Debbie Ferguson finally writes a half decent letter and now sounds the possibility of a boycott of World Relay Games by world athletes headed to the Bahamas!

What could she be on these days to incite a boycott of money for the Bahamas? An Open Letter From Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie

With the Bahamian Federation in great turmoil, this was penned by one of the country’s great track heroes:

Dear all,

As an athlete representative with the privilege of sitting on the BAAA executive board, I wish to express the dismay of Bahamian Athletes on the plight of the Federation.  Many athletes have been voicing their concerns and anger over the abuse of power by certain members of the executive board.  This entire process has surpassed the height of ridiculousness.

Many athletes have expressed their support for Mr. Carl Oliver, Mr. Iram Lewis, and Mr. Harrison Petty.  The discussions are preliminary but have been leaning towards a possible boycott of the World Relays by key athletes  (possibly all athletes) if this illegal nonsense and victimization is not rectified and rightful governance is not restored.

In addition we have many athletes in our region who will also support us in this effort to eradicate Member Federations who are not abiding by the IAAF code.

I wrote a letter to all the Executives including Minister Johnson in the beginning of August 2013 applauding everyone for putting all this nonsense behind us…and yet a year wasted and we are still here.

We employ the President to cease this unnecessary course of action so as to move forward with plans for not only the logistical running of the World Relay Meeting, but also the formalization of an action plan as it relates to relay preparation, practice venues, talent identification, and athletes scheduling so as to not be hindered by professional obligations that once contracted are impossible to break without legal ramifications.

Our focus need to be on preparing our athletes to DOMINATE at HOME.  There is no way I am allowing guests into my home with the federation fussing like idiots about all the wrong concerns and in  addition giving our rivals the upper hand from lack of preparation of Bahamian athletes.  We need to PREPARE the athletes to WIN.  Dominate at home while showing our guest an awesome stay.

The IAAF needs to know what is happening in our federation and how dysfunctional it is because of dictatorship and or personal agendas.  Mr President I was bless to attend the IAAF event On November 18, 2013, on behalf of the IAAF in Monte Carlo Monaco.  Dubiously Everyone was surprise to see me at the function.

However, Minister Johnson was quite pleasant and courteous in his conversations likewise for Mr Parker, Ms Davis Thompson, Mr Greg Rolle and others.  With the exception for you sir.  It is my opinion due to your personal agendas and personal vendettas that you are unable to see pass the purpose for what your were voted in as the BAAA president.

Not liking me sir is one issue but don’t forget your manners.  I said hello to you and thank you Lord, if looks can kill, I would be dead right now.  Personally I am not offended but unhappy if this is what the representation of our country and athletes is….then I am not satiated and  terribly mortified.  Please do not make this personal as it is not about you sir and never will be.

Someone states “try not to put the world relays being hosted at Jeopardy,” well sir that is a lost cause.  The few individuals along with yourself,  who are causing the commotion are only interested in Track and Field for what they can milk from it versus being committed to the sports and what it can do for athletes and our country as a whole.

So with these individuals still in place it will continue to be a lost cause and ongoing negative commotion.  As athletes we are personally tired and drained from all the negativity and dividedness from all this process.  And so we have the biggest voice.  Time to speak and fall into action.

This is a call for leadership and relinquishing of personal agenda in order to move the BAAA’s forward.  You decide….our action speak louder than words.

March on Bahama Land,

Regards,

Debbie Ferguson
BAAA Athlete Representative
IAAF Athletes Commission

Editorial Note: All we at BP say is – WHAT IN THE HELL IS DIS?

Opposition should practice what they preach and lead the country by making Public Disclosure of their financials and prove how UNACCOUNTABLE the Christie Regime Is…

Support Collapses and PLP stalwarts hands are up in the air – HOPELESS IS SETTING IN AND THE PLP IS GOING NO WHERE FAST!!!

Nassau, Bahamas – The laws of the Bahamas are clear and what is presently being exercised by the Christie Government shows and proves that ain’t a damn thing has changed when it comes to disclosing public information on MPs.

This week the country got the shocking news how some PLPs, known to be closely tied to the PLP Regime, were handed loaded loans through Bank of the Bahamas [BOB].

Some of the loans were in the millions. From what we know, the Mighty Punch reported how PLP gal Patricia Mortimer allegedly has a $6.3 million dollar overdraft with BOB. We hear Obie gal pal from ZNS days, who is the owner of a radio station – connected to the former leader of the Turks and Caicos Islands – is alleged to have another $2 million owed to the BOB. And then there is the big whopping almost $3 million loan, alleged to be loaned to sitting Cabinet Minister Obie Wilchcombe following his undertaking in a failed foodstore operation, Universal Distributors Bahamas Ltd., which had operated on Grand Bahama.

Now in a turn of events, the Punch turned on their Master Leaker – ‘Da Snitch’ – who is deep in another scandal!

The PLP gravy train shysters and bandits nearly broke the public’s owned bank, leaving its operations in a troubled state and the Bahamian people holding the tab. What a disgrace – THE PLP JUST CANNOT CHANGE!

Now this is interesting because BOB is facing troubled times. The bank recently had to close down its much announced Florida offices as regulatory standards increased and it was costing the Bank money it did not have to meet with those increased standards.

We also know BOB in this year had to take some new staff cutting measures after the PLP bandits failed to pay back their debts, and, from what we have gathered, in that restructuring exercise young Bahamians employed with the bank are suffering as a result.

Bahamas Press has always argued that if only the WUTLESS Dinosaur MEDIA in the Bahamas do its job the country would run much better. If we in the the position holding the pen would put fire on those who are King of the land, the country would be a much better place.

In 2007 following the election victory of the FNM, the matters involving public disclosure went out the window. We knew then the PLP was not prepared to account to the Bahamian people for anything. In fact, some good things they did were swept under that big ‘dutty’ rug of the party. We knew they were unable to tell the public what was happening with its money and/or how it was being spent.

In came Hubert Ingraham [Christie and Brave Davis’ law partner], who further did damage to the Bahamian people.

Ingraham, we believe, had no idea as to how to spell the word “accountability” even though he sat as the minister of finance for fifteen of the last 20 years; and especially in the last five punishing years he turned out to be a colossal failure as he wrecked the Bahamian economy and landed the highest unemployment rate the nation had ever seen. Ingraham, many remember, racked up debt like a ‘jungaliss’ with a stolen credit card. He allowed corruption to fester in the Ministry of Tourism. He watched thievery occur at BEC and at Water and Sewerage. And he was Minister with responsibility for NIB watched the backside rape on the Bahamian people by its former Managing Director Algernon Cargill.

But what amazes us is that, from the first Christie Regime to the Ingraham Regime and now back to Christie, there is no word or commentary on enforcing the law on Public Disclosure. Of course, everyone is talking about freedom of information, but what about the Public Disclosure Act, which exists today and no Parliamentarian looks as if they are prepared to comply.

