Thursday, March 28
Violent crime
EDITOR, The Tribune.
$1m drug bust at Freeport container port
FREEPORT – Bahamian authorities made a major drug bust at the Freeport Container Port on Wednesday, seizing more than $1 million of suspected cocaine.
Prince Hepburn hacked girlfriend to death with a cutlass
PRINCE Hepburn, 50, was unanimously convicted of the murder of Nellie Brown-Cox, the woman he intended to marry once his divorce had gone through.
Carifta to earn millions for nation
MINISTER of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday the Bahamas, in particular New Providence, will make millions of dollars because of this weekend’s Carifta Games.
Union 'knows better' than to cut power
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday he “highly doubts” BEC union will sabotage the opening of the Carifta Games because they are “intelligent people who know better”.
Experts say mould harmless
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said Canadian industrial specialists have examined the Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre, which houses his office and the Ministry of Finance, for mould.
Nottage: Discussion on treatment in police custody 'not necessary'
DISCUSSIONS over how suspects are to be treated while in custody “ought not be necessary” as police already know what correct procedure is, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage told The Tribune yesterday.
NEMA training event held
THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) conducted a community emergency response team exercise in North Eleuthera as part of ongoing disaster training in communities.
Policeman appeals over prisoner death
A FORMER police corporal is challenging a Supreme Court conviction and sentencing for the beating death of a man in police custody.
Former chief executive appointed as BTC director
AXED Bahamas Telecommunications Company CEO Leon Williams has been appointed as a BTC board director for the government, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday.
Police seek three men over robberies
POLICE yesterday said they were searching for three men responsible for two separate armed robberies.
'Too many youths committing crimes'
MINISTER of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday decried the number of juveniles who are engaged in committing major crimes.
Bank sets up account to help Carifta funds
CIBC FirstCaribbean has set up a savings account at the bank’s Shirley Street branch to make it easy for the public to donate funds to help CARIFTA’S Local Organising Committee with hosting the 42nd Annual CARIFTA Games.
Bank sponsors Student of the Year award
BANK of The Bahamas has signed on as the title sponsor for the prestigious Primary School Student of The Year Awards Programme.
Nottage: We will win the war against crime
THE country’s national security and law enforcement agencies can, and will, win the war on crime, says Minister of National Security, Dr Bernard Nottage.
Beach clean-up kicks off coastal awareness month
APRIL is Coastal Awareness Month and the Ministry of Tourism and its coastal awareness partners have got their support off to a flying start with a beach clean up.
Youth fishing contest to help island's schools
FREEPORT – The Grand Bahama Shipyard has announced plans for its third annual Youth Benefit Fishing Tournament to raise funds that will help three government schools on the island.
Workers laid off without pay ‘now owed almost $1M’
FREEPORT – The former workers of Island Construction who were laid off without pay ten years ago are now owed almost $1m, according to a spokesman for the group.
Yacht club to host world's top sailors
THE Bahamas and Nassau Yacht Club are preparing to host some of the world’s top sailors in the International Star Class Western Hemisphere Championship 2013.
Airline eyes 3% Easter load factor increase
A Bahamian-owned airline yesterday said passenger volumes for the Easter weekend were projected to be up 3 per cent year-over-year, with load factors averaging 80 per cent “all around”.
Gov't: Web shops 'openly admitted' law breaking
Web shops have provided no evidence for their “bold assertion” that they are in compliance with the Business Licence Act, the Government alleging they “openly admitted, on numerous occasions and platforms”, to being involved in illegal gambling.
New expansion to boost 5-10% MLS growth rate
The Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) yesterday said it was “over the moon” with the latest global expansion for its Multiple Listing Service (MLS), adding that this would increase the latter’s current 5-10 per cent membership growth rate.
'Zero response'to property tax appraisal offer
A well-known appraiser has received “zero response” to his property valuation services offer, saying this had been motivated after the real property tax bill for one of his businesses “doubled”.
Money provider eyes 40% client increase
A MONEY tranmission provider’s bill payment platform is looking to increase customer traffic by at least 40 per cent over the next four to five months, with several options to be added to its offering.
Bahamas takes 'regional lead' over FATCA
The Bahamas has taken a “regional lead” in talks with the US over its Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), a Cabinet Minister yesterday disclosing he had spoken to Washington about how the legislation would treat Bahamian financial services products.
Don't miss the 'best Carifta games ever'
A CAMPAIGN which began in earnest in September 2012 is just days away from coming to fruition and the local organising committee for the BTC 2013 Carifta Games took time out to honour its many corporate sponsors.
Damianos adds to Nassau sales team
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has announced that Craig Pinder has joined its Nassau sales team.
PM dismisses BTC appointee 'conflict'
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that he plans to meet again with top Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) executives, having previously conceded that the Government had made little-to-no headway in its attempt to regain majority control at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).
'Pent up' second homedemand to aid Bahamas
The Bahamas and other Caribbean nations are poised to benefit from “pent-up demand” for luxury second homes, a leading international realtor believes.
NIB director to fight any audit 'misrepresentations'
Attorneys for suspended National Insurance Board (NIB) director Algernon Cargill yesterday said they would fight “any negligent misrepresentations” made about their client in the forensic audit report delivered to the Government.
Wednesday, March 27
Anglicans hold historic service in Freeport
History was made in the Anglican Church on Monday when for the first time a special Holy Week service was held in Freeport. This was the Mass of the Holy Chrism and the Renewal of Liturgical Vows by the clergy. There was a time in the Anglican diocese when this service was held on Maundy Thursday and reserved for members of the clergy only. Then the late Bishop Michael H. Eldon saw fit to bring the service to the general membership of the church to enhance their appreciation of the rich history and legacy of the church.
Power filled women of the bible
IN A recent mid-week service, women at the Macedonia Baptist Church celebrated their anniversary with a creative show, portraying women in the bible. Samantha Cartwright, a member of the Macedonia Baptist Women’s Ministry, said: “There were eight women in the ministry that depicted women in the bible. Women such as Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, the woman at the well, the woman with the issue of blood and Queen Ester, just to name a few.”
Student union members vote
THE Student Union Body of the College of the Bahamas will have a new executive team after ballots are counted following the close of the polls later this evening.
Serving two masters
By ALESHA CADET
Ana's fine art photography
FOR photographer Ana Elisa Wassitsch, depicting the beauty of nature and the sea never gets old. The photographer had her first ever exhibit during the recently held Transforming Spaces Art Tour.
Multi-lingual National Youth Choir stages 23rd season concert
FOR 30 years the National Youth Choir has contributed to the preservation of arts and culture in the Bahamas with its annual concert season.
TOUGH CALL: Belize and its experience with oil
KINGSTON, Jamaica – As prospectors are about to drill for oil in Bahamian waters, it’s worth taking a look at the recent experience of petroleum licensing in a fellow CARICOM state – Belize.
BREAKING: Jury unanimous in murder case
Prince Hepburn was found guilty today of murdering his sweetheart Nellie Mae Brown-Cox.
BEWU president discourages any militant action
ANY attempt by BEC union members to sabotage the opening of the 2013 CARIFTA Games was discouraged by its union president yesterday who warned them that such actions could lead to immediate termination from the corporation and possible criminal proceedings.
'No bruising' on prisoner who died in custody
THE detective who initiated the investigation into Aaron Rolle’s death testified yesterday that there was no “bruising or swelling” on his body when she examined him.
Track star arrested in US looking forward to Carifta
BAHAMIAN track star Stephen Newbold ran away from the scene of an alleged shooting incident because he was confronted by someone aiming a gun at him, his lawyer said yesterday.
Oil spills are 'very serious' threat to GB residents
THE recent oil spills and odour from industrial companies on Grand Bahama have become a “very serious” threat to residents in the Pinder’s Point area, according to a well known resident and former FNM MP.
Gibson: shocking NIB revelations
THE much anticipated forensic audit report that examined the National Insurance Board’s operations dating back to 2003 contains shocking revelations, claimed NIB Minister Shane Gibson yesterday.
Government: Talks over Grand Lucayan casino
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the government is in talks with four companies to take over the operations of the Grand Lucayan Resort Casino in Grand Bahama.
Parents praise annual arts festival
AS the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival continues its adjudications in New Providence and throughout the Bahamas, parents have lauded the programme and commended organisers for what they do for their children.
Murderer jailed for 50 years has appeal dismissed
A MAN seeking to be exonerated of a murder conviction and subsequent 50-year-sentence at Her Majesty’s Prison had his appeal dismissed by the Court of Appeal yesterday.
Policeman cleared of sex claims
A POLICEMAN said he can now move on with his life after the Court of Appeal dismissed the Crown’s challenge of his acquittal on two sexual assault charges.
Belize and its experience with oil
KINGSTON, Jamaica – As prospectors are about to drill for oil in Bahamian waters, it’s worth taking a look at the recent experience of petroleum licensing in a fellow CARICOM state – Belize.
Bahamas eyes data storage hub opening
The Bahamas can exploit developed country “overreaction” to become a leading international jurisdiction for commercial data storage, a top industry specialist adding that its client base in this nation had doubled in the last two years.
PM warned: $30m Nygard lease will be 'bad precedent'
The Prime Minister has been warned that leasing $30 million worth of Crown Land to Lyford Cay billionaire, Peter Nygard, would set a “dangerous precedent”, given doubts over whether the Government has ever issued approvals for its reclamation.
CLICO wind-up: 'utter disillusion'
A leading pastor yesterday told Tribune Business he resigned from CLICO (Bahamas) creditors committee “as a form of protest”, adding that he was “disappointed but sympathetic” to the Government’s failure to-date to deliver its promised $30 million guarantee.
Bahamian group among four vying for GB casino
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that the Government was in talks with four potential groups, one a Bahamian company, to take over operations at the Grand Lucayan Resort’s casino from Treasure Bay.
Bahamas 'back in the game' on captive insurers
The international captive insurance industry is “happy to see the Bahamas is back in the game”, a senior private sector executive telling Tribune Business that diversification trends and this nation’s capital/fee requirements provided a potential competitive advantage.
Blaze at Eleuthera school could mean $1m repair bill
MINISTER of Education Jerome Fitzgerald said it will cost the government around $1m to repair North Eleuthera High School after a devastating blaze.
DJ of the Week: DJ Kido
TRAVIS PARKS was an employee at the Atlantis Resort, before he was inspired by a relative to get behind a deejay set.
Carifta feat to remember: Grafton Ifill III's double dose of victory
GRAFTON Ifill III may have taken a path in life that few athletes have followed, but he left behind a lasting impression on the third of his five appearances at the Carifta Games as one of the top sprinters in the Caribbean.
Carifta water polo team has medal hopes
WITH only three teams entered, coach Laszo ‘Lotty’ Borbely said it is just a matter of how well Team Bahamas performs to determine what colour medal they will come back home with from the Carifta 2013 Waterloo Polo 15-And-Under competition in Kingston, Jamaica, this weekend.
GB Utility pushes water conservation
The Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC) has joined other organizations worldwide in celebration of World Water Day, under the theme, ‘International Year of Water Cooperation’.
Resort offering guest discounts
Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour is offering visitors up to $300 off any long-term vacation, plus a fifth night free.
MARKETING REVOLUTION: Businesses missing the personal touch
As I go about my day, I frequent a number of businesses. Being a married man with children, it also means I have relationships with businesses that involve my wife and children. Yet here it is. Yesterday, I celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary, yet not one business thanked me for my loyalty by giving me some kind of greeting with a gift.
Minister 'shocked' at NIB audit finding
LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson said yesterday that the findings of the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) forensic audit were “worse than I thought they would be”, adding that based on what he had seen thus far amendments to operational policies and procedures were necessary.
Customs key to City Markets HQ
LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson said yesterday he was still awaiting word from the Comptroller of Customs on whether the Department could use the former City Markets head office, adding that he was not sure its acquisition by the National Insurance Board (NIB) would be necessary.
Hepburn to learn verdict today
PRINCE Hepburn, a man described by his peers yesterday as “humble”, “honest”, and “Christian”, will learn his fate today when a Supreme Court jury deliberates on whether or not he is responsible for the slaying of his sweetheart, Nellie Brown-Cox.
Two shot in gun incidents
TWO people were shot between Monday night and Tuesday morning, according to police reports.
Protest staged in US over Cubans held in Bahamas
SUPPORTERS of the Cuban nationals who are being held at the Detention Centre staged a demonstration outside the Bahamas’ Consulate in Miami on Monday.
Discussion on children's rights
OFFICIALS hosted a one-day conference for social workers, guidance counsellors and law enforcement officials about children’s rights.
Former acting police chief dies, aged 60
FORMER Acting Commissioner of Police Christopher McCoy has died at his home.
Raiders target shop
FOUR men pried open and kicked in the doors of Dimy Michel’s Gibbs Corner shop and home yesterday, assaulted him and two others in the house and robbed him of electronics and $3,000 cash.
Meeting over tyre business
RESIDENTS of Tropical Gardens who oppose the establishment of a tyre repair and car business adjacent to their park are calling an emergency meeting on March 30 at 4pm.
Probe into death on cruise ship
A DEATH aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship has been classified as suspicious by the FBI.
RBC's send-off reception for our Carifta swimmers
As they prepare to travel to Kingston, Jamaica, on Thursday for the Carifta 2013 Championships, the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s major sponsor Royal Bank of Canada showed their appreciation by hosting Team Bahamas to a send-off reception.
Tuesday, March 26
Second suspect in court in connection with murder
By LAMECH JOHNSON
Star 'looking forward to competing'
BAHAMAS sprint star Stephen Newbold is 'looking forward to competing in this week's CARIFTA Games," his lawyer said today.
'Suspect was irrational' at time of killing
A PSYCHOLOGIST claimed the depression Prince Hepburn experienced after learning his sweetheart was cheating on him caused a chemical imbalance in his brain that led him to attempt suicide and chop her to death.
Island-wide power cut
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation experienced a power outage yesterday which affected the entire island of New Providence, according to the utility’s public relations officer Arnette Ingraham.
High school blaze 'work of an arsonist'
ELEUTHERA - Officials in North Eleuthera are urging residents to come forward with any information they might have after an arsonist set fire to a local high school early yesterday morning.
Drugs ruled out as cause of man's death in custody
A TOXICOLOGIST testified yesterday that Aaron Rolle had traces of drugs in his system, but not enough to contribute to his death.
Ten years and still no payout to workers
FREEPORT – The former workers of Island Construction who were laid off more than ten years ago have still not received their redundancy payments, despite a judgment in their favour by the Industrial Tribunal.
Teenager rushed to hospital after nightclub stabbing
A TEENAGER was treated at the hospital following a stabbing incident early Monday morning at a nightclub in West End, Grand Bahama.
Churchmen call for limit to Prime Minister's tenure
CLERGYMEN have called for limited tenure of the Prime Minister as they presented their case before the Constitutional Commission.
Ministers in trip to meet US Attorney General
A TEAM of senior government ministers travelled to Washington DC on Friday for high level talks with United States Attorney General Eric Holder.
Mitchell to examine claims of fraudulent papers
FOREIGN Affairs officials will examine the evidence of fraudulent immigration papers produced in the case of a woman who was jailed for using her Bahamas nursing home in a human smuggling operation.
Call to interrogate illegal immigrants to tighten net
FORMER Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson called on the government to interrogate illegal migrants who are smuggled into the Bahamas in order to gather enough information to break the pattern of smuggling persons into the country.
DNA: Deal with illegal immigration - not legal workers
DNA Leader Branville McCartney called on the government to focus its attentions on illegal immigration instead of legal foreign workers who are here “legally contributing” to society.
Civil society calls for reform
SOCIO-ECONOMIC and cultural rights are being advocated by members of Civil Society Bahamas, as the organisation presented its case for reform to the Constitutional Commission.
DNA calls for women to stand over prejudice
NOW is the time for women in key leadership positions to publicly take a stand against the discrimination of women in the Bahamas, says the president of the DNA’s Women’s Alliance.
Religious leaders are urged to help amend constitution
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson has urged religious leaders to help the government develop the framework to amend the country’s Constitution.
Underwater Hollywood 'dives' $375m impact
Diving activities off southwestern New Providence have generated a $376 million economic impact over the past five years, a Bahamas National Trust (BNT) report has estimated, through attracting 70,000 visitors annually.
NCAA : Near triple double for Waltiea in Tar Heels' win over Great Danes
IT took one of the best all-around performances of Waltiea Rolle’s collegiate career, and a career high outing from her teammate, but the North Carolina Tar Heels withstood the charge of the Albany Great Danes in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
Practice and prayer makes perfect for Team Bahamas
With the 2013 BTC Carifta Games just four days away, Team Bahamas is putting the pieces together with all of the athletes and coaching staff coming together for the final few practices.
