Tuesday, April 30
'Death by 1,000 cuts' fear on new Bimini airport fees
Private aviation operators yesterday voiced fears that the industry faces "death by a thousand cuts" amid a furious reaction to the imposition of multiple new fees to pay for Bimini's $80m airport upgrade.
Family denies body found in Fox Hill cemetery is missing Kyle
RELATIVES of missing Kyle Carey today denied social media reports that his body was found in a grave in the Fox Hill cemetery last week.
Claims that leader playing favourites in Women’s Association election process
MEMBERS of the Free National Movement’s (FNM) women’s association expressed discontent with the election process for their association, claiming there is foul play and favouritism from the party’s leadership towards one candidate.
Jury empanelled in Cornish rape trial
A JURY was empanelled yesterday to hear the case involving North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish, who is accused of rape.
Mother’s hopes dashed as man’s body is found
WHEN she spoke to The Tribune around 1pm yesterday, Michelle Greene was still optimistic her son would be found in good health.
Mitchell hits back at Minnis over deploying RBDF to Haiti
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell accused former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis of “scaremongering” after the Killarney MP again criticised the government over the potential deployment of defence force officers to Haiti.
Pintard: I’ll win leadership vote
THE threat of a challenge from former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at the upcoming Free National Movement convention has not dented Michael Pintard’s confidence that he will be affirmed as leader of the party.
ACP Knowles speaks to girls mentoring organisation in GB
ASSISTANT Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles said women’s achievements in Bahamian law enforcement serve as a potent reminder that gender should never be a barrier to success or excellence, even in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Monday, April 29
Commonwealth hails $63.5m profit amid 91% claw back fall
COMMONWEALTH Bank yesterday hailed its “second most profitable” year-ever through $63.5m in net income that was generated despite a near-91 percent drop on COVID loss provision write-backs.
Otabor, Cartwright win
While some of the top elite athletes took care of business in China and Bermuda, a number of collegiate and local athletes were in action in various meets in the United States of America.
Reverse aging pioneer to address Old Fort Bay club
Reverse aging pioneer, lecturer and author Bill Faloon is slated to speak at the Old Fort Bay Club on Wednesday.
Minnis: The nation will know if I run
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis does not support his party’s decision to host a one-day convention in June, saying this does not give the Free National Movement enough time to showcase its talent and policies.
Volunteers battle Abaco fires
VOLUNTEER firefighters spent over 30 hours battling a number of fires that erupted in Marsh Harbour and Spring City on Friday.
GBPA braces for govt to launch arbitration
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is bracing for the Government to formally initiate arbitration proceedings as early as this week after talks failed to break the deadlock over the latter’s $357m demand.
Two dead in Eleuthera as car hits tree
TWO men were killed in a traffic accident in North Eleuthera on Saturday when the driver lost control of his vehicle and ran into a tree.
Midnight shootings leave two people dead
TWO fatal shootings took place on Sunday, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old man and what is believed to be a male juvenile.
Graduation ceremony held for empowerment project
THE Community Empowerment Project hosted its first graduation ceremony at First Baptist Church where participants had taken classes, gaining skills in mathematics, English, baking, jewellery making, grooming, and straw plaiting.
Concerns over Bill on electricity
Kindly permit me to publicly express my views on the Electricity Bill, 2024, which would permit Bahamas Power and Light (BPL), or any electricity supplier, to set their own tariff rates for three years without approval from the Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA).
BPL must stay under URCA
Take the already high electricity rates out of the supervision of URCA means one single fact … the Davis-Cooper Government does not want to be re-elected … this is suicide for them and a catastrophe for the consumers.
Copying the FNM
Very unusual for the PLP to copy the FNM but for some reason painting white the curbs along our roads is at full force everywhere Government employees are painting away.
INSIGHT: Game on for FNM...but will party make most of convention?
The FNM has named the date for the convention that should take it through to the next election.
Remembering legendary boxer, coach Ray Minus Jr
FROM the young to the old and a girl in between, a group of amateur and professional boxers put on a series of exhibition matches on Saturday night to help celebrate the one year anniversary death of legendary boxer/coach Ray Minus Jr.
NPBA President: We have a lot of work to do
A LITTLE over a week ago the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) postseason ended with the Discount Distributors Rockets crowned as champions.
REACH Fun Run/Walk attracts hundreds for worthy cause
THE Resources and Education for Autism and Related Challenges (REACH) non-profit organisation closed out Autism Awareness Month on a high note.
‘Jazz’ hits his second grand slam homer of the season
Nick Senzel homered twice and drove in five runs as the Washington Nationals erased an early seven-run deficit to beat the reeling Miami Marlins 12-9 yesterday.
Saturday, April 27
A bit of Charisma will get you everywhere
IN a Nassau church 24 years ago, Charisma Taylor’s mother heard a sermon on charisma, which the pastor described as the “giftings of the spirit.” The sermon struck a chord, and a few months later, out came a baby girl named after it. From day one, Charisma was graced with the name of a star, her mama’s winning smile, and a loving family. Only time would tell how this movie played out.
Friday, April 26
COP warns residents to remain vigilant over armed robberies
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander urged residents to stay vigilant and heed warnings to remain safe, following three armed robberies this week.
Man sentenced to nine months for stealing
A MAN was sentenced to nine months in prison on Friday after he admitted to breaking into a car on Baillou Hill Road last year and stealing hundreds of dollars worth of property.
Pregnant woman granted conditional discharge after slapping woman
A visibly pregnant woman was granted a conditional discharge on Friday after she admitted to slapping another woman last week.
Man found with loaded gun granted bail
A MAN was granted bail after he was accused of having a loaded gun in New Providence last month.
Father released after son pleads guilty to drug possession
A MAN was sentenced to nine months in prison on Friday after he admitted to having $1,600 worth of drugs last week.
Fire services, volunteers tackling four fires in Abaco
ABACO Fire services and volunteers are working to contain four separate fires in the Marsh Harbour and Spring City areas, forcing the closure of a section of the island's main road today.
Mitchell demands halt to cemetery’s appeal
A CABINET minister was yesterday revealed to have intervened on behalf of his constituents over a planning appeal involving a proposed 13-acre Bernard Road cemetery that is heavily opposed.
PM: Bill’s ‘flexibility’ to end GBPA’s energy regulation
THE Prime Minister yesterday confirmed that the Electricity Bill 2024 provides “the flexibility” to remove the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) ability to regulate the energy sector in Freeport.
Opposition leader fears Bill ‘guts URCA’s BPL oversight’
THE Opposition’s leader yesterday accused the Government of “gutting URCA’s oversight” with planned energy regulation reforms that the Prime Minister said could lead to BPL’s break-up.
Wendy’s: Atlantis can’t dictate what happens on PI
WENDY’S attorneys yesterday asserted that Atlantis cannot dictate all that happens on Paradise Island even though it may view the fast-food restaurant as “not up to snuff”.
Sarkis wins bid to take Baha Mar fraud claim to trial
SARKIS Izmirlian’s $2.25bn fraud and breach of contract claim against Baha Mar’s Chinese contractor was yesterday cleared to proceed to full trial before a New York court this August.
NIB deficit ‘cut by 61%’ after rate hike
THE National Insurance Board took 300 people to court for failing to pay NIB contributions last year –– a 12 per cent increase over 2022 –– and expects its deficit to drop by 61 per cent once contribution rates increase in July.
BPL ‘could be divided into three’
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis confirmed that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) could be divided into three separate entities as the government aims to improve power efficiency and reduce BPL’s outstanding debts.
FNM names date for convention
THE Free National Movement announced yesterday that it will hold a one-day convention on June 1, when party positions will be “up for grabs”.
PM: Women not equal? ‘y’all ruling us, man'
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis rejects the United States’ observation about how women are treated in The Bahamas.
A new home to give Yurie a new start
AN elderly disabled man was handed the keys to his newly built home on Deveaux Street yesterday, courtesy of Urban Renewal.
Local comedians join award-winning ‘Goombay Kids’
The award-winning Bahamian TV show “Goombay Kids” is set to debut its fourth season this Saturday.
Tyesha Tynes a ‘stroke’ above the rest
Freshman Tyesha Tynes was pleased with the way she was able to make her presence felt for the Hastings College Lady Broncos women’s golf team this season.
Thursday, April 25
CARIFTA medallist Lanaisha earns full ride scholarship to the University at Albany
CARIFTA bronze medallist Lanaisha Lubin has signed a contract for a full ride scholarship for the University at Albany in Albany, New York.
One-month tax certificate to halt ‘bush crack, man gone’
Bahamian tax authorities yesterday asserted they have “learned from our mistakes” as it emerged companies with outstanding bills are only being issued with tax compliance certificates valid for one month.
Doctors Hospital targets $10m acquisition boost
Doctors Hospital yesterday predicted annual revenues will increase by $10m through its acquisition of The Kidney Centre in a deal that will make its workforce more than 1,000-strong.
Minister’s $185k CARIFTA ‘surplus’ came from 360% subsidy overshoot
A Cabinet minister yesterday asserted that last year’s CARIFTA games generated a $185,503 “net surplus” even though this was only made possible by a taxpayer subsidy over four times’ higher than budgeted.
GBPA seeks to reassure on ‘unfortunate public noise’
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) last night moved to reassure its licensees and potential investors over “the very unfortunate public noise” created by its $357m dispute with the Government.
Energy bill opens door to BPL move
The Government yesterday unveiled a major overhaul of the country’s energy regulatory regime to provide a platform for rescuing Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) from its $1bn debt and investment hole.
Court told ministry has final say on promotions
A FORMER financial officer at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) said in court yesterday that the Ministry of National Security has the final say on promotion matters at the prison, not the prison commissioner.
Gas station ordered shut in leak probe
AN Abaco gas station has been ordered to close pending an investigation into a diesel leak from its fuel line that has affected the island’s drainage system.
