Thursday, May 31
05312018 EDITION
Thursday, 31st May, 2018.
Off-duty police officer injured in shooting
A POLICE officer is recovering in hospital after being shot by men he pursued while off-duty early Thursday morning.
Fee increases on government services
SEVERAL amendments tabled in the House of Assembly Wednesday proposed fee increases on government services, including character certificates, finger printing and vehicle chassis checks.
Turnquest: Only fair for web shops to pay 'their fair share'
FINANCE Minister K Peter Turnquest defended the government’s decision to increase taxes on gaming house operators on Thursday, saying it is only fair web shops pay “their fair share” for its impact on vulnerable communities.
Turnquest defends VAT hike
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest defended the government’s Value Added Tax (VAT) hike plan during a press conference on Thursday.
First steps to be taken for catastrophic care insurance
THE Minnis administration will introduce the first phase of its Catastrophic Care Insurance Plan in the upcoming fiscal year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest announced yesterday. It’s not clear what provisions have been
Judges reject bid to retry Jean-Rony
CROWN attorneys yesterday called for the Court of Appeal to dismiss a Supreme Court judge’s landmark ruling that Bahamas-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles was unlawfully expelled from the Bahamas, with the alternative being a retrial on the facts in the Supreme Court.
Ouch! Peter turns the screw on VAT
Finance Minister K. Peter Turnquest delivered a stunning blow to consumers and businesses yesterday with a shock increase in the rate of Value Added Tax to 12 percent.
Giveaways offered in Budget
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest announced a number of tax reductions and eliminations during his budget communication yesterday.
Officers in police shooting still on duty
THE officers involved in the fatal shooting of Deangelo Evans are expected to stay on active duty while a coroner’s inquest into the incident is carried out.
Deportee faces court over ammunition case
A MAN recently deported from the US after being indicted on firearms trafficking charges was arraigned yesterday over allegations he imported more than 400 rounds of ammunition into the country.Dealo Cordell Pratt, of Jacksonville, Florida, stood bef
Volunteers offer to walk students home
COMMUNITY activists have launched a pilot volunteer programme that pairs groups of primary schools students with adults who can accompany them as they walk home from school. The initiative “Our Children’s Keepers” follows three high-profile incidents
Property tax and immigration fees up
THE Minnis administration’s VAT grabbed the spotlight yesterday but Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest also announced select increases to real property taxes and immigration fees.Real property tax on foreign-owned vacant la
'Get ready - hurricane season is on its way'
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority is urging residents to ensure they are prepared for the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season.The regulatory body met with corporate stakeholders on Wednesday to discuss its hurricane preparedness plan for Grand Bahama.The is
From burden to VAT hike - the FNM's changing view on tax
THE Free National Movement insisted value added tax would be a burden on Bahamians before announcing their plan yesterday to increase the tax rate by more than 50 percent in the next fiscal year.On August 20, 2014, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and
Police hunt for armed robbers
POLICE are appealing for public assistance as they investigate three armed robberies in the capital on Tuesday.In the first incident, according to reports, a man was standing outside a home in Ridgeland Park when he was approached by two men armed wi
Charities to benefit from budget move
ONE of the tax relief measures announced by Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday will have a direct impact on charities. Mr Turnquest promised that the government will “provide tax relief to individuals and businesses” as he announced a
Out with the old jobs scheme, in with new skills programme
THE National Employment and Empowerment Programme (NEEP) comes to a close today, with the government embarking on a new 52-Week Skills Empowerment Programme. NEEP participants will be given notice pay plus any accrued vacation leave, according to a r
Bus route identified to test out new system
THE government has identified a route for its pilot project on a new busing system, according to Transport Minister Frankie Campbell, who insisted the program moving forward.Mr Campbell told media outside Cabinet the project will not be a “mock bus r
Move to digital seeks to make govt more efficient
THE government will be undergoing a “digital transformation” to strengthen the country’s competitiveness, Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest said yesterday.Known as the “Digital Bahamas Initiative”, the project will be financed in part by a $500
Embiid braves the leap . . . eventually
ALTHOUGH he towers over his opponents on the court, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was no match for the 60-foot tunnel drop through a shark-filled tank at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.The seven-foot NBA star jetted to The Bahamas this month t
Web shop patrons to pay stamp tax
WEB shop patrons will have to pay five percent stamp tax on in-store deposits to accounts and any digital online sales, effective July 1, 2018.Although not implicitly stated in yesterday’s budget presentation, it is presumed this tax will be applied
EDITORIAL: Still time to review the heavy hammer of VAT
The governing party under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis presented its proposed budget in the House of Assembly yesterday.
DIANE PHILLIPS: A tale of two lighthouses
Lighthouses captivate our imagination and move us in a way we rarely stop to define. Maybe it is because they stand apart from all else around them - tall, proud, lonely, independent, dependable, a sentry that never needs sleep.
No more private islands
It is simply shocking that the government would even consider allowing Carnival Cruise Lines to take possession of, and ban everyone but its passengers from visiting yet another one of our beautiful islands. The practice of cruise companies establishing “private islands” is an abomination on every level - environmental, economic, ethical – and should never have been allowed to take place in the first place.
Parliamentary lessons to be learned
HOUSE of Assembly rules seem today to be stifling democracy. Over the past week or so I watched how the mother of all parliaments, The Commons, London, worked and wow what a difference.
Knowles and Cougars on a roll in the World Series
Perez Knowles and his Columbus State Cougars have carried their momentum from the regional championships to the NCAA Division II World Series.
Minor league baseball: Young and Lugnuts get wins over Isaacs and Captains
IT was a busy weekend for Bahamian minor league baseball players in the Class A Midwestern League.
Nesbitt and Sao Paolo take 2-1 series lead in NBB finals
NATIONAL team member David Nesbitt and his Paulistano Sao Paolo took a 2-1 series lead in the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) finals and moved one game closer to the league title.
Baptist Convention to partner with government to assist troubled youth
As the country has become bogged down in a “morass of hopelessness”, the National Baptist Convention announced it will do its part to alleviate the problem by forging a partnership with the government to help young people who have found themselves in
Good stewards
“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)Things were not working out as Jimmy had anticipated. His wife, Olga, had gone back to work, but they were still not making ends meet. He decided to approach her
Meditation - At death's door
“When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.”
Macedonia Baptist celebrates a successful 52nd anniversary
THIS past week, the Macedonia Baptist Church on Bernard Road in Fox Hill celebrated its 52nd anniversary with a number of activities to commemorate the occasion.The week of celebrations concluded on Sunday afternoon with the anniversary service. The
Israel in the Providence of God
More than 3,500 years ago, God called a man by the name of Abram out of paganism and made a covenant with him. This covenant was initiated by God and is recorded in Genesis. In this covenant, God almighty (El Shaddai) gave to Abram and his descendant
Prime Minister calls for partnership between church and state to help the poor
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said that in order for the least fortunate among the people to benefit, there must be a continued partnership between the church and state.He was addressing the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention’s 8
Glory Seekers aim to restore the family unit with 2018 conference
BAHAMIANS are being encouraged to “arise and shine” this weekend, as the Shekinah Family Word Centre presents its 2018 Glory Seekers Worship Experience.For two days, beginning tomorrow at 7.30am, the Centre will host an array of different activities.
VAT's 60% increase a $400m 'death wish'
The government’s 60 percent VAT rate rise was yesterday labelled “a death wish”, amid fears it will plunge The Bahamas into recession by sucking an extra $400m from the economy.Private sector leaders told Tribune Business they were stunned by the dec
Web shops facing taxation 'wipe out'
Sebas Bastian yesterday warned web shops face a “wipe out” from tax increases of up to 355 percent, as the sector accused the government of deliberately seeking to “cripple” it.The Island Luck chief confirmed to Tribune Business that he, and other op
BICA chief's concern on 30-day VAT 'hubris'
The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president yesterday warned it was “hubris” to believe the private sector can implement the new VAT rate and exemptions within 30 days.Gowon Bowe told Tribune Business that the proposed 60 per cent
Auto dealers: Budget reforms are 'bittersweet'
Bahamian new auto dealers described yesterday’s Budget as “bittersweet”, despite it delivering the bonded warehouse and “roadside vendor” crackdown they have been seeking.Fred Albury, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president, told Tri
'Insane' 40% growth in govt's wage bill
The 40 percent growth in the government’s wage bill over the past seven fiscal years to 2018-2019 was yesterday branded “insane” and “criminal” by private sector leaders.KP Turnquest, pictured, Deputy Prime Minister, said the $226m increase in civil
'Car duty reduction shows committment'
A Bahamian electric car dealer said yesterday the Minnis administration’s plan to reduce the import duty for electric vehicles from 25 percent to ten percent demonstrates a “serious commitment” to improving the environment, adding that it could incen
Chamber blindsided by 12% VAT proposal
The Chamber of Commerce plans to discuss the 2018-2019 budget with the government today after being blindsided by its proposed 60 percent VAT rate increase.Edison Sumner, the Chamber’s chief executive, told Tribune Business that it had been taken by
Cooper: 'Budget of pain and no gain'
The Official Opposition yesterday slammed the Minnis administration for its “budget of pain and no gain”, arguing that the current 7.5 percent Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate would have been “adequate for years to come”.Chester Cooper, the Exuma and Ragge
Gov't hailed for shoe, clothing retail waiver
The Government’s proposed tax relief for clothing and shoe retailers was yesterday hailed for helping to preserve Bahamian businesses and jobs.KP Turnquest, pictured, deputy prime minister, said the government had made provision in the 2018-2019 budg
Just 20% of BOB 'bad 'loans' are recoverable
The Government’s capital spending budget took an $80m hit after it was determined that just 20 percent of Bank of the Bahamas’ toxic loans were recoverable.KP Turnquest, unveiling the 2018-2019 budget in the House of Assembly yesterday, said the gove
Evangelist wants $54M jet: 'Jesus wouldn't be riding donkey'
A prosperity gospel televangelist is asking disciples to “pray about becoming a partner” to his mission of obtaining a $54 million private jet.The Louisiana-based ministry of Jesse Duplantis has already paid cash for three other private planes, but h
Wednesday, May 30
05302018 EDITION
Wednesday, 30th May, 2018.
Ferreira: Other islands have similar environmental hazards to Grand Bahama
ALTHOUGH Grand Bahama has the unique distinction of being “the industrial capital of the Bahamas” which have caused significant pollution problems, Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira said there are other islands which have similar or more environmental hazards.
ALICIA WALLACE: Mottley cruises to electoral wipeout
On May 24, 2018, Barbados elected its first female prime minister. Mia Amor Mottley led the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to victory, winning over 74 percent of the votes. This election brought an end to ten years of governance by the Democratic Labour Party (DPL) led by Freundel Stuart since 2010. The BLP won all 30 seats in the House of Assembly—a first in the country’s history. Political parties in The Bahamas should look at the BLP’s campaign and collateral as there is a great deal that can be learned and practiced.
Govt takes legal possession of site for General Post Office
THE government has now taken legal possession of the old Phil’s Food Service building on Gladstone Road where work will “shortly” begin to ready it for the General Post Office’s relocation, Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell ann
Mitchell: Henfield should resign if he votes against Interception of Communication Bill
IF Senator Ranard Henfield does vote against the government’s proposed Interception of Communication Bill, he should resigned immediately or be terminated, Senator Fred Mitchell insisted yesterday.Over the weekend, Mr Henfield indicated on social med
Two men and teenager charged with Arawak Cay boat robbery
TWO men and a 16-year-old were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations they robbed a man at gunpoint on a boat at Arawak Cay on Friday.Cecil Martin, 24, Davante Fisher, 22, and the teenager stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Fe
BUDGET: VAT to rise from 7.5 percent to 12 percent
VALUE-added tax (VAT) will increase from 7.5 percent to 12 percent effective from July 1, Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest announced in the House of Assembly today.
‘GIVE US ANSWERS’ – Witness says Evans was NOT robber in raid which led to police shooting
HUNDREDS turned out in Masons Addition last night to call for answers in the death of Deangelo Evans, the 20-year-old killed by police over the weekend.
Teenager charged with sex assaults
A 15-year-old boy was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations he sexually assaulted three girls in the capital, one as young as six-years-old.
‘No cover-up when officers open fire’
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday downplayed the occurrence of police-involved shootings as the number of incidents for the year has sparked growing concern from many in the community.
NEMA – Ragged island still uninhabitable
NATIONAL Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Director Captain Stephen Russell told the Tribune yesterday the agency has never lifted its “uninhabitable” declaration on Ragged Island.
Mixed martial arts on its way to becoming an Olympic sport
MIXED martial arts continues its movement toward becoming an Olympic sport.The International MMA Federation and the World Mixed Martial Arts Association announced an amalgamation that seeks the global unification of the sport and the organisations jo
Stuart sets new national record in shot put
MALIK Stuart couldn’t close out his collegiate career any better than breaking one of the Bahamas’ longest standing records - held by his mentor and former coach Bradley Cooper - in the men’s shot put at the NAIA.Elsewhere, Pedrya Seymour and Devynne
NCAA Football: Cartwright continues to get offers
BAHAMIAN high school gridiron star Michael Cartwright continues to garner offers from NCAA Division I football programmes during a busy recruiting process.In the month of May alone, Cartwright has recicved a new slate of eight offers from the Western
Minus Jr, Rodgers join forces
WHILE they wait on the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation to get the irregulars of the recent elections sorted out, Ray Minus Jr and Ronn Rodgers have joined forces to form the Bahamas Community Boxing Programme.The aim of the new body is to get at le
THE PRESS BOX: FIFA World Cup preview - part 2
SPAIN is seen by many experts as one of the favourites in FIFA World Cup 2018, blending the perfect mixture of youth and experience. They open their campaign against rivals Portugal on June 15 before facing Iran five days later. They close Group B ag
BLTA congrats to Roberts
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates Savannah Roberts, who helped the Hotchkiss Bearcats’ girls varsity team capture another New England championship with a stellar display of singles play in the finals against Andover on May 20.
Two selected to take part in Football 4 Friendship programme
ALIAH Rodriguez and Jordan Wilson have been selected by the Bahamas Football Association, the governing body for soccer in the Bahamas, to participate in this summer’s Football for Friendship programme in Moscow, Russia. The youth centred empowerment
Key Oban documents will be released after sub-committee review
KEY Oban Energies documents will be released to the public after a cabinet sub-committee reviewing the project has completed its task, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday.The committee is headed by Labour Minister Dion Foulkes and is respo
Govt 'travel spreadsheets' won't be released before year's end
THE Minnis administration’s promised ‘travel spreadsheets’ are not expected to be released before year’s end, according to Press Secretary Anthony Newbold. Responding to reporters at his weekly press briefing yesterday, Mr Newbold said the spreadshe
Town hall meeting on transparency, corruption, freedom of information moved
A town hall meeting to educate the public on advocacy concerning the topics of transparency, corruption and freedom of information has been moved to the Bahamas Historical Society.The event, spearheaded by the environmental group Coalition to Save Cl
Govt's 'verbiage' 'may have been inaccurate' on forensic audits
ALTHOUGH the Minnis administration announced days after the 2017 general election that forensic audits will be conducted into certain institutions, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold admitted yesterday the administration’s “verbiage” may have been off.
'Shots fired' during an attempted robbery of KFC
A CUSTOMER was left traumatized after shots reportedly rang out during an attempted armed robbery at the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant on Pioneer’s Way on Monday evening.The man shared his frightening ordeal on social media yesterday, telling how
No confirmation on the PM’s quarterly press conferences
MORE than a year after the general election, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold could not confirm if or when Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will ever hold quarterly press conferences.
Drilling for oil in our waters is not smart
A few months ago, a letter was signed by more than 16,000 supporting scientists around the world. Essentially, the letter says that if there is not a groundswell of public pressure to change human behaviour, the planet will sustain “substantial and irreversible harm”. The urgent necessity for action by the human species has never been greater.
The PM and Immigration
IN less than one year the Prime Minister has made two appearances before Haitian congregations to address immigration issues he sees as important to them. The most recent meeting concerned shanty town residents, the vast majority of whom we are told, have legal residence status.
Time for foreign police consultants
I was shocked to learn of the absolute travesty made of our police force by Ellison Greenslade and the former PLP government. Hundreds of possibly undeserved promotions that add no value to the force and destroy morale, on the eve of election? That should be against the law.
Bahamas earns 3-0 decision over Antigua & Barbuda
It was a clean sweep of all three matches played against Antigua & Barbuda on day two of the American Zone III Davis Cup Tie in Costa Rica as the Bahamas men’s national team remain undefeated.
BAAA set to host two major national championships
WHILE they wait on the final decision on two important matters, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is preparing to host two of its major National Championships next month.
Denise Strachan wins Family Fun Walk Race
DENISE Strachan emerged as the overall winner of Macedonia Baptist Church’s 52nd anniversary Family Fun Walk Race, held on Saturday on Bernard Road, Fox Hill.
Bahamas holding its own at 38th annual VNEA World Championships
THE 38th annual VNEA World Championships is underway in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Bahamas is holding its own.
Business warns Gov't off Budget 'bail out'
Private sector leaders yesterday warned the government against taking “the easy road” of a VAT rate increase and seeking a budget “bail out” from consumers and businesses.
Fishermen told to 'take charge'
A Cabinet Minister has urged Bahamian fishermen to “take charge” of their industry following a heated meeting that produced little agreement on the sector’s way forward.Renward Wells, pictured, minister of agriculture and marine resources, lamented t
URCA sides with Aliv on BTC billing dispute
Aliv has hailed industry regulators for taking its side in a billing dispute with the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) that could have threatened customer connectivity.Damian Blackburn, pictured, the mobile provider’s top executive, told Trib
Web shops blast 'disparaging' call for tax increases
The web shop industry yesterday mounted an astonishing personal attack on the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) principal for suggesting the sector face increased taxation.The Bahamas Gaming Operators Association (BGOA), in a written st
Business Licence fee needs 'real hard look'
The Chamber of Commerce’s chairman yesterday called for “a real hard look” at a Business Licence fee formula many in the private sector blame for plunging their businesses into loss.Michael Maura told Tribune Business this was one of many issues the
Gunman shoots victim in his car
A MAN was found dead in a car with a gunshot wound to his head in the Carmichael Road area yesterday afternoon.
Union slams Morton Salt over deal talks
Morton Salt Bahamas was yesterday accused of failing to negotiate a new industrial agreement in good faith, with the offered pay increase branded insufficient to cover inflation.Obie Ferguson, pictured, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) president, said
Port teams with Gov't on freeport promotion
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is working closely with the Government to promote Freeport as an attractive location for business and investment. Port officials joined Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, trade and industry, and Im
Sherwin Williams show draws strong turnout
More than 50 of its top customers attended Sherwin Williams’ annual Pro Show this month to gain deeper insight into its latest products and services.Local contractors and service providers were treated to practical demonstrations at the retailer’s Pr
Tuesday, May 29
05292018 EDITION
Tuesday, 29th May, 2018.
'Blacklist over - but we must be wary of more EU pressure'
SENATOR Dion Foulkes yesterday forecast the country would soon face more pressures from the European Union and should be ready to act quickly to avoid further reputational damage.On Friday, Finance Minister K Peter Turnquest announced the Bahamas had
Stopping migrants 'not as easy as it looks'
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) is working on implementing a drone programme to improve its capabilities and combat the threat of illegal migrants, Acting Officer-In-Charge of Coral Harbour Captain Adrian Chriswell said yesterday.Speaking to r
Family's fury over boat death verdict
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net A JURY in the Coroner’s Court ruled last week Wednesday that the death of 25-year-old Christopher Turnquest in a 2016 boating incident involving the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF
Belt beating girl taken into care
A GIRL severely beaten by her guardians in videos that recently went viral has been taken into the custody of the state, The Tribune understands.
Sex attacks suspect: Boy, 15, to be charged
A 15-year-old boy is expected to be charged in Magistrate’s Court today in connection with three recent sexual assault incidents of young girls that sparked concern around the country, Police Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash said yesterday.
Chipman demands probe into police shooting
IN the wake of another police-involved shooting in his community, Centreville MP Reece Chipman is calling for the creation of statutory framework to investigate and examine police shootings.
Budget demand for more web shop taxes
Governance reformers yesterday called for increased web shop taxes in tomorrow's Budget, coupled with 5 per cent annual spending reductions through 2023, to avoid a fiscal crisis.
Henfield’s ‘no’ on spy bill vote
SENATOR Ranard Henfield indicated in a tweet over the weekend he will vote against the Interception of Communication Bill in the Senate, calling the issue “a matter of conscience”.
New Miss World Bahamas is a ‘Jack of all trades’
She is an entrepreneur who also models, paints and bakes. And now Brinique Gibson has been given her most important role to date – to represent her country on the world stage as the new Miss World Bahamas.
Bahamas wins 1st round tie against Honduras
The Bahamas men’s team, riding on the two singles victories from Philip Major Jr and Baker Newman, won their first round American Zone III Davis Cup Tie against Honduras.Yesterday as the tie got underway at the Costa Rica Country Club in Escape, Cost
Miss Teen Scholar 2018 vows to tackle body shaming
AFTER weeks of intense training and workshops, 16-year-old Blendicah Cadet came out on top and was named as the new Miss Teen Bahamas Scholar. Blendicah, a student of C V Bethel Secondary High School, competed against 17 young ladies during the pagea
Witness says clerk in fraud case admitted 'manipulation'
A GOVERNMENT employee yesterday testified how former Ministry of Finance accounts clerk James Anwar Johnson admitted to “manipulating” invoices which ultimately resulted in a local business receiving over $400,000 in unauthorised payments.Duane Ellis
Suspect accused of Grove murder
A 23-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations he murdered another man in the Grove area earlier this month.Leander Bell, of Rosebud Road, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with one count
Pretty Brown Girl Club celebrates fifth anniversary with mother-daughter tea party
Fifty girls and their mothers got all dressed up in their finest sundresses, fascinators and hair bows to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Pretty Brown Girl Club #14 anniversary with a “Mommy and Me” tea party at Café Channing Noelle. The event
'Miracle Treat Day' to provide hearing aids for children
If you could curate the soundtrack for your perfect day, what would it sound like? The sound of a rooster crowing to signal the start of the day, or perhaps birds chirping to gently lift you from your slumber followed by your favourite old school jam
Migrants told 'we cannot support you'
THE Chief Magistrate yesterday scolded the 25 Haitian nationals caught trying enter the country illegally over the weekend, telling them: “we cannot support you”. Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt told the 25 people —15 women (one pregnant) and
Environmentalists say no to Oban plan for oil refinery
A HOST of environmental groups have formed an alliance to appeal to the government to reject moves for offshore drilling and to abandon the planned Oban oil refinery in Grand Bahama.Non-profit organisation Save the Bays (STB), along with the newly f
Sexual violence: Changing attitudes and lives
Why do we teach men that it is their right to beat or sexually assault women and teach women that they should expect to be assaulted and/or beaten?I find this belief in my classes regularly, yet we ignore this reality or blame victims. We understand
Cancer survivors shine at 'Met Gala' themed ball
MORE than 500 guests, decked out in their best attire, attended the Cancer Society’s of the Bahamas 17th annual ball at Atlantis on Saturday to support the organisation’s $3 million dollar expansion.The ball is one of the major fundraisers for the Ca
Ziggy played with cars: Search for missing cat
AN eastern New Providence resident is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Ziggy the cat, whose curious penchant for indiscriminately “inspecting” other people’s vehicles may have finally caught up with him.
