Stories for January 2014

UPDATED: 90% of voters in favour of strike

5.30pm UPDATE: Union members won't receive their strike certificate until Monday, so there will be no industrial action till then.

PM's civil rights claim

I read the papers and the social medias and find myself in a quandary as to why the present Prime Minister and another previous nominee for the Civil Right Walk of Fame was being honoured. I decided that I would look for the definition of civil rights.

Davis is no successor

There is a lobby within the PLP who believe that Philip “Brave” Davis would make a better prime minister than the incumbent Perry Christie. Sadly, the record suggests that neither of these gentlemen has a clue about government nor governing.

Teenagers stabbed

TWO teenagers were stabbed and had to be rushed to hospital following an argument on Monday.

Boxer’s ‘life flashed before his eyes’ when he was shot

Professional boxer Valentino Knowles, expected to make a full recovery, said he doesn’t hold any animosity for the young men who opened fire on him and his friends on Saturday, January 19, in the Kemp Road area.

March to include effigy of hanged man

A LIVE demonstration of a straw man being led to a fake gallows and hanged is expected to be a part of tomorrow’s “pro-hanging” march and motorcade, event organiser and social activist Rodney Moncur said yesterday.

Witnesses describe policeman's shooting

TWO witnesses in the vicinity of the shooting of a senior police officer told a Supreme Court jury what they saw and heard on the evening the policeman pulled into his St Vincent Road driveway.

'Judiciary needs public confidence'

THE public’s confidence in the judiciary is the real source of its power and the real basis for its existence, the Court of Appeal president said yesterday.

Claim of replacement coach pinching female students

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson has filed a trade dispute against the government for allegedly “victimising physical education teachers” - and also claimed that female students had been pinched by a replacement coach.

Call to end confusion over death penalty

ONE of the country’s top judges has called for an end to the confusion surrounding the imposition of the death penalty.

Murdered man was on bail over rape charge

THE COUNTRY’S latest murder victim was on bail for rape and was also recently questioned by police in connection with three other sexual assaults, The Tribune understands.

Tourism conference to debate issue of crime

THE scourge of crime and its implications to the tourism economy will be one of the subjects when scores of international and local officials convene the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference next month.

Karlton Rolle: I'm really grateful to sponsor

IT’S not every day that one of our Bahamian athletes attains a NCAA Division One athletic scholarship and they graduate with a degree. Sprinter Karlton Rolle is the latest success story.

Auto Club pays tribute to shooting victims

DURING an Island-wide tour on Sunday, members of the Antique Auto Club of the Bahamas and the Riders of Distinction motorcycle club paid a courtesy call on Freedom Park in Fox Hill.

Rotary Club donates $1,500 to Junior Baseball League of Nassau

THE Rotary Club of East Nassau donated $1,500 to the Junior Baseball League of Nassau to pay registration fees for 15 girls who would otherwise not have been able to afford to play.

Ministry assessing donated text books for curriculum needs

THE Ministry of Education is still determining if the more than 20,000 text books donated to the Urban Renewal Commission meet the curriculum needs of Bahamian students.

It all adds up to some smart students

FIVE students won prizes for their ability to solve mental math problems quickly and accurately at the 11th Primary Mathematics Students’ Workshop.

'Risk' broker may not return investor funds

There is a “legitimate risk” that a BISX-listed broker/dealer may not return funds caught up in a $340 million Ponzi scheme to their rightful owners, court documents obtained by Tribune Business have alleged.

No healthcare ‘destabilisation’ from VAT reform

Value-Added Tax (VAT) should not cause any “major destabilization” to Bahamian health care costs, a senior Ministry of Finance adviser said yesterday, while acknowledging that providers would ultimately have to find ways to recoup their ‘input’ tax payments.

Children bring out the toys at Trike-A-Thon Bahamas

Kids of all ages brought out their riding toys last Friday at the Sandals Foundation sponsored Trike-A-Thon Bahamas in aid of the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sandals: Guests calling in over strike concern

Sandals Royal Bahamian yesterday said future guests were already calling to ask if their vacations would be impacted, as the union purporting to act for its line staff voted in favour of a strike.

Realtor 'pioneer' eyes Middle East

A top realtor yesterday said he felt like “a pioneer” in his efforts to market the Bahamas to the world, as he seeks to build on his recent Chinese visit by now pitching to wealthy Middle East investors.

First BISX SMART Fund targeting Dubai 'trigger'

BISX’s first-ever listed SMART Fund will next week seek to raise capital from wealthy Dubai investors for potential Bahamian real estate investments, a businessman yesterday expressing hope this would be a “trigger” for the construction industry.

Top VAT adviser rejects 21-day tax reporting

A senior Ministry of Finance consultant yesterday dismissed the private sector’s call for quarterly Value-Added Tax (VAT) filing and reporting, saying this “would not suit the Government’s position”.

Pros seek second consecutive Boil Fish Bowl title

THE Orry J Sands Pros are looking to continue their control of the Commonwealth American Football League when they go after their second consecutive Boil Fish championship title on Saturday.

Financial executives: Simplify VAT language

More than 60 members of the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) packed a meeting room at the Ministry of Finance for an open discussion on the Government’s proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT).

Call to turn the lights out on GB Power Company

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Bahamas tops Caribbean on Brazil air benefits

The Bahamas would benefit the most out of four Caribbean countries from starting a direct flight between Nassau and the Brazilian city of Sao Paolo, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report has suggested.

Bahamas must join 'innovative' IFCs to survive

There is a “legitimate risk” that a BISX-listed broker/dealer may not return funds caught up in a $340 million Ponzi scheme to their rightful owners, court documents obtained by Tribune Business have alleged.

What did BTC get?

While we are all distracted by debates and discussions about what we got out of the PM’s “new deal” with BTC, we seem to be missing two key points in this whole matter.

Waltiea Rolle continues to dominate in the NBL

THE move to Bulgaria has been a productive one for Bahamian basketball icon Waltiea Rolle as she has been one of the most dominant performers in the league since she made the move to the country’s National Basketball League.

Concerns raised over lack of radiation checks on shipments

THE BAHAMAS Customs Department does not test cargo shipments for radiation contamination, Comptroller Charles Turner confirmed yesterday.

Dispute to be filed over fingerprinting

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson will file a trade dispute with the Department of Labour today in light of the Ministry of Education’s decision to fingerprint foreign teachers.

Embassy warning on crime does not seek to kill 'the golden goose of tourism'

US EMBASSY Acting Deputy Chief of Mission John Armstrong said yesterday the embassy did not want to “kill the golden goose of tourism” with the release of a new travel advisory warning Americans to be on alert for crime.

250 drivers cited in traffic crackdown - in the wake of horrific crash

POLICE continue to crack down on traffic offences, citing more than 250 drivers in New Providence on Tuesday alone – in the wake of a horrific traffic fatality in Grand Bahama.

Police probe theft at PM's house

ACTING Commissioner of Police Quinn McCartney confirmed yesterday that police are investigating an incident that occurred at the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday.

Bank union seeks proof over pension

CENTRAL Bank of the Bahamas union members have challenged their employer to produce documented proof that the employee pension plan is unsustainable.

Brown is reinstated at hospital authority

HERBERT Brown has been re-instated as head of the Public Hospitals Authority by order of the Supreme Court.

Cash says PM's civil rights honour is 'hollow’

FREE National Movement Chairman Darron Cash is branding as “hollow” Prime Minister Perry Christie’s induction to the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

Man's body set on fire

A MAN was shot and set on fire in a Honda Civic yesterday afternoon becoming the country’s latest murder victim.

Cuban ambassador dismisses US criticisms

CUBAN Ambassador Ernesto Guzman yesterday dismissed criticisms levelled against the Republic of Cuba by a top US Embassy official as “hypocritical” given the track record of the US.

SANDALS STAFF TO VOTE ON STRIKE ACTION

MORE than 300 unionised Sandals workers are expected to head to the polls today to decide whether or not they will strike.

Destiny earns speech prize

DESTINY Cooper, a fourth-grade student at Garvin Tynes Primary School, won the 2013-2014 Voices of Hope championship speech competition.

Welcoming in Chinese New Year

GARVIN Tynes Primary School celebrated the Chinese New Year with great fanfare – to the delight of Yuan Guisen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.

School holds mock election

SIXTH grade students at the Fresh Creek Primary School in Central Andros were candidates in a mock general election held on World Teacher’s Day.

Firearm case delayed

A MAN charged with firearm and ammunition possession charges must wait five weeks before he learns if Chief Magistrate Joyanne Ferguson-Pratt will grant him bail pending trial.

Entrepreneurship crime war's 'missing element'

A well-known consultant yesterday said his planned Entrepreneurship programme is the “missing element” in the crime war, as he aims to graduate 200 ex-offenders to become business owners within six months.

Bahamas resisting US push to help OECD with taxes

The Government is pushing to remove a clause in the Bahamas’ draft Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) agreement with the US that would commit this nation to deepening its involvement with Europe and the OECD on tax information exchange.

‘Sports, faith and prayer go well together on the field’

One of the leading sporting organisations in the country, the Bahamas Olympic Committee, saw fit to open the year with a thanksgiving service aimed at showcasing the ties between sports and religion.

Gov't: FATCA system bids peak at $63m

The Government yesterday said it has received bids costing up to $63 million for its Foreign Account Tax Compliance (FATCA) reporting system, which will process US client records from 2,000 financial services providers.

Payroll tax can generate $190m

A 5 per cent payroll tax administrated via the National Insurance Board (NIB) could generate $190 million in annual revenues and enjoy a more “seamless implementation” compared to Value-Added Tax (VAT), a Tax Coalition co-chair argued yesterday.

Super Value eyes 77,000 VAT price changes per store

Super Value’s owner says the food chain will have to change 77,000 prices in 13 different stores to accommodate Value-Added Tax (VAT), warning that when it came to opposition to the new tax “you ain’t seen nothing yet”.

Busy start to the year for the Rat Pack

BAHAMIAN musical conglomerate, the Rat Pack, is already off to a busy start this year with plans to release its first album as well as performance gigs and other projects.

Transforming Spaces

IT IS a critical period for many artists, working non-stop for one of the biggest art tours on the local calendar.

Bahamian designer to showcase collection in Turks and Caicos fashion week

THE HARDOUR COLLECTION by Freeport designer Anthea Bullard will be introduced to the Turks & Caicos Islands during its fashion week to be held in March.

What's to come from Rik Carey

THE BAHAMAS’ very own international and local sensation, Rik Carey, of the Grammy award winning group Baha-Men, is set for a great 2014.

Hope and help for marriages

ON Saturday, February 1, at 6pm, hope and help for marriages within the Bahamas is at hand through the mission and vision of the marital coaching ministry of ‘Unequal Yet Unction’ (UYU).

Union: Strike 'not best avenue' to end disputes

A trade union leader yesterday said Sandals Royal Bahamian employees had little choice but to take a strike vote, after the resort warned its actions could deter potential foreign direct investment (FDI) in this nation.

Primary schools handed books worth $150,000

FREEPORT – The classrooms at East End, Bartlett Hill, Martin Town and Holmes Rock primary schools will be a bit fuller after receiving an estimated $150,000 worth of reading material and educational literature.

St Joseph celebrates 80 years of Catholic Witness through word, sacrament and charity

CATHOLIC Archbishop Patrick Pinder called for a ‘renewal’ of the sacrament of reconciliation in the local archdiocese and urged parishioners of St Joseph to pray for the ‘restoration’ of family life at a Mass which marked the beginning of a year of celebration in observance of the church’s 80th anniversary.

'How can we be ready for VAT if you're not?'

THE Government’s “administrative readiness” for the proposed July 1 Value-Added Tax (VAT) implementation remains a “huge concern”, a Tax Coalition co-chair yesterday asking: “How are we to be ready if you are not ready on the other side?”

Over 130 attend BFSB's summit

More than 130 Bahamian and international financial services practitioners took part in the 11th annual International Business and Finance Summit (IBFS) at Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma last weekend. 

Sandyport hotel wins Gold Crown

SANDYPORT Beaches Resort and Hotel has won the coveted RCI Gold Crown Resort award, the highest of the three RCI designations largely determined by vacationers’ comments.

From Saul to Paul

By Rev. Angela C. Bosfield Palacious

St Augustine's Monastery to host annual meeting for PMS Directors of AEC

THE hallowed hills of the Emmaus Centre and St Augustine’s Monastery at Fox Hill will come alive as the Most Reverend Patrick Pinder, Archbishop of Nassau and President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) welcomes Pontifical Mission Societies’ (PMS) Directors of AEC to The Bahamas for their annual meeting from February 3 to February 7.  The AEC’s membership includes five archdioceses, fourteen dioceses, and two missions, which ministers to more than 2.1 million Catholics in the Caribbean from current and former British, Dutch, and French colonies and dependencies, Central America, and northern South America.

Bimini developer unveils casino training course

Resorts World Bimini yesterday announced the launch of a six-week Roulette training course for island residents, with selected graduates to be offered employment at its casino.  The course, said to be one of several training programmes created by the developer, gives participants the opportunity to further their career in the casino industry.

'Promote Cat Island Regatta Month'

THE Cat Island Sailing Club will embark on a public relations blitz for the month of February and have designated it “Promote Cat Island Regatta Month” February 1-28.

Love your job, stop working

By Rev. Canon S. Sebastian Campbell

Trust - historic or broken?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Royal Bank: No plans for Bahamian disposal

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) yesterday said it had no plans to sell its Bahamian operations or those in any other Caribbean country, following its exit from Jamaica.

ART OF GRAPHIX: Breaking out the corporate identity

What is the difference between a business logo and brand? I find many people become a little muddled over this, which is not surprising given that some entrepreneurs do as well.

GRAMMY AWARDS FASHION

FASHION enthusiasts love this time of year, the beginning of the award shows season.

Another successful ball for The Bahamas Red Cross Society

THE BAHAMAS Red Cross Ball attracted a full house last Saturday at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

Artist talk with Holly Parotti

THE National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) played host to Holly Parotti’s Artist Talk, where she discussed her 2011 experience of residency in the UK and Scotland, and how it has now informed her portfolio.

The pages of 'Sammy The Snail'

AS a marriage and family therapist, Allie MacPhail is familiar with hearing everyday stories about pain, hurt and other emotions.

Man shot and set on fire in car

A MAN was shot and set on fire in a vehicle Wednesday afternoon in the country's latest murder.

Nassau Select prevails over HMS Richmond

HMS Richmond crew members played against Nassau Select, a group of players selected from all the rugby clubs in New Providence, in an exhibition match on Tuesday.

Union leaders in discussion after KFC branch closure

UNION leaders, KFC Management and Department of Labour representatives were locked in meetings yesterday after KFC made 35 of their employees redundant on Monday “without giving proper notice.”

Moncur: Thousands to march for hanging

THOUSANDS of Bahamians will urge the government to “remove impediments to capital punishment” by participating in a march and motorcade on Saturday, event organiser and social activist Rodney Moncur said yesterday.

FNM: Judicial system is being neglected

OPPOSITION leader Dr Hubert Minnis said the government cannot be serious about reducing crime if they continue to neglect the judicial system.

Movie star's baby is searched at airport

THE pat-down of Alec Baldwin’s five-month-old daughter at the Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport, blamed by the movie star on US transport officials, was actually conducted by a Bahamian agency, according to an NBC News report.

Officer held as TV taken from PM's home

AN officer on Prime Minister Christie’s security detail was held for questioning in connection with the removal of a television from Mr Christie’s home, The Tribune understands.

PASTOR: WEB SHOPS ARE 'RAPING FAMILIES'

EXACTLY one year after the legalisation of numbers was rejected in a referendum, a local pastor urged Bahamians not to support web shops, which he claimed continues to “rape” people every day.

Traffic fatality identified

FREEPORT – The man killed in a traffic accident in Freeport has been officially identified by police as 25-year-old Wilner Michel.

Two men in custody for murders in Pinewood Gardens

AUTHORITIES say they have two men in custody for questioning in connection with two recent murders in the Pinewood Gardens community.

Pastors disappointed with PM over webshop laws

FREEPORT – Two local pastors have expressed great disappointment in the Prime Minister over his admission that he regrets not moving legislation to regulate web shops at the beginning of the PLP’s term in office.

Quilters guild stages its annual show

The Stepping Stone Quilters Guild will host its annual show at Trinity Methodist Church Hall on Frederick Street.

Cyclists to start season with Super Bowl Sunday race

BEFORE everybody gets bogged down in front of the television to watch the National Football League’s Super Bowl, New Providence Cycling Association members are hoping that they can come out on Sunday to show their support to the local cyclists as the 2014 season officially gets underway.

Discussions on national parks in San Salvador

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip Davis held a public meeting in San Salvador to discuss the proposed national park system for the island, which includes five protected areas.

PM urges importance of protecting environment

PRIME Minister Perry Christie emphasised protecting the Caribbean’s “fragile environment” and addressing illegal immigration throughout the Caribbean region during his speech on the opening day of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) Summit in Havana, Cuba yesterday.

KB stars in new video to support Save the Bays

A NEW music video has been released by Save The Bays, again featuring popular recording artist Kirkland ‘KB’ Bodie.

Policeman on gun charges

A POLICEMAN and three others were before Chief Magistrate Joyanne Ferguson-Pratt yesterday facing charges of firearms and ammunition possession.

