Leonora Smith

Lenora Smith

 

A Private Funeral Service for the late Leonora Smith, aged 91 years, of Farrington Road will be held on Tuesday May 5^th, 2020, at the graveside at Old Trail Cemetery, Old Trail Road. Officiating will be Pastor Ricardo Turner assisted by Rev’d Dencil Kerr.

In compliance with current Government regulations, attendance is limited to ten (10) family members.

She was predeceased by her husband.

 

Left to cherish her fond memories are her 3 daughters:  Ruth Smith, Minister Paulette Kerr, Lillian Fox; 3 sons: Charles, Stephen and Edward Smith; 3 daughters in law: Deborah Smith, Willamae Smith and Irene Smith; 2 sons in law: Rev Dencil Kerr and Edward Fox; Grand children: Kireze Simmons(Albert “Chevy” Simmons), Dellareece Adderley(Manny dderley), Raquel Thompson,Kesneil Kerr (Maranda Kerr), Keshelle Abagail Davis (Glenn Davis), Dencil Joshua Kerr(Roxan Kerr), Kenria Smith, Rashad Fox, David Fox(Mariah Fox), Denricka Taylor, Edward Smith Jr.,Edina Smith, Edesha Smith, Edricka Smith; Great Grand Children: D’Aviah Stubbs, D’shelle Duncombe, Chevano Simmons, Aaron Simmons, Daejour Adderley, Deavae Adderley, Chelsea Thompson, Shanice Thompson, Cherish Thompson, Jaiden Taylor, Jaimarie Taylor, Miah Fox, Layla Fox, Makayla Kerr, Kimora Kerr, Nevaeh Kerr Host of other Relatives and Friends including Betty and family, Sheila and family, Smiths descendants from Long Island, Nesbit family, Dorothy Smith family, Blanch family, Stephanie Taylor family, Outten Family, The Farrington Road Family, The Englerston Gospel Chapel Family including Ruby, Pastor & Sis Turner and family, Elma Knowles& family, Brother Gray & family, Trinity City of Praise, Johnson Park SDA Church, New Providence Community Church and a host of relatives and friends to many to mention.

 

In Lieu of Flowers donation can be made to the Englerston Gospel Chapel.

 

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau Street on Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

 

The post Leonora Smith appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/leonora-smith/

Carlos Albert Lees “Old Man” Unkey

 

A Private Funeral Service for the late Carlos Albert Lees “Old Man” Unkey, aged 52 years, of Dean Street will be held on Wednesday April 29^th, 2020, at the Chapel of Bethel Brothers Morticians and Crematorium, Nassau Street. Officiating will be Pastor Ricardo Lees Sr.

In compliance with current Government regulations, attendance is limited to ten (10) family members.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife Marva; two daughters: Carlesha and Cherika;  three brothers; David, Ricardo, Franklyn; five sisters: Deborah, Arnett, Sharlene, Porsha, and Rita; four aunts: Janett Arthur, Annie McPhee, Firstina McPhee, and Theresida Miller; six uncles; Rosewell, Jahurda, Phillip, Errol, David, and Ivan McPhee; two brothers-in-law: Andy Sargent and Fletcher Ferguson; two sisters-in-law: June and Margaret Lees; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; the Saxons Superstar Junkanoo group of which he was a drummer; Nassau Flight Services staff; a host of other relatives and friends.

 

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau Street on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

 

The post Carlos Albert Lees “Old Man” Unkey appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/carlos-albert-lees-old-man-unkey/

Retired Supt. Of Police Prince A. Rolle

A Private Semi- Military Service for the late Retired Supt. Of Police Prince A.  Rolle, aged 81 years, of Coral Heights will be held on Friday May 1^st, 2020, at the graveside at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive. Officiating will be Pastor Ivan F. Butler Jr.

In compliance with current Government regulations, attendance is limited to ten (10) family members.

Prince is predeceased by his daughter; Bernadette Grant and his granddaughter; Delecia Rolle.

Left to cherish his memories are his Daughters: Shavourne Rolle-Tooker and Candace Rolle-Ferguson; Sons: Albert Rolle and Philip Rolle; Sister: Sylvia Adams; Granddaughters; Melissa Grant, Megan Ingemansen, Da’Shae Rolle, Alana Tooker and Nadia Tooker; Grandsons: McKyle Grant and Aidan Ferguson; Great-grandchildren: Jamiya Butterfield, Jamari Butterfield, Jordon Rolle and Deon Wright, Jr.; Daughter-in-law: Brenda Rolle; Son-in-law: Alan Tooker; Former Sons-in-Law: Rev. Melvin Grant and Everette Ferguson; Nieces: Pauline Carswell, Cherry Hepburn, Suzanna Brown, Sheva Rolle, Sophia Knowles, Alison Adams, Ava Forbes, Joy, Cornelia Lightbourne, Barbara Burrows, Nickey Rolle, Margaret Rolle, Erica Rolle, Cherise Rolle, Vandyka Rolle, Raquel Rolle, Kayla Rolle, Sonia Rolle, Edrica Ferguson and Keva Rolle-Major; Nephews: Nathaniel Adams, Christopher Adams, Raphael Adams, Andrew Rolle, Shawn Leyva, Pedro Leyva, Talbott Knowles, Shawn Rolle and Andy Rolle; Other Family and Friends: Harcourt Davis and family, Marvin Lloyd, Glenda Rolle, Reginald Gaitor, Rosemary Adderley and family, Mr. Keith Mason, Salathiel Wilson, Tommy Laroda, the Bastian family, all of his Grand-nieces and Grand-nephews; also Rev. Ivan F. Butler, Dr. Joanne Butler and the members of Kemp Road Ministries, along with a host of additional family and friends.

 

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau Street on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The post Retired Supt. Of Police Prince A. Rolle appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/retired-supt-of-police-prince-a-rolle/

Camille Inez Dorsett

 

A Private Funeral Service for the late Camille Inez Dorsett, aged 60 years, of Yorkshire Street, Westward Villas will be held on Friday May 1^st, 2020, at St. George’s Anglican Church, Montrose Avenue. Officiating will be The Rev’d Fr. Scott Brennen. Cremation was held.

In compliance with current Government regulations, attendance is limited to ten (10) family members.

