Author: Sloan Smith

LocalMay 14, 2021May 14, 2021 at 3:57 am Sloan Smith

Local

CONFIDENCE: Wilchcombe says West GB and Bimini will make the “right choice” at the polls

Former minister eager to “continue the work I started in the constituency”  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday he is confident he will win the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat in the upcoming general election. Wilchcombe was among seven candidates to be ratified by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) on […]

Former minister eager to “continue the work I started in the constituency”  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe... read more »

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021 at 3:57 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 14, 2021May 14, 2021 at 3:46 am Sloan Smith

Local

REMOVE THEM: Rape allegations spur human rights group to demand ban on male officers at immigration safe house

HRB suggests incident not isolated but result of predatory culture; Immigration Dept says matter was investigated “Someone has to have the courage to bring it to an end” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Human Rights Bahamas (HRB) yesterday called for the immediate removal of all male officers from the Department of Immigration’s “safe house” and demanded a […]

HRB suggests incident not isolated but result of predatory culture; Immigration Dept says matter was investigated “Someone has to have... read more »

May 14, 2021May 14, 2021 at 3:46 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 13, 2021May 13, 2021 at 3:58 am Sloan Smith

Local

“HUMANITARIAN”: Govt will assist displaced shantytown residents, says social services minister

Minister tells migrants not to be afraid to come forward for assistance  Campbell: The Ministry of Social Services is not the Department of Immigration NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Shantytown residents on Abaco who are expected to be displaced following the demolition of their homes can seek assistance from social services, said Minister of Social Services Frankie […]

Minister tells migrants not to be afraid to come forward for assistance  Campbell: The Ministry of Social Services is not... read more »

May 13, 2021May 13, 2021 at 3:58 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 13, 2021May 13, 2021 at 3:56 am Sloan Smith

Local

OWN IT: Major support for 100% Bahamian-owned cannabis industry, survey finds

NASSAU, BAHAMAS —  The majority of respondents surveyed in a recent Public Domain poll supported Bahamians having 100 percent ownership in cannabis cultivation, production and distribution. The survey, obtained by Eyewitness News, was conducted as part of the Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana’s (BNCM) work to gauge the opinions of residents on cannabis and its related […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS —  The majority of respondents surveyed in a recent Public Domain poll supported Bahamians having 100 percent ownership... read more »

May 13, 2021May 13, 2021 at 3:56 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 12, 2021May 12, 2021 at 12:28 pm Sloan Smith

Local

Davis congratulates parties in debate series; slams FNM’s abstention

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday congratulated the participants of the first National Election Debate series and slammed the Free National Movement (FNM) for its failure to participate. The first installment of the four-part debate series, which is being hosted in collaboration with The University of The Bahamas (UB) […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday congratulated the participants of the first National Election... read more »

May 12, 2021May 12, 2021 at 12:28 pm | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 12, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:57 am Sloan Smith

Local

PROTECT THE ELDERLY: COVID death results in renewed restrictions at senior citizens homes

Elder care home outbreak not reported for two weeks Minister could not confirm whether six infected individuals were vaccinated or not NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell advised yesterday that restrictions will be reinforced at all elderly care homes after one of the facilities had a COVID-19 exposure resulting in one death and […]

Elder care home outbreak not reported for two weeks Minister could not confirm whether six infected individuals were vaccinated or... read more »

May 12, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:57 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 12, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:41 am Sloan Smith

Local

TRAGEDY AFTERMATH: Social services assisting more than 40 people impacted by recent fires

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The back-to-back fires on Jennie Street and Fritz Lane last week impacted 42 people, according to Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell. Campbell, who was speaking to reporters on the matter outside Cabinet yesterday, provided an update on the assistance provided to those families, including short-term shelter, food and clothing. He said in […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The back-to-back fires on Jennie Street and Fritz Lane last week impacted 42 people, according to Social... read more »

May 12, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:41 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 12, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:39 am Sloan Smith

Local

“WE WILL GET YOU”: Dames warns would-be criminals amid increase in drug busts

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of National Security Marvin Dames yesterday warned individuals partaking in illegal activities that they will pay for their crimes when caught. Dames’ strong deterrent was issued amidst a recent increase in police drug interdictions and arrests. On Monday, officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit recovered 161 lbs of suspected cocaine, valued […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of National Security Marvin Dames yesterday warned individuals partaking in illegal activities that they will pay... read more »

May 12, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:39 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 12, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:36 am Sloan Smith

Local

SOCIETY OF LAWS: DPM says Bahamas must take a stand against shantytowns if it doesn’t want to be like Haiti

Abaco shantytown demolitions will continue despite scolding from UN Bannister warns New Providence squatters are next NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Deputy Prime Minister and Public Works Minister Desmond Bannister suggested yesterday that the government will move forward with the demolition of shantytowns on Abaco, insisting that he has a job to do in eradicating illegal dwellings. […]

Abaco shantytown demolitions will continue despite scolding from UN Bannister warns New Providence squatters are next NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Deputy... read more »

May 12, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:36 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 11, 2021May 10, 2021 at 3:48 am Sloan Smith

Local

NOT SURPRISED: Marijuana commission says govt’s position on regulation consistent with its recommendations

BNCM: Medicinal marijuana approval consistent with our recommendations but decision is up to govt NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana (BNCM) Co-Chairman Quinn McCartney said yesterday that the government’s move to legalize medicinal marijuana in the country is consistent with the commission’s recommendations. On Friday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis advised that the […]

