Full story in The Tribune here
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Foreign minister says gets e-passport now
Read storyMinister of Foreign Affairs Brent Symonette has advised Bahamians whose passports are set to expire this year to apply for an e-Passport now to avoid the traditional summer rush at the Passport Office.
Full story in The Tribune here
Full story in The Tribune here
Group plans exciting projects for children with vision challenges
Read storyIn an effort to ensure that the country's blind and visually impaired children have access to medical, financial, rehabilitative, psychological and educational resources, The Bahamas Foundation for Blind and Visually Impaired Children was launched last week.
The foundation’s projects include:
Parents of blind and visually impaired children can attend meetings of the Bahamas Foundation for Blind and Visually Impaired Children (BFBVIC) at the Salvation Army Adult Blind Workshop on the third Thursday of every month at 6pm.
Full story in The Tribune here
The foundation’s projects include:
- A national registry for blind and visually impaired children
- An educational newsletter for parents
- Parent retreats and seminars
- On-call personnel and home visits
- A resource unit to provide parenting information, Braille books, toys and assistive aids
Parents of blind and visually impaired children can attend meetings of the Bahamas Foundation for Blind and Visually Impaired Children (BFBVIC) at the Salvation Army Adult Blind Workshop on the third Thursday of every month at 6pm.
Full story in The Tribune here
Manatee is Rum Cay's newest resident
Read storyRUM CAY: A manatee was discovered in the Rum Cay Marina last week.
Concerned that the animal was not moving, Dan Vernon contacted the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO) in Nassau, who told him to make sure it got plenty of fresh water.
Residents are hoping the BMMRO will help rescue the animal, which they have named Crusoe after the fictional castaway.
Full story in The Tribune here
Concerned that the animal was not moving, Dan Vernon contacted the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO) in Nassau, who told him to make sure it got plenty of fresh water.
Residents are hoping the BMMRO will help rescue the animal, which they have named Crusoe after the fictional castaway.
Full story in The Tribune here
April is coastal awareness month
Read storyThe Coastal Awareness Committee of The Bahamas has announced its activities for April, which is National Coastal Awareness Month.
- March 30: a lecture at The College of The Bahamas
- April 4 and April 25: Clean-ups at Nassau Harbour
- April 24: National T-shirt Day
- April 27 - May 9: Marine exhibition at the Marathon Mall featuring a traveling exhibit created by Florida State University entitled “Our Reefs - Caribbean Connections”
- May 15 deadline: Primary and Secondary School competitions
Police name man killed after car chase
Read storyPolice have identified the man who was shot in a recent chase as 22-year-old Ronald Jean of Fire Trail Road.
Police continue to search for the other man in the car with Jean, who ran off when the car stopped.
Full story in The Nassau Guardian here Page A-1
See other CBN stories about this subject here
Police continue to search for the other man in the car with Jean, who ran off when the car stopped.
Full story in The Nassau Guardian here Page A-1
See other CBN stories about this subject here
PLP company chief said government is attacking his company
Read storyA local businessman says since he ran for election for the PLP, the government has tried to close his shipping business.
Jackson Ritchie, CEO of Global United, said he has had to lay off 160 staff because of the government's attacks.
In a press statement, Ritchie said before the election he got a call saying the Customs department would attack him. Later, the department demanded that he pay his debts in cash.
Ritchie said although his company does owe the government millions of dollars, the debt is less than 10% of the $70-$80 million it pays annually. He said this figure is well within acceptable limits.
Full story in The Nassau Guardian here
Full story in The Tribune here
Jackson Ritchie, CEO of Global United, said he has had to lay off 160 staff because of the government's attacks.
In a press statement, Ritchie said before the election he got a call saying the Customs department would attack him. Later, the department demanded that he pay his debts in cash.
Ritchie said although his company does owe the government millions of dollars, the debt is less than 10% of the $70-$80 million it pays annually. He said this figure is well within acceptable limits.
Full story in The Nassau Guardian here
Full story in The Tribune here
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Two young boys die at sea
Read storyThe bodies of two young friends who went missing on Sunday were found hours apart on Monday.
