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calieel   calieel Rashad Amahad's TIGblog
Rashad Amahad's profile

America is doing there part.
Related to country: Bahamas


I was very impressed about the way they are reaching out the in my community they are doing what I expect others that come to our shores and do make a contribution of good in our homeland they sponsored a enery competition in the high school that I was proud to wittness and the iniatives seem to be on going,this is what I like to see.I call more to come forward and urge us to global standards.They come and make request and I see no tribute to our people.I am sure there may be many but I only can speak of what I see and hear.

This is a global village and we are all a part of a whole.
Think global and act locally, the Bahamas is should be doing more to stimulate our people to get to this without the urging of others a self help component must be registered with in our minds.God bless America and God Bless the Bahamas.

October 30, 2009 | 9:39 PM Comments  {num} comments

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calieel   calieel Rashad Amahad's TIGblog
Rashad Amahad's profile

Commerce in the Bahamas
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

The opening of the 12 annual BAIC art and craft show,The tourism minister states that the Bahamas will now have products on line to help with the tough economic time that the people are facing.The prime minister endorse this idea and made mention of a permanent facility to show case the Bahamian products in the 36years of our exsistence this you would think should have been done long ago to establish a domestic product,something tangible other than the sun sand and the sea that we have been branding for so long.

What they are showing case in this event is certainly welcomed but at a larger scale needs greater endorsement by the locals to push the iniative of buying Bahamian.
Change the thinking and start to mass produce making the people better off in the Bahamas.

We have to be sold ourselves and the way to do that is change the way we see ourselves,a paradigm shift is a great undertaking not just for a handful of artisans but the nation,we can be self sufficent in a myriad of ways.

I had the priviledge to sit and listen to the contestants from various different schools about energy alternatives I think this should be encouraged in the primary schools.

We have to think global and start local.This is the way forward I like this and we should be encouraged by our brothers and sisters from the west with these brillant ideas but let us not wait for other when we can do for ourselves.

Let us move forward upward together.Bahamas.

October 30, 2009 | 12:21 PM Comments  {num} comments

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zephyr   zephyr Dennis Dames's TIGblog
Dennis Dames's profile

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes Shown Mercy
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

By JUAN McCARTNEY ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ juan@nasguard.com:

"Go and sin no more," Supreme Court Senior Justice Anita Allen told South Andros MP Picewell Forbes yesterday when she released him from possible contempt of court charges after he unequivocally apologized and threw himself on the mercy of the court.

Forbes was appearing before Justice Allen to explain why he should not be charged with contempt for an outburst he made at the PLP convention last week that led to a mistrial in the high profile attempted extortion trial of American actor John Travolta.

Justice Allen yesterday told Forbes that she had heard and read his apology that he delivered to the media on Tuesday. But she asked him to repeat it for the court's records, which he did.

"You have been severely condemned and rightly ridiculed across this nation and the world and I believe you have suffered greatly," Justice Allen told Forbes Thursday morning. "I find that you have purged your contempt and I am satisfied that you have been sufficiently punished. I will temper justice with mercy."

After the verdict, Forbes issued a statement thanking God for His "justice and mercy in these trying circumstances".

"I am pleased and satisfied with the outcome," Forbes said. "My life will continue from here on to be informed by these events. My apology speaks for itself. It is left only for me that (I) thank the court (and) Senior Justice Anita Allen for accepting my sincere apology."

In court yesterday, Forbes' attorney Wayne Munroe told Justice Allen that Forbes had been vilified in the local and international media and had also offered an unqualified apology.

Justice Allen told Forbes that she had contemplated "imposing on you, a severe punishment for your contempt" such as "a hefty fine or imprisonment".

"Your actions show a dangerous lack of appreciation on your part of the need to uphold and protect the sanctity and integrity of our system of justice," she said. "We all have a responsibility to ensure that the dispensation of justice is fair, transparent and uncompromised. By your conduct on that fateful evening, you failed in this responsibility and I send this clarion warning to you and other members of society: That the course of justice must not be either deliberately or unintentionally interfered with for any purpose and in any circumstances whatever."

Outside of court, Munroe said that Justice Allen's words should serve as a warning to the general public as well.