Left to cherish her fond memories are her Son: Seron; Brother: George Andrew; Sisters: Ingrid Johnson, Karen Cephas, and Lloydia Dorsett; Grand Aunt: Theodishia (Dolly) Dorsett; Aunt: Sandra (Richard) Rolle; Uncles: Drexel and Sidney (Barbara) Dorsett;  Nieces: Danielle and Lauren Johnson, Kaymora Dorsett; Nephew: Omari Stevenson, Grand Niece; Rickia Jennings, Grand Nephews: Kaedyn and Kiano Jennings, Kai-Lorenzo Joseph; Cousins: Cecil Cartwright and family, Lauriette Cartwright and family,  Mae (Sidney), Gavin Robins, Inga Burton and family, Keirran and Keira Pedican, Kerell, Kayton, Hanief and Elwood Cephas, Merril Dorsett and family,  Brenda Dorsett, Juliette (Canon Harry) Ward and family, Bernadette (Alan Whylly) and family, Eurie (Charles) Mackey and family, Dr Nicholas, Faisal, Kendal Lynden and Charise  Hepburn and family, Colonna Wallace and family, Rose Barrette and family, Denise Woodside and family, Dellareese Dorsett and family, Dania Dorsett, Ianthe (Jamal)Rolle and family, Dr Ghabrielle (Akinathan) Pena, PastorJon (Jessica) Dorsett, Rheese, Rachael and Rochelle Rolle; God children; Olyinka Burrows, LaToya Kelly; Special Friends: Alma Evans, Olga Dickenson, Celeste Williams, Joan Cooper, Monique Ledard, Sharon Strachan, Patrice Pollard, Joel Cunningham, Nicole Scavella, Dr Turnquest and staff, Dr Cyprian Strachan and Staff, Doctors Hospital and Staff, PMH A&E Doctors, Dr Serville and The ICU Unit of the Princess Margaret Hospital,  Scotia Bank Retirees Group, Aquinas Class of 77 Group, Vesbrook Villas Community, SAC Reunion Group, Danottage Estates families, and many others too numerous to mention.

The post Camille Inez Dorsett appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/camille-inez-dorsett/

Sands on defensive

As he took responsibility for the decision to allow two Americans who are permanent residents of The Bahamas to fly into New Providence and head home to quarantine, Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands said he did what he believed was in the best interest of the country.

Sands said the couple donated 2,500 double-swabbed diagnostic test kits for COVID-19 testing, which are in short supply globally.

He said the flight was approved only for the delivery of those items, but he was blindsided when, upon arrival, the donors were on the flight and asked to be allowed to remain in the country.

“The Ministry of Health was prepared to receive a donation of 2,500 double-swabbed diagnostic test kits on Wednesday, April 29th from a private donor,” he said at a press conference.

“The approval issued was for the delivery of the cargo only. The whole world is aggressively competing for test kits. They are very hard to obtain.

“As minister of health, I thought that this was a matter of urgency. We then received a last-minute and unexpected request for the donors, who are permanent residents of The Bahamas, and were traveling on the same private plane, to disembark.

“The plane was here and we had to make an urgent decision. The plane was here to make a much-needed donation. I made the decision to let the couple disembark.

“The pair was not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 upon their arrival, and they were evaluated by a nurse of the airport’s public health surveillance unit. They were instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days and they were tested today for COVID-19.”

Sands defended the decision.

“We have had to literally hunt all around the world to find the tools to take care of Bahamian people,” he said.

“I took an oath. I stand by that oath. And I will search the world over to get what we need. We have gotten over 3,500 test kits, and maybe 4,000, basically through relationships, donations, etc., even when we couldn’t purchase them on the open market.

“I have a duty to make sure that we can test Bahamians. I take that duty very seriously.”

While he acknowledged that details about the passengers should have been listed on the flight plan, Sands said the Ministry of Health did not have access to that information at the time.

“I’m sure [the information] would have been, but that doesn’t mean that that information would have been made available certainly to the health authorities or certainly to myself,” he said.

“As a matter of fact, the information would have been very limited.

“This is obviously something that we look at. And we will adjust accordingly and make sure that the protocols are more deliberate, more clear so that we avoid any similar challenges.”

Asked whether there were more people on the flight, Sands said: “I am aware of two persons, but we will certainly go back and check.”

The revelation that the two American residents were allowed to enter the country and quarantine in their home during a strict nationwide curfew and border closure that has left Bahamian citizens being stranded abroad, was yesterday met with public ire.

Bahamas Consul General in Miami Linda Treco-Mackey said Bahamians seeking to return home will have to show proof that they have tested negative for COVID-19.

“For those who truly desire to go home when the borders open, they have to show proof of testing for COVID-19,” she told The Guardian.

On Monday, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said the government will allow Bahamians to return home. He said all Bahamians returning from the United States will be quarantined at a secure facility upon entry to The Bahamas.

He said the facility will be guarded by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF).

Asked if he would characterize the decision to allow the Americans to remain in the country as a quid pro quo for the donations, Sands said the donations were considered in the decision.

“We put in place policies and procedures, and those policies and procedures will always have exceptions,” he said.

“There are some exceptions if you have a child or a person who has recently come out of the hospital. It is unlikely that that person will be required to go into the quarantine facility. A disabled person is not likely to be required to go into such a facility.

“And so, we would have outlined exactly what transpired in this instance. And a decision was made on the spot based on the totality of the information. We would have recognized the value that the swabs would have provided to the government and to the people of The Bahamas, and yes, I’m sure that entered into the totality of the ultimate decision made.

“The decisions were made on the spot. I take full responsibility for it. If we had to do it again, perhaps we may have done a few things slightly different.”

The post Sands on defensive appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/sands-on-defensive/

Latest case of COVID-19 is a 29-year-old health worker

Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis.

One more COVID-19 case was confirmed on New Providence yesterday, bringing the total number of cases in The Bahamas to 81.

The announcement came after three straight days with no new cases.

The latest case is a 29-year-old healthcare worker from New Providence.

Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands said 225 healthcare workers were tested following an incident at Princess Margaret Hospital last week, where an asymptomatic patient on a medical-surgical ward tested positive for COVID-19.

A patient of the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre was also exposed in that incident before returning to the center. Sands said staff from that facility were among those tested.

According to Sands, only one of the healthcare workers, the latest case, tested positive for COVID-19.

“That case is currently in isolation at home and aggressive contact tracing has begun,” he said during a virtual press conference.

Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, health consultant to the prime minister, said the curve appears to be flattening, with fewer new cases being confirmed in the past week.

“We are often asked when this is going to be over,” she said during the press conference.

“We don’t know. But based on the cases we have to date and the model, we are making significant progress.”

According to the Ministry of Health, 25 people recovered from the virus and eight people were hospitalized as of yesterday.

Eleven people died of COVID-19 in the country.

As of yesterday, 1,284 tests were administered.

 Sands said Bimini is of particular concern at the moment. Eight cases have been confirmed on the island. Only New Providence has more cases, with 65 confirmed cases. There are seven confirmed cases on Grand Bahama.

“Bimini is considered a hotspot,” Sands said.

“A surveillance team was sent and is currently on Bimini. That team’s objectives are to meet with the medical personnel to get an overview of COVID-19 activities; to identify contacts of the COVID-19 confirmed cases; to assess the identified isolation facility; to conduct a walkabout to determine the potential level of infections and control strategies in place; to enforce infection and control strategies; to host a town hall meeting via Zoom on Friday; and to perform additional tests on contacts of confirmed cases on the island.”

The post Latest case of COVID-19 is a 29-year-old health worker appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/latest-case-of-covid-19-is-a-29-year-old-health-worker/

Some Bahamians abroad upset over double standard on border closure

Renette Harding has been attempting to bring her elderly parents and 19-year-old son, who are stuck in Florida, back to The Bahamas since the border closed on March 27.

