Thursday, February 28
02282019 EDITION
Thursday, 28th February, 2019.
VIDEO: All aboard? Well, not quite . . .
A COUPLE was left stranded in Nassau after they were 45 minutes late for boarding their Royal Caribbean cruise ship — resulting in the vessel leaving them behind.
Circuit breaker blamed for Cable Beach outages
Power outages which plagued the Cable Beach area earlier this week were a result of issues with a generator circuit breaker at Bahamas Power and Light’s Skyline facility, BPL’s Director of Public Relations Quincy Parker told The Tribune yesterday.
MPs in row on House stairs
A VERBAL altercation erupted on the interior stairway of the House of Assembly yesterday between National Security Minister Marvin Dames and Pineridge MP Fredrick McAlpine.
Tick tock on public disclosure for MPs
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie yesterday warned to Members of Parliament to file their public disclosures as the March 1 deadline is imminent.
Dames highlights decline in crime despite latest US travel advisory
IN the wake of the US Department of State releasing a travel advisory on Monday, National Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday highlighted the decline of crime in The Bahamas.
Stores destroyed after blaze rips through Freeport mini mall
CLOSE to a dozen stores were destroyed when a massive blaze consumed the Britannia Mini Mall yesterday and threatened another nearby business in Freeport.
‘WORLD’S BEST’ IN BID TO HELP PMH: Sands ‘excited’ by talks with Johns Hopkins
JOHNS Hopkins Medicine, one of the world’s top medical institutions, has expressed interest in exploring the merits of a strategic “Nation Health Services Agreement” with the Bahamas government to create a Caribbean Centre of Excellence to transform the delivery of healthcare in our nation, said Health Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday.
Coroner rules boat tragedy accidental
A CORONER ruled yesterday that the death of a 73-year-old man in a boating collision was an “accidental death” — however the victim’s daughter has said the family will pursue the matter in a civil case.
Visa scam - there’ll be no cover up
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday declared “no one is above the law” as police continue their investigation into bribery claims at the Immigration Department.
Underspend helps hit deficit target
The government yesterday forecast it will narrowly beat this year’s fiscal deficit target despite a $185m revenue shortfall caused by VAT, gaming and enforcement underperformance.
Torture victims told - you must sue
RIGHTS Bahamas expressed concern yesterday about the treatment of three people who allege they were tortured by police for confessions in Eleuthera last year.
Top official eyes ‘promising’ rich revenue quarter
The Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday revealed collections in the current “revenue-rich” quarter were “promising”, with the government’s fiscal “game plan” firmly on target.
Davis: Why no budget debate?
OPPOSITION Leader Philip Davis yesterday questioned whether the Minnis administration had anything to hide as his side pressed forward with demands for debate over the mid-year budget presentation.
‘I saw pair of accused men with brother at time of shooting’
THE brother of a man killed in Abaco in 2016 testified that he saw two men accused of the crime with his brother at the time of the shooting.
Three accused over immigration breaches
TWO Haitians and a Polish national were charged with breaches of the Immigration Act in Freeport Magistrate’s Court.
Time to reveal the ugly truth
So the four PLP parliamentarians have walked out of the House claiming that government is harassing their supporters and marching them into the hands of the law. Apparently, they have no intention of returning to parliament until the so-called witch hunt ends!
Grant Player of the Year again
For the second consecutive year, Leashja Grant has been recognised as the most dominant player in her conference as she prepares to lead her Lakehead Thunderwolves into the postseason.
Knights, Raptors take early lead
THE 26th Annual GSSSA Track and Field Championships got underway yesterday and continued its format with both junior schools and senior schools competing simultaneously.
Basketball, soccer to highlight high schools’ sporting calendar
THE sporting calendar for the Ministry of Education’s National High School Championship series continues with basketball and soccer highlighting the next two months for student athletes.
Bahamas Bowl: Elk Grove Village returns as title sponsor
ELK Grove Village will return as the title sponsor for the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl.
Buckeyes visit Nassau for 12th annual Cruise for Cancer charity
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes visited Nassau for their 12th annual Cruise for Cancer charity event yesterday.
Chisholm, Fox invited to see early action in spring training
BOTH Jazz Chisholm and Lucius Fox have seen early action in Major League Baseball Spring Training as non-roster invitees with their respective clubs.
‘Phenomenal’ if lower deficit forecast holds
Governance reformers yesterday hailed the government’s prediction that it will shrug off a $185m revenue shortfall - and beat its full-year deficit target - as “phenomenal” if it comes true.
Ex-minister fearful on $130m spending cut
A former finance minister yesterday warned that the forecast $130m cut in government spending this fiscal year could undermine Bahamian economic growth and job creation.
Opposition: Govt all ‘head, no heart’
THE opposition yesterday predicted an “even greater revenue shortfall” and missed fiscal deficit targets, arguing that the mid-year budget “did nothing to inspire confidence”.
Bahamas represented at regional IMO meet
A Cabinet minister led the Bahamian delegation to this week’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) organised meeting of senior Caribbean policymakers and officials.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Logos set image for your company
Unsure where to start with your logo design? A good place to begin is by deciding on its style. For logos are intended to be the face of a company. They are meant to visually communicate the unique identity of the brand and what it represents.
WTO analysis eyes ‘policy trade-offs’
The private sector-funded report detailing the impact full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership will have on the economy is set for an early April completion, it was revealed yesterday.
PM: Bahamas can follow Estonia on e-government
The prime minister believes The Bahamas can follow Estonia’s lead by using technology to transform government services and attract international investment.
Govt targets ‘value’ for its $400m SOEs
The government yesterday unveiled plans to ensure its gets “value for money” from the near-$400m in annual subsidies it pumps into state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
‘Double digit’ growth drives nation’s awards
The Bahamas’ “very impressive double-digit growth” in stopover arrivals was a decisive factor in the country earning the Caribbean Journal’s ‘Tourism Destination of the Year’ designation.
Wednesday, February 27
02272019 EDITION
Wednesday, 27th February, 2019.
EDITORIAL: Something stinks here and it's not a fish-bag
ON Monday, we reported the shocking claims of three people about the brutality they suffered at the hands of police.
CULTURE CLASH: Let’s prepare for 2020 - stand up and be counted
Our system of governance and political party structures and systems need work.
Fitzgerald brings his political career to an end
FORMER Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald has announced an end to his political career, telling Progressive Liberal Party members he will not seek a nomination for the next general election.
How Save the Bays emails were given to the PLP
A FORMER Peter Nygard employee is claiming he knows how Save The Bays’ emails and financial records ended up in a former MP’s “political garbage can” in 2016.
PLP ends boycott and returns to House today
THE Progressive Liberal Party has ended its boycott of Parliament and its members will return to the House of Assembly today.
Port to be Bahamas’ ‘Sydney Opera House’
The winning Nassau cruise port bidder yesterday said it aims to increase passenger spending by more than 100 percent and transform the entire city into a “worldwide brand”.
Torture trio told - you’re out of time
THREE people who say police tortured them for confessions before releasing them without charge were told this week the time has expired for their matter to be addressed by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, despite the timely complaints they made.
Foreign workers - pay or go home
IMMIGRATION Minister Brent Symonette has urged work permit applicants holding letters of approval to finalise their payments or face deportation, revealing yesterday the Department of Immigration is presently owed some $5m in outstanding fees.
D’Aguilar dismay at US crime warning
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar says he expects some level of “push back” from local officials to a recent US travel advisory, as he expressed dismay over the alert’s timing yesterday.
Revealed - film of cop shooting dogs
VIDEO footage has emerged of a law enforcement officer shooting a dog at point-blank range during what appears to be a home raid.
Bahamas regional HQ for cruise port winner
The winning Nassau cruise port bidder yesterday said it plans to make The Bahamas its regional headquarters for the Americas and invest $10m before sealing the deal with the Government.
Too much secrecy, I fear
Why has Government created around BP&L so much secrecy – unusual lack of transparency?
On track with the Bahamian connection
Cliff Resais and Donovan Storr, two of the Bahamian connection at Southeastern Louisiana, competed at the 2019 Southland Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships which concluded on Monday.
Bain: ‘It was a new challenge in my life dealing with the pro players’
New head coach Norris Bain gave himself and the rest of his coaching staff a B grade after the Bahamas advanced in the FIBA AmeriCup and World Cup qualification round in Belize.
4th High School Basketball Nationals in Grand Bahama
ON the heels of the exciting climax of the prestigious 37th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture are gearing up for their fourth National High School Basketball Tournament.
Cut out the speed bumps
I understand that there is currently a proposal before the Ministry of Works to install even more speed bumps on the eastern end of New Providence, specifically on Sassoon Drive.
Register online now for the Conchman Triathlon
THE overwhelming support shown for the GBPA Conchman Triathlon last November, from triathletes near and far, has prompted the organising committee to begin early registration for the increasingly popular competition scheduled for Saturday, November 2 at Taino Beach in Freeport.
We face many challenges, Campbell tells UN
IN the wake of the deaths of more than 30 Haitian migrants at sea earlier this month, Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell yesterday told the United Nations Human Rights Council the Bahamas will continue its efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling.
Don't upset the Palace
Seems we have annoyed Buckingham Palace so much that HRH Prince Charles, Her Majesty’s heir who, with his wife, has announced a Caribbean visit, have excluded a visit to one of the new realm states in the Caribbean – our Commonwealth.
Kevin Williams MVP in City Bowling League
THE most valuable player (MVP) in City Bowling League competition Monday night was Kevin B Williams of the ASureWin Pocket Pleasers with a 267 second high game and a 650 high three game series.
Sports Notes
THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association got its best-of-three playoffs underway last night at the DW Davis Gymnasium.
Scarabs victorious in the sudden death playoffs
THE Akhepran International Academy Scarabs served notice yesterday that they are going after both the primary and senior boys’ basketball titles in the Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association (BSAA).
Miss Florida's trial put on hold as co-accused fails to show
A WOMAN who went viral on social media last year had her criminal trial over alleged drug possession with intent to supply adjourned to March 27 after her co-accused failed to show in court yesterday.
DPM: ‘Public outrage’ to block fiscal recklessness
The deputy prime minister has voiced optimism that “public outrage” will prevent future governments from abandoning the checks put in place to prevent reckless fiscal policies.
Ex-Mandela aide ‘amazed’ at local WTO opposition
A former adviser to late South African president, Nelson Mandela, yesterday said he was “amazed” by the extent of Bahamian opposition to joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Bahamas ‘won’t concede’ over financial services
The deputy prime minister yesterday pledged that The Bahamas will “not give up any ground” to global regulatory initiatives in its fight to remain a leading international financial centre (IFC)
Cruise port bid process ‘incredibly transparent’
The minister of tourism yesterday defended the Nassau cruise port bidding process, and selection of Global Ports Holding, as “incredibly transparent”.
Bahamian realtor named as auction house adviser
A Bahamian has been named among this year’s ten-strong agent advisory board for an auctioneer specialising in luxury real estate.
Bank’s 2018 dividend pay-outs to hit $35m
Commonwealth Bank will tomorrow pay a two cents per share extraordinary dividend to shareholders of record at February 18, taking 2018’s total investor pay-out to more than $35m.
DPM: Govt ‘locked in’ on oil exploration
The deputy prime minister yesterday said the government has been “locked into” various oil exploration obligations by its predecessor as he acknowledged environmentalists’ concerns.
Tuesday, February 26
02262019 EDITION
Tuesday, 26th February, 2019.
Pair accused of murder claim they were beaten in custody by police
TWO men accused of murder alleged yesterday they were beaten and suffocated by police while in custody to admit to a crime they say they did not commit.
FACE TO FACE: Happy families – not if you're in love with yourself
It’s a topic not often discussed in Bahamian relationships, but one that is prevalent and could be wreaking havoc on families – narcissism.
We’ll have viable candidates, says Komolafe after she becomes new leader of DNA
ARINTHIA Komolafe says she is focused on moving her party forward and recruiting viable candidates after being elected by the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) as the first woman to lead the political party.
PM’s comments in Grand Bahama ‘a sad menu of failure’
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell blasted Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis for his attacks on the opposition party in Grand Bahama last week.
Super Value chief in resort exit ‘gem’
Super Value’s owner says his Bimini Sands property will be transformed into “a little gem” matching nearby Cat Cay through the deal that will secure his resort industry exit.
VIDEO: Inside the new world of Port Nassau
GLOBAL Ports Holding’s goal for Prince George Wharf is to transform the area into a “state-of-the-art port and waterfront destination” that will feature a Junkanoo museum, open air amphitheatre, and laser light shows.
Hit-and-run driver held after fatal dawn crash
TRAFFIC police in New Providence are investigating an early morning hit-and-run incident that left a woman dead and a man in hospital.
Moody’s glum on hitting deficit
Moody’s is urging further “restraint” in public spending while predicting that the government will miss the 1.8 percent deficit target set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act for 2018-2019.
FBI secret tapes expose visa scam
THE US Federal Bureau of Investigation claims it has more than six hours of audio recordings between Haitian-Bahamian Edward Israel Saintil and an unnamed immigration officer discussing bribery payments made to senior officials to secure permit approvals. The bribes ranged from $400 to $2,500.
McAlpine: Don’t be so petty, Dr Minnis
PINERIDGE MP Frederick McAlpine hit out at Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday, likening the nation’s leader to a coach keeping a “good player” on the bench due to “personal or petty” reasons.
Mystic Marlins are the Hugh Campbell champs!
The Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins continued a season of milestones with their first Hugh Campbell title in school history.
New beginnings later in life
Former dental assistant and beauty queen has major career change at age 55
BEING fired from the same job twice would be enough to make anyone want give up and hide away from the world. However, Oralee Smith took this unexpected opportunity to start an entirely new career.
YOU GO GIRL: Teen author inspires her peers to pursue writing
It was a simple but powerful message 15-year-old children’s books author Sierra Blair delivered to the Library Cadets Programme: Writing is something anybody can excel in.
LIFE LINES: Reaching out and leaning in
I will have a birthday this month and I usually make this event an opportunity to review where I am personally and professionally since the previous one.
A blueprint for success
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.
All natural, all the time
Ingredients for cooking directly from the backyard
In recent years, Bahamians have become more health-conscious. You see more and more people out running or exercising, both in the early morning hours and in the evening. You also see more people thinking about they eat and planning healthier meals.
False alarm as mother worries son has been taken
A mother’s plea for help finding her son yesterday turned out to be a false alarm.
EDITORIAL: It might be a painful journey but what an opportunity
The announcement that Global Ports Holdings has been chosen to manage the Nassau cruise port is big news for the country – but how will it change the waterfront?
Dionisio, a shining light in the gloom
On a personal level I admire and deeply respect Ministers Duane Sands (Health) and Marvin Dames (National Security). Despite my being a PLP, to this very day, I could not support the former MP for Mount Moriah and, as a part of my civic duty, I supported and voted for Dames. In the case of Sands, I was an adviser and semi-confidant. In fact, during one of my radio talk shows, I privately told him to seek a reconciliation with the then leader of the fractured FNM, Dr. Minnis.
Bahamians’ presence felt on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Prospects list
SINCE Major League Baseball (MLB) Pipeline began listing its top 30 prospects within each franchise for the upcoming 2019 season, Bahamians have been prominently featured.
Miller Jr and Rebels kneel during ‘Star Spangled Banner’
FRANCO Miller Jr was one of eight members of the Ole Miss Rebels men’s basketball programme that silently protested by kneeling during the American national anthem in response to Confederacy rallies hosted near the stadium.
FIBA: Team Bahamas tops Belize, moves on to next round
TEAM Bahamas will advance to the next round in their bid for FIBA AmeriCup and World Cup qualifications.
THE PRESS BOX: Cowboys Nation, ‘it isn’t too soon for a NFL Mock Draft’
IT is the last week in February, and so it’s not too soon for a NFL Mock Draft. Let’s see who the Cowboys like!
Prospect Watch: Chisholm, Robinson in D-backs’ top 6 ranking
JAZZ Chisholm and Kristian Robinson find themselves in an unique position in the Major League pre-season with the Arizona Diamondbacks professional baseball organisation.
Spotlight on Sandilands’ Kelly Ward
THOUGH it has been in existence since 1979, not many people know the role the Kelly Ward plays in nursing clients suffering from conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, intellectual disability back to health so they can properly function in society.
Bahamas First targets 15% returns to offset ‘volatility’
Bahamas First’s top executive yesterday said it is targeting a 15 percent return on equity (ROE) in non-hurricane years to ensure it smooths out “volatility” and remains attractive to investors.
Port revamp ‘must run parallel’ to Bay St revival
The revival of Nassau’s cruise port and downtown “must run in parallel”, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive urged yesterday, and reverse the slide in passenger experience.
Downtown retail hails port winner as ‘what we need’
Bay Street merchants yesterday said Global Ports Holding’s $250m plan to redevelop Nassau’s cruise port is “exactly what downtown has needed for many years”.
Govt ‘duplicitous’ on oil licence extension
AN environmental activist yesterday accused the government of being “duplicitous” for extending oil exploration licences at the same time it is promoting renewable energy use.