"The matter is now concluded," Munroe said. "And the judge has spoken. Not only to this matter but the matter widely and said that people must be tempered and people must be accurate. That goes not only for Mr. Forbes but for everybody when they speak about anything related to the administration of justice."

Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater and ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne were accused of trying to extort $25 million from Travolta following his son's January death at a family vacation home in Grand Bahama.

Last Wednesday, while the jury was still deliberating, Forbes boomed from the podium at the PLP convention, "I have some good news PLPs. Pleasant (Bridgewater) is a free woman, PLP. Pleasant is free."

Forbes subsequently admitted that he never confirmed the information.

Forbes' remarks at the convention prompted Justice Allen to dismiss the jury in the case and order that Bridgewater and Lightbourne be retried.

Justice Allen appeared exasperated when she dismissed the jury last week, but said she had no choice because Forbes' announcement gave the appearance of a possible jury leak.

On Thursday, Justice Allen told Forbes that his actions "imperiled the integrity of the jury's deliberations, casting a cloud of suspicion enveloping all nine jurors in this matter".

She said his actions also imperiled the rights of "the accused persons to a fair trial" and the "right of a complainant to justice in an uncompromised and transparent system".

She said his actions were further exacerbated as he is a member of the fourth estate (the media) which "forms an essential pillar in our democracy in that it informs and educates our citizenry".

"Accuracy of information, temperance and propriety of conduct should be the hallmarks of its practitioners," she said.

Justice Allen also pointed out that Forbes is a legislator in The Bahamas and added that "this case, which ran some five weeks, had to be aborted at great cost to the accused, the complainant and the Bahamian taxpayer."

Forbes had originally been summoned to appear before Justice Allen last Friday, but his attorneys (including Anthony McKinney and Alfred Sears) asked for more time to properly formulate a response to the charges.

There has been no word on when Bridgewater and Lightbourne will be retried. Both remain free on bail.


October 30, 2009

thenassauguardian




Related Stories:

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes publicly apologized to Sr Justice Anita Allen and the entire country for his outburst at the Progressive Liberal Party's convention, that led to a mistrial in the attempted extortion case>>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes is expected back before a judge next week to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court...>>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Chief Prosecutor Bernard Turner Says Pleasant Bridgewater was not set up>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defence closes its case in Travolta trial>>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Former ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne told the jury - "I know that it appears as if we're guilty, but we're not">>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defense Attorney Murrio Ducille Suggests that Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater was Entrapped >>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Travolta trial 'is not a theatre show' - says Judge>>>

Travolta extortionists: greedy and stupid in equal measure>>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Michael McDermott - An attorney for American celebrity John Travolta says Senator Pleasant Bridgewater agreed to accept $10 million>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: John Travolta testifies about alleged extortion plot>>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Opposition Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson called Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on alleged extortion plot>>>

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John Travolta testifies at Bahamas extortion trial>>>

October 30, 2009 | 11:48 AM Comments  {num} comments



calieel   calieel Rashad Amahad's TIGblog
Rashad Amahad's profile

Expell the Pirates and restore Commerce in the Bahamas
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I hear my people crying,I feel there pain where are the eyes and ears of the men in charge of protecting our dignity where is there pride where is there honor?

For many years foreign investors have come into this country and got the best resources of the people, we gave them our hospitality and shared our love. In return they left us holding a empty bag.Banks,Insurance companies,other businesses have done it time and time again when will my countrymen protect the people they represent.The same trick they were using on the shores of africa is still being employed today it is simple they pay the representatives of the people and then they go ahead and cut the deals and in many cases give the people far less than ther owner of the company would consider decent by their standards.I see it happen when they have major construction projects where foreign firms are paying there people top dollar and give the Bahamians peanuts.Who does it? in many cases are own people.

Who will stand guard for the people in the Bahamas this is what the government should be doing,Yet we complain among ourselves and picket for awhile and then it goes away, but it really does not it is still in the heart of the people. The pain because they know what is going on is not right.
There will be an uprising it is growing everyday.

I pray there will be a group of us that will rise up and come together and make the changes that we know, we need and stop the foolishness that seems to prevade the system of governance this systematic fog as it were, that allows this nonsense to continue.

The persons that took the bribes and the kick on the backs of the person they call their countrymen I hope you will know that evil will be brought to justice no matter how long it takes. Put aside your greed and look for the greater good of your country.God Bless the Bahamas.

