Friday, September 29
$30m capitalisation approved for Bahamas Development Bank
BAHAMAS Development Bank (BDB) Chairman Senator Quinton Lightbourne on Friday said the Cabinet has approved $30m capitalisation for the bank.
Events to be held across the nation for National Youth Month
THE kickstart of National Youth Month was announced by Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg on Friday.
Former attorney jailed for 18 months
A FORMER attorney was allowed one last weekend with his family before he will be taken into custody on Monday to serve an 18-month prison term after he accepted a plea deal for stealing $1.7 million from his clients.
Not guilty plea to murder, attempted murder charges
A MAN in court on Friday denied the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy in Montell Heights earlier this year.
Man charged with indecent assault
A physical education teacher was accused yesterday of inappropriately touching a teenage Eleuthera girl earlier this month.
Clubs & Societies: September 29, 2023
On Monday, September 8, the Kiwanis Club of Over-The-Hill continued its annual scholarship donation of $2,000 to BTVI’s scholarship fund. Initially, our focus was the Old Bight High School graduates and active Key Club members on Cat Island. We have since opened the scholarship to any eligible Family Island High School graduates.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Creative solutions needed to address society’s inequities
A MAN sleeps in his car, hoping it will not rain tonight so he can keep the windows open. Not far away, a few miles along the coast, another man writes a cheque for $3.2m for a beachfront condo he will use six weeks of the year.
ONE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION – Planning needed to preserve our distinct Bahamian culture
ON my first trip to The Bahamas in the spring of 2003, I brought a team of 30 students and faculty from Clemson University for a Spring Break mission trip.
EDITORIAL: By-election discussions reveals respect for Obie
IT IS noteworthy how respectful our political world has been following the death of Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Obie Wilchcombe.
Campbell applauds draft cannabis bill, says input from farmers necessary
AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell applauded the Davis administration’s push toward legislation amending the cannabis regime in the country.
Port Lucaya Marketplace struggling to attract guests despite cruise passenger numbers
EVEN though hundreds of cruise passengers visit Grand Bahama weekly, the Port Lucaya Marketplace struggles to attract guests.
Wynn agrees to ‘quashing’ first penthouse approvals
The developer of a 14-storey Goodman’s Bay penthouse complex has restarted its bid for planning permission after agreeing that the initial approvals granted to the project should be “quashed”.
‘Lucrative prospects’: ArawakX refutes $2.4m insolvency woes
The Bahamas’ first-ever crowd-funding platform is asserting it has “lucrative prospects” rather than a $2.4m solvency deficiency as it bids to defeat the Securities Commission’s bid to wind-up its operations.
AG brands The Bahamas’ insolvency regime ‘a joke’
The Attorney General yesterday branded The Bahamas’ corporate insolvency regime as “a joke” and pledged to reform outdated laws and regulations that continue to undermine the financial services industry’s competitiveness.
Regulator: Financial crime gaps up to 60% of licensee weakness
The Securities Commission’s top executive yesterday revealed that anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing non-compliance accounts for between 40-60 percent of licensee deficiencies.
Corporate income tax for Bahamas ‘mammoth task’
A leading Bermuda accountant yesterday warned The Bahamas that implementing a corporate income tax regime is a “mammoth task” that should not be underestimated.
Ferguson unofficial winner of BPSU votes
BAHAMAS Public Services Union president Kimsley Ferguson and his team unofficially won the BPSU’s latest election.
Man accused of molesting two sisters aged 9 and 6
A 23-year-old man was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of molesting his nine and six-year-old sisters last week.
Caribbean ‘must be united’ in climate change fight
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis renewed calls for Caribbean leaders to unite and secure tangible gains from developed nations in the fight against climate change.
Bain apologises for Daxon’s message shared about Obie Wilchcombe
COALITION of Independents leader Lincoln Bain apologised to the family of Obie Wilchcombe after the party’s deputy leader Maria Daxon shared a crass message about the former Cabinet minister on Whatsapp.
INGRAHAM TO FNM: SIT OUT BY-ELECTION ...but party will run after decision by council members
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham advised Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard not to contest the upcoming by-election for West End Grand Bahama and Bimini.
Bahamas Dragon Boat Festival this weekend
As the fastest growing sport in the Bahamas, Dr Christine Chin said she’s confident that the second annual Bahamas Dragon Boat Festival will encourage more Bahamians to get involved.
Fidelity Bahamas Optimist Championship starts today
YOUNG Bahamian sailors from New Providence, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco, Exuma, Long Island and Grand Bahama will compete in the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist Championship for the title of national optimist champion this weekend. Sailors from the US as well as the Cayman Islands will also be competing in this international event to be held in Montagu Bay.
Bowleg: ‘I am still trying to understand the trade by the Suns’
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was “shocked” when he learned about the trade but indicated that there could be more to the reason why the Phoenix Suns sent their former Bahamian first round draft pick Deandre Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Unleashing the Power Within - An Introduction to Sport Psychology for Youth Athletes
IN the world of youth sports, winning isn’t just about physical prowess, it’s also about the mental game. This is the fascinating world of sport psychology, where young athletes discover that their greatest competition often resides within themselves and that a person’s physical performance, even with the best training and nutrition, can come down to the state of their mind and will.
Sports notes
THE first annual Wesley Ruben Rolle Doubles Invitational will be held from Friday to Sunday in the Racquet Club at Baha Mar.
BJ Murray and Smokies win championship title
THIRD baseman BJ Murray celebrated his second straight Minor League baseball title, this time with his Tennessee Smokies after they captured the Double-A Southern League championship title on Tuesday night.
Frustrating govt service needs fixing
Kindly permit me to express my views on the frustration one experiences in doing business at government agencies.
Voter against govt, not citizenship
For years we denied legitimate claims to citizenship now proven in the Wayne Munroe, KC, case and Appeal to the Privy Council and justifiably the higher Court judged in favour of his claims now any child of a Bahamian male from an outside relationship with a non-Bahamian mother born in the Bahamas is a citizen.
Why borrow money? PPP the right way
Family Island Airports - were we not told developments will be completed using PPP -Private-Public Partnership financing? Seems big announcement we borrowing from Saudi Arabia to develop Exuma Airport. A dollar is too much, Editor!
Four men arrested on separate drug charges in Grand Bahama
FOUR men were arrested in separate incidents this week following the discovery of suspected marijuana, totalling some $50,000 in Grand Bahama.
Man receives four-year sentence for possession of a unlicenced gun and ammo
A MAN was sentenced to four years in prison yesterday after admitting to having a loaded gun in a pet store on Ross Corner earlier this year.
Man accused of murder granted $10,000 bail after failing to charge ankle monitor
A MAN on bail for murder was granted $10,000 bail after he was accused of failing to charge his monitoring device and breaching curfew multiple times.
Man pleads guilty to stealing schoolgirl’s bag and belt, ordered to pay $500 fine
A MAN was fined $500 yesterday after admitting to stealing a schoolgirl’s bag and belt on Marathon Road earlier this week.
Family Island land solution growth key
Resolving land issues in the Family Islands is a key component of the National Development Plan, one of its key architects said.
Doctor’s PI expansion tied to Royal Caribbean
A Bahamian doctor yesterday revealed he aims to capitalise on Royal Caribbean's beach club by expanding to Paradise Island with his third footwear store when that project opens in 2025.
Thursday, September 28
STATESIDE: While Biden tries to appear as ‘labour’s best friend’ Trump seems to lose favour
ONE year from this morning, we’ll know who the Democratic and Republican party nominees are in a presidential election contest that will then only be six weeks away. And we’ll know if a third-party candidate or candidates have emerged to challenge America’s deeply entrenched two-party political duopoly.
FRONT PORCH: The neglect and needs of Caribbean and Pacific states
LAST week, US president Joe Biden asked Congress for an additional $24 billion to support the war in Ukraine. As noted by Mark Cancian, a senior policy advisor with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and others, this will bring total US aid to a staggering approximately $135 billion.
PHA confirms 145 infections of dengue fever with six hospitalised
PUBLIC Hospitals Authority Managing Director Aubynette Rolle said six people are hospitalised with dengue fever.
Dr Rolle: PHA dealing with shortage of cancer medicine and nurses
PUBLIC Hospitals Authority Managing Director Aubynette Rolle said there is a shortage of cancer drugs in the country, but alternative medicines are being used.
‘BISX home makes sense’ for Bahamas carbon credits
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) is “definitely exploring” the listing and trading of the country’s blue carbon credits on its platform, its top executive asserting: “A home on BISX makes sense.”
‘Putting circle in a triangle’: Why developments fail
A Bahamian environmental consultant yesterday argued that the main non-financial reason that major development projects fail is because their principals “try to put a circle into a triangle”.
Cable partners over $5m Exuma cays connectivity
Cable Bahamas has teamed with another provider to develop a $5m sub-sea fibre network that will provide broadband Internet connectivity to hundreds of residents across 34 Exuma cays.
FNM chair blames VAT for ‘marina ghost town’
Bahamian marinas yesterday warned it was vital the country develop “a unified voice” over the imposition of VAT on yacht charter fees amid suggestions that it has resulted in several boating destinations becoming “a ghost town”.
Abaco resort eyes ‘break even’ 5% rate increase
The Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board’s president yesterday said his hotel will likely have to increase rates by “another 5 percent” in 2024 to break even with fellow hoteliers revealing that soaring light bills “are just killing us”.
Rastafarian not getting hopes high on further meetings with govt on cannabis legislation
SOME leaders of the Rastafarian community hope they will meet government officials to advocate for changes to the proposed cannabis legislation.
Police investigate man found murdered in Coconut Grove area on Tuesday
POLICE are investigating the country’s latest murder and two suicide attempts.
Bowleg: Chinese may assist stadium repairs
YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said discussions with the Chinese government are continuing to help fund the $10m repairs to the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.
Health of Junkanoo members to be screened prior to rush
THE Ministry of Health and Wellness will play a greater role than usual in screening Junkanoo participants this year after some participants experienced severe health events in previous years, including one person who died.
Obie Wilchcombe initially ‘felt cold’ on Social Services says friend
ADRIAN Francis, a decades-long friend of Obie Wilchcombe, said the former West End Grand Bahama and Bimini minister gradually embraced his role as minister of social services after initially feeling cold about the post.
‘Enough jobs available for skilled workers’
LABOUR and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle says despite the massive turnout at the British Colonial Hilton’s job fair on Tuesday and Wednesday, there are enough jobs in the country for people willing to equip themselves with the necessary skills.
‘TOURISTS TOLD TO STAY AWAY’ . . . but cruise denies passengers advised to avoid Port Lucaya
CARNIVAL Cruise Line has denied discouraging its passengers from visiting the Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport after vendors alleged the cruise ship is steering guests away from the area because of safety concerns.
Ayton traded to the Trail Blazers
Centre Deandre Ayton, who was embroiled in contract talks with the Phoenix Suns and a heated clash with former head coach Monty Williams, has been traded to Portland, becoming the second Bahamian to play for the Trail Blazers.
‘Golden Girl’ Pauline presents book to Dame Marguerite Pindling
AS they reflect on their humble beginnings as one “barefoot girl” to another, Golden Girl Pauline Davis presented her award winning book “Running Sideways” to former Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling. Davis, 57, presented the book to Pindling, 91, during a courtesy call at the wife of the first Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Sir Lynden Pindling, at her home on Skyline Drive on Tuesday.
BOXING ‘MISSION ACCOMPLISHED’: Federation, All-Out Boxing Club conduct clinics for officials
AFTER all the uncertainties and challenges, the All-Out Boxing Club and the Bahamas Boxing Federation were able to declare: “Mission Accomplished.”
Abaco concerned over mining
Friends of the Environment (FRIENDS) is a Bahamian non-profit organisation that was established in 1988 with the mission to preserve the environment of Abaco, The Bahamas through education, conservation, and research facilitation. We are writing today to express our concern about a number of issues that have become compounded in Abaco since Hurricane Dorian.
Cable Beach construction nuisance
Cable Beach Post Office parking lot has that been transferred to Sandals Hotel or the contractor Worlesee Construction because I tried to collect my mail for two days impossible … no parking space and one exit blocked with a rope!
Man accused of attacking landlord’s son with knife granted $3,000 bail
A MAN was given $3,000 bail yesterday after being accused of assaulting his landlord’s son with a knife earlier this year.
Man says he ‘was checking her breathing’, denies inappropriately touching stepdaughter
A MAN accused of inappropriately touching his stepdaughter in 2019 claimed he simply went to check on the girl because she suffers from seizures and did not touch her inappropriately as alleged.
Man remanded on charges of murder and intent to endanger life for shooting of Theo Williams
A MAN was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of fatally shooting a man, who was on bail for murder, outside a bar on Hospital Lane earlier this year.
Man on bail for murder of Jahkeil Armbrister jailed after breaching curfew four times
A MAN on bail for murder was imprisoned after he was accused of breaching his curfew four times.
Bring FOIA enhanced with AI
September 28 marks the International Day for Universal Access to Information, a day proclaimed by UNESCO to emphasise the importance of legal and practical frameworks for the public to access information.
Blame NATO for the deaths
Witness the deafening silence with which western media and politicians fail to place into context the more than 10,000 probably avoidable deaths from flash floods in what was once the most developed country on the African continent: Libya.
Keith Roye II: Digital resistance inflicts a high cost
In a country that values privacy and security, the toll inflicted by data breaches is significant. When Bahamian companies lag behind in cyber security measures, the fear of personal data being compromised weighs heavily on the minds of both employees and customers. Trust is a precious commodity in The Bahamas, and its erosion comes at a high cost.
British Colonial 'more leisure oriented' than past versions
The British Colonial will be "more leisure-oriented" than it was in the past, its top executive said yesterday, with the property keen to ensure service standards are not sacrificed in the "ramp up" following its December opening.
British Colonial receives 400 manager applicants
Some 400 persons yesterday applied for managerial posts at the re-opening British Colonial with the property targeting a workforce that is 95 percent Bahamian.
Tourists 'lament' tour and excursions gap
A senior tourism official yesterday said there is "a gap" in The Bahamas' tour and excursion product with many visitors "lamenting" that there are not enough activities to do.
Wednesday, September 27
ALICIA WALLACE: Government ‘unserious’ on gender policy progress
THE national gender policy has been on the shelf for years. It was first drafted more than a decade ago, and last updated in 2018.
Louby Georges calls on government to finalise DNA protocols for citizenship before year’s end
IMMIGRATION rights activist Louby Georges hopes the Davis administration will finalise the genetic testing protocol for people affected by a landmark court ruling before the end of the year, saying he has been bombarded with calls and visits from people affected by the verdict who still cannot get a passport.
EDITORIAL: What will be revealed in Nygard trial?
IT has been a long time coming, but the first of several trials facing Peter Nygard began yesterday.
Bimini residents mourn their MP, Obie Wilchcombe
SOME Bahamians continued to mourn Obie Wilchcombe yesterday, including Bimini residents he represented for over 15 years.
Sands says PM contradicting climate message by excessive travels
FREE National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ message against climate change is contradicted by his travel habits.
Three groups eyeing BISX digital assets partnership
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange’s (BISX) chief executive says he is keen to avoid any “let down” with three separate groups “expressing significant interest” in partnering with it to develop a digital assets arm.
Bahamians were more interested in ‘socialising’ than digital training
Bahamians were initially more interested in socialising than learning new technology-related skills deemed vital to prospering in the 21st century’s digital-driven economy, a report has revealed.
Gov’t: Communications sector regulation requires full review
The Government has determined that “a comprehensive review of the legal and regulatory framework” governing the electronic communications sector is now critical given the speed at which it and associated technologies are evolving.
‘Don’t get tied down’ to 50% debt-to-GDP goal
The Bahamas must move away from its 50 percent debt-to-GDP target and instead prioritise achieving economic growth rates “north of 3.5 percent” to get back on track, a governance reformer is arguing.