Rovan Smith, 9, and Craig Stubbs, 10, had been missing since Sunday afternoon when they went off to play together at the beach at Adelaide.
Residents who had formed search party found Rovan's body around 11am. At 2.30pm, Defence Force officers found Craig further out to sea.
According to reports, the boys had been playing in a small boat when they disappeared. It was pulled ashore on Sunday night.
Although an autopsy will give the official cause of death, police do not suspect foul play.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Additional Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Rovan Smith, 9, and Craig Stubbs, 10, had been missing since Sunday afternoon when they went off to play together at the beach at Adelaide.
Residents who had formed search party found Rovan's body around 11am. At 2.30pm, Defence Force officers found Craig further out to sea.
According to reports, the boys had been playing in a small boat when they disappeared. It was pulled ashore on Sunday night.
Although an autopsy will give the official cause of death, police do not suspect foul play.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Additional Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Diabetic woman gets expired insulin - twice
Read storyA woman is worried that diabetic patients may have been given the same expired drugs that she was.
The woman said she did not know why her blood sugar was rising, despite her taking her medication several times a day and changing her diet.
It was not until she went to replace her medication at the Elizabeth Estates clinic that she realized they had been expired since 2007.
The woman realized then that the last batch she had gotten from the clinic was from the same set of expired drugs.
“For them to issue one and then another a month-and-a-half later is
not right; it means a lot of persons have been issued these expired medications. It’s carelessness."
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
The woman said she did not know why her blood sugar was rising, despite her taking her medication several times a day and changing her diet.
It was not until she went to replace her medication at the Elizabeth Estates clinic that she realized they had been expired since 2007.
The woman realized then that the last batch she had gotten from the clinic was from the same set of expired drugs.
“For them to issue one and then another a month-and-a-half later is
not right; it means a lot of persons have been issued these expired medications. It’s carelessness."
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
21 laid off from Freeport Home Centre
Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: The Home Centre in Freeport has laid off 21 people, placing blame on the island's worsening economy and a need to restructure.
In a press statement, Ray Simpson, president and chief executive officer of Freeport Concrete , which owns the Home Centre, said the staff would receive full severance packages.
Simpson said the store- the island's largest supply shop- needs more cash available to increase inventory.
He said American suppliers have not been extending the credit they used to and the company's local line of credit is already at maximum.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
In a press statement, Ray Simpson, president and chief executive officer of Freeport Concrete , which owns the Home Centre, said the staff would receive full severance packages.
Simpson said the store- the island's largest supply shop- needs more cash available to increase inventory.
He said American suppliers have not been extending the credit they used to and the company's local line of credit is already at maximum.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
PMH speeds up prescriptions
Read storyCustomers of the Princess Margaret Hospital pharmacy say service is much easier and faster since changes in procedure.
The pharmacy is now open from 8am-9pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. There is also a drop-off service between 8am-noon and collections up to 9pm.
In addition, a wheelchair ramp was installed to improve access for physically challenged patients.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
Full Story in The Tribune here
The pharmacy is now open from 8am-9pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. There is also a drop-off service between 8am-noon and collections up to 9pm.
In addition, a wheelchair ramp was installed to improve access for physically challenged patients.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
Full Story in The Tribune here
School celebrates retired teacher
Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: Students and staff celebrated teacher Barbara Dix for two decades of service at the Walter Parker Primary school.
The school's principal, Barbara Thompson, said Dix had been involved in every aspect of the student's lives throughout the years, including Junior Junkanoo, boys scouts and after-school tutoring.
Thompson said. “She is one of those teachers who always participated and supported all the programs and activities that the school has.”
Dix, retired since last year, said she was blessed to teach some of country's most talented students. She reminded teachers to “Love the children unconditionally because sometimes it takes a teacher to bring out the best in them.”
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
The school's principal, Barbara Thompson, said Dix had been involved in every aspect of the student's lives throughout the years, including Junior Junkanoo, boys scouts and after-school tutoring.
Thompson said. “She is one of those teachers who always participated and supported all the programs and activities that the school has.”
