Edmund Rahming of KryS Global and Alastair Beveridge and Nick Cropper of AlixPartners, collectively the Joint Provisional Liquidators (JPLs) to the BahaMar resort development, this week held constructive all party talks with the development’s key stakeholder groups.

Chaired by the JPLs today’s talks brought together representatives from the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas , financial sponsors Export-Import Bank of China, construction company CCA Bahamas Ltd. and parent company, China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd., and the resort’s founder and Investor, Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian.

Commenting on this week’s talks on behalf of the JPL’s Alastair Beveridge said:

“The talks this week are another important step on the road to resolution. We would like to thank all parties for their good faith participation in and constructive approach during the meetings. Whilst there is still work to be done, it is clear that all involved arefocused on quickly reaching a viable solution to ensure that the Baha Mar resort is able to open for business for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the Bahamian people. We will continue to work with all stakeholders as we explore the best route forward and will issue further updates as talks continue”.

Victim is 46-year-old Stanley McInnis

The vehicle damaged in the accident.

46-year-old Stanley McInnis

Freeport, GB — Police in Grand Bahama are investigating a traffic accident that has left a 46-year-old male of Freeport dead.

Bahamas Press has identified the victims as Grand Lucayan laundry driver, Stanley McInnis. The victim was just driving from a funeral when the mishap occurred.

Reports are that on Saturday, 10th October, 2015, shortly after 5:00 pm, a traffic accident occurred on West Grand Bahama Highway involving a black 2001 Ford Explorer that was driven by the deceased.

The lone male driver apparently lost control of his vehicle, which ended in nearby bushes.

He was ejected from his vehicle where he received injuries including a broken neck, arms, legs and back. He succumbed at the scene. The vehicle received extensive damages.

We report yinner decide!

Q.C. Arrested!

Maurice Glinton QC

By http://www.bahamasuncensored.com

Nassau, Bahamas — Supreme Court Justice Carolita Bethel refused in the early hours of today Sunday 10th October an application for habeas corpus filed on behalf of Maurice Glinton QC who was jailed on a bench warrant on Friday 9th October.

Mr. Glinton remains imprisoned in a police lock up reportedly in Cable Beach. His legal team continues to work on the issue.

BP agrees with the Cabinet Minister who said – HEADS AT NEMA should ROLL this time!

Captain Stephen Russell head of NEMA could find himself answering some tough questions.

– A display of ineffectiveness, ineptness and rank INCOMPETENCE by NEMA!

Nassau, Bahamas — Last week in The Nassau Guardian the head of NEMA, Captain Stephen Russell, suggested that his government agency relied on the Telecommunication and Electricity companies to keep its lines of communication in place during and following a storm. He claimed they both “failed” and therefore the ability for his agency to respond in the aftermath of the Hurricane was weakened.

We at Bahamas Press should first point out that it would have been highly impossible for any of the communication companies or the power company to be operational following a Cat 4 Hurricane like Joaquin in the aftermath of a disaster. With miles of poles down, wires mangled, buildings flooded and roofs caved in it would have taken a miracle for any power or normal communications to be functioning after a storm of such a size and magnitude, spreading its destruction over land and infrastructure.

NEMA head took the time to speak with Sharon Turner [ONLINE MEDIA] but couldn’t speak with the islands or LOVE97FM Wendall JONES? NIGGA PLEASE!!!!

NEMA has been fitted with radio technology, already in use by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, which was demonstrated, live on Television by the Commissioner of Police, and which Captain Russell refused to engage! Don’t ask us why!

Secondly, last week a Cabinet Minister noted that persons assigned to the agency heads should roll following their lack of coordinated response after Hurricane Joaquin. We agree! Captain Russell didn’t need any of the communication companies or the power company if he had deployed the provided satellite phones to the affected islands in time and did not have them locked up [UNCHARGED] in some room in NEMA’s head office up to Monday October 5th – days after the Hurricane had battered affected islands.

Captain Russell should have told the public why, before the storm, the Satellite phones were not powered up and distributed to agents on the ground so the islanders could have communication with his disaster command office during and following the storm. I mean, what is this we have here?!

