Stories for September 2014

Bahamas targets African American visitor market

The Ministry of Tourism has secured two major events that are expected to attract thousands of African-American visitors to this nation in 2015.

The battle for 2017 votes is on

EDITOR, The Tribune.

BFSB elects new Board to confront challenge

The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) has elected its Board of Directors for 2014-2016, as the industry confronts opportunity as well as challenges.

'Biggie' wins 32-mile road race

ANTHONY ‘Biggie’ Colebrooke won the New Providence Cycling Association’s 32-mile road race on Sunday in one hour, 28 minutes and 29 seconds.

Malaria death

EDITOR, The Tribune.

COLELOQUIAL: The cheating Bahamian husband - whose fault is it really?

HARDLY a week goes by that I am not approached by a married Bahamian man, with an invitation to step into the fantasy he clings to when his reality is no longer appealing or sufficient. The way it seems to me, he is looking for something else to define or entertain himself, because his marriage no longer does it in a way that reminds him he’s desired or needed, at least not in the way he cares to be. Perhaps it never did.

Union chief hits out as pay held back

BAHAMAS Public Service Union President John Pinder criticised the Ministry of Works yesterday for reportedly withholding the salaries of nearly 100 employees as a means to recoup money the government “accidentally” overpaid the workers.

Boy killed by electric shock is identified

POLICE have identified the eight-year-old boy who died after an apparent electrocution on Friday afternoon as Kaden Brown, a resident of Coral Harbour.

Search for suspect in Fox Hill shooting

POLICE are requesting the public’s help in locating a 25-year-old man they believe has information on a shooting in Fox Hill that left one man dead and three others, including a woman, in hospital on Saturday.

Trio accused over $570,000 drug haul

THREE men were remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison yesterday after being arraigned in connection with last week’s $570,000 drug raid in Coral Harbour.

Bound and beaten - then van stolen to be used in sex attack

AS dawn broke on Sunday a woman motorist was held up and sexually assaulted by men driving a stolen taxi van. About an hour earlier two of the four men had held up the taxi owner, threatened him with death, tied him up and drove off in his van.

Minnis slams 'shame' of govt running out of licence plates

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has raised alarm over a “vexing” problem for motorists who have been unable to register their vehicles due to shortages of license plates at the Department of Road Traffic.

BAMSI begins - in a hangar and rented accommodation

FULLY accredited courses at the new agriculture and marine science school in Andros began in an airport terminal yesterday.

Authorities still silent on name of victim and station involved

STATE National Security Minister Keith Bell yesterday defended the integrity of the Royal Bahamas Police Force in the wake of another death of a man who was being held at a police station.

Man changes mind on arguing his case in murder appeal

A MAN contesting a murder conviction before the Court of Appeal has recanted his previous position that he could argue his own case.

Attorney General hopeful on stopping revolving door on bail

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said yesterday “things are moving in the right direction” with the government’s attempt to eradicate the “revolving door on bail”.

KEOD SMITH - CORRECTION AND APOLOGY

KEOD Smith, founder and CEO of the Clifton National Heritage Foundation, was incorrectly reported in an article on September 23 (Keod Smith joins sceptics concerned over oil leak) to have claimed that the slow government response to oil spills in south-west New Providence had pushed his organisation and others into taking public action in an attempt to get the issue resolved.

Bell: NIA legislation being tweaked but set for end of year

AS efforts are made to establish systems and protocols for the government’s National Intelligence Agency, National Security State Minister Keith Bell emphasised yesterday that the agency is not gathering intelligence at this time.

Freeport's $500m fiscal boost at critical mass

Freeport’s contribution to the Public Treasury could increase five-fold to $500 million if the city reaches its planned population size, with the private sector arguing that it could help solve both the Bahamas’ fiscal and ‘free trade’ issues.

COUGARS TOP SAINTS 23-8, IMPROVE TO 2-0

THEY came up just short in the BAISS senior boys softball championship series last season, but the CW Saunders Cougars have already set their sights on correcting those mistakes and making a run at the 2014 title.

AFL: Hurricanes get 42-15 home win over the Tigers

SCORE another dominant performance for the Holland College Hurricanes Football Club, powered by several standout plays from Bahamian student-athletes on offence, defence and special teams.

Hall of Fame glory

There have been so many special moments in his life, but one that will stand out for former track star turned elite coach David Charlton will be his induction into Howard University Athletic Department’s Hall of Fame for his contribution as an athlete from 1979-84.

One shot, one stabbed in separate incidents

POLICE are seeking the public’s help in solving a stabbing and a shooting that left two men detained in hospital.

American fined for carrying 'medical marijuana'

A MAGISTRATE yesterday expressed disbelief that an American who claimed his “medical marijuana” was in his pocket had breached security protocol at the ports in Florida.

Insurers fear VAT 'tax on top of a tax'

Bahamian insurers yesterday expressed concern that Value-Added Tax (VAT) would be levied on top of the existing 3 per cent premium tax, fearing this will increasingly drive consumers to “opt out” of renewing their policies.

Chamber: Split off Port Authority into 'independent trust'

The Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) ownership should be transferred to an independent trust as a way to eliminate perceived conflicts of interest, “minimise investor risk” and boost the organisation’s transparency/accountability.

Nygard slams 'utterly irrelevant attacks'

Peter Nygard yesterday blasted the “incessant and utterly irrelevant personal attacks” made against him by Louis Bacon and the Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay, dismissing them as lacking “any factual basis”.

Web shops possess financial licences

Several existing web shop operators already possess Financial and Corporate Service Provider licenses that allow them to conduct legal lending activities, their attorney revealed yesterday, blasting what he described as “pandering” to the commercial banks.

Andros roadworks 'could begin within days'

ROADWORKS critical to the official opening of the new agriculture and marine science school in North Andros could begin within a matter of days.

Crisis Centre reaches out to offer hope and healing

THE Bahamas Crisis Centre held an outreach weekend with its annual ‘Night of Hope and Healing’ and monthly community walkabout – all in a effort to further sensitise the public about the effects domestic violence has on the country.

New assault case against Wisconson billionaire

A second woman has accused Wisconsin billionaire Samuel Curtis Johnson III of sexual assault.

Gibson praise for civil servants

By DENISE MAYCOCK

A man of substance

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Free clinics to tackle distemper

THE Bahamas Humane Society will host several free distemper vaccine clinics this week in an effort to build a “ring of immunity” in New Providence to protect dogs from the disease.

Man wanted for series of offences

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Smith's $400,000 a year folly

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Bahamas aims to be Asia's finance centre of choice

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Top realtors given Baha Mar grounding

Thirty of the top performing sales brokers at Sotheby’s International Realty have been given an insider’s view of the luxury residential offerings at Baha Mar.

Cat Island trip targeting Illinois investment boost

A Bahamian delegation from Cat Island is forging a mutually beneficial ‘Sister Cities’ relationship with Richton, Illinois, in a move that could lead to increased foreign direct investment (FDI).

INSIGHT: Distress call with no rescue in sight

With no boat to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and no regulation of expanding shanty towns and unlicenced constructions Abaconians are doubting the government’s will to tackle the island’s pressing issues. Timothy Roberts reports

Government abdicated its responsibility

IN a recent interview with The Nassau Guardian, FML Group of Companies CEO Craig Flowers criticised those who were trying to “kill the government” for making decisions.

Counting the cost of crime

In The Tribune dated June 19, 2014, it was reported under the headline “62 murders – but major crime down”: “Although 62 murders have been recorded for the year so far, statistics show that most major crime categories have decreased significantly, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage announced yesterday.”

In response to Tada

So Terneille Burrows, aka “Tada”, recently said that she is a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community.

Minnis has PM on the retreat

I have been reading with more than slight interest the catfight that certain media interests are trying to stimulate between the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Hubert Minnis and his Deputy, Loretta Butler-Turner.

Insider: Rivalry in FNM leadership is hurting the party

AN INSIDER in the Free National Movement has charged that rivalry between the leaders of the party is hurting the political organisation.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The great political divide

THE public spat between Free National Movement leader Dr Hubert Minnis and deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner is a tell-tale sign of the deep-seated animosity between these individuals and serves as a preview of the impending battle royale set to take place at the next FNM convention, which has been forecasted for February 2015.

Customs seizure 'cleared up' by Nygard

A ‘WHISTLEBLOWER’ has alleged that Peter Nygard, the Canadian fashion mogul, intervened to secure the release of his camera equipment, which had been seized by Bahamas Customs, even though he had neither paid due taxes nor possessed a valid work permit.

'Rebuke' for government for pastors

THREE pastors issued a strong “rebuke” of the Christie administration over its “immoral” decision to pass gambling legislation despite the results of last year’s gaming referendum.

Boy, 8, killed by electric shock at pool

A FAMILY fun day at the pool of the Orange Hill Beach Inn on West Bay Street came to a tragic end on Friday when an 8-year-old boy was electrocuted and killed after he came into contact with an air conditioner.

Man shot dead, three hurt including PLP campaign chief

A MAN was killed and three people, including a PLP campaign general, are in hospital after a shooting in Fox Hill on Saturday night.

PM: We must stop severe craziness of young people

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that “something” has to be done to minimise the level of “severe craziness that possesses” young people as murder and criminal activity remains a challenge for law enforcement.

Authorities refuse to release any details of death

AUTHORITIES yesterday refused to release any details regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of a man while in police custody on Saturday.

When Dr Minnis was undermining Turnquest

Life is strange. I see Dr Hubert Minnis going around trying to call disloyal others in the party who have a right to express their views and who have a right to seek whatever office they choose in the FNM. He keeps talking about how FNMs should be ever so faithful to him personally as the Leader of the party.

Questions for the PM

Please allow me space in your columns to address two questions to our illustrious Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Perry Christie:

Credit Bureau would have cut $800m loan restructures

The Central Bank governor believes the almost-$800 million worth of loan restructurings over the past five years could have been significantly reduced had a Credit Bureau existed to prevent excessive borrowing.

16-year-old stabbed, second teen held by police

A 16-year-old boy is in hospital and a teenager is in police custody following a stabbing incident at Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, on Friday.

American woman dies while snorkelling

ABACO police are investigating the death of an elderly American citizen who was discovered floating in waters while snorkelling in Grand Bahama.

Man and woman arrested after drugs found

A MAN and a woman were arrested after police allegedly found them with one pound of marijuana.

Praise for Mitchell for 'ambitious' goal of 20 per cent protected marine areas

SAVE The Bays (STB), the fast-growing environmental movement dedicated to the protection of marine resources, has joined forces with Bahamas Waterkeeper to praise Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell for remarks to the United Nations last week detailing what leaders of the two organisations called “the most important, powerful commitment yet by the current government to preserve that which makes The Bahamas the magical country it is – our waters”.

Man drowns trying to rescue son

AN autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death of a man who reportedly drowned trying to rescue his son who had fallen overboard during a fishing trip.

Minnis coming into his own

I have listened and watched with great interest the ongoing attacks on the leader of the Opposition Dr Hubert Minnis by The Nassau Guardian editorial, National Review, Simon Front Porch, etc.

Squandered opportunity for Rollins

We have all heard the old adage, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. This describes the current situation of Andre Rollins. A young politician who portrayed an eagerness to make a difference for the betterment of our country, but is clearly on a path to self-destruction.

‘No work permit, no tax but Nygard got my camera back’

A ‘whistleblower’ has alleged that Peter Nygard intervened to secure the release of his camera equipment, which had been seized by Bahamas Customs, even though he had neither paid due taxes nor possessed a valid work permit.

Web shops need financial provider licence to lend

Legalised web shops will have to obtain a Financial and Corporate Services Provider’s Licence to continue their lending activities, bringing them under the proposed Credit Bureau.

'No deal close' on City Markets real estate sale

City Markets’ former principal says “no agreement is close” on a potential real estate deal that would have settled the pension obligations owed to one group of former employees.

Bahamas urged: 'Knock down med tourism barriers'

The Bahamas must “knock down all the barriers that threaten the viability” of a medical tourism industry, a well-known surgeon warning there was a “disconnect” between rhetoric and reality.

Wildcats, Truckers win

The pennant winners Sigma Wildcats and the Sting Truckers had to go two different routes in winning their respective opening matches in their New Providence Softball Association best-of-five playoff series.

Aspiring golfers in clinic at Ocean Club

SEVERAL months remain before competition officially tees off at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic. However, event organisers have already taken on a local perspective.

BTC launches Long Island flagship store

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) will today launch of a new flagship store in Deadman’s Cay, Long Island.

Gov't urged: Be realistic on VAT social spending

By NATARIO McKENZIE

$450m BEC bond 'actively pursued'

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Doctors Hospital moves on stem cell approvals

Doctors Hospital is working to obtain the necessary approvals to launch its own stem cell treatment programmes, its president describing the recently-released regulations as a “good step forward”.

Louis Bacon wins conservation award

DECLARING that his “bold actions were inspiring others to protect and steward their lands,” the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) this month presented one of its highest and rarest honours to philanthropic conservationist Louis Bacon.

GB Chamber unveils Vision 2015 strategy

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce has presented its Vision 2015 paper to the Government, outlining the private sector’s goals for Freeport and Grand Bahama over the Hawksbill Creek Agreement’s remaining 40 years.

Gov't must beware those VAT pitfalls

All taxes, to a greater or lesser extent, rely on the voluntary co-operation of the population. UHY’s experience with the tax regimes in many jurisdictions indicates that there are some well-trodden paths in the short, medium and long-term when different problems will be apparent at different stages of implementation. These problems can be circumvented, or mitigated, to at least some extent by forewarning, education and pre-planning.

Energy self-generate 'good start that can be adjusted'

The Minister of the Environment has defended the Government’s energy self-generation programme as “a good start that can always be adjusted” to technology and market demands.

Secretary General of Commonwealth begins visit

COMMONWEALTH Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma was due to arrive yesterday for a three-day official visit to The Bahamas, during which he is scheduled to meet the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Attorney General and other senior government officials.

One dead, three injured in shooting

One man is dead and three others are injured after a shooting incident on Saturday night.

PM ‘MUST TAKE LEAD ON WELLS’

PRIME Minister Perry Christie is abandoning his duties as leader of the country by letting Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells address the nation on the $650 million letter-of-intent he signed with a waste-to-energy company instead of doing so himself, Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash said yesterday.

Minister: No students wearing ankle bracelets in schools

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday confirmed that there are no students wearing ankle bracelets in schools in The Bahamas.

Eight-year-old dies after being electrocuted

An eight-year-old boy has died after being electrocuted on Friday afternoon.

Defending champions hold on to win opener

The defending ladies’ champions Sigma Brackettes blew a 12-3 lead, but managed to hold on for a slim 13-12 win against the pesky Black Scorpions as the New Providence Softball Association kicked off its best-of-five playoffs in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex last night.

Social services debit card to be introduced before December

SOCIAL Services Minister Melanie Griffin said yesterday that the government expects to implement the initial phase of its conditional cash transfer system – a prepaid debit card – by the end of November.

DNA 'hasn't backtracked' over pledge to march on Ministry for Wells answers

THE Democratic National Alliance has not backtracked on its pledge to “march down to the Ministry of Works” and get answers to questions surrounding Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells’ controversial signing of a $650m letter-of-intent with a waste-to-energy company, a party official said.

Minnis: Wells saga a sign of worst ever administration

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis branded the Christie administration as “the worst” government to ever lead the country as there continues to be no resolution on the reportedly unauthorised signing of a multi-million dollar letter of intent by Ministry of Works Parliamentary Secretary Renward Wells.

Lawyer argues for 15-year sentence for former death row inmate

THE Court of Appeal yesterday reserved its decision on the appeal of a former death row inmate who wants a 52-year sentence for murder reduced by more than half.

FNM Deputy fears missed deadline for NIA legislation

FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday expressed concern that the government will not meet its “important deadline” of tabling legislation to regulate the controversial National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Debt blamed for possible delay of BEC reform

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday suggested that the government might delay its planned reform of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.

Wells ordered to address nation over row

PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night confirmed that Renward Wells will address the nation on the Letter of Intent controversy.

Bahamas backs treaty to monitor gun trade

A TREATY designed to better monitor the trade of firearms and ammunition between countries was ratified yesterday morning by the Bahamas government and five other countries in New York.

PLP demands Rollins apology

PLP COUNCIL members last night demanded that Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins publicly apologise to Prime Minister Perry Christie in parliament for his actions.

$1m survey shows level of poverty faced by young

SOCIAL Services Minister Melanie Griffin yesterday expressed concern about youth under the age of 20 who remain the poorest demographic in the country at nearly 18.8 per cent, according to a recent Household Expenditure Survey.

Activist: Talk to the residents, don't lock down communities

MONTELL Heights Community Development Association President Clinton Minnis yesterday called on National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage to reconsider the government’s proposals to initiate lock downs of notorious criminal areas in the capital.

Students union issues call for transparency after ceremony called off

THE College of the Bahamas Union of Students yesterday requested financial transparency and fairness at the institution in the wake of the cancellation of the fall graduation ceremony.

Clothes and books handed out at Urban Renewal event

RESIDENTS of Montell Heights yesterday received free textbooks, shoes, food and more as a part of the Urban Renewal Commission’s “Hot Spot” Initiative.

Call for former girl guides to help build new headquarters

THE Bahamas Girl Guides Association is calling on former members to help build a new headquarters to commemorate the association’s centenary.

Nygard video 'buried for all time' concern

More than 1,000 hours of alleged videotape evidence against Peter Nygard would be “suppressed for all time” if the Bahamian court system was allowed to determine its admissibility for trial, it was claimed yesterday.

Minister seeks engineer scholarships

DUE to the shortage of professional engineers in the country, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville has called for “engineering opportunities” to be made available through scholarship programmes to bright Bahamian students.

Oil explorer still 'intent' on local share offering

The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) yesterday said it remained committed to offering shares to Bahamian investors, with a major obstacle being the continued wait on a new regulatory regime.

Cable's $1.5m buy back fights value, market illiquidity

Cable Bahamas has launched its $1.5 million share buy back to support its stock value and create “liquidity in an illiquid market” for investors.

Businesses need 'more room' in VAT warehouse

Businesses need “more room” than the 48-hour period they have been given to comply with the terms for a Value-Added Tax (VAT) ‘virtual warehouse’, a Tax Coalition co-chair yesterday promising to raise the concern with the Government.

Track borrowers via NIB numbers

The proposed Credit Bureau should use National Insurance Board (NIB) numbers to track Bahamian borrowers, a well-known businessman yesterday expressing hope it would relieve him and other entrepreneurs from having to check employee excesses.

'Absolutely not a level playing field'

Bahamian investors and businesses are at a disadvantage when competing against foreign investors because of this nation’s high cost platform.

Employee health vital to business continuity

Nutrilite organised a one-day health symposium for all clients and employees, believing healthy staff are vital to Business Continuity Plans.

Formal economy 'overpaying' its share of taxes

Poor compliance, caused by corruption, limited accountability and a lack of enforcement, has resulted in the Bahamian formal economy paying a disproportionate share of this nation’s taxes.