FACE TO FACE: The Birdman of The Bahamas
Metellus Chipman is no stranger to the world of culture and entertainment in The Bahamas.
EDITORIAL: Fiscal Responsibility Act lacks teeth
Like democratic elections and freedom of information, fiscal responsibility is central to good governance and to any nation’s sustainability. Not only does fiscal responsibility reflect a commitment by a government to do what it asks its citizens to do – budget wisely and be prepared to be held accountable if it does not, it positions that government to maintain or move toward macro-economic stability.
The return of Christie?
NATIONAL Review wrote that former Prime Minister Perry Christie is feeling vindicated after the official opening of Rosewood at Baha Mar on May 22. Rosewood has in its employment 450 persons. The entire Baha Mar Resort has over 4,000 employees, and is expected to hire an additional 1,000.
Understand it’s public service
I read where a senior public servant recently hung up on a journalist who was asking a question on behalf of the public, after demanding to know how the reporter got his “private cell”.
Muddying the LNG waters
I read in your columns recently that the new LNG facility at Clifton Pier will be a “tri-fuel” facility. Apparently this means that Liquefied Natural Gas will be added to the already existing heavy polluting fuels that are used to power the BPL plant and other facilities located at the pier. So then, I have to ask, where on earth is the progress?
YOU GO GIRL: Dorcas Cox soars to academic success, commits to national crime-fighting plan
In July 2014, when Dorcas Cox was accepted to Barry University’s Graduate School of Education, she had no idea that the extremely rigorous journey would end four years later with her being the first in her cohort to graduate.
More empathy is needed
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.
Ministry of Health and PHA explore opportunities with Johns Hopkins
The Ministry of Health and the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) is exploring opportunities for sustainable collaborations with Johns Hopkins Medicine International.On May 17, Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands received Managing Director of Global Serv
St Anne's claim top spot in healthy throwdown for schools
After one month of competition, the St Anne’s Blue Waves walked away as champions of the first Soldanza Healthy Throwdown School Competition. A total of 10 schools participated in the initiative launched by Milo Butler Distributors. Representatives f
80 Haitian migrants intercepted near Exuma Chain
A VESSEL containing 80 Haitian migrants was intercepted near the Exuma Chain on Monday evening.The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) reported the sailing sloop was apprehended after acting on information they had received earlier that day.RBDF Patro
Golf tournament's return depends on 'bang for our buck'
The Ministry of Tourism’s desire to “get the biggest bank for its buck” will determine whether a major golf tournament returns to The Bahamas for a seventh time.Dionisio D’Aguilar, pictured, minister of tourism, told Tribune Business that his officia
Bahamas firms 17% below Caribbean's productivity average
Bahamian companies are 17 percent less productive than the Caribbean average, with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) warning that innovation is also below regional benchmarks.The IDB, in its 2018-2022 country strategy for The Bahamas, is targ
Doctors targets expansion with $11.9m RBC financing
Doctors Hospital has obtained two Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) loan facilities worth a collective $11.858m to fund expansion plans in “a rebounding Bahamian economy”.Joseph Krukowski, who is stepping down after 14 years as the healthcare provider’s cha
CLICO medical policies an 'albatross around the neck'
Calls for CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders to still pay their premiums have become “an albatross around the neck” of 700 mostly-elderly clients whose medical policies will be cancelled by Friday.Bishop Simeon Hall, the retired pastor who was himself a v
Private sector waiting on budget tax details
THE private sector is waiting to see “what is on the table” with taxes and incentives in tomorrow’s 2018-2019 budget, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive said yesterday.Edison Sumner told Tribune Business: “The business community would always b
Bahamas urged to look 'beyond our frontiers'
Bahamian businesses were yesterday urged to look “beyond the borders” and expand their footprint, a top private sector representative saying: “There are markets at our doorstep.”Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederati
Bahamian group in new chinese deals
A Bahamian group has signed two more Chinese agreements in a bid to promote agricultural development in this nation and the wider Caribbean.Bahamaren, which unveiled a modular housing deal with another Chinese entity just two weeks ago, announced it
Monday, May 28
05282018 EDITION
Monday, 28th May, 2018.
WSC union says rehire employees after court case
THE government has advised the Water and Sewerage Corporation to reinstate the three employees who were formerly accused of stealing a fire hydrant from their employer “as soon as possible”, the corporation’s union chief Dwayne Woods said yesterday.
$100m tourism boost via 18% stopover rise
The Minister of Tourism has hailed an “exceptional” 18 percent air arrivals increase for injecting an extra $100m into the economy during the 2018 first quarter.
26 captured as sloop lands off Venice Bay
AN “ongoing search” for illegal migrants is underway by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force following the capture of a number of Haitians in south New Providence on Sunday.
Robbers swim to get away after boat at Arawak Cay raided
POLICE arrested one man but two others swam to freedom following an armed robbery that took place on a boat moored at Arawak Cay on Friday.
PLP warns of Budget VAT hike and taxes
OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Philip Davis yesterday released projections for the upcoming 2018/2019 budget, predicting an increase in VAT, Customs duties and the introduction of new taxes.
Brinique Gibson crowned Miss World Bahamas
Brinique Gibson was crowned Miss World Bahamas last night.
Girls sex attacks: Teenager still held
A TEENAGER remains in police custody in connection with three recent sexual assaults on young girls.
‘They killed my son for nothing’
TEMPERS flared in the Masons Addition community yesterday after officers responding to an armed robbery, fatally shot a 20-year-old male said to have carried out the crime.
INSIGHT: Florida coral reefs at risk - but what danger for The Bahamas?
THE outbreak of an unknown disease threatening Florida coral reefs is on the radar of local scientists but no screenings have been conducted yet.
Davis Cup: Team Bahamas all set to begin 1st round
THE Bahamas team of Baker Newman, Philip Major Jr, Jody Turnquest and captain Marvin Rolle are all set to begin play in the first round of the American Zone III Davis Cup tie in Costa Rica.
Taxi drivers claim resort is taking their business
Taxicab drivers on Grand Bahama demonstrated outside a local resort on Saturday claiming guests are being illegally transported in unfranchised vehicles taking jobs away from them. They claim this “illegal practice” has been carrying on for nearly a
AirBNB warning
A warning to those using the internet services of AirBnB - Home Away from home like services - make sure that your insurance policy allows for a rental.
Miller-Uibo wins 400m in world-leading time
IT was another superb performance for quarter-miler Shaunae Miller-Uibo, but it wasn’t what high jumper Donald Thomas anticipated as they competed in their specialties against some of their top rivals in the Prefontaine Classic at the historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday.
Temple Christian Suns are national track & field champions
FOR the third consecutive year, the Temple Christian Suns emerged as the champions of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s annual Frank ‘Pancho’ Rahming National Primary School Track and Field Championships at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
‘The Tank’ stops Mendoza in 3rd round
SHERMAN ‘The Tank’ Williams wanted to make an impression when he returned home to compete in his first professional boxing show and the journeyman heavyweight didn’t disappoint the fans who showed up at the A Social Affair and Convention Centre in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
EDITORIAL: Trump's Korea rollercoaster
American President Donald Trump’s scuttling, for now, of the June 12 summit meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has once again focused the attention of the world on the US chief executive. His action was baffling and ill-conceived to many.
Jonquel Jones playing reserve role for the Sun
WNBA All-Star Jonquel Jones has played a reserve role early in the season thus far as she continues to acclimate herself to the Connecticut Sun after missing training camp and the preseason.
INSIGHT: A trip to China to open the eyes
AT this point I would be misleading you if I said I was not apprehensive about the opportunity to travel to The People’s Republic of China and live among its people for four weeks.
WORLD VIEW: Political hubris and justice
IF there is any doubt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is not beholden to governments and does not yield to their wishes in making judgments, recent events should dispel it.
Man dies as scaffold collapses
A CONSTRUCTION worker fell to his death from a scaffolding that collapsed while he was working on West Bay Street on Thursday, police said. According to reports, shortly after 3pm on Thursday, the man was standing on the scaffolding while working on
INSIGHT: Is Foulkes a minister or merely a mouthpiece?
SINCE The Tribune released the findings from its investigation earlier this year, which revealed an apparent breach of The Pointe Heads of Agreement, much controversy has loomed over the project. What has been most disconcerting is the Minister of Labour’s consistent attempts to defend the serially bad acting contractor, China Construction America (CCA).
Insolvency Association launches in Bahamas
The Restructuring and Insolvency Specialists Association (Bahamas) held its launch event last Thursday at Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Club.In attendance were around 50 guests, including members of the judiciary, Queen’s Counsels (QCs), Certified Finan
Promotion of police
THE recent media exposure of the report, related to the most recent promotions on the Royal Bahamas Police Force, my alma mater has prompted me to provide information about the system of promotion, that existed from 1951-1981 when I retired as Assistant Commissioner. It was a fair and efficient system, left with us by the British officers, who were in command of the Force.
Stopover return
Thank goodness stopover tourism is finally back and our nightmare of reliance on cruise ships seems to be coming to an end. Baha Mar, The Pointe, new or redeveloped properties in Grand Bahama: not since the establishment of Atlantis has there been so much potential to sell thousands of new room nights, employ thousands of Bahamians and reinvigorate our tourism economy.
BLTA: Condolences to family of Robert Smith
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association has expressed its condolences to the family of the late Robert Smith, a former player who was killed in his home on Lobster Avenue off Blue Hill Road last Thursday.
Bahamas 'cannot hold back tide' on Owner Registry
The Bahamas “cannot hold back the tide” on a beneficial ownership registry, the deputy prime minister arguing: “We must set the standard for ourselves and others.”K P Turnquest, pictured, explained that while the Government was listening to financial
Tourism targets Junkanoo Beach deal
The Ministry of Tourism is seeking private sector bids to take over management of Junkanoo Beach and improve a key component of Nassau’s cruise product.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism, told Tribune Business that the Government is looking to “
Water Corp prices cover just 30% of out island costs
The Water & Sewerage Corporation’s (WSC) tariffs cover just 30 percent of its Family Island costs, with key government-owned utilities overstaffed and in need of downsizing.
Use EU's demands to 'set our own table'
The Bahamas must now focus on leveraging the European Union’s (EU) demands to “set our own table” and boost GDP growth and employment, a well-known attorney is urging.Michael Paton, also a former Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) chairman, said
DPM pledges 'no runaway budget'
The Deputy Prime Minister has pledged that there will be “no runaway spending” in Wednesday’s budget, which will feature “hard choices” to get the near-$8bn debt under control.K P Turnquest, addressing the Institute of Internal Auditors last week, sa
No time for 'jubilation' on EU blacklist escape
A top accountant has warned there is no time for “jubilation” over The Bahamas’ removal from the European Union’s (EU) “blacklist”.Gowon Bowe, pictured, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president, told Tribune Business: “It is po
Contractors urge better policing' of investments
THE Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president has called for stricter “policing” to ensure developers adhere to the terms of their Heads of Agreement.Leonard Sands, pictured, told Tribune Business that the BCA, which has repeatedly raised co
Bahamas First in chair succession
Bahamas First Holdings has appointed Alison Treco as chairman with effect from May 25, after Ian Fair retired following 19 years in the post.The move came after the insurer’s 2018 annual general meeting (AGM). Ms Treco has served as a Bahamas First d
Chamber leads mission to Haiti
The Chamber of Commerce (BCCEC) took a 17-strong delegation of Bahamian businesspersons to Haiti last week on its latest trade mission.The May 23-26 event partnered with Aliv, Bahamasair and the Bahamas Embassy in Haiti, and was headed by Chamber chi
Sunday, May 27
Saturday, May 26
Man dies after Prince Charles Drive crash
A man is dead after a traffic accident on Prince Charles Drive on Saturday morning.
Friday, May 25
05252018 EDITION
Friday, 25th May, 2018.
Minister tells Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard residents to consider civil litigation
In his first town meeting in Grand Bahama, Minister of the Environment Romauld Ferreira advised residents of Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard to consider civil litigation as an avenue to have their matters heard.
PM calls for love between Bahamians and Haitians
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis called for love between Bahamians and Haitians as the government seeks to eradicate shanty town communities.
Tech firms set for Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference
Hundreds of tech companies are expected to attend The Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference (BBCC) in Grand Bahama next month.
Rights Bahamas calls for stricter policies to protect children
RIGHTS Bahamas yesterday urged law enforcement to enforce stricter policies to protect Bahamian children from abuse.
Jury to decide if mother can stand trial over daughter's death
A jury will determine whether a 40-year-old woman is mentally fit to stand trial for allegedly setting her one-year-old daughter on fire and killing her last year, a Supreme Court judge has ordered.
Two charged after cocaine found at Grand Bahama airport
TWO men from Grand Bahama were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court on Friday over allegations they were caught trying to export over $40,000 worth of cocaine out of the country’s second city earlier this week.
Teenager charged with hotel employee's murder
A teenager was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court on Friday over allegations he murdered a hotel employee in February.
Bahamas removed from EU 'blacklist'
The Bahamas has been removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.
Teenager in custody in connection with sexual assaults
A teenage male is in police custody in connection with three recent sexual assaults on young girls.
A COMIC'S VIEW: The people have given the FNM enough time
When the Free National Movement (FNM) came to power, there were great expectations of this government. On the campaign trail, Minnis and Co railed against corruption, and promised to be a government of transparency. “It’s the People’s Time” had a n
Shanty town residents 'to get help to find housing'
OFFICIALS have conducted a study exploring affordable housing options to assist those who will be left homeless when the government continues shanty town demolition in New Providence.Labour Minister Dion Foulkes revealed the study will be used to ass
UPDATED: Girl, 12, victim of new attack; man in custody
POLICE are investigating another sexual assault on a young girl with preliminary findings indicating the incident may be the work of a serial offender.
Teacher’s murder: guilty as charged
A SUPREME Court jury yesterday found Allister Williams unanimously guilty for the September 2016 murder of pregnant Charles W Saunders Baptist school teacher Marisha Bowen.
Pointe problems – Foulkes blames the paperwork
WHILE the government remains committed to honouring the Heads of Agreement with China Construction America for The Pointe project, Labour Minister Dion Foulkes called the document “badly drafted” and blamed it for much of the Bahamian Contractors Association’s frustrations regarding workforce numbers.
Two gunmen shot victim as children slept nearby
A 31-YEAR-OLD father died in hospital after he was shot during a home invasion early yesterday morning.
Dame Joan: FNM eating its words
THE Free National Movement is “eating its words” on major issues it admonished the former Christie administration over, according to retired Court of Appeal President Dame Joan Sawyer.
UPDATED: Bahamasair near miss confirmed
DELVIN Major, head of the Air Accident Investigation Department at the Department of Civil Aviation, said yesterday though Bahamasair pilots performed an “evasive manoeuvre” after spotting a Silver Airways plane in the area, during a flight Tuesday afternoon the severity of the situation was “low”.
Bahamas radio show takes to the air in Florida
THE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA) has partnered with a Florida-based multimedia broadcast company to create, produce and broadcast a customised digital radio show.The 30-minute radio talk show Bahamas Travel will be produced by Alp
Bernard Road cemetery proposal 'rejected'
A PROPOSAL to construct a cemetery on Bernard Road has been rejected by the Town Planning Committee, The Tribune understands.Asked to confirm this yesterday, Charles Zonicle, director of the Department of Physical Planning, said: “A decision has been
Motorcyclist dies as he crashes into wall
A motorcyclist was killed shortly before 10pm on Wednesday after colliding with a car and wall on Kemp Road.Police said the victim died in hospital of injuries sustained in the crash. The motorcyclist has not been named.In Grand Bahama meanwhile, pol
Woods wants industrial deal after hotel union president win
NEWLY-elected president of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) Darrin Woods yesterday pledged the group’s targeted focus on getting a registered industrial agreement negotiated and executed, following his team’s landslide vic
Activists call on politicians to stand by their beliefs
RIGHTS Bahamas President Stephanie St Fleur yesterday implored several of her former colleagues-turned politicians associated with the FNM to “support” the protection of a citizen’s right to privacy.Ms St Fleur was addressing the passage of the contr
Gordon leads Rockets over Warriors 98-94
HOUSTON (AP) — Eric Gordon came off the bench to score 24 points and his steal on Golden State’s last possession secured a 98-94 victory last night that gave the Houston Rockets a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.
Christian holidays
The root word of holiday is ‘holy-day’. It’s a time of solemnity yet great rejoicing. A holiday then is the observance of a holy day a day of supreme significance. Christians must protect these days and see them as monuments of the faith for all time
Bahamas Catastrophic Insurance renegotiated
THE government has successfully renegotiated the country’s catastrophic risk insurance, agreeing to a new policy that would divide The Bahamas into three distinct zones and structure payouts based on that arrangement.Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Tur
Nesbitt, Coleby, Burrows take the spotlight
IT’s playoff season for several marquee Bahamian basketball players in their respective leagues across the globe.David Nesbitt and Kadeem Coleby are in the midst of their championship series, while Juraun “Kino” Burrows will begin his playoff run thi
Travis Munnings withdraws from NBA Draft
AFTER testing the market and facing evaluation from scouts and coaches, Travis Munnings has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and has decided to return to school for his senior season.Munnings will rejoin his University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks for th
Rivals in competition, but 'best friends' off the field
ALTHOUGH they have been rivals on the field, athletes Charisma Taylor and Daejhi Moss enjoy the close friendship that they have developed off the field.The two 18-year-old former Queen’s College stars are competing in different schools in the United
'Let's give the NPWBA the credit they deserve'
THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association didn’t have a full season like they normally do, nor did they have a full complement of teams participating.But league president Mynez Sherman should be commended along with her executives for pulling
'Pancho' not pleased with Nassau schools' participation
While this is the fifth year that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has renamed the National Primary School in his honour, Frank ‘Pancho’ Rahming said he’s just pleased to have been able to get it started some 30 years ago.Once known as the O
Gospel singer battling cancer hosts benefit concert
Singer Karrington McKenzie, who has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease, is bringing together some of the most talented Bahamian gospel acts for a special fundraising concert tomorrow night.The “Lord Over My Life” concert will be held at Golden Gat
Independent prosecutor to be appointed next month
THE law establishing an independent Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) came into force on May 18, Attorney General Carl Bethel said in the Senate yesterday.However, he told The Tribune the government still has to “pass a further law to transfer a
Meditation - Three-way love
Within the family, we soon discover that there are different ways to love different people. For example, the love for parents, siblings, spouse and children are not the same. This may be taken a step further to ponder how the love for each parent, ea
Calvary Deliverance calls for lifestyle changes
The Calvary Deliverance Church is making preparations to host its fifth annual Gatekeepers Prophetic Prayer Conference next month to promote lifestyle changes regarding prayer and fasting.Under the leadership of Bishop James and Elder Queenie Newry,
Bringing Bahamian spirit to Florida
CHILDREN of all-ages flocked to the 16th Annual Our Kids World Family Fun Fest last month, featuring Bahamian companies Bahamasair and Sandyport Beach Resort.
Emma Weech named Athlete of the Week
DEERFIELD Academy and Impact Tennis Academy player Emma Weech has been named the Athlete of the Week for their girls’ varsity team.Weech has been a fantastic new addition to the team this year. She has played positions 1-4 and logged a number of vict
One God, one stage - artists perform for 'gospel explosion'
Bahamian are invited to get ready for a “gospel explosion”, as Aldo Stubbs and The Legacy Continues team present their annual concert this Sunday.Under the theme “Let All God People Praise Him. One God. One Stage. One Sound,” the event is set to take
Spring cleaning for the soul
Straightening our beds
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep...”I know some of us remember this childhood prayer; trusting words uttered at our most vulnerable – on our way to bed.The bed is the focal point of any room, ironically receiving so much o
Christian women invited to 'Recharge' their lives
Joy International is hosting its annual conference this weekend to promote empowerment and self-empowerment of Christian women.The “Recharge” conference starts tonight and continues until Saturday at the British Colonial Hilton. The theme this year i
St Martin Monastery elects new prioress
The Benedictine Sisters of Saint Martin Monastery, in prayerful discernment, held an election for their new prioress during the weekend of May 17-19 and elected Sister Marva Coakley as prioress.She will succeed Sister Annie Thompson, who served as pr
Bahamas may build link with top health provider
THE Ministry of Health and the Public Hospitals Authority are exploring opportunities for sustainable collaborations with Johns Hopkins International. Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands met with managing director of global services at Johns Hopkins M
EDITORIAL: Ripples of US-China trade relations wash up on our shores too
With much of the US media obsessed with endless so-called breaking news about the state of the Trump presidency, it seems less attention than it deserves has been given to this month’s important bilateral trade talks with China.
Driving out the tenants?
Has the Minnis Government considered the effect if a landlord takes advantages of the FNM Grants-Bain scheme and adds an inside toilet and flowing water service?
IDB: 20% NIB rates needed to avoid pension crisis
National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rates must more than double to over 20 percent to prevent a long-term Bahamian pension crisis, it was revealed yesterday.The warning, which will likely be greeted with dismay by workers and employers alike,
33,000 real property defaulters sanctioned
The Government sanctioned around 33,000 real property tax delinquents in both 2015 and 2016, an OECD report revealing the scale of its struggles to collect all due revenue.The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s (OECD) “peer revi
Freeport ‘gets short end of stick again’
An outspoken QC yesterday pronounced himself “discouraged” by Wynn Group’s ability to make progress in Nassau rather than Freeport, blasting: “We’ve got the short end of the stick again.”
IDB: High 'petty' corruption endangers public services
High levels of “petty” corruption are undermining trust in public services, the IDB said yesterday, drawing on findings that 20 percent of Bahamians have been solicited for bribes.The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in its just-published 2018-
Renewable provider blasts 'lip service'
A Bahamian renewable energy provider yesterday called for “real forward momentum” on achieving the National Energy Policy goals, saying: “We’ve been giving it lip service.”Guilden Gilbert, vice-president of Alternative Power Solutions (APS), told Tri
'Feet to the fire' on hotel union's future
THE incoming hotel union president is targeting a new industrial agreement as priority, amid calls by one defeated rival to hold the leadership’s “feet to the fire”.Darren Woods, whose “Team Phoenix” won this week’s election, yesterday acknowledged t
Blockchain summit targets 500 firms
The Government is targeting 500 international companies with next month’s Blockchain and cryptocurrency conference, the next step in its drive to establish Grand Bahama as a “technology hub”.Kwasi Thompson, pictured, minister of state for Grand Baham
Thursday, May 24
Bahamas dominates 3rd Caribbean Triathlon Age Group Championships
THE Bahamas once again dominated the competition in the 3rd Caribbean Triathlon Age Group Championships in Miami over the weekend. The 21-member team made it three straight years the Bahamas has had the most medal finishes. The Caribbean Championship
05242018 EDITION
Thursday, 24th May, 2018.
