Thursday, December 31
Students in New Providence, Abaco, Eleuthera and Exuma to continue virtual studying
WHILE all government schools will reopen for instruction on Monday January 4, students on four islands including New Providence will not report to school yet for face-to-face instruction.
ZNS worker dies after COVID battle
AFTER more than a week-long fight with COVID-19, ZNS technical engineer Valentino Obainyear died Thursday morning at the age of 62.
Man jailed for unlicensed firearm
A 32-year-old man who was found with an unlicensed firearm was sentenced to 15 months behind bars on Thursday.
Bail granted for man accused of fraud
A 41-year-old man who denied defrauding two other men of thousands of dollars was on Thursday granted bail ahead of his trial.
Man shot dead hours after double homicide
A MAN was shot dead on Wednesday night just hours after a double homicide in the Pitt Road area.
EDITORIAL: Clarity is key in police shootings
EARLIER this year, we wrote in this column with concern about a police shooting.
STATESIDE: Time for Biden to call out Trump?
A Canadian friend was commenting the other day about the goings-on in Washington, DC, just three weeks before Joe Biden will be sworn in as America’s new president and Donald Trump will grudgingly depart the White House.
FRONT PORCH: PERSON OF THE YEAR – Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis’s spirit of courage and fortitude
Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, O.D., does not suffer fools or viruses gladly. When COVID-19, the worst global public health pandemic in approximately 100 years struck and rapidly spread around the world, the Bahamas needed expert, clear and steady leadership to combat the deadly and highly infectious contagion.
Broughton family reach out to help those in need
WHILE the COVID-19 pandemic brought lots of bad news and tragedy this year, it was also a time for the spirit of goodwill to shine.
The Bahamas faced a year of loss from COVID
THE first case of coronavirus, a 61-year-old woman from New Providence, was reported in March.
Wrap up well - there’s a cold start to the new year
THE weather outside won’t be frightful as the popular Christmas tune goes, but delightful for most Bahamians as they will definitely have to pull out those blankets come Monday morning when temperatures will drop, putting a chill in the air.
Compliance 'onslaught' on substance demands
Accountants are urging the Government to extend today's deadline for corporate Bahamas to meet substance reporting requirements amid "a last-minute onslaught" from stunned firms racing to comply.
Union anger at change in Atlantis gratuities
THE hotel union’s president has accused Atlantis of trying to financially “break the backs” of employees after it decided to unilaterally change how gratuities are paid.
Canadian bank dividend bar to end March 2021
The Central Bank has unveiled plans to lift the suspension on dividend repatriations by the Canadian-owned commercial banks in March 2021 due to "lessening uncertainty" surrounding COVID-19.
Freeport 'strangled' over Baleària wait
A prominent Freeport attorney yesterday warned the Government that it is "strangling" the city's prospects for economic revival by the protracted delay in approving Baleària Caribbean's return.
One Atlantis casino worker tested positive for COVID
THE Atlantis resort on Paradise Island said one casino worker tested positive for COVID-19 more than two weeks ago, dispelling social media reports that claimed 10 of its workers had the disease.
Lucayan lacks 'three legs' needed to open
The Grand Lucayan's February 1 re-opening threatens to inflict more losses on Bahamian taxpayers because it lacks the "three legs" required to sustain its revival, a hotelier is warning.
Court to consider oil submissions today
LAWYERS representing environmental activists, the government and Bahamas Petroleum Company tussled over applications seeking judicial review of BPC’s exploratory oil drilling during a Supreme Court hearing yesterday.
PLP vice-chairman Terence Bethel dies, aged 57
FAMILY, friends and political colleagues yesterday paid tribute to Progressive Liberal Party vice-chairman Terence Bethel, who died suddenly at his home on Wednesday morning at the age of 57.
Activists: 'Unarguable' BPC needed new EA
Oil exploration opponents yesterday alleged previous statements by Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) show it is "unarguable" that new environmental permits were needed for the change in drill ship.
Murder accused one of two men gunned down
TWO men, including one who was charged with murder, were found shot dead in the Pitt Road area yesterday.
POLICE SHOOT MAN WHO ‘PULLED GUN’: One suspect killed and three more on the loose, say officers
A POLICE-involved shooting yesterday left one man dead and three suspects on the loose.
Romad Dean The Tribune’s Junior Male Athlete of Year
ROMAD Dean’s finish to his debut season with the Crestwood Prep Lions in Ontario, Canada, saw his continued ascension in the prep basketball recruiting rankings to earn The Tribune’s 2020 Junior Male Athlete of the Year.
45 Haitians charged in court
FORTY-FIVE Haitian nationals apprehended during a recent interdiction operation on Long Island were charged with illegal landing in the Magistrate’s Court this week.
Man jailed over gun
A 21-year-old man who was found with an unlicensed gun that he claimed he planned to sell was yesterday sentenced to 13 months in prison.
Probation for attack on security guard
A 54-year-old man who broke a door while assaulting a security officer at Domino’s Pizza was put on probation yesterday for six months. The incident occurred after the man became upset that the pizza chain did not have the toppings he wanted and security tried to escort him out.
Teenager denied bail for robbery
A TEENAGER has been sent to prison for allegedly robbing a food store earlier this week.
Stash kept in man’s socks
A MAN who stashed marijuana in his socks was yesterday ordered to attend drug counseling classes for a year.
2020 - Annus Mirabilis
The year 2020 will long be remembered, mostly from a negative point, so long as The Bahamas continues to exist. It was a year that may be termed annus mirabilis (a miracle year). I readily concede that one would hardly wish to refer to 2020 as a miracle year because for many it was not.
Time to end open casket viewings
The United States Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, is where deceased prominent American political, judicial and military figures are laid in state, as a way of honouring them for their distinguished service to the nation.
Ayton posts double double, Suns blow out Pelicans
PHOENIX (AP) — Chris Paul played OK. Devin Booker had one of his least productive games in recent memory. The Suns’ best two players didn’t really do much in an intriguing matchup between two of the league’s rising teams.
‘Buddy’ scores 12 to help Kings top Nuggets 125-115
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton scored eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter as the Sacramento Kings pulled away to beat Denver 125- 115 on Tuesday, spoiling a record-setting night for Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic.
Don’t Blink Home Run Derby set for December 18
A new date has been set for the 2021 Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise.
Resort invests $1.2m in restaurant upgrade
A Grand Bahama timeshare resort exploited the COVID-19 enforced tourism shutdown to invest $1.2m in restaurant upgrades as well as other improvements to the property.
Atlantis: Christmas was 'better than projections'
A senior Atlantis executive yesterday said the resort enjoyed a “better than anticipated" Christmas season and was looking ahead to improving numbers in the 2021 first quarter.
Engineer chief eyes capital works boost
Bahamian construction industry professionals yesterday said they are hoping “significant” public infrastructure works will further boost the sector's output in 2021.
Wednesday, December 30
New Year Weather Synopsis
NOAA / NHC Synopsis for the South-West North Atlantic, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas including Cay Sal Bank, San Salvador, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Inagua and Mayaguana
EDITORIAL: The best way out is through
AS we near the end of a dreadful year, we hope that 2021 will bring better things.
Tech winners and losers of 2020
We streamed, we Zoomed, we ordered groceries and houseplants online, we created virtual villages while navigating laptop shortages to work and learn from home. In many ways, 2020’s pandemic-induced isolation threw our dependence on technology into overdrive, snipping away at our real-life connections while bringing digital relationships to the fore.
Colorado officials approve company’s plan for electric cars
DENVER (AP) — Colorado utility regulators have voted to support Xcel Energy’s plan to invest more in electric-powered transportation. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s decision last Wednesday voted to support the company’s proposal to spend $102 million over three years to build charging stations, help convert state-owned vehicles into electric cars and incentivise homeowners to install car-charging equipment.
ALICIA WALLACE: For 2021, think S.M.A.R.T
WE’RE coming to the end of the confusing period between December 25 and January 1. During this time, a lot of people don’t seem to know what day it is or what is going on. From bed to shower to breakfast to bed to couch to lunch, time moves whether we mark it or not. It feels like the busyness of the year catches up with us during this time and we are forced to feel the listlessness and lack of motivation we have to ignore or push through when there seems to be no good reason to pause. For once, in December, some of us get to just drift.
Weather Forecast – Synopsis for the SW North Atlantic
255 PM EST Wed Dec 30 2020
‘Everyone deserves a second chance’ says Dames
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames wants more ex-offenders to apply to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee to get their criminal records expunged, saying “everyone deserves a second chance.”
Activists seeking to add Town Planning to oil drilling battle
Oil exploration opponents yesterday sought the Supreme Court's approval to add the Town Planning Committee as a "fourth respondent" in their challenge to Bahamas Petroleum Company's (BPC) drilling.
Dump trucks destroyed in blaze at compound
ROYAL Bahamas Police Force Fire Services is investigating a fire that left several privately owned dump trucks destroyed on Monday morning.
Call for stronger penalties after mom beaten to death
IN the wake of a single mother reportedly being beaten to death, Women United Northern Bahamas has asked for individuals to petition their politicians and policy makers to demand stiffer penalties and legislation to protect women and girls.
GB ferry provider in 'crazy' approval wait
A ferry provider's extended wait for the Government to approve the relaunch of its Grand Bahama service was yesterday branded "crazy" and "embarrassing" by its local representative.
Gov't targets end March for COVID expenditure halt
The Government is predicting that it will be able to end all COVID-19 assistance initiatives by end-March 2021 - a forecast that a top official yesterday admitted is "fraught with risk".
Two men found shot dead on Pitt Road
POLICE discovered the bodies of two men on Wednesday morning who were shot dead on Pitt Road.
Union: Up to 50 member jobs lost at Ocean Club
The hotel union's president yesterday said "about 50" of his members are likely to be terminated by the Ocean Club as the resort right-sizes ahead of dismal occupancy levels forecast for the New Year.
Second suspected suicide probed
POLICE are investigating a suspected suicide in New Providence just days after a man was discovered hanged from a ceiling in Grand Bahama.
Wells: Too soon to tell if we were naughty or nice
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said officials will not know until mid-January if holiday celebrations will lead to an uptick in COVID-19 cases.
D’Aguilar: Tourism numbers show we’re a glimmer of our former self
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar yesterday said he is not happy with the country’s tourism arrival numbers since border restrictions were softened, adding the pandemic has made fewer people want to travel.
'They'll do anything to harm my name' – Ex-Sky chief hits out at airline's former financier
Sky Bahamas' former principal says efforts by the airline's main financier to discredit him by instigating police probes in The Bahamas and US "shows the lengths they will go to damage my name".
Lloyd: Our students are desperate
I begin by quoting Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize winning Black journalist and Princeton University professor: “Our country is like a really old house. I love old houses. I’ve always lived in old houses. But old houses need a lot of work. And the work is never done. And just when you think you’ve finished one renovation, it’s time to do something else. Something else has gone wrong.”
Bahamian wives made their bed
The discriminatory element within the Free National Movement (FNM) government’s Fisheries Bill, 2020 has caused somewhat of a brouhaha within its ranks, with East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest and former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham both expressing opposition to it.
‘If the parents don’t stand behind them, they won’t grow as athletes’
Coach Corrington Maycock continues to see a sharp improvement from the competitors in his Blue Chips Throwers Club with at least eight of them attaining the qualifying standards for the 2020 CARIFTA Games that will be rescheduled for Bermuda over the Easter holiday weekend.
A dinner to make people’s Christmas Day
AT a time when many persons on Grand Bahama are struggling, Elnet Maritime Agency delivered a full Christmas dinner to five needy families on Christmas Day.
Hotels warn over 'vaccine paralysis'
A Family Island hotelier yesterday said Christmas business volumes were “off 50 percent” at his property as he voiced fears that "vaccination paralysation” will hit the travel market in early 2021.
Compass Point manager hits 'discriminatory' COVID dining
A hotel manager yesterday slammed the “discriminatory” provisions requiring Bahamians and residents to obtain a negative COVID-19 test before they can dine indoors at a local resort.
Digital provider targets New Year's expansion
A digital payments provider is aiming to launch wireless transactions, its own digital currency and payment cards in 2021 following the "boost" provided by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oil court hearing adjourned until today
A SUPREME Court hearing on an application for judicial review of Bahamas Petroleum Company’s exploratory oil drilling was adjourned yesterday after lawyer Fred Smith highlighted the lingering effects he experiences following a paragliding accident in Italy last year.
‘I sold drugs to support family’
A 37-year-old man who claimed he sold drugs to support his family was yesterday sentenced to six months in prison.
Two charged with armed raid
TWO men were charged with armed robbery in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Man accused of false robbery complaint
A 39-year-old Freeport man was charged with stealing by reason of employment among other charges in connection with a false armed robbery complaint.
40 Haitians detained in Andros
MORE than 40 Haitian migrants were detained in Andros on Monday after their vessel ran aground in Mars Bay.
Lashann Higgs scores 19 points in loss
LASHANN Higgs and the Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM closed out 2020 with their 14th loss in the Professional Basketball League, just after they picked up their third victory right before Christmas day.
‘I was just really happy that I could come down here and give my support to these kids’
CHRISTMAS was a little extra special for the residents of the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel, thanks to the commitment from tennis sensation Sydney Clarke.
Megan Moss The Tribune’s Junior Female Athlete of Year
IT was day one of the Ministry of Sports’ National High School Track and Field Championships on Thursday, March 12 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium when all sporting activities were halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Basketball standout McKay Jr making an impression in USA
EVER since Gregory McKay Jr left the Bahamas to complete his high school education in 2016, the former Mt Carmel Cavaliers basketball standout has been making an impression in the United States of America.
Tuesday, December 29
Jim ‘Jungle’ Duncombe passes away at 77
SINCE the age of three in 1985, Jameica Duncombe said golf was all she knew, as her father, the late Jim “Jungle” Duncombe, introduced her to the sport and she went on to become the country’s top female player.
PETER YOUNG: We wish you a merry Brexit?
WAS it the best Christmas present of all? One would have been forgiven for thinking so while watching Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s exuberant video on Christmas Eve announcing that he had just signed a trade agreement with the European Union. After all the controversy and delay, this is a huge development, covering, as it does, some 450 million consumers.
FACE TO FACE: A year to forget but people to remember
THE year 2020 will go down as one of the most devastating years for the Bahamian economy in recent history. The country received a double blow –- Hurricane Dorian followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, we are stunned and in recovery mode. These traumas will take time to recover from, and most if not all Bahamian households have been impacted in some way.
45 Haitian migrants held in Long Island
FORTY-FIVE Haitian migrants were arrested by law enforcement officers in Long Island on Saturday.
One death and 35 cases over holiday
COVID-19 cases have continued to steadily trickle in each day with Ministry of Health officials recording 315 new cases this month.
Collapsed firm's owners offer liquidator $150,000
Taylor Industries owners have offered to pay $150,000 to help cover their former staff's termination pay and other benefits from the $2.335m generated by selling the collapsed firm's former head office.
Oil opponents: BPC EIA 'contradicts' drilling halt
Oil exploration opponents are arguing Bahamas Petroleum Company's (BPC) assertion that a mid-drilling halt will cause "unnecessary safety" risks is contradicted by its own environmental studies.
'Diabolical' exam results threaten growth revival
A governance reformer is warning that the latest "diabolical" BGCSE exam results will further undermine efforts to grow the Bahamian economy at the faster pace needed to recover from COVID-19.
'Skyrocketing' Bahamasair losses could strike $60m
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government had no choice but to increase Bahamasair's fares in a bid to contain "skyrocketing" losses that could hit $60m for the airline's current financial year.
Junkanooers ‘depressed’ by lack of parade
FOR the first time in more than five decades, the magic of Junkanoo that attracts people near and far to downtown Nassau was gone, due to COVID-19 protocols that require social distancing.
Five die in holiday crashes
TRIBUTES poured out on social media after the tragic deaths of a married couple who died in a horrific three-car collision on Christmas night.
UPDATED: Mom of seven beaten to death
A SINGLE mother of seven is dead following a suspected domestic dispute in Abaco.
Nearly 100 staff return to Hilton
Just under 100 workers returned to the British Colonial Hilton when it re-opened a fortnight ago, the hotel union's president has told Tribune Business.
Candlelight service for tennis parents
As they reflect on the tragedy that affected the Johnson/ Dean family on Christmas Day, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association hosted a candlelight service at the National Tennis Centre on Sunday.
‘Scooter’ dies on Boxing Day
MICHAEL ‘Scooter’ Reid, former high/long/ triple jumper turned basketball slam dunk champion and popular community activist, passed away on Boxing Day after spending the past eight weeks in the Princess Margaret Hospital battling cancer.
Archer: Brent was excellent pole vaulter, personal friend
BAHAMAS Association of Athletic Associations’ President Drumeco Archer remembered the late Brent Johnson as an excellent pole vaulter and a personal friend, whom he confided in.
Restaurants: Xmas off up to 70% amid COVID ease wait
A Nassau restaurant says its Christmas sales are down 70 percent compared to prior years due to a combination of COVID-19 health restrictions and the pandemic's economic fall-out.
Misplaced confidence in travel rules
As A long-time visitor to Nassau I could not believe the comments published today in your travel story that Tourism Ministry officials “feel confident in the current travel protocols”. I am wondering if they are living on the same planet as the rest of us. What research was ever completed before the harsh tourist unfriendly rules were introduced?
Three in hospital after two separate shootings
THREE men, including a Bimini man, are in hospital after two separate shootings over the weekend.