Dix, retired since last year, said she was blessed to teach some of country's most talented students. She reminded teachers to “Love the children unconditionally because sometimes it takes a teacher to bring out the best in them.”
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Rough seas mean low water pressure in New Providence
Read storyRough seas have stopped daily trips by the barge that brings water to New Providence limiting the capital's water supply.
The MT Titus usually brings three million gallons of water to New Providence every day, 30 percent of the supply. But that stopped last Saturday.
This has meant lower pressure in off-peak and overnight hours and reports of no water from people in Golden Gates, South Beach, Pinewood Gardens and surrounding areas.
The swells are expected to subside by Wednesday.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
Full Story in The Tribune here
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
The MT Titus usually brings three million gallons of water to New Providence every day, 30 percent of the supply. But that stopped last Saturday.
This has meant lower pressure in off-peak and overnight hours and reports of no water from people in Golden Gates, South Beach, Pinewood Gardens and surrounding areas.
The swells are expected to subside by Wednesday.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
Full Story in The Tribune here
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Paralyzed man still waiting for settlement after 19 years
Read storyNineteen years after a car crash left him paralyzed, Daniel Williams is still waiting for the money awarded to him from the man who hit him.
Although Williams was supposed to receive $318,000 from driver Mario Bowe, Bowe has never appeared in court for proceedings that would determine his assets.
Bowe's lawyer said he has never received any court documents and so the matter should be dismissed.
William's attorney read several affidavits which indicated that Bowe was served several times, including an occasion where documents were thrown at his feet after he refused to take them.
Bowe also told the court that he has $1,000 to his name.
The case continues on June 22.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Although Williams was supposed to receive $318,000 from driver Mario Bowe, Bowe has never appeared in court for proceedings that would determine his assets.
Bowe's lawyer said he has never received any court documents and so the matter should be dismissed.
William's attorney read several affidavits which indicated that Bowe was served several times, including an occasion where documents were thrown at his feet after he refused to take them.
Bowe also told the court that he has $1,000 to his name.
The case continues on June 22.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Monday, March 23, 2009
New Providence road work on schedule
Read storyThe contractor for the New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP) is on schedule and should begin work this month or next month according to the project's coordinator.
Khader Alikhan said Jose Cartellone Construction of Argentina has submitted a plan and that it is under review.
In addition, Cartellone is locating underground utility pipes, some of which may have to be redirected.
The first two projects expected are Corridor 5 (Bethel Avenue) and Corridor 18 (West Bay Street near Saunders Beach).
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Khader Alikhan said Jose Cartellone Construction of Argentina has submitted a plan and that it is under review.
In addition, Cartellone is locating underground utility pipes, some of which may have to be redirected.
The first two projects expected are Corridor 5 (Bethel Avenue) and Corridor 18 (West Bay Street near Saunders Beach).
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Security guards no help during Green Parrot attack
Read storyA group of six men beat a customer and sliced his neck open at Green Parrot bar Friday night.
The victim told The Tribune that security guards did nothing while the men attacked him. Instead a female companion with him was hurt trying to defend him.
The men left after they cut the man's neck and the guards came over to help the young woman get her friend in the car.
The injury required 60 stitches in and outside the man's neck and could have easily cost him his life.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
The victim told The Tribune that security guards did nothing while the men attacked him. Instead a female companion with him was hurt trying to defend him.
The men left after they cut the man's neck and the guards came over to help the young woman get her friend in the car.
The injury required 60 stitches in and outside the man's neck and could have easily cost him his life.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Former minister succumbs to cancer
Read storyFormer Member of Parliament for Long Island James "Jimmy" Knowles died at home on Saturday.
Knowles had been fighting cancer for four years but returned home when doctors said they had done all they could.
An attorney by trade, Knowles served as minister of transport, minister of works and minister of agriculture and fisheries.
Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said:
“Jimmy was very strong minded. He was firm on his convictions and he had a great sense of humor and it was always a pleasure to work with him."
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Knowles had been fighting cancer for four years but returned home when doctors said they had done all they could.