Teaching high school students to think green

FREEPORT – Earthcare and Save the Bays have launched an Environmental Education Programme for junior high school students on Grand Bahama.

Call for peace in the Bahamas

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Danny Johnson called on young Bahamians who feel disillusioned or helpless to contact the Division of Youth right away.

Flying Fish soars to success in contest

Flying Fish was awarded with a plaque for winning the 2013 Festival Noel Chef Noel competition by the Bahamas National Trust.

Murderer's appeal is delayed again

A CONVICTED murderer’s appeal hearing against a life sentence has been pushed back another two months after an issue was raised concerning another life sentence he is purportedly serving for armed robbery.

CWC demanded three-year cell monopoly extension

Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) initially demanded a three-year extension to the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) existing cellular monopoly as the price for giving up majority ownership, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

Alex English all set for inaugural ‘Top 50 Basketball Camp’

Junior basketball players in the Bahamas have been put on notice and Bahamas Basketball Federation executives are encouraging them to prepare for a possible life-altering opportunity this summer.

'Does the BAAA really care about distance runners?'

In an effort to bring some international awareness for the Bahamas in distance running, Oneil Williams decided to return to Kenya to continue his training. He and his younger brother, Ramon, left town on September 27, 2013 and after a journey that took more than 20 hours, they finally arrived two days later.

Activists had 'arguable case' on Bimini dock

Environmental activists had an “arguable case” against the Government and Resorts World Bimini over the latter’s planned cruise ship terminal, a Supreme Court judge finding there were “serious issues to be tried” despite his refusal to grant an injunction.

Gov't, Supreme Court urged: Alter approach over Judicial Review

A leading QC yesterday urged the Government and Supreme Court to change their approach to ‘public interest litigation’, calling on the latter in particular to not “apply hard-fought commercial principles” to all Judicial Review actions.

Sports in brief

THE New Providence Basketball Association continued its regular season on Monday night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium with the Y-Care Wreckers and the Commonwealth Bank Giants both coming out victorious.

Tax Coalition moves to hire economist for VAT modelling

The Tax Coalition’s co-chair yesterday said it was the “slow release” of Value-Added Tax (VAT) details by the Government that had delayed public feedback, with the private sector body now poised to move on its own economic impact studies.

Aviation seeks equal VAT treatment with land, sea transport

The Bahamian domestic aviation industry yesterday said it was seeking ‘equal treatment’ with other transportation sectors over Value-Added Tax (VAT), a senior figure fearing it would suffer “devastating” consequences if not ‘exempt’.

'We were not given enough time to give views on crime'

FREEPORT – Rev Glenroy Bethel, founder of Families for Justice, believes local pastors were not given enough time to express their views on crime to the Minister of National Security and Commissioner of Police during the Pastors Forum in Grand Bahama.

Union: We can't help Scotiabank workers

THE BAHAMAS Financial Services Union (BFSU) said the latest round of potential commercial banking lay-offs showed the benefits of being unionised, as it could do nothing for Scotiabank workers.

How to overcome buyer objections

Most people really hate sales. Yet in many ways we are all salesmen, trying to sell a point of view, a product or a service. In fact, some professions have restrictions on how they can advertise their services, such as lawyers and doctors. Yet they still find a way to do exactly that, because everyone has to. But no matter if you use a hard sell or a soft sell, or any of the other methods out there, you are going to encounter the word ‘no’.

Airport unveils top employees

A computer and information technology (IT) expert, who earned the reputation of being the ‘go-to’ man at the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), has been named Employee of the Year for a record-setting second time.

BNT helps promote water conservation

THE Bahamas National Trust and Royal Bank of Canada have teamed up to increase water conservation awareness in the Bahamas through RBC’s Blue Water Project.

Realtors examine Palm Cay progress

More than a dozen brokers, agents and staff members of Mario Carey Realty (MCR) have taken a first-hand look at Palm Cay, the fully-funded 70 acre community on New Providence’s southeastern shore.

Cabinet decides on ID cards?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

BREA members double despite recession

THE Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) has seen its membership “almost double” over the past seven years, its president yesterday saying it was “definitely working” to resolve recent appraisal management issues.

Seeing What You're Lookin' at: Development from Inside Out

Remarks by Patricia Glinton-Meicholas

Construction starts on Caribbean Bottling's Freeport headquarters

FREEPORT - Caribbean Bottling Company has started construction on its new Freeport headquarters at the old Lowe’s Pipe & Steel Building on Yellow Pine Street.

Ya Hear?

• Ya hear Tyga has been ordered to pay $200,000?

Overstating the deal with BTC

I have just received the document issued by Franklyn Wilson, Chairman of the BTC Negotiating Committee, giving questions and answers about the new “Majority Bahamian Owned” BTC.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The PLP's dream boat has finally run aground

THE hollow announcement on BTC and the attainment of the much sought after two per cent—or lack of attainment of the same—is representative of the derailment of the PLP’s dream-selling express.

Rita Spriggs named Outstanding Pilot Club Member

A LIFE of service and sacrifice has been the hallmark of Bahamian Rita Spriggs, who was recently honoured for her long-standing commitment to the Pilot Club of Nassau civic organisation.

'Money, Man and Me'

UNDER the theme “Money, Man and Me,” Fidelity Bank will be hosting its Women Only 2014 Seminar at the Melia Nassau Resort, formerly known as the Sheraton.

Alex Baldwin and family visit Bahamas

MOVIE star Alec Baldwin was vacationing with his family at the One&Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island last week.

Jury selected for trial or pair accused of shooting senior cop

A JURY was selected yesterday to hear evidence in the attempted murder trial of two men accused of the hold up and shooting of a senior police officer.

Strike vote by Sandals union

UNIONISED Sandals Royal Bahamian employees will head to the polls on Thursday to decide whether or not they will strike.

A year since gaming vote - and still no action taken

ONE year after the Gambling Referendum took place, FNM Senator Darron Cash said Bahamians will mark this anniversary as a “disappointing reminder” of the political “impotence” of Prime Minister Perry Christie.

Halkitis: Don't judge VAT by effects on our neighbours

MICHAEL Halkitis, State Minister of Finance, says it is not fair to conclude that Value Added Tax (VAT) is a bad fit for the Bahamian economy despite its reported negative impact on neighbouring Caribbean countries.

Man faces court over Abaco 'executions'

TWO of the eight classified murder cases for 2014 are now before the courts after a man was flown to Nassau yesterday to be arraigned in connection with the recent killings in Abaco, referred to locally as “executions”.

35 lose jobs as KFC branch closes down

THIRTY-FIVE employees at Kentucky’s Village Road location were made redundant yesterday, after the company announced the immediate closure of that store for “economical reasons.”

New attempt at mortgage relief

THE government is reviewing a proposal from the Clearing Banks Association on how the mortgage relief programme can be revived yet again, according to State Minister of Finance Michael Halkitis.

300 graduate from training

PARTICIPANTS of the government’s National Training Agency (NTA) are crediting the programme with giving them the confidence to enter the Bahamian job market.

Countdown on for Operation Potcake

THE much anticipated second instalment of Operation Potcake is set for February 4-6 in communities around New Providence.

Are You Living By Faith or Fear?

Your everyday conversations formulate the person that you become and the life that you live. It may seem like a small thing to be in negative conversations with others, however, words have unlimited power. They are the surgical tools with which we sculpt our minds and mould our behaviours.

Gifts for first babies of 2014

Doctors Hospital welcomed Cayla-Jade Amy Campbell and Victor Henry Basil Dean, the first baby girl and baby boy born at the Maternity Ward in 2014.

Warship docks for Bahamas visit

“One of the most capable warships in the world” will be docked into Prince George Wharf during the next three days as its 200-member crew seeks to strengthen its relationship with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

Student warned to guard online data

STUDENTS must be careful to protect their online reputations as prospective employers are always watching, Data Commissioner Sharmie Farrington-Austin warned.

20,000 books donated by schools in Florida

MORE than 20,000 books have been donated to the Urban Renewal Commission by schools in Broward County, Ft Lauderdale.

Albany invests $100m in 'Caribbean leader'

Albany is set to invest up to $100 million in a property that will be “the highest end product of its type in the Caribbean”, its managing partner yesterday saying its plans to create another Monaco were “not idle rhetoric”.

'Lax' copyright enforcement no WTO obstacle

Concerns over the Bahamas’ intellectual property rights regime should “have not impact at all” on its progress to full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership, despite the US government once again criticising it for “lax enforcement”.

Multi-million copyright dispute nears resolution

The Bahamas was yesterday on the verge of resolving a second multi-million dollar copyright royalties dispute, a development that will “work to our benefit” on the accession to full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership.

35 KFC terminations branded 'inhumane'

The Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise holder was yesterday blasted for “inhumane” treatment of the 35 employees made redundant yesterday with the closure of its Village Road store.

Consumers warned: 'Be very concerned' over banks' appraisal plan

The appraisal management system being pushed by two Canadian-owned banks has “far reaching implications” that should make all Bahamian property owners “very concerned”, a well-known realtor warned yesterday.

Call for Bahamas to help Haiti

RADIO show-host Louby Georges is calling on the Bahamas to be a “big brother” to Haiti and use its voice in the international arena to help a neighbour dealing with ongoing economic strife.

Boxers ready for battle at the Independent Cup

KESHNO Major, Rashield Williams, Ronald Woodside and Godfrey Strachan will carry the Bahamian flag at the AIBA’s annual Independent Cup in the Dominican Republic next month as they begin the trek towards the 2016 Olympic Games.

Fed Cup: Only three players good to go

What Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association president Derron Donaldson had anticipated to be a very good team heading to the Americas Zone One Fed Cup Tie for women has now been depleted because of injuries and school commitments to the top singles players.

Sumner returns as president of bodybuilding federation

FOR the third consecutive four-year term, Danny Sumner will serve as president of the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.

'Breakout year' expected for sports tourism in Bahamas

WITHIN the first month of the new year, the Bahamas has already taken part in three major initiatives, which sets the tone for what the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture expects to be a “breakout year” for sports tourism.

The better solutions for fiscal salvation

By JOHN BOSTWICK II

BTVI attendees get financial check-up

Staff, faculty and students at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) have received a financial wellness check-up from leading banks, insurance companies and credit unions.

Law firm unveils latest partners

Samantha M. Williams and Christopher J. Wells have become Graham Thompson’s latest partners.

Exuma's challenges main focus at Council meeting

Healthcare accessibility, a lean labour pool and the high cost of doing business were among the issues discussed last week at the inaugural Exuma Advisory Council meeting, held at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa.

Suspects held after robbery

THE quick response of Grand Bahama police officers resulted in the capture of three suspects following a daring daylight robbery.

Bahamas in 7m tourist target

TOURISM officials yesterday said they are hoping to attract a “routine arrival” of cruise ships to the southern Bahamas, as they bid to increase annual visitor numbers to a total of seven million.

Don't be distracted from big issues

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Minister wants increased penalties for poaching

THE MINISTER of Agriculture and Fisheries yesterday said he was pushing to “stiffen” penalties levied against illegal poachers, noting that the Defence Force needed to be “sufficiently equipped” to tackle the issue.

Bettering the Bahamas through 'Volun-touism'

ONE of the largest marketers of employee benefits in the United States, Assurant Employee Benefits, is coming to The Bahamas.

Plants, plants, plants!

THE big day is once again upon us. Mark your calendar for Saturday morning, February 1. Only once a year will you find an event quite like this one.

The BTC deal

Prior to today’s announcement by the Prime Minister, Cable and Wireless (C&W) was the majority owner of BTC and the Government was the minority owner.

Monument in honour of Fox Hill shooting victims

A MONUMENT is set be created in honour of the victims of last month’s Freedom Park shootings, Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell announced.

Jessica Korda wins Bahamas LPGA Classic

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Jessica Korda laughed about her winning up-and-down and being sprayed with shaving cream. She choked up, too, thinking about her cancer-stricken coach.

COB shortlist lists former head despite plagiarism row

FORMER COB president Dr Rodney Smith, who resigned his post amid a high profile plagiarism controversy, is one of the four Bahamians short-listed to head the institution as it moves toward university status.

COB given advice on university plan

IF the College of the Bahamas intends to become a university in 2015, it must first implement nine recommendations, according to a report produced by rapporteurs appointed by the college’s council.

Foundation will not end BTC support of community

FEARS that the Bahamas Telecommunications Company will slash its social contributions to the Bahamian public by virtue of the introduction of the BTC Foundation were laid to rest yesterday.

Tourists robbed at gunpoint on Jaws Beach

TWO tourists were robbed of their belongings and a rental car at gunpoint over the weekend, The Tribune understands.

PM 'humbled' as he joins civil rights walk of fame

PRIME Minister Perry Christie was among ten people whose footprints were added to the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, over the weekend.

Victim bound and murdered

A FORMER Mississippi investor, who had been charged by US officials for perpetrating security fraud, became the country’s latest murder victim when he was found stabbed and mutilated in his home.

More than 30 arrests over weekend

IT WAS a busy weekend for police as more than 30 people were detained for questioning in connection with a variety of crimes and infractions.

Pair to stand trial over cop shooting

TWO men accused of the hold up and near-fatal shooting of a senior police officer is expected to stand trial today in the Supreme Court, less than a year since being arraigned in Magistrate’s Court.

PHA Board rift 'costs taxpayers thousands'

The Board battle at the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) has cost the Bahamian people several hundred thousand dollars, with its $48.3 million bond issue left sitting unclaimed in a bank account for over two months.

Super Value chief fearing $12m VAT, licence cost rises

Super Value is bracing for a $1 million per month cost increase from Value-Added Tax (VAT) and other fees, its owner warning that the Government’s fiscal reform plans will “wipe out the food retail industry”.

Domestic centre to position nation as 'dispute innovator'

The private sector is hoping that plans to launch a domestic arbitration centre this year will position the Bahamas as “one of the innovators” in the Caribbean, and prevent companies throwing money “into a black hole” legally.

Wilson: Minnis to get 'day in court' on BTC

A key member of the Government’s Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) negotiating team has pledged it will investigate how Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) became involved in the privatisation process when it was not among the original bidders.

Doctors chief calls for healthcare to be VAT 'zero rated'

Doctors Hospital’s president has called for healthcare to be ‘zero-rated’ rather than ‘exempt’ under the proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT), arguing that it is already “too late” for the Government to meet its July 1 implementation target.

'Great experience' for Georgette Rolle

THE pressure of carrying the Bahamas’ representation on her shoulders was a little too much for Georgette Rolle to handle at the second annual Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic at the Ocean Golf Course on Paradise Island over the weekend.

Golden Knights settle for silver in Scotland

WHILE Shaunae Miller was burning up the track in the United States, the “Golden Knights”, led by Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown, made their return to prominence in Glasgow, Scotland.

Shaunae wins on and off the track

Shaunae Miller had a big weekend, both locally and internationally off and on the track, typical of the showing the 19-year-old quartermiler had in 2013.

A failure to tackle our problems

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Fiscal rule 'timing' critical for Bahamas

The Bahamas should wait until after its upcoming reforms to impose a ‘fiscal rule’, a former finance minister agreeing that it could impose “discipline” on the Government’s Budget.

Being careful when serving two masters

In every sector of our corporate environment, moonlighting has become a consistent mainstay, with many persons enjoying the benefits of receiving two and three salaries at any one given time.

PM set for summit in Cuba

PRIME Minister Perry Christie was scheduled to land in Havana, Cuba this morning for the second summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

Gov't urged: 'Redirect energies' following BTC

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) has urged the Government to “redirect its energies” to more pressing issues, now it has resolved the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) deal behind it.

Chamber moves on education plans

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) has unveiled a nationwide campaign to launch its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) mentorship programme, promoting its initiatives and VAT education in partnership with the Ministry of Finance.

BORCO designates 36 staff 'safety stars'

Some 36 Bahamas Oil Refining Company International (BORCO) workers have been recognised as safety stars, after the company last year launched a Safety Star Programme geared towards improving ‘safety culture’.

Resorts see minimal impact via US storms

Nassau resorts have reported that bookings and occupancy levels have only been minimally impacted by severe winter storms which have slammed the northeastern US, and resulted in a record number of flight cancellations.

Sandyport resort gains top award

Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel has won the RCI Gold Crown Resort award, the highest of the three RCI designations that are largely determined by vacationers’ comments.

Resort celebrates upgrade completion

One of Harbour Island’s best-known resorts is launching a two-week special under the theme of ‘Let’s Get Physical.’

Mandela portrait a gift to Castro

LOCAL artist Alex Miller is today officially donating his portrait of Nelson Mandela to Fidel Castro.

Man found bound and stabbed to death

FREEPORT – Grand Bahama recorded its first homicide for the year on Friday evening when a man was found stabbed to death at his residence in the Lucaya area.

Credit card fraud: $100,000 stolen in two months

MORE than $100,000 has been stolen from persons in the Bahamas during a wave of credit card fraud in the last two months.

Witness denies he wanted Rodney Moncur jailed

THE last witness in the Crown’s “grossly indecent” picture posting case against Rodney Moncur denied a suggestion yesterday that he wanted Moncur to be jailed.

Missing man murdered in his home

RELATIVES who became concerned after they didn’t see a man for three days discovered him stabbed to death in his home.

Bran: Govt should say sorry for selling a dream

THE government has been called upon to apologise to the Bahamian people for trying to sell them the “far-fetched dream” that majority shares in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company have been reacquired.