Daxon says she shared, but did not write, note praising Wilchcombe’s death
MARIA Daxon, the deputy leader of the Coalition of Independents, claimed she inadvertently forwarded a WhatsApp message praising the death of Obie Wilchcombe, but did not author the crass post.
BPL ‘stranglehold’: Business battles up to 100% bill rises
Soaring Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) bills were yesterday said to be imposing “a stranglehold” on commerce with multiple businesses struggling to survive up to 100 percent year-over-year increases in their energy costs.
‘Praying to God’ as 1,300 turn out for hotel job fair
THIRTEEN hundred people endured overcast conditions to attend the British Colonial Hotel’s job fair at the Andre Rogers National Baseball Stadium yesterday, highlighting the demand for jobs even after the unemployment rate hit a 15-year low earlier this year.
Pinewood Gardens man becomes 72nd murder victim
A 44-year-old man was shot dead in Pinewood Gardens on Monday. He is the 72nd person to be killed this year, according to The Tribune’s records.
Dame Marguerite Pindling says ‘Wilchcombe was in a class all by himself’
FORMER Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling said she will forever be indebted to former Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe, who died on Monday.
NYGARD SEX CRIME COURT CASE BEGINS: Bahamians among the alleged victims of sexual assaults
THE sex crimes trial of Peter Nygard - a former long-time resident of Lyford Cay - began in Canada yesterday, two years after prosecutors in North America began accusing him of brazen attacks in multiple countries across several decades.
‘Obie’ Wilchcombe was a sportsman
Before he got his feet wet in politics, Burkett Turnquest said he was able to persuade former Minister of Social Services Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe to become the president of the Commonwealth American Football League in 1990-1991.
Coach Franklyn Williams ‘was an unsung hero’
SCORES of Bahamians showed up at the Christian Life ministries to pay their last respects to the late coach Franklyn Williams, who was lauded as an “unsung hero” for the role he played in the development of so many young track and field athletes.
‘Nardo’ Dean pleased with bodybuilding medal haul
ALTHOUGH they didn’t have a full team like their counterparts, team manager Leonardo ‘Nardo’ Dean said he was still pleased with the performances of Team Bahamas at the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships.
Overall champions emerge in New Providence Cycling Association’s Back-To-School Classic
THE New Providence Cycling Association held its Back-To-School Cycling Classic on Sunday with Felix Neely and Ilaria Gervasini emerging as the overall champions in the men’s and ladies’ divisions.
Police not protecting taxi drivers
I am Dehavilland Moss and I am a professional taxi driver. I sometimes work on Paradise Island, but my true love is working on Bay Street.
A moment to mourn first, please
LAST Monday, as I listened to the commentators over ZNS emanating from the northern Bahamas, I heard comments like “who should replace him”, “having a deep bench”, “maintaining that seat”, and the like (review the tape). It appears obvious to me that they were referencing the vacancy in Bimini and western Grand Bahama created by the untimely death of Obie Wilchcombe.
Political implications for West GB
From the outset I would like to extend sincere condolences to the family of the late West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe. His death is a grim reminder of the uncertainty and brevity of life on this side of eternity and the importance of living each day as if it would be our last, with our focus on the Lord Jesus Christ
Man remanded on four counts of attempted murder of police officers
A MAN on bail for two murders was sent to prison yesterday after he was accused of attempting to kill four police officers last week.
Man serving 50-year sentence for murder has second appeal dismissed
A FORMER death row inmate sentenced to 50 years for murdering a man in 2001 on Johnson Alley had his second sentence appeal attempt dismissed.
Man admits to possession of 5 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply
A MAN was fined $5,500 after admitting to having over 5lbs of marijuana last week.
'Relentless brain drain' hurts local healthcare
The "relentless brain drain" means the Bahamian healthcare system continues to suffer from a shortage of nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, a senior government official reiterated yesterday.
'White hot' Cable Beach development 85% sold
A high-rise Cable Beach development was yesterday branded "white hot" with 85 percent of its first-phase units already sold even though its construction will only be completed in 2024.
Tax increases make Bahamas hard sell
A former Association of The Bahamas (ABM) president yesterday argued that this nation will be a hard sell at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show due to increased taxes and fees levied on the industry.
DPM: 'Strong case made' to build GB air cargo hub
The deputy prime minister yesterday said he and his team have made "a strong case" for Qatar Airways to establish an air cargo hub on Grand Bahama during their three-day visit to the Gulf state.
Junkanoo Beach chief backs management company idea
The Junkanoo Beach Association's (JBA) president yesterday argued that his group would be the best management authority to administer the destination should the Government choose to outsource this responsibility.
Tuesday, September 26
Why seeing mom again makes such a difference
Children of women incarcerated at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) were allowed to spend the day visiting with their mothers through the Grow Your Child Programme.
Student spotlight
Ariana Slater, above, is graduated from the sixth grade at Castle Christian Academy.
Apprentices shine through on training programme
A group of apprentice service technicians successfully completed the training programme at Machinery and Energy Limited (M & E).
Breakfast programme to fuel students’ performance
The national breakfast programme is set to launch in October with eight schools across the country.
Darvile: DNA testing protocols for citizenship to soon be finalised
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said protocols concerning genetic testing for people entitled to citizenship following a landmark Privy Council ruling should be finalised soon, though he could not give a precise date for the roll-out.
PETER YOUNG: This year’s UN General Assembly reveals increasingly multi-polar world
IN previous columns I have drawn attention to the gradual increase of world summit meetings in recent years. But there is, of course, nothing to compare with the UN General Assembly (UNGA) which is the important gathering in New York of its 193 nations annually in September. It claims to provide a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations, though there are also opportunities for bilateral meetings between individual countries.
FACE TO FACE – Hubert ‘Chippie’ Chipman: A life centred around family
“Family” is the key word that has shaped the life of Hubert Anthony Chipman. His nuclear family with his wife Roxanne; his wider Chipman family and the clans of his heritage; his high school family that he never let go of; his church family; his political ties; and his Junkanoo tribe are all testaments to his sacrifice and his commitment to giving his all to the people he loves.
Former PM says police responsible for Dorian death count
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said police are accountable for providing accurate information on how many people died because of Hurricane Dorian.
EDITORIAL: A time to mourn and to remember
IT was the faces that told the story yesterday.
Obie Wilchcombe’s death sets up first by-election since 2012
THE death of West End Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe will trigger the first by-election in The Bahamas since 2012.
Founder interest ‘four times’ higher than Jack’s Bay goal
Sir Franklyn Wilson yesterday said the 1,200-acre Jack’s Bay project has attracted interest from “four times” the number of founding buyers it is targeting while receiving “a very strong endorsement” from Scotiabank.
Opposition alarm on S&P’s three times’ higher deficit
The Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday voiced alarm over Standard & Poor’s (S&P) prediction that the fiscal deficit for the 2023-2024 Budget year will come in more than three times’ higher than the Government’s forecast at $466m.
RBC’s $22m payment suspicion ‘reasonable’
The Court of Appeal yesterday ruled it was “reasonable” for Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) to find that $21.957m paid to a Bahamian businessman by a Slovakian he has never met for investment in his sand mining venture was “suspicious”.
Tax authorities push Out Island compliance drive
The Government’s major tax authority is undertaking a Family Island compliance tour to better educate residents and businesses on the need to pay their due tax obligations and how to do so, it was confirmed yesterday.
Reflecting on the life of Obie Wilchcombe
A MENTOR, friend, and a force to be reckoned with is how cabinet ministers described Obie Wilchcombe after his shocking death yesterday.
Wendy’s tells Town Planning: No more PI project mistakes
Wendy’s is urging the planning authorities to take “great care” to ensure approval for a Paradise Island restaurant, which could create between 75-100 total jobs, is not again derailed by procedural irregularities.
Court awards man $26k for wrongful arrest
THE Supreme Court has awarded $26,500 to a man police considered a gang leader after a judge found he was wrongfully arrested and detained in 2015 and 2016.
Shock and tears at death of Obie Wilchcombe
A CASKET draped in the Bahamian flag arrived at the Odyssey Aviation Airport in New Providence from Grand Bahama with the body of Obie Wilchcombe at 5.55pm yesterday.
BJ Murray, Smokies take 1-0 lead in series
After sweeping the Chattanooga Lookouts in their best-of-three playoffs last week, Bahamian third baseman BJ Murray and the Tennessee Smokies moved one away from duplicating the feat in the Minor League Baseball’s Double A Southern League Championships.
Fidelity Bahamas Optimist sails on Saturday
YOUNG Bahamian sailors from Nassau, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco, Exuma, Long Island and Grand Bahama will compete in the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist Championships for the title of national optimist champion this coming weekend.
Stubbs pleased with Team Bahamas’ efforts
DESPITE having some uncertainty about whether or not they will get to travel this year to the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in Aruba, Bahamas Bodybuilding and Wellness Federation president Joel Stubbs said he was pleased with the 10-member team’s performance.
Dragon Boat Festival all set for this weekend
AFTER hosting a successful inaugural event last year, the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association is looking forward to making the second annual Bahamas Dragon Boat Festival bigger and better.
Condolences expressed for Wilchcombe
Women United (WU) expresses our profound sorrow and deepest condolences on the passing of Minister Obie Wilchcombe, the Minister of Social Services and Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Progressive Liberal Party, his constituents, and the entire nation of The Bahamas during this difficult time.
One-term govt in the making
Has the question ever been asked about why we have not had at least a two term government in The Bahamas since the FNM administration of 1992-2002?
No case for climate crisis, reparations
The foreign policy of the Davis-Cooper Government is totally based around Climate change and Slave reparations - regret my grandson writing a paper at his High School blew both of these issues out of the deepest part of the Tongue of the Ocean off Andros. We, The Bahamas, don’t have a case in either to argue.
Man sentenced to 55 years for murder of 15-year-old girlfriend loses appeal
A MAN sentenced to 55 years in prison for murdering his 15-year-old girlfriend outside a bar in Grand Bahama in 2014 had his latest appeal attempt dismissed.
Teen accused of assaulting a man with a shotgun
A 19-year-old youth allegedly assaulted a man with a shotgun last week.
Man granted $7,500 bail on unlicenced firearm charges
A MAN was granted $7,500 bail yesterday after he was accused of having a loaded gun in the Nassau Village area last Friday.
Murder accused pleads guilty to curfew breaches
A MAN on bail for attempted murder was jailed for six months after admitting to breaching his curfew five times.
Minister sounds alert over 'fake' loan flyer
A Cabinet minister yesterday said he had asked the authorities to probe a "fake flyer" that was using his image without permission in a bid to entice Bahamians to seek loans.
Monday, September 25
Latyoa Sturrup returned to office
LATOYA Sturrup has been returned as the president of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association.
Women's national soccer team lose out to Grenada
AFTER playing to a draw in the rst half, the Bahamas women’s national soccer team watched as Grenada managed to pull away in the second half for a 4-1 victory to complete a two-game sweep in their home-and-away match in the Concacaf Road to Gold Cup.
Alpheus 'Hawk' Finlayson - 'a pioneer, visionary leader'
KNOWN as the consummate public relations officer who eventually excelled to the top of World Athletics as the first Bahamian councilman, Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson was remembered for his tireless efforts to promote the sport of track and field locally and internationally.
Kemp earns pro card to lead Team Bahamas
The Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation will return from the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in Palm Beach, Aruba, with one professional card and a number of medals of all three colours.
Over $8m grant funding for water utility storm coverage
Caribbean water utilities such as the Water & Sewerage Corporation can now access insurance coverage to protect their infrastructure assets against hurricanes and severe flooding, it was announced yesterday.
No third mobile operator during Davis Gov'ts term
The Bahamas will not have a third mobile phone provider before the Davis administration's term in office ends although it has placed regulators on alert to crackdown on any anti-competitive practices.
ArawakX attorney hit at 'degradation ceremony'
ArawakX’s attorney blasted that he was “not going to sit here in a degradation ceremony” after regulators voiced concern that the crowd-funding platform was using “delaying tactics” in response to its solvency concerns.
BISX aims to 'revive' small listings facility
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) is aiming "to revive in a very serious way" plans to create a market where small and medium-sized companies can list and raise capital, its top executive has revealed.
'Vexatious' litigant loses new 2,000-acre Ginn bid
A “vexatious” litigant has lost his latest bid to be declared owner of some 2,000 acres at the former Ginn project despite calls dating back to 2018 that he be barred from launching such actions.
URCA seeks to shorten reconnection time
THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority wants to shorten the time communications service providers have to reconnect the services of people who are wrongfully disconnected or were disconnected because of non-payment.
Tyler Perry: I'm here to help
POWERHOUSE actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist Tyler Perry committed to supporting The Bahamas continued recovery from Hurricane Dorian, saying: “Anything I can do to be helpful, I will.”
Mitchell urges UN to approve multi-national force for Haiti
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said Haiti is facing a “humanitarian crisis” as he urged the United Nations Security Council to urgently approve a multi-national force to help with security.
BREAKING: Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe dies
SOCIAL Services, Information and Broadcasting Minister Obie Wilchcombe has died, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.
'We need truth on Dorian dead'
CENTRAL and South Abaco MP John Pinder wants a formal inquiry into how many people died during Hurricane Dorian and how the aftermath of the monster storm was handled.
Sunday, September 24
Tributes as Clara Taylor-Bell, wife of Cabinet minister, dies
Tributes were paid on Sunday afternoon after the death of Clara Taylor-Bell, the wife of Minister of Housing Keith Bell, after a battle with cancer.
Saturday, September 23
Brave new world
We are in a brave new world. Before March, 2020 most people in the western world believed they were part of the free world. The COVID crisis demonstrated once there is an emergency you have no rights; just privileges that the government give and take away. All constitutions of countries of the west have a mechanism where a government can declare a state of emergency. Belize and Jamaica have taken that to the other level where an increase in crime, mainly murder, is a state of emergency. I thought crime was a social ill. If it is and only the symptom is suppressed in the long term it will get worse as it has in both countries. This kind of state of emergency is palliative and not corrective. Poverty, breakdown of the family and moral decadence has to be fixed.
Blowing the whistle on PM Davis?
I took note of a September 20 article on the front page of The Nassau Guardian concerning allegations made by the Free National Movement party that the Davis administration is currently facing a cash crunch crisis. The Nassau Guardian was careful to add that the official opposition offered no proof to substantiate its explosive claims. Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis is the substantive minister of finance. Prominent Progressive Liberal Party supporter Simon Wilson is the financial secretary in the Ministry of Finance -- a post I believe is really a de facto state ministerial position without the said title. Wilson, for all intents and purposes, is a technocrat who, I believe, is running the show in Finance.
EDITORIAL: Shifting tone on issues of concern
THIS week, there have been notable shifts in what ministers have said on issues that have arisen recently.
New unit to enforce understudy policies
LABOUR and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said the formation of a new unit to enforce the laws relating to notice of vacancies and understudy policies will roll out within the next six months.
Veteran sports advocate Alpheus Finlayson dies
Veteran sports advocate, broadcaster and former BAAA president Alpheus Finlayson has died, aged 76, just weeks after the death of his wife, Dawn.
Veteran broadcaster Martinborough dies
VETERAN ZNS broadcaster Nathalee Martinborough died on Thursday evening after losing her battle with cancer.
'More women needed in Parliament'
VANESSA Scott, the president of the FNM Women’s Association, is calling for more female representation in Parliament.
Friday, September 22
Making history at inaugural Bahamas elite Karate tournament
HISTORY was made with the introduction of the Para-Karate Division at the inaugural Bahamas Elite Karate Championship in Nassau, Bahamas.
BJ Murray Jr and Smokies a game from advancing to double-A title series
THIRD baseman BJ Murray Jr, one of the few Bahamians left in minor league baseball action, and the Tennessee Smokies are one game from advancing to the Double-A champion- ship series.
