Wednesday, July 31
Times for Bahamian athletes participating in the 2024 Olympic Games
PARIS, France: Here's the schedule showing the times in The Bahamas that Bahamian athletes are participating in the 2024 Olympic Games through the weekend.
Potential Tropical Depression expected to impact The Bahamas this weekend
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has issued a special weather statement advising residents to closely monitor the progress of a large tropical wave currently located near the Lesser Antilles that has a 60 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression by the weekend.
BPL plunges to negative -20% net profit margins
BAHAMAS Power & Light’s (BPL) financial crisis was yesterday further exposed by negative net profit margins of -20 percent and -24 percent for the past two financials years when it was unable to cover its debts.
AML Foods ‘expands ambitions’ to target $300m sales by 2030
AML Foods yesterday said it has “expanded our ambitions” to now target becoming a “$300m company by 2030” as its top executive asserted: “We are bullish on our industry.”
URCA: BPL must slash outage frequency 40%
BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) must reduce the frequency and length of power outages by 40 percent and 60 percent, respectively, to meet standards set by its regulator, it was revealed yesterday.
‘Tremendous concern’ on Silver’s Bimini airlift halt
TOURISM executives yesterday said it was “a tremendous concern” that Bimini’s major source of commercial airlift had suspended all flights until Friday due to the airport’s inoperable fire truck.
Labour body yet to see new minimum wage rise
THE body responsible for dealing with all labour-related matters in The Bahamas has not discussed any proposed minimum wage increase because it has not been reformed since July 1.
Act’s noble intent ‘taking us down the path to hell’
SAFEGUARDS to protect delinquent mortgage borrowers from losing their homes are poised for review with a senior banker warning they were “carrying us down the path to hell” despite the noble intent.
PM expected to return to Bahamas today after having successful sciatica surgery
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is expected to return to the country today after undergoing surgery abroad for compression of his sciatic nerve, according to his wife, Ann Marie Davis.
Police seize drugs weapons and ammo at GB residence from suspect ‘not on our radar’
A 45-year-old Bahamian man is in police custody after a significant seizure of illegal drugs, weapons, and ammunition at a residence in Grand Bahama.
Murdered woman suspected case of domestic violence
A WOMAN was murdered yesterday in what is suspected to be a case of domestic violence.
Third $1.5m airport raid suspect killed
A THIRD man connected to November’s $1.5m robbery of a bank security car –– the incident at the centre of a major unresolved police corruption controversy –– has been killed.
Police corruption probe gains even more significance after latest murder
A THIRD man linked to a major armed robbery that has become linked to a police probe into corruption is now dead.
Doctor ‘progressing adequately’ after pump implant surgery
A NEWLY married doctor successfully had a pump implant yesterday, a critical step toward receiving a heart transplant.
Chamber ‘cautious’ over new minimum wage talk
THE Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday said the private sector already faces “a myriad of challenges” apart from having to contend with a new minimum wage increase.
Married couple charged with having guns and ammo with intent to supply
A MARRIED couple was charged yesterday after a firearm arrest at their residence on McKinney Drive last week.
Two union chiefs calling for $350 minimum wage
TWO prominent union leaders want the government to raise the minimum wage to $350 a week, but the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Federation (BCCEC) is uncertain whether businesses would support any increase.
Two men charged with robbing a man at gunpoint earlier this month
TWO men were remanded in custody after they were accused of robbing a man at gunpoint earlier this month.
Chamber’s labour head wants govt to target ‘mom and pop’ shops over NIB non-payments
PETER Goudie, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) labour division head, wants the government to target “mom and pop” food stores and other businesses not paying NIB for their employees to help reduce poverty in the country.
Young boy battles depression after losing several teeth in car accident
AN 11-YEAR-OLD is battling depression after losing several teeth when a car struck him in May, and the driver responsible has not helped with the $15,000 dental repairs he needs.
Ann Marie Davis calls to join fight against human trafficking
ANN Marie Davis, the wife of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, called for people to fight against human trafficking.
Take credit where it is earned
FINANCES - let’s take credit where credit is due...nothing the Bahamas government did except to agree like the rest of the world to the 15 percent corporate tax.
Olympic opening was anti-Christian
EVERY five years, the sporting world gathers in the true tradition of the Olympic Oath... significantly to unify the nations in peaceful games.
Scotland Yard should run probe
DID the Commissioner advise of the arrival of Scotland Yard or at the very least announce when they will arrive?
‘Strong interest’ still in Bahamas ship registry
A CABINET minister has urged Bahamians to pursue maritime industry careers with this country’s shipping registry continuing to attract “strong interest”.
University launches president search
THE search for the next University of The Bahamas (UB) president is underway after its board of trustees released a document detailing what it is seeking from the new hire.
Regulator hails replacement of ‘12 year-old’ securities law
THE Securities Commission yesterday hailed the replacement of the “12-year-old legal framework” that governed the Bahamian capital markets with a new law that took effect on Monday.
Upgraded digital assets law is now implemented
UPGRADED legislation to regulate the digital assets industry took legal effect yesterday, the Securities Commission confirmed.
Man charged with murder in the shooting death of Elvardo Thompson last weekend
A MAN was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of killing Elvardo Thompson, 24, on Pinecrest Drive last weekend.
ALICIA WALLACE: The beauty of community when govt health aid fails
Health is a fundamental human right, recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the World Health Organization (WHO) Constitution (1948).
Tuesday, July 30
Woman found dead at Homestead Street residence
A woman is dead after being found with injuries to her upper body at a residence just off Homestead Street.
Taylor wins heat, but misses final
Lamar Taylor touched the wall first in his heat of the men's 100 metres preliminaries, but it wasn't fast enough to get him into the semifinal at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Residents applaud Town Planning’s rejection of grocery store application
THE Town Planning Committee refused an application to construct a grocery store, liquor store and takeaway shack on Colony Village Road off Prince Charles Drive, delighting residents who opposed the development.
Athletes and BOC treated to dinner reception in Paris
PARIS, France — With one day left before Team Bahamas begins competing at the 2024 Olympic Games, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture feted the athletes and the Bahamas Olympic Committee to a dinner reception last night.
Sandals hits back at claim it hid 60% of resort’s intake
SANDALS is disputing assertions by the Bahamian tax authorities that its Emerald Bay resort only reported 40 percent of revenues earned as it defended its one-of-a-kind “business model”.
Watson: No olympics on ZNS due to high cost
ZNS is not broadcasting the Olympic Games this year because it could not afford the rights, according to general manager Clint Watson.
Advocate disturbed by lack of progress on marital rape law
AN advocate for criminalising marital rape is disturbed by the Davis administration’s lack of progress on legislation.
Minister: We’ll raise minimum wage soon
THE Davis administration wants to increase the minimum wage again soon, Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said yesterday.
Private cays hurting local income
IN stopping by to convey views that many Bahamians have, but for reasons unknown unable to make them in the print media.
RBDF chief says illegal migration has slowed ‘considerably’ despite expectations of a surge
DEFENCE Force Commodore Raymond King said officials expected illegal immigration, which has slowed “considerably” since the start of the year, to increase when Kenyan officers reached Haiti to lead a multi-national security mission there.
FACE TO FACE: Breaking the cycle of domestic abuse
“Family is everything” - it’s a popular quote often used when people make their social media posts with their loved ones.
Bahamas should boycott Olympics over blasphemy
WHEN I got home on Saturday afternoon I asked my wife why she wasn’t watching the Olympic Games, which is airing on Peacock TV app.
Glover-Rolle addresses public servants’ concerns over incremental increases
AFTER some public servants complained that incremental increases were not accurately reflected in their monthly pay, Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said yesterday that payments were made on time.
Camp launched in GB for children with disabilities
A SUMMER camp was launched in Freeport on Monday for Grand Bahama children with disabilities.
A doctor, psychologist and lawyer among RBDF reserve graduates
A MEDICAL doctor, a psychologist and a lawyer are among the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s (RBDF) reserve training programme graduates.
Man tells judge that he feared for his life after admitting to removing monitor
A MAN who admitted to breaching his bail conditions and ditching his monitoring device on the street told a judge he feared for his life after being shot four times.
Man charged with July 18 fatal stabbing
A 42-year-old man was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of a fatal stabbing in Sunshine Park earlier this month.
Man accused of sexually assaulting woman
A 45-year-old man was granted $3,000 bail yesterday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Fox Hill in May.
Man gets three years jail for loaded gun
A MAN was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday after admitting to having a loaded gun in his Kennedy Subdivision home last week.
PETER YOUNG: Real change or more of the same in Britain?
In last week’s column, I said I would examine today the policies of a new Labour government following its massive victory in Britain’s general election earlier this month.
PETER YOUNG: With all his flaws, why do people vote for Trump?
With the US presidential election in November now not far away, many people are following almost daily the activities of former US president and Republican Party nominee, Donald Trump.
$300m GB resort project receives full approval
THE SIX Senses development in Grand Bahama has received full approval to start its $300m resort project, according to developer Marc Weller.
Monday, July 29
Doctor in need of transplant airlifted to US
AJITA Wallace-Pinder, a newly married doctor in dire need of a heart transplant, was airlifted out of the country on Friday and underwent surgery.
Cooper: 12 million to visit this year
ACTING Prime Minister Chester Cooper expects The Bahamas to attract 12 million visitors this year.
A month on, no update from police on shooting of dog
THE owner of a dog police killed last month is questioning why it is taking so long for police to investigate the incident and reveal its findings.
Three dead in road crashes
NARISSA Reckley, a young woman killed in a car accident on Friday, was a quiet and loving person “who lived life to the fullest”, her relatives said.
Paris Olympics - opening ceremony to remember
PARIS, France — Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said he’s been pleased with what he has seen so far at the 2024 Olympic Games and, if there are any doubts or concerns, the Bahamas Olympic Committee said there should be no need to worry about Team Bahamas which is all ready to go.
Pintard: Bahamas bottom in region for stopover growth
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the government’s refusal to recognise that stopover arrivals to The Bahamas are decreasing is doing more harm than good to the economy.
No one deserves to be left in the dark when it comes to BPL
THE Olympics comes once every four years – but sadly for us, power outages courtesy of BPL come more often than that.
KDK REPORT: The chance to play
According to millions of players across the globe, the game of chess is analogous to life itself.
Eleuthera next for women entrepreneur programme
UNITED States Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish said the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs will expand to Eleuthera, its fifth island in The Bahamas.
Exploring the nexus between climate change and health
This year’s Bahamas Youth Climate Conference benefitted from the wisdom of Dr William Hamilton MSc, MBBS.
FIBA Under-15 Centrobasket: Bahamas finishes 8th overall
IT WAS a long weekend for the junior under-15 (U15) women’s national basketball team at the 2024 FIBA Centrobasket U15 Women’s Championship in David, Panama.
Marco City Constituency Association relaunches Basketball tourney for youth on Grand Bahama
THE Marco City Association Constituency Office re-launched its Annual Basketball Tournament on Saturday, recognising the significance of integrating sports activities within the community.
52-year-old jailed for gun possession
A 52-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday after admitting to having an unlicenced gun in his home in March.
Two men accused of deadly shooting
TWO men were remanded in custody on Friday after they were accused of killing Elvardo Thompson, 24, on Pinecrest Drive last weekend.
Knowles looking forward to the Paris Olympics
After making their initial appearance for the Olympic Games in London, England in 2012, Shervone and Ashley Knowles both said they had to make their second rodeo here.
Summer of Thunder: UNC Wilmington picks up two wins
THE busy summer for the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) continued with the Summer of Thunder basketball tournament which is now in full swing after weekend action at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.
‘Patient safety’ concern as attorneys usurp watchdog
Attorneys are usurping the Bahamas Medical Council’s (BMC) role as physician watchdog to the point where patient safety may be endangered, the FNM’s chairman is arguing.
Pintard: ‘Celebrating economic suicide’ as stopovers decline
The Opposition leader yesterday doubled down on fears this nation is “celebrating economic suicide” with The Bahamas the only Caribbean country suffering a stopover visitor decline in 2024’s first four months.
BPL grid firm closes $100m bond amid ongoing queries
The company poised to take over New Providence’s electricity grid closed its initial financing with an “oversubscribed” $100m bond raise amid ongoing concerns over the deal’s structure.
Tax authority ‘alarm’ over accounting at $5m firms
Bahamian tax authorities are “shocked” and “alarmed” at the number of $5m-plus turnover companies who are being audited or preparing financials for the first time to meet the new Business Licence mandate.
Planning, environmental regulators ‘under-staffed’
Planning and environmental regulators cannot do the job demanded by the Bahamian people because all are “under-resourced and under-staffed”, an MP has asserted.
‘Late again’ says FNM leader over monthly budget report
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the government is continuously late in producing the monthly budget report, adding that the country is trending towards a low-growth economic trajectory.
Injunction is granted over Lucayan Towers occupancy
THE Supreme Court has granted an injunction restraining the Grand Bahama Port Authority from revoking the certificate of occupancy for the Lucayan Towers South.
Sunday, July 28
Man sentenced to two years for unlicensed gun
A 52-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday after he admitted to having an unlicensed gun in his home this March.
Two men charged with possession of dangerous drugs granted bail
TWO men were granted bail on Friday after they were allegedly found with three sets of illicit drugs in New Providence last week.
Young woman dies in West Bay St crash
A YOUNG woman was killed in a traffic accident on West Bay Street early Friday morning.
$2,000 reward offered to find missing Devin
THE mother of 17-year-old Devin Issacs, who has been missing from May 15, is offering a cash reward of $2,000 for his return.