October 29, 2009 | 1:16 PM Comments  {num} comments

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zephyr   zephyr Dennis Dames's TIGblog
Dennis Dames's profile

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes publicly apologized to Sr Justice Anita Allen and the entire country for his outburst at the Progressive Liberal Party's convention, that led to a mistrial in the attempted extortion case
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

By JUAN McCARTNEY ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ juan@nasguard.com:

South Andros MP Picewell Forbes yesterday publicly apologized to Senior Justice Anita Allen and the entire country for his outburst at the Progressive Liberal Party's convention last Wednesday, that led to a mistrial in the high profile attempted extortion case of American actor John Travolta.

Forbes, who delivered his apology in the Minority Room of the House of Assembly, said his remarks were "reckless" and "interfered with the course of justice in that case".

"My statements... were further capable of bringing into disrepute the whole administration of justice," he said. "I take sole responsibility for my statements. I hereby unequivocally and without qualifications offer my apology to Madame Senior Justice Anita Allen in particular and to the entire Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I further offer my unqualified apology to the Bahamian people."

Forbes is scheduled to appear before Justice Allen tomorrow to explain why he should not be charged with contempt of court. Sources inside the MP's camp told The Nassau Guardian that Forbes plans to throw himself on the mercy of the court.

Last Wednesday, while the jury was still deliberating, Forbes boomed from the podium at the convention, "I have some good news PLPs. Pleasant (Bridgewater) is a free woman, PLP. Pleasant is free."

Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater and ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne were accused of trying to extort $25 million from the movie star following his son's January death at a family vacation home in Grand Bahama.

When Forbes made the announcement at the convention neither Bridgewater nor Lightbourne were free, something Forbes admitted he never confirmed.

"During my address... information was given to me that I did not verify, which I communicated to the convention and via radio and television national broadcast to the public," Forbes said yesterday.

"The content of that information which was communicated was that Pleasant Bridgewater had been acquitted of the charges in the case of the crown versus Pleasant Bridgewater and Tarino Lightbourne. My statements concerning the acquittal of Ms. Bridgewater were not true as the jury was still in deliberations."

Forbes' remarks at the convention prompted Justice Allen to dismiss the jury in the case and order that Bridgewater and Lightbourne be retried.

Justice Allen appeared exasperated when she dismissed the jury last week, but said she had no choice because Forbes' announcement gave the appearance of a possible jury leak.

Justice Allen summoned Forbes before her two days later and asked him to show cause why he should not be charged with contempt of court.

Forbes' lawyer Anthony McKinney asked Justice Allen for more time to do so. She gave Forbes until Thursday, October 29.

Neither McKinney nor Forbes would answer questions Tuesday, due to the matter still being before the courts.

"We are constrained due to circumstances to limit our comments to the remarks that Mr. Forbes would make," McKinney said. "After we would have appeared before Senior Justice Allen on Thursday we may be in a position to be more complete in our statements to you. You must appreciate the matter is sub judice, and as such we are operating fully within the confines of the law."

October 28, 2009

thenassauguardian




Related Stories:

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes is expected back before a judge next week to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court...>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes to appear before Senior Justice Anita Allen on Contempt of Court Question>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senior Justice Anita Allen declares a mistrial in Travolta case>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Court hears of 'plot' to destroy former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Chief Prosecutor Bernard Turner Says Pleasant Bridgewater was not set up>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defence closes its case in Travolta trial>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Pleasant Bridgewater Professed Her Innocence and Claimed She was the Victim of a Set-up by People She Trusted, Including the Official Opposition (PLP) Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Former ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne told the jury - "I know that it appears as if we're guilty, but we're not">>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater 'destroyed' potential evidence>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Heated clash in Travolta attempted extortion trial>>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Tapes reveal alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defense Attorney Murrio Ducille Suggests that Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater was Entrapped >>>

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Travolta extortionists: greedy and stupid in equal measure>>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Michael McDermott - An attorney for American celebrity John Travolta says Senator Pleasant Bridgewater agreed to accept $10 million>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: John Travolta testifies about alleged extortion plot>>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Opposition Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson called Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on alleged extortion plot>>>

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John Travolta testifies at Bahamas extortion trial>>>

October 28, 2009 | 11:51 PM Comments  {num} comments



calieel   calieel Rashad Amahad's TIGblog
Rashad Amahad's profile

We Must unite
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

We don't need another hero,we need to be need people to take responsibility of the things they are responsible for.The Bahamas is in a position to put Bahamians in positions throughout the lenght and breadth of the commonwealth of ownership.They are not fostering what is necesary to bring about and economy that has a back bone other than the main industry.When will the Bahamians realize that they need to have industries that are independent of foriegn support.

