Man wants to lead tours; government says he can clean toilets

Read storyA descendent of slaves from the Whylly plantation wants to do more than clean toilets at the Clifton Heritage site.

Vivian Whylly, 47, who was knighted by the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem because of his ancestry, his historical knowledge and his dedication to protect the former plantation, said the Clifton Heritage Authority will only hire him to weed the gardens or clean toilets.

“In any other country a descendent of something like this would be looked at as something other than a problem,” Whylly said.

Whylly said William Whylly, the plantation's owner, was a loyalist who fought for slaves rights when he came to The Bahamas. He was the first chief justice and also served as attorney general, Whylly said, who uncovered a lot of information about the site through his research at the National Archives.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Police seek teacher suspected of molesting two boys

Read storyPolice may soon seek international support in their search for a teacher accused of molesting two male students.

Officials are ready to charge the teacher with multiple "unnatural sexual intercourse" offenses but are not sure if he is still in The Bahamas.

Police say they know he left the island at some point but are not sure whether the suspect returned.

Police could not confirm the teacher's nationality but said he has permanent resident status. Authorities say they plan to issue a global all-points bulletin for him.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Government spent $800,000+ to help citizens

Read storyNearly 8,000 people asked for government assistance in the last four months of 2008 compared to 960 during the same period in 2007.

During his contribution to a senate debate, Minister of Labour and Social Development, Dion Foulkes, said the government spent $857,000 in aid to citizens, including:

$500,000 to help 900 people with their Bahamas Electricity Corporation bills
$260,000 to help 430 people with rent
$50,000 in medical assistance
$47,000 on assistance with bills from the Water and Sewerage Corporation

These figures don't include assistance given in Grand Bahama or the family islands, which Foulkes said also increased

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Detention Centre releases limited info, refuses tour request

Read storyThe Immigration Department has released some information from a recent visit to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

Recently, psychologist David Allen, Social Services director Melanie Zonical, Archdeacon James Palacious, Royal Bahamas Defence Force senior lieutenant Frederick Brown and director of Immigration Jack Thompson toured the facility, although their reports on the tour were not released.

The Tribune asked to tour the facility but Immigration officials refused the request.

Detainees were interviewed in the presence of their supervisors, although immigration officials say they spoke candidly.

Thompson said they are already working to implement recommendations from Dr Allen and Father Palacious including indoor games, televisions and more books.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Minister said Perry Christie should hang his head in shame

Read storyNational Security Minister Tommy Turnquest said former Prime Minister Perry Christie should "hang his head in shame" over what he says is a clear conflict of interest.

Turnquest was speaking about Calsey Johnson, who, as former chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas, received a commission when he recommended that the corporation invest $750,000 in pension funds in CLICO Bahamas.

It is unclear how much, if any, of the funds will be recovered.

"(Johnson) has acknowledged that he has collected a commission, and he has acknowledged that he was a part of the decision making body. Having acknowledged both of those, there is clearly a conflict," Turnquest said.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
 

National airlines say business is good

Read storyAlthough many sectors of the country are suffering in the recent economic challenges, airlines operating in the country seem to be doing well.

Southern Air Charters, Sky Bahamas and Pineapple Air all told The Guardian that business is good. All three have regular flights from New Providence to various family islands.

Southern Air said they have seen no falloff in customers, Sky Bahamas said sales have gone up and Pineapple Air said they did feel some impact but that business is "fairly good".

The Nassau Guardian

Newest senator says government not doing enough for Grand Bahama

Read storyThe PLPs newest senator says the government needs to do more for Grand Bahama.

In his first speech, Dr Michael Darville said more money should be spent on training on the island. He warned that despite large investments from the Grand Bahama Port Authority, their loyalty is to their investors, who are not Bahamians.

The Nassau Guardian

The man who started Pindling controversy has no regrets

Read storyThe son of Chauncey Tynes Jr, who's mysterious disappearance and connections to drugs and politics have been much discussed in the last week , has called to thank the Tribune for highlighting his father's death.

Kino Tynes called the newspaper from the Turks and Caicos where he works. "“I never got to meet my dad,” he said. “I have been asking questions all the 28 years I have been alive.”

Defending its decision to publish a story that suggested former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling may have been connected to the pilot's disappearance, The Tribune said PLP leader Perry Christie contradicted a statement he made when he was fired from Sir Lynden's cabinet in 1984.

“For the better part of this year, the extent to which commitment to service with integrity has been eroded in the Bahamas has proven the cause for concern at every level of our society.

“Indeed, it has gone beyond our national boundaries and brought our nation’s integrity into question."

Chauncey Sr, who's supcisions that his son was killed for "knowing too much" formed the basis of the controversial story, said he has no regrets about what he said.

Dr Ian Strachan, head of the English Department at the College of The Bahamas, said the issue is one that should be debated objectively and nationally.

“I think the conversation coming from the opposite end is so shrill, so angry, and condemnatory, and also so grand-standing, and even opportunistic, I don’t think it’s actually helping us have a public conversation about it," Dr Strachan said.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Protected park has five times the average fish population

Read storyProtected park has five times the average fish population

Fifty years after The Bahamas created its first national park, scientists returned to the spot that led to its creation.

Returning to Exuma allowed officials from the Bahamas National Trust, coral reef experts, botanists and scientists from the Nature Conservancy to see what has changed in half a century.

Experts found that the island is nearly exactly as it was discovered. With the exception of an out-of-control hutia population, there were many positive findings, including a healthy fish population five times the national average.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Bike rider celebrates ten years car free

Read storyA bike mechanic who got rid of his car ten years ago said he has saved $5,000 a year and lowered his blood pressure.

Douglas Fawkes, 53, said he cycles about 2,500 miles a year and is encouraging more Bahamians to join him.

Fawkes would like to see bike lessons in schools and recommends that anyone who lives less than five miles from their job to try riding instead of driving.

Full Story in The Tribune here

PLP leader says Pindling drug story is vile garbage

Read storyPLP leader Perry Christie said the article suggesting Sir Lynden Pindling may have been connected to the disappearance of a pilot was the "vilest, most vicious and sickest piece of garbage" he has ever read.

