Stories for June 2018

Saturday, June 30

Firearm, ammunition and drugs recovered by police

OVER the weekend the police recovered a firearm, and a quantity of ammunition and dangerous drugs from the streets of Nassau.

Boxing legend Everette 'Elisha Obed' Ferguson dies age 66

Everette 'Elisha Obed' Ferguson, the first Bahamian to win a professional world boxing title, died on Thursday night. He was 66 years old.

Friday, June 29

Dr Sands: Free condoms for students 'the way to go'

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands said he believes a revamped approach to HIV prevention and treatment inclusive of sex education and free contraceptives for students is “the way to go”.

New director for National Insurance Board

THE National Insurance Board will have a new director effective July 1, 2018.

Good news 'soon' for Grand Bahama, says Labour Minister

GOOD things are on the horizon for Grand Bahama, according to Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes, who said some important announcements would be made soon by the government.He did not elaborate or disclose much, but said the officials are very “optimist

'This is the start of Silicon Island'

GIBC CEO Greg Wood said Wednesday’s opening of his company’s office in Freeport marks the beginning of Grand Bahama’s transformation in what to will be known as “Silicon Island” by the next decade.Mr Wood revealed that officials from his tech company

HIV: Get tested for free and know your status

HEALTH officials are working to remove the stigma around HIV testing and are targeting young Bahamians in particular to know their HIV status.

BPL: We’ll do our best this summer

BAHAMAS Power & Light has more than enough generation capacity to ensure Bahamians have a summer free of load shedding, but officials cannot guarantee the utility provider’s aging equipment will hold up all the way through the demanding season.

Contractor: Bahamians could do Pointe work

THE reported reclassification of foreign labourers at The Pointe has been condemned as “disingenuous” by Bahamas Contractors Association President Leonard Sands.

US trafficking report warns of ‘corruption in Immigration’

THE US State Department has said credible allegations of corruption in the Immigration Department has made potential victims of human trafficking vulnerable in The Bahamas.

From ministry post to new consultancy for Robinson

LESS than ten days after being fired by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis from his post as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson has launched his own tourism consultancy business.

Girl tourists assaulted on Harbour Island

POLICE are investigating reports that indecent assault was committed against two juvenile female tourists on Harbour Island yesterday.

Man stabbed with screwdriver

A MAN was taken to hospital after he was stabbed by an assailant armed with a screwdriver.Police said the victim was waking on Hospital Lane after 6pm on Wednesday when he was approached by an attacker who stabbed him about the body before running aw

EDITORIAL: Inevitable firings and bitter medicine

IN this column on Wednesday, we drew attention to the opposition of four FNM Members of Parliament to the controversial increase of VAT that led to their voting against the Budget. We touched on the reasons why, under our Westminster system of government, they were subsequently sacked from Dr Minnis’s administration. Today, we explore further the workings of that system, which is the bedrock of our democracy, and also call on the Government to improve its public relations.

The firing of Travis Robinson

HAD Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson severed ties with the governing Free National Movement, the narrative throughout the country would have been that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is losing control of his party, particularly his MP backbenchers.

Bahamas falls to the USVI 84-74

The Bahamas men’s national basketball team, even with the services of NBA guard Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield and college graduate Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn, couldn’t find a way to pull off a “must-win” game against the US Virgin Islands.Needing to win by eig

SPORTS NOTES

BLUE CHIPS ATHLETIC CAMP REGISTRATIONTHE Blue Chips Athletic Club, headed by Corrington Maycock, is all set to hold its fifth annual Throwers Summer Camp 9am to 3pm July 23-28 at Queen’s College campus.April Smith, in her fourth season as an assistan

Bahamas teams are selected for IAAF World Jrs and NACAC

BASED on who showed up and what they did at the National Junior and Open Track and Field Nationals, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations selected its teams to represent the Bahamas at the IAAF World Junior Under-20 Championships and the N

Bud Bahamian winner front and centre at FIFA World Cup

MOSCOW, Russia – Soccer enthusiasts from around the world have been glued to their screens as the FIFA World Cup action heats up in Russia. Heralded globally as the most prestigious association tournament in the world, the FIFA World Cup has and cont

Saving smart

THE Bahamas Central Securities Depository has launched a groundbreaking financial literacy programme – BCSD Smart Savers – for preschoolers and primary school students. The programme was launched at Willard Patton Preschool, where BCSD staff members

A COMIC'S VIEW: Here comes Hubully

WITH the dreaded VAT increase days away, Travis is on cleanup duty, Halston speaks in tongues, Sebas for PM, and Hubully is born. The Clean Up Man I think most would agree that it was a brave move for Bain and Grants MP Travis Robinson to vote ag

THE FINISH LINE: BBA seems to be headed in the right direction

THE Bahamas Baseball Association had to play a back seat to mother nature over the weekend in Grand Bahama as the fields got too wet from the rain at the Emera Sports Complex to complete all of the divisional finals in their inaugural National Baseba

Rules apply to politicians

POLITICIANS some-times make such a fundamental political mistake when they hang everything which they use, that is, only apply or abide with when it suits their political ends.

Grabbalicious web shops

Web shops - thanks Minister D’Aguilar for telling it as it is.

Students urged to learn from summer job roles

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard told young persons participating in the government’s summer job programme that there are some valuable lessons they will learn from job placements. He noted that even though it may not be their ch

'Bowl games are better in the Bahamas'

FOR the fifth consecutive year, Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference will bring their championship football teams to town to clash in the Bahamas Bowl.The bowl game is scheduled for Friday, December 21 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stad

Atlantis links up with Miami University for mammal course

ATLANTIS has set up a partnership with the University of Miami through its Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.Now in its second year, the partnership features a marine mammal based course at the graduate level that is taught at Atlan

'Put brakes on WTO accession', Govt told

The government was yesterday urged by the private sector to “put on the brakes” over the submission of its latest negotiating “offer” for WTO membership.Darron Pickstock, who heads the Chamber of Commerce’s trade and investment division, told Tribune

Property fund chief blindsided by BISX trading suspension

The Bahamas Property Fund’s administrator last night expressed hope that its trading suspension will be short-lived, having been blindsided by the stock exchange’s move.

$1.2m roadworks wait for IMAX's developer

An IMAX cinema-centred entertainment destination cannot open until a $1.2 million roadworks project is completed, its developer revealed yesterday.Carlos Foulkes, the Atavus Group’s chief executive, told Tribune Business it expected to hear from the

BPL rejects one-third of departure requests

BAHAMAS Power and Light’s (BPL) chief executive yesterday said “one-third” of the company’s voluntary separation (VSEP) applicants have been deemed “critical employees” who cannot be released at this time. Whitney Heastie said those employees will b

Hotel union chief: VAT hike's urgency for industrial deal

The hotel union’s newly-elected president yesterday said the VAT rate hike had increased the urgency for the leadership to secure a new industrial agreement for its 5,000 members.Darren Woods, pictured, told Tribune Business that the Bahamas Hotel, C

Bahamas culinary team named Caribbean's best

The Bahamas National Culinary Team was selected as the region’s best for 2018 as they secured numerous gold, silver and bronze awards at the “Taste of the Caribbean” competition.Apart from winning the coveted “Caribbean National Team of the Year”, Ch

IAN FERGUSON: Don't dismiss benefits of a higher education

We have known the benefits of pursuing a college education for a long time. Research tells us that individuals with higher education earn more, pay more taxes and are more likely than others to be employed and have benefits such as pensions and healt

Palm Cay benefiting from $2m expansion

A southern New Providence community believes it is reaping the benefits of a six-month expansion that saw it invest $2m to refresh its amenities.Palm Cay, located in the island’s south-east, employs some 100 Bahamians during peak season. The upgrades

Thursday, June 28

06282018 EDiTION

Thursday, 28th June, 2018.

WORLD CUP: England fall to Januzaj screamer as Belgium take top spot

(Mirror.co.uk) England will face Colombia in the last 16 of the World Cup after their defeat to Belgium.

Government wants single digital ID for Bahamians

THE government intends to create a single digital ID for citizens of The Bahamas to make online access to services seamless and more efficient to reduce government cost, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest revealed. The government will be seeking a

Robinson vows to support FNM

WHILE declaring unwavering support for the governing Free National Movement despite being fired as parliamentary secretary by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson said his vote and presence in the House of Assembly are “mortgaged” to his constituents.

‘Bannister must go over my daughter’s death’

THE family of Garvinisha Carey, the young mother who was tragically killed after her car crashed into the concrete barriers that closed off Munnings Road, is calling for the resignation of Works Minister Desmond Bannister.

Davis: $25m Lucayan budget shows govt’s lack of belief

OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said the Minnis administration’s $25m budget for an equity stake in the Grand Lucayan Resort proves it has no confidence it will strike a deal with the Toronto-based Wynn Group for the sale and revival of the property.

9/11 attackers were refused Bahamas entry

FOUR months before terrorists orchestrated the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, two men involved in the deadly events landed at the Grand Bahama airport but were quickly sent back because they lacked the appropriate visas.

Fit to walk, fit to drive?

Re: Dames wants police to pass fitness tests.

EDITORIAL: No one likes VAT – but would they prefer the IMF?

BAHAMIANS seem to have one thing in common – no one likes Value Added Tax, whether it be 7.5 percent or the 12 percent percent to which it was recently increased.

Don't believe in Ghosts

Patriotic Bahamians are invited to join a Junkanoo rush-out at the Lynden Pindling International Airport to bid a native farewell to the letter writer who uses the signature “The Ghost of Junkanoo Future”.

Chinese group upset at claims over gutter oil

THE Chinese Community Association of the Bahamas has refuted “distorted” and “disturbing” videos circulating on social media and picked up by a local TV news station accusing some Chinese restaurants of allegedly using waste oil.The association said

Giving non-violent inmates a path back into society

THE Citizen Security and Justice Programme of the Ministry of National Security has announced that from July 7-October 7, 143 inmates will undergo training from the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute. The training will be in seven vocational

‘It was a no brainer for me as the leader to rejoin the BBA’

WHILE there were talks to get all of the leagues back under one umbrella, Freedom Farm founder Greg Burrows said a conscious decision was made to rejoin the Bahamas Baseball Association.

Bahamas committed to CEDAW convention

THE Bahamas, through the Department of Gender and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, is diligently preparing to ensure proper representation at the upcoming United Nations CEDAW (Committee on the Elimination of a

‘College Bound’: HO Nash summer camp in its 19th year

COACH Patricia ‘Pattie’ Johnson has been a household name on the local high school scene, instructing many young girls and boys the basic skills of playing sports, particularly basketball and volleyball.

Rangers parade in Eleuthera

FOR the first time in the history of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s (RBDF) Rangers Programme, the island of Eleuthera witnessed a Rangers passing out parade ceremony.Eleuthera contributed 86 of the country’s youth to the Rangers Programme from Nor

Police hunt after armed robberies

POLICE are investigating two armed robberies which occurred on Tuesday.

After PM’s tour, public to also pay for PLP leader’s VAT talks

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has given permission to Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis to travel to the Family Islands on the public purse to present his arguments against the value added tax increase.

Tech firm opening 'is only the beginning'

GIBC Digital officially opened its offices on Grand Bahama on Wednesday as the first of many companies that will help develop a new technology sector on the island.Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest welcomed CEO Greg Wood and his team to Freeport

Haitians detained in Grand Bahama appear in court

SEVERAL Haitians who were apprehended last Saturday in Grand Bahama were arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court earlier this week.

Bulldogs get 90-43 win over IBA Bahamas Elite

The visiting Truman State University Bulldogs men’s basketball team out of Missouri was a little too much for the Bahamas’ International Basketball Academy (IBA) Elite to handle at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium last night.

Elected to serve Bahamian people

GOVERNMENTS are elected to “serve” the people who selected them. They are chosen through an electoral process to represent and act in the best interests of the electorate. The recent firing of four MPs shows an obvious flaw in the system of democracy we practice.

Archdeacon Harry Bain saluted as new Dean of the Cathedral

IN a recent gathering of Anglican priests where they celebrated their anniversaries of ordination, members of St John the Baptist in Abaco chose to highlight Archdeacon Harry Bain.“We invited Archdeacon Harry Bain, rector of the Pro-Cathedral of Chri

Anglicans invited to Cursillo Ministry's Ultreya

On Sunday, July 1, at 5pm, the Bahamas Anglican Cursillo Ministry is hosting an Ultreya at St Mary’s Anglican Church on Virginia Street, and all interested Anglicans are invited to attend.The Cursillo Ministry is not separate from the Church. Cursill

Bethel Brothers celebrate 75 years of service

The family, staff, friends and professional colleagues of Bethel Brothers Morticians and Crematorium recently gathered at the Balmoral Clubhouse for a special reception as part of several events planned in honour of their 75th anniversary.Other activ

Voices of Praise celebrate 25 years with free concert

FEW musical groups in either the secular and gospel world have lasted as long as Edison Sumner and Voices of Praise (VOP). Twenty-five years ago, Mr Sumner followed the call of God on his life and brought together several talented singers who had a p

Spanking and the Bible: Taking a new look at an old problem

A video from early May that went viral on Facebook in the Bahamas followed a similar pattern found around the world, pitting religious leaders against children’s rights activists.Children’s rights campaigners pointed out how it was now high time to b

Meditation - Picking up the pieces

When something is broken that can be repaired, it is important to pick up all of the pieces. These fragments are all a part of a whole and will need to be returned to their rightful places. Similarly, if we take something apart in order to fix it we

'Sales cancelled' fear if no VAT grace given

The Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president yesterday warned “lots of sales will be cancelled” as the sector makes a last-ditch bid for a smooth VAT transition.Christine Wallace-Whitfield called on the government to either provide a 60-90

Govt urged: seek other buyer on Grand Lucayan

The government was yesterday urged to seek alternative purchasers for the Grand Lucayan following confirmation it has reverted to plans to take an ownership stake in the property.Carey Leonard, pictured, the former Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA)

Deficit wipe-out to pave way for NIB, pension fix

The VAT rate hike and deficit elimination will pave the way for the government to rescue NIB and address its multi-billion pension liabilities, the deputy prime minister confirmed yesterday.KP Turnquest told Tribune Business it was “absolutely correc

Banker urges ‘real will’ to tackle pension crisis

A Bahamas-based investment banker yesterday bemoaned the absence of “real will” to drive wide-ranging pension reform, with the government paying “lip service” to its own liabilities.

Union chief hits BTC's 'dismal performance' post privatisation

The head of BTC’s line staff union yesterday blasted the company’s “dismal performance” post-privatisation, while giving it an “A” grade for cost-cutting and staff lay-offs.Bernard Evans, pictured, the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union

ART OF GRAPHIX: Ensuring a book is judged by its cover

Have you ever bought a book just for its cover? Maybe not. But chances are a cover has captured your attention, leading you to pick it up and scan the first few pages to see if you will get hooked. Even if you cannot pinpoint the reasons for the appe

Labour chief calls for greater transparency over job advertising

The Director of Labour yesterday acknowledged the need for greater “transparency” that ensures Bahamians are given an opportunity to fill posts before employers seek work permits.John Pinder, pictured, the former trade union leader, told Tribune Busi

Maritime securityvital for Bahamas

Maritime security is “particularly critical” for The Bahamas because of its geography and the industry’s economic importance, a cabinet minister says.Frankie Campbell, minister of transport and local government, said the issue was especially challeng

Wednesday, June 27

06272018 EDITION

Wednesday, 27th June, 2018.

Man on bail for murder shot dead

A 26-year-old man being electronically monitored while out on bail for murder was fatally shot outside his Southern Breezes Estates home on Tuesday night.

WORLD CUP: Holders Germany out after shock defeat

(Mirror.co.uk) Reigning champions Germany are OUT of the World Cup after a shock defeat by South Korea.

'Get finances in order' to afford low-cost land lots

MANY Bahamians are unable to qualify for the government’s low-cost housing lots despite efforts to offer them at less than $30,000, Environment and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira said yesterday.In view of this, the minister urged Bahamians to put

‘I’ll sue to save shanty homes’

THE government’s efforts to eradicate shanty town communities have come under fire, with prominent attorney and human rights activist Fred Smith yesterday threatening a lawsuit to block any attempts to raze homes in these areas.

Change in classification for Pointe workers

SOME labourers at The Pointe development were reclassified by the Department of Immigration, Brent Symonette said yesterday, adding developer China Construction America is now paying the increased fees relating to semi-skilled and skilled labourers.

‘New design needed to stop BPL power cuts’

THE design of a protection system needs to be foremost in any plans being pursued by Bahamas Power & Light executives, according to Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard.

New manager chosen for landfill site

A NEW management firm for the New Providence Landfill has been selected, Environment and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira announced yesterday.

Halkitis denies claims over PLP travel budget

MICHAEL Halkitis, former State Minister for Finance, denies Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson’s remarks that the Christie administration understated its travel budget.In a statement released yesterday, Mr Halkitis said Mr Johnson’s remarks were “mat

A supporter to be SURE of

FOR some time, dozens of at-risk students at Programme SURE, an intervention institution for disruptive teen boys, have pecked away on outdated computers which took forever to boot and were likely to crash mid-way into a lesson.With Bahamas Striping

Secretaries should not be voting pawns

“A coward dies a thousand deaths; the brave but one.” Congratulations. Congratulations to the courageous four who put their conscience before their pocketbooks!

Man in hospital after shooting

A MAN is in hospital after he was shot on Monday.The victim was standing with a group of men on Antiqua Street in Elizabeth Estates when a silver Toyota vehicle pulled up. Occupants of this vehicle opened fire in the direction of the men, injuring on

Splashing out this summer

THE children of Bimini can now enjoy the stunning marine environment that surrounds them with increased safety and confidence thanks to a groundbreaking partnership led by Save The Bays.The environmental advocacy group partnered with SwimTayka and Wa

Govt repairing pumps ahead of storm season

THE government is repairing water pumps in Over-the-Hill communities as the hurricane season heats up as part of its wider plans to improve living conditions there. Seventy-seven standpipes are being repaired in Centreville and Bain and Grants Town.T

Blue Chips' 5th annual Throwers Summer Camp next month

COACH Corrington Maycock, who has gained a great deal of success with the rising young throwers in the country through his Blue Chips Athletic Club, is gearing up for the staging of the club’s fifth annual Throwers Summer Camp.It’s scheduled for 9am

Fourteen Clubs' junior golf training summer camp underway

FOR another year, the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy’s junior golf training camp is being held in the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.The daily summer camp, which started last week, is being held 9am-2pm Mon

Sports Notes

BOWLING KALIK TOURNEY A total of 10 teams are participating in the 2018 Kalik Bowling Team Tournament for a 1st place prize of $1,200 , 2nd place $600 and a 3rd place prize of $400. The top male player in competition Monday night was David Slatter

EDITORIAL: Bahamians have been politically asleep for too long

FROM the questions we are being asked about recent political events we realise that much is missing from the education of Bahamian students as to the history of their country and the political system under which they live.

Lessons in life for students on summer job scheme

AS some 200 college students were preparing to be dispatched to various companies and businesses in Grand Bahama to take part in the government’s Summer Youth Employment Programme, Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Ministe

ALICIA WALLACE: How you can prepare for the arrival of VAT

VALUE Added Tax will be increased to twelve percent in a matter of days, and many of us are still trying to figure out how to make it work. Adjustments have to be made, some on a daily basis, but this does not mean we have to be uncomfortable. It mea

Bulldogs rout Stars 102-76

The Truman State University Bulldogs men’s basketball team, shaking off the jet lag, broke away from a close encounter in the first half to rout the Bahamian Star Sports Basketball 102-76 last night to start the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer

Ayton arrives as symbol that Suns are on the rise

PHOENIX (AP) — Since the heady days of Steve Nash came to an end, there have been few signs of joy from a dwindling fan base that watched the Phoenix Suns tumble to the bottom of the NBA standings and miss the playoffs for the eighth year in a row.

MPs’ attire

I am once again forced to be obliged from my observation of our present day MPs, who in my opinion, have no regard, respect or just ignorant and don’t know any better on proper attire when attending the Honourable House of Assembly. Gentlemen, you are leaders in society, where the youth of our country are looking up to you for guardians and leadership, your deportment plays a big part in that.

