The 58-year-old was visiting from Missouri.
Atlantis spokesman Ed Fields said the hotel would refrain from comment until it had more time to investigate.
-Tribune
Monday, February 2, 2009
Atlantis visitor dies in hospital
Click to read story Buntrum Cooper died in hospital after he reportedly had trouble in one of Atlantis' pools on around 6 o'clock Thursday evening.
The 58-year-old was visiting from Missouri.
Atlantis spokesman Ed Fields said the hotel would refrain from comment until it had more time to investigate.
The 58-year-old was visiting from Missouri.
Atlantis spokesman Ed Fields said the hotel would refrain from comment until it had more time to investigate.
Bahamians in car crash then plane crash
Click to read story A group of unlucky travelers crashed twice, once by car and then again by plane.
After two vehicles crashed around 9.55 Thursday night, six people, including three children, were airlifted from North Andros. But the twin-engine Cessna they were taken in was forced to make an emergency landing because of engine problems.
Including the pilot, 11 people were on the plane. No one was hurt during the plane crash although the plane itself was badly damaged.
A relative was upset that ambulances were not waiting at the airport and said that crash victims had to wait "on the grass".
After two vehicles crashed around 9.55 Thursday night, six people, including three children, were airlifted from North Andros. But the twin-engine Cessna they were taken in was forced to make an emergency landing because of engine problems.
Including the pilot, 11 people were on the plane. No one was hurt during the plane crash although the plane itself was badly damaged.
A relative was upset that ambulances were not waiting at the airport and said that crash victims had to wait "on the grass".
-Guardian and Tribune
Nations concerned over Bahamian's racial discrimination
Click to read storyIn a review by the United Nations Human Rights Council, several countries expressed concern over the way The Bahamas handles immigrants.
France, Canada and Haiti expressed concerns over The Bahamas' discrimination against and immediate detention of immigrants.
Canada said though it recognizes the challenges we face with regard to migrants, it believes that migrants, refugees and asylum seekers should be detained only as a last resort.
Canada and France said The Bahamas should implement recommendations by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
France asked if The Bahamas had taken specific steps to remedy the culture of racism toward immigrants.
Haiti expressed concerns that person without documents are automatically detained and deported without judicial safeguards or the right to appeal.
Haiti recommended that The Bahamas apply the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.
They also asked for information from The Bahamas on specific measurers taken to address allegations of excessive force by security forces.
According to info provided by The Bahamas, the country has granted asylum to 102 people 'over the years'.
The report also stated that from 2004 to 2008 nearly 30,000 illegal immigrants were repatriated at a cost of more than $4 million.
France, Canada and Haiti expressed concerns over The Bahamas' discrimination against and immediate detention of immigrants.
Canada said though it recognizes the challenges we face with regard to migrants, it believes that migrants, refugees and asylum seekers should be detained only as a last resort.
Canada and France said The Bahamas should implement recommendations by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
France asked if The Bahamas had taken specific steps to remedy the culture of racism toward immigrants.
Haiti expressed concerns that person without documents are automatically detained and deported without judicial safeguards or the right to appeal.
Haiti recommended that The Bahamas apply the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.
They also asked for information from The Bahamas on specific measurers taken to address allegations of excessive force by security forces.
According to info provided by The Bahamas, the country has granted asylum to 102 people 'over the years'.
The report also stated that from 2004 to 2008 nearly 30,000 illegal immigrants were repatriated at a cost of more than $4 million.
-Tribune
Countries ask The Bahamas to stop killing people
Click to read storySeveral countries have asked The Bahamas to stop executing people, eliminate corporal punishment, improve women's rights and do more to stop child pornography.
In a review by the United Nations Human Rights Council, 27 countries considered The Bahamas policies and culture.
The United Kingdom said The Bahamas should eliminate laws that make capital punishment possible. Chile asked for information about our nation’s co-operation with regional bodies to stop the trafficking of people.
The Netherlands said that despite positive steps with regards to women's rights, our government faces serious challenges, especially when it comes to violence against women.
The Netherlands said The Bahamas should report regularly to the treaty bodies, specifically to the Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and recommended enforcing the Domestic Violence (protection order) Act.