Charlton conducts free hurdles camp for girls
Here to celebrate the 60th birthday of her mother Laura Charlton this weekend, Bahamian national women’s 100 metres hurdles record holder Devynne Charlton and her American training partner Masai Russell hosted a free, one-day camp for girls.
ERIC WIBERG: Splashdown in the moonlight
ON the night of Tuesday, October 5, 1943, a pilot from the RAF named Hastie calmly pointed the sizeable B-25 Mitchell bomber towards the dark outline of South Eleuthera, just above Lighthouse Point. Despite losing an engine then the second one overheating, Hastie managed to calmly land his nearly 70ft, 35,000lb airplane a mere 100 feet from the beach gleaming white in the moonlight, without any of his men being killed.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Has Brave gained from lack of a knockout Punch?
OCTOBER 7 will mark two years since the final edition of The Punch was published. The building where jaw-dropping stories that had the power to change the course of local history were created appears empty. There is little talk now, as there was in the beginning, of trying to revive the tabloid that Bahamians loved or hated but read with equal voraciousness for the often-scathing, if uncomfortable truths or accusations that came within a millisecond of libel against the rich and mighty. There were those who looked around for another Ivan Johnson, the fearless publisher who became a bi-weekly stalking watchdog for a nation, but even a group could not muster up the doggedness with which Ivan Johnson approached Page 1 or the appetite for scandal and truth that seeded his editorial.
Govt to 'enforce' Bahamian understudy for expat hires
A Cabinet minister yesterday confirmed the Government will now “enforce” requirements for employers to identify a Bahamian understudy before labour certificates permitting the hiring of expatriate workers are approved.
Aviation chief: 'Put money where mouth is' on climate
The Bahamas' aviation director highlighted this nation's drive to construct climate resilient and environmentally-sustainable airports during a recent Caribbean infrastructure summit.
Total visitor arrivals up 30% though stopovers still trail
The Ministry of Tourism's top official yesterday said total visitor arrivals to The Bahamas are 30 percent ahead of their pre-COVID record through to end-July although stopover visitors are still trailing slightly.
RBC chief pledges company account opening upgrades
Royal Bank of Canada's (RBC) top Bahamas executive yesterday pledged to address the challenges encountered by Family Island business clients when it comes to opening corporate bank accounts.
BPL: 8% 'crazy growth' in New Providence
A senior Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) executive yesterday said the utility had seen "crazy growth" in customer demand over the summer with New Providence's peak load increasing by 8 percent year-over-year.
Pintard to PM: Probe Gov't 'late payments'
The Opposition's leader last night called for the Prime Minister to investigate as he doubled down on accusations that public servants, government contractors/vendors and the Family Islands are suffering "out of the ordinary" payment delays.
Bahamian battles FTX chief on $28m aircraft
A BAHAMIAN aviation entrepreneur yesterday launched legal action against FTX’s US chief to safeguard his ownership interest in two aircraft valued at a combined $28m
Resort hopes to host conference for years
BAHA MAR hosted 475 travel agents representing almost $1 billion in travel business sales at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) North America conference this week.
$35m invested by Baha Mar in maintenance
BAHA MAR president Graeme Davis said the resort has invested $35m in maintenance this year.
Community centre's construction on track
DESPITE setbacks, construction of the Nassau Village Community Centre is ahead of schedule.
Work to start on Abaco police station 'in this budget cycle'
FOUR years after Hurricane Dorian ravaged the Marsh Harbour police station in Abaco, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said construction on a new police headquarters should begin before the next budget cycle.
Press secretary avoids Immigration questions
PRESS secretary Keishla Adderley sidestepped questions about the leadership of the Department of Immigration yesterday.
$1m national breakfast programme is launched
EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin announced the launch of a $1m national breakfast programme in eight New Providence and Family Island primary schools.
Watch out - cane toads are back
THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources wants the public to beware of venomous cane toads, which have re-emerged in “goodly numbers” in western New Providence near the airport.
$6m to pay for promotions
LABOUR and Public Services Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said a widespread promotional exercise for public servants will begin in October, the first in over nine years.
Minister admits some language difficulties with Cuban teachers
EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said officials had been informed about a “very small” number of Cuban teachers whose command of the English Language had been a barrier between them and students.
Police on guard after QC threat
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force will provide extra security to Queen’s College today after threats were made against the school on social media.
Thursday, September 21
STATESIDE: Challenges facing Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy
A pundit was thus discussing the third person in the presidential succession in the United States today, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the honourable Kevin McCarthy, Republican congressman from California.
FRONT PORCH – Good friendship: A source of inexhaustible love and joy
“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” – Muhammad Ali
EDITORIAL: Awards for arrests is misguided
IT is interesting to see National Security Minister Wayne Munroe leap to the defence of a Royal Bahamas Police Force scheme he previously dismissed as fake news when asked about it by The Tribune.
Policy unit to help Bahamians serve in posts held by foreigners
LABOUR and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle wants to create a policy unit to help qualified Bahamians serve in positions foreigners hold.
Advocates raise concerns after separate infant deaths
CHILD advocates are worried about the recent suspicious deaths of two infants in separate incidents.
Programme aims to make Grand Bahama tech hub
TECH Edge, a new upskilling tech programme, was launched in Grand Bahama yesterday to help Freeport develop into a technology and innovation hub.
Munroe has faith despite rulings
AFTER several adverse Coroner’s Court inquest findings against police this year, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said he remains confident in the “system”.
Officers certified to help mental care
THIRTY officers were certified yesterday to help care for mentally ill inmates.
BPL: We’ve regained 56% of fuel cost ‘under-recovery’
Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) yesterday revealed it had regained 56 percent of its “under-recovered” fuel costs by end-August 2023 while reassuring that surging global oil prices will not derail this strategy.
‘Structural vulnerabilities’ weigh on robust growth
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) yesterday forecast Bahamian economic growth for 2024 will fall back to historical trends at 1.8 percent as it warned that such levels, together with “structural vulnerabilities”, weigh on improved credit ratings.
S&P: Austerity ‘likely’ to meet Gov’t debt targets
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) last night argued that the Government will likely struggle to meet its debt reduction targets “without material new revenues, significant cost-cutting or well above average economic growth”.
Munroe defends scheme he said was fake news
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe defended the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s new arrest incentive system yesterday, comparing it to schemes for teachers or people who work in banks.
British Colonial Hotel to recruit 300 for opening
THE British Colonial Hotel anticipates reopening the doors of the renovated hotel in December and plans to recruit more than 300 staff.
Revised cost of prison cut by $30-40m
THE cost of expanding the Bahamas Department of Corrections has been reduced by about 40 per cent, down from the previous $93m, according to acting Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare.
SUPER VALUE CHIEF: FOOD COST UP 30% – Roberts reveals assessment of 15 common items
Super Value’s principal yesterday said a review of 15 commonly-bought items revealed The Bahamas sustained food inflation of around 30 percent over the past two years, adding: “The customers are re-training us.”
Team Bahamas falls 6-1 to Grenada in CONCACAF ‘Road to Gold Cup’ opener
THE Bahamas’ senior women’s national football team went down 6-1 to Grenada in game one of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Women’s Road to Gold Cup.
Bodybuilding team off to Aruba
DESPITE some challenges ahead of their travels, the Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation’s (BBWFF) 14-member team has now journeyed to Aruba to compete at the 50th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships.
Chisholm Jr and Marlins celebrate latest historic double grand slam feat
BAHAMIAN Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr and the Miami Marlins celebrated his latest historic feat, being the team’s first player to notch grand slams in back-to-back games.
Police investigate after man found dead on cruise ship
Police on New Providence are investigating the death of a 29-year-old American man of Carbon Dale, Illinois, on a cruise ship.
Unlicenced firearm and ammunition confiscated
Police on New Providence confiscated an unlicenced firearm and a quantity of ammunition on Wednesday.
The Great Cabinet Shuffle
In worldwide politics it has always been fashionable to ‘blame’ the outgoing administration for the apparent political failures and omissions of good governance. When a current administration shuffles cabinet posts and individuals the opposing party will cry wolf and suggest that such changes reflect lipstick being applied to a pig.
Electric vehicles
Under the Minnis Government reduction of Customs Duties was applied to a purchase of an electric vehicle... the Davis Government I recall reduced VAT and Duty, might be wrong, but to me at a time when the Treasury needs every dime why are we giving these concessionary exemptions and incurring loss of revenue?
Man remanded to prison for firearm, ammunition charge
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday for allegedly having a loaded gun on Second Street earlier this week.
Man charged with incest
A 22-year-old man was behind bars yesterday accused of molesting his 14-year-old sister last week.
Teenage boy charged with grievous harm
A TEENAGE boy allegedly stabbed a fellow RM Bailey student during a brawl at a bus stop on Marathon Road last week.
Wednesday, September 20
ALICIA WALLACE: Poor communication between politicians and the public
GIVEN the gutting of the media, one would think that the current government administration would be competent in the area of communications.
Two arrested after probe into fake licence discs
AN investigation into a fraudulent licence disc ring has resulted in the arrest of a man and a woman found with fraudulent licence disc equipment at their residence.
Celebrating ‘The Real Little Mermaid’
ALANNAH Vellacott, a Bahamian marine scientist and conservationist, has been featured in Essence Magazine for her work, passion, and dedication to ocean preservation.
Govt in a cash crunch over payments - Pintard
THE FNM last night claimed that there has been a “significant number of complaints” over payment delays by the government.
ArawakX issuers await funds, investor listing
Two companies that raised equity capital through the embattled ArawakX crowd-funding platform yesterday complained that they are either still owed money or have yet to learn who their new shareholders are.
ArawakX dismissed top investor as ‘over his head with Fintech’
ArawakX’s chairman dismissed the company’s largest investor as someone who “can’t use a computer” and was “over his head on Fintech” after he turned whistleblower over its financial, governance and regulatory concerns.
$657k ‘pipeline’ blockage kept ArawakX insolvent
The Bahamas’ first-ever crowd-funding platform was branded “no longer solvent at February 2023” by external auditors who warned that $656,500 in “pipeline” revenue could not be used to restore a “net equity” position.
Retailers ‘not easing up’ on gas margin increase
The Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association’s (BPRA) president yesterday asserted that the industry is “not easing up” on demands for a margin increase with several dealer “unable to survive” more than another two months.
Police investigate death of infant
Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a seven-month-old female who was brought into Princess Margaret Hospital unresponsive on Tuesday.
Bahamian teen dead in Florida hit-and-run
A BAHAMIAN teenager is dead after a hit-and-run accident in Orlando over the weekend.
Investigation ongoing over COVID-19 food assistance programme
ACTING Commissioner of Police Leamond Deleveaux said an investigation into the Minnis administration’s COVID-19 food assistance programme is ongoing, with officials hoping to conclude it soon.
Officer faces tribunal over striking boy
ACTING Police Commissioner Leamond Deleveaux said the police officer who struck a boy in a viral video was removed from frontline policing and placed before the police tribunal yesterday.
Toddler’s cause of death still unexplained
AUTOPSY results for a father and toddler who died in suspicious circumstances could not identify a cause of death for the little boy, but determined the 42-year-old father suffered a cardiac arrhythmia.
FTX MEETING CLAIM DENIED BY PM OFFICE: US chief says founder’s father was to meet Davis - but PM was in Egypt
The Prime Minister’s Office last night refuted claims that he was due to meet Sam Bankman-Fried’s father on the day FTX imploded because he was away battling on The Bahamas’ behalf against climate change.
GRENADA ‘READY’ TO FACE THE BAHAMAS: Women’s national soccer teams in Concacaf Gold Cup opener
Although they were unsuccessful in their debut at the international level last year, Grenada women’s national soccer team is confident that the experience gained will help them prevail against the Bahamas in their opening match of the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Jonquel, Liberty advance to WNBA playoff semifinals
WOMEN’S National Basketball Association (WNBA) player Jonquel Jones posted her second straight double double to complete the 2-0 sweep against the Washington Mystics last night.
BGDBA Playoffs: Panthers lead 2-1 in series, Cybots remain undefeated
THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC) Panthers and Bain and Grants Town Cybots are heating up in round two of the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) playoffs.
Golfer Richard Gibson Jr gains valuable experience
RICHARD Gibson Jr, the Bahamas’ top ranked international amateur golfer, returned home last week after participating in the 42nd US Mid-Amateur Championships that took place at the Sleepy Hallow Country Club in Scarborough, New York.
Anya James thrilled to be new president of Bahamas Football Association
SHE’S been in office for four months but, for Anya James, it’s an honour to be serving as the first female president of the Bahamas Football Association.
Residents left without power for hours
A NUMBER of residents in New Providence were left without power yesterday for hours, with BPL reporting the cause was faulty transformers.
A foot-soldier for the truth
Firstly let me say that I carry no water for any government.
Act like a developed country
The World Bank classifies The Bahamas as a “high income, developed country”, while the International Monetary Fund places our nominal wealth per capita as slightly higher than that of Japan. We have, in our independent history, never been a “middle income” country or even close.
Don’t miss others out
Western District RBPF Command entertain elderly from their area … sorry Commander seems you or your organising Officers don’t know who reside in your area.
19-year-old fined for marijuana infused candies
A 19-year-old youth was fined $1,500 yesterday after admitting to having 27 marijuana-infused candies last week.
Man charged with fraud, money laundering, stealing
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday for allegedly defrauding several people of over $15K this year while on bail for 44 other fraud charges.
Three years for firearm, ammunition charges
A MAN was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday after admitting to having a banned assault rifle and ammunition hidden in a wall in his room during a police raid of an auto shop last week.
Man accused of stealing boat
A MAN was granted $9,000 bail yesterday after he was accused of stealing a $149,688, 25ft boat last week.
Caribbean’s climate financing need up ‘hundreds of millions’
Caribbean governments and private companies have increased their pursuit of sustainable and climate resilient financing by hundreds of millions of dollars, a senior CIBC FirstCaribbean executive has revealed.
Stronger infrastructure key to climate resilience
Stronger climate resilient infrastructure is critical to the region's future economic prospects, according to presenters at the 2023 Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF).
Tuesday, September 19
FTX attorneys accuse Sam Bankman-Fried's parents of unjustly enriching themselves with company funds
DOVER, Del. (AP) — Lawyers for FTX Trading have filed a lawsuit accusing the parents of its founder Sam Bankman-Fried of exploiting their influence over their son to siphon millions of dollars from the company, while spending lavishly on a luxury home in the Bahamas and funneling contributions to their "pet causes" and Stanford University.
PETER YOUNG: Passing of famous South African veteran politician
ONE of the purposes of this column is to shed light on issues which might be inherently significant but which all too often have largely escaped the attention of the US and other media.
FACE TO FACE: Born to be a storyteller
PATRICE Francis is known for writing, acting and producing some of the most compelling work on Bahamian culture. Her hands have touched events, shows, and documents that have brought The Bahamas’ rich history to life. We have enjoyed watching her on ZNS TV for years as the host of the popular Bahamian show Native Stew, highlighting some of the best in Bahamian talent, produced by A Derek Catalano.
$500m goal in climate funds from new scheme
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced the launch of The Bahamas Sustainable Investment Programme yesterday, a new initiative that seeks to raise $500m in climate funding.
‘2,000 suffer dementia’
SOME 2,000 people are living with dementia in The Bahamas, with the number expected to increase to more than 6,000 in the next 27 years, according to the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association.
Police probe fake licence disc ring
POLICE are investigating a suspected fraudulent licence disc ring after arresting a woman and two men in their 40s last week.
Nurse programme launched by hospital authority
THE Public Hospitals Authority launched its Trained Clinical Nurse programme yesterday.
Crowd-funder: From $4m to $200m in 14 months
The Bahamas’ first-ever crowd-funding platform purportedly increased in value from just $4.38m to an astonishing $201.75m in just 14 months, it was alleged yesterday, despite accounts revealing a $2.659m “deficit” at end-July 2022.