Laroda ‘cannot speak’ to LGBT issues - or diversity programme
SOCIAL Services Minister Myles Laroda said he couldn’t confirm a claim in the United States’ latest human rights reports on The Bahamas that some Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex children were remanded to juvenile correctional facilities after being deemed ‘uncontrollable’ based on their sexual orientation, gender identity.
FNM: PM flip flops over marital rape
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard labelled Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis a “serial flip-flopper” for suggesting that criminalising marital rape is not a priority because it was not mentioned in his party’s pre-election manifesto, “Blueprint for Change”.
‘No comment made to put PM in fear’
THE attorney for a 21-year-old man accused of threatening to kill Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis claimed his client never made a comment to put Mr Davis in fear.
FNM says report shows nation economy struggling to recover
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson said a new report shows The Bahamas is struggling to recover economically after Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Concerns raised over transparency on environment fines
AS parliamentarians passed a bill to introduce spot fines for environmental infractions yesterday, some complained about the Davis administration’s lack of transparency regarding penalties for those who have broken environmental laws.
Port seeking to encourage Bahamians back to Bay St
THE Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) is fine-tuning its efforts to bring more Bahamians back to Bay Street and revive the city’s nightlife.
Bowleg tables CARIFTA figures
YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg tabled an unaudited financial statement about the 2023 CARIFA Games in the House of Assembly yesterday.
Discharge for mother who hit daughter with cord
A 35-year-old mother was conditionally discharged yesterday after admitting to injuring her 15-year-old daughter because the girl lied about how she got to the movies last Saturday.
FRONT PORCH: The failure to civilise new generations
A gnawing grief seized the family and friends of former Member of Parliament and Deputy House of Assembly Speaker, Don Saunders, following his murder during an armed robbery
Regatta time again!
CARIBBEAN Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and longtime corporate supporter of the National Family Island (NFI) Regatta, looks forward to another year of stiff competition and culture at the 68th NFI Regatta April 23-27 in George Town, Exuma.
MP Leon Lundy: We have plans to open up the gym for summer
THE construction of the South Andros multipurpose gymnasium has been in the works for almost a decade and now, with the facility only needing some finishing touches, it can be fully operational by June 6, according to MP for Mangrove Cay, South Andros and Central Andros Leon Lundy.
Reloaded kids training in the Dominican Republic
RELOADED Baseball has announced a relationship with a sporting academy in the Dominican Republic as the organisation furthers its mandate of providing developmental initiatives to get the country's youth to the next level.
Comets, Hurricanes repeat as junior soccer champions
The junior portion of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Sports (BAISS) Soccer Championships is officially in the books.
Beautiful Grand Bahama project is praised for helping YMCA
KAREN Pinder-Johnson, the YMCA’s executive director, has praised Beautiful Grand Bahama (BGB) for assisting with much-needed improvements to the facility and its sporting amenities.
Teen accused of gun possession
A 17-year-old boy was granted $7,000 bail after he was accused of having a gun in New Providence last week.
Prepare as soon as possible for Hurricane season, OPM urges
WITH the 2024 hurricane season fast approaching, the Office of Prime Minister is urging Bahamians to begin their storm preparations as soon as possible.
STATESIDE: War and ideology
THE lounge, a finger of whiskey still floating one ice cube in the cut glass tumbler resting on the side table next to his favorite arm chair. Several friends sat in a loose circle, arranged on comfortable hard chairs so he could see and respond to each. One of the professor’s oldest acquaintances spoke up.
Wednesday, April 24
Nassau/PI hotels ‘soon can’t take anyone else’
Nassau and Paradise Island hotels will “soon reach the point where we can’t take anyone else”, a senior tourism executive has warned, with room shortages driving “unheard of” March occupancies.
Cable ‘not rolling over and playing dead’ over Starlink
A senior Cable Bahamas executive pledged the group is “not rolling over and playing dead” as she was forced to defend its ability to compete with Elon Musk’s upstart Starlink satellite Internet service.
Don’t ‘erode’ public worker benefits in pension reform
The Government’s public sector pension reforms “must not erode the benefits” workers enjoy under their current scheme, a union leader is warning, while challenging if those impacted were consulted.
DPM: Bahamians will gain Royal Caribbean PI shares
The deputy prime minister yesterday clarified that, while details are still being worked out, the Government plans to offer equity ownership in Royal Caribbean’s Paradise Island project to Bahamian investors.
NPBA Finals: Discount Distributors Rockets win Division One title
THE Discount Distributors Rockets added another chapter to their long-standing rivalry with the Commonwealth Bank Giants in division one play.
Judoka Xavion Johnson 5th
After getting off to a fast start with some huge victories yesterday, Xavion Johnson faltered down the stretch and ended up fifth in the junior segment of the Pan American Judo Championships and the Oceania Judo Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Major US agencies collaborating with BACSWN to bring PM's legacy to reality
IN an exclusive interview with The Tribune, Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network’s President & CEO, Lyrone Burrows, with renowned US Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Scientist, Professor Roelof Bruintjes, PhD, provided insight into how US National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Aviation Weather Centre and Johns Hopkins plan to help bring Prime Minister Philip Davis’ aviation, carbon credits and health legacy to fruition.
Queen’s Staircase renovated and rededicated
The renovation of the Queen’s Staircase was unveiled in a rededication ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Photos by Dante Carrer
Student fights with school resource officer at Eight Mile Rock High School
AN Eight Mile Rock High School student fought a school resource officer on Monday in a chaotic incident captured on camera.
‘Keep faucet open’ govt urged as real estate triples
The Government was yesterday urged to “keep the faucet open”, and not tinker with real estate taxes and regulation in the upcoming Budget, as contracted property sales more than tripled year-over-year.
Court upholds Archer libel conviction
THE Court of Appeal affirmed former Contractors Registrar Omar Archer’s intentional libel conviction for alleging that a woman had HIV/AIDS and was spreading it.
Rolle gets 40 years jail for murder of Kessinger
RODRIGO Rolle was emotionless yesterday as a judge sentenced him to 40 years in prison for murdering an elderly American woman during a home invasion in Cat Island in 2017.
Diversity Programme prevents youth detentions on sexuality
THE Ministry of Social Services introduced a diversity programme that is helping to prevent gay youth from being sent to juvenile detention centres because of their sexuality, according to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex advocate Alexus D'Marco.
Minister ‘agenda’ against Murphy
RETIRED commissioner of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Charles Murphy claimed in court yesterday that National Security Minister Wayne Munroe had a personal agenda against him and failed to adequately explain why he sent him on administrative leave after the 2021 general election.
Tuesday, April 23
Darville: ‘We’re an open book’ on catastrophic healthcare fund
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville dismissed the idea that the Davis administration is not transparent about its catastrophic healthcare fund, saying: “We’re an open book.”
Darville: ‘We’re an open book’ on catastrophic healthcare fund
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville dismissed the idea that the Davis administration is not transparent about its catastrophic healthcare fund, saying: “We’re an open book.”
Fernander disagrees with Pintard that anti-gang bill may make criminals of innocent parents - ‘We do our investigation’
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander disagrees with Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard, who believes the anti-gang bill passed in the House of Assembly earlier this month may make criminals out of innocent parents.
Cabinet approves virtual court to be built at Dept of Correctional Services
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said Cabinet has approved the construction of a new virtual court at the Department of Correctional Services.
Govt and RCI sign HOA for $165m Beach Club
THE Davis administration and Royal Caribbean International (RCI) signed a Heads of Agreement yesterday to develop RCI’s $165m Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
Tug and barge still stranded in Fowl Cay protected park will likely face penalties
THE owners of a vessel stuck in a protected area of Abaco will likely face penalties, according to Department of Environmental Planning and Protection director Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy.
Ex-minister backs government over BPL private partnership deal
A FORMER Cabinet minister yesterday backed the Davis administration’s efforts to secure outside investor capital and expertise for Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) via a public- private partnership (PPP) model.
Cleare sworn in as dept of corrections commissioner
DOAN Cleare was sworn in as prison commissioner yesterday –– one day before a court case scrutinising his ascendency is expected to heat up.
PM says divorce is a solution for marital rape
GIVING no firm indication that his administration will criminalise marital rape, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis suggested yesterday that divorce is the solution for women who believe their spouse has raped them.
US says LGBTQ+ community in Bahamas is disenfranchised
THE United States wrote extensively about how the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex community in The Bahamas is disenfranchised or treated differently from heterosexuals in its latest human rights report.
US: Bahamas not equal for women
THE latest United States human rights report says the Bahamian government is contributing to statelessness “through discrimination against women in nationality laws” and is failing to effectively implement laws related to contracts and procurement.
FOCOL shares smoke and mirrors
WE may recall about a month or two back an article published in The Tribune where it was stated that “FOCOL was pregnant with opportunities”.
Stellar PLP has still more to do
THE iconic Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will celebrate its half way mark back in elective office within a few short months.
EDITORIAL: US report tells us what we know
AT the start of this year, a spike in the murder rate brought international warnings to travellers that prompted the government to loudly proclaim – and often – that The Bahamas was a safe place to visit.
Three men charged on the murder of Renaldo Pinder
THREE men were behind bars yesterday after they were accused of killing a man last week.
10 years of an undersea kingdom
THE Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden and Coral Nursery (CRSG) - a testament to a decade of unwavering commitment to marine conservation and environmental stewardship.
Man charged on five counts of incest for molesting his niece
A 25-YEAR-OLD man was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of molesting his underaged niece five times over the last two years.
Woman accused of trying to kill man with her vehicle
A WOMAN was remanded to prison yesterday after she allegedly tried to kill a man with her vehicle on Carmichael Road last week.
Man charged with robbing a woman at gunpoint of $700
A MAN was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of robbing a woman at gunpoint earlier this month.
PETER YOUNG: Middle East is as dangerous as ever while Iran and Israel conflict remains
HISTORIANS of the future may well wonder how the current Israel-Gaza war suddenly blew up without warning and how quickly things can change, at least in the short-term.