The Bahamas is party to the convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women but our national report is overdue.
Both The Netherlands (and) Mexico recommended reducing the nation’s gender gap and expressed concern that women cannot transfer nationality to their children or spouses.
Australia recommended that The Bahamas establish an independent national human rights institution. The Bahamian delegation said women play a crucial role in society and that allegations of gender discrimination were inconsistent.
The Bahamas delegation said women's rights are protected in several forms, including through the Bureau of Women's Affairs, which considers discrimination accusations. Barbados said many of the conclusions and recommendations can and do strain the limited resources of small countries.
The Bahamas' delegation consisted of six members, including Attorney General Michael Barnett, Ambassador Joshua Sears, Ambassador Vernon Burrows, First Assistant Secretary and Officer-In-Charge, Bureau Of Women's Affairs, Phedra Rahming.
In a review by the United Nations Human Rights Council, 27 countries considered The Bahamas policies and culture.
The United Kingdom said The Bahamas should eliminate laws that make capital punishment possible. Chile asked for information about our nation’s co-operation with regional bodies to stop the trafficking of people.
The Netherlands said that despite positive steps with regards to women's rights, our government faces serious challenges, especially when it comes to violence against women.
The Netherlands said The Bahamas should report regularly to the treaty bodies, specifically to the Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and recommended enforcing the Domestic Violence (protection order) Act.
The Bahamas is party to the convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women but our national report is overdue.
Both The Netherlands (and) Mexico recommended reducing the nation’s gender gap and expressed concern that women cannot transfer nationality to their children or spouses.
Australia recommended that The Bahamas establish an independent national human rights institution. The Bahamian delegation said women play a crucial role in society and that allegations of gender discrimination were inconsistent.
The Bahamas delegation said women's rights are protected in several forms, including through the Bureau of Women's Affairs, which considers discrimination accusations. Barbados said many of the conclusions and recommendations can and do strain the limited resources of small countries.
The Bahamas' delegation consisted of six members, including Attorney General Michael Barnett, Ambassador Joshua Sears, Ambassador Vernon Burrows, First Assistant Secretary and Officer-In-Charge, Bureau Of Women's Affairs, Phedra Rahming.
-Tribune
Man shot after row; police make arrest
Click to read story A man was shot in the leg after an argument with another man in Coral Reef Estates area in Freeport.
Around 11.45 am Friday, a resident called police after the shooting. Police spoke with 43 year old Franklyn Wilson who said he had been shot after a verbal clash and gave details to police.
After searching the area, police arrested a man in his early 20s for questioning near Columbus Drive and Hudson Avenue.
Police collected a firearm they suspect was used in the incident.
Around 11.45 am Friday, a resident called police after the shooting. Police spoke with 43 year old Franklyn Wilson who said he had been shot after a verbal clash and gave details to police.
After searching the area, police arrested a man in his early 20s for questioning near Columbus Drive and Hudson Avenue.
Police collected a firearm they suspect was used in the incident.
-Guardian and Tribune
COURT BRIEFS: Kidnapping, Two-year jail term and Gun Charge
Click to read storyThree Jamaicans were fined $2,500 for staying in The Bahamas beyond the time they were legally allowed.
Barbara Barrett, Dontae Byro and David Robinson all faced the same sentence. If they cannot pay the fine they will be jailed for 24 months.
Ahmad Babbs of Pinewood Gardens was remanded after he was charged with kidnapping and armed robbery charges.
Babbs, 21, is charged with kidnapping Franklyn Nesbitt on Sunday, January 13 and robbing him of $6,000 in cheques that belonged to the General Brokers Insurance Agency. He was one of four mentioned in the charges, which included Melbourn Bain 23, Desmond Poitier, 24 and Kendall Hanna, 33.
Craig saunders, 21, was charged with possession of an unlicensed 9mm gun along with 10 rounds last Thursday.
Barbara Barrett, Dontae Byro and David Robinson all faced the same sentence. If they cannot pay the fine they will be jailed for 24 months.
-
Ahmad Babbs of Pinewood Gardens was remanded after he was charged with kidnapping and armed robbery charges.
