Blog Feed: Caribbean Blog

Jamaica: ...Balancing The Gay-Rights Debate

Published on 2012-05-20 11:55:00

Balancing The Gay-Rights Debate By Byron Buckley, Jamaica Gleaner Contributor THE LOCAL faith-based community is pushing back against the advance of the gay agenda, with the recent staging of a forum by the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, which was formed in January. The coalition's mission of ministry, advocacy and education is strategic in the cosmic struggle between religious and secular forces for predominance - a struggle that has been given added impetus with the recent [..] > read more

The curse of striking gold in Haiti

Published on 2012-05-19 12:26:00

By Jean H Charles The news is out of the bag: Haiti has billions of dollars of gold in its ground. Will this gold serve as a curse to make the nation as divided as the Central African Republic or will this gold enrich each citizen with the means put at his disposal so he will become as educated as possible so its endowed genius could come out for his benefit, his family and his nation? I was speaking recently with an official responsible for environment in the country; I told him Haiti [..] > read more

...the latest in a series of reports highlighting the crime problem in The Bahamas

Published on 2012-05-18 10:08:00

U.S. report: Crime threat level critical ‘Numerous’ incidents against tourists By Krystel Rolle Guardian Staff Reporter krystel@nasguard.com The United States Department of State has rated the crime threat level in New Providence as “critical” and “high” in Grand Bahama. “New Providence Island, in particular, has experienced a spike in crime that has adversely affected the traveling public,” said the Bahamas 2012 Crime and Safety Report, which was recently released. “Armed r [..] > read more

The newly-elected Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government's proposed mortgage relief plan has been blasted by Moody's - a leading Wall Street credit rating agency - - - for "undermining" efforts to rein in The Bahamas' $4.356 billion national deb

Published on 2012-05-17 11:52:00

PLP's $250m Mortgage Plan Blasted > read more

The legacy of colonialism and slavery creates self-hate and conflict among black people

Published on 2012-05-14 10:57:00

By Hudson George There is a big social problem among people of African descent in terms of who is black and who is mixed part black, and most of the time it all boils down to politics and prejudice, with a bit of colonial legacy. Therefore due to self-hate among some black people, darker skinned blacks are socialised to stay in the back, similar as in the colonial era of oppression and segregation. In the United States of America, the colonial system of segregation brainwashed the general [..] > read more

The Bahamas General Election 2012: ...Reversal of Fortune

Published on 2012-05-11 09:41:00

Election 2012: Reversal of fortune By Arinthia S. Komolafe The results of the recent general election prove that democracy is still alive and well in our nation. > read more

7 Years on from the Creation of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America’s Trade Agreement for the People (ALBA-TCP)

Published on 2012-05-10 08:32:00

7 Years on from the Creation of the ALBA -TCP By Tahina Ojeda Medina - Ciudad CSS What initially started as an alternative aimed at stopping the advance of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) has been transformed into an alliance in favour of Latin American and Caribbean integration. I am referring to the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America’s Trade Agreement for the People (ALBA-TCP). It is important to remember the solitary beginnings of ALBA-TCP. The main goal of [..] > read more

The Organization of American States (OAS) electoral observation mission calls the May 07, 2012 general election in The Bahamas - “free and fair”

Published on 2012-05-09 09:56:00

OAS labels elections ‘free and fair’ By Guardian Staff Reporter travis@nasguard.com Nassau, The Bahamas Calling Monday’s general election “free and fair”, the Organization of American States (OAS) electoral observation mission yesterday offered four preliminary recommendations to The Bahamas government after monitoring the country’s electoral process. The OAS team recommended the “adoption of a legal framework on the financing of political parties and campaigns in order to enhanc [..] > read more

That bandit Chavez and the upstart Iweala!

Published on 2012-05-08 14:56:00

By Dr Richard A. Byron-Cox President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is sick. His is a cancer case. And some in Venezuela, the US and our Caribbean, having branded him dangerously pesky, are fervently if silently praying that the illness prevails, speedily coffining-off this Venezuelan bad boy to the permanent silence of the grave. The Venezuelans and North Americans who wish this, need not concern us here. Suffice to say, the former find it difficult to challenge his popularity at home, while the [..] > read more

Labour Day in Haiti

Published on 2012-05-05 08:40:00

By Jean H Charles In a country where 89% of the population endure unemployment or underemployment, more than 500,000 people, mostly young ones, turned out into the vast yard of Haiti’s Ministry of Agriculture to celebrate International Labour Day on May 1. Indeed on Labour Day, the rest of the world (with the exception of the United States that celebrates its own on the first Monday of September) takes a day of rest to give homage to the punishment that God sanctioned man to: “You shall [..] > read more

...the shifting political sands in The Bahamas find Bahamian Prime Minister -Hubert Ingraham - facing a general election to win a fourth term in government for the governing Free National Movement (FNM) party

Published on 2012-05-03 22:29:00

The Shifting Sands Of Bahamian Politics tribune242 > read more

Bahamas: ...Is there a glass ceiling for Bahamian women in politics?

Published on 2012-04-29 09:07:00

Is there a glass ceiling for Bahamian women in politics? By Melisa Hall Margaret Thatcher, England’s first female prime minister, stated that “if you want something said ask a man and if you want something done ask a woman”. I feel that this quote is so relevant to the success of the political party that will be victorious because no matter what your political affiliation is, if you are seeking to be victorious in this election it’s going to take the support of th [..] > read more

Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Published on 2012-04-29 08:06:00

Trinidad and Tobago and the CCJ By Ian Francis: There comes a time during the lifespan of any administration when rapid decisions and press commentaries will be made about an important public policy decision headed to the lower House of Parliament. It came as no surprise when Madam Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago announced that the Republic will withdraw from the criminal appellate division of the British Privy Council and hand over this piece of the pie to the Caribbean Court of Justic [..] > read more

Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Perry Christie backtracked on a statement he made a week ago ...confirming that Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) was benefiting from advice he was providing as a consultant for Davis and Co. law firm

Published on 2012-04-28 09:01:00

Christie backtracks on oil statment PLP leader contradicts earlier admission on issue By Taneka Thompson Guardian Senior Reporter taneka@nasguard.com Nassau, The Bahamas Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Perry Christie last night backtracked from a statement he made a week ago confirming that Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) was benefiting from advice he was providing as a consultant for Davis & Co. law firm. Christie said in a statement he no longer works as a consultant for the firm. He [..] > read more

Looking back on the Cuba distraction at Cartagena

Published on 2012-04-27 07:36:00

By Roman Suver Research Associate at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs On the weekend of April 14th and 15th, Colombia hosted the Sixth Summit of the Americas, as 33 inter-American governments convened in Cartagena to discuss a broad host of topics. Dominating the agenda were scheduled discussions of the ongoing War on Drugs and the prospects of debating the legalizing of cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs in an effort to reduce criminal drug trafficking and the rampant violence it has br [..] > read more

Bahamas: ...Support conch salad for Bahamians first - and end conch exports!

Published on 2012-04-26 07:20:00

Crucial Times For The Conch Tribune242 Nassau, The Bahamas > read more

Reflections of the 2007 general election in The Bahamas

Published on 2012-04-25 08:49:00

Remembering the close 2007 general election thenassauguardian editorial Nassau, The Bahamas Many have forgotten just how close the 2007 general election was. > read more

What did CARICOM get from Canada?

Published on 2012-04-24 08:15:00

By Ian Francis: CARICOM Press Communiqué 98/2012 of April 16, 2012 under the caption “CARICOM lobbies Canada for G20 help” has caught my interest and curiosity, which warrants a Caribbean News Now Article on this critical issue. It is important to state that my curiosity meant reading over the press communiqué several times in order to avoid criticisms from my analysis and response. Therefore, it is incumbent upon my part to address the content of the release in a chronological manner [..] > read more

A modern Bahamas must adopt modern ways of conducting its affairs... and if we are to contemplate a reform of our tax structure... we ought to look at all forms of taxation ...and select the most efficient and the most appropriate for the benefit of

Published on 2012-04-23 10:32:00

Pursuing tax reform thenassauguardian editorial > read more

Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) stock has lost a fourth of its market value on the heels of a declaration from Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham that his government would not allow BPC to drill for oil in Bahamian waters

Published on 2012-04-22 07:28:00

Oil company’s stocks plummet Drop in market value follows PM’s comments By Candia Dames Guardian News Editor candia@nasguard.com Nassau, The Bahamas Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) stock has lost a fourth of its market value on the heels of a declaration from Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham that his government would not allow BPC to drill for oil. The company recently said it would seek to renew its licenses with The Bahamas government. BPC wants government approval to drill an oil well i [..] > read more

US facing bold new calls for 'drug war' alternatives

Published on 2012-04-20 07:23:00

by Ekow Bartels-Kodwo Research Associate at the Council On Hemispheric Affairs. At a poorly attended summit of Central American leaders, the host President Otto Perez Molina of Guatemala reiterated calls for the decriminalization of recreational drug use. Although some regional former heads of state have called for such a solution, President Molina became the first sitting head of state to openly advocate for such a controversial stance when speaking at the Central American Security Summit [..] > read more

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham ...says that there would be no oil drilling in Bahamian waters if his party - the Free National Movement (FNM) is re-elected to office

Published on 2012-04-19 13:26:00

PM: FNM govt won’t drill for oil By Taneka Thompson Guardian Senior Reporter taneka@nasguard.com Nassau, The Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said yesterday there would be no oil drilling in Bahamian waters if his party is re-elected to office. Asked if his administration would allow drilling if returned to power, he said ‘no’. Ingraham added that Bahamas Petroleum Company Plc. (BPC) — the company licensed to explore for oil in Bahamian waters — has direct ties to Progressive [..] > read more

General Election in The Bahamas: ...Bahamians are expected to turn up at the polls in record numbers to vote in a new government - May 07, 2012

Published on 2012-04-18 08:38:00

2012: The FNM’s new plan The governing party puts forward its vision for the next five years By Taneka Thompson Guardian Senior Reporter taneka@nasguard.co Nassau, The Bahamas With three weeks left until the general election, two of the three major parties jockeying for your vote on May 7 have released their blueprints for governance. > read more

Caribbean cruise ships: The imbalance of risk/reward and a Trojan Horse

Published on 2012-04-17 13:42:00

By Robert MacLellan April’s annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference in Puerto Rico provides a highly appropriate time and venue to raise questions about the future of the cruise industry in the Caribbean and its impact on the region’s hotel sector. Since the beginning of 2012 alone, four cruise ships have now experienced very serious incidents that could have resulted in disastrous damage to the marine environment in tourism dependent areas of the world. One ship, [..] > read more

Is The Bahamas headed towards a dictatorship?

