PMH says it checked in patient before it lost track of him

Read storyHospital officials said they had checked in Lloyd Whyms before he went missing.

After checking the 54-year-old's condition, staff decided his condition "posed no threat".

Whyms was found about 10 hours after he was brought to the hospital by ambulance and is still in a coma.

Whyms' daughter, Latheria Johnson, said a doctor told her that her father had a bruise on his head from a fall. He didn't go to the hospital for that, so I don't know how it got there," Johnson said .

His family is upset that the staff lost track of their relative and the way they were treated during the search.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

New regulator will control media

Read storyThe government is considering creating a new regulator that would control electronic communications, including the Bahamas Telecommunications Company and Cable Bahamas.

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) would control the content of electronic media and prevent companies from dominating the market.

It would have the power to fine up to $500,000 or 10 percent of a license holder's turnover.

Under the terms of the proposed law, Cable Bahamas and BTC would fall into the Significant Market Power Category and automatically subject to regulation.

A company would have up to one year to appeal characterizations that it was unfairly blocking competition.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Governments wants $40,000 in suspected drug money

Read storyThe government wants to confiscate $40,000 in what they say came from illegal drug profits.

Officer Weymond Demeritte testified that he found $28, 420 on Eugene Symonette and $10,571 on Ian Porter when he searched them in 2006 at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Porter is serving a 42 month sentence for conviction of possession of 961 pounds of marijuana. Symonette is on trial in relation to the seizure of 46 pounds of marijuana.

The trial continues on May 6.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Clinic introduces new health card

Read storyThe Walk-in Medical Clinic is introducing a 'smart card' that will give patients immediate access to services.

For $75 per month customers will get a card that includes their medical information and gives them immediate access to service, including x-ray, ultrasound, mammogram.

But use of the card is limited to one service per visit. According to Clinic director, Dr. Daniel Johnson, "if you come in and you have the flu and you say, 'oh I want a mammogram', that's not a part of what your present illness is. So it covers you present emergency."

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Minster wants cell phones out of prison

Read storyNational Security Minister Tommy Turnquest said the government has taken a "zero tolerance" position toward any prison officer found supporting illegal activities at the prison.

Turnquest asked middle managers from the prison why contraband like cell phones and drugs were still getting in the prison.

Speaking during a retreat at Sandals Resort on Thursday, he said the focus has to be on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Funeral for Kelly's owner

Read storyPrime Minster Hubert Ingraham said businessman David Kelly had left his mark on Bahamian sports, commerce and communities.

Speaking at Kelly's funeral on Thursday, Ingraham said Kelly, who owned the popular Kelly’s Home Centre at Marathon Mall, was very intimately involved in the day-to-day operation of the business.”

He said: “It says something about the man that he seemed to have earned the genuine affection of those who worked with him.”

Full Story in The Tribune here

American fined $500 for drug possession

Read storyAn American tourist was fined $500 after she pled guilty to possessing marijuana on Thursday.

Police said they found the drugs on Zina Downs on Tuesday. Downs, a resident of South Carolina was on Cabbage Beach at the time.

She said she had paid $90 for the marijuana and tobacco.

Full Story in The Tribune here

PMH loses patient, now in a coma

Read storyA man is in a coma after staff at Princess Margaret Hospital lost track of him and left a family in doubt for 12 hours.

Latheria Johnson told The Guardian that her father, Lloyd Whyms, was taken to the emergency ward by ambulance around 7pm Tuesday. He was vomiting blood and not fully coherent.

He was taken for treatment but when the family went to check on him he was nowhere to be found.

In the hours that followed the family was told that Whyms, 54, had left the hospital. Hospital officials told the family they should search the street and threatened to call the police, Johnson said.

After visiting two police stations, the family returned to the hospital with an officer who asked for a tape that showed the man leaving.

With no results, the family finally went home at 6am. About an hour later they got a call that Whyms was found unconscious in the hospital's basement.

The hospital has released a statement confirming some of the events.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Water unions say salary increase or 'consequences'

Read storyUnions representing the management and line staff of the Water and Sewerage Corporation warned the government to restart salary negotiations or face "consequences".

That statement was made during a press conference at the corporation's headquarters on Thompson Boulevard by Carmen Munnings-Kemp, president of Bahamas Utility Services and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU).

Bahamas Water and Sewerage Management Union President, Ednel Rolle, said the fact that the government has signed industrial agreements with BTC and BEC leads him to believe that Water and Sewerage was left out.

Environment Minister Earl Deveaux said the government had not stopped negotiations, but asked workers to understand the tough financial times.