Captain Russell should also tell us why scores of shelters remained closed on the affected islands even though a Cat 3, then 4 Hurricane “bitch-licked” the affected islands? What happened there? We ‘ga’ blame the communication companies and the power company for that, too? While Bahamians were sitting in water waste deep in the South Eastern Islands – the shelters were closed! What is that?!

UNBELIEVABLE!

How about the fact that while the Commissioner of Police, private citizens, those same communication and power companies and MPs immediately sprung into action and provided restoration and supplies to those affected – the face of NEMA looked like a potcake licking its lips through the side of its tongue, confused as to what to do in the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin. And, like Houdini, Captain Stephen Russell and his agents vanished into silence while the people of Long Island were swimming in water and couldn’t get a drink!

We ga watch and see just how long Prime Minister Christie ga put up with this display of ineffectiveness, ineptness and rank INCOMPETENCE by NEMA!  –  ‘DEY’ AT NEMA HAVE NO DAMN SHAME!!!!

We report yinner decide!

See here! Russell who could not give Wendall Jones an interview following the Hurricane is shown here speaking with Ingraham ‘lil ting’ Sharon Turner! WELL WAIT!!!

Nassau, Bahamas — Police are now investigating another homicide in Fox Hill this evening – this time on Dorsette Street, the corner just opposite St. Augustine’s College on Bernard Road.

Detectives tell us they are in search of two men responsible for a shooting incident that has left a male dead on Monday, 12th October, 2015.

We can report that shortly before 2:00 pm, a young man was standing on Dorsette Street, Fox Hill, when two men approached in a Red Sentra vehicle and shot him before speeding off. The victim, who we cannot identify at this time, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Blood flowed like a river from the young man’s upper body as he bled to death. He is the second man to die because of a high-powered weapon over the holiday weekend.

We report yinner decide!

Defeated MP for Long Island Loretta Butler-Turner.

Is Loretta Butler-Turner suffering from Paranoid Personality Disorder [PPD]?

Nassau, Bahamas –– MP for Long Island, Loretta Butler-Turner, and dutty Terlet Paper [Tribune] were the first two to spread the lie that there were multiple death on Long Island.

Butler-Turner on Saturday October 3rd @ 6:15pm in the Tribune online update said the following:

 “The saddest part of all of this is that probably for the first time in many many years we have speculation that there are multiple deaths from this hurricane.”

Scores of concerned Long Island families were told the same at a meeting the night following the passage of the Hurricane Joaquin that families were dead and some drowned in vehicles and in homes.

This statement issued by the MP added stress and unnecessary pressure to families who had yet to hear from their relatives. We found this deeply disturbing and troubling! Why would the Member of Parliament for the island spread such Delusional, Malicious, Paranoia and Fear,  all to cover her own failure as an Island MP to make certain that the shelters were opened and manned.

It is no wonder she is defending the incompetence at the TOP Of NEMA!

Boy, why tell such a ‘vicked’ and damnable lie against ya own people?! I mean when they ain’t piss slapping the ‘pederast’ MP, ya calling death on ya constituents?!

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

We report yinner decide!

Will the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) repair damage infrastructure in the Southeastern Bahamas?

Flooding in Long Island, Bahamas. (Photo from Ken Bodnar’s Twitter page)

Nassau, Bahamas — During the last administration the Bahamas signed up for coverage with the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF).

Both the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos are members of the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), a non-profit multi-country risk pooling facility providing parametric hurricane and earthquake cover to Caribbean countries. We’re unsure what the specific attachment and exhaustion points are on the policies that cover the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos islands, but there has to be a distinct possibility of the CCRIF facility being triggered by a storm of the magnitude of hurricane Irene.

In the past the CCRIF have made payouts for a number of hurricanes and tropical storms which impacted their Caribbean island policyholders, including the Turks & Caicos receiving $6.3m in 2007 from hurricane Ike, Anguilla receiving $4.28m after hurricane Earl in 2010 and tropical storm Tomas triggering $12.8m of payments to Barbados, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2010.

Payments to islands whose CCRIF policies are triggered are usually made within about two weeks of the event itself, thanks to the parametric measurement used to quantify whether an event qualifies or not. This speedy payout mechanism is vital to help the Caribbean nations recover after potentially devastating natural catastrophe events.

All I wana know is this: How much we getting or was this another scheme!

Phenton Neymour and his drop dead gorgeous bride wed over the weekend!