FACE TO FACE: Founder of NABHOOD awarded President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his service
ELEUTHERA-born American hotel industry influencer Dr Andy Ingraham has received the President’s Lifetime Achievement award from the President of the United States, President Joseph Biden.
Environmentalists honour Earth Day by planting 150 mangrove seedlings in GB
MANGROVE seedlings were planted just off Dover Sound in observation of Earth Day yesterday.
Pintard: Retired nurses should be brought back to alleviate shortage
OPPOSITION Leader Michael Pintard said the nursing profession is experiencing a severe shortage in the country, and said retired nurses should be brought back into the system.
Isaiah dominates rowing
Isaiah Ellis, fast becoming the top rower to watch in the country, had a spectacular showing at the Nassau Rowing Club’s Lake Cunningham Classic on Saturday in Lake Cunningham.
BTC sponsors Blake Bartlett for World Relays
FOR the first time in its history of supporting sports, BTC is excited to announce that an employee is a member of the athletic team participating in the BTC World Relays Bahamas 24 May 4-5 at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.
Ray Minus Jr day on Saturday
FAMILY and friends of the late legendary Bahamian boxer Ray Minus Jr will hold a Ray Minus Jr Day on Saturday.
Steven Gardiner ‘just glad to be back’
BAHAMAS men’s national 400 metres record holder Steven Gardiner said he’s glad to be back, but he’s hoping that he can stay “injury free” as he looks forward to a fun-filled season in preparation to defend his title at the Olympic Games in August.
Monday, April 22
Top swimmers making a splash
DNDN McKenzie and Siann Isaacs turned in some of the top performances over the weekend as swimmers in Bahamas Aquatics nally returned to familiar territory for their local swim meets.
Sports calendar
FAMILY and friends of the late Ray Minus Jr are scheduled to hold a Ray Minus Jr Day on Saturday.
SAC sweeps two divisions at flag football high school tourney
THE St Augustine’s College (SAC) Big Red Machine swept both divisions at the second edition of the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) High School Tournament over the weekend.
Bahamas finishes fourth at Jr Davis Cup qualifiers
THE Bahamas’ trio of Jerald Carroll, Jackson Mactaggart and William McCartney finished fourth at the World Junior Tennis (WJT) Junior Davis Cup/Junior Billie Jean King Cup North, Central American and Caribbean Final Qualifying Tournament in Orlando, Florida, over the weekend.
Steven Gardiner leading the way
AS quarter-miler Steven Gardiner led a host of Bahamians competing in the United States, hurdler Devynne Charlton and sprinter Anthonique Strachan were in action at the start of the Wanda Diamond League in Xiamen, China.
YES Giants national basketball champions
CONGO TOWN, South Andros - It was quite a phenomenal week for the Your Essential Store (YES) Giants as they repeated as the division two champions of the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) National Round Robin Tournament in South Andros just a few days after successfully defending their division two title in the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA).
Bahamians told: Invest into ‘big scale tourism’
More Bahamians must “invest in tourism big-scale”, the deputy prime minister is urging, challenging why this is not occurring given how “bullish” the country is on the industry.
Annoyed by lawless motorcyclists
THE quiet of Sunday evening out west was broken for hours by the wheeling hoard of 10-15 motorcyclists doing their thing on West Bay…right across each side of the street.
Will GB rise to the occasion?
As A Digital Transformation Consultant of Bahamian descent residing overseas, with a keen aspiration to witness the flourishing of my homeland, allow me to commence with the first of several letters. These missives will centre on individuals addressing the promising resurgence of the Bahamian Economy, highlighting the pivotal role of Grand Bahama in this revitalization.
THE KDK REPORT: The vanishing sun
THE recent solar eclipse lasted just four minutes. During those four minutes, many parts of the world were cast into total darkness and, collectively, we were all reminded of the awe and mystery of this planet. In those moments, I couldn’t help but wonder what our ancestors thought of such a phenomenon. One can safely assume they didn’t have safety eyewear to protect their confused gazes as the day’s light suddenly disappeared without explanation. They also didn’t have the comfort of knowing that the acute darkness was fleeting. So, while four minutes for us felt short and we wished it could last longer. For them it must have been terrifyingly long.
GAIN AN EDGE: Conversation and compromise: Elevating the youth voice in climate action
Ashawnté Russell, a biology major with a minor in chemistry at University of The Bahamas (UB), is painfully aware that The Bahamas is under threat and her recent year-long service in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) reinforced that certainty. It also opened doors for the youth voice – hers included – to be elevated in national and global conversations about climate change.
WORLD VIEW: Is Ecuador’s expulsion from the UN really the answer to the diplomatic crisis with Mexico?
THE Mexican government has taken the significant step of asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to “suspend Ecuador as member of the United Nations” and also to “initiate the process of expulsion under article 6 of the United Nations Charter”.
INSIGHT: Earth Day 2024, another squandered opportunity
EVERY year, on April 22, the world marks Earth Day – to some extent or another. The day is a US creation – way back in 1970 organisers wanted to throw a spotlight on the environmental problems facing the country. It has expanded far and beyond since. Here in The Bahamas, you would be forgiven if you had not noticed much about the day.
DPM: ‘Cracks’ showing in Briland’s tourism product
The deputy prime minister has raised the alarm that “cracks” are appearing in Harbour Island’s tourism product, as he warned: “Unless we manage the paradise we have we stand the risk of losing it.”
FRONT PORCH: Restraint in politics and government
ANTHONY Seldon, the well-known British headteacher and political observer has written books on each of his country’s prime ministers over the past 40 years.
DPM: Eleuthera airport woe ‘completely embarrassing’
The deputy prime minister has admitted that North Eleuthera airport’s present woes are “completely embarrassing” even though the island posted a monthly visitor record for February 2024.
Resort proprietor targets 60 jobs in two-hotel expansion
A Bahamian resort entrepreneur is aiming to double his total workforce by 60 jobs through the launch of two new boutique properties by year-end 2026.
Gov’t boost from moody’s $44m deficit miss forecast
MOODY'S has given the Government’s fiscal consolidation campaign a major boost by predicting that this year’s fiscal deficit will only narrowly overshoot its target by $44m.
PM: Lawyers to meet as GB deadline looms
TENSIONS between the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Davis administration continue to brew as the deadline for the former to pay the government $357m or face arbitration proceedings nears, with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis saying the promises of Grand Bahama will remain unfulfilled without a paradigm shift.
Police say traffic deaths ‘unusually high’ as two more die over weekend
TWO people were killed in a car crash during a weekend that recorded more than a dozen traffic accidents.
Rasta leaders want free cannabis growing licences
RASTAFARIAN leaders want free cannabis cultivation licences as reparations for years of being criminalised for marijuana possession.
FNM: How are health funds being spent?
FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands has called for greater transparency surrounding the government’s catastrophic healthcare fund, about which little has been said even though it was a significant policy initiative of the Davis administration.
Sunday, April 21
Farewell Don: Politicians urged to work together on crime
Archdeacon Keith Cartwright implored the prime minister and leader of the opposition to work together against crime during his sermon at the state-recognized funeral service for former Deputy House Speaker and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tall Pines Donald Lamond Saunders.
Gov't to investigate industrial odours in GB
Prime Minister Philip Davis said his administration is concerned about nuisance odours from the industrial park that are impacting nearby residential communities in Grand Bahama.
Saturday, April 20
Man accused of injuring ex-girlfriend OPM staffer, released on bail
A 44-year-old man was granted $1,500 bail on Friday after he allegedly injured his ex-girlfriend last month.
Canadian man released on bail ahead of causing harm trial
A Canadian man who denied injuring a man earlier this year was granted bail ahead of his trial.
American man fined for heroin found at LPIA
AN American man was fined $1,000 in the Magistrate’s Court Friday after admitting to having nine grams of heroin in his possession.
Abaco MP: Tourism nearing pre-Dorian levels
CENTRAL and South Abaco MP John Pinder said tourism on the island is nearing pre-Dorian levels, with the first two months of 2024 up 13 per cent from last year.
Friday, April 19
Body of elderly man found on GB golf course
The body of an elderly man was found at the Reef Golf Course of the Grand Lucayan Resort in Grand Bahama on Friday morning.
FOAM to help job seekers expunge records at job fair
FAMILIES Of All Murder Victims (FOAM) organisation is empowering the community one step at a time, by hosting a job fair inclusive of legal assistance to expunge minor infractions from people’s police records, free legal and immigration consultation, along with other services geared towards gainful employment.
Fund manager to be ‘little more defensive’
A Bahamian investment bank plans to be “a little more defensive” in 2024 with its stock picks as it targets close to $20m annual asset growth in its main equities investment fund.
Mingoes pick Baha Jrs apart with 10-0 win
THE University of The Bahamas men’s soccer team seemingly could not be stopped against BahaJrs in Bahamas Football Association action recently at the Roscoe A.L. Davies Field.
Pintard: Stop doing business with gangsters
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard warned the Davis administration not to sign contracts with businesses owned by gangsters, saying this would threaten the government’s reputation.
Woman claims she stabbed former lover with a knife in self-defence
A WOMAN testified yesterday that she stabbed her former lover last year because he tried to force his way into her home.
‘Adverse court findings are not affecting police morale’
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander does not believe police morale is being affected by the increase in homicide-by-manslaughter findings concerning police-involved killings.
Airline says fix airport or we pull out of route
A Cabinet minister yesterday revealed that American Airlines threatened to pull out of its Governor’s Harbour route expansion if $6m in airport upgrades were not completed within two months.
Bowleg hits back on audit findings
YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said the government did not overspend on last year’s CARIFTA and Jubilee Games, which cost more than $7m than was allocated, according to audit reports from the Office of the Auditor General.
The Unsung Heroes of Sports: Athletic Trainers
IN the world of sports, the spotlight often shines brightest on the athletes themselves.
