The Big Story

“We can’t keep going through this every summer” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) executive yesterday lamented that frequent power supply disruptions amid the COVID-19 pandemic and one of the hottest summers on record were extremely frustrating, adding: “We really have to do better.” Debbie Deal. Debbie Deal, chair of the BCCEC Energy and...

Noted activist, ORG and unions commend debate series for furthering democracy and accountability Future debate participants prohibited from reading lengthy prepared speeches NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The National Election Debate Series Planning Committee yesterday announced that the third debate to be hosted by the University of The Bahamas (UB) and Verizon Media Group will be held on August 10, 2021, under...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Six passengers, two of them unvaccinated minors, on board a Royal Caribbean International (RCI) ship docked in Freeport have tested positive for COVID-19. Royal Caribbean International's Adventure of the Seas departed from Nassau on Saturday and is expected to return to the capital tomorrow. The ship’s seven-night getaway stops at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay,...

Pintard: "We will find out." NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Officials in Grand Bahama were last night incinerating insect-infested wood and fumigating exposed areas after a cargo ship reportedly offloaded it without proper approval. Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard said an investigation has been launched into how the vessel was allowed to drop off the wood. He addressed the...

“We hoped that their hiring would have been fast-tracked so that we could help the present situation” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA) President Dr Sabriquet Pinder-Butler said yesterday that while Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ announcement of additional hires of healthcare workers was “good to know”, the lack of details or a timeline make it challenging to strategically...

Rolle maintains CBOB focused on improving service “We’re not in the business of trying to provide something that looks and feels like cryptocurrency” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Central Bank’s Sand Dollar should not be viewed as something that will function like crypto assets, according to Central Bank Governor John Rolle. Rolle, who appeared as a guest on the International Monetary...

Over 60 percent vaccination of RBPF vaccinated NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle said yesterday that authorities will increase their presence across the island over the Emancipation holiday weekend. “I just signed the operation order for the holiday this morning,” Rolle told the media. “We’ll be continuing our efforts and stepping it up as usual on these holidays....

Police say no sign of overdue aircraft or its pilot NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An aircraft and its pilot who went missing last Friday was last spotted on an aviation radar system in the area of the Sandy Point Airport, Abaco, around 4pm, according to authorities. The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) began investigating the matter on Tuesday after it was...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas ranks fifth on the holiday bucket list destination for UK travelers, according to a survey commissioned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Ben Bouldin. Ben Bouldin, vice president, EMEA, Royal Caribbean International, stated: “Having had so much time without holidays, UK families have missed making memories with their loved ones. “Royal Caribbean cruises are a great...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Royal Star Assurance (RSA) Ltd has seen its financial strength rating affirm by global insurance rating agency AM Best. AM Best has affirmed the insurer’s financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating (long-term ICR) of “a” (Excellent) with a stable outlook. The ratings agency said: “The ratings reflect RSA’s balance sheet strength,...

Bahamas sees near 100% increase in coronavirus cases from June to July NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas appears on track to outpace its highest number of cases recorded in a single month since the onset of the pandemic if the current upward trend continues, an Eyewitness News analysis indicates. This month so far, the nation has recorded 1,722 confirmed cases. This...

“It is not true that the increase in cases is due to vaccinated people” PAHO looking to ensure countries have enough vaccines for 20% of their populations NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Assistant Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa called for countries to prioritize vaccine campaigns, noting that data shows secondary infection in close contact among vaccinated individuals is...

“Die” Stubbs’ sentence will come to an end sometime in 2048 NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Murder convict Stephen “Die” Stubbs yesterday saw his 45-year sentence reduced by 10 years as compensation for “egregious breaches" of his constitutional rights in trial delays and time served on remand. Stubbs, now 46, and two others were convicted for the March 1999 murder of James...

Scores of BPL employees stage sickout amid mounting tension BPL execs assert union demanding financially challenged company to pay up to $3M more than already given NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) executives yesterday urged their employees to be “reasonable” in their compensation demands as the company seeks to be more fiscally responsible and turn a profit. Company...

“The world is rediscovering Eleuthera” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A leading realtor says he has seen “double” the number of inquiries about Eleuthera in the past year, with the island emerging as the Family Island real estate story of the year. Real estate broker Mario Carey, founder of the first international affiliate of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, BHGRE MCR...

“We expect a strong increase in the number of ships that will visit us heading into August and throughout the rest of the year” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) has commenced dredging of several key areas of Nassau Harbour to accommodate Quantum-class vessels, which it says will significantly boost the economic impact of the port redevelopment project....

“This is something we have been agitating for two decades” Bannister says system will “revolutionize” building permit process and improve ease of doing business NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Institute of Bahamian Architects (IBA) President Gustavus Ferguson said yesterday that the Electronic Permit Review and Inspection System (EPRIS) can be a “game changer” and help boost economic activity. However, he lamented that...

No further restrictions announced Children ages 12-17 to become eligible for COVID vaccine NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis tonight called on residents to exercise more personal responsibility amid increasing coronavirus cases and related hospitalizations and deaths. Noting that The Bahamas remains in a surge, the prime minister said the nation must continue to take an aggressive approach....