Charles Lashley dies, aged 68
CHARLES Martin Lashley, 68, of Carriacou, Skyline Heights, died at his home on Thursday.
Sides differ on oil hearing
An oil explorer and its opponents have given sharply different versions of the Christmas Eve legal battle that set up today’s hearing on the Judicial Review challenge to halt its exploratory drilling.
Activists not giving up on court hopes
ACTIVISTS are holding out hope that oil drilling can be halted as the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments today over a renewed application for judicial review regarding the government’s recent decisions to give Bahamas Petroleum Company environmental authorisation for its exploratory oil well.
Keep big oil out of The Bahamas
My husband and I are US citizens who are honored and excited to be planning a one of many return trips to Andros to bonefish the unique waters of your country.
Early 2021 study for third mobile operator 'feasibility'
Regulators will in early 2021 initiate studies to help the Government assess the "feasibility" of allowing a third operator to enter the Bahamian mobile communications market.
'Buzz is out' on electric vehicles
An auto dealer said electric car sales had enabled the business to shrug off COVID-19's impact, as he asserted: “The buzz is out.”
Red-Line Athletics Track Club awards outstanding athletes
DESPITE the coronavirus pandemic, which halted sporting activities for most of the year, the Red-Line Athletics Track Club still managed to recognise its student-athletes for their accomplishments.
Saturday, December 26
Man found hanged in Grand Bahama home
Police in Grand Bahama are investigating after a man was found hanged at his house on Friday.
Three dead, multiple injuries after two traffic accidents
Three people are dead and there are reports of multiple injuries after two traffic accidents just hours apart.
Thursday, December 24
Teachers union president calls for educational year to be repeated
After seeing the results of the country’s national examinations, President of the Bahamas Union of Teachers Belinda Wilson is recommending that the Ministry of Education repeat the 2020 educational year and stop social promotion in schools.
Court decision over stay on oil drilling to come on Saturday
ENVIRONMENTALISTS will learn on Saturday whether Justice Petra Hanna-Adderley will grant their application for a stay of Bahamas Petroleum Company’s exploratory oil well drilling.
Commissioner 'intervenes' to stop ticketing of restaurant guests
Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle reportedly intervened after a COVID Task Force swooped on Latitudes Restaurant on Wednesday evening.
Man who slapped coworker ordered to keep the peace for a year
An ABACO man who slapped his coworker during an argument on the job was yesterday ordered to keep the peace for one year.
Man and two teenagers deny possession of firearm, ammunition
A MAN and two teenagers who denied being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal ammunition were yesterday granted bail ahead of their trial.
$700 fine for marijuana possession
A 62-year-old man who was found with several packages filled with marijuana was fined $700 in the Magistrate’s Court.
Bail denied for man who had double murder conviction overturned
A MAN whose double murder conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal earlier this year was denied bail until the panel determines whether they will order a retrial for his case.
Hunt for two armed robbers on Abaco
POLICE in Abaco have launched an island-wide manhunt for two suspects behind an armed robbery that left a man injured early Thursday morning.
COVID-19 hits Young and Cavalry in ABL
OPENING weekend did not go as planned for Chavez Young and his Canberra Cavalry in the Australian Baseball League as COVID-19 restrictions led to another delay for the already shortened season.
EDITORIAL: Say one thing, do another on oil
IT is fair to say there is some mixed messaging from the government over oil drilling.
STATESIDE: What’s next for American news media in the post-Trump era?
ONE day this week, the front page of one of America’s most liberal big-city daily newspapers featured three stories “above the fold” of the paper that is visible when the paper sits fresh in the morning on your desk or breakfast table.
FRONT PORCH: The light and splendour of Christmas
Because of a global pandemic that began about a year ago, 2020 has been one of the most punishing and painful years in the lives of most of humanity. Many have died. Many are dying. Many more will die and millions have become ill, some with dire and long-term physical and psychological ailments.
A Christmas gift as 147 are granted clemency
THE Prerogative of Mercy Committee approved 147 requests for clemency during a meeting yesterday.
No Junkanoo - but groups want spirit to shine on
DESPITE the 2020 Junkanoo parades being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some groups say they still plan to keep the Junkanoo spirit alive and celebrate through virtual events.
Rastafarian community to say no to COVID vaccine
MEMBERS of the local Rastafarian community will reject the COVID-19 vaccine when it is made available in The Bahamas as it is against their religious beliefs, a representative said.
Video shows ‘bold’ robbers in busy stores
VIDEO footage has been making the rounds on social media showing two local businesses being robbed by “bold” culprits with guns while shoppers milled about.
Super Value gives $12,000
SUPER Value proved a little change can go a long way as store representatives presented a cheque for $12,000 to the Bahamas Feeding Network yesterday.
Sir Franklyn defends $49m Jack's Bay goal
Sir Franklyn Wilson is defending as "very conservative" projections that the Jack's Bay project will hit up to $48.9m in annual real estate sales by 2023, adding: "We're not selling this like Fried Fish."
BPC faces $400k extra daily costs if drilling halted
Bahamas Petroleum Company's (BPC) chief executive is alleging it will incur extra costs of up to $400,000 per day if activists succeed in persuading the Supreme Court to halt its exploratory oil drilling.
'Stability' concern on NIB's $100m COVID drawdown
The Central Bank has voiced confidence that COVID-19 will not produce a 'bad loan' blow-out to match the $1.2bn credit arrears peak caused by the 2008-2009 global recession.
Flowers: FNM trying to shut us down
THE government’s planned web shop patron tax on lottery winnings was yesterday predicted to deliver a “detrimental” blow to a local gaming house, its owner telling The Tribune he firmly believed the Minnis administration was “dead serious” about closing down the industry.
Drop in top grades as exam results are released
NATIONAL exam results worsened in 2020 compared to 2019, with fewer students achieving A, B and C grades and more students receiving D, E, F and G grades compared to the year before.
‘I can’t walk after I was beaten by police’
A MAN from Eleuthera is unable to walk and has had surgery on his right leg after police officers allegedly slammed him to the ground at the Harbour Island Police Station in October.
Gov't joins BPC in opposing oil Judicial Review
Environmental activists yesterday accused the Government of "jumping the gun" after it filed legal papers opposing their bid to halt oil exploration in Bahamian waters.
Man denies using fake cheques to defraud businesses
A 32-year-old man who denied using fraudulent insurance cheques to defraud three businesses will appear before a magistrate next year to determine whether he will be granted bail before his trial.
Man who beat his girlfriend told to compensate her $350
A 29-year-old man who was accused of assaulting his former girlfriend was ordered to pay her $350 as compensation.
Grand Lucayan return 'positive note' for 2021
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president yesterday said the Grand Lucayan's planned February 1, 2021, re-opening will "be a real positive note" to start the New Year on.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Taking Junkanoo to the world stage
Angelique "Junkanoo Goddess” McKay is a household name not only to Junkanoo and Bahamian culture but throughout the world.
Fraud accused granted bail
A 31-year-old man, accused of defrauding three people of nearly $40,000, was yesterday granted bail before his trial.
teen robbery suspect remanded
A TEENAGER was remanded to prison over allegations that he robbed a woman last week.
Jasmine secures athletic scholarship
WHEN Jasmine Roker joined his Diamond Bas-ketball Development Programme, coach Ter-rance McSweeney said he knew he could turn her speed as a soccer player into a prime time basketball player.
A proper geopolitical strategy
Since 70 years ago the arms race between the USA and Soviet Russia began to spread like wildfire. The Cold War’s battlefield was forged by smaller proxy wars funded by either Washington DC or Moscow; but this has resulted in massive genocides that has killed over a hundred million lives, and destroyed dozens of nations.
I want to have my Junkanoo, bro
How dare they? Talking bout there will be no Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade; talking bout there will be no New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade.
Simply amazing
In the very same week that his party announced an outright discriminatory policy . . .
Cable plans TV 'repackage' to counter streaming rivals
Cable Bahamas is planning a 2021 adjustment to its TV channel packages to better reflect consumer demands and enhance its competitiveness against rival video streaming services.
Regulator: BPL won't make consumers pay for 'failures'
Energy regulators have renewed their pledge to ensure Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) does not make consumers pay for its "failures" through an opaque, inflated fuel charge on their bills.
Out Island hotels: Maintain COVID tests at seven days
A Family Island hotelier yesterday urged the Government to keep the COVID-19 PCR test's validity at an extended seven days past the Christmas holidays to boost tourism's revival.
Hield tips in winning basket in overtime
Chavano “Buddy” Hield’s late-game heroics helped the Sacramento Kings open the 2020-21 campaign with a thrilling win in the first overtime game of the season.
Nesbitt, Miller key contributors in late season playoff race
WITH their respective teams in late season playoff races, David Nesbitt and Tavario Miller con-tinue to provide key contributions for their clubs as they conclude the regular season.
Versatile Charisma Taylor to move from PAC-12 to Southeastern Conference
VERSATILE athletics star Charisma Taylor will make a move from the PAC-12 to the South-eastern Conference for her upcoming junior season.
Wednesday, December 23
Man shot dead on Rupert Dean Lane
A MAN was shot dead shortly after he left his Rupert Dean Lane home after 8pm last night.
‘We are our brother’s keeper’
With the support of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association, her family and friends, young tennis sen-sation Sydney Clarke was able to surpass her goal of items received on behalf of the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel.
EDITORIAL: Is Davis ready to face up to party’s past?
PLP leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis faces a problem – his own past.
ALICIA WALLACE: It’s okay to enjoy Christmas
MOST people say it doesn’t feel like Christmas week. There isn’t much holiday spirit in the air, but we are doing the best we can to feel and look festive.
Deal signed to digitise all court documents
THE government signed a contract valued under $480,000 with the firm ZCOM yesterday to implement a digitisation and migration system for all paper-based court documents within the judiciary.
Lloyd satisfied with exam results - but we don’t get to see them yet
EDUCATION Minister Jeffrey Lloyd said he is satisfied with the national examination results in spite of the challenges COVID-19 brought to the process.
Too many questions over vaccinations, says Davis
THE Progressive Liberal Party has raised concerns about the Minnis administration’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy, saying too many questions are still unanswered.
Choir sings for senior citizens
MEMBERS of the Public Service Choir continued their annual tradition of singing Christmas carols to senior citizens in Grand Bahama yesterday.
BPC warns on 'safety' risks if drilling halted
The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) is warning that "significant and unnecessary health, safety and environmental risks" will be created if opponents now obtain a court-ordered halt to its oil drilling.
Travel relaxation is 'breath of fresh air'
Bahamian aviation operators yesterday hailed then Government's decision to relax COVID-19 inter-island travel restrictions for Christmas as "a breath of fresh air" for the hard-hit sector.
Bahamian single women take brunt of COVID-19
Bahamian single women have born the brunt of COVID-19's economic devastation to lead the Caribbean on both job losses and "worsening diet", the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has revealed.
Don't leave Bahamians with oil drilling 'peanuts'
The Bahamian people must get more than the "peanuts and crumbs" if the Government ultimately decides to approve commercial oil exploration, the National Trust's top executive urged yesterday.
Oil explorer fears its major $100m asset 'extinguished'
The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) has warned that its "major $100m asset will be extinguished", thereby threatening its survival, if the Supreme Court halts its oil drilling activities.
‘Concerned over Nygard? Not me’
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said he is “not concerned” about legal action brought against Peter Nygard in the United States.
‘Stop pointing fingers over drilling’ says Davis
THE leader of the Progressive Liberal Party has urged the Minnis administration to stop “pointing fingers” when it comes to the oil exploration deal and potential royalties left in place by a previous PLP government.
Wells: ‘We’ll pay nurses’ - but he doesn’t say when
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells has insisted that the government will honour its commitment to provide honorariums to healthcare workers who offered their services during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
OFFICIALS ALERT OVER U.K. STRAIN: No immediate plans for travel ban - but that could change
WITH a new strain of COVID-19 spreading in parts of England, Health Minister Renward Wells said while there are no immediate plans to impose a travel ban against the UK, officials will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Digital campaign boosts retailer's sales by 400%
A Bahamian retailer increased sales by 400 percent through its alliance with an electronic provider who distributed digital coupons to customers via its App.
Can tourism and oil co-exist?
Methinks t’was Dante, that famous Italian satirist, who warned that –
To drill for oil or not to drill
There has been much written about this topic both by those in favour and those vehemently against. While the viewpoints are usually well substantiated, I have not seen what I consider a business assessment of the pro’s and con’s. In line with this objective, I list issues below for consideration:
Road traffic
Yay! Road Traffic has opened its cashless inspection station on West Bay Street after many months of nightmares at the sports centre.
Walker, Clarke and Evans most outstanding athletes of the year
CADIN Walker, Serai Clarke and Khadin Evans shared the spotlight as the recipients of the most outstanding baseball and tennis Athletes of the Year at the Ed Armbrister Baseball and Southwest Tennis Clubs awards ceremony.
Canada aids Bahamas on illegal fish poaching
A Cabinet minister yesterday said Canada has promised to help The Bahamas combat illegal fisheries poaching in its waters by monitoring “dark ships from space” via satellite.
Tuesday, December 22
‘Island Gal’ seeks to introduce healing methods based on ancestral knowledge and proven by science
WITH a passion for helping people reconnect to their bodies and bring a sense of calmness to their minds, mental health professional, certified yoga teacher and herbalist Mykah Smith has created a space for people to uncover their boundless and healthy potentials.
Merry Christmas to men! Studies show frequent ejaculations have proven health benefits
Here is an early Christmas gift of scientifically based facts for Bahamian men:
Christmas gifts for your best gal pals
THROUGH thick and thin, real friends are there for one another. From sharing mutual hobbies to organising play dates with each other’s kids, or just picking up the phone to simply vent after an exhausting day - positive female friends have proven to be important for a woman’s mental well-being.
Bahamian men want women to treat them right this Christmas
Tribune readers share their worst gift-giving experiences
FOR women who are still in the process of doing some “last-minute” holiday shopping and maybe can’t decide what to get for the men in their lives, male Tribune readers had the following advice: steer clear of “generic items” and refrain from purchasing “cheap gifts”.
Eleuthera joins Zonta in saying no to gender-based violence
Eleuthera is pleased to be a part of the Zonta movement and herald the message of “say no to violence”.
EDITORIAL: Talk is cheap, but where’s the money for health workers?
WHEN COVID-19 first came to our shores, there was a familiar line in the regular press conferences at the time.
Bahamas AIDS Foundation establishes safe, supervised study centre for kids
The Bahamas AIDS Foundation has received permission from the Competent Authority to assist a small number of primary school-aged children to access and benefit from the Ministry of Education’s virtual learning platform in a safe and supervised space.
PETER YOUNG: How free is our speech?
IN the context of ‘wokeness’, which I wrote about in a recent column, there were two interesting developments in Britain last week. One was a speech by a Cabinet minister about the Conservative values of equality and individual responsibility while the other was a report by a leading think tank about the importance of free speech in universities. These are significant issues in modern society that can affect many people – even indirectly – so they are, perhaps, worth examining further.
FACE TO FACE: Men can be vulnerable too - so let’s celebrate them
IT’S important to celebrate men! They use their brain, their brawn, their wit, and their love to be heroes. Those who do so much for so many deserve to be honored and praised, too – even more so during the Christmas season. They may be even more vulnerable during this time, so it’s important to be aware of men’s feelings and needs, according to Terence Bethel.
A helping hand in time for Christmas
San Jose Construction (Bahamas) Ltd distributed grocery gift certificates to primary schools in the Grand Bahama and Bimini district to assist students of struggle families during Christmas.
Nursing chief: Wait a year before giving vaccinations
HEAD of the Bahamas Nurses Union Amancha Williams has expressed reservation over the new COVID-19 vaccines, saying she would like to see the drugs tested for a year before it is administered locally.
Foundation fulfils $1m Dorian relief pledge
The Moore Bahamas Foundation yesterday announced its fourth and final $300,000 grant for Hurricane Dorian relief and recovery.
Sad day for the country, say activists
ACTIVISTS have described Bahamas Petroleum Company’s exploratory oil drilling as a “travesty” and a “sad day” in the country.
$3m contract signed for Cat Island water
A $3m contract was signed yesterday between the Water and Sewerage Corporation and Island Site Development Company to bring potable water to hundreds of residents in Cat Island for the first time, marking an end to what officials called a long and difficult chapter.
Patron winnings tax 'on a game, not Bahamians'
The Ministry of Finance's top official yesterday argued that the imminent web shop patron winnings tax is a levy "on a specific type of game" rather than an attempt to discriminate against Bahamians.
Loan delinquencies up $92m as tourism arrivals totally dry-up
Mortgage and consumer loan delinquencies soared by $91.8m in two months as tourist arrivals to The Bahamas dropped 98.4 percent year-over-year for October, the Central Bank has revealed.
AG: New tax for BPC if royalties 'abysmally low'
The attorney general yesterday said the Government could impose a new tax on Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) if it declines to renegotiate "abysmally low" royalty rates that are the world's poorest.
'Taxing' to hit $100m Gov't spending cuts
The Ministry of Finance's top official yesterday admitted it will be hard-pressed to achieve the $100m in recurrent spending cuts it is targeting over the next six months, conceding: "It will be very taxing."
'Payments crisis' not Gov'ts fault
A Caribbean economist yesterday stuck to her forecast that The Bahamas "faces a potential balance of payments crisis" within the next two years but is arguing this will not be the Government's fault.
Bahamian dies in custody of U.S. immigration
ANTHONY Jones, a Bahamian, died on December 17 while in the custody of US Immigration and Enforcement (ICE) at the Adams County Detention Center in Natchez, Mississippi.
