Stories for January 2017

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Tuesday, January 31

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01312017 EDITION

Tuesday, January 31st, 2017.

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UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Police hunt for arsonist after firebomb thrown at court

POLICE are on the hunt for a man they suspect threw an explosive device into the South Street Magistrate’s Court complex early yesterday morning “in an attempt to burn it down”.

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Torchbearers TV snub said to be ‘politically motivated’

THE decision by the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB) not to broadcast the Free National Movement’s (FNM) upcoming Torchbearers Youth Association’s convention was yesterday blasted as “hypocritical” and “politically motivated” by party Chairman Sidney Collie.

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FNMs who supported PLP ‘were not offered jobs’

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday denied that he recently gained the public support of a group of Free National Movement (FNM) turncoats in exchange for them to receive employment or favourable treatment, adding that to assert otherwise was “demeaning”.

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Butler-Turner's grassroots bid a shock to Rebel Seven MP

AN email revealing that Official Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner was canvassing support for an “organic grassroots movement” came as a shock to fellow dissident Free National Movement (FNM) members, according to one of the MPs, who expressed anger over the move.

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PM: Minnis is a minor player

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday castigated Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for likening the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to a group of “drowning men,” calling the Killarney MP a “minor player” in the House of Assembly who should “try his best to keep quiet” after having his job as leader of the Official Opposition “taken” from him by Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner.

Baha Mar construction finish to require $400m

Baha Mar’s construction completion will cost some $400 million, the Central Bank said last night, with around 95 per cent of the project’s full-time employees to be Bahamian.

NHI launch ‘almost impossible’ without electronic records

The proper implementation of National Health Insurance’s (NHI) $100 million primary care phase is “almost impossible” without electronic medical records, the Medical Association of the Bahamas (MAB) president warned yesterday.

EDITORIAL: Four key points for true freedom of information

FIVE YEARS after we were promised that legislation would be enacted giving the Bahamian people the right to information about how our money was being spent, how contracts were being awarded, the status of our applications for Crown Land, we still have no Freedom of Information legislation.

The Haiti migration experience

IT was disappointing in the extreme to see The Nassau Guardian (in its editorial of the 30th January) repeat the erroneous characterisation of The Bahamas’ experience with Haitian migration as a mere by-product of Haitian immigration to the United States.

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Halkitis defends comments on VAT spending despite previous loans

MINISTER of State for Finance Michael Halkitis yesterday denied that he was being “disingenuous” when he stated, during a speech at the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) national convention last week, that millions of dollars generated from Value Added Tax (VAT) was being spent on projects for which the government already borrowed money.

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An expression of courage

Cancer survivor’s body is a work of art

RIKA Cargill has lost six of the closet people in her life to cancer. In 2012, she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer, which resulted in a double mastectomy.

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Tamika Taylor’s “Showcase” helps transition the unemployed to a place of power

KNOWING all too well the importance of job preparedness, Bahamian Tamika Taylor is expanding on a unique social endeavor that seeks to equip the unemployed with the resources required for a “progressive, long-lasting and fulfilling career”. 

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BUN IN THE OVEN: And the winner is...

Have you ever failed in life, and if so, what did you learn from it? This was the basis of the final question at Sunday night’s Miss Universe Pageant in Manila.

Dialing it back

There has been so much talk about turning things back to the way they were. This will eliminate all the violence of young men killing each other. Sadly, it won’t, and it can’t be done.

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Buzzing at winning spelling bee contest

KHYLA Jones, a sixth grade student at St Cecilia’s School, emerged as the winner of the 50th Archdiocesan Spelling Competition. The competition lasted 50 rounds.

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PM shocked by TV guest’s claim of terrorism link to The Bahamas

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday denounced a claim made by a reported American expert in security and terrorism that The Bahamas has terrorism links, suggesting that this country’s “tremendous collaboration” with US law enforcement would have provided ample forewarning of such a threat had the claims been true.

MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONALS: What’s next for you?

As the first month of 2017 comes to a close it is a good time to determine to what you are going to focus on for the next 11 months that lie ahead. The best way to get what you want is to plan in advance by choosing what’s next for you.

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US Embassy: Bahamians not affected by new travel ban

AS CONCERNS mount worldwide over the United States’ new travel ban affecting seven Middle Eastern countries, US Embassy Chargé d’affaires Lisa Johnson yesterday insisted that the changes will not impact Bahamian passport holders or US pre-clearance at Bahamian airports.

YOUR SAY: Tackling health system challenges in the Caribbean

Picture two scenarios. First, a hurricane whips into a Caribbean nation. Rooves are ripped clean off, people take shelter where they can. Hospitals are damaged and people with injury and infection find it hard to access health care.

Second Baha Mar SPV asset transfer

Baha Mar’s receivers and liquidators have left “no stone unturned” in their hunt for assets, quietly transferring a second tranche to the project’s secured creditor in December 2016.

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Creating that classic physique

With the new year upon us, we find ourselves filled with New Year’s resolutions and goals. For some of us, the goals may be personal or business related, and some may be fitness related. 

Bad breath solutions

Bad breath is an embarrassing problem. Most people who have it are usually unaware of it.

Fiscal deficit expands 75%

The Government’s fiscal deficit for the first four months of 2016-2017 increased by 75.3 per cent to $157.5 million, blowing past the full-year target of $100 million with two-thirds of the Budget period still to go.

Bahamas ‘going backwards’ over government size

The Bahamas is “going backwards” because the $1 billion-plus Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenues are being used incorrectly in expanding the size of government, the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader charged yesterday.

The Black Hole Bank

Monday morning Tribune Business 30th January - BOB warns Preference Shareholders - No dividend!

The errors of our ways

I was delighted to see that the Bahamas National Trust is spearheading a new Tourism product in Bird Tourism.

Halkitis and VAT money

YOU hear it often in the US.... someone has used a fact check as to accuracy of a statement well we certainly need it to respond to the speech of the Minister of State for Finance at the PLP Convention.

Register and vote!

Americans are protesting. They are angry with Trump’s decisions. In November of last year, they had a choice. Trump or Clinton. They were going to be stuck with one.

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Pintard a candidate again as FNM unveils latest ratifications

THE FREE National Movement (FNM) announced the ratification of six more candidates for the upcoming general elections last night with leader Dr Hubert Minnis revealing that the full slate of 39 candidates will be announced at the end of the week.

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Humes urges voters to pick the side they would rather be stuck with

AS voter registration numbers continue to climb slowly, Free National Movement (FNM) Fort Charlotte candidate Mark Humes has implored potential voters who may not be enthused about participating in the upcoming general election to view current issues in the United States as an indicator of what could transpire locally if they do not vote.

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Legal argument over call for justice to be recused in Nygard court case

LEGAL parties in an ongoing judicial review into allegations that Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard illegally increased the size of his property were at odds over whether the presiding judge can be perceived to be impartial in hearing the matter during her application to extend her tenure as a Supreme Court judge.

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Case of $31,000 theft from Carnival to be heard before new magistrate

THE trial into the alleged theft of $31,000 by former employees of the Bahamas National Festival Commission (BNFC) will now be re-heard before another magistrate in March.

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POLITICOLE: Lost messages amid the sound and fury

I watched bits and pieces of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) convention because I have to see and hear things for myself - but that was pretty much all I could stomach.

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Your Say: Media must act honestly and responsibly for good of the country

Mass communications in The Bahamas has become one of the most lucrative professions. In a world where everything is so desensitised, the country must hold its journalists and media personnel responsible for its woes and successes.

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FIVE-YEAR LEASE RENEWED FOR AUTEC FACILITY IN ANDROS

THE government yesterday renewed its five-year lease agreement with the United States for use of the AUTEC facility in Andros.

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LIBRARY NAMED AFTER PASTOR

A MEMORIAL has been held in honour of the late Pastor Wilbur Outten, who was laid to rest last week in Freeport.

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Swiss colleges visit to attract students

BAHAMIAN teachers, residents and students will have an opportunity to meet some of the world’s most respected educators when a contingent representing the finest schools and colleges in Switzerland visits Nassau this week.

Samaritan’s Purse aims to help 20,000 children this year

SAMARITAN’S Purse Operation Christmas Child Bahamas has touched hundreds of children’s lives with shoebox gifts and their goal is to reach 20,000 children throughout The Bahamas this year.

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Student gives gifts to kids affected by hurricane

A KIND-hearted sixth grade student from Andros has brought joy to displaced children from Lowe Sound Primary School in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew by presenting gifts at a special assembly at the North Andros school.

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Athletes qualify for the CARIFTA Games

Club Monica hosted its 14th Annual Track and Field Classic at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Saturday and quite a number of athletes attained the qualifying standards for the CARIFTA Games in April.

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BAISS basketball championships tip off

THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools basketball championship series tipped off in all four divisions at Kendal Isaacs Gym last night. Game two in each series is scheduled for 4pm Wednesday.

DC Pratt all set to face ‘The Immortal’ for title

BAHAMIAN Muay Thai fighter DC Pratt is set to make his return to professional fighting this upcoming weekend.

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Barracudas dominate Leno Corporate Services Invitational

THE BARRACUDA Swim Club dominated its annual Leno Corporate Services Invitational Swim Meet at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex over the weekend.

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SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Courting success, Super Bowl heroics - and Janet Jackson

THIS week, let’s take a break from football as we’ve got The Tribune’s Super Bowl guide on Friday (don’t miss it!) to cover that.

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Sapphire girls encouraged to live a ‘godly life’

The Sapphire International Girls Club officially kicked off their 2017 activities with a special session at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace last Saturday.

Customs: Enforcement drives revenue target hit

The  Customs Comptroller yesterday said his department had met its increased Budget revenue targets largely due to enforcement, adding that it will now place heavy emphasis on post-clearance audits.

$3bn added to national debt without VAT

A Cabinet minister yesterday said $3 billion could have “easily” been added to the Bahamian national debt had the Christie administration not introduced Value-Added Tax (VAT).

Govt praises $13m Customs upgrade

Government and Customs officials yesterday hailed as a “significant milestone” the signing of a  $13 million contract to create the department’s Electronic Single Window (ESW), an initiative that is expected to further reduce the clearance time for imported goods.

Monday, January 30

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01302017 EDITION

Monday, 30th January 2017.

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Minister slams TV guest’s terror claim as rubbish

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell has hit out at a “rubbish” statement made on a US television news show by a reported expert in security and terrorism who portrayed the Bahamas as having terrorist links.

Insurance Association chairman calls for focus on primary healthcare phase of NHI

BAHAMAS Insurance Association Chairman Emmanuel Komolafe has called for the Christie administration to direct “steady and consistent” focus on the primary healthcare phase of National Health Insurance if it is “serious” about successfully implementing the model by May of this year.

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Smith says former FNMs must explain PLP support

THE Free National Movement turncoats, including two former Cabinet ministers, who publicly pledged support for Prime Minister Perry Christie must quickly prove the reasoning behind their move to avoid being branded “political parasites and opportunists,” former Cabinet minister George Smith said yesterday.

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PLP quiet on cost as party convention estimated at $1m

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party executives were tightlipped yesterday about the price tag attached to pulling off the organisation’s grand three-day convention where Prime Minister Perry Christie was overwhelmingly re-elected to lead the party.

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Boundaries report due this week, says PM

THE delayed Constituencies Commission report could be complete sometime this week giving every indication that all eligible Bahamians should register to vote now, Prime Minister Perry Christie has said.

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Butler-Turner in grassroots plan

PLANS appear to be in motion for the establishment of a new political faction, with Official Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner revealing that she is laying the foundation for an “organic grassroots movement” inclusive of the other six dissident Free National Movement members of Parliament.

The pied piper

“When one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.” ― Euripides, Orestes

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Imagine the nation without conch

A FIVE-minute original music video featuring a host of young Bahamian artists depicting a Bahamas without conch has gone viral on social media and will be aired on local television stations.

BORCO truck dedicated to staff member killed in car accident

THE Bahamas Oil Refining Company/Buckeye on Friday dedicated one of five new trucks in honour of a beloved employee who was tragically killed in a car accident last year.

Lecture at Hilton on Trump administration

THE second annual Joan Thompson Memorial Freedom Lecture will be given by Richard Ebelling on February 21 at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel.

OFFICIAL MATCH BALL FOR THE FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP REVEALED

LESS than 90 days remain until the official kickoff to the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and excitement throughout the country continues to build as another important milestone in the process was celebrated.

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Pinder: I’m ready to take on Fred Mitchell in Fox Hill race

UNITED Democratic Party Deputy Leader John Pinder has said he is “ready to take on the challenge” of unseating Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell in the upcoming general election, expressing a need to “rescue” Fox Hill residents from a politician whose government is “giving The Bahamas away”.

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Butler-Turner hits out at Christie victory speech and mortgage relief

OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner has said the government’s revamped mortgage relief programme has no real benefit to the expansion of the economy, as she castigated Prime Minister Perry Christie for an “empty” and “delusional” victory speech.

EDITORIAL: Are Bahamians being taken for a political ride?

AVOIDING their annual party convention for the past eight years, and after much to-ing and fro-ing as to whether one should be held at all, the PLP settled on a well-orchestrated, fun-filled event just four months before the deadline for the general election.

Saluting Perry Christie

TO the front salute is a command I learned while being a member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. It is a command that is called by the parade commander when a marching platoon is about to pass a dignitary or someone with high accolades. It is essentially a salute. The whole platoon  looks to their right, which will be where the person receiving the salute is, and after four paces, the platoon turns their head back to the normal position. It is a mark of respect.

Convention show

Congratulations, Mr Christie!

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Two in hospital after weekend shooting incidents

POLICE are appealing to the public for assistance in solving two separate shooting incidents over the weekend that left two men in hospital, in addition to two separate armed robberies, including one at a church.

BOB warns preference investors: No dividend

Bank of the Bahamas has thrown the Bahamian capital markets into confusion after informing its preference shareholders that the Government will not be paying their customary year-end dividend on its behalf.

$100m NHI launch pushed back to May

The launch date for the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme’s $100 million primary care phase has been pushed back to May 2017, Tribune Business can reveal.

Chamber chief calls for ‘more maturity’ over VAT debate

All political parties have been urged to behave “in a more mature manner” over the Value-Added Tax (VAT) debate, the Chamber’s chairman warning that the credit rating agencies might draw “unflattering conclusions” from their recent assertions.

Realtor alarm at CAM inclusion in Business Licenses

The private sector is seeking “across the board consistency” in tax policy application, after the real estate industry became the latest sector to raise Business License-related concerns.

Courts urged: Determine Crown Land consult duty

Opponents of the Abaco Club’s proposed Little Harbour marina project are arguing that the case “raises issues of great public importance”, especially whether the law mandates consultation on granting/leasing Crown Land to developers.

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INSIGHT: PLP’s triumphant show of style over substance

Malcom J Strachan has a different take on Michael Halkitis’ ‘that’s where da VAT money gone’ mantra . . .

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WORLD VIEW: President Trump’s policies and the Caribbean

THE President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, is systematically implementing the pledges he made during the Presidential election campaign.

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GAIN AN EDGE: Sustaining growth in higher education

Marcellus Taylor, Deputy Director, Planning and Development with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology gives his perspective on growth in and improvement of higher education.

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INSIGHT: A challenge to a new generation of Bahamians

George A Smith addressed a special assembly of the Charles I Gibson Senior High School on the importance of Majority Rule last week . . .

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DNA candidate calls for systemic change

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Killarney candidate Arinthia Komolafe is calling for a “paradigm shift” in the way the electorate views government efforts and affairs ahead of the upcoming general election, contending that her party provides the “best opportunity for the country to move forward.”

Bird tourism scheme to help boost The Bahamas

THE Bahamas National Trust, the National Audubon Society and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism have developed a joint Bird-based Tourism Initiative to help Bahamians take advantage of a growing, multi- billion dollar global market.

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A special day for pupils as fire crews come to call

SIXTY students of Naomi Blatch Pre-School along with their principal, Joyann Wells, and teachers visited the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Fire Services Division on Friday to learn about fire safety.

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Georgette Rolle has her best showing ever

SHE didn’t make the final cut, but Georgette Rolle was quite thrilled that she turned in her best performance ever in the four appearances that she made in the 2017 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic.

'Reno' fails to make the weight, big fight scratched

IT was disappointment once again for Bahamian pro boxer Tureano Johnson, this time he was prevented from stepping into the ring just hours before his much anticipated return.

Charlton wins 60m final, UB athletes in Fred Wilt Open

THE Purdue Boilermakers, led by Devynne Charlton, had a rare treat on Saturday as they welcomed the University of the Bahamas to West Lafayette, In- diana, for their first indoor track and field meet at Lambert Field- house.

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BIANCA STUART INDUCTED IN HALL OF FAME

NATIONAL long jump record holder Bianca ‘BB” Stuart was one of six per- sons inducted in the Saluki Hall of Fame during a cer- emony at the Southern Il- linois University’s Arena in Carbondale, Illinois on Friday night.

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‘King James has allowed his power to go to his head’

LET me just say from the onset of this article that I fully understand that the most basic dream we all share is to have the opportunity to live a style of life that allows us to live, work and play in such way that we can hardly differentiate between the respective outputs.

BOB travails undermine bank regulatory regime

Bank of The Bahamas’ travails have undermined this nation’s banking regulatory regime, one of its minority shareholders arguing that the BISX-listed institution now represents a classic case of “poor corporate governance”.

Bahamas ‘put on map for birding tourism’

The Bahamas is being “put on the map” for bird tourism, and is poised to tap into a multi-billion dollar niche market through the arrival of its first nine advanced bird guides.

LETTER TO THE BUSINESS EDITOR - KPMG: We ‘stand firmly’ behind NHI impact study

We write further to a number of articles published last week in The Tribune related to our economic impact assessment of universal healthcare in the Bahamas.

Sunday, January 29

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Brittany Lincicome wins Pure Silk-Bahamas Classic after playoff

BRITTANY Lincicome, who had struggled in playoffs throughout her career, birdied the first extra hole on Sunday at the Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island, and defeated fellow American Lexi Thompson to win the $1.4 million Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

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Stacy Lewis, Lexi Thompson share LPGA Tour lead

Stacy Lewis had two back-nine eagles Saturday in the LPGA Tour's season-opening Pure Silk Bahamas Classic to put herself in position again to end a long winless streak.

Saturday, January 28

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Ministry responds to 'rubbish' Bahamas 'terrorist' report

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released this statement on Saturday evening, after a report on US media:

Friday, January 27

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01272017 EDITION

Friday, 27th January, 2017.

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Pastors get 12-month sentence for giving teen liquor

TWO MINISTERS were handed a 12-month prison sentence by a Magistrate on Friday for giving a 15-year-old boy liquor to get him drunk.

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Minnis dismisses 'purge of Ingrahamites' claim

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis on Friday brushed off claims by former FNM Cabinet minister Phenton Neymour of an attempt to purge the party of those individuals who served under the previous Ingraham administration. 

NCTUB Vice President wants 'We March' organisers to stay out of union business

NATIONAL Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB) Vice-President Paul Maynard on Friday urged “We March” organisers to "stay out of union business" and "stick to walking on Bay Street".

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01272017 Weekend

Friday, 27th January, 2017.

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Minnis brands Prime Minister 'delusional' after convention

IN his first remarks since the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) completed its three-day convention, Free National Movement (FNM) leader Dr Hubert Minnis branded Prime Minister Perry Christie "delusional" and said he is unconcerned that some former FNM members have switched their support to the PLP.

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Lincicome, Thompson lead US breakaway in LPGA Tour opener

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Brittany Lincicome and Lexi Thompson led a U.S. Solheim Cup breakaway Friday in the LPGA Tour's season-opening Pure Silk Bahamas Classic.

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Tight security as man charged with murder

AMID tight security, cordoned off streets and in the presence of armed police, a man appeared in Magistrates Court on Friday to be arraigned in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in an inner-city community two weeks ago.

Swiss Excellence in Education leaders to meet with parents, students, officials in the Bahamas

BAHAMIAN teachers, residents and students will have an opportunity to meet face to face with some of the world’s most respected educators when a contingent representing the finest schools and colleges in Switzerland arrives in Nassau tomorrow.

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Dame Anita Allen announces retirement as President of the Court of Appeal

COURT of Appeal President Justice Dame Anita Allen yesterday boasted a 70 per cent completion of more than 1,700 appeals since her appointment to the post in November 2010.

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Man guilty of beating mother, 81, to death

A MAN was unanimously convicted by a Supreme Court jury of murder yesterday in the beating and choking death of his 81-year-old mother.

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‘Bahamas safer’ despite murder tally under PLP

DESPITE a cumulative murder count in this term that has surpassed the previous Ingraham administration’s, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said under the Christie administration the country was made safer for Bahamians.

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Christie leads PLP at election

THOUSANDS of Progressive Liberal Party supporters last night erupted into thunderous cheers and danced in celebration of the re-election of incumbent party leader Prime Minister Perry Christie in a landslide victory over former Attorney General Alfred Sears, QC, in a leadership race that seemed to be over before it began.

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PM’s lawyers want justice recusal in Nygard case

ATTORNEYS for Prime Minister Perry Christie have filed a motion in the Supreme Court asking that Justice Rhonda Bain recuse herself from hearing an ongoing judicial review into allegations that Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard illegally increased the size of his property.

Where’s the money?

WHEN this present government made the decision to initiate VAT, it was based on their claims that all revenue collection would be used to pay down the national debt.