Phenton Neymour and his bride over the weekend!

Abaco, Bahamas — Facebook disclosed that one term former MP Phenton Neymour was married for a second time over the weekend.

His new bride is a beautiful drop dead gorgeous gal from North Abaco. The wedding was grand, picturesque and elegant.

All the big losers were present! Namely, former PM and defeated leader of the FNM Hubert Ingraham. So was MP for Long Island and big loser in the leader race, Loretta Butler-Turner, with husband trailing behind. Former Speaker Alvin Smith and Miss-tossed-out-the-Senate Heather Hunt were also there.

But close sources disclose that FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis was not invited and, in fact, did not care to attend as he doesn’t intend to line Neymour or any of the big losers up in his 2017 candidates slate!

Those who followed Hubert Ingraham are yesterday’s news!

Bahamas Press wishes the new couple every success but the message is clear: Phenton ‘NOMORE’ Neymour will not be carrying the FNM Banner in the 2017 General Elections. The numbers of one term MPs continue to grow.

We report yinner decide!

The Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald Minister of Education, Science and Technology.

Nassau, Bahamas – 13th October, 2015 – All principals of schools in the Long Island District are requested to meet with their teachers and support staff on Wednesday, 14th October, 2015 at 9:00 am to discuss the way forward for the re-opening of schools post Hurricane Joaquin.

Considering the communication challenges and the displacement of residents, parents are asked to contact the principal of their child’s school before Thursday, 15th October, 2015 for information concerning the re-opening of schools. Once principals have met with their staff, a specific date for schools re-opening will be issued to parent and the community.

Additionally, District Superintendent Mrs. Lillian Culmer-Miller, a team of technical officers and counselors from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will be on Long Island this week to provide counseling for students and parents in wake of Hurricane Joaquin.

Grand Bahama Power Linesmen headed to the Southern Bahamas to help with restoration efforts depart Grand Bahama International Airport- Domestic Terminal. Pictured (left to right) are Delano Arthur, Manager of Operations and Maintenance for T&D, Andre Spence, David Parker Jr., Troy Mackenzie, Director of Transmission & Distribution, Chad Bartlett, Arthur Spencer, and Patrick Laing, Team Leader.

Freeport, Bahamas – Six (6) Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) employees departed Grand Bahama International Airport-Domestic Terminal on Sunday October 11, to assist the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), with restoration efforts in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin. Upon receiving reports of the damage, GBPC quickly offered assistance to BEC and commend the members of its crew who did not hesitate to accept the assignment.

This initiative is in keeping with the Company’s corporate responsibility philosophy, and compassion for residents impacted by the storm. The crew consists of overhead linemen who specialize in the construction, maintenance and repair of transmission and distribution assets. They will work 16-hour shifts, seven days a week for the full duration of their trip.

“Providing support to our neighbours in this or any major natural disaster is one of the hallmarks of GBPC and Emera our Parent company” said Troy Mackenzie, Director of Transmission and Distribution. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by Joaquin in the Southern Bahamas; we will make every effort to aid in the restoration of power as quickly as possible.”

We are confident that our team which will be headed by Patrick Laing along with Walter Smith, Andre Spence, Chad Bartlett, David Parker Junior, and Arthur Spencer will make a significant contribution to the restoration efforts.

The Grand Bahama Power Company would also like to express gratitude to Mr. Peter Turnquest M.P. for East Grand Bahama, who graciously donated the transport of the critical tools, supplies and luggage for the crews.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts

Nassau, Bahamas – The general public is advised that the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party has accepted the recommendation of the convention committee and has agreed to postpone the planned national convention scheduled for the first week in November until 2016.

The party’s leadership has determined that the level of devastation caused by hurricane Joaquin and the scope of the recovery, the rebuilding and restoration efforts – especially of the physical infrastructure – necessarily require the full attention and focus of the government at this time.

Bringing a measure of normalcy and comfort to the lives of the residents of the southern Bahamas and assisting them with rebuilding their lives and their communities are of paramount importance to the government at this time.

Politics must necessarily and wisely take a secondary role to this critical national undertaking.

The Progressive Liberal Party deeply regrets any inconvenience caused to any of its supporters and the Public.

The new date for the national convention will be communicated to the public in due course but is projected to held in April 2016.

