Wednesday, June 30
Electric vehicles are a hit with mall crowds
ELECTRIC vehicles returned to the Mall at Marathon for Father’s Day and once again proved to be a big hit with the crowds.
Enjoy the outdoors this summer, but be mindful of the sun
Summer is in full swing. And after 14 months of varying lockdowns and restrictions, Bahamians are more than ready to embrace the great outdoors.
Slow down the effects of arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in thrr people between the ages of 18 and 64 have arthritis. Some 54.4 million people in the United States were diagnosed by their physician as having arthritis between 2013 and 2015.
A positive approach to pain
We all experience pain at some time in our lives, whether it’s a scraped knee as a child or a torn ligament as an adult or any of the myriad accidents or illnesses that might happen to us in life.
Why do I still have acne?
Do you have acne and you’re not even a teenager anymore? Don’t worry, you’ve got plenty of company. In my dermatologic practice, acne is by far the most common diagnosis.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy needs to be addressed
The COVID-19 outbreak has become a pandemic for a reason, as we humans simply do not possess the natural immunity for the novel coronavirus. Vaccinations are safe and highly effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalizations from the COVID-19 virus.
Bye bye lockdown looks – hello summer hair
COURTESY of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of salon visits last year, many women missed out on the opportunity to spice it up and take advantage of the usual hot summer hair trends.
Bahamian moms dream of summer vacations
Summer has arrived with a bang and has brought with it rising temperatures and the desire to dream of vacations to faraway exotic lands (especially since 2020’s ‘Hot Girl Summer’ never materialised because of that virus we won’t name).
New book seeks to help strained mother-daughter relationships
THE relationship between a mother and her adult daughter is often viewed by society through rose-tinted glasses. There is an expectation that they are meant to always be close, loving towards one another, and have a bond that stands the test of time. While this is true for some, it is certainly not a universal truth, as every family dynamic is different.
EDITORIAL: A remarkable woman, gone too young
TAKE a look at the woman on our front page today.
Defence Force officer found not guilty of murder, attempted murder
A Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer accused of murder and attempted murder was found not guilty on all counts on Wednesday.
ALICIA WALLACE: Whose rules to follow in the great dating game?
ON Bahamian social media, there are a few topics that come up over and over again, always without resolution. On an endless loop, people on opposite sides argue their positions or, more accurately, argue against other positions. In these pseudo-conversations, some people actively participate by engaging others, some state their own opinions while others have side conversations on the topic at hand or one adjacent to it.
Vendors ‘in limbo’ over return to Cabbage Beach
DESPITE previously being informed that they could return to work next month, Cabbage Beach vendors say they are now in limbo as to whether they can begin operating their businesses again.
D’Aguilar: Health visa has worked for nation
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has defended the government’s use of the travel health visa saying it has “worked well” for the country.
Bimini residents told to be on alert after COVID spike
BIMINI officials are urging residents to keep their guard up as the island grapples with yet another spike in COVID-19 cases.
Social services staff concerns ‘being addressed’ says minister
SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell said the concerns of the staff of the Department of Social Services which prompted a demonstration on Monday are being addressed.
‘I want us in best COVID categories’
A fully vaccinated Bahamas is the only way to fully revive tourism and achieve a Cabinet minister’s goal of “always being in the best category” for COVID-19 travel advisories.
Central Bank signals reserves past danger
The Clearing Banks Association’s chairman yesterday said he is “not jumping through hoops just yet” despite the Central Bank’s actions signalling the post-COVID recovery is on “an upward trend”.
Nearly $50m loans fall into delinquency
Almost $50m worth of loans became delinquent during May 2021 as COVID-19 payment deferrals continued to expire, the Central Bank of The Bahamas has revealed.
Briland hotelier: ‘Will bubble pop?’
A prominent Briland hotelier yesterday said tourism operators “don’t know whether a bubble is going to pop” with resorts continuing to enjoy “unheard of” bookings for the summer months.
Ten new Grand Bahama recruits for sorority
THE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter made history for the seventh time and officially welcomed ten new women into the sorority recently in Grand Bahama.
GB airport: Govt ‘rolled over and played dead’
The government has “rolled over and played” dead by permitting Hutchison Whampoa to dump all its loss-making assets on the Bahamian taxpayer, a prominent attorney argued yesterday.
Lockdown did help reduce crime stats
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said fewer COVID-19 restrictions are likely a factor – but not a significant one – in the uptick in murders this year.
Body found in landfill well
POLICE removed a man’s partially decomposed body from the New Providence Landfill yesterday in what Assistant Superintendent of Police Audley Peters said appears to be a suspicious death.
Rape accuser Claudia died of COVID day after birth
CLAUDIA Edwards, the woman at the centre of a rape allegation against immigration officer Norman Bastian, was eulogised yesterday after dying of COVID-19.
Investigator ‘shocked’ at arrest for Davis defamation
A POLICE sergeant testified in Magistrate’s Court yesterday about his role in arresting private investigator Oswald Poitier for libel allegations made against him by Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis.
Marijuana conviction quashed
THE Court of Appeal yesterday quashed the conviction of a man who was previously fined $10,000 after he pleaded guilty to marijuana possession with the intent to supply.
Fishermen held for violations
ELEVEN fishermen were apprehended for fisheries violations last week by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in the northern Bahamas.
Accused will face child sex charge
A MAN who denied having sex with a three-year-old boy was told by a Supreme Court judge that he does have a case to answer.
‘Pay $300 or go to jail’ over three grams of marijuana
A 36-year-old man was yesterday ordered to pay $300 or spend a month in prison after he was found with three grams of marijuana.
16-year-old accused of murder remanded
A JUVENILE was remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys yesterday after being charged with murdering a man in the Garden Hills area earlier this month.
Migrants guilty of illegal embarkation
SEVERAL migrants were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court for illegal embarkation this week.
Becoming hell on earth
Often at the Mercy of Thugs
Mandatory vaccination
Worldwide persons are hesitant about taking a vaccination of any sort regardless of where it would have been developed due to what seems to be a number of reasons. These include: a stark lack of conversation amongst citizens and the so-called ‘experts’; a discussion on the pros and cons of taking a vaccine; mistrust of the relevant government and no guarantees that the “cure” will not be worse than the actual COVID-19. Many people are simply afraid to have a foreign serum injected into their bodily systems.
Mullings regains national decathlon record
Four months ago, Kendrick Thompson snatched the Bahamas national decathlon record away from Ken Mullings. Over the weekend, Mullings regained the record at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Track and Field Championships.
Davis Cup: Bahamas set to play Cuba today
ALTHOUGH they don’t know much about their first round opponents from Cuba, player/captain Marvin Rolle said Team Bahamas won’t take anything for granted when they step on the tennis court today in Panama City, Panama.
Jonquel Jones scores 23 in return from EuroBasket tournament
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jonquel Jones scored 23 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in her return from the EuroBasket tournament, and the Connecticut Sun beat the short-handed Washington Mystics 90-71 last night.
Bahamians are among the top performers at IBBF Pro League World Caribbean Championships
BAHAMIAN competitors Kaif Young, Jason Johnson, Paul Wilson, Serena Decius-Norius and Dawn Charlton were among the top performers at the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IBBF) Pro League World Caribbean Championships.
Tuesday, June 29
PETER YOUNG: More than just a game
IN the US it is called soccer. Elsewhere in the world it is known as football, and in Britain it carries the affectionate sobriquet of the “beautiful game” which folklore suggests was a phrase first coined by the Brazilian footballer, Pele, known as perhaps the most famous footballing hero of them all.
FACE TO FACE: Brave Peyton won’t allow scoliosis to work against her
IT’S amazing the things you will learn if you sit down and have a heart to heart with a child. I did this the other day with 11-year-old Peyton Gomez. In the simplest, purest way, she shared an outlook on life that everyone should apply to their own. Her way of handling life and the curveball it threw her is nothing short of phenomenal.
Extra security for Grove after double shooting
POLICE say they will beef up security in the Coconut Grove area after a 26-year-old woman and her uncle were killed in the community only a day apart last week.
Munroe questions need for travel health visa
THE Progressive Liberal Party has doubled down on criticisms of the government’s travel health visa, demanding that officials release an audited accounting breakdown of the initiative.
Police probe man’s suspected drowning
A BODY was found submerged in waters under a pier off Victoria Avenue yesterday morning.
BPL rejects claims and calls walkout illegal
IN response to unionised staff walking off the job yesterday to protest “unfair treatment”, Bahamas Power and Light issued a statement calling the walk out illegal and the claims unfounded.
‘Cut hip’ for Kanoo over tourism delay
A Cabinet minister says he would “take a cut hip any day” for selecting Kanoo as the Bahamas health travel visa’s payment processor as opposed to delaying tourism’s late 2020 restart.
Bahamas to ‘recalibrate’ airlift with airports PPP
The Bahamas is seeking to “recalibrate the aviation asymmetry” that results in more than two-thirds of international flights coming to Nassau as opposed to other islands, it was revealed yesterday.
Six airports to need more than $150m funding
Six Family Island airports will probably require a greater collective investment than the $150m a Bahamian merchant bank is seeking to raise from local investors, it was revealed yesterday.
Atlantis ‘close to 90%’ occupancy in coming weeks
Atlantis will operate at “close to 90 percent occupancy” over the next few weeks, its top executive revealed yesterday, with all properties apart from the Beach Towers having re-opened post-COVID.
GB airport revival pegged at $200m
A $200m investment is required for the “comprehensive redevelopment” of a Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA) that lost more than $13m in the two-and-a-half years before the government acquired it.
AG’s office seeks stay on citizenship ruling
THE Office of the Attorney General on Friday filed documents asking the Court of Appeal to stay Supreme Court Justice Ian Winder’s consequential ruling on citizenship rights and to grant leave for the ruling to be appealed to the Privy Council.
BPL ‘HAS 14 DAYS’: Company told that it must solve issues or face union wrath
BAHAMAS Power and Light employees demonstrated outside the company’s headquarters yesterday, with the union representing line staff at the utility provider saying it is giving management 14 days to resolve all outstanding matters or face its “wrath”.
Financier warns over home port ‘backdraft’
An international financier with experience in infrastructure projects in The Bahamas yesterday warned that the “backdraft” from cruise home porting can have a “sucking effect” on other types of tourism.
Delivery provider eyes ‘digital storefront’ app
An online delivery provider yesterday revealed it is creating an app to provide “digital storefronts” for small businesses struggling to develop such solutions of their own.
BFSB chief awaits talks over ‘structural reform’
A senior Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) chief executive yesterday said she anticipates wide-ranging talks on “overall structural reform” to make the economy more resilient will take place shortly.
Man punched police officer
A MAN who assaulted a police officer after punching another man in the face while they were both detained in police custody was yesterday fined $200.
Haitian man accused over deaths at sea
A HAITIAN man was arraigned on manslaughter charges in Freeport yesterday in connection with the deaths of two Haitian migrants in waters off Grand Bahama.
Rotarians put focus on the environment
THE first day of July marks the beginning of a new Rotary year - and this year it also marks the addition of a new focus for Rotarians.
South Ocean becomes newest Rotary Club
THE Rotary Club of South Ocean is the newest and tenth Rotary club in the country.
Ayton has double double, but Clippers beat Suns 116-102 to stave off elimination
PHOENIX (AP) — Paul George scored 41 points, Reggie Jackson added 23 and the resilient Los Angeles Clippers staved off elimination by beating the Phoenix Suns 116-102 last night in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
Serena Brown breaks her national record in discus
National champion Serena Brown improved on her national record in the women’s discus and now she is waiting to see if her position secures her a spot at the 2020 Olympic Games.
BLTA: Junior tennis champions crowned
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) Junior Tennis Nationals came to a successful end at the National Tennis Centre over the weekend.
Davis Cup men need COVID-19 results before they can practice
AFTER watching the ladies’ team finish in third place at the Billie Jean King Cup over the weekend, Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association president Perry Newton is eager to see what the men’s Davis Cup team will do this week.
Monday, June 28
Police hunt for identity of stabbing victim
MAN was found dead with injuries consistent with stab wounds Monday morning off Prince Charles Drive.
EDITORIAL: Tourism returns at last - and we need it
WHEN we wrote about the return of tourism on Friday, we said the Americans were coming – well, they’ll be here sooner than you might have thought.
INSIGHT: Pandemic-proof our bounce back
COVID-19 has been spreading through The Bahamas for the past 16 months. With government expenditure surpassing $290m and massive job losses, the siren call of tourism operators seeking to provide for guests again is hard to resist.
INSIGHT: For the family of murdered Breanna the pain of her loss has never gone away
The family of Breanna Mackey, will never see her face or hear her voice again in this life. Her hugs, her smell, her big personality are now confined to a small coffin, six feet below the surface of the earth.
Two arrested for drug possession
A MAN and a woman were arrested in Grand Bahama on Friday accused of drug possession with intent to supply.
Ministry ‘monitoring’ collapsed condo tragedy
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is monitoring the tragedy in Surfside, Florida where at least nine people are dead and more than 100 people are unaccounted for after a multi-story condo building partially collapsed.
46 more people with COVID diagnosed over weekend
THE Bahamas recorded 46 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases over the weekend, pushing the nation’s overall tally to 12,543.
Two cases on cruise ship in Grand Bahama
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said local residents were never exposed to two teens who had tested positive for COVID-19 on board a Royal Caribbean International cruise which ported in Grand Bahama on Thursday.
Minister has no answer on when there will be more Dorian inquests
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames could not say in a recent interview if the Coroner’s Court will launch further inquests that would see more people who went missing during Hurricane Dorian be declared dead.
Former health official beats CIBC strike-out
A former top public health official has seen his six-figure claim against CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) survive a strike-out bid by the BISX-listed financial institution.
Insurer’s $5m payout to boost equity return
A Bahamian insurer will “significantly reduce our cost of capital” by redeeming $5m in preference shares as it awaits regulatory approval to acquire an agency owned by one of its main shareholders.
Hope Abaco’s port PPP can ‘dodge bullet’
Abaco stakeholders yesterday voiced hope that the government is not too late to “dodge a bullet” with plans to seek a public-private partnership (PPP) for the rebuilding of Marsh Harbour’s sea port.
Bahamas breaks aviation Frontier
FRONTIER Airlines made its first flight to Nassau on Friday, becoming the first ultra-low fare carrier to enter the Caribbean market with multiple travel days per week. Frontier will operate direct flights from Miami International Airport to Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) four times a week with effect from next month.
Realtor enjoys 300% sales volume growth
A prominent Bahamian realtor says sales volumes have increased by 300 percent year-over-year during the 2021 first half, with average sales prices hitting a record $2.7m.
Financial services shed nearly 160 jobs in 2020
The Bahamian financial services industry shed almost 160 jobs in 2020, a Central Bank report has revealed, with the banking sector suffering multi-billion dollar declines in “balance sheet” and “fiduciary” assets.
100% debt ratio will ‘only partially subside’
The Central Bank is warning that The Bahamas’ near-100 percent debt-to-GDP ratio will “only partially subside” as the economy begins its recovery from COVID-19’s devastation.
BTVI president says Bahamas ‘must do better’ on education
The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) president says The Bahamas must produce better-qualified workers as 60 percent of employers are unable to find the staff they need.
Mortgage facilitator’s insurance expansion
A mortgage facilitator has expanded its product offering through the acquisition of an established insurance agency.
The Federal Reserve hawkish pivot
ActivTrades
ON Wednesday June 16 the United States Federal Reserve stunned observers, announcing the intention to start rising interest rates at some point in 2023, bringing the dot plot forward by a full year.
Bahamas First sees top ratings affirmed
Bahamas First’s “favourable operating performance” amid COVID-19’s economic stresses saw its credit and financial strength rankings upheld by the top global insurance rating agency.
Bystander shot by police in chase
THE family of the 36-year-old woman who was accidentally shot by an officer on Saturday say they plan to take legal action against the police for negligence.