'We can't build our way out' of Nassau's transport woes

A unified New Providence bus system would not “do away with” the island’s traffic congestion woes by itself, a leading engineer suggesting the main goal should be to increase public transportation usage by making it more attractive.

Abaco Port workforce to be 70-80% Bahamian

CHINA Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) executives estimate it has spent $1.6 million to-date on the North Abaco port facility’s construction, with Bahamians expected to make up 70-80 per cent of its workforce during peak activity.

Quincy 'Thrill-A-Minute' Pratt opens Eastside Boxing Club in Fox Hill

AFTER a delay of almost two years, former professional boxer Quincy ‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt has finally opened his Eastside Boxing Club at the Jungle Club, Fox Hill.

Sports in brief

THE Bahamas Basketball Federation is scheduled to continue its Level 1 Coaches Course 9am today at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. The clinic will continue on Saturday at the same time. The federation will advise the time for the activities on Sunday. Ewin Pena is the chief clinician.

Staying in line with your boss

Much discussion has taken place nationally over team members who disrespect their leaders publicly, and the knock-on effect this has on the company and, in the the political arena, the nation. Employee mutiny seems quite common these days in both the private and public sector, as individuals seem comfortable - and feel justified - in throwing their managers and leaders ‘under the corporate bus’.

PM asked to honour commitment for Bimini marine reserve

TWO days after he urged developed nations to honour their commitment to pay $100bn a year by 2020 for climate finance support, the Prime Minister has been asked to announce the establishment of the North Bimini Marine Reserve to protect the island’s unique ecological heritage.

The horses at BASH

EDITOR, The Tribune.

BEC - what a disgrace

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Comets get 11-2 win over Saints

THE Queen’s College Comets sent a message to the rest of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools junior boys softball division with a convincing win over the Kingsway Academy Saints yesterday.

Briefly

Florida Goes Down the Drain

Clubs and Societies 9/26/14

Rotaract Club of East Nassau To Host Third Annual Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion

FIBA Level 1 Coaches Clinic this morning

BAHAMAS Basketball Federation (BBF) announced that it will be holding a FIBA Coaches Clinic with the aim of certifying all Level 1 basketball coaches in The Bahamas.

Minister says violence in schools not out of control

MINISTRY OF Education officials yesterday denied that violence is “out of control” in public schools and rejected claims that students and teachers are in “fear of their lives”.

Government considering 'lock down' proposals

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday said the government is giving “consideration” to a “lock down” of notorious crime areas in the capital, but only “to the extent that the law permits it”.

‘PM’s speech doesn’t match his environmental record’

FREE National Movement Chairman Darron Cash chided Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday for delivering a speech to the United Nations on climate change that “belies” Mr Christie’s record of addressing local environmental concerns.

‘Frenzy’ over changes to immigration policy

CONFUSION over the implications of proposed changes to immigration policies has the Haitian-Bahamian community in a “frenzy”, according to a local activist.

Rollins: Ignorance or arrogance?

On Tuesday, Dr Andre Rollins got his wish for a headline-grabbing story complete with a coloured head shot when he threatened to name names if Renward Wells is fired.

Big Bang and The Bible

Respected scientists around the globe theorise about how the universe began. The Big Bang Theory puts forth that there was some type of cosmic force that existed before the universe began.

Rollins on thin ice

FORT Charlotte Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP Dr Andre Rollins’ recent threat to divulge damning information relating to his friend Renward Wells’ signing of a $600m plus letter of intent with Stellar Waste Energy has all but eroded any vestige of goodwill that remained for him within the PLP among its leadership and its base of votaries.

BEC final shortlist due next month

WORKS Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the government is on schedule with its revised time-table for the restructuring of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation as it eyes an October date for a finalised shortlist of bidders.

Caribbean Muzik Festival returns to Nassau

THE Caribbean Muzik Festival, a popular fixture on The Bahamas music calendar in the 1990s, is being revived and returning to Nassau.

Thousands queue for jobs at Melià Resort

THOUSANDS of job seekers flocked to the Meliá Nassau Beach hotel hoping to land a job at the all-inclusive resort yesterday.

Three held after $570k drug bust

THREE Bahamian men are in police custody after they were caught with more than half a million dollars worth of marijuana on Tuesday afternoon.

Man accused of threat to prosecutor granted bail

A MAN accused of threatening a prosecutor was yesterday granted bail ahead of his January 2015 murder trial when the Crown backtracked on their position on his bail application.

Rollins: I do not have any evidence of corruption

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins sought to distance himself yesterday from reports suggesting he would expose wrongdoing within the Christie administration if his friend Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells is fired as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Works for signing a $650m letter of intent with a waste-to-energy company.

Consequences when PM returns

ACTING Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the “consequences will be known shortly” regarding Ministry of Works Parliamentary Secretary Renward Wells signing a multi-million dollar letter of intent with a waste management company that wants to construct a plant at the New Providence landfill.

Cougars dominate

CW Saunders Cougars staked an early claim as contenders for the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools junior girls softball title with a dominant performance in their season debut.

Marco's Law could be enacted 'within a month'

THE enacting of the amendments to the Child Protection Act, better known as Marco’s Law, as well as amendments to the Sexual Offender’s Act could come “within a month”, according to National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage.

Mother tells child cruelty case of conversations with pastor

THE mother of a 16-year-old boy who claimed a pastor blackmailed him into a night of drinking said she had agreed with the pastor’s suggestion that the boy needed to “get out of his shell”.

$22.6m PI ‘fraud’ duo in ‘abuse of process’

The Chief Justice has branded the attempt by two Paradise Island residents to re-try their $22.6 million fraud case through the Bahamian courts as “an abuse of process”, and permitted receivers to seize their Ocean Club Estates condo.

Trio spared life sentences for Burger King raid

THE trio convicted of the armed robbery of a Burger King restaurant in Cable Beach faced life imprisonment when they appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday for sentencing.

Man shot in shoulder and rushed to hospital, two arrested by police

A 24-year-old man of Cowpen Road and a 23–year-old man of Nassau Village are in custody following a shooting incident that left a man detained in hospital on Tuesday night.

On Da Hook

THIS week has confirmed just why anglers are excited and all the signs are pointing towards a fantastic Wahoo season in The Bahamas.

VAT implement delay a 'double edged sword'

Delaying Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) implementation beyond January 1 was yesterday branded “a double-edged sword”, with the Tax Coalition’s co-chairs calling on the private sector to treat this possibility as “a blessing not an expectation”.

Self-energy proposal 'sets us further back'

The Bahamas is 30 years behind the rest of the world on renewable energy implementation, with one provider blasting the Government’s residential and commercial self-generation plans for “setting us back further”.

Gov't urged: 'Uphold, don't fight', judgment on Blackbeard's Cay

Environmental activists yesterday urged the Government to uphold the “precedent-setting” judgment over the $8 million Blackbeard’s Cay project, questioning why Bahamians should follow laws it breached with seeming impunity.

$123m budget to 'jump start' Abaco Club rebirth

The Abaco Club’s new owners plan to “jump-start” the development with a $123 million investment budget, a key Cabinet Minister said yesterday.

Chamber revives Business awards

After a one-year hiatus, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) has announced the return of the Business Excellence Recognition Awards.

CIBC in Bay St. location switch

CIBC FirstCaribbean has confirmed it will open its new branch at the Bay Street and Parliament Street junction on Monday, with its existing location closing tomorrow.

ART OF GRAPHIX: Building your website on solid foundations

So, you are looking to hire a web design company. What makes one better than another? Web designers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours, and they are definitely not a ‘one-size fits all’ type of offering.

Ex-NIB actuary hired by Canadian company

A Canadian firm has hired former National Insurance Board (NIB) actuary, Derek Osborne, to head a newly-established Bahamian subsidiary that will spearhead its pension consulting business in the Caribbean.

Port unveils VAT training initiative

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) yesterday announced plans to launch Value Added Tax (VAT) readiness training for businesses in the coming weeks.

Gov't signs property tax system contract

The Government has signed a contract for a new real property tax management system, as it moves to boost property coverage ratios and efficiency in tax administration/collection.

Bureau a 'great start' to better credit risks

The Clearing Banks Association’s (CBA) head yesterday told Tribune Business that the proposed Credit Bureau was “a great start” to establishing a proper credit risk management system in the Bahamas, noting that this nation’s non-performing loan (NPL) levels were among the Caribbean’s highest.

Take Bahamasair 'past Florida shopping trips'

Bahamasair needs to “go beyond sponsoring shopping excursions to Florida”, a senior tourism executive said yesterday, arguing that this nation must have the global airlift reach and capacity to sustain its tourism sector.

Bahamians strike gold at Florida judo tournament

THREE members of the Bahamas’ judo team produced outstanding performances at the Florida Yudanshakai (black belt tournament) in Orlando this weekend.

Ministry looking to 'get on base' with New York Yankees

NEW YORK CITY — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is looking to ‘get on base’ with the New York Yankees, seeking a partnership with the popular Major League Baseball (MLB) team.

Renaldo’s Ramblings: ‘I can’t trust Eli in primetime’

The “Save The Date, We Play Tampa” Award presented by every team that had the Bucs on the schedule in 1976 season - Julio Jones.

Pastoral care seminar at St James Anglican Church to promote compassion

By ALESHA CADET

Daughters of Calvary Discovery Day healing service

A TIME of healing and deliverance is what the Calvary Deliverance Church (CDC) hopes will take place during a special service next month.

THATCH COLLECTION: Sexy, simple, sparkling

BAHAMIAN designer, model and singer, Kendra KayGeni James, had much to celebrate on her birthday on Friday as she hosted a relaunch event for her Thatch Collection brand.

Hurricanes blow away the Big Red Machine

It wasn’t the pennant or championship title, but the St Andrew’s Hurricanes had plenty reason to celebrate Tuesday at their Field of Dreams.

Positive Freeport 2015 solution ‘as vital as VAT’

A positive resolution to Freeport’s expiring investment incentives is “as important to the Bahamian economy’s future” as the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Act, a senior private executive said yesterday.

TOUGH CALL: Danger ahead for the economy

It’s difficult for a layman like me to figure out how this struggling $8bn economy can withstand all that is coming down the pike - without a substantive improvement in governance and political collaboration, which doesn’t appear to be in the cards.

Woman victim of sex attack by gunman

A GUNMAN sexually assaulted a woman after he accosted her as she walked on St James Road yesterday morning, police said.

Were those workers needed?

I was much exercised by the recent Tribune headline informing us that Government workers were going on strike. My first reaction, naturally enough, was “How would we ever know?” but I dismissed that thought as unworthy.

Leadership crisis

According to the online Webster’s dictionary leadership is synonymous with guidance, direction, control and management. A lack of leadership would be the opposite of the four characteristics mentioned above.

Paying for influence

Having listened to segments of the alleged debate in the Parliament on the Gaming Act and heard the explanation of the Prime Minister/Minister of Finance as to who paid for the gaming consultants etc … if you missed the explanation, incredibly the parties who, for years, that have been operating illegally were billed through their attorneys to pay for the consultation.

Troubles with simple language

It is amazing how difficult it is for most Bahamians to write simple grammar. I cringe when someone tells me he/she wants me to read a letter from a government ministry.

It is now that the Bahamas needs wise leaders

PETER Turnquest, FNM MP for Grand Bahama, finds it a “bit obscene” that the government would consider agreeing to a foreign entity not only redesigning, but actually owning much of downtown Nassau – the very centre of our government.

The Fort Charlotte view on local MP Andre Rollins

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins has made numerous headlines over the last few months due to his adversarial stance against government policies as well as his fiery confrontations in the House of Assembly with some senior members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

PM calls on nations to pay $100bn a year to tackle climate change

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday urged developed nations to honour their commitment to pay $100 billion a year by 2020 for climate finance support as he outlined the Bahamas’ vulnerability to climate change.

Commission urges referendum to be held by june at the latest

THE Constitutional Commission has recommended that the gender equality referendum be held at the end of April or at the latest in June, according to Chairman Sean McWeeney.

FNM Deputy: I'm not trying to oust leader

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday insisted that she was not attempting to oust party leader Dr Hubert Minnis from his post amid speculation that there is a rift between the two over her political ambitions.

‘Rollins owes Bahamian people the truth over what he knows’

FREE National Movement Chairman Darron Cash believes Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins owes it to the Bahamian people to disclose what he knows about the controversy over Renward Wells’ signing of a $650 million letter of intent with Stellar Waste to Energy Bahamas

‘Pastor plied me with drink and fondled me,’ youth tells court

A 16-year-old boy told a magistrate yesterday how being called into a meeting with a pastor spiralled into a night of drinking and being fondled by the minister.

Bridal Association hosts annual symposium on Friday

THE Bahamas Bridal Association (BBA) is hosting its annual educational and professional development symposium, BBA Elevate 2014, on Friday at the British Colonial Hilton, Bay Street, Nassau. Sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the one-day conference is “designed to inspire, motivate, and enlighten” wedding and event planners, vendors and corporate members, as well as creative professionals in The Bahamas’ wedding and event industry.

PLP chairman hits out at MP

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday told Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins to “put up or shut up” over his threats to disclose damning information concerning the controversy over Renward Wells’ signing of a $650m letter of intent with a waste-to-energy company.

COB students angry at delay for December graduation ceremony

THE College of The Bahamas (COB) has taken a step back in its journey towards university status next year in the eyes of its students. The College announced this week that its planned December graduation ceremony will be cancelled and all students who had planned to participate should now make arrangements to graduate in the spring of 2015.

Ministry backs Cacique Awards

MINISTRY of Tourism officials yesterday pledged that its upcoming 16th annual Cacique Awards will have a “new and fresh feel” as the ministry celebrates 50 years of tourism in the country.

Andros students return to school after three days of protest

CENTRAL Andros High School students returned to school yesterday following three days of protest by their parents over the Ministry of Education’s decision to transfer a mathematics teacher from their school to the North Andros High School.

Rock Sound regatta in memory of King Eric Gibson

IT has been almost a year since he died, but the memory of the late King Eric Gibson is still living on.

Seeking solace and inspiration in art

DEATH ushered new life into a long-time hobby and passion for Bahamian fine artist Phillip Wallace. Since the passing of his mother and uncle this summer, he has discovered a new niche and talent in drawing portraits.

Dressed to thrill at the Carnival costume party

CARNIVAL fever is in the Bahamian air and the road march groups are getting their names out, becoming known to the public as they promote their platform for the inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival next year.

‘Gender should not be part of the debate on leadership’

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Loretta Butler Turner yesterday said gender should not be considered in the debate regarding who will emerge as leader of the country following the next general election.

‘Instinct’ highlights talented female fine artists

THE INSTINCT Art show running at the Central Bank of the Bahamas Art Gallery is all about talented women and their unique perspective of the world.

Bahamians encouraged to participate in writing competition

PEOPLE who have a passion for story telling and writing poetry are encouraged to participate in the Commonwealth Writers of the Bahamas ninth annual Short Story/Poetry competition launched this month.

Simply the best and most original

CONQUERING her nerves, Donneisha "Baby D" Fox came out on top in the Stoli’s Most Original DJ competition, the finale of which took place at Club Ibiza on Saturday night.

Celebrating Bahamian talent with the Brutha-hood

A NEW festival that seeks to showcase and celebrate emerging Bahamian talent kicks off on Saturday at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts.

Gov’t: Judge ‘misapplied’ law over $8m investment

The Government is arguing that the Supreme Court “misapplied” the provisions of two key Acts, as it moves to overturn the verdict that quashed the permits granted to the $8 million Blackbeard’s Cay project.

Creating a magical underwater world

AS work progresses on land at Baha Mar, so too does it continue under the water - with the introduction of more than 300 coral antlers at the resort’s eco-reef.

Christie hails increased airlift to Grand Bahama

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said his administration intends to carry out every commitment it has promised for Grand Bahama in its Charter for Governance.

Dementia treatment a major concern for nation

DEMENTIA is among the leading ailments of the elderly in The Bahamas and it is projected that by 2025 there will be about 70,000 people aged 65 years and older living in the country.

‘Renegotiate the Hawksbill Creek and be done with it’

The Government should “completely renegotiate the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and be done with it”, the Opposition ‘s finance spokesman has charged.

Super Value: Inventory ‘run down’ better than virtual warehouse plan

Super Value’s owner yesterday said the supermarket chain would “run down” its inventory as the Value-Added Tax (VAT) transition loomed, as this “suits us better” than the Government’s proposed ‘virtual warehouse’.

Credit Bureau to stop ‘risky loans’

Bahamian commercial banks issue “more risky loans” because they do not have full information on borrower creditworthiness, the industry regulator last night suggesting this had exacerbated the sector’s $1.028 billion non-performing loans.

VAT register delay blocks access to virtual warehouses

Bahamian companies wanting to exploit the Government’s proposed ‘virtual warehouse’ transition plan will find it almost impossible to do so because Value-Added Tax (VAT) registration has yet to start.

‘Conflict’ fear over VAT inclusive prices

Super Value’s owner yesterday said the Government's 'inclusive' Value-Added Tax (VAT) pricing system would present " much bigger problems" for retailers, arguing that it would be "impossible" for his company to reprice 35,000 items overnight on New Year’s Eve.

Taking part in the Potcakeman

The second annual Potcakeman Triathlon was a thrilling morning at Jaws Beach on Saturday. Over 200 participants took part in the 750 metre swim, 21 kilometre bike and 5k run or the shorter distanced ‘puppy tri’.

Doctors suffers $1.8m half year reversal into the red

Doctors Hospital has seen a 14.2 per cent second quarter decline in patient days compared to 2013, with net patient revenue falling 7.3 per cent compared to last year's second quarter.

MARKETING REVOLUTION: Believe in the value you add

Why is it that people will pay up to 10 times as much for the same product depending on where they buy it?

Tribune Arts and Entertainment - now on the air!

Don't miss The Tribune's Art and Entertainment Report by Alesha & Jeffarah on 100 Jamz, Cool96 and Y98 every Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning!

Knowles and Hokies searching for answers

DEMITRI Knowles and the Virginia Tech Hokies find themselves searching for answers after two consecutive losses.

Choosing the correct toothbrush

ONE of the most confusing moments at the drugstore comes when deciding which toothbrush to buy. Really? It is not that hard. The correct one is always “soft”.

Avoid ingrown hair

INGROWN hairs, also known as Pseudofolliculitis barbae, manifest on skin when hair is cut and grows back at an improper angle.

Don't wait for 'the silent killer' to surface

BY the time you have disease symptoms, your body could have been in a state of dis-ease for weeks, months, or even years.

Salavation Army school for the blind celebrates 65th Anniversary

LAST Friday, the Salvation Army Erin H Gilmour School for blind and visually impaired children successfully celebrated its 65th anniversary with a gala dinner featuring a former Hollywood child actor as a special guest.

Bahamian filmmaker gets behind-the-scenes glimpse of Ride Along 2

BAHAMIAN filmmaker Moya Thompson took full advantage of an opportunity to observe production of the big budget movie, Ride Along 2, and hopes one day to incorporate some of the techniques and concepts she learned on set into her own films.

