Sunday, April 30
'No impact to flight operations' after flooding in LPIA arrivals corridor
Nassau Airport Development Company Ltd has released a statement on flooding in the arrivals corridor at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Sunday.
Saturday, April 29
PM to attend Coronation Service of King Charles III
The Office of the Prime Minister announced that Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis would be departing today (Saturday) and joining leaders from around the world to attend the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Friday, April 28
Large number of applications for small home repair initiative
STATE Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Lisa Rahming said officials are working actively to repair homes for hurricane season through the ministry’s small home repair initiative.
Groundbreaking for new Grand Bahama hospital set for May
THE groundbreaking for the new Grand Bahama hospital will be held on May 16th, according to Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville.
Clubs and Societies April 28th, 2023
The movement for adult chess tutoring is in full flow, including at Fort Charlotte.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Yella, the king of the queen conch
THEY call him ‘Yella’, though not even he remembers why. Someone just did, and it stuck.
ONE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION: Lessons learned from my Bahamian friends
MY relationship with the people of Eleuthera and The Bahamas dates back to early 2000. More than 20 years later (including the last seven years that I’ve served as President of One Eleuthera Foundation of the US), I continue to learn many life lessons from my Bahamian friends.
RAY MINUS JR ‘WAS A GIANT OF A MAN’: Bahamian boxing great dies at 58
Legendary Ray Minus Jr, the country’s most celebrated boxing extraordinaire, who touched the lives of so many persons as a fighter, trainer, coach and promoter, passed away yesterday after suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
Transgender woman moved to Canada to find a better life
FEAR and discrimination forced a 21-year-old transgender woman to flee The Bahamas for Canada.
Ministry of Education to address marginalised students through diploma variations
EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said variations to the Bahamas High School Diploma programme would be announced soon to address issues that marginalise students.
BCA president says Davis administration ‘more focused’ on dealing with illegal labour
BAHAMAS Contractors Association president Leonard Sands said the Davis administration has supported its tough talk on work permit laws with action.
Baha Mar teases Melia plan as volumes up 20%
Baha Mar’s president yesterday hailed an “extraordinary first quarter” and “record March”, with 2023 business volumes up 20 percent year-over-year, as he revealed plans to redevelop the still-closed Melia resort will be unveiled imminently.
Nassau/PI hotels see 35% ‘business on books’ jump
Nassau/Paradise Island hotels are eyeing a 35 percent year-over-year increase in “business on the books” for 2023, it was disclosed yesterday, with “loaded” airline seats through June also up on 2022.
MSC joins Freeport deal targeting October close
The Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) president yesterday said October is being targeted for completion of a $70m Freeport Harbour deal in which Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has teamed with Royal Caribbean.
Authorities target taxi inspection crackdown
The “completely antiquated” Road Traffic Act is set for a major overhaul, it was revealed yesterday, as the authorities also prepare to crack down on taxis “circumventing and bypassing” the vehicle inspection process.
Darville emphasizes citizen health and wellness at health research conference
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville yesterday welcomed health professionals and policymakers from the region during the opening of the CARPHA’s 67th Annual Health Research Conference at Atlantis, telling the group it is his hope that they connect, communicate and collaborate.
Senator: PM should apologise to woman over claim on charges
FNM Senator Reuben Rahming wants Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis to apologise to a woman who made claims about a sitting MP for comments he made about the allegations last week.
Landmark partnership with Chevening programme
The Charles Hayward Foundation has agreed to provide funding for the first-ever Bahamian partnership with the prestigious Chevening Scholarship programme, allowing outstanding Bahamian students to pursue fully-funded master’s degree studies at accredited universities in the UK, in fields related to building a sustainable future for The Bahamas.
Taxi drivers face ‘code of conduct’
Traffic authorities are planning a shake-up of the taxi industry’s regulatory regime that will require drivers to sign-up to, and abide by, a “code of conduct” with an announcement on fare changes due as early as next week.
Laroda says NIB not facing liquidity crisis
MYLES Laroda, state minister with responsibility for the National Insurance Board, wants to assure the public that the NIB fund is not facing a liquidity crisis.
PHA report: Woman who died was ‘acutely ill’
THE Public Hospitals Authority said a woman who complained in a viral video about her rapidly deteriorating platelet count was “acutely ill” and died “despite all the efforts by the clinical team, including nursing, physicians, and laboratory staff”.
POLICE QUIZ MP KIRK CORNISH: Representative for North Abaco released last night after being in custody
NORTH Abaco MP Kirk Cornish was released by police last night after turning himself into officers in Grand Bahama for questioning earlier yesterday.
Bahamas in top ten for death penalty
The recent slayings of two men on bail in New Providence passes the smell test of retaliatory killings which have become all too common in the capital.
Minister urges UN take over of global tax woes
A Cabinet minister yesterday called for the creation of an independent multilateral body to review all tax-related blacklistings of The Bahamas and other small jurisdictions over what he described as “technical deficiencies”.
Man sentenced to 18 months jail for fondling 4-year-old to appeal ruling
A 44-year-old man was sentenced to 18 months in prison after he was found guilty of fondling a four-year-old girl in 2021.
Coroner’s inquest starts for shooting of blind man by police
THE BROTHER of a blind man killed in a police-involved shooting in 2018 testified yesterday that he never saw his brother with a firearm.
Four students reimbursed by medical training school that was unaccredited
THE owner of a purported medical school that is unregistered with the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council (NAECOB) partially reimbursed four women who sued him after taking an unaccredited course.
Minister: ‘Goalposts keep moving’ with EU, OECD
The Bahamas is now being blacklisted for implementation deficiencies rather than weaknesses in its financial laws, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.
Comets, Dragons, Hurricanes are BAISS soccer champions
THE Queen’s College Comets left the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex yesterday as the junior and senior girls’ champions of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Soccer Championships.
Cleveland Eneas primary takes lead into the final day
DAY two of New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association (NPPPSSA) saw more primary schools cement their positions in the total team rankings going into the final day of the meet.
IAN FERGUSON: Ways to grow without losing peace of mind
Every business, small or large, has growth on their agenda. The type of growth varies from revenue generation, store location, physical space and number of employees to any other metric that the specific company views as critical.
SBDC: Poultry producer received ‘all funds due’
The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) says “all funds due” to an Abaco-based poultry producer for a solar energy project have been paid over while denying that any sums remain outstanding.
Food retailers ‘not too good’ over price control flexibility
Food retailers “don’t feel too good” that the Government could reintroduce an expanded price control regime in the future as they yesterday questioned the extent of the initiative’s success.
Contractors and fronting
I read with interest the article concerning the statements from Hon Keith Bell, Minister of Labour relative to the contractors, with concerns about fronting and the appointment of a board that the Ministry of Labour can consult.
Thursday, April 27
STATESIDE: Recent firings at major news outlets do little to change the media’s landscape
AMERICA’S highly politicised, highly polarised cable TV networks regained centre stage once again this week, as both Fox and CNN fired popular stalwarts in the wake of accumulated indiscretions. It wasn’t surprising. A bit disappointing, maybe. But not too surprising.
FRONT PORCH: Focus on education and literacy a step toward addressing crime issues
“At that time, 2005, everybody was thinking, oh, it only occurs in certain areas and if you don’t live a certain lifestyle or associate with certain people you were going to be all right. Well, we’re not all right, we know now that was a lie, and so we are reaping the bitter fruits of our neglect.” – Rev CB Moss
EDITORIAL: Munroe right on legal limit to bail restrictions
IN this column yesterday, The Tribune offered a rebuke of sorts towards National Security Minister Wayne Munroe for ducking the issue of marital rape on the pretext that it was not in the PLP’s election manifesto – its Blueprint for Change.
Munroe: Moves to limit bail for murder will be struck down
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said there is no way to restrict bail grants through legislation, noting past efforts have failed throughout the region.
‘Get your house in order’, says Bell warning of clamp down in illegal practices
LABOUR Minister Keith Bell vowed to clamp down on unlawful work permit practices and illegal fronting operations in the construction sector yesterday, telling contractors: “Get your house in order.”
GB Chamber head ‘totally convinced’ economic resurgence is coming
GRAND Bahama Chamber of Commerce President James Carey is “totally convinced” the economic resurgence of Grand Bahama is inevitable and calls for everyone to be ready to do their part.
RCI following same developer rules as Atlantis and Baha Mar, says Cooper
ROYAL Caribbean International (RCI) is following the same environmental protocols for its Paradise Island project that Atlantis and Baha Mar followed for their multi-million dollar ventures, according to Tourism Aviation and Investments Minister Chester Cooper.
Aquapure ‘dam bursts’ over price increases
A Bahamian bottled water supplier yesterday said it had been forced to implement its first product-wide price increase for 15 years as “a last resort” with costs having increased “no less than 30 percent” since COVID hit.
$20m developer seeking ‘wasteful’ restrictions end
A Bahamian developer yesterday voiced optimism that the planning authorities will eliminate “wasteful” restrictions to allow his proposed $20m project to proceed and create over 100 construction and full-time jobs combined.
Show not spooked by FTX through DARE-ing reforms
Reforms to The Bahamas’ digital assets regulatory regime must send a “strong message” that this nation remains open to innovation and has not been spooked by FTX’s collapse, an industry entrepreneur urged yesterday.
US allows student visa applications a year in advance
US Embassy Vice Consul Lance Peterson said that “a great change” in applying for a US Student Visa is that candidates may now do so a year before their programme’s start date.
Demolition has started on downtown buildings
DEMOLITION of buildings has started downtown, with Tourism, Aviation and Investments Minister Chester Cooper revealing that about six have been knocked down so far.
PI entrepreneur hits back over ‘damn lie’
The Bahamian entrepreneur seeking to restore Paradise Island’s lighthouse yesterday blasted that it was “a damn lie” for Royal Caribbean to assert his project will have a higher guest density than its own.
Govt would ‘absolutely’ address fronting issue
LABOUR Minister Keith Bell said immigration officials are reviewing Chief Justice Ian Winder’s recent ruling on “fronting”, adding the government would “absolutely” address the controversial, long-standing practice.
Man shot dead in Kennedy Subdivision
A MAN was shot multiple times as he sat outside his apartment complex and died as he tried to flee to safety last night in the country’s latest murder.
Human Rights Committee resolution passed in HOA
ELECTED officials passed a resolution in the House of Assembly yesterday to establish a Human Rights Committee to monitor and protect the enforcement of human rights in The Bahamas.
LARODA WARNS NIB RUNNING ON FUMES: He adds ‘the first rate increase is not going to save the fund’
MYLES Laroda said the National Insurance Board fund is “basically running on fumes” and can only be stabilised when the contribution rate is increased by 1.5 per cent for the third or fourth time in the future.
$6,400 fine as pit bulls kill Shih Tzu
A WOMAN was fined $6,400 on Wednesday after admitting her two pit bulls attacked and killed her neighbour’s Shih Tzu dog.
The future of conch is at risk
The Queen Conch is approaching extinction in The Bahamas. A bold statement? Hardly!
Road markings
I would like your urgent assistance with regards to having the markings installed and repainted on the roadways in New Providence. I remember when we did the basic things well, but recently many don’t see dirt or simple improvements to be made.
High profile investigations by the police
Our Police Force over the past decades has been active in investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of offenders, which included various high-profile residents and included several politicians in the government and opposition.
$2,000 fine for four curfew breaches
A MAN charged with murder was fined $2,000 after admitting to breaching curfew four times.
Three charged over traffic fatalities
TWO MEN and a woman were charged yesterday with vehicular manslaughter after separate traffic fatalities in Eleuthera and New Providence.
Minister urges end to construction ‘fronting’
A Cabinet minister yesterday lamented the failure to fully implement legislation to regulate the Bahamian construction industry as he called for an end to ‘fronting’ arrangements that enable foreign ownership in a sector reserved for locals.
Contractors warned on work permit violations
A Cabinet minister yesterday hinted the authorities will soon target Bahamian employers who employ illegal migrants as he urged contractors to ensure their work permit holders comply with the law.
Port Authority ‘game in town’ for Freeport
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) remains “the game in town” for all investors seeking to do business in Freeport, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president said yesterday.
Water Corp agrees $3m industrial deal
The Government has signed a $3m industrial agreement with the trade union representing the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s line staff that includes four set salary increases over the next three years.
‘Difficult to compete with free’ on Customs software solution
A Bahamian software developer yesterday said it is “difficult to compete with free” after the Customs Department provided small brokers with a similar product that can integrate with its electronic goods clearance system at no cost.
Athletes depart for Penn Relays
With the athletes fuelled by the momentum coming off some big performances at the 50th Oaktree CARIFTA Games, they will now look to make their mark internationally.
Claridge Primary in the lead going into day two
THE New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association (NPPPSSA) made its return to the original Thomas A Robinson National Stadium yesterday for their annual track and field meet.
Eunice Oliver: ‘Boxing was his world’
MEMBERS of the Bahamas Boxing Federation (BBF) delivered their heartfelt sympathy and condolences in person to the Oliver family following the untimely death of boxer Tyrone Oliver Jr.
Wednesday, April 26
EDITORIAL: Tell us everything on bank HQ decision
THE explanations surrounding the withdrawal from plans for a new multi-million dollar Central Bank headquarters are less than convincing so far.
Govt unlikely to renew extended price control which has expired
THE Davis administration is unlikely to renew the order expanding the list of items added to the price control regime last year, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis suggested yesterday.
ALICIA WALLACE: Long wait for investigation in MP allegation highlights our rape culture
APRIL is Sexual Assault Awareness Month — a time to focus specifically on the pervasiveness of sexual violence and its impact on survivors and their communities, educate the public, and advocate for the introduction and/or expansion of prevention, intervention, and support programmes and services.
Government website to be revamped as public frustrated with user experience
FRUSTRATION with the official Bahamas government website has led to a decline in its use, according to Wayne Watson, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
WSC signs $3m industrial agreement with Bahamas Utility and Allied Workers Union
A NEW $3m industrial agreement between the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) and the Bahamas Utility Services and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU) will benefit 386 union members.