‘It’s bouncing back with a vengeance’
Tourism was yesterday said to be “bouncing back with a vengeance” with 13,000 cruise visitors expected in the week before Independence and Nassau’s mega resorts reporting occupancies of up to 90 percent.
Health visa would be scrapped under PLP
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis says he will immediately end the travel health visa requirement if the system is still in place and his party wins the next general election.
MUM AND UNCLE SHOT DEAD 24 HOURS APART: Shavonna, 26, gunned down as family united to mourn earlier killing
A SINGLE mother was fatally shot in the Coconut Grove area on Friday night, a day after her uncle was killed at the same address.
Attorney General comments
As a female professional, I was somewhat disappointed by the recent remarks of Mr Carl Bethel, the Honourable Attorney General, when he referred to the loss of employment of female prosecutors in the Office of the Public Prosecutions by highlighting same as burned out and contracting stressful illnesses. I can only imagine how demeaning and humiliating this reference to gender of those female prosecutors who have the robust role of the conduct and carriage of trial proceedings in the courts, primarily the Supreme Court.
Man in hospital after stabbing
A GRAND Bahama man is in hospital after he was stabbed early yesterday.
Nygard faces legal fight to stop seizure of properties
FASHION mogul Peter Nygard is facing more legal problems as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York moves to seize five California properties connected to him, including a Marina del Rey condo where he hosted some of his infamous “pamper parties.”
DEREK SMITH: Following the crowd fails your business
Risk management is a topic that has increasingly made headlines around the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, after the release earlier this month of my first article in this two-part series on why businesses fail, I have had multiple conversations with colleagues about risk management. What was evident is that views are split about whether proactive risk management or reactive risk management should be deployed by companies.
WORLD VIEW: Joint endeavour or collective surrender: resisting global tax
THE proposal by the US government to establish a global minimum corporate tax is not a remote matter from the lives of people in the Caribbean. It is a real issue with deep implications for Caribbean economies, and, indeed, for the capacity of Caribbean countries to continue to participate meaningfully in the global trading and financial system.
Where’s my CNN?
At one time at the end of a hard work week, I looked forward to going home of a Friday evening, crashing into my most comfortable armchair, switching on to the US TV Station CNN and enjoying their weekend feature programme. Not so anymore.
Ayton and Suns one win from NBA Finals
BAHAMIAN DeAndre Ayton and his Phoenix Suns are now in the driver’s seat of the National Basketball Association’s Western Conference Finals.
Bastian, Evans to swim for Bahamas at Olympics
Izaak Bastian, the top male FINA point getter, will join Grand Bahamian Joanna Evans as the two representatives for the Bahamas at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Keyshawn Strachan shatters national record in javelin
COACH Corrington Maycock knew that it was just a matter of time before his Blue Chips Athletics’ strongman Keyshawn Strachan broke the 70 metre barrier in the men’s javelin.
Billie Jean King Cup: ‘I’m proud that we were able to place third overall’
AFTER finishing in the second spot in pool B, the Bahamas women’s tennis team made sure they took care of business in the playoffs of the Billie Jean King Cup in Panama City, Panama, over the weekend.
Miller-Uibo and Gardiner put on a show for Bahamian fans
SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner, preparing to lead the Bahamas team at the 2020 Olympic Games next month, put on a show for the Bahamian fans at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Track and Field Championships.
Saturday, June 26
Woman dies, man injured after shooting
A woman is dead and a man is in hospital after a shooting incident in Coconut Grove on Friday night.
Friday, June 25
Body found in overturned car
POLICE on Andros discovered a man’s partially decomposed body in a car overturned in bushes on Thursday.
Man charged with housebreaking, stealing and receiving
A 31-year-old man was remanded to prison on Friday after being charged with several housebreaking and stealing incidents.
Bail for man who denied assaulting sister
A 43-year-old man who denied assaulting his sister earlier this week was on Friday granted bail ahead of his trial.
Woman pleads not guilty to assault
A HAITIAN woman was granted $3,000 bail on Friday after pleading not guilty to assaulting another woman last month.
EDITORIAL: The light at the end of the tunnel
THE Americans are coming.
DIANE PHILLIPS: A Rose that will always bloom
THERE are photographers and then there was Roland Rose.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Lots of talk but little action when it comes to citizenship
THIS week, I watched something that I usually (aggressively) try to avoid; the televised Senate proceedings.
D’Aguilar says supply chain to blame for Sandals delay
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar is confident that Sandals Resorts International has pushed back the reopening of its Sandals Royal Bahamian resort in New Providence because of supply chain issues related to construction and nothing else.
Bahamas not on UK list
THE United Kingdom is poised to add 16 countries to its “green list” – though not The Bahamas – as it expands its list of countries to where travel is safe.
Foulkes says 8,000 jobs created or coming soon
LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes said yesterday that some 8,000 jobs have either been created recently or will come on stream soon.
Munroe: AG cannot request stay on ruling
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe does not believe the Office of the Attorney General can request a stay of the Court of Appeal’s citizenship ruling because “the Court of Appeal has not ordered the government to do anything”.
US departures back to 75% pre-COVID levels
US pre-clearance at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) expects to be processing 70-75 percent of pre-COVID’s record passenger volumes “by the end of summer”, a top official revealed yesterday.
Construction costs to jump 20% this year
Two ex-Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) presidents yesterday warned that construction costs will likely increase up to 20 percent this year as cement became the latest product to take a hit.
‘Greater resolve’ to eliminate Bahamas in financial services
A former prime minister yesterday warned that COVID-19 has “only strengthened the resolve” of major nations to eliminate the competitive threat posed by The Bahamas and other Caribbean countries.
Man killed, woman injured in second fatal shooting on Thursday
A MAN is dead and a woman is in hospital after a shooting in Coconut Grove Thursday night.
Nassau ‘running low’ on cement supplies
New Providence is “running very low” on cement supplies due to a combination of shipping delays and surging post-COVID construction activity, merchants disclosed yesterday.
Sanctions letters for 11 registered agents
The government has issued sanctions warnings to 11 financial services providers for failing to supply beneficial ownership details on corporate entities they act for, the attorney general revealed yesterday.
Body found ‘drowned’ in Potter’s Cay
POLICE are investigating the suspected drowning death of a man whose body was fished out of waters at Potter’s Cay yesterday.
Nurses cautious on ending restrictions
BAHAMAS Nurses Union President Amancha Williams said yesterday the union would only support the government’s proposed decision to end the COVID-19 emergency restrictions if a comprehensive plan is in place to mitigate potential virus spread.
Officer’s killer - or innocent?
THE lawyer for a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer accused of murder said the prosecution’s case was not fully investigated and that his client, who has maintained his innocence, had nothing to hide.
Man killed, woman hurt in shooting
A MAN was killed and a woman was injured during a daytime shooting at Peardale Road yesterday.
‘I SAW ADRIANA IN SAFE HOUSE’: Witness swears missing Cuban woman was held by immigration officers
A CAMEROON native who was released from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre over two months ago claimed she saw missing Cuban woman Adriana Caro at the Department of Immigration’s safe house in early April.
The question of citizenship
Collectively we as real Bahamians have kicked the can filled with questions of citizenship too far down the road for too long. With the splendid ruling by a majority of the Court of Appeal recently (God bless them forever) the long vexing and debilitating question of citizenship is finally coming to a dramatic close.
40-year-old woman latest COVID victim
A 40-year-old New Providence woman died from COVID-19 on June 23, pushing the nation’s death toll to 245, according to the Ministry of Health.
Team inspects ecosystems in Grand Bahama study
A TEAM was in East Grand Bahama for a two-day field trip observing the natural habitat and ecosystems, as part of the Implementing Land, Water, and Ecosystem Management in the Bahamas (IWEco The Bahamas) project.
Medical school to receive students by next January
STATE Minister for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson said yesterday construction of a medical school in Grand Bahama by the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine is progressing and should be ready to receive students by January next year.
Six years for thief
A REPEAT offender who claimed he went on a stealing spree to support his two children and unborn baby was yesterday sentenced to six years behind bars.
15 Cubans detained off Anguilla Cay
A GROUP of Cubans are currently being detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre after they were apprehended in the southwest Bahamas by a US Coast Guard vessel earlier this week.
Cocaine suspect awaits bail hearing
A 41-year-old man who denied importing 23 pounds of cocaine into the country was remanded to prison pending a bail hearing.
Seeking a reply
I would appreciate it if you would publish this letter to Mr Richard Hardy, Director (Acting) of Lands and Surveys, in the hope that I shall get a reply to my question.
Vaccination
It is a Must and Pleasure to thank so much all the volunteers taking care of you at Loyola Hall.
Ayton leads Suns with 18 in loss to Clippers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul George scored 27 points and the Los Angeles Clippers pulled away in a dominant third quarter, beating newly returned Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns 106-92 last night in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.
Bastian lowers his national record in 200m breast
WITH one spot available for the men if there are no automatic A qualifiers at the Bahamas Aquatics’ National Swimming Championships this weekend, top contender Izaak Bastian proved he’s here to take on the challenge with a national record-breaking performance.
PRESS BOX: Bahamian makes history in professional wrestling
WHAT a nice surprise I had late the other night while flipping through the cable channels.
Tokyo Olympics: Last Chance Meet all set for Monday
RIGHT after the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations completes its National Open Track and Field Championships this weekend, the Blue Marlin Management will stage its Last Chance Meet on Monday.
Thursday, June 24
EDITORIAL: A long legacy of illegal detention
THE question of the illegal treatment of Douglas Ngumi is not at issue. He was locked up for six and a half years illegally – that’s already been ruled on in court. The Bahamas illegally imprisoned him.
STATESIDE: You can feel it’s coming – another summer of unrest for a troubled country
WHILE the meteorological hurricane season has already begun for 2021, there is increasing evidence that a new political and social hurricane season is just starting to get underway in the United States.
FRONT PORCH: States and citizens playing Russian Roulette with COVID
The Bahamas is making progress in the uptake of SARS-COV-2 vaccines by Bahamians. The uptake is consistent and steady. Yet, it is not as good as it can be nor as good as other jurisdictions where citizens are taking vaccinations at a quicker and eager pace.
Bethel: No change in citizenship law
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel stressed yesterday the law has not changed regarding citizenship despite the Court of Appeal affirming a landmark ruling.
Suspect detained after police station escape
A SUSPECT is back in custody after escaping from Central Police Station on Tuesday, Police Commissioner Paul Rolle confirmed last night.
Pointe ordered to stop work that closed road
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Works Desmond Bannister said yesterday his ministry ordered staff at The Pointe to stop the work that resulted in the closure of Dorchester Street.
Fire-hit vendors wait for repairs go-ahead
THE association representing vendors at Potter’s Cay said stakeholders are awaiting officials from the Ministry of Works to sign off on plans to reconstruct stalls that were destroyed by fire earlier this year.
‘Get creative’ over govt debt aversion
The government was yesterday urged to “become more creative” in the Bahamian debt markets as traditional purchasers of its bonds increasingly reject long-term paper due to the mounting fiscal crisis.
Minister’s cargo hub plans for GB airport
Establishing the city of Freeport as an air cargo transshipment hub could generate the extra income required to make its rebuild attractive to private capital and operators/developers, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.
Minister: ‘No favours’ to payment provider
A Cabinet minister yesterday asserted that “no special favours” were involved in hiring a digital payments provider to handle the health travel via fees generated by tourism’s COVID-19 re-opening.
Shipyard’s ‘really big deal’: Can be 30% of GB output
A top hotelier yesterday hailed the planned $350m investment in the Grand Bahama Shipyard as “a really big deal” that could result in the facility generating up to 30 percent of the island’s economic output.
Melia closure’s $5m potential hit for bank
A BISX-listed bank has revealed that a major Nassau-based resort’s decision to close for two years has placed more than $5m worth of outstanding loans in potential default.
Airline which veered off runway given warning
AN American airline that operated a plane that skidded off the runway at Grand Bahama International Airport in October last year has been issued a warning by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Anti-virus software creator McAfee kills himself in prison
AMERICAN anti-virus software founder John McAfee, pictured, was found dead in his cell at a Barcelona prison in an apparent suicide, according to international reports.
D’Aguilar shrugs off contract questions
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has defended the government’s award of a no-bid contract to Kanoo Pays, an electronic retail payment provider, to process travel health visa payments.
‘HE DESERVES MORE’: Kenyan awarded $640k for six years of illegal detention seeks higher compensation
KENYAN native Douglas Ngumi is challenging a Supreme Court ruling that awarded him over $640,000 in damages for his unlawful arrest, detention and inhumane treatment at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, arguing more compensation is needed for the wrongs committed against him.
Impulse to seek power
Many decades ago a noted English political philosopher, Bertrand Russell, penned several essays relative to political power and why men and women could very well throw their parents, et al, under a bus to achieve it. These essays were eventually combined into a book that he titled: “Power”. During the long parliamentary recess (in the midst of the ongoing pandemic and a wobbly economy) I would urge all current members of the House and the senate, along with those who are seeking elective or appointed office, to read it.
Procurement reform hit by resistance to change
It was not my intention to write another article until the end of September, as I wanted to give the government the benefit of the doubt regarding its self-imposed September 1, 2021, timeline for when the Public Procurement Act will take effect. However, on Monday, the prime minister during his closing remarks in the budget debate referred to me publicly by warning that “if you push me enough” the details of my personal files when I was employed at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Ministry of Health will be revealed.
Regulator disputes Cabbage Beach ‘no permits’ assertion
A senior government official yesterday disputed assertions by the Ocean Club’s owner that it did not require permits to begin clearing the property at the heart of last week’s Cabbage Beach dispute.
Over the Hill tax-free zone in mixed review
Businesses yesterday cited uncertainty, confusion and lack of information as to why they are not taking advantage of the Over the Hill Tax Free Zone (OHTFZ) incentives.
Teenager charged with rape and armed robbery
A THIRD teenager was charged yesterday with the rape and armed robbery of a 47-year-old woman.
Witness tells court that suspect visited his nightclub
A RETIRED petty officer yesterday testified how Able Seaman Jevon Seymour stopped by his nightclub on the morning Petty Officer Percival Perpall was shot dead at Government House.
We must stop import of firearms
It is recorded that last year the United States reported more than 20,000 murders – the highest total since 1995 and 4,000 more than in 2019.
Bahamas prevails with 2-1 decision over Costa Rica
Top seeds Kerrie Cartwright and Sydney Clarke prevailed in straight sets in their singles matches to offset the loss by Elana Mackey and Sierra Donaldson in doubles as the Bahamas pulled off a 2-1 decision over Costa Rica.
FIBA Women’s EuroBasket: Jones and her team eliminated
GRAND Bahamian Jonquel Jones had another terrific game, but it wasn’t enough as Bosnia and Herzegovina ended their run at the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket in the quarterfinals on Tuesday in Strasbourg, France.
Pauline Davis’ memoir ‘Running Sideways’ revealed
THE US publisher behind two-time gold medallist Pauline Davis has released the cover of her hotly anticipated memoir, with pre-sales open ahead of its early 2022 release.
Wednesday, June 23
ALICIA WALLACE: There’s so much to see and do right on our doorstep
Summer is officially here, students have time off from school and adults are taking vacation. Travel may seem too complicated and be too expensive right now, so we have to think about how we can make the most of this time here at home. There is more to do than most of us realise, likely because our days our packed with too many errands and obligations in addition to employment. When we have time off and set fun as the goal for the day, even the most ordinary outings can be enjoyable.
‘Citizenship to stay same until Privy Council ruling’
FORMER Attorney General Sean McWeeney says despite the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of a landmark Supreme Court ruling on citizenship, the status quo will prevail until the Privy Council has ruled on the matter.