Govt told: ‘Get serious’ on Morton Salt issues
THE trade union representing line-staff at Morton Salt (Bahamas) has urged the government to “get serious” about resolving its long-running dispute over a new industrial agreement.
Realtor rates high-end properties on amenities
A Bahamian real estate broker has released a report on high-end real estate opportunities on New Providence and Paradise Island, rating each for the quality of on-site amenities.
Lightbourn Trading office design is ‘new standard’
A local firm of architects believes it has set “a new standard for commercial buildings” in The Bahamas with its design for Lightbourn Trading’s property.
Monday, February 25
02252019 EDITION
Monday, 25th February, 2019.
EDITORIAL: Allegations of police brutality - is anyone listening?
THE story we report on today’s front page is deeply troubling for The Bahamas.
QC Munroe poised to launch class-action against Cable Bahamas
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe wants to launch a class-action lawsuit against Cable Bahamas, hoping to force the service provider to provide customers with all they pay for, or supply credits when it can’t do so.
UPDATE: Four-year-old 'not missing as reported'
Police have issued an update on this story, saying the child was not missing as reported and that it was a miscommunication between relatives. The child was reportedly taken by another relative after being discovered home alone. Police and social services personnel are investigating.
Minnis planning his second term
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told jubilant party supporters in Grand Bahama that before retiring he will serve a second term as prime minister. Dr Minnis expressed confidence in his party’s victory at the polls in 2022 at the FNM’s headquarters in Freeport, where he received a resounding welcome on his arrival at a special meeting on Friday evening.
INSIGHT: Hands off our judiciary, Mr Davis
ON the heels of the Frank Smith acquittal, the Progressive Liberal Party has green lit its campaign for election in 2022. Although dwarfed in numbers in Parliament, the “fiery four” have certainly not been afraid to cause a spectacle with their latest boycott of the House of Assembly.
Cruise lines miss out on port project
The cruise lines were yesterday reassured they will not face excessive port fees after the government selected Global Ports Holding’s $250m bid to redevelop Prince George Wharf.
Now trio accuse police of torture
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force is being sued for allegedly torturing three innocent people in a bid to secure confessions from them.
Survival rate shock for kids cancers
THE Bahamas faces a massive uphill battle to improve survival rates for children with cancer and other auto-immune diseases.
Ferguson Jr in Euro Pro Volleyball All-Star game
IN what he describes as his best season in the European Professional Volleyball League, Iraklis’ Byron Ferguson Jr is headed to the All-Star game.
Bahamians take NCAA Division I basketball spotlight
A MATCHUP between a pair of Bahamians in a double overtime thriller highlighted the weekend of play in NCAA Division I basketball.
Grant and Thunderwolves headed to Ontario University Association semi-finals
LEASHJA Grant and her Lakehead Thunderwolves are headed to the Ontario University Association semi-finals.
Marijuana swoop by police after tip off from public
POLICE seized a quantity of suspected marijuana in a swoop on Thursday evening.
WORLD VIEW: Overspill of Haiti’s persistent problems
THIS commentary, being written on Thursday, February 21, is about troubling developments in Haiti and the constraints upon the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that prohibit them from playing a meaningful role in averting further violence. Since the time of writing, the feared escalation might have occurred.
D'Aguilar could be the surprise leader
There are times in politics when a rising star hits the jackpot. I suspect the interview or panel Jerome Sawyer had last evening might have been one of those occasions.
Hugh Campbell championship tonight
A WEEK of competition and 50 games between 28 teams have come down to tonight’s matchup between the Dame Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins and the St George’s Jaguars to decide the champion of the 37th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic.
Temple Christian Suns walk away with titles
COACH Keno Demeritte and his Temple Christian Suns shined brightly in the Mangrove Cay Basketball Tournament over the weekend in Andros where they captured both the primary girls’ and boys’ titles.
Bahamian elite and college athletes have busy weekend
IT was another busy weekend for a number of Bahamian elite and collegiate athletes.
NPBA action continues at the AF Adderley gym on Wednesday night
THE New Providence Basketball Association closed out play at the CI Gibson Gymnasium over the weekend and will resume competition at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Atlantis sale ‘off the table’
The potential sale of Atlantis to a New York-based real estate investor, which was backed by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, has fallen through and will not be revived.
Large support for expansion of NHI to fund health care
NEARLY 90 percent of respondents in a new survey support the expansion of NHI to provide affordable coverage for high cost medical care — including treatment for widespread cancers, dialysis and heart attacks.
Nygard files new court action against Bacon
PETER Nygard has filed new court action in the United States against Lois Bacon, according to US reports.
Alternative products cut BTC’s energy use
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Co. (BTC) has recorded a more than 30 percent reduction in energy consumption after switching to alternative energy products at 12 facilities.
Pintard to host BARC closed town meeting
AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard will be hosting a closed town meeting in North Andros today to assist BARC residents with securing “varied size crown grants” for the land they occupy.
RBDF duo step down after long service
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force bid farewell to Chief Petty Officers (CPO) Nelson Strachan and Brian Miller, who both retired after serving a combined 62 years of active service.
Realtor prison sentence reduced by two years
THE Court of Appeal has shaved two years off of a former realtor’s prison sentence for swindling 21 people out of over $144,000 between 2007 and 2008 as part of a property scam.
Arinthia the right choice for DNA
I write to congratulate the newly elected Leader of the Democratic National Alliance, Mrs Arinthia Komolafe.
We need to avoid general ignorance
Your Editorial of Saturday February 23 featured a headline (“The Complexity of Bahamian Unemployment”) that was encouraging to anyone who tires of the oversimplified and just plain ignorant presentation of facts and statistics in Bahamian media. It then dove headlong into one of the worst examples of both genres.
‘Buddy’ scores 34
Buddy Hield continues to have some of his best NBA performances in the state where he rose to national NCAA prominence in the NCAA with the Oklahoma Sooners.
Defenders ladies, men are NPVA champions
THE Lady Defenders finally snapped the Scottsdale Vixens’ dominance of the New Providence Volleyball Association by winning the league title at the DW Davis Gymnasium on Friday.
Port winner ‘not worried one drop’ by cruise islands
The winning Nassau cruise port bidder’s chairman yesterday said he is “not worried one drop” about the rapid expansion of the industry’s private destinations, adding: “We’ll see who wins.”
‘Fresh impetus’ for oil explorer
A Bahamas-based oil explorer’s search for a joint venture partner has been given “fresh impetus” by the Government’s extension of its four licences until end-2020.
Bahamas urged to target FATF escape
The Bahamas has been urged to “prioritise” escaping the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) monitoring list as all its recent woes “flow” from this.
Regulator signs new EU fund access deal
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has announced the signing of its 28th agreement to ensure local fund managers have access to European markets.
Carnival’s $100m port won’t cut Nassau calls
A TOP Carnival executive says its proposed $100m Grand Bahama port will not result in reduced vessel calls to Nassau, while describing its investment as a “no brainer”.
Bahamas’ WTO offers attract eight countries
AROUND eight countries have expressed interest in The Bahamas’ initial goods and services offers to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the country’s lead negotiator has confirmed.
$5m solar power plant a step toward renewable goal
Grand Bahama Power Company’s $5m solar plant will be able to supply 850 homes and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 4,200 tons annually, it has been revealed.
Saturday, February 23
Man dies in crash on Eleuthera
Police are investigating after a man died in a traffic accident in Eleuthera on Friday morning.
Six crew members held after drugs, firearm found on mail boat
Six mail boat crew members are in police custody after a firearm and a large quantity of drugs were found on their vessel on Friday night.
Friday, February 22
Eugene Dupuch Law School celebrates 20th anniversary, relocation
THE Eugene Dupuch Law School held a relocation ceremony yesterday to commemorate its new premises on Rosetta Street and to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Dames: Shotspotter technology 'by the end of March'
SHOTSPOTTER technology should be in use throughout New Providence by the end of March, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said on Thursday.
PLP officials 'have not decided when they will end boycott'
PLP CHAIRMAN Fred Mitchell said party officials have not decided when they will end their boycott of parliament and the senate.
Former Washington Press Club president Marguerite Sullivan gives Bahamas address
A VETERAN communications specialist was the guest at the Bahamas Press Club on Friday.
Four C's owner and captain to stand trial
FOUR C’s Adventures owner Clayton Smith and one of his captains, Roderick Watson, are to stand trial over allegations they caused the death of an American woman and injured nine other people due to negligence when their charter boat burst into flames last year.
Man denies negligently causing deaths, injuries in Labour Day Parade
THE man whose truck mowed into a crowd during last year’s Labour Day parade has denied allegations that he negligently caused the death of four women and injured eight other people as a result.
Royal Oasis property, International Bazaar approval process underway
THE approval process is under way for interested buyers for the former Royal Oasis property and the International Bazaar in Grand Bahama, said Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson on Thursday.
Gibson: Contractors to face tougher rules
TOUGHER requirements are on the way for contractors seeking work from the Water and Sewerage Corporation, according to its chairman Adrian Gibson.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Let me tell you a funny tale (or 2) from the barber’s shop (Pt 2)
WHILE I’m still hobbled with my injured knee, the barbershop right around the corner from my house, has become my chill spot, from about 10.30am when I’m off air until about 2.00pm when I embark on the dreaded “school run”.
Myron Rolle denies harassment claims
BAHAMIAN athlete turned Rhodes Scholar neurosurgeon Myron Rolle, yesterday condemned claims that he sexually harassed multiple women, including a popular actress.
HIGH FIVE FOR CARNIVAL: Grand Parade returns to Clifford Park for fifth year
BAHAMAS Carnival will return to Clifford Park for its fifth year with organisers keenly focused on drawing international crowds to the growing parade.
BTC ‘a gift that will keep on giving’ - unions not so sure
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) owner yesterday hailed the carrier as “a gift that is going to keep on giving” through increased profitability despite its mobile struggles.
Assault rifles now weapons of choice
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday said assault rifles have now become the weapon of choice, insisting the country had seen the last of the “rock and bottle generation”.
Marco Alert in line for mid-year rollout
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday said testing on the Marco Alert software is complete, with the rollout of the system expected to occur before mid-year.
Ex-PMs to be offered honours - again
FORMER Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie will be invited this year to accept the government’s Order of Nation award, the same honour they rejected last year, according to Mark Humes, chairman of the advisory committee for national honours.
Judges order new trial over suspect’s cell death
THE Court of Appeal has ordered two police officers to be retried over the death of a 20-year-old man while he was in their custody seven years ago.
Bahamas ‘yet to arrive’ despite Moody’s upgrade
Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest last night cautioned that The Bahamas’ “hasn’t arrived yet” despite Moody’s ‘outlook’ upgrade indicating the Government has regained some of its fiscal credibility.
Sands confirms case of measles in four-year-old tourist
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed the case of measles in the four-year-old tourist yesterday. He said the timeline of travel and illness onset strongly suggest the child’s exposure to measles occurred prior to his arrival in The Bahamas.
BAMSI joins the frontline in fight against hunger
THE Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) joined the frontlines in the fight against hunger with a produce donation to the Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) last week.
‘We need right-sizing operation at WSC’
WATER and Sewerage Corporation Chairman Adrian Gibson has ordered a right sizing exercise in all departments at the organisation.
Heavy security as 112 Haitians are deported
UNDER heavy security detail, 112 Haitians will be deported to Port-au-Prince, Haiti this morning, the Department of Immigration announced yesterday.
All set for council fun day
THE NATIONAL Neighbourhood Watch Council Day will take place February 23, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said yesterday.
EDITORIAL: Only the UN and the US can fix the failed state of Haiti
IT IS welcome news that the deportation of illegal Haitian migrants is being resumed and that our country’s embassy staff have returned to their posts in Port-au-Prince. But, even though the civil unrest there has reportedly died down - at least for now - the latest violence should be a wake-up call for us in The Bahamas.
This time it’s me, standing in the need of prayers
There’s an old so-called negro hymn which goes: “ It’s me, it’s me. it’s me oh Lord, standing in the name of prayer.....not my mother, not my father, but it’s me oh Lord....” The words of that hymn could well apply to individuals and the very nation itself.
Sorry for horses
As a Canadian who has visited Nassau multiple times, I feel I must comment on the working conditions of the horses travelling Bay Street each day.
Food for thought
Kindly afford me space in your respected columns to comment on what seems a preferred, politically perverse and pervasive public lie relative to our inability to achieve some semblance of self-sufficiency in national food production.
Internships offer two-way benefits
Each year more than 6,000 new students enter the job market.
37th Hugh Campbell: Teams eliminated on day 4
DAY four of the 37th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic featured the first round of eliminations in this year’s event while several winning teams went head-to-head.
Kevin Major Jr opens season with title win
Bahamas Davis Cupper Kevin Major Jr opened his 2019 season with a big victory in the men’s singles final at the BMW Tennis Championships on Wednesday.
Swimmer Albury Higgs on record-setting relay team
ALBURY Higgs has delivered a series of impressive performances for the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Southeastern Conference Swimming and Diving Championships.
Silver lining
Every negative or bad situation has something positive associated with it. We just have to trust God and believe in His word. This principle is made clear in Romans 8:28 (KJV): “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” We must love God. This is critical. Secondly, we should realize that “work together for good” refers to God Himself, and not to us. This second point is often overlooked.
Loved in order to love
The benefit and blessing of being loved by God has personal and interpersonal advantages.
The boiling frog syndrome in Christians
One of the things I love about God is His righteous judgement that will be on display on the last day. Heaven and Hell are real places that will be our homes for all eternity.
Police officers told to take ‘godly approach’
The Exuma Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force recently celebrated their annual church service at St John’s Union Baptist Church as well as their yearly parade.
Bahamian gospel singer nominated for three international award shows
Congrats are in order for Bahamian gospel singer Vanessa Clarke who has been nominated for three international award shows.
Control Your Ego
Question your motive as to why you are involved where you are right now.
Arawak port’s profits beat forecast by $120k
The Nassau Container Port’s operator has beaten 2019 first-half profit expectations by $120,000 as it delivered on forecasts of a financial performance that will match 2018.
Freeport awaits $85m medical school boost
The government has given “approval in principle” to a medical school that could ultimately inject $85m in annual spending into Freeport’s economy, it was revealed yesterday.
Tech hub ‘visa’ being finalised
LEGISLATION for the creation of a “BH-1B visa” is being finalised to boost Grand Bahama’s attraction for relocating technology companies, a Cabinet Minister revealed yesterday.
Small Business Centre gets Jamaica’s advice
A team from The Bahamas’ Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) has spent three days in Jamaica sharing knowledge in assisting start-ups.
LPIA’s ‘double digit’ growth in early 2019
Nassau’s airport already appears on course to beat the 11 percent increase in passenger traffic it enjoyed last year given that early 2019 volumes are up by “double digit” percentages.
‘Prioritise’ business ease, GB Chamber chief urges
IMPROVING the ease of doing business must be a “high priority” if Grand Bahama is to transform itself into an international business centre, its Chamber of Commerce president said yesterday.
Entrepreneurs told: Build FDI linkages
BAHAMIAN entrepreneurs were yesterday urged to create the necessary links to major foreign direct investment (FDI) projects as a means to curb foreign currency outflows.
Thursday, February 21
02212019 EDITION
Thursday, 21st February, 2019.
To Sir Sidney . . .
TRIBUTES continue to pour in for beloved Bahamian actor and former ambassador Sir Sidney Poitier, who celebrated his 92nd birthday yesterday. Tribune reporter Denise Maycock recalls his visit to Grand Bahama in the late 1990's, and canvasses Bahamians from all walks of life on his impact.
I'll discuss Dames and Sands on Friday, says PM
Dr Hubert Minnis said he will address public calls for the removal of two Cabinet ministers involvedin the Frank Smith bribery and extortion trial tomorrow.
Another 80 migrants disciplined by courts
MORE than 80 migrants have been convicted for entering the country illegally or overstaying their visa this week.
One dead, three injured in Lightbourne Avenue shooting
A man is dead and three people are in hospital after a shooting incident on Wednesday night.
BTC ‘bottoming out’ as mobile losses cut 2/3
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) last night showed signs of “bottoming out” in its battle with Aliv after its mobile subscriber loss rate was cut by two-thirds in late 2018.
FINALLY - FIX IT OR FACE $10K FINES: Getting tough on utilities for holes in road
THE government yesterday passed amendments to the Road Act giving it teeth to clamp down on utility companies that have been lax in restoring public roads to an acceptable standard.
Child tourist has suspect measles
PUBLIC health officials are investigating a suspected case of measles in a four-year-old tourist.The Ministry of Health was reportedly notified on Monday that a child had gone to a private health care facility in New Providence with the symptoms of the disease.
‘Tortured robber’ wins retrial
THE Court of Appeal has ordered a retrial for a former ‘most wanted’ armed robbery suspect because his lawyer went contrary to his instructions to inform the court he was beaten by police to confess to a gun heist.
‘Mayday’ aircraft remains missing
Authorities were last night searching for a distressed aircraft in the area of Inagua.