Yesterday, she wrote a letter to Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis requesting permission to bring her family home on a private plane.

“I, Renette Harding, am seeking your permission for my 79-year-old parents, Delton and Coral Moree, as well as my 19-year-old son Ryan Price, who are citizens of The Bahamas, to return home,” the letter reads.

“They will be able to depart from Fort Lauderdale Executive Jet Center in Fort Lauderdale via private charter, Tropixair Limited…arriving at Jet Nassau. They are fully prepared to self-isolate or quarantine in their home as may be required.”

Asked how she would feel if her request is denied, Harding told The Nassau Guardian, “I would feel let down by my government and disappointed to learn that at a time like this being a Bahamian could have less merit than being a permanent resident.”

Yesterday, The Guardian revealed that two Americans, who are Bahamas permanent residents, were allowed to land on New Providence on Wednesday.

Unlike Bahamians abroad seeking to get home, they were not required to test for COVID-19 prior to coming to The Bahamas.

The prime minister has said those returning would have to quarantine at a facility guarded by Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers.

The permanent residents, who came on a private plane and brought in swabs for COVID-19 testing, according to the health minister, are allowed to quarantine at home.

During a press conference yesterday, Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands said an exception was made for them.

He said they did not show any symptoms of COVID-19 when they landed, but were tested for the virus yesterday.

The decision to allow the permanent residents to land and quarantine at home has enraged some Bahamians.

Glen Rolle, who has been stuck in Newark, New Jersey, since April 1, told The Guardian, “It’s very hurtful. At the end of the day, we aren’t residents of the U.S. We are residents of The Bahamas and to see that our government is allowing others to come in when we are stuck here…was very heartbreaking.”

Rolle added, “It’s not right. It’s just epically and morally wrong because if anybody should have more leniency it should be us as Bahamians because that is our land.”

Rolle said Bahamians are being done “a great unjust”.

He said it will be difficult for him and other Bahamians to get COVID-19 testing in the United States.

“It’s not possible when they are turning away thousands of Americans themselves from being tested every day,” he said.

“How do you expect for us, as visitors, to go on their lines and try to get their tests when they [are] turning away their own American people? You have to produce state IDs to get tested and we don’t have that stuff.”

Terrance Wilkinson, who is in Miami, Florida, said the government’s decision to allow the permanent residents to enter The Bahamas “feels like a slap in the face because all this time they were saying that there was no way they could’ve let us in”.

“I was agreeing with what they were doing this whole time,” Wilkinson told The Guardian.

“But for them to just simply bend the rules for who they want to, that really had me feeling abandoned.”

Jonniece Saunders, who is in Portland, Oregon, with her two-year-old daughter, described the incident as “irritating”.

“When the Americans got stuck on the cruise ship on the seas, they called for Trump,” she said.

“[They were] like, ‘Trump, you need to bring us home. We need to get home.’ And he surely did [send] for them and bring them home.

“So, I don’t understand how was it that we [are] stuck here and we have to wait and there’s nothing that is being done. We are born and raised Bahamian citizens.

“So, I don’t understand how is it that the Americans get to enter the country and we have to get quarantined and get tested. I don’t understand that.”

More than 400 Bahamians, who are stuck in the United States, are trying to return to The Bahamas, according to Bahamas Consul General in Miami Linda Treco-Mackey.

The post Some Bahamians abroad upset over double standard on border closure appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/some-bahamians-abroad-upset-over-double-standard-on-border-closure/

Fiscal deficit balloons 79.3 percent to $251.5 million

The fiscal deficit ballooned 79.3 percent to an estimated $251.5 million by the end of the third quarter of the 2019/2020 fiscal year, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced yesterday.

Nonetheless, total revenue grew by $67.9 million to settle at $1.76 billion for the first nine months of the fiscal year, which is up 4 percent compared to the same period last year.

This growth in revenue represents roughly 73.3 percent of the revised budget estimate for revenue this fiscal year.

The Ministry of Finance pointed out that this increase was bolstered by the high volume of cruise arrivals up to February 2020, that strengthened departure taxes by 5.4 percent or $5.6 million.

These latest figures were outlined in the MOF’s Combined 9-Months Budget Performance Snapshot and Fiscal Report, released yesterday.

Growth in tax revenue, which comprises just above 90 percent of total revenue, widened by $30.3 million to $1.55 billion and is led by value-added tax (VAT) receipts, which were boosted by $149.8 million to settle at $738.7 million up to the end of March.

This bolstering is attributed to the shift in taxes on real estate transactions to VAT from stamp taxes.

Addressing the fiscal snapshot yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said, “We really started to see the fiscal impact of Hurricane Dorian materialize in the third-quarter numbers.”

He added, “Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic is going to further weigh on our fiscal performance, likely leading to a missed budget deficit target. To carry us through the remainder of the fiscal year, we will continue to reprioritize expenditure and adjust within our existing contingencies and borrowing authority.”

The Ministry of Finance noted, however, that the full impact of the public health crisis and economic shutdown is not expected to be seen fully until the fourth quarter report.

Alongside growth in revenue, there was also an expansion in total expenditure, which grew by $179.4 million.

Total spending stood just above $2 billion or 65.4 percent of the budget at the end of the review period, reflecting increased spending related to hurricane recovery and restoration activities and other priority spending imperatives. 

“We anticipated a spike in recurrent expenditure, because of the allocations we made to increase capital expenditure and to provide various allowances and support to essential workers of the public service and staff displaced by the hurricane, among other things,” Turnquest said.

“Further, we addressed several other spending priorities, like union payments to civil servants and additional cash injections into the public health system, that were foreshadowed earlier this year. Of the total increase in expenditure, over $80 million can be directly attributed to new expenditures.”

This was led by capital expenditure, which grew 51.4 percent or $70.2 million to settle at $198.3 million; recurrent expenditure, which expanded by 6.4 percent or $109 million to settle at $1.8 billion; and capital expenditure.

To fund its budgetary operations, the government borrowed approximately $936.5 million during the review period, the Ministry of Finance noted.

“The $431.5 million in proceeds from new domestic bond issuances were used primarily to refinance maturing bonds. Borrowings by way of loan facilities totaled $372 million, with $94 million facilitated through existing facilities with international development institutions, $55 million of which represented the second and third tranches of drawdowns on the $100 million contingent credit line with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), bringing total drawings on this facility to $80 million at the end of March 2020,” the fiscal snapshot report states.

“Of the remaining $278 million sourced in bank loans, $228 million was in Bahamian dollars and $50 million in foreign currency facilities. Short-term financing comprised $60 million in advances from the Central Bank and $73 million in treasury bills.”