Speaking from PLP headquarters Wednesday, Christie said the article did not give evidence for its allegations.

The former prime minister accused Tribune editor John Marquis of exploiting the pilot's father and former PLP backbencher, Chauncey Tynes Sr, in order to defame Sir Lynden.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here Page 1

Christie's full statement here Page 7

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

More Tribune stories on this topic here

Antique Car Show Saturday

Read storyThe 22nd annual Antique Car Show will be held this Saturday at Arawak Cay – free to the public.

Steak and chicken dinners will be on sale with all proceeds going to the Bilney Lane Home for Children and the Every Child Counts Learning Centre in Abaco.

Children will be invited to participate in an art contest that includes drawing one of the cars on display. Prizes will be awarded one week after the show.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Prime Minister in Belize for CARICOM conference

Read storyCaribbean leaders began a two-day conference in Belize yesterday, as they met for the 20th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government meeting.

High on the agenda are the world economy, the G20's position on offshore banking and the collapse of CLICO.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Students turn construction site into art

Read storyBahamian artists have turned a construction site into art, transforming Woodes Rogers walk with their creations.

Students from the College of the Bahamas, the National Art and Craft Enrichment Programme, D W Davis and recent high school graduates have painted murals on plywood sheets erected around the site of the former Straw Market.

Timothy Nottage, director of the art project, said, "It adds an aesthetic appeal to the waterfront where the tourists have to pass, rather than having an eyesore,”

Imagine if we can do this for all those dilapidated buildings and all those eyesores that are downtown. "

Full Story and photos in The Tribune here

ZNS chairman earned commission on CLICO investment

Read storyFormer chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas admitted he earned a commission when the corporation invested $800,000 of pension funds in CLICO (Bahamas).

Chairman Calsey Johnson was an executive at CLICO before moving to BCB's board and was still serving as an independent agent at the time of the investment.

Johnson said he did not consider his recommendation a conflict of interest.

BCB's current chairman Michael Moss said in earlier reports he had no idea when or how the pension funds ended up at CLICO.

Moss and union officers want answers about why the money was invested and how much they can expect to get back.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

BTVI students get $8,000 from walkathon

Read storyAbout 90 people turned out for a walkathon to support students of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute last Saturday.

The walkathon, which went from the Old Trail Campus to the foot of the Paradise Island Bridge and back, raised $8,000 in donations, sponsorship and registration fees.

Photos from the walkathon here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Students compete to see who can earn the most money

Read storyStudents from 12 schools are testing their financial know-how to see how well they can perform in the struggling economy.

As part of an annual course sponsored by the CFAL investment firm, students manage virtual portfolios based on actual companies.

Prizes of $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 are awarded to the top three teams. Winners are chosen based on who has made the most money from their investment.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Inmates at Detention Centre are denied visitors

Read storyAccording to reports from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, detainees who gave reports of abuse and poor conditions at the facility are being denied visitors and access to newspapers.

There were also reports of some improvements at the centre, including better food.

Information from a visit to the centre by Immigration Director Jack Thompson, Defence Force Commodore Clifford Scavella, representatives from the department of social services and psychologist Dr David Allen have still not been released.

The Tribune said it had received copies of letters from citizens of Germany, Canada and Spain appealing for an independent investigation into the centre.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Bahamas celebrates 60th Commonwealth Day

Read storyAs a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, The Bahamas celebrated the sixtieth Commonwealth Day on Monday.

Speaking at a celebration ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Brent Symonette pointed out some of the ways The Bahamas has played a key role in Commonwealth Affairs, including hosting a
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1985.

During that meeting, the Commonwealth Accord on South Africa was adopted. The accord played a pivotal role in dismantling South Africa's apartheid regime.

A list of Members of the Commonwealth of Nations here

Full Story in The Tribune here
 

Judge rules that Doctor was negligent

Read storyA judge has ruled in favor of a patient who accused his doctor of misdiagnosing a condition that eventually caused his heart to fail.

Senior Justice John Lyons ruled Wednesday that Dr Ian Kelly was negligent in dealing with his patient Christopher Rogers.

Rogers first visited Kelly in October 2005 complaining of a month-long fever.

Judge Lyons reasons for the decision will be outlined in a forthcoming ruling as well as what damages will be awarded to Rogers.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Minister said PMH prescription wait being fixed

Read storyHealth Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the public was justified in complaints about the long wait for prescriptions but has pledged to fix the problem.

Hundreds of people were waiting for hours at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday. Dr Minnis waited for two hours himself when he went to the pharmacy to try it for himself.

Minnis said Tuesday's problem came after three pharmacists called in sick to an already short-staffed section. The minister said five pharmacists will soon be hired but added that that would still not be enough.

In addition he is preparing to meet with pharmacists to allow some people, especially the elderly, to get their medication outside of PMH.

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Female teacher accused of student sex abuse

Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: Police are investigating sex allegations involving a female teacher and a male student at Eight Mile Rock High School.

A Freeport newspaper reported that the school's principal pulled the teacher from school for a couple of days.

This is the second time the Grand Bahama school has been in the spotlight because of accusations against a teacher.

Earlier this year a male teacher resigned after two male students accused him of years of sexual abuse.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

National Insurance wants to prosecute 300 employers

Read storyThe National Insurance Board (NIB) is looking to prosecute about 300 employers for not paying contributions.

NIB Board Director Algernon Cargill has warned that anyone who receives a court summons to attend since the next step is a warrant of arrest.

Cargill also said police have been more aggressive in executing warrants.

A statement issued by the NIB said if collection polices do not become more efficient, the national insurance program could be threatened around 2032.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Caribbean regulators from 18 countries to discuss CLICO failure

Read storyRegulators from 18 countries met in Trinidad & Tobago yesterday to discuss the collapse of CLICO and what can be learned.

"It will be a review of the entire regulatory process to understand lessons learnt," Lennox McCartney, Bahamas Registrar of Insurance, said on Wednesday.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian herePage 1

Full Story in The Tribune here

TED: Good health doesn't always come in a bottle

Some good news about healing. The video gives clear evidence on how quickly simple changes can make a big difference to the quality of your life.

Chinese workers say Bahamian company mistreated them

Read storyChinese workers caused a scene after news that they would be sent back to China, saying they have not been paid for months of work and have been treated unfairly.

