By Dennis Dames:
I am profoundly disappointed in Ms. Cheryl Grant Bethel’s ugly public behavior in regards to her quest to challenge the government’s decision to hire the new Director of Public Prosecutions - Jamaican born, Ms. Vinette Graham Allen. She feels that the Job is constitutionally her own. It reminds me of the Freeport attorney who thought that the prime minister should have included him on the Q.C. list in the last batch of successful candidates; so he sought legal advice in his nonsensical endeavor to compel the PM to recommend him to be a Queen’s Counsel.
I saw a recent headline where the official opposition PLP has encouraged their women to support the folly of Ms. Grant Bethel. I hope that PLP women with foreign husbands working in The Bahamas – doing work that Bahamians are qualified to do would see the wisdom in staying away from this lost cause. This goes too - for PLP men with non-Bahamian wives with Jobs here that Bahamians are capable of doing.
There are too many people in the public and private sectors who feel that the next step up the ladder belongs to them exclusively, or the man’s job is theirs until death separates them. My advice to them is to start your own enterprise where you could occupy any position that you desire until you die.
It is my view that Ms. Grant Bethel should be fired immediately from the public service, because she has terribly compromised her integrity – and is showing a thug mentality unbecoming of a senior officer. It’s time for the powers that be to put their foot down and show Ms. Bethel who’s in charge; send her home!
Congratulations are in order for Ms. Vinette Graham Allen, and welcome to The Bahamas. We trust that you would help us get things in order in regards to law and order in our beloved country. Don’t mind the noise in the market Madame; it’s the price of the fish that concerns us. All the best to you and yours and God bless.
Bahamas Blog International
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Branville McCartney - Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town says: ...that there are a lot of men in his area who are in need of jobs
Men In Bamboo Town Want Jobs
By Sasha L. Lightbourne:
It’s something you find in every community – men who are unemployed and looking for jobs – and certainly that was the case in Bamboo Town where several young men who are residing in the area said one of the things their member of parliament can do is to put on a job fair.
Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town, Branville McCartney acknowledged that there are a lot of men in the area in need of jobs.
"We are trying to get a men’s forum together because we do have quite a number of men who are unemployed," he said.
"They feel despondent and frustrated so we are trying to get some persons in to talk to them like social workers and psychiatrists so I have to acknowledge that one of the areas I am having difficulty in is trying to get the young men involved in certain things."
Mr. McCartney said it is difficult to reach out to all the young men but because his Constituency is so large it is often hard to do so.
One of the men we spoke to in the area agreed that more jobs should be created in the area.
"I think one of the things Mr. McCartney can do is put on a job fair," Mr. King said.
"People have this misconception that young men out there don’t want to work and that is wrong. I got laid off last year and have been looking for a job ever since but it has been hard to find a job. Everyone is saying that they are not hiring because of the economy."
He explained that it is hard not having a job especially when you have a family to support.
"You have to look at the high crime rate in the country and wonder are these people just being nuisances or do they have no other choice," Mr. King asked.
"It’s hard out there. I just hope Mr. McCartney sees the young men in his constituency and will respond by assisting them. We are not looking for any handouts but we can find ways to create jobs in this constituency, only if that’s to cut grass then that’s what it has to be but something has to be done."
When we spoke to Mr. McCartney last week he told the Bahama Journal that several job fairs had been held in the past and there are plans to host another one later this year.
"We want to continue doing those kinds of things but the people have to come out and support it," he said.
"It’s expensive to put on those initiatives and then no one shows up. We also have regular community meetings as well as association meetings where we discuss these types of things with constituents so we can find out what the needs of the community are."
August 9th, 2010
jonesbahamas
By Sasha L. Lightbourne:
It’s something you find in every community – men who are unemployed and looking for jobs – and certainly that was the case in Bamboo Town where several young men who are residing in the area said one of the things their member of parliament can do is to put on a job fair.
Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town, Branville McCartney acknowledged that there are a lot of men in the area in need of jobs.
"We are trying to get a men’s forum together because we do have quite a number of men who are unemployed," he said.
"They feel despondent and frustrated so we are trying to get some persons in to talk to them like social workers and psychiatrists so I have to acknowledge that one of the areas I am having difficulty in is trying to get the young men involved in certain things."
Mr. McCartney said it is difficult to reach out to all the young men but because his Constituency is so large it is often hard to do so.
One of the men we spoke to in the area agreed that more jobs should be created in the area.
"I think one of the things Mr. McCartney can do is put on a job fair," Mr. King said.
"People have this misconception that young men out there don’t want to work and that is wrong. I got laid off last year and have been looking for a job ever since but it has been hard to find a job. Everyone is saying that they are not hiring because of the economy."
He explained that it is hard not having a job especially when you have a family to support.
"You have to look at the high crime rate in the country and wonder are these people just being nuisances or do they have no other choice," Mr. King asked.
"It’s hard out there. I just hope Mr. McCartney sees the young men in his constituency and will respond by assisting them. We are not looking for any handouts but we can find ways to create jobs in this constituency, only if that’s to cut grass then that’s what it has to be but something has to be done."
