Friday, June 30
Historian Dr Gail Saunders dies age 79, PM pays tribute to 'beacon of light'
DR GAIL North-Saunders, one of the nation’s foremost historians, passed away Friday at the age of 79.
'No risk at this time' after malaria cases in US
DESPITE, recent malaria cases reported in the United States The Bahamas is not at risk of being exposed, according to a local infectious disease expert.
Two arrested after suspected marijuana discovered
GRAND Bahama law enforcement officials arrested two men in Grand Bahama after the discovery of suspected marijuana.
Man and woman jailed for drug charges
A MAN and a woman were sentenced to two and half years in prison after being found guilty of bringing nearly $240,000 worth of cocaine into Lynden Pindling International Airport from Inagua last year.
Court shown knife suspected of being used in home invasion and rape
AN OFFICER presented the knife suspected of being used in the 2021 Cat Island home invasion where a 78-year-old woman was allegedly attacked and raped, as the suspect stood trial on Friday.
Man acquitted of rape of minor
ARTHUR Damien Brown was unanimously acquitted of the rape of a minor on Friday in the Supreme Court.
Summer camp focuses on sustainability
The Sustainable Me Summer Camp is running from July 3 to August 11 and will offer a unique and immersive experience for young participants to learn about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through engaging activities and hands-on projects.
Student spotlight
Brett Sawyer, 12 years old, received the valedictorian award from Agape Christian School in Abaco.
Excellence at Excelsior
Excelsior Elementary School held its graduation ceremony last week and awarded outstanding students.
THE BTVI STORY: Meet the Einstein of mathematics at BTVI
Once described as the “Einstein of math”, instructor Stanley Gordon, is highly regarded by students and alumni of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
Clubs & Societies June 29th, 2023
The Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps (BMCC) has completed another very successful year of activities with a total of 97 cadets completing the programme on four separate islands.
DIANE PHILLIPS: The thing about pain
DURING a month filled with celebrations, it’s easy to forget about those who are just trying to get through another day. The excitement they feel around them may make it harder to endure what they are facing. Maybe it deepens the divide between where they are emotionally or physically and where they think others are, making them feel even more alone and farther apart from the land of those planning barbeques and fireworks, backyard parties, official flag-raising and parades.
Eric Wiberg: A beacon that saved lives of pilots
WHEN the 112-foot Castle Island Light off Acklins was operational, it was a critically important beacon that three World War Two bombers crash-landed near in order to be rescued.
Licensees concerned over tensions between government and Grand Bahama Port Authority
LICENSEES of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) are alarmed by the growing tensions between the Davis administration and the authority.
FNM Leader says Government House should be monetised in light of renovation costs
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the Davis administration should monetise Government House given the massive cost of its renovation.
Pintard demands Davis address Immigration Minister’s actions on citizenship grant
FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard demanded that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis answer questions about Immigration Minister Keith Bell’s decision to grant citizenship to three people at a funeral.
Tragedy strikes in Grand Bahama as young mechanic killed in horrific car crash
A YOUNG mechanic described as an “excellent employee” was killed in a horrific traffic accident in Freeport, Grand Bahama, yesterday morning.
Escalating GBPA row ‘disaster for Freeport’
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president yesterday branded the escalating row between the Government and Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) as “another disaster for Freeport” that must be calmed rapidly.
Planning concern on $1.3m propane plant
Planning authorities are voicing concern over a proposed $1.3m “state-of-the-art” propane gas plant off Tonique Williams Highway due to “compatibility with its neighbours”.
Licensee fury: Freeport ‘moving at snail’s pace’
Freeport’s ease of doing business is “moving at a snail’s pace”, a group of Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees warned yesterday, as they blasted both the Government and city’s authority for the escalating row over its governance.
AG: Gov’t determined GBPA fulfill obligations
The Attorney General yesterday reinforced the Government’s determination to make the Grand Bahama Port Authority “meet its obligations” as he defended its demands for financial reimbursement.
Tour boat explosion: Captain faces retrial
THE Exuma tour boat captain, whose exploding vessel killed one tourist and seriously injured four others, was yesterday ordered to face a new Supreme Court trial on charges of manslaughter and causing harm “by negligence”.
‘Scores’ of Bahamians to get money owed to them by govt
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said the Davis administration would immediately pay $10m to “scores” of Bahamians owed money for land the government took from them for public use.
‘No law broken - but not something to happen again’
DEPUTY press secretary Keishla Adderley said no rules or laws were broken when Immigration Minister Keith Bell swore in three people as citizens at a funeral over the weekend - although it is not something “anyone would like to see happen again”.
Pinder: Govt to invest in new courts and justices
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said government would invest in the “most transformational” change the country’s judicial system has seen since independence.
GET READY FOR LOAD SHEDDING – Sears: Summer outages possible as he blames previous band-aid fixes
WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said there would “possibly” be more load shedding this summer.
Court battle begins over man accused of sexually assaulting 16-year-old girl in Grand Bahama
ARTHUR Damien Brown is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl and then offering to pay $15,000 to the parents not to pursue any police action, a court prosecutor said in her closing arguments on Thursday.
Licensees want say in GB future
An Open Letter to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas & The Principals of the Grand Bahama Port Authority:
Man charged in double murder for march Fox Hill park killings
A MAN was charged yesterday with killing two people on Fox Hill park in March.
IAN FERGUSON: Ignore succession plan at your peril
In every echelon of our society, we face this common dilemma. Businesses (private and public), religious sects, political parties and civic groups all fail to establish strategic succession plans to secure the future success and viability of their organisations. Business owners, church leaders, politicians and other community leaders often operate with a sense of immortality, thinking that death or separation will not come.
BPL infrastructure long 'beyond its useful life'
A Cabinet minister yesterday said Bahamians are demanding that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) provide "quality service" using energy infrastructure that has long since aged "beyond its useful life".
Gov’t allocates $10m for land compensation
The Government has set aside $10m to pay compensation that is "many, many years overdue" to Bahamians whose land was compulsorily acquired for roads and other projects deemed in the public interest.
Lamar wins CAC gold, bronze
Lamar Taylor, coming off his historic national record-breaking, gold medal performance on Wednesday in the men’s 50 back, picked up his second medal with a bronze in the 50m freestyle at the 24th Central American and Caribbean Games yesterday.
Bahamians shine in doubles action at ITF J30 Junkanoo Bowl tournament
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) hosted the International Tennis Federation (ITF) J30 Junkanoo Bowl tournament for the fourth consecutive day at the National Tennis Centre (NTC).
More volunteers needed for the Bahamas Games
WITH the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games just one week away, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) is actively searching for more volunteers for the Bahamian Olympic-style games.
Thursday, June 29
STATESIDE: Rebellion reveals potential weakness in Putin’s regime; alternative to his leadership may be worse
HOW do autocrats fall from power? One way is through death or physical incapacitation. Another is if they begin to believe the misapprehension that if they loosened their iron grip on their countries, their populations would respond with gratitude, relief and more dedicated support for their respective regimes.
FRONT PORCH: As we celebrate our Jubilee, more support needed for arts and culture
AS we celebrate half a century of independence, why are we still so egregiously behind in sustaining and expanding certain institutions which safeguard Bahamian heritage, while also creating additional opportunities for creative expression?
EDITORIAL: Govt cares little for hitting targets
DEADLINES and budgets don’t seem to mean much in government.
Barnett-Ellis says new Protection Against Violence Bill is less comprehensive than prior GBV Bill
SENATOR Michela Barnett-Ellis claimed the Davis administration’s Protection Against Violence Bill is less comprehensive than a previously drafted Gender-Based Violence Bill.
AG says cruise lines wanted three-year tax phase-in – but he admits fault for error on date in original bill
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said cruise lines pushed the Davis administration to phase in new passenger tax increases over three years, something Cabinet refused to do.
Sears: No decision made on future location of Columbus’ statue
WORKS Minister Alfred Sears said no decision had been made concerning a defaced statute of Christopher Columbus or the space in front of Government House that it once occupied.
Cuban migrant dies in Bahamian waters
ONE of 15 Cuban migrants travelling to Grand Bahama this week died while at sea, police officials reported.
Tourism reaps double digit summer growth
A senior hotelier yesterday asserted that the industry’s “greatest growth opportunity” lies in increasing room inventory with summer rates and occupancies ahead of 2022 comparatives by double digits.
PM told: ‘Stop throwing rocks’ at Port Authority
A group of Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees plans to intervene in its escalating dispute with the Government as the Prime Minister was yesterday urged to “stop throwing rocks and come to the table”.
Downtown Nassau given Business Licence warning
Downtown Nassau property and business owners were yesterday warned that their Business Licence applications may not be approved if they fail to properly maintain their premises and keep them clean.
Foreign buyer VAT rise gains ‘90-day transition’
A Cabinet minister yesterday confirmed the Government is allowing a 90-day “transition period” so that foreign purchases of real estate valued at under $1m - and already subject to sales agreements - can close at existing VAT rates.
USS Wasp arrives to celebrate The Bahamas’ 50th Indepedence
HUNDREDS of US sailors in crisp white uniforms lined the landing deck of the USS WASP as it arrived yesterday to help The Bahamas mark its 50th anniversary of independence.
Gibson: I performed citizenship oaths too
FORMER Immigration Minister Shane Gibson said he always administered citizenship oaths, adding that the ceremony granting the status has sometimes been performed in people’s homes.
Jury discharged in Gibson trial for protocol breach
THE jury in Adrian Gibson’s corruption trial was discharged yesterday after a Supreme Court judge dismissed two jurors for failing to obey protocols.
‘Other lines of inquiry’ requested in MP rape claim
THE director of public prosecutions has instructed the police to pursue “other lines of inquiry” in the investigation of an MP accused of abusing his ex-girlfriend, police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said yesterday.
Azario’s family excluded from motion to overturn Coroner’s Court ruling
A SUPREME Court judge rejected an application from Azario Major’s family to be included as respondents to a constitutional motion seeking to overturn the Coroner’s Court finding that Major’s death was a homicide by manslaughter.
DOUBLE THE COST: Govt House renovation twice initial $9.9m budgeted price
THE cost of renovations to Government House –– initially pegged at $9.9m –– will double by the time the project is complete, according to the contractor.
Bahamas Red Cross names Edison Sumner president
THE Bahamas Red Cross Society (BRCS) elected Edison Sumner as its new president on June 22.
Four men charged with smuggling $9m worth of cocaine
FOUR MEN were charged with smuggling $9m worth of cocaine into Long Island in a drug bust last Friday.
In tribute to Long Island’s HM
Once in a while, there walks onto the stage of this world a man whose vision is as broad as the universe - a man who seems bigger than life; a man whose timing is always punctuated by question marks.
Courts a sign of our nation’s problems
Please permit me to highlight an issue within this country.
Govt schools are failing our children
According to an article in The Nassau Guardian Monday, 26 June 2023, the Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI) released the latest labour force survey revealing that little more than 55% percent of the labour force completed secondary schools, 4% percent finished primary school and 26% percent finished university.
Durant and Booker visit the Elite Skills Basketball camp
Phoenix Suns All-Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker paid a visit to the 10th edition of the Elite Skills Summer Basketball camp yesterday at the Kendal G L Isaacs gymnasium.
Bahamians hold their own in singles, doubles at ITF tournament
BAHAMIAN tennis players got their feet wet at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junkanoo Bowl tournament which started this past Monday.
Western Warriors soccer club achieves quadruple BFA championship titles
THE Western Warriors Football (Soccer) Club celebrated an epic season of success in the 2022-2023 Bahamas Football Association leagues, receiving four 1st place trophies in last Saturday’s BFA awards ceremonies. They won titles in the boys under-15 division, under-18, men’s league and the prestigious Men’s Hummel Cup.
RITA sets sail with resounding success and the support from Mount Gay Rum, Sands Beer
ABACO, The Bahamas – The art of sailing took centre stage as the highly anticipated Regattas in The Abacos (RITA 2023) officially set sail on Sunday, June 25.
Sand Wars flag football tourney begins in a month
SAND Wars Bahamas returns for their sixth edition of the beach flag football tournament in exactly one month.
Noah sweeps Chess Classic, Jayla emerges as top female
Albury wins second consecutive Warren Seymour Chess Classic
THE results of the Warren Seymour Chess Classic demonstrate that the future of chess in The Bahamas is bright.
Sunday brunch treat at Fusion for Abaco Youth Baseball and Softball League
After completing four days of competition at the G-Ball Andre Rodgers National Baseball National Championships, the 50-member crew of Abaco Youth Baseball & Softball League was treated to Sunday brunch at Fusion Superplex by Buttons Formal Wear whose team once won four senior Bahamas baseball championships in the 1990s.
$30m loan from Afreximbank taken up to develop business
The Bahamas Development Bank will receive a loan of $30m for business development, it was announced yesterday.
DEIDRE BASTIAN: Bad customer service will kill your business
We have all experienced poor customer service. Sometimes the issue can be small, such as waiting in a long queue, or much broader due to receiving a completely different product or service compared to what was expected. Whatever the case, negative experiences leave customers deeply unsatisfied and hesitant to patronise that company in the future.
Gov’t closely scrutinises China, global oil prices
A Cabinet minister says the Government is “monitoring global events”, especially oil prices and the Chinese economy’s strength, to ensure such factors do not “undermine” recovery at home.
Businesses call for rapid transition to renewables
Bahamian businesses yesterday called for a more rapid transition to solar and other forms of renewable energy after Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) confirmed that it has resumed load shedding.
Civil service's $55.7m rise critical productivity booster
A Cabinet minister yesterday defended the $55.7m increase in public sector worker compensation during the first nine months of the 2022-2023 fiscal year as essential to boosting morale and productivity.
Caribbean Bottling introduces commemorative items for Bahamas independence celebration
THE Caribbean Bottling company has introduced several commemorative initiatives to celebrate The Bahamas’ 50th independence anniversary.
Pinder: Cruise lines wanted three years for tax phase-in
Attorney General Ryan Pinder revealed that cruise lines wanted a six-month phase-in period for increased passenger taxes.
Wednesday, June 28
ALICIA WALLACE: Complaints can lead to recognition of issues and solutions to problems
“WHAT makes you go,I’m with the boomers on this one?” That was the question posed by a Twitter user on Saturday, getting more than 1,000 replies and more than 13,000 quote tweets. Almost 48 million people viewed the tweet up to close of business on Tuesday.
EDITORIAL: International claims deserve serious examination
INTERNATIONAL news has been coming to the doorstep of The Bahamas in recent times – and not in a good way.
US Department of State Report: Bahamas meets fiscal transparency requirements
For the first time in five years, The Bahamas is among some 70 countries that have met fiscal transparency requirements, according to a US Department of State 2023 Fiscal Transparency Report on public financial management accountability.
Bar Association taken to court accused of refusing to provide list of members in good standing
ROMONA Farquharson Seymour is taking the Bahamas Bar Association to court for allegedly refusing to give her a list of financial members before Friday’s annual general meeting.
Halkitis says Davis administration has to ‘live with’ Cruise Port deal
ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said the Nassau Cruise Port deal the Minnis administration executed is one the Davis administration has to live with.
Labour department seeks to determine why work force decreased since 2019
LABOUR Minister Keith Bell said the Department of Labour is researching why the labour force has decreased by thousands compared to 2019.
Bahamas ‘shipwrecked’ if no Development Plan
The Bahamas will “end up shipwrecked” if it fails to fully revive the National Development Plan (NDP) as a mechanism to direct and benchmark improvements on key economic and social metrics, it was argued yesterday.
GBPA: Gov’ts financial demands are ‘contested’
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) yesterday hit back at the Government’s financial demands as the Opposition’s leader warned his party will “vigorously resist” any bid to “supersede” Freeport’s founding treaty without consultation.
Almost 1m referrals to Nassau/PI hotels
A senior Bahamian tourism executive yesterday said Nassau/Paradise Island has recovered to 97 percent of pre-COVID business volumes by March 2023 with airlift capacity up by double digits for the year-to-date.
Minister says Bill not removing ‘bread out of farmers’ mouths’
A Cabinet minister yesterday asserted that agricultural-related legislation accompanying the 2023-2024 Budget was being “misinterpreted” amid charges that it is threatening to “take bread out of farmers’ mouths”.
Investigation continues into incident at nightclub that left man with a leg injury
POLICE said an investigation is ongoing into an incident at the Aura nightclub in Atlantis that left a man’s leg partially severed last month.
Justice holds legal discussions ahead of Gibson case, adjourned until Friday
THE corruption trial of Long Island MP Adrian Gibson was adjourned to Friday after Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson held legal discussions in the absence of a jury yesterday.
Meteorologist says uptick in thunderstorms is not unusual
SUNNY days with uninterrupted blue skies will be back soon despite the recent series of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Murder on Peter Street brings count to 54 for the year
A MAN was shot dead last night, bringing the country’s murder count to 54.
Head of UB board of trustees refuses to say why non-Bahamian appointed acting president
THE head of the University of the Bahamas’ (UB) board of trustees refused to say why a non-Bahamian has been appointed acting president of the university following the resignation of the outgoing president.
Oops - no limit on beach access, says Goldwynn
GOLDWYNN is not blocking non-guests from accessing beaches, a resort official said yesterday.