Both leaders [Christie and Ingraham] refuse to demand it even though it is in the law. They refuse to make comment on it. And if the facts are indeed true, none of them who Christie or Ingraham have empowered as the Commissioner – who is as lame as a duck – has compelled MPs sitting in leadership to share with the public whether or not they are as broke as a church mouse.

And although the law already empowers the Commissioner to force MPs to account, that Act has no teeth and thus MPs can sit in the Parliament – be bankrupt as a fallen Wall Street investor – and yet do our business. What in the hell is this?

As presented on the government’s website, the rules for this Act and the functions of Its Commissioner in government are clear. It reads:

“The Public Disclosure Commission is the Government agency which examines the Declarations of Members of Parliament, Senators, Senior Public Officers and Public Appointees, who are required to declare their assets, income and liabilities as of the 31st December of each year as mandated by the Public Disclosure Act.  The Public Disclosure Commission comprises a Chairman, a Secretary and two members who are appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, after consultation with the Leader of   the Opposition. Two Cabinet Office staff members are posted there to perform administrative duties.”

Is anyone else in the Parliament also calling for the Act to be enforced? Boy, we in the Bahamas are in a bad state.

Perhaps had this disclosure Act been enforced and the debts and income of MPs submitted, maybe, just maybe, the public would have known the financial state of the MP for West End and Bimini, who the Christie Regime is protecting. And perhaps if we knew what we know now, it may be safe to conclude that he may not be eligible to sit in Parliament. But who is questioning? The Media ain’t saying a word and the PLP REGIME IS MUTE! And where is the opposition?

The Christie Regime is working its way to be just like the Ingraham Regime and we Joe Public are the ‘wusser’ because of it.

The country will know when Christie is serious about “Opening the Books” as he has espoused recently in Church. He could start by forcing MPs and himself to follow the law and disclose their state of financial affairs for all the world to see. Until then all we ga get is TALK, HOT AIR and Shuffle!

Boy I tell ya – We ‘jookin’ and playing around!

We report yinner decide!

No one can say what is happening on the streets – we are losing the crime war! Homicides now stands at 108

A BREAKING BP REPORT >>>> Homicide count climbs by two to 108 as two more victims shot earlier this past week in separate incidents die in hospital – both were known by police. BP warned following the suspension of the 12-hour police shifts that New Providence could witness the bloodiest holiday ever. THERE YINNER HAVE IT!!!

Both Shooting Victims Succumb to Injuries –   Two (2) men who were shot in separate incidents died in hospital on Saturday 7th December 2013.  The first victim has been identified as 22 – year old LANERO ARLENE who was shot 21st July 2013 at Gambier Village.  The second victim has been identified as 32 – year old JAMES STRACHAN who was shot outside his Ida Street residence on Thursday 5th December 2013.

In other news police are reporting a 22-year-old man of Nassau Village is in custody for the country’s latest murder that occurred on Friday 6th December just outside Meat Max on Carmichael Road.

According to reports, around 5:30am on Saturday morning, officers from the Firearms Tracing and Investigations Unit, acting on Intelligence, went to the suspect’s home located at Nassau Village, where they arrested him in connection with this matter.  That victim had succumbed on the scene.

Parliament will mourn the passing of a staffer who collapsed and died suddenly Saturday on the baseball field – Lee Rahming was 60-years-old…….

The Speaker of the Parliament Dr. Kendal Major today expressed his condolences to the family of Mr. Lee Rahming seen here in the chair in front of the Speaker during Parliament. Lee suddenly passed away on the baseball field playing the game he loved so much. He was the second man in the Administration of the Parliament. He left everyone shocked! He was 60-years-old. My his soul rest in peace.

WE REPORT YINNER DECIDE!

Nassau Accord on apartheid hailed as key step

From Nicholas Ashford, Nassau

Commonwealth leaders were yesterday congratulating themselves on reaching agreement on a package of measures increasing pressure on South Africa to end apartheid. But there were many differing interpretations on the extent to which Mrs Margaret Thatcher had had to compromise to make agreement possible; the likely impact the accord would have on the South African Government; and what the fine print of the agreed seven-page document will actually entail.

Mrs Thatcher, anxious that the new restrictive measures listed in the accord should not be seen as capitulation by her on the issue of sanctions, claimed she had persuaded the other 45 Commonwealth leaders present that her approach to South Africa was the correct one. “They joined me,” she declared shortly after agreement was reached late on Sunday night.

But Mr David Lange, the New Zealand Prime Minister, said Mrs Thatcher had made significant concessions. Britain had “surrendered its position as to its literal interpretation of sanctions”. He added: “One man’s ‘sanctions’ is another woman’s ‘measures’,” referring to the absence of the word “sanctions” in the text of the accord.

However, no one was in the mood for recrimination yesterday as Commonwealth leaders celebrated what they unanimously believed to be a significant step towards the dismantling of apartheid. “This is a moment of great joy”. said President Kaunda of Zambia.

The accord is a carefully balanced package of sanctions, threats and inducements to encourage the South African Government to begin a dialogue with representative black leaders on ways of replacing apartheid with a non-racial system of government. It contains a number of what Mrs Thatcher described as “psychological signals” to South Africa that the international community is losing patience with Pretoria’s failure to reform itself.

It lists five steps it wants South Africa to take as a sign of its determination to dismantle apartheid, including a lifting of the state of emergency, the release of Mr Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners. and a lifting of the ban on the African National Congress. It calls for the setting up of a Commonwealth committee of “eminent persons” to help promote dialogue between the white authorities and black South Africans.

However, the agreement emphasizes, at Mrs Thatcher’s insistence, that dialogue would only take place “in the context of a suspension of violence on all sides.”

The accord has nine “sanctions” to be adopted by Commonwealth members. Six have already been implemented by Britain as part of a package of measures agreed by the European Community last month. Two are new: a curb on the import of krugerrands and an end to government funding for trade missions and trade fairs in South Africa. A third, a ban on all new government loans to the South African Government and its agencies, is already in operation although never laid down in formal terms.

British officials said the economic impact of the new measures would be negligible. British imports of krugerrands last year amounted to about £ 500,000.

The accord also provides a mechanism for further measures to be taken if no progress is achieved within six months. It states that “some of us” would consider measures such as severing air links to South Africa, banning new investment, or ending imports of South African food produce.

Mrs Thatcher made it clear she would not consider taking any of these steps at this stage.

It is hoped that the committee of “eminent persons” will be established within a month. The leaders of Britain, Australia, Bahamas. Canada, India, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been asked to monitor the committee’s work and the extent to which South Africa makes progress on the Commonwealth objectives.

The agreement was reached after a long weekend of negotiations during which Mrs Thatcher found herself totally isolated over sanctions. Agreement was only reached when, realizing that other countries were prepared to make a declaration without Britain, she agreed to the new restrictive measures.