Babbs, 21, is charged with kidnapping Franklyn Nesbitt on Sunday, January 13 and robbing him of $6,000 in cheques that belonged to the General Brokers Insurance Agency. He was one of four mentioned in the charges, which included Melbourn Bain 23, Desmond Poitier, 24 and Kendall Hanna, 33.
-
Craig saunders, 21, was charged with possession of an unlicensed 9mm gun along with 10 rounds last Thursday.
-Guardian
Ukraine Ambassador arrives in The Bahamas
Click to read story
The Bahamas now has an ambassador from The Ukraine , which established diplomatic relations in 2003. Yuriy A Sergeyev, 52, officially met with Governor General Arthur Hanna last week.
Sergeyev, who also served as ambassador to France, celebrates his birthday this Thursday, February 5th.
Sergeyev, who also served as ambassador to France, celebrates his birthday this Thursday, February 5th.
-Tribune
Officers not involved in Newbold death, police say
Click to read story
Police Chief Superintendent Glen Miller denied allegations that officers were involved in the death of Ashley Newbold, the man convicted of killing Joy Cartwright and wanted in connection with charges of armed robbery and kidnapping.
Miller said police found a .38 revolver and five live rounds on Newbold’s body, which was discovered in the road on Toote Shop Corner last week.
Several Toote Shop Corner residents told The Tribune they felt police were responsible for this death. Miller said that no witness had told the police that they saw any officers involved and that no officers had come forward to say they were involved.
Reports to the newspaper included a resident who said even if they knew who killed him they would not tell the police because they did not trust them.
Another said that he and his friends had been robbed, beaten and shot at by Newbold. The resident said Newbold was a menace who got "just what he deserved".
None of the residents gave their name for publication.
Police Chief Superintendent Glen Miller denied allegations that officers were involved in the death of Ashley Newbold, the man convicted of killing Joy Cartwright and wanted in connection with charges of armed robbery and kidnapping.
Miller said police found a .38 revolver and five live rounds on Newbold’s body, which was discovered in the road on Toote Shop Corner last week.
Several Toote Shop Corner residents told The Tribune they felt police were responsible for this death. Miller said that no witness had told the police that they saw any officers involved and that no officers had come forward to say they were involved.
Reports to the newspaper included a resident who said even if they knew who killed him they would not tell the police because they did not trust them.
Another said that he and his friends had been robbed, beaten and shot at by Newbold. The resident said Newbold was a menace who got "just what he deserved".
None of the residents gave their name for publication.
-Tribune
More than 400 Haitians arrested in January
Click to read storyThe Royal Bahamas Defense Force arrested 120 Haitian migrants in the central Bahamas last Thursday.
On a crowded sloop four miles southwest of Hawks Bill Rock, they found 120 people - 109 men, 11 women without legal documents. That brings the total to 483 arrested so far this year.
The Department of Immigration spent more than $1 million to repatriate 7,058 Haitian immigrants in 2008 and $5 million to return 29, 810 over the past five years.
On a crowded sloop four miles southwest of Hawks Bill Rock, they found 120 people - 109 men, 11 women without legal documents. That brings the total to 483 arrested so far this year.
The Department of Immigration spent more than $1 million to repatriate 7,058 Haitian immigrants in 2008 and $5 million to return 29, 810 over the past five years.
-Tribune
Workers sue Sandals for $8 thousand
Click to read storySandals workers are suing the hotel for more than $8,000 in pay they say was illegally taken from their salaries.
Seventeen workers said they instructed the resort to stop deducting $10 in weekly dues for the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union. They allege that the hotel continued to take money from their salaries for about 20 weeks; March 14 and August 28.
Seventeen workers said they instructed the resort to stop deducting $10 in weekly dues for the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union. They allege that the hotel continued to take money from their salaries for about 20 weeks; March 14 and August 28.
-Guardian
Biodegradable plastic available now
Click to read storySafer plastic is available in The Bahamas now. Bahamas Degradable Plastic has been providing the stuff for the last four years said BDP founder Charles Zonicle.