Published on 2012-04-16 13:13:00

Are we headed for dictatorship? Consider this By Philip C. Galanis "How fortunate for leaders that men do not think." – Adolf Hitler > read more

The political parties seeking employment as the next government of The Bahamas should note that the increasingly informed Bahamian electorate demands details of their proposed monetary, fiscal and macroeconomic policies ...before they cast their vote

Published on 2012-04-12 14:13:00

Another general election without substance? By Arinthia S. Komolafe thenassauguardian Nassau, The Bahamas Now that the election bell has been rung and the anticipated date for the election is scheduled for May 7, 2012, one can’t help but wonder what lies ahead for the Bahamian people during the next government’s term of office from 2012 to 2017. It is now officially four weeks prior to the election date and we have yet to receive a single manifesto from any of the political parties vying [..] > read more

The negative media portrayal of black males as criminals

Published on 2012-04-08 07:23:00

By Hudson George: Who is George Zimmerman? Some people say he is a white American; others say he is a Latino American of mixed race, but the fact is he killed a teenage African American young man. However, in the news reports Zimmerman claims that he shot a suspicious looking young black man walking in his neighbourhood. But what clues Zimmerman had to claim that the young black man looked suspicious and suspicious of what? It is obvious that Mr Zimmerman has been influenced by popular wes [..] > read more

The marvelous world of capitalism

Published on 2012-04-06 07:14:00

REFLECTIONS OF FIDEL (Taken from CubaDebate) THE search for political truth will always be a difficult task, even in our times when science has placed a large body of knowledge in our hands. One of the most significant aspects of this scientific knowledge has been learning of and studying the fabulous power of energy contained in matter. The discoverer of this energy and its potential use was a peaceful and good-natured man who, in spite of his repudiation of violence and war, sought [..] > read more

The Summit of the Americas: A Cuban conundrum for Colombian President Santos

Published on 2012-04-05 13:24:00

by COHA Staff From April 9 to 15, 2012, the Organization of American States (OAS) and other multilateral bodies will host the Sixth Summit of the Americas, which will take place in Cartagena, Colombia. Bogota is absorbed by this major meeting of hemispheric heads of state; according to the Spanish website Infodefensa.com, Colombia will deploy up to five thousand police officers, six planes and helicopters and three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), to ensure the event goes on without a hitch.[ [..] > read more

The official report on crime in The Bahamas ...prepared by noted Bahamian psychiatrist Dr David Allen - M.D., M.P.H.

Published on 2012-04-03 22:29:00

By > read more

The need to enrich our knowledge

Published on 2012-04-01 15:41:00

REFLECTIONS > read more

The Cuban government, the Roman Catholic Church and the Cuban humanitarian group, the Ladies in White (Las Damas de Blanco), all formidable entities in their own right, found themselves thrust upon the world stage together this week as a result of Po

Published on 2012-03-31 11:16:00

Pope's Cuban pilgrimage and the suppression of the Ladies in White by Faizaan Sami, COHA Research Associate The Cuban government, the Roman Catholic Church and the Cuban humanitarian group, the Ladies in White (Las Damas de Blanco), all formidable entities in their own right, found themselves thrust upon the world stage together this week as a result of Pope Benedict XVI’s first trip to Latin America in five years. Ahead of the papal three-day visit to Cuba, many of the Ladies in White w [..] > read more

The Bahamas: Branville McCartney - Democratic National Alliance leader on the spousal rape amendment: "I do not think (spousal rape) should be illegal

Published on 2012-03-30 15:30:00

BLACKLISTED: BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY By NOELLE NICOLLS Tribune Features Editor nnicolls@tribunemedia.net Nassau, The Bahamas WHEN it comes to illegal immigration Branville McCartney, member of parliament for Bamboo Town, time and time again, proves himself to be a master at pandering, but last week he added a new issue to his chest, in a desperate attempt to galvanise some form of base for his fledgling political party, the Democratic National Alliance. According to Mr McCartney, rape in marr [..] > read more

The Bahamas: ...The number of reported child sexual abuse cases in 2011 increased by 11 percent over over the previous year

Published on 2012-03-27 12:28:00

Reported child sex abuse cases rise By Royston Jones Jr Guardian Staff Reporter royston@nasguard.com Nassau, The Bahamas The number of reported child sexual abuse cases increased last year by 11 percent over the year before, officials reported yesterday.One hundred and sixty-seven cases of child sexual abuse were reported in The Bahamas last year, officials said.One hundred and fifty-one were reported in 2010.“Sadly the actions of too many do not create safe, happy and healthy environments fo [..] > read more

POPE JOHN PAUL II’S VISIT TO CUBA --- A lesson to the world

Published on 2012-03-26 21:51:00

By Dalia González del Gado AS the Popemobile moved along Havana’s wide avenues lined with enthusiastic people, chants of "You can feel it, you can feel it, the Pope is here with us," and "Juan Pablo, friend, Cuba is with you," could be heard. Current Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, affirmed in his book Un [..] > read more

Holocaust survivor Rena Finder shares her story of pain and hope in Nazi occupied Poland during World War II with Bahamians

Published on 2012-03-25 10:31:00

Holocaust survivor shares story of hope with Bahamians By Travis Cartwright-CarrollGuardian Staff Reportertravis@nasguard.com > read more

Impending war in the Middle East: ...What attitude will the United States adopt if Tel Aviv bombs Iranian installations and Tehran responds with a heavy counterattack?

Published on 2012-03-24 10:09:00

> read more

Tehran's quest to expand its diplomatic frontiers in Latin America

Published on 2012-03-24 09:46:00

by Lemi Tilahun, COHA Research Associate: While the West continues to read Iran as a threat to world peace, the Middle Eastern nation aggressively seeks non-traditional friends and markets elsewhere in an often stress-driven attempt to prove that the country is not as isolated, feared and despised as many in Europe and the United States make it out to be. To fight the sanctions that have been imposed on them from the outside, its leaders furiously attempt to enter into new allegiances as an imp [..] > read more

The roads leading to disaster

Published on 2012-03-23 17:32:00

REFLECTIONS OF FIDEL(Taken from CubaDebate) > read more

...taking a look at the current state of the polity and recent events that have occurred in The Bahamas... it leaves one to wonder whether we the Bahamian people have a united front to serve our country toward a common loftier goal

Published on 2012-03-22 21:54:00

A common loftier goal Arinthia S. Komolafe Nassau, The Bahamas The words of our national anthem written by the late Timothy Gibson urge us as Bahamians to march together to a common loftier goal. > read more

To glorify the Grenada Revolution is a continuation of abuse

Published on 2012-03-21 22:43:00

By Hudson George March 13, 1979, was a day in Grenadian history we must never forget, and whatever happened before and after that day must be discussed if we want to move forward and accept democracy and individual freedom. However, it is unfair and very disrespectful for persons of influence due to their professional status within society to tell us that we must focus only about the good things of the revolution. Persons who are trying to give us such an advice do not seem to understand and [..] > read more

The debate on the Freedom of Information Act in The Bahamas: ..."This freedom of information law has the potential to dispel fears about secret deals, cronyism, personal favours, preferential contracts, and other perversions of the public interest f

Published on 2012-03-20 15:20:00

Warning over 'propaganda' By CELESTE NIXON Tribune Staff Reporter cnixon@tribunemedia.net Nassau, The Bahamas OPENING the debate on the Freedom of Information Act, Environment Minister Earl Deveaux said while the bill increases the democratic process, he cautioned against the common practice of using the media, in particular social media, to spread propaganda. During his contribution in the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr Deveaux singled out websites such as Bahamasuncensored and Bahamas [..] > read more

China vs Taiwan: Battle for influence in the Caribbean

Published on 2012-03-19 06:46:00

by W. Alex Sanchez, Research Fellow, and Lynn Tu, Research Associate, of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs: China’s projection of influence in some previously unfamiliar regions of the world continues to grow, that much is clear. When it comes to Latin America and the Caribbean, Beijing has strengthened its ties, particularly by means of comprehensive trade relations, with countries like Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela. This has been done not only to secure non-traditional trad [..] > read more

Threats to The Bahamas' fishing industry: ...With Dominicans poaching in Bahamian waters singled out as the main issue affecting Bahamian fishermen... Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said there are two contributing factors that need to be dea

Published on 2012-03-13 06:59:00

Foreigner fishing ban proposed By CELESTE NIXON Tribune Staff Reporter cnixon@tribunemedia.net Nassau, The Bahamas THE government is considering amending the law so that foreigners who marry Bahamians will be excluded from the fishing industry. Dozens of local fishermen gathered at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Hamilton's, Long Island on Friday to meet with Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and other government officials, including Defence Force Commodore Roderick Bowe, to voice concerns over [..] > read more

Haiti, akin to the other islands around the Caribbean Sea will remain in the ebb of growth and development as long as the issue of dual nationality remains a ghost raised by the politicians to scare the nationals ...as well as the sons and the daught

Published on 2012-03-12 06:49:00

Haiti and the issue of dual nationality By Jean H Charles For the last two months the issue of dual nationality has been on the front and the back pages in the media, the legislature and in the public mind in Haiti. Indeed, Senator Moise Jean Charles of the north of Haiti is accusing President Michel Martelly of holding dual nationality not only from the United States but also from Italy. A special commission of the Senate has been instituted to investigate the issue. All the ministers and [..] > read more

The Bolivarian Alternative of the Americas (ALBA) Expands its Allies in the Caribbean

Published on 2012-03-11 11:43:00

ALBA Expands its Allies in the Caribbean By KEVIN EDMONDS - NACLA: The weekend of February 4th and 5th saw the Bolivarian Alternative of the Americas (ALBA) convene their 11th summit in Caracas, Venezuela. ALBA began as an alternative vision to the reckless neoliberal agenda promoted by Washington throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2004, Venezuela and Cuba sought to establish a regional alliance which would be committed to an agenda of poverty eradication, sustainable development [..] > read more

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and look forward to the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in The Bahamas...We must examine the role that the Bahamian woman plays in the social and economic development of our nation - The

Published on 2012-03-10 06:36:00

Economic empowerment for women through entrepreneurship By Melisa Hall Nassau, The Bahamas As we celebrate International Women’s Day and look forward to our 50th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in The Bahamas, we certainly salute, honor and recognize all of those Bahamian pioneers and trailblazers who have made significant strides and accomplishments that we the women of the 21st century are beneficiaries of.As we continue to cherish the historic moments, successes, victories [..] > read more

Venezuela: ...Incumbent President Hugo Chavez’s re-election prospects are currently being challenged by Governor Henrique Capriles Randanski... and now must face the formidable competition represented by the attractive youthful governor who hails

Published on 2012-03-09 10:47:00

The new man in Venezuela by Lemi Tilahun COHA Research Associate Increasingly confident and adored opposition politicians see themselves as being able to effectively challenge the government’s pro-Chavez status quo. Incumbent President Hugo Chavez’s re-election prospects are currently being challenged by Governor Henrique Capriles Randanski and now must face the formidable competition represented by the attractive youthful governor who hails from the state of Miranda. There are growing [..] > read more