Thursday, April 18
GB medical school’s $25m expansion to give 200 jobs
A Grand Bahama medical school says its imminent $25m expansion will create 200 construction jobs as it dismissed a legal battle with its co-founder as “a distraction”.
‘Folly’ to release PwC’s $357m GBPA research
A Cabinet minister yesterday asserted it would be “folly” for the Government to disclose evidence showing how the $357m payment demand issued to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) was calculated.
Lodge owner ‘can’t deal’ with BPL power outages
South Andros and Mangrove Cay residents yesterday urged the Government to “put their foot on BPL” after a 24-hour power outage knocked out all the area’s utilities and Internet service.
CARIFTA TV payment cut in half on contract breach
An upfront $50,000 cash payment related to broadcasting rights for last year’s 50th CARIFTA track and field championships was cut by 50 percent after organisers breached the contract.
Pintard: Gang Bill may hurt innocent parents
CHARGING parents for harbouring children who are gang members will cause suffering for many good parents, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard warned yesterday, adding that most parents do not know the double life their children may lead.
Police ‘have technology to catch assassins’
POLICE have the technology to determine who is receiving assassination orders from inmates at the Bahamas Department of Corrections and the resources to prove someone is a gang member, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday.
Crisis centre director says rape law inadequate
DAYS after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis suggested current laws provide solutions for victims of marital rape, Bahamas Crisis Centre Director Sandra Dean-Patterson said the laws are inadequate.
Multiple fiscal failures found in Bahamas Jubilee games audit
UNAUTHORISED vehicle purchases and salary increases, misuse of petty cash, and a failure to pay National Insurance Board (NIB) contributions are some of the fiscal shortcomings highlighted in the Office of the Auditor General’s examination of last year’s Bahamas Jubilee Games.
‘I was lucky’, says Minnis on incident of road rage
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis believes he is lucky to have avoided harm after a man with a “British accent” accosted him while driving last week and forced him to veer off the road into someone’s driveway.
$7m overspend on sports events
BAHAMIAN taxpayers incurred an extra $7m bill to cover cost overruns for two much-hyped sporting events that were hosted last summer, the Government’s financial watchdog has revealed.
Four teams on the verge of victory
Four teams competing in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) Baseball/Softball Championships have the same goal in common - one more win.
Discount Distributors Rockets one win away from NPBA title
GAME four of the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) Division I Finals will be a crucial one for both the Commonwealth Bank Giants and Discount Distributors Rockets.
Jr Davis Cup Qualifiers: Bahamas falls to Canada 3-0
TEAM Bahamas’ trio of Jackson Mactaggart, Jerald Carroll and William McCartney suffered a tough 0-3 loss to Canada yesterday at the World Junior Tennis (WJT) Junior Davis Cup/Junior Billie Jean King Cup North, Central American and Caribbean Final Qualifying Tournament in Orlando, Florida.
Free Wi-Fi at National Family Island Regatta thanks to BTC
THOUSANDS attending the upcoming National Family Island Regatta in George Town, Exuma will be able to take advantage of free Wi-Fi - thanks to BTC - throughout the duration of the five-day event.
Bahamian Marathoner Makes International Hall of Fame
DURING the 128th running of the Boston Marathon (26.2 miles) on Sunday past, another Bahamian marathon runner etched his name into the marathon record books.
Bill tabled to regulate longevity and regenerative therapies in the country
POLICE have the technology to determine who is receiving assassination orders from inmates at the Bahamas Department of Corrections and the resources to prove someone is a gang member, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday.
Poll finds nearly 90 percent against oil drilling
A SURVEY reportedly found that nearly 90 per cent of local respondents support legislation preventing fossil fuel exploration in the country, and 74 per cent want to transition to renewable energy.
Man accused of carjacking to pay $500 fine for lying to police
A 20-year-old man was remanded in custody yesterday after being accused of an armed carjacking in Flamingo Gardens last week.
Man charged with having two firearms granted $8,500 bail
A MAN was granted $8,500 bail after he was allegedly found with two firearms over the weekend in New Providence.
Man pleads guilty to causing harm to woman fined $500
IN court a man was ordered to compensate a woman after he admitted to attacking her last week.
Teen admitting to drug charge sent to Simpson Penn centre
A 15-year-old boy was sent to Simpson Penn Centre for Boys yesterday after pleading guilty to a drug charge.
Restraint in politics and in government
ANTHONY Seldon, the well-known British headteacher and political observer has written books on each of his country’s prime ministers over the past 40 years.
Scout Association week of fellowship, training and information sharing
The Scout Association of the Bahamas, a dynamic youth organisation with a mission to develop the youth in myriad ways, recently hosted its annual week of fellowship, training and information sharing.
Wednesday, April 17
Woman in custody for attempted murder after Carmichael Road hit-and-run
Police are questioning a 23-year-old woman in connection with the attempted murder of a man in the Carmichael Road area last night.
Man dies at hospital after Ridgeland Park shooting
A 36-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at hospital after he was gunned down while walking in the Ridgeland Park area yesterday evening.
Yellow Elder murder victim had ‘no trouble with the law’
THE sister of the country’s latest murder victim said her brother had no problems with the law, but had the misfortune of sitting next to their neighbour when that man was murdered in January.
Family of GB man killed in traffic accident still in disbelief
GEORGE Bastian, 56, was on his way home from the Fish Fry in Eight Mile Rock when he was killed in a traffic accident over the weekend.
Maria Daxon replaced as COI deputy leader
MARIA Daxon was replaced as deputy leader of the Coalition of Independents after reportedly failing to meet nomination requirements when the party hosted its convention on April 13.
Ex-mp still free over $3m ‘life-altering’ money battle
A FORMER MP and ex-Supreme Court judge was yesterday said to remain free almost two months after police issued a ‘wanted poster’ for him over allegations he has failed to repay an investor more than $3m.
Child abuse cases increase by 87%
REPORTS of child abuse soared 87 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022, a contin- uation of what officials say is an increase in child abuse following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hurricane Hunter aircraft visits Bahamas
THE press toured the Hurricane Hunter Lockheed WC-130J aircraft during a visit by the plane to The Bahamas yesterday.
Bahamas ratifies World Relays team
IN less than three weeks the World Athletics Relays will return to Paradise on May 4-5 at a newly renovated Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.
‘I feel confident in this team’
Coach Philip Major Jr said he likes the chances of Team Bahamas advancing to the Davis Cup Juniors Finals in November.
Reloaded pitchers, catchers camp was a ‘home run’
THE Reloaded Baseball/Softball programme continued to fulfil its main objective of developing athletes over the weekend at its free hosting of a pitchers and catchers clinic at the Banker’s Field.
BBF nationals to christen newly built South Andros Gym from Friday to Sunday
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation will take its National Round Robin Tournament to South Andros this weekend, but there won’t be any competition for the men’s division one.
Tuesday, April 16
Racing for a brighter future
When astronauts are asked what the most beautiful place on earth is as seen from space, they often pinpoint The Exumas thanks to the mesmerising turquoise shades that envelope them. With more sea turtles and superyachts than people, it’s best known for its captivating waters. Samson Colebrooke grew up here, training in a place called the “Onion Bowl” in Moss Town, Great Exuma. The name comes from the fertile soil in Exuma, which is great for producing onions.
Rowing Bahamas’ inaugural rowing regatta Saturday
ROWING Bahamas, the newly formed local body for the watersport, will host its inaugural rowing regatta on Saturday.
PI entrepreneur: ‘Brown envelope backs my case’
The Bahamian entrepreneur seeking to restore Paradise Island’s lighthouse presented the Court of Appeal with fresh evidence he asserted proves there was a binding lease agreement with the Government.
Ex-MP slams the Gov’t for $357m GBPA ‘shakedown’
A former MP yesterday slammed the Government’s demand that the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) pay it $357m as “a shakedown”, and questioned if the former is “either broke or desperate”.
‘All-Bahamian’ $30m hotel gets conditional go-ahead
The Bahamian developer of a proposed $30m West Bay Street hotel was yesterday granted preliminary site plan approval for the project provided its “side setbacks” are increased to 15 feet.
Financial crimes rise 54% to five-year-high
Financial crimes reported to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) surged by 54 percent to 830 incidents in 2023 and representing a five-year high.
Financial crimes rise 54% to five-year-high
Financial crimes reported to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) surged by 54 percent to 830 incidents in 2023 and representing a five-year high.
Ex-DPM: ‘I’ve triumphed over baseless conspiracy claims’
An ex-deputy prime minister last night asserted he has “emerged victorious against baseless conspiracy allegations” levied against himself and Sky Bahamas’ former principal by the airline’s chief financier.
Complaints Against Police increased by 40 percent
POLICE have reported a rise in complaints about officers.
Opposition in Spanish Wells to shanty demolitions
SOME Spanish Wells commoners oppose the impending demolition of illegal shanty town structures either entirely or in part, arguing that the needs of people who were allegedly given permission to build on commonage land should be respected even if their structures are not legally built.
Anguished relatives mourn murder victim
TWO men were killed within 13 hours yesterday in separate incidents, bringing the murder count for the year to 42.
‘Crime is down’ but rise in rape
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said serious crimes decreased by 21 per cent in 2023, although rape increased by 11 per cent.
Suicides down by 25 percent despite remarkable 86 percent rise in attempts
ALTHOUGH suicides decreased by 25 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022, attempted suicides increased by a remarkable 86 per cent, according to police statistics released yesterday.
New police headquarters in Abaco announced as concerns over crime on the island grow
A MODEL for a new multimillion-dollar police headquarters in Abaco was unveiled yesterday even as officials, including Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander, expressed concerns about crime on the island.
Retired police investigator denies he was on ‘fishing expedition’
A RETIRED police investigator denied a defence attorney’s suggestion that he was on a “fishing expedition” when he and a team of officers searched vehicles allegedly belonging to Adrian Gibson in Long Island.
