The Big Story

Opposition calls for bipartisan campaign to encourage vaccine uptake NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Free National Movement (FNM) said yesterday it agrees with the Pan American Health Organization's (PAHO) recommendation for the government to use available COVID-19 vaccines to increase the number of fully vaccinated individuals as opposed to offering third shots to the general public at this time. PAHO Assistant...

WSC chairman says corp needs the money and encourages those who can afford to pay to do so NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Water and Sewerage Corporation's (WSC) board of directors has determined it will not pursue disconnections of customers in arrears at this time, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the threat of a new variant spreading throughout the world....

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — More than a dozen purported associates of the annual Christmas carnival were gathered at the site on Fort Charlotte last night, testing equipment and at least one ride. A security personnel told Eyewitness News that the carnival remained closed to the public, but the associates were invited to have a “dry run, but socially distanced”. The flashing...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While the Prerogative Board of Mercy Committee has received just 10 applications to expunge criminal records for breaches of the emergency orders, the government does not yet have the power to do so. According to Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, applications have been made to the board and forwarded to the Ministry of National Security for...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A man convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 35 years behind bars despite not being present in court has had his sentence quashed by the Court of Appeal and a retrial ordered in the Supreme Court. Cordero Smith, a juvenile in 2012, was arraigned with others in the juvenile court and eventually in the Supreme Court...

Red Cross manager notes people still struggling financially amid pandemic NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While donations continue to be down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Cross has seen demand for assistance increase 20 to 25 percent. Laurie Major, resource mobilization and communications manager of the Bahamas Red Cross Society, told Eyewitness News: “I must say that donations are definitely down...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Six more people were claimed by the coronavirus, the Ministry of Health confirmed yesterday. These included two women, ages 49 and 62, and three men, ages 42, 56 and 65. Three of the deaths stemmed from New Providence and two from Eleuthera. The deaths occurred between August 30 and November 7, according to health officials. Total deaths...

Newly opened Blue Hill Road location surpasses AID Freeport in daily sales NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Coming off “the best November sales ever” for several of its stores, AID President Jason Watson said yesterday that business is also trending upward for the month of December amid the Christmas shopping period. The Automotive Industrial Distributors (AID) store on Wulff Road. When asked...

FNM wants govt to outline errors in carnival application process 'Any resolution of this matter cannot and should not invoke the public purse' NASSAU BAHAMAS — Free National Movement Leader (FNM) Michael Pintard yesterday called on the government to outline the approval process that the operators of the Christmas carnival have to go through, given the seemingly botched handling of...

Former Sky Bahamas CEO says his family "going through it" financially in aftermath of court case NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Sky Bahamas Chief Executive Officer Randy Butler last night slammed what he called a “dark conspiracy” to damage his reputation, business and family. This after a Supreme Court judge set aside a default judgment against him. Back in April, Butler,...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Two officers at the Department of Correctional Services who were reportedly sent home and had their salaries halted under then BDOC Commissioner Charles Murphy are collectively owed around $200,000, according to Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe. Murphy was placed on immediate leave pending an investigation into several matters at the department. Munroe was responding to questions...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe yesterday said the government does not anticipate placing additional defense force officers at public clinics and hospitals at this time following a knife attack of a patient at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). Munroe suggested that deploying additional armed responders at the institution and other public facilities may not prevent people...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Michael Pintard charged yesterday that the party is united in the aftermath of its November leadership convention. This despite concerns regarding former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis' public comments on behalf of the party. Pintard was responding to questions from the media during a press conference at the party's headquarters to address...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A prominent retailer said yesterday that its e-commerce platform was generating as much as 15 percent of the company’s sales some months, noting that sales for the Christmas holiday shopping period are on the uptick. Brent Burrows, vice-president of CBS Bahamas, told Eyewitness News: “For this Christmas period, things are looking up compared to last year. We...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) continues to support The Bahamas in its efforts to advance and enhance the agricultural sector. The IICA recently sponsored a television appearance featuring Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting on the national Brazilian TV Show “Agro America” that focuses on agribusiness. Clay Sweeting. Sweeting...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Free National Movement (FNM) is prepared to take legal action against the government if it does not honor dozens of contracts that were awarded under the previous Minnis administration. The legal matter is currently being spearheaded by former Yamacraw MP Elsworth Johnson and former Tall Pines MP Don Saunders. During a press conference addressing the issue...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Chief Pharmacist at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) Dr Marvin Smith has been appointed to deputy director at the Supplies Management Agency. Smith, who assumed the role on Monday, will be responsible for procurement planning, quality, monitoring, and evaluation. The agency has had long-standing challenges with global supply management and the turnover of its leadership due to...

Attorney contends Ministry of Health "exposed themselves to litigation"  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Attorneys of McCafferty’s Enterprises Bahamas Limited, the owners of the Christmas carnival, said they have submitted a comprehensive document to health officials in their new application for approval to operate.  This comes after the carnival was denied approval from the Ministry of Health last week and could not...