Ingraham, Neymour victorious at Miami Invitational
QUARTERMILER Wesley Neymour and high jumper Ryan Ingraham both took advantage of their season debut by posting victories in their specialties in the Miami Invitational at University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, over the weekend.
RBC raises $23,000 for The Ranfurly Home for Children
RBC Royal Bank held its 3rd Annual RBC Client Appreciation & Invitational Golf Tournament on March 20. Participants, including RBC clients and business partners, enjoyed a day of exciting golf and friendly competition on the Ocean Club Golf Course.
17 Carifta athletes are from Grand Bahama
AS Team Bahamas prepares to compete in the upcoming 42nd annual Carifta Games, 17 athletes from Grand Bahama are among their ranks as the Bahamas plays host to the region March 29 to April 1.
Sandals in 4-month booking fall-off
BOOKING trends at SANDALS Royal Bahamian are down year-over-year for the next four months, its general manager revealed yesterday, citing this destination’s high cost when compared to Caribbean rival as a major factor in the decline.
Boutique hotel eyed by February Point purchaser
A boutique hotel is among the build-out options under consideration by the likely purchaser of Exuma’s February Point development, with ultimate ownership likely to vest in a consortium of new and existing homeowners at the project.
Baha Mar 'rising to occasion' with 3,277 staff contacts
Baha Mar yesterday said it had already contacted 3,277 potential Bahamian recruits for its $2.6 billion resort, adding that it was confident it would “rise to the occasion” in developing a local workforce.
Reclamation at Nygard Cay 'is worth $25-$30m'
The environmental campaign to ‘Protect Clifton Bay’ seems likely to ignite another round in the ongoing feud between neighbouring Lyford Cay billionaires, Peter Nygard and Louis Bacon.
Bank 'slightly off' $3m profit target
Bank of the Bahamas yesterday said it was “slightly off expectations” of a $3 million half-year profit, largely due to a 189 per cent year-over-year increase in loan loss provisioning.
Men need to talk
SITTING on the porch the other day, I was shocked by the music that blasted across the neighbourhood presumably for the community’s enjoyment.
Primary school students get 100 Carifta tickets
STUDENTS from the EP Roberts Primary School will benefit from the Bahamas Medical & Surgical Supplies Limited sponsorship of the BTC Carifta Games.
Living with colon cancer: Hollie Taylor's story
AT HIS 55th birthday last May, doctors diagnosed Hollie Taylor with stage-one colon cancer. In the early stages of the disease, Mr Taylor tolerated his treatment very well with minimal side effects. After almost a year of fighting - one major surgery and chemo treatment - Mr Taylor is still fighting and hoping he beats the disease.
Are you betting on or against yourself?
Do you ever wake up feeling that life is like a gamble in which the odds are stacked against you? What is worse is waking up in this gamble of a life feeling that you have already lost even before your day starts.
A woman of courage honoured
MISSOURI Sherman-Peter’s efforts to address inequalities and advance the rights of women in the Bahamas have not gone unnoticed.
Resorts 'solidly booked' for Easter
SEVERAL major Nassau-based hotels are anticipating high occupancies for the Easter period, one senior executive telling Tribune Business: “We are absolutely solidly booked”.
Emerald Bay still in rate challenge
SANDALS Emerald Bay is eying stronger occupancy levels this Easter compared to last year, the resort’s general manager yesterday telling Tribune Business that it was still being challenged on the average daily rate (ADR).
Power outage shuts private sector down
Businesses yesterday complained that the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) power outage forced them to close their doors for three-four hours, with some having to work late into the night on key documents.
Palm Cay names new sales head
Palm Cay has named Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) lecturer, Zachary Bonczek, as director of sales and marketing at the $200 million residential development.
Cable transitions to own services
Cable Bahamas is switching its own internal phone system over to its REVOICE service, leaving behind the legacy phone service it has been using for the last 18 years.
Private label is Big Game
The Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina has introduced its own private label draft beer, Big Game Club Ale.
BTC targets five site cell expansion
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday said it was preparing to commission five new cellular sites, four of which will be completed and in service before the end of April.
Monday, March 25
Briefly
FORMER Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson called on the government to interrogate illegal migrants who are smuggled into the Bahamas in order to gather enough information to break the pattern of smuggling persons into the country.
Island-wide power outage
THE BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation experienced a power outage affecting the entire island of New Providence this afternoon, according to the untilty's public relations officer Arnette Ingraham.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Selling off Bahamian oil
ADMITTEDLY, the discovery of oil in the Bahamas can have gargantuan returns, fostering self-sufficiency and increasing prosperity among Bahamians, if the massive amounts earned is properly managed and used for the national good.
ACCORDING TO ME: Lies, damned lies and statistics
Lord Courtney’s quote refers to the twisting of information including statistics for one’s advantage. Over the past few months, the Bahamian people have been dealt one of the most untenable forms of dishonesty and disrespect their government could spin – the consistent insistence that the country’s very serious crime problem is not as bad as we and they know it to be.
Bahamas in 'critical and dire' need of Environmental Protection Act
THE Bahamas is in critical and dire need of an Environmental Protection Act. This legislation has been promised in the past by both the FNM and PLP governments.
4:00am Fire ravages Eleuthera school
An early morning fire at the North Eleuthera High School resulted in three of its rooms being completely destroyed, according to police.
Newbold 'on his way home' after US arrest
BAHAMIAN track star Stephen Newbold has denied firing a gun in a late-night shooting incident in the United States.
Probe into double killing
POLICE yesterday said an intense investigation has been launched into a shooting incident that resulted in the death of two men over the weekend
Man shot and body burned
THE body of a man was found, shot in the head and burned beyond recognition. His body was found inside an SUV early yesterday morning, according to police sources.
Man killed in car crash May be former Olympian
THE commercial airline pilot who was killed in a recent traffic accident near the Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport is believed to be former Judo European champion and Olympian Ryan Birch.
Auditors urge changes to NIB regulations
AUDITORS contracted by the government to examine NIB’s books recommended last evening that law makers amend the board’s regulations to bring them in line with modern times.
'Clifton Bay under threat'
“CLIFTON Bay is under massive threat,” environmental expert Kathleen Sullivan-Sealey has warned.
Seized drugs worth $400,000
POLICE officers of the Drug Enforcement Unit estimate that the 400 plus suspected marijuana plants confiscated from a property at Jubilee Gardens on Wednesday, March 20, would have a street value of some $400,000.
Mitchell denies hunger strike took place
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell claimed there was no ‘hunger strike’ by four Cuban detainees who refused to be sent back to Cuba after their plea for political asylum was rejected.
Freedom of information network launched
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – For the first time, Caribbean governments and civil society came together to discuss access to information and public participation in governance at a landmark conference here March 20-21.
Shooting victim, 23, in hospital
AUTHORITIES say an investigation is under way into a shooting incident which has left a 23-year-old man in hospital.
Advice on protecting yourself from rapists
BASED on some of the circumstances that revolve around reported sexual offences, particularly as it pertains to minors and adult females, it is an obvious sign that the Bahamian public needs to be more knowledgeable about what these horrific incidents entail and how they can avoid becoming a victim.
Crimestoppers win fourth straight title
The Royal Bahamas Police Force again proved their dominance in the Caribbean Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament.
Colebrooke sets new junior national record in the 800m
WITH the BTC Carifta Games fast approaching, middle distance runner Andre Colebrooke has broken the Bahamian junior national record in the men’s 800 metres at the High Point University Vertklasse Meeting in High Point, North Carolina, over the weekend.
Lavern Eve reflects on her long illustrious Track and Field career
SHE was the second Bahamian to win the Austin Sealy Award for the most outstanding athlete since the inception of the Carifta Games in 1977.
Management, coaching staff selected for Carifta Games
TEAM manager Doris Wood said the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations completed its selection for the management and coaching staff and is now poised and ready to compete at the BTC Carifta 2013 in the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium this weekend.
BEC to 'absorb' Carifta power costs
CORPORATE Bahamas continues to patronise the 2013 BTC Carifta Games with a major utility corporation coming on board just days before the games begin.
Clico liquidator targeting extra $20M from key asset
CLICO (Bahamas) liquidator is aiming to raise another $20 million before closing the sale of its main asset, a sum that would enable him to hit his $50 million target “pretty much spot on”.
Moody’s fears VAT ‘difficult to implement’
The Bahamas is unlikely to stabilize its national debt before the 2016-2017 fiscal year, a Wall Street credit rating agency also warning that the proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) may “become politically contentious and difficult to implement”.
Auto dealers ready VAT concerns paper
The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association (BMDA) is moving to develop a ‘position paper’ on how Value-Added Tax (VAT) will impact their industry, with its members already raising concerns about how it will impact cash flow, inventory levels and the use of bonded warehouses.
Montaque: Related parties owe 28% of 5.4m receivables
Some 28 per cent of Montaque Capital Partners’ $5.351 million receivables are owed by related parties in which its former principals, Owen Bethel and Edison Sumner, have continuing involvement.
Minister pushes EPA as building block for inter-Caribbean trade
The Minister of Financial Services has urged the Caribbean to pursue regional trade integration, using the Economic Partnership Agreement’s (EPA) Regional Preferences Article as a foundation.
Minister tells private sector: Stop moans over work permits
THE minister responsible for immigration yesterday urged the private sector to stop complaining over work permits and instead help the Government tackle skills and training deficiencies within the Bahamian workforce.
Poultry farm at 'full speed' despite 10% price hike
AFTER nearly going out of business almost one year ago, an Abaco-based poultry producer is “back to full speed” despite feed cost hikes driving its prices up by 10 per cent in January.
Scrap dealer blasts 'wild calls' over copper ban
“WILD calls” for a total ban on copper exports “make no sense”, a leading Bahamian scrap metal operator is arguing, adding that this was only about 1 per cent of his overall business.
Bahamas must 'play hand dealt' on US pre-clearance
THE Bahamas must ensure the visitor departure experience is equally as enjoyable as the vacation, the Minister of Tourism also expressing concern at this nation’s low cultural experience rating.
Workplace saftey regulations close
REGULATIONS governing health and safety in the Bahamian workplace are being finalised and could be presented to Parliament soon, Labour Minister Shane Gibson has said.
CHAMBER VOICE: Lessons from the Big One
A few weeks ago we shared information on the impact the death of an employee can have on the company.
Sunday, March 24
Export-led growth? Who will lead the Caribbean?
By Sir Ronald Sanders
Saturday, March 23
Woman honoured by Queen jailed
A WOMAN who was honoured by The Queen for her humanitarian work used her Bahamas nursing home in a human smuggling operation.
Weekend news briefs
INAGUA – PRIME Minister Perry Christie has promised to start the process of constructing a new airport at Inagua.
Brazilians jailed for smuggling migrants
TWO Brazilians have been jailed for smuggling illegal migrants to the United States through an elaborate network which included Nassau and Freeport.
‘Attempted suicides’ of two boys investigated
POLICE are investigating the apparent attempted suicides of two teenage boys, aged 13 and 17.
Minister defends athlete’s right to compete at CARIFTA
FORMER Minister of Sports Desmond Bannister yesterday defended the right of track star Stephen Newbold to compete in next weekend’s CARIFTA Games.
Friday, March 22
Briefly
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A FORMER civil servant defrauded the Urban Renewal Programme of more than $40,000.
Newbold released following shooting incident
BAHAMIAN athlete Stephen Newbold has appeared in court and been released after he was arrested following an early morning poolside shooting incident in the US.
Teenage girl faces charge after link to murder
A TEENAGE girl found herself in Magistrates Court yesterday accused of having a hand in the murder of a 45-year-old resident of an Eastern suburb, the country’s 18th homicide for the year.
Detainees end hunger strike
A HUNGER strike at the nation’s Detention Centre has come to an end with the Cuban detainees involved accepting meals as of Wednesday, government officials announced yesterday.
'Blows to prisoner who died were not excessive'
POLICE Constable 2126 Akiel Smith admitted in court yesterday that he struck Aaron Rolle “several times” with his baton, but he said the force was “only enough to subdue him and not enough to kill him.”
Concern for police reputation
POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade says he is concerned about the force’s reputation with the public following the number of police brutality allegations and a string of recent deaths in custody.
DNA questions in murder case
THE attorney defending Prince Hepburn posed questions about the way in which DNA evidence was handled by police in the Nellie Mae Brown-Cox murder case.
Newbold arrested by Florida police
A MEMBER of the Bahamas team for next weekend’s Carifta Games has been arrested in the US after an incident involving a gun.
Colina insurer pumps $338k into affiliate's acquisition
BISX-listed Colina Holdings (Bahamas) and its life insurer subsidiary injected a collective $338,000 into an affiliate bank to finance its acquisition of Finter Bank & Trust (Bahamas), Tribune Business can reveal.
Passenger queues threaten airport experience reversal
The Bahamas “must find solutions in the shortest possible time” to existing and potential passenger bottlenecks at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), tourism executives warning yesterday that this threatened to undo its transformation into a positive traveller experience.
Bahamas 'ass backwards' over oil negotiations
A well-known attorney yesterday said the Bahamas had done an “ass backwards” job in negotiations with the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC), arguing that the country should receive “no less than 60 per cent” of the proceeds if commercial quantities of oil were discovered.
AML chief hits at 'unfair' food stamps ban
AML Foods’ chairman yesterday urged the Government to permit the use of food stamps in its Nassau-based stores, describing the present policy as “unfair” and “frustrating” to both itself and consumers.
AML targets $3.5-$4m in net income
AML Foods is targeting $3.5-$4 million in net income for its current financial year, its chief executive yesterday telling Tribune Business it was “confident” it could slash annual operating expenses by $1.5 million.
Man not guilty of sex attack on girl, 12
FREEPORT – A 25-year-old Abaco man was acquitted in the Supreme Court on Thursday of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl.
Carifta team member arrested for firearm
If legal proceedings in the United States don’t allow quartermiler Stephen ‘Dirty’ Newbold to return home to compete in the BTC Carifta Games, it will be a big loss for Team Bahamas and he will definitely be missed, said head coach Greg Cash.
Christie busy with Carifta checklist
WITH just one week left before the start of the 2013 BTC Carifta Games at the new Thomas A Robinson Track & Field Stadium, Basil Christie has been busy going over his checklist to ensure that everything is in place, including accreditation, sponsorship and accommodations.
Masters softball: Truckers even series 1-1
THE Masters Softball League's best-of-five championship series between the USS Truckers and Williams Construction Jets is all tied at 1-1.
Bahamas Waste supports Nassau Village clean-up
The entire Nassau Village constituency is getting an environmental boost, and being transformed into a clean community if organisers of the Nassau Village Restoration Initiative have their way.
Gov't seeks COB research tie-up over VAT, trade
The Government has partnered with the College of the Bahamas’ (COB) School of Business to develop a research paper on the likely impact of the proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT), the Minister of Financial Services has revealed.
Old Fort's Town Centre 85% leased
The Old Fort Bay Town Centre has now leased 85 per cent of its retail space, with its developer having negotiated an agreement with The Meridian School to build a sister institution on land just to the south.
THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Presenting the right resolution
“What resolution should I make my pictures for a PowerPoint slide show?” If you have asked this question and gotten answers such as: “Just scan your images at 96 dpi”, I’ll have to ask you to press your brain’s Restart button because, for PowerPoint purposes, it is incorrect.
Trademark regime 'fully certified' by year-end
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday said the Bahamas’ trademark registry will be fully World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) certified by year’s-end, adding that move would be a “tremendous advancement” for this country’s intellectual property rights regime.
Work permits to go on-line
REAL property tax payments is the most-used service by the 6,000 persons currently registered with the Bahamas’ e-government portal, with work permit applications among the items set to be introduced next.
Grand Bahama authorities seeking stronger trade links with Cuba
STRONGER trade links with Cuba are being promoted in Freeport.
Olympic star to take part in film looking at disability
BIMINI will be the backdrop for several days of on-the-water filming for Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin, who will join cast and crew for the “The Current,” a film focusing on disabled athletes participating in a variety of water sports.
Official opening for Fresh Market
STATE Minister for Investments Khaalis Rolle dubbed Solomon’s Fresh Markets in Harbour Bay a “secure investment” in Bahamians and “the market of choice” for tourists.
Three injured as air tank explodes at stuart's cove
AN AIR tank explosion at Stuart’s Cove Dive Bahamas broke the leg of a customer and injured two employees yesterday, a source told The Tribune.