On another note, the party will make a cheque presentation to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) this week at NEMA’s headquarters to assist in the ongoing hurricane relief efforts.

NEMA Director Capt. Stephen Russell and Minister for Agriculture V. Alfred Gray.

The Minister, the Hon. V. Alfred Gray, thanked his staff for the donation to those affected by devastating Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin that struck the Central and Southeast Bahamas at the beginning of October.

Also donated was feed for livestock on the islands, an economic staple for some of those communities.

Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell said it was a fantastic gesture from the ministry and the public at large, which spoke well of the people of The Bahamas. Pictured, left, is Captain Russell accepting supplies from Minster Gray.

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, seated, signed the book of condolences for the late Alexander Pericles Maillis, former Senator, on Saturday, October 10, 2015 in the foyer of the Senate. She is surrounded by members of the Maillis family, with widow of Alexander Maillis — Mrs. Cally Maillis — just behind the Governor General, at centre right. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Police found drugs and guns in staff units on property!

Alice Town Bimini

New Job vacancies at Resort on Bimini!

Bailey Town, Bimini – Only Bahamas Press is reporting how a major drug bust occurred on the island of Bimini which has left several Grand Bahama residents – employees of a major resort – behind bars.

We can report the suspects were living on the property at the resort when police stormed a complex and found scores of workers in a room mixing and packaging cocaine.

Weapons were also discovered in the room.

Bahamas Press warned months ago how the resort was not conducting proper vetting of the persons hired at the resort, and that to hire known criminals among guest could spell a national security threat! But not a damn soul listened!

One Biminite told BP, “…dese [son of a…expletives] are not Biminites! They are seaweeds! That resort refused to hire us and now look what happen. There should be a huge national security vetting process at this resort to make sure persons wearing ankle bracelets and the likes are not being hired!”

The moral of this story is the fact that you can give some young people a JOB, but if they have a criminal mind…we still have a problem!

We report yinner decide!

The Bahamas Red Cross and The Salvation Army accept 20,000 bottles of water from The Bahamas Striping Group of Companies. From Left to Right, Bahamas Striping Mascot, Mrs. Jan Mackey, HR & Logistics Manager, Mr. Atario Mitchell, President of Bahamas Striping Group of Companies, Mrs. Delicia Armbrister, Administrative Assistant, The Salvation Army, and Major Clarence Ingraham, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army

President of Bahamas Striping Group of Companies, Atario Mitchell said his company feels a responsibility to make sure that they assist in taking care of persons in the southern islands, who have lost all of their belongings. Many other small business should also find ways to contribute whatever they can to uplift and rebuild the islands affected because now is the time for all Bahamaians to band together to provide a sense of hope and assist in re-energizing the economies of all islands.

He added, “In previous hurricane relief efforts, we have always donated water because it is one of the most important resources. Procuring safe drinking water is critical. In addition, because of the level of flood waters, there is the potential that the water can possibly be contaminated and persons would need pure water to brush their teeth, and to cook a meal for their families.”

On Tuesday, Mrs. Jan Mackey, Human Resources and Logistics Manager of The Bahamas Red Cross graciously accepted the donation.

She said the water is a tremendous help because it is included in all of their parcels with food, clothing, and hygiene products.

Mrs. Mackey indicated, “We are working with our team members in all of the islands to ensure that all Bahamians who are in need, receive aid and support from The Red Cross.”

The Bahamas Red Cross has already delivered parcels to San Salvador, Long Island, and Rum Cay, and within this week, shipments will be sent to Acklins and Crooked Island.

Major Clarence Ingraham, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army said that his organization is working along with NEMA, and are in the process of gathering water and clothing to send to the islands later on in the month, as the islands are presently receiving lots of assistance.

He added, “ Our main effort will be reconstruction of roofs and possibly replacing windows on homes that received extensive damages. We are gathering our resources, because it will be a major effort to get building items to the islands that need it the most.We do not have the funds to rebuild homes, but we can assist in the best way that we can.”