AG calls MP White a ‘rookie parliamentarian’ with a ‘dismissive attitude’
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder gave St Anne’s MP Adrian White a scathing rebuke yesterday for opposing and criticising the Law Reform and Revision Act.
Coastline awareness campaign launched by Tourism at GB school
A CAMPAIGN to keep coastlines clean has been reintroduced on Grand Bahama by the Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation (MOTIA).
Five families still receiving govt assistance after March Bimini blaze
FIVE families still rely on housing assistance from the government after a fire blazed through the Porgy Bay settlement of Bimini last month.
Road to 50 project to educate grade six students and public about mangroves
THE Independence Secretariat yesterday announced the launch of a national mangrove project to educate the public and protect local mangroves.
Bahamas beats $18.7m Suriname CLICO claim
CLICO (Bahamas) has beaten back an $18.734m claim from its Suriname affiliate with the Chief Justice slamming transactions that disguised loans as insurance policies as “a farce”.
Royal Caribbean chief: ‘I wish we’d answered on environment sooner’
Royal Caribbean is aiming “in the next couple of weeks” to answer the 120 questions sparked by its Paradise Island project’s initial environmental consultation, with a senior executive yesterday saying: “I wish we’d replied sooner.”
Commission unveils DARE overhaul - no FTX mention
The Securities Commission last night unveiled its long-awaited overhaul of The Bahamas’ digital assets regulatory regime although there was no mention of, or reference to, the recent FTX implosion.
BISX chief: What about Bahamas Food Services?
The Bahamas International Securities Exchange’s (BISX) chief executive is challenging why the decade-old pledge for an initial public offering (IPO) of the former Bahamas Food Services has yet to be fulfilled.
‘No consistency’ over PI guest density fears
A senior Royal Caribbean executive yesterday argued that fears guest density at its $110m project will “decimate” western Paradise Island “are not necessarily rooted in consistency”.
Fuel retailers optimistic but Halkitis says no change to come
THE Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association’s (BPRA) president expressed optimism yesterday about resolving long-standing issues affecting gas retailers even as Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis reiterated the government would not change fuel or tax margins to accommodate them.
New Central Bank building cancelled as it would be ‘a bad look’
ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said the Davis administration cancelled the new multi-million dollar Central Bank headquarters because building it would not look good following the COVID-19 pandemic — an explanation former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis called “flimsy”.
Two men on bail murdered in separate incidents
TWO men on bail were killed moments apart in separate incidents in New Providence yesterday, bringing the murder total for the year to 43.
Eleuthera is 'bursting at seams with possibilities'
The transformation of Eleuthera's three principal airports will provide the "gateways" to increase investment flows into Eleuthera, a Cabinet minister has asserted, describing the island as "bursting at the seams with opportunity".
Digital payments co-founder to join PM at UK receptions
A Bahamian-headquartered digital payments provider yesterday said its co-founder and chairman will speak alongside Prime Minister Philip Davis KC at several upcoming London events.
Poultry producer waits on $14k solar funds balance
A Bahamian poultry producer is awaiting receipt of the final $14,000 from the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) $40,000 grant before it begins its solar energy transition.
Grants awarded to 51 creative entrepreneurs
Some 51 Bahamian entrepreneurs were yesterday awarded grants of up to $5,000 to help develop their creative ventures and expand the so-called 'orange' economy.
Champions crowned in GSSSA volleyball
LIONS, ROYALS, KNIGHTS, RATTLERS WIN TITLES
The Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) championship round concluded on Monday at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium.
Delancy named volleyball player of the year in SIAC
FOR the second consecutive year in a row, Bahamian rising star Ras Jesse Delancy has been named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year.
Bahamas Aquatics stands firmly in support of Joanna Evans
WITH Olympian and multiple Bahamian national record holder Joanna Evans being sidelined with a two-year ban for a drug violation that will run through February 12, 2024, Bahamas Aquatics has stepped forth and given her their full support in her quest to be vindicated.
Noble Prep: Spring Classic basketball tourney returns
THE Noble Preparatory Academy’s sixth edition of the Spring Classic Basketball tournament returns to the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium following a two-year hiatus.
Collegiate tennis players take the spotlight in conference tourneys
OVER the weekend our collegiate tennis players took to the centre court, Sydney Clarke played in C-USA conference tournament and Peyton Anderson in the NSIC Tournament.
The right to vote
Woodes Rodgers arrived in Nassau in 1729 for his second tour of duty as Governor of the Bahamas. In his commission he was given specific instructions to establish a general assembly to pass laws as the need arose. He issued a proclamation on 25th August, 1729 calling for the election of freeholders in New Providence, Eleuthera, and Harbour Island.
US visa concern
Here is a matter of great concern, I am one of the Bahamians who falls in the category of Bahamians who need a US Visa B1/B2 to visit the States, but felt I was wrongly treated in my reapplying for the visa, following numerous submitted applications through a JP Visa prepared my visa wasn't approved, but each time was told I may re-apply at a later date and I always waited over the suggested waiting time six months before re-applying.
Teen granted $3,000 bail on housebreaking accusation
A 15-year-old youth was granted $3,000 bail after being accused of breaking into a woman’s home last week.
Tuesday, April 25
PETER YOUNG: Events in Sudan matter to the rest of the world
International alarm bells have been ringing, but the press headline on Sunday revealed all – “Special forces airlift US diplomats from Sudan”. President Biden had just announced that the US military had evacuated by helicopter diplomats and their families from the Sudanese capital Khartoum. Britain has also evacuated its diplomats amongst reports of similar action by other Western countries.
FACE TO FACE: Dr Ancilleno Davis hopes to inspire more Bahamian students to become scientists
IF the curiosity and natural scientific inkling of a child is nurtured, the possibilities are endless. In the case of Bahamian children, nurturing such natural passion is critical in the protection and preservation of the environment for generations to come. For Dr Ancilleno Davis, growing up spending his after school days at the Botanical Gardens planted him in the right nurturing grounds and produced one of the most outstanding Bahamian scientists today.
EDITORIAL: Crime statistics are welcome news
THE news that crime has dropped is always to be welcomed – even if a close look at the detail raises some questions.
Police Commissioner ‘will deal with’ whoever leaked murder scene photos
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said he is disgusted that crime scene photos of the mother and daughter murdered over a week ago were leaked and circulated to the public, insisting officers are doing all they can to identify the culprits.
FNM Women’s President: We must ‘all stand against GBV’
KATHY Munnings, president of the FNM Grand Bahama Women’s Association, is calling on Bahamians to take a strong stand in the fight to end gender-based violence (GBV) in The Bahamas.
Gender Violence Bill 98 percent complete
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the Gender Violence Bill is 98 per cent complete.
Coleby-Davis: We need facts before speaking on MP rape allegation
TRANSPORT and Housing Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said officials should be careful not to “speak just for speaking sake”.
Munroe calls Minnis’ comment about a rape whistle ‘distasteful’ and ‘not amusing’
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe criticised former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in Parliament yesterday, accusing him of making “a poor joke about rape victims”.
PM pays tribute to Harry Belafonte
AFTER the death of Harry Belafonte, aged 96, Prime Minister Philip "Brave" Davis has paid tribute to a man he called "a friend of The Bahamas".
Love Beach is not feeling the Passion
Love Beach residents have united in opposition to a prominent Bahamian developer’s condominium project amid fears it will “bulldoze” the area’s property values and deter further investor interest.
Former minister: Give Toby ‘some preference’ over PI
A former Cabinet minister yesterday said the Bahamian entrepreneur battling to restore Paradise Island’s lighthouse should be given “some preference” now that his project can easily “co-exist” with Royal Caribbean’s.
Central Bank warned over Gov’t lending limits breach
The Central Bank was advised it could breach its legal lending limits to the Government through the latter’s use of $232.3m in IMF special drawing rights (SDRs) without reforms to its governing Act.
Village Road companies slam ‘haphazard’ damage repairs
Village Road businesses yesterday blasted the Government’s efforts to repair business premises, residences and driveways/parking lots damaged by the area’s 15-month roadworks as “haphazard” and lacking “structure”.
EX-PM demands Central Bank HQ deal explanation
A former prime minister yesterday demanded an explanation for why the Central Bank’s proposed new headquarters building at Royal Victoria Gardens in downtown Nassau was “terminated’.
New mangroves conservation group comes together in Grand Bahama
Three conservation organisations have joined forces to protect mangroves in The Bahamas.
Up to 200 jobs from $110m marina resort
THE Legendary Marina Resort is set to develop a $110m project in eastern New Providence that would deliver up to 200 jobs.
Munroe: Marital rape was ‘not on agenda’
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said criminalising marital rape should not be a significant priority of the Davis administration because the Progressive Liberal Party did not promise it in its Blueprint for Change manifesto.
Azario Major family told to seek justice in court
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said the family of Azario Major, a man police killed in 2021, should seek to prevail in the Coroner’s Court, not the “court of public opinion” where the disclosure of evidence could contaminate the potential jury pool.
Serious crime 28% down - but rape cases increase
SERIOUS crime has declined by more than a quarter this year, according to Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, although there has been an increase in the number of rapes.
POLICE TO QUIZ MP IN RAPE CASE THIS WEEK: Lawyer retained by woman who made assault allegations
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police would question a sitting Member of Parliament accused of raping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend before the end of this week.
Will Bahamas side with China or Taiwan?
Tensions are escalating between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China, known to us as Taiwan. I read in The Telegraph, a British newspaper, that former head of the US Indo-Pacific command, Admiral Philip Davidson, predicted that China will invade Taiwan by 2027. Military analysts have dubbed this timeframe the “Davidson Window.”
No bail for Cuban man accused of sexual assault of 8-year-old
A CUBAN MAN has been accused of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl.
Being failed over crime
Like clockwork, shots rang out all over New Providence last weekend, leaving several dead and wounded victims.
Bail issue... who is really at fault?
A media feeding frenzy was sparked recently by remarks attributed to the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves at a CARICOM Summit in Trinidad & Tobago relative to bail being granted in homicide cases by Bahamian judges.
Payouts for legal cases
It was very interesting to hear that the Hon Prime Minister declined to reveal settlement amounts in actions settled by the government with members of the security forces because he did not want pending actions to be affected.
Man accused of murder of Yinka Strachan remanded until trial
A MAN was sent to prison on Monday accused of killing Yinka Strachan, the 42-year-old woman whose body was recovered from a canal with gunshot wounds last week.
Man charged with aiding in murder not granted bail
A MAN was sent to prison on Monday after he was accused of aiding in the murder of a 19-year-old earlier this year in South Beach.
Cruise ship male nurse held on sexual assault charge
A MALE nurse aboard a cruise ship was sent to prison yesterday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a female patient under his care last week.
Bahamian Olympian and his company could be sued
A BAHAMIAN Olympian and his consultancy company in Houston, Texas could be sued for allegedly reneging on a financial deal to accommodate a group of athletes from England in a training site in Texas.
Strachan pleased with performance
AFTER watching his sister Kamera Strachan produce a record-breaking performance at the Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games over the Easter holiday weekend, Bahamas men’s national javelin record holder Keyshawn Strachan said he was surprised to learn that he was on the watch list for the NCAA.
LOC CEO: ‘CARIFTA 50 was something out of the box’
IN the aftermath of the Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games, Lynden Maycock said he provided more of a “minister” than a service as the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee.
Another great tournament in beautiful Palmetto Point
16th Annual Tim’s Refrigeration Tennis Tournament
IT was a great tournament this weekend in beautiful Palmetto Point, Eleuthera, at the 16th Annual Tim’s Refrigeration Tennis Tournament at Knowles courts.
Activists fear ‘total decimation’ of PI site by Royal Caribbean
BAHAMIAN environmental activists yesterday reiterated fears that Royal Caribbean’s $100m beach club project will cause “total decimation” of western Paradise Island despite assurances to the contrary.
Mantas water polo bring home bronze
The Mantas Water Polo Club, with a rising new squad of competitors, returned from the Rise Up Tournament in Orlando, Florida with the bronze medal.
Monday, April 24
INSIGHT: From founding to modern day, the history of the police force
The Royal Bahamas Police Force is celebrating its own history as we count down towards independence. In this article provided by the force, the steps toward the creation of the modern force are detailed - along with the history of the leaders of the force since Bahamian independence.
THE KDK REPORT: Early testing can possibly lead to better outcomes for you and your loved ones
THE concept of time can often seem arbitrary. One day it may feel like the day is crawling forward at a snail’s pace and the next it can feel like the day flew by so quickly you barely had a second to relax. Years go by and you wonder where the time went as your baby, who was only just crawling, is now applying for a driver’s permit. In those moments, it’s natural to wish for life to slow down.
INSIGHT: What are ‘we’ prepared to do to change the rising violence in our country?
IT’s been another violent week in The Bahamas, with more murders, more bodies in our streets and again the cry going up “What can we do about crime?”
EDITORIAL: PM’s words do not bring clarity to investigation
THE progress of the rape investigation into a sitting MP continues to be watched closely by all concerned.
CPSA says gun violence has significantly impacted Princess Margaret Hospital
THE Princess Margaret Hospital has been significantly affected by gun violence, according to the head of the Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA).
D’Aguilar says RCI Beach Club project is good for Bahamians
FORMER Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar said he supports Royal Caribbean International’s $110m Paradise Island Royal Beach Club project.
Woman alleging rape and assault by MP retains lawyer
THE woman who alleges she was raped and assaulted by a sitting Member of Parliament has retained a lawyer.
Tourism ‘doesn’t need any more’ air fare fees
The Bahamas must work with the airline industry “to put a ceiling” on travel costs to the destination, a senior hotelier is asserting, as this nation “doesn’t need any more taxes” included in ticket prices.
Air fares blamed for 20% Briland villa rentals drop
A Harbour Island realtor has blamed “crazy” air fares that have more than doubled compared to pre-COVID for a 20 percent slowdown in high-end villa rentals during the 2023 peak winter season.
Couple evade attempted murder when a gunman opened fire on them in their yard
A COUPLE cleaning their vehicle outside their home had to flee for their lives yesterday after a gunman opened fire on them.
Hotel union: ‘One item’ away on industrial deal
The hotel union’s president says it is just “one item” away from concluding an industrial agreement with the main employer body, and believes once it is completed other “dominoes” will fall.