Two men charged in Pinecrest Drive fatal shooting
TWO MEN were imprisoned on Friday after they were accused in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Elvardo Thompson on Pinecrest Drive last weekend.
Saturday, July 27
FRONT PORCH: Why are we so comfortable being obese and overweight?
There are a number of reasons most Bahamians do not smoke cigarettes. One reason is cultural: we frown on those who smoke. We do not like the smell of cigarettes, especially in our homes and vehicles.
Friday, July 26
BAAA rolls out 16-member team for World U20 Championships
THE next event on the World Athletics Series will be the World Athletics U20 Championships to be hosted in Lima, Peru, August 27-31 at the National Stadium of Peru.
Neeley family makes trek from Bahamas to the Olympic Games in Paris, France
It’s everybody’s dream to either participate or spectate at an Olympic Games.
Athletes are all set for Olympics opening ceremony on Seine River
PARIS, France — Cora Hepburn, who serves as the first female chef de mission for Team Bahamas, has confirmed that reigning Olympic men’s champion Steven Gardiner and world female indoor record holder Devynne Charlton will be the flag bearers during the opening ceremonies today for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Victim shot dead in ambush
A young man was killed on Flamingo Avenue yesterday, the 74th murder of the year.
Gas retailers grill leading finance official on margins
The Government’s top finance official yesterday faced another ambush - this time from aggrieved petroleum retailers asserting the administration has “their two big foot on top of me” over a margin increase.
‘Hit global standards to slash Gov’t procurement costs 10%’
The Government can slash its procurement costs by up to 10 percent through meeting global standards, it was revealed yesterday, as a further $52.362m in contract awards were disclosed.
Izmirlian victory in Baha Mar legal challenge
Sarkis Izmirlian has successfully fought-off a bid by Baha Mar’s main contractor to slash his damages claim by $830m just days before their fraud and breach of contract battle goes to trial in New York.
FNM: Where’s clarity over reform of BPL?
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright reiterated his party’s call for the Davis administration to be transparent with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) staff about its plans to reform the company, saying workers are in a “paralysing uncertainty” over their future.
Finance chief: Why ‘uproar’ over aviation fee increases?
The Government’s top finance official yesterday challenged the “uproar” over the increase in Customs and other aviation fees, adding: “Persons who benefit from our country should pay their fair share.”
Wendy’s: Ruling ‘paves way’ for PI restaurant
Wendy’s yesterday hailed the planning authorities’ rejection of Atlantis’ appeal as “paving the way” to finally develop its new Paradise Island restaurant that has been delayed for “several years”.
Race to save Ajita’s life
A NEWLY married doctor is racing against time to secure the financial help she needs for a heart transplant.
BUT chief: Was MOU worth it?
AFTER Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson accused the Davis administration of violating a pre-election memorandum of understanding, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson blasted umbrella union leaders for agreeing to sign the MOU in the first place.
Digital payments push arrives on Eleuthera
Eleuthera residents and business owners discussed digital payments solutions with almost a dozen providers and presenters at the island’s recent second annual Digital Expo.
Child in critical condition after near-drowning
A FOUR-year-old boy is in critical condition after being found unconscious.
Man accused of house-breaking
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was accused of breaching his bail for a house-breaking offence.
US TV reports on 2013 disappearance at yoga resort
AN American man reportedly went missing 11 years ago at the same yoga retreat where Chicago native Taylor Casey was a guest when she recently went missing.
Getting youth exposed to food production
LOOKING back over the past year at the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) farm in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, undoubtedly, one of the highlights for me as the farm development officer has been the chance to tour so many people through our farm operation.
Love Ya Dog: Dellarease Sabrina Johnson-Hield and her dog Belle
READERS have been hearing our call to join in our Love Ya Dog campaign.
BISX securities
BISX...Central Bank being able to continue to sell government securities, which they issue, rather than thru a monopoly at BISX is to reduce the costs of transfer which are to the detriment of the saver.
The Psychology of Dealing with Loss: Failing When It Counts
IN the world of sports, success and failure are two sides of the same coin.
Lamar, Rhanishka ready to make a splash at Olympics
As the first two competitors to represent the Bahamas in competition at the 2024 Olympic Games, Lamar Taylor and Rhanishka Gibbs have expressed their delight in getting the ball rolling for Team Bahamas in the swimming competition.
Call for changes in adoption and fostering as would-be parents face frustration
TWO Free National Movement senators want changes in the adoption and fostering processes in the Bahamas.
Nygard’s lawyers ask for six-year sentence for crimes
PETER Nygard’s legal team in Canada suggested he be sentenced to six years in prison for his sexual assault convictions, citing his age, health and heart conditions.
Bail over theft charge
A MAN was granted $10,000 bail after he was accused of stealing $25,000 worth of property from a Yamacraw clothing store earlier this month.
Bail over theft charge
A MAN was granted $10,000 bail after he was accused of stealing $25,000 worth of property from a Yamacraw clothing store earlier this month.
Accused over US man’s death
A MAN was charged with manslaughter by negligence after an American tourist died in a boating accident in March.
Three guilty of armed robbery
THREE men were found guilty of the armed robbery of a Defence Force officer and his girlfriend on Prince Charles Drive in 2022.
Free to have our opinions
IN our form of democracy all have the right to their personal opinion…opinions are made through due diligence - listening studying and coming to a rational decision and then your point of view…you have the Constitutional Right to state that and use your free secret ballot whenever an election is called.
Athol Island
THE current disaster being highlighted in The Tribune newspaper about the Athol Island development project needs immediate attention to make the STOP order permanent!
Thursday, July 25
07252024 EDITION
Thursday, July 25, 2024
‘Decades-long norm’ on fisheries poaching over
FISHERMEN yesterday hailed “fantastic” progress in combating foreign poachers as they bid to match the “record catches” enjoyed by many last year when crawfish season opens on August 1.
Athol Island go-ahead one month after ‘cease’ order
ENVIRONMENTAL regulators gave the go-ahead to an Athol Island developer just one month after ordering him to “cease and desist” unauthorised construction activities at the same location.
Union ‘ready for action’ over reforms to BPL
A UNION leader yesterday asserted that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) staff are “p***** off and ready for action” amid uncertainty over how they fit into the Government’s energy reform plans.
Union chief: Minister’s Pike meeting ‘flies in worker faces’
THE head of the Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) line staff union yesterday asserted that the arrival of workers and equipment from a US contractor “flies in the face of the workers”.
Halt order given on Athol Island
THE Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) said it issued a cease and desist order regarding a project on Athol Island.
Prosecutors push for 15-year sentence in Nygard sex trial
PROSECUTORS in Canada want former Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard to get a 15-year prison sentence for sexual assault convictions.
‘PLP broke promise made before election’
IN excluding unions from talks about the future of Bahamas Power & Light, the Davis administration is violating a pre-election memorandum of understanding Prime Minister Philip Davis signed, according to Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson.
Two men charged in boating death of US woman
TWO men were charged yesterday after allegedly causing the death of an American tourist, Allison Dyck, in a boating accident off Eleuthera last month.
Atlantis loses bid to block PI Wendy’s restaurant
PLANNING authorities yesterday dismissed the appeal by Atlantis and other major resorts seeking to block Wendy’s Paradise Island restaurant by finding it “does not offend” land use restrictions.
Virtual reality training to become necessity
In recent years, the landscape of employee training and development has been dramatically reshaped by advances in technology.
Haiti’s ambassador unable to confirm missing vessel carrying 60 migrants from Abaco to US
WILLIAM Exantus, Haiti’s ambassador to The Bahamas, has been unable to confirm whether a vessel carrying up to 60 migrants was lost at sea after leaving Abaco for the United States on July 4.
Wednesday, July 24
Minister expects 2-3 medals from our Olympians
The countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games now has two days remaining and expectations are high for the 21-member Bahamian Olympic team ready to represent The Bahamas with great pride in Paris, France.
Bahamas ladies ready for FIBA tournament
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) has fielded a 12-member junior under-15 women’s national basketball team to represent the country at the FIBA Centrobasket U15 Women’s Championship in David, Panama.
The sports calendar
AFTER getting rained out, the New Providence Softball Association continues its regular season action this week in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Bahamian Youth Sailing Team makes a splash at the Optimist North American Championships
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Bahamian Optimist sailing team recently showcased their remarkable skills and resilience at the Optimist North American Championships held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Why two securities depositories? BISX chief ‘doesn’t have answer’
THE Bahamas International Securities Exchange’s (BISX) top executive says he “doesn’t have the answers” for why this nation has created two separate facilities to clear and settle securities trades.
Club Med staff enjoy 9% salary increase
Unionised line staff at San Salvador’s Club Med resort yesterday gained a 9 percent pay rise with the signing of a new industrial agreement that covers a property enjoying 85 percent occupancy rates.
Tax agency’s VAT interpretation more important than law reprint
The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday called for the private sector to be better educated on the VAT legislation to ensure “optimal understanding and adherence”.
Realtor beats 2023 full year with first half sales
A Bahamian realtor yesterday disclosed that its 2024 first-half closed sales have “surpassed” 2023’s full-year performance as it moves to “accelerate” deals at a south-west New Providence project.
IT outage gives ‘horrific’ small business impact
Many Bahamian small businesses suffered an “horrific” and “huge impact” from Friday’s widespread IT outage due to their reliance on card transactions for 65 percent of customer purchases.
Cooper ‘can’t gazette’, law says he can
PUBLIC Disclosure Commission chairman Bishop Victor Cooper wrongly claimed the commission cannot gazette information about the financial declarations parliamentarians must make.
‘Time to change our divorce laws’
FREE National Movement Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis said it is time to amend the Matrimonial Causes Act to permit “no-fault” divorces.
BNT: protect and preserve the value of Athol island
THE Bahamas National Trust is concerned about possible development projects on Athol Island.
Customs officers not all ‘on same page’ over fee hikes
CUSTOMS’ top official yesterday conceded not all officers were initially “on the same page” over newly-implemented aviation fee increases which may not be “a shut case”.
PMH morgue employees continue sick-out protest over diesel spill
ALMOST a week has passed since Princess Margaret Hospital’s morgue employees began their sick-out protest, calling on the government to address a diesel spill affecting them.
Love Ya Dog: Betty Major and Max
READERS have been hearing our call to join in our Love Ya Dog campaign.
ALICIA WALLACE: Reading with purpose
DURING the summer, many people decide to at least try to read more.
Family and friends of missing American Taylor Casey raise $32k
FRIENDS and relatives of Taylor Casey, an American woman who went missing in The Bahamas, have raised $32,000 through crowdfunding as they try to find the 42-year-old.
Club Med staff to see nine-percent pay increase in new industrial agreement
THE Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union have signed a four-year industrial agreement with Club Med Columbus Isle to help over 180 union members.
Justice explains why man, with prior charges, now accused of armed robery is granted bail
A 25-YEAR-OLD father of two was granted $20,000 bail after being charged with armed robbery and having two prior convictions for stealing and fraud.
A guide to Bahamian words and phrases published by teen
NICO Miller, 19, spent about three hours a day for two months working on a book he has published: “The Bahamian Dictionary: A Guide to Bahamian Words and Phrases.”
Two men charged with stealing woman’s car at gunpoint
TWO men were remanded after they were accused of stealing a woman’s car at gunpoint in New Providence earlier this month.
Bimini man accused of string of burglaries
A BIMINI man was remanded yesterday after he was accused of a string of home burglaries and attacking a police officer on a Family Island.
Four men charged over large quantity of drugs
FOUR men were granted bail after they were accused of having $15,500 worth of marijuana and a large quantity of marijuana plants last week.
Man charged for having unlicenced firearm
A MAN was granted $6,500 bail after he was accused of having a gun in his car on East Street last Friday.
TECH TALK: Worries in Singapore that deepfakes will influence election
Jumio, the leading provider of automated, AI-driven identity verification, risk signals and compliance solutions, today released new findings from its Jumio 2024 Online Identity Study, revealing growing concern among the general public on the political influence AI and deepfakes may have on Singapore’s next election, and how they might influence trust in online media.
Tech goes Olympian
Samsung has unveiled the Olympic Edition of its newly announced Galaxy Z Flip6, exclusively designed and customised for all athletes competing at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
Taking Paris 2024 to... roblox?
The Olympic world’s ever-expanding quest to draw in young fans is meeting them where they are — on Roblox.
Crowdstrike CEO called to testify to US Congress
US House leaders are calling on CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz to testify to Congress about the cybersecurity company’s role in sparking the widespread tech outage that grounded flights, knocked banks and hospital systems offline and affected services around the world.
Tuesday, July 23
07232024 EDITION
Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
Bridgewater wins 3pt contest
Nardo Bridgewater said he was delighted to come home and show off his shooting skills in front of the Bahamian crowd in the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Sunday night.
National team set to compete in Elite Junior Cycling Championships
THE Bahamas Cycling Federation is expected to send its junior national team to the elite Junior Cycling Championships in Saint Martin.
Boxers get ready to rumble
THE Bahamas Boxing Federation is expected to participate in the 2024 Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St Lucia from July 25-28.
Roadrunners soak up Age Group spotlight in Florida
IN acknowledging the outstanding performances of their 40-member team at the recent AAU Age Group Championships in Jacksonville, Florida, Roadrunners Track Club head coach Dexter Bodie said there were some performances that were overlooked. He highlighted Cassidy Pratt, one of the club’s top junior athletes. She placed in the top five in the 100 metres and ran on their 4 x 100m relay team that finished in the top eight.
