Local News

Visa applications for school rejected amid fears over human trafficking

THE United States Embassy in Nassau has rejected about “50 per cent” of visa applications for Bahamian high school students wishing to study in America due to concerns of “human trafficking,” Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell revealed yesterday

PM says nation must change to keep up with rest of world

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that it has become increasingly clear that The Bahamas must undergo a series of self-examination processes to achieve higher global standards.

'Jury should have heard of Donna Vasyli's previous good character'

AN attorney for a woman accused of killing her millionaire husband yesterday submitted that the absence of evidence of her client’s good character during trial may have negatively influenced a jury’s unanimous guilty verdict against her.

Pair charged with murder and robbery

TWO males, including a 17-year-old, were charged with murder and armed robbery in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Sands: If I lose bid, my Senate future will be up to Minnis

FNM Senator Dr Duane Sands clarified yesterday that his resignation from the Senate in the event of a failed deputy leadership bid at the party’s national convention would be up to the discretion of incumbent FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

McCartney doubts FNM can recover in time for election

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday distanced himself from talks of a possible coalition with the Free National Movement, expressing scepticism that the embattled opposition party could recover in time for the next general election.

Police hunt pair of suspects

GRAND Bahama police have issued an all-points-bulletin for 20-year-old Germaerico Christopher Gardiner, also known as Jermaerico Gardiner, of Coral Reef Estates No 2.

Key: Loretta a troublemaker... and Rollins needs another slap

CENTRAL and South Abaco MP Edison Key launched into a blistering attack on some of his Free National Movement colleagues yesterday, branding Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner a “troublemaker” who will be dealt with by her constituents, adding that Ft Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins needed another slap from her to set him straight.

Sands: I'll quit Senate if Minnis stays as leader

DUANE SANDS announced last night that he will resign from the Senate if Dr Hubert Minnis wins the leadership contest at next month’s Free National Movement (FNM) convention.

PM expects Baha Mar talks - but gives no details

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday he anticipates that the government will be invited at some point to begin consideration of what it has to do to facilitate construction permits and “whatever else” China Construction America (CCA) needs in place to complete the unopened $3.5bn Baha Mar resort.

Power company has no plans to write off customer debts

BAHAMAS Power and Light currently has no plans to write off any of its numerous delinquent accounts, an official from the utility provider said yesterday.

Pilot killed in Bimini crash had no licence

AN official at the Department of Civil Aviation has defended the agency’s practices after it was revealed that the pilot who died in a crash in Bimini last week was not licensed, telling The Tribune it was the pilot’s responsibility to ensure he had the needed documentation.

PM tours housing units being built in Ardastra Gardens

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday toured the Ardastra Gardens Subdivision where 61 new government low-cost housing units are under construction.

Minnis slams govt over promises on education

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday criticised the government for its “failed” investments in education, further slamming the Christie administration for failing to build “one single high school” during its two nonconsecutive terms in office.

'Increase in Cuban detainees trying to reach United States'

IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell said the country is seeing an increase in the number of Cuban migrants illegally entering the Bahamian jurisdiction in their attempts to reach the United States.

The Tribune