Stories for May 2012

Shootings leave one dead, one in hospital

ANOTHER murder has brought the country’s total for the year to 60 as police investigate a late night shooting that happened yesterday.

Two banks robbed, two suspects apprehended

AN unarmed man reportedly jumped over the counter at First Caribbean Bank at the Malll at Marathon and grabbed an unknown amount of cash

PM: Deficit to reach $500m

AS A result of the "dire" fiscal position left in place by the policies of the former FNM administration, Prime Minister Perry Christie predicted the deficit for the coming fiscal year to soar upwards of $500 million.

Prime Minister calls contracts signed ahead of election 'Bribes'

THE government will seek to prevent any future government from awarding contracts after the dissolution of Parliament, said Prime Minister Perry Christie following the discovery of contracts awarded by the FNM up to election day.

FNM hits out at 'lame' budget

OPPOSITION leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday branded the PLP's budget communication as a "lame", "blame" plan non-reflective of any promises made to Bahamians by that party on the campaign trai

Sex attack on woman during blackout

A FORMER Parliamentarian was sexually assaulted and robbed early yesterday morning during an island-wide blackout, The Tribune has learned.

Exemption can reduce Exuma construction costs by 16%

The Government’s decision to yesterday reinstate duty exemptions on imported building materials and costs for Exuma could reduce construction costs by around 16 per cent, a former Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president told Tribune Business.

National debt to exceed $5bn by mid-2013

The Bahamas' national debt will breach the $5 billion mark before the end of the upcoming 2012-2013 fiscal year, the Government's Budget projections disclosed yesterday, w

Bahamas broker: Canada 'bullied' the Commission

A Bahamian broker/dealer yesterday produced documents it said showed the Securities Commission was "bullied" into passing information on its clients over to Canadia

Gov't targets 100% property tax rise

The Government is targeting an "almost 100 per cent", or near doubling, of real property tax revenues over the next five years, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday, w

Aircraft registry needs mortgages, 10% duty removal

The Bahamas must establish a mortgage registry and remove the 10 per cent Stamp Duty on planes coming into this nation if it is to create a successful aircraft

Design a different form of creativity

THE ART OF GRAPHICS Like many other common fallacies in the world of creativity, it is believed that 'Art and Design' are one and the same thing. The subject of what separates art and design is convoluted, and has

PM pledges to retake BTC majority stake

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said his administration remained committed to "exploring all lawful means" to recover majority owner

BREA's 'best month in years with Gov't' via $50k tax cap

The Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) has enjoyed "its best month in years with the Government", its president yesterday saying that the Christie admi

Man admits killing teen lover's mom

ACCUSED murderer Zyndall McKinney admitted to murdering American Anna Garrison the court heard yesterday from a homicide detective who interviewed him in July 2009.

Rollins accuses Tribune of bias

FT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins hit out at The Tribune in the House of Assembly yesterday for what he claimed was "biased" journalism - despite the fact that he was referring to an editorial, which is an opinion piece.

Chamber chair: 'More creative' thinking need on fiscal woes

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation's (BCCEC) chairman yesterday described the projected $550 million GFS fiscal deficit for 201

Renewable tariff code 'obsolete'

A RENEWABLE energy provider yesterday said it was working closely with the Government to clearly define terms associated with the technology, descr

Import duty exemptions Exuma's 'missing piece'

THE Government's decision to reinstate Exuma's duty-exemption eligibility under the Family Island Development Act was hailed yesterda

Ex-minister in jobs programme defence

FORMER minister of state for finance, Zhivargo Laing, yestrday defended the former government's introduction of the 52-week job programme as a

Hotels chief backs Gov't's Bahamian ownership 'thrust'

THE Bahamas Hotel Association (BHA) has welcomed the Government's "added thrust" to support local hoteliers and more Bahamian

GB hotels welcome 50% tax reduction

Grand Bahama hoteliers yesterday welcomed the five-year, 50 per cent reduction in their occupancy taxes, saying it would free-up cash flow for i

Cost of cabinet up by $400,000

THE budget for salaries in the Cabinet Office has jumped by more than $400,000, The Tribune understands.

Butler-Turner condemns 'meandering' budget

FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner has criticised the government's legislative plan, dubbing it "inconclusive and meandering."

FNM criticises Budget for playing the blame game

THE Free National Movement labelled the government's 2012/2013 Budget a "lame, blame, and in many ways more of the same" fiscal plan.

It's all in the name of free speech, Dr Rollins

DR ANDRE ROLLINS, a new face to the political scene, does not seem to understand the difference between opinion pieces -- solely the opinion of the writer -- and objective news.

An exotic choice for Cassius?

Re: Cassius Stuart backs out of deputy leader race.

Gov't eyes pre-election contracts crackdown

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said his administration will table legislation to prevent the signing of government contracts be

Calling all DNAs to come home

THIS letter is an appeal to all DNA supporters to come back home to the FNM! It is the only way we will ever be able to take this country back from the hands of the PLP.

Passport office staff evacuated during fire

STAFF at the passport office evacuated the building for a short time yesterday when a generator caught fire shortly after 11am.

National lottery referendum details to be revealed soon

DETAILS of a proposed referendum on a national lottery will soon be made public, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed yesterday.

Brooks, Murphy key contributors for the Lions in Super 20 League

In just a short time period, two young Bahamians have made a hasty adjustment and become key contributors for the Texas Dutch L

Are our sporting leaders doing all they can to ensure that our athletes get every opportunity to compete at the next level?

With this being the 60th anniversary for both the Bahamas Associ

Prime Minister stands by plans for mortgage assistance

DURING his 2012/2013 budget communication, Prime Minister Perry Christie reaffirmed his government's commitment to assisting homeowners who may be facing foreclosure.

Bell: There is a war going on

WHILE political pundits have already started their scrutiny of the new government over the country's dismal crime situation, State National Security Minister Keith Bell yesterday said the PLP entered office on the cusp of an ongoing war.

Killer's sentencing delayed by judge

A JUDGE yesterday delayed the sentencing of a manslaughter convict to deliberate on the appropriate sentence given the circumstances and submissions by attorneys.

Valentino and his efforts to revitalise area for community

PRACTICALLY everyone in the Hay Street community knows Scrooge's corner barbershop, where community leader Valentino Brown resides and does business.

ACM gives back

THE Anglican Church Men (A.C.M) of St James Anglican Church Adelaide, hosted a major annual fund-raiser in honour of the late Fr Anthony Roberts.

BOC to celebrate 60th anniversary at Government House on June 25

WITH the 2012 Olympic Games fast approaching, the Bahamas Olympic Committee is not only soliciting the support of corporate

The word of God still has power

OVER the past few years we have seen a vast change in our economy, our communities, and the way we live. Joblessness is on the increase and crime appears to be out of control. We have blamed the parents, the police, the government and the churches but to no avail, from 2009 to date too many murders to mention have been recorded and the violence continues.

Now and Not Later

TODAY my message is for the darlings and future of this nation. It is with great conviction I write to you. A message very important and familiar to you.

Top teams clinch playoff berths

THE top two teams in each division were able clinch playoff berths in week 10 of the Bahamas Flag Football League. The defending champion Odyssey Ravens (9-1) became the first team to officially reach the postseason after

What If

WHAT if we became a people of prayer such as never before seen or heard? Let us use our prayer imaginations and envision what life would be like for us if we could truly become a loving and holy nation.

Be humble in the lord

HUMILITY is an essential attitude that must be exhibited by all Christians. According to Proverbs 27:2, humility is a virtue Christians should take pride in. They should never boast about themselves or their good works.

Stephen 'Die' Stubbs arrested

Stephen ‘Die’ Stubbs has been arrested by police at his Ridgeland Park home, The Tribune has learned.

Grandfather and grandson caused island-wide outage

THE TWO men who caused an island-wide power outage when they were shocked by power lines are expected to leave the hospital later today, Princess Margaret Hospital officials told The Tribune.

Saturday, May 5th

“Yinna can't stay vex for long when yinna realise that only in Nassau at election time...”

Saturday, May 12th

“I vex when I hear that some non-elected persons are getting big-time positions in government.”

Saturday, May 19th

“Bey, my vexation so yuck up cause I get hoodwinked and lied to when the bank say they come together and merge to make tings better for the synergies and whatnots, closing plenty branches and now they wants to charge me one dollar for using the ATM that used to be free?”

PLP chairman rejects claim of new cars

PLP CHAIRMAN Bradley Roberts has dismissed claims that his party has purchased nearly $750,000 worth of new vehicles for the government's new cabinet.

FNM has to hold watching brief on finances

IN yesterday's Business section of The Tribune, Standard & Poor's --an international credit rating agency-- urged the Bahamas and the Caribbean nations to improve their national savings rate, and reverse the decli

Primary school principal faces sex allegations

ANOTHER family island educator is under investigation over allegations of sexual misconduct, Ministry of Education Director Lionel Sands confirmed yesterday.

Analysing the election

Having observed the performance of two governments over the last ten years and the result of the recent general election I feel compelled to comment as follows: It is difficult to understand how a government

High hopes - but doubts over GBPA

Many will be pleased that finally there is a sitting chair at GBPA - however, his first moves do not give me too much sense that he knows too much about the past of GBPA. Some 10 years ago, with a

Detective to testify in McKinney murder trial

A HOMICIDE detective is one of two witnesses left to testify in the murder trial of 25-year-old Zyndall McKinney.

Not gaga for Gaga

I commend Muslim protesters for causing Lady Gaga to cancel her "Born This Way Ball" in Indonesia. Gaga's music is aimed at the phenomenon of the masses, is industri

Man accused of chasing victim and stabbing him to death

A MAN was arraigned in Magistrates Court yesterday in connection with a recent murder.

Stolen plane found in Haiti

POLICE are remaining tight-lipped about the circumstances which led to an allegedly stolen plane winding up in Haiti

Rain brings shelter a flood of unwanted pets

THE recent rains led scores of Bahamians to abandon their pets to the Bahamas Humane Society - simply because they couldn't be bothered to take care of a wet animal.

Minister pays tribute to union leaders

GIVING thanks for an opportunity to submit the nation's labour issues to prayer, Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson paid tribute to leaders in the National Congress of Trade Unions and the Bahamas Communication and Public Officers Union during a service at Salem Baptist Union Church.

What to do about ZNS?

THE firing of Christina Thompson (aka Chrissy Love) from the ZNS talk show Immediate Response after the May 7 general election has led some to predict the return of the Pingdom, while others see it as mere tit-for-tat - since the FNM fired Steve McKinney from the same show right after the 2007 election.

When Erin went Hollywood

CITIZENS' Review host Erin Ferguson conducted interviews with two of Hollywood's finest actors - Academy award winner Morgan Freeman and "24" star Dennis Haysbert.

FINCO: Three-year offload sparks $9.1m provision hit

Despite recovering "in excess of" 80 per cent of the outstanding principal 0n distressed property sales, FINCO's managing director yesterday said the mortgage

URCA to assess regulation of satellite TV

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) last night pledged to address Cable Bahamas' concerns it was being placed at "a competitive disadvantage" by ass

'Public must stop hiding criminals'

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday, crime and murders would be significantly lower if "members of the public would stop cloaking criminals".

Adviser: Gov't must 'move' to run recurrent surpluses

The 128 per cent increase in the Bahamas' national debt over the past decade means the Government must "address without delay" its ever-growing fiscal deficit

Governor General's shock at throne theft

GOVERNOR General Sir Arthur Foulkes said he was "shocked" to hear that the historic throne from which he read the Speech from the Throne disappeared last week.

Robin Hood's replacement 'as big as before'

MARIO'S Bowling and Entertainment Palace chief executive, Leslie Miller, told Tribune Business yesterday that negotiations to re-open th

Nassau/PI resorts 5,000 up on room nights goal

Total room nights sold in April by Nassau/Paradise Island hotels exceeded projections by 5,000, Tribune Business was told yesterday, but the industry missed its room

Marketing must always be taken into account

MARKETING REVOLUTION About 15 years ago I used to be a chief financial officer (CFO) at a major Bahamian retail company. This was before I dedicated myself to learning how to market. The brand managers had to pre

Importer: Customs 'waitingfour years' for bulb ruling

A BAHAMIAN renewal energy services provider yesterday remained adamant it will not pay a 35 per cent import duty on LED light

#SecretConcert takes shape: Venue still a mystery

HOLDING firm on its charge to reboot the local entertainment scene, the No Hit Wonders team is back with another secret offering.

Art depicts five dimensions of wellness

STUDENT artists from the College of the Bahamas took over the Ladder Gallery to depict a five-part concept of wellness.

Glitz brings Broadway to Bahamas

THE DANCERS aged 50 to 70 years, who shaked their romps to "I'm Sexy and I Know It", stole the show at the Jubilee Dance Studio's "GLITZ: A Broadway Production".

Successful or Mediocre: What kind of designer are you?

Being creative and producing fab designs is just a small portion of what makes a designer successful.

Gov't to 'walk tightline' over Budget

The Government will "have to walk a tight line" between its pre-election promises and the need for fiscal prudence when it delivers the 2012-2013 Budget today, a senior priv

Apocalypto play parodies Bahamian society

BAHAMIAN social norms are uprooted and set to a Mayan apocalyptic backdrop in playwright Adrian Wildgoose's Judgment In Paradise.

'Reno' on KO streak

Fresh off his 2nd round victory over Alexander Hernandez in the Dominican Republic, Taureano 'Reno' Johnson has his boxing gloves set on what could be his ninth consecutive victory on June 1

Caribbean Bottling first official sponsor of Team Bahamas for Olympics

WITH about 58 days before the start of the XXX Olympiad in London, England, the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) got a big financial boost from Caribbean Bottling Company Limited. Through the

Planting Cannas and Callas

When a gardener wants bold colour from a strong source that flowers intermittently throughout the year he could do much worse than employ cannas to fit the bill.

BLTA's one-day clinic for juniors

WHILE the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association hosted its final trials for the men's Davis Cup team, the BLTA also staged a one-day clinic for its junior male and female players at the National Tennis Center over the weekend. Anthony Jeremaih, the Internationa

Philip Phillips seizes American Idol title

AFTER months of competition on American Idol, a winner was finally crowed. Contestant Jessica Sanchez gave a jaw dropping performance with legendary singer Jennifer Holiday, but it was not enough to steal the crown from Philip Phillips, who was officially named the winner.

New mix-tape to become movie

THE story behind Bahamian rapper Sasha Dunn's new mix-tape will become the plot of a movie, scheduled to hit the big screen towards the end of the year.

Nightclub bloodbath

Police seek 'Die' Stubbs after shooting

POLICE have 22 men in custody after two rival gangs “shot up” a local night club early Tuesday morning, killing one man and seriously injuring seven others.

Heavy presence to make sure of a safe holiday

POLICE officers were stationed at all the major beaches frequented by Bahamians during the holiday weekend, making their presence felt and conducting traffic stops.

New FNM leader Minnis hits out at PLP

NEW leader of the Free National Movement Dr Hubert Minnis said the government is already running away from its campaign promises.

Severe weather not an indicator

THE Bahamas Meteorological Department is predicting a below average hurricane season this year, with two storms reaching category three strength or higher.

Will not oppose for the sake of opposing

UNLIKE the United States where winning power at any price seems more important to many politicians than passing laws for the good of the nation, newly elected Opposition leader Dr Herbert Minnis has promised that under his leadership the FNM will “not oppose for the sake of opposing.”

NEMA assesses tornado damage

MURPHY TOWN, Abaco – An assessment team lead by Captain Stephen Russell, director of the National Emergency Management Agency, conducted an inspection of the damage caused by a tornado that stuck the settlement last week Thursday.

Disgusted with political games

Asking for space in your daily paper as views from a South Abaco voter who is disgusted with the political game.

Oil drilling in the Bahamas

If oil is found in the Bahamas by some of the oil companies that were given permits to search for oil in our deep water sea bed, and if the government were to approve the companies to pump this oil for export to their country and the rest of the world, I feel the government should adapt the Kuwait system whereby every citizen in the country receives through the government from the oil revenue $250,000 per year.

No way to run an election

ON Saturday, May 5, the leader of the Democratic National Alliance advertised in the press that the DNA were to hold a cook-out celebration starting at 1pm, concluding with a speech by the leader.

Customs staff must understand

Listening to the demands of the Customs and Immigration Union members, you wonder if there is any reasonable dialogue happening in that organisation. Two of their demands stick out like sore thumbs and you wonder if the term “economic fallacy” has application here.

Man wanted by police

Police are seeking the public’s help in locating 23-year-old Jonathon Rolle of Antiqua Street, Golden Gates in connection with a bail violation.

Mitchell highlights nation’s links to Africa

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell attended the Global Diaspora Conference in South Africa on Thursday where he outlined ties between that country and the Bahamas and said Bahamians “feel at home” in Africa.

Heavy presense to make sure of a safe holiday

POLICE officers were stationed at all the major beaches frequented by Bahamians during the holiday weekend, making their presence felt and conducting traffic stops.

Cirrus aircraft at Eleuthera fly-in

FORT LAUDERDALE – Twenty-seven Cirrus aircraft – the largest number of airplanes ever to be received as a group at The White Crown airstrip – touched down in North Eleuthera for their annual Bahamas Fly In.

Church 'predicament' over gambling

THE former chairman of the Bahamas Gaming Reform committee expressed disappointment in church leaders who oppose a referendum of gambling – a move he claims places them in a “predicament” with the pro-gambling public.

US Embassy gives $12,000 to fight AIDS

US Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman announced the winners of the 2012 President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Small Grants Programme.

Killed because he had no cash

A 39-year-old Joe Farrington Road man became the country’s latest murder victim, dying in the hospital Saturday morning having been shot on Friday because he had no money to give his attacker.

Missing throne found - man held

POLICE have located the historic chair from which the Governor General reads the Speech from the Throne and said yesterday that several inquiries led them to a man who might have taken it.

Boy, 11, rescues drowning toddler

A TWO-YEAR-OLD was rescued from drowning yesterday by a quick-thinking 11-year-old who pulled him from the waters at Junkanoo Beach.

Ingraham bids farewell as FNM leader

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham bid farewell as the Free National Movement’s longest serving leader at the party’s convention this weekend.

S&P: Bahamas’ savings slump to 10% of GDP

The Bahamas’ already-low national savings rate fell by a further 5 percentage points during the recession’s peak to just 10 per cent of GDP, a Wall Street credit rating agency has revealed, warning this “may force difficult” fiscal and social security-related decisions upon the Government.

Gov't, Central Bank urged to overseas financing restraints

The Bahamian authorities have been urged to relax legal and regulatory constraints to provide small businesses with “vital” access to international capital, a leading consultant telling Tribune Business the sector was currently “in ruins”.

'Significant' 15% uptick in key Clico asset's price

The liquidation of the Florida real estate development that accounts for 63 per cent of CLICO (Bahamas) assets continues to gather momentum, the liquidator and his agents having clinched a “significant” 15 per cent increase in the per acre price for their latest sale.

