Wednesday, January 31
01312018 EDITION
Wednesday, 31st January, 2018.
Government is preparing a travel letter for Jean Rony Jean-Charles
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Darren Henfield has confirmed the government is preparing a travel letter for Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles today.
Hanna Martin named and suspended from House
ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin was named by House Speaker Halson Moultrie and suspended from further parliamentary sessions after walking out of the House as the speaker gave remarks regarding her behavior during proceedings.
01302018 EDITION
Tuesday 30th January, 2018.
All options open on marital rape
A TOWN hall hosted by the Bahamas Press Club last night highlighted how in flux the government’s position on marital rape remains.
Dames defends coroner process
National Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday declined to address the latest fatal shooting by police, insisting such matters are “thoroughly investigated” and put before the coroner.
Alive – after two weeks adrift
A BAHAMIAN sailor who was reported missing two weeks ago was rescued by the United States Coast Guard on Monday afternoon from a boat taking on water off the coast of Florida.
Dump managers: We did our job
RENEW Bahamas, former managers of the New Providence Landfill, yesterday took issue with assertions from Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira that its work at the dumpsite was a “disaster,” insisting it had spent $10m to change solid waste management in the country.
BRING HIM HOME - Govt told: Fly Jean Rony back and grant status
A SUPREME Court judge has ordered the government to “immediately” issue a travel document for Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles to allow him to return from Haiti to the Bahamas at the government’s expense and to grant him legal status no later than 60 days after his return.
The Bahamas drops two places in Rule of law index
THE Bahamas has dropped two positions on the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index.The 2017-2018 index looked at how well the country adhered to its rules on civil and criminal justice, constraints on government powers, the absence of corruption
Minister of Health responds to reported case of TB at University
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands has responded to a reported case of tuberculosis at the University of the Bahamas.Although he did not confirm or deny the case, Dr Sands emphasised the low rates of the disease in the country. When asked by reporters if
Bahamas 'must adapt' to global integration
THE country must adapt to global integration or lose out on its chance at a “Bahamian renaissance,” Immigration and Trade Minister Brent Symonette suggested yesterday.In a speech to open the Bahamas Economic Outlook conference, Mr Symonette said as a
Mother leaves courtroom as footage of murders shown
THE mother of Sheena Johnson got up and left the courtroom as surveillance footage was shown in the Supreme Court depicting the murders of her daughter and son-in-law Barry at their home in Deadman’s Reef.Sobbing was heard just outside the courtroom
PLP: The PM's address 'offered no immediate economic, social relief'
THE Progressive Liberal Party yesterday downplayed the announcements in Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ national address, saying it “offered no immediate economic and social relief”. “The net result of the government’s fiscal and economic policies
Amendments could place onus on those aiding illegal immigrants
AMENDMENTS to current immigration policies could place more of the onus on people aiding illegal migrants, according to Immigration Minister Brent Symonette.Defending the efforts of the Minnis administration in recent months to address the immigratio
Independence of the Seas makes unexpected stop in Freeport
ROYAL Caribbean’s MS Independence of the Seas and its 4,000 passengers made an unexpected stop in Grand Bahama last week after the ship was diverted from Florida.The ship was charted by “K Love,” a Christian contemporary radio station, and was initia
What Donald Trump’s Tax Reform means for the Bahamas
DOES anyone at the Office of The Prime Minister understand precisely what the recently announced and successful new Trump Tax Reform actually created?
COB employee received $270,000 in account between 2008 and 2015
FORMER College of the Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs received nearly $270,000 in COB salary deposits to her savings account at CIBC FirstCaribbean bank between 2008 and 2015, Supreme Court jurors heard yesterday.Kim Thurston, manager of CIBC First Ca
Supreme Court hears legal arguments in habeas corpus applications
LEGAL arguments in six habeas corpus applications yesterday centred around differing interpretations of the powers extended to immigration officers as prescribed in the Immigration Act.Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hilton adjourned all matters to Feb
A sad reflection on 50 years of Majority Rule
YOUR editorial today, January 30 2018, is another very sad reflection on our fifty years of Majority Rule and Independence and National Sovereignty, and to be honest, we are very lucky that the US Embassy and/or others don’t publish a travel warning to their citizens vacationing here, that they best stay inside their rooms, lest they get hurt and have to go to this God forsaken place for medical help.
Problems at PMH
I read your editorial on PMH with great interest.
Were all generator bidders invited to conference?
PLATTS Caribbean Energy Conference this week I have to ask did the presence of the Minister responsible for BP&L - the Chairman and the CEO probably by accident compromise the required independent position as a result of the valuable pending RFP result for the supply of Stand-by generators to BP&L?
Picewell Forbes Is In The Dark
PLP Member of Parliament Picewell Forbes is absolutely correct that Bahamas Power & Light should keep a list of privileged customers whose electricity supply should never be disconnected.
Final matchups set in BAISS championships
The final series matchups are all set in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools basketball championships.
Pirates rout Pros, Buckets top Eagles Nest 95-78
CARO Contractors Pirates and Aliv Buckets came away with victories in the New Providence Basketball Association’s double header at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Monday night.
Contractors' WTO 'survival' threatened by no regulation
The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday warned it was “critical to our survival” under WTO for the Government to finally enact regulation of the $2 billion industry.Leonard Sands told Tribune Business it was “beyond urgent” t
RBC: Only university graduates need apply
A TOP Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) executive yesterday cited the inadequate Bahamian education system for forcing it to “adjust” its recruiting policy and target university students/graduates for even the most basic positions.Tim Rider, RBC Caribbean’s
RBC's middle class mortgage appetite 'severely diminished'
A ROYAL Bank of Canada (RBC) executive yesterday said its appetite to lend mortgages to middle and lower class Bahamians was “substantially diminished” due to inadequate market infrastructure. Tim Rider, RBC Caribbean’s senior vice-president of sales
GB Chamber chief fears more closures
THE Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president yesterday expressed concern that further Freeport businesses may close following the Prime Minister’s more downbeat appraisal on the Grand Lucayan sale.Mick Holding told Tribune Business he was surpris
$1m factoring scheme in SME funding 'firsts'
A “first ever” $1 million accounts ‘factoring’ scheme aims to aid “well over 100” Bahamian small businesses immediately following its summer 2018 launch. Omni Financial Group, the Bahamian payments solutions provider, yesterday hailed its partnership
Aliv unveils $45,000 BFSB sponsorship
ALIV has entered into a $45,000, three-year exclusive telecommunications sponsorship with the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB).The partnership, which began in November 2017, will result in funds being donated to the BFSB through cash or techno
Bahamas to adopt UN model arbitration law
THE Bahamas is aiming to adopt the United Nations (UN) model law on arbitration, Cabinet minister said yesterday.Brent Symonette, who was speaking at the opening of Royal Fidelity’s Economic Outlook conference, said: “We hope to adopt the UNCITRAL mo
Over 170 attend seminar on FINTECH possibilities
MORE than 170 executives from over 50 companies attended last week’s financial technology (FINTECH) seminar hosted by the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) and ALIV.“FINTECH is changing the way that we do business, and it’s imperative that we u
Family Islands told: 'Don't miss a beat' on bank exits
FAMILY Island residents were yesterday told by a Bahamian payments solution provider: “Don’t worry about a thing” when it comes to commercial bank pull-outs.Dr Johnathan Rodgers, the Omni Financial Group’s founding partner, pledged that the company w
Bahamas facing squeeze between China and US
THE Bahamas must leverage its relationships with the United States and China “strategically” to achieve its own development goals, a global affairs specialist said yesterday, adding that this requires a strong governmental system.Jamie Metzel, one of
Tuesday, January 30
Jump start for new businesses
THE government will waive business licence fees for new businesses this year, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced last night.
Judge orders govt to bring back Jean Rony Jean-Charles
SUPREME Court Justice Gregory Hilton has ordered the government immediately issue a travel document for Bahamas-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles and reimburse him for his travel back to the country, declaring that his rights under the Constitution have been breached.
Minnis: Shanty towns must end
THE Minnis administration intends to increase penalties for landlords who rent property to illegal immigrants, Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday.
‘Rake and scrape’ days are over
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday discouraged ethnic profiling and sweeping apprehensions as he remarked on the government’s difficulty in defending its position in court on immigration matters.
$2billion GB resort proposed
THE government is reviewing an application for the Grand Palm Beach property in West End, Grand Bahama for a project that could result in more than $2bn being spent over a ten-year period, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said during his national address last night.
Low cost plots for home buyers
IN a bid to boost access to affordable housing for Bahamians, the Minnis administration will “provide extremely low cost lots” to potential first-time home owners, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced.
DUMP FIRE: Don’t blame us
AS he defended the government’s work in reaching a long-term solution to blot out recurring fires at the New Providence Landfill, Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira placed blame on former dumpsite managers – Renew Bahamas – for the conditions at the site, which have caused three separate blazes in less than a year.
ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE STRIKES
ON THE REPLAY: A cross section of officers and marines from The Royal Bahamas Defence Force paused from their stressful duties to exert some energy and experience a bit of competitive bonding with their fellow servicemen and servicewomen in a friendl
Questions over Govt's landfill Commitment with Baha Mar
QUESTIONS have been raised about the implications of the government’s failure to honour a commitment made by the previous Christie administration to resolve the New Providence Landfill’s issues by December 31, 2017.This commitment was part of the Apr
Mitchell slams Bridge Authority executive dismissal
THE supposed dismissal of a high-ranking Bridge Authority executive was yesterday condemned by Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell.In a statement released yesterday afternoon, Mr Mitchell said he had received confirmation the Minnis admi
Department store in Freeport to close after 50 years
PARK and Shop is closing after nearly 50 years. Many persons flocked to the department store in downtown Freeport on Monday for its big closeout sale.The closure comes amidst continuing economic hardship on the island that has affected many business
Man sentenced to three years for firearm charges
A 35-year-old man was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday after pleading guilty to two firearm charges stemming from the seizure of a high-powered weapon over the weekend.Gerald Forrester, of Gun Hill Road, received his sentence from Chief M
Intervention needed in lives of at-risk youth
WITHOUT systemic intervention in the lives of at-risk youth, there will be more murders and acts of violence committed by teenagers and young women, according to noted psychiatrist Dr David Allen.He spoke to The Tribune days after a young mother, 19-
Termination of 2,500 from civil service a 'breach of union agreements'
THE government’s unilateral decision to terminate over 2,500 people from the civil service is a “concern” and represents a breach of union agreements, Bahamas Public Services Union President Kimsley Ferguson said yesterday.Mr Ferguson also called Att
Elective surgeries resume at PMH
ELECTIVE surgeries at Princess Margaret Hospital resumed yesterday following last week’s bed shortage crisis, according to Health Minister Dr Duane Sands.Health officials on Friday announced elective surgeries had to be suspended that day due to an u
18-year-old charged with December murder
AN 18-year-old male was charged in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations he murdered a man at his home two days after Christmas last year. Andrew Ferguson, of East Street, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt faced with one
EDITORIAL: PMH – Rx is painful medicine but it is all that will cure the patient
LAST week’s front page shocker that Princess Margaret Hospital had such a critical bed shortage it was cancelling all elective surgery indefinitely should have come as no surprise.
FACE TO FACE: Nursing came before everything. I even took my dad to the prom
I spent hours on the top of Blue Hills in New Providence at the home of a sprightly and dainty Bahamian grandmother.
Just pass the marital rape law and move on
THIS is 2018. Women can run companies; they can be leaders of countries; they can be doctors or scientists. Women are independent and have the same ability, worth and dignity as men.
‘Abomination’ will scar City of Nassau
TO my knowledge anyone wishing to develop property within the area between Church Street/St Mathews and at least to the west of Nassau Street are subject to a Special Architectural Nassau City Committee over and above the usual Town Planning Board who are required under their mandate to ensure the preservation of the traditional design and vernacular of the City within its precincts.
Plastic bags harm environment
I was pleased to read in The Tribune on Friday, January 26, that the environment minister plans to take to Cabinet a proposal to ban plastic bags in the Bahamas.
Roach brothers to carry flag at Commonwealth Games
BROTHERS Cameron and Dorian Roach, once considered among the top swimmers in the island nation, have switched their gear to triathlon where they will carry the Bahamian flag at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.On Sunday, Cameron Roach beat out a strong si
How flu changes within the human body may hint at future global trends
(THE CONVERSATION) – Evolution is usually very slow, a process of change that takes thousands or millions of years to see.But for influenza, evolution is fast – and deadly. Flu viruses change rapidly to escape the body’s defenses. Every few years, n
THE PRESS BOX: SUPER BOWL OR BUST
I MUST say that I’m stoked as I prepare to head off to Super Bowl 52 (Roman numerals are overrated) in freezing Minneapolis, Minnesota as a Bud Light and Bud Light Caribbean brand ambassador. I will be broadcasting live from the Super Bowl, back to
Sudden death playoffs
The Jordan Prince William Falcons and Queen’s College Comets matched up in both the junior and senior girls divisions in the semi-final of the BAISS basketball sudden death playoffs. The Falcons top seeded teams were able to advance with a pair of wi
Powerful masculinities
This past weekend, The Island House Film Festival provided a venue for the screening of many Caribbean features and short films. One film was “Cargo” by Kareem Mortimer. A deeply troubling and tragic film, “Cargo” highlights the gender biases so oft
The embarrassing curve ball in the bedroom
Q: Dear Dr Pinto, I am a 38-year-old married father with an embarrassing problem regarding a distressing curvature of my stiff penis that makes intimacy almost impossible. I am very depressed and my self-esteem is at a low point. Can you as a doctor
31st 'Catch Me If You Can' Regatta all set for Montagu
MARK the date down: February 17-18 for the staging of the 31st “Catch Me If You Can St Valentine’s Massacre” when “love will be in the air” on Montagu Bay.Organiser Eleazor ‘the Sailing Barber’ Johnson said this year’s event will be a little differen
'BB' wins long jump
BIANCA ‘BB’ Stuart, in preparation for the IAAF World Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games, won the women’s long jump at the 2018 Birmingham Metro CrossPlex in Birmingham, Alabama, on Sunday.Stuart won the event with a leap of 6.48 metres
Doctors Hospital welcomes first baby girl and baby boy of 2018
Doctors Hospital could think of no better way to begin the new year than welcoming two new babies into the world. Through its partnership with Lowe’s Wholesale Drug Agencies and Johnson and Johnson, Doctors Hospital recently presented the first born
The dangers of butt implants
Local surgeon warns of taking short-cuts with cosmetic procedures
Thanks to celebrities like the Kardashians, Nicki Minaj and Amber Rose, not to mention the numerous Instagram models, big butts are now more popular than ever.A big, round booty is for many a must-have to be attractive in this day and age. And while
Christa believes in finishing touches
The true fashionista understands that is it the little things that make the big picture complete. An outfit can be as fabulous as it wants to be, but it’s the accessories that take your ensemble to the next level of style.
Everything you should know about HPV
According to the National Cancer Institute, human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of more than 200 related viruses. More than 40 HPV types can be easily spread through direct sexual contact, from the skin and mucous membranes of infected people
Swimming for a cause: Sixth grader leads the charge in honouring kids with HIV/AIDS
LEYLAH Knowles, a sixth grade competitive swimmer, made a difference yesterday by teaming up with her school to host “Swim For the Cause” to benefit the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.
Remove 'red herrings' from Business Licence
The Government was yesterday urged to ease private sector anxieties by removing long-standing “red herrings and misnomers” associated with the Business Licence renewal process.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) presiden
Bank slackness in 'higher than usual' non-compliance
THE Central Bank has blamed “carelessness rather than deliberate rule breaking” for a “higher than usual level” of licensee non-compliance with “simpler” regulations.Charles Littrell, its inspector of banks and trust companies, in a just-released let
Gov't eyes 'all options' to eliminate Business Licence 'rush, angst'
THE Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday said the Government was exploring “all options” to eliminate “the rush and angst” associated with Business Licence renewals.Marlon Johnson, the acting financial secretary, told Tribune Business that th
PM warns Grand Lucayan sale 'far from completed'
THE Prime Minister last night warned that the Grand Lucayan’s sale is “far from completed”, and instead touted a potential $2.56 billion development at West End’s former Ginn project.Dr Hubert Minnis, in his latest national address, delivered a far m
Aliv, BTC sell-offs to fund $25m SME development
THE Prime Minister last night announced plans to finance a $25 million small business development initiative from selling-off the Government ownership in Aliv and BTC.Pledging his administration’s commitment to developing Bahamian-owned micro, small
30 held in US-backed raids
POLICE arrested about 30 people during an early morning operation in southwest New Providence yesterday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said.
Bonds 'missing piece' for local construction
LEGALLY-mandated performance bonds were yesterday described as the “missing piece” in the construction industry by the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president. Leonard Sands, speaking as a panellist at the sixth annual Arbitration and Inve
'Standard' contracts absence fuels construction disputes
A BAHAMIAN quantity surveyor yesterday lamented the lack of “standardised” construction and procurement contracts, and the difficulties this causes.John-Michael Clarke, president and managing director at Veritas Consultants, told the sixth annual Arb
Monday, January 29
01292018 EDITION
Monday, 29th January, 2017.
‘SAVAGES’: Girl gang kills teen mum over phone
THE family of a 19-year-old girl stabbed to death in the street by a gang of women last night branded her killers as “savages” who deserved to hang.
The dump ignites - yet again
AS a “contained” fire continued to burn at the New Providence Landfill yesterday – sending toxic smoke and fumes into the air – residents of nearby Jubilee Gardens expressed frustration over a situation that has become all too familiar for the city dump’s neighbouring residential areas.
‘Blind’ suspect shot by police
A MAN who residents say was blind, was shot and killed by police Friday, prompting an angry confrontation between residents and police in the East Street area where the shooting occurred.
Athletes qualify for the Carifta Games
AT least eight athletes, led by repeat performers Tarhji Hudson, Denvaughn Whymms, Anthaya Charlton, Gabrielle Gibson, Raymond Oriakhi and Acacia Astwood, attained the CARIFTA Games standards, while high jumper Jamal Wilson surpassed the mark for the
Man dies in boating accident
A MAN is dead after a boating accident on Saturday, police said.Shortly before 3pm, a man was diving at Clifton Pier in an attempt to remove a hose that was between a vessel and the dock.According to police, due to the rough sea he was pinned between
Davis blasts 2,500 job cuts in public sector as 'shameful'
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said he is not surprised by the latest unemployment figures, which highlights a “shameful” public sector shrinkage of more than 2,500 jobs, adding he believes the number will double once the compl
Bahamian players shine in the NCAA
CONFERENCE play continues throughout NCAA Division I with several Bahamian players in action over the weekend.Travis Munnings continues his productivity and his back-to-back 20 point games helped the UM Warhawks recover from a four-game losing streak
Rolle fails to make the cut
It wasn’t so much the windy conditions as it was her putting that made it difficult for Bahamian exemption player Georgette Rolle to improve on her performance as she ended up at the bottom of the 108-player field at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classi
EDITORIAL: Politics put before patients’ beds at PMH
PRINCESS Margaret Hospital Administrator Mary Walker, commenting on the fact that the Princess Margaret Hospital has had to turn away non-emergency cases at the hospital this weekend because of a critical bed shortage due the roof not being repaired for two years, and the shortage of nurses, says that this is the “worst” she has seen the hospital in the many years that she has been on the hospital’s staff.
INSIGHT: A society stifled by slackness
“SMALL things become big things.” It’s not intended to be cliché – as much as it may sound like one we’ve heard a million times. However, it is truly a life philosophy that I am guided by. When we look at our nation today, and painstakingly review al
POLICE ADVICE: Surfing safely with your child online
Social media sites such as Facebook, twitter, instagram, snapchat,and whatsapp increase communication, access to information and help in developing a sense of self. However, the thought of what your child might come across online can be worrying. Her
Two dead after traffic accidents
TWO people have died after separate traffic accidents on Grand Bahama and New Providence. According to police, shortly after 11pm Friday, a woman was walking on Boyd Road when she was hit by a white Nissan Sentra. The driver stopped and was enquiring
Dr Minnis' archipelago of opportunities
The experience that best prepared Dr Hubert Minnis for the job of Prime Minister just might be his stint as a businessman.
Use the lights we already have
LIGHTING up Fish Fry... easy, the Minister of Agriculture needs to speak to the Minister of Transport and allow agriculture to use the spanking brand new tall aluminium LED lights, some six-eight of which were installed at the refurbished Traffic Inspection location at Ft Charlotte.
WORLD VIEW: Is the OAS putting its credibility in doubt?
