Monday, October 31
Roberts attacks Minnis after claim govt has sided with Chinese allies
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday dug deeper into his narrative that Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has “sold the soul of the FNM” as he defended the government against accusations that it sided with Chinese allies on the pending sale of Baha Mar.
FNM Deputy calls for thorough account of hurricane spending
EAST Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest has demanded that the Christie administration provide a thorough accounting of hurricane relief spending.
Galanis backs calls for more details over Baha Mar deal
FORMER PLP MP Philip Galanis yesterday echoed the Official Opposition’s criticism of the “drip drip” pace of details concerning the remobilisation and future sale of Baha Mar, and added to growing concerns over the apparent rise in Chinese influence.
UPDATED: Police find body of dead man in street
Police are seeking the public's help after a man was found shot dead on Peach Street and Montrose Avenue on Sunday.
D'Aguilar slams Baha Mar buyer
FORMER Baha Mar Director Dionisio D’Aguilar declared yesterday that the recently announced prospective buyer of Baha Mar, Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, is “unsuited to invest in The Bahamas”.
EDITORIAL: Come now, Mr Roberts, surely you can’t be serious
THE public is burdened today with more of PLP Chairman Bradley Robert’s superficial thinking and truth bending. In a news release issued yesterday, he warned former Baha Mar director Dionisio d’Aguilar about mixing politics with his former role as a hotel developer.
Economics of public policy
FOLLOWING the aftermath of category 4 Hurricane Matthew two weeks ago, the Rt Hon Prime Minister, sprung into immediate action.
$8m but no plates
STILL further evidence of the pernicious spread of the grade D- mentality into public life - the introduction of a spiffy new $8m system at the RTD, but reportedly a shortage of license plates.
Collect the taxes
FINDING the $200m required to off-set catastrophic hurricane Matthew damage I suggest in a painless method should be through the collection of the large arrears of Real Property Taxes.
Galanis supports latest delay in date for PLP convention
ALTHOUGH its latest postponement pushes the Progressive Liberal Party’s leadership challenge into election campaign season, former PLP MP Philip Galanis insisted yesterday that a late convention could electrify support for the party in an otherwise tough cycle.
US tourist arrested on suspicion of drug possession
AN American tourist was arrested on Saturday for alleged possession of drugs.
Baha Mar purchaser challenged on casino
A key Sarkis Izmirlian ally has questioned the proposed Baha Mar purchaser’s ‘silence’ over its casino plans, given that the gaming facility is “the key engine” in ensuring the development’s profitable success.
GB Power pledges no ‘rate shock’ on Matthew recovery
Grand Bahama Power Company’s (GBPC) chief executive has pledged to avoid any “harmful rate shock” for storm-battered customers when it seeks to recover its restoration costs.
Bran slams ‘fallacy’ of low-tax Bahamas
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader has pledged to reform the Business Licence fee if elected to office, so that companies do not pay more in taxes than they earn in profits.
‘Don’t paint Chinese with the same brush’
The Chamber of Commerce’s chairman has urged Bahamians to resist treating Chinese state-owned and private sector companies “with the same brush”, while acknowledging angst he potential threat to the country’s economic sovereignty from large-scale Chinese investments.
Minister promises to uphold ‘highest casino standards’
The Minister of Tourism yesterday pledged to uphold “the highest standards” of integrity in the Bahamian casino gaming industry, amid suggestions that Baha Mar’s potential purchaser is not a suitable buyer.
INSIGHT – BPL and BEC: Siamese twins of electric power
The legacy debt of $450 million and more from BEC will keep Bahamians in the dark for a while, Richard Coulson says . . .
WORLD VIEW: Is the US making a stick to beat its own back over banking?
Caribbean governments have rightly focused on the severe consequences for their countries of the withdrawal of correspondent banking relations from regional banks by international banks, particularly those located in the United States.
GAIN AN EDGE: How college education opens doors to a career
Selvin Basden, a beneficiary of post-secondary education, explains the advantages he sees of that when hiring potential employees . . .
INSIGHT: Crime prevention is no mystery, just follow expert advice
Drawing on his experience of a career in policing and private security, Paul Thompson offers advice on how the pubic can stop themselves from becoming victims of crime . . .
Hotelier: Grand Bahama will recover from storm
ALTHOUGH the tourism industry on Grand Bahama has taken a hit after Hurricane Matthew, a prominent hotelier and businessman is optimistic about the great opportunity to rebuild, improve and enhance the tourist product.
Five appear in court accused of murder of Deadman’s Reef couple
FIVE men charged with the murder of a Deadman’s Reef couple in Grand Bahama appeared in the Supreme Court in Freeport for a pre-trial review.
Two in hospital after shooting and stabbing
TWO men are in hospital after separate shooting and stabbing incidents in Grand Bahama on Saturday.
Torchbearers delighted by 21-year-old’s ratification
THE Free National Movement’s ratification of a 21-year-old to contest the Bain and Grants Town constituency in the upcoming general election has received the support of the political party’s youth arm.
Bishop calls on government to honour clico payout despite hurricane’s impact
A prominent CLICO (Bahamas) policyholder remains hopeful that the government’s resolution to the seven-year long debacle will be met next month notwithstanding the recent impact Hurricane Matthew has had on the country.
Lenny Kravitz promises: We’re here to serve the people
HUNDREDS of Eleuthera residents are flashing bright healthy smiles thanks to world famous singer/songwriter Lenny Kravitz and the GLO Good Foundation that partnered once again to put on a free dental clinic in Gregory Town, Eleuthera.
New champions
Alcott Forbes and the pennant winning C&S Hitmen missed another shutout, but they pulled off the three-game sweep to derail the defending champions Commando Security Truckers to secure the New Providence Softball Association men’s championship crown.
Buddy and Pelicans looking for first win
FOLLOWING two subpar performances at home, Buddy Hield had his most productive game on the road Friday night. However, the Pelicans remain winless on the season.
FNM deputy: ‘No comfort’ taken on Baha Mar’s buyer
The Opposition’s deputy leader has warned against “taking any comfort” from a multi-billion dollar Hong Kong-based conglomerate’s confirmation that it is seeking to acquire Baha Mar, adding: “We need to know the details behind it first”.
Govt warned: Don’t lose CLICO solution in storm
A prominent pastor yesterday urged the Government not to forget the promised payout to CLICO (Bahamas) long-suffering policyholders, saying: “We don’t want to get lost in the storm.”
‘Greater flexibility’ on Baha Mar disclosures
The Government should have “greater flexibility” to reveal the terms being negotiated for Baha Mar’s purchase, including investment incentives and tax breaks, after the buyer identified itself, the Chamber’s chairman believes.
Sunday, October 30
Buddy Hield scores eight points as Pelicans beaten again
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Buddy Hield scored eight points in 18 minutes, but his New Orleans Pelicans suffered their third straight defeat, going down 98-79 to the San Antonio Spurs.
UPDATED: Man dies after being hit by truck near Lyford Cay
TWO men died as a result of traffic accidents this weekend - one in the Lyford Cay community in New Providence and the other in Grand Bahama.
Saturday, October 29
Hield and Pelicans suffer second defeat
Buddy Hield had a quiet second game for the New Orleans Pelicans as they went down 122-114 to the Golden State Warriors in New Orleans on Friday night.
Friday, October 28
Minnis: Not enough details on Baha Mar negotiations
FREE National Movement (FNM) leader Dr Hubert Minnis said on Friday that the disclosure of the company negotiating with the government to acquire Baha Mar is too bare on details to satisfy the public’s right to information on the matter.
Sears 'can gain more support' after convention delay
PLP leadership challenger Alfred Sears said the party’s decision to delay its convention gives him an opportunity to reach more delegates.
Ocean Club pushes back reopening date to February 2017
STILL reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island has pushed back its reopening date to Valentine’s Day of next year, senior hotel officials said on Friday.
Man accused of role in drug smuggling plot granted bail
A MAN awaiting trial concerning his alleged involvement in a $600,000 cocaine smuggling plot was granted bail in the Supreme Court yesterday.
A farewell to a loving mother and hard-working Tribune employee
WHILE THE family, friends and loved ones are saddened by the recent passing of Anna Fox, they find comfort in knowing that she lived a full, honourable and loving life.
$20m contract signed for four new radars
THE government yesterday signed a contract for nearly $20m with a Finnish company for the acquisition of four new Doppler radars, something local meteorologists said will give the Department of Meteorology “no excuse” for not being more accurate with weather forecasts and tracking weather systems.
Ratification delayed as PM suffers illness
PRIME Minister Perry Christie fell ill with a “stomach virus” prompting the Progressive Liberal Party to postpone the ratification of businessman Chester Cooper last night as its standard bearer for the Exuma and Ragged Island constituency, party Chairman Bradley Roberts confirmed.
Former Senator Lanisha Rolle and businessman D’Aguilar ratified by FNM
THE Free National Movement ratified six candidates for the next general election during a Central Council meeting last night, including businessman Dionisio d’Aguilar and former Senator Lanisha Rolle.
Izmirlian's Baha Mar offer 'will top any competitor'
SARKIS Izmirlian’s company BMD Holdings today pushed back at reports that a Hong-Kong based company has entered into negotiations to acquire Baha Mar, pointing out that no deal has been brokered and reiterating that its own offer would still top any competitor's bid.
UPDATED: 18-year-old woman shot dead in Jubilee Gardens
AN 18-year-old woman was shot in the back of the head and killed early yesterday morning in front of a home in Jubilee Gardens.
PLP delays convention until early next year
THE Progressive Liberal Party has postponed its national convention for the third time, pushing the anticipated event to early next year.
UPDATED: Baha Mar bidder is Hong Kong firm
AFTER months of speculation and intense national interest, the identity of the company in negotiations to acquire Baha Mar has been disclosed as Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE).
Pelicans head coach: ‘He’s a rookie, he’s going to be fine’
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana - Despite the slow start from Buddy Hield in the Pelicans’ season opener, head coach Alvin Gentry insists that he expects his highly touted lottery pick to have better performances.
Anglican Church Men to host 11th annual Grill Fest
THE Anglican Church Men (ACM) of St James Parish are once again stoking the fires in preparation for the annual Father R F Anthony Roberts’ King of the Grill Fest.
Clubs and Societies 10/28/2016
Anglican Diocese. - Upcoming Events:
Truckers in 2-0 hole but don’t count out the defending champs
The defending champions Commando Security Truckers find themselves in a 2-0 deficit in the New Providence Softball Association’s best-of-five championship series against the pennant winning C&S Hitmen.
THE FINISH LINE: Congrats to the Johnson’s Lady Truckers on NPSA title victory
The passing of Hurricane Matthew may have been a blessing in disguise for the New Providence Softball Association.
Klay vs Buddy tonight
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – One of the highlights of the New Orleans Pelicans and Golden State Warriors matchup will be the first NBA meeting and celebrated Bahamian connection between Buddy Hield and Klay Thompson.
Minister rejects FNM claims over Road Traffic
TRANSPORT Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin yesterday dismissed claims from the Official Opposition over the rollout of the Road Traffic Department’s automated system as misinformation.
Unified bus system pilot ‘by the end of the year’
THE government is “hoping” to roll out a “prototype” for a unified busing system by the end of the year, a Cabinet minister said yesterday, adding that this is the furthest the government has got in its decade-long quest for jitney industry reform.
Man detained over gun and drugs find
A Freeport man was arrested on Thursday for possession of firearms, ammunition and dangerous drugs, police reported.
EDITORIAL: Fierce debate on shape of Brexit
LAST week in this column, we referred to a court hearing in London about parliamentary sovereignty in face of the British government’s decision to start the process of leaving the European Union (EU) following the nation’s referendum in June.
The mess at Road Traffic
BOY the PLP don’t like those born in the 10th month (Sir LO would never have treated the 10th month people this way).
Waste disposal and Baha Mar
THE talk, loose talk, of Talk Shows and their hosts and callers.
Police reserves in the hurricane
I would be most grateful if you would afford me some of your valuable space in your news daily in your next publication.
We don’t need any more gaming
Raising funds for ongoing Emergency-hurricane relief.
The Pointe garage
Can the Ministry of Immigration confirm how many work permits were issued to China State Construction, Americas for work on the Garage Development at the Hilton?
Baha Mar ‘purchaser’ leaves Sarkis in cold
China’s ‘freezing out’ of Sarkis Izmirlian was confirmed last night, after Baha Mar’s prospective purchaser was identified as a multi-billion dollar Hong Kong conglomerate with extremely close ties to the Beijing government.
Roberts ‘in over his head’ on Baha Mar
A key Sarkis Izmirlian ally yesterday blasted PLP chairman, Bradley Roberts, as “in over his head”, adding that Baha Mar’s original developer is “happy to show he has the money” to reacquire the development.
Sales agents lose BTC ‘contract breach’ claim
“Veteran” sales agents have lost their ‘breach of contract’ appeal against the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), the Court of Appeal finding they effectively consented to giving up 45 per cent of their revenue earnings.
Business ease decline ‘not good marketing’ to foreign investors
The Bahamas’ 121st spot in the World Bank’s ‘ease of doing business’ rankings is “not a good marketing tool” to attract foreign investment, the Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday fearing it will “confirm negative perceptions” of this nation.
Summit’s peak rating a timely confidence boost
Summit Insurance Company’s president yesterday said its ‘A grade’ rating from A. M. Best had provided a timely confidence boost for clients in Hurricane Matthew’s wake.
Appeal Court confirms bail for man on murder charge
THE Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed a Supreme Court judge’s decision to grant $25,000 bail to a man awaiting trial on a murder charge.
Crime ‘down by 49 per cent since September’ in Grand Bahama
SENIOR Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour revealed that there has been a 49 per cent decrease in crime on Grand Bahama since the end of September.
Suspect seeks bail in fatal shooting case
A MAN appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday seeking bail ahead of his trial concerning a late-night murder that occurred in August.
Sports Notes
THE MVP in Financial Bowling League competition last night was Kevin B Williams of the Strike Force with an impressive 243 high game and a 619 high three game set.
Buddy on ‘Rookie Learning Curve’
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — It was far from the debut he expected, but Buddy Hield remains confident in his adjustment to what he calls the “Rookie Learning Curve.”
MEDITATION: Settling the nerves of our nation
WHEN it comes to thinking about our attempts to recover from a series of ordeals in the past few years, we have to consider our approach to settling the nerves of the nation.
Miracle Life Ministries host ‘Seers Gathering Revival’
WITH all the chaos, confusion, despair and hopelessness in the world today, Miracle Life Ministries is of the view that people are in need of direction, hope, and most importantly, to know what God is saying.
Women asked to witness God’s ‘Manifestation Time’
Christian women are once again being asked to witness the “Heart of God” during a special four-day conference which organisers said will help them overcome their troubles in these difficult times.
IAN FERGUSON: Businesses perform better without egos
Some people think managing through ego, or forcing on others their self-important management style, makes them a leader. Sadly, this autocratic or authoritarian style is used ineffectively by so many leaders in our current corporate climate.
Cable: Network fully restored in Nassau
Cable Bahamas yesterday said it was turning its focus to customer billing adjustments, having achieved full network restoration on New Providence.
Corporate governance vital to ‘business ease’
The Chamber’s chairman said yesterday that improving the Bahamas’ corporate governance culture, a key pillar of the National Development Plan, is “critical” to preventing further declines in this nation’s ‘ease of doing business’ rankings.
Private sector urged to seek online boost
Bahamian businesses were yesterday urged to leverage digital platforms to boost their brand presence and increase sales opportunities, with website security described as “critical” to facilitating e-commerce.
Chamber fully backs apprentice initiative
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive yesterday said the private sector was in full support of the proposed national apprenticeship programme, as a skilled and employable workforce was key to national development.
Thursday, October 27
Legal advice sought amid low voter registration
AMID low voter registration, Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall is seeking legal advice on whether it would be lawful to automatically re-register people for the next election who had registered to vote in the 2012 general election.
Former Road Traffic Controller hits out at chaos of new system
FORMER Road Traffic Controller Brensil Rolle yesterday slammed the government for the chaos and long lines associated with the Road Traffic Department’s automated system roll out, blaming it on “poor management” and a “lack of preparation.”
Bowe: Calm fears over damage costs
AS fears within the business community swell over the government’s ability to shoulder the massive losses incurred from Hurricane Matthew, Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation Chairman Gowon Bowe yesterday cautioned officials against sensationalising the damage estimates.
Roberts tells Izmirlian: Show us the money
PLP CHAIRMAN Bradley Roberts yesterday said Sarkis Izmirlian must “show us the money” if he is serious about purchasing the stalled $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort.
‘PM no fool over Sears leadership challenge’
FORMER Cabinet minister George Smith doesn’t expect Prime Minister Perry Christie to underestimate Alfred Sears’ challenge to his leadership, saying Mr Christie realises “Alfred is no fool.”
Minnis accused of false rumours
HURRICANE Matthew Czar Shane Gibson yesterday accused Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis of spreading false information to gain political points, as he demanded the Killarney MP produce proof that the National Emergency Management Agency is giving preferential treatment to Progressive Liberal Party supporters in the wake of the monster storm.
A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Too many questions and not enough answers over Baha Mar
THE Chinese Government, the China Export-Import Bank (CEXIM) and their co-conspirators, the Bahamian Government, all appeared to have “gooseyed” Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian, ripping his brainchild from his hands and ignoring him like the rude child in the room.
Judge defers his decision on prosecution over 2006 murder
A JUDGE has reserved his decision on whether he will stay the prosecution of a man awaiting trial for murder since 2006.
Businesses donate $300,000 to hurricane relief effort
TWO major businesses in Grand Bahama donated $300,000 to the government for hurricane relief efforts here on the island.
FNM to ratify seven more election candidates tonight
THE Free National Movement will ratify “up to seven” more candidates for the 2017 general election tonight, according to FNM Chairman Sidney Collie.
ON DA HOOK
The fishing is still a bit slow as The Bahamas still recovers from the recent Hurricane Matthew.
Buddy scores four in season opener
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jusuf Nurkic scored 23 points, Will Barton added 22, and the Denver Nuggets survived a dominant performance by Anthony Davis to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 107-102 in both teams’ regular season opener last night.
Bahamian accusers drop Dingman claim
Seven Bahamian companies and contractors have “voluntarily” withdrawn their claims for thousands of dollars in damages against Jamie Dingman over the collapse of his Nassau-based restaurant empire.
Bahamas taxes equal 34% of company profit
Bahamian companies face an effective corporate tax rate that is equivalent to almost 34 per cent of their profits, the World Bank’s ‘ease of doing business report’ has calculated.
Attorney admits ‘concern’ over court disputes length
Damages claims over Jamie Dingman’s failed Nassau restaurant empire may take two-and-a-half years to be resolved if the case has to be heard in the Bahamas, a local attorney has warned.
Bahamas facing ‘harsh reality’ on business ease
The Bahamas faces “the harsh reality” that it has done nothing to improve ‘the ease of doing business’, the Chamber’s chairman warning yesterday that far-reaching reform was necessary to improve economic competitiveness.