On the eve of a general election, sleeping trade unions in The Bahamas awaken... and suddenly take notice of ‘the plight of their membership

Published on 2012-03-08 07:47:00

More union action as general election looms By Taneka Thompson Guardian Senior Reporter taneka@nasguard.com Nassau, The Bahamas It never fails. On the eve of an election, sleeping trade unions in the country awaken and suddenly take notice of ‘the plight of their membership’. It is almost as perennial as the grass. They carry on about agreements that have been languishing at the negotiation table for years, company bosses who ignore them and a government that moves too slow. They summon the [..] > read more

Greece in the Mediterranean, like Haiti in the Caribbean, needs to start creating a new generation of citizens who accept the concept that duty is the reverse side of privilege... ...The nation will move forward when each citizen does his part, in pa

Published on 2012-03-06 07:23:00

Haiti, the Greece of the Caribbean By Jean H Charles St Lucia dubbed herself the Helen of the Caribbean. Helen was that goddess of Greek mythology, daughter of the god Zeus and the goddess Leda. She was so beautiful that she had hundreds of suitors, including king and princes. Wedded to Menelaus, prince Paris of Sparta abducted Helena, causing the mythical Trojan War. Because of the beauty of the land and the charm of its people, St Lucia was abducted by France and England successively some [..] > read more

CARICOM: a failure of effective leadership

Published on 2012-03-05 14:40:00

By Byron Blake, jamaica-gleaner GUEST COLUMNIST Leadership - political, institutional and business - has failed the Caribbean integration process and people over the last decade in the thrust to move from common market to single market and economy and to cope in an unsympathetic global environment. This became crystal clear to me in 2009. Then, in the throes of the global economic and financial crisis, CARICOM political leaders refused to adopt and advance an innovative and internally driven [..] > read more

Making the case for Caricom 'priorities'

Published on 2012-03-04 10:09:00

By Rickey Singh: AGAINST the backdrop of the recently reported "crisis" assessment of the Caribbean Community outlined in a document currently engaging attention by our Heads of Government, Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque now speaks of the region's economic integration movement in terms of being at the "crossroads" and of "a critical juncture" in its 38-year history. Clichés? Not really. In his own manner of "telling it like it is", LaRocque, who has been secretary-general for just about s [..] > read more

Over 60% of the world cruise ship fleet is in the Caribbean in the winter high season... ...bigger and bigger ships today... which apparently have less than adequate emergency back-up systems to allow safe operation of the vessel in the event of a m

Published on 2012-03-03 22:10:00

Is the Caribbean prepared for a cruise ship environmental disaster? By Robert Maclellan In the last six weeks, two cruise ships from the same company, Costa Cruises, have experienced very serious incidents that could have resulted in potentially disastrous damage to the marine environment in tourism sensitive areas of the world. Both ships drifted helplessly, without power or steering capability, the Costa Concordia capsizing on rocks near the Italian tourist island of Giglio and the Cos [..] > read more

Legal gambling versus illegal gambling in The Bahamas

Published on 2012-03-01 13:16:00

The Bahamian gambling saga By Arinthia S. Komolafe The election season is well in full force in The Bahamas. All of the major political parties have cranked up their machinery and politicians are making their presence felt on the talk show circuit. No one would argue that crime and the economy are two of the biggest concerns on the electorate’s mind as we move toward the 2012 general election. However, politicians should not make the mistake of campaigning on these issues alone. The Baha [..] > read more

Living and surviving in today's Caribbean

Published on 2012-02-29 08:19:00

By Julie Charles Gone are the lazy days of summer where you were experiencing the pleasures of a Caribbean childhood. Eating mangoes till you had a serious bellyache and Grandma decided you needed a proper clean out; riding on the village donkey until the animal had enough of you and decided to kick you off; being sent up the road to catch water to be used for cooking and other sanitary purposes; playing childhood games such as Mississippi, ladder, hide and seek, or just plain out hunting liz [..] > read more

Dons are criminal non-state actors that evolved out of the divisive trade union and partisan battles in Jamaica from the 1940s to 1960s... ...The term 'don' is a recent one, however, one that gained venom in the 1980s... ...before that you had 'rude

Published on 2012-02-28 21:27:00

Garrisons: Empires Of The Dons By Damion Blake, jamaica-gleaner guest columnist The Jamaican don is a unique figure, created by a divisive and polarised partisan culture, and produced by the social and economic conditions of urban poverty and limited access to legitimate employment. Dons emerged in a country where social status and prestige are important markers of upward mobility, and what the late Professor Rex Nettleford termed a 'smaddy'. But who really are dons? How have they come to [..] > read more

Hugo Chávez: "We will live and win!"

Published on 2012-02-26 08:38:00

• Venezuelan President expresses thanks for the support and love of his people FÉLIX LÓPEZ CONSTERNATION at the news that President Chávez is to undergo further surgery was followed by an impressive wave of popular support and love. Venezuelan revolutionaries listened to his first-hand and frank explanation of the situation. Immediately, their collective response could be heard everywhere, "Palante, Comandante!" (Keep on going, Comandante!) Once again this relationship, human and almost [..] > read more

Cari-Crisis... again

Published on 2012-02-25 11:24:00

By Norman Girvan: “Crisis” is one of those words that is used so much that it has practically lost its meaning. And if there were a competition among regional organisations on which was most often said to be “in crisis”, my bet would be on CARICOM winning by a wide margin. In the run-up to the half-yearly meetings of CARICOM leaders, we have become accustomed to a flurry of reports, studies, speeches and media commentaries bemoaning the sorry state of the regional movement and promi [..] > read more

The Bahamas: ...The growing debt and the deficits are a deadly cancer on the Bahamian economy... ...Together they will deliver a mortal blow to The Bahamas' economy if not dealt with... ...We believe that dealing with the deficit is the single most i

Published on 2012-02-24 07:15:00

The cancer of debt CFAL Economic view Last week the Department of Statistics released the latest unemployment numbers. They were not pretty to say the least. Given that we are in the “silly” season we expect many political analysts to offer their own opinions as to why the employment numbers are so high. What we would like to see are some specifics addressing the myriad of issues facing us today (including the high level of unemployment) over the next 36 months. We can write and pontif [..] > read more

A closer look at The Bahamas’s birth rate... ...The birth rate among Haitian women in The Bahamas has nearly doubled in the past 40 years... ...Births to unwed mothers have practically doubled since 1970, and remain “the largest annual natural in

Published on 2012-02-22 07:19:00

Born in The Bahamas By Juan McCartney Guardian Senior Reporter juan@nasguard.com Nassau, The Bahamas An overview of the data collected by the Department of Statistics on births in The Bahamas over the last 40 years shows that women, domestic and foreign-born, are having fewer children.The data in the births report, collated from 1970 through 2010, shows that with a population of about 170,000 in 1970, there were 4,894 live births recorded. Juxtapose those numbers against the 5,362 live birth [..] > read more

The Bahamas: ...The defining outline of the 2012 general election is clear... ...In making their choices of party and leader, voters will assess and compare the records of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and its leader, Perry Christie, from 2002

Published on 2012-02-21 12:23:00

The so-called silly season Front Porch By Simon The term silly season is often used to describe the lead-up to a general election and the ensuing election campaign. It is a favorite of some journalists who apply it dismissively in discounting what they view as boilerplate rhetoric from politicians.Unsurprisingly, the term has a history, obscured by its indiscriminate application by the self-same journalists who wield it to chide and caricature the political class.Originally, the silly season [..] > read more

The modern Caribbean woman -- she is every woman; a phenomenal woman; and a woman of class and stature

Published on 2012-02-19 08:29:00

Who is the modern Caribbean woman? By Julie Charles Although she is born and bred in steep tradition filled with a rich culture and heritage, there is much that the Caribbean woman carries on her platter. Should she be a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, modern day professional, and the defender of her culture or is her role one of revolutionising the expectations? Today’s Caribbean woman has evolved into a superwoman, carrying the burdens of society on her shoulders much like [..] > read more

...how Haitian immigration grew into today's social problem in The Bahamas

Published on 2012-02-17 06:46:00

How and why the Haitian problem grew tribune24 editorial Nassau, The Bahamas WE have always had Haitians in the Bahamas. Like all Bahamians they came by different routes. Peaceful citizens, they were fully embraced by the locals, and many of them made outstanding contributions to their new country. For example, the first black man to sit in the House of Assembly -- remaining there for 33 years - was Stephen Dillet, a Haitian by birth. His mother was African, his father a French Army Offic [..] > read more

The modern Bahamas is a nation created through migration... ...The Amerindians Christopher Columbus met in The Islands 520 years ago are no more... ...Europeans and Africans displaced those people when permanent contact was made between the old and n

Published on 2012-02-15 13:17:00

Embracing multiculturalism thenassauguardian editorial Nassau, The Bahamas The comments of Haitian President Michel Martelly to Haitian-Bahamians last week have dominated public discourse since Martelly advised Bahamians of Haitian descent to form a voting bloc, and to vote for the party that has their best interests at heart. His remarks exposed raw emotions on the immigration issue in our country.The modern Bahamas is a nation created through migration. The Amerindians Christopher Columbus [..] > read more

Mexico's democracy is abusing human rights

Published on 2012-02-14 07:21:00

by Isida Tushe Guest Scholar at the Council on Hemispheric Affairs In recent months, the media has widely reported on the continuous human rights violations committed by members of the Mexican military. While news of these atrocities only recently surfaced on major news stations, Mexican authorities, in fact, have been struggling with human rights abuses since 2007 when these pivotal events first started to come to light. Such atrocities peaked during President Felipe Calderón’s six years [..] > read more

Haitian President, Joseph Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly woke up some of the worst nationalistic passions in The Bahamas on his recent visit... ...We as people from various backgrounds must work to ensure that passions cool... ...When countr

Published on 2012-02-13 10:50:00

The Haitian president’s divisive remarks Tensions rise as Haitians told to form voting bloc By Brent Dean Guardian Associate Editor brentldean@nasguard.com Nassau, The Bahamas The presence of tens of thousands of Haitians in The Bahamas has for a long time been a point of frustration to the ‘new natives’ who call this chain of islands home. There was no policy announced, or agreed to, stating that our gates would be opened to all the poor and frustrated of Haiti. Yet many have come, a [..] > read more

There is still a desperate need for the black world to coalesce around an affirmative ideology of blackness... Not a political concept of black power, but a soulful concept of blackness that is rooted in its source of power... Africa

Published on 2012-02-12 12:19:00

What does it mean to you to be black? By KHALILA NICOLLS Khalilanicolls@gmail.com Nassau, The Bahamas THE other day I stumped a politician by asking him a simple question: What is Africa? The question emerged because he responded to another question I posed, are you African, by saying, "No, I am a Bahamian with African heritage." So naturally, I pressed, and asked, well what does it mean to have Africa heritage? He fumbled for a response, claiming that regrettably, he had not done the re [..] > read more