Zonicle said the bags are more durable than regular plastic and can break down in 60 days instead of the 400 years required by the standard plastic. The bags break down to organic matter in sunlight, water and heat.
Oxobiodegradable bags is the official name for the bags, whose main ingredient is an additive called d2w. Regular plastic is made from refined oil.
BDP currently serves 15 local clients, incluing schools and hotels and is looking to branch into the family islands.
The bags cost between $10 -$20 more per case than regular bags, partly because the import tax on them is 40%, something Zonicle is trying to change.
Zonicle said the bags are more durable than regular plastic and can break down in 60 days instead of the 400 years required by the standard plastic. The bags break down to organic matter in sunlight, water and heat.
Oxobiodegradable bags is the official name for the bags, whose main ingredient is an additive called d2w. Regular plastic is made from refined oil.
BDP currently serves 15 local clients, incluing schools and hotels and is looking to branch into the family islands.
The bags cost between $10 -$20 more per case than regular bags, partly because the import tax on them is 40%, something Zonicle is trying to change.
-Tribune
Bahamas ready for gay MP
Click to read storyFormer Member of Parliament and Minister George Smith said he thinks The Bahamas is ready for a homosexual MP.
Smith said he felt it was possible for a homosexual to go as far as Prime Minister, saying at one point people thought it was impossible for The Bahamas to have a black leader.
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in an interview on the British talk show Hard Talk said gay leaders were fine, just not in his cabinet.
Smith said he felt it was possible for a homosexual to go as far as Prime Minister, saying at one point people thought it was impossible for The Bahamas to have a black leader.
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in an interview on the British talk show Hard Talk said gay leaders were fine, just not in his cabinet.
-Guardian
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Missing witnesses end double murder charges
Click to read story
For the second time witnesses have failed to show up to testify in the trial concerning the murders of Levaughan Finlayson and his girlfriend Jonell Jones-Dean.
On Thursday, a judge discharged the case against Julian 'Ninja' Woodside and Jason 'Shortman' Ferguson, who were accused of the double-killing. It was the second time the matter was discharged because of witness no-shows.
The couple were ambushed outside Jones-Dean's Mason's Alley home on June 21, 2007.Finlayson had been out of jail less than a week, having been released on bail for charges of rape, armed robbery and kidnapping.
Woodside and Ferguson were jailed last week after they were charged with the August 2, 2007 murder of Theophilus Dean, a young businessman fatally shot after he was ambushed outside his Fox Hill home.
For the second time witnesses have failed to show up to testify in the trial concerning the murders of Levaughan Finlayson and his girlfriend Jonell Jones-Dean.
On Thursday, a judge discharged the case against Julian 'Ninja' Woodside and Jason 'Shortman' Ferguson, who were accused of the double-killing. It was the second time the matter was discharged because of witness no-shows.
The couple were ambushed outside Jones-Dean's Mason's Alley home on June 21, 2007.Finlayson had been out of jail less than a week, having been released on bail for charges of rape, armed robbery and kidnapping.
Woodside and Ferguson were jailed last week after they were charged with the August 2, 2007 murder of Theophilus Dean, a young businessman fatally shot after he was ambushed outside his Fox Hill home.
-Guardian
Man freed after stabbing gay attacker
Click to read story
A jury unanimously decided that Frederick Green-Neely was not guilty of murder although he admitted to killing a man who tried to have sex with him.
Green-Neely, 25, told the court he went to Dale Williams' home in Bain Town on February 9, 2004. He was there to talk about buying a Valentines Day gift basket for his girlfriend.
The defendant said he stabbed Williams after Williams told him he had a crush on him and grabbed his genitals. Green-Neely tried to leave and stabbed Williams three times during the fight to leave.
Green-Neely's lawyer, Dorsey McPhee said his client was defending his manhood.
A jury unanimously decided that Frederick Green-Neely was not guilty of murder although he admitted to killing a man who tried to have sex with him.
Green-Neely, 25, told the court he went to Dale Williams' home in Bain Town on February 9, 2004. He was there to talk about buying a Valentines Day gift basket for his girlfriend.