Bran slams ‘career politicians’ for ease of business slump
The Bahamas’ slump to 121st spot in the World Bank’s ‘ease of doing business’ rankings stems from the country being run by “career politicians who know nothing about business”, the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader charged yesterday.
Man detained on suspicion of possession of marijuana
OFFICERS from the Mobile Division took an adult male into custody after finding him in possession of a quantity of dangerous drugs on Tuesday.
Rising soccer star Ricardo McPhee reflects on ‘great season’
RICARDO McPhee, one of the Bahamas junior national soccer team players, concluded an outstanding two-year sting at Lyndon Institute.
Police issue sketch of rape suspect
POLICE have released a composite sketch of a man suspected in a rape case and are seeking the public’s help in finding him.
‘Govt must come clean on details of Baha Mar ownership’
UNTIL the government “comes clean” over the inner workings of Baha Mar’s transfer of ownership, Bahamians will continue to see the ill-fated resort as a product of an “inside job” that shut out the $3.5bn project’s original developer Sarkis Izmirlian, according to Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday.
EDITORIAL: Trying to understand Trump’s popularity
IN 1962, the movie, The Manchurian Candidate, spurred fears that far outlasted its popularity and gave rise to a remake in 2004 starring Denzel Washington. The title character in the original version was played by Laurence Harvey, and through hypnosis and other means his mother (Angela Lansbury) and other sinister characters manipulate him to favour the interests of an unfriendly foreign power.
Sandals reopens for business after refit
SANDALS Royal Bahamian re-opened its doors on Tuesday with a complement of nearly 500 staff members and guests in 75 rooms following a multimillion dollar makeover that began in mid-August, the resort said.
Eleuthera dump has to move
I am writing to express my concern and frustration regarding the dump on Russell Island, Eleuthera.
Unseal the documents
Who is... Perfect Luck Holdings Limited?
Friends in deed
Re: Volunteers In Florida Send Supplies To Help.
Evidence for the police?
According to The Tribune report “Police are also investigating an armed robbery and shooting that took place early Friday morning. According to reports, the victim was standing in front of his home at Moncur Alley off Kemp Road, when a man armed with a handgun approached and shot him before fleeing in a silver coloured Honda Fit, vehicle license number 320478.”
Minnis calls for information act to be enacted immediately
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday called for the “immediate” enactment of a Freedom of Information Act, saying the government’s failure to enact the legislation is to cover up all of the “sweetheart deals” it has made with its “Chinese allies” and others.
Woman back in court next week for hearing over murder of friend
A WOMAN will return to the Supreme Court next week for another status hearing concerning her trial in the death of a female friend.
Teen jailed for six years for shooting at house occupied by murder trial witnesses
A TEEN was sentenced to six years in prison as part of a plea deal after he admitted responsibility for shooting at a house occupied by two witnesses in a murder case.
Minister: ‘No wane’ in investor interest
Despite the Bahamas’ continued slippage in the World Bank’s ‘ease of doing business’ rankings, a Cabinet Minister said investor interest in this nation “hasn’t waned”.
Bahamas urged to ‘shift the pendulum’
The Bahamas must “shift the pendulum” if it is to improve its position in the World Bank’s ‘ease of doijng business’ rankings, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederatio’s chairman said yesterday.
Former NFL MVP QB to headline Celebrity Weekend
THE Washington Redskins will be the latest professional sports team to be making their way to the Bahamas in 2017 when former National Football League MVP quarterback Doug Williams headlines a Celebrity Weekend in May.
NewCo backs Red Dress Soiree
THE Red Dress Soiree announced NewCo 2015 as the title and digital sponsor of the 2016 Red Dress Soiree at a press conference on Wednesday.
Back to school in Grand Bahama
THOUSANDS of public school students in Grand Bahama returned to the classroom on Tuesday for the first time in nearly three weeks following the passage of Hurricane Matthew.
Wednesday, October 26
Buddy Hield prepares for tonight's NBA debut
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana - Set to make his debut tonight for the New Orleans Pelicans, Buddy Hield noted the adjustment to his preparation and his game day routine at the NBA level.
THE BIG QUESTION: Funding for hurricane relief
How do you think the government should raise money to fund future hurricane relief efforts?
Activist says Pinder comments inappropriate
LOCAL LGBT activist Erin Green criticised Deputy Registrar Ron Pinder yesterday for language he used when stressing earlier this week that he is heterosexual, saying someone who uses such language should not be a representative of the government.
Pinder’s Point resident says no relief from govt
RUTH Russell, 75, of Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard, has not received relief assistance from any government agency, and has had to depend on the kindness of the church and others for food, a hot meal, and help to repair her damaged house.
Minnis says preference given by NEMA to PLPs
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday accused the National Emergency Management Agency of giving “preferential treatment” to Progressive Liberal Party supporters and leaving everyone else “out in the cold” in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
Slow response by businesses to claim on debts from resort
BAHA Mar’s Claims Committee Chairman James Smith said Bahamian businesses owed money by the resort are responding slower than expected to the call to submit necessary documents in order to receive ex-gratia payments made available by the Export-Import Bank of China.
Road traffic to extend hours to beat chaos
THE Road Traffic Department, beginning today, will roll out several measures aimed at combating the chaos and long lines created by the recent implementation of a new $8m system, beginning with extended operating hours.
‘Baha Mar sale is a fabrication’
SARKIS Izmirlian criticised the transfer of Baha Mar’s assets to Perfect Luck Holdings Ltd yesterday, calling the sale to the special purpose vehicle created by the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) an “intricate fabrication”.
Lawyer fears for client in hurricane-hit prison
A LAWYER yesterday expressed concern for his client’s stay in prison, which had been affected by the passing of Hurricane Matthew.
Unions seek 20-fold employer fines rise
Bahamian trade unions are pushing labour law reforms that will impose a 20-fold increase in financial sanctions on businesses and an exorbitant redundancy cost burden - while simultaneously removing restrictions on their operations.
VAT drops Bahamas to 121st in ‘ease of business’ rankings
The Bahamas is now perilously close to dropping into the bottom third of the World Bank’s ‘ease of doing business’ rankings, after the country was ranked 121st out of 190 nations when it comes to facilitating private sector activity.
TECH TALK
• Anheuser-Busch says it has completed the world’s first commercial shipment by self-driving truck, sending a beer-filled tractor-trailer on a journey of more than 120 miles through Colorado.
‘Intricate fabrication’: Sarkis blasts process for selling Baha Mar
Sarkis Izmirlian has slammed Baha Mar’s transfer to a special purpose vehicle (SPV), controlled by its Chinese secured creditor, as “an intricate fabrication” designed to mask the failure of the project’s sales process.
Sarkis ally admits Chinese, Govt are saying: ‘Go to hell’
A key Sarkis Izmirlian ally yesterday conceded that his attempts to regain Baha Mar’s ownership will likely prove futile, given that both the Government and Chinese were telling the original developer to “go to hell”.
Three local insurers earn ‘A grade’ ratings
Three Bahamian insurance companies yesterday received ‘A grade’ ratings from the industry’s leading international rating agency.
BPL says just two per cent without power in New Providence
BAHAMAS Power and Light has restored electricity to approximately 98 per cent of customers in New Providence and has completed restoration efforts in the Family Islands, the company said.
Homes threatened by Freeport bush fire
A massive bush fire threatened homes at a Freeport subdivision late Monday evening and continued to burn on Tuesday, causing poor visibility for motorists travelling along Coral Road.
POLITICOLE: There’s a hole in the bucket, Dear Christie
I was born in the 70s, and I grew up in the 80s and 90s. Life in The Bahamas was so much simpler then. Everything appeared cleaner, easier, purer. It was long before we knew what a storm our leaders were brewing for us, though we would soon find out. And the Pandora’s Box has been spilling over since then.
Robots showcased by China
BEIJING – The Canbot can say its name, respond to voice commands, and “dance” as it plays Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Other robots China is displaying at the World Robot Conference can play badminton, sand cell phone cases and sort computer chips.
Nintendo combines portable and home gaming with Switch
Nintendo has announced a new gaming system that combines a portable handheld device with a dock to use at home. Nintendo Switch will be released in March.
Mirai malware simplifies internet attacks like last week’s
A massive internet attack that paralysed Twitter, Netflix and other services last week is being blamed on a specific kind of malware designed to harness the power of ordinary consumer devices.
Listen to Mother Nature
I thought I’d share an observation:
How can we bear another tax?
The national debt is teetering around $7 billion.
An easy $80,000
When Urban Renewal was in full swing I asked a courier what he thought about it.
Helping our fellow citizens
Please allow me some space in your paper for further comments after the passing of Matthew.
Sears wants amnesty for undocumented migrants
AMID the litany of reforms proposed in his leadership platform, former Attorney General Alfred Sears calls for an amnesty period for undocumented migrants that have a “genuine link” to the country, and the regularisation of those living and working in the Bahamas for more than 15 years.
Registrar confirms no certificate ever issued for same-sex marriage
THE Registrar General’s Department yesterday said it “has never issued a license for a same sex marriage to be solemnised in The Bahamas,” after erroneous online reports surfaced over the weekend about a purported marriage of a lesbian couple.
TOUGH CALL: After the storm is over
SOON after Hurricane Joaquin smashed into the southern islands a year ago, newspaper reports cited “critical weaknesses” in the national emergency management system, which “should worry us all”.
EDITORIAL: Bahamians are watching carefully how their money is being spent
ALTHOUGH Bahamians have been given an assurance that there will be no politics in hurricane rebuilding, already complaints are starting to come in that — at least on Andros — the PLP are now first in line.
Three are charged over attempted murders in shootings
THREE men were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday on multiple counts of attempted murder concerning two separate shooting incidents that occurred last week.
Man accused over death of son back in court in two weeks
A MAN awaiting trial concerning the death of his son will return to the Supreme Court in two weeks for a status hearing on his case.
Bahamas National Trust in running for top award
THE Bahamas National Trust is a leading contender for this year’s Go Blue Business of the Year Award, which will be announced in Florida on October 28.
Caribs off to Florida
The College of the Bahamas Caribs men’s basketball team, in preparation for their homecoming next weekend, will be heading to Florida to play in a series of collegiate games this weekend.
Tennis ace Roberts having best season ever with Bulldogs
JUSTIN Roberts, fully recovered from a fractured hand that sidelined him at the beginning of his collegiate season, is having his best season ever as a member of the University of South Florida Bulldogs men’s tennis team.
CITY BOWLING LEAGUE ACTION HEATS UP
THE most valuable player in City Bowling League competition last night was a red hot Lee Davis of Ten Back Strikers, who crushed the pins for a huge 269 high game and a blistering 714 high three game set.
‘Fireman’ Brown tackling Grenada Invitational
OLYMPIAN Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown has began the process of getting the inaugural Grenada Invitational off the ground.
Uniformed drivers part of bus reform
Uniformed and salaried jitney drivers will be among the changes under a unified busing system, a Cabinet minister said yesterday, adding that the “refinement” of a corporate earnings structure was being developed in parallel to a pilot project that will act as the prototype.
Chamber chief hopes Florida Expo leads become investments
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive yesterday expressed hope that leads from a recent Florida trade expo will turn into “viable investments” in this nation, adding that several interested companies have subsequently reached out to the organisation.
Tuesday, October 25
Privy Council quashes murder conviction
POLICE detectives’ failures to properly adhere to the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s own guidelines concerning the treatment and questioning of juveniles in custody was the reason the London-based Privy Council yesterday made the decision to quash the murder conviction of Shavargo McPhee.
Deputy registrar denies being ‘a sissy or a punk’
DEPUTY Registrar Ron Pinder emphatically stressed his own heterosexuality as he defended a couple whom he married on the weekend against social media attacks after it was erroneously spread online that the two were lesbians.
Chipman disappointed leader did not tell him of relief supplies from NEMA
ST ANNE’S MP Hubert Chipman admitted yesterday to being disappointed that he was not informed by the Free National Movement that hurricane relief efforts had been organised by the government and that supplies were issued to constituencies.
FNM demands disclosure on resort remobilisation
TAKING issue with the “drip, drip” pace of details concerning the remobilisation and future sale of Baha Mar, the Free National Movement yesterday renewed demands for full disclosure from the government.
Man found shot dead on track in early morning
ONE man is dead and another man is fighting for his life in hospital after two separate shooting incidents late Sunday night and early Monday morning.
Call for clarity on Baha Mar
AMID persistent questions on whether the government should have amassed substantial stamp tax from the transfer of ownership of the Baha Mar resort, a noted industry professional yesterday called on the Christie administration to be more transparent in explaining the inner workings of the resort’s sale to quash concerns over the extent of the government’s involvement with $3.5bn development.
NCAA: Bahamian trio on USA Today Coaches Poll Top 25
Several Bahamian players and their respective teams will enter the 2016-17 season this fall as some of the most highly ranked men’s basketball programmes in the NCAA.
Nikki Jae lives the ‘FAB’ life
Thanks to the worldwide web, access to the world of art, media and entertainment has never been made easier. Whatever your forte, you simply have choose the right platform for your creative ideas.
Rising teen sensation Jacobi continues to make headlines
JACOBI Bain, the rising teenage sensation, continues to make headlines on the International Tennis Federation’s Junior Circuit.
BUN IN THE OVEN: Happy Fall, ya’ll!
There are a several times in the year that make me super excited. And if you’re anything like me, you may concur with these dates.
Public schools to reopen today
AFTER being closed for nearly three weeks, public schools in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Central Andros will reopen today, with the exception of Government High School in the capital and Walker Parker Primary in Grand Bahama, which were the hardest hit by Hurricane Matthew.
Bahamian women encouraged to 'Check It to Catch It'
With the firm belief that early detection can save lives, a local foundation is doing its share to ensure women are educated about breast cancer and take a proactive approach to their health.
Bran: LOI claims will ‘turn away’ foreign investors
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday said the allegations made by the group at the centre of the Renward Wells Letter of Intent (LOI) controversy threaten “to turn foreign investors away from the Bahamas”.
North Andros’ Matthew losses may hit $20-$30m
The North Andros economy may have suffered $20-$30 million in losses as a result of Hurricane Matthew, the Chamber’s chief executive said yesterday.
Rebuild Bahamas spent $573,000 after Joaquin
REBUILD Bahamas spent $573,926 helping to reconstruct or restock businesses in five islands and re-float fishing vessels in the southern Bahamas devastated by Hurricane Joaquin.
Baha Mar deal ‘can’t be tax free’ after Matthew
Baha Mar’s sale must not be “scott free” of the normal 10 per cent ‘transfer tax’, the Opposition’s deputy leader demanded yesterday, suggesting such revenues could “more than compensate” for Hurricane Matthew relief costs.
‘Absolutely no excuse’ for Contractors Bill delay post-Matthew
There is “absolutely no excuse” for further delaying the Contractors Bill’s passage into law, an ex-Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president said yesterday, arguing that regulation was needed more than ever in Hurricane Matthew’s wake.
Matthew relief still aiming to ‘promote compliance culture’
While Hurricane Matthew relief efforts will be “more flexible” than those for Joaquin, the Chamber’s chief executive yesterday warned that they would still seek to promote “a culture of compliance”.
Sears leads call for revolution
FORMER Attorney General Alfred Sears yesterday called on Bahamians to “join our revolution” as he unveiled his road map for the modernisation of the Progressive Liberal Party and the country.
Motorists angered by chaos at road traffic
DISGRUNTLED motorists yesterday complained about the long wait times associated with the Road Traffic Department’s digital automated system registration exercise, claiming that “nothing has changed” since the “chaotic” first day of registration, despite promises by officials that it would.
Dance of the macabre
Everywhere I go here in our beautiful capital island, I am besieged with questions as to my political allegiance by all and sundry.
A fair justice system
The more I see of the American’s interpretation of freedom, the more I appreciate our British inherited system of justice underpinned by law.
Judge to hear arguments in delayed murder case
A JUDGE will hear legal arguments on Wednesday to determine whether a man accused of murder should be prosecuted after awaiting trial for more than a decade.
December date for trial of pair accused of shooting
TWO men who were arraigned last month in connection with a triple shooting that claimed two lives will have to wait until December for their case to be transferred to the Supreme Court.
Case of sex assault against a minor is discontinued
A CASE was discontinued yesterday against a man accused of sexually assaulting a minor nearly five years ago.
Tips to keep your back healthy
Back problems don’t develop overnight. Although you may suddenly begin to feel the effects of a back injury or instability, it may have been building up for years. Back injury can be caused by a car accident, fall, etcetera, or it can also develop from poor habits done repetitively over time. Some good habits to prevent injury are:
MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONALS: What are you aiming for?
Every archer recognises the need to identify the target long before sending forth his arrow. No airplane leaves the runway without having a flight plan of its destination. Having an aim is the most potent ingredient in any life empowerment strategy. Do you know what you are aiming for?
Breast cancer rehabilitation
In the course of a day we perform many different actions without even a second thought. We groom our hair, scratch our backs and reach into overhead cupboards for items.
Bereaved parents honour their lost children
The light from dozens of candles lit up Saunders Beach on Saturday evening as bereaved parents came out to honour the children they have lost.
EDITORIAL: Are unions losing their appeal?
FOR more than a century, the word union conjured up images of valuable, even life-saving protection.
Matthew makes air travel ‘even slower’
A senior airline executive said yesterday that a traditionally slow travelling period had become “even slower” in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, telling this newspaper: “Right now, people’s resources are stretched.”
Sandals ‘practically full’ by early November date
Sandals Royal Bahamian executives said yesterday that they expect the resort to be at “practically full” occupancy by early November, with the property set for a ‘soft opening’ today just over two months after undertaking $4 million worth of renovations.
Unions demand PM Sandals intervention
The Bahamas’ two trade union bodies are calling on Prime Minister Perry Christie to facilitate negotiations with Sandals Royal Bahamian for the reinstatement of all terminated union officers, along with the other workers released back in August.
Monday, October 24
INSIGHT: No need to delay PLP convention
THE Progressive Liberal Party appears to be toying with the idea of postponing its national convention for the third time in two years, again under the guise of needing more time to help constituents recover from the damage wrought by a hurricane.
Miller: We shouldn’t have brought in foreigners
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller criticised Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd and the government yesterday for “bringing in foreigners” to assist in restoring power to New Providence when, Mr Miller claimed, “Bahamians could have done the same job.”
Two dead, six hurt in weekend shootings
TWO men are dead and six others are in hospital after a series of shooting incidents over the weekend.
BPL: 96% have power restored
BAHAMAS Power and Light has restored electricity to approximately 96 per cent of customers in New Providence and has substantially completed restoration efforts in North and Central Andros, BPL said yesterday.
Stay out of FNM business, PM told
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis told Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday “to stay out of the FNM’s business” as he castigated the nation’s leader over his recent admission that he had not visited his own constituency in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, saying this was proof of “absolutely poor representation.”
Inaugural Best of The Best Regatta set for December 1
ADD another event to the consistently expanding list of regattas on the portfolio for the festival season.