ER Hanna Construction told half of its 26 workers that they were no longer needed Tuesday. Workers upset by the announcement became aggressive and administrators called Immigration and police officers to escort them from the scene.

The workers say they have not been paid since December and have not been given enough food and water at the site.

Tameka Hanna of ER Hanna said the company pays an agency in China which is responsible for paying the workers. Hanna said the company made water available and hired a chef to cook three meals a day.

Although they have paid for 12 work permit renewals, Hanna said she is not sure if the others will stay after yesterday's incident.

The Nassau Guardian

More info in Pindling drug ties story

Read storyA woman believes her husband was killed along with a young pilot because he knew "too much" about the country's drug trade.

Ann Moree, now 55, said a few days before her husband Donald disappeared, two men came to their house and threatened them.

Moree said a few days later he boarded a flight with Chauncey Tynes Jr and was never seen again. That was 26 years ago.

Tynes worked for Columbian drug dealer Joe Lehder. In a controversial story by The Tribune, Tynes Sr said his son told him that he frequently carried cash from Lehder to former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling.

A police source told The Tribune that a few days before his disappearance police caught Tynes on a plane filled with cocaine and expected him to testify soon.

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

See other CBN stories about this subject here

New Yorker drowns near Bimini

Read storyPolice suspect that 73-year-old American Richard Merril drowned during a dive near Bimini.

Merill, who was visiting from New York, was pronounced dead at about 3pm Monday.

He had been on a dive with about 20 other divers near Cat Cay, about 8 miles south of Bimini. An autopsy will be done to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone who believes they can assist with investigations should call 322-4444.

The Nassau Guardian

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Hundreds frustrated by wait for prescriptions

Read storyHundreds of Bahamians were frustrated by long lines for prescriptions from Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday.

Hospital officials say they are facing a number of challenges including not enough staff especially pharmacists.

They said however that the wait was not due to new patient software (see story here) or a lack of medication.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Police need help in 6-year-old sex assault case

Read storyPolice want the public's help to find the boys connected with the sexual assualt of a six-year-old girl.

Although investigations are still underway, officers are stuck.

"We're not in a position to charge anybody," Elsworth Moss, Head of the Central Detective Unit said Tuesday.

The girl has returned to school and is doing well according to Tribune sources.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Food store security guard stabbed by thieves

Read storyA security guard at the Village Road City Market food store was stabbed when he tried to stop three men from trying to steal from the shop.

Kernio Dulcio, 30, approached the men about 8pm Monday but they attacked him, beating him and stabbing him in the back.

Dulcio was taken to hospital with serious injuries and discharged Tuesday morning.

Police have two 16-year-old suspects in custody.

Anyone who may be able to assist in the police investigation should call 919, 322-444, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-8477.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Government may ask for help before Miss Universe

Read storyThe government may seek help from the private sector to improve the airport in time for the Miss Universe Pageant.

Tourism minister Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace said the ministry has often asked for financial support from the private sector and especially the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Bahamas says goodbye to one of its first ambassadors

Read storyThe Bahamas' first ambassador to Washington DC passed away last week.

In addition to his political contribution, Livingston B Johnson served as a Magistrate and donated his legal services to local institutions.

Member of Parliament for Exuma George Smith said Johnson, originally from Exuma, will be dearly missed.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Antigua made deal with Britain not to seek death penalty

Read storyProsecutors in Antigua have been blocked from seeking the death penalty by an agreement with Britain.

The island asked for help after a Welsh couple on honeymoon was killed last year.

Scotland Yard agreed to help but only if the government agreed not to carry out the death penalty.

Two local men, Avie Howel, 18, and Kaniel Martin, 21, were charged with murder last August.

Read more here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Pindling drug story praised and hated

Read storyAn article connecting former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling and Columbian Drug dealer Joe Lehder has attracted praise and condemnation.

The Tribune article (available here, Part II here) suggested that pilot Chauncey Tynes was killed because he knew of the close connection between the country's first Prime Minister, Lehder and a senior police officer.

Former PLP backbencher Edmund Moxey supported the article, saying "young Bahamians need to know their history".

Political activist Paul Moss said the article was "repulsive" and a "desecration".

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Broken barge means no water for eastern New Providence

Read storyResidents of eastern New Providence have had little to no water for the last two weeks because of a problem with the barge that brings water daily.

The Water and Sewerage Corporation said the barge is being repaired in Florida and should be operational again by the end of the week.

Water has been off for the last two weekends for some and low otherwise.

Residents with low or no water for extended periods are asked to call 302-5599.

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Officers from 8 countries at Defence Force for training

Read story
Officers from the US Coast Guard gave lessons in boarding vessels and the differences between cooperative and uncooperative suspects.

US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Matthew Rouse demonstrated how to attack pressure points, handcuffing procedures as well as how and when to use more force.

Officers from defense services from The Bahamas, St Vincent and Grenadines, St Kitts- Nevis, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Belize, Barbados and the Dominican Republic were all at the Coral Harbour base Monday for Exercise Tradewinds 2009.

More photos here

Fisherman sells boat to avoid jail

Read storyA fisherman sold his boat after a judge told him to pay his National Insurance or face jail time.

Colin Fox, 53, owed $700 in National Insurance contributions.

He said he had received no warning about his lack of payment until he was summoned to court.

In a panic he sold his boat for half its retail value to avoid a prison term.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Baha Mar announces new deals with China

Read storyThe president of Baha Mar Resorts recently announced an agreement signed with Chinese investors to go ahead with the multi-billion dollar resort.

Although the agreements are described by hotel executives as preliminary, they include deals with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation to build the resort and a memorandum of understanding regarding project financing was signed with Export-Import Bank of China.

Baha Mar President Dan Robinson announced the agreements in China but, speaking to The Guardian at a seminar in the Bahamas, CEO Sarkiz Izmirlian said:

"The China State Construction Company will be the general contractor and [will] build the project. They will also be an investor in the project and then the China Exim Bank will finance the project."

"We're going to be operating the casino and the casino hotel and we're the developer. We put all this thing together."