NPSA to continue regular season tonight
AFTER getting rained out, the New Providence Softball Association will continue its regular season action this week in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
BOC and BAAA ‘finally on the same page’
IT doesn’t matter who is right and who is wrong. The Bahamas Olympic Committee and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations are finally on the same page over the controversy surrounding whether either or both quarter-milers Shania Adderley and Lacarthea Cooper should go to the 2024 Olympic Games.
FACE TO FACE: Fostering long-lasting ties with American communities
TWO giants, both instrumental in fuelling The Bahamas’ unique connection with the United States of America, recently took their wings. Dr William “Bill” F Pickard and Dr Enid Curtis-Pinkney played instrumental roles in fostering long-lasting ties between Bahamian and American communities.
PETER YOUNG: The pleasure of returning to familiar surroundings
WITH so much significant international news in the media almost daily, there is no shortage of fresh material to comment on in this weekly column. One important example was US President Biden’s withdrawal on Sunday from the presidential election race. But, having recently returned from a visit to England, I should like, as earlier planned, to write about that trip today – and, in particular, about Britain’s general election which took place on July 4.
New Providence home sales hit fastest pace in two years
New Providence real estate sold at the fastest pace for two years in the 2024 second quarter with a well-known realtor yesterday saying the market had achieved a state of “balance”.
Private pilots: ‘We don’t need’ airport upgrades
A Bahamas Flying Ambassador is arguing that the cost of Family Island airport upgrades should be placed on the commercial airlines rather than private pilots who “haven’t asked for and don’t want” them.
Controversy over Athol Island permit’s tabling
An Opposition MP says he will confirm with the House of Assembly’s clerk whether the Government tabled an environmental permit for a dock amid growing controversy over Athol Island.
Judge: Medical Act ‘not drafted carefully’
A Supreme Court judge has branded the Medical Act as badly written in finding that Parliament intended to permit specialist physicians to challenge any refusal to register them in The Bahamas.
Law reprint to end VAT ‘nightmare’
The Attorney General yesterday pledged to end the VAT Act “nightmare” by consolidating all the past decade’s changes into a single law that will be reprinted this year.
Eleuthera residents still left short as water outages go on
Residents and businesses in Eleuthera are still experiencing water outages as they have for the past weeks, with one business telling Tribune Business they are “lucky” at their store due to its location.
Artist: IP bills will help - but they must be timely
ACTIVIST and recording artist Terneille “TaDa” Burrows said the government’s passing of a compendium of Intellectual Property legislation, including a fully digital Intellectual Property Office, will be “beneficial” to Bahamian artists when it is operational.
Land reform proposals go out to consultation
Attorney General Ryan Pinder said the Land Adjudication Bill and Land Registration Bill should be tabled in Parliament this fall with the new land registry to be established in 2025.
Bahamas to benefit from climate finance initiative
The Bahamas is among the Caribbean nations set to benefit from an initiative designed to accelerate private sector investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation projects.
Bahamasair delays Montego Bay flights
Bahamasair yesterday said it has postponed scheduled flights from Nassau into Montego Bay, Jamaica, which were due to operate from July 25 to September 8, 2024.
Jamaican woman accused of human trafficking
A JAMAICAN woman was remanded in custody yesterday after she was once again accused of human trafficking.
Man charged with molesting 12-year-old boy
A 40-year-old man was charged yesterday with molesting a 12-year-old boy four times between the spring and the summer.
Man charged with murder and intent to endanger life
A 23-year-old man was remanded in custody yesterday accused of being involved in a double shooting outside a Nassau Street club where one man was killed last week.
Fernander: Police believe recent murder victims targeted, and two are connected
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police believe recent murder victims were targeted and that two of the incidents were connected.
DEPP approved Andrew Hanna’s company to build wooden dock
DEPARTMENT of Environmental Planning and Protection director Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy approved Andrew Hanna’s construction of a wooden dock at Athol Island on February 16, according to a Certificate of Environmental Clearance Office of the Prime Minister officials sent to The Tribune over the weekend.
BPL work on Eastern Road finished but road repairs not yet completed
BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) said disruptive works on the Eastern Road were completed over the weekend.
UK asks for documents in police corruption probe
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said “UK partners” have asked for documents relating to the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s investigation of voice notes purporting to capture a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer, a lawyer, a murdered gang leader and his murdered friend.
Police chief’s reply confusing over police shooting inquests
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander gave a confusing response when questioned about his failure to reveal or act on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ recommendations concerning several police-involved killing cases that had adverse findings in the Coroner’s Court.
‘Jail risk’ if you supply cannabis
ALTHOUGH the Davis administration plans to decriminalise possession of up to one ounce of cannabis with a fixed penalty of $250, Attorney General Ryan Pinder warned that people with this amount could still face far stiffer penalties if they intend to distribute the drug.
‘Homicide by manslaughter’ ruled in Johnson Inquest
CORONER’S Court jurors have ruled that police committed homicide by manslaughter when they killed Valentino Johnson, 42, after a car chase on Seven Hill Road last year.
PM recovering after successful sciatica surgery
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ surgery in the United States to address compression of his sciatic nerve was successful, according to Health Minister Dr Michael Darville.
Love Ya Dog: Activist says his dogs are ‘a part of the family’
ACTIVIST Joseph Darville has long shown his love for our environment - and now he has joined in our Love Ya Dog campaign call to look after our animals.
Monday, July 22
Lorraine LaFleur 6th overall out of 25 in Atlanta
ALTHOUGH the competition seemed to be getting harder and harder, Lorraine LaFleur said she was still pleased with her performance at the Atlanta Pro Show.
Roadrunners make impression
THE Roadrunners Track and Field Club produced its best showing at the recent AAU National Club Championship in Jacksonville, Florida, finishing 16th out of a total of 300 clubs and over 4,000 athletes.
Pastors beat Politicians 32-27
The Pastors prevailed once again over the Politicians, while the International Basketball Academy (IBA) pulled off a double dose of victory as the 29th Peace on da Street Basketball Tournament came to a close last night.
Charisma, Denisha ‘fine tune’ for Paris Olympics
AS the 2024 Olympic Games fast approaches, Bahamian athletes are starting to fine tune for the competition in Paris, France, with two of them going head-to-head again in the women’s 100 metres hurdles.
Team Bahamas ‘en route’ to COCABE Baseball 12-U CUP
THE Bahamas Baseball Association has announced the national team selected to represent The Bahamas at the Caribbean Baseball Confederation (COCABE) 12-and-under Baseball Cup in the Dominican Republic.
Poitier sisters qualify for the World Teen Golf Championships
SINCE emerging on the local golf scene about two years ago, the Poitier sisters - Zeden, Zion and Zaire - have been making their presence felt on the local and international scene.
Blazer Elite Sports Academy members enjoy their international journey
THE Blazer Elite Sports Academy team embarked on their international journey on June 27, 2024. The travelling party included head Coach Dr. Ray Evans, team mother Nicole Evans, parent presidents Seandra and Gervergo Delancy, along with supporting crew members Deborah Mills and Chantal Sylvester.
INSIGHT: Changing mindset on climate change necessary for The Bahamas’ future
CLIMATE change has a degree of responsibility for many of the current challenges our nation is facing. We can no longer deny that extreme heat, more intense hurricanes, frequent flooding and other serious impacts have become a part of the reality for Bahamians within the 21st century. Yet, climate change – the cause of these issues – remains a niche topic in the minds of our citizens. If we want our islands to have a future, that must change.
INSIGHT: How will marijuana law work, and who will actually benefit?
THIS week’s column could take a look at no end of subjects – it has been quite a week, but it is the issue of marijuana legislation that we shall focus on. That said, let us visit some of those other issues first.
INSIGHT: Shrinking workforces and ageing populations pose new challenges for the Caribbean
Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, recently informed her country’s House of Assembly that their nation “is in a crisis with respect to an ageing and declining population”. By making this statement, the Prime Minister highlighted a pressing issue that affects not only Barbados but many other countries in the Caribbean.
Miss Universe says it’s better in The Bahamas
In the vibrant wake of our nation’s independence celebrations, Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios arrived at Lynden Pindling Airport on July 11, accompanied by her delegation from the Miss Universe Organization. The local franchisee, Miss Bahamas Universe Organization committee warmly welcomed her to our picturesque shores following her visit from Central America.
IT meltdown won’t halt digital payments drive
The Bahamas’ digital payments drive will not be stalled by Friday’s global IT outage, a prominent banker argued yesterday, as the benefits “far outstrip” the impacts from this event.
Top pilot body warns PM on ‘egregious’ fee hikes
The world’s largest private pilot body has warned the Prime Minister “there is no question The Bahamas will lose its competitive advantage” unless it tackles “egregious fees” and other obstacles to general aviation.
‘Unfriendly’ society found illegally selling insurance
Insurance regulators found an entity registered under the Friendly Societies Act was breaching multiple laws by selling insurance products to persons who were non-members.
IT meltdown ‘wake up call’ for local business
Bahamian businesses and information technology (IT) providers yesterday branded Friday’s global meltdown “a wake-up call” in exposing this nation’s vulnerability to events over which it has no control.
New $10m PI restaurant’s construction 75% complete
A Chicago-based restaurant’s $10m Paradise Island expansion is targeting a September 2024 completion with construction work now about 75 percent complete.
Airport, banks and stores are hit by global internet outage
A global technology shortage affected services at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Friday.
Cooper: Talk over $35m water park ‘premature’
DISCUSSIONS around the Nassau Cruise Port’s plans to develop a $35m water park are “premature”, according to Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper.
ACTIVTRADES: Off to a rough start
The final trading day of last week started with a huge information (IT) problem that began in Australia and spread worldwide. The disruption affected Windows PCs in several industries, and appears related to the security software supplied by CrowdStrike. The company’s share price fell by around 12 percent as a result.
'Don't penalise business in Bahamas over global outage'
BAHAMAS Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) President Leo Rolle said he hopes businesses are not penalised after Friday’s global technology outage.
PHA appeals to families to collect ‘boarders’ who are residing at PMH
BOARDERS at the Princess Margaret Hospital are as young as four months old and as old as 80.
World’s second largest cruise ship to sail to The Bahamas exclusively
THE Utopia of the Seas, the world’s second-largest cruise ship, will exclusively sail to The Bahamas twice a week, resulting in about 800,000 passengers visiting the country’s shores a year.
MOFA claims Tribune misleading on US report on investment climate
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused The Tribune of misleadingly reporting on the United States’ latest investment climate report on The Bahamas.
Officer laughed as body camera switched on in police shooting
A FORMER police officer laughed and lamented turning on his body camera after shooting a man last year.
GB murder takes year’s tally to 71
SIX people have been killed since Thursday, pushing the murder count for the year to 71.
Cooper: Water park not final
ACTING Prime Minister Chester Cooper said discussions about a $35m water park at the Nassau Cruise Port are premature because the government has yet to consider the proposal.
Sunday, July 21
President Joe Biden pulls out of reelection bid
President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.
Man shot dead and suspect shot by police
A MAN was shot dead in a truck on Saturday evening, close to a police station - prompting a police chase that ended with one suspect being shot by officers and another being arrested. A third suspect is still on the run.
Saturday, July 20
Man killed in three-car crash
A 51-YEAR-OLD man was killed on Friday night in a three-car collision on Cowpen Road.
PM's views unknown over cruise port water park
THE prime minister's views on plans to develop a $35m water park at Nassau Cruise Port remain unknown in the wake of opposition voiced by Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin.
Govt to start construction on 50 homes in Grand Bahama
HOUSING and Urban Development Minister Keith Bell announced on Friday that the government will start construction of 50 new homes in Grand Bahama.
Friday, July 19
Probation over drugs charges
A 37-year-old male was given one year of probation after pleading guilty to having marijuana and cocaine.
Man accused of attempted murder
A 37-year-old man was sent to prison on Friday for attempting to end the life of Bernard Deveaux on Saturday, July 13.
Darville: Hospitals able to deal with uptick including COVID
HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville said the nation's hospitals are well equipped to address infectious diseases given the recent increase in the number of persons testing positive for influenza-like illnesses, including COVID-19.
PM to be treated for sciatica in US
HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis battled with sciatica for a “few months”, adding that he suffered excruciating pain in one of his legs when he stood.
OPINION: Hand in hand to write a new chapter for China-Bahamas cooperation
I am greatly honoured to be appointed by President Xi Jinping as the 10th Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Right after arriving in Nassau on July 5, I was immersed in the joy of celebrating the Independence Day. The warmth and friendship of the government and people of the country made me feel at home. The Bahamas is a shining pearl of the Caribbean Sea. It has successfully maintained social stability and economic growth over the years with a rapid recovery of its tourism industry from the impact of COVID-19. Every Bahamian can take pride in the diligence, wisdom and resilience which made this country unique and beautiful.
DIANE PHILLIPS: Eleuthera’s woes signal clarion call for National Development Plan
376 years ago in the year 1648, a group of brave and courageous individuals landed on an island in the Bahamas now known as Eleuthera. The adventurers named it after the Greek word “Eleutheria” for freedom. In recent months, present day settlers of Eleuthera have felt more like prisoners than persons enjoying freedom.
ERIC WIBERG: The man who loved Harbour Island and the rescue boat he left behind
FREDRICK A Ross was born in Greenock, Scotland, in May of 1920. During World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force and was assigned to a crash boat division called No 250 Air Sea Rescue Unit. His function was as an engineer, and he made himself so useful that even though they were based at Montagu Foreshore in Nassau, Fred obtained the coveted posting to Dunmore Town, Harbour Island, as often as he could. The men stayed at The Little Guest House, run by sisters, and apparently so much fun was had that an RAF accountant had to fly to Harbour Island after the war just to negotiate final payments.