Service resumes for Haiti illegals
WITH Haiti’s civil unrest “quieting down”, Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield yesterday confirmed repatriations to the country will resume “as soon possible”, noting the government is concerned about the detention centre’s capacity.
‘Lucayan purchase was essential for economy’
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday insisted that government’s purchase of the Grand Lucayan Resort was essential to save the Grand Bahama economy, and that he would do it again.
Police investigate apparent suicide
POLICE are investigating an alleged suicide that happened on Tuesday.
Bahamians told: Corruption war begins with you
Governance reformers yesterday warned Bahamians that their tolerance of low-level graft creates a breeding ground for multi-million dollar corruption which ultimately hurts them.
Eastern area hit by load shedding admits BPL
Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) carried out another load shedding exercise yesterday that left customers in the eastern area of New Providence without power for almost six hours.
'Conchservation' now the watchword for us
AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard said yesterday his ministry is actively engaging with stakeholders throughout the Bahamas on the matter of “conch-servation”, saying his ministry is “absolutely convinced” that conch is under threat.
$10,000 donation to help BNT protect conch population
THE Bahamas National Trust (BNT) received a $10,000 donation yesterday from the real estate company Engels and Volkers.
Lewis lays down the law
Too many people feel they have to get their way by bullying and humiliating other people
BULLYING in school is a growing concern and students attending a Student Leadership Symposium in Grand Bahama were encouraged to be heroes and to respect and appreciate others for their differences.
Absence of PLP is a voluntary dereliction of duty, says MP Bannister
CARMICHAEL MP Desmond Bannister expressed “profound disappointment” yesterday over the Official Opposition’s boycott of Parliament.
Decision delay on whether group must pay for security
A local advocacy group’s appeal of an order that it pay the government and a US developer $250,000 in security costs before a judicial review of the proposed construction of a marina was postponed yesterday.
Investor confidence 'growing in Grand Bahama'
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the groundbreaking for a new $4-million Colonial Group International (CGI) Building in Freeport yesterday indicated a growing investor confidence in the revival of Grand Bahama’s economy.
Mother appeals for funds after car accident
LAKEISHA Curry, a young mother-of-two, is seeking the public’s help to raise funds to help pay for her physical therapy due to a bad car accident.
Politicians should stick to cutting ribbons . . . and employ experts
For the past several years we have been bombarded in the press, on the radio and on television, about the atrocious state of the General Post Office on East Hill Street.
Wrong place for bank
So the most prime site in downtown Nassau has been transferred for the new Central Bank Building?
Nassau comes first
We have to thank Carnival for their staying power, in their new cruise Port proposal for Grand Bahama, as many investors would not have waited two plus years from signing an MOU early in 2017, with a Government to finalise and obtain approvals. Why?
Lady Nathalie wins
AFTER hosting a successful memorial St Valentine’s Day Massacre in Montagu Bay over the weekend, Trevor Johnson said they were delighted to see their father, Eleazor ‘the Sailing Barber’ Johnson, get his win.
Hugh Campbell: Jaguars pull off 62-22 rout on day 3
The Family Island teams began play yesterday in the 37th annual Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic and it was business as usual for the teams from Grand Bahama.
Boxers ‘set their fists’ on training in Cuba
IN preparation for the Pan American Games qualifying tournament, the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation will be sending veteran boxer Carl Hield, Ronald Woodside and newcomer Lennox Boyce to train in Cuba.
‘We’re training the future Olympians of The Bahamas’
SWIFT Athletics head coach Andrew Tynes said many sporting medals and trophies may well be in the Bahamas’ future thanks in part to the well of athletic potential within the B3A-sanctioned track and field club.
Scholar Athlete of The Year Awards committee announces the nominees
THE Scholar Athlete of The Year Awards committee announced the nominees from the high school and primary schools at the Bahamas Union of Teachers Hall last week Friday.
Hotels eliminate ‘cannibalisation’ fears in 2018
The Bahamian hotel industry’s strong 2018 performance has eliminated “genuine fears” that Baha Mar’s full opening would “cannibalise” the market, a Cabinet minister argued yesterday.
Ex-BEC chair: ‘Have a heart’ for Out Islands
A former Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) chairman yesterday slammed plans for a mass disconnection of delinquent Family Island customers, and urged: “Have a heart”.
Dolphin injury cover-up costs Atlantis worker
Failing to record a bad “dolphin encounter”, and then trying to cover it up, cost an Atlantis middle manager his job - with the resort’s decision backed by two Bahamian courts.
Govt: $2.2m in solar kits imported tax free
The government yesterday sprang to the defence of its renewable energy taxation policies by revealing that $2.21m worth of solar systems had entered The Bahamas duty-free since July.
PM: Freeport ‘threat’ to Nassau unfounded
THE prime minister yesterday said fears that Freeport’s two mega cruise ports pose a threat to Nassau “make absolutely no economic sense” and are “devoid of facts”.
Data upgrades key to national development
A senior Ministry of Finance official yesterday said modernising the government’s use of data is critical to ensuring The Bahamas meets its national development goals.
No ‘sleeping on the dock’ for taxi drivers
THE Bahamas Taxi Cab Union’s (BTU) president yesterday said that changing the “system” at Prince George Wharf is the “first step” towards revamping the industry’s image.
Wednesday, February 20
Did she take Shavar?
POLICE on Wednesday issued a sketch of a woman believed to be responsible for the abduction of three-year-old Shavar Bain Jr over the weekend.
02202019 EDITION
Wednesday, 20th February, 2019.
Taskforce set up to check boats are safe
TRANSPORT and Local Government Renward Wells said yesterday a taskforce has been established to ensure all vessels participating in the tour-boat industry meet the required standards to operate.
Osborne presses on to sue over sacking
DARNELL Osborne, the former chairperson of Bahamas Power and Light, is officially suing the government over Works Minister Desmond Bannister’s role in her departure from the board last year and the “defamatory” comments he made about her in the press.
CULTURE CLASH: Learning from the lessons of our Commonwealth partners
Dozens of Commonwealth government leaders and advisers are attending the Equality and Justice Forum in Cape Town, South Africa hosted by the Equality & Justice Alliance (EJA) this week.
No electricity problems this summer, predicts Moxey
BAHAMAS Power and Light chairman Donovan Moxey says there should be no issues in the coming summer months when consumers will use more electricity.
Court of Appeal to deliberate over Archer conviction appeal
THE Court of Appeal is currently mulling over whether to reinstate Ministry of Works Registrar Omar Archer’s appeal of his conviction for threatening a former assistant commissioner of police in a social media post some four years ago.
Professor Bethel looks to be reinstated at university
IN a letter last month to lawyers for the University of The Bahamas, Wayne Munroe demanded Associate Professor Felix Bethel be reinstated.
Wells planning to ‘right-size’ his ministry
TRANSPORT and Local Government Minister Renward Wells has confirmed that plans to “right-size” his ministry are being looked at, with the action set to target a “poorly staffed” executive management layer.
Hotels: ‘We’ve never seen this in ten years’
The Nassau/Paradise Island hotel industry has “rebounded with gains not seen for ten years”, it was revealed yesterday, as room revenues closed 2018 up 34 percent year-over-year.
BPL’s bills blitz in Family Islands
HUNDREDS of Bahamas Power and Light customers in the Family Islands could be left in darkness for failure to adequately pay their bills, beginning on March 15.
Moree’s Minnis’ man for new CJ
BRIAN Moree, a senior partner of McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes, is widely expected to become the next Chief Justice of the Bahamas.
‘Beating charge will be probed’
COMMISSIONER of Police Anthony Ferguson yesterday insisted allegations police tortured the father of a missing child will be fully investigated.
Now ‘computer glitch’ stalls Oban
ONE year since the controversial deal with “missteps” was inked, officials are still struggling to set a date with Oban Energies to renegotiate the Heads of Agreement for its proposed $5.5 billion oil refinery and storage terminal on Grand Bahama.
Our shared concerns
I watch the BBC, and Al Jazeera networks daily, to get a good understanding of global events, and trends.
Tax uncertainty threat ‘to kill solar industry’
Solar energy providers yesterday urged the government to clarify “random and inconsistent” tax policies that are threatening “to kill an infant industry before it gets a foothold”.
Attempted armed robbery thwarted by alert neighbours
NEIGHBOURS thwarted an attempted armed robbery Monday morning.
Foulkes concern over Inagua industrial issue
LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes yesterday expressed concerns over ongoing industrial issues at Morton Salt, telling reporters that operations at the salt plant remains critical to employment on Inagua.
Police launch joint workshop with Interpol
POLICE yesterday launched a joint workshop with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) targeting the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity involving nuclear or radiological material.
RBDF targets new ways to tackle smugglers
THE ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) yesterday announced the development of a comprehensive programme to decentralise their operations in a bid to combat human smuggling.
LET ME TELL YOU A STORY . . . minister reads to youngsters at Thelma Gibson
EDUCATION minister Jeffrey Lloyd dazzled fourth and fifth grade boys and girls of Thelma Gibson School ‘s with a spirited reading of Bahamian tales. Mr Lloyd read the ‘Hard Head Bird’ and ‘Why a Rainbow Comes After the Rain’ from the book, “Once Below a Time: Bahamian Stories” by Telcine Turner.
EDITORIAL: A light at the end of the tunnel
FOR too long, we have been speaking of the problems facing The Bahamas because of the economy – but a ray of sunlight may have just pierced the gloom.
And pigs might fly . . .
The new tourism promotion advertisement and Lenny Kravitz … Madam DG be careful when stating statistics, as to the good gentleman’s following … accuracy shows professionalism.
Hard to contain waste
The City dump - or as we politely call it now - the Environment Disposal Site. The hype from the final signing months, seemingly of negotiation had to be negotiating down from the original $140 million to $45 million over 15 years one asks, begs accuracy. When was there a National emergency declared at the dump - ever Mr Minister?
Some people are just too gullible
The gullibility of some people in positions of influence can be nauseating at times.
NEW CHAMPIONS: St John's College Giants senior girls take home title
The Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools crowned the new senior girls basketball champions, St John’s College Giants, at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Monday night.
NBA Players Association hosts annual All-Star Weekend meetings in Bahamas for first time
THE NBA Players Association embarked on a new venture by hosting their annual All-Star Weekend meetings in the Bahamas for the first time.
‘Sweet Bells’: Bahamas can look forward to Hield, Ayton in NBA All-Star Game
BAHAMIAN basketball icon Mychal “Sweet Bells” Thompson said the country can look forward to the day when both Buddy Hield and Deandre Ayton are regular participants in the NBA All-Star Game.
Whylly and Hurricanes one game away from a perfect regular season
ROOSEVELT Whylly and the Holland College Hurricanes are now one game away from a perfect regular season record while Samson Cleare set an all-time rebounding record for the NAIT Ooks in Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association basketball.
Tech Talk
• Twitter said yesterday it is tightening up rules for European Union political ads ahead of bloc-wide elections this spring, following similar moves by fellow tech giants Facebook and Google.
And now for the weather on Mars, courtesy of new NASA lander
And now for the weather on Mars: NASA’s newest lander is offering daily reports on the red planet’s frigid winter.
B$ ‘co-operative’ can solve web shop woe
The Clearing Banks Association’s (CBA) chairman yesterday said the sector would have “no objection” to web shops setting up a Bahamian dollar “co-operative” to resolve their banking woes.
Nassau ‘first callers’ drop 40k in 2018
Cruise passenger arrivals to Nassau as a “first port of entry” fell by more than 40,000 persons in 2018, it was revealed yesterday, just as Cabinet was debating who should get the port deal.
Tech firm denies one-shot lay-offs
The company that gave life to the government’s Grand Bahama “technology hub” ambitions yesterday denied making any one-shot lay-offs while admitting business was “slower than expected”.
New Brewery posts to ‘hold job lossed at 43’
A CABINET minister yesterday voiced optimism that Commonwealth Brewery’s creation of 30 new posts would minimise recently-unveiled job losses to a “net” 43.
PLP’s ‘utter neglect’ caused EU’s listing
THE ATTORNEY general yesterday blamed the former Christie administration’s inaction for The Bahamas’ being branded a “high risk” financial crime jurisdiction by the European Union (EU).
Minister urges end to Morton tensions
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the government was “very concerned” that Morton Salt and its line staff union swiftly “reach a settlement” to end ongoing industrial tension in Inagua.
Ex-Bar chief calls for privy council switch
A former Bahamas Bar Association president has urged this nation to switch to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as this nation’s final judicial forum of appeal.
Tuesday, February 19
02192019 EDITION
Tuesday, 19th February, 2019.
A vision for a successful marriage
Married for half a decade, Glenn and Keshelle Davis say they have a successful relationship because they were able to master the art of vision planning and recognise the importance of continuously finding purpose in the interconnected lives they agreed to when they said “I do”.
FACE TO FACE: A family bonded in history where the ties stay strong
Last week I visited a woman whose age did not dictate her level of poise and persona. Big in personality and kind in heart, Keva Hanna-Lawrence spoke with authority and excellent diction as she shared some of the things she could remember from her days growing up in Acklins with her parents and siblings, including former Governor General Sir Arthur D Hanna.
Handing control of our port to the cruise lines would be like surrendering to privateers
When the time comes, I will make myself known as the writer of this piece, but for now, know that I am not in any way vested in either of the parties vying for management of the cruise port in our downtown.
Gibson fires back in his war of words with Woods
THE war of words between Water & Sewerage chairman Adrian Gibson and Bahamas Utilities services and Allied Workers Union president Dwayne Woods persisted yesterday with the Long Island MP saying the union boss gets “paid for nothing”.
‘Yes, we have a plan for migrants but I don’t want to go public with it yet’
IMMIGRATION Minister Brent Symonette was tightlipped yesterday over plans to address the anticipated wave of illegal migrants amid Haiti’s political unrest.
Four murder charges
FOUR men between the ages of 25 and 33 are behind several of the country’s most recent murders, including that of a man who was attending a party in a Haitian village on Cowpen Road, police have alleged.
‘Nipped in the Bud’: Brewery lays off 73
COMMONWEALTH Brewery yesterday said a tough economy and competitive pressures from cheaper rival beers had forced it to terminate 73 staff within its 700 Wines & Spirits retail unit.
Shavar’s father: ‘Police beat me’
THE mother of seized toddler Shavar Bain Jr last night accused authorities of beating her boyfriend during the time he was held by police in the hours their son was missing.
Ingraham condemns Chief Justice delay
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is “disappointed and distressed” at Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ lengthy delay in filling the post of Chief Justice.
We did take suspect - but it’s not kidnap
THE Department of Immigration yesterday rejected the characterisation of its arrest of a suspected migrant as a ‘kidnapping’ — maintaining instead that the man in question was “cautioned and arrested” by officers.
Fyre Fest - let’s do it again (really?)
DESPITE the heavily-publicized failings of the doomed Fyre Festival, rapper Jeffrey “Ja Rule” Atkins has plans to create another music festival.
Customs moves on registration concern
Customs is moving to ensure the one-time registration for its new automated system is as “efficient and seamless” as possible following multiple complaints of delayed import clearances.
37th Hugh Campbell Classic opener ends in a forfeit
THE 37th Hugh Campbell Classic got off to a controversial start as the opening game ended in a forfeit.
THE PRESS BOX: Five free agent options at tight end the Cowboys could pursuit
We are heading into March, and into the NFL free agency period, when teams around the NFL lose all their senses and throw millions around in an attempt to find that ever elusive quick fix.
Canadian U-Sports teams in late season push for final playoff standings
THE St Mary’s Huskies are still streaking while one Bahamian national team standout had her usual leading performance in the final home game of her collegiate career.
Two in hospital after GB nightclub stabbing
TWO men are in hospital following a stabbing incident at a nightclub in Freeport, according to police. ASP Terecita Pinder said police received a report of an argument at an establishment on Wimpole Street, involving a group of men, shortly after 2am on Sunday.
Prosecutor assault trial adjourned despite objections
THE trial over allegations prosecutor Joel Seymour was attacked and injured by two brothers earlier this year was adjourned by more than a month yesterday due to the unavailability of senior counsel for the Crown.
‘We need transparent, fair and accountable government’
ORGANISATION for Responsible Governance has renewed calls for the debate and passage of the highly anticipated Integrity Commission bill, asserting that its passage would assist in the handling of corruption cases.
'We need to make changes to protect lobster population'
VETERAN spearfisherman David Rose believes the Bahamas’ declining lobster population can be reversed if the country reverts to when live catch are brought to market.
EDITORIAL: That's all right then. Not a kidnap. Just doing your 'job'.
THE Immigration department must hate the sight of Fred Smith QC almost as much as they hate the prospect of doing their jobs properly. If they did the latter, they wouldn’t need to see nearly so much of the former.
Stench of corruption too strong
The PLP has been in panic mode ever since the beginning of investigations into alleged corrupt practices on their watch.
Ashamed to call myself a Bahamian
The absolute horror reported on the above date of Mr Douglas Ngumi's unlawful incarceration at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre sent shockwaves through me.
