Politics

Minister: Maybe it's time to consider gun buy-back scheme

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said yesterday “maybe it is time” to consider a gun amnesty period or gun buy-back initiative in the Bahamas.

Ministry says changes in payments could prevent end-of-month queues

OFFICIALS at the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development said a pilot study of the Proxy Means Test that will be used as part of the Conditional Cash Transfer System of the Bahamas Social Safety Net Programme went “extremely well” – despite some minor issues.

Griffin: Budget aggressively deals with social issues

THE government’s 2013-14 budget contains an “aggressive, socially-driven, agenda that will wipe every tear from every eye,” Minister of Social Services and Community Development Melanie Griffin said.

Officials consider merging mental health services

OFFICIALS at the Ministry of Health are exploring an initiative to integrate mental health care services into primary health care facilities as part of a new model of care for patients with mental health concerns.

‘Why has rent budget gone up by $10m?’

ACCUSING the government of engaging in a “rental spree,” Opposition Leader Hubert Minnis demanded to know why the government’s budget for rental accommodations has increased by more than $10 million in their proposed 2013/2014 budget.

Minnis asks for answers on crime stats

OPPOSITION Leader Hubert Minnis has questioned why “one of the earliest actions” taken by the government with regards to crime was to “change the method of recording and reporting serious crime”.

Bran: Name those who maintain shanty towns

DNA Leader Branville McCartney is calling on the government to divulge the names of the “protectors” and “elites” who maintain shanty towns for illegal immigrants on New Providence and state what sanctions will be levied against them.

Butler-Turner and Rollins apologise

FNM Deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday said she was compelled to apologise for slapping PLP MP Dr Andre Rollins after realising that such actions went against the grain of what she stands for.

Roberts on slap: I would not have been able to turn the other cheek

PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said he would not have been able to “turn the other cheek” if FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner had struck him on the face – promising that the event could have turned into a “nasty scene”.

Call for special committee to investigate nolle prosequi

MONTAGU MP Richard Lightbourn said the Opposition plans to move ahead and request a “special committee” to investigate the circumstances surrounding the nolle prosequi signed by then acting Attorney General Jerome Fitzgerald.

‘I slapped Rollins after lewd remark’

FNM DEPUTY leader Loretta Butler-Turner said she has no regrets after slapping PLP MP Dr Andre Rollins in the House of Assembly yesterday.

FNM Deputy, MP speak before House

FNM Deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner apologised in the House of Assembly this morning for slapping Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.

Police staff: Gibson must apologise for bias claim

THE Police Staff Association has demanded an apology from Labour Minister Shane Gibson, who they claim implied the force is “politically biased” during his speech in the House of Assembly on Tuesday.