Row outside court as murder suspects charged

A MAN arrested after a high-speed chase with police was arraigned with a juvenile male in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the killing of 21-year-old Dakeil Curry.

Keod Smith joins sceptics concerned over oil leaks

The founder of the Clifton National Heritage Foundation (CNHF), attorney Keod Smith, added his name to the growing list of sceptics of the government’s handling of oil spills and leaks in south-western New Providence.

A respected referendum

The majority of the citizens of Scotland are ringing their bells this morning.

Sandilands patients on streets

Approximately three years ago, it had come to my attention, and I must say that I was very shocked as well as extremely disappointed that Sandilands had engaged in a policy of releasing patients into the Bahamian community despite the fact that these patients do not have a place to stay.

Residents concerned after spate of Montagu robberies

FEMALE residents of the Montagu constituency yesterday expressed concern that their complaints to the Royal Bahamas Police Force about a recent spate of robberies affecting women in the area have been overlooked due to the force’s concentration on “more serious crime”.

BEC plan to buy generators branded a waste of money

BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) President Paul Maynard said yesterday the corporation’s proposed plan to buy generators is a “waste of money”.

Students miss another day of school amid protests

STUDENTS of Central Andros High School missed another day of school yesterday as protests continued over the Ministry of Education’s decision to transfer a mathematics teacher from the institution to the North Andros High School.

FNM identify areas of government to be probed by anti-corruption investigators

FREE National Movement Chairman Darron Cash has concerns that anti-corruption observers from the Organisation of American States may not be able to properly investigate the Christie administration, adding that there are several areas of government that need to be probed.

‘Gaming Bill met taskforce guidance’ - but report is not tabled

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson announced in the Senate yesterday that the Christie administration “conclusively met” all of the Financial Action Task Force’s recommendations regarding the Gaming Bill and its accompanying regulations.

Immigration department raided by thieves

THIEVES pried open security bars and broke into the Department of Immigration yesterday morning, stealing electronics and employees’ personal items, Immigration Director William Pratt said.

'It's either them or us' warns security chief

STATE Minister of National Security Keith Bell yesterday said a “lock down” of crime hot spots in New Providence is necessary to “turn the tables” on serious criminals.

Energy self-generation plan ‘confusion’ worry

The Government was last night warned that its energy self-generation initiative would cause “some confusion” without further clarification, although it was praised for getting renewables “out of the starting blocks”.

Christie to address United Nations on climate change

A MAJOR summit on climate is being held in New York City - and Prime Minister Perry Christie is to deliver a statement on climate change to the general assembly.

PM says Freeport tax ‘glitch’ is settled

PRIME Minister Perry Christie has assured Grand Bahamians that a “glitch” in relation to the roll back of the 2013-2014 Budget tax fee increases imposed on Freeport was settled on Friday during his visit to the island.

‘Delaying referendum will help people to understand’

WOMEN’S rights activist Donna Nicolls suggested that the constitutional referendum be held in June or July 2015 to give Bahamians enough time to understand that “gender equality has nothing to do with gay rights”.

Man accused of hitting policeman with car

A MAN appeared in Magistrates Court yesterday accused of injuring a police officer with a car on Sunday.

Big Red Machine roll over Bluewaves

The runs came in bundles as the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine opened defence of their Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ softball titles with abbreviated victories over the St Anne’s Bluewaves.

‘Unregulated webshops could lead to funding of terrorism’

SENATOR Keith Bell said an unregulated ‘numbers’ industry could leave the door open to webshops possibly funding international acts of terrorism.

Perception and understanding the world around you

PERCEPTION, they say, is 99 per cent reality - or better 99 per cent of your reality. If you agree with this, the question is: what makes up your perception?

Flying high in a career, ready for take off in business

IT IS exciting for Nathalia Gibbs to wake up and go to work every day because no two days are the same. From working with the ground crew to dealing with customer service representatives to ensure that everything is running smoothly, her career in airline operations rarely has a dull moment.

Lavaughn, Cody help Hurricanes to league leading 9-1 record

HOLLAND College has become well known to the Bahamas for the recruitment of local players into its football and basketball programmes, and now Bahamians are at the focal point of the latest venture for the Hurricane’s athletic department - baseball.

Freeport incompatible with ‘aggressive’ VAT

Freeport’s business model is incompatible with the “blunt and aggressive instrument” that is Value-Added Tax (VAT), a senior Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce executive believes.

Three-year ‘action plans’ to achieve energy objectives

The Government’s newly-released National Energy Policy aims to implement a series of three-year “action plans” to take it towards its goal of having 30 per cent of the Bahamas’ energy needs generated by renewable sources come 2013.

Accountant: Double VAT ‘light touch’ to one year

A well-known accountant yesterday urged the Government to extend its ‘light touch’ approach to Value-Added Tax (VAT) enforcement to a year, warning that six months was “not enough” given the “draconian” penalties in the law.

Current deficits could ‘challenge peg viability’

The Bahamas’ current account deficits could “challenge the viability” of its 1:1 currency peg to the US dollar unless they are reduced to ‘single digits’ over the next decade.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: BAMSI ON SHAKY GROUND

The mockery and downright travesty that is being made in Andros of what I thought would amount to a revival of local agriculture has left a bad taste in the mouths of many Bahamians and raised many questions about the credibility of the programme itself and the so-called “qualified” persons at the fore of the project.

INSIGHT: Anyone for golf? Not us, say Biminites

The mood in Bimini is changing to reflect that the island should not accede to the needs of tourism at all costs, Rashad Rolle writes.

Mitchell calls on PLP women to fight for equality vote

FRED Mitchell, the Fox Hill MP, yesterday declared his support for those fighting for women’s equality in The Bahamas, urging the women of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to “seize the day”.

Call the Commissioner, Canadians

Next time, before publicising our perceived crime problems, those misinformed Canadians (many of whom are clearly enemies of The Bahamas) should check beforehand with our Minister & Commish.

PLP moves in right direction

The Gold Rush Administration, led by the Rt Hon Prime Minister, Perry Gladstone Christie, MP, PC (PLP-Farm Road), is, finally, getting its directions and priorities right. After initially fumbling the proverbial ball on any number of critical issues, the PLP government is forging ahead with doing the business of the people. Mind you, it is still too late in many cases but Rome, alas, was not built or reconstructed in one day.

Police officer hit by car and suspect shot by colleagues

A POLICE officer is injured in hospital after an incident involving a 34-year-old motorist who was shot by police after he refused to stop at the weekend.

One brother stabbed, the other arrested

A FIGHT between two brothers left one in hospital with stab wounds in his head and the other, who was also injured, in police custody.

Tests by CDC confirm man died of malaria

THE CENTRE for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that the Ukrainian patient who died in Doctors Hospital last week suffered from malaria and not the ebola virus – as was originally suspected.

DNA leader: New immigration rules are just talk

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney does not expect the government to execute the recently announced immigration restrictions aimed at clamping down on illegal migration.

Commissioner: Efforts being made to minimise visa fraud

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade has said that efforts are being made to minimise possible visa fraud in local and foreign jurisdictions in view of a suspected scandal involving the Bahamian embassy in Haiti.

US tourist accused of sex attack

POLICE will determine today if charges will be brought against an American man accused of attempted sexual assault against a woman on Paradise Island.

Lightning strikes blamed for latest power outage

THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation once again blamed lightning strikes for widespread power outages in New Providence over the weekend.

Weekly payments agreed after threat to disconnect

BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation Executive Chairman Leslie Miller said the company has collected enough money from “delinquent accounts from hotels out west” to pay towards BEC’s outstanding $55m fuel bill.

Activist seeks schemes to steer youth from crime

A YOUTH activist believes the country’s crime woes can be tackled if the government made it mandatory by law for young people to participate in civic groups.

Marijuana seized in Exuma - man and woman arrested

POLICE arrested a man and a woman after seizing 14 pounds of marijuana in Exuma.

‘Energy emergency’ refloats $150m power plant proposal

An investor group believes it was “beyond time” to re-present its $150 million Floating Power Plant proposal to the Government, and help solve what has become “a true national emergency” in the energy sector.

Police probe ongoing over stolen vehicles

OFFICIALS are still investigating the discovery of more than $200,000 worth of stolen vehicles, ammunition and electronics from two shipping containers.

Frustration leads to a new venture as company takes flight

A YOUNG Bahamian woman frustrated with the high cost of shipping goods for her basketball camp one day promised herself she would find a way to combat high rates for herself and fellow Bahamians.

Potcakeman takes the spotlight

Kelly Kramp and Ashleigh O’Mahony won the individual titles at the 2014 Potcakeman Triathlon at Jaws Beach, New Providence, on Saturday morning.

BEC ‘always at brink’ over fuel payment

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) always takes its fuel payments “right to the brink”, a well-known businessman arguing that a $30 million investment in pre-paid meters would help solve its cash flow woes.

Banks’ ‘aggressive lending’ helped fuel $1bn in bad loans

“Aggressive lending practices” by Bahamian commercial banks pre-recession has been cited by Moody’s as one factor behind “chronically high” non-performing loans totalling $1.028 billion at end-July 2014.

Nygard accuses Bacon of ‘end run around’ Bahamian courts

Peter Nygard has accused his arch enemy, Louis Bacon, of performing an “end-run around” the Bahamian judicial system by attempting to access more than 1,000 hours of allegedly incriminating video footage via the New York courts.

BEC crisis ‘now nine out of 10’

BEC’s energy crisis is “now at nine out of 10”, with a former minister responsible for the Corporation telling Tribune Business the generator purchases announced last week would do little to ease New Providence’s woes.

BEC fuel bill woe ‘very disconcerting’

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) potential fuel supply fuel woes are “very disconcerting” to the private sector, a leading executive saying the monopoly energy supplier should never be in such a precarious situation.

Gov’t confirms bond lodging VAT change

A top Ministry of Finance official has confirmed the Government amended a controversial section in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Bill to allow non-Bahamians temporarily entering the country for business to cover their tax liabilities by lodging a bond.

Bahamian connection lifts the Hurricanes to 2-0 in the AFL

THE Bahamian connection for the Holland College Hurricanes lifted the team to 2-0 in Atlantic Football League action yesterday.

NPSA playoffs all set to begin this week Thursday

THE Arnette’s Sporting Lounge Hitmen may not have had the type of regular season that manager Darren Stevens anticipated, but he noted that his defending men’s champions are poised to turn things around in the New Providence Softball Association’s postseason.

RICHARD COULSON: The curse of broken promises

On Mexico’s 100th Independence Day in September 1910, the 80-year-old president staged a splendiferous celebration of 34 years of iron-fisted rule, secure in the belief that his party would remain in power. Yet eight months later they were rejected, he was forced into exile, and within three years Mexico was plunged into bloody revolutionary anarchy that, by 1920, utterly transformed the nation’s economic, social and political structure.

We have a Freedom of Information Act - put it to work

IN THE House this week, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe stated the obvious: “To find revenue we have to tax.”

Kids miss school as parents protest

ANGRY Central Andros residents are not sending their children to school in protest against the Ministry of Education’s decision to transfer a mathematics teacher from Central Andros High School to North Andros High School.

FNM chairman blasts govt after Canadian crime warning

FNM Chairman Darron Cash yesterday chided the Christie administration for its “failed crime-fighting techniques” after the Canadian government sent an advisory out to its citizens this week warning them to be vigilant in Nassau.

Woman faces 27 counts of fraud

A WOMAN was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison yesterday after being arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on more than two dozen fraud related charges.

Woman stabbed in head and neck after argument

A WOMAN is in critical condition in hospital after she was stabbed in her neck and head during an argument with another woman in Kemp Road late on Thursday night.

Briefly

EDITOR, the Tribune

‘I know this is going to be a tough fight’

With less than a month to go before he heads to Auckland, New Zealand, for his next fight, Grand Bahamian Sherman ‘The Tank’ Williams said he has been pleased with the way his training has been going in Boca Raton, Florida.

BEC to spend $6m on new generators

THE BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation is expected to purchase five or six new generators in the coming weeks for about $6 million, the corporation’s Executive Chairman Leslie Miller said yesterday.

Webshop operators unhappy at fees imposed in Gaming Bill

LAWYER Wayne Munroe said yesterday that his clients, who will face millions of dollars in fees before applying to operate gaming houses, did not receive a “sweetheart” deal from the government with its decision to regulate the numbers industry.

Miller backtracks on claim of BEC fuel being cut off

LESLIE Miller, Executive Chairman of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, said yesterday the entity is making arrangements with its fuel supplier to pay off a $55m debt before the end of the month, adding that BEC will never be out of fuel.

Bimini to experience boom thanks to resort, says PM

DURING yesterday’s lavish ceremony marking the inaugural arrival of a cruise ship to Bimini’s newly constructed port, Prime Minister Perry Christie touted the economic boom and modernisation he expects the island to experience as a result of Resorts World Bimini.

Man shot dead and second victim in hospital

POLICE are investigating a shooting in Montell Heights yesterday that left one man dead and another in hospital in serious condition. Residents told The Tribune at the scene that yesterday’s incident was the third day of shooting in the area.

Bulldozers move in on shanty town

RESIDENTS of a shanty town in the Carmichael Road area of New Providence yesterday had their homes bulldozed by contractors hired by the Ministry of Environmental Health following eviction notices given residents over a month ago.

Commissioner of police emphatic that crime is down

EMPHASISING that “crime is down” in many categories, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade yesterday praised the government’s recent efforts to increase requirements for applicants seeking bail.

CANADA URGES VISITORS TO BE VIGILANT

THE Canadian government has threatened to deal a blow to The Bahamas tourism industry by advising its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution, especially in Nassau, due to high rates of crime”.

Aragonite ship is grounded to avoid sinking

THE Trans Cargo II was grounded off Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, after a leak was discovered onboard the vessel on Wednesday evening.

Search for missing teen

Police are seeking assistance locating 18-year-old Rondera Rolle of Montell Heights, a female of dark brown complexion, medium build and about 5ft 3in to 5ft 5in tall.

Canada’s crime warning reinforces tourism fears

The upgraded travel warning on “high rates of crime” in the Bahamas, issued by this nation’s fastest-growing tourism market, yesterday reinforced the industry’s fears about the immense potential damage the recent surge in violence could cause.

Govt suspects ship dumped oil that washed up on beach

THE government suspects that oil found on Adelaide Beach last week was dumped from a passing ship and not a leak from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, Aviation and Transport Minister Glenys Hanna Martin told the House of Assembly.

Armed robbery suspect faces court

THREE men and a juvenile were charged in separate matters, including armed robbery, housebreaking, stealing and burglary, in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Man who killed lover with a cutlass challenges sentence

PRINCE Hepburn, the contractor convicted of the brutal murder of his lover Nellie Mae Brown-Cox, challenged his murder sentence at the Court of Appeal yesterday on the grounds that he was suffering from “diminished responsibility” at the time of the murder.

Man guilty of forcing girl, 9, to perform oral sex gets extra time to argue appeal

THE Court of Appeal yesterday gave more time to a lawyer to familiarise himself with his client’s case as the defendant contests a conviction for forcing a nine-year-old girl to perform oral sex on him.

Munroe: You don’t need new bail restrictions - you need faster court cases

A PROMINENT lawyer said the government should focus on promptly trying accused criminals to keep them off the street as he explained why it was “unnecessary” for new bail restrictions.

Chinese Ambassador speaks to the next generation of leaders

OPTIMISTIC about the status and future of relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Bahamas, Chinese Ambassador to the Bahamas Yuan Guisen gave a distinguished lecture recently to student leaders at The College of the Bahamas.

Businesses 'on their own' in VAT readiness

Bahamian businesses are “on their own” in preparing for Value-Added Tax (VAT), the head of a BISX-listed retail group yesterday suggesting there was no appreciation for the massive overnight re-pricing challenge facing his sector.

Gov't yet to keep Freeport tax roll back promises

The Government has yet to keep its promise to completely roll back the 2013-2014 Budget tax/fee increases imposed on Freeport, with the city’s private sector still “living at the whim of the Government”

Finlaysons ‘seeking’ Solomon’s Mines sale

Solomon’s Mines owner yesterday confirmed it was “definitely” seeking to sell the luxury goods retailer, with several potential buyers understood to be competing for the acquisition.

AML targeting full year '12 cent' dividend yield

AML Foods believes it will generate a full-year dividend yield of $0.11-$0.12 per share, after it yesterday unveiled an almost 10-fold year-over-year net income increase for its second quarter.

Law firm stages 10th legal clinic

The Halsbury Chambers law firm will hosts its 10th annual Free Legal Clinic, under the theme ‘Information You Need for the Life You Want’ this Saturday at its Village Road offices between 9am and 3pm.

Bahamas promoted at regional conference

The Bahamas’ commercial ties to Latin America were underlined on September 4 at the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Latin American conference in Mexico City.

Overcoming workplace generation differences

Much has been written on the behavioural tendencies of the different generations in the workplace.

Freeport services VAT's 'checks and balances'

Despite criticism that the Government’s plan to levy Value-Added Tax (VAT) on services transactions between Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees would likely generate zero revenue for the Public Treasury, a senior finance official yesterday suggested the move was more about “checks and balances”.

Central Revenue Agency created by 'middle-2015'

The Government’s Central Revenue Agency (CRA) could be created by mid-2015, a senior Ministry of Finance official said yesterday, adding that it would “certainly” come into being before next year ended.

Bowleg new head coach of men's national basketball team

MARIO Bowleg, first vice president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, has now assumed the head coaching job for the men’s national basketball team.

The lessons of the World Cup and how The Bahamas can benefit

I WAS fortunate enough to represent The Bahamas at the recent FIFA/CONCACAF/CONEMBOL World Cup 2014 conference in Panama and was blown away by the organisation of the event and the information provided about the World Cup.

Sports in brief

FINANCIAL BOWLING

Man given mandatory minimum has sentence for gun possession cut

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Free legal clinic

LAW firm Halsbury Chambers will host its 10th annual free legal clinic on Saturday at its office located on Village Road.

Briefly

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Clubs and Societies 09/19/2014

Cycling Club Bahamas. - Saturday, September 20 - The Potcakeman Tri http://www.baarkbahamas.com/potcakeman-2014-triathlon.

RENALDO'S RAMBLINGS: NFL picks week three

The “The Movie Outtakes Masquerading As An NFL Game” award presented by the prison guard team from The Longest Yard - The Buffalo Bills Defence. Whatever the amount of time was that the Dolphins spent recovering and nursing their injuries this week, it wasn’t enough.

Webshops 'accountable' for effects of gambling'

SOCIAL Services Minister Melanie Griffin yesterday said the Gaming Bill will now hold web shop operators accountable for ensuring that “counselling, education” and “assistance” are provided for “compulsive gamblers”.

'It was never TUC's intention to shut the country down'

TRADE Union Congress President Obie Ferguson said that despite leading a strike last week, which interrupted public health care services, it was never his intention to “shut the country down.”

Car stolen from yard of FNM deputy leader

FNM DEPUTY Leader Loretta Butler-Turner said she feels “uneasy” and “violated” after one of her cars was stolen from her yard on Tuesday night.