FACE TO FACE: Young men find purpose in protecting mangroves
WHEN two young men, students of Anatol Rodgers High School, joined a programme designed to save the mangroves on their island, they did not expect that it would change their outlook on life.
Monday, April 15
Govt ‘working to clog gun loopholes’
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the United States of America has made headway toward decreasing the illegal trafficking of firearms to The Bahamas.
Carolyn Hanna - being the change you want to see
CAROLYN F Hanna is a living, powerful example of “being the change you want to see in the world”. While some complain about the state of affairs in their country, point fingers and cast blame; others, like Carolyn, are quietly making a difference by putting their passion into action.
PETER YOUNG: NATO fulfils its purpose
Celebrations of the 75th anniversary of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) were in full swing last week as all concerned paid tribute to the success of this remarkable intergovernmental military alliance since its founding in 1949. In the words of its Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, “NATO is bigger, stronger and more united than ever” and has broadly ensured peace, democracy and prosperity for its members.
ALICIA WALLACE: World Health Day '24
“MY Health, My Right” was the theme for World Health Day this year, observed on Sunday, April 6. In its statement on World Health Day, the World Health Organization said the theme was chosen to “champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.”
STATESIDE: US political landscape evolves into a kind of three-ring circus
A kind of three-ring circus is evolving in Washington, New York and in other centres around the US. Two of the rings are located overseas. The other one is at the center of political life in America, and it does not bode well for Donald Trump and the Republican Party he has come to dominate.
What can country do to take advantage of kart racing?
FEW of us can name six senators serving now or remember who our Member of Parliament was ten years ago, but mention Lewis Hamilton and eyes light up. Recognition is instant. “The greatest race car driver of all time … A hero on the track and off …”
The wreck of the HMS Conqueror near Rum Cay
THOUGH the lore of shipwrecks is often embellished, that of HMS Conqueror on Rum Cay often has the date, the destination, and basic historical facts reported incorrectly. It wrecked on 13 December, 1861 (not the 29th), it was not the first propeller ship in the Royal Navy (HMS Rattler was in 1842), and the ship was on its way to Bermuda, not Mexico. HMS Conqueror was a two-decked steam-screw (propeller) ship, first-rate, of the line, 240 feet long, 55 feet wide, and 34 feet deep.
Rudeness by agent for Bahamasair trip
Recently, several members of my family travelled to George Town, Exuma, to attend a 95th birthday celebration for a member of our family.
Where did govt shares in GBPA go?
The recent brouhaha between the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority that has found its way onto the front pages of your newspaper reminded us of another controversial subject involving these two protagonists.
Man shot and killed in nightclub parking lot
A 33-year-old man was reportedly shot and killed during an argument outside a local nightspot on West Bay Street early this morning.
WSC contractor killed as two shot dead over weekend
TWO men were killed in New Providence and Abaco over the weekend.
Double Dragon robber’s killing ruled justified
A Coroner’s Court jury returned a finding of justifiable homicide in the police-involved killing of Elron Johnson, 17, who tried to rob the Double Dragon Restaurant on East Bay Street last year.
Royal Caribbean to start PI site clearance
Royal Caribbean yesterday confirmed it is “right at the cusp” and aiming to begin site clearance for its $100m Paradise Island beach club this week with a Heads of Agreement signing “very close”.
Restaurant soars thanks to TikTok star
A BAHAMIAN in Toronto, Canada, has seen her customer base triple since well-known food critic Keith Lee raved about her restaurant, Old Nassau, on TikTok.
PharmaChem more than $68m insolvent
PharmaChem Technologies is more than $68m insolvent with its major creditor having secured just 26.3 percent of the massive debt owed to it, Tribune Business can reveal.
Big Red Machine just keeps rolling
The St Augustine’s College (SAC) Big Red Machine kept rolling at the 2024 National High School Track and Field Championships where they claimed six out of eight division victories on Sunday evening at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.
Talk but little action to protect women
WHEN I was young, there was a simple rule: You don’t raise your hand to a woman.
Church owns 60 properties but ‘can’t pay’ $776k award
A Freeport church asserted it would be “totally compromised” if its bank deposits were seized to satisfy a $776,000 judgment despite owning a 60-strong, mortgage-free real estate portfolio.
BTC slams ‘excessive’ $209,488 URCA fine
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) last night slammed the $209,488 fine imposed on it by regulators for breaching mobile number portability rules as “unwarranted and excessive”.
Not just survive, but thrive, through risk management
The ability to identify and manage risks effectively is often the difference between a company thriving and simply surviving in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
PI Straw Market relaunch to boost tourism’s authenticity
Senior Atlantis executives say the Paradise Island Straw Market’s relaunch, and creation of the accompanying Food Village, will provide tourists with more authentic experiences.
African bank eyes $700m investment in Caribbean
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is eyeing a $700m investment in the Caribbean as it prepares for its annual general meeting (AGM) that will be held in The Bahamas this June.
Retired judge named to solar power firm Board
The renewable energy provider behind a $15m utility-scale solar project on Grand Bahama has named retired justice Rubie M. Nottage to its Board of Directors.
Nassau/PI selects new UK marketing partner
The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) has selected a new marketing partner to represent the destination to the UK travel industry.
Charisma books her ticket to Olympics, Shaunae back on track
VERSATILE Charisma Taylor booked her ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France and birthday girl Shaunae Miller-Uibo proved that she’s on her way back for another appearance at the Tom Jones Memorial at the Percy Beard Track in Gainesville, Florida.
Kai Jones finds new home with LA Clippers
BAHAMIAN big man Kai Jones will now take his talents from the East Coast to the West Coast after being signed to a multi-year deal by the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday ahead of their upcoming postseason run.
CB Giants tie series, YES Giants go up 2-0 in NPBA Championship
THE New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) division one and two championships are in full swing and action is already starting to heat up.
New Era Gym Rats win GBABA title
THE Grand Bahama Amateur Basketball Association completed their best-of-five championship series at the St George’s Gymnasium on Saturday night.
Lucozade Sprint Classic brings out the cyclists
THE New Providence Cycling Association hosted its Race Series 2024 with the Lucozade Sprint Classic on Sunday around the western end of New Providence.
PM: Bahamas must avoid ‘pitfalls of past’ over FATF
The Bahamas must “avoid stumbling into the pitfalls of the past” by upholding regulatory standards to maintain its perfect rating on anti-financial crime compliance, the Prime Minister says.
Bahamian group teams for growth in agriculture
A regional agriculture body has teamed with the Agricultural Development Organisation (ADO) of The Bahamas to promote the industry’s sustainable development in this nation.
Gov’t ‘100% locked in’ to growing agriculture
The Prime Minister says agriculture holds “vast untapped potential” with The Bahamas’ annual $1bn food import presenting “million dollar opportunities” for local farmers to exploit.
BAMSI crops badly hit by Andros fire
THE Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) said 75 per cent of its mangoes, 40 per cent of livestock pastures and 30 bee hives were destroyed when a fire ripped through forests this month.
Sunday, April 14
GB food assistance budget not exhausted but demand high
MINISTER of Social Services Myles Laroda said additional resources have been put in place to meet the growing food assistance demand in Grand Bahama.
Saturday, April 13
PM on public disclosures: 'I made my deadline'
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was tightlipped today over whether members of the governing party filed their public disclosures on or before the March 1 deadline as mandated under the Public Disclosure Act.
Andros fire rages on
FIRE services continued to manage the massive Andros forest fire after additional fire fighters from New Providence arrived on the island to assist.
Bahamas' financial services sector 'world class' ahead of FATF assessment
PRIME Minister Philip Davis trumpeted The Bahamas’ “world-class” financial services sector as the country prepares for another mutual evaluation assessment by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “on the horizon”.
Social Services records uptick in child abuse
STATISTICS from The Department of Social Services revealed an increase in child abuse over the past three years, specifically after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Social Services Minister Myles Laroda.
PM: 'Why do you want to describe rape?'
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis questioned on Friday whether it was necessary to "describe rape" in response to criticism over the stalled pace of legislation to criminalize marital raped.
Man sentenced to four months for marijuana possession
A MAN was sentenced to four months in prison on Friday after he admitted to the possession of 33 grams of marijuana last week.
Friday, April 12
Man denies stealing gold watch
A MAN was granted $5,000 bail on Friday after he denied stealing a $3,500 Rolex watch earlier this year.
Man charged in Golden Isles robbery and sexual assault
A MAN was imprisoned on Friday after he allegedly robbed and sexually assaulted a woman at gunpoint near Golden Isles Road earlier this month.
One in four women victims of violence
A SIGNIFICANT Gender-Based Violence study found that one in four women in The Bahamas had suffered physical or sexual violence in their life, with survivors lamenting the challenges with accessing healthcare, law enforcement and social services in the country.
Dr Ebbie Jackson completes North/South Pole marathons
IT was a dream come true for Dr Ebbie Shearer Jackson last month as she braved the “extreme weather conditions” to become the latest Bahamian to participate and complete both the Antarctic North and South Pole marathons.
MP Major and Senator Young get new but unknown roles at Agriculture
THE Office of the Prime Minister said Southern Shores MP Leroy Major and Senator Tyrell Young would assume new roles in the Ministry of Agriculture, but did not announce their new positions or why they were being moved.
‘Elron promised he would stop robberies’, said mother
THE mother of Elron Johnson, the 17-year-old who police killed after he tried to rob the Double Dragon Restaurant on East Bay Street last year, said two months before he was killed, her son promised her he would stop committing robberies while on remand at Simpson Penn.
COP: murders up 27 percent over last year
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander provided statistics yesterday showing murders are up 27 percent, while armed robberies have declined by 43 percent.
Football great, actor, and accused murderer OJ Simpson dead at 76
OJ SIMPSON, who has died aged 76, was a football star who went on to become an actor – but who was then the centre of the “trial of the century” for the murder of his wife and her friend in 1994.