Union chiefs slam Govt proposal for strike poll obstacle

Trade union leaders yesterday slammed the Government’s proposal to create a legal impediment to strike polls as “taking the labour movement back to pre-1942”.

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Major: Convention must bring a new direction

HOUSE of Assembly Speaker Dr Kendall Major said if the Progressive Liberal Party does not walk away from its 52nd National General Convention “changed and with a new direction” the three-day event would have all “been for nothing.”

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Gibson plays down Sears move to file complaint

LABOUR and National Insurance Minister Shane Gibson was dismissive yesterday of Alfred Sears’ reported decision to file a formal complaint with Progressive Liberal Party trustees over the party’s internal elections because of concerns about fairness and transparency.

Aviation industry ‘a rudderless big boat’

The Bahamian aviation industry was yesterday branded “a rudderless big boat”, an airline executive warning that the sector and Family Island tourism cannot survive another three years without policy stability and reform.

Uplifting the youth one mentorship at a time

The need for mentorship programmes and community outreach within the school system is at the forefront of the minds of many community-oriented Bahamians, even more so given the recent unfortunate events of school stabbings and altercations.

Bahamas’ return on FDI under 5%

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is “not the panacea that governments think”, a well-known businessman is arguing, suggesting that the returns are “less than 5 per cent”.

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Minnis ‘getting rid of members of Ingraham’s govt’

FORMER Free National Movement Cabinet minister Phenton Neymour yesterday suggested that he was denied the nomination to run as the party’s candidate for Exuma in the upcoming general election because of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ attempts to purge the party of those individuals who served under the previous Ingraham administration.

MAB chief blasts ‘voodoo economics’ of NHI projections

The Medical Association of the Bahamas (MAB) president yesterday branded as “voodoo economics” projections that National Health Insurance (NHI) will make the economy ‘$500 million bigger in 2040’, even though other studies have produced similar findings.

Bringing in the tourists

SPORTS events, are they really worth the cost - how many visitors do they actually bring?

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Former Olympian’s home robbed and repairman shot twice in stomach

GUNSHOTS were heard in the San Souci area around 2pm yesterday when it is reported that a repairman at a home on Pear Street off Mandarin Drive in San Souci was shot twice in his stomach.

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A COMIC'S VIEW: Alternative facts in The Bahamas

JUST when I thought our local political landscape couldn’t get any better, I mean it’s filled with alleged conspiracy, countless episodes of idiocy, unnecessary pomp and circumstance, VAT, crime, ‘numbers’ and ‘looms’ and the list.... (insert your issue here) goes on and on.

Airports ‘20% compliant’ with worldwide standards

Bahamian airports are just 20 per cent compliant with international regulatory standards, making it of “paramount importance” that Family Island facilities are upgraded immediately to prevent the suspension of all-important airlift.

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Sears: No regrets despite losing bid for leadership of the PLP

DESPITE receiving less than 15 per cent of the vote in the leadership race against Prime Minister Perry Christie, former Attorney General Alfred Sears, QC, said last night that he has “no regrets” and remains committed to the Progressive Liberal Party.

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PM: Voter registration still too slow to set election date

PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night suggested that he is not yet ready to set an election date, telling The Tribune shortly after being re-elected party leader that the pace of voter registration was still too slow.

EDITORIAL: Press freedom in a democracy

IT IS axiomatic that freedom of expression and an independent press that is free of state interference are essential elements of democracy. The media plays a crucial role in ensuring the flow of information and ideas in order to enable the public to contribute to decision-making by governments and to seek to exercise control of them when they overstep their powers.

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‘Buddy Buckets’ excited to join stacked World Team roster

SELECTED as one of the league’s top young talents to participate at NBA All-Star Weekend, Buddy Hield relishes the opportunity to compete alongside other players who received the same honour.

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Georgette Rolle hopes to make today’s final cut

While American Brittany Lincicome had a sizzling day on the sunny opening day of the fifth Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic on scenic Paradise Island, Bahamian Georgette Rolle had her best showing ever.

Finding a formula for success

Several years ago, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal which laid out an irrefutable formula for success in life, for everyone. That formula is as follows:

Tackling crime

I WAS happy to see the article in The Tribune on Tuesday from Project Youth Justice  presenting different ways to help rehabilitate our young people, instead of turning our schools into prisons.

Time to go, Perry

WHAT is it about old politicians and their thirst for power. I don’t think you have to be Albert Einstein to realise Perry Christie’s best days are long over.

Save the Bays calls for Prime Minister to ‘rein in’ Mitchell

ENVIRONMENTAL advocacy group Save The Bays yesterday called on Prime Minister Perry Christie to “rein in” his “clearly unbalanced” Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell, after the minister railed against the group for posing a “clear and present danger” to the governing Progressive Liberal Party.

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VIEW FROM AFAR: The distraction of politics

IT HAS been quite a while since my last column. Maybe not many people noticed but I thought it may be good to explain why.

Praise from Allen for creation of Public Defender’s office

ONE of the country’s top judges has commended the executive for creating the reality of the Office of Public Defender, which she had called for as early as four years ago.

Lunch vendors ‘not paid for five months’ in Grand Bahama

THERE are reports that lunch vendors on the national school lunch programme in Grand Bahama have not been paid for some five months.

Seven Cubans intercepted by coast guard

SEVEN Cuban migrants were turned over to Bahamian immigration officials in Grand Bahama on Thursday at Freeport Harbour.

Clubs and Societies 01272017

Cycling Club Bahamas.- Weekend rides: Saturday leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank (Starbucks) 43 miles headed West.

Daejour leads the national rankings for NJCAA Division I

BAHAMIAN players are prominently featured on several of the top teams in the latest men’s basketball national rankings for Division I of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

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Bahamas Great Abaco Classic tops the Web.com leaderboard

THE Bahamas Great Abaco Classic is high on the Web.com leaderboard with several PGA golfers raving about their experience at the event.

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THE FINISH LINE: Our pro golfers should be commended for handling the home court pressure

FOR the rest of the week, some of the top female golfers in the world will be teeing off at the Ocean Golf Club on Paradise Island in the fifth annual Pure Silk/Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic.

34th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic February 20-27

THE date has been set and the country’s longest running basketball tournament will continue its legacy in 2017.

Sports Notes

THE Club Monica’s 14th Annual Track and Field Classic is scheduled for 9am Saturday at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Man dies in Abaco hit and run

POLICE are investigating a fatal hit and run accident on Abaco.

Religious events

St Paul’s Baptist Church in its 146th year of existence will host an ordination service for five of its members.

MEDITATION: One thing I want

IF you could have one thing for sure this year, what would you want?

I am grateful!

IT is a good thing to be alive on this new day in this new year. It is with great excitement I say to you, “Happy New Year!” May God bless you with His choice blessings in the coming year.

Ebenezer hosts second annual Business Day in Exuma

REV Stephen Smith and the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Exuma opened its doors last Sunday morning to welcome employers, employees and other business people from the Farmer’s Hill community to a special service.

The journey continues

THE National Heroes Committee was launched in 1991 to primarily rescue our first Bahamian Governor General Sir Milo B. Butler from the graveyard of obscurity.

Genesis salutes Nora Dorsett for her life of Christian service

Last Sunday, hundreds gathered at the Christian Life Centre to say their final farewells and express thanks to God for Nora Dorsett, described by all who knew her as a true example of Christian character and service.

NHI worries still troubling business

The Bahamian private sector yesterday continued to express concern over the Government’s ability to properly manage the proposed National Health Insurance(NHI) scheme, calling for greater transparency and accountability over the use of public resources.

Chamber intervenes on fly fishing regulations

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) yesterday waded into the debate over the new fly fishing regulations, its chief executive telling Tribune Business it is seeking to facilitate further discussions on the regime.

IAN FERGUSON: Work practices must treat us all as equals

Greater attention has been placed on creating harmony in the workplace and the wider community, as companies are seeing the wisdom in treating people who are different with respect and acceptance. Creating a bias-free workplace requires a deliberate effort from senior executives and employees in both policy and actions.

Thursday, January 26

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PLP Convention: Prime Minister wins leadership vote

From the Melia resort in Cable Beach.

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Christie wins leadership vote, 1,264 votes to 169

THE Melia Ballroom at the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) 52nd National Convention was filled to capacity for a high energy and raucous leadership race between incumbent leader Prime Minister Perry Christie and his challenger, Fort Charlotte candidate Alfred Sears.

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‘Tell the truth on where VAT revenue has gone’

Free National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie yesterday urged the government to tell the truth regarding the nearly $1bn in value added tax revenue it collected from taxpayers since the tax was imposed on Bahamians.

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Business owner shoots man dead at premises

THE rash of deadly shootings to start the year continued in New Providence last evening, with police now investigating two separate incidents that claimed the lives of two men.

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Halkitis: VAT is being used to pay down debt as well as expenses

MINISTER of State for Finance Michael Halkitis last night denied that he has been inconsistent in the accounting of how the money from value added tax is being spent and insisted that the money is being used to “pay down the national debt” as well as defray other government expenses.

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Mitchell tells convention: Immigration force 'to be tripled' if PLP win vote

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell last night promised that the PLP would triple the country’s immigration force, expanding it from “300 to 900” in the next term if elected.

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Sears: I will win leadership race

FORMER Attorney General Alfred Sears, QC, yesterday said he expected to win the Progressive Liberal Party’s leadership contest but would ultimately bow to the democratic will of the party, adding that he trusted delegates despite entering an imperfect process.

Pure Silk Classic Opens Doors for Young Golfers

NOT only is the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic attracting hundreds of avid golf fans to the gorgeous destination, but it is also opening the door to countless opportunities for young Bahamian golfers such as 14-year-old Ashley Michel.

Sports Notes

THE University of The Bahamas will kick off its international track and field calendar in Indiana on January 28 when a 12-member team participates in the 2017 Fred Wilt Open at Purdue University. The team consists of seven males and five females.

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Brittany Lincicome shoots 9-under 64. leads LPGA Tour opener

Brittany Lincicome shot a tournament-record 9-under 64 on Thursday to take the first-round lead in the LPGA Tour's season-opening Pure Silk Bahamas Classic.

IDB approves $35m loan for airports

THE Inter-American Development Bank has approved a $35m loan designed to improve infrastructure at four airports on the Family Islands.

Senior MP say sit-in was attack on the government

MEMBERS of the governing Progressive Liberal Party yesterday took issue with the sit in action orchestrated by the Trade Union Congress and We March Bahamas, calling the action by the groups a direct affront to the government.

Landry wins in the Bahamas, 2nd victory on Web.com tour

GREAT ABACO, Bahamas (AP) — Andrew Landry took a step toward returning to the PGA Tour yesterday by closing with a 5-under 67 for a three-shot victory in the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic.

Insurers: Report ‘overstates’ NHI economic impact

The Bahamian insurance industry yesterday accused the Government’s key advisers of “overstating” the economic benefits from National Health Insurance (NHI) by failing to account for this nation’s strained fiscal position.

Flawed political process

THE Political process in The Bahamas at the party level is a farce. It’s a travesty!

BOB shareholders plot redress battle

Minority investors in Bank of the Bahamas (BOB) are moving to seek financial redress for the spectacular destruction of shareholder value caused by $120 million in losses incurred over the past three years.

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Leno partners with Barracuda Swim Club for this Friday's meet

LENO/BARRACUDA Invitational Swim Meet is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday at the Betty Kelly-Kenning Aquatic Centre.

Bahamas ‘ranked too highly’ by corruption index

Transparency International’s Bahamas representative yesterday admitted that this nation was ranked too highly in its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), describing the issue as “the foundation for all” the country’s current problems.

VAT speech shows Govt still ‘kicking can down the road’

Attempts to justify the Government’s use of the $1 billion-plus Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenues are misplaced, a governance reform campaigner said yesterday, accusing it of “irresponsibly kicking the can down the road”.

DNA pledges $90m boost via Business Licence overhaul

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) yesterday pledged to return $90 million to Bahamian businesses and the wider economy by reducing Business Licence fees to a nominal sum.

Late fee added on top of firearms costs

Every January, I and many other Bahamian gun owners turn in our firearm licenses for annual renewal.

Government lap dogs over NHI scheme

NHI will result in 500 million dollars in additional revenue and lead to better workforce productivity. This is something we would expect to hear from KPMG’s self serving Mark Britnell of course but Simon Townend – Seriously!

Where are all these new jobs?

CAN the Rt Hon Prime Minister show precisely where his claim of creating 22,000 new jobs were created?

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Delegates hopeful ahead of 2017 election battle

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party delegates kept the energy and hopes high on the second day of the party’s 52nd National Convention.

Eight Mile Rock delegate dies at conference

A PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party convention delegate from Grand Bahama collapsed on the bathroom floor of her hotel room on the first night of the party’s convention and later died, a party source told The Tribune.

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Man jailed for three years for housebreaking

A MAN was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court to a number of housebreaking incidents over a period of three months.

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Miller defends PLP over VAT

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday defended the Progressive Liberal Party against criticism over how it had handled receipt and expenditure of value added tax (VAT) revenue, suggesting that public demands for transparency and accountability over the tax are “pointless”.

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Protestors call for national ‘sit down’

A HANDFUL of protestors, including Trade Union Congress President Obie Ferguson and We March Bahamas organisers, assembled in Rawson Square yesterday with placards a day after they called on workers across the country to have a national “sit down”.

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Robber who asked for ride stabs driver

A WOMAN is in hospital nursing stab wounds after she was injured and robbed by another woman to whom she had given a ride in Eleuthera.

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Armed robbery suspect denied bail

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned in connection with a gunpoint robbery that occurred last week.

$10,000 seized from woman by court

A COURT seized more than $10,000 in US currency from a woman yesterday who failed to get formal permission to carry that amount of money out of the country.

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Abaco man charged in Florida over cocaine

CLIFTON Bootle of Abaco with Jason Simons and Brittany Norris have been charged in a Florida court with conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride.

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Four candidates revealed by Moss - and another change of party name

UNITED Democratic Party Leader Greg Moss yesterday unveiled his party’s first four candidates - himself included - to contest the upcoming general election.

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Buddy Hield one of NBA’s ‘Rising Stars’

BUDDY Hield has made his desire to participate at All-Star Weekend well known and that dream came to fruition yesterday when he was honoured as one of the NBA’s “Rising Stars.”

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Ariya Jutanugarn headlines stacked field

Nearly a week of events have led to today and over one hundred of the top golfers on the LPGA tour tee off this morning at the fifth edition of the Pure Silk/Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island.

‘RENO’ TO SQUARE OFF WITH MEXICAN GUTIERREZ SATURDAY

WITH Tureano Johnson on the slate this weekend, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, heralds the undercard of the Francisco Vargas-Miguel Berchelt card.

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Saunders to make impact with the Seminoles

THE Florida State Seminoles football programme won the Capital One Orange Bowl weeks ago and with the 2017 season still months away, local media in Talahasee, Florida, are already projecting the impact of Mavin Saunders.

ART OF GRAPHIX: True qualities to be an artist

You either have it or you don’t. Is this true? Do you have to be born with natural ability or, with the right help, can we all be artists?

‘Big concern’ over Homeowners Bill

The FNM’s deputy leader yesterday warned the Government about the potential ‘unintended consequences’ of its Homeowners Protection Bill, expressing concern that it could further slow mortgage lending and the wider economy.

DNA chief demands proper VAT auditing

The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday pressed the Christie administration for a proper accounting of Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenue, accusing it of wasting monies on pet projects and those that had gone over-budget.

Wednesday, January 25

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SHOOTINGS: Man killed in Sunshine Park area; 'suspected intruder' shot dead

Police are investigating the country's latest homicide, after a man was shot dead in the Sunshine Park area on Wednesday night.

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01252017 EDITION

Wednesday, 25th January, 2017.

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PLP CONVENTION LIVE: Night two

Prime Minister Perry Christie and former Attorney General Alfred Sears have both been nominated for the post of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader during a closed-door nomination process at the second day of the governing party’s convention.

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Unions staging 'sit in' at government departments

TRADE Union Congress President Obie Ferguson said on Wednesday that the members of several unions across the country were carrying out a “sit in” at respective government departments in a bid to pressure the government to accede to a lengthy list of demands for workers.

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Butler-Turner says she will run as independent

OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday confirmed that her bid for re-election in Long Island during the upcoming general election would be as an independent candidate, weeks after insisting that she was forming a “very powerful and bold” coalition with Senator Branville McCartney and the Democratic National Alliance.

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Concern over transport of Family Island delegations

ALFRED Sears is concerned about the “unorthodox” process by which he says some of the Progressive Liberal Party’s Family Island stalwart councillors and delegates have been flown into New Providence and accommodated.

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Major family accused of firearm possession

A HUSBAND and wife, together with their adult son were remanded to prison yesterday after pleading not guilty to firearm related charges brought against them in Magistrate’s Court.

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Miller: Overkill to appoint hundreds of stalwart councillors ahead of vote

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday said the appointment of hundreds of stalwart councillors by the PLP just days before the party’s three-day convention was “overkill” towards former Attorney General Alfred Sears’ bid at dethroning incumbent party leader, Prime Minister Perry Christie.

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PM: Deck not stacked against Sears

PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night dismissed concerns from leadership challenger Alfred Sears, QC, that the deck has been stacked against him at the Progressive Liberal Party’s convention, telling The Tribune that the former attorney general has had more time to canvass party delegates than he has.

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Key: I'm done with the FNM

FREE National Movement MP Edison Key, one of the “rebel” seven Opposition MPs, last night declared he was “done and finished” with the FNM, while praising the governing Progressive Liberal Party as an organisation with a strong base that seemed to be doing “good things”.

EDITORIAL: Will Fred Mitchell now apologise?

ON this page today, we publish in full the letter of apology written by lawyer Fred Smith, QC, for remarks he made recently at a meeting of home owners in Freeport.

Fred Smith responds to Fred Mitchell

I am responding to Minister Fred Mitchell’s speech in Parliament on January 18, 2017 and the public reaction to my comments at the Coral Beach meeting on Sunday, January 15, 2017. It saddens me that I am being falsely and publicly accused of being “hateful, deceitful, ungrateful, dishonest and unpatriotic”.

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Sears regrets lack of chance to have input into convention

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leadership contender Alfred Sears yesterday hit back at suggestions by party convention organisers that his being denied an opportunity to speak at the convention is PLP policy.

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Councillors and delegates say Christie remains best choice

PRIME Minister Perry Christie remains the best person to lead the Progressive Liberal Party and the country, for he provides stability and continuity at a time the country needs it most, according to a number of PLP stalwart councillors and delegates yesterday.

Bran: $500m NHI impact is ‘peanuts’

National Health Insurance’s (NHI) near-$500 million impact on Bahamian GDP in 2040 was yesterday branded “peanuts” by the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader, who described the projections as “pure speculation”.

Family Island airports require $106m by 2022

Family Island airports need an immediate investment of $87 million to make them all compliant with international safety and regulatory standards, and help reverse economic stagnation and depopulation.

Govt got ‘strong message’ on Out Island airports three years ago

The Government was warned almost three years ago that most Family Island airports could not continue operating as they were, and that “significant attention” was needed to address multiple deficiencies.

Baha Mar plans revive ‘elephant in the room’

Opposition politicians yesterday expressed concern that Baha Mar’s revised marketing approach had revived “the elephant in the room” over whether it will end up splitting the high-end tourist market with Atlantis.

Health insurance ‘pro-poor’ in NHI

Medical insurance will become “pro-poor” once the Government launches National Health Insurance’s (NHI) $100 million primary care phase, the scheme’s consultants have forecast.

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Samsung details the causes of Note 7 fires

Samsung says a thorough investigation into the fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 phone has confirmed widely held suspicions that its batteries were to blame, marking a first but important step toward restoring consumer confidence.

TECH TALK

• The tiny Baltic nation of Estonia is experimenting with the idea of cyberconscription, a move that gives draftees with tech skills the chance to work shoring up their military’s electronic infrastructure, an Estonian defence official said Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia warns destructive computer virus has returned

Saudi Arabia is warning that a computer virus that destroyed systems of its state-run oil company in 2012 has returned to the kingdom, with at least one major petrochemical company apparently affected by its spread.

Six scientists simulate Mars in dome

Crammed into a dome with one bathroom, six scientists will spend eight months munching on mostly freeze-dried foods — with a rare treat of Spam — and have only their small sleeping quarters to retreat to for solace.

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‘Shaq’ posts career high 23 in Longhorns’ victory

BAHAMIAN Shaquille ‘Shaq’ Cleare had his best game so far for the University of Texas Longhorns, scoring a career-high 23 points in their close 84-83 triumph over the Oklahoma Sooners at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, on Monday.

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Top female golfers in world tee off Thursday

The fifth Pure Silk/Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic got off to a windy start on Monday with the final two spots being settled to complete the picture for 108 of the world’s best female golfers when they tee off on Thursday.

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Turnquest: PM’s claim on mortgage relief is laughable

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said yesterday that it is “laughable” that Prime Minister Perry Christie is bragging about assisting hundreds of homeowners through the government’s mortgage relief plan when thousands of Bahamians are still losing their homes.

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Accused found not guilty of attempted murder and robbery of sister-in-law

LEON Romeo Rahming was found not guilty of the attempted murder and armed robbery of his sister-in-law who was discovered naked and badly injured in bushes in Freeport over a year ago.