Call to overhaul constitution
CIVIC groups yesterday called for an overhaul of antiquated constitutional provisions to connect policy with the economic, social and cultural realities of the country.
Beyonce in the Bahamas
SUPERSTAR singer Beyonce Knowles was yesterday unveiled as the new face of clothing giant H&M in a stunning picture shot in the Bahamas.
D'Aguilar speaks out on issue of work permits
AMID private sector criticism over the government’s intention to cut back on work permits, AML Foods chairman Dionisio D’Aguilar pointed out Solomon’s Fresh Market in Harbour Bay has created 92 jobs for Bahamians and only 0.2 per cent of its staff are on work permits.
Marijuana plants confiscated
Drug Enforcement Officers confiscated more than 400 marijuana plants at a Jubilee Gardens home.
Pair in court on false declaration charge
A MAN and his girlfriend were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday, accused of making a false declaration to a US Customs officer and failing to declare $13,300.
Thursday, March 21
Briefly
“THERE are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics” - Leonard H Courtney.
Spotlight turns on 33 ‘Women of Worth’ in church ministry
Woman: the feminine creation of God, daughters of Eve. At her best, she relentlessly pursues the fulfilment of her ministry with single minded resolve, “strength and dignity are her clothing”. She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:25-26). She is a woman of great faith, passionate in her love for family, her love for ministry and her love for God.
New OPBAT base opened
A new Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) base located in Inagua was opened today.
UPDATE: Three injured in Stuart Cove's explosion
Three people have been injured after an explosion at Stuart Cove's diving centre this morning at Coral Harbour.
UPDATE: Cuban women on hunger strike in detention centre
FOUR Cuban women detained at the Immigration Department’s Detention Centre have gone on hunger strike, the government confirmed yesterday.
Prisoner who died in custody had been in scuffle with police
POLICE hit Aaron Rolle with a baton and got into a “scuffle”with him after he attempted to escape from the Southern Police Station, an investigating officer testified in Coroner’s Court yesterday.
15 years in jail for sex attack on girl, 11
A MAN convicted in the Supreme Court of attempting to sexually assault an 11-year-old girl during a home invasion was sentenced to 15 years in prison yesterday.
Young man collapses and dies in his car
AUTHORITIES say investigations are continuing into the death of a man who was found in a vehicle parked at the Shell Gas Station on Tonique Williams Darling Highway yesterday.
Murder accused did not answer police questions
PRINCE Hepburn, a contractor accused of killing his sweetheart, a well known charity worker, declined to answer questions when he was interviewed by police about her murder.
Acid thrown in girl's face
A 17-year-old girl is being treated for severe burns and other wounds after she was stabbed in the head and had acid thrown in her face in what was reportedly a domestic dispute.
Suspect accused of raping girl, 12
FREEPORT – A 25-year-old Abaco man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl is on trial in the Supreme Court on Grand Bahama.
Walkout from PM's office after two affected by mold
AN OUTBREAK of mold in the building that houses the office of the Prime Minister almost took the life of one person Tuesday and sent another to the hospital yesterday, according to Public Services Union president John Pinder.
Battle against drugs a model for dealing with illegal guns
THE partnerships between the Bahamas, the United States and other regional governments which led to a 75 per cent drop in the drug trade can act as models for the fight against illegal guns, Minister of National Security Dr Bernard J Nottage said.
Advice on safer building practices from NEMA
THE National Emergency Management Agency is collaborating with the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute to promote safer building practices.
BNT in bid to save the conch
THE Bahamas National Trust hosted the first ever Bahamas National Natural History Conference last week.
RBDF awards
Coral Harbour Base, March 13 – Leading Seaman Themo Berkley of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force was awarded the 2012 distinguished Leon Smith Award of Excellence with a plaque and a floating trophy for his outstanding performance over the past year at the annual Award Ceremony for Defence Force officers and marines at the Coral Harbour Base on February 27.
Female RBDF officers take part in symposium
THE women of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force met in full force at the Coral Harbour Base last week for a three-day symposium.
CIBC to sponsor Carifta event
FROM March 29 to 31, athletes from across the Caribbean will gather in Nassau for the 42nd annual Carifta Track and Field Championships.
$225m project exits Freeport
The $225 million World Mart project headed by Nassau-based investor, Ken Hutton, is making the switch from Freeport to east Grand Bahama, having been “incorporated” into the proposed $7.5 billion Blackwood Pointe Resort & Spa.
Property 'sitters' harming economy
The Government needs to examine how it can stop owners “sitting on” real estate for years without developing it, a top accountant yesterday warning this impeded economic activity and “prevented young Bahamians” from entering the housing market.
Private sector fears ‘treatment like dirt’ over work permits
A leading businessman yesterday warned that the Government’s proposed hardline work permit/labour certificate approach was giving the relevant officials a licence to “treat the private sector like dirt” when it came to processing applications.
Oil explorer: Deal is 50/50 profit sharing
The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) yesterday said its original agreement with the Government effectively gave this nation a 50/50 profit split if it discovered commercial quantities of oil, adding that its investors were putting “hundreds of millions of dollars” at risk.
Colina in 120% net profit rise
Colina Holdings (Bahamas) yesterday unveiled a 120 per cent net income rise for the 2012 full-year, due largely to a reduction in claims and investor payouts.
Bank examiner passes Series 7
A Central Bank of the Bahamas bank examiner, Taryn C. Turnquest, has passed the Series 7 exam in the US after studying at the Securities Training Institute (STI).
Port discusses trade with Cuba
Freeport is aiming to play the role of transportation and logistics provider as Cuba seeks to bolster its trade ties with the Bahamas.
Methodist Church celebrates 20 years with 'Big Sing'
THE ENACTMENT of the first Bahamas Methodist “ Big Sing” event was held in Rawson Square, earlier this month to celebrate the 20th year as an autonomous conference of Methodist churches.
Gov't expanding online services
Cabinet ministers and officials from Customs, Labour, Finance and other government departments will be present when the Ministry of Finance hosts its first E-Government and Business Forum today at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort.
Anglican Church Men to convene in New Providence for 40th Anniversary celebrations
The Anglican Church Men’s Organisation in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of its establishment. The A.C.M. started under the patronage of the late Rt. Rev’d Michael H. Eldon in 1972 as a means of bringing Anglican men together to assist with the building and renovation of the church property. It was also to mirror the Organisation of Anglican Church Women, established some nine years before.
'He Lives' Easter concert celebrates the living God
USHERING in the Easter season, an upcoming event seeks to remind believers of the true meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection.
Growing in Grace
Mid-Lent is a good time to determine what we need to re-focus on before Easter comes. We are all at different stages in our spiritual journeys, and the key is for each of us to move to a new experience of death, at some level, in order to enjoy resurrection to new life, in some way
Lynn Terez Davis wins first International Gospel Music Award
It’s been a dynamite year for the woman who has won the heart of the nation with her alter ego Dynamite Daisy. Now, Lynn Terez Davis is basking in the joy of being the only Bahamian to win an award at the 2013 South Florida Gospel Music Awards (SFGMA).
Freedom Farm in 'mid-swing'
It’s that exciting time of year when Freedom Farm hosts its biggest fund-raiser – the Annual Steakout and Jamboree – at the Yamacraw Beach playing fields on Saturday, March 23.
Bahamas relegated in junior Fed Davis Cups' qualifier
A DISAPPOINTING outing on the courts for the past two days at the North/Central America and Caribbean Pre-qualifying for the Junior Fed Cup and Davis Cup leaves the Bahamas relegated to the lower tier of the playoff rounds.
Waltiea and Tar Heels on NCAA trek this weekend
“SELECTION MONDAY” has passed and the North Carolina Tar Heels and senior center Waltiea Rolle begin their trek into the NCAA Women’s Tournament this weekend.
National cricket team 0-4 in the ICC Tourney of The Americas Division 1
THE Bahamas’ national cricket team is still searching for its first win after their recent promotion, pitting them against the top sides in the region.
Traveller's Rest set for April re-opening
A group of New Providence-based investors headed by Jamie Dingman plan to re-open the iconic Traveller’s Restaurant by mid-April, having invested to-date $500,000 and employed up to 30 construction workmen on renovations.
Bahamian named marina consultant at Palm Cay
A $200 million eastern New Providence real estate development has named a Bahamian as consultant for its 186-slip full service marina, which is due to open next month.
Good Friday service at Calvary Deliverance
It has been more than 2,000 years since the Jesus came to earth to show his love and to redeem mankind.
Wednesday, March 20
TOUGH CALL: Bahamian conch in danger
BAHAMIAN conch populations are in danger of collapsing – as they already have elsewhere in the region – and this was a point of discussion at the Bahamas National Natural History Conference held recently at the College of the Bahamas.
Schooner Bay launches institute for the arts and sciences
Schooner Bay Institute for the Arts and Sciences is a not-for-profit organisation seeking to advance the understanding and stewardship of cultural and environmental assets through multi-disciplinary research and outreach.
Say Hello to the top 9
AFTER votes were rounded up the American Idol results were revealed last Thursday. A shock to many, contestant Curtis Finch Jr was eliminated after loosing the bottom two battle to contestant Devin Velez.
New magazine to feature Bahamian interior design
THE SAYING what is on the inside is more important than the out, not only applies to people but also applies to houses.
Veteran print makers stage dynamic exhibit
HISTORICAL accounts of the past and moments of the present are told through artwork featured in “Stories”, an art showcase at the Liquid Courage Art Gallery.
Sketch to debut ‘colourful, fun & sexy’ music videos
AFTER reaching a career milestone, multi- talented Bahamian artist Chris “Sketch” Carey is back at it, preparing for the release new music in the coming weeks. A few weeks ago, the singer, songwriter and producer, opened a local concert for Grammy award winning artist R Kelly, one of the biggest artists to ever perform in the Bahamas.
HeadHere
THE DAYS when deejays took the time to craft a music set for an event opposed to playing songs that are almost predictable one after the other are days that DJ Ampero said he hopes come back. Music lovers he said would be more receptive and appreciative of a crafted set
Man found dead in car
Police discovered a man dead in his vehicle this morning at a Shell gas station off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway.
No hospital for dying prisoner
POLICE did not take Aaron Rolle to hospital after arresting him – even though something seemed to be wrong with the suspect, an arresting officer testified in Coroner’s Court yesterday.
'This what cheaters get' message on bloody cutlass
THE bloody cutlass found next to Nellie Mae Brown-Cox’s naked and lifeless body with the inscriptions “this what cheaters get” and “you next George Sawyer” was shown in Supreme Court yesterday.
Man killed as car crushed under truck
A MAN became the country’s 20th traffic fatality yesterday when the vehicle he was driving was pinned beneath a large dump truck near the Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Hung jury in murder trial
A TEENAGER accused of murdering a Chinese restaurant worker outside his home, steps away from the Chinese Embassy, will have to be retried on murder due to a hung jury.
Prison 'ankle deep' in faeces
OFFICIALS from the Prison Officers Association are calling on the government to step in and rectify the growing amount of faeces that has accumulated on the ground in the maximum security section of Her Majesty’s Prison.
No details yet on gang rape
OFFICIALS are still stumped on the details surrounding an alleged gang rape of a young school girl which came to light in the House of Assembly on Monday, Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin said yesterday.
Kingsway choir to stage six-day tour of the US
KINGSWAY Academy elementary student choir, Heavenly Voices, will travel to the music capitals of the United States – Atlanta, Memphis and the “music city” Nashville – as part of a six day tour.
Police break up burglary ring
POLICE have broken up a housebreaking group they say could be responsible for stealing from as many as 20 homes.
Armed robbers target family
FREEPORT – A family in the Hudson Estates area are the latest victims of the ongoing spree of armed robberies and break-ins in Grand Bahama.
Two men fighting for lives after eleuthera crash
TWO 18-year-old men are fighting for their lives in hospital after the vehicle they were in crashed into a tree in Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera, over the weekend.
Cable customers to be affected by re-routing
CABLE Bahamas will be carrying out emergency fibre optic re-routing exercises in various communities in western New Providence beginning today.
Call to stop copper exports to crack down on thieves
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller and Super Value president Rupert Roberts say the government “doesn’t understand” the overall negative effect that copper theft has on the country.
US cuts revive pre-clearance queue fears
The NASSAU Airport Development Company’s (NAD) chief executive yesterday warned that US budget cuts will impact US Customs & Border Control (USCBP) operations at the airport, raising the spectre of a repeat of last summer’s passenger ‘logjams’ in US pre-clearance.
Genting takeover to boost $250m project's sales
Genting’s move to take over operations at the entire Bimini Bay Resort will make “a lot of great things happen”, the property’s developer said yesterday, including boosting real estate sales at its $250 million Rockwell Island project.
Building permit fee rise of 15-25% 'not unreasonable'
An increase in building permit fees is “not unreasonable” if kept to between 15-25 per cent, a leading architect said yesterday, urging that any rise be linked to service and efficiency improvements at Building Control.
Business calls for 20-day work permit decisions
Private sector leaders yesterday urged the Government to “commit” to making decisions on work permit applications within 20 days, as one of their predecessors warned two Cabinet Ministers to “be very, very careful” about the signals being sent to investors.
Businesses 'finished' without copper ban
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) chairman yesterday renewed calls for a total ban on copper exports, charging that scrap metal operators were knowingly purchasing stolen material from thieves.
Cable blasts contractors on fibre optic re-routing
Cable Bahamas yesterday announced it will start emergency re-routing of its western New Providence fibre optic cable systems, starting today and ending next Tuesday, due to the ongoing Airport Gateway road project.
MARKETING REVOLUTION: Getting the best from consultants
The old joke is that a consultant borrows your watch to tell you what time it is.
Defending champions suffer loss as BSC begins Basketball Classic
TWO of the three defending champions suffered a defeat on Saturday as the Baptist Sports Council began its 2013 Basketball Classic at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Sports in brief
THE Da’Jarvou Beauty & Barber Supplies Amateur Boxing Show, organised by the Champion Boxing Club, was staged at the Wulff Road Boxing Square on Saturday.
Operators are the NPWBA champions
Diasti Delancey may be sore for a couple of days, but helping the Bommer Gee Lady Operators to seal a 68-63 triumph to dethrone the two-time defending champions Career Builders Lady Cheetahs to regain the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association championship crown will more than make up for it.
'I’m often teased by my friends that we have great athletes, but no money'
SINCE the inception of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (Carifta) in Bridgetown, Barbados, in 1972, Jamaica has dominated the regional track and field meet, winning 36 of the 41 titles, including their 27th straight last year in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Team Bahamas victorious in 4x4 at Trinidad & Tobago relays
WITH the focus on this year’s IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, the quartet of Latoy Williams, Michael Mathieu, Jerome Mitchell and Jamal Moss pushed the Bahamas to the forefront as a medal contender after their victory in the men’s 4 x 400 metre relay at the Trinidad & Tobago Relays.
Coming back to the island: Homecoming Season begins
WHETHER you are rooted in the Family Islands or not, there is always something about homecoming and regatta festivals that creates a sense of community spirit.
EASTER WEEKEND: THINGS 2 DO
THE longest holiday weekend is almost upon us, and the first thing that comes to mind is: “Where’s the party?”
Accountants briefed on liquidation reforms
Callenders & Co partner, Simone Morgan-Gomez, leads a workshop for accountants on the changes that took effect late last year to the Companies (Winding Up Amendment) Act and other legislation.
Bahamas to take small business, investment advisors 'captive'
Small/medium-sized businesses and investment managers are key niches being targeted by the Ministry of Financial Services in “relaunching the Bahamas” as a captive insurance domicile “within the next few weeks”.
Tuesday, March 19
What you should know about colon cancer
IN THE medical field, the month of March is dedicated to colorectal cancer awareness. Local doctors and health care providers are hoping Bahamians gain as much knowledge as they can on the disease, more commonly known as colon cancer.
Preventing cancer in pets
Cancer is common in older pets, but there are several steps you can take while your pet is young to help prevent it. Here is your step by step guide to cancer prevention in your dogs or cats.
New fair date set for Red Cross
The Bahamas Red Cross Society has served The Bahamian community over the past 70 years, easing the suffering of Bahamians through the ravages of hurricanes, floods, fires and poverty.
Increasing awareness for better patient outcomes
Getting a diagnosis of any cancer can be frightening, but for those diagnosed with a rare cancer, the emotional toll can be much worse.
The Sudanese Nuer and Dinka Tribes and the Ivy League Brat
If you have ever been less than honest and have felt self-conscious because you see yourself as particularly truthful, then you have experienced cognitive dissonance. Festinger (1959) posited the Cognitive Dissonance theory, which asserts that cognitive dissonance occurs whenever your view of yourself conflicts with your performance in any area.