Insisting that these were “tiny little measures”, she said: “It was worth paying a price to get an agreement, it was worth paying a price to keep the Commonwealth together.”

—-END—-

PS: Here is the story not the ZNS, The Tribune, The Guardian nor the damn PLP would publish or speak to – AND BAHAMIANS LIVED THROUGH THE 1985 CHOGM MEETINGS – THIS IS JUST AMAZING!!!!!

ORGIES IN DA LODGE? WHAT IN THE HELL IS DIS?

Monday, December 9, 2013 will be the night when the members of the once historic and prestigious Royal Eagle Lodge #1, Prince Hall Affiliated, select a new cabinet to lead them in 2014. After pleas from Good Masons landed on deaf ears, the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall has decided not to remove the Wutless, Teifing, Baby-Daddying Worshipful Master, Uriel “Da Tief” Johnson from his position but instead leave it up to the members to vote him and his partying Cabinet out of office.

Several Good Masons are planning to offer themselves to fill the various positions of the Royal Eagle Lodge Cabinet.  BP now has the full SHABANG of who holds what positions in the lodge. Our informants came through last minute. Lets give you a full break down of the superstars of Royal Eagle Lodge and please pretend its your voting ballot:
Worshipful Master:

Uriel “Da Tief” Johnson
Womanizer. Exploits females (Just ask Sis. Ronnick Tinker) – romances women with certain jobs to get their money. Baby daddy – 10 children in total (three born in one year) and unmarried. Thief – stole the lodges money and continues to be aggressive in bullying his drunken treasurer and secretary for the lodges money. Only interested in partying and holding Masonic orgies and being called Worshipful Master.

Senior Warden Earl Francis
Does not pay attention to lodge affairs. Always daydreaming. Seems to live in an alternative universe. Passes on his duties to other masons. Prefers partying, drinking and smoking cigars. Also a womanizer with the sisters of the lodge. Was in hot water with them earlier. Too many sisters, too little time. Makes a very poor senior warden.

Junior Warden Garreth Scott
Could possibly be the only dedicated Cabinet member in Royal Eagle Lodge. Hard working and does his duties to the best of his ability. Loyal to Royal Eagle Lodge. Newly wed, non-womanizer. Does not party or take part in orgies, but loyal to the Wutless Master, former and present.

Secretary Mai Tai Rahming
Family man? The womanizing, drunken secretary. Always shows up to a party. Does his job in a drunken haze but does it anyway. Does whatever the Wutless Master tells him to do which may not always be in the best interest of the lodge. Loyal to, and hangs out with, the Treasurer.

Treasurer Orald Newbold
Family man? The womanizing drunken treasurer. Uses his position in lodge to attract women to him and is successful in doing it. Does a fairly good job at guarding the lodges money except when the Wutless Master pressures him for money to go partying.

Past Worshipful Master Juan Bethel
Love sick. Wutless Past Master who left the entire running of the lodge up to his treasurer and secretary. More interested in the well being of his girlfriend Sis. Tanya Cartwright than the well being of Royal Eagle Lodge to the point of nominating a THIEF and man of ill-repute to take over the position of Worshipful Master in order to focus on this biggetty, spoiled brat woman. The problems in the lodge today were all started by this good for nothing man who still hides behind the gown tail of his mother. Every BAD thing in the lodge was started when this man was voted in as Worshipful Master. He is said to be the worst Worshipful Master in the history of Royal Eagle Lodge. He should never have sat in such a position and everything went down hill since he did. He introduced sweethearting and reveling to the lodge and Da Tief continued it and introduced the orgies.

BP sat on the ladder in the back of the Royal Eagle Lodge building on Blue Hill Road and scratched its head trying to figure out what to do with this Cabinet. The two top positions definitely need to be shaken up and the holders of those positions replaced. The Junior Warden is good at his duties and loyal to his lodge. The two drunks who hold the position of secretary and treasurer are not bad at what they do but need heavy shaking up to represent themselves as good upstanding Masons. The choice is clear …. replace the two heads with Good Masons and the rest will fall in line. Do this and watch how all the sweethearting and partying will stop.

Meanwhile the Gangster Mason, JJ the DJ, who owns Blue Waters Jungaless Bar, is still putting his money where his mouth is putting the charge to Masons to remove the entire Cabinet through voting on December 9, 2013. All BP can say is yinner better watch and listen HARD or spend another year in desolate darkness, utter shame, embarrassment, degradation, humiliation, disgrace, infamy, obloquy, misery and mortification. YOU CHOOSE!!!

The Grand Lodge decided not to remove this tiefing culprit from his Worshipful Master position. Maybe he has something on them. Who knows? Now its up to the Good Masons to take a stand.

BP letting you know now!! Da Tief is in for a GRAND surprise on the night of Royal Eagle Lodge election of officers. He is comfortable and thinks it might be smooth sailing but he will see how effective BP really is on that night.

WE REPORT! YINNER BETTER DECIDE!!!
SO MOTE IT BE!!
WE WATCHING AND TALKING IT!!

COMMUNICATION BY FRED MITCHELL MP

FOX HILL MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

House Of Assembly

Nassau

4th December 2013

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.

These are principally elected democracy, public accountability and respect for human rights and the rule of law.  All countries of the Commonwealth subscribe to those values.

The delegation of The Bahamas was headed by our Head of Government and Prime Minister the Member of Parliament for Centreville. He was accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Fox Hill and Foreign Minister, the Member of Parliament for Elizabeth and Trade Minister with foreign service officers, the Senior Policy Advisor Sir Baltron Bethel.

The Prime Minister has explained in some detail what the results of the meeting were.  I would only add that this was an opportunity to focus on the issue of bringing business to The Bahamas .

One of the reasons why The Bahamas continues to be a part of this forum is that it is an efficient way to get to interact with many countries with whom we would never get the opportunity to interact save for that forum.  We are a small country and we do not have the resources of larger countries to have diplomatic presences and premises in many of these countries.  When we meet at these multilateral meetings, we get to engage for the larger benefit of our country at a fraction of the cost.

One of the most important opportunities at the Commonwealth meeting this year was to seek to influence the votes which we required for the now successful re-election of The Bahamas to the governing council of the International Maritime Organization headquartered in London.  We were able to avail ourselves of the opportunity to meet with heads of delegations and foreign ministers to ask for their support in the election and we were successful in doing so.

There has been considerable public commentary about the travel overseas of the Prime Minister.  This is most unfortunate since the government must be proactive if in this present economic environment our country is to move forward.  We cannot simply sit in Nassau and believe that the world will come to us.  It does not work that way.

The critics would have us do so and then when our economy does not grow because we are unable to attract the foreign direct investment that we need they will say that  we are not doing anything.

The arguments against the foreign missions is largely based on costs.  The argument is a false one.  For it is clear that the travel brings results as the Prime Minister’s statement to the House has shown.  In any event,  relations with countries many times require the personal presence of leaders of our country to  go around the world in order to make our presence felt.

