The guilty plea meant police dropped charges against the five people arrested with Crossgill, 20.
The Nassau Guardian
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Man ordered to give $5,000 to AIDS group
Read storyMagistrate Renae McKay ordered Travis Crossgill to pay $5,000 to the AIDS Foundation after he pled guilty to possession of 13 bullets for a 9mm handgun.
The guilty plea meant police dropped charges against the five people arrested with Crossgill, 20.
The Nassau Guardian
The guilty plea meant police dropped charges against the five people arrested with Crossgill, 20.
The Nassau Guardian
Man on bail charged with second murder
Read storyA man on bail for murder was charged with another murder in court Tuesday.
Dior Johnson is accused of shooting Ignacio Smith to death in front of his home on January 28.
Johnson was on bail for the October 2006 murder of Jason Rolle, who was stabbed to death.
The Nassau Guardian
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)
Dior Johnson is accused of shooting Ignacio Smith to death in front of his home on January 28.
Johnson was on bail for the October 2006 murder of Jason Rolle, who was stabbed to death.
The Nassau Guardian
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)
CBN wants your vote
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Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Cuban prisoners plan hunger strike to protest beatings
Read storyA detainee at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre will start a hunger strike today (Wednesday) after he was allegedly beaten so badly that he lost his fingernails.
It was one of many accusations made by inmates at the centre during an interview with The Tribune. Here are some of the most startling:
"Without hesitation I can say this is a concentration camp. Any human being walking through the door would be shocked. . . " according to a prisoner.
The protestors are asking Bahamians to donate diapers, baby formula and food.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)
It was one of many accusations made by inmates at the centre during an interview with The Tribune. Here are some of the most startling:
- People sleep on the floor and in bathrooms with old hole-filled blankets
- Inmates get so little to eat that some are willing to give sexual favours for food
- That American inmate Mathew Davenport - who set fire to a male dormitory at the centre - was beaten "senseless" when he climbed onto a roof to protest conditions. The next day he started the fire.
- That officers knocked out the teeth of a prisoner named Reginald and broke both his knees.
"Without hesitation I can say this is a concentration camp. Any human being walking through the door would be shocked. . . " according to a prisoner.
The protestors are asking Bahamians to donate diapers, baby formula and food.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)
Inmate says officers paid thousands to aid escapes
Read storyIn another story from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre an inmate told The Tribune that officers collect between $4,000 and $6,000 to help prisoners escape.
He also mentioned several cases of fraud, including the case of a Haitian man who paid $5,000 and "became a Bahamian national overnight”.
“They falsified school records to say he attended school in the Bahamas,” the detainee claimed. “I don't know what else happened from that point but that’s where it began,” he told The Tribune.
The inmate mentioned another case in which five Chinese persons paid officials at the centre $30,000 to be released.
“They put them on an airplane to Cuba so that they could try and re-enter the Bahamas from there and then go on to the US.
"They stayed in Cuba for a few days and then they got caught again here in the Bahamas, so essentially they lost their money,” he said.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)
He also mentioned several cases of fraud, including the case of a Haitian man who paid $5,000 and "became a Bahamian national overnight”.
“They falsified school records to say he attended school in the Bahamas,” the detainee claimed. “I don't know what else happened from that point but that’s where it began,” he told The Tribune.
The inmate mentioned another case in which five Chinese persons paid officials at the centre $30,000 to be released.
“They put them on an airplane to Cuba so that they could try and re-enter the Bahamas from there and then go on to the US.
"They stayed in Cuba for a few days and then they got caught again here in the Bahamas, so essentially they lost their money,” he said.
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)
Judge accuses judge of trying to ruin her career
Read storyA magistrate is suing Deputy Chief Magistrate Helen Jones, saying Jones wrongly accused her of accepting bribes and stealing fines.
Magistrate Subusola Lawanson-Swain accused Jones of making false accusations against her and trying to punish her because of the way she handled cases connected to Jones' husband, father-in-law and electrician.
Lawanson-Swain, who is now presiding over a juvenile court, said Jones' accusations caused enormous embarrassment and damaged her career.
She is seeking damages for slander, libel, malicious falsehood and misfeasance in public office.
The Nassau Guardian
Magistrate Subusola Lawanson-Swain accused Jones of making false accusations against her and trying to punish her because of the way she handled cases connected to Jones' husband, father-in-law and electrician.
Lawanson-Swain, who is now presiding over a juvenile court, said Jones' accusations caused enormous embarrassment and damaged her career.