Gymnastics building all-around women
YOUNG gymnasts training at the Nassau Nastics gymnastics club have come to learn, there is much more to the sport than tumbling, flipping, and balancing on beams.
Making male role models
When thinking about role models for youth a slew of names come to mind. These thoughts were stirred at a memorial service for a man who had served the country for many years in many capacities.
Dominating distractions
They are seldom ever discussed, written about or analyzed, but they are there, constantly getting in the way, interrupting and interfering.
1st place finishes for Major
After establishing himself as one of the top cyclists in the country, junior sensation Jay Major went to Tampa, Florida, and continued to impress his rivals over the weekend.
'Bind us together' message for Carifta Games
WITH the team selected, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is now trying to put the pieces together to ensure that the 70 athletes are ready to represent the Bahamas at the BTC Carifta 2013.
Junior Davis Cup: Bahamas sweeps USVI 3-0
JUNIOR tennis players continue their regional play as focus shifts to the North/Central America and Caribbean Pre-qualifying for the Junior Fed Cup and Davis Cup, following a fifth place finish at the Caribbean World Juniors Pre-qualifying tournament last week.
Prison Challengers suffer loss
THE Dominica Police team, back for their fourth appearance in the Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament, finally showed some poise as they won the opening game on day one of the week-long event at the Kendal Isaacs Gym.
Hield, Cleare give Bahamian presence in NCAA
BOTH the Men’s NCAA Tournament’s field of 68 and the National Invitation Tournament will have a Bahamian presence in 2013.
Operators get 74-69 win over Cheetahs
THE Bommer G Lady Operators refused to go down without a fight in the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association, winning game four 74-69 over the defending champions Career Building Lady Cheetahs to even the best-of-five series 2-2.
Downtown 'anchor' eyes April opening
The former Buena Vista property is set to re-open as a micro rum distillery and tourist attraction by next month, Tribune Business was told yesterday, its developers viewing the property as one of the “anchors” for reviving that area of downtown Nassau.
Ex-AG: 15% VAT rate 'may be too high'
A former Attorney General yesterday questioned whether Customs duty/Excise tax rates would be reduced simultaneously with the implementation of a Value-Added Tax (VAT), and warned that the latter’s proposed 15 per cent rate “might be a bit high”.
Oil explorer even 'more confident' on prospects
The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) has “become more confident” in recent months over its chances of discovering commercial quantities of oil, its chief executive yesterday saying it could now resume previously “stalled” negotiations with up to 15 potential joint venture partners.
Auto parts firm targets further $1.2M expansion
An auto parts supplier is aiming to continue its Freeport expansion by investing $1-$1.2 million in opening its own property by 2015, telling Tribune Business yesterday that the company was looking to work closely with the smaller “shade tree” mechanics.
Industry urged: 'Don't panic'on accounting records draft
The Minister of Financial Services yesterday urged Bahamian financial and corporate services providers (FCSPs) “not to panic” over proposed guidelines on the maintenance of accounting records, adding that their implementation would not make this nation uncompetitive.
236 businesses qualify for roadworks relief
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that 236 out of 247 business applicants had been issued Certificates of Relief under the Government’s roadworks relief plan, adding that most were satisfied with the assistance provided.
Gov't 'not dragging feet' over $250m plant project
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government was not “dragging its feet” over whether to approve a $250 million ‘Floating Power Plant’ investment proposal that aims to reduce electricity costs by 30-50 per cent.
Genting in complete Bimini Bay takeover
RESORTS WORLD Genting is taking over the operations of the entire Bimini Bay Resort in addition to operating its $24 million luxury boutique casino, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed yesterday.
BREA's former GB head returns to Nassau roots
A former president of the Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) Grand Bahama chapter has returned to her roots by joining ERA Dupuch Real Estate.
Attorneys urged: Segregate law and corporate practices
The Securities Commission has urged attorneys to segregate their law practice from their financial and corporate services provider (FCSP) business, thus eliminating any legal privilege concerns.
Driver dead after head-on collision
A driver is dead after running head first into a Mack truck near Odyssey Airport this morning.
Claim over assaults on schoolgirls
TWO alleged gang rapes of two young school girls – one of which reportedly occurred this weekend – were not reported by the relevant agencies for disclosure, according to FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner.
Three injured in shootings
THREE people were shot yesterday in two separate incidents that occurred within hours of each other, one while police conducted a walkabout with members of the press only streets away.
Man gunned down by pair of killers
A MAN was shot dead in the street last night by a pair of gunmen.
NIB report still not received
OFFICIALS have still not received the highly anticipated report that is expected to reveal the inner-workings of the National Insurance Board in the lead up to several damaging allegations that were leaked months ago, Minister Shane Gibson confirmed yesterday.
Labour certificates ‘only in extreme circumstances’
LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson said yesterday the government will only be issuing labour certificates in the “extreme” of circumstances to foreign workers.
PM hits out at FNM ‘dirty’ politics
HITTING out at the FNM for the “dirty” way it practices politics, Prime Minister Perry Christie said he will not allow anyone to “besmirched (his) integrity” as he defended himself against allegations surrounding reported links between the PLP and the Bahamas Petroleum Company.
Policeman says suspect admitted killing lover he lavished $1m on
A SENIOR policeman claimed that Prince Hepburn admitted aloud to killing his lover, a well known charity worker, after talking about how he spent over $1m on her and left his marriage, only for her “to scheme” on him.
Alarm over union funds
A GROUP of educators contesting the upcoming Bahamas Union of Teachers elections say they are concerned that membership dues have gone missing under the watch of union president Belinda Wilson.
String of house raids
Reports of a string of break-ins in the Cable Beach area reached The Tribune, last night.
$40,000 of Urban Renewal funds at heart of fraud case
A FORMER civil servant is standing trial in Supreme Court, accused of defrauding a community development initiative of more than $40,000.
Views of readers on Louis Farrakhan's threat to sue The Tribune
NATION of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan says The Tribune accurately reported the words of a speech he gave at the College of the Bahamas last Thursday, but he claims a spin was put on his words that made them “mischievous” and “suggestive”. The audio recording of the speech can be heard at our website, www.tribune242.com. This was some of our readers’ responses to the story published on the internet.
Cathedral service held to start independence party
FREEPORT – Prime Minister Perry Christie was in Grand Bahama to attended a service of thanksgiving at the Jubilee Cathedral to officially launch of the 40th anniversary of independence celebrations.
Nottage: crime down 28% in areas with Urban Renewal
CRIME has dropped by 34 per cent in areas where Urban Renewal 2.0 has been re-introduced, according to Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage.
Music festival fuses history and culture
GEORGE TOWN, Exuma – From stories about the rebellious slave Pompey to more modern events including independence, the ninth annual Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival certainly lived up to its billing – showcasing the dynamic facets of local history and culture.
Meet the winners from Bahamas Kennel Club Dog Show
THE Bahamas Kennel Club Dog Show opened on Saturday and continued through Sunday at the grounds of Bahamas Food Services on Gladstone Road.
Monday, March 18
Criticism of minister
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Louis Farrakhan makes misinformed observations
LOUIS Farrakhan, controversial Nation of Islam leader, was here for a few days last week, saw a narrow section of Nassau life, and departed, leaving behind his usual racially devisive comments.
Cheetahs tie series
THE Bommer G Lady Operators refused to go down without a fight in the New Providence Women's Basketball Association, tieing the best-of-five series 2-2 with a 74-69 win over the defending champions Career Building Lady Cheetahs.
Scotiabank invitational to return after succesful debut
A day of gorgeous weather at the picturesque Ocean Club Golf Course set the perfect scene for the first Scotiabank Golf Invitational.
Performers shine in Carifta trials
Bahamian junior athletes continued their build-up to the region’s top meet, hosted in the Bahamas for the seventh time and first in over a decade.
70-member team for Carifta named
ON the heels of the final trials over the weekend at the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations named a 70-member team that will carry the Bahamas’ flag at the BTC Carifta Games over the Easter holiday weekend.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: House of Assembly becoming embarrassment
OUR Parliament (more so, the House of Assembly) is rapidly becoming a national embarrassment—one that outsiders could easily misread as being representative of a noisy and unruly democracy.
Do we need a Combat Culture?
IN the face of repeated abortive attempts to halt the progress of our social decay, can a tried and tested culture that uses combat training to teach life lessons such as respect for authority, integrity and teamwork be exactly what the modern Bahamas needs?
Deputy PM: Oil talk 'irrelevant'
FOLLOWING the FNM’s call for “full disclosure” on reported PLP links with the Bahamas Petroleum Company, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis voiced his resentment over the “irrelevant” discussion and branded the opposition’s outcry as an “attempt to taint the character and integrity of myself and others”.
Scholarship making men of steel
A NEW scholarship aims to save at-risk youths from falling victim to the streets while at the same time, bolstering the nation’s Olympic programme.
Bid to oust secretary-general of union amid BEC concerns
AS the Bahamas Electricity Corporation takes steps to correct its foundering financial position through measures that will greatly affect staff, one of the company’s union executives is embroiled in conflict.
'Debate to fuel immigration policy - but no need to answer criticism'
THE “public debate” surrounding the government’s intention to cut back on work permits will aid in forming a “proper, coherent” immigration policy of which everyone can approve, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday.
Nation of Islam leader's claim of mischief despite accuracy of speech report
ALTHOUGH Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan admits The Tribune reported “perfectly” the words of a speech he gave at the College of the Bahamas Thursday, he claims a spin was put on his words that made them “mischievous” and “suggestive”.
Broker 'denies' SEC claim on $11M fraud
A Bahamian broker/dealer and its principal have “categorically denied” they were “knowing” participants in an alleged $11 million multinational fraud, after the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged them with falsifying affidavits and documents.
‘Phenomenal’ $250M project ‘at a loss’ on approval absence
Investors behind a $250 million project that could reduce Bahamian energy costs by up to 50 per cent are “at a total loss” as to why the Government has yet to approve it, describing their proposal’s potential economic impact as “phenomenal”.
Freeport model: Private sector must 'know now'
THE Grand Bahama business community “needs to know, and know now” what Freeport’s future model will be, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president arguing that the city will “continue to die its slow, exhausting death” if the original was abandoned.
BEC union digs heels in on pensions, insurance
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and the trade union representing its line staff once again appear on collision course, with the latter saying its members are opposed to contributing to their own pension plans and health insurance scheme.
Building permit revenue off 44%
The Government’s building permit revenues under-shot projections for the 2012-2013 half-year by 43.7 per cent, the Deputy Prime Minister indicating that fees were set to increase to match service costs.
‘Major revisions’ sought over Commission’s records draft
“Significant revisions” are being sought to the Securities Commission’s draft guidelines on maintaining accounting records, with Bahamian financial providers fearing they currently place the industry “at a competitive disadvantage”.
Oil recovery plant facing two rivals
THE first phase of a Freeport-based hydrocarbon recovery plant will be operational by mid-2013, the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s chairman adding that Morgan Oil faced competition from two rival entities seeking to enter the business.
Communications sector 'outpaces' regulations
THE Bahamas’ communications sector has “outpaced” its current regulatory framework, a senior Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) executive arguing that some rules under the current regime were “too prohibitive” and “not facilitating growth”.
Two in hospital after stabbings
POLICE reported a busy and violent weekend that saw the armed robbery of a Mackey Street business by four men, a string of arrests, and two stabbing incidents occurring within hours of each other which left three men in hospital.
New store vetting 1,500 applications
FORMER Robin Hood owner Sandy Schaefer said he and his staff are continuing to vet more than 1,500 job applications in the hopes of filling 300 positions in time for the grand opening of a newly-branded store at the end of April.
Urban Renewal staff honoured
TRIBUTES were paid yesterday morning to the “front-line warriors” of the country’s Urban Renewal Project for their efforts as part of that initiative.
Greek Festival is launchpad for airborne media firm
A NEW company is taking the skies by storm, using radio controlled aerial platforms to take photos and capture video footage from previously unobtainable vantage points.
CHAMBER VOICE: Maximising e-commerce for business opportunities
It is 2013, and because the world has changed the way we do business must as well.
Bahamasair seeks additional $11.2M
Bahamasair needs an additional $11.2 million taxpayer subsidy to get it through the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the national flag carrier having seen its half-year net loss increase by 19.4 per cent year-over-year.
Water Corp receives extra $9.7M subsidy
The Government has approved a further $9.7 million subsidy for the Water & Sewerage Corporation for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, with collections from customers down 17 per cent in last year’s second half.
Sunday, March 17
Bahamas targets financial services Excellence Centre
The Government is aiming to create opportunities for Bahamians that will enable them “to grow beyond the Bahamas” and compete globally, a Cabinet minister has said,
Saturday, March 16
Child abuse on the rise with ‘many cases unreported’
CHILD abuse is on the rise in the Bahamas, with more than 1,300 cases reported between 2011 and 2012, says Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin.
Manhunt after two shot dead
A MAN wearing an electronic ankle bracelet and another man attempting to leave his home in Little Blair were both gunned down within 15 minutes of each other yesterday.
Friday, March 15
Senator says he received no campaign funds, mum on salary
WHILE Senator Jerome Gomez yesterday insisted that he received no campaign donations from the Bahamas Petroleum Company, he refused to disclose how much he was paid as their resident manager.
Changes to work permits not a firm policy
A CABINET Minister yesterday sought to “clarify” the seemingly new hard-line work permit stance, saying it was “not a firm policy” and no final decision on it had been taken by the government.
BEC staff must pay more for health and pensions
BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation employees are now required to contribute 25 per cent to the overall costs of their pension plan as well as 25 per cent of their medical insurance with an increase of 50 per cent in three years, Executive Chairman of BEC Leslie Miller announced yesterday.
Nygard faces the wrath of Farrakhan
NATION of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan said he was not looking for “sport” or “play” when he accepted an invitation to an event hosted by Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard.
Mitchell: NO specific answers about permits
FOLLOWING heavy criticism from business leaders over the government’s intention to cut back on work permits, Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell refused to respond to “anything specific” and advised critics to simply read what his statement says.
Sands: Health care could be affected by work permit move
THE widespread criticism sparked by the government’s plan to severely restrict work permits is proof the government has not considered that position carefully enough, FNM deputy chairman Duane Sands said yesterday.
Your say on the issue
FRED Mitchell, Minister of Immigration, announced this week that officials plan to clamp down on the number of work permits issued annually.
Welsh choir to help children's home
FREEPORT – Local music lovers are in for a special treat this month when the multi-award-winning Brythoniaid Male Voice Choir, known in Welsh as Cor y Brythoniaid, arrive in Grand Bahama.
Force and the police force
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force is in the spotlight following the recent police custody deaths of Jamie Smith and Aaron Rolle. Neither man died of natural causes. When it comes to discourse about police brutality and cover-ups, it is very easy to discuss the subject in terms of the usual generalisations and popular notions about policing and the Police Force.
PM embarking on treasure 'Odyssey'
A “world leader” in shipwreck salvaging, which was recently featured in a Discovery Channel documentary, is negotiating with the Government over conducting treasure-hunting exploration in Bahamian waters, it has confirmed to Tribune Business.
Building a better mousetrap car
FREEPORT – Employees of the Grand Bahama Shipyard have lent their expertise to the youth of Grand Bahama, who have been working on the 15th annual SECME Mousetrap Car and Bottle Rocket Competition.
Identity of crash victims revealed
FREEPORT – Police have officially released the names of the fourth and fifth traffic fatality victims on Grand Bahama.
'More than 50 per cent' can pay BEC bills but won't
THE government says more than 50 per cent of households participating in the government’s BEC assistance programme are middle to upper income families and that can afford to pay but refuse to.
BTC celebrates the love for R Kelly at store event
AS the lead sponsor of the recent R Kelly ‘Celebration of Love’ concert at Arawak Cay, BTC was only too happy to host the singer to a visit to the BTC store at the South West Plaza just hours before he went on stage to a full house.
GB Power to'start burning gas by 2014'
GRAND BAHAMA Power Company yesterday pledged to start “burning compressed natural gas by 2014”, its chief executive calling for support from the industrial sector and other Bahmian islands in a bid to raise volumes to the point where energy costs could be significantly slashed.
Work permit proposals 'not firm policy'
A Cabinet Minister yesterday sought to “clarify” the seemingly new hard-line work permit stance, telling Tribune Business it was “not a firm policy” and no final decision on it had been taken by the Government.
