Category Archives: Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Court of Appeal has reaffirmed the murder and attempted murder convictions of Pedro Davis, who was convicted of the October 2016 killing of Renaldo Clarke.

Justices Sir Michael Barnett, Maureen Crane-Scott and Roy Jones presided over the matter.

Davis shot Clarke in the head and fired at Ronald Super Dean-Auradin on October 21, 2016.

During the trial in the Supreme Court, Dean-Auradin said he knew Davis and saw the man shoot Clarke before firing at him.

A second witness, Michael Newland, who was in a vehicle with Davis, testified to witnessing the same event that he saw Davis shoot Clarke in the back of the head.

Davis appealed his conviction on the ground that the judge erred in law and failed to withdraw the case from the jury and acquit him due to the poor quality and tenuous nature of the evidence of identification, and that the verdict was unsafe.

But the appellate court said the grounds of poor-quality evidence could not succeed.

In his ruling, Sir Michael said the evidence of the two eyewitnesses was critical.

There was evidence from two eyewitnesses that it was the appellant who shot the deceased and shot at Super, the ruling said.

The challenges to their credibility were matters for the jury.

The inconsistencies in their evidence, as suggested by the appellant, were matters for the jury properly instructed.

It was a matter for the jury to decide whether or not they believed the two eyewitnesses or parts of one or the others evidence, or even if they believed the two eyewitnesses.

The fact is that there was evidence for a jury to consider and which, if properly directed, could reach a guilty verdict.

The ruling said the evidence was a case of recognition, not identification.

On the grounds of the judge not directing the jury to the actual evidence laid at the trial as to lighting conditions and distances, Sir Michael said this was unfortunate.

But he said the direction given to the jury was sufficient to draw their attention as to the need to be careful in assessing the evidence of Newland and Dean-Auradin identifying the appellant as the shooter.

The evidence given by the witness, once believed, entitled the jury to convict, read the ruling.

The directors or lack thereof given by the judge was not a material error.

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COA dismisses appeal of Davis' murder conviction Eye Witness News - EyeWitness News

Benjamin: Workers should have been given option to test weekly insteadBCPOU alleges foreign workers brought in to replace contract workers

NASSAU, BAHAMAS A handful of Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) contractual workers who did not wish to become vaccinated against the coronavirus did not receive new contracts due to the companys vaccination policy that took effect January 1, 2022.

When contacted, BTC CEO Andr Foster said that in an effort to safeguard its customers and colleagues, the company added a vaccination policy as one of its requirements for non-full-time employees and more than 90 percent of contracted workers complied, allowing them to receive new contracts.

While the CEO did not say how many contracted workers were impacted, Eyewitness News understands more than a dozen contractors wished to remain unvaccinated, with some obtaining letters from their pastors to abstain for religious reasons.

We are proud to share that BTC has engaged seven local firms and several independent Bahamian contractors who have been working with the company to support its objective to deliver a superior broadband experience throughout The Bahamas, Foster said.

Combined with BTCs existing internal construction expertise, the local construction contractors represent a total workforce of over 60 Bahamians building The Bahamas network of the future.

The supplemental international contractors bring the total amount of teams on the ground to over 70 people and represents the largest active telecommunications construction currently in the country.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) President Sherry Benjamin said the contractual workers were let go on February 1.

While the BCPOU does not represent those workers, Benjamin said she met with Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis last week Friday in hopes that he would intervene.

[Davis] is saying he is a supporter of vaccination and he wants me to encourage my people to get vaccinated. I am not going to encourage anybody to get vaccinated because I think it is their personal choice.

BCPOU President Sherry Benjamin

She said those workers should have been allowed to take COVID tests weekly in lieu of vaccination.

That still did not happen, she said.

He (the prime minister) is saying he is a supporter of vaccination and he wants me to encourage my people to get vaccinated.

I am not going to encourage anybody to get vaccinated because I think it is their personal choice.

Benjamin also expressed concern about the company bringing on foreign laborers to replace those contract workers.

These persons have made a choice that they will not get vaccinated, and if the law says you should not discriminate against anybody based on their creed, which is their belief, I dont see why these people are being allowed to get away with it, she said.

According to the BCPOU president, letting go of the contract workers, who had been full-time before a previous policy change, will result in a shortage in BTCs skill bank of technical workers.

But Foster said the company is providing training and upskilling for BTCs independent copper contractors as the company moves towards a fully-fiberized network.

Foster added that skilled fiber technicians interested in joining BTC as independent contractors can reach out to the company on any of its social media platforms or by calling the company.