Developer invests $53m into Bahamas economy

New Providence Development Company (NPDevCo) has told Tribune Business it has invested $53 million in the Bahamian economy via its water franchise and Old Fort Bay Town Centre venture, with an $8.2 million wastewater treatment facility “nearing completion”.

Three players to join top seed for Davis Cup

With the threat of rain all weekend long, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association reduced its three-day trials for the men's Davis Cup team to just a one-day affair.

First Caribbean staff 'can't have cake and eat it'

The Chief Justice has ruled that six employees released by FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) cannot receive redundancy payments under BOTH their industrial agreement and the Employment Act, describing their arguments as “not sustainable”.

How 'green' pays off

The world has undergone a major shift in how we view our existence and future here on Planet Earth. There are some who will have us believe that our actions are so destructive to the planet that we have altered our course forever.

Commission warns on 'unrestricted' vigilance

The Securities Commission has warned Bahamas-based unrestricted investment fund administrators (UIFAs), in particular, to expect increased regulatory vigilance.

Cayman Islands get 27-7 victory over the Bahamas

IT WAS an unwelcome return to the international rugby scene for the Bahamas in the NACRA Championships, the opening round of IRB World Cup 2015 qualification.

Athletes post PRs, coach inducted into Hall of Fame

IT WAS a grand weekend for coach David Charlton and five members of his Star Trackers Track Club at the Golden South Classic in Orlando, Florida.

$1bn pension assets 'not heavily regulated'

A SENIOR accountant believes closer regulation and supervision of pension funds in the Bahamas is critically important, telling Tribune Business that just over $1 billion in pension assets were for the most part “not heavily regulated”.

Bahamas 'not getting paid for' airspace usage

THE government needs to demonstrate the political will to take control of its sovereign airspace, a leading airline executive telling Tribune Business: “It belongs to us and we’re not getting any money for it.”

Coping while living with an alcoholic

A glass of scotch on the rocks or any alcoholic beverage provides a sweet escape to many who consume alcohol. Under the influence, all inhibitions are released and a conquering spirit emerges.

Serenity and peace after alcoholism

EVERY one around him knew he was an alcoholic. He was the only one oblivious to the fact. When he finally realise, he decided to make a change, and for over 20 years, he has been sober.

Mouth care during chemotherapy

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, it is very common for the person to become apprehensive about the diagnosis. It often strikes fear in many persons and such a diagnosis is received with the worst expectations.

Warriors win 15-and-under title for fourth straight year

FOR the fourth consecutive year, Macedonia Baptist Warriors hoisted the 15-and-under title in the Baptist Sports Council’s 2012 Basketball League.

VIDEO: Fashion Police give political hats a thumbs up

They wore them big and small, bold and proud: the leading women who walked hand in hand with the newly elected parliamentarians last week sported an array of fashionable hats. For the most part, they were full of colour and full of style.

Police need the public's assistance

POLICE are asking for the public’s assistance in their search for 17-year-old Shaquel Smith of Joan’s Heights.

Campaign leaves party coffers dry

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham bid farewell as the Free National Movement’s longest serving leader at the party’s convention this weekend.

One dead, two critical, six in serious condition

Police are still investigating an early morning shooting that has left one man dead and seven men and one woman in hospital.

Man dies in hospital after shooting

A man has died in hospital after being shot on Friday.

Teen acquitted over mom's murder

A TEENAGER sobbed with tears as she left court yesterday acquitted by a jury of her mother’s murder.

PLANS AS LIBYAN REGIME COLLAPSED

A PLOT was hatched for deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s son to escape to The Bahamas during Libya’s revolutionary civil war.

VIDEO: Butler-Turner wins deputy leader spot

LORETTA Butler Turner became the first woman to be elected deputy leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) last night.

RAW VIDEO: Ingraham says farewell to FNMs at convention

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said a final farewell to his party at the opening of the Free National Movement's (FNM) National Convention today, saying he is "happy to go."

Governor General's throne 'stolen'

THE historic chair from which the Governor General reads the Speech from the Throne at the opening of each new parliament is missing — believed stolen.

Former PM to give farewell address

HUNDREDS of staunch FNMs will gather Saturday for one of the party's most highly anticipated conventions where supporters will see a new leadership emerge.

One Eleuthera foundation launched during Earth Day party

ELEUTHERA – Earth Day celebrations in Eleuthera took a whole new turn this year with the launch of the One Eleuthera Foundation. The foundation is an amalgamation of the island’s non-profit organisations to serve the cause of better planned development, in particular tourism development.

Saturday, May 26th

"I am vex cause I see on the opening of Parliament some of the finest dressed people and two people with no manners but yet so happy as the man and the woman chewing away like crazy on their chewing gum, getting the last drop of sweetness out of the gum while on national TV.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH

The Bahamas department of meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm watch from 11:55am edt until 4:00 p.m. Friday 25th, May 2012.

Minister outlines 'bleak state of prison'

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage outlined a bleak situation at the nation's prison following an extended "bird's eye view" tour of the facility.

Flooding in Grand Bahama

GRAND BAHAMA was hit hard by flooding as a severe weather system settled over the island yesterday.

Wells: Plans afoot to make BEC cutting edge

PLANS are in the works to catapult the Bahamas Electricity Corporation to the cutting edge of modern technology, Permanent Secretary of Works and Urban Development Renward Wells said yesterday.

Attorney may withdraw plea

A DISBARRED attorney was successful in his application to withdraw his guilty plea to charges of stealing nearly $2 million from eight clients by reason of service.

Men quizzed over armed robberies

POLICE want to question two men in connection with separate armed robberies.

Government plans for Grand Bahama 'revolutionary'

FREEPORT - In response to the Speech from the Throne, Grand Bahama residents were very excited about government's plans to extend similar concessions in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement to East and West Grand Bahama.

Mom 'raped next to sleeping twins'

A YOUNG mother told a jury she grabbed the gun of a man who was raping her after he had threatened to kill her if she didn’t do what he said.

Prison Chief speaks out

PRISON Superintendent Dr Elliston Rahming said the Free National Movement's crime bills share the blame for the pressing problem of overcrowding at Her Majesty's Prison.

BTC's $91m boost 'all the uplift for' parent

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) $91 million operating income (EBITDA) performance generated "pretty much all of the uplift" for Cable and Wireless Commu

Cape Eleuthera closure claims 'totally Untrue'

The Cape Eleuthera Resort & Yacht Club's property manager yesterday shot down claims the hotel was closing in two months as "totally not true", although its owners w

CWC: 'No major problems' with Gov't over BTC

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) majority owner yesterday said it did not "anticipate significant problems" with the newly-elected Progressive Liberal Pa

Concerns over BISX-listed firm's $14m water JV with NPDevCo

BISX-listed Consolidated Water yesterday said its $14 million joint venture water supply deal with New Providence Development Company (NPDevCo) would ul

Regulator: Why didn't broker take us to court?

The Securities Commission yesterday said its decision to share information on a Bahamian broker/dealer's clients with a Canadian regulator was fully "in compliance"

Acquire firms that match your taste

As the only business broker in Nassau, I come across many different models for small businesses. Some work, and some do not. Others nest themselves neatly in a particular niche and are succe

Customs 'frustrates' renewable importer

The Customs Department yesterday said it was seeking a global body's decision on the appropriate import tariff for lightbulbs and fixtures,

No wind-up petition link to Aquapure

AQUAPURE executives yesterday allayed concerns that the company was in financial distress following the publication of a winding-up petition, e

Bahamas has virtually new team for Davis Cup

When the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association heads to the American Zone III Davis Cup tie next month, there will be a virtually new team representin

Bahamas volleyball teams in NORCECA qualifier

IN preparation for the Senior Caribbean Volleyball Championships, the Bahamas Volleyball Federation has had an influx of players at its practic

New BLTA president 'has big shoes to fill'

SINCE April 5, Derron Donaldson has been sitting in the chair as the newest and youngest president, not just of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Associatio

A speech high school principals should give

THIS WEEK, several persons have e-mailed us a speech, which has been recommended as the opening speech that every American high school prinicipal should give their students so that they will understand their educational objective.

Why the credit rating matters

IT IS amusing listening to some callers on the radio talk shows, even those who consider themselves educated, dismissing the warnings of the Moody's credit rating agency about the PLP's mortgage plan.

Ingraham is a man to thank

I FULLY endorse the letter by Mr Kevin Evans dated May 14, 2012, and thank him for his courage and consistency in writing an accurate account of the recent administration and its outstanding leader. Many of us would wish to add to his comments, but space in newspapers does not permit.

Team Bahamas named for Cayman Islands

THE final roster has been released and the first step toward International Rugby Board World Cup 2015 qualification is all set to take place in the Cayman

VIDEO: Abaco hit by tornado

THIS JEEP was caught up along with a number of other vehicles and buildings in what residents say was a tornado that struck Abaco yesterday.

UPDATED: Cassius Stuart pulls out of FNM deputy leader race

FORMER Free National Movement candidate Cassius Stuart has withdrawn his bid for the deputy leadership of the party, it was announced on his Facebook page yesterday.

Journalist says sorry for Bahamas article

WHEN Nellie Day realised yesterday that her erroneous article on the state of homes in the Bahamas had been removed from its host website, she issued one last apology.

SEVERE WEATHER WATCH

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm watch.

Maps and news

Get the latest weather news, maps, alerts and forecasts with Tribune242's weather section.

Fears that snake was a deadly cobra

FREEPORT - Department of Agriculture officials are trying to locate a snake that was stoned to death in Williams Town to determine whether fears t

Problem faced by the PLP

IT IS possible to use the pain that people are going through to further a political objective, but political victories have a double-sidedness to them that the winners fail to anticipate in terms of actual reckoning. Some run from it by remaining in "campaign mode", reminding us, even from church podiums of what they were elected to do.

Bahamas for Bahamians

PLEASE allow me a little space in your column to express my views on a distasteful and rather unfair situation that was brought to my attention early in May.

Standards, not money, needed

EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, speaking with a Tribune reporter, confirmed at a Government House reception yesterday that the Christie government planned to honour its election commitment to double the Bahamas’ education budget.

Review of land laws expected during term

A REVIEW of commonage land laws will be undertaken during the next five years, according to the government.

Education budget to double

EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday reaffirmed the new government's commitment to doubling the education budget, despite the challenge of the country's huge deficit.

Backing for mortgage plan

THE government reaffirmed its commitment to bring mortgage relief to homeowners in arrears and facing foreclosure yesterday.

Court discussions over DVD evidence expected to end

A CONCLUSION is expected in the private discussions between a Supreme Court judge and lawyers in the murder trial of a teenage girl and her ex-lover, who are accused of murdering Anna Garrison in 2009.

Emerald Bay resort sale to help Exuma become top attraction

THE final sale of Great Exuma's Grand Isle Resort and Spa is a move that former Exuma MP George Smith believes will help the area become a "major" attraction.

Tomorrow's teachers told 'so much depends on you'

WHEN more than 100 aspiring teachers renewed their commitment to duty, service and leadership on Tuesday, they did so knowing their efforts and the future of the country are inextricably linked.

Government considers changes to tax

THE Government will execute a comprehensive analysis of all forms of taxation as it seeks to modernise the tax structure of The Bahamas. In addition

Provisions of crime act 'to be repealed'

THE GOVERNMENT yesterday announced they will repeal all of the "unconstitutional" provisions of the Police Act in an attempt to separate politics and national security. In the Speech from the Throne, which was rea

Lift-off for Bahamians headed to NASA

TWO young Bahamians have been awarded the Alf Thompson Memorial Scholarship to intern at the Kennedy Space Centre this summer.

Artist's work on show

BUDDING artist Daniel Coleby is gearing up for his latest venture, an art exhibition on Saturday that he says will be "visually entertaining".

'We always believed in Bahamians'

THE Free National Movement has always believed in Bahamians, the new opposition leader affirmed yesterday. Speaking after the official opening of Parliamen

DNA: Speech is all promises

THE Democratic National Alliance has criticised the government for not providing a solid course of action for the implementation of their "extensive array of promises" detailed in the Spe

Eagles find a nest in Nassau

THE cheerleaders of the Philadelphia Eagles recently wrapped up a calendar shoot featuring beautiful backdrops in the Bahamas.

Penalised broker 'trampled on' by the Commission

A Bahamas-based broker/dealer yesterday said it had been left "vulnerable" and "exposed to liability" from Canadian sanctions as a result of the Securities Commis

Memorial Day service to pay special tribute to hero

ON MONDAY, May 28, the United States Embassy will commemorate Memorial Day with a wreath laying ceremony at Clifton Pier in memory of fallen comrades and military veterans.

Food retailer's sales up 21-22%

A leading Grand Bahama-based food retailer yesterday said its sales were up 21-22 per cent for 2012 to-date, but warned that "no one can do any business here" given the island's re

'Assured' WTO challenge to Freeport's foundation

The Bahamas "can be assured" that Freeport's very foundation, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, will be challenged under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime, a

Religion brings new type of tourism

RELIGIOUS tourism continues to grow in the Bahamas as the country's only Christian sports camp - Camp Bahamas - gains momentum domestically and abroad.

Owner unveils more BORCO growth plans

The Bahamas Oil Refining Company's (BORCO) owner is targeting a 'crude oil topping unit' and 'bunker filling station' as new growth opportunities for the Grand Bahama-based s

Butterfield 'regroups'; has 'no plans to exit'

Butterfield Bank (Bahamas) has "regrouped" with "no plans to exit" this jurisdiction, despite downsizing its balance sheet considerably through the transfer of its m

BTC pledges to keep disruption to a minimum in summer upgrade

BTC will do all it can to minimise the disruption to its cellular service as it undertakes crucial upgrades this summer.

Facial surgery without the knife

The Art of Graphix Face lift surgery has been around in its current form for about 100 years. During that time, virtually every permutation of the procedure has been attempted, leaving some with success and some witho

Gold standard reads for our policymakers

Every Bahamian who thinks about our public policies should read these two recent books - short, punchy, and written in non-academic style that anyone can appreciate. The first one is In Gold We

Lot prices 'prohibitive' via 20-30% infrastructure costs

INFRASTRUCTURE prices related to housing developments must be addressed, a well-known contractor telling Tribune Business y

Foundation to hold fundraising evening

THE Sandals Foundation is partnering with the PACE Foundation to hold a BINGO night and charity auction to help raise funds for the construction of an educational facility for teenage mothers.

Engineers unveil new Board line-up

THE Bahamas Society of Engineers (BSE) yesterday announced that in March 2012, Robert Reiss and Ray McKenzie resigned as president and secretary respectively. It added that it had selected a new Board that will govern t

BTC promises quality upgrade

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) has promised customers they will experience improved quality, speed and consistency of cellular service when it completes critical milestones in an 18-month, $42 million upgrade

Education key to alternative tax

EDUCATION and implementation will be key in the Bahamas' move to an alternative system of taxation, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers C

Park rededication honours black pioneer

THE FAMILY of the second black Bahamian Anglican priest, Fr Marshall Cooper, has organised several events to celebrate his legacy.

Mr J wants to know: 'What's Going On'

USING his music to bring awareness to the issue of crime in the Bahamas, Gospel reggae artist Gesner Dalmond is spreading his message through a new single, "What's Going On".

Saints Athletics: Targeting underprivileged athletes

A relative newcomer to the athletics scene in the Bahamas, the Saints Athletics Club seeks to reach a wider demographic of young athletes l

New Covenant Baptist burns mortgage

THE New Covenant Baptist recently paid off a three and a half million dollar mortgage for the church's sanctuary.

Voice of the people

Echoing throughout the Bahamas is an erroneous saying - “The voice of the people, is the voice of God”. It has gained strength and support amongst prominent religious leaders, who can be heard ignorantly making the claim for the masses, who quickly digest and run with it.

Ashton Butler making an impact with the Bulldogs

DESPITE his team coming up short in the 2012 Florida Boys State Baseball playoff bracket, Ashton Butler made an impact playing with a top-tier

VIDEO: New members arrive

PARLIAMENT opened with much pomp and pageantry yesterday, as hundreds of supporters braved the rain dressed in their best to watch the newly elected Members of Parliament take their oaths.

My Mother: A shining star

EVEN in her last days, Claretta Victoria Forbes still encouraged all those around her to follow the word of God. A positive and humble person she remained, through sickness and in health, her daughter Jacquelyn Forbes said.

Referendum on gambling promised

THE Government yesterday promised to hold a referendum on a national lottery and the decriminalisation or regulation of "numbers" houses.

Trio of female captains make history

THE nation's airline celebrated history yesterday morning with the induction of the first female captains to its lineup.

'Country will decide on oil exploration'

IN KEEPING with Prime Minister Perry Christie's announcement to put oil drilling to a national referendum, Minister of Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett said the Bahamian people will decide if the country moves forward with oil and gas exploration.

Pipe burst causes traffic jam

A MORNING traffic-jam saw drivers travelling from the east trapped for hours, yesterday, because of a broken water pipe.

No update on ten Jamaican men missing at sea

POLICE yesterday said they have no information on the ten Jamaican men who went missing out to sea after leaving Grand Bahama for Miami.

Red Cross spent $60,000 in aftermath of Hurricane Irene

NEARLY $60,000 was spent by the Red Cross to help 1,000 Bahamians affected by Hurricane Irene, according to the organisation's final financial report on the devastating storm.

Straw huts and makeshift buildings - what Nellie said.

IN her article on the types of houses people live in, on www.travels.com, Nellie Day says the Bahamas 'can provide the perfect place to lay your roots and build your dream home - as long as you can afford the price tag that many luxury homes boast.'

How the people had their say on Nellie Day

A selection of some of the comments posted on social media websites yesterday:

Power to the people - outrage over Bahamas article sees it removed

BAHAMIANS took to social media websites yesterday in a concerted effort to ‘defend’ their country against an American journalist who reported that ‘the poorest Bahamians typically create makeshift homes out of straw....’

Code of ethics must be enforced

IN VIEW of the PLP's past record and the public's criticisms of its various scandals over the years, Archbishop Drexel Gomez urged the Christie administration to quickly establish a Code of Ethics to which the new governme

Ingraham - simply the best

Former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament-elect for the constituency of North Abaco Hubert A Ingraham told his constituents that he will be stepping down as their representative on July 29.

Teenager cleared of murder

A TEENAGER was cleared of a murder charge yesterday afternoon in Supreme Court.

Retrial ordered in murder case

FREEPORT - Jurors in the murder trial of Hulio Smith were unable to reach a verdict yesterday, leading to a hung jury and an order for a retrial.

Summertime disruption for phone service

CELL phone users should brace themselves for widespread service blackouts this summer as the Bahamas Telecommunications Company rolls out a brand new cellular network.

Halkitis: We don't yet know size of the country's deficit

DESPITE comments by the chairman of the PLP, the government has yet to determine a "ball-park figure" of the country's budget deficit, State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis said yesterday.

Talks on bus system reform

THE government will renew talks to implement a unified public bus system to reduce traffic congestion in New Providence.

FNM insiders calling for young people to step up

WITH the Free National Movement's convention days away, party insiders are urging young Bahamians to participate and throw their names into the hat for senior party positions.