Bill passed to scrap mandatory minimums

A BILL to abolish the controversial mandatory minimum sentences implemented by the former Ingraham administration was one of a compendium of bills debated in the House of Assembly yesterday as part of the government’s effort to modernise the judicial system and curb crime in the country.

Ebola rumour ‘completely untrue’

HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez last night shot down “bogus” reports that a patient died in Doctors Hospital after contracting the Ebola virus.

No snub for Minnis, says FNM deputy amid claims of tensions

FNM DEPUTY Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday denied she had “snubbed” party leader Dr Hubert Minnis at a private event that was held for her in North Abaco over the weekend.

Hotels to pay up $2m after being threatened with disconnection

BEC Chairman Leslie Miller yesterday said he had no regrets over his recent threat of disconnection to three hotels in western New Providence - and that two hotels have promised to pay $2m today.

New rules to tackle illegal immigration

IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell announced that government will impose new immigration restrictions in a bid to clamp down on illegal migration, particularly from Haiti.

Ammunition and $200,000 worth of stolen cars found in container

MORE than $200,000 worth of stolen vehicles, ammunition and electronics were discovered by the Department of Customs and police after an extensive investigation into what is believed to be a major smuggling operation with ties to the United States.

Court must now consider the safety of victims

A DAY after a man on bail was taken into police custody charged with murder, the Christie administration outlined restrictions in a Bill to Amend the Bail Act that aims to lessen the number of violent offenders who receive bail.

Late bill costs client interest payment

INTEREST on $50,000 in legal costs the Court of Appeal awarded former prosecutor Cheryl Grant-Bethell, who was by-passed for promotion to prosecutions’ director, was reduced because her bill was filled too late.

Ferguson hopes to position himself for pro football career

IN his senior collegiate season, Demetrius Ferguson hopes to position himself for a career in pro football following his tenure with St Francis Xavier University X-Men.

'Celebrating 50 years of glory in the Bahamas'

THE Bahamas Olympic Committee, in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, officially kicked off the public campaign to commemorate one of the greatest feats in Bahamian sporting history.

US couple arrested after drugs and cash found

AN American couple was arrested in Abaco after they were accused of having illegal drugs and more than $70,000 in cash at Hope Town, police reported.

Five Cubans held after being caught in Bahamas waters

FIVE Cubans were arrested in Bahamian territory by Royal Bahamas Defence Force marines on routine patrol early yesterday morning.

Man held and cocaine seized

POLICE arrested a 40-year-old man on Monday after they searched his vehicle and discovered cocaine with a street value of $12,500.

Horses at rehabilitation centre targeted by thieves

FOR several weeks, horses at a drug rehabilitation facility have been repeatedly targeted by thieves.

Air traffic union has held strike poll

LASHAN Gray, president of the Bahamas Air Traffic Controller’s Union, yesterday said it is “prepared to act” if the Department of Civil Aviation does not refrain from continuing to “victimise” two employees and bring resolution to “outstanding” health matters plaguing the union’s members.

Lawyer wants to quiz prosecutor over claim of death threats

A MAN applying for bail ahead of his murder trial wants to probe a prosecutor’s claim that he threatened her with death.

Moody's: Fiscal deficits 'double' Gov't estimates

The Bahamas’ fiscal deficits for the two upcoming Budget years will be double what the Government is projecting, with Moody’s branding its consolidation targets as “hard to achieve” due to the weak economy.

Chamber chief: Delay joining WTO until 2017

The Bahamas should “put off” becoming a full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership until 2017, a leading private sector executive said yesterday, as this would provide enough time to assess Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) performance.

Gov't 'undecided' over Freeport services VAT

The Opposition’s finance spokesman says the Government is yet to decide whether to levy Value-Added Tax (VAT) on services transactions between Grand Bahama Port Authority licensees, a situation he branded as “crazy”.

Burger King adds 61 jobs

Burger King (Nassau) has invested almost $1 million to launch its latest restaurant on Carmichael Road, a move that will create 61 jobs.

Tie web shop taxes to VAT rate increases

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s (BCCEC) chairman yesterday called for web shop taxes to be bound to the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate, so that they increased whenver the latter did.

Key Water Corp contractor beating loss reduction goal

A key Water & Sewerage Corporation (WSC) contractor yesterday said it was “well ahead” of its 2014 target to reduce water system losses to 5.49 million gallons per day, having replaced 25 per cent of New Providence’s service connections.

Moody's 'validates' private sector energy reform push

Moody’s believes the Bahamian economy will experience “major improvement” if the Government successfully executes energy reform, adding that this could also “offset” Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) cost impact.

ART OF GRAPHIX: Websites which deliver answers

Most business owners are aware of the benefits that come from owning a website, but perhaps do not know how to create one. They are left with no other choice but to hire a web designer, a big step in the right direction.

Gov't urged to develop New Providence Land Use Plan

Outspoken attorney Fred Smith has urged the Government to fulfill its legal obligation to introduce a Land Use Plan (LUP) for New Providence, and called on it to stop behaving “like a dictatorship”.

A Woman On A Mission

By ALESHA CADET

Remnant Tabernacle holds first pastoral election in 14 years

THE Remnant Tabernacle of Praise will be holding its official pastoral election on September 20 on the church premises.

Spiritual embargo

By Kevin L A Ewing

Freedom from sexual immorality

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Advice on generators

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Long Island's Holy Cross celebrates 'Feast of title'

PARISHIONERS in Long Island have recognised that September is like no other month on the calendar because it signifies patronal festival fever.

Before I die

By Rev Angela C Bosfield Palacious

MacDonald's executives in team building focus

The senior leadership at DanBrad Ltd, the MacDonald’s franchise owners, held their first annual management retreat in Harbour Island on September 5.

Briefly

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Bahamas' Archbishop Patrick Pinder appointed to high Vatican office

THE Vatican announced this week that Pope Francis has appointed Patrick Pinder, Archbishop of Nassau and president the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), as a member of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.

Enshrine marriage

EDITOR, The Tribune.

A petition to the Prime Minister

EDITOR, The Tribune.

They 'Ready For Di Road'

WITH anticipation building for the inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, local companies are getting together to host various party and promotion events in the lead-up to the big event next May.

‘Reno’ Johnson to face ‘ghost’ fighter this weekend

Tureano ‘Reno’ Johnson left town yesterday for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where he will be facing his next opponent on Saturday.

Drugs retrial forced after pair are denied right to unsworn testimony

TWO men previously convicted of being involved in a $500,000 drug smuggling plot will be retried in Magistrate’s Court.

Pinder: My ministry is ready to police gaming industry

FINANCIAL Services Minister Ryan Pinder said yesterday his ministry is ready to police the expanded gaming industry and ensure financial compliance once the Gaming Bill is passed in the Senate.

'Christie has failed as the leader of the nation'

FNM Chairman Darron Cash said yesterday Prime Minister Perry Christie “failed miserably” as the nation’s leader and minister of finance by neglecting to explain to the public the ramifications a “no” vote in the gaming referendum would have on the Bahamian economy.

Life sentence for murder case reduced to 35 years in jail

A MAN seeking “time served” for a 1987 murder had his life sentence reduced to 35 years’ imprisonment yesterday.

Defence Force arrests illegal immigrants

NEARLY 100 Haitian immigrants were arrested by Royal Bahamas Defence Force officials in the Exuma chain on Monday.

FNM Deputy: Govt is to blame for referendum delay

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner questioned whether postponing a date for the gender equality referendum to 2015 was too long, but said the government had only itself to blame because the entire process was mishandled.

Policeman cleared of raping under-age girl

A SUPREME Court jury yesterday unanimously acquitted a police officer of the statutory rape of an underage girl.

A literary work of art

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Dead man was relative of victim in murder case

A MAN recently released from prison on a murder charge is back in police custody after he allegedly shot and killed a man during an argument yesterday morning.

A new start for media as Bahamas press club launches new initiatives

THE Bahamas Press Club has announced a “new start” to its initiatives after years of dormancy.

Ministry of Tourism launches culinary month

TAKING to Pompey Square yesterday, the Ministry of Tourism announced the launch of Culinary Month, an initiative designed to celebrate Bahamian cuisine.

iCreate Music Seminar to dispel industry myths

HAVING connections in the music business is a key ingredient to an artist’s success and will yield faster results than just talent alone, according to local music producer Gregory Collie.

New play tackles controversial abortion topic

FOLLOWING the incorporation of Bahama Hand Prints as well as work by local artists in the latest upgrade to its property, Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel in the Sandyport Marina is now calling on other creative-minded Bahamians to contribute.

Miss Cultural Bahamas contestants unveiled

THE contestants in this year’s Miss Cultural Bahamas pageant were unveiled at a special event over weekend.

Nygard 'obstruction of justice' claims

Peter Nygard was yesterday accused of “obstructing justice” by seeking to contact a whistleblower allegedly possessing video footage showing the Canadian fashion mogul’s “political corruption in the Bahamas”.

Link to help the development of future engineers

THE development of future civil engineers, a critical sector of the country’s economy, has received a boost with the announcement of a collaboration between the Bahamas Society of Engineers (BSE) and the corporate sector.

Job advice for young Bahamians at COB event

SCORES of young Bahamians were given job advice yesterday by panellists at the College of The Bahamas’ Career Symposium.

Man killed as pickup truck and dump truck collide

AUTHORITIES in Long Island are investigating a traffic accident that claimed the life of a man on Monday morning.

East Grand Bahama as you've never seen it before

ENTREPRENEUR and bird enthusiast H Rudy Sawyer is sharing his passion for bird watching and love for nature by taking visitors and locals on a unique nature tour adventure in East Grand Bahama.

Freeport services VAT: 'No Gov't revenue gain'

The Government’s plan to levy Value-Added Tax (VAT) on services transactions between Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees was yesterday described as “peculiar”, given that it would likely generate zero revenue for the Public Treasury.

Govt 'hard ball' over web shops

The Gaming Bill and accompanying regulatory package fails to address the multi-million dollar ‘parallel banking system’ created by a web shop industry that is unlikely to “suddenly give that up”, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

MP: What about existing web shop loans?

The Gaming Bill and accompanying regulatory package fails to address the multi-million dollar ‘parallel banking system’ created by a web shop industry that is unlikely to “suddenly give that up”, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

Betty K employee wins 'wrongful dismissal' case

The Court of Appeal yesterday upheld an ex-Betty K Agencies employee’s wrongful dismissal claim, expressing surprise that her supervisor was not fired instead for “misplacing a large sum of money”.

Credit union poised for a 'banner year'

A well-known credit union yesterday said it was poised for another “banner year” in 2014, despite a Central Bank of the Bahamas report noting that the overall economic climate meant key indicators of the sector’s health had “shown signs of weakening” last year.

'Surprise' Gaming Bill passed before bank OK

The Free National Movement’s (FNM) finance spokesman said yesterday he was “very surprised” that the Christie administration had moved ahead with the Gaming Bill despite still consulting the Central Bank and the Clearing Bank Association on the reforms.

Web shops 'one step' in tackling informal economy

The Gaming Bill’s legalisation of web shops was yesterday described by a leading private sector executive as just “one step” in a much-needed effort to tackle the informal economy.

BOC recognises gymnasts who qualified for 2015 Pan Am Games

By BRENT STUBBS

Sabbatini making impact with men's national volleyball team

IN an effort to improve their calibre of play from the junior to the senior level, the Bahamas Volleyball Federation has brought in renowned, certified international coach Augusto Jose Sabbatini of Mexico.

Nine athletes to benefit from scholarship programme

NINE athletes from tennis, swimming, athletics and judo will benefit from the Bahamas Olympic Committee’s Solidarity Scholarship Programme for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

'This is not the end for women in boxing'

KAYLA Johnson, the first Bahamian coach, will be making history as she gets the opportunity to participate in a high-level boxing course.

Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers song contest officially begins

AS THE Bahamas prepares to host the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in June of 2015, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology began the search for a song that will herald the importance of education and promote unity between member states of the Commonwealth.

'King of Comedy' celebrates 65th birthday with new play

THE Caribbean’s “King of Comedy” Oliver Samuels is bringing his latest theatre production, “Dollyhouse” to the Bahamas.

MARKETING REVOLUTION: 'Delight' in repeat customer business

My old boss Ron Johnson used to say: “The goal of being in business is not just to keep customers, but to keep customers for a long time. And the only way you can do that is to delight your customer.”

Lawyer says government is stalling on Freedom of Information to avoid scrutiny

PROMINENT lawyer Fred Smith, QC, has hit out at the announcement that there may be no Freedom of Information Act brought to Parliament until 2016, saying the legislation is already long overdue and accusing government of stalling in an effort to avoid increased public scrutiny.

Briefly

THE gambling debate in the Bahamas has always been surreal - part of a weird fantasy world that is difficult to navigate with logic. And the weirdness continued in Parliament this week.

No ugency to reduce murder

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Dysfunctional governance

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Things 2 Do

• Instinct Art Show The Instinct Art Show, which opens at the Central Bank Art Gallery on Thursday, is all about talented women and their unique perspective of the world. The exhibit will highlight nine prominent women who produce fine art and focus on their passions. The nine women include Sue Bennett-Williams, Chantal Bethel, Lisa Codella, Jessica Colebrooke, Claudette Dean, Susan Katz-Lightbourn, Holly Parotti, Ana-Lisa Wells and Nadine Seymour-Munroe.

A young girl's birthday wish to see again

ELEVEN-year-old Ravyn Deveaux’s birthday wish is to be able to see again after she undergoes surgery on her eyes for the fifth time.

Why hide FATF’s advice to the Bahamas?

PHEW! Doesn’t it seem complicated! Makes one want to find the nearest armchair to sit down to take it all in!

From half to whole - bestselling author speaks at Singles Summit 2014

LOOKING for a “better half” consumes a large chunk of many a single person’s time. Many find themselves jumping in and out of relationships, forever on a quest to find a sense of identity and true love, only to be left disappointed once again.

Scotland divided: Nation state or state of the Union?

Nine days ago, a poll in the run-up to this week’s referendum on independence for Scotland sent shockwaves through the political establishment in Britain.

The view on the street over gambling

DESPITE the majority vote against the legalising of web shops and establishing a national lottery last year, the Gaming bill to legalise web shops has been passed by Parliament.

Christie warns religious leaders not to get involved in politics

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday warned religious leaders against getting involved in politics as he defended his morality and that of government members of parliament.

PM disappointed in Rollins

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said he was personally disappointed in Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins’ recent public statements that have been critical of him and his administration.

Anti-corruption investigators to examine the Bahamian economy

THE Bahamas will come under investigation next week from the Organisation of American States to determine its compliance with anti-corruption measures.

‘Clifton oil leak would go other direction from Adelaide Beach’

BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation Executive Chairman Leslie Miller yesterday emphatically denied that its Clifton Pier plant was the source of a significant oil leak near Adelaide Beach.

BEC seeks to buy or lease six new generators

A TEAM of engineers from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation is in Florida today to purchase or lease six new generators for the New Providence and Family Islands, the corporation’s Executive Chairman Leslie Miller said yesterday.

Man dies after shooting

Police are on the scene of a murder on Adderley Street in Fox Hill.

Christian Council hits back at Christie

BAHAMAS Christian Council President Rev Dr Ranford Patterson yesterday warned the Christie administration that a “greater proliferation” of gamblers would emerge in the country when the government enacts the Gaming Bill adding that the Department of Social Services would be further “stretched” as a result.

Public voted no - but MPs vote yes to legalising the webshops

THE Gaming Bill was passed in the House of Assembly yesterday following months of public debate and controversy over the government’s plans to regulate and tax webshops.

Dr Bernard Nottage makes announcement

THE anticipated November 6 constitutional referendum on gender equality has been postponed to 2015 at a date to be announced, Bain and Grants Town MP Dr Bernard Nottage said in the House of Assembly yesterday.

The woman who dares to feed sharks

NOT many people are brave enough to swim with sharks, much less feed them, but Rachelle Lazarre is proving an exception by becoming the first Bahamian woman shark feeder.

Y98's Anthony "AC" Coakley

FOR years you have heard their voices; they are a familiar and entertaining presence on the airwaves, and now you will get to put a face to your favourite Tribune Radio House personalities.

Bahamian pair granted bail in Belize following arrest

TWO Bahamian men arrested at an airport in Belize last week were granted bail yesterday. The men, Kelvin Leach and Rohn Knowles, were charged for allegedly failing to declare $20,000 on arrival at the Philip SW Goldson International Airport on Friday.

Teen jailed for 15 years over fatal shooting

A TEEN, who admitted his guilt to the fatal shooting of a man 10 years his senior, will spend the next 15 years in jail receiving counselling in anger management.

Credit unions focus 73% of lending on consumers

Bahamian credit unions have concentrated more than two-thirds of their lending in “small scale consumer purchases”, with the sector’s delinquency ratio ending 2013 some two percentage points higher than international benchmarks.

Unions unhappy at lack of transparency over future of BEC

THE unions representing workers at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation criticised the “lack of transparency” in the reform of the corporation and explained in a letter sent to Prime Minister Perry Christie that they have more questions than answers after a recent meeting with the KPMG advisors on the matter.

Call for shorter lobster season

COMMERCIAL fisherman David Rose believes that a two-month delay in opening of the lobster season could result in the harvesting of a million pounds more of lobster in the Bahamas.

Murder victim shot in the head on Sunday

A 25-year-old man became the country’s latest murder victim when he was shot in the head during an altercation late on Sunday night in Yellow Elder Gardens.

Gibson: Agreement on several issues with TUC

LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson said yesterday that the government has come to “an agreement on several issues” with the Trade Union Congress after days of negotiations following strike action by the union. However, the minister would not say what these agreements were.

Mother Pratt speaks up for Urban Renewal beliefs

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia “Mother” Pratt took to the Radio House airwaves yesterday to explain Urban Renewal’s ‘One Bahamas’ philosophy.

Minister seeks law to protect land for future generations

TRANSPORT Minister Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday urged the government to revisit the Immovable Property Act before the end of its term in office.

Moms who brunch

CELEBRATING a post-baby lifestyle, Bahamian entrepreneur Keiani Worrell is using her personal experience as a mother to inspire others.

10 years for burglary and unlawful sex

A 44-year-old Grand Bahama man was given a ten-year sentence at Her Majesty’s Prison after pleading guilty to burglary and unlawful sexual intercourse on Monday in the Supreme Court.

Bostwick court case to start in December

A JUDGE yesterday delayed the expected start of the ammunition possession trial for former Senator John Bostwick Jr until December.

Search for $210,000 catamaran

ABACO police are searching for a $210,000 catamaran that was reported stolen from the Conch Inn Hotel Marina in Marsh Harbour.

Gov’t permits multiple web shop equity stakes

Web shop owners will be allowed to hold an equity interest in more than one legalised operator, even though the Government wishes to see ownership that is “as broad-based as possible”.

