Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Death sentences for two convicts By LEDEDRA MARCHE ~ Senior FN Reporter ~ lededra@nasguard.com: Prosecutors had their request granted yesterday when Acting Justice Jethro Miller sentenced convicted police killers Edwin Bauld Jr. and Wilfred Gerard McPhee Jr. to death. NIB staff members walk off the job By Brent Dean ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com: More than 100 staff members of the National Insurance Board (NIB) walked off the job yesterday morning to demonstrate their displeasure with the lack of resolution of a new industrial agreement between NIB and the union representing them. Anxiety still high among CLICO policyholders By Keva Lightbourne ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com: Ruth Russell is two months shy of her 79th birthday and every day she carries the burden of not knowing when the CLICO debacle would come to a satisfactory conclusion. Man charged with killing love rival By Artesia Davis ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ artesia@nasguard.com: A man accused of the fatal stabbing of a much younger love rival appeared before a magistrate on a murder charge yesterday. Eugene Dupuch Law School Wins 2nd Annual Caribbean Court of Justice International Law Moot By Tonya Bastian Galanis ~ Principal, Eugene ~ Dupuch Law School: The Eugene Dupuch Law School (EDLS) is very pleased to announce that the team representing the law school was the winner of the 2nd Annual Caribbean Court of Justice International Moot, held in Trinidad and Tobago on March 6, 2010. The law school's team was comprised of Tecoyo Bridgewater (lead counsel), John Minns (junior counsel) and Gwendolyn Brice-Adderley (researcher). The team advisor was Mrs. Carla Card- Stubbs, a tutor at the law school. Paul Moss resigns from PLP By Keva Lightbourne~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com: Attorney Paul Moss, who mounted an unsuccessful challenge against Perry Christie for the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party at its November 2009 convention, has resigned from the PLP. Baha Mar deal with Chinese partners nears By Jasmin Bonimy ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ jasmin@nasguard.com: Baha Mar Vice President of External Affairs and Communications Robert Sands has confirmed that Baha Mar Resorts is making "excellent progress" toward inking a deal with Chinese investors who will be key in helping finance construction of the multibillion-dollar project. Grant responds to Hanna-Martin on road safety By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: A war of words over road safety has erupted between the two major political parties. Trial of Melvin Maycock Sr. postponed By Artesia Davis ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ artesia@nasguard.com: The start of the second escape trial of accused drug lord Melvin Maycock Sr. has been postponed because of a magistrate's illness. Relief funds forwarded to Haiti By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: Officials from the Bahamas Red Cross said that more than $350,000 has been forwarded to Haiti to fund relief efforts. Police up focus on visitor safety BY Keva Lightbourne ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com: The Ministry of Tourism's Director of Safety and Security John Nixon assured yesterday that The Bahamas is still a very safe place to visit. Pastors Forum donates $3,000 to aid Haiti By K. NANCOO-RUSSELL ~ Freeport News Reporter ~ krystal@nasguard.com: The Bahamas Conference of Methodist Churches (BCMC) received yesterday a donation of approximately $3,000 from the Pastors Forum to go towards its relief efforts on the ground in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Deal struck to save hotel jobs By Keva Lightbourne ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com: The Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union and the Bahamas Hotel Employers Association have struck a deal designed to save thousands of jobs in the hotel sector. Court hears that three protest voters did not live in Elizabeth By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com: The names of three of the five people who voted on protest ballots in favor of Progressive Liberal Party candidate Ryan Pinder on February 16 are not on the Elizabeth register, according to evidence given by Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel yesterday. Two teams participate in union nominations By Keva Lightbourne ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com: In what was a far cry from the two previous nomination processes for the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU), yesterday's proceedings took only 34 minutes and ran smoothly without the assistance of police or labor officials to control the scores of hotel workers that showed up at the union's Workers House headquarters. Florida official gets 30 months for money laundering By Brent Dean ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com: A former Broward County commissioner accused of conspiracy to commit money laundering, along with a Bahamian attorney, has pleaded guilty to the charge and has been sentenced to 30 months in prison. Industrial agreement signed between Sheraton, BHMA By Jasmin Bonimy ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ jasmin@nasguard.com: After years of sometimes "heated" negotiations, a three-year industrial agreement that is expected to benefit non-line staff workers at Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort was inked yesterday. Bishop Laish Boyd to recommend shortlist for post of Holy Trinity rector By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com Cop arraigned in connection to car scam By Artesia Davis ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ artesia@nasguard.com: A second law enforcement officer is facing a trial in connection with a car buying scheme. Eddie Florival, 40, of Sweet Lane off Faith Avenue, is accused of abetting convict Shane Mackey in a scam to rip off car buyers. Motorcyclist killed in traffic accident By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: A young motorcyclist lost his life Sunday night on John F. Kennedy Drive following an accident, police said yesterday. Drug plan's launch date pushed back By Jimenita SWAIN ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: The launch of the National Prescription Drug Plan, scheduled for the end of the month, has been pushed back to the middle of the year, said Director of the National Insurance Board Algernon Cargill yesterday. Boy charged with drug possession Police have charged a 16-year-old in connection with a drug find at a home off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway last week. The boy, whose name has been withheld because he is a minor, pleaded not guilty to charges that police found him with marijuana and hashish rocks on March 12 when he appeared before the Juvenile Court yesterday. Inquest begins into death of Drexel Rolle By Artesia Davis ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ artesia@nasguard.com: A coroner's inquest was convened yesterday to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Drexel Rolle six years ago. Guardian promotes healthy living at fair By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com: Many Bahamians are ticking time bombs, but some are lucky enough to stop at health fairs - like the one hosted by The Nassau Guardian on Saturday - and quickly learn that they are on the fast track for a major medical emergency or even death unless they act immediately, according to health officials. Two die following traffic accidents By Jimenita SWAIN ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: The traffic fatality count for the country now stands at 11, according to police. Man testifies court official had affair with his wife By STAFF WRITER ~ Guardian News Desk: A court official reportedly had an affair with a woman who appeared before him, according to testimony given last week before Supreme Court Justice Bernard Turner. Man robbed of jewelry, shot during weekend By Artesia Davis ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ artesia@nasguard.com: A 26-year-old man was shot by a robber on Friday before the culprit fled the scene, according to police. Destitute mother of 10 struggles to survive By Juan McCartney ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ juan@nasguard.com: Last year, Domonique Mortimer left her husband of 15 years and took nine of her 10 children with her. Man pleads guilty to human smuggling By Artesia Davis ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ artesia@nasguard.com: A human smuggler who spent two years fighting extradition to Florida has pleaded guilty. Henry Pierre, 30, will be sentenced on April 23. Policeman sustains severe burns A police sergeant is fighting for his life after he sustained severe burn injuries Sunday, The Nassau Guardian has learned. It is not clear how the officer got his injuries. According to initial reports, it was claimed that the officer accidentally caught himself afire while burning trash at his home in Nassau Village. According to police reports the officer has lost consciousness and officers were unable to interview him. Investigations are continuing. - By Artesia Davis Hanna-Martin calls for seat belt law to be brought into force By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: The number of traffic fatalities should cause the government to bring into force seat belt legislation, including the mandatory use of child restraints, said Opposition Shadow Minister of Transport Glenys Hanna-Martin yesterday. Small increase in Colina's RND stake By Scott Armstrong ~ Guardian Business Editor ~ scott@nasguard.com twitter.com/guardianbiz: National stadium taking shape By Juan McCartney ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ juan@nasguard.com: There are no pneumatic tools, nail guns or electric saws in use at the construction site of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, at least none that were apparent when The Nassau Guardian visited the site yesterday. Report: Recession fueling discrimination against By Brent Dean ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com: Poor conditions for inmates at Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) and the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, along with social discrimination against Haitians and homosexuals in The Bahamas, all received mention in the information is the currency of democracy." Cop arraignment postponed A magistrate has postponed the arraignment of a police corporal on fraud charges to give officers