The Big Story

“We are going to be focusing on making an aggressive push to get more businesses enrolled in the infrastructure” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Central Bank estimates that in excess of 20,000 individuals are currently utilizing Sand Dollars, with “north of $300,000” of the digital currency currently in circulation. Central Bank Governor John Rolle yesterday noted that great progress has been made...

“I think The Bahamas should participate more but have a more independent say so we could target more stuff” COOPER’S TOWN, ABACO — When Kirk Murray is not fighting fires in his local community, he is igniting meaningful discourse about a hot-button issue plaguing the Caribbean region at large: climate change.  Within his purview as a fire chief, Murray has...

“We are not going to leave here without having a clear understanding of what we will get for what they would have done to us” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said yesterday that the government will hold larger countries accountable for the impact of climate change on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and determine “what we will...

PM claims former administration failed to account for $1B in liabilities, including court judgments NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Attorney General Ryan Pinder said yesterday that the government is working through a “shocking number” of court judgments against the government that has been unbudgeted for and unfunded. Pinder’s comments come on the heels of revelations from Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis last...

Women could be disproportionately impacted by VAT rollback  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government’s decision to implement a 10 percent value-added tax (VAT) on previously zero-rated items and services has been met with significant drawbacks, with some criticizing the decision as causing “more harm than good”. Former Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest has said he does not support the government’s decision....

Rahming: Cancellation of Junkanoo and lack of in-person classes factor into reduction of budget allocations NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The additional $6.7 million allocation to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is due to the combining of the budget of the former Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction with that of the OPM, according to Communications Director Latrae Rahming....

Dr Cargill: We strongly believe that free mass testing for all is a core component in this fight against the coronavirus “We are all in this together to save lives” ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS — A team from Bay Street Medical (BSM), led by Dr Tyneil Cargill, visited North Eleuthera last week to conduct free COVID testing in conjunction with the Ministry...

Family Island operations also expected to eventually become cashless NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamasair expects that its Nassau operations will begin to go cashless by year’s end, according to its managing director, Tracy Cooper. Tracy Cooper. Cooper said during the recent Exuma Business Outlook: “We have been looking at the means by which to go cashless and digitize out the currency...

“To the extent that BPL needs capital, it is going to impact the company and ultimately the consumer at the end of the day” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A former finance minister said yesterday it was “unfortunate” that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has been unable to go to market with its rate reduction bond (RRB), noting that it lacks the...

“The main benefit of the system is that it automates a lot of mundane tasks you have in your HR Dept” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Bahamian software development company said its new human resources and payroll platform will increase efficiency and provide significant cost savings for businesses through the automation of key functions. Duran Humes, chief executive officer of Plato...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Two men were shot and killed and a third injured on North Street, off East Street yesterday evening. The incident took place just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s (RBPF) headquarters. According to Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters, the men were gathered outside a residence, when two gunmen ran into the yard and opened...

"The only time I will retire from politics is when I am in my grave" — LESLIE MILLERNASSAU, BAHAMAS — While he did not receive a government appointment to a statutory board, former Tall Pines MP and executive chairman of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation Leslie Miller said yesterday that he has no problem with the round of appointments made and...

FDA expands list on recalled onions to include four more sources NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While the US Food and Drug administration has expanded its recall on onions to include four more sources, SuperValue, which has 13 locations on New Providence, has indicated that its supplies on yellow, red and white onions on shelves remain safe for consumers following all necessary...

Breadbasket items, medication, medical services and insurance subject to new 10% VAT rate Halkitis: Going back to 12% is off the table NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government’s proposed value-added tax (VAT) reduction from 12 percent to 10 percent as of January 1, 2022, will save the Bahamian people money, despite the tax being implemented on previously zero-rated items and services,...

Health minister: Protecting rights of vaccinated and unvaccinated a “juggling act” “I can assure you that the Ministry of Finance will not be taking monies that are necessary to fight COVID away from the Ministry of Health” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville said yesterday the government was considering a potential requirement to be vaccinated...

A still from a widely circulated video allegedly showing Torrelli being choked by a man believed to be a plainclothes officer. NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A 19-year-old woman who was seen being choked and strangled on a viral video this week has been charged with assault and obstruction of two police officers. Treasure Torrelli and her boyfriend, Charlton Deal, 24, appeared before...

“The idea that even if you’re fully vaccinated you could have a large gathering in a bubble is dangerous” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Attending events during the holiday period, even after being fully vaccinated, could be a dangerous affair, according to Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Dr Nikkiah Forbes. In the last several weeks, numerous promotions for...

Halkitis: But the loan, which is coming due, still has to be paid NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said yesterday that Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) rate reduction bond (RRB) is effectively “dead in the water” given Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis’ scathing criticism of the process during an address in Parliament on Wednesday. Michael Halkitis. Speaking...