The Big Story

Smith: It is arrogant for the respondents to think they can dictate how people can live “You do not bring a bulldozer and demolish homes overnight” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government’s attempt to “purge The Bahamas of ethnically discrete communities of persons of Haitian origin” by “disposing and destroying” the homes of thousands of men, women and children in shantytowns...

“The reality is we would have wanted it to be done way before the hurricane season” Construction of homes for Hurricane Dorian victims still being planned NASSAU, BAHAMAS  — Construction on the $1.8 million Central Abaco Community Centre/Hurricane Shelter has been delayed and is expected to be completed by the end of summer, according to Minister of State for Disaster...

Dames: People attempting to use fake vaccination cards an inevitable issue “This is all a part of governance” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of National Security Marvin Dames assured yesterday that law enforcement will be ready to monitor for non-vaccinated individuals during the proposed vaccination holiday announced by the prime minister last week. On Friday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — “I urge the government to be ready,” said Opposition Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday as he warned the Minnis administration of the potential impact of the Delta coronavirus variant, which has spread to over 75 jurisdictions worldwide. The variant has been found to be 60 percent more contagious and more lethal. It has been attributed to 10...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Finance yesterday announced that the government has agreed to amend the Special Economic Recovery Zone (SERZ) order to allow for the tax-free provision of eligible vehicles landed in the designated areas before August 31. The Ministry of Finance noted that, consistent with the current SERZ order, this would apply only to eligible vehicles that...

Tourism minister says Family Island tourism bouncing back faster than Nassau and wealthier visitors returning first “Tourism is bouncing back” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The country’s visitor arrivals are increasing by “leaps and bounds”, according to Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, who noted in the House of Assembly yesterday that this nation has received nearly 300,000 visitors over the first...

Airline saw massive losses due to Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 D’Aguilar stresses staff reduction was through early retirement and alongside new hires NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamasair is expected to realize nearly $15 million in annual savings as a result of a staff reduction as well as adjustments to ticket pricing and baggage fees, according to Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio...

“The expectation is that we will continue to experience challenges through the summer” Butler: Improvements are expected in Q3 into Q4 as tourism industry gets back into full swing NASSAU, BAHAMAS — AML Foods has reported that sales in its fourth quarter were down 18 percent compared to the previous year as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown-related...

Fire still burning but has been contained Authorities prepared to use all assets necessary to prevent spread to neighborhoods  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Firefighters were called to a massive blaze at Manpower Scrap Metal Yard across from New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP) shortly after 8pm last night. Police initially reported the fire had taken place at NPEP, formerly known as the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Firefighters were called to a massive blaze at Manpower Scrap Metal near the landfill last night. Police initially reported that the fire had taken place at the New Providence Ecology Park, formerly known as the Harold Road landfill; however, later issued a correction. Street view of the raging fire at Manpower Scrap Metal yard last night.  

“They are at liberty to disagree with but there’s a proper way of doing that” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Chief Justice Brian Moree yesterday warned public officials to demonstrate more "temperance and respect" when commenting on specific decisions of the judiciary. Moree was opining on criticisms levied by several government officials against a Supreme Court ruling to extend its injunction preventing...

Smith remains locked in court battle over Crown land matter “I really find it in poor taste that both parties would go behind my back” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamian businessman Toby Smith yesterday asserted that until the Supreme Court delivers a judgment in his Crown land dispute case, he intends to proceed as if he has a valid lease. His...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government’s directive to cease disconnection of residential consumer accounts upon the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a nearly $13 million shortfall in payments since last March, according to Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson. The corporation’s receivables in May stood at $45.5 million and it has a total of $34.6...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While talk of the $5.5 billion Oban oil refinery project has been quelled in recent times, a Cabinet minister yesterday referred to the controversy as a “clumsy execution of a ceremonial signing” and a “rookie mistake”, but shot down suggestions of impropriety. Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard, while delivering his contribution to the 2020/2021 budget,...

Expectant father was released from prison in February NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Family members of 25-year-old Stervante Moss, who was shot and killed yesterday, were inconsolable at the bloody scene near his Polhemus Street home off Nassau Street. Police said officers responded to reports of gunshots heard in the area and found the body of a man in a grey Honda...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson yesterday accused reverse osmosis (RO) plant operator Aqua Design Ltd of embarking on a local public relations smear campaign as it threatened to shut off water supply on several islands. Gibson, commenting on the issue during his contribution to the 2021/2022 budget debate, said: “In recent months, WSC...

7o percent of RBDF in operation NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A heated exchange erupted in the House of Assembly yesterday after Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin said she was made to understand that only two of the new $200 million fleet of Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) vessels were in operation. The claim was vehemently shot down by Minister of National Security...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard said The Bahamas has the wherewithal to reduce its $1 billion price tag on food imports by hundred of millions of dollars in the short to medium term. According, this is possible as The Bahamas has the ability to produce many of the items that Bahamians consume over the...