Dames: I don’t know when prisoners will receive vaccinations
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames admitted yesterday he did not know when the vaccine roll out would take place at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, but gave good news regarding low numbers of infections at an armed force agency.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS: McAfee antivirus software creator dead in Spanish prison
MADRID (AP) — John McAfee, the creator of the McAfee antivirus software who last year claimed he had bribed a Bahamian officer, has been found dead in his cell in a jail near Barcelona, a government official told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Kwasi Thompson: Hard decision to increase debt to fund assistance
FINANCE State Minister Kwasi Thompson said the government made the “hard” decision to increase the country’s national debt over the short term in order to fund the assistance programmes needed to keep people afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commodore: We’re more ready than ever for hurricane season
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force, having received a quantity of new equipment, is prepared more than ever before to take on the hurricane season, according to Commodore Raymond King.
$6m gift to keep our waters safe
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force received vessels and other gifts from the United States yesterday, collectively valued at just under $6m as a part of a continuing partnership to keep our waters safe.
Oil opponents bid to end legal roadblock
Oil exploration opponents have offered to pay $100,000 to the former Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) attorneys, and narrow the scope of their Judicial Review, in a bid to remove all legal roadblocks.
QC lashes out on KYC ‘constipation’
An outspoken QC last night warned that “Know Your Customer (KYC) constipation” could undermine The Bahamas’ post-COVID revival, arguing that his law firm’s struggle to open a joint bank account “beggars belief”.
Govt revenues $127m up on budget forecast to May
A Cabinet minister yesterday defended the government’s forecasts for the upcoming fiscal year by revealing that its revenues had exceeded projections by almost $127m over the past six months.
Fishermen brace for legal fight to hit Privy Council
Fishermen in favour of the Fisheries Act’s bar on foreign workers yesterday said they were bracing for legal challenges to the reforms to go all the way to the London-based Privy Council.
Improving worker productivity ‘must be our top priority’
The National Tripartite Council’s (NTC) chairman says improving the Bahamian workforce’s productivity “has to be the number one priority” as the latest effort to eliminate workforce skills gaps launched yesterday.
‘Officer’s murder was nothing to do with me’
ABLE Seaman Jevon Seymour denied threatening to shoot Petty Officer Percival Perpall after the marine refused to let him use the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s satellite phone to call his girlfriend while they were deployed on Ragged Island.
August target for end of restrictions
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel said the Minnis administration wants to remove the COVID-19 emergency restrictions by August but that doing so will depend on infection rates and the behaviour of residents.
Light at the end of the tunnel
THE Court of Appeal’s affirmation of an historic Supreme Court ruling on citizenship rights means there is light at the end of the tunnel for some residents who have long sought to be recognised as citizens of The Bahamas and to benefit from that recognition, one of five plaintiffs in the matter said yesterday.
FINAL JUSTICE FOR BREANNA: Women jailed for 28 years after young mum slain over a cellphone
THE remaining two women convicted of murdering teenage mother Breanna Mackey over three years ago were sentenced to 28 years in prison by a Supreme Court judge yesterday.
Tax reform study results ‘by the end of the year’
THE government’s “in-depth” study on tax reform should have produced preliminary results by the end of the year, Minister of State for Finance Kwasi Thompson said yesterday.
‘Prospects bright for Grand Bahama’
KWASI Thompson, State Minister for Grand Bahama, said the prospects are bright for Grand Bahama and he believes Royal Caribbean International’s home porting initiative is a tremendous “game-changer” for the island.
Overstay by ten years? Pay $3,000 or go to jail
A HAITIAN man who overstayed his welcome in the country for over a decade must pay $3,000 to avoid spending six months behind bars.
Be who you is
The sad state of affairs in the northern Bahamas relating to the lagging rebuilding effort almost two year post-Dorian has prompted this letter, along with virtually attending a UNESCO regional seminar last week on “Sustainable Urban Development: Tools for its implementation through heritage and creativity in Latin American and the Caribbean.”
Heritage sites
Much has been said and no doubt will be said about a group of Bahamians seeking a contract from the FNM administration to manage some of our cultural and heritage sites. The current chairman of the FNM, Charles Culmer, has rightfully admitted that he is a part of such grouping along with others, inclusive of FNM and PLP supporters, et al. Such sites would include the forts; the Queen’s Staircase and other sites.
Deandre Ayton soars for last second alley-oop, Suns top Clippers to take 2-0 lead in West finals
PHOENIX (AP) — Deandre Ayton jammed an alley-oop pass from Jae Crowder with 0.7 seconds left, giving the Phoenix Suns a thrilling 104-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers last night in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Billie Jean King Cup: Team Bahamas opens play today
THE Bahamas, ranked at number one in Group II of the Americas Zone of the Billie Jean King Cup, will begin competition today in Panama City, Panama.
Track & Field: BAAA Nationals set for Friday return
THE stage is set for the return of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Track and Field Championships this weekend with some exciting matchups as athletes vie for spots on the various international events, including the 2020 Olympic Games.
Tuesday, June 22
BPL Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 22nd June: Nassau
STARTS: 06/22/2021 9:00 PM EDT EXPIRES: 06/22/2021 11:00 PM EDT
EDITORIAL: Born to a Bahamian man? The court says you’re Bahamian
WHEN the Supreme Court ruled in May last year that children born out of wedlock to Bahamian men and foreign women are citizens at birth and do not have to wait until 18 to apply for citizenship, Attorney General Carl Bethel vowed to appeal.
PETER YOUNG: Now’s the time to showcase the very best of what we have to offer
It is self-evident that tourism is an important, if not essential, part of national economies around the world. For host countries, spending by visitors boosts revenue in many sectors, creates numerous jobs and drives growth. Here in The Bahamas, as everyone knows, tourism is one of the twin pillars of the country’s economy - alongside financial services - and is, therefore, vital to the nation’s prosperity.
FACE TO FACE: True grit and guts have brought Donovan glory
DONOVAN J Rolle spent this Father’s Day in reflection and celebration. He is the proud father of two pairs of twins - London and Donovan Jr, Jaylen and Jayden. He is also the proud author of his second book, “The Heart of a Spartan” - an accomplishment he will celebrate with an official book release this week.
Don’t fall prey to romance scams
THE Financial Crimes Investigation Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force has advised the public not to fall prey to online romance scams/fraud.
Now Wells hopes herd immunity by August
MINISTER of Health Renward Wells says the government hopes the country achieves herd immunity against COVID-19 by August.
Davis dismissive of PM statement
PLP leader Philip Davis was last night quick to be scathingly dismissive of the Prime Minister’s budget statement.
Applications for property available next month
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said applications for the Prospect Ridge community for young professionals will be available online in the first week of July.
Cur-phew: PM eases back
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday relaxed a number of COVID-19 restrictions for New Providence, Grand Bahama and several Family Islands, including new curfew hours and a variety of additional benefits for fully vaccinated people.
Bid to block foreign fishermen ban fails
Top fisheries processors, boat owners and foreign workers have lost their bid to block the Fisheries Act’s implementation despite arguing it would cause the “possible collapse or bankruptcy of their businesses”.
PM hails $350m Shipyard move
The prime minister yesterday said the government is working on “a new partnership agreement” with the Grand Bahama Shipyard’s cruise line owners as he hailed their $350m investment in two new dry docks.
FOCOL ‘won’t go past’ $12m on offer’s excess
FOCOL Holdings will retain some of “the oversubscription” on its recent $10m preference share issue, its chairman telling this newspaper: “In our minds we will not go past $12m”.
PM: Borrowing was matter of our ‘survival’
The prime minister yesterday defended the government’s multi-billion dollar borrowing as a matter of “survival” for The Bahamas and the only way to protect the most vulnerable amid COVID-19’s devastation.
PM fires warning shot over procurement whistleblower
The prime minister yesterday seemingly threatened to disclose personnel file details on a former government employee who wrote an article challenging the administration’s procurement reform implementation.
Hank Johnson waves off criticism
HANK Johnson, Free National Movement’s candidate for Central and South Eleuthera, along with his constituency association chairman have dismissed calls for him to be recalled as the party’s candidate for the area, citing it as someone’s “personal beef”.
Six faced court on murders
SEVERAL men were arraigned yesterday in connection with five separate homicides.
$350m investment for Grand Bahama Shipyard
CARNIVAL and Royal Caribbean cruise lines are planning to invest some $350m in the Grand Bahama Shipyard that will allow for the rebuilding of two new and bigger docks “capable of handling and servicing the largest ships in the world,” Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday.
BIRTH RIGHT: Judges uphold landmark ruling over citizenship for Bahamian men’s children
THE Court of Appeal has affirmed a landmark Supreme Court ruling allowing Bahamian men to automatically pass citizenship to their children, regardless of whether their child is born out of wedlock to non-Bahamian mothers.
Restaurants praise ‘Vax Pass’ potential
Restaurant owners yesterday said the government’s promised digital vaccination certificate may have a greater impact on their business than the one-hour curfew reduction by facilitating indoor dining.
Vaccination stipulations may hit wedding revival
Bahamian wedding professionals yesterday argued that the COVID-19 vaccination drive will not necessarily succeed in opening up their industry as “the world is 50/50” on becoming inoculated.
$4.2m to inner city
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said as of May this year, $4.2m in tax concessions have been granted to inner-city communities affected by the Economic Empowerment Zones Act.
‘Concerns’ delay campaign finance legislation, says Minnis
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis says campaign finance legislation has been drafted, but due to “concerns” about the proposal, the draft has not yet been finalised.
Two held over human smuggling
TWO Bahamian men suspected of illegal human smuggling were intercepted and apprehended, along with 13 migrants, in US waters last week.
Teens accused of rape of 47-year-old woman
TWO teens, one of which is a minor, were taken to court yesterday to face charges in connection with the rape and armed robbery of a 47-year-old woman.
Man stabbed at Eight Mile Rock fish fry
GRAND Bahama police are investigating a stabbing that occurred at the fish fry in Eight Mile Rock on Sunday.
Accused: I wasn’t angry with officer
ABLE Seaman Jevon Seymour denied being angry with Petty Officer Percival Perpall for reporting him absent without leave when he was questioned in police custody following the marine’s murder, a jury heard.
Police officer tells of injured guard at night club
A POLICE officer testified yesterday how she met an injured security guard restraining a man when she responded to an altercation in the parking lot of a night club last year.
‘Do or die’: Jones has another double double
Grand Bahamian Jonquel Jones posted another double-double to help Bosnia and Herzegovina win their first playoff game to stay alive in the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Championships.
Judoka Xavion Johnson wins five medals
BAHAMIAN rising young judoka Xavion Johnson certainly didn’t miss a step on the mat after he returned to international judo competition in the United States from a two-year break.
More accolades for multi-talented thrower Tiffany Hanna
THE accolades continue to pile up for multi-talented thrower Tiffany Hanna as a graduate of Wagner College and a member of their Seahawks track and field team.
Inaugural Flamingos Women’s Golf Club 242 9-Hole Golf Tournament hailed a success
THE inaugural Flamingos Women’s Golf Club 242 9-Hole Golf Tournament was such a success that both the organisers and the participants are looking forward to the next event.
Monday, June 21
INSIGHT: Cabbage Beach access - the court’s already ruled and it wasn’t in favour of the vendors
WHILE the question of who has the right to access Cabbage Beach made headlines last week this wasn’t the first time this complex issue has reared its head.
EDITORIAL: We must keep going to get past the third wave
PERHAPS we are too eager for good news – but any hopes we might have emerged from the third wave of COVID-19 affecting our country are perhaps premature.
WORLD VIEW: Democracy too precious in CARICOM not to defend it abroad
MORE commonality was shown by CARICOM countries in a vote on Tuesday, June 15, at the Organization of American States (OAS) than has been seen in recent times.
INSIGHT: Why isn’t anyone listening to us?
“Temporary” social workers at the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development are upset and accusing the authorities there of treating them “like garbage” while they remain uncertain as to the longevity of their employment.
INSIGHT: Deadly force should be last resort - not the first
LAST week’s shooting of a mentally ill man by Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) officers has added another name to the list of individuals who have died in police involved shootings in recent years. However, this was not the typical situation where the police have met deadly force with the same.
Bahamian murdered in Florida
FLORIDA detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of a Bahamian man in Broward County last week.
Beach vendors to take legal action
THE Cabbage Beach Vendors Association plans to take legal action against Access Industries for missing and damaged beach equipment.
Police seek to quiz five over mass shooting
POLICE are looking to speak with five people in connection with the April mass shooting in the Kemp Road area.
Playing ‘catch up’ on $200m clinic needs
The Bahamas will always be “playing catch up” with public health infrastructure needs that could amount to $200m just to upgrade community clinics, a former Cabinet minister has revealed.
Businesses face fire amid COVID vaccine ‘games’
The director of labour yesterday accused the Opposition of “playing political games” over COVID-19 vaccinations as businesses come under increasing fire for encouraging staff to become inoculated.
BREA chief: Do ‘admirable thing’ for existing deals
The Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president says it will be “the admirable thing to do” for the government to “honour” current VAT rates on high-end deals agreed before the budget’s unveiling.
PM announces curfew change: 11pm to 5am
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has announced that the curfew on New Providence has been changed to 11pm to 5am daily with immediate effect.
Cruise returnees cause airport rush
The Bahamas must “go back to the drawing board” on the departure experience for Royal Caribbean’s home porting passengers after many were forced to wait two hours or longer to check-in with Bahamasair.
Man killed in struggle with gunman
A MAN was shot dead after a struggle with a gunman outside his home in the Chippingham area last night.
PLP’s final candidate selected
THE Progressive Liberal Party has ratified its latest candidate, stating the organisation’s slate of contenders are “officially ready to compete” in the next general election.
WE MUST KEEP OUR GUARD UP: Forbes warns despite reduced cases third COVID wave still here
DESPITE a “slight decline” in coronavirus cases recently, health officials believe it is still “a little too early” to say whether the nation is emerging from the third wave of the virus.
Bahamas and all IFCs to feel tax compliance pinch
An attorney writes that this nation is being pushed to implement a 'low tax' regime
The past decade has witnesses an historically significant increase in international tax compliance measures.
IDB guarantee sought for $700m borrowing
The government is seeking a $200m guarantee from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to underwrite the bulk of its foreign currency borrowing in the 2021-2022 fiscal year, it was confirmed yesterday.
BTC: 7,000 homes on fibre by 2021 end
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) chief executive says 7,000 homes will be added to its new fibre technology network by the end of 2021.
Govt touts 14,000 new SMEs created
The government yesterday sought to show its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) focus is delivering results by reiterating that almost 14,000 such businesses have been formed since the 2017 general election.
The return of oil
ActivTrades
BARELY 14 months ago, oil traders were paying almost $40 to anyone willing to accept delivery of a barrel of crude by the end of May 2020. Such had been the pandemic’s impact in the demand for the black gold, that storage reached full capacity and those who, acting as middlemen, had secured large quantities of oil, were unable not just to resell it but even to keep it stored at a suitable location.
Cruise ship’s arrival ‘a sign we’re getting back to normal’
THE arrival of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship at Freeport Harbour on Friday was heralded as a sign that things were returning to normal after the cruising industry came to halt last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Network upgrade hits REV customers
LOCAL cable and internet provider REV said “unforeseen complications” during a scheduled network upgrade left nearly a quarter of residential customers in New Providence without service for a period yesterday.
Controversial way to save The Bahamas
For many Bahamians, we believe that the country is nearing the crossroads of destiny.
Changing times over Marlin fishing
I see where a letter writer to The Tribune was sickened by your front page photo on June 7, headed “Sport or Slaughter”, and environmentalist Sam Duncombe has taken the sportsmen to task remarking that it is “absolutely ludicrous” that the capture of the country’s national fish is allowed in such events, adding that “these bloody tournaments” need to stop.