Haitian President Michel Martelly's visit to The Bahamas turns political in a general election climate

Published on 2012-02-11 06:08:00

Haitian president's visit turns political tribune242 editorial Nassau, The Bahamas JUDGING from the squeals in the political arena since the two-day visit of Haitian President Michel Martelly, it would seem that many guilty consciences have been exposed. In speaking with his people -- some born in the Bahamas with the legal right to be here-- President Martelly advised those registered to vote to organise themselves and "identify in this upcoming election with who is on their side". In p [..] > read more

Haitian President Michel Martelly’s encouragement to Haitian-Bahamians to vote in a bloc for the party that best serves their interests in the upcoming general election in The Bahamas has sparked outrage among Bahamians

Published on 2012-02-10 14:08:00

Outrage at Haitian leader’s remarksBy Taneka Thompson Guardian Senior Reporter taneka@nasguard.com Nassau, The Bahamas Haitian President Michel Martelly’s encouragement to Haitian-Bahamians to vote in a bloc for the party that best serves their interests sparked outrage yesterday from political observers, who called the comments ‘insulting’ interference in the country’s political system.Some members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Dem [..] > read more

The fringe political party Democratic National Alliance (DNA) is gravely concerned that the governing Free National Movement (FNM) would allow a presidential visit from Haiti's president, Michel Martelly during a heightened political season ...where

Published on 2012-02-09 14:54:00

DNA Concerned over Haiti President's Visit by The Official Democratic National Alliance The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) is gravely concerned that the present administration would allow a presidential visit from a foreign country during a heightened political season. While the DNA believes that Haiti president, Michel Martelly should be welcomed to The Bahamas and it offers an opportunity to strengthen international relations, this was too sensitive of a time to do so. As to Presiden [..] > read more

Jamaica: Michael Manley, Garveyism and Matalon

Published on 2012-02-09 07:47:00

Manley, Garveyism and Matalon By MICHAEL BURKE Forty-three years ago today Michael Manley was elected president of the People's National Party. Twenty-three years ago today, the PNP returned to power and Michael Manley once again got a chance to be prime minister. In this 50th anniversary jubilee of our political Independence, perhaps the man with the greatest impact over the last 50 years was Michael Manley. Whether he was the most effective prime minister or he did the most for Jamaica, w [..] > read more

Britain and Bolivarian Alternative for Latin America and the Caribbean (ALBA): Another Falklands War?

Published on 2012-02-07 06:43:00

Britain and ALBA: Another Falklands War? By Rebecca Theodore Lights! Camera! Action! Yes! A new light is shining on the oil-bearing geological formations in the Falkland Islands’ waters. Light is immediately understood as ‘the true source of all things and the base on which the physicality of the material world is built.’ However, the new light that is shining on British energy companies Rockhopper Exploration, Falkland Oil & Gas, Borders & Southern, Argos Resources and Arcadia et al, [..] > read more

...renewed call in some circles for The Bahamas to sever its links with the Privy Council as its final court of appeal

Published on 2011-07-05 07:22:00

Is it time to abandon the Privy Council? Decades old debate resurfaces with controversial ruling BY CANDIA DAMES Guardian News Editor thenassauguardian candia@nasguard.com Nassau, Bahamas In recent times, some Bahamians have been intensely en > read more

Haiti and the issue of colour

Published on 2011-07-04 07:38:00

By Jean H Charles There has been recently continuous chatting on the Haitian cyber space regarding the issue of colour. The chatting might have been caused by the pictures sent by those opposing the government of the inaugural ball, where most we > read more

Dominique Strauss-Kahn's willingness to engage in casual, reckless sex with a stranger and the lore of his previous capricious affairs

Published on 2011-07-02 10:09:00

Rape: A Case Where No One Wins jamaica-gleaner editorial It took just a few hours for Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former leading steward of the world economy, and contender for the French presidency, to fall from grace, accused of molesting a mai > read more

The "Lotioner" in Bahamian politics and other kinds of Bahamian politicians

Published on 2011-07-01 08:20:00

Portrait of the ‘Lotioner’ East Street Blues BY IAN STRACHAN Nassau, Bahamas There are three kinds of Bahamian politicians. The question for the Bahamian electorate is, which kind is the best kind for these times and which should they giv > read more

Bahamas: Many Bahamians have an irrational fear and hatered of homosexuals... It is not popular to support homosexuals in any way in The Islands

Published on 2011-06-30 07:32:00

Parties views on gay rights appropriate thenassauguardian editorial Nassau, Bahamas Many Bahamians have an irrational fear and hatered of homosexuals. It is not uncommon in this country to encounter people having conversations advocating for viol > read more

Turks and Caicos Islands: 'United we fall and divided we stand'

Published on 2011-06-29 07:30:00

By Ben Roberts In recent discussions in the UK between Honourable Minister Henry Bellingham’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and an FCO-chosen team of Turks and Caicos Islands “representatives”, the good minister said the following: > read more

Haiti has lost a nation-builder in Guito Toussaint

Published on 2011-06-27 07:39:00

By Jean H Charles On June 12, 2011, in the evening, with the moon shining on the elite of Haitian society, brought together on the plaza of the Police Academy to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the creation of the Haitian police department, the > read more

What does the War on Libya Mean for the Rise of Latin America?

Published on 2011-06-26 09:07:00

By LIZZIE PHELAN The rise of Latin America has been something that I have been very privileged to be able to witness in my lifetime. To see living, breathing examples of socialism, to see vast nations like Venezuela and Brazil lift thousands of peo > read more

Cabinet Office Bahamas: The United Nations (UN) has not made a direct request to The Bahamas for the suspension of repatriations to Haiti

Published on 2011-06-25 10:27:00

Govt: No formal request on repatriation halt BY CHESTER ROBARDS Guardian Staff Reporter thenassauguardian chester@nasguard.com Nassau, Bahamas The United Nations (UN) has not made a direct request to The Bahamas for the suspension of repatriati > read more

American schools are passing students while failing to prepare them for today's challenges

Published on 2011-06-23 07:41:00

By Wellington C. Ramos Last week I had the opportunity to sit in an audience and watch about two hundred students graduate and receive their Masters, Bachelors and Associate degrees from the college where I have been teaching for years now. While > read more

Revolutionary racism in Cuba

Published on 2011-06-22 17:20:00

by Naomi Glassman, COHA Research Associate Cuba’s economy has struggled during the fifteen years since the fall of the Soviet Union, bringing economic disparity of an increasingly racial nature. Cuba’s population is split primarily b > read more

Bishop Simeon Hall: The Privy Council’s recent ruling on the death penalty in the case of Maxo Tido has unwittingly said to criminals: ‘you can get away with your next crime’... it is clear that if families of murder victims are to ever have ju

Published on 2011-06-21 07:06:00

'Abandon the Privy Council' CANDIA DAMES NG News Editor thenassauguardian candia@nasguard.com Nassau, Bahamas The Privy Council’s recent ruling on the death penalty in the case of Maxo Tido has unwittingly said to criminals ‘you can get awa > read more

The Bahamas embracing the concept of hospitality for all?

Published on 2011-06-20 07:23:00

By Jean H Charles My empirical observation has indicated that some of the most successful Haitian women in the Diaspora have either a Bahamian or a Turks and Caicos connection. Is it their excellent command of the English language, the high level > read more

REDjet, Protection, The CSME and the region's scepticism about the usefulness of CARICOM

Published on 2011-06-19 15:11:00

REDjet, Protection And The CSME jamaica-gleaner editorial In the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, at Article 134, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) governments made it clear that "efficient, reliable (and) affordable transport services" would be essenti > read more

The Bahamas supports the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution that affirms equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Brent Symonette

Published on 2011-06-18 13:26:00

Bahamas backs gay rights BY JUAN McCARTNEY NG Senior Reporter thenassauguardian juan@nasguard.com Nassau, Bahamas The Bahamas supports the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution passed yesterday that affirms equal rights for gay, lesbi > read more

Is crime an economic concern in The Bahamas?

Published on 2011-06-17 02:56:00

By Youri Kemp The focus has been on crime in The Bahamas for the last few years. It's playing such an important part in the social dialogue that reports have it that it has become the number one concern in some quarters, with the economy being a v > read more

WikiLeaks diplomatic cable: ...the unaddressed issue of Haitian integration in The Bahamas could eventually lead to ethnic violence in The Islands

Published on 2011-06-16 07:14:00

Cable: Haitian-Bahamian tension could lead to violence BY BRENT DEAN NG Deputy News Editor thenassauguardian brentldean@nasguard.com Nassau, Bahamas Hundreds of Haitian migrants land illegally in The Bahamas each year The Americans are of th > read more

Cuba's Fidel Castro Ruz - Has history absolved him?

Published on 2011-06-15 07:15:00

By Rebecca Theodore “But I do not fear prison, as I do not fear the fury of the miserable tyrant who took the lives of 70 of my comrades. Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me.” In a speech that rang synonymous with Socrates > read more

Haiti under the Martelly era, one month after

Published on 2011-06-13 07:37:00

By Jean H Charles I flew to New York one day after the inauguration of Michel Martelly as the 56th president of the Republic of Haiti. I returned to the island nation one month after to gauge and taste the change on the street and in the spirit of > read more

WikiLeaks secret cable: ...the continuous arrival of thousands of low-wage Chinese workers in The Bahamas will likely lead to a significant increase in illegal migration of Chinese from The Bahamas to the United States

Published on 2011-06-12 10:07:00

U.S. fears Baha Mar Chinese migration BRENT DEAN NG Deputy News Editor thenassauguardian brentldean@nasguard.com Nassau, Bahamas One of the major fears the United States has with the Baha Mar project at Cable Beach is that as a result of the larg > read more

Bahamas - China relations in spotlight with the high-level visit of the Deputy Secretary of Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) Central Committee, Wang Lequan

Published on 2011-06-11 13:10:00

Bahamas, China relations in spotlight with high-level visit BY CHESTER ROBARDS Guardian Staff Reporter thenassauguardian chester@nasguard.com The Deputy Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China’s (C > read more

44 percent of the murders committed so far this year in The Bahamas are linked to drugs and criminal enterprise says National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest

Published on 2011-06-10 08:04:00

44% of 2011 murders linked to drugs KRYSTEL ROLLE Guardian Staff Reporter thenassauguardian krystel@nasguard.com Nassau, Bahamas An analysis of the 57 murders committed so far this year shows that 44 percent of them are linked to drugs and crim > read more

The national D average in the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exams masks the tremendous lack of achievement in the Bahamian public school system

Published on 2011-06-09 07:40:00

Education, failed culture and inspiration thenassauguardian editorial Nassau, Bahamas It was important that Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham took time to greet 12-year-old Anna Albury outside of the House of Assembly on Monday. The girl, who is bl > read more

Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and Guyana assaulting the last vestiges of colonialism

Published on 2011-06-08 07:53:00

By Jean H Charles An election will take place in Guyana in 2012 that could assault the colonial concept of black Guyanese on one side and Indo and white Guyanese on the other side. In Trinidad and Tobago, an Indo-Trini, Mrs Kamla Persad Bissessar, > read more

The media in today's Bahamas...is it fair and objective or does it display a bias which seems to favor one political party over another?