$19m Downtown incentives Act to be extended
A Cabinet Minister yesterday told Tribune Business he “firmly believes” the City of Nassau Revitalisation Act will be extended beyond its end-June expiry, noting that to-date it had underpinned $18.8 million in tax concessions given to over $36 million in investment projects.
Freeport now 'worth $11bn'
The total infrastructure investment in Freeport today is worth $11 billion, the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) chairman yesterday saying this exceeded annual Bahamian GDP and “could not be replicated.
National teams to be checked out in Puma
WITH IAAF World Junior Championships double sprint champion Anthonique Strachan as the poster girl, Puma unveiled the new uniforms for all the Bahamas national teams.
Cybots are number one
Once again, Brian “Tucker” Bain came through with the clutch pair of free throws down the stretch as the Mail Boat Cybots held off the Commonwealth Bank Giants 101-99 at the AF Adderley Gym Thursday night to secure their second New Providence Basketball Association championship title, adding to their first crown in 2009.
Blue flames win Phil Smith basketball challenge
OUR Lady’s Blue Flames, one of the two Catholic primary schools preparing for closure for good in June, added another Phil Smith Basketball Challenge title to their collection as they held off the surging Carlton E Francis 20-18 in the final of the fourth annual primary boys basketball tournament.
New coaches selected for national basketball teams
ON the departure of Larry Smith, the Bahamas Basketball Federation has named Larry Eustachy as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team.
Sports in brief
A NUMBER of athletes have registered to participate in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ final Carifta trials - set to begin 5pm today and continue 6pm Saturday - at the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
'Stroke of genius' cuts Gov'ts GB subsidy 60%
The Government will be able to cut its annual $18 million subsidy of Grand Bahama’s tourism industry by 60 per cent through the Reef Village re-opening, a Cabinet minister yesterday describing the deal as “some stroke of genius”.
Consolidated beats WaterCorp supply target by 17%
BISX-listed Consolidated Water yesterday said that for 2013 to-date its Blue Hills reverse osmosis plant had supplied the Water & Sewerage Corporation with water volumes 17 per cent above what its contract required.
Marco's Pizza to add 50 jobs in GB move
CONSTRUCTION of a water park on that is expected to entice more cruise passengers to come off their ships is scheduled for the 2013 second quarter, according to Grand Bahama Port Authority chairman (GBPA) Ian Fair, who said the project is being spearheaded by a “seasoned operator”.
$225m trade market must be 'more modest'
The Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) chairman yesterday suggested that if the $225 million World Mart project had been initiated with more “more modest” aspirations and size, it “would probably have been off the ground by now.”
Thursday, March 14
Easter Song makes TV debut
THE recreation of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, death and resurrection last year in the Easter Song production will be aired on television for the first time next week.
Opposition calls for full disclosure on PLP links to oil
THE Opposition has vowed to do everything in its power to block exploratory oil drilling in the Bahamas before comprehensive regulations are put in place and unless there is full disclosure of any relationship between the oil industry and senior PLPs.
Web shops stay open as ruling delayed
THE INJUNCTION preventing law enforcement officers taking action against web shop gaming operators still stands after the government’s application to have the injunction lifted was delayed by three weeks.
$1M Cancer Centre gift
A $1-MILLION donation from a patient is helping to pay for the development of a new research centre at The Cancer Centre.
US concern over crime
THE UNITED States is concerned about the level of crime in the Bahamas but is confident the government will get a handle on it.
Mitchell defends foreign trips
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has defended two trips where he travelled abroad on government business.
Mosque: No link to Farrakhan visit
CARMICHAEL Road’s Jamaat-Ul-Islam Mosque said it has no involvement in, and no comment on, the visit of the controversial leader of the Nation of Islam, Minister Louis Farrakhan.
COB students protest over council response
MORE than 100 students, staff and faculty members protested in front of the College of the Bahamas yesterday to draw the attention of the College Council which they say has turned a blind eye to their requests.
Family of singer shot by police 'are being ignored'
FREEPORT – The family of a well-known Bahamian singer who was mistakenly shot and killed by a police officer in Abaco claims their requests for information about the incident have been ignored.
Second drowning victim 'swept away' by wave at Cabbage Beach
AUTHORITIES are again urging beach-goers to heed all meteorological warnings about coastline swells after a 33-year-old man drowned at Cabbage Beach.
Lone gunman sought after armed robberies
FREEPORT – Grand Bahama Police are investigating two armed robberies that are very similar in nature, each involving a lone gunman with a similar description.
What happens if you turn down permits?
THE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration stated on March 11, 2013 that it is the PLP’s plan to cease issuing work permits for maids, housekeepers and labourers within a year. The good Minister alluded to the fact that Cabinet will work in conjunction with the Department of Labour and the National Training Programme so that this “cease order” would be put into effect.
Art prize winner handed iPad
On March 12, US Charge d’Affaires John Dinkelman visited St Augustine’s College to recognise the grand prize art winner of the US Embassy’s 2013 annual Dr Martin Luther King Jr Civil Rights Contest, Denzel Pratt, and present him with a new Apple iPad.
Pinder: We will protect interests in trade talks
EMPHASISING the government’s commitment to local manufacturers, Minister of Financial Services Ryan Pinder said their interests would be protected in any trade negotiations going forward.
New US visa system begins
THE UNITED States Embassy has launched a new system for visa appointments – making it easier, faster and in some cases cheaper to complete the process.
GB police find firearm
FREEPORT – Drug Enforcement Unit officers have discovered a firearm and a number of bullets in the Arden Forest area on Tuesday.
Cuban Ambassador welcomed to Freeport
FREEPORT – At the monthly general meeting of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, the president, directors and members said they were delighted to welcome Cuban Ambassador Ernesto Soberon Guzman during his first official visit to the island.
$500m impact and counting
Arawak Homes’ development of Pinewood Gardens unleashed a $500 million economic impact spread over 30 years, its chairman said yesterday, telling Tribune Business that over 80 per cent of the lot sites it acquired have been built upon.
Gov't urged: 'Be open minded' on $17.9m key to downtown revival
A LEADING realtor has called on the Government to be “open minded” over what it permits to be developed ay the $17.9 million Union Wharf property, telling Tribune Business that the four-acre site is key to “bringing life back to the city” and the overall revitalsation of Bay Street.
Water Corp's debts spike to $7.6m through 'financial woe'
The Water & Sewerage Corporation’s “financial difficulties” caused the sums it owes to BISX-listed Consolidated Water to jump to $7.6 million at year-end 2012, it was revealed last night, with the company refusing to obtain a performance bond until this amount was paid.
Bank creditors 'upset' over dividend delay
Creditors of the now-defunct Gulf Union Bank (Bahamas) and Suisse Security Bank & Trust are “pretty upset” there has been further delay in recovering what they are owed, a Bahamian attorney yesterday describing this as “totally unnecessary”.
Super Value chief in new copper ban call
Super Value owner Rupert Roberts yesterday renewed calls for a ban on copper exports after his Wulff Road store sustained “thousands” of dollars in damages Tuesday night, and warned the thieves “could bring the country to its knees” if unchecked.
Carifta morning sessions free of charge
THE 2013 BTC Carifta Games is anticipated to be one of the most populated Carifta Games in the history of the region’s top junior track and field meet and the local organising committee is intent on ensuring a strong Bahamian presence in our role as hosts.
Bahamas to host Beach Soccer WCup qualifier
When the Bahamas Football Association opened its historic beach soccer facility in November 2012, the first such venue to be created in the Caribbean, it was expected to make the Bahamas a major figure in the sport.
'Buddy Healed' after foot surgery
BACK on the court just in time to see his team make a run in NCAA Conference tournament play, Buddy Hield looks to be near to full strength headed into the postseason.
Colina Insurance donates $30,000, joins as Carifta bronze sponsor
JUST over two weeks remain until opening night of the 2013 BTC Carifta Games and the local organising committee has added another name to its list of growing corporate sponsors.
Alande wins Laser 4.7 Class in regatta
HARSH weather conditions made this year’s Optimist/Jr Laser Winter Championship Regatta hosted by the Nassau Yacht Club a challenging event all around.
Anglican Church Women celebrate anniversary
On the Sunday attributed to Mothering Sunday, women throughout the Anglican parish of St Peter’s came together in Simms, Long Island to give God thanks for their vibrant existence.
Minister addresses manufacturer issues
The Minister of Financial Services met with the Light Manufacturers’ Association at its general meeting last week to address concerns surrounding tax reform and World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession.
Top realtor: Luxury market eyes rebound
THE Bahamian luxury real estate market could be poised for a rebound this year following a disappointing 2012, a top realtor believes, adding that inventory shortages were always a possibility in such a small market.
Oil recovery plant eyeing expansion
A Freeport-based oil recovery plant is in talks with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) over design modifications designed to facilitate its future expansion, having received inquiries about processing 500,000 gallons of ‘slop’ in the past six weeks.
Upgrades boost LPIA satisfaction scores
Upgraded airport facilities and changes to the Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD’s) staffing structure have led to higher passenger satisfaction scores at the Bahamas’ major airport.
New Jewish congregation holds inaugural service
THE Jewish congregation Beit Chayim - House of Life held its inaugural service under the leadership of Messianic Rabbis Harlon, Joyce Picker with assistance from associate Rabbis Anthony and Sophia Major. Those in attendance included pastors and ministers from various churches and denominations from around Nassau.
Bahamas pushes on captive insurance
The Bahamas took further strides to attract captive insurance business at the annual CICA International Conference, which took place from March 11-12 in Palm Springs, California.
THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Presentations must hit the right note
Have you ever met anyone who does not enjoy music? Well, I have met a few who do not like art, dancing, sports, movies or even socialising..... but music? Almost everyone likes some sort of music.
Wednesday, March 13
Argentine Jorge Bergoglio elected Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Argentine Jorge Bergoglio was elected pope Wednesday and chose the papal name Francis, becoming first pontiff from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium.
Beauty of the body: The art of Nicole Collie
VETERAN artists Nicole Collie makes no apology for her nude art.
Central Bank walls plastered PINK
ANYONE familiar with Dede Brown and Dylan Rapillard know the couple’s artwork often penetrates beyond the superficial and obvious.
Art that reveals the spirit of a people
The “Beacon of Hope” mural by visual artist Kishan Munroe could find a new home in one of the most prestigious Bahamian resorts if the artist has his way.
Young poet writes against the odds
FOURTEEN-year-old Lester Williams has learning challenges when it comes to the written word. As challenging as it has been, dyslexia did not discourage Lester from writing poetry. The St Andrew’s School student found his niche in creative writing last year and has since penned hundreds of poems.
American Idol reveals Top 10
AMERICAN Idol revealed its top 10 contestants last week, with the women leading the pack this year. There is no doubt women are make a huge statement in the talent area this year.
DJ of the week: DJ Fines
MUSIC lovers still remember the way DJ Fines threw down the gauntlet at the Heineken Green Synergy competition.
Beres Hammond ticket holders still in dark
TICKET holders from the botched Night of Love concert by Above the Rim Productions are still in the dark about compensation for the event.
‘Far-fetched’ dreams do come true
KNOWN for her song writing skills, petite frame and signature powerhouse vocals, Bahamian artist Gia Miran is determined to take her talent to the next level.
'Permit move risks destroying economy'
FORMER Immigration minister Branville McCartney was shocked at the government’s clamp down on work permits, which he said threatened to destroy the country’s hopes of an economic recovery.
Accused blames demon spirits for $80,000 fraud
A WOMAN, before being convicted of an $80,000 fraud charge, claimed that “demon spirits” influenced her into using the name of known international missionaries to obtain more than $80,000 from a housewife.
Unveiled: The logo for 40th anniversary celebrations
PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night officially launched the country’s 40th year of Independence celebrations in Rawson Square.
FNM: blocking permits will affect nation's economy
THE Christie administration’s attempt to stop issuing work permits to non-Bahamian maids, housekeepers and labourers will have serious effects on the country’s economic development, said FNM MP Hubert Chipman yesterday.
Porter still sought after Morris arrest in Canada
CANADIAN authorities say they are “continuing (their) work” regarding the arrest of Bahamas cancer chief Arthur Porter following the Montreal airport arrest of a Nassau resident who was wanted on similar fraud charges.
Teacher admits bigamy charge
AN elementary teacher admitted to being a bigamist when he was arraigned before a magistrate yesterday morning.
Church 'back to normal' after electing sex offender
MEMBERS of Pilgrim Baptist Temple say all is quiet and back to normal in their congregation since they agreed to keep imprisoned Bishop Randy Fraser as their pastor.
Cubans to discuss oil drilling during visit
A TEAM from Cuba will be arriving in the coming weeks to meet with local officials regarding “environmental matters of mutual concern” over oil drilling, Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett said yesterday.
The Tribune being denied permit for key staff member
“IF the complaints continue,” Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell told the House yesterday, “we have made it clear to industry in Grand Bahama that we will begin to refuse all requests for work permits cold turkey, unless there is a clear understanding of the need for policies to hire and train Bahamians.”
When immigration tried to decide who a private business should employ
IN APRIL, 2008, Tribune publisher Eileen Carron and her late husband, Roger, and their son, Robert, flew to Vienna to attend a special function. Because of the pressure of business, the senior Carrons had not had a vacation in many years.
40 years of the Groves
FREEPORT – As the Bahamas unites in celebration of its 40th anniversary of independence, the Garden of the Groves is commemorating four decades of existence.
McCartney to attend offshore investment event
HALSBURY Chambers founder and managing partner Branville McCartney will attend the second Offshore Investment Conference in Panama March 13-14.
Best and the brightest
THIRTY of the best and brightest graduating female students from throughout the Bahamas will convene in New Providence for the 35th annual Honours Day, sponsored by The Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Education minister hails focus initiative
The FOCUS initiative was hailed as a factory for the country’s educational pioneers by Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald.
Man held after cocaine find at airport
FREEPORT – A young man was arrested at Grand Bahama International Airport on Tuesday after authorities discovered cocaine on a flight to Miami, Florida.
Our Lady's in 34-13 win over Genesis Academy
The Providence Basketball Club’s 4th annual Phil Smith Primary School Basketball Challenge has gotten off to a great start and tournament director Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson said he has been very pleased with the high level of competition exhibited by the teams after the first two days.
Chris Brown invitational to attract world-class athletes
MARK the date down: Saturday, April 13. The event: the Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational. The venue: The new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
Keeping Carifta memories alive
BARRY Ramsey clearly remembers his days as a former athlete who represented the Bahamas in three Carifta Games as a sprinter and jumper. Today, however, he’s hoping to allow others to keep their memories of the BTC Carifta Games alive through the products he is selling.
Mailboat Cybots one win away from championship title
THE Mail Boat Cybots are now just one game away from winning the New Providence Basketball Association’s championship title. But the defending champions Commonwealth Bank Giants are not yet prepared to push the panic button in the best-of-seven series.
Tourism 'linchpin' to grow 5.2% in '13
The tourism industry’s direct contribution to Bahamian gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to increase by 5.2 per cent in 2013, it was revealed yesterday, showing services will remain the nation’s “economic linchpin for this generation”.
Permit stance can 'cripple our economy'
The Government’s newly-announced work permit policies “will cripple our economy” if implemented, a former immigration minister warned yesterday, while its ‘no approvals’ threat to Freeport’s industrial sector would “shut Grand Bahama down full stop”.
Bahamas' 27% FDI ratioleads West Hemisphere
The Bahamas’ 27 per cent gross foreign direct investment (FDI) ratio led the entire Latin American and Caribbean region in 2012, a Wall Street rating agency yesterday ranking this nation as one of only two projected to achieve above average economic growth in 2012.
Expatriates 'no more than10%' of GB industrial staff
EXPATRIATE workers account for no more than 10 per cent of the Freeport industrial sector’s workforce, one executive said yesterday, telling Tribune Business that the real challenge was finding employees with the required skills at entry level.
Work permit elimination 'unworkable'
The Government’s plan to eliminate work permits for certain jobs categories within one year was yesterday branded as ‘unworkable’ by a former Immigration minister, who said that based on personal experience Bahamians were simply unwilling to do this work.
MARKETING REVOLUTION: A tweet can keep marketing sweet
The final tweet by Pope Benedict XVI before retiring was: “Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives.”
Oil exploration 'rejected' if voted on today
A well-known businessman yesterday backed the Government’s decision to allow exploratory oil drilling ahead of any referendum, saying this essentially paved the way for “an easier sell”.
McCartney travels to investment conference
Halsbury Chambers founder and managing partner, Branville McCartney, will attend the second Offshore Investment Conference in Panama from March 13-14.