Nine-fold increase in job placement rate now targeted
A nine-fold improvement in job seeker placement rates is being targeted by a $50 million initiative that aims to overhaul skills training and employment preparation in the Bahamas.
Matthew puts building inspection outsource ‘back on the table’
The outsourcing of building inspections “has to come back on the table for a serious conversation” if the Bahamas is to prevent future Hurricane Matthew-type devastation, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president believes.
Hitmen hold commanding 2-0 lead over defending champions Truckers
THE C&S Hitmen, behind the fantastic pitching from ace Alcott Forbes, are now just one game away from winning another New Providence Softball Association men’s championship title.
Royal Oasis and Bazaar hit further by hurricane
WHILE the island of Grand Bahama is now in restoration mode post Hurricane Matthew, the old Royal Oasis resort property and the International Bazaar in Freeport have fallen into further disrepair.
INSIGHT: Keeping visitors safe from robbers and rapists is a cost hotels must meet
Protecting tourism from criminals in The Bahamas is paramount for the country’s economy and reputation as a destination. Paul Thompson suggests government security surveys of hotels would help prevent major incidents . . .
Men’s national volleyball team clinches top spot in FIVB Qualifier
THE Bahamas men’s national volleyball team clinched the top spot in their Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) FIVB World Championship Qualifier Men Group A series by winning all two of their games played over the weekend in Martinique.
Community fills the gap as school doors remain closed
A GROUP of community leaders and volunteers last week opened a temporary community school aimed at continuing the education of the students of all ages, while government schools remain closed due to the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew.
Cartwright for FNM South Beach
The silly season in politics has started in earnest and the craziest things are happening.
Baseball in The Bahamas
BASEBALL in The Bahamas is not a step-child, but rather a neglected and abused orphan.
Allen’s $100k demand rejected by LOI group
The group at the centre of the Renward Wells Letter of Intent (LOI) controversy rejected an ex-Cabinet Minister’s alleged $100,000 demand for sending a solitary letter to the Government over its waste-to-energy proposal.
Insurer says 15% of Matthew roof loss ‘preventable’
An insurer believes 15 per cent of Hurricane Matthew-related roof damage was preventable, blaming “shoddy workmanship” and enforcement failures for exacerbating losses.
GAIN AN EDGE: Opening the door to work
Dean of Academic Affairs at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Pleshette McPhee, often says “TVET is the new global currency”.
EDITORIAL: Watchdog needed for $150m loan
ALTHOUGH the cost of hurricane damage by Matthew is estimated at $600m, Prime Minister Christie’s administration has negotiated a $150m loan with the banks to get reconstruction started. Mr Christie specified that the condition of the loan was “that the funds would be exclusively used for the reconstruction effort”.
Hurricane Matthew blamed for delay in tabling Freedom of Information Bill
THE Freedom of Information Bill, which was intended to be tabled in the House of Assembly this month, is now scheduled to be brought to Parliament before the end of the year.
Bahamian boat captain denies trying to smuggle 17 people into the US
A BAHAMIAN man pleaded not guilty in a US court last week to federal charges that he allegedly tried to smuggle 17 people into the United States.
Claim of intimidation of activists in govt investigation
ATTORNEY and activist Fred Smith, QC, has written a letter to Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade requesting a meeting with the top police officer to put an end to “intimidating” actions by government officials.
Scholarship launched in link with St Mary’s University
SAINT Mary’s University and the Ministry of Education have announced a renewable four-year scholarship aimed at Bahamian grade 12 public high school students.
New NPSA champions
The Johnson’s Lady Truckers celebrated another New Providence Softball Association ladies’ championship title, this time sweeping the Sunshine Auto Lady Wildcats in three straight games at the Banker’s Field over the weekend.
Buddy to come off the bench in season opener
BUDDY Hield will begin his rookie campaign with the plan of providing his patented scoring punch off the bench for his New Orleans Pelicans.
Business non-compliance impacted Joaquin recovery
Just one in four business applications for post-Hurricane Joaquin assistance was approved because many enterprises were non-compliant with tax and other legal requirements.
Govt slammed over landfill due diligence
The Opposition’s deputy leader has slammed the Government for failing to conduct proper due diligence on Renew Bahamas, after the New Providence landfill manager suspended its services in Hurricane Matthew’s wake.
BPL ‘set up to fail’
Amid intense criticism of the pace of New Providence electricity supply post-Matthew, the Opposition’s deputy leader believes Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and its management company were “set up to fail”.
AG praised for dropping union executives’ case
The Trade Union Congress’s (TUC) president has praised the Attorney General’s decision to drop charges against five union executives at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort, describing the move as “a step in the right direction”.
Bahamian marinas shrug off Matthew
The Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) said yesterday that all 47 members were open for business and anticipating a busy winter season, most having experienced no significant damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew.
Sunday, October 23
Two held after man shot dead in Abaco
Two men are in custody after a man was shot dead in Abaco in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Saturday, October 22
One dead, five injured in spate of shootings
One man is dead and five are in hospital after a spate of shootings on Friday and early Saturday.
Friday, October 21
48-year-old man dies in suspected drowning incident
POLICE are investigating a suspected drowning incident on Thursday afternoon that left a 48-year-old man dead.
Motorists slam Road Traffic Department 'chaos'
SCORES of disgruntled motorists on Friday slammed the Road Traffic Department’s (RTD) digital automated system registration process, calling the newly launched exercise “utter chaos”.
Island Luck hosts job fair for new staff
ADVANCING its recent move to acquire a 65 per cent majority equity stake in a rival web shop, Island Luck on Friday hosted a job fair, with a view to fully staff the new operation within the coming weeks.
PLP convention committee 'open to discussing postponement'
While there are currently no plans to postpone the party’s convention, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts said the convention committee is open to “discussing the idea”.
Doppler radar repaired - and talks complete for four more
THE Department of Meteorology’s Doppler radar has been fixed, Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said yesterday.
BPL suspends disconnections to give relief after storm
BAHAMAS Power and Light has temporarily suspended disconnections on overdue accounts in an effort to provide relief to customers after the passage of Hurricane Matthew, according to Corporate Communications Manager Arnette Ingraham.
DNA: ‘Back to square one’ after landfill manager suspends services
RENEW Bahamas’ decision to suspend its services as manager of the New Providence landfill has relegated the site’s woes “back to square one,” according to DNA Leader Branville McCartney, who charged that the Renew Bahamas experiment has proven to be a “complete and utter waste of time”.
‘Checks in place’ to ensure $150m loan used properly
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday insisted that the government had checks and balances in place to handle the $150m hurricane relief money it intends to borrow, as he responded to critics who have expressed doubt that the Christie administration is capable of fiscal responsibility of the funds.
BPL: 8,000 customers still without power supply
MORE than 90 per cent of Bahamas Power and Light’s residential customers in New Providence have been restored to supply, however there are still approximately 8,000 customers without power, BPL said yesterday.
PM urges FNMs to resist Minnis
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday sent a strong message to sidelined Free National Movement MPs Richard Lightbourn and Hubert Chipman to “resist with all your might” any attempt by the party’s leadership to end their careers.
Bottling company aid for Grand Bahama
CARIBBEAN Bottling Company, the official producer of Coca-Cola brands in The Bahamas, ensured that residents in the areas most damaged by Hurricane Matthew received assistance in the aftermath.
Bahamas’ Top junior golfers Turnquest, Anand in Annika Invitational
TWO of the Bahamas’ elite junior golfers are participating in a top regional tournament aimed at developing the game among young ladies.
Gov’t ‘surprised’ by Renew withdrawal
A Cabinet Minister yesterday admitted the Government had been “surprised” by Renew Bahamas’ decision to suspend its management of the New Providence landfill, with no decision made yet on whether the company will return.
Lightbourn has ‘no plans’ to run as an independent
IN spite of speculation to the contrary, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn said he has no plans at this time to mount an independent run in the next election.
Bail application dismissed for man accused of killing
A MAN hoping to be released from prison before his murder trial had his bail application dismissed by a Supreme Court judge yesterday.
Champions: Los Angeles earns 1st WNBA title in 14 years
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nneka Ogwumike’s short jumper with 3.1 seconds left gave the Los Angeles Sparks a 77-76 victory over the defending champion Minnesota Lynx for their first title in 14 years in the deciding game of the WNBA Finals last night.
Temporary pause to voter registration
THE parliamentary commissioner has announced . . .
Matthew destruction forces Junkanoo Jam to relocate
Due to the damage inflicted by Hurricane Matthew, the internationally renowned Junkanoo Jam basketball tournament was forced to relocate.
Criticism from the FNM
Re: FNM chairman defends leader over recovery effort criticism (October 14)
Man, 62, dies after being hit by car
A 62-year-old man is dead following a traffic accident in the Eight Mile Rock area on Wednesday evening.
PM criticism of Opposition leader
THE Prime Minister’s comment on the Opposition Leader’s criticising the performance of BP&L is totally naive and ridiculous.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Power to the people
So, has enough time passed for us to officially label Bahamas Power and Light as lousy?
Speed bumps are needed
THE horrific and tragic car accident on Coral Harbour Drive on September 16 had the air of inevitability to it.
‘Fiscal peril’: 120 per cent debt fear after next disaster
Politicians “have no business being in power” if they fail to address the Bahamas’ fiscal peril, a reform advocate warned yesterday, adding that another Matthew-type hit could produce a 115-120 per cent debt-to-GDP ratio.
‘Flagship’ job centre to replace Clarence Bain
The Government is planning to demolish the Clarence A. Bain Building and replace it with a “flagship one-stop shop centre” for assisting employment seekers, in a bid to improve its 2 per cent job placement success rate.
Blackbeard’s QC: ‘Don’t make 100 more unemployed’
The developer behind the controversial $12 million Blackbeard’s Cay project will appeal its latest legal reversal to the Privy Council, its attorney yesterday warning opponents against making another 100 Bahamian unemployed “in this climate”.
National lottery ‘must be looked at’ post-Matthew
The Minister of Tourism yesterday acknowledged that debate over a National Lottery would be reignited following the $600 million in damage created by Hurricane Matthew, adding that $3 million was already available to assist from the web shops.
PM admits work needed to keep shelters up to standard
PRIME Minister Perry Christie acknowledged yesterday that the government needed to do a better job of ensuring hurricane shelters were kept up to standard, as he pledged to redirect his administration’s focus on the proper licensing of these facilities.
Halkitis: We were right to drop disaster insurance policy
STATE Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis yesterday defended the government’s decision to drop its regional insurance policy for disasters for a sovereign disaster relief fund.
Problem gaming
BAHAMAS Gaming Industry needs to explore intervention in addressing the issue of Problem Gambling (PG), and street mothers with infants.
Bahamas feeding network salutes volunteers
AN essential component of any non-profit organisation is the volunteers who donate countless hours to seeing the vision come to life.
Charity fund from web shop payments reaches $3m total
THE Gaming Board foundation set up for the charitable use of funds from the web shop gaming sector has accrued $3m, according to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday.
Suspects to submit alibis ahead of murder trial
TWO men awaiting trial on a murder charge said they would submit an alibi to the Office of the Attorney General within 21 days.
It’s twins for the Turnquest family
TWIN sons were born to Mrs Georgette Turnquest at Doctors Hospital at 8.46am and 8.47am yesterday. Both mother and babies are doing well.
Men’s national volleyball team in NORCECA qualifier
THE men’s national volleyball team, which had very little time to practice because of the passing of Hurricane Matthew and the unavailability of a gymnasium, is competing in the NORCECA qualifying tournament in Martinique October 20-25.
EDITORIAL: We need to protect our democracy in The Bahamas
IN The Bahamas, we enjoy a vigorous democracy inherited at independence in 1973 from Britain as the former colonial power, we need always to be vigilant in protecting it in an uncertain world. It is all too easy to take for granted our liberty and constitutional rights guaranteed by the rule of law and judicial system which, despite its lack of efficiency and need for reform works reasonably well.
No Caribbean disaster insurance for Bahamas
The Bahamas would not have received any Hurricane Matthew relief from a Caribbean disaster insurance fund because the storm was not strong enough to trigger a payout, the Government revealed yesterday.
Capital outlook for the markets
This article was first published in The Bahamas Investor and thebahamasinvestor.com. Reproduced with permission Etienne Dupuch Jr Publications.
IAN FERGUSON: How you can help Matthew’s victims
Two weeks after Hurricane Matthew ravaged a number of islands in our beautiful archipelago, many businesses and individuals, particularly in Grand Bahama, New Providence and Andros, are struggling feverishly to pick up the pieces and move towards normalcy.
Chamber chief seeking post-storm ‘quid pro quo’
Bahamian businesses were yesterday urged to make their product offerings “as attractive as possible” by fully exploiting the post-Matthew exigency Order, thus “compelling” consumers to shop at home.
Thursday, October 20
Turnquest wary of Urban Renewal role in storm rebuilding efforts
OPPOSITION Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest expressed concern yesterday that Urban Renewal is being used as a campaign tool for the Progressive Liberal Party during Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts.
Three children are recovering after being shot
A FOUR-year-old girl is recovering from emergency surgery after she and her four-year-old sister were shot as they sat in a vehicle with three other children late on Tuesday night.
DNA member in hospital after latest shooting
THE DNA last night said The Bahamas was “paralysed by fear” after the party’s Nassau Village chairperson, Wendy McIntosh, was shot multiple times.
$150m loan for storm repairs
THE Christie administration yesterday moved a resolution for a loan of up to $150m to defray the costs of this country’s recovery and reconstruction efforts as a result of not only Hurricane Matthew, but for last year’s Hurricane Joaquin.
Prime Minister backs away from hurricane tax plan
DESPITE Prime Minister Perry Christie’s previous suggestion that the government may need to “tax some item” to accumulate funds for the country’s Hurricane Matthew recovery and repair, he yesterday back-pedalled from this position insisting that the current tax system is sufficient to raise the money needed for the efforts.
Six-year-old found dead in house fire
POLICE are investigating a house fire that led to the death of a six-year-old boy in Abaco on Tuesday night.
A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Let me suggest how you pay for hurricane recovery, Mr Christie
The goalpost shifting, public relations gaffes, wobbling ways and revisionist spin in the wake of Hurricane Matthew is on full display this week, with Prime Minister Perry Christie jamming his foot into his mouth and launching an avalanche of rebukes when he told The Tribune and ZNS that the Cabinet would consider, when they met yesterday, the introduction and implementation of a special tax to help finance repair and recovery efforts.
EDITORIAL: Bahamians kept in the dark about investments
FOR five years, with lips sealed on serious matters that affect the future of the Bahamas, this government has sat on the Freedom of Information Act. If ever this Act was needed it is now.
Women learn to trust God’s process
Encouraging women to “Trust the Process” one more time, motivational speaker and entrepreneur Raquel Pinder successfully hosted the latest instalment of the popular Beauty Beyond Feelings, Heart & Sole series last week.
Following Hurricane Matthew
I’m not a psychiatrist, but a Bahamian who experienced and survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans eleven years ago.
Nygard bid to subpoena PM to be heard next month
AN application to subpoena Prime Minister Perry Christie to give evidence in committal proceedings against Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard in Supreme Court will now be heard next month.
Shootings, tyre slashing and theft break landfill
Renew Bahamas yesterday confirmed it has “suspended its services” as the New Providence landfill manager, after shootings, tyre slashings and widespread theft in Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath made operating conditions unsafe.
Container Port hit causes cargo delay for Nassau
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is moving rapidly to resolve a cargo backlog caused by hurricane damage at the Freeport Container Port, which is impacting the timely delivery of freight to Nassau and other global destinations.
Gov’t faces total $800m storm bill
The Government is facing a combined $800million bill from Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew combined, Prime Minister Perry Christie told Parliament yesterday.
Gov’t told: Forget about pre-election economy ‘juicing’
The Government was yesterday urged to forget about “juicing the economy” prior to the upcoming general election, an outspoken businessman urging it to largely finance hurricane relief from its existing Budget.
‘Major rethink’ urged over electricity grid and Building Code
The Bahamas needs to have “a major rethink” over its electricity infrastructure and coastal/Family Island building codes following Hurricane Matthew’s devastation, a leading insurance executive said yesterday.
‘Matthew was angry and The Bahamas was his enemy. From this day on if any hurricane come, I am evacuating.’
Residents in southern New Providence are still without power 14 days after Hurricane Matthew hit. But the memories of the storm’s brutal force are still vivid, Sancheska Dorsett hears . . .
North Andros ‘getting back to normal’
RELIEF and recovery efforts are “coming along pretty good” in North Andros in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, with government officials yesterday claiming that a sense of “normalcy” is finally beginning to return to residents of the battered community.
Rein in the spending instead of adding tax
NOTWITHSTANDING your editorial accolades for our Prime Minister today, I have to ask if he is playing with a full hand when he proffers the thought that we need a “hurricane tax” now.
Time for another Carnival
I TRULY feel that now is the time for another Junkanoo Carnival. Another $7m to $10m to put on the carnival is no big deal.
Lawyers in bias case to face court in December
COMMITTAL proceedings against two lawyers who accused a Supreme Court judge of bias will now be heard in December.
Wrong way to use tax money
YES we feel for every soul in The Bahamas affected by the passing of cruel, devastating Matthew; however there are rights and there are no rights.
Deputy PM: Alternatives being discussed to fund relief effort
SEEKING to quell public outrage over the suggestion of a hurricane tax, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday insisted that there are other alternatives yet to be discussed as the government mulls over how it will fund Hurricane Matthew relief efforts.
Marriott Hotel donates hurricane supplies
THE Courtyard by Marriott hotel yesterday presented Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis with a donation of hurricane relief supplies, to be distributed in the coming weeks by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in areas ravaged by Hurricane Matthew.
MEDITATION: Spiritual preparation
WHAT a time of preparation. There are so many storms in our lives at this time:
BTC to credit landline customers left cut off by Hurricane Matthew
BTC announced yesterday that it will issue a credit to landline customers whose service was impacted by Hurricane Matthew as it outlined an aggressive agenda to restore services.
The Pointe donates $100,000 to nema
THE Pointe, through its parent company China Construction America (CCA), has made a $100,000 donation to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to help ongoing for hurricane relief efforts.
November goal to open after storm
The Smith’s Point/Taino Beach area suffered severe beach and coastal erosion with the passage of Hurricane Matthew, but proprietors in the area are working diligently to restore the area and reopen for business by November.
Garage opens to mark first phase of The Pointe
THE first phase of development on The Pointe in downtown Nassau has been completed, with the official opening of the seven-storey, 900 space parking garage.
Scholarship deal to help high school students
SAINT Mary’s University and the Ministry of Education have announced a renewable four-year scholarship aimed at deserving Bahamian Grade 12 public high school students. It is the only Bahamian scholarship of its type with a Canadian university.
COB signs contract for $100m residential hall
COLLEGE of the Bahamas officials yesterday inked a contract with a local investment management firm for the construction of a near $100m, 1,000 bed on-campus residential hall, something officials said is a “major tool” in helping to further augment the college’s transition to university status.