DPM: Responsibility Bill will bridge 'trust deficit'

The deputy prime minister yesterday admitted there is a “trust deficit” between the government and Bahamian people that he hopes to close with the Fiscal Responsibility Bill’s passage.KP Turnquest told Tribune Business that poor fiscal management, br

Immigration announces 'tech hub' work permit

The Immigration Department has developed the BH-1B work permit to target companies the government is seeking to attract for its “technology hub”, it was revealed yesterday.Dr Donovan Moxey, who chaired the government-appointed Technology Hub Steering

Ex-gaming minister: 'Ideal time' for lottery

The ex-minister who oversaw the web shops’ legalisation yesterday said it was an “ideal time” to introduce a national lottery, suggesting it could generate $150-200m per annum. Obie Wilchcombe, the former minister of tourism, while criticising the go

Arawak chair 'prays' for late reversal on real estate taxation

Arawak Homes’ chairman yesterday said he is “praying” that the Government will reverse course at the last minute on a “material dampener” for real estate and all related industries.Sir Franklyn Wilson told Tribune Business that the move to treat real

EU gives Bahamas blockchain opening

Europe’s failure to account for blockchain technology in its new data protection regime “represents an opportunity for The Bahamas” to capitalise on, a technology executive argued yesterday.Dr Donovan Moxey, who chaired the government-appointed Techn

Technology executive in call for crypto currency legislation

Sterling Global’s technology head is urging The Bahamas to adopt cryptocurrency legislation as a key element in plans to establish the nation as a “technology hub”. Brandon Caruana delivered this message during last week’s three-day blockchain and cr

Gov't plans cruise incentive overhaul

The government is planning to overhaul the tax incentives offered to the cruise industry given that all existing deals bar one have expired, a cabinet minister has revealed.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, told the House of Assem

Top executive named at Small Business Centre

The government and its partners have named Davinia L Blair as executive director (ED) of the planned Small Business Development Centre (SBDC).She will head the centre, a partnership initiative with the University of The Bahamas (UB) and Bahamas Chamb

Tuesday, June 26

06262018 EDITION

Tuesday, 26th June, 2018.

WORLD CUP: Rojo and Messi send Argentina into last 16

(Mirror.co.uk) Marcos Rojo was the unlikely hero as Argentina somehow secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

FACE TO FACE: The woman who taught thousands how to type

RECENTLY, I was in the Seagrapes Shopping Plaza sitting in my car waiting on my passenger to return when I noticed the lady in the car next to me reading The Tribune . Her paper was opened to page 8, main section, and she was reading this column. I s

'Rebels should have resigned - not waited to be fired by PM'

GOVERNMENT appointees who voted against an increase in value added tax to 12 percent should have resigned their positions rather than wait to be fired, retired parliamentary clerk Maurice Tynes says. Mr Tynes, the chief adviser to House Speakers from

Woman hit in head as car fired upon

POLICE are investigating a shooting that left a woman suffering a gunshot wound to the head. The incident took place early yesterday morning in the area of Flamingo Gardens. The victim is currently in hospital and listed in stable condition.According

PM on island tour to explain need for VAT

DAYS before value added tax is to increase to 12 percent, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis spent much of yesterday in Andros explaining his administration’s 2018-2019 budget, which has received intense public backlash.

Foulkes: We’ll help workers fired from web shops

LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes promised the Minnis administration will help more than 300 people who may lose their jobs as web shops respond to increased taxation, though he gave few details about how the government will do this.

Prove right to shanty homes

LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes yesterday confirmed the start of the government’s three-part legal notice process for shanty town residents across the country, insisting the July 31 eviction deadline will be adhered to.

Unified bus system is ready to roll

THE unified bus system pilot project should commence “any time now”, Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell said yesterday.

Feel youthful the henna way

LaMonica Glinton comes from a family whose hair turns grey prematurely. And at the age 32 she saw the first grey strands in her hair and recalled thinking, “I am not ready yet. I need more time.”At the onset of going grey, LaMonica tried every over-t

'Going underground is no solution for web shops'

GAMING operators opposing the government’s impending sliding taxes for the industry who may “go back underground” were warned not to try their luck by Free National Movement Senator Juanianne Dorsett, who yesterday blasted the “newly legitimated entr

Delay in new fees at hospital

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed yesterday the government will delay the implementation of 500 fees at the Princess Margaret Hospital, which were to aid in increasing revenue generation for the state hospital.Ahead of the 2018-2019 budget deb

Blogger seeks to change perspective on Over-the-Hill

Former news reporter Hadassah Hall is using her writing talent to initiate what she hopes will become a unique storytelling movement.Presently in the public relations field, Ms Hall, who previously worked in newspaper, radio and television broadcasti

THE PRESS BOX - Offseason rumblings from Lakerville: 'The good, the bad, and the ugly'

IT HAS been all of the good, the bad and the ugly thus far in the Lakers offseason pursuit of Kawhi Leonard. THE GOOD The good news is that Leonard appears committed to being a Laker. The San Antonio Spurs have the ability to offer him a five-year

Miracle Treat Day raises $10,000 for kids' hearing aids

Although Bahamians once again showed up in droves to support Dairy Queen’s annual Miracle Treat Day last week, the initiative did not reach its target goal of $16,000 goal to assist in purchasing hearing aids for children in need.Nevertheless, DQ sai

'Peace on da Street' Basketball Classic all set forJuly 16-20

YOUTH Against Violence is getting ready to hold its 23rd annual Peace on da Street Basketball Classic July 16-20 at the Hope Centre with five competitive divisions to be contested.Director Dr Carlos Reid is encouraging teams that haven’t done so to r

Things you need to know about the anti-HIV pill PrEP

pullquote: "PrEP is not a magic bullet, it only works if taken as prescribed, daily for now. Adherence is key." The Bahamas is among the first countries in Caribbean to introduce what some are calling a game-changer in the fight against HIV/AIDS:

Bahamas' 'best team ever' in World Cup qualifier 3rd leg

With their biggest task ahead of them, the Bahamas Basketball Federation has fielded its best team ever to play the third leg of the FIBA Americas’ World Cup qualifier.The team is already in Puerto Rico for the first of two games on Thursday when the

EDITORIAL: Hurricane Warning for Bahamas Government

WHEN Prime Minister Dr Hubert A Minnis goes on the road this week to sell the budget, there is one tool in his doctor’s kit that he should be prepared to use – a strong dose of the often-overlooked costs of funding hurricane mitigation, recovery and rebuilding.

Futures of rebels at risk

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So states Newton’s third law of motion.

Robinson’s pay

BAIN and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson’s decision to vote against the Free National Movement’s (FNM) VAT Amendment Bill in order to please his Over-the-Hill constituents came at a hefty price tag. Robinson argued that a 12 percent VAT would be too onerous on his poverty stricken constituents.

Baseball Nationals: Decision made on the final outcome

RATHER than playing it out on the field, the Bahamas Baseball Association decided to go to the rules book to decide the final outcome of the remaining games not completed in the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championships that was held over the wee

Calendar unveiled for Independence events

AN “exciting” calendar of events has been prepared for this year’s independence celebrations.Mark Humes, chairman of the 45th Independence Secretariat, said the public could look forward to improvements from last year.“Every event this year is going

Hunt for gunman who robbed tourists

POLICE have mounted an island-wide search for a gunman who robbed two tourists on West Bay Street yesterday morning, police said.The incident occurred shortly after 10am. The tourists, a man and a woman, were on West Bay Street when they were approac

Police probe drowning of US man

POLICE on the island of Exuma are investigating the death of an American male, who died while snorkeling.According to reports, shortly after 11am on Sunday, a man was snorkeling with a family member in waters between Musha Cay and Rudder Cay, when th

Sisters launch Bahamian version of 'Angie's List'

A NEW online web application hopes to change the way Bahamians and residents seek reputable home service providers when it launches its first phase this August.At the helm of this project, called FindrPro, are Janay Pyfrom-Symonette and her sister Ya

120 family medicine physicians required to provide primary care

caption: Medical school graduates, proud families and friends attend the induction and awards ceremony at Baha Mar as celebratory tunes is provided by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band. (BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham) Minister of Health Dr Duane

'We had a great tournament, with the exception of the rain'

FOR the first time, the Bahamas Baseball Association hosted the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championships and despite the downpours of rain that hampered the conclusion, president Sam Rodgers said he was still pleased with what he saw.The BBA too

VAT: It's going to be rough

“A TOTAL disaster for the poor people,” is how Vachel Sweeting described the government’s plan to increase value added tax from 7.5 percent to 12 percent.The Tribune recently canvassed Nassau to gauge the public’s reaction to the Minnis administratio

Budget's sacrifices can't be 'one-sided'

The government must “make the same sacrifices” it is demanding of Bahamian taxpayers, a top accountant yesterday warning that past lax spending habits will no longer be “tolerated”.Craig “Tony” Gomez, the Baker Tilly Gomez accountant and partner, tol

Govt urged: 'Stop running aviation industry by crisis'

A Bahamian aviation executive yesterday questioned the government’s plan for the sector again, and urged: “stop governing by crisis.”Sky Bahamas chief executive, Randy Butler, pictured, was responding to statements by minister of tourism and aviation

Graycliff chief hits out over Tobacco Bill

A prominent Bahamian cigar manufacturer and hotelier yesterday warned that “absolutely dreadful” legislative reforms will “put us out of business” if implemented.Paolo Garzaroli, Graycliff Cigar Company’s president, hitting out at the Tobacco Control

Small businesses urged: Delay lay-offs to October

Small businesses were yesterday urged to delay lay-offs until October, a sector consultant revealing over one-third of his clients are eyeing immediate cutbacks amid VAT-related “panic”.Mark A Turnquest told Tribune Business that while start-ups need

Retailers given until end-august for VAT pricing adjustments

Bahamian retailers have until August 31 to adjust prices for the 12 percent VAT, with top government officials yesterday expressing confidence that the transition will “not disrupt” commerce.Marlon Johnson, the Ministry of Finance’s acting financial

Realtor touts Bahamas as storm recovery hub

A Bahamian realtor is calling for hundreds of acres in inland New Providence to be set aside for a disaster relief and recovery headquarters serving The Bahamas and wider Caribbean.Mario Carey, founder of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate MCR Baha

Monday, June 25

farmer's market draws in crowds at elizabeth

DESPITE the rainy weather, a healthy crowd was present at the first Elizabeth Estates Park Pop Up Farmer’s Market on Saturday June 23.The fresh, affordable produce proved to be irresistible. Elizabeth Estates is now the third site for the Ministry of

06252018 EDITION

Monday, 25th June, 2015.

Lightning strike causes island-wide outage

A LIGHTNING strike caused an island-wide power outage yesterday evening, Bahamas Power & Light Chairwoman Darnell Osbourne said.

INSIGHT: A vision for Downtown Nassau

ALTHOUGH the bulk of the plans for the rejuvenation of downtown Nassau are medium to long-term, Downtown Nassau Partnership (DNP) managing director Ed Fields is adamant the organisation is working to bring significant changes to the city.

Housebreaking suspect shot in the foot by police officers

POLICE shot a housebreaking suspect who had forced himself into a woman’s home on Saturday. The incident occurred shortly before 11am when a woman was at her Kemp Road home and an armed man forced his way inside through a window, police said. They ha

UPDATED: Man shot dead on Royal Palm Street after row

A MAN became the 52nd murder victim of the year when he was killed during an argument with another man on Saturday.

Flowers: I’m not firing staff

CRAIG Flowers says he has gone against the grain in opting not to lay off employees because it is not known if his company – FML Group of Companies - will suffer loss due to increased government taxes, which includes a five percent stamp tax on patrons.

Deputy PM heckled as he talks VAT at graduation

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest was interrupted at times as he tried to persuade those attending the Galilee College’s 2018 graduation ceremony that critics have misrepresented the 2018-2019 budget.

BNT wants Oban deal to be stronger

WHILE the government’s decision to amend the controversial Oban Energies heads of agreement is “encouraging”, the Bahamas National Trust urged officials to ensure the new HOA provides strong environmental protections that go as far as scrapping the project if the EIA outlines negative impacts.

WORLD CUP: Spain and Portugal qualify in thrilling climax to Group B

(Mirror.co.uk) Portugal qualified for the round of 16 at the World Cup despite being held 1-1 by Iran in World Cup Group B on Monday after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty.

Pedestrian dies as car veers off road

A PEDESTRIAN is dead after he being hit by a car on Foster Street, off Boyd Road.According to Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs, officer-in-charge of the Traffic Division, police were called to the scene shortly after 6pm on Saturday.CSP Stubbs said

Freedom Farm champion boys!

GRAND Bahama — Back after a year’s absence, Freedom Farm clinched a 4-3 walk-off-the-field victory to secure the boys’ 14-under championship title over the Grand Bahama Little League yesterday in the Bahamas Baseball Association’s National Championsh

Miller-Uibo wins high jump, lone competitor in shot put

THE BAAAs Senior Athletics Championships, presented by Kalik, featured many of the Bahamas’ top competitors in the sport, one of whom shifted disciplines for the two-day meet.Reigning Olympic 400m gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo opted not to compe

Travis the centre of attention

EDITOR, The Tribune . I read in The Tribune that Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson has formally requested, via a written note to House Speaker Halson Moultrie, to address the House of Assembly at its next meeting. Despite the contents of the

Duty down on drugs

IT has been two weeks now (May 30th) since our Finance Minister announced the removal of duty on prescription drugs.

The things that MPs say

ONE is amazed at the incredible acts of certain MP’s, acts as in statements they make - ludicrous, stupid, inept and incredibly unfounded.

INSIGHT: When the rubber meets the road

AS Bahamians continue to wrap their minds around the dramatic increase in what was already one of the highest costs of living in the world, the outlook is daunting. The government, unabashed by dissenting views inside and outside Cabinet, has shot do

EDITORIAL: US immigration controversy

There is a superficial irony in the immigration controversy in the United States. Conventional wisdom says that anti-immigration sentiment generally peaks when economic times are tough. It is in such dire times that people already established in a so

Greenslades put on a stylish show

BAHAMAS High Commissioner to London Ellison Greenslade and his wife Kimberly are pictured on Friday at Royal Ascot with an amazing design by Bahamian fashion designer. Theodore Elyett.This was day four of the famous five-day racing event, which “comm

WORLD VIEW: CARICOM Summit needs to excite the imagination

I WISH I could say that “all eyes are on the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting to be held from 4 to 6 July in Jamaica”. But, CARICOM events have long since ceased to hold excitement for the people of the 15-member community. They hardly get a glance these days.

Antigua and Barbuda seeks mediator in US dispute

Antigua and Barbuda has told the Dispute Settlement Body of the World Trade Organization that it is contemplating a request to the Director-General to appoint a mediator in its 15-year contention with the United States.Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassad

INSIGHT: The sleeping giant of Bahamian politics

IN 1967, the small group of families that had controlled The Bahamas for generations were dealt a massive and crippling blow. When the PLP’s nationalist revolution swept Lynden Pindling into power, the world as these entitled oligarchs knew it was brought to an abrupt and jarring end.

Dominican fishermen face court

A WEEK after they were apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, four Dominican fishermen were charged in court for poaching in Bahamian waters.Leidy Trinidad, Pedio Cabera, Hector Ventura and Randis Tabarez all appeared before Magistrate Volt

Baseball nationals rained out

GRAND Bahama — Interrupted all weekend by the inclement weather, officials of the Bahamas Baseball Association had to call off the completion of their inaugural Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championships, featuring the amalgamation of all the isla

Ayton: 'I represent an entire nation'

AN eager Phoenix Suns fan base was officially introduced to Deandre Ayton and expectations already loom large for the first No.1 overall NBA draft pick in franchise history.Ayton and other members of the Suns’ 2018 Draft class – Mikal Bridges, George

Grand Bahama Little League retains 18-under title

GRAND Bahama — The Grand Bahama Little League successfully defended their 18-under title with a 3-1 decision over the Junior Baseball League of Nassau in the only divisional championship that went to best-Baseball National Championships over the week

Buddy to headline roster for Americas World Cup qualifier

MEN’s senior national basketball team head coach Mario Bowleg called this current Bahamas roster “one of the most talented the federation has put together” as they continue to seek FIBA World Cup qualification.Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield will

Govt 'kicks can down road' on Bahamasair

The government has admitted to again “kicking the can down the road” on Bahamasair’s $120m loan to spare hard-pressed taxpayers a further $25m burden.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, slammed the Christie administration’s “naivete

Central Bank: Client loss not like we thought

Growing tax compliance demands have not impacted the Bahamian financial services industry as badly as anticipated, the Central Bank is arguing, despite the sector’s continued contraction.The regulator, in its 2017 survey of the sector’s economic cont

BPL accepts ‘over 250’ staff leaving

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has accepted “over 250” voluntary separation (VSEP) requests from its existing workforce, trade union leaders said yesterday.

Attacks on VAT hike ‘misdirected’

Attacks on the 60 percent VAT rate hike are misdirected, a prominent attorney is arguing, with Bahamians focusing on the symptom - and not the cause - of their onerous taxation increase.

Bran backs tax hikes on 'toxic' gaming sector

The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) ex-leader has given his full backing to the web shop tax hikes, arguing that the industry has “been shown to be toxic” for Bahamian society.Branville McCartney, pictured, renewing his call for a national lotte

Doctors Hospital elects new chair

Doctors Hospital Health System (DHHS) Board of Directors has elected Felix Stubbs as its new chairman with effect from June 20, 2018.He replaces Joseph Krukowski, who retired from a post he held since 2003 following last Tuesday’s Annual General Meet

Top RBC executive says Bahamas' 'mojo' returns

THE Bahamas is getting its “mojo” back, according to Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) top Caribbean executive, who said: “We’re excited about The Bahamas’ prospects.”Speaking at RBC’s recent Client Service Centre launch, Rob Johnston added: “We are commi

'Inadequate accounts' drive $360m in arrears

THE government’s $360 million in unfunded arrears is “entirely connected” to inadequate accounting systems and financial management processes, the deputy prime minister has revealed.K Peter Turnquest, pictured, told the Institute of Chartered Account

Bahamas First in new Cayman HQ opening

Bahamas First Holdings has solidified its regional footprint by opening a new corporate headquarters for its subsidiary, Cayman First Insurance.Patrick Ward, Bahamas First’s group president and chief executive, Board members, management and employees

Sunday, June 24

WORLD CUP: Kane scores hat-trick as England beat Panama 6-1

England roared past a physical Panama side and bared their own teeth with a 6-1 decimation of the Central Americans in Nizhny Novgorod. The Three Lions made light of the 31 degree heat and the physicality of their opponents by scoring more than four goals in a World Cup finals match for the first time.

Saturday, June 23

Appellate judge questions Jean Rony decision

AN appellate judge has questioned whether a Supreme Court judge had the power to compel the government to cause Bahamas-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles to be returned to the Bahamas despite him having no right to remain in the country.

Friday, June 22

Man acquitted of abetting the murder of John Pinder's son

A Supreme Court jury has acquitted a man previously accused of abetting the murder of veteran trade unionist John Pinder's youngest son, and abetting the attempted murder of one of his friends almost two years ago.

National HIV/AIDS Programme will host ‘Testing in the Gardens’

The Ministry of Health announced the National HIV/AIDS Programme will host ‘Testing in the Gardens’ to raise public awareness on the importance of citizens knowing their status.

Caribbean 'a great environment to explore cryptocurrency'

MICHAEL Casey, a leading author on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, said the Caribbean is a great environment to explore the technology that would eliminate the impediment to movement of money in the region.

Man injured in shooting

POLICE want the public’s help in solving a shooting incident that left a man with injuries on Thursday.

Dames: Corrupt prison officers will be exposed, prosecuted and removed

National Security Minister Marvin Dames said corrupt prison officers will be exposed, prosecuted, and removed from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

06222018 EDITION

Friday, 22nd June, 2018.

07222018 WEEKEND

Friday, 22nd June, 2018.

URCA summons for radio operator struck down

THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s attempt at issuing a criminal summons on ZSR Sports Radio’s operator for allegedly operating without a licence was struck down by a senior magistrate. The Tribune understands Deputy Chief Magistra

A COMIC'S VIEW: FNM fighting with its own team

WATCHING this week’s budget debate in the House was like watching the Atlanta Falcons squander a 21-3 halftime lead over the New England Patriots - embarrassing.

Govt close to new Oban deal

THE government is finalising several amendments to the controversial heads of agreement it signed with Oban Energies related to a proposed oil refinery and storage facility in East Grand Bahama, according to Labour Minister Dion Foulkes.

Robinson seeks to address Parliament

BAIN & Grants Town MP Travis Robinson wants to make a special address to Parliament at the start of the next House of Assembly sitting, but senior officials in the Free National Movement have no idea what he will say.

Dames wants police to pass fitness tests

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames is calling for a physical fitness standard to be implemented for law enforcement agencies in the country, and particularly within the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Boy led police on car chase

A fifteen-year-old boy is in police custody accused of stealing a vehicle, leading police on a car chase and damaging multiple cars parked at the Marathon Mall on Wednesday.

Bronze for Bahamas

The Bahamas women’s national basketball team clinched the bronze medal at the FIBA Caribbean Women’s Cup Championships and in the process, qualified for the Centro Basket from August 20-24 in Puerto Rico.

Man, 20, accused of attempted murder

A 20-year-old male resident of Eight Mile Rock was charged with attempted murder on Wednesday in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court.Jaycee Jeffrey Simmons, of Pinedale, EMR, appeared before Magistrate Gwendolyn Claude. He was not required to ente

Bahamas gambling industry

I don’t like gambling. I think it’s addictive, it harms children’s wellbeing and it takes money from the poor. If gambling is allowed it should be in the form of a lottery with all money earmarked for Education and Health.