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Government approves food price increase

Read storyThe government has approved price increases for several basic food items, including evaporated milk, butter, sugar, cheese, flour, and margarine.

A few items also went down in price. See the full story for more prices and differences in the family islands.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Miss Teen Bahamas – apply online

Read storyYoung women interested in this year's Theodore Elyett’s Miss Teen
Bahamas have been invited to apply online at www.missteenbahamasworld.com.

An information session will be held this Saturday at the Wyndham Nassau Resort.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Woman on woman cutlass attack

Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: A 27-year-old woman is in hospital after she was attacked by a woman with a cutlass Friday.

The woman, a resident of Jervis Crescent was attacked in the Garden Villas area. She was in Rand Memorial Hospital up to Monday evening.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Abaco crime reports resume

Read storyABACO: Assistant Commissioner of Police Hulan Hanna said police will again be making reports available to the press in Abaco.

The publishers of The Abaconian, David and Kathy Ralph were concerned last week after Supt Sean Neville-Smith allegedly told the local newspaper that it would no longer receive crime reports “because they reflect badly on the police.”

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Doctor made several mistakes according to witness

Read storyA doctor made several errors in treating one of his patients and it might have led to heart failure, a court heard Monday.

Dr Andrew Selwyn, a cardiologist from Boston, said Dr Ian Kelly should have done several things differently in the case of Christopher Rogers.

Rogers, whose heart failed after weeks under Kelly's care, has taken legal action against the doctor.

Selwyn said Kelly should have been concerned about Rogers high score on a type of blood test, should have done a differential diagnoses and should have noticed the patient's fever and weight loss, which he said was a clear sign of infection.

Failure to figure out what was wrong with Rogers worsened his condition and caused more damage.

Eventually the infection spread to Roger's heart.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Former minister has stroke during sermon

Read storyFormer PLP minister Kendal Nottage had a pacemaker implanted after he suffered a stroke Sunday.

Nottage, who left politics for the church in 1992, ended a sermon abruptly and was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

His brother, Dr Bernard Nottage said the minister had not suffered any brain damage although they are monitoring him closely.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Amnesty asks public to get involved

Read storyAmnesty International has renewed it's calls for inspections at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

In a letter issued to media as well as several ministers, the group said it is concerned about reports that inmates, including women and children, are marched outside three times a day for head counts and are pushed around with officers guns.

Other reports include overcrowding problems, inmates sleeping on the floor and a lack of appropriate attention to asylum requests.

Amnesty International wants an independent investigation and has asked the public to request an immediate and thorough investigation into claims of abuse at the centre.

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Expectant father becomes murder victim 13

Read storyA taxi driver was fatally shot at The Big Yard nightclub early Monday morning.

Gentry McPhee became the 13th murder victim this year aftare an argument turned more violent.

Shots injured his abdomen and hand. He died soon after arriving at Princess Margaret Hospital.

McPhee and his wife were expecting their second child in seven months.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

TED: How to make happiness

I think psychologist Dan Gilbert offers some startling perspectives on happiness in this talk. He can be a little convoluted at times but it's worth watching more than once.

Most interesting was the value of synthetic happiness, which is human's ability to feel good about a situation even when it seems impossible.

Gilbert also shows how choice can be the enemy of happiness.

He has another talk that I plan to share soon so if you don't like this one you probably want to mark it boring.

PM Warns: $60m shipyard is not necessarily permanent

Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: A new $60 million drydock opened in Grand Bahama last Saturday, expanding a service that already serves 70 percent of the cruise ships in the region.

The drydock is one of the largest in the world at 310 meters by 54 meters wide.

It is the third drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

At the opening, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham welcomed the investment but also expressed a note of caution:
"We here in the Bahamas are fully cognizant of another reality and that is this shipyard is mobile. It can be picked up and taken away any day."

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Additional coverage in The Tribune here

CoB developing Creole textbook

Read storyThe College of The Bahamas is working on what could become the most functional and up-to-date Creole textbook.

Lecturer Frenand Leger has been given a $3,500 research grant to develop a textbook focused on modern teaching methods.

Leger envisions a text with photos of Haitian people and culture accompanied by audio lessons, a workbook and a website.

The move is part of the College's aim to encourage research and increase its international presence. Last year CoB awarded thousands of research dollars to faculty to pursue various projects.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Child's body found in burnt home

Read storyFirefighters discovered what they believe is the body of a four-year-old girl in a home that burned down Saturday night.

Neighbors who tried to stop the fire say the building was engulfed in flames when they got there.

They told The Tribune that the child was in her stepfather's care and was alone in the house at the time.

The death is the first fire-related death of 2009.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)

Bahamians have $23 million tied to CLICO - including pensions

Read storyBahamians have $23 million tied into long term investments in CLICO Bahamas, including $800,000 in ZNS pension funds and $3 million in annuity payments from Bahamasair.

There are nearly 400 similar accounts in CLICO's records; some deposits range from $100, others are several million.

At least four people have accounts of more than $1 million.

Prime Minister Ingraham said last week it was too early to tell if policy holders would lose money as a result of the company's liquidation.

He also said that annuity holders "are not likely to be as favorably rewarded at the end of the day as some other policyholders."

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Junkanoo heads to Georgia

Read storyJunkanoo is heading to Georgia this week, as Barabbas and the Tribe prepare for their annual visit.

Quenton "Barabbas" Woodside originally took the group as a birthday present to his friend, Jack Flanigan who lives in Tybee Island.

The group was a hit, performing at Flanigan's restaurant and in the town's St. Patrick's Day Parade.

That was in 2004 and Woodside has been back every year since, despite increasing difficulty finding funding to make the trip.

This year he is appealing to the public for support for what has become an unofficial Junkanoo ambassadorship.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Thieves attacks former MP's business and home in one night

Read storyAn attack on his Sunburst Paint store was simply a way to get business owner Leslie Miller out of his house in order to rob him according to reports.

Miller, a former MP, said he rushed to his store at about 11pm Friday after he found out that several of his store windows were broken by a man with a hammer.

On the way to the store he remembered finding the door of his home tampered with earlier that day and so he phoned police.

Miller returned home to learn that someone had indeed broken into his home and taken cash from his nightstand.