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POLITICOLE: Analysing the words of Trump

THE irony of Donald J Trump is that he is ultimately a Republican puppet.

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Sentencing for ministers guilty of child cruelty delayed

THE expected sentencing of two ministers after being found guilty of giving a 15-year-old boy liquor to get him drunk did not occur yesterday in the Magistrate’s Court.

Man dies after motorcycle crashes into tree

POLICE in Andros are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man following a motorcycle accident on Monday afternoon.

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Walkabout in Kemp Road to tackle crime

THE Kemp Road community yesterday became a basin of “prayer and love” as police, along with community and religious leaders canvassed the area with a view to arrest the scourge of crime that has gripped the area since the start of the year.

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Giants and Regulators in battle for John Archer pennant

THE Commonwealth Bank Giants and Mr Ship It Freight Regulators, battling it out for the John Archer Divisional pennant, pulled off victories on Monday as the New Providence Basketball Association played a double header at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

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Coming off victory in China, Hyo Joo Kim to defend title

HYO Joo Kim is excited to return to defend her title in the fifth edition of the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, but the early-week windy conditions are giving her cause for concern as she gears up for the first event of the 2017 season on the LPGA.

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OFFICIAL RESULTS: ROADRUNNERS TRACK AND FIELD CLASSIC

• Here’s a look at the results of the Road Runners Track and Field Classic held at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium on Saturday:

SuperGreen Solutions: Sky is the limit on light savings

Does your home have dark spaces that you wish were brighter? Are you tired of turning on lights during the day? Would you like to add more light to your office while reducing your electricity bill?

Bahamas moving to close renewable gap

A Cabinet minister yesterday admitted that while the Bahamas may have been “slow out of the gate” on renewable energy, it was now moving aggressively to close the gap.

Bahamas ‘surely needs’ its Small Business Act

The Bahamas “surely needs” a Small Business Act to address the needs of local entrepreneurs, a local artisan and Cacique award winner believes.

Tuesday, January 24

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01242017 EDITION

Tuesday, January 24th, 2017.

Edison Key says at PLP convention: I'm done and finished with the FNM

CENTRAL and South Abaco MP Edison Key entered the Progressive Liberal Party's convention hall after 7pm Tuesday to resounding applause, cheers and greetings by members of the governing party at the first night of the PLP's convention.

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PLP CONVENTION: First night

From the Melia hotel on Cable Beach.

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Bowe questions PM's boast of 32,000 jobs

TAKING issue with Prime Minister Perry Christie’s job boast, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation Chairman Gowon Bowe regretted that policy makers and the wider public have fallen into a trap of sensational “punch line rhetoric”.

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Juveniles behind bars as six are accused after school stabbing

TWO juveniles were remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys yesterday after they were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court in connection with a recent stabbing incident at Government High School.

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Christie says NHI will boost nation’s economy

WHILE still not providing clarity to much of the country’s confusion surrounding the planned implementation of National Health Insurance, Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday made a push to persuade Bahamians to trust the government in handling the healthcare scheme, insisting that NHI is expected to “boost the economy”.

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PLP supporters flock to the Melia for three-day convention

HUNDREDS of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporters and delegates assembled at the Melia Resort on Tuesday morning to register and get ready for the party's three-day convention.

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Ferguson: Talk is over, it’s time to take action

TRADE Union Congress President Obie Ferguson hinted yesterday that extensive labour action could occur across the country in the coming weeks, as he spearheaded the platform merger of several of the nation’s unions in their respective grievances against the Christie administration.

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Police plea after two killings in 24 hours

POLICE are investigating two homicides which occurred nearly 24 hours apart.

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Hanna Martin blasts flight fees story as 'fake news'

TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday refuted assertions in a Tribune article that accused the Progressive Liberal Party of being responsible for the country’s loss of millions of dollars in overflight fees, charging that this newspaper is engaging in “fake news” and a “perverse misrepresentation of the facts”.

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PM: Mortgage relief for 350

THE government’s revamped mortgage relief programme has assisted 350 Bahamian homeowners since it was reintroduced, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed yesterday.

Govt urged: Privatise management of clinics

The Government was yesterday urged to privatise management of its 100 public health clinics by a key adviser to its proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

Bahamas has ‘highest overweight rate’ in the Caribbean and Latin American

A new report has ranked the Bahamas as the country with the highest percentage of overweight people in Latin American and the Caribbean.

Financial services eyes ‘closed Bar’, tax system change

The financial services industry was yesterday said to be in the “initial stages” of determining whether the Bahamas’ ‘no tax’ model and “closed Bar” provide the best platform for ensuring its survival.

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Sears refused slot to speak at PLP convention

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Trustee Valentine Grimes yesterday said “no candidate” is allowed to speak at the party’s convention this week as he shot down reports that the PLP’s top brass was preventing leadership contender Alfred Sears from addressing delegates during the event.

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Riley misses the cut in LPGA qualifier

Grand Bahamian Raquel Riley missed the cut and won’t get the opportunity to join Bahamian Georgette Rolle in the 2017 Pure Silk/Bahamas LPGA Classic this week at the Ocean Club on Paradise Island.

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Christie backs probe of BTC

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday told his critics, who have questioned his administration’s take back of the majority stake in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd (BTC), that the government’s actions will be revealed in the results of Parliament’s select committee probe.

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Fighting to survive

Jessica Wallace-Whitfield conquers remarkable weight loss journey

The desire to fit the standard beauty ideal was never enough to motivate Jessica Wallace-Whitfield to lose weight. After all, she was always confident in her beauty. Rather, it was the wish not to become another victim of heart disease and force her parents to bury their child that finally moved the young Bahamian woman to embark on her weight loss journey which saw her shed 120 pounds.

Act quickly, restore your teeth!

One of the most common health problems children, teens and adults suffer from is cavities (dental caries). A cavity develops when your tooth begins to decay.

Baha Mar owner: Sarkis plan too 'narrow focused'

Baha Mar’s new owner yesterday said efforts to broaden its client base beyond the original developer’s “narrow focus” would not split the high-end visitor market with Atlantis to the detriment of both properties.

Nassau stopovers: 20 per cent didn't gain 'value for money'

One-fifth of stopover visitors say their Nassau/Paradise Island vacation does not meet ‘value for money’ expectations, research unveiled yesterday disclosed.

Economy '$500m bigger in 2040' through NHI

Implementation of National Health Insurance’s (NHI) primary care phase now will make the Bahamian economy almost $500 million bigger in 2040, the scheme’s advisers are predicting, adding: “Better health equals better wealth.”

Power outages as cold front continues to affect the Bahamas

THE Department of Meteorology issued gale force wind warnings yesterday after a cold front brought 40 mph winds across the entire Bahamas beginning around 5am.

EDITORIAL: Gangs win, we lose, time to stop talking and take action

‘We are an armed and dangerous country and we should be mightily afraid of what we have become…’ WHEN the fear of crime is so great that it keeps people locked behind doors afraid to go out after dark, imprisoned by their own burglar bars, the time for talking is over.

Christie’s claim far from true

AFTER reading numerous articles in the daily newspapers, where the “jokiest” leader in the history of this country, the Right Hon Prime Minister Perry G Christie, had the audacity, the nerve, and the gall to say that his administration has done an “outstanding” job of governing The Bahamas, I felt compelled to write this letter.

Twisted Lime

LAST evening January 21, 2017. I took my fiancée to dinner. We decided on Twisted Lime after not going there for about two years, from a bad experience, hoping to have an enjoyable evening.

Lessons for our democracy

Richard Coulson’s article in today’s Tribune was, as usual, exceptionally well done. His ending, on the message that our Bahamian Political Leaders would wisely pay attention to, is right on the money.

Grimes denies taxpayers paid bill for flying PLP supporters to event

BAHAMASAIR Chairman Valentine Grimes yesterday shot down questioning on whether taxpayers were footing the bill for Progressive Liberal Party supporters travelling on the airline to attend the ratification of Prime Minister Perry Christie and others last week.

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Man denies he killed his mother over argument about his girlfriend

A MAN denied suggestions during his interview with police that he had physically attacked his mother and choked her to death because of an argument over money he had spent on his girlfriend, according to a video the jury saw yesterday.

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Marathon Bahamas student relay winners receive awards

CONTINUING its effort to engage student athletes in the fight against cancer, Scotiabank awarded its student relay winners in the eighth annual Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend.

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Pair accused in murder cases

TWO men were remanded to prison yesterday after being arraigned in connection with two separate murders.

Am I the only person who is deathly afraid?

I am concerned about the direction in which this country seems, almost irreversibly, to be headed.

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Water & Sewerage loses court ruling on ‘double dipping’

A Supreme Court judge has ruled against the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s practice of docking the salaries of union members in a bid to end “double-dipping” in relation to sickness and maternity benefit claims, ordering that the corporation reimburse and/or refund all monies taken from union members as a result of the “ultra vires” exercise.

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Properties ‘damaged’ by sandblasting at BORCO

AT least two residents of Pinder’s Point claim that their properties were damaged because of sandblasting activities at the nearby BORCO plant.

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Workshop for IHIM launched on GB

GRAND Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville told healthcare professionals at a workshop in Grand Bahama on the Integrated Health Information Management System that it is a “win, win for the Bahamian people” and plans are to implement it over the next 12 to 18 months.

‘We must not criminalise our young’ after school stabbing

A YOUTH justice organisation that is set to enter into a partnership with the Office of the Attorney General is speaking out against the idea that militarisation of schools is an antidote to behavioral problems affecting young people.

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Are you aiming to take your life higher?

Aiming to take your life higher isn’t about achieving some external outcome. Actually, it’s more about experiencing a higher level of self-awareness and self-fulfillment. It’s about being fully engaged in the development of a positive outlook for your life.

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Gangs, violence and inequality discussed again, and again, and again

For the past few weeks this column has dedicated a great deal of focus to gangs and gang violence because it is such a serious national and international problem.

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Lifting students’ burden through scholarships

THE fight to get an education has not been easy for Kwanzaa Clarke. Before becoming a recipient of the Sol and Friends’ Scholarship, the 24-year-old spent most of his time working incredibly long hours just to be able to afford his tuition and supplies. And having a young daughter to support did not make the challenge any easier.

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Larsen and Tanguay earn final berths

BATTLING winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour, Nicole Broch Larsen of Denmark and Anne Catherine Tanguay of Quebec, Canada, each shot a 1-under 71 yesterday and earned the two qualifying berths for this week’s Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic. They finished one stroke ahead of Emily Tubert of the United States in the field of 29 players.

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Bahamas falls in beach soccer friendlies

TEAM Bahamas had a pair of difficult outings in international friendlies at the Copa Deportes Nacion last weekend.

Tevin and the Vison to open season with 3-game series

IT WAS a strong finish to 2016 for Tevin Symonette and he looks to continue trending upward in his redshirt sophomore campaign.

UB track team gets set for the Fred Wilt Open

THE University of the Bahamas, in preparation for its affiliation with a major athletic conference in the United States, will be taking their track and field team to West Lafayette, Indiana, this weekend.

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Head coach says Purdue University Boilermakers ‘off to a great start’

HEAD coach Rolando ‘Lonnie’ Greene likes what he has seen so far, not just from the Bahamian connection at Purdue University but all of the other local athletes who competed against his Boilermakers over the weekend.

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Getting fit to the beat

For the third consecutive year, the Caribbean Sweat Fitness (CSF) team will host its highly anticipated Fitness Concert at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace.

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A love affair renewed

BAMSI takes on Androsian Ezralee Rolle

Ezralee Rolle recently joined the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute’s (BAMSI) team as a lecturer in biology and environmental sciences. What makes her employment remarkable is that she is an Androsian by birth – daughter of Bettymae and Ezra Rolle from North Mastic Point – who watched BAMSI spring forth and grow, and then decided that she would gain the skills necessary to position herself to one day fill a place at the institute.

Just breathe

Women let go of burdens of the past

WOMEN were inspired to leave the burden of past hurts behind them and find the strength to start afresh during a unique event presented by Eve’s Journey Life Coaching Institute.

BUN IN THE OVEN: Trends that are keepers

The world has changed drastically over the last decade or so. The way we think and choose to raise our kids, the ideals we subscribe to, and the things we value as important have somewhat changed as well.

Baha Mar finishes Grand Hyatt deal

Baha Mar’s new owner yesterday said it had finalised an agreement for Grand Hyatt to manage 1,800 rooms at two of its hotels, adding that its acquisition of the project was “not a one-shot opportunity”.

Bahamas ‘addicted to entitlements’

The Bahamas has become a nation “addicted to entitlement”, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman said yesterday, arguing: “We have become a capitalist lifestyle jurisdiction that wants the socialist protectionism.”

PM targets Home Owner Protection Bill before election

Prime Minister Perry Christie promised yesterday to introduce more relief for struggling Bahamian homeowners before his administration’s term in office expires, as he touted the revised Mortgage Relief Plan for assisting 350 borrowers to-date.

Gov’t tackling NHI ‘cobwebs’

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday pledged that National Health Insurance (NHI) will be a “positive boost” to the Bahamian economy, saying this was supported by a recently-completed study from the Government’s KPMG consultants.

Monday, January 23

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01232017 EDITION

Monday, 23rd January, 2017.

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Father of two shot dead off Kemp Road

A 29-year-old father-of-two became the country’s latest murder victim after he was shot multiple times while standing in yard on Sunday evening.

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Attorney apologises for calling Bahamians ‘hateful’

ATTORNEY Fred Smith, QC, apologised on Sunday for saying Bahamians are “hateful” towards foreigners and for describing the country as “very racist” during a private meeting of the Coral Beach Condominium Association in Grand Bahama.

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Sears seeks ‘quiet revolution’ in convention leadership vote

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leadership contender Alfred Sears, QC, yesterday expressed confidence in his ability to mount a “quiet revolution” at the party’s upcoming convention to unseat incumbent leader and Prime Minister Perry Christie, despite recent “acts of desperation”.

Hundreds of millions in flyover fees lost By PLP

THE Ministry of Aviation & Transport’s indifferent approach to an “overflight” revenue sharing agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration has cost The Bahamas’ cash strapped Public Treasury potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in fees.

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Marines cleared of Cuban abuse ‘victimised’

ONE of five Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marines previously accused of allegedly abusing a group of Cuban migrants at the Detention Centre in 2013 has claimed they have been “victimised” as a result of the allegations, charging that they have been overlooked for promotions and isolated to various “outposts” despite being cleared of all charges.

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'32,000 extra jobs since 2012'

SEEKING to energise supporters as the party gears up for its first convention in eight years, Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday declared that his administration has created nearly 32,000 jobs this term.

Wind and Thunderstorm warning: Monday 8.00am-12.30pm

Tribune /Accuweather SKYGuard® Weather Alert

Memories operator in $110m group bid for Grand Lucayan

The Government has committed $2.5 million to speeding up repairs on Freeport’s Memories resort, with its operator part of a potential $110 million bid to acquire the Grand Lucayan property.

Auto dealers hope 7.1% sales growth is ‘bottoming out’

Bahamian auto dealers are hopeful that the industry has “bottomed out” after collective sales increased by 7.1 per cent in 2016, a figure that was inflated by ‘fleet deals’ with the Government.

Bahamas warned: Real estate market not ‘wrapped up’

Realtors and developers have warned the Bahamas against thinking it has the foreign home buyer market “wrapped up”, as they hailed the Government’s decision to “reconsider” a $1 million permanent residency threshold.

NHI providers to see ‘narrowed pay gap’

The outcome of the Government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) fee negotiations with doctors will likely “narrow the remuneration gap” between the public and private sectors, the Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman is predicting.

Unrighteous Palacious

In the interest of fair play, the Venerable Archdeacon James Palacious needs to join Richard Lightbourn in the penalty box for his recent insensitive public outburst.

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Body found after fire thought to be emigrant from Bahamas

HUMAN remains discovered in a home gutted by fire in Erin, Ontario, during the early hours of Wednesday morning are believed to be those of Alexya (Lexy) Solomon, 58, who moved to Canada from The Bahamas about 40 years ago.

Auto chief: Raise VAT, end Business Licences

The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president has urged the Government to “completely eliminate” Business Licence fees to stimulate the private sector, saying: “We’re being nickled and dimed to death with taxation”.

Rebel confusion

AS a Bahamian who is concerned about the leadership of my country, I am constrained to ask who is in charge of the “Rebel seven” and the DNA “Coalition”, if there is one?

Bahamas issues

SO a black man, Archdeacon Palacious says precisely what a white man, Richard Lightbourne basically said and there is cheering? You mean we have gotten that stupid?

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‘PM should shuffle less and deal with crime more’

FREE National Movement officials accused Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday of being more concerned with “shuffling” than with addressing concerns Bahamians may have about the safety of schools and communities.

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INSIGHT: Why The Donald’s way is not everyone’s way

Richard Coulson looks at what the inauguration of President Trump might mean for the US and the Bahamas . . .

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WORLD VIEW: Trump, trade and the Caribbean

TRADE between the US and other countries of the world, particularly China, was a major plank of Donald Trump’s campaign for the Presidency. He regarded all the trade deals as inimical to US interests. So, is there reason for Caribbean Community Common Market (CARICOM) countries to worry about their trade relationship with the US under the Trump Presidency?

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INSIGHT: Send hardcore criminals to Family Island prison

Former Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Thompson concludes his series on policing in the Bahamas by examing the rehabilitation of offenders.

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GAIN AN EDGE: Why diversified education is key to social equity

Failure to have both TVET and traditional academics available in all school programmes is a disservice to our children and country, says Remiska Wildgoose, English instructor at BTVI . . .

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McCartney: Crime continues to threaten our way of life

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance leader Branville McCartney has lamented the country’s crime problem, predicting that with a violent start to 2017, the stage was set for another record breaking year.

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Lloyd hits out at media while outlining ambitious agenda

FREE National Movement candidate for South Beach Jeffery Lloyd articulated an ambitious agenda for transforming education in the country during an FNM press conference yesterday.

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Davis urges patience over power failures

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip Davis yesterday forecast that persistent electricity challenges will give way to affordable and efficient supply within the next six months as he urged Bahamians to continue to exercise patience with embattled service provider Bahamas Power & Light (BPL).

Entrepreneur blasts ‘pay to play’ culture

Bahamian entrepreneurs have called for increased anti-corruption measures, saying permit applications “go to the bottom of the pile” unless officials are paid off.

‘Too many barriers’ for our investors

The Bahamas has too many barriers for investors despite thinking “we have the best product in the world”, a well-known developer said.

‘Goal posts continually’ moving on the Bahamas

The Bahamas “cannot operate in isolation from rest of the world” in financial services, a Cabinet Minister warning that it must respond to evolving international regulatory standards if it is to remain competitive.

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Olympian Jamal Wilson dominates in high jump

WHILE there were no additional CARIFTA qualifiers, Kyle Alcime improved on his performance in the under-20 boys’ high jump, becoming the latest Bahamian to soar over the 7-foot barrier, in the Roadrunners’ 11th annual Dianne Lynn Thompson Classic.

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Seymour gets the victory over Charlton

In their first meeting for the year since switching places in the history books as the national record holder of the women’s high hurdles, Pedrya Seymour pulled a close victory over Devynne Charlton to highlight the performances of a number of Bahamians at the Rod McCravy Memorial in Lexington, Kentucky, over the weekend.

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Georgette Rolle on par for the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic

GEORGETTE Rolle is hoping that the fourth time will be her charm as she gets ready to mix and mingle with some of the best female golfers in the world at the fifth Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic this week at the Ocean Golf Club on Paradise Island.

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Carey, Cleare and ‘Tum Tum’ take NCAA spotlight

IN a senior season where he looks to establish himself for the next level and have his Wagner Seahawks contend in the Northeastern Conference, Michael Carey continues to put up stellar numbers.

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Real Deal Shockers beat Rockets, 73-68

THE New Providence Basketball Association continued its regular season action with a series of games at the AF Adderley Gymnasium over the weekend.

Sunday, January 22

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Visitor dies after snorkeling

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a female visitor from Florida on Friday.

Friday, January 20

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01202017 EDITION

Friday, 20th January 2017.

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Pastors found guilty of giving teen alcohol

TWO ministers will return to the Magistrate’s Court next week for sentencing, having been found guilty by a magistrate on Friday concerning allegations that they gave a 15-year-old boy liquor to get him drunk.

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01202017 WEEKEND

Friday, 20th January, 2017.

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Two men shot in Freeport

TWO men were shot at a business establishment on Thursday evening in Freeport after the owner allegedly discovered them on his premises.

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Former police officer, two others jailed over cocaine seizure

A FORMER police officer and two others, including the officer's brother, were convicted on Thursday in connection with a $64,000 cocaine seizure at the Lynden Pindling International airport in 2013.

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Valley Boys taking legal action after Roots declared New Year's winner

THE Valley Boys Junkanoo group is taking legal action against the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP), amidst revelations that the Roots Junkanoo group have been declared the official winner of the New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade.

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BPL completes investigation into recent outages

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has completed its investigations into recent power outages on New Providence.

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Greenslade dismisses gang link to school stabbing

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade pushed back on Friday against claims that Thursday's stabbing incident at Government High School was linked to gang-related activity, insisting that the students involved were "wannabes".

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‘Schizophrenic’ who killed father jailed for 15 years

A JUDGE imposed a 15-year sentence yesterday on a “paranoid schizophrenic” woman who fatally stabbed her father a year ago.