Deandre is NBA #1

BROOKLYN, New York - When the Phoenix Suns selected Deandre Ayton with the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, it represented a historic moment for Ayton, the franchise and The Bahamas.

Daxon tells of 'degrading' experience after being denied bail

A FORMER police officer and now attorney yesterday testified how she was made to bend over while naked for correctional officers to examine her private parts as a result of her being remanded due to a magistrate’s inability to grant her bail.Maria Da

EDITORIAL: IMMIGRATION REMAINS AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM

The immigration crisis in the USA involving the detention of children that has dominated the news agenda for days has attracted widespread criticism and condemnation. Audio recordings of young children in distress after being separated from their families attempting to enter the country from Mexico have inevitably provoked public outrage both in America and overseas. People have reacted with shock and horror to photographs of children held in cages and tents in so-called internment camps.

PLP raises almost $9,000 with module for aspirant candidates

THE Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has raised nearly $9,000 from 73 participants in what party Chairman Fred Mitchell calls a programme to cure the “Andre Rollins, Greg Moss and Renward Wells problem.”To be on the PLP’s ticket in the future, aspirin

Miller and McAlpine: We're not quitting FNM

TWO MPs fired this week by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis from government appointments for voting against the VAT increase have dismissed claims they would leave the Free National Movement to become Independent or join the Official Opposition.Since

Know your status - and get tested for HIV next Friday

HIV and AIDS remain significant problems in the Bahamas.As with many other sexually transmitted infections, there may be no obvious signs or symptoms of early HIV infection, and the only way to confirm the presence of HIV is through a medical test.Th

Posturing over crime

POLICE app for what? We have had Crime Stoppers since November, 2001! Using an app you are recognised… crime stoppers is private-secure.

THE FINISH LINE: Deandre and Buddy at the double for the NBA

THE Bahamas can now prepare to watch two Bahamians play at the same time in the National Basketball Association with Deandre Ayton getting drafted last night with the first pick of the 2018 Draft by the Phoenix Suns to join Grand Bahamian Chavano “Buddy” Hield of the Sacramento Kings.

End of an era as Amertil retires

AFTER enjoying one of the longest tenure for a Bahamian female athlete in track and field, quarter-miler Christine Amertil has announced her retirement.

'Like white on rice' for fiscal responsibility bill

The government was yesterday urged to be all over the Fiscal Responsibility Bill “like white on rice”, as it will give Bahamians confidence their VAT sacrifice is not in vain.Robert Myers, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) principal

Island Luck staff brace for up to 350 job losses

Island Luck yesterday warned staff to brace for up to 350 job losses after it was “unsuccessful” in mitigating the impact of a 184 percent tax rate hike on its business model.The Bahamas’ largest web shop chain, in a memorandum to employees, said it

VAT gives Bran 'second thoughts' on major deal

The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) ex-leader yesterday revealed the VAT hike is “giving me second thoughts” about making a further major investment in the Bahamas.Branville McCartney told Tribune Business the Budget’s increased taxation measure

Bahamas urged to 'set standard' over crypto regulation

The Bahamas can “set the standard” for blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation by establishing an appropriate supervisory framework now, an industry specialist said yesterday.Michsel Casey, chairman of CoinDesk Advisory Board, said he “thoroughly en

Bahamas, Caribbean perfect testing ground for capital movement

The Bahamas and wider Caribbean were yesterday described by a blockchain specialist as a perfect testing ground for technology that eliminates obstacles to capital movement.Michael Casey, a leading author on the subject, said the region’s many indepe

Bahamas welcome for Italian tourists

Some 120 passengers arrived at Grand Bahama International Airport from Milan, Italy, on Thursday, June 21, on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.Operated by European tour operator, Alpitour, the summer travel programme began in May, with weekly trips s

Bahamian group meets RBC chief

Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) newly-appointed Caribbean head for corporate banking, Darryl White, paid a visit to Sunshine Holdings (SHL) on Wednesday.The company’s chairman, Sir Franklyn Wilson, congratulated Mr White on his new role, while the latte

Central Bank targets pilot digital currency

The Central Bank will soon introduce a pilot digital currency for The Bahamas, the deputy prime minister has confirmed.KP Turnquest told the Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference, which enters its final day today, that he hopes Grand Bahama become

IAN FERGUSON: The best approach to employee termination

US President Donald Trump, in his former reality television show, The Apprentice, unconsciously made his viewers comfortable with the words: “You’re fired!” As horrid and difficult as those words are for someone on the receiving end, sometimes person

Thursday, June 21

06212018 EDITION

Thursday, 21st June, 2018.

Women of strength in the spotlight

To honour her late grandmother, who was known as a community ‘prayer warrior’, and other Christian women of strength, Tamika Campbell is using her DOVS Enterprise company to host a special appreciation ceremony next Friday.The event, named The Gerald

Meditation - A strong word

You cannot speak plainer than John the Baptist. He told the truth as he saw it and did not flinch in the face of opposition. We all need to hear a strong word, from time to time, and indeed, every time we start to step out of line.What would you want

Who's in the skin?

When doing some shopping just last week I overheard the statement: “My spirit really took to her!”Amazingly enough, the listener rebutted, “Really? To this day, I don’t take to her at all!”I smiled to myself, thinking how I would love to meet this pe

Calvary Bible Church to help young Christians find their purpose

To help protect the country’s youth from the social ills plaguing the Bahamas, and to allow them to discover God’s purpose for their lives, the Calvary Deliverance Church is hosting a special conference for young Christians.The church’s Generation St

Are the poor getting poorer?

“T he Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me…..to preach deliverance to the captives…..to set at liberty them that are bruised.” (Luke 4:18).“But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Grand Bahama ‘can be the new silicon valley’

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told more than 400 persons attending the first Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference in Grand Bahama The Bahamas is poised to be “new Silicon capital in the Caribbean”.

Foulkes: Web shop job cuts unfortunate

A DAY after web shop Asure Win said it will close 11 locations and layoff about 50 workers, Labour Minister Dion Foulkes described impending staff cuts from the sector as “unfortunate”, but said there are several factors contributing to the closure of gaming houses aside from a tax increase.

Bank teller ‘falsely signed’ for Hanna

THE former Bank of The Bahamas teller accused of stealing over $50,000 from former Governor General AD Hanna would fraudulently sign on behalf of a customer in order to validate cash withdrawal transactions, a bank employee alleged yesterday.Emmanuel Burrows, BOB’s assistant manager of physical security, claimed Cameron Rolle Jr would print off a cash withdrawal receipt for a certain amount without the presence of a customer, then sign for both him and that individual to conclude the process.

FNM constituency association regrets picking Chipman

The Free National Movement’s Centreville Constituency Associationregrets backing Reece Chipman’s nomination for Parliament and will not recommend he be re-nominated in 2022, association chairman Juan Cartwright told The Tribune yesterday.

‘It was my duty to fire rebels’

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said that his decision to revoke the government appointments of three Free National Movement members of Parliament who voted no to an increase in value added tax was not personal, but was based on his responsibility and obligation to follow parliamentary procedure.

Door left open for reconciliation

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel has defended the firings of two parliamentary secretaries and one board chairman this week by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, however he insisted “reconciliation” remains the focus.

Two held over drugs find

TWO people were arrested after police searched a residence and discovered dangerous drugs and ammunition.According to police, shortly after 7.30pm on Tuesday officers of the Rapid Response Unit executed a search warrant at house on Abaco Drive where

Watch and drive?

Re: Texting while driving to be made illegal.

Ayton ready for NBA draft

MANHATTAN, New York - With his life set to change in a matter of hours on NBA Draft night, Deandre Ayton is very cognizant of his place in Bahamian history.

Mychal Thompson reflects on being number one pick

MYCHAL “Sweet Bells’ Thompson clearly remembers the day he was selected as the first foreign-born player with the number one pick in the National Basketball Association’s 1978 draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Forty years later, he is eagerly wai

Miller vote praised by Golden Isles residents

SOME Golden Isles residents are in support of their member of Parliament Vaughn Miller for “being a man” and voting against the value added tax amendment earlier this week, which will make law a new 12 percent VAT rate to come into effect July 1.Howe

Ayton aims to give back with new Puma deal

MANHATTAN, New York – With a new Puma endorsement deal, Deandre Ayton hopes that the new faces of the country’s basketball division can serve the needs of young Bahamians.“Puma is a big deal on all these Caribbean islands, especially in their track a

Bahamas beaten by Dominican Republic in semifinal

The Bahamas women’s national basketball team suffered a 56-41 loss to the unbeaten Dominican Republic in the semifinal of the FIBA Caribbean Women’s Cup Championships on Wednesday night at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal in Paramaribo, Suriname. Point guard Valerie

It all adds up for young maths wizards

SKILLS were put to the test as students from schools across New Providence competed in SC McPherson Junior High’s seventh annual mathematics competition.Winners recently received their awards at a ceremony held at the school’s auditorium. Taking home

$1m budget for Freedom of Information

THE government has allocated just over $1m to assist in defraying the cost of bringing the Freedom of Information Act into effect, Attorney General Carl Bethel announced yesterday.The funds were presented as a budgetary line item in a list of allocat

Retired Boxers Association spearheaded by Patrick Strachan

PATRICK ‘the Centerville Assassin’ Strachan has formed the Retired Boxers Association.Formed earlier this month, the association hopes to provide a forum for the ex-boxers to fellowship on a quarterly basis.While Strachan spearheaded the formation an

Rhodes scholarships open

THE Rhodes Trust is delighted to announce that Rhodes Scholarship applications are now open for most of the Rhodes constituencies.Applications have opened to students and recent graduates from Bermuda, Canada, China, Commonwealth Caribbean, East Afri

Manta wings back to the sea

AS part of their renowned release and research programme, a team of 20 marine aquarists at Atlantis, Paradise Island resort successfully completed the transfer of a 700+ pound manta ray (measured at a final wingspan of 11.4 feet) named Leyley from th

Group calling for change - and ready to march to achieve it

DETERMINED For Absolute Change, a new civic organisation based in Grand Bahama, strongly disapproves of the increase in value added tax by the government and is organising a march in Freeport tomorrow to protest it. Troy Garvey, chairman of DFAC, sa

'Tum Tum' is a leader off the court for Spartan players

The attention at the NBA draft is focused on this year’s top prospects, but several players from the Michigan State Spartans said they continue to draw inspiration and mentorship from Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn.Nairn’s former Spartan teammates Miles Br

Boy accused of shooting death

A JUVENILE was charged in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday for the murder of a man earlier this month.The minor was arraigned before Magistrate Koschina Marshall charged with one count of murder stemming from the June 4 incident.It is alleged that on t

Youngsters get to learn all about sharks

EDUCATION nonprofit organisation Sharks4Kids is excited to announce their official partnership with Bahamas National Trust.BNT manages 32 national parks throughout The Bahamas, some of which are marine parks. Management requires both conservation and

Don't defect

IN a little under three months, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has flexed his muscles by terminating four parliamentary subordinates in the persons of Centreville MP Reece as chairman of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC); Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine as chairman of the Hotel Corporation; Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson as parliamentary secretary in Tourism and Golden Isles MP Vaughn Miller as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development.

Trio to compete at chess championships

Three members of the National Olympiad teams have travelled to Jamaica to compete for the Bahamas at the 2018 Subzonal 2.3.5 Chess Championships. FM Cecil Moncur, WCM Polina Karelina, and official Bahamas delegate Chapell Whyms are the representative

DIANE PHILLIPS: In the name of human kindness, what has become of America?

A CHILD cries out, her outstretched arms clinging to her mother as officials tear her away, her tiny trusting fingers nearly ripping Momma’s skin holding on for one last futile second. Her mother’s pleas go unheeded.

Loretta: Budget 'slap in face' for the poor

The prime minister’s former FNM leadership nemesis yesterday accused him of delivering “a slap in the face” to the poor Bahamians he purports “to stand for” via the 12 percent VAT hike.Loretta Butler-Turner, pictured, who led the ill-fated “coup” tha

Tax change threat to Out Islands' 'survival'

Family Island realtors are warning that Real Property Tax Act changes will be such “a breaking point” for many second homeowners that it threatens their economies’ very “basis of survival”.James Rees, a broker with Abaco Island Properties (Bahamas),

Tobacco tax increase fear 'premature'

Fears of a further hike in the 220 percent tobacco tax rate were yesterday branded premature, a Cabinet Minister revealing legislative reforms are “not yet ready for prime time”.Dr Duane Sands, minister of health, told Tribune Business that the draft

Insurance covered just 13% of Joaquin damage

Private insurance covered just 13.5 percent of the $105m in damages and losses inflicted by Hurricane Joaquin in the southern Bahamas, a newly-released study has revealed.The report found that just $14m of the devastation inflicted on several Family

Govt to 'accommodate' Back to School retailers

The government yesterday promised to “try and accommodate” Bahamian retailers seeking to access tax breaks for the Back to School season ahead of the August 1 implementation.Marlon Johnson, pictured, the Ministry of Finance’s acting financial secreta

Bahamas targets publicity boost from magazine visit

Nearly 50 journalists and guests of US-based AFAR magazine were immersed in Bahamian culture during a recent familiarisation trip to this nation.The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA) said the trip was especially valuable because each of the pu

The next Silicon Valley? Bahamas in talks on blockchain

The first 2018 Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference is underway in Freeport, Grand Bahama. The conference is being held at the Grand Lucayan Convention Centre and is sponsored by ALIV. Following the opening ceremony yesterday morning, ch

Contractor chief hails govt's capital budget

THE Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday said the government’s capital works budget for 2018-2019 was “extremely encouraging” for the construction industry.Leonard Sands, pictured, told Tribune Business: “I have been doing a t

Work space provider gives start-up boost

A Bahamian shared work space company is aiming to help entrepreneurs and start-ups “get going” by reducing overhead costs, its co-founder saying: “The response has been really good.”William Bastian, co-founder of Incudesk, told Tribune Business that

Wednesday, June 20

06202018 EDITION

Wednesday, 20th June, 2018.

IBM project pits computer against human debaters

IBM pitted a computer against two human debaters in the first public demonstration of artificial intelligence technology it’s been working on for more than five years.The company unveiled its Project Debater in San Francisco on Monday, asking it to m

ALICIA WALLACE: The lessons we can learn from the Budget

THE world of partisan politics is never dull. The Budget Communication certainly makes for a lively few weeks, full of debate, pontification, and a range of emotions. It is probably the time we are most attentive to the government and political manoe

Bus drivers form union

A NEW union has been formed to change public perception of bus drivers and facilitate a more modern bussing system in the country. The Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union was formed last month and is led by its president, Frederick Farrington. During

Four months on and Oban deal still under review

THE controversial Oban Energies deal proposed for Grand Bahama is still under review by the government, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said yesterday.It has been four months since the government signed the heads of agreement for the $5.5bn oil

Fired - but still backing the FNM

McAlpine warns people could fire Prime Minister

DESPITE being fired from government posts by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday for voting against the government’s planned value added tax increase, Golden Isles MP Vaughn Miller and Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine said they remain supporters of the Free National Movement.

‘FAMILY COULD SUE OVER MUNNINGS ROAD DEATH’

ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe yesterday theorised that the family of Garvanisha Carey, the woman who died after her car struck several concrete barriers that closed off Munnings Road last week, has a “good case” against the government following the incident.

Residents back Robinson

FREE National Movement officials feel betrayed by Travis Robinson’s vote against value added tax’s increase to 12 percent, but many residents of the Bain & Grants Town constituency are standing by their member of Parliament, telling The Tribune he owes his success to them, not to a party.

50 jobs go as web shops shut own after tax hike approved

The Asure Win web shop yesterday blamed the budget’s tax hikes for the closure of 11 sites, and termination of 50 staff, by the end of June amid warnings the sector is not “hyperprofitable”.

No more monitor for Donna Vasyli

DONNA Vasyli is no longer required to wear an ankle monitoring device before her retrial for the murder of her podiatrist husband.

Lawyer says witness had more reason to kill murder victim

THE Crown’s key witness in a murder trial had more of a grudge to bear against the deceased or his older brother as opposed to the accused in the matter, an attorney for the accused argued yesterday.Jamean Johnson is charged with abetment to both mur

Japan banks on 3D mapping deemed crucial for driverless cars

Technology companies are racing to develop ultra-precise digital maps that can guide self-driving cars within inches of where they should be — a hurdle the industry needs to clear if it hopes to deliver on its promise of widespread use of driverless

Port Authority to host expo

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd is hosting its fourth annual Small Business Fair and Expo at the Pelican Bay Resort on June 28 to help small businesses and entrepreneurs gain insight to innovative ideas to make their business successful.Deanne Se

Bahamas delegation heads to NBA draft for Deandre

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard, will head a Bahamian delegation to Brooklyn, New York for the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2018 Draft where Bahamian Deandre Ayton is expected to become the number one pick.The draft wil

BUSINESS BITES: The Budget catastrophe belongs to the PM

Woe unto us! A little over a year ago we elected a new Government that would lead us into a land flowing with biblical milk and honey. Instead, we are left, like Job, to repent in dust and ashes. In its most basic function, creating the budget that controls our economy, Dr Minnis’ FNM party, with nearly 90 percent of House seats, has managed to lose the faith of its citizens.

There's a better way

NO more sitting by the sea at eventide to watch the sunset.

Culbert’s Hill speed bumps

I have lived in the Eastern part of New Providence, very close to Culbert’s Hill for many years. Over these years, I have learned to navigate the numerous pot holes (at times large enough to damage a vehicle) which were repeatedly filled and re-patched, until the next heavy rainfall opened them all up again.

Mako clinch first swimming title

THE Mako Aquatic Club made their debut in the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s National Championships a spectacular one.At the end of the four-day meet on Tuesday night at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, Mako celebrated as they clinched their fir

EDITORIAL: Trump looms over midterm votes

FOES and admirers of Donald Trump alike have since his inauguration 18 months ago been pointing to this November’s elections in the United States. While no national office is at stake, there is a broad perception that Trump himself is at the centre of this pivotal election.

TECH TALK

• Apple is trying to drag the US’s antiquated system for handling 911 calls into the 21st century. If it lives up to Apple’s promise, the iPhone’s next operating system will automatically deliver quicker and more reliable information pinpointing the

Seven absentees away on government business

THE seven parliamentarians absent from Monday night’s vote to increase value added tax from 7.5 percent to 12 percent were all out of the country on government business, according to multiple sources yesterday. Free National Movement Chairman Carl C

Team Bahamas 'prepared for whoever they face' in Suriname

WHILE they wait to see who their opponent will be, interim head coach Wayde Watson said the Bahamas women's basketball team will be prepared for whoever they face in the FIBA Caribbean Women’s Cup crossover playoffs today in Paramaribo, Suriname.Team Bahamas qualified as t

Bahamas' disaster costs face 28% cut

The Bahamas will cut its disaster recovery costs by 28 per cent it takes out its $100 million ‘contingent loan’ facility, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is asserting.The IDB, in its proposal for the emergency financing, argued that its fac

Back-to-school fear on duty waiver delay

The government was yesterday urged to boost Back-to-School retailers by moving duty-free exemptions forward one month to a July 1 implementation.Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive, told Tribune Business that the date cha

BIA chair: Late revision shows 'untidy' budget process

The Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman yesterday branded the budget process “untidy” following the government’s last-minute reversion to its original VAT “exempt” position.Emmanuel Komolafe told Tribune Business that, following talks with

Govt warned: Don't hike taxes again before 2021

The government was yesterday warned off any further tax hikes before 2021, amid continuing private sector concerns it has allowed too little time to adjust to 12 percent VAT. Edison Sumner, pictured, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive,

06192018 EDITION

Tuesday, 19th June, 2018.

Regulators exploring regime for blockchain

Bahamian financial regulators are exploring the creation of appropriate regulatory regimes for the emerging blockchain technology and cryptocurrency sectors.Their efforts come as The Bahamas hosts industry leaders, financiers, block signers and miner

'Blacklist' threat highlights builder self-regulation need

The BAHAMIAN Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday accused the government of effectively assuming the role of the industry’s self-regulatory Board in threatening to “blacklist” companies over incomplete work.Leonard Sands hit out after

Contributory civil service pensions 'good first step'

THE government’s decision to make civil service pensions “contributory” for new hires was yesterday branded “a good step”, although it will do little to address its unfunded multi-billion dollar liabilities.Robert Myers, the Organisation for Responsi

Culinary Team readies for Caribbean contest

Dinner guests gathered at Baha Mar to savour offerings by the Bahamas National Culinary Team, who are preparing to compete at the upcoming “Taste of the Caribbean” competition.The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association hosted the annual event to build

Tuesday, June 19

UPDATED: PM fires Robinson, Miller and McAlpine

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has fired Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson and Golden Isles MP Vaughn Miller from their posts as parliamentary secretaries and Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine from his post as chairman of the Hotel Corporation today for breach of the Manual of Cabinet and Ministry Procedure.