Regulation ‘suspicions’ delay oil explorer’s JV partner search

The Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) efforts to secure a joint venture exploration partner have been hit by increasing “suspicions” over the Government’s delay in releasing the new regulatory platform for the sector, it was revealed yesterday.

Chamber chairman fears NHI disposable income wipe-out

The proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme’s financing mechanism could wipe out Bahamians’ disposable income and “hurt the economy”, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman warned yesterday.

Auto dealer: VAT driving ‘high-end’ 12% sales surge

A Bahamian auto dealer said yesterday that a 12 per cent year-over-year increase in sales of his high-end vehicles was likely being driven by a pre-Value-Added Tax (VAT) rush, adding that he was “a little concerned” that trend would be shortlived.

Inequality as violence

AS THE scourge of domestic violence spreads and invades our everyday lives, we are not surprised by the new victims, nor are we surprised by the perpetrators.

Yankees' Richardson has three stolen bases so far

THE history-making feats continue for Antoan Richardson during his stint with the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball.

Sports in brief

THE Bahamas Basketball Federation has announced that it is scheduled to hold a Level 1 Basketball Coaches Clinic specifically designed for basketball mentors that are employed in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools.

'I hope to bring home the crown for the Bahamas'

NOW coached by Wellington ‘Cat’ Sears, a rejuvenated bodybuilder Michelle Miller is eager to be heading to her first Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships where she will be competing in the women’s body fitness category.

Lineman Christopher Ferguson chooses to redshirt freshman season

WHILE the coaching staff on both sides of the ball vied for the services of lineman Christopher Ferguson, the Bahamian native chose to redshirt his true freshman season to better prepare himself for next year.

Briefly

Rush for iPhone6

Why hide FATF's advice to the Bahamas?

PHEW! Doesn’t it seem complicated! Makes one want to find the nearest armchair to sit down to take it all in!

Controlling oily shine

By Sarah Beek

G R Sweeting lends helping hand to Ranfurly Home

G R SWEETING’S Clarks and The Shoe Village stores are lending a helping hand to a local non-profit organisation in need of financial assistance.

Temporomandibular disorders - what to do

BY DR SPARKMAN

Water and sewerage moves towards electronic billing

THE Water and Sewerage Corporation is joining the ranks of progressive companies that provides billing by e-Notifications. This allows customers to get account notifications on their smart phones, tablets or computers.

Cincinnati Reds sign players Munroe, Rolle

By BRENT STUBBS

The wisdom of the body

By THE BAHAMAS

REACH stretched to last dollar, Sure Win steps in

WITH $1 in the bank, REACH – the organisation that is the lifeline for children with autism, their parents, teachers and caregivers – was on the brink of falling off a financial cliff when benefactors Sure Win stepped in.

Man shot dead during altercation

A 25-year-old man became the country’s latest murder victim after he was shot in the head during an altercation late Sunday night.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: National stadium hosts Texas Southern Tigers against Central State Marauders

The Texas Southern Tigers scored two touchdowns on the ground and another two in the air to claim the inaugural Bahamas HBCUX Classic 2014.

INSIGHT: Christie administration's unanswered questions

The deafening silence from the Christie administration on several issues of national importance is frustrating to voters. Tribune News Editor Taneka Thompson analyses the situation.

None of my business . . .

We have a brand new airport. It is beautiful and will open the door to more tourist dollars if properly directed. But we are told that the government barely has the money to keep its bathrooms stocked with toilet paper. Yet they found $3 million somewhere to build a brand new freight and office building?

Will BAMSI be another Hatchet Bay or BARTAD?

BAHAMAS Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has been described as an autonomous body located in North Andros and scheduled to open on September 29. It was announced that it will offer accredited associate degrees and certificates through its partnership with The College of the Bahamas.

'PM no longer has moral authority to govern the nation'

FNM Chairman Darron Cash criticised Prime Minister Perry Christie and Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis for “declaring war on the church” with their recent statements on the gambling issue.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: A welcome dissenting voice to controversial gaming bill

LET’S be honest, former Gaming Board chairman Dr Andre Rollins is evolving into a political rock star and upstaged every speaker contributing to the debate on the new Gaming Bill—grabbing all the newspaper headlines and setting tongues wagging—whilst also overshadowing the Official Opposition’s entire parliamentary caucus.

Mystery oil spill leaves Adelaide beach blackened

THE Ministry of Transport and Aviation has pledged that determining the source of an ongoing oil leak in the Clifton Pier area is a “priority” for the Christie administration.

Bahamians in fraud probe held in Belize

TWO Bahamian men were arrested on Friday at an airport in Belize three days after they were indicted by US federal prosecutors over an alleged $500 million securities fraud and money laundering scheme, according to a Belize news report.

FNM Deputy calls for clarity over referendum plans

FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner has urged the Christie administration to specify its intentions for the constitutional referendum on gender equality as the proposed November 6 date for the vote gets nearer.

More strike talks today

THE Trade Union Congress will resume negotiations with the government at 9am today with a view to bring closure to long-standing issues that sparked a three-day strike last week, The Tribune understands.

Wilchcombe blasts rebel Rollins over ‘immaturity’

OBIE Wilchcombe, West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP, has branded outspoken Fort Charlotte representative Dr Andre Rollins’ ongoing controversial comments in the House of Assembly as “political immaturity” in need of “reconciliation” from not only constituents but from the Progressive Liberal Party’s council.

PM pays tribute to murdered aide

PRIME Minister Perry Christie highlighted Latore Mackey’s commitment to fighting crime at the funeral of his former press secretary on Saturday, adding that the government could honour the 37-year-old’s memory by establishing programmes to curb crime in the country.

Lawyer calls for murder suspect to be denied bail

EXPRESSING concern in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court last week about a death threat allegedly made against her by a man charged with murder, a senior prosecutor in the Office of the Attorney General is urging a Supreme Court justice to deny bail to the applicant who is awaiting the start of his next murder trial.

Car stolen at gunpoint

AUTHORITIES say they need the public’s help in solving a robbery in which a man was held at gunpoint and his vehicle stolen early yesterday morning in the Sea Breeze Lane area.

Tourism minister sees no need to table taskforce recommendations

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday he does not see the necessity of tabling the Financial Action Task Force’s recommendations on the Christie administration’s new Gaming Bill, which were made nearly two months ago.

One shot, three stabbed in weekend incidents

SEVERAL people were stabbed during a domestic dispute and a man was shot in two separate incidents in New Providence over the weekend. Police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.

Sigma Wildcats get 11-6 win over the Black Scorpions

THE pennant winning Sigma Wildcats continue to roll along in the women’s division of the New Providence Softball Association.

Praise for hard work that earned certificates

A GROUP of 80 public servants were yesterday awarded their certificates by the Ministry of Public Services for completing their upgrading programme in office procedures, keyboard skills, bookkeeping and accounts and English Language at both BJC and BGCSE level.

Anthonique Strachan fourth in 200, Chris Brown and Americas 4 x 400 relay third

ANTHONIQUE Strachan raced to a fourth place finish in the women’s 200 metres, while Chris ‘the Fireman’ Brown and the men’s 4 x 400 metre relay team had to settle for third place as the Americas team relinquished their title to Europe as the 12th IAAF Continental Cup came to a close on Sunday.

BAAA member Jennings dies at 37

THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is mourning the loss of another one of its members.

Gov't told: 'Stop buck passing' on Nassau harbour boardwalk

An ex-Deputy Prime Minister has urged the Government to “stop buck passing” and decide final plans for Nassau’s harbourfront boardwalk, a project deemed “critical” to better distributing cruise tourists along Bay Street.

'Confusion' between VAT law, guidance must be eliminated

A Tax Coalition co-chair has called for apparent differences between the Value-Added Tax (VAT) legislation and ‘guidance notes’ to be “resolved”, agreeing that there was “confusion between the two”.

VAT to put dive boats, charters 'out of business'

A Tax Coalition co-chair has expressed concern that Value-Added Tax (VAT) could make Bahamian tour/dive boat operators and charter companies uncompetitive against international rivals and “put them out of business”.

Gov't 'undecided' over Freeport services VAT

The Opposition’s finance spokesman says the Government is yet to decide whether to levy Value-Added Tax (VAT) on services transactions between Grand Bahama Port Authority licensees, a situation he branded as “crazy”.

PM meets RBC over web shops

Prime Minister Perry Christie met Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) on Friday to discuss web shop gaming, with a Cabinet Minister pledging the Government “can’t at all compromise” the financial services industry’s integrity.

Freeport's supply chain benefits pushed globally

A senior Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) executive has presented Freeport’s potential advantages as an assembly and distribution hub to a global audience.

Food retailers to make renewed price control reform push post-VAT

The Retail Grocers Association has not abandoned its push for an increase in price control margins, with its members likely to make a renewed reform push once Value-Added Tax (VAT) implementation is behind them.

Hurricanes in dominant 36-13 win over Seawolves

THE Holland College Hurricanes’ quest for a second consecutive and third Atlantic Football League title in school history got off to a promising start in the season opener.

Commission unveils scholarship recipient

The Securities Commission of the Bahamas has selected Jarod Fowler as the first recipient of the Timothy B. Donaldson Apprenticeship Programme, which includes a four-year scholarship to the College of the Bahamas (CO) and simultaneous job training with the regulator.

Genting buys Bimini hotel site for $24.6m

Genting’s BB Entertainment subsidiary is investing $24.6 million to acquire a 6.6 hectare site upon which it is building a new 307-room hotel in Bimini.

Helicopter tour expands to drive business boost

A helicopter tour company is hoping to drive more business by opening a restaurant and bar on Bay Street, a move that will create an initial six to eight jobs.

Tropical storm no threat to land

TROPICAL Storm Edouard strengthened into a hurricane yesterday in the central Atlantic with sustained winds of 80mph, although it was expected to remain far out at sea and pose no threat to land.

Man dies in Eleuthera traffic accident

Eleuthera police are investing a traffic fatality today after a 19-year-old male of James Cistern died after losing control of his vehicle shortly after midnight.

STRIKE IS OVER SAYS TUC LEADER

NEGOTIATIONS between the government and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) came to a screeching halt yesterday after officials learned that some unions were still withholding their labour as part of a national strike that began on Wednesday.

Cubans attempt to burn down dormitory at Detention Centre

THIRTEEN Cuban nationals were taken to Her Majesty’s Prison after they became disorderly and attempted to burn down a dormitory at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell confirmed yesterday,

Man free after unanimous not guilty verdict

A MAN walked free from a possible life sentence yesterday after a Supreme Court jury unanimously acquitted him of attempted murder.

Three Romanians deny involvementin ATM hacking

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Three charged in connection with hold-up of food store manager

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Gender equality billls 'could be altered' for referendum

By NICO SCAVELLA

Little Bahama Bank 'on verge of collapse'

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Cybots take 3-1 lead

THE Bamboo Shack Cybots moved one game closer to winning the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association’s 2014 championship title.

Pinder accuses rival union president of misleading his members

BAHAMAS Public Services Union President John Pinder yesterday criticised Trade Union Congress President Obie Ferguson for “misleading” members of the TUC and said Mr Ferguson’s recent actions were not “in the best interest of workers in the country”.

TUC files court action to lift strike injunction

THE Trade Union Congress filed an application in the Supreme Court yesterday to have an injunction, which prevents its members from furthering an industrial action, lifted immediately.

‘Authorities doing nothing’ to find missing turkish men

A RELATIVE of two Turkish men who have been missing for the past two and half years has criticised authorities, accusing them of “doing nothing” to bring closure to a case allegedly connected to a botched human smuggling operation.

AG's office loses file of former death row inmate

COURT of Appeal judges were told yesterday that the Attorney General’s Office file for a former death row inmate cannot be found.

Opening date chosen for new Critical Care Block

PUBLIC Hospitals Authority Managing Director Herbert Brown said yesterday that a date has been “identified” for the opening of the Princess Margaret Hospital’s new Critical Care Block. It is only awaiting Cabinet’s approval.

Cuban officer held at Detention Centre classed as refugee

THE CUBAN military officer being held at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre has been classified as a refugee by the United Nations, according to legal counsel for the detainee yesterday.

FNM calls for taskforce advice on webshops to be tabled

FREE National Movement Deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday urged the Christie administration to table the Financial Action Task Force’s recommendations that were given to Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson nearly two months ago in Paris.

Gibson calls for meeting to resolve strike

LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson yesterday challenged the members of the Trade Union of Congress to meet with him at his office at 9am today “to resolve all their issues once and for all.”

MP hits out discrimination in gaming bill

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins yesterday forecast that the Progressive Liberal Party will not win the 2017 general election over its handling of regulating webshop gaming.

Gov't VAT error slammed as 'downright ignorance'

The Government was yesterday accused of being “downright ignorant” on Freeport’s business environment, after a Value-Added Tax (VAT)-related blunder caused “widespread panic” among the city’s private sector.

Clubs and societies 11/12/14

Cycling Club Bahamas. - Tomorrow – Give a Child a Ride bike ride and race, 6:30am in Pompey Square, Down Town Nassau, http://www.giveachildaride.com.

Fishermen told to donate to charity over crawfish catch

THREE fishermen must donate a combined $1,650 to a local charity after they pleaded guilty in Magistrates Court yesterday to being in possession of 40lbs of undersized crawfish.

PM says gaming laws are a model for other nations

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday touted the “integrity” of the government’s gaming legislation saying countries around the world have requested the documents with a view to modelling their systems after it.

Former Haitian president under house arrest

FORMER Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide is under house arrest in Port-au-Prince, according to a judge’s ruling on Tuesday.

Indicted Bahamian: 'I can orchestrate fraudulent trades'

One of the two Bahamians indicted over a $500 million money laundering scheme allegedly told an undercover US federal agent he could “orchestrate” fraudulent securities trades and did this “all the time”.

Group ‘emphatically’ rejects City Meat pension solution

A group of former City Market employees have “emphatically” and “outright” rejected a preference share offering by the Finlayson family as an alternative security for their pensions, a spokesman told Tribune Business yesterday.

'Reinvest VAT monies in economy stimulus'

A Bahamian fraud expert has urged the Government to use some of its Value-Added Tax (VAT) windfall as an “economic stimulus”, and counter a likely initial increase in unemployment caused by the new tax.

Group 'emphatically' rejects City Meat pension solution

A group of former City Market employees have “emphatically” and “outright” rejected a preference share offering by the Finlayson family as an alternative security for their pensions, a spokesman told Tribune Business yesterday.

Central Bank is 'still evaluating' Gaming Bill

The Central Bank of the Bahamas is “still evaluating” the Gaming Bill 2014 and accompanying regulations/legislation to determine whether they conform with international anti-money laundering standards, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

Coaches to take it to the next level

AFTER a successful hosting of their first Level One Certification Course overseas last November, the United States of American Track and Field (USATF) will be reuniting with the Bahamas Association of Athletic Coaches (BAAC) for their second course next week.

Briefly

BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s main Western-backed opposition group on Thursday welcomed President Barack Obama’s authorisation of US airstrikes targeting the Islamic State group inside Syria, saying it stands “ready and willing” to partner with the international community to defeat the extremists.

Our leaders have lost track

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Food retailers echo VAT 'exclusive' price call

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Environmentalists express Bimini development fears

A group of international conservation experts has expressed serious concern over the environmental impact caused by the ongoing resort construction on Bimini.

Group 'emphatically' rejects City Meat pension solution

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Say no to BEC increase

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Career change healthy.... if done for right reasons

By Ian Ferguson

Disruption affects airport as workers take action

MORE than 100 hotel workers, Customs & Immigration officers, and nurses did not report to work on Wednesday in support of a strike initiated by the Trade Union Congress over a number of outstanding issues with government and the private sector.

‘Very little impact’ at immigration

INDUSTRIAL action by Customs and Immigration officers yesterday had “very little” impact on daily operations, according to the heads of both government departments.

Man faces jail and $60,000 fine for smuggling Haitian immigrants

A MAN accused of knowingly aiding in the illegal landing of 12 Haitian immigrants faces up to a $60,000 fine and two years imprisonment if convicted.

Wilchcombe and Minnis clash over FNM's previous position on legalising webshops

WEST Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe yesterday blasted Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis over his stance against the legalisation and regularisation of webshops.

Staff could face pay cuts, be fired - and also risk jail

THE Supreme Court yesterday issued an injunction on behalf of the government ordering members of the Bahamas Nurses Union, the Bahamas Customs and Immigration Allied Workers Union and the Bahamas Educators Managerial Union to abandon their national strike and return to work “forthwith” or risk being in contempt of court.

UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Union says strike to continue

THE Trade Union Congress is expected to continue strike action today, despite claims by Director of Labour Robert Farquharson and Labour Minister Shane Gibson that the industrial action was “illegal” and “unwarranted”.

Half of nurses don’t show up to work amid strike action

PUBLIC Hospital Authority Chairman Frank Smith said despite more than 50 per cent of nurses in the capital and Grand Bahama failing to report to work yesterday health care services at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre and Grand Bahama Health Services were not “adversely affected”.

Ticket prices for college football classic reduced

THE local audience should look forward to the complete “Historically Black College and University football experience” which provides entertainment both on and off the field during a “classic” weekend, according to HBCUX network CEO and founder, Curtis Symonds.

Three named candidate masters by World Chess Federation

MIND sports, like chess, continue to increase their profile in the Bahamas and just on the heels of an historic performance in international competition, a trio of local chess veterans have received a prestigious award by the international governing body of the sport.

Gift to help children fight against cancer

THE fight against childhood forms of cancer has gained another ally. The Rotary Club of East Nassau and the SickKids Foundation have unified their efforts to align the Bahamas with its regional counterparts in improving the lives of children suffering from the many forms of childhood cancer.

Man shot and robbed

A MAN, shot in the leg and robbed of $2,100 cash early yesterday morning in Freeport, has been detained in stable condition at the Rand Memorial Hospital.

On Da Hook

AS summer winds down and anticipation builds for the coming wahoo season, people have been taking advantage of the full harvest moon this week and gone mutton fishing.

DNA suggests webshop bill is political payback

THE Democratic National Alliance yesterday questioned if the government’s Gaming Bill, which the party said caters to “the whims” of a select group, was payback for reported campaign donations from webshop bosses to the PLP ahead of the last general election.

Double murder convict's appeal proceeds next month

THE appeal hearing of a man contesting a double murder conviction is expected to proceed next month with all outstanding transcripts from his Supreme Court trial now available.

Hospital surgical theatre closed because of mold

A SURGICAL theatre attached to the Princess Margaret Hospital’s (PMH) labour ward has been closed due to mold infestation, according to Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday.

Inspection of radar station at airport after health concerns

THE Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) station at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is undergoing inspection by technicians from the Department of Environmental Health after concerns were raised recently about the health and safety of air traffic controllers working in the building.

Experts outline factors behind people turning to suicide

UNEMPLOYMENT and a lack of follow-up treatment are some of the reasons people turn to suicide, according to noted psychiatrist Dr David Allen, who gave a presentation at a suicide prevention workshop yesterday.

RENALDO'S RAMBLINGS: NFL Picks Week Two

The Steelers were impressive early on against the Browns, but only as impressive as I would be playing one-on-one basketball against a fourth grader.

