The Big Story

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Sourcing has been the challenge to acquire the Pediatric COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine that would allow children ages five through 11 to become inoculated against the coronavirus in The Bahamas, according to Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Clint Watson. “We’re looking into it,” Watson said when prompted on whether The Bahamas was considering allowing...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As the government rolls out the third dose of coronavirus vaccines for immunocompromised individuals, Super Value owner Rupert Roberts said he hopes and believes the government will also make the third dose available to senior citizens, another vulnerable group to the virus. “They are going to go ahead and offer the third dose to us, I call...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A former FNM MP suggested that the Minnis era is over and the party must embrace new leadership in order to move forward.  Hundreds of FNM delegates from across the country will gather on Saturday at Holy Trinity Activity Centre for the party’s first convention since December 2016 — a one-day convention to choose a new leader. ...

FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA — Two men were killed last night after a gunman opened fire on a group of men in Eight Mile Rock. According to police, the victims were among a group of men gambling at the rear of a residence in Hanna Hill shortly after 8pm. "They were approached by a male, who brandishes a firearm and discharge...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The decision to displace some 40 Urban Renewal employees has been reversed, confirmed Minister of Social Services Obie Wilchcombe yesterday, who labeled the move as an “error in judgment”. Wilchcombe was responding to concerns raised by Marco City MP Micheal Pintard over the alleged treatment of scores of Urban Renewal employees. The workers claimed they have been...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Vaccine incentives could be in the pipeline for those who have yet to take the jab as the government seeks to bolster uptake to reach its goal of 200,000 fully vaccinated Bahamians and residents before the end of the year. The move also represents efforts to ensure its surplus of vaccines do not go to waste, according...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Opposition leader for the Free National Movement Loretta Butler-Turner has been appointed as a consultant to the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) — a move she said marks a shift in her political philosophy. Butler-Turner who stepped away from frontline politics after an unsuccessful bid for the leadership of the Free National Movement prior to the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said yesterday that while the government is satisfied with the trend of coronavirus cases in The Bahamas and the low positivity rate, large gatherings are inadvisable during the approaching holidays as the pandemic remains “alive and well”. Addressing the media at the Office of the Prime Minister, Davis said gatherings are anticipated...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government’s free coronavirus testing program will be rolled out nationwide in the first quarter next year, according to Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Clint Watson. The pilot program launched on Inagua and expanded to North Eleuthera remains in the testing phase, Watson told the media during the OPM’s weekly press briefing. He...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With less than 24-hours before the Free National Movement will vote in a new party leader, the three Grand Bahama candidates are making their final appeals to delegates for why they should emerge victoriously. MARCO City MP Michael Pintard, Central Grand Bahama Iram Lewis and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson have officially put their name forward...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government is giving “serious consideration” to fixed election dates, according to Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Clint Watson. He was responding to questions from the media at the OPM’s weekly press briefing. “The prime minister would have spoken and expressed serious concern during the last campaign – before we even knew an...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The public will to be able to make requests for government information via the Freedom of the Information Act (FOIA) from at least seven government ministries and corporations as part of a pilot program when it launches, though a specific date has yet to be set. During the weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime...

Tourism projections up for 2022 first and second quarter NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu yesterday suggested that the country could record one million stopover visitor arrivals for the year with projections for the tourism sector are trending up for the first and second quarter of 2022. Jibrilu was speaking to reporters at a weekly media briefing at...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Marco City MP Michael Pintard yesterday raised concerns over the alleged treatment of scores of Urban Renewal employees who claim they have been subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation. Pintard said he has been bombarded with "deeply concerning stories" involving the Minister of State with responsibility for Social Services and Urban Development Lisa Rahming and has a...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Attorney General Ryan Pinder said yesterday bills to introduce the regulatory framework for the cannabis industry, as well as the decriminalization for possession of small amounts of the substance are expected to be finalized in the first quarter of next year. “That’s the intention of the government in the context of preparing comprehensive legislation for the regulation...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — There is an urgent need for action on violence against women and children who continue to be victims of abuse amid the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent restrictions of movement, according to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Dr Carissa Etienne. “In the context of COVID-19, what we have seen is increased urgency for action on violence...

Vaccination and continued public health measures crucial, given spikes in Europe and approaching holiday season. WASHINGTON, D.C.— With Europe seeing record spikes in COVID-19 infections and cases rising by 23 percent in the Americas over the past week, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa F Etienne warned there is no room for complacency in tackling the pandemic. “As...

GBDevCo subsidiary also awards contract to repair Sir Jack Hayward Bridge NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Lucaya Service Company (LUSCO), a subsidiary of The Grand Bahama Development Company Limited (DEVCO) is facilitating restorative construction to both the Casuarina Bridge and Sir Jack Hayward Bridge in the Lucaya area. As part of LUSCO’s ongoing obligation to maintain the infrastructure of the area, the...