The Big Story

“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...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Arawak Port’s top executive said yesterday that while mounting shipping delays and cargo backlogs have continued to plague some major US ports, up to this point, he has not seen any delay or negative impact. However, he said he would not dismiss the possibility.  Dion Bethell, Arawak Port Development (APD) president and chief financial officer, told Eyewitness...

PM expects those responsible for damage to be lawfully dealt with “There is a loud cry for us to ensure that our history is properly represented” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said yesterday that he empathizes with those who would wish for the reminders of The Bahamas’ colonial past to be removed, but civil disobedience and destruction...

Nelson Burrows: We let our guard down NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Dyie Ingraham, the owner of SnL Radio 93.8FM, lost his nephew, 26-year-old Tramane Bain, and both of his best friends in the latest COVID-19 outbreak on the island of Inagua. His sister, Barbara Ingraham, remains in critical condition in hospital after being flown to the United States. In an interview...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The reduction of value-added tax (VAT) from 12 percent to 10 percent will be one of the first items on the Davis administration’s agenda as the government returns to Parliament later this month, according to Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis. Last week, the prime minister referred to the nation’s finances as “dismal”, though he did not expound....

McCartney calls on PM to “take a bold approach” “Nothing is free; taxpayers are still going to have to cover the cost” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As countries across the world introduce mandatory vaccination policies for key sectors, former Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader and businessman Branville McCartney is urging the government to adopt a similar stance. He suggested that the...

“We don’t have a national heroes park and we’re almost 50 years in independence” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — University of The Bahamas (UB) history professor Dr Christopher Curry said yesterday that the man who took a sledgehammer to the statue of Christopher Columbus at Government House on Saturday was engaging in an apparent act of anti-colonialism. The act came two days...

Smith: FNM ought to assess election loss before seeking to change leadership NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Ricardo Smith, leader of the Justice Labour Party (JLP), yesterday urged the Free National Movement (FNM) to reconsider the direction it has taken concerning former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis as the party looks to select a new leader come its next convention. “Minnis is...

45 entities identified as credit information providers NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The country’s credit bureau operators are making “good progress”, according to Central Bank Governor John Rolle, who recently noted that the entity can soon begin to provide credit report information back to various institutions. Central Bank Governor John Rolle. Rolle recently told reporters: “The credit bureau operators are making good...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) President Michael Pratt said yesterday that the government’s pledge to increase access to affordable housing and develop new subdivisions via public-private partnerships (PPPs) could provide positive stimulus for the local construction industry. Governor General CA Smith delivers the Speech from the Throne on Wednesday. (BIS/LETISHA HENDERSON) The Davis administration, in the Speech from...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Health minister Dr Duane Sands today sounded the alarm that the country's "overburdened" health system was experiencing what appears to be another COVID-19 surge. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation in Inagua, which has 23 active cases and 34 people in quarantine. Officials also confirmed another four deaths from COVID-19 yesterday. These...

Health minister says no active or suspected cases currently on Inagua but COVID-19 dashboard reports 11 new cases Some Inagua residents want lockdown NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A COVID-19 outbreak in Inagua has resulted in the death of four people, the most recent being a 26-year-old man who died Friday morning. Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville confirmed the...

A post office home just "makes sense" NASSAU, BAHAMAS  — The government will review the Town Centre Mall lease to house the General Post Office which became a contentious issue under the Minnis administration, said Minister of Housing and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis yesterday. Coleby-Davis spoke to reporters on the matter, following a tour of the Town Centre Mall facility. "We...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The United Kingdom government has announced changes to its travel restrictions that would recognize those with fully-vaccinated status from 37 new countries and territories including The Bahamas, treating them the same as UK fully vaccinated passengers. The Bahamas will be added to that list as of  October 11.  According to the United Kingdom Department for Transport, visitors...

“The torchbearers never left the ground, we’ve been very active and very hardworking on the ground, but I do think that we have work to do.” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Free National Movement (FNM) Torchbearers President Carlyle Bethel said Thursday evening that the youth arm of the party hopes an internal review into necessary changes is prioritized as the FNM prepares...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Although the sector is experiencing the traditional end of summer “slow period”, Baha Mar expects over 85 percent occupancy in the coming weeks ahead of Thanksgiving and Christmas, with pre-coronavirus occupancy foreshadowed as leisure travel rebounds, according to Baha Mar Senior Executive Vice President Robert ‘Sandy’ Sands. “Business at the Baha Mar has been very encouraging “You...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Supreme Court ruling yesterday could have far-reaching implications after it was determined a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) signed by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions David Bakibinga was invalid. Justice Deborah Fraser considered the legitimacy of Bakibinga's signature on a particular VBI given that he has not been called to the Bahamas Bar, and is effectively...