A three-year Industrial Agreement was signed between the BahamasTelecommunications Company (BTC) and te Bahamas Communications Public Managers Union (BCPMU) on September 28th at the BTC Headquarters on JFK Drive, Nassau

Standing L to R : Brian Jacques – BTC Manager/BCPMU Official; Tedanna McKinzie-Thompson – ZNS /BCPMU Official; Kendrick Knowles – BTC Manager/BCPMU Official; Gerard Ashmore – BTC CFO; Nigel Broghan – BTC Senior VP; M. Alban Smith – BTC Chief Information Officer; Naaman Elis – BTC Chief Network Officer; Neisha Butler – BTC VP Financial Planning & Analysis; Talbot Collie – BTC VP Northern Bahamas;

Seated L – R: Terah Sweeting – BTC Manager/BCPMU Official; Charles Russell – ZNS/ BCPMU Official; Ricardo Thompson – BCPMU President; Leon R Williams – BTC CEO; Keith Archer – veteran Union Official & signing witness; Helene Ferguson – BTC Senior VP HR & Training; Pat Walters – BTC Senior VP Customer Service; Janet Brown – BTC Chief Marketing Officer; Valerie Wallace – BTC VP HR.

Police closer to hunting down suspects in this latest homicide….

BP live cam at the scene of Sunday’s homicide in Nassau Village.

Nassau, Bahamas — According to reports, shortly after 9:30am on Sunday 27th September 2015, a man was walking on Alexandria Boulevard, Nassau Village, near Price Street when two males pulled up in a light blue Hyundai vehicle and shot him before speeding off.

The victim was pronounced dead on the scene, with his face torn off with an AK-47 automatic weapon.

A short while later police recovered the getaway car in the South Beach area, however, the culprits had vanished and melted into the community.

The victim we can confirm is Shannondor Seymour and was wearing an ankle bracelet at the time of the shooting.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Why? Why? Why? Why?

We report yinner decide!

Polls show growth and swell happening in the FNM!
Citizens are showing up in huge numbers at TOWN MEETINGS!

Nassau, Bahamas — This is what it looks like in the circles of the FNM! The town meetings organized by Dr. Hubert Minnis are swelling on the ground. The crowds are getting bigger and bigger by the minute.

Polls show a swell is growing under the FNM.

Well wait!

We report yinner decide!

Victim becomes the country’s 113th homicide victim…

Nassau, Bahamas — Police early this morning had to be called into the area of Dunmore and West Streets where they discovered a male victim shot to death in the area.

The incident unfolded sometimes after 1am. Police have no leads in this latest homicide.

We report yinner decide!

NEMA Prepares the Country for Hurricane Joaquin

By
The National Emergency Management Agency

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officially partially activated the National Emergency Operations Centre as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2015, to track and monitor the projected path of Tropical Storm Joaquin, a storm that is forecasted to become a hurricane.

Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell said that the Operations Centre will remain activated until the system moves away from The Bahamas and could be fully activated upon advice from the Department of Meteorology on the status and location of the hurricane.

The Department of Meteorology said that a Hurricane Warning is now in effect for the Central Bahamas which includes the islands of Long Island, Exuma and its cays, Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador.

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions could affect the mentioned islands within 36 hours.

A hurricane watch is also in effect for the Northwest Bahamas, which includes the islands of Eleuthera, The Abacos, New Providence, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini and Grand Bahama.

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions can possibly be experienced in those islands within the next 36 to 48 hours.

According to the Department of Meteorology, at 8 a.m., EDT, the center of Hurricane Joaquin was located near latitude 24.9 degrees north and longitude 72.2 degrees west or about 137 miles east-northeast of San Salvador or about 221 miles east of Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, and about 282 miles east of New Providence.

Hurricane Joaquin is moving toward the southwest near 6 miles per hour. A general motion toward the west-southwest or southwest is expected to continue through tonight. A turn toward the west and a decrease in forward speed are forecast on Thursday. On the forecast track the center of Joaquin is expected to move near or over portions of the central Bahamas tonight and Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 miles per hour with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 125 miles from the center.

Moderate to severe flooding can be expected as Hurricane Joaquin is forecast to produce 5 – 10 inches of rain with isolated amounts of 15 inches possible over San Salvador and Rum Cay through Friday morning. Rainfall amounts of 3 – 5 inches are possible over the remainder of the Central Bahamas through Friday morning, with 2 – 4 inches expected over the northwest and southeast Bahamas.