Mould, no generator and no air conditioning at general post office

WORKERS at the East Hill Street General Post Office protested yesterday because of no air-conditioning and the presence of mould in the facility, Bahamas Public Services Union President Kimsley Ferguson said.The demonstration, which involved about 60

Free university tuition plan if students meet criteria

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said in September 2019, the government will provide free tuition for students of the University of the Bahamas who meet certain entry requirements. Observers quickly noted the government has long given scholarships to

PLP blasts 'flat' Minnis defence of tax increase

OPPOSITION members yesterday criticised Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ budget communication, calling the contribution “abysmally flat” and void of any understanding of the very same budgetary initiatives presented by Finance Minister K Peter Turnqu

Minnis: We considered 15% - but it would be too painful

IN his ardent defence of the government’s budget of “hope,” Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said his administration made several considerations concerning the value added tax increase but rested at 12 percent after ruling out 15 percent because it would be “too much pain” for Bahamians to bear.

Texting while driving to be made illegal

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said the government will amend the law to clamp down on texting and driving.

The Rebel Four: No, no, no, no – FNM MPs split from party on VAT vote

FOUR Free National Movement members of Parliament joined the opposition in voting “no” to the bill that would increase value added tax from 7.5 percent to 12 percent last night.

WORLD CUP: Belgium wake up in second half to roll past Panama

SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Unlike the other World Cup favourites who struggled through their opening matches, Belgium looked every part the title contenders.

WORLD CUP: Sweden get benefit of video review to beat South Korea 1-0

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia (AP) — Sweden got the break they needed from the video review system, and team captain Andreas Granqvist didn’t waste the chance.

Contractors who didn't finish govt work may be prosecuted

SOME contractors who were paid up to $100,000 to construct government low cost houses in Abaco but did not finish the jobs could be “prosecuted” and at the very least placed on a “stop list” until the money is repaid, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis

WORLD CUP: Mexico shock champions Germany

MOSCOW (AP) — Defending World Cup champions have been finding it hard to get out of the group stage lately, and Germany are proving no exception.

Boy drowns

A BOY is suspected to have drowned while on a family outing at the beach at Arawak Cay yesterday, police said. Police said the boy was at the beach along with a relative and other children. As the family was about to leave, it was discovered the chil

Roberts rejects need for tax rise

FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has said he opposes tax raises in the government’s 2018-2019 budget. Mr Roberts was referring to Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson’s claim that taxes must be increased to avoid a downgrade of

$200m – yet $219 for workers

I believe that the main bone of contention that the Keep Ya Corned Beef We Marching protestors and rabble have with the Minnis administration is its proposed sliding scale tax on web shop operators.

PLP deputy leader denies seeking FNM candidacy

EXUMA and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper yesterday vehemently denied claims he applied for candidacy with the Free National Movement ahead of the 2017 general election.The Progressive Liberal Party deputy leader was responding to comments made by Pr

Cash prizes for Junkanoo and $1m culture fund

JUNKANOOERS will have their eyes fixed on a new cash prize for music when they head to Bay Street this year, according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who also announced the allocation of $1m in cultural grants for Bahamian creatives.Dr Minnis sa

Man wounded in shooting

A MAN is in hospital after he was shot outside a home in Garden Hills on Sunday night.Police were told that shortly before 9pm two men were sitting in front of a yard on Daisy Lane off Beaumontia Avenue when they were approached by a man armed with a

EDITORIAL: Government must show vision and spending control for tax increase

THE government of The Bahamas is asking the Bahamian public, many of whom are barely able to make ends meet, to accept a very bitter pill, a nearly 40 percent increase in VAT from 7.5 percent to 12 percent.

Jobs at risk

IT’S interesting to hear the current government talk about being concerned about the interests of Bahamians.

A new era as Blake Road facility becomes Doctors Hospital West

DOCTORS Hospital Health System has announced the restructuring and renaming of its outpatient services facility on Blake Road.Effective July 6, Bahamas Medical Centre will begin operating under the name Doctors Hospital West.“As part of the restructu

Cultural violence and inequality

The other day, driving along West Bay Street, a young man seemingly got out of a car and slapped a young woman down in the street. People stood around. We were on the main road and the assault occurred on the coastal road. He seemed assured in his ab

Deandre Ayton signs with Puma

Puma, one of the world’s sporting apparel brands, has chosen Deandre Ayton to be one of the faces of its relaunch into basketball.Ayton was one of two top-tier lottery prospects to sign with the company just days ahead of Thursday’s NBA Draft at the

A chance for Andree: 36-year-old hopes for kidney transplant

Desperate to maintain her health and independence, Andree Campbell is asking Bahamians to assist her in getting a life-saving kidney transplant.For nine years now, the 36-year-old has battled chronic kidney disease. Over time, her prognosis has wors

FACE TO FACE: My father, the hero

WHEN I was 14 years old, I had the opportunity to participate in the filming of a Hollywood movie right here in Nassau. Gerard Depardieu was the main actor – a French father who took his daughter, played by Katherine Heigl, on vacation to The Bahamas

The Bahamas bounce back for 25 point win

AFTER losing to Cuba by 27 in their first game, the Bahamas women’s basketball national team took their frustration out on St Vincent and the Grenadines and won by 25 in game two of the FIBA Caribbean Women’s Cup on Tuesday.Team Bahamas, with a shift in the sta

Witness in murder trial 'had fights with victim's brother'

THE key witness in the murder trial into the killing of veteran trade unionist John Pinder’s youngest son had two physical altercations with the older brother of the deceased about one month before the incident in question, Supreme Court jurors were

SOUTH ANDROS RECEIVES ITS FIRST GGYA AWARDS

ALTHOUGH she lived only 3.5 miles away in Kemp’s Bay, it took Cassidy Rolle 16 years to visit Black Point, South Andros.“I’ve lived in Andros all my life and had never explored Black Point until a hiking expedition with the Governor General’s Youth A

BAAA looks to Senior Nationals after successful Youth and Junior event

AFTER hosting a successful combined Youth and Junior Nationals, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is now preparing for their Senior Nationals this weekend at the new Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.On Saturday at the original Thoma

Remove VAT from feminine hygiene products

Nearly 2,000 sign petition to be presented to government

A formal petition to eliminate value added tax on feminine hygiene products such as sanitary pads, tampons and menstrual cups has been signed by almost 2,000 Bahamians and will be presented to the government for consideration in the mid-term budget.V

Bahamian author crowned 'queen' by international publication

Best-selling author Latrell King has been crowned royalty by a new magazine that highlights women from the Caribbean, the United States and Canada.Latrell is an example that there is no stopping a Bahamian woman on the rise. Just last year, the autho

Title Sponsor is named for Carifta Judo event

The title sponsor for CARIFTA Judo has been named BahamaClear water company. The event will be held on Friday 7-9pm June 22 at the Courtyard Mariott Ballroom. “We are pleased to participate in Judo which has shown great development in the past few y

MAC dominate night two of swimming nationals

Night two of the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s Rev Nationals concluded with the Mako Aquatics Club dominating the 400m Medley Relays. MAC won five of the six races including both the Girls (Keianna Moss, Jada Jimenez, Mia Sastre, Mariaa Albuty – 5:01

Bahamian water polo players join Houston Storms

Local Water Polo continues to reach milestones as several players secured roster spots with a United States based team on their path to the National Junior Polo Olympics.Seven members of Bahamas Mantas Water Polo – Alex Turnquest, Gabriel Sastre, Nic

YOU GO GIRL: St John's student embraces equality and wins big

As a former victim of bullying it was important for Delysia Devonya Radel-Bowe to put her talents to work to create art which denounces discrimination and shows love for all.The 10th grade student from St John’s College expressed this passion in a mu

A solution for urinary incontinence in women

Do you cough, laugh or sneeze and pee all at the same time?

Let your body catch up with your lifestyle

When I was well on my health and fitness journey there was this very awkward period of transition between where I was in my head and how my body looked in real life.

WORLD CUP: Kane’s double gives England victory

VOLGOGRAD, Russia (AP) — Twice wrestled to the ground during the match, England captain Harry Kane finally evaded the Tunisian defence just as time was running out.

'We can't trust future govts over fiscal fix'

The government’s fast-paced fiscal fix is being driven by its lack of trust in future administrations to correct multi-million dollar “imbalances”, the deputy prime minister revealed yesterday.KP Turnquest admitted to Tribune Business that the govern

Bahamasair loses Supreme Court 'jurisdiction' challenge

Bahamasair’s challenge to the Supreme Court’s “jurisdiction” to hear employee unfair dismissal cases has been rejected by the Court of Appeal.The national flag carrier’s bid to overturn an award made to Omar Ferguson, a former customer service agent,

Bahamas attracts $767m investment in past year

THE Bahamas has attracted more than $700m in foreign capital investment over the past 12 months, the prime minister said yesterday.Dr Hubert Minnis, during his contribution to the 2018/2019 budget debate, said: “Total foreign capital investment in Th

Eight-month VAT transition is 'best thing for builders'

The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday hailed the eight-month VAT ‘transition’ for existing projects as “the best thing the Government can do for construction”.Leonard Sands told Tribune Business that the Minnis administrati

Breadbasket 'zero rate' delayed until August 1

The VAT “zero rating” of breadbasket food items has been delayed until August 1 to allow merchants time to adjust their systems and pricing, a top official revealed yesterday.Marlon Johnson, the Ministry of Finance’s acting financial secretary, told

Gov't 'can't sustain' $50m rent payment

THE GOVERNMENT “cannot sustain” the $50m it spends annually on renting commercial facilities, the prime minister said yesterday.Dr Hubert Minnis, delivering his contribution to the 2018/2019 budget debate, told Parliament: “We are spending $50m annua

Doctors Hospital in western restructure

Doctors Hospital Health System plans to restructure its outpatient services facility on Blake Road with effect from July 6, renaming it Doctors Hospital West.As part of the restructuring, elective surgeries will resume in the Blake Road operating the

Monday, June 18

06182018 EDITION

Monday, 18th June, 2018.

INSIGHT: Everything to lose and so little to gain

PRIME Minister Hubert Minnis has been unwavering - perhaps even deluded in his claim that his government will save The Bahamas. But save The Bahamas from whom? It is his own government that could be poised to plunge it into economic ruin.

Henfield votes no to spy bill

SENATOR Ranard Henfield voted against the Interception of Communications Bill in the upper house on Friday, the only senator to do so.He criticised the involvement of the attorney general in sanctioning interception devices as well as a provision all

Speed bumps and reflectors placed on deadly crash road

OFFICIALS have erected speed bumps and placed reflectors on concrete beams at Munnings Road after a crash at the newly closed road left a woman dead.

Crackdown: More police and new cars after wave of violence

IN the face of a spate of murders, National Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday announced a series of new crime fighting strategies geared towards the blanket coverage of specific hotspot areas in New Providence.

‘Vote no to budget and lose your govt post’

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel has warned senators and elected officials who have been appointed to government posts that they must vote for the 2018-2019 budget in its entirety or resign their positions.

Web shops ‘taking advantage of workers’

THAT Island Luck employees were seemingly threatened with a loss of pay if they failed to attend Thursday’s protest is a “blatant, naked attempt to take advantage of poor people”, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.

Businessman one of three victims killed over weekend

A WEST Bay Street business owner was shot dead just outside his establishment early yesterday morning, marking the 51st murder for the year and the third over the weekend, according to The Tribune’s records.

Top Tips for Landing the First Job After Graduation

COLLEGE graduation is an exciting milestone that marks years of preparation, hard-work and sacrifice for both students and their families. However, the celebration of success is often short-lived for graduates as they anxiously turn their thoughts to what the next steps should be.

INSIGHT: Crumbling before our eyes

WHEN I wrote a column last week that started with the words - shame on me - I was fighting back tears. I am a Bahamian citizen and as guilty as every one of us who stands by and lets history crumble before our eyes. Earlier that day, I had stood in front of a building that once housed Pan American Airlines headquarters and realised, just as I had the Sunday before when a young friend and I pushed away the bush to get inside Blackbeard’s Tower, that we are letting our incredible history vanish piece by piece, decaying block by block, day by day.

INSIGHT: Stop taxing the poorest

ALREADY drowning in a sea of hefty utility bills, high living costs, and archaic business-stifling restrictions, low to middle income Bahamians have just been smacked in the face with a sledgehammer in the form of a regressive, unexpected and misguided tax hike. It is far worse for Grand Bahamians where the economy remains mired in a quagmire of depression.

Cuba Cup blow for Bahamas

COACH Wayde Watson said his team dug themselves a hole at the start of their first game against Cuba yesterday in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s FIBA Women’s Caribbean Cup - and the team wasn’t able to get back into the contest on the first day of competition in Paramaribo, Suriname.

126ft freighter goes up in flames in port

BIMINI police are investigating a fire that occurred onboard the vessel Sherice M while it was docked in Alice Town.According to police, shortly after noon on Saturday officers received a report of a 126ft freight vessel that was ablaze while moored

Dominican poachers held by RBDF

HER Majesty’s Bahamian Ship Durward Knowles arrested a Dominican fishing vessel for poaching in Bahamian waters on Saturday morning.While on routine patrol in the southern Bahamas, HMBS Durward Knowles, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Omarv

Two jailed for firearm offences

TWO men who pleaded guilty in the Magistrate’s Court in Grand Bahama to possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition in separate matters will serve three and five years in prison.Eric Culmer, 19, of Bass Lane, Freeport, appeared in Freeport Magist

Women robbed in carjackings

TWO women were robbed during separate carjacking incidents in New Providence.The latest incident occurred yesterday morning. Police said shortly after 2am on Sunday, a woman was driving her Nissan X-Trail on Geranium Avenue in Garden Hills #1 when a

EDITORIAL: Unity is needed to build a country

IT IS said that a revolution can be built in a day, but it takes a generation to build a government.

Inhumanity of separating children

I am a Bahamian who swore that because I am not American I would have nothing to say – pro or con – about US president Donald Trump.

Barbados govt theft?

An article, Banks Facing Billion Dollar Hit, in Barbados was making the rounds on Social Media this past weekend and it is an example of theft by government. No more, no less.

Unbelievable

I had decided to stop writing letters but after watching the local news tonight I am so disgusted that something has to be said.

Burrows with history makers

Jaraun “Kino” Burrows and his Fos-Sue-Mur Provence Basketball Byers closed their season with a history-making milestone.

Knowles goes pro

Just weeks after his collegiate career concluded, Perez Knowles officially makes the transition to the professional ranks.

Hitting the mark

WITH the focus on the IAAF World Junior Championships in Pampere, Finland, next month, sprinters Adrian Curry, Jaida Knowles and Joel Johnson led the performances as they attained the qualifying standards over the weekend at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Junior National Championships at the original Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Ready for a CARIFTA throw down

The Bahamas will be the host of the second edition of CARIFTA Judo on Friday, June 22, from 7-9pm at the Courtyard Marriott Ballroom.

A new sponsor - but the same tradition of top performances

This year brought a new title sponsor and the country elite junior swimmers continued their tradition of standout performances on the opening day of the Bahamas Aquatics Federation (BAF) National Swimming Championships.

'National interest' demands web shop expansion slows

The Bahamas’ “national interest” demanded that the government “slow down the rate of growth” in web shop gaming through increased taxation, a Cabinet Minister is arguing.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, told Tribune Business that

Government IT lead in control woes, 25% understaffed

The government unit charged with implementing its $30m digital transformation is 25 percent under-staffed and plagued by “numerous internal control deficiencies”.The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in a withering April 20, 2018, report on the

Budget to force price rise for healthy foods

Food stores will likely hike their non-breadbasket food prices due to the impact the new VAT exemptions will have on consumer behaviour, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman is warning.Michael Maura told Tribune Business that the Budget effectively “in

Auto dealers: budget leaves 'two dominant'

New auto dealers are hoping for a last-minute compromise with the government over budget reforms that could result in just two companies “dominating the market”.Fred Albury, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president, told Tribune Busin

Insurers want same VAT treatment for all

The Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman has called for all property and casualty products to receive the same VAT treatment, adding that exempt status is “not the way to go”.Emmanuel Komolafe admitted to Tribune Business that he was “caugh

Sterling specialist to address conference

Sterling Global Financial’s Brandon Caruana is the latest addition to the inaugural Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference line-up.Designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, service providers and tech companies, the three-day conference

Home Fabrics invests $2m in GB expansion

Home Fabrics, the Bahamian fabric distributor, is expanding to Freeport through a $2m investment that will initially create ten jobs.Kwasi Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama, congratulated Benjamin and Laura Pinder on the venture in unveili

Sunday, June 17

Two men shot dead in separate incidents

Two men are dead after shootings on Saturday night and early on Sunday morning.

WORLD CUP: France win, Argentina held

MOSCOW (AP) — Day 3 of the World Cup began Saturday with France becoming the first team to benefit from a penalty called after video review in a World Cup match. Antoine Griezmann put France ahead with the ensuing penalty kick. Australia tied it with a penalty kick by Mile Jedniak, but France moved ahead again when Paul Pogba's shot hit the crossbar and then made it over the goal line. The tally was confirmed by goal-line technology.

'Primitive' boater fees in revenue leak fears

MARINA operators are calling for a more modernised system for the payment of boating permits and fees due to a “fair amount” of revenue leakage under current arrangements.Basil Smith, the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) executive director, told

Saturday, June 16

Freight boat blaze at Bimini dock

Police in Bimini are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fire on board the MV Sherice M, a 126 ft. freight boat that was moored at the Alice Town Government Dock.

Man shot dead on Crooked Island Street

A man died after a shooting on Crooked Island Street early on Saturday morning.

Dr Sands ‘approved $1.9m contract for Barbara Hanna company’

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands approved a contract estimated at $1.9m for Barbara Hanna's Magic Touch cleaning company, less than three months after criminal charges were brought against former PLP Senator Frank Smith, according to testimony heard in court on Friday.

Friday, June 15

06152018 EDITION

Friday, 15th June, 2018.

06152018 WEEKEND

Friday, 15th June, 2018.

Bannister pledges safety measures after Munnings Road death

WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister pledged more precautions and safety measures will be implemented on Munnings Road to avoid future fatalities.

Labour Day crash investigation close to completion

POLICE are close to completing investigations into the Labour Day traffic accident, which killed four women and injured numerous others.

Minister announces full-time BTVI enrolment will be free

EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd, in a speech on Friday, reiterated that full-time enrolment in the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute will be free this September.

FNM chairman defends VAT increase

FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer said his party will not be moved by the possibility of a political alliance between web shops and the Progressive Liberal Party.

Woman robbed a gunpoint

A WOMAN was robbed at gunpoint after she was forced to stop her car in the Carmichael Road area Thursday night.

Man stabbed in Eight Mile Rock

A 23-year-old man, a resident of West End, is in hospital with serious injuries following a stabbing incident in Eight Mile Rock, police reported.

WORLD CUP: Ronaldo scores hat trick in six goal thriller

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat trick, capped by a dipping free kick in the 88th minute as Portugal and Spain played to a wild 3-3 draw in the Group B opener for both countries.

WORLD CUP: Own-goal earns Iran 1-0 win over Morocco

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Aziz Bouhaddouz, head in his hands and face buried in the turf, was probably unaware of the opposing players and coaches swarming all around him in jubilation.

WORLD CUP: Gimenez scores late winner for Uruguay

Defender Jose Gimenez came to Uruguay's rescue scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Egypt in their Group A opening game at the World Cup on Friday.

Judge delays his URCA case ruling

A Supreme Court judge has reserved his decision on whether the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority was right to find that ZSR Sports Radio’s operator is not the true holder of the 103.5 FM radio licence.The Tribune understands that Justice

A COMIC'S VIEW: You have to laugh or else you’ll cry

DESPITE the naysayers, and detractors, the march against VAT was well attended all things considered.

Shooting of man carrying shotgun was lawful

THE fatal shooting of a 23-year-old mental patient by an assistant commissioner of police and another senior officer two years ago was a lawful killing, jurors decided yesterday.The jury found that Assistant Commissioner of Police Kendal Strachan and

WORLD CUP: 5-0 victory for Russia in Opener

MOSCOW (AP) — Vladimir Putin craves sporting glory, and he got another taste of it in the opening match of the World Cup.

Sands may testify in Smith trial

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands may be called to testify in a Magistrate’s Court hearing into former PLP Senator Frank Smith’s bribery and extortion trial, it was revealed yesterday.It was also revealed that lawyers for the accused were just served mi

Govt to consider CARICOM findings on medical marijuana

THE Minnis administration will consider changes to policy on medicinal marijuana following the completion of a report from a CARICOM task force on the herbal drug, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands told Parliament yesterday.This report, he said, is expe

Feeling unsafe

Re: ‘No reason to feel unsafe’.

Bahamas Volleyball team a mixture of youth and experience

EVEN though it’s a very young team selected, the Bahamas Volleyball Federation and its women’s national volleyball team are hoping to make their presence felt when they travel to Suriname to participate in the CAZOVA Senior Championships.