Fishing we are spread across over 100 thousand square miles of water with schools of fish.And we are vitually not doing anything to tap into this resource.

Who in the Bahamas will be the next multimillionare in the fishing industry?

What is the government doing to promote this ?
Nothing.
All this water ,all these people and still nothing to show for the sleeping industry.

Or prehaps they are waiting for persons to come in with this terrific plan and turn around and sell it to us .

The mind set is that we are the buyers not the sellers.

What about alternative energy the wind the sun?

Why can't we reduce the amount of monies we spent on bunker c oil,surely we are not waiting for the guys we buy this stuff from tell us to stop buying from them?

I can go on and on.When are we going to get the fire in our belly and change the system.
When are we going to turn the radio or the tv or the computer on and realise there is a civilisation out there that has been doing it years ago.Wake up from your slumber stop being third world.

October 28, 2009 | 2:53 PM Comments  {num} comments

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calieel   calieel Rashad Amahad's TIGblog
Rashad Amahad's profile

No matter what we must do what we must for a better Bahamas.
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

The Bahamas should be in a better position than it presently is .What seems to be the problem is that we are divided and systematically so.A house divide shall not stand.I would think that we all know inspite of our differences the Bahamas still runs that is our political,religious views or what ever else we differ in .To effectively work for the commonwealth of the Bahamas,looking beyond our petty politics should be our common goal of the government as a whole.The cabinet needs to have bipartisan committies with the view to have things that are infrastructual incorrect resolved, not having a opposition only to banter with and from my view laugh at, this type of tit for tat is ridiculous .We must be seen ,to be alot more mature while I look at the house of commons in the UK and see the lively debate I also see a thriving Kingdom.

We must demonstrate more fortitude that makes the lives of all Bahamaians better,The average Bahamian does not care who fixed the problem they just want it fixed.

There is a time and a place and we all should know this however there will be some that will be slower than others,
We have to fix the Bahamas ourselves we have to do it together.
For 36years of our independence we should have been further along with todays technology and the way of the world first world status should be our lofty goal.

The prime minister can only do so much after all he is one man,however it is up to him to empower the rest of the ministers to be working intandem in order to bring about the changes necessary for a better Bahamas.

Change minds new paradigms inspire change, let us look at the way we power our contry there is no reason why we should not have solar systems put in place use wind technlogy the information is here,so tell me why it is so hard for them to implement.

The colonial spirit seem to be intrenched deeper than I suspected,I am committed to make the changes where ever I can teaching the youthb that we need them to bring the result necessary and we all win.I put the challenge to them that the work they do is not just for them it is for the Bahamas do well the Bahamas needs you.One Bahamas,One People different views it all matters it is our commonwealth.

October 27, 2009 | 2:24 PM Comments  {num} comments

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zephyr   zephyr Dennis Dames's TIGblog
Dennis Dames's profile

Accelerate economic growth or face poverty growth, says International Monetary Fund (IMF) report

By INDERIA SAUNDERS ~ Guardian Business Reporter ~ Inderia@nasguard.com:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is suggesting countries like The Bahamas are at a greater risk for expanding their poverty rates if reforms are not immediately made to expedite economic growth.

It comes as Bahamians await even the smallest bit of news on this nation's poverty rate, with the latest report more than five years old.

"Promoting faster economic growth and reducing poverty is now even more important," reads an October report from the IMF entitled, 'Regional Economic Outlook: Western Hemisphere'. "Not everything has changed since the onset of the global crisis. Now, with a post-crisis environment less favorable to growth, the case for acting on deep reforms to accelerate growth and reduce poverty is stronger than ever," the report states.