GBPA wants evidence of govt claims over debts
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority defended its management of Freeport yesterday after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis criticised its performance, saying increasing bureaucracy and red tape from the government have held the island back.
FTX’s Bahamas attorney quiet on $1m ‘bonus’ claim
FTX’s Bahamas attorney yesterday declined to comment on allegations that a “former Bahamian government official” was offered a $1m “bonus” if they could expedite obtaining the necessary licences to operate from this nation.
NEW CITIZEN FACED THREATS, SAYS BELL: Minister says widow victimised following oath given at funeral
IMMIGRATION Minister Keith Bell claimed the woman he granted citizenship on Saturday has complained about receiving threats since the matter became public.
Antigua and Barbuda leads “historic” declaration at OAS General Assembly
An historic “first” was recorded at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) when 20 countries, drawn from Central America and the Caribbean, issued a joint declaration, calling on international financial and development institutions “to prioritize the provision of funds and resources to support the efforts of Central America and the Caribbean in addressing climate change, recognizing the urgency and magnitude of the challenges faced by these regions”.
Customs ‘new rules’ sour visit
Having grown up in Nassau, attending both Xavier’s College and St Andrew’s School, and being married at Sacred Heart Church over 50 years ago, I was more than excited that my husband and I were returning for a visit last week. Although it was a bittersweet trip as we were bringing a loved one’s cremains with us to be put in the sea, I was still very excited since it had been three long years (since the start of the COVID circus) that I hadn’t been back to Nassau.
Show your support, shop locally
1000% support import substitution only wish the biggest substitution would occur… Shopping in Miami Substitution but then, so the officials say, that is a divine right. Local production must never cause inflation and exorbitant increase in comparison pricing of foreign against local.
Jamaican man charged with murder of Omar ‘Punch’ Penn in GB, denied bail
A JAMAICAN man accused of murdering Omar “Punch” Penn outside a Freeport gaming establishment two years ago was charged with murder yesterday.
Man accused of unlawful sex with a young girl awaits his fate as court adjourns
The rape trial of Arthur Damien Brown is under way in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama.
Teen charged with attempted murder and armed robbery, held in prison until trial
AN 18-year-old youth is behind bars after being accused of trying to kill a police officer in a botched robbery attempt that left his alleged accomplice dead earlier this month.
Three year sentence for man found in possession of unlicenced gun in his home
A MAN was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to having an unlicenced gun in his home last week.
Special OIympians bring home medals
Team Bahamas’ Special Olympics athletes received a warm celebratory welcome home after amassing four medals at the 2023 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Berlin, Germany.
Baseball player Mateo Ferguson on the rise
MATEO Ferguson, a product of Fox Hill who got started playing baseball at the age of 12, is still relishing the fact that his decision not to go to the professional ranks has paid off with his success as a member of the Florida Memorial University Lions,
Legacy Basketball Camp gets underway in Grand Bahama
THE Legacy Basketball Camp got started on Monday at the St George’s Gymnasium in Grand Bahama and coordinator Jay Phillippe was quite impressed with what he saw from the participants.
Gov't already rejecting work permit renewals
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government has already begun rejecting work permit renewal applications for expatriates who have received approvals “consecutively” for the past 10 years or more.
Royal Caribbean: PI project aims to retain profits locally
A senior Royal Caribbean executive yesterday pledged that a key objective of its $100m Paradise Island project is to have the bulk of revenues and profits generated remain in The Bahamas.
Tuesday, June 27
FACE TO FACE: Reflecting on Independence, remembering George Smith
WHEN George A Smith passed away on May 26, it was a poignant moment in time. The end of one era is at hand, and the dawning of a new era is taking place right before our eyes.
Minnis queries ‘Prime Minister’s slush fund’ increase of $6.9m
A BUDGET line item that former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis called “the Prime Minister’s slush fund” received a 2023/2024 Budget increase of $6.9m compared to the year before.
EDITORIAL: Citizenship not a political favour
BY his own admission, Keith Bell’s actions in conferring citizenship to a woman and two children at the funeral of her husband were unorthodox.
Davis: GBPA ‘needs a management and governance change’
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he believes new management is needed at the Grand Bahama Port Authority to facilitate Freeport’s growth because the “status quo” is not working.
PM declares govt to crack down on work permits
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the government would crack down on granting work permits yesterday, declaring: “We’re not anti-foreigners. We’re just pro-Bahamian.”
‘Not fair’ that child born to Bahamian woman married to foreigner can’t get citizenship
FORMER Immigration Minister Brent Symonette criticised the government yesterday for not presenting a plan to automatically grant citizenship to the children of Bahamian women born abroad to non-Bahamian men.
Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 27th June: Nassau
STARTS: 06/27/2023 1:15 PM EDT EXPIRES: 06/27/2023 4:00 PM EDT
PM: Gov’t demanding Port Authority repay excess cost
The Prime Minister yesterday accused the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) of failing to repay costs the Government has incurred in providing public services in Freeport despite being billed for these expenses.
PM: COVID lockdown led to employment shrinkage
The Prime Minister yesterday blamed the former Minnis administration’s COVID lockdowns and other restrictions for the shrinkage in the workforce and number of employed Bahamians amid a bitter House of Assembly row.
Opposition chief warns over bidding ‘suspicion’
The Prime Minister yesterday defended the award of two multi-million dollar contracts amid charges by the Opposition’s leader that handling of the bid process “opens up every company to suspicion”.
Bank urges ‘level playing field’ creation for lending
A BISX-listed bank is calling for regulatory reforms that will create a “level playing field” between supervised and non-traditional lenders over providing credit to Bahamian borrowers.
Plane used for mail flights to Bahamas has a grisly history
A TURBOPROP plane once used to deliver mail to The Bahamas from Florida has been revealed to have had a grisly history – with political detainees in Argentina having been thrown from the vehicle to their deaths during the country’s 1976-98 military dictatorship.
BPL confirms load shedding exercises in New Providence
BAHAMAS Power and Light confirmed yesterday that it started load-shedding exercises because of challenges to several power stations in New Providence.
Lewis asks why UB president is not Bahamian
CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis questioned why the University of The Bahamas has appointed another non-Bahamian president of the institution, insisting qualified Bahamians can perform the role.
FTX says ex-official got $1m bonus for permits
An attorney and “former Bahamian government official” was allegedly offered a $1m “bonus” to swiftly obtain the necessary licences so that FTX could move to this nation, it was asserted yesterday.
BELL ‘IMPROPER’: Minister said oath given at funeral was unorthodox • Symonette says highly irregular move deserves resignation • Cabinet ‘had given approval’ to family
IMMIGRATION Minister Keith Bell yesterday defended conferring citizenship to a woman and her two children at a funeral on Saturday even as one of his predecessors, Brent Symonette, said his actions were “highly improper” and warranted his resignation from Cabinet.
Three Bahamians and 18 migrants plead ‘not guilty’ to cocaine smuggling charges
A GROUP of 18 migrants burst into tears when they were told they were going to prison after being accused of smuggling 100lb of cocaine into The Bahamas while en route to the United States of America.
Thank you, Bahamas
My family migrated from the Turks and Caicos Islands to the Bahamas when I was six years old in 1953.
Nation is preparing to celebrate
Without a doubt, The Bahamas will soon be abuzz with celebrations of all sorts related to 50 years as an Independent nation. Amidst the myriad of festive fervor will be a wide variety of individual interpretations of Independence. All the same, celebrations will abound here, there and everywhere. For sure, too, celebrations will come in all forms of low and high fashions.
Road hold-ups
Bay Street and surrounding streets at most times of the day are busy heavily trafficked and when police block off the majority chaos results.
20-year-old charged with armed robberies and rape
A 20-year-old man was jailed after he was accused of a series of home invasions as well as rape and attempted rape in New Providence over the past year.
Man denied bail while facing 14 firearm-related charges
A MAN is behind bars after allegedly possessing ten illicit firearms and over 100 rounds of ammunition which were recovered in a raid on a courier company last week.
Coach Peter Pratt honoured
While he had hoped to be honoured during the hosting of the 50th anniversary of the CARIFTA Games for being the first Bahamian to win a medal, former triple jumper turned coach Peter Pratt said he was glad that his church gave him the recognition.
Tickets, merchandise for Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games on sale
WITH just two weeks left before the opening of the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games, tickets and merchandise are now officially on sale.
PM says Gov't on pace to hit balanced Budget
The Prime Minister yesterday asserted that the Government remains on track to achieve a fiscal surplus and balanced Budget in 2024-2025, adding: "Revenues will continue to go up, and deficits will continue to go down."
'Most Bahamians can't evade their tax liability'
The Prime Minister yesterday reassured that the Government's real property enforcement efforts are targeted at foreign homeowners and businesses rather than Bahamian families.
Work permit crackdown promise is 'empty words'
The Bahamian Contractors Association's (BCA) president yesterday branded as "empty words" the Prime Minister’s latest promise of a work permit crackdown and said he will believe it when he sees it.
Taxi chief: Fare raise was all about respect
The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union's (BTCU) president yesterday said that while the industry initially wanted a 25 percent fare increase it ultimately settled for 10 percent because “drivers are making money”.
Private sector mixed on jobless reduction
Bahamian businesses yesterday gave mixed views over recent unemployment data which revealed that, while the jobless rate declined to 8.8 percent, both the workforce's size and number of persons employed shrank.
Bahamas Baseball Association’s G-Ball Nationals a success
BAHAMAS Baseball Association secretary general Theodore ‘Teddy’ Sweeting said the G-Ball National Baseball Championships was termed a success over the weekend.
Monday, June 26
THE KDK REPORT: Along the banks of Mangrove Cay
LOCATED 20 miles west of New Providence and spanning 104 miles long by 40 miles wide, Andros is by far the largest island in The Bahamas.
INSIGHT: The gauntlet has been thrown – will Downtown pick it up?
FOR those of us who do not qualify as Very Important Persons, Saturday was the first chance to take a closer look at the new cruise port.
Deal signed to improve Eleuthera infrastructure
CARIBBEAN Pavement Solution signed a memorandum of understanding with the government on Friday for infrastructural development in Eleuthera.
EDITORIAL: Good news - but not the whole story
AFTER years of no statistics over how many people were unemployed, we have good news.
Passenger tax tabled in House ‘had date error’
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the Passenger Tax bill tabled in the House of Assembly last month had an error that did not accurately reveal the date passenger tax increases would take effect.
Officer injured on duty says salary was stopped without warning
A POLICE officer who was injured on duty has lamented the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s treatment of him.
Dancing towards the 50th
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis raised a toast to The Bahamas at the Golden Jubilee Independence Ball in Grand Bahama on Friday evening.
Lanisha Rolle denies charges of bribery and conspiracy to commit fraud
Former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle denied charges of bribery and conspiracy to commit fraud in the Supreme Court on Friday.
Unemployment rate drop labelled a 'smokescreen'
The Opposition's finance spokesman last night argued that the 8.8 percent unemployment rate, the lowest for 15 years, is a "smokescreen" that masks the "significant" reduction in the labour force's size and number of working Bahamians.
'World has changed': IBCs taxed on foreign earnings
Bahamas-domiciled International Business Companies (IBCs) will have to pay tax on their overseas earnings from New Year's Day 2024 in an historic first for this nation, a senior official confirming: "The world has changed."
RF fund's $120m excess is 'good problem to have'
A Bahamian investment bank says its largest mutual fund is receiving investor subscriptions as fast as it can invest them, branding the situation as "a good problem to have".
Mitchell says foreigners must pay share or leave
REFERRING to cruise lines and Lyford Cay residents, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said it is time foreign nationals “pay their fair share or go elsewhere”.
Kitchen staff at hospital hold sit-out over issues
DISGRUNTLED employees of the kitchen department in Princess Margaret Hospital staged a sit-out on Friday because of an air-conditioning malfunction and staff storage.
Atlantis in dark over labour probe
ATLANTIS executives have not been told the results of a Department of Labour investigation involving the resort.
No decision yet made in MP rape case
ACTING Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier said her office is still reviewing the file involving an MP accused of abusing his ex-girlfriend and has not yet decided what to do.
CCA: Reverse Baha Mar sabotage 'in its entirety'
Baha Mar's contractor is seeking to overturn "in its entirety" a New York judge's verdict that it sabotaged Baha Mar's completion and orchestrated Sarkis Izmirlian's removal as the project's developer.
Company that owned imploded submersible was registered in Bahamas
The company that owned the doomed submersible carrying five passengers to the wreckage of the Titanic was registered in The Bahamas.
UNEMPLOYMENT AT 15-YEAR LOW: Many more jobs are still to come, says Labour Director
THE unemployment rate in The Bahamas is 8.8 per cent –– the lowest in 15 years.
Pride and turmoil
Pride Month finds us in turmoil once again, not with peaceful minds, and a universal acceptance of humanity's equality before God and State, but divided by social-religious-economic lines.
Direct flight lands in Grand Bahama from Italy
MORE than 100 passengers landed in Grand Bahama from Italy on Thursday with the arrival of the NEOS airline.
JBLN stun Freedom Farm
In one of the most dramatic comebacks at this year’s Bahamas Baseball Association’s G-Ball National Baseball Championships, the Junior Baseball League of Nassau stunned Freedom Farm to clinch the 14-and-under divisional title.
Donald Thomas wins high jump at USATA NYC Grand Prix
GRAND Bahamian Donald Thomas is starting to round himself into shape as he looks forward to making another trip for the Bahamas to the season’s premier event at the World Championships.
CAC Games: Mixed results for two-man boxing team in El Salvador
AS the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games got underway over the weekend in San Salvador, El Salvador, there were mixed results from the two-man boxing team.
Davis Cup: Bahamas stays in Zone III
THEY were not the results that they wanted, but veteran player/captain Marvin Rolle said it was better than being relegated from American Zone III to zone IV (four) in the Davis Cup competition.
Bahamas All-Pro Football camp a success in year two
THE Bahamas All-Pro Football camp hosted its second edition of the youth training at Thomas A Robinson stadium this past Saturday.
Lions, Lady Avengers run away with flag football titles
THE Caro Contractors Lady Avengers and EDLC Lions are the 2023 flag football champions.
Fred to investors: 'Pay your fair share or look elsewhere'
The Progressive Liberal Party's (PLP) chairman has demanded that foreign investors "pay your fair share or look elsewhere" in response to push back over the Government's various new tax and revenue-raising measures.
'Grab the wheel tighter' in recessionary times
An entrepreneur says small businesses must “grab the steering wheel a little tighter” during a recession to ensure they have a better grip on their operations.
BTC launches 'same speed' fibre packages
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has unveiled fibre packages that all provide the same Internet upload and download speeds as it seeks to deliver faster and more reliable connections.
Global hike
ActivTrades
The Bank of England, the UK central bank, is raising interest rates to 5 percent in the fight against inflation.
Saturday, June 24
PM serves up a treat for National Day of Service
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis kicked off National Day of Service in Grand Bahama on Saturday, serving breakfast to senior citizens and those in need at two Urban Renewal centres.
Friday, June 23
Unemployment rate lower than pre-pandemic levels
THE percentage of unemployed Bahamians is lower than pre-pandemic rates, dropping from 9.5 percent in May 2019 to 8.8 percent this year, according to the May 2023 report released by the Bahamas National Statistical Institute on Friday.
$247k budgeted to help push for more inclusion for disabled people
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe announced his ministry’s plans yesterday to push for more inclusion of disabled people in The Bahamas, with $247,000 budgeted for the initiative.
Three Mexican men, one Bahamian man arrested after suspected drugs found on aircraft
Three Mexican men and one Bahamian man have been arrested after 15 crocus sacks of suspected cocaine were found on a single-engine Cessna aircraft on Long Island this morning.
Clubs & Societies June 23rd, 2023
After a three-year gap because of COVID-19, the 16th Summer Day Camp returns with daily sessions from 9am to 4pm, August 8-18.
DIANE PHILLIPS: We’ve never had stricter environmental legislation nor more disrespect for our land, water or our view
What has happened to us? Where did the ‘we’ go who respected our elders, our beliefs, our surroundings?
Aiming to create a greener future: Sustainable Me Summer Camp
A pioneering initiative committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship among children is set to launch next month.
ONE ELEUTHERA: Important to seize the day as Eleuthera poised for growth
THE secret is out. Eleuthera – our beautiful island of freedom famed for its Glass Window Bridge and sweet sugar loaf (pineapples) is seeing unprecedented growth in tourism and development. Several weeks ago, I was given an opportunity to co-moderate the Eleuthera Business Outlook (EBO) that was organised by Joan Albury of the TCL Group and the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce. There were many presentations pointing to the emerging opportunities linked to developments currently taking place and those slated for Eleuthera in the near future.
‘I didn’t sign up for no VBI’ says man accused of sexual assault
A MAN refused to enter a plea after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman on a beach last year.
EDITORIAL: The world’s eyes on submersible search
THE world’s attention focused over the past few days on the lives of five people in a submersible deep under the ocean seeking to visit the wreck of the Titanic.
Davis and Pintard clash over $1bn pre-election difference in Minnis administration report
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Opposition Leader Michael Pintard clashed in the House of Assembly yesterday after government MPs rehashed accusations that the Minnis administration did not reveal accurate figures about the government’s true liabilities in a pre-election fiscal report.