"They are among the top in regard to benefits and salaries among our country," Deveaux said, "My advice to the union is to seek ways to improve the services being provided by the corporation through more efficient means.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Man found not guilty of shooting man at wash-house

Read storyEdward Taylor was found not guilty in a 9-3 jury decision.

Taylor, 38, was accused of the May 18, 2006 murder of Eric McGreggor Jr, who was shot and killed at the Pond Wash on Carmichael Road.

In an address to the jury, Taylor said the prosecution had produced no evidence that linked him to the Chevy Suburban they said was used as a getaway car.

McGreggor's sister, Shecoya, had identified Taylor as the man who had shot her brother, picking him out of a police lineup.

Taylor disputed her evidence and fired his lawyer to take up his own defense.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Bay Street restaurant closing, blames El Greco hotel

Read storyThe Coconuts Bahamas Grill is closing down and the owners are blaming the people who rented them the space – the owners of the El Greco Hotel.

Brothers Eldin and Erin Ferguson say they have faced difficulties since they opened the restaurant two years ago.

They blame renter Harry Pikramenos, part owner of El Greco, saying he has had customers' cars towed and limited access to the upstairs portion of the building.

Pikramenos said their claims are ridiculous, blaming the closure on the tough economic times and saying the brothers have never paid their rent on time.

The closure, which the brothers said may reopen if they find a good location, has left at least 15 people out of work.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Less and Less people flying to The Bahamas

Read storyThis January, 18.7% less people flew to The Bahamas than January last year.

This continues a downward trend considering a 6.4% drop in 2008 compared to the previous year.

Since August, revenue at the Lynden Pindling International Airport is down by about 10%.

Chairman of the Airport Authority (AA) Frank Watson was optimistic but said that if it gets worse, "that will create problems for us."

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Wrongly imprisoned Japanese man awarded more money

Read storyA Japanese man who was wrongfully imprisoned for more than eight years in The Bahamas will be given more than the $400,000 originally offered by the government.

The Privy Council has ruled that Atain Takitota deserves more compensation for the loss he suffered, which is called "appalling" and "less than humane".

Atain Takitota said he came to The Bahamas legally but lost his passport. He was arrested in August of 1992 on vagrancy charges but never charged in a court of law. He was released in October of 2000.

He attempted suicide three times during his imprisonment.

The Privy Council has left it up to the local courts to determine the amount but said the damages should "amount to an overall sum representing appropriate compensation for the period of over eight years' detention, taking account of the inhumane conditions and the misery and distress".

It also said an interim payment while the final decision is made would be "very desirable".

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Woman said she was there when Pindling was born – in Nassau

Read storyThe son of former Prime Minister, Sir Lynden Pindling, introduced reporters to a woman who sent for the nurse that helped deliver him.

In recent articles, The Tribune has quoted several sources, all anonymous, which have given varying details of the birth of the country's first prime minister, including that he was born in Jamaica and that his mother was not who he said she was.

Obi Pindling invited reporters to meet 95-year-old Doris Grant-Strachan, who said she saw Sir Lynden after he was born and was surprised when the rumours surface years later.

Obi said: ". . . many of the people who were around from that era have passed on so any other persons can only come and say what they were told. Mrs. Strachan is one of the only persons who could come and say what she has seen with her own eyes.

I challenge anybody to try and come and refute it."

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Iguana-eating tourists brag to duck chasing sailors

Read storyAn anonymous source has told The Tribune that the tourists who were convicted of killing and eating an iguana shared a drink with the tourists who chased endangered ducks around a private island.

Reports are that both groups, who are sailing through The Bahamas, met at a Long Island bar.

The crew of the Adamo sailboat is still wanted by police for trespassing and has been reported to their marina in Daytona as well as US wildlife authorities.

See other CBN stories about the ducks here

See other CBN stories about the iguanas here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

International rights groups praises/criticizes Bahamas

Read storyAmnesty International has expressed mixed feelings about The Bahamas, praising the country for actions to protect human rights but criticizing its unwillingness to end capital punishment.

In a statement issued from its New York Office on Wednesday, the group said it was glad The Bahamas was taking part of the Convention Against Torture and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

It also praised the nation for implementing the Domestic Violence (Protection Order) Act.

But Amnesty International also said it is "concerned that death sentences continue to be handed down and that the authorities have recently voiced support for a resumption of hanging".

The organization repeated its call for an independent review of the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Man dies after fall from Queen's Staircase

Read storyA man was killed by a fall from the top of the Queen's Saircase on Tuesday.