‘Pay nurses for working in pandemic’
THE Bahamas Nurses Union said it is giving Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis until December 31 to pay nurses what they are owed for giving service amid the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting the government should be sued over the matter.
AG: Fisheries bill is not discriminatory
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel has defended the Fisheries Bill 2020 against criticism that it is discriminatory, saying the government wants to preserve an area of the economy for exclusive Bahamian utilisation and benefit.
DRILLING BEGINS . . . but Bethel says govt will negotiate a bigger share if oil is found
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel assured Bahamians that the government intends to renegotiate the scale of royalty fees if commercial quantities of oil are found in the country.
Jonique’s Stride for Hope
AFTER almost a year since she passed away, coach Terrance ‘Red Eye’ McSweeney finally completed a memorial for his former Diamond Basketball development programme player Jonique ‘Mini’ Webb.
Baseball tournament brings economic boost to Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama received hosted a world-class international youth baseball tournament from December 17 until yesterday.
Strachan declares for the NFL Draft
Mike Strachan has officially declared for the 2021 National Football League draft.
‘This will harm our business’
A BAHAMIAN seafood businessman fears the government’s new Fisheries Bill will hamper his business and lead to a loss of critical staff.
Robbery accused denied bail
A MAN and a teenager were remanded to prison over allegations that they robbed three people last week.
$1,500 fine for attempt to use fake bank card
A MAN who last year attempted to purchase an iPhone with a fake bank card was fined $1,500 yesterday.
Jailed for 18 months over gun used for ‘protection’
A 25-year-old man who was found with an illegal firearm that he claimed he had for “protection” was yesterday sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Man denies throwing rock at woman
A 20-year-old man who denied assaulting a woman with a rock last month was granted $1,500 bail ahead of his trial.
Government must ban oil drilling
Is the Bahamas Government going to risk destroying The Bahamas $8bn per year tourism and fisheries sector ($80bn over ten years) for Simon Potters’ promise of $5bn in oil revenue that is based on a speculative oil well and a confidential oil deal with the Bahamas Government?
Discrimination, Mr Ingraham?
If I believed for a second that Hubert Ingraham honestly did not know better and really thought that years of complaints of Bahamian fishermen about foreign spousal permit holders in the industry (a phenomenon addressed in the new Fisheries Act) were driven by mere “discrimination”, then maybe I could see some point in his letter appearing in both dailies on the 21st December. But Mr Ingraham knows better.
Dr Timothy Barrett appointed as UB’s mental health consultant to assist students and faculty
The University of the Bahamas has appointed Dr Timothy Barrett to serve as Mental Health Consultant effective Monday, January 4, 2021, providing mental and psychological health services for faculty, staff and students, including the University of the Bahamas-North community.
Jordan relaxes in Bahamas before the big game
HIGHLY acclaimed linebacker Jordan Strachan took some time to relax in the Bahamas before he returned to Georgia State University for their big college bowl football game this weekend.
Monday, December 21
EDITORIAL: Let the courts rule on oil drilling
OIL is the focus of attention across The Bahamas – and farther afield too, it would seem.
WORLD VIEW: Accommodating Guaidó sparks divisions at OAS
EVENTS at the Organization of American States (OAS) continue to reveal that, notwithstanding the efforts by some of its 33 member states, the Organization is the handmaiden of powerful governments which control it through various methods, including coercion.
INSIGHT: Are we doomed to always be a nation for sale?
EMBARASSED in international media, one of the most glaring shortcomings of our democratic process was laid bare for the world to see in the recent indictment of Peter Nygard. The horrific allegations should come as no shock to those of us who heard stories about the infamous Nygard Cay.
INSIGHT: Before we talk about oil pollution, what are we doing about plastic?
AS The Bahamas prepares for the possibility of oil drilling and the risk of spillage, this archipelagic nation ranks among the top 30 per capita plastic global polluters, according to a Forbes Magazine report.
Beware of $1,000 online fraud scam
THE Financial Crimes Intelligence Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force has warned people not to participate in an online fraud scheme promising a $1,000 payout.
Mitchell: Winnings tax part of assault on web shops
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell said the impending imposition of a winnings tax on web shop patrons will lead to reduced player participation and layoffs in a sector that employs more than 3,000 workers.
Scaled down Christmas visit by Governor General
GOVERNOR General C A Smith was in Grand Bahama for his annual Christmas visit and tour of Rand Memorial Hospital last week.
Keep following advice, expert says, as new strain appears in UK
WITH a new strain of COVID-19 spreading in parts of England, a Bahamian health official said the public should continue to follow recommended health measures to avoid infection as virus mutations can happen.
BPC begins drilling exploratory oil well
BAHAMAS Petroleum Company has begun drilling its exploratory oil well, company officials announced on Monday. According to BPC, the well was ‘spud’ on Sunday December 20 at 06.30 EST and is anticipated to take 45 - 60 days to complete.
BPL fuel lock-in to ease extra charge
Bahamas Power & Light's (BPL) chairman yesterday said it has extended fuel cost certainty for all consumers until end-2023 to help ease the extra charge that will be added to their bills in the New Year.
Bahamas avoids 'dire' 26% shrink of its GDP output
The Bahamas has avoided the worst-case scenario of its economy shrinking by 26 percent in 2020 thanks to the global oil price slump and government's policy response, a report has concluded.
Leading the way
NURSE Ramanda Lee became one of the first Bahamians to get the COVID-19 vaccine last Friday, pushing aside her initial scepticism.
‘From strength to strength’ on FATF delisting
THE attorney general has voiced optimism the financial services industry will go “from strength to strength” after The Bahamas’ efforts to shore up its anti-financial crime regime gained global approval.
‘Why didn’t police try to extradict Nygard?’
ATTORNEY Fred Smith said Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle should have encouraged local extradition proceedings against Peter Nygard over the sexual assault allegations he faces.
UPDATED: U.S. Congress members urge PM to reconsider oil drilling agreement
SEVERAL members of the United States Congress have written to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira urging them to reconsider the oil drilling agreement with Bahamas Petroleum Company.
Oil opponents now seeking 'Xmas miracle'
Environmental activists yesterday admitted they are seeking "a Christmas miracle" as the Bahamas Petroleum Company's (BPC) drilling ship closed in on the location for its first exploratory oil well.
The end of inflation
ActivTrades
Imagine going to a restaurant for dinner, looking at the menu and ordering a 3-course meal. By the time desert is about to be served, the waiter approaches the table, quietly informing you that the cost of the set-menu has gone up since you ordered, and advising you to ask for the bill before prices rise again. Or, consider going to the shops with carrier bags full of bank notes and then bringing the goods home in those same, not as full, bags. These situations may sound like comedy sketches, but they aren’t. In some parts of the world such scenarios have been reported during periods of hyper-inflation.
Seven athletes qualify for CARIFTA
SEVEN athletes attained the qualifying standards for the CARIFTA Games at the Blue Chip Athletics Throwers Meet on Saturday as competitive track and field returned at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Keep The Bahamas blue’
PROTESTERS came out on Saturday at Blake Road to demonstrate against planned oil drilling in The Bahamas.
Don't ignore money laundering 'red flags'
As families throughout the world prepare to celebrate Christmas and spend time with loved ones, remember that criminals are also preparing for the yuletide season. They understand that 2020 has disrupted the traditional controls deployed by financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professionals (DNFBPS), retailers, street vendors, hotels and gaming houses.
Alliance to boost tourism linkages with agriculture
Two government ministries have forged a partnership designed to boost economic ties between The Bahamas' tourism and agriculture/marine industries to facilitate the latter's growth.
Arawak Cay chief: One third of vendors closed
Arawak Cay vendors are remaining “patient” as they wait for a COVID-19 vaccine to reduce infection rates and enable their businesses and the wider economy to fully rebound.
FATF over... Now on to the next blacklist
A former attorney general yesterday warned that The Bahamas' removal from a list of countries with identified weaknesses in their anti-financial crime defences "is not an end to the blacklisting cycle".
Web shops urge patron tax delay
Web shops are urging the Government to reconsider the New Year's Day introduction of the long-awaited patron winnings tax due to the "additional burden" it will impose on COVID-hit consumers.
New flare up over Fisheries Bill split
An advocacy group representing the fisheries industry's major wholesalers and processors is still crying foul over the Fisheries Bill 2020, reigniting divisions within the sector.
Ingraham wary over fishing law
After reading what Peter Turnquest, the Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), had to say about a discriminatory provision against spouses of Bahamian citizens in the Fisheries Bill during debate in the House of Assembly, I was moved to publicly support his position.
Nygard investigation
It is my hope that the contents of this letter will not change my good relationship with senior management of our Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Track is back
Under the theme: “Track is Back,” the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations hosted its first track and field meet since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March.
Wellington Miller honoured
AFTER spending the past three years as the immediate past president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, Wellington Miller will take a sabbatical to enjoy some private family time.
Higgs scores 22 in loss
HARBOUR Island native Lashann Higgs had another big game on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to garner another victory for her Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre in the Spanish Women’s Professional Basketball League.
Sunday, December 20
Man injured ‘in police shoot-out’
A SUSPECT is in hospital after he was wounded during a shoot-out with police in New Providence on Friday.
Friday, December 18
Bannister won't meet with WSC unions
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister said on Friday he has no intentions to meet with unions representing Water & Sewerage Corporation after officials urged workers to take industrial action this week stemming from grievances with the utility provider.
PM opens Newton Cay Bridge and Monument Road in Long Island
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis officially opened the Newton Cay Bridge and Monument Road in Long Island on Friday, noting the two major projects are part of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth on the island.
Supt Henfield: Too many lives lost on Grand Bahama streets
Superintendent of Police Jeremy Henfield, the officer in charge of the Traffic Division, says too many lives have been lost on the streets of Grand Bahama this year and is appealing to motorists to slow down.
Four charged with drug possession in Freeport
Four men were charged with drug possession in the Freeport Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Goodbye, good riddance Peter Nygard, your protectors can’t silence or frighten us any more
One-time glorified fashion mogul Peter Nygard sits in a Winnipeg jail, claiming he is innocent of what might be the most heinous charges ever brought against a resident of The Bahamas. The history-making accusations include a decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct ranging from sex trafficking to rape, including drugging victims, according to documents filed in a southern New York court, often vulnerable young girls from disadvantaged homes.
Broadcasting Corporation Executive Chairman says focus is to keep staff employed
AMID the threat of industrial action over money owed, Executive Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas Fred Gottlieb told the press that his only focus is to protect the jobs of staff.
A COMIC'S VIEW: 'Twas the night before Christmas
’Twas the night before Christmas when all through the House, Every MP was stirring, from “superstar” to “louse.”
Mike Sands: ‘It’s just a way to show our appreciation’
In the spirit of giving back during the Yuletide season, Mike Sands took the time out to express his gratitude to the many persons who helped him to secure the presidency of the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC).
EDITORIAL: Nygard not only one facing accusations
THE long arm of the law doesn’t seem so long in The Bahamas.
‘Tell her to lie about her age’
UNEARTHED footage shows Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard walking shirtless on a Brazilian beach and ogling at young girls in bikinis, while remarking that a 15-year-old should lie about her age, a video obtained by a UK website reveals.
Tourism rebound to be 'slower than we want'
A senior tourism executive yesterday warned that The Bahamas' rebound will be "slower than we want it to be" despite Atlantis moving to expand its re-opening with The Cove's February 11 return.
QC pushes to 'settle' Gaming Board dispute
A QC representing 24 former Gaming Board staff yesterday said he "doesn't understand" why it has failed to settle the dispute over their termination as the potential taxpayer liabilities are rising daily.
Cyber security experts: BTC network vulnerable
Bahamas-based cyber security experts yesterday argued that the Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) outdated network equipment left it vulnerable to penetration by malign actors.
Bahamas is hailed for 'stroke of genius'
The Bahamas was yesterday hailed for "a stroke of genius" in developing Florida-based pre-clearance facilities for a private aviation market that has "almost doubled" in volume during recent months.
The need for speed
THE United States Embassy in Nassau donated six Mercury Verado boat engines to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Bahamas Customs Marine Unit yesterday in a move meant to strengthen the country’s fight against drug trafficking and other related crimes following Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19’s impact.
‘No spying complaint made’
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has not received any official complaints alleging China has spied on Americans via Caribbean phone networks, Police Commissioner Paul Rolle said yesterday.
Making a ballyhoo in Miami over Bahamas oil drilling
BAHAMAS oil drilling opponents are thanking Ballyhoo Media for its “fantastic” effort to warn South Floridians of the dangers of offshore drilling, set to commence in days just a stone’s throw away from their shores.
Robbers warned: Break the law and you’ll get caught
COMMISSIONER of Police Paul Rolle issued a stern warning yesterday for people who intend to commit robberies this holiday season, noting that if individuals persist in breaking the law, they will be caught.
Senior citizens get a Christmas gift
SENIOR citizens were treated to food and Christmas gift packages yesterday thanks to Mt Olive Baptist Church in Bain Town.
FNM condemn ‘hollow’ response from Davis
THE Free National Movement yesterday accused Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis of issuing a “hollow” response concerning Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard’s indictment.
'Talk is cheap' warning over $1.5bn debt fears
The Government was yesterday warned that "talk is cheap" when it comes to The Bahamas' mounting fiscal and economic woes, as governance reformers demanded: "Let's see some action."
Another step back to normal
BAHA Mar reopened yesterday with 1,800 employees, 240 guest arrivals and the promise that business will increase significantly through the holiday season and into next year.
Cooper slams govt on lack of economic plan
PLP DEPUTY Leader Chester Cooper yesterday accused the government of having no strategy for economic growth nor had put forward any plan for restoration in Abaco, Grand Bahama and Ragged Island.
‘Nygard left and won’t come back’: Commissioner says police spoke to billionaire but he refused to cooperate
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said yesterday that officers visited Peter Nygard’s home in Lyford Cay last year as a part of an investigation into sexual assault allegations made against him but found that he had already left the country.
$1,00 fine over marijuana
A MAN found with a quantity of marijuana earlier this week was fined $1,000 yesterday.
Swearing costs woman
A 26-year-old woman who used obscene language and resisted arrest was yesterday ordered to complete 40 hours of community service.
Teenage fight ends in court hearing
A TEENAGER who denied hurting another youngster in a fight last week was yesterday granted $3,500 bail ahead of his trial.
We are an ocean nation
Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis recently stated that he is “totally against oil drilling in our waters” but claims the government could not get out of the contract that was signed with Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC).
Praise for Fort Charlotte Road Traffic
I am so pleased to be able to write this letter about my successful experience with Road Traffic this month!
Davis and Panthers get win over Miller Jr and Eagles
RADSHAD Davis had the better individual performance and his FIU Panthers got back into the win column with a dominant performance against Franco Miller Jr and the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles.
Global baseball tournament comes to Grand Bahama
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), along with the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) and iElite Sports Academy based out of Nassau, Bahamas, is pleased to be among the sponsors of the upcoming New Balance Future Stars Series (NBFSS) 2020 World Combine international baseball tournament, taking place at the Emera Caribbean Baseball Park in Grand Bahama later this week.
Scottish FA partners with UEFA to help develop Bahamas soccer
SCOTLAND’S Football Association partnered with the Union of European Football Association’s (UEFA) outreach programme to aide the development of the local game in the Bahamas.
Blue Chips Athletics Throwers Meet Saturday
BLUE Chips Athletics is scheduled to hold a throwers meet Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium 8-10 am.
UB Mingoes return to practices following strict protocols
THE University of The Bahamas athletic teams have returned to practice adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols as national restrictions are eased.
Atlantis confirms Cove's February 11 re-opening
Atlantis yesterday unveiled the next stage in its COVID-19 re-opening plans by confirming the 600-suite The Cove resort will be receiving guests from February 2021.
CIBC suffers major loss amid $94m dividend wait
CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) plunged to a $63.543m net loss for the year to end-October 2020 as it awaits permission to pay almost $94m in total dividends to shareholders.
Fisheries body supports conch export ban by '22
A fisheries advocacy body has backed the Government's plan to ban conch exports by 2022 as well as its plan to ban foreign nationals from working on Bahamian-owned fishing vessels.
Opposition deputy slams 'starving' of capital works
The Opposition's finance spokesman yesterday slammed the Government for racing "to impose additional taxes and further starve capital works that could spur the economy".
Jamaal Greene coming to forefront as assistant coach in the NCAA
BAHAMIAN basketball players have been making their presence felt in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and now Grand Bahamian former player Jamaal Greene is coming to the forefront as an assistant coach.
Thursday, December 17
EDITORIAL: After COVID, it’s time to tighten our belts
Here come the cuts.
FRONT PORCH – A nation for sale: Another generation of scandal
On Tuesday the United States Department of Justice charged 79-year-old Peter Nygard with racketeering offences and sex trafficking.
STATESIDE: A senseless death lit a fire which won’t go out
George Floyd died at the hands and knees of Minneapolis police officers just about six months ago. His senseless death ignited long-simmering protests and counter protests all across the US.
‘Pandemic has delayed courts’
THE COVID-19 pandemic has added more backlogs to the courts, but Chief Justice Brian Moree, QC, said the judiciary is working its way through those cases which have been disrupted since March.
‘Why can restaurants open but the Fish Fry stays closed?’
FISH Fry vendors in Exuma are calling on the competent authority to allow them to resume operations, saying it’s “unfair” that other restaurant operators on the island have been given the greenlight to reopen while their businesses remain closed.