All together now: the next level for baseball

The Bahamas Baseball Association has reformed into one operation with all of the fragmented bodies now back under its fold.

Junior golfers to face best in the region

The country’s top junior golfers will again face off with the best in the region at the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships.

Government signs deal to borrow $70m from IDB

THE government signed agreements for two investment loans worth $70m with the Inter-American Development Bank yesterday.The loans will fund an airport infrastructure programme in the Family Islands and a climate resilient coastal infrastructure and m

'VAT hike will bring a day of reckoning'

THE government’s proposed hike of value added tax will induce a “day of reckoning” sooner than expected, according to Progressive Liberal Party Deputy Leader Chester Cooper.Speaking to reporters as crowds protested against the government’s proposed V

Minnis: We're creating a better tomorrow

WHILE hundreds of protesters took over Bay Street yesterday in protest of a value added tax increase and a new sliding tax for web shops, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told The Tribune his government’s fiscal agenda is about creating “a better tomo

Woman dies as car crashes into barriers on Munnings Rd

A WOMAN was killed yesterday morning when her burgundy 2013 Hyundai Elantra collided into road barriers on Munnings Road.Paramedics pronounced her, Garvanisha Anastasia Carey, dead on scene after attempting to revive her.The death prompted fresh crit

Grand Bahama 'the gun capital of The Bahamas'

GRAND Bahama, in addition to be being the industrial capital, is being called “the gun capital” of The Bahamas in terms of firearm violence and shootings in the country, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday.Dr S

Isaacs Jr helps Captains defeat the Lugnuts

A pair of Bahamian baseball players once again faced off in the Midwest League, while another increased his team-leading home run total to highlight this week’s action around the minors.

Man arrested as water thrown over Campbell

POLICE yesterday arrested a man after he showered Transport Minister Frankie Campbell with water during a protest against the government’s proposed value added tax hike.Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, the officer in charge of crim

Magistrate who ordered Pindling’s arrest dies

JOHN Baily, a former magistrate who famously ordered the arrest of Sir Lynden Pindling, then leader of the Opposition, died in an Irish hospital on May 9.

EDITORIAL: Diplomacy and persuasion the best option

PEOPLE absorbed in their personal pursuits and blissfully unaware of the ebb and flow of international affairs might be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss was about this week in Singapore. Was the summit between the United States President and the leader of a relatively small country in Asia really the most significant such meeting in modern times, as some in the media had been claiming? The hyperbole of the international press showed no bounds in seeking to report the news in the most dramatic terms.

Disabled parking in Downtown

ON June 6, 2018. I ventured downtown to Bay Street to purchase a wedding anniversary gift for my beloved wife of 41 years.

Crime under control?

WHILE the Police were having a special police operation carnage on Jerome Avenue - who said crime is under control?

Big names in Bahamas team for FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

The Bahamas Basketball Federation has announced the 24-member preliminary squad for the men’s national team as they prepare for the third window of FIBA World Cup – Americas Qualifiers.

Web shop pay cut threat over anti-VAT demo

Island Luck employees were seemingly threatened with the loss of a day’s pay if they did not attend yesterday’s anti-VAT and gaming tax protest in Rawson Square.

‘Stop tax rises’: Hundreds march to oppose VAT hike and gambling levy

HUNDREDS of people marched from the Southern Recreation Grounds to Rawson Square yesterday morning to protest the proposed 60 percent increase in value added tax and a new sliding scale tax on web shops.

D’Aguilar: We will be flexible

TOURISM and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said the government will be flexible with web shop taxes, adjusting its new sliding scale scheme if it proves too onerous.

NHI will cost you $15-$80 a month

THE government is “revamping” National Health Insurance to focus more on catastrophic care with the introduction of the BahamaCare Plan and expects a contributory plan of $15 to $80 per month to fund it.

Govt deals: 2/3 of firms need 'personal contacts'

Two-thirds of Bahamian businesses have needed to use “personal contacts” to close or speed-up government deals, showing why “red tape” and corruption are among the country’s top woes.A Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) s

Gov't targets $100m non-VAT revenue rise

The Government is predicting non-VAT fee and tax increases will generate an extra $100 million in the new fiscal year, amid warnings that “the fiscal chickens have come home to roost”.K P Turnquest, Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday told the National

BPL targets $2m monthly VSEP savings

BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) will save up to $24m annually through a voluntary separation (VSEP) exercise that attracted 319 applicants, the utility’s chairman said yesterday.“We had a total of approximately 300 people who applied to be separated fr

Second home 'havoc' on triple-digit tax rise

The Government was yesterday warned it “will create havoc” if it imposes triple-digit tax increases on hundreds of foreign second home owners via planned real property tax reforms.Attorneys and realtors united in “outrage” over a seemingly innocuous

Retailers slam 'unacceptable' warning on taxation changes

Bahamian retailers yesterday said a one-month transition was not enough time to adjust to a 12 percent VAT, blasting the lack of consultation with the sector as “unacceptable”.Tara Morley-Nolan, the Bahamas Federation of Retailers (BFR) co-chair, sai

IAN FERGUSON: How small businesses can adjust to VAT hike

The Bahamas is embroiled in a heated, and somewhat divisive, national conversation regarding taxation. Many, including the private sector, are concerned about the adverse impact this might have on consumer spending patterns and, ultimately, our alrea

'Tremendous anxiety' over WTO accession

The Chamber of Commerce’s chairman yesterday warned there was “tremendous anxiety” over the WTO accession amid the absence of analysis on its likely impact.Michael Maura, addressing the National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce, said the private sect

DPM: We must address 'upside down' economy

THE deputy prime minister yesterday said “structural adjustments” and “a cultural shift” are needed to address The Bahamas’ “upside down” economy.K Peter Turnquest told the National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce that the government remained resolu

Gov't facing long haul to be 'business friendly'

THE government still has “a great deal to do” to be viewed as business-friendly, with few businesses seeing any improvement in their interaction with public sector bureaucracy.Michael Maura, pictured, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Con

Thursday, June 14

06142018 EDITION

Thursday, 14th June, 2018.

Titus women take life's lemons and make lemonade – Leading ladies honoured

IN a tribute to some of the country’s leading Christian ladies, the Christ Community Church’s Titus Women’s Ministry successfully hosted its recent Pink Lemonade Party.With a mandate to care for one another, genuinely love each other, and also connec

Funeral directors band together to uphold industry's professional practices

To respond to a surge in uncertified and untrained funeral directors and embalmers in recent years, professionals in the industry have come together to form an association to advance and protect funeral professional practices.In a statement, the new

Meditation - Moving on

As we consider the celebration of Father’s Day, we may have wonderful memories of a loving father. My own was very good to me: providing, caring, while attending all of my activities. He lived to the ripe old age of 94, and it was a blessing to have

Rev Heuter Rolle celebrates five years of service

Rev Heuter Rolle celebrated his fifth pastoral anniversary last week Sunday. Hundreds flocked to Salem Union Baptist Church to celebrate this auspicious occasion. The service highlighted the many things brought on stream under Pastor Rolle’s leadersh

Union of Black Episcopalians gather in Nassau for 50th anniversary

The Union of Black Episcopalians will be commemorating its 50th anniversary when it holds its annual business meeting and conference in the Bahamas next month.The conference, to be hosted at the Meliá Nassau Beach resort July 23-27, serves as a key g

Money for nothing as vendor paid $7,000 to move tyres fails to complete the job

A VENDOR contracted to remove used tyres from the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation received payment for the work, but did not complete the job, Golden Gates MP Michael Foulkes said yesterday.According to the MP, who is also BAIC chairm

UPDATED: Hundreds protest VAT rise

HUNDREDS of protesters marched to Rawson Square this morning to protest the impending valued added tax increase and a new sliding tax on web shops.

Lloyd: Threats won’t stop us from doing the right thing

EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd proclaimed yesterday threats of an election loss will not impede the government from making “gutsy” decisions, insisting he would put saving the country ahead of risking defeat at the polls.

Web shop staff call for boycott

WEB shop employees yesterday suggested a boycott of businesses or economic interests of Cabinet ministers as operators pledge to take their fight against an impending tax increase on their sector all the way to the Privy Council.

Calls made from Frank Smith’s phone when he was in custody

JUST over 30 calls were made by former PLP Senator Frank Smith’s cell phone to the virtual complainant in his bribery and extortion trial, but during the time the former was in police custody over the allegations.

‘Time for an amnesty on firearms’

IN the wake of the recent spate of violent crime, Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander is calling for the return of a gun amnesty programme.

Hanna Martin absence sparks Parliament row

A ROW erupted in the House of Assembly yesterday over the absence of Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin who, according to House Speaker Halson Moultrie, was scheduled to speak yesterday afternoon.

man in hospital after shooting

A MAN is in hospital after he was shot yesterday morning during an argument with another man in the Cowpen Road area.Police said shortly after 8am, the victim was at Martin Close when he got into an argument with another man, who pulled a firearm fro

March leader dismisses concern about PLP support

OPERATION Sovereign Bahamas Director Adrian Francis yesterday dispelled the idea that the Progressive Liberal Party’s support of today’s demonstration means that OSB is no longer apolitical. During a press conference yesterday, Mr Francis discussed t

Your chance to see inside the $4.5m Hawksbill Hall

THE University of the Bahamas’ northern campus is holding an open house for the public to view the newly built $4.5m Hawksbill Hall, which will be available for occupancy in the Fall of 2018.The open house is from June 18 to 29 between 10am to 4pm da

Communities asked for views on protected marine areas

SINCE 2016, the Bahamas Protected team and representatives from key government agencies have reached out to Family Island communities for input on marine areas proposed for protection, as well as areas community members think should have protection.T

Identity of hanged man revealed

ALTHOUGH police have not officially released the name of the man found dead at a home in West End earlier this week, The Tribune understands the victim is Adrian Huyler. According to police, shortly after 4pm on Monday, a 45-year-old man was found h

New society helps increase number of blood donations

THERE has been an increase in blood donation and the creation of the first ever blood donors registry on Grand Bahama since the establishment of the new Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama last June.To continue to raise awareness on the importance o

Bahamian hypocrisy

THE amount of outright hypocrisy and double standards that exists in this country we call the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is truly astonishing.

49 laptops given to top students

MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames presented 49 laptops to outstanding primary school students at a ceremony at police headquarters yesterday. Mr Dames told the students who were honoured yesterday to continue on the right path and make good

Silence on renewables

Remember pre-election, hard mouthed the FNM were, on renewable energy especially solar? Where is it today? Silent as a house mouse.

1,036 deported by govt in past year

ONE thousand and thirty-six immigrants, including 954 from Haiti, were repatriated from January to May this year, Minister of Immigration and Financial Services Brent Symonette said during his budget speech on Tuesday night.He said $1.2m has been bud

Robinson speaks out against VAT increase

BAIN and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson, the youngest parliamentarian in the House of Assembly, said he cannot entirely support his party’s 2018-2019 budget, rejecting the 60 percent increase in value added tax.“My people have grave concerns about th

Where is the BNT?

SEVERAL serious, potentially game-changing environmental issues have arisen during the short time the FNM has been in office. People have complained about Oban, the plans for LNG and the fact that there is still no solution for the city landfill. My question is, through all of this, where is the Bahamas National Trust?

Two men face court over $160,000 drugs discovery

TWO men were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the seizure of over $160,000 worth of drugs in Exuma over the weekend.Cable Beach residents Daymon Brown, 44, and 33-year-old Tony Burrows, stood before Deputy Chief Magistra

DIANE PHILLIPS: A slap on the wrist and a wake-up call

Shame on me. I am a Bahamian citizen and I am sitting by and watching history crumble before my very eyes.

Ready, steady, SHOP!

FIVE lucky finalists each won a three minute shopping spree, courtesy of the Caribbean Bottling Company.Elizabeth Innis, Evletta Johnson, Dereka Moultrie, Edward Burrows and Rayvonne Bethel were all chosen, via a random draw, and were given the chanc

Pintard: Bahamas can become Caribbean hub for aspiring MLB players

Several initiatives that have been discussed ad nauseam took centre stage for Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard yesterday as he noted the impact his ministry will have on this administration’s budget.

Charlton named Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year

WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana – Senior Devynne Charlton was named the Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year, the conference office announced yesterday. The award is voted on by the conference coaches.

BAAA to host top junior, senior athletes in the Nationals

FOR consecutive weekends, the BAAA will host its top athletes at both the junior and senior levels as they vie for national titles and national team roster spots.

Tennis players put in quality fitness training with MacFit

LOCAL tennis players Danielle Thompson, Larikah Russell and brother and sister Justin and Savannah Roberts got a chance to get in some quality fitness training yesterday from MacFit trainer Jimmy Mackey.

VAT 'pales' against $350m health leak

The VAT hike’s impact on healthcare is “pennies” compared to the $350m that Bahamians spend in South Florida and other markets, a Cabinet Minister argued yesterday.Dr Duane Sands, pictured, minister of health, told Tribune Business that this - not th

Oil explorer targeting 'window of opportunity'

An oil explorer is aiming to seize “the current window of opportunity” to drill its first Bahamas well after five years of regulatory and oil price-related delays “abated”.Simon Potter, Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) chief executive, told sharehol

Family Islands urge: ‘tax web shops to the hilt’

Family Island businessmen yesterday urged the government to “tax the web shop industry to the hilt” because it has left many communities “in shambles”.

VAT hike puts further strain on cook-outs

“Cook-out” targets will have to increase due to the VAT rate hike, a well-known insurer yesterday warning that 85 per cent of healthcare costs will not benefit from planned tax exemptions.Emmanuel Komolafe, the Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) c

$10m oil waste treatment project to create 30 jobs

A $10m joint venture will create 30 jobs and add value to Freeport’s maritime sector through the treatment and recycling of ships’ oil waste. Executives from Portugal-based Eco-Oil Ltd and Queensway Navigation arrived on Grand Bahama yesterday for th

ART OF GRAPHIX: The art of giving a good critique

Criticism is not easy to take regardless of how it is served. It can be a giant pill to swallow, especially if delivered by a fellow designer. But constructive criticism is a part of the business that is bound to pop up sooner or later. A good design

Bahamasair aims to reduce staff by 100

BAHAMASAIR is targeting $20m in top-line growth over the two years to end-2019, its managing director said yesterday, as it plans to shed 100 staff within 24 months.Tracy Cooper told the Caribbean Aviation Meet-up 2018 conference that, over the next

Vacation rental VAT not in 18-19 budget

The government’s plans to levy value-added tax (VAT) on vacation rentals will be introduced by legislation after the current budget cycle, the minister of tourism has revealed.Dionisio D’Aguilar told Tribune Business: “The government is considering l

Bahamas exposed to US travel agents

Travel agents from Atlanta and New York familiarised themselves with The Bahamas’ tourism offerings on a trip that was part-sponsored by Delta Airlines.Their visit included Nassau as well as some of the Family Islands, such as the Exumas and the Abac

Wednesday, June 13

06132018 EDITION

Wednesday, 13th June, 2018.

THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR FREEPORT UNTIL 6.30PM

AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions SKYGUARD® THUNDERSTORM WARNING 1258

ALICIA WALLACE: Facing up to mental health challenges

I KNOW people with mental health challenges, some of whom are getting professional help and others who cannot afford it, do not want anyone else to know what they are going through, or do not think it would help. I have received phone calls and in-pe

Aragonite value 'still unknown'

THE worth, marketability and sustainability of aragonite is still unknown, Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest said yesterday.While speaking to reporters outside Cabinet, Mr Turnquest was asked what the government is doing to generate revenue thr

Police insist public is safe despite spate of killings

AFTER a spate of murders and amid a heightened fear of crime, the senior command of the Royal Bahamas Police Force held a press conference yesterday to reassure the public the country is still safe.Police said many of the recent killings were “sensel

Minister met Smith accuser

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday admitted to meeting with the virtual complainant in Frank Smith’s bribery and extortion trial ahead of a police investigation into her claims, something counsel for the accused claimed amounted to “political interference”.

Miller against VAT increase

GOLDEN Isles MP Vaughn Miller yesterday became the third Free National Movement member of Parliament to publicly oppose the government’s impending value added tax increase.

‘We won’t be bullied by web shops’

AS HE warned gaming house operators the Minnis administration will “dig up” any underground operations, Attorney General Carl Bethel said the government’s inalienable right to impose tax rates however it sees fit will be defended.

UPDATED: Shootings leave three more dead

LESS than 24 hours after National Security Minister Marvin Dames insisted Bahamians have absolutely no reason to feel unsafe, police are appealing to the public for help in solving three more homicides which occurred in less than 24 hours.

‘Don’t expect to save on clothes after duty cut’

ALTHOUGH the Minnis administration hopes Bahamians benefit from customs duty waivers off clothes and shoes for retailers, former government ministers say businesses have historically failed to pass savings from exemptions to consumers.

BNT dismisses fear over 'cobra' claim

THE Bahamas National Trust has refuted reports circulating on social media yesterday of a “cobra” lurking around the Seabreeze area, saying there have been no confirmed sightings of this venomous snake in The Bahamas. A photo of a snake, which some

Baseball leagues reunite under one umbrella

Now that they are back together under one umbrella, the Bahamas Baseball Association is set to host the National Baseball Championships next weekend in Grand Bahama.And the association has confirmed that all of the affiliated leagues have confirmed t

Impact Tennis gives players smooth transition to the pros

A year ago, Ricardo Demeritte Jr decided to provide an avenue to help assist our young Bahamian tennis players as they make the transition from the collegiate to the professional ranks through a company called Impact Tennis Academy.Demeritte Jr, a fo

After surgery, Justin Roberts eager to get back on court

AFTER taking some time off to undergo surgery on his right wrist, Justin Roberts is eager to get back on the court and continue his quest to move up the ladder on the men’s international tennis circuit.

EDITORIAL: OAS could be key to Venezuela future

THE Organization of American States is now in its 70th year. An organisation long and naturally dominated by the United States, the OAS has been criticised for that and for other things. But whether they are speaking from the core of their conscience or playing to the TV cameras for points with viewers back home, Western Hemisphere heads of government and foreign ministers often make news when attending an OAS meeting.

Preparing to defend

THE combined unit of Bahamian security forces under the command of Platoon Commander Senior Lieutenant Shawn Adderley are currently in St Kitts taking part in Tradewinds Exercise Phase 1. The unit consists of members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Forc

Concerns raised over living conditions for police officers

PINERIDGE MP Rev Frederick McAlpine has expressed concern over the “substandard” living conditions of police officers on Grand Bahama, calling for improved conditions at the police housing compound in Freeport.He complained that the homes the officer

Poker run goes all in to raise $10,000

A recreational boating event has raised a large sum of money to aid in the further development of a local sea park in Exuma.The Bahamas Poker Run, an annual event where boaters engage in water activities throughout the northern Exuma Cays, has donate

No change in nominee for Bahamas ambassador role

DOUGLAS Manchester, real estate developer and billionaire, is still the nominee to fill the post of United States ambassador to the Bahamas, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield.The government, the minister said yesterday, is also ho

Deputy PM to speak to Johnson over social media posts

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said he will talk to Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson about his social media posts that stir controversy, although he suggested critics are making a big deal about nothing.His sta

Ordaining a Homosexual Pastor?

There has been a lot of talk about a church in Nassau that recently ordained an alleged homosexual. Connected to that discussion, a friend recently forwarded to me an audio clip of someone asking why I and other pastors have not spoken about it. Although I heard the allegation, I had no intention of speaking to it, but I’ve had a change of heart since the recent ordination continues to drive many conversations.

Gaskin a good choice

Mr Garvin Gaskin is imminently qualified to be the first person appointed to the Constitutionally established post - Independent Director of Public Prosecutions. Indubitably, he has excellent academic qualifications and intellectual prowess. Importantly, he is a man of Christian values, which were deeply imbued in him by his parents.

Baseball stadium delay

Bahamians should know by now who is politically genuine or not. No amount of pontificating or masquerading can change their minds if you mean them well or not. They have already marked the report cards and will show the results sooner than later.