Police were not able to give the man's name or details of how he fell.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Bahamas and Cuba agree to co-operate more

Read storyThe Bahamas and Cuba signed an agreement to co-operate on economic, technical, health and education matters.

In a ceremony on Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Brent Symonette and Cuban Ambassador to the Bahamas Jose Luis Ponce Caraballo signed on behalf of their respective governments.

There are several pending agreements between the countries, including:

• Collaboration in the field of plant quarantine and plant protection
  
• Collaboration in the fields of animal quarantine and the controls and eradication of animal diseases
  
• Expansion of a program that employs Cuban teachers in public schools
  
• An eye program which allows Bahamians with eye problems of any kind to seek medical help from Cuba free of charge
  

Full Story in The Tribune here

CoB opens virtual library

Read storyThe College of The Bahamas has opened an online library with thousands of resources available to students and the public.

The $1.5 million library includes membership in the Digital Library of the Caribbean, which makes resources from around the region available to students.

Members of the public can get access to the library by paying an annual fee.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Government should make sure CLICO customers are repaid

Read storyThe government should be responsible for making sure CLICO (Bahamas) customers are repaid in full according to a statement by former attorney general Alfred Sears.

Sears said the government should have made sure that CLICO was following the correct procedures and should have improved regulations.

Sears said both political parties shared blame for the CLICO collapse.
He said a group should be assembled to review the country's insurance industry and consider what can be done to improve its regulation.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

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Body found on boat near Potters Cay

Read storyA man's body was found aboard a boat moored near Potters Cay Dock Tuesday morning.

Police are asking for help from anyone who might know the man or anyone who has visited the 26-foot red and white vessel.

Police have classified the death as suspicious but are not ruling it a homicide.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here Page A1

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Bahamas may skip Caribbean festival for the second time

Read storyThe Bahamas may give up its second chance to host the Caribbean's premier arts festival because the country cannot afford it.

The Bahamas decided at the last minute not to host last year's Carifesta X and Guyana hosted instead.

The festival is estimated to cost between $5 and $15 million host.

With the poor economy, CARICOM is considering cancelling Carifesta XI, scheduled for 2010. Several Caribbean countries have already said they may not be able to take part.

Former director of culture Dr. Nicolette Bethelsaid the festival should be a chance to boost the economy:

"If it is approached in a business-like manner the festival can actually stimulate the economy. But the problem is there is too much political interference, and that is the real challenge."

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here Page A1

Atlantis asks 2,500 workers to take unpaid leave

Read storyAtlantis has asked 2,500 of its employees to take two weeks unpaid leave this year.

The decision affects mostly managers.

"As a part of our cost containment exercises, we are asking non union staff to voluntarily take two weeks unpaid vacation," Ed Fields, the resort's Senior VP of Public Affairs, told The Guardian.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here Page D-1

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The Bahamas is the best place for cancer treatment in the region

Read storyThe Bahamas' Cancer Centre is probably the best choice for cancer treatment for people from the Caribbean.

Professor Karol Sikora, medical director of CancerPartnersUK, said cancer care was cheaper here and makes use of the best equipment available in the region, including communication with cotors in Detroit, Montreal and the United Kingdom.

Dr. Arthur Porter, who manages the centre, said the cnetre has always aimed to provide cancer care second to none.

"The only reason that we wanted to do this was on the understanding that the quality of the center would be identical to the quality in the States, in Canada and Britain," Porter said.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Ministers join ride for cancer

Read storySeveral government ministers will be part of this year's Ride for hope, a fund-raiser that provides money for cancer care and treatment.

Minister of Health Hubert Minnis will open the 4th annual event at 9.30am on April 2nd. He will be joined by Minister of Sports Desmond Bannister, President of the Senate Lynn Holowesko, and Speaker of the House Alvin Smith.

The event is held in Eleuthera (click here to see map) and is open to all ages. Participants may ride one mile or up to 100.

Full Story in The Tribune here

CLICO paid $500,000 to First Caribbean

Read storyCLICO (Bahamas) liquidators have paid First Caribbean the $500,000 owed but has no further news for policy holders.

Liquidator Craig Gomez, who is responsible for reviewing the company's assets and prioritizing creditors said he is ranking a number of other creditors who have come forward.

Gomez said he is still preparing packages for the four companies that are interested in purchasing the company.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here Page A1

TED: Beautiful art made from sugar, dust and thread

This video starts slowly but is oh so worth it. The Artist, Vik Muniz makes his medium mean as much to the work as the representation itself.