CHAMPIONS! Falcons junior boys, Giants senior girls take home titles
The Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools completed its 2018/19 basketball puzzle by crowning the new junior boys and senior girls champions yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Knowles new president of Bahamas Bowling Federation
FOR the next two years, Tyrone Knowles will occupy the chair as the new president of the Bahamas Bowling Federation.
TROPICAL SHIPPING HOSTS BENEFIT LUNCHEON
IN a continued effort to foster support and commitment to the well-being of individuals throughout the community, Tropical Shipping held a luncheon to raise funds for Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure at their Gladstone Freight Terminal location last month.
Eleven-year-old pageant queen takes on New York
After months of anticipation, the Bahamas’ Little Miss Regency International Tysha Johnson got the opportunity to walk in the Beauty...it’s Everywhere showcase which was held during what organisers call New York Fashion Week 2.0.
Infidelity in marriage: The step that follows saying ‘I’m sorry’
Most people would agree that the average apology has lost its lustre.
How to build a misogynist
In class recently, I was asked why, in my last piece on Sonia Farmer and Shivanee Ramlochan’s work, “The Red Thread Cycle”, I had not offered solutions to the problem of rape, other than to say that policing did not provide the solution. So I have agreed to show how we encourage young men to become misogynists through the way we insist they build a themselves up against a flawed image of what masculinity can or should be.
Dating while HIV positive
Ask any Bahamian single what finding love is like in today’s dating culture, and most of them will say it’s difficult. Add an HIV positive status to the mix, and things become infinitely more challenging.
Sickle cell care advocates ramp up efforts for 2019
The Bahamas Sickle Cell Association is ready to get to work in 2019, seeking to attract new volunteers, educate the general public and healthcare professionals, and even have new medical procedures implemented in hospitals.
Bedwetting: Both kids and parents suffer
Bedwetting is a traumatic ordeal, too often endured in embarrassing silence by families. Nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, was regarded in one study as the third most traumatic event that a family can face.
Motivation is a bonus
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.
Web shops hit banks’ ‘dangerous’ rejection
Web shops yesterday argued it was “dangerous and counterproductive” for the majority of Bahamian banks to reject research showing the sector is “clean” with the country under attack.
No ‘material’ impact in late EU tax changes
The deputy prime minister has voiced confidence that the Bahamian financial services industry will not be “materially affected” by the last-minute reforms to escape Europe’s “blacklist”.
Bahamas must benefit in WTO sector openings
The Bahamas will only open up industries to foreign competitors under the WTO if doing so generates “real economic opportunities” for this nation, its chief negotiator asserted yesterday.
Renewable providers call for energy trading
A newly-formed renewable energy association of yesterday branded The Bahamas’ energy sector model as “outdated” and called for far-reaching structural reform.
Tourism gets energy, marketing updates
Tourism stakeholders received updates on marketing initiatives and efforts to reduce energy costs at the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) recent quarterly meeting.
Destination manager gets top global award
Cacique International has won a 2018 Stella Award from Northstar Meetings Group, receiving a top destination management honour as “best” in international and US territories.
‘Step up to plate’ on Virgin voyages
A Cabinet minister yesterday reiterated calls for Bahamian entrepreneurs to “step up to the plate” and maximise cruise tourism’s economic impact as a “Virgin” prepares to enter the market.
Monday, February 18
02182019 EDITION
Monday, 18th February, 2019.
Gibson 'endangering my life and my family's'
BAHAMAS Utilities Services and Allied Workers Union President Dwayne Woods has accused Adrian Gibson of endangering his life after the Water and Sewerage executive chairman made public a confidential term of the union chief’s employment.
Double standards exist for FNM, claims Davis
OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday slammed civil society for its silence over the Frank Smith bribery and extortion trial, suggesting a double standard existed for the Free National Movement administration.
INSIGHT: Smart move to cash in and settle with the numbers boys
AFTER the controversial decision by the government to introduce a sliding scale tax structure on the local gaming industry, people were split with some supporting the government and others lamenting local businessmen. Disdain for the gaming industry stems from a number of places. On one hand, many felt it was not in line with our standing as a “Christian nation”. Others feel the vice causes family issues and is a drain on society.
INSIGHT: A win-win which we should not be afraid to support
Carnival’s Grand Port project is shaping up as an ideal model for how development should occur in The Bahamas.
Immigration lawsuits could cost millions, warns QC
BAHAMIAN taxpayers could pay out “millions” in immigration lawsuits over the next few decades, a prominent immigration attorney has suggested.
Child rescue system still in testing stage
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames confirmed yesterday the Mandatory Action Rescuing Children Operation (MARCO) Alert system re-launched seven months ago is still in the testing phase.
Commonwealth Brewery Limited terminates 73 employees
Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL) announced today that 73 employees have been terminated in a restructuring exercise of its 700 Wines and Spirits retail division.
Find the women who took Shavar: Toddler dumped in street 13 hours after being taken
A THREE-year-old boy, abducted in a “domestic dispute” over the weekend, was left frightened and alone outside a Fox Hill washhouse several hours later, sparking a manhunt for two women believed to be the assailants.
Riots bring halt to deportations
ONGOING unrest in Haiti has prompted the closure of The Bahamas embassy in Port-au-Prince and the temporary suspension of deportations to that country, the government has announced.
Probe launched into immigration ‘kidnap’
RIGHTS Bahamas (RB) yesterday condemned a viral video of a suspected migrant being placed in the trunk of SUV by a group of immigration officers as “extremely disturbing”.
PM attacks EU action as ‘flawed’
The prime minister yesterday slammed the “flawed process” that resulted in the European Union (EU) branding The Bahamas as a “high risk” jurisdiction for financial crimes.
EDITORIAL: Will Supreme Court bring Trump's wall tumbling down?
For several years, the composition of the American Supreme Court has been a contentious partisan issue, generally simmering on the political stove but on several occasions boiling over into a full-blown pitched battle between conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats.
‘Sand Man’ wins by KO in first round
BAHAMIAN heavyweight boxer Amron Sands connected with a straight left punch that sent American Hector Hodge to the canvas in two and-a-half minutes for a first round knockout to remain undefeated in his second year in the professional ranks.
Gardiner breaks his national indoor record
DESPITE the fact that indoors is not his forte, Steven Gardiner opened the 2019 season with a record-breaking performance at the University of South Carolina Indoor Open.
Athletes qualify for CARIFTA Games
THERE were at least seven qualifiers for the CARIFTA Games over the weekend at the Roadrunners’ 13th annual Dianna Lynn Thompson Classic at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
MP Lewis gets to work on 'rampant' litter problem
IRAM Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama, has embarked on an intense clean-up programme in his constituency, particularly in the Eight Mile Rock area where he says there is a rampant litter problem.
GAIN AN EDGE: Jasmine’s rich reward for a leap of faith
Jasmine Bain’s life was a model of success. With 18 years of experience as a chef at Atlantis, Jasmine had worked her way up to a head pastry chef position while also teaching pastry and baking courses at the College of The Bahamas. It would have been easy to simply coast with her associate’s degree in culinary arts under her belt, numerous certifications in her field and the respect of colleagues.
WORLD VIEW: It’s simple - elected officials cannot serve two masters
THE law is the law and it is binding on all who dwell or visit within its jurisdiction. The law is particularly binding on those who make the law. As I observed in a previous commentary, “Law makers should not be law breakers”.
Banks unmoved over gaming ‘myth debunk’
The Gaming Board’s “myth debunking” has not convinced commercial banks to accept web shop monies, the Clearing Banks Association’s (CBA) chairman has revealed.
Cronyism is still thriving
We have had no garbage collection in our neighbourhood for more than two weeks now, forcing me to transport stinking maggot encrusted bags of refuse to a public dumpster in my own vehicle.
Reusable fuels is the way to go
OBAN - very disturbing comments from Senator Foulkes.
It's just rubbish
What on earth is going on with garbage collection on Breezy Hill off Village Road?
Get the adverts right
Not to put a damper on the Minister of Tourism’s enthusiasm, the new advertisement for tourism is nothing to shout about - rather sort of more okay than a smashing hit.
Solar the only power we need
Other than our food bill, the largest bill we have to find money for is BP&L - which continues to hurt, as the rates do not seem to wish to come down.
Buddy ends up third in three-point shootout
Buddy Hield fell short in his bid to win the title in his debut at the MTN Dew Three Point Shootout, but was recognised among the game’s elite shooters at NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ayton makes his NBA All-Star Weekend debut
DEANDRE Ayton made his NBA All-Star Weekend debut with several events, highlighted by his appearance at the MTN Dew Ice Rising Stars Challenge.
New champions to be crowned in BAISS basketball showdowns
TWO championships have been awarded thus far and the final day of the BAISS basketball championship series will feature two divisions playing third and decisive games.
35th Hugh Campbell Classic starts today
THE 35th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic is all set to get underway today at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.
NPBA triple header: Giants and UB Mingoes in win column
THE New Providence Basketball Association played a triple header at the CI Gibson Gymnasium on Saturday.
Jaguars complete perfect season
COACH Darryl Sears and his St George’s Jaguars will be returning to New Providence on Wednesday for the 35th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic as the undefeated Grand Bahama High School senior boys basketball champions.
Island Luck ‘back to business’; deal may trouble rivals
Island Luck’s attorney says his client plans to “get back to business” following the tax settlement with the government, while conceding the deal “may create a problem” for other web shops.
Landfill manager eyes $20m raise
The New Providence landfill’s incoming manager has moved “in earnest” to close the initial $20m financing it requires with the ink barely dry on its deal with the government.
Union blasts govt as BTC ‘anxiety’ grows
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) line staff union is warning that worker “anxiety” is increasing as it blasted the government’s “hands-off approach”.
Bimini a ‘Virgin’ cruise location
Sir Richard Branson has revealed that Bimini will feature in all voyages once his Virgin Voyages cruise line opens for business in 2020.
LNG transfer first for The Bahamas
The first ever ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in The Bahamas was completed on February 7 at Grand Bahama’s South Riding Point terminal.
Movies Masters series back in The Bahamas
The Movie Masters lecture series returns to Nassau and Grand Bahama this month to give Bahamian local access to Hollywood professionals.
BPL eyes ‘comprehensive push’ to keep the lights on
Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) chairman says that the utility is eyeing more “comprehensive” initiatives than reconnection deals to help customers keep their lights on.
BPL ‘really killing’ hotels on fuel cost
HOTEL operators have warning that Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) fuel charge “is really killing us” as they again lamented the impact of high electricity costs on sector profitability.
Taxing times for far-flung family islands
Roderick Simms writes that 'tax-free zones' should be considered to stimulate growth in remote parts of The Bahamas
The Bahamian government’s move to increase value-added tax (VAT) last year will have an adverse impact on southern Family Islands and, by extension, all Out Islands. Therefore, the government should consider making these islands economic “tax-free zones”. While the 4.5 percentage point increase will impact consumers across all islands, the brunt will be felt by those living in the southern Family Islands - particularly those that have yet to fully recover from major hurricanes that severely impacted them between 2015 to 2017.
URCA names director for communications industry
Veteran journalist and broadcaster, Carlton Smith, has joined the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) as director of electronic communications (DEC).
Sunday, February 17
UPDATED: Abducted three-year-old now in police care
SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE: Shortly after 7am on Sunday, Shavard Bain was dropped off at a wash house on Joe Farmington Road and Fox Hill Road. He is in police care and has been taken to hospital for a routine examination. He has no visible injuries.
Friday, February 15
Six plead guilty in credit card fraud scheme
SIX people pled guilty to more than 20 fraud related offences in connection to a $13,000 credit card scheme in a Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Govt 'has strategy' to oppose EU 'high risk' decision
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel said the government has a strategy to oppose the European Union’s decision to classify the Bahamas as a "high risk" jurisdiction for financial crime.
Teachers return to classes at CW Sawyer Primary School, await mould report
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson yesterday said teachers of CW Sawyer Primary School have returned to the classrooms but are still waiting for the assessment of the mould testing report and the full report on the structural condition of the school.
Cuba and Bahamas have 'healthy bilateral relationship'
THIS year marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Bahamas.
Man convicted of unlawful sex to be sentenced in April
A WEST End man who was convicted in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor of the same sex will learn his fate at a sentencing hearing in early April.
Man injured in shooting on Dumping Ground corner
POLICE are seeking the public's assistance to help them find the suspect in a shooting on Thursday night.
A COMIC'S VIEW: The funny side of love
Here’s a few funny Valentines stories, for those who weren’t lucky in love this year.
D'Aguilar: Gaming taxes will help fund education
REVENUE from gaming industry taxes will contribute to education in the Bahamas, particularly the Minnis administration’s mandate to make the University of the Bahamas and Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute free, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.
Newbold has been quiet since Christmas
PRESS Secretary Anthony Newbold has not hosted a press briefing in two months, raising questions about the purpose of his role.
Bahamasair invests $11.4m in new jet
BAHAMASAIR yesterday commissioned a new Boeing 737-790NG jet — an $11.4m investment with a seating capacity of 138 and a flying range of over five hours.
Bahamas broker blasts ‘sham’ US investigation
A Bahamas-based broker/dealer yesterday accused US federal regulators of “doing everything in their power to harm” its business through a six-year probe it branded as “a sham”.
Deported - but Haiti sent me back to Nassau
A 28-year-old Bahamas-born man is claiming he was deported to Haiti by immigration officials but sent back, only to spend months in detention.
Chipman: One rule for all, please
CENTREVILLE MP Reece Chipman suggested yesterday two Cabinet ministers should face consequences for their involvement in events leading up to Frank Smith’s bribery and extortion trial.
Driver’s apology for fatal accident
A MAGISTRATE ordered that a 38-year-old architectural draftsman pay the “maximum fine possible” of $10,000 or face six months in prison for killing a man in the course of dangerous driving last November.
Lloyd denies ‘Derek billions’ role
MINISTER of Education Jeff Lloyd yesterday denied “scurrilous lies” he had any proof of Derek Rolle-Kelly’s purported inheritance due to his brief stint representing his estate in the probate of his will.
Bringing the Super Bowl experience to The Bahamas
The Cricket Club oval was transformed into football gridiron just in time for Super Bowl 53.
We cannot live without love
God knows that we need love and this is because God is love. We were created in the image of God and so we were created to love and be loved. When all is well, we are loved by family, friends and, of course, by God. I pray that every day will be a day of love for you in some way.
EDITORIAL: Without a cultural change all we'll ever do is dream
WHILE historically there has always been debate about the nature of fiscal policy, it is now generally accepted that, in a modern globalised economy, reducing debt and stimulating growth should be the goals of most governments.
Relying on hope is not a strategy
When engaged in international relations a government must never base its policies on hope.
‘Sell, sell, sell’ BOB even with 164% profit rise
The government’s priority with Bank of The Bahamas (BOB) must be to “sell, sell, sell”, a prominent minority shareholder argued yesterday, despite half-year net income increasing by 164 percent.
Haitians admit illegal landing
SEVEN Haitian nationals pleaded guilty to illegal landing in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
PLP to boycott Senate as well
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell said yesterday the opposition’s Senate team stands in solidarity with its leader Philip “Brave” Davis in boycotting Parliament.
Govt confident on EU demands
FINANCIAL Services and Immigration Minister Brent Symonette said yesterday the government “shot the winning goal” with the passage of the Commercial Entities Amendment Bill 2019 in the House of Assembly.
Man accused of unlawful sex with 13-year-old girl
A 20-year-old man was remanded to prison yesterday after being charged with having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl.
Police probe home raid
ABACO police are investigating a home invasion and armed robbery incident that occurred Wednesday evening in the Murphy Town area.
Advantage after game one
THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools kicked off their 2019 best-of-three basketball championship series last night at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Hutchinson signs off with a bang
IN his final home game for the Niagara College Knights at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre, guard Van ‘Bubba’ Hutchinson Jr put on another spectacular performance.
Michel grabs victory in Abaco junior championship
ASHLEY Michel, the 2018 FCGA Player of the Year, started the season off with a bang with an overall first-place finish at the 2019 Abaco Junior Golf Championship that was held on Sunday at the lovely Treasure Cay Golf Course.
2024 target for Olympics
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation may have missed out on the opportunity to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games, but first vice president Mario said the goal is to get ready for 2024.
Mingoes shot down by Rockets
THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes men’s basketball team lost to the Discount Distributors Rockets for the second time this season 88-81 Wednesday night at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.
Ebenezer promotes spiritual and physical well-being in youth
President Jackie Curry and the youth of Ebenezer Union Baptist Church in Farmer’s Hill, Exuma, are actively working on their spiritual as well as their physical development.
Athletes set for Track Classic
The track and field season is heating up and as our collegiate athletes continue to make their marks on the indoor tracks and impress their coaches, local athletes are also pushing each other in fierce competitions as the BAAAs club competitions continue.
Time to take responsibility
Aquisition by the Defence Force of $240 million worth of patrol craft, and the development of the RBDF Base in Inagua and Coral Harbour truthfully started when Hon. Tommy T. Turnquest was Minister - at least the purchase of the patrol craft.