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Trump takes charge: Sworn in as 45th US president

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pledging to empower America's "forgotten men and women," Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States Friday, taking command of a deeply divided nation and ushering in an unpredictable era in Washington. His victory gives Republicans control of the White House for the first time in eight years.

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PM: Fear of crime remains high despite progress by police force

PRIME Minister Perry Christie struck a sombre tone yesterday as he acknowledged that criminality and the fear of crime significantly impacted the quality of life and decision-making of many Bahamians despite the significant progress recorded by law enforcement and the justice system.

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Baha Mar documents ‘to be unsealed before opening’

THE release of the sealed Supreme Court Baha Mar documents is “most definitely” expected before the opening of the $3.5bn West Bay Street mega resort, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said yesterday.

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PLP ratifies 16 more candidates for election

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday urged supporters to ramp up voter registration efforts as the path will be clear towards the next general elections once the party emerges from its national convention next week.

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UPDATED: Students flee in stabbing terror

A TEENAGE boy is in critical condition in hospital after he was stabbed multiple times during a brawl at Government High School yesterday morning which left two other students injured.

NHI advisers ‘look at healthcare in vacuum’

The Government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) advisers were yesterday accused of “looking at healthcare in a vacuum”, and failing to account for the numerous economic and social factors that drive high Bahamian medical costs.

Govt ‘reconsiders’ $1m residency bar following push back

A Cabinet Minister yesterday conceded that the Government had been forced to “reconsider” plans to double the permanent residency investment threshold to $1 million, due to the “considerable pushback” by realtors and developers.

Bahamian insurers in NHI ‘buy in’ via public carrier bids

Private Bahamian underwriters are involved in all three bids for the management of the National Health Insurance (NHI) public insurer, the scheme’s advisers suggesting this showed the industry had “bought in” to the scheme.

Bahamas will ‘do all it can’ to avoid EU blacklisting

The Bahamian financial services industry “will do all we can” to ensure this nation does not appear on a threatened European Union (EU) ‘blacklist’, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

MAB chief doubts NHI hospital savings forecast

The Medical Association of the Bahamas (MAB) president yesterday expressed doubts that the $100 million National Health Insurance (NHI) investment in primary care would help reduce spending on the hospitals.

PLP must stick with Christie

My sentiments are more about common sense than personalities.

Time to get Greenslade out

Tribune Headline 19 Jan 2017. The question that begs asking with The Tribune Headline today is: “Is this the same Commissioner Greenslade” that last week boasted that “Serious Crime Is Down” ? or “Crime is down except murders”?

Do they have our attention?

As New Providence ratifies itself as an embattled city, a war zone of sorts, its citizens continue to live in fear and accumulate a reservoir of hate and revenge.

Dames: Police keeping us from brink of crisis

FORMER Deputy Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames yesterday spoke out in support of Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade and the Royal Bahamas Police Force after a spate of murders in New Providence.

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Commissioner: No issue with ankle monitoring

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said there is no “issue” in The Bahamas with electronic monitoring systems.

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‘Bitch and complain tirade shows Christie needs to go’

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has said the brash tone of Prime Minister Perry Christie’s now infamous “bitch and complain” tirade last Sunday demonstrates that the veteran politician needs to reconsider his bid for re-election.

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Minnis: Boundary delay a hindrance to the FNM

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday admitted that the stalled Constituencies Commission report has not only been a hindrance to his party, but has presented challenges for the FNM ahead of the 2017 general election.

Moss joins condemnation of Archdeacon’s comments

PASTOR of Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev C B Moss has spoken out against the “extremely offensive” address given by Anglican Archeacon James Palacious last week when he told a crowd gathered to celebrate Majority Rule Day that “black people breed too much”.

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A COMIC'S VIEW: Make The Bahamas great - and start at home

Today’s column was supposed to take a totally different tone this week.

Automated licence system to be introduced in Grand Bahama

THE Road Traffic Department will introduce its new automated vehicle and driver’s licence system on February 6 in Grand Bahama.

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Points system suggested for traffic offences

ROAD Traffic officials are in discussions about the introduction of a points system against traffic violators, according to a Road Traffic Controller Ross Smith.

Humane Society holds sale at Rand Nature Centre

THE tranquil setting of the Rand Nature Centre was the perfect backdrop for the Humane Society of Grand Bahama’s “We Are All God’s Creatures” Arts & Crafts Show and Sale on Saturday.

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Family Islanders to march in solidarity against Trump

WOMEN from two Family Islands yesterday declared their support of the international Women’s March on Washington in hopes that their support will send a “strong and clear message” that the rights, health and safety of women and others throughout the world are respected.

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Exploring the blue holes of Abaco

RESEARCHERS from National Geographic, Bahamian scientists and local students have been mapping and exploring Abaco’s mysterious and beautiful blue holes.

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Serena Brown tries her hand at shot put

After turning in two impressive national record-breaking performances in the women’s discus at the IAAF World Junior (Under-20) Championships, Serena Brown is now looking forward to soaring to new heights as a collegian in her freshman year at Texas A&M.

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Buddy wants to enter 3-pt shootout on All-Star weekend

ALREADY a fan favourite in New Orleans, Buddy Hield reiterated his desire to participate in front of his home crowd when the city hosts All Star Weekend in approximately a month.

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‘God had something different in store for me, which was something bigger, the Olympics’

Auburn, Alabama — Teray Smith didn’t realise his picture had just been broadcast around the globe until he returned to the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last August.

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National beach soccer team to face Mexico today

IT will be a weekend of tests for the Bahamas men’s national beach soccer team as they continue their training to elevate their level of play ahead of two marquee events.

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Spartans win Division II title in Ontario

THE Noble Preparatory Academy Spartans recently completed one of its traditional visits to Canada, which included school tours and a successful tournament title defence.

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THE FINISH LINE: Lunn and Major are two capable replacements on Davis Cup team

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association completed its selection process for the men’s team that will represent the Bahamas at the first round of the American Zone II Davis Cup tie against Venezuela next month in Miami, Florida.

IAN FERGUSON: Training investment vital to all businesses

Would it not be great if every employee hired possessed all the professional skills needed to work in a company? No longer would we need to place so much emphasis on training new workers on the basics of teamwork, productivity, communication and customer service.

‘High time’ for more financial services Bahamianisation

The Government has decided it is “high time” that the Bahamas implement a policy requiring more citizens to assume top posts within the financial services industry, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.

Thursday, January 19

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01192017 EDITION

Thursday, 19th January, 2017.

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Moncur threat to Guardian editor in radio rant

FREE National Movement Senator Rodney Moncur levelled another attack at female media professionals yesterday, this time taking aim at The Nassau Guardian’s Managing Editor Candia Dames.

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‘Surrender or become a target’

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade yesterday called the country’s murder count so far this month a “disgrace”, but stressed that many of the country’s recent killings stem from feuds over drugs and relationships.

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‘Send home staff who turn voters away over attire’

STAFF of the Parliamentary Registration Department who deny people the ability to register to vote because of their dress must be sent home, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said in the House of Assembly yesterday.

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16-year-old boy shot dead ‘as he went to commit crime’

A 16-year-old boy was shot multiple times and killed early yesterday morning, minutes before police suspect the teenager was about to commit a crime.

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Boundary report delayed amid slow registration

THE Constituencies Commission has stalled the release of its boundaries report in the hope that the sluggish voter registration will pick up considerably over the next few weeks.

Bahamas can ‘leapfrog’ rivals on health reforms

The proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme has put the Bahamas “in a privileged position” of being able to “leapfrog” rival jurisdictions on implementing universal health coverage, the Government’s advisers said yesterday.

EDITORIAL: Bahamian airlines no longer taxed to fly over our airspace

IT WAS announced by government last week that at long last Bahamian aircraft will no longer have to pay the US Federal Aviation Administration overflight fees to cross its own islands.

Govt to address Business Licence ‘double tax’ woe

The Government has promised to address the Business Licence double taxation “anomaly” identified by the construction industry, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive said yesterday.

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Physician gives evidence as man accused of killing mother

THE trial of a man accused of killing his elderly mother was underway in the Supreme Court yesterday, with a physician, who confirmed Princess Butler’s death, giving evidence.

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Pastor and resident call for help in The Grove after shooting

TWO members of The Grove community yesterday called for more local support in reaching out to young males in the area following a recent shooting incident that left a man dead and three others in hospital.

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Mitchell hits out at ‘hateful’ criticism by attorney Fred Smith

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell responded yesterday to the “hateful” criticism attorney Fred Smith, QC, allegedly made about The Bahamas recently.

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Country not a better place if PLP win, survey says

ALMOST 100 per cent of Bahamians surveyed in an online poll do not believe the country will be in a better place should the Progressive Liberal Party win the next election, according to data from advocacy group Bahamians Awake.

FNM chairman: Country cannot stand another five years of the PLP

FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie has condemned Prime Minister Perry Christie’s declaration that he is prepared to serve another term, insisting that the country could not withstand five more years with the Progressive Liberal Party leader at the helm.

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Butler-Turner hints PAC to probe Baha Mar concessions

DESPITE facing considerable time constraints with an election date pending, Official Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner revealed that the Public Accounts Committee plans to probe several matters of national interest, including Value-Added Tax (VAT) collected and the concessions agreed to restart the Baha Mar development.

Doctors to drop NHI pay moan ‘within three years’

A Canadian healthcare expert yesterday predicted that Bahamian doctors will drop their opposition to National Health Insurance’s (NHI) preferred payment mechanism “within three years”.

NHI ‘can’t wait’ for public health system reforms

The Bahamian public health system’s many flaws cannot be fixed “immediately”, the Government’s advisers conceded yesterday, as they expressed confidence that a “silent majority” of private doctors were willing to sign on for National Health Insurance (NHI).

No plan to pull out at Memories

DESPITE a significant decline in hotel room capacity on Grand Bahama, a tourism executive has said there is no plan for a pullout by Sunwing Airlines, which is linked with the currently closed Memories Resort.

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Rollins claims lack of oversight over $150m hurricane repair loan

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins yesterday suggested there is no proper oversight on the $150m the Christie administration borrowed last year to defray the cost of the country’s recovery and reconstruction efforts needed in the aftermath of Hurricanes Matthew and Joaquin.

Concern for Nottage during House adjournment

BAIN and Grants Town MP Dr Bernard Nottage came under heightened scrutiny from his parliamentary colleagues yesterday after he appeared to become momentarily disoriented while addressing House Speaker Dr Kendal Major.

KPMG’s Britnell a hypocrite?

I read with absolutely no surprise that KPMG’s Mark Britnell upset the business community at a recent Rotary luncheon.

UN’s LGBT agenda

WHO gave the UN the right to promote one particular lifestyle over another?

Baha Mar hiring

Baha Mar ....... blatant discrimination over hiring? Is it only PLP’s can apply?

Bring Anime to Atlantis!

WHILE Baha Mar is getting their workers into gear, I should be wondering on one thing.

Freeport ‘depopulation’ fear over resort closures

The FNM’s deputy leader yesterday expressed fears that Grand Bahama would again “depopulate” due to uncertainty surrounding its major hotels, as Memories’ parent denied claims it was pulling out.

US woman sues Atlantis over claim of ‘bed bugs’

AN AMERICAN woman is suing the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort after she was allegedly bitten by a “colony of bed bugs” living in the mattress of a hotel bed.

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Minnis slams Bahamas Power and Light over blackouts

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said the continued failures of Bahamas Power and Light cannot be forgiven or overlooked, stressing that scores of Bahamians are being forced to endure the company’s “terrible job” performance.

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Repatriation of Cubans rises by 80 per cent

REPATRIATIONS of Cuban nationals skyrocketed last year, according to statistics from the Department of Immigration, which indicated that total repatriations increased by some 80 per cent over 2015.

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Milo Butler gives $10,000 of supplies to hurricane relief

BAHAMIANS still impacted by the effects of Hurricane Matthew last October on will benefit from a donation by Milo Butler Distributors, the wholesale grocer, which has partnered with the Bahamas Red Cross and the HeadKnowles Hurricane Relief Group to give food supplies worth $10,000 to assist with continued relief efforts.

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Best friend of Anne Frank to share Holocaust memories

A BAHAMIAN audience is promised an incomparable and emotionally moving evening next month when Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss, best friend and stepsister of Anne Frank, will talk about her experiences, the personal memories of a journey that took her beyond the anguish of Auschwitz to a life dedicated to humanitarianism.

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Minnis: Govt breaking law over boundaries report

ONE day after urging the Christie administration to table the delayed Constituencies Commission report and moments after having concerns on the matter dismissed by House Speaker Kendal Major in Parliament, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday accused the government of “breaking the law”.

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Keod Smith denied extension to appeal $263,000 legal costs

A JUDGE has refused an attorney’s application to appeal an order for extension of time for $263,000 in legal costs to be paid that stemmed from a recusal application where he accused the said Supreme Court judge of bias.

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On Da Hook

ALL roads lead to Bimini on February 1 to 5 for the first Resorts World Ocean Sports Wahoo Challenge, which offers a guaranteed minimum payout of $35,000 Resorts World Bimini, the Hilton Hotel at Resorts World, and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism have teamed team up to host the first of what is expected to be an annual event.

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World Relays to make a ‘Bahamazing’ return

With just 93 days left before the “Bahamazing” return of the IAAF World Relays, preparations have begun in earnest as the Bahamas Government and the local organising committee announced the official launch of the third edition of the event.

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‘Reno’ to face Mexican Gutierrez for middleweight title January 28

TUREANO Johnson is set to return to the ring in just over a week and while his focus is on the task at hand, his ultimate goal remains his quest for an upset win over the unified middleweight champion.

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Todd Isaacs Jr looks to up his game with Cleveland Indians

LOOKING to build on his All-Star effort of last season, Todd Isaacs Jr looks to elevate his game and his place in the Cleveland Indians organisation.

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Champ Stuart invited to Mets spring training

CHAMP Stuart continues to progress in the New York Mets organisation and will have another opportunity to progress with the franchise.

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Sancheska Vs Renaldo NFL Picks: Conference Championships

THE “This Works Much Better When Awful Calls Go In Your Favour” Award presented by Golden Tate and the Fail Mary - Eric Fisher. Why’d you have to hold bruh?

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RICARDO'S NFL PICKS: Matt Ryan has had the best year of his career...Go Falcons

Championship weekend is finally here and guess what, my Patriots are ready to square off in their sixth consecutive AFC championship game with a win taking the team to its ninth Super Bowl in team history, a record.

Birdwatchers help boost Bahamian tourism

THE Bahamas National Trust (BNT), the National Audubon Society and the Ministry of Tourism have developed a joint bird-based tourism initiative to help Bahamians take advantage of a growing, multi-billion-dollar global market.

Wednesday, January 18

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01182017 EDITION

Wednesday, January 18th, 2017.

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Munroe likely to be ratified for PLP ticket

THE Progressive Liberal Party is expected to ratify several candidates tomorrow night, with party insiders telling The Tribune that well known attorney Wayne Munroe is reportedly among those to be placed on the PLP’s ticket to contest the next general election.

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Minnis calls for boundary report to be tabled today

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday urged the government to table the delayed Constituencies Commission report in Parliament when it meets today.

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Number of Baha Mar applicants “alarmingly" low, warns Lloyd

FORMER Baha Mar Leadership Development Institute Executive Director Jeffery Lloyd yesterday called reports that an estimated 1,500 people applied for or inquired about jobs at the once stalled Cable Beach resort on the first day of the process “alarming” and “significantly low”.

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Overnight shootings leave two men dead as murder toll rises

THE murderous start to 2017 in New Providence continued in the early hours of Wednesday with the fatal shooting of a young man on Williams Lane off Kemp Road, the second killing in Nassau in nine hours.

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Pair spared death penalty for roles in Andros double murder

TWO men were spared the death penalty yesterday in the double murder and kidnapping of a Department of Immigration officer and his girlfriend in Andros.

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Passing baton 'not up to PM'

RESPONDING to Prime Minister Perry Christie’s assertion that he will “pass the leadership baton when the time is right,” Progressive Liberal Party leader hopeful Alfred Sears, QC, said yesterday that decision “is not up” to Mr Christie.

Terreve College keeps status after judicial review

TERREVE College was successful in its judicial review case against the Department of Public Service, maintaining its status as an approved private tertiary institution on the list of schools recognised by the department.

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Cancer Society in need of new office after hurricane

THE Cancer Society of Grand Bahama is in need of a new office space or building in order to continue the important role it plays in the fight against the disease and helping sufferers in Grand Bahama.

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TOUGH CALL: Why Bahamian beaches are safe from the excavators

EVERY now and then we work ourselves into a frenzy based largely on hearsay and conspiracy theories. Eventually the controversy du jour settles down and is forgotten - until the next time.

Bahamian churches

OVER the past decade I have been watching the steady proliferation of churches throughout the Bahamas. This is particularly evident in the capital of Nassau, the island suffering most from social unrest, violence, poverty and poor educational development. 

EDITORIAL: Heavy price paid for ‘sovereignty’

THERE are varying opinions about the first signs that Baha Mar might be starting to move towards a long delayed opening.

The $100m fishing question

Having spoken with many fly fishing guides, lodge owners and international fishermen, I can say the following with absolute certainty.

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Workshop aims to help move away from paper health records

THE country’s public health sector took another step forward toward offering more efficient and integrated healthcare services yesterday with the launch of a workshop on the Integrated Health Information Management System.

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Meet the first babies born in the new year

BABY Landon Blaize Treco is already keeping up with his big sister Layla.

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Smith: An insult to suggest convention won’t be fair

FORMER Cabinet minister George Smith yesterday dismissed the suggestion that the Progressive Liberal Party’s convention will not facilitate a fair process, saying it is an “insult” to assert that stalwart councillors can be easily persuaded to vote in favour of any candidate.

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Power outage for more than 12 hours

SOME residents in western New Providence were without power for more than 12 hours yesterday, as Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd battled a “substantial” problem at its Windsor Field substation.

NHI ‘waiting lines’ if costs exceeded $400m

Bahamians faced “waiting lines” for treatment under the initial National Health Insurance (NHI) model if costs went beyond the $400 million that the Government already spends on healthcare, Tribune Business can reveal.

Baha Mar marketing ‘kick-in’ awaits hotels, promotion, team hires

Baha Mar’s marketing will “kick in” once it has finalised agreements with its hotel brand operators and appointed its own promotional team, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

Opposition: Baha Mar opening date is ‘quid pro quo’

Opposition politicians yesterday queried whether the timing of Baha Mar’s April 21 opening is “a quid pro quo” for the Government’s role in helping China to oust the original developer, Sarkis Izmirlian.

FNM deputy challenge to private cruise port model

The FNM’s deputy leader yesterday challenged the Bahamas’ private island cruise port development model, arguing that those located on remote cays would generate “limited” benefits for Bahamians.

As well as it should’ in maximising FDI

Exuma has “not done as good a job as it should” in preparing residents to maximise the benefits from major investment projects such as the upcoming $200 million Children’s Bay development, its Chamber of Commerce president said yesterday.

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44 traffic fatalities recorded in 2016

A total of 44 people died as a result of traffic fatalities in 2016, with Bahamians accounting for over 90 per cent of that figure, according to the latest Royal Bahamas Police Force crime statistics.

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Second man accused in cocaine case

A SECOND man was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a $250,000 cocaine seizure that occurred last week in western New Providence.

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Little progress in FNM tribunal over rebel seven’s actions

THE Free National Movement has gone silent on the status of its tribunal investigation into the dissident seven MPs, although the tribunal is expected to update the party’s Central Council on its investigation during its monthly meeting on the last Thursday of each month, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Baha Mar receives 4,500 job resumes

Describing the response to Baha Mar’s recruitment drive as “overwhelming”, a senior executive yesterday told Tribune Business that more than 4,000 resumes had been received by the resort project in the past two days.

Healthcare takes a ‘giant leap forward’

The Minister of Health yesterday said healthcare modernisation had taken a “giant leap forward” through the implementation of an $18.4 million Integrated Health Information Management System (IHIMS).

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Beach soccer ‘ready for the world’

With the 2,500 seats for the fans erected, all that’s left is the VIP stand, press centre and the actual beach soccer pitch and the Bahamas Football Association will be prepared to take on the world.

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Strikers hand Shockers a pair of losses at Loyola Hall

THE double runners-up St Cecilia’s Strikers struck twice to hand the St Francis/Joseph Shockers a pair of shocking losses yesterday at Loyola Hall as the Catholic Board of Education continued its primary schools basketball league.

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BAHAMIANS IN MIDWEST SHOW SUPPORT FOR BUDDY HIELD AT MEET AND GREET

CHICAGO, Illinois - The Hon. Michael C. Fountain, Bahamas Honorary Consul to Chicago, and Mr. Cyril Jervis, President of Bahamas Association of Chicago, facilitated a post-game meet and greet with Bahamian basketball sensation Buddy Hield at the Chicago Bulls vs. New Orleans Pelicans game at the United Center on January 14.

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OFFICIAL RESULTS: Gunite/Swift Wwimming Heptathlon

• Here’s a look at the results of the Swift Swimming’s 2017 Gunite Pools/Swift Swimming Heptathlon Meet held on Friday and Saturday at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex:

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Cuba sees explosion in internet access

Two days before Christmas, Luis Gonzalez received a little Chinese modem from Cuba’s state-owned telecommunications company.