Sealed with a kiss - the start of LPGA Golf Classic

ROOKIE professional Lydia Ko, who won the Canadian Women’s Open as a 16-year-old amateur last August, shot a 5-under-par 68 Thursday to share the first-round lead with Meena Lee at the season-opening Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

Minister speaks to workers after protest march

ENVIRONMENT Minister Kenred Dorsett assured workers from the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) who demonstrated in Rawson Square on Tuesday that the issue of their outstanding overtime pay is being addressed by the Ministry of Finance.

Pair jailed for ten years for armed raid on store

TWO men who claimed to be remorseful for the armed robbery of a Chinese convenience store were jailed for 10 years yesterday.

Leon Williams to be senior advisor on C&W board

FORMER BTC CEO Leon Williams will be appointed the senior Bahamian policy adviser on the Cable and Wireless board, the Tribune has learned.

FNM: BTC deal is a betrayal

PRIME Minister Perry Christie’s announcement of a new BTC deal was a “shameful and cynical betrayal of his campaign promise”, the FNM said yesterday.

Call for greater dialogue after shanty town blaze

TWO radio personalities have called on the government, and the wider public, to take a greater involvement in fostering dialogue between the Haitian and Bahamian communities.

Love is in the air for new seaplane service

FORT Lauderdale-based Tropic Ocean Airways today confirmed its inaugural two-day-a-week scheduled seaplane service to Hope Town, Great Abaco, will begin on Valentine’s Day.

Marathon Bahamas: Bank awards students in relay run

AFTER winning first, second and third place respectively, the CV Bethel Stingrays, St Anne’s Bluewaves and the Queen’s College Comets were awarded by Scotiabank for their performances in the 2014 Marathon Bahamas Students Relay Run.

Argricultural programme is thriving

CENTRAL Andros High School has a thriving, diverse agricultural programme.

Service held to mark 50 years of tourism ministry

TOURISM officials on Grand Bahama attended a service at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King on Thursday in observance of the Ministry of Tourism’s 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary.

McDonald's gets McFancy

WHEN McDonald’s went upscale becoming the café of choice at Fashion Weeks in New York and Paris, the new McFancy was an instant hit.eé

17-year-old in hospital after being stabbed in street

A 17-YEAR-OLD boy is recovering in hospital after being stabbed while walking home on Wednesday afternoon.

Killer's sentencing delayed for another month

A MAN’s sentencing for the paid execution of a banker has been delayed by a month due to an ongoing trial before his sentencing judge.

Scotiabank to minimse outsourcing lay-offs

SCOTIABANK (Bahamas) yesterday announced plans to “centralise’ some of its Bahamian back office functions into its Trinidad & Tobago hub, and is attempting to either avoid or minimise staff lay-offs as a result.

MSC's Freeport 'pull out' threatens jobs

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the global shipping giant, is “pulling” its back office operation - and potentially over 40 jobs - from Freeport as a result of the Government’s failure to revoke the 1 per cent Customs administrative processing fee.

VAT a 'more fair regressive tax'

The Tax Coalition’s co-chair yesterday hit back at “misleading” government assertions about Value-Added Tax (VAT), producing a hypothetical example (shown here) where a middle class family paid - as a percentage of their income - 62 per cent more tax than their wealthy counterparts.

No comment on hospital suspension

OFFICIALS at the Public Hospitals Authority last night refused to comment on the apparent suspension of its managing director as it probes the alleged mishandling of a multi-million dollar bond.

Bahamas urged to target 'juridicial' dispute seat

NASSAU could become a “prime juridical seat for arbitration”, a leading Miami commercial litigation and arbitration attorney said yesterday, arguing that this was the “best course of action” for the Bahmaas to take.

Player of the week

National team player Jaraun ‘Keno’ Burrows’ decision to go to Finland to continue his professional career is paying off big dividends.

IMF's 'fiscal rule' demands 'spot on'

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) was last night backed as “spot on” in its call for the Government to implement ‘a fiscal rule’, arguing that this would “enhance the predictability and credibility” of its annual Budgets.

Gov't negotiates aribitration MOU with the Chamber

THE Ministry of Financial Services is finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) to build the “capacity and framework” for domestic arbitration, the Minister of Financial Services revealed yesterday.

Union's BTC Board control hope dashed

The trade union representing the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) line staff yesterday said it was “a bit disappointed” that the Government had failed to regain Board control, having hoped this would provide a bulwark against further job losses.

Ko and Lee hold two-way lead after the first day

ROOKIE Lydia Ko, off to an impressive start in her professional campaign, joined Meena Lee in a two-way lead after the first day of competition Thursday at the Pure Silk-Bahamas Golf Tournament that officially opened the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s 2014 season.

CWC: $25m BTC deal 'price worth paying'

Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) decided that $25 million was “a price worth paying” for peace with the Bahamian government, a London-based analyst yesterday describing their deal as “an elegant resolution”.

Inter-American Development Bank backs co-operation plan

THE Inter-American Development Bank has approved a technical co-operation plan entitled ‘Strengthening the Capacity of the Office of the Prime Minister’, Minister of State for Investments Khaalis Rolle said yesterday.

Realty firm: Transaction value rose 35% in 2013

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has named its 2013 Top Producers, following a year in which the firm’s total transaction value increased by 35 per cent over 2012. They are:

Branding that goes beyond a mere logo

By Deidre Bastian

Q1 opening eyed for Palm Cay restaurant

Two experienced restaurateurs are set to open Palm Cay’s Billfish Grill during the 2014 first quarter, ensuring eastern New Providence residents no longer have to drive far to dine out.

Seaplane service to Hope Town confirmed

Fort Lauderdale-based Tropic Ocean Airways yesterday confirmed its inaugural twice weekly scheduled seaplane service to Hope Town, Abaco, will begin this Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14.

Pair charged over drugs find

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Poll almost tied on national ID card question

In the closest Tribune poll yet, there was just one vote between those in favour of a national ID card and those against.

Racism claim at hotel

THERE is an obvious solution for the recurring racism that is said to originate from some white executives in the hotel industry:

Study puts focus on living conditions

A STUDY on waste water treatment plants in New Providence is expected to bring new insight to waste disposal challenges in the country, in particular, the issue of outside toilets.

'Stop breaking law by fingerprinting foreign teachers'

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson yesterday called for the Ministry of Education to immediately stop ‘violating’ the Employment Act by requiring expatriate teachers to be fingerprinted as part of its vetting process.

The new Bahamians

By DR HUBERT MINNIS

'Don't bet on sentence cuts'

REMISSION practices at Her Majesty’s Prison came under fire yesterday in the Court of Appeal, with judges denouncing the mindset of inmates who believe they are entitled to a sentence reduction.

Waste workers march in protest

MORE than 150 Department of Environmental Health Services workers rallied in Rawson Square yesterday to demand Prime Minister Perry Christie meet with their representatives over job security concerns.

Businessman raises concerns about quality of BTC service

A PROMINENT businessman yesterday raised concerns about BTC’s quality of service amid the attention being given to the new deal between Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) and the government.

Man shot dead in bathroom

A PINEWOOD Gardens man is dead after being shot in the head through his bathroom window late Tuesday night.

No control of BTC for govt

ONE of the government’s lead negotiators in the BTC take-back talks yesterday publicly apologised for his earlier claim that the purchase of BTC was a “horrible deal”.

Police seek man for questioning

POLICE are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 31-year-old Earnest Forrest of Ida Street, who they want to question in connection with the murder of Kendrick King Strachan on December 31, 2013.

Chance to dive alongside great hammerheads

A CHANCE to dive with the elusive yet majestic great hammerhead shark is less than a month away with the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina today releasing dates for February and March 2014.

Football stars join fishing tournament

THE sport fishing experience of a lifetime is coming to the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina in April.

Smith voted back in at Police Staff Association

INSPECTOR Dwight Smith has been re-elected Chairman of the Police Staff Association (PSA), according to unofficial results from Monday’s election.

Appeal hearing delayed by late receipt of trial transcripts

LATE receipt of trial transcripts delayed the appeal hearing of a man contesting his conviction and life sentence for murdering a fast food restaurant manager after seducing and robbing him.

Senior attorney guilty of 'gross misconduct'

A ‘senior attorney’ has been found guilty of “gross misconduct” in his representation of clients who acquired property at Exuma’s controversy-stricken Oceania Heights development.

Receivers accused of 'outrageous privacy invasion'

A Bahamian realtor has accused the former receivers for Abaco’s Orchid Bay project of “an extensive and outrageous invasion of privacy”, and denied inferences that he or his family had “behaved in any way fraudulently”.

Gov't urged: 'Get serious' on public pensions reforms

A top accountant yesterday urged the Government “to get serious” on making changes to civil service pensions, warning that ever-increasing unfunded liabilities threatened to create “huge deficits” regardless of fiscal reform.

$150m investment targeted for BTC

CABLE & Wireless Communications (CWC) plans to invest $150 million in further building out the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) infrastructure over the next three years, its group chief executive said yesterday.

BISX targeting 'same level of success and more' on fund listings

The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) yesterday said it was aiming to “achieve the same level of success as last year and then some” when it comes to attracting new fund listings in 2014.

Rolle: I expect to make the cut

In her second appearance on the LPGA tour, Bahamian golfer Georgette Rolle looks to improve on last year’s performance at the Pure Silk Bahamas Classic when the 2014 edition of the tournament tees off today.

Arbitration: Bahamas 'has much going for it'

THE Bahamas has “a lot going for it” to ultimately become a major international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution centre, a leading expert in the field said yesterday.

Operators beat the Caribs

IN the lone game played in the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association last night, the defending champions kept pace in the standings and and are now just a game behind first place.

Mango targets 'Visa-enabled' card relaunch

TRANSFER Solutions Providers (TSP) will relaunch its Mango Card by next month as a “Visa-enabled” product, with expectations of having a “full suite” of Mango mobile-money products in the market by year’s end.

Basketball Olympic journey begins this year

WHEN the Bahamas Basketball Federation chose to revamp its national team programme and its coaching staff, its intention was to bring greater focus and organisation in the sport for the country on the international stage.

The hidden word

By Rev. Angela C. Bosfield Palacious

Total Youth Church to host leadership seminar

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Landlines affected

BTC customers were affected by an interruption to landline, internet and cell services in some parts of South New Providence yesterday.

Praying the time and season to shine

By Kevin Ewing

Ricardo Clarke's 'Don't Count Me Out' wins international award

By ALESHA CADET

Workshop held on export grant scheme

FREEPORT – Businesspersons on Grand Bahama attended the Caribbean Export Development Agency’s Direct Assistance Grant Scheme workshop yesterday at the Pelican Bay Resort.

Community outreach week

Living Waters Kingdom Ministries concluded a successful week of community outreach with a clothing drive to members of the Fort Charlotte constituency on Saturday. The church, in collaboration with Women Supporting Women Ministries of Florida, USA, gave away clothes to needy persons in the community. The drive was advertised to members of the constituency by the Fort Charlotte Urban Renewal division. The distribution began at 8am and scores of persons quietly lined up on the church grounds to choose from an assortment of adult and children’s clothes, blankets, stuffed animals and shoes.

Cursillo community to host 'transformative' retreat

ON SATURDAY, the Cursillo community invites the young and old to the 2014 Retreat to be held at St Christopher in Lyford Cay, beginning at 9 am though to 1 pm.

Engineering firm in Caribbean expansion

A Bahamian engineering company has met with the Oklahoma City-based developer of Star Building Systems to discuss expansion throughout the Caribbean.

Small exporters urged to attend grant 'shop

The Minister of Financial Services yesterday urged small and medium-sized exporters to attend today’s grant writing workshop, neing staged by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) in collaboration with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC).

Saxons book author meets education minister

DR EMMANUEL Francis, author of ‘The History of the Saxons Junkanoo Group (The Early Years): Stories of a Forgotten Bahamian Culture’, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald.

Conference examines animal rights

LAST month, Yale University held the Personhood Beyond the Human conference.

Breakthrough Healing and Deliverance Crusade

The family of Calvary Deliverance Church, East Street South & Malcolm Allotment, under the leadership of Senior Pastor James Newry concludes 26 days of Prayer and Fasting on Sunday in spiritual preparation for “a dynamic, soul impacting, prophetic move of God” in a three-day community “Breakthrough Healing and Deliverance Crusade” from January 27-29.

'Invest scholar funds in COB students'

THE Ministry of Education has been advised to invest most of its scholarship money in students attending the College/University of the Bahamas, Minister Jerome Fitzgerald revealed.

Correction

DR SPARKMAN Ferguson will hold his 15th annual Epiphany Organ Recital on Thursday, January 30, not on Thursday, the 24th as incorrectly reported in Wednesday’s Features Section.

Reflections on Majority Rule: Part 2

By Rev. Canon S. Sebastian Campbell

Port, Chamber partner over grants workshop

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) partnered with the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce and Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) to host another successful grant writing workshop for small and medium-sized enteprises on Grand Bahama.

Trust gets 2% of BTC in 'face saving deal'

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) controlling shareholder will enable Perry Christie to claim he has regained majority ownership for the Bahamian people by handing 2 per cent of its equity stake to a foundation, in a deal where “everyone saves face”.

'Face-saving' deal with BTC

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) controlling shareholder will enable Perry Christie to claim he has regained majority ownership for Bahamians by handing two per cent of its equity stake to a foundation, in a ‘face saving’ deal.

Working hard to honour Martin Luther King Day

MONDAY, January 20, was recognised in the United States as a day of service to commemorate Martin Luther King Day.

Road checks cause crowds at immigration

RANDOM immigration road checks have sent droves of people to the Department of Immigration this week, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell said yesterday.

Minnis calls for election over gaming vote regret

IF PRIME Minister Perry Christie can admit to regretting the referendum on numbers, then Bahamians should be allowed to show they have changed their mind over electing the PLP, Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.

Pinder: No rift over Swiss banker case

MINISTER of Financial Services Ryan Pinder yesterday denied there was a rift between the Ministry of Financial Services and Ministry of Immigration over the handling of a UBS executive during an immigration road block.

Mitchell backs ID card to tackle immigration

A NATIONAL ID card could unravel the complex and contentious issue of regularisation for persons born in the Bahamas to migrants.

New club on the block: Ibiza Bahama

OVER THE years, Nassau has witnessed many nightclubs come and many clubs go.

PSA expect elections to run smoothly

POLICE Staff Association (PSA) officials expect today’s elections to run smoothly.

Smith must wait for court date in indecent assault cause

POLICEMAN Dwight Smith has to wait to find out which court will be hearing his indecent assault case after a police prosecutor said he and Smith were related.

Man walks free in murder trial, second case goes to retrial

TWO murder cases before the Supreme Court reached divergent conclusions yesterday where one man walked free and the other went back to prison to await retrial because of a hung jury.

Seahorse Institute opens its doors after fire

MORE than 150 people gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Seahorse Institute on 85 Soldier Road, one year to the day after the old facility was destroyed in a fire.

Human trafficking is a 'difficult issue' for police

HUMAN trafficking has been a “difficult” issue for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, but Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade says they remained determined in their pursuit of smugglers who put people’s lives at risk.

Bikers urged to join motorcycle clubs

MORE than 50 per cent of motorcyclists in the Bahamas are not affiliated with licensed motorcycle clubs, Brendan Foulkes, president of a prominent “riders club,” told The Tribune yesterday.

Pair admit armed raid on Chinese store

TWO men are awaiting sentencing in the Supreme Court after they pleaded guilty yesterday to the armed robbery of a Chinese convenience store.

Acting president appointed at COB

THE College of the Bahamas council has appointed Dr Earla Carey-Baines acting president of COB.

D-Mac to ramp up music production in 2014

INTERNATIONAL superstar Beyonce released an entire visual album in just one night, and music producer Pharell released the world’s first ever 24 hour video for his single Happy.

Red Cross presents 'Rhapsody In Blue'

UNDER THE theme “ Rhapsody in Blue,” The Bahamas Red Cross Society will present its 42nd Annual Red Cross Ball on Saturday.

Florida artist inspired by the Islands of The Bahamas

TWENTY five years ago Florida native Daniel Caldwell fell in love with the vivid colour contrasts and the amazing water visibility that defines Bahamian waters.

No final tariff list until two months pre-VAT

Bahamian businesses and consumers may not see the final revised Tariff Schedule until just two months before Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) implementation, a leading supermarket operator yesterday describing the proposed fiscal reforms as “still a nightmare”.

VAT 'won't be smooth' if July 1 target stays

Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) implementation “won’t be smooth” if the Government insists on its July 1 start, a Tax Coalition co-chair yesterday urging it be pushed back to a target date that will cause “the least amount of pain”.

Realtor: 'Business loss' drives appraisal battle

A senior realtor yesterday said large appraisers were “screaming murder” over two Canadian bank’s proposed management system because it would ensure they no longer received “the lion’s share” of business.

Bahamian classical performer prepares for new show

FOR ANOTHER year, the St John’s College Music Department will be the beneficiary of new instruments due to the proceeds from the annual Epiphany Recital by solo organist Dr Sparkman Ferguson on Thursday, January 25 at 7:45pm, Christ Church Cathedral. 

Christopher Ferguson gets full athletic scholarship

WHEN Dawnita Fry took her family to the United States, she knew that it would change their lives, but she didn’t anticipate it would be like this.