Small craft operators throughout The Bahamas should remain in port as large swells generated by Joaquin will affect The Bahamas during the next few days.

Captain Russell added that NEMA is in contact with Family Island administrators, in all the areas that are in the warning and watch areas, to ascertain their level of preparedness and to ensure that they have met with their individual island disaster committees.

“We advise all Administrators in the watches and warnings areas to finish preparing their shelters so that they will be open and functioning by 6 p.m.,” Captain Russell said.

With Hurricane Season well underway, we present herewith The Bahamas Hurricane Shelters List for 2015.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast is for a below-average season with 6-11 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 0-2 major hurricanes (Category 3-5 storm). The average Atlantic hurricane season (based upon 1981-2010) typically sees 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

The names that will be given to storms during the 2015 season are: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquim, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor and Wanda…

NEW PROVIDENCE

EASTERN DISTRICT
New Dimensions Ministries ~ Joe Farrington Road
Epiphany Anglican Church – Prince Charles Drive
Epworth Hall – Shirley Street
Holy Cross Anglican Parish – Highbury Park off Soldier Road
Kemp Road Ministries – Kemp Road
Pilgrim Baptist Church – St. James Road
Salvation Army – Mackey Street
St. Mary’s Hall/St. Augustine College – Bernard Road

SOUTHERN DISTRICT
Agape run Gospel Baptist Church ~ Kennedy
Golden Gates Assembly – Carmichael Road
New Bethlehem Baptist Church – Independence Drive Southwest
Cathedral Church of God – Augusta & Patton Streets

CENTRAL DISTRICT
Church of God of Prophecy – East Street
Calvary Bible Church – Collins Avenue
Church of God of Prophecy – Augusta & Patton Streets
Ebenezer Mission Baptist Church ~ St. Charles Vincent Street
Salvation Army ~ Meadow Street
St. Barnabas Anglican Church – Wulff Road & Balliou Hill Road

WESTERN DISTRICT
Mount Moriah Baptist Church ~ Farrington Road
Church of God of Prophecy Gambier – Gambier Village
Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled – Dolphin Drive
New Providence Community Church – Blake Road

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND (See attached below)

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND – CITY OF FREEPORT
St. George High School Gym
Cancer Association
Church of Christ
Foster Pestaina Centre (Special Needs)
First Baptist Church
Central Church of God
Sir Jack Hayward High School
Maurice Moore Primary School

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND – WEST GBI
Eight Mile Rock School Gym
Martin Town Primary

BIMINI
Gateway Outreach Church Gymnasium (Porgy Bay)
Former Bimini Public Clinic (Bailey Town)
Bimini Burial Society Hall (Alice Town)
Bimini Big Game (Hotel)

ANDROS

NORTH ANDROS DISTRICT
Nicholl’s Town Primary School
Church of Christ
Church of God Of Prophecy
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church
Pleasant View Assembly of God
First Baptist Church
Salem Baptist Pre-School

CENTRAL ANDROS DISTRICT
Church of God
Pentecostal Church
Bowen Sound Catholic Church
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Voice of Deliverance
Mount Sinai Baptist Church
Mount Ethel Church
Stafford Creek Primary
St. Bartholomew Church

SOUTH ANDROS
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church
High Rock Primary School
Long Bay Cays Preschool
Deep Creek Primary School
St. Paul’s Baptist Church
St. Mary’s Anglican Church
Mt. Olive Baptist Church

SAN SALVADOR & RUM CAY
Zion Baptist Church
St. James Baptist Church
St. Johns Baptist Church
Gerace Research Centre
Idell Jones Community Hall
St. Christopher Anglican Church

CAT ISLAND DISTRICT

St. Andrew’s Anglican
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church
Zion Baptist Church
St. Mark’s Baptist Church
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Zion Baptist Church
Lovely Zion Baptist Church

CROOKED ISLAND & LONG CAY
Church of God of Prophecy
St. Paul’s Baptist Church
All Saints Anglican Church
Seventh Day Adventist Church
St. John’s Baptist Church
Desmond’s Duplex
Command Centre – Administrator’s Office

ACKLINS
North Acklins Shelter/Clinic
St. Paul’s Baptist
Church of God of Prophecy
Zion Ebenezer Baptist Church
Good Samaritan
Command Centre – Administrator’s Office