An attorney by trade, Knowles served as minister of transport, minister of works and minister of agriculture and fisheries.
Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said:
“Jimmy was very strong minded. He was firm on his convictions and he had a great sense of humor and it was always a pleasure to work with him."
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Bahamians are optimistic according to CoB study
Read storyA College of the Bahamas survey shows that citizens are optimistic about the economy.
This month, economics lecturer Randy Forbes and a team of college students collected in-person responses from 1,500 Bahamians.
The answers to five questions, including "Is this a good time to spend $3,000 or more?" and "How will the general economy be in the next six months?" Showed a general optimism, Forbes said.
Forbes is calling the research the Economic Society of The College of The Bahamas Consumer Confidence Index, or the ESOCOB CCI, modeled after its American counterpart.
He has collected the information for the past five years but has only published the results this year.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
This month, economics lecturer Randy Forbes and a team of college students collected in-person responses from 1,500 Bahamians.
The answers to five questions, including "Is this a good time to spend $3,000 or more?" and "How will the general economy be in the next six months?" Showed a general optimism, Forbes said.
Forbes is calling the research the Economic Society of The College of The Bahamas Consumer Confidence Index, or the ESOCOB CCI, modeled after its American counterpart.
He has collected the information for the past five years but has only published the results this year.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Two killed in car crash
Read storyTwo people were killed in a three-car collision at about 1.50 Sunday morning.
A 23-year-old driver and his 27-year-old passenger were killed when the car they were drigin collded with an SUV at the corner of East Street and Cox Way. The car then spun around and hit another car.
The 36-year-old woman who was driving the SUV was taken to hospital in an ambulance although she was responsive and her condition was said to be non life-threatening.
The 34-year-old woman driving the third car to be hit injured her ankle but was otherwise unhurt.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
A 23-year-old driver and his 27-year-old passenger were killed when the car they were drigin collded with an SUV at the corner of East Street and Cox Way. The car then spun around and hit another car.
The 36-year-old woman who was driving the SUV was taken to hospital in an ambulance although she was responsive and her condition was said to be non life-threatening.
The 34-year-old woman driving the third car to be hit injured her ankle but was otherwise unhurt.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Architect is taking legal action over cancelled straw market
Read storyThe architect who designed the cancelled straw market facility has joined the project's contractor in complaining that government has not paid for work that was done.
Michael Foster said he has taken legal action to collect the money he is owed for designing the $23 million facility that the FNM government cancelled saying it was too expensive.
Foster also defended his design, saying it could have generated $2 million a year. He said he did not see how a $10 million dollar structure could do the job.
Ashley Glinton of Woslee Dominion Construction recently expressed concern that the government has not met its obligation to him.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Michael Foster said he has taken legal action to collect the money he is owed for designing the $23 million facility that the FNM government cancelled saying it was too expensive.
Foster also defended his design, saying it could have generated $2 million a year. He said he did not see how a $10 million dollar structure could do the job.
Ashley Glinton of Woslee Dominion Construction recently expressed concern that the government has not met its obligation to him.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Police kill male shooter after car chase
Read storyPolice shot and killed a man after a chase near Fire Trail Road Sunday night.
An unidentified caller spoke to police around 9pm to say he had been hit by a white Cadillac that did not stop. The driver said he followed the car along John F Kennedy Drive.
Police saw the car and tried to intercept it on Fire Trail Road but it turned onto Allen Drive stopping on a mound of dirt at the end.
Two men got out and one shot at police. Officers shot back, hitting him in the torso and killing him.
Police recovered a 12-guage shotgun and launched a search for the other man that was still going on yesterday.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here Page 1
An unidentified caller spoke to police around 9pm to say he had been hit by a white Cadillac that did not stop. The driver said he followed the car along John F Kennedy Drive.
Police saw the car and tried to intercept it on Fire Trail Road but it turned onto Allen Drive stopping on a mound of dirt at the end.
Two men got out and one shot at police. Officers shot back, hitting him in the torso and killing him.