Inauguration day for Jesus: Good news
EVERY four years, like clockwork, an army of speechwriters squirrel themselves away in an office in Washington, DC, and write and re-write and probably write again, an inaugural address for the new president of the United States. It’s usually brief, sometimes it’s eloquent, and on rare occasions it’s even memorable. And whether you agree with the words or not, that inaugural speech tells you where the president’s heart is as he begins his awesome tasks.
Lawyer absent for hearing on raid on Deputy PM’s home face court
TWO remaining defendants awaiting trial in connection with the robbery of Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ home nearly three years ago appeared in Supreme Court for a status hearing on their case yesterday.
On Da Hook
BAHAMAS Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) is reporting a first for one young fisherman, with 11-year-old Mason Baker spearing his first Grouper this week, as fishing in The Bahamas has been slow to get back after Hurricane Matthew.
Rosa and crew lead field at Snipe World Masters
The restoration efforts from the effects of Hurricane Matthew have presented several challenges for the organisers of the Snipe World Championships Masters. However, the event continues this week at the Royal Nassau Sailing Club.
BOC boss Miller thanks PM for ‘encouraging note’
DESPITE the effects Hurricane Matthew has had on many aspects of day-to-day life for Bahamians, the plethora of major sporting events the country expects to host in 2017 are expected to remain on schedule.
Buddy Hield projected to win Rookie of the Year
ACCORDING to one of NBA.com’s most decorated writers of the past two decades, expect Buddy Hield to have a major impact on the New Orleans Pelicans this season and lead the 2016 rookie class.
SANCHESKA V RENALDO: NFL Picks Week Seven
The “I Take Everything Back” Award presented by every ex-boyfriend of Scarlett Johansson - Bob McAdoo. Odell Beckham Jr was a distraction until he caught eight passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns.
NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS: ‘With only a two-game lead, Mrs Dorsett can be caught’
I WENT 9-6 last week, could have been worse I suppose.
RICARDO'S NFL PICKS: Even the Packers can get it right against the bumbling Bears
THE aftermath of Hurricane Matthew kept me from commentating in my picks column last week. The week before, with the storm approaching the Bahamas, the picks were done a day early.
‘Courage Under Fire’
EVEN as the 2016 comes to a close, an opportunity still awaits those who made spiritual commitments earlier in the year to accomplish their goals.
Fighting the spirit of depression
FIGHT depression with the Word of God! Depression is a spirit, and spirits only respond to and are affected by things of the spirit.
FNM deputy demands relief funding ‘fairness’
The Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday urged the Christie administration to put the necessary measures in place to ensure “fairness and accountability” in the allocation of hurricane relief funding, adding that better planning was necessary to prevent the Bahamas being caught “flat-footed again”.
Commercial banks to acquire 80 per cent of restoration bond
Some 80 per cent or $120 million of the Government’s Hurricane Restoration Bond will be raised from the commercial banks, the Government yesterday confirming the offering’s multi-tiered nature.
Hurricane bond: 60-70% to repair government assets
A Cabinet minister yesterday acknowledged that the Christie administration must now “revisit” its Budgetary revenue and spending forecasts in the wake of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Matthew.
Wednesday, October 19
$700,000 bill to repair major healthcare facilities
REPAIRS to the country’s three main public healthcare institutions in the wake of Hurricane Matthew will cost more than $700,000, Public Hospitals Authority Managing Director Herbert Brown said yesterday.
Confirmed number of Zika cases has now risen to 17
THERE have been no additional confirmed cases of the Zika virus in New Providence in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, with a senior health official claiming there have been fewer reports of mosquito bites in the wake of the category four storm.
Turnquest says unwise to let China have too much influence
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest yesterday regretted that Bahamians were only “bit players” in the ongoing Baha Mar saga, as he decried the sale of Baha Mar’s assets to a company created by the $3.5bn project’s financier, the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM).
Left without power for 14 days
FOR 14 days now, Francita Strachan has been cut off from family and friends whom she imagines are concerned about her well being, as she’s been unable to make and receive phone calls or even take a proper bath because she lives on the half of Sea Link Avenue that has yet to be energised by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL).
FNM and DNA united in opposition to new tax
OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said the Free National Movement is opposed to any possible attempt by the Christie administration to implement a new tax to cover the cost of damage from Hurricane Matthew.
Cabinet says no to tax on alcohol
AMID fiery criticism levelled at the government over Prime Minister Perry Christie’s suggestion that there could be a special tax to assist the country in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, Cabinet yesterday discussed the feasibility of a sin tax on tobacco and alcohol to accumulate the necessary funding for repair and recovery efforts, The Tribune was told.
Sign of the times as nursery owner makes her point on electricity
ONE irate New Providence business owner left without power in the wake of Hurricane Matthew has opted to redirect her frustration with Bahamas Power and Light to art, hoping her new welcome sign could attract the attention of the company’s technicians.
BPL doubles manpower as it aims to complete restoration of power
WITH more than 12,000 New Providence customers without electricity, Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited has doubled the manpower on New Providence but also its fleet in its effort to complete restoration as soon as possible, the company said yesterday.
NIB’s unfunded pension liability near 50% GDP
The National Insurance Board’s (NIB) unfunded pension liabilities, equivalent to almost 50 per cent of Bahamian GDP, represent a “major fiscal risk” that demands at least a 5.4 per cent increase in contribution rates.
Power loss leaves bed maker dozing
A bedding manufacturer yesterday said business levels had plunged almost 90 per cent year-over-year post-Matthew, with the loss of electricity for two full weeks severely compromising its ability to produce finished products and generate sales.
FNM’s deputy slams storm tax ‘nonsense’
The Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday slammed the Government’s ‘hurricane tax’ proposal as “nonsense”, warning that an “already devastated” society and economy would find it impossible to bear further cost increases.
BPL places new business connect requests on hold
Superwash’s newly-opened $3m million laundromat has been unable to get an electricity connection because Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) is not currently accepting any new business applications.
Bran: New taxes ‘won’t dig us out’ of Matthew hole
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday warned the Government not to “dig yourself out of the hole” left by Hurricane Matthew through further taxing Bahamians, adding: “We cannot afford it.”
Cruise ship to visit Bimini after damage to Freeport
RESORTS World Bimini (RWB) and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) announced yesterday that the line’s 1,800-passenger vessel, MS Grand Celebration, begins sailing to Bimini this week.
EDITORIAL: Again we ask PM Christie - whose side are you on?
ON MONDAY, we posed the question here to Prime Minister Christie: Whose side are you on - the Bahamas or Beijing?
Hurricane tax plan . . . say what?
FOLLOWING the disastrous aftermath of the monster Hurricane Matthew and the need for hundreds of millions of dollars “to fix the country”, it is unbelievable to hear talk about the possibility of a “hurricane tax” to be levied on us, the already suffering public, when we have been constantly bombarded with evidence of the blatant, irresponsible spending by government of our monies over the past several years.
Dangerous poles on St Michael Rd
ST MICHAEL Road serves as a main route for drivers commuting from Prince Charles Drive to Soldier Road.
Activist calls for reform of immigration policy
A LOCAL human rights activist is calling for a review of the country’s policy of detaining all undocumented migrants following a landmark regional workshop in Trinidad and Tobago.
Can we have BEC back?
I THOUGHT that with the arrival of Bahamas Power and Light, we were supposed to have improved service at a lower price, delivered through a modern system.
Former senator’s appeal to be heard in December
FORMER Free National Movement senator John Bostwick II’s appeal against his conviction for possession of ammunition will be heard in December.
JONQUEL JONES TO CONTINUE OFFSEASON IN KOREA
FOLLOWING a productive rookie season, Jonquel Jones looks to continue her offseason development in Korea as her season tips off in just under two weeks.
As beach soccer events draw near, Sealey talks development
IN a relatively short time span, the Bahamas has become a major regional player in beach soccer and now the Bahamas Football Association seeks to join the rest of the Caribbean in making the development of this mode of the sport a major initiative.
Patriots coach to ditch tablet on the sidelines
NEW ENGLAND Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is admitting defeat in his ongoing fight with the use of tablets on the sideline during NFL games.
Suspect accused of playing part in murder conspiracy
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was charged in Magistrate’s Court with having a role in a murder plot that was carried out in June.
National parks largely spared by hurricane
HURRICANE Matthew may have caused widespread damage on North Andros, Grand Bahama and New Providence but it had relatively little destructive impact on the country’s national parks.
Volunteers in Florida send supplies to help
LAST week, in a matter of only four days volunteers from Lend a Hand Bahamas in south east Florida collected supplies to fill a 40-foot shipping container to be sent over to The Bahamas to aid in the relief effort post Hurricane Matthew.
Looting is reported in Grand Bahama
LOOTING has reportedly set in at West End, Grand Bahama, and there is also concern that relief items brought in from abroad are not being properly monitored or turned over to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for distribution to those most in need of aid.
BAMSI gives bananas as relief supplies
THE Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has donated 30 cases of bananas to local charities across New Providence to help those who experienced the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew.
Honour for barrister on the rise
A RISING young Bahamian barrister has been recognised by Lord Neuberger, who heads the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and is President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
David Nesbitt making moves in the pro ranks
NATIONAL basketball team stalwart David Nesbitt is on the move again at the professional level. The 25-year-old forward has been a key component for his new club in Uruguay’s Liga Uruguaya de Básquetbo (LUB), Goes Montevideo.
‘Mother’ Pratt’s work to be recognised in US
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia “Mother” Pratt heads to Washington today to attend the Global Council of Women for Development’s (GCWD) First Ladies Forum and Economic Development Summit, where she will be honoured for her charitable work over the years.
Goodbye Note 7, hello Pixel
GOOGLE’S ambitious new smartphone, the Pixel, does not offer a lot that is new, yet it’s still one of the best out there.
TECH TALK
• AMAZON has launched a paid streaming music service, the latest entry in an increasingly crowded field.
Beware of fire risk in wake of hurricane
THE country’s fire chief, Superintendent Walter Evans, yesterday pleaded with residents to take the dangers of fires in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew seriously, as reports have shown an increase in structural fires since the storm made landfall.
Speeding towards a 5G future
5G MAY be in your phone sooner than you think.
.Google could start new domain boom
GOOGLE is helping to usher in a new way for companies to tout their brand names in the digital realm.
‘Buddy Buckets’ gets first preseason start
The learning curve for Buddy Hield continues as the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to conclude their preseason schedule this week.
International recognition for hospital’s laboratory services
THE Princess Margaret Hospital’s laboratory services were yesterday officially recognised by a regional accreditation body, something Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez yesterday said will further “strengthen the culture of excellence” in the public healthcare system.
Darville: Hurricanes will become more powerful with climate change
VETERAN educator and human rights activist Joseph Darville says the threat of climate change is real and hurricanes will continue to get more forceful with the increased rise in temperature.
CHRIS BROWN IN GRENADA FOR TRACK MEET MEDIA LAUNCH
FOUR-time Olympian Chris Brown arrived in Grenada Monday night ahead of the media launch of the Grenada Invitational Track and Field Meet scheduled for next April.
SUPERGREEN SOLUTIONS: A beacon of light through the storm
I thought it was bad that my power was off for nearly a week after Hurricane Matthew. But I know that is nothing compared to many of my fellow Bahamians, who are not expected to have their light restored for a long time. If you are looking to find or provide some electricity relief in this hard time, this article is for you.
No Gov’t pressure on debt ratio drops
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday said there had been no pressure from the Government to revise the Bahamas’ various debt ratios downwards, a move that led to the re-publication of its 2016 second quarter economic review.
Union chief urges employers: Keep paying workers
A trade union leader yesterday urged employers whose businesses remain closed or inoperable following Hurricane Matthew to continue paying their employees as a “sign of good faith”.
Unions to assist staff at the Grand Lucayan
Trade unions representing Grand Lucayan workers are seeking to meet with resort executives to work out an arrangement where staff could receive payment for “a couple of weeks”, as they also step up to provide post-Matthew support.
Tuesday, October 18
Man shot dead and children hurt as gunmen fire on car
A MAN was murdered and children injured after three gunmen opened fire on the vehicle they were in on Amos Ferguson Street, off Cordeaux Avenue last night.
Privy Council upholds Court of Appeal ruling to quash human trafficking conviction
PARLIAMENT should amend the law if it wants the attorney general to have the power to fast-track human trafficking cases to the Supreme Court for trial, the London-based Privy Council ruled yesterday after it upheld the Court of Appeal’s ruling to quash the conviction in the Bahamas’ first tried human trafficking case.
Four deny involvement in Sandilands Primary school break-in
FOUR men denied having involvement with the recent break-in and the theft of cash and items worth nearly $16,000 at the Sandilands Primary School during Hurricane Matthew in an arraignment in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
POLITICOLE: When will Christie call the next general election?
He has very little in the ‘pros’ column to prop himself and his government up on.
'I’m used to not having power almost. It’s become a routine now'
Life without electricity is tough and frustrating for residents of Doubloon Drive, watching BPL trucks pass and nearby corners restored to power. Nico Scavella reports
Pair accused of murdering union leader’s son back in court in December
TWO men accused of murdering the son of National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas Leader John Pinder will have to wait until December for their case to be transferred to the Supreme Court.
Businessman claims thieves stole from two planes after hurricane
WHILE Bahamians were facing the reality of the destruction left behind in Hurricane Matthew’s wake, a local businessman alleged that thieves were busy at work pillaging two of the aircraft he owns of avionics worth an estimated $70,000.
BREAKING NEWS: Fire breaks out at Budget Foods store on Bernard Road
THE Budget Foods store on Bernard Road caught fire on Tuesday morning and police fire services units are at the scene working to extinguish the blaze.
Govt considers a hurricane tax
WHEN it meets today, Cabinet may consider introducing and implementing a special tax to help finance Hurricane Matthew repair and recovery efforts, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday.
Met office relocated after employee slips on rain water
THE Department of Meteorology’s Forecast Office was temporarily relocated yesterday after a meteorological observer slipped and fell in water that leaked into the building from a weather system on Sunday, according to the department’s director.
Sarkis told to make ‘credible proposal’ to buy Baha Mar
THE Office of the Prime Minister has urged Sarkis Izmirlian to work with Perfect Luck Holdings Limited, the company that has acquired Baha Mar’s assets, if the resort developer is in a position to make a “credible proposal” to buy the property as he has suggested.
‘Up to 1,000 Grand Bahama hotel staff out of work after Matthew’
GRAND Bahama’s hotel and tourism industries have suffered a huge blow from Hurricane Matthew, which forced the closure of several resort properties on the island, including the two major anchor hotels in Lucaya.
PM tells Sarkis: ‘We won’t help’ over Baha Mar
PRIME Minister Perry Christie’s office last night effectively told Sarkis Izmirlian he was ‘on his own’ in seeking to reacquire Baha Mar, as it hit out at the “extraordinary statements” attached to his latest offer.
Matthew ‘another nail in coffin’ for new auto dealers
THE Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president yesterday expressed fears that Hurricane Matthew will be “another nail in the coffin for new car sales”, with its impact carrying through into the 2017 New Year.
Chamber chair: $150m bond ‘very ‘difficult’ at once
THE proposed $150 million Hurricane Reconstruction Bond is likely to be “multi-tiered” to appeal to different investor groupings, the Chamber’s chairman said yesterday, expressing concern over whether the target sum could be raised in one shot.
Gov’t ‘strongly warned’ against storm relief tax
The Government was yesterday “warned very strongly” against implementing new or increased taxes to fund Hurricane Matthew relief, the Chamber arguing such a move will be “counter-productive” to the Bahamas’ recovery.
Labourers few for landscaper’s 25% business increase
A NEW Providence-based landscaping firm has increased staffing levels by almost 60 per cent to cope with post-Hurricane Matthew demands, its principal yesterday estimating business levels were 20-25 per cent higher than normal.
Lashann and Longhorns in race for Big 12 title
Following her personal standout freshman season, Lashann Higgs and her Texas Longhorns are expected to be major contenders for the Big 12 Conference title.
CONCACAF Beach Soccer: Bahamas drawn in Group A
TEAM Bahamas learned their path toward a possible regional title yesterday as the draw for February’s Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Beach Soccer Championship was announced.
Atkins, Barry and Cleare enshrined in the Hall of Fame
A TRIO of Bahamians were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame of their alma mater for outstanding collegiate careers on the track and in the field.
SPORTING MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM: Get back into your pods Dolfans - it’s not happening
EVERYONE knows my utter hate for the Miami Dolphins and their whiney fans’ antics.
Travis Munnings jumps into leadership position as sophomore
ONE of only two returning players to start at least one game last season for the University of Louisiana Munroe men’s basketball programme, Travis Munnings has been thrust into a leadership position as a sophomore.
Stylist seeks to create 'The Modern Woman' with new lookbook
Aline Charles is more than just a hairstylist, she is a transformer of women.
International Women’s Empowerment Summit postponed
Due to the impact of Hurricane Matthew on some areas of the Bahamas, the highly anticipated International Women’s Empowerment Summit (IWES), initially scheduled for October 21 – 22, has been postponed until the first half of 2017.
MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONALS: Live an ordered life
As a life coach and therapist I find that the greatest struggle many clients bring to a session is not having an answer to the question of what they really want.
BUN IN THE OVEN: Are you OK?
For a couple weeks now I have used and heard these three words over and over, “Are you OK?” I started many conversations with these words.
Strengthening your core
Whenever someone in the gym says they have a strong core, many people believes this signifies they are sporting chiselled six-pack abs. But your core is more than just your abdominal muscles; it is the powerhouse of your body.
A ‘Champagne Toast to the Ta-Tas’
When women come together to share a life-saving experience while celebrating each other, it makes for a bubbly exchange of laughter, stories and memorable moments.
Local nurses start specialised paediatric training
NURSES from the Bahamas are part of a corps from the Caribbean who will soon be more skilled at providing care for children afflicted with blood disorders and cancers.
Mother-of-two’s war against breast cancer
Had not been for a routine checkup last year, Kaffieanne Duncombe may not have been here today to share her story of waging battle against breast cancer.
UDPATED: Man shot dead in Pinewood Gardens
A MAN was shot multiple times in the head and killed early yesterday morning as he pulled up to a residence in Pinewood Gardens.
Monday, October 17
Minister announces delay in public school openings
DESPITE best assurances late last week that officials were prepared to re-open the majority of public schools in the northern Bahamas today, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald was forced to announce a further delay, with plans now pegging the official return date for students at October 25.
INSIGHT: The law is there to be used against criminals, not at political discretion
Cases of criminal misconduct against parliamentarians have not been prosecuted and the government has made no effort to confiscate the proceeds of crime from perpetrators, former Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Thompson reveals in the latest part of his weekly series.
Ocean Club shuts for hurricane repairs
THE One&Only Ocean Club has closed temporarily to “repair damage” caused by Hurricane Matthew and to begin an extensive clean up process.