MANGROVE CAY
Mangrove Cay High School
Burnt Rock Primary

ELEUTHERA

CENTRAL ELEUTHERA
Resource Centre
Salvation Army
Church of the Nazerine
Governor’s Harbour Primary School
Camp Symonette
St. Mark’s Native Baptist Church
Cambridge Villas

SOUTH ELEUTHERA
Church of God of Prophecy
Rock Sound Primary
Green Castle Primary
Wemyss’ Bright Primary School
Deep Creek Middle School
John Miller’s – Bannerman Town Association Community Library

NORTH ELEUTHERA & HARBOUR ISLAND
Lighthouse Church of God
Wesley Methodist Church
Trinity City of Praise Centre
Mission Church of God
People’s Haitian Baptist Church
John Wesley Methodist Church

CURRENT ISLAND & SPANISH WELLS
Current Community Centre
Zion Methodist Church

EXUMA, EXUMA CAYS
St. Mary Magdalene – Williams Town Anglican Church
St. Peter’s Union Baptist Church
St. Matthew’s Baptist Church
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
St. Andrew’s Community Centre
St. Theresa’s Catholic Centre
College of the Bahamas Resource Centre
New Mt. Hermon Baptist Church
Palestine Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church
St. Margaret’s Anglican Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church (Rolleville)
Mt. Sinai Union Baptist Church (Stuart Manor)
Ebenezer Baptist Church (Barretarre)
St. Mary’s Union Baptist Church (Farmer’s Cay)
St. Luke Baptist Church (Black Point)
Mt. Oliveth Baptist Church (Staniel Cay)

RAGGED ISLANDS
Administration Building

MAYAGUANA
Pirates Well Primary School
Abraham’s Bay High School

BERRY ISLAND
Church of God of Prophecy (Great Harbour Cay)

LONG ISLAND
Seymour’s Gospel Chapel
Highway Church of God
St. Joseph Anglican Church
First Assemblies of God Church
Senior’s Recreational Centre
Community Centre – Clarence Town
St. John’s Anglican Church
Holy Cross Anglican Church
Holy Family Anglican Church
The Church of Ascension

INAGUA
Zion Baptist Church
St. Michael’s Methodist Church
St. Phillip’s Comm. Center (as a last resort)

ABACO

NORTH ABACO
Amy Roberts Primary School
St. Andrews Baptist Church
Faith Walk Church of God (Community Center)
Ebenezer Baptist Church
New Hope Baptist Church
Fox Town Primary School
Revival Time (Youth Hall)
Pentecostal Church of God
Grand Cay All Age School
Shiloh Baptist Church

CENTRAL ABACO
Central Abaco Primary School
Abaco Central High School
St. Francis de Sales Church
Hope Town Primary School
Man-O-War Public School
Friendship Tabernacle Church
Guana Cay All Age School

SOUTH ABACO
Soul Seeking Ministry
Moore’s Island All Age School
Crossing Rock Primary School
Casuarina Point Fire Station
Assemblies of God Church
Sandy Point Community Center

Who yinner think is telling the LIE in this row?
Statement by Da Snitch

I refer to the business section of today’s Tribune under the heading “DNA Chief, Minister clash over Carnival’s ‘crime advisory’ fear.”

It is rather unfortunate that the leader of the DNA has unwittingly landed himself in the middle of what is now a matter of a police investigation.

Firstly, how did Mr. McCartney get his hands on private email communications allegedly sent to me? I have no record of the emails in question; the emails never reached my computer! It now appears that the email communications from Carnival Cruise Lines were never sent to my address for whatever reason.

Secondly, and equally as unfortunate, Mr. McCartney, a jurist no less, has now drawn a senior executive of Carnival Cruise Lines into the Bahamian political theatre over a non political operational issue between the Ministry of Tourism and its many corporate partners. He has also maligned me as Minister and by extension the government of The Bahamas by spewing untruths into the public domain.

The record clearly reflects that our relationship with Carnival and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) remains strong and our dialogue fluid. In fact, I have already spoken with the President of the FCCA Michele Paige and the Chairman of the Carnival Corporation Mr. Mickey Arison on this development. We will meet during the upcoming FCCA conference in Mexico. Any and all issues raised by our parties are treated as priorities.

This is irresponsible and unseemly behavior on the part Mr. McCartney and unbecoming of one who seeks to lead a nation. How can he claim to be concerned about crime yet knowingly use and disseminate allegedly confidential documents obtained under questionable circumstances? A responsible leader would have connected the act of cyber hacking to an act of criminality. I expected better from Mr. McCartney.