NOT for the first time, the Organization of American States (OAS) is in danger of reinforcing the widely-held view that it ignores its own declared values and principles. This time, the danger is posed by the way the Organization is handling develop
Police hunting for armed robbers
POLICE in New Providence are asking the public for help in solving a string of armed robberies, two of which occurred Friday at a fast food restaurant and on a jitney.In the first incident, shortly after 3pm Friday, a man armed with a firearm entered
Gov't to 'stamp' down on land deal red tape
The Government is aiming to consolidate the ‘stamping’ of real estate conveyances at “one location” in a bid to ease private sector concerns about ever-increasing bureaucracy.K P Turnquest, the Deputy Prime Minister, told Tribune Business that the Mi
Business Licence: Chamber proposes 'staggering' filings
THE private sector plans to soon meet the Government over proposals for “staggering” Business Licence renewals, amid fresh fears over the January 31 deadline’s “feasibility”.Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive, yesterday
WTO 'won't get done' without 2019 target
THE Bahamas’ accession to full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership will “not get done” without the aggressive 2019 deadline imposed by the Government.Mick Holding, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president, told Tribune Business that set
Confidence key to getting 'single digit' unemployment rate
THE Bahamas can get unemployment “down to single digits” by restoring employer confidence in the economy’s growth prospects, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive said yesterday.Edison Sumner, speaking after Friday’s release of the latest Labour
DPM: Size of Government 'certainly not optimal'
THE Deputy Prime Minister says the Government’s size is “certainly not optimal”, with almost one in five Bahamian workers employed in the public sector. K P Turnquest, who is also minister of finance, said the November Labour Force data provided ini
Airport hotel bid to launch in first quarter
THE Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is expected seek bids to develop a small hotel at the Bahamas’ premier airport in the 2018 first quarter, its chief executive has revealed.Vernice Walkine, speaking on the sidelines of a recent cocktail re
Treat budgets as tool, not a chore
BUDGETING is the single most important thing you should be doing right now to improve your financial situation. Have you ever got to the end of a week or month and asked yourself where all your money went? A budget is the best way to answer that ques
American Airlines 'impressed' with Bahamas growth
A TOP American Airlines executive says the carrier has been “impressed” by the growth on its six routes between the Bahamas and the United States, with its 130 weekly flights exceeding most Caribbean locations.Jim Butler, the carrier’s senior vice-pr
Sunday, January 28
Brittany Lincicome wins LPGA opener in Bahamas - again
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Brittany Lincicome beat darkness — with help from floodlights Sunday on the Ocean Club's 18th green — to win the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic for the second straight year.
UPDATED – Inferno: 150 homeless as arsonist sets The Mud ablaze
SCORES of homes were destroyed in the shanty town community The Mud in Abaco on Sunday, displacing more than 150 people, police and government officials said.
Mullings leads UB Mingoes, breaks national heptathlon indoor record
KEN Mullings led a 14-member team from the University of the Bahamas Mingoes track and field team at the 2018 Fred Wilt Invitational over the weekend at the Lambert Fieldhouse in West Lafayette, Indiana by breaking the men’s national heptathlon indoo
Saturday, January 27
Henderson leads Feng in windy LPGA Tour opener in Bahamas
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Brooke Henderson birdied the par-5 18th hole and had a one-stroke lead over top-ranked Shanshan Feng on Saturday in the suspended second round of the wind-swept Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.
North Andros pays tribute to plane crash victims
THE North Andros community gathered at Cathedral of Olives Baptist Church on Friday to celebrate the lives and mourn the loss of the six people who died in a tragic plane crash on January 17.
Friday, January 26
Elective surgeries suspended at PMH due to overcrowding
HEALTH officials yesterday underscored an unprecedented level of overcrowding at the nation’s public hospital with the number of boarders on the rise, elective surgeries temporarily suspended, and a record 12-hour wait time in Accident and Emergency department.
Rulings on Jean Rony Jean-Charles and Bahamian man's pregnant wife expected Tuesday
SUPREME Court Justice Gregory Hilton is expected to deliver his ruling on deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles, and the fate of a pregnant wife of a Bahamian man facing deportation on Tuesday.
UPDATED: 19-year-old mother stabbed to death
Five people are in custody after a woman was stabbed to death on Thursday night
Freeport Junior Junkanoo Parade suspended
THE 19th Annual City of Freeport Junior Junkanoo Parade has been suspended due to the unfavourable weather forecast for Grand Bahama on Saturday.
New police chief for Grand Bahama and northern region
DEPUTY Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour officially turned over command of the northern district to his successor, Assistant Commissioner of Police Samuel Butler, on Friday during a handover ceremony at Police Headquarters in Grand Bahama.
Unemployment up to 10.1 per cent
THE country’s unemployment rate now stands at 10.1 per cent, Department of Statistics Labour Force Survey officials announced Friday.
UB: Union concerns linked to break from 'old patterns of behaviour'
THE University of The Bahamas on Friday suggested concerns raised by its union were linked to a break from “old patterns of behaviour” inconsistent with its transition as a tertiary institution.
AG to address marital rape issue at press club panel
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel is slated to expound on the issue of marital rape at an upcoming panel hosted by the Bahamas Press Club 2014.
University of The Bahamas student hit by car
A UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas student is in recovery after being struck by a car while crossing the street.
01262018 EDITION
Friday, 26th January, 2018.
‘Govt broke law in firing gaming board staff’
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe said yesterday the government should have been aware it was breaching the law when it fired 30 Gaming Board employees last year, citing an amendment to the Employment Act passed in 2017 by the Christie administration.
Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic second round suspended due to high winds
Due to high winds that buffeted Nassau and the Ocean Club Golf Course, second-round play at the 2018 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic was suspended for the day at 8:39am. Wind speeds were sustained at 30-35 mph, with gusts in the low 40s, and are expected to remain the same throughout Friday.
UB union demand - ‘treat us fairly’
THE Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas has raised concern over the University of the Bahamas’ refusal to negotiate a new industrial agreement, insisting any further delay could lead to major unrest at the institution.
End of plastic bag pollution?
ENVIRONMENT and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira plans to take a paper to Cabinet on the issue of banning plastic bags in the Bahamas, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold confirmed yesterday to The Tribune.
‘We were sacked for being PLP’
DANIELLE Gibson and Holly Barrett were fired as assistant managers of the North Eleuthera and Governor’s Harbour airports Tuesday, months after they warned Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis and former Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin that their jobs were under threat, allegedly because of their political leanings.
Lawyer accuses police of beating
THE attorney for one of three men accused of murdering a 58-year-old man in the Rock Crusher area on Friday yesterday lashed out at the “criminal behaviour” of officers at the Central Detective Unit for beating his client “severely” and failing to notify him when his client was interviewed.
Word of Life puts the focus on New Year's goals
“Focus” was not only the theme, but also the mission statement of the Word of Life Kingdom Ministries’ first conference to encourage its members to achieve both their worldly and spiritual goals in 2018.Word of Life’s pastor, Rickeno R Moncur, invite
Cursillo - How does it work?
Cursillo has been aptly described as the “best method of Evangelism that I have seen” by Rosemae Thompson, a long-serving member of the Cursillo movement in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.And she says this not because of the exciting a
THE FINISH LINE: Star Trackers' Jaide and Anthaya standout as CARIFTA qualifiers
THE 2018 Flow CARIFTA Games is fast approaching and the focus right now is on getting athletes to attain the qualifying standards, although it doesn’t automatically name them to the team that will represent the Bahamas at the Thomas A Robinson Nation
The sting of death
In memory of my beloved brother-in-law Andrew Melvin Newton, of Nassau, Bahamas, who transitioned to heaven on November 1, 2017. Dedicated to his wife Shena Newton and sister Theodora (Dora) Newton. What makes the sting of death so painful is that ea
Court to consider applications by Jean Rony and other migrants
MIGRANTS released from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre last month are expected to return to court today for judgement on their habeas corpus applications, including the case of former detainee Jean Rony Jean-Charles.
EDITORIAL: US SHUTDOWN AND MEDIA INSULARITY
The ongoing drama in Washington about making the passage of a government spending bill dependent on immigration policy is difficult for foreign observers to understand. Linking these unrelated matters in order to thwart legislation by the US Congress to fund government operations seems hard to justify. The consequent shutdown lasted for nearly three full days.
Police identify murder victim
THE man fatally shot on Wednesday night while sitting in the doorway of his own home has been identified by police as Chamico Pheron Mackey. Mackey was 35 years old. His death marked the eighth homicide of the year, according to The Tribune ’s recor
Davis says Forbes BPL comments out of context
THE Progressive Liberal Party does not believe utility companies should treat politicians differently from ordinary citizens, PLP leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday, adding the comments of South Andros MP Picewell Forbes in Parliament on Wedn
Our nation needs real change
THE Prime Minister is to be commended for his attempt to lure Foreign Direct Investment to the Bahamas, but I have one little problem with the approach.
US crime alert
I WISH to give my feelings about that latest warning/advisory coming from the US State Dept by way of the US Embassy here in Nassau.
PM’s trip to Texas
PM to Texas: good try but the recent Trump massive Tax Bill probably killed that initiative.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Power to the people
ONCE again, the country’s main electricity provider is in the flickering spotlight. On one hand, an MP is “begging for a break” while on the other, the Minister responsible for Bahamas Power and Light is promising “the best summer ever”! While readi
Jobs for Freeport as Omni unveils expansion
OMNI Financial Group is expanding its operations to Freeport next month, creating new jobs on the island and providing much needed service to residents and businesses on Grand Bahama. The announcement comes as “great news,” Minister of State for Gra
Trial delay after attorney illness
FORMER College of the Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs’ trial over allegations she stole over $500,000 from the college was adjourned yesterday to next week due to her attorney being taken ill. Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson adjourned the matter to Mond
Brooke Henderson grabs one-stroke lead in Classic
Brooke Henderson of Canada played impeccable golf amid unrelenting winds Thursday to shoot a bogey-free 5-under-par 68 and grab a one-stroke lead after the first round of the $1.4 million Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.
Rolle 103rd overall on the 1st day
WITH play suspended due to darkness, Bahamian Georgette Rolle sat tied with two others for 103rd place overall after day one of the 2018 Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic at the Ocean Golf Club, Paradise Island.
Buddy on rising stars roster for 2nd straight year
MIAMI, Florida — For the second consecutive year, Buddy Hield has an opportunity to represent his franchise and the Bahamas during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Giants stop the Shockers 85-81
IN a battle of two of the top teams, the Commonwealth Bank Giants stayed unbeaten in the New Providence Basketball Association’s 2017/18 season by holding off a stubborn JD’s Seafood Shockers in a hard-fought 85-81 victory at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.
Central Bank 'ceases' two property deal requirements
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday revealed two reforms designed to reduce the ‘red tape’ that has dramatically slowed approvals for real estate deals involving foreign investors.John Rolle, responding to Tribune Business’s inquiries, said the reg
Money transfer market 'risks oversaturation'
THE Bahamian money transfer market “risks rapid oversaturation”, with one provider yesterday warning that this could provide cover for increased criminal activity.Harvey Morris, Omni Financial Group’s chief executive, and members of his management te
BREA chief warns of investor 'turn-off'
THE Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president yesterday called for “a simple solution” to the protracted approvals process that threatens to “turn off” foreign investors.Christine Wallace-Whitfield told Tribune Business that the Government a
BPL secures $100m short-term financing
BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) has obtained a near-$100 million credit line that will allow it to buy new equipment, and overhaul existing systems, before peak summer demand hits.
Landfill bid shortlist ready 'in two weeks'
Bidders will know in about two weeks whether they have qualified to submit a full offer to manage the New Providence landfill, a Cabinet Minister describing the process as “a game changer”.Romauld Ferreira, minister of the environment, told Tribune B
Bahamas warned against separate arbitration regimes
THE Bahamas should adopt the United Nations model law on international trade, and have a single regime for domestic and international arbitration, an industry expert stated yesterday.Datuk Professor Sandra Rajoo, director of the Kuala Lumpur Regional
IAN FERGUSON: A training foundation still effective today
LAST week we began refocusing attention on new forms of training. For the approach we take in enhancing the skills of our employees is crucial to the success of our business. While we emphasised the future of training, as we journey to becoming a wor
RBC closures show'writing on the wall'
THE Bahamas Financial Services Union’s (BFSU) president yesterday said Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) latest branch closures came as no surprise, adding: “The writing is on the wall.”Theresa Mortimer told Tribune Business that RBC’s digital push undoub
Private bank launches Bahamas trading desk
A LATIN American private bank yesterday said it has launched a new Bahamas-based trading desk, creating five jobs.Itaú Private Bank, in a statement, said the new facility was geared towards promoting investment by Brazilian and Latin American clients
Thursday, January 25
01252018 EDITION
Thursday, 25th January, 2018.
Meditation Seeing for yourself
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, an
Lessons learned in 2017
Happy New Year! May we all go in this new year with the mindset to execute the goals, plans and aspirations that God has for our lives.It is amazing of how quickly time flies. Regardless of the speed of time, there are always lessons to learn. I woul
Minnis to release report on travel after Texas trip
AFTER his return to the country following a trip to Texas this week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the government has “no problem” releasing a report to the public on the travels of his Cabinet.
BPL on target ‘for best summer yet’
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister yesterday suggested Bahamas Power and Light was on pace to deliver to consumers its best summer on record.
Ex-minister warns not to influence crash probe
TOURISM and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar’s remarks regarding the recent Andros plane crash drew rebuke from Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin, who suggested yesterday that the comments ahead of a completed air accident report could “muddy the water” as officials continue investigations.
‘Adapt as banks shut their doors’
WHILE the government is “concerned” by the latest consolidation announcement from the Royal Bank of Canada, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest suggested these situations are inevitable with the constant evolution of technology, which requires less “brick and mortar locations and bodies”.
Woman jailed for smuggling drugs in a condom
A 38-year-old Bahamian woman was sentenced to a year and a half in prison yesterday for attempting to smuggle almost ten ounces of cocaine into the United States earlier this week by concealing the drugs in a condom inserted in her vagina.
Our Lucaya
I am concerned, listening to yesterday’s statement from the Deputy Prime Minister on Our Lucaya as no doubt he implied that Our Lucaya will open soon as soon as the exchange of contracts is completed.
COB worker ‘refused to answer’
FORMER College of The Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs refused to answer certain questions relating to the heart of allegations she stole over $500,000 from the college over seven years during her initial interviews with police in November of 2015, Supreme Court jurors heard.
Things to stop doing in 2018 and beyond
1. Stop spending time with the wrong peopleLife is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever throw yoursel
Anti-money laundering measures to tackle gaming industry weaknesses
THE Gaming Board yesterday announced plans for a compliance monitoring system equipped with an anti-money laundering framework, as part of its efforts to safeguard the integrity of the gaming industry.
Lyford Cay Foundations Name Executive Director
EMPOWERING future Bahamian leaders while providing innovative solutions through access to education has been a hallmark of the Lyford Cay Foundations. Now, for the first time in its nearly 50-year history, the foundations are proud to announce that a
Buddy exits game with apparent knee injury
ORLANDO, Florida - Buddy Hield reached double figures for the fourth time in the last five games and helped the Kings snap an eight-game losing streak.The Kings scored a 105-99 win over the Orlando Magic Tuesday at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florid
CARIFTA mascot 'Iggy'a delight for students
MEET Iggy, the mascot for the 2018 Flow Carifta Games.The Local Organizing Committee, headed by its chairman Rosamunde Carey and IAAF Councilwoman Pauline Davis, presented Iggy to the Yellow Elder Primary School during a special assembly on Wednesday
Tourist tax
DISASTER fund’s $60m levy: ‘You can’t afford to gamble’ ..... this refers to a proposal by a Canadian to create a sinking fund for any future catastrophic hurricane.
Education team is unveiled
MINISTER of Education Jeffrey Lloyd on Friday announced the appointment of, and introduced to the Ministry of Education’s staff, a new executive team at the Ministry and Department of Education.The department is now led by Marcellus Taylor, acting di
Bain rejects recusal bid in Nygard cases
SUPREME Court Justice Rhonda Bain has rejected Keod Smith’s application to recuse herself from hearing Peter Nygard cases. It is not the first time she has made such a ruling. Late last year she ruled that Mr Nygard gave “no cogent reasons” for his
Georgette Rolle tees off today in LPGA Classic
GEORGETTE Rolle, playing as the Bahamas’ exempted player for the fifth time, will tee off at 12:53pm today in the first round of the 2018 Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic at the Ocean Golf Club on Paradise Island.Rolle, 32, will play in the last of 35
Thompson: 'Last year was my best year yet'
AFTER winning the Race to the CME Globe to cap one of her best years on tour, Lexi Thompson put her golf clubs away for a month this offseason to rest a strained left hand. Not that she wanted to do that. “It was needed time off,” Thompson said Wedn
Minnis and his unwise comments
The Prime Minister, God bless his soul, is not a lawyer so he may not have fully appreciated his public assurance to the so-called Cabbage Beach Protesters last year when they were arrested and charged for assorted alleged criminal offences.
Club Monica's 15th annual meet this weekend
THE Club Monica Athletics Track and Field Club will host its 15th annual Club Monica Athletics Track and Field Classic at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium on Friday and Saturday.Club president Dianne Woodside-Johnson said the club is aga
Foulkes’ Newspeak
In his bid to mislead and manipulate the public/taxpayer Mr Foulkes, Minister of Labour says “The government plans to introduce a mechanism that ensures consumers in The Bahamas benefit from duty reductions on certain goods,…”
Express success for Grand Bahama
THE return of a major US tour operator to Grand Bahama will provide much-needed airlift to the island by May of this year.According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism this week, Vacation Express, based in Atlanta, has indicated it will
Cold front for weekend
TWO more cold fronts are expected to hit the country starting today, according to Basil Dean, chief meteorologist at the Department of Meteorology. Although the cool start to the New Year has given way to warmer weather recently, temperatures are ex
Henfield vision of council to tackle immigration
THE failure of successive governments to train civilian leaders for the effective management of military forces has resulted in a lack of strategic vision, and contributed to the thriving nature of illegal immigration and other maritime law-breaking,
Loophole fears over grouper season
CONCERNS have been raised that permits allowing the Nassau grouper to be sold year-round create a loophole that potentially allows the endangered fish to be exploited during the closed season.The closed season for the Nassau grouper is December 1 - F
Officer denies lawyer's claim of shoddy police work in murder case
A LEAD police investigator denied in court yesterday that the investigation into the brutal murders of a Deadman’s Reef couple was shoddy police work. Det 772 Lorenzo Johnson’s handling of the investigation was brought into question by Geoffrey Farqu
UB union demand - ‘treat us fairly’
ENVIRONMENT and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira plans to take a paper to Cabinet on the issue of banning plastic bags in the Bahamas, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold confirmed yesterday to The Tribune.
‘Shooting ourselves in foot’ over deal red tape
Attorneys yesterday warned the Bahamas is “shooting ourselves in the foot” through red tape that has caused multi-month delays to the closing of real estate transactions.
Financial provider targets 100-worker expansion
A BAHAMIAN e-payments provider is planning to more than double its staff by adding 100 employees in 2018, believing it is “in the right place at the right time” for nationwide expansion.
Minister encourages Sandals expansion
THE Minister of Tourism is encouraging Sandals to execute on long-established plans to expand its Emerald Bay property, suggesting that this will make “the economics better”.
RBC’s ‘great injustice’ to the Family Islands
A CHAMBER of Commerce executive yesterday accused Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) of doing the Family Islands “a great injustice” through their continued branch closures and exits.
Insurers seeking urgent ‘closure’ on VAT refunds
THE Bahamian insurance industry yesterday said it was seeking urgent “closure” on its outstanding VAT refunds to ensure it is “on the same page” with government prior to hurricane season.
RBC withdrawal to 'deepen hardship'
MPs and private sector executives from the two islands affected by Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) pull-out yesterday said this would only “deepen the hardship” for already-sluggish economies.Adrian Gibson, Long Island’s MP, told Tribune Business: “This
Bahamas 'behind 8-ball' on new bank technology
THE Government has received expressions of interest from mobile banking solutions providers to fill the Family Island void left by the commercial bank pull out, the Deputy Prime Minister said yesterday.K Peter Turnquest told Tribune Business: “We hav
Developer beats potholes to bring motorists relief
AN online applications developer is racing to launch an app that could bring relief for unhappy New Providence motorists affected by ongoing pothole woes.Quincy Rolle, president of United Data Technologies, unveiled his Bahamas’ Smart City App six mo
Wednesday, January 24
01242018 EDITION
Wednesday, 24th January, 2018.
COB worker ‘took home extra $600,000 in pay’
FORMER College of The Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs took home just over $600,000 in extra payroll deposits from 2009 to 2015, Supreme Court jurors heard yesterday.
Calls to clamp down on airline hackers
THE air charter industry could see more stringent regulations implemented in the coming months, as two Cabinet ministers called for sweeping changes for the sector in the wake of last week’s fatal plane crash in waters off Andros.
Alone in a hellhole, praying to go home
BAHAMAS-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles said he was given the equivalent of $4.69 to start a new life in Haiti.
Two gunmen die in police shootout
POLICE shot and killed two men known to them yesterday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said. Their deaths marked the third time this month there has been a police-involved killing in the country.
Dames: I have not tried to influence policing plan
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday denied he has attempted to influence aspects of the commissioner of police’s 2018 policing plan, calling such concerns misguided.
New primary school to be built in south-west
THE Minnis administration has finalised a commitment to construct a new primary school in southwest New Providence, according to Education Minister Jeffery Lloyd.
Potholes ‘in the same places every year’
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister is promising efficient, holistic and long-term solutions to the large number of potholes and poor quality roads on New Providence.
CULTURE CLASH: Sexual violence - there is no grey area
I’ve seen and heard about people lamenting the ongoing discussion about women’s human rights specific to our bodies.
EDITORIAL: Marijuana - to legalise or not to legalise
THERE was no marijuana in the Garden of Eden when the world began — but there was a special fruit. Not only was this fruit a curiosity piece, but what added to its worth — it was forbidden.
Minister insists nation is safe despite Canada alert
IN the wake of yet another travel warning against The Bahamas, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar is doubling down on his remarks that the country is a safe place for visitors, especially when compared to major American and European cities.
Activists say work with LGBT groups ‘overstated’
THE group Bahamas Trans Intersex United has suggested Attorney General Carl Bethel overstated the work the government has done to accommodate the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community when he addressed an international body recently.
70 Haitians held after vessel stopped near Long Island
IN its first apprehension of the year, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force arrested 70 Haitians who were on board a 40ft sailing vessel east of Wemyss in south Long Island, officials said.
Foulkes: Deputy PM right on jobs
DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest was correct in his suggestion that the country’s next unemployment survey will show an increase in joblessness, according to Labour Minister Dion Foulkes.