When we spoke to Mr. McCartney last week he told the Bahama Journal that several job fairs had been held in the past and there are plans to host another one later this year.
"We want to continue doing those kinds of things but the people have to come out and support it," he said.
"It’s expensive to put on those initiatives and then no one shows up. We also have regular community meetings as well as association meetings where we discuss these types of things with constituents so we can find out what the needs of the community are."
August 9th, 2010
jonesbahamas
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Tommy Turnquest - National Security chief says: measures are in place to protect The Bahamas’ multi-million dollar crawfish industry from poachers...
Measures are in place to protect crawfish industry
By CHESTER ROBARDS
Business Reporter
crobards@tribunemedia.net:
The National Security chief said yesterday that measures have been put in place to protect this country’s multi-million dollar crawfish industry from poachers who can remove up to $22million worth of the product per annum from Bahamian waters.
Tommy Turnquest said a defence force ship as well as a smaller, faster craft, have been assigned to patrol the Great Bahama Bank where poachers have been spotted and confronted by Bahamian fishermen in the past.
He cautioned fishermen not to approach the poachers if they happened upon them but to call for assistance.
“We don’t expect Bahamian fishermen to be out there in a fight by themselves,” Mr Turnquest said.
He added that for the greatest protection of this country’ marine resources, the Great Bahama Bank is where the defence force has been stationed.
According to him, the construction of a new defence force base at Gun Pointe on Ragged Island will bolster the protection of the bank by providing easier, faster access for patrol boats.
However, fisherman in the past have complained that calls to the defence force have led to nothing but inaction, and they insist that poachers are often simply released with their illegal catch shortly after being captured by authorities.
With the crawfish season just five days old, and Bahamian fishermen facing the challenges of a new catch system that will allow their crawfish tails to be traded with European Countries, they are even more desperate than ever to pull in large hauls.
Last year saw an almost 50 per cent decline in the price of crawfish due to the global recession.
And at the beginning of the year, this country saw the makings of a trade embargo on crawfish tails to the EU due to the absence of a tracking system called the catch certificate.
Representatives of the fisheries sector told Tribune Business recently that the certificate was key to restarting trade, while adhering to the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) - the world's leading environmental certification programme for wild-caught fisheries - mandates.
Glenn Pritchard, president of Tropical Seafood, and Mia Isaacs, president of the Bahamas Marine Exporters Association (BMEA), said implementing the catch certificate will be the most important focus for the fisheries industry, as the Bahamas would not be allowed to trade with the EU if the chain of custody for lobster tails is not certified by use of those certificates.
The certificates will allow purchasing entities to trace catches from their possession all the way back to the fishing boat that made the catch - and possibly even back to the exact spot in the Bahamas the product was caught.
This requirement is part of a global mandate to help countries ensure their food exports are safe and traceable, and that they keep their marine resources in check to ensure sustainability.
While certification from the MSC is voluntary at this time, many importers of this country’s lobster tails are increasingly demanding that the country be certified in an effort to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing issues.
When the Bahamas brings into force the MSC certification it is likely that many poachers, who are said to come form the Dominican Republic, will find a closed market for their product.
Mr Turnquest told Tribune Business in April that his department was investigating possible links between poachers and Defence Force officers. According to him, “intelligence operations are in place”.
However, he said yesterday that those efforts have yet to yield any findings to substantiate those claims.
Mr Turnquest said the Government is diligently attempting to resolve the poaching problem which exists within the Bahamas’ 100,000 square mile maritime border and the possibility that some Bahamians, even within the institution charged with policing these waters, are abetting it.
“We have in place some systems,” he said. “We have a limited amount of persons who know where these vessel go, but we continue to monitor it.”
August 06, 2010
tribune242
By CHESTER ROBARDS
Business Reporter
crobards@tribunemedia.net:
The National Security chief said yesterday that measures have been put in place to protect this country’s multi-million dollar crawfish industry from poachers who can remove up to $22million worth of the product per annum from Bahamian waters.
Tommy Turnquest said a defence force ship as well as a smaller, faster craft, have been assigned to patrol the Great Bahama Bank where poachers have been spotted and confronted by Bahamian fishermen in the past.
He cautioned fishermen not to approach the poachers if they happened upon them but to call for assistance.
“We don’t expect Bahamian fishermen to be out there in a fight by themselves,” Mr Turnquest said.
He added that for the greatest protection of this country’ marine resources, the Great Bahama Bank is where the defence force has been stationed.
According to him, the construction of a new defence force base at Gun Pointe on Ragged Island will bolster the protection of the bank by providing easier, faster access for patrol boats.
However, fisherman in the past have complained that calls to the defence force have led to nothing but inaction, and they insist that poachers are often simply released with their illegal catch shortly after being captured by authorities.
With the crawfish season just five days old, and Bahamian fishermen facing the challenges of a new catch system that will allow their crawfish tails to be traded with European Countries, they are even more desperate than ever to pull in large hauls.
Last year saw an almost 50 per cent decline in the price of crawfish due to the global recession.