Let’s meet, Dr Minnis
An open letter to the Prime Minister of The Bahamas
Billie Jean King Cup: Pratt replaced with Donaldson
AT the last minute as they prepare for the final stages leading up to the start of the Billie Jean King Cup in Panama, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association had to replace Grand Bahamian Simone Pratt with collegian Sierra Donaldson.
Junior golfers take home national amateur titles
HEATHCLIFF Kane and Anne Fernandez emerged as the Bahamas Golf Federation’s 2021 National Amateur Golf Championships’ male and female champions.
Sunday, June 20
One dead, two injured in shooting incident
Police are investigating after a man died and two others were injured in a shooting incident on Thursday.
Friday, June 18
Adventure of the Seas arrives in Freeport
THE arrival of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line at Freeport Harbour on Friday marks the first international cruise ship to return to sailing in the Western Hemisphere in the last 15 months since the COVID pandemic.
PLP Chairman criticises govt for unfinished projects
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell criticised the Minnis administration for unfinished projects throughout the country.
Former bank employee accused of stealing over $50,000 from customer accounts
A FORMER First Caribbean Bank employee was arraigned in Magistrates Court on Friday for allegedly stealing over $50,000 from customer accounts over a nearly three-year period.
Woman in court on fraud-related charges
A 28-year-old woman was re-arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on Friday on several fraud-related charges.
Former PLP minister questioned by police
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister Vincent Peet was taken in for questioning by police on Friday.
EDITORIAL: If The Bahamas could rub a genie's lamp . . .
LET’S make three wishes for The Bahamas.
DIANE PHILLIPS: If you have trouble sleeping, you are not alone
If you have trouble sleeping you are not alone, I am right there with you. So are millions of others.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Brave lets strong language fly in the House
I WAS going in a totally different direction with the column this week, until the “bull s@@t” hit the fan in the HOA!
Hotel union to appeal Grand Lucayan ruling
THE Bahamas Hotel Managerial Association (BHMA) intends to appeal a ruling handed down in the Supreme Court on June 3 which dismissed wrongful/unfair dismissal claims by 37 current and former managers at the Grand Lucayan Resort.
Wells: We can vaccinate 30 percent by September
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells says he believes The Bahamas can vaccinate up to 30 percent of its population against the deadly coronavirus before September.
‘We need a better understanding of mental illness’
A LOCAL clinical psychologist said that more people in society, including police officers, need training in sensitisation and understanding of mental illness.
PLP Leader: Govt should acquire land in beach row
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis said if the issue of public access to Cabbage Beach cannot be resolved, the government should “acquire” the land next to the private property in question in the public’s interest.
Bahamas must replace vital infrastructure ‘every 20 years’
The Bahamas faces having to replace its entire infrastructure every 20 years due to its exposure to more severe and frequent hurricanes, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) analysis has asserted.
‘Strong possibility’ 2016 PI protest is repeated
A trade union leader yesterday said there was “a very, very strong possibility” that there will be a repeat of the 2016 protest walk over Paradise Island Bridge unless access to Cabbage Beach is resolved.
PI entrepreneur urges: “Let’s talk it out, PM’
A Bahamian entrepreneur yesterday said he has renewed efforts to negotiate a solution to his Paradise Island crown land lease dispute by requesting a meeting with the prime minister.
‘Ball is in their court’ over Bimini’s airport
A senior government official yesterday said “the ball is in the court” of Bimini’s largest investor to submit a completed $40m offer to transform and take over management of that island’s airport.
Controversy-hit airport: Five ‘unsolicited’ offers
The government was yesterday said to have received “at least five unsolicited” offers from the private sector to redevelop Cat Island’s New Bight airport, which has become the focus of political controversy.
Police quiz teen in rape enquiry
Police are investigating an alleged armed robbery and rape which occurred early on Wednesday morning.
Straw Market Authority pays off debt
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Works Desmond Bannister said the board of the Straw Market Authority has paid off nearly $500k in debt owed to the National Insurance Board, Bahamas Power and Light and the Water and Sewerage Corporation.
$100m funding for hospital upgrades
MORE than $290m has been earmarked in the upcoming fiscal year for public healthcare and safety initiatives, with over $100m targeted for infrastructure repairs and critical hospital upgrades.
LOAD SHEDDING? NOT THIS SUMMER: Bannister confident power supplies won’t face planned outages
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Works Desmond Bannister expressed confidence yesterday that Bahamas Power and Light will not implement load shedding this summer.
9mm pistol used to kill RBDF officer on duty at Govt House
A 9mm pistol was the weapon an assailant used to kill Petty Officer Percival Perpall, according to the former director of the Forensic Science Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Commission defends process to select judiciary
THE Judicial and Legal Service Commission has defended the process behind the selection of newly appointed judges and magistrates. After the JLSC announced the appointments in May, there was criticism and speculation in some quarters.
DPM hails BPL upturn but no $535m bond timeline
The deputy prime minister yesterday hailed Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) fuel hedging strategy for bringing electricity rates to an all-time low but made no mention of when its $535m refinancing will occur.
Bahamas’ choices: Austerity or growth
Financial services professionals have cited “missed opportunities” and “glaring deficiencies” in the 2021-2022 budget that has been presented to Parliament for approval.
Budgeting to face future challenges
* In the final of a four-part series, Hubert Edwards warns that The Bahamas has reached a 'debt trap' tipping point that will require a collective effort to address . . .
How employers can show appreciation for fathers
With Father’s Day just around the corner, employers may be wondering how to appreciate and keep men engaged. When your employee shows up to work, you expect them to leave everything at the door, focus on work and make the most of their time on-the-clock. What you probably do not often see or discuss is the sacrifices they make by being a working father. Fatherhood done correctly is becoming increasingly more challenging.
Bahamas’ choices: Austerity or growth
Financial services professionals have cited “missed opportunities” and “glaring deficiencies” in the 2021-2022 budget that has been presented to Parliament for approval.
Haitian jailed for migration
A HAITIAN man who admitted illegally migrating to the country to secure a better way of life was yesterday sentenced to two months in prison.
Pair deny public sex charge
A MAN and woman who denied having sex in a public place were yesterday granted bail ahead of their trial.
COVID-19 Jim Crow
Within days of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ announcement of a forthcoming Vaccination Day for fully vaccinated Bahamians – in which the state will unwittingly carry out discriminatory measures against unvaccinated Bahamians – the United States Congress passed legislation which officially recognises June 19 as a federal holiday. In Congress, 415 lawmakers voted in favour of the holiday, while 14 Republicans voted against the bill. The holiday is named Juneteenth, which was officially signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17.
Jones posts double double in upset win opening day
Jonquel Jones posted a double double to lead Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) to an upset win on the opening day of the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Championships.
Golf nationals called off due to bad weather
THE inclement weather forced the Bahamas Golf Federation to call off yesterday’s first day of competition in the Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) 2021 RF Bank & Trust National Amateur Golf Championships at the Albany Golf Course.
Flamingos Women’s Golf Club to host their first tournament on Saturday
TWO years ago after national and African American Golfer’s Hall of Famer Agatha M Delancy formed the non-profit Flamingos Women’s Golf Club, they will host their first tournament on Saturday at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Nine-Hole Golf Club.
Thursday, June 17
EDITORIAL: Beach battle has already been fought - in court
YESTERDAY’S closure of the entrance to Cabbage Beach brought a sense of déjà vu.
STATESIDE: Showdown in Switzerland but the real challenge is elsewhere
Didn’t it all feel like the run up to a heavyweight boxing match or even the titanic showdown between two powerhouse American football teams?
FRONT PORCH: Mercy is a gift from God which we should not be afraid to give
We boast of ourselves as being a deeply Christian society, a people of faith in a God who sets captives free, whether a people in slavery or a fellow prisoner on the cross being crucified through the penalty of death.
Health minister reveals $640K pot for COVID nurses
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said $640,600 has been allocated for 143 frontline healthcare workers who volunteered to help COVID-19 victims last year.
Bid to reassure those hesitant on vaccines
FOR those Bahamians who are still having vaccine hesitancy, a Pan American Health Organization chief said the public should accept that the vaccines have been assessed as safe and take them.
Man killed in murder not reported by police
A 29-year-old man was murdered off Shirley Street over the weekend but police did not include the homicide in its crime report to the press.
‘Culture of theft’ costs farmers up to 50-60%
Farmers yesterday revealed they are developing legal reforms to crack down on “the culture of theft” that is costing some “up to 50-60 percent of their crop in one night” and devastating the industry.
PI beach access closed for $250m condo-hotel plan
The Ocean Club’s owner last night said it had closed a popular access route to Paradise Island’s Cabbage Beach out of “safety concerns” as it prepares to begin construction on a $250m condominium-hotel project.
Ex-AG: Put real estate residency threshold to $1m
A former attorney general has called for The Bahamas to increase the real estate investment threshold for economic permanent residency to $1m, and asserted: “It should never have been lower than that.
Crowdfund platform’s launch eyes start-ups looking for $1m-$2m
A Bahamas-based crowdfunding platform will showcase “four, maybe five” start-ups each seeking between $1m-$2m in financing when it launches by the second week in July, it was revealed yesterday.
Retailer: No price, supply chain relief till mid-2022
Bahamians were yesterday warned to brace for “across-the-board” price increases and stock shortages until mid-2022, as a prominent retailer warned: “The chickens have come home to roost.”
Plane couldn’t carry COVID victim
RELATIVES of a Bimini woman who died from COVID-19 earlier this week say they believe their loved one could have survived the deadly virus if she had been evacuated to Nassau sooner.
Voters divided over McAlpine candidacy
PINERIDGE residents expressed mixed feelings about supporting area MP Rev Frederick McAlpine as an independent candidate in the next general election.
‘Farm thieves need a tougher penalty’
SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell said yesterday he believes there should be tougher penalties for people who steal from farmers, saying the issue is a vexing problem in his constituency that needs to be addressed.
Union’s challenge on BPL blackout
THE union responsible for line staff at Bahamas Power and Light is accusing executive management of not being accountable to its consumers and employees, saying these are the worst times it has ever seen.
Beach vendors’ fury as owners move to close off their access
CABBAGE Beach vendors were irate and shocked yesterday to see the Paradise Island beach entrance locked and their items relocated when they showed up on site in preparation for their return to work next month.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Don’t let storage woes cloud your designing
If you are a designer working behind a computer, there will always be the need for a large storage bin to place bits and pieces of edited and unedited photos plus data in. The need for large storage can never be evaded. Super high resolution files that are typical of graphic design can consume pretty large amounts of data. Moreover, you may have started arranging a portfolio of records, and suddenly realise that more storage space is required.
Call for extension of hurricane orders in Grand Bahama
SOME Grand Bahama residents are calling on the government to honour expired letters of exemption that were issued before May 31 to import vehicles and are also asking for an extension of the Hurricane Dorian Exigency Order to December.
Court hears of officer injuries
A FORENSIC pathologist testified yesterday that Petty Officer Percival Perpall had multiple injuries at the time of his death, including a lung contusion, a fractured vertebrae and a “collection of blood” in his chest cavity.
Pair accused of cocaine smuggling
TWO men who were accused of smuggling 150 pounds of cocaine into the country last weekend were yesterday remanded to prison pending a bail hearing.
What riles you on the road?
What are the things that yuck up your vexation the most during your morning commute?
Baby timing
I am somewhat confuddled by the timing of your front page article this morning on the Stervante Moss killing.
Social Services budget doubles within two years
A Cabinet minister yesterday further highlighted COVID-19’s devastating impact on Bahamian society by revealing that his ministry’s budget has increased by 100 percent in the two years since he took office.
Apparel retailers in price rise warning
Bahamian apparel retailers yesterday predicted an increase in their prices over the remainder of 2021 if supply chain disruptions and backlogs are not resolved.
All eyes on Jonquel
Jonquel Jones will play her first game outside of the WNBA since the 2021 season began when she leads Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) at the upcoming 38th edition of FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Championships.
Chisholm Jr No. 10 on MLB All-Star Game ballot
JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr will need some help at the ballot boxes to earn qualification for the second phase of the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game presented by Mastercard.
Wednesday, June 16
ALICIA WALLACE: All you wanted to know but were frightened to ask
The US Embassy has been flying the Pride flag for two weeks as Pride Month continues. It is a great time to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. If you do not know what the L, G, B, T, Q, or plus stands for, get ready to learn.
Black Point and Staniel Cay plagued by power outages
FREQUENT power outages on Black Point and Staniel Cay in the Exumas are wreaking havoc on commerce and are reducing the quality of life for the residents there, according to the area MP.
Union of Central Bankers members walk off the job
MEMBERS of the Union of Central Bankers walked off the job yesterday citing unresolved grievances with management.
Marvin Dames has ‘every confidence’ on policing of new measures for fully vaccinated
MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames said yesterday he has “every confidence” law enforcement agencies will be ready to police any new measures for fully vaccinated people once implemented.
Equinor progress on Grand Bahama oil spill
ACTIVIST Joseph Darville is pleased with the efforts being made by Equinor to clean up the oil spill in East Grand Bahama, but has indicated there is still lots of remediation work to be done.
Hopes for completion of $1.8m Abaco Centre and shelter by summer’s end
MONTHS after government officials broke ground for a $1.8m community centre and hurricane shelter in Abaco, State Minister for Disaster Preparedness Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe said construction work has officially started on the project, with officials hoping for completion before the summer’s end.
Scrap metal site fire still burning, but contained
A FIRE which started at a scrap metal site on Monday night has been contained, police said.
Inflation ‘significant’ threat to post-COVID recovery
Rising inflation poses “a very significant” threat to the speed and strength of The Bahamas’ post-COVID economic revival, a prominent economist warned yesterday, with key building material prices up by double digits.
‘Challenged’ to exploit govts VAT tax break
Real estate buyers will be “challenged” to exploit the government’s VAT waiver/discount on deals under $250,000 due to a shortage of contractors in the Dorian-hit islands, it was argued yesterday.
Bahamasair sees revenues fall 84%
Bahamasair’s revenues for the ten months to end-April 2021 plunged by 84 percent year-over-year, a Cabinet minister revealed yesterday, with taxpayers set to underwrite its survival via a $60m-plus subsidy.
Civil service expansion labelled ‘mind boggling’
A governance reformer says it is “mind boggling” that the government would abandon previous pledges to rein-in an oversized civil service by adding at least another 1,802 persons to its payroll.
‘Major improvements’ needed on bank fees
Almost two-thirds of Bahamian businesses say the fees charged by commercial banks need “major improvements”, according to the findings of a Central Bank survey.
Brave blasts govt on Dorian and COVID
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis accused the Minnis administration of mismanaging its Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 response.
‘New citizens should wait to have a vote’
FORMER parliamentarian Loretta Butler-Turner says she believes the government should legislate “a timeframe” for naturalised Bahamians to become participants in the nation’s electoral process.
Home porting will deliver extra $50m
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar estimates that home porting will bring 30,000 to 35,000 cruise ship guests to the Bahamas this year who will contribute $50m during their week-long stay in the country.
Budgeting to face future challenges
* In the third of a four-part series, Hubert Edwards argues that a greater focus on foreign and Bahamian investment will be critical to breaking the low growth trap . . .
‘Phenomenal’ tourism pick-up - but still below 2019 levels
A Cabinet minister yesterday hailed the “phenomenal rate of increase” in stopover visitor arrivals as a sign “tourism is bouncing back” even though the industry remains more than one-third below 2019 numbers
THEY WERE JUST TRYING TO HELP: Police shot cutlass wielding man they had come to assist
A MAN who “charged at” an officer with a cutlass was fatally shot by police on Poitier Avenue and Foster Street in Chippingham yesterday.
Cruise home porting to give $50m boost
A Cabinet minister yesterday predicted that 35,000 home porting cruise passengers will spend a collective $50m across The Bahamas during their seven-night voyages around the island chain this summer.
Food stores confirm price rise pressures
Food stores yesterday said food prices have risen by at least ten percent since last year amid forecasts that increases could last well into 2022.