Petroleum dealers ‘won’t force Govt’s hand’ despite $100 oil
Bahamian petroleum retailers yesterday conceded their margin woes “cannot easily be fixed overnight” and promised “not to force the Government’s hand” with oil prices currently on track to reach $100 per barrel.
PM unveils $500m climate finance plan
The Prime Minister yesterday unveiled ambitions for The Bahamas to raise $500m to bolster its resiliency, and sustainability, against negative climate change impacts in partnership with Resilience Capital Ventures.
‘Room for improvement’: Trade deficit expands 28% to $1.09bn
The Bahamas Trade Commission’s chairman yesterday said “there’s a lot of room for improvement” after this nation’s trade deficit expanded by almost $184m or 28 percent year-over-year to hit $847m in the 2023 second quarter.
BTVI signs letter of intent to partner Algonquin
THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and Algonquin College signed a letter of intent yesterday, launching a five-year partnership to provide international educational opportunities.
ArawakX hit by claim of ‘criminal infraction’
The Bahamas’ first-ever crowd-funding platform has a solvency deficiency of “at least $2.4m”, regulators charged yesterday, while accusing it of “governance irregularities, regulatory breaches and possible criminal infractions”.
Minister hoping construction on New Providence hospital will start next year
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville hopes construction on a new New Providence hospital will begin early next year, noting there are three potential candidates to finance the $290m project.
‘Scrapping briefings in keeping with PLP style’
FORMER Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney said the Davis administration’s decision to cancel weekly Cabinet press briefings is in keeping with its past opposition to transparency.
SISTER’S SHOCK AT BROTHER’S DEATH: Fears traffic victim died after falling asleep at the wheel
ANDREA Clarke, 23, has not eaten since learning the car her beloved brother drove burst into flames when it struck a utility pole Saturday morning, leaving behind only his charred remains.
Federation boasts ‘vibrant’ beach volleyball programme
AFTER an intense month of training sessions that was completed on Saturday, the Bahamas Volleyball Federation feels it is better equipped to move forward with a vibrant beach volleyball programme.
UB cross country teams show ‘great improvement’
THE University of The Bahamas cross country teams had to fight through a thunderstorm weather delay to have several improved individual performances at the Keiser University Flagship Invitational at the Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach.
Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League to start this Saturday
BAHAMIAN Major League Baseball (MLB) star Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr and his foundation will begin the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League starting next Saturday.
50 years and people still suffer
Throughout history changes of every Government in the world in elections was because of the economy the citizens were facing - economic hardship struggling to buy homes, cars, pay rent, electric bill, water bill, private school fees and groceries for their families.
Garbage in, garbage out
Wasn’t it Shakespeare that used the phase ‘much ado about nothing’? Much of the public comments these days fall in that context from the politician and picked up by the journalist and they simply repeat with zero analysis or rationale comment...garbage in garbage out!
Suspect out on bail accused of using gun to make threat
A MAN on bail for murder was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of threatening someone with a gun and failing to obey his bail conditions.
18 months jail over loaded gun
A MAN was sentenced to 18 months in jail yesterday after he admitted to having a loaded gun last week.
Man charged over sex attack
A 35-year-old man was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a business establishment last week.
Siblings accused of robbery
A BROTHER and sister were remanded in custody yesterday after they were accused of robbing a man at gunpoint on Bacardi Road.
BAHAMAS LADIES ON ‘ROAD TO GOLD CUP’: Women’s national soccer team to host Grenada tomorrow
For the first time in about three decades, the Bahamas senior women’s national soccer team will get a chance to compete on the international stage just like their male counterparts.
Monday, September 18
Honouring our senior citizens
A LUNCHEON honouring senior citizens was held on Friday by members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
WORLD VIEW: Small island states seek climate justice in case
ON September 11 in Hamburg, Germany, a significant legal proceeding began that could redefine the parameters of climate justice for small island states. This case, slated to run until September 25, will unfold at the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
THE KDK REPORT: The load we carry
DOCTORS told Emily with a modicum of certainty that she’d never be able to have children. She was 21 at the time. Diagnosed with a severe form of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), her ovaries were inundated with cysts and for months she’d been exhibiting irregular menstration, weight gain and excess body hair. Emily was happy to finally have an answer that adequately explained all her symptoms but the news that she would never have children was devastating.
DR HUBERT MINNIS: Let’s make Nassau a great Caribbean city
WE the Bahamian people have an historic opportunity and obligation to fix and revitalise the City of Nassau. Its history traces back to the late 17th century.
INSIGHT: Two years in – is the govt on course?
TWO years in, the Progressive Liberal Party is taking the opportunity to pat itself on the back for its time in government in the current administration.
Double donation for Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
THE Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation has announced two donations totaling $35,000.
EDITORIAL: After reflection, what comes next?
WHEN Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis spoke at Mount Tabour Church yesterday, he was in reflective mood.
Volunteers join in coastal clean-up
A large turnout of volunteers participated in a major beach clean-up initiative on Grand Bahama in observance of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day on September 16.
Doctors secures $25m as it ‘refines’ equity offering
Doctors Hospital has secured $25m from Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) to finance its continued expansion as it works to “refine” its upcoming equity capital raise by “prioritising” three target investor groups.
PM sounds alarm on EU blacklist's insurance hit
The Prime Minister has joined insurers in sounding the alarm that remittances from European reinsurers on could be "reduced by at least 25 percent" if The Bahamas remains on the continent's tax blacklist.
ArawakX’s fate now in Supreme Court hands
The Supreme Court will hear arguments from all sides on October 13 as to whether The Bahamas’ first-ever crowd funding platform should be wound-up due to regulatory concerns about its solvency and operations.
‘Very credible’ Freeport city manager emerges
A “very credible” candidate to take over Freeport’s management is said to have met with both government and Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) ownership as the idea of the latter devolving its quasi-governmental powers gains traction.
Police quiz more in DRA investigation
POLICE officers from New Providence visited Grand Bahama last week to interview a number of Disaster Reconstruction Authority employees as part of a criminal investigation.
Pit bull dog shot dead after attack on teen girl
POLICE shot and killed one of three unchained pit bulls in Abaco on Friday after a dog seriously injured a teenage girl.
PM: I’ll fight for Bahamians
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis reflected on his administration’s second anniversary yesterday and pledged to fight for Bahamians.
Union steps back from strike after meeting new minister
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Kyle Wilson said the union is backing down from its strike threats after meeting JoBeth Coleby-Davis, the new energy minister.
IMMIGRATION MOVE ‘STINKS’: McCartney insists sidelining director reeks of victimisation
BRANVILLE McCartney, the former minister of state for immigration and past leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), suggested Keith Bell was unfairly attacked for some of his actions as immigration minister but chided the Davis administration for sidelining acting Immigration Director Keturah Ferguson, saying: “That stinks.”
‘JAZZ’ HITS GRAND SLAM FOR SECOND STRAIGHT GAME: Chisholm Jr and Marlins rout Braves 16-2, sweep series
MIAMI (AP) — Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr hit a grand slam for the second consecutive game and the Miami Marlins routed the Atlanta Braves 16-2 yesterday to complete a three-game sweep of the NL East champions.
Triathlete Kami Roach bringing home two silver medals
TRIATHLETE Kami Roach will return home from the Caribbean Elite Juniors Road Cycling Championships in the Dominican Republic, leading the Bahamas’ team with a pair of silver medals.
BOC officers elected
WHILE president Romell Knowles, secretary general Derron Donaldson and newly elected treasurer Dorian Roach went in unopposed, the remaining cast for the Bahamas Olympic Committee’s executive board was completed during the election of officers on Saturday night.
Anthonique third in the 200, Nairn seventh in long jump
ANTHONIQUE Strachan got off to a slow start but managed to storm back for third place in the women’s 200 metres as the Wanda Diamond League concluded yesterday with the Prefontaine Classic.
Rashield wins by TKO in 1st round
BIRTHDAY boy Rashield Williams, preparing for a possible title shot in November, wasted little time in disposing of Jorge Luis Munguia of Honduras on Saturday at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, Tampa, Florida.
Jonquel posts double double, Liberty top Mystics 90-75 in Game 1 of WNBA playoff series
GRAND Bahamian Jonquel Jones put up a dominant double double performance to propel the New York Liberty to a game one win over the Washington Mystics.
Our reality
There are two issues which stand out as having the very real potential of destroying our entire way of life, our standard of living and our national security in The Bahamas in the very near future. I postulate a conservative estimate of the very near future being five-15 years time.
BGDBA Playoffs: Crimestoppers tie series 1-1, Cybots win game one
THE Police Crimestoppers tied their series 1-1 with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Panthers.
RODERICK SIMMS: Foresight needed to drive growth via global business
Fostering economic growth is of utmost importance for an island nation such as The Bahamas if it is to secure a prosperous and sustainable future. One highly effective strategy to achieve this goal is giving priority to growing the international economy. While we previously discussed the significance of growing the local economy, it is essential to recognise that the easiest way to stimulate economic growth in the local economy is by first fostering growth in its international equivalent.
Flight simulator business can restart after 4-year Pointe bar
A former tenant at The Pointe should be permitted to “reinvigorate” its business, a Supreme Court justice has ruled, after it was barred by the landlord from accessing vital equipment for almost four years.
Union: ‘Everything on table’ over BPL woes
The Bahamas Electrical Workers Union’s (BEWU) president says “everything is on the table” in resolving its members’ grievances with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) after all requirements for taking strike action were met.
AG to lead speakers at financial summit
The Nassau Conference, the annual professional development summit for the Bahamian international financial services sector, has announced this year's version will be held on Thursday, September 28, at Baha Mar.
A new era of big government spending: Reshaping the American economy amid geopolitical uncertainty
ActivTrades
Over the past two years, the US has witnessed a profound shift in economic policy, marking the dawn of a new era of big government spending. This transformation is driven by a combination of factors, including President Joe Biden’s ambitious initiatives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIP Act, which are reminiscent of the largest government spending sprees of the 1930s. These initiatives not only aim to reboot the US economy but also set a precedent for the world to follow.
Friday, September 15
PM urges UN to take leading role as arbiter in international tax cooperation and administration issues
In his address at the G77+China Summit in Havana, Cuba, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis firmly advocated for the United Nations to oversee international tax cooperation and administration.
Branville McCartney: Country still not accepting third party at election time
FORMER Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney said on Friday the country is still not accepting a third political party when it comes down to election time.
40 to 80 percent 'show no symptoms of dengue'
ABOUT 40 to 80 percent of people show no symptoms of dengue, with most of the recently confirmed 100 cases confined to the inner city in New Providence, according to officials from the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Friday.
Murder accused remanded to prison
A MAN was remanded to prison on Friday accused of the fatal shooting of his masked accomplice last week in Yellow Elder Gardens.
Man remanded to prison on rape charge
A MAN was sent to prison on Friday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at his house as she responded to a call for a senior citizen welfare cheque earlier this month.
Man wanted by police for possession of firearm with intent to endanger life
A Freeport man is wanted by police for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Man charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a dependent, cruelty to children
A MAN was put behind prison bars on Friday, accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl he helped raise, by getting her drunk earlier this month.
Clubs & Societies September 16th, 2023
THE ROTARY Club of Nassau hosted a reading initiative at the Stephen Dillèt Primary School and also the Centreville Primary School.
DIANE PHILLIPS: East of East Street - an opportunity to get it right
THERE’S a once-in-a-century opportunity in the life of a city to reshape Downtown Nassau and it’s staring us right in the face, begging, pleading for every great idea we’ve got.
ONE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION – Unknown dangers found in consumer products
THE Joneses – what a model family! They are in the prime of their lives and have satisfying careers that pay well. Their 2.5 children are healthy and do well in school and extracurricular activities. T
EDITORIAL: Veil of secrecy appears to have returned
WE have written before in this column about the disparency between the current administration’s words when it comes to transparency, and its actions.
Doctors to pay $50k to employee injured on job
DOCTORS Hospital must pay $47,146 in damages to a former employee who was injured after trying to lift a 230lb patient onto a 60lb stretcher and into an ambulance.
Louby Georges criticises police for not publicly correcting inaccurate wanted poster
ACTIVIST Louby Georges criticised the police yesterday, saying they have done too little to clarify that the wrong woman was put on a wanted flyer concerning a murder.
‘Instant payback’: Doctors in revenue doubling to $120m
Doctors Hospital yesterday predicted it will “double” total pre-COVID revenues to around $120m during its current financial year after enjoying “instant payback” on $6.6m in healthcare investments.
National debt up $458m despite ratios declining
The post-COVID economic revival dropped The Bahamas’ debt-to-GDP ratio to 85 percent at end-June despite the national debt increasing by $457.5m over the prior 12 months to $11.645bn.
Pintard: URCA must explain BPL 163% fuel hike approval
The Opposition’s leader yesterday renewed calls for regulators to explain why Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) had “made the case” for an up to 163 percent hike in its fuel charge amid concerns they failed in their duty to protect consumers.
Lodge owner in blast at ‘deplorable’ utility crisis
An ex-Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board president yesterday made an impassioned plea to address Mangrove Cay’s “deplorable” utility crisis which forced her to relocate to Nassau to handle bookings for the upcoming fishing season.
Investigation into Cuban teachers' English speaking ability to be completed by end of week says Ministry of Education
ACTING Director of Education Dominique McCartney-Russell said the investigation into whether some recently hired Cuban teachers speak English well enough to educate students will be completed by the end of the week.
Several months before a new ambulance arrives for West Grand Bahama, says PHA
THE Public Hospitals Authority said it would take several months before a new ambulance reaches West Grand Bahama.
Exuma project pledging 300 jobs back on track
A $262m Exuma resort project, which is pledging to create 300 full-time jobs once build-out is complete, appears to be moving forward again with a public hearing on its environmental plans set for October 2023.
Fears over missing streetlights on Grand Bahama road
WEST Grand Bahama residents are concerned about the lack of streetlights on a road where three people have been killed in traffic accidents this year.
No answer from PM to reporters
DAYS after the Office of the Prime Minister announced that it would hold more comprehensive weekly press briefings, protocol officers hurried Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis away from reporters after he was asked about a purported shake-up at the Department of Immigration.
RBPF competition rewards ‘ill conceived’ says rights group
HUMAN Rights Bahamas said the police force should disclose the reward officers will receive through a new arrest incentive programme, calling the competition ill-conceived.
POLICE QUIZ FNM DEPUTY LEADER: Cartwright spoken to over ‘irregularities’ at parks and beaches dept
TOP police officials say they are in the advanced stages of their investigation into alleged irregularities at the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority under the Minnis administration and spoke to MP Shanendon Cartwright, the former executive chairman of the authority, as part of their probe over the weekend.
Jonquel Jones and Liberty get set to face Mystics
Jonquel Jones and the New York Liberty wrapped up one of their best regular seasons in franchise history and will now battle against the seventh-seeded Washington Mystics tonight to start their postseason run.
Women aiming to make a difference at the BOC
WITH the Bahamas Olympic Committee’s election of officers all set for Saturday at the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s headquarters, there will be three positions not contested – the presidency, secretary general and treasurer.
Needed: Ministry of Good Sense
Blind Blake sang the eulogy; “Run Come See Jerusalem”, in memory of the more than one hundred souls who perished at sea during the great 1929 Hurricane.
Andros man gets nine months probation for cutlass attack and threats of death
AN Andros man was placed on nine months probation yesterday after admitting to attacking someone with a cutlass and damaging their car over the summer.
Men accused of possession of a loaded gun in their car granted $7,000 bail
TWO MEN were granted $7,000 bail yesterday after they were accused of having a loaded gun in their car near Boyd Road earlier this week.
15-year-old boy accused of stealing motorcycle placed under house arrest
A 15-year-old boy was placed under house arrest after he was accused of stealing a motorcycle earlier this week.
Man on bail for armed robbery charges fined $4,000 for not charging monitor
A MAN on release for a pending armed robbery charge was fined $4,000 after admitting to not charging his monitoring device.