And at the beginning of the year, this country saw the makings of a trade embargo on crawfish tails to the EU due to the absence of a tracking system called the catch certificate.
Representatives of the fisheries sector told Tribune Business recently that the certificate was key to restarting trade, while adhering to the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) - the world's leading environmental certification programme for wild-caught fisheries - mandates.
Glenn Pritchard, president of Tropical Seafood, and Mia Isaacs, president of the Bahamas Marine Exporters Association (BMEA), said implementing the catch certificate will be the most important focus for the fisheries industry, as the Bahamas would not be allowed to trade with the EU if the chain of custody for lobster tails is not certified by use of those certificates.
The certificates will allow purchasing entities to trace catches from their possession all the way back to the fishing boat that made the catch - and possibly even back to the exact spot in the Bahamas the product was caught.
This requirement is part of a global mandate to help countries ensure their food exports are safe and traceable, and that they keep their marine resources in check to ensure sustainability.
While certification from the MSC is voluntary at this time, many importers of this country’s lobster tails are increasingly demanding that the country be certified in an effort to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing issues.
When the Bahamas brings into force the MSC certification it is likely that many poachers, who are said to come form the Dominican Republic, will find a closed market for their product.
Mr Turnquest told Tribune Business in April that his department was investigating possible links between poachers and Defence Force officers. According to him, “intelligence operations are in place”.
However, he said yesterday that those efforts have yet to yield any findings to substantiate those claims.
Mr Turnquest said the Government is diligently attempting to resolve the poaching problem which exists within the Bahamas’ 100,000 square mile maritime border and the possibility that some Bahamians, even within the institution charged with policing these waters, are abetting it.
“We have in place some systems,” he said. “We have a limited amount of persons who know where these vessel go, but we continue to monitor it.”
August 06, 2010
tribune242
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Desmond Bannister - Education Minister says: Mathematics and English test scores reflect an issue of "national concern"
E- and D ‘national concern’
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
STUDENTS sitting mathematics and English courses in this year's Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education exams (BGCSE) received average grades of E- and D respectively.
Still, mathematics and English are part of 16 subjects that showed some improvement in grade point averages compared to last year, including art and design A, art and design B, art and design C, biology, bookkeeping and accounts, chemistry, economics, food and nutrition, French, graphical communication, literature, office procedures, physics and religious studies.
The mathematics and English test scores reflect an issue of "national concern" highlighting the need for continued emphasis on improving literacy and numeracy skills in students, said Education Minister Desmond Bannister yesterday.
The subjects with the best results this year are art and design A, art and design B, art and design C, and carpentry and joinery with average grades of C+. The average test result of students who sat the bookkeeping/accounting exams was an E-.
Only four subjects saw an improvement in letter grades over last year. Art and design A and art and design C saw an average grade of C+, an improvement over the average grade of C in both subjects last year. The average grade in economics and office procedures was a D+, an improvement from D and D- respectively .
Geography, which recorded average grades of C this year and in 2009, was the only subject which did not see an increase or decrease in GPA or letter grade comparisons to last year.
The biggest improvement "in the history of the examination" was shown in the number of students who received at least a C or above in five or more subjects.
"There's been a general trend of improvement this year and that is where we are looking to go in the Bahamas with respect to results.
"This year the increase in the number of candidates who were successful in obtaining five or more subjects at grade 'C' or higher shows possibly the biggest improvement in this statistics in the history of the examination, improving to 921 compared to 834 in 2008 and 788 in 2007,” Mr Bannister said.
Five hundred and 20 students were awarded at least a grade C or above in mathematics, English and science compared to 476 in 2009, and 499 in 2008.
English language, biology and math continue to be the most popular subject choice for most students while Auto Mechanics, Clothing Construction and Electrical Installation continue to be the least. The majority of candidates who sit the heavily subscribed subjects usually only sit the core papers, said Mr Bannister, and none had a 100 per cent subscription rate.
The results were part of a report released by the Ministry of Education's Evaluation and Assessment Division yesterday on the BGCSE and the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) exams for 2010. As promised earlier this year, Mr Bannister did not issue a national grade average for the junior and secondary certificate exams – an average he claims does not paint a clear picture of student performance.
The exams are graded on a seven point scale from A to G. There are 27 subjects offered and 14 of these subjects contain core and extended papers. The highest grade available on a core paper is a C while students sitting extended papers can score as high as an A letter grade.
While not "completely satisfied" with this year's results, Mr Bannister said with his ministry's targeted focus on numeracy and literacy skills he hoped to see a marked change in the test scores in the future.
August 06, 2010
tribune242
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
STUDENTS sitting mathematics and English courses in this year's Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education exams (BGCSE) received average grades of E- and D respectively.
Still, mathematics and English are part of 16 subjects that showed some improvement in grade point averages compared to last year, including art and design A, art and design B, art and design C, biology, bookkeeping and accounts, chemistry, economics, food and nutrition, French, graphical communication, literature, office procedures, physics and religious studies.