Under the Progressive Liberal Party administration, we have reasserted out leadership in Caricom.  We have sought to extend our reach into the Middle East and to the Far East.  We have sought to ensure that relations with the contiguous states to The Bahamas: the United States, Cuba, Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands are good. We are seeking to strengthen hemispheric relations by a participation in CELAC and in the OAS.

No expenditure that has taken place during our time has to the best of my knowledge information and belief been extra budget.  However, given the nature of what we are sometimes called to do, it means that  attending meetings in overseas capitals are key to whether or not The Bahamas will be successful or not.

I expect that within a short period of time the Minister of National Security and I will be in Haiti for talks with the Haitian government.  I suspect that shortly thereafter I will have to be in Canada in the United States and visiting our Caricom neighbours with regard to developing matters in this region.

Those who wish to engage in idle, speculative and false stories about costs and the travel of the Prime Minister and other ministers are free to do so but let there be no doubt that the stories are false in their entirety and in terms of specific responses are meritless.  Parliament has the mechanisms to deal with any inquiries of a sensible and rational nature which it wishes to make about any public expenditure. I am satisfied that should there be any such inquiry everything is totally above board. Beyond that there is nothing more to say.

I wish then to once again acknowledge the successes of the Prime Minister’s mission to the Commonwealth and I commend the work to this House and the Bahamian people.

end

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – The Financial Action Task Force standards, which admonish nations to know their clients, disclose suspicious transactions and to freeze, seize and confiscate proceeds of criminal conduct, must be fully and effectively embraced, said Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis yesterday.

Currently the acting Prime Minister, Davis made the comments during the keynote address at the official opening of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF)’s 38th Plenary Meeting, at the Grand Lucayan Resort on Grand Bahama.

Participants from 29 countries, including top law makers from a number of Caribbean nations are in Grand Bahama for the conclave.

Davis told the gathering The Bahamas is delighted to host them and their work is extremely important in the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the region.

“There is a need to aggressively, skilfully and most importantly, collaboratively craft strategies and standards that can mitigate these ills in a major way. The government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is duly committed,” he told the gathering.

The Deputy Prime Minister further stated: “We know that there are tremendous benefits to our financial institutions resulting from a successful fight, as well as for our judicial institutions, our law enforcement and prosecutorial institutions.”

“There is a particular benefit that requires more highlighting, and that is economic stability, with its far reaching returns,” he said.

“The FATF standards which admonish us to know our clients, duly disclose suspicious transactions and to freeze, seize and confiscate proceeds of criminal conduct, must be fully and effectively embraced,” he said.

Minister Davis suggested that all jurisdictions be held to the same standards, and that offshore jurisdictions should not be held to a lesser or a higher standard than onshore.

“This is critical to enhancing the credibility of the FATF and its offshoot regional bodies, which, of course, the CFATF is one,” he said.

The acting Prime Minister told delegates that The Bahamas is honoured to once again be assuming the chairmanship of the CFATF with Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, poised to take up the role.

Also bringing remarks at Wednesday’s opening was the Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr Michael Darville, FATF president Vladimir Nechaev, and CFATF chairman Cherno Jallow.

Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes were among the many government officials attending the opening.

Boy when I look at this picture only one thing comes to mind – The Bahamas must have oil!

By Oswald Brown

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.”

“It is from that perspective that I present to you my country’s formal Letters of Credence,” Ambassador Newry said. “I also bring my Prime Minister’s greetings and wishes of peace towards all people of goodwill this season.”

Ambassador Newry added, “The United States and The Bahamas have, among the nations of the New World, the oldest of friendships and family ties. Among our earliest post-Columbian inhabitants were settlers from the Carolinas and Virginia, both Europeans and Africans. In the epic War of Independence, struggles of the Civil War, and Prohibition, annals of history show the role of The Bahamas and the presence of Bahamians.”

The Bahamian envoy noted that the State of Florida “bears the greatest mark of the Bahamian presence to this day where United States citizens of Bahamian heritage outnumber the total population of the archipelago of The Bahamas.”

“World War Two saw valiant Bahamians join the Armed Forces of the United States in the fight against Nazism. Jointly, though in a different sphere, Bahamian men and women worked as part of the war effort as contracted workers on your great farms on the eastern seaboard replacing your sons serving in the Armed Forces,” Ambassador Newry said. “The illustrious educators, Mary Bethune Cookman and W.E.B. Du Bois helped advance the cause of their fellow citizens against monumental odds and both claim Bahamian ancestry. The great artists Bert Williams, Sir Sidney Poitier, Esther Rolle, Roxy Roker and professionals such as Al Roker of the Today Show all are descendants from the Isles of June.”

Emphasizing that the economies of The Bahamas and the United States “are inextricably intertwined,” Ambassador Newry said one of his “roles is the strengthening, extending, reinforcing and perpetuation of these in a spirit of mutual benefit extending, of course, into the realms of national security, migration issues, ocean pollution, fisheries and other natural resources.”

“Our shared views on many global issues will remain pillars of our foreign policy together with those of our CARICOM family, though in friendship we will remain vigilant and ready to advise on issues which we feel are in our mutual interest,” Ambassador Newry said. “On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I thank you for your acceptance of my Letters of Credence and may God continue to bless the United States of America and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

In his response, President Obama noted that The Bahamas and the United States “share a long friendship based on mutual commitment to democracy and freedom, a commitment founded in strong and historic ties.”

“The United States has had close economic, commercial, and cultural relations with The Bahamas that predate our independence,” President Obama said. “Few people know that, until the early 1700s, The Bahamas was actually as part of the Carolina land grant.”

The President added, “Through the centuries, pirate ships sand rum runners have given way to cruise ships and tourists, and the citizens of our countries continue in frequent contact with each other. This includes the ever-increasing number of Bahamian students studying in the United States, the more than 110 U.S.-related businesses in The Bahamas, and the nearly 5 million annual American tourists that visit The Bahamas to enjoy the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of The Bahamas.”

Continuing, Mr. Obama said the United States and The Bahamas “have a shared interest in ensuring the security or our citizens and visitors, and we recognize the importance of combating crime and illegal activities that threaten us both.”

“This is why our two countries join in common purpose and methods to ensure the safety of our citizens,” President Obama said. “For example, the U.S. government partners with Bahamian law enforcement in Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos to deter, interdict, and thwart the trafficking of narcotics. This security agreement stems the flow of illegal drugs transiting The Bahamas, dismantles drug trafficking organizations, and strengthens the sharing of information among our governments.”

He added, “Also, through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, the United States provides extensive training to enhance the criminal investigative capacity of Bahamian law enforcement. Our cooperation and assistance benefits all of our citizens, and our countries must continue working towards these shared goals and commitments. Mr. Ambassador, I look forward to working with you to advance our common agenda and deepen the strong and abiding friendship of our countries. It is a pleasure to welcome you to Washington.”