College awards for outstanding alumni

TO mark the College of the Bahamas’ 40th anniversary, some of COB’s most outstanding alumni along with past and present faculty and staff members will be presented awards, COB vice president for advancement Dr Ian Strachan, announced.

'It's going to be tough'

If there’s any player who is eager to return to play in the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic this weekend, it’s defending champion Ilhee Lee.

Sports in brief

WALTIEA Rolle earned the top performer award again this week by BGBasket.com for her outstanding performance in the NBL League, Bulgaria. Haskovo 2012 beat out No.6 team Rilski Sportist with an 85- 62 win.

PM shjows 'blatant disregard for the will of the people'

OUTSPOKEN Pastor Mario Moxey said Prime Minister Perry Christie’s admission that he regrets holding the failed gambling referendum shows “blatant disregard” for the will of the Bahamian people.

Bail revoked as accused man breaches bail conditions

A JUDGE who previously granted a man $30,000 bail revoked it after the electronically-monitored murder accused breached his bail conditions while awaiting trial.

FATCA compliance no 'flip of switch'

A leading accountant yesterday described the mechanism the Bahamas will use to comply with the US Foreign Account Compliance Act (FATCA) as “no small undertaking”, suggesting there was no simple “flip of the switch” for providers once the Government has the necessary infrastructure in place.

Licensing fees to be exempted for winners of Power 5 challenge

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority has demonstrated support for local foundation by exempting the first year’s licensing fees for the five winners of the Power 5 Challenge.

Barracuda swimmers dominate overall categories at Swift meet

BARRACUDA swimmers dominated the overall categories in the Swift meet at Betty Kelly Kenning National Swimming Complex over the weekend.

Putting the focus on students at open house

FOCUS, a non-profit educational enrichment programme geared towards public school students, recently hosted its 3rd annual open house.

Atlantis reactivates weather station

THE Atlantis Resort has completed an upgrade and reactivation exercise of an existing but obsolete weather station on Paradise Island in an effort to further improve the everyday experience for both guests and staff.

TOUGH CALL: Are we making the most of our historic remains?

TREASURE CAY, Abaco — Remains of Carleton, the first loyalist settlement on this island, lie scattered over the landscape just off Treasure Cay Drive, the road that connects to the highway between the public beach and the adjacent creek.

Tourism body names new vice-president

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has named Suzanne Pattusch to replace Frank Comito as its executive vicepresident. She will assume the post on March 3, 2014.

Coaches hold inaugural Throwers All-Comers Meet at COB

WITH no local track and field meet being held at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium over the weekend, a group of coaches took advantage of the break to hold the inaugural Throwers All-Comers Meet at the College of the Bahamas on Saturday.

Remember Gus Cooper

EDITOR, The Tribune.

MARKETING REVOLUTION: The seven essential business web pages

Brendon Burchard is a best-selling author who was in a serious car accident. In that moment, as he faced death, he realised he had not lived up to his true potential. He asked himself three questions: Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter?

Govt killing all it touches

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Carlton E Francis girls, boys, win title

It must sound like a scratched tape, but Carlton E Francis has done it again. The most dominant primary school basketball team this year, coached by Sherman Smith, completed the New Providence Primary Schools Sports Association’s basketball tournament by winning both the boys and girls’ title at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Friday.

Mario Carey Realty in Long Island expansion

Five years after Mario Carey Realty (MCR) first opened its doors in downtown Nassau, the firm is expanding again with plans to open a Long Island office.

Freedom Farm opens baseball season

HUNDREDS of young baseball players (boys and girls) in the Freedom Farm Baseball Youth Development League gathered with adoring fathers and mothers, sponsors, coaches, family and friends to worship at Holy Cross Anglican Church on Saturday.

Start of sculling season announced

BAHAMIAN Brewery and Beverage has announced the start of the 2014 sculling season as well as their partnership with Eleazor Johnson and the first sculling event – the St Valentine Regatta – scheduled for February 15-16.

Food retailers mixed on post-Xmas drop off

NASSAU-based food retailers have reported a “slight” to “considerable” drop-off in post-Christmas business, one telling Tribune Business he did foresee any major pick-up until around Easter.

Crime and granting of bail

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Ya Hear?

• Ya hear Jay Z and Beyonce might open the grammy awards with a performance?

Development from inside out: A vision for creative Nassau

Creative Nassau was formed in 2008 by my late husband Jackson Burnside III after we attended a UNESCO Creative Cities Conference on Creative Tourism in Santa Fe which resonated so clearly with our Doongalik Studios’ vision statement that by the year 2020 more persons will travel to The Bahamas because of its art, culture and heritage rather than merely for its sun, sand, and sea.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority set to 'flourish' in 2014

UNDER THE leadership of its new president Alana Ingraham, the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is set to “flourish” in 2014.

Winning is a choice: Are you choosing to win or lose?

It is said that many are called, but only a few are chosen, which is often misinterpreted, to mean that only a select few are born to win while others are born to lose.

Stem cell conference to convene international experts

A GLOBAL CONFERENCE to be held next month will further the debate surrounding the implementation of a regenerative medicine industry in the Bahamas.

Man faces court over $2m drug seizure

A MAN was arraigned yesterday in Magistrate’s Court in connection with the $2 million drug seizure that occurred five days ago near a graveyard in Grand Bahama.

'Crime driven by domestic violence'

NEW research shows domestic violence is a major driver of country’s crime problems, Social Service Minister Melanie Griffin revealed.

$100m lawsuit refiled over helicopter crash death

THE $100 million lawsuit filed against a Florida billionaire over a 2012 helicopter crash in the Bahamas that killed a prominent tax attorney has been refiled after being withdrawn earlier this month, according to the Associated Press.

TRIBUNE POLL: Govt's response to December shootings 'poor'

Voters in The Tribune poll have slammed the government's response to the spate of shootings last month.

‘Going against referendum vote would be political suicide’

ANY DECISION to act against the thousands of Bahamians who voted “no” to legalising numbers in the Bahamas is “political suicide”, according to an influential religious leader yesterday.

PM told put up or shut up over BTC

WITH Bahamians anticipating an announcement on whether the majority stake in BTC has been successfully acquired, FNM Chairman Daron Cash says Prime Minister Perry Christie should either “put up or shut up”.

COB president vetting process under way

AT least four of more than 20 persons who have applied to be President of the College of the Bahamas will start visiting the college community as part of a vetting process soon after they are publicly identified next week, Acting COB President Dr Earla Carey-Baines said yesterday.

NATIONAL ID CARD PLANS GO BEFORE CABINET

IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell said yesterday a proposal on the introduction of a National Identification Card is now before Cabinet for its consideration.

Sex predators hired in schools

THE vetting process for expatriate teachers is a crucial tool for the Ministry of Education as past shortfalls have resulted in hiring teachers who were sexual predators, Education Director Lionel Sands revealed.

Police ask for help in tracking down pair of armed robbers

POLICE want the public’s help in locating two men who were involved in two separate armed robberies.

Crisis Centre continues vital work in new home

THE BAHAMAS Crisis Centre has relocated to a new home that will enable the non-profit organisation to offer greater assistance and serve victims of violence.

Prison reform 'already producing results'

A NEW approach to prison reform implemented at Her Majesty’s Prisons is already producing positive results as violence against staff by inmates “has never been lower”, Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage said.

Suretors left to face court after bailed man's no-show

TWO suretors found themselves strapped with a $500 fine or alternative prison sentence yesterday, because the man they stood $7,500 bail for on a drug possession charge failed to turn up for numerous court dates.

Defence Force helps to clean Lucayan Park

THE Grand Bahama branch of the Bahamas National Trust teamed up with 100 Defence Force Rangers to complete a second public service project at Lucayan National Park.

Correction

IN the Tribune Health story published on Monday, January 13, 2014, with the headline “Signature Events to Raise Money For Health Causes”, Ingrid Sears, public relations of the Heart Ball Committee, was mistakenly quoted as saying that one in six children in the Bahamas are born with heart disease.

Artists put work on show to help the national parks

ABACO – This month, some of the most celebrated Bahamian artists will gather at Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina to share the beauty of their work while protecting the beauty of the Bahamas.

Jury excused for legal discussions in murder case

A JURY sworn to hear evidence in a murder trial was excused yesterday while prosecution and defence lawyers held legal discussions with the presiding judge.

Learning from the best at LPGA Classic event

AROUND 90 students took part in a Junior Golf Clinic at the 2014 PureSilk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, held at the Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island yesterday.

'Asset preservation' key for troubled borrowers

Bahamian corporate liquidators will likely take on more of a management/receiver type role, a leading accountant believes, as banks and other creditors increasingly try to ‘nurse’ troubled borrowers back to health.

Oil explorer: 'Upside' in JV partner's exit

While most firms would bemoan the loss of a joint venture partner, the Bahamans Petroleum Company (BPC) yesterday said Statoil’s departure would create “upside” for its approved licence areas.

Bahamas targets July 1 for ‘full FATCA sign up’

The Bahamas is aiming to be “fully signed up” and compliant with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) by July 1, with the Government seeking to finalise discussions on its intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the US Treasury by next month.

'Worst ever January' sparks 30% auto sales decline fear

A well-known Bahamian auto dealer yesterday estimated that 2014 auto sales could decline 30 per cent year-over-year, based on what he described as “one of the worst January’s ever”.

Royal Bank presses 'reset' on appraisal controversy

The Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president yesterday expressed hope Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) had pressed “the reset button”, after it postponed plans to impose an appraisal management company on the industry.

Students take advantage of golf clinics at Ocean Club

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

Teachers union's $6m share offer

THE Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) is gearing up to launch an “historic” share offering that aims to raise $6 million for financing a “state of the art”, 18,000 square foot headquarters on Bethel Avenue.

Go beyond 'one size fits all' template

Years ago, a soft drink company set out to find which was the best cola in the US. Why? The company wanted to develop the best cola and completely capture the market. It spared no expense, and launched a massive research team to go around the entire US and interview as many people as they could.

Burning up the track

Sprinter/hurdler Devynne Charlton continues to turn heads as she competes in her freshmen year at Purdue University.

BAAA awards set for Sunday

AFTER a month-long delay, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ much anticipated Year-Ending Awards presentation will be held at Government House on Sunday.

Bahamas urged: 'Be ahead of pace' in finance crime fight

THE Bahamas must be on “top of its game” and “ahead of the pace” in combating in financial crimes, a Cabinet minister said yesterday, adding that just one incident could be extremely damaging to the jurisdiction.

Butler institute graduates 24 pupils

THE Bahamas’ first-ever butler training institute has seen 24 graduates obtain local and international certification, its facilitator said yesterday.

Lyford Cay pupils excel in Baccalaureate

AS PART of the International Baccalaureate diploma programme, Lyford Cay International School students in grades 11 and 12, complete an extended essay of 4,000 words.

Blame Dem is a friend of Dr Minnis

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Man wins car in BTC contest

GORDON Soles, the only man in a group of 11 sweepstakes finalists, won the BTC grand prize – a 2014 Ford Explorer – in front of a packed crowd in Pompey Square over weekend.

Drake University students visit Nassau

FOR the second consecutive year, students from Drake University are visiting Nassau to participate in the Leadership at Sea program which focuses on teamwork, leadership and seamanship.

Money provider reveals payday lending product

A Bahamian money solutions provider has launched its “alternative” pay day loan, aiming to offer customers small credit sums at low cost.

Exuma resort hosts athlete fundraiser

Top Canadian athletes will celebrate the winter Olympics at Exuma’s Grand Isle Resort & Spa in a bid to raise money for their fellow sportsmen.

Bahamians should accept reality, or lose it all

THE UNFORTUNATE detention of Swiss banker Emmanuel Fiaux, executive director of UBS Bank on East Bay Street, reveals how many Bahamians are ignorant of what side their bread is buttered on. They want jobs, they want the luxury of living beyond their means, they want their country to survive its present economic crisis, and yet they nurse their innate prejudice against the white foreigner who is the banker, the investor, the financier – the creator of much of the wealth without which this country could not rise above a fishing village.

PM: House survey will help fight against crime

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said despite crime statistics showing decreases in serious crimes last year, the government is pushing “even harder” to improve the lives of Bahamians – beginning with a door-to-door survey.

Two men fight for life after drive-by shooting

TWO men are fighting for their lives in hospital following a drive by shooting early Saturday morning. It happened around 2am.

Husband and wife win Marathon Bahamas

A husband and wife duo emerged as the major story-line Sunday morning as Sunshine Insurance’s Race Weekend concluded with the fifth edition of Marathon Bahamas.

Consultation with foreign groups over Bahamasair

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said officials are in discussions with foreign entities on how to improve the performance of cash strapped Bahamasair.

Two 'executed' in Abaco killings

POLICE have several persons in custody in connection with two “execution style” murders in Abaco, which sources say are believed to have been the result of a drug deal gone wrong.

Businesses make sure there is a gift

FREEPORT – Local businesses are continuing to bring smiles to the children at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, while making an important impact on the home’s resources thanks to holiday donations.

Almost 6,000 sign Save the Bays petition

thousands of Bahamians have signed the Save The Bays petition seeking protection of Bahamian marine life and other environmental protection measures.

Four nightclubs shut down by police

POLICE shut down four Nassau night clubs over the weekend, targeting those suspected of operating without a valid business licence.

Equality for women sole focus of next referendum

THE next referendum scheduled to take place later this year will only focus on gender equality for Bahamian women, Prime Minister Perry Christie said.

Realtors urged: 'Boycott' banks appraisal system

Furious realtors have been urged to “boycott” plans by two Canadian-owned banks to impose an appraisal management intermediary upon them, one telling Tribune Business: “I might as well pack my bags and head for the retirement home.”

Activists seek Nygard permits court Order

Environmental activists are seeking a Supreme Court Order that would compel Peter Nygard to produce documents showing all dredging/construction activities in the sea off his Lyford Cay home had been approved by the Government.

'Eye opener' on air fare costs

A Bahamian resort general manager has had an “eye opener” over this nation’s relatively high air fare costs, saying these render complaints about expensive room rates almost academic.

Clarity urged to avoid 'bank run'

The Opposition’s finance spokesman has urged the Government to clarify the speculation swirling around Bank of the Bahamas International, expressing fears that the ongoing uncertainty could cause “a run” on the institution by depositors and creditors.

Freeport plant in buy back and $60m expansion

The Italian founder of Freeport’s PharmaChem Technologies plant is attempting to buy it back from its French owner, a move that if successful could result in its $60 million expansion.

Swift takes it all

MARISSA Albury, Carter Albury, Dylan Mitchell, Amber Pinder, Samuel Gibson, Celia Campbell, Alec Sands, Joanna Evans and Gershwin Greene were the high point winners of the Gunite Pools/Swift Swimming Invitational Meet over the weekend.

Fox Hill inmates fall 9-0 to Freedom Farm in exhibition game

SUPERINTENDENT Patrick Wright said sports is definitely a good way to help transform the lives of the inmates of Her Majesty’s Prison.

Runners take to the streets for Sunshine Insurance’s Race Weekend

A husband-and-wife duo emerged as the major storyline Sunday morning as Sunshine Insurance’s Race Weekend concluded with the fifth edition of Marathon Bahamas.

Applications for EU grant funding urged

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is calling for the private sector to submit proposals for grant funding from the European Union (EU).

Bahamas to get EU funding workshop

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) will host a Grant Proposal Writing Workshop on January 23 at the British Colonial Hilton.

BTC: Predatory cellular pricing almost impossible

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is arguing that it will be virtually impossible for it to engage in predatory pricing under the cellular ‘duopoly’ that will result from April’s planned liberalisation, as this would force it to slash prices by between 41-79 per cent.

Port Lucaya boost from cruise vessel

Port Lucaya Marketplace (PLM) was abuzz with tourists after a visiting cruise ship disembarked 80 per cent of its guests.

'No decisions' on Treasure cay project's applications

Treasure Cay’s chief councillor says no construction permits for a controversial project will be forthcoming any time soon, as the island’s planning authorities have been “shut down” over an alleged ‘conflict of interest’.

Ambassador meets US senator

WASHINGTON, DC – Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Dr Eugene Newry and Deputy Chief of Mission Chet Neymour paid a courtesy call on Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Labour, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, at his office in the Hart Senate Office Building.

'Let the people decide on taxes'

WITH the Government having essentially won public approval to raise more revenue via increased taxes, a prominent businessman said it could “win big” by allowing the Bahamian people to decide how they will be taxed.

Two found dead with gunshot wounds

FREEPORT – Two men were found shot dead on the island of Abaco over the weekend.

Bank of Bahamas calls in police

POLICE officials will investigate whether there were any breaches in confidentiality at the Bank of the Bahamas.

Final BTC settlement discussed

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that next Tuesday will be the final day he meets with Cabinet to discuss the terms of the deal to take back the majority interest in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd.

PM: I won’t enter fray between ministers on immigration row

WITH two Cabinet ministers at odds over a UBS Bank executive’s custody at the Detention Centre, Prime Minister Perry Christie said he would not “enter the fray” while he awaits a full report.

WOMAN GETS 14 YEARS FOR KILLING HER HUSBAND

MIKIKO Black will spend the next 14 years in Her Majesty’s Prison, Fox Hill after being sentenced yesterday for killing her Defence Force husband.

Is crime really down?

