Recently everyday in the Bahamas is a “sad day”. Criminal Libel is the only charge feasible in this case against these young men; however again, this is the Bahamas—and with the pending charge(s) being decided upon by an AG that should’ve been included in that song, quite frankly these guys are in for a long ordeal. I at times use profanity—more so when I’m upset, like many; however most would deny they do. But, truth be known, these young men, despite the odious content— nature of their song/message, were conveying sentiments that are a national-consensus (by ALL Bahamians disgusted at the blatant corruption and cronyism)

Mr. Stubbs, I strongly suggest you or your editor remove the misleading accusation of wrongdoing by Peyton Manning from this story.

" THE Bahamas has been implicated as a source from where some of the world’s top sports stars, including former world 100 metres record holder Tim Montgomery and **NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, allegedly received some of their dosages of banned performance enhancing drugs."**

p.s. Peyton Manning has never allegedly taken/ or directly linked to PEDs, nor was it alleged that he personally received dosages of banned performance enhancing drugs. Your inclusion of Peyton Manning in the above sentence, and the manner in which it is worded is defamation of character. don't sensationalize a story to intrigue readers....doing so could prove to be problematic; (Al Jazeera media just today clarified its on report because of this controversy).

The impending appeals in all these heinous cases, doesn't bother me--that's expected....what bothers me however, is the fact that "The Crown is seeking the death penalty....". What we should be hearing instead, is "The Crown is not seeking the death penalty..." because quite honestly despite investigative errors etc--the death penalty should be a mandatory sentence for all murders. Thus, taking the discretionary--"not the worse of the worse" option from the Justices...and placing the onus on The Crown; whether or not, to seek the death penalty due to investigative/case circumstances. Some of the responsibility needs also to be placed on the defense lawyer's shoulders--to show, why their client shouldn't received a death penalty sentence. Due process is valid and a Constitutional Right, however, Constitutional Humanity despite a perpetrator's convicted transgression(s) is asphyxiatingly-wearying!

Tai, I agree with those facts...because I lived in a country for many years where I witnessed this, prior to returning home.

I do realize--life no matter where you are can and will be arduous at times...but when you look into the eyes, or peer into the existence of a man, you shouldn't always glimpse despair

Tai...I feel that the minimum wage should be between $8-10/hr, therefore, not only does the employee have to be considered, so does the employer. I feel this way because there has to be what I call, a marginal comparability with regard to the-cost-of-living/debt and wages/ability to pay.

TaiRussell, I don't view it as a greater government involvement/interference, but I don't view it as a "fairer share", because the minimum wage increased by 40%--on what was being metered or probably not, which works out to be $210 per week or $42 per day or $5.25 per hour. Hence, most working individual's salary ceiling has now become $210 (because employers view this as a hardship to themselves)...with all the tax-payable deductions being subtracted, so, where is the empowerment in that?

Metaphorically, is throwing a dog a bone--then asking/requesting the dog to return that bone in order to come in from out of the cold, a positive empowering move?

TaiRussell, Cosmetic cover-ups and to the politically-blind; positive moves ...but, not true positive moves to facilitate empowerment. Although, I accept your arguments/points; ponder for a second! is an increase in minimum wage which does not assist with the ever increasing utility cost, grocery items etc. empowerment? Introduction of Universal Healthcare, which like VAT, will be burdensome on taxpayers, and will deplete the minuscule minimum wage increase potential usage. Our economy’s self-reliance has been shattered many decades ago, due to ill-use, corruption, embezzlement, and the likes. So, taxing an already financially-wounded population...I guess is the answer/positive move. I am a realist—I call a spade a spade, not a shovel; we’re in trouble as a nation, regarding many issues. I love the Bahamas; to survive time and hopefully see it improve, on all fronts—would be a blessing. But we are waist-to-chest deep in quick-sand…we all have eyes and commonsense—everyone knows what’s going on, but we continue to bat our eyes, turn our heads, cover our ears, render ourselves speechless, sit back and accept.

November 17, 2015…approximately 3 yrs, 8 months into their term, and quite frankly the PLP hasn’t done anything positive to stem this country’s downward spiral! They have and will continue to point-fingers at their predecessor, but doing so is not going to alleviate nor relinquish accountability/responsibility for expediting and worsen this country’s bleak state-of-affairs—you built your campaign on improving what the previous government was inept at, and in your assertion could not do. However, you’ve actually been worse…or to appease your loyal followers—just as horrible at governance, as the previous FNM government. This Baha Mar situation has affected many lives, and honestly, despite your promising and hypocritically patriotic phrase “For Bahamians”, you are “For Yourselves”. Once any individual (because I will never consider you a leader), is more perturbed about his/her legacy than the empowerment of a nation; the country and its populace are doomed.

All the conspiring, corruption, and "hog-wash" blatantly undertaken by this government...which is lead by its seemingly emasculated excuse of a leader; will continue to prove detrimental to this country. I pray that every aspect of this Baha Mar embarrassing-issue blows up in the government's face...even with the unfortunate reality, that it will hurt this country and its citizens. There are too many alledged untruths, hidden agendas, and political-smokescreens. I feel that every criminal-faction has supporters, and each individual that continues election after election to give their vote of approval to our criminal factions is just as much to blame, for the countrywide-devastation now being experienced--nationally and internationally.

Truthfully, what’s sad is the over-abundance of conjecture the Bahamas, as a nation is enduring—from these politicians (governing and opposing). It is not fair to label all our politicians as corrupt/idiotic/brainless/wealth-pursuing/moral-less/inept and unscrupulous vultures, however, it is fair to have that opinion of them. In essence our “crime-problem” is seriously an issue—not because of the havoc or senseless offences being committed; our “crime-problem” is seriously an issue—because the individuals voted out as well as the ones voted in, possesses not a clue on effectively combating this predicament.

* Maybe adopting Indonesian law would be a deterrent—but we replace the drug- smuggling offenders with illegal firearm offenders (Firing Squad execution)?
* Maybe revamping the present firearm laws—and increase the incarceration time?
* Maybe revisiting the capital punishment issue—serious crime offenders, gets their last experience?

What is the solution? I personally don’t know…but what I do know is it is not a quick-fix. It is not a problem that will be remedied overnight. Unfortunately, I believe our elected “leaders”, have no clue as to the direction/route that is required. To a major extent, what is needed is not an easy pill to swallow, but an antidote that must be seriously considered soon. However, we honestly need to quit making excuses for and attempting to rationalize why these criminals are doing the BS they’re doing! If everyone in this country decided upon committing a heinous offence or an offence in general—because of tough economic times, then the murder count and incidences of armed robberies would be astronomical (but we do not!)