Rising baseball stars are ‘starting from the bottom’
The Bahamas Baseball Association will continue its quest to get the country’s international rankings up so that they can eventually get a team to qualify to compete in the World Baseball Classic.
Weighing in on the Olympic debate
THERE has been much public debate over a controversy that has brewed because of the fact that the Bahamas Olympic Committee has not been respected for the role that it plays in the landscape of sports in the country.
Keyshawn Strachan to join Cornhuskers
KEYSHAWN Strachan, national record holder of the men’s javelin, will be the latest Bahamian javelin thrower to make the transition to the Big Ten Conference with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers. The premier javelin performer announced the transfer from the Auburn University Tigers via his Instagram page on Wednesday evening.
DR KENT BAZARD: The benefits of cross-training for injury prevention and performance enhancement
CROSS-TRAINING has become a cornerstone in the modern athletic regimen, offering numerous benefits beyond simply improving performance in a single sport.
Port meets with GB Power over electricity outage woe
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) yesterday said it has met with the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) to address the frequent power outages impacting the island’s residents and businesses.
Atlantis wins four World Travel Awards honours
Atlantis yesterday announced it won four honours at the 2024 World Travel Awards held in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines on July 1.
Taxi driver revolt on livery ‘hustling’
Taxi drivers at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPI) were yesterday said to have “revolted” over complaints of unfair competitive practices that have come close to sparking violence.
Bahamians paid $61m more for property coverage in ‘23
Bahamian businesses and households paid an extra $56.3m for property and casualty insurance coverage in 2023 due to the “challenges” faced by local underwriters on reinsurance pricing.
Bishop breaks with Christian Council on marijuana reform
The Cannabis Bill and associated reforms do not open up “carte blanche” marijuana use, a senior pastor asserted yesterday, provided the legislation is properly enforced and regulated.
100-job PI resort project gets planning go-ahead
A development that aims to create 100 permanent jobs through becoming Paradise Island’s “first new hotel for many years” has received approval from the Government’s planning authorities.
RBDF calls off search for vessel claimed to be smuggling 60 migrants
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force received an unverified intelligence report from the United States Coast Guard that a vessel smuggling about 60 migrants left Abaco for Florida on July 4.
BETA Camp to host its annual STEM-based programme next week
STARTING next week, Bahamas Engineering and Technology Advancement (BETA) Camp will host its annual STEM-based programme under the theme: “Ignite, Inspire, Innovate.”
Adoption plea as govt caring for 150 children
THE government is caring for 150 children awaiting adoption.
Department of Gender and Family Affairs launches National Family Week
THE Department of Gender and Family Affairs launched National Family Week yesterday, an initiative Social Services Minister Myles Laroda said will help strengthen broken homes and restore healthy relationships.
Govt will donate $600k to Caribbean countries affected by Hurricane Beryl
THE government will donate $600,000 to Caribbean countries affected by Hurricane Beryl, according to Disaster Risk Management Authority chairman Alex Storr.
Bonaby denies UBonaby denies US claims Bahamas failing to investigate allegations of corruption S claims Bahamas failing to investigate allegations of corruption
DEPUTY Director of Public Prosecutions Eucal Bonaby said he had no information to support the United States’ claims that The Bahamas is failing to investigate corruption allegations against immigration officers at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
Fernander: was ‘recreational use’ Minnis’ original intent?
AFTER Dr Hubert Minnis endorsed legalising cannabis for recreational use, Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Delton Fernander questioned if this was always the former prime minister’s “original intent”.
Man shot during livestream returns to Facebook
SYLVENS Metayer, the man seemingly behind the release of voice notes that plunged the police force into controversy, has returned to Facebook, posting live videos nearly two weeks after he was shot.
UPDATED: Bahamas impacted by global internet outages
A GLOBAL technology outage has been impacting Bahamians - with a number of services either out of action or experiencing difficulties.
Widespread technology outage disrupts flights, banks, and companies around the world
A global technology outage grounded flights, knocked banks and hospital systems offline and media outlets off air on Friday in a massive disruption that affected companies and services around the world and highlighted dependence on software from a handful of providers.
Four dead in series of shootings
FOUR men were shot dead overnight - bringing the country's murder total for the year to 69.
STALLED: US criticises Bahamas over delay to enact laws to help fight corruption
The US has accused the Government of "stalling" the full enactment of anti-corruption laws that would accelerate improved transparency and accountability in Bahamian governance. The US State Department, in its just-released 2024 investment climate report on The Bahamas, cited campaign finance reforms and the creation of an Integrity Commission as two initiatives that have been "delayed" to leave this nation exposed to the threat of corruption and undue foreign influence in policy-making decisions.
Munroe says he always had faith in police force
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe rebuffed assertions that he shifted his tone on the ability of police to investigate themselves when he became a Cabinet minister.
Former cop charged after club shooting
FORMER police officer Desir Bein, 41, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley on charges of causing dangerous harm and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger the life of Tracey Russell.
Haitian Embassy looks into disappearance of Mechans-T
THE Haitian Embassy in The Bahamas is sending two people to Abaco to investigate the whereabouts of Wens Johnathan Désir, a popular entertainer reported missing.
Tributes paid to Miami historian and campaigner
TRIBUTES have been paid to a South Florida historian descended from Bahamian parents after death at the age of 92.
Thursday, July 18
LOVE YA DOG: Ravioli, the island gal from Spanish Wells
THE Tribune called on readers to join in our campaign to Love Ya Dog - and Parker Louis was quick to take part.
FRONT PORCH: Seizing the moment: What we can learn from British election
AFTER 14 years of chaotic governance; a revolving door of prime ministers; often gross incompetence; a host of economic problems such as the aftermath of Brexit, COVID-19, and the Liz Truss budget disaster; and various dysfunction, the British electorate ejected the Conservatives from office.
STATESIDE: Trump selects Vance for VP, as Biden faces more scrutiny
THE Republican Convention is dominating the headlines this week, as expected. On Monday, Donald Trump was unanimously nominated as the GOP candidate for president, and he surprised some but also satisfied many by naming 39-year-old JD Vance as his vice-presidential running mate.
Passport applications increase since gazetting of DNA protocols for children born to Bahamian men
APPLICATIONS for passports increased in the months after the government gazetted DNA protocols affecting those who were affected by last year’s landmark Privy Council ruling, which established that children born to Bahamian men are citizens at birth in all circumstances.
Officer testifies gun found at crime scene two days after police-involved shooting of Valentino Johnson
THE family of Valentino Johnson looked on as the inquest into the 46-year-old’s April 16, 2023, police-involved killing continued yesterday.
Grand Bahama’s Flamingo Air now certified for Medivac flights
THE Grand Bahama-based Flamingo Air is now certified to operate Medivac flights within the Bahamas and Caribbean region.
Parliamentary Services Act enacted on July 1, called a landmark law
THE Parliamentary Service Act came into force on July 1. The Davis administration released a statement yesterday calling it a landmark addition to the country’s laws, a “transformative and necessary buttress to our democratic style of government.”
RBDF and BASRA searching for missing Haitian musician feared to be lost at sea
POLICE yesterday announced that a search is under way amid fears that a Haitian musician visiting The Bahamas has been lost at sea.
Hanna-Martin: Govt expects to meet deadline for school renovations - if weather permits
EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin expects the government to meet its school renovations and repairs deadline if the weather and other factors permit.
Officials debate compendium of bills aimed to provide better intellectual property protection
ELECTED officials debated a compendium of bills that seek to better protect the work of musicians, authors, photographers, filmmakers and other creatives.
Eleuthera exposed to digital payments rise
The Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce has teamed with the Central Bank and commercial banks to expose the island’s businesses and residents to newly-emerging digital payments solutions tomorrow.
Cemetery appeal delay ‘really tough to swallow’
A five-year planning approval battle over a proposed 13-acre Bernard Road cemetery remains unresolved over the wait for the Attorney General’s Office to supply critical information.
‘Substantial improvements’ pledge by Lundy for Eleuthera residents
Leon Lundy, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister who has responsibility for the Water and Sewerage Corporation, said the corporation is making an “extensive investment” in Eleuthera’s water infrastructure which will result in residents seeing “substantial improvements” in their water supply over the coming months.
Cooper: IP legislation will transform orange economy
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the compendium of intellectual property related bills debated in Parliament yesterday will be “transformative” for Bahamians - especially those in the “orange economy”.
‘Dire situation in Eleuthera - but ‘some relief’ on the way
ELEUTHERA residents are in a “dire situation” over utility woes, Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting said yesterday.
Advocate: Gov’t missed ‘perfect’ Cannabis Bill
A medical marijuana advocate is arguing that the Government “missed” its chance to produce a near-perfect law as he gave the Cannabis Bill a 65 percent score.
DEIDRE BASTIAN: How to become a top employee
To succeed in your career, make every attempt to be the best employee possible. In this way you can stand out among colleagues and increase work opportunities. For instance, good employees tend to get promotions, raises and positive feedback.
Holoweskos selling Island House to major landowner
New Providence’s largest private landowner is moving to acquire the Island House hotel from the Holowesko family, Tribune Business can reveal.
Athol Island: Minister ‘totally contradicts’ regulatory chief
A Cabinet minister “completely contradicted” the Government’s top environmental regulator by yesterday disclosing that an Athol Island developer has obtained a lease and other necessary approvals.
Minister: ‘Give it a rest’ on $35m cruise water park
A Cabinet minister yesterday signalled her opposition to Nassau Cruise Port’s plans to develop a $35m water park attraction as she urged it to “give it a rest”.
Governor: Reducing Gov’t bond issues to start in ‘24
Efforts to slash the Government’s more than 200 Bahamian dollar bond issues to a lesser number will start this year, the Central Bank’s governor has revealed, although no reduction target has been set.
Lacarthea Cooper: ‘I am sad I cannot compete with them’
Less than 24 hours after the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) ratified a 20-member contingent set to represent the nation at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, social media became flooded with outrage as quarter-miler Lacarthea Cooper was snubbed from the team despite finishing in the top three of the 400m event at the BAAA Junior and Senior Nationals.
Controversy surrounds relay selection for Paris Olympics
IN a recent development concerning the selection of athletes for the upcoming Olympics, a storm has erupted over the decision regarding the mixed 4x400m relay team.
The sports calendar July 18
THE annual Peace On Da Streets Basketball Classic, dubbed “Shooting Hoops instead of Guns,” is being held every day until July 21 at the Michael ‘Scooter Reid” Basketball Center at the Hope Center. All games start at 6pm daily. Categories include 12-and-under, 16-and-under, 20-and-under, government ministry, church and open divisions.
Minister opposes port’s water park
GLENYS Hanna-Martin opposes the Nassau Cruise Port’s plan to develop a water park attraction, telling developers: “Please, give it a rest.”
Lundy refuses to name Athol Island developer
LEON Lundy refused to name the developer of a major project on Athol Island even as St Anne’s MP Adrian White renewed concerns about the project’s environmental impact in the House of Assembly.
Cannabis Bill passes after BCC urges govt to hold off
ELECTED officials passed bills to legalise cannabis for medical and religious use yesterday, hours after the Bahamas Christian Council urged them to suspend the debate because it opposes some elements, including decriminalising possession of small amounts of marijuana.
‘Too many years’ of underfunding cited over Eleuthera water woes
STATE Minister in the Office of Prime Minister Leon Lundy said the Water and Sewerage Corporation is still working with the Office of the Attorney General to determine the future of its contractual relationship with Aqua-Design, the company that provides water services in Central Eleuthera.
Wednesday, July 17
LOVE YA DOG: Minister Pia Glover-Rolle gives her advice
AFTER The Tribune called on readers to Love Ya Dog, Minister of Labour and Public Services Pia Glover-Rolle has answered the call!
First annual Baseball Summer Camp kicks off
IN an exciting collaboration between Learn, Develop Kaizen Performance (LDK) and The Batter’s Box, the first annual Baseball Summer Camp has kicked off in the Bahamas with a mission to elevate the standard of player development in the country at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association regular season update
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association continued its regular season action over the weekend at the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds.
Bahamas sends eight young sailors to Optimist championship
THE Bahamas Optimist Dinghy Association is excited to announce that a team of eight talented young sailors will compete in the 2024 Optimist North American Championship which is being held from July 13-20, 2024, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Two junior sailors to represent The Bahamas at Youth Sailing World Championships in Italy
THE Bahamas Sailing Association (BSA) is pleased to announce the two athletes to represent The Bahamas at the 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships, the premier event in international youth sailing being held from July 12-20 at Lake Garda, Italy.
Bahamas team named for the Olympic Games
Despite not being recommended by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations after she didn’t finish in the top three at the Bahamas National Championships, the Bahamas Olympic Committee still named Shania Adderley to Team Bahamas for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Lacarthea upset she did not make the team
LACARTHEA Cooper said while she has no objection to Grand Bahamian Shania Adderley being named to the Olympic team, she felt she should not be deprived of her opportunity to travel with Team Bahamas to Paris, France.
Mullings proud to represent nation at Paris Olympics
KEN Mullings, former student-athlete of the University of The Bahamas (UB), has experienced a lot of monumental firsts over the course of the last few weeks in the athletics world.
Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown: ‘The camp was something special for our youths’ future’
CHRIS ‘Fireman’ Brown said he was so grateful to God that he was able to share his knowledge as one of the top 400 metre runners in the world to more than 60 eager young men and women in his hometown of Eleuthera.