Kevin Major Jr gets win in pro debut

EVEN though he skipped the trip to Costa Rica to participate on the men’s Davis Cup team, Kevin Major Jr said he has no regrets because he was able to get his professional career started.Major Jr, home after graduating from Seminole State College in

Sports Notes

BOWLINGKALIK SUMMER LEAGUECOMPETITION in the Kalik Summer Bowling League started last night with a record nine teams competing for a 1st place prize of $1,200, 2nd place of $600 and 3rd place $400. Teams are composed of at least six players who spons

Jordin in World Cup opening

FOOTBALL for Friendship has announced that 12-year-old Bahamian football player Jordin Wilson will participate in the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Moscow, Russia, scheduled to be broadcast live to 3.2 billion persons globally at 10:30am

Bahamas Professional Golf Tour all set for round two

THE Bahamas Professional Golf Tour is all set for round two in its Signature Series with RMS Insurance Company as the driving sponsor of the sophomore classic.The launch of the first BPGT golf open set the pace for a very competitive series of tourna

Web shop patrons face $20m tax bill

Web shop taxes will increase by a minimal sum as a result of budget hikes that could extract $20m per annum from Bahamian gaming patrons, new studies suggested yesterday.The Bahamas Gaming Operators Association (BGOA), in its latest salvo against tax

Web shops face 'year of famine' on 'sweet spot'

Web shop operators may have to endure “a year of famine” to find the industry’s taxation “sweet spot”, a Cabinet Minister yesterday urging: “Let the Bahamian people be the judge.”Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, called on the sev

Super Value chief: Abandon all exemptions for 10% VAT

Super Value’s principal yesterday argued that a ten percent VAT could achieve the government’s fiscal goals if it abandons its multiple tax exemptions.Rupert Roberts, pictured, told Tribune Business that the Minnis administration should “claw back” t

Gaming $101m income boost 'very difficult to replace'

Web shop advisers have warned that the $101m in annual salary income generated by the sector will be “very hard to replace” if the budget’s tax hikes result in mass lay-offs.A June 2018 report by the Oxford Economics consultancy, commissioned by the

Winning landfill bid chosen by June 25

The government plans to select the winning bidder for the New Providence landfill management contract by June 25, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.Romauld Ferriera, pictured, minister of the environment and housing, said a ‘Letter of Award’ would be

Aliv confirms readiness for 2018 storm season

Aliv yesterday moved to reassure Bahamians that its nationwide infrastructure was fully prepared to withstand a 2018 hurricane season projected to feature 13 named storms.Damian Blackburn, the mobile operator’s top executive, said: “We have ensured t

Gov't told: 'Strengthen' fly fishing regulations

THE Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association’s (BFFIA) president yesterday urged the government to “strengthen and not water down” regulations governing the industry. Prescott Smith told Tribune Business: “The Minister has said that they were going t

Aviation conference targets airlift boost

Tourism and aviation officials from 28 countries attended yesterday’s opening of the third annual Caribbean Aviation Meetup conference at Atlantis.Hailed as the region’s largest aviation conference, the conclave, which is being hosted by the Ministry

Airports 'haven't kept up' with tourism growth pace

AIRPORT development “has not kept up” with the pace of tourism growth, a Cabinet minister lamented yesterday, suggesting that passenger facility charges will be necessary to finance long overdue maintenance.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and

Tuesday, June 12

06122018 EDITION

Tuesday, 12th June, 2018.

FACE TO FACE: Two girl scientists on a mission

WHEN looking for solutions to the problems that face this country, we often look to our religious, political and social leaders for the answers. We look for grown-up solutions to problems that are affecting children as well. But what if some of the answers we need could be found in the children?

Taxi drivers fear they are being targeted after deadly shootings

BAHAMAS Taxicab Union President Philip Watkins said yesterday there is growing fear among cab drivers that they are being targeted in the wake of the shooting deaths of two of their colleagues over the past week.A distraught Mr Watkins told The Tribu

Gibson seeks delay in VAT rise

THOUGH he supports the tax hike, Long Island MP Adrian Gibson said he wants the government to postpone the increase of value added tax.

Suicide suspected in Grand Bahama

Police in Grand Bahama are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 45-year-old male of West End, Grand Bahama.

'I will focus on justice'

GARVIN Gaskin was officially sworn in yesterday as the country’s first independent Director of Public Prosecutions, a move Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said hopefully would end any “suggestion of political influence” from the executive branch of g

THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NASSAU UNTIL 7PM

SKYGUARD® THUNDERSTORM WARNING 1257

UPDATED: Two men dead after separate shootings

Two men are dead after shootings on Monday night and Tuesday morning.

D’Aguilar: Govt won’t move on web shop tax

IN the face of backlash over the government’s proposed tax increase on web shop operators, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said the new taxation sliding scale for number houses is “set in stone”.

‘We’re one hurricane away from disaster’

FINANCE Minister Peter Turnquest yesterday insisted the country was one major hurricane away from “total disaster” as he defended the impending value added tax hike in the face of mounting calls for the government to reconsider.

Dames to testify today in Frank Smith trial

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames is expected to give sworn testimony today in former Progressive Liberal Party Senator Frank Smith’s bribery and extortion trial, it was revealed yesterday.

Dames: ‘No reason to feel unsafe’

DESPITE a bloody weekend with three homicides recorded, National Security Minister Marvin Dames insisted murders continue to trend downward, adding Bahamians have absolutely no reason to feel unsafe in the country.

Man accused of helping suspect in boy’s killing evade justice

Suspect Johnny St Luc was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with accessory in connection with the death of seven-year-old Camron Cooper, who was killed by a stray bullet on Tuesday last week.

Baby drive welcomes donations to help struggling teen parents

To assist teen parents who are struggling financially, facing unemployment, and in some cases even turning to prostitution to make ends meet, a Community Care Baby Drive will be held later this month to offer assistance and take some of the pressure

Art and sole: 12-year-old girl finds creative way to recycle flip flops

When 10-year-old Naima Nixon picked up a pair of discarded flip flops off the beach in Exuma, she found a way to do more than clean up her surroundings – she found a new and unique canvas to paint her world.“I was walking on the beach about three ye

EDITORIAL: Good work, Works Minister

AMIDST all the criticism of the Minnis administration for the roll-out of a budget with massive tax increases`, The Tribune wants to hit pause and say “congratulations” for one job well done.

Urban Renewal centres approved as civilians take over operations

THE Minnis administration has approved the establishment of Urban Renewal community centres on all major Bahamian islands, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Lanisha Rolle said yesterday.Mrs Rolle made this statement while speaking at

Tambearly ready for a new era

TAMBEARLY School has opened its new high school building - ready to serve grades nine through twelve for the 2018-2019 school year.“The opening of the new high school brings to our students a state-of-the-art science lab, a magnificent music room, an

Bringing the girls together

'Sip n' Chat' event aims to unify women

Instead of pitting women against one another, as is often done by society, a special event this weekend seeks to unify and uplift all women. The ladies of Nassau will be treated to a special girls’ day when Sonovia Burrows hosts her third annual Sip

'Fireman' Brown pressing on with athletic career

ALTHOUGH he’s still disappointed his Chris Brown Invitational has been called off again, veteran quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown said he’s pressing on with his athletic career and he’s looking towards his completion in 2020.While he has not compe

Dance to the Zumba beatInstructors host big fitness party

Created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto Perez in the mid-90s, Zumba is a Latin-American fitness craze that has taken the world by storm.Here in the Bahamas, its popularity soared in the 2000s, with fitness instructors putting their

Process goals and outcome goals

Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic.

Entry level job losses no big deal

FINANCE Minister K Peter Turnquest must not capitulate to the Bahamas Gaming Operators Authority (BGOA) and its attorney, Alfred Sears, in their demands for the Free National Movement (FNM) administration to abandon its plan to exponentially increase taxes on web shops.

Where’s the money going?

THAT’S really the golden question, isn’t it? We were promised transparent governance and Bahamians have yet to be given a paper trail of where VAT revenue is going.

Mackey drives in seven RBI over last two games

DAVONN Mackey has hit a hot streak at the plate in the Dominican Summer League and has been the leading run producer for his club in its latest series.Mackey drove in seven RBI over the last two games for his DSL Athletics as they split games against

Bahamian players shine in Dominican Summer League

MINOR League Baseball’s Dominican Summer League recently began play and several Bahamian players made their professional debuts on their first assignment with their franchise.Courtney Smith and Keithron Moss began their first seasons with the DSL Ran

My right to spend

IN 2013, my wife and I were at odds about the Gambling Referendum, but we agreed on one thing — it is Bahamians’ right to spend their money however they felt. I believed then, as I believe now, that gambling is a past time.

Don’t take my job

IT’S interesting to hear the current government talk about being concerned about the interests of Bahamians.

Five charged over immigration offences

FIVE men were charged in Freeport yesterday before Magistrate Rengin Johnson for immigration offences. Among the group were three Ecuadorians: Luis Leonardo Mizhirumbay Chuqui, 32; Angel Salvador Bueno Chumbay, 32, and Daniel Ernesto Molleturo Juela

Women accused of overstaying in the Bahamas

TWO women, who pleaded guilty in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court to overstaying their time in the Bahamas, will have to pay a $1,000 fine and were ordered to leave the country by Friday. Mary Delice, 55, and her daughter Teffany Delice, 33, both of

'Test Your Drug' app hits the Anti-Doping Commission website

THE Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) seeks to repurpose its profile in order for athletes and the general public to get a greater understanding and appreciation of what the organisation does.Newly appointed executive director of the BADC, Petra

Pair accused of cruelty to 11-year-old child

A JAMAICAN man and woman were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over accusations of cruelty to an 11-year-old girl.Roger Omoy Hanson, 37 and Sophia Sands, 39, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with one count of chi

A&E’s Chief of Service aims to improve wait times, patient flow at PMH

In recent years the Princess Margaret Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department has seen unprecedented levels of overcrowding, with wait times of up to 12 hours.

'Our goal is to come back with a medal'

Despite some familiar names missing, members of the women’s national team selected to participate in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s FIBA Women’s Caribbean Cup feel that what they lack in size, they hope to make up with their heart and speed

Team Bahamas selected for Caribbean Cup

WITH a combination of players from New Providence and Grand Bahama and a number of collegians, the Bahamas Basketball Federation has selected the team to represent the Bahamas at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s FIBA Women’s Caribbean Cup.The

Commando Security Truckers stop BTC Elite Warriors 12-11

LAMAR Watkins scored the tying run and D’Juan Seymour got the winning run in the seventh inning as the Commando Security Truckers came from behind to nip the BTC Elite Warriors 12-11 as the New Providence Softball Association continued its regular se

THE PRESS BOX: More offseason rumblings from Lakerville

NOW, before we get started, bare in mind that these are rumours, they only carry so much weight. With that out of the way, it is has been rumoured recently, and post this year’s NBA Finals, that both of Magic Johnson‘s superstar free agent targets a

Burrows helps team to Game 1 victory in the Finals

JARAUN Burrows and FOS-Provence Basket are one step closer to a championship title and league promotion after a game one win in the LNB French Pro B Division Finals.Burrows was limited to just 17 foul-plagued minutes and scored six points in Fos-Sur-

'Huge' home price out from vat restructuring

A “huge” number of Bahamians will be priced out of home ownership by the budget, a prominent developer warned yesterday, revealing the cost of a popular housing model will rise $23,000.Franon Wilson, Arawak Homes president, told Tribune Business that

Gov't mulling amendments to fly fishing regulations

A Cabinet minister yesterday finally confirmed that the government is considering changes to to the controversial fly fishing regulations. Renward Wells, pictured, minister of agriculture and marine resources, said the significance of the flats fishi

Ex-minister: VAT exemptions are 'disaster recipe' all around

An ex-Cabinet minister yesterday said the government was “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” over the VAT hike, as he warned that increased exemptions are “a recipe for disaster”.Leslie Miller, the former Tall Pines MP, told Tribune Business he w

Chamber chief backs govt: ‘something had to be done’

Harsh fiscal austerity measures in the 2018-2019 budget were inevitable, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president arguing yesterday: “Something had to be done.”

‘At least’ 25% of VAT hike not new monies

The Bahamas’ chief WTO negotiator yesterday warned that “at least” 25 percent of the extra VAT revenue is “replacement” income rather than new money.

Chamber chief backs govt: 'something had to be done'

Harsh fiscal austerity measures in the 2018-2019 budget were inevitable, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president arguing yesterday: “Something had to be done.”Mick Holding, pictured, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas’ “very precarious p

Crawfish export limit faces 29% reduction

THE government will reduce the annual crawfish export limit from seven million to five million pounds, a Cabinet Minister told Parliament yesterday.Renward Wells, minister of agriculture and marine resources Minister, said: “In consultation with prim

MP calls for higher web shop taxation

Web shops should be taxed even higher than contemplated in the budget due to their impact on his constituency and other Out Islands, Long Island’s MP argued yesterday.Adrian Gibson, during his contribution to the 2018-2019 budget debate, said the “ex

Tourism wins media awards for Bahamas

The Ministry of Tourism (BMOTA) was recognised in the Virtual Visitor Award category for Best Feature in an Online Publication at the annual Caribbean Tourism Industry Awards. The award was granted to the Ministry and Alexander Britell, editor-in-chi

Monday, June 11

06112018 EDITION

Monday, 11th June, 2018.

INSIGHT: We desperately need a new leadership alternative

AS we brace ourselves for the impending reality of increased taxes, the government’s confirmation that it will proceed with the 4.5 percent VAT hike has left many Bahamians feeling disheartened. While the likelihood that they would have come back this week more amenable to consultation after having heard the public uproar was low, many people still had hope.

Police hunting armed robbers after weekend attacks

POLICE are asking members of the public to come forward with any information they might have to assist them in solving two armed robberies that occurred in Nassau on the weekend.In the first incident, shortly after 10pm on Friday, a man was walking o

Candles for Camron

FAMILY, friends and neighbours of slain primary school student Camron Cooper yesterday marched through the streets of his Englerston community, declaring that “enough is enough” in the aftermath of the young boy’s death by a stray bullet last week.

$2.5bn in VAT income – yet debt went up

THE government has collected some $2.5bn in value added tax revenue since 2015, according to Finance Minister Peter Turnquest who accused the former Christie administration of mismanaging the money.

Three dead in just 12 hours

THE family of two teen brothers fatally shot in a barbershop on Saturday are on edge, fearing criminals are not done with targeting their family.

70 percent against tax rise in survey

MOST Bahamians oppose the Minnis administration’s “People’s Budget”, with more than 70 percent against the impending value added tax increase, a new scientific poll from marketing and research firm Public Domain reveals.

INSIGHT: Grand Bahama reacts to VAT hike

GRAND Bahama was already struggling – then came the budget announcement that value added tax will increase to 12 percent next month.

EDITORIAL: Better to lose an election, than a country

BAHAMIANS have raised their voices against Government’s decision to raise the VAT tax from seven to 12 per cent. On the other hand, there are those who see no alternative but to raise taxes to stave off the looming financial crisis.

WORLD VIEW: Caribbean democracy demands change

THE Leader of the Opposition is assigned important roles in the Constitutions of all Commonwealth Caribbean (CC) countries. The roles stand at the heart of the democratic values to which the peoples of CC countries adhere. That is why provision should be made in the Constitutions of all CC countries for a seat to be reserved for the position of Leader of the Opposition if one political party, or its candidates, win all the seats in the House of Representatives at General Elections.

POLICE ADVICE: Rebuilding our communities by reaching out to the young

WHEN a child is born, they are born into a world of sin. Despite their innocence, they immediately become prisoners of their environment and the many influences around them.

Pedestrian killed after being hit by two vehicles

A PEDESTRIAN died after he was hit by two vehicles as he tried to walk across a highway on Saturday morning. According to police, around 2am Saturday, the man was attempting to walk across the southern lane of Tonique Williams Darling Highway, in the

500 student loans paid off after incentive plan

NEARLY five hundred borrowers have paid off student loans from the Education Loan Authority through the government’s student loan repayment incentive programme, which was established in February 2016.However, MICAL MP Miriam Emmanuel, ELA chairwoman,

INSIGHT – FOIA: A story of betrayal

THREE successive administrations from 1992 have promised to give us Freedom of Information. It all started with the Delivery Boy’s promise to bring us “Government In The Sunshine” to provide us with the tools to monitor the behaviour of public officials – our employees – and determine whether their performance is good enough, whether they have been acting in the interests of the public and not for their own benefit, that of their friends, relatives or lovers.

Charlton finishes 2nd, Seymour 4th in hurdles showdown

ALTHOUGH they had to run on the opposite side of the track due to the heavy rain, Purdue’s senior Devynne Charlton got out to a great start only to fade at the end for second place, while Texas’ senior Pedrya Seymour’s late comeback produced a fourth

Morality in 2018

THE Constitution of the Bahamas’ preamble states the following:

Stranger danger

A short while back, a Supreme Court jury acquitted a grown man of having sex with a 15-year-old boy. The not guilty vote was a vote of six to three.

Miller-Uibo and Wilson in win column

It was a double dose of victory for quarter-miler Shaunae Miller-Uibo and high jumper Jamal Wilson at the third annual JN Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday. But there was a scare for quarter-miler Steven Gardiner in the men’s 200m a

Davis Cup: Team Bahamas honoured

IT was a congratulatory night for the men’s Davis Cup team as the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association honoured player/captain Marvin Rolle, No.2 seed Philip Major Jr and newcomer Jody Turnquest for their achievement last week in Costa Rica of pulling the

Don't 'continually' hike VAT for fiscal escape

The government “cannot continually” use VAT hikes to solve its fiscal woes, a top accountant is warning, describing its rising debt servicing and unfunded pension costs as “worrisome”.

'Unfair' to tax web shops into losses

The government should not force the web shop industry out of business through the imposition of onerous taxation, a top accountant is arguing.

'Sanctions threat' from web shop taxation hike

The prime minister has been warned by the Caribbean’s former top financial regulator that The Bahamas faces the “considerable danger” of sanctions from the web shop gaming tax hikes.Calvin Wilson, the immediate past executive director for the Caribbe

Baha Mar contractor: No rooms for Sarkis

Baha Mar’s main contractor refused to turn over completed rooms to the original developer in early 2015 as it sought leverage to claim an extra $119m in their growing payment dispute.A senior China Construction America (CCA) official, in a February 1

Ginn purchaser plans initial 120-room hotel

A Canadian-based developer aims to build a new 120-room hotel, add 75 marina slips and upgrade the airport and golf course within 24 months once it closes its acquisition of the former Ginn sur mer.Skyline Investments, a Toronto-based real estate inv

Manufacturers slam 'inaccuracy' on sector

Manufacturers have challenged recent statements by The Bahamas’ chief World Trade Organisation’s negotiator, arguing that “worrisome” inaccuracies undermine the sector’s significance.The Bahamas Light Industries Development Council (BLIDC), respondin

Tourism director-general gains top regional award

The Bahamas’ tourism director-general has received the Caribbean Tourism Industry’s Allied Award for her work on the industry’s sustainable development. Joy Jibrilu was presented with the honour during the Caribbean Tourism Industry Awards Dinner and

'Gate should never have been open' to web shops

A Bahamian businessman has urged the government to present a “detailed audit” of the web shop gaming sector, and is backing the introduction of a National Lottery.Peter Roker, operator of the Bargain City Plaza on Carmichael Road, told Tribune Busine

Sunday, June 10

Two held after $168,000 of marijuana recovered in Exuma

A joint operation between police and Defence Force officers resulted in the seizure of $168,000 worth of dangerous drugs in Exuma on Sunday morning.

Saturday, June 9

Man shot dead by armed robber

A man was shot dead outside his home on Saturday night - the third homicide of the day in the capital.

Two dead after shooting inside barbershop

Two men are dead after a shooting inside a barbershop on Saturday morning.

Friday, June 8

06082018 EDITION

Friday, 8th June, 2018.

06082018 WEEKEND

Friday, 8th June, 2018.

Police seeking two men

Police are seeking the public’s help in locating two men.

Business man says people will suffer if gambling issue not addressed

A VETERAN businessman yesterday said the Bahamian people and economy will suffer if the gambling issue is not addressed.

Hotel Corporation transitioned to the Tourism Development Corporation

THE Hotel Corporation has now transitioned to the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), according to its Chairman, Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine.

Woman accused of daughter's death to have mental fitness tested next month

A 40-year-old woman accused of killing her one-year-old daughter by setting her on fire last year will have her mental fitness to stand trial tested by a Supreme Court jury next month.

Two armed robberies within hours

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding two armed robberies that occurred within five hours of each other in the capital on Thursday.

Judge denies man's claim on ex-wife's properties

A Supreme Court judge has denied a man’s attempts to secure an interest in his ex-wife’s $4m home and her 12 condominiums, while ordering his ex-wife to pay him $100,000 to “ease his transition” into living without a partner.

MP: Grand Bahama 'dying a slow death'

PINERIDGE MP Frederick McAlpine said Grand Bahama “is dying a slow death,” urging his governing party to try a “little harder and faster” to bring some economic relief to the island.

International humanitarian award for 'Mother' Pratt

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia “Mother” Pratt has received an international humanitarian award for her commitment to community building throughout the years.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NASSAU - until Friday 8pm

Frequent Lightning, Heavy Rain & Wind

Boston Dynamics’ scary robot videos: Are they for real?

If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video of a Boston Dynamics robot, you probably remember it. But you may not know what the videos leave out.

Drilling finds more murky groundwater in Grand Bahama

MURKY groundwater samples were obtained on Wednesday during another drilling exercise at Pinder’s Point, Grand Bahama – an area residents believe is affected by industrial pollution. The exercise was undertaken by the Grand Bahama Environmental Assoc

A COMIC'S VIEW: What a time to be alive

The year 2018 is turning out to be quite an eye opening experience for Bahamian voters who overwhelmingly brought the current Minnis administration to power in 2017. It’s a time to witness the same leaders in Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Depu

Cooper hits out at FNM hypocrisy

EXUMA & Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper (PLP) ridiculed the Free National Movement and its intended value added tax hike yesterday, portraying a party that voted against VAT’s introduction as hypocritical.