He thinks the attackers were scared by the police, Miller said, thanking them for responding quickly.

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)

Freeport landmarks demolished to prepare for oil tanks

Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: Explosives brought down some of Freeport's best-known landmarks Saturday when three concrete stacks built by the BORCO plant were demolished.

The stacks, which were several hundred feet high, were demolished to make way for the construction of tanks that will store 22 million barrels of oil.

The tanks are part of a $250 - $300 million dollar project by Vopak Terminal Bahamas.

T J Huizer, managing director of Vopak, said the company already has a large impact on global oil flow, pointing out that three quarters of the oil used in Puerto Rico is stored at their terminal in Freeport.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Bahamian student comes first in Florida spelling bee

Read storyBahamian students took part in the Knights of Columbus Annual Spelling Bee Competition in Kissimmee, Florida (photos) over the weekend.

Sponsored by local chapters of the KoC, Yelena Persaud from St Francis de Sales School in Abaco placed first in her division.

Persaud had finished behind Maya Francis from Xaviers Lower School in the 42nd Annual Catholic Archdiocese Spelling Bee Competition in Nassau. Francis also took part in the weekend bee but failed to place in her division.

District grand knight Gregory Christie said: "Our knights throughout the Bahamas are pleased to have assisted these students in their opportunity to compete in this one-day event among their peers from around the state of Florida.

“We’ve had previous winners and runners-up at this event and we’re extremely proud that our first ever entrant from Abaco was able to return this year as champion speller in her division.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Birdwatchers come from 20 countries to learn, share

Read storyBird watchers from 20 countries in the Caribbean took part in a recent workshop on bird studies.

The workshop, held by the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds (SCSCB), included information on monitoring techniques, effective conservation, and managing local and visiting bird species.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Family says police think they should 'get over it'

Read storyAfter reading about crew members of an American sailboat trespassing, chasing endangered birds and eventually killing and roasting their pet duck, a local family feels that police are not taking them seriously.

Peter Graham and his family read about the Americans' visit to the island on their blog, which included photos of the family's pet duck plucked and about to be cooked.

Graham's daughter, Amanda said the police have shown a lack of interest, even hanging up on the family when they call for updates.

"We filed a complaint and they haven’t done anything," Amanda said.

"The general perception is that we should just get over it but they are not seeing the bigger picture here, and perhaps that is the mentality of the police themselves."

Full Story in The Tribune here

See other CBN stories about this subject here

700 Students transfer from private school to public

Read storyIn the last six months, 762 students have moved from private schools to government schools.

Education Minister Carl Bethel said the transfers happened between September of last year and February 18.

Bethel said public schools will not refuse any students because of overcrowding: "We all must make room. This is critical and a matter of firm policy".

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

New farming projects could mean more, better local food

Read storyA number of agricultural projects could change the way Bahamians eat and support the economy.

Executive chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation Edison Key told the House of Assembly about a number of ways the government is working to improve agriculture:

• The North Andros Agricultural Expansion Project – 561 acres in Andros for growing export-quality vegetables, citrus, tropical fruits and livestock
  
• Two refrigerated trailers offered at a "nominal" fee to help farmers get their goods to market in the best condition possible.
  
• Meetings between farmers and buyers will continue with an aim to get produce to markets throughout the country

Full Story in The Tribune here

$2 million owed in immigration fees

Read storyCompanies in Nassau and Grand Bahama owe more than $2million in to the immigration department.

In his contribution to the budget debate, Immigration Minister Branville McCartney said $834,718 is owed from 70 companies in Nassau and $1.5 million from 330 companies in Grand Bahama.

The Minister said "As for those companies who owe the department
money, the department will not be minded to issue further renewals without either a settlement of outstanding fees or a payment plan arrangement".

McCartney also stated spending figures:

• $11.76 million on salaries including $3 million for overtime
  
• $2 million for repatriation exercises
  
• $1.3 million for Family Island operations
  

Full Story in The Tribune here

Girl missing since February - Photo

Read story

Eldricka Ingraham has been missing since February 17th.

The 14-year-old D W Davis student went to school in her uniform - a green plaid skirt and yellow blouse - and has not been seen since.

She is about 4 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 110 pounds. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the police at

919
324-2030
502-9991
328-TIPS

The Nassau Guardian

Full Story in The Tribune here

Unemployment levels highest in 15 years

Read storyAbout half the people unemployed in Grand Bahama lost their job in the last six months. In Nassau that number is about a third for the same time period.

As speculation about job loss grows, the Department of Statistics prepared a report ahead of its usual schedule. It showed that unemployment rose from 8.7% in May to 12.1% last month.

In Nassau that means 16,315 people of the 134,400-person workforce are without a job and 4,195 out of 28,820 in Grand Bahama.

The unemployment levels are the highest they have been since 1994.

The Nassau Guardian

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Minister accused of hiring PLP supporters

Read storyFinance Minister Zhivargo Laing has accused former Public Works Minister Bradley Roberts of giving instructions to hire PLP supporters at the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation.

Speaking at the House of Assembly, Laing submitted a list of about 100 names suggested for employment. Roberts name is listed near many of the applicants approved for employment.

The names of other MPs are written next to other employees hired and so are notes such as “strong party supporter”.

Roberts said the Laing has used the document to mislead. When asked where the document came from, the former minister told reporters to “ask Zhivargo Laing that".

After Laing tabled the document, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham stood to shake his hand and tell him he was "very proud".

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in the Tribune here (Page A1)

Man pleads guilty to car scam

Read storyShane Mackey, 28, pled guilty to stealing $14,700 from seven people on Friday.

Mackey collected deposits from people interested in buying cars. Customers found him through ads he placed in the classified section of local newspapers.

He is expected to return to court for sentencing today (Monday).

The Nassau Guardian

Full Story in The Tribune here

Court releases man accused of sex with 10-year-old

Read storyA court has suspended its case against a man accused of sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl because of the length of time it has taken for his trial to proceed.

The man was arraigned on March 30, 2005. He did not receive bail as he has no legal status in the country.

Supreme Court Justice Jon Isaacs said: “I am satisfied that the applicant’s right to have a fair trial within a reasonable time has been infringed when regard is had to the penalty that may be imposed."