The threat of dengue fever

"A widespread outbreak of dengue fever (has) occurred...The disease made its appearance in New Providence in October and spread rapidly. Unless the most stringent measures are taken to control the breeding of (the Aedes aegypti) mosquito, outbreaks of the d

'Moore's Island will get a facility that will begin in June'

WITH the tremendous success that they have achieved in recent times despite not having the proper facilities, Dr Daniel Johnson said they will be the first recipients of his Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's sports revitalization programme.

'The Tank' vs. 'The Hillyard Hammer'

Sherman 'The Tank' Williams hasn't fought since his controversial 'no contest' bout with 'The Real Deal' Evander Holyfield a year ago. But manager Si Stern said his bout against Chauncy 'The Hillyard Hammer' Welliver next month will be a much bigger challenge.

JBLN pitcher's delight

THE Junior Baseball League of Nassau had the fans entertained in the St Andrew's Field of Dreams playing field at St Andrew's School on Monday night.

Renaldo's Ramblings

A 66-game lockout shortened season, Jeremy Lin, Rondo and Kevin Love making the leap, the Dwight Howard saga, the irrelevance of the Bobcats, this NBA season gave us our fill of storylines on and off the court.

'More than $40m' recovery target on key CLICO asset

CLICO (Bahamas) liquidation team is hoping to recover "considerably more" than $40 million from the liquidation of the Florida-based real estate project that accounts for 63 per cent of its assets, Tribune Business was told yesterday, with "huge interest" having been expressed in its remaining 283 acres.

Bahamas provider: 'Timing 100% right' for Swiss office

A BAHAMAS-based financial services provider that supervises $1.5 billion in client assets yesterday said "the timing is 100 per cent right" to open its new Switzerland office, and urged other local institutions to "seriously consider" expanding into their target markets.

$225m World Mart principals 'very encouraged' over Chinese meetings

ONCE of the principals behind the proposed $225 million trade market proposed for Freeport yesterday told Tribune Business they were "very encouraged" by the outcome of meetings with China-based strategic partners, and hoped to engage the new PLP government over a Heads of Agreement for the project shortly.

Weather warning issued

Forecasters are predicting flooding, severe thunderstorms and nine inches of rain in the Bahamas.

Implement VAT as 'matter of urgency'

THE Bahamas needs to be "well on its way within the next two years" to implementing a VAT/sales tax regime, the Ministry of Finance's leading consultant said yesterday, adding that this nation's tax revenues - as a percentage of GDP - were 10 points below the Western Hemisphere average.

Gov't 'knew' deficit was over $400m

WHILE acknowledging that the $93 million cost overruns on the New Providence Road Improvement Project would likely push this year's fiscal deficit over $400 million, a senior minister in the former FNM administration yesterday said the Christie government was seeking to backtrack on its "wild promises to deliver the moon".

Airline plans 30% Florida/Bahamas flight expansion

FORT Lauderdale-based Silver Airways announced yesterday that it had accepted delivery of two more Saab 340Bplus aircraft, its chief executive explaining that by year-end it will be able to increase flights on its Florida-Bahamas routes by 30 per cent.

Gov't moves to get small business 'back on track'

MINISTER of State for Investments, Khaalis Rolle, said yesterday that he is spearheading the move to implement the Small Business Act, telling Tribune Business the legislation would provide a modern framework to address many of the challenges faced by Bahamian small and medium-sized businesses.

Capitalise on the moment's emotion

AFTER an incredible five days in Rome, Italy, my wife and I arrived at New York's JFK airport at 4pm. My connecting flight had a 7.50pm boarding time, so technically I had plenty of time. Or so I thought. Several flights arrived at the same time, so the line for US Immigration seemed to stretch into infinity. We knew we would be there a long time.

Chamber chief urges: Pass SME Act in 'least possible timeframe'

MORE than 75 per cent of companies in the Bahamas are small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation's (BCCEC) chairman said yesterday, in urging the Government to pass the draft SME legislation "in the shortest possible timeframe".

Minister eyes tariff rises to aid chicken farmers

The Minister of Agriculture yesterday plerdged that the Government was prepared to look at increasing duty rates on imported chicken, in an effort to provide more of a level playing field for Bahamian producers.

Big rewards from 'Nurturing Brotherhood'

THE BINDING cord is art, and we are using it to connect with the younger generation, said a veteran Bahamian artist while describing his mentoring experience in the "Nurturing Brotherhood" exhibit.

Mother and child bond over art

THE art work of mother and daughter, Jessica and Erin Colebrooke demonstrates all that is important when it comes to a maternal bond.

Manhood depicted in art exhibit: protective, loving, caring

BAHAMIAN artist Andret John was inspired to represent men as nurturing figures after 11-year old Marco Archer was found brutally murdered last September.

Jon Saxx delights at 'Wine, Art and Jazz'

DESPITE inclement weather, the Wine, Art, and Jazz Festival "turned out a success", said organisers.

Mdeez releases "Summer Bubble"

BAHAMIAN artist Mdeez is already getting into the spirit of summer with his new single "Summer Bubble".

Top 2 battle for Idol title

ALTHOUGH Joshua Ledet's Idol exit was not as shocking as most, it was still a sad moment for many viewers. His departure last week left contestants Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips to battle it out for the winning title this week.

Al Jarrett dies, aged 69

RETIED banker, economist and patriot Alfred Jarrett, pictured, died early yesterday morning after a massive heart attack.

Court debate on teen's interview over murder

A POLICEMAN from the USA presented a DVD recorded interview, allegedly of himself and a teenage girl concerning the 2009 murder of her mother, Anna Garrison.

Road closures for opening of Parliament

POLICE are warning people to watch out for road closures as the new session of Parliament meets.

Man accused in murder case walks free

A MAN walked free from the Supreme Court yesterday after the prosecution, on the orders of the Attorney General, discontinued its murder case against him.

PM considers Bethel for prosecutor role

OUSTED Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Grant-Bethell may be set to return to government to claim the title she felt was hard-earned.

'Jamaican crooks were smuggled from Freeport'

THE SEARCH for a group of missing Jamaican men has reportedly uncovered an illegal trafficking scheme using Bahamian waters to access the United States.

54 years in jail for murderer

A CONVICT spent his first night of 54 years in prison last night after being sentenced by a judge for a nightclub murder seven years ago.

No oil in Cuba drilling - but BPC not put off

BAHAMAS Petroleum say they are not discouraged by the fact that recent oil testing off the coast of Cuba yielded no result

FNM crime laws 'will do more harm than good'

THE series of amendments made to criminal laws under the previous Ingraham administration will yield more harm than good, attorney Wayne Munroe suggested yesterday.

Kristie wins through to be named Miss Grand Bahama

FREEPORT - Kristie Farah was crowned Miss Grand Bahama 2012 on Sunday evening at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre.

Police following leads but no murder arrests yet

POLICE say they are following significant leads in the country's latest murders, however no one has been taken into custody.

Haitians 'eager to go home' to join gold rush

HAITIANS living in the Bahamas are eager and preparing to go home after learning new mining laws will create thousands of jobs, according to the Haitian Ambassador.

Supporters impatient for results

THE PLP recognises that crime is quickly escalating and that the duty of a government is to keep the public safe, "but my God, give us some time!"

Woulda, coulda, shoulda...

DENIAL can be wonderfully comforting, at least in the short-term, whereas facing reality is often very unpleasant. Sadly, playing the woulda, shoulda, blame game, rather than honest introspection, is seldom helpful in the long-ter

Signing contracts near the end of a term

MR BRAVE DAVIS, PLP Deputy Prime Minister, has complained that the outgoing FNM government signed some 80 contracts worth over $24 million dollars during the months of March through the recent election campaign ending early May.

Hold Bell to same standards as Turnquest

AFTER suffering a devastating loss at the polls in the 2007 General Elections, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) remained in election mode throughout the five-year administration of former Prime Minister Hubert A Ingraham.

First $10m recoveryfor CLICO creditors

Some $10 million raised from selling the property that accounts for 63 per cent of CLICO (Bahamas) assets has been returned to this nation for the ultimate benefit of the i

Cable Beach residents oppose shopping centre

PLANS by the owners of the Wendy's fast food franchise to construct another shopping centre in the Cable Beach area have again been me

Oil explorer says: Bahamas has 'better prospects' than Cuba

A Bahamas-based oil exploration company yesterday said it had "much better prospects" of striking oil in this nation's waters than Spanish oil giant Repsol did off Cuba, adding that its $50 million investment to-d

Doctors targets $3.2m incapital upgrades for 2012

Doctors Hospital is planning to invest $3.2 million in capital projects during its current financial year, as it kicks-off "phased" expansion plans with two new

Commercial banks'still trying to gethands around FATCA'

Bahamian commercial banks are "still trying to put our hands totally around" the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), Tribune Business was told

Big Game approves$18k floating dock

The BIMINI Big Game resort has approved the construction of an $18,000 floating dock which, according to general manager Michael Weber, will al

BTC launches 4G in Abaco

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) launched its 4G network in Abaco over the weekend, marking the fifth island to have its network upgraded. The official launch ceremony took place during a 4G Fun Day at BTC's Marsh Har

Experts count the cost of past hurricanes - as new severe weather warning is issued

A WARNING of severe thunderstorms and flooding has been issued as forecasters predict nine inches of torrential rain over the next two days.

Wilson may return to top post in Senate, hints PM

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday hinted that former Senate president Sharon Wilson will be returning to the top post in the upper chamber.

Former PLP MP criticises Ingraham's election bribery claims

A FORMER PLP member of parliament yesterday criticised outgoing FNM leader Hubert Ingraham for claiming that bribes aided the PLP's election victory on May 7.

PLP chairman calls for time to implement crime fighting plans

PLP chairman Bradley Roberts has appealed to Bahamians to give the government "some time" to implement its crime fighting plans.

Nadja handed $6,000 for student of the year title

STUDENT Nadja Simon has been awarded $6,000 after being named the Primary School Student of the Year.

China and Bahamas mark 15 years of friendship

THE coming May 23 will mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, which coincides with first sitting of the House of Assembly following the May 7 general elections in the Bahamas.

PI residents ordered to pay $23.7m penalty

The Canadian receivers for an alleged "fraudulent" life insurance scheme will today appear before the Court of Appeal in a bid to overturn a verdict that forced them to

Extra $77m needed to finish road improvement project

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday lashed out at recent criticisms of the public funds used for official ceremonies, adding that naysayers should be focused on the over-budget roadworks project.

Police chiefs meet ahead of conference

POLICE commissioners from across the Caribbean met at the Atlantis Resort yesterday for their 27th annual general meeting and conference.

A 'sneak preview' on the way forward in sports

SINCE taking office last week, Minister Daniel Johnson has had the opportunity to meet with the staff and outline plans for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

Teams in playoff push

Four shutout wins headlined week nine of the Bahamas Flag Football League as teams begin to push toward the playoffs in the second half of the season. In cross divisional matchups between teams battling for the final playoff spots, the Green Parrot Hitmen

Oral history project celebrates women of wisdom

THE wisdom of Africa suggests: "Every time an elder dies, we lose a library". Recognising this ancestral truth, the Island Stewards Camp and Spelman College participated in a joint oral history project to document the personal histories of eight women of wisdom in the Bahamas.

Young women transform to a butterfly

IT HAS always been the mission of Inner Harmony to help young women reach their highest heights. Ever since the musical group started twelve years ago, it has created ways for young girls, especially those residing in the inner city, to metamorphosis from a caterpillar to a butterfly.

Career chances boosted for teen mothers

WHEN a teenage girl gets pregnant, her future education and employment is often jeopardized. As a soon-to-be-mother, she often asks herself the question, how am I going to have a career? How am I going to support my child?

Arresting hip pain

Your hip is a weight bearing joint, and all of your weight above the waistline has to be supported by your hips.

Treating common foot woes

Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur Fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most commonly seen foot problems today. Pain felt along the bottom (plantar) of the foot from the heel to the arch. The pain is often worse in the morning and at the end of the day. Persons experiencing this problem often ask, how did I get this problem and what could have caused it? How do I get of the pain?

Child abuse and neglect and the mouth

In the Bahamas, medical doctors and dentists are required to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and/or the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Debunking common myths about radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a very important modality in the treatment of cancer. It is used either as the sole treatment or in combination with other treatment modalities such as surgery and chemotherapy. Only one facility is available in the Bahamas that uses radiation to treat various types of cancer. This type of treatment requires highly complex radiation beams that are generated from the robust machines.

Mini health fair at Haitian Flag Day

The Ministry of Health and its agencies offered essential health screenings at the Haitian Flag Day event coordinated by the Haitian Embassy, Saturday. The initiative was the ministry's latest in an ongoing attempt to provide health screenings at public events and non-traditional sites.

Couple face claims as trial gets under way

A POLICEMAN had an “off and on” relationship with a woman allegedly murdered by her teenage daughter and the daughter’s lover.

The BIG-T's Tribune Political Hunks 2012

NOW that the heated election season is over and Bahamians have made their choice, The Big T decided to lighten things up a bit by asking its female readers which male candidates

Game of Thrones star Richard Madden talks to the Big T

• THE Big T got a chance to sit down with three leading actors from the award-winning HBO show “Game of Thrones” as they wrapped up their tour of the region to promote the second season. In a Tribune exclusive three-part interview series, find out what is in store for the new season and get up close and personal with Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy) and Richard Madden (Robb Stark).

Families fear men have died at sea

FAMILIES of a group of Jamaican men who have been 'missing' for several months after leaving Grand Bahama for Miami, fear they have died at sea.

'Convention will see a new FNM emerge'

THE FNM says this weekend's party convention will be 'transformative' and that the party will emerge ready to hold the new government to account over its ambitious election promise

Archbishop's call for a code of ethics

ARCHBISHOP Drexel Gomez yesterday urged the Christie administration to immediately establish a code of ethics, citing the political party's record and public criticism.

Christie: Governemnt will carry on with mortgage relief plan

THE government will move forward with its promised mortgage relief plan under "strict consultation", Prime Minister Perry Christie confirmed yesterday.

Weather watch

WHILE Tropical Storm Alberto does not pose a threat to the Bahamas, officials are monitoring a low pressure area forming over the Caribbean Sea, forecaster Ian McKenzie said yesterday.

Artists focus on brotherhood

IN what is turning out to be a promising mentorship project, the Public Treasury Art Programme is staging an exhibition entitled ‘Nurturing Brotherhood’.

'2012 vote was most important in our history'

THE 2012 election was the most important vote in the history of an independent Bahamas, according to PLP chairman Bradley Roberts.

Did the PLP hoodwink the voters?

PLP GOVERNMENT members can wipe that look of doe-eyed innocence from their faces when they express alarm at what they claim they are just discovering about this country's deficit.

A not so quiet storm

I WOULD like to address the few persons, who seem to think that Hon Dr Hubert A Minnis is not the best choice of leader for the Free National Movement Party.

Ingraham was an inspiration and a leader

May 7th, 2012, has come and gone, perhaps painfully and disappointingly so for you and for many Bahamians, but be assured that the legacy of national pride, success and upliftment you have inculcated in the psyche of Bahamians of every walk of life, whether acknowledged or not, will be indelibly etched in our memories and in our hearts.

Bannister declares his challenge for FNM deputy leader role

FORMER education minister Desmond Bannister officially announced yesterday that he will be contesting the FNM's deputy leader position when the party holds its convention later this week.

Son pays tribute to playwright mother

ARIEN Rolle shared his feelings over the death of his mother, influential Bahamian playwright, poet and teacher Telcine Turner-Rolle, with his Facebook community over the weekend. Mrs Turner-Rolle, who died on Thursd

Bahamians battle it out in Texas iron-man event

Two Bahamians competed in the Ironman triathlon on Saturday, with one becoming the oldest Bahamian to finish what is considered the world's most hardcore one-day endurance event. Nassau opto

Lunch held for senior citizens

FREEPORT - Dr M R Kavala and his wife, Nalini, hosted more than 250 senior citizens from throughout Grand Bahama to lunch at the St Stephen's Church

Farm fearing closure after 60% business fall

AN Abaco poultry producer fears it may go out of business in two-three months, its operations manager telling Tribune Business its business had dropped 60 per cent since the Government eliminated the permit regime for chicken imports.

Bahamas 4x1 relay teams finish third

Coach Henry Rolle said both the men and women's 4 x 100 meter relay teams ran well but, if it wasn't for a little hiccup with their baton exchanges, they both could have ran faster at the Athletics Brazil Grand Prix in Rio de Janeiro yesterday.

Superwash eyes $1.7m expansion on Soldier Road

SUPERWASH'S president is eyeing a $1.5-$1.7 million investment to expand his existing laundromat chain through adding another outlet at the former Pricebusters warehouse property on Soldier Road, telling Tribune Business: "The time has come to start making a move."

Bureaucracy delays 200-job pig farm

A MAJOR pig farm project on Grand Bahama is still moving forward with more than $1 million already invested to-date, an executive telling Tribune Business that bureaucratic hold-ups had frustrated plans to create up to 200 direct jobs.

Road Traffic's 'illegal' actions show need to respect Freeport

A LEADING QC has urged the newly-elected Christie administration to "behave more civilly, and less brutally and aggressively", towards Freeport than its FNM predecessor, adding that the latest Supreme Court ruling upholding Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees' rights emphasised the need to treat the city with "respect".

Regulator levies $48,000 fine on 'wind-up' broker

THE Securities Commission of the Bahamas has fined a failed broker/dealer a collective $48,000 for "consistently" failing to meet its monthly and annual filing obligations, its ruling coming almost five months after the company was placed into Supreme Court-supervised liquidation.

My remedy for the bank and mortgage industries

IN 2008, at the peak of the credit crunch, Hank Paulson, secretary to the Treasury and a former chief executive of Goldman Sachs, coerced the US Congress to bail out the big banks, including his previous employer. Paulson claimed that the entire financial system was on the verge of collapse, because access to bank credit (and 'shadow bank' credit), had come to a virtual standstill.

'For a little small black boy running around in Fort Fincastle, ain't no one believed that I could do it'

THERE'S an old adage that you should never judge a book by its cover. The 'his story' or 'history' of the new Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson is definitely one of tho

We all have an interest in combating conflicts

TODAY, the Chamber Voice joins the national discussion in addressing the topic: 'Conflict of Interest'. As a nation we have been slow in speaking to the issue, and educating our employees and the country at large on what constitutes a conflict, how we should address potential conflicts, and the steps we must take to avoid recurring conflicts.

Judge finds 'no truck' with Road Traffic case

THE Road Traffic Department "acted illegally" in refusing to inspect and register a Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licencee's 'taxi cab' on the grounds that it had not obtained a government license, the Supreme Court once again upholding the Hawksbill Creek Agreement against arbitrary executive actions.

Tread carefully, Mr Minister

LESS than two weeks in, and the new Minister of National Security is already threatening to make the PLP's stance on crime look confused, constrained and contradictory. This, at a time when - as the latest US travel warning so dramatically demonstrated - the Bahamas can little afford to be seen as weak on criminals.