'Tough choice is best for country'

THE Minnis administration may pay a political price for its value added tax hike, but it is better to pay that price than face the ramifications of not making the hard decisions, St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright said yesterday.As he made a case fo

Miss Bahamas is the queen of hearts

NEWLY-crowned Miss World Bahamas Brinique Gibson visited the students and faculty of Garvin Tynes Primary School and Autism Centre yesterday. She greeted and embraced the students who were ecstatic to see her. Ms Gibson was crowned last month during

‘We’ll tackle any illegal web shops’

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday warned that any illegality in the gaming industry will be “vigorously addressed” by the government as he moved to address recent statements by gaming house operators that appeared to resonate as a threat of moving “underground” to escape impending tax increases.

McAlpine calls for income tax rather than VAT rise

OUTSPOKEN Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine yesterday ridiculed his government’s budget, telling parliamentarians it appears Free National Movement politicians have reneged on their words.

New osmosis plant for Ragged Island

THE Water and Sewerage Corporation is in the process of procuring a solarised reverse osmosis plant for Ragged Island, WSC Chairman Adrian Gibson told The Tribune yesterday.

Gaming board workers tested for tuberculosis

WORKERS in the Centreville House building have been tested for tuberculosis in the wake of speculation that a female Gaming Board employee was hospitalised last week for the illness, Bahamas Public Services Union President Kimsley Ferguson told The Tribune yesterday.

Police investigating motive behind fatal shooting

POLICE yesterday said they are following several leads into a shooting that left a man dead.Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, the officer in charge of criminal investigations, yesterday said officers are sifting through various repo

NPOTSA ALL-STAR CLASSIC SET FOR SATURDAY

THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association is set to hold its All-Star Classic in the Archdeacon Canon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds on Saturday.

Climate change campaigners partner with church leaders

Leading climate change experts and campaigners said Wednesday they would work with the leaders of the Orthodox Church and other religions to fight global warming, after expressing concern that their message was not reaching people fast enough.Scienti

Pathologist testifies over police shooting of teenager

A FORENSIC pathologist yesterday confirmed that the purported sequence of events surrounding the shooting death of a teenager by a police officer in Yellow Elder Gardens five years ago corresponded with the two gunshot wounds the victim received.Dr C

Bid to raise funds for crash victim's family

A GOFUNDME account has been launched to support the family of one of the three men killed in a plane crash on Eleuthera earlier this week.The American men were identified as Scott Dawson, Todd Crawford and Danny McKnight. Their deaths are being inves

FNM chairman: Our budget will clear up PLP mess

FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer has said the Minnis administration’s 2018-2019 budget will “solve” the “financial mess” left behind by the Progressive Liberal Party. There has been intense backlash to the government’s plan to raise the va

Sprite Basketball Tournament celebrates 10th anniversary with return on July 2

THE Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force will once again team up for the 10th Annual Sprite Basketball Tournament. Young men will work together and compete on nine district teams to win the coveted title of Sprite baske

RBDF holds major exercise

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force will be hosting the largest military training exercise of its kind this month.Tradewinds 2018 is an annual regional military training exercise that will be held in the Bahamas from June 14 to 21. This year’s exercise w

Papa John’s to open in the Bahamas

WITH Papa John’s set to open its doors this summer, Papa John’s Bahamas CEO John F Wilson is as excited about the company’s commitment to the Bahamian community, as he is about making great pizza consistent with the Papa John’s global standard.

THE FINISH LINE - Davis Cup: Bahamas, 'it's time to get back to Zone I'

OVER the weekend, the Bahamas’ super quartet of Baker Newman, Philip Major Jr, Jody Turnquest and player captain Marvin Rolle returned home, having accomplished their ultimate goal of advancing from American Zone III to Zone II for 2019. It was anot

Fox and Chisholm are recognised as MiLB All-Stars

A PAIR of Bahamian baseball players have received midseason accolades and were recognised by their respective leagues as MiLB All-Stars.Lucius Fox was named to the Florida State League’s Southern Division All-Star Team while Jazz Chisholm was named t

David Nesbitt helps his team capture league title in Brazil

David Nesbitt and his club captured a league title in Brazil.Paulistano Sao Paolo closed out the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) finals with an 82-76 win over Mogi das Cruzes to clinch the best of five series 3-1.Nesbitt got the start but finished with ju

UB's 12th annual Summer Camp starts on June 25

FOR another year, Sean Bastian will provide an avenue for many youngsters to experience college life at the University of the Bahamas as they participate in the 12th annual Sports Summer Camp.Designed for boys and girls between the ages of eight and

North Carolina Tar Heels prepare for Summer of Thunder

ANOTHER high profile NCAA Division I programme has announced their intention to return to the Bahamas this summer for a series of exhibitions.The 2017 NCAA champions will debut their new freshman class as one of the many highlights to this year’s fie

EDITORIAL: New VAT hike must be revisited

IT IS said that the job of political leaders is to balance conflicting priorities and goals and make decisions based on the welfare and best interests of the people. That looks to be a sensible and laudable ideal. But it may be seen here in The Bahamas as hollow, if not risible, following the announcement in the Budget last week of a huge increase of 60 per cent in Value Added Tax, a move which will have predictably negative consequences for our nation across-the board.

Time to pay for our lunch

Milton Friedman was a Nobel prize winning economist famous for repeating a truism of life: there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.

Bjorn Munroe tennis tourney set for Freeport today

THE Bjorn Munroe 2018 International Tennis Tournament is scheduled to take place at the YMCA tennis facilities in Freeport today, with players from the United States competing with local players.Mr Munroe – who was the youngest Bahamas junior nationa

Justice for Camron

The Committee for Gender Equality & The Rights of the Child extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of eight-year-old Camron Cooper.

Archaic views of clergy

The Baptist leaders’ assertion that the government’s proposed Marital Rape Bill “Tarnishes the sanctity of marriage” glaringly highlights the archaic mindset of many Bahamian men, including a sizable block of the local clergy.

Students are honoured for a successful year

AS the school year comes to a close, 13 students from Doris Johnson Senior High School were rewarded for their achievements.Last year, BTC pledged its support to the Student of the Month programme where it recognised the outstanding achievements of s

Sports Notes

THE Bahamas Rugby Union is scheduled to put on an exhibition game between the Bahamas’ under-23 team and the visiting LSC Rattlesnakes at Winton rugby pitch 3pm Saturday.

Grand Bahama Regatta all set for July

THIS year’s GB Regatta Committee:

TECH TALK June 6th, 2018.

• Georg von Tiesenhausen, the last of the German rocket team that launched the US space programme, has died at his Alabama home. He was 104.

Gospel musical promotes 'Better Days' for Bahamian youth

The cast and crew of the gospel musical “Better Days” are promising audiences a “mesmerising” experience when the curtain officially goes up on the new stage production later this month.The play examines the lives of two young Bahamians – one who fin

Zion Baptist welcomes new 'youthful' pastor

The Zion Yamacraw Baptist Church is celebrating the induction of its new pastor, Dr Glendon Rolle, this Sunday at 3pm.Dr Rolle follows in the footsteps of the church’s founder, the late Bishop Samuel R Greene. During the service, the charge to take o

Prayer for the nation

The great I am that I am, we the people of this Bahamaland exalt and lift up your name on high. We magnify and glorify your name above all names.Yahweh, our lord, you are our rock and fortress and deliverer; our only God, our strength, in whom we wil

Zion's 'women in white' honoured

Matriach Gerlean Jones, Sister Veronica Smith and ‘Mother’ Rachael Mackey of Zion Baptist Church were recently recognised for having lived out their unique callings despite challenges and opposition—inspiring modern-day men and women of the church to

Meditation - Body, mind and spirit

We are made up of three areas of great importance. Each needs to be given individual emphasis even as the three together need integration if we are to become whole persons.Our bodies require care of a particular sort in order to remain as healthy as

Apple dangling more goodies, while adding tech diet options

Apple will offer more ways for people to limit the time they spend on iPhones while introducing features designed to make its products even more indispensable.

How about a Cursillo weekend?

A Cursillo weekend is a retreat from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon. It is a unique approach to Christian living in that presentations are largely by lay individuals. They share their walk in life through a series of informal talks and dis

Despite religious opposition, Israel opens nature museum with evolution exhibit

After decades of planning and delays, Israel is opening the doors of a new national natural history museum in the city of Tel Aviv, a facility that aims to increase scientific education despite religious opposition to the theory of evolution.The ultr

Spring cleaning for soul - Refreshed and renewed -

Imagine yourself standing in a room that has just been cleaned. Somehow the air is fresher, the light seems brighter, and you get to imagine possibilities.This is what our Spring cleaning series has been about. There are some areas in our lives that

High school graduates thank God for reaching milestone

The graduates of the L N Coakley High School Class of 2018 were commended for their choice to attend a worship service and thank God for allowing them to reach this academic milestone.The students visited with Rev Stephen Smith, along with his wife K

Web shops urged to withhold due taxes

Web shops were yesterday urged to withhold all revenues currently due to the government, amid claims planned tax hikes were intended to wipe them out in favour of a national lottery.Philip Galanis, the former MP and senator, told Tribune Business he

Tax change threat to 'resilient' $928m FDI inflow's repeat

The Bahamas needs a repeat of last year’s “resilient” $928m foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow more than ever, but real estate’s new VAT treatment represents a potential obstacle.While a United Nations (UN) agency said 2017’s FDI flow dropped jus

Ex-minister 'totally opposed' to web shop taxation hike

The ex-Cabinet minister who oversaw the web shop industry’s legalisation yesterday queried why it was being hit with “destructive” taxation despite meeting all its obligations to date.Obie Wilchcombe, the former minister of tourism, told Tribune Busi

Aircraft registry 'not serious' unless 10% Customs levy ends

The Bahamas’ aircraft registry ambitions “would not have been taken seriously” unless the ten percent Customs duty was eliminated, an attorney revealed yesterday.Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright, a leading advocate for the creation of an enhanced registry,

Gov’t shows ‘inflexibility’ on 12% VAT, timelines

The Government has largely shown “little flexibility” to-date over the planned 12 percent VAT and timeline for its implementation, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive said yesterday.

Thursday, June 7

06072018 EDITION

Thursday, 7th June, 2018.

Going . . . going . . . gone: Controlled sinking of HMBS Yellow Elder (video)

HER Majesty’s Bahamian Ship Yellow Elder was sunk as a “dive wreck” yesterday by Stuart’s Cove Dive Bahamas, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force said.The vessel will be used as an artificial reef site for visitors.Commissioned on November 20,1986, HMBS Y

THE BIG QUESTION: Who deserves a national honour?

THE Advisory Committee for National Honours is calling for nominations of notable Bahamians to be considered for a national award.

Minnis calm over political risk from tax rise

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis does not appear concerned about losing political capital because of raising VAT to 12 percent.“I have said before my job is to save the country,” Dr Minnis said yesterday when The Tribune asked him if he was worried hi

Electric bill exemption on VAT is raised to $200

THE value added tax exemption ceiling on electricity bills has been raised to $200, Finance Minister K Peter Turnquest revealed yesterday.The change will come into effect August 1.Last week he announced the ceiling would be $100, but the decision was

Turnquest: My company won't benefit from budget

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said it is “ridiculous” to believe removing customs duty on aeroplanes and helicopters will prompt him to now buy aircraft for his business.The government is removing customs duty on aeroplanes and helicopters in

Laing defends former FNM govt

FORMER Minister of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing defended the fiscal performance of past Free National Movement administrations yesterday, knocking the Minnis administration’s narrative that its current fiscal consolidation measures are necessary

Chipman condemns his own party's plan to increase VAT

CENTERVILLE MP Reece Chipman tore into his party’s budget yesterday evening, fretting about the impact various fee increases will have on his constituents. He said he does not support the planned value added tax increase to 12 percent and lamented no

Web shop industry: 2,000 jobs will be lost due to tax hikes

The web shop industry yesterday warned that 2,000 jobs will be lost, and 75 per cent of its locations will close, if the Government follows through with aggressive triple-digit tax hikes.

Minnis: Don’t spread rumours over Labour Day March tragedy

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday urged the public not to speculate or spread rumours concerning the Labour Day tragedy, underscoring the matter will be thoroughly investigated.

Man dies in shooting

A man died on Tuesday night after a shooting on Carmichael Road and Bacardi Road.

‘All I want is justice’

THE shooting death of seven-year-old Camron Cooper has devastated his family and shocked the community he called home.

Health Minister leads trip to Switzerland

HEALTH minister Duane Sands led a delegation to the 71st World Health Assembly Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, last month. In a speech on the Assembly floor, Dr Sands drew the meeting’s attention to the connectedness of natural disasters, carbon emis

Ayton: 'I'm the best competitor in this' NBA Draft

Following his pre-draft workout with the Phoenix Suns, Deandre Ayton is confident that he has shown the franchise enough to solidify his position as the top overall pick in this month’s NBA Draft.The Suns hosted Ayton’s first media availability of th

Dean warns of a summer of rain as storm season close

THERE will be an increase in rainfall over the next few months, chief meteorologist Basil Dean said in the wake of yesterday’s thunderstorms.Mr Dean said Wednesday’s rains were triggered by a mid to low-level trough, the effects of which should trigg

Tigers select Fernander in 35th round ofMLB Draft

FOR the second consecutive year, a pitcher was added to the list of Bahamian baseball talent selected in the Major League Baseball Draft.Chavez Fernander was selected by the Detroit Tigers organisation yesterday, in the 35th round with the 1,035th ov

Catastrophic Insurance to cost $3.4m

THE government’s policy from the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility will this year cost taxpayers $3.4m.Finance Minister Peter Turnquest made the announcement yesterday as he told MPs the government also plans to establish a disaster reli

Rapist loses appeal of his conviction

THE COURT of Appeal has dashed a convicted rapist’s hopes of overturning a Supreme Court judge’s decision not to entertain his bid at challenging his life sentence because doing so would have amounted to an “abuse of the process of the court”.Appella

Police car in collision with vehicle at foot of bridge

A POLICE cruiser en route to the prison was involved in an accident with a civilian’s car near Sidney Poitier Bridge on Tuesday evening. The vehicles collided into each other at the intersection of Church Street and East Bay Street at approximately

DIANE PHILLIPS: Memories you can touch

On Sunday, I threw away a Scrabble box that was more than 50 years old. It was hard to do because my parents’ hands had touched it. My mother died in 1965, my father the following year. That Scrabble box was one of the few remaining things I had with a trace of their DNA on it.

Bartender told police that tool was a firearm

A BARTENDER mistaking a wheel wrench for a firearm ultimately led to a police officer fatally shooting the man wielding it inside of a nightclub three years ago, a jury heard yesterday.Ramaeo Andrews, a Jet Ski operator, said one of the G-Spot’s bart

Police probe suspected drowning

Police are investigating the apparent drowning of a man at the government’s dock in Abaco yesterday.ASP Terecita Pinder reported that police received a report shortly after 10am of a body discovered floating in waters in an area near the Sandy Point

Concert in aid of band director

A marching band leader on Grand Bahama who is battling health problems is the beneficiary of a fund-raising all-star gospel concert on Sunday.The One Bahamas Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, an

Ignorance of Budget Rules and Conventions

For those who have a nodding acquaintance with the rules and conventions of cabinet government as practised in a parliamentary democracy – particularly one like ours which follows the Westminster model – it is quite surprising to see people who ought to know better complaining about how they were blindsided by the increase in the valued added tax (VAT) by Finance Minister Peter Turnquest.

Thank you, Princess Margaret Hospital

OFTEN times, we criticise the administration of PMH, particularly that of the A&E Department. With this in mind, I’ve decided to express my sincere gratitude to the administration publicly.

Budget and web shops

THE government establishes taxes so the government has the right to raise or lower taxes - that is a given. Discrimination, etc, laugh at that.

Rolle warns NIB contributions may rise in future

NATIONAL Insurance Minister Brensil Rolle yesterday suggested officials will have to make a judgement call at some point on whether to increase National Insurance Board contributions as the government struggles to balance a “tremendous” increase in b

Contractors seek VAT 'waiver', six month transition

Bahamian contractors yesterday pledged to seek a “waiver” or six-month transition to 12 percent VAT to prevent those locked into existing contracts from being “wiped out”.Leonard Sands, pictured, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president

12% VAT only escape from 'double whammy'

The deputy prime minister yesterday said a 12 percent VAT was the only way to avoid “a double whammy” for the Bahamian people in closing a $400m budget “gap”.KP Turnquest, kicking-off the budget debate in the House of Assembly, said the Government’s

$75m for Over-The-Hill sewerage infrastructure

A project to connect two-thirds of over-the-hill residential dwellings to a centralised sewerage system will cost $74.659m, the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s chair revealed on yesterday.

Hotel relief on VAT transition extension

The Bahamas’ largest industry yesterday breathed a sigh of relief after the government agreed to an extended VAT transition beyond July 1 for pre-booked business.Suzanne Pattusch, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) executive vice-pres

Spongers agree deal for processing centre

The Bahamas Commercial Spongers Association (BCSA) has signed two contracts to lease and renovate a building as part of efforts to revive the industry.The contracts were signed on May 31, 2018, for a building that will become a sponge processing plan

Nassau to host key aviation conference

The Caribbean region’s largest aviation conference will take flight in Nassau this June, bringing together major industry players and investors for three days of discussions.The third annual Caribbean Aviation Meet-up is scheduled for June 12-14, wit

THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Forward-looking design that never goes back

The only time we should ever look back in life is to see how far we have come. This is definitely something to ponder considering the many challenges, failures and disappointments that sometimes seem to follow us each day.Whether we believe in this m

Wednesday, June 6

Stingers' summer basketball camp begins June 25

THE Stingers Youth Basketball Association will collaborate once again with an elite training programme out of the United States as it prepares to host another edition of its summer basketball camp series.Tony Hobbs, head basketball instructor at Brid

06062018 EDITION

Wednesday 6th June, 2018.

500 remain in shanty towns ahead of demolition

AS the July 31 eviction deadline approaches, some 500 residents are believed to remain in shanty towns set for demolition in the capital, The Tribune was told.

Davis: Taxation will drive web shops underground

AS HE urged the government to revisit the proposed tax sliding scale for web shops, Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said increasing taxes on gaming house operators provides the incentive for the numbers business to return to the “underground”.

Davis won't commit to cutting VAT

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis was noncommittal yesterday on whether a PLP administration will return the value added tax rate to 7.5 percent should the party be elected to office in the next general election.Instead, Mr Davis

Christian Council wants rethink on tax increase

BAHAMAS Christian Council President Delton Fernander wants Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to remember his past lamentations about value added tax and to reconsider his government’s intention to increase VAT’s rate by 60 percent next month.At one poi

Breadbasket items list to include healthier goods

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands has promised more healthy changes are on the horizon for the breadbasket list - after wide public consultation.Dr Sands underscored the Minnis administration’s commitment to fully vetting proposed changes, adding they w

Trucks may be banned from future parades

LABOUR leaders are discussing removing flatbeds and trucks from future Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day parades in light of last week’s tragedy, Labour Minister Dion Folks said yesterday.

Foulkes: Keep MPs salaries as they are

MINISTER of Labour Dion Foulkes said the salaries for MPs should remain as they are until there is a substantial economic turnaround.

UPDATED: Shot dead as he set off for school

A seven-year-old boy about to head to his last day of school was fatally shot outside of his Piper Lane home yesterday morning after being hit by a stray bullet.

Policeman: It was my life or his

A SENIOR police officer yesterday expressed his remorse to a woman for having to kill her teenage grandson in Yellow Elder Gardens five years ago, although he added: “It was either my life or his.”

OAS has crucial role in region

The Organization of American States is now in its 70th year. An organisation long and naturally dominated by the United States, the OAS has been criticised for that and for other things. But whether they are speaking from the core of their conscience or playing to the TV cameras for points with viewers back home, Western Hemisphere heads of government and foreign ministers often make news when attending an OAS meeting.

Building destroyed in Eight Mile Rock blaze

FIREFIGHTERS are investigating the cause of a building fire in the Eight Mile Rock area on Monday evening.ASP Terecita Pinder said fire officials received a report around 11.30pm of a blaze in Pinedale, EMR, in the area of Zion Baptist Church.On arri

Healthy start has fallen flat

I am obsessed with being sober. There is absolutely no one, or occasion that I can use as an excuse for me to consume alcohol, I am not telling anyone if they should drink or not.

ALICIA WALLACE: Why VAT rise hits hardest for the people who can least afford it

Bahamians tuned in to the Budget Communication in Parliament last Wednesday with great interest. After laying out a number of supposed benefits to the Bahamian people, Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest showed the price tag. The FNM administration intends to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) by 60 percent, taking it up from 7.5 percent to 12 percent on July 1. It expects this tax hike to increase revenue by $400m in the next fiscal year.