A neurosurgeon by profession, Dr. Newry was The Bahamas’ Ambassador to the United Nations before being appointed Ambassador-Designate to the United States on August 19, 2013. He previously served as the ambassador to Haiti and the Dominican Republic from 2002-2007 under the first Christie administration.

Look who talking say we mush show love? THE TURKS ISLANDER!

THE MAN WHO KNOWS HOW TO BLOCK BAHAMIANS SAY WE NEED TO SHOW WHAT?

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.

Minister Wilchcombe recalled growing up in a peaceful nation and questioned why peace has been allowed to become war, and love has been allowed to become hate. He noted that the country moved towards majority rule and independence and there was no bloodshed.

“Subsequent to that, there was no one found on the streets. The thought of unruly behaviour just did not exist,” he said. He said that each year over the past three years, including this year, there have been more than 100 murders.

“How is it that a mother, 28-years-old, can be sitting on her porch and can be executed? And, why would a young teenage boy walking from school be gunned down? It this our country,” he asked?

Mr. Wilchcombe recalled his early days as a young journalist when he and colleagues would sit down daily, wondering if there was any news out there.

“We were wondering if we could get a story, and then we would do the year end report and it would be one, maybe a murder, and maybe a traffic fatality, and we would call that a good year.”

The Tourism Minister said there is no way that Grand Bahama should be on a watch list, or on an advisory list of the United States of America. He said it was almost unbelievable to hear that Grand Bahama is a place one must be careful about, because there have been criminal incidences involving tourists.“Could you imagine I am laying up in a hotel room in New York, about to attend the meeting, and that comes on the news?Can you imagine how a person like me, that walks with the ultimate pride and love of my country feels?

Minister Wilchcombe told the graduates that service is from the heart, and if there is no love and care for each other, the performance put on for the tourists is meaningless. He said the problems existing today is a result of that lack of love and although the nation has produced some outstanding athletes, doctors, educators, hoteliers and other talented professionals, There is no belief in each other.

Mr. Wilchcombe said now-a-days all the leaders in business, tourism, policing, and more, are all Bahamians, and that there was a time when that would not have been possible, particularly on Grand Bahama Island. He noted that Bahamians have come a long way in a short period of time, since gaining independence in 1973.

He said the question now is, “how far do we want to go, and how much are we prepared to become leaders of our destination, leaders of our destiny and leaders of each other.”The Tourism Minister reminded those in attendance that when one becomes a graduate, “it means that you have risen to a particular level. What is next? Do we understand that graduation means that I am prepared for the next step, I am not completed?

“Do we understand that each day when we improve our ability, we are improving for our country, and have you stopped and given thought to this simple fact that you are now members of that elite squad of tourism officials?

“Tourism is our number one industry. It is the bread and butter of our country. It is the industry that was developed and introduced by men who came before us, the forefathers of our nation. And when The Bahamas thought about tourism many nations thought it was servitude. They pushed it aside and said it could not work.

“In fact, many countries in the Caribbean thought that tourism would be taking us back to the days of colonialism, but in truth and in fact, many have now come to realise that tourism is that industry that works,” he said.

Mr. Wilchcombe pointed out that last year more than one billion tourists travelled the world spending more that $1.1 trillion dollars.

He said The Bahamas welcomed almost six million visitors last year and that tourism is the industry, withstanding the difficulties in world, would become the leading industry.Mr. Wilchcombe said he and his ministry have travelled extensively to various parts of the world to bring business to The Bahamas and having done so it is up to Bahamians to do their part.

He said his ministry is also working to ensure that everyone gets a piece of the tourism pie and that everyone should come together and work out their differences.“We could sit and dissolve more problems as opposed to rowing about them, fighting about them, because every time we go in the newspaper, every time we go on the radio, every time we decide that we are going to have this nasty fight, we are sending messages, we are influencing children. We are telling children that is the way you ought to behave, as opposed to going and working things out.

Mr. Wilchcombe said the government is not going to stop until it gets Grand Bahamians back to work, because the island has suffered much, and every single day they are working to cause the economy of Grand Bahama to grow.

“And so I have come tonight with a simple request that we begin to work together for this time of change. This recovery depends on all of us and if you are serious about the work and you are serious about the classes you have just attended, the dedication and the moment you have spent learning about your country, then your performance will determine how successful we are. Don’t talk it, walk it,” he said.

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 inovertime. The victory came 24 hours after the Wildcats used a 3-pointer with 10 secondsleft 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.”

The Hawkeyes took the lead midway through the first half and stretched their advantage to 50-35 with 17 minutes left in the game. Iowa still led 55-43 when Villanova guard James Bell let loose with a trio of 3-pointers in a 72-second span, slicing the deficit down to 55-52.

“That was really the key,” Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said. “Once he got going, it changed everything in the game in terms of momentum. We got a little tentative offensively after that.” Wright said the performance was typical of Bell, who averaged 15.7 points in his three Battle 4 Atlantis games and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

“We’ve had him for four years, and he’s hit so many big shots like that,” Wright said. “You can tell a player’s self-esteem by his willingness to take big-time shots when things aren’t going well. Tonight he was missing shots and we were struggling, we couldn’t score. And he just takes it on his shoulders and hits big shot after big shots and gets us back into the game.”  The game shifted into high gear near the end of regulation, as the lead changed hands four times in the final three minutes, including three times in the final 1:15. A 3-pointer by Villanova guard Ryan Arcidiacono gave the Wildcats a 72-71 lead with 48 seconds to play, but Roy Devyn Marble tied it at 72 on a free throw with 27 seconds left, sending the game to overtime.

“It was just players making plays. That’s what this game came down to,” said Marble, who scored a game-high 24 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists. “The coaches can only do so much. The players just have to make plays, and (Villanova) made more than we did.”

That was definitely the case in overtime, as the Wildcats scored on eight of their nine possessions and pulled away for the victory. But even with the loss, McCaffery said the tournament was a valuable experience for his team.

“This has been a grueling three days, when you look at the caliber of teams that are here and the preparation that goes into playing those teams,” McCaffrey said. “This game was two really good teams going after each other. That’s why you come here. We’re thrilled for the opportunity to be here in this environment.”

Joining Bell on the All-Tournament team were JayVaughn Pinkston of Villanova, Zach McCabe and Roy Devyn Marble of Iowa, and Perry Ellis of Kansas.

New PLP experiences mass disaffection which could spell major trouble in 2017…Chairman Bradley Roberts could resign as National Chairman soon….

Why is the Christie Government turning on its own?

Nassau, Bahamas — Some prominent PLPs seeing the mass disaffection with its supporters are shell shocked following our revelations. Some believe our polls are skewed and are hoping the numbers are untrue when in fact clear evidence is proving that the popularity of the Governing Party is worse than presented.