Police recovered a 12-guage shotgun and launched a search for the other man that was still going on yesterday.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here Page 1
Bahamians sentenced to 4 years in jail in Turks & Caicos
Read storyTURKS AND CAICOS: A Bahamian couple was sentenced to four years jail time after pleading guilty to cocaine smuggling.
Spence Dean, 39 and his girlfriend, Mary Sawh asked for leniency after admitting to taping more than four kilograms of cocaine to their bodies.
But Magistrate Clifton Warner gave them each four years, one year shy of the maximum.
The couple were stopped by police trying to board a Bahamasair flight at Providenciales International Airport.
Full Story in The Tribune here
Spence Dean, 39 and his girlfriend, Mary Sawh asked for leniency after admitting to taping more than four kilograms of cocaine to their bodies.
But Magistrate Clifton Warner gave them each four years, one year shy of the maximum.
The couple were stopped by police trying to board a Bahamasair flight at Providenciales International Airport.
Full Story in The Tribune here
New legal lecture series starts Thursday
Read storyThis Thursday, Sir Orville Turnquest will be the first lecturer in the Eugene Dupuch Law School's “Distinguished Lecture” series.
The series is meant to promote discussion of current legal issues among lawyers and members of the public.
The lecture starts at 7.30pm at the Wyndham Nassau Resort and
Crystal Palace Casino.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
The series is meant to promote discussion of current legal issues among lawyers and members of the public.
The lecture starts at 7.30pm at the Wyndham Nassau Resort and
Crystal Palace Casino.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Woman attacked after fake call
Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: A woman was attacked after a man lured her out late Saturday night.
Police said the woman, a 27-year-old clothing vendor, got a call from a man at about 9.40pm. He asked her to come out to the Summerville Drive area so that he could buy some of her products.
When she got there, the woman was attacked by a masked man. He raped her, took her belongings and her van.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Police said the woman, a 27-year-old clothing vendor, got a call from a man at about 9.40pm. He asked her to come out to the Summerville Drive area so that he could buy some of her products.
When she got there, the woman was attacked by a masked man. He raped her, took her belongings and her van.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
More than half the capital's water supply goes to waste
Read storyMore than half of the water bought by the government is never paid for, doubling the cost of supply while cutting revenue in half.
Minister of State for Public Utilities, Phenton Neymour, said the Water and Sewerage Corporation is dealing with several challenges, such as not changing the cost of water since 1999, before expensive reverse osmosis technology was started.
The corporation loses $2.2 million ever year because it charges less than water costs and more than half the water is either stolen or lost through leaky pipes.
Bad pipes also mean rusty water for some residents, especially on the Eastern Road.
Neymour said government is waiting on a report from an Inter American Development Bank study. He hopes the report will help the WSC become self-sufficient.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Minister of State for Public Utilities, Phenton Neymour, said the Water and Sewerage Corporation is dealing with several challenges, such as not changing the cost of water since 1999, before expensive reverse osmosis technology was started.
The corporation loses $2.2 million ever year because it charges less than water costs and more than half the water is either stolen or lost through leaky pipes.
Bad pipes also mean rusty water for some residents, especially on the Eastern Road.
Neymour said government is waiting on a report from an Inter American Development Bank study. He hopes the report will help the WSC become self-sufficient.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Couple worried about mile-wide oil patch off north coast
Read storyA couple fishing on the northern coast ran into a patch of oil about one square mile are worried that authorities don't seem to care.
After running into the patch of oil, Alex Callendar and her husband reported to the Department of Environmental Health.
“The man who they said was responsible for that area said he did not know anything about it and he didn’t seem too bothered,” said Mrs Callender.
Minister of the Environment, Earl Deveaux, and a member of the country’s national Oil Spill Contingency Response Committee, said Port Authority controller Captain Anthony Allen has primary responsibility for organising a response to such incidents.
On Friday, Allen had still not responded to messages left from him on Tuesday.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
After running into the patch of oil, Alex Callendar and her husband reported to the Department of Environmental Health.
“The man who they said was responsible for that area said he did not know anything about it and he didn’t seem too bothered,” said Mrs Callender.