Davis says he is ‘distressed’ by murders
PRIME Minister Phillip Davis said he is “distressed” by the latest streak of murders in New Providence.
PM’s Bermuda flight ‘reckless, negligent’
The Prime Minister’s Bermuda trip has flown into a fresh storm of controversy as the airline responsible is battling a $200,000 fine over accusations it operated the flight in a “negligent and/or reckless” manner.
Brothers murdered together over weekend
TWO brothers, one who aimed to become a top boxer representing The Bahamas internationally, and another who planned to wed his fiancé next month, were murdered together on Saturday.
‘I WANT JUSTICE FOR RAPE BY MP’ – Woman says she is still cooperating with police after PM says he heard she would not press charges
THE woman who alleges she was raped and assaulted by a sitting Member of Parliament is still cooperating with police to address the matter, despite Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ comments on Saturday.
Athletes qualify for CARIFTA triathlon
The Bahamas Triathlon Association hosted the Sea Waves Triathlon yesterday at Jaws Beach. It was the second of three qualifying events for the CARIFTA and Junior Commonwealth Games.
CI Gibson Rattlers celebrate titles with awards ceremony, motorcade
IN honour of their hard work and successful season that culminated with both the Rattlers senior boys and girls basketball teams winning the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s pennant and championship titles, the CI Gibson Secondary School celebrated their achievements with an awards ceremony and motorcade.
‘Tyrone was always the life of the party’
WHILE Tyrone Oliver Jr was being considered for representation in his first major international event by the Boxing Federation of the Bahamas next week, his younger brother Shakuar Oliver was preparing for his marriage on his older brother’s birthday in May.
GSSSA volleyball championships on
THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) volleyball championships commenced this past weekend at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium.
Athletes make their presence felt overseas
WHILE strongwoman Rhema Otabor, versatile Anthaya Charlton, hurdler Gabrielle Gibson and sprinter Wanya McCoy were taking care of business over the weekend in the United States, sprinters Anthonique Strachan and Wendell Miller were making their presence felt at the Velocity Fest 13 in Kingston, Jamaica.
Sailing officially declared as our national sport
IT was a big weekend for the island of Exuma. Not only did they attract one of the biggest crowds for the 65th Family Island Regatta, but they got to kick off the promotion of the torch run for the sixth edition of the Bahamas Games just before the official proclamation of sailing as the national sport of The Bahamas.
Show Time
ActivTrades
POLITICIANS worldwide are fighting over carbon dioxide prices, domestic flights and kerosene taxes to slow down climate change. The goal is to limit the global rise in temperatures to two degrees. But most energy forecasts are of the opinion that we are losing this battle. With this in mind, it is no surprise that car manufacturers are trying to do their part to make the world a greener place.
Water Corp targets further 57% system loss reduction
The Water & Sewerage Corporation has extended by four-and-a-half years a contract that has saved itself and its customers more than $153m over the past decade.
Disney teams with BTVI for Eleuthera expansion
The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) has partnered with Disney Cruise Line to construct a new campus in Eleuthera for the training of its residents.
BBSQ failed to protect workers
I am bewildered on how poorly we treat the safety of our construction workers in The Bahamas.
BPL separations hit utility expertise
Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) is facing “significant” workforce challenges after losing hundreds of years in combined expertise through a previous voluntary separation exercise, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.
Gonsalves was right
It is clear that, instead of feeling acute embarrassment that Ralph Gonsalves had to point out from St Vincent the stark insanity of our bail situation in The Bahamas, some members of my profession chose instead to defend the indefensible.
Collectively we can make a difference
This past weekend the Bahamas lost another promising young man to the streets. He was filled with hope, enthusiasm and was committed to putting in the work necessary to maximize his potential. They say luck is attained when preparation meets opportunity. He was prepared. He needed the opportunity.
Saturday, April 22
Three dead in two separate shooting incidents
Police are investigating three shooting deaths after two separate incidents on Saturday.
Marathon runner Charles Johnson braves Antarctic Ice in pursuit of seven continents series
MOST long distance runners are content with running and completing a few marathons. For Charles Johnson, his quest is to go where no other Bahamian has gone before and that is to participate in the seven continents series of marathons.
Friday, April 21
Body found off Carmichael Road, police do not suspect foul play
POLICE are investigating the finding of a man’s decomposed body near an abandoned building off Carmichael Road Friday morning.
Digital court reporting system officially relaunched
THE Bahamas judiciary officially relaunched its digital court reporting system on Friday.
Man accused in carjacking granted bail
A MAN was granted bail on Friday after being accused in a carjacking in New Providence earlier this month.
Teenagers charged with assault with a deadly weapon
TWO male juveniles were granted bail after being accused of assaulting a man with a handgun in Nassau last week.
Man fined for breaching bail conditions
A MAN was fined $2,500 after he admitted to breaching his bail conditions while on release for a pending attempted murder charge.
Second Gender Based Violence prevention Family Island Coordination Council launched in Grand Bahama
The second Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention Family Island Coordination Council was launched in Grand Bahama on Friday.
DIANE PHILLIPS: In development, is there right or wrong, or just two sides to a story?
SOMETIMES there isn’t a right or wrong – just two sides to a story. This is one of those cases.
Eric Wiberg – New Providence: 60 land accidents
WHETHER planes touched wingtips, men walked into propellers, bombers collided, planes were lost in microbursts, or had training gunnery mishaps, Nassau, Windsor and Oakes air fields and adjacent waters claimed many lives. More than half of all accidents in the colony – 80 of 150 – took place at or near the air fields and New Providence. This article deals with the 55 accidents that happened or ended up on land. In the three years from January 1943 131 aviators and a Bahamian family of three were killed by military aircraft in New Providence and its waters, with 83 rescued, and those fatalities recovered buried on Farrington Road. Pre-existing Oakes Field, used for training, saw nine crashes and most of the 25 unallocated, and Windsor Field, still in use, had 21.
Vehicle stolen from woman who used it as a temporary home
DWY Rolle’s car is vital for her safety and security.
FNM deputy calls Gonsalves’ commentary on Bahamas’ judiciary ‘unwarranted’
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright defended the Bahamian judiciary after a Caribbean leader launched a high-profile attack on the institution.
‘Losing home court’: Air taxes exceed ticket cost
A senior tourism official yesterday said the Bahamas has failed to convert its US proximity into affordability with airline ticket taxes now exceeding the actual cost of a flight.
Eleuthera airport’s $65m price tag is ‘scaled back’
The Government’s aviation chief yesterday revealed that the $65m price tag for North Eleuthera’s new airport is being “scaled back” to ensure investors can achieve the desired return on their capital outlay.
‘Banner-breaking’ 38% visitor rise in Eleuthera
Eleuthera has followed a “banner-breaking” December for stopover visitors with a 38 percent year-over-year increase in such arrivals for 2023’s first two months, it was revealed yesterday.
Carnival ‘spruce up’ for 50% passenger growth
A senior Carnival executive yesterday said the cruise giant plans to “spruce up” Princess Cay, adding that the Eleuthera-based private island needs “quite a bit of love”.
Bahamian folklore and humour to be on display in new production
BAHAMIAN Georgia Storr Taylor is back with theatre/dance production ‘A Bahamian Tale’ - running from April 28-30 at the Regency Theatre.
Murdered woman found in canal indentified as Yinka Strachan
THE woman whose dead body was found riddled with bullets in the South Beach canal on Wednesday has been identified as 42-year-old Yinka Maria Strachan.
Over 90% say public corruption ‘frequent’
Renewed demands for greater government transparency were sparked yesterday by research showing over 90 percent of Bahamians believe nepotism, cronyism and corruption is “frequent” among politicians and public officials.
Pinder: I only left union ‘to get pension’
FORMER Labour Director John Pinder said he only left union leadership for a government job to collect a pension and now wants to return as the Bahamas Public Services Union president.
Man murdered in Seabreeze Lane area in his vehicle
POLICE are investigating after a man was shot dead in the Seabreeze Lane area last night.
As the latest woman victim of murder is named, a senior minister says it’s: TIME TO END THE VIOLENCE
EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said she had been assured the Gender Violence Bill is in its final drafting stages, saying the legislation must be brought to the House of Assembly.
GSSSA PLAYOFFS: Knights and Stingrays senior girls advance to championships
THE C R Walker Knights and C V Bethel Stingrays will face off in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) senior girls volleyball championships.
Sixth UBFIT race weekend April 21-23
THE University of The Bahamas will host its sixth edition of the UBFIT Fun, Run, Walk and Skate race this morning at 6am.
Hield and Williams going to World Boxing Championships
WHILE Carl Hield will be going for his seventh appearance at the IBA World Boxing Championships, Rashield Williams will be attending his second straight as the amateur and professional boxers represent the Bahamas at the Humo Arena in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Man charged for firearm and causing harm
A Grand Bahama man was charged on Thursday with causing harm and possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear.
Grandfather stands trial on two counts of ‘indecent assault’ on his 14-year-old grandaughter
A POLICE officer and a young girl testified yesterday in the trial of a grandfather accused of sexually assaulting an underaged girl last year.
Criminal justice in our nation
Looking at the criminal justice system in The Bahamas today, we may see criminals getting some sort of justice, but hardly any justice going around in the direction of victims or society at large.
Defending the party
I always find it sadly amusing that the overtly and shamelessly blind, and arrogant supporters of the PLP and FNM on social media would always defend the serious wrongdoings of their respective parties and high-ranking members by pointing out an egregious error of the past by the other party or a dear member thereof.
Man fined $5,000 for possession of drugs
A MAN was fined $5,000 yesterday after he admitted possessing $2,300 of marijuana as well as a quantity of cocaine near his home earlier this week.
Woman charged with stealing $3,000 from job
A WOMAN was placed on one year probation after she admitted last week to stealing more than $3,000 from her former employer.
Mortician charged for falsifying records
A former mortician was charged in Freeport Magistrate’s Court this week with falsification of a public record.
'Far from the truth': RBC not exiting The Bahamas
A senior Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) executive yesterday denied that its reduced branch network is "a pathway to exit The Bahamas", saying: "This is far from the truth."
Disney unveils hiring plans for Eleuthera
DISNEY Cruise Line is set to hire 170 full-time Bahamian staff from September 20223 onwards after "more than tripling" the projected number of initial employees.
BGF NATIONAL SCHOOLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS: Poitier sisters dominate
Sisters Zaire, Zion and Zeden Poitier teamed up as the Poitier Golf Home School to dominate the Lower Primary Girls division of the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Division’s National Schools Golf Championships.
Eagles Basketball Classic senior boys’ crown goes to IBA Bahamas Panthers
IT was payback time for the IBA Bahamas team as they avenged their first loss to beat the CC Sweeting Cobras to clinch the Eagles Basketball Classic’s senior boys’ championship title.
Primary school track and field returns
THE 43rd edition of the public primary school track and field championships is set to return to the old Thomas A Robinson stadium after a two-year hiatus.
Thursday, April 20
STATESIDE: Politicians need to recognise when it is time for them to leave the stage
WHAT do Diane Feinstein, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, George Santos and Clarence Thomas have in common?
FRONT PORCH: How long will government drag their feet in granting protection to women?
“Any government’s failure to criminalise marital rape effectively condones and enables the existence of a domestic space within a marriage where sexual violence is permitted. The married woman is, in effect, abandoned with no legal protection.” - Marion Bethel
EDITORIAL: Why is Dr Minnis opposed to gun strategy?
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was in a talkative mood yesterday.
New Law Reform and Revision Act passed seeks to improve staffing and management
Parliamentarians passed a new Law Reform and Revision Act yesterday to modernise the legislative process.
Golf course ‘a new era’ for island
A multimillion-dollar Jack Nicklaus Heritage Championship Golf Course on Jack’s Bay Club and Resort Community in Eleuthera will help usher in a new era of economic prosperity for the island, creating valuable opportunities for Bahamians, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said yesterday.
CARICOM agrees to ban assault weapons
Caribbean leaders have agreed on plans to introduce bans in their countries on assault-style weapons mostly manufactured in the US to curb spikes in gun violence and weapons smuggling in the 15-nation Caricom bloc.
‘Cooling off’: High-end real estate sales drop 20-25%
A Bahamian realtor yesterday disclosed that high-end sales volumes “cooled” by 20-25 percent during the 2023 first quarter following a “record-shattering” year for single-family home prices on several islands.
Contractors fear return to Act ‘drawing board’
The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday said the industry is “absolutely not enthused at all” over signs that the Government may “go back to the drawing board” on legislation to regulate it.
Sir Franklyn hails golf tie-up as ‘world first’
An Eleuthera-based resort community’s principal developer yesterday hailed its “world first” in being able to offer two golf courses separately designed and branded by some of the sport’s biggest names.
Former PM slams Davis for not defending Bahamian judges at recent CARICOM symposium
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis questioned why Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis did not defend the Bahamian judiciary after another Caribbean leader slammed Bahamian judges.
Minnis demands details on US-based law company govt hired
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis urged his successor to reveal how much money the government is paying a US-based law firm to help the Davis administration manage public relations issues surrounding the collapse of FTX.
Environmentalists visit proposed RCI beach club site
Environmentalists led members of the media on a visit to the site of the proposed Royal Caribbean International Royal Beach Club project located in western Paradise Island yesterday.
Body of woman found in canal with bullet wounds
THE bullet-riddled body of a woman was found submerged in waters near the South Beach canals yesterday.
GB residents ‘up in arms’ over water hike process
The Government “must act now” and directly intervene to prevent the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) “regulating itself” over imminent water rate hikes, the Opposition’s finance spokesman charged yesterday.
Bowleg still ‘investigating’ position on marital rape law
YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg suggested he is conflicted on whether marital rape should be criminalised.
Measured responses on MP rape allegations
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party and Free National Movement parliamentarians offered measured responses to the severe allegations involving one of their colleagues yesterday –– acknowledging the severity of the claims while stressing the MP is entitled to due process.
Police investigate alleged sexual assault on cruise ship
POLICE are investigating allegations that a nurse sexually assaulted a 43-year-old American woman on a cruise ship.