Bahamians charged over alleged $500m laundering

US authorities are seeking to extradite two Bahamians from Belize, after charging them with helping to facilitate an alleged $500 million securities fraud and money laundering scheme.

Business Licence boost from property landlords

The Government may receive an unexpected revenue windfall from rental property landlords, who are now rushing to comply with Business Licence Act amendments.

Law changes boost NIB contributions over benefits outlay

The National Insurance Board’s (NIB) benefits spending would likely have exceeded its 2013 contribution income had it not been for changes mandating increased payments by civil servants and tipped hotel workers.

Gov't told: Abandon VAT on e-commerce

The Government is being urged to abandon plans to levy Value-Added Tax (VAT) on e-commerce transactions, and thereby avoid “stepping over dollars to get pennies”.

Inclusive pricing 'paramount' for VAT consumer protection

A Bahamian fraud expert yesterday backed calls for the Government to revert to Value-Added Tax (VAT) ‘exclusive pricing’, arguing that it would boost transparency and “business accountability”.

Chamber blasts union strike as 'unpatriotic'

Private sector executives yesterday blasted the Trade Union Congress (TUC) organised labour strikes as “unreasonable” and “unpatriotic”, given the weak economic environment.

ART OF GRAPHIX: Face up to Internet presence necessity

Many small business owners believe their company will not benefit from having a website due to its size, or possibly because of their inability to use a computer.

Comfort Suites gains award for third consecutive year

Comfort Suites Paradise Island is celebrating its third consecutive TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Gaming reforms to spark 200,000 visitor increase

The Bahamas is forecast to receive an extra 200,000 visitors per year as a result of reforms to casino gaming legislation, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.

Bahamas to become stem cell 'pacesetter'

The Bahamas is poised to become a world “pacesetter” in stem cell therapy and research, the Health Minister said yesterday, with the potential benefits to sports medicine and medical tourism likely to be “very significant”.

Job fair to be held at COB next week

STUDENTS at the College of The Bahamas (COB) have the opportunity to meet leading professionals in a diverse range of careers at the Career Symposium and Job Fair next week.

Renowned relationship expert to speak at Nassau Singles Summit

INTERNATIONALLY renowned relationship expert and bestselling author Ty Adams is confirmed as the special guest speaker at the 2014 Singles Summit scheduled to be held September 12-14 at the Diplomat Centre here in Nassau.

'Unsung heroine' Muriel Baker goes home

By ALESHA CADET

"Lives changed" at Addiction 3

LIVES were “drastically changed” during Addiction 3, an event geared towards the spiritual upliftment of young people.

The grade D solution

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Foolish comments by Bell

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The issues of the day

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Top three ‘most original DJ’ finalists to be revealed

A LOCAL competition that is seeking the most original Bahamian DJ will name its top three finalist in a few days time.

100 Jamz gives FlyAway winners an unforgettable experience

DO YOU have that one music artist on your bucket list, that specific singer you just have to see live in concert at one point in your life?

A bright, new chapter in Bahamian art history

IN THE hospitality industry, first impressions mean everything, forming the basis for a dynamic and meaningful guest experience that will make the Bahamas a standout global destination.

Artist gives Japanese-style comics a Bahamian twist

THE creations of local artist Danny Coleby have evolved over the years to reflect his interest in traditional as well as unconventional art forms. Today, his artwork has taken on a life of its own and he is currently building a portfolio in comic strip art.

Bowlers have high hopes for Pan Am qualifier

JONICE ‘Joy’ Lockhart, Marina McClain and Tara Johnson are scheduled to leave town on Thursday for Cali, Colombia, where they will be representing the Bahamas in the qualifying tournament for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.

Australian judges thanked for reducing Bahamas court calendar

THE Supreme Court case of Ms Marva Moxey, daughter of recently deceased Ed Moxey, renewed our interest in the five judges from “down under” who flew in from Australia in 1999 to assist the Bahamas in clearing its overburdened court calendar.

COB union says questions still remain over BAMSI

THE president of the Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas (UTEB) yesterday said he stands by his recent comments about the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) while accusing Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald of launching “personal attacks” against him.

Bahamians arrested after speedboat carrying drugs and cash stopped

TWO Bahamian men were arrested after US Coast Guard officials discovered a large quantity of marijuana and cash aboard a speedboat about ten miles northwest of Bimini.

Judge urged to jail double rapist for life

A JUDGE has been asked by the Crown to hand a life sentence to a double rape convict who is “a serial rapist” and a “danger to society”.

Verdict due Friday in attempted murder trial

A VERDICT is expected Friday in the attempted murder trial of a man accused of intentionally shooting another man who was moving around his property during his early morning devotions.

BTC has paid $244,000 fine

THE BTC has paid in full a $244,000 anti-competitive behaviour fine recently levied against the company by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), according to Chief Executive Officer Leon Williams.

'Unchristian' of BEC to make customers pay more for less

PHENTON Neymour, former State Minister for the Environment, said yesterday the government should “cover the cost” of the $30 price hike in electricity bills instead of “forcing BEC customers to pay for their incompetence.”

Relief from poor BTC service is pledged 'by November'

AMID numerous complaints of poor cellular service from Bahamas Telecommunications (BTC), company Chief Executive Officer Leon Williams promised customers yesterday that they could expect relief “by the end of October or November.”

Minnis demands audit of BAMSI

OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday demanded a fiscal audit of the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI) after it was revealed that the government has spent nearly $50m on the project.

Pinder urges BPSU members not to take part in strike

JOHN Pinder, the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) president, said yesterday his organisation will not take part in the Trade Union Congress (TUC) action and urged his 13,000 members not to get involved in a “nonsensical strike” planned by a few “greedy people” that could cost them their jobs.

VIDEO: Customs and Immigration officers, nurses in strike action

Scores of Customs and Immigration officers and nurses walked off their respective jobs around 8.30am this morning, in the first day of a "massive" strike planned by the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

National strike today says TUC

A MASSIVE shut down of services is expected across New Providence and Grand Bahama today as 20 unions which fall under the umbrella of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) will strike, union president Obie Ferguson confirmed last night.

TUC CALLS A NATIONAL STRIKE FOR TODAY

The Trade Union Congress has called a national strike for today across New Providence and Grand Bahama, which they say will affect everything from hospitals to air traffic control to customs and immigration to hotel workers.

Bahamas Central Bank hosts 2014 Art Competition

The Central Bank of the Bahamas this week announced the open category competition and exhibition component of its 31st Annual Art Competition and Exhibition to be held from Friday, October 3-31.

New magazine shines light on "Artists In Action"

WHEN the music stops and the party ends, guests of Nassau’s most popular j’ouvert event will not only go home with paint residue in their hair and on their skin, but also with the knowledge that they have contributed to a good cause.

Atlantis has smashing success with first Paradise Music Festival

Operators at the mega-resort property of Atlantis said they are still reeling after pulling off an unforgettable first-ever Paradise Music Festival, held over the US Labour Day holiday weekend.

'Afro Diaries' go global

FOR THE third time, a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural project by award-winning Bahamian artist Alexis Caputo has received an educational endorsement in the State of Florida.

'Colour Me 3: Paint Me'

WHEN the music stops and the party ends, guests of Nassau’s most popular j’ouvert event will not only go home with paint residue in their hair and on their skin, but also with the knowledge that they have contributed to a good cause.

Dancehall star Ce'Cile promotes new album

CARIBBEAN dancehall star Ce’Cile is no stranger to the Bahamas. From Nassau and Grand Bahama to the Family Islands like Bimini, Eleuthera and Abaco, the singer has brought her hit songs like “Hot Like We”, “When You’re Gone”, “Give It To Me” and “I’m Waiting” to Bahamian audiences over the years.

Foreign control of downtown Nassau ‘would be obscene’

The Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday said it would be “a bit obscene” for any foreign entity or government to control downtown Nassau’s redevelopment, reiterating that the Bahamas needed to guard against “FDI concentration”.

Finlaysons reduce ABDAB stake for pension peace

The Finlayson family has “watered down” their equity in Associated Bahamian Distillers and Brewers (ABDAB) to better secure the $4.7 million liability to City Markets pension plan beneficiaries, describing this as “the best solution for everyone involved”.

Air academy student has sky high ambitions

NATASHA Albury, from Hope Town, Abaco, has been appointed Director of Operations at Florida Air Academy Wing Diamond - one of the top leadership positions among FAA students.

Lodge gives scholarships to trio for BTVI studies

Three deserving young men have become the first recipients of the Lodge Claudius R Walker Scholarship to attend the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

Mitchell introduces new consul to Chicago community

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell introduced Michael Fountain, the Bahamas honorary consul for the Mid-Western United States, to the Chicago Community at a reception on September 5.

BNT staff move on to new challenges

FIVE Bahamas National Trust staff members recently left to pursue their environmental studies at universities overseas.

Sandilands to host workshop on prevention of suicides

THE Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre will host a workshop today about suicide prevention.

YOUR SAY: 1+3+6 adds up to a new era of China relationships

“Bosom friends make distance disappear” said Chinese President Xi Jinping to the President of Trinidad and Tobago during his visit to Latin America and the Caribbean last year. In July, Xi concluded his successful visit to Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba with fruitful results to further ties, a gesture of China’s sincerity and high value on China’s relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mortgage firm licence 'illegal'

FAMILIES For Justice founder Rev Glenroy Bethel claims that the granting of a business licence to a Canadian company for mortgage appraisals in the Bahamas was illegal and should be revoked immediately.

Crimestoppers defeat the Cybots

THE Police Crimestoppers pulled off a huge 102-89 victory over the Bamboo Shack Cybots to cut the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association’s best-of-seven championship series to 2-1.

Female parliamentarians do not want delay for referendum - but understand if it is needed

THE FAILURE of the proposed gender equality referendum should not be an option, Sea Breeze MP Hope Strachan said yesterday.

BTC backs One Bahamas

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company said yesterday that it hopes its sponsorship of the One Bahamas Foundation will inspire unity and social harmony.

Gov't urged: Stop throwing VAT info 'hand grenades'

The Government was yesterday warned that throwing out “information hand grenades” without a supporting education platform in place was leading to the spread of dangerous “misinformation” on Value-Added Tax (VAT).

Pre-existing contract confusion sparks VAT 'inclusive price' call

A Tax Coalition co-chair last night said the confusion over whether vendors would have to pay Value-Added Tax (VAT) on pre-existing contracts if clients refused was one reason why the private sector wanted to go back to ‘exclusive pricing’ for the tax.

Ex-City Markets head office needs $12-$14m upgrade

A $12-$14 million investment is needed to transform the former City Markets head office into a commercial office building suitable for rent, after efforts to find a buyer proved “virtually impossible”.

Passing your legacy to the present and future

I remember one of my mentors telling me about this guy he met at a business seminar.

Colina advances to Banker's Softball League playoffs, Commonwealth Bank eliminated

THE Banker’s Softball League continued its regular season at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday with a lot of playoff implications on the line.

Shake off 'self-imposed investment xenophobia'

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Briefly

Tech briefs

National Insurance benefits

EDITOR, The Tribune.

TOUGH CALL: The passion of QC's activist, Rev Nev

“The Rev Nev and family flew out on Friday to the UK having been recalled by the Methodist Missionary Society at the request of the Synod here. It was all a most unsavoury controversy triggered by Sean McWeeny’s slightly-racial remarks at the QC speech day, and I found it impossible to give my whole sympathy to either the Rev Nev or his critics. My abiding impression is that after seeing some of the comments which were hurled back and forth I’m more than ever convinced that you don’t have to be a Christian to be a church member. About 12 of the QC staff have given in their notices to leave at the end of the school year. They went on strike for a day in protest at the Rev. Nev’s ousting.” - Jim Graves, Tribune editor.

Health provider begins 'new era'

The Family Medicine Centre, which specialises in general and preventative medicine, is starting a “new era” with the opening of its newly-constructed facilities on Blake Road.  “This building is more than a bunch of shiny new rooms; it is a symbol of our enduring commitment to our patients and the community. It makes it possible for us to do more and provide more,” said Dr Graham Cates, FamilyMedicine Centre’s founding physician.

Cabinet to judge?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Chef Alexis Pinder determines to make company a household name

EVER since she finished college, Chef Alexis Pinder has spent her time exploring new ideas and channelling them into her love for the culinary arts.

“Women Who Love Too Much”

WHEN a woman loses sight of her dreams and gets caught up in the ambitions of the man she is with, she is loving too much. When a woman keeps hoping a man will change, even though she knows deep down this transformation will never take place, she is loving too much. When a woman plans her entire existence around the man she is with, she is loving too much. And when a woman holds onto a relationship that is broken and cannot be revived, she is loving too much.

Cable appeal over 27% basic TV price rise set for October

The Utilities Appeal Tribunal (UAT) will hear Cable Bahamas’ protest against the rejection of its request for a 27 per cent increase in the price of its basic (PRIME) pay-TV package over a three-day period in October.

VAT: Fears on the street over impending new taxation

WITH Value Added Tax set to be implemented in less than four months, citizens of the Bahamas are concerned about the impact a broad based consumption tax will have on daily living.

VIDEO: INTERVIEW WITH VALENTINO 'SCROOGE' BROWN

Twenty years ago, gang leaders and politicians were of one accord in trying to tackle the rise in crime together. But, as Lamech Johnson hears, the failure to bring peace to the streets today is a consequence of politicians not fulfilling promises of economic opportunities for younger generations.

Man shot outside nightclub

POLICE are investigating a shooting that left a man with gun shot wounds in his lower back.

Americans spared jail but fined for possession of marijuana

FOUR Americans escaped lengthy prison sentences yesterday when they were fined a combined $1,500 for admitting to simple possession of dangerous drugs in three separate incidents.

Call for government to confirm position of banks on webshops

DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday urged the government to confirm whether international financial institutions are “okay” with local banks accepting webshop money before the new Gaming Bill is passed.

UPDATED: Mother-to-be wins KFC car prize

BRITTANY Porter drove away in a 2014 Kia Sportage at the weekend after opening the winning box at KFC’s Grand Prize event that wrapped up its ‘I Love KFC’ summer promotion on Saturday night.

BAMSI 'will not fail' and will open on time, says Gray

MINISTER of Agriculture V Alfred Gray said yesterday he is confident that the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI) will open as planned and “will not fail” despite construction delays and “other factors which go against it being completed on time”.

Preparing for the worst case of Ebola alert

HEALTH officials are working to step up preparedness in the event of an Ebola outbreak in the Bahamas as the viral disease continues to ravage West Africa.

Webshop courier robbery suspect 'fears for his life'

A MAN, in fear for his life, repeated his lawyers’ request to a magistrate for protective custody when arraigned yesterday in connection with the fatal shooting of a webshop courier in Pinewood Gardens.

COB choice for president still negotiating pay

FORMER College of the Bahamas president Dr Rodney Smith is still locked in negotiations over his salary to return to the top spot at the institution.

DNA demands Wells answers - or they’ll march on the ministry

THE DNA has given the government a two-week ultimatum to release the findings of its probe into Renward Wells or the party and its supporters will “march down to the Ministry of Works” and get the answers themselves.

Miller says outage problem is 'worst he's ever seen'

BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation customers can expect to see an increase of “about $25 to $30” in their October bill, BEC Executive Chairman Leslie Miller said yesterday.

Sprinters burning up track on the international circuit

WHILE male sprinter Warren Fraser capped off a long year by running his second fastest time in the 100 metres this year at the Rieti 2014 - International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Challenge Meeting on Sunday at the Stadium Raul Guidobaldi in Rieti, Anthonique Strachan got tuned up for the IAAF Continental Cup this weekend.

Are you cultivating confidence or confusion?

THE key to living the life that you love is developing habits that build your capacity to manage yourself in a changing world.

China proposes major Bay St. Redevelopment

China’s interest in downtown Nassau goes far beyond the potential British Colonial Hilton purchase, Tribune Business can reveal, having presented Prime Minister Perry Christie with a ‘Master Plan’ to redevelop Bay Street and surrounding areas.

COB union concern over BAMSI branded 'irrational and irresponsible'

EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday called recent statements from the Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas (UTEB) “irrational and irresponsible” after the union called the relationship between the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI) and the College of the Bahamas (COB) a “charade.”

Concern over licence given to Canadian company to appraise Bahamian mortgages

FAMILIES For Justice is concerned over the granting of a business licence to a Canadian company to conduct mortgage appraisals for the two major Canadian banking institutions in the Bahamas.

VAT revisions prevent group tourist 'erosion'

The Bahamian hotel industry has avoided “a significant erosion” of its group visitor base after the Government adopted the sector’s preferred VAT treatment of pre-bookings, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

Contractors fearing 'huge black market'

Well-known contractors yesterday warned of a “brutal” impact if they were forced to absorb Value-Added Tax (VAT) on pre-existing contracts, and said the new levy could create a “huge black market” in construction services.

Moody's keeps Bahamas GDP growth at 2-2.5%

Moody’s is still predicting that the Bahamian economy will grow by 2-2.5 per cent in 2015 despite Baha Mar’s delayed opening, which will mean the $3.5 billion mega resort misses “the high season” in tourism.

'Nonsensical' to eat VAT on pre-existing contracts

The private sector is preparing to fight “nonsensical” provisions that will force Bahamian businesses to ‘eat’ the 7.5 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT) on pre-existing contracts post-January 1 if clients refuse to pay it.

Delivering the real message to investors

Just recently, the glossy July-December edition of ‘The Bahamas Investor’ landed in my mail box, and I could enjoy the semi-annual pleasure of sinking into a fantasy world of Bahamian perfection.

Undefeated teams to clash in HBCUX Classic

WHEN the Bahamas HBCUX Classic kicks off this weekend, one of the teams slated to square off in the showdown will suffer their first loss of the season.

Mariners rout Holland College Hurricanes 34-9

THE Holland College Hurricanes were outplayed in their lone preseason exhibition game, but several Bahamian players showed their potential to bright spots for the team as they look to repeat as Atlantic Football League champions.

'They've really taken doubles to a whole new level'

AFTER an impressive career in which he and Daniel Nestor were considered one of the greatest doubles teams ever, Mark Knowles is now spending a lot of time as a colour commentator on television and watching the progress of the greatest team to play the game - American identical twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryan.

Miller, unions slam floating power plant

By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Luciano's marks 10th anniversary

The Luciano’s of Chicago restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary on downtown Nassau’s waterfront.

Rotary Club's gift of literature

THE Rotary Club made donations to two New Providence schools to mark International Literacy Day yesterday.

Briefly

I DON’T know what action will be sufficient to roll back both the Islamic State militant group and Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, but I do know what’s necessary. And it’s not “leading from behind”, which didn’t really work for President Barack Obama in Libya, and it isn’t simply leading a lonely and unpopular charge from in front, which certainly didn’t work for President George W Bush in Iraq. It’s actually reviving America’s greatest strategy: leading from within.

First impression

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Baha Mar reaches to Exuma on recruitment

Baha Mar’s Family Island outreach and recruitment efforts continued in Exuma, with residents receiving an in-depth presentation on the multi-billion dollar resort.

