The Big Story

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The United States Embassy in Nassau confirmed yesterday that a number of documents purporting to be part of an FBI investigation into Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis and other PLP members are not real. The US Embassy in Nassau. Several documents have been circulating on social media in recent days claiming that Davis and his...

PHA says it approved industrial agreement since May; has been awaiting Cabinet approval since June NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) has threatened to disrupt services at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) and Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) unless new industrial agreements are negotiated. Dozens of BPSU members, including PMH and LPIA staff, gathered at the Queen's Staircase...

“I wouldn't say we're thriving, but we're functioning and we're happy for that” Abaco Big Bird says it wants to begin several other projects but is waiting on govt to let it own the land NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Bahamian poultry producer said yesterday said that while it is still at only 15 percent pre-Hurricane Dorian production capacity, it is...

“We need to regain that momentum” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas can only truly emerge on a path to higher growth if it utilizes the National Development Plan (NDP), according to a well-known banking executive. Fidelity CEO Gowon Bowe. Gowon Bowe, the Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive officer, told Eyewitness News: "Our focus as a nation going forward really needs...

“We don't need anything ad hoc; we need a strategic plan for small business development” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A well-known small business consultant and advocate said yesterday that his organization plans to push for the enactment of a Small Business Act and a National Development Plan for SMEs with the incoming administration. Mark Turnquest. Mark A Turnquest, president of the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday advised he has filed a report with the US Embassy over a number of fake documents purporting he and his party are under investigation by the FBI. In a statement, Davis acknowledged that there are “a number of fake documents” circulating, insisting that they contain smears against party...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The advance poll in Barbados will be held on Friday due to pandemic restrictions that require the designated presiding officer to be quarantined. In an amendment to the emergency powers order last night, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said those circumstances shall be deemed beyond the control of the presiding officer and would make it impractical to...

“The government is looking at this” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Health Renward Wells said yesterday that the government has been presented with options on how people in quarantine or those infected with the coronavirus could be allowed to vote. He said that while health professionals advising the government on the pandemic recommended that people in quarantine or those infected...

Gomez: Confirm within 36 hours you will not prevent any registered voter who is quarantined or COVID-positive from voting or face litigation  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) on Monday threatened legal action against the government should registered voters in quarantine or isolation not be allowed to vote. In a letter addressed to Parliamentary Commissioner Lavado Duncanson, QC...

Wells says govt prepared in event of another COVID surge NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As hospitalizations surpass the highest numbers recorded since the onset of the pandemic, Minister of Health Renward Wells said yesterday that a potential downward trend is being observed. He attributed the trend to the number of people exposed since last March, the number of people vaccinated and...

“Any party believing that after this election it's going to be a bed of roses is mistaken” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Businessman and former Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney said yesterday that the incoming administration will have to make some very unpopular decisions, warning Bahamians to brace themselves for direct or indirect tax increases.  McCartney told Eyewitness News that...

BPSU bemoans state of negotiations “This is the season and sometimes the unions express their disgust to some degree of what is happening” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Public Service and National Insurance Brensil Rolle said yesterday that the government has “lived up” to its commitment over outstanding increments, base increases and lump-sum payments to public service workers. Speaking with...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The back-to-school shopping period was a “mixed bag” for the local retailer segment, with some retailers benefiting more due to the prominence of virtual learning resulting from COVID-19. Pia Farmer, director of Custom Computers, told Eyewitness News: “We had a good response to the back-to-school VAT (value-added tax) holiday. The big sellers were the tablets and laptops,...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Central Bank yesterday announced that it has lifted its suspension on the Investment Currency Market (ICM) that allows locals and residents to invest in international securities and real estate. The Central Bank had suspended the ICM market at the height of the pandemic to protect the country’s foreign currency reserves. The move had halted between $50...

“We feel there should be drive-thru allowed for persons in those situations and let people vote”NASSAU, BAHAMAS — NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Two political third parties yesterday urged the government not to disenfranchise Bahamians who have been exposed to or contracted the coronavirus from executing their constitutional right to vote. The government has yet to announce a definitive position on whether...

More than 190,000 registered ahead of general election Golden Isles has largest number of registered voters, with 7,391 NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With just over a week before the general election, the voter’s register published by the Parliamentary Registration Department yesterday shows that seven constituencies have well over 6,000 registered voters. Another 12 constituencies, including three on New Providence — Fort...

93% of respondents say govt's COVID-19 management matters in their voting choice NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The continued public state of emergency and use of emergency powers to mitigate the coronavirus pandemic is largely viewed as a necessary tool to stop the spread of the virus, according to a new survey conducted by Bahamian research and polling firm Intel Cay. A...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — House Speaker and Nassau Village incumbent Halson Moultrie said yesterday that he intends to hold another "open Parliament" session on Wednesday, despite the House being dissolved and the General Election set for September 16. A flyer for "open Parliament" posted on the page of House Speaker Halson Moultrie. In an interview with Eyewitness News, Moultrie, who posted...