The post Fiscal deficit balloons 79.3 percent to $251.5 million appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/fiscal-deficit-balloons-79-3-percent-to-251-5-million/

NIB paid out $16.8 mil. in unemployment benefits to over 20,000 people

National Insurance Board (NIB) Director Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle said yesterday that $16.84 million in unemployment benefits have been paid out to over 20,000 people since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NIB has also paid out a further $2.6 million to over 5,000 self-employed people, said Virgill-Rolle while appearing as a guest on the Guardian Talk Radio show “Morning Blend” with host Dwight Strachan.

“We have paid out so far, [for] unemployment benefit, that is the normal portion of the NIB program where you pay into it for employed persons, we’ve paid out some 20,672 people already,” Virgill-Rolle said.

“We have estimated about 1,500 more in process and we have about 4,000 or so claims where we are doing our review of contribution records. And so, those are the ones that are outstanding that we’re getting to and will get to very quickly.”

While noting that normally self-employed people do not receive unemployment benefits, she said the benefit program is “not something that self-employed persons would have paid into”.

“They did not pay the additional one percent for the unemployment insurance benefit, and so we would have already processed and approved 5,481 of those applications,” she said.

“We have denied 1,900 of those and generally the reasons are [they] have not provided the requisite information…

“We paid out for that program $2.6 million already, and for the unemployment benefit program we’ve already paid out $16.84 million. And these are recurring payments.”

As the state of emergency that began on March 18 was extended to May 30, thousands of Bahamians remain unemployed.

Many have also claimed that they have not received any update from NIB on the status of their unemployment benefit application.

Virgill-Rolle acknowledged that some people who applied were found out to be ineligible due to not having made sufficient contributions.

However, when asked what assistance is available for those who are ineligible, she said that they may reach out to the Department of Social Services.

“We have a few dynamics happening where we have to do some contribution checks on people, and unfortunately some claimants are not able to benefit because they do not have sufficient payments into the system,” Virgill-Rolle said.

She added, “National Insurance is not an assistance program.

“We insure part of your income, and there are eligibility requirements in order to benefit. It’s a benefit program. And so, for those persons, they are being informed that they do not meet the requirements and that they are disallowed… There are other assistance, social services, that they can take advantage of.”

The post NIB paid out $16.8 mil. in unemployment benefits to over 20,000 people appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/nib-paid-out-16-8-mil-in-unemployment-benefits-to-over-20000-people/

Man jailed for three years after break-in spree on Exuma

A 21-year-old man who admitted to carrying out a string of shop break-ins on Exuma was on Thursday sentenced to three years in prison.

Kejanno S. Morley’s crime spree began when he broke into the St. Andrew’s Anglican School between January 7 and 8, 2020 and stole a bottle of cologne.

He broke into the Ministry of Education between March 23 and 24 and stole a blue iPhone charger, 27 Granola bars and juice.

Between April 3 and 6, Morley broke into the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s technical office and stole a black Samsung Galaxy Tablet and Samsung Galaxy G4, with a combined value of $726.

During the same period, Morley unlawfully entered the Ministry of Tourism Office, where he stole $40, a bottle of Kalik and two large towels.

Additionally, Morley broke into Wonderation Restaurant and Bar between April 16 and 19 and stole an iPhone 6 and an Alcatel phone.

Morley broke into Charlie’s Karaoke Bar between April 17 and 20 and stole $10 cash.

Then he broke into the Krusty Crab between April 17 and 20 and stole an assortment of alcoholic beverages, including vodka, whiskey, cases of beer and a carton of Grabba Leaf.

Morley admitted to breaking into the Exuma Beach Resort on April 20 and the Bonefish Villa the following day.

Morley entered guilty pleas to the charges at his arraignment before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

Regarding the break-ins and thefts, Morley said that he stole the alcohol because his friends were complaining that there was no rum available.

The magistrate asked, “So, you’re prepared to go [to] prison for a long time so your boys could drink?”

The magistrate convicted Morley and sentenced him to three years in prison.

In relation to the break-in at the resorts, the magistrate sentenced him to two years in prison, to run concurrently.

The post Man jailed for three years after break-in spree on Exuma appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/man-jailed-for-three-years-after-break-in-spree-on-exuma/

Twin brothers fined for violating lockdown

Twin brothers, who claimed they left home to buy a soda during the weekend lockdown, were each fined $500 yesterday.

Rostion Armbrister and Roscoe Armbrister, both 19, of Yellow Elder Gardens, were arrested on Blue Hill Road around 11:50 p.m. on April 26.

They pleaded guilty to violating the lockdown at their arraignment before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

The magistrate told the men, “Going to walk to the corner is outside your property and you’re violating the law.”

Keith McPhee, of Palmetto Avenue, was also arrested for breaking the lockdown measures.

Police arrested him around 10 a.m. on April 26.

McPhee initially pleaded guilty. However, the magistrate substituted a plea of guilty after McPhee claimed that police picked him up as he emptied the garbage.

He’s been freed on $500 bail and returns to court on September 3 for trial.

Police arrested Danny Cooper on April 28 for breaching the 24-hour curfew.

Cooper pleaded guilty when he appeared before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux.

She cautioned and discharged him after Cooper explained that his cousin had picked him up and they were headed to his cousin’s place.

Cooper said he intended to sleep by his cousin because his car had transmission problems and he needed a ride to work.

Anthony Saunders admitted to breaking the curfew on April 20. Police arrested him on Floridel Avenue around 10:50 p.m.

Saunders was fined $500 or 10 days in prison. He has until July 20 to pay the fine.

The post Twin brothers fined for violating lockdown appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/twin-brothers-fined-for-violating-lockdown/

Police kill man on Abaco

Officers shot and killed a man in Dundas Town, Abaco, Wednesday night after he allegedly tried to attack them with a machete, police said yesterday.

Police said officers were responding to reports of an argument among neighbors around 10 p.m. when the man attacked, causing the officers to fire their weapons in fear of their lives.

Two other people were injured in the incident before the officers arrived, according to police, but were treated at a clinic and released.

The post Police kill man on Abaco appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/police-kill-man-on-abaco-2/

Cable Bahamas/Aliv partners with PMH to connect patients with relatives

From left are Thelma Rolle-Fernander, assistant director of communications, Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH); Lauralee Kemp, senior nursing officer, medical area; Valerie Miller, principal nursing officer; Chester Johnson, Aliv rep; Rebecca Johnson, senior nursing officer, Children’s Ward; and Valerie Percentie, PMH senior finance officer.

The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) is pleased to announce a partnership between Cable Bahamas/Aliv and the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) to connect patients with relatives via phone calls and video conferencing.

The telecommunications company provided 15 devices to the hospital on a three-month unlimited plan. The phones will be dedicated to patients on the Children’s Ward, those in the Emergency Department and for updates regarding the little clients from the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit.

The donation comes after visiting hours at the hospital were suspended to minimize the possible exposure of COVID-19 in the hospital. The devices provided by Aliv will be used to provide patients with a connection to relatives and guardians who are not permitted to visit at this time.

The PHA extends heartfelt thanks to Cable Bahamas/Aliv for its efforts to help meet the needs of its patients during the fight against COVID-19, and thanks the public for its understanding regarding the temporary visitation policy.