Prices regulator seeking more power as costs rise
The Price Control Commission’s chairman yesterday said recommendations have been presented to the Minnis Cabinet calling for it to be given greater powers over non-price controlled items.
Men’s American Zone III Davis Cup tie: Bahamas will be ready
WITH a little more than two weeks left before they head to Panama City, Panama, for the men’s American Zone III Davis Cup tie, veteran player/captain Marvin Rolle said he’s making sure that all of the players will be ready.
COVID-19 death toll rises to 239
THE COVID-19 death count has risen to 239 after two more deaths were recorded.
Closing arguments in Supreme Court shanty town hearing
ATTORNEY Fred Smith said the Supreme Court must now decide whether the government can lawfully target and destroy all communities of Haitian ethnic origins in the country.
US businessman denies having pistol and ammunition
AN American businessman who denied having a .9mm pistol and a large quantity of ammunition was yesterday granted bail ahead of his trial.
Police corporal found Petty Officer ‘motionless’ with bullet wounds
A POLICE corporal testified yesterday that he found Petty Officer Percival Perpall “motionless” and slumped over on a couch with bullet wounds to his upper body when he responded to a shooting incident at Government House in 2019.
Law and order established
For two hundred years the settlement of Hope Town on Elbow Cay, Abaco, was a sleepy little fishing village with very little crime. In the 1990’s when the internet put the island on the map, the economic growth that followed, led to more and more crime. A tipping point came in 2018 when Hope Town experienced its first armed robbery http://www.tribune242.com/news/2018/may/22/holiday-weekend-blighted-by-series-of-armed/robberies.
Nightclub noise
Club Waterloo’s principal should not be permitted to operate a nightclub at its current venue, even if COVID restrictions are lifted.
Practice makes perfect for Billie Jean King Cup team
Team Bahamas all set for Panama City
Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association president Perry Newton was relieved to see the members of the women’s team for the Billie Jean King Cup arrive in town prior to their departure for Panama City, Panama, on Saturday.
Tuesday, June 15
EDITORIAL: Watchout, your food bill is going up
IF there’s anything that COVID-19 has taught us, it is how global events can cause local effects.
FACE TO FACE: An independent voice on a different path within Christianity
RELIGION in The Bahamas has been dominated by Christian denominations; in fact, about 90 percent of the population ascribes to some form of Christianity. About 30 percent are Baptist, 23 percent are Pentecostal, 14 percent Catholic, 10 percent Anglican, five percent Seventh-Day Adventist, and four percent Methodist. The remainder includes various Christian and non-Christian religions like Greek Orthodox, Rastafari, Baha’i, Jehovah Witness, Muslim, Obeah and Hinduism.
PETER YOUNG: Outdated - by no means as the G7 has a vital role still to play tackling global issues
FOR a few days last week it could reasonably have been claimed the centre of international affairs and diplomacy was in England’s southwestern county of Cornwall. Under the annual rotating presidency system of the G7 – the world’s largest advanced economies and wealthiest liberal democracies – the UK had organised the group’s first face-to-face meeting since the beginning of the pandemic 18 months ago.
Four new magistrates sworn in by Chief Justice
FOUR stipendiary and circuit magistrates were sworn in before Chief Justice Sir Brian Moree yesterday, bringing the total number of magistrates for the district of New Providence to 13.
Moree: Be careful about criticism of the judiciary
DAYS after Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister criticised a Supreme Court ruling, Chief Justice Sir Brian Moree said officials must be careful about denigrating judges to avoid eroding public trust in the judicial system.
Humes: No offers, and I won’t go independent
FORT Charlotte MP Mark Humes said he has not accepted any election offers from a political party and will not run as an independent candidate.
The billion dollar industry of importing food
THE Bahamas imports about $1bn worth of food products, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard told the House of Assembly yesterday.
Firefighters tackle scrap yard blaze
FIREFIGHTERS struggled to contain a sizeable blaze that erupted near the New Providence Ecology Park last night.
Govt mulling $1m investment floor for permanent residency
The government is eyeing a $1m minimum for investors to qualify for economic permanent residency by making non-real estate investments in The Bahamas, a Cabinet minister revealed last night.
Water Corp sees cash collections decline by $6m
The Water and Sewerage Corporation continues to endure COVID-19’s “devastating impact” on cash collections which have decreased by 24 percent or nearly $6m year-to-date, its executive chairman said yesterday.
Fisheries exports enjoy 19% value increase in 2020
Bahamian fisheries generated a 19 percent increase in the value of its export earnings in 2020 despite a reduction in the volume of domestic landings, a Cabinet minister disclosed yesterday.
Nightspot left facing ‘insurmountable task’
A popular nightspot yesterday revealed it faced “an insurmountable task” to remain open due to the “toll” inflicted by the “inequitable” application of COVID-19 measures combined with the ongoing 10pm curfew.
Goodman appeal is rejected
THE Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed the 55-year prison sentence of Kofhe Goodman, the man convicted of the murder of 11-year-old Marco Archer, after ruling his appeal had no “prospects of success”.
‘Y’all kill my son - God gonna deal with you’
A 25-year-old man was killed yesterday while approaching his Polhemus Street home in a brazen morning shooting. A relative identified the deceased as Stervante Moss.
Pintard - Oban was a ‘rookie mistake’
MORE than three years after the controversial Oban deal was signed, Minister of Marine Resources and Agriculture Michael Pintard suggested yesterday the government made “a rookie mistake” with the billion-dollar project, calling the deal “a clumsy execution of a ceremonial signing”.
GROCERY BILL SET TO SOAR: Supermarket boss warns families face 8-10% price hikes
Super Value’s president yesterday warned that consumers will have “a big pill” to swallow by Christmas, as he predicted that grocery and meat prices will increase by eight percent and 10-12 percent respectively.
Marine says he hid behind desk to avoid being shot
MARINE Seaman Calvin Hanna hid behind an office desk in Government House’s guardroom to avoid being shot by another marine who is accused of killing their superior in 2019, a jury heard.
Marine says he hid behind desk to avoid being shot
MARINE Seaman Calvin Hanna hid behind an office desk in Government House’s guardroom to avoid being shot by another marine who is accused of killing their superior in 2019, a jury heard.
Budgeting to face future challenges
* In the second of a four-part series, Hubert Edwards argues that the Government had limited options with the 2021-2022 Budget due to a paucity of resources
Kalik maker’s loss doubles as revenues decline 15%
Commonwealth Brewery yesterday blamed a 15 percent year-over-year revenue decline for its 2021 first quarter loss more than doubling in comparison to 2020 figures.
Bank back-up hits Cat Island after lockdown
A Cat Island business owner said it yesterday took three hours to conduct their financial business as residents descended on its only physical bank branch after being released from a three-week COVID lockdown.
Club Med: San Salvador re-opening in December
Club Med’s San Salvador property remains on track to reopen in December 2021, the resort chain said yesterday, citing the island’s lack of medical facilities as a key factor in the property’s ongoing closure.
Water & Sewerage to unveil infrastructure enhancements
The Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (WSC) executive chairman forecast that multiple “commissionings” for new water infrastructure will take place during 2021.
Murder conviction overturned
THE Court of Appeal has overturned the 2019 murder conviction of Tyrone James Francis and replaced it with manslaughter. The court, in a ruling posted on its website on Thursday, has remitted the matter to the trial judge for resentencing.
Search for missing five suspended after capsize
SEARCH and rescue efforts have been suspended for the five people who were onboard a vessel that left Abaco and capsized off West End, Grand Bahama, last Thursday.
Eight admit illegal sailing
SEVEN Haitians and one Jamaican were charged with illegal embarkation in Freeport yesterday.
How solvent is the NIB pension fund?
National Insurance Minister Brensil Rolle’s recent statement regarding the $263m the National Insurance Board (NIB) has given to Bahamians in assistance and jobless benefits raises the question as to how solvent is the NIB pension fund.
'Jazz' blasts two-run single in loss to Cards
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tyler O’Neill doubled home the tiebreaking run in the eighth inning and the slumping St. Louis Cardinals beat the Miami Marlins 4-2 on Monday night to halt a three-game slide.
Warren Saunders stands out in minor league
WARREN Saunders had the most productive stretch of his young minor league career in the St Lucie Mets’ recent series against the Palm Beach Cardinals in Low-A baseball.
Bahamians help Byers earn promotion in France
SEVERAL national team players helped the Fos Provence Basketball Byers achieve promotion to France’s JEEP Elite Pro A League for the second time in the last three years.
NACAC ‘working well’ under Sands’ leadership
Since taking over as the new executive board, general secretary Keith Joseph said the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) has been functioning very well under the leadership of Mike Sands.
Monday, June 14
VIDEO: Nassau hit by stormy weather over the weekend
Stormy weather hit the capital over the weekend, with thunderstorms, heavy rain and lightning.
EDITORIAL: Home port sailing the sign of things to come?
IT is a welcome sight to see the return of Royal Caribbean as part of the ongoing recovery of the tourism market.
Heading to the airport? You’d better read this
IN an effort to mitigate the impact of growing passenger traffic and COVID-19 protocols, key stakeholders at Lynden Pindling International Airport have finalised plans to ensure passengers can be safely and efficiently processed through the airport during what promises to be a busy upcoming summer travel season.
INSIGHT: We have a history of attacking the judiciary - we do so at our peril
JUDICIAL independence is the cornerstone of a democracy. Without it, those who hold political power can victimise and oppress with impunity.
INSIGHT: Vaccinations becoming a global initiative may spell the end of the pandemic
POSITIVE signs on the vaccination front were revealed this week with the US deciding to provide some surplus vaccines to The Bahamas. It should be noted this is a result of diplomatic efforts by Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield and Bahamian ambassador to the United States Sidney Collie.
More BPL power cuts
PARTS of New Providence suffered through power cuts over the weekend, leaving many residents angry.
Minnis: I’m not doing enough
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said when it comes to improving the lives of Bahamians through concessions, he isn’t “doing enough”.
Cat Island man dies from COVID-19
A 59-YEAR-OLD Cat Island man became the country’s latest COVID-19 victim after he died from the disease on June 10. His death pushed the nation’s toll to 237.
CEO: Home port will benefit Bahamas
ROYAL Caribbean Cruise Line set sail from Nassau during its inaugural homeport voyage on Saturday.
Welcome back, Royal Caribbean
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis welcomed Royal Caribbean International back to The Bahamas after a year-long shutdown of the cruise industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
US pre-clearance woe to hit travel
Travellers have been told to arrive early at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) because there is insufficient manpower at US pre-clearance to process them “seamlessly”, it was revealed yesterday.
Royal Caribbean’s PI lease threatens dispute resolution
A Bahamian entrepreneur says fragile negotiations to resolve the dispute over his Paradise Island project have been undermined by the government executing a crown land lease in Royal Caribbean’s favour.
Port’s $31m refinance eliminates tariff rises
Nassau’s major cargo port says it has eliminated the possibility of any tariff rate increase by agreeing a refinancing of its near-$31m preference share debt that will slash interest costs by some $4.5m.
The new lust of the next generation - wealth through the stock market
ActivTrades
Millions of new brokerage accounts were opened worldwide last year. Young people between 20-30 are going public. They invest their money according to different standards. And the rules for long-term shareholders are also changing.
Compass Point in May, 2022 close
Compass Point’s owner has confirmed the iconic western New Providence resort will close on May 3, 2022, and that the travel industry has been informed amid his ongoing regulatory impasse with the government.
Father with 13 children shot dead inside bar
A FATHER of 13 was shot dead in a New Providence bar on Friday night.
SHOOTOUT: Officers strike to take out gunman after he opened fire on them
POLICE killed a man on Saturday after he allegedly assaulted an elderly lady and shot a young man who followed him.
Lyford Cay International School opens its upper campus
LYFORD Cay International School officially opened its upper school campus during a ceremony on Friday.
Island curfews amended
THE Emergency Powers Order has been amended to implement curfews for North Andros, Central Andros and Cat Island, effective today, the Office of the Prime Minister announced yesterday.
$1.2M cocaine seizure
A JOINT law enforcement operation with local and American authorities in the Exuma cays led to the seizure of over a million dollars’ worth of cocaine yesterday.
Marlins celebrate rising star ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr and Bahamian Heritage Night
THE Miami Marlins celebrated rising star Jazz Chisholm Jr and “Bahamian Heritage Night” at Loan Depot Park with a 4-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.
Ghanaian admits fake marriage
A GHANA native was fined after he pleaded guilty to entering into a false marriage with a Bahamian woman.
Revisiting structure of our taxation
There has been much talk in recent times about the G7 nations introducing a world wide 15% taxation of corporate earnings. I see nothing wrong with this and would encourage our local politicians and economists to consider the pros and cons of this proposal. Yes, some will argue that The Bahamas is a tax haven and as such should not get involved in global economic debates. I beg to differ.
Well done to Spanish Wells
In natural and economic assets, Spanish Wells has very little that every little community in The Bahamas doesn’t. In many ways, it has less.
Ayton and Suns advance to West Finals
A season of historic milestones will continue for Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
Athetes shine in Blue Marlin Track and Field Series
WITH the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Championships set for the end of the month, Wendell Miller, Wanya McCoy, Shimar Bain and Paige Archer got big moral victories on Saturday.
NCAA Outdoors: Serena and Charisma share the spotlight
STRONGWOMAN Serena Brown and versatile Charisma Taylor shared the spotlight for the Bahamas on Saturday as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Outdoor Track and Field Championships came to a close in Eugene, Oregon.
Water polo: Mantas 4th in Junior Olympic Qualifier
BAHAMIAN Mantas Water Polo joined with the North Houston Storm Water Polo Club and finished fourth at the Southwest National Junior Olympic Qualifier in Houston, Texas.
Friday, June 11
Royal Caribbean donates to Bahamas Feeding Network
ROYAL Caribbean Cruise Line has donated some twenty 40-foot containers filled with meat and groceries to the Bahamas Feeding Network as a part of its ongoing relationship with The Bahamas.
Adventure of the Seas set for inaugural voyage from Nassau
AFTER a 50-year relationship with The Bahamas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has resumed sailing and will sail from Nassau during its inaugural homeport voyage on Saturday.
PM suggests expanded benefits for those fully vaccinated
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis suggested on Friday that fully vaccinated people could soon begin experiencing a variety of expanded benefits, including permission to go out at night after the 10pm curfew.
EDITORIAL: Turnquest’s turn to question Budget
FIRST a former Health Minister, now a former Finance Minister has taken issue with the government’s plans in the Budget debate.
Two Haitian migrants dead, eight others rescued after boat capsizes
TWO Haitian migrants are dead and eight others, including a baby, were rescued after the boat they were on capsized in waters off Memory Rock, Grand Bahama on Friday morning.
DIANE PHILLIPS: There was no one quite like Sylvia Munro and now she’s gone, leaving the saving of a legacy behind
The death notice was a simple one: Sylvia Munro, nee Williams, Born Jan 17, 1929, in Chicago, ill. Passed away peacefully in Nassau on April 3, 2021, at the age of 92.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Disappointed with govt over Bill on marijuana
After a candid round or two (or three or or four or five) with several of my closest classmates from high school, the topic of the Marijuana Bill came up, along with several others that seem to have been bungled by the current administration.
Speaker renews complaints over atheist public official
HOUSE Speaker Halston Moultrie said yesterday he has “issues” with the atheistic beliefs of Finance Secretary Marlon Johnson as he doubled down on his criticism of the senior public officer by saying he insulted Parliament and disrespected the Speaker’s Office.
Shanty residents: ‘We’ll stop new construction’
RELIEVED residents of an Abaco shanty town have vowed not to let outsiders construct new structures in The Farm following this week’s favourable Supreme Court judgement.
Talks held on reopening straw market
WHILE there is still no date for the opening of the Straw Market, the association representing vendors has confirmed preliminary talks with the Straw Market Authority on health protocols for reopening have started.