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Honourable Dr. Michael Darville accepts a 40-foot container full of food supplies and water from Sawyer’s Fresh Market on Friday morning for hurricane victims in the Central and Southern Bahmas. Left to right in the photo are Paulette Higgs, Royal Bahamas Defense Force; Geraldine Pinder, NEMA; Charles King, Administrator, City of Freeport; Dr. Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama; Kayla Prudelus, Sawyer’s Store Manager; Dr. Joneth Edden, Ministry for Grand Bahama; Omar Saunders, Officer-in-Charge/ RBDF on Grand Bahama. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Sawyer’s Fresh Market, one of the leading food chains on Grand Bahama, came to the aid of Hurricane victims in the South and Central Bahamas on Friday morning.

The popular supermarket donated a forty-foot container to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) loaded with food supplies. The goods were accepted by the Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.

In commending Sawyer’s for the generous gift, the Minister said that he was especially pleased to accept the donation, and also used the opportunity to thank corporate Grand Bahama for the efforts thus far.

He said that Grand Bahama has had first-hand experiences with hurricanes having several years ago seen the devastation caused by Jeanne and Francis.

He assured the owners of Sawyer’s that the items will be delivered to those affected and that the container will be taken to NEMA headquarters where the items will be packaged and shipped out in the shortest possible time.

Dr. Darville confirmed that they already have a large amount of food supplies, clothing and building materials that have been donated by locals and ready for shipment as well.

“So on behalf The Bahamas Government and NEMA we accept this gift of love from this very established company,” he stated, adding that as they move throughout the island they find that people are just giving which is very commendable.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Glen Beneby (far right) and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Marco Rolle (left) flank the recipients of the first-ever Chief Medical Officer Award for Outstanding Achievement. The initial recipients were (from second left) Dr. Conville Brown (entrepreneurship); Mrs. Charlene Bain (public health administration); and Dr. Keith Rivers, a former lab technician who was the first graduate of the Family Medicine Specialty School to be assigned to a Family Island. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

“The most important thing is that the community, the public, must want this improvement in healthcare,” Dr. Beneby said, “there will be challenges, but once everyone is positive and willing, together we can overcome those challenges by being creative and innovative and this is why I put considerable emphasis on community involvement, transparency and accountability.”

He added, the meeting with stakeholders and partners provided healthcare professionals and members of the clergy with the opportunity to hold him accountable for his stewardship as Chief Medical Officer of The Bahamas.

“This is why I have placed such a high premium on community involvement, transparency and accountability,” Dr. Beneby said. “I will be accountable to all those who are involved in this journey. I do not know everything. I know many things, but there are many things that I do not know and there are many things that I am unable to do without the team, but equally, perhaps more importantly, there are many things we can do that people assume are insurmountable, with a team effort.

“My main purpose here is for persons to be aware of where we are going; to grasp the vision and together we will put the mission in place with the resources that we have available and make something out of the healthcare system of The Bahamas,” Dr. Beneby said.

Dr. Beneby said the Plan will be led by the five divisions that were established within the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of The Bahamas after a restructuring and re-organization process – clinical, advisory, planning, health regulations/councils and hospitals/infrastructure.

“But that’s just the backbone of it. It’s when we bring everyone else into it – the hospitals, the community, the home care, and when you begin to put flesh on the bones with the clear, firm, foundation or backbone structure, that we are now ready to go forward.”

Dr. Beneby outlined a number of achievements that he said will help to further facilitate his vision for healthcare in The Bahamas. These include the revamping and re-alignment of the Health Councils; the development and establishment of Allied Health Training; Facilitation of the establishment of a National Cancer Registry; the establishment of a Stem Cell Secretariat and Stem Cell Industry; facilitation of clinical input for new legislation for the implementation of National health Insurance and the re-launching of The Bahamas Healthy Lifestyle Coalition.

Other achievements include the re-organization of the National Oral Health Programme; renewed emphasis on the National Mental Health Programme; the facilitation of the WHO/PAHO Health (World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization) in all policy; the establishment of a national framework for national research funding for health matters; the creation of a team to review the establishment of a national forensic pathology laboratory and the facilitation for the establishment of an Adolescent Primary Care and Counseling Service with the College of The Bahamas.

Police cruiser destroyed after police attempted to arrest a suspect and shot him fatally. Following that shooting this was the results of that incident.

Nassau, Bahamas – (Joint Statement from Department of Environmental Health and Department of Immigration)

Acting pursuant to lawful notices served on residents of an unlawful settlement in the Gamble Heights area of New Providence, the Department of Environmental Health began this morning the process of removing the settlement in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and the Department of Social Services.