Murdered school teacher was three months pregnant
PREGNANT school teacher Marisha Bowen died as a result of six stab wounds to the neck and oxygen depravation, according to a pathologist’s report.The report from forensic pathologist Dr Caryn Sands said the half-dozen stab wounds caused injury and bl
Sands calls for nationwide HIV testing following report
HEALTH Minister Duane Sands yesterday suggested the government consider a nationwide HIV testing campaign in the wake of a Ministry of Health report that estimated 1 in 50 people in The Bahamas has the virus.“We should be demanding that every single
Parliament failing to cater for those with disabilities
DESPITE Parliament passing the Persons with Disabilities Act four years ago, a wheelchair-bound woman had to be carried up the stairs of the House of Assembly by three men to attend yesterday’s session.This is not uncommon, as the building is not out
PLP loses bid for committee to investigate Oban deal
THE Progressive Liberal Party’s motion for a select committee to investigate matters relating to Oban Energies was defeated yesterday when Free National Movement (FNM) parliamentarians in the House of Assembly unanimously voted against it.Englerston
Gunmen shoot man at home
A Grand Bahama man is in hospital after he was shot by gunmen at his home in Deadman’s Reef this week, police reported yesterday. ASP Terecita Pinder said police were called to the Deadman’s Reef area in connection with a shooting shortly after 11pm
$211m borrowing approved to aid electric supplier
FINANCIAL crisis was cited as the reason government yesterday passed a resolution to borrow $211m to aid the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.This undesirable situation, the resolution said, was caused by the high cost of fuel in 2018, funding of capi
PM silent as spy bill approved
THE controversial Interception of Communications Bill was passed the House of Assembly yesterday with no input from Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, once a fervent critic of the bill.
New $50m power plant for Andros
A Bahamian-led consortium is bidding to develop a $40-$50m biomass-fuelled power plant in North Andros through a proposal featuring a tie-up with BAMSI.
Seven police to stand trial over beating
SEVEN police officers may have been carrying out a “personal vendetta” when they dragged a man off his job at a pharmacy six years ago, beat him, and swore to “f*** him right up until he talked” about an alleged police stabbing, an appellate judge has suggested.
Aviation chiefs to probe ‘near miss’
AVIATION officials are investigating reports a BahamasAir jet averted a mid-flight collision with a Silver Airway plane on Tuesday afternoon.
Cocaine found at airport
THREE people were arrested at Grand Bahama International Airport after suspected cocaine worth over $40,000 was discovered in a carry-on travel bag.Two men and one woman were taken into custody shortly before 1pm on Tuesday at the US Pre-Clearance De
Celtics take 3-2 lead
BOSTON (AP) — Rookie Jayson Tatum scored 24 points and Al Horford had 15 points and 12 rebounds to help the Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-83 last night and take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals.
NCAA: Knowles helps Cougars to World Series berth
Perez Knowles delivered an impressive performance from the mound in the Southeast Regional tournament and helped his team earn an historic berth to the NCAA Division II World Series.
Walker's Cay sold to Texan businessman
WALKER’S Cay has been sold to Texas businessman and philanthropist Carl Allen who plans to redevelop the northernmost island in The Bahamas to its former glory as a sport-fishing destination. Mr Allen - a long-time visitor to The Bahamas - finalised
DIANE PHILLIPS: Silent longings for a sense of community
I went missing last week, not literally, but from the regular routine of work, eat, sleep, work, eat, sleep, and found myself accidentally in small town America. How I got to where I’d had no idea I was going is probably the funnier part of the story, but the consequences of what I found when arrived were interesting enough to give pause for thought, a whole heap of pause, in fact, and the takeaway was both greatly satisfying and stomach-bubblingly unsettling.
Bahamas education system
IT is no secret that our education system isn’t thriving, to say the least. By definition, to educate means to give intellectual, moral, and social instruction to (someone). Our education system is trying to educate our students, but the efforts have been mostly ineffective thus far. We can point the finger in many different directions as to why it is failing, but in short, the children simply aren’t interested.
16th annual Junkanoo Jam in Bimini
EIGHT Division-I women’s college basketball teams will compete in the 16th annual Junkanoo Jam at Gateway Christian Academy in Bimini November 22-24.
Coleby attends 2nd round of Utah's pre-NBA Draft workouts
Dwight Coleby began his path to pro basketball with the first of his pre-NBA Draft workouts.
Judge scolds 'delinquent' attorneys as he rejects Nygard commital stay
AN appellate judge has hit out at attorneys who try to rush to get before the court and be heard on supposedly “urgent” applications.Justice Milton Evans, in a written ruling, scolded certain lawyers for being “delinquent” and then “at the last minut
Committee to consider social media rules
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie yesterday reconstituted a new Rules Committee to address matters regarding parliamentary procedure specifically members’ ability to read into the House record information from social media.Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells, S
Goombay Land reborn
GRAND Bahama natives Jason Albury and Janet Butler are restoring their late father’s entertainment business – the Goombay Land Go-Cart and Skating Rink in Freeport.Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis toured the facility on Friday and commended them for c
300 jobs to come at GoldWynn
OFFICIALS broke ground yesterday on a $120m Cable Beach project that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said will employ 300 people during construction and 175 people upon completion.Construction on the GoldWynn Hotel and Residences, the brainchild of d
'Treat violence like a disease in order to find a cure'
INTERNATIONAL non-profit organisation Cure Violence yesterday said the only way to cure violence is by treating it like a disease.The group presented a new technique to address crime in Bahamian communities at a meeting with Rotary Club of Southeast
Billboard advertising
Were we not told that the new policy would be strict and you would not see numerous billboards and outside advertising?
PO move
Moving the General Post Office to Gladstone Road.
New Division-I basketball tournaments for men
BASKETBALL Travelers, Inc., in partnership with Resorts World Bimini, announced Tuesday the creation of two new Division-I men’s basketball tournaments – the Junkanoo Jam and the Bimini Jam.
Eighth annual Junior International Rugby Festival a resounding success
THE Freeport Rugby Football Club was buzzing with excitement over the weekend as five teams competed in the club’s eighth annual Junior International Rugby Festival.
‘The Tank’ returns home to get ready for the ‘Backyard Rumble’
BAHAMIAN pro-boxer Sherman ‘The Tank’ Williams is back home in Freeport from a Florida training camp ahead of his headline fight in the nation’s second city this weekend.
Works minister seeks 'lot more funds' in Budget
The Minister of Works yesterday said his ministry needs “a lot more” money than presently allocated in next week’s Budget to address “hundreds of millions” in infrastructure needs.
Buyer: Grand Lucayan deal 'near finish line'
THE Grand Lucayan’s potential buyer yesterday said the long-awaited deal for the shuttered resort is “near the finish line”, as he blamed its complexity and “so many moving parts”.Paul Wynn, chief executive of Canadian-based developer, the Wynn Group
Fiscal Responsibility ‘ineffective’ without tougher sanctions
Fiscal Responsibility legislation could be “ineffective” without tougher sanctions due to “The Bahamas’ poor history of non-compliance with similar laws”, a civil society group warned yesterday.
One provider stalls 20% of beneficial owner requests
More than 20 per cent of beneficial ownership requests were not met by The Bahamas after a now-liquidated financial provider denied regulators access to the information.
Bahamians urged to reject 'consumerism'
Bahamians were yesterday urged to reject a “lifestyle of consumerism”, with a top accountant questioning how many persons are actually “struggling to make ends meet”.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president, comment
ART OF GRAPHIX: Show resolution on image appearance
If you have been around since the beginning of digital photography you will know how much progress has been made. Today’s models make the first digital cameras look incredibly weak, which is largely due to resolution. What is Image Resolution and wh
RBC unveils 'contactless' payment technology plan
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) yesteday unveiled plans to launch contactless payment technology for merchants across The Bahamas and the CaribbeanThe bank said point-of-sale devices will allow merchants to accept contactless-enabled payment cards, boosti
Works minister seeks 'lot more funds' in Budget
The Minister of Works yesterday said his ministry needs “a lot more” money than presently allocated in next week’s Budget to address “hundreds of millions” in infrastructure needs.Desmond Bannister, pictured, told Tribune Business that the Ministry o
Ex-Bar president fears 'start of slippery slope'
A former Bar Association president yesterday expressed ‘concern’ over the Financial Transactions Reporting Act’s (FTRA) potential to breach attorney-client privilege, warning: “That’s the beginning of a slippery slope.”Wayne Munroe QC told Tribune Bu
Wednesday, May 23
Hello from the top of everything
BAHAMIAN Richard Beek reached the summit of Mount Everest just in time to witness its “magical” sunrise on Tuesday morning after a difficult journey.
05232015 EDITION
Wednesday, 23rd May, 2018.
Government has a plan for shanty town residents - but won’t reveal what it is
LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes said yesterday the government does have a plan which addresses mounting frustrations from those in the Haitian community who say demolishing shanty towns will leave many homeless.
'Differences' delayed Marco's law implementation
DIFFERENCES between the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of National Security prevented the full implementation of the Sexual Offences Act under the Christie administration, according to Attorney General Carl Bethel.He told The Tribune
1 in 50 people in nation has HIV, report warns
THE country’s main supplies of HIV/AIDs drugs have been restored, Health Minister Duane Sands confirmed yesterday.In an interview with The Tribune, Dr Sands addressed the status of HIV/AIDs in the country, including The Bahamas’ rank as having the hi
Two charged with robbery and murder attempt
TWO 24-year-old men were arraigned in a magistrate’s court yesterday accused of being the perpetrators of an armed robbery and an attempted murder one week ago.Dominic Stuart and Antonio Neely stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charg
Chief Justice Turner? it's just a typo
The search for a permanent Chief Justice appeared over yesterday - but only for a moment.Justice Bernard Turner was named there in black and white on the government’s own official directory - name, phone numbers and email address under the grand titl
D'Aguilar: I have changed my views on Baha Mar
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar says his position on Baha Mar and its importance to the country has changed since being appoint to his post. Speaking outside Cabinet yesterday, the former Baha Mar board member praised the resort’s continued expa
Man charged with two sex offences against young girls
A 31-year-old man was arraigned in a magistrate’s court yesterday charged with having sexual intercourse with a ten-year-old girl, and also of trying to touch another girl’s private parts earlier this year.Ricardo Burrows, of Eden Street, stood befor
Plane crash probe could take a year
THE investigation into the North Andros plane crash could take up to a year to complete, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.
Rosewood blooms at Baha Mar as ribbon is cut
ROSEWOOD Baha Mar officially opened last night during a ribbon cutting ceremony as executives prepare to phase in the first guests on June 1.
Left in the dark: BCA ‘not invited to key Pointe meeting’
THE government’s engagement with Bahamas Contractors Association (BCA) officials on The Pointe project remains unsatisfactory, BCA President Leonard Sands said yesterday, claiming the association was not invited to a key stakeholder meeting last week despite four attempts to uncover when the meeting was to be held.
BLTA team off to American Zone III Davis Cup tie this weekend
THIS weekend, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association will send off its team to the American Zone III Davis Cup tie in Costa Rica.
Four-man bodybuilding team lives up to expectations in Montreal
THE four-man team didn’t achieve the success that manager Wellington ‘Cat’ Sears had anticipated. But head coach Leonardo ‘Nardo’ Dean said they performed up to their expectations.
Bodybuilders selected for CAC Championships
Following the completion of its Novice and National Open Championships, the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation has selected a 16-member team to represent the country at the Central American and Caribbean Championships.
Anthony Bullard chosen as overall winner of Budweiser Up promotion
BUDWEISER Beer and the Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company are sending one lucky Nassau native to Russia for this year’s FIFA World Cup Championships.
EDITORIAL: Let’s be honest - they’re just downright rude
It is a fact of life that putting a uniform on an ordinary man can change him instantly. The heavyset class creep can be transformed into the big-chested bully. A stout woman can become HyperHolly on authority steroids. Not only does a uniform imbue a sense of power for the individual wearing it, it induces greater likelihood of obedience from those who interact with the uniform.
Carifta medal bungle
The Holy Bible encourages us to plan intricately at Luke 14:28, 29 & 30
Munnings Road
THIS Gladstone Road - Munnings Road, south side of West Ridge road blocking issue.
Police sirens
While many of us believed that The Divine Right of Kings and Potentates ended with the Magna Carta in 1215AD. I don’t think that the memo reached The Bahamas. Certainly not those in our police force assigned to taking dignitaries along the streets of Nassau, at speeds that the average potcake Bahamian would be jailed for.
Teenager on attempted murder charge
A 19-year-old Freeport man was charged with attempted murder in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning.Cornel Beckles, of Tamarind Street, appeared in Court Two before Magistrate Charlton Smith in connection with an incident that occurred
Oldtimers softball heats up
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association continued its regular season with a series of games in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds over the weekend.
Two accused of $12,000 fraud
A MAN and a woman were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with collectively defrauding a woman of more than $12,000 within a three-day period earlier this month.Donovan Stubbs, 21, and Shafara Lewis, 23, stood before Magistrate Ambro
Young man dies as car crashes into utility pole
Grand Bahamas’ West End community was in a state of shock yesterday after an early morning traffic accident left a young man dead on Queens Highway, the island’s seventh fatality for the year.
BUSINESS BITES: Say 'Yes' to Bahamas oil drilling
No sooner had Simon Potter, CEO of Nassau-based Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC), announced an international oil company had signed a 90-day renewable option to become a farm-out partner with BPC, than our environmental activists predictably denounced the deal — indeed, the very concept of drilling for oil in Bahamian waters.
Cut out the sugar
NON-PROFIT group Healthy Lifestyles Team (HaLT) of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas is advocating for a ban on the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in or near local schools.
'Kiss IBCs goodbye' if EU response wrong
The Bahamas “could kiss the entire IBC market goodbye” if it gets its response to Europe’s “ring fencing” demands wrong, an ex-Cabinet minister warned yesterday branding it a “make or break” issue.Ryan Pinder, pictured, a former financial services mi
Crystal Palace demolition set for summer
Baha Mar will demolish the former Crystal Palace resort and casino this summer as it proceeds with expansion plans beyond yesterday’s Rosewood hotel opening.Graeme Davis, pictured, the $4.2bn development’s president, told Tribune Business it hoped to
Bahamas slips in half OECD 'peer review' criteria
The Bahamas slipped slightly in its latest OECD “peer review”, although it maintained its “largely compliant” ranking amid beneficial ownership and tax information exchange concerns.The just-released full Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and De
Rosewood chief: Baha Mar has 'nailed' hotel
Baha Mar has “nailed” the design of its Rosewood hotel, the brand’s president said yesterday, adding he was “absolutely delighted” it did not go through with a previously-threatened exit.Radha Arora, speaking ahead of yesterday’s opening, told Tribun
Baha Mar chief: Atlantis 'cannibalise' fear unseen
Baha Mar’s president yesterday said the feared market “cannibalisation” with Atlantis has yet to occur, with Nassau enjoying record arrivals and airlines seeing 80 per cent “load factors”.Graeme Davis reiterated to Tribune Business that the hotel ind
Ownership Registry is 'not set in stone'
Legislation to create a central Beneficial Ownership Registry is “not set in stone”, the Attorney General has revealed, with the Government seeking “urgent” consultation on the issue.Carl Bethel QC, addressing a Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB
$1.745m software deal to facilitate tax exchange
The Ministry of Finance has embraced a software solution from Vizor AEOI Software to help meet its automatic tax information exchange (AEOI) commitments.The Bahamas will use Vizor’s solution to meet its obligations under the Organisation for Economic
BPL's renewable plan delay branded 'pathetic'
A local renewable energy firm yesterday slammed Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) failure to produce an acceptable Renewable Energy Plan (REP) on time as “pathetic”.Zoltan Szasz, vice president of technical sales at Bahamas Energy and Solar Supplies, t
Tuesday, May 22
05222018 EDITION
Tuesday, 22nd May, 2018.
Constitutional limits prove a challenge for evacuation bill
WITH as many as seven hurricanes expected in the region this summer, Attorney General Carl Bethel said the mandatory evacuation bill Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis promised last year is still in draft form and “difficult to craft because of constitu
Holiday weekend blighted by series of armed robberies
POLICE are investigating a spate of armed robberies which occured over the holiday weekend.In the first incident in the early hours of Friday morning, a man was approached by two men outside his home in Hope Town, Abaco, one of whom was armed with a
FRED SMITH: The urgent need for a Human Rights Act
The Bahamas has a problem with human rights. Specifically, this society harbours a deep distain for two basic propositions:
35 percent rise in bookings at hotels in The Bahamas
THE Bahamas has experienced a 35 percent increase in hotel bookings and a 20 percent increase in total gross demand in bookings over the past year, according to Expedia Group manager Betty Julia Estrada.Ms Estrada, senior business development manager
FACE TO FACE: Farewell to a mentor
This past weekend, a noted member of the press and the legal fraternity was laid to rest. She was an attorney with passion as a legal advocate for women and children, a journalist and a communications specialist. More importantly to me, she was like a big sister throughout my childhood years.
Gunned down as children played
GUNSHOTS cracked the air as seven children played on a South Beach park yesterday morning. Feet away from them, a man in his early 30s lay dead.
Andros crash families beg for closure
FOUR months after the fatal North Andros plane crash, victims’ families are hitting out against the government for the “inhumane” treatment they have received.
Seventh victim of police shootout
POLICE killed a man on Saturday afternoon after he allegedly shot at officers following a high speed car chase.
Jonquel Jones helps Sun get 101-65 win over the Aces
JONQUEL Jones finally made her way back to Connecticut in time for the Sun’s WNBA regular-season opener and the All-Star forward showed flashes of brilliance in her season debut, despite limited minutes.Jones finished with seven points, five rebounds
Lorraine LaFleur 4th in Arnold Classic Africa
LORRAINE LaFleur’s debut as a professional bodybuilder resulted in a fourth place finish in the women’s physique category at the Arnold Classic Africa 2018.Over the weekend in the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, Gauteng, LaFleur was the lo
LeBron scores 44 as Cavs even series with Celtics
CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James scored 44 points, surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar atop a postseason list and helped the Cleveland Cavaliers even the Eastern Conference finals at 2-2 last night with a 111-102 victory over the Boston Celtics, who are looki
High schooler wins contest with call for more inclusion of autistic students
Alexandria Rolle’s call for more inclusion of autistic and other special needs children within the local school system has won her this year’s Autism Awareness Essay Contest.The 11th grade St Augustine’s College student included two major proposals i
Miller-Uibo, Gardiner in win column
This time it was on the streets of Boston, but that didn’t stop the Bahamian twin towers of Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo to continue their dominance of the track and field competition this year.As two of three Bahamians competing at the 3r
Teaching the next generation of nurses
THIRTY high school students completed the Nursing Cadet Programme hosted by the Grand Bahama Health Services and the Ministry of Health.Britany Bastian, of the Bishop Michael Eldon High School, and Mevanda Green, of Seventh Day Adventist School, were
The evolution of fitness in the Bahamas
New facility focuses on family workouts
The desire for fitness among Bahamians has reached a new level, and to answer the needs of a changing populace, a new type of fitness facility has opened its doors in Nassau.Evolve Functional Fitness Bahamas, located on the corner of Rosetta Street
$70m Aliv exit delay on Cabinet queries
The Government’s exit from its $70m majority ownership of Aliv has been delayed by the Cabinet’s desire for “clarity and comfort” on the chosen route.
Celebrating a living legend: Dr Rita Pratt honoured for research of Bahamas/US Underground Railroad
BAHAMIAN Dr Rita Pratt is being hailed as a living legend for her vast knowledge on the US/Bahamas Underground Railroad.
Chisholm, Champ Stuart score home runs
JAZZ Chisholm and Champ Stuart broke out of their respective slumps in the most dynamic way possible – with home runs.Chisholm hit three home runs in the last two games and continues his progression as one of the top prospects in the Arizona Diamondb
Adult male circumcision can reduce HIV transmission
Next to abstinence, safe monogamous sex with condom use every single time is the best method to reduce the chance of HIV transmission.John Hopkins University Researcher Dr Aaron Tobian and colleagues showed that male circumcision reduces HIV infecti
THE PRESS BOX: FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 PREVIEW PART 1
FIRST things first, let’s start things off by congratulating Budweiser and Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits for running another awesome promotion. Once again, sending another lucky Bahamian to a world-class, international sporting event. This time around,
EDITORIAL: The clock’s running on this polarising president
With the month of June just around the corner, American electoral politics is beginning to heat up along with the weather. While there have already been some very expensive and highly newsworthy bi-elections and early primary votes in a few states, the most meaningful phase of the 2018 congressional election season is just beginning.
Prime Minister is not elected
Presidents of the United State are elected, Prime Minister of the Bahamas are selected!
Overtime at the hospital
I cannot see how persons at PMH cannot see when a person is crazy. Man, they work at the hospital and can’t pick that up. There is a lady that oversees a department that deals with your files, they call that kind of person an AO. She is also in charge of all the clerks you see her on the baby ward and clinics and the other wards.
'KJ' Major wins singles title at USTA National Men's Open
FRESH from his graduation from college, Kevin ‘KJ’ Major couldn’t ask for a better way to start his professional career.One week after he was done with his two-year sting at Seminole State College Oklahoma, Major was on the court competing in the UST
Fishing confusion
After the Government finally made the decision that the Flat Fishing Regulations will stand it needs to urgently ensure that the law is transparent and functions as designed.
Resistance of the Rastafari is a lesson for us all
THE use of force is still very much a part of the foreign policy and diplomatic considerations of all states, even small ones. nIn the latter case, what they consider is not using force themselves, but force being used against them.
GAIN AN EDGE: The degree that keeps on helping
Imagine having completed your Information Technology (IT) Management degree two years ago, yet what you learned then still helps you solve issues today.
NPWBA: Operators take 2-0 lead in best-of-5 series against Lady Cheetahs
THE Bommer G Lady Operators now find themselves in the driver’s seat of the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association.On Saturday night at the DW Davis Gymnasium, the Lady Operators took a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five championship se
Gov't hotel exit depends if buyer 'still interested'
Completion of the Government’s 26-year bid to exit hotel industry ownership now depends on whether the Bahamian purchaser of its last property “is still interested”.Dionisio D’Aguilar, pictured, minister of tourism, told Tribune Business he planned t
Regulator accuses BPL of ‘compromising renewables’
Regulators fear Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) may have “compromised the introduction of sustainable renewable energy in the shortest possible time” by breaching the Electricity Act 2015.
Ownership Registry could 'destabilise' financial services
An ex-Cabinet minister has warned that creating a central Beneficial Ownership Registry could “destabilise” the Bahamian financial services industry and should be shelved “for now”.Ryan Pinder, a former financial services minister, told a Bahamas Fin
DPM 'hopeful' GDP growth will escape oil price shocks
The Deputy Prime Minister is expressing confidence that The Bahamas will meet its 2.5 per cent GDP growth target despite rising oil prices, adding: “Hopefully we’ll be able to ride it out.”KP Turnquest, pictured, conceded to Tribune Business that inc
RBC mortgage lender 'not where we need it'
ROYAL Bank of Canada’s (RBC) mortgage lending arm “is still not where we need it to be”, the bank’s top regional executive has conceded, despite improvements elsewhere in its portfolio.Rob Johnston, head of RBC Caribbean Banking, said that while the
Manufacturer warning on WTO 'irreparable damage'
Bahamian manufacturers are warning of “irreparable damage” to the sector if current protective tariffs are not maintained when The Bahamas accedes to full World Trade Organisaton (WTO) membership.The Bahamas Light Industries Development Council (BLID
Milo Butler Group eyes more growth
The Milo Butler Group of Companies and its third-generation managing director are continuing to eye expansion opportunities as he celebrates his first year in charge.Damian Butler has guided the company through two retail store openings, expanded his
Letter to the Business Editor
Editor, The Tribune.I write to express my deep concern that this country is setting itself up to enter the deepest depression it has ever seen, leaving the majority of the population unable to afford electricity and food.As a long-term resident with
RBC: Bahamas digital usage 'above forecast'
ROYAL Bank of Canada’s (RBC) top regional executive says use of its digital platform in The Bahamas is “well above forecast”, with increasing demand for more availability and functionality.Rob Johnston said RBC’s digital push has been “extremely well
Monday, May 21
Man shot dead on South Beach Drive
Police are investigating the nation’s latest murder after a man was shot dead on Monday morning.