28 families receive keys to new home as Bell says govt delivering on promises
TWENTY-eight families received keys to their new homes in the Renaissance at Carmichael Subdivision yesterday, with Housing and Urban Renewal Minister Keith Bell revealing that an additional 23 homes will be completed in six weeks.
COP vows to crack down on Japanese vehicles that are illegally rented and aiding criminals
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander vowed yesterday to crack down on Japanese vehicle owners improperly renting their cars, a practice that aids criminals.
Transition to new ankle monitoring company going smoothly, says Fernander
Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said of the 600 people being electronically monitored, more than 50 have switched their bracelets to the one provided by the new electronic monitoring service company.
Thursday, April 11
American couple rebuild after Hurricane Dorian devastated their Guana Cay retirement home
AMERICANS Norvell and Mark Slezycki went on an emotional roller-coaster after Hurricane Dorian swept away their dream retirement home in Great Guana Cay, Abaco.
Five charged with defrauding Water and Sewerage Corp, including two former employees
FIVE people, including two former Water and Sewerage Cooperation (WSC) employees, were granted bail yesterday after they were accused of defrauding WSC of tens of thousands of dollars from 2019 to 2020.
Why can't news report just the facts?
Government media … use of super-super superlatives in newscasting and reporting. Surely I am not the only one who has noticed the government news media uses extra-super superlatives in their reporting... forget the usual world famous... “internationally renown” that’s again even if the matter is in conceptual form only anything the Government puts its name to is world beating.
Minnis and McCartney alliance?
After I saw photos of former Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis with former Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney in Long Island to promote the former’s book “The Power of Determination”, I told a family member that it looks like Minnis is building an alliance
Fernander: 'Somthing sexual happened' in tourist rape claim
Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said investigations were still ongoing to determine whether rape charges would be brought against the men accused of sexual assault by two women cruise ship passengers two months ago.
PI resort, development escape tax debt sell-off
A Paradise Island resort and Long Island investment project are among those that have escaped being sold-off by the Government through settling their alleged real property tax delinquency.
Bank’s Out Island sites ‘a philanthropic service’
Bank of The Bahamas’ top executive yesterday described its Family Island presence as an act of “philanthropy” amid complaints that woes at its branch have left south Eleuthera in “a dire situation”.
Adapt to tourist profile so we ‘blow past’ 2019
Family Island hotels must adapt to a visitor demographic profile that has been flipped upside down over the past decade if they want to “blow past” pre-COVID numbers, a top tourism official is warning.
PI hotel project’s 100 ‘permanent’ job pledge
A development that aims to be Paradise Island’s “first new hotel for many years” yesterday said its project will create 100 permanent jobs and a similar number of construction posts.
The benefits and pitfalls of becoming an entrepreneur
Some people identify from an early age that they were meant to become an entrepreneur, while others find themselves starting a business due to life changes such as parenthood, retirement or losing a job.
No consumer respite despite inflation ease
As the tide of inflation in The Bahamas seems to be ebbing, it prompts reflection on what this means for the average Bahamian’s wallet.
PM says ‘black hole’ east of East Street
The Prime Minister yesterday branded the section of downtown Nassau east of East Street as “a black hole” for The Bahamas even though it contains some of New Providence’s most valuable real estate.
PM dismisses fears GBPA battle will ruin investment
The Prime Minister yesterday dismissed concerns that the escalating battle with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) over the Government’s $357m payment demand will ruin investor confidence.
PM dismisses concern GBPA dispute will undermine investor confidence
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis dismissed concerns that the government’s dispute with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) undermines investor confidence and suggested that investors already lacked interest in the island.
NEMA sends fire tanker to assist in Andros fire
A 2,000-GALLON fire tanker is expected to arrive in North Andros today to help contain a forest fire that has kept the community on high alert.
Disclosure chair would not say who filed
WEEKS after the deadline passed for parliamentarians to make their annual financial disclosures, Public Disclosure Commission chairman Bishop Victor Cooper still could not say yesterday how many completed their filings.
Tearful mother unable to complete testimony
THE mother of 17-year-old Elron Johnson broke down in tears and could not complete her testimony in the Coroner’s Court yesterday as the inquest into the teen’s police-involved killing after trying to rob the Double Dragon Restaurant on East Bay Street last year continued.
‘15 years too little for killing my son’
THE mother of Omar Davis, Jr –– the high-achieving young accountant killed in 2022 –– said the 15-year sentence her son’s killer has received is a “slap on the wrist” that does not bring justice.
Police investigating alleged suicide attempt
Police are investigating an alleged suicide attempt of a 35-year-old woman from western New Providence yesterday.
Police search for suspects after woman sexually assaulted on Paradise Island
Police are searching for two men who allegedly sexually assaulted a 51-year-old woman at gunpoint on Paradise Island last night.
Man found dead near fruit stand
A man was found dead with an apparent gunshot wound to the head off Cowpen Road last night.
Davis says details on BPL transformative deal to come when ‘all the ducks in a row’
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the government will reveal more details about a deal to transform Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) when it has “all the ducks in a row”.
PM promises to fix drainage on East Bay Street but businesses concerned over consultation
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis toured the East Bay Street area yesterday and said the government would fix drainage issues, but some are concerned the project is gearing up without their input and would hurt their business if roads are uprooted.
NIB comes through after long wait
I had filed an appeal at NIB in September 2021. It would appear that for some reason the appeal was “sat on” for about two years.
Man accused of having gun and ammo pleads not guilty
A 28-year-old man was granted bail of $8,000 after he was allegedly found with a loaded gun on a motorcycle last month.
Man pleads not guilty on drug charges granted bail
A MAN was granted $9,900 bail after he was accused of having illicit drugs last week.
FRONT PORCH: The ghosts of vicious colonial and racist mindset endure
There is a racist and colonial mindset born of European imperialism that endures.
What’s your favourite scripture, and what does it mean to you?
There are many memorable Bible passages that people hold near and dear to their hearts and which get them through life’s myriad experiences.
Bahamians turn out to be baptised during ‘Reaping the Harvest’ weekend
More than 20 individuals gave their lives to Christ and were baptised by water in during a special weekend hosted by Life Changers Ministries International (LCMI).
EDITORIAL: Andros fire highlights out islands’ need for resources
WHEN The Tribune spoke to North Andros administrator about a fire that had broken out on the island, we were assured that it was mostly contained.
Wednesday, April 10
Tribune Carifta Games 2024 supplement now online
Relive this year's CARIFTA Games coverage with our special supplement, now available to read as a pdf edition.
Now-Cabinet minister wins just 14.5% of union claim
A SUPREME Court judge has awarded a now-Cabinet minister just 14.5 percent of the compensation he was seeking over a breach of contract battle with the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT).
Contractor chief challenges ‘short sighted’ stadium deal
THE Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday argued it was “short-sighted” not to ensure the national stadium’s overhaul involves skills and knowledge transfer by the Chinese.
‘Total incompatibility’: But $100m project forges on
AN Exuma-based developer says it is pursuing all necessary approvals for a $100m project that has forced a neighbouring resort to place its development plans on hold and raised environmental concerns.
Ex-civil service union boss: I urged pension reform two decades ago
A FORMER union leader says he recommended that civil service pensions be made contributory almost two decades ago as financial analysts warned “it’s all coming home to roost” over a forecast $3.5bn hole.
Dealers: Used car sales up 30% with ‘level playing field’
AUTO dealers yesterday argued they could increase their used car sales by up to 30 percent if the authorities enforce a competitive ‘level playing field’ with roadside vendor rivals.
‘Don’t shoot, please, I give up,’ said teen
SECURITY footage showed 17-year-old Elron Johnson say, “don’t shoot, I give up” during a gun battle in which a police officer shot and killed him after his failed attempt to rob a Chinese restaurant last year.
Andros residents leave for safety as forest fire rages
A FOREST fire in North Andros has forced some residents to leave their homes over health concerns and affected the sleep patterns of people protecting their homes from the raging blaze.
Man asks to avoid ankle monitor because he says it attracts sharks
A MAN failed to convince a judge that his electronic monitoring device should be removed because it allegedly attracts barracudas and sharks while he is deep-sea diving.
'Release PwC report on what the GBPA owes’
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard wants the Davis administration to release the PwC report outlining what the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) owes the government.
Cleare confirms man beaten in prison attack
ACTING Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare confirmed the fears of a mother who said she could not speak to her son because he was beaten in prison, telling The Tribune the man was attacked by several inmates.
World Relays ticket sales ‘spiking’
THE anticipation is mounting and the enthusiasm is peaking as the countdown for the 2024 World Athletics Relays has now shifted from months to days.
Stage set for National High School Track & Field Championships
OFFICIALS of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC) have collaborated with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to officially launch the 2024 National High School Track and Field Championships under the theme “Ringing in a New Era of Sporting Excellence”.
Tuesday, April 9
Residents voice objections to new PI resort proposal
RESIDENTS last night argued that plans to transform the former Paradise Harbour Club site into a seven-storey hotel represent an “overdevelopment” that will impact quality of life and devalue their properties.
FNM claims govt broke law on finance
THE Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday challenged whether the Government may have violated public finance laws by drawing on $133m from its “sinking funds” to pay debts coming due.
Two men charged in Saunders murder case
TWO men were remanded in custody yesterday accused of murdering former FNM MP Donald Saunders during a bar robbery last month.
Witness tells how teen robber killed by police
A WOMAN said she was terrified when 17-year-old Elron Johnson entered a Chinese restaurant with a gun last year.
$36m stadium repair to finish 14 days before World Relays
THE Chinese government is fully covering the $36m repairs to the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, which officials expect to be completed at least 14 days before the World Athletics Relay.
Police chief to review fatal shooting advice
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said he has received recommendations from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions concerning the potential criminal prosecution of officers involved in killings that returned adverse inquest findings within the last year.