The mathematics and English test scores reflect an issue of "national concern" highlighting the need for continued emphasis on improving literacy and numeracy skills in students, said Education Minister Desmond Bannister yesterday.
The subjects with the best results this year are art and design A, art and design B, art and design C, and carpentry and joinery with average grades of C+. The average test result of students who sat the bookkeeping/accounting exams was an E-.
Only four subjects saw an improvement in letter grades over last year. Art and design A and art and design C saw an average grade of C+, an improvement over the average grade of C in both subjects last year. The average grade in economics and office procedures was a D+, an improvement from D and D- respectively .
Geography, which recorded average grades of C this year and in 2009, was the only subject which did not see an increase or decrease in GPA or letter grade comparisons to last year.
The biggest improvement "in the history of the examination" was shown in the number of students who received at least a C or above in five or more subjects.
"There's been a general trend of improvement this year and that is where we are looking to go in the Bahamas with respect to results.
"This year the increase in the number of candidates who were successful in obtaining five or more subjects at grade 'C' or higher shows possibly the biggest improvement in this statistics in the history of the examination, improving to 921 compared to 834 in 2008 and 788 in 2007,” Mr Bannister said.
Five hundred and 20 students were awarded at least a grade C or above in mathematics, English and science compared to 476 in 2009, and 499 in 2008.
English language, biology and math continue to be the most popular subject choice for most students while Auto Mechanics, Clothing Construction and Electrical Installation continue to be the least. The majority of candidates who sit the heavily subscribed subjects usually only sit the core papers, said Mr Bannister, and none had a 100 per cent subscription rate.
The results were part of a report released by the Ministry of Education's Evaluation and Assessment Division yesterday on the BGCSE and the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) exams for 2010. As promised earlier this year, Mr Bannister did not issue a national grade average for the junior and secondary certificate exams – an average he claims does not paint a clear picture of student performance.
The exams are graded on a seven point scale from A to G. There are 27 subjects offered and 14 of these subjects contain core and extended papers. The highest grade available on a core paper is a C while students sitting extended papers can score as high as an A letter grade.
While not "completely satisfied" with this year's results, Mr Bannister said with his ministry's targeted focus on numeracy and literacy skills he hoped to see a marked change in the test scores in the future.
August 06, 2010
tribune242
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Leslie Miller - former cabinet minister and crime victim backs call for capital punishment to resume in The Bahamas in the face of a "severe crisis"
Former MP Strongly Backs Capital Punishment
By Macushla N. Pinder:
A former cabinet minister and victim of crime is strongly backing the call for capital punishment to resume in The Bahamas in the face of a "severe crisis" in the country.
According to businessman and former Blue Hills MP, Leslie Miller, Bahamians are being terrorised in their own country and something has to be done about it.
"The police do a fabulous job, so the problem isn’t the police, it’s the court system and those persons who are unafraid of the law…We must implement capital punishment and the cat o’nine tail and whatever other action is necessary to stem the flow of crime" Mr. Miller suggested when he appeared as a guest on Love 97’s daily talk show "Issues of the Day" with host Algernon Allen.
"…. It bothers me that we can allow 12 men to sit in London and decide the fate of people who are grappling with situations beyond the realm of what they face. A government is elected for and on behalf the people. So, if you cannot or are not prepared to do your job, you should resign as a Member of Parliament. I don’t see the Members of Parliament on both sides speaking out against crime or calling a special session of parliament to say we are going to deal with this once and for all."
Mr. Miller’s son Mario was found dead in a bushy area near Super Value Food Store in the Winton area on June 2002.
According to reports, he was stabbed 18 times about the body.
Evidence coming out of the case revealed that the official cause of death was a stab wound to the lungs and a chop to the neck, resulting in acute blood loss.
The Crown alleged that brothers Ricardo Miller, 30, also known as Tamar Lee, and his younger brother Ryan, 24, intentionally caused Miller’s death.
However, the first and second trials ended in a retrial.
Yet another retrial has been ordered.
So far this year, the country has recorded 55 homicides. The last two occurred over the holiday weekend.
On Friday, Slyvannus Williams, 45, was reportedly in an altercation with a woman believed to be his wife when she allegedly stabbed him in the parking lot of Green Parrot Restaurant and Bar on East Bay Street.
Just over 24 hours later, Exuma resident Cely Smith was killed.
According to police, four dreadlocked gunmen shot the 45-year-old Stuart Manor resident around 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
It is crimes like these that have made the call for the death penalty almost deafening at times.
"He who feels it, knows it. When you have to go to the hospital to identify your loved one or see them in the street murdered, then have someone talk foolishness around your head about hanging or any lethal injection, what about that person who would never take another breath? You would never see them get married. They would never have a grandson or granddaughter," he said.
"God gave us life and he is the one who is supposed to take us home. Anyone who interferes must be prepared to give their own [life]….This foolishness of going up to Fox Hill [Her Majesty’s Prison] and getting fat at the expense of the state is utter garbage."
But not everyone believes the death penalty is the solution. In fact, many argue that executing a convicted murderer would not cause crime to decrease.