My reason for writing this letter is because I’ve heard the news on television saying that crime has decreased, but has crime really decreased? This is the question.

FNM seeks answers over growing Bank of the Bahamas concerns

THE Opposition is demanding that Prime Minister Perry Christie, who has responsibility for the Finance portfolio, address the rising concerns over the condition of the Bank of The Bahamas (BOB).

BTC gives $8,000 to help families of Fox Hill victims

THE BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company yesterday donated $8,000 to the families of the four people killed in Fox Hill on December 27.

Lawyer advises ‘carry documents’

IN view of the concerns raised over the government’s recent Immigration stops, a well known lawyer is advising Bahamians and legal residents to carry documents that will confirm their status.

Minnis: Improve ID checks system

OPPOSITION leader Dr Hubert Minnis condemned the government yesterday for not moving to improve the Department of Immigration’s identification checks system so the country could “avoid embarrassing situations”.

VIDEO: PSA Chairman denies charges

“NOT GUILTY” was policeman Dwight Smith’s response to a charge of indecent assault during his arraignment in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Drugs worth $2m seized by police

FREEPORT – Some $2 million worth of illegal drugs were seized by police during a drug bust in the Holmes Rock area late Wednesday evening.

Mitchell backs immigration officers in row

IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell defended Immigration officers yesterday who were accused of “roughing up” a top banker during a road block on Tuesday.

Ilhee Lee to defend Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic title

DEFENDING champion Ilhee Lee, two World Golf Hall-of-Famers and five of the top 10 players in the Rolex World Rankings highlight the list of those who will be playing in the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, scheduled to begin the 2014 women’s professional season January 22-26 at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Greenslade: No crime crisis in Grand Bahama

FREEPORT – Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said statistics show that crime in Grand Bahama went down in 2013, and there is no crisis on the island.

Minnis: What progress has been made in BTC talks?

OPPOSITION leader Dr Hubert Minnis is questioning whether the government has made any significant progress in its negotiations to secure the majority stake in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company.

Guests moved as new resort is not ready

FREEPORT – Sunwing’s first flight arrived in Grand Bahama on Thursday afternoon with 150 passengers from Edmonton, Canada, as scheduled. However, the new Memories Resort, which was also expected to open, was not quite ready to receive them.

Judges provide reasoning behind Nygard case decision

THE proof a judge used to find Billionaire fashion designer Peter Nygard guilty of contempt did not satisfy the standard of clear evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, it was decided yesterday.

Runners get ready for race weekend

MORE than 1,150 runners will pound the pavement at the 2014 Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend beginning on January 18.

Insurer at the 'mountain top'

A Bahamian insurer yesterday reached “the mountain top” after being upgraded to the industry’s highest-possible financial strength rating, revealing that its 50 per cent profit retention policy had ‘paid dividends’.

Bahamas 'can't survive many' banker detention-type hits

The Bahamas “cannot survive many incidents” similar to this week’s detention of a senior UBS banker, a leading QC warning it will reinforce perceptions in some quarters that this nation has a “hostile” Immigration policy.

Receiver removed at Abaco project

The legal battle over a well-known Abaco resort/marina development has experienced a new twist, after the Supreme Court issued an order removing its receiver.

Crime costs Bahamas 'multi-millionaire's' investment project

The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday said crime fears had cost the Bahamas a job-creating investment by a “multi-millionaire client”, as he likened doing business in this nation to “hell”.

Central Bank: 20% pension contribution rate 'unsustainable'

THE Central Bank of the Bahamas said yesterday it was facing an “unstustainable” employee pension contribution rate of 20 per cent, following strong union objections over recent adjustments made to it.

Treasure Cay project sees 'shift in tides'

The Treasure Cay project that came under fire from both Abaconians and environmentalists yesterday said it had been assured its dredging permit was “imminent”, adding that local sentiment had shifted in favour of the development.

Sports in brief

THE New Providence Volleyball Association continued its regular season at the Donald Davis Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

Poaching export ban concerns

THE Bahamas must play a greater role in global fisheries management, the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance head said yesterday, warning that failure to combat illegal poaching issue could devastate this nation’s exports in a similar manner to Belize.

THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Vital elements for a top logo

So. you’re designing a business logo. Sounds like an easy enough task, right?

Scotiabank, RBC, Vitamalt proud sponsors of Marathon Bahamas

SCOTIABANK has again joined forces with Marathon Bahamas as a corporate partner for the 5th Annual Marathon Bahamas event. As a gold partner, Scotiabank has contributed financially and in-kind to support this event which directly benefits the fight against cancer in the Bahamas.

Bahamas National Trust sponsors marathon teams

THIS year, the Bahamas National Trust is sponsoring three relay teams to participate in Marathon Bahamas, which will be taking place this weekend.

Good luck Georgette

As the top female golfer in the country, Georgette Rolle said she’s excited to have been afforded the opportunity to compete again with some of the best golfers in the world at the PureSilk Bahamas LPGA Classic set for next week at the Ocean Club on Paradise Island.

Bahamas shoots itself in its financial foot

THE BAHAMAS has “all the ingredients to become a world class international financial centre”, but needs to get its message out.

A disjointed Prime Minister

The Prime Minister arrived, late as usual, to deliver his annual address to The Bahamas Business Outlook Conference without a prepared text. He explained that he had spent seven hours rearranging his remarks the day before and that the finished text was still not ready.

Talk on overcoming obstacles by blind lawyer who took on ironman triathlon

OVERCOMING obstacles and reaching your potential is the subject of a lecture by a motivational speaker next week.

'Power Surge' to perform at Love that Child Musical Benefit

POWER Surge is the newest addition to an exciting line up of dancers who will perform at the 4th annual Love that Child Musical Benefit set for this Sunday at 3pm at the Wyndham Nassau Resort’s Rainforest Theatre.

PM gets tough

EDITOR, The Tribune,

Lucaya School to host turkey trot fun run

FREEPORT – As part of their ongoing support of the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, the Lucaya International School and its students once again hosted the 3rd annual ‘Turkey Trot’ fun run to raise much needed funds.

Renovation for Commonwealth Bank Limited branch

COMMONWEALTH Bank Limited announced its Oakes Field branch is on schedule to re-open in late January following a $2.1 million renovation, repair and expansion that is adding nearly 50 per cent square footage to the bank’s busiest branch.

VIDEO: Police Staff Association chairman at court

Police Staff Association chairman Dwight Smith pleaded not guilty.

Man jailed for three years for housebreaking and drugs

FREEPORT – A 28-year-old Freeport man convicted of housebreaking, stealing, and drug possession was sentenced to three years imprisonment at Her Majesty’s Prison, Fox Hill.

Rise in complaints against officers

A NEW Code of Conduct for police officers has been created following a rise in complaints against officers in 2013 compared to 2012, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade revealed yesterday.

Commissioner would back return of death penalty

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday he does not support a national curfew, but would back a return of the death penalty if the public supports it.

Minnis: Govt is blocking bid to table hanging bill

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis claims that the government is attempting to block the opposition’s efforts to table a bill drafted by the party, that if passed would give the Court of Appeal the sole power of sentencing murderers to hang.

7% increase in murders but violent crime reported to be down in 2013

DESPITE a seven per cent increase in murder from 2012 compared to 2013, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said yesterday serious crimes in the Bahamas have decreased by four per cent during the same time period.

Govt says sorry to UBS executive

THE Government has moved quickly to apologise to a top banking executive who was detained in an immigration road check – but the detention has already prompted claims that the Immigration Department is “systematically driving business from this country”.

Privy Council quashes 25-year sentence in manslaughter case

A MAN is expected to be resentenced for manslaughter in a month’s time having won his appeal to the Privy Council to squash a 25-year-old year prison sentence for the throat-slashing killing of a 19-year-old woman.

OPBAT operations bring in huge hall of drugs

POLICE yesterday reported that during 2013, they took part in 11 successful OPBAT operations resulting in 680 pounds of cocaine and 13,009 pounds of marijuana being seized for the year.

Construction: 'Worst time' for 12-15% VAT cost rise

The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday said Value-Added Tax (VAT) “could not have come at a worse time”, given that it was forecast to increase construction costs by up to 12-15 per cent.

Financial services: VAT 'no risk at all'

Value-Added Tax (VAT) poses “no risk at all” to the Bahamas’ competitiveness as an international financial centre (IFC), a Cabinet Minister said yesterday, although offshore banks are still pushing to be ‘zero rated’ rather than ‘exempt’.

Immigration 'driving business from nation'

The Immigration Department was yesterday accused of “systematically driving business from this country”, as the Government moved swiftly to contain any negative fallout from Tuesday’s detention of a top UBS (Bahamas) executive.

Exuma Council eyes investment 'synergy'

THE Exuma Chamber of Commerce believes the establishment of an Advisory Council for the island will help create “synergy” between major development projects and local businesses, its chief executive telling Tribune Business there was a need to ensure that better dialogue regarding investments.

CIBC eyes lay-offs for 10% staff cost cutting

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) last night warned lay-offs were imminent as the bank moves to cut regional staffing costs by 10 per cent, with at least 12 employees having already accepted voluntary separation packages to-date.

Explore with the domestic tourist

THE Family Islands have a new destination marketing advocate with the launch of the Domestic Tourist, the island-hopping travel blog of Bahamian journalist Noelle Nicolls.

Andre Seymour receives AIBA three-star coach certificate

ANDRE Seymour, the only AIBA three-star coach in the Bahamas, was presented with his certificate by the Bahamas Olympic Committee yesterday and took the opportunity to highlight the development of amateur boxing in the country.

Baseball facility to open at Fox Hill prison

OFFICIALS at Her Majesty’s Prisons will break new ground this weekend with the unveiling of a baseball facility that has been constructed on the Fox Hill compound.

Men's national volleyball team set to compete at CAC Games

THE Bahamas men’s national volleyball team was one of the major sporting storylines in 2013 as they gained regional notoriety and accomplished a rare feat for the Bahamas – the qualification of a team sport at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Kiwanis Club briefed on VAT proposals

IN A continuing effort to communicate the benefits of Value Added Tax in the Bahamas, Financial Secretary John Rolle addressed the Kiwanis Club of Nassau AM at its weekly meeting on January 13.

BTC blasts 113% call termination spread

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has complained that the 113 per cent call termination “premium” enjoyed by its rivals has placed it at a competitive disadvantage, allowing them to offer consumers ‘below cost’ pricing.

All athletes are invited to give thanks for a successful 2013

AS they anticipate 2014 as a year of great growth and achievement for sports in the Bahamas, the Bahamas Olympic Committee looks to give thanks and showcase the religious aspect of all athletes in the country.

Urban renewal to launch door-to-door crime survey

URBAN Renewal is set to launch a door-to-door survey in New Providence in an effort to determine the prevalence of factors that lead to crime.

Bank's $2.1m branch to open late January

COMMONWEALTH Bank Limited yesterday said its Oakes Field branch is on schedule to re-open in late January following a $2.1 million renovation and expansion that is increasing its busiest location’s size by nearly 50 per cent.  Bank executives credit CGT Construction with “keeping the job on track” following a contract signing in early August, when the contractor pledged to aim for a 26-week construction timeline, noting that the project would create 30-40 temporary jobs.

Gourmet dinner for Majority Rule Day

THE parish of St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church celebrated the inaugural Majority Rule Day in style, hosting a gourmet dinner at the clubhouse of Old Bahama Bay.

Business mix event brings young achievers together to network

BAHA Mar Academy and Junior Achievement New Providence hosted the second annual Business Mix and Mingle Seminar for students in grades 10-12 at the Wyndham Nassau Resort.

Petition launched to cut cost of power supply

FREEPORT – The Coalition of Concerned Citizens is continuing its fight against the Grand Bahama Power Company’s rates by officially launching a new petition drive to lower the cost of power on Grand Bahama.

MasterCard rewards Bahamian companies

THREE Bahamian businesses have received merchant incentive awards for achieving the highest volume of MasterCard sales in the 2013 Priceless Bahamas programme. 

A tribute to King Eric

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Majority Rule, let's celebrate

“Majority Rule was a singular moment of liberation for all of us. January 10, 1967 was and shall forever remain one of the truly transformative events not only in Bahamian history but in the development of the psyche of the Bahamian people.” (Prime Minister Perry Christie)

Two distinguished teenagers celebrated in Andros

At a time when many people seem to be losing hope in young people, the inhabitants of the ‘Big Yard’ Andros came together in a spirit of joy and hope as they celebrated the achievement of two teenagers David Romer and Asia Rolle for their contribution to church and society.

Our gifts

This is the time in the church’s year when we think of the journey of the wise men or magi to find the Christ-child. They follow a star for quite some time until they are able to present their gifts to this newly born King.

Gov't continues its VAT meetings

A top government official addressed the Kiwanis Club of Nassau A.M. on January 13 in a continuing effort to communicate the benefits of Value-Added Tax (VAT) in the Bahamas.

Ty Cox to host classical concert in pursuit of higher education

EVEN though classical singer Ty Cox was born with a disability, he has never let anything stop him from pursuing a career in music. For a young artist, he has accomplished feats beyond his age, singing throughout the United States and other parts of the world to perform with accomplished musicians such as Thomas Young from the Three Mo’ Tenors, Grammy Award Winner Sylvia McNair, Phoenix Opera directors Gail and John Massaro, his wife Susan Young, and others.

Financial industry urges 'more sensitive' Immigration approach

The Bahamian financial services industry yesterday urged the Government to adopt “a more calibrated and sensitive approach” to Immigration enforcement following Tuesday’s detention of a senior UBS (Bahamas) banker.

Overcoming crime and the feat of crime

By Dr. Raymond Wells

Gospel musician champions 'No VAT' campaign

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Acclaimed film maker back in his groove: Passage continues rounds at film festivals

AWARD winning filmmaker Kareem Mortimer anticipates 2014 will be a very busy year between the world wide screenings of his latest film Passage, closing the financing for a new film and producing more work.

Galleries finalise plans for 2014 exhibits

DOONGALIK Studios and Liquid Courage Gallery will present intriguing and experimental art shows throughout the year. The two local art galleries also promise to be a place where Bahamian art continues to flourish.

Former beauty queen launches career in music

A FORMER Miss Bahamas beauty queen bowed out gracefully from the world of pageantry to pursue another dream. Ordain Moss, Miss Bahamas World 2005, launched her musical career last week with the release of her first single on iTunes.

TOUGH CALL: What we can learn from landmark book on seas

THERE is a landmark book on the Bahamian marine environment that has become a sought-after collector’s item. Published in 1968 by the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, and some 15 years in the making, the 771-page first edition quickly sold out.

Sentence for pilot in drugs case upheld

THE Court of Appeal upheld a lower court’s conviction and three year sentence for a pilot found guilty of cocaine possession with intent to supply.

Engineers at work assessing bridge structure

THE latest assessment of the old Paradise Island Bridge is underway.

Police Staff Association president was held over harassment claims

THE PRESIDENT of the Police Staff Association, Dwight Smith, confirmed yesterday that he was questioned by police in connection with sexual harassment claims, but declined to comment further on the matter.

VAT 'is the most complex of taxes'

THE Baker Tilly accounting firm’s global head yesterday described Value-Added Tax as “the most complex of taxes”, mandating that its Bahamian affiliate become “an expert” on the issue.

Silence over scheduled BTC meeting

THE government remained tight-lipped on the Prime Minister’s meeting with Cable and Wireless executives, which was scheduled to be held yesterday afternoon.

Top bank executive detained at immigration road block

An executive of an offshore bank at New Providence was taken into custody and held at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre yesterday as part of the continuing the crackdown by Immigration officials.

Activist counters talk show host's claims over sex offence laws

WOMEN’S rights activist Donna Nicolls yesterday defended the importance of sexual offence laws in the country after talk show host Darold Miller railed against sexual harassment during a national broadcast.

Union accuses hotel of racism

THE Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union was up in arms over allegations of racism among certain executives at the Meliá Nassau Beach hotel.

Bus knocked into air by crash lands on beach

A BUS was propelled into the air yesterday after colliding with a Toyota vehicle on West Bay Street.

Palm Cay shares the New Year spotlight in New York

WHEN the famed ball dropped in Times Square ushering in a new year of hope and promise, it was more than just the 2,688 Waterford Crystals that shone – a waterfront development in the Bahamas flashed on the huge screen as an estimated one billion people around the world watched.

Police find drugs worth $25,000

FREEPORT – Abaco police discovered a quantity of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of $25,000.

Freeport Call Centre to bring 300 full-time jobs

FREEPORT – The new Freeport Call Centre, officially opened by Prime Minister Perry Christie, is expected to employ 300 full time workers in Grand Bahama by the end of 2014. Island Outsources and Itel BPO Solutions are operating the call centre for the Ministry of Tourism, selling vacations in the Bahamas. It currently employs 65 Bahamians.

Cuban abuse trial still waits for answer over attendance by alleged victims

OFFICIALS in the Cuban detainee abuse trial are still awaiting a response from the Cuban government to their request to have two Cuban men attend the hearings in Nassau.

Rise in vehicle break-ins

POLICE officials have noticed an rise in reports of vehicle break-ins since the new year, Police Superintendent Stephen Dean said yesterday.

Music veteran sounds the alarm for the indigenous sound

VETERAN musician Ira Storr said he is concerned for Bahamian musicians who struggle to break through because of a lack of support for Bahamian music.