Unemployment assistance will start in April

Read storyThe government will use money set aside for medical facilities to fund an Unemployment Benefit Programme.

The programme is expected to start on April 20th. It will use $20 million from the medical branch of the National Insurance Fund.

The programme will eventually be supported by contributions from employers and employees.

Prime Minister Ingraham said the money taken from the National Insurance Fund will mean there will be less medical facilities built but that it would have no effect on the pension, disabilities or short-term benefits.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

Suspect said shooter was stupid for killing gas station owner

Read storyAnother witness has blamed the shooting death of Keith Carey on Jamal Glinton.

On Monday, jurors watched a taped interview of Sean Brown, who is accused of the murder along with Glinton.

In the video Brown called Glinton stupid and said he did not know why Glinton had shot Carey.

He also described how the men split the money they got from the robbery – $16,000 each.

Last week in another taped interview Dwight Knowles also named Glinton as the shooter.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Britain to take over Turks and Caicos government

Read storyTURKS & CAICOS: Britain has decided to shift power from the local government to the British Governor after reports of corruption.

Governor Gordon Wetherell has drafted an order that would transfer power from local ministers to him. The order is subject to approval by Queen Elizabeth and a debate in the British parliament on March 25.

Turks and Caicos’ Premier Michael Misick, who recently resigned, is at the centre of the corruption allegations. He is accused of building a multi-million dollar fortune since coming to power in 2003.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Car scammer fooled people from jail and while on bail

Read storyAfter conning 13 people out of $52,000 in a car sales scam, Shane Mackey was sentenced to five years in jail.

In explaining his actions Mackey, 28, said he has had a cocaine problem since he was 19.

He said he would repay the people he stole from and apologized for his actions.

Mackey spent six months in jail in 2007 for a similar offense and was able to continue his scamming from the prison. He was on bail for cheating seven people when he conned six more in January and February this year.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

NIB wants employers emails

Read storyThe National Insurance Board is asking employers and self-employed persons to participate in a new system that will allow them to see their contribution status without visiting the NIB office.

The NIB plans to send out monthly statements of activity or inactivity by email.

Employers are asked to send an email from their business address that includes the following:

The name they registered with NIB
Their employer or self-employer number

Emails should be sent to:

employstatement@nib-bahamas.com

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

National Stadium delay

Read storyBuilding materials for the National Stadium were unloaded at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre last Friday but a delay has put off the March 20th start date.

Twenty technical workers from China are waiting on visas from Britain which they need to travel here.

The stadium, which is expected to take three years to complete at a cost of $30 million, was scheduled to be finished by July 2007.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Bank gives $250,000 to CoB reading program

Read storyThe Bank of The Bahamas donated $250,000 to The College of The Bahamas to find out how many Bahamians can read and figure out the best way to teach it.

The money will be used to build the National Literacy Diagnostic Research Centre which will study how reading and writing are being taught.

Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)

New system can tell how many bullets were fired and where

Read storyA new system that can tell where gunfire is coming from and what type of gun was used may soon be part of the police toolkit.

Officers were set to review the Shotspotter system at a demonstration by the local distributor - Bahamas Fleet Management Solutions.

The system can tell the difference between guns and fireworks and detects how many shots were fired. It creates a map for dispatchers and could help officer response time.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Bail rules should be uniform and fair

Read storyBail requirements should be uniform to ensure suspects that are granted bail have a fair chance of meeting them.

Ellsworth Johnson, lawyer and tutor at the Eugene Dupuch Law School’s Legal Aid Clinic, told The Nassau Guardian that requiring people to own property is an unfair condition, since there are many Bahamians who do not.

"You shouldn’t give someone bail and by the very things you require make it impossible for a person to avail himself of that bail," Johnson said.

Two lawyers, who did not want to give their names, echoed his statement, saying that bail requirements change from court to court and seem arbitrary. One said the requirements keeps people “running up and down for weeks.”

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Man shot during afternoon domino game

Read storyMark Daniels was shot and killed while he was playing dominoes with his friends Sunday.

The mechanic and father of five was shot in the head around 1pm on Augusta street. He was declared dead at the scene.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Sea Turtles should be farmed, not banned says letter writer

Read storyIn a letter published in The Tribune, Andrew Allen said The Bahamas should consider ways to farm sea turtles rather than ban their consumption.

Allen said the Cayman Islands have successful turtle farming and have found a way to sustain the turtle population.