According to the report, before the global economic crisis the region was challenged in general with keeping up with the per capita income growth of other countries. It's a situation that saw poverty rates in the region remain high, says the report.

The matter is one that Minister of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing said did not apply largely to The Bahamas, given our poverty rate was a lot lower than most of our neighboring countries. He suggests that the nation's poverty rate is in no way comparable to others around the region, and hence, our problem and means of correcting it would be different.

In the Bahamas Living Conditions Survey, released in 2004, government acknowledged that 9.3 percent of the population was living on the minimum amount of money needed for an individual to satisfy basic needs over a specific period of time.

It further noted that the minimum amount of money needed to afford a satisfactory low-cost diet, with allowances for non-food needs in The Bahamas, was estimated at $7.84 per person per day, which translates into an annual income of $2,863 per person.

It's a situation, say analysts, that is sure to have worsened in recent months as Bahamians face unemployment nearing 15 percent in New Providence and 18 percent in Grand Bahama. It's a situation that is sure to have manifested in a growing poverty rate, say analysts, with food costs having soared above the rest of the Caribbean in recent months.

Presently there is no news of when a new poverty report will be released, with a source close to the Department of Statistics telling Guardian Business that the 2005 poverty rate study was still not done.

October 27, 2009

thenassauguardian


October 27, 2009 | 11:47 AM Comments  {num} comments



calieel   calieel Rashad Amahad's TIGblog
Rashad Amahad's profile

Keep taking it up a notch.
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

That is what we should be doing as Bahamians,taking it up a notch stopping waiting for someone to do it for us when Our we going to stop settling for third world status.We are surround by so much water and we ain't tapping into this natural resource I guess we need someone to charge us to tell us what we all ready know and then bring there firm in to tell us how to do it.

Why is the crime so high when you have people that are not educated they make a muck of civil society.We prefer to have great roads than a literate people.

We prefer to let the foreign banks come in and loot from the purses of our people and give them a well done as they make their profit desposit at home.

If you have a fool why not use him?Wake up Bahamas wake up.We could do it for everyone else when are we going to believe in ourselves.Empower my brothers and my sisters make the bank have more mandatory commmercial loans for small business.Educate your people support them with the policies necessary for them to prosper.When your thoughts are different you get a different result love your people 101.

Where is your compassion where is your patriotism, where is your christian love?

where is our think tanks where is our small financial clubs what feed systems you have in place .This ios just me now imagine there are ten thousand of us thinking like this..What a greater Bahamas it will be .


October 26, 2009 | 8:16 PM Comments  {num} comments

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zephyr   zephyr Dennis Dames's TIGblog
Dennis Dames's profile

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Travolta retrial may move to the United States
Related to country: Bahamas


By ALISON LOWE:
Tribune Staff Reporter -
alowe@tribunemedia.net:


John Travolta's attorney has asked Bahamian authorities to forward all of the evidence from the attempted extortion trial of Pleasant Bridgewater and Tarino Lightbourne to prosecutors in the United States who will see if the case could be retried there.

Michael Ossi, who also testified as a witness in the trial, for which a mistrial verdict was delivered on Wednesday evening, told The Tribune that Bahamian authorities have agreed to preserve all of the relevant evidence and the question of where the re-trial will occur is "in the hands of Bahamian and US prosecutors."

A decision could be made within weeks, he suggested.

A mistrial verdict was delivered and a retrial ordered by Senior Justice Anita Allen in the trial of Ms Bridgewater and Mr Lightboure on Wednesday after she announced that she was "very concerned in the interests of justice" following an announcement at the PLP convention by MP Picewell Forbes that Ms Bridgewater had been acquitted.

The exclamation by South Andros representative, Mr Forbes, came before the jury had returned its verdict on the five-week long trial. Justice Allen said the turn of events gave the impression that there had been a communication from the jury room.

The PLP issued an "unqualified apology" for the statement made by Mr Forbes, noting that it was "incorrect" and "not intended to interfere with the administration of justice."

That evening Mr Ossi welcomed the mistrial verdict given the circumstances and noted that he and the Travoltas are committed to seeing a retrial through.

Yesterday, Mr Ossi said: "Jeopardy has not been attached, so you can try the case again. We want the evidence preserved for the next trial, whether it be in The Bahamas or U.S."

