The Big Story

Four Bahamian diplomats in Haiti reportedly safe “We pray for the people of Haiti and for a peaceful resolution to the political crises” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday the government of The Bahamas is deeply saddened by the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse as he strongly condemned the actions of the perpetrators. According to...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The aircraft that crashed in Treasure Cay, Abaco, on Monday, claiming the lives of two young pilots, was reported stolen on Tuesday, according to police. A photo showing the aftermath of a plane crash on Abaco on Monday, July 5, 2021. Officials said two American men are assisting police on Abaco with the investigation. Police said officers...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The delay in COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX Facility is due to a series of challenges in June, including the inability to receive AstraZeneca vaccine doses from the Serum Institute of India, according to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Assistant Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa. During PAHO's weekly press briefing yesterday, Barbosa responded to questions regarding the countries...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson said yesterday there is “more than enough demand” for capital from local entrepreneurs and small businesses that there is no competition between crowdfunding platforms and entities such as the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) and Bahamas Development Bank. Johnson, who was speaking at a press conference on the new crowdfunding rules that...

Butler: Digital payments up 200% over the last year NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Cable Bahamas customers can now pay their monthly bills using the Kanoo app, as the digital payments provider has now partnered with Cable Bahamas Ltd. Cable Bahamas CEO Franklyn Butler II noted that since the beginning of the pandemic, the company has seen an increase in demand for...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Cabinet minister said yesterday that new crowdfunding rules that allow eligible entrepreneurs to raise up to $5 million by offering investors an equity stake in their businesses represent a “game changer” in capital raising for small businesses. Minister of State for Finance Senator Kwasi Thompson, while speaking at a press conference on the new crowdfunding rules,...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was killed during an armed attack at his home in Port-au-Prince early this morning. Moïse's wife, Martine, was also reportedly shot and has been hospitalized. The attack took place around 1am, according to the country's acting prime minister, Claude Joseph, in a statement noting some of the assailants spoke Spanish. “The country’s security...

PMH chief admin notes approx 2% of hospitalized patients had received one dose of COVID vaccine Health officials continue urging the public to become vaccinated despite reports of shortage in supply NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A senior public health administrator said yesterday that Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) has been “at capacity” over the past five to seven days with COVID-19 patients,...

Two pilots confirmed sole passengers onboard at time of incident NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A plane that crashed in Treasure Cay, Abaco, on Monday and claimed the lives of two young pilots, reportedly had challenges gaining altitude upon take-off. According to initial reports from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), those challenges contributed to the accident. Officials confirmed the deaths of...

Lloyd maintains govt not making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd said yesterday that any private school that may seek to make vaccinations mandatory for students must make that arrangement with parents and students. Lloyd was speaking to reporters outside Cabinet on the matter and insisted that his ministry continues to be guided by the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis has called on the government to address the concerns of local music artists over planned celebrations for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations that reportedly fail to feature Bahamian culture. In a statement, Davis said his party suggests the government hosts a live or recorded variety cultural show featuring music,...

Projects expected to create more than 600 jobs on NP and more than 300 on GB NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Just under $90 million is being invested to expand and upgrade Prince Margaret Hospital (PMH) and Rand Memorial Hospital, with a fast-tracked targeted 24 to 30 months’ completion timeline. Health Minister Renward Wells, speaking at a contract signing ceremony for two...

Omar Archer appeal of libel case dismissed Barnett: The age of social media permits harmful allegations to be shared widely in seconds NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The country’s criminal law should provide a sanction for the distribution and publication of false, scandalous and defamatory allegations, Court of Appeal President Sir Michael Barnett has opined. In a postscript to the appellate court’s...

COP scolds public for not intervening to assist officer and treating it “as a joke or as if they were watching a movie” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle yesterday commended two police officers for their "professional conduct" during an altercation with a civilian during an arrest on Tonique Williams Darling Highway on Monday. Several videos of the...

“We expect to see greater inflow to this sector” IICA rep says organization ready to serve The Bahamas and just getting started NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) will this week host bilateral talks with the Inter-American Institute for Corporation in Agriculture (IICA) to develop exciting programmes to enhance agritourism...

Campbell says he has been “the butt of many unpleasant jokes, subjected to ridicule and embarrassment” since viral voice note NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Social Services Frankie Campbell yesterday denied allegations about him fathering a child with the daughter of an alleged “sweetheart”, calling the comments “malicious lies”. Campbell testified before Magistrate Samuel McKinney in an ongoing trial against...

Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority to investigate crash today NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Two young pilots are believed to be dead following an explosive plane crash on Abaco shortly after 2pm yesterday. While authorities have yet to identify the pair, Eyewitness News understands they are Lavan Paul and Jason Allen. Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) Chief Investigator Delvin Major said initial information...

Bahamian artists slams govt. over planned Independence celebrations Youth, Sports, Culture minister pledges corrections will be made, if needed NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Several Bahamian artists have lashed the government over planned Independence Day festivities that they claim do not highlight true Bahamian culture. This year’s celebrations — organized by a Cabinet-appointed committee — is “Christian” themed, with a service of...