The public is urged to pay attention to all public health announcements, public service announcements and updates regarding health and hospital services during this time.

The post Cable Bahamas/Aliv partners with PMH to connect patients with relatives appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/cable-bahamas-aliv-partners-with-pmh-to-connect-patients-with-relatives/

Fifty-five bodies still in trailer on Abaco; burial set for this month

Katherine Forbes-Smith.

Fifty-five unidentified bodies that are believed to be Hurricane Dorian victims remain in a trailer on Abaco eight months after the storm wreaked havoc on that island, according to Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) Managing Director Katherine Forbes-Smith.

Forbes-Smith told The Nassau Guardian yesterday that although the impact of COVID-19 has affected the planned burial of those bodies, the authority is hoping to have them buried this month.

“There are 55 remains in that trailer, and what we’ve been advised is…people know that their family member’s in the trailer, because they knew during the hurricane or after the hurricane bodies were found and those bodies were put in the trailer,” Forbes-Smith said.

“But what has happened is the DNA has not confirmed specifically each body, and so that is why you can’t say who’s who at the moment.

“…But the DRA is trying to bring closure at this point. We understand how important it is for those remains to be buried, but we also want to be very considerate to what family members are communicating to the local pastor in Abaco.”

According to Forbes-Smith, a burial was set to take place on March 28, as part of a National Service of Remembrance to honor those who lost lives during Dorian.

That service was postponed to April 18 and later postponed indefinitely due to the impact of COVID-19.

As part of emergency measures intended to slow the spread of the virus in the country, the government has placed restrictions on funerals whereby only a limited number of close family members and essential mortuary staff are permitted to attend.

“I think we definitely have to be able to do something by the end of May,” Forbes-Smith said.

“But, again, we have to be guided by what the safety rules are and what the Ministry of Health and what the government is saying as well.”

She added, “I’ll be getting the pictures soon of the grave sites. We’re actually preparing the grave sites for 55 separate grave sites…

“In fact, this entire area is going to be designed where it becomes kind of a place, some green space is going to be included, people are going to be able to go and visit loved ones or visit the space.”

Forbes-Smith said the DRA is following “the guidelines put out by the Ministry of Health and what the government of The Bahamas is saying about opening up some of these areas in the community or in the country” and also paying attention to feedback from the Bahamas Christian Council and local pastors on Abaco, to determine how and when the burial will take place.

The post Fifty-five bodies still in trailer on Abaco; burial set for this month appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/05/01/fifty-five-bodies-still-in-trailer-on-abaco-burial-set-for-this-month/

Hield, Ayton staying active

Bahamians Chavano “Buddy” Hield of the Sacramento Kings and DeAndre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns are shown going after each other in this file photo. The NBA is set to allow teams in states that have relaxed stay-at-home restrictions to use practice facilities.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to allow teams in states that have relaxed stay-at-home restrictions to use practice facilities for player training no earlier than Friday, May 8, according to an official release by the NBA on its website. It’s a silver lining for fans hoping to see their favorite teams in action again this season.

For the local flavor, Bahamian professional basketball players Chavano “Buddy” Hield of the Sacramento Kings and DeAndre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns are trying to stay engaged, both working out at home, as there is no telling if or when the season will resume.

The release stated that the league will modify the use of training facilities.

“The NBA informed its teams today (Monday) that, as numerous state and local governments have announced modifications of stay-at-home orders and other restrictions on non-essential business activities beginning this week, the league is planning to modify its guidance regarding the use of team practice facilities and player training,” the release stated.

These changes allow for players to train in safe and controlled environments in states that allow it. In addition, the changes will provide a way for players in other states to identify safe training options.

The following restrictions, according to the release, will be applied under strict guidelines.

“No more than four players would be permitted at a facility at any one time; no head or assistant coaches could participate; group activity remains prohibited, including practices or scrimmages; players remain prohibited from using non-team facilities such as public health clubs, fitness centers or gyms,” the release stated.

The NBA suspended the season on the night of Wednesday, March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. With that, the league also suspended teams from using training facilities. In addition, the NBA also prohibited players from using public gymnasiums.

For some, this latest development is a sign that the league will resume usual activities; but things can change quickly, as the press release stated. It was also indicated that the league can also push back the May 8 date “if developments warrant it”.

Before the season was suspended, both Bahamians were in the process of helping their teams fight for a playoff spot in the Western Conference of the NBA.

The Kings sit in the 10th spot with a 28-36 win-loss record – three and a half games behind the 32-33 Memphis Grizzlies who occupy the eighth and final spot. Sitting six games behind the Grizzles at 26-29 are the Suns.

Kings’ two-guard, Hield, is the Mountain Dew NBA Three-Point Contest champion from this season. He is averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game this season. The Grand Bahamian is known for his long-distance bombs. He has connected on 244 three-point shots this season, second in the league and 34 shy of his career-high and franchise record of 278 from a year ago. It was the seventh most-prolific shooting performance from downtown in NBA history. Hield is also the fastest player in league history to reach 800 made three-pointers. He accomplished that in 296 games.

Suns’ center Ayton was suspended for 25 games after opening night for violating the terms of the league’s anti-drug program. That did not stop him from returning to average a double-double so far this season. He is averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds per game – both career highs. He is also averaging career highs in blocks with 1.7 per contest. Ayton became the fastest Suns player to reach 1,000 rebounds in team history.

The United States of America has the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, with over one million persons – more than 750,000 higher than the second-highest country, Spain, according to the latest COVID-19 numbers from Johns Hopkins University up to press time. They have also recorded nearly 50,000 deaths.

There is still no official date as to when the league will resume its 2019-2020 season.

The post Hield, Ayton staying active appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/29/hield-ayton-staying-active/

Inecia Rolle wins CC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award

Bahamian collegiate golfer Inecia Rolle was named as the Conference Carolinas Scholar-Athlete of the Year for 2020.

Inecia Rolle got one of the best gifts a collegiate senior could have in the sport of golf when the Conference Carolinas (CC) named her as their 2020 Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the sport.

This is Rolle’s first time earning that honor. She is also the first student-athlete for the Chowan University Eagles to win that award.

“It feels amazing to be honored with this award. I truly did not expect it,” she said. “It makes my final year feel even more amazing – to be the first athlete to do this for my school in history.”

The Eagles plays in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II.

Earlier this month, Rolle was named to the Conference Carolinas All-Conference Team for golf – her second time earning the honor after also earning it in her freshman year in 2017. She was also one of 28 Eagles to earn an academic all-conference honor.

To be considered for the Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher. In addition, the nominees for the award must have been named all-conference in their sport and chosen academic all-conference.

Rolle met all of the criteria and finished with a GPA of 3.95.

“It was a challenge being involved with golf, balancing my schoolwork, trying to help the community and having a social life. However, I loved everything what I did so it never felt overwhelming or too much to do,” Rolle said.

The scholar-athlete awards are presented annually to individuals in each Conference Carolinas-sponsored sport. The Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award winners are chosen by the Conference Carolinas Student-Athlete Affairs Committee.