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VAX POLICY IN FULL FORCE: Several contract workers at BTC let go over vaccination status - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Former Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) Managing Director Kay Forbes-Smith yesterday denied all allegations of misconduct regarding the possession and sale of a generator to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).

Smiths comments came after documents purportedly related to the questionable transaction were circulated on social media last week.

Forbes said the accusations are a conscious and coordinated witch-hunt designed to intimidate her into abandoning her lawsuit against the government for a supposed breach of her contract.

I have wrongfully been branded a criminal and my familys private information, including banking details, has been illegally acquired and made public.

Kay Forbes-Smith, former DRA managing director

In a statement on the matter, Forbes-Smith vehemently and categorically denied any allegation that she stole a generator from the government, or acquired a generator intended for the governments disaster relief efforts by any other means.

This false, unfounded, cowardly attack has caused direct harm to myself and my family, she said.

I have wrongfully been branded a criminal and my familys private information, including banking details, has been illegally acquired and made public.

No one should be subjected to this kind of abuse for seeking to have a matter decided by the judiciary, which is the protector of everyones rights under the law.

Forbes-Smith, who currently has a legal case against the government, said she will not be intimidated.

The matter in question will be decided in court based on the merits; it will not be derailed by fake news campaigns or cheap political stunts, she insisted.

In the meantime, I reserve all of my legal rights with regard to those who continue to damage my reputation by spreading false and destructive claims.

Apparent screenshots of an email string from GBPA officials in November 2019, requesting an invoice be created for Forbes-Smith in the amount of $16,000 for a 15-kilowatt generator, accompanied by an invoice, bank slip in the same amount directed to Bank of The Bahamas, as well as several photos of the generator made the rounds.

The circulated documents did not appear to link the generator to the DRA or suggestthe generator was not the personal property of the then Senate president.

She is suing the government for contractual damages to the tune of over $408,000 for an alleged breach of her DRA contract.

According to her writ filed in the Supreme Court, she was employed on a four-year contract with effect from December 3, 2019.

The writ alleged that the DRA, in breach of the contract, terminated Forbes-Smith effective immediately on September 29, 2021, via a letter from the Office of the Prime Minister nearly two weeks after thegeneral electionthat saw the Minnis administration voted out.

This comes as the DRA continues to probe contracts awarded for the cleanup of Abaco and Grand Bahama following Hurricane Dorian.

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WITCH-HUNT: Former DRA director defiant amid misconduct allegations; says she will not be intimidated - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Senate President LaShell Adderley has sounded a clarion call for the issue of domestic violence and gender-based violence to be immediately addressed.

We need to cultivate a culture of zero-tolerance legislation and policies to combat these issues and create a safer Bahamas irrespective of race, class, creed, sex or socioeconomic status, said the president in a communication on Monday, February 7, 2022.

The president underscored that she looks forward to presiding over the Domestic Violence Bill that Lisa Rahming, minister of state for social services, has indicated is in draft form.

[It] will bring hope to victims of these horrendous crimes, Adderley said.

Moreover, the president highlighted the need for greater emphasis to be placed on increasing the number of safe houses throughout The Bahamas to protect the vulnerable and at-risk.

The government, NGOs and corporate Bahamas can form a dynamic partnership to raise funding so that victims of abuse can have a temporary safe haven, she said.

There needs to be increased numbers of safe houses in the capital and throughout the Family Islands. In doing so, victims who are not comfortable in Nassau can be discreetly transported to another Family Island and vice versa.

These safe houses also need adequate funding, security and all other resources required to provide victims with basic needs.

Furthermore, Adderley expressed the need for greater and quicker access to accessible, affordable and competent mental/emotional health services, programmes and counseling for victims and perpetrators.

She also appealed for a crime-fighting strategy to include a robust operation to remove illegal guns from the streets.

Amendment to the current legislation to provide for stiffer penalties and longer imprisonment terms for gun possession and gun-related crimes should be considered, said the Senate president.

The gunman needs to fear the law with the knowledge that there is a huge price to pay for illegal behavior and actions. We need zero tolerance now.

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Senate president calls for zero-tolerance legislation and policies to combat domestic and gender-based violence - EyeWitness News

ByNEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Government was yesterday said to be working with Club Med in a bid to ensure its San Salvador resort re-opens earlier than late 2022 and sparks a 180-degree turn in the islands economy.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Philip Davis, in whose constituency the resort is located, confirmed that both the Government and Club Med are working together in efforts to get the property operational before the latters October 2022 forecast.

Its definitely on the table to get them to re-open earlier than October, they said.

There are things that both sides must do but they are working towards it.