Manipulation of ZNS

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Top realtor urges housing stimulus

A leading realtor has urged the Government to stimulate the housing market as a way to kick-start economic growth momentum, suggesting it look at incentives such as a temporary Stamp Duty rate cut to 6 per cent.

Why is Munroe under fire?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Dental implants

By Dr Ricardo

School of the Blind celebrates 65th anniversary

By ALESHA CADET

Discover Moringa

By Dr Betty Adderley

Five new ways to be skin savvy

THINK you have a couple more years before having to worry about skin cancer? UV-induced skin issues are serious amongst young adults: melanoma is the most common form of cancer found on 25 to 29-year-olds.

Preaching hatred yet expecting flowers

IN THE Bahamas today you can buy anything you want, from an Uzi to a baby.

INSIGHT: Urban Renewal - a powerful agent for social and economic change

Urban Renewal is transforming lives in the Bahamas, free of political intervention, and is more than just a crime prevention tool. In a wide-ranging interview with The Tribune the organisation’s prime movers dismiss criticism of its operation, outline future goals and initiatives and pay tribute to their supporters and partners.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: It's fishy that only a few can play in gaming bill

UP to the point of writing this column yesterday, neither the new Gaming Bill and accompanying regulations, the Financial Transactions Reporting Bill and Regulations, Gaming House Operator Regulations, nor the Proceeds of Crime Bill were uploaded to the government’s website, thereby leaving many Bahamians—who would wish to read the Bill themselves— in the dark and unable to do so and debating merely on the communique delivered in Parliament by Minister of Tourism (and Gaming) Obie Wilchcombe.

'Increase minimum wage before VAT'

FNM Shadow minister for Finance Peter Turnquest yesterday said it was critical for the government to address minimum wage concerns before the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Two arrested over webshop courier killing

POLICE arrested two suspects early yesterday morning in connection with the murder of Prince Prudent.

No Freedom of Information Act before 2016, warns Education Minister

THE revised Freedom of Information Act will not be presented to Parliament before spring 2016, according to Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald.

’Customers bear the cost of Miller’s incompetence’

THE “incompetence” and “arrogance” of Bahamas Electricity Corporation Executive Chairman Leslie Miller has left the country saddled with “the highest fuel surcharge” it has ever seen, Phenton Neymour, former state minister for the environment, said yesterday.

Warning as fraudsters target ATMs

POLICE are warning the public to be “extra vigilant” when using cash-dispensing machines (ATMs) throughout the capital after they arrested three Romanian men they suspect to be a part of an alleged ring of bank-card skimmers.

FNM leader says law is a reward for PLP backers

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday criticised the proposed Gaming Bill as a “charter for law breakers and the select few”.

Cheerleaders to shoot calendar in Grand Bahama

THE Atlanta Hawks cheerleaders have arrived in Grand Bahama for their annual calendar photo shoot. The group of 13 women from the NFL franchise will be on the island for four days and 12 more will arrive tomorrow.

Small Business Agency in 20% operating expense cap

The proposed Small Business Development Agency (SMEDA) can only allocate 20 per cent of its funding to cover operational expenses, freeing “no less than $8 million” per year to assisting Bahamian entrepreneurs.

Societies speak out against violence

LOCAL sororities and fraternities came together on Saturday afternoon to officially launch a new awareness campaign “Greeks Against Violence”.

Bahamian admits attempting to smuggle migrants into Florida

A Bahamian man faces up to 25 years in a US prison for attempting to smuggle 18 Brazilian and Haitian nationals into Florida in July.

Contractor: BAMSI work 80% complete

A CONTRACTOR for the government’s new agriculture and marine science school yesterday fired back at criticism over the institute’s construction schedule.

Defence Force apprehends fishing boat

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force arrested a Bahamian fishing vessel last Wednesday for suspected violations of the Fisheries Act.

Pictures 'show silt damage caused by Bimini ferry'

THE environmentalist group Bimini Blue Coalition has released photographs taken a week ago by a ferry passenger which it claims shows a plume of mud and silt thrown up by the Resorts World Bimini (RWB) SuperFast.

'Four and a half years of noise and stink'

A RESIDENT of the Kool Air Subdivision in eastern New Providence said the community has been trying for four and half years to have a “loud, stinking truck business” removed from their “once quiet” neighbourhood.

Cable: URCA in 'uncharted waters' over price caps

Cable Bahamas has warned regulators they will be “in uncharted waters” by proceeding with implementing price caps on its pay-TV and broadband Internet services, arguing that the latter’s costs had dropped by up to 45 per cent in the past two years.

Tax credits 'much simpler' than Gov't virtual warehouse

A Tax Coalition co-chair believes ‘tax credits’ would be a “much simpler” system to ease the Value-Added Tax (VAT) transition than the Government’s proposed ‘virtual warehouses’, and called for the ‘bonded period’ to be longer than two months.

Bran promises Balanced Budget Act if elected

Branville McCartney has promised that the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) will pass a Balanced Budget Act if elected to office, and privatise all loss-making government corporations.

'Bitter pill to swallow' for web shop industry

Web shop operators are “uncomfortable” that they have to make a full financial disclosure on their businesses during the transition to regulation despite having no guarantee they will obtain a licence to continue operating.

D'Aguilar says latest downgrade 'inevitable'

Moody’s latest downgrade of the Bahamas’ creditworthiness was “inevitable”, a well-known businessman believes, adding that Value-Added Tax (VAT) will reduce - but not eliminate - this nation’s fiscal deficit.

Standards Bureau a Haiti trade 'catalyst'

Establishing a Standards Bureau will be a “catalyst” to future business and trade between the Bahamas and Haiti, a senior Chamber of Commerce executive believes, as the organisation gears up to lead a trade mission to that nation.

Chamber chief: BEC generation winner has to match our findings

The winning generation bidder on the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) restructuring must supply power at $0.22 kilowatts per hour or less, a private sector body is urging, while again slamming the process’s “secretive” nature.

Two-month window until pre-VAT invoices taxable

Bahamian companies will have two months to raise invoices for goods and services supplied prior to Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) introduction, otherwise these transactions will be deemed subject to the 7.5 per cent levy.

Mighty Mitts get the win over Smokers

The Chances Mighty Mitts took advantage of another chance at getting into the playoffs with the fourth and final spot, while the Arnette’s Sporting Lounge Hitmen stayed in second place in a slugfest.

Florida Panthers 'puck up' a smile at youth clinic

SCORE another major professional franchise for the Ministry of Tourism’s Sports Tourism department as the organisation played host to the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League.

Bamboo Shack takes 2-0 lead

THE Bamboo Shack Cybots took a 2-0 lead in the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association’s championship series after winning the first two games over the Police Crimestoppers at the DW Davis Gymnasium over the weekend.

Boutique hotel to open early 2015

The Holowesko family’s 30-room boutique hotel, under construction in western New Providence, is progressing smoothly towards an early 2015 opening, says project manager Lauren Holowesko.

PLP fails to act over referendum

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Casino operators

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Rollins hits back at webshop lawyer

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins has dismissed lawyer Wayne Munroe’s recent statements about him as ignorant and arrogant while remaining critical of the government’s failure to involve Gaming Board members in the drafting process of the recently tabled Gaming Bill.

FNM chairman tells PM to come out of hiding over Gaming Bill

PRIME Minister Perry Christie should disclose his government’s true intentions for legalising the webshop industry and stop “hiding behind the skirt tail of the governor of the Central Bank,” FNM chairman Darron Cash said yesterday.

Man and woman fighting for their lives after shooting

A MAN and a woman are fighting for their lives in hospital after they were shot multiple times on Thursday night.

Plane flies over The Bahamas before crashing off jamaica

A PRIVATE plane with an unresponsive pilot travelled more than 1,400 miles over the Atlantic Ocean off the East Coast of the United States and over the Bahamas before crashing off the coast of Jamaica yesterday, with a fighter-jet escort unable to render aid.

Ed Moxey's daughter refused for second time in her bid to join the Bahamas Bar

THE daughter of the late cultural icon Edmund Moxey has filed for judicial review of the decision to refuse her application to the Bahamas Bar Council for a second time.

Getting in the spirit at Rose Island resort

CAMP Grantanna, a Bahamian owned special projects resort at Rose Island, began as Thomas Basden’s vision of a family getaway and quickly evolved into a $10m pristine boutique hotel.

Legal action over 'attack' by policemen

A WOMAN who was allegedly attacked by three plain clothes police officers while she was completely naked filed a writ of summons yesterday.

32 years for taxi driver who killed girlfriend

TAXI driver John Adderley walked away from the Supreme Court yesterday with a 32-year prison sentence for the murder of his former girlfriend.

Minister says bill opens door for Bahamians to play in casinos

DESPITE criticism that the new Gaming Bill upholds the status quo that prohibits Bahamians from gambling in casinos, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe explained yesterday that the Bill has a provision that allows the minister responsible to change this, subject to Cabinet approval.

No end in sight for BEC load shedding

THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation will continue load shedding across New Providence indefinitely, according to the company’s Executive Chairman Leslie Miller.

Wilchcombe claims govt had to reject gaming poll verdict

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the Christie administration “owes” the Bahamian people an apology for its decision to go against the majority “no” vote of the January 28, 2013 gaming referendum.

College union concerned over links to BAMSI

THE Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas yesterday called the relationship between the College of the Bahamas and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute a “charade” and said the “forced relationship” has given “the ill-conceived BAMSI a sense of legitimacy” that would lead to an “academic Titanic.”

Lawyer seeks mercy for child killer in Appeal Court case

A LAWYER arguing a man’s appeal against a life sentence for the murder of a child was told by the president of the Court of Appeal not to mistake the court for the Prerogative of Mercy.

Wilchcombe dismisses former gaming board chairman's view on new Bill

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe dismissed Dr Andre Rollins’ criticism of the recently tabled Gaming Bill as “narrow” yesterday while insisting that the Bill will advance the gaming industry and not facilitate corruption.

Best face forward

MISS Universe Bahamas and Miss World Bahamas were told they should consider themselves “cultural ambassadors” when the beauty queens paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

Man convicted of shooting and paralysing woman given more time for appeal hearing

A MAN was given additional time by the Court of Appeal yesterday to be prepared to argue his own case against his conviction and 30-year sentence for a near-fatal shooting of a woman who is now paralysed for life.

Webshop operators not happy at highter tax than casinos

WEBshop operators are not pleased about having their businesses taxed at a higher rate than casinos, attorney Wayne Munroe said yesterday in response to conditions stipulated in the recently tabled Gaming Bill.

Top auto dealer to cut inventory 25%

A leading auto dealer yesterday said he would “cut back” early 2015 inventory levels by 25 per cent due to VAT-related uncertainty, anticipating that sales might drop by 20 per cent.

Perfect Pompey

THE Downtown Nassau Partnership (DNP) has been recognised with an international award for its work and initiatives in the creation of Pompey Square, the development being described as a “shining example of excellent downtown management”.

Gov’t ‘lightens VAT blow’ for auto industry

The Government yesterday moved to “lighten the Value-Added Tax (VAT) blow” for the auto industry, telling dealers it would narrow their Excise Tax base and permit the ‘deferred’ payment of VAT due at the border.

Gov't developing 'virtual warehouses' for VAT transition

The Government is developing a ‘virtual bonded warehouse’ concept to ease the Value-Added Tax (VAT) transition for businesses with large physical goods inventories, with private sector leaders yesterday urging “some give and take” from both sides.

Christie Gov't told 2 years ago: fulfill $30m CLICO pledge

The Christie administration was urged within three months of taking office to fulfill the Government’s pledged $30 million guarantee to underwrite the sale of CLICO (Bahamas) remaining insurance portfolio, thereby securing the financial future of thousands of policyholders.

$10m Rose Island 'special project' to open November

A $10 million “special projects destination” on Rose Island, featuring a 12-room resort, is expected to launch in early November.

A FAB opening

THE Filipino FAB SportsFest, featuring basketball for men and volleyball for men and women, kicked off its 11th season at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Sunday with Timothy Munnings, director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, doing the official honours.

A perfect game

Sting Truckers’ pitcher Thomas Davis didn’t waste anytime against the DK Smokers last night.

Freeport Harbour expansion unveiled

Freeport’s harbour is poised for its “most significant expansion’ since 1956 and the initial Hawksbill Creek Agreement work, as it prepares for an expected increase in business linked to the Panama Canal’s widening.

Public transport a 'major failing'

New Providence’s public transport system was yesterday described as a “major failing”, with the Government advancing its efforts to determine the collective worth of all jitney franchises and update plans for a unified busing system.

Halkitis to lead Abaco Outlook speaker roster

A Cabinet minister will deliver the main address to this year’s Abaco Business Outlook conference, which will be held on September 24 at the Great Abaco Beach Resor.

Bimini Coalition admits defeat in face of legal bill

By RASHAD ROLLE

Kenton Rolle re-elected unopposed as president of GBSSA for 3rd straight term

KENTON Rolle has been re-elected unopposed as president of Grand Bahama Secondary School Athletic Association (GBSSAA) for a third consecutive term.

Callenders attorneys attend China summit

Two Callenders & Co partners will head to Shanghai next month for a major international. financial conference on wealth and asset management, which is expected to attract some 500 advisors and professionals serving China’s fast-growing high net worth individual population.

URCA engineer gains vital qualification

Waldon Russell, a case officer and electrical engineer with the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), is now a registrant of the Engineering Council (EC) of London.

No civil rights comparison

EDITOR, The Tribune

Minnis brings hope that we can do better

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Marriage is a man and a woman

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Brewery replaces departing chief

Commonwealth Brewery yesterday said its managing director, Nico Pinotsis, will be stepping down from his post for personal reasons on September 15.

TOUGH CALL: We know the problems and they remain the same

WITH all the shock-horror at our skyrocketing crime rate, you would never believe that the causes and consequences of the country’s social slide have been copiously documented over the past 20-odd years by a slew of commissions and reports.

Minister rejects claims of victimisation

TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin yesterday called allegations of two employees being “victimised” by the Department of Civil Aviation made by Bahamas Air Traffic Controller’s Union President Lashan Gray “reckless, irresponsible and possibly defamatory”.

PM: It's kill or be killed

PRIME Minister Perry Christie lamented the backlog in the judicial system that allows accused murderers out on bail, many of whom are later killed or commit new crimes while on the street awaiting trial.

Union concern over secretive BEC revamp

BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said yesterday the government will not get the union’s support in the reform of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation if it continues to be “secretive” about the bidding process.

Costs to webshops revealed as gaming rules are tabled

THE highly anticipated new Gaming Bill 2014 will leave the door open for the government to establish a national lottery at the discretion of the minister, while outlining yearly rates of taxation on webshops among other stringent industry regulations.

Commission considers delay for referendum

THE Constitutional Commission is considering a possible delay of the proposed referendum, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage told the House of Assembly yesterday.

PM laughs off calls for Wells review

PRIME Minister Perry Christie was evasive yesterday when asked about the results of his administration’s probe into the controversy surrounding Renward Wells’ signing of a $650m letter of intent with Stellar Waste to Energy Ltd to build a facility at the New Providence landfill.

30 seconds enough to win slice-of-life contest

THE everyday life of someone working with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has won Alannah Vellacott the BTC Everyday Video Contest.

School in shock after teacher dies

TWO TEACHERS at Garvin Tynes Primary School were rushed to hospital yesterday morning after learning that one of their fellow teachers had died the night before.

Still no entry to casinos for locals - but criminals allowed to hold licences

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins said he will vote “no” to the Gaming Bill if it remains in its current form because it discriminates against Bahamians and facilitates corruption.

Lightning strike blamed for cable disruption

A LIGHTNING strike on Tuesday night that damaged an underground fibre optic cable caused disruption to services to Cable Bahamas customers in southwestern New Providence for up to 17 hours.

Second man accused over murder

A SECOND man is now on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison after being arraigned yesterday in connection with a murder that occurred at the beginning of the year.

Wilchcombe hails ‘cutting edge’ legislation for gaming industry

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe has hailed the new Gaming Bill tabled in Parliament yesterday as “new and cutting edge” legislation set to revolutionise the gambling industry and improve the Bahamas’ economy.

RENALDO'S RAMBLINGS: NFL Picks Week One

If Jalen Rose taught me anything, it’s to surround myself with talented peers at every stage of life and, more importantly, to “give the people what they want.”

Young leaders given chance to continue studies in Canada

ISAIAH Strachan and Diane Smith have joined the list of Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) students who have been afforded the opportunity to continue their studies abroad on an emerging leaders programme.

Giving a glimpse of life in the past Fort Charlotte

RAQUEL Davis is selling her wares like her great-grandmother 100 years before her – from a straw basket made from Andros plait, lifting, gently turning, holding out each sugar apple, soursop and fresh pear for the ‘buyer’ to examine.

A fun way to go back to school

OUTREACH Ministries multiple-purpose community centre is nearly completed at Banyan Lane, where hundreds of inner-city children attended a Back to School Giveaway and Family Fun Day on Saturday.

Getting set for wahoo

BAHAMAS Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert David Rees is anticipating a bumper wahoo season with reports of the fish already being caught throughout the archipelago and along the Florida Coast.

Ministers hail Androsian chosen as first executive director for BAMSI

ANDROSIAN Dr Raveena Roberts-Hanna was officially appointed as Executive Director of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) yesterday.

Holland College Hurricanes begin their quest for 2nd straight Moosehead Cup

THE Holland College football programme has been a pipeline for many Bahamian student athletes and the team, along with its strong Bahamian contingent, begins their quest for a second consecutive Moosehead Cup.

'Las Vegas has nothing on us'

The long-awaited Gaming Bill will transform the Bahamas into “one of the world’s most pre-eminent” casino destinations, a leading industry executive yesterday saying this nation would now offer all the games Las Vegas and Macau possess.

Ten years in jail for robbery but jury divided over murder

A MAN awaiting retrial for murder was sentenced to 10 years in prison yesterday for an armed robbery reportedly connected to the country’s 16th murder in 2012.

Gov't puts $175m in contracts out to potential PPP

The Government yesterday moved to seek ‘Expressions of Interest’ from private sector bidders on $175 million worth of public infrastructure contracts, signalling its interest in expanding public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Moody's downgrade shows Bahamas still in 'emergency room'

A Tax Coalition co-chair yesterday described the latest Moody’s downgrade as “bittersweet”, comparing the Bahamas’ fiscal condition to “the patient in the emergency room, who’s not stable and certainly not healthy”.

Tourism urges Gov't to 'redouble' energy reform, crime efforts

The Government was yesterday urged to “redouble” its efforts on energy reform and fighting crime, a leading tourism executive warning that both were vital to “maximising” investment and Bahamian job opportunities in the sector.

BEC contenders 'cut to three'

The Government has reduced the bidding field for the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) restructuring to three groups, Tribune Business was told yesterday, and is seeking to complete the process by November 1, 2014.