PM is waiting on details from Urban Renewal on gun amnesty initiative
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he is awaiting details from Urban Renewal regarding a gun amnesty initiative.
BPL sees 'negligible' disconnection jump
Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) yesterday said it has seen a "negligible" increase in disconnections, with fewer than 2 percent of accounts cut-off in May, as consumers brace for the 163 percent peak fuel charge increase.
MP: Crown Land approvals four times' more than Minnis
The Davis administration was yesterday said to have approved in less than two years more than four times' the number of Crown Land applications granted by its predecessor during its whole term in office.
Tourism Development chief unveils 'City Pass' initiative
The Tourism Development Corporation's (TDC) head yesterday unveiled the development of a 'City Pass' that is designed to encourage locals to "fall in love with The Bahamas again" and boost domestic tourism.
Architects' chief 'can't let go' Building Control fight
The Institute of Bahamian Architects (IBA) president says his legal battle with Building Control "can't be let go" for the profession's greater good after he was refused permission to appeal to the Privy Council.
Abaco broker 'defrauded' on $9m crypto tech stake
An Abaco-based broker is alleging it was defrauded out of obtaining an up to $9m equity ownership stake in a technology outfit providing services to the global digital assets industry.
Laroda: Govt agencies owe NIB $8m
MYLES Laroda, state minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, said government agencies owe $8m to the National Insurance Board.
Children of unwed dads may apply for passport
THE passport office will begin accepting applications from people affected by the landmark Privy Council ruling on citizenship as of June 26 if the applicant’s father is identified on their birth certificate.
Cooper: Passenger Tax to be delayed to January 1, 2024
TOURISM Minister Chester Cooper said the implementation of new passenger tax increases would be delayed to January 1, 2024.
OceanGate had MOU with UB but never collaborated
THE University of The Bahamas said it signed a memorandum of understanding with OceanGate, the company behind a missing submersible that has captured headlines worldwide, but never collaborated with the company on any project.
‘I WISH YOU ROT IN JAIL’ SAYS VICTIM: Man sentenced to 15 years for running over mother of his child
“I WISH you rot in jail,” a woman told the father of her child yesterday as he was jailed for 15 years for trying to kill her by running her over with a car as she held their infant.
Why the silence as rape rises
Once again, I find it necessary to ask for space in your daily to voice a nagging concern. I read in the news a few days ago that crime is down, but rape is UP. That headline stood out and peaked a lot of interest and left unanswered questions for me.
The time to draw the line is now
A few minutes ago, I observed a young man walking past my residence uttering profanities with every step he took. No, his expletives were not directed at me or anyone in the vicinity. He was unaware of my presence, there, alone on my neighbour’s porch. No one else was in sight. He was clearly “talkin’ out of his head” to himself.
Man charged in killing of two people on Market Street last year held in jail
A MAN was charged yesterday with killing two people last year on Market Street.
Bahamas beats Honduras to advance to the playoffs
The Bahamas, after losing its first three matches in the American Zone III Davis Cup tie, managed to take advantage of Honduras to secure a 3-0 win to advance to the playoffs on Saturday.
Longtime Davis Cupper Marvin Rolle honoured
MARVIN Rolle remembers when he made his debut on the men’s Davis Cup team in 2001 at the tender age of 16. Now, as the elder statesman of over 20 years as a player/captain, he’s being honoured for his longevity.
IBAP softball programme hosts fifth All-Star Survival starting this weekend
THE I-BAP (Bahamas Athletic Pride) programme will host its fifth edition of The Show: All-Star Survival starting June 25 until July 2.
Final four teams target the flag football title
THE Flag Football Finals is scheduled to get underway at the Winton Rugby Field starting at 2pm this Sunday.
IAN FERGUSON: Why small businesses must rethink bank loans
Capital is critical to any business, enabling companies to acquire the necessary resources to start up, expand and maintain operations. Access to capital is thus essential for a business to grow and succeed in a competitive market. This becomes critical for small businesses that have limited capital to begin with, yet are competing against medium and larger companies with greater economies of scale.
Rent Control ineffective for protection of tenants
The Rent Control Act (RCA) was yesterday branded out-dated and ineffective by price control officials because it only applies to real estate valued at less than $75,000.
Budget sticks to planned targets
The Ministry of Finance's top official says the strength of the 2023-2024 Budget is that its projected $131m full-year deficit target largely aligns with the forecasts unveiled just months earlier in the annual Fiscal Strategy Report.
Thursday, June 22
STATESIDE: While Trump headlines GOP presidential candidates, Republicans seem unable to leverage voter unease
IT seems like with every passing day, we get more evidence from the media that America just doesn’t seem to know what to do with Donald Trump. But there’s also plenty of evidence that outside the Washington Beltway, there is much more consequential stuff for people to worry about.
FRONT PORCH: US needs a better ‘whole world strategy’ as they show concern over China’s relationship with small and developing nations
ALONG with other Caribbean heads of government, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley bristles at patronising questions, including from journalists, querying the Caribbean’s relationship with China.
Pintard questions Govt’s handling of cruise tax increase
Opposition leader Michael Pintard yesterday argued that new passenger taxes could cause cruise ships to seek cheaper destinations.
MISSING SUB’S LINK TO BAHAMAS: Company tested vessel in nation’s waters and partnered with university. UPDATE: Titan submersible 'likely imploded, no survivors'
3.15pm UPDATE: The Coast Guard says the Titan submersible likely imploded in the North Atlantic waters and there were no survivors among the five people aboard.
Gov’t appeals for collaboration on home repairs programme
THE government has repaired some 380 homes since the relaunch of its Small Home Repair Programme last year, State Minister for Social Services Lisa Rahming said yesterday.
Road Traffic to implement automated vehicle inspection system
THE Road Traffic Department will soon use an automated system to inspect vehicles to ensure cars are roadworthy, according to Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis yesterday.
Bahamas in multi-billion blue carbon credit boost
The Bahamas yesterday received a "huge" multi-billion boost to efforts to monetise its 'blue economy' assets after a study pegged the environmental value of its seagrass beds at greater than 15 times' the country's COVID-era GDP.
Ex-minister: Health budget 'doesn't jive'
A former health minister yesterday argued that the Government's message of expanded services "doesn't jive" with 2023-2024 Budget cuts, asserting: "The numbers don't add up."
Govt's $61m surplus for quarter to March
The Government ran its third consecutive monthly fiscal surplus in March as the calendar year's traditionally revenue-rich first quarter saw revenues exceed spending by more than $60m.
NIB rate increase called 'absolute balancing act'
A senior hotelier yesterday urged the Government to be "judicious" with the size of future National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rate increases as he described the situation as "an absolute balancing act".
Road closures and diversions for Police Force passing out parade today
POLICE have announced a number of temporary road closures as well as traffic diversions for Thursday.
Twenty-one foreigners arrested with $750k of cocaine
TWENTY-one people were arrested and 39 kilos of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $750,000 was seized on Tuesday.
Commissioner of Police pleads with court: We need to get it right
AFTER an 83-year-old woman was reportedly sexually assaulted in her home by a teenager out on bail, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander has pleaded with the court system to “get it right”.
Rahming announces plan for gun amnesty to reduce violence on streets
A TWO-WEEK gun amnesty is to be called for by Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander to help reduce gun violence in the country.
Woman accused of stabbing lover granted $5,000 bail
A WOMAN has been accused of stabbing her lover multiple times at her home.
Demand to criminalise marital rape
Thank you for allowing me to make a comment on the continuing discussion about the alleged need for the criminalisation of marital rape by the Parliament of The Bahamas.
Derelict govt buildings are a travesty
In this our 50th year of independence, when emphasis is placed on patriotism, pride, culture, cleanliness, and the like, I feel compelled to register my displeasure with regard to the dilapidated state of a few public buildings. Now I fully expect some persons to suit up in their partisan political armor and view this letter through a jaundice eye, but I am a nationalist with no political agenda.
GB police arrest man with gun, other suspect escapes
A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with the discovery of an illegal firearm and a large quantity of ammunition in the Lucaya area early this week.
Man who raped and tried to drown woman gets sentence reduced
A MAN, convicted of raping and attempting to drown a woman at Potter’s Cay Dock in 2019, has had his ten-year prison sentence reduced by the Appeals Court.
Man fined $2,000 for failing to charge monitoring device
A MAN on bail for murder has been fined $2,000 for failing to charge his electronic monitoring device.
Jerald wins Triple Crown – Sarai and Takaii earn double honours
AID JUNIOR NATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
After multiple days of competition between 100 tennis players in 175 combined singles and doubles matches, the remaining champions hoisted their hardware yesterday at the National Tennis Centre (NTC).
Team Bahamas suffers 3rd straight Davis Cup loss
THE Bahamas’ Davis Cup team has gotten off to a slow start at the American Zone lll Davis Cup in Asuncion, Paraguay. The team came into their third matchup of the week looking to bounce back after some tough losses to the Dominican Republic and Paraguay in previous games.
Street Legends summer league returns after three-year hiatus
THE Street Legends’ 10-week summer basketball league returned for its 18th year last week Saturday. The summer league was derailed from 2020, like most sporting events, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Swimming Nationals: Mako earn 5th straight title with landslide win
BAHAMAS Aquatics completed a successful four days of competition of its 51st National Swimming Championships on Sunday at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.
First Mortgage Corp financials for decade
A Cabinet minister yesterday pledged to reveal the first Bahamas Mortgage Corporation audited financial statements for a decade by this September after the agency issued more than $5m worth of mortgages during the past two years.
Post Office can ‘fill gap’ over Out Island banking
A Cabinet minister yesterday suggested the Post Office Savings Bank can “fill the gap” and represent a viable solution to the financial inclusion crisis afflicting many Family Islands due to the commercial bank exodus.
Minister confirms 10% increase for taxi fares
A TEN percent increase in taxi fares was announced yesterday by Minister of Transport and Housing JoBeth Coleby-Davis.
Pintard: Cruise lines will bear cost of tax increase
Opposition leader Michael Pintard yesterday argued that new passenger taxes could cause cruise ships to seek cheaper destinations.
Wednesday, June 21
Pinder says 12 percent of sunken ship salvaged as legal action is to be taken
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said 12 per cent of a ship that sank off Abaco last year has been salvaged.
ALICIA WALLACE: Things to consider when hosting workshops and conferences
As we progress in our careers, move from one industry to another, and seek both promotions and raises, continued education becomes a priority for many of us.
EDITORIAL: Late night, no fanfare and no answers
LATE in the evening, a Minister of State rises to tell the nation what it would take to save the National Insurance Board fund – a bill that will be delayed by a year despite the urging of former ministers and fellow party members. It hardly inspires confidence, does it?
Ministry of Works considering relocating roads due to climate change impacts, says Sears
THE government is considering relocating some roads and highways due to climate change impacts, Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said yesterday.
National Organ Transplant Programme to be launched before year’s end
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said the government expects to launch the Bahamas National Organ Transplant Programme before the end of the year.
19-year-old accused of sex assault of 83-year-old woman
POLICE are questioning a 19-year-old youth concerning a sexual assault incident involving an 83-year-old woman.
Draft cannabis bill to be released for consultation next month, Pinder says
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said once the government releases its draft cannabis bills next month, a two-month public consultation phase will follow.
Gov't backed off 10-day VAT filing for large firms
The Bahamian private sector yesterday said cutting the VAT filing deadline for firms with annual turnover exceeding $5m has been "wholly rejected as unworkable" despite the Government backing off its original 10-day target.
Abaco energy woe 'worst that I can ever remember'
A prominent Abaco official says yesterday was the first day in two weeks to largely pass without a power outage as he revealed that the island's energy woes are "the worst that I can ever remember" apart from Dorian's immediate aftermath.
Cruise lines 'should do more': Departure tax hikes backed
Bahamian environmental advocates have backed the increased taxes and new levies imposed on the cruise industry as "a significant step in the right direction" to ensuring it does more to protect the very assets critical to its product.
NIB rate hikes every two years
A Cabinet minister last night warned employers and workers to brace for a series of rolling National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rate increases every two years with the first hike to be split equally between the two.
Darville: Detention Centre medical facilities being built in keeping with UN mandates
HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville said work has started on a new Detention Centre clinic.
$6.6m requested for Unregulated Communities Action Task Force budget
WORKS & Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said the Unregulated Communities Action Task Force has requested $6.6m to fulfil its tasks.
CLICO victims urge: 'We need a new day'
The Government was yesterday urged to "make it a new day" for long-suffering CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders amid concerns that zero of the $3.8m compensation allocated in the 2022-2023 Budget has been paid out.
Cafe Matisse to close doors permanently
CAFE Matisse, a popular restaurant in the heart of Nassau, is closing down after 28 years in operation, according to owner Greg Curry.
Birth certificate enough for citizenship
BAHAMIANS born to unwed Bahamian men and foreign women will get a passport without facing unique requirements as long as their father is identified on their birth certificate, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said yesterday.
BPL sends help as Sears says weather hit power in Abaco
WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) is sending engines to Abaco to improve the island’s electricity generation capacity after bad weather affected the company’s distribution lines, causing recent outages.
NIB MAY INCREASE EVERY TWO YEARS: Laroda doesn’t confirm size of rise . . . but says it’s small price to pay
MYLES Laroda said the government is considering increasing National Insurance Board’s contribution rate every two years for “a period of time” to stabilise the fund, noting next year’s rate increase will be shared equally between employees and employers.
ATM machine malfunction
I had the most unfortunate incident happen to me on May 25th, 2023. I deposited $1,500 into the ATM machine at Nova Scotia Bank on Soldier Road, immediately $100 came out of the machine. I then looked at it and put it back in, the receipt came out and it showed that I only put in $1400 and not $1500.
Heroes live in our community
There was a time when being a doctor, nurse, fire fighter, EMS operator, police was nothing more than a person with a hell of a career ahead of them. Good money, respect and kudos to them all. Something has changed and continues to mindfully change for us all. You know how you come to appreciate something or someone when you most need it, or when it or they cannot be found?
Don’t incite non-Bahamians
We have to be careful not to incite and create an expectation for those who understand their father was Bahamian and that their mothers were not citizens of The Bahamas.
Man with pending murder charge denied bail after being accused of aiding in another murder attempt
A MAN was denied bail after being accused of aiding in a murder attempt last year.
Davis Cup: Heartbreaking loss for Team Bahamas
It was another heartbreaking loss yesterday for Team Bahamas at the American Zone III Davis Cup Tie in Asuncion, Paraguay.
BLTA junior tennis champions unite
Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association Jr Tennis Nationals wraps up today
THREE junior champions were crowned after their finals matchups at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) Junior Tennis Nationals.
G-Ball Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championships back in NP
WITH the opening of the new Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, the Bahamas Baseball Association has decided to bring its G-Ball Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championships back to New Providence.
Bahamian public in for a treat at Bahamas Games
WITH the sixth edition of the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games set to take place in less than three weeks, the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) released the schedule for the sport this past weekend.
Basketball Smiles camp gets underway
THE Basketball Smiles camp returned to The Bahamas for the 24th year this week.
Flamingos Women’s Golf Club 242 marks Women’s Golf Day
THE Flamingos Women’s Golf Club 242 celebrated Women’s Golf Day this month, hailing the women who are blazing trails in the sport, and encouraging new members to join.
21st annual Duke of Edinburgh Cup Charity Golf Tournament in Paradise at Ocean Golf Club on Sunday
THE 21st annual Duke of Edinburgh Cup, the Bahamas’ semifinals of the Charity Golf Tournament, is all set for Sunday at the Ocean Golf Club on Paradise Island.
NHI/drug plan merger to curb health waste
A Cabinet minister yesterday asserted that combining National Health Insurance (NHI) with the National Prescription Drug Plan will help to curb healthcare waste and inefficiency in the public sector.
Battery storage to save BPL some $3m monthly
A Cabinet minister yesterday said Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) has commissioned a 25 Mega Watt (MW) battery storage system at Clifton Pier that will save the utility $3m a month.
Bahamas can build ‘extraordinary blueprint’ for nature-based tourism
The Bahamas has the opportunity to “develop a truly extraordinary blueprint” that can make inroads into the global $600bn annual nature-based tourism market, an international advocate is arguing.
Gov't targets $9m grant for BPL ocean energy
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government is negotiating a $9m grant from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to help Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) develop an ocean thermal energy initiative.
Social services reform key to healing country
Social services play a crucial role in nurturing our nation's most valuable asset: Its citizens. Currently, the well-being, health and standard of living of Bahamians are subjects of great concern. We have yet to fully tackle the challenges of accessibility for child protection services, raising awareness about mental health and revitalising social welfare programmes.
Tuesday, June 20
PETER YOUNG: New national sport - expanded role for local sailing clubs
Although it has been fun and a learning experience to have crewed for various people on boating pleasure trips while living here in The Bahamas, I confess to little real knowledge about sailing. But one does not need to know a great deal about this wonderful activity and sport to realise how important it is in this country.
FACE TO FACE: Linda Stubbs - designing with Bahamian flair
WITH a deep sense of national pride, Linda Christina Stubbs has decorated some of the most outstanding events in The Bahamas. Her works are designed to spark emotions of excitement and bring Bahamian culture alive. Born on Eleuthera, Linda digs deep into her roots to find the passion to execute one thrilling event after another.