The spokesman added that a government team visited the Columbus Isle property to assess its condition, the situation as it exists on the ground today, and what part the Davis administration can play in facilitating re-opening.

Darrin Woods, the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Unions (BHCAWU) president, told Tribune Business that a recent conference call between the union and Club Meds human resources officials had given him hope that a re-opening before October 2022 was possible.

Theyre maybe looking to open a little bit earlier, he said. I spoke to the human resources people from Club Med, and they indicated that some people were going to see the state of the place to make the necessary provisions for re-opening. I think they may have already gone to Columbus Isle to have a look at whats going on.

Theres no definitive date yet. It may be a little bit earlier than the original October-December 2022. I hope well hear more from them [Club Med] in March once their meetings in Florida take place. If anything is to happen in the secondor thirdquarter, the first quarter of the year is when all the wheels need to start in motion. Were just waiting on a time now.

Club Med terminated 190 staff, including 172 union members, in early January 2021 as it confirmed its decision to shutter the Columbus Isle property due to COVID-19s devastating impact on global travel and tourism. No re-opening date was given at that time, and Club Meds website still has October 2022 as the time when operations will resume.

The closure had a traumatic impact on San Salvadors economy and wider community, as it provided the islands major source of employment as well as spin-off entrepreneurial activities and jobs associated with those.

Asked what a re-opening would mean for San Salvador, Mr Woods told this newspaper: It would be a 180-degree turn right away. That provides employment for at least 170 persons in the first instance, line employees excluding the management team. That will be full-time jobs.

Then there will be people able to pick up ancillary jobs, conduct tours and do the hair braiding and the massages. Youll have a lot of spin-off jobs, and residents will pick up their lives. Persons will be able to get second jobs up there. That will turn the economy around 180 degrees.

Mr Woods said he expected the majority of union members, who have not retired or found a job elsewhere, to return to Club Meds Columbus Isle property once they are recalled. He added that when Club Meds human resources team asked him what assistance they could obtain from the Government for the re-opening, he pointed out that it was the Prime Ministers constituency.

That is going to be high on the list of priorities for the Prime Minister because it is his constituency, the union president said. I told them they will not have to worry.

Club Med,whose ultimate parent is Chinese conglomerate, Fosun International, cited several factors behind its decision to close the Columbus Isle resort during the COVID pandemics 2020 peak. First, it said the propertys remoteness and lack of healthcare infrastructure could endanger guests and staff if an outbreak occurred.

The San Salvador property also catered to a significant number of European guests, and outbound travel from that continent was heavily curtailed by lockdowns and border closures in 2020-2021, meaning that its customer base had largely dried up.

Dionisio DAguilar, former minister of tourism and aviation, in 2020admitted that the Government had a difficult mountain to climb to persuade Club Med to re-open before 2022due to San Salvadors limited airlift and healthcare capacity.

Its devastating for the economy of San Salvador for it to be that long, Mr DAguilar said of the potential two-year closure.Thats a very special situation given the fact the whole propertys focus is on the European market. Its a bit different. Most of our Family Island properties are very American-centric, and its so much easier and closer to come up with a Plan B.

If youre an American in the Out Islands its much easier to get home if you fall sick even though it has to be by private plane. Most people if theyre ill want to go back home, but if youre coming from France and Italy, which is the greatest source of visitors to Club Med, its a long way away. You cant put them on a commercial plane, and you cant put them in our healthcare system as challenged as it is.

He confirmed that the main fears behind Club Meds decision were the inability of San Salvadors healthcare facilities to cope with a major COVID-19 outbreak, which was compounded with the lack of international airlift given that the resort operated just one flight per week in and out of the island from France.

That was not considered sufficient, he added. Theyre working their way through all the resorts in terms of what are the safest locations to open, given that there are not sufficient healthcare facilities on the island, given that there was no robust trans-Atlantic or international airlift, it reached that point where it ranked low in all their resorts in terms of opening.

There wasnt much the Government of The Bahamas could have done in terms of removing those significant obstacles. They [Club Med] would wish for a scenario where COVID-19 is mitigated substantially, receded substantially or a vaccine is in place, would be my guess, before they go to a small remote location.

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Gov't targets early Club Med re-open - Bahamas Tribune

This mansion in the Bahamas is about to hit the market. BRETT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY CORCORAN CA CHRISTIE BAHAMAS

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A lavish Venetian-style mansion nestled alongside the glistening waters of the Bahamas is headed to the market for $15.8 millionand offers are being accepted in cash and cryptocurrency alike.

The home, part of a prestigious gated community and with views of Nassau Harbor, will be listed later on Monday with Gavin Christie of Corcoran CA Christie Bahamas.