Work permit policy 'self- defeating to FDI crusade'
The Government was yesterday warned not to make any Immigration policy statements that could be “self-defeating to the foreign direct investment crusade” vital to dragging the Bahamian economy out of recession.
Gov't housing re-launch vital to 80% of contractors
THE BAHAMIAN Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday said many smaller operators were anxiously awaiting a revival of the Government’s housing programme, telling Tribune Business this group makes up 70-80 per cent of construction teams in the country .
Tuesday, March 12
How self-hate is wreaking havoc in safety
The Bureau of Women’s Affairs organised a celebration of International Women’s Day on Friday past at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. It must be said that this day is significant on the calendar, yet it is discussed during March and seems to have little ripple effect after that. The one question that stood out was, why were there so few men and boys in attendance?
Women out front in the world of golf
OVER the years, the face of golf has changed significantly. Once considered an exclusive sport for affluent white men, the game has become more accessible to minorities and is no longer seen exclusively as a man’s sport.
Shaunae continues winning tradition for Bahamians and the Bulldogs
From sprinter Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie to quartermiler Shaunae Miller, the winning tradition continues for Bahamians on the University of Georgia Bulldogs’ track and field team.
Genesis Academy gets 31-11 win over Queen's College
THE Temple Christian Suns went on a scoring rampage as they highlighted day one of the Providence Basketball Club’s Phil Smith Basketball Challenge at the CI Gibson Gym on Monday.
It's official: Amateur Boxing Association signs on anti-doping commission
IN “moving forward,” the Amateur Boxing Association of the Bahamas held a one-day symposium in the National Boxing Centre at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex where the sport officially signed on with the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission.
Waltiea Rolle second-team All-tournament selection
IN her senior year, Waltiea Rolle looks to continue her most successful statistical season to date with an NCAA tournament run.
Sports in brief
CHAMPION Amateur Boxing Club is scheduled to hold the Da’Jarvou Beaty and Barber Supplies Amateur Boxing Show at the Wulff Road Boxing Square, starting 6pm on Friday and Saturday.
Banks hosts series of events for women's day
RBC Royal Bank celebrated International Women’s Day with a series of events.
The Editor responds on permits: Government is crossing the line
THE TRIBUNE is the newspaper to which Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell refers in his comments to the House.
'Flip flop' claim over oil drilling
FOLLOWING government announcement that exploration wells will be sunk ahead of a referendum on oil drilling, former State Minister of Environment Phenton Neymour accused the government of “flip-flopping”.
Woman killed in Grand Bahama crash
FREEPORT - A 49-year-old woman was killed in a traffic accident in East Grand Bahama, pushing the island’s traffic fatality count to five on Monday.
Work permit denials ahead
FRED Mitchell, Minister of Immigration, yesterday announced that officials plan to clamp down on the number of work permits issued annually.
Chinese man missing at sea
OFFICERS of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force are actively searching for a Chinese man who has been missing at sea since Sunday afternoon.
Colombians held after cocaine find at airport
SEVEN Colombians, arrested at Lynden Pindling International Airport in connection with the smuggling of $24,000 worth of ingested condom-packed liquid cocaine, were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Drug enforcement chief's concern over airport drugs
SAMUEL Butler, officer in charge of the Drug Enforcement Unit, said yesterday DEU is “very, very concerned” about the amount and frequency of illegal drugs being trafficked into the country on a commercial airline direct from Panama.
Two shot late last night
TWO men were injured in shootings last night - with the condition of the second victim unknown at time of going to press.
Foreign minister seeks to deny work permits
IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday complained that a particular newspaper has continually petitioned for work permits to run its business while there are Bahamians capable of that duty.
BORCO owner touts $320m investment
The Bahamas Oil Refining Company’s (BORCO) owner has invested $320 million in the two years since it acquired the Grand Bahama-based facility, believing it is an “ideal location” to serve the 20-30 per cent tanker traffic increase projected from the Panama Canal expansion.
Bahamian group targets water supply takeover
An all-Bahamian investor group led by a former Water & Sewerage Corporation chairman has approached the Government about taking over one of the New Providence-based reverse osmosis plants currently operated by BISX-listed Consolidated Water, Tribune Business can reveal.
Minister warns of ‘substantial’ work permit fee rises
THE Government is eyeing “substantial” fee increases for work permits, permanent residency and citizenship, the minister of foreign affairs and immigration yesterday publicly criticising named businesses for their approach to hiring Bahamians.
An apple a day for heart health
THE BUSY reality of daily schedules and a modern diet makes it difficult if not impossible for many people to practice the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
Chamber chief backs oil move
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman yesterday said failing to permit exploratory oil drilling risked “leaving money on the table at a time when the country can least afford to do so”.
Kalik exports fall 20% as 'less competitive'
Kalik exports “are becoming less competitive” due to the Bahamian economy’s high operating costs, Commonwealth Brewery’s managing director revealed yesterday, with revenues from the US market down 20.4 per cent year-over-year.
Young singers battle it out for arts festival
FREEPORT – Students participating in the 2013 E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications on Grand Bahama say not only are they showcasing their talents, they are also learning and having fun.
What is the focus of your attention?
The Law of Attraction states: “You get what you think about whether you want it or not”.
Students join Global Women's Celebration
STUDENTS from CV Bethel and CR Walker high schools received surprising words of advice as they celebrated International Women’s Days in the company of top business leaders in the Bahamas.
Three men charged after $1m marijuana seizure
THREE more men were arraigned in Magistrates Court yesterday in connection with a $1 million marijuana seizure in an inner city community nearly two weeks ago.
The sweetheart deal: Part 3
In recent years, the term family values has become a rallying cry against the increase in fragmented and nontraditional families within the Bahamas.
Pre-summer recess target for Small Business legislation
THE Small & Medium Sized Development Bill could be presented to Parliament before the 2013 summer recess, and will allow the Government to be more effective in its support for small and medium-sized enterprises, a senior attorney said yesterday.
Renewable energy framework absence 'absolute lunacy'
A well-known environmentalist yesterday accused the Government of reneging on its ‘oil referendum’ promise to the Bahamian people, and described its failure to produce a coherent renewable energy policy as “absolute lunacy”.
Law firm engages divorce specialists
An Abaco law firm has hired specialists in divorce and matrimonial matters.
RICHARD COULSON: Gov't premature in income tax write-off
Value Added Tax (VAT), as presented in the recently-published Government White Paper, is fine as far as it goes
Health Ministry issues recall for Loratadine syrup
THE Ministry of Health has moved to advise the public that a voluntary recall of Loratadine Syrup has been issued.
Two denied bail in separate murder trials
TWO men were remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison yesterday after being charged in Magistrate’s Court with two separate murders.
The editor responds: Government is crossing the line
THE TRIBUNE is the newspaper to which Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell refers in his comments to the House.
Union call to freeze tuition fees
AMID the ongoing dispute over planned funding cuts at the College of the Bahamas, the COB student union is calling for a freeze on tuition charges until the college becomes a university.
'Immigration department short of money to do job'
THE Department of Immigration is facing major challenges, not only with manpower and equipment, but also in terms of the money it needs to operate efficiently, Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said.
Driver dies in crash amid storm surge
POLICE are investigating a traffic accident that left one man dead and three people in hospital.
Fourth traffic fatality as man dies of his injuries
FREEPORT - Grand Bahama recorded its fourth traffic fatality on Saturday when a 39-year-old man died in hospital of injuries he sustained a week ago in a car accident.
Juice boxes donated to children's home
FREEPORT – International Baccalaureate students of the Lucaya International School donated 500 juice boxes to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home yesterday.
Bank worker jailed for a year in plea agreement
A JUDGE honoured a plea agreement between the prosecution and a former Scotia Bank loans officer who admitted his involvement in the theft of $1.3 million, sentencing him to a year at Her Majesty’s Prison yesterday.
Cuban Ambassador makes official visit to Grand Bahama
FREEPORT - Cuban Ambassador H E Ernesto Soberon Guzman made his first official visit to Grand Bahama on Monday, meeting with government officials and business leaders. He also toured the industrial sector on the island.
Monday, March 11
The FNM
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Lotteries and betting industry in Trinidad and Tobago
DURING a recent visit to Trinidad & Tobago I considered and did some research on gambling in that island nation. The information disclosed may be of public interest.
Funeral held for custody death victim
FAMILY and friends of 35-year-old Jamie “Dodger” Smith gathered at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday to say farewell to a man they described as “bright light” and independent spirit.
Queen and Commonwealth to back gay rights charter
THE Queen was set to sign an historic charter today backing equal rights for women and gay people after it received the support of every Commonwealth nation.
Tourist drowns at Cabbage Beach
POLICE are investigating an alleged drowning that resulted in the death of a 54-year-old man from the United States.
Exploratory oil drilling ahead of referendum
IN A shock move, the Christie administration has broken its promises on oil drilling in Bahamian waters, announcing yesterday that it will allow exploration wells to be sunk ahead of a referendum.
Bahamas on 'wrong path' to $5bn sector
The Bahamas is “on the wrong path” in efforts to establish itself as a captive/international insurance jurisdiction, a well-known executive has warned, adding that it could see $5 billion in gross premiums within five-seven years if it altered course.
Govt 'oils' BDR issue
A BAHAMAS-based oil explorer yesterday said it was looking to bring its Bahamian Depository Receipt (BDR) offering to local investors to market “as soon as possible”, noting that the Government’s decision to allow it to begin exploratory drilling prior to a referendum had given further impetus to this process.
BEC suffers $95K salary disconnect
THE BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) executive chairman has revealed that workers hired on a contractual basis to simply carry out disconnections/ reconnections have been earnning as much as $95,000 a year.
AML Foods 'parks' Carl's Jr franchise for 6-9 months
AML Foods has decided to “park” the launch of its new hamburger franchise, Carl’s Jr, for six-nine months due to concerns over consumer confidence and the Bahamian economy’s short-term outlook.
Exploratory oil drilling before any referendum
THE Government will allow exploratory drilling to determine whether there are commercial quantities of oil in the Bahamas prior to any referendum, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.
Exploit ship registry to build captive presence
The Bahamas must exploit its huge ship registry in trying to establish itself as an international insurance player, a senior industry executive revealing that one “bullish” manager was aiming to take his total captives to 50 by year-end.
SAC wins 25th straight BAISS track and field title
AFTER winning by almost 50 points last year, the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine tripled their margin this year over arch-rival Queen’s College Comets to book their 25th consecutive victory in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships.
The VAT plan
Much needs, should and will be said about “VAT” here are a few from me.
CHAMBER VOICE: Respecting the unexpected loss
A famous poet once penned these words: ‘Death is an appointment that we all must keep’.
Physicians captive fight 'hurt Bahamas'
A dispute over a captive insurance company established to cover 75 Bahamian physicians against medical malpractice claims may have damaged this nation’s prospects for establishing itself in this industry.
BEC slashes overtime 54%
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) cut its staff overtime payments by almost 54 per per cent in February, its executive chairman charging that some workers at the Corporation had become accustomed to an extravagant lifestyle as a result of overtime pay.
Winning ways for Shaunae
Shaunae Miller has completed her first indoor season as a freshman at the University of Georgia, winning the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships’ 400 metres title in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Saturday.
Giants look to even series after triple OT win
THE defending champions Commonwealth Bank Giants needed triple overtime in game three of the New Providence Basketball Association’s best-of-seven championship series to avoid being pushed to the brink of elimination against the Mail Boat Cybots at the AF Adderley Gym Saturday night.
NPWBA: Operators get in in opener
FAMILIAR foes face off once again to decide the top team in the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association.
Sunday, March 10
Realtors in Gov't 'site inspection'
In a site inspection that was anything but routine, a Bahamian real estate company’s staff toured the Bahamas.gov.bs website through a presentation by the Department of Information Technology.
BTC pledges $100,000 to Sick Kids Foundation
BTC has pledged to donate $100,000 over a five year period to the Sick Kids Foundation for the development of a telemedicine lab at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Two injured in separate shootings over weekend
POLICE are seeking the public’s assistance in locating two men responsible for two separate shootings over the weekend.
'No time for blame - make good on your promises'
THE government is spending too much time blaming the former FNM administration for every problem facing the country and not enough delivering on its promises, Democratic National Alliance leader Branville McCartney said.
Laing: US budget cliff a burden to Caribbean
THE inability of American lawmakers to agree on budgetary measures threatens small Caribbean economies like the Bahamas, a former finance minister said.
'Killer still at large because of sloppy police investigation'
AFTER a man was acquitted in the Supreme Court of an Eleuthera home-invasion and murder, relatives of the 66-year-old female victim are blaming the police’s “sloppy investigation” for the fact that her killer is still at large.
Austerity leads to aid being cut off
AUSTERITY budgets throughout Europe, and Government cuts on welfare spending, have caused many people to argue that aid allocations to foreign countries should be reduced and the money spent on domestic needs.
POLICE ADVICE: Domestic violence and suicide
Most recently there has been a vast increase in Suicide and Domestic Violence incidents, whereas due to these critical and common issues, the Bahamian family structure as we know it is gradually deteriorating. Additionally the correlation between the two matters over the years clearly indicates a cry for help by the victims of these social ills.
Health expo held at HO Nash school
STUDENTS, staff and parents learned how to adopt healthy lifestyles during a health expo at HO Nash Junior High School.
Saturday, March 9
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Corruption in the Ranks
LET me begin by saying that I love the police, that the police are my friends (literally and figuratively).
BK Bonamy is laid to rest
HUNDREDS of mourners gathered at St Francis Xavier Cathedral yesterday for the funeral service of a man Prime Minister Perry Christie called “an outstanding son of Bahamian soil” - former Police Commissioner Bernard K Bonamy.
Jamaican man shot dead in home
A JAMAICAN man became the country’s latest murder victim after two men forced their way inside his home and shot him yesterday morning.
Man acquitted of murder and robbery
A MAN accused of murdering a woman during an Eleuthera home invasion six years ago, walked free from the Supreme Court yesterday leaving the question of who killed her unanswered.
NFL champ’s girlfriend on Nassau drug charge
A SUPER Bowl champ sat in the magistrates’ court yesterday watching as his girlfriend pleaded guilty to possessing a marijuana joint.
Friday, March 8
Time for Christie to admit he can't keep promise
LAST week, Prime Minister Christie confirmed that his government had no intention of selling the public any part of government’s 49 per cent shares in Bahamas Telecommunications Company.
Police chief speaks out
POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said he was “very, very disappointed” with comments made by “some persons who should know better” regarding the deaths of two men while in police custody.
80% of malpractice claims since 1980 still not completed
EIGHTY per cent of malpractice claims commenced in court since 1980 have not been completed, a lawyer revealed yesterday during a case study presentation at a medical conference.
Commissioner: Murder rate 'down 38% over last few years'
THE murder rate has come down 38 per cent over the last few years Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday.
Comfort for widow of BK Bonamy
A NUMBER of politicians arrived at Police Headquarters yesterday morning to pay their respects to former Police Commissioner Bernard K Bonamy as he lay in state at the Paul Farquharson Centre.
Back to jail in retrial mistake
A MAN awaiting retrial in the Supreme Court in connection with the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy was taken to court by accident yesterday.
Family mourns victim of car crash
FAMILY and friends mourned the death of Lakeisha Rolle yesterday as the 18-year-old victim of a horrific Eleuthera car crash was laid to rest.
Police force 'at a crossroads'
THE controversial spate of deaths in police custody has brought the Royal Bahamas Police Force to “the crossroads” according to Bishop Simeon Hall.
complaints of speaker bias
HOUSE Speaker Kendal Major has “consistently appeared biased” during his time in the chair, the opposition Free National Movement claims.
Minister's message on International Women's Day
Message from Melanie Griffin, Minister of Social Services and Community Development, on International Women’s Day.
Davis: BK Bonamy stood strong and dedicated
FORMER Commissioner of Police Bernard Kenneth Bonamy “heeded the call to national service and stood strong and dedicated, guided by that call to the very end,” Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis said.
Bahamas to host Spurs v Jamaica
WHILE a match in Nassau featuring Jamaica’s national football squad and England’s Tottenham Hotspur will be carried out as a part of the Bahamas’ Independence celebrations, it will also be in celebration of the creation of the Caribbean Community, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said.
Diary of a hurt Bahamian
I STRUGGLED to decide on how to approach this week’s column. Writing for me comes very easily, but this week it was a challenge.
Green advice from Baha Mar expert
AN environmental expert at Baha Mar visited the Island School on Cape Eleuthera for a workshop on marine conservation and sustainable development.