‘Hopeful’ that Junkanoo will have parade this year
THE chairman of the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence is “optimistic” and “hopeful” the cultural community will be able to hold “some sort of parade” this year.
$140m still owed in student loans
MORE than $140m is still owed to the Education Loan Authority for its student loan programme, according to chairwoman Miriam Emmanuel.
NIB paid out $263m benefits
THE National Insurance Board paid out $263.6m in employment benefit and assistance between August 25, 2019 to May 18, 2021, according to Public Service Minister with responsibility for NIB Brensil Rolle.
‘Stop crying as if we are the victim’
The Bahamas “must stop crying as if we are the victim” and instead “aggressively” reform its tax system to compete under a 15 percent minimum global corporate levy, a top banker argued yesterday.
Tax breaks renewal ‘definition of insanity’
An ex-deputy prime minister yesterday likened the blanket five-year renewal of all tax breaks under the City of Nassau Revitalisation Act as akin to “the definition of insanity”.
EX-DPM: Collect all taxes ‘without fear or favour’
An ex-deputy prime minister yesterday urged the government to develop a US Internal Revenue Service-style mindset to collect taxes “without fear or favour” while slamming proposed new compliance measures.
Port’s Freeport revival ‘all take and no give’
The Grand Bahama Port Authority-commissioned report on Freeport’s revival is “all take and no give” and is “highly unlikely” to be supported by the government, an attorney blasted yesterday.
Housing Act reforms ‘invite legal challenge’
An ex-deputy prime minister yesterday warned that legal reforms to facilitate Dr Hubert Minnis’ “young professionals” real estate developments are “discriminatory” and “invite legal challenge”.
Family insist Adriana is here
DESPITE a belief from immigration officials that a missing Cuban woman drowned at sea after the boat she was on capsized, a relative of the migrant says the family has reason to believe she is still alive and being held at a local immigration facility.
‘Emergency only’ at overcrowded Humane Society shelter
BAHAMAS Humane Society is pleading with the public not to surrender animals this month unless it is an “emergency situation” as the shelter is overwhelmed with animals and has no more space available.
Cut public sector? Actually we hired 2,400
THE Minnis administration, which came to power promising to right-size the civil service after the Christie administration hired scores of people, has made at least 2,402 people permanent members of the civil service and has promoted more than 1,600 people throughout government since taking office.
‘HOUSING PLAN JUST ISN’T FAIR’: Turnquest’s challenge to PM’s pet project on affordable homes
FORMER Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest has criticised Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ housing programme for western New Providence, calling the legislation to facilitate it “inherently discriminatory” and open to a court challenge.
Bodybuilding: World Caribbean Championships at Baha Mar Grand Hyatt
LOCAL bodybuilders will get an opportunity to compete in a major event June 26-27 as Flex Appeal Miami Gym brings the World Caribbean Championships to the Bahamas.
Answer on flying of Pride flag
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth and all creatures on this earth, including man and woman and God saw that everything that He had created was very good, “ so says the Bible, the book by which many Christians live and on which we all swear when we take a solemn oath to tell the truth.
End child labour
I am deeply traumatised that the Zimbabwean Government is in a struggle to end the persistent scourge of child Labour.
Golden Gala: Charlton beats Seymour in 100m hurdles
In another showdown this season, national record holder Devynne Charlton got the better of former national record holder Pedrya Seymour in the women’s 100 metre hurdles at the Golden Gala in Florence, Italy.
Mantas water polo in National Junior Olympic Qualifier
BAHAMIAN Mantas Water Polo will embark on another historic initiative in their collaboration with a leading club in Houston, Texas.
NBA Draft: Let's go Kai Jones
THE 2021 NBA Draft process will take another step toward pre COVID-19 normalisation as Kai Jones is set to become the third Bahamian within the last five years to make his transition to the league.
NCAA Championships: Rhema Otabor ends up 21st in women’s javelin finals
FLORIDA State’s freshman Rhema Otabor could only muster a 21st place finish in women’s javelin finals, while Houston’s sprinters Brianne Bethel and Camille Rutherford and University of Kentucky’s quarter-miler Megan Moss missed getting to the final of their respective events on day two of the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Thursday, June 10
EDITORIAL: We shouldn’t hide from our economic problems
WHEN Dr Duane Sands gave his assessment of how many more people need to get vaccinated to benefit the nation – a number very different from that given by his successor as Health Minister – we saluted him for being a plain talker.
STATESIDE: Putin won’t find Biden as easy to handle - but don’t expect it to make any difference
US President Joe Biden, who has been in office for five months, is now busy preparing for his first summit meeting with Vladimir Putin next week. Putin has been President of Russia for 18 of the past 22 years and was only nominally out of the office for those missing four years.
FRONT PORCH: Remembering the legacy of those who really fought for our future
In the last election, the Free National Movement (FNM) presented a slate of many new candidates and got most of them elected, negating the specious argument that new political parties are needed to get new blood in Parliament.
We must work together to fight a political virus
WHEN China reported cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology to the China office of the World Health Organisation on December 31, 2019, little did the world anticipate that a deadly pandemic unseen in a century was in the making.
Smith: Bannister comments on court are ‘scandalous’
ATTORNEY and activist Fred Smith has come out hard against a Cabinet minister’s criticism of a Supreme Court’s ban on demolishing shanty towns in Abaco pending the outcome of a judicial review, saying the remarks were “scandalous”.
COVID rule fines bring in $1m
VIOLATORS of COVID-19 rules have paid the government $1,020,550 in fines, according to National Security Minister Marvin Dames.
Less than three million vaccinated across Caribbean
AS BAHAMIAN officials urge vaccination to push the country towards herd immunity, a Pan American Health Organization official revealed that less than three million of the Caribbean’s population has been vaccinated against the deadly COVID-19 virus.
Two more virus deaths
TWO more people have died from COVID-19, pushing the nation’s death count to 234.
‘We’re emerging from third wave’
AMID a decline of positive COVID-19 cases in the country, former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands says it appears the nation is “starting to come out” of its third wave of COVID-19, adding he hopes virus numbers continue to trend downward.
Criminal records of 28 expunged - with 85 pending
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said the Bahamas Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee has expunged the criminal records of 28 people to date, with 85 applications pending.
AG’s Office in ‘inexcusable’ blunder on $1.5m freeze
An “inexcusable” blunder by the Attorney General’s Office and its US counterparts has resulted in the Court of Appeal refusing to refreeze the alleged $1.5m proceeds from an international fraud.
Cruise port chief eyes health visa efficiency gains
Nassau Cruise Port’s top executive says “there is an opportunity to create greater efficiencies” with the COVID-19 related health questionnaires and documents that cruise passengers must complete.
$2bn pension liability ‘blows everything up’
An ex-Cabinet minister yesterday warned “we blow everything up” if an estimated $2bn in unfunded civil service pension liabilities is added to the national debt, adding: “We never thought judgment day would come.”
Bahamas ‘can’t lose sight’ of real G7 goal
The Bahamas “cannot lose sight of the fact” that G-7 members and other high-tax European states want “to wipe out” international financial centres (IFC) such as this nation, a prominent accountant warned yesterday.
Airline pricing causes tourist ‘deterrent’ fear
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president yesterday voiced concerns that high airline ticket prices, especially at peak weekends and holidays, “could be a deterrent” for travel to this nation.
Murders up by 52%
MURDERS and armed robberies jumped by 52 percent and 42 percent this year compared to the same period last year, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday.
Sexist to Lanisha? Not by us
DIRECTOR of Sports Tim Munnings has denied any suggestion of sexism towards former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle from sports officials, saying it is not a practice at that ministry.
‘Adriana was never here - she drowned’
IMMIGRATION officials have denied detaining a Cuban woman after the boat she was on capsized in Bahamian waters three months ago, believing her to have died onboard the vessel along with several others.
FACTS ON DEBT: Sands warns painful tax reforms can no longer be avoided
ELIZABETH MP Dr Duane Sands said yesterday the country will have to adopt serious changes in the years ahead in response to the nation’s worsening debt crisis, noting an income tax system may even have to be implemented.
The great smoking debate
The Minnis regime in complicity with the so-called Marijuana Commission, co-chaired by a prominent bishop and a former Assistant Commissioner of Police is set to introduce legislation to approve and regulate the so-called medical marijuana industry.
End this slaughter
The Tribune’s front page photo – June 7 – entitled “Sport or Slaughter” has sickened me.
Ayton and Suns beat Nuggets, take 2-0 lead
Deandre Ayton has drawn two of the toughest individual assignments of any player in the NBA playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis in round one and the newly minted league MVP, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, in round two.
Salvage reforms to public procurement
In my last article I neglected to define what public procurement is. Public procurement refers to the purchase by governments and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) of goods, services and works. As public procurement accounts for a substantial portion of taxpayer monies, governments are expected to carry it out efficiently and using best international practices. This is critical for ensuring high quality service delivery and safeguarding the public interest.
Spanish Wells chief hails ‘great day for democracy’
Spanish Wells’ chief councillor yesterday said it was a “great day for democracy” after a Cabinet minister said Crystal Cruises would look for an alternative port-of-call on its upcoming seven-night Bahamas cruises.
Cascarilla ‘game changer’: Project receives 100 acres
An Acklins co-operative is to receive more than 100 crown land acres to facilitate a $1.4m “game changer” in developing a cascarilla industry in The Bahamas.
Mike Strachan ‘fits that wide receiver profile’
MIKE Strachan had a promising performance at Indianapolis Colts’ Organised Team Activities (OTAs) and had an opportunity to get repetitions with the first team on the field.
REEF working with govt on airport handover
THE Revitalization and Economic Expansion of Freeport (REEF) Committee is working with the government on completing the handover of the Grand Bahama International Airport, among other critical short-term objectives to bolster the island’s economy.
Defence Force rape case dropped over ‘inconsistencies’
A RAPE case against a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer was dropped due to “inconsistent evidence,” according to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Collegiate Baseball magazine names Stuart Freshman All-American
DAUNTE Stuart received another postseason accolade for his freshman season of milestones with the Northwestern State Demons Baseball programme.
Bahamian minor league baseball players have standout performances
SEVERAL Bahamian players had standout performances for their respective clubs throughout various levels in minor league baseball.
Pro 3-on-3 basketball debuts at Atlantis in August
THE country’s sports tourism product will welcome a new event this fall when professional 3-on-3 basketball makes its debut in The Bahamas.
Wednesday, June 9
EDITORIAL: Lanisha has her say - but we need answers
IT seems it was never likely that Lanisha Rolle would depart the political scene without having her say.
ALICIA WALLACE: When we clearly see the issues and block out the bullying voices then things really can change
Monday marked five years since the 2016 referendum on citizenship rights and sex-based discrimination.
Eleuthera MP Mackey gives reassurance over Crystal Cruises plan to visit island
NORTH Eleuthera MP Rickey Mackey assured Spanish Wells residents on Monday evening that the Minnis administration will not let Crystal Cruises use the island as its port-of-call during its Bahamas cruise schedule if residents do not want it.
Discussions held over repairs to Parliament
WITH past complaints from Speaker of the House Halson Moultrie concerning the state of his office, Works Minister Desmond Bannister revealed his team has met with the president of the Senate as well as the Nassau Village MP about repairs.
South Andros and Berry Islands curfew moved
THE daily curfew for South Andros and the Berry Islands has been moved from 10pm to 5am, in accordance with an amended Emergency Powers Order.
Waste station being developed at Green Turtle Cay
A MODERN transfer waste station is being developed through the J&G Pavers accelerated project in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, for proper and efficient debris management in that community.
Moultrie slams disrespect from ‘atheist’
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie accused the executive branch of government of disrespect yesterday while complaining about an “atheist” who works in the government.
‘Win for common sense and sanity’
The Grand Lucayan’s chairman yesterday hailed a Supreme Court verdict dismissing wrongful/unfair dismissal claims by 36 current and former managers as “a victory for common sense and sanity”.
Bahamas must ‘get even better’ on CDC rankings
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president yesterday urged this nation to strive “to get even better” in US health travel advisories in the hope it will lead to further COVID-19 restriction easing.
Out Island hotels to miss 65% recovery projection
Family Island hotels will “likely fall short” of projections they will collectively recover 65 percent of pre-COVID business levels during the 2021 first half due to airlift cutbacks from Nassau.
Freeport in $200m boost to Treasury
Freeport contributed close to $200m in taxes and National Insurance Board (NIB) contributions pre-pandemic despite its reputation as a free-trade zone, a report by the KPMG accounting firm has projected.
Spanish Wells ‘dissed’ over cruise call plans
Spanish Wells’ chief councillor yesterday said there is “no turning back” on the community’s opposition to Crystal Cruises, adding that residents felt “dissed” by both the Government and the cruise line.
Which U.S. vaccines will we be sent?
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said he is unsure which brand of COVID-19 vaccine the country will receive from the United States.
Payments for COVID nurses are on the way
NURSES who worked directly with COVID patients can expect “something” extra in their bank accounts perhaps as early as the end of June, Health Minister Renward Wells told the press yesterday.
‘Judge’s ruling is wrong and we’ll be fighting it’
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister criticised a Supreme Court ruling which bans the government from further demolishing shanty town structures across Abaco, saying it has set a “dangerous” precedent that has “usurped” the power of the Ministry of Works.
Lanisha lashes back at ousting
SEABREEZE MP Lanisha Rolle unloaded about her experience as a Cabinet minister in the House of Assembly yesterday, using her contribution to the budget debate to defend her conduct in office, to discuss the sexism she experienced and to lament the Free National Movement’s decision to deny her a nomination in the next general election.
Jet skis ‘hammered’ by COVID closure
Jet ski operators yesterday blasted as “foolishness” the continuing COVID-19 restrictions that prevent their sector from operating amid the tourism industry’s re-opening and rising visitor numbers.
‘Teed off’ over lack of lockdown information
An Andros resort owner yesterday said she was “teed off” because critical information concerning the island’s COVID-19 lockdown is not being shared equally among all businesses.
Woman killed in two-car crash in Grand Bahama
GRAND Bahama recorded its first traffic fatality for 2021 when a woman died on Monday evening following a two-car collision in the Barbary Beach area.
Jailed for a year over unlicenced firearm
A 28-year-old who admitted to having an unlicenced firearm and illegal ammunition was sentenced to a year in prison yesterday.
‘I was drunk when I made death threat’
A 53-year-old man was arraigned yesterday after threatening to kill a man last week.
Absolute discharge over $50 store theft
A 34-year-old who admitted to stealing over $50 worth of items from a department store last week was granted an absolute discharge yesterday.
Black Lives Matter ‘hypocrites’
American political writer Kenneth R Timmerman claimed in his hard-hitting exposé of Rainbow PUSH Coalition founder and African American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, Sr, that Booker T Washington forewarned that there will come a time when hucksters will seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the Negro population.
Farewell to Bishop B Wenith Davis
A man of Great Moral and Academic Stature dies at 74 years.
Judokas Rahming, Munnings eliminated
They both gave it their all, but it may not have been enough as Cynthia Rahming and Andrew Munnings lost their matches today at the World Judo Championships and a shot to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games.
‘Developing Your Hidden Talent for the Future’
IN his continued effort to mold and develop the skills of as many young female basketball players as he can, Terrance ‘Red Eye’ McSweeney is taking his Diamond Basketball Development Programme into the primary schools.
Bahamas and Marlins team to honour nation’s heritage
Bahamians are being encouraged to attend a Miami Marlins baseball game that will celebrate the country’s heritage this Saturday at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
Storm insurance must cover debris clean-up
An insurance executive yesterday urged Bahamians to factor debris clean-up/removal into their annual coverage after Dorian revealed this could equal ten to 15 percent of their property’s value.
