The Big Story

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Three senior police officers who were placed on leave in 2019 will now serve in leadership positions on the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), announced Commissioner of Police (COP) Paul Rolle yesterday. Assistant Commissioners Clayton Fernander, Leamond Deleveaux and Ken Strachan returned to active duty as of September 27, just days after the new government was elected...

PAHO: Latin America and the Caribbean on track to reach WHO vaccination target of 40% by end of year “The actions over the next three months will…determine our outlook for 2022” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) was unable to project yesterday when the pandemic could come to an end as the trajectory of the virus remains...

Loretta Butler-Turner: Even if you put your money in a rock hole or under your mattress, it is more valuable than keeping it in RBC Social media commenters urge bank customers to close their accounts; no response from officials NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Bahamas has once again drawn the ire of its customers after the bank...

"Action on the statue has enlivened the debate in a way we never did on the subject"  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While it was not shared in the Speech from the Throne, the government intends to construct a national park for all Bahamians named as national heroes, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell. “Well, the policy of the Progressive...

“I don’t have any authority to go and dig into nobody’s business unless there’s a complaint” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As he dismissed questions surrounding any possible investigation into Long Island MP and outgoing Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle said yesterday police have not received any formal complaints requiring a probe. Rolle...

Former director of culture and film festival director cite lack of autonomy and identity “I want culture to be an entree rather than an appetizer, you know?” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The trajectory of the Bahamian cultural sector has often been shrouded in uncertainty, with creative artists and the wider society alike speculating that the sector has received little funding, development...

“We’re not done with the season yet; that doesn’t mean we’re home safe” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While more than a month remains in the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Bahamians may be able to breathe a little easier as meteorologists confirmed that the peak of the season has passed. The season comes to a close on November 30. Typically, the peak...

Gilbert suggests Bahamas might be at only just over one percent out of 30 percent goal by 2030 “I think the hesitancy is more of a protection mechanism for BPL (Bahamas Power and Light)” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The overall lack of political will by successive administrations to allow for large-scale renewable systems has cast doubt on the government’s 2030 renewables...

“Only one person can do promotions and that is the commissioner” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle yesterday urged police officers who are still awaiting possible promotions to “hold on”. Rolle was asked about the promotions of several officers ahead of the September 16 General Election, along with reports that more officers were expected to be elevated. “Only...

Man who referred to himself as “Michael the Archangel” claims he was touched by the Holy Spirit Matter adjourned to November 15 NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Shervandaze “Archangel” Smith insisted in court yesterday that he was in his right mind when he took a sledgehammer to the Christopher Columbus statue on the grounds of Government House on Saturday, and that he...

No restrictions on horizon; health minister says "economy needs to open" NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville said yesterday that a cluster of COVID-19 cases remains a cause of concern on Inagua.  Speaking to reporters outside Cabinet, Darville gave an update on the recent outbreak of new infections on the island, indicating that the matter...

Funds raised for Shervandaze “Archangel” Smith to either help him or support removal of colonial statues “He is passionate about what he feels; he is passionate about his beliefs” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Desiree Aranha-Rahming, the cousin of Shervandaze Smith, who was charged with trespassing and damaging the Christopher Columbus statue at Government House, alerted the public that crowdsourcing pages on...

Nine individuals on GB get records expunged NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Of the 200 applicants that have applied to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee to date, 31 individuals have had their records expunged, according to the committee chairman Paul Farquharson. Farquharson highlighted the work of the committee during its two-year tenure during a press conference yesterday. He advised that 27 applications...

World Bank warns scars left on economy and society as a result of COVID-19 are deep NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas’ real gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow by two percent this year and eight percent in 2021, according to World Bank estimates. The World Bank, in its growth outlook for the Latin America and Caribbean region, noted...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While coronavirus cases overall have continued to trend downwards in comparison to recent weeks, cases and deaths on at least four Family Islands have increased since the general election, according to an Eyewitness News analysis of cases. In the lead-up to the September 16 general election, there were election activities, campaigning, motorcades, and drive-thru rallies, though political...

“We have to be very careful as to how we criminalize the wider society” Attorneys encourage others to come forward NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Attorneys for a teenager who was arrested and fined $500 for breaching the COVID-19 curfew last August will seek to have his record expunged by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Committee. This comes as the committee announced yesterday...

“As we extend this rule, we believe it will help us even further grow the tourism business in a balanced way” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government will extend its cruise passenger vaccine mandate to 2022, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper confirmed yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper. (BIS/LETISHA HENDERSON) Cooper, who has ministerial responsibility for Tourism, Investments and Aviation, told reporters...

DPM maintains govt “fully committed” to developing major airports in country NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper yesterday confirmed that the Davis administration has “put a hold” on some $400 million in airport upgrades as it determines whether the model is aligned with its policies. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper. Cooper, who has ministerial responsibility for Tourism, Investments...