This matter is now in the hands of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Oil in the water at Eight Mile Rock.

Upon receiving these reports, the ministry immediately launched an investigation into the matter. Oversees Marine Group responded to the oil spill at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Monday 28September, 2015, utilizing one oil spill response vessel, an eight-man wok crew and oil spill equipment, to contain and recover the oil. Representatives reported that a very heavy sheen and a black oily substance, believed to be oil, had collected into a heavy pocket and stretched approximately one mile west of the harbor. Overseas Marine Group subsequently transported officials from BORCO to the site to examine the extent of the pollution, and were hired to conduct the clean-up operation at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Oversees Marine Group completed approximately 75% of the clean-up of the oil spill by 8:00 p.m. on Monday 28 September, 2015 and the entire clean-up was completed by 10:00 am. on Tuesday 29 September, 2015. All debris was removed from the beaches and coastal areas, and an inspection was conducted by officials from the Port Department and the Department of Environmental Health Services in Freeport, to ensure the adequacy of the cleanup. Oversees Marine is to be commended for the company’s efforts in minimizing the impact of this oil spill.

The investigation into this matter is continuing to determine the source and circumstances of this marine pollution incident. The reporting of all spills is mandated by the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution) Act, and all stakeholders must be responsible and report these matters to the authorities on an urgent basis, when they occur. The ministry wishes to emphasize that the protection of the marine environment is the responsibility of all.

Christie – Davis team is the BEST Team for the future of the Bahamas

September 28th, 2015.

Dear Editor,

A weekly political blog partial to the Progressive Liberal Party made two distinctive comments, amongst many. The first was, “We believe that the present Leader and Deputy Leader are great assets to the PLP and the country.” The second was “We do not agree with political subterfuge, assassination or murder”. I am in full agreement with both comments.

Perry G. Christie, Leader of the PLP and Prime Minister of The Bahamas, after much deliberation , publically and clearly announced his intention to re-offer for Leader of the PLP at the coming party convention in November. Whether this intention suggests that he will lead his party into contesting the 2017 General Elections will become more clear as time moves on. It is common knowledge that there are others from PM Christie’s Cabinet who have also expressed an interest in assuming the mantle of PLP leadership, the principal one being his Deputy Prime Minister, Philip Brave Davis.

President Obama on his African visit in July 2015, lectured African leaders by telling them “When Leaders (or supporters) say, I’m the only person who can hold the nation together. If that’s true, then that Leader has failed to truly build their nation” Or in the PLP’s case, their Party. It would be unfair and unreasonable to accuse Mr. Christie of such an egotistical view. I heard him enunciate at a recent meeting of the Women’s Branch of PLP, that he is only one leader amongst several in the PLP who can take the party forward. But, it was also crystal clear that Mr. Christie was encouraging the Women’s branch and by extension the broader family of PLP’s, to take one more step with him.

Long serving PLP supporter and activist, Mr. George Smith stated that “Mr. Christie is no bully”. Neither is he despotic, having subjected himself to the decisions of vibrant democracies inside and outside his party on so many occasions during his political life. Furthermore, as the Leader in his Cabinet, his management style has facilitated and encouraged Cabinet colleagues in exercising their own reasonable discretion in the performance of their duties. In fact, the PM has taken great personal criticism for his Cabinet colleagues, with the suggestion that they are allowed too much freedom in their public commentary and actions.

Why does PM Christie wish to serve again as PLP Leader? Why may he determine to lead the PLP into another election? Do PLP’s wish Mr. Christie to continue to lead them? I, a lifetime PLP speak for myself in blurting out that I fully support Mr. Christie 100% to continue to lead the PLP. Some institutions are so shaped by the extraordinary contributions of a single person, that it is difficult to imagine one without the other. That is the current feeling of a broad based assemblage of PLP Convention delegates. Prior to 2002, the PLP had been decimated in two consecutive elections. Mr. Christie, with his unbridled energy, enthusiasm and political acumen re-established the PLP in the minds and hearts of the electorate. He always celebrated the prowess of his PLP team in the great victories our party achieved under his guidance.