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 17th December: Freeport
STARTS: 12/17/2020 4:10 PM EST EXPIRES: 12/17/2020 7:00 PM EST
More than $177m spent on COVID-19 relief
THE government has spent over $177m on various COVID-19 relief initiatives in response to the health crisis, Minister of State for Finance Kwasi Thompson announced yesterday.
Calls on Minnis to cancel oil exploration licences
ACTIVISTS and business owners have written to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis urging him to “immediately cancel” all existing oil exploration licences, reject all proposed renewals and impose a permanent ban on fossil fuel exploration within the country’s borders.
Political parties pointing fingers after Nygard arrest
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said allegations against Peter Nygard in a new indictment “are extremely serious and disturbing and should be pursued to the full extent of the law”.
Child dies in traffic accident
A YOUNG child is dead following a traffic accident in Grand Bahama yesterday, a police official reported.
$1.5bn debt repayment in a year? 'No problem'
The Ministry of Finance's top official yesterday said he "foresees no challenge" over the Government meeting almost $1.5bn in debt principal repayments coming due within the next 12 months.
Developer's offering to 'regain momentum'
A Bahamian resort community yesterday said it would use the proceeds of a newly-launched preference share offering to "regain momentum" lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Web patrons, utility customers warned to brace for pain
Web shop patrons and Bahamasair passengers will be the first feel to feel the pain of tax and fee increases sparked by COVID-19's economic devastation, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday.
‘Fishing bill isn’t fair play’
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest has criticised as discriminatory a provision in a new Bill that would prevent foreigners from engaging in commercial fishing in The Bahamas.
‘U.S. playing dirty with spy claims’
THE Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas said reports that China has spied on Americans via Caribbean phone networks are false and another attempt by the United States to sow discord between China and Caribbean countries.
Basden backs weather innovators
TREVOR Basden, director of the Department of Meteorology, is excited about the possibility of his department’s usage of the proposed Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network, a system that can catapult the country’s aviation and meteorological departments into cutting edge performances.
Baha Mar opens doors today
BAHA Mar reopens today to local and international travelers, marking whag the resort destination says is its “steadfast commitment to a strong future for The Bahamas and its hospitality and tourism industry”.
Gov't targeting $200m spending cuts by June
Some $75.8m in unplanned COVID-19 assistance and previous lockdowns have forced the Government to target $200m in extra spending cuts over the next six months, it was revealed yesterday.
Baha Mar re-opening a 'monumental occasion'
Baha Mar's top executive has hailed today's re-opening of the mega resort as a "monumental occasion" following the "hardship and uncertainty" caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Digital provider sorry for travel visa delays
The Bahamian digital provider handling COVID-19 health travel visa payments yesterday apologised for processing delays caused by "technical difficulties" with its main database server.
Website relaunch to boost tourism
The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has relaunched its Bahamas.com website in a bid to improve the ease with which tourists can plan and book their vacation in a COVID-19 environment.
PwC opens digital wallets for all staff
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bahamas has facilitated the opening of digital wallet accounts for all of its employees as part of its digital transformation drive.
Gov't hopes for 40% BOB liabilities slash
The Bank of The Bahamas (BOB) bail-out vehicle believes it can slash the taxpayer's potential liability by "at least 40 percent" through recovering a portion of the toxic loans transferred to it.
Gov't targets $125m via Aliv, solar SPV offerings
The Government is aiming to raise $125m over a two-year period by selling its ownership in the Aliv mobile provider and a solar energy financing vehicle to Bahamian investors.
Suspect arrested after armed robbery
AN armed robbery suspect was arrested yesterday morning due to “the quick response” of New Providence police.
Women accused of fraud
AN ACCOUNTS manager accused of stealing nearly $200,000 from her place of employment was yesterday granted $9,900 bail ahead of her trial.
‘Pay back ex-girlfriend for smashed windows’
A 25-year-old man who broke the windows of his ex-girlfriend’s car during an altercation was yesterday ordered to compensate her for her damaged property.
Community service order over death threat
A MAN who threatened to kill the mother of his child during an argument was yesterday ordered to complete 40 hours of community service.
Wells should give public apology
I was shocked to hear the Hon Renward Wells, who is the Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly, publicly berate Mr David Forbes, the Clerk of the House, for allowing a Private Members Bill to be read for a first time. Even though Minister Wells was seated at the time, in the moment of his anger and frustration he spoke loud enough that he could be clearly heard over the television.
The legacy the PLP can’t deny
No matter how hard they try, the PLP can’t shake Peter Nygard’s dubious legacy. Always bragging about how much money he contributed to their campaigns, Nygard has become inextricably connected with the party in the mind of most Bahamians.
Walton: ‘I thought Buddy was very solid again on both ends of the court’
DEANDRE Ayton was challenged to assert himself physically while Chavano “Buddy” Hield’s defensive progression has been lauded in the NBA preseason thus far.
Nesbitt scores season high 10 points in 89-65 win
VALERIE Nesbitt scored in double figures for the first time this season and head coach Yolette McPhee-McCuin continues to lead her Ole Miss Rebels to an undefeated record in non-conference play.
Don’t Blink Home Run Derby In Paradise postponed
One of the fastest growing events on the Bahamas’ sports tourism calendar, the 2021 edition of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby In Paradise, has been postponed due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wednesday, December 16
EDITORIAL: What about justice in The Bahamas?
Peter Nygard has been arrested and charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.
ALICIA WALLACE: The right voices need to be in the room and must be speaking for everybody
LAST week, I moderated the second session in the Commonwealth Foundation’s Critical Conversation series. The event, entitled “Young Leaders Speak,” was a collaboration with the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and Commonwealth Youth Council and brought young people together to talk about their leadership experience, activism and demands of Commonwealth institutions.
Dames: Too many guns - but we need more community support
AFTER House Speaker Halson Moultrie called for a dragnet operation to remove illegal firearms from the streets, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said while he supports the message, there also needs to be more community support to help reduce crime.
‘We’re ensuring every aircraft is compliant’
THE Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority said the agency is focused on ensuring every aircraft is compliant with regulations.
Straw vendors: ‘Where is the plan for us to open?
STRAW vendors are up in arms about the protracted closure of the Straw Market while accusing the government of having “no plan” for them while pandering to the needs of the country’s major resorts.
Speaking up for women
In observance of the 58th Anniversary of the Enactment of the Right of Women to Vote, and the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development’s Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Zonta Clubs of The Bahamas, and Caribbean Women in Leadership, hosted a special sitting of the House of Assembly for Women in Parliament and presented a resolution to the Speaker.
Charities seeing a drop in donations as economy hurts
A NUMBER OF local charities are seeing a drop in donations compared with last year as people are unable to give due to the country’s economic state.
No protest 'ducking' by oil drill ship
Environmental activists yesterday said they were "extremely concerned" that time is rapidly running out to halt Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) after its drilling ship "ducked" their welcome.
Briland developer slams 'laughable' cruise ship claim
A Harbour Island development and its opponents yesterday renewed battle over allegations the project will impose further strain on the destination's already overloaded water and electricity infrastructure.
Taxpayers 'sacrifice' to pay Water Corp wages
A Cabinet minister last night reminded the Water & Sewerage Corporation's two unions the utility "loses money every day" after they moved to cut-off all contact with its chairman and general manager.
BNT 'definitely not swayed' by developer's $1m pledge
The Bahamas National Trust's (BNT) Executive Director last night said its rejection of the proposed $580m south Abaco project shows "we are definitely not swayed" by a developer's donation pledges.
Wells: The vaccine we choose will be safe
Health Minister Renward Wells has stressed that whichever COVID-19 vaccine the government chooses to implement will be a safe and effective one.
Broadcasting corporation staff walk out over money
STAFF at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas briefly walked off the job yesterday in what was said to be a protest over money owed to them.
Investigation demanded over China's alleged BTC 'spying'
A "serious investigation" was demanded yesterday into allegations that China has exploited the Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) mobile phone network to spy on US citizens.
UPDATED – Behind Bars: Nygard in jail after US cops strike
THE United States Department of Justice has charged Peter Nygard with sex trafficking and racketeering offences.
JAPAN’S SPACE AGENCY FINDS AMPLE SOIL, GAS FROM ASTEROID
TOKYO (AP) — Officials from Japan’s space agency said Tuesday they have found more than the anticipated amount of soil and gases inside a small capsule the country’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft brought back from a distant asteroid this month, a mission they praised as a milestone in planetary research.
Marijuana teenager told to take drug counselling
A TEENAGER who was found with marijuana was conditionally discharged yesterday on the agreement he would attend drug counselling classes.
Man ‘attacked woman with cutlass’
AN ELEUTHERA man who was accused of assaulting a woman with a cutlass was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial.
Housebreaking suspect is denied bail
A 30-YEAR-OLD man was yesterday remanded to prison over allegations he broke into a woman’s house last week.
Man accused of sex with 14-year-old girl
A 37-YEAR-OLD man who was accused of having sex with a teenage girl over the course of three months was yesterday denied bail ahead of his trial.
‘LOST CONNECTION’ HAMPERS VIRGIN GALACTIC’S TEST FLIGHT
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Virgin Galactic test flight Saturday ended prematurely as the spacecraft’s rocket motor failed to ignite and it then glided down safely to its landing site in southern New Mexico.
AMAZON’S ZOOX UNVEILS AUTONOMOUS ELECTRIC VEHICLE
AN AUTONOMOUS vehicle company acquired this year by Amazon has unveiled a four-person “robo-taxi,” a compact, multidirectional vehicle designed for dense, urban environments.
The current system is not working
I am writing in support of the many people writing letters to The Tribune about the difficult entry requirements for The Bahamas. I am not only a timeshare owner in Nassau but have operated a travel agency here in Hartford for many years.
New GBPA licence to reduce start-up costs
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GPBA) will introduce a new licensee category in January 2021 in a bid to reduce start-up costs for aspiring entrepreneurs and micro businesses.
Retailers outline 'end of one cent' concerns
The Bahamas Federation of Retailers yesterday voiced several concerns with the adjustments required by eliminating the one cent coin even though it hailed the move as "a positive change".
BREA chief backs PM's cut-price land strategy
The Bahamas Real Estate Association's (BREA) president yesterday backed the Prime Minister's drive to offer cut-price land to first-time buyers in western New Providence.
Rebels undefeated
After a clash of Bahamian women in a NCAA Division One basketball regular season game on Saturday, Ole Miss Rebels remained undefeated yesterday while the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes finally got into the win column.
Nigel Forbes improves on a pair of Bahamas national, open records
NIGEL Forbes improved on a pair of Bahamas National and Bahamas Open records as he took the spotlight at the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s Year-Ending Swim Meet over the weekend.
Diamond Basketball Saturday finale ‘going to be very exciting’
DESPITE the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, Terrance ‘Red Eye’ McSweeney was pleased by the turnout for his Diamond Basketball Development Programme.
Mockery of Crown Land
In recent months and weeks there have been several “staged” demonstrations and protests by so-called activists and their allies over any number of issues. First we had blockages and demonstrations at the foot of the Sir Sydney Poitier Bridge relative to access to the beaches at Paradise Island. Several persons were locked up for promoting an unlawful assembly, inter alia. I believe that the charges were dismissed, but I stand to be corrected.
Tuesday, December 15
Motivation for Bahamians to lose weight
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines overweight and obesity as excessive or abnormal fat accumulation that leads to increased health risks. Overweight is defined as a body mass index BMI greater than 25 and obesity is defined as a BMI greater than 30.
STAYING ABREAST: New book tackles care, maintenance of boobs
If you’re going to buy a book about breasts, “Being Breast Aware” should be the one, said author Dr Shamanique Bodie- Williams, a well-respected obstetrician and gynaecologist.
Take a bite out of cancer
The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) recently made a donation to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas to aid in the organisation’s efforts to help those fighting the disease. For the past 10 years BTVI has held its Pink Awareness Bake Sale with all proceeds being donated to cancer awareness support groups in the nation.
Living the loc’d life
Teen Eleuthera native embarks on a ‘hairy’ adventure
The decision to lock, or “loc”, your hair or not can be intimidating, but “lotician” Leah Macara has helped many of her clients start the journey with as little stress as possible.
Melania embarks on 12 days of love and gratitude
EVEN in the midst of a global pandemic, 12-year-old Melania Nixon is doing her best to remain true to her passion of giving back during the holiday season.
EDITORIAL: Let’s be serious, Dr Sands
Dr Duane Sands made us raise an eyebrow with his comments reported in today’s Tribune.
PETER YOUNG: They think it’s all over - it will be soon
THE current negotiations between the EU and Britain about their post-Brexit trading relationship is top of the news agenda in Europe. The deadline for an agreement is the end of the year – barely two weeks away. But, although, after months of talks, the two sides remain divided on several key issues, EU watchers are accustomed to such events going down to the wire before agreement is suddenly reached at the eleventh hour. So, many still hope for a satisfactory conclusion.
FACE TO FACE: Shaneka’s a role model changing the face – and colour – of the world of women’s beauty
My long time friend and schoolmate Shaneka Neymour has been interested in arts and fashion for as long as I can remember. She has always been creative and different, finding her own way to stand out from the crowd. As a high school comrade, I remember she was inquisitive and fun and, as a woman today, it’s those qualities which have made her a world-renowned designer in hair and beauty.
Fake cheque warning
THE Financial Crimes Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is warning the public about fraudulent cheques currently in circulation.
‘We must clear up misinformation about COVID-19’
HEALTH officials have to clear up public “misconceptions and misinformation” about COVID-19 and associated vaccines as the government prepares to have the drug in The Bahamas “as soon as possible”, a top doctor said yesterday.
Atlantis back - but some staff still need help
WHILE the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island reopened to much fanfare last week, some workers who have not yet returned to work are still relying on government assistance.
Groundbreaking for $1m centre
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a $1.8m community centre and hurricane shelter in Central Pines, Abaco, yesterday which he said will be capable of accommodating 800 people during a hurricane.
Rastafarian community hopeful on expunging records
MEMBERS of the Rastafarian community are cautiously optimistic about Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ promise that the government will start expunging the records of people convicted for the possession of small amounts of marijuana next year.
Marinas: 'Comeback' swift despite 70% market loss
The Marina Association of The Bahamas (MAB) president yesterday voiced optimism the sector will see a swifter "comeback" than other tourism segments despite missing 70 percent of its market.
Nassau shipping rates face impact 'for better'
The Nassau Container Port's top executive yesterday said Bahamian cargo shipping rates could be impacted "for the better" in early 2021 after a major carrier signalled its plans to service this market.
RBC Homeowners Act bungle thwarts loan recovery bid
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) bungled its bid to initiate legal proceedings to realise its mortgage security on a couple's home by failing to comply with the Homeowners Protection Act.
'Minnis can shut country but not escape oil deal?'
Bahamas Petroleum Company's (BPC) oil drilling ship will this morning likely face "a welcoming committee", as one activist charged: "The PM can shut the country down but not get out of a bad oil deal?"
'Blindsided' on hotel Christmas bonus changes
Major Bahamian resorts were yesterday accused of "blindsiding" the hotel union and its members by altering contractually-agreed Christmas bonuses without any prior warning.
Electoral register moves step forward
THE Senate unanimously passed the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill yesterday, allowing for a permanent voter register to be established for the first time in the country.
‘Asylum seekers treated fairly’
IN response to claims that seven asylum seekers who sought to take refuge in The Bahamas after fleeing Cameroon because of persecution fears were illegally detained, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that the government is satisfied that the rights of detainees have not been violated.
‘VACCINES MUST NOT BE RUSHED’: Sands urges caution as U.S. starts rollout for new drugs to combat COVID
FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands says The Bahamas should conduct its own independent investigation into new COVID-19 vaccines.
$300 fine for threat to kill girlfriend
A MAN who threatened to kill his girlfriend during an argument was yesterday fined $300 in the Magistrate’s Court.
Man discharged who ‘thought boat he took was abandoned’
A MAGISTRATE yesterday discharged a fisherman who was accused of stealing a boat after he explained that he thought the vessel had been abandoned.
Bank officer is accused of falsifying accounts in fraud
A ROYAL Bank of Canada financial services officer who was accused of falsifying several accounts and defrauding the bank of hundreds of thousands of dollars over a decade ago, was yesterday denied bail ahead of her trial.
Ban oil drilling in Bahamas
Following is a contribution by a Bahamian citizen concerning proposed oil drilling in The Bahamas. It brings to light what is happening in The Bahamas. I agree with its contents and wanted to share it with you. Please read it and demand that your representative do something about it. Remember, this is our country that God gave us to hand onto our children.
Spill would be a disaster
I was a rabid supporter of Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) bid to drill for oil in The Bahamas until I discovered that the Bahamian government would only be compensated a paltry $5 billion over a ten year period, which is equivalent to 225 million per year.
Food provider wins entrepreneur award
The founder of a Bahamian-owned and operated food provider has been named as the 2020 winner of the Deltec Young Entrepreneurs Award.
Retailer: Adjusting to one cent's end 'not so simple'
A Bahamian retailer yesterday said adjusting computer and point of sale (POS) systems to the one cent coin's retirement at year-end 2020 was “not as easy” at it appears.
New hotel chief eyes 'reset button' in 2021
The incoming Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) president yesterday said the industry plans to hit the “reset button” for 2021 after a year that was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
URCA confirms mobile network radiation checks
Regulators have disclosed they randomly conduct radiation compliance checks on the mobile networks of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and Aliv.
Athlete of the year looks forward to giving back
Sydney Clarke to stage Children’s Emergency Hostel food and toy drive
Sydney Clarke, recently crowned the Ministry of Sports’ 2020 Athlete of the Year, is looking forward to giving back to the community, which has helped so far in her success as a young tennis player.