She is seeking damages for slander, libel, malicious falsehood and misfeasance in public office.
The Nassau Guardian
Court Briefs: Stabbing, 12-year-old sex assault
Read storyA 17-year-old male was charged with the brutal stabbing of a Haitian man found dead on Wulff Road.
The victim, 33-year-old Ecvard Ficien, was still holding money when police found his body near the Happy Hour Bar last Wednesday.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
On Monday, Delbert Roberts, 44 was charged with having unlawful intercourse with a 12-year-old girl in December of last year.
Roberts was given $10,000 bail and his case was adjourned until April 28.
Sheehan Comarcho, 22, was charged with raping a woman at her Prince Charles Drive home and robbing her of $1,000, a phone and her Nissan Sentra.
Comarcho returns to court on June 1st.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
The victim, 33-year-old Ecvard Ficien, was still holding money when police found his body near the Happy Hour Bar last Wednesday.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
On Monday, Delbert Roberts, 44 was charged with having unlawful intercourse with a 12-year-old girl in December of last year.
Roberts was given $10,000 bail and his case was adjourned until April 28.
Sheehan Comarcho, 22, was charged with raping a woman at her Prince Charles Drive home and robbing her of $1,000, a phone and her Nissan Sentra.
Comarcho returns to court on June 1st.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
Men charged with taking $90,000 in robbery spree
Read storyThree men were charged in connection with armed robberies that included nine victims and were valued at more than $96,000 in cash and goods.
John Augustine and Colbert Augustine, both Haitian, were charged with robbing the Alpha Learning Centre of $2,100 in cash on February 16th.
Both men, along with Shaun Johnson, were charged with six robberies between two days in February. Click here to see table.
John Augustine and Colbert Augustine were charged with robbing more than $86,000 in on January 19th. Click here to see table.
John Augustine and Colbert Augustine, both Haitian, were charged with robbing the Alpha Learning Centre of $2,100 in cash on February 16th.
Both men, along with Shaun Johnson, were charged with six robberies between two days in February. Click here to see table.
John Augustine and Colbert Augustine were charged with robbing more than $86,000 in on January 19th. Click here to see table.
Man shot by police had "toy" gun
Read storyFirearms expert Charles Bain told the Coroner's Court on Monday that the gun found next to Lincoln Forbes was a "toy gun" meant to shoot firecrackers.
But Mr Bain also testified that anyone could have mistaken the gun for the real thing.
The inquest is reviewing the details of Forbes' June 3, 2004 shooting death.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
Full Story in The Tribune here
But Mr Bain also testified that anyone could have mistaken the gun for the real thing.
The inquest is reviewing the details of Forbes' June 3, 2004 shooting death.
See other CBN stories about this subject here
Full Story in The Tribune here
Nassau Harbor getting $70 million deeper
Read storyIn about a month, the government will close a $70 million deal to dredge Nassau Harbour and extend Arawak Cay.
Bids from seven companies - all foreign – were considered. A Bahamian company did submit a bid but did not meet prequalifications.
The project is expected to take nine months and will allow the harbor to accommodate new, larger cruise ships.
It is expected to more than double the length of Arawak Cay, which was chosen as a project partially because it was the most economical way to use the material dug up from the harbor.
The Nassau Guardian
Bids from seven companies - all foreign – were considered. A Bahamian company did submit a bid but did not meet prequalifications.
The project is expected to take nine months and will allow the harbor to accommodate new, larger cruise ships.
It is expected to more than double the length of Arawak Cay, which was chosen as a project partially because it was the most economical way to use the material dug up from the harbor.
The Nassau Guardian
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are in Nassau
Read storyCheerleaders from The Dallas Cowboys are in Nassau to shoot their 2010 calendar.
The cheerleaders will pose at spots around the Atlantis Resort.
About half of the team of 60 will be in Nassau until March 1.
Full Story in The Tribune here
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders website here
The cheerleaders will pose at spots around the Atlantis Resort.
About half of the team of 60 will be in Nassau until March 1.
Full Story in The Tribune here
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders website here
History channel looking for UFOs in The Bahamas
Read storyHosts from the History Channel's show, UFO Hunters, will be in Nassau next month to investigate recent alien sightings in and around the Bahamas.
Host Johnathan Walton told The Nassau Guardian that the team is looking for witnesses.
Anyone who thinks they have seen an Unidentified Flying Object of interest is asked to email him at walton@motionpictureprod.com.