Political leadership requires vision, hard work, astuteness and boldness. PLP’s and the country have seen a Christie lead PLP tackle improvement in government finances via VAT implementation, regularization and generation of needed tax income from local gaming establishments that have historically, operated in the black market , start BAMSI to enhance aspects and perception of agricultural links to the economy, introduce the concept of Junkanoo Carnival to mitigate unemployment by creating an industry of artisans. Recent trends in unemployment numbers attest to the feasibility of strengthening the support for Junkanoo Carnival. PM Christie’s decision to challenge the developer of Bahamar’s legal maneuvers proved to be a bold controversial move, to achieve a better “public good”. Finally NHI to insure Bahamians against the financially crippling costs of proper health care, is an ideal objective of PM Christie that must be implemented.

These agenda items are no indication of someone who has lost the zeal to continue to drive the Bahamas forward for the benefit of all. The fact that PM Christie has stated that he will offer again can only mean that he will petition PLP’s to allow him more time to personally control the implementation and oversight of certain key matters. Those who desire his job should be embraced, but encouraged to continue to support PM Christie’s vision and his request to take one more step with him. There is no easy or pretty way to say it. While Mr. Christie has been challenged for leadership at previous conventions, he was never in the role of Prime Minister. For the Prime Ministers’s hand-picked, Deputy and Cabinet colleague to challenge him at Convention, sends the simple message that DPM Davis feels that Party Leader Christie is a “spent force” and should be gone in replace of him, as presumably he can connect with the Bahamian electorate more intimately that Christie can. In brief, that he Davis has the winning formula for the PLP and not Christie. Such a declaration can only be regarded as an extreme act of no confidence in Mr. Christie’s leadership.

Anyone bringing that anti-Christie tone into the PLP Convention will be in for the shock of their lives. I think PLP’s feel as I do. There are demeaning characterizations made of Stalwart Counselors as these “old geezers” who back PM Christie solidly. I personally know many of them. Their faculties are intact. They can feel who brings the passion to a political campaign. They can see and hear who creates the excitement. They can smell who can likely deliver the bacon. That is why they are in PM Christie’s corner. He, leading a team has taken them on victory marches before and they believe he still has what it takes to do so again.

For the record, I pray daily that my friend and DPM Davis does not challenge PM Christie in Convention. My respect and admiration for him is equally as strong as my feelings for my current Party Leader. I would hate to see him play a diminishing role in the PLP’s future. PLP’s will know when it’s time for new leadership and changing leaders has to be about more than, “it’s my time now”. PM Christie and DPM Davis were a very effective campaign force in the 2012 election. I believe they can continue to be a highly valued political team that can construct a platform for the PLP to win the 2017 elections. Put egos and personal ambitions on the shelf for now. Failure to do so will result in the opposite for PLP’s of the Flowers webshop slogan, – “everybody loses”.

Lawrence Harrison
September 24, 2015

BTC BAHAMAS…

Nassau, Bahamas — BTC’s Command Center is opened at its National Network Operations Center where it is currently monitoring Hurricane Joaquin. BTC advises that it remains in contact with all of the Family Islands. Reports from our Family Islands indicate that services have not been affected in most areas, at this time.

However, due to commercial power failure on some islands, there are minor outages in several areas which are actively being addressed by our technical teams. These areas include:

* Williams Town, Exuma where there is a mobile outage and our technical teams are en-route to the mobile site to make the necessary repairs. We intend to have services restored within the hour.

* Landline and internet services are affected in the Sandy Point, San-Salvador community due to a loss of commercial power last evening.

* There is also a small mobile outage in the Pompey Bay and Spring Point areas of Acklins.

Our team is assessing the damage in both San Salvador and Acklins Islands and will make the necessary repairs once the all clear is provided.

The Company through its business continuity efforts, makes preparations for the Hurricane Season year round. These preparations include providing satellite phones in the Family Islands. Last year, BTC also deployed fuel cells in New Providence and the Family Islands. Fuel cells add an additional layer of redundancy in the event of the loss of commercial power. In parts of Long Island and Acklins, BTC has several fuel cells supporting both fixed line and mobile services. As a result, they will not likely suffer from any loss in services as a result of a loss of commercial power. BTC also opened a new Multi Switching Center (MSC) in Grand Bahama to mitigate any disruptions in service at the main switching center in New Providence. In the event of failure in New Providence, the Grand Bahama network will be operational.

BTC continues to monitor Hurricane Joaquin and will keep the public updated regularly via the major news carriers and on its social media pages. The Company is working diligently to maintain connectivity during the storm. We are asking the public to report any additional concerns or issues directly to BTC, by calling us toll free at CALL-BTC or 225-5282. Customers may also reach out to us on social media.