MINNIS: PM ‘NO CLUE ON CRIME’ – Former leader says Davis focusing on US gun makers and not on tackling crime
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis accused his successor of putting the United States at the centre of this country’s crime problems rather than focusing on local sources of violence and dysfunction.
Procrastination unhealthy for efficiency in workplace
Deadlines are key for many workplaces as companies are subject to contractual obligations which require they be met. Deadlines are vital even though some employees may not take them seriously. While failing to meet, or not committing to, a deadline does not rise to the level of a life and death situation, it can still create unnecessary stress.
PI ‘cannot bear pressures’ of Royal Caribbean project
A former Bahamas National Trust (BNT) executive director yesterday voiced concerns that Royal Caribbean’s Paradise Island project “cannot bear the environmental pressures of what is being proposed”.
Three men plead ‘not guilty’ to attempted kidnapping
THREE men are behind bars today after they were accused of a foiled kidnapping last week that resulted in a man being injured.
Man remanded without bail on sexual assault charge
A 22-year-old man was sent to prison yesterday accused of the sexual assault of a woman during a home invasion in Exuma last week.
Eva Hilton Primary wins all team divisions for third year in a row
BGF National High School Golf Championships - day 3
DAY three of the Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) National High School Golf Championships wrapped up yesterday in the Driving Range of the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Sharks, Lions advance to junior girls’ volleyball championships
The Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) junior girls’ volleyball playoffs got underway yesterday at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.
Showjumpers haul in the ribbons at the Ocala Spring Classic
A TRIO of Bahamian equestrians showed off their showjumping skills at the Ocala Spring Classic 3 competition, held at the Florida Horse Park.
K9 units assist in drug find
POLICE arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply on Tuesday.
Atlantis and its sudden concerns
It is with great interest and mostly baffled as I read in the daily newspapers about the various articles penned by Atlantis president and managing director Audrey Oswell that were published in protest of Royal Caribbean International (RCI) Royal Beach Club proposed to be developed on the western side of Paradise Island. As we all know by now that RCI was given Government approval pending environment impact assessment reports to go forward with its $100m project.
Life on Mars
Please permit me space in your column to respond to Vincentian Prime Minister Ralph (“Comrade”) Gonzales, who suggested recently that the Bahamian Judiciary must be residents of Mars if they seriously feel that it is justifiable to continue bailing murder accused in an environment where they now make up a solid proportion of victims and reoffenders.
Ex-Prison Officer guilty of smuggling drug into prison
A FORMER prison officer was found guilty yesterday of smuggling drugs into the prison.
Man who threatened woman with shotgun granted bail
A MAN, accused of threatening a woman with a shotgun last month, was granted bail yesterday.
Wednesday, April 19
Fortune Bay Canal construction begins at $1.2m cost
THE construction of the Fortune Bay Canal is being undertaken at an investment cost of $1.2m and is expected to be completed in October.
Deadly coral disease is affecting up to 90 percent of reefs in some areas
THE deadly Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) continues to ravage corals in The Bahamas, affecting up to 90 per cent of corals in some areas.
ALICIA WALLACE: Decisive action on rape allegation would show govt’s commitment to ending gender-based violence
A MEMBER of Parliament has been accused of gender-based violence by a woman who was in a relationship with him. The violence included physical assault, rape, and death threats against the woman and her family. The survivor’s story is as clear as it is disturbing. It is about the escalation of violence, manipulation and threats, abuse of power, and the apparent impossibility of accessing justice. It is a lived reality that is more common than most people know.
‘GB population decline due to hurricane and pandemic’
GRAND Bahama’s declining population signifies the island’s economic struggles, Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president James Carey said yesterday.
EDITORIAL: Long overdue for legal reform
IN highlighting some good news – with a drop in the murder rate so far this year – Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander also illuminated the problems that we face.
Henfield calls pay delay for public workers ‘unacceptable’
SENATOR Darren Henfield said it is unacceptable that salary payments to 900 public workers were delayed for the second time this year.
Stem cell research and therapy legislation to be replaced, says Darville
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said yesterday the government would repeal and replace the Stem Cell Research and Therapy Act with a modern law.
DPM invites health and well-being industries to expand their business in The Bahamas
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper discussed the health profile of The Bahamas during a health conference yesterday.
Five Anatol Rodgers students suspended after wild fight
FIVE Anatol Rodgers High School students were suspended after a video captured a wild fight among them, according to acting director of education Dominique McCartney-Russell.
'Not out of the woods' despite consecutive Budget surpluses
The Government cannot interpret two consecutive monthly Budget surpluses "as a sign we are out of the woods", its top finance official warned last night.
BISX-listed insurer's $6.5m from Deltec's Ansbacher buy
A BISX-listed insurer is due to ultimately receive just over $6.5m from last year's sale of Ansbacher (Bahamas) to Deltec Bank & Trust.
Bahamas 'caught behind 8 ball' on airport upgrades
The deputy prime minister yesterday admitted that The Bahamas has "gotten caught behind the eight ball" over the need to upgrade its airport infrastructure with discussions now also focusing on expanding the country's main gateway.
Petroleum retailers told: 'Keep the faith'
Bahamian gas station operators were yesterday urged to "keep the faith" amid ongoing talks over the Government's latest proposal to address the wider petroleum industry's structural woes.
Atlantis: Royal Caribbean ‘packing a lot’ into PI club
Atlantis yesterday said it has not been swayed by Royal Caribbean’s pledge to hit an environmental “gold standard” as the cruise giant is “packing a lot of people” into its Paradise Island beach club’s 17 acres.
Murder sees 22 percent decline in first quarter
THE murder rate dropped by more than a fifth in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, according to Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander.
Sears and White support marital rape legislation
FORT Charlotte MP Alfred Sears and St Anne’s MP Adrian White said yesterday that they support criminalising marital rape.
FNM women want police to ‘vigorously’ probe allegation
WOMEN Free National Movement leaders yesterday called for police to vigorously investigate assault allegations involving a sitting Member of Parliament.
‘CONFIDENT IN POLICE’ OVER MP RAPE CLAIM: Deputy PM Cooper says due process will prevail in parliamentarian probe
DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper said he is confident police will adequately investigate allegations that a sitting Member of Parliament raped and assaulted a woman.
Man found with drugs on $2k bail
A 66-year-old man was granted $2,000 bail yesterday after allegedly being found with marijuana and cocaine on Monday.
Downtown development lack of will?
Firstly, let me say that the unvarnished truth is hard to acknowledge. Every twelfth grader knows that most, if not all of the properties downtown are owned by the once powerful white rich families, who controlled the affairs of this country prior to 1967.
Availability of telephone directories
Earlier this morning, I hopped onto a public service jitney bus for Route 10-A, which means that it would have taken me by the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporate building on John F Kennedy Drive.
Non-payment of gratuities
I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that is negatively affecting the lives of hundreds of Bahamian workers in the ground transportation industry, which has been doing so for decades.
Man accused over house break-ins
A MAN was sent to prison on Tuesday after being accused of a series of house break-ins in Exuma earlier this month.
Chisholm Jr’s homer leads Marlins over Giants 4-2
MIAMI (AP) — Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr hit a go-ahead three-run homer and the Miami Marlins beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2 yesterday. Jorge Soler had three hits and Luis Arraez singled twice for the Marlins, who have won six of seven.
Kevin Major Jr wins 3rd straight tournament
For the third time this year, rising tennis star Kevin ‘KJ’ Major hoisted a championship trophy.
Martin to launch Andros track, field camp
ANDROS native Holland Martin will launch a track and field sports camp on Queen’s Park in Fresh Creek, Central Andros.
Sea Waves Triathlon at Jaws Beach on Sunday
IN preparation for the CARIFTA triathlon to be staged in The Bahamas in August, the Sea Waves Triathlon Club will stage the Beautiful Bahamas Triathlon at Jaws Beach on Sunday.
Minister Lightbourne impressed with the young golfers on day 2
BGF National High School Golf Championships
ZANE Lightbourne, Minister of State for Education, was impressed with what he saw at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Division 2023 National Schools Golf Championships at the BFG’s Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Academy to help cut $12.5m egg imports
A Cabinet minister has hailed the launch of an agriculture research and training centre as another step towards slashing The Bahamas’ annual $12.5m egg import bill.
Resorts ‘struggling to win’ against Airbnbs
A Cat Island hotelier yesterday admitted the island’s resorts are “struggling to win” the battle for visitors against an ever-expanding vacation rental sector that is dominated by expatriate owners.
Union leader voices shipyard frustration
A trade union leader yesterday voiced frustration over the alleged six-year wait to secure an industrial agreement with the Grand Bahama Shipyard.
Tuesday, April 18
THE BTVI STORY: Lavardo conquers college and CARIFTA
A sporting dream planted by Lavardo Deveaux at four years old took a different direction and recently blossomed into a rewarding reality. The 17-year-old, who balances college student and track athlete responsibilities, captured a silver medal at this year’s CARIFTA Games while preparing for final exams.
Student spotlight
FIFTEEN-year-old Aaliyah Smith is a tenth-grade student at Elite School of Excellence that has maintained a 3.8 GPA.
FACE TO FACE – Teri Greenidge: Bringing the light of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to others through service
One week after Easter was celebrated at various churches around the world, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebrated Tinsae – the Resurrection of Christ. On Sunday past, Tinsae was commemorated all around the world services as the culmination of Holy Week.
EDITORIAL: Fairness needed in rape investigation
THE accusation that a sitting Member of Parliament raped and assaulted a woman is one that should shock the nation.
$3.7m in disengaged leases as govt seeks ‘safe and healthy’ work environment
STATE Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said the government stopped leases worth $3.7m since coming to office in 2021, stressing the need for public servants to work in safe and healthy environments.
Pit bull ban ‘not a bad idea’ says BHS manager
A PARLIAMENTARIAN’S call for the possible ban of pit bulls has the support of a manager at the Bahamas Humane Society.
Family Islands: Half beat 110% pre-COVID target
Half the Family Islands boast hotels already beating forecasts that they will post room revenues equivalent to 110 percent of pre-COVID levels in 2023, it was revealed yesterday.
Opposition fears BPL deal negotiations ‘in the dark’
The Opposition yesterday accused the Government of negotiating major multi-million dollar contracts “in the dark” as it emerged multiple parties have approached it with proposals for Bahamas Power & Light (BPL).
Europe’s ‘retreat’ outpaces Latin growth for Bahamas
The Bahamian international banking sector is still contracting because the “retreat” of European assets is “outpacing” new growth from Latin America, the Central Bank’s governor has affirmed.
Transport costs, shortages create tourism ‘headwinds’
Shortages of employee housing and certified fly fishing guides, and high ground transportation costs, were yesterday cited as some of the major “headwinds” impeding Family Island stopover tourism growth.
Bahamas aiming to double Texas visitor share to 10%
The Bahamas is seeking to double Texas’ share of its tourism customer base to 10 percent, the deputy prime minister has revealed, while revealing that the Houston Rockets basketball team will likely hold their training camp in Nassau.
Public Service training ongoing to improve mid-level management skills
THIRTY-SEVEN public service workers participated in an Assistant Secretary Assessment Exercise yesterday to improve their skills.
Southwest grounds flights in US due to technical issues
DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines planes were stopped from taking off in the US for what the airline called an intermittent technology issue, causing more than 1,500 flight delays Tuesday just four months after the carrier suffered a meltdown over the Christmas travel rush. Southwest and the Federal Aviation Administration said by late morning on the East Coast that the pause had been lifted.
900 public workers’ pay delayed again
STATE Minister for Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle said that 900 participants in the Public Service Professional Engagement Programme (PSPEP) participants have had a delay in the payment of their wages.
Activists speak out on MP rape allegation
ACTIVISTS and a Senator have spoken out following accusations that a woman was raped and assaulted by a sitting Member of Parliament.
Davis decries ‘epidemic’ of violence in Caribbean
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis decried the violence gripping the Caribbean region yesterday as he continued urging the United States to solve its gun trafficking problem.
Man accused of killing mom and daughter arraigned
A MAN is in jail after prosecutors accused him of killing Allison Thompson, 37, and her 14-year-old daughter Trevoniqua Thompson on Friday.
MURDER VICTIMS’ PICTURES LEAKED: Family distraught after crime scene photos were shared on social media
GRAPHIC crime scene photos of the mother and daughter murdered on Friday have been shared on social media, prompting police to investigate the leak.
Arsonist granted $1,000 bail pleads ‘not guilty’ to charge
A MAN was granted $1,000 bail in court on Monday after being accused of setting fire to a woman’s home last month.
Bahamas at a political crossroads
Greetings. And thank you very much for the space in your five-day publication, I appreciate it, as I tried to rummage through some actual facts, pointing to an extinction of the Bahamian populace, as it were, and not too distant from now.
Man found with gun fined $7,000 and given monitoring device
A MAN was granted $7,000 bail in court yesterday after he was accused of having a loaded gun in the capital last week.
We must stand up and speak
The victim of alleged physical and sexual assault by a sitting parliamentarian is to be supported and commended by all right-thinking Bahamians. As we all know, it is no easy thing to go up against powerful people in this country.
Man on bail for murder gets six months jail for damaging monitoring device
A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison yesterday after admitting damaging his electronic monitoring device (EMD) while on release for charges of murder and attempted murder.
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS: Windsor Academy wins three titles
Jaden Ward led a clean sweep of the top five positions in the senior boys’ division as Windsor Academy put a cap on another successful showing in the Bahamas Golf Federation’s National High School Golf Championships yesterday in the Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Serena claims her second overall crown
IN making the transition from the bikini to what she now considers to be her forte as a figure, Serena Salis Decius-Norius showed that all the hard work over the past year paid off as she successfully claimed her second overall title at the NPC’s Diamond Classic in Bogota, Colombia, on Saturday.
Derrick Atkins making most of his opportunity
FOR the past three years, Bahamian men’s co-national 100 metre record holder Derrick Atkins has been grooming the Utah Tech University women’s athletic programme from scratch. He’s been pleased with the progress just as he was about watching the improvements made by Grand Bahamian Terrence Jones.
