The Big Story

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bank of The Bahamas (BOB) saw an overall net income of $6.4 million for its financial year that ended June 30, according to Managing Director Kenrick Brathwaite. Brathwaite noted: “Comparing the current year ended 2021 to the prior year ended 2020, the bank’s total operating income decreased by $2.1 million (14.93 percent) for the quarter and $2.4...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government is looking at “a number of matters” that may or may not rise to the level of a commission of inquiry, said Attorney General Ryan Pinder yesterday. Pinder was responding to questions surrounding Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis’ comments about his administration’s review of contracts issued during the state of emergency.  “There are a number...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government intends to move forward with its campaign promise to end the state of emergency, said Attorney General Ryan Pinder yesterday. He noted that legislation to replace the orders will be ready by the time the current order ends in November. A public state of emergency has been in effect since last March, along with teetering...

Cooper: I anticipate the travel health visa for international travelers will “remain for some time” Removing travel health visa was key campaign promise of PLP NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The travel health visa for international visitors to The Bahamas will likely be in place for some time as it is “critical” for the development and advancement of tourism, according to Tourism,...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As the government seeks to humanely hold and repatriate hundreds of Haitian migrants on Inagua, while shoring up the southern border in preparation for more landings, 66-year-old Harold Seymour said with each apprehension there is a growing threat of a potential surge of coronavirus and other diseases on the small southern island. More than 900 Haitian migrants...

National security minister dismisses suggestions that late curfew provides opportunity for crime “The fact of the matter is crime is a function of poor socialization” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe said yesterday that as the government seeks to address crime, its efforts center around root causes and “how you raise your children”. There have been four...

“I was afraid; it was only me in the shop and my family couldn’t come to rescue me"  Water reportedly eight inches above street level NASSAU, BAHAMAS —  Downtown art gallery Sixty 2 Sixty experienced a bout of flooding at its establishment on Sunday, with heavy rainfall rising at least eight inches above street level and spilling into the shop. ...

“We know the minister has pledged to be humane and diaspora of the church continues to pray for the migrants” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) President Bishop Delton Fernander said yesterday that the church stands ready to provide whatever assistance it can amid the “unprecedented” influx of migrants in the southern Bahamas. “As far as the council, we...

Natl security minister led case to a historic Supreme Court ruling as QC NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While he believes the matter should run its course, Attorney General Ryan Pinder advised yesterday that the government has to discuss whether it will still go to the Privy Council to appeal a Court of Appeal ruling that children born out of wedlock to...

“Criminalizing migrants is unnecessarily punitive, harsh, degrading and dehumanizing” Human Rights Bahamas believes passing Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill will help address many issues surrounding undocumented migration  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The “immigration crisis” in Inagua shows the need for legal reform in The Bahamas, according to Human Rights Bahamas (HRB) President Stephanie St Fleur. The human rights activist was referring...

“Whatever policies the new government implements, keep small businesses in mind” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A local small business association is seeking to meet with the new administration by mid-November to push for small business legislation and a development plan for micro, small and medium-sized businesses, among other initiatives.  Mark A Turnquest, a small business consultant and president of the 242...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper said yesterday that getting this nation’s stopover visitor arrivals back to pre-COVID numbers is “priority number one”. Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper. Deputy prime Minister Cooper, addressing reporters ahead of a Cabinet meeting yesterday, noted that bookings over the next few months are looking “very positive”....

Bahamas positivity rate stands at 19% NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas has staved off being included on the United Kingdom’s travel red list, despite having a higher coronavirus positivity rate than some regional red listers. The UK revised its travel list on September 17. The Bahamas remains on its amber list. Another revision on the rules for international travel is...

“If those individuals decide to rebel or act out of hand, we don’t have enough officers to control that situation” Officials expect more migrants in days ahead but RBDF assures it's ready to act NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With the number of Haitian migrants on Inagua closing in on the island’s population and more migrants expected in the coming days, several...

Williams calls for more education to combat vaccine hesitancy  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) President Amancha Williams opined yesterday that there is no need for a curfew once Bahamians following the existing health protocols and continue to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. BNU President Amancha Williams. New Providence has remained under curfew since March 2020, though it has...

Lewis: FNM did not fire a single civil servant amid COVID pandemic nor rescind any promotions “I admonish this new government to be very careful how you treat our Bahamian workers” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Central Grand Bahama incumbent Iram Lewis has called on the Davis administration to “govern for all” amidst increased reports of political appointment cuts in the public...

Commodore assures joint efforts, resources and intelligence of multiple agencies position RBDF well “You have to have that early detection and have the assets available and we are using all of our resources” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Hundreds more migrants are believed to be en route to the southern Bahamas from various ports of Haiti, according to Royal Bahamas Defense Force...

“The promotion exercises…were done in a very irregular manner” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Water and Sewerage Management Union (WSMU) said yesterday it supports the decision of the government to stop and review all promotions at the corporation. In an interview with Eyewitness News, WSMU President Montgomery Miller indicated that some 70 promotions were issued in the days leading up to...