Murdered in his car
The 65th murder of the year took place last night with a man gunned down as he was shot dead in his car.
BTVI staff ‘still waiting’ over promises in deal
STAFF of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) protested yesterday, claiming they have yet to receive the full benefits of last July’s industrial agreement between the Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas (UTEB) and BTVI.
Public servants given scam alert
LABOUR and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle has warned public servants about a possible internet scam targeting them.
Tributes paid after death of prominent lawyer Shurland
THE Bahamas legal community is mourning the sudden death of prominent criminal attorney Carlson Shurland, KC, who was found unresponsive at his residence in Grand Bahama on Monday.
Fears over air travel cost for medical care
BIMINI residents who travel to New Providence for medical treatment are worried about increased passenger facility fees, which are compounding their stress and financial challenges.
Mom’s horror at son’s death
THE mother of a 28-year-old man killed on Sunday after an argument outside a bar said she walked barefoot to the hospital in disbelief to see if her son was truly gone.
Police ‘seeing persons’ in probe over voice notes
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said officers from the Security and Intelligence Branch are “seeing persons” and “documenting” information so far in their probe surrounding leaked voice notes, adding the controversy has affected the morale of officers.
Haitian rapper missing in Bahamas
A POPULAR Haitian rapper with more than one million Instagram followers reportedly went missing in The Bahamas around July 4, prompting a frantic effort from his family to locate him.
Tuesday, July 16
‘Bahamas stood tall on the world stage’
Mario Bowleg said as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, he was proud to be able to witness the progress of the senior men’s national basketball team in their bid to become the first team sport to qualify for the Olympic Games.
BFA u15 boys, girls in series of international friendlies
THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) announced a series of international friendly matches between the Bahamas under-15 boys and girls teams and the Optimal Training Foundation (OTF) Academy from North Florida.
Historic 30th AID Claycourt Tennis Championships set for August 3-17
THE historic 30th edition of the annual AID Claycourt Tennis Championships is slated to be held at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows, Nassau from August 3-17.
The sports calendar
THE Bahamas Chess Federation has announced that its Independence Cup 2024 Tournament, scheduled for July 13-14, has been postponed due to the lack of a suitable venue.
Special Olympics Wall of Fame
IN an effort to sensitise the public to the accomplishments of their athletes and, at the same time, give their athletes the recognition that they so rightly deserve, Special Olympics Bahamas is creating their own Wall of Fame and seek to be included in other local established enshrinements.
'Legalise marijuana for recreational use'
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, whose administration did not bring cannabis legislation to the House of Assembly, said the substance should be legalised for recreational use in The Bahamas.
Interest groups hopeful on marijuana legislation
TWO interest groups that expressed concerns about the Davis administration's cannabis legislation backed down from their harsh positions and said they are hopeful their complaints will be addressed.
BPL ‘cannot supply’ cruise port’s 60 MW power need
The Government is seeking private sector bids to supply “up to” 60 Mega Watts (MW) of power to vessels at Nassau Cruise Port because Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) “cannot supply” this demand.
BPL grid firm targets 31% profits increase
The company poised to take over New Providence’s energy grid is predicting that its profits will increase by more than 31 percent during its first five years to reach $13.677m.
PI Crown Land battle in Privy Council go-ahead
The Bahamian entrepreneur battling to restore Paradise Island’s lighthouse yesterday thanked the Government for “putting down their gloves” by not opposing his Privy Council appeal.
Opposition ‘doesn’t buy’ foreign majority marijuana ownership
The Opposition’s leader yesterday said his party “doesn’t buy” the Government’s explanation for why majority foreign ownership will be permitted in key sectors of a legalised medical marijuana industry.
BTC line staff’s ‘first industrial deal salary rise for ten years’
Members of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) line staff union received their first “industrial agreement-related salary increase in ten years” with the signing of yesterday’s deal.
Water Corp targets Q4 for monthly bills start
The Water and Sewerage Corporation yesterday said it plans to switch to billing customers on a monthly basis during the 2024 fourth quarter as it installed its first digital water meter on New Providence.
Pharmacists succeed on Cannabis Bill changes
The Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association’s (BPA) president yesterday said the profession was successful in pushing for more oversight of the proposed medical marijuana industry.
PM: Medical marijuana is ‘new economic reality’
The Prime Minister yesterday said legislation to legalise medical cannabis will create a “new economic reality” for The Bahamas with thousands of new jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, retail and healthcare.
PM: Cannabis law ‘long time coming’
THE Bahamas moved closer to legalising cannabis for medical and religious use yesterday when parliamentarians debated a compendium of bills in the House of Assembly.
‘Voice note scandal the worst since drug era’
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the controversy surrounding the Royal Bahamas Police Force after the leak of voice notes is among the most severe corruption scandals the country has faced since the drug era of the 1970s and 1980s.
Cabinet approves resumption of diplomatic presence in Haiti
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said Cabinet has approved resuming the country’s diplomatic presence in Haiti.
New four-year industrial agreement signed between BTC and BCPOU
A NEW industrial agreement between the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and the Bahamas Communications & Public Officers Union (BCPOU) includes salary increases and lump sum payments.
‘Mighty Nouse’ hits the stage in Canada
PAUL “Mighty Mouse” Wilson’s latest bid for his professional bodybuilding card took him to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada over the weekend where he competed in the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Pro League Pro Qualifier.
‘VJ’ named national high school player of the year
Bimini native Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe Jr is already carving out the path to a bright future in basketball despite not hitting the collegiate basketball scene as yet.
Mullings inspires youth at jumps clinic
KEN Mullings, the national record holder for the men’s heptathlon event, took a break from his Olympic Games preparation to give back to the next generation of jumpers on Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.
Kevin Johnson Basketball Campers awarded
AFTER three weeks of intensive training, campers at the Coach Kevin Johnson’s Basketball Camp 2024 got to showcase what they learned in front of their family members.
Bahamian athletes are making their presence felt ahead of Olympics
WITH the 2024 Olympic Games fast approaching in Paris, France, Bahamian athletes are continuing to make their presence felt on the international scene.
The sports calendar
THE Bahamas Chess Federation has announced that its Independence Cup 2024 Tournament, scheduled for July 13-14, has been postponed due to the lack of a suitable venue.
Monday, July 15
Weekend recap: Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association
THE 2024 Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) regular season continued with basketball action over the weekend at the DW Davis Gymnasium. Games are played every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the same venue.
LOVE YA DOG: Senator says being a dog mom is a privilege
AFTER The Tribune called on readers to Love Ya Dog, responses are already starting to come in. Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis has spoken of her love for her pets, Storm and Max.
GAIN AN EDGE: The impact of Sir Franklyn on the University of The Bahamas
IN 1973, while Bahamians far and wide were rightfully celebrating their beloved country’s historic procurement of governmental independence from Great Britain, the government of the day, led by the late Sir Lynden O Pindling, was hard at work conceptualising the creation of an institution it felt was absolutely necessary to transform the former British colony into a beacon of economic success and drive national development.
Lessons learned from Hurricane Beryl
EVERYONE’S heart should cry out for the people of Union Island, Carriacou, St Vincent, Grenada, parts of Jamaica, St Lucia, and the fisherfolk of Barbados, all of whom suffered greatly under Hurricane Beryl’s severe blow. On Union Island and Carriacou, the destruction was particularly vicious, leaving residents lost and helpless, with their homes and livelihoods destroyed.
INSIGHT: The consequences of what we allow
THE attempted assassination of Donald Trump overtook pretty much all other news this weekend.
Olympians give young people tips on skateboarding
SKATEBOARDING was introduced to young Bahamians on Grand Bahama during the first Skateboard Jamboree, which took place in Freeport at Goombayland on Saturday.
Mangrove destruction prompts suspension of GB development
LAND development work on Queen’s Highway in Grand Bahama has been suspended because of concerns about the destruction of mangroves in the area.
Browne condemns attack on Trump
THE Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has joined international condemnation of the attack on Donald Trump that left the former President injured and one audience member dead during a shooting during a rally.
Former US chargé assigned to Bahamas faces court
A FORMER US Charge d’Affaires to The Bahamas, Stephanie Bowers, reportedly pleaded not guilty last week in the United States to charges of financial crime and concealment.
Search for missing mariners called off
THE search for four Honduran mariners who went missing after a boating incident has been suspended.
BPL grid’s value doubles in $100m bond document
The company taking over New Providence’s electricity grid appears to be valuing it at more than double the Government’s price in an offering document promoting its new $100m bond issue.
‘Brazen attempt’ to avoid Bahamas court on $370m FTX claim
FTX’s Bahamas liquidators are slamming “a brazen attempt” by a failed crypto lender “to circumvent” this nation’s Supreme Court in pursuing $370m worth of claims.
Ex-BEST chief loses appeal on $1.75m missed payment
THE Bahamas' former top environmental regulator can no longer prevent his Shirley Street gas station's seizure by the Bank of The Bahamas' bail-out vehicle because he failed to pay a $1.75m security.
ACTIVTRADES: Busy election year
Investors worldwide are nervously looking forward to the numerous trend-setting elections this year. This year is set to be a record-breaking one for elections, with more than two billion voters going to the polls in 50 countries. We have entered a new age of political extremes, culture and trade wars, cold and actually shooting wars.
Straw vendors disappointed on cruise port marketing deal
Straw Market vendors are voicing “disappointment” that the Nassau Cruise Port has not made more of an effort to restart stalled talks on marketing their products to its thousands of visitors.
60,000 water meter switch boost to Water Corp clients
The Water & Sewerage Corporation will today launch a $15m-plus initiative to replace more than 60,000 residential water meters as part of an $87.5m capital improvement drive.
Geovani's family: We want answers
NEARLY a month after 38-year-old Geovani Rolle was murdered outside his work place, his family said they have yet to receive answers surrounding his killing and want to hear more from police about the status of their investigations.
Man gunned down outside night club
A 28-year-old man became the country’s 64th murder victim yesterday after he was shot during an argument outside a club on Nassau Street.
'No complaint' from US over Taylor search
UNITED States authorities have not complained about how local investigators are searching for American Taylor Casey, according to the consul general of The Bahamas, Washington, DC.
FNM: Mitchell at odds over police probe
THE FNM said PLP chairman Fred Mitchell appeared to be "at odds" with Prime Minister Philip "Brave" Davis over the need for international help investigating voice notes connected to a senior police officer, a lawyer and two murdered men.
Sunday, July 14
Love Ya Dog - here's how you can join in
THE TRIBUNE is calling on readers to Love Ya Dog. We are launching a new campaign to encourage dog owners to take care of their pets - and we are calling on readers to join in.
Saturday, July 13
Trump whisked from stage following apparent assassination attempt
Donald Trump's campaign says he is "fine" after being whisked off the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, after what law enforcement officials are treating as an apparent assassination attempt.
Friday, July 12
Judge tells men: 'If you cannot control your liquor, don’t drink'
TWO men who were caught fighting at the Independence Junkanoo parade were ordered to be on good behavior for six months or risk going to prison.
07122024 EDITION
Friday, July 12, 2024
Cannabis Bill debate to start on Monday
HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said he does not anticipate any amendments to the compendium of cannabis bills scheduled to be debated on Monday despite the outcry from the Rastafarian community.
Hatian man accused of marijuana possession with intent to supply denied bail
A HAITIAN man accused of drug possession told a magistrate on Friday that it was her “fault” she couldn’t speak his native language after expressing difficulty understanding English during his arraignment.
Teen girl ordered to pay $1,000 for punching woman
A TEENAGER who punched a woman in the face and gave her a black eye last month was warned not to make the same mistake again after being ordered to be on good behavior for six months.
Police probe calls in Scotland Yard
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has formally asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send diplomatic notes requesting Scotland Yard’s help investigating voice notes that purport to capture a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer and a gang leader, according to a senior Davis administration official.
‘Bar Association chief should speak on probe’
ATTORNEY Romona Farquharson believes the Bahamas Bar Association (BBA) president should say whether an attorney at the centre of a high-profile investigation involving a senior police officer would be allowed to sit on the association’s committees pending the outcome of the police probe.
Police hold two men over shared video of man having sex with young girl
GRAND Bahama police took two men in custody after the social media circulation of a video showing an adult male having sex with a young girl.
Mom ‘didn’t want gender identity to be distraction’
TAYLOR Casey’s mother said she was hesitant to reveal her daughter’s transgender identity because she did not want it to distract from efforts to find the missing Chicago native.
Bahamas broker guilty of US legal violations
A BAHAMIAN broker/ dealer’s principal yesterday vowed “this is far from over” after a jury found himself and his former company guilty of violating US securities laws when operating from Nassau.
Kate Moss truly deserving of the title ‘hero’
THIS year’s National Honours have been announced – and it is the story of the person to receive the Order of National Hero whose story stands out.
Election call for 6 years was ignored
As a dedicated 30-year member of the Valley Boys, I watched Mr. Brian Adderley’s press conference yesterday with great disappointment.
Minnis calls for commission of inquiry into gang activity in the country
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis called for a commission of inquiry into gang activity in The Bahamas as the Royal Bahamas Police Force faces controversy following the release of voice notes that purport to capture a financial quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer and a murdered gang leader.
Election call for 6 years was ignored
As a dedicated 30-year member of the Valley Boys, I watched Mr. Brian Adderley’s press conference yesterday with great disappointment.
Man found with gunshot wounds to his head becomes country’s 63rd murder
A MAN was killed yesterday morning, the 63rd murder of the year.