In Russia, Jonquel and Foxes dominate
JONQUEL Jones and her UMMC Ekaterinburg Foxes returned to Russian Premier League play and continued their dominance after an undefeated run in the first round of the FIBA EuroLeague group stage.
Pinder erupts for 34 points in victory
TYLER Pinder continues to boost his profile on the prep basketball recruitment circuit at his new programme in Oklahoma.
Monday, December 14
EDITORIAL: When will this brutality end?
POLICE poured hot sauce in a man’s eyes for a crime he was never charged with. That’s the allegation from Kenton Fines, who claims he was brutalised by officers he says searched his home without a warrant.
INSIGHT: Dr McCartney was a pioneer and inspiration
YOUNG and veteran figures in The Bahamas’ psychiatric community gathered for a Zoom session last week to pay tribute to Dr Timothy McCartney – the “father of Bahamian psychology” – who died last month from COVID-19 at 87.
WORLD VIEW: Upholding human rights against arbitrary arrest
THE Government of Canada has taken an initiative to promote a Declaration by like-minded countries against the use of arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations.
INSIGHT: Who wants to be a millionaire?
SOME of you may remember the famous game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? where contestants answered multiple choice questions that would allow them to cash in on one million big ones. But who knew being born Bahamian paved an even easier path to wealth?
INSIGHT: ‘Police beat me and put hot sauce in my eyes’
A MAN who alleged police beat him and poured hot sauce in his eyes while in custody for a crime he was never charged with is now seeking compensation for the injuries he sustained.
D’Aguilar: More than 20,000 bought health visas
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said 20,485 people bought travel health visas to enter the country last month as border restrictions were relaxed to encourage tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM hopeful COVID crisis over before election rallies
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he hopes by the time the country gets into election mode, the COVID-19 crisis would have ended to enable mass rallies and other typical campaign events.
Juvenile injured in drive-by shooting
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a Saturday shooting that left a juvenile male in hospital.
PM gives oil drill fight 'more points than a porcupine'
Environmental activists yesterday pledged to challenge whether Bahamas Petroleum Company's (BPC) agreements are legally watertight after remarks by the Prime Minister that were "music to our ears".
Minister: 'We don't make $1' through health travel visa
A Cabinet minister yesterday admitted the Government is "walking a very thin tightrope" over the loosening of travel restrictions as he asserted "we don't make $1" from the issuance of health visas.
Digital provider 'pulling the boot straps together'
A Bahamian digital payments provider is aiming to "pull the boot strap strings together" and add a further 8,000-10,000 wallet accounts by fully exploiting its platform's potential.
Like a deep sea diver we need to breathe life into the economy
ActivTrades
IN 2016, the Spanish diver Aleix Segura Vendrell became the world record holder for breath-holding free diving, managing to hold his breath for an incredible 24 minutes and three seconds.
KFC franchise faces 'total survival mode'
The Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise warned trade unions over one month ago it was "in absolute survival mode" and may have to close locations or "even shutdown" with revenues off 50 percent.
UPDATED: Two dead after separate traffic accidents
POLICE are urging members of the public to drive with “extreme caution and care” over Christmas after two separate accidents claimed the lives of two men, one in Abaco, the other in Grand Bahama over the weekend. Speed was said to play a factor in both traffic fatalities.
UPDATED: Newborn boy is abandoned near church
POLICE are still searching for the mother of a newborn baby boy found alive in the back of a local church over the weekend with his umbilical cord still attached.
Cut-price land deal for young buyers
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the government will offer lots of land valued at $150,000 for about $50,000 to young professionals in the western area of New Providence.
PM’S ANTI-OIL STANCE ‘MUSIC TO OUR EARS’: Declaration against drilling delights lobby fighting BPC’s plans
Environmental activists spent the weekend celebrating after Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed he is “totally against” oil drilling in Bahamian waters.
Foreign oil drillers
There has been much said about the availability of crude oil deposits, deep underground in this country. And without an iota of proof. We have been approached by the group, about their desire to drill. I do not know how this country became one of their targets, but I suspect some Bahamian group made the initiation.
Hield scores 23, Ayton earns double double
Chavano “Buddy” Hield and Deandre Ayton got off to strong showings in their respective preseason debuts as the NBA 2020-21 campaign begins.
Atlantis employee: I was 'targeted' for termination
A former hotel union presidential candidate yesterday alleged he was "singled out and targeted" for termination by Atlantis just one day after the resort re-opened to much jubilation and fanfare.
Lashann Higgs posts double double in loss
HARBOUR Island native Lashann Higgs continues to produce impressive numbers, but it’s not all equating to victories for the slumping Socinsa Bembibre in the Spanish Women’s Basketball League.
A plea to our justice system
I write this as the Stena IceMAX oil drilling ship is heading here to The Bahamas. I write this as a plea to the last people who seem to be able to stop this madness. Given what we know today about the use of fossil fuels, I wonder how we have gotten to this point. There is now an abundance of evidence that the use of fossil fuels is doing terrible damage to our planet, most especially our climate. And, most critically for us, threatening the very existence of The Bahamas. Yes, it is the eleventh hour. And, I do wish the decision not to drill came sooner. However, it now seems to be out of the hands of the scientists and those voices of reason who object to this very risky and dangerous venture.
Hurricane Hole development to help mega yacht ambitions
The Prime Minister has praised the $250m Hurricane Hole development for helping The Bahamas realise its potential as "the number one mega yacht destination in the world".
Bahamas must 'beat guest expectations'
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association's (BHTA) outgoing president said this nation must rely on its existing qualities and "exceed guest expectations" to rebound from COVID19's ravages.
Minister: 'Business as usual is not an option'
A Cabinet minister says The Bahamas "cannot take a business as usual approach" as the Government prepares to publish its five-year economic and fiscal road map.
'Underground economy' boosts Xmas tree sales
One Christmas Tree vendor believes he is benefiting from the "underground economy" after his sales jumped by 20 percent year-over-year despite COVID-19.
Retailers sweat on supplier hold-ups
Retailers say supplier hold-ups and continuing concerns over consumer demand are dominating the run-up to Christmas sales.
Curfew places dining patrons on 'automatic'
A fast food restaurant says the 10pm COVID curfew has patrons on “automatic" amid a steady rush of business between 5pm and 8pm just prior to restrictions kicking in.
Harvey scores career high 10 points in win
AHMARD Harvey had the best game of his collegiate career while several Bahamian players made their NCAA Division I basketball debuts this week after their programmes got off to late starts due to schedule adjustments and COVID-19 protocols.
World Indoor Championships postponed
THE effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the world of sports and track and field in particular has already heightened with the postponement of World Athletics’ 2021 World Indoor Championships.
‘Goatman’ Rolle dies at 73
THE local boxing fraternity mourns the loss of another one of its outstanding members, Henry ‘Goatman’ Rolle, who passed away on Saturday, December 5.
Sunday, December 13
26 COVID-19 cases on Friday and Saturday
THE Ministry of Health recorded 26 COVID-19 cases between Friday and Saturday.
Friday, December 11
PM 'totally against' oil drilling in Bahamian waters
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told reporters on Friday that he is “totally against” oil drilling in Bahamian waters and suggested that the government would have backed out of a controversial oil exploration deal if it could have.
PM urges returning hotel workers to be responsible
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis cautioned hotel workers returning to their jobs this month to have “some degree of responsibility”.
Three year sentence for housebreaking
A 24-year-old man who broke into a woman’s house was sentenced to three years in prison on Friday.
Man fined for marijuana possession
AN ELEUTHERA man who was found with over $100 worth of marijuana was fined $750 in the Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Magistrate discharges man arrested for selling coconuts
A MAGISTRATE on Friday discharged a man who was arrested for selling coconuts on the side of the road.
EDITORIAL: Unity is easy to preach, harder to practise
IT’S the easiest thing in the world to call for bi-partisanship.
DIANE PHILLIPS: One death too many, please let this not be real
WHATEVER the cause of death, there can be no greater heartbreak than that of burying a child. Children are supposed to bury their parents. It’s not supposed to be the other way around.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Hemp, Hemp, Hooray!
AS we continue to linger as a nation, waiting for a final decision to be made on the decriminalisation and legalisation of medicinal and recreational marijuana, our neighbours to the north who we love to emulate so, recently made some monumental decisions in regards to decriminalising and legalising marijuana, medicinally and recreationally.
Respects paid to former speaker of the house Oswald Ingraham
FAMILY, friends and political colleagues paid tribute yesterday to former House of Assembly Speaker James Oswald Ingraham, who died last month.
Moultrie: Get illegal firearms off the streets
AFTER a recent spate of murders in the capital, Nassau Village MP Halson Moultrie is calling on the police force to conduct “a dragnet operation” to get illegal firearms off the streets.
By car or by bike, they came for a helping hand
MARC Johnson had to borrow his brother’s bicycle in order to join the line and collect a box at the IL Cares Foundation’s drive through food drive yesterday.
Seven cases on board cargo ship as numbers rise
THE Bahamas recorded 38 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, the most since November 16 when 56 cases were confirmed.
Teacher union chief doubtful over claims of in-person teaching by February
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson says she hasn’t given much credence to Education Minister Jeff Lloyd’s expectation that face-to-face learning at public schools will begin by February 2021.
Union tensions rising on Xmas bonus cuts
A trade union leader yesterday blasted that it was "pure disrespect" for employers not to consult over cutting contractually-agreed Christmas bonuses as industrial tensions continued to rise.
Women's advocacy group added to $1.5m 'fraud' case
A Bahamas-based women's rights advocacy group has been added as a "respondent" in a legal battle over $1.5m alleged to have been derived from an international fraud.
Harbour Island developer gives claims the BIRD
A Harbour Island developer last night denied excavating without proper permits as he accused opponents of complaining about the very activity they complained he had failed to do just weeks before.
AML Foods shrugs off pandemic with $7m profits swing
AML Foods has received a further $2m boost from Hurricane Dorian insurance recoveries as it posted a more than $1.6m bottom line reversal into the black for its just-ended 2021 second quarter.
Oil drilling shows green economy is 'lip service'
Activists yesterday argued The Bahamas is "paying lip service to the green and blue economy" in response to charges they have exposed their "true agenda" by seeking to block oil exploration.
Bain complains to police over ‘trolls’
ACTIVIST Lincoln Bain says he has filed a police complaint against a Cabinet minister, a senator and social media “trolls” over “threats” made against him.
Man accused of killing his grandmother
A 29-year-old man accused of killing his grandmother and attempting to kill his mother last week was charged with murder and attempted murder in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Simeon Hall: Virus left me unable to walk
BISHOP Simeon Hall said he learned first-hand that COVID-19 affects people who contract it in different ways, after the virus left him unable to walk for about a week.
Christie: Join forces on COVID
FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday said he wants the government to take a more bipartisan approach in the decision-making process in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
We’re back: Cheers for staff as Atlantis reopens
EMPLOYEES of Atlantis said yesterday that they were overwhelmed and excited to return to work for the first time in months.
Who wants to be a petro-state?
Petro state: derogatory, “a small oil-rich country in which institutions are weak and wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few”. Collins English Dictionary.
Deal signed over search and rescue
THE Bahamas has entered into an official agreement with the United States for search and rescue missions.
Killer to get new sentence
A MAN who was convicted of killing another man in 1998 had the appeal against his life sentence granted and the matter was sent to the Supreme Court for resentencing.
Year’s probation over marijuana
A 24-YEAR-OLD man who was found with a quantity of marijuana was placed on probation for one year.
Five-day rule is not workable
For those Bahamians who agree with your Government’s five-day rule for entry I would suggest they quickly need a reality check.
IAN FERGUSON: How to thrive post COVID-19
This week's re-opening of The Bahamas' major resort properties, coupled with the latest developments surrounding a COVID-19 vaccine, mean many are beginning to see the light at the end of this dark tunnel. The positive stirring in the world's economic environment may signal it is time to adjust to new customer needs.
Jitneys estimate fare revenue down 70%
Jitney drivers yesterday estimated that fare revenue is down 70 percent year-over-year due to a combination of low economic activity, high unemployment and COVID restrictions on passenger numbers.
Gas stations see 75% in-store sales plunge
Gas station operators yesterday said in-store retail sales are down by up to 75 percent compared to pre-COVID levels due to weak consumer spending amid the pandemic's economic fall-out.
Bahamians urged: 'Avoid the mad Christmas dash'
Bahamians were yesterday urged to “avoid the mad dash and start shopping early" as more merchants join an initiative to drive increased Christmas purchases locally.
Labour specialists back jobless benefits extend
Labour leaders yesterday praised the Government's decision to extension unemployment benefits to end-January 2021 as the correct approach given multiple COVID-19 uncertainties.
BTC gives back at Thanksgiving
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has aided a number of community organisations to enable them to provide assistance to Bahamians in need.
Morley on quest to earn Olympic berth
Inspired by her father and sister, who both competed at the Olympic Games, swimmer Laura Morley has decided to remain in Bloomington, Indiana in her quest to earn her berth at the four-yearly games.
Buying citizenship?
A couple of weeks ago there was talk of allowing long time foreign residents to purchase Bahamian citizenship.
‘The Girl Who Ran Sideways: The Story of an Olympic Champion
“GOLDEN Girl” Pauline Davis is eager to relate her true story, depicting her rise from a barefoot girl to an Olympic champion and the struggles that she had to endure along the way.
Jones listed as highly coveted prospect for NBA Draft again
TEXAS Longhorns sophomore Kai Jones has once again been listed as a highly coveted prospect for the 2021 NBA Draft by Sports Illustrated.
THE PRESS BOX: ‘Lakers aren’t quite done reloading’
WITH NBA training camps up and running, and with the preseason about to start this weekend, the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers aren’t quite done reloading their roster as they embark on their mission to repeat as NBA champions in 2021.
BFA presents tablets to Ministry of Education
“WE remain committed to youth development in The Bahamas beyond the football pitch,” explained Anton Sealy, president of The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) as they presented 100 tablets complete with MIFI devices to The Ministry of Education.
Thursday, December 10
Kadeem Coleby posts triple double
Kadeem Coleby continues to post career numbers this season in the Japanese B-League and recorded another milestone in his fourth season with the Akita Northern Happinets.
EDITORIAL: Resort reopening brings hope to us all
THE doors of Atlantis open again to guests today – and while there may not be a rush to visit right away, the resort has high hopes for the start of next year.
STATESIDE: Scariness and imperfections of democracy
IN the weeks and months prior to and since the American general elections five weeks ago, ‘democracy’ may have been uttered more often as at any time in recent US history. Every commentator seems to invoke the term, with widely varying applications depending on the point being made. What is democracy, anyway?
FRONT PORCH: We need good ideas more than ever - and the PM knows that
NEAR the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis presciently convened a National Economic Recovery Committee (ERC). The ERC was charged with offering his administration recommendations to help the country’s recovery during and after the pandemic.
Atlantis staff excited to return
EMPLOYEES of Atlantis said they were overwhelmed and excited to return to work Thursday for the first time in months.
Ready to make a splash
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis toured the construction site of Baha Mar’s water park yesterday.
‘Why did they kill my brother?'
THE sister of a man who was shot dead in Nassau Village on Tuesday says the family is struggling to come to grips with his death, insisting he was not a “gang-banger”.
Power restored for 4,000 in Abaco
MORE than a year after Hurricane Dorian hit, Bahamas Power and Light has restored electricity connections to over 4,000 residential customers in Abaco.
Food distributed in Grand Bahama
THE Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation together with valued partners Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity have provided healthy food supplies to disadvantaged families across the island of Grand Bahama.
‘FNM must condemn the work of Facebook trolls’
THE Progressive Liberal Party’s youth arm has called on the governing Free National Movement to condemn behaviour and claims featured in a recording recently circulated on social media revealing alleged “defamation and slander” by people purported to be FNMs.
Meeting this week on distribution of vaccine
THE Pan American Health Organisation will meet with regional Ministries of Health this week to discuss distribution and purchasing of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Cabinet go-ahead for $1.5bn heritage plan
The Government has given the go-ahead to a Bahamian investor group aiming to generate $1.5bn in revenues by transforming Nassau's key heritage sites, a top official revealed yesterday.
QC urges oil explorer: 'Meet us on battlefield'
Environmental activists last night urged the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) to "meet us on the battlefield" amid claims its oil spill response plan is insufficiently "offensive".
Baha Mar returnees increasing to 1,800
Baha Mar has increased the number of staff being brought back for the Grand Hyatt's December 17 re-opening to 1,800, or 40 percent of its total workforce, the resort's top executive said yesterday.
Dorian tax breaks extension branded 'good Xmas gift'
Grand Bahama and Abaco businesses yesterday hailed the extension of key Hurricane Dorian-related tax breaks for another six months as "a good present for Christmas".
Atlantis hopes for 'take-off' in 2021
A senior Atlantis executive yesterday voiced optimism that guest bookings will "take off" in the 2021 first quarter after a slow start to its re-opening that begins today.
Extra time for Dorian exemptions
IN an effort to assist Hurricane Dorian survivors who experienced rebuilding delays due to COVID-19 restrictions, the government has extended several tax exemptions deemed “critical” to Abaco and Grand Bahama’s recovery to June 2021.
What next for Turnquest? ‘We’ll see’
IN his first interview since resigning as deputy prime minister and minister of finance on November 25, East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest was coy about whether he will offer himself for reelection.