TECH TALK

• Baidu Inc., which operates China’s most popular Internet search engine, said Tuesday it has hired a former Microsoft executive and artificial intelligence specialist to improve its competitiveness in the field.

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Nintendo Switch console unveiled

Nintendo is trying to Switch it up. The Japanese video-game company revealed details Friday about its hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch, a video game console that also serves as a hand-held gaming device, during a global rollout on Friday.

Astwood seeks PLP nomination for Central Grand Bahama

GRAND Bahama resident Lewis Astwood Jr is seeking to run as the Progressive Liberal Party candidate for Central Grand Bahama in the upcoming general election.

Tuesday, January 17

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Police investigate fatal shooting in The Grove

POLICE are reporting they are on the scene of a fatal shooting in The Grove on Tuesday night.

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BPL struggles to restore power to western New Providence

RESIDENTS in western New Providence have been without power for more than 12 hours on Tuesday as Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd (BPL) battles a “substantial” problem at its Windsor Field substation.

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01172017 EDITION

Tuesday, January 17th, 2017.

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Groundbreaking as MSC aims to bring passengers to Bimini

THE expansion of the MSC Bahamas brand continued yesterday as the world-renowned cruise and shipping company broke ground on its multi-million dollar Ocean Cay development, which is expected to bring in 369,000 stop-over cruise passengers to the Bimini chain annually.

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Galanis worried Sears will not get a fair shot

FORMER Progressive Liberal Party MP Philip Galanis yesterday suggested that Alfred Sears, who is challenging the party’s leadership post, will not receive a fair shot during the party’s convention later this month.

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Rebel seven accused of personal agenda

FORMER Free National Movement Senator Carl Bethel yesterday took aim at the strategy of the party’s seven rebel MPs, claiming that the absence of a coherent message from the group showed that their actions were guided by personal agenda.

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Miller blames 'gutless' politicians for crime

TALL PINES MP Leslie Miller yesterday blamed “gutless politicians” for the increase in murder and serious crime in the country.

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1,500 apply for Baha Mar jobs

OVER 1,500 people applied for and/or inquired about jobs with the once stalled Baha Mar mega resort yesterday, according to senior company officials, who said the numbers demonstrate that the company is making good on its promise to “generate a significant amount of jobs” in the country.

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Swimmers make splash in Swift heptathlon

WITH a slightly different format than the regular meet, the Swift Swimming hosted its heptathlon meet at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex over the weekend.

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Overbreeding or breaking the cycle?

Close ya legs! Stop layin down with man! As a society, we have been charging that blacks overbreed, but it would be a more accurate statement to say that low-income and poorly educated groups are more likely to have more children than higher-income groups with a higher level education.

Sour grapes?

THREE months after category four Hurricane Matthew passed through The Bahamas, Flamingo Gardens Park still has not been fully restored.

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Deepak Chopra shares six pillars to well-being

Physician, noted author and public speaker Dr Deepak Chopra prescribed a few simple remedies this past weekend to reduce the amount of chronic illnesses that plague the Bahamas during Atlantic Medical Insurance’s wellness symposium, “A Morning with Deepak Chopra.”

Improving your dental health in 2017

Almost everyone you talk to is seeking to improve their health these days. Bahamians are reading health articles, searching the internet, and best of all, seeing healthcare professionals – all in an effort to stay on top of things.

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Bahamian mother partners with global initiative to improve local healthcare

The desire to seek more advanced care for her sick child has led one Bahamian mother to pursue improvement in all aspects of the local healthcare system.

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Ayton McDonald’s High All-American

Add another historic achievement to the list for high school basketball phenom DeAndre Ayton in his already prolific career.

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IAAF WORLD RELAYS WILL HAVE MIXED EVENT

WITH less than 100 days to go before the start of the third IAAF World Relays, countries are now looking at fielding a team to compete in another discipline when the event returns in April at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

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JUSTIN LUNN ADDED TO DAVIS CUP TEAM

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association has completed its selection process for the men’s team that will represent the country at the American Zone II Davis Cup tie next month.

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Gary White contender to become coach of England U-21 team

FORMER Bahamas head coach Gary White is among the contenders to become coach of the England under-21 soccer team, according to a report by ESPN FC.

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SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Dallas can dream on despite a Rodgers masterclass

I KNOW most of you are expecting some rant of sorts out of me, due to my Cowboys losing to the Packers on Sunday ... NOT!

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Roosevelt Whylly helps Hurricanes to win

THE midseason winter break is over for Bahamian basketball players and their respective colleges in Canada and as play resumed they look to hold on to their national rankings in the second half. 

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OFFICIAL RESULTS: Gunite/Swift Swimming Heptathlon

• Here’s a look at the results of the Swift Swimming’s 2017 Gunite Pools/Swift Swimming Heptathlon Meet held on Friday and Saturday at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex:

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Michelle Miller Motivationals: 2017 - Do you have an optimistic outlook for your life?

Here we grow again. Another brand new year has graced us with its presence; giving us another chance to finally do the darn thing!

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Bun In The Oven: Positive thinking

The beginning of every year is a good time to put new things into place; to start something with no excuses that will make a positive difference in your life.

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Divinely inspired transformations

What started off as a make-up artistry and jewellery design company has now blossomed into a movement to empower women through a personal relationship with God.

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Claim of sex attack on nine-year-old

A MAN will stand trial in two months in Magistrate’s Court concerning the alleged sexual assault of a minor more than 30 years his junior.

$100m NHI budget ‘isn’t much money’

The $100 million budget for National Health Insurance’s (NHI) primary care phase “isn’t much money”, the Medical Association of the Bahamas (MAB) president says, as he warned the Government it must “compromise” with the private sector.

1,000 resumes on first recruitment day for Baha Mar

Baha Mar yesterday received “in excess of 1,000” resumes from job seekers as the first wave of hiring kicked-off for the previously stalled $3.5 billion resort.

BISX-listed fund: 10% pt rental rise is ‘dividend trick’

The administrator for the BISX-listed Bahamas Property Fund yesterday said a 10 percentage point increase in average occupancy rates would “be the trick” to unlocking long-awaited dividend payments.

Waste plant ‘makes no economic sense’

A Bahamian waste provider consortium yesterday said Stellar Energy’s $400 million proposal for the New Providence landfill “makes no economic sense”, and warned against this nation being used as “a testing ground for unproven technology”.

Stellar: Waste plant cost cut by one-third

Stellar Energy yesterday slammed critics of its proposed waste-to-energy plant at the New Providence landfill as “Monday morning quarterbacks”, disclosing that capital investment costs had been cut by more than one-third.

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Boarding school and sports academy to open

THE Bahamas’ first boarding school and sports academy is expected to be completed and opened in the fall, it was revealed yesterday evening at a launch event in the exclusive Albany community.

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Suspect accused of killing his mother

A JURY was empanelled yesterday in the Supreme Court for the trial of a man accused of murdering his mother.

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Two hurt after high-speed police chase and shootout

TWO men are seriously injured after a Sunday morning shooting led to a high-speed chase and a shootout with police in Bozine Town, New Providence.

EDITORIAL: The Lucayan Sea would truly recognise Bahamian waters

EVERY once in a while, an idea is proposed that makes so much sense you wonder why no one thought of it before. Naming the waters of The Bahamas the Lucayan Sea is one of those ideas.

Dear Mr Prime Minister

I am not often one to get into public political commentary or debate but my heart is heavy. As someone who has watched your political career over the past 40 years, and witnessing where we are today I could not resist re-reading George Orwell’s novel “Animal Farm”. 

Loud music is unfair

Montague Park has become a popular venue for all sorts of functions hosting religious and informal gatherings, many regattas, and most recently the annual Marathon Bahamas event.

Ministry announces new passports to be introduced this month

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration last night announced that the government is to introduce a new series of passports at the end of this month.

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Bethel supports UN move to tackle anti-LGBT violence

NOTED Bahamian attorney, author, and United Nations expert Marion Bethel expressed support for the United Nations resolution that upheld the appointment of an independent expert to investigate worldwide cases of discrimination and abuse against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.

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One Family leader hailed as 'Queen of Junkanoo'

THE first woman to lead a major Junkanoo group was yesterday officially recognised as the “Queen of Junkanoo”, something government officials said effectively “shattered the glass ceiling” for the advancement of women in the traditional cultural expression.

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Injunction stays in place despite Nygard motion

A JUDGE has ruled that she will not hear any application to set aside an injunction barring work being done at Nygard Cay until the conclusion of committal proceedings concerning Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard.

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Sex assault case to be transferred to the Supreme Court

A FRENCH-Canadian woman accused of sexually assaulting a minor is expected to have her case transferred to the Supreme Court next month.

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POLITICOLE: We want equality, not a celebration of Majority Rule

I had to call in maintenance the other day to check my washing machine.

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Water improvement deal for Family Islands

The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is continuing to undertake a series of water supply improvements on several Family Islands.

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Turnquest pledges FNM help for Grand Bahama

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said his party is poised to address the economic woes that plague Grand Bahama as he took issue with vague and unsubstantiated outlooks forecast by the Christie administration.

Torchbearers to hold national convention next month

THE Torchbearers Youth Association, the youth branch of the Free National Movement, will host its national convention in February.

‘Freedom of Information recommendations ignored by government’

THE Organisation for Responsible government says numerous recommendations from civil society on how to improve the Freedom of Information Act has been disregarded by the Christie Administration.

Career fair being held by Resorts World Bimini

RESORTS World Bimini (RWB) is holding a two-day career fair in Grand Bahama this week in search of potential candidates to fill over 30 positions at the resort and build a talent bank for future employment opportunities.

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Ethics watchdog investigates Canadian PM’s Bahamas vacation

CANADA’S ethics commissioner said yesterday she is launching an investigation into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent family holiday at the Aga Khan’s private island in The Bahamas.

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Handbook gives glimpse into Bahamian society

THE iconic past of the country’s first public high school, the first black mayor in Britain who hailed from Inagua, and how the new guardian of the Bahamian economy feels about the country’s economic prospects are some of the stories in the 2017 Bahamas Handbook, which is in bookstores now.

Bahamas branded ‘debt crisis victim’

The Bahamas’ ‘junk’ downgrade has drawn sympathy from a religious development coalition, which says this nation’s fate highlights the need for structured processes to resolve “financial crises”.

Monday, January 16

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01162017 EDITION

Monday, January 16th, 2017.

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Bowe quits DNA over party’s pick of Lincoln Bain

THE Democratic National Alliance’s Southern Shores candidate, engineer Ethric Bowe, resigned from the party last week citing the ratification of talk show host Lincoln Bain in the Pinewood constituency as a “deal breaker” for his association with the group.

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Neymour upset as FNM choose alternative for Exuma race

PHENTON Neymour, Free National Movement member of Parliament, expressed disappointment on social media over the weekend when he was not chosen as the FNM’s candidate to run in Exuma in the upcoming general election.

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Police to step up patrols to keep public safe

DESPITE the country recording five murders in the past week, Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said police are doing an “excellent job” bringing criminals to justice.

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Recruitment starts today for Baha Mar vacancies

BAHA MAR will begin the process today of recruiting 1,500 Bahamians in its first wave of hiring for the once stalled $3.5 billion resort according to Robert Sands, the resort’s senior vice-president of government and external affairs.

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Two dead in weekend shootings

TWO men are dead and another man is recovering in hospital after three separate shooting incidents in the capital over the weekend.

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PM eager for another term

AS he gears up for a leadership challenge at the Progressive Liberal Party’s first convention since 2009, Prime Minister Perry Christie spoke of his energy and eagerness to serve another term, as he urged party supporters not to “squander” the opportunity to win the general election.

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FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: Our sports officials need to be commended

SPORTS officials in the Bahamas are moving in the right direction and they need to be commended.

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Plane skids off runway at international airport

AVIATION officials yesterday said they were investigating the circumstances that led to a twin-engine Piper Aztec aircraft skidding off the tarmac shortly after landing at the Lynden Pindling International Airport on Saturday.

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Robinson finishes in four-way tie for 30th at Latin America Amateur Golf Championships

IT wasn’t the type of performance that Devaughn Robinson and Steven Kemp expected at the Latin America Amateur Golf Championships in Panama City over the weekend.

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Hyo Joo Kim looks forward to defending her title in Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic

HYO JOO KIM came to the fourth annual Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic last January just hoping to begin the year with a top-10 finish. She succeeded – by finishing first.

Preparations underway for $1.4m tournament

FOR the third time in its five-year history, the Pure Silk-Bahamas Ladies Professional Golf Association Classic will kick off the LPGA season.

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ACTION HEATS UP IN THE NPBA OVER THE WEEKEND

THE New Providence Basketball Association continued its regular season action over the weekend with games played at both the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium and the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

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Baseball leagues open the new season

BASEBALL is arguably the sport with the most populous and effective development programme in the country and two of the local leaders began their seasons last weekend.

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McWeeney joins diplomatic corps in meeting Pope

THE Bahamas non-resident Ambassador to the Holy See, Sean McWeeney QC, attended the annual gathering of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican last week.

Minister’s ‘struggle’ over political approach to FDI

A Cabinet minister has admitted to “struggling” with the Government’s politically-led approach to decision-making on foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, saying: “I ain’t no politician.”

NHI study: ‘More money’ will not fix health system

The Government yesterday raised fears it is “throwing good money after bad” with National Health Insurance (NHI), given its two-and-a-half year failure to act on confidential recommendations for strengthening the existing public health system.

Minister: Govt must be ‘more forceful’ on South Ocean resort

A Cabinet minister has suggested that the Government needs to be “more forceful” with South Ocean’s owner if it wishes to see renewed economic activity at the long-closed resort.

Fly fishing chief slams ‘absolute foolishness’

The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association’s (BFIA) president has again fired back at critics of the new industry regulations, labelling the opposition as “absolute foolishness”.

‘Ad hoc’ apprenticeship scheme causes concern

The Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern about the “ad hoc” organisation of the Government’s apprenticeship scheme, a key component in a $50 million scheme to improve workforce productivity and employment prospects.

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Bethel slams comments by Archdeacon Palacious

TARGETING the “racist and misogynistic” statements made by Anglican Archbishop James Palacious last week,

A case of racial hypocrisy

I’m writing this letter on January 15, 2017, a day that has been set aside around the world as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.

Answers still needed on NHI

NHI.. Do the Civil Service - employees of all Government Agencies understand their external Health Insurance policy will be cancelled with the introduction of NHI with absolutely no compensation?

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WORLD VIEW: The end of ‘wet foot-dry foot’ is a parting gift - for whom?

Tomas Regalado, the Mayor of Miami - long a hot bed for Cuban exiles - has described as a “parting gift” the decision of the waning Obama administration to end the United States’ ‘wet foot-dry foot’ policy toward Cubans seeking entry to the country. The question is: a parting gift to whom?

INSIGHT: Britain faces difficult balancing act over EU exit

Peter Young finds Britain’s future with Europe top of the agenda after a holiday in England . . .

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INSIGHT: The role of police in general elections

Former Assistant Police Comm-issioner Paul Thompson explains why officers must not allow personal political preferences or associations to affect their professional duty . . .

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GAIN AN EDGE: A university degree in the comfort of home

The best of all worlds is now available to students righton their doorstep, says the University of The Bahamas . . .

Jehovah’s Witnesses help in hurricane aftermath

JEHOVAH’S Witnesses from the United States are in Grand Bahama helping their fellow members who were affected by Hurricane Matthew.

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Bahamasair makes inaugural flight to Port-au-Prince

A WATER salute and a large contingent of Haitian officials greeted Bahamasair’s inaugural flight to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as it touched down shortly before 9am on Saturday at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

Grand Celebration cruise service makes return to Grand Bahama

The Grand Celebration resumed cruise services to Grand Bahama on Saturday, bringing some 1,300 passengers to Freeport for the first time since the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

Couple arrested after gun and ammunition found

A COUPLE was arrested in Grand Bahama after they were reportedly found in possession of a firearm and ammunition over the weekend.

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Lo and Schmit win marathon

The 8th edition of Sunshine Insurance’s Marathon Bahamas Race Weekend featured an increased number of participants and several new winners that headlined the field in 2017.

US defeats Bahamas to retain title

THE United States of America, with the addition of the husband-wife team of Robert and Michelle Williams, proved once again to be the cream of the crop, beating the Bahamas 4-1 to retain their title in the fourth IC Tennis Tournament.

Big weekend for Bahamian connection in Indiana track meet

IT was another big weekend for the Bahamian connection at their dual meet against Indiana in Bloomington, Indiana. But, this time, it was sprinter Carmiesha Cox and Kinard Rolle who starred.

Falcons fly past Big Red Machine, 65-55

WHEN it wasn’t Frantwion Newton, it was Adam Johnson or Sherman Johnson who helped the defending champions Jordan Prince William Falcons to slow down the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine senior boys basketball train at Jordan Prince William on Friday.

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High jumpers qualify for CARIFTA

WHILE the throwers didn’t get a chance to compete on the infield, three high jumpers took advantage of their opportunity to jump in the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium as they surpassed the Carifta qualifying standards at the T-Bird Flyers Track Classic.

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INSIGHT: Real investment in people

An object lesson in unlocking potential and banishing fear of failure

Sancheska Dorsett finds the Bahamas has much to learn when it comes to progressive entrepreneurial spirit after her visit to Israel . . .

Freeport hotels still ‘wait on Hutchison’

The Minister of Tourism says the immediate fate of Freeport’s major hotels is still “waiting on Hutchison Whampoa” to provide confirmed repair and reopening dates.

Govt still pushing forward over NHI

The National Health Insurance (NHI) secretariat is continuing to work on the primary care phase roll-out, despite doubts that the scheme will be ready before the May 2017 general election.

J S Johnson eyes $60m in Matthew payments

A prominent Bahamian insurer is eying close to $60 million in Hurricane Matthew-related payouts, a senior executive saying it has settled between 2,000-3,000 claims.

Banker predicts 2017 will still be ‘slow year’

An investment banker is predicting that despite the phased Baha Mar opening, 2017 will still relatively slow with the full impact to be felt next year.

Sunday, January 15

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Man shot dead in Poinciana Drive area

A MAN was shot dead on Ferguson Street, off Poinciana Drive, in the early hours of Sunday, police in Nassau have reported.

Saturday, January 14

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Kemp Road drive-by shooting leaves a man dead

A MAN has been killed in a drive-by shooting on Kemp Road near Strachan Corner on Saturday morning as the murderous start to the new year continued.

Friday, January 13

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01132017 EDITION

Friday, 13th December, 2017.

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01132017 Weekend

Friday, 13th January, 2017.

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NHI presentation met with scepticism from Rotarians

LINGERING concerns about National Health Insurance (NHI) plans among business people were laid bare on Friday after a presentation to Rotary Club of East Nassau members from two top NHI officials were met with scepticism and, at times, harsh criticism.

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DNA candidate resigns over Lincoln Bain 'deal breaker'

THE Democratic National Alliance's (DNA) Southern Shores candidate, engineer Ethric Bowe, confirmed on Friday that he has submitted his letter of resignation to party officials, citing the ratification of talk show host Lincoln Bain in the Pinewood constituency this week as a "deal breaker" for his association with the party.

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We March Bahamas organiser hits out at Bradley Roberts, Leslie Miller

WE March Bahamas lead organiser Ranard Henfield on Friday hit back at Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts and Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller, accusing both of knowing how to engage in nothing but “dirty politics, dirty fighting, insulting people (and) threatening people”.

Police working to determine if US woman filed 'kidnapping and rape' report

POLICE are unable to confirm whether an American woman alleging “kidnapping and rape” at the hands of a local parasailing boat operator 20 years ago has filed a report in the Bahamas.

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Woman accused of sexual assault of minor to return to court next week

A FRENCH-Canadian woman will return to the Magistrate's Court next week for another status hearing concerning her trial in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor.

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Investigation into island-wide blackout

NEW Providence suffered an island-wide blackout early Friday morning, prompting an investigation by Bahamas Power and Light Ltd (BPL), officials said yesterday.

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Cocaine seizures up by half

COCAINE seizures in The Bahamas increased by 56 per cent last year when compared to 2015, according to Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) narcotics statistics.

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13 police officers fired

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade fired 13 people from the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 2016 for misconduct and betrayal of the public trust.

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PLP to complete ratifications before start of convention

THE Progressive Liberal Party announced that the party will complete its candidate ratifications next week ahead of the party’s national three-day convention slated for later this month, as party officials pledged to accept whatever the outcome of the event may be.

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Save the Bays contradicts Greenslade over claim that complaint was not filed

ENVIRONMENTAL advocacy group Save The Bays yesterday denied claims by Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade that the group has not filed an official complaint with the Royal Bahamas Police Force against Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard for allegedly orchestrating a murderous plot against his billionaire neighbour Louis Bacon and lawyer Fred Smith, QC.

Road traffic runs out of stickers in Freeport

AFTER running short of inspection stickers and decals in Freeport, Acting Deputy Controller of the Road Traffic Department Ken Ferguson revealed that a new digital system will soon be implemented in Grand Bahama to prevent such issues.

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Minnis: Nothing to celebrate for PLP

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday scoffed at Prime Minister Perry Christie’s recent assessment of his administration’s term in office, accusing the nation’s leader of being “disconnected from reality” in the face of crime, vexing unemployment and “secret” deals negotiated by his government.

