The Big Story

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...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Immunocompromised residents in The Bahamas will have access to booster shots of coronavirus vaccines, according to Minister of Health Dr Michael Darville. The decision follows global public health trends and recommendations, including the Pan American Health Organization. Darville made the announcement ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting. Minister of Health Dr Micael Darville “We are planning to...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Super Value will begin offering coronavirus vaccinations this weekend, according to the food store franchise, becoming the first private sector entity to offer the jab since the government launched its vaccination campaign in April. “COVID-19 vaccinations will be available next Saturday and Sunday at the Golden Gates Shopping Center and Quality Market, South Beach,” read a post...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government will have to wait some time longer to learn the fate of its application to appeal the Supreme Court’s June order extending an injunction preventing the demolition of shantytowns. Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson reserved her decision yesterday after hearing arguments from both sides. The application to seek leave to appeal comes as the judge prepares her...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — More than two years after the government purchased the Grand Lucayan Resort with the intention of selling the property on Grand Bahama, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism said yesterday that negotiations have reached the final stages. Ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday, Cooper said: “We’re in the final phase of discussions with RCL in...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) chief executive Whitney Heastie yesterday revealed that the power company currently has over $100 million in receivables while stressing that the company is in “dire straits” financially. Heastie spoke during a press conference to introduce the power company’s new Board of Directors yesterday. “BPL is in dire straits financially," he said. “BPL...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Dr Nikkiah Forbes said yesterday that the prospect of COVID antiviral pills being approved for use and made available at for the “global public health good” is “wonderful news” in the fight against the ongoing pandemic. The Bahamas is exploring these medicines and is expected to acquire the pill,...

Half of the 360 vendors will work half the week and swap with second group on weekly basis NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With a smile beaming from ear to ear as she stacked an assorted of straw hats and wood carvings onto a colored shelf, generational straw market vendor Patricia Johnson said the opening of the Straw Market downtown represented “Christmas...

Two  fully vaccinated people were elderly and had comorbidities NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Unvaccinated people continue to be at greatest risk of hospitalization and death from the coronavirus, despite there being enough supply in-country and en-train to vaccinate the eligible population of The Bahamas, according to data provided by the Public Hospitals Authority. According to the vaccination status of COVID-19 related...

Minister of State for Social Services Lisa Rahming and Urban Renewal commits to rebuilding home with Urban Renewal NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Gordon Mckenzie, 58, supports his four grandchildren and daughter in a one-story home on Key West Street that has half its roof, exposing one bedroom to the elements, and no power since summer of last year. Inside the home,...

Around 300 BHCAWU members express desire to be made redundant so far NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) President Darrin Woods said yesterday that as the bargaining agent rounds up its review of the number of its members that wish to remain home or be made redundant, Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island has advised the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, the outgoing leader of the Free National Movement, said yesterday that while the party is experiencing a “difficult moment”, it remains the better party for the nation. Minnis said history will “judge us better than the present moment” during the FNM’s 50th-anniversary church service at New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Holmes...