Freeport, Grand Bahama – The male suspect in the latest Homicide in Grand Bahama died at the Rand Memorial Hospital shortly before 2:00am on Thursday 1st October 2015. An autopsy would be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are actively investigating this matter.

Crime Prevention Tip:

Remember…Crime doesn’t pay, if you commit the crime you will spend the time.
TRAFFIC SAFETY TIP:

Pedestrians, be safe, be seen. At night wear light color clothing and always walk facing oncoming traffic.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have any information regarding any crime, no matter how small or insignificant (the tip) may seem, to anonymously call Police at 919/911 or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (8477) or 1-242-300-8476 (Family Islands) or your nearest police station.

CONVICTED!!! Sentencing Hearing set for Nov. 10th!
Donna is GUILTY!!!!!

Nassau, Bahamas — Just after four short hours of deliberating the jury hearing the murder trial of Australian podiatrist Philip Vasyli has delivered a guilty verdict.

The victim’s wife, 55 year-old Donna Vasyli, was found guilty in the death of her husband on March 24th at the couple’s Old Fort Bay home.

Donna fell to the floor as she fainted while the verdict was being read.

A sentencing hearing will now take place in November 10th.

We report yinner decide!

NASSAU, The Bahamas – ALERT #15 ON HURRICANE JOAQUIN ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER, 2015 AT 9 PM EDT.

…. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE JOAQUIN BATTERING THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS….

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTHWEST, CENTRAL AND PARTS OF THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS. THIS INCLUDES: THE ABACOS, THE BERRY ISLANDS, ELEUTHERA, GRAND BAHAMA, NEW PROVIDENCE, LONG ISLAND, THE EXUMAS, CAT ISLAND, RUM CAY, SAN SALVADOR, ACKLINS, CROOKED ISLAND, LONG CAY AND MAYGUANA.

A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN IN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS AND THE REMAINDER OF THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS WHICH INCLUDES RAGGED ISLAND AND INAGUA.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED IN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

AT 8 PM EDT THE CENTER OF HURRICANE JOAQUIN WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 22.9 DEGREES NORTH AND LONGITUDE 74.5 DEGREES WEST. THIS PUTS THE EYE OF JOAQUIN 10 MILES SOUTH OF SAMANA CAY,25 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF CLARENCE TOWN LONG ISLAND, 40 MILES NORTHWEST OF ACKLINS, 75 MILES SOUTH OF SAN SALVADOR, 226 MILES SOUTHEAST OF NEW PROVIDENCE AND 140 MILES SOUTHEAST OF TURKS AND CAICOS.

HURRICANE JOAQUIN IS MOVING GENERALLY WEST-SOUTHWESTWARDS AT 5 MILES PER HOUR AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH TONIGHT. A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH IS EXPECTED ON FRIDAY, AND A FASTER MOTION TOWARDS THE NORTH IS EXPECTED FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT. ON THE FORECAST TRACK THE CENTER OF JOAQUIN IS EXPECTED TO MOVE NEAR OR OVER PORTIONS OF THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS TODAY AND TONIGHT AND PASS NEAR OR OVER PORTIONS OF THE NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS ON FRIDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 130 MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. JOAQUIN IS NOW A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE AND SOME ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS WITH SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN INTENSITY POSSIBLE THROUGH TONIGHT AND FRIDAY.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 50 MILES FROM THE CENTER AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 185 MILES FROM THE CENTER.

RESIDENTS IN THE WARNING AREAS SHOULD ENSURE THAT ALL PREPARATIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND REMAIN IN DOOR ONCE CONDITIONS DETERIORATES.

JOAQUIN IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNT OF 10 TO 15 INCHES OVER THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS OF UP TO 20 INCHES. THIS STORM POTENTIALLY CAN PRODUCE 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAINFALL ELSEWHERE ACROSS THE BAHAMAS.

HEAVY RAINS WILL CONTINUE TO CAUSE SEVERE FLOODING IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTH BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TONIGHT AND TOMORROW.

SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT AS LARGE SWELLS AND BATTERING WAVES WILL AFFECT THE ISLANDS DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS. SURGES UP OF 5 TO 10 FEET ARE EXPECTED IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND 2 TO 4 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVEL ELSEWHERE.