More:Could Luxury Homes One Day Fill Americas Languishing Office Buildings?

Its a magnificent property, Mr. Christie told Mansion Global. It has this very grand feel, even before you hit the front door. Youre met by this very long driveway, it almost feels like youre going to a palace.

Then you have these very large, double mahogany doors, and when you open the double doors, its just a jaw dropping, breathtaking view. Youre looking straight out into the harbor, he added.

Along with those 15-feet-high statement double doors, the four-bedroom home boasts cathedral ceilings, huge Palladian-style windows, custom chandeliers, an oversized pool and spa, and two private guest cottages.

Mansion Global couldnt identify the seller of the home.

The ocean vistas from the home are one of the propertys foremost selling points. As is its enviable position alongside the ocean and private marina, according to Mr. Christie.

Were a boating destination, he said. We have boaters and yachters come from all over the world to spend time in our water. To have a home that sits on it, its next to none.

With those amenities on offer, Mr. Christie is anticipating demand from potential buyers within the yachting world.

As it stands, [the marina] can accommodate up to about a 120-foot yacht, thats kind of the average size of boats that are coming to the Bahamas. Were anticipating a lot of interest out of that community, he said.

And with the option to transact using cryptocurrency, Mr. Christie suspects further interest may stem from individuals within the crypto space, he said.

The residence is within the islands exclusive Ocean Club Estates, which is home to an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts and a private beach club. There are roughly 122 single-family homes and 88 condos in the enclave, according to Mr. Christie.

They are all very, very high end and price points in the neighborhood would normally start at $6 million or $7 million, and go up to about $40 million, give or take, he said. With Covid, its the first time in 40-plus years that our market has been this strong. Were seeing numbers weve not seen in the history of the Bahamas.

This article first appeared on Mansion Global.

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A Lavish $15.8 Million Oceanfront Mansion in the Bahamas is Headed to the Market - Barron's

The St. Lucia Tourism Authority appointed Lorine Charles-St. Jules to the post of CEO.

Charles-St. Jules replaces Beverly Nicholson-Doty, who recently vacated the post. Nicholson-Doty served as the commissioner of tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands prior to her St. Lucia position.

The CEO appointment for Charles-St. Jules brings her back to her roots in St. Lucia, where she held executive positions with the tourist board for nine years and the ministry of tourism for two years.

She most recently was the U.S. account manager for the Anguilla Tourist Board.

In the Bahamas, meanwhile, the ministry of tourism, investments and aviation named Latia Duncombe as acting director general, replacing former director Joy Jibilru in that post.

Duncombe formerly served as deputy director general for the Bahamas. Prior to that, she held executive positions in the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos.

Kenneth Romer was named deputy director general. He served as executive director in the ministry of tourism since 2019, overseeing airlift, cruise, yachting, visitor safety, guest services and special projects.

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New tourism appointments in St. Lucia and Bahamas - Travel Weekly

NASSAU, BAHAMAS As part of Disneys commitment to building the workforce of tomorrow and inspiring and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, Disney Cruise Line is providing funding to support Junior Achievement Bahamas on Eleuthera.

This years programme is expected to provide financial literacy, entrepreneurship, college preparedness and work readiness curriculums to nearly 1,000 students on Eleuthera ranging in age from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Kim Prunty, vice president of public affairs for Disney Cruise Line, said: Educational programmes like Junior Achievement help create important opportunities for todays youth, giving them a fundamental understanding of the business world while enabling them to hone their skills and ultimately achieve their dreams.

Were happy to partner with Junior Achievement and support their mission to prepare and inspire the future leaders of The Bahamas.

Disney Cruise Line is the corporate sponsor for all Junior Achievement programmes on the island of Eleuthera this year.

Tammy Lecky, executive director of Junior Achievement Bahamas, said: Disneys generous donation has allowed us to maintain the level of programme offerings for students on Eleuthera.

Disneys partnership with Junior Achievement Bahamas is a testament to the value of our programmes for students, many of whom use the skills and opportunities we provide to further their education, advance in their careers and open their own businesses.

Clara Young, Junior Achievement programme coordinator for Eleuthera, added: Disneys sponsorship means our team can focus on what we do best providing youngsters from kindergarten to 12th grade a solid background in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship.

Our achievers are thankful, their parents are thankful and we as an organization are most grateful.

Adapted for each age group, the Junior Achievement curriculum is designed to help students understand the economic world and business fundamentals, while also exploring career interests and opportunities and developing work-readiness skills.

