The Big Story

Twice weekly flights between Ft Lauderdale and Berry Islands  A Cessna Caravan EX plane. BERRY ISLANDS, BAHAMAS — Within weeks of launching its inaugural flights between Nassau and Fort Lauderdale on Cessna Caravan EX planes, Tropic Ocean Airways has hit another milestone. On Thursday, September 2, the airline relaunched weekly scheduled service between Fort Lauderdale and Great Harbour Cay in the Berry...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Public Works and Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister today said he will not respond to allegations that contracts issued through his ministry were allegedly given to people close to him, namely his brother. In documents obtained by Eyewitness News, a company reportedly owned by Sean Ivan Smith was invited by the ministry to submit a...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Public Works and Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister once again came under heavy fire yesterday as more purported contracts issued through his ministry were allegedly given to people close to him. In documents obtained by Eyewitness News, a company by the name of S & S Painting and Maintenance Service was invited by the ministry...

Long Island MP maintains he did nothing wrong; says generators in his office in viral photo are for his constituency DPM Bannister still silent on issue NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Long Island incumbent and Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson yesterday dismissed recent accusations over his involvement in WSC contract awards. He called the allegations a "well-organized mafia...

Our Islands, Our Future advises govt not to “flirt with an enemy of humanity” by leaving the door open for renewed oil drilling NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A coalition of environmental organizations and businesses has renewed its call for a nationwide permanent ban on oil drilling in The Bahamas, calling it an "absolute necessity" in the wake of a United Nations...

Program aimed to increase traffic, grow revenue and enhance service at Family Island airports NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government has launched the preliminary stage of the bidding process towards the redevelopment of several airports throughout the country. It intends to issue a request for pre-qualifications (RFpQ) for The Bahamas Airports PPP (public-private partnership) Program and is now inviting interested private-sector...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Scotiabank has seen a 61 percent increase in the use of mobile and online banking over the past 18 months, due in part to COVID-19 restrictions on in-person branch visits, according to one executive. Na-amah Barker. Director of Retail Banking at Scotiabank (Bahamas) Na-amah Barker said: “We have seen a huge increase of 61 percent in the...

“Customer habits continued to trend toward larger basket sizes but lower shop frequency” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — AML Foods recorded its highest net profit in any single year for the 12 months ending April 2021, the BISX-listed food retail and franchise group has reported. The company, in its 2021 report for its fiscal year, which ended April 30, 2021, noted its...

Public works minister mum on the issue NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Several contracts issued by the Ministry of Works to maintain sections of three cemeteries on New Providence are being called into question after they were leaked into the public domain yesterday. The articles of agreement for three contracts, which were obtained by Eyewitness News, were signed on August 30, 2021,...

Union president says more than a year without redress of concerns, no discussions with WSC executives NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Water and Sewerage Management Union (WSMU) President Montgomery Miller yesterday called for executives at the corporation to engage with the union and address ongoing concerns of workers or "do the right thing" and resign. Miller, who criticized the management of the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday that if elected his government intends to implement a new social vision that would embark on significant upgrades to the core of healthcare infrastructure and launch a universal school meals program. Free National Movement drive-in rally in New Providence on Wednesday. During the Free National Movement’s (FNM) most recent drive-in...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) plans to streamline processes to make The Bahamas one of the most business-friendly countries in the world for local and foreign investors, according to Deputy Leader Chester Cooper. Cooper, while delivering an address at the party's economic forum, stressed that getting the COVID-19 pandemic under control is key so that immediate focus...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As of next week, any individual entering the campuses and facilities of the University of The Bahamas must show proof of being fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test. The University of The Bahamas yesterday released new COVID-19 policies and protocols concerning remote operations and vaccinations in a bid "to remain compliant with national...

“The name-calling and character smearing does nothing to add to the national discussion” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) President Bishop Delton Fernander called for the nation’s leaders and those seeking election to cease negative campaigning and instead focus on addressing the nation’s pressing matters. In a statement issued on Monday night, Fernander expressed his concern with an apparent...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Bahamian entrepreneur yesterday reiterated calls for Royal Caribbean to "cease and desist" developing Crown land he asserts had initially been granted to him for a beach club. Toby Smith, principal of Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club Company, in a statement yesterday reminded Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Royal Caribbean of the ongoing legal challenge...

Free preview week underway NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Cable Bahamas has announced that its TV subscribers can now enjoy new package options and cost savings as a result of its "Imagine" repackaging campaign. The BISX-listed communications provider noted: "Customers should note that this new packaging structure could translate into substantial cost savings on their monthly bills — a welcome change for...

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to unveil further details during livestreamed rally tonight NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Free National Movement (FNM) has just revealed its 2021 manifesto, an 81-page document party Chairman Carl Culmer said outlines the FNM’s “comprehensive plans for the country’s health, economic and social recovery”. Culmer said: “It provides new and progressive ideas to take the country...

Dames: Would you like a COVID-positive voter next to you? What does quarantine mean? Wells: We are taking the position that they probably won’t be able to voteNASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of National Security Marvin Dames suggested yesterday that individuals who are COVID-19-positive or who have been placed in quarantine will not be able to vote at the September 16...