Monday, April 8
Govt ‘in process’ of acquiring facility for delayed GB domestic violence shelter
AMID concerns over delays in the creation of a domestic violence shelter, Minister of Social Services Myles Laroda said it is on the government’s agenda and will be completed shortly.
Partial solar eclipse this afternoon
A PARTIAL eclipse of the sun will take place today - and will be able to be seen from across The Bahamas.
Bahamian in New York City among millions to feel earthquake Friday
CHET KINCAID, a Bahamian living in New York City, said he thought he was going to be buried alive in his apartment when an earthquake rocked the Big Apple.
Soaring boat insurance ‘huge cost’ to Bahamas
ASTRONOMICAL boat insurance costs are having a “huge” impact on Family Island hotels and marinas through shortening the tourism season by a month and leaving many “empty” over the summer.
GBPA: $200m in taxes far exceed Gov’t outlay
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) yesterday blasted the Government’s huge payment demand as ill-founded by arguing that the $200m tax revenues earned by the latter far exceed what it invests in Freeport.
PM told GBPA’s owners: I have ‘no confidence’ in you
THE Prime Minster personally told the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) owners that he has “no confidence” in their ability to “realise the promise and potential of” Freeport.
Deltec’s big damage from FTX investor ‘Gatling gun’
A BAHAMIAN bank and its chairman have blasted aggrieved FTX investors for employing “a Gatling gun approach” that has inflicted “tremendous damage” on their financial services reputation.
“Who would have thought!“
MEETING over tea for the first time in 70 years, two of the nation’s most recognisable matriarchs on both sides of the political spectrum have come together to address some of the more pressing issues facing our nation.
GBPA: We’ll fight govt over demand
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) yesterday blasted the Government’s huge payment demand as ill-founded by arguing that Freeport’s $200m annual tax revenues far exceed what government invests in the city.
UPDATED PM: It is ‘intolerable’ that GBPA has not lived up to deal
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis threatened to begin arbitration proceedings against the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) if it fails to pay more than $300m owed to the government within the 30-day deadline.
Wildfire in Andros last week mostly contained
FIREFIGHTERS in North Andros are keeping a close watch on a large forest fire that erupted on the island last week, producing large plumes of thick, black smoke over surrounding communities.
‘Showdown in Paradise’
The 2024 World Relays to be hosted on home soil at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium is already shaping up to be exciting but officials added another layer of excitement with the launch of the pregame show “Showdown in Paradise”.
Javonya Valcourt and Alonzo Russell take spotlight in US
QUARTER-milers Javonya Valcourt and Alonzo Russell took the spotlight in various meets over the weekend in the United States as the outdoor season began to intensify for our collegiate and elite athletes.
Search for man who jumped off cruise ship on Friday suspended
THE search was suspended on Friday for a 20-year-old man who jumped off the Carnival cruise ship Liberty west off Great Inagua.
MOE to help parents prepare kids for exams
A “PARENT” unit is being set up by the Ministry of Education to help parents support their children as they prepare for examinations.
Bahamian traditions soon to end
AROUND 8pm on a rainy night in April some 60 years ago, sitting in the dining room of one Charlie Major, whom I regarded as the finest athlete in the history of The Bahamas.
Feeling the life of the disabled
AS a highly educated qualified legal professional to be discriminated against due to my paralysis by my chosen profession is not only perplexing but very disappointing and extremely hurtful.
SBDC and US Embassy hosted women entrepreneurs brunch
IN celebration of Women’s Month, the Small Business Development Centre and the US Embassy’s Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) hosted a brunch for women entrepreneurs at the Pelican Bay Resort.
A good man, a good father
THE presence of a father in a child’s life is no small thing.
Mishandled messaging and a lack of listening
WHEN it comes to politics, I keep my own counsel over who I vote for.
WORLD VIEW: It’s time the UN Security Council acts to stop the killing in Gaza
THE escalation of violence in Gaza by Israel has prompted a global outcry, marking a rising disgust, particularly among the young, of what is widely regarded as a hugely disproportionate response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
GAIN AN EDGE - Michael Bowleg: Focused on a sustainable future
INTERNATIONALLY, April is recognised as Earth Month with environmental celebrations and education culminating on April 22, Earth Day.
Civil society: The cornerstone of democracy and progress
IN its broadest sense civil society is all the people, places, and things functioning in a civilised society.
Over 600 Haitian migrants interdicted since last month
MORE than 600 Haitian migrants have been apprehended in the southern Bahamas since last month, with the latest interdiction happening at the weekend.
NPBA: Giants return to the finals
THE Commonwealth Bank Giants and Your Essential Store (YES) Giants will both return to yet another New Basketball (NPBA) Providence Association Finals.
EDITORIAL: Shelter for abused women needs action
LET us take a step back in time.
Saturday, April 6
Gov't in process of acquiring facility for domestic violence shelter
Amid concerns regarding the much-anticipated domestic violence shelter, Minister of Social Services Myles Laroda stated that it is on the government's agenda and will be realized shortly.
Lloyd hosts book signing at UB
FORMER Education Minister Jeff Lloyd hopes to inspire the future generation of Bahamians eager to share their life stories about their journeys to success with the launch of his new book.
Man sentenced to 7 months for marijuana possession
A MAN was sentenced to seven months in prison on Friday after he admitted to having 3oz of marijuana in his possession last Tuesday.
Taxi fare hike officially announced
THE increase of taxi cab fares by 10 percent was officially announced at a press conference held at Baha Mar on Friday.
Friday, April 5
Police monitoring Andros forest fire
Police in Andros are monitoring a forest fire on the island, an official confirmed tonight.
Two men charged after knife attack
TWO MEN were imprisoned on Friday after they were accused of attacking a man at knife point last month and stealing more than $1,000 in cash from him.
School breakfast programme expanded to five more schools
MORE than 2,000 students will receive free meals with the expansion of the National School Breakfast Pilot Programme in five more schools, according to Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin.
Code of conduct signed for taxi and public service drivers
TAXI operators and public service drivers will now be governed by an official Code of Conduct following a signing between the Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis and Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) President Wesley Ferguson on Friday.
Man on bail fined for damaging monitoring device
A MAN was fined and is expected to pay for damages after he admitted breaking his monitoring device in Bimini last month.
Boy found living alone in car last year is 'safe and attending school'
THE 12-year-old boy who was found living alone in a car last year is safe and now attending school, according to Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin.
Mother remanded after admitting to child neglect
A MOTHER was charged with child cruelty and sent to prison on Friday after she admitted to neglecting her four-year-old son.
GBPA ‘vehemently disputes it owes $1’ of $357m Gov’t claim
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) “does not accept it owes $1 to the Government out of that $357m” claim which has more than doubled after the number of years included were expanded.
Albany developer’s Bahamas return after spared jail time
ALBANY’S principal investor was given permission to return to The Bahamas as early as yesterday after being spared jail time following his previous guilty plea to securities fraud.
‘Mind-boggling’ timing over Gov’ts $357m GBPA claim
A FREEPORT attorney yesterday asserted it was “mind-boggling” that the Government should again “throw darts” at the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) given the island’s $2bn investment pipeline.
Pension shake-up over $3.5bn hole
PENSIONS for thousands of Bahamian public sector workers are poised for a major shake-up in a bid to tackle “alarming” unfunded liabilities that could impose a $3.5bn burden on taxpayers come 2030.
GoFundMe seeks to help family after murder of former MP Saunders
THE FAMILY of Don Saunders is seeking to raise over $300,000 to pay off his housing debts and support his grieving wife and teenage children.
‘You can’t be ungrateful’ over 25 cent bus fare rise
TRANSPORT and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told bus drivers at a hall meeting last night “you can’t be ungrateful” over the 25 cent rise in adult bus fares.
BPSU protests conditions at Registrar General office
BAHAMAS Public Services Union president Kimsley Ferguson warned the government against harsh work conditions and delayed promotions for union members of the Office of the Registrar General, threatening to suspend services.
Fraud issues behind Finco’s $500 ATM daily limit
ROYAL Bank of Canada’s (RBC) BISX-listed mortgage financier has this week imposed $500 daily automated teller machine (ATM) withdrawal limits in a bid to better protect customers from fraud.
Suspensions lifted
Less than nine months after the son-father combo of Greg Burrows Jr and Sr were served with suspensions of 15 and five years respectively, the Bahamas Baseball Association lifted the sanctions with immediate effect.
Archer: ‘We need to go back to drawing board’
THE dust has now settled after the 51st CARIFTA Games wrapped up on Monday at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St George’s, Grenada.
Lamar Taylor: ‘It’s just that I am tired right now’
WHILE Lamar Taylor welcomed the opportunity to compete against one of his toughest rivals in the Caribbean, he was disappointed that he didn’t perform as well as he anticipated with the matchup against Trinidad & Tobago’s Olympian Dylan Carter.
Grand Bahama athletes go home with multiple CARIFTA medals
GRAND Bahamians showed up and showed out at the 51st CARIFTA Games in St George’s, Grenada to return to the second city with multiple CARIFTA medals.
Thursday, April 4
Gov’t u-turn on Nassau solar bidding deadline
THE Government has performed a u-turn over the deadline by which all bids on the New Providence renewable energy and microgrid project must be received, it can be revealed.
‘Public protest’ not enough to overturn planning approvals
PLANNING authorities yesterday modified the approvals granted to Wynn Development’s 14-storey Goodman’s Bay penthouse while ruling that “public protest” is not sufficient to overturn prior decisions.
NIB’s $240m loss at COVID’s peak
COVID-19 has left the National Insurance Board (NIB) facing an “uphill lift” to recovery after plunging the nation’s social security system into a $240m loss at the pandemic’s peak.
Gov’t and Opposition fight on GDP growth
THE Government and Opposition yesterday battled over what real GDP growth that fell below expectations for 2023 means for The Bahamas’ short-term economic prospects.
Bahamas approved for $60m ‘blue economy’ credit facility
THE Bahamas is gaining access to a $60m credit line targeted at micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) in the so-called ‘blue economy’ in a bid to boost sustainable development.