Man injured in gas station shooting
A man is in hospital after a shooting at a gas station early on Sunday morning.
Saturday, May 19
Woman killed, man injured in Freeport truck crash
A woman is dead and a man is in hospital after the truck they were in collided with a tree early Saturday morning in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
A royal wedding bridges the Atlantic, opens up a modern era
WINDSOR, England (AP) — The son of British royalty and the daughter of middle-class Americans wed Saturday in a service that reflected Prince Harry's royal heritage, Meghan Markle's biracial roots and the pair's shared commitment to putting a more diverse, modern face on the monarchy.
Friday, May 18
05182018 EDITION
Friday, 18th May, 2018.
'Minister anxious to establish Sexual Offenders Registry'
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames is “very anxious” to establish the Sexual Offenders Registry, Eugene Poitier, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, said on Friday.
C Lyrone Burrow appointed PHA Deputy Managing Director
FORMER chairman of the Bahamas Insurance Association C Lyrone Burrow has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority.
CIBC First Caribbean International Bank reopens in temporary building
THE CIBC First Caribbean International Bank has resumed its operation at a temporary building on West Atlantic Drive after a recent closure of the bank at the First Commercial Building.
PM announces National Endowment Fund to preserve culture and heritage
PRIME Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis announced the establishment of a National Endowment Fund to help preserve the heritage and culture of The Bahamas, among other things.
Bahamas First General Insurance, BTVI establish scholarship programme
BAHAMAS First General Insurance Company has established an annual scholarship programme with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.
NEMA anticipates seven hurricanes this year
THE National Emergency Management Agency anticipates the upcoming hurricane season will bring seven hurricanes, with three of these expected to be category three or higher.
John Pinder appointed acting Director of Labour
VETERAN unionist John Pinder has been appointed as acting Director of Labour.
Crown attorney in Frank Smith trial concedes call log discrepancies
THE Crown's lead attorney in the Frank Smith bribery and extortion trial, Edward Jenkins, QC, conceded Friday there are discrepancies between the call logs of virtual complainant Barbara Hanna and Mr Smith’s phone bill.
THE ROYAL WEDDING: Make it a viewing party
You may not be among the 600 privileged guests to be invited inside St George’s Chapel to witness the royal tying of the knot of Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle tomorrow, but that does not mean that you cannot get into all the excitement surrounding the wedding of the year.
Gunman opens fire in Texas high school, killing 10 people
SANTA FE, Texas (AP) — A 17-year-old carrying a shotgun and a revolver opened fire at a Houston-area high school Friday, killing 10 people, most of them students, authorities said. It was the nation's deadliest such attack since the massacre in Florida that gave rise to a campaign by teens for gun control.
Airliner with at least 110 aboard crashes in Cuba
HAVANA (AP) — A Cuban-operated airliner with at least 110 people aboard crashed and burned in a cassava field just after takeoff from the Havana airport Friday. Cuban media reported three survivors.
'Hundreds' of jobs available in Grand Bahama with training
Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest believes hundreds of jobs Bahamians can perform with required training are being unfilled in the industrial sector in Grand Bahama, particularly in the maritime industry. “I am not knocking anybody, I appreciate
'McAlpine is a prophet' claims leading activist
AMID calls from within his party to silence him, outspoken Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine was yesterday saluted by another adversarial group, Rights Bahamas. In a letter yesterday, RB vice-president Joseph Darville said the Free National Movement s
Suicide suspected as Italian woman found hanged
AN Italian woman was found hanging with an object tied around her neck in an Atlantis hotel room, police said yesterday. According to reports, police are investigating the death as a suicide after the woman was found around 4.15am. Police did not r
Heading to the top of the world
WHEN most people take a break from work they seek to rest, shop and sightsee, but not Richard Beek, the 46-year-old Bahamian banker is currently climbing Mount Everest.Mr Beek sent “greetings from Everest” to The Tribune this week, having spent the l
Telephone logs show inconsistencies in trial
INCONSISTENCIES in the call-logs of Barbara Hanna took centre stage in the Frank Smith’s extortion and bribery trial yesterday.A former BTC auditor yesterday said more than 60 discrepancies between Hanna’s call history and Mr Smith’s phone bill betwe
Overlooked officers bitter after audit shock
THE manpower audit report of the Royal Bahamas Police Force has rekindled bitterness in police officers who feel they were wrongfully overlooked for promotions in 2014 and 2017.
Finally - planes will pay to ‘fly Bahamas’
THE government has finally given the go-ahead for aviation chiefs to charge airlines fees for using Bahamian airspace.
Police chase leads in sex attacks hunt
POLICE were yesterday said to be following “significant leads” in their investigations into the sexual assault of two young girls as activists called for immediate state action to increase accountability for sex offenders.
Fuel bills set to soar
Bahamians must brace for “a very expensive summer”, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive warned yesterday, as global oil prices surged to $80 per barrel.
Suspect bailed in sex attack retrial
THE SON of former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes has been granted $9,000 bail ahead of his retrial over allegations he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl entrusted to his wife’s care six years ago.Justice Gregory Hilton granted Joseph Foulkes
A COMIC'S VIEW: What in the world is extreme?
SUMMER is here, so every nook and cranny is crawling with a summer infestation of terror and destruction that would rival any of those plagues found in The Good Book. You guessed it, teenagers! Ah, yes, I remember the free-for-all, happy go lucky d
McAlpine courage
Frederick McAlpine must have struck several nerves in the Free National Movement. Surrogates are “coming out the woodwork, just like worm”.
Don’t beat on rebel
An anonymous wise person once said that there are five things you can’t take back: “A stone after it’s thrown, a word once it is spoken, an occasion once it is missed, an action when it is done, and time once it has passed.”
Killer's appeal rejected despite brutality claims
THE Court of Appeal has affirmed both the conviction and sentencing of Thaddeus Williams, 25, citing the court’s position on not interfering with a sentences passed by lower courts, unless those sentences were “manifestly harsh, excessive or wrong in
Cleaning up a sacred space
SCORES of ‘Atlanteans’ armed with rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows, braved the rainy weather to help clean up and refurbish the Sacred Space at Blake Road. Entitled “Welcome, “ the space was originally created in 2007 when Bahamian artist and sculpto
The best and the brightest
A Medal presentation for New Providence nominees to become Primary School Student of the Year has been held.
EDITORIAL: A steady start – with the odd stumble
DESPITE a predictable low grading from the leader of the Opposition, the general consensus has been the Free National Movement Government performed reasonably well during its first year in office and is gathering momentum as it seeks to live up to the expectations of the electorate.
Impossible policy to stop gaming
Once again, a well meaning public servant with the best of intentions has presented a policy without thinking it through, that would be unrealistic, expensive and totally unfeasible.
Strachan: Vincent best man to lead resurgence of boxing
DESPITE some opposition to his election as the president of the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Association, veteran boxing personality Pat ‘the Centreville Assassin’ Strachan feels that Vincent Strachan is the best man to lead the resurgence of the sport.Dur
LaFleur to make pro debut in Africa
After making an exhibition posing appearance at the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s Novice and Open Championships over the weekend at the Melia resort, Lorraine LaFleur is off to Africa to make her pro debut.One of the last four competi
Gold medal hopes for bodybuilders in Canada
FOUR men’s divisional champions from the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s Novice and Open Championships will be heading to Montreal, Canada, to compete in the IFBB Elite Pro this weekend.Accompanied by the federation’s honourees Leonardo
Miami Marlins sign up Anfernee Seymour
ANFERNEE Seymour is back with the franchise where his pro baseball career began and has improved his play this season in his new surroundings.After being released by the Atlanta Braves (Florida Fire Frogs) on May 6, Seymour was signed by the Miami Ma
Sports notes
THE Silver Lightning Track Meet that was scheduled for Saturday at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium has been postponed until further notice. The Silver Lightning Track Club apolog
THE FINISH LINE: Ayton expected to be franchise player wherever he goes in the NBA Draft
I LIKE the position that Bahamian DeAndre Ayton finds himself in going into the National Basketball Association’s June Draft.Based on the order of picks determined on Tuesday night, Ayton can either remain in Arizona after he was one-and-done at Ariz
TECH TALK 15th May, 2018
• Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth — err, game.
Walking robot maker prepares to unleash its dog-like machine
A robotics company known for its widely shared videos of nimble, legged robots opening doors or walking through rough terrain is preparing to sell some after more than a quarter century of research.
Race is on to set up Europe’s electric car charging network
Charging an electric car away from home can be an exercise in uncertainty — hunting for that one lonely station at the back of a rest-area parking lot and hoping it’s working.
Near 50% of Bahamians 'cannot make ends meet'
Nearly 50 per cent of Bahamians are struggling to “make ends meet”, the Central Bank revealed yesterday, with monthly earnings “usually insufficient” to cover their living costs.The regulator, unveiling an analysis of its Financial Literacy Survey 20
BPL ‘ambitious’ to beat gov’t refinancing target
Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) chairman yesterday said it aims to beat the Government’s 2019 first quarter refinancing target, amid delays in accessing $100m in short-term credit.
Chief WTO negotiator: Business reform must 'move a lot quicker'
The Bahamas’ chief WTO negotiator yesterday backed calls for “ease of business” reforms to move “a lot quicker”, but reiterated this was no reason to delay the planned 2019 accession.Raymond Winder told Tribune Business that obtaining full World Trad
IMF warns over 'education quality'
The Bahamas needs to rapidly improve “the quality of education” if is to reduce structural unemployment and improve its competitiveness, the IMF has warned.The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest Article IV report, said progress in impro
IAN FERGUSON: Vital performance tools for employee evaluation
Performance appraisals are instruments used to evaluate an employee’s job performance in terms of quality, quantity, cost and time. There are many benefits to using these tools for pinpointing exactly where employees are in their level of functioning
Gov'ts drive to make unions 'more efficient'
Bahamian trade unions must avoid “procedural errors and missteps” that could lead to litigation, the Director of Labour yesterday disclosing: “We’re trying to make them more efficient.”Robert Farquharson was speaking as the Department of Labour’s Reg
Bahamian achieves aviation sector first
A third-generation member of an aviation-loving family says he has become the first Bahamian to obtain a Masters of Laws degree (LL.M.) in International Aviation.Keith Major Jr joined Maktoom Al Wahaibi, who was achieving a similar “first” for Oman,
Thursday, May 17
Groundbreaking next week on $120m hotel complex
A CANADIAN real estate conglomerate is slated to break ground next week on a $120m condominium hotel and residences near Goodman’s Bay.When it was proposed in 2015, the GoldWynn project by the Wynn Group was billed at $65m and projected to create 200
The importance of a Christian education
Most Christian denominations in our Bahamas must be credited with promoting Christian and secular education with distinction.The Anglicans, Baptists, Roman Catholics, Methodists, along with others, have historically been the Christian motivators in t
Holy Spirit Church to unveil final resting place for cremated remains
As Chippingham’s Parish Church of the Holy Spirit celebrates the Feast of Pentecost this Sunday, it will also unveil a newly built final resting place for those members who wish to be cremated.The church’s Feast of Title will also be observed on Sund
Emmanuel Gospel Chapel celebrates 10th anniversary with family fun day
Emmanuel Gospel Chapel, located on Emmanuel Drive, will celebrate 10 years of ministry in the form of a community fun day this Saturday beginning 1pm.This annual event is held on the church grounds in Malcolm’s Allotment. It is a time for family, fun
Macedonia Baptist Church celebrates 52 years
Macedonia Baptist Church will its celebrate 52nd anniversary on Sunday, May 27. A special anniversary service will be held at 4pm when a number of churches will participate. The guest speaker will be Rev Trajean Jadorette, pastor of New Covenant Bapt
Mother's Day in Exuma
International speaker and author Sharon Jaynes once said, “Successful mothers are not the ones that have never struggled. They are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles.”Rev Stephen Smith and his wife Krivoy, together with Ebenezer famil
Pentecost or Whitsuntide
The veil of ignorance is extremely heavy and blinding during the festive celebrations of Pentecost. It’s absolutely astounding to have a nation celebrate a holiday when the majority does not have any idea what it is celebrating? A caller to WINZ talk
- Marketplace Ministry hailed as 'innovative' -
MOUNT Tabor is changing the way it carries out the work of the church by establishing a new model of ministry that caters to those outside its four walls, and which it hopes will lead them to a personal relationship with Christ, but in a holistic man
Pentecost prayer
As we celebrate another Pentecost experience, let us use the power of the Holy Spirit to pray more effectively. Let us join hearts and hands in an effort to see the fulfilment of God’s dream of holiness on earth as in heaven.THE HOME1. Pray for every
A mother like Mary
As mothers the world over were celebrated last Sunday, on the island of Abaco Anglicans gathered in great numbers to shower the most important women in their lives with love.“Mothers are one of the greatest gifts God has given mankind,” said Father C
05172018 EDITION
Thursday, 17th May, 2018.
Butchered dog’s pups lose fight for life
SIX days after a pregnant pit bull dog named Whitehead died as a result of an illegal caesarian performed by a street vet in Grand Bahama it has been discovered that none of her eight puppies have been able to survive without their mother.
Warrants unserved due to lack of workers
THOUSANDS of warrants remain unexecuted and ports of entry have been left vulnerable because of a manpower shortage within the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Shanty town census – majority have status
AN “OVERWHELMING” 70 percent of shanty town residents surveyed in New Providence have a legal right to reside in the country, according to the preliminary findings of a recent government survey.
Police Farce: Audit exposes RBPF
RESEARCHERS who conducted a manpower audit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force flayed last year’s promotional exercise in their report while revealing the top-heavy Force needs 791 more constables to be more effective.
‘I can’t let my child walk home alone’
PARENTS of Stephen Dillet Primary School students are fearful after a young girl was assaulted near the school on Monday afternoon.
‘Minister’ linked to police in Smith trial
A WRITTEN statement submitted by Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle in the ongoing Frank Smith extortion and bribery trial could lead to at least one current government minister being called before the court.
Technology at centre 'to benefit Grand Bahama'
THE smart technology and services available at the newly renovated YMTA in Hunters will provide “real tangible benefits” for persons living in the various outlying settlements in the Central Grand Bahama constituency.
A garden for Sandilands
LODGE members of the Rebecca Chapter No 4, Prince Hall Affiliate, gave the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre’s beautification programme a boost with a new garden in the atrium of the Robert Smith Ward.
Editorial false claims
I read with interest a Nassau Guardian editorial titled, “Carnival continues, as it should”, dated May 4, 2018, and thought I should respond to two glaringly false claims made therein. Time does not allow me to respond to more.
Three arrested after marijuana discovery
Three people have been arrested following the discovery of several marijuana plants on Grand Cay, Abaco, police reported yesterday. ASP Terecita Pinder said shortly before 11am police on that island were on inquiries on Percy Rolle Highway when they
Lawyers must act as financial institutions
UNDER the updated Financial Transactions Reporting Act (FTRA) lawyers will be treated as “financial institutions”, Attorney General Carl Bethel told the Bahamas Bar Association yesterday.During his speech, Mr Bethel reiterated that in an evaluation t
Pintard hails teachers who inspire future leaders
YOUTH Sports and Culture Michael Pintard yesterday extended his appreciation to educators for continuing to inspire and shape the lives of young people who will be the country’s future leaders. He urged them to stay faithful to their calling and not
Costly tugboats
Just for some perspective on the $15,000.000.00 Tugs, the People (taxpayers) have to spend $ 200,000,000.00, or in English, two hundred million dollars, to generate $15,000,000.00 of VAT.
Annual Junior International Rugby Festival begins on Saturday in Grand Bahama
FREEPORT Rugby Club is scheduled to host its eighth annual Junior International Rugby Festival May 19-20 in Grand Bahama at the club’s home field on East Settler’s Way.This year’s tournament will include sides from Key Biscayne, Florida, the Cayman I
Ayton fine candidate for Suns’ No. 1 pick in NBA Draft
We can speculate on a possible destination for Deandre Ayton when the NBA Draft takes place next month.
Symonette calls on banks and schools to be sympathetic on expired permits
IMMIGRATION Minister Brent Symonette yesterday appealed to local banks to exercise sympathy and sensitivity in handling the accounts of people with expired residency or work permits.Mr Symonette said he was unaware of any legal mandate for banks to s
Missing projects
IS the perception or disillusionment of corruption a reality against foreign investment? Truth experienced since May 10th, 2017, it seems to be the opposite as under the supposed to be lily-white-uncorrupt FNM not a single investment project has been announced except for the odorous Oban energy refinery deal.
Legislation will help BPL secure funds
THE Electricity Amendment Bill 2018 was passed yesterday in the House of Assembly through which Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) will be better able to secure vital funding.In addressing the new bill Works Minister Desmond Bannister told MPs: “In order
WNBA insiders project another standout season for Jones
SHE has yet to make a preseason appearance, but WNBA Insiders still consider Jonquel Jones one of the top players in the league and project her to have another standout season. WNBA.com posed questions to the league’s general managers to learn what
Augustin-Fairellsigns up with topleague in France
ONE senior men’s national team member has progressed to the top league in France as his new club looks to bolster its roster for a playoff push.Jonathan Augustin-Fairell signed with JDA Dijon of LNB French Pro A as the league’s playoffs continue this
BODYBUILDING RESULTS
RESULTS of the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s 45th Annual Novice and Open Bodybuilding Championships, held at the Melia resort on Saturday night:
Fiscal Responsibility: 'More teeth' needed
The Fiscal Responsibility Bill needs “more teeth” against governments that consistently breach its targets, an anti-corruption watchdog argued yesterday.Lemarque Campbell, of Citizens for a Better Bahamas, the local Transparency International represe
Atlantis enjoys 'strongest Q1 in many years'
Atlantis has enjoyed “one of the strongest first quarters in many years”, its top executive revealing that business is “well ahead” of 2017 numbers.Audrey Oswell, pictured, the Paradise Island resort’s president and managing director, told Tribune Bu
Bannister: No ‘forced’ terminations to happen through BPL agreement
There will be no forced terminations in Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) upcoming right-sizing exercise after a deal was reached with its two trade unions, it was revealed yesterday.
Bahamas to 'harmonise' IBCs, domestic entities
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday expressed “100 per cent” confidence that The Bahamas will meet Europe’s year-end target, as it prepares to “harmonise” IBCs and domestic companies.K P Turnquest, pictured, told Tribune Business that “work is still
IMF: Worker notice below world average
A trade union leader yesterday hailed the IMF for confirming that the two-week notice period for terminated Bahamian workers is below international standards.Obie Ferguson, the Trades Union Congress’s (TUC) president, told Tribune Business that the I
Hilton executive goes to Barbados
The British Colonial Hilton yesterday announced the temporary assignment of a senior executive as interim general manager for its sister property, Hilton Barbados Resort.Lynne OP Johnson will be is overseeing the Barbados resort’s operation for a th
Chamber to host Trade Seminar
The Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural Trade Seminar and Expo event at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort on Wednesday, May 30.The event will offer advice, information, education and instructions to Bahamian manufacturers, producers and exporters
Banks told: 'Be sympathetic' over expired work permits
A Cabinet Minister yesterday urged banks to be more “sympathetic” and continue transacting business with persons whose work permits have expired.Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, trade and industry and Immigration, during his contribut
Aliv assists electronic data protection talks
Aliv yesterday detailed ways Bahamians can protect their electronic data as it participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Data Protection Commissioner’s office.Dwayne Davis, Aliv’s chief solutions architect, presented on topics including i
Wednesday, May 16
05162018 EDITION
Wednesday, 16th May, 2018.
Smith: Bethel wrong on illegal Oban deal
THE Oban Energies Heads of Agreement is “illegal,” attorney Fred Smith said yesterday. His comment followed Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd’s admission that the Minnis administration did not follow the law with the HOA was contradicted by Attorney
CULTURE CLASH: We need to take time for ourselves
We are supposed to be strong; there for everyone at any time.
Pedestrian killed, another injured as vehicle hits them on highway
A male pedestrian died and another hospitalised with severe injuries after they were hit by a vehicle travelling on the Warren J Levarity Highway late on Monday evening.According to reports, a group of men were walking along the highway when a grey-c
Deadline 'gives shanty town residents time to move'
TRANSPORT and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell said the July 31, 2018, deadline for the eviction of shanty town residents gives ample time for those in the community to find alternative housing. Noting the substandard conditions in these c
Man gunned down in drive-by shooting
A MAN became the 32nd murder victim of the year, according to The Tribune’s records, when he was killed off Robinson Road Monday night.In a press statement, police said: “According to reports, shortly after 10pm a group of men were standing in front
Fiscal targets 'blown' without disaster plan
A Hurricane Matthew-type event could wipe out the IMF’s proposed national disaster fund and forever blow The Bahamas off its Fiscal Responsibility targets, a top insurer warned yesterday.Emmanuel Komolafe, pictured, the Bahamas Insurance Association’
Help cops catch two girls’ sex attackers
POLICE are investigating two separate cases of sexual assault involving female children.
‘IMF won’t force us to axe more jobs’
DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday said the government has no intention to downsize the public sector in response to concerns levelled by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Gibson insists water contract was clean
Long Island’s $5m water deal went to the only bidder that “substantially” met the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s terms, its chairman saying yesterday: “I don’t believe in hanky panky.”
Defence demands answers in new Smith trial twist
THE CHIEF prosecution witness in the Frank Smith extortion and bribery trial became agitated yesterday during cross-examination by the defence, with several aspects of her statement of account being called into question.
Resort worker dismissed for assault on guest loses case
A SUPREME Court Judge has dismissed the case of a resort employee who sued his employer Bimini Sands Marina Limited for damages for unfair dismissal. Justice Indra Charles found the dismissal was fair or justified and ruled in favour of the resort,
Boston survives 42-point night by LeBron, down Cavs 107-94
BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 23 points and the Boston Celtics withstood a 42-point night by LeBron James to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-94 last night and take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleaning up Grand Bahama
POPULAR tourist spot Barbary beach got a thorough clean-up due to a partnership between the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and the Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee (KGBCC) this month. In keeping with its philosophy of creating and maintaining c
Modular homes solution 'game changer' for nation
BAHAMAS Contractors Association (BCA) President Leonard Sands says a local company’s proposed modular homes initiative is a potential game-changer for the country. He believes the business is a possible solution to the high cost of houses. His statem
Adventurer takes on ocean sailing challenge
When he’s not climbing the tallest mountains or cycling across the United States of America, Freeport adventurer David Mellor is sailing the South Atlantic Ocean, braving cold treacherous 20ft to 30ft waves aboard the largest wooden square rigged sail ship.