Great Harbour Cay crash pilot also lacked commercial licence
THE pilot of the plane that crash-landed in Great Harbour Cay two weeks ago lacked a commercial pilot licence, did not have an up-to-date medical certificate and flew a plane whose airworthiness certificate expired in 2016, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.
Lawyer questions missing footage in murder case
AFTER a month-long break, the trial of three young men accused of robbing and fatally shooting a husband and wife in Deadman’s Reef resumed in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama yesterday.
The truth in Trump's comments
A MOTHER with a bare foot, nappy headed child with a dirty nose would be embarrassed if one states the obvious and would want to fight if comments are made with Trump’s characteristic bluntness. But her stirred emotions do not make the comments less true.
Number houses
I supported the legalisation of numbers. I actually think all gambling should be legal for Bahamians. I do not think there should be one standard for foreigners and another for Bahamians when it comes to this.
Acting the part
HAVE you noticed that since May 10th, 2017, the majority of new appointments to senior Civil Servant positions are all “acting” and not permanent?
Roads a mess
The condition of Nassau’s roads especially after the recent heavy rains is appalling.
Bahamas LPGA Classic officially open
The Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic, now in its sixth year, has helped to solidify the Bahamas as the sports mecca of the region, said Travis Robinson, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.
Students get some pointers at junior golf clinic
PROFESSIONAL players Jackie Stoelting and Marissa Steen provided some tips to close to 70 government and private junior and senior high school students just before the start of the 2018 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Golf Tournament.
NPBA: Rockets, Resistance in win column
THE Caro Contractors and the Rockets split their pair of games played on Monday might as the New Providence Basketball Association continued its regular season action at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.
PM’s rep admits to ‘ludicrous’ tax bills
The Prime Minister’s Abaco representative yesterday pledged that “every measure is being taken” to resolve the “ludicrous” property tax bills undermining all Family Island economies.
Florida firm collects ‘significant sum’ in local property taxes
A FLORIDA-based company yesterday said it had collected “a considerable sum” in outstanding Bahamian real property taxes amid concerns over the Government’s hiring of a foreign firm.
Double-digit lay-offs likely as a result of 4 RBC branch closures
MORE double-digit job losses are likely at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) after it last night announced the closure of four branches, including a pull-out from Andros and Long Island.
Fears property tax damage ‘irreparable’
ATTORNEYS and realtors yesterday expressed fears that much of the damage caused by the Government’s property tax over-billing is “irreparable” for Abaco and other Family Islands.
Exchange controls relaxation pressure ‘not unmanageable’
THE Central Bank yesterday said the latest exchange control relaxations will “not pose unmanageable pressures”, as it moved to ease the import burden for merchants.
Farmer: Import ban is ‘make or break’
A BAHAMIAN farmer yesterday backed the Government’s temporary restriction on imports of sweet and bell peppers and tomatoes, saying: “That’s a make or break situation right now.”
Farmers chair: Import block ‘too late’ for many
THE Farmers United Association’s (FUA) chairman yesterday said the Government’s decision to temporarily restrict pepper and tomato imports was “too late” for many, even though he backed the move.
Tuesday, January 23
Students get some pointers at junior golf clinic
PROFESSIONAL players Jackie Stoelting and Marissa Steen provided some tips to close to 70 government and private junior and senior high school students just before the start of the 2018 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Golf Tournament. Stoelting and Steen par
The Tribune
THE trial of three men accused of a double murder in Grand Bahama will resume on Tuesday morning in the Freeport Supreme Court. Paul Belizaire, Devaughn Hall, and Kevin Dames are accused of the murders and armed robbery of a couple in Deadman’s Reef
new primary school to be built in south-west
THE Minnis administration has finalised a commitment to construct a new primary school in southwest New Providence, according to Education Minister Jeffery Lloyd.Mr Lloyd said the government is positioning itself for an aggressive construction and up
Great Harbour cay crash pilot also lacked commercial licence
THE pilot of the plane that crash-landed in Great Harbour Cay two weeks ago lacked a commercial pilot licence, did not have an up-to-date medical certificate and flew a plane whose airworthiness certificate expired in 2016, according to Federal Aviat
Farmer: Import ban is 'make or break'
A BAHAMIAN farmer yesterday backed the Government’s temporary restriction on imports of sweet and bell peppers and tomatoes, saying: “That’s a make or break situation right now.”Christopher Pinder, one of the owners of Abaco-based 5 Star Farms, a maj
Buddy scores 13 in Kings' 105-99 win over the Magic
ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — Garrett Temple took over in the fourth quarter and led the struggling Sacramento Kings to a big win.Temple scored 19 of his career-high 34 points in the final quarter to lift the Kings to a 105-99 win over the Orlando Magic la
Bahamas LPGA Classic officially open
The Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic, now in its sixth year, has helped to solidify the Bahamas as the sports mecca of the region, said Travis Robinson, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.Robinson was speaking at the offici
Foulkes: Deputy PM right on jobs
DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest was correct in his suggestion that the country’s next unemployment survey will show an increase in joblessness, according to Labour Minister Dion Foulkes.Addressing the recent criticism levelled at the Minnis adm
NPBA: Rockets, Resistance in win column
THE Caro Contractors and the Rockets split their pair of games played on Monday might as the New Providence Basketball Association continued its regular season action at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.The Caro Contractors Resistance won their division II
Potholes 'in the same places every year'
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister is promising efficient, holistic and long-term solutions to the large number of potholes and poor quality roads on New Providence.Mr Bannister has also asserted that utility companies must pay for the paving of any fu
Lawyer questions missing footage in murder case
AFTER a month-long break, the trial of three young men accused of robbing and fatally shooting a husband and wife in Deadman’s Reef resumed in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama yesterday. Paul Belizaire, Devaughn Hall, and Kevin Dames are accused of
Farmers chair: Import block 'too late' for many
THE Farmers United Association’s (FUA) chairman yesterday said the Government’s decision to temporarily restrict pepper and tomato imports was “too late” for many, even though he backed the move.Dennis Cates, proprietor of Cates Farm and Petting Zoo,
Activists say work with LGBT groups 'overstated'
THE group Bahamas Trans Intersex United has suggested Attorney General Carl Bethel overstated the work the government has done to accommodate the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community when he addressed an internation
01232018 EDITION
Tuesday, 23rd January, 2017.
'This is the last ride' said missing sailor in video
MORE than a week after his disappearance off the coast of Bimini, the family of Samuel Leroy Moss Jr, 23, is desperate for him to be found alive.A Baha Mar lifeguard and avid sailor, Mr Moss flew from Nassau to Fort Lauderdale on January 13 to purcha
I told them – check. They said: ‘You going to Haiti’
JEAN RONY Jean-Charles was waiting for his friend to purchase a few cigarettes before heading to a job site when he was arrested by immigration officers in early September last year.
Davis defends three-year deal
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis insisted yesterday there is “nothing wrong” with the manner in which the former Christie administration issued a contract to a high-ranking Bridge Authority executive, saying it all boils down to “being stylistic more than principle”.
Crash pilot had no commercial licence
THE pilot of the Piper Aztec plane that crashed, killing himself and five other people off Andros last week, did not have a commercial pilot’s licence and was hoping to get one after returning to flight school in a matter of weeks, according to his sister, Shantell Miller.
Police officer on rape charge
A FORMER police officer was yesterday charged in a Magistrate’s Court with allegations he had sexual intercourse with a 25-year-old woman earlier this month without her consent.
Living well with sickle cell
Support association to host biggest event to date
With thousands of Bahamians estimated to be affected by sickle cell disease, the local support association is gearing up to host its biggest education event to date.In an effort to offer community support in a meaningful way, the Bahamas Sickle Cell
Six qualify for CARIFTA at Roadrunners Classic
WHILE Jaida Knowles and Anthaya Charlton took advantage of the competition at the McKenley-Wint Track and Field Classic at Calabar High School in Kingston, Jamaica, to surpass the CARIFTA qualifying standards, six athletes attained the standards at t
Torrington Cox signs in Iraq
VETERAN Bahamian hooper Torrington Cox continues his professional career in Iraq with his latest signing. Cox agreed to terms with Nift Al-Janoub of the Iraq Superleague, the highest professional league in the country. The 33-year-old forward enter
Sea Waves Aquatic Team heptathlon makes a splash
THE Sea Waves Aquatic Team, headed by Shirley Mireault, provided an opportunity for the local swimmers to participate in a slightly different format than the usual swim meet held in the Bahamas Swimming Federation.More than 154 swimmers braved the we
Top ways to boost health in 2018 in under five minutes per day
(BPT) - A new year brings new opportunities to focus on health and fitness. The following are four easy ways to boost your health in less than five minutes per day. Drink water before each mealDrinking enough water each day helps to boost hydration,
COB worker’s pay changed, jury told
SUPREME Court jurors heard yesterday how former College of the Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs’ salary deductions and consequent net pay fluctuated both monthly and yearly, from 2008 to 2015.
EDITORIAL: Step one for Minnis – weeding out the corruption
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert A Minnis minced no words when he spoke at Bahamas Business Outlook last week. Before a packed house at the Baha Mar Convention Centre, the prime minister won over an audience disgusted and fed up with the obstacles in the way of accomplishing the smallest required task.
Turnquest defends AG - but admits debate over legal plans could have been greater
ACTING Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday defended Attorney General Carl Bethel against criticism he has received for his presentation at the United Nations last week, insisting all the aspects presented overseas “were discussed here” initial
THE PRESS BOX: Anthony Miller Jr pitches very impressive five innings of 'no hit' ball in 7-1 victory
WITH all the negativity and controversy surrounding sports these days, in all the various sporting disciplines, both locally and internationally, it’s always refreshing to see youth excel in sports, giving hope, with a new generation of athletes on t
Body of second drowned man found
POLICE have recovered the body of a second man from Bimini who was reported missing last week after last being seen with another man sitting in a small boat. The body of the first man was recovered in waters off Bimini on January 18. He has been ide
Technology hub for Grand Bahama pitched on Texas trip
IN remarks to technology industry leaders in Texas yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis pitched Grand Bahama as a technology hub prime for an influx of American business. Grand Bahama, the industrial capital of the country, has been plagued by
2020 Census campaign begins - with $5m price
THE Department of Statistics yesterday officially launched its multi-tiered 2020 Census publicity campaign. The census data collection is set to start May 4, 2020. Proposed as the country’s first electronic census and potentially the most expensive
Dermatologist debunks top five skincare misconceptions
(BPT) - Figuring out what’s best for your skin can feel like solving a difficult mystery – everyone’s condition is unique, there are countless treatment options and people will do almost anything for a clear complexion.“When it comes to your skin, th
Victim stabbed in nightclub parking lot
A MAN is in critical condition in hospital after he was stabbed during an argument at a nightclub parking lot Monday morning. According to police, shortly before 3am Monday, two men were in a parking lot on East Bay Street when they were approached b
Four sentenced over break-ins at schools
TWO men and two juveniles were sentenced to one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys after admitting to either breaking into, stealing and/or dishonestly receiving merchandise from three private
Murder victim identified
POLICE have identified one of three men who were killed this weekend in separate incidents. The man was shot shortly before 3am Saturday, after he had just arrived at a home on Sumner Street, Nassau Village. Police said he was approached by a man ar
Hard work to give NIB easy money
This is an open letter to Ministers Brent Symonette and Dionisio d’Aguilar,
We must fix the civil service
I WRITE, this letter with consternation after an exchange yesterday with an employee at the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.
Businesses scramble over disability deadline
NEARLY one month since the deadline passed for all buildings to be made easily accessible to persons with disabilities, the business community seems to be scrambling to comply with the law despite having nearly two years to do so.Speaking to The Trib
Putting a new face on Over-the-Hill
MORE than 13,000 cubic yards of debris were removed from the Bain and Grants Town community during the first two days of the government’s Over-the-Hill clean-up campaign.The campaign began on Friday and ramped up its operation on Saturday. Some of th
Seeking those with a 'Golden Heart'
Sir Victor Sassoon Foundation prepares for gala ball
WITH its biggest fundraiser only weeks away, the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation has now opened the nomination process for the Golden Heart Award.In preparation for the 54th Annual Heart Ball, where the award has been presented since 1
Pinder's Point foam was from fire drill
WHITE foam which was dispersed during a fire drill conducted at the Buckeye plant in Grand Bahama last Thursday was blown into the Pinder’s Point residential community, a spokesperson for the company confirmed on Monday.Greg LaRoda, a local represent
Limit on tomato and sweet pepper imports
THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources is restricting the importation of sweet peppers and table tomatoes into the country following a high output of the produce from Bahamian farms, the government announced yesterday. According to a Baham
What might explain the unhappiness epidemic?
Limited 'screen time' makes for happier individuals
(THE CONVERSATION) – We’d all like to be a little happier.The problem is that much of what determines happiness is outside of our control. Some of us are genetically predisposed to see the world through rose-colored glasses, while others have a gene
Hurst fires 8-under-par 65 to qualify
VICKY Hurst of Melbourne, Florida, now in her 10th season on the LPGA Tour, fired an 8-under-par 65 yesterday to win one of two qualifying spots in this week’s $1.4 million Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.Daniela Darquea of Ecuador won the other spot
Cornish puts up solid numbers for the Seawolves
JARON Cornish continues to produce solid numbers in his first season with the Stony Brook Seawolves in the America East Conference. Cornish recorded his second double double of the season with 16 points and a season high 13 rebounds in Sunday’s 53-51
Men: 'Ladies, we have feelings too'
Good Man Campaign to host empowerment seminar
NOW, more than ever, one can hear the cries of women the world over: “Men are no good. Men are lousy; they’re abusive,” they say. And while their very serious complaints are likely to be valid more often than not, one local organisation believes that
Rolle to represent Bahamas in Pure Silk Classic
For the fifth time, Georgette Rolle will carry the Bahamian flag at the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s Pure Silk Bahamas Classic.In preparation for this year’s tournament that will run from Thursday to Sunday at the Ocean Golf Club on Paradis
YOU GO GIRL: Ayanna celebrates life after death with new book, single
BAHAMIAN psalmist Ayanna Clarke said she felt like an orphan after the death of her mother a few years ago. Without her “chief cheerleader and support system” to help her navigate the day-to-day, she suddenly found herself at a loss of what to do wi
Water Corp’s two-page deals ‘not good enough’
The Water & Sewerage Corporation’s water supply contracts are “not good enough”, its chairman revealing many consist of just a two-page Letter of Acceptance.
'All hands must be on deck' for joining the WTO
THE Bahamas must resolve all its ‘ease of business’ weaknesses before joining the WTO, the Chamber’s chief executive warned yesterday, as he issued an “all hands on deck” call.Edison Sumner told Tribune Business that acceding to full World Trade Orga
Airlines 'abandon' routes to hackers
BAHAMIAN commercial airlines have effectively abandoned some routes to illegal ‘hackers’, a senior executive yesterday saying he wanted promised regulatory ‘crackdowns’ to turn into action.Captain Randy Butler, Sky Bahamas’ president and chief execut
Margaritaville named as brand for $250m Pointe
The Pointe development next to downtown Nassau’s British Colonial Hilton property will be flagged by the Margaritaville brand inspired by singer Jimmy Buffett, it was revealed yesterday.Margaritaville Holdings, in a statement, said it would become th
PM touts Bahamas' 'reliable electricity'
THE Prime Minister described the Bahamas as having a “constant and reliable electricity supply of North American standards” as he sought to ‘sell’ this nation to technology investors.Dr Hubert Minnis’s speech to the Austin Technology Council and Texa
Bank fee protesters take case to the Central Bank
AN advocacy group protesting against commercial bank fees yesterday took its issues to the industry regulator, calling on the Central Bank and Government to intervene and protect consumers.The small group, Citizens Against Bank Exploitation (CABE), l
Construction job fair sees 'on spot hiring'
MORE than 800 persons attended last weekend’s construction industry job fair, with the Director of Labour yesterday confirming that some were hired “on the spot”.While he did not have hiring numbers available up to press time, Robert Farquharson desc
MONEY MATTERS: Forget competition with the Joneses
THE surname most people probably know and remember is ‘The Joneses’. This is the family that everyone, anywhere is supposed to be competing with right now. The question that we really need to take a step back and ask, though, is who are the Joneses (
Religious tourism in 2,000 visitor boost
THE Bahamas’ religious tourism market will get a major boost this week with more than 2,000 members of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) arriving in Nassau for their mid-winter board meeting.Travis Robinson, parliamentary secretary
Monday, January 22
01222018 EDITION
Monday, 22nd January, 2018.
INSIGHT: The danger of déjà vu
DESPITE Prime Minister Minnis’ lack of nationwide fanfare, on May 10, 2017, he and the Free National Movement formed the next government of our commonwealth. His campaign was established on tenets of transparency and accountability. Essentially, it did not take rocket science to know that a lack thereof was chief among the reasons we had enough of the previous government. The Free National Movement probably could have campaigned on anything and safely become the next government.
Search for wreckage goes on to find answers over crash
WHILE search and rescue efforts have ceased for those who died in last week’s Andros plane crash, search and recovery for parts of the downed Piper Aztec plane are continuing as authorities expand their search area in the hope of finding the parts that could help investigators determine what caused the crash.
PM orders probe over bridge exec’s contract
DAYS before the May 10 general election, the former Christie administration added an addendum to the contractual agreement of a high-ranking Bridge Authority executive outlining no fixed termination date and specifying there was to be no less than three years’ notice in the event of termination, The Tribune can reveal.
PLP: Changes to URCA board ‘unlawful’
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis characterised the Minnis administration’s changes to the board of the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority as unlawful yesterday, arguing they infringe on the independence of the regulatory body.
Abandoned by the country of his birth
JEAN Rony Jean-Charles, the Bahamas-born man who, according to relatives, went “missing” after three months at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, has been found in a North Haitian slum.
Three dead after bloody weekend of shootings
THREE men are dead and another is in hospital following four shooting incidents in separate locations in New Providence that took place over the weekend.
Fire guts announcer's boothat the original TAR stadium
FIRE on Sunday gutted the announcer’s booth - the oldest structure in the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium, but it’s not expected to adversely affect the operations of the various high schools and Bahamas Association of Athletic Ass
Man detained after cocaine discovery
A 34-year-old Grand Bahama man was arrested at the Grand Bahama International Airport for allegedly trying to smuggle a quantity of dangerous drugs to the United States on Friday.ASP Terecita Pinder said the incident happened shortly before 5pm. She
Bowling national team trials this week
THE Bahamas Bowling Federation will hold their national team trials this week at Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Centre. The training squad will consist of 20 members (10 men and 10 women). The top eight male and top eight female finishers
On track: Pro and college athletes take US spotlight
IT was a mixture of professional and collegiate athletes in the spotlight over the weekend as Warren Frazer, Alonzo Russell, Katrina Seymour, Bianca ‘BB’ Stuart, Jyles Etienne, Pedrya Seymour, LaQuan Nairn and Brianne Bethel turned in some of the lea
Solar energy plan
Your front page story on our PM’s Solar Energy Plan prompts me to raise a point that I think has merit, in the case of BEC/BPL (could we please revert to the former name now that the foreigners are gone ).
Baseball seasons now open
BASEBALL is arguably the sport with the most populous and effective development programme in the country and two of the local leaders began their seasons last weekend. Freedom Farm Baseball League and Junior Baseball League of Nassau hosted opening
Minnis visit to Texas to drum up business
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis left the country yesterday for visits to Austin and Houston, Texas.
Man shot dead by police after gun fired into crowd
AN armed man was shot dead by police in Abaco during a confrontation in the Central Pines area early Friday morning, police reported.
64-year-old Bimini man drowned near harbour
THE community of Bailey Town, Bimini, is saddened by the apparent drowning of 64-year-old William “Stinky” Stuart, who was well loved by everyone in the tiny, close-knit settlement.
INSIGHT: Off Abaco the water is crystal clear but golden elkhorn coral is shrink-wrapped in plastic
That kid — there’s one in every school — putting up posters about protecting baby seals and organising beach cleanups? Yeah, that was me.
GAIN AN EDGE - Setbacks: A set-up for success
POVERTY, illiteracy and discrimination because of her Haitian roots were grim realities young Jennifer Cassandra Pierre Wilson faced growing up in The Bahamas.
LPGA: PURE SILK CLASSIC QUALIFYING ROUNDS TODAY
WHETHER or not she advances out of today’s qualifying round, Daniela Darquea said she’s just delighted to be in the Bahamas playing in the sixth annual Pure Silk Women’s Professional Golf Tournament and helping out the Bahamian future stars at the yo
NPBA: Regulators stop Pirates 126-121 in double overtime
IT took double overtime for the Leno Regulators to outscore the Caro Contractors Pirates 126-121 in Saturday night’s New Providence Basketball Association men’s division one feature contest at the AF Adderley Gymnasium. In the opener, the Rockets kno
EDITORIAL: Lessons from the past on US shut down
WE ALL learned of the US government shut down at midnight on Saturday. Some offices really did close their doors. But operations deemed essential, including military and law enforcement, would continue. Most observers believed the shutdown would not be lengthy. The best argument for that is what happened during the last significant shut down.
My tribute to Sir Geoffrey
On Friday, August 4, 2017, I was very sad to hear of Sir Geoffrey Johnstone’s passing.
Letter power
EDITOR, The Tribune. THE Tribune provides a great platform for joe public to raise issues and discuss issues ....it seems even the Government reads The Tribune and they react to content of letters to The Editor.