Mr Ossi suggested that because one of the alleged extortion phone calls was made from The Bahamas to the US that Florida could have jurisdiction over the matter. He said he has also run the evidence past "an expert" who has informed him that there is a good basis for the trial to take place in the U.S.

Nonetheless, he emphasised that ultimately he and his client have no preference over where the a retrial is held, so long as it is a "fair trial with an impartial jury."

"I am just trying to protect the interests of Mr Travolta," said the attorney. "We want to preserve our options."

If the trial were to take place in Florida, defendants, Ms Bridgewater and Mr Lightbourne, would have to be extradited to the US if they did not go voluntarily.

Yesterday, lawyer for Ms Bridgewater, Murio Ducille, called the suggestion that the U.S. could host the trial "nonsense and stupidness."

Revealing that he had "heard as a rumour" that steps had been taken by Mr Ossi to see whether the trial could take place abroad, Mr Ducille denied that there would be any basis for this to happen.

"Certainly my client didn't make any calls (to the U.S.). This is the point i've made throughout -- no calls emanated from them," he said.

October 24, 2009

tribune242




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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes is expected back before a judge next week to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court...>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes to appear before Senior Justice Anita Allen on Contempt of Court Question>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senior Justice Anita Allen declares a mistrial in Travolta case>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Court hears of 'plot' to destroy former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Chief Prosecutor Bernard Turner Says Pleasant Bridgewater was not set up>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defence closes its case in Travolta trial>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Pleasant Bridgewater Professed Her Innocence and Claimed She was the Victim of a Set-up by People She Trusted, Including the Official Opposition (PLP) Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Former ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne told the jury - "I know that it appears as if we're guilty, but we're not">>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater 'destroyed' potential evidence>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Heated clash in Travolta attempted extortion trial>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Travolta US attorney Michael McDermott denies 'deception'>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Tapes reveal alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defense Attorney Murrio Ducille Suggests that Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater was Entrapped >>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Travolta trial 'is not a theatre show' - says Judge>>>

Travolta extortionists: greedy and stupid in equal measure>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Fireworks erupt in Bridgewater trial>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Michael McDermott - An attorney for American celebrity John Travolta says Senator Pleasant Bridgewater agreed to accept $10 million>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: John Travolta testifies about alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson warned Senator Pleasant Bridgewater about attempted extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Opposition Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson called Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senator Pleasant Bridgewater in police undercover sting operation>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Obie Wilchcombe testifies>>>

John Travolta testifies at Bahamas extortion trial>>>

October 25, 2009 | 12:38 AM Comments  {num} comments



zephyr   zephyr Dennis Dames's TIGblog
Dennis Dames's profile

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes is expected back before a judge next week to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court...
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

By NATARIO McKENZIE:
Tribune Staff Reporter -
nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net:


SOUTH Andros MP Picewell Forbes is expected back before a judge next week to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court for an outburst at the PLP's national convention which led to a mistrial in the John Travolta attempted extortion case.

Forbes appeared calm and composed as he sat behind his team of attorneys in a courtroom packed with PLP supporters and officials during a brief hearing before Senior Justice Anita Allen yesterday.

Attorney Wayne Munroe, who along with Anthony McKinney and Alfred Sears represents Forbes, told the judge that the MP had been unable to instruct them on what the precise allegations were to which he had to answer.

Senior Justice Allen explained that the hearing had come about as a result of an announcement made at the political convention while the jury was still deliberating. On Wednesday night, Forbes took to the convention stage and told delegates that former PLP senator Pleasant Bridgewater had been acquitted of all charges in the attempted extortion case.

The judge said she did not think that the complaint required an investigation into whether the discharge of the jury was proper but whether Forbes' announcement posed a real risk of prejudice to the administration of justice.

Mr Munroe then said he, Mr McKinney and Mr Sears would require more time to consider the complaint.

Director of Public Prosecutions Bernard Turner did not object to the application for more time. The hearing was adjourned to next Thursday at 10am.

While Forbes declined to speak to reporters outside the courtroom yesterday, Mr McKinney said: "We will take whatever steps are necessary to convince the judge that there was no interference by our client with the trial or in any way with the procedures that were required to be followed by anybody, including Mr Forbes."