On the course, the Bahamian was spectacular in her senior season, capturing two individual medalist honors. She was also able to secure seven top-10 finishes this past season.

Rolle finished first at the Pfeiffer Invitational this spring with a score of 73. The senior also won the Marlin Invitational back in the fall, shooting an 80.

“My seven top-10 finishes this season came naturally,” Rolle said. “I was determined to have fun and go out with a bang, putting in the work whether it be in the gym or on the course, knowing that God had me and having the confidence within myself. Knowing I could do it made it happen.”

The avid golfer is set to graduate at the end of the semester with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She plans to further her education in graduate school and obtain a degree in counseling psychology.

As for golf, it is something Rolle will not be giving up as she hopes to play it recreationally if she does not take it up professionally.

Rolle was a part of the coaching staff for the junior and senior women’s national golf teams last year.

The post Inecia Rolle wins CC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/29/inecia-rolle-wins-cc-scholar-athlete-of-the-year-award/

A trio of former Bahamas Bowl players drafted into the NFL

An international event that has been a staple on the Bahamian sports calendar since its inception continues to prove its worth, producing top talent from year to year.

Once again, student-athletes who participated in the Bahamas Bowl were drafted into the National Football League (NFL).

Going into last weekend’s NFL Draft, a total of 23 former players in the Bahamas Bowl had heard their names called in the annual draft from 2015-2019. They were joined by three additional players this year – two from the 2019 Bahamas Bowl and the other from the year before. The two participating conferences in the Bahamas Bowl, Conference USA (10 players) and the Mid-American Conference (two players), combined for 12 total selections in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Taken in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 102 overall, was defensive end Alex Highsmith out of Charlotte. The Charlotte 49ers lost convincingly to the Buffalo Bulls in last year’s game, 31-9. It was the second-most lopsided loss in the history of the Bahamas Bowl, and the first bowl win for the Bulls in program history.

In the fourth round of the draft, the New York Jets took Highsmith’s teammate, offensive lineman Cameron Clark, with the No. 129th pick overall. Finally, in the seventh round with the No. 221 pick overall, the Carolina Panthers drafted cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver III out of Florida International University (FIU). The FIU Panthers defeated Toledo in the 2018 Bahamas Bowl game, 35-32.

For the first time, the NFL Draft was held in a virtual format due to the restrictions in place as a result of the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic that has taken the world by storm, ceasing sporting events worldwide.

With Hightower’s selection, at least one Bahamas Bowl athlete has been taken in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft in five consecutive years. The 22-year-old edge rusher was tied with the 13th best score for players from his position at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. He is a third-team All-American as named by the Associated Press (AP), becoming the first 49ers player to earn AP All-America honors. Hightower was first-team all conference in both his junior and senior seasons. This past season, he was fourth in the nation in sacks (14) and fifth in tackles for loss (21.5).

Clark was a three-year starter for Charlotte and a first-team All-Conference USA selection as a senior in 2019, splitting time between offensive tackle and guard positions. The 22-year-old massive offensive lineman was tied with the sixth-highest score among guards at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. Clark helped anchor an offensive line that led Conference-USA and ranked 30th in the nation in rushing offense (a school-record 203 yards per game).

Thomas-Oliver converted from a wide receiver in 2017 to a solid defensive back in his final two seasons with the Panthers. He was a second-team All-Conference USA selection this past season, and an honorable mention All-Conference USA performer in 2018.

The Bahamas Bowl game’s top overall draftee was former Western Michigan wide receiver Corey Davis by the Tennessee Titans in 2017. He was the No. 5 overall selection. A bowl-record of seven former Bahamas Bowl players were taken in the 2016 NFL Draft, and a total of 30 former Bahamas Bowl players have played in at least one game in the NFL, including nine undrafted players.

Bahamian offensive lineman Chris Ferguson, who played collegiately at the University of Cincinnati, was hoping to hear his name called last weekend, but unfortunately wasn’t drafted, and will now hope to sign as an undrafted free agent with any of the NFL teams in the next few weeks.

As for the Bahamas Bowl, it is the longest-running international bowl game in college football history and is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN. The seventh annual game is set for December 2020 at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The post A trio of former Bahamas Bowl players drafted into the NFL appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/29/a-trio-of-former-bahamas-bowl-players-drafted-into-the-nfl/

Spelling bee champion ‘disappointed’ Scripps National Spelling Bee canceled

Roy Seligman, 11, a student at Lyford Cay International School and two-time national spelling bee champion, is understanding of the global public health issues the world is grappling with to contain the spread of COVID-19, but he is still sad and disappointed the 93rd Scripps National Spelling Bee had to be canceled. LYFORD CAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Bahamas National Spelling Bee champion Roy Seligman was looking forward to a second consecutive run at the Scripps National Spelling Bee title. That won’t happen as the 93rd national finals that were scheduled for May have officially been canceled due to the ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and uncertainty around when public gatherings will be possible or advisable.

Scripps officials determined there is no clear path to safely set a new date in 2020.

The decision to cancel the 2020 bee comes following an announcement on March 20 that it was suspending the national finals and hoped to reschedule.

While Seligman, 11, is understanding of the global public health issues with the world grappling to contain the spread of COVID-19, he said he was still “sad and somewhat disappointed” the bee was first postponed on March 20, and then officially canceled on April 21.

“I was ready for May’s competition,” said the Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) student. “I had a daily schedule that involved me getting up early in the morning and studying various lists. I built in time throughout the day to explore new words and add to my vocabulary. Reviewing, learning and practicing words from around the world has become a part of my everyday life.”

This year marks the only time since World War II (1943-1945) that the bee has canceled the national finals since the program’s inception in 1925.

The first cases of coronavirus were first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The United States confirmed its first case on January 21. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic on January 30.

The Bahamas had 80 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths and 792 people in quarantine as of yesterday. Worldwide, there were 3,110,219 confirmed cases with 216,808 deaths.

The 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee is scheduled for June 1-3, 2021, in National Harbor, Maryland.

“Our first priority has to be the health and well-being of our spellers and their families and the hundreds of staff and spectators that come together for Bee Week,” said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, on their website.

Students who have advanced beyond the eighth grade are not eligible to participate in the spelling bee program.

“Our hearts go out to the spellers who won’t get their final shot at winning because of the pandemic and the difficult decisions it is prompting us to make,” said Kimble. “They are now part of a widely expanding group of children and adults who are missing out on opportunities due to the coronavirus.”

Prior to the official cancelation, Seligman said he had worked consistently and felt he would have been ready for this year’s competition, whether it was held in May or rescheduled for later in the year. He said extra time to prepare is always welcomed.

“Studying for the competition is a continuous process which is never fully complete. Almost infinite in number, there are always new words to learn and engage with. I was certainly more prepared than I was my first time in Washington,” he said.

Seligman described Scripps as an amazing experience and said he had been looking forward to this year’s competition.