Cynthia Rahming 7th at Scottish Judo Open
BAHAMAS female national champion Cynthia Rahming ended up in an impressive 7th place at the Scottish Judo Open this past weekend. Rahming, competing in the under 57 kilogram division, finished the day with two wins and two losses. She defeated Brita
BISX to 'jump in' oncryptocurrency IPOs
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) is preparing to “jump in” to initial coin offerings (ICOs) and cryptocurrency, having already been approached by players in this area.Keith Davies, the exchange’s chief executive, told Tribune Bu
'Victory for Bahamians': Realtor hails verdict against Schooner Bay
A local realtor has hailed his “victory for the Bahamian businessman”, after the Supreme Court rejected a foreign developer’s bid to bar him from operating at its multi-million dollar project.James Malcolm told Tribune Business that Justice Ian Winde
Gov't mulling VAT Tribunal expansion to cover all taxes
THE Government is mulling whether to expand the VAT Appeals Tribunal to cover all types of tax complaints, the Deputy Prime Minister pledging: “We don’t want to be unfair to anybody.”K P Turnquest, who is also minister of finance, told Tribune Busine
'Havoc': $125k tax bill for Long Island lot he didn't own
A senior realtor yesterday warned that real property tax billings are “causing havoc”, revealing how one client was hit with a $125,000 bill for a Long Island lot he did not even own.Mike Lightbourn, who heads the Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (B
Venture capital 'a joke' without private investors
PRIVATE investors must take the lead in Bahamian venture capital financing, the Central Bank’s governor describing their current participation in the sector as “a joke”. John Rolle argued that private investors, instead of the Government through the
ISLAND INSIGHTS: Exuma poised for greatness if we make 'stronger push'
EXUMA is slowly climbing its way up the ladder to becoming a leading centre of economic activity. Like most Family Islands it is faced with problems surrounding infrastructure development. However, this should not put a halt to its potential growth.
Minister: $14.5m store to boost consumer choice
A Cabinet Minister has praised AML Foods’ new $14.5 million Solomon’s Yamacraw store for increasing food retail competition in eastern New Providence.Ellsworth Johnson, minister of state for legal affairs, said the 38,000 square foot store would prov
Tribune Radio names new program director
BAHAMIAN DJ, Jamal ‘Mista Xcitement’ Rodgers, has officially settled into the role of program director for Tribune Radio Ltd, with responsibility for program and content on the company’s five radio stations.Tribune Radio’s chief operating officer, Ol
Governor: Commercial banks not job centres
COMMERCIAL banks should not be viewed as employment centres, the Central Bank’s governor instead arguing that the job creation focus must be placed on the international sector. John Rolle, addressing the Rotary Club of East Nassau, said Bahamas-based
Friday, January 19
Deputy PM: Audits will be beneficial in the long term
WHILE costs associated with audits launched in several government ministries and departments remain unclear, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest insisted that whatever is spent on this undertaking will ensure certain actions under the previous administration are revealed to the public.
Police identify man found dead in old City Market building
POLICE have identified the body of man found in the old City Market building as Derek Cartwright, age 54, of Anderson Street.
Man charged with Fox Hill murder
A 32-year-old man was arraigned on murder and drug-related charges in a Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Three Ministry of Works employees, truck driver, plead guilty to stealing charges
THREE Ministry of Works employees and a self-employed truck driver pleaded guilty to stealing by reason of employment and were ordered to pay $5,372 in fines and compensation before they are released from prison.
Baha Mar lifeguard missing after purchasing boat
FRIENDS of a Baha Mar lifeguard who disappeared after purchasing a boat late last week are making a desperate appeal for assistance in his discovery.
AG hits back at UN presentation criticism
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday denied criticisms of his presentation at the United Nations last week, characterizing backlash as “knee-jerk commentary” to erroneous news reporting and commentary.
Water and Sewerage Corporation employees charged with stealing fire hydrant
THREE employees at the Water and Sewerage Corporation accused of stealing a fire hydrant were arraigned in Magistrate's Court on Friday.
PM consoles families of plane crash victims
EVEN as they struggled with the sudden death of their loved ones, family of the six recent plane crash victims in Andros visited a government complex in North Andros Friday and were consoled and comforted by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and some of his parliamentary colleagues.
Officials end crashed plane search and rescue
OFFICIALS have ended their search and rescue for people on board the Piper Aztec plane that crashed as it headed to Nassau from South Andros on Wednesday.
01192018 EDITION
Friday, 19th January, 2018.
VAT revenue behind this quarter
DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said while Value Added Tax revenue is behind this quarter, the government fully expects the economy to pick up resulting in better VAT results.
Woman dies after falling from cruise ship balcony
GRAND Bahama police are investigating the death of a woman who fell from the balcony of the Carnival Elation cruise ship early Friday morning.
Accused ‘offered to pay back’ money from COB
SUPREME Court jurors heard yesterday how former College of The Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs told officials, when confronted about allegations of theft, that she was willing to return some of the money she is accused of stealing from the institution.
Solar energy plan to bring down cost of electricity
THE cost of electricity has remained an urgent “perennial issue”, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday, as he revealed his administration’s commitment to unpack within this term in office an ambitious plan that will increase the use of solar energy in the Bahamas.
Ministry of Works staff on theft charges
FIVE Ministry of Works employees were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations they conspired to and subsequently stole close to $1,500 worth of asphalt from their employer last year.
Prime Minister to visit relatives of victims
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will visit the families of those who died in Wednesday’s tragic plane crash in Andros, telling reporters yesterday he too has been affected by this “unfortunate” event.
Bishop: Marital rape move made in bad faith
BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander said yesterday he was shocked by the government’s international commitment to criminalise marital rape, calling it a “terrible” move that did not demonstrate good faith.
Shattered: Families distraught after small plane smashes into pieces
OFFICIALS have recovered small bits of debris from that ill-fated Piper Aztec that crashed in waters off Andros Wednesday with six persons on board, with the damage suggesting the small plane shattered upon impact.
Man found beaten to death
A MAN was found dead yesterday in the old City Market building on Market Street with blunt force trauma to the body.
Concerns raised over enforcement of air safety regulations
ALTHOUGH fatal airplane crashes are rare in The Bahamas, in the wake of Wednesday’s tragedy that killed six people near Andros, Randy Butler, CEO of Sky Bahamas, told The Tribune existing regulations governing the industry may be stiff but are still inadequately enforced.
Knowles-Tener decides to leave James Madison Dukes
AFTER struggling to earn playing time over the last two seasons with the James Madison Dukes, Rondre Knowles-Tener has decided to leave the programme.Knowles-Tener was one of several players to announce their intentions to transfer this offseason aft
Web.com PGA Tour Great Exuma Classic draws millions of eyes
MILLIONS of golf enthusiasts worldwide couldn’t keep their eyes off the Islands of the Bahamas this week as they gazed upon its pristine waters during the Web.com PGA Tour Great Exuma Classic.The event, which was held at Sandals Emerald Bay, is a mar
Rise in number of those in need
DUE to the depressed economic situation in Grand Bahama, the Grand Bahama Red Cross Centre has seen an increase in persons coming to their doors for assistance. The centre and its volunteers continue to extend a helping hand to many persons in the c
Mystery over foam in backyards at Pinder's Point
MYSTERIOUS white foam alleged to have come from a nearby industrial plant showered the Pinder’s Point community on Thursday morning, sparking anxiety among some residents there.Grand Bahama experienced very windy conditions as a result of a strong co
Jobs fair at gym tomorrow
THE Department of Labour in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour will be hosting a construction job fair tomorrow at the Kendal Isaacs Gym.
EDITORIAL: Major risk of nuclear conflict
IT is said that an error uncorrected can soon become an irreversible mistake. The recent warning of an imminent nuclear attack in Hawaii that remained in force for thirty-eight minutes before being declared a false alarm caused fear and panic amongst its 1.4 million population. Reportedly, it happened as a result of the wrong button being pressed at the time of a change of shift at the island state’s so-called “nerve centre” operation.
Tributes to Dr Cecil Bethel
THE Public Hospitals Authority has extended sympathy to the family and friends of Dr Cecil Bethel who died this week. In a statement, the PHA said the veteran physician was a “fierce advocate for healthcare development and delivery”. The PHA added:
Ayton posts 13th double double
DeAndre Ayton recorded his 13th double double of the season and led the No.14 Arizona Wildcats to their third consecutive win in the PAC-12.Ayton finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in a 79-58 win over the California Golden Bears on t
Sandiford enjoying her role as caddie on LPGA tour
FORMER basketball player-turned golfer Taneka Sandiford is on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour, not as a player, but a caddie and she is enjoying the exposure and travel that she’s experiencing. Sandiford, who has put her dreams of play
THE FINISH LINE: Bahamas Baseball Federation makes'a move that should be commended'
THE Bahamas Baseball Federation’s decision to cease all operations and allow the Bahamas Baseball Federation to carry out their mandate as the governing body for baseball in the country is a move that should be commended. Over the years, several att
No decision yet on funding method for NHI scheme
THE government will have to decide whether National Health Insurance will be funded through increasing existing taxes or if the money to fund the scheme will come from a new kind of direct tax, Finance Minister K Peter Turnquest said yesterday.Speaki
Indefensible to defend Christie
I noted the comments by Ricardo Smith, a perennial political gadfly, if ever there was one.....he’s jumped from party to party depending on which way the wind is blowing. He is, in fact, a fake old PLP imposter of the highest order, in my view.
Facing the future
The following is a letter addressed to Dr Jonathan Rodgers
Paradise Lost
DRIVING around our beloved island with a visitor, he compared what he saw with his last visit over 20 years ago.
Long Island man dead after blaze destroys house
POLICE in Long Island are investigating the circumstances surrounding a house fire that left an elderly man dead late Wednesday night. The incident took place shortly after 11pm in Salt Pond. According to reports, police were called to the scene af
Advice & analysis on the NFL conference title games
MANY sports fans know that gambling sustains big-time college and professional sports around the world and is the main reason why television coverage is so lucrative and why audiences are so vast.
Meditation - A time for us
During this time when we reflect on the holy family and the showing forth of God’s plan of salvation to the magi, we cannot help but pause and ponder the message that is intended for us as individuals and as a people. What are the changes that we may
Could God use you in Internet evangelism?
Could God use you to reach people for Christ via the internet? The answer may surprise you!“How could I ever use the Internet to reach people for Christ?” you might wonder. “I’m no techie. I know how to send e-mail and read the news online, but that
The facts about Cursillo
Cursillo is the original three-day movement, and has since been licenced for use by several mainline Christian denominations, some of which have retained the trademarked Cursillo name, while others have modified its talks/methods and given it a diffe
Thanksgiving stones laid at Mt Olivet
THE first placement of memorial and thanksgiving stones for the Anglican Prayer Grotto at the Mount Olivet Retreat took place during a special dedication and blessing ceremony held last Saturday.The dedication of the prayer grotto was conducted by An
Avoid 'creative destruction' for $1bn GDP expansion
The Bahamas could increase its annual GDP by up to $1 billion if it avoids becoming a “victim of creative destruction”, a well-known economic commentator argued yesterday. Dr Johnathan Rodgers warned Bahamians and the private sector not to “bury your
Seven-day Business Licence leaves firms 'on edge of our seats'
BAHAMIAN businesses were yesterday said to be “on the edge of our seats” over the Prime Minister’s pledge to approve and issue Business Licences within seven days.Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) ch
Top attorney ‘dying’ to see Enterprises Act’s Immigration impact
A prominent attorney yesterday said she “loves the challenge” posed to the Immigration Department by the Commercial Enterprises Act, and is “dying” to see its impact.
Attorney to Central Bank: ‘Wake up and smell roses’
THE Central Bank’s exchange control department was yesterday urged to “wake up and smell the roses in 2018”, a top attorney suggesting it had yet to embrace liberalisation in practice.
Bahamas facing $500m storm bill over next decade
THE Bahamas will reap multi-billion dollar benefits if it acts now to upgrade physical and environmental protections against $500 million in forecast storm damage, an engineer said yesterday.Carlos Palacious, director of operations for Caribbean Coas
PM laments 'antiquated' paper-based approvals
THE Prime Minister yesterday lamented the “inefficient” and “antiquated” demands for businesses to obtain written confirmations and certifcations from different government agencies.While addressing the Bahamas Business Outlook conference, Dr Hubert M
Bahamas cannot 'shortcut' exchange control relaxing
THE Bahamas cannot “shortcut” economic reforms essential to underpinning exchange control liberalisation that can go “much further”, the Central Bank’s governor said yesterday.Signalling that further relaxation will be forthcoming, John Rolle said th
IAN FERGUSON: Stretching our thinking for world-class status
YESTERDAY’s Bahamas Business Outlook conference, produced by The Counsellors, focused the discussion on becoming a world-class nation in how we do business. The dialogue encompassed any number of paths, including innovative approaches to doing educat
Thursday, January 18
Man found dead in apparent drowning in Bimini, one other missing
Police are investigating an apparent drowning in Bimini after a man was found dead in the harbour on Thursday night at around 8pm. Another man is missing.
01182018 EDITION
Thursday, 18th January, 2018.
Mitchell says fall in crime is thanks to PLP
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell yesterday criticised the media, the Free National Movement, and Minister of National Security Marvin Dames for what Mr Mitchell perceives to be an inaccurate narrative surrounding who is responsible for the reported decrease in crime in the country.
UPDATED: Andros plane crash - search suspended for Thursday
Family members have identified Desiree Shaneig Russell and her 10-year-old daughter Destinque Wilson as the two remaining passengers on board the ill-fated Andros charter flight which crashed in the ocean Wednesday.
COB worker’s deposits ‘rose by $10,000’
THE amount of extra money former College of The Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs received in payroll deposits from the college since 2010 increased by approximately $10,000 within a two-year window, Supreme Court jurors heard yesterday, totaling more than $100,000.
Trio’s false declaration convictions quashed
THE Court of Appeal has quashed the sentences of a local sand miner and his two employees previously convicted and fined in connection with a $28,000 false declaration case.
Marital rape and immigration overhaul
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday committed the country to major legislative benchmarks on the issue of marital rape and migrant rights as he defended the country’s performance on human rights obligations before the United Nations.
Feng and Thompson headline the 6th Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic
SHANSHAN Feng of China, the No. 1 player in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, and Lexi Thompson, who won the 2017 Race to the CME Globe, headline the final commitment list for the sixth edition of the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic January 22-28
'One step back' for Bahamian ownership in Grand Bahama
THE Coalition of Concerned Citizens is accusing the Bahamian government of taking Bahamian ownership in Grand Bahama backward with its approval of a Canadian foreign company to own 100 per cent interest in a vital utility company on the island. Past
McCartney: Immigration held back by inefficiency
FORMER Minister of State for Immigration Branville McCartney said yesterday inefficiencies at the Department of Immigration will play a significant role in the efficacy and humanity of the government’s increased enforcement measures.Mr McCartney, who
Age limit may be raised for belonger's permits
THE government is considering extending the age limit to apply for a Belonger’s permit in a bid to reduce the risk of statelessness for persons born in The Bahamas to migrant parents, Attorney General Carl Bethel revealed yesterday. Mr Bethel flagge
Bahamian basketball players take global spotlight
BAHAMIAN basketball players in various leagues across the globe continued their seasons following the winter break and head toward the postseason.The trio of Bahamians in French Basketball’s Pro B Division had varying results and places in the standi
Christian Council chief: Time for politics is over
THE time for politics is over, Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander said yesterday, as he urged parliamentarians to “put their differences aside” and work together for the betterment of The Bahamas.
Bethel insists death penalty to stay despite UN calls
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday informed the United Nations that The Bahamas has no immediate intention of abolishing the death penalty despite calls from scores of member states to formally end the practice.
Davis urges Bahamians to visit ‘safe’ Fish Fry
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis and PLP supporters visited the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay yesterday with a clear message to emphasise: the area is safe and Bahamians should come down to support local businesses.
54 deaths in car crashes in 2017
A TOTAL of 54 people died as a result of traffic accidents in 2017, according to Royal Bahamas Police Force crime statistics.
Clean-up campaign to target Over-The-Hill areas
THE government will launch a clean-up campaign this weekend in Over-the-Hill communities as part of its effort to rejuvenate those areas, officials announced at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.The first phase of the project will impact the
Gray, Jets on win streak
Sebastian Gray’s scoring has helped the Northern Oklahoma-Enid Jets to a win streak in a battle atop the conference standings headed toward the postseason.Gray has scored in double figures the last three games, a three-game winning streak for the Jet
Undefeated Rattlers beat Marlins 71-69 in GSSSA
THE GSSSA Basketball Senior Boys season continued last night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium, highlighted by a matchup of perennial title contenders. The CI Gibson Rattlers used a huge third quarter run to take control and sealed the game at the line l
Im wins season-opener in Bahamas
GREAT EXUMA, Bahamas (AP) — Sungjae Im closed with a 7-under 65 to win the season-opening Great Exuma Classic on the Web.com Tour.Im became the 16th player in the history of PGA Tour’s developmental tour to win in his first start.The 19-year-old from
Port Authority unveils 'one-stop shop' portal
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has developed a “one-stop shop” business portal aimed at eliminating “irrelevant and cumbersome’” processes, its president said yesterday.Ian Rolle, delivering a presentation to the Rotary Club of Southeast Nass
Kelly and Ryan to go live from Atlantis
This week, “Live with Kelly and Ryan” hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest announced the show will be leaving behind the winter chill of the Northeast US and is heading to The Bahamas for four shows from the newly updated Atlantis, Paradise Island, air
DIANE PHILLIPS: Rainy days and rainy nights, what's a poor soul to do?
Funny the things that cause you to think differently about a subject that was staring you right in the face all along. It happened to me recently. Late last Wednesday, I was heading to Florida.
Weinstein and a new moral age
DID Mr Weinstein set off a potentially global morality revolution –- it seems so after watching The Golden Globes Awards this weekend and subsequent comments on the networks.
Baha Mar service
ON Saturday evening, January 6, 2018, all eight people in our party were turned away from Baha Mar as we were told the valet parking lot was full. We were astounded.
PMH nurses
SCARCITY of lCU Nurses at PMH ...... this did not happen overnight so it shows bad management for a number of years and no recognition of the current health management since May 10th, 2017·
'Crazy' property tax 'tears Abaco apart'
“Crazy” real property tax valuations and bills are threatening “to tear apart” Abaco’s real estate market, multiple realtors warned yesterday.They revealed that foreign real estate owners have started receiving real property tax bills that have “doub
WTO: Bahamas has 'too much baggage' unless Government acts
BAHAMIAN businesses will “have our backside handed to us” unless the Government “aggressively” undertakes key reforms prior to joining the WTO, a governance reformer warned yesterday.Robert Myers, a principal with the Organisation for Responsible Gov
Business start-up process in 50 per cent cut
The Government is aiming to “ease the pain of getting into business” through a February 5 launch that will cut this process by more than 50 per cent for some.Marlon Johnson, the acting Financial Secretary, told Tribune Business that the Government ha
Roadside auto dealers 'must pay fair share'
NEW auto dealers yesterday said they were not opposed to Japanese used vehicle imports, and only wanted roadside dealers to “pay their fair share”.Rick Lowe, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) secretary, told Tribune Business that the sec
Gov't urged: 'Act like you care' and end clothing duty
THE Government has been urged to “act like you care” and eliminate import tariffs to allow Bahamas-based clothing and apparel retailers to survive.Robert Myers, the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG), told Tribune Business that high duty r
ART OF GRAPHIX: Graphic design adds depth to the brand
YOU may often hear people ask the question: “Aren’t branding and graphic design basically the same thing?” The truth is, yes, they go hand-in-hand, but they are also significantly different.Branding can be defined simply as a mark that indicates owne
Bran's pharmacy rejoinsprescription drug plan
THE Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) former leader is hoping for a “smoother operation” this time around for his family’s pharmacy, which is again a participant in the National Prescription Drug Programme (NPDP).Branville McCartney had previously
Medical technicians file redundancy pay dispute
THE Department of Labour was yesterday “aggressively” addressing a labour dispute involving 13 employees of St Luke’s Diagnostic Medical Laboratory who have been made redundant. Robert Farquharson, director of labour, told Tribune Business: “That is
Wednesday, January 17
01172018 EDITION
Wednesday, 17th January, 2018.
Mum-to-be’s detention ordeal
FOR 16 days, newly-expectant Haitian mother Mirlene Corvil was detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, pictured, where she claims she suffered daily from morning sickness and anxiety attacks in unsanitary, inhumane and degrading conditions.
Progress - but we have to do better: Crime rate falls despite 10 percent jump in murders
OVERALL crime in the country declined by 13 percent in 2017 compared with 2016, according to Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson, however murders during this period jumped by 10 percent.
Independent body on police complaints
AN independent internal review board has been initiated to oversee all complaints against police officers, Deputy Police Commissioner Emrick Seymour announced yesterday, as he insisted the police are capable of policing themselves.
Sands aims to tackle ‘horrible’ healthcare
EMERGENCY services throughout the country will undergo “major changes very soon,” according to Health Minister Dr Duane Sands, who once again decried the “horrible realities” of the public health care system.
‘Clerk gave bank more than her annual pay’
SUPREME Court jurors heard yesterday how within one year, former College of the Bahamas (COB) employee Chimeka Gibbs received some $4,000 extra in payroll deposits from the college on top of her $30,000 salary.
Regulators top Pros, Elites beat Stampers
THE New Providence Basketball Association continued its regular season action at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Monday night with the Elites Basketball Club and the Leno Regulators winning the double header.In the opening game, the Elites Basketball Cl
Armed robber jailed for 11 years
A MAN accused of robbing two people and attempting to rob a third at gunpoint last year will serve 11 years in prison. Justice Bernard Turner sentenced Adrian Robinson to 18 years in prison for the gunpoint robberies of Talitha Wallace and Shervone
Man shot in leg near Abaco business
ABACO police are investigating a shooting at a business early Tuesday morning which left a man wounded. According to police reports, the victim was shot in the leg shortly before 1am while standing in the area of a business on Charles Sawyers Highwa
No major crime at Fish Fry, insists Tourism Minister
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D'Aguilar yesterday suggested no "major crime" occurs at Arawak Cay, insisting local reports "sensationalise" issues at the site.