THE NEXT ALERT ON HURRICANE JOAQUIN WILL BE ISSUED AT 12 MIDNIGHT EDT.

ISSUED BY: MICHAEL STUBBS
LONG ISLAND, Crooked Island under the GUN!

Cabinet also confirms Government Offices will close at noon and all Banks at 1pm!

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Due to the close proximity of the Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin and the forecasted weather associated with the storm, The Cabinet Office announced that all schools throughout The Bahamas will be closed tomorrow, Friday, October 2, 2015.

All banks and private businesses will be closed tomorrow at 1 p.m.

All Government offices, except for essential services, will be closed at 12:00 noon.

Based on the intensity of the storm and its current suggested path, residents are advised to heed the warnings issued by The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Department of Meteorology, and stay tuned for further updates.

COB closes today…

The public is advised that due to Hurricane Joaquin The College of The Bahamas will be closed today, Friday, 2nd October, 2015. However, essential services are to report to campus including Senior Team, Emergency Management Team, Security and Physical Plant staff. The College will advise when it will resume operations. Additionally, SAT Exams that were scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd are cancelled, an announcement for a make-up date will be made available as soon as possible.

MP loses it in Parliament on Bahamas Press! Metal Health is a serious sickness!

Nassau, Bahamas — Prometheus says “Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad” in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “The Masque of Pandora” (1875). Those words are appropriate for Andre Rollins who today decided to stand on his feet and accuse BP of being a mouthpiece for the Government.

We have never hidden our support for the PLP at the 2012 General Elections. That was no secret. We coined the phrase “Gold Rush” [EVEN THOSE IN THE PLP FORGOT THAT] and were an active endorser for the new generation of leaders presented in the last list of candidates of the PLP!

For the sake of Andre, we are objective! We stand on the side of the People. We stand with Citizens! And if you don’t believe that is the case ask those in the PLP if BP is in support of the organization today!

Sadly though, we never bought into Andre Rollins bullshit as he came through the “backdoor” of the oldest political party in the last election.

We have some questions for the Paradoxical MP who abandoned the people of Fort Charlotte on day one!

1) Why is there no office for Fort Charlotte opened by the MP even though he collects tax dollars for the constituency office?

2) Where were the back to school events for those in Fort Charlotte seeking an education in the country?

3) And why yinner think Andre got so hot with Bahamas Press in the Parliament, but said not one word against the Punch when it wrote how a mother complained to police about how her son was being buggered by an aspiring politician?

We sat in awe to see how Andre has lost his good judgment and has been robbed of his common sense!

But ya know he is a politician that has burned every bridge he crossed and that is real insanity.

“Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad!”

We report yinner decide!

Nassau, Bahamas — We have breaking news. The US Coast Guard is searching for a cargo ship with 33 people aboard that went missing as the Category 4 Hurricane hit the Bahamas.

Officials said Friday that the 735-foot (224-meter) ship named El Faro was en-route to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Jacksonville Florida when it went missing. It is noted that officials received notification that the ship had lost propulsion and was listing at 15 degrees near Crooked Island in the southeastern Bahamas.

We report yinner decide!

Former Consultant to BEC will tell all as to who shared up the funds…

Fredrick Rahming brought before the courts in the matter of BEC Bribes.

Nassau, Bahamas – Bahamas Press can now confirm suspect #1 in connection with that BEC Bribe has been formally charged before the courts.

Seventy-year-old Mr. Frederick Solomon Ramsey appeared before Magistrate’s Court in connection with that alleged bribe incident at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation. The former BEC Board Member, and consultant to the Corporation, was charged with collecting more than half a million dollars over a four year span which is believed to have been received to aid the purchase of faulty generator contracts for the corporation.

In 2010, before being voted out of office, then Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham celebrated Ramsey during the Investiture of Meritorious Council Members (MCM). He hailed him as keeper of the flame in the Party.

Who else received money in the BEC Bribe? Investigators tell us more names will come.

We report yinner decide!

For immediate release on Friday, October 2nd, 2015:

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie (centre right), with Cabinet Ministers and key Government Agencies, monitors the effects of Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin on the Bahama Islands, and coordinates response at the Office of the Prime Minister on October 2, 2015. After the all-clear from NEMA, assessment of the aftermath of this very dangerous storm will get underway. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

The Minister of Financial Services with responsibility for Local Government the Hon. Hope Strachan wishes to advise all Bahamians throughout the family of Islands to heed all warnings issued by the relevant governmental agencies, weather officials, authorities and emergency personnel in the midst of Hurricane Joaquin, an extremely dangerous and unpredictable storm.