Versatile sprinter, hurdler Denisha continues to shine for the Mavericks
SHE may be short in stature, but versatile sprinter/hurdler Denisha Cartwright continues to make an impact on the Mavericks women’s track and field programme at Minnesota State.
Pharma battle
ActivTrades
PHARMACEUTICAL companies typically compete with each other in various areas such as research and development, marketing and sales. Some of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world include Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, Merck & Co and Sanofi, and all of them are being traded on the various stock exchanges.
Resorts enjoy record winter tourism period
HOTELS throughout The Bahamas yesterday said they are enjoying a record-breaking 2023 to-date with high occupancy levels recorded over the Easter period.
Monday, April 17
Monday night weather update
The worst of the current weather looks to be to the south or north east of New Providence – embedded thunderstorms are in a line from The Abacos, eastern New Providence and South Andros.
WORLD VIEW – Vacancy: Leadership to unite the global South
I was astonished recently to be told by one of the representatives of the Caribbean on the Board of the World Bank (WB) that Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, St Kitts-Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago, should not expect any change in the bank’s policy not to make concessional loans to them because, supposedly, they are “high income” countries.
INSIGHT: How seriously are we taking gender violence?
THE clock continues to tick for this administration when it comes to women’s rights – so much so that when the government last week announced that it had made sailing the national sport, a significant number of reactions on social media asked how the government could find time for that but still not have passed marital rape or gender violence laws.
Migration a major contributor to increase in population according to census report
THE population of The Bahamas increased by 13.6 per cent from 2010 to 2022, with net migration emerging as the primary reason.
THE KDK REPORT: Above the River Nile
THE famed Nile River is located in north-eastern Africa where it flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Whether or not it’s the longest river in the world is up for debate but certainly, without reproach, it remains the most historically significant. Dividing Egypt in two, the Nile was quintessentially critical in the evolution of the Egyptian civilisation as it was used to transport goods, provided a never-ending supply of food and single handedly nourished crops utilised for sustenance and trade.
Meteorologist predicts 'slightly above average' hurricane season
FORMER deputy director of the Department of Meteorology Basil Dean is predicting a “slightly above average” 2023 hurricane season, with as many as six hurricanes forming, of which two are projected to be major storms.
Farmer fees abandoned after 'extensive damages' from Equinor Oil Spill
LOCAL farmer Harold Adderley says he was forced to abandon his farm of ten years after the 2019 oil spill at the Equinor South Riding Point plant in East Grand Bahama.
Cartwright urges govt to consult with struggling straw vendors on rotation system
FREE National Movement deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright accused the government of neglecting struggling straw vendors.
EDITORIAL: Disney committed to supporting and involving Bahamians in the development and operations of Lighthouse Point
IN THE last of our guest editorials at The Tribune - with a series of contributors having been invited to offer their views on different issues, today’s editorial is written by Joey Gaskins, regional public affairs director for Disney Cruise Line in The Bahamas & Caribbean.
Skyguard Severe Weather Alert 17th April: Nassau
STARTS: 04/17/2023 6:55 PM EDT EXPIRES: 04/17/2023 8:00 PM EDT
Bad loans ‘too high’ - yet at 14-year low
The Central Bank’s governor says loan delinquencies are still “too elevated” compared to global standards even though - at 7 percent of total outstanding credit - they have fallen below pre-COVID levels and are at their lowest in 14 years.
City’s ‘turned the tide’ without Central Bank
The Downtown Nassau Partnership’s (DNP) co-chair says the city has “turned the tide” on its revival despite the Central Bank’s decision to terminate development of its new headquarters at Royal Victoria Gardens.
GB water rise conflict ‘most fantastic thing’
A Grand Bahama resort operator yesterday said its owners will have to “pay more for the privilege of running a hotel” on the island if proposed water rate increases are ultimately approved.
Labour Force survey to be released by end of June
THE next Labour Force survey will be the first in three years and is scheduled for release by June 30, according to the acting managing director of the Bahamas National Statistical Institute.
‘Someone did some thinking’: Petroleum competition push
Petroleum retailers and wholesalers are studying “significant new ideas” proposed by the Government to foster greater competition - “but not at the expense of consumers” - in a bid to resolve the industry’s structural woes.
Wilson defends responsibility allowance hike
FINANCIAL Secretary Simon Wilson defended the 58 per cent responsibility allowance increase senior civil servants have received, saying the real scandal is that the Police Commissioner and Defence Force Commodore only make $70,000 a year.
Family mourn as mom and daughter found murdered
THE grim discovery of the bodies of Allison Thompson and her 14-year-old daughter Trevorniqua on Friday has reopened wounds for their family - after having lost Allison’s mother and another female relative in similar incidents years ago.
Police pursuit ends with man fatally shot
A MAN was killed in a police-involved shooting after a car chase that ended in a gunfight in the Seven Hills area, officers reported yesterday.
‘MP RAPED AND ASSAULTED ME’: Woman says politician choked her and said he would kill her family
THE woman who filed a complaint with police about a sitting MP alleges that he raped, choked, struck and made death threats against her and her family.
New Providence sees a significant increase in density in preliminary census of population and housing
NEW Providence has grown even more crowded in the last decade, with preliminary census results showing the island’s increase in population density.
Downtown businesses ask for real story on bank plan
Downtown Nassau business owners and stakeholders are questioning "what's the real story" behind the Central Bank's decision to abandon plans for the construction of its new headquarters at Royal Victoria Gardens.
Appeal Court president urges Industrial Tribunal rule change
The Court of Appeal's president is urging that the Industrial Tribunal's rules be reformed such that all parties have "greater flexibility" to amend their original pleadings within the limits set by the 'trade dispute' originally referred to it.
Is RCI project really right for Bahamas?
Please permit me to share my views on recent remarks made by Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean’s president and chief executive, and our Prime Minister, Phillip “Brave” Davis, as reported in the local press.
We must change our attitudes on gender-based violence
Please allow me space to express great concern over the rise in domestic and gender-based violence. No form of violence is acceptable and we, as a nation, as a people, should ensure that legislation that speaks to the condemnation of this action is given priority. We must ensure the enforcement of those laws already on the books. We must be the change.
DEREK SMITH: Data protection and privacy difference not readily obvious
Data privacy and data protection have distinct meanings and implications, but they are often used interchangeably. Business leaders must understand the differences between these two concepts, and how they impact their operations, as they increasingly rely on data for decision-making. The next three articles, including this one, will provide the necessary clarification and insights on data privacy and protection tools over the following month.
Grand Bahama to host New Life May 13
THE nation’s second city will host the second edition of the New Life Invitational on May 13 4pm to 8pm at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.
Decathlete Kendrick Thompson has record-breaking performance
EVER since they’ve been competing in the event, Ken Mullings and Kendrick Thompson have been trading their names on the Bahamas men’s national decathlon record.
Jones leads the way
It was back on August 26, 2007 at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan, that Derrick Atkins established the Bahamas men’s 100 metres national record of 9.91 seconds to win the silver medal. No other Bahamian came close until Saturday when Grand Bahamian Terrence Jones equalised the time.
Giants crowned champions again
THE Commonwealth Bank and Your Essential Store Giants were crowned champions once again this year.
Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club supporting local charities
BAHAMAS Roadmasters Running Club (BRRC) continued its support of local charities with recent donations to two local non-profit organisations.
Friday, April 14
Arrest in double homicide of two female family members
Police are questioning a 23-year-old man after the partially decomposed bodies of two female family members were found in an apartment on Ross Corner on Friday.
Two charged with Eleuthera murder
TWO MEN were remanded to prison on Friday after being accused in a fatal shooting and armed mugging in Eleuthera earlier this month.
$2,000 fine for bail violation
A MAN on bail for armed robbery was fined $2,000 in court on Friday after he admitted to failing to charge his electronic monitoring device (EMD) while on release.
Clubs and Societies April 14th, 2023.
For 12 years, the Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach has committed to supporting the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) Auto Mechanics students.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Post-pandemic job seekers will need to be discerning and selective
THE following is based on a conversation with a senior executive recruiter and her comments about the overall state of the job market were so on point – and in some respects, so alarming that much of what follows is her assessment and most of it in her words. So if you are among those who think something changed that is not likely to change back after the pandemic, brace yourself.
ONE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION: Eating for a long and healthy life
It is 2023, and I find myself in what is undoubtedly the most significant year of my life, marching with my Beloved Bahamas – on our ‘Road to 50’.
CARIFTA Games revenue: $400,062 in ticketing sales
CARIFTA revenue includes $400,062 in ticketing sales over the three-day event, according to Youth, Sports & Culture Minister Mario Bowleg.
‘At least 90 percent reduction in conflicts’ since psychologist arrived at BDCS
CONFLICTS among mentally ill inmates at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services have declined by 90 per cent since a psychologist arrived three weeks ago, Acting Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare said yesterday.
Affidavit filed on shanty homes identifying illegally built structures
THE Buildings Control Officer responsible for building permits has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court detailing structures built illegally by people whose homes may be demolished.
‘No headroom’ for Gov’t Central Bank borrowing
The Government will not have “any extra headroom to borrow from the Central Bank” once legal reforms are passed to slash its lending limits by almost half, the latter’s governor revealed yesterday.
Conflict ‘taint’ fears on GB water hikes
The Government last night demanded the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and its water affiliate make “a business case that makes sense” for tariff hikes that it argued cannot be subject to “proper public consultation”.
PI entrepreneur tells RCL: ‘We’ve heard it all before’
The Bahamian entrepreneur battling to restore Paradise Island’s lighthouse yesterday accused Royal Caribbean of “trying to baffle us with massive numbers and future promises”, adding: “We’ve heard it all before.”
Port-fighting family in $46.5m GB exit
A Florida-based family who engaged in a bitter public battle with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and its affiliates have put all their Freeport interests up for sale with a $46.5m asking price.
Straw vendors fear being ‘left behind’
STRAW Market vendors yesterday voiced fears they are being “left behind” by developments such as Royal Caribbean’s $100m Paradise Island project and the $322.5m Nassau Cruise Port revamp.
East Grand Bahama MP calls GBPA utility hike ‘unfair’
EAST Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson said the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s proposed utility rate adjustment would be unfair.
Call for explanation over responsibility allowance increase
THE government should explain why senior public servants recently received a 58 per cent increase in their responsibility allowance, according to Matt Aubry, Executive Director of the Organization for Responsible Governance.
FAMILY ‘SPEND $40K’ ON SHOOTING PROBE: Azario Major was shot multiple times by police in 2021
THE family of a man police killed in 2021 say they have spent over $40,000 investigating the shooting death.
‘This ain’t going under the table’ on MP abuse allegation
THE family of a woman making severe abuse allegations against a sitting Family Island MP said they feel intimidated. The ex-girlfriend of the MP filed a complaint against the MP with police in Grand Bahama last week Friday.
Royal Caribbean scouts Rum Cay
Royal Caribbean’s top executive has confirmed the cruise giant sent a team to scout a potential new destination on Rum Cay, saying: “You can never have enough great product.”
Ban ‘breeding and ownership of pitbulls’
ST ANNE’S MP Adrian White wants legislators to consider banning the breeding and ownership of pit bulls in The Bahamas.
National Basketball Championships begin
The return of the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s National Basketball Championships saw the New Providence champions Giants produce mixed results as competition in the weekend tournament got underway at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Drumeco Archer silences the critics
TEAM Bahamas made waves at this past weekend’s 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games after more than doubling last year’s previous medal count of 17.
Brenden Vanderpool making an impact in the pole vault
BRENT Vanderpool knew sooner or later his son Brenden would surpass his accomplishments in the men’s pole vault.
Man charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with 12-year-old girl
A 36-year-old man was remanded to prison Thursday after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl playing at the Eastern Estates Park last week.
No new taxes! More growth!
New taxes seem to be on the agenda. We are hearing about family islanders paying real property tax, corporation tax, income tax, increased NIB contributions and so on.
No bail for last weekend’s Dunmore St murder accused
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday accused of killing his neighbour after a dispute on Easter Sunday.
Kim Welcome’s “inspirtainment” seeks to empower women
Kim Welcome is a speaker, coach and singer with a unique take. She offers her spin on motivational speaking by incorporating her smooth jazzy inspirational music into her message. She calls this a keynote concert, which she refers to it as “inspirtainment” – a mix of inspiration and entertainment.
Thursday, April 13
STATESIDE: While favoured by Republican elites, DeSantis has uphill battle to overcome Trump fans
THERE is a TV ad running in major US markets these days. It is a direct attack on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In the ad, someone solemnly declares that DeSantis has supported efforts “to raise the national retirement age to 70 (it is currently 62 to get some Social Security benefits).” The voice then states that DeSantis “has voted to defund Social Security and Medicare.”
FRONT PORCH – Marjorie Davis: Volunteer and Nation-Builder
MARJORIE Davis was a pioneer in education, demonstrated in her educational achievements from high school to university and in her career as an educator of many decades. Education was a lodestar for her, her siblings and their offspring.
‘A lot more’ than $193m is owed to govt in VAT
ACTING Controller Shunda Strachan said the government is owed an alarming number of taxes, even though the number has been reduced to $875m after being $1bn when the Davis administration came to power.
Minister startled that local govt responsible for Family Islands firefighting equipment
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said he was startled to discover that Local Government is responsible for maintaining firefighting equipment on Family Islands, not the police.
Wilchcombe: All are entitled to their views
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe says House Speaker Patricia Deveaux is entitled to her views after she said she could not opine on marital rape because she is not married.
‘My hands are more than clean’ on food assistance programme says Minnis
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said his Cabinet had no involvement in the COVID-19 food assistance programme after establishing a National Food Distribution Taskforce to manage it.
EDITORIAL: Ensure Child Protection becomes a high priority for our government
THIS week is guest editorial week at The Tribune - we have invited a series of contributors to offer their views on different issues throughout the week. Today’s editorial is written by Terneille Burrows, founder and president of Rise Bahamas.
Resolution passed making sailing the national sport
THE House of Assembly passed a resolution yesterday naming sailing the national sport of The Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean: 60% of guests won't visit PI
Top Royal Caribbean executives yesterday pledged that "more than 60 percent of our guests" will never visit its Paradise Island project, as they urged: "We can win together or we can lose together."