Waltiea Rolle wants out of Turkish second division
AFTER spending the past four months playing in the Turkish women’s second division, Bahamian professional basketball player Waltiea Rolle wants out.The 6-foot, 8-inch centre, who has been the focus of attention for the Edremit Belediyes Gurespor, has
Softball community mourns one of its most faithful fans
THE sporting community, especially softball, has lost one of its most faithful fans after Vivian Austin Knowles passed away at his residence on Flamingo Avenue, Farrington Road, on Monday, January 8. Knowles, better known as “Chief,” was dumb, but h
‘Davis trying to politicise crime with claims over NIA’
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday admonished Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis for his insistence that the disbandment of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) had led to an increase in certain categories of crime.
Lifelike robots made in Hong Kong meant to win over humans
HONG KONG (AP) — David Hanson envisions a future in which AI-powered robots evolve to become “super-intelligent genius machines” that might help solve some of mankind’s most challenging problems.
Minnis supports CARICOM condemnation of Trump
PRESS Secretary Anthony Newbold said the Minnis administration supports CARICOM’s condemnation of the disparaging comments US President Donald Trump reportedly made about Haiti, Africa and El Salvador last week.
Newbold: Stay tuned on immigration
WITH no sign the government is more aggressively enforcing the country’s immigration laws despite the passing of the December 31, 2017, deadline for illegal immigrants to leave, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said critics “should just stay tuned”.
Marijuana seizures up in 2017, cocaine down
SEIZURES of marijuana increased by more than 300 percent last year when compared with 2016, according to Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) narcotic statistics. Cocaine seizures have declined by 41 percent during the same period.
GB murders decreased by 9.2 per cent in 2017
MURDERS in Grand Bahama deceased by 9.2 percent in 2017 compared with the previous year.
3,000 screened for TB in Eleuthera
HEALTH officials have concluded tuberculosis (TB) screenings of more than 3,000 residents in Eleuthera, diagnosing only four active cases, according to Health Minister Dr Duane Sands.
CULTURE CLASH: We don’t always have to be afraid
The US has been a major influence on The Bahamas for a long time. Proximity and tourism are not the only reasons.
EDITORIAL: An accident waiting to happen
On Sunday, January 7, two small motorbikes were traveling west on Bay Street from the heart of downtown to Cable Beach. Each bike was driven by a male with a female rider behind him.
Plea to employers
I BEG your indulgence in allowing me to commend first of all, The Minister of Labour, Hon Dion Foulkes, and the Department of Labour for its initiative “Labour on The Blocks”, a job recruitment and registration drive which seeks to match job seekers with potential job opportunities.
The magic nolle
Lost in the ongoing debate over the imaginary monarchical powers of the Prime Minister is any serious public-policy discussion over who may or may not have access to tourists on public beaches.
Hot at the Fish Fry
Re:Where’s The Proof On Fish Fry Alert?
Tech Talk
• French league suspends goal-line technology after ‘failings’
Hotels bet on technology to attract, dazzle guests
LAS VEGAS (AP) — It takes just minutes for a room service attendant to respond to a text message asking for a soda, bringing the Diet Coke on a tray with a glass of ice and lime wedges, no need for the modern hassle of placing a phone call.
Bahamas Baseball Association is governing body
After helping to steer a resurgence in the sport over the past 15 years, the Bahamas Baseball Federation has decided to cease all operations and allow the Bahamas Baseball Association to carry out its mandate as the governing body.BBF president Teddy
RM Bailey to mark 50th anniversary
RM Bailey Senior High School, in partnership with its alumni association, will host the official launch of its 50th anniversary celebration events with a church service this Sunday at Cousin McPhee Cathedral on Carmichael Road.
'Take fear out': Auto chief backs Japanese testing
A top auto dealer yesterday said he will “definitely” ensure his used vehicles undergo pre-import inspections, arguing that such processes will “take a lot of fear out of consumers”.Fred Albury, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) presiden
Water Corp’s ‘ludicrous’ 8 per cent debt recovery deals
THE Water & Sewerage Corporation’s chairman yesterday said he was reviewing pre-election contracts issued to two debt collectors who have recovered just 8 per cent of the $5 million assigned to them.
Gov't bans new web shop sites
THE Government has placed a ban on opening new web shop locations, a Cabinet Minister yesterday suggesting gaming advances could ultimately make physical sites “obsolete”.Dionisio D’Aguilar, who has ministerial responsibility for gaming, acknowledged
QC: $18m ICD Utilities borrowing is ‘very odd’
AN outspoken QC yesterday said it was “very odd” for ICD Utilities to borrow $18 million and finance the buy-out of its minority shareholders days before its BISX de-listing.
Ex-Miss Bahamas Universe to tourism: 'Come to the table'
A former Miss Bahamas Universe winner-turned-songstress yesterday increased the pressure on the Ministry of Tourism to “come to the table” by releasing alleged ‘evidence’ of its copyright violation. Khiara Sherman, who once represented the Bahamas at
NHI remains 'between rock and a hard place'
THE Minister of Health yesterday reiterated that the Government is “between a rock and a hard place” over the legality of actions to establish National Health Insurance (NHI).“With NHI we do not have the written report as yet,” Dr Duane Sands said. “
Minister Ferreira participates in renewable summit
A CABINET minister has attended an international conference focusing on the expansion of renewable energy usage.Romauld Ferreira, minister of the environment and housing, joined 1,100 delegates from more than 150 countries at the eighth session of th
Gov't 'aggressively' moving on airspace control takeover
THE Minister of Tourism and Aviation yesterday said the Government is “aggressively” moving to establish Bahamian airspace via a Flight Information Region (FIR).The former Christie administration last January hailed as a “landmark accomplishment” its
Tuesday, January 16
01162018 EDITION
Tuesday, 16th January, 2018.
Bahamian finds success in medical marijuana business
AS the national debate on the decriminalisation of marijuana continues, one Bahamian-American man has found great business success in the medical cannabis industry in the United States.
Jobs in the park as scheme reaches out to community
THE Ministry of Labour and the Department of Labour launched the first of its Public Employment Services (PES) initiatives, “Labour on the Blocks”, on Saturday.
College clerk ‘paid herself extra $640k’
AN internal investigation at the College of the Bahamas (COB) in 2015 revealed how within seven years, former employee Chimeka Gibbs took home approximately five times more than her net salary, Supreme Court jurors heard yesterday.
Davis: We should speak out over Trump
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) leader Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday criticised the Minnis administration for its silence amid international backlash regarding US President Donald Trump’s disparaging comments about Haiti, African nations and El Salvador.
Why’s Ragged rebuild so slow?
THE situation in Ragged Island remains “absolutely critical,” Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Deputy Leader Chester Cooper charged yesterday, as he slammed the Minnis administration for its “slow” progress in his constituency months after Hurricane Irma decimated the island.
Police launch works inquiry
A “very serious investigation” is underway at the Ministry of Works involving the misuse of government supplies, Works Minister Desmond Bannister confirmed yesterday.
Human rights to face UN test
THE Bahamas’ human rights record is going to be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) this week.
Decomposed bodies confirmed to be male
THE two severely decomposed bodies that were discovered in Abaco over the weekend have been confirmed as male, officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit (CDU), Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash said yesterday.
$30,000 marijuana seizure
DRUG Enforcement Unit officers, along with the Royal Bahamas Police Forces’ K-9 Unit, have seized $30,000 worth of marijuana from a boat moored at Potter’s Cay Dock.
Fishing village development seeks to appeal to US market
THE developers of the Seaward Fishing Village will be resuming development of a 35-acre site in Deadman’s Reef for the construction of vacation homes in West Grand Bahama.
‘Killers will be brought to justice’ says Dames
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames has warned those committing murders would be caught and brought to justice.
PM’s response to fish fry alert ‘comical’ says PLP leader
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ response to the US State Department warning its citizens against visiting Fish Fry at Arawak Cay at night was “comical” and “lackadaisical,” Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday.
Smith urges PLP members to avoid attacks on Christie
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) deputy leader candidate Ricardo Smith yesterday called on party leadership to strongly discourage scurrilous attacks on former Prime Minister Perry Christie’s legacy, which he claims are threatening unity and public image.
Officials ‘hid from truth on Fish Fry’
THE president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable & Food Vendors Association Rodney Russell yesterday doubled down on his assertion that the group warned the government about crime threats at the Fish Fry, telling The Tribune officials “hid from the truth.”
INSIGHT: We treat murderers and rapists better than we treat people suspected of having ‘Haitian blood’
When people hear the term “ethnic cleansing” they tend to think of notorious historical genocides – mass exterminations of people under the most graphic and shocking of circumstances. References to “concentration camps” usually evoke images like the unspeakable horrors of Auschwitz, the huge death toll of the Soviet Gulags, mass graves in the former Yugoslavia.
WORLD VIEW: If Haiti’s a ‘shithole’ those who made it so should admit their role
THE effect of the inappropriate depiction of Haiti, El Salvador and all African nations as “shit hole” countries is a matter the people of the United States of America and their government and Congress should contemplate seriously.
Nashad Mackey's defence improves for the Eagles
NASHAD Mackey has always been heralded for his scoring and rebounding, but we can now add improved defence to his skillset during his first season with the Embry Riddle Eagles.The junior forward was named the Sunshine State Conference defensive playe
Bahamian basketball players on hardwood in Canada
THE second half of the Canadian college basketball season tipped off last weekend and several Bahamian players returned to the court on positive notes.The No.6 ranked Holland College Hurricanes and No.13 ranked Niagara Knights each took their first w
VIEW FROM AFAR: NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS
I thought it would be useful to propose a list of resolutions that may be beneficial for The Bahamas to adopt for 2018.
EDITORIAL: Is the clock counting down on Trump’s presidency?
It feels like Donald Trump has been president of the US for years. His administration has begun to evolve in some minds from outrageous to dangerous to embarrassing to downright wearisome. But now that his presidency has finally entered its second year, the first significant step in his potential removal from office looms in the intermediate distance. If the Democrats were to recapture the House and Senate, many feel their agenda would be topped by impeachment proceedings.
The great debate on immigration
One of the great national debates which will roll out in 2018 will be over our immigration and migration policies for our wonderful nation, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
False claims of corruption
JUST before last year’s election, in one of his most cringe-worthy outbursts of self-confident ignorance, Hubert Minnis described the country he now leads as “the most corrupt country in the Caribbean”.
Back to the sea for manatee
AFTER a three-month recovery period under the close care of the marine mammal team at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, a wild Florida manatee (one of approximately 3,000 male Florida manatees left in the world) first rescued in September, was released near his rescue location at Spanish Wells.
Roadrunners track & field invite all set for Saturday
THE Roadrunners Track and Field Invitational will be the second meet on the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ 2018 calendar, following the T-Bird Flyers Track Classic over the weekend.
Show your partner gratitude
We must remind ourselves to focus on the good....be thankful!With the holidays just behind us, the common message spoken this time of year is thankfulness. So what are you thankful for in your relationships? There are so many incentives to being in a
First drug aimed at women with inherited breast cancer approved
US regulators have approved the first drug aimed at women with advanced breast cancer caused by an inherited flawed gene.The Food and Drug Administration has approved AstraZeneca PLC’s Lynparza for patients with inherited BRCA gene mutations who have
Think yourself healthy
All of your efforts to stick to a well-balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity could come to nothing if your negative thoughts are left unchecked.Science has shown the impact thoughts, both good and bad, can have on one’s health. In sho
Sisterhood in action: Women's Wednesdays continues with a focus on health and wellness
As the famous Eurythmics song says, sisters are doin’ it for themselves...all around the world, and right here in the Bahamas.Tomorrow, an event to highlight Bahamian women will take place at the National Art Gallery starting at 6pm. It is the next i
Wake up, Bahamas...to nocturia
By Dr Greggory Pinto Q: I am a 56-year-old male with hypertension and, for the past three years, I have woken up at least six to seven times a night with the urge to urinate. I also suffer from weak urine stream and dribbling. My wife also wakes up m
A heart of empathy: 11-year-old girl hosts 'Princess' party to combat bullying
JAMAEJA Evans is an 11-year-old girl who has a big heart for helping others, especially children like herself and those who have been bullied. It is this “heart of gold”, as her mother Richenda Hamilton calls it, which inspired her to host the “Princ
CARIFTA ‘fever’ as organisers launch ticket sales
The CARIFTA fever is in the air and so is the rivalry from the participating countries, who have been described as “extended families” of the host Bahamas by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard.
Buddy sinks 16 in loss to Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Russell Westbrook had 19 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists before being ejected, and the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from a 15-point first-half deficit to beat the Sacramento Kings 95-88 last night.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Hail Mary! History repeats itself
AFTER an amazing finish in Minnesota on Sunday, we Cowboys fans no longer need to hear it from Vikings fans about the “Hail Mary”, and bitter playoff losses that occured since then. That chapter has been closed, thank God. HAIL MARY It was secon
Sandy goes pro with love for fashion
Women around the world are taking advantage of DIY suppliers to make their dreams come – designing and creating jewellery and other accessories to make a living.
Serena Williams had health scare after baby's birth
Serena Williams tells Vogue that she dealt with a medical scare right after the birth of her daughter.In a story in the magazine’s February issue and posted Wednesday on Vogue.com , Williams discusses developing several small blood clots in her lungs
Businesses warned: Gov’t protection is ‘long gone’
The Government’s ability to protect Bahamian companies from foreign competition is “long gone”, the country’s lead WTO negotiator yesterday warning business to “think bigger for survival”.
Used car conspiracy claims ‘couldn’t be further from truth’
CLAIMS of a “conspiracy” to force Bahamians to purchase more expensive vehicles “couldn’t be further from the truth”, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive said yesterday.
‘High tariff earners’ to be protected in WTO
THE Bahamas will seek to protect its “high revenue-earning tariffs” in joining the WTO, a lead negotiator yesterday admitting that the 2019 accession timetable is “very aggressive”.
Marathon Bahamas unveils ‘bolder vision’
MARATHON Bahamas organisers are planning to implement a “bolder vision” for the event that goes far beyond “increasing hotel room nights by 5-10 per cent”.
South Bahamas hotels are ‘suffering like hell’
RESORT properties in the southern Bahamas are “suffering like hell”, the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board’s (BOIPB) director warned yesterday, crediting their struggles to the lack of airlift.
Bahamasair chair: ‘We’ll be the best we can be’
BAHAMASAIR’s chairman yesterday stressed that the national flag carrier is committed to delivering quality service, saying: “We want this airline to be the best it can be.”
Saving you from an emergency
By Ramon SimmsACCUMULATING sufficient savings is the best way to create long-term financial security. The question, though, is: How do you amass enough savings? Truth be told, you can never achieve this, but the first step towards creating the feelin
Media visits in tourism boost for the Bahamas
THE Ministry of Tourism has sought to generate favourable print and online media reviews of the Bahamas by hosting nearly 20 journalists and ‘social influencers’ on four separate trips in 2017.The trips, which were staggered from August 2017 through
Bahamasair chair: 'We'll be the best we can be'
BAHAMASAIR’s chairman yesterday stressed that the national flag carrier is committed to delivering quality service, saying: “We want this airline to be the best it can be.”Tommy Turnquest told Tribune Business the airline continues to assess the perf
SPORTS NOTES
TRACK CORRECTION: IT was incorrectly stated on Monday that Steven Gardiner was just shy of his meet record in the men’s 300 metres on Friday at the Birmingham Crossplex Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Gardiner did in fact surpass the record of 33.45 sec
Top private island placed on market
THE Bahamian island made famous by a biography of the heiress to a major oil empire is being offered for sale through a local realtor.Whale Cay, located in the Berry Islands, was made famous by author Kate Summerscale in her book, The Queen of Whale
South Bahamas hotels are 'suffering like hell'
RESORT properties in the southern Bahamas are “suffering like hell”, the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board’s (BOIPB) director warned yesterday, crediting their struggles to the lack of airlift.When asked about the performance of Out Island propertie
Monday, January 15
Shooting victim dies in hospital
A MAN who was shot late last year has died in hospital, police said yesterday.
Capture a Junkanoo memory forever as pictures go on sale
Our photographers captured all the colour and spectacle of the 2017/18 Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades and now, for the first time, The Tribune is giving readers the opportunity to purchase photos from the events.
01152018 EDITION
Monday, 15th November, 2018.
UPDATED: ‘Passed out’ man dies after being hit by car
A MAN is dead after he was crushed by a vehicle in a freak accident off Carmichael Road early Sunday morning.
Social Services in ‘complete crisis’ says former minister
THE Ministry of Social Services is in a “complete crisis,” according to former Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin.
CARICOM blasts trump’s insult
THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) said it was “deeply disturbed” by the reported use of “derogatory and repulsive language” by US President Donald Trump relating to Haiti, El Salvador and countries in Africa.
AG hints at Bail Act change
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel suggested yesterday the government may reconsider previous amendments to the Bail Act which withdrew the authority to grant bail in certain offences from magistrates.
Police probe decomposed bodies find
POLICE are investigating the discovery of two badly decomposed bodies in bushes near Treasure Cay, Abaco on Saturday.
‘Doctors sent my Shany home to die’
AFTER 23 years together and four children, Craig Forbes finally asked the love of his life, Shantell Michelle Bain, to marry him. But their wedding plans came to a screeching halt in July of 2017, when Ms Bain’s appendix ruptured, killing her almost instantly, just hours after being sent home from the Princess Margaret Hospital with a kidney stone diagnosis.
Kilgore wins marathon
Under windy conditions, the ninth edition of Sunshine Insurance’s Marathon Bahamas Race Weekend produced several new champions and top finishes from local participants.
Gunmen raid fast food restaurant
POLICE are looking for the gunmen who robbed a fast food eatery and a convenience store on Saturday.
Fish fry vendors say they warned officials last summer
THE president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable & Food Vendors Association said he warned officials last summer about “illicit activities” and solicitation at Fish Fry, but claimed the complaints fell on deaf ears.
INSIGHT: Who’s afraid of ‘Big Bad Mary Jane’?
IT is “high” time the conversation of marijuana decriminalisation or legalisation be approached intellectually. This has been a subject of recent debate, particularly gaining momentum at the beginning of the year. CARICOM’s regional assessments led to a town meeting over a week ago, where despite a lack representation from the people that oppose marijuana decriminalisation or legalisation, there was still a good turnout as citizens came to voice their opinions on the issue.
Aliv hosts social media workshop
BELIEVING in innovation and technology, ALIV is pleased to announce its support of Let’s Get Social: Manage Your Business’ Social Media, a workshop geared towards providing entrepreneurs, businesses and organisations with social media management skills.
Get the right plates or get a ticket
VEHICLES without the proper tags will be targeted and ticketed, this after Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell on Friday denied claims the Road Traffic Department had run out of new licence plates.
The statistics of crime
Thank you for lending your ear to my concern.
No to tax
When we have one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the region, why is anybody proposing another tax on each tourist arrival? What is the knock on impact of this?
Ignore the judiciary's bail plea
JUSTICE Stephen Isaacs’ call (at the ceremony opening the legal year) for amendments to the Bail Act to return to magistrates the discretion to grant bail to violent criminal offenders should be respectfully treated for what it is: the (wrong) opinion of a spokesman for an interest group. It should not be taken as having any special legitimacy, not least as against the opinion of any other resident of a country where violent crime is far too high largely because of failures of the judiciary.
CARIFTA hopefuls shine at T-Bird Flyers track invite
CARIFTA hopefuls Denvaughn Whymns and Anthaya Charlton were triple winners, while Raymond Oriahi and Doneisha Anderson were among the double winners circle that also included senior competitors Stephen Newbold, V’Alonee Robinson and Drexel Maycock at
Mixed results for our NCAA players
IT was a weekend of mixed results for Bahamian NCAA Division I basketball players as their respective programmes continued their progression into conference play. DeAndre Ayton was the top performer among the group with a game high 24 points and sev
Gardiner uncertain over World Indoors
HE’S uncertain over whether or not he will suit up to compete in the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Indoor Championships. But if he does decide to go to Birmingham, England, in March, Steven Gardiner has shown that he’s ready for the challenge.
'Zorro' Stubbs laid to rest
“THE most important thing to possess is our soul. Let us wash it clean and give it back to the one who gave it to us,” were the words penned by the late Prince ‘Zorro’ Stubbs in his obituary at his funeral service on Saturday.Rev Fr I Ranfurly Brown,
Local investors blast Govt's 'wall of silence'
A BAHAMIAN investor group is slamming the 20-year “wall of silence” surrounding its “one-stop” Road Traffic solution, arguing that it has been deliberately shut out of national development.Franklyn Robinson and Charles Beneby, principals in Bahamas A
Water Corp owed $44m by clients
THE Water & Sewerage Corporation is owed $44 million by customers, its chairman has revealed, as he disclosed plans to “change the culture and embrace” private sector methods.
Water & sewerage Corp chair backs price rise ‘within reason’
THE Water & Sewerage Corporation’s chairman would support increasing prices paid by Bahamian consumers “within reason”, but warned its product and service must improve first.
Water leaks cost taxpayers $93m
THE Water & Sewerage Corporation’s $249 million taxpayer subsidy over the 12 years to 2015 could have been slashed by $93 million if all water leakages had been eliminated.