Pilot granted judicial review after Civil Aviation refuses to renew his licence
THE Supreme Court granted a pilot leave to launch judicial review proceedings against the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority’s refusal to renew his pilot’s licence.
EDITORIAL: The blame game in politics
BLAME is an easy thing to do. Something has gone wrong? Blame someone else. It’s their fault. It does not seem to matter who “they” are – it’s not you, so blame them instead.
Driver burned beyond recognition in accident
A DRIVER was burned beyond recognition after his vehicle burst into flames upon colliding with a utility pole yesterday morning.
Police announce road closures, traffic diversions for Thursday
POLICE have announced a number of temporary road closures as well as traffic diversions for Thursday.
GB Minister says she will not allow the GBPA to ‘stand in the way’ of Bahamians
THE Davis administration’s criticism of the Grand Bahama Port Authority continued yesterday, with Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey saying business as usual cannot be tolerated in the relationship anymore.
DPM urges Bahamian investors to help add to room capacity as hotels are full
TOURISM Minister Chester Cooper urged Bahamian investors to open their homes to help meet tourism demand, citing room capacity as a challenge due to high hotel occupancy rates.
Ex-US embassy property targeted for 48-slip marina
A prominent Bahamian contractor is seeking approvals to dredge more than 40,000 cubic yards of fill to make way for a 48-slip marina located at the rear of a former US embassy property opposite Arawak Cay.
SKYGuard | Meteorology Dept Long Range Tropical Storm 🌀Brent Project Track eUpdate
Tuesday, 20th June, 2023.
Bahamas wants 'clarity' on Gov'ts GBPA plans
A former MP yesterday urged the Government to come clean on the action it plans to take over the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), asserting: "The country is waiting for clarity."
DPM: Zero tolerance to revive 'dead zones'
The deputy prime minister yesterday pledged a "zero tolerance" approach to criminal activities in downtown Nassau as he seeks to revive an area presently featuring "crippled commerce" and "dead zones".
Bahamas 'not maximising' impact as tourism booms
The deputy prime minister yesterday admitted The Bahamas has failed "to maximise visitor spending", and retain more of this within its economy, despite a "booming" tourism industry whose numbers "have never been better".
Bahamasair eyes 'millions' in savings from refinancing
Bahamasair's revenue is projected to grow by up to $8m "over the next year" as it targets "millions" in potential savings from the refinancing of existing loans carrying a 13 percent interest rate, it was revealed yesterday.
Veteran attorney to run for Bahamas Bar Association president to ‘take it where it needs to go’
VETERAN attorney Romona Farquharson Seymour wants new vision and leadership for the Bahamas Bar Association, telling The Tribune she is running to be the new president.
31-year-old man shot Monday while visiting female friend, becomes 54th murder victim
A 31-year-old man is the latest murder victim in The Bahamas.
Mom wants police ‘charged with murder and jailed’
THE mother of a man whose killing was determined to be homicide by manslaughter believes the ruling should have been homicide by murder.
$500m GB shipyard will be world’s largest, says Moxey
GRAND Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey said a $500m investment in the Grand Bahama Shipyard would make it the world’s largest shipyard facility.
Prostitutes, drug peddlers and thieves not welcome downtown
PROSTITUTES, drug peddlers and thieves are not welcome downtown, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper said yesterday.
‘BPL A DISGRACE’: MP Pinder calls for decentralisation of power company
CENTRAL and South Abaco MP John Pinder lashed out at Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) yesterday over the frequent power outages affecting the island, calling it a “disgrace”.
Men are abused too; hidden truth
There has been a heightened awareness of domestic violence. We can agree that there have been too many incidences of women who endure the most forms of disrespect and abuse physically, mentally, and psychologically.
Fix child protection act for dads
I am writing to bring awareness to a social crisis that has permeated Bahamian society, and that is fatherhood absenteeism.
Counselling ordered for mother who beat child with drop cord
A MOTHER was ordered to attend counselling sessions after admitting beating her 11-year-old son with an extension cord last week.
Team Bahamas suffers 2-1 loss in Davis Cup opener
The Bahamas men’s tennis team suffered an opening 2-1 loss to the Dominican Republic as the Davis Cup competition got underway yesterday at the International Tennis Club in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Charisma gets ready for summer
ALTHOUGH she had a long and hectic collegiate season, versatile Charisma Taylor said she’s looking forward to taking the next step and completing the year with a possible trip to the World Championships.
12 Junior golfers on par for Caribbean Amateur Championships
THE Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Division will be sending a 12-member team off to compete in the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships next month.
Bahamas gains $10m Saudi 'incubation' loan
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday revealed that The Bahamas has secured a $10m loan from Saudi Arabia to finance the development of so-called "incubation centres" for tourism start-ups and small businesses.
Gov'ts online portal sees 130k requests
The Government's My Gateway online portal has processed 130,000 applications and collected $4m in revenue since it was launched more than two years ago, it was disclosed yesterday.
DPM meets Netflix chief to advance film industry
The deputy prime minister says he last week discussed with Netflix’s chief executive how to “advance” and develop a local film and production industry in The Bahamas.
Small Business Centre invests $800k in female entrepreneurs
The Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) executive director yesterday said it has invested $800,000 in in female entrepreneurs via 87 grants.
Monday, June 19
WORLD VIEW: Strengthening the US-Caribbean relationship: A work in progress
THE relationship between the United States of America (US) and the 14-member independent member states of CARICOM as well as the Dominican Republic has entered a new phase of cooperation after 7 years of neglect between 2015 and 2022.
Student spotlight
Ethan Martin is a sixth grade student at Excelsior Elementary School and was a Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year 2023 finalist.
Helping to open a path to marine science
The Blacks in Marine Science (BIMS) Immersion programme in South Eleuthera offered free SCUBA diving certification courses to eight participants.
Cleaning up above and below water
The Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation (BREEF) held an above and underwater beach clean-up in commemoration of World’s Ocean Day last weekend.
THE BTVI STORY: Alexandria’s passions for science and entrepreneurship
As countries recognise World Environment Day and World Oceans Day this month, local marine-loving environmentalist, Alexandra Sinclair, marks the culmination of her third round of tertiary education.
INSIGHT: Authorities in the spotlight - but where are the cameras?
A SERIES of stories in recent times have again raised questions over how people are treated who get caught up in dealings with our forces in uniform.
THE KDK REPORT: How we handle stress can have a significant impact on our health
MY earliest tangible moment of self-reflection occurred when I graduated high school. It was the first time I’d ever looked back on my life and contemplated my future; seriously contemplated that is. Before that, there were lots of times when I contemplated a piece of that future, like what the next Saturday night would hold or how many more weeks I had to wait to get my driver’s license. But nothing compared to ending the longest chapter of my life to date, the school years before I would have to leave home and all the comfort and familiarity it represented.
‘You six will determine whether or not other women can join’ – First women police showed that they belonged
THE presence of women became more recognised in The Bahamas during the 1960s. It began with an Act being passed granting women the long-awaited right to vote, however this was just the first step. Spurgeon Bethel, a former Police Officer, stood before the House of Assembly in 1964, offering a visionary proposition.
EDITORIAL: How can we reach other Elrons before it’s too late?
YESTERDAY was Father’s Day, and across the country, the men who have played a part in raising children were celebrated.
Abaco suffering an electricity crisis causing revenue loss as some tourists cut stay short
ABACO residents say they are suffering from an electricity crisis.
Twelve Bahamians to receive 2023 King’s birthday honours
TWELVE Bahamians will receive the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.
Treasure hunter fears 'loot and scoot' return
A Bahamas-based underwater explorer has voiced fears that recent legal and regulatory reforms moved by the Government are a "serious mistake" and will lead to the return of "loot and scoot" practices involving ship wrecks.
Bahamas First unveils Cayman woes probe
Bahamas First has assigned its non-executive directors to probe woes that resulted in regulators threatening to bar its Cayman affiliate from writing new life and health insurance business.
'Incalculable' value from Bahamas' 176 wrecks
A Bahamas-based underwater explorer says the value to this nation's underwater cultural heritage from the 176 extra ship wrecks identified within its licence area is "incalculable" and "cannot be measured in dollars".
FTX Bahamas: Only we can pursue void payouts
FTX's Bahamian liquidators are asserting they may be the only ones "lawfully" able to pursue "material volumes" of client withdrawals that occurred around the time of the exchange's collapse and may thus be deemed void.
Goal!!!!
ActivTrades
Just like the game on the field, the prices of soccer stocks on the stock exchange are often difficult to predict. Because listed clubs are impacted by major events, particularly their on-field success, these stocks are often considered volatile. Sporting success increases the attractiveness of the club for fans and advertising partners, and increases the chance of selling more fan articles.
Several donors awarded during special 50th Independence blood drive event
A national blood drive kicked off in Grand Bahama on Saturday as part of activities leading up to the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence.
Search efforts for American diver who went missing near Bimini called off
SEARCH and rescue efforts for an American diver who went missing in The Bahamas have been called off.
Not all questions answered on Long Island plane crash
AIR accident investigators found that “loss of power resulting in a loss of control inflight” caused a plane crash in Long Island last year that resulted in a woman’s death.
Two murders at weekend
TWO men were killed over the weekend, bringing the murder count for the year to 52.
‘I pleaded with my son to change’, Dad says
THE father of a teen boy shot dead by police last week said he sat with his son for nearly two hours, begging him to change his life a day before the fatal incident.
SKYGuard | Meteorology Dept Long Range Potential Tropical Weather Development eUpdate
Monday, 19th June, 2023.
‘SLOW DOWN ON PASSENGER TAX’: Cruise lines push govt to postpone increase due to short notice of change
CRUISE lines are pushing the Davis administration to postpone the implementation of new passenger tax increases, arguing they were not notified early enough to prepare for the rise.
RCI deal a symptom of bigger issue
I write to express my enthusiastic support for the timely and patriotic message expressed by Pam Burnside in a recent letter, “We must protect what is ours.”
Disrepair of roads a disrespect to residents
I rent Nissan Xtrail SUVS here in South Eleuthera. Just today I rented a customer a SUV. Not more than an hour driving south, my customer called reporting having dropped in a pothole and he got a flat tyre. As a result, the customer damaged the aluminium rim and had to abandon the vehicle just south of Rock Sound, Eleuthera. Sir, your constituency.
Boss Club Bahamas inspiring young entrepreneurs in GB
BOSS Club Bahamas, a summer entrepreneurship programme, is inspiring and empowering young future entrepreneurs here in Freeport.
FIVE STRAIGHT: Mako Aquatic Swim Club are national champions
FOR the fifth straight consecutive year, the Mako Aquatic Swim Club hoisted the Bahamas Aquatics’ National Swimming Championship trophy in the air as national champions.
Father’s Day treat in Williams bout
RASHIELD Williams, fighting his first eight round bout of his professional career, went the distance to pull off a decision on points over Ramon de la Cruz Sena from Argentina on Saturday night.
Baha Juniors take home Hummel title
The Baha Juniors women’s team will now join the Western Warriors men’s football club (FC) as Hummel Cup title winners. The team secured their championship hardware after defeating the defending champions, United FC at the Roscow AL Davies new soccer field.
Jonquel Jones posts first double-double of the season
The Bahamas’ Jonquel Jones posted her first double-double of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) season this past Sunday. Jones also turned in her second highest point total of the season as the second leading scorer in the New York Liberty’s win against the Phoenix Mercury. Although the Liberty team was without their All-Star guard Sabrina Ionesecu, the third-seeded team routed the Mercury 89-71.
Full Speed ahead for Bahamians
Bahamian athletes collected a few gold medals at the inaugural Speed Capital International Championships. The three-day meet got underway on Friday and wrapped up on Father’s Day at the Thomas A Robinson. Speed Capital hosted 600 athletes between 72 clubs from seven countries outside of The Bahamas. Competitors from ages 5-18 put on a show for Grenada, Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Canada, United States of America, and Barbados.
DEREK SMITH: Uniting to battle modern slavery
In celebration of June 19, an historic date in history that marked the abolition of slavery in Texas, financial crime professionals are grappling with a different but uncomfortably similar problem: Modern day slavery and human trafficking.
Gov't to 'unleash' $200m Water Corp investments
An MP yesterday said the Davis administration is poised to "unleash" the most ambitious capital investment initiative ever by the Water & Sewerage Corporation with $200m earmarked for 80 projects over a five-year period.
Gaither is battling back
AN illness she sustained at the end of last season has prevented veteran sprinter Tynia Gaither from competing in any meets so far this year on the international circuit.
Taxi drivers wait on 10% fare increase affirmation
The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union's (BTCU) president says drivers are just waiting on an announcement from the Ministry of Transport and Housing to make their 10 percent fare increase official.
Friday, June 16
Police-involved killing of Shanton Forbes ruled a homicide by manslaughter
THE family of Shanton Forbes breathed a collective sigh of relief and hugged each other Friday after a Coroner’s Court jury ruled that the 21-year-old’s police-involved killing in 2019 was a homicide by manslaughter.
Man accused of robbing grocery store with machine gun
A MAN was remanded to prison on Friday after being accused of holding up a grocery store with a machine gun last October and stealing over $1,400 in cash.
Man on bail for murder charge faces firearm, ammunition charges
A MAN who was recently granted bail for murder is once again behind bars after he was accused of possession of a firearm and ammunition on Friday.
Clubs & Societies June 16th, 2023
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter in Grand Bahama celebrated its 36th anniversary of sisterhood and service.
DIANE PHILLIPS: The immense significance of small men and women in the world
AT a public consultation the other night a man approached the microphone and started with the words, “I know I am just a small man.” He used the words small man almost apologetically, as if he wanted the audience to think he was insignificant, unimportant because he did not own a big business or to feel sympathy with him if we, too, were not the big shots in the room.
Bahamas keeps Tier 1 status in latest US human trafficking report, but improvements needed
THE Bahamas has maintained its Tier 1 ranking in the latest US human trafficking report, but concerns persist over the government’s efforts to initiate prosecution, identify victims, provide investigative data and protect vulnerable groups.
‘Positive monkeypox case is in isolation’ says Darville; does not believe there is community spread
HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville does not believe there is community spread of monkeypox in The Bahamas even though a person confirmed to have the disease had no relevant travel history.
Smiles and tears as Clint Watson bids farewell as press secretary
AN emotional Clint Watson said leaving Office of the Prime Minister’s press secretary role to become the new general manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas was not an easy decision.
Govt in planning phase to build a performing arts school says Education Minister
EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said a performing arts school in The Bahamas would cater to post-high school students and involve three years of study.
3,000 already signed up for upcoming Bahamas Games with $4m price tag
THE Davis administration plans to spend at least $4.2m to host the first Bahamas Games in over 20 years, according to Youth, Sports & Culture Minister Mario Bowleg.
Bowleg: National Youth Policy and legislation to be presented by October
YOUTH Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said a national youth policy would be tabled in the House of Assembly in October.
Charities asked: Do you hold any of FTX’s $5.4m?
FTX’s Bahamian liquidators are “liaising” with local charities and non-profits over the collective $5.4m in donations they received from the collapsed crypto exchange to determine if they still hold any of these funds.
‘Not scratched 10%’ of fly fishing potential
The Bahamas has “not even scratched 10 percent” of the fly fishing industry’s economic potential, it was asserted yesterday, amid “urgent” calls for it to rapidly increase guide numbers to “catch up” with rivals.
Andros shipper ‘exceeds every financial projection’
An Andros shipping company, which in summer 2021 was hailed as the largest recipient of financing arranged through the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), yesterday said it has “beaten every financial projection” since launching.
National debt growth slows as hits $11.5bn
The national debt's growth rate slowed below 1 percent during the three months to end-March 2023 as the total sums owed by The Bahamas to its creditors rose to just under $11.5bn.
Tourist drowned while on scuba dive near Pearl Island
A 46-year-old North Virginia woman drowned on Tuesday, police said.
Suspect dies after being shot by police officer in attempted armed robbery
A 17-year-old male of Kemp Road is dead after he was shot by a police officer during an attempted armed robbery on Thursday night.
FTX Bahamas warns of $143m US DOJ battle
FTX’s Bahamian liquidators say it is increasingly likely they will have to battle the US Justice Department in the courts to recover $143m given that prospects of an amicable resolution have become “more remote”.
44 percent of students need ‘urgent intervention’
A LEARNING loss survey found that 44 per cent of public school students require urgent learning intervention, Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said yesterday.
‘We knew’ prison would fail accreditation bid
DOAN Cleare, the acting commissioner of corrections, admitted yesterday that the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services failed an accreditation inspection earlier this year, saying officials knew the prison would “fail miserably”.
‘WE WERE BEATEN IN POLICE STATION’: Men allege officers beat them with a hose, bat and PVC pipe while in custody
FIVE men who brawled with police in a bar in Bimini over the weekend said officers beat them “black and blue” with a garden hose, a baseball bat and a PVC pipe after taking them into custody.
EDITORIAL: Making up for children’s lost time
IT is easy to think as we look around at our day-to-day living that the spectre of COVID-19 is behind us. It is not.
Is Watson move a demotion?
A gentleman who I believe supports the Progressive Liberal Party asked me if I consider Clint Watson’s relocation from the Office of the Prime Minister as Press Secretary to ZNS (or the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas) a promotion? I told him no, considering that Watson, as Press Secretary, was the de facto mouthpiece of the Davis administration; having immediate access to Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis. For many thousands of Bahamians, Watson has become the face of the PLP.