IAN FERGUSON: Proper research vital to a competitive edge
In business, knowledge is power. The ability to make informed decisions is crucial for any company’s success and growth. To achieve this, businesses rely on research.
Containment booms around sunken Potter’s Cay vessel
The port authorities have placed containment booms around a sunken vessel at Potter’s Cay dock to contain any potential oil spill as they wait on its owner to remove it.
Atlantis moves to boost staff career development
Dozens of colleges and universities descended upon Atlantis yesterday as the mega resort hosted its first career development fair in a bid to help employees further their education and personal development.
Bran’s law firm back with free legal clinics
The Halsbury Chambers law firm yesterday said it will host its 16th annual legal clinic this month and provide $20,000 worth of free consultations.
Digital assets summit aims to ‘rebuild trust’
Organisers of a major digital assets conference that will be held in The Bahamas next month yesterday said the event will seek to “rebuild trust” in crypto exchanges and the industry generally following FTX’s implosion.
Thursday, September 14
STATESIDE: Major political science study says race is factor that separates Dems from GOP
MANY Americans who are also parents of college-aged kids will often wonder out loud to each other that their children will describe a friend (or even a love interest) without adding as one of the adjectives the colour of their skin.
FRONT PORCH: They’ll know we are Christians by our . . . judgementalism?
SO often throughout history the victims of discrimination and oppression are described as “venomous” when they protest against their brutalisation and mistreatment. We have observed this sad response by some Bahamian male religious leaders toward women campaigning to outlaw marital rape.
Abaco ‘brimming with opportunities’ for businesses as island sees revival
FOUR years after the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian, Abaco is emerging as a thriving hub of economic activity, with businesses now being encouraged to capitalise on this opportunity by investing in the island and providing key services as it undergoes a remarkable revival.
EDITORIAL: COP not inspiring confidence in face of criticisms
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander spoke to the media on a number of issues – but was not necessarily clear in answering some of the concerns.
Botswana President speaks to high school and college students about preserving democracy
BOTSWANA President Dr Mokgweetsi EK Masisi lectured high school and university students yesterday on the importance of protecting democracy, telling them that as future leaders, they should demand constitutional term limits, separation of powers, free and fair elections, and an independent press.
Acting Prison Commissioner ‘making progress’ in efforts to become licenced as correctional facility
ACTING Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare said the Bahamas Department of Corrections is making progress trying to be licensed as a correctional facility, with the American Correctional Association set to certify 30 officers in mental health management next week.
Fernander says he expects swift investigations into recent incidents involving two officers’ actions
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said authorities retrieved bodycam footage in a case of a woman whose retina was detached after an officer allegedly punched her in her eye.
‘We’ve learned from the different inquests’ says Commissioner of Police
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said the Royal Bahamas Police Force is learning from Coroner’s Court inquests that produce adverse findings for officers.
‘Happy to be rid’ of ex-Robin Hood site
Compass Point’s last owner is voicing optimism that the sale of the former Robin Hood store on Prince Charles Drive will close before year-end after the property was plagued by vandalism, vagrants and copper theft.
ArawakX suspension extended to Monday
The Bahamas’ first-ever crowd funding platform yesterday saw its registration suspension extended until September 18 as it pleaded for more time to address Securities Commission concerns over its solvency.
‘Tremendous pressure’: FNM fears for $131m deficit target
The Opposition yesterday voiced fears that the potential $160m VAT under-shoot in the prior fiscal year puts the Government’s 2023-2024 revenue forecast “at risk” and leaves its $131m deficit target under “tremendous pressure”.
URCA ‘monitors’ but offers no relief from energy hikes
Regulators yesterday sought to reassure Bahamian households and businesses they are “monitoring” Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) sky-high bills but made no mention of any immediate relief from “compound billing’s” impact.
Bahamas First blames 50% of $4.3m loss on new rules
Bahamas First’s top executive has blamed more than 50 percent of the group’s $4.3m comprehensive loss for the 2023 first half on a major change to insurance industry accounting standards.
The Bahamas signs bilateral agreement with the Republic of Botswana for political consultation
THE government of The Bahamas signed a memorandum of understanding with the Republic of Botswana to establish Bilateral Political Consultation yesterday.
Mother of toddler questioned over mysterious death
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police questioned the mother of 22-month-old Anwar Miller, the toddler who mysteriously died Tuesday at an apartment complex on Family Street.
Man, 21, denies ‘threatening PM outright’
THE trial of a 21-year-old man accused of threatening to kill Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis in response to Lincoln Bain’s arrest after a protest in February began yesterday.
BPL union ready to strike - waits for resolution
THE Bahamas Electrical Workers Union received its strike certificate yesterday, allowing the union to potentially take industrial action against Bahamas Power and Light (BPL).
Lower bills to arrive as soon as next month, BPL tells URCA
BAHAMAS Power & Light told the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority that fuel charges have peaked, and customers can expect lower rates beginning this month.
MOU signed by BACSWN in major deal
A BAHAMIAN company has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding with the United States National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, for a scientific, technical cooperation and technology collaboration.
POLICE CHIEF: ARRESTS DO EARN COPS PRIZES – ‘Even a dog gets a reward’ says commissioner of incentive scheme
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander defended the police force’s new arrest incentive system, which critics believe could lead to overly aggressive policing.
SAILING CHAMPIONS: Paul de Souza and Craig Ferguson II claim first place at 2023 Bahamas ILCA Nationals
Paul de Souza and Craig Ferguson ll emerged as champions at the combined 2023 Bahamas Open International Laser Class Association (ILCA) Nationals this past weekend.
Bahamian Jevone Barrett joins NBA’s Future Basketball Operations Stars Programme
Bahamian Jevone Barrett has been selected to join the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Future Basketball Operations Stars (FBOS) Programme for the next six months.
BGDBA Playoffs: Panthers, Crimestoppers complete sweep to advance
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC) Panthers and the Police Crimestoppers have now advanced to round two of the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) playoffs. Last night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium, the Panthers, BGDBA defending champions, earned an eight-point win over the Real Deal Rangers.
Icon Paul Hanna will be missed
Paul Hanna. Icon. Legend. With his passing, a curtain fell on a golden age of Bahamian musical excellence. With a career that spanned six decades, he was the last of an era of Bahamian greatness. With every virtuoso performance, we were witness to history. A giant walked among us.
Bostwick first woman acting PM, not Pratt
First, let me congratulate her Excellency Cynthia Alexandria Pratt for her rise to the highest office in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Secondly, I want to draw the public’s attention to the assertion that was made in the media that she was the first female acting Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in 2002.
Father jailed for gun in sock drawer
A 38-year-old father was sentenced to 20 months in prison yesterday after admitting to having a loaded gun hidden in his sock drawer at his family home earlier this week.
Man who threw drugs on roof fined $1,500
A 49-year-old man was fined $1,500 yesterday after admitting to throwing a quantity of marijuana on the roof of his house last week.
Flowers: Who will profit if changes made on casinos?
Craig Flowers, the FML group of companies chief weighed in on Bahamians being allowed to gamble in casinos and the implementation of standalone casinos on the Family Islands.
Tour operators: Rebound dampened by fee hikes
Bahamian tour and excursion operators were yesterday said to be enjoying a post-COVID bounce back with bookings some 15 percent ahead of 2019 levels.
Insurers open to work with gov’t over coverage pool
Bahamian insurers are willing to work with the Government in creating a pool mechanism that would make catastrophe coverage more affordable for homeowners and businesses, its association chief said yesterday.
Insurers open to work with gov’t over coverage pool
Bahamian insurers are willing to work with the Government in creating a pool mechanism that would make catastrophe coverage more affordable for homeowners and businesses, its association chief said yesterday.
Wednesday, September 13
ALICIA WALLACE: Why micromanagement is the bane of a successful business
THERE is nothing quite like being qualified and experienced in one’s field of work and somehow ending up under the management of a person who is not trained or even minded for the role.
EDITORIAL: Continuity essential for our education system
A CONVERSATION stood out to one of The Tribune’s members of staff at a back to school event in the past week.
Dad of pedestrian killed in Grand Bahama says he is coping ‘by the grace of God’
BERNARD Walkine got the call that no parent would like to receive – it was a call that his son had been struck and killed on the road by a vehicle.
RBDF says no competition system like police - officers rewarded for efforts at year’s end
ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force Acting Commodore Shondell Pinder said that while RBDF does not have “friendly competitions”, the agency focus is geared towards prudence in operational conduct, allowing for the recognition of officers’ efforts.
ArawakX to fight solvency shut down bid ‘all the way’
The Bahamas’ first-ever crowd funding platform last night pledged to “go all the way to the Privy Council” if the Securities Commission moves to shut it down over “solvency” concerns following a key hearing today.
Cruise departure hike ‘real measure’ of fiscal success
The Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday asserted that the 2023-2024 fiscal year is “very, very critical” for solidifying market confidence in The Bahamas with the cruise passenger departure tax hikes vital to achieving this.
Insolvent contractor’s staff recover just 10%
The Government and former workers are set to receive just over 10 percent of what they are owed by a Cavalier Construction affiliate, its liquidators have revealed.
Gov’t revenue goal ‘very close’ despite VAT miss
The Government’s top finance official yesterday forecast that it will “come very close” to achieving its total revenue and tax forecasts for the 2022-2023 fiscal year even though VAT could potentially under-shoot by up to $160m.
Bahamas’ 27% water heat surge ‘devastating’ to coral
The Bahamas’ July water temperature had “a devastating effect” on coral reef ecosystems after being heated to a level 27 percent higher than the monthly average, an international tribunal has been told.
Contract for $1.6m signed to renovate Freeport BTVI campus
During a $1.6m contract signing for renovations at BTVI on Monday, September 11, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, Glenys Hanna-Martin said the work being done at the facility represents “renewal of hope” for the people of Grand Bahama.
Teen accused of shooting that killed family’s dog
A 19-year-old male denied involvement in a shooting on Sisal Road this May that resulted in more than $3,000 in property damage and caused the death of a family’s pet dog.
Sands accuses govt of victimising women
FREE National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands accused the government of systematically terminating women civil servants, calling it an example of the Davis administration’s assault on women.
Welcome to The Bahamas, Mr President
BOTSWANA President Dr Mokgweetsi EK Masisi arrived in The Bahamas yesterday for his first official three-day state visit in an effort to explore potential areas of cooperation between The Bahamas and Botswana.
Country’s first dengue death confirmed to be nine-year-old boy
HEALTH officials confirmed the country’s first dengue fever death since the virus’ re-emergence this year - a nine-year-old boy who died after showing symptoms of the disease.
MYSTERY OVER DEATHS OF TODDLER AND MAN: First, child’s body found then landlord dies after clashes with tenants
THE puzzling deaths of 22–month–old Anwar Miller and his father yesterday morning in an apartment complex on Family Street have left many struggling to put the pieces together.
Bahamas beaten 3-2 in thriller
THE Bahamas men’s national soccer team put up a gallant fight, but lost 3-2 to Guyana for their second straight loss in the CONCACAF 2023 Nations League.
BGDBA Playoffs: Cybots advance to next round, Patrollers tie series 1-1
The Bain and Grants Town Cybots booked their tickets to round two of the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) playoffs on Monday night after sweeping the Police Royals 2-0.
Michael Albury Jr heading off to Believe Prep Academy
Michael Albury Jr is following in the footsteps of his brother Deyton Albury as he heads off today to enrol in Believe Prep Academy in South Carolina.
NFL Flag Bahamas hosts successful coaches and officials clinic
National Football League (NFL) Flag Bahamas hosted a successful officiating and coaching clinic last week Thursday at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium. Participants got the opportunity to learn in-game rules, coaching strategies, and practice plans from the director of officiating at NFL Flag and RCX Sports, Tom LaNeve.
A celebration of Brazil coming to Mall at Marathon this Saturday
A CELEBRATION of Brazil is to be held at the Mall of Marathon on Saturday.
OPM: We remain ‘committed’ to ‘timely responses’ to media – as they cancel weekly briefings
THE government is making a change to its press briefings - with two briefings being merged into one.
NPO’s vital role in storm resilience
In the wake of the fourth anniversary of the devastation brought by Hurricane Dorian, and in light of the ongoing recent surge in tropical storms in the Atlantic, The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) feels it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal and enhanced role that can be played by robust and sustainable local non-profit organizations (NPOs) in building the resilience and capacity of our citizens and communities.
Teenage boy hospitalised after stabbing incident
POLICE are investigating a stabbing incident that left a teenage boy in hospital yesterday.
Man charged for having unlicenced gun and ammo
A MAN was granted $9,500 bail yesterday after he was accused of having two high-powered weapons in his home last weekend.
Man accused of sexually abusing 15-year-old girl
A 24-year-old man was sent to prison accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in Harbour Island over the summer.
Three young men accused of clothing theft worth $4,000
A YOUNG man was granted $2,500 bail after he admitted to stealing over $4,000 worth of clothing from a man’s home last week.
Shooting incident that sent man to hospital investigated
POLICE are investigating a shooting incident that left a 25-year-old man in hospital yesterday.
Current residents in ‘dire straits’ over BPL outages
Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) yesterday blamed an underwater cable break for leaving residents of Current Island, off North Eleuthera, in “dire straits” due to prolonged power outages that have lasted more than a week.
Family Island consumers warned over food prices
The Retail Grocers Association’s president yesterday put the Family Islands, in particular, on alert for higher food prices due to the recent increase in fuel and associated shipping costs as a result of higher global oil prices.
Family Island consumers warned over food prices
The Retail Grocers Association’s president yesterday put the Family Islands, in particular, on alert for higher food prices due to the recent increase in fuel and associated shipping costs as a result of higher global oil prices.
Tuesday, September 12
Support for De’Andre to give him college help
De’Andre Forbes was awarded with the EY Bahamas Jamaine McFall Memorial Scholarship.
Intern programme a win-win for bank and students
CIBC FirstCaribbean had 73 interns take part in its regional summer internship initiate, a record for the company. The internships took place at the bank’s branches and offices in Barbados, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
PETER YOUNG: Royal Navy in The Bahamas - a reminder of the benefits of our relationship with the UK
AS a former High Commissioner here, what a pleasure it is to be able to write today about two notably positive examples of Britain’s involvement in The Bahamas and of significant cooperation between our two countries.
Student spotlight
Keannah Russell, above, graduated from St George’s High School, Grand Bahama with honours.
Explorers to sponsor attendance at youth conference
Young Marine Explorers (YME) Bahamas will sponsor two young people, between the ages of 18 and 35, from each of the 33 Caribbean regions and territories with travel and accommodations to participate in-person at this year’s UNFCCC YOUNGO Caribbean Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY).
FACE TO FACE: Bishop Dr J Carl Rahming – Celebrating a Faithful Servant of God
HE is a Fox Hilllian to the core. The village where he was born has remained his homestead for his entire life. It is one of the oldest African settlements in New Providence and one where a tradition of celebrating Emancipation has survived for two centuries.
Letters seeking apology and reparations from royal family to be sent by year’s end
THE Bahamas National Reparations Committee is in support of preparations being made for formal letters to be sent seeking an apology and reparations from the British royal family by the end of the year, as talks on the issue should involve communities not individual nations.
‘I never want to experience’ dengue fever again, says woman
MAKERIA Tucker is one of the 88 confirmed dengue fever cases in the country, calling the experience one of a kind.
A ‘coral catastrophe’ discovered in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Parks
THE Perry Institute for Marine Science and The Bahamas National Trust recently discovered a “coral catastrophe” in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Parks, with reports of the most drastic coral bleaching events in recorded history.
FTX Bahamas $9bn claim is ‘redundant’
FTX’s US chief yesterday dismissed the $9.15bn claim submitted by his Bahamian counterparts as “invalid” and “redundant” while revealing that the crypto exchange’s local real estate holdings have been valued at up to $214m.