But, Mr. Miller said the offender who kills would not kill again.
The country’s unabated crime wave has also driven up the cost of doing business.
In fact, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce President Khaalis Rolle recently told a local daily "many companies are scared to do business after dark."
Mr. Miller agreed.
"We have 10 police officers (at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace) on the weekends because we saw situations arising," he said.
"…This costs us between $8,000 and $10,000 per month….This is one of the drawbacks of operating in a society where crime is so prevalent... The criminals are getting bolder."
Earlier this year, Mr. Miller was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight.
Two men reportedly exited a gold Chevy Impala, put two guns to his head and told him to hand over the money or he would be killed.
The two men reportedly got away with nearly $30,000.
"When a man has a gun pointed at you, you are not in charge. Don’t act as if you are in charge. You can make the money back. Think about your life, your loved ones, those who depend on you," he said.
"You can’t be the hero. In every movie, the hero normally dies at the end. I’m not trying to be the hero."
August 4th, 2010
jonesbahamas
By Macushla N. Pinder:
A former cabinet minister and victim of crime is strongly backing the call for capital punishment to resume in The Bahamas in the face of a "severe crisis" in the country.
According to businessman and former Blue Hills MP, Leslie Miller, Bahamians are being terrorised in their own country and something has to be done about it.
"The police do a fabulous job, so the problem isn’t the police, it’s the court system and those persons who are unafraid of the law…We must implement capital punishment and the cat o’nine tail and whatever other action is necessary to stem the flow of crime" Mr. Miller suggested when he appeared as a guest on Love 97’s daily talk show "Issues of the Day" with host Algernon Allen.
"…. It bothers me that we can allow 12 men to sit in London and decide the fate of people who are grappling with situations beyond the realm of what they face. A government is elected for and on behalf the people. So, if you cannot or are not prepared to do your job, you should resign as a Member of Parliament. I don’t see the Members of Parliament on both sides speaking out against crime or calling a special session of parliament to say we are going to deal with this once and for all."
Mr. Miller’s son Mario was found dead in a bushy area near Super Value Food Store in the Winton area on June 2002.
According to reports, he was stabbed 18 times about the body.
Evidence coming out of the case revealed that the official cause of death was a stab wound to the lungs and a chop to the neck, resulting in acute blood loss.
The Crown alleged that brothers Ricardo Miller, 30, also known as Tamar Lee, and his younger brother Ryan, 24, intentionally caused Miller’s death.
However, the first and second trials ended in a retrial.
Yet another retrial has been ordered.
So far this year, the country has recorded 55 homicides. The last two occurred over the holiday weekend.
On Friday, Slyvannus Williams, 45, was reportedly in an altercation with a woman believed to be his wife when she allegedly stabbed him in the parking lot of Green Parrot Restaurant and Bar on East Bay Street.
Just over 24 hours later, Exuma resident Cely Smith was killed.
According to police, four dreadlocked gunmen shot the 45-year-old Stuart Manor resident around 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
It is crimes like these that have made the call for the death penalty almost deafening at times.
"He who feels it, knows it. When you have to go to the hospital to identify your loved one or see them in the street murdered, then have someone talk foolishness around your head about hanging or any lethal injection, what about that person who would never take another breath? You would never see them get married. They would never have a grandson or granddaughter," he said.
"God gave us life and he is the one who is supposed to take us home. Anyone who interferes must be prepared to give their own [life]….This foolishness of going up to Fox Hill [Her Majesty’s Prison] and getting fat at the expense of the state is utter garbage."
But not everyone believes the death penalty is the solution. In fact, many argue that executing a convicted murderer would not cause crime to decrease.
But, Mr. Miller said the offender who kills would not kill again.
The country’s unabated crime wave has also driven up the cost of doing business.
In fact, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce President Khaalis Rolle recently told a local daily "many companies are scared to do business after dark."
Mr. Miller agreed.
"We have 10 police officers (at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace) on the weekends because we saw situations arising," he said.
"…This costs us between $8,000 and $10,000 per month….This is one of the drawbacks of operating in a society where crime is so prevalent... The criminals are getting bolder."
Earlier this year, Mr. Miller was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight.
Two men reportedly exited a gold Chevy Impala, put two guns to his head and told him to hand over the money or he would be killed.
The two men reportedly got away with nearly $30,000.
"When a man has a gun pointed at you, you are not in charge. Don’t act as if you are in charge. You can make the money back. Think about your life, your loved ones, those who depend on you," he said.
"You can’t be the hero. In every movie, the hero normally dies at the end. I’m not trying to be the hero."
August 4th, 2010
jonesbahamas
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
James Smith - former minister of state for finance says: Any news about the US economy slowing down is really not good news for The Bahamas
More economic woes for The Bahamas predicted
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
A FORMER minister of state for finance and local business people yesterday expressed concern about the possibility of a “double dip” recession in the United States further prolonging the economic woes of The Bahamas.
Their comments came on the heels of the latest report on Gross Domestic Product, the output of goods and services that indicates the performance of an economy, in The Bahamas’ main tourist market, the United States.