Govt's four-six months to 'deliver on pledges before credibility loss'
THE Government has four to six months to “deliver on their promises before they start to lose credibility”, a governance reform campaigner has warned.Robert Myers, a principal with the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG), told Tribune Busin
Unified bus system 'pilot' in progress
THE pilot project to determine the feasibility of a unified busing system is in progress, according to the Minister of Transport, who said: “Nothing is set in stone.”Frankie Campbell told Tribune Business: “The project is in train. It is being facili
Hotels close 2017 'roller coaster' with strong Q4
NASSAU/Paradise Island resorts capped off a “roller coaster” 2017 with a strong fourth quarter performance driven by positive Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holiday periods.Carlton Russell, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) pre
Renewable energy group in $400m self-sufficiency plan
A RENEWABLE energy group says it has developed a plan to make the Bahamas self-sufficient, a top executive adding that this could pump $300-$400 million a year back into the economy.Zev Crystal, chief executive of Sustainable Energy, who has partnere
Friday, January 12
01122018 EDITION
Friday, 12th January, 2018.
76 complaints made to Bar Association's Ethics Committee in 2017
THE BAHAMAS Bar Association's Ethics Committee received close to 80 complaints in 2017, it's president said Friday, with just 12 per cent of that total currently settled and/or closed.
PM challenges Bahamians to prove negative reports wrong
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Friday said the US State Department was within its rights to warn American citizens in the Bahamas and insisted the advisory offers the country a chance to "elevate" its tourism product.
Port Lucaya Marketplace 'still safe' despite recent murder
DESPITE the recent shooting death of a man at Port Lucaya Marketplace, it is still a safe place for tourists and locals, according to managing director Ivan Moss.
Mitchell: FNM crime policies have made no difference
WHILE branding the US State Department’s most recent advisory “counter productive”, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell used the warning to criticise the Minnis administration over its crime strategy, saying it has by many measures made matters worse.
Supreme Court's Civil Registry to be moved due to 'sewer problem'
THE JUDICIARY is in the process of trying to find a new home for the Supreme Court's Civil Registry of in light of a "serious sewer problem" at the Registry's British American Building headquarters, the country's top judge has said.
Man accused of committing armed robberies in 1989
A 49-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court on Friday accused of committing multiple armed robberies almost 30 years ago.
Plane crash lands after leaving Chub Cay airport
Police are investigating after a plane crash-landed in swamp land shortly after taking off from Chub Cay airport in Great Harbour Cay, the Berry Islands on Friday afternoon - injuring the pilot.
Worldwide flu spike leads to shortage of Tamiflu in the Bahamas
A RECENT spike in flu cases around the world has led to a shortage in the country of Tamiflu - an antiviral medicine used for the treatment of the potentially deadly virus, Heath Minister Dr Duane Sand confirmed yesterday.
‘Don’t bulldoze shanty towns - create a Little Haiti instead’
ATTORNEY Fred Smith, QC, yesterday urged the government to “form a little Haiti” in The Bahamas instead of bulldozing shanty towns and “destroying people’s lives”.
Teenagers charged on two killings
TWO male juveniles were arraigned on murder and other gun-related charges in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Where’s the proof on Fish Fry alert?
THE US State Department’s most recent advisory to its citizens warning them to avoid visiting the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay at night came as a “surprise” to National Security Minister Marvin Dames, who told The Tribune yesterday Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) officials were unaware of any serious issues of concern at the popular tourist attraction.
Bail act needs urgent review
THE power of magistrates to grant bail in all but the most serious of offences should be returned forthwith, the country’s top judge said yesterday, as he urged Parliament to pay more than “lip service” to the issue.
PM ‘wrong’ to promise protestors
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis cannot on one hand insist he has a zero-tolerance approach to crime while at the same time promise to absolve the criminal liability of a group of men who protested at Cabbage Beach in 2016 resulting in damage to private property, PLP Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday.
Epiphany marks Feast of Title – Bishop Laish Boyd leads celebrations
The Anglican Church of the Epiphany celebrated its Feast of Title last Sunday with a solemn evensong, outdoor procession and benediction at 3pm at the church on Prince Charles Drive.The Rev Laish Boyd, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas an
Rankings: Top 15 high school basketball players for 2017-18
THE preseason games have given a strong indication of how the 2017-18 season is shaping up in terms of development and upside.
EDITORIAL: Immigration issues a global matter
This week’s televised meeting between President Trump and US Congressional leaders to discuss policy on immigration has brought the issue once again to the forefront of public discourse in America.
Bahamian Neo-Nazi jailed for five years in explosives case
BAHAMIAN Brandon Russell, the self-described Neo-Nazi and former St Andrews School student who first came under scrutiny when his roommate allegedly committed a double murder, has been sentenced to five years in a US federal prison on explosive charg
Campaign seeks to help children affected by violence
NEARLY a year has passed since The Bahamas Crisis Centre initiated the National Early Intervention Programme for Children Exposed to Violence (NEIPC) in February 2016. With the growing demand to provide specific trauma-focused therapy for people who
‘Tum Tum’: My final college season ‘going by too fast’
His final season playing collegiate basketball is going by quicker than anticipated for Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn but the senior guard continues to embrace the moments of the season for the Michigan State Spartans.
Rose to return for 2nd stint in NBA’s G-League
BAHAMIAN national team guard LJ Rose will return for a second stint in the National Basketball Association’s G-League.
A Christian encounter with spoken word – Noted slam poets to perform in Nassau
In an effort to reach the country’s young people with ministry that is both spiritually enriching and academically beneficial, Grace Community Church has invited a renowned group of American slam poets to the Bahamas.The group, whose members live in
Police signal crackdown planned on gun traffickers
ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander has warned police would be taking an aggressive approach to crack down on firearm traffickers.He stressed the Royal Bahamas Police Force would be working with US counterparts to disrupt the flow of g
Methods to tackle crime
Dear Tribune and the Ministry of National Security, after my first success with the first letter, involving how The Bahamas would benefit from Private Military Contractors. I thought about another important thing involving the police and the Defence Force.
WSC and union in 'good faith' talks
AFTER weeks of contention between management of the Water and Sewerage Corporation and the Bahamas Utilities Service and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU), union leader Dwayne Woods said yesterday both parties are back to “negotiating in good faith”.Mr W
Division: Naughty's NFL Picks
SATURDAY FALCONS
THE FINISH LINE: More sporting bodies should take advantage of our sun, sand and sea
LET me first of all congratulate Todd Isaacs Jr and Sr as well as Lucius Fox for their unique initiative in staging the “Don’t Blink” Home Run Derby in Paradise that was held on Saturday in Montagu Bay.
'We must end these attacks on justice system'
THE COUNTRY’S top judge has hit out at the “uninformed destructive attacks” on judicial officers by certain individuals over the past year, as he stressed the importance of a judiciary free from “extraneous noises” and “improper influences”. Acting
Rainy weekend expected after days of downpour
THE “above normal” rainfall seen in the capital over the past week is expected to persist through the weekend, according to Chief Meteorologist at the Department of Meteorology Basil Dean. Cooler weather is also expected to last until the middle of
60 per cent drop in use of nolle prosequis
THE use of nolle prosequi orders to hack away at the backlog of criminal matters before the courts decreased by more than 60 percent in 2017 compared with the previous year, Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday.
A COMIC'S VIEW: The straight dope on marijuana
Finally the topic of legalising Marijuana has been sparked (no pun intended) in The Bahamas.
Majority Rule Day
I read with great interest Mr Cedric Parker’s letter in yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) Tribune. The points he made were indeed so relevant.
D’Andre Vilmar transfers to Olympus Prep Academy
BASKETBALL prep star D’Andre Vilmar is on the move again during his final season before he enters the collegiate ranks.
Meditation: Finding joy in spite of pain
The delight of Christmas and the promise of a new year often intensifies the pain of those who are feeling sorrow or pain. There are some among us who do not feel like celebrating. Recent bereavement, broken relationships, sickness and financial dist
Kevin Harris named Bahamas Information Services chief
VETERAN radio broadcaster, talk show host and media and public relations executive Kevin Harris has been appointed director general of Bahamas Information Services (BIS).Mr Harris’ appointment took effect January 1. He succeeds Luther Smith who serve
Spiritual resolutions
WHILE making resolutions has become the cliché thing to do, many people cannot deny the newness of the year and feel inspired to make numerous commitments in certain areas of their lives.For example, a mother who has been putting off a self-study co
Mount Tabor gets a 'Jump-Start' into 2018
UNDER the theme “Living Healthy Lives”, Bishop Neil C Ellis along with members of the Mount Tabor Church hosted its annual “Jump-Start” service this week.Kicking off on Monday and concluding on Tuesday evening, the service encouraged all in attendanc
Disaster fund's $60m levy: 'You can't afford to gamble'
The Bahamas could accumulate over $60 million per year in hurricane “preventative medicine” through a Canadian-led proposal for a disaster recovery fund.Don Maga, principal of The Sand Consulting Group, told Tribune Business yesterday that the 2017 h
Gov't 'can't damage fiscal position' over insurer VAT demand
THE Government cannot “damage our revenue position” in seeking to making catastrophic insurance coverage more affordable, the Deputy Prime Minister said yesterday.K P Turnquest told Tribune Business that the increasing cost of hurricane protection wa
Tourism minister: 'We'll show Americans Fish Fry is safe'
THE Minister of Tourism yesterday pledged to “impress upon the Americans” that Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry is safe, describing Washington D.C’s travel advisory as “much ado about nothing”.A day after expressing concern over the warning not to visit Arawak
Fish Fry vendors fear 'big dent' on US travel advice
ARAWAK Cay vendors yesterday expressed fears that the US travel advisory will “put a big dent” in business volumes that have become increasingly reliant on tourists.Vern Pratt, proprietor of Fish N’ Chips, told Tribune Business the advisory would lik
Jamaican conglomerate enters Bahamas' money transmission business
A publicly-traded Jamaican conglomerate has expanded its Western Union partnership into the Bahamas and pledged to open multiple money transfer locations in 2018.GraceKennedy Money Services, a subsidiary of GraceKennedy Ltd, announced on Wednesday th
'Life and death' fears as 70 nurses exit annually
THE Minister of Health has lamented that the public healthcare system is losing 70 nurses per year to North America and the private sector, undermining its ability to care for the Bahamian people.“What we are looking to do is see how we can modify th
Contractors Board is 'shield and a sword'
THE Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday promised the industry that its self-regulatory Board will be both “sword and shield”, providing protection for consumers and builders.Leonard Sands, addressing the Rotary Club of West N
IAN FERGUSON: The model strategy for good planning
MOST businesses begin their planning process three to six months before the start of a new financial year. This identifies its immediate and long-term objectives, and develops and monitors specific strategies to achieve this. Strategic planning used
Tourism targets 23.5% reduction in 'leakage'
PROMOTING the development of small and medium-sized enterprises could help the Bahamas reduce the “leakage” of 85 cents from every tourist dollar earned, a hotel executive said yesterday.Carlton Russell, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (B
Bahamas must 'adapt to survive' major hurricanes
THE Bahamas must heed the lessons learned from major hurricanes in recent years and “adapt to survive”, a coastal engineer urged yesterday. Carlos Palacious, director of operations at Caribbean Coastal Services, addressing a press conference to promo
Thursday, January 11
01112018 EDITION
Thursday, 11th January, 2018.
Protestors ‘can rely on PM's promise’
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis does not regret pledging to expunge the records of Cabbage Beach protestors who face court charges and he still intends to “live up to the commitment” he made them, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said Tuesday.
NHI will need new taxation
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed Tuesday that an additional tax will be introduced to fund National Health Insurance (NHI).
Fish Fry ‘no go’ zone in US alert
THE US State Department released an updated travel advisory for the country yesterday, telling its citizens to stay clear of popular cultural restaurant hub the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay at night.
Still homeless after the tornado
ALFRED Rolle, 68, and his 88-year-old mother, Annalee, are still displaced and have received no help with home repairs four months after their house was destroyed by a horrific tornado at Imperial Park Subdivision. Mr Rolle and his mother are staying
Retrial ordered for man in nightclub shooting
THE Court of Appeal has ordered a retrial for a man previously sentenced to 35 years in prison for murdering another man outside of a nightclub in Abaco six years ago in what he previously claimed was an accident.The appellate court, in a written rul
Son of former High Commissioner to the Bahamas dies, aged 47
The son of the former British High Commissioner to The Bahamas died unexpectedly at the weekend in England.Andrew Buchan, 47, was the son of Verona and Peter Young, who was High Commissioner from 1996 to 2000 and lives in Nassau.Mr Buchan, an IT cons
URCA eases Sebas’s radio delay ‘hardship’
Regulators have moved to ease “the hardship suffered” by Sebas Bastian after the Island Luck chief’s radio launch was blocked by an ongoing court dispute.
Minnis to discuss marital rape laws and marijuana in Cabinet meeting
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will devote a day of Cabinet meetings to discuss marijuana and marital rape with his ministers, his Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said.
Sands warns again on flu virus strain
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands has again urged Bahamians to take warnings related to the H3N2 flu strain seriously.
Beauty store robbed
POLICE are looking for a gunman who robbed employees of a beauty supply store on Tuesday afternoon.
Majority Rule 'a day for all'
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday heralded the struggle of those who paved the way for majority rule, saying the historical event should be celebrated by all Bahamians.In a Majority Rule Day message, Dr Minnis recalled the history surrounding
US ambassador candidate must be renominated by Trump
THE hotelier who was nominated to be United States ambassador to the Bahamas will have to be re-nominated after the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations sent his submission back to President Donald Trump last week.The re-submission provision come
Suspect held after officer knocked to ground
POLICE took a man into custody yesterday who they believe injured an officer as he attempted to evade arrest, according to Assistant Superintendent of Police Shanta Knowles.Videos of the altercation were circulated widely on social media. Supt Knowl
Fix our streets
Torrential rain has been taking its toll on Nassau’s roads and is certain to cause problems for rush hour motorists when they head back to work this morning.The normal potholes will all be filled with rain water giving drivers no clue as to the depth
DIANE PHILLIPS: Let’s be honest - it’s time to clean up our act
We often talk about beautification, meaning planting flowers or adding greenery, lighting, benches in a pedestrian area. We include clean-up where appropriate, public art where possible, underground irrigation where affordable. But we rarely stop to think how the place we are beautifying got into the shape it did that required beautification in the first place.
EDITORIAL: Changing times and marijuana
A decade ago, The Tribune would have refuted, rebuked and shunned the suggestion of marijuana being decriminalised faster than the speed of light could travel. But the culture is changing. The conversation has started locally, regionally and internationally. We can no longer pretend the issue is not on the table. It is time to give careful consideration to where The Bahamas stands and how we proceed from here.
Lincicome to defend title at Pure Silk LPGA Classic
BRITTANY Lincicome will defend her title against 107 other players when the sixth Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic kicks off the LPGA season January 22-28 at the Ocean Club Golf Course at the Atlantis resort.Lincicome was surprised when she learned tha
NPBA: Rocket stop Eagles Nest 73-72, Rebels stop Pros 71-55
AFTER taking a break for the Christmas holiday, the New Providence Basketball Association opened the second half of its season at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Monday night.In the men’s division II opener, the Rockets defeated the Eagles Nest 73-72 an
Pintard on systemic approach to development of athletics
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard said his administration is committed to a systemic approach to the development of athletics and Bahamian sport in general. At the launch of the Flow CARIFTA Track and Field Championships Bahamas
Start of JBLN season postponed until Jan 20
THE Junior Baseball League of Nassau has announced that they will postpone the start of their 2018 season on Saturday until Saturday, January 20 due to the extenuating circumstances and anticipated weather issues.League commissioner Jeff Albury has a
We are the champions
Akhepran Academy completed a perfect run through the junior boys division as they successfully defended their title in the fifth annual Freedom Baptist Academy Majority Day Rule Basketball Tournament yesterday at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium.Saving t
NCAA: Dwight Coleby thriving in his new surroundings
DWIGHT Coleby has thrived in his new surroundings as a graduate transfer with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.Coleby is averaging 12.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game and has helped the Hilltoppers to an 11-5 record and an undefeated 3-0 record in
Slatter City Bowling League MVP
DAVID Slatter of Telco Enterprises was named the most valuable player of the City Bowling League competition Monday night after he rolled a 653 high three game set. His team-mate Johann Pyfrom was the runner-up after he downed the pins for a 644 seco
Treatment of Carnival a disgrace
Recently, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Michael Pintard made a further statement on the government’s involvement with carnival.
Privatise Junkanoo
WE love Junkanoo so much that every single post parade there is controversy so I suggest privatise the whole event and let’s see whether the public really is willing to put their money where obviously their mouths are.
Web.Com Tour tees off in The Bahamas this month
IT’S better in The Bahamas for the Web.Com Tour, which will see golfers head to two islands in The Bahamas for the second year in a row to tee off for a double round of golf.The Great Exuma Golf Classic kicks off on January 13, and continues through
Oil explorer's success prospects 'four times' better than average
A BAHAMAS-based oil explorer has received “a great endorsement” from independent experts who confirmed its chances of success are at least four times’ higher than the industry average.Simon Potter, Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) chief executive, t
BDB offers as 'vehicle' for Ministries' goals
THE Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) plans to offer itself as a “vehicle” through which government ministries can realise their goals in industries such as tourism, agriculture and culture.Lynden Nairn, the bank’s chairman, told Tribune Business that s
No 'show stoppers' on Grand Lucayan deal
THE Government will respond to the Wynn Group’s Grand Lucayan Heads of Agreement (HOA) proposal by week’s end, a source saying: “There aren’t any show stoppers yet.”Tribune Business sources familiar with the deal’s progress, speaking on condition of
Gov’t misses URCA ‘Holy Grail’ on GB Power deal
THE Government has missed its “Holy Grail” by failing to tie approval of the $35 million GB Power buy-out to the utility “subjecting itself” to URCA’s regulation.
Wednesday, January 10
UPDATED: No tsunamis after Caribbean earthquake
One of the strongest earthquakes to hit the Caribbean in modern times struck off the coast of Honduras on Tuesday night, shaking the mainland and setting off tsunami warnings that were canceled about an hour later.
Suspect in hospital after being shot by police
A suspect is in hospital after being shot by police during an alleged break-in at a gaming shop early on Wednesday.
Plane skids off runway while landing in Eleuthera
Police are investigating a plane crash in Eleuthera that left one passenger with minor injuries on Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 9
01092018 EDITION
Tuesday, 9th December, 2017.
$5.9m new fleet of vehicles
CABINET will spend $5.9m to purchase new vehicles for the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), according to Minister of National Security Marvin Dames.Additional funds will also be poured into law enforcement agencies to improve their physical environm
Bolt’s biggest regret - not running faster
The world’s fastest man Usain Bolt has just one regret - not being even faster.
THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NASSAU UNTIL 4.03PM
SKYGUARD® THUNDERSTORM WARNING 1210
‘Crime strategy still right path’
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames is “pretty confident” the Minnis administration will get a handle on crime following an “unusual” spate of murders recorded in Grand Bahama, marking the first three incidents in the country for 2018.
Police promotions on merit not politics
AN audit underway of manpower in the Royal Bahamas Police Force will end the need for prescribed promotion dates set by politicians, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames has announced.
Marijuana - we need the debate
TWO Cabinet ministers yesterday conceded that marijuana use has had a “devastating” impact on communities in the country, but agreed the Bahamas has reached a point where discussions must take place focusing on whether decriminalising the drug should be a consideration for the government.
‘Morale as low as water pressure’
PRESIDENT of the Bahamas Utilities Service and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU) Dwayne Woods said yesterday it was a coincidence that water pressure throughout New Providence was low one day after workers reportedly staged a ‘sick out’ at the Water and Sewerage Corporation.
Beach protestors ‘abandoned’ by Minnis
DESPITE suggestions that if elected his administration would expunge convictions associated with the Cabbage Beach protest in March 2016, those arrested for the incident say they have been abandoned by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
Job initiatives rolled out by Minister of Labour
LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes announced a slate of three new employment initiatives yesterday, geared toward easily pairing potential employers with job seekers via the Department of Labour. During a press conference at the department’s Rosetta Stree
Twenty grants for start-up entrepreneurs
TWENTY young people have been awarded grants for new start-up businesses and for existing companies seeking to expand their operations in Grand Bahama. Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson and Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Michae
50-year murder sentence upheld
THE COURT of Appeal has affirmed a man’s 50-year prison sentence for murdering his girlfriend because she refused to continue a relationship after calling it an “appropriate” punishment for a “most brutal and cold-blooded crime”.Former Court of Appea
'We need broader consultation for Integrity Commission Bill'
THE Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) yesterday expressed concern over the strength and independence of the government’s Integrity Commission Bill 2017, echoing calls from the opposition for broader consultation. The civic organisation s
Man shot in argument
POLICE are investigating a shooting incident that left one man in serious condition in hospital. The shooting took place shortly before 6pm Saturday off Malcolm Road. Police said three men got into an argument with a male armed with a firearm, who
Vendors complain as police shut beach
POLICE shut down Cabbage Beach yesterday because of bad weather, Assistant Superintendent Shanta Knowles told The Tribune . A weather advisory from the Department of Meteorology warned that beach goers in all areas of the country should “refrain fro
Victims of crime given gift parcels by police
ONE hundred families affected by crime received gifts of food packages and toys from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) on Friday.The event took place at Police Headquarters on East Street, and was packed with parents, children, and representative
Ready to defend the Bahamas
A NEW class of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) recruits began training yesterday.
Robbery sentencing next week
A MAN accused of robbing two people and attempting to rob a third at gunpoint last year will receive his sentencing as part of a plea deal next week, The Tribune understands. Adrian Robinson, will appear before Justice Bernard Turner next Tuesday to
Five held by police after bloody start to year in GB
FIVE men are now in custody assisting police with three murder investigations in Freeport and could be arraigned by the end of the week, as Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander and a team of officers from New Providence are in Grand Bahama assisting police on the island to bring closure to the matters.