Toddler dies at hospital after reportedly drowning in a bucket
A ONE-YEAR-OLD boy died in hospital a day after reportedly falling into a bucket.
Police: Still no answers from govt after medical insurance cancelled
SOME members of security branches are still seeking information from the government after their families’ medical insurance policies were cancelled.
Importance of new US embassy
BEFORE the PR machine of government goes off crazily let’s put in true perspective what the truth and significance of the size of the new Us embassy is all about.
Thursday, July 11
07112024 EDITION
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Power woes drive Eleuthera citizen’s independence flight
AN Eleuthera resident yesterday said she was forced to flee her home and island, and travel to Nassau to celebrate Independence, because she “can’t take any more” of the island’s electricity woes.
Governor: No plans for depository privatisation
THE Central Bank’s governor yesterday said there are currently no plans to privatise the newly-created government securities depository (BGSD) as called for by the IMF.
‘Top MP’s relative’ in Athol Island project controversy
A“relative of a high-ranking MP” is among the groups engaged in unregulated development on Athol Island for which no environmental permits or approvals have been issued, it has been alleged.
Independence Day sales don’t compare to the 50th
RETAILERS say sales of Independence Day merchandise remained strong but were not comparable to last year’s 50th anniversary.
GB’s economic output below COVID in 2023
GRAND Bahama’s contribution to the country’s total economic output fell by $452m, or 22.6 percent, over the nine years to end-2023 to leave it as the sole island with a lower GDP than at COVID’s peak.
PM urges ‘robust’ regulation for AI
THE Prime Minister says the inability to “fully leverage” technology is “the biggest missed opportunity” that The Bahamas and wider region face as he called for “robust” artificial intelligence (AI) regulation.
Celebrating The Bahamas’ 51st Independence Day
THE country’s 51st Independence Day was celebrated at Clifford Park on Tuesday night, with crowds waving their Bahamian flags with pride, joy, and love.
Overturned tanker spills diesel near Abaco homes
A SUN Oil tanker carrying oil to Bahamas Power and Light flipped over in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, on Tuesday, spilling 8,600 gallons of diesel, according to Roscoe Thompson, chairman of the Marsh Harbour/Spring City Township.
'Accusation involving senior officer terribly disturbing’
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he found voice notes purporting to capture a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer and a gang leader “terribly disturbing”.
Questions arise over ability of Police Complaints Inspectorate to perform its function
THE “independent” institution that police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said would supervise the Security and Intelligence Branch’s investigation involving Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson has continually failed to perform its legislative functions, raising questions about whether it can adequately oversee the highest-profile internal police investigation in years.
Families knew that voice notes existed
THE father of Michael Fox Jr said his son sent him voice notes before he was killed in May and told him to release the recordings should something happen to him.
Be proactive on the cyber security threat
AS BUSINESSES continue to deepen their digital footprints, cyber security remains a critical concern.
Transparency the key in probe
WHEN the allegations over possible corruption in the ranks of the police force emerged, we wrote in this column of the need for transparency in the investigation.
Man gets three months prison for stealing car
A MAN was sentenced to three months in prison yesterday after he admitted to stealing a luxury car in New Providence last week.
Good housekeeping?
WHICH Bahamas government could qualify to receive a ‘Good Housekeepers Award’?
FRONT PORCH: Remembering cultural icons at Independence
THE term cultural icon is often overused.
Twins accused of possession of a loaded gun and ammunition
TWINS were granted bail after they were accused of having a loaded gun in New Providence last week.
STATESIDE: As Biden dominates headlines, will Trump look to grab them back?
“EVEN bad publicity is good publicity.” Do you remember who made that famous?
Destruction of Athol Island
I WOULD like to give a shout out to my nephew, Mr Adrian White, the MP for St Anne’s, for seizing on such a delicate topic as the destruction of Athol Island under seemingly dubious circumstances and authority.
When did water park plan appear?
NASSAU Cruise Port... when did they include a ‘water park’?
Police probe over claims
IT is another sad day in this little country. We are now dealing with allegations of serious police corruption.
Sir Franklyn recipient of 2024 International Man of The Year at Men of Honour Awards
SIR Franklyn Wilson has been named the recipient of the 2024 International Man of Honour Award at the Men of Honour Awards in Orlando.
Bahamas 12U team falls to Aruba 3-0
The Bahamas put out a valiant effort against Aruba in the gold-medal match but the visiting country would prove why they were the reigning 12-and-under (12U) champions at the 2024 Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship and Invitationals.
Olympian Steven Gardiner continues to win, sprinter Ian Kerr doubles up
FOLLOWING another successful hosting of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Junior and Senior Track and Field Nationals in June, Bahamian athletes have now returned to track and field action overseas.
Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson: Bahamas is in golden era of basketball talent
THE dust has settled since The Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team came up short in their quest to make their Paris dreams a reality in the final game of the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain almost a week ago.
Wednesday, July 10
National Honours announced
THE National Honours for 2024 have been announced - including the Order of National Hero being awarded to a former slave.
Baha Mar set to mitigate possible BPL bill increase
ROBERT SANDS, Bahamas senior vice president of government affairs, said the resort expects a slight increase in its BPL bills as the government’s equity rate adjustment policy takes effect this month, but expects to mitigate the rise through various strategies.
Baha Mar Foundation donates over $60,000 to local charity organisations
THE Baha Mar Resort Foundation donated more than $60,000 to four community organisations yesterday.
Sands: Baha Mar working to bring the Valley Boys together
BAHA MAR senior vice president of government affairs Robert Sands said the resort is working to unify the Valley Boys, which has broken into two factions.
Police unable to access Taylor’s phone
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police have been unable to access the phone of an American woman who went missing last month.
White demands to know who is behind Athol Island development
ST Anne’s MP Adrian White called on government yesterday to name the developer behind “a major development project” on Athol Island that is creating an offence and producing a “great travesty to our environment”.
ORG renews calls for Integrity Commission amid police corruption claims
THE Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) has renewed calls for the establishment of an Independent Integrity Commission in the wake of serious allegations involving high ranking police officers, insisting that such a body would be effective in handling and reducing corruption cases.
Man charged with possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition granted $20K bail
A 23-YEAR-OLD man charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition was granted $20,0000 bail with two suretors.
Cartwright calls on govt to address Eleuthera water and electricity supply issues
ST BARNABAS MP Shanendon Cartwright urged the government to immediately address electricity and water supply issues that are impacting Eleuthera residents daily.
Tuesday, July 9
Commissioner shares CCTV footage of missing boy
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police have questioned three people about the disappearance of Devin Isaacs, 17, but the search for the teen is at a standstill.
Fernander assures publIc: ‘You can trust Police Probe’
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander sought to assure the public that the Royal Bahamas Police Force is worthy of its trust after voice notes purporting to capture conversations about a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer and a prominent gang leader circulated last week, jarring residents.
Man who broadcast voice notes is shot
SYLVENS Metayer, the man who first disclosed voice notes that led Criminal Investigation Department head Chief Superintendent of Police Michael Johnson to take leave amid a police probe, was shot during a Facebook Live broadcast last night.
Monday, July 8
Team Bahamas falls short of making Olympics
The Bahamas’ bid for an historic shot at its first team competition at the Olympic Games came to an end in the finals of the FIBA Qualifying Tournament yesterday in Valencia, Spain.
MP on Out Island airport fees: ‘Where’s the sky?’
Fears have been voiced that Bahamian residents could be placed “under an economic lockdown” through the imposition of new and increased fees to pay for Family Island airport redevelopments.
‘Go above and beyond’ as hotel room revenue up 8%
Family Island hotels must “go above and beyond” on customer experience as the 8.2 percent surge in room revenues shows they are charging visitors more for their accommodation.
Ex-BPL union chief fails to restore 74-month payout
A former Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) managerial union chief has failed to persuade the highest court in the country’s judicial system to restore his $621,000 “handsome windfall” in termination compensation.
'IT WILL NOT DISAPPEAR': COP pledges full independent investigation, UK and US to assist
Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander today confirmed that a team has been assembled to investigate the allegations concerning several voice notes that purport to capture conversations involving Chief Superintendent of Police Michael Johnson, a well-known lawyer and Michael Fox, Jr, a man police described as a prominent gang leader when he was killed in May.
Cruise port to create 350 jobs via $35m water park
Nassau Cruise Port is aiming to create a further 350 full-time jobs through a new $35m water park attraction that is targeted for completion within the next 18 months.
‘Homicide by Manslaughter’ jurors rule in Coroner’s court
CORONER’S Court jurors ruled that police committed homicide by manslaughter when they killed a 15-year-old boy on Prince Charles Drive after the teen allegedly tried to rob a QVS store in the Seagrapes Plaza in 2017.
CID Chief on leave over voice notes
CHIEF Superintendent of Police Michael Johnson, the officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, has taken garden leave as authorities investigate several voice notes that purport to capture conversations involving him, a well-known lawyer and Michael Fox, Jr, a man police described as a prominent gang leader when he was killed in May.
Kai Jones re-signs with the Clippers
BAHAMIAN big man Kai Jones will have yet another opportunity to try and make his way back onto the floor in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Changing outcomes and keeping youth from crime: An interview with former gang members
GANG crime continues to blight The Bahamas - often with little solution in sight. Bahamian writer and policy researcher CARLOS OUTTEN spoke to young men who have been involved in gang life to hear their views on how people become drawn into the gang world - and how hard it is to break free.
Impartiality key to restore confidence in the police
THE announcement that a senior police officer has gone on garden leave after a series of accusations circulated on social media is shocking, to say the least.
WORLD VIEW: Why the OAS should matter to all of us
ON June 28, 2024, Antigua and Barbuda offered to host the 2025 General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS).
Plea for ‘three wise men’ to bring some sanity to Valley Boys dilemma
AS a rift continues to divide the Valley Boys, GARY CHRISTIE has written an open letter urging senior figures to step forward to try to bring a resolution. The full letter is below.
NPEP throws support behind Olympic Javelin athlete Rhema Otabor with $3,000 Sponsorship
THE New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP) is proud to announce its sponsorship of first-time Olympian Rhema Otabor, providing $3,000 towards her preparations to represent The Bahamas at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Red-Line supports Great Commissions Ministries
BEFORE heading off to North Florida over the weekend for the AAU Track and Field Championships, the Red-Line Athletics Track Club made their fourth annual donation to the Great Commissions Ministries.
Saturday, July 6
Business owners playing their part in keeping culture alive
AS the country counts down to the anniversary of Independence, several local businesses are keeping Bahamian culture alive through jewelry making, straw work, and Bahamian cuisine.
Friday, July 5
Fort Fincastle vendors upset about closure notice
STRAW Market vendors at Fort Fincastle are disgruntled about their displacement due to repairs being conducted at the historic 126ft water tower.
'Difficult' to deal with allegations featuring tourists
THE director general of tourism, investments and aviation said "it was a very difficult period" after allegations were made by two Kentucky women that they were drugged and sexually assaulted in Grand Bahama. As yet, police have made no move to prosecute anyone over the claims.
Former boxer accused of indecent assaults on teen girls
A FORMER boxer on Friday denied allegations that he attempted to solicit sex from three teenage girls in Andros earlier this year.
Man denies murder of former gang member
A MAN on Friday denied his involvement in the death of a former gang member in his vehicle on Infant View Road last January.
Man denies murder of former gang member
A MAN on Friday denied his involvement in the death of a former gang member in his vehicle on Infant View Road last January.
Man accused over fatal motorcycle accident
A MAN had his trial date set on Friday after he was accused of a fatal motorcycle accident on Market Street in 2022.
Senior police officer on leave after allegations
AFTER a series of voice notes were circulated on social media, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander issued a statement on Friday to say that a senior officer has gone on garden leave while an investigation takes place.
Duncombe: We are working to get more traffic to stores on Bay Street
TOURISM Director General Latia Duncombe said work is being done to encourage cruise passengers to spend money at local spots downtown, not just the Nassau Cruise Port (NCP).
Man charged with assault with a cutlass
A MAN was granted bail last week after he was accused of assaulting a woman with a cutlass earlier this year.
‘Cruise passengers spending more than in previous years’
CRUISE passengers to The Bahamas are spending more money than they used to, according to Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe.
Man accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with 12-year-old girl
A 20-year-old man was remanded in custody after being accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl last week.
Wheelchair-bound man accused of having a gun, ammunition, marijuana and cocaine
A MAN in a wheelchair was granted $8,000 bail yesterday after he was accused of having a loaded gun and drugs on Corlett Road in May.
Romer: Task force established to manage airport passenger congestion
AVIATION Director Dr Kenneth Romer said a task force has been established to manage airport passenger congestion during peak travelling times.
‘No bullet casings matched gun’ allegedly belonging to Finley
A FIREARM expert said no casings or fired bullets matched the weapon that reportedly belonged to 15-year-old Gino Evante Finley, Jr, who police shot and killed on Prince Charles Drive in 2017.
‘No bullet casings matched gun’ allegedly belonging to Finley
A FIREARM expert said no casings or fired bullets matched the weapon that reportedly belonged to 15-year-old Gino Evante Finley, Jr, who police shot and killed on Prince Charles Drive in 2017.
No action taken yet in case of two Kentucky women that claimed to be raped while in GB
CHIEF Superintendent of Police Shanta Knowles said Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander has the file concerning two Kentucky women who claimed in February that two men at Pirate’s Cove Zipline and Water Park in Grand Bahama drugged and sexually assaulted them.