Director of Public Prosecutions Bernard Turner told reporters: "The judge has sent for Mr Forbes. The Crown doesn't have a position in this matter. We are present but we will see what the judges' position is."

He said the Crown has not yet considered when a retrial in the attempted extortion case will be held.

The nine-member jury in the attempted extortion trial of former PLP Senator Pleasant Bridgewater and former Grand Bahama ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne was discharged at 10.54pm Wednesday although they had not reached a verdict.

Senior Justice Allen told jurors there had been announcement at a political convention by a senior official, indicating that one of the accused persons had been acquitted.

Earlier, around 9.30pm, Mr Forbes took to the convention stage, while the jury was still deliberating, and told delegates that Bridgewater had been acquitted.

He exclaimed: "Pleasant is a free woman, PLPs! God is good, PLPs! Pleasant is a free woman! God still reigns, PLPs!"

No verdict had been reached yet convention members celebrated Bridgewater's supposed vindication by singing and dancing to "Oh Happy Day." The session chairman later had to apologise for whatever confusion the MP's pronouncement caused.

Bridgewater and Lightbourne are accused of attempting to extort, and conspiring to extort $25 million from American actor John Travolta between January 2 and 20 by means of a threat. They deny the charges.

October 24, 2009

tribune242




Related Stories:

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes to appear before Senior Justice Anita Allen on Contempt of Court Question>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senior Justice Anita Allen declares a mistrial in Travolta case>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Court hears of 'plot' to destroy former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Chief Prosecutor Bernard Turner Says Pleasant Bridgewater was not set up>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defence closes its case in Travolta trial>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Pleasant Bridgewater Professed Her Innocence and Claimed She was the Victim of a Set-up by People She Trusted, Including the Official Opposition (PLP) Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Former ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne told the jury - "I know that it appears as if we're guilty, but we're not">>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater 'destroyed' potential evidence>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Heated clash in Travolta attempted extortion trial>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Travolta US attorney Michael McDermott denies 'deception'>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Tapes reveal alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defense Attorney Murrio Ducille Suggests that Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater was Entrapped >>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Travolta trial 'is not a theatre show' - says Judge>>>

Travolta extortionists: greedy and stupid in equal measure>>>

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Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Michael McDermott - An attorney for American celebrity John Travolta says Senator Pleasant Bridgewater agreed to accept $10 million>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: John Travolta testifies about alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson warned Senator Pleasant Bridgewater about attempted extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Opposition Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson called Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senator Pleasant Bridgewater in police undercover sting operation>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Obie Wilchcombe testifies>>>

John Travolta testifies at Bahamas extortion trial>>>

October 24, 2009 | 7:21 PM Comments  {num} comments



calieel   calieel Rashad Amahad's TIGblog
Rashad Amahad's profile

I have come this far by faith
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

He never failed me yet,trusting in his holy word.Today in my morning devotion I read StMatthew 21vs21.I was reminded that that when I pray I must never doubt expecting to recieve the what I ask for.

Where is your faith? what report do you believe in do you believe in the report of the lord? It really works if you work it. God is worthy to be praised.I thank God that all things work for good who trust in the lord.

Saints put your faith and trust in God and never doubt and wait to see the miraclous work of God .Though the times may rough and the battle seem tuff I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed break bread.

Pray I say pray and pray will change things.I know with out a shadow of doubt that what ever you pray for and you believe that you will recieve. leave the rest to God.

October 24, 2009 | 2:22 PM Comments  {num} comments

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calieel   calieel Rashad Amahad's TIGblog
Rashad Amahad's profile

You are not alone
Related to country: Bahamas


Where ever you are in the world tonite I just want you to know that I am here for you.The issues that life will throw at you may seem to be overwhelming but I would like you to know that it may be new to you but someone out here has been through what you are dealing right at this moment what is important that you know we can steer you right out of it.Just reach out and this is what my message is tonite I am here.It is the power of God that causes people to reach out and help those who may feel they do not have the strenght to make it .I am here as the voice of hope and inspiration that if you seek him you will find him I don't know where are and what exactly you are going through but I know this that God can help.

I was in a meeting and to hear people share of their situations make mind look like a piece of cake.I was a proponent against the this topic one time until I realise that there is a family of us out here that are for one another .Be still and know that there is a God and his line is toll free and never busy.