Deaths take toll to 12 in a fortnight

THREE men are dead and four are fighting for their lives in hospital after a weekend of violence rocked the capital. The bloody spree follows nine killings in the space of seven days – taking the murder count for last two weeks to 12.

Man's body found in pond

Police are investigating the death of a man who was found in the pond at the rear of the National Insurance Building, Baillou Hill Road.

US report's crime rating blamed on FNM

STATE Minister for National Security, Keith Bell, blamed the alarming crime rating of New Providence and Grand Bahama in a recent US report on the previous FNM government’s decision to “stop, review, and cancel” crucial crime fighting initiatives during their term in office.

Defence Lawyer calls for murder charge to be dismissed

FREEPORT – Defence lawyer Paul Wallace-Whitfield submitted that the prosecution had failed to prove its case against murder accused Hulio Smith and asked that charges be dismissed against him.

Bahamas won't have tennis team in Olympics

MARK Knowles has been an integral part of the Bahamas' tennis team at the Olympic Games since Barcelona, Spain, in 1992.

Mark Knowles' 20-year career starts to wind down

As his illustrious 20-year career starts to wind down, Mark Knowles is starting to be more selective with how many meets he competes in on the international tennis tour.

Shavez Hart pulls off sprint double in the NJCAA

SHAVEZ Hart was the fastest man at the National Junior College Athletic Association's Track and Field Championships, pulling off the sprint double Thursday to lead a host of Bahamians in action in Levelland, Texas.

Sands eager for Olympics

A series of injuries have kept high hurdler Shamar Sands out of action for the past two years. Now, he's back and eager to make his presence felt at the XXX Olympiad in London, England, in July

Threat of crime at 'critical' levels

A DAMNING report by US authorities has blasted New Providence's criminal threat level as "critical" - and for the first time rated Grand Bahama's level as "high", putting the island on a par with the Dominican Republic.

Nottage: Murder count must come down now

MINISTER of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday said reducing the murder count is not only realistic, but necessary as the government moves forward this year.

DNA: New government is backtracking

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance chairman Mark Humes yesterday accused the new government of 'backtracking' on election promises.

Police in schools for new term

A STRONG police presence is expected for public schools when the new term begins in September, Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday said.

Chairman battle heats up

A BATTLE over the chairmanship of the Free National Movement is heating up with a faction in the party now openly backing the nomination of Anthony Musgrove.

Drugs found during raid on immigrants

FREEPORT - BAHAMIAN authorities seized $1,000 worth of dangerous drugs and arrested four illegal immigrants at an apartment in the Lucaya area.

'Level of crime is unacceptable'

MINISTER of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday said the fight against crime for the next five years will heavily depend on better co-operation among leading officials from national law enforcement agencies.

Killer must wait another five weeks for sentencing

A MAN convicted of manslaughter in the Supreme Court two months ago must wait another five weeks before he is sentenced.

Has the PLP gone soft on the criminal?

WHILE for the first time in this country's history, US authorities have announced that these once peaceful "isles of June" have a "critical" level of crime, the new Christie administration plans to review the last government's mandatory minimum laws because the criminal has complained that they are too tough!

Police reserves

THE crime problem is indeed vexing and heartrending. We are losing by the day one potential soul for great change in The Bahamas. It is along this vein that I write. One of the greatest measures in our resolution of the country's foremost issue is being neglected. I am beginning to wonder if it is purposely so.

Not happy with national security appointment

MOST Bahamians should know by now that the fifth prime minister elect of the Bahamas is the Rt Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie. He joins Hubert Ingraham as the only prime minister in Bahamian history to serve non-consecutive terms.

Time for rebirth of the FNM

I AM not surprised at all that the Free National Movement (FNM) has been soundly defeated by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in the General Election. The FNM was simply destroyed at the polls by the PLP. The new official Opposition party was only able to win nine seats to the PLP's 29.

Police investigate woman's death by stabbing

POLICE are investigating the circumstances into the stabbing death of a 27-year-old woman.

Jurors excused at robbery trial during legal debate

JURORS of the John Bull Rolex Boutique robbery trial were excused again, this time until May 21 when all current legal issues are expected to be resolved.

Drowning victim's name revealed

FREEPORT - The elderly visitor who was discovered floating in waters at the Bell Channel Club has been officially identified as 82-year-old Kenneth Amow of Pennsylvania.

Education minister tours education sites

JEROME Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, visited the Bahamas Technical Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the College of The Bahamas (COB) to get a first hand look at the institution.

More rain in the forecast

AFTER two severe weather warnings, the Bahamas can expect a break from overcast and rainy weather by mid-morning today, but more showers are forecast for the week ahead.

Bacardi purchasers targeting $90m waste-to-energy plant

THE Bahamian investor group that acquired the former Bacardi factory has approached the Government about constructing a $90 million waste-to-energy plant at the southern New Providence site, its principal yesterday telling Tribune Business it aimed to slash electricity costs by "50 per cent or more".

Chamber backs oil exploration

THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) yesterday backed permitting oil exploration in this nation's waters once regulatory safeguards were in place, telling Tribune Business potential earnings could "eliminate the National Debt in five years".

85% sold concert boosts Atlantis by 'several thosand' extra room nights

ATLANTIS is set to enjoy a "several thousand room night" boost this Memorial Day weekend, Kerzner International's Bahamas head yesterday telling Tribune Business that with 85 per cent of tickets already sold, the concert was on track for a sell-out.

Gov't urged to pass Small Business Bill

THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation's (BCCEC) chief executive yesterday urged the Government to prioritise passing the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development Bill left behind by the former Ingraham administration, saying this was "vital" to creating jobs and turning the economy around.

Don't discount service quality

CLASSIC economic theory suggests that prices gravitate to an optimum point where demand approaches supply. This is because, in theory, demand goes up as price goes down, and vice versa, as depicted in the graph shown here.

Bahamas can make 'substantial inroads' into $500m food bill

THE Bahamas "can definitely make significant inroads" into reducing its annual$500 million food import bill, the Bahamas Agricultural Producers Association (BAPA) president said yesterday, although the Government's stated goal of reducing it by 30 per cent over the next five years was "optimistic".

Cassius Stuart in FNM deputy leader bid

A FORMER FNM candidate has thrown his hat into the ring to be the party’s deputy leader saying he can make the FNM ‘sexy.’

Promotion to boost private pilot traffic

AN 'island hop' incentive is being offered to private pilots in an effort to creater greater access to the Family Islands, a Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board executive telling Tribune Business yesterday that private aviation brought a considerable amount of business to the Bahamas.

Hit killing: Wife in case seeks bail

A WOMAN accused of conspiring to murder her banker husband and abetting two men in his "execution", went to the Supreme Court yesterday seeking bail.

Seven new PLP Senators

The Cabinet Office announced today that Prime Minister Perry Christie has advised the Governor General to appoint the following persons as senators under article 39 (2) of the Constitution:

Met office warns of strong winds, dangerous lightning and heavy showers

A Department of Meteorology statement has warned of continued showers for the remainder of the afternoon and into the evening.

$24 million in contracts in FNM's last days

THE former government issued more than 80 contracts worth more than $24 million during the period of the election campaign, it has been claimed.

'Major assault' on crime pledged

THE GOVERNMENT will not compromise on its charge to exact a "major assault" on the issues of crime and unemployment in the country despite fiscal limitations, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said yesterday.

No contest over FNM leadership

THE candidates running for the top two leadership posts within the Free National Movement will not be contested, The Tribune has learned.

Lawyer claims accused was 'fishbagged'

A LAWYER claimed police tried to drown his 17-year-old client when they 'fishbagged' him while he was in custody.

PLP 'soft on crime' claim

THE FNM has accused the PLP of being soft on crime after National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said approaches had been made about the severity of sentences for criminals.

Government defends mortgage plan

MINISTER of State for Finance Michael Halkitis yesterday defended the government's proposed mortgage relief plan despite a negative and scathing review by a top Wall Street credit agency.

Laing accuses rivals of pandering

FORMER state minister for Finance Zhivargo Laing yesterday labelled the government's proposed mortgage relief plan as "political pandering" after the proposal was blasted by an international credit rating agency.

16 weddings for 16 couples on a special day

IT was all smiles for sixteen couples who were married simultaneously on 16 different islands in the Bahamas yesterday.

Men charged over armed robbery

FREEPORT - Two men were charged in Freeport Magistrates' Court on Wednesday in connection with armed robbery and housebreaking at Hudson Estate.

Convicted murderer rushed from court with chest pains

A CONVICTED murderer's appeal hearing was cut short yesterday in the Court of Appeal when he had to be rushed to hospital.

Rain brings dengue fears

OFFICIALS are working aggressively to curb another dengue outbreak amid an early rainy season. With just over two weeks until the hurricane season officially begins on June 1, forecaste

Drugs found as immigrants arrested

FOUR men have been arrested in Freeport for possession of dangerous drugs and for immigration offences. The four men, all said to be illegal immigrants, were discovered by police and immigration officers during a check

A reckless promise that might founder

TUESDAY’S first cabinet meeting of the newly-elected PLP government, marked Day One of its first 100 days of governing, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced. Day One was also marked with a warning salvo from Moody’s Investment Services, one of three major credit rating agencies.

Businesses link with embassy

THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and the US Embassy have teamed up to launch their seventh business education seminar and workshop to promote growth and trade in

What manner of leader is Christie?

ADMITTEDLY, I was depressed about the FNM's loss, and, moreso over Ingraham's exit from active politics.

Where have Nottage's principles gone?

I THOUGHT that Dr BJ Nottage was a different kind of person and PLP. He always came across as a nice person. I remember what he used to stand for when he was head of the CDR.

Why does the church oppose gambling?

I WOULD like to comment on an article which appeared in the April 5 edition of The Nassau Guardian.

Cable Bahamas 'a couple of years' from breaking BTC monopoly

CABLE Bahamas says it is still looking into breaking the "monopoly" on providing a cellular service but admits it will take "a couple of years" before it finally happens.

Power back on after storm

BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation (BEC) officials yesterday said customers whose services were disrupted during a recent thunder storm have now been reconnected. Several customers throughout New Providence reported that their home

'Very close' to Old Bahama Bay deal

THE owners/developers of some 500 acres at Grand Bahama's West End believe they are " very close" to reaching an agreement with the Old Bahama Bay Resort's 73 condo owners over the property's management, with talks also having been held over re-opening the area's airport.

Bahamas can be 'Atlantic air hub'

The Bahamas has the potential to become an "Atlantic transshipment hub" between Latin America and Europe, a senior KPMG executive believes, adding that this nation's "60 per cent GDP" tourism dependency meant it was bound to suffer more than other nations during the recession.

Fitzgerald says big changes ahead for education in the Bahamas

BIG changes are planned for the country's two major tertiary institutions in the next five years, according to the new Minis

Moody's report slammed as 'too aggressive and inappropriate'

A LEADING architect of the Progressive Liberal Party's (PLP) mortgage relief plan yesterday slammed Moody's criticism of the scheme as "extremely aggressive and inappropriate", and urged the Government to "engage" the credit rating agency to ensure no "harm" was done to the Bahamas fiscal/investment reputation.

Cable Bahamas closing on 10k voice subscribers

CABLE Bahamas is approaching 10,000 subscribers for its ReVoice fixed-line voice service, its vice-president of sales and marketing said yesterday, telling Tribune Business it had achieved good market penetration.

Family island air routes may be dropped, warns govt

SOME Family Island routes may be dropped as the government considers placing more emphasis on tourism for Bahamasair. The national ai

Chamber chief: Beware campaign pledges impact

Chamber chief: Beware campaign pledges impact By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Wall Street's fears of a negative fiscal impact from the new government's $250 million mortgage relief plan shows just how careful Bahamian politicians have to be abo

How to tackle the SME conundrum

AFTER analysing the Bahamas' economic condition for the past three years, and reviewing reports by international agencies (Moody's, the World Bank, Standard & Poors), it is imperative that the public and private sectors focus on small and medium-size business (SME) development and economic diversification.

Film festival unveils winning poster design

THE Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced the winner of its 2012 poster competition, artist Theo McClain. The winning poster titled 'Junkanoo Blower' tells the story of the Bahamian spirit, s

Bahamian firms urged to exploit US funding

SMALL business loans represented 87 per cent of the US Export-Import Bank's $33 billion credit portfolio last year, a senior US embassy official said yesterday, urging Bahamian companies to take advantage of its programmes to access additional capital for their enterprises.

Sponsors give cash backing to film festival

FOR the second consecutive year, CIBC FirstCaribbean is a platinum sponsor, donating $10,000 to the Bahamas International Film Festival's Corporate Golf Invitational. The tournament will be held at the Albany

Cable Bahamas in VOD 'breakthrough'

CABLE Bahamas Limited (CBL) yesterday launched its video-on-demand (VOD) platform, the company's vice-president of marketing and sales describing it as a significant "breakthrough" for the BISX-listed company in the television market.

Cable Bahamas 'absolutely' targeting cellular markets'

CABLE Bahamas is "absolutely" still interested in breaking into the cellular market once the Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) monopoly ends in 2014-2015, given that it aims to be this nation's communications provider of choice.

Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving expected at Jeff Rodgers' camp

One of the Bahamas' most popular and longest running summer basketball camps will celebrate its silver jubilee anniversary this year,

Major conference returns to Atlantis

THE Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) is returning to the Bahamas after choosing Atlantis as the host venue of Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2013, it was announced yesterday.

'Dr Johnson, there are some sporting prescriptions that we need to fill'

THE dawning of a new day is here. The 2012 General Elections are over. Thank God. Now it's time to put things into p

Youth conference heads to Eleuthera

FOR THE second time running, Bahamian martial artist and youth minister Darren Sears is bringing Christian believers a youth conference to teach and inspire young people about God's purpose for their lives.

Will hard work make you rich?

NATHANIAL comes from a family whose income is only enough to meet utility bills and purchase a week's worth of groceries. He said his family is just one emergency away from being shot far behind the poverty line.

Grants Town Wesley Methodist Church celebrates 173 years

FOR 173 years the Grants Town Wesley Methodist Church has played an integral part in the spiritual, moral, and social life of the community.

Triple-A promotion has been an early struggle for A Richardson

The promotion to the Triple-A International League has been an early struggle for Antoan Richardson as he attempts to return to t

Baptist churches set for convocation

NINETEEN churches will unite this weekend for the 73rd annual session of Bethel Baptist Association.

Respect is the foundation

RESPECT will always be the adhesive that keeps any relationship together. Whatever problem that arises in a relationship, I can guarantee you, its root cause is a violation of respect.

Celebrating the women in our lives

MOTHER'S DAY: It is just one day to say what needs to be said every day. The day is over now, so does that mean that we don't have to be grateful for another year? I hope not. I hope that the day has motivated us to recall all the reasons to articulate our thanks on a regular basis.

Flag football resumes this weekend

AFTER a layoff last weekend in observance of Mother's Day, the Bahamas Flag Football League is scheduled to return to action at the Winton Rugby Centre on Sunday (May 20). In week nine, several teams will be meeting for

Annie "Ma" Louise Adams: A Praying Woman

SIX DAYS before Mother's Day, when the 94 year old matriarch would have surely received great honours, Annie "Ma" Louise Adams passed away.

Robot boost for Shipyard speed

ROBOTIC blasting is now being used at the Grand Bahama Shipyard to speed up work. Training began a few weeks ago, teaching Bahamians to drive the highly technical environmental robot used for hull stripping.

Witness denies seeing knife or stabbing

A WITNESS told a Supreme Court jury yesterday that he neither saw his friend with a knife, nor did his friend stab another man to death.

Roadworks project to continue

THE government is not expected to stop or reverse current road works since the project is 90 per cent complete - but it is still under review according to the

'Buy Bahamas' plan to cut food imports

BUY Bahamas will be the mantra of a minister who says he wants to cut the amount of food being imported. Alfred Gray, newly appointed Minister of Agri

PM: Cabinet meeting is day one

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said his government's agenda will be shaped by the fiscal realities of the country. The newly formed Cabinet met for the fir

$10,000 of marijuana found by police

FREEPORT - GRAND Bahama Police discovered $10,000 worth of marijuana in a travel bag at the private charter facility at Grand Bahama International Airport.

Man accused of businessman's murder

FREEPORT - THE murder trial of Hulio Cecil Smith opened in the Supreme Court into the shooting death of a Grand Bahama businessman some four years ago. of Hulio Cecil Smith opened in the Supreme Court into the shooting death of a Grand Bahama businessman some four years

Two questioned over shooting

POLICE are questioning two Augusta Street men in connection with a shooting that has left a man in hospital.

53rd murder victim of the year identified

THE man who became the country's latest murder victim after he was shot and killed at his home has been identified by a police source as Lavardo Dean.

Unprepared counsel branded a disgrace

A JUDGE who gets "psyched up" for court proceedings has branded counsel who turn up unprepared a "nuisance and disgrace". Justice Christopher Black

All must join in the fight against crime

FOR THE first time yesterday, we heard a PLP Minister come close — the closest that any of them has ever come in the past five years — to admitting that no government can completely eradicate crime — certainly not the type of crime that has changed our way of life.

FNM senators to be sworn in

FOUR former FNM candidates will be sworn in as senators Wednesday.

Christie's golden opportunity

Mr Christie and the PLP have a golden opportunity.

PI residents reclaim condo before $22m fraud ruling

Two Bahamas residents have been allowed by the Supreme Court to reclaim - for the moment - their multi-million Ocean Club condo on Paradise Island, despite a Ca

An election autopsy

THE following in my preliminary autopsy report on the May 7, 2012 general election - which resulted in the crushing defeat of the Free National Movement (FNM) party and its now deflated leader, Hubert Alexander Ingraham.

Which party has the best leader?

THE question, "Which opposition party has the better leader" was recently posed on Facebook by a DNA candidate, and I find it very interesting because the answer to the question will definitely determine the support that each party can garner and keep over the next five years leading up to the next general election.

Executive Entity hits 'virtually every day'

A well-known financial services provider yesterday told Tribune Business his company was receiving an inquiry "virtually every day" on this nation's Executive Entity pr

Divers search for man at Bluehole

POLICE divers were yesterday still searching for a young man who went missing while diving at Dean's Blue Hole in Long Island.

Sole Bahamian entrant aims to 'break the mould'

The sole Bahamian entrant to a Caribbean-wide competition designed to enhance the region's export potential with Europe has made the initial 'final 30' cut, its pro

BTC apologises for disruption in service

BTC officials have apologised for the disruption in cellular service in New Providence over the weekend, saying it was caused by efforts to complete a step in the GSM network upgrade.

Cellphone gift for Carifta competitors

BTC PRESENTED the country's supercharged athletes who came 2nd out of 27 countries in the recent 41st LIME CARIFTA championships in Bermuda with 70 Samsung Galaxy Y cell phones on their return.

A flashback to 2007 - what have we learned?