He said too often Bahamians try to condemn customs and cultures that they don't agree with or don't enjoy themselves rather than looking for ways to make them sustainable.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Cayman Turtle Farm website here

Humane Society criticizes Cayman farm here

Two die in car crashes

Read storyA young man was killed in a traffic accident on East Street Saturday.

The crash injured the 18-year-old male driver and his 22-year-old female passenger but was fatal for 16-year-old Godfrey Murphy.

Police believe the car was overtaking when it collided with a utility pole and a building.

ELEUTHERA: Police are also investigating a traffic accident in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. The crash killed 56-year-old Edmund 'Beef' Symonette, a local handyman.

Sometime before 7pm Saturday, he was driving on Queen's
Highway when his truck ran off the road.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Full Story in The Tribune here

Immigration Department had nothing to do with fired Chinese workers

Read storyThe Department of Immigration played no part in the dismissal of Chinese workers from a Bahamian construction company last week.

E R Hanna Construction said last week that it would be forced to send about half of its 26 Chinese workers home because they were not able to renew their work permits.

But Immigration director Jack Thompson said that was not the case as all the worker permits were valid until June.

Last week Tuesday, the workers protested after getting the news of their dismissal. Several said they had not been paid in months and were being treated unfairly.

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Convicted murderer was sentenced to death then released

Read storyA convicted murderer originally sentenced to death was released after the court of appeal decided it was unfair to release one man and not another.

The Court released Jeronimo Bowleg, ruling that the man he was accused of committing the murder with - Brian
Schroeter – had been released.

Bowleg and Schroeter were convicted of the 1994 murder of Dieuseul Almanor and sentenced to death, the mandatory sentence for murder at the time.

After mandatory death sentencing was ruled unconstitutional, the pair appealed. Schroeter was release and Bowleg's sentence was modified to include ten years in addition to the 11 he had served.

Bowleg appealed the decision and won. In its ruling, the court said it felt the sentence was inadequate but wanted to avoid any appearance of unfairness between people involved in the same offense."

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here

Cuba is a threat but not yet Tourism Minister says

Read storyCuba is a threat but not yet Tourism Minister says
Tourism Minister Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace said The Bahamas should be ready to compete with Cuba but that it's not an immediate threat.

Wallace said the American decision to relax restrictions on Cubans returning home for visits was more of a humanitarian effort than something that would generate tourism.

Still, the Minister said The Bahamas needs to develop its tourist product and think of the entire country when planning.

"We have a variety of islands that we have never really developed to the stage that we need to develop them and to differentiate one from the other so that we have a lot more varied products on the shelf to deal with the Cubas when they open," he said.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Union leader says minimum wage should be $5.20

Read storyA union leader for the country's public workers says the private sector needs to implement a minimum wage system that matches the government's.

John Pinder, president of the Bahamas Public Services Union, said the minimum wage of non-government workers should be the same as the $5.20 provided for public servants, $10,600 per year.

Pinder said he was concerned that contractors on major projects are able to bring in foreign workers to avoid paying minimum wage.

All companies should have to comply with a standard minimum wage, he said.

Full Story in The Tribune here

More than 1,000 foreigners repatriated

Read storyThe Bahamas has repatriated 1,340 people since the year's start, according to the Immigration Department.

That number includes 1,204 Haitian, 75 Jamaican, 28 Cuban and 13 Dominican Republic citizens.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Madea star thinking of buying Bahama island

Read storyTyler Perry, the star/writer/director of the Madea series, is thinking of buying an island in The Bahamas.

According to People magazine Perry is thinking of giving it to himself for his 40th birthday.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Seating area construction starts outside US Embassy

Read storyConstruction has started on a covered seating facility for persons waiting outside the American Embassy.

The site will serve as a waiting area to customers of the embassy.

Full Story in The Tribune here

Suspect says he saw killing but was not part of the plan

Read storyOne of the men accused of killing Keith Carey said he was driving but did not know the plan.

In a video of accused murderer Dwight Knowles, Knowles said Jamal Glinton asked him to follow Carey from his gas station to the bank. Glinton, like Knowles, is accused of killing Carey in February of 2006.

Knowles said Glinton got out of the car, Carey fell on the steps and then he heard two gunshots. Then, he said Glinton got back in the car and told him to drive off.

See other CBN stories about this subject here

Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here Page 4

Man drives to hospital after getting shot

Read storyA man drove himself to the hospital after he was shot several times in the back.

The 31-year-old man said he was on Farrington Road around 2pm Wednesday when he was approached by a man he knows who then shot him in the upper back.

The man then drove his car to the hospital where he was listed in serious condition although his injuries were not life-threatening.

Full Story in The Tribune here

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