As the Minister with responsibility for the Family Islands Hon. Hope Strachan is also urging residents to continue to secure their families, homes and properties as much possible, but to heed all evacuation orders and instructions to seek safe shelter. Residents are advised to remain indoors and be vigilant until the official all-clear is given.

As this powerful storm continues to batter the islands of the Southern and Central Bahamas, Minister Strachan wishes to reassure all residents that her Ministry is monitoring the movement of the storm and stands ready to assist and begin damage assessments as soon as the storm has passed.

The Minister and her staff will also continue to keep the people of The Bahamas in prayer throughout these very uncertain times.

ALERT #23 ON HURRICANE JOAQUIN ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER, 2015 AT 9PM EDT.

…CORE OF INTENSE HURRICANE JOAQUIN BEGINS TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS…. HURRICANE CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE OVER THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS FOR SEVERAL MORE HOURS.

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS AND THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS INCLUDING THE ABACOS, BERRY ISLANDS, ELEUTHERA, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, NEW PROVIDENCE, AND ACKLINS, CROOKED ISLAND, AND MAYAGUANA IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.

A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A HURRICANE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR BIMINI AND ANDROS ISLAND.

WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 48 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ANDROS, THE REMAINDER OF THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED IN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

AT 8 PM EDT THE CENTER OF HURRICANE JOAQUIN WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 24.3 DEGREES NORTH AND LONGITUDE 74.3 DEGREES WEST OR 25 MILES NORTH-NORTHEAST OF SAN SALVADOR, 50 MILES NORTHEAST OF RUM CAY, 70 MILES EAST-NORTHEAST OF OLD BIGHT, CAT ISLAND, AND 195 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF NEW PROVIDENCE.

HURRICANE JOAQUIN IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHEAST AT 7 MPH, AND THIS GENERAL MOTION SHOULD CONTINUE WITH A GRADUAL INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS. ON THIS FORECAST TRACK, THE CORE OF THE STRONGEST WINDS OF JOAQUIN WILL MOVE AWAY FROM THE BAHAMAS LATER TONIGHT.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 125 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. JOAQUIN IS NOW A CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE. SOME SLOW WEAKENING IS FORECASTED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

ON ITS PRESENT TRACK, THE CENTER OF HURRICANE JOAQUIN WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE AWAY FROM SAN SALVADOR AND INTO THE OPEN ATLANTIC TONIGHT. HOWEVER, RESIDENTS IN RUM CAY AND SAN SALVADOR WILL CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE HURRICANE FORCE WINDS THROUGH TONIGHT. MEANWHILE, RESIDENTS IN CAT ISLAND, EXUMA, LONG ISLAND, MAYAGUANA, ACKLINS AND CROOKED ISLAND WILL CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS TONIGHT.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 50 MILES FROM THE CENTER AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 205 MILES FROM THE CENTER.

HEAVY RAINFALL COULD RESULT IN LIFE THREATENING FLASH FLOODS OVER THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS THROUGH TONIGHT.

A VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING STORM SURGE WILL RAISE WATER LEVELS BY AS MUCH AS 6 TO 12 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS IN THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS.

AGAIN, RESIDENTS IN THE WARNING AREAS SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED PREPARATIONS FOR THE IMPACT OF JOAQUIN WHICH INCLUDES SEVERE FLOODING.

SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT AS LARGE SWELLS AND BATTERING WAVES WILL AFFECT THE BAHAMAS DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

THE NEXT ALERT ON HURRICANE JOAQUIN WILL BE ISSUED AT 12 MIDNIGHT EDT

ISSUED BY: – MICHAEL STUBBS

POLICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECTS IN POTTERS CAY SHOOTING DEATH

According to reports, shortly before 10:00pm on Friday 9th October 2015, two men about to enter a vehicle at Potters Cay Dock, when two males armed with handguns shot them before fleeing on foot.

The two men were rushed to hospital where one of them succumbed and the other remains in stable condition. Investigations are ongoing.

POLICE PROBE ALLEGED DROWNING DEATH AT LYFORD CAY

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an adult male who was found floating in a canal at Lyford Cay, shortly after 1:00pm on Friday 9th October 2015. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.