Gardiner continues his quest for 400m Olympic gold
AFTER taking a fall at the end of his last race that he didn’t get to complete, Steven Gardiner returned with an impressive performance on Sunday as he continues his quest for the men’s 400 metres gold at the Olympic Games.
Tuesday, June 8
EDITORIAL: Another court defeat - so will govt now wait?
NOTCH up another defeat in the courts for the government.
PETER YOUNG: Could Trump have been right after all and the virus leaked from a Chinese lab?
It is the international story of the week. Despite the earlier denials, evidence seems to be mounting that the COVID-19 virus could have leaked from China’s Wuhan laboratory rather than evolving naturally from animals to humans.
FACE TO FACE: We must protect the hard-won rights generations fought for
I came across a video on the Labour Day Holiday of a march in which Sir Randol Fawkes participated. It was good to see him especially as this was on the holiday now celebrated in his honour.
A long journey - but University of the Bahamas graduates reach their commencement
GRADUATES of the University of The Bahamas North in Grand Bahama have overcome tremendous adversity to complete their academic journeys and become members of the 2021 Commencement Class.
Hiring casual workers causing ‘crisis’ in GB
THE mass employment of casual workers is a “major crisis” in Grand Bahama, according to trade union leader Kirk Russell, who accused the government of being a big participant.
Second phase of Sweeting’s Cay repairs underway
PHASE Two of the Sweeting’s Cay Home Repair Project is underway to repair 14 homes damaged during Hurricane Dorian two years ago.
1,053 repatriated since July 2020, says Henfield
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Darren Henfield said the consular division of his ministry helped the Department of Immigration repatriate 1,053 foreigners to their homelands between July 2020 and May 2021.
Work to start on Abaco model homes
NEARLY two years after Hurricane Dorian, Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield said yesterday that construction will begin on five model homes in Abaco donated by the Bakers Bay group within the next three weeks.
Freeport: ‘The ball is in the govts court’
A prominent attorney yesterday charged that “the ball is in the government’s court” after it was presented with a “road map” for reviving Freeport and the wider Bahamian economy via “a radically different approach”.
Ex-AG: ‘No cause to panic’ over 15% tax
An ex-attorney general yesterday reassured that The Bahamas has “no cause to panic” over the 15 percent global minimum corporate tax rate agreed by world’s powerful nations at the weekend.
Cruise line’s PI crown land bid ‘not to our benefit’
Environmental activists yesterday challenged the government on whether it is breaching its obligation to use crown land in the Bahamian people’s best interests with the Paradise Island lease to Royal Caribbean.
‘Narrow-minded approach’ to work permits warning
A prominent attorney yesterday warned against a “narrow-minded approach” to issuing work permits, arguing that The Bahamas must be “a little more sophisticated” if it is to revive the economy post-COVID-19.
Freeport’s $10.5bn infrastructure needs far greater support
Freeport’s existing $10.5bn infrastructure cannot be supported by existing commercial activity and revenue streams, a report warned yesterday, calling for the city’s “economic transformation”.
CEASE AND DESIST: Judge delivers damning ruling on govt’s shanty town demolition actions
THE government was banned yesterday from further demolishing shanty town structures across Abaco after a Supreme Court judge rejected its bid to have the island’s shanty towns removed as beneficiaries of a standing injunction centred on demolition of unregulated communities.
Cat Islanders unhappy with ‘extra’ lockdown
SOME Cat Island residents are up in arms about the extension to the current COVID-19 lockdown for their community, saying it is unnecessarily excessive.
U.S. vaccines headed our way
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Darren Henfield said he is optimistic The Bahamas will receive vaccines from the United States, suggesting the country will be among the first to do so.
Hotels: Avoid lockdowns via better contact tracing
A Cat Island hotelier yesterday said the government needs to invest more resources in contact tracing so it can avoid having to place islands into weeks’ long COVID-19 lockdowns.
Fishing executive hits out at compressor ban
A commercial fishing executive yesterday said the compressor ban is undermining the sector just when The Bahamas needs its ability to earn foreign exchange the most.
Ice cream start-up in new financing round
A Bahamian sorbet and ice cream brand yesterday said it is seeking outside investment to help finance its production plant after “exhausting” its resources in surviving COVID-19.
Man shot after coming to rescue of female friend
A MAN was shot after he attempted to stop an assailant from choking a female friend on Sunday night.
Lying-in-state for Audley Hanna
THE Cabinet Office has announced that the body of the late Audley Hanna, former senator, will lie-in-state on Friday in the foyer of the Senate from 8.30am to 3pm.
A deserved thank you
I wrote several months ago to express my appreciation for the stellar organisation and professionalism of the vaccine site at Loyola Hall. And just when I thought the first experience couldn’t have gone better, I write again to say that it was even better.
Lying-in-state for Audley Hanna
THE Cabinet Office has announced that the body of the late Audley Hanna, former senator, will lie-in-state on Friday in the foyer of the Senate from 8.30am to 3pm.
Two accused over murder
TWO men were charged in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a homicide that occurred last month.
Man ‘stole to support crack cocaine habit’
A FREEPORT man who pleaded guilty to multiple thefts to support his “crack cocaine” habit was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday.
Freeport man accused over gun and drugs
A 34-year-old Freeport man was charged in Grand Bahama on gun, ammunition and drug possession charges yesterday.
$20k weed found in bushes
POLICE in Abaco discovered $20,000 worth of marijuana in bushes yesterday.
Jonquel to take Sun hiatus for international event
Fresh off being named May’s Eastern Conference Player Month, Jonquel Jones continued her dominant play in the WNBA with the conference’s Player of the Week award, and will take a brief hiatus from the Connecticut Sun for international competition.
Season ends for Bahamian college baseball players
Both Bahamian collegiate baseball players saw their seasons come to an end at the regional level in 2021 NCAA Tournament.
Algernon Cargill re-elected for second term in FINA Bureau
Bahamas Aquatics' president Algernon Cargill will serve as a member of the FINA Bureau for a second consecutive four-year term.
Sterling Quant pays tribute to ‘good friend’ Peter Gilcud
BAHAMAS Ambassador to China Sterling ‘Robert Lloyd’ Quant said he clearly remembers the epic battles he had with the late Peter ‘the Cud’, ‘Macaroni’ Gilcud as members of the Kentucky Colonels and Becks’ Cougars respectively.
Gaither looks ahead to Tokyo
SHE'S been holding her own as one of the top sprinters in the country for the past few years, but Tynia Gaither said she's looking for more.
The moral majority
It is a given that morality in public policies and initiatives cannot be legislated. Either one has an innate or adopted moral compass due to upbringing; societal structure and/or spiritual dogma. The basic unit of society is the traditional family... a male... a female and where necessary children. This is what we often call the ideal or nuclear family. It has been said that God Himself created and designed the family.
Monday, June 7
EDITORIAL: Sands adds a welcome voice on vaccinations
WHEN Health Minister Renward Wells talked of the nation being in “a good place” if it reached 120,000 vaccinations last week, we were sceptical.
WORLD VIEW: Why 84 countries are borrowing from the IMF
IN the wake of the economic damage done by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries in every continent of the world have turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for assistance.
INSIGHT: The roll call of victims of this gross injustice has been heard - and there will be a price to pay
Matthew Sewell [Jamaican,] was illegally imprisoned in Fox “Hell” Prison and the Carmichael Concentration Camp for nine years; for most of the time without ever being charged with a crime. Atain Takitota, [Japanese], was illegally imprisoned for eight years, also without charge.
INSIGHT: A ‘wink and a nod’ vaccination mandate makes for challenging times
THE COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage around the world – with 182 countries registering cases last week – which brings us to a question that has yet to be answered: “Where are the next batch of vaccines to inoculate our citizens going to come from?”
Dame Janet awarded honour
DAME Janet Bostwick has been named the 2021 recipient of the prestigious CARICOM Triennial Award for Women.
Nassau marinas: ‘Relief is coming’
Nassau Cruise Port’s top executive has promised that “relief is coming” for marinas seeking to regain super yacht access, acknowledging that progress “can come with a degree of pain”.
Budget fails to ‘convey’ fiscal crisis’ true depth
A prominent businessman is arguing that the present budget fails to properly detail the extent of the economic and fiscal crisis facing the Bahamian people following the COVID-19/Dorian debt blowout.
Bahamas can’t be ‘burnt’ over 15% corporate taxes
The government yesterday pledged it will not be bullied by this weekend’s 15 percent minimum global corporate tax deal amid warnings that The Bahamas cannot afford to be “burnt” by any knee-jerk response.
Tourism minister ‘anxious for end to quarantines’
A Cabinet minister says he is “anxious to get rid of quarantines and curfews”, adding that this is having an impact on the ability of Bahamian hotels to jumpstart their lucrative group travel business post-COVID.
The US agency shaping all our future
ActivTrades
THE last four decades have been marked by exponential advances in technology, which, to a large extent, consisted of fine-tuning ideas that surfaced in the aftermath of World War II.
Sport or slaughter?
AN environmental activist has slammed the landing of blue marlins in a recent three-day Walker’s Cay Invitational deep sea fishing contest.
Breaches of COVID orders improve
SEVEN businesses were cited for breaking COVID-19 Emergency Orders over the Labour Day weekend, resulting in over $26,000 in fines being issued, according to the head of COVID Enforcement Unit.
Seven-day extension in islands’ lockdown
LOCKDOWNS for North and Central Andros and Cat Island have been extended for an additional seven days, the Office of the Prime Minister announced yesterday.
PLAIN TALKER: Sands spells it out - another 200,000 must take vaccine
FORMER Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands says while he believes the country is making some progress in getting Bahamians vaccinated against COVID-19, “we are nowhere near the beneficial threshold” of achieving herd immunity.
Drugs and gun arrest after chase
AN Abaco man who led police on a chase was arrested after he was allegedly found in possession of dangerous drugs and an illegal firearm on the weekend.
Private sector hire aids Dorian debris oversight
The Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) says it has hired Abaco based J&G Pavers to manage the Green Turtle Cay debris management site.
GB cruise vessel is back in Palm Beach
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has brought its Grand Classica vessel back to its Port of Palm Beach home port as it begins to prepare for the July resumption of cruises to Grand Bahama.
Exemptions are a cruel gimmick
By its nature, a Value Added Tax affects the whole domestic eco-system of an economy. It applies to everything. That is how it is intended and that is its strength. As such, the application of “exemptions” is meaningless, because everywhere the recipient of the exemption turns, he still has to pay VAT in order to use the money he has “saved” via the exemption.
Ayton and rising Suns have high hopes after dethroning champion Lakers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Phoenix Suns were one of the NBA’s most consistent winners during the decades on either side of the turn of the century. They made 19 playoff appearances in 22 seasons with some of the most entertaining teams and major personalities in recent basketball history.
UPDATED: Police investigate suspected drowning
GRAND Bahama police are investigating an apparent drowning that occurred at Grand Cay, Abaco on the Labour Day holiday.
Jones scores 31 as Sun use big run to beat Liberty 85-64
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Jonquel Jones scored 31 points on 12-of-16 shooting and grabbed 13 rebounds to help the Connecticut Sun beat the New York Liberty 85-64 on Saturday night.
‘Jazz’ and Marlins top Pirates 3-1 to end 8-game losing skid
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sandy Alcantara cruised through eight innings, ending the Miami Marlins’ longest losing streak in six years at eight games with a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday.
Cruise line: We will not overhelm Spanish Wells
Crystal Cruises has sought to reassure Spanish Wells residents that its passengers will not overwhelm the community during their weekly call, while also pledging that its vessel will not harm Egg Island’s environment.
‘Overwhelmingly’ opposed to Crystal Cruises calling
A Spanish Wells council member says the community “overwhelmingly” opposes Crystal Cruises using it as a port of call while blasting both the cruise line and the government for failing to consult residents.
Motorcyclist dies in crash
A MOTORCYCLIST died in hospital after he was injured in a traffic accident.
Armed men shoot guard
A SECURITY guard is in hospital after he was shot by armed men at his place of work.
VAT increase a start
While it is all but too late the government has finally woken up to implement a tax to help the treasury while not even creating a dent in the elites standard of living. It is a start, however, it does not go far enough to make the obscene “in your face” wealthy pay their fair share. Neither does it alleviate the paralysis placed on the poor and middle class (the latter all but eliminated at this point).
Let’s get vaccinated
The potentially crippling and lethal Corona Virus is fluid, dynamic, deadly and dangerously potent – and it rages on in many quarters of the universe. We hear about vaccines, and new variants of the disease regularly, and it appears that no one really knows how to control the contagious and rapidly mutating COVID-19.
Men’s national soccer team in scoreless draw with T&T
THE Bahamas received their first point in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers and simultaneously eliminated a CONCACAF powerhouse from contention.
Bahamas relay teams hit the track
The Bahamas got a chance to produce times for three relay teams for the first time this year heading into the Olympic Games, while individual qualifiers - hurdler Pedrya Seymour and sprinter Tynia Gaither - are preparing for their trip to Tokyo, Japan, this summer.
Peter Gilcud was ‘a giant of a man'
NATIONAL and international Hall of Famer Peter Gilcud was remembered as a giant of a man who played basketball, shared his expertise as a mentor and coach, served as a community builder and philanthropist and was a member of the Saxons Superstars junkanoo group.
Edna Forbes dies at 60
SHE quietly went about doing her duties as a coach following her playing days as a versatile softball, basketball and volleyball player and first female president of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association.
Collie Jr joins MLB Draft League
DOMINIQUE Collie Jr has taken advantage of a new Major League Baseball initiative to help collegiate prospects in their exposure ahead of the league’s annual draft.
Sunday, June 6
Scores gather for Labour Day event
MEMBERS of the labour movement and supporters of the Progressive Liberal Party gathered at the national stadium on Friday morning in an attempt to participate in a Labour Day motorcade despite a notice from police a day earlier that the event had not been sanctioned by authorities.
North Andros, Central Andros, Cat Island under lockdown for seven more days
NORTH Andros, Central Andros and Cat Island will remain under lockdown for an additional seven days, the Office of the Prime Minister announced on Sunday.
Saturday, June 5
One dead, three injured after shooting
One man died and three others were injured after a shooting incident on Friday night.
Friday, June 4
Bullocks Harbour and Great Harbour Cay lockdown extended to Monday, June 7
BULLOCKS Harbour and Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands were placed under lockdown for an additional two days, the Office of the Prime Minister said on Thursday.
Thursday, June 3
Criminal Records Office goes cashless
The Royal Bahamas Police Force is informing the public that, beginning Monday, 7th June, it will no longer take cash payments at the Criminal Records Office in New Providence.
Cutlass-wielding man shot by police
POLICE shot a man who “charged” towards officers while wielding a cutlass.
37 new COVID cases, two more deaths
THE Ministry of Health recorded 37 new cases and two more virus-related deaths on Wednesday, pushing the nation’s overall tally to 11,930.
Police: No permission for Labour Day motorcades
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has advised that it has not given permission for Labour Day motorcades on Friday.
95 migrants repatriated
NEARLY 100 Haitian migrants were repatriated on Thursday.
PLP Deputy: Budget is 'badly flawed'
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Deputy Leader Chester Cooper has slammed the Minnis administration’s proposed 2021/2022 budget for the upcoming fiscal year, branding it as one that’s “badly flawed” and “far removed from reality.”
Budget 'a step in the right direction' for Grand Bahama
MORE Grand Bahama businesspersons and residents are weighing in on the plans and benefits announced in the budget communication delivered last week by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
Prosecutors allege Rudolph King defrauded Post Office of more than $650,000
RUDOLPH King was re-arraigned on fraud charges in the Magistrate’s Court Thursday, with prosecutors increasing the amount of money he allegedly defrauded from the General Post Office to more than $650,000.
EDITORIAL: One man’s struggle, a whole community’s support
IT has been a tough year for many of us – but few will have had as tough a year as artist Kim Smith.