‘Very distressing’: Govt’s 4,500 civil service growth

The Christie administration’s expansion of the civil service by a net 4,500 persons since taking office was yesterday branded “very distressing” by a leading governance campaigner, who said it had failed to produce improved public services.

Bahamas ‘laughing stock of fly fishing’

The Bahamas was yesterday labelled “the laughing stock” of the fly fishing industry, with one local captain and fishing guide revealing his business has declined 50 per cent over the past year.

Baha Mar damage to investment standing ‘almost irreparable’

The Prime Minister’s self-congratulation over the Baha Mar dispute outcome was yesterday slammed by the FNM’s deputy leader, who argued that the Government had “caused almost irreparable harm” to the Bahamas’ investment reputation.

New fly fishing regime may hit 90% of market

The Bahamas’ new fly fishing regulations could drive away 90 per cent of visiting anglers, research has shown, with affecting a market of “major significance” that generates almost 10 per cent of this nation’s stopover visitors.

KFC managers take strike vote

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) president has renewed calls for the Government to force employers to negotiate new industrial agreements “within a reasonable period of time”, following a strike vote by Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) middle managers.

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70 years of St John’s College

ST JOHN’S College yesterday celebrated its 70th anniversary of existence, an occasion various school alumni said highlights the “pivotal role” the Anglican institution played in grooming persons in local positions of authority and enhancing national development.

Time to pass baton has gone

It is with utter amusement that I listened to the Prime Minister speak of the passing of the baton during his Majority Rule Day remarks.

Spinning the news

BOY these Ministers love to spin news and pretend things are okay - Swift Justice... Editor isn’t it logic if you rush serious cases to the Supreme Court cases that are winnable you will see a considerable improvement in the processing of cases?

Launch of NHI

IF all the advertising and promotion is accurate we are supposed to be in the midst of the launching of the much heralded NHI but…

Response to Moss and UPM

GREG Moss and his UPM should be public ally called out for their cynical ploy of raising and inflaming anti-gay sentiments as a transparent attempt to score meagre political points on an unpopular administration. 

Not feeling any safer

I don’t  know about the rest of the population but I take cold comfort in the figures from the police commissioner and the Hon Attorney General which are apparently given to make us feel safer.

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Robinson and Kemp representing Bahamas in Latin America Amateur Championship

IT wasn’t the start that Devaughn Robinson expected as he made his third appearance in the Latin America Amateur Championship.

We have giants to slay

Forty-three years after Independence, our wonderful nation is still bedeviled and perplexed by racial and economic dislocations.

US Embassy warns of scam calls

THE United States Embassy in Nassau has warned the American public of an apparent “fraudulent call” scheme, in which people were being coerced into transferring sizeable funds under the guise that the money would be used to aid family members travelling in The Bahamas.

Mall ready for next phase of project

THE major renovation of the Mall at Marathon continues this month with the next phase of the multi-year, multimillion dollar project.

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Four men are hunted by police

POLICE are seeking the public’s help in locating several men they believe can help their investigations into serious crimes.

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Chief Justice: Public defenders to cut delays in judicial system

THE touted Public Defender’s Office is expected to reduce some of the delays in criminal trials before the judicial system, Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley said.

‘Restore magistrate discretion on bail’

DISCRETION to consider bail in certain cases should be restored in the Magistrate’s Court, the country’s top judge has urged.

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Bahamas to face US in IC Doubles championship showdown

AS expected, it will come down to the much anticipated showdown between the Bahamas and the United States of America for the 2017 IC Doubles Week championship title.

The Bahamas responds as US ends Cuban wet foot/dry foot policy

THE United States government has announced that its “wet foot/dry foot” policy with regards to Cuban immigrants “will come to an end”, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

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Tributes paid to Doris Bullard at funeral

THE funeral of Doris Bullard, the oldest member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church on Boyd Road, took place yesterday, eight days after she died aged 99.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 01132017

Cycling Club Bahamas. - Membership fees are due for 2017, $75 for the year. Plans for a new cyclist ID card are in the works. A membership form will be sent by email.

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A COMIC'S VIEW: Marching in step and out of tune for Bahamaland

This week, between the Majority Rule Day marchers and the We March marchers, there sure was a whole lot of marching going on. But while one group celebrated the past, the other focused their eyes squarely on the future.

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New beach soccer stadium on horizon

The rising structure of the new beach soccer facility looms large at Malcolm Park West as the completion date draws near and the Bahamas prepares to host a pair of major events.

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NPBA: Shockers stun the Caribs 82-59

THE University of the Bahamas Caribs, coming off a 2-1 performance in the Sun Coast Men’s Basketball Classic last week, suffered their first loss of the New Providence Basketball Association regular season.

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BTC PLATINUM SPONSOR OF MARATHON BAHAMAS

BTC will once again support this weekend’s Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure and Marathon Bahamas events.

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Dasani water to quench Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend

FOR months people around the world, and here at home, have been preparing for the Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend.

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THE FINISH LINE: Miller, Gardiner crack top 10 in the final standings for 2016

What a way to end 2016 and start 2017.

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AOW HONOURS FOR DEVYNNE CHARLTON, KINARD ROLLE

DEVYNNE CHARLTON and Kinard Rolle were among three Purdue University Boilermakers named Athletes of the Week in the Big Ten Conference following their performances at the Gene Edmonds Open in West Lafayette, Indiana over the weekened.

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Police search for armed robbery suspects in Abaco

ABACO Police are searching for two male suspects who held up a man at gunpoint, robbing him of his rifle and cellular phone on Thursday evening.

‘Major improvement’ in Christmas revenue

Several Bahamian retailers yesterday reported “encouraging” Christmas sales, with one labelling the festive period as a “major improvement” over 2015.

Bahamian exports off 27% during early 2016

Bahamian goods exports declined by 27 per cent year-over-year for the 2016 first quarter, according to data released yesterday by the Department of Statistics.

IAN FERGUSON: How to deal with disruptive workers

Every workplace and executive can attest to having at least one employee who continually gets under their skin, wreaking havoc in the office and undermining the authority of managers and leaders. Yet for a variety of reasons, these individuals - despite their errant ways - are protected and secure in their jobs. The truth is that such ‘difficult employees’ often come packaged in various forms.

Thursday, January 12

01122017 EDITION

Thursday, January 12th, 2017.

Mother-of-six turns struggle into hopeful endeavour

First-time author Shanna McKinzie said she excited to share with Bahamians, but especially women, the story of how God put her back on the right track in life.

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PM says his govt has done an outstanding job for Bahamians

DESPITE a term in office defined by controversy and criticism, Prime Minister Perry Christie insisted yesterday that his administration has done an “outstanding job” for and on behalf of Bahamians.

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Conviction rates rise by 4%, says Attorney General

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday boasted of the success of the reimplementation of Swift Justice, claiming a four per cent increase in conviction rates for 2016 compared to the previous year.

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AG instructed to seek to lift seal on Baha Mar documents

AFTER months of fierce scrutiny levelled at the government over the sealing of documents related to the new deal to open Baha Mar, Prime Minister Perry Christie told reporters yesterday that Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson has been directed to have the records made public at the “earliest opportunity”.

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No progress in investigation of Toggie and Bobo claims

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force’s investigation into allegations that Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard orchestrated a murderous plot against his billionaire neighbour Louis Bacon and lawyer Fred Smith, QC, “is not going anywhere,” Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday.

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Looming is illegal, says Commissioner

LOOMING, a popular activity likened to a Ponzi scheme, is illegal, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday, warning that those who participate in the scheme could find difficulty receiving remedies through the justice system when problems arise.

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Lincoln Bain runs for DNA as FNM unveils latest candidates

THE Free National Movement ratified two candidates in Family Island constituencies for the next general election last night, as the party faced more internal turmoil with the resignation of officers from its Pinewood Association.

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Serious crime down by 26%

SERIOUS crimes in The Bahamas declined by 26 per cent in 2016, the most significant year-to-year drop since 2004, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade revealed yesterday.

Thompson defies wind to win Great Exuma Classic

HIGH winds have been wreaking havoc among the professional golfers at the Web.com Tour’s Bahamas Great Exuma Classic this week, with only the winner, Kyle Thompson, finishing better than par.

Stop messing around

READING a recent edition of the Spectator magazine I came across an article about Pakistan entitled “How to beat Terrorism”. I know we do not have terrorism in The Bahamas but we have what can be described as local terrorism by way of murders.

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Shanea takes on new role for Lady Bulldogs

A SEASON of highlights continues for Shanea Armbrister as she takes on a larger role for the Georgia Lady Bulldogs women’s basketball team this season.

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SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO: NFL Picks Divisional Round

The “We’ll Do Better If You Give Us Another Shot” Award presented by every incumbent government - An awful slate of playoff games. The NFL has a chance to get it right again this week. Makes it worse that last week’s blowouts were followed by the NCAA National Championship, which was incredible.

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Chief Justice slams parliamentary response to judge’s privilege ruling

CHIEF Justice Sir Hartman Longley yesterday denounced an attempt by Parliament to determine whether a Supreme Court judge should be held in contempt of the House of Assembly for her landmark ruling on the limits of parliamentary privilege.

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NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS: ‘Myth has it Chiefs are unbeatable at home in playoffs...Lies I say’

SO there’s no confusion, there was a typo last week, my actual final tally was 164-90-2 for the regular season, (hey Sheldon Longley over there at my old stomping grounds, the Nassau Guardian, that’s a dead heat, so stop telling folks on FB you beat me! If you want to break the tie, my Cowboys were 13-3 your Dolphins 11-5, I win.)

Insurer’s $80m Matthew payout 20% off forecast

A top insurer yesterday said its total Matthew claims payout was likely to be 20 per cent less than originally estimated, as it warned that the Bahamas’ hurricane preparedness “cannot be business as usual”.

Business Licence double taxation leaves contractors ‘wildly concerned’

Bahamian contractors are “wildly concerned” that a new Business Licence policy is causing consumers to be ‘double taxed’, a former Chamber chairman revealed yesterday.

Govt urged: Regain our air space quicker

A Bahamian airline operator yesterday hailed the Government for saving him $100,000 in annual payments to US regulators, but warned it to rapidly proceed with taking back control of all this nation’s air space.

PM hails ‘landmark’ air space control deal

The Christie administration yesterday hailed as a “landmark accomplishment” its agreement with the US  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which will result in Bahamian aircraft operators being exempted from the payment of overflight fees for domestic flights.

Loretta: PM failed to deliver on Pointe Heads of Agreement

The Opposition’s House of Assembly leader yesterday said Prime Minister Perry Christie had failed to deliver on his promise to table The Pointe’s Heads of Agreement on Monday.

EDITORIAL: A young man of principle leads a movement

IT WAS refreshing to hear a young Bahamian tell his followers that they could not expect “an administration to be accountable and follow the law, if we ourselves are not going to follow the law.”

Paediatric care in The Bahamas

I read with interest the editorial written by Ms. Eileen Dupuch Carron, “Foundation started for paediatric health care”, on Monday January 9th, 2017.

Knighthoods and independence

IS it ironic how the majority of those who correctly led the social and political movement for correct political reform in The Bahamas accepted awards of the Colonial masters except for probably Hon Arthur D Hanna and Hon Hubert Ingraham?

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Public figures urged to back up their words on sex education with action

ACTIVIST Terneille Burrows yesterday said while The Bahamas “needs to do a better job” at providing access to sex education programmes and institutions, certain “pastors” and “politicians” should not give an opinion on the topic unless willing to “prove that they’re worth their salt” by actively working to remedy the issues.

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Bain chosen by DNA for Pinewood

THE Democratic National Alliance unveiled nine general election candidates last night, including talk show host Lincoln Bain for Pinewood.

US woman alleges rape and kidnap 20 years ago during Bahamas visit

AN American woman has taken to social media to detail her quest for justice over an alleged “kidnapping and rape” she claims occurred in The Bahamas some 20 years ago at the hands of a local parasailing boat operator.

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Two men face court over separate murders

TWO men were remanded to prison yesterday after being arraigned in connection with two separate murders.

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Chipman considering run as independent in St Anne’s

ST ANNE’S MP Hubert Chipman said yesterday he is considering running as an Independent candidate in that constituency, claiming that campaigning on the Free National Movement’s ticket in view of his vote of no confidence in party leader Dr Hubert Minnis is “not an option”.

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French-Canadian woman accused of sex with 15-year-old boy

A FRENCH-Canadian woman was remanded to prison yesterday after she was charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor.

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‘For most of our son’s illness we were so sure he would be healed’

When Kevin and Valarie Seymour read last week about the battles of baby Aidan Roger Carron against a little known life-threatening disease, it brought back memories of their son. This is a father’s moving account of losing their ‘promised child’.

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Walkout plans called off amid dispute at airport

BAHAMAS Public Services Union President John Pinder said yesterday that he called off plans to have employees at the Lynden Pindling International Airport “walkout” amid what he described as stressful working conditions that have persisted over the past four years.

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Grand Bahama residents join Nassau Majority Rule march

SOME Grand Bahama residents travelled to New Providence to march and celebrate the Golden Jubilee 50th anniversary celebrations of Majority Rule Day.

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New variety of insect discovered in Eleuthera

A NEW species of insect has been discovered at the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera - a katydid which belongs to the same group as grasshoppers and crickets in the order Orthoptera.

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YOUR SAY: Elections are not won by chance

WITH a general election just a few months away, we are at the dawn of the election season. So, brace yourself to be bombarded with partisan propaganda and visits by candidates seeking your vote, many of whom care very little for you and most of whom you will probably not see again for another five years until they once again solicit your support.

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YOUR SAY: Search for the treasure amongst the junk

The Bahamas received a devastating blow at the end of 2016 with the downgrade to ‘junk bond’ status by the reputable credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s.

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Freedom Farm comes Aliv

One of the country’s leaders in youth sports development joined forces with a major corporate sponsor. 

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Jasrado one of the top prospects for the Arizona Diamondbacks

FOLLOWING a promising rookie season, Jasrado Chisholm has been projected as one of the top prospects in the Arizona Diamondbacks organisation.

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The ‘Big boys’ are back this week...and I am all in on my Patriots

THE Divisional round is upon us, the ‘big boys’ are back this week and the Super Bowl is just one month away.

Secrets of comedy at Radio House tonight

COMEDY will get intimate this evening as Radio House hosts the inaugural event in the “Up Close and Personal” series, with organisers promising an evening of appreciation of the intricacies of stand-up comedy.

Through it all, God is faithful

THERE are times when we are not sure if our life is amounting to much at all. We had once been close to the Lord but that seems almost a lifetime ago. We wonder if there is any point in trying to swim against the social tide. The enemy really does know where we are most vulnerable.

Benefitting from the wisdom of Sister Annie

HAVE you ever heard of Sister Annie? Perhaps you have or you have not.

Majority Rule: The most transformative moment in Bahamian history

PROPERLY understood, Majority Rule marks a moment of liberation for all Bahamians and ought to be celebrated by all Bahamians in all times as the most transformative event in our nation’s history.

ART OF GRAPHIX: The small business online ‘gameplan’

What will you write for the next chapter of your business life? Will it be how you took your small business online? If you do decide to take this step, make sure it enhances your company from the bottom line to its overall reputation.

Bahamas air space deal was ‘long time coming’

The agreement to exempt Bahamian aircraft operators from paying fees to US regulators on domestic flights was yesterday praised as “a long time coming”, one aviation consultant suggesting the Government will gain more than $30 million in annual revenues once it retakes full control of its airspace.

PM: Baha Mar deal is ‘one of most brilliant’

Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that the Attorney General has been directed by the Cabinet to ensure all documents relating to Baha Mar’s sale and construction completion are made public at “the earliest opportunity”.

Wednesday, January 11

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Bailed Kemp Road man found shot dead in the street

THE country recorded another homicide on Wednesday night - the seventh of the new year according to The Tribune's records - after the lifeless body of a man was discovered near the intersection of Kingston and Denver streets, off southern Kemp Road, with multiple gunshot wounds.

01112017 EDITION

Wednesday, January 11th, 2017.

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PM: Majority Rule was for all Bahamians

MORE than 1,000 people marched in solidarity with the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) yesterday morning, commemorating the 50th anniversary of a day Prime Minister Perry Christie described as “one of the most significant in the history of The Bahamas”.

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'Enough is enough' says leader of We March protest

POINTING to the hundreds of protestors that flooded Bay Street chanting “enough is enough”, We March Bahamas lead organiser Ranard Henfield yesterday forecast that the movement was poised to “take over the government” at the election polls later this year.

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'Black people breed too much' says Anglican Archdeacon

ANGLICAN Archdeacon James Palacious said on Tuesday that “black people breed too much”, adding that Bahamian women “should stop having babies” they cannot afford.

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Man dies after being struck by vehicle on TWD Highway

A PEDESTRIAN was struck by a vehicle and killed on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway on Tuesday night, police have reported.

TECH TALK

• Ethiopia says it will launch a civilian satellite into orbit in three to five years to better predict weather conditions and for remote sensing activities inside the country.

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10 YEARS OF THE iPHONE: Apple proved a phone can change the world

Few people realised it at the time, but the world shifted fundamentally a decade ago when Steve Jobs pulled the first iPhone from Apple’s bag of technological tricks.

SPORTS NOTES

THE Junior Baseball League of Nassau has announced that they will open their 28th regular season this week with some 28 baseball teams for boys and five softball teams for girls competing. The season will run until May.

Net 4,500 public service increase since May 2012

An estimated 2,500 persons in the public service stand to be regularised, according to Labour Minister Shane Gibson, with some workers having been kept in ‘temporary’ status for 23 years.

Legal challenge brewing on Baha Mar VAT break

A group of Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees are “taking advice” on whether the Baha Mar ‘VAT exemption’ breaches the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, thereby giving them grounds to challenge it legally.

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Bostwick and sawyer urge Bahamians to stand against injustice

AGAINST the backdrop of state-sponsored 50th anniversary Majority Rule celebrations, two historic Bahamian women yesterday urged Bahamians to stand with the We March movement against injustices that have persisted in the country since the hard-fought milestone.

EDITORIAL: Murders continue, but the PLP has a plan

NATIONAL Security Minister Bernard Nottage must have been carried away with the wild beat of the junkanoo drums during New Year Day’s Junkanoo Parade when he told our reporter that Bahamians would agree that the PLP government has the best policies to fight crime and improve people’s lives.

Baha Mar and VAT exemption

I read in the press lately that China Construction America (CCA) informed their subcontractors by email that the work done at Baha Mar Ltd is Value-Added Tax (VAT) exempt, which has provoked comments from different politicians due to the secrecy of the Government’s agreements.

LGBT rights and US foreign policy

I READ the shock and awe on the recent UN Resolution but it seems it has missed your readers that it has been an “official Foreign policy position” of the outgoing Obama Administration to promote and cause acceptance of the LGBT Agenda globally - there is a full ranking Ambassador travelling the world promoting this.

Securities Commission

Re: A Bahamian broker/dealer has admitted to using almost $4 million in client monies, without permission, to fund its own operating costs and business development initiatives, with regulators now moving to finally shut it down. Tribune Business January 3rd.

Crazy rules at RBC

HAVE no fear, the ridiculous is alive and well and it lives within the Royal Bank of Canada! Recently, the firm I work for decided to update their signatories (of which I am one) for their company accounts.

Port wants end to web shop ‘Wild West’ by March

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is aiming to bring order to Freeport’s “Wild West web shop gambling show” by March 2017, its attorney has warned, with non-compliant operators facing legal action to shut their businesses down.

Consumer Commission challenge to Central Bank on fee regulation

The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has contradicted the Central Bank over the regulation of commercial bank fees, arguing that it was “maybe time” that they be controlled.

Private sector ‘anxiety’ rising over five-fold property tax increases

Private sector “anxiety” is rising over property tax assessments that have in some cases increased almost five-fold, the Chamber’s chief executive has revealed, coupled with the reduced VAT payment ‘window’ and due Business Licence fees.

Web shop: Port does not ‘have leg to stand on’

A web shop operator’s attorney yesterday argued that the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) does not “have a leg to stand on”, as it bids to strike out a legal action to determine the sector’s regulator in Freeport.

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House Speaker disappointed as boundary report still not completed

HOUSE Speaker Dr Kendal Major, who is also chairman of the Constituencies Commission, is “disappointed” that the group has not completed its report, while revealing that several factors, including low voter registration numbers and “contention” among members, delayed its progress.

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Sears: Best chance of PLP victory is with me as leader

FORMER Attorney General and Progressive Liberal Party candidate for Fort Charlotte Alfred Sears, QC, said the PLP’s greatest chance at winning the next election is with him as leader.

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$3.5m in contracts issued for hurricane repairs

CONTRACTS valued at some $3.5m have been issued for labour and material to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Matthew last year, Labour Minister and Hurricane Czar Shane Gibson told Parliament on Monday.

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Tech jeans lead the way

Tired of having to constantly check your cellphone for directions?

Volvo gets real with self-driving

Volvo Cars is putting real people into its self-driving cars to better learn how they’re used.

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Fund launched to help former marine contest attempted murder conviction

FRIENDS of a former US marine they believe was unfairly tried and convicted for attempted murder are raising funds to cover the legal costs that would allow the ex-soldier to contest his conviction in the Court of Appeal.

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Public Hospital Authority deficit rises under the PLP

THE Public Hospitals Authority’s deficit increased between 2011 and 2014, according to financial statements tabled in the House of Assembly.