The report showed that the US economic recovery is losing steam, with GDP growth slowing quite markedly in the second quarter of the year, to 2.4 per cent, in comparison to the average 4.4 per cent rate recorded over the past six months, and the greater 3.7 per cent pace recorded for the first quarter of the year.
The slowdown was attributed to what former minister of state for finance James Smith called a key factor for The Bahamas - a fall in the rate of growth in spending by US consumers, from 1.9 per cent in the first quarter to 1.6 per cent in the March to June period.
Even as people in the US continue to suffer from higher unemployment, lower household wealth linked to a decline in the value of stocks and housing, tighter credit lending conditions and the need to reduce debt and bolster savings, many US commentators expressed surprise at the consumer spending figures.
While some international economists said they did not believe the new economic figures suggested the likelihood of a further outright contraction in the US economy - a “double dip recession” - some see this on the horizon. Others suggest that if not a further recession, there remains the potential for an even greater slowdown in the economic growth rate in the United States as the year continues, with all of the implications that will have for The Bahamas in terms of a stagnation or even a further drop off in the visitor arrivals that feed the local economy.
Mr Smith said: “Any news about the US economy slowing down is really not good news for us because it prolongs our recovery but the really important numbers in there relate to consumer spending and consumer confidence. Those really affect The Bahamas and so if they are down that is really not good news for us.
“We need not to hope not just for a recovery in the US but in terms of how the US consumer perceives himself against the economy,” said Mr Smith, also chairman of investment and financial services company, CFAL.
He said that even if the growth rate does not drop any further, the decline that has been registered in the US in this quarter will be felt in The Bahamas.
“I think it does have very serious implications for us,” said Mr Smith. “It would be a delayed affect because one begins to make travel plans three, six months in advance, so someone who intends to come here this winter may cancel that or forego it even if you have fourth quarter (economic) growth.”
Meanwhile, Mr Smith noted that The Bahamian economy is facing its own issues going forward as local businesses deal with the widely-publicised increases in a number of taxes within the 2010/2011 budget.
“The budget was crafted against certain realities like growing debt and unemployment and an attempt to reduce the deficit. That would be in right direction except in my view it was too much ... I think a lower dose over longer period of time might have been the better option,” said Mr Smith of the budgetary measures introduced by the Government in July and their potential impact on Bahamian economic activity.
Chamber of Commerce President Khaalis Rolle told The Tribune that he views the latest figures coming out of the US as a “real concern” for The Bahamas.
“I keep saying you need almost simultaneously both consumer confidence and investor confidence to come back to get this economy back on track. Investor confidence fuels jobs, consumer confidence is fuelled by the prospect of employment and there hasn’t been any major indicator to suggest they were coming back strongly,” said Mr Rolle.
Given that the majority of The Bahamas visitors from the US are “middle class Americans” who usually save or borrow to go on vacation, Mr Rolle said he sees the potential for “our (tourism) numbers to begin to be impacted again” based on the latest economic indicators coming out of the US - yet another reason, he added, to diversify the Bahamian economy away from its dependence on the US tourist market.
Meanwhile, speaking of a potential double dip recession, Mr Rolle said: “The second time round usually isn’t as bad because people won’t react with level of panic they did when crisis first hit.
“We saw at the beginning of the crisis how all of major resorts started to lay off people so if there is a double dip recession it may not be as hard as initial hit can guarantee you there will be some impact.”
A Government economic source, speaking off the record, said that in his opinion the figures do not likely herald another recession but just another indicator that the US economic recovery, and hence The Bahamas, is going to be slow and protracted in comparison to others historically.
He added that it may be too early to say if the economic figures presage a further recession, as they only represent economic activity in one quarter of the year.
“On the path to recovery there are many ups and downs. The key thing to realise is the reality is what you had is a financial collapse. In 2001 the recession lasted six or nine months, so you’re looking at least a year or two longer than that,” he suggested.
Asked whether in his view the 2010/2011 Budget was crafted with the potential for a double dip recession in the US in mind, the source said: “I think the budget reflects fact that the recovery period is uncertain, it’s a move towards fiscal consolidation.”
August 03, 2010
tribune242
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
A FORMER minister of state for finance and local business people yesterday expressed concern about the possibility of a “double dip” recession in the United States further prolonging the economic woes of The Bahamas.
Their comments came on the heels of the latest report on Gross Domestic Product, the output of goods and services that indicates the performance of an economy, in The Bahamas’ main tourist market, the United States.
The report showed that the US economic recovery is losing steam, with GDP growth slowing quite markedly in the second quarter of the year, to 2.4 per cent, in comparison to the average 4.4 per cent rate recorded over the past six months, and the greater 3.7 per cent pace recorded for the first quarter of the year.
The slowdown was attributed to what former minister of state for finance James Smith called a key factor for The Bahamas - a fall in the rate of growth in spending by US consumers, from 1.9 per cent in the first quarter to 1.6 per cent in the March to June period.