A revolution in treating prostate cancer
THIS summer, Bahamian urologist Dr Greggory Pinto will carry out a revolutionary curative prostate cancer treatment he believes will “revolutionise” the way this illness is treated in the Bahamas.
EDITORIAL: Over the Hill - minus web shops - to get facelift
IN announcing his government’s plans “to transform our inner cities in ways only dreamt about”, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis made it clear that tax concessions granted residents to help them rebuild, upgrade and create businesses in their communities, would not be extended to web shops and liquor stores.
Light at end of the tunnel
I hoped that all of the mothers in our wonderful country had an enjoyable and blessed Mothers’ Day. Despite the naysayers, inclusive of myself occasionally, all is not yet lost in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. In fact, it is my considered view, as a social activist and Executive Director of The National Public Policy Institute and Common Cause, that our best days, collectively, are yet ahead of us, God willing.
Intelligent strategy
IF you look at The Bahamas’s crime predicament, you have to look at all the factors that contribute to its manifestation. There are both social and economic factors.
LNG deal problems
BP&L and LNG…What really is this deal?
Former bodybuilders honoured at 45th annual championships
DURING the 45th Annual Novice and Bahamas Open Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation honoured two of its outstanding former bodybuilders turned coaches and executives.
Brianne making great strides for the Cougars
AFTER a rough transition in college life in her freshman year, Grand Bahamian Brianne Bethel is now making great strides as a member of the Cougars women’s track team at the University of Houston.
LETTER: Gambling houses sponsoring sporting events ‘does not send the right message to our youth’
GAMBLING houses sponsoring sporting events is not in our national interest. It does not send the right message to our youth, who need to be taught that developing the content of one’s character, hard work and discipline in life are ideals to strive for above pursuing getting something for nothing or by chance.
Swift Masters bring home right medals
SWIFT Swimming took four swimmers to the US National Masters Swimming Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, over weekend.
Sports Notes
Kevin Major Jr, now a graduate from Seminole State College, has started his professional career and is off to a great start.
GSSSA champions soak up the spotlight
THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association completed its one-game championships for the girls’ softball and boys’ baseball at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Monday.
Minister: 'No free lunch' on tug boats
A Cabinet minister yesterday defended the imposition of a mandatory tug boat fee for cruise and commercial vessels using Nassau Harbour, saying: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”Frankie Campbell, pictured, minister of transport, told Tribune B
IMF urges 'bold action' on structural reforms before WTO
The Bahamas will not “reap the full benefits” of World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership unless it takes “bold action” to eliminate structural obstacles to growth, the IMF has warned.The Fund, in its latest Article IV report, warned that economic g
Responsibility Bill to take effect this Budget
The “enforcement elements” of the Fiscal Responsibility Bill will be incorporated into the 2018-2019 Budget, the Ministry of Finance’s top official has confirmed.Marlon Johnson, the acting financial secretary, told Tribune Business that the Governmen
Cable Bahamas inleadership change
Cable Bahamas is undergoing a leadership transition, with Anthony Butler set to retire as chief executive and be replaced by Bahamian businessman Franklyn Butler II.The BISX-listed communications provider, in advertisements set to be published today,
Hilton exposes hotel industry to students
The British Colonial Hilton has taken part in “Careers@Hilton Week”, the hotel chain’s annual event showcasing the many hospitality industry opportunities available for young job seekers.For the week of May 14, Hilton hotels and corporate offices aro
Central Bank unveils $2.7bn FDI 'pipeline'
The Central Bank is reporting a foreign direct investment (FDI) “pipeline” worth around $2.7bn excluding Baha Mar and other “headline” projects, the IMF has revealed.The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its just-released Article IV report, said
Hotel union: Industrial agreement 'paramount'
Negotiating and registering a new industrial agreement was yesterday described as “paramount” for the hotel union’s new leadership, with elections now set for next Wednesday.Darren Woods, the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union’s (BHCAWU
GB consultation on WTO begins today
The Government will today begin a three-day World Trade Organisation (WTO) consultation with Grand Bahama’s private sector.Led by officers from the Ministry of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration, the consultations will take place
Tuesday, May 15
05152018 EDITION
Tuesday, 15th May, 2018.
FACE TO FACE: Climbing the corporate ladder then the light bulb went off . . .
Donavon Powell was on a clear path to success in America, making strides in the financial arena after successfully completing college. He had everything going for him and no reason at this point in his career to stop climbing the corporate ladder in the land of opportunity. But instead he chose to follow a calling and try and make a difference in the land of his birth. He came up with an idea that had the potential to make a positive impact in The Bahamas and give him a chance to return home and earn a living.
Half-day opening for post office
THE East Hill Street General Post Office will be operating on half-days until further notice.
Bethel insists govt broke no laws in Oban deal
THE Minnis administration has broken no laws with the Oban Energies project, Attorney General Carl Bethel stressed yesterday after another cabinet minister suggested otherwise.During a recent appearance on Our TV’s “On the Record” programme, Educatio
Man accused of 2016 murder
A 34-year-old man, wanted by police on drug charges under one name, was arraigned on the charge of murder in Magistrate’s Court under another name yesterday. Patrick Goffe, of Washington Street, was yesterday charged with the December 12, 2016, murd
Delay over documents in Frank Smith trial
THE trial of former Public Hospitals Authority Chairman Frank Smith was adjourned yesterday due to a delay in the submission of court-ordered documents from unnamed government agencies.The decision was made by Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt f
IMF’s bitter pill - find extra $240m
The Bahamas needs a further $240m “adjustment” to hit its Fiscal Responsibility targets, the IMF warned yesterday, as it called for more “trimming” of the civil service wage bill.
Stabbed teenager: Tears of accused
A 20-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with the stabbing death of a teen last Friday.
Shanty town evictions ‘ethnic cleansing’
RIGHTS Bahamas said it now has evidence to take “constitutional action” against the government over its July 31, 2018, deadline mandating the eviction of all shanty town residents, arguing the decision was discriminatory.
‘We must do better for young doctors’
AS some junior doctors express concern for their future, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands admitted yesterday officials must do a better job at developing young doctors.
Ticking timebomb of $3.7bn pensions
The Government’s unfunded multi-billion dollar pension liabilities, projected to hit $3.7bn by 2030, were yesterday branded “a big time bomb waiting to go off”.
THE PRESS BOX: These Raging Bronsexuals!
BRONSEXUAL - definition: Anybody who is a huge fan of LeBron James or has deep rooted ‘man crush’ or ‘bromance’ with LeBron James.
'Mother Me' event to strengthen bonds between women
After surviving what they describe as years of pain and disgrace, the mother-daughter duo of Vernita Josey and Davonia Williams have come out on the other side stronger than ever. And now, they are sharing what they have learned with others in the h
Week of events puts focus on technical training
TECHNICAL training continues to be in demand, and Total Education Centre (TEC) in Grand Bahama “remains committed to creating a knowledgeable and better skilled and productive society”. Fred Delancey, the operator of TEC, announced the institution h
New tug boats ready to keep harbour safe
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis christened two tug boats yesterday that cost $15m and are intended to ensure the safety of the Nassau Harbour and Clifton Pier.The vessels, named Tug Samson and Tug Rose, “will be operated by Tug Services Limited, a 10
Vehicle plunges into window
A CAR plunged into a glass window at the Platinum Sporting Lounge on Dowdswell Street yesterday evening.
What’s in a dress? Speculation about Meghan Markle’s dress reaches fever pitch
We haven’t even seen it yet, but it will most likely be the dress of the year.
Bahamian doctor among global ambassadors to help prevent spread of infections
Dr Nikkiah Forbes has become the first Bahamian to be selected by the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) as an ambassador to facilitate infection prevention worldwide.Dr Forbes is the director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious
Silver Sands torn down
In keeping with its vision to clean-up the City of Freeport, the Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd has embarked on demolition projects to tear down derelict and dilapidated buildings throughout the Port Area.
Schools ‘turning away pupils’ amid citizenship checks
LOCAL high schools are still turning away students who cannot prove legal residency or citizenship, according to human rights group Rights Bahamas.
EDITORIAL: Out of control jitneys bring wild, wild west to Nassau
Today marks the end of United Nations Road Safety Week and while Bahamians proved once again to be among the world’s most eager population to sign an online safe driving pledge, one segment of the motoring population apparently did not get the message – jitney drivers.
Carnival: Let people decide
THE so-called privatised carnival has come and gone. Like the overwhelming majority of Bahamians, I did not attend. However, I’ve viewed many videos and pictures over social media and on the internet. Once again, I’m appalled and heartbroken to see what was allowed to take place in our streets and public spaces with government permits and government support.
Unhappy McAlpine
IN my view, I feel that the Good Reverend needs to come clean and say what is his real problem, with his consistent whingeing?
Girl Guides on track to fulfil decades-long dream of new headquarters
After decades of dreaming and fundraising, the Bahamas Girl Guides Association moves another step closer to building its new headquarters. The Association, under the leadership of architect Alvan Rolle, awarded the contract for the new building to Br
Mindful eating
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.
Thomas wins high jump in Guadeloupe
HIGH jumper Donald Thomas, picking up a victory, led another list of Bahamian elite athletes competing in a number of track and field meets over the weekend.
Bahamians burn up track in weekend meets across US
SPRINTER Brianna Bethel, one half of the twin sisters combo from Grand Bahama, had a spectacular showing at the American Athletic Conference Championships to lead the list of Bahamians in action around the United States over the weekend.
Swaby commits to the Sooners
The recruitment process for Bahamian football player David Swaby has come to an end after the highly touted junior college transfer announced his decision on the next stop of his athletic career.
NPWBA: Best-of-5 championship opens tonight
THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association will open its best-of-five championship tonight at the DW Davis Gymnasium when the Lady Cheetahs take on the Bommer G Lady Operators.
Coleby leads Happinets into championship series in Japan
RANKED one of the top teams in the Japanese B2 League all season long, Kadeem Coleby leads his Akita Northern Happinets into the championship series.
BICA chief welcomes fiscal 'seat at table'
THE Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president yesterday welcomed the “seat at the table” to assess the Government’s fiscal responsibility compliance.Gowon Bowe, pictured, speaking at a press conference to announce the long-awaited r
IMF: 10 years to hit long-term debt goal
The Bahamas will take ten years to hit its long-term debt target, the IMF warned yesterday, as it again blasted the Christie administration’s “lax spending control” pre-election.The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest Article IV report o
Christie Gov't deficit 1,060% above responsibility target
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said the Fiscal Responsibility Bill will prevent a repeat of the 2017 pre-election spending splurge by requiring reporting to Parliament.K P Turnquest said the legislation mandates a “Pre-Election Economic and Fisc
Bahamas representsat STEP conference
The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) made sure this nation was well represented earlier this month at the annual Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Caribbean Conference.The summit was held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from May 7-9 un
Entrepreneur plans nightlife exposure
A Bahamian entrepreneur is aiming to launch a website and mobile app that will promote all activities this nation offers to locals and visitors alike.Sherwin Johnson, EVO Bahamas’ president, said he hopes to unveil the Bahamas Nightlife website and m
BICA chief: avoid 'stretch' targets on fiscal responsibility bill goals
The Bahamas must avoid setting “stretch” fiscal targets, a top accountant warned yesterday, branding the 0.5 per cent deficit goal as “aggressive but achievable”.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president, told Tribun
GB Power upgrades boost web efficiency
Grand Bahama Power Company’s (GBPC) website revamp, pictured, aims to provide customers with greater efficiency and security, following its May 1 launch. Dominique Pinder, GBPC’s customer service manager, said: “As the island’s utility, GBPC is commi
Monday, May 14
Bahamians show up in support of REACH and autism awareness
PARTICIPATION numbers exceeded expectations last Saturday, as many Bahamians made it a priority to take part in the second annual REACH fun run/walk.The 5K race started at the Montagu Park, continued over the Sidney Poitier Bridge, and ended back at
The trauma and lashes
The discussion has arisen again around a viral video about how we punish our children. Because children in the current cultural context are not seen as people, they are apparently seen as inferior mortals, deserving of fewer rights. This belief is no
05142018 EDITION
Monday, 14th May, 2018.
INSIGHT: Deliver - before the pendulum swings the other way
MUCH of the government’s first year in office can be characterised as a series of post-election mudslinging and moving of goal posts on key initiatives which the Bahamian people had hopes of seeing materialise sooner rather than later. However, as we know, electioneering leads to many promises, and in some cases, a large majority have been left unfulfilled.
Beware of gunmen in women’s clothing
TWO armed men dressed as women, complete with black wigs, yesterday robbed a watch and jewellery store in downtown Nassau.
UPDATED: Police quiz suspect in teenager’s knife death
Police are investigating after a man died in a stabbing incident in Nassau Village on Friday night.
Did deadly snake kill her cat?
A DEAD cat with bite marks near its abdomen has raised suspicions that a non-indigenous, poisonous snake could be lurking in north-west New Providence.
Insight: Team with a mission to transform our healthcare
IT will cost hundreds of millions to transform the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) into a modern, state-of-the-art, regional “Centre of Excellence”.
Demolished: First shanty homes blitzed as others set July deadline
SHANTYTOWN residents have been given a deadline of July 31, 2018, to vacate their homes as the government intends to completely eradicate illegal residential areas where the standard of living is poor.
The Bahamas wasted three years of my life, says doctor
THE concern some junior doctors feel about an impending programme they fear will push them out of the public healthcare system is fuelled by experiences with the University of the West Indies’ post-grad programmes where matriculation rates are low.Dr
Bahamians seek to manage Abaco port
A BAHAMIAN group with 30 years experience in the maritime industry have made a bid to manage and operate Abaco’s container port as the $40m development in Cooper’s Town nears completion.
McAlpine quiet in face of criticism from fellow FNM party members
PINERIDGE MP Fredrick McAlpine yesterday backed away from the opportunity to respond to fellow party members who have scolded him for his public remarks concerning the Free National Movement and its policies. Mr McAlpine yesterday told The Tribune h
Roberts 'in fine spirits' after surgery
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts was yesterday said to be “in his usual fine spirits” following successful surgery in the United States, according to his successor in the post, Fred Mitchell. In a statement circulated by the
US seeking closer links to Bahamas
THE United States government is looking to increase its engagement with nations in the region such as The Bahamas, with the aim of finding ways to grow economies, boost prosperity and create diversity in energy use, according to a US State Department official.
Olympian Stuart named to MVC 25-year anniversary team
BAHAMIAN two-time Olympic long jumper Bianca Stuart was among five Southern Illinois alumni named to the Women’s Field 25-year anniversary team in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Cartwright and Pierre-Louis lose ITF final
IT wasn’t the finish that Kerrie Cartwright and her American partner Kariann Pierre-Louis anticipated in the final of the women’s doubles at the International Tennis Federation’s $15,000 Tacarigua Women’s Tournament that was held in Trinidad & Tobago last week.
Robinson making immediate impact with Diamondbacks
KRISTIAN Robinson continues to make an immediate impact with the Arizona Diamondbacks organisation.
Reckley is national bodybuilding champion
For the second consecutive year, Charles Reckley has emerged as the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s national bodybuilding champion.
Jones gets offer from Georgetown Hoyas
THE offers continue to stockpile for Bahamian prep basketball star Kai Jones with the latest coming from a major programme in the Big East Conference.
EDITORIAL: The strange return of Oliver North
Oliver North is back. It is surprising it didn’t happen earlier. In light of what is happening internationally and in Washington DC, North’s re-emergence on the public stage seems almost inevitably appropriate.
Distorted views on corruption
It was disappointing that your article in Tribune Business on the 26th April (‘Not a Single Bribe Demand is Probed’) while quoting heavily from a group claiming to be Transparency International’s local affiliate, contained not one single reference to The Bahamas’ ranking in that group’s all important Corruption Perception Index.
It’s hip to be negative
THINGS are starting to move.
Pointe workers
THE Pointe issue of Bahamian construction workers: There could be a translation issue here…Article: 3.2 of the HOA agreement tabled very clearly makes no mention of the argument the Chinese have to put to the Ministry of Labour and and seemingly the Ministry of Labour have swallowed hook, line and sinker.
WORLD VIEW – A world less safe: Caribbean not immune
EVENTS affecting Iran, prompted by the May 8 decision of US President Donald Trump to withdraw America from a 2015 nuclear deal, may appear irrelevant to Caribbean countries. They are not. One of the first effects will be a rise in oil prices which has already reached $77 a barrel and is forecast to rise higher.
New fiscal discipline is 'no magic bullet'
The Deputy Prime Minister is warning that today’s long-awaited release of Fiscal Responsibility legislation is no “magic bullet” for The Bahamas’ deep-rooted financial woes.Confirming that the Government will unveil its signature fiscal reform within
Minister: Block welfare recipients from gaming
The Gaming Board is “under pressure to change the game on the ground” and better protect the most vulnerable Bahamians from irresponsible gambling, a Cabinet Minister has revealed.Dionisio D’Aguilar, pictured, minister of tourism who has responsibili
'Financial Council' will oversee gov't finances
The Government’s Fiscal Responsibility Bill will create a non-political “Council” to oversee its financial stewardship, with the law yesterday hailed as a safeguard against national “bankruptcy”.Matt Aubry, executive director of the Organisation for
Gov't in 'tug of war' with freight, cruise industries
The Government’s plan to introduce a “mandatory tug boat fee” has been met with furious opposition from commercial shippers and cruise lines, amid fears it will further undermine Nassau’s competitiveness.Michele Paige, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise As
Hotel union elections gain court go-ahead
The hotel union’s general secretary says “time is of the essence” to elect new leadership after the Supreme Court removed an injunction preventing candidate nominations and voting.Darren Woods, the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union’s (
$300m boost if murder rates at global avg
The Bahamas could enjoy a $300m boost to annual economic growth if murder rates were reduced to world average levels, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected.The Fund, in its latest Western Hemisphere economic outlook, also found that bet
Bahamas firm in China modular housing deal
A Bahamian company last Friday signed an agreement with its Chinese counterpart to pave the way for co-operation on modular housing construction.Latrae Rahming, Bahamaren’s managing director, and Michael B Wei, China Construction Modular Housing Comp
Bahamian analysts in excellence award win
The Bahamas’ Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society has received the global network’s 2018 Excellence Award for its initiative to build market integrity.It received the CFA Institute’s 2018 Society Excellence Award on May 10, 2018, at its global l
Insurance industry mourns passing of former Summit chair
The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) is mourning the passing of industry veteran, and former chairman, Colin Jones.
POLICE ADVICE: From playgrounds to the workplace - tackling the bullies
HOW to identify bullying in the home, school, workplace, and cyber bullying?
Saturday, May 12
RECORD BREAKERS: Steven and Shaunae win in Shanghai
Bahamian twin towers Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo highlighted the International Amateur Athletic Federation's Shanghai Diamond League Meet on Saturday by winning the men's 400 and women's 200 metres in record breaking times respectively.
Friday, May 11
Suspected drugs, ammunition found in Freeport
Suspected marijuana and illegal ammunition were discovered in separate incidents in the Freeport area, Grand Bahama Police reported Friday.
Dog's death after illegal caesarian 'a case of animal cruelty'
THE brutal death of a pregnant female pit bull terrier following an illegal caesarian performed by an unqualified “street vet” playing doctor was described as an “awful tragedy” by a local veterinarian in Grand Bahama who says the incident is a case of animal cruelty.
Long Island residents discuss water issues after $5.3m contract signing
POOR access to potable water is one of the major issues facing some Long Island settlements.
Winning design for new Central Bank building revealed
THE Central Bank of The Bahamas has revealed the winning design for the new Central Bank building.
80 percent increase in cyber crime
CYBER crime in the Bahamas showed an 80 per cent increase, with 171 incidents reported in 2017 up from the 95 recorded in 2016.
Prosecution to pursue only the 16 bribery charges against Shane Gibson
THE prosecution in Shane Gibson's trial officially submitted its revised indictment schedule Friday, intending to pursue only the 16 bribery charges against the former Labour Minister.
05112018 EDITION
Friday, 11th May, 2018.
Minnis: We've laid a foundation
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis last night took on his critics who say his administration has got off to a slow start, expressing confidence it has accomplished much already and is laying a foundation for future progress.He said those who say the gov
$5m deal signed to improve water supply in Long Island
A $5m contract was signed yesterday between the Water and Sewerage Corporation and BHM Company Limited to bring potable water to hundreds of residentes in Long Island. Settlements such as Salt Pond have “suffered for far too long without a reliable p
Four are accused over two murders
FOUR men were arraigned yesterday on charges in connection with two of the latest murders. Kevin Lamount Gardiner, 27, of Malcolm Road was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with the May 4 stabbing death of 24-year-old Th
Remembering Flamingo crew
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and other officials paid tribute yesterday to the survivors and four fallen marines who were on board HMBS Flamingo when it was attacked by Cubans in 1980. Each year, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force remembers those off
Court story correction
In Friday’s print edition of The Tribune, it was incorrectly reported that Garfield Hepburn had entered guilty pleas to five counts of indecent assault.
Jury directed to clear officers accused over Aaron Rolle death
CONSTABLES Akiel Smith and Carl Smith were acquitted yesterday of manslaughter charges related to the 2013 death of 20-year-old Aaron Rolle after a judge directed jurors to acquit them.
Man guilty of double killing, second guilty of robbery
AFTER six hours of deliberation, a Supreme Court jury unanimously found Devaughn “Short Man” Hall guilty of the murders and armed robbery of a husband and wife who were brutally shot to death at their Deadman’s Reef home three years ago.
One step closer to two-term PM
PUBLIC consultation on bills establishing term limits for prime ministers and fixed dates for election will begin before the end of the year, Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday.
Davis’ son gun case delayed a sixth time
A 2017 gun possession case involving Philmore Davis, the son of Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis, and three other men was adjourned for nearly three months yesterday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare.
‘McAlpine needs to make his mind up’
FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer suggested yesterday Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine should seriously consider his future with the FNM following repeated disparaging remarks about the work of the government over the past year.
Gun attack victim dies in hospital
A MAN died in hospital Wednesday a little more than a week after he was shot while standing outside a home in Pinewood Gardens.
Pedestrian dies after car collision
A PEDESTRIAN has died after he was hit by a car while walking on Madeira Street late Tuesday night. Shortly after 9pm, police received a report of a serious accident. Upon arrival, they found a man severely injured. He was taken by ambulance to hos
Event to raise awareness of industrial pollution
Grand Bahama Environmental Association is preparing to stage its second “Residents Day” to raise awareness of industrial pollution on Grand Bahama. The event, which was considered a success last year, is scheduled for August.Berthram Pinder, presiden
A COMIC'S VIEW: What men really mean
In the spirit of fair play a certain subject must be addressed.In past columns, I gave some insight to my younger Bahamian brethren as to what women really mean when they say certain things. If I do say so myself, it turned out to be right on the money, despite the raised eyebrows I received from my female co-workers and threats from my sisters-in-law to be shared out of Christmas dinner in two households.
EDITORIAL: Windrush row rocks British govt
WHILE continuing to concentrate on the complex negotiations about the terms of Britain’s forthcoming departure from the European Union, Prime Minister Theresa May has been faced recently with a major immigration issue that could damage her politically.
Dupuch's revisionist history
Pierre Dupuch is a likeable enough grouser who tries to dispatch folksy opinions that in his mind reflect a point of wisdom, but to the thinking community come across as misinformed at best.