UPDATED: Girl, 4, found in parked car dies in hospital
POLICE are investigating the “bizarre” death of a four-year-old girl who was found unresponsive in a vehicle on Friday.
‘More than 80% now have power,’ says BPL
DESPITE more than 5,000 households left without electricity after the passage of Hurricane Matthew 12 days ago, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) executives say more than 80 per cent of residential customers in New Providence have been restored to supply.
Radar could not track rainstorm
AS a weather system brought heavy rain and flooding to New Providence yesterday, a senior weather official said the Department of Meteorology’s radar was not working, meaning there was no way to tell how bad the flooding was or which areas received the worst of the rainfall.
Champ Stuart blasts solo home run in Scorpions’ 8-1 loss
CHAMP Stuart has made an immediate impression in the Arizona Fall League through games thus far for the Scottsdale Scorpions.
EDITORIAL: PM Christie: Whose side are you on - Bahamas or Beijing?
PRIME Minister Christie keeps reassuring Bahamians that he is working in their best interest to get Baha Mar completed and opened. Now is the time to prove it.
Wildcats shut out Operators, Truckers eliminate Stingers
The pennant-winning Sunshine Auto Wildcats had a “wild response” from their watching fans as they shut out the Bommer G Lady Operators 23-0, but the Johnson’s Lady Truckers had theirs suffering “pins and needles” as they eliminated the defending champions Lady Stingers 5-4 as the New Providence Softball Association (NPSA) completed their reduced best-of-three playoff series in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
NORCECA: National volleyball teams get set to travel
WITH very little time to practice because of the passing of Hurricane Matthew and the unavailability of a gymnasium, the men’s and women’s national volleyball teams are geared up to travel to compete in NORCECA qualifying tournaments.
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: Sports can bring a welcome distraction after Matthew
AS sports in the Bahamas has taken a back seat to Hurricane Matthew and the repairs in its aftermath, I have been speculating on how much of a hit sports across the country has taken due to this storm.
How to make use of exigency order for hurricane supplies
BUSINESSES interested in selling duty-free and VAT-free qualified goods during the designated hurricane recovery period of 180 days from the passing of Hurricane Matthew are invited to make an application to the Hurricane Relief Section of the Customs Department by completing the required Customs form. Upon approval of such application, businesses would be permitted to make duty-free and VAT-free sales to qualifying customers.
Hitmen overpower Mighty Mitts to finish 2-game sweep
ALCOTT Forbes felt he was not as sharp as he wanted to be, but his performance for the pennant winning C&S Hitmen was good enough to overpower the Chances Mighty Mitts as they completed a two-game sweep in the best-of-three playoffs to advance to the New Providence Softball Association’s (NPSA) best-of-five championship series.
Deandre Ayton leads Bruins to win
DeANDRE Ayton opened his highly anticipated season of high school basketball against collegiate competition and set the tone for a dominant year.
Bahamas set to host CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships next year
THE Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) have announced that The Bahamas will host the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship, which is scheduled for February 20-26, 2017 in Nassau.
Calls for Chipman to run as independent
SOME residents of the St Anne’s constituency are unsettled by the Free National Movement’s (FMN) decision not to renominate Hubert Chipman in the area and some have started urging Mr Chipman to run as an independent candidate.
Matthew’s $1bn blow not a ‘horrid disaster’
A FORMER finance minister says Hurricane Matthew may have cost the Bahamas up to $1 billion in total economic losses, yet the storm is not necessarily “the horrible disaster” it first appears.
Chamber ‘concerns’ over $150m storm restoration bonds
THE Chamber of Commerce has “some concerns” with the proposed $150 million Hurricane Reconstruction Bond that it is seeking to address with the Government, Tribune Business was told.
QC warns insurers over ‘fair’ payouts following Matthew
A WELL-known QC has urged insurance companies to be “fair and generous” with Hurricane Matthew victims over claims settlements, calling on them to avoid “a repeat performance” of 2004.
Insurer: Matthew losses to ‘stick around’ $400m
INSURERS believe Hurricane Matthew’s total insured losses will “stick around” the initial $400 million estimate, with one carrier suggesting it had received just 60 per cent of expected claims by last week’s end.
Liquor merchants hope no Kalik dry up on Brewery woe
LIQUOR merchants and beer lovers are hoping to avoid a Kalik shortage after Commonwealth Brewery suffered a massive hit from Hurricane Matthew, which may cause a production halt lasting “several weeks”.
‘Water rushed into my home - and pushed boats into my yard’
WITH his fiancée and one-year-old child lying on a bed as water rushed into his home, Theo Armbrister looked out through his window and saw the surge from Hurricane Matthew wash two large boats within several feet of his house.
Public schools to reopen tomorrow
PUBLIC schools throughout New Providence, Grand Bahama and North Andros are expected to reopen tomorrow as education officials announce extended closures for a handful of schools and a revised academic calendar for the remainder of the school year.
Christie leadership in crisis
Thanks for this opportunity to shine a light.
BPL gave what should have been expected
I AM amazed that so many residents of New Providence are surprised that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) had a poor response to Hurricane Matthew.
Police should act on social media falsehoods
I refer to The Tribune editorial (October 13) on the misinformation churned out daily by social media, which appears to result in public alarm and panic.
Fix the damn roads
I am personally aware of five drivers who have dropped into the hole in the vicinity of Morley Realty on East Shirley Street on Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in flat tyres.
Dames hits out at govt preparations
MARVIN Dames, former deputy commissioner of police and the Free National Movement’s candidate for Mount Mariah, has criticised the government’s hurricane preparedness and response.
DNA hands out hot meals to residents hit by hurricane
THE Democratic National Alliance (DNA) gave out free hot meals on the weekend to residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.
BSF delays Nationals to first weekend in November
IN AN effort to ensure that both the participating teams and the facilities are ready, the Bahamas Softball Federation (BSF) has delayed its National Round Robin Tournament to the first weekend in November.
Women’s conference at Atlantis postponed
THE International Women’s Empowerment Summit (IWES), scheduled for October 21 and 22 at Atlantis, Paradise Island, has been postponed until the first half of 2017.
INSIGHT: National stock can rise by spreading share ownership
As the country begins the recovery after Hurricane Matthew, Richard Coulson says now more than ever the BISX needs to be reconstructed to help the Bahamian economy grow.
INSIGHT: What a national university means for Bahamians
In the second of a new weekly collaborative series on post-secondary education, Dr Rodney Smith, the president of the College of the Bahamas, looks at a momentous development in increasing the intellectual capital of the nation.
INSIGHT: A storm to test the resilience of Bahamians
Cable Beach resident Fay Knowles tells of her Hurricane Matthew experience.
Hubert Chipman and the FNM
I advise that I will not seek nor will I accept a nomination as the Free National Movement candidate for St Anne’s or any other constituency in the forthcoming General Elections.
NEMA ‘strengthening systems’ to bring help to Bahamians
THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it is strengthening its organisational structure and systems to effectively bring about assistance to Bahamians impacted by Hurricane Matthew in its latest progress report.
Rand Memorial Hospital back to full operation
THE Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport is fully operational with full power and all essential services restored after Hurricane Matthew, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported last night.
Air travel ban on Samsung Galaxy Note 7s in the Bahamas
ALL Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones have been banned on planes in the Bahamas from noon on Monday, the Department of Civil Aviation has announced.
Freeport’s economy ‘gasping for survival’
FREEPORT faces “a very rough, tough road” just to reach a position of economic survival, a well-known QC warning that Hurricane Matthew had set the city back “many, many years”.
NFL pledge
THE National Football League (NFL), through its foundation, has pledged a minimum of $300,000 to aid in international and domestic relief efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew, including the Bahamas.
Chamber of Commerce is targeting economy ‘kick-start’
THE Chamber of Commerce is aiming to “kick start the economy in the shortest possible time”, so that Bahamian businesses and employees can rebuild their lives in the wake of Hurricane Matthew’s devastation.
Sunday, October 16
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING: For the Bahamas from 11.30am to 3pm on Sunday
A SEVERE weather warning has been issued for much of the Bahamas on Sunday afternoon by the Department of Meteorology.
Saturday, October 15
Road Traffic Dept moves to national stadium from Monday
THE Road Traffic Department headquarters in the Clarence A Bain Building and the Examinations Unit in the Munnings building, both on Thompson Boulevard, will relocate temporarily to the Eastern Grandstand of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium from Monday October 17 because of the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew.
Friday, October 14
Defence Force boat catches fire
A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force patrol boat caught fire on Friday while undergoing a refit in Freeport.
13 in custody after suspected drugs found
THIRTEEN people - eight men and five women - were turned over to police officials by Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marines on Friday after a search uncovered suspected drugs on Friday afternoon at the Port Department.
Boy shot dead in abandoned building on Bain Street
POLICE are investigating the fatal shooting of a boy found lying in a pool of his own blood in an abandoned building early on Friday.
Fisherman acquitted of murder
A FISHERMAN'S defence that he accidentally knocked over a man during traffic was accepted by a jury on Friday.
Residents' relief as Grand Bahama Red Cross distributes ice
FOLLOWING a shortage of ice on Grand Bahama, relief finally came on Friday when bags of ice were distributed to hundreds of residents at the Grand Bahama Red Cross Centre in Freeport.
People’s Republic of China donates $50,000 to NEMA
THE People’s Republic of China on Friday donated $50,000 to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist with hurricane restoration and recovery efforts.
Minnis praises hurricane relief efforts of FNM members
AT A time when Bahamians are struggling to survive amid the devastation left by Hurricane Matthew, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis on Friday lauded the relief efforts of his party’s “hard working” members and supporters.
Coca Cola distributes water and food in Grand Bahama
COCA-COLA distributed 1,500 cases of water and food care packages to residents on Grand Bahama in support of hurricane relief efforts on Friday morning.
UPDATED: Public schools set to open early next week
PUBLIC schools throughout New Providence, Grand Bahama and North Andros are expected to reopen early next week as education officials announce extended closures for a handful of schools and a revised academic calendar for the remainder of the school year.
Esso Bargain City’s free Tribune promotion continues after storm damage
ESSO Bargain City, the gas station on Carmichael Road temporarily closed after suffering damage from Hurricane Matthew last week, is undergoing repairs and hoping to re-open soon.
EDITORIAL: US election grows nastier by the day
WITH the US presidential election less than a month away, the race for the White House is becoming uglier and nastier by the day.
NFL pledges support for hurricane hit areas
THE NFL, through its foundation, has pledged a minimum of $300,000 to aid in international and domestic relief efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew, including the Bahamas.
Butler-Turner: Listen to Sarkis’ Baha Mar offer
FREE National Movement Shadow Minister of Labour Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday questioned why the government would not give Sarkis Izmirlian the opportunity to “buy back Baha Mar” seeing that the former resort owner “invested so much time and money” into the stalled property.
Warning on price gouging
AMID complaints of price gouging, Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Chairman Jerome Gomez is warning merchants not to increase their prices unfairly.
Power back on in parts of Freeport
FOR the first time post-Hurricane Matthew, power was restored in several areas of Freeport on Wednesday night to the relief of some customers, and other areas are expected to be restored soon.
New radars to be bought next year, says minister
TEN months after plans to purchase four Doppler radar systems were announced, Transport and Aviation minister Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday confirmed that a phased acquisition of the new “state-of-the-art” equipment will not start until next year.
PM ‘distressed’ over playing politics about relief effort
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said he is “distressed” over the “politicisation” of the government’s hurricane relief efforts, charging that his administration does not “have the time to get distracted by politics” and become “tribal” while grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Armed robbers flee with "substantial amount" of cash after grabbing business deposits
POLICE in New Providence are looking for the suspects responsible for an armed robbery on Thursday evening in which a "substantial amount" of cash was taken.
Cat Island police arrest two for drugs possession
POLICE in Cat Island have arrested a man and a woman following separate marijuana seizures on Thursday.
UPDATED: BPL brings in more trucks
IN the wake of Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard’s assertions that several of Bahamas Power and Light’s diggers and bucket trucks were non-operational and slowing down restoration efforts, BPL yesterday said only five vehicles of the company’s current fleet had gone out of service within the last week.
Matthew delivers ‘gut punch’ to GB
Hurricane Matthew has delivered “a gut punch” to Grand Bahama’s economy, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president said yesterday, delaying its planned turnaround “quite significantly”.
Murder charge compared to Hurricane Matthew
A LAWYER likened his client’s predicament of facing a murder charge to the recent devastation left by Hurricane Matthew, which he said had turned the country “upside down.”
Proceedings against lawyers delayed by a week
COMMITTAL proceedings against two lawyers who accused a Supreme Court judge of bias have been pushed back by one week.
Grand Bahama United launches relief drive
THE group Grand Bahama United has been formed to help bring immediate relief to the island with a long-term goal of advocating for the island’s further development, in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
Rotarians get to work helping victims of Hurricane Matthew
ROTARIANS around the globe raise their glasses each week and toast to “Rotary around the world” - a statement appropriate for times of disasters.
Matthew drives construction sector to five-year ‘peak’
The construction industry is the “busiest” it has been in five years as Hurricane Matthew rebuilding ramps up, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday estimating 90 per cent of the sector is now “fully engaged”.
New PI resort: Matthew could ‘not have come at a worse time’
Warwick Hotels and Resorts yesterday said it was working feverishly to have its new Paradise Island resort open for business by the end of October, revealing that Hurricane Matthew “could not have come at a worse time”.
Minnis leads FNM team in tour of Grand Bahama damage
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and a team visited the hardest hit settlements in Grand Bahama yesterday and delivered some much needed relief items to residents.
Crisis at the Rand Hospital highlights critical power issues
Ricardo Wells sees and hears for himself the overwhelming needs in Grand Bahama . . .
$150m Hurricane Bond not set yet
The structure and target number for the Government’s proposed Hurricane Reconstruction bond are still being “bandied about”, Tribune Business was told yesterday, although the current goal is to raise $150 million.
Sarkis’s new offer ‘too late to party’
A prominent QC yesterday dismissed Sarkis Izmirlian’s latest bid to reacquire the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project, saying: “He’s too late to the party.”
$100,000 donation to help with relief effort
CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit has offered The Bahamas a $100,000 donation to assist with relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
Transformation of Christie
HURRICANE Matthew, fortunately, is now a part of the Bahamian folk lore and history.
Stop the flying circus
IS MATTHEW already becoming a potential “political gainer”?
FNM chairman defends leader over recovery effort criticism
FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie circled the wagons yesterday as he defended Official Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ criticism of the government’s recovery efforts and accusations of cronyism as constructive and not political.
Ministry denies hurricane restoration fund is scam
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed yesterday that the Bahamas Hurricane Restoration Fund is a “legitimate charity” and not a “scam” as was inaccurately posted on social media.
Andros police officer calls for Bahamians to step up
POLICE Superintendent Bruce Arnett, officer in charge of operations in North Andros, has implored Bahamians to step up and donate as the island’s residents press ahead with recovery efforts after Hurricane Matthew.
BTC sets ‘feverish’ pace in restoring network
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited continues to work feverishly towards 100 per cent network restoration following Hurricane Matthew.
COB opens doors to help students
ALTHOUGH classes are set to resume for the first time next week, the College of the Bahamas opened its doors this week to students, employees and their immediate family who wanted to “use computer equipment, wireless internet, electricity, shower facilities and cafeterias” in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, the institution’s President Dr Rodney Smith said yesterday.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Thumbs down for BPL and gas queues, thumbs up for KFC
Almost a week after the ravages of Hurricane Matthew, the Bahamas is still limping through recovery.
Frank Rutherford hops into the Hall of Honour
Frank Rutherford, the first Bahamian to win an Olympic Games medal in athletics, will be inducted into the 2016 Hall of Honour of his alma mater at the University of Houston.
Guard Taylor moves to pro ranks in Iraq this fall
FOLLOWING a stellar collegiate career, Bahamian basketball player D’Shon Taylor makes the transition to the professional ranks this fall.
3-time Olympic gold medallist Scheidt back for Star Sailors Finals
WITH three Olympic gold medals and 14 world titles, Robert Scheidt is one of the best athletes ever produced by Brazil.
NCAA Basketball: Great expectations for Michael Carey Jr in senior season
EXPECTATIONS loom large for Michael Carey Jr headed into his senior season of college basketball.
Whylly, Joseph and Hurricanes get ready for campaign
COLLEGE basketball continues its preseason through various divisions in Canada and Bahamian players are setting the stage for the upcoming 2016-17 campaign.
THE FINISH LINE: In aftermath of the hurricane, let’s be our brother’s keeper
IT’S been just over a week since the passage of Hurricane Matthew and the Bahamas has been in a recovery mode as people try to get back to normality.
Matthew rains on parade of senior national judo team
MEMBERS of the senior national team were scheduled to attend the Jason Morris Cup in Albany, New York, but Hurricane Matthew had different plans.
Screen printing shop owner asking for help to rebuild
AFTER operating his Southwest Screen Printing Shop, providing uniforms for a number of sporting organisations and schools for the past 30 years, proprietor Leslie Williams is now asking for the public’s assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
Arawak port back to 10 weekly calls
The Nassau Container Port yesterday said it was back to its regular 10 weekly cargo vessel calls, after Hurricane Matthew restricted the prior week to just 20 per cent of normal volume.
Thursday, October 13
PM denounces criticism by FNM leader as ‘idiotic’
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said he was “disappointed” that Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis would use Hurricane Matthew as tool to “divide the country politically” instead of acknowledging that the government is “doing a good job” in the aftermath.
BPL: We will have 75% restored by weekend
AS thousands of Bahamians continue to grapple with conditions left behind by Hurricane Matthew made harder in the absence of electricity, Bahamas Power and Light Ltd said the company aims to have 75 per cent of customer services restored by the end of the week and outlined its plan to reconnect the remaining 25 per cent.
180-day exigency order declared by government
THE exigency order declared in the wake of Hurricane Matthew will last for 180 days, effective from October 7, according to the order obtained by The Tribune.
Residents hope hard-hit communities will rebound
DESPITE the widespread damage Hurricane Matthew left in West End and Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, residents in these communities yesterday expressed hope that they will rebound.
Izmirlian: I’ll pay more to buy back Baha Mar
SARKIS Izmirlian, CEO of BMD Holdings Ltd, the original developer of Baha Mar, has made an offer to purchase the stalled $3.5 billion dollar resort, “at a price in excess” of the current undisclosed offer.
BPL trucks out of action
NEARLY a dozen Bahamas Power and Light Company (BPL) bucket trucks are not operational and several diggers have “broken down” since BPL crews began hurricane recovery efforts in New Providence, according to Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) President Paul Maynard.
EDITORIAL: Bahamians need reassurance
AS THE days drag on and large areas of New Providence remain in darkness, Bahamians without any definite word from government as to when the lights will turn on are starting to panic.
My hurricane experience
PLEASE allow me to share a few thoughts are the recent hurricane expeirence we have all endured. Matthew may be gone, but I doubt will ever be forgotten.