EDITORIAL: Trump’s daily diet of six outright lies

PERHAPS the biggest casualty of the Donald Trump presidency in the United States has been the truth. Trump lies all the time, without appearing to hesitate first. There is no evidence Trump possesses any internal governor that would regulate his mendacious behaviour.

Woman abducted and raped on Sunday morning

A WOMAN was abducted and raped after leaving a pharmacy in the Carmichael Road area on Sunday morning, Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash told The Tribune yesterday. The incident took place shortly after 9am. “A lady…was at a local pharmaceutical es

Leave term limits alone

Must we copy-cat the United States on everything they do, even the dumb stuff? The government wants to tinker with the Constitution by imitating the American practice of limiting their president to two terms in office.

Charlton v Seymour hurdles showdown ‘will be a treat’

At some point before she was done, Devynne Charlton figured that she would eventually face Pedrya Seymour in a major collegiate championship matchup.

‘Keno’ gets chance to play for title in French league

JARAUN ‘Keno’ Burrows, one of the Bahamas’ most talented basketball players, will get a chance to play for the championship title in the French Pro B Division, the second tier level league in the country.

National exposure on deck for Freeport Rugby Football Club

THOUGH their Heineken Cup season ended with a bitter defeat to Baillou, Freeport Rugby Football Club will join forces with their Bahamian rugby rivals in a highly anticipated showdown with a Texas all-star squad in Nassau on Saturday.

BCA: VAT hike to shut 40% of construction sector

The VAT rate hike will force 30-40 percent of Bahamian contractors out of business, the government was warned yesterday, while reducing this nation to “a tourism-only economy”.

Developer: 'Millions on the line' through VAT structure alter

A prominent Bahamian developer yesterday warned “millions of dollars are on the line” through budget tax changes that make it “impossible” for real estate projects to claim back VAT.Jason Kinsale, president of Aristo Development, told Tribune Busines

Fiscal hawk: Reject IMF on revenue ratio

The Bahamas was yesterday urged by a well-known “fiscal hawk” to strive for the “lowest revenue ratio in the Caribbean” and reject the IMF and credit rating agencies’ advice.Rick Lowe, an executive with the Nassau Institute think-tank, told Tribune B

Gov't financial systems 80% below maximum

The government’s financial management systems remain “below global standard” and have seen “limited improvement”, scoring 80 percent below maximum in their last assessment.An Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report on The Bahamas’ “fiduciary sys

$400m extra VAT 'more than risky'

The Government’s forecast of $400m in extra VAT revenues is “more than risky”, the Exuma Chamber of Commerce’s president warning: “I can almost guarantee it won’t happen.”Pedro Rolle yesterday told Tribune Business that the 60 per cent VAT rate hike’

Nassau Flight Services privatisation 'six to eight months away' from end

The Government’s bid to privatise Nassau Flight Services (NSF) is “probably six to eight months away from coming to a conclusion”, a Cabinet minister has revealed.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, said the potential sale of the go

VAT hike to shut 40% of construction sector

The VAT rate hike will force 30-40 percent of Bahamian contractors out of business, the government was warned yesterday, while reducing this nation to “a tourism-only economy”.Leonard Sands, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president, tol

$6m tour operator to create 70 jobs

A $6m tour operation will create 70 jobs within its first year when it begins to expose Eleuthera to thousands of tourists from 2019 onwards.Tourism Adventures plans to launch a fast ferry that will take 500 guests per day from Nassau to Eleuthera in

Tuesday, June 5

06052018 EDITION

Tuesday, 5th June, 2018.

UPDATED: Three American men killed in Eleuthera plane crash

THREE American men were killed when a plane heading from Eleuthera to the United States crashed Tuesday.

FACE TO FACE: Witnessing tears and violence drove Elaine to show a brighter path

Why do we hurt the ones we say we love? I believe somewhere in our hearts and minds when we hurt others, it’s because we were not loving ourselves. The love we say we have for others must be felt within the very core of our being. Once safe and secure in our own personal love, then we can have healthy, loving relationships that edify us rather than destroy us.

'We kept rise secret to avoid disruption'

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said the government withheld its intention to increase value added tax until last week because it did not want to influence the consumer behaviour of Bahamians.People everywhere have lamen

We lost so much

THERE has been no moment in the past four days void of a tearful reminder of what the Labour Day tragedy took away, according to Bahamas Financial Services Union President Theresa Mortimer.In an interview with The Tribune at her Horseshoe Drive offic

Munroe: Has officer been involved in multiple shootings?

ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe wants to know if the police officer responsible for the death of 20-year-old Deangelo Evans has been involved in other fatal police shootings this year. Mr Munroe is representing the Evans family and is expected to start reachin

Boater dies as vessel hits reef

ONE man died and two others were injured when their speedboat smashed into a reef just off the coast of New Providence late Sunday night.

Fleeing robber shot by officers

POLICE shot a man in his legs yesterday after he allegedly robbed a woman of her handbag containing cash and other items.

And the national honour goes to . . .

THE Advisory Committee for National Honours is calling on the public to submit nominations of notable Bahamians to be considered for a national award.

FNM MPs kept in dark on increase

THE government’s proposed value added tax increase was not only a shock to the nation but completely blindsided several Free National Movement members of Parliament who told The Tribune yesterday it appeared the decision was kept within the confines of Cabinet.

‘Better VAT than risking disaster’

AS the nation shudders from the shock of the 12 percent value added tax rate, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis reportedly told a Cabinet minister it is “better to lose an election than to lose a country.”

Why you shouldget a health coach

Driver who struck biker must pay family $30,000

A MAN ordered to pay an interim sum of $30,000 in financial assistance to the family of a motorcyclist he killed after hitting him from behind with his truck nearly three years ago has had his legal bid to get out of paying that sum dismissed by the

Stefan Knowles dominates Long Island Regatta

IT was a dominating performance from Stefan Knowles over his older brother Mark Knowles as the skippers endured a dual showdown at the annual Long Island Regatta in Salt Pond, Long Island, over the Labour Day holiday weekend.To show how dominant his

Beauty veteran has sweet dreams thanks to new business venture

Nighttime hair care is about to get fabulous if Iyeasha Storr-Williams has anything to say about it. A veteran of the local beauty industry, she is has used her imaginative techniques and hard work to build a reputation for being able to fulfil any c

REST IN PEACE DEVIN FRANCIS

THE sporting community mourns the passing of another outstanding former sports writer. Devin Francis, who served previously as a sports editor with The Nassau Guardian, passed away on Friday after an illness with cancer.Francis, 47, was employed at T

Washington-based publisher celebrates the Bahamas

In Washington, DC where, she currently resides, people oftentimes referred to writer Wendy Coakley Thompson as “that girl from Barbuda, Barbados or Jamaica”. It became an almost everyday occurrence for her to correct and educate people on her dual i

BUSINESS BITES: The Budget’s socialist absurdities

I see the new VAT-free Bread Basket will now include mustard. Why not ketchup? How did the Government’s expert nutritionist decide which flavouring is essential in the diet for the cash-strapped family?

Wheelchair donation to change Trinity's life

A POLICE officer went above and beyond the call of duty last Tuesday by making a generous donation to a student in need. Constable #3953 Stephen Miller donated a brand new wheelchair and walker to Trinity Turnquest, a physically challenged student a

J Barrie Farrington overcomes three types of cancer

Tourism pioneer dedicated to living life to the fullest

IN the last five years, John Barrie Farrington, CBE, 82, has battled three different types of cancer. Today, all three are in remission.In an interview with Tribune Health, Mr Farrington discussed his “inordinate piece of good luck” and his experienc

Two cleared of murder

A SUPREME Court jury has acquitted two Dorsett Alley residents of last year’s murder of another man in the Farrington Road area.

Website launched for GB property firm

GRAND Bahama Development Company Limited’s (DEVCO) property maintenance firm has launched a new website to improve customer engagement and overall service.

THE PRESS BOX: The latest rumblings from 'Lakerland'

THE NBA Finals appears to be headed to another rapid conclusion. And when the Lakers don’t make the Finals the buzz around the team goes into hyperdrive. Free agency will feature LeBron James and a supporting cast eager to join the Lakers and impro

Red Dress Soirée leading lady nominations now open

Nominations for the fourth bi-annual Red Dress Soirée are now open. The Red Dress Soirée honours women leading the way in national development and community building. Submissions are accepted exclusively at www.reddressbahamas.com. The entry deadline

Amateur golfers win championship titles

RICHARD Gibson Jr successfully defended his title and once again emerged as the Bahamas Golf Federation’s national amateur male champion in the Royal Fidelity National Amateur Championships recently held over a four-day period.The new female champion

Kai Jones invited to NBA's Global Camp in Italy

KAI Jones continues his meteoric rise up the recruiting charts for the class of 2019 and his exposure at elite showcases continues to garner attention from scouts, coaches and major NCAA Division I programmes.Jones was invited to the NBA’s Global Cam

Slatter, Rolle emerge as national bowling champions

For the third consecutive year, David Slatter has emerged as the Bahamas Bowling Federation men’s national champion. For the third time, Driskell Rolle has captured the ladies’crown.The two champions were crowned on Sunday at Mario’s Bowling and Fami

Accessibility remains importantissue for Disability Council

Efforts to promote awareness of the disabled community are finally paying off, however, one big obstacle still remains – creating accessibility to public buildings and businesses, according to the president of the National Council For Disability.Shei

Golfers swing for a good cause with AIDS Foundation

THE Bahamas AIDS Foundation is hosting its first Red Tee Charity Golf Tournament to benefit an outreach programme for adolescents infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.The event takes place this Thursday at the Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar beginnin

EDITORIAL: PUBLIC CONSULTATION NEEDED ON OFFSHORE OIL

People familiar with The Bahamas who have also travelled to other comparable holiday places know we have something special to offer here. We are blessed with the beauty of nature and an equable climate with fine beaches surrounded by what those who have been to the Exumas claim to be the clearest waters on the planet.

Knowles and Cougars eliminated in title game

THE postseason run came to an end for Perez Knowles and his Colombus State Cougars in the NCAA Division II World Series title game.Knowles suffered his fourth loss of the season and the No.8 Cougars were eliminated with a 3-2 loss to the No.11 August

Majority Rule

IN a letter to the editor “the Graduate” answered my article about Majority Rule in The Bahamas. I seldom answer such letters because the writer has not got the moral courage to use a proper name. So in this article I will refer to “the Graduate” as “He/she/it” which will cover all the possibilities of identifying the person or beast.

Focus on Oban

Abracadabra! I never thought in my wildest imagination that provisions would have been made for me to finally get a helicopter. This proves that dreams do come true.

NPSA: Sharks devour Truckers 8-1, Wildcats stop Warriors 10-0

THE New Providence Softball Association continued its regular season in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex with a double header in the ladies’ division on Saturday night.In the opener, the Platinum Lady Sharks devoured the Johns

$360m arrears 'dive in' not in national interest

The government’s rush to pay-off its $360m arrears is “not in The Bahamas’ best interest”, a former finance minister yesterday warning of the VAT hike: “The timing couldn’t be worse.”James Smith, who held the post from 2002-2007, told Tribune Busines

Hotels 'push' on VAT amid 39% revenue growth

The 39 per cent increase in 2018 first quarter room revenues illustrates what was at stake when the hotel industry yesterday met the Government over its planned VAT hike.The Central Bank of The Bahamas’ monthly report for April, released last night,

Insurance chief 'speechless' at govt's VAT contradiction

The Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman was yesterday left “speechless” after the government seemingly contradicted itself over VAT’s elimination from residential property premiums.Emmanuel Komolafe, pictured, said he was now questioning t

Sands: No escape on fiscal 'come to Jesus'

The Bahamas would not have escaped its fiscal “come to Jesus moment” even if the Christie administration had been prudent with its VAT windfall, a Cabinet Minister argued yesterday.Dr Duane Sands, pictured, minister of health, told Tribune Business t

Surplus bank funds breach $2bn barrier

Bahamian commercial banks had more than $2bn in funds they were unable to find qualified borrowers for at end-April 2018, it was revealed yesterday.The Central Bank of The Bahamas’ monthly report for the month, published yesterday, disclosed that exc

Sterling meets Gov't on hurricane hole project

Sterling Global Financial’s executives met with the Ministry of Works to review plans for their $250m redevelopment of Paradise Island’s Hurricane Hole property.Desmond Bannister, minister of works, and Melanie Roach, director of public work, reviewe

Monday, June 4

Tourism team heads to caribbean week

The Minister of Tourism and Aviation will lead the Bahamian delegation to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) Caribbean Week event in New York this week.Dionisio D’Aguilar will be accompanied by Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry’s director-general, an

06042018 EDITION

Monday, 4th June, 2018.

Davis Cup: Team Bahamas advances to Zone II

The Bahamas men’s Davis Cup team returned home, having completed a successful mission of advancing to the American Zone II Davis Cup competition in 2019.

'No point lying' - Lucayan deal has been complex

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest has admitted negotiations for the sale of the Grand Lucayan Hotel have been a complicated and difficult process with the four parties at the table.Mr Turnquest – who is on record saying the negotiations were “com

Off-duty police officer shot as men tried to steal his car

A POLICE officer is recovering in hospital after being shot by men he pursued while off-duty early Thursday morning.Police said they launched an island-wide manhunt for the suspects, who they believe are connected to a string of armed robberies in th

INSIGHT: Bigger or not? Officials insist dump is not expanding

You can only really see it from the air. Hundreds of feet below New Providence’s landfill stretching out into the distance and now visibly right upto the edge of a major highway.

INSIGHT: The Bahamian people are again sacrificial lambs

STAGGERED from the shock experienced after the government’s announcement of the imminent 4.5 percent VAT hike, many citizens are left trying to make sense of it all. Among the questions floating around the heads of many Bahamians, none may be more pertinent than those concerning survival.

PM: We're doing all we can to help families

A DAY after he visited the victims of the Labour Day Parade tragedy, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told The Tribune yesterday that Cabinet will discuss the level of government involvement needed in the wake of a national tragedy with the aim of dev

'Chaotic' scene as hospital tackles tragedy

WHEN Emergency Medical Services made its first call to the Princess Margaret Hospital at 10.15am on Friday the hospital went into mass casualty mode for an “all hands on deck” operation, Medical Chief of Staff Dr Caroline Burnett-Garraway said yester

‘No words’ to describe tragedy

THE tragic and untimely death of Tabitha Charlene Haye, 41, has left family and friends “traumatised and reeling,” some remain “unable to process”.

12% - now the backlash

BAHAMAS Institute of Chartered Accountants President Gowon Bowe believes the government’s plan to increase value added tax will create further distancing between the “haves and have-nots” and possibly create the conditions for class unrest, he told The Tribune.

‘If I could rewind the day, I would’

FOR triple jumper Dannielle Gibson when her younger sister Dominique called her on Friday morning while she was in the locker room at the track facility at Penn State in Philadelphia, it sounded like a script from a movie.

Public responds to call for blood donations

THE Princess Margaret Hospital’s Blood Bank received some 40 pints of blood in a 24-hour period as donors responded to an urgent appeal for blood following the Labour Day tragedy.Chief phlebotomist Dr Glennville Roberts told The Tribune the bank rece

100JAMZ seeks review over licence takeover decision

THE People’s Radio Station, 100JAMZ, has initiated legal action against the Broadcast industry’s watchdog – URCA – for approving the takeover of ZSR Sports Radio 103.5FM on the grounds that the regulators’ legal interpretation of the grant of the Ba

Abaco man guilty of killing uncle

AN Abaco man was convicted of the manslaughter of his uncle and sentenced to 12 years in prison.Shannon Walkins aka “Shannon Watkins” accepted a plea deal and pleaded not guilty to murder, but guilty to manslaughter in the stabbing death of his uncle

One in four Bahamians has been a smoker

TWENTY-FIVE percent of Bahamians have smoked at some point in their life, according to a 2017 National Household Drug Survey, which revealed 13 percent of teenagers smoke tobacco.Bahamians surveyed were between the ages of 12 and 65, with men found t

Downtown derelicts

For over ten years many of us have been staring at the decaying structures blighting eastern Bay Street, and agitating for their reconstruction, replacement, or demolition. Never seeing any action, our eyes now just glaze over as they scan the continuing dilapidation in the Zombie Zone.

WORLD VIEW: Let PM Mia Mottley’s seed sprout across the Caribbean

IN the wake of the clean sweep by the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) of all the seats in general elections on May 24 for the Barbados House of Representatives, the problem of no parliamentary opposition has rightly become a matter for wider discussion in the Caribbean and farther abroad.

EDITORIAL: ‘Birdie’ thanks God for Hanna-Martin and PLP

“THANK God for Ms Hanna Martin and the PLP government. The Tribune takes credit why?”

FNM is a jungalist

A vast majority of Bahamians voted for the Free National Movement and, by extension, the elevation of Dr Hubert A Minnis (FNM-Killarney) to the post of Prime Minister. We were all dead tired of the juvenile leadership of the former Prime Minister, Perry Gladstone Christie. The Progressive Liberal Party and a preponderance of its leadership cadre had ceased to check for those Bahamians whom they professed to have once “believed in”. The PLP and Christie had to go.

GAIN AN EDGE: Fred Perpall’s journey to success

Young Fred Perpall had a dream of becoming an architect. However, little time during his first year at what was then the College of The Bahamas (COB) was spent in the classroom; instead Fred rolled around town visiting old high school friends and frequented surrounding fast food eateries. The ‘fun’ came to a screeching halt when his first-year grades did not reflect what Fred’s parents knew he was capable of.

Two drownings being investigated

POLICE are investigating two apparent drowning incidents which occurred in the past few days, one in Grand Bahama and the other in Abaco. Grand Bahama police are investigating the drowning of a man in the Fortune Bay area over the weekend.Police have

NIB director resigns

NATIONAL Insurance Board Director Patricia Hermanns has tendered her resignation from the corporation effective June 15.A copy of her resignation letter was shared on social media on Friday, and its validity was confirmed by incoming Labour Director

Sprinter Gaither leads the way at Cayman invite

THREE Bahamian sprinters, with TyNia Gaither leading the way, competed in the Cayman Invitational 2018 at the Truman Bodden Stadium in the Cayman Islands on Saturday.

Marlins’ Anfernee Seymour promoted to Double-A baseball for first time in career

IN a season that got off to an unfavourable start, Anfernee Seymour continues his progression in the minor leagues and reached a new career milestone within the Miami Marlins organisation.

Jones and Sun stay unbeaten with 110-72 victory over Sky

JONQUEL Jones had her best offensive output of the season and her Connecticut Sun remain undefeated so far.

$400m extra in VAT?: 'Not a chance in hell'

There is “not a chance in hell” that the 60 percent VAT rate increase will generate the extra $400m revenue the government is targeting, a prominent businessman is warning.Sir Franklyn Wilson told Tribune Business that it was “unwise” for the Minnis

Web shops: Tax rises attempt to seize industry

The government has been accused of trying to seize control of the web shop industry through tax increases that will “decimate” all operators and 3,000 jobs in less than a year.The Bahamas Gaming Operators Association, in a furious post-budget counter

DPM says 'open to all' 12% VAT alternatives

The Deputy Prime Minister last night said the government “remains open to all viable” alternatives to a 12 percent VAT, despite private sector fears that “the train has already left the station”.KP Turnquest indicated to Tribune Business he was willi

DPM pledges public service 'right sizing'

The deputy prime minister yesterday pledged a medium-term “right sizing of the public service”, amid warnings the government cannot delay forced civil service terminations for ever.KP Turnquest, pictured, responding to charges that the budget did to

Fin Secretary: Bahamas must avoid Barbados' 'frog in pot' fate

The Bahamas must escape “the frog in the pot” scenario if it is to avoid Barbados’s descent into an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bail-out of its unsustainable 175 percent debt burden.Marlon Johnson, the acting financial secretary, last night tol

Unions plan push for VAT-offset wage rises

Trade unions leaders “absolutely” plan to push for wage and benefit increases to offset the impact of a 60 percent VAT hike on Bahamians.Bernard Evans, the National Congress of Trade Unions (NCTU) president, told Tribune Business that middle and lowe

Breadbasket's VAT 'zero rating' brings retail relief

Government ministers and officials yesterday brought relief to food retailers by confirming that the budget’s “breadbasket” items will be treated as “zero-rated” for VAT purposes.However, their property and casualty insurance counterparts were not so

Sunday, June 3

Labour Day tragedy: PM gives national address (video)

THE Labour Day celebrations were plunged into tragedy when a truck mowed through a crowd of people Friday morning, killing four and injuring 24 in an unprecedented event for the Bahamas.

Saturday, June 2

Man dies in apparent drowning

A man died in an apparent drowning in Grand Bahama on Saturday afternoon.

Two men shot in Yellow Elder Gardens

Two men are in serious condition in hospital after being shot on Saturday.

Man dies in Grand Bahama crash

Police in Grand Bahama are investigating a traffic accident in which a man died on Friday.