GB $15m solar project in end-April commissioning
THE contractor charged with building and operating a $15m utility-scale solar project on Grand Bahama yesterday said the site will be commissioned at end-April 2024.
‘Stress’ will stop business from joining apprenticeship scheme
THE private sector is dealing with too much “stress” to participate in the National Apprenticeship Programme, said former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday.
Cayman Islands packs 1-2 punch in open water swim
After losing out to Team Bahamas in the CARIFTA Swimming Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, the Cayman Islands wanted to make sure that they made their presence felt in the open water 5K swim in Goodman’s Bay.
‘VJ’ Edgecombe and Donovan Freeman fall to east 88-86
BAHAMIANS Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe and Donovan Freeman took the court for the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Tuesday.
Devynne Charlton master of her feet, fate, and soul
TATTOOS are rarely meaningless. Every day, we glimpse the most precious things dyed across the skin of strangers, whether it’s pets, children, or proverbs.
GBPA told to pay $300m in 30 days
THE Davis administration has sent a demand letter to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), giving it 30 days to pay more than $300m allegedly owed to government over the last five fiscal years.
PI crown land battle will go to privy council
THE Bahamian entrepreneur aiming to restore Paradise Island’s lighthouse has “every confidence we will succeed” as he bids to take his long-running battle with the Government before the Privy Council.
Up to 25 years jail for gang members in proposed law
LONG-AWAITED anti-gang legislation was tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday - with gang members facing up to 25 years in prison.
Environmental concerns over Abaco barge stuck on reef
A BARGE that encountered bad weather last week and ended up stuck on a reef in the Man-O- War Channel has sparked environmental concerns from the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and Abaco residents.
Mitchell: Disclosures ‘none of your business’
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said he was “irritated” about journalists contacting him about whether he had met the deadline for public disclosures, saying he thought “none of your business” in response to questions on the matter.
Donald Saunders Jr: 'I know my dad is proud of me'
ALTHOUGH he went out with a heavy heart, Donald Saunders Jr said he was determined not to let his father down by not competing in the open 5K water race for the 2024 CARIFTA Swim Championships.
Wednesday, April 3
Field athletes take home 23 out of 33 medals
OVER the last few years, the field events have garnered lots of attention as Bahamian athletes have risen to the occasion time and time again at all levels and, at the 51st CARIFTA Games in St George’s, Grenada, the field athletes delivered in a big way.
CARIFTA controversy: Drumeco Archer addresses the drama
THE curtains were finally closing on the 51st CARIFTA Games in St George’s, Grenada, on Monday night, when controversy ensued in the final event of the track and field championships.
Six straight: Team Bahamas wins 2024 CARIFTA Swimming Championships
As expected, Team Bahamas completed its dominance of the 2024 CARIFTA Swimming Championships with its sixth consecutive victory and the eighth out of the past nine titles. Mission accomplished.
Bahamasair teams with TSA for faster security screening
Bahamasair says it has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide more efficient and seamless security processing for passengers flying to and from the US.
FOCOL targets wide growth in ‘preparing for the next 50 years’
FOCOL Holdings’ top executive last night said it is targeting growth “in every sector of our business”, including gas stations and electricity generation, and added: “We’re preparing for the next 50 years.”
Artists urged to make mark in downtown mural project
Bahamian artists are being encouraged to make their mark on downtown Nassau’s revival by creating murals that will upgrade the area’s appearance and highlight this nation’s culture.
Resorts ‘meet or exceed’ Easter tourism targets
Bahamian resorts were yesterday said to have met or exceeded their Easter performance targets and are expecting a strong 2024 second quarter.
Bahamian wedding planner receives global appointment
A Bahamian destination wedding planner has been appointed as industry advancement director of the Certified Wedding Planners (CWP) Society.
Bakery reveals record Easter hot-cross sales
A Bahamian bakery yesterday revealed it enjoyed its best Easter to-date by selling just under 600 dozen homemade hot cross buns.
Bahamas and Cuba to battle on $90k cheque
A Supreme Court judge has ruled that the Bahamian and Cuban governments must battle to resolve a 24 year-old legal dispute over a $90,000 cheque.
Freeport real estate sees 25% surge before market ‘explodes’
Freeport property sales and rentals were yesterday said to have increased by 25 percent in recent months as buyers seek to enter the market before it “explodes” from $2bn worth of investment projects.
Gov’t eyes jet ski safety crackdown
The Government is eyeing a safety crackdown on jet ski operators that could result in the industry having to sign up to and abide by a ‘code of conduct’, it was revealed yesterday.
FTX Bahamian liquidators eye US legal ‘run rate’ fall
FTX’s Bahamian liquidators are hoping the legal fees “run rate” drops sharply due to the settlement with their US counterpart after incurring an estimated $56m total bill during their first 15 months of work.
Grand Lucaya sees rise in occupancy numbers over long Easter weekend
SOME hotel properties experienced occupancy levels of between 30 and 40 percent over the Easter holiday, particularly in the Lucaya area.
Three men held in Saunders murder
FORMER Tall Pines MP Don Saunders was shot in the neck area, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander revealed yesterday.
Minnis: People look at disclosures ‘as a joke’
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said “people look at it as a joke” regarding the filing of financial declarations as required by the Public Disclosure Act.
‘Explosive’ hurricane forecast predicts over 20 named storms for 2024 season
THE Atlantic 2024 hurricane season, expected to begin in less than two months, has been forecast to be “explosive”, with weather forecasting company AccuWeather projecting 20 to 25 named storms, and eight to 12 hurricanes – with four to seven of those expected to be major hurricanes.
Officer allegedly involved in $90,000 robbery
ALLEGATIONS of a police officer being involved in a $90,000 robbery are being investigated by the force’s deputy commissioner and corruption unit.
Fernander: ‘Family island courier services easy target for gun import’
AFTER Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander highlighted gun trafficking has now trickled into the Family Islands as a result of people abusing courier services, local courier businesses said they are open to help preventing weapons from being brought into the country.
Easter weekend proves profitable for fishermen, but not without problems
FISHERMEN said sales during the Easter holiday weekend proved to be profitable, but noted that bad weather and increased fees affected their business.
Eastern road encountered delays, but ‘moving forward’, says Sweeting
WORKS Minister Clay Sweeting said yesterday there were some delays in roadworks on the Eastern Road, but officials are “moving forward”.
Tuesday, April 2
Mass shooting sees six injured
A VIOLENT Easter saw multiple people taken to hospital after a shooting incident in New Providence – and another man shot dead in Andros.
Disclosures filed by some MPs as others decline response
AS the deadline for filing financial declarations as required by the Public Disclosure Act, a number of Members of Parliament confirmed they had filed on time – although several others declined to say or did not respond.
Team Bahamas wins 33 medals, second overall
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Team Bahamas dominated the field events at the 51st CARIFTA Games hosted in St George’s, Grenada, for their fifth straight second place finish over the Easter weekend.
Grenada swimmer wins bronze day after dad dies
“I SWAM the race with him and I did my best,” said Grenadian athlete Sara Dowden, whose father Sean collapsed and died at the CARIFTA Swim Championships a day before she raced to a bronze medal in the competition.
Bahamas close to capturing its sixth straight CARIFTA Swimming Championship
TEAM Bahamas drew closer to capturing its sixth straight and eight out of nine CARIFTA Swimming Championship title on day three of the four-day competition last night at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.
Sara Dowden competes day after father’s death
IT was an emotional time for Grenadian Sara Dowden as she stepped up on the blocks to compete in the girls’ 15-17 400 metre individual medley race on Sunday at the 2024 CARIFTA Swimming Championships.
From soil to supper
PRIMARY school students in North and Central Andros participated in the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute’s (BAMSI) ‘Soil to Supper’ programme where they learned about the science of growing food and how produce goes from the soil to our plates.
This isn't working for me
IN A new book titled “This Isn’t’ Working For Me”, Dr Edrica D Richardson creates a practical guide for making every relationship in a person’s life more fulfilling, authentic and intentional.
Reconstruction surgery specialist offers advice
DR JORGE Manrique-Succar MD, who specialises in orthopaedic oncology and hip and knee adult reconstruction surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida, offered advice to Bahamian medics at an event at Margaritaville recently.
Date yourself, baby girl
IN THIS era of TikTok influence - the “girlies” are promoting more now than ever - the importance of taking time to “date yourself” as a woman.
When you’re feeling Blue
FEELING the blues after the four-day Easter weekend? That just means that you are on target with one of the hottest trends in Spring Fashion for 2024.
New book looks at gender inequality in The Bahamas
DR JULIETTE Storr, professor emerita at Pennsylvania State University and former UB professor of journalism and communication, recently presented her book “Gender Inequality in The Bahamas — Violence, Media, and Law” to Ann Marie Davis at the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister.
Zuri’s skating into a new life
PACKING her bags and relocating to a new country was one of the hardest things nine-year-old Zuri Carey has had to do.
Monday, April 1
CARIFTA Games: Team Bahamas captures 33 total medals
St George’s, Grenada: Team Bahamas dominated the field events at the 51st CARIFTA Games hosted in St George’s, Grenada for their fifth straight second place finish over the Easter weekend.
Bahamas closes in on six straight
TEAM Bahamas drew closer to capturing its sixth straight and eight out of nine CARIFTA Swimming Championship title on day three of the four-day competition last night at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.
Dior-Rae Scott breaks CARIFTA record at final morning session
St George’s, Grenada: Dior-Rae Scott had a record-breaking performance in the under-17 girls javelin throw event on the final morning session of the 51st CARIFTA Games.
CARIFTA: The Bahamas rounds up 14 medals in evening session
St George’s, Grenada: Team Bahamas made day two one to remember, particularly in the field events, at the 51st CARIFTA Games. After amassing 11 total medals through three sessions, The Bahamas rounded up 14 medals during Sunday’s evening session at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.