Bahamas Press is reporting the disconnect by the New Christie Administration is growing and it is so bad that a third chairman of a Corporation could tender his resignation to the Board any day now.

BP reminds our readers that the reality is worse than suggested. In fact, it is so bad one PLP was overheard telling another that the Christie Administration, if it continues on this same path, could lose all of its valiant election fighters and strong men before a general election is called.

“Do you remember the revelations at NIB and the fight by some to keep Algernon Cargill on as the Managing Director of NIB? We in the PLP traded our own in the person of Greg Moss – the competent legal mind who discovered that NIB was being raided by its executive management team – and what did the Cabinet of the Bahamas do? They handed over Moss and opted to keep Cargill months after they knew NIB was in trouble under the leadership of Algernon Cargill. The Christie government then spent almost $1 million to find out what the Moss Board recorded to be happening. And then, after a long time and months of polarization – like the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda –  they slowly decided to do what the country had already known should have been done with Cargill. And, to make it worse, the findings of the million-dollar audit is still to this day awaiting a decision for a criminal proceeding to commence,” a politico within the Party told BP.

A second incident which describes even more clearly the way the new Christie Government has treated its own, could best be seen with its Chairman and strongest ground man, Bradley Roberts, who is departing the board of Water and Sewerage Corporation. Word has it that decisions by the Christie Cabinet have gone against the Roberts Board. From what we have heard, after the PLP Cabinet slapped down Chairman Roberts in a bid to upgrade Water and Sewerage, the powerful Chairman who returned the PLP back to power has abruptly tendered his resignation at the Corporation effective Dec. 31st. And from the looks of things Roberts could resign as National Chairman of the PLP soon.

The third incident, which could nail the new Christie Administration and began an all out war in the party, is with the recent decision by the Cabinet against Chairman of BEC Leslie Miller. No one inside the Christie Cabinet is said to be supporting Miller’s decision to protect Bahamians’ interest at the Corporation and, what is worse, recently the Viceroy of the PLP and Minister Philip Brave Davis has acted against Miller and has sided with the damn employees.

It’s Unbelievable!

“This is the danger we are treading here; The Christie Cabinet don’t even support their own chairmen so what you think about Bahamians?  Mind you, this is the same party that went around the country and proclaimed to ‘Believe in the Bahamas and Bahamians’, but from their recent actions it is clear – THEY DON’T EVEN BELIEVE IN PLPS!” another politico told BP. “They are a big disappointment to supporters.”

Recent polls conducted by both the government and BBB Analytics show that the Christie Administration has lost massive support and from where we sit – things this could get far worse before it gets better.

We report yinner decide!

Christie’s popularity is being overshadowed by new FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis polls suggests!

Polls confirm a turning of the tide in favour for Dr. Hubert Minnis and the FNM –

Nassau, Bahamas — As reported by BBB Analytics more than one year ago, the FNM leader’s popularity within the rank and file of the Free National Movement and nationally continues to aggressively climb, particularly among youth and disaffected PLPs.

Dr. Minnis’ new attraction at the centre of politics makes him now the strongest man in Bahamian opposition politics polls confirm.

Recent polling done by the Governing Progressive Liberal Party has shown a slippage in support for the country’s oldest political organization and this could spell serious problems for Christie’s return to the polls in a 2017 bid.

Readers would remember it was BBB Analytics which projected the big win of the PLP back in 2012. Against the polls of the FNM, the DNA, the Guardian and the Tribune, we predicted that, when Christie defeated Hubert Ingraham on May 7th, 2012, he would be left with a SUPER MAJORITY in the Parliament. We at BP projected then that when Christie clung to power following that election defeat of the FNM of Hubert Ingraham, the PLP will have 30 seats in the Parliament and an unbeatable five year hold on power.

So said- SO DONE!

But now that Dr. Minnis has made major inroads on the ground, and now that the PLP’s new generation crew has become liability for the Party – polls once in favor of Christie’s organization are not looking good and it appears, as we write, Dr. Hubert Minnis could topple the Christie government and land it [PLP] back into opposition just three years from now.

Last year Bahamas Press reported that Dr. Hubert Minnis was indeed the most popular FNM in the country. In that report released in early January 2012, our pollsters conducted a poll two weeks prior to the Christmas Holidays of 2011, which showed that Dr. Minnis was indeed likely to succeed as leader if an early general election was called.

BP partnered with a new firm, BBB Analytics, at the time of our report and then our numbers proved true.

Dr. Minnis in 2011 was described as “THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE FNM” following his stellar performance in the FNM Government. He was reported to have a personal rating of 70% and, based on his performance as a Minister, a rating of 62%. This was compared to ratings from 2% – 17% for some of the other Ministers in the FNM Government.

Today, in a poll taken in March of 2013, BBB Analytics reported Minnis to have a 75% personal rating nationally and is solidly the most likely successor to carry the FNM to a victory.

Massive support within the party from the women’s vote is transferring now to Dr. Minnis who is  articulating a way forward for all in the New Bahamas. Youth and young voters polled also suggest – time could be shorter than rope for the PLP!

Polling data captured out of a test of likely voters suggest they would support Dr. Minnis and his FNM Party if a general election was to be held today. The poll done by PLP pollsters recently confirmed the same.

In polls carried out by BBB Analytics over a two-week period between September 15 and November 1st with a sample size of 701 respondents, the situation is not looking good for the governing party.

A sample of this proportion only represented a maximum margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 per cent.

The poll showed that the Free National Movement Leader Dr. Minnis’ (FNM) core support is now at its highest at base 49.5 per cent, followed by the Progressive Liberal Party Leader Christie (PLP) at 45.7 per cent, and the Democratic National Alliance Leader (DNA) at 2.8 per cent. A total of 2 per cent of the sample were undecided voters.

Dr. Minnis’ convincing surge ahead suggests the quickest ever turnaround in popular support for any opposition leader ever. Some suggest this was created mainly following the Jan. 28th Gaming Poll, which concluded in a resounding victory for the referendum “NO” Vote. That poll left the Christie Government in a state of surprised shock!

Secondly, there is the discombobulated state of affairs inside the governing party, where MPs of the government have nakedly neglected constituencies and abandoned branches. Many disaffected PLPs note the Christie Government fired not one FNM save Algernon Cargill – which cost taxpayers almost $1 million to achieve.

It’s Unbelievable!

Many polls also commented that the failure of the Christie Government to empower or imbue its generals has caused mass disaffection within the rank and file of the PLP.

Thirdly, the government’s uncanny willingness to pacify special interests, like Atlantis over local gaming houses has further eroded support. The Government is now ready to move a bill in Parliament to make online gaming legal for Atlantis, but did not have the courage to do the same for local webshops. This decision has angered many voters and has damaged the PLP’s base support.

The Government’s failure to save one home in foreclosure since 2012, among other things, has left angry supporters in deep dismay and disillusionment!