BNCM: Medicinal marijuana approval consistent with our recommendations but decision is up to govt NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas National Commission... read more »

May 11, 2021May 10, 2021 at 3:48 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 11, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:45 am Sloan Smith

Local

BALANCING ACT: Mitchell says govt’s approach to shantytowns must consider both intl obligations and local laws

“It is the job of the minister and his government to find the right balance” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Immigration and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday urged the government to find the “right balance” in managing unregulated shantytowns and following its international treaties. Mitchell’s comments come days after United Nations human rights experts called […]

“It is the job of the minister and his government to find the right balance” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Immigration... read more »

May 11, 2021May 11, 2021 at 3:45 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 10, 2021May 10, 2021 at 3:47 am Sloan Smith

Local

GREEN BILL COMING SOON: Govt to move on medicinal marijuana legislation in weeks ahead

Prime minister specifies govt is only moving on medicinal marijuana and expungement of records at this time NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government is expected to table a bill in Parliament in the next few weeks that would regulate medicinal marijuana in The Bahamas, said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Friday. “We are presently attempting […]

Prime minister specifies govt is only moving on medicinal marijuana and expungement of records at this time NASSAU, BAHAMAS —... read more »

May 10, 2021May 10, 2021 at 3:47 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 8, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:59 am Sloan Smith

Local

UPGRADE INCOMING: Govt signs $60M contract for Exuma airport; breaks ground on development

New airport expected to be completed within next two years NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government today signed a multimillion-dollar contract for the redevelopment of Exuma International Airport and broke ground on the new infrastructure. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar, along with a delegation, traveled to the island […]

New airport expected to be completed within next two years NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government today signed a multimillion-dollar contract... read more »

May 8, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:59 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 8, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:56 am Sloan Smith

Local

UNDECIDED: No determination yet if COVID emergency orders will be extended again

Current orders expire on May 23 Minnis: We are still watching the situation and will take a direction that is best for the nation NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday that the government remains on the fence on whether it will extend the current state of emergency, which is expected to expire […]

Current orders expire on May 23 Minnis: We are still watching the situation and will take a direction that is... read more »

May 8, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:56 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 8, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:38 am Sloan Smith

Local

SOLID CHOICES: ORG commends govt on FOI commissioner appointments

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The appointment of the first freedom of information commissioner and deputy freedom of information commissioner is a “big step forward” towards the enactment of a fully functioning Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), said Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) Executive Director Matt Aubrey. On Sunday, Attorney General Carl Bethel named retired Supreme Court […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The appointment of the first freedom of information commissioner and deputy freedom of information commissioner is a... read more »

May 8, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:38 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 7, 2021May 8, 2021 at 3:56 am Sloan Smith

Local

DORIAN INQUEST: “I never heard from her again; I think she’s dead”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The sister of a woman believed to have been swept away during the deadly Hurricane Dorian in 2019 said yesterday that the last time she spoke to her then-26-year-old sister was hours before the storm ripped through Abaco. Dr Mpatrizzia Naclene Gozito testified in an inquest into 34 people presumed dead and […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The sister of a woman believed to have been swept away during the deadly Hurricane Dorian in... read more »

May 7, 2021May 8, 2021 at 3:56 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 7, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:50 am Sloan Smith

Local

“ELECTION IS IN THE AIR”: PLP leader insists early election is coming

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday accused the Free National Movement (FNM) of “obfuscating” the intentions of the prime minister and the party regarding the upcoming general election. In a memo sent out on April 29, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) advised its heads of departments to submit […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday accused the Free National Movement (FNM) of “obfuscating”... read more »

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:50 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 7, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:44 am Sloan Smith 1

Local

CONTRARY TO LAW: Davis says he was not consulted about FOI commissioner pick as mandated

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government did not consult the official opposition when it chose and appointed the new Freedom of Information (FOI) commissioner, according to Opposition Leader Philip Brave Davis. On Sunday, Attorney General Carl Bethel named retired Supreme Court Justice Keith Thompson and former Assistant Director of Legal Affairs (ADLA) Shane Miller as the […]

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government did not consult the official opposition when it chose and appointed the new Freedom of... read more »

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:44 am | Sloan Smith | 1

LocalMay 7, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:43 am Sloan Smith

Local

CLOSER TO CLOSURE: Coroner to issue decision on Dorian missing next week as first round of inquest wraps up

Court decision may allow some family members to get death certificates nearly two years after tragic storm Just 25 human remains of 59 recovered have been identified, pathologist notes NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Her Majesty’s Coroner yesterday heard the final testimonies in the first part of an inquest into people presumed to have died during Hurricane […]

Court decision may allow some family members to get death certificates nearly two years after tragic storm Just 25 human... read more »

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021 at 3:43 am | Sloan Smith

LocalMay 6, 2021May 6, 2021 at 4:10 pm Sloan Smith

Local

IMPASSE: Davis says speaker has right to ask questions but PM has right not to answer

Opposition leader says private discussion between Minnis and Moultrie should have been held before the matter was made public NASSAU, BAHAMAS —  Opposition Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday warned that the “administrative impasse” between the House of Assembly speaker and the government could lead to an interruption in the legislative agenda. Davis was responding to […]

Opposition leader says private discussion between Minnis and Moultrie should have been held before the matter was made public NASSAU,... read more »

May 6, 2021May 6, 2021 at 4:10 pm | Sloan Smith