Love overflowing: Valentine’s event to help believers search their hearts
TEACHING people how to love in a supernatural way is the thrust behind tonight’s Valentines’ Day special event hosted by Miracle Life Ministries.
Word Empowerment event promises to deliver sought-after answers
The Word Empowerment Ministry is hosting its inaugural conference at the end of this month to make the spiritually blind see and the deaf hear, and to finally give people the answers they have been searching for.
There’s nothing alike or the same about true love
So, for the past few weeks we have been discussing “alike but not the same”. We’ve been sharing how we see ourselves differently, even though our circumstances mirror what we’ve seen, or been in the past.
Walking with God
Believers in Christ understand the significance and connotation of walking with God. It represents a way of life that requires that we adhere to God’s commands and that we live in harmony with God’s will for our lives. For many this can be extremely challenging notwithstanding the depth of one’s faith.
The millionaire Christian – The dangers of prosperity gospel
Watching the majority of Christian television nowadays is getting to be very annoying. Every superstar televangelist is promising the viewer to cash on to that opulent lifestyle supposedly promised by God.
Can we begin to experience the resurrection in our ordinary life on earth?
“I do not think Jesus taught us to focus on what will happen after we die,” says Anglican Bishop Jake Owensby. “I believe that Jesus came to teach us how to live and love in this life. Living a life of compassion and seeking the well-being of our neighbour gives us a foretaste of what life after this life will be.”
Bahamas Ferries ‘road map’ survives planning go-ahead
All parties to the Bahamas Ferries controversy in Abaco are sticking to the agreed resolution “road map” after it was almost derailed by an unexpected planning approval.
Bahamas urged: Challenge EU in global court
The Bahamas must explore “a legal challenge” to the European Union’s (EU) latest attack before the International Court of Justice, an ex-attorney general urged last night.
$45m landfill ‘transformation’ to happen within six months
THE New Providence landfill’s new manager yesterday pledged Bahamians will start to see a “transformation” of the facility within six months, as it bids to extend its life by 35 years.
Landfill manager sought longer than ten-year term
THE New Providence landfill’s new manager/operator yesterday said it had originally sought longer than the 10-year lease granted by the Government, describing this as a “starting point” to modernise the facility.
Superplex attracts 140k persons since opening
THE Fusion Superplex entertainment complex has sold 84,000 tickets since its November soft opening, its developers revealing they have seen tremendous foot traffic.
Financial analysts examining ethics
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of The Bahamas (the Society) has hosted an ethics training session under the theme How to do the right thing even when no one is watching.
Thursday, February 14
02142019 EDITION
Thursday, 14th February, 2019.
Fatal shooting of young man, 18, by police sergeant in 2013 was lawful killing, jury rules
THE fatal shooting of an 18-year-old boy by a police sergeant nearly six years ago was a lawful killing, a Coroner’s Court jury ruled yesterday.
PLP boycotts House
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis announced yesterday the opposition will boycott the House of Assembly in protest of “tyrannical attitudes” in government determined to use prosecutorial powers of the Crown to target PLPs.
Target the boat owners
We need to go after the beneficial owners of vessels used in criminal enterprises, says Pintard
THE government is developing a new plan to combat poaching –– going after the beneficial owners of vessels used in the criminal enterprise.
Reckley denies $1.2m fraud
FORMER Urban Renewal Deputy Director Michelle Reckley was charged yesterday with defrauding the government of $1,255,637.83 via the Urban Renewal Small Homes Repair programme in Grand Bahama.
EU’s ‘high risk’ list: We must soldier on
THE Attorney General yesterday said The Bahamas must "ride out the storm and soldier on" after the European Union (EU) branded it a "high risk" jurisdiction for financial crime.
Govt gives up $25m annually on web shops
The Government has agreed to forego $25m in annual revenues to settle the taxation dispute with the web shop industry, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday.
Bran: ‘To hell with you blacklisters’
The Democratic National Alliance’s ex-leader yesterday urged The Bahamas to “draw the line in the sand” against blacklisting-type actions, and tell the European Union (EU): “To hell with you.”
Marine protected areas to expand
MORE than 10 years ago, the government committed to protecting and effectively managing 20 percent of our marine environment by 2020 to ensure a healthy marine environment and sustain livelihoods in fisheries and tourism.
Apply the three Cs to help build your business
I read an article in your paper recently written by a Bahamian male who was celebrating our successes over the past year regarding tourist arrivals to our shores.
We’re bringing the NBA to town
WHILE everybody is gearing up to watch some of the top players compete in the National Basketball Association’s All-Star Weekend on television in Charlotte, North Carolina, Baha Mar will provide an opportunity to view others in person.
Making waves
THE St Anne’s Bluewaves, in their quest to improve on their athletic programme, took a 14-member swim team to Jamaica to compete over the weekend.
I’m going to give you hope and a clean slate if you obey my conditions, magistrate tells teens
TWO young men who appeared in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court in connection with possession of a small quantity of dangerous drugs, namely Indian hemp, were given “hope and a clean slate” when a magistrate ordered them to attend a men’s mentoring programme instead of convicting them.
EDITORIAL: Silence from the PLP benches is not going to help anyone
OFF they go again.
Keep it simple
Nothing has changed over the past 30 years. There is a constant and continual flow of economic migrants from Haiti, which remains still in an economic mess, even after massive aid after the earthquake, now years ago.
Residents fail to reverse eviction decision
THREE former Millennium Gardens residents whose homes were repossessed last year by the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation were unsuccessful in petitioning the court for a reversal.
Freeport man accused of 12 counts of housebreaking
A 28-year-old Freeport man accused of a string of housebreaking and stealing incidents in the Freeport and Lucaya areas was arraigned in Grand Bahama yesterday.
Murder victims named
POLICE have officially identified three of the country’s recent homicide victims.
Woman robbed while walking
A WOMAN was robbed while walking in the Kemp Road area on Tuesday, police said.
Treat us all the same way, urges MP Miller
GOLDEN Isles MP Vaughn Miller urged government to treat certain members of Parliament the same way that he and two others were treated according to the Westminster system when they were fired for voting against the value added tax increase last year.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Cyber crime - it’s just a keystroke away
It is Valentine’s Day and I should be writing a soppy love story instead of something that sounds like fear-mongering against a backdrop of Darth Vader. But recent events converged to force this from the bowels of my keyboard, a warning that even when you think you’re safe, think again.
New Central Bank moves a step closer as Minnis makes case for a new parliament
AS HE moved a resolution yesterday for government land to be sold for $10 to the Central Bank for a new facility, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis made a case for a new Parliament building in the future.
Countdown is on to Hugh Campbell tip off
THE stage has been set for the 35th edition of the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic for senior high school basketball teams.
Web shops: 65% tax rise still tough
Bahamian web shops last night said some operators will still have difficulty with the sector’s revised tax regime and what it described as “a 65 percent tax increase”.
Vacation rental VAT targeted for budget
A Cabinet minister yesterday voiced hope VAT could be imposed on Bahamian vacation rentals in the upcoming 2019-2020 budget despite the multiple complexities involved.
Wednesday, February 13
02132019 EDITION
Wednesday, 13th February, 2019.
CULTURE CLASH: We need to do more than pay lip service and get real on human rights
We have never talked much about human rights. When the topic comes up, it is often in reference to the right to life and liberty.
Vaccination act no longer tough enough, says Sands
THE penalty for failing to have a child vaccinated is $4, according to the 159-year-old Vaccination Act of 1860.
95% of teachers called in sick at primary school – BUT chief
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson said yesterday that 95 percent of teachers at CW Sawyer Primary School called in sick yesterday, noting they are still awaiting a full report submitted by engineers to the Ministry of Education on the safety of the school.
Schools safe despite stabbing, insists Lloyd
ONE day after a student was stabbed at CC Sweeting Senior High School, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd has insisted public schools are safe for students and teachers alike.
Michelle Reckley arraigned on 21 charges
FORMER Urban Renewal Deputy Director Michelle Reckley was today arraigned on 21 charges relating to allegedly defrauding the Urban Renewal Small Homes Repairs programme in Grand Bahama of over $1.2m.
And this little piggy ... bit a model’s behind
INSTAGRAM model Michelle Lewin encountered a not-so-pleasant surprise on a Bahamian beach when a pig took a bite of her rear end while she was posing for a short video. In the video posted to her Instagram page, the 32-year-old Venezuelan is seen holding a camera and wearing a white two-piece swimsuit on a beach as she frolicked on an island with pigs running after her.
Ex-Grand Lucayan workers happy with cash
FOLLOWING the payout of severance packages to over 160 hotel workers in Grand Bahama, Commonwealth Union of Hotel Services and Allied Workers Union president Michelle Dorsett said many of the former Grand Lucayan workers were happy with their sums.
Land woes ‘complicate’ $200m airport upgrades
The government’s plans to partner with the private sector on Family Island airport upgrades worth $200m have been “complicated” by land woes, a Cabinet minister has revealed.
Man gunned to death in Fox Hill
A MAN was shot dead in Fox Hill last night, becoming the fifth person killed since Saturday.
Survivors of Abaco tragedy in court
TWO days after 22 of their countrymen were laid to rest, the 18 survivors of the Haitian sloop shipwrecked near Abaco earlier this month were yesterday charged with illegal landing.
‘Police shot dogs tied up in yard’
TWO dogs were allegedly shot in their owner’s yard by Royal Bahamas Police Force officers on Friday – an incident which has drawn the ire of Bahamas Humane Society president Kim Aranha.
Strip club bosses face ‘illegals’ crackdown
A CRACKDOWN is coming for those strip club owners who employ undocumented foreign women, National Security Minister Marvin Dames warned yesterday, as he regretted the ruin of the country’s “moral fibre” to human trafficking.
UNDER ARREST: Reckley flown to Nassau by Anti Corruption Unit
THE expected arraignment of a former Urban Renewal official and three others did not go on as planned yesterday in Magistrate’s Court after the prosecution failed to present the court with a completed docket.
‘Defending the indefensible’
THE government’s continued “defence of the indefensible” in the case of Douglas Ngumi, a Kenyan man allegedly detained unlawfully in the Carmichael Road Detention Centre for six and half years, could increase the damages the state will have to pay.
Conference organisers: ‘Economy under attack’
RoyalFidelity Merchant Bank & Trust’s upcoming Bahamas Economic Outlook conference will be held amid increasing global economic uncertainty and turmoil, its president has said.
Overtime thriller
The two versus three matchups in the BAISS basketball semi-finals provided a series of exciting finishes with each of the four games decided by a single possession, culminating in a five overtime thriller in the finale.
Antoan back with the Giants
Antoan Richardson continues to receive opportunities in the front offices of Major League Baseball organisations and will re-join the club where he began his professional career.
PM urged: ‘Get offensive’ to reclaim local economy
The prime minister has been urged by a local financial provider to “take the offensive and regain control of our domestic economy” by clearly differentiating it from the international sector.
Amendments to Commercial Entities Act
GOVERNMENT will table proposed amendments to the Commercial Entities (Substance Requirements) Act when the House of Assembly meets today.
A few wishes this year
We who are reading this have much to be thankful for. We made it into a brand New Year and are able to look forward to the future, while ardently living the present. Our wonderful nation, despite the internal threats, for we really face none from without, save and except illegal immigration and migration, is poised for systemic, even if anaemic, economic growth and a degree of societal progress.
'Wonderful' plans for Clifton Heritage Park
OFFICIALS of the Clifton Heritage Authority have announced the next stage of development for the Clifton Heritage Park will commence next month.
Full military funeral for senior policeman
RETIRED Chief Superintendent Basil V Rahming was remembered as an outstanding police officer who served with excellence in all aspects of his career on the police force, and as a honourable family and Christian man.
Dominicans accused of forging documents
TWO Dominican men accused of possessing fraudulent Bahamian documents were arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
EDITORIAL: Detention Centre a horror story demanding Immigration Dept overhaul
The case of yet another life interrupted by a horrific and prolonged stay at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre punctuated by beatings and abuse without formal charges ever being filed against the detainee makes for grim reading.
If you hear gunfire, don't arrive too early
When it comes to crime, any form of accurate imaging – video certainly assists the police.
Rose hits the court running
LJ Rose had a debut to remember and made an immediate impact on his new club.
Ayton joins BWB camp
Deandre Ayton just added another event to a busy All-Star schedule for the Bahamian rookie phenom.
Mexico training camp for judo stars
Bahamian Champions Cynthia Rahming (-57kg), Sasha Ingraham (+78kg) and Joshua Mcfall (-73kg) recently attended a week-long training camp in Cancun, Mexico, with head coach Oneysi Portorreal-Pons.
Company backs Pro-Am contest
Female golfers from around the world competed at the 2019 Bahamas White Sands LPGA Pro-Am from February 2 and the Caribbean Bottling Company Ltd recently - with sponsorship by CBC.
Baha Mar contractor appeals Sarkis ruling
Baha Mar’s main contractor yesterday filed an appeal in the New York courts that seeks to overturn the earlier verdict upholding Sarkis Izmirlian’s $2.25bn fraud and contract breach claim.
Govt in late anti-blacklist law changes
The government will today table further legal changes in Parliament to ensure The Bahamas escapes the European Union’s (EU) tax evasion “blacklist”.
Morton ‘tense’ as union holds off on ‘action’
Morton Salt yesterday said it hopes to “soon” conclude a labour deal despite a “very tense” working environment where the line staff union has held off on potential strike action.
Minister eyes air fees deal ‘shortly’
The Bahamas hopes to complete talks with the US over management of its air space, and an associated revenue-sharing agreement, “very shortly”, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.
Tuesday, February 12
02122019 EDITION
Tuesday, 12th February, 2019.
Government yet to serve appeal, says Smith lawyer
THE government’s failure to serve defence lawyers with its appeal in connection to the bribery and extortion trial of former PLP Senator Frank Smith has put proceedings in “limbo”, according to attorney Damian Gomez.
FACE TO FACE: A lesson to cherish and build a new life - never give up
Many of us know we have greatness within us. We know we are meant to achieve more and do more than we are at present.
Dirt but not mould found at primary school
EDUCATION Director Marcellus Taylor said yesterday there was a “build-up of dirt” not mould that created the “unsanitary situation” at CW Sawyer Primary School that forced the school’s closure last week.
We’re not connected to loans company, says firm promoting Banton concert
PARADISE Productions, the local Bahamian company staging Buju Banton’s upcoming “Long Walk To Freedom” concert, has said it is not connected to a local company that “is distributing Buju Banton-themed flyers offering loans by phone.”
Nygard making moves as he recovers from illness
Fashion billionaire Peter Nygard seems to be making sure his fleet of cars - and a boat - are within quick reach as he recovers from the medical condition preventing him from being arrested here in The Bahamas.
$130m landfill deal ‘in the last 50 yards’
A Bahamian consortium yesterday said it is “in the last 50 yards of the journey” to take over management of New Providence’s landfill, and pledged: “We will not, and must not, fail.”
Former Urban Renewal official among arrests in Freeport
PLP chairman hits out at 'politically driven persecution'
AUTHORITIES have rearrested a former Urban Renewal official among others as part of an ongoing investigation by the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Anti-Corruption Unit, The Tribune understands.
Seeking justice after six and a half years in Detention Centre
THOUGH it has been more than a year since Douglas Ngumi was released from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, yesterday the Kenyan national broke down whenever his lawyer mentioned how long – six and a half years – he had spent in the facility despite being ordered to be deported.
Bethel defends AG office promotions
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday defended recent promotions in his office as “transparent and defensible” as disgruntled senior attorneys consider launching a judicial review over the process.
‘War zone’ culture leads kids to crime
EIGHTY-SEVEN percent of teens ordered by the court to attend group therapy sessions after committing minor violent crimes tested positive for post-traumatic stress disorder at alarmingly high levels comparable with soldiers fighting in the Middle East, a new Bahamian study has found.
Slain - nine days after being a dad
NINE days after welcoming the birth of his son, the country’s latest murder victim was shot dead at Potter’s Cay Dock.
Strong start at Fed Cup
Day one for Team Bahamas at the Junior Fed Cup in El Salvador was filled with a lot of excitement on Monday.
Man charged with trying to procure girl, 12, for unlawful sex
A 26-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with one count of procuring a minor for the purpose of unlawful sexual intercourse.
Web shops financial crime fear ‘put to rest’
The Gaming Board has “put to rest once and for all” fears that web shops pose a risk to the Bahamian financial system’s integrity, a prominent accountant argued yesterday.
Two men in hospital following shooting
TWO men were taken to hospital following a shooting incident on Sunday in the Eight Mile Rock area.
Has the cost of the Sun gone up?
PRIME Minister said there would be an enquiry into the 80MW Standby BP&L RFP…total utter silence.
Three men face charges over three separate murders
THREE men were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged in connection with three of the country’s latest homicides.
Exuma man detained after admitting possession of dangerous drugs
A 52-year-old man was yesterday arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the seizure of $97,000 worth of drugs last Friday.
