News : Bahamas Information Services Updates

Bahamas DPM remarks at opening of Speed Week 2013 - Dec 4, 2013 - 9:30:03 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - The following are remarks made by Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Philip Brave Davis at the opening of Speed Week:

Once again, I am so very pleased to be here with you as you begin yet another iteration of this wonderful gift to our pre-Christmas celebrations.

I am also pleased to welcome you, again, to this lovely, park setting just outside our city Centre. This setting, included the Speed Week course, and which overlooks our cruise ship harbor and out to paradise Island, incorporates the Western Esplanade, the historic Fort Charlotte and two cultural sites, one a sporting location the Cricket Pitch and the...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates

Fred Mitchell House Communication on Bahamas meeting participation in Sri Lanka - Dec 4, 2013 - 8:01:21 PM

Nassau, Bahamas  - The following is a Communication delivered in the House of Assembly today by Fred Mitchell, MP Foxhill, and Minister of Foreign Affairs:

I wish to report to the House and the country the success of the recent attendance of The Bahamas at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka 15 and 17 November.

Heads of Government meetings bring together 53 countries from around the world, all former British colonies and from all regions and continents with a view to discussing and buttressing the values of the Commonwealth.

Community : Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama Call centre agents undergo tourism product training - Dec 4, 2013 - 7:43:21 PM

Freeport, Grand Bahama – After hosting a very successful job fair back in early October, Island Outsourcers has hired its first wave of call centre agents on Grand Bahama, all of whom recently completed tourism product training coordinated by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (MOT).

According to Sandra Russell, Sr. Manager, Human Resources and Training (MOT), “It was necessary for the agents to first become certified Bahamahost professionals.  This was a critical component of the training process, to ensure that they provide exceptional customer service, and are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate with customers on the Islands of The Bahamas.”

Bahamian Politics

Branville McCartney: Will the fat lady be singing after VAT? - Dec 4, 2013 - 5:25:11 PM

The public is becoming irate over the July 1st 2014 deadline for the enforcement of VAT. There’s an air of trepidation around lately, and it’s not going away any time soon. According to the PLP the IMF has us over a barrel, and the implementation of Value Added Tax is not an option, but a necessity. However, each country is not affected in the same way, since a lot depends on how it impacts their residents socially. The current administration doesn’t seem to comprehend the ramifications of taxing the Bahamian people at this point in time, with so many families struggling beyond belief.

News : International

IAEA Team Completes Review of Japan’s Plans to Decommission Fukushima Daiichi - Dec 4, 2013 - 5:22:07 PM

TOKYO, Japan -- An IAEA expert team today completed a review of Japan's efforts to plan and implement the decommissioning of TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The International Peer Review of Japan's Mid-and-Long-Term Roadmap towards the Decommissioning of TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Units 1-4 conducted its visit from 25 November to 4 December 2013.

The 19-member team praised Japan for adopting a more proactive approach towards addressing the many complex challenges posed by the nuclear accident. Relevant authorities have evolved their strategies over time to develop sustainable solutions.

Community : Royal Bahamas Police Force

Union Village shooting victim Identified by Nassau police - Dec 4, 2013 - 5:18:30 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Police have identified the man shot to death yesterday at Union Village as 25 - year old Renaldo Charles Stubbs of Peardale and Brougham Street.

According to reports, around 3:00pm on December 2nd, the victim was standing in front of a residence located at Union Village, when he was approached by a man armed with a handgun who shot him multiple times and fled on foot. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

News : International

Dr. Newry presents credentials to president, Barack Obama - Dec 4, 2013 - 4:31:23 PM

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- His Excellency Dr. Eugene Newry, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, officially presented his credentials to President Barack Obama at the White House Tuesday, December 3.

Ambassador Newry, his wife Mrs. Francoise Torchon Newry and other members of his immediate family were escorted in a motorcade with police outriders from The Bahamas Embassy on Massachusetts Ave, N.W. to the White House by Mr. Tom Moran, Office of the Chief of Protocol, U.S. Department of State, for the 3:30 p.m. credentialing ceremony.

In presenting his credentials, Ambassador Newry told President Obama that one of “your recent predecessors stated that the United States and The Bahamas are not only friends but we are family.”

News : Ministry of Tourism Updates

Tourism Minister wants Bahamians to show more love and respect for each other - Dec 4, 2013 - 4:20:13 PM

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Tourism Minister Obediah H.Wilchcombe on Tuesday suggested that Bahamians everywhere put on their armour in the fight against crime and other illicit acts, and start by showing love and respect for each other.