Two charged over $3m drugs find

TWO men were arraigned yesterday in the Magistrates Court complex in connection with the more than $3 million cocaine and marijuana find over the weekend.

Love That Child musical returns for Nassau show

ORGANISERS are gearing up for the 4th installation of Love That Child, scheduled for January 19 and set to feature some of the best local and visiting talent.

Man cleared of armed robbery and kidnapping

A MAN walked out of Supreme Court free yesterday when his case – involving seven charges of armed robbery and one charge of kidnapping – was discontinued.

Mojo's Restaurant: Open for business

WHAT STARTED as a vision for two young Bahamians has turned into a dream come true.

Gov'ts $300m bond issue oversubscribed '20 times'

The Bahamas has received “a huge vote of confidence” after the Government’s $300 million foreign currency bond issue was 20 times’ oversubscribed, with investors accepting an interest rate almost one percentage point lower than anticipated.

Bahamas must extend beyond 'world's best kept secret'

The Baker Tilly accounting firm’s global head yesterday said the Bahamas has “all the ingredients to become a world class international financial centre”, but it needs to get the message out.

Global accounting chief: VAT 'most complex of taxes'

The Baker Tilly accounting firm’s global head yesterday described Value-Added Tax (VAT) as “the most complex of taxes”, mandating that its Bahamian affiliate become “an expert” on the issue.

Bahamas 'can't run on 50 year old tax system'

A leading accountant yesterday said fiscal reform was inevitable, telling Tribune Business: “You cannot run the modern Bahamas on a tax system 40-50 years old.”

Seminar to tackle attorney ethics, billing practices

A former Bahamas Bar Association president yesterday said “concerns” over attorney ethics and client billing practices will be addressed at a March 24 seminar.

Investment failure if communities left behind

FAMILY Island investment projects will not succeed if local communities are unable to keep pace with them, a private sector executive said yesterday, urging the Government to foster the growth of local businesses via incentives offered to foreign investors.

MARKETING REVOLUTION: Drip feeding your business

I learned about the drip system from marketing consultant Dan Kennedy.

Countdown to Marathon Bahamas

By BRENT STUBBS

2013 in review: Immigration

THE year ended on a confusing and sombre note for immigration issues in the Bahamas.

'A father figure to all of us'

WHILE still trying to come to grips with the shooting death of four victims last month, the Fox Hill community is now mourning the sudden passing of Deacon Ethelbert ‘Eddie Marker’ Rahming, the legendary basketball coach and disciplinarian who developed some of the top players in the area.

Partnership for 900 acre Exuma project

A public-private partnership arrangement is to be implemented for the development of 900 acres near George Town, the Prime Minister revealing that the Government had decided to make an “intervention” for the purposes of securing future Bahamian involvement.

Top 108 golfers in the world to tee off for $1.3m in prize money

ABOUT 108 golfers from around the world will make up the field of competitors in the second annual Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic next week as the Ladies Professional Golf Association kicks off its 2014 calendar year at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island.

Murder in the Bahamas

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Bahamian firm moves on new Bimini airport work

Resorts World Bimini has awarded the second phase of the multi-million dollar South Bimini airport upgrade has been awarded to Bahamian company, Airport Maintenance Services (AMS).

'US citizen' believed to have drowned

Police are investigating what is believed to be a drowning in a canal in Grand Bahama.

Too little, too late

I believe the call by Bahamians for a return of “hanging”, often invoking emotive language in our native vernacular, in the following YouTube video, “Caribbean Crime Wave – The Bahamas”, is merely a reaction to the horror of the proliferation of senseless killings across our once peaceful island nation.

Think something new before seeking something new

Everybody wants something new. This is especially true at the start of the New Year when many people express their desire to trade in the old and seek out the new.

$50,000 fine for captain, $1,000 for each crew member for illegal fishing

NEARLY $100,000 in fines were collected from the captain and crew of a Dominican vessel which was arrested for illegally fishing in Bahamian waters.

Staff Association president in police custody

POLICE Staff Association President Dwight Smith is in police custody assisting them with their investigation into claims of sexual harassment, The Tribune understands.

PM admits concern for his safety as he details crime crackdown

PRIME Minister Perry Christie expressed concern over his own personal safety as he expanded on the government’s toughened stance against violent crime in the country, specifically in his own constituency.

Three held after daylight robbery

POLICE have detained three men for questioning following a daring daylight robbery that threw a local bank into frantic confusion when the culprits began firing shots.

There is beauty in your pain: Empowerment summit to challenge women

YOUNG BAHAMIAN cosmetologist and entrepreneur Raquel Pinder has committed herself to the empowerment of women through the Beyond Feelings Women’s Summit which she intends to make an annual event.

Police reveal haul in $3m drugs seizure

POLICE say they expect to bring charges today in the case of three million dollars worth of suspected dangerous drugs seized in Grand Bahama on Sunday.

Man faces court accused of Kemp Road killing

A MAN was yesterday charged with being responsible for an August 10, 2013 fatal shooting in the Kemp Road area.

PM: Economy poised for growth

DESPITE increased austerity measures for the public service, Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday reassured businessmen that the economy is poised for sustained economic growth in 2014 and for the remainder of his government’s term.

Are our daughters safe walking the streets?

Driving along Boyd Road the other day, the vehicle in front of me came to an almost complete stop.

Moore helps to launch HIV/AIDS safe sex guide

FOR Prodesta Moore, last December signified a whole lot more than a month of pumpkin-flavoured treats and gift shopping.

Atlantis chief hails importance of resort as he accepts top award

ATLANTIS president and managing director George Markantonis highlighted the importance of the Atlantis Resort to the economy of the Bahamas as he accepted the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s ‘Hotelier of the Year’ award.

Court hears how Junkanoo after-party turned deadly

A SUPREME Court jury yesterday heard how a Junkanoo after-party at Solid Gold nightclub in Abaco ended in a man being shot dead outside.

Christie holds firm to pledge of ten new criminal courts

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday held firm on his commitment to open ten new criminal courts despite warnings from the judiciary that the government does not have jurisdiction over the deployment of judicial resources.

Staff hand donations to good causes

IT BEGAN with a simple plea from Anthea Cox, vice president of human resources at Commonwealth Bank – let’s reach into our own pockets and raise funds to make life a little brighter for the less fortunate.

Pregnant woman among group of suspected illegal immigrants facing court

FREEPORT – A pregnant woman was among seven suspected illegal immigrants arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate Court yesterday.

Bimini developer: 'No impact' from US loss

Resorts World Bimini yesterday said there would be “no impact” on its daily cruises to the island despite a US court’s refusal to overturn a ban on its vessel’s night-time sailing.

Bahamas urged: 'Move quick' on arbitration plan

The Bahamas must “move very quickly” to fulfill its potential as the Caribbean’s arbitration hub, a leading attorney yesterday warning that ever-increasing competition was already “on our heels”.

GB resort to give 18,000 'Memories'

Grand Bahama’s new four-star Memories Resort has more than 18,000 bookings “already in hand” to ensure an 80 per cent average occupancy level this winter, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday, adding that Bahamasair will in May start a wet lease arrangement with its owners for service from up to eight US cities.

PM promises no economy shrink from tax reform

The Tax Coalition’s co-chair yesterday described Prime Minister Perry Christie’s pledge that he would not allow tax reform to slow the economy as “fantastic”, telling Tribune Business the organisation hoped to make “some real headway” shortly.

Tobacco declarations 1/8th of true value

Tobacco imports recorded at Bahamas Customs are almost one-eighth of the true value that should be declared, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has estimated, indicating the existence of “large-scale smuggling”.

Six straight

THE home court advantage continues to work out in favour of the DW Davis Pitbulls as they remained atop the GSSSA Junior Boys basketball standings with another blowout win.

Gov't targets Carmichael Road 'green subdivision'

THE Government is planning to develop a “green subdivision” in the Carmichael Road area, a Cabinet said yesterday, telling Tribune Business that its housing programme should kick-off within the next few weeks.

Get back to basics for clear direction

Sometimes, the best business lessons are the ones we have know the longest but cannot remember.

Rolle, Ward accept sponsor exemptions for LPGA Classic

BAHAMAS native Georgette Rolle and veteran LPGA player Wendy Ward have accepted sponsor exemptions to play in next week’s Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course January 23-26.

Mackey: 'I always felt I was a clean athlete'

He was sidelined by a doping violation that prevented him from making his initial trip to the IAAF World Championships last year.

Sports in brief

WALTIEA Rolle played one of her best games on Sunday for the Haskovo 2012 women’s basketball team.

'Don't leave Bahamian involvement to chance'

BAHAMIAN involvement and participation in investment projects “cannot be left to chance”, the chief executive of a $1 billion US-based company yesterday arguing: “We need to be creating businesses and not just projects.”

'PM has lost people's trust'

THE BEC privatisation has been cloaked in a thick blanket of secrecy and the void has now been filled with innuendo, rumours of kickbacks and renewed claims of frustrated foreign investors.

Solar power 'is the future'

A FAMILY’S monthly electricity bill was slashed in half after their home became one of the first in the country to be powered by solar energy during the day.

Church and Urban Renewal host fun day

AGAPE Full Gospel Baptist Church teamed up with Urban Renewal to host a family fun day that was attended by hundreds from surrounding communities.

Reef Village Resort to reopen on Thursday

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Signature events to raise money for health causes

By ALESHA CADET

DNA leader: Where are the jobs mortgage relief the PLP promised?

A New Year’s message – Part II

School helps student with leukaemia

THE Lyford Cay International School PTA has been extremely busy again.

Seaplane service in Valentine's promotion

As part of Tropic Ocean Airways’ February 14 launch of its inaugural seaplane scheduled charter service toHope Town in Great Abaco, one couple will spend their Valentine’s Day weekend at the Abaco Inn on a complimentary three-night vacation package.

'Catch Me If You Can' regatta all set

By BRENT STUBBS

Lyford Cay International School increases security

IN AN uncommon preventative step, Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) has partnered with ASI Security Inc of Colorado to better prepare their staff, students and families for unexpected emergencies.

Three arrested after armed robbery at Harbour Bay

POLICE are investigating an armed robbery at the parking lot in front of First Caribbean Bank in Harbour Bay this morning.

Greenslade should quit police force

If what Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Darron Cash said is true about Prime Minister Perry Christie throwing Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade under the bus in a recent address he gave at an urban renewal function, then Greenslade once again finds himself in an awkward position.

Track star Usain Bolt visits as road to hotel is renamed

Jamaican track and field sensation Usain Bolt was among the special guests who gathered yesterday at a section of the old West Bay Street.

Bail jumper in jail for 12 years

A MAN who jumped bail during his double armed robbery trial is now behind bars for the next 12 years of his life after he turned himself in to police.

Police search for missing girl

POLICE are searching for a 15-year-old girl who has been missing for almost a week.

Amending constitution to allow capital punishment 'not a gimmick'

AMENDING the constitution on the controversial issue of capital punishment is not a matter of posturing or gimmickry, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said.

Bahamas' Jewish community celebrates Chanukah

Members of the Bahamas’ local Jewish community recently celebrated Chanukah with a festive outing at the Sheraton Beach Resort on Cable Beach.

Man in hospital after stabbing

A MAN is in serious condition at hospital after he was stabbed during a fight in Eleuthera.

March to call for no bail and death penalty

THE founder of a popular local Facebook group with more than 15,500 members and the creator of an organisation that represents families of murdered victims are teaming up to organise a “march against murderers” and rally.

FNM 'will lead from opposition'

THE Free National Movement is prepared to “run the government from the Opposition” and on Wednesday will table “numerous Bills” in Parliament to that end, Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.

The stone that the builder refused

WE’RE at war. We are battling against crime, poverty, and the many other social ills we are experiencing. Wars are always fought by kids and so it should be with this one.

Is it now time in the Bahamas for capital punishment?

THE DUPUCH brothers — Etienne and Eugene — had a different style of approach to a crisis, but when it came to basic principles, they were usually on the same page. However, capital punishment was one issue over which they did differ. Sir Etienne advocated capital punishment for the ruthless killer. Younger brother, Eugene Dupuch, QC, the eminent lawyer, was an abolitionist— no matter the circumstances of the crime, no one should hang. It was interesting to hear them toss their ideas back and forth. As a result, The Tribune stood for hanging for serious cases of murder.

US hands over $431,000 of equipment to boost maritime security

THE US Embassy in Nassau has donated nearly half a million dollars worth of equipment to support local efforts to bolster maritime security.

Piracy restored, commerce expelled

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Roberts: Government has demonstrated extraordinary fiscal discipline

CONTRARY to the assertions of opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis, there is “incontrovertible evidence” that the government has demonstrated extraordinary fiscal discipline and leadership according to Bradley Roberts, chairman of the governing PLP.

VAT hotline launched

THE Ministry of Finance announced today it has launched a hotline with experts standing by to answer questions about the proposed Value Added Tax system set to go into effect July 1.

Distributor fears for 'survival beyond 2014'

A Freeport-based business is liquidating its $1 million-plus inventory after the new Customs fees “killed” its wholesale distribution model, its principal warning: “If things don’t change soon, we may not survive beyond year-end.”

BREA chief: Lower duty 'simultaneously' with fiscal reforms

The Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president has backed International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggestions that Stamp Duty rates be reduced once the Government’s Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenue targets are hit.

Bacardi owner in multi-million solar investment

The former Bacardi plant’s principal is aiming to ultimately invest $5-$6 million in installing solar panels on the property’s eight acres of roof space, with long-term plans involving the supply of power to surrounding subdivisions.

Retail federation attracts over 100

MORE than 100 retailers have joined an industry federation opposing Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) introduction, its co-chairman charging that Barbados’s predicament had “completely dispelled” the assumption the tax was a “magic bullet” for this nation’s fiscal woes.

Marina 'objections' spice Old Fort Bay land transfer vote

A seven-year saga over the ‘common areas’ in one of New Providence’s most luxurious subdivisions is set to climax at a January 27 vote, amid homeowners’ objections to the developer’s planned marina.

One last victory lap for junkanoo icon Winston 'Gus' Cooper

THERE was one last victory lap that junkanoo icon Winston ‘Gus’ Cooper, the eminent long-time leader, directed for his Valley Boys.

Timber harvester targets February production start

An Abaco-based timber harvester is aiming to move into full-scale production by end-February, having already harvested 300 trees.

Cecil Rose 'will be missed'

ALTHOUGH it was not as heralded as the other two funerals that took place this weekend, talented guard Cecil Rose was remembered for his contribution as a trailblazer to the Bahamian basketball community.

Cox, Charlton off to good start with Boilermakers

THEY left for Purdue University last year as close friends and rivals off and on the track. Now as room-mates and team-mates, hurdler Devynne Charlton and sprinter Carmiesha Cox are hoping to strike terror in their opponents as they compete for the Boilermakers women’s athletic team.

Land prices set to 'skyrocket'

A well-known real estate developer has urged prospective Bahamian buyers to purchase within the next three-four months, warning that land prices could “skyrocket” by over 30 per cent.

Over three million dollars of suspected drugs found

Two men have been arrested after over three million dollars of suspected dangerous drugs were seized in Grand Bahama.

Tobacco manufacturer eyes 55 'growing' jobs

A wholly-Bahamian owned cigarette and tobacco manufacturer plans to have its growing program on Andros at “full throttle” this summer, a move which is expected to create 50-55 direct and indirect jobs on the island.

Bahamas to be 'on cutting edge' of VAT technology

With less than six months to go before Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) implementation, top officials and representatives from various government ministries and departments have begun training with international consultants from New Zealand and Canada.

'KING' ERIC GIBSON LAID TO REST

By BRENT STUBBS

Tariff schedule set for Jan 17 release

The Ministry of Finance has launched a hotline with experts standing by to answer questions about the proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) system set to go into effect on July 1.

Pharmacists to toughen import/export regulation

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Sting Junkanoo group joins Freeport parade

THE STING Junkanoo group out of the capital, headed by Gary ‘Super’ Johnson, made yet another grand appearance in the second city during the New Years Day Junkanoo parade in downtown Freeport, with Dyson Knight performing his latest hit “Gambling”.

Bank says well placed for 2014

BANK of the Bahamas International (BOB) says it is heading into 2014 with shareholder equity topping $138 million and a robust capital ratio of 22 per cent, well above local and international regulatory requirements.

Two injured in stabbing

Police in Eleuthera are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred on Friday.

BTC meeting to seal agreement

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday he will meet with Cable and Wireless executives and members of the Cabinet next Tuesday to “cross the t’s and dot the i’s” on their new agreement.

PM: Christian Council must do more than criticise

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday the Bahamas Christian Council must be seen to do more in advancing the country rather than focusing its attention on criticising the actions of government.

Chief Justice warns government is creating 'dictorial impression'

CHIEF Justice Sir Michael Barnett cautioned the government on the ‘dictatorial impression’ it created in announcing a plan to have 10 criminal courts run simultaneously in 2014.

Moss ‘appalled’ by attitude of his colleagues

A PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party MP yesterday lashed out at his own party over its handling of the crimewave which has overtaken communities in the country.

Minnis releases draft Bill on death sentences

OPPOSITION leader Dr Hubert Minnis has released a draft Bill which seeks to amend the constitution to cut the London-based Privy Council out of the appeal process in cases where a death sentence has been imposed.