from the commercial crimes unit time to redo the dockets. Police allege that Eddie Florival, 42, of Faith Avenue, is the fifth person in a fraud scheme that was allegedly orchestrated by prison inmate Shane Mackey. Prison guard Freeman Basden, Mackey's girlfriend Tamanica Bethel and Alfie Hanna were arraigned in connection with the alleged scheme last December. BHRDA installs new executive team On Wednesday, January 20, 2010, the Bahamas Human Resources Development Association (BHRDA), under the theme "Engineering the HR Profession for Productivity and Profitability," installed its new executive team as well as its new members. This event was a combination of the old, the present, and the future of the Association. Joining the new executives were founding members, past presidents, and HR professionals from a wide cross section of industries. The new members of this dynamic executive team are: Blue Hill Rd., Market St. businesses question one-way plans By Keva Lightbourne ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com: Some local business owners in the Blue Hill Road and Market Street areas are outraged over government's plan to make significant parts of the roads one-way thoroughfares. Cartwright: Cabinet meeting for Mellor brothers unlikely By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Larry Cartwright has confirmed that it is unlikely two Grand Bahamian businessmen will get a meeting with Cabinet for a final pitch of their aquaculture project, which involves purse seine or net fishing. Suicide victim identified Police have identified the man who took his life on Wednesday as Peter Joseph, 38, of Shirley Park Avenue. Joseph's body was discovered in the Home Furniture store in the Palmdale Shopping Center around 3:50 p.m. Man gets two years for gun, bullets possession By Artesia Davis ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ artesia@nasguard.com: A magistrate yesterday imposed a two-year sentence on a man who pleaded guilty to having a firearm and bullets without a special permit. Bahamas escapes tax blacklist By Scott Armstrong ~ Guardian Business Editor ~ scott@nasguard.com twitter.com/guardianbiz: Suicide victim found in furniture store By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: The body of a Home Furniture employee was discovered yesterday at the company's store in the Palmdale Shopping Center, the victim of a suicide, said police. Judy Terrell-Hamilton joins Nassau Guardian team The Nassau Guardian is pleased to announce that Judy Terrell-Hamilton has joined its team as Associate Editor/Online Editor. A journalist with some 20 years experience, Judy holds a MA Degree from City University, London, in International Journalism and is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). Passenger killed in car crash By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: Three people were hospitalized and one person is dead after a driver lost control of his vehicle on Yamacraw Hill Road and crashed into a cedar tree Tuesday night, said police yesterday. Challenges plague witness protection program By Keva Lightbourne ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com: The attorney general and a senior police official said yesterday work is continuing to perfect the witness protection program given the important role it plays in the administration of justice. AG: More courts, judges will help reduce case backlog By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com: Attorney General John Delaney said efforts to reduce the heavy backlog in criminal cases that has plagued the judicial system for years hinges on the expansion of the country's court facilities and the recruitment of additional judges. Unions complain about hospital swipe card system By Jimenita Swain ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ jimenita@nasguard.com: While two major unions are voicing concerns over a new swipe system introduced by the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), the system has already saved almost a million dollars according to the PHA's managing director. Senator blasts govt's management of economy By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com: Senator Hope Strachan lashed out at the government yesterday, pointing to the thousands of people who are currently unemployed and the high level of debt that has been amassed since the Ingraham administration came into power. She offered harsh criticism to the government for what she termed its mismanagement of the country's economy over the last two-and-a-half years. Police force recommending changes to traffic laws By Brent Dean ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com: The Traffic Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is compiling recommendations for government to amend some traffic laws, including a proposal that the penalty be increased for the crime of killing in the course of dangerous driving. Man sentenced to three years for possessing guns By Artesia Davis ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ artesia@nasguard.com: A resident of Yamacraw Estates told a magistrate yesterday that he had two illegal guns for his protection. Police found a 9mm and .38 pistol as well as bullets for the guns when they carried out a search warrant on the home Ryan Taylor, 27, shared with his mother and grandfather on Tuesday.