We have provided commentary here for the Government to move ahead with the Borrowers Protection Bill, to alleviate some of the gouging taking place by the Banks. However, Special Interests are again carrying the day.

Moreover, the government’s move on VAT is already sending shockwaves throughout the economy with merchants already raising prices without any controls or restraints shown by the government to protect the public.

“What you are seeing, BP, are the major cracks already in the walls of the PLP. The picture is clearer by the day and our forces will not be battle ready to take on the new gladiator [Dr. Minnis] who is clearly on a warpath to return his party back to government. When you see the issued listed above you come to the conclusion that we have abandoned our Charter for Governance – the commitment given to the people, and to date, not even the 100 days commitments are being followed to the fullest,” one politico observer told BP.

The rising surge of Dr. Minnis is widely shown by his own compelling story, where many of the respondents in the poll say, “We can identify with him. He is one of us.”

What in the hell is dis?

We report Yinner Decide!

POLICE REQUEST PUBLIC’S HELP IN SOLVING LATEST MURDER (Nassau, Bahamas) Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a male suspect responsible the country’s latest murder that occurred on Monday 2nd December 2013.

According to reports, around 3:00pm, 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.

Bahamas Press have warned the Christie Government repeatedly of our concerns of major boarder breeches of weapons found in homes in Lyford Cay. How can anyone build an illegal boat basin in the back of their home without any government permit at the time with some alleging that guns are being imported therein should be of serious concern to every Bahamians. BUT WHO IS LISTENING!!!

Guns are being flooded in the country perhaps to destabilize this tiny island nation!

Police are actively investigating this matter and are urging anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant (the tip) may seem, to anonymously call Police at 919 or CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS (8477) (New Providence) or 1-242-300- 8476 (Family Islands.

Ex Police charged with gun possession –

Heads must roll and a criminal investigation opened – you cannot be practicing thievery in COB!!!

Leaders must get to the bottom of COB’s $12,000 inside robbery and account to the public!

Nassau, Bahamas — Bahamas Press is now calling on the powers that be, the Prime Minister, his Cabinet, the College Council, its President and the Commissioner of Police, to quickly arrest the serious and vexatious “CRIMINAL” developments now unfolding at the country’s leading tertiary institution: The College of the Bahamas.

Serious, and we stress, damnable revelations at COB has forced Bahamas Press to call for an immediate Forensic Audit of the College’s finances. We also call on the Parliament of the Bahamas and more specifically – the opposition -to immediately call for a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the serious and grave state of the handling of funds at  COB.

Earth shattering evidence shown to Bahamas Press confirms more than one month ago serious, we dare say criminal, breeches have occurred in the finance department of the school where thousands in public money have vanished, and, to this day, not one person has been arrested, not one report into the missing funds filed, the funds have yet to return and still, at this very hour, not one new protocol or any accounting changes have been instituted following the inside heist.

In wake of these findings by our explosive investigative team, BP is calling for the IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF THE VP FOR FINANCE AT COB, and a shakeup in the management of the business department at the College.

Here is the situation according to our investigations, which have led to our bombshell conclusions:

1)    Some $12,000 has vanished from a vault at the Business Office at COB more than one month ago.

2)    A staff member [Employee #1] that works in the Business Office that was given the combination for the safe was responsible for putting away the money collected from all cashiers on a daily basis. [These would be funds collected for fees, tuition payments and services paid into the College.]

3)    BP can confirm the assignment of the combination attached to the safe and the responsibility of placing funds therein to Employee #1 was given by the VP of Finance at COB.

4)    Unknown to Employee #1, combination access to the safe was also granted to a second employee [Employee #2], also by the VP of Finance. This individual, we can report, has since been terminated by COB with immediate effect following these developments for reasons allegedly undocumented on file.

5)    BP inside investigators also confirm that when EMPLOYEE #1 went to place money into the safe one afternoon, that employee also decided to make a final count of funds inside the safe and it was only then that it was discovered that there was money missing. UNBELIEVABLE!

6)    Employee #1 then filed a report to VP of Finance at COB who then questioned the reason to have the funds counted – but never forwarded any concerns to persons higher up the chain as to how collected funds placed into the safe were not secured therein and went missing.

WHAT IN THE HELL IS DIS?

These shocking revelations have forced BP to now put serious questions to the leaders of COB, who we know are trained in practicing established protocols in accounting.

Questions?

1)    Why were two individuals with different responsibilities sharing the same access codes/combination to the safe?

2)    Why both employees accessing the safe did not share a split combination? [One knowing perhaps 3 digits and the other 3 digits with them both being present to open it together and account for deposits therein]?

3)    Why didn’t the VP of Finance advise the Employee #1 of the fact that the combination was given to another employee [Employee #2], particularly knowing the liability that goes with such accounting practices?

4)    Why were not all persons having access to the safe removed from the department to allow new protocol standards and procedures to mitigate future breeches within the department?

5)    When will COB’s leadership open a third-party investigation to examine what really happened in the Business Office of COB?

Now we have laid clearly our case for serious swift changes at COB. Here is the kicker: Apparently when access to the surveillance cameras were asked to be brought into account – the story given was that the footage captured was not available for the time the funds went missing. Now isn’t that something. This, therefore, opens a Pandora’s Box and now questions that at another department [THE IT DEPARTMENT] there is a nauseating cesspool of crooks at COB! How did the cameras go off – suspiciously at the same time money went missing?

WHAT A CRIME!

Bahamas Press is calling for all parties involved in the running of COB to account to the People of the Bahamas! We join the concerns expressed by both the Student and Staff Unions for an immediate and frank accounting of what transpired in COB’s Business Office more than a month ago.

And we call on the Commissioner of Police to send his team of investigating officers and open a criminal investigation into the crime that has been committed within the walls of the Business Office at the nation’s premier tertiary institute.

My Goodness what a country – are we training the people children how to thief and not account at COB?

We report yinner decide!

_____________

CABLE BAHAMAS BAHAMALAND LOOKS LIKE A NASSAU PLAN – How many islands are in your “Bahamaland”? We support ALL islands in the ENTIRE Bahamas, not just a few like the other guys. Tell us what you think about this. WE still wonder why get a phone which goes off when the lights go out?

Three of the suspects were recently released on bail for other serious crimes….

COP Greenslade’s concerns on bail suspects is a real problem in the crime fight!!!

Cargill Creek, Andros — When the Commissioner of Police Mr. Greenslade spoke candidly to the nation this past week, he spoke truth. He spoke with clarity and focused hard on the problem of crime facing the nation. In case readers forget what he said: The COP noted that he is concerned that after a man is charged with a serious crime and is brought before the courts, within days he is walking around, back in the public committing more serious crimes.

And a clearer example of this mayhem and bedlam facing the nation could not be better shown that what Bahamas Press reveals today.

We can report police have cracked the case involving the missing 29-year-old Tishka Braynen and her Immigration boyfriend, 49-year-old Shane Gardiner. Both resided in Andros at the time of their disappearance.