SANNIE Vs RENALDO: NFL PICKS WEEK 6
RENALDO: Thursday night football is an awful product. Everyone knows it’s an awful product, and you never forget to set your fantasy lineup in time.
Governor general expresses concern for losses
GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling has expressed concern for those who suffered serious material loss and hardship from Hurricane Matthew.
State-recognised funeral for Bahamasair chief
THE Cabinet Office has announced that Henry Woods, former managing director of Bahamasair, will lie in state today at Bethel Brothers Morticians on Nassau Street, beginning at 10am.
‘I believe the water rise so fast and so high it was a tsunami’
The devastation in North Andros from Hurricane Matthew is almost unimaginable, Ricardo Wells finds . . .
Baha Mar payments made to around 1,900 former employees
THE Baha Mar Claims Committee, headed by former State Minister for Finance James Smith, has made payments to 1,900 or so former employees and is still considering how to address the claims of other Bahamians who were associated with the resort but were not included on its official list of employees.
HURRICANE BRIEFS
• THE second annual Run for Pompey originally set for Georgetown, Exuma, on October 8 has been re-scheduled for October 29.
35 Andros homes destroyed
OFFICIALS have confirmed that 35 homes were completely destroyed in North Andros by Hurricane Matthew, with 40 residences sustaining major damage, and 100 more receiving minor damage.
Sarkis submits last ditch Baha Mar bid
Sarkis Izmirlian yesterday made a last-ditch intervention to regain ownership of the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project, offering to acquire the property for a price “in excess” of what both its secured creditor and ultimate purchaser will pay.
Banks told: Show ‘flexibility’ over lending relaxation
The Chamber’s chief executive yesterday backed the Central Bank’s move to relax its lending guidelines so storm-ravaged businesses and homeowners could finance restoration, emphasising: “We need to have capital flowing.”
Auto dealer supports storm fraud safeguard
An auto dealer yesterday backed the Government’s safeguards for Hurricane Matthew automobile replacements, suggesting it would reduce the fraud and exploitation seen under previous ‘exigency Orders’.
Hurricane exposes BPL manager’s ‘inexperience’
Hurricane Matthew has exposed the “inexperience” of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) management company in dealing with the aftermath of storms, a former Cabinet minister argued yesterday.
‘Support Bahamian’ in our hour of need
Consumers and businesses were yesterday urged by a senior Chamber executive “to support what is Bahamian” by shopping at home for the majority of hurricane relief and restoration supplies, so as to get the economy “back on the right footing”.
Where are the radars?
PRIME Minister Christie speaks with considerable emotion on climate warming and the evident dangers of that to The Bahamas. However, the two principal friends to The Bahamas, the USA and the People’s Republic of China, are two of the worst climate offenders.
Fitzgerald under the bus?
A LONG time ago, a political expert told me that whenever Pindling was getting ready to throw a colleague under the bus, he would start letting off hints that that person might be his successor for leadership.
Still no answer on cost of new power plant
SEVERAL months have passed since PowerSecure signed a five-year agreement with the government to manage Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd (BPL) and its executive team still has no definitive answer on the cost of a new power generation plant to replace the “obsolete” one at Clifton Pier or when key elements of its costly business plan are to be revealed.
NEMA starts to hand out tarpaulins to those in need
THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has embarked on a door-to-door exercise distributing tarpaulin to residents in New Providence whose homes suffered roof damage during the passage of the powerful Hurricane Matthew.
Hurricane Matthew overshadowed by monster storms of the past
WHILE Matthew is being called the worst storm many Bahamians have ever experienced, one meteorologist fascinated by hurricane history says it does not match up to some of the destructive storms of the past.
DNA leader slams govt response in wake of Hurricane Matthew
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney yesterday slammed the Christie administration for learning nothing from Hurricane Joaquin, claiming the government’s response to Hurricane Matthew and its subsequent restoration efforts have “left much to be desired.”
Red cross says donations are urgently needed to bring relief
BAHAMAS Red Cross Society officials yesterday called for the donation of more “urgently needed” items to better assist the organisation in providing relief to persons suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
US Embassy operations back to normal
OPERATIONS at the American Embassy in Nassau are back to normal following the passage of Hurricane Matthew.
Queen sends message to those hit by hurricane
QUEEN Elizabeth II of England has asked Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to convey her sympathies to the Bahamian people for the destruction left behind by Hurricane Matthew.
Former ZNS reporter’s appeal may be dismissed
A FORMER ZNS reporter’s application for a stay of a ruling made by a Supreme Court judge in contempt proceedings against him may be dismissed if he does not appear for the appellate hearing in November.
A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Matthew exposes failings in authority and fractures in society
For the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Hurricane Matthew will either be the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back in the minds of the electorate or the lifeline they needed to convince voters that they are worthy of another term.
Judge delays decision over murder trials
A JUDGE has reserved his decision concerning which of two murder trials he will adjourn to a later date.
Police hunting armed robbery suspects
POLICE are looking for the suspects responsible for two separate armed robberies that occurred on Tuesday.
On Da Hook
HURRICANE Matthew has kept fishermen and their boats in safe habour for days and churned the usually crystal waters.
‘Buddy Buckets’ welcomes All-Star 3-point challenge
When the NBA announced that it was moving its 2017 All-Star Game to New Orleans, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Buddy Hield to leave his shooting mark on the weekend.
‘Tum Tum’ shines as a leader for Spartans
LOURAWLS “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr has moved to the forefront as a leader for the Michigan State Spartans and in his upcoming junior year, head coach Tom Izzo expects him to have his greatest impact on the younger members of the programme.
BAAA launches ‘project quick relief’
AS the restoration efforts for Hurricane Matthew continue throughout the Bahamas, one local sporting organisation has announced its effort to assist.
Champ Stuart named to Scorpions roster in Arizona Fall League
FORMER Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow may be grabbing all the headlines for the New York Mets in Fall League play, but Champ Stuart continues his rise in the organisation as well.
NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS: Quick picks before the ‘Brief Power Limited’ strikes again
FOLKS, this week had to be quick, literally.
BPL needs better communication, says ex-union president
The former head of the BEC management union yesterday added his voice to criticism of the utility’s Matthew restoration strategy, arguing that it could have quelled Bahamian frustrations through better communication.
Power problems ‘tie private sector hands’ on storm restoration
The private sector’s “hands are tied” over Hurricane Matthew restoration by the absence of electrical power and Internet access, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive said yesterday.
Price Control probes ‘gouging’ complaints
The Price Control Commission’s chairman yesterday said it was investigating reports of price gouging on New Providence and the Family Islands, having received several consumer complaint calls to-date
GB tourism comes ‘to a grinding halt’
The Minister of Tourism yesterday admitted that tourism on Grand Bahama had “come to a grinding halt” due to Hurricane Matthew, as his officials looked at ways to improve the product.
Wednesday, October 12
YOUR SAY: Vulnerable small states need global support to help with natural disasters
Hurricane seasons have always been a stark reality of Caribbean life. Many of the natural disasters in the region have made history, personalised by names such as David, Hugo, Felix and Erica. But there is nothing humane about these storms.
Relief is on the way to badly-damaged Andros
IN hard-hit North Andros, disaster management officials are in the recovery stage, distributing relief aid and building materials to hurricane victims.
Schools stay closed as officials assess damage
PUBLIC schools in the northwest Bahamas will remain closed for the reminder of the week, with officials aiming to reassess repair efforts by Friday to decide a suitable return date for students.
Thousands of Grand Bahamians forced out of their homes
THE four settlements along the southern coast of Grand Bahama from Mack Town to Pinder’s Point were devastated by Hurricane Matthew, which has displaced thousands of residents whose homes were destroyed and flooded by water.
Power failure: BPL blasted for ‘worst hurricane recovery ever’
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard yesterday blasted the “coordinators” at Bahamas Power and Light for being “inefficient” and organising the “worst hurricane recovery effort” he has ever seen.
Miller: New Providence repairs being done with skeleton crew
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday criticised Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd saying the electricity provider has failed to properly coordinate efforts in a timely manner to restore the supply to residents in New Providence, pointing to the use of a “skeleton crew” to tackle the wide range of needed repairs in the capital.
TOUGH CALL: Putting politics aside is essential in a time of crisis
Why it that in this time of turmoil, inequality, political dysfunction and apparent decline, a few countries are nonetheless thriving?
Hurricane forces delay in trial of men accused of killing press secretary
TWO men scheduled to stand trial for the murder of Prime Minister Perry Christie’s press secretary, Latore Mackey, face another delay in the start of their case.
Bahamians abroad reach out to loved ones at home
HURRICANE Matthew’s devastation to the Bahamas has been as mentally and emotionally taxing on affected residents as it has been on their loved ones living abroad.
Baha Mar receiver: No Matthew delay to remobilisation
Baha Mar’s receivers yesterday said there was “nothing at this stage” to indicate that Hurricane Matthew’s passage would delay the $3.5 billion project’s construction remobilisation and completion.
Samsung stops making Galaxy Note 7s phones
SAMSUNG Electronics announced yesterday that it is stopping production of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones permanently, a day after stopping global sales of the ill-fated devices amid reports that batteries were catching fire.
Exuma in ‘two month drag’ via Sandals closure
Exuma’s economy will suffer a two-month “drag” as a result of Sandals Emerald Bay’s decision to close until December 15 to undergo hurricane repairs.
Q&A: What next for Note 7 consumers?
I have one of the replacement phones. Do I really need to stop using it?
FNM eyes Bar Association President for Yamacraw
THE Free National Movement has its eyes on Bahamas Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson as the frontrunner to represent the Yamacraw constituency in the 2017 general election, according to well-placed sources.
Building suppliers ‘overwhelmed’ by post-Matthew rush
Building supply merchants yesterday said they were “overwhelmed” by the post-Matthew sales rush, as they warned Bahamians to brace for price increases on key restoration materials.
TECH TALK
• FACEBOOK is creating a separate version aimed at helping people do actual work instead of catching up on baby photos and campaign chatter.
Insurers: Matthew loss ‘could exceed’ $400m
Bahamian insurers yesterday estimated that total insured losses from Hurricane Matthew “could exceed $400 million”, with individual underwriters bracing to receive claims volumes that reach into the thousands.
‘Dismay at slowness’ of electric restoration
A prominent businessman yesterday said he was “a little dismayed by the slowness” in restoring New Providence’s electricity supply, and urged Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) to better communicate its progress.
Sony’s VR headset good for gamers
SONY’S new virtual-reality system coming out tomorrow, PlayStation VR, is more focused on games than its competitors.
Commonwealth Youth Games will be ‘a family affair’
ALL 70 countries registered in the Commonwealth made a commitment to attend the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games in July 2017, making it the first time in 50 years that a Commonwealth Games event will be staged in the Caribbean.
Matthew forces best-of-3 playoffs
As expected, the New Providence Softball Association has reduced its best-of-five playoff series to a best-of-three showdown as a result of the damage left to the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Increased police presence amid rise in looting in Grand Bahama
SENIOR Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour said yesterday that the Royal Bahamas Police Force in Grand Bahama has had to intensify its presence on the streets of that island as more thefts and even one report of looting have been reported to authorities.
Roofs ripped off amid devastation across island
HURRICANE Matthew left widespread destruction throughout the island of Grand Bahama from East End to West End, ripping off roofs, uprooting trees, toppling utility poles, and damaging homes and property.
Learning lessons of Joaquin
THE Organization for Responsible Governance extends every hope that everyone affected by Hurricane Matthew is safe.
Making a hash of communication in the heart of the hurricane
For a moment, I thought that NEMA was going to be much more organised in its communications this time around.
Ministry of Works: All roads in New Providence passable
THE Ministry of Works and Urban Development has announced that, as of 6pm on Monday, all roads in New Providence have been made passable.
Sears to resume campaign and visit hurricane-hit areas
FORMER Attorney General Alfred Sears said he plans to resume his leadership campaign for the Progressive Liberal Party in the coming weeks, with initial plans calling for visits to those areas hardest hit by Hurricane Matthew.
EDITORIAL: Nice guys don’t always finish first
NO MATTER what political party individuals identify with, it’s pretty hard to find anyone who doesn’t think that the current Prime Minister Perry Christie is a nice guy.
Mavin Saunders becoming a greater part of the Seminoles’ offence
AS he continues to become a greater part of the offence, Mavin Saunders has now recorded catches in three consecutive games for the Florida State Seminoles.
PM out of tune
LAST month, the Prime Minister opened up and expressed his hurt and pain caused by the nasty, vile song that was written about him and his family. I join with him and all right thinking Bahamians in condemning the song and gutter politics.
Southern New Providence said to be ‘like a war zone’
RESIDENTS in southern New Providence yesterday compared the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew to living in a “war zone,” saying the storm’s winds were so intense it sounded like a train coming as it bore down on the island.
$50 voucher for Fort Charlotte residents
RESIDENTS of the Fort Charlotte constituency are eligible to receive a post-hurricane food voucher from Xtra Value Food Store on Thompson Boulevard as of noon today, according to area MP Dr Andre Rollins.
Water supply expected to return to normal today, says Miller
WATER and Sewerage Corporation Chairman Leslie Miller yesterday said he expects New Providence’s water supply to be back to normal today following reports that sections of the island experienced disruptions to service in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
40% of Cable Bahamas customers have services back up and running
FORTY per cent of Cable Bahamas Ltd customers in New Providence have had their cable services restored in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, CBL Vice President of Marketing David Burrows said yesterday.
Minnis: Repair efforts will involve cronyism
THE government’s Hurricane Matthew recovery and restoration efforts will involve cronyism and victimisation, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said during a press conference yesterday when he attacked the Christie administration just days after the storm departed the Bahamas, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
FNM leader donates $9,000 to Junkanoo groups
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis donated $7,000 to the Shell Saxons Superstars and $2,000 to the Valley Boys yesterday in the wake of Hurricane Matthew after the storm damaged many Junkanoo shacks and destroyed costumes.
Fiscal calamity just ‘one disaster away’
The Government’s proposed hurricane reconstruction bond shows the Bahamas is “one disaster away from financial disaster”, the Opposition’s finance spokesman said yesterday.
AML chief: No worry over inventory restock
AML Foods chief executive said yesterday there were no concerns over the restocking of its stores’ food supplies following Hurricane Matthew, telling Tribune Business they had only suffered “minor damages here and there”.
Atlantis awaits over 3,000 group visitors
The Bahamas’ major resort expects to be fully operational today, and ready to welcome more than 3,000 group guests to Paradise Island this week.
Sandals rejects ‘ideal’ December re-opening
Sandals Royal Bahamian has pushed its opening date back 12 days as a result of damages sustained during Hurricane Matthew, its general manager yesterday saying that while delaying the opening to mid-December would have been “ideal, we have to get people working”.
Tuesday, October 11
HeadKnowles launches hurricane relief effort
THE devastation left behind by Hurricane Matthew has set in motion massive relief efforts by charity organisations, which yesterday appealed for emergency food items and essential toiletries for people most impacted by the monster storm.
LIVE UPDATES: HURRICANE MATTHEW - St Andrew's school to open Wednesday, QC on Monday
Latest on school openings.
Nearly 5,000 sought shelter across nation
NEARLY 5,000 people either went voluntarily or were evacuated to shelters throughout The Bahamas during the passage of Hurricane Matthew, according to Director of Social Services Melanie Zonicle.
Power back on in more than half of homes
BAHAMAS Power and Light Ltd (BPL) has restored electricity to just over 50 per cent of its customers in New Providence and has “substantially completed restoration” in the Family Islands, however officials said last night that given the level of damage from Hurricane Matthew they are unable to give an exact date for full restoration.
Gibson: Teams are on the ground in Grand Bahama
HURRICANE Matthew Czar and Labour Minister Shane Gibson said government teams are on the ground in Grand Bahama, one of the islands hardest hit by the category four storm, hoping to soon restore normalcy to the devastated area.
PM wants law on evacuations
AS A result of the “horrific” and “life-endangering experiences” during the passage of Hurricane Matthew, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the government would enact legislation to force people to evacuate their homes and communities during major hurricanes.
Storm sparks new downgrade fears
The multi-million dollar damages inflicted by Hurricane Matthew have again exposed the Bahamas to the “extremely frightening” prospect of a ‘junk’ credit rating downgrade, a well-known businessman feared yesterday.
EDITORIAL: Recovering from Matthew
BEFORE we begin, we must praise the men and women behind the scenes who gave up the comforts of home and moved into newspaper offices and radio stations to keep citizens informed of what was happening during the height of hurricane Matthew.
Matthew payouts to ‘absolutely’ be nine-figure sum
Total Hurricane Matthew insurance payouts will “absolutely” total a nine-figure sum, a leading businessman yesterday saying “the only question” is how big the first digit will be.
Cutting the hills must be stopped
OVER the past 30 years, we have seen the catastrophe wrought on Haiti due to their denuding the forestation on their part of the island of Hispaniola.
BISX-listed firm’s $5m ‘recapitalise’ after SEC settles
A BISX-listed company will have to undergo a $5 million ‘recapitalisation’ as a result of the deal struck by its principal and main subsidiary to settle a lawsuit against them by US federal regulators.
Chamber chief urges storm insurance fund
The Chamber’s chairman yesterday said Hurricane Matthew’s devastation has strengthened his call for the Bahamas to establish its own storm insurance fund to guard against natural disasters.
DNA chief wants anti-price gouge laws ‘with teeth’
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday urged the Government to enact anti-price gouging laws “with teeth” to protect Bahamian against unscrupulous merchants in Hurricane Matthew’s wake.
Man dead in water off Potter’s Cay
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a man found dead in waters at Potter’s Cay Dock on Sunday.
PM did ‘commendable’ job - and party needs convention
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Cabinet minister George Smith yesterday defended Prime Minister Perry Christie for “personally taking charge” of preparing Bahamians for Hurricane Matthew, saying he did a “commendable” job throughout the ordeal.
Political choices
The Democratic National Alliance just concluded a hugely successful and well attended convention. Most of the featured speakers, especially the newly re-elected Leader, Branville McCartney; the newly re-elected Deputy Leader and, of course, my ‘favourite’ DNA candidate, Stephen Greenslade (DNA nominee-Golden Isles), were focused, well-informed and acquitted themselves with aplomb.
Cost effectiveness of Junkanoo Carnival
THE unprofitable extravagance of the ‘Bread and Circuses”, with which the once-mighty Romans were obsessed, contributed greatly to the political compliance of the grassroots masses and eventual downfall.
Radar still not repaired after coming off gears in storm
THE Department of Meteorology’s Doppler radar, which “came off its gears” during the passage of Hurricane Matthew on Thursday, has still not been repaired according to Director Trevor Basden.
Esso distributor insists plenty of fuel available
SOL Petroleum Bahamas Ltd (Sol), the exclusive licensed distributor of Esso brand fuels, has confirmed the availability of adequate inventory on hand for normal demand and contingencies in place to replenish sooner if demand increases.