The sub-chaser that snagged in Six Shilling Cay
Six Shilling Cay is a shallow islet less than a mile long, including off-lying rocks, just 50 feet wide. Fleeming Channel is a mile wide and connects deep water with the bight of Eleuthera, leading to the Exumas. Late on the night of December 11-12, 1944, while chasing a report of a German submarine, US Navy sub chaser snagged in the reefs of Six Shilling Cay. This is how her commander, Charles A Tobin of Melrose Massachusetts, and crew fought to save their ship.
Remembering Michael
Michael Wells passed away on Saturday. I tried to pack away his life in a box to give to his sister and mother. But Michael’s life couldn’t fit in a box. The pictures, the emails, the notes – his heart was just too strong, his mind too sharp to be confined.
IAN FERGUSON: Taking core values into the workplace
As a sovereign country for more than five decades, there is a certain degree of maturity that is expected in political, social and economic life in The Bahamas. Our upcoming Independence celebrations should remind us of the great accomplishments of our past, allowing us to take an introspective look at where we are currently and, more importantly, focus some attention on the direction we must begin to take in the future.
‘Wheels turning’ over Family Island airports
The Government’s aviation chief yesterday said the “wheels are turning” on Family Island airport transformation with an assessment conducted on all 28 locations.
Family Island airport fees the ‘price of development’
The Government’s aviation chief yesterday said new and increased passenger and user fees at Family Island airports such as Bimini are “the price of development”.
Marinas slash rates 30% as boating visitors drop
Bahamian marinas were yesterday said to have slashed fee rates by up to 30 percent to maintain boat occupancy levels amid fears of a further squeeze from rising electricity costs.
Stopover tourist spend rises 25%
Stopover visitor spending throughout The Bahamas has increased by more than $500 or 25.4 percent per person compared to pre-COVID levels, tourism’s top official asserted yesterday.
Gov’t avoids bond markets for third consecutive year
The Government is aiming to avoid the international bond markets for a third successive fiscal year as it bids to raise $360m in foreign currency bank loans to meet its $1.803bn gross financing needs.
UK legal heavyweights to decide $357m GBPA fight
Two UK legal heavyweights have been appointed to determine Freeport’s fate in the Government’s $357m dispute with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).
Construction ‘strong and healthy’ despite $128m fall in 2023 starts
Construction remains “strong and healthy” despite 2023’s $128m decline in the value of new building starts, a prominent contractor argued yesterday, with cement block demand “outpacing” production.
Man shot outside club in Abaco dies in hospital
THE country’s murder count rose by one on Tuesday when a man died in hospital after being shot outside a nightclub in Abaco on Monday.
Taylor ‘not taken from yoga retreat’
THE Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat American Taylor Casey visited before she disappeared said she was not abducted from the site and that evidence suggests she left the retreat voluntarily.
Bahamian students who stayed in Jamaica all OK
BAHAMIAN students in Jamaica fared well under Hurricane Beryl passage and have no regrets about remaining in the country to endure the powerful storm, according to Honorary Consul in Jamaica Alveta Knight.
Leader of Valley Boys faction intends to take legal action
TREVOR Davis, the interim chairman of a faction within the Valley Boys community that wants to change the organisation’s leadership, said his team intends to take legal action against the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence.
Thursday, July 4
FRONT PORCH: Pandora’s Box - why residents should not be allowed to gamble in casinos
THERE are few physical reminders left of Hobby Horse Hall, such as the stables, converted into apartments which eventually grew into disrepair. The eponymous roadway near Commonwealth Bank in Cable Beach, is another reminder of the defunct racetrack once located in the vicinity of the new golf clubhouse at Baha Mar.
STATESIDE: What should, and what will, President Biden do?
IT’S Independence Day in the US this morning, the date Americans commemorate their 248th national birthday. But as the US celebrates on its national day with cookouts and fireworks, many minds are distracted by the confused, tumultuous state of the current presidential race.
Police shoot man wielding a cutlass
Police report that a 29-year-old male from Ross Corner is in the hospital after being shot by police while armed with a cutlass yesterday.
New Bight Airport runway repaired, Western Air will resume flights
AVIATION Director Dr Kenneth Romer said potholes on Cat Island’s runway that caused Western Air to temporarily suspend flights have been repaired.
Lucayan South Towers’ owners hope they can save their complex
LUCAYAN South Towers owners are hoping to revitalise and save their complex before the Grand Bahama Port Authority follows through with its plan to revoke the structure’s certificate of occupancy.
Officer testifies that Finley was unarmed at time he was shot
THE lawyer for the estate of 15-year-old Gino Evante Finley, Jr, questioned the report of the officer who fatally shot the teen on Prince Charles Drive in 2017.
Bills amending three existing Aviation Acts were debated and passed in HOA
PARLIAMENTARIANS debated and passed three amended bills that would give the Civil Aviation Authority more autonomy and empower the Governor General to appoint up to four law reform commissioners instead of three.
Man ordered to anger management after attacking woman with cutlass
A MAN was ordered to attend anger management classes after he assaulted a woman with a cutlass and threatened to kill her last week.
Teen admits to stealing, sent to Simpson Penn
A TEENAGE boy admitted to breaking into a store on John Chipman Street last month and stealing items worth over $500.
Man accused of the murder of Heston Adderley last weekend
A MAN was remanded in custody yesterday after being accused of a murder in New Providence last week.
90 percent demolition done at Royal Beach Club project
Phil Simon, president of the Royal Beach Club, said the project has completed 90 percent of the structure demolition with the process targeted for completion by September.
Bahamasair opens up new route to Jamaica
Dr Kenneth Romer, Director of Aviation announced yesterday Bahamasair will be launching a new route to Montego Bay, Jamaica, on July 25.
Revised air space fees targeted for third quarter
The Bahamas is aiming to implement revised overflight fees in the 2024 third quarter to address the US government’s concerns over the cost, the deputy prime minister revealed yesterday.
DEIDRE BASTIAN: How to deal with entitled employees
Have you ever crossed paths with someone who feels the rules do not apply to them, but expects the best seats, the biggest slice of cake and all the attention? You might be surprised to learn that a few doors or cubicles away may be some co-workers or employees who feel this way.
Reforms ‘critical’ to Bahamas airlines’ ability to access US
The deputy prime minister yesterday unveiled legislative reforms branded as “critical” to maintaining, and expanding, the access Bahamian-owned airlines enjoy to the US market.
Aviation fee hikes threat to ‘competitive advantage’
A senior tourism executive yesterday warned The Bahamas is “eliminating our competitive advantage” every time it raises fees on a private aviation industry that brings in one out of every six stopover visitors.
‘Meat, not potatoes’: Gov’t loses on 75% of used autos
The Government is losing “massive amounts” of revenue on 75 percent of used vehicles imported into The Bahamas, one auto dealer is arguing, as he urged: “Go after the meat, not the potatoes.”
‘Victims of own success’: LPIA needs $200m spend
Nassau’s major airport requires a $200m expansion to support “phenomenal growth” in tourist and passenger traffic, the deputy prime minister revealed yesterday, adding: “We are victims of our own success.”
DPM: Bahamasair’s $24m loss really ‘an investment’
The deputy prime minister yesterday said he views Bahamasair’s multi-million dollar ‘red ink’ as “an investment, not a loss” because of the airline’s importance to tourism and the wider economy.
Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship set to begin this Sunday
THE Babe Ruth Caribbean Championship and Invitationals will return to The Bahamas for the third time this Sunday at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium and the Baillou Hills Softball Complex. The five-day event, which is supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Ministry of Tourism, the Bahamas Baseball Federation (BBF) and National Sports Authority, will continue from Sunday, July 7 until July 11.
Bahamas tops Poland 90-81, advances to semifinals
Senior men’s national basketball team advances to FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament semifinals
The quest to Olympic qualification got one step shorter for The Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team as they have now advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament where the stakes are even higher. Team Bahamas outperformed the no.15 ranked Poland 90-81 yesterday at the Pavello Municipal Fonf de Sant LIuís in Valencia, Spain.
Coach Cunningham and Spence are putting on multi-sports summer camp
THE summertime is when kids, junior and senior athletes around New Providence utilise their new found free time to pick up new sporting interests, develop new skills or improve their games. Coach Randy Cunningham and Kevon Spence have teamed up this summer to give boys and girls between ages 5-19 those opportunities with the Summer Basketball, Volleyball and Tennis Camp presented by the Randimac Tigers.
Coach Cunningham and Spence are putting on multi-sports summer camp
THE summertime is when kids, junior and senior athletes around New Providence utilise their new found free time to pick up new sporting interests, develop new skills or improve their games. Coach Randy Cunningham and Kevon Spence have teamed up this summer to give boys and girls between ages 5-19 those opportunities with the Summer Basketball, Volleyball and Tennis Camp presented by the Randimac Tigers.
Former UB athlete Ken Mullings first Bahamian to qualify for multi-event at Olympics
FORMER University of The Bahamas multi-event competitor Ken Mullings became the first athlete from the institution named to a Bahamian Olympic team. Mullings also is the first Bahamian to make it to a Bahamian Olympic team in any multi-event discipline.
Nassau Beach Soccer tournament all set for kick off this weekend
THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) is thrilled to announce the kickoff of the highly anticipated Nassau Beach Soccer Tournament. This exciting event will run from July 5 to August 3 at the Beach Soccer Stadium located at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge.
Nassau Beach Soccer tournament all set for kick off this weekend
THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) is thrilled to announce the kickoff of the highly anticipated Nassau Beach Soccer Tournament. This exciting event will run from July 5 to August 3 at the Beach Soccer Stadium located at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge.
‘Original Valley Boys will compete on Bay’
JUNKANOO Corporation of New Providence chairman Dion Miller said the original Valley Boys group, led by Brian Adderley, would participate as the iconic group in the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parade competitions, not the breakaway group Trevor Davis leads.
Gibson calls for putting a cap on fees banks charge
LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson called on the Central Bank to put caps on bank fees.
‘Hurricane relief arrived in Grenada, more going to other islands this week’
DAYS after the prime minister pledged support for countries affected by Hurricane Beryl, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said the government has sent relief supplies to Grenada and will also send aid to St Vincent and the Grenadines this week.
Cooper: Study ordered on regional airport fees
TOURISM and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper said he ordered a study of regional airport fees to ensure the country’s approach is competitive.
Taxi driver is seeking damages over suspension
A TAXI driver wants compensation after he was allegedly suspended without proper authority or investigation.
Wednesday, July 3
Teen accused of stealing car and lying to police
AN 18-year-old man was granted bail yesterday after he was accused of stealing a car and lying to a police officer last month.
Two men accused of possessing dangerous drugs
TWO people were accused of importing $157,000 worth of marijuana into New Providence last month.
Man and woman charged with having loaded gun
A DOMINICAN man and woman were granted bail yesterday after they were accused of having a loaded gun in New Providence.
Mother cries as she testifies in coroner’s inquest of police-involved killing of her son
THE mother of 15-year-old Gino Evante Finley Jr wept as she recounted the day police shot and killed her son while he was fleeing a robbery scene on Prince Charles Drive in 2017.
Discrimination in our independence
We are one week away from celebrating 51 years of independence in The Bahamas. Last year, the celebration seemed to last forever with many events and designated thematic days in the lead-up to July 10. This year is much less busy and promotion of Independence events seemed to start quite late.
Volunteers, parents, teachers and advocates recognised at Disabilities Icon Awards
VOLUNTEERS, parents, teachers, and advocates were recognised and honoured for their sacrifice and dedication at the Disabilities Icon Awards.
Consumer Protection warns buyers over fraudulent Japanese car sales scams
THE Consumer Protection Commission has seen a disturbing surge in fraudulent activities involving the importation of Japanese vehicles.
GBPA to revoke occupancy for Lucayan Towers south
The Grand Bahama Port Authority said it would revoke the occupancy certificate of Lucayan Towers South because of long-standing unresolved code violations and safety hazards at the condominium complex.
PM renews action call over climate change
The Prime Minister yesterday said the world must move from awareness to action on combating the growing threat posed by climate change and associated natural disasters.
Gas station operator confident ATM safe
A prominent gas station operator yesterday voiced confidence that his security systems will deter criminals from trying to repeat the Super Value Golden Gates automated teller machine (ATM) break-in.
Chamber to tax Task Force: ‘Reconsider’ cash payments
The Bahamian private sector last night voiced optimism that the Government’s tax compliance Task Force will employ “less threatening” methods while urging it to “reconsider” accepting cash payments.
Pink Sands: Horse riding legal demand ‘last resort’
A top Briland hotel yesterday affirmed “it will never be our intent” to put a popular horse riding venture out of business as it described its $912,500 legal demand as “the last resort”.
GBPA opens new battle over utilities regulation
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) yesterday potentially opened a new quarrel in its battle with the Government by asserting its “longstanding regulatory authority” over all utilities within Freeport.
‘Wild Wild West’ aids vehicle import scams
Auto dealers yesterday warned that Bahamians will increasingly fall victim to vehicle import scams unless the authorities crack down to end the regulatory “Wild Wild West”.
Ex-PM’s ‘collusion’ charge on Dorian tax breaks abuse
An ex-prime minister yesterday argued there “had to be collusion” between Customs officers and unscrupulous importers over Dorian tax breaks abuse as he challenged if the culprits have been punished.
No solution to Valley Boys rift
THE leader of the original Valley Boys group yesterday accused the breakaway group of trying to sabotage it through public attacks and urged that group to “find another name”.
Safe from the storm
MORE than 30 Bahamians were airlifted home from Jamaica last night in a Bahamasair jet sent to evacuate residents threatened by Hurricane Beryl.