The defendant said he stabbed Williams after Williams told him he had a crush on him and grabbed his genitals. Green-Neely tried to leave and stabbed Williams three times during the fight to leave.
Green-Neely's lawyer, Dorsey McPhee said his client was defending his manhood.
-Nassau Guardian
Improved medical facilities for the prison
Click to read story
Her Majesty's Prison opened a new diagnostic and pharmaceutical unit Thursday aimed at improving prisoner health and reducing the burden on public health facilities.
During the launch of the unit, Health Minister Hubert Minnis said there 115 inmates (out of more than 1,380) with chronic illnesses, and at least 90 who have tested positive for a communicable disease.
The prison now has a fully-functional clinic in maximum security and secondary unit in the remand centre. Health staff at the prison includes two doctors, four nurses, a pharmacist and a phlebotomist (someone trained to draw an blood for testing), who treat about 140 inmates a week.
It has also ended the use of slop buckets.
Her Majesty's Prison opened a new diagnostic and pharmaceutical unit Thursday aimed at improving prisoner health and reducing the burden on public health facilities.
During the launch of the unit, Health Minister Hubert Minnis said there 115 inmates (out of more than 1,380) with chronic illnesses, and at least 90 who have tested positive for a communicable disease.
The prison now has a fully-functional clinic in maximum security and secondary unit in the remand centre. Health staff at the prison includes two doctors, four nurses, a pharmacist and a phlebotomist (someone trained to draw an blood for testing), who treat about 140 inmates a week.
It has also ended the use of slop buckets.
-Guardian and Tribune
Immigrants arrested, 108 Haitians repatriated
Immigration officials detained 44 suspected illegal immigrants on Tuesday.
Acting on tips, the Department of Immigration started surveillance at several locations around New Providence.
Of those detained, 2 were released. The remaining detainees included:
32 Haitians - 26 men, 4 women, 2 kids
9 Jamaicans - 5 men, 3 women 1 child
The next day, Wednesday, the Immigration Department chartered a Bahamasair jet to repatriate 108 Haitians, including 79 men, 24 women and 5 children.
Last week the Immigration Dept. and Royal Bahamas Defense Force arrested 58 illegal immigrants at Fire Trail Road, the Coral Harbour roundabout and South Ocean.
The immigrants included:
53 Haitians - 43 men, 6 women, 4 children
2 Canadians, 1 Jamaican, 1 Mexican and 1 Portuguese
-Guardian and Tribune
CoB Students should not let tuition keep them from class
Prime Minister Ingraham advised students of the College of the Bahamas who are having trouble paying tuition to continue going to class. The PM said arrangements will be made to defer and reschedule their payments.
-Tribune
PM says country deserves corruption-free agencies
In his New Years address to the nation Thursday night, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said his government will target corruption and raise standards in the country's critical agencies, even if it means political consequences:
"We fully intend to work towards a new culture of excellence in the service of the Bahamian people, a culture of ethical conduct on the part of those who serve, a culture that is hostile to slackness and corrupt practices. We expect that some elements of this process will be painful and we fully expect to be criticized."
-Tribune
Employees complaining about moldy courtrooms
Court employees complained of mold growing on the walls and ceilings.
Workers at the Victoria Gardens facility are upset about mold growing in the Coroner's court as well as Magistrates Court's 2 (Juvenile cases) and 3 (Family cases).
Anthony Ryan, a senior lab technician from the Department of Environmental Health Services said while the mould could make a breathing problem worse but would not kill anyone.
Ryan said he has submitted a report on the matter to the Health Services Director.
Workers at the Victoria Gardens facility are upset about mold growing in the Coroner's court as well as Magistrates Court's 2 (Juvenile cases) and 3 (Family cases).
Anthony Ryan, a senior lab technician from the Department of Environmental Health Services said while the mould could make a breathing problem worse but would not kill anyone.
Ryan said he has submitted a report on the matter to the Health Services Director.
-Tribune
Tokens no good at PI bridge
As of next week Tuesday, the Paradise Island Bridge will no longer use coin or token machines in an effort to speed up traffic flow.
Transponder users are encouraged to use lane 4.
-Guardian