The Department of Immigration was advised that this is an area where persons suspected of being unlawful migrants live and are therefore in the presence of the operation in a supporting role.

Photos from the Gamble Heights demolition today…
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff

Jamaican national accused of rape of a 6-year-old and another older woman released and ordered to be granted status???!!!

Fred Smith and Jamaican National Sewell makes a joke of the system!

What in da hell is dis? Laughin’ at the Bahamian justice system!

Justice Jon Isaacs

Nassau, Bahamas — Bahamas Press is following a ruling from the courts which has now allowed a man accused of committing rape not once but twice to be granted status even though he had illegally been in the country!

Bahamas Press understands Jamaican Matthew Sewell will be granted his freedom immediately, after two separate cases of rape against him were not successful in the courts.

So get this: on June 10th, 2006 Sewell had legally entered the Bahamas for three weeks. After staying beyond the time allowed, he was arrested by police for several offences.

Some days later he was accused of having raped a six-year-old. For that charge he was released from jail in May 2nd, 2008. But that release was not long as Sewell’s girlfriend then accused him of rape on April 9th, 2009. He was again granted bail a second time and the charges dropped.

But then he was again accused of housebreaking and murder. However, those cases were dismissed after it was revealed that Sewell was in jail around the time of the murder and housebreaking incidents.

After being ordered released on November 1st, 2014 he was taken to the Detention Centre. But he was detained while the matters were not being heard!

Senior Justice Isaacs accepted Fred Smith’s arguments to have Sewell freed. Justice Isaacs instructed the authorities to return his passport which they had held for the last 9 years, and ordered that they find some form of status for him during the next 60 days so he has time to get his travel documents in order and return to Jamaica unmolested.

We report yinner decide!

JUDGING THE COMPETITION – Hundreds gathered around the table as the Conch Cracking Competition took place during the 43rd annual festival in McLean’s Town on Monday. Shown are Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, Peter Turnquest; Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Harrison Thompson; and former Member of Parliament for High Rock Constituency, Kenneth Russell, the three judges for the event. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

MCLEAN’S TOWN, Grand Bahama – Residents and visitors alike flocked to the eastern end of the island on National Hero’s Day, Monday, October 12, for the 43rd annual Conch Cracking Competition in McLean’s Town. While there, guests were treated to cultural traditions, games and musical entertainment.

Among those enjoying their holiday at the festival were Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, Peter Turnquest; Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Harrison Thompson; and former Member of Parliament for High Rock Constituency, Kenneth Russell.

Committee members and Ministry of Tourism officials did well to get the visitors involved in the activities, and then the highlight of the day was featured – the conch cracking competition. Judges Mr. Turnquest, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Russell watched attentively as the competitors worked skillfully to remove the conch from the shell. Coming out on top was Joseph Tate; Robert Tate Jr. placed second; and last year’s winner, Cardinal McIntosh, placed third.

VISITORS GET A TURN – Residents of Grand Bahama were not the only ones taking part in the 43rd annual Conch Cracking Competition. Shown are some of the visitors who did their best to remove the conch from the shells during the event on Monday in McLean’s Town. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

CONGRATULATIONS – Following a highly competitive conch cracking competition on Monday in McLean’s Town at the 43rd annual Conch Cracking Competition, Cardinal McIntosh (plaid shirt) is seen congratulating the winner, Joseph Tate. McIntosh, who placed third, was the winner in last year’s competition. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

WINNER DECLARED – Joseph Tate is seen being declared the winner of the 43rd annual Conch Cracking Competition on Monday in McLean’s Town. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

TROPHY PRESENTATION – With the 43rd annual Conch Cracking Competition concluded, the trophy presentation took place in McLean’s Town on Monday. Shown from left are: Zestina Nixon, Ministry of Tourism; Kenneth Russell, former MP for High Rock, and one of the judges; Buzz Cox, Deep Water Cay; Peter Turnquest, Deputy Leader of the FNM and MP for East Grand Bahama, and another judge for the competition; Joseph Tate, 1st place winner; Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; Robert Tate, 2nd place winner; Cardinal McIntosh, 3rd place winner; Harrison Thompson, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, and the third judge; Elaine Smith, Ministry of Tourism; and Clement Knowles, Burns House. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)