Even as people in the US continue to suffer from higher unemployment, lower household wealth linked to a decline in the value of stocks and housing, tighter credit lending conditions and the need to reduce debt and bolster savings, many US commentators expressed surprise at the consumer spending figures.
While some international economists said they did not believe the new economic figures suggested the likelihood of a further outright contraction in the US economy - a “double dip recession” - some see this on the horizon. Others suggest that if not a further recession, there remains the potential for an even greater slowdown in the economic growth rate in the United States as the year continues, with all of the implications that will have for The Bahamas in terms of a stagnation or even a further drop off in the visitor arrivals that feed the local economy.
Mr Smith said: “Any news about the US economy slowing down is really not good news for us because it prolongs our recovery but the really important numbers in there relate to consumer spending and consumer confidence. Those really affect The Bahamas and so if they are down that is really not good news for us.
“We need not to hope not just for a recovery in the US but in terms of how the US consumer perceives himself against the economy,” said Mr Smith, also chairman of investment and financial services company, CFAL.
He said that even if the growth rate does not drop any further, the decline that has been registered in the US in this quarter will be felt in The Bahamas.
“I think it does have very serious implications for us,” said Mr Smith. “It would be a delayed affect because one begins to make travel plans three, six months in advance, so someone who intends to come here this winter may cancel that or forego it even if you have fourth quarter (economic) growth.”
Meanwhile, Mr Smith noted that The Bahamian economy is facing its own issues going forward as local businesses deal with the widely-publicised increases in a number of taxes within the 2010/2011 budget.
“The budget was crafted against certain realities like growing debt and unemployment and an attempt to reduce the deficit. That would be in right direction except in my view it was too much ... I think a lower dose over longer period of time might have been the better option,” said Mr Smith of the budgetary measures introduced by the Government in July and their potential impact on Bahamian economic activity.
Chamber of Commerce President Khaalis Rolle told The Tribune that he views the latest figures coming out of the US as a “real concern” for The Bahamas.
“I keep saying you need almost simultaneously both consumer confidence and investor confidence to come back to get this economy back on track. Investor confidence fuels jobs, consumer confidence is fuelled by the prospect of employment and there hasn’t been any major indicator to suggest they were coming back strongly,” said Mr Rolle.
Given that the majority of The Bahamas visitors from the US are “middle class Americans” who usually save or borrow to go on vacation, Mr Rolle said he sees the potential for “our (tourism) numbers to begin to be impacted again” based on the latest economic indicators coming out of the US - yet another reason, he added, to diversify the Bahamian economy away from its dependence on the US tourist market.
Meanwhile, speaking of a potential double dip recession, Mr Rolle said: “The second time round usually isn’t as bad because people won’t react with level of panic they did when crisis first hit.
“We saw at the beginning of the crisis how all of major resorts started to lay off people so if there is a double dip recession it may not be as hard as initial hit can guarantee you there will be some impact.”
A Government economic source, speaking off the record, said that in his opinion the figures do not likely herald another recession but just another indicator that the US economic recovery, and hence The Bahamas, is going to be slow and protracted in comparison to others historically.
He added that it may be too early to say if the economic figures presage a further recession, as they only represent economic activity in one quarter of the year.
“On the path to recovery there are many ups and downs. The key thing to realise is the reality is what you had is a financial collapse. In 2001 the recession lasted six or nine months, so you’re looking at least a year or two longer than that,” he suggested.
Asked whether in his view the 2010/2011 Budget was crafted with the potential for a double dip recession in the US in mind, the source said: “I think the budget reflects fact that the recovery period is uncertain, it’s a move towards fiscal consolidation.”
August 03, 2010
tribune242
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Dr. Bernard Nottage has not done anything to better the inner city community say eight of nine constituents polled in the Bain and Grants Town area
Is Your MP Performing
By Kendea Jones:
Eight out of nine constituents polled in the Bain and Grants Town area yesterday said that Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Member of Parliament Dr. Bernard Nottage, who has represented them for the last three years, has not done anything to better the inner city community.
The Journal, which randomly polls constituencies each week, went out into the community yesterday to ask the residents if their MP was performing.
The Journal traveled through Dumping Ground Corner, which is just a stone’s throw away from Dr. Nottage’s constituency office.
The office was closed.
Lonard Davis, a four-year resident in the constituency said for many years he had hoped that sidewalks would be placed on the road to protect pedestrians.
"If you look at it, you can tell for yourself, people are still walking on the side of the street because there is no sidewalk. I have been gone for almost 30 years and when I came back it was still the same," he said.
When asked if Dr. Nottage’s presence is felt throughout the constituency, Mr. Davis said, "I’ve never really seen him."
Damian Poitier says he has been living in Bain and Grants Town all his life.
He said it seems like every Member of Parliament that has represented the constituency over the years has done a "poor job."
"[Dr. Nottage] is not performing at all because summer camps used to be going on in the area for children but that is not going on anymore and neither is the clean-up campaign. It just goes to show that he doesn’t care too much for the community because you can hardly see his face," he said.
Another resident, Kim Rolle, said on May 2, 2007 she proudly elected Dr. Nottage.