Cable targeting ‘monumental improvement’ via Aliv refinance
Cable Bahamas’ top executive yesterday asserted the group is poised for “monumental improvement” in profits if it can reach agreement with the Government on refinancing Aliv’s debt at lower interest costs.
Sandals expansion awaits ‘overwater’ policy reforms
Sandals is proposing to expand its Fowl Cay property through the development of ten “overwater” bungalows in “anticipation” that the Government will finally end the two decade-plus wait for a policy governing such structures.
Atlantis veteran wins over ‘unfair’ dismissal
A 32-year Atlantis veteran’s summary dismissal due to a misunderstanding over a drink-related tip was affirmed as “unfair” yesterday by the Court of Appeal, which rejected the mega resort’s challenge to her initial $15,480 damages award.
Businesses forced to close doors after extensive power outage
SOME businesses were forced to close their doors yesterday after an hours-long power outage.
Police investigate deaths of toddler and man
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of a toddler and a man in the early hours of Tuesday.
Gov’t like ‘the vandal now trying to buy GBPA house’
The Government’s bid to drive change at the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) was yesterday likened to “the person who did the vandalising now trying to buy the house from its owners for little money”.
Abaco plane crash survivor thanks God for life
ABACO resident Justin DeCosta is lucky to be alive after surviving a plane crash on the island on Sunday.
Six months and still no answers on disclosures
SIX months after the deadline for financial disclosures by parliamentarians had passed, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said he is “not surprised” that the list of those who failed to disclose has still not been revealed.
Lloyd suggests new education agency to assess learning loss
FORMER Education Minister Jeff Lloyd urged officials to consider separating the Department of Education from the Public Service, adding that an Education Authority would have its own pay scale and more “proficiently and efficiently” respond to a crisis, such as the educational assessments needed to address learning loss after Hurricane Dorian.
UNION DEADLINE ON CUBAN TEACHERS: Ministry challenged over investigation of English speaking ability
THE BAHAMAS Union of Teachers has given the Ministry of Education until tomorrow to complete its investigations on Cuban teachers, saying it stands by its earlier comments that the new hires cannot speak English.
BOC PRESIDENT KNOWLES TO RUN UNOPPOSED IN ELECTIONS: Set for second four-year term after this Saturday’s vote
ROMELL Knowles will return to office unopposed for his second four-year term as president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee.
Bahamas confident ahead of Guyana match
WHILE the Bahamas men’s national team is in Guyana playing their second match in the 2023 Nations League, Puerto Rico will host Antigua & Barbuda in their home game tonight at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.
Francis Adderley wins President’s Cup Tournament
FORMER softball/baseball player Francis Adderley, who has played well in partnership with others in recent times, emerged as the champion of his first individual tournament over the weekend.
PM meets with community leaders and investors in Chicago
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis will return to the Bahamas today after meeting in Chicago yesterday with several community leaders and investors.
Layla Leathen of GB wins Bahamas Junior Minister of Tourism speech competition
GRAND Bahama Academy of Seventh-Day Adventist School declared September 11 as 'Layla Leathen Day' in honour of Leathen's victory in the Bahamas Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition held in Nassau.
GB entrepreneurs will have a chance to win up to $10k in UB pitch competition
SMALL business entrepreneurs in Grand Bahama will have an opportunity to compete for $10,000 in cash prizes at UB IGNITE first annual Pitch Competition on October 6.
Respect for our soldiers
Not too long ago we all would have been made aware via announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Government of The Bahamas has pledged a 150 personnel contingent to a multinational force (spearheaded by Kenya) with the goal of stabilising Haiti and ending the ongoing crisis there.
Govt arrears
So Government has tax arrears of $864 million plus or for every year since Independence unpaid Tax arrears has been $17.5 million and continues.
Road repairs
I saw a letter to the Editor on the dislevel and repair of the Lyford Road right before the shopping centre passed there boy that’s bumpy… Minister Sweeting go check... get it redone please cost to contractor. Why did the contractor leave all that road material on the once grass verge?
Harbour Island man remanded after being accused of molesting 15-year-old girl
A 39-year-old man was sent to prison yesterday after he was accused of twice molesting a 15-year-old girl in Harbour Island last month.
Man gets two years in jail for possession of a firearm and 32 rounds of ammunition
A MAN was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after admitting to having a loaded gun his home, along with 32 rounds of live ammunition.
Man on bail for murder granted bail again after five curfew violations
A MAN on release for murder was granted bail again after he was accused of failing five times to obey his curfew.
Xavion Johnson wins bronze in Canada
AS he continues to improve on his career as the next Bahamian judoka to watch on the global stage, Xavion Johnson completed the 2023 Pan American Oceania Championships in Calgary, Canada with a bronze medal in the 60 kilogramme cadet division on Friday.
New taxi plates placed ‘on hold’
The Government’s decision to place new applications for taxi, livery and self-drive plates “on hold” was yesterday hailed by a union president for bringing order to a situation that was “never going to end”.
Bahamas to exploit 34% growth in Georgia tourists
The deputy prime minister is aiming to exploit the 34 percent year-over-year growth in visitors from Georgia to promote The Bahamas as a tourism and film destination during his ministry’s upcoming Atlanta promotional mission.
Bahamas joins tribunal case over climate change
The Bahamas has joined with other small island states from the Caribbean and the Pacific to launch a landmark case before the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) to seek protection of the world’s oceans against climate change and rising temperatures.
Monday, September 11
THE KDK REPORT: Better food choices lead to better health
THIS past week, I was fortunate enough to watch as one of my former summer interns walked across the stage at the prestigious University of California (UCLA) school of medicine to accept and don his white coat for the first time and recite the Hippocratic oath that all aspiring doctors take.
INSIGHT: While Atlantis flip-flops, concerns turn to impact of RCI’s project on Downtown
PEACE has apparently broken out between Atlantis and Royal Caribbean – and to hear the president of Atlantis tell it, there was never any opposition in the first place.
WORLD VIEW: The Caribbean should ban lethal autonomous weapons
Autonomous weapons pose a clear and present danger to the Caribbean. Action to ban them should be seriously considered now.
Pintard and Bain call recent leadership changes at Immigration victimisation
FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard said the government is victimising veteran public servants, following reports of leadership changes at the Department of Immigration.
Atlantis sale to ‘bring stability’
Hotel union president Darrin Woods said Brookfield Asset Management selling the Atlantis Paradise Island resort to a reputable hotel chain would “bring stability,” to the property.
Renewables may be way forward for Andros
North Andros business owners are considering a $2.5m renewable energy plant to alleviate their electricity woes. This comes as URCA has announced an investigation of electronic communications outages in a number of islands.
‘Amazon’ for Bahamians - in time for Christmas
An online delivery provider is set to launch an e-commerce platform just in time for the upcoming Christmas season.
Licensees concerned over back and forth between govt and GBPA
FREEPORT licensee Darren Cooper said licensees are not being used by anyone at the Grand Bahama Port Authority in its efforts to educate people about the Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA).
Bahamas joins organisation of small island states who face an existential threat due to climate change
AFTER a call by small islands for climate justice, Sir Ronald Sanders, the ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organization of American States, has warned that the islands face “a real and present threat” to their existence – and The Bahamas has joined a commission to tackle the issue.
28 rescued as tourist boat capsizes off Rose Island
POLICE are investigating after a boat capsized just off Rose Island on Friday with 28 people on board.
No vaccines yet for dengue as cases still rise
THE Ministry of Health and Wellness is currently not considering bringing dengue vaccines into the country, according to the head of the ministry’s surveillance unit who said officials are waiting for more data to ensure the vaccines’ safety.
Incident of officer striking a boy called ‘appalling’
LAWYER Christina Galanos has spoken after what she called an “appalling” incident in a viral video in which a boy can be seen being struck then grabbed by two police officers.
Passengers unhurt in Abaco plane crash
A PLANE with five people on board crashed in Abaco yesterday - although there were mixed reports over what happened.
MAKING ARRESTS WINS COPS PRIZES: System seeks to boost morale - but minister says it’s fake news
POLICE have reportedly launched a system to reward officers - awarding points for making arrests, carrying out stop and searches and issuing tickets. The system, revealed in a leak on social media, has led to disapproval from many citizens.
THE BAHAMAS BEATEN DESPITE QUICK START: Puerto Rico win 6-1 in Nations League opener
AFTER getting off to an “electric start” from a quick shot from Christopher Rahming to ignite the home crowd inside the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, the Bahamas men’s team could not stop the relentless onslaught from Puerto Rico as they responded with a flurry of goals.
BGDBA Playoffs: Crimestoppers, Panthers earn blowout wins on Saturday
The Police Crimestoppers and Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture (MOYSC) Panthers both earned blowout wins this past Saturday at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.
BGDBA Playoffs: Cybots and Avengers go up 1-0 in first round
The Bain and Grants Town Cybots and Airport Authority Avengers nabbed the first wins in their round one playoff matchups.
Anthonique Strachan finishes second in Diamond League 200m
SPRINTER Anthonique Strachan is content going into the season-ending Prefontaine Classic Diamond League Final of the Wanda Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon on the weekend of September 16-17.
President of Botswana to make a state visit to The Bahamas this week
A STATE visit to The Bahamas by the President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi EK Masisi, will take place this week.
Madness has to stop
I was extremely upset to see a recent notice in the newspapers pertaining to the Quieting of hundreds of acres of land on one of our Family Islands by a company (not an individual) in the United States!
Pintard falls short again
I am grateful for this space in your valuable columns to engage national discussion.
Man on bail for murder believed to be shot and killed by his accomplice
A MAN on bail for murder was shot and killed by his accomplice in the Yellow Elder Gardens community yesterday.
Grand Bahama couple robbed by armed gunman on Xanadu Beach
A Grand Bahama couple was the victim of an armed robbery that occurred on Xanadu Beach over the weekend.
Growth matters: Growing our local economy part 2
In the previous segment, we explored the challenges posed by market saturation and its potential hindrance to local economic growth. Now, let’s delve into actionable strategies to empower local businesses and fuel demand, both for existing companies seeking expansion and new entrants aiming to establish their presence.
A new era of big government spending
ActivTrades
Over the last two years, the United States has witnessed a profound shift in economic policy, marking the dawn of a new era of big government spending.
Events held to mark International Literacy Day
INTERNATIONAL Literacy Day was held on Friday, and to mark the occasion, a number of events were held in The Bahamas to encourage children’s love of reading.
Sunday, September 10
Pedestrian dies in traffic accident on Grand Bahama
A male pedestrian is dead following a traffic accident early Saturday morning in West Grand Bahama, police reported.
Saturday, September 9
Hurricane Lee Projected Path & Estimated Wave Heights
Projected Wave Heights / Day
Friday, September 8
Temporary facilities to provide relief at North Eleuthera airport
TOURISM Minister Chester Cooper said temporary facilities will be set up for the North Eleuthera airport to provide relief, saying a new airport for the island is still a priority of the government.
PLP to host national convention in November
THE Progressive Liberal Party will host its 55th national convention at Baha Mar resort in November, according to the party’s chairman Fred Mitchell.
Fine for failing to obey curfew
A MAN on bail for murder was fined $6,000 after he admitted to failing four times to obey his curfew.
Bail for man accused of assaulting neighbours with knife
A MAN was granted $10,000 bail after he was accused of assaulting three of his neighbours with a knife last month.
Man found guilty of 2019 murder
DWAYNE Lodimus was found guilty of the 2019 murder of Elroy “Skully” Burrows on Mackey Street as he was walking away from a bar.
Clubs & Societies September 8th, 2023
The Rotary Club of East Nassau (RCEN) hosted members of the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs in August when they were in Nassau to thank past presidents Taran Mackey and Franny De Cardenas for the generous donation to their club after Hurricane Ian’s passage last year.
DIANE PHILLIPS: It’s 5 o’clock somewhere – A tribute to the life and lyrics of Jimmy Buffett
WHEN Jimmy Buffett died last week, tributes poured in from around the globe for the legendary singer, songwriter, performer who flipped a tune called Cheeseburger in Paradise into a feel good movement we could all digest with a smile.
Boat capsizes off Rose Island, all 28 on board rescued
All 28 people on board a boat that capsized off Rose Island on Friday have been rescued.
ERIC WIBERG: B-25 ditched in the sea two miles north of Tarpum Bay
JUST before noon on Tuesday, June 6, 1944, the operational record book of base OTU 111 records that “B-25 FW-154 FR was airborne at 11.16am upon A/S [anti-submarine] patrol No 2. No W/T [radio] contact was made with this aircraft after 11.50am, when a long dash [Mayday] was received. At 1.50pm, a signal was received from the pilot, via government channels, that the aircraft had ditched in the sea two miles north of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, at 11.48 am.
MOE hits back at union claims on language barriers of Cuban teachers
THE Ministry of Education hit back at the Bahamas Union of Teachers yesterday in response to their concerns over Cuban teachers, saying it is confident that the new recruits are competent in English.
EDITORIAL: Atlantis back on the market
WE have been here before. The news that Brookfield Asset Management is seemingly looking at options for a sale of the Atlantis property is of course major news for the country – given the status of Atlantis as an employer and how many people visit the country to stay there.
US Embassy warns of risk of arrest for bringing firearms, ammunition into the country
THE US Embassy has amended its advice to travellers to The Bahamas - warning of the risk of arrest for bringing firearms and ammunition into the country.
Young woman hopes donations help her get life altering surgery
A 21-YEAR-OLD is seeking a life-changing operation, with aspirations to be a participant of life rather than the spectator that her medical condition makes her.
Cooper: Investigation wIll be launched into Ocean Cay visitor’s drowning
TOURISM Minister Chester Cooper said an investigation will be launched into the drowning of a tourist at Ocean Cay, adding safety measures will be “beefed” if needed.
Downtown Management Authority Bill to be presented when Parliament resumes
TOURISM Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday a Bill will be brought to Parliament for the Downtown Management Authority.
BNT and Agriculture sign lease agreement for development of national park in Eleuthera
THE Bahamas National Trust yesterday signed a lease agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources for the development of the Seahorse National Park at Sweetings Pond and Hatchet Bay Cave in Eleuthera.
‘Atlantis was never against the Royal Caribbean Project’, says resort president
ATLANTIS president Audrey Oswell said the resort is happy that Royal Caribbean International’s Paradise Island project has been given the go-ahead now that all environmental concerns have been addressed, adding: “Atlantis was never against the Royal Caribbean project.”
Protection against violence act does not deal with gender-based violence, needs amendments, says Barnett-Ellis
SENATOR Michela Barnett-Ellis said the Protection Against Violence Act needs to be amended because it does not deal with gender-based violence nor does it provide enough relief for women and girls.
Lifeguards awarded for their bravery for rescuing four men after their boat capsized
A GROUP of Atlantis lifeguards were awarded for extraordinary bravery yesterday after risking their lives to rescue four men in rough seas at Paradise Island last weekend.
‘We’ll bring back charm of Downtown Nassau’
The Downtown Management Authority (DMA) will bring back the charm of Downtown Nassau as the current Revitalisation Unit in the Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation (MOTIA) will “morph” into this new authority, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday.
Slow tourism season ‘a thing of the past’
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper yesterday said the slow period for tourism is a thing of the past as the country can now look forward to year-round tourism and hotel occupancy.
One dead, two in hospital after shooting
A man is dead and two more people are in hospital after a shooting on Thursday night.
Improving downtown Nassau key to expanding cruise ship time in port
TOURISM Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday there is a need to improve the downtown experience for tourists, as conversations continue over cruise ships docking overnight.
Team Bahamas in ‘tip top shape’ for Nations League
AFTER months of preparation, assistant coach Kevin Davies said the Bahamas Football Association men’s national soccer team is ready to compete in the CONCACAF Nations League.
Guilty – FTX exec admits illegal campaign donations
THE former co-chief of executive of FTX Digital Markets, Ryan Salame, yesterday pleaded guilty to making tens of millions of dollars in illegal campaign contributions to US politicians and engaging in a criminal conspiracy to operate an unlicenced money transfer business.