100 years of fraternity

PHI Beta Sigma Fraternity, founded at Howard University on January 9, 1914, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2014, with a year long slate of activities designed to highlight the organisation’s contributions to American and international history over the past century.

Cruise ship makes maiden voyage to Freeport Harbour

FREEPORT – Grand Bahama saw a new cruise ship for the New Year on Tuesday when the Costa Luminosa made its maiden voyage to Freeport Harbour, with more than 2,000 passengers.

Man held after being shot during break-in attempt

A 18-year-old man is in police custody after he was shot attempting to break into a vehicle early yesterday morning.

FNM chairman blasts Deputy PM for claiming crime is overplayed

FNM chairman Darron Cash blasted Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday for suggesting the crime issue is being overplayed.

Moss criticises party for actions during NIB row

A YEAR after his dismissal from the top post at the National Insurance Board, Marco City MP Gregory Moss yesterday spoke out against his own party’s actions during the ordeal.

Don't feed the iguanas

FEEDING wildlife is an increasingly common tourist activity, especially in the Family Islands.

Housing 'on track' despite repeated delays

AFTER repeated delays, the government’s housing scheme is still on track to break ground this month, Minister of Housing Kenred Dorsett said yesterday.

Club owner in bid to jail Bimini developers

The owner of a beach club demolished by the Bimini Bay Resort’s developer has been given permission to apply to commit its principal, Gerardo Capo, and other executives to Fox Hill prison for alleged contempt of court.

E-passport provider in IT school venture

The former Bacardi plant’s owners yesterday pledged to “move forward” with establishing a high-end IT school, having enlisted the company responsible for the Bahamas’ e-passport and border control systems as its project partner.

Fears lightering fees may 'kill' marine industry

MARINE industry stakeholders yesterday balked at proposed fees to regulate the lightering industry, one prominent executive describing them as “unheard of” and warning that such a move could kill the sector and “stifle” the Freeport economy.

Gov't can get extra $40m via auto industry

A top auto dealer yesterday backed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) call to increase tax rates related to the sector, suggesting this could generate up to $40 million in extra government revenues per annum.

Timeshare to increase Coral Harbour project investment by $250m

A well-known Bahamian investor yesterday disclosed that the capital investment in his proposed Coral Harbour resort/entertainment centre is set to increase by $250 million due to the addition of a 300-unit timeshare complex.

Chess set to make move into schools

While Members of Parliament took time out yesterday to acknowledge the historic achievement of junior chess champion Nathan Smith, a major announcement was made regarding mind sports.

A New Year message from the DNA

As we look forward to a better year, this 2014, most of us would admit that 2013 was not a good year.

Little gymnastics shine in the Atlantis Crown Invitational

The third annual Atlantis Crown Invitational came to our beautiful island shores once again. Hosted by Branch Gymnastics and Kids Sports USA, the meet was held in the Imperial Ballroom at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island.

THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Don’t make your logo a ‘no-go’

At the start of this New Year, let’s fill our hearts with hope and become our brother’s keepers. Let’s keep the family of the late Winston ‘Gus’ Cooper and ‘King’ Eric Gibson, two outstanding Bahamian icons, in our prayers as they battle their loss.

Rockets beat Caribs as Cybots take down Marines

THE New Providence Amateur Basketball Association resumed play Monday night at the DW Davis Gymnasium following the holiday season.

Ancestral tribute to former director of sports Winston 'Gus' Cooper

ANTHROPOLOGISTS agree the notion that the survival of any culture resides in the capacity of its people to cherish that which it has produced, using such indigenous commodities, human as well as capital, to construct positive patterns of living permanently alluring to successive generations of its citizenry.

Suggestions to improve Junkanoo

Grateful if you would publish the following ramblings of a troubled junkanoo fan.

Realtor mulls Chinese office

A leading real estate broker believes China’s importance to the Bahamian economy cannot be “overstated”, having discussed this nation’s growing Far East ties with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Anglican church lays corner stone for new church

By Cara Bethel

Freeport Lions Club hosts winter conference

THE officers and members of the Freeport Lions Club (District 35-N) will once again host the District-35 Winter Conference scheduled for January 9 to 12 at the Grand Lucayan Resort. Around 150 members from Florida are expected to attend.

Owner of club can file action in Bimini row

THE owner of a beach club demolished by the Bimini Bay Resort’s developer has been given permission to apply to commit its principal Gerardo Capo and other executives to Fox Hill prison.

Economics and politics of crime

EDITOR, The Tribune.

'Moody's warning down to PM's dithering'

THE six-month warning issued to the Bahamas by credit rating agency Moody’s is a consequence of the distracted and dithering approach of Prime Minister Perry Christie, according to the opposition FNM.

Church of the Holy Spirit holds 75th Anniversary of Dedication

THIS SUNDAY, the Church of the Holy Spirit will celebrate its 75th Anniversary of Dedication with a Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving.

Make Christ king in 2014

By Rev. Canon S. Sebastian Campbell

It is up to us

By Rev. Angela Palacious

Council to increase pharmacy inspectors

THE Bahamas Pharmacy Council is making plans to increase the number of inspectors to ensure all pharmacies are inspected in a timely manner in 2014.

Crime solutions

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Baha Mar unveils Asia business unit

Baha Mar yesterday announced that Gregory Djerejian, its executive vice-president, will head the company’s new Asia business development operations located in Hong Kong.

Web shops and gambling

I am sure the 47+ per cent who participated in the Gambling referendum are shocked to hear the Minister responsible for Licensing Gaming, Obie Wilchcombe, to be talking as he did over the past days.

TOUGH CALL: The lasting effects for the Bahamas of events in 2013

OVER the holidays, I had the pleasure of editing the English version of an article written by an Italian journalist and longtime friend. That article reviewed the legacy of 2013 for the international community.

Valley Boys lead costumes help secure double prize

THE VALLEY BOYS have bragging rights all year long since being named champs of both the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades.

'Picky Head' to provoke conversation of black hair and identity

APRIL BEY’s Hair has always been used by people to place her in a comfortable race category.

$5,000 gospel recording contract up for grabs

The new season of 242 Untapped is bringing new hosts and a $5000 prize, as judges seek out the Bahamas’ next gospel recording superstar. Returning to judge is producer/coach Chris Roberts, international worship leader; recording artist Nadene Moss, singer/songwriter; Jonathan ‘Jonny’ Farrington and Vincent ‘V-Mac’ McDonald of Elevation Records, who wears several hats as host, director and creator of the show.

NAGB gets set for 'vibrant' year in art and culture

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is expecting 2014 to be another vibrant year. Amanda Coulson, NAGB’s director, said the gallery will continue in the direction of hosting intriguing arts shows and arts education workshops; engaging in community and regional projects and partnership; and encouraging national dialogue.

Davis closes in on end to Baha Mar negotiations

NEGOTIATIONS with Baha Mar over costing for the reconfiguration of West Bay Street could be finalised by the end of the month, Deputy Prime Minister, Philip Davis, said yesterday.

Mitchell: We are waging a war against human smuggling

AS details continue to emerge over an alleged human smuggling ring in Grand Bahama, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said the government is waging a war on the illegal activity.

‘Justice must be seen to be done in Misick case’

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell says justice must be done and must be seen to be done in the Turks and Caicos Islands after its former Premier Michael Misick was extradited from Brazil yesterday.

Six Cuban men arrested at public dock in Inagua

POLICE in Inagua, along with immigration officials, took six Cuban men into custody around 1.30am yesterday.

Minnis: Murders headed higher than under FNM

THE PLP is on course to surpass the rate of deadly violence seen under the former government, Opposition Leader Hubert Minnis claimed.

Six months to avoid downgrade

THE Bahamas has a “six month window” in which to stave off another credit rating downgrade through concrete fiscal reform actions, with Moody’s yesterday describing the Government’s planned $800 million correction as “enormous”.

25-year-old latest to face court over deadly Fox Hill shooting

A 25-year old Dorsett Street man was arraigned in the magistrates’ court yesterday in connection with the fatal Freedom Park drive-by shooting that claimed four lives and injured seven others.

Bahamian UFC verteran hosts MMA seminar

A Bahamian pioneer in mixed martial arts has returned to home soil to assist the local development of the sport.

Haitians left homeless by fire hold meeting

MEMBERS of the Haitian community in Abaco which was ravaged by fire on New Year’s Eve met last night to discuss the way forward.

2013 in review: Urban Renewal

WHEN the Progressive Liberal Party returned to office in May 2012 they brought with them a new initiative they claimed would effectively fight crime – Urban Renewal 2.0.

50 years of Ministry of Tourism celebrated

THE Ministry of Tourism officially started its Golden Jubilee celebration with a national service of thanksgiving at Christ Church Cathedral yesterday.

Avante Guarden fine-tuning act for Thailand showdown

The award winning local rock band Avante Guarden is gearing for the biggest performance of their musical career during the Global Battle of the Bands competition in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s very own “City of Music”.

Shaquille O'Neal visits to promote gala fundraiser

THE Paradise Children’s Foundation once again welcomed former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal to the Bahamas over the New Year.

Urban Renewal revamp 'an error'

REVAMPING the original Urban Renewal was a “fatal error” in the fight against crime, Social Anthropologist and College of the Bahamas professor Dr Nicolette Bethel told The Tribune.

Bahamas Against Crime to hold rally

BAHAMAS Against Crime will be holding an anti crime and violence rally this weekend in view of the “ever deepening crisis” that the country faces.

Minnis: Govt has failed to live up to promises

AT the dawn of 2014 and with more than a year and a half of governance under their belt, the government has failed to live up to several election promises, FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis said.

Five sentenced to jail time

FREEPORT – Five Grand Bahama men charged with housebreaking and stealing were convicted and sentenced to incarceration in Her Majesty Prison.

Colours Junkanoo: Double champions celebrate family culture

Colours Junkanoo group is on an eight straight Junkanoo winning streak in the B-category with no intention of letting up. Group members told Tribune Entertainment they owe it to the year-round work they do as a group.

Bahamas gets '6 months' to escape new downgrade

The Bahamas has a “six month window” in which to stave off another credit rating downgrade through concrete fiscal reform actions, with Moody’s yesterday describing the Government’s planned $800 million correction as “enormous”.

Gov't 'reins in' first-time buyer tax break bar

The Government has “reined in” the ability of first-time home buyers to obtain the full 10 per cent Stamp Duty exemption, a well-known attorney saying the threshold was now below that employed when the tax break was first introduced in 2002.

Cable Bahamas gains 3,000 new landline clients

CABLE Bahamas yesterday said it was expecting a number of businesses to switch to its REVOICE offering this month, telling Tribune Business it had attracted “well over” 3,000 new landline subscribers due in large part to its mortgage giveaway promotion.

IMF urges 20% auto fee rise

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Government to increase motor vehicle licence fees by at least 20 per cent, arguing that this would improve the “fairness and progressivity” of Bahamian taxation.

BREA chief 'on Cloud Nine' over pre-approval

The Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president yesterday described his members as being “on Cloud Nine”, after the Government unveiled a process to ‘pre-approve’ first-time home buyers for the Stamp Duty exemption.

Fed Cup: Top players won't be making the trip

WHEN the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s 45th ranked women’s team travels to Lambaré, Paraguay, next month for the Americas Group 1 of the Fed Cup by Pariba, two of the top players from last year’s undefeated team in Group II in the Dominican Republic will not be making the trip.

MARKETING REVOLUTION: Reinvention critical to business success

Welcome to 2014. I trust that you brought it in safely. In addition to personal resolutions, businesses will also often make resolutions.

NSA prepares for IAAF World Relays

IN preparation for the hosting of the inaugural IAAF World Relays in May, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has engaged the services of Mondo out of Italy to reconstruct the proper sized track at the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

Retailers: Xmas 'steady rather than spectacular'

BUSINESS for many local retailers during the Christmas period was described yesterday as “steadybut not booming”.

Sports in brief

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulated Rasheed Carey, Christian Cargill and Justin Roberts on meeting the qualifying standard to compete in this year’s Australian Open Junior Championships which is the first Grand Slam event for 2014.

Atlantis eyes 1,800 golf tournament room nights

ATLANTIS’s top executive said yesterday that the second-annual Pure Silk-Bahamas Ladies Professional Golf (LPGA) Classic is expected to generated “in excess” of 1,800 room nights, with the resort coming off a “very busy” Christmas/New Year’s period.

Two armed robberies investigated

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

'Chess can help beat crime'

THE game of chess is capable of honing young minds, making productive citizens and significantly impacting the crime rate over time, according to two young champions.

Arawak Cay port rated Caribbean's most productive

THE Nassau Container Port (NCP) has beaten out 24 Caribbean rivals to be rated the region’s most productive port by the Florida Shipowners Group, which handles the majority of shipping flows into the region.

Bahamian artist determined to help youth

PUTTING his talents to the betterment of the youth in the country, caricature artist Renbert Mortimer II, recently became involved in several activities to further art in schools and the community.

$100,000 challenge to new businesses

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Bank of Bahamas to sponsor musical

IT STARTED as a song and now it’s become a movement. On January 19 some of the best local and visiting talent will take centre stage at the Rainforest Theatre to perform and delight in the 4th annual Love That Child musical production to benefit three children’s homes.

Historic muskets in the hands of Junkanooers?

IN TODAY’s Tribune, it is reported that the New Year’s Day Parade “could have been a real blast from the past” had its organisers been successful in borrowing the historic military muskets from the Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Corporation (AMMC).

Valley Boys denied request for military muskets

THE Valley Boys’ victorious New Year’s Day parade could have been a real blast from the past had organisers been successful in their request for historic military muskets.

Concerns grow following disappearance of Jamaicans

QUESTIONS are mounting over the disappearance of two Jamaican men who were believed to be among a group of people attempting an illegal entry into the United States. 

2013 in review: VAT DEBATE

NO national issue inspired more tension in 2013 than Value Added Tax, with its proposed implementation in 2014 expected to constitute one of the biggest changes to the economy and governance of the Bahamas in years.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: A collection of contemplations

AS I travel this week, I began to think about what my first column for the New Year should be about and though I considered writing a 2013 review column, it was simply too depressing and so today I’ve chosen to write a collection of a few random thoughts concerning various aspects of our country.

Tourism ‘still good’ despite crime spike

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday tourism numbers in the Bahamas are “still good” despite a spike in crime in the last few months of 2013.

DNA leader calls for curfew to tackle crime

BAHAMIANS have a right to “be afraid” over crime in the country, according to DNA Leader Branville McCartney.

Man denies any involvement over missing Peruvian woman

A MAN who raised concern over the whereabouts of his missing friend Nelly Alva yesterday denied any involvement with the 47-year-old woman’s disappearance.

Man in tears as he faces court over Fox Hill shooting

A MAN was brought to tears yesterday when arraigned in connection with the Freedom Park fatal drive-by shooting that claimed four lives and injured seven others.

Pair of gunmen rob pre-school

TWO men armed with guns robbed a pre-school while more than 100 students attended classes during the opening day of school yesterday.

Church to commemorate Majority Rule Day

FREEPORT – St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church will commemorate the first Majority Rule Day holiday with a gourmet dinner and wine paring at Old Bahama Bay in West End on Friday, January 9.

Colour Run in Grand Bahama

FREEPORT – The 242 Colour Run held its first Freeport event on Sunday, December 8. The beautiful Sunday morning weather at the Garden of The Groves brought over 90 persons, including dozens of children, to participate in the three-mile course.

Christian Council wants clarity on gaming policy

BAHAMAS Christian Council President Rev Dr Ranford Patterson yesterday called on Prime Minister Perry Christie to clarify if recent statements made by Obie Wilchcombe on gaming is official government policy or Mr Wilchcombe’s personal opinion.

Lyford Cay International Schools sends delegates to Model UN Symposium

LYFORD Cay International School sent a team of 11 delegates and two chaperones to the Model United Nations Symposium in Montreal, Canada.

FNM says govt has performed 'dismally' since election

ACCORDING to the governing Free National Movement, the government has performed dismally since the May 2012 election.

Catholic Archbishop suggests programme for at-risk young people

A National programme for at-risk young people may need to be developed in the face of a persistent crime epidemic, Catholic Archbishop Patrick Pinder said.

Christian Council pledges to join fight against crime

THE Bahamas Christian Council pledged its commitment to the fight against escalating crime, offering Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade assistance “wherever you need us”.

PM 'has refused to man-up and tackle rising crime'

PRIME Minister Christie has refused to “man-up” in the face of rising crime according to the FNM, choosing instead to throw the Commissioner of Police and his officers under the bus.

No Bahamian companies in running for BEC

THERE are no Bahamian companies in the running for the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s restructuring and privatisation as the bidding process enters its final stage.

Chamber chair: Gov't can cut spending 'up to 20%'

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman yesterday said there was “no question” the Government could cut its spending by up to 20 per cent, as he urged it to get “the broadest possible buy-in” on tax reform.

Orchid Bay viability 'severely damaged'

A homeowner at Abaco’s troubled Orchid Bay development is demanding that the Georgia Bar investigate its route into receivership, alleging that this has “frightened residents” and “severely damaged its viability as a tourism destination”.

Bahamas told: Keep fiscal reform 'dirty laundry' in-house

The Bahamas must prevent its fiscal reform “dirty laundry” from being aired to the outside world, a Tax Coalition co-chair pointing out that the Government was really targeting an $800 million adjustment.