Bird deaths
There is a horrible avian flu striking at the wild bird population across North America. The Avian Flu H5N1 has caused devastation within the poultry industry, and may have killed over a billion wild birds too.
Man jailed for six months for possession of gun ammunition
A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison after admitting to having six unfired rounds of ammunition and a gun magazine. Marlon Whyte, 26, and Michael Sands, 31, were charged with possession of a component of a firearm and possession of ammunition.
Man charged with possession of child pornography on his phone
A 28-year-old man was imprisoned after allegedly having child pornography of underage boys on his phone.
Strachan sets new 100m personal best
SPRINTER Anthonique Strachan has her sights set on the World Championships in August and she’s already starting to make a statement to her rivals going into the biggest global international meet this year.
Daalan Adderley named NCBWA 2023 Third Team All-American
UNLIKE many of his peers from the Junior Baseball League of Nassau who took the direct route, signing professional contracts to play baseball, Daalan Adderley decided to go through the collegiate ranks.
Bahamas Women’s Football Hummel Cup continues on Saturday
The Bahamas Football Association’s (BFA) second edition of the Hummel Cup will continue for the women’s division this Saturday at the Roscow A L Davies Field. The women’s soccer teams started their games last weekend as teams from Group A and B battled against each other. The Group A teams included Cavaliers FC, Future Stars, and the defending champions United FC. Teams in Group B are the Baha Juniors, Dynamos FC, and Western Warriors. Ultimately, the women’s 2023 Hummel Cup winner will be crowned after this weekend.
‘Very competitive tournament’ expected at BLTA 2023 Junior Tennis National Championships
The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) will continue their 2023 junior tennis national championships for the older division starting today. Juniors of the under 12 through 18 divisions will battle at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) starting at 2pm today.
Alexis Gray’s switch from track to wrestling has been ‘very refreshing’
SINCE completing her tenure at Texas Southern University in 2019, Alexis Gray decided to make the transition to wrestling.
Just 8% of arable land being used for farming
Just 8 percent of all land allocated for Bahamian farming is presently being used for such purposes, it was revealed yesterday.
Andros resorts target 30 extra employees
Two Andros resorts will be seeking a combined 30 new recruits at a job fair scheduled to be held in the 2023 second half, it was revealed yesterday.
Andros initiative set to create up to 700 jobs
A former Chamber of Commerce chief executive yesterday said 700-plus jobs are forecast to ultimately be created after Andros' community-based Tourism Cluster Development Programme launches on June 29-30
Private sector must play its part over education
Today marks the end of another school year. Most educational institutions in The Bahamas would likely describe it as a challenging but successful period. We know, and research bears this out, that quality education systems are those where students, parents, teachers and the administrative system work together in ensuring that no child is left behind.
Thursday, June 15
FRONT PORCH: US view of Bahamas and Caribbean one-dimensional and ignorant
THE US Vice President Kamala Harris came to The Bahamas last week for considerably less than a day to meet with Caricom leaders. As promoted by the US Embassy in Nassau: “The Vice President’s trip delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advance cooperation with the Caribbean, pursue shared prosperity and security, and celebrate the common bonds between our nations.
STATESIDE: US rival tensions continue to build as China’s recent affair with Cuba taking centre stage
“The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 was a direct and dangerous confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War and was the moment when the two superpowers came closest to nuclear conflict,” according to the US State Department’s historical office.
EDITORIAL: A Haitian solution - from which Haitians?
A SLIGHTLY curious note has entered the discussion over how best to respond to the situation in Haiti.
RBPF shows off 50 new motorcycles to ‘assist with traffic management’
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has acquired 50 motorcycles, according to Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander, who said the bikes cost millions.
Davis administration denies Minnis charge UB tax exemptions are being reduced
THE Davis administration has denied Dr Hubert Minnis’ claim it is reducing the taxes the University of The Bahamas is exempt from paying.
Fernander: Shooting victim ‘didn’t realise she was hit’
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said the 27-year-old mother injured in a police-involved shooting on Sunday did not initially know she had been shot.
PM tours renovated PMH, expanded bed capacity eases hospital crisis
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis toured the Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday, saying the crisis is subsiding.
Doctors targets share offering for end-August
Doctors Hospital is targeting end-August 2023 for a share offering that will give more Bahamians an ownership interest in the healthcare provider just as it aims to “near double” pre-COVID’s $60m annual revenues.
Wendy’s says PI ambition not over despite reverse
The Wendy’s and Marco’s Pizza operator last night asserted it has not abandoned its Paradise Island ambitions despite the planning appeals board overturning the approvals previously granted for the former Scotiabank site.
‘Worst deal in history’ to give Gov’t $78m in 2023
Nassau Cruise Port yesterday estimated it will generate more than $78m for the Government during the 2023 calendar year after a Cabinet minister blasted the project as “the worst deal in Bahamian history”.
Bell on Nassau Cruise Port; Minnis administration ‘executed a bad lease’
IMMIGRATION Minister Keith Bell and former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis clashed over the Nassau Cruise Port yesterday after the Carmichael MP said the Minnis administration executed a bad lease agreement.
Immigration Department collects $80m in revenue ytd; ‘largest in our history’
IMMIGRATION Minister Keith Bell said the immigration department collected nearly $80m in revenue between last July and this March –– the largest in the agency’s history.
First labour force survey since Covid-19 expected to be released June 20
THE Department of Statistics will release the latest labour force survey on June 20th, according to Labour director Robert Farquharson.
FTX chief: I’ll tie US up in Bahamas ‘for years’
FTX’s founder has warned he will use the Bahamian judicial system to block efforts to bring additional fraud, bribery and corruption-related charges against him “for years” by going all the way to the UK-based Privy Council.
First case of monkey pox confirmed in Bahamas
A 31-year-old man with no relevant travel history has been diagnosed with monkeypox, the first reported case of a Bahamian confirmed with the disease.
Head of UB resigns for ‘personal and family reasons’
THE University of the Bahamas announced the surprise resignation of president Dr Erik Rolland yesterday, saying he will leave his position on June 30 for “personal, family reasons”.
DPP: 'No decision made yet’ on MP rape allegation case
Cordell Frazier, Acting Director of Public Prosecutors, said her office received the police file on an MP accused of abusing his ex-girlfriend but has not yet made a decision on the matter.
‘NO ONE WANTS BOOTS ON THE GROUND IN HAITI’: Prime Minister says there’s no appetite for international force
ALTHOUGH United States Vice President Kamala Harris renewed the Biden administration’s push for a multi-national security force in Haiti during her visit to The Bahamas last week, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said there is still no appetite among CARICOM countries for sending forces to the country.
Legacy of the Prime Minister
The legacy of Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis is being written in bold strokes. Since captivating the audience at COP 26, he has shown the world that the size of a country does not define the power of its voice. Davis’s quiet demeanour, far from indicating a lack of strength, has symbolised his unique approach, which embodies the concept of speaking softly and carrying a big stick. His tenaciousness in the face of criticism is a testament to his conviction that actions indeed resonate louder than words.
Bank charges
I received an urgent email yesterday from one of our vendors saying please don’t send any wire payments to our account at Commonwealth Bank. While the other Bahamas banks have wound down their customer facing options, Commonwealth has been advertising like a native rooster, their “in-branch” availability as a competitive advantage.
Woman accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old boy
A 36-year-old woman is behind bars after being accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy last month.
Bahamas to host Speed Capital International Championships
Three-day event comes to nation for the first time
Speed Capital is bringing its international championships to The Bahamas for the first time. The three-day event is set to take place starting at 6pm on Friday and will continue until Sunday, June 19 at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.
Four Seasons summer fun run/walk takes place this Saturday
Four Seasons Race Management will host their second seasonal fun/run walk this Saturday at Goodman’s Bay Beach. The event is under a theme that will allow persons to participate in bikini tops or bareback which is optional. The fitness event will get underway at 6am and the first place male and female finisher will receive a cash prize of $100.
Red-Line Athletics athletes ready for the next step
The Red-Line Athletics track club saw a few of their star athletes cross the stage at the St Augustine’s College graduation ceremony yesterday. The newest members of the class of 2023 celebrated their milestone in front of family, friends, and guardians at the Atlantis Imperial Ballroom. The Red-line Athletes included Alexis Brown Jr, Clinton Laguerre, Tumani Skinner, Johnathon Fowler, Ezthia Maycock, Jadyn Demeritte, and D’Angelo Collie. The athletes are preparing for the next step as they venture into early adulthood.
Handle downsizing with necessary care
In business, downsizing refers to reducing operating costs and making a company leaner. It is often is described as ‘trimming the fat’. This involves reducing the size of the workforce, closures and making the various units more productive and efficient. The aim of downsizing is to restructure a company in order to make it more competitive. It is a natural progression in terms of its development.
Credit union’s $1m wind-up nears end
More than two-thirds of the cheques representing outstanding funds owed to hundreds of the One Eleuthera Cooperative Credit Union’s (OECCUL) members were signed over the weekend, its liquidator confirmed yesterday.
Minnis: Gov’t eyes app to control expenditure
Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis blasted the government yesterday for the level of taxation, wasteful spending and lack of fiscal accountability.
‘3,000 find jobs’ thanks to Labour on the Blocks
The Department of Labour’s “Labour on the Blocks” initiative has helped 3,000 Bahamians find jobs, said Minister for Immigration and Labour Keith Bell yesterday.
System could warn over warrants when drivers renew their licenses
THE government is in discussions with Trinidad to implement a road traffic portal that connects a driver’s license and vehicle registration with outstanding warrants and tickets - prohibiting them from renewing until issues are resolved.
Public access for disabled a priority, says minister
Public buildings are being refitted with wheelchair ramps to make them more accessible to disabled members of the public, Minister of Works and Utilities Alfred Sears revealed yesterday.
Wednesday, June 14
ALICIA WALLACE: There are no excuses left, it is time to end discrimination in nationality laws
YESTERDAY, I attended the Global Summit on Gender Equality in Nationality Laws, held at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, and streamed for the hundreds of online registrants.
EDITORIAL: Questions over body camera footage
ANOTHER police-involved shooting has led to questions over a variety of issues – but most pointedly with regard to the use of body cameras.
Govt considering three shipyard companies to replace HMBS Arthur D Hanna
A REPLACEMENT for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s HMBS Arthur Dion Hanna vessel is underway, with several shipyard companies lined up for consideration for the development of the new eco-friendly vessel, according to National Security Minister Wayne Munroe.
Davis administration increases level of recruitment for RBPF and RBDF
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe argued yesterday that the Davis administration has raised the level of recruitment numbers, blasting the Minnis administration's past efforts.
After latest police shooting, Munroe says 300 body cams to be bought
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday the government is seeking to buy another 300 body cameras for police officers, suggesting the decision came following a recent incident.
Superwash chief slams ‘bold faced lie’ on washer tax cuts
A former FNM Cabinet minister yesterday slammed as “a bold faced lie” assertions by the Prime Minister and public service minister that the administration in which he served granted his business beneficial tax breaks.
Gov’t warned: Don’t dictate how private sector invests
The Government cannot appear to be dictating how private companies invest their monies, a well-known banker is warning, following the furore over insurers possibly having to hold a “minimum” 50 percent of assets in public sector securities.
PI Yacht Club ‘redesigns’ proposed 69-unit building
The Paradise Island Yacht Club’s redevelopment is aiming to apply for a construction permit during the 2023 second half provided it can obtain preliminary Town Planning Committee approval following its upcoming public hearing.
Minister pledges Freedom of Information Act roll-out
A Cabinet minister yesterday said some of the proceeds from a $30m Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan will be used to finance the phased roll-out of the Freedom of Information Act throughout government.
Munroe issues warning after video of police fight with man
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe issued a stern warning yesterday to people attempting to engage with law enforcement.
Bahamas’ ‘consent’ to new FTX chief charges blocked
The Supreme Court yesterday blocked the Bahamas government from - temporarily at least - giving the US permission to bring multiple fraud, bribery and corruption-related charges against embattled FTX founder, Sam Bankman-Fried.
Munroe: Rapes up 64 percent in New Providence
THERE has been a 64 percent increase in rape offences in New Providence despite the country’s other islands seeing a decrease, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday.
NIB rate increase to be revealed next week
THE increase in the rate of National Insurance Board contributions will be revealed in Parliament next Tuesday, State Minister Myles Laroda said yesterday.
‘They going to pay for that’ says family of mom shot by police
THE family of the 27-year-old mother who was reportedly injured in a police shooting while breastfeeding on Sunday intends to pursue legal action.
COURT REJECTS ADRIAN GIBSON’S APPEAL: Temporary stay lifted as justices decide the ruling ‘did not have merit’
THE Court of Appeal ordered Adrian Gibson’s corruption trial to proceed yesterday after rejecting his appeal application against Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson’s ruling.
FOIA system rollout anticipated to be ready before end of year
THE public may be able to make Freedom of Information requests before the end of the year, as the rollout and testing phase of the system is set to be implemented by November.
Sanctuary for dogs welcomed
The Bahamas Humane Society applauds the incentive of the Bahamas government to create a sanctuary for dogs. It is high time that the plight of animals in the Bahamas be recognised. Potcakes are frequently mistreated and abused and the Bahamas Humane Society has spent the past 99 years trying to alleviate suffering.
Climate and science
Possibly someone in the section that advises on Bahamas weather conditions — climate change can do research back to the earliest records - 1851 plus - and get the story a little more accurate.
VP visit
In diplomacy and good neighbour relations, surely it doesn’t take 50-years at the level of President or Vice President to visit the closest most friendly offshore independent country… us The Bahamas?
Bail application denied in rape and home invasion case
A MAN had his bail application denied for the alleged rape of a woman in a home invasion in Andros last year after the court found he had a previous burglary charge.
Man remanded to jail on charge of attempted murder of Chinese national
AFTER a Chinese national was attacked in his store on East Street South last week, a man faced court yesterday accused of attempting to murder him.
Man held in jail charged with sex assault of 14-year-old girl
A 25-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl twice in the last year is behind bars after being remanded in custody.
Basketball to football switch pays off for Andrews Jr
MAKING the switch from The Bahamas to the United States and from basketball to football has paid off for Raynor Andrews Jr.
Excitement builds for Bahamas games
With less than four weeks remaining until the start of the sixth edition of the Bahamas Games, excitement is building for the Bahamian-style Olympics. The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games is another one of the major sporting events to coincide with the country’s celebration of the 50th year of independence.
Basketball Smiles camp returns for 24th year
BASKETBALL Smiles, one of the most successful Summer Basketball Camps to come out of the United States, will be returning for its 24th year next week.
‘Peace on Da Streets’ Basketball Classic takes place this July
The 27th edition of the “Peace on Da Streets” Basketball Classic will return to the Hope Center basketball courts, July 24-30. The community basketball event will feature five divisions including the 13 and under, 16 and under, 19 and under, church and open division. For the latter, the team which emerges victorious will go home with a cash prize of $3,000.
NIB rate rise delay to minimise burden
A Cabinet minister yesterday revealed the Government decided to push the National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rate increase back to July 1, 2024, to minimise the increased burden that businesses especially will face.
New Abaco bridge gives benefit beyond resilience
The Ministry of Works’ deputy director yesterday said the $5.34m construction of The Bahamas’ longest-ever single span bridge will boost eco-tourism and creek regeneration as well as enhancing climate change resilience.
Minister urges end to pensions anomalies
A Cabinet minister yesterday called pension anomalies impacting Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers to be addressed.
Bahamas ‘red hot’ with $39.5m listing
A real estate executive yesterday said The Bahamas’ high-end market will remain “red hot” for some time as he lists a $39.5m family residence in Old Fort Bay that is generating a “record” amount of interest.
Independence sales show rapid increase
Independence Day sales are picking up rapidly at merchants ahead of this year’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Consortium to focus on building strong men
THE BAHAMAS will be hosting a “Men Get Involved” symposium to encourage men to be more active in raising young men in the community.
Tuesday, June 13
BLTA crowns 2023 junior tennis champions
AFTER two days of competition, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association crowned three champions in its 2023 AID Junior National Tennis Championships at the National Tennis Centre at the weekend.
Clint Watson to leave OPM for new role at Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas
Clint Watson, the press secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, will take up his new role as general manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas on June 16, it was confirmed last night in a statement.
PETER YOUNG: Sunak’s trade agreement with the United States a considerable success for his administration
STUDYING the US media coverage of last week’s two-day visit to Washington by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, I was struck by comments that somehow the UK had turned in on itself after withdrawing from the European Union. Such a claim is not borne out by the facts. There has been no retreat by Britain from the world stage. On the contrary, the reverse is the case.
FACE TO FACE: Love in life and in theatre
WHEN the curtain call is made for the superstars of Bahamian theatre - ones who have helped to shape performing arts in the country into a viable activity that has propelled Bahamian culture - Philip A Burrows and his wife, Nicolette Bethel, will be there.
Sweeting shares plans to create a ‘safe haven’ to assist animals that are neglected or abused
AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Clay Sweeting announced yesterday that his ministry plans to lease land to establish a safe haven for abused, neglected and special needs animals.