Friends gather to celebrate Doris’ 100th birthday party
GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling paid a visit to centenarian Doris Gomez as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
Fred Mitchell, a thin-skinned self-publicist
Fred Mitchell is a thin-skinned self-publicist whose playbook includes pillorying his opponents and ridiculous attention-grabbing stunts, but he retreats to his pious corner to sulk and whine whenever his dirty laundry is hung out to dry.
Gamblers may want instant thrills – but we have enough
Bahamian gamblers want instant thrills - instant highs with in some cases at the web shops there are over 30 draws a day why even talk about a National Lottery?
Wells takes title with record time
Bahamian student athletes continue to produce milestones on a weekly basis throughout the NCAA Division I Track and Field Indoor season.
Double delight for Giants
The Giants sent a pair of teams to the BAISS basketball championships in the senior division as both top seeds eliminated the Kingsway Academy Saints.
Roberts shines for Sun Devils
JUST like hew did when he played for the University of South Florida, Justin Roberts is holding court with the men’s tennis team at Arizona State University.
Honours divided between Comets and SAC
The country’s top rivalry in high school sports continued on the basketball court as the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine and Queen’s College Comets split the pair BAISS sudden basketball junior division semifinals.
THE PRESS BOX: Klay for Lakers?
After whiffing on acquiring New Orleans Pelicans All Star forward Anthony Davis, Lakers president Magic Johnson wasn’t happy with the way things went at the trade deadline.
Spend Valentine’s Day single and happy
It’s the season of love! And with Valentine’s Day just a few days away, Bahamians are rushing to make last-minute preparations for the special day.
Curvy and confident: Plus size pole dancer fights body shaming
Having been a victim of body shaming on social media herself, Raphy Adderley is unrelenting when it comes to ensuring every woman that steps through the doors of her dance studio leaves feeling nothing but genuine love for themselves and their bodies.
An organic approach to menstrual cycles
The Women’s Haven offers alternative feminine hygiene products
A new company has set out to make a woman’s most uncomfortable, and often painful, time of the month as pleasant as possible.
A blooming success
Professional nail technician and owner of a local hair bonnet company Iyeasha Storr Williams has made yet another “boss move”. This time, she has launched a new event planning and décor company. What began last year as a start-up called Blooming Balloons has now evolved into The Bloomroom Bahamas.
The importance of testosterone
Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is an important component of what makes men essentially men.
I’ve set my goals; now what?
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.
Off the Spectrum: Don’t quit being so sensitive
I was recently on a radio show where the topic of discussion was sensitivity in the special needs community. One of the guests of the show used the clichéd statement “don’t be so sensitive.” She was referencing why we should do away with that term in the special needs community. I couldn’t agree with her more.
Strengthen your bond and relax with a couples massage
Engaging in activities together on a consistent basis, distraction-free, has been proven to bring couples closer together while also increasing the overall quality and health of their relationships.
Pushathon 2019 promotes physical activity for the elderly
The Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre has officially launched its 2019 Geriatric Hospital Pushathon under the theme “Ready Steady, Push for Active Aging”.
Diabetes and relationships
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a distressing moment and coming to terms with it can be a long process. Even years after being diagnosed you may find yourself asking, “Why did this happen to me?”
NHI’s $130m price tag ‘just govt's exposure’
The Minister of Health has confirmed that the much-touted $100m-$130m price tag for National Health Insurance (NHI) only covers “the government’s exposure” to the scheme.
Central Bank: No money laundering sign ‘on any scale’
The Central Bank says “there is nothing” to suggest money laundering occurs “on any scale” in The Bahamas based on its analysis of currency circulation trends.
DPM: Insurers will receive due VAT refunds
The deputy prime minister has pledged that VAT refunds will not be unduly “withheld” from the insurance industry, voicing hope the two sides will resolve their differences “in the near future”.
BAMSI eyes partners to help model revamp
The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) last week took potential industry partners to its North Andros facilities as part of efforts to revamp its business model.
Downtown group hopes cruise ports ‘benefit all’
THE Downtown Nassau Partnership (DNP) yesterday said it hopes that the cruise port developments eyed for both Nassau and Freeport will benefit “all stakeholders”.
Monday, February 11
02112019 EDITION
Monday, 11th February, 2019.
INSIGHT: The Abaco tragedy tells us it’s time for the gloves to come off
TRAGEDY struck as a vessel carrying more than 80 Haitian immigrants attempting to illegally enter The Bahamas shipwrecked in waters off Abaco. With the death toll up to 31 and only 18 of the migrants on this journey reported rescued, the number of fatalities seems certain to increase as search and rescue efforts continue for another 34 passengers still missing.
'5' or 'S': Firearm conviction overturned on technicality
A MAN’S conviction for having an illegal firearm has been overturned because of the appellate court’s uncertainty over whether the serial number of the firearm police said they found him with contained the number “5” or a capital “S”.
Police in Andros destroy 90,000 marijuana plants
POLICE destroyed more than 90,000 marijuana plants found in eight fields in Andros in two separate incidents last week.
Nassau told: ‘Don’t fear’ Freeport’s cruise ports
Nassau has “nothing to be afraid of” from Freeport’s two mega cruise ports, the Minister of Tourism is arguing, while admitting both projects have added “fresh” urgency to the capital’s revival.
UPDATED: Four people murdered in 48 hours
Four men were killed in separate incidents over the weekend with two of the killings taking place roughly an hour apart and just streets apart.
WSC executive chairman: Woods ‘hasn’t done a day’s work for us in years’
BAHAMAS Utilities Services and Allied Workers Union president Dwayne Woods “has not performed a day’s work” for the Water and Sewerage Corporation in years, according to its executive chairman, who said the man stills gets paid approximately $60,000 a year despite being on “administrative leave”.
TOGETHER IN GRIEF: Mass turnout for funeral of Abaco tragedy victims
THEIR coffins draped in the Haitian flag and a bouquet of flowers, 22 Haitian migrants who were killed when their sloop shipwrecked in Abaco more than a week ago were mourned yesterday by hundreds who did not know them but who came to show empathy for the plight that brought them to their demise.
This time we should boycott Buju Banton
Buju Banton was three years old when the late Bob Marley lived in Nassau and spent hours on end, enthralled with chasing a soccer ball around Fort Charlotte in blissful solitude. He was recuperating from being shot at his home in Jamaica.
WORLD VIEW: A ‘Venezuelan owned’ solution: too much to hope?
COMMENTATORS in Western media - who dominate international news distribution - characterise any government, entity or person who speaks out against meddling in the internal affairs of Venezuela as “supporters of the Maduro regime”.
EDITORIAL: We need a Marshall Plan for Haiti
They came in their hundreds to mourn the dead.
‘Myth debunked’: Web shops no illicit finance risk
The Gaming Board says its one-month study has “debunked the myth” that web shops are vulnerable to financial crime and pose a significant risk to The Bahamas’ integrity.
Competing for a good cause at the Potcakeman Triathlon
Dozens of participants swam, biked and ran in the name of a good cause at the 2019 Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon yesterday at Clifton Heritage Park.
How we maintain our public spaces tells a lot about how we think
Arising from the National address - Cleanliness and totally unattractiveness of Bay Street…have to suggest the full House of Assembly, have to be blind as to the state of disrepair and ugliness. They pass through that area at least once a week. Certain Ministers daily, going to work and they do not see?
If we don’t act soon, none of us will be able to go out and eat conch
Not that Richard Lightbourn, nor the topic of conch depletion in The Bahamas, needs any endorsement at all, but I would simply like to add my own voice to the discussion.
‘Job done’ on Williams pro debut
RASHIELD Williams wasted no time in pulling off his professional debut on Saturday night in Mexico City.
Tip off today in playoffs
The Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Sports Association will tip off sudden death basketball playoffs today featuring play in all four contested divisions at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Career high for Cornish as Seawolves snap up win
A career night from Jaron Cornish powered the Stony Brook Seawolves to its eighth win in conference play, highlighting the weekend for Bahamian student-athletes in NCAA Division I basketball.
Hield triumphs as Ayton’s Suns falter
The third regular-season match-up between Buddy Hield’s Sacramento Kings and Deandre Ayton’s Phoenix Suns went to the Kings’ advantage as the teams continue to trend in opposite directions.
NHI in ‘severe’ solvency threat to local insurers
Private health insurers yesterday warned that National Health Insurance’s (NHI) current structure threatens to “severely” undermine their solvency, with the mid-July 2020 launch date likely “unachievable”.
Bahamas hopes Kravitz ad rocks tourism growth
The Minister of Tourism is hoping The Bahamas’ new Lenny Kravitz-inspired advertising campaign will help drive stopover visitor growth “in the teens or low double digit” percentages for 2019.
Bahamian architects in first overseas work
A firm of Bahamian architects has just finished work on its first overseas project - the headquarters building of Bahamas First’s Cayman affiliate.
Aliv teams with DHL for courier expansion
Aliv has partnered with DHL Express to enable customers to use its stores to ship items via the courier company.
Banks ‘no longer in touch’ with Bahamian home need
MANY Bahamians are unable to qualify for home construction mortgages because lending institutions are “no longer in touch” with the economy, a top contractor is arguing.
Avoid new ‘Driftwood disaster’ on Lucayan
THE government was yesterday urged to “take its time” and find the right buyer for the Grand Lucayan, an ex-Cabinet minister warning the nation can ill-afford another “driftwood disaster”.
Downtown turnaround ‘key catalyst’ for growth
The government’s renewed focus on reviving downtown Nassau will be “a key catalyst” for economic growth, a prominent investment banker has predicted.
Sunday, February 10
UPDATED: Search suspended for man missing from downed plane
SUNDAY 11.50pm UPDATE: The US Coast Guard has suspended its search for the second man from the downed Conquest Air airplane on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday, February 9
One dead, one injured after shooting off Cowpen Road
One man was killed and another was injured after a shooting off Cowpen Road in the early hours of Saturday.
Friday, February 8
AF Adderley Junior High students make the grade
SCORES of A F Adderley Junior High School students were rewarded for stellar academic achievement during the school’s awards assembly on Friday.
Man in critical condition after shooting
A MAN is in critical condition in hospital after he was shot outside his home on Thursday afternoon.
Canadian man jailed for three years for smuggling heroin
A 54-year-old Canadian man was sentenced to prison on Friday for smuggling almost $10,000 worth of heroin into the Bahamas from London late last year in the hope of getting more than $3m in exchange.
Man tells court he posted Facebook video 'to tell the world the truth'
A man testified on Friday that he used Facebook as a last resort to counteract the allegations made in a statement he said he was forced to give to police that implicated his cousin and two other men of executing a murder plot.
Police body cams 'on the way'
IN the wake of Tuesday's police-involved shooting, the first of the year, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said body cams for law enforcement is on the way.
'Tremendous' turnout at Fusion Superplex job fair
NEARLY 1500 job-seekers turned up to the Fusion Superplex entertainment venue yesterday, as the company seeks to fill up to 80 part-time and full-time openings.
Court of Appeal orders murder retrial
THE Court of Appeal has quashed the murder conviction of Javaro Davis who allegedly killed Rimardo Rolle, 27, at a nightclub in 2014.
Nassau viewed as safe for gay community says activist
MORE than half of the 5,400 men onboard the exclusively gay Allure Caribbean Cruise disembarked the ship on Monday, a development activist Alexus D’Marco says is a good indication the capital is viewed as “safe” for the gay community.
Fire destroys old police station on Grand Bahama
A fire in Grand Bahama yesterday left an old sub-police station “completely gutted”.
There's no cause for alarm over conch, says GB fisherman
DESPITE scientists estimating The Bahamas’ conch population could be wiped out in 10 to 15 years, one Grand Bahama fisherman doubts the research.
‘Singapore of Americas’ if we root out corruption
The Bahamas can become “the Singapore of the Americas” if it rids itself of corruption, poor governance and lack of vision, a prominent reform campaigner argued yesterday.
Measles outbreak: 50k need vaccine – Global alerts spark drive to protect children
OFFICIALS are on “heightened” alert over the highly infectious measles disease as the country’s vaccination coverage remains at decreased levels, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.
Primary school hit with scabies
THE Sybil Strachan Primary School on Carmichael Road will be closed to students today after it was confirmed some two dozen students there were infected with scabies.
Families identify 21 Abaco dead
On the day that another Haitian body washed up on shore - a female - the League of Haitian Pastors reported that they have been in contact with family members for at least 21 of the now 31 migrants who died when their sloop shipwrecked near Abaco cays over the weekend.
Memorial Concert and Arts Endowment Honour Cultural Icon Audrey Dean-Wright
A memorial concert for Audrey F Dean-Wright, who had an almost infectious enthusiasm and excitement for the arts, was held at the University of The Bahamas’ Performing Arts Centre at the end of January.
#BeAHero campaign arrives in Grand Bahama
MONTHS after launching the Be A Hero environmental campaign in Nassau, officials recently took the message of keeping your surroundings clean to the nation’s second city, Freeport.
Business Bites: The hidden story behind Cable Bahamas strange share price
Cable Bahamas is a strong company, with positive growth prospects, one of our best-known and most actively traded equities. Yet the share price quoted on BISX gives the impression of a severe loser, with a decline of about nearly 40 percent in the last year, from $3.68 to $2.29. Why?
EDITORIAL: Lessons still to be learned as we take steps in the right direction
Amid claims the crisis in Venezuela has been caused by outside interference, the evidence suggests the reasons are homegrown. Dictatorship and rule by decree, political repression and economic mismanagement on a massive scale have resulted in the disaster of a failing state.
Three women deny charges of fraud against church
THREE women were remanded to prison yesterday after denying allegations that they defrauded a local bank of thousands of dollars belonging to a Seventh-day Adventist church last year.
Haitian driver denied bail as he faces charges over car death
A 38-year-old Haitian man yesterday denied allegations that last month he struck and killed another man with a car he did not have permission to drive.
D'Aguilar confirms Grand Lucayan payouts to line staff
PAYOUTS to line staff employees at the Grand Lucayan resort should be done this week or early next week “at the latest,” Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.
A COMIC'S VIEW: As usual, our leaders leave us with more questions than answers
Another week, and more questions than answers from our government on many fronts.
Someone must pay for Haitian tragedy
The tragedy involving the death of scores of Haitian nationals and, of course, the large number that are missing is an indictment against the Haitian government, for its continued failure to eradicate human trafficking of its citizens from the Island Nation.
Sir Stafford is the father of banking
Former attorney general and financial services and investments minister in the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administration of former Prime Minister Perry Christie, Allyson Maynard-Gibson, has informed The Nassau Tribune that she has started her very own blog.
Buddy Hield stays at Kings
Buddy Hield is no stranger to transactions at the NBA trade deadline but while he was not involved in any deals this year, his Sacramento Kings were busy shuffling the roster.
Bain career high leads comeback win
Nathan Bain’s career high effort keyed a comeback win for the Stephen F Austin Lumberjacks to highlight Bahamian players in NCAA division I basketball Wednesday night.
Cadot and Rose both on the move
A pair of senior men’s national basketball team members were on the move recently as they signed with new clubs in Europe.
Rolling back the years
“Beyond expectations” was how organiser Kevin Salabie described the Baillou Rugby Club’s Golden Oldies Touch Rugby Sevens Day and Honors banquet at the weekend.
Mingoes team ready to take on San Jose Buddhist Club
The UB Mingoes four-member judo team competes this weekend at The San Jose Buddhist Judo Club and 27th “Sensei Memorial” Invitational Judo Tournament at San Jose State University.
Late Joseph goal sees Titans through against Dynamos
THE Bahamas Football Association continued its regular season action on Wednesday night at the Roscoe AL Davies Soccer Field.
GB cruise mega ports raise Nassau concern
Freeport’s potential emergence as a mega cruise port hub represents a potential threat to Nassau, Tribune Business was told yesterday, and may affect its own port’s management outsource.
Super Value faces $31,000 forklift injury damages
A Super Value customer could receive “substantial damages” worth over $31,000 after she was struck by a forklift while grocery shopping in its store, damaging her achilles tendon.
Govt admits work left on VAT refunds
The government does not have the VAT refund process “down pat like we should”, a top official has admitted, although “some headway” was being made.
Morton Salt suffers 40 staff sick-out
RISING tensions between Morton Salt Bahamas and its line-staff union resulted in a 40-worker “sick-out” yesterday and the company suspending several workers for a week.
Thursday, February 7
02072019 EDITION
Thursday, 7th February, 2019.
Ending spiritual paralysis
New Birth Church on Robinson Road held its first ever healing and breakthrough revival under the theme “Spiritual Awakening”.
Fight stress: Count the blessings
“Count your blessings, name them one by one…”
Miracle Life offers congregants the word of God throughout the week
IN order to touch the masses, many churches are evolving to accommodate those whose lives don’t allow for worship on Sundays. It is the reason several churches today have incorporated various service times in their schedule, so that people can have flexibility as to how they worship and experience God.
Sands and Dames should quit over Frank Smith trial, says pressure group
A group of concerned citizens says its members are planning to protest for the resignations of Health Minister Dr Duane Sands and National Security Minister Marvin Dames for the role they played in the Frank Smith trial.