“I was more comfortable with the process this time around and I had developed new strategies and personal learning goals to help me stay focused during the preparation time. My parents and coach allowed me to drive this process in many ways and I took greater responsibility for it. My commitment to the bee is unwavering because it represents a very significant part of my history.”

Prior to the Scripps cancelation, he had still been training for the bee using the routines set in place before the postponement. But, without a deadline, he said his training was much less intense than before.

“I’m now studying entirely out of interest and for enjoyment.”

But he said he would definitely continue to read a lot and add to his word lists, and use online resources and games.

“My parents and coach are not leading any sessions at this time – online or otherwise. Instead, I am continuing the learning process on my own because spelling and exploring words is a genuine interest at this time.”

With his 2019 win, Seligman became the first LCIS student to win the national title. He followed that up with a second win this year.

The post Spelling bee champion ‘disappointed’ Scripps National Spelling Bee canceled appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/29/spelling-bee-champion-disappointed-scripps-national-spelling-bee-canceled/

Friends of the Blood Bank chairman encourages blood donations

Basil Christie, chairman of the Friends of the Blood Bank organization, encourages people to donate blood during today’s national blood drive. Christie, who has been donating blood every eight weeks since 1966, is pictured during a previous blood donation. BASIL CHRISTIE

Basil Christie has been donating blood once every eight weeks for 54 years. There are two reasons he does it – his number one reason being giving blood saves lives and it’s the charitable thing to do; his second reason being giving blood is good for the donor. With that said, Christie encourages people to make a blood donation during today’s national blood drive.

“I started giving blood in university [since 1966], because they used to pay,” he said. “They don’t pay you here.”

As a college student, he received $25 a pint.

Ever since he returned home, Christie has donated blood voluntarily, every eight weeks.

“When I came home, my good friend [Michael Bullard] was in charge of the Blood Bank and I just kept giving because I spent a lot of time in the hospital, and I saw how easily giving blood saved lives, so that is what motivates me most strongly.”

Christie last made a blood donation on February 20, and is due to give today.

Christie, who is also chairman of the Friends of the Blood Bank organization, said the goal of today’s drive is to collect at least 100 units of blood at the donation site set up at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium (entrance lobby). Donations will be collected between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Donors are expected to eat at least 30 minutes prior to donating blood, and rest at least 10 minutes after donating blood. Blood Bank officials will also do free pre-screening tests on donors to ensure they are healthy enough to donate.

People wanting to donate blood were encouraged to pre-register to receive an appointment to make their blood donation.

Christie said the response was favorable up to yesterday afternoon, with about 60 people responding online. He encourages people who did not pre-register to make a blood donation to still come out.

“They can just show up and we will register them there. We’re not going to turn away anybody if they’re healthy,” he said.

While the appeal for blood donations are year-round for blood banks, the drive at the national stadium takes place as the country battles the global COVID-19 public health pandemic.

The Bahamas had 80 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths and 792 people in quarantine as of yesterday. Worldwide, there were 3,110,219 confirmed cases with 216,808 deaths.

Christie said the number one excuse he has heard from people as to why they don’t donate blood is that they are afraid of needles. But he said the needle is harmless, and the process painless.

“And giving blood really enhances your health. It regulates your iron, it regulates your blood pressure, it minimizes your risk of cancer and it keeps you healthier because you get fresh blood every time you give.”

The Friends of the Blood Bank chairman encourages men and women to attend in droves to make a donation, keeping in mind that easily 50 percent of women that donate blood usually can’t give because they have low iron.

“That’s our most common cry – women come, they can’t give because their iron is low. And women are usually the ones to respond to the appeal,” he said.

Christie said every donor showing up today will be pre-screened to ensure they are healthy to give. The Public Hospitals Authority says people should not attempt to give blood if they are coughing, have a fever or having difficulty breathing.

Donors are expected to have their NIB card or driver’s license.

The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) encourages people who are well to continue to donate blood if they are able, even if they are practicing social distancing because of coronavirus.

 

The post Friends of the Blood Bank chairman encourages blood donations appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/29/friends-of-the-blood-bank-chairman-encourages-blood-donations/

‘No actual help for renters’

Dr. Hubert Minnis.

Realtors are calling the government’s recently announced rental assistance policy nothing more than a Band-Aid.

President of the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) Christine Wallace-Whitefield said initial feedback from agents on the policy indicated that many seem to be very concerned about the terminology used — “rental assistance” and “relief” — as it’s misleading.

“The program really and truly is only providing a temporary Band-Aid to allow tenants to remain in their homes who may be facing eviction. We are already finding that some tenants are misunderstanding the intent and interpreting it as if they don’t have to pay any rent for 90 days,” she said.

“But, many realistically can’t pay a dime at the moment as they live week by week and are unable to come up with even 60 percent at this time. We are finding that landlords are therefore extremely concerned as they feel they will never be paid back. This is still fresh, but this has been the initial consensus so far.”

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced in the House of Assembly on Monday that landlords of residential tenants in good standing up to March, who were affected by the COVID-19 crisis, must defer 40 percent of their rent for the next three months.

The policy applies only to Bahamians or legal residents with a monthly rent of $2,000 or below, and allows for them to repay the deferred amount over 12 months.

Wallace-Whitefield said this discount is of no actual benefit to renters, and although commercial banks have indicated they are open to deferring the mortgage payments on rental properties for affected landlords, it doesn’t help all.

“In my opinion, they will be in worse shape when they have to pay their rent back at a higher rate in 90 days when they still may not be employed and have other bills to catch up on,” she said.

“Landlords are extremely concerned, not all have mortgages, so the mortgage relief won’t help everyone. Many landlords rely solely on their rent as their only source of income.

“Many landlords are facing no rental income as their tenants can’t even come up with the 60 percent, yet they are now obligated to keep them in their properties, and in many cases, to keep the utility payments current for their tenants as well as themselves, and keep their own family fed with no income coming in.”

While the announcement provided guidelines for help to residential tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures – which have resulted in thousands of Bahamians being laid off because of shuttered hotels and other businesses – it made no mention of commercial rental assistance.

Wallace-Whitefield said there are many who also need commercial rental assistance.

“Yes, we are seeing a large number of commercial rental waiver requests. Businesses are asking landlords to either waive the rent or to reduce the rent, and again, the landlords have their own bills to pay,” she said.

Real estate companies, just like all other entities considered non-essential, were forced to close their doors last month after the governor general declared a public state of emergency.

Wallace-Whitefield said this left many transactions that had reached a critical stage hanging in the balance.

“We have reached out to the government seeking permission to have real estate deemed essential, but have not received a reply other than a few weeks ago to reiterate that we are not allowed to operate. Many of our tenants, for instance, need to move urgently and appraisals need to be done in order to complete transactions,” she said.

“We have some guests stuck in very costly Airbnb rentals who need longer- term solutions, domestic matters where one member of the household needs to move, properties that are in need of urgent repair that tenants are stuck in and so on. The revenue through VAT (value-added tax) from our transactions are a huge source of income for the government and it’s possible for us to operate under strict guidelines.