Check out the UFO Hunters website here
Host Johnathan Walton told The Nassau Guardian that the team is looking for witnesses.
Anyone who thinks they have seen an Unidentified Flying Object of interest is asked to email him at walton@motionpictureprod.com.
Check out the UFO Hunters website here
Monday, February 23, 2009
Woman robbed and raped by intruder
Read storyA woman was raped during an attack at a Prince Charles Drive home early Friday morning.
After a man got into the house through the front door, he robbed a 30-year-old woman inside and sexually assaulted her.
The police officer reporting the crime did not reveal the extent of the woman's injuries but said she was substantially traumatized.
According to The Tribune, another woman in the house escaped to a neighbor where she called police. The Guardian reported that neighbors heard commotion from the home and called.
Either way, police were able to make an arrest, although again there are different reports.
The Tribune stated that police are holding one man in connection with the crime while The Guardian said two 23-year-olds.
Both papers said the suspect(s) were expected to appear in court yesterday.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)
After a man got into the house through the front door, he robbed a 30-year-old woman inside and sexually assaulted her.
The police officer reporting the crime did not reveal the extent of the woman's injuries but said she was substantially traumatized.
According to The Tribune, another woman in the house escaped to a neighbor where she called police. The Guardian reported that neighbors heard commotion from the home and called.
Either way, police were able to make an arrest, although again there are different reports.
The Tribune stated that police are holding one man in connection with the crime while The Guardian said two 23-year-olds.
Both papers said the suspect(s) were expected to appear in court yesterday.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Full Story in The Tribune here (Page A01)
Two robberies at home entrance
Read storyA 32-year-old man was attacked by two gunmen outside his house in the Cool Acres subdivision Friday evening.
The men went inside his home, took his shotgun and then shot the man in his left leg when they were leaving.
He was in stable condition on Sunday.
Around 10pm, a woman in her early 50s was robbed of about $2,000 at her home in Twynam Heights.
The woman, who was with her son, was also approached by two men with guns, who took cash and some personal items.
They tried to take her car but did not succeed.
Police Superintendant Elsworth Moss warned Bahamians to make sure homes are well-lit on the outside and that people inside know to expect you.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Full Story in The Tribune here
The men went inside his home, took his shotgun and then shot the man in his left leg when they were leaving.
He was in stable condition on Sunday.
Around 10pm, a woman in her early 50s was robbed of about $2,000 at her home in Twynam Heights.
The woman, who was with her son, was also approached by two men with guns, who took cash and some personal items.
They tried to take her car but did not succeed.
Police Superintendant Elsworth Moss warned Bahamians to make sure homes are well-lit on the outside and that people inside know to expect you.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Full Story in The Tribune here
Survey of Bahamas experts say the worst is coming
Read storyThat country may not have seen the worst of the financial crisis according to a survey of financial professionals in The Bahamas.
A survey of 40 financial service professionals, conducted by The Nassau Guardian and The Bahamas Financial Services Board, asked 13 questions about the state of the nation.
Not everyone answered every question but below are some of the points raised and the responses.
The worst has passed
29 said it hasn't
Government should focus more on financial services
30 said it should
Delayed/Cancelled projects will have a significant impact on the country's supply of foreign money
32 said they will
Difficulties facing Swiss banks will affect confidence in offshore banking
20 said yes, 16 said no
Everyone who responded to a question about local industry said the country would have to make major changes for the financial services sector - the nation's number two money-maker - to remain competitive.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
A survey of 40 financial service professionals, conducted by The Nassau Guardian and The Bahamas Financial Services Board, asked 13 questions about the state of the nation.
Not everyone answered every question but below are some of the points raised and the responses.
The worst has passed
29 said it hasn't
Government should focus more on financial services
30 said it should
Delayed/Cancelled projects will have a significant impact on the country's supply of foreign money
32 said they will
Difficulties facing Swiss banks will affect confidence in offshore banking
20 said yes, 16 said no
Everyone who responded to a question about local industry said the country would have to make major changes for the financial services sector - the nation's number two money-maker - to remain competitive.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Groups not coming to Atlantis
Read storyGroup bookings at the Atlantis' Resort are way down and are probably going to stay that way.
George Markantonis, president and managing director of Kerzner Bahamas, told The Nassau Guardian that companies that would normally come to the resort for meetings and rewards programs are cutting out exotic trips.
Citigroup Inc.'s Primerica Financial Services recently canceled a trip for its salespeople. Markantonis said that would have a big impact on occupancy levels but said the hotel intends to collect cancellation fees.