It’s a decision she says she now regrets.
"To be totally honest, I don’t see any performance at all," she said. "They say he probably has a handful of people that he deals with, but I have been here for about 19 years and I have not seen any results since he came in. Before him there was Bradley Roberts and it was the same thing – nothing."
Barbra Gibson said she has a particular gripe with Dr. Nottage.
She said that many of the youths are too idle in the community and that has led to a higher level of crime in the area.
"There is very little evidence as to whether or not the MP for this constituency is performing," Ms. Gibson said. "Who ever is seeking public office should make the decision to assist the people with new, creative ideas."
"You have a group of young men who are willing to work in Bain Town, but there is absolutely nothing there for them to do. The children are just roaming the streets now that there is no summer school. I am looking for an MP who will bring new ideas so that these children could get in some positive activities."
Tubby Johnson had similar sentiments.
He said that he only happens to see Dr. Nottage when there is a murder in the community.
"You only see him showing up so that they can be in front of the cameras. He doesn’t do anything for Bain Town. I want to know where is the $100,000 allowance he was given, because we don’t see it being used on this constituency," Mr. Johnson said.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Fisher claimed he barely knows what his MP looks like.
"I have a question, who is my MP? I don’t see him. I may see him on TV. I didn’t vote for him but at this time I feel that CB Moss [former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) senator] should be the MP for Bain Town because he does more for the community than Dr. Nottage," he said.
But a 44-year resident, who preferred to be called "Johnson" had an entirely different view.
"Dr. Nottage is doing well in my area. He was here last week and there was a good get-together outside of the church. He seems to always be around and he has meetings on Meadow Street," he said.
While many Bain and Grants Town residents say they are not pleased with Dr. Nottage’s performance, they say they will think harder before they decide who will represent them in the House of Assembly in the next general election.
July 29th, 2010
jonesbahamas
By Kendea Jones:
Eight out of nine constituents polled in the Bain and Grants Town area yesterday said that Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Member of Parliament Dr. Bernard Nottage, who has represented them for the last three years, has not done anything to better the inner city community.
The Journal, which randomly polls constituencies each week, went out into the community yesterday to ask the residents if their MP was performing.
The Journal traveled through Dumping Ground Corner, which is just a stone’s throw away from Dr. Nottage’s constituency office.
The office was closed.
Lonard Davis, a four-year resident in the constituency said for many years he had hoped that sidewalks would be placed on the road to protect pedestrians.
"If you look at it, you can tell for yourself, people are still walking on the side of the street because there is no sidewalk. I have been gone for almost 30 years and when I came back it was still the same," he said.
When asked if Dr. Nottage’s presence is felt throughout the constituency, Mr. Davis said, "I’ve never really seen him."
Damian Poitier says he has been living in Bain and Grants Town all his life.
He said it seems like every Member of Parliament that has represented the constituency over the years has done a "poor job."
"[Dr. Nottage] is not performing at all because summer camps used to be going on in the area for children but that is not going on anymore and neither is the clean-up campaign. It just goes to show that he doesn’t care too much for the community because you can hardly see his face," he said.
Another resident, Kim Rolle, said on May 2, 2007 she proudly elected Dr. Nottage.
It’s a decision she says she now regrets.
"To be totally honest, I don’t see any performance at all," she said. "They say he probably has a handful of people that he deals with, but I have been here for about 19 years and I have not seen any results since he came in. Before him there was Bradley Roberts and it was the same thing – nothing."
Barbra Gibson said she has a particular gripe with Dr. Nottage.
She said that many of the youths are too idle in the community and that has led to a higher level of crime in the area.
"There is very little evidence as to whether or not the MP for this constituency is performing," Ms. Gibson said. "Who ever is seeking public office should make the decision to assist the people with new, creative ideas."
"You have a group of young men who are willing to work in Bain Town, but there is absolutely nothing there for them to do. The children are just roaming the streets now that there is no summer school. I am looking for an MP who will bring new ideas so that these children could get in some positive activities."
Tubby Johnson had similar sentiments.
He said that he only happens to see Dr. Nottage when there is a murder in the community.
"You only see him showing up so that they can be in front of the cameras. He doesn’t do anything for Bain Town. I want to know where is the $100,000 allowance he was given, because we don’t see it being used on this constituency," Mr. Johnson said.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Fisher claimed he barely knows what his MP looks like.
"I have a question, who is my MP? I don’t see him. I may see him on TV. I didn’t vote for him but at this time I feel that CB Moss [former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) senator] should be the MP for Bain Town because he does more for the community than Dr. Nottage," he said.
But a 44-year resident, who preferred to be called "Johnson" had an entirely different view.
"Dr. Nottage is doing well in my area. He was here last week and there was a good get-together outside of the church. He seems to always be around and he has meetings on Meadow Street," he said.
While many Bain and Grants Town residents say they are not pleased with Dr. Nottage’s performance, they say they will think harder before they decide who will represent them in the House of Assembly in the next general election.
July 29th, 2010
jonesbahamas
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