Water workers upset at Christmas bonus delay
THE union representing Water and Sewerage Corporation line staff said it is disappointed in the water provider’s decision not to pay out Christmas bonuses this month, allegedly deviating from provisions set out in the workers’ industrial agreement.
‘MY SUFFERING AS I WAITED FOR JUSTICE’: Kenyan slept in car and went without food as he fought legal battle
A man who was unlawfully detained for more than six years was forced to sleep in a car and go hungry as he fought a legal case that resulted in him being awarded $641,000.
Oil won’t improve our lives
Bahamas Petroleum Company continues to roll out its “friendly Bahamian face”, otherwise known as James Smith, to parrot the dodgy slogans by CEO Simon Potter and the rest of the outside interests looking to make a quick buck by striking oil in The Bahamas.
BTC blasts BPL on power outages
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has complained that frequent outages and poor power quality have increased its costs and led to the "rapid failure" of critical equipment.
Gov't confirms set-off on unemployment benefits
The Government last night said furloughed workers still being paid part of their normal salary by employers will not receive the full weekly unemployment benefit in a bid to conserve "scarce resources".
Bahamas 'DARES' to enter digital industry
The level of interest from digital asset entrepreneurs in using The Bahamas for token issues and other ventures "mandated" this nation move swiftly on a supervisory regime, a top regulator said yesterday.
Kalik brewer: We'll retain 'at least' 90% of workers
Commonwealth Brewery yesterday pledged to retain at least 90 percent of its workforce as the final number of staff to be terminated in the latest redundancy exercise has not been determined.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Unlocking the creative trait that exists in all
Does art really inspire the imagination? If you were to sit in the middle of a white room with no wall art and furniture, would you feel inspired? Well-placed decorations and carefully chosen art pieces are a catalyst for conversation and internal musings.
Bar 'blessed' to still be operating
A well-known sports bar yesterday said it was "blessed" to have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic apart from during the nationwide lockdown.
Oswald Ingraham lying in state
THE Cabinet Office announced yesterday that the body of the late James Oswald Ingraham, former Member of Parliament, Speaker of the House of Assembly and Deputy to the Governor General will lie-in-state in the foyer of the House of Assembly from 9am to 3pm today.
Killer has life sentence quashed
A MAN who was convicted of killing another man when he was a teenager has had his life sentence quashed and the matter sent back to the Supreme Court for resentencing.
$250 fine for fake licence plate
A MAN who was caught driving around with a fraudulent license plate was fined $250 in court yesterday.
$600 fine for attack on woman
A 30-year-old man who last week punched and choked his friend’s mother was yesterday fined $600.
Ill timing over Ferreira
Last week, The Bahamas learned the sad news of Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira’s 14-year-old son’s tragic and sudden passing.
BPC doesn’t care
I note with extreme interest the anxiety of BPC to endanger the Bahamas while exploiting the people for their insatiable breed.
Nesbitt returns to help Rebels win
COACH Yolette McPhee-McCuin’s Ole Miss Rebels continue to post historic numbers early in the season and after missing the first game of the year, Valerie Nesbitt returned to provide even more depth to the roster.
ESPN to showcase The Bahamas in Bowl slot
WHILE the 2020 Bahamas Bowl was cancelled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, ESPN will still showcase the Bahamas in the game’s traditional time slot.
Wednesday, December 9
EDITORIAL: Not the end of COVID-19 yet - but a landmark day
IT was a landmark day yesterday in the UK. The British government dubbed it ‘V-day’, or vaccination day, and the first person to receive the approved Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 was a 90-year-old Northern Irish woman.
ALICIA WALLACE: What about problems facing men?
TOMORROW is the last day of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign coordinated by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. It is also International Human Rights Day.
Face recognition at airport
STARTING today, US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance operations at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau will introduce Simplified Arrival.
‘Still a few breaking law’
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames says while most Bahamians understand the seriousness of COVID-19, there are still a few who continue to operate “counter to the law”.
‘I survived COVID - but I’m still fighting to recover’
TWO months after testing positive for COVID-19, Henry Dean says he still struggles with breathing normally even after having won his four-week long battle with the deadly virus.
Concern over infections in the U.S.
AMID rising COVID-19 cases in the United States, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said while officials are concerned about the number of US infections being recorded daily, they are hopeful COVID-19 travel protocols will help minimise the threat of transported cases.
‘One and done? McAlpine is one of them’
PINERIDGE MP Frederick McAlpine, pictured, predicted the course of his own future when he told Parliament that many MPs would be one term representatives following the 2022 general election, according to Free National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer yesterday.
FNM ‘wants to solve Pinewood flooding’
FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer said the government wants to solve Pinewood Gardens’ flooding problems, but suggested challenges faced by the Minnis administration had slowed progress on outstanding issues.
Plea for more food aid in Bain and Grants Town
OFFICIALS from the Feeding Bain Grants Town project said they are bracing for a significant increase in the demand for food assistance by residents in the months ahead.
Dames: We can keep law and order
AMID a spate of gun violence and fears of a gang war, National Security Minister Marvin Dames expressed confidence that the police force can maintain law and order.
Oil explorer fearing up to $500m harm
The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) fears it could suffer "up to $500m in economic harm" if environmental activists succeed with yesterday's legal bid to halt its oil drilling plans.
Activists: Oil explorer EIA 'falls far short'
Activists yesterday alleged Bahamas Petroleum Company's (BPC) environmental impact studies "fall far short" of what is required by this nation's laws and could facilitate breaches of international treaties.
'Let's get out of the private sector's way'
The Bahamas must not lose sight of urgent structural reforms as it focuses on immediate needs, a governance reformer warned yesterday, adding: "Let's get out of the private sector's way."
Small business survivors: 90% to keep doors open
Some 90 percent of small business survivors plan to "stay in business" fully after the recent COVID-19 easing sparked more optimism among entrepreneurs, a sector consultant revealed yesterday.
Hundreds of plea deals since January 2016
THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has facilitated 274 guilty plea bargains since January 2016 as part of an unprecedented push to alleviate the burden on the judicial system through these arrangements.
Wells: We’re in talks to buy vaccines
AS the United Kingdom became the first nation to start to vaccinate its citizens against COVID-19 yesterday, Health Minister Renward Wells said the government is currently engaged in its own talks with several vaccine producers.
Minister ‘not aware’ of detention centre abuses
IMMIGRATION Minister Elsworth Johnson said yesterday he is not aware of any abuses happening at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre despite claims that several asylum seekers are being deprived of certain rights in contravention of Bahamian law.
Activists 'misled' by minister on oil drill
Environmental activists yesterday alleged the delayed legal challenge to oil exploration in Bahamian waters resulted after they were lulled into a false sense of security by a Cabinet minister.
Customs officer denied bail ‘after being found with gun’
A CUSTOMS officer was remanded to prison over allegations that he was reportedly found with an unlicensed firearm last week.
All on the same team with a gift of tablets
THE District Grand Lodge Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas Football Association have responded to the appeals of the Ministry of Education to assist in the education of students.
Eight months in jail for slashing man’s neck
A 46-year-old man who slashed another man’s neck with a box cutter when he refused to give him money was yesterday sentenced to eight months in prison.
Man jailed for threat to his ex-girlfriend
A 35-year-old man who threatened to “blow off” his ex-girlfriend’s head during an argument was sentenced to a month in prison.
Probation sentence for growing marijuana
A 30-year-old man was placed on probation after he was caught cultivating a marijuana plant last month.
Death knell for tourism
Our family have regularly visited The Bahamas for many years and have liked it so much that we purchased a vacation property. We keep abreast of events there by reading The Tribune online.
Zimbabwe corruption
Corruption has been grown, cultivated and nurtured in Zimbabwe and the effects of such high level political dishonest, fraudulent conducts, embezzlement of funds and bribes in civil servants, ministers, judges, prison officers and ordinary people.
Pandemic 'accelerates' fund industry change, argues EY
A Bahamas-based EY (Ernst & Young) partner says the COVID-19 pandemic has "only further accelerated" the global investment fund industry's embrace of technology.
'Crawl before walking' on tourism marketing
A Cabinet minister yesterday said The Bahamas must “crawl before it can walk” when it comes to re-entering the tourism market and launching its marketing campaign.
Spa operators persevere despite COVID-19 strains
Bahamian spa operators yesterday said that while abrupt COVID-19 lockdowns and curfews have imposed a major financial strain on their industry they have remained open since August.
Laundromats await hotel opening boost
Laundromats yesterday described business since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions as slow, with one owner saying the sector was expecting to get a boost from the hotel sector's imminent opening.
Lashann Higgs scores 27 points in loss
HARBOUR Island native Lashann Higgs produced another outstanding game, but it wasn’t enough to get her Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM team back into the winning column in the women’s Spanish Professional Basketball League.
Roberts and Maginley suffer loss in doubles
BAHAMIAN Justin Roberts and his long-time close friend and partner Jody Maginley from Antigua suffered a loss yesterday in the men’s doubles at the M15 Santo Domingo Tournament.
Buddy: ‘I have no regrets’
CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield addressed the media for the first time since the regular season finale and the outspoken Sacramento Kings guard sought to clarify.
Pro golfers looking for work
Members of the Bahamas Professional Golfers Association were delighted to be back on the golf course over the weekend as they honoured the memory of their founding father, the late Roy Bowe.
Tuesday, December 8
Man shot dead in Nassau Village
A MAN is dead after he was shot in the Nassau Village area on Tuesday night.
CAC team brings home the medals
BAHAMAS Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Joel Stubbs called it a gutsy performance from Team Bahamas at the 47th Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships over the weekend in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
EDITORIAL: Speaking up for constituents
TWO MPs stood up in Parliament yesterday to raise their voices against the current state of affairs in the government.
PETER YOUNG: How China spread its wings over the world - including the Caribbean
A FRIEND has kindly lent me a new book about the business activities of the Sassoon and Kadoorie families in China and Hong Kong during the last century. Entitled “The Last Kings of Shanghai”, it is written by British journalist and author Jonathan Kaufman, and was published earlier this year. Impressively comprehensive and evidently well researched, it is billed as the story of rival Jewish dynasties that helped create modern China.
FACE TO FACE: Deidre has designs on more than just graphics
The name Deidre M Bastian is a familiar one to devoted Tribune readers. She has been the brains behind “The Art of Graphix” - a column in the Tribune business section twice a month on Thursdays.
‘Bahamas could be held liable in US for oil spill’
ACTIVISTS from the Only One conservation platform are calling on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to put a stop to proposed oil exploration, saying The Bahamas can be made liable in US courts should some form of spillage occur.
Up to $10m needed to extend unemployment aid
AN additional $4m to $10m is needed to extend the government’s unemployment benefit assistance through January 2021, National Insurance Board Minister Brensil Rolle revealed yesterday.
‘COVID-19 prompted register change’
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday that the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Minnis administration to move from a register every five years to a continuous register.
Fusion cash ‘nearly depleted’
FUSION Superflex’s cash reserves are “nearly depleted” after being closed since March with the entertainment centre’s CEO telling The Tribune the facility needs to reopen soon before the business suffers “permanent” damage.
Minnis: People will do the right thing
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis expressed no concern yesterday that some people will take advantage of relaxed COVID-19 rules during the Christmas holidays.
Churches to get creative for Christmas
LOCAL church leaders will be using creative means and technology to host watch-night services and midnight mass in order to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing protocols.
Aragonite bill goes to committee
PARLIAMENTARIANS voted yesterday to move a bill that would repeal the Ocean Industries Incorporated (Aragonite Mining Encouragement) Act to a Select Committee on Natural Resources, effectively ensuring that the Bill will not be debated in the House of Assembly during a second reading.
BPL aims for rate reduction bond by February
BAHAMAS Power & Light Chairman Dr Donovan Moxey said yesterday that officials are working feverishly to close the power provider’s rate reduction bond by early next year.
'Unbelievable' gyms open but not Mario's
An ex-Cabinet minister yesterday said it was "unbelievable" that gyms have been allowed to re-open while his family's business remains closed, adding: "We don't know how much longer we can survive."
Cat 5 hurricane surge threat to 83% of tourism
The Bahamas must "build back better" following Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 to boost its competitiveness given that 83 percent of the tourism economy is exposed to Category Five storm surge.
Bahamasair 'exhausts' $19m annual subsidy
Bahamasair's chairman yesterday confirmed the airline "exhausted" its $19m taxpayer subsidy during the first four-five months of its financial year, but said: "At least we don't have zero cash flow now."
'Time is of the essence' in closing Andros hotel sale
The Hotel Corporation's chairman yesterday said "time is of the essence" in closing the sale of its last hotel property (Grand Lucayan excepted) to an Andros-based resort developer.
Super Value chief: 'Our prayers have been answered'
Super Value's president yesterday hailed the supermarket industry's reclamation of its full hours and Sunday shopping, saying: "Our prayers have been answered."
‘Many FNM MPs are one and done’
AS he declared his intention to run in the 2022 general election no matter how the government adjusts the constituency boundaries, Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine predicted that many FNM MPs will be “one and done” representatives.
Smith blasts AG for claim of ignorance on detainees
LAWYER Fred Smith, QC, said it is “astounding” that the government’s top attorney has claimed “ignorance” over the alleged illegal “appalling” detainment of several Cameroonians at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
Back to school in February - but safety first, says Lloyd
MINISTER of Education Jeff Lloyd expects face-to-face learning to resume in all public schools by February 2021, with institutions in New Providence and Abaco likely to start with “blended learning” environments.
‘It’s time to stop Pinewood floods’: Rahming won’t support another budget that doesn’t deal with issue
PINEWOOD MP Reuben Rahming said he will not support another budget that “neglects” his constituency and does not include financing to address long standing flooding issues in the area.
We can do better
Feudalism declined in Europe from 12th century to 15th century. In the 1300s the bubonic plague swept across Asia and Europe.
Over 100 businesses at digital banking seminar
Scotiabank (Bahamas) has hosted a webinar attended by more than 100 small and medium-sized businesses to help them prepare for the transition to digital banking.
‘A sigh of relief’ as gyms open
It was like a sigh of relief for operators of the gyms and fitness centres when their doors opened Monday morning after Prime Minister Hubert Minnis lifted more restrictions on the economy heading into the Christmas season.
It’s right to hunt for oil
After careful and extensive research into the oil industry and the safety measures available to ensure that there would be minimal possibility of an oil spill during the drilling of a sole exploratory well by your firm in Bahamian waters, I and my assorted nonprofit organisations, Common Cause and The National Republican Arena (ARENA) have decided to publicly support your efforts.
Ayton: ‘Ya’ll need to fix ya’ll faces. We got ‘CP3’ in Arizona. Ya’ll trippin’
THE Phoenix Suns’ offseason roster overhaul was highlighted by the addition of veteran point guard Chris Paul, a move that has Bahamian centre Deandre Ayton bullish on the team’s potential.
Downtown 'disheartened' over cruise tourism wait
Downtown Nassau businesses are "disheartened" that cruise tourism may not return until the 2021 second quarter as the industry's passengers comprise up to 90 percent of their customer base.
COVID testing still Out Islands travel 'hurdle'
Family Island hotels and businesses yesterday said the requirement for a COVID-19 RT-PCR test remains a “hurdle” to inter-island travel from New Providence despite the 14-day quarantine's end.
15-year robbery jail sentence overturned
THE Court of Appeal recently quashed the 15-year armed robbery sentence of a man who was accused of breaking into a home and robbing its occupants in 2018.
Probation for phone theft
A 22-year-old man who bought a stolen phone chip was placed on probation for one year.
Haitian trio given fines
THREE Haitians who could not verify their status when approached by immigration officers last month were each fined $300 in court yesterday.
'Incredible' pent-up demand, say gyms
Gym owners yesterday described the first day following their third COVID-19 re-opening as “incredible”, voicing hopes that an industry-wide shutdown will not be repeated.
Retailers hope for Xmas 'bump' on Sunday open
Retailers yesterday hailed the "boost" provided by the Prime Minister permitting them to open for the two Sundays pre-Christmas as they bid to end a largely miserable 2020 with a sales "bump".
Insurer hits 'summit' on rating affirmation
A Bahamian property and casualty insurer has seen its "financial strength" and credit rating reaffirmed by the industry's leading global assessor.
Monday, December 7
EDITORIAL: A glimmer of hope for the end of the year
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
WORLD VIEW: Guyana and Suriname can underpin Caricom’s sovereignty and prosperity
THE presidents of Guyana and Suriname have announced two major joint venture projects whose implementation will deepen the beneficial relations between the two countries, and could have a positive effect for the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) of which they are members.
INSIGHT: It’s a tough time for Bahamians - and it’s not getting easier any time soon
THOUSANDS of Bahamians turned out at Island Luck’s food giveaway on Thursday. Boxes of foodstuffs containing cereal, cream, sardines and other budget-friendly cupboard fixtures all but evaporated by the event’s scheduled start time at noon.
INSIGHT – ‘Worst-case scenario’: Questions raised as oil ship churns towards The Bahamas
TWELVE metres. That’s how close the coastal communities of Nova Scotia, Canada came to total disaster in 2016, when a mammoth metal pipe, weighing the equivalent of 20 elephants, struck the ocean floor.
Immigration accused of illegally detaining seven asylum seekers
HUMAN Rights Bahamas has accused the Department of Immigration of “illegally detaining” seven asylum seekers who sought to take refuge in the country after fleeing Cameroon, Central Africa due to fears of persecution.
No holiday carnival allowed this year
THE government said a decision has been made in consultation with health officials not to allow the holiday carnival into the country this year.
Mixed views for parents over in-school learning
WITH a sustained drop in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, some parents have expressed optimism that more schools will soon resume face-to face learning.