Published on 2011-06-07 09:03:00

The media in The Bahamas By Philip C. Galanis Nassau, Bahamas I have previously written about a series of "ideal institutions" to which we should aspire as a young nation. Those included articles on the ideal nation, the ideal electorate, the ide > read more

Bahamas: An “underground prostitution ring” and homosexual relations between males present the biggest challenges in The Bahamas’ fight against HIV/AIDS...

Published on 2011-06-06 14:04:00

Minnis: HIV/AIDS fight challenged by prositution, homosexuality BY KRYSTEL ROLLE Guardian Staff Reporter thenassauguardian krystel@nasguard.com An “underground prostitution ring” and homosexual relations between males present the biggest chal > read more

New WikiLeaked Cables Reveal How Washington and Big Oil Fought PetroCaribe in Haiti

Published on 2011-06-05 18:35:00

By Haiti Liberti René Préval, who passed Haiti’s presidential sash to Joseph Michel Martelly on May 14, was described by U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Janet Sanderson as “Haiti’s indispensable man” in a Jun. 1, 2009 Embassy cable released by Wi > read more

Bahamas: Unemployed Bahamians are 'unwilling to take on "menial" jobs from other Bahamians... as this type of labour is deemed "sub-servient" - says Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Brent Symonette

Published on 2011-06-04 08:39:00

Unemployed Bahamians 'unwilling to do menial jobs' By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Staff Reporter tribune242 aturnquest@tribunemedia.net Nassau, Bahamas UNEMPLOYED Bahamians are unwilling to take on "menial" jobs from other Bahamians as this type of la > read more

Bahamas: ...the attitudes of most Bahamians towards Haitians is one of resentment, suspicion or outright hostility

Published on 2011-06-03 11:00:00

The Haitian problem IAN G. STRACHAN thenassauguardian Nassau, Bahamas On Friday May 20th , 2011 a group of Bahamian and Haitian-Bahamian artists, hosted an art exhibit and mini musical concert in Nassau at Jacaranda House, called “Nostrum Fabul > read more

Bahamas: Fred Mitchell, opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) spokesman on foreign affairs questions the 'ethical standards' of The Nassau Guardian newspaper over Wikileaks reports on Bahamian political affairs

Published on 2011-06-02 07:32:00

MP questions 'ethical standards' of newspaper over Wikileaks reports tribune242 Nassau, Bahamas FRED Mitchell, opposition spokesman on foreign affairs, questioned the "ethical standards" of The Nassau Guardian in its reporting of confidential US e > read more

[Jamaica-Gleaner] EDITORIAL - PM (Prime Minister Bruce Golding) On WikiLeaks

Published on 2011-06-01 17:21:00

We commend Prime Minister Bruce Golding's engagement of this newspaper's ongoing publication of US diplomatic cables relating to Jamaica, even though the PM may have misapprehended the context of our action and the basis on which we have so far repor > read more

Haiti and the seven deadly sins

Published on 2011-05-31 08:27:00

By Jean H Charles: With the installation of a new government, Haiti needs to set itself into a mode where the culture of growth, development and hospitality can flourish without impediments. First and foremost, security for life and for limb must b > read more

Bahamas: The time has long passed for the nation to demand value for its money in public Education

Published on 2011-05-30 17:42:00

Education: Are your children getting value for money? By NOELLE NICOLLS Tribune Staff Reporter nnicolls@tribunemedia.net Nassau, The Bahamas Last week during a public address Education Minister Desmond Bannister said it is time for the nation to > read more

Cricket Is Like A Woman

Published on 2011-05-28 16:50:00

Tony Deyal, Gleaner Writer For my PAHO friend and colleague David Taylor, who was there that day with Mike Nathan Hugo Martinez from Cuba who was watching his first cricket match, and me. RIP David. The Almighty must have a cricket ground in Heave > read more

Bahamas: Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette and the U.S. Embassy in Nassau Respond To WikiLeaks Report

Published on 2011-05-25 08:04:00

DPM, U.S. Embassy Responds To WikiLeaks Report By Sasha L. Lightbourne jonesbahamas Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said he is not bothered by a leaked report from WikiLeaks, which detailed how the prime minister reportedly had no confidenc > read more

“The Bahamas, a giant oil province in the making”

Published on 2011-05-24 08:46:00

Report reveals potential oil revenue for Bahamas By STEWART MILLER NG Business Reporter thenassauguardian stewart@nasguard.com What financial benefit should Bahamians expect to reap if the sands beneath us hold the immense oil treasures some a > read more

Resetting US-Caribbean relations

Published on 2011-05-23 08:05:00

By Anton E. Edmunds: The announcement of the departure of Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Dr Arturo Valenzuela has prompted quite a reaction in the Washington community that tracks hemispheric affairs. While some argue t > read more

1,551 centenarians living in Cuba

Published on 2011-05-22 11:07:00

By JOSÉ A. DE LA OSA: CURRENTLY living in Cuba are 1,551 individuals over 100 years of age, ten more than in 2010, according to the February updating of a study of centenarians undertaken during the years 2004-2008. This multi-institutional inv > read more

Gullible Jamaica

Published on 2011-05-21 13:15:00

By Peter Espeut: Various dictionaries define a gullible person as someone 'easily deceived or duped', 'easily taken in or tricked', 'easily persuaded to believe something', and 'easily deceived or cheated'. Do you think that, as a group, as a nat > read more

Dominica's Mary Eugenia Charles - A legacy for gender equality in the Caribbean

Published on 2011-05-20 07:55:00

By Rebecca Theodore As Caribbean governments continue their focus on the eradication of direct and indirect forms of discrimination against women through legislative reforms and the enactment of gender sensitive social policies, the achievements o > read more

Why we reject the draft constitution for the Turks and Caicos Islands

Published on 2011-05-19 07:48:00

By Douglas Parnell Leader, Peoples Democratic Movement The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) rejects the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) draft constitution. Offered below are a number of reasons taken from our party’s position paper on the > read more

The Bahamas Government is looking at amending existing legislation to allow persons to use solar energy in their homes

Published on 2011-05-18 08:42:00

Government looking to amend legislation for use of solar energy By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT - Minister of State for the Environment Phenton Neymour said Government is looking at amending existin > read more

Latin America and the Caribbean move toward energy security

Published on 2011-05-17 08:02:00

Caracas, 13 May. AVN .- One of the main issues analyzed during a meeting by the people responsible for the energy area in Latin America and the Caribbean was the construction of an institutionality to be able to execute the proposals made on energy s > read more

Haiti at the dawn of a new era!

Published on 2011-05-16 07:28:00

By Jean H Charles On Saturday, May 14, 2011, Joseph Michel Martelly was sworn in as the 56th president of the nation of Haiti. It has been a transition fought for and earned by the people of the country against all odds, national and international > read more

Wyclef Jean Sees Martelly As Change Leader

Published on 2011-05-15 08:47:00

From newsamericasnow: AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Sat. May 15, 2011: Haitian-born, Grammy singer Wyclef Jean, has likened Michel Martelly to Barack Obama. Jean’s comments came as Martelly, a Kompa singer known for mooning the crowds, was sworn in as the > read more

Developing prosperity consciousness through education

Published on 2011-05-14 18:08:00

By Oliver Mills: Many Caribbean countries are currently experiencing difficult economic and social challenges to a degree greater than has previously been the case historically. There are budget cuts in many critical areas, additional taxes on oth > read more

Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly - Haiti's President elect - promises amnesty for former dictator, Jean Claude ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier

Published on 2011-05-13 14:36:00

Amnesty For Duvalier On His Mind News Americas, PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Fri. May 13, 2011: The Kompa singer turned President elect of Haiti officially takes the reins tomorrow, but has already promised amnesty for former dictator, Jean Claude ‘Ba > read more

The Caribbean in sight, sound, soul and speed

Published on 2011-05-11 13:11:00

by Bevan Springer New York Amsterdam News Recently, I traveled to a beautiful island, the City of Brotherly Love and back to a number of inspiring events in two of New York City's boroughs. It was a seven-day trip which reinforced my belief in th > read more

African Guyanese call for power sharing is an affirmation of our human right and birthright

Published on 2011-05-10 08:38:00

By Dr David Hinds When I came out in support of Tacuma Ogunseye's call for African Guyanese to take to the streets to demand power sharing, I did so because I sensed that people were playing politics with the issue. Let me preface today’s offe > read more

Port Salut, Haiti in its splendour!

Published on 2011-05-09 07:41:00

By Jean H Charles The first Sunday after Easter is the celebration of Quasimodo -- Jesus reminding Thomas in particular, the doubters in general, to have faith in his redemptive mission. It is also, in Haiti, the time for a major religious crusade, > read more

Living long with good quality life - even with cancer - will be an achievable goal in this century

Published on 2011-05-05 08:06:00

The Changing Face Of Cancer In The Bahamas Tribune242 Insight Nassau, The Bahamas This year nearly 1,000 Bahamians will be told they have cancer. Today around 5,000 are living with the disease but this could soar to over 10,000 by 2020 because of > read more

African Guyanese have become second class citizens and political aliens

Published on 2011-05-04 08:08:00

By Dr David Hinds They have pounced on Tacuma Ogunseye because he called on African Guyanese to join marches in the villages to press for their inclusion in official decision making in a country they have inhabited for centuries. Marches by Africa > read more

Haitian Shantytowns are a major problem in The Bahamas

Published on 2011-05-03 08:21:00

The shantytown problem thenassauguardian editorial Tragedy hit a Haitian community again last week. This time it was in what is one of the largest Haitian communities in the country — The Mud in Marsh Harbour, Abaco. A large fire destroyed an > read more

Big Money and Politics in The Bahamas

Published on 2011-05-01 08:44:00

Big Money and Politics The Bahama Journal Editorial Nassau, The Bahamas While practically everyone talks a good talk concerning the need for campaign finance reform in the Bahamas; practically no one wants to do anything real about the matter. > read more

Legalising marijuana: An exit strategy from the war on drugs

Published on 2011-04-29 19:49:00

By Zoë Amerigian, COHA Research Associate Few topics of debate are as stigmatizing and polarizing as the legalization of marijuana. For the majority of the U.S. population, the idea invokes one of two reactions: a firm guffaw at the ridiculousnes > read more

Bahamas: What makes Hubert Ingraham, Hubert Ingraham?