Tell the truth
“When I saw Torres buy the property, and then he came in with vision a vision to change it significantly to integrate it into a real resort, to build, to expand.” – The Tribune, July 31, 2012
Treasure salvaging can 'wipe out national debt'
The Bahamas could “wipe out its national debt” if it moves to permit wreck/treasure salvaging and exploration, Tribune Business was told yesterday, one executive estimating $6 million could be instantly injected into the economy if pending licence applications were approved.
Physicians urged: ‘Target 2o% of $2bn health care spend’
Physicians were yesterday urged to “take over the industry of medicine” and target 20 per cent of the $2 billion spent annually by Bahamians on health care.
'Compliance breaches' at broker two years before its collapse
Two different accounting firms had identified serious “compliance breaches” by an insolvent Bahamian broker/dealer up to two years before it collapsed, one finding a $5 million “shortfall” was caused from the unauthorised use of client funds.
Top florist targets event planning for 50% of business
The Bahamas’ oldest florist is looking to expand its weddings and event planning operation to 50 per cent of its overall business via its JW Events division, a company executive telling Tribune Business it had seen a 10 per cent increase in its sales year-over-year.
BEC saddled by $86m fuel debt
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) currently owes its major fuel supplier more than $86 million, its executive chairman revealed yesterday, adding that the monopoly energy supplier was paying Shell West excess of $18 million a month “just to keep going”.
Gulf Union, Suisse Security liquidator seeks 'guidance' on Rule amendments
The liquidator for Gulf Union Bank (Bahamas) and Suisse Security Bank & Trust is heading back to the Supreme Court for “guidance” on whether these cases have to “fall in line” with major changes to the Companies Act’s winding-up rules.
FCC approves $24m Cable acquisition
Cable Bahamas yesterday received approval from the leading US communications regulator for its $24 million acquisition of US Metropolitan Telecom, one of its three Florida-based acquisitions.
Cybots defeat Giants 97-86 in opener
THE Mail Boat Cybots were in this same situation last year when they took an early 2-0 lead, but only to watch as the Commonwealth Bank Giants rebounded to eventually win the New Providence Basketball Association men’s title.
Basketball Challenge starts Monday
FOR the fifth consecutive year, the Providence Basketball Club is all set to host the Phil Smith Primary School Basketball Challenge.
Flying colours
One last day of competition stands between the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine and the high school’s 25th consecutive BAISS Track and Field championship title.
Team in Bahamas in taekwondo tourney debut
WITH the focus on trying to get young Bahamians qualified to compete in taekwondo for the Central American and Caribbean Games to the Olympic Games, the Ba-Do-Jang School of Tae-Kwon-Do got its feet wet at the 2013 Winter Games in Miami, Florida, last month.
Thursday, March 7
Food self-sufficiency is an illusion for the Bahamas
OPENING the newspaper this week, I was confronted with a huge load of BS.
Commissioner on custody deaths
The Commissioner of Police is expected to address the media shortly for the first time since the recent incidents where young men have died while in police custody or were shot and killed by members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Christie pledges to investigate deaths personally
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday he will personally look into all of the recent incidents in which young men have died while in police custody or were shot and killed by members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Church to keep jailed sex offender as leader
MEMBERS of the Pilgrim Baptist Temple, church of Bishop E Randy Fraser who was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse, last night voted on whether to have the embattled pastor removed as leader.
Families demand Nottage resignation
FAMILIES of persons who died in police custody called for the resignation of National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage when he “ignored” and “avoided” them during a demonstration outside the House of Assembly yesterday
Grant: Stop parading the poor for political gain
CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant called on Prime Minister Perry Christie to stop the “parading” of disadvantaged Bahamians on television as part of Urban Renewal coverage by the press, while Mr Christie argued the importance of the country having a “true perspective of what exists” to make certain that poverty is not “swept under the table”.
Fire breaks out at Police Headquarters
A FIRE erupted at Police Headquarters yesterday afternoon a few feet from the fire services department. However, all of its fire trucks were out on call.
Gray denies approval for Africa visit
MINISTER of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government V Alfred Gray yesterday denied claims that he authorised Local Government in Freeport to pay for the island administrator to go to a conference in Africa.
FNM deputy in House row
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner accused House Speaker Kendal Major of being “partial” following yesterday morning’s House session when he warned her that she would be asked to leave the House if her “disruptive” comments continued.
Armed robbery trial is discontinued
THE case of a man standing trial in connection with a Halloween night armed robbery was discontinued yesterday in Supreme Court. Charges of three armed robberies against Kendal Lord were dropped when prosecutors presented a nolle prosequi signed by the Attorney General asking that the matter be discontinued.
Murder suspect seeking bail
A CAT Island man waiting for his murder case to be fast tracked to the Supreme Court for trial appeared before a judge seeking to be granted bail.
Burrows denies suggestion of ZNS political appointees
THE Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas has come out firing in the defence of two of its journalists, who they claim were unfairly portrayed as political hirees on a Cable 12/Nassau Guardian newscast on February 25 of this year.
BTC services restored after tower collapse
BTC services are now fully restored to Bullocks Harbour in the Berry Islands, nine days after an external contracting company accidently caused the collapse of the BTC communication tower.
Ministry of Grand Bahama 'a waste of public funds'
CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant dubbed the Ministry of Grand Bahama a “waste of public funds” and accused the ministry of being over-staffed and over-paid.
Alumni join QC effot to raise funds
QUEEN’S College alumni spent two days placing calls to other alumni and friends as part of a fundraising drive that was kicked off with a donation by Sir Durward Knowles.
BAIC: Entrepreneurs should be applauded
THE Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation said agri-business entrepreneurs should be applauded for their ability to compete in an open market, showcasing the resilience of an agricultural industry which is vital to the country.
Marine tells court he heard gunshot
A DEFENCE Force officer charged with protecting the Chinese Embassy the morning a Chinese restaurant worker was robbed and shot said he heard what “sounded like a gun”.
Failed broker: $9.7m hangs in the balance
A successful winding-up of Owen Bethel’s Montaque Capital Partners is dependent on recovering $5.35 million owed by the insolvent Bahamian broker/dealer’s clients and affiliates, plus the fate of $4.3 million being claimed by a Canadian provider.
Cable's $89m deals win US national security approval
The US government has taken its foot off Cable Bahamas’ $89 million worth of US transactions, its national security and law enforcement agencies saying they have “no objection” to the Summit Broadband and US Metropolitan Telecom deals.
NAD grounds airline's 5% 'collect fee' plan
A well-known Bahamian airline has been ordered by the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) to “cease and desist” from plans to impose a 5 per cent ‘collection processing fee’ on all taxes it remits to the LPIA operator.
Albany eyes expansion 'more than ever before'
The multi-million dollar Albany development is aiming to become “more than a place to own a home”, with a recording studio and business and financial centre among the expansion options being assessed by developers.
Carifta trials set for March 15-16
WHILE several regional powerhouses hosted their Carifta Track and Field Trials this weekend, the Bahamas will have to wait until March 17 to learn the members of one of the most eagerly anticipated Carifta teams in recent memory.
Quick start for the Big Red Machine
St Augustine’s College head coach William “Knucklehead” Johnson said he wanted his Big Red Machine to get off to a “fast start” on day one of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track & Field Championships yesterday, but even Johnson couldn’t have predicted the the perennial powerhouses would distance themselves so quickly on their path to a 25th consecutive title.
Carifta tickets 'going very fast'
THE 2013 BTC Carifta Games is just 22 days away, and local patrons have been turning out in droves at the ticket box office at the new Thomas A Robinson track and field stadium.
Jamaica's 'Reggae Boyz' to face Spurs in May 23 exhbition
ONE of the first major events to be hosted in the new state-of-the-art Thomas A Robinson National Stadium has marked the “beginning of a new era,” according to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson.
THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Coping with the pressure points
Hands up, those who become nervous and foam at the mouth when asked to stand up in front of an audience and say a few words.
BFSB targets sectors for marketing focus
The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) has selected wealth management, the investment funds industry and the insurance sector as the focus of its 2013 marketing strategies.
Wednesday, March 6
'Compliance breaches' at broker two years before its collapse
By NEIL HARTNELL
Mr J releases 'My Favourite Scripture'
By ALESHA CADET
Winning the war inside
By Rev. Angela Palacious
Changes in Bimini
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Four face off in 242Untapped finale
By Arthia Nixon
Faith Alive weekend raises the spirit
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
Fire at Police Headquarters
A fire erupted at Police Headquarters shortly after 2:00pm, sending black smoke billowing into the air.
Art educators lead by example in 'Kaleidoscope' exhibit
IN ITS latest exhibit, the Public Treasury Art Programme (PTAP) pays tribute to art teaches across the Bahamas. Artwork from private and public school teachers in the Bahamas Art Educators Association is now being showcased at the Public Treasury Building in an exhibit called “Kaleidoscope”.
Bronze statue captures strength and spirit of a Bahamian icon
THREE days after the country celebrates its 40th anniversary, a group of outstanding Bahamians will receive grand honours at the first Bahamian Icon Awards.
Big Red Machine poised for 25th straight title
There have been many spectacular feats in local sports, including the fourth and 10th straight victories by the CH Reeves Raptors and the CR Walker Knights respectively at the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s Junior and Senior High Schools Track and Field Championships last week.
Jones-Fry makes the top 10 in the 25th IFBB Arnold Classic
IN just five years, Dawnita Jones-Fry has become one of the household names on the local bodybuilding scene.
St Andrew's Hurricanes win BLTA World Tennis Day title
St Andrew’s clinched the A divisional title with a 2-1 decision over St Anne’s in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s World Tennis Day, sponsored by AID, at the National Tennis Centre on Monday.
SPORTS IN BRIEF
THE Bahamas will have five competitors representing their respective schools in the NCAA Division 1 Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas, this weekend
Families of custody death victims demonstrate
Family and friends of Aaron Rolle, Jamie Smith, and Job Munnings are protesting in Rawson Square at this hour, demanding answers for why their loved ones died in police custody.
US fears in war on drugs
THE US Statement Department is concerned about the growing trend of cocaine smuggling through Bahamian airports – particularly cases in which LPIA staff are implicated.
Man shot dead while on bail
A MURDER suspect was gunned down and three other men are in hospital after three separate shooting incidents in the capital Monday night.
Mother: I still have no answers
THE MOTHER of Tyronne “TJ” Saunders, the young man who mysteriously died while in police custody last June, said she is both hurt and angry that she still has no date for a Coroner’s inquest, while other cases are getting top priority.
$500,000 bill for building
THE government will have to spend upwards of half a million dollars to complete and “correct” renovations on a government building off John F Kennedy Drive that is planned to become the future home of the Attorney General’s Office.
PM not aware of COB cuts
AMID mounting debate over funding for the College of the Bahamas, Prime Minister Perry Christie claimed that “there was no proposed budget cuts” as far as he was aware.
Pinder: US traders target Bahamas for more imports
UNITED States Trade Representatives say they are interested in expanding the market for imports to the Bahamas, according to Financial Services Minister Ryan Pinder.
Boy, 12, accused of having sex with girl, 7
A 12-YEAR-OLD boy accused of having sex with a seven-year-old girl will no longer be tried in Supreme Court before a jury but before a Juvenile Panel.
Widow tells of hours before killing
THE widow of Chinese restaurant employee Wing Hong Chan said her husband was already being “worked on” by the time she arrived at Doctor’s Hospital following his shooting.
Bahamas joins UN women's conference
THE 57th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women opened this week at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, with the Bahamas among the 159 countries and national organisations scheduled to address the Session.
COB stages first ever natural history conference
THE first ever Bahamas National Natural History Conference began yesterday - and will continue until Friday at the College of the Bahamas.
Minister highlights importance of research
MINISTER of the Environment Ken Dorsett underscored the importance of research, conservation and environmental stewardship as he opened the Bahamas National Natural History Conference at the College of the Bahamas yesterday.
Young writers shine in essay contest
US Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman recognised all the students from Queen’s College who submitted essays in this year’s Dr Martin Luther King Jr Essay Contest and presented Jada Miller with the grand prize – a new Apple iPad.
Bimini welcomes renowned captain
ALICE TOWN — Following two highly successful wahoo fishing tournaments, the historic Big Game Club Resort & Marina has more world-class fishing news with the announcement that renowned Captain Chase Camacho will be offering regular blue water charters from Bimini starting on April 1.
Over-the-hill comes to life new pictorial account
IMAGES are central to making the story come to life in a new book by Bahamian author Rosemary Hanna.
Journey ends for Bahamian Idol contestant
THE AMERICAN Idol journey ended for Long Island’s own Mathenee Treco last week when he was eliminated during the sudden death round of competition. The Bahamian artist assured his fans, “Idol may have let me go, but I’m not going anywhere, God bless”.
BTC: Let's do business together
BTC is inviting entrepreneurs and business owners to learn more about the BTC franchise opportunities for up to 40 new BTC stores, kiosks and store-in-stores nationwide.
Albany's 'rock and roll' via 72% Marina unit sales
Albany’s developers yesterday said there was a “possibility” its high-end Marina Residences could be sold-out by summer 2013, telling Tribune Business this could trigger further expansion after achieving $400 million in real estate sales to-date.
Ex-BEC director: $100m 'poured out' after tariff cut
A former Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) director yesterday blasted the first Christie administration for the basic tariff reduction that caused “$100 million of equity to pour out” of the utility, arguing that it had never recovered from this.
Web shop gaming: US urges Bahamas to 'beef up' money laundering regime
The US government has urged the Bahamas to beef up its anti-money laundering safeguards ahead of this year’s impending expansion of casino and web shop gaming, describing the latter as an “illicit” industry that “flourishes” in this nation.
'Imagine the jobs if $600k electric bill slashed 25%'
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) “crisis” is driving entrepreneurs out of business, a leading private sector official warned yesterday, adding that the nationwide electricity bill for his company totalled $600,000 per annum.
BTC targets 40 store franchise roll-out
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) plans to expand its retail footprint with a projected 24-month roll-out of 12-15 franchise stores on New Providence, and 25 in the Family Islands.
MARKETING REVOLUTION: Test before you text
I read on CNN the other day that some people are texting in their sleep.
Cable unveils GB data centre
Cable Bahamas has unveiled its state-of-the-art Grand Bahama data centre, which is designed to provide commercial clients with histing and business continuity/disaster recovery services.
Sun 'n Fun execs set to host fly-out air show in Grand Bahama and Abaco
SUN ‘n Fun executives expect 30-35 persons to participate in a group fly-out to Grand Bahama and Marsh Harbour, Abaco this May. Top executives at Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, are advertising and promoting the Fly-Out to Grand Bahama and Marsh Harbour, scheduled to be held May 23-27 on the landing page of the Sun ‘n Fun website.
Fishermen's concern over oil spillages
The BAHAMAS Commercial Fishers Alliance (BCFA) has expressed “extreme disappointment” that the organisation has not been brought up to-date on several recent oil spills.
Tuesday, March 5
The National Insurance Board
EDITOR, The Tribune.
BTC restores Berry Islands services
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) reported yesterday that its services in Bullocks Harbour Islands had been fully restarted, nine days after a an external contractor accidentally caused the collapse of a communication tower.
A tour of Grand Bahama
THIS article was originally published in December 2009. Since then, Deepwater Cay has invested $10 million to expand and refurbish the resort, with new homes and a new clubhouse.
Hugo Chavez, fiery Venezuelan leader, dies at 58
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Hugo Chavez was a fighter. The former paratroop commander and fiery populist waged continual battle for his socialist ideals and outsmarted his rivals time and again, defeating a coup attempt, winning re-election three times and using his country's vast oil wealth to his political advantage.
THE WATCHWOMAN: Myles Munroe's dangerous doctrine for women
A sermon delivered by Dr Myles Munroe, president and founder of the Bahamas Faith Ministries International (BFMI), has been making its way around the social sphere generating a lot of debate.
Freshman runner of the year
For someone who doesn’t like competing indoors, Shaunae Miller is having the time of her life for the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Leo Morris helps lead Hurricanes to their first ACAA title
BAHAMIANS were the driving force behind the Holland College Hurricanes’ historic football milestones over the past few years. Now, on the basketball hardwood.
Amateur Boxing Federation of Bahamas to hold seminar
IN an effort to ensure that its coaches and members are kept abreast of the new rules, the Amateur Boxing Federation of the Bahamas is all set to hold a one-day seminar in the boxing centre at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday.
Caribbean Bottling company limited supports regatta
THE Caribbean Bottling Company Limited through Coca-Cola showed their support to the National Family Island Regatta Committee this past week, helping to sustain one of the most anticipated cultural sporting events of the year - the 60th National Family Island Regatta.