Royal Caribbean cut Crown Land to avoid Toby 'conflict'
Royal Caribbean executives yesterday said they reduced their Paradise Island Crown Land demands by 43 percent in a bid to "untangle ourselves" from any "conflict" with Bahamian entrepreneur Toby Smith.
Ten couriers blocked amid $193m VAT arrears worry
Ten courier companies recently saw Customs temporarily halt clearance of their clients' imports, the Government's top tax official revealed yesterday, as part of a drive to recover $193m in total VAT arrears.
PI investment to be ‘gold environmental standard’
Royal Caribbean executives yesterday pledged their Paradise Island project will set "the gold standard" for environmental sustainability, adding that Atlantis and others should feel "comfortable" their concerns will be resolved.
Tax authority chief labels $875m arrears 'alarming'
The Government's top tax collector yesterday branded the $875m in combined outstanding VAT, real property tax and Business Licence arrears as "alarming" even though this sum has been slashed from the previous $1bn.
Inland Revenue auditing nine delinquent businesses in Eleuthera
THE Department of Inland Revenue is auditing nine businesses on Harbour Island.
RCI DEFENDS PI PROJECT: Cruise line addresses environmental concerns over $100m beach club
ROYAL Caribbean International leaders rebutted environmental concerns surrounding the proposed $100m Paradise Island project yesterday, insisting it would be their most environmentally friendly project of its kind.
Responsibility allowance up by 58 percent
SENIOR public servants have collectively received a 58 per cent increase in responsibility allowance.
Work permit violations found on work site
IMMIGRATION Minister Keith Bell said a special operation in a “high-end gated community” in eastern New Providence found that foreign workers outnumbered Bahamian construction workers three to one, breaking the rules.
Nassau ranks low on visitor satisfaction
ROYAL Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said Nassau ranks in the bottom ten per cent of destinations customers are satisfied with, creating demand for projects like the proposed Paradise Island Royal Beach Club that appeal to cruise ship visitors.
Man gets eight years for armed robbery of woman
A MAN was sentenced to eight years in prison by the court yesterday after being convicted of stealing a woman’s phone at gunpoint in the presence of her child two years ago.
Tax authorities eye $3m from Briland crackdown
The Government is expecting to realise an extra $3m in revenue from the recent crackdown on Harbour Island tax cheats, its top tax official said yesterday.
Foreign workers 'manipulating system'; cost Gov't thousands
The Government is losing thousands of dollars in fee income because foreign construction workers and their sponsors "have figured out how to manipulate the system", the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) chief said yesterday.
GB water supplier: 40% protected from price rise
Grand Bahama's water supplier yesterday pledged that 40 percent of its customer base will not see any price hikes from an adjusted tariff structure due to take effect on May 1 if approved by regulators.
Vacation rental listing ‘not so we can tax you’
The Government's revenue chief yesterday said some 7,500 vacation rental owners have registered with the Department of Inland Revenue but insisted this is "not so we can tax you".
A comprehensive crime reduction and prevention plan
Three murders in 24 hours, the continued failure to reduce murders, robberies and crime by Prime Minister Philip Davis and the PLP Government of the Bahamas.
Portland has become another Freeport City
On Easter Monday, CBN uploaded a video report on its YouTube channel titled Portland’s Meltdown: A Progressive Experiment That Has Gone Colossally Bad. Dale Hurd was the reporter.
Man gets $9,500 bail on car theft charge
A 23-year-old man was granted $9,500 bail in court after he denied stealing someone’s car last month.
Lavardo ‘savours’ silver in octathlon
A decision to switch from his speciality in the 400 metres hurdles and open one lap race to compete in the multiple events payed off a big dividend for Lavardo Deveaux with a trip on the medal podium at Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games over the weekend.
On track: Future looks bright for The Bahamas
THE future of track and field in the country is in good hands. During the 50th Oaktree Medical Centre CARIFTA Games, Bahamians got a front row seat to witness some of the brightest athletes on display in the sport.
Derek Jeter’s star-studded golf tourney returns to The Bahamas May 11-14
Celebrities, athletes to hit the links at Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Course, Busta Rhymes to perform at DJI Gala
DEREK Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation announced it will host the highly-anticipated Derek Jeter Invitational (DJI) in partnership with Baha Mar – The Bahamas’ luxury resort destination – May 11-14.
Javonya Valcourt continues her momentum on the track
UNIVERSITY of Tennessee freshman Javonya Valcourt brought her talents to Thomas A Robinson National Stadium for the 50th CARIFTA Games this past weekend.
Wednesday, April 12
EDITORIAL: Citizen engagement vital for good governance and policy development
THIS week is guest editorial week at The Tribune - we have invited a series of contributors to offer their views on different issues throughout the week. Today’s editorial is written by Matthew Aubry, executive director of the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG).
Loads of leftover garbage cover Rose Island after holiday weekend
BEER bottles, soda cans and plastic cups were some of the trash revellers left on Rose Island after partying there over the weekend, angering guests and business operators.
Petty: I’ll sacrifice my career to pass marital rape bill
WATER and Sewerage Corporation Chairman Sylvannus Petty said he would risk his political career to criminalise marital rape.
FNM leader Pintard fires his personal assistant
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard fired former Bahamas Information Services Director Kevin Harris as his personal assistant after Mr Harris refused to resign.
ALICA WALLACE: Human rights of women hampered by misinformation from church leaders
LAST week, I participated in the pre-session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations which focuses on human rights.
China ‘committed to renovating stadium’
THE Chinese government is determining how much money it will contribute to repairing the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.
Water surges over Glass Window Bridge
TURBULENT weather sent water surging over the Glass Window Bridge yesterday, rendering the structure impassable.
Capitalise on improved 2023 GDP growth to avoid 'bother'
The Bahamas was yesterday urged to "capitalise on the momentum" created by the IMF's increased 2023 economic growth projections otherwise it could face "bother" in the medium to long-term.
Civil registry's online return eliminates 'terrible handicap'
Attorneys and realtors yesterday hailed the civil registry's online restoration for eliminating "a terrible handicap" that had created a "go slow" for title searches and real estate transactions.
RBC Caribbean chief: Low growth hits FINCO
Royal Bank of Canada's (RBC) top Caribbean executive says its Bahamian mortgage lending arm will "continue to be challenged" with credit losses and an inability to expand its loan book because of the country's "low growth economy".
FTX's Bahamian liquidators possess own data leverage
FTX's Bahamian provisional liquidators have their own data bargaining chips, it has emerged, as they control "electronic devices" used by Sam Bankman-Fried and his inner circle that their US counterparts are eager to access.
CO-ACCUSED IN LANISHA ROLLE CASE ACCEPTS PLEA DEAL: Supporter of ex-MP accepted deal for one count of bribery and will assist prosecutors
A POLITICAL supporter of Lanisha Rolle accepted a plea deal yesterday and has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors building a case against the former minister.
Man gets 4 years for unlawful sex with 13-year-old girl
A MAN convicted of having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl has been sentenced to four years in prison.
‘Mission critical’ cruise port in $12.38m profit
NASSAU Cruise Port's success was yesterday branded "mission critical" for The Bahamas with 35 percent of the country's economy dependent on a facility that has generated $12.383m in net profits even before its official opening.
Speaker not sure on marital rape issue
HOUSE Speaker Patricia Deveaux said she abhors rape but cannot say whether marital rape should be criminalised because she isn’t married.
Murder accused to pay $600 on bail violation
A MAN was fined $600 in Magistrate’s Court on Monday after admitting to violating the conditions of his Supreme Court bail on a murder charge.
Man gets 20 months for unlicenced gun
A 19-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to 20 months in prison yesterday after admitting to having a loaded gun in his house last week.
New generation of athletes ‘speaks volumes to where we are heading as a country’
QUARTER-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown, triple jumper Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands and sprinter Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie were all impressed with the level of support they saw for the Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games.
HO Nash Lions girls say thank you to coach ‘Pattie’ Johnson
WITH so many persons she helped to groom through the Lions girls’ basketball and volleyball programme at HO Nash, former deputy prime minister Cynthia “Mother” Pratt said it was good to see at least one person come back and say “thank you” to coach Patricia ‘Pattie” Johnson.
Lord Sebastian Coe pleased to have World Relays back in The Bahamas
LORD Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, admitted that there’s no better place to stage the World Relays than in The Bahamas where it got its genesis in 2014.
Realtor: Extend resort tax breaks to vacation rentals
A prominent realtor is advocating that Bahamian vacation rental owners whose properties meet the necessary standard be granted the same tax breaks and incentives as large resort properties.
End corporal punishment now!
It is unfathomable that in the 21st century, teachers and parents are beating our children to a pulp. ALL teachers and parents who resort to beating lack communication skills.
BAHAMAS 2ND WITH 41 MEDALS: Nine gold, 12 silver and 20 bronze
As the curtain came down on Team Bahamas’ hosting of the Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Monday night, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was delighted to welcome home the five-peat CARIFTA swimming team.
Activist: Don’t let polluters off hook with minimal fine
An environmental activist yesterday warned that the parties responsible for last year’s Exuma oil spill must not be allowed to escape by paying a minimal fine.
Tuesday, April 11
PETER YOUNG: Pacific pact more than just a trade deal
IN last week’s column about Britain’s accession on March 31 to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – three years after the nation officially withdrew from the European Union -- I mentioned the need to follow up today with comment on the geopolitical aspects.
FACE TO FACE: Lady Shema’s new song is seven years in the making
SHEMA Poitier has gifted the world with a new song – one designed to lift the spirits of those who hear it and inspire them to spring into their life’s purpose.
EDITORIAL: Ruling on unlawful detention a step in the right direction
THE Privy Council’s recent ruling in the Ngumi case vindicated what human rights defenders have been saying for years: The Bahamas Department of Immigration is not above the law. Immigration, just like the police, cannot hold people indefinitely but rather only up to 48 hours before bringing them to court, lawfully deporting them, or re-establishing their liberty.
Father mourning loss of daughter; ‘she’s going to be real missed’
THE last time Jonathan Stuart saw his daughter, Princess Stuart Mills, she kissed him on his cheek and told him she’d see him soon.
Darville: Govt to get their dental programme to ‘satisfactory’ standard
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said government is working to improve dental health care services, including by recruiting dental staff from Cuba.
‘Ground breaker’ insurance for $2bn mangrove system
The Bahamas stands to benefit most out of all hurricane-prone Western Hemisphere nations from investing in the $2bn worth of natural storm surge protection provided by its mangrove ecosystems, it has been revealed.
Village Road: ‘Don’t drag out’ relief for roadworks
Village Road businesses are urging the Government to “not drag out” the provision of tax breaks and other financial compensation for their roadworks “nightmare” with some firms preparing individual damages claims.
Gov’t generates $6m surplus for January
The Government generated a modest $6m Budget surplus during January 2023, which enabled it to enjoy a rare month when its direct debt actually shrank albeit only by $8.5m.
Only margin increase will ‘get us over the finish line’
Bahamian petroleum retailers yesterday reiterated that a margin increase is “definitely what’s needed to get us over the finish line” as they voiced optimism that this week’s meeting with the Government will achieve a solution all can live with.
Nurses Edge Training Institute graduates speak about their motivation
THE Nurses Edge Training Institute (NETI) held its graduation ceremony last week, ushering new additions into the local healthcare system. The Tribune spoke with some of the graduates from the Patient Care Technician (PCT) programme about their experiences and motivation behind entering the healthcare system.
Meridian School takes to the stage for the 50th year of Independence
THE MERIDIAN school celebrated the 50th year of independence with its lively school production held last week.
Blue Postal refutes closure, tax arrears
A courier company has refuted reports it is closing its Bahamian operation while also dismissing suggestions that the move was sparked by outstanding tax arrears owed to the Government.
Complaint against MP investigated by police
POLICE are investigating abuse allegations against a sitting Member of Parliament after his girlfriend made a complaint last week.
Unlawful detention cases reduced to zero says AG
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said he met the government on the hook for $1m damages for unlawful immigration detention practices arising from “eight to ten” lawsuits when he took office.
Minnis: Tightening gun regulation ‘misguided’
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the Davis administration’s plan to tighten firearm regulations for licensed gun holders is “misguided,” adding the focus should be on criminals, not law-abiding people.
THREE MEN DEAD WITHIN 24 HOURS: Police ‘aggressively searching’ for a ‘Rasta-type male’ related to the country’s latest murder
THE murder rate continued to soar over the weekend, with three killings in 24 hours.
Tribute to my aunt, Dame Marjorie Davis
My aunt Dame Marjorie Davis will be laid to rest today at St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral. She lived an exemplary life, having dedicated her life to God and fulfilling the work of our Lord throughout her long life of nearly 95 years. A Bahamian icon and heroine, Dame Marjorie Davis was instrumental in improving and furthering many facets of Bahamian society, including in the fields of education, Girl Guides, the Zonta Club, the Legion of Saint Mary, the local Catholic faith and countless others.
FIVE-PEAT: Bahamas CARIFTA swimming champions
The Bahamas’ 36-member team to the CARIFTA Swim Championships in Curacao returned home with their fifth consecutive championship title and a pair of recordbreaking performances from two of the four co-team captains Rhanishka Gibbs and Nigel Forbes.
Civil registry restored after ‘inordinate delay’
PUBLIC access to the civil registry at the Registrar General’s Department was restored last week as its top official apologised for what she described as an “unexpected and inordinate delay” and disruption.
Village Road seeks ‘two relief umbrellas’
VILLAGE Road businesses are seeking “two umbrellas” of relief for damages and losses due to prolonged roadworks impacting the area.
CARIFTA GAMES: Bahamas tops last year's medal count, finishes second behind Jamaica
THE 50th Oaktree Medical CARIFTA Games wrapped up last night at the Thomas A Robinson stadium.
Thanking Allyson Maynard Gibson for invitation
On Friday, 31/3/23 at 11am on an invitation from Mrs Allyson Maynard Gibson I was welcomed at the University of The Bahamas by Mrs Gibson, the Principal of the University and several members of the senior staff.