The non-profit youth development organization recently celebrated 42 years in The Bahamas and currently services students on the islands of Andros, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and New Providence.

Each year, Junior Achievement Bahamas rewards scholarships to its achievers through private and corporate donations.

Virtual programming for students K5 through 12th grade is now open to students throughout The Bahamas.

To learn more about Junior Achievement, student enrollment and ways to support the organization, please contact info@jabahamas.org.

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Disney Cruise Line partners with Junior Achievement Bahamas to build work readiness skills on Eleuthera - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Information Commissioner Keith Thompson yesterday announced 10 government ministries and agencies that will be first to facilitate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as part of its phased implementation.

However, he made clear that the road to the public requesting and accessing records remains a mammoth task.

The 10 agencies to be among the first include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of the Public Service, Ministry of Public Works, the Department of Public Prosecutions, the Bahamas Investment Authority, the Treasury Department, Bahamas Power and Light and the Department of Immigration.

Information, as we all know basically right now, with the exception of some digitization that is going on now, is still very paper-based.

Deputy Information Commissioner Shane Miller

Deputy Information Commissioner Shane Miller said:We have decided to start with these 10 agencies and as the process for training all of these agenciesthere is a lot of reform that has to take place in the civil service as a whole.

Information, as we all know basically right now, with the exception of some digitization that is going on now, is still very paper-based.

So, we are going through an assessment process.

We have sent out forms for each of these agencies to fill out as to where they are with their records management so we can assist the entire public service as to advising and finding out where we are so we can get the records up-to-date to be able to bring FOIA to a point where [it] can be properly implemented.

Miller acknowledged that other jurisdictions have taken five years after the act has passed, in some instances, to implement freedom of information.

Miller said he would like to think The Bahamas clock on FOIA began ticking when the commissioners were appointed in May 2021.

He said an aggressive campaign has been launched with the Attorney Generals Office and other government agencies to bring it to fruition as soon as possible, with government readiness being a major factor.

Meanwhile, Thompson underscored that access to information is not intended to cause scandal for political leaders and does not represent the public against the government or the government against the public.

As to how the government will ensure access, Thompson said the government is working hand in hand with the Office of the Commissioner.

He said to this end, information managers, who will be trained, will be designated to each government ministry and agency.

Requests for information, upon acknowledgment of the request from the information manager, should be complied with and granted or denied within 30 days, though the act builds in processes and conditions for an extension of time.

There will be a fee for the provision of records, which will be posted in the FOIA regulations.

There is also a process of appeal, in cases of denial, to the information commissioner and ultimately the Supreme Court.

A tracking system is also being designed to allow individuals to request information from a central website, according to the deputy commissioner.

Originally posted here:

FOIA ADVANCING: 10 agencies and ministries first up in phased freedom of information implementation - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS A Bahamian world-class educator, Dr Patrice J Pinder, is bringing back excellence in education through the launch of the 242 Bringing Back Excellence in Education Campaign to be held the week of March 1418, 2022.

The event will be primarily virtual and will have a dual focus: Excellence in Education and I Love Learning Bahamas initiatives/drives.

It will be free to the public and Pinder is urging all pre K12 schools to partner with her to make the event a successful one. Thus, all preschools, primary and secondary schools, both public and private, throughout the archipelago of The Bahamas are encouraged to take part in what is being called a very positive educational event for this new year 2022.

To be a part of this event, participating schools are asked to post approved written stories or videos to the media platform(s) of their choice, highlighting the success stories of either the entire school; a teacher or teachers; a student or students, which will document or show to the general Bahamian public what some schools are doing well or excelling in.

Pinder stated: I am of the opinion that the solutions to our problems can be found among us. It is right here among us.

Thus, the overarching goal or objective of this important event is for us to learn from each others successes.

We will learn what is working and what can work best in our Bahamian education system while at the same time we will celebrate and cheer on the success stories [and] the excellent works of those others of our peers.

Additionally, as part of the week of activities, Pinder will be available to answer questions from the public.

She will be available on Thursday, March 17, to answer questions and to provide some solutions to the issues and concerns expressed by the public.

Those wishing to chat with her can feel free to do so by telephone at 242-468-9009 or by email at dr.patricepinder@gmail.com.

I am inviting all stakeholders public and private schools teachers, administrators, parents, students, ministers of education, other governmental officials and the general public to be a part of this event, Pinder said.

The bottom line is we must put aside our differences personal, religious and political differences and truly work together or partner together to move our country, our students, our babies forward in education.

Let us bring back excellence in education in the 242 in 2022.

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Educator bringing back excellence in education Eye Witness News - EyeWitness News