God is all present you must surrender and the beautiful think about surender that is total surender is that once you give it to him he will fix it.

Deal with it on a day to day base and journal your progress and who will be amazed on how he will take control and then you will become a instrument of his peace and love that you will demonstrate.Please stay focus on his love forgive and live the life in the abundance of the plan he has for you.
Brothers and sisters you are here on purpose there could have been a billion reasons you did not have to make,I want you to know that people are counting on you,you matter.Ask God to show his plan for your life.

October 23, 2009 | 8:41 PM Comments  {num} comments

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calieel   calieel Rashad Amahad's TIGblog
Rashad Amahad's profile

There is a element that does not want you to suceed.
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Many times in organizations that you may be apart or not you find there are people that do not want your plan to go forward sometime it can be determined by the little things they do or say.I am here to remind you that you may have these challenges along the way however recognise that there are people out there do not want to see good to go on when in fact they may not have any direct benefit if your plan does not suceed.
We are dealing with spirits in high and low places and I want you to know that you are not to allow them to penerate your process no further than the fact that you may know of their exsistence and just manuever around the likes of them.I no longer see them in the sense that it is really them doing what they are doing but the spirit of evil in them.I have surrended them over to the power of the most high God and will not allow them to stop the good in which I seek to enact.

It will take some time for you to get use to it but I encourage you to practise, still be nice to them inspite of what they are doing or trying to do know that the good will always prevail over evil.

God orders the steps of a righteous man and in all things and situations you will give thanks ALL things because we can not trace god just trust God he knows your plans and his will be done.

They will not be limited to friends or aquittances they me be family members and close friends.I want you to know you are not alone please be encourage take it one day at a time.
The world of good exsist.

October 23, 2009 | 11:09 AM Comments  {num} comments

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zephyr   zephyr Dennis Dames's TIGblog
Dennis Dames's profile

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: South Andros MP Picewell Forbes to appear before Senior Justice Anita Allen on Contempt of Court Question
Related to country: Bahamas

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Andros MP Picewell Forbes is set to appear before Senior Justice Anita Allen tomorrow morning to answer questions as to why he should not be held in contempt of court.

Last night, the judge declared a mistrial in the John Travolta attempted extortion case after she learned that Forbes had announced at the PLP convention that his former political colleague Pleasant Bridgewater had been acquitted.

The announcement was carried live on radio and television, but the jury was still behind closed doors, trying to reach a verdict when the announcement was made.

Justice Allen said she had no choice but to order a retrial saying 'justice must not only be done, but seen to be done.'

This morning, Anthony McKinney, the lawyer representing Forbes told the Tribune that Forbes had no intention of disrupting the legal proceedings and had simply relayed what turned out to be bogus news that he heard on the convention floor.

October 22, 2009

tribune242




Related Stories:

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senior Justice Anita Allen declares a mistrial in Travolta case>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Court hears of 'plot' to destroy former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Chief Prosecutor Bernard Turner Says Pleasant Bridgewater was not set up>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defence closes its case in Travolta trial>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Pleasant Bridgewater Professed Her Innocence and Claimed She was the Victim of a Set-up by People She Trusted, Including the Official Opposition (PLP) Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Former ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne told the jury - "I know that it appears as if we're guilty, but we're not">>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater 'destroyed' potential evidence>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Heated clash in Travolta attempted extortion trial>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Travolta US attorney Michael McDermott denies 'deception'>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Tapes reveal alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Defense Attorney Murrio Ducille Suggests that Former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater was Entrapped >>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Travolta trial 'is not a theatre show' - says Judge>>>

Travolta extortionists: greedy and stupid in equal measure>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Fireworks erupt in Bridgewater trial>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Michael McDermott - An attorney for American celebrity John Travolta says Senator Pleasant Bridgewater agreed to accept $10 million>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: John Travolta testifies about alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson warned Senator Pleasant Bridgewater about attempted extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Opposition Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson called Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on alleged extortion plot>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Senator Pleasant Bridgewater in police undercover sting operation>>>

Travolta Extortion Trial Bahamas: Obie Wilchcombe testifies>>>

John Travolta testifies at Bahamas extortion trial>>>

October 23, 2009 | 10:14 AM Comments  {num} comments



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