Published on 2011-04-26 18:03:00

Portrait of Caesar By Ian Strachan Nassau, Bahamas The 2012 election approaches. And Hubert Alexander Ingraham approaches what will in all likelihood be his last general election. Hopefully, win or lose, he will give the nation an opportunity to > read more

The growing risks posed by obesity in The Bahamas... [70 percent of the Bahamian population is overweight]

Published on 2011-04-23 09:42:00

Chronic illnesses up demand on health care By CANDIA DAMES Guardia News Editor candia@nasguard.com Nassau, Bahamas In The Bahamas, an estimated 500 people die annually from either heart disease or diabetes, which are both driven by obesity, a > read more

Can rational dialogue transform Caribbean education?

Published on 2011-04-22 12:39:00

By Oliver Mills A Professor Emeritus at Simon Fraser University in Canada, Tasos Kazepides, has published an essay entitled “Education as Dialogue,” which summarises one of the central arguments of his recent book, Education as Dialogue: Its > read more

The Bahamas has acknowledged that its criminal justice system needs help

Published on 2011-04-21 07:27:00

Adopting laws against organized crime thenassauguardian editorial The annual drug report prepared by the United States government usually provides interesting commentary on the state of drug trafficking to and through The Bahamas. In the 2011 re > read more

While reparation is good for Garifunas, we must do it as Garinagu people collectively

Published on 2011-04-20 07:31:00

By Wellington C. Ramos As a Garifuna person from Dangriga Town, Belize, who is a descendant of the people who lived in the country of Saint Vincent under the leadership of our great King Joseph Chatoyer, I applaud this bold move that the prime mini > read more

Bahamas: This upcoming general election, like all others before it, will be a race of Leadership

Published on 2011-04-19 08:24:00

Election will be a race of leadership By RUPERT MISSICK Jr Tribune242 Chief Reporter rmissick@tribunemedia.net Nassau, Bahamas WE BAHAMIANS are a people of shifting anxieties. We will rend our garments because of the drought on Monday but tear ou > read more

Political parties: Gangs in disguise?

Published on 2011-04-17 08:05:00

By Oliver Mills Over the years, political parties in the Caribbean have been much criticised for lack of focus and action on the pressing issues of society, for not being sensitive to the wider needs of the most vulnerable in Caribbean society, n > read more

Bahamas: ...the challenges facing children and adults who have been diagnosed with autism

Published on 2011-04-16 09:11:00

Early diagnosis and treatment is key to addressing autism By UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO THE BAHAMAS NICOLE AVANT APRIL is National Autism Awareness Month, which provides a special opportunity for individuals across the Bahamas to raise awarenes > read more

Losing Latin America

Published on 2011-04-15 11:52:00

By Steve Ellner - In These Times: In his State of the Union address in January, President Obama pressed for quick passage of a free trade agreement with Colombia, and since then has followed up on the proposal. In doing so he has delighted Republi > read more

Khaled bin Sultan's Living Oceans Foundation fights for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to have the scientific right to ecological protection

Published on 2011-04-14 07:59:00

Living Oceans Foundation fights ocean pollution in Small Island Developing States By GENA GIBBS Nassau, The Bahamas FIGHTING for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to have the scientific right to ecological protection is the mission of Khaled > read more

Bahamas: Many of our children and youth have a deficit of reading, writing and speaking skills

Published on 2011-04-13 07:36:00

Improving literacy, numeracy and oracy thenassauguardian editorial Nassau, The Bahamas The Ministry of Education has pointed to plans to allow for the expansion of focus on literacy and numeracy by using a coordinated approach to improve both sta > read more

Male achievement in education is one of the more urgent challenges facing The Bahamas

Published on 2011-04-12 10:53:00

PM Laments Low Male Achievers BY ANDREW J.W. KNOWLES jonesbahamas With males comprising just 15 per cent of the College of The Bahamas (COB) graduates, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham admits that male achievement in education becomes one of the m > read more

Freedom of movement curtailed since independence of Caribbean countries

Published on 2011-04-11 07:51:00

By Oscar Ramjeet The freedom of movement of Caribbean nationals has been severely curtailed since the breakup of the West Indies Federation five decades ago and the various countries in the region gaining independence. It is unfortunate because > read more

Childhood obesity is a growing concern in the Bahamas

Published on 2011-04-10 10:26:00

New programme to tackle childhood obesity By NOELLE NICOLLS Tribune Staff Reporter nnicolls@tribunemedia.net HEALTH professionals are teaming up to tackle the problem of childhood obesity, which they say is a growing concern in the Bahamas. D > read more

Haiti, the big picture

Published on 2011-04-09 06:59:00

By Jean H Charles The Haitian people, after the birth of democracy some twenty-five years ago (the Haitian Constitution was adopted on March 29, 1987), have put their faith in three leaders to lead them on the road towards development. Michel Jose > read more

Is Barbados an apartheid state?

Published on 2011-04-08 08:15:00

By Rebecca Theodore The surfeit of the dueling public and the storm of accusations about Barbadians’ poor treatment of visitors that are not tourists or others of European descent, continue to highlight a fundamental split in the Caribbean. Al > read more

The recurring dilemma in Caribbean education

Published on 2011-04-07 07:51:00

By Oliver Mills Caribbean education, throughout its history, has faced an ever recurring dilemma, which is how to so structure and manage the education system to get the maximum results. But most importantly of all, how to design a system that gets > read more

Poor indoor air quality a potentially explosive health crisis in the Caribbean

Published on 2011-04-06 07:02:00

By Dr Valma Jessamy On the outside the sunny Caribbean is known for its hot balmy weather mediated by cool island breeze, creating a literal tropical paradise. On the inside lurks the real culprit -- high humidity and temperatures and the ever pres > read more

Regional integration and its importance to the growth of the Bahamian economy...

Published on 2011-04-05 14:29:00

Arthur: Integration important to Bahamas economy Former prime minister and current leader of the opposition in Barbados Owen Arthur recently expressed his sentiments about regional integration and its importance to the growth of the Bahamian econo > read more

The Jamaican extradition enquiry - was it worth it?

Published on 2011-04-04 02:19:00

by Oscar Ramjeet As the Dudus/Manatt Enquiry comes to an end in Jamaica, one wonders if the well publicised and talked about enquiry was worth it -- not only in terms of its high cost, but the verbal abuse and clashes between lawyers, politicians, > read more

Men and women in relationships display 19th century behaviour while communicating with 21st century technology

Published on 2011-04-02 12:49:00

Gender inequalities 'greatly impact rate women contract HIV' By NOELLE NICOLLS Tribune Staff Reporter nnicolls@tribunemedia.net THE gender inequalities that women face are still a major challenge to eradicating HIV/AIDS related deaths, said gende > read more

Haiti Needs Help To Prosecute Duvalier

Published on 2011-03-31 08:21:00

News Americas, Washington, D.C. Haiti’s justice minister says the country will need help from international judges to prosecute former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier. Andre Antoine told the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights this week tha > read more

Communist Cuba's First Lady: The Caribbean woman debunked

Published on 2011-03-30 07:40:00

By Rebecca Theodore It is clear that the political movements of the last decade only continue to undermine revolutionary movements and social welfare programs. However, as nation states are regraphed and ethnic and religious groups continue to comp > read more

Between emigration and crime

Published on 2011-03-29 17:57:00

Reflections of Fidel Taken from CubaDebate LATIN Americans are not innate criminals and neither did they invent drugs. The Aztecs, Mayas and other pre-Columbian peoples of Mexico and Central America, for example, were excellent agriculturalists a > read more

...low college enrolment and graduation rates by Bahamian males at the College of the Bahamas (COB)

Published on 2011-03-28 07:34:00

Only 14% of COB graduates are male students By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune Staff Reporter tthompson@tribunemedia.net MALE students account for only 14 per cent of the graduates from the College of the Bahamas, says new COB President Dr Betsy Vogel Boz > read more

Bruce Golding may have had a change of heart about the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Published on 2011-03-27 07:38:00

Golding seems to have had a change of heart about CCJ by Oscar Ramjeet As Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar seems to move further away from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), her Jamaican counterpart, Bruce Golding, may > read more

The Bahamas, who shares Common Law with the United Kingdom, should also move to bring its libel laws into the 21st century

Published on 2011-03-26 03:08:00

Time to change libel law thenassauguardian editorial We were very intrigued to read this week that the British government is finally moving to reform its famous libel law. The reform proposal was presented to Parliament last week, and hailed as > read more

Japan devastation: The time for renewable energy in LatAm is now

Published on 2011-03-25 12:04:00

Christopher Lenton Over the last decade, nuclear power has gained favor in Latin America. It is base load power - generating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - and in an era where climate change dominates international discussion, does not emit dama > read more

Obeah and politics in the Caribbean

Published on 2011-03-24 08:25:00

By Oliver Mills We as human beings, when faced with challenging situations, often like to resort to measures and practices that are beyond what is normal in order to seek, or find solutions to them. After we have exhausted the religious figure, fr > read more

The assault of anti-Americanism in Latin America

Published on 2011-03-23 08:52:00

By Rebecca Theodore Amidst a surge of anti-American sentiment in Latin America, the US now begins to feel the billowing crest of the flood as it has reached a particularly high peak. Far from the backed up dams, tidal waves still break away in some > read more

The Nature of Politics, Politicks and Democracy in The Bahamas

Published on 2011-03-22 09:04:00

Politicking and Democracy. What’s the difference? Edward Hutcheson I have spent the last two weeks looking at the nation and people of the Bahamas, attempted to write letters and found myself reaching some rebellious conclusions about what answe > read more

What was the process applied in appointing the new Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) chief justice?

Published on 2011-03-21 08:34:00

By Ian Francis The recent news from the Caribbean Court of Justice and the CARICOM Secretariat indicating that Sir Dennis Byron has been appointed as chief justice of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) came to many regional observers as a great s > read more

Haitian presidential election: I am voting (again) for Michel Martelly!

Published on 2011-03-20 10:03:00

I am voting (again) for Michel Martelly! By Jean H Charles I predicted in a previous column that the final round in the Haitian presidential election will be between the two Ms -- Michel Martelly and Mirlande Manigat (Caribbean News Now, November > read more

We Bahamians are an ungrateful people

Published on 2011-03-18 08:15:00

While the world suffers, Bahamians fiddle tribune242 editorial WE SWITCHED the television on. Saudi tanks were rolling into Bahrain to prevent that country's social unrest spilling over Saudi borders. Libyans were rushing in mad confusion to avo > read more

Venezuela's deadly pact with Latin American and Caribbean states

Published on 2011-03-17 08:48:00

By Rebecca Theodore Beware! The manipulative game of bartering oil for social welfare and aid to solve the economic woes of many Latin American and Caribbean states by Venezuela’s despot Hugo Chavez lingers. Despite original predictions of its > read more

Turks and Caicos politics in a Caribbean context

Published on 2011-03-16 11:05:00

By Oliver Mills Local historians in the Turks and Caicos contend that these islands were the first to be discovered in the Caribbean region, although this is contested by others. However, Caribbean historians have maintained that the real value to > read more

Should condoms be distributed in schools?