'Double' aviation score to be serious player
An aviation law specialist says The Bahamas must double its safety and regulatory audit score to achieve "a brighter future" and be treated as a serious international player in the sector.
Governor warns on future tax increases
The Central Bank's governor has echoed warnings that Bahamians should brace for new and/or increased taxes as he dismissed suggestions the Government may soon default on its debt.
Sovereign default 'outside the realm' of fiscal possibility
A top Ministry of Finance official has dismissed assertions by a top Caribbean economist that The Bahamas is at risk of a sovereign debt default as early as 2021 as "outside the realm of fiscal possibilities".
Boeing stocks take off as the 737 MAX returns
ActivTrades
On 29 October 2018 an aircraft flying for Indonesian carrier Lion Air, crashed into the Java sea only thirteen minutes after taking off from the Jakarta International Airport, killing all 189 passengers and crew members on board. Less than five months later, on 10 March 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 took off from Addis Ababa International with 157 people aboard. Six minutes later the plane crashed. There were no survivors. Both crashes involved brand new airplanes and happened within minutes of taking off. Also, the same aircraft model was involved: Boeing’s recently launched 737 MAX.
Seize COVID chance and 'reinvent the city'
The Downtown Nassau Partnership's (DNP} co-chair is urging stakeholders to seize the opportunity provided by cruise tourism's absence to "reinvent the city", adding: "The door is open for change."
‘No time to play a blame game’
WITH the issue of teen suicide in the national spotlight, psychiatrist Dr David Allen has given insight to parents about dealing with a child who may be experiencing mental health problems.
UPDATED: Pastor is found dead in a pool of blood
A MOTHER was discovered brutally murdered at a home in the Carmichael area Friday morning following a domestic dispute that also left her daughter in hospital.
Bannister promoted to Deputy Prime Minister
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has announced the appointment of Minister of Works Desmond Bannister as deputy prime minister.
PM DELIVERS A CHRISTMAS GIFT: Minnis loosens rules over holiday season and allows Midnight Mass
AHEAD of the Christmas holidays, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced loosening of COVID-19 restrictions including extra shopping days for retailers, special worship services during curfew hours and social gatherings with a maximum of ten people.
'Greater confidence' if PM said COVID easing stays
Exuma's Chamber of Commerce president last night argued the Prime Minister would have created "an even greater confidence boost" if he had said the latest travel easing would stay through year-end.
Retail's Sunday Xmas open 'fantastic news'
The Prime Minister's decision to permit all New Providence retailers to open on the two Sundays before Christmas was last night hailed as "fantastic news" following the sector's COVID-inflicted beating.
Bimini: 'Everything' tied to Resorts World return
Bimini businesses say “everything” concerning the island's economic fate is tied to the Resorts World (RWB) property's re-opening from December 26.
Minister in address to mark World Soil Day
A Cabinet minister was one of the main presenters at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture’s (IICA) Living Soils Initiative.
IDB's $600k grant to aid 2,500 small firms
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is providing $600,000 in grant funding to help kick-start an initiative designed to boost 2,500 micro, small and medium-sized (MSME) Bahamian businesses.
Woman taken to hospital after shooting
A WOMAN was taken to hospital after she was shot on Saturday night.
Bodybuilders: Closure of gyms hampered our progress at CAC
Had the local gyms re-opened before they left for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, professional bodybuilder Jimmy Norius felt he would have been in a better position to win the title at the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships.
Betty Cole dies at 92
BETTY Cole, remembered as a phenomenal leader with a keen knack for discipline, who left her mark as a pioneering basketball player, swimming coach and Girl Guides leader, passed away on Saturday.
Raise taxes on property
I am, among other things, a real estate attorney. As such I work with realtors every day. Like many realtors,
Biden’s Cuba policy
Under President John F Kennedy, the United States placed a crippling economic embargo on communist Cuba, then led by Fidel Castro, a rabid loyalist of the USSR, in 1962 – 15 years into the geopolitical tension between the two countries dubbed the Cold War, which began in 1947.
Farmer's Market set for a transformation
A Cabinet minister says the Government plans to transform the Grand Bahama Farmer's Market into a destination that sells only "authentically Bahamian" produce and handicrafts.
Junior tennis ace Jacobi Bain can’t wait to enrol at Xavier University
JACOBI Bain, one of the Bahamas’ top junior tennis players, has signed his official letters to attend Xavier University of Louisiana.
Sunday, December 6
PM announces Desmond Bannister as new Deputy Prime Minister, relaxation of measures for Christmas season
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has announced that Minister of Works Desmond Bannister will be the next Deputy Prime Minister, taking over from Peter Turnquest who resigned last month.
Saturday, December 5
Man shot dead on East Street
Police are investigating after a man was shot dead on East Street on Friday night.
Friday, December 4
Chief Justice among speakers at CIArb webinar
The CIArb Bahamas will be hosting a free Zoom webinar featuring a number of key speakers including Chief Justice Sir Brian Moree QC and Elsworth Johnson, Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration.
Govt officials offer condolences to Romauld Ferreira's family after son's death
GOVERNMENT officials on Friday extended condolences to the family of Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira after his teenage son was found dead at their home Thursday afternoon.
Man ordered to pay for stolen tools
A MAN who stole building tools from another man earlier this year was ordered to compensate him for his stolen goods.
Man pleads guilty to threatening fiancée’s ex-boyfriend
A 30-year-old man who threatened to shoot his fiancée’s ex-boyfriend during an argument was bound over to keep the peace for six months.
Bail denied for Jamaican man accused of importing cocaine
A JAMAICAN man who was accused of importing five kilos of cocaine into the country was on Friday denied bail ahead of his trial.
Resorts World Bimini to re-open December 26
RESORTS World Bimini will re-open on Saturday, December 26, joining other major hotels which plan to resume operations this month.
22 COVID cases between Wednesday and Thursday
THE country recorded 22 COVID-19 cases between Wednesday and Thursday.
Significant decline in GB HIV/AIDS infection/transmission rate
Grand Bahama has recorded eight new HIV/AIDS cases to date for 2020, showing a significant decline in the infection/transmission rate.
EDITORIAL: Don’t look away from those in need
WHEN the sun rose yesterday, they were already waiting.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Honouring a man who loved life - and helped change ours forever
No one in the family remembers exactly where or why LeRoy Bowe picked up golf as a hobby. They just know he used to tell the story of how much he loved it, the feel of the swing, the ball arcing high in the air and the extreme satisfaction of its landing where you wanted it to go, so far away.
A COMIC'S VIEW: PM should leave deputy slot vacant for now
THIS week, the Prime Minister made it clear that the Ministry of Finance is a hot potato he will not get stuck holding, a rag-tag band of activists outsmarted parliamentarians, and the PLP looks as hapless as ever.
Attorney General to speak to EU about removal from blacklist
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel is expected to make recommendations to European finance officials today on the way forward concerning the country’s removal from the European blacklist.
Blaze at Restview Mortuary
FIRE officials at the Royal Bahamas Police Force responded to a fire at Restview Memorial Mortuary on Thursday evening that resulted in minor damage to the crematorium.
Study shows toothpaste and mouthwash effect on virus
STUDIES in a Colgate clinical research programme have shown that toothpastes containing zinc or stannous and mouthwash formulas with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) can neutralise the virus that causes COVID-19 by 99.9 percent.
Government honours day for people with disabilities
THE government said it salutes members of the disabled community for their contributions to Bahamian society as the world marked the 28th International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
3,000 Grand Bahama residents speak out on future
A PUBLIC engagement survey launched by REEF (Revitalisation and Economic Expansion of Freeport) has received “robust” and “invaluable” responses from over 3,000 residents on Grand Bahama concerning the future direction of the island.
'Feeding Bain Grants town' project distributes over 11,000 food packages
OVER the past nine months, Mt Olive Baptist Church, in partnership with the Bain Grants Town Advancement Association, has distributed over 11,000 food packages under the “Feeding Bain Grants Town” project.
Investment deal's anatomy exposed
A south Abaco developer says "the numbers have changed quite materially" after documents emerged showing he and his family were investing just $10m, or less than 2 percent, of the required $718m.
Banker: 'Minimal' devaluation risk
A prominent investment banker yesterday argued that the risk of a Bahamian dollar devaluation is "minimal" because it is politically unacceptable and creates no economic benefits.
Realtors: 'Stop going to same taxation well'
Realtors yesterday slammed the IMF's renewed call to increase real property tax rates on high-end homes as akin to "going to the same well and finding it's always dry".
Bay Street's 'full dead stop' gets further extended
A Cabinet minister last night warned Bay Street will be at a "full dead stop" for longer after the cruise industry pushed its return into the 2021 second quarter at earliest.
Judges grant appeal in Blair killing
A MAN who was sentenced to 49 years for breaking into a couple’s home and killing their adult son during a 2014 Blair home invasion has been granted an appeal against his conviction.
People traffickers using Bahamas as transit route
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said there has been an increase in recent years of females being transported through The Bahamas for sexual and domestic exploitation.
Romauld Ferreira’s grief as teenage son found dead at home
THE teenage son of Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira died yesterday of suspected suicide, according to police.
Christie keeping clear of candidate selection
FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie says he will support whomever the Progressive Liberal Party chooses as the candidate for the Centreville constituency in the 2022 general election.
SO MANY IN NEED: Food parcels giveaway swamped as desperate queue from dawn for aid
THOUSANDS travelled to the Thomas A Robinson Stadium to collect a box of food and supplies at Island Luck’s IL Cares food drive yesterday, blocking roads for miles in every direction in a bracing showcase of the scale of need in the country.
Drug smuggling suspects are denied bail
ALLEGED drug smugglers Nathaniel Knowles, Ian Bethel and Eddison Watson will remain in custody until their scheduled hearing before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council next year, after a Supreme Court judge denied their applications for bail.
Tax reform needed 'a long time ago'
The Fiscal Responsibility Council's (FRC) chairman yesterday argued that The Bahamas should have moved "a long time ago" to address the regressive nature of its taxation system.
Activists to BPC chief: Go back to England
Environmental activists yesterday urged the Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BCP) chief executive to “shut his mouth and return to England" after trying to discredit the petition against his firm's activities.
Colina shareholders see 77% profits cut
Colina Holdings (Bahamas) has blamed the damage inflicted by COVID-19 on the value of its investment holdings for a 76.6 percent comprehensive income drop for the nine months to end-September.
Lender partners over free marketing access
A Bahamian credit provider has teamed with the MobileAssist app to offer business borrowers free access to marketing.
IAN FERGUSON: Using COVID for productivity reset
COVID-19 has provided businesses with the perfect opportunity to reset. Streamlining product offerings, trimming the proverbial operational expenses "fat", and downsizing staff numbers or positions may all prove necessary in these difficult times. Perhaps the lowest hanging fruit in resetting business operations is enhancing service levels, and assisting employees to become more efficient and effective.
Man held over gun
A FREEPORT man has been arrested in connection with the recovery of a high-powered assault weapon that was found in bushes, near a public school earlier this week.
Ministry: No consuls owed money
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs says there are no Bahamian honorary consuls who are currently owed money in response to messages circulating on social media about the termination of some of these officials in various countries.
Cloud provider in a Caribbean first
A Bahamas-based cloud services provider says it has been named as the only LogRhythm authorised managed security services provider partner for the Caribbean and Latin America.
CIBC wins Bahamas award for tenth time
CIBC FirstCaribbean said it has won Bank of the Year for The Bahamas for the tenth time as part of the awards issued by the finance magazine, The Banker.
Haitian woman fined for overstay
A HAITIAN woman who overstayed her time in The Bahamas and gave immigration officers a fake name when she was questioned was fined $1,500 yesterday.
Congratulations to Joe Biden
I AM glad that Joe Biden was elected to be president of the USA and effectively beat Trump who had repeatedly said Africa was a shit hole.
Is Bahamas becoming a dictatorship?
WITH the November 24 declaration of a third state of emergency by Governor General Sir Cornelius Smith, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis now has constitutional authority to impose additional restrictive measures for another six months.
Jones posts double in Foxes’ victory
FOLLOWING a break in competition for national team play at the FIBA Eurobasket 2021 Qualifiers, Jonquel Jones and her UMMC Ekaterinburg Foxes began FIBA Euroleague play this week and continued their dominance in the region.
Chavez Young and Cavalry two weeks from opening day
CHAVEZ Young and his Canberra Cavalry are two weeks away from opening day and will have a busy two months of gameplay after the Australian Baseball League released its revised schedule.
St Fort signs with 3rd team this season in Japan B-League
MARK St Fort is on the move once again in the Japanese B-League and signed with his third team this season.
‘Mr Consistent’ Maycock a national golf champion
As consistent as he was from day one, Greg Maycock maintained his lead and held on to win the Bahamas Professional Golfers Association’s Leroy ‘Roy’ Bowe Founder BPGA 2020 National Championship title.
Man shot by police after high speed chase
A high-speed chase ended with one suspect in hospital last night after being shot by police.
Thursday, December 3
Family want justice after man shot dead off Kemp Road
THE family of a man who was shot dead off Kemp Road on Thursday afternoon say they want justice for their loved one’s killing.
EDITORIAL: A long road back from the brink
IF there was any doubt about the economic mountain we have to climb to recover from COVID-19, the International Monetary Fund ought to have put paid to it yesterday.
FRONT PORCH: COVID-19, lifeboat ethics and conspiracies
THERE is a well-known episode from the 1912 sinking of RMS Titanic involving the wealthy Scottish landowner Sir Cosmo Edmund Duff-Gordon (1862-1931).
STATESIDE: Hey Mr Trump, where's all this money going to end up?
It shouldn’t have really surprised anyone. But it did.
New operating theatre for Rand
A new fully-equipped modular operating theatre donated to the Rand Memorial Hospital by Direct Relief (DR) was officially turned over to the Ministry of Health on Wednesday.
Forbes: don’t be too confident - it’s still out there
WITH COVID-19 infections now in single digits, the country’s top infectious diseases expert has again urged Bahamians not to be overly confident or come to the false conclusion that the deadly disease has left the country.
Parliamentary Elections Bill will create voter register
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday tabled the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill in the House of Assembly, which will create a permanent voter register once passed.
Juvenile found dead in suspected suicide
Police are investigating the suspected suicide of a juvenile in a home on Oxford Drive.
McAlpine allows private bill on aragonite resoures
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie allowed a Bill introduced by Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine to have a first reading in the House of Assembly yesterday despite the strenuous objection of Renward Wells, the Bamboo Town MP and leader of government business in the House.
IMF calls for harsher Bahamian austerity
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday warned that the Government must impose harsher austerity measures on the Bahamian people to hit its 50 percent debt-to-GDP target by 2030.
Extra $225m raise 'signals confidence'
The Government last night said it exploited "more favourable market" conditions to "re-open" its recent $600m bond and raise a further $255m in US dollars at a lower interest rate.
'No escaping' tax hikes as IMF pushes income levy
A Bahamian economist yesterday said there was "no escaping" new and/or increased taxes to pay for COVID-19's debt blow-out as the IMF again pushed an income tax solution.
PUBLIC NOTICE: 4M HARBOUR ISLAND LTD. - EIA SUPPLEMENTAL SUBMISSION
The public is advised that on December 3, 2020, a supplemental environmental document for the 4M Harbour Island Ltd. project on Harbour Island, The Bahamas was filed with the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) by Caribbean Coastal Services Ltd. on behalf of 4M Harbour Island Ltd. and 4M Harbour Island 2 Ltd. (collectively, 4M). The document pertains to activities that will include the development of 19.8 acres of land which will be subdivided for residential units.
Activists: Bahamas needs more from cruise tourism
Environmental activists yesterday said The Bahamas needs to reap more money from the cruise ship industry when it resumes sailing as they launched their "rethink" campaign for the sector.
Exuma businesses suffer lockdown hit
Some Exuma businesses yesterday revealed that the island's recent COVID-19 restrictions have cost them thousands of dollars prior to this week's easing.
Freeport revival body moving on 'action plan'
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) appointed committee says it plans to use feedback from 3,162 responses to create an "action plan" for the revival of Freeport's moribund economy.
Salvation Army volunteers cut by half as COVID bites
The Salvation Army yesterday said it was “hoping” the Christmas run-up will generate sufficient funds to aid their anti-poverty work despite having experienced a volunteer fall-off amid COVID-19.
Private sector hails curfew's push back
The Chamber of Commerce's chairman yesterday said the easing of night-time COVID-19 curfews will enable businesses to properly serve customers as the economy moves into the Christmas season.
Commission gives new warning to Bahamians
The Securities Commission yesterday warned Bahamians against joining a group it alleged is operating as a multi-level marketing or pyramid scheme despite lacking the necessary regulatory approvals.
Corporate reforms to boost business ease
Reforms to key corporate laws will boost The Bahamas' competitiveness by improving the ease of doing business and providing investors with greater certainty, MPs said yesterday.
Petition to stop Disney close to 400,000 signatures
A PETITION launched by environmental activists in protest of Disney’s plans to construct a multi-million-dollar cruise destination in South Eleuthera has collected almost 400,000 signatures.
Oil explorer: Just 20% of opponents from the Bahamas
The oil exploration battle further heated up last night after Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) sought to discredit an activist petition by asserting just 20 percent of signatories were local.
Has COVID-19 caused death rate increase?
ALTHOUGH the country has not recorded daily COVID-19 deaths for several weeks, some funeral homes say they are still seeing a major uptick in overall deaths which they are attributing to an overburdened health care system.
When will we get vaccine?
