The Big Story

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government has announced that the House of Assembly will observe Opposition Day for the first time since 2005, when it convenes today. In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister underscored the tradition serves a crucial purpose in parliamentary democracies by providing the Official Opposition with a platform to represent the people’s interests and hold...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Official Opposition leader Michael Pintard last night called the government's policy framework on Immigration "deeply disappointing" as it lacked practical steps to address the immigration crisis beyond the standard government interventions. Davis revealed the policy during a national address that was broadcast last night. Pintard said: "We expected to hear more about his Plan of Action to...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Jamaican-Bahamian tourism giant George Myers was hailed as a legendary adopted son of The Bahamas by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.  Former PM Hubert Ingraham In a statement, Ingraham said George’s name is writ large in the annals of Bahamian tourism. "There are few major developments in the sector including the redevelopment of the Nassau International Airport...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A 51-year-old man died in the hospital yesterday after he was found lying on the front porch of a South Beach home with gunshot injuries. According to police, a family member was alerted to the sounds of gunshots sometime around 1.30am in the area of Kenilworth Avenue, South Beach. "Upon making checks outside of the residence, the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A governance reformer yesterday said that it is “critical” that decisive changes are made to protect the National Insurance fund and by extension the well-being of the country’s citizens and residents.  Hubert Edwards, head of the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) economic development committee, told Eyewitness News that recent statements by the Minister responsible for the National...

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — Esteemed Bahamian human rights expert and attorney, Marion Bethel was elected to the position of Vice-Chairperson and Rapporteur of the Committee during the 84th session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee). Marion Bethel (left) and Ana Palaez Narvez, Chairperson Bethel became the first Bahamian to be...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Davis KC said yesterday that within three weeks the results of CARICOM’s efforts to aid Haiti will be seen, noting that the first step is to strengthen the Haitian National Police. Davis, the Chair of CARICOM, spoke at a closing press conference of the 44th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government. He said:...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The US EXIM Bank is looking to expand its reach in the region according to its top executive who confirmed that meetings with the government on financing opportunities, particularly in the clean and renewable energy space. US EXIM President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis said during a Zoom interview with local journalists on Friday that the bank...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday pledged the country’s naval fleet will not intercept migrants when it is deployed to Haiti’s coast. Trudeau announced that vessels from the Canadian Royal Navy will be deployed to the embattled country’s coast to provide surveillance, gather intelligence, and maintain a maritime presence. “The Canadian ships are not there and will...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday suggested that there be an audit of all work permits issued, noting that concerns over illegal migration, inflation, and the fear of crime are fuelling anger across the country. Minnis yesterday referenced comments made by Labour and Immigration Minister Keith Bell who last month confirmed that a genuine work permit...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) will undertake a review of its Consumer Protection Regulations this year to determine where the decade-old document is still ‘fit for purpose’. Rupert Pinder, the regulator’s director of electronic communications during a recent stakeholder forum on the regulator’s draft annual plan noted that the regulator has to look at the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today unveiled plans to deploy the Royal Canadian Navy to Haiti’s coast to conduct surveillance and provide maritime support as part of their bid to address the deepening crisis in the beleaguered state. Trudeau committed $10 million to support the International Organization for Migration to strengthen the protection and resilience of Haitian...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Western Air flight heading into Freeport was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after take-off this morning after the aircraft’s nose landing gear failed to fully retract, airline executives confirmed. Sherrexcia Rolle, the airline’s vice-president of operations and general counsel told Eyewitness News that shortly after take-off around 7 am, the captain of flight 701—an...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As she accepted the region’s top award for women, Dame Janet Bostwick last night underscored women must lead the fight against climate change while remaining steadfast as the cause for women’s rights was being “choked by the clamor of others”. She told regional leaders and delegates that the battle for gender equality and equity was “still too...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for climate John Kerry yesterday acknowledged the fallout of cryptocurrency exchange FTX may have left a “bad taste” in the mouths of some investors looking to enter the blue carbon credits markets. However, he told Eyewitness News yesterday that despite the current liquidation of FTX he believes investor confidence remains for carbon credits...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Davis KC yesterday said that the crisis in Haiti requires the “urgent attention” of CARICOM members states, as he acknowledged that The Bahamas is “under great strain” due to the country’s economic and political instability.  Davis delivered remarks at the opening of the  44th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain and a dozen other supporters were arrested yesterday morning after staging a protest ahead of the CARICOM meetings at Baha Mar. Bain said in a Facebook live video yesterday morning that he had been asked to leave the property but had informed police that he and others were paid guests at the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Police are searching for four men responsible for a double shooting  yesterday which left two men hospitalised in critical condition. According to reports, sometime around 2.30 pm Tuesday police were alerted to gunshots being discharged in the Key West Street area via its ShotSpotter technology. The victims were reportedly sitting in a yard on Key West Street north,...