“We understand it won’t be a normal day in the life of a real estate agent and that very strict protocols will need to be implemented, but we can at least be of some assistance to our clients and generate some much needed income for the government purse.”

Nevertheless, Wallace-Whitfield said realtors are thankful, appreciate everything that the government is doing and understand the measures being put in place.

The post ‘No actual help for renters’  appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/29/no-actual-help-for-renters/

Customs officials seize liquor from sports bar

Bahamas Customs Department officers remove dozens of cases of alcoholic beverages from Made Men Sports Bar on Faith Avenue yesterday. Ahvia J. Campbell

Bahamas Customs officers seized an unquantified amount of alcohol from Made Men Sports Bar on Faith Avenue yesterday, alleging that the goods were “uncustomed”.

“We had suspicions that the persons operating that liquor store…they might have had uncustomed goods in the store,” said Bahamas Custom Superintendent Tyrone Sands.

“And so, we went there; at customs we would have had our own search warrant, so we would have gone there and we did our initial search and, of course, we discovered a variety of alcoholic beverages that were uncustomed.

“…When we say uncustomed goods, we simply mean the duty was not paid on them. They could not satisfy us that the duty was paid.”

Sands added, “Further, we also discovered that they were operating without a valid business license.

“And so, based on all of that, the comptroller advised the team to confiscate or seize the goods, and so that’s what you all would have seen – the officers just seizing those goods until we make our initial investigation.”

Several uniformed officers packed the goods into trucks yesterday morning, but Sands could not give an estimated value of the liquor or how many truckloads were confiscated as the investigation was still in its initial stages.

Bahamas Customs Department officers remove dozens of cases of alcoholic beverages from Made Men Sports Bar on Faith Avenue yesterday.
Ahvia J. Campbell

Liquor stores were among the countless businesses ordered closed on March 20 under the government’s emergency measures intended to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country. 

Sands also said the customs comptroller will have to decide whether the matter would be referred to police based on the results of the investigation. 

However, he said that the owner of the store could not provide supporting documentation for why he had the goods nor could he provide any evidence showing that duty had been paid.

“We give you an opportunity to prove,” he said. 

“If we see this thing here, you know, what you say duty is paid [on], prove it. Show me your receipt, okay? Duty can be paid though they came directly from a foreign source or duty could be paid by it being bought locally.

“So, in either event, show us, prove it. At that point they were unable to do that.”

Sands added, “[W]e still have to do some paperwork because they’re (the owner) saying one thing…so we need to do an investigation.

“After that is done then the comptroller would decide. She would make the determination where we go from here.”

The post Customs officials seize liquor from sports bar  appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/29/customs-officials-seize-liquor-from-sports-bar/

Sixty-eight senior officers promoted

Sixty-eight senior Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) officers were promoted yesterday, according to an order signed by Commissioner Paul Rolle.

Twenty-three officers were promoted from the rank of superintendent to chief superintendent. Forty-five officers were promoted from the rank of assistant superintendent to superintendent. 

The promotions come a week after three police officers were promoted to assistant commissioners of police.

A manpower audit of the force found that the organization was too top-heavy with senior officers.

The audit, which was conducted in 2017, found that there was an 800-officer deficit in the rank of constable. 

The audit noted that for the rank of chief superintendent, “the RBPF policy has job descriptions for only 11 head officers, but 23 persons hold this rank”.

It recommended that only 11 officers hold that post as “review of the rank structure and associated primary duties revealed absolutely no differences in the job descriptions of superintendents and chief superintendents”.

It also found that the promotional practices on the force are “outdated, lack consistency and standardization”.

Following the audit, the force’s top brass was gutted when eight senior officers, including then-Deputy Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour, were sent on leave.

 

Promotions

The promotions took effect January 1, 2020 and were dated April 28 and signed off by Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle.

Jamuel Ferguson and Wayne Woodside, both from the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), and Anton Rahming of the Criminal Division, were promoted to chief superintendent.

Matthew Edgecombe of the Financial Crime Investigations Unit was promoted. Anthony Curtis and James Miller, both of the Internal Security Division, were also promoted to chief superintendent.

Prince Charlton of Marine Support Services; Adrian Strachan from the Ministry of National Security; Oswald Nixon of the Mobile Division and Shanta Knowles from the National Crime Prevention Office were promoted to chief superintendent.

Brian Miller from the Police Control Room; Mary Mitchell and David Lockhart, both from the Police Tribunal; Earl Thompson of Scientific Support Services; and Mareno Hinds of the Traffic Division were also among those promoted to chief superintendent.

Other New Providence officers who were promoted to chief superintendent on New Providence were Benson Cunningham from the Central Division; Damian Robinson from the Northeastern Division; Christopher Wright from the Paradise Island Division; Mark Barrett from the Southcentral Division and Roberto Goodman of the Southeastern Division.

Three officers on Grand Bahama – Brian Rolle, Kimberly Taylor and Kenwood Taylor – were also promoted to chief superintendent.

Forty-five officers were promoted from assistant superintendent to superintendent. Deborah Thompson of the Financial Crime Investigation Unit; Elvin Missick of the Business Licensing Division; Sybrina Poitier, Raynard Woods and Michael Johnson of the Central Detective Unit and Darron Nixon of the Central Intelligence Bureau were all promoted to superintendent.

Others promoted from assistant superintendent to superintendent were: Betty Bodie and Dornell Brown from the Complaints and Corruption Branch; Stacy Bowe-Curry and Alfred Dean from the Criminal Records Office; Weymond Demeritte and Clarence Major of the Drug Enforcement Unit; Kent Butler from the Exhibit Room; Angela Johnson from the Financial Services Section; Kenrick Morris from the Fire Branch; Bradbury Styles from the Firearm and Anti-Gang Unit; Laura Stuart from the Human Resources Department; Kevin McGregor and Karoldann Darville from the Information Technology Department; Eugene Strachan from the Mobile Division; Seldin Adderly from the Police Band; Geoffrey Ferguson from the Police Control Room; Marcus Williams from the Police Training College; Raymond Hanna and Claudine Hutchinson from the Police Tribunal; Harris Cash from the Security Intelligence Branch;  Indirah Adderley from the Strategic Policy, Planning and Research Branch and Paul Cash of the Traffic Division.

Other New Providence Officers promoted to superintendent were Wilton Johnson and Cedric Bullard of the Central Division; Kelly Kemp and Dwight Smith from the Southern Division; and Wil Hart of the Northeastern Division.

Seven Grand Bahama officers were promoted to superintendent – Edroy Ferguson, Kosygen Ewing, Ann Neely, Terecita Pinder, Hawthorne Russell, Calvin Robinson and Michael Thurston.

Marcus Sands from the South Andros Division; Royston Moss of the Bimini Division; Franklyn Neely of the Eleuthera Division; Gregory Lockhart of the Inagua division and Ezra Duncombe of the Long Island Division were also promoted to superintendent.

The post Sixty-eight senior officers promoted appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/29/sixty-eight-senior-officers-promoted/