Now that all the analyzing is over, we thought it would be useful to revisit the immediate aftermath of the 2007 general election, when the current roles were reversed, but the rhetoric was the same. There was one big difference between this election and the previous one. In 2007, a lack of timely official information caused great anxiety amongst Bahamians of all political persuasions. This commentary was written several days after the 2007 vote.

Education minister: First business is police in schools

MINISTER of Education, Jerome Fitzgerald said yesterday his first order of business as minister was to return police officers to public schools.

PLP's $250m mortgage plan blasted

A LEADING Wall Street credit rating agency has blasted the newly-elected Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government's proposed mortgage relief plan for "undermining" efforts to rein in the $4.356 billion national debt, warning that the scheme will likely cost Bahamian taxpayers $250 million to implement.

US bank pushes on capital access

BAHAMIAN small and medium-sized companies could access millions of dollars in working capital, and be able to purchase US-made goods, through the U

E-mail marketing requires true value

MARKETING REVOLUTION When e-mail was first introduced it was traumatic for many. I remember in 1996, when I was working for Allstate Insurance in Chicago, how the managers complained that now they were receiving informa

Real estate firm joins top network

A Bahamian real estate firm has been named to 'Who's Who' in luxury real estate, the award-winning network that has property brokerages in 80 countries. Mario Carey, of Mario Carey Realty, said: "It is a great honour fo

Gov't to take 'close look' at WTO process

THE MINISTER of Financial Services, Ryan Pinder, said yesterday the Government would take a "close look" at the Bahamas' accession to full

Crochet swimwear wows at IWFW

DERRICA WILLIAMSON went light with her swim wear line, sending out unique crochet options for both the slender and full-figured women at the Islands of the World fashion showcase, last week.

Let's DAB into some art!

BAHAMIAN artist Marco Mullings is bringing art lovers a taste of vibrant colour, mixed with bold patterns in his new solo art exhibit "DAB

Road project '90% finished'

THE New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP) is 90 per cent complete, Deputy Prime Minister and minister of works, Philip Davis, said yesterday,

Things To Do: may 15, 2012

May 17 - Thursday Jonathan Bethel Art Show "Reflections"

Keys to sewing a great straw purse

I've seen a few awesome bags around town lately, in particular some amazing straw bags.

Stadium 'should pass inspection with flying colours'

After completing all the checks and paperwork, it will probably take International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) about three additi

The Real Bahamian Party preps for 2017

Collage Entertainment, creators of the Stop Likin Man series, have always been the trendsetters when it comes to viral Internet videos. And they did not allow the election season to pass without creating their share of silliness.

Athletes gear up for Olympics, IAAF World Juniors

THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) should be very pleased with the development of our junior and senior athletes as th

PLP Promises for the Cultural and Creative Industries:

"All citizens of the Bahamas, through formal and informal education, will fully understand and appreciate our culture and the heritage of our language, music, expressions, food, religion, and myths," stated the 2012 PLP Charter for Governance.

Fierce and feminine Bajan fashion at IWFW

THE Bahamas debut for Bajan designer Kesia Estwick was a highlight event at the Islands of the World fashion showcase last week.

The world's worst weed

It takes a lot to be champion and the title holder of the world's worst weed in many people's opinion has all the qualities you look for in a really great weed: it is invasive, it stifles all opposition, it is close to impossible to get rid of. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Cyperus Rotundus, known in the Bahamas as nutgrass, and in other places as nut sedge or that bloody nuisance.

Fritz Grant track and field reulsts

RESULTS of the annual Fritz Grant Track & Field Invitational at Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium Saturday - the event was sponsored by Florida's Natural. Girls 80 Meter Dash Under 7 Finals 1, 705 Thompson, Lan

Bahamian video debuts on 'MTV Buzzworthy'

ALTHOUGH her career, like her age, is still young, some music observers are already comparing to her the next Rihanna, which is good news for Bahamian pop princess Angelique Sabrina, who is slowly establishing herself as a pop powerhouse.

FNM condemn report of victimisation

THE FNM has condemned the Government following the termination of veteran broadcaster Christina "Chrissy" Love from the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas, this Monday.

Police car involved in crash on way to murder scene

GRAND Bahama recorded its fifth murder when a 46-year-old man was stabbed to death in Eight Mile Rock.

Radio host claims victimisation

VETERAN broadcaster Christina "Chrissy" Love accused the Progressive Liberal Party of victimisation and sexism, after being terminated from the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) yesterday. Ms Love, the former h

Gov't warned: 'Don't renegotiate' BTC deal

THE newly-elected Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government was yesterday warned not to renegotiate the Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) privatisation, London-based financial analysts telling Tribune Business such a move would be "pretty negative" and a potentially chilling signal to other foreign investors.

Baha Mar plant eyes $13m from local investors

THE developer of Baha Mar's proposed renewable energy plant is seeking to part-finance the project through raising $13 million in capital from Bahamian investors via a preference share issue, Tribune Business can reveal.

Electric vehicle 'playing field' uneven through 80% tariff

A BAHAMIAN importer/distributor yesterday urged the new government to use its upcoming Budget to create a 'level playing field' for electrical scooters, telling Tribune Business the existing 80 per cent import tariff made the product "uncompetitive".

Airline back 'bigger and better' at LPIA

AFTER being evicted from the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) more than one year ago, Cat Island Air is "two to three weeks" away from being back in operation, its owner telling Tribune Business yesterday: "It's going to be bigger and better."

Rum Cay 'expensive and difficult' to reach

RUM Cay's development is being hindered by the absence of scheduled airline service, a resort operator telling Tribune Business that $2,000 charter flights and a $30,000 price tag per shipping call deterred both visitors and investors.

Parties must translate their words into action

WELL, the general election of 2012 is finally behind us, and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has won the mandate to govern for the next five years.

Benchmark shrugs off $2.5m loss via Q1 profit

BENCHMARK (Bahamas) yesterday attempted to put 2011's $2.5 million net loss behind it, as it generated a more than $338,000 swing to produce a modest $53,183 2012 first quarter profit.

High sulphur fuel raises dealer's truck prices $8k

ANOTHER Bahamian auto dealer is backing the call for the three oil companies to start importing low sulphur diesel fuel, telling Tribune Business it was costing his company an extra $8,000 to fit imported trucks with engines attuned to fuel sold in the Bahamas.

Historic ruling on cancer sufferer

HISTORY was made in the courts after a cancer sufferer who sold cocaine to pay for his surgery was resentenced to a fraction of his four-year jail term

'FNM must be united'

THE FNM must leave its upcoming convention as a unified political party ready to begin the road back to being the government, opposition MP Loretta Butler-Turner said. Throwing her support b

John Bull robbery trial delayed over photographic evidence

A POLICEMAN presented alleged photographic evidence on a CD of the aftermath of the John Bull Rolex Boutique robbery. However,

Police release identities of murder victims

POLICE have identified the bodies of two of last week's murder victims. The body of the woman found in Pinewood Gardens on Thursday has been ide

Party has not yet chosen its senate representatives

THE Free National Movement has not yet decided the four persons who will represent them in the Senate. Long Island Member of Parliament-elect Loretta Butler-Tur

Urban Renewal 'in the works'

URBAN Renewal 2.0 is already in the works and will be up and running within the next two weeks under the leadership of Minister of State for National Security, Senator Keith Bell. Nation

VIDEO: Department of Meteorology latest

DRIVING rain, fierce lightning and heavy thunder continued to lash the Bahamas today.

Morley offers his thanks for support

FORMER Englerston Independent candidate Alex Morley thanked his friends and family for their support during his unsuccessful bid for office during the May 2012 General Election. Despite his 'very moderate' support rec

Alfred sears invitied to be African summit delegate

FORMER PLP Member of Parliament for Fort Charlotte and former Attorney General Alfred Sears has been invited to take part as an expert and delegate at the African Diaspora Summit. The summit, held from

Five women take up post in parliament

On May 7, a total of 24 women offered themselves as candidates in the general election: Nine under the Free National Movement (FNM) banner, five with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), five with the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), and the remaining five running on third party tickets or as independents

Author releases man manual

OVER THE years, Bahamian author Malie March Bliss, made mental notes of conversations she had with many women on sex, relationships and matters of the heart.

Female team give mandate to lead

Female team give mandate to lead By KHALILA NICOLLS khalilanicolls@gmail.com WHEN news broke that three of the four women who were elected to the House of Assembly were put in one ministry, Transport and Aviation, some observers were perplexed, myself

Imaging in cancer

Cancer is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Any tissue in the body can be affected by cancer.

Removing pesky fleas

Fleas are the ectoparasites that cause pet owners in the Bahamas the most stress out of all parasites. It seems because of our warm climatic conditions we are bombarded with this pest year round.

Trio of charities thank airport for help

THREE local charities have benefited from the generosity of passengers and employees at the Lynden Pindling International Airport. According to officials at the Nassau Airport Development Company, the AIDS Foundat

Government putting legislation in place for ministry of Grand Bahama

FREEPORT - DR Michael Darville said government was in the process of properly structuring and putting legislation in place for the new Ministry of Grand Bahama. Dr Darville, MP for Pin

Dental X-Rays and Brain Tumors

A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. It can be cancerous, noncancerous, precancerous or may have no cancerous potential at all. A brain tumor, in particular, is an abnormal growth of tissue inside the cranium or inside the central spinal canal. The cranium is a skull without the mandible (lower jaw bone).

Outgoing minister hopeful for continuity

OUTGOING Minister Of Health Hubert Minnis is confident the new government will carry on with plans for the public healthcare sector, which are in the best interest of the people.

Shining light on multiple sclerosis

AFTER her brother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis fifteen years ago, Katherine Beneby set out on a mission to bring awareness to the rare disease.

Nation's health in Dr Gomez' hands

BEFORE throwing his cards into the political deck, Bahamians automatically associated Dr Micheal Perry Gomez with the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Bahamas.

Kenya Culmer sets national outdoor high jump record

Kenya Culmer just wasn’t satisfied with the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) national indoor women’s high jump record. She wanted her name on the outdoor record as well.

Bahamas to face Cayman in Rugby WCup qualifier

THE Bahamas will be back on the international rugby scene in just under two weeks as the country begins the path toward IRB World Cup 2015 qualification. The team is scheduled to travel to face

Two more murders

Police are investigating two murders that occurred overnight.

Immigrants expected to head for home

A MASS exodus of Haitians from the Bahamas has been predicted after $20 billion of precious metals was discovered in the impoverished country.

Destroying gun stockpile

Illegal and obsolete firearms will now be destroyed with a set of hydraulic shears handed over to the Bahamian Government by the United Nations.

Man held over two shootings

A man believed to be responsible for two separate shootings on Sunday has been turned into police by a family member.

Cancer victim's case subject of historic appeal

A MAGISTRATE will make history today when she reconsiders, upon direction from the Court of Appeal, the sentence of a cancer victim who told the court he was going to sell the drugs for which he was convicted late last year to pay for his cancer treatment.

Critics told to 'give Christie a chance'

A FORMER PLP candidate advises critics of Prime Minister Perry Christie's new 21-member cabinet to give the nation's leader the "benefit of the doubt".

Incident may have been suicide bid

POLICE are investigating the possible attempted suicide of a 47-year-old woman.

John Bull raid trial resumes

THE John Bull Rolex Boutique robbery trial resumes today in Supreme Court before a nine-member jury.

Latest RBDF officers return from training

SUB LIEUTENANTS Allen Dixon and Elizabeth Simms are the newest officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

Maritime association 'to benefit Bahamas'

FREEPORT - Even though the Bahamas maritime sector has enjoyed tremendous success, Ian Fair believes that the formation of a maritime association/body comprising all industries would be very beneficial.

Countdown to convention begins

THE countdown is on to the Free National convention slated for May 26, where the party will decide its future and who the leaders of the party will be going forward.

Trade battle is on production

RUM-PRODUCING countries of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) may have to take the US to arbitration at the World Trade Organization (WTO), unless diplomatic efforts settle a looming problem before it concretizes.

Tough task for Christie

IT IS now 7.15am May 8, 2012, and in the words of Ryan Pinder - "It OVA!" I am proud of the way my fellow Bahamians went to the polls and peacefully casts their votes. While waiting in line, I saw many class acts that made me smile; FNM's and PLP's hugging each other, some engaged in cheerful conversation. Divided in opinion, yet united in their common love for country and fellow man.

Ingraham served us well

MR INGRAHAM, you did your best and that is all anyone could have asked of you. Your personality was such that you were either loved or reviled. As a staunch FNM supporter, I must admit that every decision that you made I did not like nor agree with, but I gave you the benefit of the doubt because it is easy to criticise when you are on the outside looking in.

The people have spoken

THE general elections of 2012 in the Bahamas are now history and for the second time in five years, the Bahamian people have changed governments. They rejected Perry Christie in 2007 and now they have soundly rejected Hubert Ingraham in 2012.

Can the country afford Christie's Cabinet plans?

WITH THE Bahamas experiencing the most serious economic slump in living memory, the new Christie government has appointed the largest cabinet in Bahamian history with the promise of additions to be made at mid-term.

Man jailed for killing appeals

AN Abaco man sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2009 fatal beating of Adam Evans appears in the Court of Appeal today.

Discrimination against women in the spotlight

THIS month, the Bahamas submitted its first national report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

Shaunae makes A cut for 400 in London Olympics

Sooner or later, you just knew Shaunae Miller would have a break-out performance in the women's 400m. It came in the Fritz Grant Track and F

Meacher in 'Major Pain'

MEACHER 'Major Pain' Major's bid for the NABA super featherweight title came to a crushing end in the second round against Logan 'Cotton' McGuinness on Saturday nig

Rising Soccer stars get the chance of a lifetime

THREE young soccer players have capitalized on the opportunity of a lifetime and begun a path toward a professional career with an international club.

Bahamas 'near top of heap' through 10% demand rise

A 10 per cent increase in room demand over the past 12 months saw the Bahamas placed "near the top of the heap" in the Caribbean by a world-leading travel research firm, local hotel executives saying the findings "augur well for a good long-term future" for this nation.

$14m investment to revitalise Rum Cay

SOME $3-$4 million is expected to be invested in the initial phase of Guy Harvey Outpost's renovation of Rum Cay's Sumner Point Marina and Villas, with $10 million set to be pumped into the final two phases of the project.

BISX Micro Listing Tier 'no brainer'

ESTABLISHING a micro listing facility for small and medium-sized Bahamian companies seeking up to $1 million in capital is among the "major things" the Bahamas International Securities Exchange's (BISX) chief executive is hoping to accomplish by June 2012, expressing hope the exchange could "partner" with the newly-elected PLP government on this and other initiatives.

Water Corp 'caught by surprise' on higher bills

BISX-listed Consolidated Water believes its Blue Hills facility has given the Bahamas the largest reverse osmosis plant of its type "in the Western Hemisphere", although its recent 4.8 million gallon expansion caught the Water & Sewerage Corporation "a little bit by surprise".

Court: Bahamasair's US staffers cannot be union members

BAHAMASAIR'S US-based middle management staff cannot be included in the Public Managers Union's (PMU) bargaining unit because the Industrial Relations Act does not have "extra-territorial effect", the Chief Justice has ruled.

Testing makes for better productivity

IN A few short weeks, the Bahamas will engage its youth in various forms of testing to determine what they have gleaned during the course of the academic year.

Man gunned down in street

A 28-YEAR-OLD man has died after being gunned down in the street.

Hitmen roll over Truckers 8-1

Defending champions Bommer G Truckers steamrolled into the 2012 New Providence Softball Association season until they ran into the Dorin United Hitmen at the B

Ingraham reveals resignation date

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced he will formerly resign from the House of Assembly on the anniversary of his first election.

Man shot dead in latest murder

A 28 year old male of St. Lucia Crescent is the country's latest murder victim after after being shot multiple times.

PM announces final Cabinet Ministers list

Prime Minister Perry Christie has formally announced the final list of Ministers to be named to his Cabinet.

Fears of sixth murder as body found

THE BODY of a woman was found last night.

Failed candidate bids to lead FNM

DESPITE an unsuccessful run in the 2012 general elections, former FNM candidate Cassius Stuart said he is readying himself to be a serious contender for the party's leadership when conventions are held in the coming weeks.

'No way to know who lost more to DNA'

IT is impossible to say which party the Democratic National Alliance took more votes from, party chairman Mark Humes said.

Minnis sworn in as opposition leader

KILLARNEY MP Dr Hubert Minnis was sworn in at Government House yesterday as the Leader of the Opposition, pledging to go about his duties with "vigor, determination, and purpose."

PLP calls on experience

MANY of the Cabinet ministers sworn in yesterday afternoon at Government House boast considerable political experience. Dr Bernard Nottage, the nation's new National Security Minister and government leader in the House of Assembly

Mystery surrounds string of murders

POLICE are still unsure of the circumstances that lead to the shooting deaths of five people within a 48-hour period.

PLP's first promise - to curb crime

WE ARE glad that Prime Minister Perry Christie has put crime at the top of his agenda. He and his party always blamed the rising crime on an inept Ingraham government, claiming that it was his PLP party that had all th

Long Island in mourning

It is very disheartening to see the staunch Free National Movement (FNM) supporters of Long Island with their heads down and tails between their legs as though they are in mourning. In fact, Mrs Loretta Butl

Rules should not cause such hurt

After having just voted, I sit in a state of total frustration to pen this letter. I am the daughter of two hard working parents, the sister of a supportive group of siblings and an Attorney-at-Law

Killer told appeal won't help him

THE Court of Appeal told the man who murdered an FNM cabinet minister in 1997 that even if he succeeded in getting his life sentence reduced, the decis

FNM would have 23 seats if DNA voters ticked the torch

IF THOSE who voted for the DNA had supported the FNM in the general election, the former governing party would have won 23 seats in Parliament, according to the final count.

'Positive signs' for 2012 says new port chairman

FREEPORT - Ian Fair, newly appointed chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, says there are already "positive signs" for 2012 as new business is expected to come to Freeport - possibly as soon as June.

Armed robbery at store

FREEPORT - Grand Bahama Police are investigating an armed robbery at Butler's Food World on the West Mall Drive. According to reports, two gunmen held up employ

John Bull robbery trial starts

THREE men are expected to stand trial before Justice Indra Charles today in connection with the May 2011 robbery of the John Bull Rolex Boutique. Prosecuto

Man bailed in drugs trial

A MAN who had been arraigned with eight others in connection with last month's seizure of more than $400,000 worth of marijuana in Inagua was granted bail in the Supreme Court. John Pintard, 52, appeared before Justice Bernard T

Coastguard backs Abaco special olympics torch run

TOMORROW, Abaco's first annual Special Olympics Torch Run will be held in Marsh Harbour with a 9 am start.

Athletes in tune for Olympics

With just about three months left before the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, Bahamian athletes have stepped up their performances on the international s

Kerrie Cartwright wins singles, doubles titles

KERRIE Cartwright has made the transition from the national ranks to the collegiate circuit in grand style. The freshman at Tyler Junior Colle

Who will be junior rugby champions?