Bahamian named Freeman of City of London
A BAHAMIAN has been made a Freeman of the City of London - the first Bahamian to ever receive such an honour.
National Public Service Scholars Programme to be tabled soon
A NATIONAL Public Service Scholars Programme will be sent to Cabinet for approval, according to State Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle.
Police hunt for man after sex attack on 17-year-old girl
Police are hunting a man after a sex attack on a 17-year-old girl who accepted a ride on Robinson Road Monday at about 3pm. The male driver of a small light blue vehicle is said to have driven her to his home off Robinson Road where he forced her out of the car and assaulted her.
Glover-Rolle’s ‘Superwash stimulus programme’ comment starts heated argument with FNM leader
RIVAL politicians sparred during an argument in the House of Assembly yesterday, as FNM leader Michael Pintard interrupted State Minister for Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle to refute allegations she made about the previous administration.
Coleby-Davis calls Meteorology Cadet Programme ‘very important initiative’
A LAUNCH was held yesterday for the Niccolo P Small meteorology cadet programme, which aims to give Bahamian students, aged 14-25, a pathway to learning about meteorology, science and climate change.
Pinder: Passport Office sees influx of applications after Privy Council citizenship ruling
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said the passport office has received an influx of applications following the recent Privy Council ruling granting citizenship to children born out of wedlock to Bahamian men.
Attorney General’s office begins medical insurance benefit enrollment; govt pledges to cover 80 percent
ATTORNEYS and Magistrates of the Office of the Attorney General will be provided with medical insurance, it was revealed yesterday.
PM set to return to Jamaica for continuing discussions on Haiti
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis will be returning to Jamaica today to finish talks over the situation in Haiti in his official capacity as chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Realtors voice fears on tax 'inconsistency'
Realtors yesterday voiced concern over "the optics" and "inconsistency" of tax policy as the Government moves to adjust the VAT paid on real estate sales to ensure foreign buyers pay a 10 percent rate across-the-board.
Protest pressure builds on North Andros banking woe
The MP for North Andros and the Berry Islands yesterday issued a "plea" for intervention to resolve his constituency's banking crisis with pensioners now forced to fly to Nassau to access funds and conduct financial services business.
Minister confirms civil service pension reform
A Cabinet minister yesterday confirmed that draft legislation for a new civil service pension plan will son be presented to the public sector unions to obtain their views and feedback.
Draft legislation for a contributory pension plan to be soon made public
STATE Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said yesterday that a contributory pension plan will be presented soon to public sector unions for feedback.
UB signs $750k MOU with Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board
THE University of The Bahamas yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotions Board pledging $750k to establish a scholarship award and endowment fund to assist students in the culinary and tourism fields.
Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board ‘welcomes all businesses’ to Paradise island
A HIGH-RANKING representative of the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board said the board welcomes all businesses to Paradise Island, especially those partnered with the entity.
Sweeting: $30k of rental arrears collected as government looks to improve services and areas for public markets
AGRICULTURE, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said his ministry has collected more than $30,000 in rental fees and arrears from vendors at Potter’s Cay Dock between January and April this year.
Total shutdown: Just 1% of firms able to survive Dorian-type blow
Bahamian businesses have warned that commerce on islands hit by future Dorian-type natural disasters will almost completely shutdown with this nation forecast to be the worst-impacted of major Caribbean territories.
Atlantis will 'certainly' submit more Royal Caribbean queries
A senior Atlantis executive yesterday said Royal Caribbean has "addressed some of our concerns" about the impact its project will have on Paradise Island's coastline but the mega resort will "certainly" be submitting more questions.
PM views aftermath of Exuma flooding
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he was pleased there was no loss of life after parts of Exuma suffered severe flooding.
Hotels support increase in NIB
HOTELS are in full support of an increase to the contribution rate for the National Insurance Board planned for next July, according to Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s president.
Climate change? What's that?
This letter is intended for novices and not for the scientifically astute. Experts in the field of science agree that climate change is the greatest threat to the survival of mankind, second perhaps only to nuclear annihilation, and if current trends are not reversed, we as humans could become architects of our own destruction.
Pride Month
Pride Month finds us in turmoil once again, not with peaceful minds, and a universal acceptance of humanity's equality before God and State, but divided by social-religious-economic lines.
Man held on charges of Hospital Lane murder and attempted murder
A MAN is behind bars after being accused of causing the death of a 20-year-old male last month and wounding three people in a shooting incident early in January.
Man accused of sex assault of 8-year-old boy three times
A 26-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a young boy three times over the course of a year was sent to prison on Monday. The first assault may have taken place when the boy was as young as eight years old.
Man charged with making child pornography, aiding sex assault
A 20-year-old man has been accused of aiding in the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl - and of making child pornography of the incident.
Man sentenced to 30 months in jail for unlicenced firearm
A MAN who had a banned assault rifle in his home last week has been sentenced to 30 months in prison.
BBSQ develops mobile metrology lab with aims to improve measurement standards
A MOBILE metrology lab - aiming to improve measurement standards - has been developed by the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ).
Exuma businesses struggle with 'crazy' flooding's impact
Exuma businesses yesterday said they are struggling with the loss of commerce and impact from "crazy" flooding that has cut-off the northern part of the island although airlift has not been affected.
Ministry uses AI for pot hole detection
The Ministry of Works yesterday said it is employing artificial intelligence (AI) to predict where pot holes will form on The Bahamas' road networks as the country moves into rainy season.
Injured Strachan: I could have won first NCAA title
IT was a painful experience over the weekend as Bahamian national javelin record holder Keyshawn Strachan sat and watched the National Collegiate Athletic Assocation's National Track and Field Championships rather than competing in it.
Carifta record breaker Brenden Vanderpool wins Male Field Event Athlete of the Year honour
CARIFTA record breaker Brenden Vanderpool added another accolade to his collection when he was selected as the 2023 Male Field Event Athlete of the Year for the Georgia, Atlanta Track Club.
Monday, June 12
THE KDK REPORT: 'Mirrors don’t lie’, but there is more to see beyond the reflection
MIRRORS are a tool of visual self-reference extensively used and universally trusted, so much so that the expression “mirrors don’t lie” has become near commonplace.
INSIGHT: While US VP visit shows value of PM’s travels, accountability is still needed
THE streets of The Bahamas came to a halt last week as the cavalcade of Kamala Harris came to town.
As aspiring member states grow, views that the Commonwealth is in decline are unjustified
Predictions of the imminent end of the Commonwealth are legion, with major events such as the death or ascension of the British monarch provoking especially dire warnings of the Commonwealth’s certain and justifiable collapse.
WORLD VIEW: Caribbean’s role as a voice of reason in a fractured OAS
On May 31, the Organization of American States (OAS) faced a prolonged and contentious debate that lasted from 2:30 in the afternoon until well past midnight. This episode, marked by acrimony and political undercurrents, which was webcast publicly and instantly to the world, is likely to be revisited during the upcoming OAS General Assembly from June 21 to 23 in Washington, D.C., the headquarters of the OAS.
EDITORIAL: Less than perfect solution better than none at all
IN October of last year, Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry called for foreign military support to intervene as the nation slumped further into crisis.
Munroe welcomes US support in fighting gun trafficking
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe welcomed the support of the United States on combating gun trafficking – but warned it was not a solution on its own to the country’s crime problem.
Body of man found by jogger on Harbour Island beach, police investigating his death
POLICE are investigating after a man died on Pink Sand Beach in Harbour Island. He was found partially submerged in the sand by a jogger.
Ex-Sky chief blasts 'travesty of justice'
Sky Bahamas principal yesterday slammed as "a travesty of justice" a Supreme Court ruling that ordered the now-defunct airline to pay $220,000 plus interest to the owner of its hangar at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).
GBPA reforms critical as 'we're at the bottom'
A prominent Freeport attorney is today backing a Government takeover of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), telling Tribune Business: "We're at the bottom and haven't moved for 20 years."
'Far from over' on Royal Caribbean PI project
A former Bahamas National Trust (BNT) executive says environmental advocates were able to make "progress" in raising their concerns at last week's hearing on Royal Caribbean's Paradise Island project, adding: "This is far from over."
Royal Caribbean wants rapid Crown Land lease adjustment
Royal Caribbean says it wants to amend its existing Crown Land lease for Paradise Island as soon as possible to both reflect its reduced footprint and eliminate any possibility of conflict with a Bahamian investor.
Transgender activist applauds support from US VP Kamala Harris on recent visit
TRANSGENDER activist Alexus D’Marco applauded the support of United Vice President Kamala Harris for the LGBTI community, saying it was a sign of having an ally in pressing for an end to discrimination.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING UPDATE
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has re-issued a severe thunderstorm warning from 9:45 am to 11:45 am.
Famous magician pays $2.2m owed property tax
A world-renowned magician/illusionist paid $2.235m in outstanding real property taxes to the Government within 24 hours of the Chief Justice branding him "evasive" in a verdict that found the monies were owing.
FTX Bahamas liquidators not 'nuked' from reversal
The Bahamas' status as a non-nuclear power did not influence the decision to refuse FTX's local liquidators relief from the worldwide asset freeze imposed by Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, a Delaware judge has asserted.
Navy called in as severe flood levels hit Exuma
RESIDENTS in Exuma suffered “severe flooding” over the weekend, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday, adding a Royal Navy vessel has been called in to help pump out water from affected areas.
PM: INDECENT NOT TO ACT OVER HAITI – Davis warns there may be no perfect solution for nation facing crisis
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said that doing nothing about the crisis in Haiti “violates every notion of decency”.
Shut down ICC before it starts WWIII
Anyone who has observed the antics of the “International Criminal Court” over the years will note that its modus operandi is to observe international conflicts from the sidelines, then rush in to drag off the loser to face a “justice” whose outcome was already determined on the battlefield.
Free breakfast programme good, if it lasts
I write this letter regarding the Davis administration’s recent announcement of the National Free Breakfast Programme (NFBP), an initiative designed to benefit public school students across The Bahamas. As a parent and advocate for equitable education, this proposal has captured my attention and sparked a flurry of thoughts concerning its potential implications.
Rhema Otabor wins NCAA javelin title
NEBRASKA'S junior Rhema Otabor got the early lead and held on for a personal best and collegiate leading mark to win the women's javelin title at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Austin, Texas.
Wildcats, Avengers upset in flag football semi-finals
The Bahamas Flag Football League (BFFL) semifinals saw both defending champions ousted from the playoffs this past weekend.
Morgan’s Bluff, Andros to host Bahamas Games sloop sailing
Morgan's Bluff, Andros will host the sloop sailing competition during the return of the Bahamas Games next month – with all other events being staged in New Providence.
Baha Mar Resort Foundation hosts first golf invitational
The Baha Mar Resort Foundation hosted an inaugural golf invitational this past weekend at the Royal Blue Golf Club.
LETTER TO THE BUSINESS EDITOR: Freeport can no longer be 'nation within nation'
I would like to weigh in on the issue of whether the Government should “invite” the families that presently own the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and related companies to remove themselves and establish a government-controlled GBPA for the future.
Education reform still a 'critical endeavour'
In a rapidly evolving world where information is readily accessible, the ability to think critically has become an indispensable skill.
Bahamas poised for first on NYSE listing
The Bahamas is poised to be the first country to list a “natural asset” on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with "conservative" forecasts that it could generate between $300m-$400m in new revenues from monetising blue carbon credits.
New faces, same story
ActivTrades
The re-elected Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, wanted to calm the markets and settle the Turkish currency crisis with the new finance minister, Mehmet Şimşek. But the plan did not work, and the lira hit a new record low on Friday last week.
Sunday, June 11
Woman shot after police bullet ricochets off pit bull
A WOMAN was being treated Sunday after a bullet fired by police was said to have hit her after ricocheting off a pit bull dog.
Deputy PM releases statement on Exuma flooding
Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Exuma and Ragged Island Chester Cooper has released a statement concerning the flooding in Exuma.
Saturday, June 10
Police search for suspect after 14-year-old boy shot
Police are requesting the public’s help in locating a male responsible for shooting a juvenile male on Saturday.
Friday, June 9
Search continues for plane that reportedly crashed east of Exuma Cays
The search is continuing for a 66-year-old American man whose plane reportedly crashed east of the Exuma Cays on Friday.
BPSU members call for meeting with PM
DOZENS of financial and accounting officers gathered outside the Prime Minister’s office Friday in a show of frustration at the lack of promotions in the Finance Ministry.
Deputy PM: Strong investor interest in Grand Bahama, big announcements coming
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Minister for Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, said there is strong investor interest in Grand Bahama and that there are some big announcements coming soon for the island.
Deputy PM: New Grand Bahama airport on track to open first quarter of 2025
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Minister of Tourism, Investment, and Aviation, said the development of a new airport in Grand Bahama is still on track for opening in the first quarter of 2025.
Arinthia Komolafe pays tribute to Chris Mortimer
FORMER Democratic National Alliance Leader Arinthia Komolafe said she was “deeply saddened” by the death of her former colleague, Christopher Mortimer, and expressed condolences to his family.
American man arrested after firearm, ammunition found
AN American man was arrested in Grand Bahama after an illegal firearm and ammunition were discovered following a search of a vessel on Thursday.
Four year sentence for drug charges
A MAN was sentenced to four years in prison for having nearly $2m worth of marijuana in two separate drug arrests.
Man accused of having unlicensed gun, body armour
A MAN was granted bail on Friday after he was accused of having an unlicensed loaded gun and body armour earlier this month.
Man accused of assault with intent to rape, jailed for deceit of public officer
A MAN was jailed for deceit of a public officer after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman in her apartment while she was quarantined for COVID-19 last year.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Careful consideration needed on how sponsorship of The Bahamas’ new national sport is done
THERE’S a temptation brewing on the waters, especially the churned-up waters around regattas. Now that sailing is the national sport - a much-welcomed and long overdue move - the attention to one version of the sport, Bahamian native sloop sailing, is greater than ever.
* SKYGUARD | METEOROLOGY DEPT. 6PM FRIDAY 9th, June 2023 - FUTURE RADAR eAlert *
Friday, 10th June, 2023.
GB native achieves his dream to become a pilot
ROBERT Clarke Jr, a 29-year-old Bahamian pilot with Silver Airways, received a warm Bahamian welcome after making his first flight to The Bahamas on May 28.
Thompson say that Davis administration’s budget doesn’t account for $110m BPL loan
KWASI Thompson, former State Minister for Finance, said the Davis administration presented an incomplete budget that does not include all estimates as required by law.
EDITORIAL: US VP visit more than just the show
CONVOYS of police and secure vehicles, a military helicopter overhead – and smiles and handshakes at the airport. The arrival of Vice President Kamala Harris to The Bahamas yesterday brought quite a show.
UK tells Bahamas: Let’s expand 295% export rise
The UK wants to build on last year's 295.1 percent increase in Bahamian exports and thus cure its "historical commercial underrepresentation" in this nation, its trade chief for Latin America and the Caribbean has revealed.
Cruise giant slashes PI buildings by 24k sq ft
Royal Caribbean has pledged to reduce the size of building structures for its $100m Paradise Island project by a combined 24,000 square feet while "building the least amount of infrastructure as possible".
Developer eyes $5m New Providence move
A Bahamian developer yesterday disclosed it plans to invest up to $5m in developing a 2.3-acre project close to Lake Cunningham that will provide medical services to western New Providence residents.
FTX: $7.7bn owed to Bahamas ‘misleading’
A key financial adviser to FTX's US chief yesterday disputed as "misleading" assertions that some $7.7bn is currently owed to the failed crypto exchange's Bahamian subsidiary.
Georgetown, Exuma sees heavy rain and flooding with more expected
A LACK of proper drainage caused significant flooding, expanded potholes and road deterioration in Georgetown, Exuma, this week amid rainy weather.
PHA announces 24-hour hotline to report misconduct and abuse
THE Public Hospitals Authority has created a 24-hour hotline to report misconduct and abuse.
VP tells LGBT advocate: We’re here to support you
VICE President Kamala Harris signalled her support for expanding LGBT rights in The Bahamas when she arrived yesterday.
High security as VP roadshow rolls into Nassau
WHEN US Vice President Kamala Harris visited The Bahamas yesterday, some residents found themselves in the middle of one of the most tightly choreographed security operations in the world.
US Vice President pledges over $50m in humanitarian funding for Haiti
UNITED States Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed the US support for developing a multinational security force to address the crisis in Haiti while announcing humanitarian assistance for the nation.
'Impossible situation' fear on FTX Bahamas wind-up
FTX Bahamas' liquidators yesterday warned they will be placed in "an impossible situation" if they are forced into a "never-ending" legal battle with their US counterparts as operating cash has dwindled to less than $1m.
US VP: WE’LL TEAM UP TO HELP THE CARIBBEAN – Pledges made on guns, Haiti and climate change
UNITED States Vice President Kamala Harris announced efforts to combat gun trafficking, provide concessionary funding and tackle climate change yesterday during the highest-profile visit an American official has made to The Bahamas in decades.
Former DNA leader Chris Mortimer dead at 53
CHRISTOPHER Mortimer, the former interim leader of the Democratic National Alliance, died yesterday at 53.
Education and the way ahead
Good, better and best are the clear and present options we may select from as The Bahamas moves beyond its first half century as an Independent nation. As far as the area of education is concerned, the choices should be clear. We may or may not have a good system now, but it certainly can be made better. Just when The Bahamas would achieve the best possible educational system is the question we should be focusing on now and into the near future.