Police investigating Bay Street blaze
POLICE are investigating a blaze that destroyed a two-story building on Bay Street yesterday.
Grand Lucayan line staff receive severance deals
GRAND Lucayan line staff have received their voluntary separation packages, inclusive of severance, gratuity, and back pay, according to its representative union.
I never had sex with boy, 14, accused tells jury
A MAN accused of unlawful sex with a 14-year-old boy in Grand Bahama took the stand yesterday, where at times he appeared agitated or flustered as questions were put to him by the prosecution concerning his arrest.
Classes suspended at primary school
CLASSES at CW Sawyer Primary School have been suspended today and Friday, according to the Ministry of Education.
‘Raising VAT not on our agenda’
FINANCE Minister K Peter Turnquest insisted yesterday the government has no intention to increase value added tax as speculation persists that a hike maybe featured in the impending 2019-2020 budget presentation. He called the claim an unfortunate rumour.
Corruption in Smith case? ‘Nonsense’
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday called accusations of corruption a “disgrace” as he rejected calls for a Commission of Inquiry into police conduct in the bribery and extortion trial of former PLP Senator Frank Smith.
Carnival: Oban not a worry for us
A LEADING Carnival Corporation executive says the group is not at all concerned about the proposed multi-billion dollar oil refinery project by Oban Energies in East Grand Bahama and does not believe it would interfere with their proposed new cruise port development on the island.
ABACO TRAGEDY - DID 65 PERISH? 18 survivors, 30 bodies recovered, but still 35 missing
The final death toll in the Abaco boat disaster could rise to as high as 65.
God’s plan and purpose for the family
The home is the first church a child should experience.
Students out to prove they are made of the write stuff
Eighty students from 13 different schools participated in the third annual economics essay competition this February at Anatol Rodgers High School. It was organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with The Nassau Institute and sponsored by the Templeton Religion Trust.
Uncertainty over $130m NHI cost
The National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) defence of the scheme’s $130m price tag yesterday raised more questions than answers, with even a Cabinet minister admitting it needed “clarification”.
Used auto inspection ‘redundancy’ dispute
Advocates for the pre-inspection of Japanese auto exports yesterday leapt to the initiative’s defence after a veteran used car dealer branded the checks “redundant”.
Cousin denies relative killed for cash
THE cousin of one of three men accused of executing a murder plot in the summer of 2016 yesterday denied assertions that his relative killed the deceased for cash, then used some of the blood money to buy a car.
Psychiatrist on 'hidden epidemic wreaking havoc' in Bahamas
EARLY childhood abuse is linked to violence and murder in teenage years, noted psychiatrist Dr David Allen said yesterday, adding this “hidden epidemic” is “wreaking havoc” in the country.
Realtor appeals sentence for defrauding clients
APPELLATE judges are considering whether to accept a former realtor’s assertions that her six-year sentence for swindling 21 people out of over $144,000 in 2008 as part of a property scam should be cut in half.
STEM for Oceans education launch
WITH support from Royal Caribbean Ltd, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is launching an innovative STEM for Oceans education initiative in The Bahamas.
Time to ban conch export
Key West in the Florida Keys was/is referred to as the Conch Republic because there was at one time an abundance of conch. Despite the fact that there has been a total ban on the removal of conch from the Florida Keys for almost 40 years, there has been little increase in the population in the meantime as a certain density of conch is required in order for them to reproduce.
Festival stays ‘tru’ to cultural roots
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) held its fourth annual Tru Tru Bahamian Festival at the weekend to highlight Bahamian culture and history.
GSSSA CHAMPIONS: Mystic Marlins defeat Rattlers
The Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins squandered an eight-point fourth quarter lead but came up with clutch baskets down the stretch when it mattered most to take the GSSSA senior boys basketball title.
GSSSA CHAMPIONS: Scorpions dethrone the Lions
After losing the first game of the series, the TA Thompson Scorpions completed the backdoor sweep to dethrone the HO Lions as Government Secondary School Sports Association junior girls basketball champions.
Local football fans have ‘Bud Light Experience’ at Super Bowl LIII
Super Bowl LIII produced several historic milestones with a pair of local football fans a part of the action, witnessing America’s most popular sporting event courtesy of Bud Light Caribbean and Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company.
Nashad Mackey returns to form for Eagles after injury
Nashad Mackey returned to form following an early season injury and is once again performing like the standout senior leader of the Embry Riddle Men’s Basketball Programme.
Michael Cartwright signs for North Carolina Central Eagles
Michael Cartwright made it official with the North Carolina Central Eagles on National Signing Day.
Experiencing perfect peace
Very few topics have a greater impact on me than the perfect peace of God. Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) puts it into context: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Govt will ‘circle wagons’ to hit fiscal targets
The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday voiced confidence in the government’s ability to “circle the wagons” and hit its $237m full-year deficit target.
DPM: ‘No more runaway trains’
The deputy prime minister yesterday pledged that the government’s finances will be placed “in check”, with “no more runaway trains” leading The Bahamas to the “fiscal brink”.
Equity Bank targeting local private banking
Equity Bank And Trust (Bahamas) has become the latest “offshore” institution to target the local financial services market by offering private banking services to Bahamians.
$1m start-up fund shortlists four bids
A $1m fund established by the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies will this week begin interviews with shortlisted entrepreneurs seeking to access its funding.
Govt deal increases start-up funds to $9m
BAHAMIAN entrepreneurs were yesterday urged to “think big” and target the export market, after the government signed a deal that increases their available funding pool to $9m.
Local realtor marks its 70th anniversary
Bahamas Realty is marking its 70th anniversary this year, celebrating $10bn in property sales over a history so long it predates the birth of its own chief executive.
Morton Salt union says ‘no slowdown’
THE union representing Morton Salt Bahamas line-staff yesterday rejected suggestions it had instigated a worker “slowdown” after the company issued warning letters to three of its employees.
Wednesday, February 6
Man shot dead by police
POLICE shot and killed a man yesterday after he allegedly attempted to attack an officer with a silver knife in a shanty town located in the Joe Farrington Road area.
02062019 EDITION
Wednesday, 6th February, 2019.
CULTURE CLASH: Remember – We came from the same place, were deposited on different pieces of rock, enslaved and forced into new ways of seeing, believing and being
People leave their homes for many reasons. Some leave to further their education, to find work, or to gain experience through training programmes and internships.
Grand Bahama port project was our idea, says Davis
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday touted the proposed Carnival Cruise Line port in Grand Bahama as a “PLP project”, adding the Heads of Agreement was signed before the Christie administration left office in 2017.
I cried when I watched Fyre documentary, reveals Aussie model
BACKLASH from the ill-fated Fyre Festival has moved one supermodel involved in the event to tears.
Fire closes parts of Bay Street
POLICE have closed a portion of Bay Street as they work to contain a structural fire.
Gomez eyes probe into how police ran Smith case
FORMER State Minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez is calling for a commission of inquiry into police conduct in the investigation that led to the bribery and extortion trial of former PLP Senator Frank Smith.
Shonel in fight to overturn eviction
FOX Hill MP Shonel Ferguson’s investment company is seeking to have a new hearing over the claims that led to its Supreme Court-ordered eviction from a building it allegedly never paid real property taxes on since assuming responsibility for it some 13 years ago.
GAME CHANGER: Cabinet studying ‘mega deal’ for port and Lucayan
Freeport's economy "won't look back" if Royal Caribbean's partnership with a Mexican group to develop mega cruise berths and buy the Grand Lucayan succeeds, Tribune Business can reveal.
Future of Oban deal unclear
WHILE the government has received proposals from “quite a number” of investors interested in Grand Bahama, it remains unclear what the future holds for the controversial Oban deal.
Mass funeral for Abaco victims
THE bodies of the 27 people who died at sea in the Abaco cays have been turned over to the Haitian Embassy in Nassau and the League of Haitian Pastors for burial on Sunday.
Williams ready to go pro
AFTER an amateur career that allowed him to box around the world in a number of major international competition, Rashield Williams has decided to move into the professional ranks.
Sports Notes
THE Bahamas Chess Federation has announced plans for two major events.
RoyalFidelity targets 10% asset growth after buyout
RoyalFidelity’s president yesterday said he hopes its management-led buyout will provide a springboard for immediate Caribbean expansion and ten percent assets under management growth.
Two landlords are fined for renting unhygienic properties
TWO landlords were each fined upwards of $2,000 yesterday for the “unhygienic” practice of renting their dwelling spaces without a proper water supply, which ultimately led to the tenants defecating in buckets, discarding the waste on the property and then burning the fecal matter because they couldn’t flush it away.
Another school hit by mould problems - but unaware of sinkhole
OPPOSITION leader Philip Davis has raised alarm regarding a reported mould infestation and rumoured sinkhole at CW Sawyer Primary School, and calling for Education Minister Jeff Lloyd to resolve the matter.
High price to pay for all this gambling
Dr Fox, did you really blow tens of thousand of dollars on parties and gifts? It is your money so you may spend it as you wish. You claim, however, to now be a man of the cloth, are you really?
EDITORIAL: So is Oban nonsense, Dr Minnis?
Here we go again with Oban.
Nassau should be a Funky Town
Let me begin by offering three cheers to the newly appointed Commissioner of Police.
No sign of the US ambassador
You may well ask where is the US Ambassador? He or she certainly is not visible in the Bahamas. Our closest neighbour and "friends" do not have the decency to appoint someone to oversee their affairs and our relationship. In fact we have not had an Ambassador since 2011 according to Wikipedia.
University parking problems
I write this letter because I am very disturbed. I am a mature student at University of The Bahamas (UB).
Rattlers champs
The GSSSA basketball senior division produced one title thus far for the CI Gibson Rattlers, while the pennant winners in the senior boys staved off elimination.
'It will take time and effort. It will even take some money, but we will get BAMSI back on course'
THE primary purpose of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute has always been to educate students to become successful farmers and not directly satisfy local food demands, the institute’s chairman Tennyson Wells said yesterday.
Hield’s Kings on seven-win streak
Buddy Hield and the Sacramento Kings have been one of the surprises of the NBA season thus far and extended their home winning streak to seven games.
Jones named in tournament team
In his final season of prep basketball before his progression to the collegiate ranks, Kai Jones continues to build on his skillset and earn accolades.
FR Remy David dies in Florida aged 81
FR Remy David died in a Florida hospital on Sunday, He was 81 years old. Ordained in Nassau in 1968, he celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest on June 31 last year.
Grand Bahama businessman loses smuggled guns appeal
GRAND Bahama businessman Edward Barrett will remain behind bars for smuggling three guns and numerous rounds of ammunition through his import company three years ago, the Court of Appeal ruled yesterday.
All leadership positions open at DNA conference
THE Democratic National Alliance will be holding its next convention at the end of the month, where all leadership positions will be open for election, interim leader Christopher Mortimer announced.
Woman dies, three still in serious condition after traffic accident
POLICE in New Providence are investigating a traffic accident that left a woman dead.
Two arrested after man robbed while walking on Paradise Island bridge
A MAN and a woman were arrested on Tuesday after a tourist was robbed while walking over the Paradise Island bridge.
D'Aguilar encourages new creative ideas
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has challenged Grand Bahama residents to come up creative business ideas to draw tourists, a day after plans for Carnival Cruise Line’s mega-port in East Grand Bahama were formally announced.
Fidelity eyes ‘$7.5m-plus’ profit boost in affiliate exit
Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) will enjoy a $7.5m-plus profit “boost” for 2019 as a result of selling a 50 percent equity stake in its investment banking affiliate, it was revealed yesterday.
Sky’s $500,000 damages battle restored by court
Sky Bahamas’ bid to challenge almost $500,000 in damages awarded to a rival Bahamian airline has been reinstated by the Court of Appeal.
Lucayan managers ‘optimistic’ over payout resolution
A trade union leader yesterday said the Grand Lucayan’s managers are “optimistic” that their voluntary separation packages will be finalised shortly once the prime minister addresses their proposal.
Obie: Oban caused Carnival port move
A former tourism minister yesterday expressed hope that Carnival’s $100m cruise port investment will attract other investors to Grand Bahama, while lamenting the project’s relocation.
Ex-minister challenges Grand Lucayan value
A former tourism minister yesterday queried whether the government is getting “value for money” over its Grand Lucayan purchase, stressing that securing the right brand was critical to revive the resort.
Regulator unveils its examination priorities
The Securities Commission yesterday announced that its 2019 licensee examination priorities are anti-money laundering compliance and the appropriate risk-rating of clients.
Tuesday, February 5
02052019 EDITION
Tuesday, 5th February, 2019.
FACE TO FACE: Tanya’s found a new career - working for God
Many young women today are into a glitz and glamour lifestyle.
Now the work turns to identifying the bodies
OFFICIALS in Abaco turned their attention yesterday to identifying bodies recovered from the weekend shipwreck that killed more than two dozen Haitian migrants even as one body escaped the grasp of Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers and was consumed by sharks instead.
Minnis unveils Grand Bahama port revolution
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and members of his Cabinet attended an information meeting in Grand Bahama last night for Carnival’s proposed “Grand Port” which is expected to create 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during development.
Chamber: Bahamas Ferries threatening ‘boating capital’
The Abaco Chamber of Commerce yesterday urged the environment minister to intervene amid fears Bahamas Ferries’ new service is endangering the island’s “boating capital” status.
Court date set on ‘missing Marvin’
A MOTHER desperate for answers over the disappearance of her son will get her day in court later this month.
DON’T RISK IT: Desperate Haitians told not to gamble with perilous voyage
IMMIGRATION Minister Brent Symonette has appealed to migrants contemplating the treacherous journey from Haiti to consider applying for work permits before risking their lives to enter The Bahamas illegally.
‘We can’t stop every murder’
AFTER three men were killed within less than 24 hours over the weekend, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said while police cannot stop every murder, law enforcement is on track to continue lowering murder statistics.
Nygard & Keod - it’s time to pay
THE Court of Appeal’s president has suggested that Lyford Cay mogul Peter Nygard’s appeal of two of his three contempt of court convictions may not be heard until or unless he purges his contempt before a Supreme Court judge.
The secret to a love that lasts
To celebrate February as the month of love, Tribune Woman will be taking a closer look at successful, long-term relationships, interviewing couples who think they’ve found the secret to true and lasting romance. Today, we speak to Derek and Lashanta Smith who have been married for 10 years and have four children together.
Carnival cruise port to create 1,000 jobs
The relocated Carnival cruise port will create up to 1,000 jobs and become the company’s largest such facility in the world, the prime minister said last night.
Attorney Smith withdraws appeals on judgments against him
ATTORNEY and former PLP member of Parliament Keod Smith yesterday withdrew his appeal of a retired Supreme Court judge’s order that he be committed to prison for 14 days for accusing her of bias in a series of affidavits over five years ago.
Culmer dismisses calls ministers to resign
FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer said calls from Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis for two Cabinet ministers to resign over their actions related to Frank Smith’s bribery case are “laughable”.
Pressure group CBB reveals threat to one of its members
CITIZENS for a Better Bahamas confirmed yesterday the Royal Bahamas Police Force was contacted about a recent threat of harm against a member of the organisation.
Canadian deal 'part of penal reform'
THE Ministry of National Security has signed a memorandum of understanding with Correctional Services Canada, a move to aid the shift of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services from a penal institution to correctional organisation.
Accused denied having sex with boy, police tell court
A LEAD detective in an unlawful sex investigation told the Supreme Court that Fred Williams denied having a consensual sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy who he claimed had got his cellular phone number from his older brother and began calling him regularly.
EDITORIAL: The Great Game continues as Venezuela continues to suffer
What are we to make of the deteriorating and regionally increasingly perilous situation in Venezuela?
Time for a stripper tax
An objective examination of the issue of adult entertainment in the Bahamas cannot but lead to one conclusion: it resides within the bailiwick of publicly sanctioned activity that adults should be free to engage in or patronise, if they so desire.
Over confident by half
Is there any process let alone progress on the flipping of Our Lucaya which the government purchased for $65 million?
Time to cancel refinery
Real cost ex-solar panel, commercial installation, to grid of solar electricity – there have been reports that the Saudis have pushed the price to 3-4 cents a KW. Just back from Riyadh and can assure you the Saudis admit they are losing big money at that price.
Is the police force someone's toy?
The ladies charged with working without a work permit and one for overstaying.
Double advantage for Rattlers sides
After going through the regular season undefeated, the Mystic Marlins find themselves in a familiar position that they faced in the semifinals, an upset loss in game one and facing elimination.
Nairn hits season best as Bahamas athletes shine
Bahamian athletes produced several top finishes, season’s bests and personal bests to highlight the indoor circuit of NCAA Division I Track and Field over the weekend.
Undefeated Hurricanes power on with Whylly
The Holland College Hurricanes are No 1 ranked team in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association the poll powered by Roosevelt Whylly who continues to be one of the league’s most dominant players.
Lions and Royals take series leads
Both defending GSSSA basketball junior division champions are now just one game away from successfully defending their titles following convincing game one wins.