Minister of the Environment, Earl Deveaux, and a member of the country’s national Oil Spill Contingency Response Committee, said Port Authority controller Captain Anthony Allen has primary responsibility for organising a response to such incidents.
On Friday, Allen had still not responded to messages left from him on Tuesday.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Witness said hospital staff killed man, not fall
Read storyNegligence by hospital staff caused the death of the man who fell from the Queen's Starcase last week, according to an eyewitness.
Pastor Kevin Cooper said he ran over to the man as soon as he fell, which was around 3pm last Tuesday. The man's identity is still not known.
Cooper said blood was pouring out of the man's broken body while he called 911, eventually running to the nearby hospital.
Staff, including the doctor, seemed in no hurry to help and took their time heading to the man, Cooper said.
Paramedics came 15 minutes later, making the total amount of time after the man fell 45 minutes.
“It wasn’t the fall that was fatal," Cooper said, "it was their negligence, and slow response that killed the man.”
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Pastor Kevin Cooper said he ran over to the man as soon as he fell, which was around 3pm last Tuesday. The man's identity is still not known.
Cooper said blood was pouring out of the man's broken body while he called 911, eventually running to the nearby hospital.
Staff, including the doctor, seemed in no hurry to help and took their time heading to the man, Cooper said.
Paramedics came 15 minutes later, making the total amount of time after the man fell 45 minutes.
“It wasn’t the fall that was fatal," Cooper said, "it was their negligence, and slow response that killed the man.”
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
30 new trees for South Beach
Read storySeveral organizations and a local nursery planted 30 natives trees and cleared 15 bags worth of trash, just the beginning of their efforts in the country's million tree campaign.
The Rotaract Club of East Nassau, the Rotary Club of East Nassau
and the Nature Conservancy worked with the Native Sun Nursery to plant silver and green buttonwood plants along the coast at South Beach last week Saturday.
Full Story in The Tribune here
The Rotaract Club of East Nassau, the Rotary Club of East Nassau
and the Nature Conservancy worked with the Native Sun Nursery to plant silver and green buttonwood plants along the coast at South Beach last week Saturday.
Full Story in The Tribune here
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Bahamas says goodbye to its first ambassador
Read storyThe country held a state funeral for its first ambassador last Thursday, saying goodbye to Livingston Basil Johnson.
Johnson became the country's first ambassador after independence. An attorney, he partnered with Sir Lynden Pindling, with whom he formed a close friendship and was the best man at his wedding.
He was described as a meticulous worker with excellent judgment, conservative and dignified.
Full Story in The Tribune here
Johnson became the country's first ambassador after independence. An attorney, he partnered with Sir Lynden Pindling, with whom he formed a close friendship and was the best man at his wedding.
He was described as a meticulous worker with excellent judgment, conservative and dignified.
Full Story in The Tribune here
Man murdered in food store parking lot
Read storyA man died in hospital a day after he was admitted with head wounds.
Bradley Smith, 46, was in the Wulff and Village Road area around 6 p.m. last week Tuesday when he was injured.
Police say they are still not sure what happened but were searching the Wulff Road area on Thursday evening.
Family members say Smith was attacked in a food store parking lot and have asked anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
Bradley Smith, 46, was in the Wulff and Village Road area around 6 p.m. last week Tuesday when he was injured.
Police say they are still not sure what happened but were searching the Wulff Road area on Thursday evening.
Family members say Smith was attacked in a food store parking lot and have asked anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A1)
New road too close to homes
Read storyResidents are upset about the impact a new road might have on their homes and property value.
The road, currently going by the name Corridor 18, will alter West Bay Street near Saunders Beach.
Several residents complained that it will bring traffic too close to their homes, bringing dirt, noise and invading their privacy.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
The road, currently going by the name Corridor 18, will alter West Bay Street near Saunders Beach.
Several residents complained that it will bring traffic too close to their homes, bringing dirt, noise and invading their privacy.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Thursday, March 19, 2009
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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
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:
Full Story in The Tribune here
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
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
Monday, March 16, 2009
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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)
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
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
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