AS the United Kingdom became the world’s first country to authorise use of a COVID-19 vaccine, Minister of Health Renward Wells said the government is still determining which brand it will secure.
IMF: Four-year haul on COVID recovery
THE Bahamas faces “anything but a V-shaped recovery” from COVID-19 with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday warning a four-year haul to regain economic output lost in 2020 lies ahead.
Drugs and gun found by police
GB Police recovered dangerous drugs and a high-power weapon that were thrown by a male suspect in bushes near a public school in the Freeport area.
Turnquest falls to political cannibalism?
It is noteworthy that only Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, National Security Minister Marvin Dames, St Anne’s MP Brent Symonette, Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Culmer and former FNM Leader Tommy Turnquest are the only prominent FNMs, to the best of my knowledge, to issue public statements to the media regarding the resignation and legal issues of former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest.
Activists want cruise rethink
THE Global Cruise Activist Network announced the launch yesterday of its “Rethink Cruise Tourism” campaign to compel cruise customers, investors and governments to imagine a socially and environmentally responsible cruise industry, before restarting the cruise ships sector following its COVID-19 hiatus.
Dominican trio fined $1,000 each
THREE Dominican men who attempted to enter the country with fraudulent visas have each been fined $1,000.
Haitian man fined $1,000 over expired work permit
A MAGISTRATE handed down a $1,000 fine to a Haitian man yesterday who was residing in the country on an expired work permit.
20-year-old fined for marijuana
A 20-year-old man who was found with more than two ounces of marijuana was fined $300 in court yesterday.
Bound to keep peace after breaking window
A 23-year-old man who broke a window at the mother of his child’s home during an argument was bound to keep the peace for one year.
13 marines complete technical training course
THIRTEEN marines from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were recognised after completing their technical training course last month.
The wisdom of Simon Potter
Thank you for allowing me to respond to the breathtaking wisdom of Bahamas Petroleum Company CEO Simon Potter, who has once again demonstrated that he knows what is best for Bahamians, far better than we ever could.
Don’t ruin this beauty
The American astronaut, Scott Kelly, fell in love with the Bahamas from space.
Jones, Coleman and No.17 Texas beat No.14 UNC 69-67 for title at the Maui Invitational
Kai Jones’ perfect shooting streak from the field came to an end, but the sophomore forward scored four of Texas’ final six points to lead them to a Camping World Maui Invitational Championship.
Patricia Minnis visits centre for girls
AS part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (International day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) Patricia Minnis made a special visit to the Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls on Tuesday.
‘BUDDY’ HIELD AND KINGS ‘ARE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE’
THE growing speculation continues to mount about Chavano “Buddy” Hield’s future with the Sacramento Kings organisation after different messages emerged from the franchise’s head coach and top ranking executive.
Wednesday, December 2
EDITORIAL: Help families by letting them plan ahead
WHAT is your plan for how to put food on the table tomorrow? Or next week? Or next month?
ALICIA WALLACE: What it takes to lead and, most importantly, pass the baton on
There are positions of leadership and there are a particular set of skills, competencies and flexibility that, used appropriately make leadership successful. How often do they meet?
Chief justice wants more plea bargains
CHIEF Justice Brian Moree wants to see greater use of plea bargains in the Bahamian criminal justice system, saying yesterday the country does not have the resources for every case to go to trial.
An extra hour before curfew in new rules
NEW Providence and mainland Abaco have been placed under a 10pm to 5am curfew, according to the latest Emergency Powers Order.
Call for Caribbean to adopt HIV self-testing
ON the occasion of World AIDS Day, Caribbean AIDS response stakeholders are calling for countries in the region to adopt HIV self-testing.
Repair scheme needs $13m
MINISTER of Disaster Preparedness Iram Lewis said yesterday officials are hopeful that the Small Home Repair Programme will resume before early next year.
NIB ‘is well established to continue’ after director resignation
THE day after it was confirmed that Nicola Virgill-Rolle was stepping down as National Insurance Board director, NIB’s chairman assured stakeholders the organisation’s structure and mechanisms were well established to continue operations.
Police hunting suspect after car chase
Police in Grand Bahama are searching for a suspect who led them on a car chase.
Three in hospital after shootings
POLICE on New Providence are investigating two shooting incidents that occurred on Monday leaving three men in hospital.
'Deer in headlights' on $1.5bn debt increase
Fiscal watchdogs yesterday warned The Bahamas' debt-to-GDP ratio must "be upwards of 90 percent" after Central Bank data revealed the Government's direct debt rose by $1.5bn in just 12 months.
Oil explorer blasts activists over last ditch legal threats
Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) last night blasted oil exploration opponents for "significantly exaggerated" claims and waiting more than a decade to make a last-minute attempt to halt its plans.
'Wind in the sails': Hilton in December 15 reopen
The hotel union's president last night said The Bahamas' battered tourism product must "keep the wind in its sails" after the British Colonial Hilton confirmed it will “partially” re-open on December 15.
Realtor: Don't 'cripple' retail Xmas run-up
A prominent realtor yesterday urged the Government to ensure the Bahamian economy remains open between now and Christmas to avoid "crippling" the retail industry.
BOB: ‘Highest risk lawsuits’ involve ex-Cabinet ministers
BANK of The Bahamas will soon know the fate of its “two highest risk litigation matters” that both involve former Cabinet ministers, its chairman has revealed to shareholders.
The goal of the century and monetary policy
ActivTrades
For those who feel passionately about football (soccer) and the financial markets, last Wednesday was a bitter-sweet day. Diego Armando Maradona, perhaps the world’s greatest ever footballer, passed away aged 60 following a string of health complications. On that same day, the Dow Jones stock index hit an all-time high, for the first time breaking through the 30,000 points barrier.
Ministry teams for cultural showcase
The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation has teamed with cultural promoters to showcase the Bahamian straw industry and Junkanoo at a prominent south Florida mall.
GB Power moves to Bahamian-led team
Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) yesterday said it is transitioning to a fully Bahamian-led operation after its top executive was given a regional role by the Canadian owner.
Bahamian named to critical OECD taxation committee
A Bahamian has been chosen to sit on a key Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) advisory committee dealing with global tax standards.
New digital payment provider bar extended until end-2021
Digital payments providers yesterday forecast "significant growth" for the sector next year as the Central Bank confirmed that the bar on new market entrants will remain in place until end-2021.
American Airlines cancels 12 flights over past month
American Airlines has cancelled 12 flights to The Bahamas over the past 30 days, it confirmed yesterday, but cannot provide details on the number of passengers affected.
Eleuthera rebound ready after firms 'caught hell'
Eleuthera's private sector “caught hell” but is ready to move beyond weekend lockdowns and tight curfews after the Prime Minister announced an easing to the island's COVID-19 restrictions.
Central Bank moves on 'moveable asset' registry
The Central Bank yesterday revealed it is moving forward with plans to enable businesses and individuals to pledge "moveable assets" as security for bank loans and other forms of credit.
Rastafari mourn death of Philip Blyden
RASTAFARI leader Priest Philip Blyden died in hospital on Monday, prompting shock from those who knew him.
Immigration chief insists his staff obey the law
IMMIGRATION Director Clarence Russell said the Department of Immigration intends to “make sure people are safe, treated as humanely as possible and that due course is taken”.
WAITING GAME FOR DESPERATE FAMILIES: Govt holds off a decision on whether aid schemes will extend into new year
THE government has not yet decided whether it will further extend its COVID-19 support initiatives – including the unemployment benefits programme – beyond the December deadline, according to Public Service Minister Brensil Rolle.
Stay alive
If you live long enough, you will have a story to tell.
Thief says unemployment during pandemic drove him to steal from house
A 38-year-old man was sentenced to eight months in prison after claiming that being unemployed during the pandemic drove him to break into another man’s house and steal.
Auditor issues with courts ‘partially addressed’
CHIEF Justice Brian Moree said issues raised in a recent Auditor General report regarding payments at the courts have been partially addressed.
16-year-old caught rolling marijuana
A TEENAGER who was caught rolling marijuana joints was given a curfew and granted $1,000 bail before his sentencing.
‘Disciplinary action taken’ over party in courtroom
CHIEF Justice Brian Moree said appropriate disciplinary action was handed to staff who attended and staged a party inside a courtroom earlier this year.
‘Pay back the stolen money’
A MAN who cashed several cheques that he illegally obtained from his former employer was yesterday ordered to pay back the stolen money.
Hateful speech
I would like to add some comments to the excellent letter in Monday’s Tribune from Saskia D’Aguilar in reference to the letter from Kevin Evans in Friday’s Tribune. Evans’ letter in essence says homosexuals are the devil’s children who will spend eternity in hell.
Our islands, our future - no drilling
I have no words for what I saw with Dorian.
Environmentally friendly oil drilling?
It is sincerely to be hoped that, once he becomes Prime Minister, opposition leader Brave Davis will revisit his position on oil drilling in The Bahamas.
Maycock leads the pack
With two consistent rounds of two-over-par 74s, veteran Greg Maycock holds a slim four-stroke lead over his nearest rival Keathen Stuart after the first two days of competition in the Bahamas Professional Golf Association (BPGA) 2020 National Championships.
Bowleg: ‘I still want to commend the players who were available. They went out there and played their hearts out’
BAHAMAS Basketball Federation President Mario Bowleg admitted that the men’s national team could have played better than they did against the United States of America and Puerto Rico in the bubble in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Tuesday, December 1
EDITORIAL: The financial legacy of COVID-19
WHILE there is good news in the fight against COVID-19, with cases here in The Bahamas still trending downwards and the prospect of a vaccine moving ever closer, the financial fallout from the pandemic has barely begun.
PETER YOUNG: Charity begins at home - but let’s hope only for a short while
There seems to be a general view in Britain that the provision of monetary aid directly to other countries is unpopular with the public. During periods of relative national prosperity, that may not manifest itself because overseas aid tends not to be an issue for most people. But, in the midst of today’s coronavirus crisis and consequent economic emergency, it perhaps comes as no surprise that opinion polls show the majority of British people favour a substantial reduction of the nation’s foreign aid budget.
FACE TO FACE: Right place, right time, brings Elsada rich rewards
Elsada Hield is on the road to becoming a millionaire - before the age of 30. A mixture of all the right ingredients came together to bring her to success - timing, sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, wit and tons of passion. While women in America were home because of the pandemic, many were focusing on things they neglected before - like self care. They were taking the time to do things like take proper care of their skin. This is where Elsada was in the right place at the right time - she was on social media with her Natural Glow skin care line.
Fighting fear of entrepreneurship: Bahamian businesswoman in California gives advice
WITH so many people out of work due to the pandemic and few jobs to come by, entrepreneurship is being seen as the way out of the economic ditch. Even those currently employed believe having their own venture to supplement the income they do have is necessary.
Christmas on a budget
Christmas is a time when most parents want to give their children the world, but this year COVID-19 has certainly caused many Bahamian moms to rethink how they budget for the holidays.
Pennies can make the difference
WHEN 11-year-old Indya Joseph saw on the news how much Bahamian families were suffering due to the loss of jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she knew she wanted to find a way to help.
Ground-breaking for new government subdivision
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis took part in the official ground-breaking ceremony for a new government subdivision yesterday that when fully developed will accommodate 365 lots for home construction.
Milestone for cruise port
THE Nassau Cruise Port reached another major milestone yesterday with the commencement of its sheet-piling operations, which marks the start of the port’s marine construction.
Minnis defends trips to the Family Islands
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has defended his continued travel to the Family Islands in the face of criticism that it is not safe to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic and calls from the Official Opposition for there to be equal opportunity for inter-island travel.
Probe launched into RBDF plane incident
AN Air Accident and Investigation Department (AAID) official yesterday confirmed a probe is underway into an incident involving a Royal Bahamas Defence Force caravan aircraft.
Minister says ‘we are a country of laws’ after man was locked up unlawfully for more than six years
IMMIGRATION Minister Elsworth Johnson said “we are a country of laws” after the Supreme Court awarded a record amount in damages to a Kenyan who was unlawfully detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre for six-and-a-half-years where he endured cruel and inhumane treatment.
‘My win isn’t just for me - it’s for The Bahamas’
LOCAL environment activist Kristal Ambrose has won a 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize for her work, which she credits as a win for The Bahamas and black women of the Caribbean.
Activist anger at litter dump
A LOCAL environmental activist is disgusted by the enormous amount of litter discarded by residents in the area at the waterway at Port of Call Drive, Freeport.
Aviation 'cutting edge' targeted for early 2021
A Cabinet minister is aiming to bring a reform package that will keep The Bahamas on aviation's "cutting edge", and improve its global regulatory standing, to Parliament in the 2021 first quarter.
Nassau's tourism arrivals see 99% September drop
Tourism arrivals almost totally dried up in September 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns and border restrictions, falling by 98.6 percent against a prior year comparative that contained Hurricane Dorian.
$580m developer urged to reassess cost projections
Environmental activists yesterday urged the developer behind the proposed $580m south Abaco resort project to "re-evaluate his costs" due to labour and material price spikes cause by Hurricane Dorian.
Sovereign wealth 'backstop' for oil exploration fall-out
Oil exploration royalties collected by The Bahamas' sovereign wealth fund could be used to finance spill/pollution clean-up from the very same activities, environmental activists are warning.
Businesses urged: Embrace digital fully for 75% fees cut
A Scotiabank (Bahamas) executive says local businesses could slash their banking fees by up to 75 percent if they more fully embrace digital banking.
Emergency orders to be eased on Eleuthera
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has announced that COVID-19 restrictions on Eleuthera have been relaxed with immediate effect.
NIB director resigns to take ‘more stable’ role
NATIONAL Insurance Board Minister Brensil Rolle admitted yesterday that he did not take Nicola Virgill-Rolle seriously when she revealed in a conversation last Wednesday that she was considering resigning after more than two years as NIB’s director.
Lyford Cay residents’ fury at Americans’ party
LYFORD Cay residents have been left fuming after an American couple arrived in the gated community last week and hosted a 40-strong party that has led to a number of COVID-19 cases.
Turnquest turns his guns on the punch
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest has fired back at tabloid “attacks” against his reputation and term in office, which he suggests is motivated by the Minnis administration’s dismissal of a private loan agreement.
‘True fall-out’: Household loan defaults grow $58m
MORTGAGE and consumer loan delinquencies increased by $58m during October 2020 with a senior banker warning it may take five to seven years to recover from COVID-19’s “true fall-out”.
Retailers in 'mixed' Black Friday sales
Retailers have indicated a mixed "Black Friday" sales performance with some suffering up to a 45 percent decline compared to 2019 due to depressed consumer spending amid the COVID-19 economy.
Governor rejects non-essential import curb
The Central Bank's governor yesterday rejected as "bureaucratically inefficient" suggestions that The Bahamas impose restrictions on non-essential imports to protect the foreign currency reserves.
Concern over Grand Lucayan uncertainty
Grand Bahama businesses yesterday said they were “extremely disappointed” by the renewed uncertainty surrounding the Grand Lucayan's sale given hopes it will act as a catalyst for tourism's revival.
Rules are not working
We have spent the winter months in The Bahamas for several years since my wife and myself retired. Every year we look forward to coming back and escaping our harsh winter here on Long Island east of New York city. A short trip by air and we are in warm Bahamas. However this year it is looking more doubtful due to your Government’s difficult rules.
Bahamas blows late lead, loses to Puerto Rico 91-85
A disastrous fourth quarter collapse saw Team Bahamas squander a late lead to Puerto Rico and finish winless in the second window of the FIBA Americup 2022 Qualifiers.
Higgs scores career high 32, wins in Spain
LASHANN Higgs produced her professional basketball career high to help lift the Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM to just their second victory this season in the Spanish Ladies’ League.
Bahamian and 11 migrants detained
A BAHAMIAN man and 11 undocumented Haitian migrants were apprehended in waters near Grand Bahama on Sunday.
Jamaican women caught with $10k drugs
TWO Jamaican women who were caught with nearly $10,000 worth of marijuana were each fined $4,000 yesterday.
Mobile rivals enjoy 'strong' Black Friday despite COVID
The Bahamas' two mobile rivals yesterday hailed "strong" and "excellent" Black Friday sales despite being down on last year due to COVID-19's devastating economic impact.
Go home, BPC, you’re not wanted
Bahamians have tried to diplomatically convey that we have nothing to gain and everything to lose by drilling for oil in The Bahamas. Nevertheless, Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC), which is not Bahamian, refuses to listen. So here we go again.
Radshad Davis cans career high 28 points in victory
RADSHAD Davis joined the Florida International University Panthers as a graduate transfer expected to have an immediate impact on the programme with his experience.
Man guilty of $350 fraud
A 28-year-old man who defrauded his former employer of $350 was yesterday ordered to pay back the money he stole.
Teenager accused over pistol
A TEENAGER was remanded to prison over allegations he was found with an unlicenced firearm and quantity of illegal ammunition last week.
56-year-old in indecent assault case
A 56-year-old man who denied indecently assaulting a woman was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial.
Liquor chain expands Kraven tie-up to GB
Commonwealth Brewery says its retail chain, 700 Wines and Spirits, has expanded its partnership with the Kraven delivery service app to Grand Bahama.
Doctors targets 100 beds by end of 2021
Doctors Hospital's president said the healthcare provider plans to increase its in-patient bed numbers to more than 100 by the end of 2021.
Full tourism rebound may take until 2023
A full tourism recovery that matches 2019's record-setting numbers may not occur until early 2023, the Central Bank's governor warned yesterday, with the economy possibly shrinking further in 2021.