We can report four suspects – three of whom are presently out on bail for serious incidents – were transported to the capital following an intensive investigation in Andros by police and key highly trained detectives out of the crime unit.

Bahamas Press can exclusively tell you that the men now in custody are known to police and have just recently returned to the island of Andros as they are all awaiting trials in other criminal matters. We shall keep them nameless at this time.

We can tell you the crime of the missing couple began when the four men allegedly being concerned together, accosted both Gardiner and Braynen when they arrived home between late Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd of November.

Detectives also now know that after being abducted by the men, they were then taken to an ATM machine and forced to withdraw cash.

Having no knowledge of technology, the ‘dumb bandits’ were all caught on surveillance cameras and recorded in their dastard ‘vicked’ plot to kill and harm innocent hardworking civilians. But this is just the beginning.

You see, the Immigration officer, now victim [Mr. Gardiner], had just been granted a loan at the local bank in Andros and had been preparing to take the love of his life Braynen on a Thanksgiving shopping spree. But someone whispered and the word got around quickly to the criminals that Gardiner “HAD MONEY TO BURN” – and that perhaps if they took him to the ATM – they could get some for themselves. But guess what?

After learning that the ATM only could dispense up to one thousand dollars in a given a day – someone in the group got greedy and frustrated. We are told the men, allegedly all in agreement together, then conspired to murder the couple and discard the bodies. LORD HAVE MERCY!

Up to press time BP cannot confirm if the bodies had been found, but a plethora of evidence – connecting all suspects to the crime – has already been gathered.

We can report – thanks to eyes and ears of GOD – a good soul on the earth began to whisper and, before you knew it, police had cracked the case.

We at BP want to thank our Andros team who unearthed the finer details of this case and greatly assisted in its present conclusion. You all are the best any newsroom could have. You all are very kind, and we thank you all for your service to this great country.

And to those in the WUTLESS MEDIA who are now reading this report on Bahamas Press, perhaps drunk with envy and sorrow – KNOW THIS – YINNER LATE AGAIN!!!!

We report yinner decide!

Nassau, Bahamas – As a result of a press conference that was held on  22 November, 2013, by Ms. Varelle Davis, an executive member of the present Government Secondary Schools’ Sporting Association, naming what she refers to as a new slate of officers, I would like to address the Nation.

The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, the Director of Education, Mr. Lionel Sands, and the New Providence Association of Public High School Principals, recognize the following persons as the duly elected executives of the GSSSA, for the 2013-2015 period. They are:

Kevin Johnson President

Penial Bain First Vice President

Albert Simmons Second Vice President

Varell Davis Secretary

Tia Rolle Asst. Secretary

Tamar Bodie Treasurer

Mark Hanna Asst. Treasurer

As President of the Principals’ Association, I would like to establish the fact that the coaching of sporting activities has absolutely nothing to do with “the Work to Rule Situation” being carried out by some members of the Bahamas Union of Teachers.

Coaching is separate and apart from teaching duties and responsibilities. Coaches are selected by the Principals, and paid to coach after school sporting activities. Once selected, if a teacher or coach wishes to withdraw his or her services, he or she will not be paid. The fact is, either, you can coach and be paid, or, you are free to withdraw your services and not be paid.

The Principals’ Association has been authorized by Minister Fitzgerald to engage the services of other persons interested in coaching. If they are not teachers, once investigated, vetted, and approved by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, these persons will be engaged to coach, in place of the existing coaches who refuse to coach.

The Principals, representing the sixteen (16) Government Secondary Schools across New Providence, are standing firm with the Minister of Education and the GSSSA.

I would like to emphasize the fact that there is no separate coaching association. According to ARTICLE II of the NPAHPSP’s Constitution, “…the New Providence Association of Public High School Principal’s is the Parent Body of the Government Secondary Schools’ Sporting Association(GSSSA)”. Additionally, according to Article III, Objective (J), the NPAPHSP shall, “…monitor and sanction the personnel, financial and all activities of the GSSSA.” Therefore, the Principals’ Association governs all inter-high school activities, among New Providence Public High Schools.

Again, with reference to the press conference that was held on Friday, 22 November, 2013 by a Ministry of Education employee, it should not have occurred. Minister Fitzgerald spoke on Thursday 21 November, 2013. No employee is authorized to speak after the Minister has given his mandate. Minister Fitzgerald has indicated that “the Nations Little Darlings will not be used as pawns, and will not be sacrificed.”

I would like to note that if teachers or coaches have a grievance with the present GSSSA Executive, they must follow the proper protocols, and that starts with lodging an official complaint, to the NPAPHSP. To date, as President, I have received no complaint.

I am pleased to report that the Basketball Season tipped off on Thursday 21 November, 2013, and all of the schools that were scheduled to play, played. The other schools are fired up and ready to go.

I end by saying that, as educators, we must ensure that nothing within our control, interrupts the instructional programme, both curricular and extra-curricular. Let us remember and remain guided by the fact that our mandate is, to ensure that our students are given the best opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.

Mrs. T. Nicola McKay

President.

Nassau, Bahamas – The newest recruits to the BTC Divas and Dudes promotional team were officially inducted last night at a Welcome Reception at Nassau’s Luciano’s restaurant. The mix’n mingle event included a motivational talk by international Super Model and ‘Real Housewife of Atlanta’ star, Cynthia Bailey. The General Manager of the Sheraton Resort, Edward Baten was also on hand with words of encouragement and career tips for BTC’s newest team members.

The Divas & Dudes programme was developed three years ago to provide support at BTC’s many sales and marketing events. To be selected as a Diva or Dude, applicants must first undergo an intensive screening and interview process followed by a mini etiquette course. Carole Barnett, manager of BTC’s events and promotions who spearheads the initiatives, said she looks for young men and women with appropriate social graces and behaviour skills to represent the company.

“Our new ‘Diva’s and Dude’s are attractive, personable and well-mannered and already professionally employed. They help us at our weekend and evening events, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication.”

Seen in the photo (center) Cynthia Bailey (born February 19, 1968) is an American fashion model and actress, she won several beauty pageants and was the first African American homecoming queen of her high school. She moved to New York City when she was 18 years old to pursue a modeling career.

Bailey resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her teenaged daughter, Noelle, from a previous relationship with actor Leon Robinson, and her husband, Peter Thomas. During Season 3, Bailey’s relationship with then boyfriend, Peter Thomas, a restaurateur and entrepreneur, unfolds.[68] On the Season 3 finale, Cynthia married Peter at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta.

Season 4 highlights Bailey’s preparation for and opening of The Bailey Agency, which trains people interested in working in various aspects of the modeling and pageant industries. The couple’s parallel efforts to recover from Peter’s previous failed venture, which Bailey had invested in, and Peter’s opening of a new club are depicted. (Wikipedia)