POLITICOLE: Matthew exposes weak points and utilities’ lack of charitable spirit
I remember like yesterday being in my last semester in college, in my dorm room, with my freshman, swimmer roommate, and her TV, watching The Weather Channel, seeing Hurricane Floyd spinning over the whole Bahamas archipelago at once.
Balinese guru sensed 'great energy' from Bahamians
Even though his stay in the Bahamas was cut short due to Hurricane Matthew last week, Balinese Guru Made Sumantra said he enjoyed the country and liked the energy he felt from the people.
Singer Tebby celebrates the ‘unconventional’ life
Tebby Burrows is a woman who knows that she wants and is not afraid to go after it. At this stage in her life, it is the young singer’s goal to became a household name in the Bahamas and beyond. To this end, Tebby – she only goes by her first name professionally – upped her level of exposure by performing at one of New York City’s premier live music venues and at the popular Irie Weekend in Miami this summer.
MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONALS – Building resilience: How well do you bounce back?
One thing that is predictable about life is its certain unpredictability. This unpredictability is what makes life the ultimate adventure. When you see life as a flowing, ever-changing experience, you learn to take the bitter with the sweet. With the consistent serving of colourful challenges, life reminds us that if we desire to bounce back from any setback we must build our resilience.
YOU GO GIRL: Chef Apple overcomes hunger and finds success abroad
Even after finding success as the owner of three flourishing companies, as a motivational speaker and contributor to philanthropic initiatives, Chef Apple-Elgatha Treco-Wells still remembers what it feels like to go hungry.
Buddy making ‘Buckets’
SPORTING a new look as his New Orleans Pelicans travelled to China, Buddy Hield has displayed his trademark sharpshooting skill in exhibition play that the organisation expects him to bring in the regular season.
Hurricane Matthew rips through 9-hole golf course
Having started the project about six years ago with more than $4 million invested into it, businessman Craig Flowers said the damage from the passing of Hurricane Matthew will not deter him from completing the Bahamas Golf Federation’s nine-hole golf course.
College basketball: Bahamian players making early season impact in Canada
PRESEASON basketball has tipped off in Canadian colleges and several Bahamian players are making an early season impact as their teams look to contend the 2016-17 season.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: My Cowboys won’t blow out this time, we are kicking up a storm
THANK God since the last time we caught up, we all made it through the ravages of Hurricane Matthew, safe and sound.
Storm guts the old TAR Stadium, Baillou Hills Complex
AFTER the passing of Hurricane Matthew, it was obvious that there was a lot of structural damage to properties throughout New Providence.
Monday, October 10
Redskins owner and Floridians donate vital relief supplies
HELP for the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Matthew is coming in from the United States, with the owner of the Washington Redskins NFL team and kind-hearted Floridians donating much needed relief supplies.
Insurers expect record loss
HURRICANE Matthew will likely produce the largest-ever Bahamian insurance industry loss from a single event, a top executive said yesterday.
Businessman urges Grand Bahamians not to give up in wake of Hurricane Matthew
GRAND Bahamians impacted by Hurricane Matthew were told by one of their own to remain encouraged and not give up as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Gas queues making it hard for Super Value to get fuel
SUPER VALUE owner Rupert Roberts said on Sunday that “it’s been a rough couple of days” since Hurricane Matthew hit, telling The Tribune that long lines from motorists clamouring at local gas stations has made it difficult for company representatives to get fuel for store generators.
Bahamians told to stop panicking over fuel supply
SIR Franklyn Wilson yesterday urged Bahamians to “stop panicking” over a non-existent fuel shortage, disclosing that his company was offloading 700,000 gallons from a newly-arrived tanker.
Grand Bahama was devastated by storm
RESIDENTS in Grand Bahama say they can’t recall a more damaging hurricane on their island than Hurricane Matthew, the category four storm with 140mph winds that barreled through the island late Thursday.
PM warns of high cost of hurricane recovery
PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night described the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew as “utterly devastating” as he estimated the total cost of repairs to be three or four times higher than the $100m in damages left by Hurricane Joaquin last year.
Rotarians to the rescue
ROTARIANS in the Cayman Islands dispatched a shipment of hurricane relief supplies on Bahamasair planes to New Providence over the weekend which were collected yesterday morning.
ATLANTIS CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR HURRICANE REPAIRS
ATLANTIS Paradise Island has launched a fundraising campaign to provide relief for the recovery and rebuilding of the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
Sunday, October 9
A 'heck of a time' on Grand Bahama after Hurricane Matthew
IT's a "heck of a time" in Grand Bahama, an island administrator said on Sunday as residents continued clearing debris from roads, homes and passage ways following the damage inflicted on the island by Hurricane Matthew.
Minnis calls on govt to declare 'disaster areas'
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has called on the Christie administration to declare all of the areas devastated by Hurricane Matthew "disaster areas", insisting that the move should be paired with robust exigency orders and extensive rate cuts by financial institutions and private business to "help rebuild the country and keep Bahamians safe”.
Saturday, October 8
Families grateful for welcome shelters from the storm
WHEN Antionette Johnson saw reports that Hurricane Matthew would barrel through the Bahamas as a dangerous category four storm, she packed up her son and grandchild and headed to the nearest shelter.
15-20 per cent of power restored in New Providence
BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) CEO Pamela Hill said the electricity provider has restored around 15 to 20 per cent of New Providence’s electricity supply as it juggles infrastructural damage and challenges at its Clifton Pier generation station in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
ALL CLEAR: The Bahamas starts to recover from monstrous Matthew
HURRICANE Matthew left behind a trail of destruction, flooding, downed lamp poles and electrical lines and residents eager to re-establish normal lives after battering the Bahamas for three days as a dangerous category three and four storm.
More than 400 rescued from homes by police
MORE THAN 400 pople were rescued from their homes in eastern and southern New Providence as flood waters began to rise more than four feet during the passage of Hurricane Matthew, according to Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade.
‘Waves four feet high burst into my home’
RONALD Woodside was at home in his seaside house on South Beach Road with his parents on Thursday, when waves about “four feet” high burst into the building, forcing the family to flee to the second floor.
North Andros ‘took the brunt’
NORTH Andros “took the brunt” of the eye of Hurricane Matthew on Thursday evening, resulting in extensive damage, according to administrators on the island.
Significant damage to 95% of buildings in Eight Mile Rock and Holmes Rock
NINETY five per cent of the buildings in the Eight Mile Rock and Holmes Rock areas in Grand Bahama received significant damage from Hurricane Matthew on Thursday night and Friday morning, Brenda Colebrooke, the island administrator for West Grand Bahama, said.
Exuma man breaks hip putting up shutters
EXUMA “held up pretty well” in the face of Hurricane Matthew, initial assessments indicate, according to Exuma’s chief councillor, Brian Strachan.
Hurricane Matthew took Department of Meteorology Doppler Radar ‘off its gears’
THE Department of Meteorology’s Doppler Radar “came off its gears” during the passage of Hurricane Matthew on Thursday, Met Office Director, Trevor Basden, told The Tribune on Friday.
Hurricane Matthew could ‘loop’ back to the Bahamas
THERE is a possibility that Hurricane Matthew will “make a loop” and return to the Bahamas next week, Deputy Director of the Department of Meteorology Basil Dean warned on Friday.
RIU visitors relocated as rooms damaged
AMERICAN honeymooners at the Riu Palace hotel were among a number of guests that had to be relocated as Hurricane Matthew ripped through the Paradise Island property and compromised rooms on Thursday.
Deputy PM says assessment efforts under way
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis on Friday said the government’s assessment efforts across the hurricane-ravaged country are being co-ordinated with a view to have the Bahamas back to a “level of normalcy as soon as possible”.
Family with children evacuated as roof caves in
DURING the height of Hurricane Matthew’s siege on New Providence early Thursday morning, a family in Pinewood that included children had to be evacuated when the roof of their house caved in, constituency MP Khaalis Rolle said.
Knee-high flooding hits the Grove West but residents relieved
RESIDENTS in a northern New Providence coastline community expressed relief that the damage from Hurricane Matthew was not as extensive as initially feared.
Friday, October 7
Customers could wait ‘several days’ before all power restored
WHILE it has begun restoring power to some parts of New Providence, the Bahamas Power & Light Company (BPL) has warned that it could take several days “or even longer” before all customers are back on electricity supply because its distribution network has been “substantially impacted”.
Miller urges those with 'heavy equipment': Step up to the plate
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller has called on people with "heavy equipment" to "step up to the plate" and assist fellow Bahamians suffering in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
Atlantis guests vow to return despite Matthew's unwelcome disruption
DESPITE spending nearly 24 hours in makeshift shelters in the Atlantis Paradise Island resort's Imperial Ballroom, several visitors and guests told The Tribune “it was an experience they will never forget” and they were “definitely” coming back to the Bahamas.
Grand Bahama suffers significant damage as Matthew roars through
NINETY five per cent of the buildings in the Eight Mile Rock and Holmes Rock areas in Grand Bahama received significant damage from Hurricane Matthew on Thursday night and Friday morning, Brenda Colebrooke, the island administrator for West Grand Bahama, said.
BPL says restoring power to New Providence could take days "or even longer"
THE Bahamas Power & Light Company (BPL) has begun restoring power throughout New Providence, although the company warned in a statement on Facebook early Friday morning that it could take days "or even longer" before power is restored to all customers on the island because of the damage to its distribution network island-wide by Hurricane Matthew.
Thursday, October 6
'I have never been in a hurricane as strong as this'
LONG TIME resident of Lyford Cay Kim Aranha remembers Betsy in 1965 as a category 4 hurricane striking the Bahamas – but with nothing like the “relentless" force that Matthew brought on Thursday with 140mph winds that battered New Providence.
Haiti's hurricane death toll rises as waters recede to reveal bodies
HAITI'S death toll soared on Thursday as rescue crews began reaching remote corners cut off when Hurricane Matthew slammed into the country's southwest peninsula, the first Category 4 storm to hit Haiti in more than a half century.
Golden Gates area "looks like a war zone" says Super Value owner
SUPER Value owner Rupert Roberts said on Thursday afternoon the area around his Golden Gates head office “looks like a war zone” after Hurricane Matthew’s passage, which damaged both his house and his business.
Beach Tower at Atlantis closed to guests after power and water failure
THE Atlantis Paradise Island sustained "little damage" during the passage of Hurricane Matthew according to resort executives, but the electricity, elevators and water in the Beach Towers have been "temporarily knocked out" due to generator failure.
Pinewood family had to evacuate as roof caved in
DURING the height of Hurricane Matthew's siege on New Providence early Thursday morning, a family in Pinewood that included children had to be evacuated when the roof of their house caved in, constituency MP Khalis Rolle said.
ANALYSIS: New Providence hit by Matthew's dangerous eyewall right side
WITH top sustained winds of 140mph, Hurricane Matthew is once again an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm.
South Eleuthera emerges from Matthew's 100mph winds
RESIDENTS in South Eleuthera are beginning to move outdoors after what they believed to be the worst of Hurricane Matthew subsides.
New Providence will be without power for the duration of the storm says BPL
NEW Providence will now be without electricity for the duration of Hurricane Matthew, and maybe some time after, following a controlled shutdown of power services by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) early Thursday morning.
Exuma "held up pretty well" during storm, 69-year-old breaks hip
EXUMA has "held up pretty well" in the face of Hurricane Matthew, initial assessments indicate, according to Exuma's chief councillor, Brian Strachan. However, a 69-year-old broke his hip after falling in his home while attempting to put up shutters, The Tribune was told shortly before 9.30am on Thursday.
Cat Island "fared pretty well" says administrator
CAT Island administrator Jackson McIntosh says the island "fared well" during Hurricane Matthew. "There has been no report of injury or emergencies and we fared pretty well here in Cat Island," he told The Tribune shortly before 8.30am on Thursday.
Mosquito illness fears as Inagua assesses effects of Matthew
FLOODING that increases the risk of contracting mosquito transmitted diseases is the biggest concern for residents of Inagua now that Hurricane Matthew has passed the island, administrator Samuel Miller told The Tribune early Thursday morning as Matthew continued to batter New Providence, bringing increasingly powerful winds and torrential rain.
ANALYSIS: Matthew's shrieking winds hit the Bahamas
WEDNESDAY night was a very stormy night across the heart of the Bahamas as Hurricane Matthew churned through the centre of the archipelago.
Wednesday, October 5
Haiti's death toll from Hurricane Matthew doubles to 10
RESCUE workers in Haiti struggled to reach isolated towns on the country's southern peninsula and learn the full extent of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew as the powerful storm lashed the Bahamas on Wednesday and triggered large-scale evacuations along the United States East Coast.
BREAKING NEWS: Man shot dead at Carew Street, police on the scene
POLICE are on the scene of a fatal shooting at Carew Street, off Montrose Avenue, on Wednesday night.
Cat Island in darkness as high, gusty winds strike
CAT Islanders will have to sit through category 3 Hurricane Matthew in darkness as Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) has shut down the electricity supply to the entire island, according to island administrator Jackson McIntosh on Wednesday night.
NEMA "strongly advises" evacuation from Yamacraw, southern New Providence and Lyford Cay
RESIDENTS in low-lying areas of southern New Providence and in Lyford Cay and Old Fort Bay are being "strongly advised" by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to evacuate and seek the nearest hurricane shelters because of potential excessive flooding posed by Hurricane Matthew.
Atlantis moves 2,100 visitors to the Imperial Ballroom before Matthew hits
THOUSANDS of guests at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort were evacuated from their hotel rooms late on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for the impact of Hurricane Matthew.
PMH issues A&E and maternity emergency guidelines during hurricane
PRINCESS Margaret Hospital (PMH) has announced only senior citizens and maternity patients with medical emergencies are to be brought into the Accident and Emergency department and Maternity Ward respectively during Hurricane Matthew's passage through the Bahamas.
Flooding expected to be worse than forecast says weather expert
SOUTHERN coastlines and surrounding communities are the areas that expert weather forecasters are paying keen attention to as Hurricane Matthew is expected to batter the islands of the Bahamas for a 24- to 48-hour period.
San Salvador and Rum Cay residents learn from Joaquin and head for shelters
THE devastation caused by Hurricane Joaquin last year has given residents in San Salvador and Rum Cay all the motivation they need to evacuate homes, according to the administrator for both islands, Gilbert Kemp, who told The Tribune on Wednesday afternoon there has been very good response to relocating to shelters to ride out Hurricane Matthew.
C R Walker school replaced as hurricane shelter in New Providence
THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is revising its list of shelters in New Providence, noting that the C R Walker Senior High School on Blue Hill Road has been compromised.
ANALYSIS: Extreme wind threat to Nassau as Matthew gathers strength
HURRICANE Matthew will move northwest through the Bahamas on Wednesday and Thursday, with the dangerous right front quadrant with the highest winds likely to affect the most populous island in the archipelago on Thursday morning.
94-year-old Andros lady defies order to evacuate her home
SOME residents offered resistance when authorities advised them to evacuate low-lying areas in Andros ahead of Hurricane Matthew, The Tribune has learned.
Long Islanders head for hurricane shelters as Matthew looms
AS winds of about 50mph batter Long Island on Wednesday afternoon, electricity has been disconnected throughout the island and residents are bracing for the storm's more dangerous features.
Rescue workers struggle to assess damage to Haiti as death toll rises
RESCUE workers in Haiti struggled to reach cutoff towns and learn the full extent of the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew as the storm began battering the Bahamas on Wednesday and triggered large-scale evacuations along the US East Coast.
Florida faces "biggest evacuation ever" as Matthew homes in
GOVERNOR Rick Scott says Florida could be facing its "biggest evacuation ever" because Hurricane Matthew is threatening almost the entire Atlantic coast of the state.
Evacuation orders issued in Grand Bahama
EVACUATION orders have been issued in Grand Bahama for residents in West End, outlying settlements along the southern coast and in East Grand Bahama. Emergency Operation Centres have been activated, and all shelters were open at noon on Wednesday.
Inagua residents ‘comfortable’ with preparations for storm
RESIDENTS in Inagua were feeling the effects of Hurricane Matthew Tuesday afternoon, however officials expressed “comfort” with the level of preparation carried out ahead of the storm.
Southern islands hope not to repeat Joaquin errors
AS residents of the southern Bahamas brace for Hurricane Matthew, they are avoiding the errors that caused last year’s Hurricane Joaquin to devastate their property.
New Providence to be among the hardest hit
NEW Providence is expected to be one of the hardest hit, if not the most impacted island, as Hurricane Matthew barrels its way through The Bahamas until Friday morning, according to Bahamas Department of Meteorology Senior Deputy Director Jeffrey Simmons.
‘Move inland to higher ground’
PRIME Minister Perry Christie urged Bahamians to take the “potentially catastrophic” category four Hurricane Matthew seriously and prepare for the “worst case scenario” as he suggested that the government is fully prepared to declare a state of emergency if officials find that the monster storm causes irreparable damage to the country.
Exuma Chamber chief fearing ‘one-two year’ setback from Matthew
Exuma’s economy could be “set back a year or two” if Hurricane Matthew scores a direct hit on the island, its Chamber of Commerce president said yesterday.
Building supplier calls police amid Matthew rush
A well-known building supply firm was yesterday forced to call the police to address a severe traffic back-up on Prince Charles Drive, after experiencing its typical pre-hurricane sales rush.
Say what again?
THE public was left flabbergasted yesterday when a news report was delivered describing the damaging effects to electrical equipment and appliances that result from constant power cuts and inconsistent power surges, which were blamed for crippling PMH’s surgical efficiency for the past several weeks!
Regulator backs NewCo on 25% higher charges for termination
Regulators have backed the new mobile operator’s argument that it should be allowed to charge “asymmetrical” call termination rates that are 25 per cent higher than the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) over the short-term.
Acknowledge sleeping giant
IN 2012, the Democratic National Alliance made history on many levels. More than 13,000 Bahamians voted for them even though they were a third party and this was their first political challenge for the government of The Bahamas.
Nygard intends to subpoena Prime Minister in court case
CANADIAN fashion designer Peter Nygard intends to subpoena Prime Minister Perry Christie to give evidence in his committal proceedings before the Supreme Court, a move that was described by opposing counsel as being an attempt to turn the case into “a political circus.”
Bahamas’ failure ‘to save for rainy day’ bites back
The Bahamas’ inability to “save for a rainy day” could come back to haunt it if Hurricane Matthew proves as devastating as forecast, the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader told Tribune Business yesterday.
Baha Mar documents
YOUR Neil Hartnell exposed the reason why the Baha Mar documents were sealed and possibly will remained sealed.
‘Agents’ pledged PM help for LOI group
Government “agents” allegedly promised the group at the centre of the Renward Wells’ Letter of Intent (LOI) controversy that the Prime Minister would arrange a $40 million guarantee for them, adding: “We hold the key to the kingdom.”
Woman jailed for 14 years for part in robbing web shop manager
A WOMAN was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Tuesday for having a role in the robbery of a web shop manager in Long Island.
PLP convention ‘not likely’ to be postponed over storm
THE Progressive Liberal Party’s convention is still on track to be held next month as major hurricane Matthew makes its way through the country this week.