The Grand Bahama native and Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini was the guest speaker at the Dec. 3, 2013, BahamaHost graduation, at the Grand Lucayan Resort. Some 250 plus persons comprising Sessions 052 – 061 graduated from the Ministry of Tourism sponsored course, having participated in forty hours of training, specifically designed to improve the country’s tourism product...

News : New Providence

PM Christie to Keynote at Bahamas Business Outlook 2014 - Dec 4, 2013 - 4:06:26 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Prime Minister the Rt Hon. Perry Christie has confirmed that he will deliver the Keynote Address at the 23rd Annual Bahamas Business Outlook (BBO) scheduled for January 13th, 2014 at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort (formerly Sheraton Nassau Resort).

“At Outlook 2013 we were very pleased when Prime Minister Christie expressed an interest in returning to speak in 2014. We feel privileged that he is taking time from a hectic schedule to join us.” said Joan Albury, President of TCL Group, founder and chief organizer of what has come to be regarded by many as the nation’s premier business and industry forum.

Sports

Villanova edges Iowa in overtime 88-83 to claim Battle 4 Atlantis championship - Dec 4, 2013 - 3:42:00 PM

Paradise Island, Bahamas - In an absolutely riveting championship game, Villanova rode a wave of nine second-half 3-pointers to overcome a 15-point deficit and defeat 23rd-ranked Iowa 88-83 in overtime. The victory came 24 hours after the Wildcats used a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left to beat No. 2 Kansas in the tournament semifinals.

“That was a thrill, to say the least,” Villanova coach Jay Wright said. “That was a great game. It was a great tournament.”

Sales & Promotions : Grand Lucayan Resort

An Island Holiday: Grand Lucayan Celebrates With Authentic Bahamian Flavors - Dec 4, 2013 - 3:22:09 PM

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, Bahamas –  At Grand Lucayan, Bahamas, sugar sand beaches will replace blankets of snow for a white Christmas island style.  Just 55 miles from the Florida coast, the award-winning resort is planning delectable holiday menus and a host of Christmas and New Year’s festivities, all infused with a laidback, authentic Bahamian vibe.

On Christmas Eve, resort guests and local residents alike are invited to Willy Broadleaf’s, Grand Lucayan’s imaginatively decorated, internationally themed restaurant, for a Christmas Eve Buffet with Bahamian notes from 5 to 10 p.m. Featuring creamy conch chowder with cilantro; carved roast bottom round of beef with Yorkshire pudding; blackened mahi-mahi fillet with cranberry chutney; seafood paella; and pasta, pizza, and Asian stations...

Community : Service Organizations

RBDF thanks BNT Wardens for Heroic Efforts in Haitian Migrant Grounding - Dec 4, 2013 - 3:13:41 PM

Exuma, Bahamas – Last week the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) and the US Coast Guard received notification of a grounded vessel in the Exuma Chain. During the recovey efforts BNT Wardens at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park were requested to assist the local police force in their efforts. BNT Wardens Henry Haley and Kendedo Marshall and two RBDF Officers responded to the call in an Exuma Park vessel.

Superintendent McDaniel, who is in charge of Exuma police noted, “it is common in the Exuma Community for volunteers and residents to respond to emergencies. It is also extremely helpful that ECLSP Warden Henry Haley is Reserve Police Officer."

Community

Ranfurly Home visited by America's Got Talent magician, Collins Key - Dec 4, 2013 - 2:54:29 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Collins Key, the 17-year-old magician who was a finalist on this season’s America’s Got Talent television show, spent time meeting and performing for children from the Ranfurly Home, the Elizabeth Estates Home, and the Trinity Methodist Church Sunday School. And after performing some well-received tricks, Key talked to the kids about staying positive, following their dreams, overcoming criticism, and learning from mistakes. Key’s appearance, and the entire Ranfurly party, was arranged by Beth Hall, superintendent of the Trinity Church Sunday School, and Robert d’Albenas, a longtime church leader. Mrs Hall is a strong advocate of teaching the children who live in these homes some marketable skills.

Community : Grand Bahama

Real Christmas trees bring help to Grand Bahama families - Dec 4, 2013 - 2:30:55 PM

FREEPORT, Bahamas - The sale of real Christmas trees by the Lucaya Presbyterian Church has been benefitting the community for over 40 years as profits from the sales assist several outreach projects and many families in need.

“Each year we have been very fortunate to sell the trees we order,” said Dave Willard, member and organizer of the Christmas tree sales.

As the push to “go green” continues, many have opted to include a live tree in their celebrations over the past few years. “When you farm Christmas trees, it’s a renewable stock,” said Willard. “You have to stagger your growing so that in any one year you have trees at different ranges.”

Sales & Promotions

RBC Home and Auto Expo (Freeport) this Friday, December 6th - Dec 4, 2013 - 1:56:23 PM

Approved Clients Can Win a Smartphone from BTC!