Check the prison
WHAT intelligence the Police had to raid Fox Hill? Jockey hey! Social media full stop like all of us!
Children’s right to education
Open letter to Minister Jeffrey Lloyd
Franco commits to Rebels
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - The busy recruitment process for Franco Miller Jr came to an end when he committed to the University of Mississippi Rebels.
Darville pitches perfect game in return to NPSA
Ashanti Darville made her return to the New Providence Softball Association a perfect one.
Cartwright and American partner in doubles final
THEY both got knocked out in the first round in singles, but Kerrie Cartwright and her American doubles partner Kariann Pierre-Louis will have a chance to play for their second doubles title on the 2018 International Tennis Federation Women’s Circuit.
LENO Barracuda Invitational Swim Meet starts today
THE LENO Barracuda Invitational swim meet is all set to begin today and continues Saturday, May 12 at the Betty Kelly-Kenning Aquatic Center.
CBC and Powerade keep triathletes fuelled up at National Championships
ATHLETES from around the Bahamas took part in the 2018 Bahamas National Triathlon Championships, and the Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) kept athletes energised with Powerade throughout the race.
THE FINISH LINE: CARIFTA LOC making amends to ‘human error’ over missing medals
DURING the week, the Local Organising Committee for the CARIFTA Games took the opportunity to make amendments to a “human error” that occurred during the hosting of the top regional track and field competition here over the Easter holiday weekend.
Team named for 43rd World Chess Olympiad
THE Bahamas Chess Federation is pleased to announce the members selected to represent the Bahamas at the 43rd World Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia, September 23 to October 7.
SWD Boys remain undefeated in Oldtimers Softball Association
WHILE the SWD Boys remained undefeated in Division A of the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association, the Blue Postal Sharks suffered their first loss in Division B.
WTO's 'red lines' impossible to set
Business cannot advise the Government on where to set the WTO “red lines” because of an information vacuum, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman warned yesterday.
Economy's 'blood supply choked' by Customs proof of exchange control
The private sector yesterday hailed the Government’s decision to abolish a Customs demand that would have “choked off the blood supply” of the Bahamian economy.Robert Myers, pictured, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) principal, tol
Bahamas 'sleepwalks' towards WTO future
An ex-Port Authority (GBPA) attorney yesterday blasted the private sector for “sleepwalking” towards WTO membership, saying he was “astounded” by its “full panic mode” reaction.Carey Leonard told Tribune Business he was “frustrated” by the business c
Companies warned: Don't lay out 'hacker red carpet'
Bahamian businesses were yesterday warned that they are effectively “laying out the red carpet” for hackers if they do not take cyber threats seriously.Mike Maura, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman, while
Bahamas targets seat on global telecom body
Campaigning for The Bahamas to obtain on the International Telecommunications Council (ITU) is among the sector regulator’s priority projects for 2018.The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), in its recently-released 2017 annual rep
PwC teams with Gov't for forensics workshop
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bahamas teamed with the Attorney General’s Office on an initiative to boost the forensic and technical capabilities of local regulators.The accounting firm brought in several leading executives from its regional and globa
WTO's 'red lines' impossible to set
Business cannot advise the Government on where to set the WTO “red lines” because of an information vacuum, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman warned yesterday.Michael Maura, pictured, told Tribune Business that the private sector was unable to deter
Police must 'recruit by need' on cyber crime
The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) needs to “build capacity” to handle cyber crimes, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday, adding: “We need to recruit based on needs and not numbers.”Marvin Dames, minister of national security, who was the keynote sp
Thursday, May 10
Begin each new day with prayer
“This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:25What is the first thing you do as soon as you wake up in the morning? I mean, the very first thing. Turn on the radio or TV? Make a cup of coffee/tea? Read th
Meditation - The women in our lives
Mother’s Day is just one day to say what needs to be said every day, and when the day is over does that mean that we don’t have to be grateful for another year? I hope not. I hope that this day will motivate us to recall all the reasons to articulate
Remembering Stephen Brown - Gone too soon after giving to so many
One year after his death, the family of Stephen Brown is remembering a man who died too young, but who during his brief time on earth stood firm in his faith and spread the word of God to all, from hospital workers to gang members.Stephen died aged 2
Church of God of Prophecy conference calls for "coherent" use of music
The Church of God of Prophecy has wrapped up its holistic National Evangelism Conference which had the goal of providing a platform for networking in ministry, to educate, inspire and equip believers for effective ministry.Over the past two decades i
Vatican to promote women's participation
Pope Francis on Tuesday assigned a Vatican office to concern itself with the role of women in the Catholic Church and their “equal dignity” — his latest effort to address longstanding complaints of women’s second-class status in the church.Francis ap
Vatican bling takes centre stage at new Met fashion exhibit
NEW YORK (AP) — Tiaras encrusted with thousands of diamonds, emeralds and rubies. Papal cloaks and vestments with golden embroidery so fine they took 16 years to produce.If you’re going to wield power, you need to dress the part — and it seems few ha
05102018 EDITION
Thursday, 10th May, 2018.
INSIGHT – THE FIRST YEAR: Education a priority - but not much change so far
WHEN the Free National Movement took office in May 2017, education was among the top priorities. In the Speech from the Throne, the Minnis administration identified education and the training of Bahamians as “key factors in the progressive and susta
INSIGHT - THE FIRST YEAR: The view from the street on FNM's first year in office
In a street talk conducted last week a cross-section of Bahamian society was asked their views on the Minnis administration thus far and it was very much a case of the jury is still out. Our reporter focussed on three major questions were: What are
INSIGHT – THE FIRST YEAR: Citizenship issues in spotlight
AT the one year mark, the most existential challenge - as it relates to national development - facing the people’s government is immigration, specifically migrant labour and the right to citizenship.The first year saw a litany of habeas corpus cases,
INSIGHT - THE FIRST YEAR: Slow to start, but now building momentum
In the first year of his FNM administration, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has been slow off the ground in announcing new business ventures. Of course, it’s not the function of Government to create commercial entities, but rather to set a business-
INSIGHT - THE FIRST YEAR: Promising signs for FNM
Since governments are elected under the Westminster system for a five-year period, the Prime Minister is surely right to discourage people from judging him prematurely. Equally, it would be unwise simply to dismiss last month’s opinion poll showing a
Whipped, beaten and filmed for Facebook
POLICE are investigating the circumstances behind a video circulating on social media of a young girl being beaten for allegedly coming home late.
Sex offender register by year’s end
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday pledged the government will establish a sex offender registry before the year’s end.
Sebas finally wins planning battle
Sebas Bastian yesterday cited Town Planning’s rapid six-day “U-turn” on his $50m office complex as “proof of my suspicions” that he was being treated unfairly.
Cooper blasts govt Ragged response
EXUMA and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper yesterday criticised the Minnis administration for its failure to rebuild the segments of his constituency rendered “unliveable” in the wake of Hurricane Irma last September.
Two arrests over gun find
TWO men were arrested after police found a pistol and ammunition during a car search. Shortly before 10pm, Monday, Mobile Division officers were on routine patrol on East Street south, in the area of the Independence Highway, when they observed a Ni
Dames: We have more work to do
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames forecast the Minnis administration has a “hell of a lot of work ahead” as the government marks its first year.“We have a lot of work to do,” he said, “we have a lot of work ahead of us. We may have accomplished
Jury to consider verdict in double murder case
THREE men accused of the double murder and armed robbery of a Deadman’s Reef couple are expected to learn their fate soon after Justice Estelle Gray Evans wraps up her summation of the case at 10am today and turns it over to the jurors.Justice Evans
Rawson protest on govt's anniversary
ONE day before the anniversary of the Free National Movement’s landslide electoral victory, a group of protestors gathered in Rawson Square to demonstrate against the Minnis administration.Police officers estimated that 50 protestors were in attendan
Sun’s Jones yet to appear in training camp
Jonquel Jones has yet to make an appearance in training camp or in any of the Connecticut Sun’s preseason games, but the front office is excited at the possibilities this WNBA season when the team is at full strength.
What next at Potter’s Cay?
It is good to know that government’s plans to upgrade Potter’s Cay and help it live up to its massive potential as a tourist mecca are “already in the public domain” (according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s latest statement).
Helping to beat the criminals
POLICE yesterday hosted a symposium designed to better inform business operators of the varying forms of crimes which adversely affect their sector.The one-day forum was hosted at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre by officers from Northeastern D
The biggest bodybuilding show of the year
THE Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation has set the stage to host its biggest show of the year as athletes vie for bragging rights and roster spots on upcoming national teams.
It’s decision day for our very own prep basketball star
It’s decision day for prep basketball star Franco Miller Jr.
TEAMING UP FOR THE SAKE OF HEALTH & WELLNESS
THE government is looking to partner with the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation as both organisations seek to raise awareness of health and wellness issues in the country.
Seminar to tackle gender violence
THE Pan American Development Fund hosted a seminar to train local law enforcement and medical professionals on the proper techniques to help manage gender-based violence. The two-day session, held May 7 and 8, is part of an ongoing project called th
In uniform? First in line for cheap house plots
LOTS in Sunset Close and Fox Hill worth $30,000 or less will officially go on sale in June or July, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced yesterday, adding that the lots will be available only to police officers, immigration officers, customs officers, defence force officers, prison officers and teachers in the first wave.
Keeping people alive thanks to Aliv
ALIV has committed to assisting in raising funds to purchase two ambulances for Long Island – one in the north and one in the south. The ambulances will assist with medical operations on the island in a great way, according to several residents. Me
EDITORIAL: The FNM enters its second year
AS the curtain is lowered today on the Free National Movement’s first year in office, the second year opens on a sombre note. High unemployment, a medical and educational system under siege, damage from the last hurricane still to be repaired, and a crippled Treasury, unable to meet the demands of an expectant people, promised much, but who now have to face reality – the cupboard is bare.
Nottage's questions remain
Below is an article written by Hon Bernard J. Nottage in reference to the Baha Mar project. This article was published on October 2010 and it is amazing that, eight years later, the exact questions and concerns still linger today. It makes us wonder if we have indeed changed governments, or if we have the same leadership with new faces.
Nine weeks to move cars
While I understand the Environmental Department has its hands full, it should not take nine weeks to respond to an appeal to rid our neighbourhood of two derelict cars.
Customs drops new demand following business pushback
The Government has dropped demands for Bahamian importers to supply proof of exchange control approval for each Customs entry following an outcry from furious businesses.Marlon Johnson, pictured, the Ministry of Finance’s acting financial secretary,
BTC owner predicting 'light at end of tunnel'
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) ultimate owner yesterday said there was “light at the end of the tunnel” in its battle to fight off Aliv’s competitive threat.Balan Nair, Liberty Latin America’s chief executive, told a conference call i
Web shops: Up to 50,000 gambling
Web shops yesterday estimated that between 30,000-50,000 Bahamians engage in gambling, as the sector formally launched its anti-addiction initiative.The Bahamas Gaming Operators Association’s (BGOA) Responsible Gaming and Addiction Prevention Program
Margin squeeze means Summit won't peak in '18
A Bahamian insurer yesterday said it is unlikely to match last year’s 173.4 per cent profit increase due to a “margin squeeze” imposed by increased reinsurance costs.Timothy Ingraham, Summit Insurance Company’s president, told Tribune Business that t
ART OF GRAPHIX: Designing on the fly will never work
A flyer can often be a cheap but cheerful way to get your brand before customers. Flyers can also be great at promoting special events or offers, providing customers with more information on a specific product or service you are providing.But making
Five realtors honoured by international franchise
Five agents at Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas Group have been recognised by the international real estate franchise for outstanding sales performance.The four-tier, performance-based award system bestows Silver, Gold, Platinum and Emerald Elite
Web shop locations decline near 60%
WEB shop locations have decreased by some 60 per cent since the industry’s regulation, it was revealed yesterday, with the industry’s Association dismissing the perception of “proliferation”. Gershan Major, the Bahamas Gaming Operators Association’s
Contractor chief hopes forAffordable Homes boost
The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday said the Government’s Affordable Homes initiative could potentially provide an immediate housing sector boost, although the legislation needed more examination.Leonard Sands, pictured,
Wednesday, May 9
05092018 EDITION
Wednesday, 9th May, 2018.
INSIGHT – THE FIRST YEAR: Economy at the heart of Grand Bahama concerns
THE reopening of the Grand Lucayan Resort, the state of the International Bazaar, attracting new investors, and the high cost of living are major issues that are of concern to residents on Grand Bahama.After one year in office, there have been mixed
INSIGHT – THE FIRST YEAR: Unemployment up as public service jobs go
TREVOR Bodie was happy working in the United States when, a week after the 2017 general election, he was fired from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Finding a job and taking care of his young family have since been herculean tasks.He told The Tribune:
'Neutral to poor' rating for govt on healthcare
THE Minnis administration’s performance after a year in power has been “neutral to poor,” according to one local physician, who said nothing has changed in the country’s healthcare system since it assumed office last year. Dr Sy Pierre, president of
INSIGHT – THE FIRST YEAR: The ongoing battle against nation's crime
AS Maxine Roberts was making funeral arrangements for her murdered 14-year-old daughter Jeffonya Rolle, she did not imagine exactly one month and a day later she would be doing the exact same thing for her son Tekoyo “Minky” McKinney.Seven years afte
120 obtain citizenship in 3 months
THE government has approved more than 100 applications for citizenship since the Citizenship Committee was formed in February and is on pace, if the rate is sustained, to naturalise nearly 400 people by year-end, according to Immigration Minister Brent Symonette.
Rolle was ‘subdued’ trying to escape
A POLICE officer who was a supervisor at the Southern Police Station in 2013 testified Aaron Rolle did not complain of being abused during his interrogation despite having to be “subdued” by officers after an alleged attempt to jump out of a window.
He’ll never change, he deserved to die: Marco’s family speaks out on killer’s sentence
THE FAMILY of slain Marco Archer yesterday strongly rejected the assertion there was any possibility for his killer’s reform, insisting the 11-year-old’s brutal death had lifted the veil on an irrefutable pattern of child predation.
Expat expert to study BPL system
A foreign expert who will be contracted by Bahamas Power and Light to gauge its electrical service system for potential instabilities will arrive in the country next month, according to BPL chairwoman Darnell Osborne.
TECH TALK May 9th, 2018
• NASA and Uber have signed an agreement to explore putting flying taxis in the skies over US cities.
$100,000 pledge to aid young men’s group
IRAM Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama, is committing some $100,000 for the relaunch and refurbishing of the Young Men’s Training Association, a community recreation and training centre in the Hunters settlement which sustained significant storm damage.
State-recognised funeral for former senator
A state-recognised funeral will be held for Clara Rose Hall-King, former senator, on Friday at 11am at St Agnes Anglican Church on Baillou Hill Road.
Lloyd admits poor use of words over sackings
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd said on Monday that he used a “very poor choice of words” when previously telling the press he was “happy to report” dozens of contract workers had been disciplined and terminated for non-performance.
FACE TO FACE: Women without apology, without inhibition - the whole world should celebrate her
We are not short on opinions about Bahamas Carnival. From the announcement four years ago, it was a point of division. Between the Junkanoo vs Carnival debate and the desperate appeals from the church, the event has always been controversial and polarising.
How Google aims to make your gadgets smarter with AI
Google put the spotlight on its artificial intelligence smarts at its annual developers conference yesterday, announcing new consumer features imbued with machine learning.
WALL-E and EVE on their way to Mars
NASA’s next Mars explorer is going to have company all the way to the red planet: a couple of puny yet groundbreaking sidekicks.
EDITORIAL: Three steps to put Minnis and Co. back on track
TOMORROW The Bahamas will mark the first anniversary of an election like no other – the former governing party tossed out like two-day-old stew fish and the FNM swept in with an unprecedented vote of confidence, winning 35 of 39 seats.
Gibson the millionaire
THE news of the Free National Movement (FNM) administration’s agreement to fund $10,000 towards former Labour and National Insurance Minister Shane Gibson’s medical bills is not sitting well with many rank-and-file FNM supporters, some of whom have demonstrated unconditional loyalty to the governing party for years.
Delivery unit seeking to help govt meet promises
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis officially launched his Delivery Unit yesterday, a body that is meant to keep the government on track in the delivery of key promises to the electorate.Known as the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, or PMDU, the initiati
Activists call for end to colonial rule
A SMALL delegation of activists from the Dutch special municipality Bonaire who are seeking to raise awareness of alleged undemocratic colonial rule of the island attended the 21st Session of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations on Monday.
Who is Foulkes kidding?
I read with horror, the comments attributed to the Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes, in regards to the clear violation of The Pointe and their Heads of Agreement on the employees on that construction site.
Time to open your eyes
Is it just me or have others out there ever wondered about like how liberals, the world over, especially the demon craps, otherwise known as democrats, have this new condition called Trump Derangement Syndrome?
$10,000 jackpot for Marathon Bahamas
RUNNERS everywhere just got 10,000 more reasons to run Marathon Bahamas next year.
NPSA: Wildcats roll over Truckers 6-3
What a way for Dornette Wright to make her debut in the New Providence Softball Association with the game on the line for the defending champions Sunshine Auto Wildcats.
Triathlon champions are crowned at Jaws Beach
JORGE Marcos and Anna Zywiolek became the first champions crowned in the Bahamas Triathlon Association’s National Champions for Triathlon in the sprint distance over the weekend.
Lyford Cay wins the Bahamas Interschool Equestrian League Championship horse show
TEAM spirit was in full effect this past weekend as the country’s most promising junior horse riders from seven schools across New Providence and Grand Bahama met at the Camperdown Equestrian Centre to compete in the Bahamas Interschool Equestrian League Championship horse show.
St Francis & Joseph School wins Catholic Primary Schools Track and Field title
YOUNG athletes from St Francis & Joseph School bested competitors from three other Catholic Board of Education primary schools to win the 2018 Bahamas Catholic Primary Schools Track & Field Championships.
Watson interim coach of women’s national basketball team
WITH Yolett McPhee-McCuin committed to her new role as head coach for the Ole Miss University women’s basketball programme, the Bahamas Basketball Federation has named Wayde Watson as the interim coach of the women’s national basketball team.
BTC profits slump 75% amid 2-year owner wait
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) 2017 profits plunged by around 75 per cent amid its owner’s continuing two-year wait for the Government to approve its takeover.
Credit growth less than 3% through 2021
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday conceded the Government’s economic and fiscal plans are “ambitious”, amid forecast of subdued credit growth of “less than three per cent” through 2021.K P Turnquest, pictured, responding to the Caribbean Developme
Bahamas 'nation of choice' through Arbitration Centre
The Government will “table shortly” international arbitration centre legislation aimed at helping The Bahamas become the investor’s “jurisdiction of choice”.Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, trade and industry and Immigration, told a M
Bahamas ‘late in arbitration game’
The Bahamas can still realise its international arbitration centre ambitions despite being “late to the game” after 10-15 years of mere “talk”, a well-known QC argued yesterday.
Court bars hotel union elections
Hotel union executives yesterday served notice they plan to challenge a Supreme Court injunction that has - temporarily at least - blocked leadership elections set for this month.The injunction, granted on May 4, 2018, by acting chief justice Stephen
Bahamian production house in carnival first
A Bahamian-owned production company is praising Carnival organisers for allowing a local company to set-up the Main Stage for the first time.Maecal Electronics provided the audio, visual, lighting and staging for Bahamas Carnival Experience, replacin
Port bids to make freeport 'shine'
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is continuing to rid the island of abandoned, derelict and structurally-unsound properties as it completes demolition of a former business plaza.“The beautification and maintenance of the city of Freeport is alw
Tuesday, May 8
05082018 EDITION
Tuesday, 8th May, 2018.
Aaron ‘appeared to have been beaten’
A WITNESS testified yesterday he could only see handcuff injuries and tissue around Aaron Rolle’s wrists before he died in a cell at the Southern Police Station in February 2013.
Brave’s ‘U’ for FNM first year
OPPOSITION Leader Philip Davis yesterday gave the Minnis administration a “U” mark in his assessment of the government’s performance during its first year at the helm.
Marco’s killer escapes noose
KOFHE Goodman, 42, was sentenced to 55 years in prison yesterday for the 2011 killing of 11-year-old Marco Archer after a judge rejected the Crown’s request for a death sentence.
Central Bank Controllers are Banker's League Bowling Champions
THE Banker’s Athletics Association concluded its bowling season and hosted its awards night at Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Centre on Thursday night.With a total of 15 teams competing over seven months, the Central Bank Controllers were c
'Tech hub' pioneers parks jobs frenzy
The investor aiming to kickstart Grand Bahama’s “technology hub” yesterday pledged to fully “Bahamainise” “sooner rather than later”, having been inundated with 100 job applications per day.Greg Wood, GIBC Digital’s chief executive, told Tribune Busi
Lupus 242 kicks off awareness month
Last week, members of Lupus 242 kicked off their Lupus Awareness Month activities by paying a courtesy call on Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands. During the meeting, the group outlined the challenges
Henfield seeks greater integration at CARICOM event
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Darren Henfield yesterday flagged a robust agenda strengthening regional integration as Caribbean foreign ministers and other stakeholders began a two-day forum in the capital. Mr Henfield said the Council for Foreign and Co
Dames: We'll tackle abuses by police
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday the police force is committed to tackling the incidence of alleged abuses by boosting training as well as increasing transparency of police investigations into complaints. His comment came after
FACE TO FACE: Straight outta Compton - and around the world
You could have been abandoned as a young child, left to fend for yourself in one of the toughest ghettos in America with crime statistics stacked against you, and you could still rise above them to become an international professional basketball player, making money playing a game you love. That’s the testimony of Mahershal Simonet, a passionate and driven man who is making a difference on and off the basketball court. He is a skilful point guard and shooting guard who has played in some 15 countries around the world; now he is in The Bahamas discovering his roots and sowing positive seeds into the lives of children here.
Potter's Cay vendors want meeting with minister Wells
POTTER’S Cay Fish, Fruit, and Vegetable Vendors Association President Orminique Bowe is calling for Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Renward Wells to meet with the group regarding the redevelopment of Potter’s Cay Dock.Ms Bowe has been presi
Six migrants held in Bimini
POLICE in Bimini apprehended six undocumented immigrants at a local hotel on Monday. Asst Supt Terecita Pinder said shortly before 10am, a team of police and immigration officers, acting on information, went to the Admiral Hotel in Bailey Town where
Murder victims identified
POLICE have released the identities of the country’s latest murder victims. The woman who was stabbed during an argument with a man at Malcolm Road on Friday has been identified as Theagrea Hanna, 24, of Cowman Lane. Hanna was stabbed after 6pm and
Disney interest in Bahamas investment confirmed
DISNEY Cruise Lines does have an interest in furthering its investments in the Bahamas, according to the company’s spokeswoman, Kim Prunty, who yesterday responded to speculation and concern over the sale and development of Lighthouse Point, Eleuther
Athletes shine in the US
A number of Bahamian elite and collegiate athletes were in action at various meets in the United States where they turned in credible performances.At the Torrin Lawrence Memorial in Athens, Georgia, Warren Fraser and Bianca ‘BB’ Stuart led the way as
Darrell Sears Showcase could expand beyond basketball court
ANOTHER group of young basketball players took full advantage of their opportunity to boost their recruitment stock at the Darrell Sears Showcase but the event could look to expand beyond the basketball court for future editions.Sears, the longtime c
Judge berates crown for 'untidy' work in Dorsett case
A CASE management hearing in the bribery trial of former Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett was adjourned to May 23 yesterday, but not before Justice Carolita Bethel called the Crown’s latest actions “extremely untidy”. She was referring to the pro
Celebrating Mother’s Day in Nassau
This Sunday, mothers everywhere will be celebrated for their untiring devotion, hard work and love they give.