Exuma man accused of $3,000 shopbreaking spree remanded until trial
A MAN was denied bail after being implicated in a shop-breaking spree in Exuma where he allegedly stole more than $3,000 worth of goods.
Sidelined prison commissioner’s trial date set for November 27
THE trial date for prison commissioner Charles Murphy’s lawsuit against the government has been set for November 27.
Metrology Lab strengthens Bahamas Standards Bureau
THE Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) hosted the 2023 Bahamas National Quality Policy Re-Engagement Forum yesterday, introducing a new mass metrology lab.
Govt’s MYGATEWAY portal hits 100K users, as additional services soon to be added
MYGATEWAY, the government’s centralized system for digital services, now has 100k registered users.
Terrence Jones in NCAA 200m final
AFTER missing out on the opportunity to advance in the men's 100 metres, Terrence Jones made sure he secured his berth into the final of the 200m at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Outdoor Championships.
Joel Forbes breaks Chris Brown’s 800m national record
CHRIS 'Fireman' Brown said he was surprised that it took 25 years for his Bahamian men's national 800 metre record to be broken.
AIMING TO MAKE HISTORY: Wildcats target fourth straight league title
The Paradise Games Wildcats are aiming to complete an historical feat in The Bahamas Flag Football League (BFFL): winning four straight league titles.
Chris Brown is proud of Lakers track and field team
HAVING just completed his fifth season as the head coach at Clayton State University, Golden Knight Chris 'Fireman' Brown said he could not be prouder of the achievement of his Laker’s track and field team.
Bahamas National Swimming Championships get underway next weekend
The Bahamas Aquatics Federation will host the 2023 Bahamas National Swimming Championships next weekend. The 51st edition of the swimming nationals will commence from June 15 to June 18 at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex. The event will feature age groups of 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17 and 18 and over. The event will serve as an early qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the CARIFTA swimming championships in April next year.
Cost rises take 30% bite out of AML Foods profits
AML Foods yesterday revealed that increased costs and inflation took a bite out of its annual profits after net income for the 12 months to end-April 2023 declined by 30 percent year-over-year.
Chloe Rounce on course for US-Kids Golf World Junior Championships
CHLOE Rounce, who now resides in Florida, will be one of the few Bahamians participating in the US-Kids Golf World Junior Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina from August 2-6.
Thursday, June 8
STATESIDE: Crowded GOP presidential race may favour Trump for better or worse
The Republican Party may be repeating a mistake from 2016 as they get set for a bruising campaign to choose their nominee for 2024. By the end of this week, the field of candidates who have formally declared their intention to seek the GOP nomination for president next year will have reached ten, and could exceed a dozen by the end of this month.
FRONT PORCH: The virtue of a life-long pursuit of personal growth and wisdom
In 1941, in his early 70s, after an extraordinary career and a dozen years before his death at 84, the brilliant French artist Henri Matisse underwent surgery following a diagnosis of abdominal cancer. He was left bed- and chair-ridden. Sculpturing and painting were now too physically challenging.
RTD amendment takes aim at illegal self drive services
THE government will amend the Road Traffic Act to prevent people from renting their vehicles without obtaining a self-drive public service licence.
Govt to increase annual boat registration fees while eliminating duty and VAT on new vessels
THE government is increasing annual boat registration fees while eliminating duty and value-added tax on vessel purchases.
Court upholds $10k fine ruling in reckless driving death appeal
THE Court of Appeal upheld a man’s $10k fine for causing his uncle’s death in a reckless driving incident in 2020.
Tourist bitten by shark while on snorkeling tour in Freeport
An American woman was attacked by a shark in waters south of Taino Beach, Grand Bahama, on Wednesday.
New funding for region announced as Vice President arrives
AS United States Vice President Kamala Harris arrives in The Bahamas today, a wave of funding has been announced for the region, with more than $100m in new assistance.
$13.4bn flowed through FTX Bahamas accounts
Some $13.4bn flowed through FTX's Bahamas accounts in the ten months immediately prior to the crypto exchange's collapse, its liquidators revealed yesterday, as they sought to dispel allegations it was "a nullity".
Marina chief: Fee rise now 'makes way more sense'
A former Association of The Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president yesterday argued the Government could have allayed fears over major hikes in yacht and boat registration fees if its Budget messaging was better.
Budget not matching transparency pledges
Governance reformers yesterday charged that the Government's promises of enhanced transparency and accountability are not matched by financial allocations in the 2023-2024 Budget.
PM defends frequent travel as conducting ‘strategic international relations’
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave” Davis defended his frequent travels yesterday, tying US Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to his engagement with global leaders.
GB businesses call on govt and GBPA to stimulate Freeport’s economy
Freeport business licensees want the government to work closely with the Grand Bahama Port Authority to collectively find ways to stimulate the Grand Bahama’s economy.
Mitchell: Members of Public Service Commission should be full-time to address public servants backlog
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said members of the Public Service Commission should be employed full-time to address the backlog of public servants waiting to be confirmed.
Moody’s: Govt must broaden revenue
Moody's yesterday asserted that hitting the Government's fiscal targets "rests on broadening the revenue base" as a prominent banker urged the administration: "Stop saying no new taxes."
Thompson accuses Davis of subverting democratic process
FORMER State Finance Minister Kwasi Thompson accused the Davis administration of trying to subvert democratic processes by introducing taxes without following established parliamentary procedures.
Govt already supporting Grand Bahama, says Mitchell
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said the government is already sustaining Grand Bahama, pushing back against critics who fear the government would take over the Grand Bahama Port Authority.
PM: Despite efforts, crime rates not reduced
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis admitted his administration’s efforts to tackle social ills have not significantly reduced crime rates.
GIBSON SAYS DON’T WAIT TO RAISE NIB RATES: Former Labour Minister says 2024 economy may be no better
SHANE GIBSON, a former labour minister responsible for the National Insurance Board, believes the Davis administration should raise NIB contribution rates now rather than wait until 2024, warning next year might be no better for a rate hike than the current economic environment.
NFL Flag football first for Bahamas
With the National Football League (NFL) Flag family seeking to expand in the region, The Bahamas became the first Caribbean country to join the organisation. The historic announcement was made at a press conference yesterday at the Thomas A Robinson stadium.
Murder held accused of homicide while on bail for murder
A MAN was jailed after allegedly killing someone on bail for murder last month –– the same man he allegedly attempted to kill earlier this year.
Man found guilty of fraudulently distributing Crown Land
A MAN was found guilty of fraudulently distributing Crown Land acquisition letters to two churches in 2021.
Dodge Da Pothole
Please note: 1. The development of this role playing game (RPG) is under consideration, and the following outlines initial thoughts for the game. 2. The setting for the game is the existing five mile stretch of road on Great Exuma between Augusta Bay Resort and the western Rolle Town wall. For convenience, we’ll refer to it as Pothole Alley. Over the past two years, most of the road to the west of Augusta Bay has been resurfaced and presents few hazards beyond the usual: speeding autos, dump trucks loaded with flying gravel and semis apparently participating in an Indy 500, distracted drivers, etc.
Port authority
Thanks for allowing me this space in your newspaper, I read an article (Letters, May 10) and was totally flabbergasted as to the title “the government boots on the necks of the GBPA and the Grand Bahamian people”. My intentions are every time there is an article in your or any publication highlighting the good of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and its groups of companies, it’s published, if someone has another view it’s not.
Bahamas All-Pro Football Camp set to return this month
The second edition of the Bahamas All-Pro Football Camp will get underway on Saturday, June 24 at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium. The star-studded camp will get take place from 12-3pm.
New head coach could help Ayton shine at the Suns
Phoenix Suns centre and Bahamian National Basketball Association (NBA) player Deandre Ayton could see his talents maximised once again this upcoming NBA season. There is a newfound optimism surrounding the Bahamian centre after the team hired Frank Vogel as their new head coach following the firing of previous coach Monty Williams after the playoffs. The team was ousted from the 2023 NBA playoff semifinals after the Denver Nuggets defeated them in a 25-point blowout win to end their season.
BLTA junior nationals this weekend
The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) will host their junior nationals for the younger division starting this week Friday at 9am. The event will kick off for the youngsters at the National Tennis Center (NTC) and will run from June 10-11. The tennis action will feature the under 8 and 10 divisions and will be a first time nationals performance for many of the younger tennis players.
Wednesday, June 7
ALICIA WALLACE: Take pride in who you are
ANOTHER year, another month of June, another observation of Pride Month. For the third consecutive year, the US Embassy has decided to fly the Pride flag at the Queen Street chancery at at Liberty Overlook, the residence of the US Ambassador.
Halkitis says govt monitoring oil production cuts in Saudi Arabia
ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said the government is monitoring global oil production amid reports that Saudi Arabia would cut daily oil output by one million barrels in July.
EDITORIAL: One wait on NIB is over - another begins
AND so the long wait for an answer about the National Insurance fund is over. Or at least in part.
Inspectorate recommends more robust system to review police complaints and corruption branch
THE Police Complaints Inspectorate recommends the government create a more robust administrative system to support the body’s purpose: reviewing the work of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s complaints and corruption branch.
Police files received on two Bahamians who died in Italy, more information needed
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said Italian authorities had given their Bahamian counterparts the investigative file on two Bahamian men who died suspiciously in Italy three years ago, bringing local investigators closer to a conclusion about what happened.
FNM chairman says Davis administration is ‘selling a dream’
LATRAE Rahming, director of communications in the Office of Prime Minister, defended the Davis administration’s increases to the budget for the OPM’s communications unit after Free National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands accused the administration of having misplaced priorities.
Over 100 to be employed to build community centre in Nassau Village
GOVERNMENT officials broke ground yesterday on a Nassau Village community centre that is expected to provide more than 100 jobs over its 14-month construction period.
Ex-PM: 'Grave mistake' on $86m hospital funds
A former prime minister is charging that the Government made "a grave mistake" by returning more than $86m in low-cost financing for Princess Margaret Hospital's (PMH) expansion to the original lender.
BAIC, ZNS get $5.7m for arrears 'clean up'
The Ministry of Finance's top official yesterday said the $5.7m allocated for "balance sheet clean-up" at two loss-making government agencies will likely "widen" in upcoming fiscal years to other state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
'Hanging' no longer: PM affirms NIB rate increase
Private sector executives last night voiced relief that The Bahamas is no longer "hanging on this thing" after the Prime Minister confirmed a National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rate increase will be implemented on July 1, 2024.
Levy-raising power is 'too open ended'
Governance reformers yesterday argued that the discretion afforded the minister of finance by proposed legislation enabling the introduction of so-called 'sin' or 'sugar' taxes is "too open ended".
BTC targets Internet lead with 90% fibre coverage
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is aiming to cover 90 percent of New Providence with its new fibre network within the next nine months as it placed broadband Internet at the core of yesterday's corporate rebranding.
Saudi oil production cuts fuel concerns of soaring prices locally at the pump
SAUDI Arabia’s plan to cut oil output is exacerbating petroleum retailers’ concerns over their current price-controlled margins regime, according to Vasco Bastian, vice president of the Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association.
Adrian Gibson says roads in Long Island are in ‘unacceptable’ shape
THE state of the roads in Long Island has been criticised by the local Member of Parliament, Adrian Gibson, who declared: “Enough is enough!”
Claims improper practice used in rental of consumer protection office
THE deputy chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission claims improper practices led the government to choose the agency’s new rental space, a claim Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis denied yesterday.
Some Parliamentarians have STILL not disclosed
SOME elected officials have still not complied with financial disclosure requirements in 2023, according to Public Disclosure Commission Chairman Bishop Victor Cooper.
Police in Azario shooting appeal coroner’s ruling
THE police officers who killed Azario Major have officially appealed the Coroner’s Court finding of homicide by manslaughter, claiming a pre-trial video made it impossible for jurors to remain impartial and independent.
PM: NIB RATE TO RISE – BUT NOT FOR A YEAR: Davis announces July 2024 date but not size of increase
THE National Insurance Board may lose nearly $100m this year now that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis confirmed there would be no contribution rate increase until July 1st, 2024, deepening the fund’s woes.
Dream of a Freeport Utopian city
Freeport as a Start-Up City and the creation of the world’s first AquaMarine Economy Model.
GB Deck the Roundabout 50th Independence competition announced with $20K in prizes
GRAND Bahamians are encouraged to demonstrate their pride and patriotism by decorating businesses, homes - and, yes, roundabouts for the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.
Devynne Charlton 2nd
After a five-week break to deal with an ankle injury, it was business as usual for high hurdler Devynne Charlton.
Jonquel, Liberty look to bounce back after Sunday’s loss to Sky
BAHAMIAN Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) player Jonquel Jones and the New York Liberty will look to bounce back from this past weekend’s loss against the Chicago Sky.
Bains & Grants Town Summer Games July 24 to August 12
FOLLOWING a successful trial run last year, Member of Parliament Wayde Watson and his committee are looking forward to the hosting of their second annual Bains & Grants Town Summer Games.
BAAA Track & Field champs set for next month
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is anticipating a grand affair when they host their Senior and Junior National Track and Field Championships next month.
Sensei Shawn Smith says karate tournament was a great success
THE Bassai Bahamas Karate-Do hosted the second edition of the open karate tourney/Bahamas Karate Championships this past weekend at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium.
Oil price rise to harden Gov'ts margin stance
A Cabinet minister yesterday warned that any spike in global oil prices caused by Saudi Arabia's imminent production cut will further harden the Government's stance against granting petroleum retailers a margin increase.
Local excursion operators: Tax foreign charters more
Bahamian excursion operators yesterday said this nation should ban foreign yacht charters on vessels below a certain length as well as requiring this sector to pay Business Licence and work permits fees.
Bahamas can’t escape making hard decisions
In his second and final article, Hubert Edwards says the country cannot ignore warning signs despite there being cause for cautious optimism
My first article encompassed an assessment of the opening Budget communication by the Prime Minister, arguing that the numbers are positive but necessarily rest on confirmation of the 2022-2023 fiscal year's last quarter performance. It also went beyond the numbers to look at the issues which hold significance for the fiscal year ahead. This article continues with a consideration of emerging themes.
Tuesday, June 6
100 celebrated in BTVI dean’s list ceremony
The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) celebrated almost 100 high achievers during the institutes inaugural Dean’s List ceremony.
Student spotlight
Davaughn Major was named the Outstanding Senior Scholar of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Central State University.
Stars that shine among graduates
The University of The Bahamas (UoB) held its spring commencement ceremony on May 25 propelling 583 graduates from nine academic units towards successful careers throughout the country.
PETER YOUNG: Global summits, where countries meet to establish consensus and end with compromise
It became one of Winston Churchill’s better known maxims – “Jaw, jaw is better than war, war”. Britain’s famous Second World War leader was talking about the desirability of dialogue over destruction in the conduct of relations between states. This put the lie to accusations that he was a warmonger when the evidence showed that he opposed the use of force rather than negotiation with an aggressor in order to protect his country’s interests.
FACE TO FACE: Patriotic, beautiful and proud to be Bahamian
ON July 10, 1973, moments after the midnight hour, the beautiful black, golden yellow and aquamarine Bahamian flag was hoisted for the first time in history.
PM on fuel margin: ‘There has to be balance between profitability and affordability’
PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said his administration believes gas retailers can profit in the current business environment despite their complaints and demands for adjustments to the price-controlled margin regime.
Murder victim remembered as peaceful man who struggled with addiction
NEIGHBOURS of a 65-year-old man beaten to death identified him as Michael “Mikey” Pratt, a peaceful man who appeared to struggle with drug and alcohol addiction.
Union says revised diploma criteria creates greater inclusiveness
THE Bahamas Educators Counsellors and Allied Workers Union president defended the revised criteria for a high school diploma yesterday, saying the changes create greater inclusiveness for students with different learning styles.
BTVI faculty protest stalled negotiations, calls for govt intervention
FACULTY of Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute protested stalled industrial agreement negotiations yesterday.
FNM says Davis administration’s VAT deadline change placing ‘pitfalls’ in way of entrepreneurs
THE Free National Movement bashed the Davis administration for its impending change to the value added tax reporting deadline, stressing the government continues to place burden on businesses.
Davis: ‘We stand for consumer rights’ at opening of Consumer Affairs new offices
THE Ministry of Economic Affairs opened the Consumer Affairs and the Consumer Protection Commission building yesterday, with Prime Minister Philip "Brave" Davis calling the opening an “historic milestone”.
Budget deals marinas 'another slap in face'
A former Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president yesterday asserted that the Budget has dealt the industry "another slap in the face" through multiple fee increases for dockage and vessel registration.
'Can't tax Bahamas into better health'
Caribbean Bottling Company's top executive yesterday warned "you cannot tax a country into good health" amid private sector fears that a so-called 'sugar tax' will be a “poison pill” for small business.
Gov't eyes air freight terminal outsourcing
The Government is eyeing a proposal to outsource Lynden Pindling International Airport's (LPIA) freight terminal to private sector developers and operators, it has been revealed.
BPL set for a 'maturity audit'
Regulators are searching for consultants to conduct a "maturity audit" of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) in a bid to assess the energy monopoly's performance and develop better regulatory oversight.