Miami Dolphins help out Grand Bahama children’s home

THE Grand Bahama Children’s Home has received several generators and toys as a result of separate donations from the Miami Dolphins and the Bahamas Tourist Office in Plantation, Florida.

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Hurricane Relief concert success in Port Lucaya

THE Still Standing After the Storm Hurricane Relief Concert and Food Drive at Port Lucaya was a success and food items collected benefitted the local Salvation Army and Red Cross organisations in Grand Bahama.

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Philip Major to fill Baker’s shoes in the Davis Cup tie

Due to their commitments to school, top seed Baker Newman and No.4 seed Kevin ‘KJ’ Major won’t be able to represent the Bahamas when the first round of the American Zone II Davis Cup tie is played against Venezuela next month.

Bahamas blanks Barbados 5-0 to win IC opener

THE Bahamas, in its bid to improve on his runner-up position last year, blanked Barbados 5-0 to win their opening match in the Bahamas IC International Doubles Week on Majority Rule Day.

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Crachad Laing: ‘Baseball saved my life’

ONE of the many Bahamian prospects to acquire opportunities and education through baseball, Crachad Laing delivered an inspiring message to others looking to follow a similar career path.

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Long Island boats dominate King Eric Gibson All-For-One Regatta

THE third annual King Eric Gibson All-For-One Regatta over the weekend in Montagu Bay was dominated by the boats from Long Island in all three catergories.

Political ‘punch lines’ no ‘quagmire’ escape

The Bahamas needs to see “tangible results” from Baha Mar and other major developments in the pipeline, the Chamber’s chairman again bemoaning the absence of detailed policy statements on how to rescue the country from the “quagmire” it is in.

Tuesday, January 10

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22-year-old man gunned down yards from a church

POLICE are investigating two more homicides, a shooting death of a 22-year-old man that occurred near a church late on Monday night and the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who died in hospital on Tuesday after being shot along with three others on New Year’s Eve.

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Majority Rule Day coverage

10.55am: The Prime Minister is addressing the crowd at the Southern Recreation Grounds. He said we must remember the men and women we assembled by the thousands in support of those who lead the march for freedom and a life of dignity.

Monday, January 9

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Sears calls for PLP to embrace We March Bahamas

FORMER Attorney General Alfred Sears on Monday called for the leaders of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to “embrace” the We March Bahamas movement rather than attempting to “suppress the group by flexing their muscles.”

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01092017 EDITION

Monday, January 9th.

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Two arrested after illegal immigrants discovered

TWO Bahamians were arrested after 10 illegal Haitian immigrants were discovered at a residence in the Freeport area on Friday night.

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Minnis slams PLP members for 'misrepresenting concept of Majority Rule'

FREE National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis on Monday slammed members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) for misrepresenting the concept of Majority Rule, contending that the party had politicised the historic value of the celebration intentionally.

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Police investigate death of former police officer

POLICE are investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a former male police officer after he reportedly attacked family members, fell to the ground and died in a home on Wilson Street in Nassau Village on Monday morning.

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Island Luck CEO hits out at Rupert Roberts

ISLAND Luck CEO Sebas Bastian took to social media on Monday to blast Super Value owner Rupert Roberts over his recent claim that web shop gaming was eating into the supermarket chain’s revenues.

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BNT promotes sustainable conch fishing

THE Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has partnered with Bahamian entertainment notables to raise awareness of the plight of the Queen Conch.

Government unveils Majority Rule Day activities

THE government has released the list of activities which are open to the public for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule Day on Tuesday.

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PLP Chairman dismisses march leader as ‘confused’

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday referred to We March Bahamas as a “rebel group” and called lead organiser Ranard Henfield “a confused boy”.

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Baha Mar hiring to start next Monday

BAHA Mar’s new owner will start the process to hire thousands of Bahamian workers on Monday of next week, as it targets April 21 for a first phase opening.

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Man beaten to death with a hammer

A MAN was brutally beaten to death with a hammer late Friday night, marking the third homicide in the capital in three days.

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Hanna Martin 'outraged' at women being denied at voter registration

TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said she is “outraged” that women registering to vote are still being turned away by staff of the Parliamentary Registration Department because of “the way they are dressed”.

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Loretta 'has not quit FNM'

LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday criticised her party for its decision to revoke her nomination and ratify another candidate without due process, firmly stating her intentions to contest her seat in the upcoming general election.

Cargill BSF president for another four years

FOR another four years, Algernon Cargill will serve as president of the Bahamas Swimming Federation.

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FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: ‘This is a great time for golf in the Bahamas’

FOR many, the joys of professional sports and the fandom that comes along with it exist within the win/loss ratios of those we cheer. However, for a country eyeing development on all fronts, success has to be marked by the improvements shown along the route.

Pathfinders keep on giving to Hurricane Matthew relief effort

THE Pathfinders Task Force continues to keep giving, donating some $30,000 worth of roofing material to the National Emergency Management Agency’s warehouse in Grand Bahama on Friday.

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Nygard sues investigator hired by Save The Bays

BILLIONAIRE Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has launched civil action in a Florida court against the investigator hired by Save The Bays (STB) to uncover the alleged murder-for-hire plot that rocked the country last year.

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INSIGHT: A deal to truly tax our belief

Waiving VAT for the Chinese in order to get Baha Mar completed reveals the Government’s duplicitous treatment of “ungrateful” Bahamians, Malcom J Strachan says . . .

Fugitive Rudy King held role as Dominica’s ambassador, programme claims

BAHAMIAN businessman and impresario Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Kermit King was spotlighted in an episode of the CBS programme ‘60 minutes’ over his former role as Dominica’s ambassador to Bahrain.

Opposition ‘demeans their credibility’ over Baha Mar VAT break

The Opposition parties have “demeaned their credibility” by suggesting the Government has traded tax breaks for just “a couple of jobs” at Baha Mar, a well-known businessman saying: “We’ve seen this movie before.”

Baha Mar VAT ‘not miniscule’ for Bahamian families

The FNM’s deputy leader has slammed as an insult to “burdened” Bahamian families the Government’s suggestion that the Value-Added Tax (VAT) foregone on Baha Mar’s construction completion is “really miniscule”.

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Richardson hosts ‘Career Paths to Athletic Success’

SCORES of prospective athletes, parents and local baseball enthusiasts took advantage of the opportunity to engage in a discussion with several progressive and experienced figures in the sport.

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The Majority Rule milestone

Tomorrow the Bahamas celebrates 50 years of Majority Rule. But, Rashad Rolle asks, will recognition of an historic milestone be overshadowed by modern day dissatisfaction and marches?

Baha Mar’s hiring to start January 16

Baha Mar’s new owner will start the process to hire thousands of Bahamian workers next week Monday, as it targets April 21, 2017, for a first phase opening.

UBS House deal gives ‘concern’ on Govt’s SPV use

The FNM’s deputy leader has expressed fears that the Government is “not being fully transparent with the Bahamian people” over its debt liabilities, after its multi-million dollar UBS House acquisition finally closed.

Regulator rejects bank fee controls despite 43% rises

The Central Bank will likely disappoint many Bahamian consumers through its refusal to counter rising bank fees with price controls, despite increases as high as 43 per cent on “a significant number of services”.

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Cold front brings flooding to fishing hole road

GRAND Bahama residents woke up to breezy weather and flooding at Fishing Hole Road on Sunday morning as a result of a cold front that moved across the island.

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INSIGHT: Dealing with immigrants and the enemy within

The security risk the Bahamas faces from a large, unknown population in its midst is great. Paul Thompson looks at measures that can be taken to reduce it.

GAIN AN EDGE: The Perfect Fit – Finding the best college for you

There are many factors to consider in choosing where to pursue post-secondary education, as Lyford Cay Foundations explains . . .

Shooting victim in serious condition in hospital

GRAND Bahama police are questioning a man in connection with a shooting incident that has left a man in hospital in serious condition over the weekend.

EDITORIAL: Foundation started for paediatric health care

ON FRIDAY, Tribune President Robert Carron announced The Tribune Media Group’s establishment of the Aidan Roger Carron Children’s Foundation to make available to our medical profession the latest information, equipment and whatever is needed to assist them in their fight against paediatric diseases in The Bahamas.

Homophobic pastors and politicians

In a desperate search for political traction for his vanity party, the newly amalgamated United People’s Movement (UPM), Gregory Moss has decided to dispense with common decency and to pander to the homophobic fears of some Bahamians.

History of Majority Rule Day

We hear more than enough, in my view, about “Majority Rule” and its advent in The Bahamas tagged to January 10th 1967.

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Giants blast Rockets as NPBA action resumes

AFTER taking a break for the Christmas holiday, the New Providence Basketball Association resumed its 2016/17 season over the weekend at AF Adderley Gymnasium.

We March picks the wrong day

I AGREE that there should be marches, and because we are an extremely obese nation desperately needing exercise, there should be one every fortnight.

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INSIGHT: The real reasons behind ‘passports for sale’

On January 1, “60 minutes”, an investigative programme aired by the US television company, CBS Corporation, ran a segment on “Citizenship by Investment Programmes” (CIP) that are operated by several countries around the world.

Apparel retailers hit by informal economy

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive says the informal economy is creating a particular challenge for clothing and apparel retailers.

Union chief fears ‘distressing year’

A prominent trade union leader has predicted “a very distressing year” for the Bahamian labour movement, describing the Attorney General’s ‘nolle’ instruction to drop a case against top Sandals Royal Bahamian executives last year as a “cardinal sin”.

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Charlton breaks Purdue 60m record

Devynne Charlton, fully recovered from a back injury that hampered her progress in the NCAA Championships and her debut in the Olympic Games last year, inked her name in the Purdue University Boilermakers record books for the indoors 60-metres, while adding another triumph in her specialty in the 60m hurdles to lead the Bahamian connection over the weekend in West Lafayette.

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Man fined $1,000 for possession of dangerous drugs

A MAN was fined $1,000 on Monday after he pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

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Aidan Roger Carron Foundation unveiled

THE Aidan Roger Carron Foundation has been formed with the aim of transforming paediatric care in The Bahamas.

Saturday, January 7

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Man found dead with "blunt injury" after altercation off Carmichael Road

A MAN is in custody assisting police with investigations after a man's lifeless body was found "with a blunt injury" near Golden Isles Road on Friday night.

Friday, January 6

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01062017 EDITION

Friday, January 6th, 2017.

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01062017 WEEKEND

Friday, January 6th, 2017.

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US veteran arrested in Fort Lauderdale airport shooting; 5 dead, 8 wounded

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — An Army veteran who complained that the government was controlling his mind drew a gun from his checked luggage on arrival at the Fort Lauderdale airport and opened fire in the baggage claim area Friday, killing five people and wounding eight, authorities said.

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UPDATED: Police investigate Palm Breeze Street shooting

POLICE are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of a 21-year-old man on Thursday night off Rocky Pine Road.

42 Cuban migrants intercepted in Cay Sal Bank area

FORTY-TWO Cuban migrants were brought to Grand Bahama and turned over to Bahamian authorities on Friday morning.

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Man fined $1,000 for drug possession

A MAN was fined $1,000 on Friday after he pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

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FNM Chairman slams Fitzgerald over Baha Mar VAT exemption

SIDNEY Collie, Chairman of the Free National Movement (FNM), on Friday decried the attempts by Jerome Fitzgerald to describe the effects of the government granting China Construction America and all sub-contractors exemption from Value-Added Tax on the completion of Baha Mar as “miniscule as far as we were concerned”.

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'Historic' Tribune Media Group, PHA partnership aims to fight pediatric diseases

THE Tribune Media Group on Friday cemented an "historic" partnership with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) to advance the fight against pediatric diseases in the Bahamas, an alliance local health officials said will have a "significant impact" on the delivery of pediatric care throughout the public healthcare system.

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US warning to stay away from protest march

THE United States Embassy in Nassau released a security message yesterday urging its staff, citizens and US visitors in Nassau and Paradise Island to avoid a “planned demonstration” scheduled for Majority Rule Day.

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Govt would have earned only ‘miniscule’ VAT from Baha Mar

EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald defended the Christie administration from backlash after it was revealed that Value-Added Tax (VAT) would not be applied on Baha Mar’s completion, telling ZNS News that the amount that would have been earned in this regard was “miniscule”.

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44 Cubans detained at Cay Sal Bank

OVER 40 Cubans were apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in conjunction with the US Coast Guard in the Cay Sal Bank over the last 48 hours, with three persons reported to have attempted to evade capture.

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UPDATES: Five people dead, right shot at Ft. Lauderdale airport

Authorities say five people have died and eight were wounded after a lone suspect opened fire at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, international airport.

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Miller: No point talking to We March organiser

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller has again lashed out at We March Bahamas lead organiser Ranard Henfield, telling a talk show host that with a man like the activist there was no time for discussion, “you only could break one damn bottle upside their head”.

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Bran unaware of coalition plan

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney said yesterday he was “unaware” of any coalition between his party and Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Tuner or the six other “rebel” Free National Movement members of Parliament.

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Drugs and firearm seized

POLICE on patrol took a quantity of dangerous drugs and a firearm off the streets of New Providence in separate incidents.

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A COMIC'S VIEW: Loom and doom and no blessing for mad Bahamian gamblers

We’re barely a week into the New Year and already I’m shaking my head at the actions of some Bahamians. But have no fear, fellow countrymen, because according to social media, blessings ‘loom’.

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Buddy Hield scores 15 in 99-94 loss to the Hawks

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Bahamian Buddy Hield scored 15 points last night but the Atlanta Hawks beat the New Orleans Pelicans 99-94 to win their fifth straight, even as shooting guard Kyle Korver spent the entire game on the bench amid reports he could be traded.

Bahamians warned over ‘ignorance’ on Baha Mar

The Chamber of Commerce’s chairman yesterday called for greater government transparency over when the various Baha Mar agreements will be released, as he warned Bahamians to guard against “ignorance” in the general election run-up.

Baha Mar VAT free deal ‘not abnormal’

A former Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president yesterday said the total VAT exemption granted to Baha Mar’s completion was “not abnormal”, and that the Government was correct to grant it given the present situation.

Bran: Bahamians ‘stabbed in back’ by Baha Mar VAT

The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday said Bahamian small businesses and consumers had been “stabbed in the back” by the total VAT exemption granted for Baha Mar’s construction completion.

Abaco guides fear ‘irreparable harm’ via new regulation

Concerns continued to mount yesterday over the new fly fishing regulations, with one Bahamas-based association arguing that many reforms were “unnecessary and counterproductive”, and would undermine the industry’s viability.

Super Value owner: Web shops ‘took 30% from us’ over Xmas

Super Value’s owner yesterday blamed web shops for “taking an average of 30 per cent” of the supermarket chain’s revenues, saying: “It’s devastating the economy.”

Baha Mar sale VAT is just a ‘deductible’

The payment of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on Baha Mar’s sale could just be “a cash flow timing issue” based on how the tax works, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman said yesterday, suggesting it was currently impossible to evaluate the completion deal’s merits.

Rawson Square a detraction

I address the following open letter to Ranard Henfield and other organizers of the upcoming historic second instalment of the ‘We March’ movement.

Pakesia for Marco City

FNM should go with Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe in Marco City.

Sacked Ocean Club staff to be given help from pension fund

FINANCIAL assistance for sacked workers at the One&Only Ocean Club is reportedly on the way, with hotel union officials heralding yesterday’s expected approval of the union’s attempt to secure access from the Bahamas Hotel Industry Management Pension Fund.

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Fitzgerald won’t confirm if tabled Freedom of Information act will be enacted before election

DESPITE assurances that the recently tabled bill will be successfully passed into law, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald would not commit to whether the government will enact Freedom of Information legislation before the next general election.

EDITORIAL: An uncertain world going into 2017

WITH THE onset of a new year, world politics are now dominated by changes set in train during 2016. All eyes are on America and Russia, the Middle East and the future of the European Union.

Young and afraid of the future

I AM a thirty-year-old Bahamian female who returned to Nassau five years ago to practice law after qualifying as a Barrister in the United Kingdom.

IAN FERGUSON: Making the change reality during 2017

At the start of each year, many people go into reflection mode and plan for a more productive season. As much as we all want greater returns on our input, we are still challenged in making the necessary changes required to realise those returns.

Sandals ‘surprise’ at full New Year period

Sandals Royal Bahamian’s general manager yesterday said full occupancy from late December into the New Year had come as a welcome surprise, with the resort projecting high occupancies from the end of January onwards.

Gambling and the Bahamas Constitution

Recently, I read a Tribune news story about the Chairman of the DNA, Mr Andrew Wilson, not being allowed to gamble in a local casino. Included in the news story is this incorrect statement: “The main reason he was escorted out of the casino was because the country’s laws allow for visitors to gamble legally in casinos while Bahamians and permanent residents cannot.”

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Select committee into BTC sale holds first meeting

THE first meeting of the select committee established to probe the sale of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd resulted in a no show from Official Opposition members yesterday.

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Second suspect accused over $4m cocaine haul

A SECOND man was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a $4m cocaine seizure that occurred six weeks ago in eastern Grand Bahama.

Pair denied bail over firearms offences

TWO men were remanded to prison yesterday after they were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on firearms-related offences.

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Miller praises ‘guts’ of govt in Baha Mar deal

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday applauded the government for having the “guts” to see the Baha Mar deal through, condemning the criticism levelled at the Christie administration after a leaked email from the project’s general contractor revealed that all companies and suppliers working on the resort would be exempt from Value-Added Tax.

PLP senator seeks to run in Central Grand Bahama seat

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Senator Julian Russell has offered himself again as a candidate for Central Grand Bahama in the upcoming general election.

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Back to business for GB Chamber

THE Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce is not wasting any time getting back to business in the New Year, holding the first meeting of the new board of directors on Wednesday.

Clubs and Societies: 01062017

Cycling Club Bahamas. - Enjoy! Cycling Club membership fees for 2017 are due. $75 for the full year. Plans for a new “cyclist ID card” are in the works. A member ship form will be sent by email.

Canadian schools to host annual recruitment fair

FOURTEEN of Canada’s most prestigious boarding schools will be in Nassau on Tuesday, January 17, for their annual recruitment fair.

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Ministry supports Marathon Bahamas High School Relays

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology threw its support behind Sunshine Insurance Management, yesterday providing a grant to make sure that next weekend’s High School Relays in the Marathon Bahamas is another success.

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'Time for golf to make an impact in schools'

WITH the developments taking place in so many sports within our school system, Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy coach Marcus Pratt feels now is the best time to get golf to make its impact.

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Jonquel puts up another double double

BAHAMIAN basketball star Jonquel Jones celebrated her 23rd birthday yesterday by continuing her domination in the Korean Basketball League, posting yet another double double.

Danrad, LJ Rose making a name for themselves in NCAA

THEY may be playing in different locations this year, but the Bahamian duo and former teammates at the University of Houston still are posting productive numbers in their senior seasons.

SPORTS NOTES

THE BAHAMAS Association of Athletic Associations will celebrate their 65th anniversary this weekend.

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National high school bowling league on a roll at Mario’s

IN CONJUNCTION with the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace is pleased to introduce a junior boys/girls and senior boys/girls national bowling league.

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THE FINISH LINE: 2017 promises to be banner sporting year

FOR those of you that I didn’t get a chance to see personally or communicate through our sports pages, let me take this opportunity to say Happy New Year.

New competition set to elevate gospel groups

A NEWLY launched competition is giving local praise teams and ensembles the opportunity to have their music professionally recorded while also promising exposure in the gospel music industry.

MEDITATION: Out with the old and in with the new

AS we continue to plan for a better year this year (as much as it is in our control), let us consider what needs to be left behind and what is worth preserving and pursuing:

The three angels’ messages

CHRIST was nearing his last days on earth when he introduced to his disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit. When He comes, He will convict the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. The fact that the Holy Spirit’s coming seems to be one of importance and urgency, it is safe to say that his message of sin, righteousness and judgment should be observed closely.

Make January 10 a day of national prayer

President of Bahamas Global Impact Prayer and Fasting Network

Mommy’s Cradle - a divine inspiration from God

Divine inspiration from God, says Shireasha Mader, is what led her to create Mommy’s Cradle – a collection organisation that provides pre-packaged, hospital-ready delivery bags for mothers-to-be.

Thursday, January 5

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01052016 EDITION

Thursday, January 5th.

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DNA vows to ‘compel’ commissioner to allow people to register for vote

AS frustrated Bahamians continue to lament being turned away from voter registration stations, Democratic National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer yesterday threatened to take action that will “compel” Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall to ensure everyone is allowed their right to register.

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Santa Claus Christmas Committee supplement

Thursday, January 5th, 2017.

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Fitzgerald blames schools for supply teacher payment delay

THE Ministry of Education has implemented a strict timeline for the submission and processing of payments for supply teachers after irregularities led to scores of teachers going unpaid for months, according to Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald.

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Butler-Turner ‘forming bold coalition’ with the DNA

LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner said yesterday that she is forming a “very powerful and bold” coalition with Branville McCartney and the Democratic National Alliance that will “change the direction of the country.”

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FNM pledges on solar, health and culture

OFFERING reprieve from what he termed one of the worst years in Bahamian history and an impotent PLP administration, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday outlined key initiatives his administration would implement to create a socio-economic revival.