If convicted, the man would have face seven years in jail, the maximum sentence; four if he did not break prison rules.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Woman badly injured in student fight

Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: A woman suffered multiple face fractures when she tried to stop a group of students from fighting.

Students from the Eight Mile Rock High School (EMRHS) were fighting at a nearby KFC restaurant when a female KFC worker tried to stop them and was hit in the face with a rock.

Police say they are trying to determine who was involved in the fight and who was just watching.

Some of the students may face criminal charges.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Casino closing leaves 234 jobs in doubt

Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: The Isle of Capri casino announced Tuesday that it will not renew its lease in May leaving 234 employees jobless if a new operator does not take over.

Casino officials said the company is shutting down operations in the United Kingdom as well and plans to concentrate on its 18 American properties.

Greg Moss, president of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, said:
"It's a fair comment to make that any termination of employment in Grand Bahama has a like effect as if it was a multiple of five times when compared to Nassau," Moss said. "So if you look at 100 people being terminated in Grand Bahama, it's like 500 people being terminated in New Providence when you look at the respective population sizes. So clearly, it will have a massive impact."

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Woman terrorized by Immigration officers may sue

Read storyA woman who said she and her daughter were unnecessarily terrified by officers from the Immigration Department said she may be planning to sue.

Violet Hanna, 41, and her daughter Amber, 7, were sleeping when she claims the officers broke apart the gate securing the backyard of her Nassau Village home and broke a hinge on her back door during a 4am inspection on February 24.

Hanna said the officers left the maul they used to break her gate and door but have still not arranged to repair the damage.

Immigration Minister Branville McCartney said he would personally investigate the matter and Ms Hanna spoke with him last Friday but has not heard from him since.

Her daughter was in hospital for pneumonia which she said they both got after the incident.

Hanna said she has hired a lawyer and is looking into security bars in an effort to feel safe in her home again.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Tribune here

17 months waiting for trial not 'unreasonable'

Read storyA judge refused the bail request of a man charged with murder, saying 17 months was not an unreasonable amount of time to wait for his trial to begin.

Senior Supreme Court Justice Anita Allen denied bail for Mario Flowers, who is charged with the December 2007 murder of police officer Ramos Williams.

Reports are that Williams and two other officers had followed a car onto Deveaux Street from Collins Avenue. The occupants of the vehicle allegedly fired on the policemen, hitting Williams in the chest and arm.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Nurses protest new work shifts

Read storyA change in work hours led some nurses to protest in Rawson Square Wednesday, saying the new schedules are unfair.

Nurses who formerly worked four 10-hour shifts followed by four days off are now working regular 8-hour shifts with two days off.

In addition some nurses are complaining that they have been scheduled to work at 7am after leaving work at 11pm the night before. They said this violates a union agreement guaranteeing a 12-hour break between shifts.

Health Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the new shift system will save the government hundreds of thousands of dollars and will mean more nurses can be hired.

The change affects auxiliary nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital, Sandilands and the Rand Lab.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

New Bahamas Doctor wrote the textbook on cancer

Read storyThe Cancer Centre has appointed one of the world's leading authorities in the education and treatment practice of cancer as director of medical oncology.

Dr Karol Sikora is Dean of the Buckingham School of Medicine advisor on cancer to the World Health Organisation and author of The Treatment of Cancer, the standard British post-graduate
textbook on cancer.

The $12 million Cancer Centre is the only facility in the western hemisphere and the second in the world outside the US to be accredited by the American College of Radiation Oncology.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Obama crackdown could mean trouble

Read storyUS Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner renewed President Barack Obama's commitment to crackdown on offshore banks that allow Americans to evade taxes.

Geithner said the President supported the Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act, which lists The Bahamas as one of 34 'secrecy jurisdictions'.

Brian Moree and Ryan Pinder, both prominent figures in The Bahamas financial services industry, said the country must be proactive in proving our banks do not encourage or permit illegal activities if we expect to avoid pressure from US authorities.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Sister describes her brother's shooting death

Read storyThe sister of murder-victim Eric McGreggor told the court the details of her brother's shooting, Tuesday.

Shecoya McGreggor said on May 18, 2006, Edward Taylor pulled up to a laundromat on Carmichael Road, walked up to her brother and said "You have a message for me? You have a message for me?" before he pulled out a gun and fired.

She said Taylor fired again as Eric ran inside. Shecoya testified that she then put the killer's license plate number in her cell phone.

Shecoya said about a month before that Taylor had circled her family's home on Bacardi road threatening to kill people if they did not stop "sending the police around my [expletive] place".

Taylor's lawyer argued that she got the license number when the vehicle was impounded and that she was mistaken about the shooter being Taylor.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Social workers, clergy tour detention centre amid hunger strike

Read storyA senior officer from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre said social service worker and local clergy toured the facility Monday.

Senior Deputy Director at the centre, Roderick Bowe said the purpose of the tour was to inspect conditions at the facility.

Bowe was not a part of the tour, which included Immigration Director Jack Thompson and Defence Force Commodore Clifford Scavella. He did not give the names of the social workers or clergy or give details of their findings.

Reports received by The Tribune are that three detainees at the centre are still on a hunger strike that started last week Wednesday.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Former ministers say missing funds exaggerated

Read storyFormer Housing Minister Shane Gibson accused the government and the auditor general of politicizing a recent report to make him look bad.

He said the report - which said hundreds of thousands of dollars were unaccounted for – included figures that had been recorded in a previous report.

Gibson also said that whenever these kinds of reports are prepared there are documents that are missing.

“My point is, if they are losing documents, why should I be held responsible? No permanent secretary would release any cheques unless there is proper documentation. The PS is the official accounts officer. It’s all political.”

He said that it would be easy for someone to hide a document if they wanted to "make a minister look bad".

On Tuesday, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell, held a press conference to protest a Tribune headline based on the same report.

The headline read "$1 million missing from embassy funds".

Mitchell said the headline suggested that the funds were missing because of misconduct but the story (and the report) refer to procedure irregularities and missing documents.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Mitchell story

Gibson story

Abaco crime on the rise

Read storyAbaco residents are concerned that crime is rising and police have allegedly stopped crime reports to the local newspaper.