Haywards ready for GBPA 'sell down' to right partner
The Hayward family is willing to part with some of its Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) ownership interest to aid Freeport's revival, it was revealed yesterday, but does not believe the Government should take "majority" control.
Lincoln Bain allowed appeal to Privy Council
THE Court of Appeal has granted Lincoln Bain permission to appeal its decision supporting a Supreme Court order that he repay monies on a failed investment.
Ann Marie Davis responds to Rex Major
ANN Marie Davis, the spouse of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, has invited prominent pastor Rex Major to get more informed about marital rape.
Davis: ‘We cannot afford for National Insurance to fail’
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis suggested increasing National Insurance Board contribution rates is on the table for the government.
PM: Sin tax? Not this year
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the government would not introduce a sin tax anytime soon.
HUBERT EDWARDS: Bahamas can’t afford for fiscal forecast miss
The Davis administration has delivered a Budget which, while leaving room for discussion and debate on many fronts, gives numbers which are very positive and welcoming news from a fiscal and debt management perspective. The projections suggest that The Bahamas is on the path to a turnaround in its fortunes, providing international and domestic investors with a level of certainty that would not have been anticipated two years ago. But every aspect of this turns on what the final outturn of the 2022-23 fiscal year will be.
PM's GBPA warning leaves investors 'hanging out there'
Private sector executives yesterday voiced concern that the Prime Minister's "decisive action" warning to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and its principals will deter potential investment in Freeport.
Gov't still focused on food and medicine price control
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government "feels inclined" to expand price controls on food and medicines, after previous such initiatives ended earlier this year, as it takes a "stand for consumer rights".
Police performance
The Royal Bahamas Police Force continues its remarkable standard of performance in the “War on Crime”.
Marital rape and our laws
There is talk of a coming change to our marriage laws. To the extent the new law criminalises non consensual sex within marriage, it would in our view, be unconstitutional for two reasons. First, Article 22 Constitution protects freedom of conscience. This includes we say, the right to be married in accordance with one’s religious beliefs, especially where the belief was practised at the time the Constitution was passed. Since Christians and Jews are married on terms that exclude marital rape, a law criminalising non consensual sex within marriage may be seen as an attack on them.
Cruise ship passenger accused
A Virginia man has been charged with abusive sexual contact after an incident with a nine-year-old girl on a Carnival cruise ship that visited The Bahamas.
Cara earns pro card
While Jason Johnnson got a chance to demonstrate that he could compete with his peers in the region on the professional stage, Cara Saunders became the latest Bahamian to earn her pro bodybuilding card.
WIN OR GO HOME: Flag football quarterfinals heat up
THE Bahamas Flag Football League (BFFL) playoffs got underway this past weekend at the Winton Rugby Field.
Felix Neely Jr national cycling champion
AFTER two days of inclement weather, Felix Neely Jr was crowned the national male cycling champion at the 50th Independence National Road Cycling Championships in Grand Bahama.
Monday, June 5
WORLD VIEW: Autonomous weapons – a real and urgent danger to people
AS if small states, with limited financial and human resources to safeguard their societies, do not confront enough grave challenges, along comes the phenomenon of “autonomous weapons” – probably the most frightening technological development that has yet been created.
INSIGHT: Who really has Downtown’s interests at heart?
THERE is something of a phony war going on – with Downtown Nassau being pulled this way and that like a chew toy.
Police intercept 22 illegal migrants on a boat west of New Providence
TWENTY-TWO illegal immigrants, including two children and an infant, were apprehended on Saturday when their vessel was intercepted west of New Providence.
Parents accuse teacher at Palmdale Primary of bullying their children
PARENTS have accused a teacher at Palmdale Primary School of bullying their children, prompting two to remove their child from her class and one to send her son to a different school.
EDITORIAL: Honesty best policy on taxation
When is a tax rise not a tax rise?
THE KDK REPORT: The more things change, the more they stay the same
FROM the sixth to the 16th century, the Roman Catholic church was by far the most dominant religion in Great Britain.
‘My dog was hours from death’
WHEN Rex was six months old, his owner, Karen Silverman, learned the puppy would die within hours if she didn’t get him the proper medical treatment.
The Privy Council ‘do not understand elements of the Bahamian justice system’ Munroe says
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said a recent Privy Council ruling raises questions about whether the government should ensure “duty lawyers” or Justices of the Peace are present when people confess to serious crimes in custody.
Women’s rights activists sceptical of govt plan to build women’s shelter
SOME women’s rights advocates are sceptical of the government’s plan to build a shelter for women victims of abuse.
PAC looks into Consumer Protection Commission agency rental space concern
FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard said the deputy chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission expressed concerns to the Public Accounts Committee about the selection process surrounding the agency’s new rental space.
Key tax arrears jump $230m to hit $1.13bn
Tax arrears owed to the Government from three key revenue streams increased by a collective $230m during the first nine months of the current fiscal year to hit $1.13bn at end-March 2023.
20% of Gov'ts fixed costs go to debt bill
One out of every $5 spent by the Government on its recurrent costs during the upcoming 2023-2024 fiscal year will go towards paying the $612.726m interest bill on its outstanding $11bn-plus national debt.
Property tax cap up 25% to hit $150,000
Bahamian realtors have given a mixed reaction to the Government's decision to increase the annual real property tax cap by 25 percent to $150,000.
New hope
ActivTrades
The averted US debt default, and positive data from the American jobs market, put international investors in a buying mood. In Germany, the Dax index jumped over the 16,000 point mark last Friday. Wall Street also closed higher.
Mitchell and GBPA spar over investments
IN response to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ criticisms that the Hawksbill Creek Agreement model does not work, the Grand Bahama Port Authority said Freeport’s economy is showing signs of recovery with more than $1.5 billion in foreign direct investments well underway.
FNM Leader calls on Davis to confirm Frazier as DPP
FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard said the Davis administration should quickly confirm Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier in the substantive position given the many politically sensitive cases she may be required to address.
Gov't ready to guarantee Nassau's $290m hospital
The Government is prepared to guarantee the $290m financing for New Providence's new hospital, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday, adding: "This is a worthwhile investment for the Bahamian people."
Pintard says PM misled on budget taxes claim
FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard accused Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis of misleading Parliament, saying bills tabled last week show that the government is raising taxes.
Murder count at 50 as two men killed on the weekend
TWO men were killed over the weekend, bringing the murder tally for the year to 50.
$1M LAWSUIT FILED BY AZARIO FAMILY: Lawyer for police officers is appealing the ‘homicide by manslaughter’ ruling
THE family of Azario Major is seeking more than $1m in damages for the police-involved killing of their relative, according to a writ filed in the Supreme Court.
VP visit is opportunity on climate
US Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to The Bahamas presents an ideal opportunity to jumpstart our national sustainability and resilience-building efforts in the face of the urgent threats to our economy and communities posed by global warming and climate change.
Backward attacks
In order to understand the backwardness of certain opposition politicians, who reflexively oppose progressive tax reform, one has to put into perspective what they are actually advocating and defending.
Harbour Island in disarray
I am immensely concerned about the increasing number of incidents of crime involving dangerous drugs and illegal firearms that are taking place on Harbour Island. Since the beginning of the year, the Royal Bahamas Police Force has reported several incidences of drug and firearm seizures on that island.
Anthonique clocks season’s best 10.99 in 100m
Anthonique Strachan continues to display her consistent level of success in leading a field of Bahamians competing on Saturday at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica.
PM promises 50 metre pool for Grand Bahama
LOOK for the construction of a new 50-metre pool in Grand Bahama and the development of various facilities throughout the Family Islands during this fiscal year of the Progressive Liberal Party’s tenure in office.
BAAA Age Group Trials, Kids’ Athletics combine hailed a success
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations hosted a successful combined Age Group Trials and Kids Athletics Championships over the weekend at the original Thomas A Robinson national stadium.
Bahamas Bowl returns December 16
THE ninth edition of the 2023 HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl will return to Bahamian soil on Saturday, December 16. The event is set to kick off at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium at 11am to commence the start of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Football bowl season.
Skippers celebrate victory
THE 54th annual Long Island Regatta came to a close on Saturday in Salt Pond, Long Island, with the New Legend, New Susan Chase and Sassi Sue all emerging as the divisional winners.
ArawakX accounts unfrozen following battle with financier
A Bahamian crowdfunding platform yesterday confirmed multiple accounts it holds with Bank of The Bahamas have been unfrozen after a dispute with one of its founding financiers impacted "probably thousands" of investors for months.
Ensuring postal service embraces 21st century
Despite being a critical driver of economic growth, The Bahamas' postal service is currently lagging in its operations.
Halkitis: We'll meet targets - and beat them
A cabinet minister said that the government will “achieve” and “surpass” the budget targets in terms of the deficit with a goal to get the debt to GDP down to 50 percent by 2031.
Sweeting: Cultivation centre to open by end of the month
The Gladstone Road cultivation centre is 90 percent complete and will be ready for opening by the end of the month.
Petroleum retailers agree to 'phased in' margin increase
Bahamian petroleum retailers yesterday said they will accept a "phased in" 30 cent per gallon margin increase as they urged the Prime Minister to meet with the sector this week "to put this baby to sleep".
Sunday, June 4
Saturday, June 3
Police seek three suspects after man shot multiple times
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying and locating three men who are responsible for shooting a man on Saturday afternoon.
Friday, June 2
State-recognised funeral for Al Dillette
The state-recognised funeral for Al Dillette was held at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King in Freeport on Thursday.
Thursday, June 1
Police outline safety measures and road closures for Labour Day
HEADING into the 62nd Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day, police outlined some law and order measures and precautions for the public to adhere to during the weekend celebrations.
Minister says PM will address NIB concerns next week
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis will address concerns relating to the National Insurance Board (NIB) next Wednesday, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said on Thursday.
Ministry reveals revisions to High School Diploma
AFTER longstanding public outcry on the criteria of the Bahamas High School Diploma, the Ministry of Education announced on Friday several revisions that have been made.
Education Director: We want to remove every barrier that we can to education
EDUCATION Director Dominique Russell says the government’s new National School Breakfast Programme brings the country one step closer to eradicating poverty, which is one of the major barriers to educational opportunities for students, especially for those chronically absent.
Grand Bahama Port Authority: Decisive action required to continue to achieve promise of Hawksbill Creek Agreement
IN response to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ criticisms that the Hawksbill Creek Agreement model does not work, the Grand Bahama Port Authority said Freeport’s economy is showing signs of recovery with more than $1.5 billion in foreign direct investments well underway.
Port Authority announces storm readiness plan ahead of upcoming hurricane season
As June 1 marks the beginning of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd has announced the completion of its storm readiness plan to mitigate against any storm event.
Plane crashes 10 miles north of Andros – all five on board rescued by Police Marine Support Unit
The Police Marine Support Unit has rescued all five people on board a plane that crashed 10 miles north of Andros on Thursday afternoon.
STATESIDE: No Labels independent party could play role of spoiler to democratic presidential bid in 2024
A new political movement has ambitions for next year that scare Democrats right down to their shoes. It’s called No Labels, and its leaders aspire to offer a third-party candidate for president in 2024. Dems feel this will hand an election to Trump that he couldn’t otherwise win. History shows they might be correct.
FRONT PORCH: The life and times of an extraordinary patriot
We last spoke on May 11, the 95th birthday of George’s beloved friend, Arthur. This journal’s managing editor asked who the paper might contact to pay tribute to Sir Arthur Foulkes, five years shy of becoming a centenarian.
EDITORIAL: What the Budget did not say
WHEN taking the time to sit down and examine yesterday’s Budget communication by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, it is as important to look at what was not said as much as what was.
Deficit's 75% cut hinges on $400m revenue surge
The Ministry of Finance's top official yesterday asserted he is "very confident" the Government will increase revenues by $400m year-over-year, and slash its fiscal deficit by 75 percent, in the absence of new and/or increased taxes.
Gov't near-tripling cruise departure tax to $145m
The Government is aiming to near-triple revenues earned from departing cruise passengers to $145m in the 2023-2024 Budget via a series of new and increased fees, it was revealed yesterday.
'Throwing darts': PM pledges 'decisive action' on Freeport
The Prime Minister's decision to put the Grand Bahama Port Authority's (GBPA) owners on notice that he plans to take "decisive action" to halt Freeport's two-decade decline yesterday provoked mixed reactions from residents and politicians.
Bahamas is exploring 'debt for nature' swap
The Government is exploring a "debt-for-nature swap" with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) that could result in at portion of its $11.2bn national debt being forgiven, the Prime Minister said yesterday.
VAT filing cut for $5m companies
The Ministry of Finance's top official yesterday voiced optimism it will "not be a big problem" for Bahamian companies with annual turnovers exceeding $5m to file and pay their VAT returns within 14 days.
Pintard says budget fails to address significant issues, including NIB
FREE National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard said the budget Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis discussed yesterday failed to live up to the hype.
US Embassy in Nassau celebrates Pride Month
THE US Embassy in Nassau kicked off Pride Month today by raising the rainbow flag at the Queen Street chancery and at Liberty Overlook, the Ambassador’s residence. The flag will fly throughout the month.
PM says $22m allocated to invest in and expand renewable energy in Bahamas
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis outlined his administration’s efforts to expand the use of renewable energy.
Funds for a women’s shelter for domestic violence victims will be allocated in new budget, PM says
THE government will build a shelter for women to strengthen support for domestic violence victims, according to Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis.
Davis announces organ transplant and food assistance programmes during budget debate
A National Organs Transplant programme and new food assistance programmes for students and adults will be funded in the upcoming fiscal year, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced yesterday.
Davis says it’s time for ‘decisive action’ on GBPA and the Hawksbill Creek Agreement
PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said his administration would take decisive action on the Grand Bahama Port Authority, declaring that the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, once key to Grand Bahama’s prosperity, no longer works.
Despite no new taxes, several new and adjusted fees announced
ALTHOUGH no new taxes will be introduced in the upcoming fiscal year, the Davis administration tabled bills in the House of Assembly yesterday that would increase fees for some services.
Constituency capital grants for MPs increases to $150k in new budget
ANNUAL constituency capital grants will increase by $50k per constituency in the government’s next fiscal year, totalling $150k.
PM reveals 2023 budget with no new taxes, pledges to improve collections
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the government is arresting the national debt and reducing the deficit, unveiling a budget yesterday that aims to improve the country’s fiscal performance through better tax collection rather than introducing new taxes.
DEIDRE BASTIAN: Embrace competition rather than fighting it
Competition is inevitable in the business world. It is not a necessary evil but, rather, an important part of the commercial ecosystem. Competition can be an effective tool for growing and improving your business. The presence of competition means that customers have the option to choose either your business or a rival.
DEREK SMITH: How social responsibility is affecting financial institutions
In recent years, environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors have become increasingly important for financial institutions. The ESG approach goes beyond traditional financial metrics, instead focusing on sustainability, responsible investment and ethical practices. This article aims to explore two negative, and two positive, aspects of ESG and how it can impact financial institutions.
Bahamians ‘on notice’ over credit delinquency
A Central Bank official has placed Bahamians "on notice" that they will no longer be able to "conceal" existing loan facilities or debt delinquencies when applying to lenders for new credit.
New healthcare facilities announced by the PM
Prime Minister Philip Davis announced yesterday new healthcare facilities for New Providence and Grand Bahama.
More funds for BAMSI and farmers markets
Prime Minister Philip Davis announced the government will maintain capital expenditure in agriculture.
“What does decisive action mean?”
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce's president yesterday said he wants more information on what the Prime Minister means on “decisive action” on the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).
Pintard differs with PM on GBPA
The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition share very different views on the future of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and how its engagement with the community on Grand Bahama should continue.
Pintard criticises ease of doing business
The Leader of the Opposition said the government has not improved the ease of doing business and said it is “quite the opposite".
What do patrols accomplish?
Greetings and thank you for the opportunity being afforded me, to make these several points for contemplation, analysis, accuracy and correctness, I appreciate it.
Prayers on the road to 50 years
Please allow me to express my observation on my experience during the Nation’s “Call To Prayer” during this “Road To 50” celebration.
BAAA Age Group Trials, Kids Athletics Championships combine starts today
The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) is set to host the combined Age Group Trials and Kids Athletics Championships starting today at 5pm. The three-day meet will run from Thursday to Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson stadium.
Centreville Primary ‘plays tennis’ for fourth week
CENTREVILLE Primary School students have made great strides since partaking in The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) Play Tennis programme for the spring session.
Bahamas Karate Championships get underway on Saturday
THE Bassai Bahamas Karate-Do will host the second edition of the open karate tourney this weekend at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium.
Tabernacle Baptist Falcons win title
GBSSAA Franco Miller/Scott Forbes/ Quinton Hall Big 3 Basketball Classic
THE Grand Bahama Secondary Schools Athletic Association hosted its Franco Miller/Scott Forbes/Quinton Hall Under-13 boys’ Big 3 Basketball Classic over the weekend at the YMCA Gymnasium.
Police investigate hit and run death
Police in New Providence are investigating after a man died in a hit and run on Monday night.
Police report over $100K in credit card fraud on Grand Bahama as cyber crime increases
Grand Bahama Police are investigating over $100,000 in reported credit card fraud on the island, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police BK Bonamy Jr.