Mother weeps as she and son denied bail in firearms case
A 48-year-old woman wept openly in court yesterday after she and her son were remanded to prison to await trial over two firearms charges stemming from a gun seizure last week. Mary Ferguson and her 26-year-old son Shedlock Bain appeared before Chie
YASMINE COOKE - my devastation over drug arrest lies
Beauty queen hits back at fake news slur
REIGNING Miss Universe Bahamas Yasmine Cooke is hitting out at a fake online story which claimed she had been arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport for attempting to smuggle cocaine.
Grant cans career high 41 points in win
LEASHJA Grant has found a new home with the Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada where she’s having a phenomenal 2017-18 season with the Thunderwolves women’s basketball team.In 12 games played so far this season, Grant is averaging 23
World Cup Qualifiers: Lineup changes for men's national team
AFTER losing the first two games last year in the FIBA Americas Qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup, Bahamas Basketball Federation vice president Mario Bowleg said the coaching staff will be making changes to the lineup for the second round next month.
'Biggest Loser Challenge' kicks off
WHETHER you want to get in shape, maintain your weight, or just stay healthy, a local fitness studio is encouraging people work out with other like-minded individuals so as to better meet your exercise goals in the new year.To this end, the husband-
Jonquel Jones and Fowles go head-to-head in China
JONQUEL Jones - the WNBA’s most improved player, went head-to-head with the league’s reigning MVP Sylvia Fowles as the pair are playing in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association during the offseason.Jones finished with 31 points, 17 rebounds, fiv
Therapist warns of autism 'epidemic'
A local occupational therapist is ringing the alarm for the increasing number Bahamian children diagnosed with autism and developmental delays.
THE PRESS BOX: Bahamas has lots to be proud of in our 16 major league prospects
IT WAS truly my pleasure to host the inaugural “Don’t Blink” Home Run Derby in Paradise. The brainchild of major league prospects Todd Isaacs Jr of the Cleveland Indians and Lucius Fox of the Florida Marlins, along with lots of support and blood, sw
Don't let the scale fool you: Why you could still be at risk for diabetes
(THE CONVERSATION) – Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, with an estimated 29 million people in the US having the disease and another 86 million considered prediabetic. With an estimated cost of $245 billion, prevention becomes critica
YOU GO GIRL: Young fashionista dreams of endless possibilities
She may be only 22 years old, but fashion enthusiast Sayar Rolle has already fulfilled her childhood dream of owning her own business. Shadel Bahamas is the name of her delivery service which offers products to meet the needs of every fashionista.
Silence is violence
Violence is used to silence. Silence is death. Silence is violence. Silence not only destroys any social harmony that could develop between communities, it also destroys the communities and those within them. Silence is not golden!Bahamians teach our
A DIY approach to healthier skin Local Island Apothik brand seeks to soothe
Eczema can be a very uncomfortable, even painful condition to live with. But for Alexia Hanna it is much more than that: it is the inspiration for her unique skin care line.Ms Hanna was diagnosed with eczema in her teenage years. She later married th
EDITORIAL: Montagu miracle still needs to be managed
In October, 2009, Member of Parliament for what was then the constituency of Montagu, Loretta Butler-Turner, appointed a steering committee to make recommendations and spearhead the redevelopment of what was dubbed the “Montagu mayhem” referring to an area of public land and waterfront running from east of the Nassau Yacht Club to west of the Royal Nassau Sailing Club.
Marijuana should be legal
IT’S a good thing that the CARICOM mission is here in The Bahamas to discuss the decriminalisation of marijuana. The Bahamas is so, so backward on this issue. I’m glad CARICOM coming here has led us to talk about this important issue.
You have a right to film
There is no law in the Bahamas prohibiting members of the public from photographing or filming law enforcement in the execution of their duties. This includes Police, Immigration and Defence Force officers.
Bahamians gear up to 'Race for the Cure'
The Susan G Komen Race for the Cure series, the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer, comes to Nassau this weekend. As part of Sunshine Insurance’s Marathon Bahamas Race Weekend, the 5k race will start
Winfrey highlights story of black woman raped by white men
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oprah Winfrey’s barnstormer of a speech at the Golden Globes highlighted the story of a black Alabama woman who was raped by six white men in 1944.Winfrey, in speaking of the victims of sexual assault whose voices might never be he
Higgs on scoring spree in NCAA
The recent scoring spree continued for Lashann Higgs as she led her No.8 Texas Longhorns to another conference win.Higgs finished with a team high 26 points in the Longhorns’ 75-64 win over the Kansas State Wildcats at the Bramiage Colesium in Manhat
A showcase of our elite baseball talent
THE inaugural “Don’t Blink Home Run Derby In Paradise” was a revolutionary idea that produced a series of highlights and showcased the Bahamas’ elite baseball talent.Hundreds of supporters turned out to the event Saturday afternoon at the Montagu Bay
Don’t let a national holiday divide us
The Tribune of the 8th January 2018 reported on an address recently given by The Leader of the Opposition regarding the significance of the national holiday designated Majority Rule Day celebrated on January 10th each year. It has always been my view from the promotion to implementation of the Majority Rule holiday, coupled with the change of name of the holiday celebrated on the 12th of October each year, from Discovery Day to National Heroes Day, that the entire idea was myopic and wrong-headed.
'Too valuable' to allow $30m VAT uncertainty
The insurance industry is “too important to the Bahamian economy” to allow uncertainty over an unpaid $30 million VAT refund to persist, a top executive warned yesterday.Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, told Tribune Business t
Realtors confident of beating 2017's 40-90% sales rise
Top realtors yesterday expressed confidence they will this year beat a 2017 sales performance that exceeded prior year comparatives by between 40 to 90 per cent.John Christie, H. G. Christie Ltd’s chief executive, told Tribune Business that the secto
Don't make Grand Lucayan into complete all-inclusive
THE Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president has warned against making the Grand Lucayan completely all-inclusive under new ownership.Mick Holding, in a recent interview with Tribune Business, said he did not want the complex’s three properties t
Development Bank eyes 37% loss fall
THE Bahamas Development Bank’s (BDB) chairman expects a 37 per cent reduction in its 2017 net loss to $1.2 million, and pledged: “We are headed in the right direction.”Lynden Nairn told Tribune Business in a recent interview that the Board is laying
Construction workers urged to exploit 'first-ever' job fair
JOB seekers in the construction industry were yesterday urged to take advantage of a “first-ever” opportunity to register their skills directly with potential employers via a ‘job fair’ later this month.Leonard Sands, the Bahamian Contractors Associa
Bahamian island hits the jackpot
THE purchase of a Bahamian private island was among the uses suggested for the $559.7 million won in the US Powerball Jackpot.In an ‘NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt’ segment that aired on January 3 about the Powerball Jackpot, reporter Joe Fryer ha
Monday, January 8
01082018 EDITION
Monday, 8th January, 2018.
Davis cites PLP legacy for Majority Rule Day
OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Philip Davis yesterday vowed to uphold the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) legacy of majority rule as inextricable from the country’s history.
‘Boss fired me over church ultimatum’
A CONTROVERSIAL firing at Super Buck pharmacy in Grand Bahama has led to the removal of former Minister of Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville’s wife, Susie, as manager.
‘Use in medicine wins my vote’
RETIRED Bishop Simeon Hall said he is a proponent of medicinal marijuana and has gained a greater appreciation for the benefits of its use since his appointment as the country’s representative on CARICOM’s Regional Commission on Marijuana.
On alert for Aussie flu virus
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands is encouraging Bahamians to get their annual flu vaccine as a precaution against the deadly Australian or “Aussie” flu virus that is spreading around the world.
Two more die in GB shootings
A MAN was shot dead near a popular restaurant at Port Lucaya marketplace on Saturday evening, leaving bystanders in a state of shock as Grand Bahama recorded its third murder within a week.
Potty – going to jail over a joint
NO reasonable person can deny the Bahamas must scrutinise laws that criminalise people possessing small amounts of marijuana, Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield said Friday.
INSIGHT: A deadline passes but what happened on an issue where we all have a part to play?
AS the dawn of a new year emerged with the clock striking midnight on January 1, 2018, many Bahamians naturally would have wondered what would be the government’s next move regarding illegal immigration. After Prime Minister Minnis’ bold proclamation landed him in the spotlight (again), many of us were unsure as to what new levels of enforcement would be implemented.
Kirk honours Sir Geoffrey Johnstone
When a man impacts his generation and the one after him, he is fondly remembered even after his passing. Such is the legacy of Sir Geoffrey Adams Dinwiddie Johnstone, KCMG. Scores of his admirers - those whose lives he touched - gathered at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk on Saturday to witness the church hall be dedicated in his honour.
GAIN AN EDGE: Second chance for a dream
For some, the road to college is relatively smooth. However, for most the road to higher education is a rocky, long, uphill climb. Often it takes more than one try to make college dreams a reality. But those second chances in education are always well worth it.
EDITORIAL: Trump under fire - and furious
Two relatively unploughed fields of battle have now opened in Washington, DC for America’s most adept media manipulator. While President Donald Trump’s public 2017 fights with critics and erstwhile friends were largely limited to TV and print media, the worlds of books and movies have now been added to the public frenzy that is the current US presidency.
Palacious: No apology
The headline of The Tribune’s article January 2 about my apology was inaccurate; in my opinion. It stated: “PALACIOUS APOLOGISED FOR HIS COMMENTS ON WOMEN’S DRESS.”
NPBA action resumes tonight
WITH the New Year now in full swing, the New Providence Basketball Association is looking forward to returning to action tonight at the AF Adderley Gymnasium as they commence their second half of the 2017/18 season.
Bahamas Flag Football League in USFTL Nationals
THE Bahamas Flag Football League will be amongst the almost 500 teams participating in the USFTL Flag Football Nationals from Friday to Sunday in Sarasota, Florida.
Civil service general orders
SURELY it is time for the Public Service Commission to lay down the rules that Civil Servants may not be in business or sell their services, in person or otherwise.
Misogyny and damage control
Once again, the misogyny of James Palacious has revealed itself in his victim blaming comments regarding sexual assault. Maya Angelou says it clearly: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”
Fake numbers
WELL the numbers are in - Popeye Bowl did not attract even as many viewers as 2016, 1.2m, in fact a whopping 36 percent less: 882,000.
Home run king crowned
The inaugural “Don’t Blink Home Run Derby In Paradise” was a revolutionary idea that produced a series of highlights and showcased the Bahamas’ elite baseball talent.
Teleos junior boys off to great start in Majority Rule tourney
THE Teleos Cherubims junior boys’ team got off to a great start in Freedom Baptist Academy’s fifth annual Majority Rule Basketball Tournament over the weekend.
Two-game sweep for the UB Mingoes in Florida
IT was a two-game sweep for the University of the Bahamas Mingoes men’s basketball team at the 2018 Eagles Men’s Basketball Classic over the weekend in Jacksonville, Florida.
Man dies after fall from scaffold
A MAN has died as a result of injuries he sustained in an apparent industrial accident on Saturday evening in Grand Bahama.
RBC imposes 2018 'moratorium' on fees
THE Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has placed a moratorium on fee increases in 2018, a senior executive has confirmed.Kevin Darling, RBC’s head of business banking for the northern Caribbean, said: “RBC actually came out this year and put a moratorium on
Boat captain and migrants appear in court
A Bahamian boat captain and eight Chinese nationals rescued after a boat capsized in waters off Grand Bahama were arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court last week.
Man robbed in his car in Harbour Bay
POLICE are asking the public to come forth with any information they may have in solving a number of armed robberies which occured on Friday.
Americans held after guns and ammunition found
TWO Americans are in police custody after a search of private residence in Abaco uncovered a high-powered weapon and more than 600 rounds of ammunition.
Ship battered as bomb cyclone continues to hit US east coast
THE intense winter storm known as the “bomb cyclone” ripping through the US East Coast battered a ship carrying some 4,000 passengers on a return trip from the Bahamas.
What Aidan taught me and John Hopkins
Hundreds gathered in St Anslem’s Catholic Church on Friday for the funeral of two-year-old cancer victim Aidan Carron.
'Sun-ryse' for firm's $6m new HQ target
A Bahamian information manager is aiming to raise $6 million for a new headquarters in west Nassau as part of a 2018 expansion that could increase staff by over one-third.Christiaan Sawyer, Sunryse Information Management’s president, confirmed to Tri
Insurance affordability fears rise on 15-20% premium increases
BAHAMAS First’s top executive believes “the time is really ripe” to examine how insurance can be made more affordable with property premiums set to increase 15-20 per cent in 2018. Patrick Ward, the underwriter’s president and chief executive, told T
Schooner Bay tries to rally homeowners - including PM
SCHOONER Bay’s developer has sought to rally homeowners - including Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis - after Tribune Business exposed its questionable Crown Land and real estate management.Dr David Huber, the Abaco-based project’s principal, in a Dece
Minister tells PLP: 'Sit small' on NHI
THE Minister of Health has told political opponents to “sit small” over National Health Insurance (NHI), while admitting he has yet to receive a written legal opinion on the scheme.Dr Duane Sands told Tribune Business that he would “absolutely” make
Gov't to refocus NHI on $60m critical care
THE Government is planning to refocus National Health Insurance (NHI) on catastrophic care, believing a $60 million budget “could do an awful lot if properly managed”.Dr Duane Sands, minister of health, told Tribune Business that he and the NHI Autho
Consumers 'delaying inevitable' if avoiding RBC's digital drive
CONSUMERS may be “delaying the inevitable” by moving from Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) to escape a digital banking drive that has attracted 60,000 persons to its mobile app.Kevin Darling, RBC’s head of business banking for the northern Caribbean, ackno
Saturday, January 6
Man dies after fatal crash off Carmichael Road
A man has died after a fatal crash off Carmichael Road on Friday night.
Friday, January 5
01052018 EDITION
Friday, 5th January, 2018.
Court dismisses employees' seven-day work week appeal
THE Court of Appeal has dismissed the legal bid of more than 20 Freeport Container Port employees to overturn the Supreme Court's upholding of their employer's previously implemented seven-day work week on the grounds that was not in violation of the Employment Act.
Man shot dead at Grand Bahama nightclub
The country has recorded its second murder of 2018 after a young man was shot dead outside a popular nightclub in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Don’t blame us - we warned you: Symonette says migrants had time to register
IMMIGRATION Minister Brent Symonette yesterday said there could be no excuse for the fate of unregularised migrants apprehended by increased enforcement measures, which he stated were already underway.
31 years jail for walk-up murder
A MAN has been sentenced to just over 30 years in prison for fatally shooting another man on Gibbs Corner in 2014.
Union cries foul in WSC theft probe
THE union representing Water and Sewerage Corporation workers yesterday said it was confident the three employees questioned by police amid an ongoing theft investigation will be “vindicated” while insisting the probe ought to focus on higher level WSC workers.
Christie’s PLP critics ‘shown no respect’
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP George Smith said party members who urged former Prime Minister Perry Christie to keep his promise to step down as party leader in the middle of his last term were were “not treated respectfully and appropriately” by the previous administration.
The big debates ahead for 2018
2017 was a challenging one for most Bahamians. We’ve recorded unprecedented levels of criminality, especially when it comes to homicides. Unemployment remains “high” but there are signs of an emerging economic recovery. Baha Mar, thank God, is now up and running and some 4-5000 grateful Bahamians are employed at that property. Mr John Isaa, the owner of Breezers, and his stellar management team continue to improve the ambience of that fine resort (where hundreds of Bahamians are currently employed).
National awards vs Queen’s honours
NATIONAL Heroes Act 2016 was assented into Law on January 27, 2016.
Tributes paid to Prince 'Zorro' Stubbs
THEY came from every segment of the local golfing community to pay their tributes to the late Prince ‘Zorro’ Stubbs, who was remembered as a mentor, teacher, comedian, close friend and a golfing legend.The Bahamas Golf Federation, led by his close fr
Lashann scores career high 30
LASHANN Higgs continues to have a breakout season for the Texas Longhorns and reached another scoring milestone for the second consecutive game.Higgs finished with a career high 30 points as her No.8 Longhorns protected home court with an 84-79 win o
Pintard looking forward to very productive year
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard said he’s looking forward to a very productive 2018.Sharing his expectations for the New Year with The Tribune Sports Department, Pintard highlighted two major events on his agenda as 2018 unfolds
McPhee-McCuin: 'Defensively we're really solid'
AS the Jacksonville Univerity Dolphins Womens Basketball programme heads into conference play next week, head coach Yolette McPhee-McCuin expects her team to continue its progression toward postseason play in March.McPhee-McCuin appeared on the lates
THE FINISH LINE: Report on national baseball stadium all set for next week
WELCOME to 2018.With the New Year comes the much anticipated announcement by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard that work on the new national baseball stadium will commence.Pintard said when the House of Assembly reconvenes next we
New Road Traffic HQ stalled amid partnership concern
A $25m public-private partnership (PPP) to establish a new Road Traffic Department headquarters on Tonique Williams Darling Highway is stalled because the government has yet to decide how it will deal with PPPs arranged by the Christie administration
Tourist falls as stairs to Cabbage Beach collapse
A French tourist had a lucky escape yesterday when the stairs of the public beach access on Cabbage Beach collapsed as he stepped onto it. The stairway - the only public access to the beach - had been pounded by heavy surf blown up by the cold front
Bus robbery sentence upheld but fake gun appeal allowed
A MAN sentenced jailed for robbing a bus driver as well as up to 30 of his passengers with a gun almost six years ago had his legal bid to contest his sentence dismissed by the Court of Appeal.Former Court of Appeal President Dame Anita Allen, along
Two charged in gun and assault cases
TWO men charged in separate criminal matters appeared in the Freeport Supreme Court yesterday for a bail application hearing before Justice Petra Hanna-Adderley. Clive G Wyatt, who is facing charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition, appeare
Still concerns over post office, warns union
DESPITE the promises of the government, the mould problem at the East Street General Post Office remains a major concern, says Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) President Kimsley Ferguson.
Nation's leaders 'not clear' on marijuana decriminalisation
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) leader Christopher Mortimer said yesterday the country’s leaders are not clear enough about their views on marijuana.Debate on the issue was reignited this week after it was announced CARICOM was hosting a town hall
Grand Celebration 'not damaged' in dock incident
MINISTER of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson has confirmed that while the Grand Celebration cruise ship broke away from the dock at Freeport Harbour on Wednesday due to bad weather, there was no damage to the vessel or injuries to passengers dur
Ministry pays tribute to former civil servant
THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture released a statement saying it is saddened by the recent death of Patricia Bazard, former civil servant. Bazard served in the Cultural Affairs Division of ministries with responsibility for culture from 1972
EDITORIAL: Foreign challenges await for Trump
With a cold dose of reality after the peace and goodwill of Christmas and the resolutions of a new year, the current crisis in Iran is suddenly top of the news agenda while the simmering dispute with North Korea over its nuclear programme has taken a potentially significant new turn.
Bitcoin in the Bahamas
THIS letter is in regard to today’s Business section; an article was posted about Bitcoin being a “game changer” according to Mario Curry. I, while a supporter of cryptocurrencies, do not agree on this for The Bahamas – at least not in the next few years.
BOB to avoid default with $6.4m pay-out
Bank of the Bahamas (BOB) is making a $6.4 million pay-out to avoid defaulting on its preference shares, resulting in a $3 million “capital shock”.Wayne Aranha, the struggling BISX-listed bank’s chairman, told last week’s annual general meeting (AGM)
Bahamians 'lucky' to escape illegal aviator's damage
FORMER Bahamian ‘partners’ of an illegal charter operator yesterday admitted they were “very fortunate” to have escaped serious damage to their reputations and business.Captain Fredrick McPhee, proprietor of Nassau-based KA Flight Training Centre, to
Pre-inspection offer sparks used auto price hike fears
A JAPANESE firm’s offer to conduct pre-export inspections on used vehicles destined for the Bahamas would likely result in increased consumer prices if accepted.A copy of the proposal by EAA Company Ltd, which has been seen by Tribune Business, sugge
Renward LOI firm: Gov't left us off landfill bid list
THE firm at the centre of the Renward Wells Letter of Intent (LOI) controversy yesterday said the Government mistakenly omitted it from the list of New Providence landfill bidders.Jean-Paul (JP) Michielsen, Stellar Energy’s chief executive, told Trib
Realtors: We'll 'take' residency threshold increase to $750,000
Bahamian realtors will “take” the increased expedited permanent residency threshold despite wanting it to remain at $500,000, their Association president says.Christine Wallace-Whitfield said the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) and its members
Attorneys launch new legal firm
A team of attorneys who used to practice with former Cabinet Minister, Kenred Dorsett, at Chancellors Chambers have launched their own law firm.Providence Law, a full-service commercial law practice, began operating on January 1.The partnership featu
Grand Celebration confident in GB 'rebound' by late 2018
THE Grand Celebration cruise vessel’s owner is banking on a Grand Bahama tourism “rebound” by the 2018 fourth quarter, the vessel having suffered no lasting damage from breaking free of its moorings.David Johnson, a former Bahamas tourism director-ge
Mall at Marathon in latest upgrade
THE Mall at Marathon yesterday announced that Phase Three of its construction upgrade will begin this month with renovations to the wing that extends from Centre Court to AID and Clarks.The area known as ‘The Strip Center’ – the outdoor wing that ext
Tourism eyes weather boost for bookings already up 16%
BAHAMIAN tourism officials yesterday said the massive storm hitting the US east coast could further boost bookings that are already 16 per cent up on 2017.Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general, yesterday said bad weather in the Baha
Thursday, January 4
01042018 EDITION
Thursday, 4th January, 2018.
