary School Sports Association’s Mini Basketball Tournament closed out yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
McKay pleased with Saints’ progress
AFTER winning their last two games, Gregory McKay feels like his Limestone University Saints men’s basketball team is starting to turn things around heading into the playoffs. The Saints pulled off a 102-78 victory over Carolina on Wednesday, January 25 at home in the Timken Center and they followed that with a 69-59 decision over Tusculum on Saturday on the road in Greeneville, Tennessee to improve their win-loss record to 9-11.
Police: Reported financial crimes strike five-year low
TOTAL financial crimes reported to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) fell to their lowest level for five years in 2022 with a near-30 percent decline compared to 2021.
Radio station blames COVID for closure
A BAHAMIAN radio station yesterday confirmed it will close today after COVID-19’s financial fall-out for advertisers eroded its main income source.
Cruise port to be ‘larger version’ of Marina Village
THE Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said Nassau Cruise Port wants to be “a larger version of Marina Village” on Paradise Island as he confirmed legislation for downtown’s management has been drafted.
‘Ossie the Sports Insider’ top 10 high school basketball rankings
OSWALD Simmons, better known as “Ossie the Sports Insider,” released his latest standings for the senior boys and girls High School Basketball Top 10 Rankings.