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No VAT on Baha Mar completion

THE Government was yesterday urged to divulge “the full cost to the Bahamian people” of its Baha Mar agreement after evidence emerged to show it had extended an exemption from Value-Added Tax to all companies and suppliers working on the construction completion of the resort.

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UPDATED: Teenager killed in Foxdale drive-by shooting

A TEENAGER died and another man was wounded after a drive-by shooting in Foxdale subdivision near Sandilands Primary School on Wednesday night.

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#TooSexyToVote campaign calls for clear rules on attire

THE #TooSexyToVote registration campaign yesterday brought its plea for “fair treatment and understanding” to the Parliamentary Registration Department, with organisers calling for clear and defined rules on what is expected from potential voters aiming to register.

Two Haitians apprehended, 19 Cubans brought GB

TWO Haitian women were apprehended in the Williams Town area on Tuesday evening, an immigration official reported on Wednesday.

Barely believable

VOTER REGISTRATION -- BREAST COVERAGE

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RICARDO'S NFL PICKS: Lions ‘a lame duck team’ against Wilson’s Seahawks

TO keep it simple the NFL playoffs are upon us, so if you have one please feel free to break out your happy dance.

We must march

ACCORDING to Wikipedia, civil disobedience is “the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government, or of an occupying international power. Civil disobedience is a symbolic or ritualistic violation of the law, rather than a rejection of the system as a whole. Civil disobedience is sometimes, though not always, defined as being non-violent resistance”.

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Former Tribune chief librarian dies, aged 99, in her sleep

Doris Bullard, 99, died peacefully in her sleep at her East Street south home yesterday afternoon. With her were her niece, Mrs Patricia Coakley, and her grand nephew, Father Rudi Cleare.

Baha Mar finish 100% ‘VAT free’

The Government was yesterday urged to divulge “the full cost to the Bahamian people” of its Baha Mar agreement, after evidence emerged to show its construction completion is totally ‘VAT free’.

Landfill ‘chaos’ hurts waste disposal sector

Waste disposal companies were forced to offload garbage on their properties, the Chamber’s chief executive revealed yesterday, after the New Providence landfill cut opening hours and dramatically increased wait times over the peak Christmas period.

Fly fishing penalties ‘draconian, hostile’

The new fly fishing industry regulations’ penalties were yesterday described as “draconian, disproportionate and hostile”, with one high-end bonefishing lodge executive yesterday outlining several concerns over the reforms.

Loretta pledges Public Accounts probe into Baha Mar VAT break

The Opposition’s House of Assembly leader yesterday pledged to launch a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) investigation into revelations that Baha Mar’s construction completion is “fully exempt” from Value-Added Tax (VAT).

IDB: Bahamas skills gaps are ‘worrisome’

The Bahamas faces “worrisome” skills imbalances in the construction trades that are contributing to more than two-thirds of work permits being issued “for low skilled jobs”, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has warned.

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Get a fly fishing licence - or risk going to jail under new rules

BAHAMIANS and visitors could face up to six weeks in prison, a $2,000 fine or both if they fail to adhere to the new fly fishing industry regulations set to come into effect on Monday, Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray announced yesterday.

Shame at pro-LGBT UN vote

Recently, we wrote the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell, concerning a December 19, 2016, vote at the United Nations pertaining to the appointment of a so called Independent Expert (IE) on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in the person of Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn.

Wake up over crime

CRIME? If the Prime Minister, his Minister for National Security and the Attorney General have not been listening to the police reports following a murder then God help us.

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Platinum Knights triumph in Freeport Junkanoo parade

AFTER four years on the scene, Platinum Knights finally walked away as Division A winners of the 2017 New Year’s Day Junkanoo parade in Freeport.

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Murder victims identified

POLICE have released the identities of two of the country’s latest murder victims.

National holiday full of empty promises

THE PLP making a national holiday into a political day is wrong in any sense of the word.

Mitchell and Baroness Scotland

There have been a number of excellent letters in The Tribune about Baroness Scotland (the British person who purports, when it suits her, to have Caribbean roots) who is the present incompetent Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

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DNA: No plan to absorb rebel seven

THE Democratic National Alliance has no intention of absorbing any of the Free National Movement’s seven members of Parliament who revolted against Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis in the House of Assembly, according to DNA Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer yesterday.

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Butler-Turner: You’ll see soon why I chose Rodney Moncur

LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner said yesterday that despite newly appointed Senator Rodney Moncur being described as “vile and bombastic,” persons will come to understand “very soon” why she chose the controversial talk show host for the post.

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26 new registration stations ahead of vote

THE Parliamentary Registration Department yesterday announced 26 new voter registration stations in New Providence and Grand Bahama, in a move to improve sluggish voter registration numbers.

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First-time offender told if he can’t handle jail he shouldn’t break the law

A TEEN’S arraignment and admission of guilt concerning firearm related offences yesterday allowed a court official the opportunity to denounce ongoing gun violence and crime in the country.

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Psychiatric evaluation of man accused of killing mother not carried out

AN ORDERED psychiatric evaluation of a man awaiting trial in connection with the fatal stabbing of his mother was not carried out, a magistrate learned yesterday.

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A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Sad sacrifices must be made to follow a political calling

Today, I write that dreaded parting column.

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$9m spent on school repairs after Hurricane Matthew

THE government spent around $9m to repair hurricane damage to public schools throughout the country, according to Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, who said yesterday that works have been “significantly completed”.

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The house that outshines the rest for Christmas

WITH the Christmas decorations coming down on houses across the country this week, one happy resident may show off her décor a little past the twelfth day of Christmas.

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On Da Hook

NEW YEAR fishing in The Bahamas continues to yield a Wahoo bounty for locals and holidaymakers alike.

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Third annual King Eric Gibson Regatta set for Montagu Bay this weekend

The legacy of one of the most iconic names in Bahamian sailing continues as the regatta named in his honour continues to grow in stature each year.

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Buddy Western Conference Rookie of the Month

BUDDY Hield’s productive month of December was recognised by the NBA and his New Orleans Pelicans teammates and coaching staff have taken notice of the changes in his game.

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Trent Deveaux preparing for pivotal transition to pro baseball

ONE of the top junior baseball prospects in the country, Trent Deveaux is preparing for a pivotal few weeks as he makes the transition to the professional game.

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SANCHESKA VS RENALDO: NFL Picks – Wild Card Round

The “It’s Not Us It’s You” Award presented by every sitcom ever. - The NFL’s Coaching Carousel. Everyone was getting fired the last few weeks. It’s ok though, they’ll have work in a week or two (Rooney Rule be damned).

Minnis makes Fiscal Responsibility pledge

The Free National Movement’s (FNM) leader last night pledged to implement a Fiscal Responsibility Act is his party is elected to office in the upcoming election, and enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

Minister defends $500m sector’s new regulations

The Bahamian fly fishing industry is said to be worth more than $500 million, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday, defending new industry regulations that call for a certified guide to accompany every two anglers.

Wednesday, January 4

01042017 EDITION

Wednesday, January 4th.

Voice-control and AI to feature at 50th annual CES

The 50th annual Consumer Electronics (CES) show gets underway in Las Vegas this week with highlights expected to be an explosion of voice-controlled interfaces, subtle integration of artificial intelligence into everyday life and increasing digitisation in areas like health and wellness.

Tech Talk

• A self-driving car is hitting the streets of Boston for the first time.

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Bungled vaccinations and an infant’s fight for life

When she took her healthy infant son for his routine vaccinations in Nassau last July, Elizabeth Dupuch Carron could not have imagined the horror that was to unfold which almost cost him his life. Now safely back home after five months of radical treatment in Miami, Aidan’s anguished mother opens her heart exclusively to The Tribune to tell the harrowing tale of his fight for survival in order to help other families avoid unnecessarily suffering the same frightening encounter with a deadly disease.

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Johnson rumoured to be among candidates for FNM ratification

THE Free National Movement expects to ratify three candidates for the 2017 general election next week, The Tribune was told yesterday.

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Payouts begin for overdue salary of supply teachers

AN education official yesterday confirmed that the Department of Education has “secured” cheque payments for 67 of those supply teachers contracted by the Ministry of Education who have not been paid for months, explaining that an additional 71 pay outs were being “worked out” for later this week.

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DNA chairman: I don’t expect to be punished for gambling in Atlantis

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Chairman Andrew Wilson yesterday said although he remains steadfast in his recent assertions that he “ought not to accede to being discriminated against in my own country”, he will seek legal advice from his attorney before attempting to gamble in the Atlantis Casino in the future.

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US warned: "Hands off our beaches!"

A LOCAL environmentalist has said he will be the first to stop any tractor attempting to remove sand from this country to aid Florida beaches from erosion, as he called on government officials to condemn international news reports that the US has received approval to study bringing Bahamian sand to their beaches.

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Henfield 'needs head examining'

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday suggested that We March Bahamas lead organiser Ranard Henfield “get his head examined” for insinuating that the PLP allegedly recruited “gang leaders” to “convince the streets” to march with the governing party on Majority Rule Day instead of the activist group.

Fly fishing rules ‘one of most important laws since Majority Rule’

The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association’s (BFFIA) president yesterday hailed imminent regulations to govern the sector as “one of the biggest pieces of legislation to come about since 1967”, as “closing the loopholes” will increase foreign currency earnings for Bahamians.

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Man who hid drugs stash in wall claimed they were for sister’s cancer treatment

A MAN was sentenced to 24 months in prison yesterday Kendal Nairn, 33, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing a charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply concerning a seizure by police on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2016 in Montell Heights.

Majority Rule Day

JANUARY 10, 2017, will mark the Golden Anniversary of Majority Rule, in The Bahamas.

Keep govt out of Airbnb

I was quite shocked at my friend Mario Carey’s admonition in Friday’s Tribune Business that “the Government should get a handle on Airbnb because it is doing so well”.

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Moss: UN expert post a back door attempt to allow same sex marriage

THE Bahamas’ support of a United Nations resolution for the appointment of an independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is nothing more than a “back door attempt” by the government to make same sex marriage legal in the country, the United People’s Movement has said.

‘Last bastion of defence’ for Bahamian ownership

A local investor group yesterday said it has partnered with the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s management union to form “the last bastion of defence” for Bahamian ownership and management of this nation’s utilities and national resources.

Top GB hotel won’t re-open until May 17

Staff at a major Freeport hotel have been told it will not re-open until May 17, the FNM’s deputy leader said yesterday, as he urged Grand Bahama’s top investor to “provide hope there will be an end to the suffering”.

Confidence too low ‘to drive the growth the Bahamas needs’

Business and consumer confidence are still too low to “drive the level of economic growth the Bahamas needs”, AML Foods chief executive said yesterday, with election uncertainty set to “dilute” Baha Mar’s impact.

EDITORIAL: Potential voters turned away because of dress code

WITH the 2017 election deadline only four months away, there is growing concern that Bahamians are so turned off by their politicians that they are not registering to vote.

Who is a fitting leader?

As you are no doubt very well aware, social media is bursting with discussions of Bahamian politics, and more so the disgraceful Opposition politics.

Slow registration

I write in reference to the slow registration of voters for the next election.

$5,000 fine for man guilty of marijuana possession

A MAN was fined $5,000 yesterday after he pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

‘Hands Across the Net, Friendship Across the Ocean’

THE focus of attention at the National Tennis Centre will switch to the hosting of the fourth edition of the International Tennis Club, featuring some of the top former players from the Bahamas, US, Canada, Barbados and an international team, comprising of players of various nationalities.

Man accused of having firearm and ammunition denied bail

A MAN was remanded to prison without bail yesterday after he was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on two firearms related offences.

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Woman in hospital after drive-by shooting

A WOMAN is recovering in hospital after she was shot several times in a drive-by shooting late Monday night.

‘Make Majority Rule Day a day of prayer’

THE Bahamas Global Impact Prayer and Fasting Network and affiliate organisations have launched a campaign to have Majority Rule Day observed as a national day of prayer and thanksgiving.

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NASSAU LIFE: New view of the Duke of Windsor is not just black and white

Sir Orville Turnquest’s recently published book, ‘What Manner of Man is This?’ is becoming a best-seller in The Bahamas - as well it should be.

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FNM candidate: Grand Bahama needs attention to be prosperous

IRAM Lewis, the Free National Movement’s candidate for Central Grand Bahamas, believes that Grand Bahama is not being given the kind of attention it needs to be prosperous.

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Medical staff help to deliver gifts to West End residents

THE doctors and nurses of the Accident and Emergency Department at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama delivered gifts and treats to residents of the West End community as part of their annual gift giving during the Christmas season.

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CI Gibson Rattlers emerge as winners of Providence Basketball Tournament

The CI Gibson Rattlers, still riding a perfect season on the local scene although they are coming off two losses overseas, emerged as champions of their own Providence Basketball Tournament.

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Davis Cup tie set for Doral Country Club

THE Bahamas showdown for the first round of the American Zone II Davis Cup tie will be played next month at the Doral Country Club in Miami, Florida, instead of the home surface of Venezuela.

Basketball community says farewell to the late Randolph Swaby Jr

THE basketball community joins in offering its condolences to the family of the late Randolph Swaby Jr, who passed away 4am Wednesday at Princess Margaret Hospital at the age of 59. He was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer.

Sports Notes

THE University of The Bahamas Caribs men’s basketball team is off to Tampa, Florida today to participate in the Sun Coast Men’s Basketball Classic January 5-7.

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Pepper the robot: Amusing, but is it practical?

While merrily chirping, dancing and posing for selfies, a robot named Pepper looks like another expensive toy at a San Francisco mall. But don’t dismiss it as mere child’s play.

Custom Computers gets HP Platinum Partner honour

AS ONE of only two official Hewlett-Packard (HP) partners in the Caribbean region, Bahamian tech company Custom Computers Ltd has been honoured with the prestigious title of Platinum Partner for the global brand.

AML franchise giving ‘amazing’ sales at Mall

AML Foods yesterday said its second Carl’s Jr location was producing “amazing” sales numbers, with the wait for the correct locations already paying off.

Concerns persist over fly fishing regulations

International concerns over the Bahamas revised fly fishing regulations remain, with one non-profit conservation organisation describing the requirement of one certified guide for every two anglers as “unnecessary”.

Tuesday, January 3

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01032017 EDITION

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017.

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Collie suggests turning away women registering to vote is suppression

FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie was adamant yesterday that he “doesn’t put anything past” the Progressive Liberal Party led government, while suggesting that it was operating a form of “voter suppression” ahead of the 2017 general election.

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Victory for Valley Boys

THE Valley Boys recovered from a humbling fifth place finish on Boxing Day to win their fourth consecutive New Year’s Day Junkanoo parade, according to unofficial results announced last night.

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Nottage: PLP is best for policies to fight crime

WHEN Bahamians ask themselves which political party has the best policies to fight crime and improve people’s lives, they will say the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) does, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage claimed yesterday.

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UPDATED: Man found dead in Doubloon Drive home on New Year's Day

THE first homicide of 2017 was recorded in the capital mere hours into the new year when a man, whose body was riddled with gunshots, was discovered by a group of friends in an efficiency apartment on Dabloon Drive, off Faith Avenue on Sunday.

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PM: Sears has had a fair shot in leadership challenge

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said that former Attorney General Alfred Sears has been given a fair shot to lead the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), despite concern that the party’s late convention may discourage delegates and party stalwarts from approving a change of leadership so close to the next general election.

EDITORIAL: Las Vegas and the Bahamas Cabinet

THE Cabinet of the Bahamas and Las Vegas have a lot in common.

Show me that I am wrong

OPEN response to Branville McCartney’s “It cannot be business as usual” for country’s finance woes. As reported in Tribune 242, December 20, 2016.

This grain salad might be the key to healthier eating in 2017

If you’re anything like the rest of us, you might tend to needlessly overcomplicate your life.

Health Professions Council brings the year to a close

The appointed members of the Health Professions Council (HPC) brought their working year to a celebratory close with their final meeting followed by dinner at Sapodilla Restaurant.

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Buddy scores 20 as short-handed Cavs get 90-82 win over Pelicans

CLEVELAND (AP) — LeBron James scored 26 points and the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers rallied for a 90-82 win over the New Orleans Pelicans last night.

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Young Marine Explorers examine health of the environment following Hurricane Matthew

AN international grant awarded to the Young Marine Explorers (YME) will help the organisation expand its reach through a study that aims to explore the damage dealt to marine life and resources after the devastation of Hurricane Matthew. 

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Bahamian students travel to UN with aim of improving women's rights at home

Two University of the Bahamas (UB) students are prepared to have their lives transformed during a special trip next year, when they will step into the halls of the United Nations and come face to face with the inner workings of an international committee designed to improve the lives of women worldwide.

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Designer D'Lethea Nairn gets 'pursenal'

If you have been on any local social media sites recently, chances are you have seen photos of fun and uniquely Bahamian handbags pop up on your pages; colourful clutches that say things like “Regatta Time”, or have a pineapple or flamingo design.

Broker’s ‘honest belief’ no consent needed from clients

A Bahamian-owned broker/dealer’s directors “held the honest belief” that it was permitted to borrow almost $4 million in client assets without permission, then use them as it saw fit.

BOB unveils $30m New Year ‘bail out’

Bank of the Bahamas has unveiled the second phase of its recapitalisation plan by launching a $30 million convertible bond issue, producing more scepticism from its weary minority shareholders.

Bahamas urged: ‘Stay the course’ on fiscal consolidation targets

The Bahamas must decide whether it believes in the Government’s fiscal consolidation plan and “stay the course”, the Chamber’s chairman warning against the ‘junk’ downgrade becoming a “political football”.

Chamber chief urges ‘thorough analysis’ on $1m residency change

The Government “must make sure it’s done a comprehensive analysis” of all potential repercussions from doubling the ‘fast track’ permanent residency threshold to $1 million, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman has urged.

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Smiles for the new year as Delores Ingraham recovers from illness

DELORES Ingraham and her husband, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, saw the new year in at the Lyford Cay Club on Saturday and showed she had recovered from the serious infection which had hospitalised her in the autumn.

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Henfield: Gangs told to recruit marchers to join PLP parade

RANARD Henfield, lead organiser for the We March Bahamas group, has claimed that he was approached by two “gang leaders” on Sunday who allegedly told him they were asked to “convince the streets” to march with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) on Majority Rule Day instead of the activist group.

Lloyd demands to know why supply teachers have not been paid for months

FREE National Movement South Beach candidate Jeffrey Lloyd yesterday demanded an explanation from the government for failing to pay around 200 “supply” teachers across the country for the last several months.

Broker admits ‘improper use’ of $4m client monies

A Bahamian broker/dealer has admitted to using almost $4 million in client monies without permission to fund its own operating costs and business development initiatives, with regulators now moving to finally shut it down.

Credit downgrade

I WAS was just reading up on the Moody’s and S&P’s downgrade from their official website.

Obama’s foreign policy

The US abstains in the UN Security Council on the Resolution on Settlements in Israel.

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‘PLP offers stability as FNM split by in-fighting’

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that the changes within the Free National Movement (FNM) that have resulted from infighting in the party have “raised a big question mark for the country”.

Sears to speak on role of the press

FORMER Parliamentarian and Cabinet minister Alfred Sears will speak on ‘The Role of the Media in National Development’ at the Bahamas Press Club monthly meeting this evening at the British Colonial Hilton, downtown Nassau.

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POLITICOLE: Where is the hope for the Bahamas?

Michelle Obama gave what I believe was meant to be her last official interview before she and her husband and family leave the White House to Oprah Winfrey in recent weeks.

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White team victorious

Kevin Major Jr pulled off a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Justin Roberts, but it wasn’t enough for the blue team to stop the white team from sealing a close 16-15 decision in Brajaxba 2016 Elite Tennis Exhibition on Saturday at the Winton Tennis Centre.

Saunders and the Seminoles win Capital One Orange Bowl

IN his second New Year’s Six Bowl game, Mavin Saunders and his Florida State Seminoles capped his sophomore campaign and a dramatic mid-season turnaround on a winning note.

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Tabernacle Baptist Falcons take 3rd place

THEY missed out on the opportunity to play for the 2016 Arby’s Classic, but the Tabernacle Baptist Falcons made sure that the consolation crown didn’t slip out of their grasp as well as they took the third place prize with them back to Grand Bahama over the New Year holiday weekend.

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Ayton named MVP as Bruins capture John Wall invite title

BASKETBALL doesn’t stop during the holiday season, and DeAndre Ayton’s Hillcrest Prep Bruins captured another early season tournament title over the weekend.

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SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Super Bowl - Cowboys vs Patriots ‘bold prediction’

WE ARE back after the holidays, and I hope you all had a safe, enjoyable holiday season.

New year, healthier mouth

Make 2017 the year to improve your dental health!

Spanish Wells is ‘new discovery’, says realtor

A realtor is describing Spanish Wells as “a new discovery”, with property values rising and increased interest in Airbnb accommodations.

‘Three years’ grace urged for $1m residency change

The Government has been urged to give the real estate market a ‘three-year grace period’ to adjust to the new $1 million permanent residency ‘fast track’ threshold, a realtor saying it was “amazing” that no one in the industry seemed to have been consulted on the move.

Sunday, January 1

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Young man shot dead and three wounded in Fox Hill on New Year's Eve

A YOUNG man was reported killed and three people wounded in a shooting incident in Sandilands Village Road, Fox Hill, on New Year's Eve according to police.

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Happy New Year to all our readers

The Tribune wishes all our readers a very Happy New Year.