Not all Downtown vendors happy since port’s opening
DOWNTOWN vendors are divided about the profitability of business since the Nassau Cruise Port opened in 2023, with cruise port vendors saying business has been good, while straw market vendors say tourists aren’t buying their goods.
Yoga retreat criticised by friend of Casey
A CLOSE friend of missing American Taylor Casey said it appeared the leaders of the yoga retreat Ms Casey visited were struggling to keep a “linear and cohesive narrative” regarding her disappearance.
Tuesday, July 2
07022024 EDITION
Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
Greene to coach Charlton and Russell
After coaching them in college, the World Championships and the World Indoor Championships, Rolando “Lonnie” Greene can now add the Olympic Games to the list of achievements for Bahamian Devynne Charlton and American Masai Russell.
Adena Webster named brand ambassador for Alka Boost water
ADENA Webster, one of the bright young prospects for the future of the women’s basketball programme in the Bahamas, has been awarded for what she’s doing now.
The sports calendar
AFTER taking a break over the weekend for the funeral service for the late Renee “Sunshine” Curry-Davis, the New Providence Softball Association will be back in action this week with the following games on tap in the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Bahamas ‘a major stop’ for high profile players, celebs
THE Bahamas is a major stop for high profile players. On any given day, somewhere in The Bahamas a high profile player or celebrity is basking in the sun or enjoying a round of golf at one of our top class golf courses.
Bahamas girls sport 2-0 record in pool play after beating Bermuda
THE Bahamas girls’ team have a 2-0 record in pool play after winning today over Bermuda.
ORGANISERS pleased with turnout at Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation Fun Run/Walk race
DUE to the weather, the Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation had to reschedule its Fun Run/Walk race from June 15 to June 29. But newly appointed president Wellington Sears said they were quite pleased with the turnout.
Message to the future
MORE than 50 items –– including photos commemorating historical events, banknotes and coins, Androsia fabric, cowbells, cell phones, and a copy of the Bahamian constitution –– will be wrapped in conservation material, stored in a capsule and buried until 2049, when they will be unsealed during the Diamond Jubilee Independence Celebration.
The Potcake: Prevailing over prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is outpacing breast cancer as the most prevalent cancer found in Bahamians, according to Dr Greggory Pinto, a Bahamian urologist. The Bahamas ranks among the top ten countries in the world for the prevalence of prostate cancer. Noting such high statistics, the Sir Ulysses “Big Daddy” Davis Cancer Screening Non-Profit, led by Warren Davis, has kicked into high gear, on a mission to save as many lives as possible. Big Daddy has teamed with Biospy to introduce a new, revolutionary way to get tested that doesn’t involve any needles or invasive examinations.
Two men charged with armed robbery
TWO men were behind bars yesterday after they were accused of stealing a woman’s car at gunpoint last week.
Man accused of indecent exposure ordered to psychological evaluation
A MAN was ordered to get psychological evaluation after he was accused of exposing himself to a woman in Culbert’s Hill last week.
Man sentenced to two and a half years prison for having gun and ammunition
A MAN was sentenced to two and a half years in prison yesterday after he was found guilty of having a loaded gun in his home in Palmetto Point Eleuthera in 2021.
Police searching for thieves that tried to break into ATM at Golden Gates Super Value
POLICE in New Providence are aggressively searching for the culprits behind yesterday’s break-in at Super Value’s Golden Gates Store.
Chief Justice Winder reveals Court Services Council’s board of directors
CHIEF Justice Sir Ian Winder revealed the appointees to the Court Services Council’s board of directors after the Court Services Act came into effect yesterday.
CG Atlantic unveils portraits of five PMs under the theme of ‘50 Year of Leadership’
CG Atlantic unveiled the portraits of the five prime ministers of The Bahamas under the theme “50 Years of Leadership”.
Coroner’s Inquest into police-involved killing of American teen is ninth for the year
A FIVE person jury was empanelled as the inquest into the 2017 police-involved killing of 15-year-old American Gino Evante Finley on Prince Charles Drive began.
New Therapy Bill passed to protect vulnerable patients, says Darville
BEFORE the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Bill 2024 passed the House of Assembly, opposition members said there was no framework to ensure vulnerable patients are not taken advantage of.
Parkinson Foundation head disappointed over low ticket sales for annual gala ball
THE PRESIDENT of the Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation said she was “disappointed” by low ticket sales for the foundation’s annual gala ball on Saturday, saying most people wanted free tickets, preventing the foundation from making a profit.
MP alleges new water plant ‘parked in bush’
Cabinet ministers and MPs were among government officials that toured Eleuthera’s reverse osmosis plants over the weekend following a two-week water supply crisis.
Flamingo Air: Passenger opened door on runway
A Bahamian airline yesterday accused a passenger of opening an emergency exit door while the aircraft was taxiing on the runway after landing.
Flamingo Air: Passenger opened door on runway
A Bahamian airline yesterday accused a passenger of opening an emergency exit door while the aircraft was taxiing on the runway after landing.
Western Air resumes flying to New Bight
Western Air yesterday resumed scheduled flights to Cat Island’s New Bight airport after temporary repairs were made to the previously “hazardous” runway.
PM ‘restores logic and sense’ on Task Force
Sir Franklyn Wilson last night hailed the Prime Minister for “restoring logic and sense” to tax compliance after the latter pledged that machine gun-toting officers will no longer be marching into businesses.
Gov’t delay threat to 80% of oil explorer’s assets
The Government’s “delay” in renewing an oil explorer’s three Bahamian licences threatens the value of 80 percent of its balance sheet assets and ability to recover its previous investment in this nation.
Businesses will not settle tax debts with Task Force in cash
Bahamian businesses yesterday said they will not make cash payments to the Government’s tax Task Force because they do not trust that all the money will make it to the Public Treasury.
‘Groundbreaking' Bill to open up medical tourism
The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday hailed new medical legislation as “groundbreaking” while asserting that it will expand The Bahamas’ tourism product beyond sun, sand and sea.
Super Value chief fears crime 'getting worse' after break-in
Super Value’s president last night voiced fears that crime is “getting worse” after brazen thieves smashed through the walls and doors at its Golden Gates store in a failed bid to break-in to the ATM.
PM: 'A better way' on tax compliance
PRIME Minister Philip Davis said there is a better way for tax collectors to ensure compliance than visiting businesses with intimidating law enforcement officers carrying guns.
CLICO policyholders have not been abandoned, insists Davis
PRIME Minister Philip Davis insisted his administration has not abandoned CLICO policyholders.
Students in Jamaica want flight out before storm
FEARS among Bahamian students in Jamaica have heightened now that the country is under hurricane watch, with some calling on the government to evacuate them as soon as possible.
Elkin 360 still benefitting from Independence hit
A YEAR after his song became the unofficial theme of the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations, Elkin 360 said bookings are starting to pick up again, and he is still reaping the benefits of last summer's hit.
07012024 EDITION
Monday, July 1, 2024
Monday, July 1
INSIGHT: Why is govt taking such a hostile posture towards businesses?
THE sight of armed officers marching into CBS Bahamas – and, it turns out, a bunch of other businesses – is a spectacular own goal by the current administration.
GAIN AN EDGE - FOCUS: Student support for budding educators
SINCE 2011, Lyford Cay Foundations has served more than 500 students through FOCUS, its out-of-school time, tuition-free enrichment programme for youth in grades 5 through twelve. With the Ministry of Education’s curriculum as its foundation, FOCUS provides college readiness and access support for public school students over an eight-year period as they seek to become the first in their families to attend college.
INSIGHT: Pressing threats to our marine environment should inspire Bahamians to act
IT was disappointing to see a fun and celebratory snorkeling event marred by oil contamination in our waters this past Saturday while attending the 10th anniversary of the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) Coral Reef Sculpture Garden (CRSG) at Clifton Heritage. This site is often described as “the perfect fusion of art, education and conservation”. It has been featured in over 100 publications worldwide in its mere than ten-year history.
BLTA fields two more talented teams for U12 competition
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) has fielded two more talented teams for competition at the under-12 competition in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Renee ‘Sunshine’ Curry-Davis remembered as a ‘legend, a hero’
RENEE Curry-Davis was remembered as the “Sunshine” who met the “Son Shine” in our heavenly father as she exemplified what it meant to be a “legend, a hero and a caring and loving person” to everyone she came in contact with.
Family Guardian wins 2nd Bankers Athletics Association Golf Tourney
THE Bankers Athletics Association hosted its second annual golf tournament last Saturday at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) nine-hole golf course at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
The sports calendar
AFTER taking a break over the weekend for the funeral service for the late Renee “Sunshine” Curry-Davis, the New Providence Softball Association will be back in action this week with the following games on tap in the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Wrestler Shannon Hanna II takes home gold, bronze
BAHAMIAN amateur wrestler Shannon Hanna II made his tournament appearances count in June, picking up two medals along the way.
Wrestler Kaylia Capri dazzles home crowd in win
BAHAMIAN wrestler Alexis Gray, also known by stage name Kaylia Capri, experienced a warm welcome in her first official pro wrestling match in The Bahamas at the inaugural Baha Bash live wrestling event presented by All Caribbean Wrestling (ACW) on Saturday.
Who will compete in Paris?
Although there were some notable performances amidst the absence of some top-notch competitors, athletes will have to wait and see if they have booked their tickets to the 2024 Olympic Games.
Team Bahamas ready to represent with ‘pride’
EVER since the Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team won the FIBA Men’s Pre-Qualifying Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, last summer, there has been growing optimism about the team’s chances of making Bahamian history at the Olympic level.
ACTIVTRADES: Europe on the brink
Back in April, Emanuel Macron ominously said that Europe (referring to the European Union (EU) was mortal and could die. What the French president meant by this was that the EU, and its free circulation of goods, capital and citizens, was not guaranteed to last forever and requires nurturing.
Pilots ‘blindsided’ over Customs fee increase
Private aviation was yesterday said to have been “blindsided” by Customs fee increases due to take effect today that will result in the sector paying more than a Boeing commercial jet airliner.
Briland resort demanding $913k from horse venture
A top Briland resort is demanding that a Bahamian-owned horse riding business pay it $912,500 within ten days or face the threat of legal action as their long-simmering dispute reignites.
‘Under siege’: Tax Task Force treating us like criminals
Bahamian businesses “feel under siege” from the Government’s tax enforcers treating legitimate operators as if they are common criminals, private sector leaders have blasted.
ONE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION: The impact of civil societies in The Bahamas and Caribbean
“Well, I really want to know if your research covers topics like “Susu,” “Pardner,” or “Box Hand,” topics that show who we are as Caribbean people and explain how we have supported, cared for, and loved each other.” A student posed this question to me after I had presented to a group of PhD students as a part of their research seminar at the University of the Virgin Islands doctoral programme in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change. My topic for the session was “The Building Blocks of Caribbean-Based and Community-Engaged Research”. During this presentation, I used my recently published book, Get Involved: Stories of Bahamian Civil Society (Rutgers University Press), as a roadmap for the students to advance their work as emerging Caribbean researchers.
DIANE PHILLIPS: The smallest gesture
IN a week marked by major upheavals and startling events, and after a few months of columns devoted to relatively heavy topics I thought we could use a little light-hearted break. So today Page 9 is dedicated to those who help, care and share whether an idea or an act.
STATESIDE: The marginal impact of US presidential debates
THE political director was arriving at a big regional conference, surrounded by several party associates. She wields quite a bit of power as the regional eyes and ears for a Democratic governor in a reliably blue state where Republican victories in statewide elections are an anomalous oddity and GOP power tends to be concentrated in isolated rural areas with low population and almost zero national political visibility.
FRONT PORCH: Masking grand failures: A structural crisis in tourism
A visitor surveying the grand resorts, all-inclusives and boutique properties on Nassau/Paradise Island, the tourism properties on the Family Islands, and the flashy world-class cruise ships in Nassau Harbour, will be impressed by much of the tourism product and infrastructure in The Bahamas.
East Nassau water outage due to damaged transmission main on Prince Charles Drive
SOME eastern New Providence residents had their water supply interrupted as the Water and Sewerage Corporation repaired a damaged transmission main on Prince Charles Drive yesterday.
Police still looking into an apparent motorbike accident that left teen dead
POLICE have yet to classify the death of Jamesly Richmond, a 19-year-old whose motorbike reportedly went missing after he was apparently run over in a traffic accident.
New US Chargé d’Affaires introduced at US Embassy opening ceremony
THE US Embassy in Nassau celebrated the 248th Independence Day anniversary of the United States on Friday with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony that also marked the opening of its new embassy compound on Shirley Street.
‘We need answers on missing Taylor’
MORE than a week after American Taylor Casey went missing, her relatives said they need more answers surrounding her disappearance and don’t feel “as confident” in police’s investigations.
Johnson drops legal action against the FNM
FORMER Free National Movement vice-chairman Richard Johnson has discontinued his legal action against the FNM, which he said was expensive for him to pursue.
Bahamian swim coach takes part in carrying the Olympic torch in France
BEFORE the Olympics begin later this month, 11,000 people will have carried the Olympic Torch in a relay. One of them is a Bahamian.
Woman and man killed in separate incidents
THE country’s murder count rose by two after a woman who was shot by her boyfriend last week died in hospital on Saturday, and a man was found stabbed to death hours later.
Bahamian students hope to avoid Hurricane Beryl
AS Hurricane Beryl barrels towards the Caribbean, some Bahamian students in Jamaica are anxious and making plans to return home.