Why kill my Joel?
ULEAN Augustine is devastated over the shooting death of her husband and wants to know why anyone would want to kill the father of her three children days after he celebrated his 40th birthday.
Police detain 3 in WSC theft probe
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force’s (RBPF) probe into theft allegations at the Water and Sewerage Corporation intensified yesterday after investigators questioned three WSC employees, The Tribune can confirm.
Illegals offensive unsettles business
Business leaders yesterday lined up to caution the government over threats of financial penalties if they are caught employing illegal immigrants.
Minnis ‘fine’ after eye operation
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis praised the staff at Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday who he said gave excellent service while he underwent a minor surgery to remove a cataract from one of his eyes.
Marijuana issue ‘not on agenda’
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands reiterated yesterday that legalising marijuana is not on the Minnis administration’s agenda.
Grand Celebration port drama
THE Grand Celebration cruise ship broke from its moorings in rough seas in Freeport harbour and a small airplane toppled over after landing at the airport due to severe weather conditions that moved into Grand Bahama yesterday.
Smith: Time to be less timid over Grand Bahama plans
PROMINENT attorney and activist Fred Smith yesterday berated the government for its “timid, tepid” performance in Grand Bahama, warning policymakers residents would not tolerate “same old, same old”.Mr Smith, a business owner and Grand Bahama residen
Isnord gets offer from Dukes
WILKENSON Isnord rose up the Florida high school prospect rankings over the summer and now, with an impressive start to his junior season, continues to field NCAA Division I offers. Following his performance at the Tournament of Champions Holiday Cl
CARIFTA pays tribute to Dr Bernard Nottage
For the eighth time, the Bahamas is set to host the region’s premier junior athletics talent at the Flow CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.Under the theme “Faster Further, Higher”, the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletics Associ
Appeal Court acquits man of conspiring to rob John Bull
THE COURT of Appeal has acquitted one of two men previously sentenced for conspiring to rob John Bull’s flagship store in 2011, ruling that as his two co-accused were acquitted of the matter before him, “no one remained for him to agree with”. Forme
Mitchell concern at Pratt departure
FORMER Minister of Immigration Fred Mitchell has expressed concern that William Pratt’s departure from the Department of Immigration was mishandled by the government and that it may have cast aspersions about his character. He noted there was no for
Culmer: Govt to help impoverished areas
FREE National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Culmer said yesteday the Minnis administration will work hard in the coming months to improve the economy in impoverished areas after spending its first seven months in office fixing problems left by the for
Man accused of firearm offence
A 32-year-old Freeport man was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition in a Freeport Magistrate’s Court this week. Clive Wyatt, 32, of Lucaya Towers, appeared before Magistrate Rengin Johnson where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Insurance association perists in saying NHI work unlawful
DESPITE the Office of the Attorney General’s opinion on the matter, the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) said in a statement yesterday it still believes the work of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Secretariat was unlawful and should not be rat
Three face court over recent armed robberies
TWO men were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the recent robbery of a convenience store that saw the thieves lock themselves in a walk-in freezer to evade capture. Janvone Rolle, 22, and Teiko Moss, 20, both stood befor
DIANE PHILLIPS: As we celebrate two lost lives, can I ask a favour?
Two funerals are scheduled for tomorrow, one for a toddler named Aidan Carron who spent the last year of his two-year life in a hospital battling the effects of therapy-related leukemia.
Marital rape law in action
IT is apparent that many who have submitted letters concerning marital rape do not understand the nuances involved with this topic.
Have new awards been approved?
AWARDS from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas are the sole legally supported Awards of the State by the Head of State in The Bahamas.
Dining with the media
WOW, what a laugh - just look how Dr Hubert Minnis tried desperately to swing the minds and thoughts of the local media who he attacked so deliberately only a few weeks ago?
Franco's game-high 30 helps Lions to 111-88 win over Beast Basketball
FRANCO Miller continues to bolster his recruiting stock in his lone season of prep basketball with the Crestwood Prep Academy Lions.Miller opened up session two of the The National Preparatory Association’s Prep League yesterday with a game-high 30 p
Johnson cans career-high 44 in Adidas Holiday Slam
STEPHON Johnson is in the process of a defining season at Champagnat Catholic School and continues to be a leading force for the Lions as a senior. Johnson scored a career-high 44 points in his team’s finale of the Adidas Holiday Slam in Miami, Flor
Ayton earns Pac-12 Player of the Week
FRESHMAN phenom DeAndre Ayton continues to earn conference accolades at a record-setting pace for the Arizona Wildcats. Ayton earned his second PAC-12 Player of the Week honour within the last month. Ayton and the No.17 Wildcats (11-3) won the in-s
Wild Card: Naughty's NFL Picks
I MAY not have repeated as the Tribune’s NFL Picks Champion, but at least the trophy is staying in the family! Ah these ‘millenials,’ congratulations to my 10-year-old son Santxo, who is this year’s champion. Running me down, and holding off a fur
Minister: 17 landfill bids will 'get the best result'
A Cabinet Minister yesterday asserted that the Government “will get the best result for the Bahamian people” after receiving 17 ‘expressions of interest’ (EoIs) for the New Providence landfill.Romauld Ferreira, minister of the environment and housing
Gov't's $70m Aliv sell-off targeting end-April closing
THE $70 million sale of the Government’s majority shareholding in Aliv should be completed by end-April 2018, its advisers revealed yesterday.Gowon Bowe told Tribune Business that the Prime Minister and senior Cabinet members had now “satisfied thems
'Common sense prevails' over GB Power approval
INVESTMENT bankers yesterday hailed the Government’s approval of the Grand Bahama Power Company buy-out as “common sense prevailing” to the wider capital markets’ benefit.Anthony Ferguson, CFAL’s principal, told Tribune Business it was vital for this
Bahamian insurers fear NHI 'kop out'
BAHAMIAN insurers yesterday branded the Government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) legal opinion as “a kop out”, expressing fears it will be used as “cover” for reform inactivity.The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA), in a statement released yest
GB Power opponents say: 'We'll go to another level'
GB Power Company’s critics yesterday pledged “to take our opposition to another level”, arguing that Bahamian ownership of vital utility assets had gone “backwards”.Pastor Eddie Victor, head of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens (CCC) pressure group
ART OF GRAPHIX: Design creativity at the soul of Junkanoo
JUNKANOO ain’t no jokey ting! For I love all the distinctive commonality it possesses. The spirit and soul of Junkanoo encompasses every imaginable aspect of craftsmanship.While Junkanoo’a origins remain the subject of long and passionate debates, wh
Spending boost from cruise port upgrade
THE redevelopment of Nassau’s cruise port will provide deliver greater value that increases spending by cruise passengers, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s chairman said yesterday.Michael Maura, who is also Arawak Port Development Company’s (APD) ch
Chamber chair calls on Gov't to execute
THE Chamber of Commerce’s chairman yesterday pressed the Government to “deliver” on its plans and objectives, stating: “We need to see some growth and jobs.”Michael Maura underscored the need for the private sector to continue to support the Minnis a
Wednesday, January 3
01032018 EDITION
Wednesday, 3rd January, 2018.
Three charged over $1.6m marijuana seizure
TWO Bahamian men and a Jamaican national were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a million-dollar drug bust that took place in waters off South Andros last week.
Two face court accused of murders
TWO men in their mid-twenties were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with two separate murders which took place over the weekend, one of which occurred at a party on Boxing Day.
Freeport murder is year’s first
THE country recorded its first homicide for 2018 when a man was discovered shot dead in Freeport on New Year’s Day.
‘Send illegals home by end of this week’
EMPLOYERS in the country have the remainder of this week to send all illegal employees home, Immigration Minister Brent Symonette warned yesterday as he signalled the Minnis administration’s “aggressive” campaign to clamp down on private businesses in the coming days.
Bethel acts to address marital rape
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel told The Tribune yesterday an amendment to the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act has been drafted in response to widespread calls from the public for the Minnis administration to criminalise marital rape.
‘NHI legal’ ruling upsets overhaul
A long-anticipated legal opinion from the Office of the Attorney General complicates the Minnis administration’s effort to create a National Health Insurance (NHI) programme that fits its preferences and will likely limit the administration’s ability to quickly accomplish its NHI goals, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed yesterday.
Carifta Games hosting
Closing 2017, I see we are committing to host CARIFTA Games.
Top hurdler Pedrya has newcoach for final college season
Back in action from an injury that prevented her from competing outdoors last year, women’s 100m hurdles national record holder Pedrya Seymour will resume her final season as a collegiate under a new coach and a new school.The 22-year-old graduate of
As we welcome in 2018, what'son our sporting bodies' agenda?
AS we welcome in 2018, many sporting bodies are looking forward to the New Year with great expectations.• Here is some of what’s on their agenda:Bahamas Olympic CommitteeWith an old deputy moving up as the new sheriff in town, immediate past secretar
'Fireman' getting ready for indoor season
AFTER deciding to skip the remainder of the outdoor season, including the 16th IAAF World Championships last year, quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown is preparing to return to the indoor season where he’s had a great deal of success.Undoubtedly, the
Mavin Saunders named to Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
MAVIN Saunders, the highly acclaimed redshirt junior tight end from the Florida State Seminoles, was awarded on Monday night as he was named to Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.Saunders, a native of Bimini who was recruited by the Frank Rutherford Found
Public has its say on marital rape issue
THE issue of marital rape and whether it should become a crime has become a hot topic of debate in recent weeks, more than eight years after the last Ingraham administration shelved legislation to do just that amid public backlash.In light of the pub
Unfair calls to quit
THE recent calls for the resignation of Lanisha Rolle over her marital rape comments are outlandish.
Pastor defends Rolle over comments on marital rape
PASTOR Cedric Moss yesterday defended Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Lanisha Rolle over her recent controversial comments on marital rape. In a 16-page paper called “Marital Rape - The Past and Present Discussions” which summarise
Union threatens 'war' over WSC probe
THE investigation into the alleged theft at the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is over as far as the union representing line staff is concerned and if the corporation continues the probe “they will have war,” according to Bahamas Utilities Serv
Bahamas Carnival Band Owners Association 'fully committed' to Road Fever Parade
THE Bahamas Carnival Band Owners Association (BCBOA) remains “fully committed” to staging Junkanoo Carnival’s annual Road Fever Parade, according to BCBOA President Dario Terrelli, who yesterday applauded the government’s decision to move towards pri
The Platinum Knights triumph in Grand Bahama
THE Platinum Knights emerged as the winner of the 2018 New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade in Grand Bahama, according to unofficial results released last night. The group won with an overall score of 3,287 points, with the Superstar Rockers coming second
PM to undergo surgery today
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will undergo a “minor surgery” at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) today and will be out of office until Friday, the Cabinet Office announced yesterday.
Marital rape and the law
THE issue of marital rape is once again a topic for public discussion and I beg leave to enter the discourse with some thoughts of my own.
CULTURE CLASH: When leaders fail to lead
We often talk about leadership. It is a hot topic on the radio, at church, within civic groups, in politics, in schools and at conferences and training sessions. Everyone has wisdom to impart on the subject. We are not likely to ever come to a consensus on whether leaders are born or made, but can all see there are skills every leader needs to have and hone.
EDITORIAL: What next for the US rollercoaster?
What will the New Year bring for American politics? It’s hard to find two people who will agree on that suddenly existential question, but there is undeniably something stirring among voters in the United States. For a change, they are truly engaged.
Flowers: 'We grew up, not just as friends, but as family'
BUSINESSMAN and golfer Craig Flowers has called this one of the most difficult periods of his life, having lost his childhood friend and sporting legend Prince ‘Zorro’ Stubbs on Christmas Eve.Stubbs, 80, died at the Princess Margaret Hospital as a re
BTVI aviation 'partner' flew illegal charters
A one-time Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) aviation partner has been charged by the US authorities with operating an illegal charter service between this nation and Florida.Robert ‘Charles’ Brady, owner of Beach Aviation, who in 201
Japan mission to combat vehicle 'dumping ground'
A BAHAMIAN delegation is aiming to prevent this nation from becoming “a dumping ground” for poor-quality used cars through this weekend’s mission to Japan.The mixed public and private sector group, headed by Standards Bureau executives, will assess t
Bahamas warned: Prepare for Bitcoin 'game changer'
A prominent realtor yesterday warned the Bahamas to prepare for Bitcoin and other digital currencies, describing it as a potential “game changer” for conducting real estate deals.Mario Carey, principal of Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas, told Tr
Gov't 'turning clock back 30 years' with GB Power approval
THE Government was last night accused of “turning the clock back 30 years on Bahamian ownership” after it decided not to block the $35 million GB Power buy-out.The Minnis administration, in a statement yesterday evening, said it had approved the mino
Pointe's developer pledges Bahamian labour compliance
THE Pointe’s developer yesterday promised to continue full compliance with its original Heads of Agreement (HOA) that requires 70 per cent Bahamian labour on the project’s construction.Gerhard Beukes, vice-president of China Construction America’s (C
CIBC unveils client anti-fraud devices
CIBC FirstCaribbean has launched client-controlled anti-fraud tools, such as a geo-location service, transaction controls (including the ability to freeze their cards) and real-time alerts.These additions to its mobile banking app, just before Christ
Bank names regional chief operating officer
CIBC FirstCaribbean has named Colette Delaney as its group chief operating officer, with responsibility for all its main business lines.She will oversee the Canadian-owned bank’s retail and business banking; cards and customer relationship management
Sterling Global adds to executive team
Sterling Global Financial has expanded its executive team by hiring resort industry veteran, Bill Green, to head up a newly-launched subsidiary.Mr Green, former senior vice-president of Intrawest, a luxury resort and adventure development company, wi
Labour Department in job-boosting initiatives
THE Ministry of Labour will next Monday launch several initiatives designed to reduce unemployment by better matching workers with available jobs.An Employer’s Job Fair will be held at the Department of Labour’s Rosetta Street Office, in the City Cor
Band owners seek rights for Junkanoo Carnival
JUNKANOO Carnival band owners yesterday reiterated their desire to take ownership of the festival’s rights, and requested participation in talks over its privatisation.Dario Tirelli, the Bahamas Carnival Band Owners Association’s (BCBOA) president, t
Tuesday, January 2
01022018 EDITION
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018.
91 caught in migrant operations
THE ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) apprehended nearly 100 illegal migrants in three separate incidents over the holiday weekend.
Carnival - no more money, we’re out
THE Minnis administration aims to completely privatise Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival (BJC) ahead of its 2018 festival, according to Culture Minister Michael Pintard, who yesterday stressed no government should be in the business of funding a foreign culture.
Aidan Carron - a final farewell
Funeral services for two-year-old Aidan Roger Dupuch Carron, who died in Baltimore, Maryland, on the morning of Christmas Eve will be held at 3pm on Friday at St Anslem’s Catholic Church, Fox Hill.
Freeze - you're under arrest
TWO would-be thieves are in police custody after they locked themselves in a walk-in freezer of a convenience store attempting to evade capture.
Christie: I stayed too long
FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie admitted on Sunday he was “in politics too long” but said he had an “exceptional run” in public life.
Stunning Saxons rush to victory
THE Shell Saxons Superstars were named the unofficial champions of the 2018 New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade, ending a four-year drought which saw major changes within the group’s senior command.
Rattlers repeat as the Providence champions
CI Gibson Rattlers repeated as champions of the Providence Basketball Club’s 14th annual Christmas Classic.
‘Tum Tum’ and Ayton atop NCAA rankings
A WEEK of upsets is expected to produce a shakeup atop the NCAA Division I college basketball polls and several Bahamian players should figure prominently in the new rankings.
Staying fit beyond New Year's resolutions
Forget New Year’s resolutions, try an entire lifestyle change so that year after year you feel healthier, happier and more fit than ever.When fitness expert Natasha Brown was asked by Tribune Health for tips to help readers keep their diet and exerci
Man held after drug seizure
POLICE in Eleuthera arrested a man after the seizure of a quantity of dangerous drugs on Wednesday.
Five physician-approved nutrition tips to look and feel your best
(BPT) - Looking and feeling your best go hand in hand. When you take charge of your well-being, you’ll feel healthier inside and out. Small efforts every day add up to a big impact.“By taking specific steps each day, you can optimise your beauty horm
YOU GO GIRL: Cindy gets creative for children
AIMING to use her growing platform for the greater good, Bahamian comedienne Frecinda “Cindy” Mullings believes that combining colloquialism with comedy to create entertaining, educating and engaging content is how she will evoke social change in the
Resolved to get more shut-eye? Here are four sleep hacks to help
(BPT) - When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, millions of people around the world vowed to eat better, work out more and lead a healthier life.But something is missing from this equation. While eating well and getting exercise are extreme
Kidney stones more painful than childbirth
By DR GREGGORY PINTO As a urologist I have treated thousands of men and women with kidney stones, particularly as a postgraduate fellow with world-leading kidney stone surgeon Professor Andreas Gross, in Hamburg, Germany.I have seen macho men cry lik
ALICIA WALLACE: Time to take things with a pinch of salt
Coming out of a year of sitting around, watching and questioning, 2018 has to be a year of collective action.
Changes may lie ahead after low crowd
THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s proposed Junkanoo conclave could lead to major changes for the holiday Junkanoo circuit, following low attendance at the 2018 New Year’s Day Parade.
DIANE PHILLIPS: A year to re-ignite belief in our country
It is easy to say The Bahamas is at a crossroads. You could say that at the end of any year though a new year is only an artificial separation of one day from the next. Birds don’t mark the years, nor do wild animals. Man does it out of convenience to give us a moment to stop and reflect, to think about where we were and where we are going.
PETER YOUNG: The economy is the key priority in 2018
New Year crystal-gazing is invariably guesswork and can be hazardous. But, having been asked to provide brief comments on The Bahamas’ prospects for 2018, it was not hard to single out the economy as the issue likely to be of major concern in the coming months.
Grand Bahamians give the gift of life
SIX months after its inception, the Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama (BDSGB) held its first blood drive and was pleased with the turnout of donors who also signed up with the volunteer blood donors registry.Lededra Marche, BDSGB president, said t
EDITORIAL: We must have a vision for our country
Successful businesses nail down a vision of exactly what they want to be and work toward achieving that.
Was 2017 a year of mistakes?
WAS the choice of a new Government on May 10, on one part a massive relief vanquishing the PLP and Rt Hon Perry Christie but on the other hand electing a party whose leader just did not have the leadership qualities or plans needed?
Women must have a standard
AS a woman, I am disappointed by the thinking of many women these days. Watching the news last night I heard Father Palacious’ comment about women being addressed according to how they are dressed and I agree with him wholeheartedly.
JR Cadot to continue his pro basketball career in Spain
JR Cadot will return to Spain to continue his pro basketball career.
THE PRESS BOX: My Cowboys have nobody to blame but themselves for missing playoffs
Jerry Jones favourite ‘yes man’ Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett isn’t going anywhere.
Bahamian beautyqueen goes globalTenielle Adderley to travel the world for charitable work
AS the first runner-up in the Miss Global pageant this year, Bahamian beauty queen Tenielle Adderley is about to travel around the world to engage in charitable fundraisers while promoting the beauty, intelligence and charm of women everywhere.Tenie
Fighting sizeism: With obesity on rise, Paris reflects on mirrored ‘fatphobia’
PARIS (AP) — France gave the world butter croissants and foie gras, yet it has often been a place where being overweight was seen as almost sinful.
Relationships are mirrors for ourselves
Everyone we see in the world is a reflection of ourselves, and the traits we see most clearly in others are the ones that are strongest in ourselves. This is called the mirror of relationship and it is a powerful tool for emotional freedom.
'Stars aligning' for 2018 tourism surge
A Cabinet minister says the “stars are aligning” for a Bahamian tourism surge in 2018, with the Government “100 per cent behind” Baha Mar’s full opening.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism, told Tribune Business he was “very optimistic” on the Ba
$750m bond 'prolongs savers' punishment'
THE Government has “prolonged the punishment of savers” through its recent $750 million bond issue, a former finance minister has warned, as the effects work through the monetary system.James Smith, also a former Central Bank governor, said the impac
CCA 'went backwards' on building Baha Mar
Baha Mar’s contractor “could not keep straight” reports on its construction progress, with completion of specific work elements allegedly “regressing” on a monthly basis.Sarkis Izmirlian, the $4.2 billion project’s original developer, is citing numer
Franchise group's $3.1m expansion adds 90 jobs
A prominent Bahamian franchise group has invested $3.1 million in opening its latest Marco’s Pizza and Popeyes restaurants on Robinson Road, a move that has created 90 jobs.Aetos Holdings, which is owned by the Tsavoussis brothers, Chris and Terry,
QC: ‘Opening for compromise’ on Grand Bahama Power deal
A PROMINENT QC believes there is “an opening for compromise” over the $35 million Grand Bahama Power Company buy-out that would serve all parties’ interests.
Contractors urge 'clarity' on Pointe involvement
THE Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) is demanding the Government and developer “clarify” how many Bahamian companies and labourers are employed on Phase II of The Pointe project.Leonard Sands, the BCA president, told Tribune Business that while
Realtors bid to 'tighten up' key industry laws
THE Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) is pushing to “tighten up” the Real Estate Act, its president acknowledging that one of the proposed changes would address the “illegal” practice of non-Bahamians selling local real estate.Christine Wallace-
Monday, January 1
Six illegal immigrants taken into custody in North Bimini
Six illegal immigrants were taken into custody in North Bimini on Saturday.
Two injured in New Year’s Day shooting
POLICE have launched an island-wide manhunt for two suspects after a shooting incident just after midnight on New Year’s Day left two men in hospital.