FREEPORT Rugby Club is all set to host junior boys' rugby teams from the Cayman Islands and Bermuda to compete for the title of junior rugby champions this weekend. "It's going to be a lot of fun. Everyone is very exci

Spartan power hitter Pritchard named SSC Player of the Week

AFTER winning their 14th Sunshine State Conference championship, senior Heath Pritchard's power-hitting game with the University of

Title system to 'get a grip' on auto chaos

MOTOR dealers and insurers are in talks to set up a Bahamian vehicle title system, Tribune Business can reveal, in a bid to "get a grip" on the auto ownership chaos that is causing financial headaches for the Government and industry players alike.

Gov't pays down $6.3m on Water Corp receivables

THE Government spent $6.3 million of taxpayer monies last month to pay down the $8.2 million bill the Water & Sewerage Corporation had run-up with BISX-listed Consolidated Water, it was revealed last night, with the latter's Blue Hills plant driving a 41 per cent increase in its 2012 bulk water revenues

Realtor encourages 'moratorium' over 2% commercial tax

A LEADING realtor yesterday encouraged the Government to further stimulate the Bahamian real estate market through initiatives such as a "three-year moratorium" on commercial real property tax, and "incentivising" the development of vacant Family Island land.

Cruise tourism like 'Breezes on a boat'

NEWLY-appointed tourism minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday the Government plans to meet with Bay Streets merchants to discuss how to increase visitor spend by making downtown Nassau more exciting, with one merchant telling Tribune Business cruise passengers were spending very little money.

60% May occupancy represents Big Game

THE Bimini Big Game Club has been booked out for the Memorial Day weekend two months' in advance, its general manager telling Tribune Business that this represented a marked departure from the normal two-week booking pattern.

Success feeds on your customers

THESE days the world's obsessed with feedback, and often for good reasons. I am not sure whether it was the marketing industry that navigated us from the days of "Joe's a great guy" and "Mary does a fantastic job", but that's history. Governments publish department league tables as if they owned a baseball league. Virtual suppliers and customers on the Internet closed the loop with formal feedback systems.

Bahamas must 'be best' in financial services

NEWLY-appointed minister of financial services and investments, Ryan Pinder, said yesterday that the industry needed to be solidified and products improved, with the second phase OECD Peer Review an immediate concern.

Tourism targets Grand Bahama, sporting and religion markets

TOURISM minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that he intends to pursue the religious and sports tourism market, telling Tribune Business yesterday that heavy focus would be placed on Grand Bahama's ailing tourism sector almost immediately.

Crime, economy, education three most pressing issues

THE Bahamas’ new Cabinet Ministers will all have “critical leadership roles to play” in dealing with rising crime, the declining economy and restructuring of the country’s education system, according to Prime Minister Perry Christie.

No answers as brothers' case delayed again

THE end of a six-year dispute between the millionaire Weissfisch brothers may not be in immediate sight as the hearing was rescheduled again yesterday morning. The hearing before the Court of Appeal is now set

Davis sworn in as Deputy PM

PHILIP Davis is the new deputy prime minister of the Bahamas after being sworn in before his colleagues and scores of spectators at Government House yesterda

Foulkes says DNA surprised everyone

FORMER Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes said the impact of the Democratic National Alliance on Monday's election took everyone by surprise

DNA candidate's thank you

I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to you for allowing me into your homes and your lives during this historic election campaign. You have allowed me and the Democratic National Alliance to do what no other has done before.

Blaze at Sandyport complex

FIRE service officials are still investigating a blaze that extensively damaged the top floor of a three-storey building yesterday. Fire chief Walter Evans said firefighters responded to the condominium complex at Sandyport mi

Christie not up to the job

I WAS raised in the Christian faith and though I still believe in a power greater than myself - or the rulers of any country - I cannot be called religious.

How much did bribery influence the election?

IN AN interview, Alfonso Quinonez, OAS Head of Mission, whose team was invited to the Bahamas by the Ingraham government to observe Monday's election, hit the target when he observed that lack of regulated election funding fuelled talk of corruption.

'Don't throw out the policies just because they were FNM'

OUTGOING Cabinet ministers urged the new government not to eliminate certain programmes and initiatives put in place by the FNM, particularly those that benefit young Bahamians.

Landslide win, narrow margin

WHILE the PLP defeated the FNM in a landslide victory at the polls on Monday, official election results indicate the margin of victory in most constituencies was not very large.

Youth group calls for honesty in government

THE new government must be transparent and honest, says a youth organisation.

Christie pledges to review ongoing projects

PRIME Minister Perry Christie says he will review the performance and portfolios of the former FNM administration in order to determine what he will do with ongoing projects and those in the pipeline.

Ceremony for new rangers

LAST month, 380 students from around the capital were officially installed in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force's rangers programme.

Convict tried to kill himself by drinking bleach mixture

ONE OF THREE men convicted for the 2011 home invasion and murder of a phone card vendor attempted suicide while on remand, a probation officer's report revealed.

Loretta Butler-Turner for 2017?

EVER since May 7 when the mighty Free National Movement (FNM) came tumbling down, the name Hubert Minnis, former Minister of Health, has been floated as the inevitable next leader of the Free National Movement (FNM).

Big fight for 'Pain' this weekend

Meacher 'Pain' Major is all set to step back into the ring this weekend with the North American Boxing Association's super featherweight title on the line.

'Defend Ya Spike' starts Friday

ONE of the Bahamas' leading volleyball clubs will ensure that the local offseason for its players will be occupied with a highly anticipated event featuring top flight local and regional talent.

BSC: Men's best-of-3 1st round playoffs set for tonight

THE Baptist Sports Council (BSC) is scheduled to begin its men's best-of-three first round playoffs at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex tonight. The BSC completed its playoff picture Tuesday night as Golden Gates No.1 eliminated the Eagles Nest from the

FDI spikes by 'one third' to hit $1.5bn

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Bahamas increased by "about one-third" in 2011 to hit $1.533 billion, a performance that the Central Bank of the Bahamas' governor yesterday said "significantly exc

10-15% alternative energy penetration within next decade

RENEWABLE energies could penetrate between 10-15 per cent of Bahamian homes and businesses within the next decade, a local provider telling Tribune Business yesterday that consumers were receiving "payback" on his company's solar water heaters in "less than a year".

Foundation 'pushing envelope' on hybrids

WHILE electric and hybrid cars are still a "niche" market in the Bahamas, according to one leading auto dealer, the One Eleuthera Foundation yesterday said it was "pushing the envelope very hard" towards a transition from fossil fuel dependency.

GBPA chairman in call for 'Maritime Bahamas' brand

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority's (GBPA) newly-appointed chairman yesterday urged this nation's maritime industries to unite under the 'Maritime Bahamas' brand, an unveiled plans to hold a "high level" Bahamas International Business Forum in Freeport in February 2013.

New Cabinet appointees to be sworn in today

The Cabinet Office announced today that Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, has advised His Excellency the Governor-General to make the following cabinet appointments, with additional appointments to follow:

Bahamas achieves 'substantial' energy training milestone

THE Bahamas yesterday achieved a "fairly substantial" milestone by becoming the first Caribbean country outside Jamaica to establish an in-country, internationally recognised certification course for renewable energy installation, via a partnership that also involves BTVI.

Bimini Big Game parts ways with Guy Harvey

THE Bimini Big Game Club yesterday ended its two-year brand licensing agreement with Guy Harvey Outpost, one of the latter's executives saying that after repeated delays in the foreclosure process it had turned its interests to other locations.

'Historic' MOU to aid engineers' licensing

AN "historic" Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be signed this Friday will facilitate the licensing and international recognition/accreditation process for Bahamian engineers, the Professional Engineers Board's (PEB) chairman, Michael Moss, said yesterday.

NAD announces new chief financial officer

THE Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) yesterday announced the appointment of Chris Ryan as its new vice-president of finance and chief financial officer (CFO).

Bahamian attorney to aid energy sector in 8 Caribbean states

BAHAMIAN environmental attorney and TV show host, Romauld Ferreira, was recently selected by CARICOM as an environmental legal expert to help develop an energy sector in eight Caribbean countries.

BTC activates 4G in Bimini, Berry Islands

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) announced yesterday that it had officially activitated 4G services in Bimini and the Berry Islands, allowing customers to tap into better services and faster speeds on their mobile phones and wireless devices.

Brighter, yet not whiter than white

OKAY ladies, let's speak the truth and confess without blinking... Have you ever asked your photographer to have the graphic artist whiten your teeth, just a little bit more, while they are also softening your facial lines?

Missionaries saves lives

A DEPRESSED French man was five minutes away from committing suicide. The rope at his home was prepared and he told his friends what he intended to do

Mother honoured for prison ministry

BEHIND the walls of Her Majesty's Prison, a group of women, all mothers, work to spread the gospel to inmates.

Sing a song of joy

CELEBRATING its 210th anniversary, the Ebenezer Methodist Church presents "Sing a Song of Joy", the first of two annual concerts. Presented by the Music Department of Ebenezer under the direction of Music Director Barry Newbold, the concert will be held on Sunday May 20, starting at 7pm in the Church Sanctuary on Shirley Street.

Gospel radio lands Donnie McClurkin contract

MULTI-platinum gospel singer Donnie McClurkin is committed to spreading God's word all over the world. For the first the Donnie McClurkin Show will air on gospel radio in the Bahamas.

Police seek man on bail violation

Police are requesting the public’s help in locating 50-year-old David Colebrook of Jasmine Gardens off Cowpen Road.

Minnis named to lead FNM

BAHAMIANS awarded contracts by the former government have had their agreements terminated by the new PLP-led administration, according to Opposition Leader-elect Hubert Minnis.

Police issue plea to end conflicts

Two shootings on Wednesday afternoon have brought the murder total for the last 48 hours to five.

BPC shares up 20% after vote result

SHARES in the Bahamas Petroleum Company jumped 20 per cent yesterday in the wake of the General Election that returned the Progressive Liberal Party to power.

'Blame DNA and economy, but not Ingraham'

THE Free National Movement's staggering election defeat should not be interpreted as an outright rejection of its leader, says a former minister.

Man who lost to Ingraham hopes there won't be a new contest

POLITICAL newcomer Renardo Curry, the PLP's candidate for North Abaco, credited the message of "people first, party second", for his close race with outgoing Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

Taxi driver's son who became Prime Minister

PLP LEADER Perry Gladstone Christie was born in Nassau on August 21, 1943, to Gladstone L Christie, a taxi driver, and Naomi Christie nee Allen, a nurse.

Three PLP seats in Grand Bahama

FREEPORT - The PLP won three of the five seats in Grand Bahama, taking the two FNM seats in Marco City and Pineridge and recapturing the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat.

PLP: we never doubted

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party candidates soon to be sworn in as Members of Parliament said they never doubted their party would win the 2012 General Election

'Message secured Bamboo'

THE PLP's Bamboo Town victor Renward Wells attributed his win to a campaign focused solely on the people in that constituency.

PM Christie faces a daunting task

RETURNING TO the helm of state after five years to ponder what went wrong in his first five years in office, Prime Minister Perry Christie has promised to do his “very best.”

Disgust over PLP posters

Thanks for allowing me a space in your esteemed paper to express my disgust with some PLP posters that were placed on the light poles in the vicinity of the Marathon Mall. How despicable can those who aspire to become the next govern

Residents were innocent

On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, Mr Hubert Ingraham, accompanied by a large group of FNM supporters, did a drive through of Bain Town. At one point they came in contact with Dr Bernard Nottage, the MP, and a large group of PLP supporter

Mental health of Bahamians

According to Medline Plus, an online service of the US Library of Medicine, "mental health is how we think, feel and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others

FNM congratulates PLP

FREEPORT - The FNM party in Grand Bahama congratulated the PLP on its victory and wished the new government the best as it moves forward to govern the count

Baby killer has sentence cut from 25 years to ten

BABY killer Leroy Rolle saw his 25-year sentence for the manslaughter of a 15-month-old boy reduced by the Court of Appeal yesterday.

Mother and son murdered

A GRIEF-STRICKEN son is demanding justice after his mother and brother were brutally murdered.

Economy and infrastructure spending to blame for loss

OUTGOING Minister of Environment Phenton Neymour has attributed the FNM’s defeat to the depressed economy and the party’s heavily criticised infrastructure development plan.

Looking to a future after Ingraham

SO Hubert Alexander Ingraham has been forced to exit, stage left – and just as his personality cult was kicking in big time.

Observers urge more women in frontline politics

INTERNATIONAL election observers have recommended an increase in the participation of women in front-line politics. For the first time in Bah

DNA: Result was verdict on Ingraham

DNA chairman Mark Humes said it is difficult to determine if his party contributed to the FNM's defeat, but said the election result was a "referendum" on the FNM's leader.

Charles Maynard: 'I'm very proud of my accomplishments over the last three years'

IT wasn't the type of result that he anticipated. But, as he makes his exit from front-line politics, Charles Maynard said he was pleased with his three-year tenure as Minister of Youth, Spo

Supporters left confused by outcome

THE choice of the electorate left some supporters of the Democratic National Alliance frustrated and confused.

Boxers' Olympic hopes dashed

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Bahamas' bid for two boxers to advance to the 2012 Olympic Games came to a crashing halt in the final qualifying round of AIBA American Qualifying Tourn

Hotel project in Judicial Review

THE owners of a well-known eco-resort have launched Judicial Review proceedings against a 16-room hotel and office project approved by the Ingraham administration for adjacent land on Exuma's Stocking Island, alleging that the National Economic Council (NEC) and Investments Board acted "ultra vires".

'Mixed news' for Bahamas on 0.1% IFC share growth

A 0.1 per cent increase in the Bahamas' share of global international financial centre (IFC) bank deposits represents "a mixed bag" for this nation, a leading attorney yesterday telling Tribune Business the incoming Christie administration faced a delicate "balancing act" to secure the industry's future.

'Monday at latest' for City Markets deal close

CITY Markets' principal yesterday told Tribune Business he was aiming to close the sale of its remaining four New Providence stores to Super Value by this Friday "or Monday at the latest", added urgency coming from his attorney likely taking up a post in the new PLP government.

Fiscal prudence vital for Gov't

FISCAL prudence must be the "order of the day" for the incoming Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administration, with one private sector leader warning yesterday: "No one is going to bail the Bahamas out."

Pledged PLP real estate tax cuts 'win-win' for all

THE Bahamas Real Estate Association's (BREA) president yesterday said two tax-related initiatives the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has pledged to enact during its first 100 days in office would have a "significant impact" on the Bahamian property market, creating a "win-win" for all parties.

Bahamas in 0-0 draw with Trinidad

AFTER getting shut out 3-0 in their initial meeting in the Caribbean qualifying tournament on January 12, Team Bahamas avenged the loss in the CONCACAF Under-17 Women's Championships. In the

Measurables key to advertising win

I LOVE to watch the Super Bowl advertisements. These ads cost $4 million to run for 30 seconds, not including production costs, which could also run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. This year did not disappoint. Super Bowl ads had everything from an Eskimo trading in his sled for a new car to the Beckham commercial, which seemed to focus on his tattooed muscular body. Finally, we see he is selling his new line of underwear.

No 'business as usual' for fisheries industry

STRONGER regulations to govern the fisheries sector is a key industry priority, Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance (BCFA) chief, Adrian LaRoda, said yesterday, adding that the new government would be held accountable for its promises to support the industry.

NIB seeing good overseas returns

THE National Insurance Board (NIB) has seen "very satisfactory" returns on its overseas investments, its director, Algernon Cargill, telling Tribune Business yesterday that surplus liquidity in the Bahamian financial system was part of the reason it wanted to invest abroad.

Private sector's National Health fears unchanged

THE private sector's concerns over the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) initiative have not changed since the first Christie-led administration introduced the scheme in 2006, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation's (BCCEC) chief executive warning on the further added cost burden it would impose.

Nature and religion intersect

The new collection of Bahamian artist Trevor Tucker primarily features acrylic on canvas paintings and glass paintings that use a bold, colorful palette.

Big promises for art community

THE arts and culture community plan the hold the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to its promises, now that a landslide victory in the general election has heralded them into power.

THINGS TO DO 5/8/2012

Sunflower Day Exhibition and Concert When: Saturday, May 12 @ 7.30pm

Fashion comes to life for a purpose

PATRICIA Chatti of Cia Monet said she learned about the women's suffrage movement through articles published in the 2012 telephone directory.

PLP takes another seat

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has increased its number of seats in Parliament by one

Perlite and vermiculite

Some gardeners with heavy clay soil swear by adding sand in order to provide aeration. They obviously forgot the formula: clay, plus sand, plus water equals cement, which produces concrete.

The Idol end is near

The Idol end is near By LESH THE LIGHTS dimmed for the last time for American Idol hopeful Skylar Laine, after host Ryan Seacrest revealed her elimination from the show last Thursday. Skylar's fans hoped she would make it as far as the top 3, but the 18

Spreading the "Rumah"

SINCE eight years old, Bahamian artist Rumah has been flexing his vocal muscles. Now, the Grand Bahama native is all grown up, with three rhythm and blues singles currently out, "Made for You, Baby", "Hold You Down" and "Made for You Baby".

Prime Minister Christie sworn in

PLP leader Perry Christie is sworn in

Man murdered at Kemp Road

Police are investigating a shooting incident that has left a 28 year old male of Wulff Road dead.

DNA pulled vote

WHILE the Democratic National Alliance was unsuccessful in becoming the next government of the Bahamas, the underestimated third party scored a significant and historic feat in the General Election.

Man shot in head

A MAN was reportedly shot in the head and killed last night just two hours after election polls closed.

Ingraham quits politics

IN an emotional address to the nation last night, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham conceded defeat to the PLP and resigned as the head of the Free National Movement.

Election process 'well prepared and executed'

THE election process across The Bahamas was 'well prepared and executed,' according to the Organization of American States' team of observers leader Alfonso Quinonez.

PLP starts third term

TODAY, the Progressive Liberal Party begins its third non-consecutive term as the government of the Bahamas.

Bahamas has lost a great leader

BAHAMIANS went to the polls yesterday and showed the depth of their ingratitude to a man who had dedicated 35 selfless years to their service.

We must not try to fool God

I MUST admit that I like to attend political rallies, and it's mainly because I love politics. The occasion is also used to socialise with friends as well as to be informed first hand of what is being promised by candidates "if elected." When I can't attend, I watch on television.

Hubert Ingraham - an effective public speaker

I am always weary of aspiring leaders who try to convince us of things that they themselves cannot possibly believe. Recently, PLP Leader Perry Christie decried the "jokes" and "one-liners" contained in the Prime Minister's rally speeches. He described the Prime Minister as a comedian and unbecoming a statesman. Mr Christie is sufficiently knowledgeable about the art of public speaking that he must, in truth, admire Mr Ingraham's success in this regard. Mr Ingraham is no comedian.

Faces return to House of Assembly

THE PLP won a massive victory yesterday, and many of the faces that defined the first Christie administration are returning to the House of Assembly. Bains

Financial disclosures raise more questions

\IN THE April 20 edition of The Tribune newspaper, an interesting story was published under the heading: Money isn't Everything On The Declarations - Sometimes It's About The Plants. This of course was in reference to the financial disclosures of the 133 candidates after Nomination Day on April 17.