$2m loss for economy as cruise ships avoid storm
THE Bahamas is projected to lose nearly $2m in cruise ship cancellations, with tourism officials yesterday stating that all major cruises due to call into Bahamian ports have already been re-routed due to Hurricane Matthew.
Mighty Matthew threatens heavy rains, high winds, huge surf and devastating storm surge
Mighty Hurricane Matthew has shrugged off its encounter with a landfall on the southwestern tip of Haiti between 7am and 9am on Tuesday morning, and remains an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm with 140mph winds as it plows north at about 9mph over the eastern tip of Cuba. Now Matthew is set to carve a destructive swath across The Bahamas.
EDITORIAL: Inagua’s hurricane myth shattered
TODAY’S Hurricane report in which residents were advised to rush the completion of their hurricane preparations as Hurricane Matthew had already started to affect Inagua reminded us of the day that Inagua’s hurricane myth was shattered.
Tuesday, October 4
Powerful Hurricane Matthew hits Haiti with 145mph winds
HURRICANE Matthew roared across the southwestern tip of Haiti with 145mph winds on Tuesday, uprooting trees and tearing roofs from homes in a largely rural corner of the impoverished country as the storm headed north toward Cuba, the Bahamas and the east coast of Florida.
FNM expected to select Jeff Lloyd as St Anne’s candidate
THE Free National Movement is expected, over the next several days, to finalise its decision to officially select talk show host Jeffery Lloyd as the party’s candidate for the St Anne’s constituency.
Greenslade denies officer was part of ‘probe’ into background of Indira Charles
COMMISSIONER of Police Ellison Greenslade yesterday denied reports that a senior police officer was sent to St Lucia to assist with a reported probe into the background of Supreme Court Justice Indira Charles.
Govt bonds with interest for CLICO policyholders by mid-november
CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders will receive their compensatory government bonds by mid-November plus accrued interest, with the government primed to “earmark” over $40 million to facilitate the payout process.
HURRICANE ANALYSIS: Westward shift in Matthew’s forecast track brings threat to Florida
Very dangerous Hurricane Matthew is maintaining Category 4 strength as it heads northwards at 6mph, and is already dumping potentially catastrophic rains on Haiti and the Dominican Republic as it moves towards the Bahamas.
Grand Bahama residents are told to prepare
GRAND Bahama residents, particularly those in low-lying areas, are advised to “take heed” as Hurricane Matthew moves into the northwest Bahamas later this week.
Hurricane Matthew news in brief
• THE College of the Bahamas Oakes Field and Grosvenor Close campuses in New Providence and the Northern Bahamas Campus in East Grand Bahama will be closed today, with all operations and classes suspended.
All schools in the northwest Bahamas to close on Wednesday
ALL schools in the northwest Bahamas will be closed on Wednesday as a result of Hurricane Matthew, the Ministry of Education announced yesterday.
LPIA to close on Wednesday afternoon
THE Lynden Pindling International Airport will close at 2pm on Wednesday because of Hurricane Matthew.
Creative Nassau team represent capital in Sweden
CREATIVE Nassau President, Pam Burnside, Vice President, Patricia Glinton-Meicholas, and Gevon Moss, of the Downtown Nassau Partnership, represented the City of Nassau at the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) annual meeting in Östersund, Sweden, last month.
POLITICOLE: For passive Bahamians, voting should be compulsory
Oh, I get it now. The National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2040 ... will be complete in 2040. Got it. Thanks.
YOUR SAY: An Act to give power to the people and keep government honest
THE Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), a non-profit, non-partisan foundation that advocates for open, accountable and responsible governance, in tandem with a coalition of other civil society and private industry groups, is continuing to urge the swift passage of a “true” Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as the date for the final version of the bill to be introduced to Parliament nears.
Man jailed over illegal firearms, three others plead not guilty
IT was not a happy birthday for a Chippingham resident who was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for two illegal firearms found by police during a house raid in Long Island.
Second man charged in connection with shooting of PM’s police aide
A SECOND man was denied bail and remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned in connection with the shooting of a police aide attached to Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Bulgarian man gets court date for money laundering appeal
A BULGARIAN man who is contesting his conviction of money laundering will have his appeal heard next month.
DNA: Don’t take Hurricane Matthew lightly
THE DEMOCRATIC National Alliance is urging Bahamians not to take the looming Hurricance Matthew lightly and to prepare for the impact of the powerful storm this week.
San Salvador, Cat Island ‘braced for the worst’
WHILE weather experts predict that certain portions of the Bahamas will begin to feel the impact of Hurricane Matthew this morning, residents in San Salvador and Cat Island were said to be bracing themselves for the worst, according to officials stationed on these islands.
PM: No island will be spared
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday urged the entire country to batten down and stay indoors as no island will be spared from the effects of Hurricane Matthew, with the dangerous storm forecast to touch down in the southeast Bahamas today, and make its way through the island chain into Thursday.
Hurricane shopping rush ‘rough like Christmas’
THE impending arrival of Hurricane Matthew has resulted in an uptick in sales and customer traffic in several local food stores, with one storeowner saying this past weekend’s hurricane preparedness shopping rush was “rough like Christmas.”
NEMA begins evacuations in the Southeast Bahamas
EVACUATIONS for residents in the southeast Bahamas got underway yesterday, with emergency management officials moving scores of people out of low lying areas as parts of the country are expected to feel the effects of Hurricane Matthew as early as this morning.
New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association regular season action continues over weekend
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association’s regular season action continued over the weekend at the Archdeacon William Thompson Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds.
Resorts plan to evacuate guests ahead of storm
AS powerful Hurricane Matthew churns towards the Bahamas, some visitors have left vulnerable areas with plans underway to evacuate others, the Ministry of Tourism said.
Bran demands Baha Mar ‘sale’ tax answer
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday demanded that the Government disclose whether the Treasury will receive nine-figure Stamp Duty payments from Baha Mar’s ‘two sales’, as he branded the Supreme Court’s rationale for sealing the deal “a cop out”.
Insurers facing ‘perfect storm’ with Matthew
Bahamian insurers were last night facing “the perfect storm” in Hurricane Matthew, having rated the chances of a ‘direct hit’ on New Providence and other major population centres at “50/50” prior to its latest forecast track.
SPV, $45m bonds in next CLICO resolution phase
The Government yesterday unveiled the next steps in bringing resolution for CLICO (Bahamas) long-suffering policyholders, which include the creation of a new insurance vehicle and $45 million bond issue.
Super Value sees 80% business rise through Matthew
Super Value’s owner yesterday said he had seen an estimated 80 per cent spike in business over the weekend, as Bahamians stocked up on food and water ahead of Hurricane Matthew.
‘Catastrophic’ hit if storm strikes Nassau
The Bahamian economy could suffer “catastrophic” consequences if Hurricane Matthew scores a direct hit on Nassau, the Chamber’s chief executive yesterday warning this nation “cannot take” another Joaquin-style hit.
Lady Truckers win opener
The Lady Truckers outslugged the defending champions Lady Stingers 21-13 to snatch a 1-0 lead in their New Providence Softball Association (NPSA) best-of-5 semi-final playoffs.
Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Tourney Saturday
CHAMPION Amateur Boxing Club continues its annual schedule with one of the most anticipated events on it’s calendar.
Trevone Grant makes his official debut with the Axemen
TREVONE Grant made his official debut with the Acadia Axemen basketball in the programme’s inaugural preseason tournament.
44th Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships
The Bahamas’ best performances at the 44th Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in the Dominican Republic on Saturday came from the following:
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: As Matthew nears, a few other ‘Hurricanes’ come to mind
AS we all prepare for the unwanted visitor, Hurricane Matthew. And yes all preparations and safety precautions must be adhered to in this one, Matthew is a big boy with a ‘stink attitude.’
NPBA and BBF to host first FIBA clinic late this month
EVERY two to four years or following the World Championships and/or the Olympics Games, FIBA - the governing body for International Basketball - implements proposed major rule changes.
SPORTS NOTES
THE Charles W Saunders Cougars surprised the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine 11-1 in a four inning abbreviated junior girls game yesterday at Charles W Saunders High School as the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools continued its 2016 softball regular season action.
A second chance at life
Paquell Butterfield has two birthdays – one that marks the date of her birth and the other which signifies an awakening that changed her life.
Kimberly Marshall has ‘Androsian Dreams’
Entrepreneur Kimberly Marshall is on a mission to prove that big dreams can come from small places.
BUN IN THE OVEN
You know this word well. Chances are you’ve heard or read over and over in the last few years. People talk about it, and it’s all the rage right now, kind of like how yoga, gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO are. It’s that other ‘G’ word – gratitude – and it makes some of us very anxious.
MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONALS: Are you proactively prepared?
I’ve heard it said that preparation is the key to real success. From internet millionaires to championship athletes, all great achievers understand and employ the power of preparation. Being proactively prepared then takes this notion of active preparation to a higher level.
Why guys hate to train legs and why their goals suffer because of it
Let’s be honest, for a man legs are one of the hardest and most gruelling body parts to train intensely. And because men can go through their entire life not showing their legs, it’s the easiest training day to skip. Many men tend to focus on the “mirror muscles” like chest, arms and shoulders, and ultimately suffer overall because of it. Training legs has many benefits that go far beyond the scope of aesthetics.
Skin care specialist urges extreme care with lotions, oils and soaps
That lotion you think may be toning, plumping and softening your skin may actually be doing more harm than good.
The brush and the brushing
“It’s only a toothbrush, it can’t be that important.”
The value of breastfeeding
With research linking breastfeeding to better behaviour in adults, the Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association (BNBA) is putting its campaign to ensure more Bahamian babies are breastfed into high gear this week.
‘Thairapy’ – It’s what the stylist prescribed
This November will make two years since Eddia Thompson made the decision to dedicate her time and energy to bringing awareness of healthy hair to the Bahamas.
Bottled water suppliers in 100% business rise
Bottled water suppliers yesterday estimated that business had increased 100 per cent ahead of Hurricane Matthew, with one manufacturer estimating it was moving “three times’ more product than normal”.
Building material firms incur pre-Matthew rush
Lumber distributors and building supply stores yesterday confirmed they had seen a pick-up in business due to a spike in plywood sales ahead of Hurricane Matthew.
BHTA chief becomes top Caribbean hotelier
Bahamian hotelier, Stuart Bowe, has been named the 2016 Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).
Monday, October 3
Body of man missing after boat collision found near Paradise Island
THE body of Christopher Turnquest, the man who police believed drowned after his skiff capsized following a collision with a Royal Bahamas Defence Force patrol vessel on Saturday, washed up in waters near Paradise Island yesterday.
Baha Mar to be sold twice as court process ends
BAHA Mar’s secured creditor has acquired the project from its receivers for a sum “substantially higher” than that offered by the top bidder, with the property essentially being sold twice as part of the process.
Police probe as activists say their lives are in danger
A POLICE investigation has been launched into claims by five Bahamians that their lives are in danger because of their political advocacy and that some of them have had to flee the country.
Chipman out of election race, says leader doesn’t want him
ST ANNE’S MP Hubert Chipman announced yesterday that he has withdrawn his name from consideration for renomination in his constituency, saying it is clear FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis no longer wants his contribution.
Minnis: Set aside politics until after hurricane
OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday that the Free National Movement will suspend all political activities until Hurricane Matthew has passed.
Matthew will hit on Tuesday
AS Hurricane Matthew takes aim at Jamaica and Haiti, emergency management officials in The Bahamas along with other governmental agencies have ramped up preparation efforts as computer models project landfall in the southeast Bahamas by Tuesday.
INSIGHT: Assessing the looming threat from Hurricane Matthew
Matthew is weaker as it meanders over the central Caribbean south of Haiti, but the mighty Category 4 hurricane is expected to move northwards later on Sunday and deliver a punishing blow to the islands of Hispaniola, Cuba and Jamaica on Monday and Tuesday.
Baha Mar in $6m monthly value fall
Baha Mar’s value is declining at a rate of $6 million per month, a Supreme Court judge has revealed, with none of the purchase offers “anywhere near” to making its Chinese secured creditor ‘whole’.
INSIGHT: Undercover operations and ‘need to know’ in the fight against crime
Excellent regional law enforcement co-operation sometimes meant politicians were kept in the dark about covert planning, former Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Thompson says.
Constituency Commission due to convene as speaker denies it is behind schedule
THE Constituencies Commission is expected to convene in the coming weeks, as House Speaker Dr Kendal Major denied that the group was behind schedule as described by Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest.
New mobile operator ‘bang on roll-out goal’
The Bahamas’ second mobile operator and its controlling shareholder yesterday said they were “bang on target” in meeting its first roll-out milestone, describing this and the launch of services as “a miracle”.
Baha Mar companies put in full liquidation
Seven Baha Mar companies have now been placed into full liquidation by the Supreme Court, prompting a well-known QC to say he “can’t understand” the legal strategy pursued by original developer, Sarkis Izmirlian.
AML to add 40 jobs with two Carl’s Jr sites
AML Foods will create 40 jobs with the opening of two more Carl’s Jr. outlets before Christmas, with its inaugural location have experienced 20-30 per cent weekly sales growth in recent months.
A politics lesson for Dionisio
Permit me to be so brash as to lecture the great washer Dionisio d’Aguilar in a course I call “Politics 101”.
Say what?
HERE we are, recently downgraded, teetering precariously at the cusp, faced with the very real danger of falling off the financial cliff into financial ruin whilst we wait in line for another financial evaluation in a few months.
Cable fault blamed for power outage in New Providence
BAHAMAS Power and Light has blamed a cable fault at the corporation’s Blue Hills Power Plant for a major outage that affected about 30 per cent of New Providence for several hours on Saturday.
Police hunt for trio of gunmen after attack
POLICE are seeking the public’s help in locating three men responsible for a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday, which left a Nassau man in hospital.
INSIGHT: Facing the wrath of Matthew is no party for the southern Bahamas
As Matthew looms large on the anniversary of Joaquin, Malcolm J Strachan looks at what, if anything, was learned from last year’s hurricane in terms of planning and reparations and asks why critical repairs have not been carried out . . .
INSIGHT: College makes the difference every Bahamian needs
In the first of a new weekly collaborative series on post-secondary education, Lyford Cay Foundations explains why doing everything possible to gain an advantage in the modern workplace is so vital . . .
Jeffrey Butler dies following surgery
WELL-KNOWN Grand Bahama businessman Jeffrey Bernard Butler died in the Doiminican Republic on Saturday after reported complications from surgery. He was in his 70s.
Court visit to Nygard Cay to be held this morning
A SUPREME Court judge, officers of the court and a delegation from Save The Bays will visit Nygard Cay in western New Providence this morning for a viewing of the site where it is alleged that dredging and other works were undertaken by Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard without legal authorisation.
Bahamas 5th overall at CAC
With the assistance of the Bahamas Government, including the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and Bahamasair, the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation was able to take the entire 38-member team to the 44th Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships.
Fountain, Wright cart off first crown in King Eric Memorial
THE seasoned team of Harry Fountain and Fred Wright carted off the first gross crown in the second annual King Eric Memorial Golf Tournament.
Bahamas training camp ends for Heat
THE Miami Heat completed their 2016 training camp Friday and from the newcomers, to veteran players to the front office – each walked away with a positive impression of the Bahamas.
Buddy and Pelicans get 116-102 preseason win over Mavs
BUDDY Hield’s New Orleans Pelicans debut lived up to the lofty expectations the organisations and his fan base had once he was selected No.6 in the lottery.
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: Clear benefits of being in the presence of sporting greatness
THE presence of the Miami Heat in the Bahamas over much of the last week was a sight for sore eyes.
SAUNDERS HAS CAREER DAY BUT SEMINOLES FALL SHORT
IT was a career day for Mavin Saunders, but his Florida State Seminoles fell just short in their comeback effort and suffered another surprising early season loss.
Second man charged in connection with shooting of PM’s police aide
A SECOND man was denied bail and remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned in connection with the shooting of a police aide attached to Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Search for man overboard after boat hit by RBDF vessel
POLICE and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force are searching for a man who disappeared and is feared drowned after his boat was hit by a RBDF Harbour Patrol vessel on Saturday.
EDITORIAL: Why are Keod Smith and a Bahamian police officer investigating a judge?
TODAY — from early morning—our e-mail has been clogged by Bahamians sending us an article with a headline that reads: “Is CARICOM being used by Bahamas Government and Peter Nygard in Official Investigation by Bahamian Officials into Judge Indra Charles of the Bahamas Supreme Court?” It was published in St Lucia Today and, thanks to the web, is quickly making its way around the world.
Bowe named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year
BAHAMIAN hotelier Stuart Bowe was last night named the 2016 Caribbean Hotelier of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).
Sunday, October 2
Pedestrian killed on West Sunrise Highway
POLICE in Grand Bahama are investigating a traffic fatality in Freeport on Sunday morning in which a 42-year-old man walking on West Sunrise Highway died.
Bahamasair suspends services to southern islands from Tuesday due to hurricane
BAHAMASAIR is suspending services to the southern islands of the Bahamas from Tuesday due to the approach of Hurricane Matthew.
Search continues for missing man in Nassau Harbour after boat collision
A MAJOR search for a missing man following a boating accident in Nassau Harbour on Saturday night is continuing on Sunday, police are reporting.
UPDATED: Hurricane Watch issued for south east Bahamas as Matthew threatens
A HURRICANE Watch is in effect for the south east Bahamas, including Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Ragged Island, Long Cay, Samana Cay, and the Turks and Caicos Islands from Sunday morning.
Bahamian students in Jamaica airlifted home to avoid Hurricane Matthew
BAHAMIAN students in Jamaica threatened by the approaching Hurricane Matthew arrived in Nassau late on Saturday night on a Bahamasair flight organised in conjunction with the government.
Saturday, October 1
Powerful Hurricane Matthew soaks Colombia and heads for Jamaica
ONE OF the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in recent history weakened a little on Saturday as it drenched coastal Colombia and roared across the Caribbean on a course that threatened Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba.
Bahamas hurricane shelters for the 2016 storm season
WHERE to seek refuge during the 2016 tropical storm and hurricane season in the Bahamas - list provided by the Department of Social Services.
Southern Air flight crash lands at Deadman's Cay with 'gears up'
A SOUTHERN Air flight from Nassau with 11 occupants crash landed on the main runway at the Deadman's Cay airport in Long Island on Friday morning.
NEMA urges 'be prepared' as Hurricane Matthew becomes category 4 storm
HURRICANE Matthew is expected to bring six to eight feet of storm surges, severe thunderstorms and several inches of rain as it moves through the Bahamas next week, Director of the Department of Meteorology Trevor Basden said on Friday.
Two men wounded in Abaco nightclub shooting
TWO MEN have been airlifted to New Providence for medical attention after being shot in an Abaco nightclub early on Saturday morning.
HEAVY RAIN WARNING - Freeport - Saturday 8.10am-2pm
INSURANCE MANAGEMENT: HEAVY RAIN WARNING