Published on 2011-03-15 08:56:00

By Dr Oswald Thomas If as a teacher I give out condoms in schools, will I be encouraging promiscuity? Taking the power of transmitting values to children away from their parents? Costing the education system more money? Sending mixed messages? Sup > read more

Haiti - The Caribbean's hot spot for drug traffickers

Published on 2011-03-14 12:38:00

By Rebecca Theodore If drug control is fundamental in maintaining a healthy society and in preventing the suffering and harm caused to individuals and society by drug abuse and drug trafficking, then its threat to the security and stability of Hai > read more

The niggling issue of good governance in the Caribbean Community

Published on 2011-03-13 08:28:00

By Ellsworth John The issue of good governance in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has generated much discussion, as its citizens become increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of progress with the community’s agenda. As early a > read more

Rene Preval, the Haitian president, an evaluation, five years later

Published on 2011-03-12 09:25:00

By Jean H Charles Five years ago, as President Rene Preval was being inaugurated for a second, non-consecutive term, my sister Maggie, who went to school with the president (albeit her junior) at the George Marc Institute, commented around the kit > read more

NATO, war, lies and business

Published on 2011-03-11 08:25:00

Reflections of Fidel (Taken from CubaDebate) AS some people know, in September of 1969, Muammar al-Gaddafi, a Bedouin Arab soldier of unusual character and inspired by the ideas of the Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser, promoted within the heart > read more

The Pharaoh factor in Caribbean politics

Published on 2011-03-10 08:03:00

By Oliver Mills Politics in the Caribbean is in a state of volatility and controversy. The fundamental question is, when has this never been the case? In one country, accusations are being made over the receipt of aid money from Libya, to help i > read more

The Bahamas Human Resources Development Association (BHRDA) is concern about the appointment of a foreign HR consultant by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA)

Published on 2011-03-09 08:23:00

HR experts weigh in on URCA controversy By CANDIA DAMES Guardian News Editor candia@nasguard.com The Bahamas Human Resources Development Association (BHRDA) yesterday raised concerns about the appointment of a foreign HR consultant by the Utilitie > read more

Bahamas: Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) and the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA)... What's The Connection? (Part-2)

Published on 2011-03-08 11:38:00

CWC and the URCA connection Pt 2 By CANDIA DAMES Guardian News Editor candia@nasguard.com Stunning admissions Chairman of the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority Wayne Aranha made several stunning admissions a few days ago: URCA neve > read more

March 6 - a significant date for Africa and the Caribbean

Published on 2011-03-07 08:04:00

by Oscar Ramjeet: March 6 is a significant date for both Africa and the Caribbean. It is on that date in 1957 (54 years ago) the first African state, known as that time the Gold Coast, was given independence from Britain and was renamed Ghana. It > read more

The world should fear a Saudi revolt

Published on 2011-03-06 08:02:00

By Dennis Morrison, Gleaner Writer Petrojam's billing prices for 87 and 90 octane gasolene jumped by $2.50 per litre in each case last week, the biggest movement in a single week since prices were liberalised nearly 20 years ago. And what is even > read more

The Arab world in convulsion

Published on 2011-03-05 13:06:00

By Jean H Charles: The world has changed after Jesus the Christ, God made man, came on earth some two thousand years ago. His mission is to redeem mankind from his state of sin and to offer to each man and to all men the possibility of eternal lif > read more

We must not forget the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

Published on 2011-03-04 08:06:00

By Ian Francis: In 1980, many former regional politicians from the small states of the region journeyed to the capital of St Kitts and appended their signature to the Treaty of Basseterre. The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) came in > read more

Bahamas: Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) and the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA)... What's The Connection?

Published on 2011-03-03 08:40:00

CWC and the URCA connection By CANDIA DAMES Guardian News Editor candia@nasguard.com A closer look Government officials are often quick to point out that the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) operates independently. URCA ma > read more

Were OECS voices heard at the CARICOM heads of government summit in Jamaica?

Published on 2011-03-02 09:06:00

By Ian Francis It is approximately eight months since the summit of CARICOM heads was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Since then, Jamaica’s Bruce Golding has passed the torch to a struggling Tillman Thomas of Grenada, who might soon have to face a > read more

Of protests and oil

Published on 2011-03-01 10:54:00

Muammar Gaddafi's speeches grow ever more delusional. Last Thursday, he accused al-Qaida of putting hallucinogenic pills into the coffee of unsuspecting Libyan 17-year-olds in order to get them to attack the regime. But he also said something importa > read more

Did Buju Banton not know that loose lips sink ships?

Published on 2011-02-28 11:00:00

Did Buju not know that loose lips sink ships? BY CHRIS BURNS Written among other things that "he that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life, but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction". Furthermore, "A nuh everything good fi eat, good > read more

Oil and the specter of revolution

Published on 2011-02-27 11:08:00

rian.ru The uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa have caused prices surges in global commodity markets. Now the revolt in oil-rich Libya has brought oil prices to a level unseen since 2008. The IMF has already revised its forecast of the > read more

President Bharrat Jagdeo will bequeath to his country - Guyana: Stagnation, violence, corruption, arch-sectarianism, and unfettered crime

Published on 2011-02-26 10:05:00

Guyana president leaves a tattered legacy by Robert Cavooris and Elcin Chang, COHA Research Associates Stagnation, violence, corruption, arch-sectarianism, and unfettered crime—this is the heritage that President Bharrat Jagdeo will bequeat > read more

BBC Caribbean Service ends March 25, 2011

Published on 2011-02-25 14:34:00

BBC Caribbean nears closure nationnews BBC Caribbean Service has only one month left in operation as it gets ready to end its broadcasts on March 25. The decision by BBC World Service is part of cuts which will amount to over 600 jobs lost. BBC > read more

Have CARICOM governments surrendered foreign policy independence to the Secretariat?

Published on 2011-02-24 08:12:00

By Ian Francis The debates and concerns about regional independent sovereignty are very much alive in academic, communities and other concerned sectors in the Caribbean Commonwealth. Many questions are being asked by those debating the issue. Rece > read more

Third political parties are not doomed to failure in the Caribbean

Published on 2011-02-23 09:15:00

Are third parties in the Caribbean doomed? By Oliver Mills The commonly accepted wisdom in the Caribbean has been, and still is, that third political parties are doomed, and that any attempt to establish them will be met with failure. This belief i > read more

The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) - are we ready?

Published on 2011-02-22 07:39:00

Law and Politics: The CSME and the CCJ - are we ready? By Lloyd Noel: Now that we have just celebrated our thirty-seventh anniversary of independence, from the colonial rule of England way back in 1974 – but having maintained our association and > read more

50th Anniversary of the Bay of Pigs: Controversy in Miami

Published on 2011-02-21 08:43:00

• Granma International is publishing a series of articles on the events leading up to the April, 1961 battle of the Bay of Pigs. As we approach the 50th Anniversary of this heroic feat, we will attempt to recreate chronologically the developments w > read more

The Culture of United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)

Published on 2011-02-20 16:36:00

Brazil, Haiti and the MINUSTAH By Jean H Charles: I visited Brazil twenty years ago, as a globe trotter who cherished the joy of travelling, despite my trip to Brazil. I told my travel companion Eddy Harper at the end of our journey, one should > read more

Much abuse in Barbados’ gay and lesbian communities

Published on 2011-02-18 09:46:00

Much abuse in gay community By Trevor Yearwood THERE’S a lot of domestic violence in Barbados’ gay and lesbian communities. Priest and psychologist Reverend Marcus Lashley made this charge last Wednesday night during a panel discussion at the > read more

Education is taking on the function of Kentucky Fried chicken in the Caribbean

Published on 2011-02-17 07:46:00

Education: Equal opportunity provider or Kentucky Fried oriented? By Oliver Mills In our Caribbean society, commentaries and reports on educational issues seem to constantly appear in our various daily papers, sometimes competing with politics. Rec > read more

Why It's Not a 'Safe Bet' to Believe In God

Published on 2011-02-16 10:26:00

AlterNet / By Greta Christina The idea that you should believe in God "just in case" trivializes both faith and reality, and concedes your argument before it's begun. "Why not believe in God? If you believe and you turn out to be wrong, you h > read more

What Wikileaks Teaches Us About Obama and Latin America

Published on 2011-02-15 08:57:00

By Rebecca Ray - Common Dreams President Obama has given little indication of the strategy for his upcoming trip through Chile, Brazil, and El Salvador. Will "the great listener" promote cooperation and understanding, or carry on the Bush administra > read more

Should heads of government continue to hand down leadership to their children?

Published on 2011-02-14 09:02:00

by Oscar Ramjeet The three-week demonstration and protests in Egypt that claimed the lives of hundreds was due to the fact that President Mubarak wanted to hold on to power in order to pass on his "throne" to his son, Gamal. However, the demonstr > read more

Childhood obesity in The Bahamas

Published on 2011-02-13 11:32:00

Obesity crisis for Bahamian children By CELESTE NIXON Tribune Staff Reporter cnixon@tribunemedia.net Nassau, Bahamas CHILDHOOD obesity is a serious concern in the Bahamas, with more than half the country's children being overweight, according to > read more

Is Haiti in better shape than a generation ago with the advent of democracy?

Published on 2011-02-12 10:23:00

Haiti's twenty-five-year flirtation with democracy: A failed experience! By Jean H Charles I remember where I was, twenty five years ago, on February 7, 1986. I was leading, along with community leader Wilson Desir, a parade in Brooklyn, New York, > read more

National self-interest and the absence of vision among CARICOM leaders are pulling the Caribbean apart

Published on 2011-02-11 17:55:00

CARICOM: It's leadership that's needed By Sir Ronald Sanders There should be no doubt that the people of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are well aware that failure of the regional integration project to contribute to solving the urgent problems > read more

50th Anniversary of the Bay of Pigs: Eisenhower tramples right to travel to Cuba

Published on 2011-02-10 18:16:00

• Granma International is publishing a series of articles on the events leading up to the April, 1961 battle of the Bay of Pigs. As we approach the 50th Anniversary of this heroic feat, we will attempt to recreate chronologically the developments w > read more

Is The West Indies West Indian? (Part 3)

Published on 2011-02-10 08:27:00

By Sir Shridath Ramphal There is another major respect in which the West Indies, in not being West Indian in the Marryshow manner, is not being true to itself. We are failing to fulfill the promise we once held out of being a light in the darkness > read more

Is The West Indies West Indian? (Part 2)

Published on 2011-02-09 08:53:00

By Sir Shridath Ramphal Nothing speaks louder of CARICOM’s current debilitation than our substantial denial of the Caribbean Court of Justice. The Bar Association of Grenada is host to this Lecture Series, which is a memorial to a great West Indi > read more

Is The West Indies West Indian? (Part 1)

Published on 2011-02-08 08:05:00

By Sir Shridath Ramphal It was here in St George’s 95 years ago that T.A. Marryshow flew from the masthead of his pioneering newspaper The West Indian the banner: The West Indies Must Be Westindian. And on that banner Westindian was symbolically > read more

Where is our future Bahamas?

