The Big Story

Investigations into WSC continue NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) General Manager Elwood Donaldson has been placed on leave amidst ongoing investigations at the corporation, confirmed Loretta Butler-Turner, the government’s newly appointed consultant. Police officers were reportedly on site yesterday to oversee Donaldson’s exit from the property.  The corporation is expected to have a press conference today to...

URCA says transition to 5G "requires a national commitment"  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has revealed plans to lead engagements with industry stakeholders as well as national public consultation on the introduction of 5G technology in 2022. Additionally, the regulator said it plans to assess the feasibility of a third mobile operator.  The regulator, in...

Investigation and review of environmental impact launched  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Transport and Housing advised yesterday that the government is seeking legal guidance regarding the collision and sinking of a gas tanker in waters north-northwest of New Providence last week.  A photo of the damage to the Utopia IV yacht after a collision with the Tropic Breeze gas...

“The omicron virus is rewriting the rules” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Several major holiday events have had to be canceled or postponed and refunds issued after the government implemented additional COVID-19 protocols for gatherings amidst an uptick in COVID-19 cases. On Sunday, the Ministry of Health advised it will not approve any large gatherings and suspended all current approvals.  Organizers of...

Fernander encourages Bahamian public to work with police in preventing crime  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Deputy Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander acknowledged that the fear of serious crime remains too high in The Bahamas. But he assured that the Royal Bahamas Police Force has an operational action plan that will target prolific offenders, increase police presence in strategic areas and tackle...

Individuals with booster shots do not need to quarantine following an exposure but wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shortened its recommended isolation and quarantine period for the general population.  The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) President Robert Sands yesterday urged Bahamians to remain vigilant amid a significant surge in COVID-19 cases. This as the country recorded 330 new COVID-19 cases on Christmas day. The wind is at our back and have to sustain the momentum and we have to be vigilant. - BHTA President Robert "Sandy"...

RBPF to focus on training, building relations with public and reducing police complaints in 2022 NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Deputy Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander has suggested that officers ought to be comfortable with being recorded by members of the public as they execute their duties in a professional manner. He made the comment as the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF)...

"It brought joy to so many kids and families, especially the single mothers"  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In the spirit of giving this Christmas season, one local anti-crime advocacy group treated scores of individuals to food and gifts as part of an annual giveback initiative.  F.O.A.M., Families of All Murder Victims, recently held its ninth annual "Give the Gift of Love...

Salvation Army brings the spirit of giving to 500 Bahamian families in need NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Salvation Army is determined to spread Christmas cheer this year, enlisting a team of volunteers to help feed those in need at its 90th annual community and senior's luncheon. More than 500 families on New Providence, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama were treated to...

Davis in quarantine after wife tests positive for COVID-19 NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As new coronavirus infections reached 140 on Wednesday, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and health officials said the more transmissible omicron variant is believed to be in-country, though gene sequencing on samples sent abroad has not confirmed this. With daily cases more than tripling in recent days and...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Leon Griffin, the husband of Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin, was shot and killed while sitting in his car in front of his home in Winton Meadows last night. Griffin, former president of the Bahamas Taxicab Union, was reportedly found by the former Yamacraw MP shortly before 8pm. Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters told the media that the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Supreme Court has ordered an attorney to pay $55,000 in fines and costs by the end of next month for contempt of court. According to the ruling, Attorney Donna Dorsett-Major, who the court noted has an unblemished criminal record, “knowingly and intentionally fabricated” the contents of her affidavit with the objective of “demeaning the judge and...

Chamber of commerce: We are 2-3 years away from Abaco returning to what it once was NASSAU,BAHAMAS — The government’s decision to extend the Special Economic Recovery Zone (SERZ) Order amendment to the end of next year has alleviated “a lot of anxiety", according to one Abaco private sector representative. The order allows for the tax-free importation of building supplies...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Central Bank of The Bahamas has commenced a 60-day consultation period on its Draft Recovery Planning Guidelines that will serve as a general guide to implementing a supervised financial institution’s (SFI) recovery plan.  The regulator said in a statement that the guidelines represent another step in modernizing the recovery and resolution framework for banks and credit...

Former tourism minister pleased with IPO's performance NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Nassau Cruise Port Ltd yesterday announced that the Bahamas Investment Fund (BIF) equity offering, which sought to raise $25 million to support the cruise port redevelopment project, was oversubscribed. Over 3,500 investors applied for shares during the initial public offering (IPO), which was led by Colina Financial Advisors Ltd (CFAL)....

COVID treatment pill not substitute for vaccination FDA: Paxlovid benefits outweigh the risks NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer’s Paxlovid oral tablets for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children 12 years or older, and who are at high risk for progression to severe...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government has extended the Special Economic Recovery Zone (SERZ) Order amendment allowing for the tax free importation of building supplies on Grand Bahama and Abaco to the end of next year. This administration will continue to provide immediate relief for Bahamians whose lives have been devastated by natural disasters. - Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey...