The Big Story

“Now with negotiations, it will be here in the first week of November, thank God” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas’ delivery of Pfizer vaccines from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) COVAX Facility was delayed because “someone forgot to apply” under the former administration, Minister of Health Dr Michael Darville said yesterday. Darville suggested that while The Bahamas was “pushed in...

Frequent COVID testing being considered for reopening of schools and return to face-to-face learning NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While the majority of public schools across the country are prepared for face-to-face learning, Director of Education Marcellus Taylor said on Monday that the ministry awaits the advice of health officials amidst the current COVID-19 climate. Over the past few weeks, officials from...

GBPC says rate hike undesirable but necessary to maintain operations Coalition of Concerned Citizens prepared to protest “at a level we have never done before” FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA — An advocacy group has slammed the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) as being “insensitive” and “out of touch” over a four percent rate increase application. The GBPC said in a statement...

“We thought it was bad last year but it has certainly gotten worse” d'Albenas, AML Foods note struggle to keep shelves well stocked  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A prominent Bahamian distributor yesterday warned that shipping and supply challenges may persist into 2024, telling Eyewitness News they have “never seen it this bad”. Philip G Smith, the d'Albenas Agency's sales and marketing...

But return to the classroom dependent on science, medical advice and safety, says minister NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Students could return to face-to-face learning in classrooms before the end of the year, according to Minister of State for Education Zane Lightbourne. But Lightbourne indicated that the decision is hinged on the advice of health professionals and ensuring that the return to...

“On the island, everybody feels the death of the person… If it hasn’t impacted you yet, it will impact you in some way” Inagua resident believes lockdowns could have helped prevent surge NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Residents on Inagua are mourning the sixth person from the island to succumb to COVID-19 symptoms, with relatives and family members warning others that they...

“This is when you have political pronouncements taking place before a campaign and then after you would have won a government” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Minister of Health Renward Wells said yesterday that the Davis-led government has to take responsibility for the repercussions of its decisions to ease restrictions. Wells dismissed Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell’s assertion that the surge...

“I’ve always wanted to tell Bahamian stories; I’ve always wanted an avenue to do that”  Public invited to submit their testimonies  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Dr Crystal A deGregory is taking the initiative to draw a silver lining around the dark cloud left behind by the ravaging force of Hurricane Dorian. The killer storm, which rampaged through the islands of Abaco...

“You don’t have a while with this; you don’t have a while…” Public education and vaccination campaign to be expanded on islands “at risk” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA) President Dr Sabriquet Pinder-Butler yesterday encouraged Family Island residents to take urgent steps to protect themselves and their families against the coronavirus. She noted that more people will...

Political parties and others invited to present concerns and recommendations of election procedures No date set for local govt elections as yet NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Just over a month since The Bahamas held its 2021 General Election, officials have advised that a post-mortem is still underway to determine the lessons learned and the necessary changes needed for the way forward....

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BMOTIA) is aiming to increase the country’s brand visibility in the UK market, having hired global independent marketing and communications firm FINN Partners to provide public relations services for the islands in the United Kingdom. The UK office will reportedly also act as the hub agency, managing other European...

BDB awards over $400,000 in financing to crowdfunding NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Fintech in The Bahamas has found a champion in the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB), which has awarded over $400,000 in financing to local crowdfunding platform ArawakX. This financing is said to be part of the bank’s push to invest in the orange economy, which encapsulates technology, music, film and...

Free testing programme to pilot on impacted Family Islands Protocols on Inagua, North Eleuthera & the Berry Islands under review as COVID-19 cases soar NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Health officials have launched an urgent assessment into islands in the southern and central Bahamas as COVID-19 cases skyrocket on several Family Islands in recent weeks. In a statement on the matter yesterday,...

Minnis: The PLP does not have a way forward on the pandemic NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Prime Minister and Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis lashed the new Davis administration for what he called a “disastrous, incompetent and chaotic response to the COVID-19 pandemic”. His criticism comes as cases on several Family Islands have increased significantly in recent...

Ruling could effectively nullify any voluntary bill of indictment signed by David Bakibinga NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Attorney General Ryan Pinder confirmed yesterday that the director of public prosecutions (DPP) has filed a notice of appeal against a recent Supreme Court ruling that found a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) signed by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions David Bakibinga to be...

“I hope all the people who applied wouldn’t feel like their time was wasted” Housing minister says project is under review but senator asks how long applicants will have to wait NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An opposition senator yesterday urged the government to expedite its review of the Prospect Ridge Community for Young Professionals and follow through with the development, saying...

"We are working with the BCCEC to foster greater awareness of the Canton Fair and encourage more business leaders to access it online" NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang commenced the 130th session of the China Import and Export Fair, or the Canton Fair, last Friday, granting Bahamian business leaders and foreign buyers alike a prime opportunity to trade...

Toby Smith remains embroiled in court battle over PI Crown land NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The entrepreneur behind the proposed $2 million restoration of Paradise Island’s lighthouse said yesterday that he has “every confidence” the Davis administration will honor his Crown land lease. Toby Smith, principal of Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club company, in an interview with Eyewitness News, said:...