Despite the loss of much of its most important business, the Atlantis executive told The Nassau Guardian that the resort is more or less on target. There are no plans for layoffs among the resorts' 8,000-plus workers.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
George Markantonis, president and managing director of Kerzner Bahamas, told The Nassau Guardian that companies that would normally come to the resort for meetings and rewards programs are cutting out exotic trips.
Citigroup Inc.'s Primerica Financial Services recently canceled a trip for its salespeople. Markantonis said that would have a big impact on occupancy levels but said the hotel intends to collect cancellation fees.
Despite the loss of much of its most important business, the Atlantis executive told The Nassau Guardian that the resort is more or less on target. There are no plans for layoffs among the resorts' 8,000-plus workers.
Full Story in The Nassau Guardian here
Family wants longer sentence for killer
Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: A family is upset that the man who killed their relative has been sentenced to only 15 years in prison.
Labion LaRoda stabbed his wife Tiffany at least 20 times, killing her. LaRoda pled guilty to the manslaughter.
Her sister, Shavonne Munnings, said: “I sat through the trial and the accused admitted and described in detail what he did as part of the plea bargain to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
"I do not agree with this plea bargaining thing and I also believe that the 15-year sentence was not sufficient because he took a mother away from her four children."
Ms Munnings said she believes LaRoda should have been sentenced to at least 35 years for his crime.
Rev Glenroy Bethel, founder of a group known as Families for Justice or FFJ, said the victim’s family would appeal the decision.
Full Story in The Tribune here
Labion LaRoda stabbed his wife Tiffany at least 20 times, killing her. LaRoda pled guilty to the manslaughter.
Her sister, Shavonne Munnings, said: “I sat through the trial and the accused admitted and described in detail what he did as part of the plea bargain to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
"I do not agree with this plea bargaining thing and I also believe that the 15-year sentence was not sufficient because he took a mother away from her four children."
Ms Munnings said she believes LaRoda should have been sentenced to at least 35 years for his crime.
Rev Glenroy Bethel, founder of a group known as Families for Justice or FFJ, said the victim’s family would appeal the decision.
Full Story in The Tribune here
Man crashes Jeep into home
Read storyGRAND BAHAMA: After losing control of his Jeep Cherokee, a driver crashed through the wall of a home.
According to police, Ashley Moxey was speeding on the East Sunrise Highway at about 3am last week Friday.
Moxey lost control then hurtled across the median and the highway's other lane before crashing through the northern wall of Rowland Stuart's Home.
The crash did not hurt anyone in the home but Moxey was taken to Rand Memorial for treatment.
Full Story in The Tribune here
According to police, Ashley Moxey was speeding on the East Sunrise Highway at about 3am last week Friday.
Moxey lost control then hurtled across the median and the highway's other lane before crashing through the northern wall of Rowland Stuart's Home.
The crash did not hurt anyone in the home but Moxey was taken to Rand Memorial for treatment.
Full Story in The Tribune here
Police: Yard fires will be punished
Read storyBahamians that burn rubbish or debris will be subject to the most severe sentences possible according to Fire Services administrator Bradley Knowles.
"It's a nuisance and we want the public to understand that this is a breach of the law - the only (legal) avenue you have for lighting fires in the neighborhood is for cooking purposes," Knowles said.
"We've been doing a lot of warning but the time has come where we're going to have to prosecute people before the courts."
Full Story in The Tribune here
"It's a nuisance and we want the public to understand that this is a breach of the law - the only (legal) avenue you have for lighting fires in the neighborhood is for cooking purposes," Knowles said.
"We've been doing a lot of warning but the time has come where we're going to have to prosecute people before the courts."
Full Story in The Tribune here
Government getting tougher on crown land policy
Read storyThe government plans to be tougher on squatters in efforts to protect the approximately 15,000 acres of crown land left on New Providence.
Land and Surveys Director Tex Turnquest said persons who are trying to hold on to land without devloping it will be stopped.
Turnquest said the government is providing more resources to the department which will help them to deal with squatters more efficiently.
Land and Surveys is currently putting together a map of the crown land still available in The Bahamas, one island at a time.
The Nassau Guardian
Land and Surveys Director Tex Turnquest said persons who are trying to hold on to land without devloping it will be stopped.
Turnquest said the government is providing more resources to the department which will help them to deal with squatters more efficiently.
Land and Surveys is currently putting together a map of the crown land still available in The Bahamas, one island at a time.
The Nassau Guardian