Director of Information resigns after FNM voted out

DEPUTY Director of Government Information, and Press Officer to the Prime Minister, Sharon Turner, officially tendered her resignation yesterday.

FNM supporters warn PLP will bring new recession

DISTRAUGHT FNM supporters branded the Bahamas "ungrateful" and claimed the country would head to a recession under the new PLP government.

100-year-old backs DNA

A 100-year-old woman marked her "X" for the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) in a bid to encourage budding politicians. Born in 1912, Sybil Carey has been an a

Diabetes in dogs

Diabetes is defined as a disease caused by a deficiency of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is necessary for body tissues to use blood sugar. Without insulin, sugar remains in the blood and event

St Andrew's targeting Caribbean region lead

ST ANDREW'S School is aiming to become recognised as the "leading international school" in the Caribbean region, its principal telling Tribune Business that its newly-unveiled strategic plan would "shape us for the next eight-10 years".

KPMG global chief: Bahamas must show off 'sophistication'

KPMG International's global head yesterday urged the Bahamas to forge "strong" bilateral investment treaty relationships with countries now targeted by global money managers, adding that it was "critical" for this nation to "demonstrate its sophistication" to the world.

Bahamians 'excluded' from top diesel autos

BAHAMIAN car buyers are being "excluded" from the high-efficiency diesel auto market due to the "low quality fuel" being imported into this market, one dealer yesterday telling Tribune Business the sulphur content was 70 times' more than US and European regulations permitted.

BMW dealer 'ups' sales forecast 30%

THE Bahamian BMW dealer yesterday said it had "upped" its sales forecast for the brand's first year by about 30 per cent, and is expecting to close deals for 100 vehicles between that and the Mini this year.

NIB expands overseas investments to $59.4m

THE National Insurance Board's (NIB) foreign investment portfolio expanded by $21.9 million to hit $59.4 million by year-end 2011, it was revealed yesterday, the social security system having taken up 88 per cent of its annual allocation.

Four Seasons a 'shot in arm' for Eleuthera

WHILE a Four Seasons hotel on Eleuthera could be prove to be a "shot in the arm" for that island's economy, its Chamber of Commerce president told Tribune Business yesterday that obtaining the 'critical mass' necessary to make properties in the Family Islands successful remains a major challenge.

Out island development 'tempo' still big challenge

DEVELOPMENT on the Family Islands can simply be like a "lake in the middle of the desert", a leading Bahamian developer yesterday telling Tribune Business that the bigger picture needed to be assessed on this issue.

Tangible strategy for courting women

AT the final Free National Movement (FNM) rally on Saturday, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham made an overt pitch to women voters, particularly mothers, asking them to vote for the 'FNM Delivery Team'.

Summer looking brighter after pink party

THE Little Pink Party "Summer So Bright "attracted scores of Bahamian women and men at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel on Saturday.

Rehabilitation matters

DR VIRGINIA Chan has all the initials behind her name you would expect of a doctor, but her qualifications allow her to do a job that few others in the Bahamas can do. As a

Mothers still know best

THREE generations of mothers agree that strength is the most important quality of motherhood. Through personal and moral strength, these mothers continue to instill their family values and beliefs from one generation to the next.

Richardson gets call up to tides

The long, winding road toward Major League Baseball (MLB) stability took another turn for Antoan Richardson as he moved one step closer to a second stint in the major leagues.

Final four in men's division set for tonight

WHILE the playoff picture is set in both the 15-and-under and 19-and-under divisions in the Baptist Sports Council's 2012 Basketball League, there are still a couple more games to play in the men's division before the postseason starts on Saturday. The fi

Christie: I'll do my very best

INCOMING Prime Minister Perry Christie has promised to do ‘his very best’ for the country after gaining a dramatic victory in the General Election.

Perry Christie 'encouraged by support'

HUBERT INGRAHAM has told the nation he will resign as leader of the FNM

Election process 'smooth' in Grand Bahama

FREEPORT – The election process went smooth at many of the polling stations throughout Grand Bahama, where some 26,000 voters are registered.

Parties claim to have made ground as polls close

OFFICIAL polling has stopped in the 2012 General Election with all parties claiming they have made ground across the island.

Family Island candidates predict big wins

FAMILY Island candidates in Eleuthera and Long Island are already projecting big wins in the May 7 general election.

'Culture of vote buying in Cat Island' claim

A CULTURE of vote buying has made campaigning difficult in Cat Island, according to one candidate.

PLP Mount Moriah candidate 'counting on win'

ARNOLD Forbes, the PLP's hopeful for the Mount Moriah constituency told The Tribune he is counting on a definite win for his party.

ONE TO WATCH: ELIZABETH

The Elizabeth constituency is one to watch today as the 2010 by-election was won by PLP Incumbent Ryan Pinder by a razor-thin margin.

Candidates confident in Yamacraw

Both PLP Incumbent Melanie Griffin and FNM candidate Senator Dion Foulkes are confident of their parties’ chances in Yamacraw.

'FNM have made a fairer society'

IN THE face of awesome challenges, the Free National Movement spent the last five years striving to create a freer, fairer and more prosperous society, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said last night.

Christie: crime is biggest problem

CRIME is the biggest problem facing the country today, PLP leader Perry Christie told Bahamians during a televised national address last night.

Laywers deny statements

LAWYERS for Philip "Brave" Davis have denied statements made in a letter written by Amir Weissfisch claiming that he and his elder brother "would get an extremely attractive deal and price with a land development project which he had in mind" provided they donated to his 2002 election campaign and the PLP won the government.

DNA to sue over broadcast cut

THE DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) has threatened to take legal action after a live broadcast of the party's most recent rally was cut short in favour of broadcasting a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) rally.

Four seasons deal close for new resort

THE government is "very close" to finalising a deal with the Four Seasons hotel group and Colombian billionaire Luis Sarmiento for a new resort in Eleuthera, the Prime Minister announced.

Today the Bahamian people have their say

AT LAST the day has arrived when Bahamians go to the polls to exercise their democratic right to say what political party they want to govern them for the next five years.

The dangers of choosing PLP

NO ISSUES more clearly articulate the characteristics which have defined the operating style of a Christie-led government as we have come to know it and to contrast it with what we have come to expect from the present Administration than this issue of oil drilling and the Bahamas Petroleum Company.

Airport issues must be addressed

THIS TIME, next week a new Government of the Bahamas will have been elected.

Drug years are where the decay started

I have read many letters in the press recently, some of which I can fully subscribe to, hence I hesitated to write one of my own. But certain events have now compelled me to write.

Miller admits 'stupid' quote - but says it was out of context

THE FNM hit out at Leslie Miller Saturday night, claiming PLP Tall Pines candidate called black Bahamians “stupid”.

Christie: 'time to give up on FNM'

FREEPORT - While in Grand Bahama on Saturday, opposition leader Perry Christie told Grand Bahamians it is time for them to abandon the Free National Movement.

The poles melt, we drown

IN 1982, the less than one-year-old Caribbean small island state, Antigua and Barbuda, raised the proposition at the United Nations that Antarctica should be regarded as a global common similar to the deep-sea bed and should be managed by the UN for the good of mankind.

10% sales increase gives car dealers 'bounce in our step'

BAHAMIAN new car dealers have "a little bit more bounce in our step" after industry sales for the 2012 first quarter increased 10 per cent year-over-year, although they want to see three consecutive quarters of growth before "counting on" a confirmed recovery trend.

BORCO's 1.2m barrel 'key commercial win'

THE Bahamas Oil Refining Company (BORCO) has secured a "key commercial win" through a long-term contract that supports a further 1.2 million barrel oil storage capacity expansion, with the Grand Bahama-based facility driving a 24.1 per cent adjusted operating income increase for its parent's international operations.

Developer: Stamp Tax renewal 'vital' to 30-40% of sales

LEADING real estate developers have warned it is "critical" for the Government to extend the Stamp Tax exemption for first-time buyers beyond its June 2013 expiration date, one telling Tribune Business that such purchasers accounted for 30-40 per cent of his total sales.

Private sector has 'work cut out' with $302m loan arrears

THE Bahamian business community has its "work cut out" with more than $302 million worth of loans to it in arrears, a leading private sector official saying this showed companies were "not recovering as we had hoped".

Act ends metal dealers' 'band of thieves' stigma

WHILE new regulations governing the scrap metal industry have added paperwork and additional operational costs for dealers, one operator told Tribune Business the price to remove the "band of thieves" stigma was worth it.

BISX IN TRADING ACTIVITY INCREASE

The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) saw trading volumes and values increase during the 2012 first quarter, even though the All-Share Index closed down 4.11 per cent for the year-to-date - a greater decline than the 1.74 per cent seen last

New industries must be our primary focus

THE Bahamas has for many years been engaged in the conversation of economic and industry diversification. While we all view tourism as our mainstay, and appreciate its great sustained value to us as a nation, we have long feared serious declines in tourist arrivals and the dire consequences of this occurrence. Some understanding of the natural cycle of business, and our observation of regional and global trends in tourism, should certainly hasten us into encouraging entrepreneurs and investors alike to consider primary and secondary industries.

Cable fearing 'competitive disadvantage' on URCA code

CABLE Bahamas has warned that the proposed Code of Practice regulating TV content places it at "a competitive disadvantage" against satellite TV providers, while arguing that it is impossible for it to control what is shown on the overseas cable channels it purchases.

Jumpers strike gold

Triple jumper Leevan "Superman" Sands and high jumper Donald Thomas continue to prove why they will be forces to reckon with at the London Olympics in August.

Polling station confusion

POLLING station confusion has frustrated some voters who turned out to vote early in the General Election today.

Bahamas eliminated from CONCACAF Under-17 Women's Championship

OVERMATCHED against a pair of global soccer powerhouses, the Bahamas was eliminated from the CONCACAF Under-17 Women's Championship.

Bommer G Operators extend winning streak

THE Bommer G Operators and Truckers have one thing in common. They both acquired some top-notch pitching during the off-season and it is already paying off big dividends in the New Providence Softball Association (NPSA).

Strikers and Shockers repeat as champions for 5th straight year

THE Catholic Primary School concluded its two-day track and field championships at Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium Friday with St Cecilia's Strikers and St Francis/Joseph Shockers repeating as champions in their respective divisions for the fifth consecutive year.

A wish list for the next government

TO the soon-to-be-announced victors: Today, the Bahamas goes to the polls to choose you. Whether in the end they select an administration dominated by fresh faces or familiar, you will come to office with a brand new mandate, based on promises made during campaign season.

Island suffers power outage

RESIDENTS suffered an island-wide blackout after a tractor working on the New Providence Gateway Project hit a transmission line yesterday.

Man 'stabbed with sword' at PLP's Elizabeth HQ

A MAN enjoying a "grill and chill" event last week at Ryan Pinder's Elizabeth Estates headquarters told The Tribune yesterday he was stabbed several times over a misunderstanding. Mr Pinder is the Progressive Liberal Party's (PLP) candidate for the Elizab

The polls are now open

The polls have opened for voting in the 2012 General Election

PM: 'Brave' asked court not to reveal allegations until after election

PRIME Minister Hubert Ingraham told voters that they would not want to re-elect the PLP if court-sealed allegations against its deputy, Cat Island candidate Philip “Brave” Davis, were made public.

DNA chairman's car broken into

The car of DNA chairman Mark Humes was broken into on Saturday.

Man shot in both legs

A 27 year old male of Thompson Lane off East Street is in hospital after being shot in both legs.

Two injured on airport construction site

Shortly before noon today, NAD’s Operations Center received reports of an accident that occurred on the stage two construction site at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Parties in row over 'tourism contract'

A ROW erupted between the two major parties last night over claims the government has been fooled into signing tourism contracts worth more than $2 million.

Rape suspect granted bail

A QUAKOO Street man was granted $12,000 bail by the Supreme Court yesterday, seven days after being charged in Magistrates Court with rape and causing harm.

US gives $2.5m to fight drugs

THE United States has given the Bahamas $2.5 million to strengthen the country’s fight against drug trafficking.

Man shot in the shower

A 46-YEAR-OLD father was gunned down in the Sugar Kid Bowe area of Nassau Village just off Sumner Street early yesterday morning. Undressed in his bathroom, he was preparing for work when his assailant opened fire, according to police reports.

Claims over 'Brave' Davis

A LETTER published in today's Tribune discloses information that the writer believes that the public "needs to have" about PLP deputy leader Philip "Brave" Davis.

Documentary chronicles the life of ingraham

Roots of Leadership, a documentary chronicling the life of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, has been released to local audiences.

Election observers arrive in Nassau

OBSERVERS from the Organisation of American States and CARICOM have arrived in Nassau ahead of Monday's general elections.

Benefits approved for City Markets staff

CITY Markets workers will be allowed to collect National Insurance benefits starting today, the government has announced.

Video shows 'spitting incident'

A VIDEO reportedly proving Bernadette Christie, wife of PLP leader Perry Christie, was "spat on" by an FNM supporter went viral yesterday receiving mixed reactions from the Bahamian public.

Bahamians decide their future on Monday

LAST WEEK, a young Bahamian came to see us. He wanted to talk. It was about the election, but, according to him, it was mainly about his future, which the outcome of the election would determine.

Don't air dirty laundry in front of the tourists

THE Ministry of the Environment and Free National Movement (FNM) Minister Earl Deveaux made the right decision to tear down several controversial Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) billboards about the record number of murders that the country has had over the past five years.

Making the decision between party leaders

THOSE who follow and support political groups have an agenda. The distinguishing factors that set them apart are pinpointed by what they allow, what they support, and how blind they are to their leaders inconsistencies and indiscretions. The way in which these differences are perceived by the Bahamian people on May 7, 2012, will not only determine who will lead for the next five years, but how serious the electorate has become about politics at many levels.

'Brave' and his link to Salsa Beach

I READ with interest Philip Davis' comments in the article written by Dana Smith in The Tribune published on Friday, 27th April, regarding an alleged conflict of interest concerning the Bahamas Petroleum Company.

Just in time for election, Arawak Cay port opens

WITH a general election just three days away, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday officially opened the new port at Arawak Cay.

PLPs heckle Prime Minister

SHOUTING "Papa go home!" "They red and they scared!" and "Pindling is my Papa", scores of PLP supporters lined the streets of Nassau Village yesterday taunting Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham as he toured their constituency.

Pledges for family islands as FNM tour continues

MOORES ISLAND, ABACO - THE Free National Movement continued its rapid tour of the southern Bahamas yesterday with stops in Abaco, Long Island, and Exuma.

Albury challenges party leaders over oil

DNA MONTAGU candidate Ben Albury is asking the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader why they have "backtracked" on comments they made concerning oil.

DNA to challenge FNM pair

IF the FNM candidates for South Beach and Central and South Eleuthera win their respective seats in the upcoming general election, the DNA will challenge their wins in court.

Accused policeman in court today

A POLICEMAN on $10,000 bail returns to court today to face a firearm possession charge, along with five other men who were arraigned on drug possession charges yesterday.

Convicts face sentence delay

THREE men convicted for the 2011 home invasion and murder of a phone card vendor must wait another five days for their sentence.

PM says FNM tide 'unstoppable'

THE Free National Movement is going to win nearly all the Family Island seats and the vast majority of the seats in New Providence, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told a mass rally of FNM supporters at RM Bailey Park last night.

Concerns raised over ballot boxes

CONCERNED voters raised questions about the advanced poll results after claims surfaced that parliamentary registration officials were forced to re-open ballot boxes yesterday.

US rout Bahamas 10-0

The debut for the Bahamas in a CONCACAF championship got off to an ominous start when faced against global powerhouse United States.

Bel Air community wants to name park after Phil 'Smoka' Smith

AS a sign of the respect and admiration that they have for him, the Bel Air Community has initiated plans for the naming of the Phil 'Smoka' Smith Park.

Sculling - it's 'a Bahamian thing'

JOSH Green showed why he is considered one of the top sailors in the country.

Lady Hitmen have no mercy on Assassins

THE New Providence Softball Association (NPSA) continued its regular season in the Banker’s Field, Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, with another double header Wednesday night.

45% FDI growth in 2011 exposes 'diversity' need

DESPITE the Bahamas seeing a 45 per cent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) to $840 million during the first nine months of 2011, a senior private sector official yesterday said this nation needed to divert more capital into industries long "devoid of any focus".

Bahamas 'better positioned than Caribbean' over hotel investment

THE Bahamas is better-positioned than the rest of the Caribbean to attract inward investment and financing for resort development, a leading accountant yesterday telling Tribune Business projects such as Baha Mar's would be "a waste of time" without supporting infrastructure "capacity".

3-4% deficits are'becoming norm'

A former finance minister yesterday warned that fiscal deficits equivalent to 3-4 per cent of gross domestic product were "becoming the norm", after the Central Bank of the Bahamas revealed that it widened by $45.2 million or 27.6 per cent during the first eight months of the 2011-2012 Budget year.

PM: $37m BTCIPO 'soon' held

PRIME Minister Hubert Ingraham said yesterday that the $37 million initial public offering (IPO) of a 9 per cent stake in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) will be held "soon", adding that his administration was proud of its record in creating a "vibrant" shareholding society.

How to crack the innovation code

IF YOU haven't heard of these two-dimensional Quick Response (QR) Codes yet, then you should be concerned - although much of the western business world still has to awaken to their potential, too. That tardiness is sometimes present when a seller offers me a business for sale to broker for them. In fact, when I come across a company lagging far behind in technology, I may even decline the offer. And that is 'case closed' - in my mind, at least - for the imperative to keep up with change.

Port's $15.2m Gladstone terminal open in '30 days'

THE Gladstone Road freight terminal is expected to be operational within the next 30 days, Arawak Port Development Company's chief executive said yesterday, adding that freight tariffs would have been 50 per cent higher if shipping facilities had been moved to the Clifton Pier port.

Two die in night of violence

TWO men were killed last night in separate incidents.

Sunday Christians unfit disciples

SOME Christians go home and leave God at church on Sunday. They go about their daily lives throughout the week and forget to acknowledge God. When Sunday comes back around, they are back in the pews lifting holy hands.

Friends and family

IT IS elections time again and as we embark on choosing a government for the next five years I want to share with you what I heard a politician say on a talk show. I thought to share it with you in an effort for us as Bahamians to consider how we treat each other at this time.

Historical moments

AT this point in time none of us know just what the outcome of our upcoming elections will be. After the day all the guessing will be over.

Prophet-lying in the political season

This is yet another interesting time in the history of the Bahamas; it is the political season. This season, combined with the existing religious way of life presents a classic case of a people who have mastered the art of leaning to their own understanding.

April Fools', no joke for 'Ninja's' family

BEFORE his life was cut short at the agree of 20, Akio "Ninja" Francis had dreams and aspirations of one day owning his very own clothing boutique for women.

‘Golden girl’ speeds up for the Olympics

Veteran sprinter Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie has decided to concentrate only on the 200 metres for the 2012 Olympic Games. However, in preparation for the trip to London in August, she went back down to 100m to work on her speed.

