The Big Story

"If you want a war, you can get a war" NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Parliamentary proceedings were abruptly adjourned yesterday after Speaker of the House of Assembly Halson Moultrie accused the executive of failing to act in response to a COVID-19 exposure in the Lower Chamber. Moultrie advised yesterday that a staff member who tested positive for COVID-19 was reportedly symptomatic...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Royal Caribbean executives last night revealed that they had initially requested 21 acres of crown land which the government had ultimately ‘negotiated down’ to the seven acres as part of their proposed Paradise Island Beach Club development. Developers claim the project will have a $1 billion economic impact over the first 10 years. Royal Caribbean executives told...

Ruling expected on Friday on varying existing injunction to cover all shantytowns NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Supreme Court yesterday denied third-party applicants who sought to be added to the judicial review centered on the demolition of the shantytowns and have the matter dismissed. James Roosevelt Thompson & Company applied to add Gregory Bowe of San Andros and Shawn Nixon of Marsh...

"Our children are watching these discourses" NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Deputy Leader Chester Cooper yesterday lambasted the government over the abrupt adjournment of parliamentary proceedings. House Speaker Halson Moultrie accused the executive branch of the government of failing to act in response to a COVID-19 exposure in the Lower Chamber and of “disrespecting” him. Cooper told reporters...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With COVID-19 infection spiking across the Americas, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa Etienne applauded countries for tightening public health measures. During PAHO's weekly press briefing, Etienne noted that since the beginning of 2021, several countries in the region are reporting an increase in cases in the younger population, linked to increased exposure and no vaccination...

At least 10 confirmed cases of conch poisoning Area of suspected contamination being investigated NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Consumers seeking to satisfy their cravings for popular raw conch dishes may wish to reconsider amid rising cases of conch poisoning. The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) yesterday cautioned consumers to avoid eating “fresh conch” or conch that is suspected...

“Many members were in attendance on Wednesday last week and were served by that particular staffer who has contracted the virus” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A staff member of the House of Assembly has tested positive for COVID-19 and was reportedly symptomatic during last week’s parliamentary sitting, according to House Speaker Halson Moultrie. In an interview with Eyewitness News, Moultrie confirmed...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) undertakes a “reset” and changes its name to Challenger Energy Group, PLC, one of its financiers has reportedly divested itself entirely of its stake in its Bahamas oil exploration project. According to a Responsible Investor report, Lombard Odier Investment Management (LOIM) has divested an £11.25 million stake in the company’s Bahamian...

Health minister confident of Bahamas’ chances CARICOM petitions US President Biden on behalf of region NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Health Renward Wells said yesterday The Bahamas is hopeful it will be among the recipients of the 60 million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines the Biden administration intends to release to other countries, even if that means purchasing the doses. As has...

“In any event, rules have to be mandated to restrict physical contact until we reach a degree of herd immunity” Bethel: It’s a question of whether restrictions will continue by way of emergency orders or legislation NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government has yet to make a decision on what course of action will be taken when the current state of emergency...

Biden administration expected to announce beneficiaries soon Wells hopeful Bahamas will be among recipients whether by donation or purchase NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While the Biden administration is still working on plans to share 60 million doses of AstraZeneca upon the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) giving its approval, Daniel Durazo, the public affairs officer at the United States Embassy in...

Wells: Vaccines are our silver bullet NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Despite a recent surge in COVID-19 cases and reports of large gatherings, Health Minister Renward Wells has highlighted a need for more enforcement instead of restrictions. Wells was responding to concerns of more and more events being held amid the third coronavirus wave in the country. Asked whether the government is...

Pinder-Butler says govt must find balance between healthcare and economy CPSA: Healthcare workers exposed on the frontlines yet “continue to be excluded from meaningful engagement with policymakers” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA) is recommending that testing remain a requirement for travel beyond May 1, due to the widespread transmission of COVID-19 cases during the current third...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Director of Labour John Pinder said yesterday that if he is ratified for a political party in The Bahamas, he will not only step down as director but retire from the public service entirely. There has been mounting speculation about Pinder’s bid to run in the Fox Hill constituency after photos of the long-time union representative-turned director...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Bahamian auto dealer said yesterday the “surprisingly high demand”, particularly for high-end vehicles, was being hampered by “extremely frustrating delays” in vehicle shipments out of the US and Japan. Ben Albury, the Bahamas Bus and Truck general manager, told Eyewitness News: “I do have a huge demand right now, especially for high-end product. My biggest challenge...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Supreme Court on Monday awarded an elderly woman just over $70,000 after a January ruling determined negligence led to her slipping into a manhole after the metal sheet covering it shifted out of place. Joan Enetha Butler, a taxi driver, fell into a utility conduit while at Arawak Cay and fractured her left ankle. Justice Ian...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As political parties continue efforts to jumpstart their political campaigns for the next general election, the Free National Movement (FNM) is close to wrapping up its full slate of ratified candidates. According to FNM Chairman Carl Culmer, the FNM will name its remaining six candidates, including the seats held by the prime minister and deputy prime minister,...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Society of Engineers (BSE) President Quentin Knowles said yesterday that while the pace of reconstruction on hurricane-ravaged Abaco has improved, there is still too much resistance impeding the process. Knowles told Eyewitness News: “I’m an electrical contractor and we’re doing several projects in Marsh Harbour. Just the logistics of working in Marsh Harbor due to the...