No demonstration held by doctors after Sands alert
AFTER saying on Sunday officials expected junior doctors to demonstrate Monday, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday “there was no disruption” of healthcare services in the country.“The Bahamas Doctors Union requested a delay in the meeting
EDITORIAL: The changing face of diplomacy
Among the many perplexing aspects of the bizarre spectacle that is the Donald Trump administration in Washington, the curious rebirth of the concept of diplomacy is one of the strangest.
Majority Rule in The Bahamas
When Hitler came to power he used a secret weapon called Goebbels. Goebbels was Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda who believed that if a lie were repeated often enough people would start believing it. And it did wonders for him. He destroyed Germany and killed six-million Jews.
Celebrate Bahamas
IN preparation for the nation’s upcoming 45th independence anniversary, Mark Humes, MP for Fort Charlotte and chairman of the Independence Anniversary Planning Committee, yesterday launched a national independence essay competition and recording arti
$4.5m hall to accommodate 80 students in Grand Bahama
THE opening of the $4.5m Hawksbill Hall at the University of The Bahamas’ northern campus marks the transition of the Grand Bahama institution from a commuter campus to a residential one, providing accommodations for over 80 student residents. Dep
Pompeo seeks to bring back the swagger
American Secretaries of State have normally visited their headquarters building on C Street in Washington shortly after they receive the oath of office. Mike Pompeo was determined to be different. Officially administered the oath of his new office b
Baby expo seeks to guide moms-to-be in special time
With the firm belief that family is the foundation on which the Bahamas was built, Parchomas (Parents Choice Bahamas) is hosting fun and educational expos to impact the direction society is headed in from the earliest stage.And the public is respondi
Montagu Ramp issues
Fishermen: Dredging is hurting our business. Tribune May 3rd, 2018.
Bite that tongue
IN political life many times a Minister has to bite his tongue rather than saying what he/she would really wish - the Minister Lloyd moment ‘I am happy to…’ was one of those and for him and his future political career it will haunt him.
THE PRESS BOX: Dallas Cowboys' draft class gets'A' ranking as 2nd best overall
THE Dallas Cowboys “Aced” the NFL Draft, according to the experts. Now that the smoke has cleared from the NFL Draft in Dallas, and after receiving several favourable post draft grades from various media outlets, local Cowboys fans have lots to be e
Two queens crowned
Little Miss and Junior Miss Regency to compete in Las Vegas
THE Little and Junior Miss Regency Bahamas Organisation recently pulled off its second successful pageant and saw two young beauties take home an extra fabulous accessory – a sparkly crown. Under the theme “Iconic Glamour: Celebrating Bahamian Beauty
As the Royal Wedding approaches, what can one of the world's greatest novels teach us about marriage?
(THE CONVERSATION) – You can tell a lot about our culture by the way we talk about marriage. Take the upcoming exchange of vows between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Press coverage will focus on aspects like the cost of the festivities, the size of
Royal Fidelity National Amateur Golf Championship all set
THE Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) new president, Lynford Miller, confirms that Royal Fidelity has once again agreed to be the title sponsor of the National Amateur Championship. This prestigious event is all set for May 17-20. The first two rounds
Major new president of the Roadmasters running club
THE Bahamas Roadmasters running club has announced that Marcel Major will serve as its president. Major, in replacing Charles Johnson, was elected to serve for the next two years during the recent elections and is anxious to head the new administrati
Bahamian pioneer in disease elimination is named ‘Public Health Hero of the Americas’
Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, a physician and pioneer in the public health sector added a new title to her long list of achievements: “Public Health Hero of the Americas”.
Breezes wraps up Wellness Week
HAVING participants leave its resort feeling energised, rejuvenated and with a new approach to their health was the goal Breezes Bahamas Resort & Spa said it accomplished after hosting its first ever Wellness Retreat.
Suspected suicide of US man in Long Island
AN American man allegedly committed suicide in Long Island over the weekend. Shortly after 7am on Sunday, police were called to a home in the Whymms settlement of the island where they discovered a man “hanging from a rope tied in the ceiling”. Loca
Lodges 'confounded' by mixed regulatory message from Gov't
Bonefish lodge operators yesterday said they were “confounded” and “mystified” by the contradictory messages coming from the Government over the industry’s controversial regulations.Clint Kemp, president of the newly-formed Bahamas Fly Fishing Lodge
Caribbean bank: Bahamas fiscal plan 'very ambitious'
The Bahamas’ plan to reverse its fiscal woes has been branded “very ambitious” by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with this nation needing to outperform GDP growth forecasts to hit target.The CDB, in a recently-released economic assessment of T
Ex-beauty queen's Tourism copyright lawsuit survives
A former Bahamian beauty queen’s copyright violation lawsuit has survived, after a US federal court was “unpersuaded” by the Ministry of Tourism’s effort to dismiss it.Khiara Sherman, the former Miss Bahamas Universe, and her record company won a par
Save the Bays chairman warns on oil 'dark ages'
An environmental activist yesterday warned that the Government was taking The Bahamas back to “the dark ages” by entertaining petroleum industry investments. Save the Bays chairman Joseph Darville yesterday urged the Minnis administration to “come cl
Budget must show Gov't 'serious' on business ease
The upcoming Budget will show how “serious” the Government is about transforming The Bahamas’ “ease of doing business”, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive said yesterday. Edison Sumner said the private sector organisation was eager to see evid
Bahamasair back to Bimini after 40 years
Bahamasair last Thursday launched its 60-seat round trip flights from Bimini to Miami, marking the first time it has serviced the route for 40 years.The launch of the new flights was commemorated with traditional water showers and a Junkanoo performa
Bahamas companies warned: 'hackers don't discriminate'
An international cyber security expert yesterday stressed the need for heightened awareness of The Bahamas’ potential vulnerabilities, warning: “Hackers don’t discriminate.”Ken Wong, chief technology officer (CTO) for CQURE, a tech company headquarte
Monday, May 7
05072018 EDITION
Monday, 7th May, 2018.
INSIGHT: We need a 'Pointe' of clarification
WITH the Bahamian Contractor’s Association (BCA) making a statement at the end of last week disqualifying China Construction America’s (CCA) claims that the particular skills needed for this phase of construction could not be found locally, many of us are left smelling a rat.
INSIGHT: Time to rock the boat
AS a small island state, The Bahamas is often subject to the whims of other nations. It’s rare that we get to impact world affairs.
‘Stay humble’, PM tells FNM colleagues
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday urged his parliamentary colleagues to stay humble and not to underestimate the Progressive Liberal Party as the Free National Movement celebrated the first anniversary of its landslide election victory.
UPDATED: Ten-year court battle ends as Knowles extradited to Florida
ALLEGED drug smuggler Austin Knowles was extradited to the United States Friday afternoon to face charges there, ending a more than decade-long court battle fighting against removal from this country.
‘Doctors put public at risk’
HEALTH officials are bracing for a potential nationwide demonstration involving frustrated junior doctors, according to Health Minister Dr Duane Sands.
BPL blames weather for power outage
AREAS of New Providence were hit by power outages last night - with Bahamas Power and Light blaming “inclement weather”.
‘Minnis does not talk to Ingraham’, says Christie
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis gave an impromptu defence of his relationship with the country’s former leader, Hubert Ingraham, Friday night at a party celebrating the 90th birthday of Sir Arthur Foulkes.
UPDATED: Two dead after stabbing incidents
WEEKEND stabbings claimed the lives of a woman and a man in two separate incidents in Nassau.
WORLD VIEW: Good journalism is like a toothache: it hurts but it warns
REPORTERS Without Borders (RWB) just released its 2018 press freedom report, and, apart from two of them, the lowest mark for rated Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries is “fairly good”. The worst rated, as “problematic”, are Haiti and Guyana. Jamaica is the only CARICOM country rated “good”.
GAIN AN EDGE: Scholarship that opened doors
Lyford Cay scholar Justin Jack didn’t always envision himself going to college when he was growing up in the small settlement of Bluff, South Andros. His community was modest and unassuming. Some neighbours cooked their food with a wood fire and most provided for their needs through self-employment in fishing and crabbing. A college education was not one of Justin’s early aspirations.
Airport's $14m loss 'not major concern'
Nassau’s airport operator says its latest $14.153m net loss, and $56.5m total deficit, is “not a significant concern” as it continues to meet all payments on its $500m-plus debt.The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), in e-mailed replies to Tri
Videos spark concern over restaurant safety
A video of a cat nestled among debris on a cluttered shelf in what appears to be a local restaurant’s kitchen has sparked ire across social media.
BNT elects new council
THE Bahamas National Trust recently held its annual general meeting and spring council meetings to elect its new council and officers for the year to review progress over the past year and to discuss plans for the work of the organisation.
90 years old - and urging youth to ‘get in the game’
SIR Arthur Foulkes extolled the nobility of politics when he celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday night, urging young Bahamians to “get in the game” despite society’s cynicism and the “perceived misbehaviour” of some politicians.
‘Deputy PM unfit for office’
PLP Leader Philip “Brave” Davis criticised Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest over the termination of internet service for months at the Sweeting’s Cay Primary School in his constituency of East Grand Bahama.
Tributes paid to journalist and press club member
THE Bahamas Press Club expressed profound sadness on the death of former journalist and attorney Gina Morley.
Dream turns nightmare as cruise ship hall floods
THE Carnival Dream cruise ship was likened to the water-logged cabins of the iconic “Titanic” when a mechanical issue flooded a deck hallway.
EDITORIAL: Jeff Lloyd's discipline is overdue
LAST week PLP chairman Fred Mitchell lost his way in the murky world of “right and wrong” when he turned his anger on a government minister who was doing his job by letting certain government employees know that their days of cheating the taxpayers of this country are over.
Cutting out the corruption
The classic Hollywood movie “Casablanca” featured a police chief superintendent, Captain Louis Renault, who was cheeky, a liar, back-stabber and totally corrupt.
Nygard’s shame
USUALLY it’s pointless to drag up old stories of political chicanery and corruption. The issues have faded, and the evidence is muddy and ambiguous.
Gardiner breaks his national record
In his 400 metre debut for 2018, Steven Gardiner made it look so easy at the Diamond League opener in Doha, Qatar.
Nairn: ‘I will be pursuing my professional career’
LOURAWLS “Tum Tum” Nairn will make the transition to the professional ranks following his career with the Michigan State Spartans.
Deandre Ayton declines invitation to NBA Combine
Deandre Ayton has developed into a consensus top overall pick for next month’s NBA Draft but the highly touted frontcourt superstar has opted out of an important part of the draft process.
Trials held for Youth Olympic Games, World Judo Junior Championships
OVER the weekend trials were held at Holy Family Parish Activity Center on Robinson Road to determine who would be the number one choice to represent the Bahamas for the Youth Olympic Games and World Judo Junior Championships. The Youth Olympic Games will be held in Argentina in October and the World Junior Judo Championships will be held in the Bahamas also in October.
Water Corp targets saving 'millions' via governance reform
Wide-ranging corporate governance reforms will save the Water & Sewerage Corporation “millions of dollars”, its chairman is asserting, while enabling it to “embrace a business-like” culture.
Insurers: VAT treatment clarity 'extremely critical'
Insurers are warning the Government it is “extremely critical” it clarify the VAT treatment of property and casualty products with another hurricane season less than a month away.Industry executives told Tribune Business it was “urgent” that they “ge
Fly fish chief slams ‘doom and gloom’
The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association’s (BFFIA) president yesterday fired back at opponents of the industry’s regulations, suggesting they were pushing a “doom and gloom” narrative to pressure the Government to back down.
Deficits 'thing of the past' if oil explorer succeeds
Oil exploration success would make The Bahamas’ fiscal deficits “a thing of the past”, a former Cabinet minister is arguing, with the benefits felt before a single barrel is pumped.James Smith, pictured, a Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) director, to
POLICE ADVICE: How to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner
Conflict resolution is when two or more parties find a peaceful solution to a disagreement amongst them.
Bahamian firms warned over EU data regulations
A Bahamian information manager has warned that local firms could be exposed to hefty financial penalties if they fail to comply with impending European data protection rules.Chris Sawyer, pictured, Sunryse Information Management’s president, warned t
App exposes Bahamas to global travel audience
An app showcasing The Bahamas and its attractions to the world has hit the market.Aye! Bahamas Travel Guide has unveiled its smartphone application – a palm-size, digital brochure designed to make tourists and potential visitors aware of where to sta
Airline adds five flights for Xmas
American Airlines has added five new flights with 453 total seats to its Bahamas routes, increasing the number of non-stop and connecting flights from three major US cities.Beginning in December 2018, the new flights will offer more options and impro
Friday, May 4
Central Bahamas set for bad weekend weather
BAD weather will continue in the Central Bahamas through Saturday, the Department of Meteorology said Friday evening.
Judge delays summation in double murder trial till next week
JUSTICE Estelle Gray-Evans has put off giving her summation in the double murder and armed robbery trial of three men in the Supreme Court to next week.
Grand Bahama hosts Midwives Conference
MIDWIVES and other childbirth professionals will convene in Grand Bahama this weekend for this year’s Midwives Conference.
Shane Gibson's case management session adjourned
FORMER Labour minister Shane Gibson's case management session for his upcoming bribery trial has been put off until next week.
Three Haitian men apprehended from vessel
Three Haitian men, including a boat captain, were apprehended off the west coast of Great Inagua when Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers boarded a 45ft Haitian sail sloop on Friday.
05042018 EDITION
Friday, 4th May, 2018.
Gardiner breaks his national record in 400m victory
STEVEN Gardiner's much anticipated race with Botswana's Isaacs Makwala was a "no contest" as he opened his 2018 400 metre campaign with a record breaking and world leading time of 43.87 seconds in Doha, Qatar.
Careless driver fined $5,000 for crash that killed man
A 59-year-old woman was yesterday ordered to pay a $5,000 fine or face two years in prison for killing a man after crashing into his vehicle, moments after she allegedly attempted to flee the scene of an earlier crash two months ago.
Govt to swing the axe again
THE ten per cent reduction in spending ordered last year may be set to increase in the 2018-2019 budget cycle, Immigration Minister Brent Symonette revealed yesterday.
Bahamians outnumbered – but Pointe ‘not in breach’
NON-Bahamian labourers on The Pointe’s construction site triple the number of Bahamian workers at the downtown Nassau development, an investigation into its work force complement has revealed.
It’s Carnival time!
SOCA enthusiasts have been warming up for weeks now, attending fetes and preparing their costumes. But tonight is the night, and the main event, the Bahamas Carnival Experience, is finally here. It promises to be 72 hours of non-stop partying, with entertainment provided by top international acts like DJ Khaled, Machel Montano and Destra Garcia.
Major Pain: 'My last fight will be at my old school'
ONE of the most decorated fighters in recent Bahamian boxing history, Meacher “Major Pain” Major, looks to bring his career to a close with one final fight on the horizon.Via social media, Major announced his intentions to officially bring his career
Professional basketball players making moves
BAHAMIAN professional basketball players in leagues around the globe continue to progress in their respective seasons while others have made the transition to new leagues.Kadeem Coleby continues to perform at an All-Star level for his first place Aki
Christ the King ACW celebrates 50 years
THE Anglican Church Women of Christ the King will celebrate 50 years of service to the community during a special anniversary event this Sunday.The branch will recognise past presidents and founding members in a Pontifical Sung Mass under theme “Wome
'It was rewarding to watch our kids capitalise on months of hard work'
WITH the 8th Annual International Junior Rugby Festival approaching, the talented youth from Freeport Rugby Football Club (FRFC) travelled to Florida to gain some much-needed experience against quality competition in the inaugural Weston Rugby Challe
Corruption unit planned for immigration department
THE Department of Immigration is slated to get its own corruption unit in this upcoming budget to target longstanding allegations of bribery and other abuses by officers that have never been formally reported.Immigration Minister Brent Symonette told
'Don't let big business drive out the small man'
PINERIDGE MP Frederick McAlpine is concerned the benefits of the government’s Over-the-Hill tax exemption and rejuvenation plan will go to the wrong people.“I think it’s a good initiative but my concern is, will this be for Over-the-Hill communities
Police to probe slap two
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force says it will not condone acts of impropriety committed by police officers toward members of the public. The statement came after two viral videos drew criticism across social media in the last week for depicting officer
Recall notice issued for Rose Acre Farms eggs
THE Department of Agriculture has advised the public of a voluntary recall of eggs produced by Rose Acre Farms’ Hyde Country Farm.The Bahamas has been determined by the United States Food and Drug Agency as one of the international locations where th
Living the resurrected life
It pays to remember that every Sunday is a “Little Easter”, since every Sunday is a “feast of the Resurrection.” From New Testament times Sunday has replaced Saturday as a day of worship; it was on a Sunday that our new life in Christ begun.The good
In search of inspiration: Michael V Roberts, African-American billionaire
Inspiration is the engine that gets people going. Without it, we are practically dormant and in the doldrums. And so in my search of inspiration I have come across many persons from all walks of life – sports, entertainment, religion, government, ent
A prayer for these Bahama Islands
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Most gracious and faithful living God, we magnify and honour thy name above all names. How excellent is thy name in all the earth. Yo
Concern over moves to sell Lighthouse Point
DESPITE serious push-back from environmental groups and residents in Eleuthera, sources on the island are concerned there is “serious” movement in the sale and development of Lighthouse Point. One source on the island claimed the latest “pitch” to p
'More tech firms to follow GIBC's path'
A TECH company planning to establish a multi-million-dollar venture in Grand Bahama believes the skilled workforce that will emerge from its business will attract similar entities to the island. GIBC Digital is the first foreign technology company a
Belt 'did not have DNA on it'
WHILE the belt found wrapped around pregnant schoolteacher Marisha Bowen’s neck two years ago had blood on it and was “frayed”, it did not have any traces of the DNA belonging to the man accused of killing her. Detective Sergeant Nathanial Lloyd, at
Panthers destroy Strykers 20-0
ALTHOUGH they were one of the two new teams in the New Providence Softball Association, the Hennessy Panthers made an initial statement with a 20-0 whitewashing of the Aliv Strykers.The Panthers, made up of a number of seasoned players in the league,
What’s in a name?
A name is a very serious thing!
Government facilitated moral decline
In a few days, barring divine intervention, the moral sensibilities of an overwhelming majority of Bahamians will be assaulted by the public nudity, brazen vulgarity, and unbridled debauchery of carnival.
Thompson earns MVP honours
Still celebrating her recognition as the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Year, Danielle ‘Danie’ Thompson closed out her senior year at Morgan State by earning both the Most Valuable Player and the Co-Female Athlete of the Ye
Meditation - Almost too good to be true
Have you heard of a deal that seemed too good to be true? What is the worst experience that you can recall of something being too good to be true after all?The love of God seems that way to too many people. The free gift of grace, of forgiveness, and
Abaco murder suspect charged
A 31-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of murdering another man in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, last Friday. Adnardo Major, of Dundas Town, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with one count of mu
Grand Bahama ‘worse off’ under FNM government
PLP Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday Grand Bahama is worse off now since the Free National Movement took office almost one year ago, blaming the Minnis administration for disrupting the island’s economic revival by revoking the Freeport Incentive Act.
Abigail Ferguson inducted into Hall of Fame
FORMER long and triple jumper Abigail Ferguson returned to Boise, Idaho, last month where she was one of seven persons inducted into Boise State’s first Hall of Fame class in more than a decade.Ferguson, selected for women’s track and field, was amon
Junior golfers compete in 11th Republic Bank Open Championships for the first time
THANKS to EFG Bank and other local sponsors, nine junior golfers from the Bahamas competed for the first time in the 11th Republic Bank Junior Open Championships that was held recently in Trinidad & Tobago.
THE FINISH LINE: ‘Pro boxing needs an infusion and Grand Bahama is an ideal location’
SHERMAN ‘The Tank’ Williams is now feeling what other promoters have experienced in the past in trying to stage professional boxing matches here in the Bahamas.
US official visits Freeport
CHARGE d’affaires at the US Embassy in the Bahamas Stephanie Bowers recently made a courtesy call on Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson at the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama. It was her first official visit to Fr
Sebas: 'I smell a rat' - Threatens legal action over $50m project stall
Sebas Bastian’s property development arm is threatening to sue the Ministry of Works over “discriminatory and biased treatment” of its $50m corporate office project.The Island Luck chief’s Veridian Development Group on Wednesday issued the Ministry,
'Huge step' for oil exploration 'game changer'
An oil exploration “game changer” for the Bahamas took “a huge step forward” yesterday with the signing of a three-month exclusivity deal on a drilling joint venture.Simon Potter, the Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) chief executive, told Tribune Bu
Island Luck chief: It's 'stifling growth'
Sebas Bastian yesterday said he “smells a big fat rat” over the enforced eight-month halt to his $50m project, with the delay highlighting how Bahamian economic growth “is stifled”.The Island Luck chief told Tribune Business it was “little wonder inv
Gov'ts Pointe findings branded as 'hogwash'
The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) chief yesterday blasted as “hogwash” the Government’s finding that The Pointe is not in breach of its Heads of Agreement on labour ratios.Leonard Sands, the BCA’s president, rejected “outright” both China
New Gov't Securities Depository by year-end
The Central Bank expects to have a new Central Securities Depository (CSD) ready by the 2018 fourth quarter as part of an overhaul of the Government’s debt management practices.The regulator’s 2017 annual report said a review conducted by the Commonw
Carnival bands president supports 'hands off' Gov't
Carnival band owners have seen “pretty good” sales ahead of this year’s festival, Association (BCBOA) president Dario Tirelli said yesterday, describing the Government’s non-involvement as a “positive change”.Mr Tirelli, head of the Bahamas Carnival
Banks Association meets with BOB
Executives of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) recently called on Bank of The Bahamas to discuss plans for its upcoming conference in the Bahamas later this year.Mary Popo, the Association’s general manager, and directors met with Vanessa Tay
Business owners must not forget personal 'finish line'
Most persons aspire to one day own and operate their own business. As one looks at the profile of successful business owners, they tend to be smart, hard-working, tenacious and highly-focused individuals who, despite all odds, overcome the many chall
Super Value chief: 'We're not in bad egg business'
Super Value’s owner yesterday moved to ease consumer concerns following a voluntary recall of eggs produced by US-based Rose Acre Farms, saying: “We’re not in the bad egg business.”Rupert Roberts, pictured, told Tribune Business: “We get the same bra
Thursday, May 3
05032018 EDITION
Thursday, 3rd May, 2018.
Signed and sealed – Freeport jobs boost
The Government’s mission to establish a Grand Bahama “technology hub” yesterday received a major boost from an investor pledging an annual $50m economic impact by 2020.
Over-the-Hill – but a third under the wire
ONLY 30 per cent of businesses in Over-the-Hill communities operate within the formal economy, a hurdle for owners that may seek to benefit from the government’s rejuvenation plan for the area, Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson indicated during a town hall event last night.
