The Big Story

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...

Aubry: If it’s good for the nation, it needs to be implemented regardless of party NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Long-term sustainable reform in The Bahamas should not be viewed as a partisan agenda, a governance reformer said yesterday, while stressing the need to separate election promises from actionable policies. Matt Aubry. Matt Aubry, the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) executive director,...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Culmer alleged some residents on Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador are being threatened with victimization if they do not vote for incumbent MP Philip Brave Davis, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader vying for prime minister.  In a statement, Culmer slammed the PLP’s campaign slogan of “A New Day”,...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An incoming administration needs to be thinking of generational change and not simply the next political cycle, a top financial executive has opined. Gowon Bowe. Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive officer, told Eyewitness News: "Whichever administration comes in needs to be one that is looking at the next generation and not just the next political...

“We are very concerned that this report does not reflect outstanding commitments” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Deputy Leader Chester Cooper yesterday expressed concern that the government's latest fiscal snapshot does not reflect the true state of government finances as he warned that this nation is coming "very close to a debt crisis". Cooper, in a statement on...

The Bahamas expected to get swells later this week NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As Larry remains a powerful hurricane in the Atlantic and meteorologists continue to track tropical developments elsewhere, The Bahamas is expected to receive strong sea swells as early as Thursday along the eastern coast of the southern Bahamas. As the Category 3 storm moves northwest, those dangerous swells...

Grimes: Voters list for overseas voters, armed forces late NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Deputy election coordinator for the Progressive Liberal Party Valentine Grimes said yesterday the party will not do anything to delay the upcoming vote on September 16 despite several concerns about the electoral process. In an interview with Eyewitness News, Grimes pointed to the late release of the listing...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government spent nearly $353 million over the past two fiscal years on COVID-19-related expenses, according to data released by the Ministry of Finance. The 2020/2021 fourth quarter fiscal snapshot noted that during the period, the government continued its COVID-19-related health containment, mitigation and support programs for impacted families and businesses. "These outlays are estimated at $273.3...

Moore: I also want to see incumbent Iram Lewis and the other four FNM GB candidates win NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Free National Movement (FNM) founding father Maurice Moore yesterday expressed his support for Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, suggesting that he has done more for The Bahamas than any other prime minister. Moore's comments came after former Prime Minister Hubert...

“The Constitution states clearly we ought to have a free and fair election, so they can tell us how free and fair this election is” FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA — Pastor and political aspirant Glenroy Bethel said he intends to file a legal suit in the Supreme Court today in a bid to postpone the general election. Bethel is the president...

Rolle: We have seen a decline in the need for citation and enforcement CPSA still concerned about COVID spread during campaigning and on Election Day NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle yesterday said officers have seen improved compliance with COVID-19 protocols that have resulted in a decline in the need for citation and enforcement. Rolle provided a written...

Minnis reveals “universal after-school program” to be implemented over 5 years NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis pledged the government will provide scholarships and stipends for students who commit to joining the armed forces after they graduate — if he is re-elected. The The FNM’s drive-in rally on Grand Bahama on Friday. Minnis shared the party’s economic and...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) is in a "state of readiness" and awaits government authorization to go to market with its rate reduction bond (RRB), which it anticipates it will be able to close by December. The company noted in its 2020-2025 strategic plan, which was seen by Eyewitness News: "We are at a state of readiness...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) and Ministry of Tourism and Aviation officials are partnering with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and European experts to develop and strengthen certification systems in The Bahamas. The aim of the project is to increase the resiliency and sustainability of The Bahamas as a tourism destination; enhance the state of the natural environment;...

“We are enabling people who have never invested before to become owners instead of just consumers” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — ArawakX has announced an alliance with payment service provider SunCash Ltd to integrate Central Bank digital currency (CBDC) for payments. The Central Bank of The Bahamas introduced the Sand Dollar to provide more secure, regulated financial services in The Bahamas. The...

Ingraham says the timing of the election cannot be explained NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Prime Minister and leader of the Free National Movement Hubert Ingraham said he hopes incumbent FNM MP Dr Duane Sands can win his seat and possibly go on to become prime minister as he endorsed the former Minister of Health's run for the Elizabeth seat at...

"When you call a snap election, every citizen who is on that register should have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote” FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA — Pointing to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, three Grand Bahama-based attorneys are calling on the government to better accommodate the needs of displaced voters, particularly from East Grand...