Monday, April 10
Man found dead after shooting in Eleuthera
A man is dead after a shooting incident in Eleuthera early on Monday.
Sunday, April 9
Bahamas dominates at CARIFTA Swim Championships.
THE 36-member Bahamas team will be bringing its fifth consecutive title back home from the CARIFTA Swim Championships.
Open water swim team prepare for Monday's event
AS the Bahamas swim team get ready to wrap up their fifth straight title at the CARIFTA Swim Championships in Curacao tonight, the three-member team of Layla Saidi, Ayden Bain and Caellum Darville will put the icing on the cake with the open water swim on Monday morning.
Bahamas well ahead in CARIFTA Swim Championships
TEAM Bahamas is well on its way to a fifth-straight victory going into the fourth day of competition in the CARIFTA Swim Championships in Curacao.
Saturday, April 8
Special Olympics Bahamas ready for CARIFTA
The 50th Oaktree Medical CARIFTA games got underway this morning at 9am at the Thomas A Robinson. The Bahamas’ ninth hosting of the CARIFTA games will include the Special Bahamas Olympics.
Bahamas on course for CARIFTA swim success
After the first two days of competition at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Curacao, Team Bahamas is well on its way to completing a five-peat with a commanding lead in the medal rush as well as the most points accumulated.
Thursday, April 6
Woman dies after boating accident
Police in Grand Bahama are investigating a boating accident which claimed the life of a 50-year-old woman on Thursday.
Draft legislation on medical cannabis industry to be released for consultation
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said draft legislation to establish a medical cannabis industry in the country should be released for consultation in about a month’s time.
Company agrees to pay fine over Exuma oil spill
THE company responsible for last summer's Exuma oil spill has agreed to pay a fine for environmental damage caused following the incident, according to Attorney General Ryan Pinder.
Public service wide promotional exercise announced
STATE Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle announced a public service wide promotional exercise for all public servants who have already met the standard but did not receive promotions.
ACP B K Bonamy Jr: Public will be treated with utmost respect
ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police B K Bonamy Jr, the new officer in charge of the Grand Bahama and the northern Bahamas District, warns that disrespectful behaviour to the public by any officer will not be tolerated.
10-month sentence for having $80k worth of marijuana
A MAN was sentenced to 10 months in prison on Thursday after he admitted to having $80K worth of marijuana in his home last week.
$7,000 bail after firearm, ammunition charges
A 19-year-old male was granted $7,000 bail in court on Thursday after he was accused of having a loaded firearm in Nassau last week.
Man accused of threatening three people with shotgun
A 55-year-old man was granted $8,000 bail in court on Thursday after he was accused of threatening three people with a shotgun.
Man facing murder charges accused of thefts, breaching bail
A MAN facing two pending murder charges was denied bail in court on Thursday after being accused of a series of thefts and breaching his bail.
Chinese Embassy donates medical supplies to Public Hospitals Authority
THE Chinese Embassy donated a batch of medical supplies to the Public Hospitals Authority on Thursday.
STATESIDE: Even after Trump’s indictment little has changed on the political landscape
THIS morning, the 2024 American presidential election is almost exactly 19 months away. Is all the suspense already gone?
FRONT PORCH: Dame Marjorie Davis; nation builder, hero and a selfless exemplar
“True holiness does not mean a flight from the world; rather, it lies in the effort to incarnate the Gospel in everyday life, in the family, at school and at work, and in social and political involvement.” - Pope John Paul II
EDITORIAL: Give our helpers a helping hand
LACKING in resources, suffering a cut in government funding, sometimes loudly criticised publicly – it’s a wonder that Bahamian non-profit groups are able to do their work at all.
$5.6m grant signed with IDB for health infrastructure
THE Ministry of Economic Development and the Inter-American Development Bank signed a $5.6m grant to reinforce healthcare infrastructure in The Bahamas, enhance primary care coverage and modernise the healthcare system.
US Embassy building on pace for early 2024 completion
THE new $310m US Embassy building on East Hill Street will be completed by 2024, officials said yesterday.
Berry Island family homeless after early morning fire
A GREAT Harbour Cay family of nine is homeless after an early morning fire destroyed their house yesterday.
Increased police presence will be at CARIFTA Games
WITH the country set to host the 50th CARIFTA Games, Assistant Commissioner of Police Craig Stubbs emphasised that there will be increased police presence to ensure safety at the event.
Police urge caution over Easter holidays
WITH the Easter holidays upon us, police are urging members of the public to practice caution.
$300m cruise port won’t be ‘a tourism Wal-Mart’
Nassau Cruise Port’s top executive says he is “absolutely” confident that its $300m transformation will increase visitor spending yields and lure more hotel guests downtown, adding: “We’re not creating a tourism Wal-Mart.”
Royal Caribbean breaks silence in PI controversy
Royal Caribbean yesterday broke its silence on the controversy surrounding its $100m Paradise Island project by asserting the “first-in-kind” proposal will “ensure the economic benefit stays in The Bahamas for generations to come”.
‘Barely scratching surface’ on Sand Dollar’s adoption
The Bahamas is “barely scratching the surface” of the Sand Dollar’s potential, payment providers asserted yesterday, with the digital currency needing more “high traffic” merchants to accept it to drive adoption.
Sweeting says govt is progressing in addressing conch population decline
MINISTER of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting defended the government’s efforts to manage queen conch fishing yesterday.
US visa fees increasing
US visa fees will increase on May 30. According to the US Department of State, visitor visas for business or tourism purposes will increase from $160 to $185, as will other non-petition-based NIVs, such as student and exchange visitor visas.
World Health Day this Friday
The World Health Organisation (WHO) celebrates 75 years of improving public health tomorrow - which is World Health Day.
‘Perfect storm of demand’ in 10-15% hotel rate rise
Resorts are enjoying room rates that are 10-15 percent higher than pre-COVID levels because “the perfect storm of demand is working for The Bahamas”, a senior hotelier said yesterday.
Stats show high rate of success on boat rescues
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force and its partners rescued 243 locals who were in distress at sea over the past four years, failing to locate only ten people presumed to have died.
AG considering fine over sunken ship off Abaco
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said his office is considering fining the owners of a ship that sank off Abaco late last year and has yet to be removed.
Hotel Union: ‘Lead and we will follow you . . . maybe’
THE head of the hotel union has a message for Atlantis executives who want workers to speak out against Royal Caribbean International’s proposed Paradise Island project: “Put your placards on and go do what you (are) telling us to do.”
‘UNLAWFUL TO DETAIN FOR OVER 48 HOURS’: AG says govt abiding by law - so no immigration change after ruling by Privy Council
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said a new Privy Council ruling would not change current immigration detention practices because the government has complied with the law in recent times - despite the ruling being hailed as a “landmark” by Fred Smith, KC.
Man remanded without bail on gun threat charge
A 50-year-old man was remanded after he was accused of threatening someone with a gun.
Going for the gold
The Bahamas CARIFTA team is ready to win gold on home soil at this year’s 50th CARIFTA Games. Last week the team rolled out a full 80-member team for the first time in Bahamian history as athletes look to shine at The Bahamas’ record ninth hosting of CARIFTA.
Colonialism and Haiti
Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring fully or partial control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
Jesus focal point of our history
CHRISTIANS throughout the world are currently reflecting on the death, burial and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ during the Holy Week. In his classic little book titled More Than a Carpenter, American Christian apologist Joshua McDowell said that Jesus entered the human race in a small Jewish community 2,000 years ago, yet people everywhere still remember Him.
Murder suspect held after failing to charge his EMD
A MURDER suspect has been remanded after he was accused of breaching his bail.
Three to pay $7,000 bail on illegal gun charges
A MAN and two women faced court yesterday accused of possession of a loaded gun.
One gram of hemp gets man 25 hours community service
A MAN was ordered to complete 25 hours of community service after admitting to marijuana possession.
Teams Aruba and T&T touch down
TEAM Aruba and Team Trinidad joined Team Bahamas yesterday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium after their arrivals to the island nation.
Jazz Chisholm Jr exits with injury after a steal attempt
MIAMI (AP) — Miami star centre fielder Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr left yesterday’s 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins in the first inning with a stinger in his right shoulder after a steal attempt.
Devynne Charlton billboard unveiled in Stapledon
DEVYNNE Charlton, who is an inspiration to her younger sister, is hoping that more Bahamians will aspire to follow in her footsteps as her images and accomplishments were splashed on a billboard in her community.
Ten Red-line Athletics members CARIFTA ready
AS one of the top local track clubs in the country, the coaching staff of the Red-Line Athletics is quite pleased with the 10 members selected to represent the Bahamas on the 80-member team for the Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games.
Coca-Cola sponsors our CARIFTA swim team
THE Caribbean Bottling Company (Bahamas) Ltd. (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola, has sponsored the 2023 CARIFTA Bahamas Aquatics Team, which travelled to compete in the renowned CARIFTA Games being held in Curacao over the Easter weekend.
Trade deficit grows $164m in late 2022
THE BAHAMAS’ trade deficit for the 2022 fourth quarter expanded by almost 22 percent or $164m year-over-year compared to the prior year as goods imports surged while exports contracted.
Union chief to Atlantis: ‘Put own placards on’
THE hotel union’s president yesterday urged Atlantis executives to “go put their own placards on” as he asserted that workers will not fight the mega resort’s battle with Royal Caribbean for it.
Fishermen suffer 45% drop in crawfish price
BAHAMIAN fishermen suffered a 45 percent price drop during the now-closed crawfish season, it was disclosed yesterday, although strong catch volumes offset some of the fall caused by market “overcorrection” and higher global supply.
Wednesday, April 5
Modular units to bring relief to space-needy Rand Memorial Hospital
THE installation of modular units at the Rand Memorial Hospital is underway and soon residents will no longer have to sit and wait on the porch at the Accident and Emergency Department.
Obie Wilchcombe comment was ‘disingenuous’; govt taking too long on Gender Violence Bill
AN advocate of women’s rights said the Davis administration is taking too long to pass the Gender Violence Bill.
ALICIA WALLACE: Unlawful sex is rape; time to name it and do what’s needed to stop it
IT is nowhere near surprising to read news stories about increased reports of sexual violence. It has become a near-daily challenge to get through articles about court cases involving men who have raped or otherwise sexually assaulted children where their crimes are referred to as sex or, in some other way, named as though they are not criminal, abuses of power, and void of consent.
Wilson: Contract awards to be published when reporting capacity improves
FINANCIAL secretary Simon Wilson said the government would finally begin publishing contract awards when the reporting capacity of its contract procurement system is improved.
Human Rights Bahamas hails Privy Council ruling on detention of immigrants
HUMAN Rights Bahamas is hailing what they call a significant Privy Council ruling that clarifies the parameters around which immigrants can be detained pending deportation.
IHOP: ‘This is the Caribbean launch, not just The Bahamas’
IHOP’s local franchisee says he will decide on two further New Providence locations “pretty shortly”, adding: “This is the launch of the Caribbean, not just the launch of The Bahamas.”
‘Remarkable’ non-profits need improved structure
Bahamian non-profit groups are performing a “remarkable” service to local families and communities despite being under-resourced and suffering a 20 percent cut in government funding through COVID, it was argued yesterday.
Atlantis defers on Royal Caribbean’s PI answers
Atlantis has decided to wait for Royal Caribbean to supply answers to its 50 questions over the latter’s proposed Paradise Island project because they were not totally “buttoned up” at the two sides’ most recent meeting.
Cable’s pay-TV status ‘screaming for removal’
Cable Bahamas is arguing its ‘significant market power’ designation in the pay-TV market is “screaming for removal” with competition from streaming services having caused an 11 percent plunge in subscriber numbers in 2021.
Atlantis braces for $17m electricity costs increase
Atlantis yesterday revealed it is bracing for a $17m year-over-year hike in electricity costs despite “still setting revenue records” through 2023’s winter tourism season and into the upcoming peak Easter weekend.
Customers left frustrated as courier company closes
COURIER company Blue Postal is closing the “clearance/courier arm” of its Bahamian operations.
Child abuse cases up near 50 percent
NEARLY 200 child abuse cases were reported between January and March 2023 in New Providence, a near 50 per cent increase over the same period in 2022.
‘Hundreds of millions of tax dollars’ owed to govt
THE government’s top finance official says “hundreds of millions of dollars” is owed in VAT and other tax arrears — an estimate that does not even include the $800m owed in real property taxes.
POLICE QUESTION EX-PM MINNIS: Investigation into last administration’s food programme confirmed
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said police officers interviewed him earlier this year as part of an extensive criminal investigation into his administration’s COVID-19 food assistance programme.
No bail granted on house-breaking
A MAN was denied bail yesterday after being accused of illegally entering a home and damaging property.
Coalition best suited to bring change
I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel extensively, participate in certain cultures and observe opportunities citizens have in their respective countries. The Bahamas is a wealthy nation and in my humble opinion should be further along in it’s development had we adopted certain ideologies to empower it’s people, fifty years ago.
$7,000 bail for teen found with gun
BAIL was granted for a teenager after being accused of having a loaded gun in the capital last week.
Business Licences: 99% were approved ‘in time’
The Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday said 99 percent of Business Licence renewal applications were approved “in time” with those outstanding needing to “clarify” questions surrounding their reported turnover.
Two arrested on high-powered gun find
TWO people were arrested after police found an unlicensed high-powered firearm while executing a search warrant at a residence in the area of the Bel-Air Estates on Monday.
CARIFTA swimmers eager to hit the pool
All final preparations are complete
With all their final preparations complete, the local swimmers are eager to make their splash in the pool at the CARIFTA Swimming and Open Water Championships this weekend in Pirate Bay, Curacao.
‘Grammy’ Wallace-Whitfield: Go for Gold
BAHAMIAN Olympian Pauline Davis and CARIFTA volunteer as well as long-time track and field supporter Beverly “Grammy” Wallace-Whitfield offered strong words of wisdom and encouragement to Team Bahamas.
Rising tennis star back in full swing
AFTER falling short in his first tournament in Trinidad & Tobago last week, Michael Major Jr is back in full swing in his second J60 Tacarigua tournament this week.