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island - Visit the RBC Home and Auto Expo on Friday, December 6, 2013 at RBC Freeport Branch, East Mall & Explorers Way from 10am - 4pm.

Enjoy one-stop shopping and great deals! C ome and take advantage of :

The greatest cars at unbeatable prices; On-the-spot financing and insurance; Great deals on choice properties; Home and build supplies; Security systems, and more...

News : International : Caribbean News

Sombre tales of deadly Haitian voyage - Dec 4, 2013 - 1:47:51 PM

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — An exhausted Justin Desamour stepped off a plane Tuesday with cuts up and down his slender arm, relieved to be back in his homeland but haunted by his fresh memories of a disastrous journey.

The 17-year-old from northern Haiti was among 111 migrants who survived when their overloaded sailboat capsized in the southern Bahamas last week. Survivors clung to the hull and the mast for hours, fighting to stay alive. Authorities say about 30 people died, and Desamour says a brother and cousin were among those killed.

Community

Sandals Royal Bahamian graduates 22 people from its Hospitality Training Programme - Dec 4, 2013 - 11:48:34 AM

Nassau, Bahamas - Sandals Royal Bahamian will retain 70 percent of the 22 individuals who graduated from its Hospitality Training Programme (HTP) yesterday.

Patrick Drake, General Manager of Sandals Royal Bahamian, touted this latest group of HTP graduates as some of the best to have ever come through the programme. And the process to find those 22 individuals began with a room of more than 140 people vying for a spot...

Bahamas Weather

Bahamas 3-Day Weather Forecast starting Wednesday, December 4th - Dec 4, 2013 - 11:05:37 AM

Bahamas weather f orecast for today and tonight, Wednesday 4th December 2013.

For all areas:

Weather: Mostly sunny and warm with the chance of some early morning fog, fair and cool tonight.

Winds: Easterly at 10 to 15 knots in the northwest and central bahamas and northeast to east at 15 knots in the southeast bahamas.

Seas: 2 to 4 feet in the northwest and central and 3 to 5 feet in the southeast bahamas.

Sports

(Video) Star Sailors League Welcomed to The Bahamas - Dec 4, 2013 - 1:57:05 AM

Nassau, Bahamas - Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Dr. Daniel Johnson, welcomed the World Finals Star Sailors League to the Bahamas this week.   

The Olympic Class races are being hosted from December 3rd-8th at the Nassau Yacht Club.

"The huge thing for us, as Bahamians, is that we honour that the first Olympic gold medal was won by a Bahamian, Sir Durward Knowles in this same class of boat,"  said Johnson.  "By exposing our young people to the best athletes in the world, it will inspire them to do the same thing."

Community : Royal Bahamas Police Force

Victim of November 29 traffic fatality in Nassau succumbs to injuries - Dec 3, 2013 - 9:30:29 PM

VICTIM SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES SUSTAINED IN TRAFFIC MISHAP

Nassau, Bahamas - 26 year old Leamon Pearson of Twynam Heights died in hospital today (Tuesday 3rd December 2013) as a result of a traffic accident that occurred on Friday 29th November 2013.

According to reports, around 1:30am on Friday 29th November 2013 an accident occurred at the intersection of Mackey and Shirley Streets, involving a Silver 2006 Nissan vehicle license number 283199 driven by the victim and a 2006 Honda Accord driven by another man. The victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident and was transported to hospital...

Entertainment : getMusic Productions by TaDa

TaDa releases first new album in 5 years! - Dec 3, 2013 - 8:59:40 PM

TaDa - best known for her hit Footprints in the Sand and her rendition of Better in The Bahamas - will officially release Element, her new album, on December 9, 2013. Her first album in five years, it is a combination of urban and pop genres. Two singles have already been released to local radio stations. Weekend is a pop/dance feel good tune while Bum Bum has a hip hop/Caribbean sound with samples from Bam Bam written by F. Hibbert of Toots and The Maytals, which was popularized by Sister Nancy. The album was posted on iTunes for Pre-Order on November 11th.

A multitalented singer/songwriter, TaDa wrote (or co-wrote) each of the twelve songs on Element featuring music composers from The Bahamas, USA, and Canada.TaDa, no stranger to the music scene, has appeared on Tempo...

Entertainment

15 top Bahamian stars come together for mega concert on December 28 to Save the Environment - Dec 3, 2013 - 6:23:38 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Fifteen of the biggest names in Bahamian music will be lending their voices to a growing movement to preserve and protect the Bahamas environment when they take the stage for a mega-concert December 28 at Arawak Cay.