Gov't: Moody's move 'best outcome' in circumstances

A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government was “not totally surprised” over Moody’s latest decision to downgrade the Bahamas’ creditworthiness, slashing its ‘issuer’ and ‘unsecured’ credit ratings by one notch from Baa1 to Baa2.

Philip Hanna Jr crowned Bahamas junior chess champion

PHILIP Hanna Jr was crowned the 2014 Bahamas junior chess champion after going undefeated in five long rounds of tough mental struggle on August 31.

Gov't opens the door to National Lottery

The Government yesterday left the door open to launch a National Lottery that would be managed by a private sector provider appointed by the Minister responsible for gaming.

BTC signs exclusive Baha Mar mobile deal

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has partnered with Baha Mar to provide mobile services for its thousands of guests through the installation of a multi-million dollar Distributed Antenna System (DAS) covering the entire property.

Air traffic controllers victimised

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Miami realtor targets Brazil for Palm Cay

A Miami-based realtor is set to target the high-end Brazilian market for the southeastern New Providence Palm Cay development.

Tired of the nonsense

EDITOR, The Tribune.

NHL's Florida Panthers set for series of clinics in Nassau

By RENALDO DORSETT

Grand Bahama gets major media exposure with TBN's 'Praise the Lord'

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Parents of criminal sons and daughters: Let us reach them before we must bury them

By Bishop Simeon Hall

Long Island Anglicans encourage students to be more humble

By ALESHA CADET

Are you addressing the root?

By Kevin Ewing

What is your response?

By REV ANGELA PALACIOUS

Students blessed during back-to-school service at St James

THE beginning of September is traditionally back-to-school time in the Bahamas, and there is always an air of excitement. Back-to-school provides an opportunity for many students to start afresh and turn over a new leaf. Others it is an opportunity to pick up where they left off last school year.

Gospel singer embraces opportunities

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Going on ‘Instinct’

THE STRENGTH and diversity of female fine artists in the Bahamas will be celebrated during the “Instinct” art show expected to open in two weeks time.

Fantastic Fridays with Visage

TO GIVE Bahamians a boost to their party vibe as they head off into the weekend, the band Visage created “Fantastic Fridays”.

Power out again as BEC fights shortfall

SEVERAL areas in eastern and western New Providence experienced power outages yesterday as the Bahamas Electricity Corporation battled a power generation shortfall, officials said yesterday.

Union says staff victimised after warning of health risk

LASHAN Gray, president of the Bahamas Air Traffic Controller’s Union, said BATCU will go “as far as it needs to go” to combat the Department of Civil Aviation’s “victimisation” of two employees who had “brought relief” to staff whose health and safety were threatened by departmental “negligence.”

FREE NFL SUPPLEMENT IN TODAY'S TRIBUNE

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Minnis: Fund Junkanoo, not Carnival

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday renewed calls for the government to increase funding for traditional Junkanoo festivals instead of launching a new commercial cultural product.

Gaming bill to include 'first steps' towards tackling discrimination

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday hinted that the new Gaming Bill will demonstrate the first of “gradual steps” towards tackling discriminatory clauses that prevent Bahamians from gaming in casinos.

Moody's lowers credit rating

THE Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating was yesterday cut to just two notches above “junk” status, as a leading Wall Street agency reacted to this nation’s “subdued economic growth” and continued fiscal weakness.

Gang leader’s suspected killer found shot dead

THE man accused of killing the reputed Fire ‘n Theft gang leader Julian “Heads” Collie last year was shot multiple times and killed early yesterday morning during a drive-by shooting near a pre-school.

PHA 'resolute' on $5.5m claim denial

The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) yesterday said it was “resolute” in its position that it did not owe Cavalier Construction $5.577 million for the Critical Care Block construction, saying it was willing to publish documents supporting its case.

BEC field is narrowed; no preferred bidders

The Government’s advisers will today announce that the bidding field for the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) restructuring has been narrowed further, although no winners have yet been selected.

Minister checks on school repairs

EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald recently met with District Superintendents Helen Simmons-Johnson in Eleuthera and Pamela Gorte in Exuma to inspect the repairs done in schools on those islands thus far.

Paradise Plates to serve up evening of fun and food for a good cause

HANDS For Hunger’s signature fundraiser, Paradise Plates, is already famous for its offerings of delectable food and drink, but this year organisers are serving up more than just fine fare.

Bahamian artists put their “Best Foot Forward”

IN AN effort to put their best foot forward in an artistic sense, a group of Bahamian artists displayed creative works in a new exhibition which opened at Popopstudios last Friday.

Banker's Softball League pays tribute to the late Sam Haven

AS the Banker’s Softball League paid tribute to Sam Haven, his team - the Scotiabank Wheelers - out-slugged Commonwealth Bank 23-19 on Saturday as the Banker’s Softball League continued its regular season in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

Dion Da Butcha 'returns home'

AFTER a two-year absence from radio, Dion “Da Butcha” Knowles, one of the most popular Bahamian disc jockeys, has returned to help Radio House bring the best entertainment possible to the local airwaves.

Island Girl, City Dreams

WHETHER it was leading a church congregation in praise and worship or playing the lead roles in Christmas plays, Latoya Ferguson took not of the crowd reaction and realised that she was given the gift to deliver a message with her voice.

BAMSI president replies to criticisms over site progress

GODFREY Eneas, president of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), and his senior executive team sat down with Bahamas Information Services at BAMSI’s new offices in the Island Traders Building on Monday to provide an update on the progress and plans of the institute.

Shotgun owner accused of attempted murder

A SUPREME Court jury heard yesterday how a licensed shotgun owner shot a man moving around his property after he was disturbed during his early morning devotions.

$30m 'SPV bond' eyed for CLICO resolution

The Government is exploring whether it can raise the ‘guarantee’ vital to moving CLICO (Bahamas) liquidation forward via a $30 million ‘off-balance sheet’ bond issue, Tribune Business can reveal.

No one charged over baby death in house fire

INVESTIGATORS have not found sufficient grounds to bring charges against anyone over the death of an infant who was burned beyond recognition during a fire at an Elizabeth Estates home last week, according to Central Detective Unit Chief Paul Rolle.

Deputy PM calls on developed nations to tackle climate change

THE developed world must partner with The Bahamas and other small island developing states to enhance their resilience to and address the negative impacts of climate change on these island-nations, if “we truly believe” that the polluter must pay, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development Philip “Brave” Davis said.

Food store manager robbed in bank parking lot in broad daylight

POLICE are on the hunt for two masked men who robbed a food store manager at gunpoint of a deposit bag in a bank parking lot yesterday morning.

Gov't 'finalising' deal approval for Port Lucaya Market

The Government was last night “finalising” approvals for a UK investor to acquire Freeport’s Port Lucaya Marketplace from a Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) affiliate, Tribune Business can reveal.

VAT rate will 'double' with poor compliance

A Tax Coalition co-chair yesterday said the Government “desperately” needed to release its Value-Added Tax (VAT) education curriculum and modules, warning that this was vital to “maximise compliance” immediately the new tax kicked in.

MARKETING REVOLUTION: Don't copy big boys on marketing plans

Getting people to talk about what product or service you are providing is called “creating buzz”.

Web shop licences, tax rate may alter on audit

A Cabinet minister yesterday indicated the Government has yet to decide how many web shops will be granted licences to operate legally, despite previous indications this number had been set.

Fishermen 'take a beating' from increase in poaching

BAHAMIAN fishermen yesterday urged the Government to make public its Memorandum of Understandings (MOU’s) with the Dominican Republic, claiming that the number of Dominican fishing vessels spotted poaching in Bahamian waters in the past seven months has eclipsed sightings in past years.

Web shop legalisation to need more regulators

Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that web shop legalisation would “absolutely” create additional Gaming Board jobs, adding that training for gaming inspectors would start immediately after Bill passed the House of Assembly.

Roberts and Carey prove their skills at the Youth Olympics

THE Bahamas national tennis team of Justin Roberts and Rasheed Carey participated in the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. The team, coached by Ricardo Demeritte, left the Bahamas on August 11 and returned on August 31.

Crimestoppers and Cybots victorious

THE Police Crimestoppers and the Bamboo Shack Cybots both won at the DW Davis Gymnasium Monday night to secure their showdown in the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association’s best-of-seven championship series set to start tonight.

Mr J encourages kids to "Stay In School"

WITH knowledge being the key to success and the lack of knowledge resulting in peril, as it is stated in scripture, Mr J is encouraging all students to stay in school with his new Junkanoo track.

BTC should not be given any favours

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Faltering politics of Christie

EDITOR, The Tribune.

GSSSA: All coaches must be nationally certified

WHEN the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association kicks of its 2014-15 season, all coaches must be nationally certified in order to coach their school’s team during each of the five disciplines contested during the course of the year.

Five families benefit from Dairy Queen initiative to help sick children

WITH just under 4,000 blizzards sold on Miracle Treat Day on August 14, Dairy Queen Bahamas exceeded their expectations.

I wonder . . .

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Tony Gaskins Jr to bring 'Real Love' to the Bahamas

GRAND Bahama native Glennett McKinney’s life began spiralling out of control when her marriage ended abruptly. She became a single mother over night and later discovered she had cancer.

'Religious texts often used to argue against gender inequality'

THEOLOGICAL texts are often misappropriated to support religious arguments for gender inequality, according to Gabrielle Henderson, programme specialist for the United Nations.

BAMSI will open this month – despite building setbacks

AGRICULTURE Minister V Alfred Gray yesterday confirmed that the government’s new agriculture and marine science school will still open this month despite construction setbacks.

Union concern over teacher shortage

A SHORTAGE OF teachers, classroom size and “piled up garbage” were some of the concerns expressed by Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson as public schools opened yesterday.

Bell pledges 'very aggressive' response to spate of crime

KEITH Bell, State Minister of National Security, said that in view of the recent spate of murders, notably the shooting death of the prime minister’s Press Secretary Latore Mackey last week, the Ministry of National Security will become “very aggressive” in its fight against crime.

Cash slams PM for failure to deal with Renward Wells

FNM Chairman Darron Cash said Prime Minister Perry Christie’s failure to discipline Ministry of Works Parliamentary Secretary Renward Wells for signing a multi-million letter of intent with Stellar Waste Management is an “embarrassment” and calls into question the country’s coherence in relation to local and foreign investors.

Two face court over murder of PM's press secretary

TWO men were remanded to prison yesterday after being arraigned in connection with the murder of the Prime Minister’s press secretary Latore Mackey, who was shot dead last Monday.

Robber dies after being shot by store owner

A MAN died in hospital yesterday afternoon after he was allegedly shot by a store owner during an attempted armed robbery, police said.

LGBT attack 'is hate speech'

HUMAN rights activist Erin Greene yesterday branded prominent pastor Dr Myles Munroe’s recent verbal attack on the LGBT community as a “hate speech” that may incite violence against law-abiding citizens who are gay or transgender.

MAN FOUND SHOT DEAD

A man was found shot dead in front of a pre-school at Ethel Street, Montel Heights this morning.

Strachan, Brown on 'Americas dream team'

SPRINTER Anthonique Strachan and quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown will both represent the Bahamas on the Americas team for the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) Continental Cup September 13-14 in Marrakesh, Morocco.

CHAMPS hosts book drive

The CHAMPS (Chosen, Honoured, Appointed, Motivated, Positive Sisters) organisation recently held a successful book drive event at the Mall at Marathon.

BOSS calling BTC into line on 20% sales fall

A well-known retailer yesterday blasted the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) for phone line woes that slashed sales in key product lines by up to 20 per cent during its “Christmas season” equivalent.

Warning for travellers to Florida

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a warning for Bahamians travelling to Miami and the south Florida area in view of recent reports of robberies.

Jury to deliver verdict today in murder trial

A SUPREME Court jury is expected to deliver a verdict today in the murder trial of a man accused of a fatal shooting in Masons Addition.

Armed robbery is investigated

POLICE are requesting the public’s help in solving an armed robbery that occurred on Sunday.

Representatives attend island conference

THE Bahamas will play a leading role in ensuring that the voices of small island developing states are given the prominence their collective voices deserve at the United Nations’ third international conference on Small Island Developing States that opened in Apia, Samoa yesterday, according to Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett. The conference ends on Thursday.

MLS Foundation launches patience assistance programme

A PERSON who has an ostomy knows that without vital supplies, they will not have the quality of life they wish or the ability to live as freely as they want.

Cavalier takes $5.5m PHA dispute to arbitration

Cavalier Construction yesterday said it had given “formal legal notice” to the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) that it was taking their $5.5 million dispute to arbitration, accusing it of being “disingenuous” in demanding that the contractor ‘prove its claim’.

VAT forces dry cleaner switch to prepayment

A Bahamian dry cleaning chain yesterday said Value-Added Tax (VAT) will force it to move to a prepayment system, as it urged other businesses to start preparations and “not wait until January to figure it out”.

Gov't at odds with Freeport over 'VAT on services' plan

The Government last night appeared to be on course for another collision with Freeport’s business community over its plan to levy Value-Added Tax (VAT) on services transactions between Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees.

Cellular bidder promises IPO to local investors

A likely bidder for the second cellular phone licence yesterday pledged it would offer shares in the company to Bahamian investors via an initial public offering (IPO) should it prove successful.

Gov't protects duty free retail from VAT

The Government has confirmed it will protect the Bahamas’ duty-free retail sector from Value-Added Tax (VAT) via a ‘tax free goods scheme’, which will enable bona fide tourists to recover the tax at the point of sale.

Broker targets 'fresh start' for debt-burdened Bahamians

A newly-established brokerage firm yesterday said it was aiming to assist debt-burdened Bahamians with a “fresh start”, offering a range of financial solutions for mortgages, debt consolidations and financial restructuring.

Gov't: 'Flat Rate' firms may obtain VAT advantages

Businesses with an annual turnover below $400,000 “may gain a small advantage” over larger rivals when it comes to their Value-Added Tax (VAT) burden, the Government has admitted, although there are some catches.

A Richardson gets second call-up to major leagues

For the second time in his pro career, Antoan Richardson received the promotion every minor league player dreams of - a call up to Major League Baseball.

'It's an honour because you get to represent the region, which means that you are one of the best'

THEY’VE had slightly different paths on the athletic circuit this year, but quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown and sprinter Anthonique Strachan are pleased that they will both have the opportunity to represent the Americas team at the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) Continental Cup.

Ex-RBC executive to be NAD's marketing chief

The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) yesterday said it has named Jan Knowles as its vice-president of marketing and communications.

PM and ministers tour Baha Mar

Prime Minister Perry Christie and several Cabinet ministers yesterday toured Baha Mar with the resort’s chairman and chief executive, Sarkis Izmirlian.

Teachers complete swimming training

SIXTY physical education teachers from Nassau schools recently completed a week of training to execute the Swim for Ocean Survival (SOS) learn to swim programme. Ten of the teachers are from the Anglican school system and the remainder are from government schools.

What are you feeding your mind?

By MICHELL MILLER

What you need to know about foot and ankle health

By ALESHA CADET

Phases of spinal care

By THE BAHAMAS

Permanent teeth: Don't lose them

BY DR SPARKMAN

Tradition or folly?

By DR IAN BETHEL BENNET

SPORTS IN BRIEF

SOFTBALL

Government needs Miller to do the dirty work

ACCORDING to Phenton Neymour, former state minister for the environment, the Christie government has “shown weakness” by not firing Leslie Miller as chairman of BEC.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Atrocious police facilities, PMH services need attention

THIS week, I discovered that police officers—particularly the police prosecutions department—are occupying a condemnable, rundown former Magistrate‘s Court building that is a slum-like structure on the fringes of the government’s complex on Nassau Street.

PM slammed for meeting with webshop representatives

ALLEGING that webshop owners are among Prime Minister Perry Christie’s financial backers, Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash raised concerns yesterday about whether a recent meeting between Mr Christie and various webshop representatives was used to “cut favourable deals” days before the government tables its anticipated Gaming Bill in Parliament.

Robbers in shootout with police at webshop

ARMED robbers engaged police in a shootout at a webshop on Faith Avenue South when officers caught them in the middle of a robbery on Friday night, one of three shooting incidents that police reported over the weekend.

Two men to be charged over Mackey murder

POLICE expect to charge two men in Magistrates Court today in connection with last week’s murder of Latore Mackey, deputy director of Bahamas Information Services and the Prime Minister’s press secretary.

Cuban military officer 'held at Detention Centre'

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell has refused to confirm or deny reports that a Cuban military officer is being held at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

Deadline arrives - and BAMSI still months away from being ready

NORTH ANDROS - FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday slammed the government over its failure to meet the proposed deadline for the opening of the new Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI).

Webshops will not shut down during legal change

CONTRARY to what was mandated in a previous draft of the Gaming Bill, webshop businesses that qualify for government licences will no longer be required to shut down while the gaming industry is regularised, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe confirmed yesterday.

Religious leader says homosexuality 'a massive deception'

RELIGIOUS leader Dr Myles Munroe has fiercely condemned homosexuality in the wake of a recent gay pride celebration in Grand Bahama, referring to it as a “massive deception…dismantling the very core of the natural existence of humanity.”

National beach soccer team players complete season with top Swiss team

MARKED as another milestone for the development of beach soccer in the Bahamas, two of the country’s national team players completed their season with a top side out of Switzerland.

'Champagne pops' on telecoms merger nod

A Bahamian telecommunications provider’s principal is preparing to “pop champagne bottles”, after the Government finally approved a deal that will unleash $50 million in investment and the creation of up to 100 local jobs.

Residents petition MP over 'nuisance' food stall

SEA Breeze residents have requested State Minister of Transport Hope Strachan’s assistance in removing a recently constructed food stall that has become a “neighbourhood nuisance”.

U-12 tennis stars bring home the gold, bronze

WELL DONE: The Bahamas’ under-12 team walked away from the ITF/GSDF Wilson English Caribbean Under-12 COTECC Team Championship with gold and bronze medals. The boys won the gold as the overall champions in the under-12 division going 4-0. The girls got into the final by winning pool B with a 3-0 record.

Former headmaster of Queen's College dies

METHODIST minister Rev Neville Stewart died yesterday after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was a transformational headmaster of Queen’s College in Nassau from 1964 to 1971.

New champions crowned in urban renewal basketball tourney

THE Daniel Johnson Carmicheal Road Surgeons are the new men’s champions of the Urban Renewal Basketball Tournament.

Ex-AG: 'We're up to' coping with automatic tax information

An ex-Attorney General believes the financial services industry will survive even if the automatic exchange of tax information becomes the global standard, warning that this nation “can’t stand apart” from the initiative.

Gov't wants IPO to Bahamians by 2nd mobile firm

Prime Minister Perry Christie has indicated his government wants the winning bidder for the second celluar licence to offer shares to the Bahamian public, something that might force it to follow suit with the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

BISX listing for Gov't debt 'definitely still on radar'

The listing of around $3.5 billion in Government debt on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) remains “definitely on the radar”, a top official adding that its recently-oversubscribed offering had broadened investor options in the capital markets.

Stories for September 2014

Tuesday, September 30

Monday, September 29

Sunday, September 28

Saturday, September 27

Friday, September 26

Thursday, September 25