Tennis Champions soak up the spotlight
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) held a successful Spring Classic tennis tournament. RBC was the title sponsor of this junior tennis event. After the completion of over 100 matches, the BLTA crowned the champions in the following divisions:
‘Hundreds of millions’ in tax arrears remain
The Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday said “hundreds of millions” in tax arrears remain outstanding even though VAT revenues are 7 percent ahead of projections for the first nine months of the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Tuesday, April 4
Bahamas' first IHOP officially opens
THE Mortimer family were the first customers to be welcomed into The Bahamas’ first IHOP Tuesday, after dozens of residents camped outside on Monday night to win the chance of receiving free pancakes for the next year.
PETER YOUNG: King Charles rebuilding bridges
A STATE visit is a potent symbol. It confirms at the highest level the quality of relations between two countries by demonstrating the strength of their diplomatic, economic and cultural ties. It is a powerful indicator of the overall bilateral relationship.
FACE TO FACE: Hard work, discipline and perseverance on the road to success for Harold Watson
HAROLD L Watson is a visionary Bahamian businessman whose discipline and perseverance resulted in the success of one of the most widely recognised franchises in the country. A proud Long Islander and family man, Mr Watson has taken the principles of hard work, honesty and reliability with him on his journey to success.
Jamaican man denies firearm possession
A Jamaican man with no legal status in the country was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Shotspotter and cameras brought to Grand Bahama in crime fight
SHOTSPOTTER is finally activated in Grand Bahama to assist police in the detection and location of gunfire as it happens - while officers will also be outfitted with body cameras and dashboard cameras.
EDITORIAL: Slow motion over bill shows women not a priority
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe says that the government won’t rush the Gender Violence Bill. We are not sure why he felt the need to tell us that – the evidence of our own eyes was enough to see there was no sign of any progress.
Bimini transport and construction company ordered to pay $600k in salaries owed
A LOCAL transport and construction company must pay more than $600k to nine former employees after terminating them without pay.
Son’s disappearance at sea ‘deja vu’ for mother
NAZ’R Robins’ disappearance at sea has conjured the worst kind of deja vu in his mother.
Mangrove restoration reaches nearly 50,000 planted since Hurricane Dorian
NEARLY 50,000 red mangroves have been planted to date between Grand Bahama and Abaco since Hurricane Dorian.
LOC Chairman stands by $9m expenditure
LYNDEN Maycock, the CEO of the Local Organising Committee of the 2023 CARIFTA Games, insists he provided accurate figures when he discussed the price tag for the CARIFTA games at an Office of the Prime Minister press conference last week.
DRA: Abaco debris site will soon be ‘demobilised’ amid environmental concerns
DISASTER Reconstruction Authority executive chairman Alex Storr said the DRA would “demobilise” the Abaco Spring City and Treasure Cay debris management sites.
Fix my street
TRIBUNE readers and our photographers have been out on the streets photographing some of the potholes on our roads - some of which have been causing a hazard to motorists for weeks without repair.
Eric Wiberg: The story of the aircraft lost in The Bahamas – Part II: Wives and bases
Tuesday, April 4th, 2023.
Gas retailers: ‘Never been so desperate’ due to OPEC slash
Bahamian petroleum retailers yesterday said “it’s never been so desperate” with a surprise production cut by the major oil producing countries making their need for a margin increase even more urgent.
Sir Franklyn: Quieting Titles ‘licence to thief’
Arawak Homes chairman yesterday urged The Bahamas to embrace a system of registered land as he warned that the Quieting Titles Act has become “a licence to thief”.
Cable: URCA’s 23% budget rise ‘assault on our finances’
Cable Bahamas has blasted the 23 percent hike in the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s (URCA) 2023 budget as “an assault on the finances” of itself and other communications operators who will pay for it.
Growth to ‘moderate’ as COVID revival near end
The Central Bank yesterday reaffirmed that The Bahamas’ economic growth rate will “moderate as the recovery from COVID-19 becomes more complete” with February’s air visitor arrivals just 2.5 percent off pre-pandemic pace.
Miami trip nightmare for mom and son
A TRIP to Miami became a nightmare for Christina Colebrooke after she was assaulted and, after being treated and leaving hospital, was subsequently severely injured in a hit-and-run accident a few days later.
More ‘operations’ planned for tax dodger crackdown
The authorities are planning “several operations” throughout The Bahamas targeting other suspected tax delinquents, the Ministry of Finance’s top official revealed last night, while their Harbour Island sweep is still not finished.
Random bag searches may be added to primary schools
RANDOM bag searches may be introduced in primary schools throughout New Providence to bolster security, Acting Director of Education Dominique McCartney-Russell said yesterday.
Shanty town demolition ‘unlawful’ says KC Smith
THE possible demolition of shanty town homes by the government is “unlawful”, a Supreme Court Chief Justice was told yesterday by the legal team representing residents.
‘WON’T RUSH’ ON GENDER VIOLENCE: Wilchcombe stressed church consultation - but BCC chief says no one has asked him
SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the Davis administration would not rush the Gender Violence Bill to Parliament, stressing the importance of the Church in discussions about such legislation.
Access accelerator targets 200 MSMES for assistance
THE SMALL Business Development Centre (SBDC) is this year aiming to help 200 micro, small and medium-sized (MSME) enterprises access an average $100,000 in funding each through its Guaranteed Loan Programme.
‘No industry more efficient’ at storm rebound than insurance
A BAHAMIAN insurance executive yesterday said that obtaining full property coverage is critical to the ability of homeowners, businesses and the wider economy to build resilience against natural disasters.
Eleuthera leads Family Islands over air arrivals
ELEUTHERA ranks second only to New Providence by leading all Family Islands for airborne visitor arrivals in 2022, it was revealed yesterday.
Chamber president: We must lead investment discussions
ELEUTHERA’S Chamber of Commerce president yesterday urged the Bahamian private sector to lead the discussion on the investments necessary to build a thriving national economy.
Disney: We’ll spend ‘100 plus years in Eleuthera’
DISNEY Cruise Line yesterday said it was committed to Eleuthera’s long-term growth by asserting that “we expect to be there for 100-plus years” with its Lighthouse Point destination.
Ambassador takes look at future of agriculture
THE Ambassador to Morocco, William U Wong, visited One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and The Center for Training and Innovation (CTI) last month.
The battle is raging
“I keep telling myself not to give up hope to be brave and stay strong because I believe there are people out there who will believe in me and will help me through these hard times”.
Inequality
I thought in our Constitution there is an Article which guarantees no discrimination on any grounds, including gender, but, sir, what do we see?
Two held as police seize marijuana
OFFICERS confiscated suspected marijuana in two separate incidents and made two arrests over Sunday night and early Monday morning.
Accused denies bail violations
A MAN on bail for murder was charged in court on Monday for allegedly breaching the conditions of his daily curfew.
US man admits credit card fraud
AN American man was fined in court yesterday after he admitted to committing credit card fraud while staying at the Sandals resort last month.
3PA Stallions’ Jasmine Mackey in games’ limelight
COACH Cedricka Rolle feels now that quarter-miler Jasmine Mackey has broken the mantle as the first 3PA Stallions Track and Field Club member to make the CARIFTA Games team, she envisions that others will be inspired to follow suit.
High schoolers join International Basketball Academy
WITH their high school basketball league over and done with, local high school players are now showing their skills in the annual International Basketball Academy Bahamas Developmental League that is currently underway.
CARIFTA swimming team off to Curacao
Bahamas going for 5th straight title
With their bags already packed, the 39-member team is ready to head to Pirate Bay, Curacao tonight to go for their fifth straight CARIFTA Swimming Championship title this weekend.
Roadrunners have three athletes on CARIFTA team
THEY’RE not one of the top ranked track and field clubs, but coach Dexter Bodie said they are extremely proud to have three of their athletes making the Bahamas’ 80-member team that will compete at the Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games this weekend.
Kingsway and SAC crowned as first high school flag football champions
THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) hosted the country’s inaugural high school flag football tournament this past weekend at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.
Monday, April 3
WORLD VIEW: UN climate justice success should encourage small states to act together
EFFORTS by small states to seek justice for damage and existential threats to their countries, caused by the world’s major environmental polluters, moved a step further at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on March 29.
INSIGHT: Internal issues distracting FNM from offering competent opposition
AT a time when there are lots of ways to focus on what the government is doing, the FNM seems busier trying to fight internally.
THE KDK REPORT: A family affair
QUITE often when a loved one dies, it’s the silence of the loss and the regret of things left unsaid that cripples us. Then, as others leave us for the unknown, this grief, the words left unsaid and the hugs we intended but didn’t fulfill, add to our personal guilt, compounding the pain we feel from the loss itself.
INSIGHT: $4.5m to beautify Grand Bahama - so did it work?
WITH a budget of $4.5m, Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey promised to make a difference on Grand Bahama and in the lives of many Bahamians through a new unit called Collab: Partnerships for Development.
EDITORIAL: Honour women by bringing equality to all
THE long delay in bringing in laws to provide equal rights in passing on citizenship seems little closer to a resolution.
Despite better academic performance women disadvantaged in workplace
WOMEN have lower labour force participation rates and are more likely to be unemployed than men despite generally better education and academic attainment — one of many gender-based disparities that put them at a disadvantage.
Abaco concerned with disposal of hazardous waste as debris site burns
THE Abaco Chamber of Commerce president accused successive administrations of ignoring health and safety issues related to debris management after another fire erupted on a debris site over the weekend.
Front Porch: RCI beach club a bad deal, but Bay Street needs to be revitalised
Monday, April 3rd, 2023.
Front Porch: Catholic Social Teaching promotes, protects and defends the radical dignity of the human person
Monday, April 3rd, 2023.
Pre-COVID ‘comeback’ still $3bn off GDP target
The Bahamas must focus on “how we grow from here” because returning to pre-COVID’s $13bn economic output is “not sufficient to take the ship of state forward”, a governance reformer argued yesterday.
Ex-BNT chief fears PI dangerous precedent
Bahamians “should be very concerned” that Royal Caribbean’s Paradise Island project sets a precedent that will allow other cruise lines to develop their own private destinations near Nassau, an ex-National Trust chief warned yesterday.
Woman dies in West Bay Street car crash
A WOMAN was killed in a traffic accident when her car hit a tree on West Bay Street on Saturday morning.
Heroic $6.2m investment creates 70 concrete jobs
A Grand Bahama businesswoman is investing $6.2m in a concrete plant operation that will create up to 70 jobs over the next 12 months as it “ramps up” to full operations following its April 22 ground-breaking.
PI entrepreneur says new evidence found
The Bahamian entrepreneur battling to restore Paradise Island’s lighthouse is seeking the Court of Appeal’s permission to introduce new evidence he says he has uncovered relating to his disputed Crown Land lease.
16-year-old girl sexually assaulted by two men
TWO men abducted and sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in a bush while she walked near Baillou Hill Road early on Sunday.
Harbour Island firms owe govt $1.3m in tax
TWO Harbour Island businesses raided last week collectively owe the government about $1.3m in taxes, financial secretary Simon Wilson said yesterday.
CITIZENSHIP BILL ‘A NO BRAINER’: Maynard-Gibson calls on govt to proceed with legal changes
FORMER Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson urged the government to pass legislation giving Bahamian men and women an equal chance to pass citizenship to their children and spouses, calling this a “no-brainer”.
Online Customs declarations to be mandatory from June 12
ALL returning Bahamians and residents must fill out their Customs declarations electronically, and pay associated fees online, before they land in this country as of June 12, 2023, it was revealed yesterday.
Potter’s Cay must use approved rebuild over fire-damaged stalls
A CABINET minister says Potter’s Cay vendors, whose stalls were destroyed by fire in April 2021, must use the Ministry of Works-approved plan to rebuild after the Government was accused of failing to move reconstruction forward.
GB ‘stagnant’ due to Port and Gov’t divide
THE OPPOSITION’S leader says Grand Bahama’s economy is “stagnant” due to the lack of co-operation between the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and the central government in Nassau.
Week in review
ActivTrades
Week in review In the US, the Dow Jones and Nasdaq climbed on Friday and were at their highest level for four weeks. The European indices were also continuing their recovery. The losses since the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which started the global banking industry’s problems, are almost balanced.
Keyshawn shatters his national record
Posts world-leading mark in javelin
Another national record breaking performance from collegian Keyshawn Strachan, a pair of world leading 200 metre performances from collegian Terrence Jones and elite athlete Steven Gardiner and a pair of personal best feats from Anthaya Charlton highlighted an eventful track and field weekend in the United States.
Oshae and Jaimie the victors in first all-female boxing show
FIRST Class Promotions, in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC), hosted the first all-female professional world title boxing match in the region this past weekend at the Kendal G L Isaacs gymnasium.
Military is best option to fix Haiti
I have been watching several television shows on You Tube from Haiti in the past weeks. Three hours of Aljazeera’s show this morning was filmed in Haiti. The cameras revealed poverty at its worst; children that are suffering, rodents, litter and garbage, protests on the streets accompanied by the burning of tyres, a police service, that is overwhelmed and a state of complete disorder.
Transgender education is not for our schools
If you think we have trouble with lack of morals and discipline in our schools now, any transgender education will lead to more confusion and more depression.
Junior tennis stars shine at Spring Classic
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) wrapped up the final day of the Royal Bank of Canada Spring Classic tournament yesterday at the National Tennis Centre.
Giants are NPBA champions
THE Commonwealth Bank Giants and Your Essential Store Giants are the 2023 New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) division one and two champions. The pair of Giants wrapped up the last game of their series this past weekend at the A F Adderley Gymnasium.
Coca-Cola sponsors Island Relays in Grand Bahama
CARIBBEAN Bottling Company (CBC), the local producers of Coca-Cola, sponsored the inaugural Island Relays event which was held at the Grand Bahama Sports complex in Grand Bahama.
DEREK SMITH: Compliance is critical to corporate success
A compliance programme is an indispensable element for any company as it helps to prevent, detect and remedy potential violations of law and corporate policies.
‘Resorts and food’ double GDP impacts by $550m
THE Bahamas’ tourism-driven recovery saw “accommodation and food services” and the transportation sectors lead the way in returning 2022’s economic output to pre-COVID performance.