Published on 2011-02-07 13:09:00

Democracy, independence and complacency thenassauguardian editorial The images and news stories that have dominated the international news media for the past week or so in Egypt are a telling story on the importance of the basic concept of democra > read more

May the good people of the world align themselves with the people of Haiti to facilitate the birthing of this true era of democracy!

Published on 2011-02-06 08:33:00

Have no fear, 2011 will be a great year for Haiti and for the world! By Jean H Charles On November 1, 2009, I attended for the second time (the first one being at the Brooklyn Museum in New York) a voodoo ceremony celebrating the guedes (the good > read more

The Bahamian political directorate has chosen Haitians for their most favoured political prostitutes...

Published on 2011-02-05 14:49:00

Time to stop prostituting Haitians NOELLE NICOLLS Tribune Staff Reporter nnicolls@tribunemedia.net Haitians have been migrating to the Bahamas for centuries. For race-based reasons, it was a problem in the early 19th century. While the racial lega > read more

Why Jamaica should take note of Egypt

Published on 2011-02-04 09:09:00

jamaica-gleaner editorial IT WOULD be easy for our Government, and Jamaicans generally, to assume that there are no parallels between the violent uprising in Egypt against the long-serving President Hosni Mubarak, or the revolt in Tunisia that chuc > read more

How can CARICOM countries decrease the upswing of criminality?

Published on 2011-02-03 09:01:00

By Ian Francis Every day, the Caribbean region’s population, through the various and diverse media organs of print and radio resources, is bombarded with news of crime ranging from homicide, armed robberies, rape and other violent crimes against > read more

Obama's trip to South America: Not before time

Published on 2011-02-02 09:11:00

By David Roberts We all know US diplomats, or any other diplomats for that matter, don't say what they mean when they speak in public - we never needed WikiLeaks to show us that - and in recent days we've been subject to yet another insult to our > read more

Why is Hugo Chavez called a Dictator?

Published on 2011-02-01 09:52:00

By John E. Jones - Venezuelanalysis.com Hugo Chavez is the most controversial head of state in the world and also the most maligned. I believe that a man should be judged for what he does, or attempts to do, not by what he says, or what others say > read more

The grave food crisis

Published on 2011-01-31 12:31:00

Reflections of Fidel (Taken from CubaDebate) • JUST 11 days ago, January 19, under the title "Now is the time to do something," I wrote: "The worst is that, to a large degree, their solutions will depend on the richest and most developed countr > read more

Cannabis abuse may be a factor behind the high crime rate in The Bahamas

Published on 2011-01-30 08:08:00

Cannabis abuse 'may be a factor behind high crime rate' By CELESTE NIXON Tribune Staff Reporter cnixon@tribunemedia.net CANNABIS abuse could be one of the factors behind the high rate of crime in The Bahamas, according to a local psychiatrist. D > read more

Trying to deconstruct the surprise visit of the former Haitian dictator Jean Claude Duvalier to Haiti... twenty five years after his forced departure

Published on 2011-01-29 07:16:00

Cherchez la femme! By Jean H Charles Trying to deconstruct the surprise visit of the former dictator Jean Claude Duvalier to Haiti exactly twenty five years after his forced departure on February 7, 1986, I have resorted to the well known French d > read more

Obama’s speech and the bankruptcy of identity politics

Published on 2011-01-28 14:47:00

By Tom Eley President Obama’s State of the Union address, delivered Tuesday night, is nearly as remarkable for what it did not mention as it is for the unabashedly right-wing and pro-corporate agenda it outlined.As the World Socialist Web Site alr > read more

Crime and corruption have been – from time immemorial - one of the royal roads toward fame and fortune in The Bahamas

Published on 2011-01-26 06:31:00

A Culture of Criminality The Bahama Journal Editorial No number of artfully contrived ‘meet’ the press-briefings, stage-managed walk-and-talk exercises on the part of the police high-command – or for that matter, ardent prayer meetings on th > read more

The long road to the privatization of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC)

Published on 2011-01-25 14:27:00

The long road to privatization By CANDIA DAMES Guardian News Editor candia@nasguard.com One dozen years later, tone of BTC debate unchanged In 1999 when initial attempts at privatizing the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation led to massive > read more

Crime is rooted like a canker in today’s so-called modern Bahamas

Published on 2011-01-24 06:46:00

Crime & Social Hypocrisy The Bahama Journal Editorial Something insidious has been going on for some time now; with that ‘insidious’ thing being that evolution of a state of mind where so very many Bahamians are wont to complain about crime; al > read more

If Julian Assange is a Terrorist, What is Luis Posada Carriles Then?

Published on 2011-01-23 12:02:00

by Jean Guy Allard The trials of the creator of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange and of international terrorist Luis Posada Carriles will begin with less than 24-hour difference on January 10 and 11, one in London and the other one in El Paso, Texas. Th > read more

May 14 or February 7: What does the Haitian constitution say?

Published on 2011-01-22 08:55:00

By Jean H Charles The Haitian Constitution is clear and neat in its article 134.1: “the term of the president begins and ends on the February 7 following the date of the elections.” Rene Preval, the Haitian president has succeeded with corrupt > read more

Crime Pays in The Bahamas...

Published on 2011-01-21 09:58:00

When Home-Making Fails The Bahama Journal Editorial We sometimes have cause to marvel at the fact that there was once a time in the Bahamas when hard-working men earned enough money and when the social circumstances then prevalent called on women > read more

Homegrown terrorism - A rising threat in the Caribbean

Published on 2011-01-20 07:00:00

By Rebecca Theodore If religion, politics and economics are the explanations for terrorism and if arguments persist that home grown terrorism is labeled as one of the most important layers of al Qaeda’s threat to the developing world, then why ar > read more

Bahamas: Bahamians want, need and crave to live in a land where they are more than spectators looking in on the doings of those who are really large and in charge...

Published on 2011-01-19 10:53:00

Dreamers, Visionaries and Workers The Bahama Journal Editorial The Bahamian people are not really asking for that much. In the ultimate analysis, then, our people want systems that work; they want institutions that are up to the challenge of deliv > read more

Respect or the lack thereof, the missing ingredient to propel the Haitian recovery

Published on 2011-01-18 14:21:00

By Jean H Charles I have been reflecting and pondering on why Haiti is not developing harmoniously while it has an optimum population -- 10 million people -- resilient, industrious, willing to work for almost nothing (a base revenue or a salary of > read more

Another Day at The College of The Bahamas (COB)

Published on 2011-01-17 18:16:00

C.O. B. - Another ‘New’ Day! The Bahama Journal Editorial For quite some time now, The College of The Bahamas has been able to make the news for all the wrong reasons. The College has made the news when a president was found to be a plagiari > read more

Caribbean integration is a mockery - CSME at a standstill

Published on 2011-01-16 10:45:00

by Oscar Ramjeet It seems as if Caribbean leaders are not serious about regional integration. The talk about freedom of movement is only lip service and there is no genuine effort for this to become a reality. It is since 1989, more than 21 years > read more

Without violence, without drugs

Published on 2011-01-15 17:27:00

Reflections of Fidel (Taken from CubaDebate) YESTERDAY I analyzed the atrocious act of violence against U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, in which 18 people were shot, six died and another 12 were wounded, several seriously, among them the C > read more

...the real McCoy in today’s blood-drenched Bahamas – Blam/gadjammit!

Published on 2011-01-14 08:23:00

“…bite and blam…” Rough Cut, By Felix F. Bethel The Bahama Journal “Today it is the right that amuses itself with violent chat and proclaims an injured innocence when its flammable words blow up…” Jacob Weisberg. “The officer app > read more

The crime against the Democratic Congresswoman

Published on 2011-01-13 07:56:00

Reflections of Fidel (Taken from CubaDebate) AS is known, the state of Arizona, a territory that was snatched from Mexico by the United States together with many other expanses of land, has been the scene of painful events for the hundreds of Lati > read more

One year since the earthquake in Haiti

Published on 2011-01-12 11:39:00

Bill Van Auken Today marks the first anniversary of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that devastated the impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti, leaving a quarter of a million of its people dead, more than 300,000 injured, and approximately a million a > read more

Honouring our commitment to Haiti

Published on 2011-01-11 10:14:00

By Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Families across New York will be reflecting this week on the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that ravaged Haiti. The tragic loss of life and hardship from this disaster has anguished the people of Haiti > read more

Gun Violence Running Amok

Published on 2011-01-10 06:29:00

The Bahama Journal Editorial Nassau, Bahamas In yet another instance of America’s morbid fascination with the gun and with the violence implicit in this ruthlessly efficient weapon, people around the world now look in on some of what can and doe > read more

The cholera epidemic in Haiti

Published on 2011-01-09 11:22:00

By Jean Herve Charles I was travelling at the beginning of the month of October, from Port au Prince to Cape Haitian by public transportation when one of the travelers exchanged a phone call giving the information in the bus that eleven persons ha > read more

The National Congress of Trade Unions to commemorate the historic 1958 general strike which brought Nassau to its knees...

Published on 2011-01-08 17:27:00

Trade Unions Congress to mark 1958 general strike tribune242 Nassau, The Bahamas AT A TIME of high tension between the government and labour unions over the sale of BTC, the National Congress of Trade Unions has decided to commemorate the historic > read more

Caricom or Cari-gone?

Published on 2011-01-07 06:49:00

By Sir Ronald Sanders The New Year started with a great deal of frustration being publicly expressed over the Caribbean regional integration project which, this year, will have been in construction for forty-three years. Other integration efforts, > read more

Perspectives on the CARICOM Ideal Person

Published on 2011-01-06 08:50:00

By Oliver Mills Many classical and current educators have speculated on what kind of education is necessary to produce the ideal citizen, or human being. This is necessary if we are to have persons with the desirable values, knowledge and disposit > read more

“…resurrection…”

Published on 2011-01-05 11:59:00

Rough Cut By Felix F. Bethel The Bahama Journal "Whatever your truth is, you have to stick with it." Cornelius Dupree Jr. God is good. God is great. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Happy new year to all of you; and as I am supposed to say, I wi > read more

One year after: Taking stock of the Haitian recovery

Published on 2011-01-03 12:13:00

By Jean Herve Charles Every year at the beginning of the New Year I take time to stop, to take stock of the Haitian situation. Haiti has been going from bad to worse every year during those last ten years! It is true 2004 was also an annum miserabi > read more