Sports inbrief
THE College of the Bahamas is scheduled to hold another tryout session for grade 11 and 12 male soccer players 4pm Wednesday at the COB soccer field.
Taxi driver's killer jailed for 21 years
A MAN who faced up to 35 years in prison for the manslaughter of his 66-year-old Long Island lover was sentenced to 21 years in prison yesterday.
Halkitis: No drastic cuts
THE government’s mid-year budget is a “fiscally responsible plan” that will get the country “ahead of the curve” without a need for drastic cuts to public programmes, State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis said yesterday.
Minnis: Where did money go?
THE Opposition, noting its majority membership on the Public Accounts Committee, said it will request “full disclosure” of what a previously borrowed $550 million was spent on, and also what a request for another $100 million is to be spent on.
'No excuses' over death in police custody
NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said there is no excuse for anyone dying in police custody unless they die of natural causes.
Concern over police attacks
NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said yesterday he is “concerned” about the recent attacks on two police officers in the Family Islands. He called the incidents “unacceptable”.
BEC staring at $40-$50m loss
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) executive chairman yesterday revealed the utility monopoly suffered a $12.7 million first quarter loss, telling Parliament this placed it on track to lose $40-$50 million in its 2013 financial year.
LPIA's completion to create 200 jobs
Around 200 full-time jobs will be created when the final stage of Lynden Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA) redevelopment is completed in November, Tribune Business was told yesterday, with tenders for the retail concessions already out to bid.
NAD hits record customer rating
The Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD) decision to increase staff levels by 50 workers has paid dividends by driving the airport’s customer satisfaction scores to their highest-ever level, its new chief executive said yesterday.
'The Fusion'
WHAT GOOD is an idea if it stays in your head? Bahamian entrepreneur Sarah Stubbs is proving the importance of this saying with her new and hip project “The Fusion Magazine”.
Scotia eyes 'flat' 2013 as new loans decline 7%
Scotiabank (Bahamas) is expecting a “flat to lower” net income performance for 2013, its managing director yesterday revealing that new loan volumes dropped 7 per cent year-over-year for 2012.
The making of a man
How do we frame men or make men? How does society see masculinity?
Banana-themed HIV prevention campaign erects wall murals
CAPTURING the attention of Bahamians through the use of loudly coloured murals across the island, the Ministry of Health’s banana-themed campaign continues to promote safe sex under the message “Don’t Get Caught Unpeeled”.
New mother uses experience to inspire entrepreneurship
YOUNG mother Bianca Carter knows from her own experience that pregnant women require a high level of attention, love and support.
Contractors seek board changes to stop 'politicisation'
The Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) yesterday said it wants to change the Board that will regulate the sector to one that has a majority of industry, as opposed to government, appointees in a bid to eliminate any possibility of political interference.
Content constructs character
If content constructs your character, where do you obtain your content?
Recurrent imbalance rose 1.7% pts in slump
The Government’s recurrent account “imbalance” grew by a sum equivalent to 1.7 per cent of GDP during the former Ingraham administration’s term in office, the minister of state for finance said yesterday.
Ex-Minister urges: 'Come Clean' on BEC
BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation (BEC) customers could soon be facing a tariff increase, a former Cabinet minister warned yesterday, telling this newspaper that they would inevitably be burdened with bringing the Corporation out of its financial “tailspin”.
Gov't targets strategy for external insurance
FINANCIAL Services Minister, Ryan Pinder, told Parliament yesterday his ministry is preparing to launch a new strategy to position the Bahamas for captive and international insurance business, while adding that the investment fund sector has been identified as having growth potential.
The sweetheart deal: Part 2
I recently took to Facebook to engage my reliable contacts in a discussion on Bahamian society and cheating as a norm.
Adventist wellness programme heads into ninth year
IN AN effort to help Bahamians make informed food choices, develop sound eating habits and become consistently involved in physical activity the Adventist Health Professionals Association (AHPA) launched its annual wellness programme.
Gov't promises full property tax reform
THE Government is looking to increase property tax revenues to 2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2016/2017, the minister of state for finance sad yesterday.
Monday, March 4
Trial begins over killing of Chinese restaurant worker
A CHINESE restaurant worker celebrating the Chinese New Year with family and friends stepped outside of his home to smoke a cigarette with his Samsung Galaxy phone in hand, the court heard yesterday.
Pupils enjoy the tattoo
MEMBERS of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, the K-9 Unit, and Fire Services conducted a mini-tattoo at the Mable Walker Primary School yesterday.
A royal meeting for Minister of Grand Bahama
HER Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent was in the Bahamas visiting her longtime friend, Lady Henrietta Saint George.
Planting a tree to grow a community
THE Bahamas National Pride Association believes better communities can be encouraged by the planting of fruit-bearing trees and the beautifying of abandoned inner city properties.
Entrepreneurs add the value, Governments take the taxes
IN 2003, public (government) revenue was projected to be $901 million dollars, with expenditures of $1.1 billion. Fast forwarding to 2012, if my figures are correct, it looks like revenue was projected at $1.5 billion and expenditures at $1.7 billion.
Three men recovering after night-time shooting
THREE men are recovering in hospital today after being shot outside a business establishment Sunday night.
A look into the shadows
THE pervasive sunshine for which this country is known casts deep shadows where over the years, poisonous secrets have accumulated.
One shot, one assaulted by gang of men
TWO police officers are in hospital today – one with a gunshot wound – after being attacked in two separate incidents over the weekend.
Drugs raids land massive $1M haul
OFFICERS of the Drug Enforcement Unit confiscated more than $1 million dollars worth of suspected marijuana in two separate drug raids on Friday, the biggest marijuana find for the year.
Global impact for study of Bahamas
A GROUNDBREAKING approach to tackling the social ills that plague the Bahamas has achieved impressive results and now is attracting international notice for its potential value to other societies.
Man shot dead in his car
A 20-year-old man became the country’s latest murder victim when he was shot to death in his vehicle early Saturday morning.
Haitian drug sloop causes oil spill
THE Department of Environmental Health reported that a 75-foot Haitian sloop that sank in Inagua’s Mathew Town harbour spilled a mixture of diesel and oil into the water.
'If govt cannot protect us, it should go'
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance leader Branville McCartney yesterday said that if the government cannot uphold the rule of law and protect the country’s citizens, it ought to be removed.
Gazebo a welcome addition to Lucaya National Park
THE most visited National Park in the Bahamas, Lucaya National Park in East Grand Bahama, has been in desperate need of more shelter and seating for tourists and locals.
Lawyer: Bid to fight injunction to cause extensive delay in case
NUMBERS boss lawyer Wayne Munroe is concerned that the government’s attempt to fight an injunction keeping web shops open could cause an extensive delay in the outcome of the case.
Memoirs from the political ring
NO Secretary-General of the Commonwealth has an easy time. Building consensus among countries large and small, rich and poor, black and white is extremely challenging, and, in the course of it, Secretaries-General are not only referees, sometimes they become the punching bag. In this context, Sir Don McKinnon’s Commonwealth Memoir is appropriately titled: “In the Ring”.
Police advice on suicides
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. Therefore due to the recent increase of this act within our nation, the Royal Bahamas Police Force recognises that Effective Prevention strategies are needed to promote awareness of suicide and encourage a commitment to social change
Are we flirting with a blacklist?
Pardon my ignorance to all of the laws as it relates banking, blacklisting and the United States various objections.
'Mid-80s' occupancies give Atlantis 'exceptional' March
Atlantis is eyeing an “exceptional” March with “across the board” occupancies in the low-mid 80 per cent ranges, its senior executive telling Tribune Business the resort had beaten early 2012 comparatives and was hitting this year’s performance targets.
Developer: ‘More sales calls in 2 months than last 2 years’
A leading developer has seen more sales inquiries during the initial months of 2013 than “in the last two years”, with the Bahamian real estate industry “anticipating” the Government will reduce all Stamp Duty rates to pre-2010 levels come the May Budget.
Bottled water 'not a sector to invest in'
THE Bahamian bottled water industry “is not the business to spend money in”, according to one leading manufacturer, who said the market was already “saturated”, with prices being driven by foreign competition.
Attach law writers to Financial Services Ministry, QC urges
A leading QC has urged the Government to attach a team of law writers to the Ministry of Financial Services, arguing that this would help the Bahamas reform “a whole basket of laws” before the deadline to comply with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) hits.
Job applicants exceed posts 10x at ex-Robin Hood
BUSINESSMAN Sandy Schaefer says he has distributed more than 1,100 applications for the 135-145 jobs that will be created when his new retail venture, ‘Shepherd’s Mart’, opens off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway by month’s end.
RUBIS tackles 'unfortunate' gas station leak
RUBIS executives say the company is actively addressing an underground gas leak at its Robinson Road station as part of a wider “clean-up” exercise stemming from its acquisition of the Bahamas’ Texaco business last year.
Walkine takes over at NAD
Vernice Walkine (left) has officially taken over the role of president and chief executive at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD). She is the first Bahamian to be appointed to this role at the airport management company formed six years ago to redevelop Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).
The debt we owe to TB
One week ago, the late Timothy Baswell Donaldson, CBE, affectionately known to those close to him simply as ‘TB’ or ‘Bassie’, passed into eternity. TB was no ordinary figure; he was a pioneer in the educational and financial services sectors, registering an unparalleled string of ‘firsts’ in his long and illustrious career.
$40m project rises on western PI
A $40 million project rising on the western end of Paradise Island is turning traditional real estate sales wisdom on its head - building multi-million dollar houses on spec during a challenging economy in a location no car can reach.
Shipyard services 17 liners in eight months
Freeport, Grand Bahama – The Grand Bahama Shipyard is expecting to work on 17 cruise ships in an eight-month period that ends in April 2013, as it bids to become a ‘one-stop’ facility.
CHAMBER VOICE: Turning youth into future advantage
We constantly hear about the challenges of employing younger persons in the workforce.
Sports in brief
THE defending champions Career Building Lady Cheetahs and last year’s runners-up Bommer G Lady Operators took the opening game of their respective New Providence Women’s Basketball Association best-of-three semifinal series at the DW Davis Gym on Saturday night.
Giants to face Cybots in NPBA final
Coach Perry Thompson knew that once his Commonwealth Bank Giants kept the ball out of the hands of the Police Crimestoppers’ guard Mitchell Johnson, they would be back to defend their title in the New Providence Basketball Association’s championship series.
CR Walker wins 10th straight title
COUNT it 10 straight for the CR Walker Knights as they were crowned the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s track and field champions again.
Sunday, March 3
Tourism minister reveals digital plans to help tourism
MINISTER of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said his ministry is launching new initiatives to boost the country’s tourism product.
Roles for Bahamian workers at resort
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said several local contractors and up to 150 persons are being employed to craft the unique facilities of The Cove, Eleuthera as well as the landscaping around the resort.
COBUS to hand in findings on effects of tuition rise
THE College of the Bahamas Union of Students intends to present the College Council with the findings of its survey into how students feel about the recommended tuition increase in wake of government’s cut to COB funding.
Saturday, March 2
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Crime and Punishment
Recently, controversy erupted over the issuance of a nolle prosequi by the Attorney General’s office that led to the discontinuance of a gun possession case against the former clients of Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson.
1,000 line up for 300 jobs
MORE than 1,000 job-seekers lined up outside the former Robin Hood grocery store yesterday to apply for 300 jobs when the store re-opens.
20-year-old shot dead
A 20-year-old man yesterday became the country’s latest murder victim after he was shot multiple times to the head.
Pre-school is robbed
A PRE-SCHOOL in western New Providence was robbed hours after police arrested a man for breaking into a church.
Friday, March 1
Nurses will be paid owed salary increases today
THE demands for unpaid salary increases to a group of nurses did not fall on deaf ears as officials have confirmed that payments will go out today.
PLP youth arm slams COB student union’s criticism of government
THE Progressive Young Liberals criticised the College of the Bahamas’ Union of Students yesterday for their “careless” and “imbecilic bashing” of the Christie administration over the purported cuts to the college’s subvention.
Five charged over $2m cocaine raid
FOUR Haitians and a Bahamian found themselves in Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged in connection with the recent $2 million cocaine raid in Inagua, days after six Haitians were charged in connection with a $780,000 cocaine raid that occurred on the same island a week earlier.
Dr porter ‘has not received any official arrest warrant’
DR ARTHUR Porter says he still has not received any official arrest warrant and defended himself against allegations surrounding the McGill University Health Centre, calling it a “perfect process” that is going up “on budget and on time.”
Sandals 'disappointed' with Punch story
Sandals Resorts International has released a statement in response to a story in the Punch newspaper with the headline: "PM Tells Sandals Boss Butch He has to Hire More Bahamians".
Victim pinned under landing gear at airport
A MAN was killed at the Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday after the landing gear of a plane he was working on collapsed, crushing his skull.
Bacardi buyers to heat up bottled water market
The investor group that acquired the former Bacardi plant is set to go head-to-head with Aquapure and Chelsea’s Choice by entering the reverse osmosis water market in April/May 2013, believing it can achieve “equal market share” with the incumbents.
'Thousands of jobs' via high-tech school plan
The owners of the former Bacardi plant are in talks with another investor group about establishing a “technical school for high-end IT services” at the southern New Providence site, a move that was yesterday billed as potentially creating “thousands of Bahamian jobs”.
Small business restructure to 'cease political interference'
The proposed Small and Medium-Sized Business Development Agency (SMEDA), which will have a $25 million initial capitalisation, is structured as a “one stop-shop” and designed “to minimise political interference”.
Bahamian artist to exhibit work at the Venice Biennale
DOWNTOWN Nassau, the North Pole and Venice’s historic shipyard will all be linked by a Bahamian artist at a major festival.
Four charged over $3m marijuana discovery
FOUR men from Bimini appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday, accused of conspiring to possess and import nearly $3 million worth of marijuana found at sea two weeks ago.
Nurses will elect new executives this month
UNIONISED nurses throughout the Bahamas will head to the polls later this month to elect a new group of executives, MP and Bahamas Nurses Union president Cleola Hamilton confirmed yesterday.
ACCORDING TO ME: The Mid-Year Budget that wasn't
I BEGIN by pointing out that the government says it spent $956 million in fixed and capital costs in five months, between the period of July and December 2012.
Sheraton donates bedding to Bahamian charities
THE Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort and Casino donated bedding to three outstanding Bahamian charities: the Bahamas Red Cross Society, The Salvation Army of The Bahamas and the All Saints Camp.
Golfers visit Bahamas ahead of major event
Professional golfers Paige Mackenzie and Belen Mozo were on course yesterday to promote the upcoming Pure Silk-Bahamas Ladies Professional Golf Association Classic.
Despite 20% sales growth, business 'ain't what it was'
A Bahamian businessman said yesterday he had seen “slight growth” of 20 per cent in sales at his Prince Charles Drive company, while noting that business “is not like it used to be”.
Hilton bids put Bahamas 'back in play' on FDI
THE MINISTER of State for Investments has confirmed “multiple offers” have been made to acquire downtown Nassau’s British Colonial Hilton hotel, proving that the Bahamas was “back in play” in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
GB Chamber invited to explore Haiti
Freeport, Grand Bahama - The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) has been updated on Haiti’s progress since the devastating earthquake by its Ambassador to the Bahamas, Antonio Rodrigue. “We are honoured today to welcome his Excellency to our chamber,” said Barry Malcolm, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president.
Bahamas is urged: 'Move quickly, but carefully, on plane registry'
The Bahamas needs “quick but careful movement” in establishing a competitive international aircraft registry, an attorney warning that its competitors had already made “great inroads” and stolen a march on it.
Property tax amnesty 'can be more generous'
A leading accountant yesterday said the Government should be “collecting a lot more revenue from real property tax”, praising it for its plans to combat this but also noting that its incentive programme could “have been more generous” towards current payers.
Knights hold seven point lead
THE defending champions CR Walker Knights hold a slim seven-point lead over the CV Bethel Stingrays going into the final day of competition in the senior segment of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s Track and Field Championships.
Bahamas ready to host Carifta Games
With just about a month to go, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the National Sports Authority and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations have all confirmed that the Bahamas will be ready to host the BTC Carifta Games in the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium over the Easter holiday weekend.
A total transformation for 'gem of the region'
WHILE the infrastructure is continuing to be developed in the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium, the landscaping throughout the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center has been totally and uniquely transformed.
Junior achievers stage their annual business conference
JUNIOR achievers of the flagship “Company Programme” staged their annual business conference.
Rumours of plane crash at airport corrected by police
AIRPORT officials and police corrected widespread rumours of plane crash at the Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday.