STATESIDE: Millions remain off-message and yearn to see Trump’s return
IT HAS long been a truism in American politics that life and social, economic and political views are quite different outside the Washington, DC, beltway than within it.
FRONT PORCH: The Speaker has gotten it terribly wrong
IN an interview with the press following Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr Hubert Minnis’s Communication to the House of Assembly on the 2021/2022 National Budget, Speaker House Halson Moultrie publicly criticized the Budget.
$1m drug suspects are released on bail
THREE men who denied being found with nearly $1m worth of marijuana in Exuma last week were yesterday granted bail before their trial.
Moultrie: Shanty demolitions right - let’s do some in Nassau Village
HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie has fully endorsed the government’s demolition programme of houses in Abaco shanty towns and called on Minister of Public Works Desmond Bannister to assist him with a similar exercise in Nassau Village.
‘$2.5m benefit’ for residents in economic zones
RESIDENTS and businesses in inner-city economic empowerment zones on New Providence accessed about $2.5m in tax concessions up to November 2020, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said during debate on the budget in the House of Assembly yesterday.
Rahming praises $2m for Pinewood flooding
PINEWOOD MP Reuben Rahming yesterday championed the Minnis administration for allocating $2m to address the constituency’s long standing flooding woes.
Haiti to accept vaccine in bid to curb virus spread
THE Haitian government will now be accepting the COVAX-generated Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine with the hope of curbing the fast-spreading COVID-19 virus in that country, Pan American Health Organization officials said yesterday.
Lloyd: $40m spent on school repairs
NEARLY $40m has been spent by the government on school repairs across the country, with a $20m budget for the continuation of repair work for the upcoming fiscal year, according to Education Minister Jeff Lloyd.
Unselected FNM Humes calls for more respect
FORT Charlotte MP Mark Humes interrupted Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ speech in the House of Assembly yesterday to urge the Killarney MP to treat him with more respect, saying he deserves it after he was “unceremoniously” dumped from the Free National Movement’s ticket for the next general election.
PM’s GDP growth targets ‘nothing to write home’ on
The prime minister’s ambitions of achieving a “consistent” five to six percent annual GDP growth rate are “nothing to write home about” when set against COVID-19’s economic devastation, it was argued yesterday.
IDB: Just 54% of COVID loan firms still doing business
The effectiveness of the government’s COVID-19 small business support has been called into question by a report that found just 54 percent of loan recipients have remained operational.
Under 50% of Bahamian firms use social media
Less than 50 percent of Bahamian businesses are using social media to drive sales and promotions, it was revealed yesterday, exposing just how much work the government faces in its digitisation drive.
Hurricane VAT holiday to have ‘net zero’ effect
An ex-Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president yesterday said building material price hikes mean the government’s hurricane readiness VAT “holiday” and other tax breaks will just have a “net zero” effect.
60-year sentence for double killing upheld
THE Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed the 60-year sentence of a man who was convicted of robbing and killing a married couple in Grand Bahama five years ago.
Student nurses in assembly protest
A SMALL group of student nurses demonstrated in Rawson Square yesterday, calling for the ability to complete clinical hours in the hospital.
Two VAT holidays to help families cope
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that both a back-to-school value added tax holiday and a hurricane preparedness VAT holiday will take place during August and July.
Royal Caribbean: No Crown Land lease for $110m project
A senior Royal Caribbean executive has confirmed it has yet to secure a crown land lease for its $110m Paradise Island project as he indicated a willingness to “co-exist” with rival developers in that area.
Second man charged over Cat Cay cocaine
A SECOND man was yesterday arraigned on several drug related charges in connection with the recent seizure of cocaine that was found on Cat Island last month.
Post Office staff testify in Rudy King fraud trial
FIVE more Post Office Department employees testified yesterday that they conducted several transactions for Bahamian businessman Rudolph “Rudy” King who would frequent the various Post Offices on a regular basis.
Car salesman told to pay back stolen money
A CAR salesman who took money from a woman without giving her the vehicle she had purchased was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay back the stolen money.
Minnis must take stand on Pride flag
Please publish this open letter to the Prime Minister.
Do the right thing on Paradise Island
I am not a spear carrier for Toby Smith of the Paradise Lighthouse Company, but rather a Bahamian who is anxious to jump start the economy and getting as many fellow citizens to work in the shortest possible time frame. I do not subscribe to his public relations and coercive tactics in the least even if he and his advisors think that they are effective...more irritating than anything else. Facts on the ground:
‘Jazz’ hits two-run homer in 6-5 loss to Blue Jays
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Vladimir Guerrero Jr keyed a career-best four-hit outing with his major league-leading 17th home run and the Toronto Blue Jays celebrated the return to their temporary Buffalo home with a 5-1 win over the Miami Marlins last night.
Men’s national soccer team loses to Puerto Rico, 7-0
Team Bahamas was blanked for the third consecutive match in the opening round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers for the CONCACAF region.
WNBA: Jones named Kia Eastern Conference Player of the Month
JONQUEL Jones’ hot start to the 2021 WNBA season has prompted league-wide recognition.
Swimmers stay in competitive mode ahead of Nationals
WITH the Bahamas Aquatics’ National Swim Championships on the horizon, many local swimmers used the Oak Tree Medical and Mako Aquatics Club Invite to stay in competitive mode.
NCAA baseball players earn at-large bids
A PAIR of Bahamian collegiate baseball players saw their respective programmes earn at-large bids in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
NBA Playoffs: ‘DA is playing unbelievably well’
DEANDRE Ayton’s offensive production slowed for the first time this postseason, but his Phoenix Suns had their most lopsided win en route to taking a 3-2 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA postseason.
First Michael ‘Scooter’ Reid Peace on da Street Basketball Classic
IN a fitting tribute for the tremendous contribution that he has made to the growth and development of basketball in the country, organisers were overwhelmed by the turnout for the first Michael ‘Scooter’ Reid Peace on da Street Basketball Classic.
Wednesday, June 2
EDITORIAL: Are 120,000 vaccinations really enough?
THE Minister of Health was in optimistic mood yesterday.
ALICIA WALLACE: What does the Pride flag flying really say to you?
Yesterday was the first day of Pride Month which is not only a celebration of sexual diversity and community, but a set of activities that assert the humanity of LGBTQI+ people and a direct response to the shaming and oppression carried out against them.
Dionisio: Health visa purchases rise
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday the number of people who bought travel health visas to visit The Bahamas last month was “substantially larger” than what was seen in April, saying the figures suggest the country is moving in the right direction.
Exam rules for quarantined students
PUBLIC school students under quarantine will still be allowed to sit the 2021 national examinations provided they meet the criteria established by the Ministry of Education, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said yesterday.
Campbell hits back at Davis on unemployment programme
SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell yesterday hit out at recent comments made by opposition leader Phillip “Brave” Davis over the government’s decision to end its unemployment assistance programme in September.
1,400 Baha Mar staff vaccinated
ABOUT 1,400 out of Baha Mar’s 4,000 employees have been vaccinated thus far, the resort’s senior vice-president of external relations and government affairs, Robert Sands said yesterday.
Western Air founder urges vaccinations
THE co-founder and chief operating officer of Western Air, who was airlifted from Grand Bahama to the United States with COVID-19 after initially testing negative for the virus, is urging residents to consider their vaccination options as the country strives to move past the COVID-19 pandemic.
Johnson comments on shanty residents ‘intolerable’
HUMAN Rights Bahamas has criticised what it called “intolerant comments” from Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson regarding residents of shanty towns.
Man found shot dead in Abaco previously convicted of killing
A MAN previously convicted of manslaughter was discovered dead with gunshot wounds in a car in Dundas Town, Abaco yesterday morning.
Pride flag flies over U.S. embassy
LESBIAN, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) advocates are cheering the United States and its embassy in Nassau for hoisting the Pride flag as many around the world celebrate Pride Month.
Cargo port ‘starts to shrink the gap’
Nassau’s sole cargo port yesterday voiced optimism it has “started to shrink the gap” to pre-COVID business volumes with vehicle imports making up 20 percentage points during May alone.
Royal Caribbean to triple Bahamas arrivals to 6m
Royal Caribbean is aiming to triple its Bahamas arrivals to 6m by 2030, a senior executive disclosed yesterday, adding that this nation must seize its opportunity to become a “permanent” home port base.
Grand Lucayan’s sale ‘down to final papers’
A senior Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines executive yesterday voiced optimism that its Grand Lucayan acquisition will finally “close this summer”, adding that negotiations were “down to a handful of documents”.
‘Distinguish’ Nassau through five-year tax break extension
The Downtown Nassau Partnership’s (DNP) co-chair has hailed the government’s five-year tax break extension for giving investors certainty and helping to “distinguish” Nassau’s city from other areas.
Activist: Spanish Wells cruise call ‘very bad policy’
An environmental activist is urging the government not to compound The Bahamas’ economic woes with “bad policy” by permitting Crystal Cruises to call on Spanish Wells as a home port destination.
Rudy King trial gets under way
FIVE Post Office Department employees testified yesterday at the opening of the fraud trial of Bahamian businessman Rudolph “Rudy” King.
23 more homes to be demolished
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister said his ministry spearheaded the demolition of 23 illegal structures in The Farm shanty town in Abaco last week, with some 20 more structures targeted for demolition this week.
Passengers hurt after ferry ran aground
MORE than a dozen passengers received minor injuries when a ferry boat they were on ran aground in waters near Man-O-War Cay, Abaco, on Sunday evening.
WELLS’ NEW MAGIC NUMBER - 120,000: Minister says hitting this vaccination total puts us in ‘good place’
HEALTH Minister Renward Wells estimates that 120,000 people need to be vaccinated in order for the nation to be “in good stead” in the fight against COVID-19.
Demeritte new Director of Cross Country, Track at Life University
IN completing just one season as the interim head coach for track and field, Bahamian Dominic Demeritte has been promoted to serve as the new director of cross country and track and field at Life University.
$357,000 of repairs approved for 37 Sweeting Cay Homes
THE Disaster Reconstruction Authority has approved some 37 homeowners on Sweeting’s Cay for nearly $360,000 of repair assistance under the Small Homes Repair Programme.
Man in John Bull fraud case bailed
A MAN who last month denied defrauding several businesses of thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise was yesterday granted bail before his trial.
Man told to pay to repair ex’s door
A 24-year-old man who admitted breaking his former girlfriend’s door during a row was yesterday ordered to compensate her for her damaged property.
Taxing the rich? What a joke!
Don’t believe for a minute the government’s transparent gimmick about now beginning to make the wealthy pay their fair share of the country’s tax burden.
Spanish Wells - the fix is in
Quiet, picturesque Spanish Wells is about to be overwhelmed by hordes of cruise ship passengers. Hundreds of them at a time.
Virus investigation
I watch quite a bit of US TV – especially CNN, which I think of all the US stations gives the best, objective news coverage. I recall the first news of what is now known as COVID-19 being announced as having escaped from a marketplace in Wuhan, to a nearby medical clinic in China.
Travel visa purchases ‘much higher’ for May
A Cabinet minister yesterday argued local COVID case numbers are the only obstacle to tourism’s revival as May’s health travel visa purchases were “substantially higher” than the prior month.
Economic reliance on New Providence rises
The Bahamas is becoming ever-more reliant on New Providence to generate three-quarters of its annual economic growth with the Family Islands’ combined contribution having reduced to 11 percent of GDP.
Judokas Rahming, Munnings set for World Championships
Long-time training partners Cynthia Rahming and Andrew Munnings are hoping to make an impression on the International Judo Federation in their bid to secure a spot at the 2020 Olympic Games.
Tuesday, June 1
PETER YOUNG: An honest confession or spiteful act of revenge?
Last week’s extended seven-hour appearance before a committee of MPs at Westminster by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s former chief adviser turned out to be an exceptionally bruising affair.
FACE TO FACE: ‘The Soil Guru’ on a mission and people are buying in to his message
THE cannabis industry is beginning to take shape in The Bahamas with the imminent Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2021 set to be tabled in Parliament.
Speaker’s conduct ‘unprecedented’ in Parliament, says historian
A TOP Bahamian historian says the conduct of House Speaker Halson Moultrie is “unprecedented” in the history of the Bahamian Parliament.
Three sworn in as Supreme Court justices
THREE newly appointed justices for the Supreme Court took their oaths yesterday.
‘Several’ airlifts of COVID patients from Andros
SEVERAL people have been airlifted from Andros to New Providence with COVID-19 in the last week, The Tribune understands.
‘Govt ignoring our nursing licence problems’
SOME unlicensed nursing school graduates feel they are being ignored by the government and are left in limbo unable to practise.
‘Too much for the taxpayer to bear’
Bahamasair’s $52m-and-counting subsidy “is too much for taxpayers to bear”, its chairman admitted yesterday, while adding that it has “got to make” the next fiscal year’s $30m allocation work.
Attorney fails to overturn $640k loan ‘negligence’
A Bahamian attorney has failed to overturn a “negligence” verdict over a $640,000 loan issued by an insurer whose owners include the PLP’s deputy leader.
Man shot dead in Abaco
Police are investigating after a man was found shot dead in a car in Abaco on Tuesday morning.
Baha Mar seeks to keep documents confidential
Baha Mar’s current owner is becoming increasingly embroiled in a legal battle with Sarkis Izmirlian related to the latter’s $2.25bn fraud and breach of contract claim against the project’s main contractor.
Judges throw out murder conviction
A MAN who was convicted of shooting and killing another man in 2013 had his 30-year sentence overturned in the Court of Appeal yesterday.
‘WE HAD NOTHING TO HIDE FROM UN’: Johnson responds to factfinding visit on immigration issues
FINANCIAL Services, Trade, Industry and Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson told The Tribune yesterday he welcomed the United Nations’ recent inspectorial visit to The Bahamas as “we have nothing to hide”.
The corned beef and grits Budget
It is clear that the trio in charge of the Ministry of Finance has been forced to come up with a corned beef and grits 2021-2022 budget. If this is the best that they are able to come up with, God help us. It is conceded that taxes have been held at bay but that there is no real wiggle room for critical infrastructure and people development.
Fashion and the Inflation Dilemma
ActivTrades
EVER wondered why fashions come and go? How come skinny jeans, for example, will be trendy one season only to be frowned upon by the fashion police just a few months later?
Job readiness graduates praised by youth minister
MINISTER of Youth, Sports, and Culture Iram Lewis commended over 70 young participants who completed the seven-week job readiness programme in Grand Bahama.
Woman accused of throwing acid on ex-boyfriend’s lover
TWO police officers testified yesterday in the trial of a 23-year-old woman who is accused of throwing acid on her ex-boyfriend’s new lover.
Couple acquitted after nephew was shot when gun went off accidentally
A MAGISTRATE yesterday acquitted a couple who were charged with child cruelty after their nephew was shot with a gun that accidentally went off when he and their son were playing with it.
Animal control
I am writing in hopes that you and your paper can bring my family and me some relief from a bad situation that exists in my area of “Kool Acres”.
Donald Thomas trying to get his groove back
Coming off a hamstring injury in 2019 and limited competition in 2020 because of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Bahamian high jumper Donald Thomas said he’s just trying to get back into the groove of competing again.
Hanna named to MVC all-tournament team
ELLISON Hanna II and the Indiana State Sycamores fell just short in their run toward the Missouri Valley Conference title, but the senior outfielder was named one of top performers of the tournament.
Men’s national basketball team on path toward FIBA World Cup 2023
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation’s men’s national team is set to begin its path toward the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Seventh edition of Tour de Grand Bahama was a blast
THE seventh edition of the Tour de Grand Bahama was held over the weekend in Grand Bahama.
‘Ride For Reine’ Trail-a-thon a success
TWENTY young riders mounted up and hit the trails with enthusiasm this past Sunday as a part of the “Ride For Reine” Trail-a-thon to raise funds on behalf of Reine Pagliaro.