Atlantis on course for its best year ever
ATLANTIS executives anticipate that 2023 will be the best year in the resort’s history, with occupancy rates and visitor spending up when compared to previous years.
Brookfield exploring $2.5bn Atlantis sale
Brookfield Asset Management is looking to offload the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort - with a price tag of $2.5bn attached.
Varel Davis returns as GSSSA president for a fifth term
The members of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) once again displayed their confidence in Varel Davis after re-electing her as president for the fifth consecutive term.
Dr Kent Bazard – Natural supplements in sports nutrition: Elevating athletic performance
A growing trend in the realm of sports nutrition involves the use of natural supplements to boost athletic prowess naturally. In this article, we’ll explore the world of natural supplements, their potential benefits, and considerations for athletes aiming to optimize their performance the healthy way.
University of the Bahamas has four players on National team
THE University of The Bahamas will have four players on the Bahamas national soccer team for upcoming CONCACAF Nations Leagues matches against Puerto Rico and Guyana.
SAC’s Big Red Machine expecting upcoming season to be a great one
The St Augustine’s College (SAC) Big Red Machine continues to be a force to be reckoned within the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) sports and this season they are looking to continue their legacy.
Education reform is needed
The following was motivated by recent coverage of education, most specifically the latest exam results, in both The Nassau Guardian and The Tribune.
Tarran Knowles captures Pro League cards in two organisations
Getting in to the gym to develop more mass as a football player has earned big dividends for Tarran Knowles, who now has the distinction of being one of two Bahamians to hold pro cards in bodybuilding in two organisations.
Caribbean Week of Agriculture coming to Bahamas in October
THE Ministry of Agriculture yesterday launched the 17th Caribbean Week of Agriculture for the first time in The Bahamas to be held from October 9-13 to showcase the achievements and challenges in the agricultural sector.
One year prison for failure to charge monitor
A MAN on bail for murder was sentenced to a year in prison after he admitted to consistently failing to charge his monitoring device.
Man remanded for failed armed robbery charge
A MAN was behind bars yesterday after he was accused of a failed armed robbery using a fake handgun earlier this week.
Police search for Abaco man wanted for sex crime
ABACO police are searching for a man wanted for questioning in an unlawful sexual intercourse investigation.
Sentenced to 18 months prison for boat theft
A MAN was sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to stealing a $40,000 21ft boat last weekend.
Teenager with prior offence ordered to pay $2,000 fine for marijuana possession
A teenager, who admitted to a drug offence, was fined $2,000 yesterday.
Ministry shift ‘to give Family Islands attention they need’
Clay Sweeting, the newly announced Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, said the merger of the two ministries will ensure that the Family islands “get the special attention they need”.
Cooper: Fidelity to open Exuma branch ‘shortly’
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper announced that Fidelity Bank will be opening a branch in Exuma “shortly”, bringing relief to some of the island’s banking woes.
Thursday, September 7
Bahamas Department of Meteorology update on Hurricane Lee
NEWS ITEM ON HURRICANE LEE ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY FORECAST OFFICE SECTION, AT 6:00 PM EDT, THURSDAY 7TH, SEPTEMBER 2023.
70 students take part in summer student employment programme offered by GBPA
MORE than 70 students took part in the Summer Student Employment Programme at the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) this year.
STATESIDE: UAW strike appears imminent as they wait for a response from auto makers
EVERY year at the beginning of September, Americans pause as Labour Day, always celebrated on the first Monday in September, marks the end of another summer and the return to school for students and (at least traditionally) the return to the office or factory for white- and blue-collar workers alike.
Tourism performance has outpaced projections according to MOT report
THE Ministry of Tourism revealed yesterday that The Bahamas has had more than five million arrivals in the first seven months of this year, predicting a visitor rate of more than eight million by the end of the year.
FRONT PORCH: Racism and its denial is tragic and dangerous
TWO stories here at home showcase the vicious and bitter legacy of racism, which many seek to ignore or sideline with comments like, “that was such a long time ago” and “why can’t we move on.”
More than 300 matters before police complaints and corruption branch
MORE than 300 matters have been reported to the police Complaints and Corruption branch so far this year.
Island-wide roadblocks aim to curb crime
AN island-wide series of roadblocks were held yesterday as police conducted traffic stops and aimed to curb crime.
Resolution in sight in BPL strike threat
The dispute between the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) and Bahamas Power and Light will be settled within the next few days, Tribune Business has been told.
As gas prices rise, retailers 'can't contain this anymore'
The Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association's (BPRA) president, Raymond Jones, said production cuts in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are behind the rise in prices at the pump, which he said underscores the need for a margin increase for retailers as they “can’t contain this anymore".
Inflation trend ‘positive’ as rate shows minimal change
THE trend for inflation has been hailed as "positive" by a campaigner for good governance.
Downtown car park solution on the cards
A CAR park is being proposed for the Downtown area, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation (MOTIA).
Advertorial: Why life insurance matters in The Bahamas
Many people in The Bahamas would never think to exclude insuring their most valuable possessions. With a climate that is susceptible to hurricanes, most people’s homes are insured.
Police look into alleged abuse by senior officer
POLICE are investigating an incident allegedly involving a high-ranking male police officer in plain clothes, accused of punching a woman in the eye - leaving her unable to see through her left eye.
Operators of jet skis claim they were told to leave beach
ACCESS to the beach near the Melia Hotel has been restricted, prompting fear from some water sports operators as to how they will be able to continue their businesses.
Privy council orders man’s resentencing
CONVICTED child killer Roger Watson has been ordered to be resentenced after a successful appeal before the Privy Council.
Sands calls for vaccine as Dengue cases rise
FREE National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands has called for the Davis administration to bring in a dengue vaccine - with cases having risen to 66 as of yesterday, according to The Ministry of Health and Wellness.
UNION: CUBAN TEACHERS ‘CAN’T SPEAK ENGLISH’ – Bahamas Union of Teachers leader has received complaints about language barriers
THE BAHAMAS Union of Teachers said it is concerned that a number of Cuban teachers recently hired by the government cannot speak English and called on the Ministry of Education to investigate the issue.
While Hurricane Lee moves closer to The Bahama Islands, NEMA says they stand ready
WITH all eyes on Hurricane Lee, Captain Stephen Russell says the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is as ready as can be and has completed all shelter inspections in the event of an approaching storm.
Nashad Mackey joins UT Martin Skyhawks coaching staff
Bahamian Nashad Mackey will now join the University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks men’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. The former senior national team player will transition from his previous role as the assistant coach of the Daytona State Falcons.
The BGDBA regular seasons ends, playoffs begin tomorrow night
The 2023 Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) playoffs are scheduled to begin this Friday at the AF Adderley gymnasium.
CH Reeves Raptors aiming to keep last season’s momentum going
With schools recently reopening for the new academic and sporting year, the CH Reeves Raptors are looking to keep last season’s momentum going.
Man on cruise from Miami to Bimini reported missing
A cruise passenger was reported missing on Monday while aboard a Carnival Cruise from Miami to Bimini.
Failure of efforts on environment
Environmental efforts by Government are a failure so far.
Police investigating armed robbery in Hampton Road area
NEW Providence police are investigating an armed robbery incident that occurred on Tuesday.
Man charged with attempted murder remanded to prison
A MAN was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of shooting a man outside his house in Pinewood Gardens over the summer.
DEIDRE BASTIAN: Is artificial intelligence a benefit or a threat?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzz word as it has not only become an integral part of our daily lives but has a rapidly growing field of technology that has already made a significant impact on many businesses globally.
Power problems and thefts cause BTC service issues
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) released a statement yesterday advising that some Family Island consumers have been experiencing service issues “due to power-related issues and malicious acts”.
Wednesday, September 6
Former Governor General CA Smith well received on his return to Grand Bahama
Former Governor General Sir CA Smith, and his wife, Lady Clara, received a warm welcome upon their arrival at Grand Bahama International Airport on Tuesday evening.
ALICIA WALLACE: It may be time for marriage to end
I recently participated in an interactive session organised by a nongovernmental organisation for community members.
Man in custody on charge of molesting 5-year-old boy
A MAN was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of molesting a 5-year-old boy three times this year.
EDITORIAL: Building on ideas for the future
IN last week’s Tribune, we ran a series of guest editorials from individuals across the spectrum of our culture.
66 percent in July over previous year
TOURISM arrivals grew by 66 per cent in July when compared to last year, Tourism Minister Chester Cooper revealed yesterday.
PM congratulates Bahamian-American Wayne Jones – first black police chief of Miami Beach
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis congratulated Wayne Jones, a Bahamian American, on his “exemplary appointment” as the first black police chief of Miami Beach.
Bahamas national organ transplant programme to start before year’s end
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said government is committed to start the transplant programme in The Bahamas at its “earliest convenience”.
Vendors: Solve parking problems if pedestrianisation gets go-ahead
Straw vendors said yesterday that pedestrianising Bay Street must come with a car park and more marketing of the Straw Market.
Strong start on market for Windsor Lakes project
A Western New Providence gated development pegged at $50m has reserved one third of its lots in its first month on the market, with marketing expected to ramp up in the next month.
Abaco hopeful - but some questions over reshuffle
BUSINESSES in Abaco are “encouraged” by new developments and projects slated for the island four years after the devastating Hurricane Dorian, according to Daphne DeGregory Miaoulis, president of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce. She noted that Abaco “remains strong” and holds many opportunities for the local and international market.
Grand Lucayan buyer hopes ‘positive sign for the island’
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president said it is “great news” that there are three prospective buyers for the Grand Lucyan hotel, saying this is more positive for the island than has previously been revealed.
‘Roaring’ tourism set for best ever year
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper yesterday said tourist arrivals are up 66 percent over last year’s numbers.
Paralysed man shot while sitting outside his home
A PARALYSED man was shot as he sat outside his home in a wheelchair on Monday evening.
Cay Conference looking for Bahamian models and actors coming soon to Atlantis
ORGANISERS of a conference say they are looking for Bahamian models and actors to give them a chance in the big league.
Family of drowned man believes Ocean Cay unsafe
A vacation cruise to The Bahamas ended in tragedy for a family of four following the drowning of 26-year-old Guyanese national Akeem Charles at Ocean Cay, a private island in The Bahamas owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) cruise line.
Activists label police officer accused of abuse ‘disgraceful’
ACTIVISTS have condemned a high-ranking male police officer who reportedly punched a woman in her eye after she refuted his vulgar behaviour towards her.
Tropical Storm Lee monitored by Met Office
A WEATHER official is urging residents to monitor the progression of newly formed Tropical Storm Lee, which is forecast to become a major hurricane at the end of the week.
PLP hits back at Sands’ ‘empty and devoid’ slam
MEMBERS of the Progressive Liberal Party hit back at the Free National Movement Chairman Dr Duane Sands yesterday, calling his comments “empty and devoid”.
DENGUE ALERT AS CASES ARE RISING: Dr Darville reveals 52 people infected and six in hospital
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville revealed there are currently 52 cases of dengue fever, with “about six people” in hospital.
SPORTS MINISTER LOOKS FORWARD: Mario Bowleg pleased with tenure so far, but still more to be done
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg likes the direction sports is heading in the country, but he admitted that there’s still some more work for the federations and associations to do to get it to where it should be.
One Caribbean Invitational Women Fast-Pitch Softball event coming to Nassau
Softball 242 is bringing some of the women’s teams in the region to compete in the One Caribbean Invitational Women Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament.
Varel Davis seeks re-election as GSSSA president
Varel Davis has served as president of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) since 2015 and is now seeking another two-year term at Thursday’s elections.
When did guns become so common?
Call to mind the times when neither police nor crooks carried around guns with them everyday, and compare that to today.
Two men each granted $7.5k bail for loaded gun charges
TWO MEN were each granted $7,500 bail after they were allegedly found with a loaded gun in their car near Soldier Road north late last month.
Man on bail for murder pays $2,500 for not charging device
A MAN on bail for murder was fined $2,500 after he admitted to failing to charge his monitoring device.
Woman admits to having drugs told to make donation
A WOMAN was ordered to make a charitable donation after she admitted to possession of six grams of marijuana last weekend.
Reloaded Baseball prepares to host second invitational
After celebrating their one-year anniversary this summer, the Reloaded Baseball programme is preparing to host their second baseball invitational. The baseball action is set to get underway from October 6-9 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The three-day invitational will feature competition from the Coach Pitch to 14-and under (14U) division. Young athletes from the capital will be joined by players from Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Exuma, Long Island, Bimini along with international teams from the USA.
Tuesday, September 5
Student spotlight
Kenece Edgecombe, above, graduated from Gateway Christian Academy, Bimini as the Valedictorian.
Learning with fun
The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Programme held a summer camp at Kamalame Cay, for twenty-two students aged eight to fourteen years from North Andros.
Chevening scholarship for BNT star Ann-Marie
AN education officer with the Bahamas National Trust hopes to prepare Bahamians for “serious climate-driven threats” after being awarded a Chevening scholarship.
THE BTVI STORY: Zooming to a new career
With access to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) expanding across the archipelago, more people are taking advantage of remaining on their island while learning a trade. Lashanda Johnson is one of them.
PETER YOUNG: Consistent stance needed in relations involving Russia, Belarus and Iran
HOW dispiriting it was to learn about the Nobel Foundation’s recent decision to invite the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Iran to this year’s Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm in December after excluding them in 2022.
FACE TO FACE: From Snow Hill, to Capitol Hill, to Mount Fitzwilliam - CA Smith shares his journey
SNOW Hill is an inconspicuous little town in northern Long Island, not often heard of when more popular settlements are mentioned. Yet it was right in the heart of Snow Hill that Cornelius A Smith would be welcomed into the world, where he would be nurtured, and where he would be given the humble island foundation that would serve him well in life, as he rose to occupy the highest state post in the country.
BPSU signs industrial agreement with UB
THE Bahamas Public Services Union signed an industrial agreement with the University of The Bahamas yesterday, with roughly 250 employees of UB staff to benefit.
EDITORIAL: We owe Dorian survivors the truth
WITH talk of a commission of inquiry into the events surrounding Hurricane Dorian and its aftermath still swirling, the FNM has effectively told the government to get on with it.
Union leaders say they are ‘pretty comfortable’ with Cabinet shuffle
UNION leaders welcomed Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ changes to his Cabinet yesterday, despite a shaky start with some ministers.
Mario Bowleg embraces ideas for improvements and promotion of Bahamian culture
YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg embraced suggestions for improvements his ministry should consider, including the rebirth of the Botanical Gardens, murals throughout downtown Nassau and rigorous and intentional advertisements of local arts and culture professionals.
Creative minds competition for students to design logo for Consumer Protection Commission
STUDENTS throughout The Bahamas have the chance to win some $850 and other prizes by entering a competition to create a logo for the Consumer Protection Commission.
Sad to see Sweeting go – but hopes for new minister
THE new agriculture minister arrives to hopes that he will get on his feet quickly and continue with former minister Clay Sweeting’s mandate for farming.
Sands: Still room to grow, with Family Islands key
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association president said there is “more room for growth” and that the country should prepare for the consistency of year round tourism especially in the Family Islands.
Reserves stay ‘buoyant’ though growth reduced
The Central Bank yesterday said The Bahamas’ external reserves are set to remain “buoyant” in 2023 although June’s growth is $44.4m short of 2022’s expansion.
Government restructuring sparks hope for business priorities
THE business community is “looking forward” to working with new Cabinet ministers following the government reshuffle, said Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s chairman, yesterday.
‘Record growth’ for tourism according to bank report
TOURISM is showing “record growth” according to a new report from the Central Bank of The Bahamas - while economic growth continues at a moderate pace.
Woman left unable to see after police officer ‘punched me in eye’
A WOMAN is pursuing legal action after a high-ranking male police officer in plain clothes allegedly punched her in the eye - leaving her unable to see through her left eye.