David and Kathy Ralph, publishers of the island's newspaper, The Abaconian, say residents are angry after they reported that they would no longer be getting crime reports. See story here.

But residents say crime in Abaco is getting worse and needs to be addressed. Several recent incidents have raised concern:

Lily Sands, a woman in her seventies, was forced into her home and gunpoint and locked in her closet while men robbed her home.

A man who was was locked in his trunk by a would-be kidnapper was told by a policeman that he could not help because he was there to patrol the Junkanoo parade. Meanwhile the kidnapper ran into the crowd.

Several boats have gone missing, in more than one case on the day after they dock in Abaco.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Bahamians must invest in climate or expect the worst

Read storyThe Bahamas must act now to protect its climate or it could be face permanent damage according to Neil Pierre, a director for the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

Pierre was speaking during a meeting with Philip Weech, director of the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) commission and Arthur Rolle, director of the department of meteorology.

The meeting was to discuss the Review of the Economics of Climate Change in the Caribbean which will be presented at a United Nations Climate Conference in December.

Weech said The Bahamas needs to take long term steps, including introduce energy efficient technology, develop sustainable tourism, encourage cruise ships to use desalination plants and enforce land use and building codes.

If not, The Bahamas could change forever: “Climate change is a death sentence for small island states," he said.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Miss Universe pageant comes to The Bahamas

Read storyOn August 30 this year, The Bahamas will host the Miss Universe Pageant, which attracts millions of viewers.

Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said the event would expose the country to "a larger global audience that at any time in the history of The Bahamas”.

Atlantis will be the primary venue for the show but the Prime Minister said the entire nation would receive exposure as contestants will tour the family islands before the final show.

Full Story in The Tribune here

PM says CLICO customers should keep making payments

Read storyDespite the liquidation of the CLICO (Bahamas) insurance company, policy holders should keep paying their premiums, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told the House of Assembly yesterday.

He said if the company is bought, the buyer will only take policies that are up to date. Those that are not up to date will be dealt with "somewhere down the line in the liquidation process".

Four Bahamian insurance companies have expressed interest in buying CLICO - Atlantic Medical, British American, Colina Imperial and Family Guardian.

In his speech, Ingraham outlined some of the mistakes that led to the government's decision to liquidate CLICO, including CLICO's decision to lend $73.6 million to a Florida real estate company that ultimately compromised its financial integrity.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Abaco TV station

Read storyABACO: The Bahamas' second television station was launched over the weekend.

The Bahamas Christian Network was opened in Abaco by Pastor Silbert Mills and his wife Dolly.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Threats against sea turtle activist

Read storyLocal animal activist Jane Mather has been threatened over her campaign to stop the catching of sea turtles.

She has received several calls during the last week including one that said "We know where you live".

Mather said while unnerving, it is not the first time she has been threatened.

She and her husband are tightening their home security and police are investigating.

Full Story in The Tribune here

NIB files 100+ cases against delinquent employers

Read storyThe National Insurance Board filed more than 100 cases against businesses and persons who owe payments to the board.

Businesses of "just about every type" were delinquent with payments, according to NIB director Algernon Cargill.

He said the board is taking a proactive approach to ensure that everyone who owes, pays.

The board is obligated to pay employee benefits even when one of the country's 16,000 employers is not making payments.

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Police refuse to give crime reports that make them look bad

Read storyABACO: The editor at an Abaco newspaper was told he will no longer receive crime reports because it makes the police look bad.

Dave Ralph, editor and publisher of the bi-weekly Abaconian, said Superintendent Sean Smith, the officer in charge of the Abacos, told him the paper would not be getting any more crime reports because they don't "reflect well on police efforts".

Ralph said he did not include the crime report from January in the most recent edition of the Abaconian after Smith asked him not to.

Ralph said he expects a lot of angry letters from his readers concerning the police decision.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Staff now need employer's signature for NIB benefits

Read storyWorkers will now have to get employers to fill out a form when they apply for certain National Insurance benefits.

In the past only the applicant and doctors were required to provide information on claims for sickness, maternity leave and injury benefits.

But according to a statement from the National Insurance Board, this often led to workers collecting supplementary income even though they were still going to work and collecting income.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Hundreds of thousands of government dollars missing

Read storyA report of government spending from the 2006/2007 financial year says officials did not account for money as they should have, leaving doubts about how taxpayers' money was used.

The report, made by the auditor general, has listed several areas of concern, including:

• It is unclear how $909,000 in funds intended to fund the opening of the Bahamas Embassy in Cuba were actually spent
  
• Items were released without evidence that duty was paid and nearly 3,000 cargo lists show no dollar values
  
• In Abaco $300,149 – nearly a quarter of the island's total expenditures – was released without the administrator's signature
  
• Hundreds of thousands of dollars spent by the Ministry of Housing is unaccounted for. Kenneth Russell, current Housing Minister, said police are investigating.
  
•  Visa applications are missing signatures, occupation details and a photograph. Auditors also raised concerns that one person was able to sponsor visas for 16 people.
  

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Search for tourists accused of killing protected ducks

Read storyFor the second time this year, police want to question American tourists about an animal attack after they saw photos on the internet.

Police are looking for the crew of the Adamo sailboat, last seen in Exuma. The crew is suspected of trespassing on a private island where owner Peter Graham has been investing around $35,000 annually to increase the population of whistling ducks since the 1960s.

Pictures from the crew's blog (internet journal) showed a plucked duck about to be roasted. Killing and chasing the protected West Indian tree ducks is prohibited by international law.

Members of the Graham family suspect the crew of chasing ducks on the island for two hours before killing a flightless pet duck.
Graham said: "When we saw their pictures on their website we lost our minds. It's sickening."

Read about last month's arrest of two Americans for eating an iguana and catching under-sized conch here.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Grand Bahama Shipyard is the world's busiest

Read storyThe Grand Bahama Shipyard services four times as many ships as its closest competitor, making it the world's most productive shipyard, according to the Carnival Corporation.

Speaking at the 11th annual Grand Bahama Business Outlook conference in Freeport, Giora Israel said the GBS represents $200 million worth of investment for Carnival, which owns 80 per cent of the shipyard. The Grand Bahama Port Authority owns the rest.