Dames: Claims of sacking prison officers ‘misguided’
THE Minnis administration is not in the business of “moving away from fully capable officers” within the prison system, according to National Security Minister Marvin Dames who yesterday pushed back against social media claims that dozens of contracted officers were facing terminations in the coming weeks.
Police slapping – round two
ANOTHER viral video of a police officer’s physical attack on a person has prompted criticism across social media.
Fishermen: Dredging is hurting our business
DREDGING taking place near Montagu Beach is a hindrance, affecting water quality, marine life, and their businesses, local fishermen have said. When asked how the work has affected business at the Montagu fish ramp, Donna Rolle, who works at a conch
Mitchell blasts Lloyd for tone over firings
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell yesterday condemned the tone struck by Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd in his comments on the firings of dozens of contract workers, calling the minister compassionless and shameful. Mr Mitchell,
BCA president: We could have built The Pointe
BAHAMAS Contractors Association President Leonard Sands is adamant a Bahamian company could have built The Pointe development.
Resident calls for help over rusty water at Cable Beach
A CABLE Beach resident is sounding the alarm on rusty water conditions alleged to have persisted in the area for years.
EDITORIAL: Health of Bahamian people must come first
YESTERDAY, The Tribune reported that all but five striking nurses — they officially called it taking “sick leave” — had returned to work after walking out on patients and a hospital that anywhere else would have been condemned for not being up to acceptable standards.
Search for missing sailor
POLICE and residents of Eleuthera are searching for a man who was reported missing at sea. According to reports, shortly after 9am on Tuesday, a man, believed to be a Haitian, left Spanish Wells in a 17’ white Carolina skiff en route to neighbouring
Autism centre is given a helping hand
THE Brice-Newball Foundation recently presented the autism centre at Garvin Tynes Primary School with ten Samsung tablets and 15 ringing bells during a special assembly at the school. Since 2016, the Brice-Newball Foundation has provided support to
LNG and effect on climate change
I thought it was paramount policy of the FNM that they would safeguard the environment - our fishery resources and assist in the global project to curtail-control climate warming?
57-year-old man accused over stabbing of woman in dispute
A 57-year-old man has been formally charged with attempting to murder a woman following a domestic dispute last Friday.Wilfred Armbrister, of Marshall Road, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on one count of attempted murder stemmin
Forensic expert identifies DNA samples in murder case
AN AMERICAN forensic analyst yesterday testified how DNA samples from the man accused of murdering pregnant teacher Marisha Bowen matched the DNA samples obtained from a vaginal swab of the Guyanese woman. Rachel Oefelein, a forensic DNA analyst at
Diane Phillips: And the award for gross stupidity goes to . . .
If there were profit to be earned, some savvy entrepreneur would create an award that rewards the dumbest ideas ever. The scheme could work just like other awards, except it would be funnier. Like this letter which I received a little while back. It was sent to me by a well-known retailer.
Helping Bahamas National Trust to protect our paradise
BAHAMAS National Trust and Paradise Games on Friday announced a three-year partnership.BNT will receive an annual gift of $25,000 for the next three years for a total commitment of $75,000. The agreement will support the organisation’s educational in
Bahamian players face off in minor league baseball
JAZZ Chisholm and Chavez Young continue to alternate who has the better day on the stat sheet and whose team gets the win as the two Bahamian players and their respective clubs face off in minor league baseball.Young blasted his first home run of the
Jonquel Jones and Sun to be live streamed on Twitter
BAHAMIAN basketball fans will have even more opportunities to see Jonquel Jones and the Connecticut Sun live in action this season through social media outlets. The WNBA announced yesterday 20 games that will be live streamed on Twitter during the 2
43rd Regatta Time in the Abacos all set
THE 43rd Regatta Time in The Abacos (RTIA) is fast approaching and excitement is steadily building for the week-long event June 24 to July 3. The event, which begins in South Abaco and ends in North Abaco, gives visitors a chance to experience diffe
Cartwright and Whitfield make transition to American football
Continuing the trend of Bahamian basketball players making the transition to football, Michael Cartwright and Devanno Whitfield have shot up the recruiting ranks in the state of Florida this offseason.Both former junior national basketball team stand
Bahamas Bowl all set for Dec. 21
THE fifth annual Bahamas Bowl has been set for Friday, December 21, 2018 at 12:30pm ET. The game, held in Nassau’s 15,000-seat Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, will be broadcast in the United States for the fifth consecutive year by ESPN. For t
US-based, local coaches get look ataspiring players at basketball clinic
YOUNG, aspiring professional athletes in South Eleuthera were given a chance to show off their skills to US-based and local coaches this past Saturday during a special basketball clinic in Wemyss Bight.The young athletes benefitted from having pro at
Offshore finance demise
Recent events are somewhat discouraging which I can only conclude will bring about the termination of the Bahamas as an Offshore Financial Centre and place even more emphasis on Tourism as the main and only driver of the Bahamas Economy.
DPM 'not resting on laurels' with deficit on target
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said the Government is “not resting on our laurels” over a “stubbornly” high fiscal deficit, despite forecasts it is on track to hit its 2017-2018 fiscal targets.K P Turnquest, pictured, told Tribune Business that
'No intention' of making owners registry public
The Government yesterday said it has “no intention” of creating a public Beneficial Ownership Registry, or using the issue for regulatory arbitrage, amid rising pressure on The Bahamas’ rivals.K P Turnquest, the Deputy Prime Minister, told Tribune Bu
LPIA departures hit 10-year high
First quarter departure traffic from Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) surged to its highest level for ten years, the Central Bank has revealed, adding to improving economic confidence.The regulator, in its assessment of economic developme
Contractors chief: Redo The Pointe deal if breached
The Government should renegotiate The Pointe deal if the developer has not met the $200m project’s prescribed ratio of Bahamian labour, the Contractors Association’s (BCA) president said yesterday.Speaking at the BCA’s monthly luncheon meeting, Leona
Over-the-Hill revival is 'only 50% there'
The Minnis Government’s “Over-the-Hill” revitalisation initiative is “only 50 per cent there” despite being a “good idea”, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) chief said yesterday.Leonard Sands said the proposed Economic Empowerment Zone (EE
Bahamas 'racing' to protect its industries for WTO accession
The Government must enact policies to protect Bahamian businesses once this nation joins the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president said yesterday.Acknowledging that the WTO “is not a bad thing”, Leona
Wednesday, May 2
05022018 EDITION
Wednesday 2nd May, 2018.
Lawyer found in contempt in murder case
ATTORNEY Geoffrey Farquharson was found in contempt of court after repeated loud outbursts as the prosecution addressed members of the jury hearing a double murder and armed robbery trial in Grand Bahama.
100 days off: Dozens sacked as Lloyd cracks down on work-shy staff
THE Ministry of Education has terminated contracts of a “couple dozen” contract workers who “violated their employment agreement,” Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd, pictured, said yesterday.
‘We can’t submit to every demand’
ALL but five registered and trained clinical nurses returned to work yesterday bringing an end to a “peculiar” “sick out,” which affected patient care at public medical facilities throughout the country, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday, adding “tension” remains over this matter.
Evictions to follow as census completed
THE government’s shanty town census in New Providence has been completed, Labour Minister Dion Foulkes announced, as the government prepares to evict residents from homes in these illegal communities.
Davis slates ‘puerile’ PM in chief justice row
OPPOSITION Leader Philip Davis yesterday criticised Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis over his stance on the appointment of a substantive chief justice, stating his “puerile” comments belie his ignorance on the matter.
How have we done? B+ or A-
TWO Cabinet ministers have given the Minnis administration above average evaluations as the government comes upon the one-year anniversary of defeating the former Christie administration in a landslide victory.
Armed robber guilty of killing cashier challenges conviction
A MAN sentenced to life in prison for murdering a cashier at his family’s food store in the course of an armed robbery on a Family Island a decade ago is seeking to legally contest his conviction.
. . . but will it be enough?
THE announcement of the success by Shell to provide LNG to BP&L and reduced KW rates is certainly good news but…
'The Tank' Williams to headline 'Backyard Rumble'
AFTER spending the past two decades on the road fighting, Grand Bahamian Sherman ‘The Tank’ Williams is finally taking his talent home.The 46-year-old journeyman is set to headline his own promotional card against Epifanio Mendoza - a 42-year-old Col
Water Corp 'aggressively' targets $45m deadbeats
The Water & Sewerage Corporation is aiming to cover 100 per cent of its expenses by 2020, as it “aggressively” pursues deadbeat customers owing more than $45 million.
Davis warns Oban saga is nowhere near a conclusion
OPPOSITION Leader Philip Davis yesterday forecast the Oban Energies saga will drag on with little yield, and questioned whether the government’s “exposed” position was premeditated.Mr Davis said there was no doubt the government wanted out of the con
Repeat dumpers caught by Keep Clean committee
The Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee recently came face to face with repeat illegal dumpers, who were caught offloading an oversized load of garbage using a marked company truck at a service road. The group has long advocated for the use of legally
Police officer sues over snub for promotion
A POLICE officer is suing the commissioner of police and the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s promotion board for refusing to give him a promotion on two occasions, while simultaneously promoting other officers to the very rank he sought. Constable Delm
Tourism rise expected for Grand Bahama
GRAND Bahama is expecting an increase in tourist arrivals this year by sea and air, intensifying pressure for additional room inventory on the island, according to a tourism executive. Karen Seymour, director of the Ministry of Tourism in Grand Baham
Cabinet warning over use of flag and coat of arms
THE Cabinet Office has announced that all persons who wish to use the national flag or coat of arms on any articles to be produced, distributed, sold, or imported into The Bahamas, or in connection with any business on a yearly basis must obtain written permission from the minister of national security.
CULTURE CLASH: Don’t be blind to Cosby - the criminal
Most of us know Bill Cosby as Heathcliff Huxtable. He is a doctor married to lawyer Clair Huxtable and father of five children. He is a funny, playful character with endearing eccentricity. Everyone loves Cliff, and wishes he could be their father. The Cosby family was aspirational, and The Cosby Show gave us somewhere to be when our own lives, homes and families did not quite manage to bring us joy.
Marines to the rescue as freighter breaks loose
QUICK thinking marines attached to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Harbour Patrol Unit assisted in securing one of three breakaway freighters on Tuesday afternoon near Potter’s Cay Dock.
Blazing a trail
LEAGUE champions and national record holders are among the highly skilled student-athletes at University of The Bahamas. UB celebrated these trailblazers recently during the inaugural Athletics Awards Banquet held at the British Colonial Hilton in downtown Nassau.
EDITORIAL: A presidency like no other, Trump wasn’t kidding
With the election of Donald Trump as US president, many American observers learned for the first time that many government ethics and nepotism rules do not actually apply to the Chief Executive himself. Rules makers apparently assumed anyone elected president would treat the office with the utmost respect, as Barack Obama did.
LNG is our best alternative
Once again the radical environmentalists are opposing the installation of an LPG terminal and power plant in Clifton Pier. Some 15 years ago they killed the first LPG proposal with entirely emotional and impractical opposition. I wrote a letter at the time. Nothing has changed since then, other than the fact that we have suffered another 15 years of pollution to deal with at Clifton Pier, and, moreover using diesel instead of LPG in places like Wilson City in Abaco.
Chief justice appointment
Although I am disappointed in the Prime Minister’s cavalier attitude to the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice, I have always been more concerned that the method of the appointment of a Chief Justice and the fact that this head of the Judiciary does not control the Budget for this important arm of government, is more of a threat to the independence of the Judiciary.
Oldtimers Softball heats up
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association continued its regular season with a series of games in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds over the weekend. Here’s a summary of the games:SWD Boyz 23, DKS
Truckers get 13-0 shutout victory over Mighty Mitts
The Commando Security Truckers, adding a few more younger players to their line-up, wasted little time in their New Providence Softball Association men’s divisional season opener, stopping the Chances Mighty Mitts in a 13-0 shutout. The win came afte
NCAA: Davis and Solomon to transfer this offseason
BAHAMIAN players continue progress to NCAA men’s basketball programmes following productive seasons at the Junior College level.Radshad Davis and Kaleel Solomon were the latest additions to this expanding list and recently announced their intentions
Bahamas Waste sponsors golf open
THE Bahamas Professional Golf Tour is poised to set a new golfing pace and increase and heighten professional golfing awareness and exposure to the professional golfing community. Dedicated to the advancement of the professional golfing standards an
BANK AND ROTARY PARTNERS FOR CHARITY GOLF TOURNEY
SCOTIABANK is partnering with the Rotary Club of East Nassau and Scout Association of The Bahamas on their 32nd annual charity golf tournament set for next month.The bank is a gold sponsor of the annual event with 100 per cent of the net proceeds rai
Gov't 'must do better' defending Bahamas
A former attorney general yesterday urged the Government to “do a better job” of safeguarding The Bahamas from “protectionist” attacks disguised as global regulatory initiatives.Alfred Sears QC, pictured, again demanded “full disclosure” of the Minni
Water Corp: BTC-style privatisation ‘could work’
The Water & Sewerage Corporation’s chairman yesterday said he will suggest a BTC-style privatisation for the utility when he meets with the Prime Minister and other Cabinet members.
Opposition urges fly fishing clarity
The Opposition’s leader yesterday urged the Government to clarify the “uncertainty” surrounding the flats fishing regulations, as the industry has “never been better” since their enactment.Philip Davis described the ongoing confusion over whether the
Mobile data usage up 30% pts in 2017
Mobile broadband penetration jumped by 30 percentage points inside one year, it was revealed yesterday, with four out of every five Bahamians using the product by year-end 2017.The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), unveiling its
Financial literacy 'critical protection' for consumers
Financial literacy is a “critical line of defence” for consumers, the Central Bank’s governor said yesterday, unveiling a partnership with the Clearing Banks Association (CBA) to educate Bahamians on debt management.Launching the campaign, John Rolle
Bahamians urged to'abandon materialism'
Bahamians are unable and unwilling to save because they have “too much debt”, a banker yesterday urging his countrymnen to become more disciplined and abandon the “materialistic approach”.Gregory Bethel, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) president, argued that
Insurance industry attends FATF forum
The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) was represented at the recent Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Private Sector Consultative Forum (PSCF) dealing with financial crime.Emmanuel Komolafe, its chairman, attended the high level meeting from April
Tuesday, May 1
05012018 EDITION
Monday, 1st May, 2018.
Over-the-hill plan alert to fraud risk
THE government is projected to lose $7m in revenue annually through its Over-the-Hill tax exemption policy, Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson revealed yesterday.
‘Sick out’ nurses turn the screw
MORE than 200 registered and trained clinical nurses staged a “sick out” yesterday amid mounting tensions between Bahamas Nurses Union and the Public Hospitals Authority over long-standing issues.
PM: I won’t be forced on chief justice job
DESPITE facing fierce criticism over his failure to appoint a substantive chief justice, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he would not be forced to fill the office.
Ragged Island begs: Help us - now
FRUSTRATED Ragged Islanders are demanding the government prioritise critical restoration initiatives as protracted delays have handicapped local efforts to rebuild and restore normalcy to the hurricane-ravaged island.
We won’t let Oban harm environment
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was adamant yesterday the environment will be protected as Bahamians await the findings of an environmental impact assessment into the Oban Energies oil refinery and storage facility proposed for Grand Bahama.
FACE TO FACE: Lessons of life learned around the water pump
Take a slow drive through any Over-the-Hill community and you will find a water pump. It’s a necessity in an area where there are still homes without infrastructure for running water.
Do inequalities promote exploitation?
Today’s piece is really about the images we value, especially the images of media stars and their behavioUr we celebrate. It arises out of recent developments with male leaders in industry who have found themselves compromised between being good men,
Shamar expected 'to make a big impact for' Tigers
SHAMAR Burrows signed his letter of intent to join the Dalhousie Tigers last November and Tigers head coach Rick Plato is already looking forward to what the combo guard can bring to the programme.“Shamar is a dynamic and versatile player who will br
Overcome obstacles on the path to better health
AFTER years of focusing on helping women achieve spiritual, economical and social success, New Image Ladies is now seeking to empower women when it comes to the physical as well.To this end, the organisation is inviting the entire family to particip
Celebrating midwives
What happens to children before they are born and in their early years profoundly affects their future health and well-being.Midwives are crucial members of the health team, well placed to help every child make the best start in life. Their health pr
Thompson helps Lady Bears win MEAC title
Danielle ‘Danie’ Thompson showed why she was recently named the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year.With the MEAC Tennis Championship title on the line, Thompson clinched a 6-3, 6-4 win over Mariam Mitaishvili from Hampton to clin
More LNG information needed
THE public needs a lot more information about the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas facility at Clifton Pier before we can feel comfortable that it will be in our best interests.
Shine bright like a diamond: Debutante of the Year finds her self-confidence
At age 17, Diamond Pearson’s future shines as bright as her name implies. The 12th grade St Anne’s honour student, granddaughter of prominent pastor Rev Dr C B Moss, has been named the 2018 Debutante of the Year after completing a six-month empowerment and etiquette programme. And thanks to her academic prowess, she also has received the scholarships she needs to attend the college of her choice.
A $400 price to pay for trying to leave country with $33,000
FOUR Haitians, two women and two men, were yesterday fined $100 each after pleading guilty to attempting to leave the country with over $33,000 in foreign currency.
Tackling crime in our neighbourhoods
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis launched the Neighbourhood Watch Crime Council last night at the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s headquarters. The Free National Movement promised the council in its 2017 manifesto, saying it would “oversee and promote n
Chess Federation to host Invitational Training Seminar for top junior players
THE Bahamas Chess Federation (BCF) is scheduled to host an Invitational Training Seminar for the top junior chess players in the island nation May 5-6.United States chess grandmaster Renier Gonzalez has been invited to personally train the winners of
Cuban migrants detained near Cay Sal Bank
FIFTEEN Cuban migrants interdicted near Cay Sal Bank and brought to Grand Bahama were flown to New Providence on Sunday.
Ayton to headline Jeff Rodgers basketball camp
THE 31st edition of the Jeff Rodgers Summer Basketball Camp will be headlined by one of the island nation’s biggest names in basketball who got his start at the event years ago.According to camp director Jeff Rodgers, projected lottery pick DeAndre A
Baby mortality rates at lowest ever
The Bahamas’ perinatal mortality rates are at an all-time low, Dr Leon Dupuch, consultant and chief of services in the Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Princess Margaret Hospital, has revealed. Speaking at the Southeast Nassau Rotaract club las
Pregnant teacher was found dead 'with blood on walls'
A POLICE officer yesterday described the bloody scene inside pregnant teacher Marisha Bowen’s apartment the morning he and other officers discovered her lifeless, naked body lying in a pool of blood in a bedroom almost two years ago.Detective Corpora
Setting smart 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.
Boxing revival all set for Grand Bahama in July
THE revival of the sport of boxing in Grand Bahama is set to take place July 11-12 with the Commonwealth Boxing Salute, featuring 10 young amateur boxers in five bouts.The event is being hosted by the Bahamas Boxing Commission and the Grand Bahama Po
Two in hospital after shooting and stabbing
POLICE are investigating separate shooting and stabbing incidents which left two men in hospital with serious injuries. Shortly after 9pm on Sunday, a man was discovered outside a home on Catherine Avenue, Nassau Village, with apparent gunshot injur
RICHARD COULSON'S BUSINESS BITES: Blacklisting – why not fight back?
I have just read press reports that another bill has been tabled in the House to avoid blacklisting, by satisfying - better read “appeasing” - the European Union (EU) in its campaign to extract full compliance on tax matters.
Girls making boss moves: Young women discover their greatness
To help the often abused, broken and lost girls in Bahamian communities, and even just those struggling to find their self-worth, the Purpose Made Me Do It organisation each year hosts a special party to uplift young women.This year’s Girl Bosses Pa
UB partners with Caribbean and US experts on new studies
Hampton University (HU) and the University of the Bahamas (UB) are collaborating with experts in the fields of public health, population health, clinical health and research to address health disparities in the Caribbean and the United States through
Disability Council shows appreciation for seniors
It was a day to celebrate community and togetherness, as the Bahamas National Council For Disability hosted a luncheon to celebrate senior citizens from throughout New Providence.Participating senior citizen homes included the Demetrius Centre, the N
Financial seminar focuses on women's empowerment
Nearly 1,200 women attended Fidelity’s Women Only Seminar that was held last Saturday at the Baha Mar Convention Centre.Under the theme “The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth”, seminar guests were given practical advice on money manage
EDITORIAL: Environment Minister on Right Track with Plastics Ban
If Minister of Environment and Housing Romauld ‘Romi’ Ferreira accomplishes nothing more in his five-year term of office, he will still have had a remarkable impact on the future of The Bahamas through his single act of banning single-use plastics by 2020. Ferreira made the announcement during a press conference along with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation on April 23.
Where are the activists?
MUST congratulate the letter writer Abraham Moss on his criticism of the Government on LNG.
Facts behind the $200m
IS there any validity as to the accuracy that there is a factor of between $200-500m lost to corruption?
CCA slams 'implausible' $2.25bn Sarkis lawsuit
Baha Mar’s main contractor yesterday slammed Sarkis Izmirlian’s $2.25 billion fraud claim as “implausible”, branding his action as groundless and having no basis in law.China Construction America (CCA), in its long-awaited response to the fraud and “
Insurer: Profits goal beaten by 57% if no Irma
A Bahamian insurer yesterday said it would have beaten 2017 profit projections by 57 per cent had Hurricane Irma not inflicted a $2 million net loss on its Turks & Caicos portfolio.
'Draw the red lines' on WTO open up
The Bahamas Society of Engineers (BSE) president yesterday urged his colleagues and other industries “to draw the red lines” on what should be liberalised under WTO.Quentin Knowles told Tribune Business that all sectors of the Bahamian economy needed
Avoid 'emotional rush' on over-the-hill revival
The Government was yesterday urged to avoid a “rushed, emotional” Over-the-Hill revitalisation in favour of developing a “sustainable blueprint” that can be rolled-out across The Bahamas.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BIC
BLTA: tennis executives in the spotlight at annual general meeting
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association held its annual general meeting at the National Tennis Centre last week Thursday when Darnette Weir and seven of her slate of officers were elected to serve on the board for the next two years. • Here’s a profile o
Gov't urged: 'Step into light' on oil exploration
AN environmentalist yesterday urged the Government to deny the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) the necessary approvals, arguing that oil drilling “is the last thing this country needs”.Sam Duncombe, reEarth’s president, called on the Minnis administr
Over-the-Hill revival to aid 'informal economy' shrink
The Government’s proposed Over-the-Hill revitalisation could have the “unintended consequence” of regularising many firms operating in the informal economy, a top official said yesterday. Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle, head of the government’s economic pla
$30m condo project releases final units
The developers behind a $30 million Paradise Island condominium complex have released the final units this week, with 65 per cent of inventory already sold.Aristo Development’s 36-unit project, THIRTY SIX, is expected to be ready for occupancy by yea
Tourism staffer wins Administrative award
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) executive administrator, Charlotte Knowles Thompson, has received The Distinguished Administrative Professional Award.She was awarded the honour at the ‘Administrative Professionals Conference’, whic
Over-the-Hill tax breaks for July 1
The Government will roll-out its Over-the-Hill revitalisation ‘tax breaks’ in the upcoming 2018-2019 Budget, with the targeted area currently generating $6.2 million in annual property taxes.Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle, head of the Government’s economic