Davis accused of cowardice as Bell stays in Cabinet
LEADERS of the opposition political parties accused Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday of being “afraid” to make the tough decisions, calling his decision to reassign Keith Bell instead of firing him “cowardice”.
FNM: Stop playing games on hurricane commission
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis continues to “titillate” the Bahamian public with the possibility of a commission of inquiry over Hurricane Dorian.
PLEA OVER DORIAN DEATH CERTIFICATES: ‘I just want peace and to move on’ after mother and brother were killed
FOUR years after her mother and brother died during Hurricane Dorian, Sitha Silien says she just wants to find peace and move on with her life – a dream that would only be made possible after she obtains her loved ones’ death certificates.
Suffer the little children
How long has the abuse of women and children existed on this planet? Hundreds of years? Thousands? Since the beginning? But now, transparency is beginning to happen.
Man accused of groping young girl granted bail
A MAN was granted $8,500 bail yesterday after he was accused of groping an underaged girl inappropriately earlier this year.
Bail violation by man accused of murder lands him in prison
A MAN on bail for murder was sentenced to four months in prison yesterday after he admitted to failing to charge his ankle monitor.
Man charged with stealing a woman’s car granted bail
A MAN was granted $7,000 bail after he was accused of stealing a woman’s car last week.
Eleuthera man accused of housebreaking granted bail
A MAN was granted $5,000 bail after he was accused of a recent housebreaking in Eleuthera.
Coach Deven moves to Exuma
AFTER conducting a successful physical education programme in the Catholic Primary Schools for the past 19 years, Deven Johnson has made the switch to the government schools and has now been relocated to Exuma.
Tennis coach Ricardo Demeritte passes international course
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates coach Ricardo Demeritte who recently participated in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Level 2 Coaching Advanced Players Course which was held in Trinidad and Tobago in August.
BFA hosts professional development day to kick off new school year
THE Bahamas Football Association kicked off the new school year by once again hosting the professional development day for the primary schools.
‘Knucklehead’ Johnson Invitational next month – Cross country invite on October 21
Bahamas men’s national 1,500 metre record holder William ‘Knucklehead’ Johnson is delighted that there will be a continuation of the cross country invitational in his honour.
Bumper business for back-to-school
Barbers and beauty salon reported “great” business over the weekend for the back to school rush.
Graycliff offers Indulgence to guests
A prominent Nassau eatery is offering a new “Indulgence Series” for guests in the hope of attracting both locals and tourists.
Monday, September 4
Four years on, paying tribute to those lost in Dorian
ON the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Dorian, families gathered at memorial monuments in Grand Bahama to lay wreaths for their loved ones who died or went missing during the storm on September 2.
THE KDK REPORT: Dire health consequences of extreme heat on the body
EVERY year, Bahamians from one end of the archipelago to the other lament the relentless broil of the summer’s heat. And this summer’s simmer has been particularly ruthless. Some of the hottest days on record occurred during July of this year with a heat index (feels like temperature) that oscillated between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. But unlike other, less tropical, locales we are often shielded from the intense heat by the shade of palm and coconut trees and cooled by the balmy breeze of our turquoise ocean.
INSIGHT: For better or worse, change is in the air
CHANGE is in the air, it seems. Perhaps it is the rest between sessions of Parliament. Perhaps it is the return of children to school. Perhaps that feeling of the changing of the seasons as summer moves to an end – but something is in the air.
Public school attendance is down four percentage points since last year
THE public school attendance rate is at 91 percent this year, according to Acting Education Director Dominique Russell.
EDITORIAL: Will Davis’ reshuffle be a benefit or not?
THE much-rumoured, long-awaited Cabinet reshuffle has arrived – and those expected to get the chop have instead simply received a new title and desk.
Police investigating if any ‘criminal conduct’ is involved in construction of shelter in Abaco
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said police have been asked to investigate issues over the construction of a hurricane shelter in Abaco.
Commission of inquiry into response to Hurricane Dorian is ‘not ruled out’, says PM
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said a commission of inquiry over Hurricane Dorian has not been ruled out.
‘We know we can do more because Abaco deserves more’, says Davis
AS the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Dorian was marked on Friday, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said “we can do more” to help the island of Abaco.
Women United voices disapproval of making false reports of abuse
A WOMEN’S rights advocacy group has voiced its disapproval of false reports made to police and is calling for stiffer penalties for those who make those false reports.
Professional ‘step child’ hits $1bn permits mark
The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president says the construction industry is still being treated like a “step child” despite data showing it is already a $1bn per year industry.
$3m Governor’s Harbour project in 45 full-time jobs
A developer is aiming to invest $3m in constructing a 49-unit subdivision and full-service marina at Governor’s Harbour that will create 45 full-time jobs once build-out is completed.
Corporate income tax: Not ‘holding the bag’
The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president says a corporate income tax levied on net profits would be “fantastic” for the industry if it eliminates a Business Licence regime that can tax companies into a loss.
Eleuthera school director calls criticisms on lack of teachers a ’misunderstanding’
GREEN Castle Primary School in Eleuthera has enough teachers and online criticisms are a misunderstanding, according to acting education director Dominique Russell.
FTX chief orders Bahamas: Hand over SBF interviews
FTX’s US chief is accusing his Bahamian counterparts of seeking to “shield from scrutiny” details of their interviews with Sam Bankman-Fried and other key insiders that he now wants handed over.
BPL Workers Union votes strongly in favour of strike
MORE than 1,000 Bahamas Electrical Workers Union members voted to strike in a ballot on Friday, resulting in a 99 percent “yes” vote unofficially, according to union president Kyle Wilson.
‘Mother’ Pratt sworn in as new Governor General
CYNTHIA “Mother” Pratt was sworn in on Friday as the 12th Governor General of The Bahamas as she spoke of the need to “support the weak, and lift up the fallen”.
Bell shuffled in Davis Cabinet shake-up
ALMOST two years into his administration, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has shuffled his Cabinet, with Keith Bell and Alfred Sears being moved to new ministerial posts.
Bodybuilders earn their pro cards
Jimmy Norius and Tarran Knowles can now hold the distinction of being the first two Bahamians to earn their professional bodybuilding cards from two different organisations.
World eSports: Lucius finishes 33rd overall
AFTER advancing to the first round of the playoffs, gamer Johnathon Lucius fell to Peru to end his journey in the International Esports Federation’s (IESF) World Championships this past weekend.
Eugene Horton and his slate returned to office
WITH a resounding vote of confidence, president Eugene Horton and his entire slate of officers were returned to office as the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s executives for the next four years to complete the job they started.
Undefeated Cybots beat Crimestoppers
WITH the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) season winding down, the undefeated Bain and Grants Town Cybots dropped the Police Crimestoppers 88-81 this past weekend.
Bahamas Youth Flag Football League ‘in-season training’
THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) season returned this past weekend at the Thomas A Robinson national stadium.
UB Mingoes women’s volleyball team gains valuable experience
THE University of The Bahamas women’s volleyball team lost both matches to Florida National University Conquistadors but head coach Raymond Wilson said the team not only improved but also gained valuable experience heading into the season.
Navigating the challenges to drive increased demand
The Bahamas, often celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, stands poised with immense potential for economic growth. Throughout this two-part series, we will thoroughly explore the pressing need to invigorate and foster the growth of the local economy. It is crucial to grasp the essence and significance of what constitutes an economy, as it serves as the backbone upon which the prosperity and well-being of a nation and its people are built.
DEREK SMITH: Combine AI with human expertise on compliance
Regulatory compliance is undoubtedly a key component of trust between institutions and consumers in the financial services industry. Thus an important question facing corporate governance professionals in the era of fintech (financial technology) innovation is whether to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for compliance or rely on the traditional expertise of risk and compliance professionals.
‘Nothing to ease pressure’ over high insurance costs
Bahamian insurers are warning there is “nothing that will ease the pressure” on soaring catastrophe coverage costs as they nervously await the total damages and insured losses from Hurricane Idalia’s strike on Florida.
‘Road map’ for 5G plan amid Starlink pushback
Regulators have pledged “to develop a road map” for deploying 5G (fifth generation) technology in The Bahamas amid continuing concerns from the two incumbent operators about the arrival of Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Building material suppliers watching for Idalia fall-out
Bahamian building materials costs and availability could come under pressure from post-Hurricane Idalia reconstruction on Florida’s west coast, local suppliers have warned.
Software with solid gains
ActivTrades
August is behind us and markets worldwide had a more or less quiet month. In New York, caution about the forthcoming labour market report has somewhat pushed the hopes of an interest rate pause by the US Federal Reserve into the background. The leading index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, slipped gradually until the end of August and posted a loss of 2.4 percent.
Friday, September 1
Woman accused of making false kidnapping report
A 33-year-old mother was granted $2,000 bail after she was accused of making a false kidnapping report claiming that a man tried to abduct her 2-year-old daughter at a food store last week.
Not guilty plea to 24 counts of violation of bail conditions
AN 18-year-old youth is behind bars accused of breaching his bail 24 times in the last year.
Man charged with possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition
A MAN was granted $7,000 bail after he was allegedly caught with a loaded gun on a motorcycle after a police chase near Robinson Road earlier last month.
Jet ski operator charged with indecent assault
A jet ski operator was granted bail after he was accused of groping a female tourist’s private parts on Paradise Island last week.
FNM Chairman reflects on Hurricane Dorian
Free National Movement Chairman Dr Duane Sands released a statement reflecting on Hurricane Dorian on Friday, the fourth anniversary of the storm.
IAN FERGUSON: How to bridge the divide between work and school and SCJ
The concept of businesses working with schools is certainly not new. Many have reached out through public and private sector-organised initiatives to engage students more meaningfully in the world of enterprise.
Clubs & Societies September 1st, 2023
Rotary Satellite Club of Nassau (RSCN) on Cat Island’s Back to School Jamboree was held last Saturday at Our Kids Arcade, New Bight, with love packages containing school supplies, free arcade tokens, a painting station, as well as food and beverages for those in attendance.
DIANE PHILLIPS: The high cost of power
THE predictable mid-month e-mail from BPL landed in my inbox. Trying to ignore its presence, I continued working, aware it was sitting there, waiting to be opened. As usual, I was slightly curious but knowing it would set me back I weighed the hope for a miracle against the dread of knowing it was summer (the bedroom air conditioning was running at night) and the sinking feeling the bill was probably going to be a little higher than last month’s which was bad enough.
ONE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION – The need to strengthen the trades
This week, Ministry of Education officials released concerning news about the continued decline in the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) national examination results.
EDITORIAL: Ending institutionalised oppression of women in The Bahamas
WERE it up to me, I would change – or rather do away with – the entire matrix of social, cultural and political myths and assumptions used to condone and facilitate blatant discrimination against more than half the population of this country.
University of The Bahamas announces partnership with Smarter Bahamas for data analytics programme
THE University of The Bahamas announced a partnership yesterday to let students learn data analysis skills for career development.
Pain and sadness on Dorian anniversary
THE anniversary of Hurricane Dorian still conjures pain and sadness for many people in Abaco and Grand Bahama.
BISX fund eyeing up to $10m warehouse raise
A BISX-listed real estate yesterday said it plans to raise up to $10m within the next six months to finance development of its Carmichael Road warehouse after profits near-doubled during the 2023 first-half.
UN specialist warns on storm debt cycle
A United Nations (UN) foreign debt specialist yesterday disclosed that The Bahamas is still paying off borrowings related to three post-hurricane restorations with the country facing “almost unbelievable pressure” from climate change.
Gov’t spending reform is ‘absolute necessity’
The Opposition yesterday branded reform of government spending as an “absolute necessity” as it argued that the $804.5m increase in total expenditure compared to pre-COVID levels is “possibly unsustainable”.
Sebas teams with University of The Bahamas to solve ‘dire need’ for skills
Island Luck’s co-founder yesterday teamed with the University of The Bahamas to launch the ‘Smarter Bahamas’ initiative that aims to solve the “dire need” for enhanced technology skills among local workers.
Ceremony for Governor General CA Smith as he demits office
GOVERNMENT officials and politicians gathered yesterday at Mount Filtz William for the farewell of Sir Cornelius Smith as he demitted the Office of the Governor General.
Cruise ship passenger found dead in waters near Bimini beach
Police on the island of Bimini are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 26-year-old Guyanese male cruise ship passenger.
Claiming police ‘humiliated’ him taxi driver seeks legal advice
A TAXI driver is seeking legal advice after being “humiliated” by a junior police officer.
With Aliv Business Makeover campaign companies can win up to $90k in prizes
BUSINESSES can win up to $90k in prizes to help their enterprises grow as part of Aliv’s Ultimate Business Makeover campaign.
Gov’t told: Avoid ‘piecemeal approach’ over tax reforms
The Opposition’s leader yesterday urged the Government to avoid “a piecemeal approach” to reform in the FNM’s response to the corporate income tax proposal, warning: “We have a very small margin for error.”
Woman charged in drive-by shooting
A woman was remanded to prison yesterday for her alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting on Rupert Dean Lane last week that left a 25-year-old man dead and a four-year-old boy injured.
BAHAMIAN FACING GUN CHARGES IN US: Some weapons accused allegedly bought found at Bahamas murder scenes
A BAHAMIAN man living in Florida allegedly bought 89 guns between January 2022 and July 2023, some of which were recovered from murder scenes in The Bahamas.
Tears of joy for Evans family at Coroner’s Court ruling
THE family of Deangelo Evans burst into tears of joy after a Coroner’s Court jury ruled yesterday that the 20-year-old’s police-involved shooting death in 2018 was a homicide by manslaughter.
SHAUNAE CRUISES TO WIN IN ZURICH: Miller-Uibo clocks 51.83 in 400 metres
It didn’t take Shaunae Miller-Uibo that long to get her legs back under her. In fact, in just her second international meet since having her baby boy on April 20, she said it’s all about getting ready to defend her women’s 400 metre title at the Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Bodybuilding ‘challenges’ ahead of big CAC event
FOLLOWING their appeal in early August for financial sponsors, the Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation (BBWFF) still lacks adequate funding for travel expenses.
Eugene Horton seeks another term in office as BBF president
WITH some unfinished business since moving up from first vice president to president during the middle of the past four-year term in office, Eugene Horton will be seeking another tenure at the helm of one of the country’s most fledgling sporting bodies.
Bahamas squash ends decade-long absence from international squash
Four Walls coaches head delegation to regional competition
THE Bahamas fielded a three-man delegation to compete in the recent Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Squash Championships, which ended on August 26 in the Cayman Islands.
Balcony fire causes temporary evacuation at Baha Mar, ‘quickly resolved’ - no injuries
A FIRE on the 18th floor of the Grand Hyatt Hotel at Baha Mar caused guests and employees to be briefly evacuated yesterday.
The Minister of Works should have resigned
I can’t speak for anyone else, but every time I see Alfred Sears, Minister of Works on TV or in the daily newspaper, I see the Face of Failure, absolute and complete failure. It’s been over a year now since he was unable to locate his magical email on the IDB Hedge Programme for BPL fuel. As reported in the daily newspaper on December 9th, 2022, Mr. Sears finally admitted that he had indeed received the emails from BPL fuel hedge committee on October 9, 2021. So, it took Mr. Sears 425 days to locate emails after repeatedly saying he had no knowledge of these emails.
Man admits to trespassing and trying to steal hat from car
A MAN is behind bars after he admitted to trespassing on a man’s yard and attempting to steal a hat from his car earlier last month.
Sebas in ‘tax-free zip code’ Aeropost plan
Island Luck's co-founder yesterday said his Aeropost e-commerce platform will differentiate itself from rivals by adding freight-forwarding capabilities that employ a "tax-free zip code" to offer clients better rates.
BPL workers to vote on whether to strike
MORE than 500 Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) workers will vote today on whether to strike in protest of unresolved issues with BPL’s management.