Israel said GBS is one of the largest electricity users on the island and helps sustain the economy through the rental of housing by shipyard crews.

Full Story in The Tribune here

College of The Bahamas more Earth-friendly

Read storyThe College of The Bahamas is making efforts to lower its impact on the environment.

The school has ditched cleaning agents that include chloroform, carbon and petroleum and is using more natural products.

CoB has also installed programmable thermostats to lower its annual $1.5 million electricity bill, with aims of getting down to $900,000.

The change has already led to a $5,000 drop in the electricity costs from the first building they installed the thermostats.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Police were wrong to hold suspects beyond 48 hours

Read storyA Supreme Court judge has found the Police Force liable for unlawful detention and malicious prosecution of two people who were accused of stealing.

Omar Rolle and Atisha Tinker were arrested in April, 2004 and charged with stealing a CD player. The pair was held for 4 and half days.

Rolle and Tinker sued the police force and the Attorney General after charges were dropped in 2005.

Justice Anita Allen said the detention of the couple beyond 48 hours was not justified and that the prosecutors should not have moved ahead with so little evidence.

Justice Allen will hear arguments as to what damages will be awarded later this week.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Celebrity impersonators invite Bahamians to free show

Read storyCelebrity impersonators and twins Eddie and Anthony Edwards have invited Bahamians to a free show.

The brothers said the show is their way of saying thanks to the Bahamas for hosting their performances for the last three years.

All Bahamians with identification are welcome to the show at the Rainforest Theatre on Sunday, March 8.

Eddie is famous for his Barbara Streisand and Cher impersonations while Anthony will become Tom Jones (and others) for this Sunday's show.

Click here to see a video of the brothers.

The Tribune

Underwater weddings coming soon

Read storyPreparing to offer underwater weddings, Atlantis held a test run on Valentine's Day.

Linzi and Daniel Belton renewed their vows at the bottom of the Ruins Lagoon at the Resort.

Daniel wore a tux, Linzi wore her original wedding dress and the couple plunged into the chilly tank along with a local marriage officer, a photographer and a videographer.

Future ceremonies will offer custom-made his and her wetsuits as well as underwater communication.

Full Story in The Tribune here

TED: Amazing photo software

Amazing video about new software that could change the way we view and use photos.

Minister denies hunger strike claims

Read storyThree Cuban men at the Immigration Detention Centre said on Friday they had been on a hunger strike for two days but Immigration Minister Branville McCartney said that was not true.

The Minister said an internal investigation had shown there were no cases of abuse at the centre and that inmates were being well treated.

"From our investigations I can say there is not one person on a hunger strike in the Detention Centre."

The Minister said he was open to an international investigation but that he would want a third party involved as "international reports tend to be absolutely wrong on occasion".

Last week The Tribune published several stories based on interviews with inmates. The reports included allegations of officers being bribed to produce false papers and violent beatings of inmates.

On Thursday, The Tribune spoke to ten inmates at the centre who all said there was a hunger strike and who described some of the beatings and abuse they claim are a regular part of life at the centre.

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

More than 100 employees sent home

Read storyCLICO (Bahamas) sent more than 100 employees home last week, perhaps for good.

During a midday meeting last Thursday, workers were asked to stay home and wait for further instructions according to staff who spoke with The Guardian.

Jerome Gomez, one of the company's liquidators, said it's too early to tell what's going to happen next and that assessments were still being made.

He said they plan to setup a call center and website for CLICO customers to answer questions.

The company has just over 29,000 policy holders and more than $100 million in policy liabilities.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Murdered man's cousin says he helped plan robbery

Read storyThe cousin of murdered gas station owner, Keith Carey, said he helped plan the robbery that led to Carey's death.

Vaughn Carey testified that he was promised $9,000 to help with the robbery, including telling the thieves the best time for a robbery and signaling them when his cousin, Keith, had left with the deposit bag.

Keith Carey was shot outside Bank of the Bahamas and robbed of $40,000. Vaughn said he never got the money he was promised and did not see the men again until all of them were in jail.

Vaughn was originally charged with three other men before he became a witness for the prosecution.

The defendants' lawyers all suggested that Vaughn had made up his testimony so that charges would be dropped against him.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

US Report said Bahamian schools overcrowded

Read storyA report by the US State Department said prejudice towards Haitians was common, discrimination against homosexuals was evident and that ZNS favored government candidates in the 2007 election.

• The report, released Thursday, highlighted a number of areas of concern, including:
  
• The large and expanding backlog of court cases, presently more than 8,000 A lack of legal aid for those who could not afford a lawyer
  
• Insufficient funding for child welfare and education, including a lack of basic educational materials and overcrowding in public schools
  
• A lack of proper consideration for immigrants seeking asylum 

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Jones Communications owes government $400,000

Read storyJones Communications owes government $400,000

The head of Jones Communications has pled guilty to owing more than $430,000 in National Insurance payments.

Wendall Jones, CEO of Jones Communications, said he was negotiating with the agency to come to an agreement.

Sources at magistrate's court told The Tribune that Jones has agreed to pay 40% - $180,000 - up front and the remaining $250,000 over the next two years.

Reports in The Guardian the 40% down payment is normal in these cases and that employers are usually given two years to pay the balance.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
The Tribune

Half a million in Freeport development

Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: Minister of Works Neko Grant signed contracts for $673,000 worth of projects Thursday, including:

• $212,000 for a new 1,900 square-foot ferry terminal at the McCleans Town dock that will include a post office and police station
• $256,809 to repair the air conditioning at the Freeport Post Office
• $136,950 for road paving and between Freeport and Eight Mile Rock
• $42,500 for line markings and reflectors along the highway between Seagrape and West End
• $25,000 to repair graves and tombs at the Holmes Rock Cemetery that were damaged during Hurricane Wilma
  

The Nassau Guardian

The Tribune

Canadian tourist drowns in Eleuthera

Read storyCanadian tourist Beatrice Chapman drowned while snorkeling in Eleuthera Thursday.

Chapman, 71, was a passenger on the SS Maasdam cruise ship.

Police reported that Chapman was snorkeling in the Half Moon Cay area around noon when she drowned.

The Nassau Guardian