Wins for Sharks and Truckers

FOLLOWING a weekend of cancelled game's due to heavy wind and rain, the New Providence Softball Association (NPSA) continued its schedule at Blue Hills Sporting Complex on Tuesday night.

Cayman ensures BahamasFirst model 'makes sense'

Bahamas First's 33-37 per cent market share meant it needed to diversify risk concentration outside this nation to "make our business model work in the long-term",

Boxers head to Brazil for Olympic qualifier

THE road to London 2012 hits the homestretch for the country's premier amateur boxers as they take the ring this week in the final Olympic qualification.

Brewery unveils'strong Q1' with44% profits rise

Commonwealth Brewery is today unveiling a "strong first quarter" for 2012 with net income up 44.2 per cent year-over-year, its management team telling Tribune Bus

Brewery aims to be 'supplier of choice'

Commonwealth Brewery's newly-appointed managing director yesterday said he wants the BISX-listed company to become the Bahamas' alcohol "supplier of choice", noting that it

Gas retailer fearing'nail in coffin' after35-40% sales slump

A Bahamian petroleum retailer yesterday said he has seen sales at his station decline by 35-40 per cent over the last

New Texaco owner'like night and day'

TEXACO retailers yesterday expressed optimism over the way forward with their new wholesale distributor, one telling Tribune Business: "In ter

Graycliff growing 'across the board'

GRAYCLIFF is close to completing multi-million dollar upgrades and refurbishment of its West Hill Street property, while its US airport lounges continue to expand and sal

Retailers: Minor 'glitches' expected with new Port

MAJOR Bahamian retailers said yesterday that while minor logistical issues were expected with any new operation, they had not exp

BFSB enhances Brazil presence

Fourteen representatives from the Bahamas participated in the Brazil Investment Summit (BIS), an indication of the growing importance of the Brazilian market to the Bahamian financial services industry. BIS, Brazil's leadin

Dengue fever case confirmed

MINISTRY of Health officials yesterday confirmed there have been several incidents of dengue fever in New Providence since last year's outbreak, but said the

No new licence for oil drilling

THE government said it has not renewed Bahamas Petroleum Company's licences to explore for oil in Bahamian territory. The company's website claims all five licences were renewed on April 27, but the Ministry of Environment

FNM 'has best record' of investing in family islands

MATHEW TOWN, Inagua - Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told Inaguans that his party has the best record of infrastructure development

'Christie's wife was not spat on'

FNM spokesman Tommy Turnquest yesterday denied reports that Bernadette Christie, wife of PLP party leader Perry Christie, was "spat" on by an FNM suppo

Family pays tribute to lost son

WHEN the family of Akio 'Ninja' Francis received the call on April Fools' Day that 20-year-old Ninja was shot, and in critical condition, they took it for a joke. In fact, he had

FNM play down exit poll result

FNM insiders have criticised The Tribune's exit polling yesterday stressing that exit polling, like advancing polling, can both be manipulated - particularly when voters may not in fact be telling the truth about how they h

Police shoot man dead

A KNIFE attack on an officer resulted in one man being shot dead by police and another left in serious condition in hospital. The incident reportedly occurred around 12.30pm at a home on Cox Way, off East Street south. According to

Historic ruling on mandatory sentences due

THE COURT of Appeal will make an historic ruling tomorrow in the cases of two men appealing their sentences after being convicted of possessi

Christie: PLP candidate will beat Ingraham

THE PLP's candidate for North Abaco will beat Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, opposition leader Perry Christie predicted yesterday. Speaking at a mass rally in Abaco last night, Mr Christie told the crowd the is

Christie: DNA has no chance

THE Democratic National Alliance doesn't stand a chance of winning the upcoming general election, PLP leader Perry Christie declared last night.

PM warns people that rivals are offering money for votes

PRIME Minister Hubert Ingraham warned Androsians that as the May 7 general election approaches, some of the government's rivals could start offering money in exchange for votes.

Christie administration was 'weakest since independence'

THE Christie administration was the weakest, most incompetent and unproductive government since independence, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said.

PM pledges more upgrades for Andros if voted in again

PRIME Minister Hubert Ingraham promised Androsians that another five years of his leadership would bring more upgrades and developments.

It's our natural resource, stupid!

I REMEMBERED when the PLP came to office in 2002, Mr. Christie often echoed the phrase, and "The voice of the people is the voice of God."

The circus comes to town

ON ONE side of the stage, dozens of volunteer actors dressed in red flaunt their enthusiasm, jeering and cheering slogans, chants and insults, across the way. On the other side, there are yellow volunteers, equally adept in their jesting and equally inflamed. The array of colour is completed with spots of green.

Funeral service held for Brave Edward Davis

DAVIS family members, relatives and friends yesterday attended a funeral service for Cat Island son Brave Edward Davis.

Man gunned down in the shower

A man was gunned down in the Sugar Kid Bowe area just off Soldier Road early this morning while he was in the bathroom

Govt denies Bahamas Petroleum Company's claim over oil licences

THE government is denying the Bahamas Petroleum Company's claim that its licences to explore for oil have been renewed.

Thousands gather at gymnasium for early voting

PLP candidate Frank Smith and DNA chairman Mark Humes were two familiar faces among the thousands of early voters seen at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium yesterday.

First votes under guard to ensure ballot's security

BALLOTS from advanced polling stations are now locked away under heavy police guard, Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel said yesterday.

Rivals in Elizabeth trade taunts as they cast votes

ELIZABETH candidates for the two major parties traded taunts yesterday, with the FNM's candidate Dr Duane Sands congratulating PLP incumbent Ryan Pinder for finally voting in the Bahamas, and Mr Pinder accusing Dr Sands of infatuation.

Christie: Public funds used to buy votes

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Perry Christie yesterday accused the government of using public funds to get votes.

Advert ordered off the air

THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority has ordered ZNS to remove a political ad that suggested PLP Fox Hill candidate Fred Mitchell was involved in an alleged visa scandal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Oil licences spark debate

ALL five of Bahamas Petroleum Company's oil exploration licences were renewed last week until 2015 according to the company - under terms mandating that drilling begins within a year. According to BPC's website, the renewal came

The shifting sands of Bahamian politics

LADY PINDLING'S appearance at the PLP's Clifford Park rally Friday night - to "set the record straight" for her "PLP family" - brought back many memories of the upheaval created by the Commission of Inquiry into drugs. It also highlighted the shifting sands of politics.

FNM has ability to bounce back

ONE MONTH ago, the FNM, in my view, was on dangerous political grounds insofar as re-elect ability may have been concerned.

it's close - exit poll gives plp slight lead

THE PLP came out the slight winner of The Tribune's exit poll at yesterday's advanced vote. Of the nearly 8,000 voters eligible to cast their ballot yesterday, 72 identified themselves as PLPs and 55 as FNMs,

Is Perry Christie leader of the PLP?

AFTER listening and watching the PLP's election campaign as it moves through the various constituencies I am forced to ask the question: "Is Perry Christie the Leader of the PLP or is he leader in name only?"

Thank you for fair

I WOULD like to say "thank you" to all the energetic, warm, wonderful, nation- building team who assisted me in organising our Montagu Constituency Jobs Fair which was held last week at the Uriah McPhee School on Kemp Road

Ten questions for Perry Christie

Please publish these 10 questions for Mr Christie:

FNM are online winners

IT IS likely the FNM will remain the governing party according to readers who voted in The Tribune's online web poll. As of yesterday afternoon, 514 readers responded to the question: "With th

FNM confident in Bamboo Town

FNM CANDIDATE Cassius Stuart is confident Bamboo Town will remain a FNM seat.

Killer policeman to wait five weeks for sentence

A FORMER policeman convicted of manslaughter will learn his sentence in five weeks.

Bahamas has work cut out for the Olympics

Coach Henry Rolle liked what he saw from the Bahamas' relay teams at the 2012 Penn Relays on Saturday. However, he admitted that they all have some

US court approves $13.27m CLICO deal

The US courts have approved another restructuring of the property that accounts for 63 per cent of insolvent insurer, CLICO (Bahamas), main asset to facilitate a deal that cou

PLP will put oil drilling to referendum

PLP LEADER Perry Christie promised the Bahamian people at a rally on Monday night that if successful at the polls, his party would put the question of oil drilling to a referendum.

'No doubt' over Fidelity revival: 144% profit rise

Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive yesterday said "there is no doubt we have turned the corner" after its 2011 total comprehensive income increased by 144 p

Earl Deveaux bows out with luncheon held in his honour

AN APPRECIATION luncheon was held at Bahamas National Trust on April 27 to honour Environment Minister Earl Deveaux, who is retiring from politics after next week's election.

Work on cultural centre begins at Eight Mile Rock

FREEPORT - Ground was officially broken for construction of a new Sunset Cultural Centre and Fish Fry at Eight Mile Rock on Friday.

Decisions that must be made over oil

ABOUT a month ago, I wrote an in-depth article on oil exploration in the Bahamas to try and sort through some of the confusion surrounding this issue, following a series of conspiracy charges levelled against the government by the DNA.

Gas retailer: 'I'm down, not dead'

A Texaco petroleum retailer yesterday vowed to lead the charge in lobbying for the sector's protection from big oil companies, telling Tribune Bu

Closures on election day

A NUMBER of closures will take place during Election Day to ensure the smooth running of the vote.

Cable below 2011 without SRG's $2m

Cable Bahamas' 2011 net income would have fallen below 2010 comparatives had it not been for the $2.022 million profit produced by its newly-acquired Systems Resource Group (SRG

Artisans to showcase funky fashion at IWFS

Fashion designers will no be the only ones in the spotlight at the upcoming Islands of the World Fashion Showcase (IWFS) this May.

22% broadband penetration fall 'major challenge'

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority's (URCA) chairman has described Internet penetration in the Bahamas as "a major challenge", noting that broadban

Body's of Eve

NUDE, faceless figures, with disproportional hips, thighs, breasts, and legs protest the Bahamian and global standard of beauty for women through the eyes of artist Sue Katz's. Her Body's of Eve exhibition is currently on display at the Central Bank of the Bahamas.

Ads that grab the headlines

My client tossed the newspaper towards me and said: "I want my ad to look like this one. I noticed it right away; do you see all the colours in it?" I knew I was in for a long meeting. "What does the ad say?

Bahamian realtor boosts Abaco agent presence

Bahamian realtor, Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty, has expanded its Abaco presence by adding a husband and wife team to its staff. Chris and Tara Claridge, the owners of Out Island Internet (OII), will now b

Pink party presents 'Summer So Bright'

THIS year, The Little Pink Party plans to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of women. The annual fashion, business networking and shopping event will be held at the British Colonial Hilton, Saturday, under the theme "Summer So Bright".

Teenagers can paint for profit too

Yes young folks can begin making money too but you don't have to take my word for it. Ask 11th grade student Davette Morley a graduate of a recent Texture Painting Class in Savannah Sound Eleuthera. Davette is already selling her wares at the local venues held on the island of Eleuthera.

Gardening in May

The tomato season has come to an end as far as sowing is concerned. High night temperatures in May and June will preclude pollination of regular tomatoes and only a few varieties such as Italian plums and cherry tomatoes will produce fruit.

Elise Testone gone - Five remain

WITH no 'safety card' left, anything is bound to happen on the American Idol stage. Contestant Elise Testone found that out the hard way last week, when she was eliminated from the competition. The 28 year old, rockstar-like lady came up short in viewer votes.

BTC 'bullish' on 40% roaming revenue rise

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has seen a major increase in its cellular roaming revenues, its vice-president of branding an

Dancing to an election drum beat

ON an average day neither the Prime Minister nor the Leader of the Opposition would ever be caught bopping heads to the music of dancehall artists Popcaan and Vybz Kartel.

Call for orderly behaviour during elections

POLITICIANS have renewed calls for civil and orderly behaviour during elections after a supporter spit at the wife of a party leader.

PM praise as first votes are cast

PRIME Minister Hubert Ingraham praised the continued growth of democracy and the electoral process in the Bahamas as the Advanced Poll will be conducted today.

Shooting leaves two in hospital

POLICE are requesting the public's assistance in locating those responsible for the country's latest shooting which has left two men in the hospital.

Police silent over FNM vote claim

FOLLOWING FNM chairman Carl Bethel's assertion that his party expects to win the police force's support in the upcoming general election, police representatives refused to comment.

DNA in fresh candidate challenge

THE DEMOCRATIC National Alliance expects at least two seats will have to be decided in a bye election as advance polling begins today.

Rain may fall but the campaign goes on

POLITICAL leaders are not allowing the near week-long extreme weather conditions to dampen their spirits in the build-up to the May 7 election.

Christie was never Sir Cecil’s choice

LADY PINDLING took to the podium at the PLP’s Clifford Park rally Friday night to set the record straight. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, she declared, was not chosen by the late Sir Lynden Pindling to be his heir.

22,000 jobs - really?

JUST a few observations that I have recently made of the political scene in the Bahamas: The PLP is saying to anyone willing to listen that their administration created 22,000 jobs between 2002 and 2007.

Fire detectors would be the best protection

Re: Contact awarded for museum restoration. - The Tribune April 20, 2012 THE article mentions "preserving historic sites for the benefit of future generations".

On the campaign trail

THE spirit of this column seems to be catching, as more and more Bahamians take to making lighthearted fun of our political actors.

Anger over poll notice

FREEPORT - The Democratic National Alliance has criticised the FNM government for not providing sufficient notice of its sudden decision to allow Advanced Pol

Bran's national address lists problems facing the nation

THE challenges facing the country are far too serious for Bahamians to simply do what they have always done come election day, DNA leader Branville McCartney said last night.

'Arawak Cay scandal? Clifton would have cost more'

THE FNM branded PLP leader Perry Christie's comments on the container port relocation unfounded and "hypocritical".

Avoiding the curse of oil

THERE is talk of substantial oil reserves existing below the waters of the northwestern Bahamas, particularly in the area that runs from south east of South Andros to west of Cay Sal to just south of western Grand Bahama

College launches maritime degree course

THE COLLEGE of the Bahamas is launching a maritime degree course.

Donations to help fight breast cancer

A DOUBLE DONATION is helping to fight breast cancer in the Bahama. The Bahamas Law Enforcement Co-operative Credit Union, consisting of 3,522 members, has donated $5,000 towards the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative.

Car Show 'bounce' in 83-100% sales growth

BAHAMIAN new car dealers yesterday revealed that the Car Show "bounce" appeared to have returned in 2012, with April's sales up between 83-100 per cent month-over-month compared to March.

J S Johnson net profit off 25% on big losses

J S Johnson yesterday said it had managed to maintain 2011 dividend levels in line with the previous year, despite suffering a 25.1 per cent net income drop as a result of net claims incurred by its Insurance Company of the Bahamas (ICB) underwriting affiliate more than doubling.

Benchmark 'comforts' Alliance in $2.5m loss

Benchmark (Bahamas) chief executive yesterday said the 'comfort letter' it provided last year to its Alliance Insurance Management subsidiary to affirm it was a going concern was not "a cause for worry", as the BISX-listed investment manager unveiled a $2.5 million net loss for 2011.

Manatees returned to the wild

THE Department of Marine Resources has revealed that the two manatees removed from Nassau Harbour in October 2011 have been returned to the wild after being under the care of the marine mammal team at Atlantis on Paradise Is

FamGuard profits 'over $6m' if not for Prime hit

FAMGUARD Corporation yesterday told Tribune Business it would probably have generated "in excess of $6 million" in net income for 2011 had it not been for the Prime rate cut, disclosing that it suffered "close to a $1.3 million hit" through the impact on its reserves and investment income.

Youngest winner at Lickety Split

FOUR-year-old Zai Stubbs blew the judges away with his remarkable entry in this year's Lickety Split Easter Colouring Contest, beating out every other submission in the four to six year old category. Zai is officially the

Texaco retailers to discover what new owner's 'all about'

LOCAL Texaco retailers are expected to meet with their new distributor today after RUBIS/Vitogaz completed its "nine-figure buyout" of Chevron's fuels marketing and aviation business in this nation, one independent dealer telling Tribune Business that the latter "was the worst dealer I had to deal with".

Bahamas to face 'giant US' in opener

When our under-17 girls national soccer team heads to Guatemala City to play in the CONCACAF Championships, they will have to play the United States in

Ambassadors Track Club to honour head coach Fritz Grant

FOR the fifth consecutive year, the Ambassadors Track Club, with the help of Florida's Natural, will honour their head coach Fritz Gr

Bahamian lawyer set to attend aviation summit

BAHAMIAN aviation law specialist, Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright, is among 25 lawyers worldwide to be invited to a meeting dealing with aircraft leasing and mushrooming demand for specialised aircraft financing in Washington DC this month.

Copa's Bahamas load factors still 80%-plus

COPA Airlines' performance is still holding strong, according to tourism director-general David Johnson, who told Tribune Business yesterday that through the months of March and April 2012 it was averaging load factors in the 80 per cents and above.

The strength of a mother

NO MATTER how high they have climbed or how much they have achieved, prominent and professional Bahamian women often agree, their mothers above all else are the most inspiring people in the their lives.

Going green at home

One of the most crucial parts of designing your home is determining how to keep everything looking as new as when it first arrived in the house.

Forum raises questions on women in politics

FOR 50 years, Bahamian women have participated in the electoral process, and yet issues concerning equality in career opportunities, women in leadership, and women coming together to form a unified voice remain central.

Actualising power at the poles

HAVE women actualised their power at the polls? As the general election approaches, women should contemplate this important question. And it should take no time to render a clear verdict. No. The reason is simple.

When should I bring my pet to see a veterinarian?

I have been practicing in the Bahamas since I graduated in 1983 when I was taken in and trained under the tutelage of Dr. Barry Watson of the Bahamas Humane Society. Even though I worked only on the weekends at the Bahamas Humane Society, I was able to experience and treat more cases than most veterinarians would see in a lifetime.

Ageing and mouth health

April 7 was World Health Day and it has been celebrated every year since 1948. Every year, as is the custom, the World Health Organisation (WHO) selects a theme to be highlighted. The theme they usually choose reflects a priority area of focus for the WHO. This year the theme was "Ageing and Health: Good health adds life to years".

'We have identified a few players that we will definitely invite to Houston...'

THE wind and rain did little to hamper the drive of dozens of young players during the YESI pro trials at St Pa

Health promises from hopeful parties

THE HEALTH of the healthcare system is top of mind for many Bahamians. The Free National Movement, Progressive Liberal Party, and Democratic National Alliance promise to improve the quality of healthcare in the Bahamas if elected as the next governing party.

Lines downed, schools closed in foul weather

STRONG winds and rain from a pressure system in the last few days caused power cuts in the Family Islands while delaying work for a number of residents and businesses, and closing schools throughout the islands yesterday.

Thursday, May 31

Wednesday, May 30

Police seek 'Die' Stubbs after shooting

Tuesday, May 29

Monday, May 28

Sunday, May 27

Saturday, May 26

Friday, May 25