Family Islands 'scared as hell' over VAT impact

Family Island businesses have been left “scared as hell” by a lack of Value-Added Tax (VAT) information, a leading consultant yesterday warning many feared being “taxed out of the market”.

Ministry targets 20-100% food import reduction

A Ministry of Agriculture consultant yesterday said the Bahamas was targeting between 20-100 per cent reductions on certain agricultural commodities, in a bid to boost foreign exchange earnings.

Pageant platform advances childhood passion for education

A PAGEANT queen’s love for children led her at the age of eighteen to dream about becoming an elementary school owner. Now at 27 years old, Shante Mcalpin, Miss Bahamas Galaxy 2013, is one step closer.

Waltiea makes a move to the NBL

Just when she was looking forward to getting back to the Czech Republic to help lift the DSK Karlin out of their doldrum, Waltiea Rolle had to pack her bags and leave for Bulgaria where she will end up completing the season for Haskovo in the Bulgaria National Basketball League (NBL).

Sprinter Burns looking forward to IAAF World Relays

MARC Burns, one of the promising sprinters to come out of Trinidad & Tobago since four-time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon, is looking forward to coming to the Bahamas to compete in the inaugural IAAF World Relays at the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium in May.

Student athletes will get a chance to showcase their skills

THE best student athletes on the basketball hardwood in the Bahamas will have an opportunity to showcase their skills before international scouts and coaches this summer during a specialised three-day camp.

Ambrister looking for bigger and better 2014

AFTER joining the Racers Track Club last year in Kingston, Jamaica, in her pursuit to become one of the top sprinters in the world, Cache Armbrister is back and she’s looking forward to bigger and better things this year.

Hewitt: I felt great out there

AUSTRALIAN born Lleyton Hewitt won his first career title as an unknown teenager in Adelaide in 1998. Sixteen years later, the Bahamian resident with ties to the Bahamian Brewery Beverage Company won his 29th title in Brisbane.

Bahamas enjoys Swiss private wealth 'influx'

The Bahamas has enjoyed an “influx” of private wealth management business due to a change in Swiss banking laws, a senior accountant yesterday warning this nation would continue to face external pressures for greater regulationa and transparency.

Bahamas loses share to 'pricing disadvantage'

A top hotelier yesterday said the Bahamas has lost regional market share to the “pricing disadvantage” created by Caribbean-high utility costs and labour rates that are triple those of rival destinations.

Businessman unveils entrepreneur contest

FREEPORT – Grand Bahama businessman Elbert Hepburn has introduced a $100,000 ‘Power Five Challenge’, in an effort to help entrepreneurs start their own businesses on Grand Bahama.

New leadership demands new kind of follow-ship

By Michelle Miller

Doctors Hospital health system helps Atlantis staff get healthy

A long line snaked downstairs through a corridor of the Coral Towers at Atlantis, Paradise Island as the company’s staff waited to have their biometric screenings done so they could ‘know their numbers’.

Call for national youth programme

BAHAMIANS from all walks of life will once again have an opportunity to join together while supporting local charities on February 15 during the annual One Bahamas Unity Walk.

Crime solving must be free of politics

WE agree with Cynthia “Mother” Pratt’s recent statement that crime should not be politicised because it “knows no agenda; it doesn’t care about being bipartisan; it has no respect for no one party”.

Committee head hits out at concerns over search for new COB president

THE head of the College of the Bahamas’ presidential search committee took exception to criticisms of the search for the institution’s 10th president in 16 years.

Nottage gives full support to Greenslade

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage has expressed his full support of Commissioner Ellison Greenslade in the fight against escalating crime and the struggle to free the police force from corruption.

Two to be charged today over Fox Hill shootings

TWO men are to face court today in connection with the Fox Hill shooting that left four people dead and seven more injured.

MP brings furniture for old folks' home - only for thieves to steal truckload

PINEWOOD MP Khaalis Rolle cried shame on thieves who stole a truck load of furniture that was destined for the Old Folks’ Home from his “constituency giveaway” on Saturday morning.

Tributes paid as Gus Cooper dies

TRIBUTES poured in yesterday from both PLP and FNM as the country continues to mourn the death of one of the founding members of the Valley Boys Junkanoo Group, Winston “Gus” Cooper.

Police alarm at murder rate

POLICE said they are very worried about the recent escalation in murders after the partially burnt body of a man was discovered in southern New Providence.

Roberts 'not surprised' at Neymour defence

PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said he is “not surprised” that the former Minister of State for the Environment Phenton Neymour has “jumped to defend the indefensible” over red water problems with the Water and Sewerage Corporation.

Lawyers are uneasy over judge restrictions

THE Prime Minister’s announcement that if necessary, the government will pass laws to bind the hands of judges and prevent them from granting bail to persons accused of serious crimes is not sitting well with some attorneys.

2014 declared the 'Year of Culture'

IN celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Ministry of Tourism, Prime Minister Perry Christie has declared 2014 the ‘Year of Culture’.

Swingers kings of Junkanoo in Grand Bahama

FREEPORT – Defending champions the Swingers Junkanoo Group are the unofficial winners of the 2014 New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade.

COB appoints chief internal auditor

THE College of the Bahamas now has a Chief Internal Auditor, the first since the institution was founded in 1974. The appointment is part of the drive towards university status and corresponds with COB’s efforts to lead national development.

Schooner Bay targeting 'aggressive' $400m sell-out

Schooner Bay’s new sales team has pledged to be “very aggressive” in completing a $400 million “sell-out” of the project’s remaining real estate, and are targeting three-four years to complete the 266-lot first phase .

Coke bottler eyes $500k upgrade to new Freeport HQ

Caribbean Bottling Company (Bahamas) is aiming to start renovation work on its new $500,000 Freeport headquarters within the next fortnight, a development likely to create 15-20 construction jobs.

'Metamorphosis' to halt 2.4% regional stopover share fall

The Bahamian tourism industry is undergoing “a metamorphosis” that will start to reverse the 2.4 percentage point decline it has suffered to its share of Caribbean stopover visitors since 2007.

Top broker: 'I'm not looking to rule world'

A leading insurance broker is targeting a 5 per cent market share for his start-up in the medium term, telling Tribune Business: “I’m not looking to take over the world.”

$35m shopping centre eyes franchise 'game changer'

DEVELOPERS behind a high-end “shopping village” near Baha Mar are expecting to break ground on the project this month, telling Tribune Business they are hoping for a possible “game changer” by concluding lease negotiations with two major franchises.

Ingraham's best ever season open jump

IF Saturday’s performance was any indication, high jumper Ryan Ingraham could be looking ahead to a banner year.

Roberts questions Neymour on 'million dollar costs' for Bahamian people

The Water & Sewerage Corporation’s outgoing chairman has questioned whether a former minister was responsible for a contractual clause change that allegedly saved BISX-listed Consolidated Water “millions of dollars to the costly detriment of the Bahamian people”.

Richardson prepares for next phase of career with the Yankees

AS he prepares to head into the next phase of his minor league career with the New York Yankees, Antoan Richardson continues to receive accolades from his winter league play.

Marathon to spark $2m visitor spend

NEARLY 1,300 international participants have registered to-date for Marathon Bahamas, its organisers now projecting that the 2014 event will generate just under $2 million in visitor spend.

End-January target for five surviving BEC bids

The five remaining Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) bidders have until end-January to provide “final submissions” and answer all remaining questions the Government’s advisers have.

Winston 'Gus' Cooper was a pacesetter, trailblazer

Winston ‘Gus’ Cooper, best known as a visionary leader of the Valley Boys junkanoo group, was also remembered for the role he played as a former athlete and administrator in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture as a long-time director of sports.

Nassau is bloodier than New York

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Ministry of Tourism in 50th birthday celebration

The Prime Minister has declared 2014 as the ‘Year of Culture’ to coincide with the Ministry of Tourism’s 50th anniversary.

Unions pay tribute to King Eric

THE National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas expressed its condolences to Minister of Labour Shane Gibson on the death of his father “King” Eric Gibson.

BFSB Summit focuses on cultural changes

The Bahamas Financial Services Board’s (BFSB) upcoming International Business and Finance Summit (IBFS) will examine how cultural and family changes impact service providers and financial structuring.

US winter storms have 'minimal' tourism effect

By NATARIO McKENZIE

VAT pitfalls and how to avoid them

NOTHING has been debated more this year than the single acronym known as VAT, or “Value-Added-Tax,” which came into the spotlight following the current government’s announcement as supported by the IADB (Inter-American Development Bank) and IMF (International Monetary Fund).

Beware of keeping unsavoury company

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Politics and crime

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Palm Cay wins top contractor award

PALM Cay, the $200 million eastern New Providence gated community and marina, has been awarded the first ever Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA)’Developer of the Year’ award.

Health screening staged for Atlantis staff

DOCTORS Hospital Health System helped staff at Atlantis get and stay healthy by organising a biometric screening at the hotel’s property.

Junkanoo legend Winston 'Gus' Cooper dies

TRIBUTES poured in yesterday from both the PLP and the FNM as the country continues to mourn the passing of one of the founding members of the Valley Boys Junkanoo Group, Winston ‘Gus’ Cooper.

Police investigate burnt body discovery, man dies in stabbing incident

Police respond to body report

Christian community is ‘divided over gambling’

THE Christian community remains divided and hypocritical over the issue of gambling in the Bahamas, a leading Bishop said yesterday.

Drug bust nets $1m of cocaine

FREEPORT - A major drug bust was made at the Freeport Container Port where nearly $1 million worth of cocaine was discovered. This is the first major drug seizure on Grand Bahama for 2014.

Man is shot at counselling session group

A MAN was shot in the face yesterday during a court appointed counselling session.

PM gets tough on his legacy

IN the fight against the country’s “culture of killing”, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday he will put a police officer on every street corner if necessary.

Father of murdered man calls for 'drastic measures' to reduce crime

THE father of a murdered man is calling for “drastic measures” to be taken to reduce the crime rate and turn young men away from a life of crime and an early grave.

FNM warning over BTC offer

“MEANINGLESS shuffling and schemes” will not be in the Prime Minister’s best interests as the government further considers BTC and Cable & Wireless’s final offer, the Free National Movement warned.

Mother Pratt: We must stop politicising crime

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister and co-chair of Urban Renewal 2.0, Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, is calling for Bahamians to “stop politicising crime”.

FNM Chairman: 'Where has PM been all this time?'

“WHERE has the Prime Minister been all this time?” was the question the Free National Movement asked after the nation’s chief scrapped a cabinet meeting initially focused on BTC to address escalating crime.

Police probe New Year's Day stabbing attack

FREEPORT – Police are investigating a robbery and stabbing that occurred in Freeport on New Year’s Day.

Government in talks with Pigeon Pea landowner

THE government has started discussions with the owner of the private property razed in the tragic New Year’s eve blaze in an Abaco shanty town, North Abaco MP Renardo Curry confirmed yesterday.

Man gunned down in street

POLICE called on the public to come forward with any information that might assist murder investigations after the third murder for the year in two days - and the fifth in just three days.

2013 IN REVIEW: At the courts

ON November 2, 2013, family and friends gathered at Christ Church Cathedral to say farewell to a man they described as kind, supportive and generous.

Antique Auto Club gets into gear for gift giving

MEMBERS of the Antique Auto Club of the Bahamas recently got together for their annual Christmas gift giving.

DNA seeks proactive stance on shanty towns

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance leader Branville McCartney is calling on the country to take a proactive approach to the risks that shanty-towns present in the wake of a fire claiming two lives and leaving hundreds homeless in Abaco.

Two men accused of robbing service station

FREEPORT – Two men have been charged with armed robbery in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court.

Prizes for filmmakers

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority added to the Christmas festivities of two Nassau filmmakers by providing cash prizes for their winning entries in a Grand Bahama Island film competition.

Private sector urged: Avoid 'self-fulfilling prophecy' of recession

A prominent businessman yesterday urged the Bahamian private sector not to create a “self-fulfilling prophecy of doom and gloom”, and said: “2014 will be what we make it.”

Ex-minister blasts water report as 'frivolous excuse'

A former minister yesterday slammed a report blaming changes to the Blue Hills water plant contract for an increase in ‘red water’ as “a frivolous excuse” for the current government’s failure to address the real problem.

Moody's: 'Rein in' Gov't spend for fiscal success

The Government must “rein in” spending to achieve its fiscal consolidation targets, a Wall Street rating agency warning that Value-Added Tax (VAT) and other revenue reforms would not be enough by themselves.

Pilot sees 'accelerated' private aviation decline

Revenues from the private aviation sector will continue to decline at an “accelerated pace” if the Government does not roll-back “wrong headed fees” on the sector, an industry expert warned yesterday, calling on it to offer more incentives instead.

Bahamas prevents $147m Canadian 'catastrophe'

The Bahamas has prevented its $147 million export business to Canada suffering a “catastrophic” loss of competitiveness, reaching an ‘agreement in principle’ to preserve duty-free market access until a new regional trade agreement is concluded.

Miller: My wish for sports this year

Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) president Wellington Miller is confident that the Bahamas will have another banner year in sports in 2014.

'What a year it has been'

Just as quickly as we pulled down the curtain, leaving behind all of the bizarre occurrences of successes and failures as well as triumphs and defeats in 2013, we open the door to 2014 with its blank sheet of expectations.

Pharmacies witness strong flu med sales

SALES of over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu treatments have been relatively strong for 2013-2014 to-date, pharmacists said yesterday, while adding that the season has not been as bad as in previous years.

Giving staff the bigger picture

By Ian Ferguson

Another murder on the second day of 2014

IT’S SHORTLY after 8pm as we start to write this column — the second day of the New Year – and The Tribune has just been alerted to another murder. A reporter has dashed from the newsroom for Taylor Street off East Street. That is all that we know at present, but before the night is out and this column has been completed for this morning’s publication the details of the latest murder for two-day-old 2014 will be on today’s front page.

Call for effort to reduce traffic deaths

WITH the country recording two traffic fatalities on the first day of 2014, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Glenys Hanna-Martin renewed the call for a national commitment to drastically reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries due to car accidents in the Bahamas.

Where do we go from here?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Valley Boys win, Fox Hill Congos pay tribute to shooting victims (video)

WITH a vibrant America themed performance, the Valley Boys have captured the title as the winners of the 2014 New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade.

At last, the Christie government is talking tough

A YEAR and a half ago — a month after the PLP were elected to govern the Bahamas — we wrote the following in this column.

Three accused of murder remanded to prison

THREE men started the New Year in prison after being arraigned in connection with two separate murders in 2013, one that occurred at a “Bring the Peace Back in Bain Town” party when seven persons were hospitalised in the shooting.

Shanty Town fire kills two, leaves hundreds homeless

POLICE in Abaco are investigating a fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her year-old son.

FOUR DEAD IN 36 HOURS OF VIOLENCE

FOUR MEN are dead and three others are fighting for their lives in hospital following six separate shootings in the capital between New Year’s eve and last night.

Funeral service for Michael Stewart

FUNERAL services for Michael John Stewart, 84, of Winton Highway, who died in Doctor’s Hospital on New Year’s eve, will be held at St  Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk, Princes Street, on Saturday, January 4, at 3pm.

2013: A year of great achievement for high school athletes

THIS year was a year of great achievement for Bahamian athletes at the high school level.

Two die in traffic accidents

THE COUNTRY recorded its first two traffic fatalities for 2014 after two men died in separate traffic accidents in the capital.

Mitchell seeks zero tolerance to crime

FOX Hill MP Fred Mitchell has welcomed the government’s new crime initiatives as the right approach following the mass shooting in his constituency.

Corporation 'agreed' to water quality drop

Consolidated Water allegedly gained “significant” financial benefits after a change to its Blue Hills water plant contract, which was agreed by the Water & Sewerage Corporation, allowed it to supply poorer quality water.

Esso dealers gain 3-year safeguard

Bahamian dealers say they will ultimately have to “wait and see” how they will be affected by the Barbados-based SOL Group’s acquisition of Esso (Bahamas), one retailer telling Tribune Business their contracts were expected to remain the same for the next three years.

Oceania owners target $2m for resort build-out

Homeowners at the controversy-plagued Oceania Heights project believe they can raise a $2 million-plus ‘war chest’ to finance the development’s infrastructure build-out, with beach access and a fitness centre the leading priorities.

Bank 'optimistic' despite $3.175m shareholder loss

Bank of the Bahamas is “cautiously optimistic” 2014 will herald a turnaround in its financial performance, after a 158 per cent increase in loan loss provisions pushed its ordinary shareholders into a $3.175 million net loss.

URCA anticipates second cellular licence in 2014

The Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) anticipates licensing one new cellular operator in 2014, as it admits that competition has been “somewhat slow” to develop in the Bahamian communications market.

Bahamas 'regaining' Florida market spot

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said his ministry’s promotional efforts in the Florida market were beginning to pay dividends, telling Tribune Business: “We’re regaining our place in Florida.”

Take the Lamplighter Challenge and read through the Bible in 2014

HAVE you ever read the entire Bible? Have you ever planned to do so but simply lacked the discipline to do it? Would you like to make this year the year you read the entire Bible? Would you like to have the support of others who have decided to make 2014 their year to read the entire Bible? Then the Lamplighters programme is perfect for you.

Stories for January 2014

Friday, January 31

Thursday, January 30

Wednesday, January 29

Tuesday, January 28