“ARMED ROBBERY –GRAND BAHAMA”

On Friday 17th May 2013 around 4:40am, police received information that there was an armed robbery in the Hudson Estates area.

Officers responded and it was reported that a male who was described as slim in built, armed with a long knife entered a home and demanded cash. The suspect robbed the occupant of a Bahamian passport, before making good his escape.

Investigation into this matter is continuing.

Police are again appealing to the general public, anyone with information that can assist the police with their investigation into this matter are asked to contact the police at telephone numbers 350-3107/8, 911/919 or called your nearest police station.

NASSAU, Bahamas -- In observance of the Whit Monday Holiday, the United States Embassy will be closed on Monday, May 20, 2013. Please be advised that the Embassy will resume normal business operations on Tuesday, May 21 at 8:00 a.m.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the U.S. Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section via telephone: 242-322-1181.

General information on U.S. Consular services, including procedures for obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport or visa, is available on the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://nassau.usembassy.gov.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- CEO of Bahamian Brewery, James ‘Jimmy’ Sands, was on hand last week to welcome the thirteen delegates of the Honorary Consular Corps in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, who visited the island to hear about possible opportunities for investing in the Grand Bahama industrial sector.

“I am pleased to be here to welcome you myself to the brewery,” said CEO Sands. “It’s wonderful for you to see the progress we have made and our success in the brewery business.  I am a very proud Bahamian and I hope to encourage other Bahamians to invest and achieve more here in Grand Bahama.”  

Sands went on to discuss his personal story about meeting with Edward St. George and how he came to plan and eventually build his brewery.  He introduced his management staff and announced that his beer will start distribution in Florida very soon.

The special guests and their entourage were then treated to a tour of the brewery by the Brewmaster and Hazel Springer, the Quality Control Manager.  First stop was a brief history of the construction and opening of the brewery in Freeport, with a quick climb upstairs to see the brewing process, before a taste of the local delicacies at 'Jimmy’s' bar.

NASSAU, Bahamas -- From May 7 until June 15, Stony Brook University’s Institute for Ocean Conservation Science School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the Cape Eleuthera Institute are tracking the movements of three species of endangered sharks and sawfish (a close relative of sharks) in the central and northern Bahamas.

The research team, led by Dr. Demian Chapman of Stony Brook University, is also conducting surveys to identify important shark nursery areas.

Students from the Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS) program and C.V. Bethel Magnet Marine Science Program -- are participating in parts of the research and education program being conducted in collaboration with BREEF and sponsored by the Moore Bahamas Foundation, an affiliate of the Moore Charitable Foundation. The Foundation has quietly funded many local causes over the decades quietly and behind the scenes. Now, in an effort to bring heightened awareness to the need for environmental management of land and marine resources, its funding is becoming more public.    

Joining scientists for part of the Shark Research Expedition are Jessie Courtemanche and Christina Roberts, two young Bahamian BESS interns. (www.islandschool.org/admissions/bess).  

“PROCEEDS DERIVED FROM CRIMINAL CONDUCT –GRAND BAHAMA”

On Tuesday 14th May 2013 around 11:30am, Officers while on mobile patrol in the Balao and Midshipman Road area, observed a silver 2013 Hyundai Sonata travelling east along Midshipman Road with the driver of the vehicle acting suspicious.

Officers stopped and searched the vehicle and its occupant and discovered (3) three beer boxes containing (one million, ten thousand, nine hundred and eighty dollars) in American currency.

The money was confiscated and the male driver was arrested and taken into police custody.

Police are continuing the investigation into this matter.

Photo 9806-- Governor's Harbour Primary School student Kamesha Carey recites ‘Whistles’ during the recent E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Eleuthera Adjudications, at the school in Eleuthera.  (BIS Photo / Eric Rose)

Governor's Harbour Primary School student Antwanya Dames talks about tasty ‘Tamarind’ during the recent E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Eleuthera Adjudications, at the school in Eleuthera.  (BIS Photo / Eric Rose)

• Corporation taxes increasingly important battleground in bid to attract international business
• High corporation taxes risk suppressing growth in struggling economies

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Some developed nations are still dragging their economies down with far higher corporation tax rates than emerging economies, according to research by UHY, the international accounting and consultancy network.

On taxable profits of USD 1,000,000, the G7* group of developed economies takes an average of 32.6% of corporate profits in tax, compared to an average of 30.3% in the BRIC** economies.

UHY says that comparatively high corporation tax rates put businesses in developed economies at a serious disadvantage compared to those based in emerging markets, and risk suppressing economic growth in developed economies.

Ladislav Hornan, Chairman of UHY, says: “Corporation taxes are a significant burden for businesses, and that burden is far higher in developed economies than in emerging markets. High corporation taxes mean businesses in developed economies cannot compete on a level playing field, suppressing growth in economies that are already struggling.”

“The low corporation tax rates in emerging markets or lower-tax economies mean businesses can plough much more of their profits back into business or product development. More investment and lower costs can give businesses in places like China a competitive advantage on price and product quality when it comes to exporting to developed economies or competing with imports.”

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Palm Cay, the upscale waterfront development on Nassau's eastern shore, recently hosted the second annual Bahamas Sports Fishing Network (BSFN) Boat Show. The event drew twice the boats and double the crowds this year and featured vessels on display from $10,000 to $290,000, ranging from centre console open fishing vessels with single outboard engine to elaborate sportsfish models.

"We were proud to have been selected to host the first BSFN Boat Show last year when we had more than 30 boats for exhibit and sale," said Palm Cay Marina Consultant Brooks Russell. "This year, with our marina completely built out with 194 slips, we were pleased to have twice as many boats. The boat show was an excellent opportunity for both boat owners and those who were interested in seeing what was available just in time for the start of the summer boating season."

Vendors from kayak and rowboat dealers to outdoor furniture manufacturers, from jet ski sales to sailmakers, charter boat operators to mechanics and marine suppliers turned the quiet grounds into a bustling arena for all things related to boating. Bouncing castle, Sands beer stands, burgers and an appearance by heavyweight boxer Sherman 'the Tank' Williams added to festivities. For many, it was an opportunity to tour the $200 million high-end development at the eastern end of New Providence with townhomes, single family residences, condos, clubhouse, marina and pool.

Future plans call for a boutique marina condo hotel and cottages as well as full restaurant, fitness centre, tennis courts and other amenities. It is already the site of junior sailing. In 2012, Palm Cay completed a $1.5 million beach refurbishment that included whale tail groynes and left the community with 1200 feet of white powdery sand considered one of the best beaches on the island.