Billed as The Bahamas Best Mega Concert and Family Festival, the full day of activities topped by a 15-star performer musical bonanza is sponsored by Save The Bays to raise funds and awareness for environmental community partners. It kicks off at noon with a six-hour family fest packed with activities from clowns and bouncing castle to environmental booths and face painting. The evening concert starting at 8 pm under the big white tent will feature Kirkland ‘KB’ Bodie

Community

Entrepreneur Empowerment Workshop Held in Bahamas - Dec 3, 2013 - 2:39:57 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - The entrepreneurial spirit is still alive in the Bahamas. One hundred and five (105) persons directly and indirectly participated in the Entrepreneur Empowerment Workshop hosted by Mark A. Turnquest and The Small Business Resource Centre. The Bahamas Development Bank was the Gold Sponsor of the event and Mr. Marcus Cunningham, assistant manager of the credit department spoke on the importance of personal and business financial planning.

The three main goals of the Small and Medium Size Enterprise (SME) workshop were to: provide information on how to start, manage and grow a business in an effective and efficient manner...

Columns : Preventative Measure - Gamal Newry

Crime: What is Working, What is Not, and Why? - Dec 3, 2013 - 2:25:11 PM

The negative impact of crime is not unique to the Bahamas, and when one visits other countries you realize this very quickly. Crime is said to be a phenomenon that transcends race, financial status, political alliance, and religion. What is important is that the world is getting very much smaller and crime events are now more than ever crossing borders. This wild card as I would like to call it makes preparation and response to such events very complex. This is because the perpetrators of theft and loss may not be living in the Bahamas or can quickly escape to other jurisdictions, making the readiness and response to local and international crime matters more multifaceted and costly.

If you think that international crime does not impact you, then you perhaps are one of those persons who does not use the internet or own a credit card. The simple act of logging in immediately makes your presence international and subsequently exposes you to the numerous global threats that exist. Some important questions need to be asked regarding what we are doing...

Entertainment

27 Recordings Added to the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame - Dec 3, 2013 - 1:57:51 PM

SANTA MONICA, California - Continuing the tradition of preserving and celebrating great recordings, The Recording Academy® has announced the newest additions to its legendary GRAMMY Hall Of Fame®. This latest round of inducted recordings continues to highlight diversity and recording excellence, and acknowledges both singles and album recordings of all genres at least 25 years old that exhibit qualitative or historical significance. Recordings are reviewed annually by a special member committee comprised of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts, with final approval by The Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees. With 27 new titles, the list currently totals 960 and is on display at the GRAMMY Museum® at L.A. LIVE.

News : Grand Bahama

G.B. Port Authority assists with fieldwork for Investment Guide - Dec 3, 2013 - 1:53:42 PM

Freeport, Bahamas –  Whilst on island recently, Alexander Sokoloff, Policy and Economic Chief of the United States Embassy, met with officials of The Grand Bahama Authority, Limited (GBPA). The purpose of his introductory visit was to become better acquainted with the island in advance of his department’s preparation of the forthcoming Investment Climate Guide for The Bahamas.

President of the Port Authority, Ian Rolle, praised the embassy and Mr. Sokoloff for their initiative in visiting Grand Bahama for onsite familiarization.  “We are pleased to welcome you, “ stated Rolle.  “Due to its unique features, Freeport offers substantial benefits to potential investors... "

Community

C.O.B. Employee and Student Unions want VP of Finance to step down during investigation into missing funds - Dec 3, 2013 - 1:44:48 PM

Calls for Audit of College Funds

The executives of the employee and student unions of the College ofThe Bahamas - The Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB), The Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU), The Public Managers Union (PMU), and The College of the Bahamas Student Union (COBUS) - are pleased that College Officials have called for a police investigation into the $12,000 plus dollars that have gone missing from the institution’s Business Office.

Entertainment

15 Documentary Features Advance in 2013 Oscar® Race - Dec 3, 2013 - 1:36:19 PM

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that 15 films in the Documentary Feature category will advance in the voting process for the 86th Oscars® . One hundred forty-seven films had originally qualified in the category.

The Academy’s Documentary Branch determined the shortlist in a preliminary round of voting.  Documentary Branch members will now select the five nominees from among the 15 titles.

The 15 films are listed below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:

Entertainment

Films, "Songs of Redemption" and "Passage" to mark Human Rights Day - Dec 3, 2013 - 1:19:30 PM

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - As its final event for the year, the trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) is hosting a free screening of the documentary Songs of Redemption, on Tuesday 10 December, at its offices at 199 Belmont Circular Road in Belmont.  

The screening takes place in association with Amnesty International, in observance of Human Rights Day.

According to its website, Amnesty is “a global movement of more than 3 million supporters, members and activists in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights”, and is “independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion.”