THE PRESS BOX: Things are looking up for Davis
The Los Angeles Lakers have been aggressively pursuing the New Orleans Pelicans’ All-Star forward Anthony Davis for the last few weeks.
Bahamian women discover their power and inspiration
Duquesa Dean wants women to know they are not alone in their daily struggles. To this end she founded the organisation The Power Of Her, and last weekend she was hosted an inspirational conference to drive her message home.
It’s bold! It’s Bahamian! It’s Beautilicous!
Spreading the vision for Bahamian beauty throughout the islands and even abroad is the idea behind a local magazine called Beautilicious.
Bahamian women address their practical and emotional needs
The “Start Your Engine 2019” event kicked off the year in a positive way with a recent speed mentoring conference hosted by Insight Stage at the Meliá Nassau Beach resort.
Digital B$ pilot to ‘crystallise’ in ‘19
The Central Bank is aiming to “crystallise” its strategy for a digital Bahamian dollar test project before year-end 2019, its governor revealed yesterday.
Governor: Target ‘minimum’ 2% for GDP growth
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday said The Bahamas needs to target a “minimum” of two percent annual GDP growth as he called for “stronger inroads” into double-digit unemployment.
Central Bank: $100m sell-off to bar ‘excess’ credit boom
The Central Bank yesterday said it had “sold well over $100m” of its government debt holdings to prevent surplus bank liquidity from fuelling an “excessive” consumer credit boom.
‘More queries than answers’ over NHI
AN Opposition Senator yesterday said the revamped National Health Insurance (NHI) proposal raises “more questions than it answers”, arguing that there were “red flags” over its potential economic impact.
URCA targets greater energy sector impact
THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) yesterday said it plans to focus more heavily on the electricity sector this year after failing to impact the sector as hoped.
URCA targets ‘symbiotic’ policymaker relationship
THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) yesterday said it was working to ensure it has a “symbiotic” relationship with policymakers, each having a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
Monday, February 4
02042019 NEWS
Monday, 4th February, 2019.
INSIGHT: No more dangling carrots please, it’s time to deliver
THE general commentary after the prime minister’s first official address of the year last week was that it was underwhelming. It lacked detail of how Bahamians would truly benefit. Despite indicating a major focus of the government was economic growth and expansion, it felt like what we’ve always had from Dr Hubert Minnis’ administration – dangling of carrots for some point in the future.
There are grounds for a civil suit - Davis
OPPOSITION leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday there are grounds for a civil suit to be considered in the aftermath of the exoneration of former PLP Senator Frank Smith, although he added Mr Smith cannot be “compensated monetarily” for the ordeal he and his family have experienced.
Bahamas Ferries: No more defiance of PM
Bahamas Ferries was yesterday said to have pledged it will not continue using Marsh Harbour’s public dock in defiance of orders issued by its third largest shareholder - the prime minister.
Calls for greater effort to stop illegal migration from Haiti
LEAGUE of Haitian Churches President Dr Jean Paul Charles yesterday called for greater efforts to discourage illegal migration from ports in Haiti as he mourned the scores of Haitian nationals who drowned in a fatal attempt at entering the country this weekend.
Murder lull ends in three killings
THREE murders occurred within less than 24 hours this weekend, marking a bloody start to February and a trend that has left police concerned, Superintendent Joy Bosfield told The Tribune yesterday. There were also three non-fatal shooting incidents this weekend. All three are in hospital with two listed in serious condition.
Govt to appeal Smith acquittal
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday defended his role in the bribery and extortion trial against former PLP Senator Frank Smith, telling The Tribune he did not play political games.
UPDATED: 27 dead after Haitian vessel capsizes
In the worst migrant boating tragedy in Bahamian waters since 2013, officials said 27 Haitians are dead and 18 survived after their boat hit a reef on Friday night and sunk.
Sailing to victory
The 21st annual Farmers Cay Regatta was held over the weekend in Exuma in honour of the late Elleazor ‘Barber J’ Johnson.
Final face-off today in climax to GSSSA series
After a hard-fought season and the remaining semi-final completed over the weekend, the GSSSA moves into the championship series in all four divisions today at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Davis clinches Mavericks win
Bahamians across NCAA Division I basketball had mixed results over the weekend, both in their personal production and in the win/loss column for their teams.
$70m funding gap in ‘worst case’ on NHI
Employers may have to fill a $70m funding gap if the “worst case scenario” for National Health Insurance (NHI) becomes reality, the Chamber of Commerce’s top executive revealed yesterday.
I'm going to take govt to court – Priton chief
THE company at the centre of a heated parliamentary row last week is suing the government for non-payment.
Coast Guard suspends hunt for veterinarian’s aircraft
THE US Coast Guard suspended its search yesterday for a Piper Saratoga aircraft with two people aboard that crashed into the ocean 23 miles east of Palm Beach on Friday.
Fourth Joan Thompson lecture
THE fourth annual Joan Thompson Memorial Freedom Lecture featuring Dr Richard Ebeling, Ph.,D. will be held on Friday, March 1, at Choices Restaurant, University of The Bahamas.
WORLD VIEW: Give Uruguay meeting a chance to bring settlement to Venezuela
THE Heads of Government of the independent member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), who met by video conference on January 24 to consider the fast-moving events surrounding Venezuela, demonstrated an independent and principled stance. Absent from the meeting was any representative of the Bahamas and Haiti.
POLICE ADVICE: Help your child by being a net-savvy parent
Social media sites such as, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp increases communication, access to information and help in developing a sense of self, however, the thoughts of what your child might come across online can be worrying. Here are internet safety advice to make sure going online is a positive experience for you and your child.
GAIN AN EDGE: Telling the stories of our nation’s history
As the nation’s key centre of learning, University of The Bahamas offers higher education opportunities for Bahamians while also offering resources to explore the impact of our country’s rich history.
Minnis and D'Aguilar among the guests at cruise ship dedication
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar were among special guests at the dedication ceremony of Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam cruise ship on Saturday.
US coast guards catch Bahamian smuggler
A BAHAMIAN drug smuggler was found hiding in a boat containing 132 pounds of cocaine in waters off Miami, Florida.
EDITORIAL: What can we learn from tragedy?
What must it take?
Thanks to the many who helped rebuild St Mark's
It is with great humility that I embrace Diane Phillip’s heart-warming article The Fall and Rise of St. Mark’s. Diane is a gifted, compassionate writer who has so eloquently captured a time of great fear, an unknown future, and the faith and spirit of Anita Collie Pratt and her neighbours on Acklins in the bullseye of Hurricane Joaquin.
Exhausted credit cards
Prince George Wharf - Cruise Port Management
Lunacy we should have avoided
A scant 54 days into his Prime Ministership in 2017, a buoyant Hubert Minnis went to Grenada on what was his foreign policy debut.
National record for Mullings
LAFAYETTE, Indiana – Heptathlon national record holder Ken Mullings improved the record by 387 points to 5426 points at the Fred Wilts Purdue Indoor Invitational over the weekend.
Ayton back as Buddy hits new career high
Deandre Ayton returned to the court after missing with an ankle sprain while Buddy Hield produced his fourth 30-point game the season and set a new career high for three pointers made in a single campaign.
Promise kept to Diabetic Association
IT wasn’t the kind of support they expected, but newly formed ANOO and The Sports Fellowship Institute made good on its promise to assist the Bahamas Diabetic Association.
Evans leads the way as longhorns outpace the Wolfpack
Joanna Evans continues to be a standout performer for her top-ranked Texas Longhorns to lead the list of impressive performances for Bahamians in NCAA Division I swimming.
DPM: PLP will take us ‘back to fiscal future’
The deputy prime minister says “every Bahamian should be worried” that the PLP will take the country “back to the future” by overturning recently-enacted fiscal disciplinary measures.
Cruise crime video is ‘patently untrue’
A Cabinet minster last night said he was “not particularly bothered” by a widely-circulated video labelling The Bahamas’ the world’s most unsafe cruise destination because it was “patently untrue”.
GB small business launch draws 450
Some 450 persons attended Thursday’s Grand Bahama launch of the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) Access Accelerator initiative.
Palm Cay 70% sold on One Marina first phase
Palm Cay says phase one of its $100m One Marina condominium project is 70 percent sold less than three months after it broke ground on its “most ambitious project to date”.
Cruise line restarts calls to damaged cay today
Princess Cruises will resume calls to its Eleuthera private island today, almost a week after a fire damaged several buildings at the property.
Taxi drivers moving to shed ‘scavenger’ image
THE Bahamas Taxicab Union’s (BTU) president says he remains resolute on rebranding the industry and shedding the negative reputation of cab drivers as a group of “scavengers”.
Investor hatches 30,000 chicken supply strategy
A $10m poultry investor is aiming to grow domestic producers’ market share beyond the present “less than two percent” through supplying Bahamians with 30,000 fresh chickens per week.
Saturday, February 2
Three dead after shootings hours apart
Three men are dead after separate shooting incidents hours apart on Friday and Saturday.
Sixteen dead after Haitian boat capsizes
SIXTEEN people are dead and 15 have been rescued after a Haitian refugee boat capsized off Abaco early on Saturday morning.
Friday, February 1
UPDATED: Frank Smith acquitted of all charges
FORMER PLP Senator Frank Smith was acquitted of all charges in his bribery and extortion trial on Friday, after the chief magistrate found that a case had not been made against him sufficiently to require her to compel him to answer to the allegations.
PLP will call for ministers involved in Frank Smith case to resign
THE Progressive Liberal Party will call for the resignation of ministers involved in the bribery case of Frank Smith, the former chairman of the Public Hospital Authority who was freed of the charges Friday afternoon, according to Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis.
PM and delegation to head for Ft Lauderdale
PRIME Minister Hubert Minnis, accompanied by Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, senior government officials and his wife, Mrs Patricia Minnis, leave for Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday.
Buju 'will not perform controversial song'
BUJU Banton will not be performing his controversial song “Boom Bye Bye” at his upcoming concert, according to his publicist Ronnie Tomlinson, who confirmed the reggae star has not sung that song “for years”.
Accused told police 'he did not have sex with 14-year-old boy'
THE Grand Bahama man who is accused of having unlawful sex with a 14-year-old boy had told police he knew the complainant and had given him a ride in his car several times, but that he did not have sex with him, the Supreme Court heard Friday.
Bannister keeps BPL fire report under wraps
A REPORT on a police investigation into a series of fires that crippled infrastructure at Bahamas Power and Light’s Clifton Pier Power Plant has been completed and submitted to the government.
Burning container ship arrives at Grand Bahama
THE mega-freighter that was burning off Canada’s east coast since January 3 is now docked off port in waters off Grand Bahama, awaiting clearance from the relevant marine authorities at the Port Department and the Grand Bahama Harbour Company.
Mitchell fires back at Ferreira in heated debate
Progressive Liberal Party chairman Senator Fred Mitchell said there is “no evidence” of misconduct regarding the Christie administration’s housing programme as he hit out at statements made by Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.
Former police commissioner was wrong to fire officer
A SUPREME Court judge has ruled that former Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade was wrong for firing a police officer the day he was charged with kidnapping and raping a 17-year-old girl.
Crypto exchange plan to ‘revolutionise’ BISX
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange’s (BISX) plans for a cryptocurrency and digital securities trading platform will “revolutionise our jurisdiction”, its top executive said yesterday.
‘Thought we were saving money, PM?’
THE Progressive Liberal Party has criticised Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis for appointing Golden Gates MP Michael Foulkes as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, a ministry that saw cuts in the last budgeting exercise.
‘My friend sobbed as he told of sex attack’
THE best friend of a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 45-year-old man told the Supreme Court the teenager cried after confiding to her about the assault.
Health scheme’s costs now $130m
PROPOSED policy changes to universal healthcare have come at an increased cost with Graham Whitmarsh, managing director of the National Health Insurance Authority, revealing yesterday implementation next year will cost $130 million.
Prisoner reform key to end jail crisis
TO solve the issue of overcrowding at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said his ministry is primarily focused on reducing the number of inmates, rather than building additional cells.
Insurers at ‘loggerheads’ with govt on VAT refunds
Bahamian insurers yesterday said they are at “loggerheads” with the government over VAT refunds, branding the situation “untenable” due to the impact on cash flow and solvency margins.
One-day initiative to promote heart health launched
THE Bahamas Heart Centre is kicking off heart health month, recognised annually in February, with an event tomorrow that encourages members of the general public to get moving and donate to a worthy cause.
I never received one single cent, insists Grimes
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Trustee Valentine S Grimes said he never received “one single cent” from any ministry relating to work Priton Bahamas Limited did in a subdivision on Carmichael Road and insisted his role in this regard was minimal.
Woman dies in boating incident
ABACO police are investigating a boating incident that left a woman dead.
Car firm ordered to increase accident payout
THE Privy Council has ordered a local car rental company and a dead man’s estate to pay another man over $600,000 in damages for future loss as a result of a car accident that killed the deceased on a Family Island some six years ago.
Senate agrees plan to win approval over Fox Hill land
THE Senate passed a resolution yesterday which sought Parliament’s approval for the conveyance of 1.2 acres of land in Fox Hill for development as serviced lots.
EDITORIAL: Has May finally got a chance of a deal?
The thorny issue of Britain’s departure from the European Union is top of the world’s news agenda again. Brexit has divided public opinion in the United Kingdom and precipitated a deep political crisis. It is also significant internationally because of the likely effects on the economies of other countries - ourselves included - arising from disruption and uncertainty in relation to trading patterns.
Clients can’t be held responsible for their lawyers
THE recent decision by the President of the Court of Appeals to hold clients liable for the conduct of their attorneys in the Supreme Court is troubling and brings the sagacity of that decision into question.
Beware the taxi drivers
Someone has upset the sleeping tiger of the taxi drivers! Hope they know what they are doing? Because we all remember what the infamous general strike started with…a strike of the taxi drivers at the airport.
Close to 1,000 Bahamians benefit from Christian outreach event
To truly assist Bahamians in need and rectify the misconception that churches only take but do not give back, members of the Shekinah Family Word Centre recently hosted the organisation’s seventh annual community outreach initiative.
Hard to stay focused
Yet again the Prime Minister spoke for too long….45 minutes - all studies say no longer than 20 minutes at the most! There was content, some positive but it simply did not hit home, it was lost in so much flowery talking.
Undefeated and ready for war
After getting off to an impressive start to his professional boxing career last year, Amron Sands is looking forward to either duplicating or surpassing his 7-0 win-loss record this year.
Fox invited to spring training with Rays
LUCIUS Fox is set to begin his 2019 season at an elevated status and continues his progression through the Tampa Bay Rays organisation.
UB Mingoes track and field team in Fred Wilts Purdue Invitational
THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes track and field team opens competition this weekend at the Fred Wilts Purdue Invitational in Lafayette, Indiana.
Bowling results
THE top scorer in the Financial Bowling League competition Wednesday night was Sonith Lockhart of the Rubis Oil Stars with a 226 second high game and a 586 high three set.
FIGHT STRESS: COUNT THE BLESSINGS
“Count your blessings, name them one by one…”
NPWBA All-Star Classic on Saturday
THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association is all set to hold its All-Star Classic at the DW Davis Gymnasium on Saturday.
NPBA: Rockets, bucket in the win column
THE Aliv Bucket and the Discount Distributors Rockets clinched the two victories in the New Providence Basketball Association double header at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Wednesday night.
Mystic Marlins’ senior boys earn 54-50 win over Timberwolves, tie series
A FOUL-plagued Malachi McCoy played sparingly in game one, but the Mystic Marlins’ team captain had a dominant performance in the paint Wednesday night and powered his team to a game two win.
‘No one knows when their hour will come’
New play focuses on getting right with Jesus
To make audiences reevaluate their relationship with God once they leave the four walls of the church is the aim of Samita Ferguson’s first theatre production of the year.
Living a life of love
As we approach Valentine’s Day, we are called to reassess our position on the topic of love. What does it mean to live a life of love?
The Bible and capital punishment
One of the most conspicuous commands within the sphere of God’s word is the direct instruction for capital punishment for murderers.
Alike but not the same
Crystal ball vs wrecking ball
Lamentations 3:40: “Let us examine our ways...”
No ‘great panic’ on deficit run-up
The government’s first-half fiscal deficit is no cause for “great panic” despite being equal to 73.4 percent of the full-year target, a top accountant argued yesterday.
BISX closes on govt debt ‘watershed’
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) is “in the final stages” of preparing to list and trade billions in government debt - a move its top executive yesterday hailed as “a watershed”.
Insurers: ‘Very difficult’ to hit NHI start date
Bahamian insurers yesterday warned it will be “very difficult” to hit the revised National Health Insurance (NHI) start date of July 2020 with the scheme’s organisers “standing their ground”.
NHI chief pledges lower business, individual cost
THE National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) top executive yesterday pledged that its revised proposal will reduce the cost burden for Bahamian businesses and individuals.
NHI ‘can expand without cost rise’
THE National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) yesterday said it believes it can “still manage” to expand the scheme’s medical services without any increase in premium costs.
