The Big Story

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Speaker of the House of Assembly Halson Moultrie said yesterday that the COVID testing of parliamentarians and staff members of the House of Assembly at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday morning was a “purely political” exercise intended on the government’s part to save face after it “poorly handled” a positive case of a House staffer...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Jamaican man, who overstayed his time in The Bahamas by over a year, said he did not return to his home country because he "fell in love with The Bahamas" Oswell Anthony appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney. He arrived in The Bahamas on June 2, 2019, and was to leave the country on July 16, 2019. When...

Speaker’s stance was “noteworthy” and “absolutely correct” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former House Speaker Dr Kendall Major described the “very strange” and “unprecedented” adjournment of Parliament as “very unfortunate to democracy”. In an interview with Eyewitness News yesterday, Major said: “What occurred in Parliament very strange set of circumstances and very unfortunate to democracy. “I think the speaker’s principle stance was...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Betty Bain, a retired Department of Immigration office manager of 45 years, admitted under cross-examination in the Supreme Court yesterday that she could not recall from memory interviewing a Jamaican woman and her Bahamian spouse as part of their spousal permit application more than 10 years ago. The couple was accused of a fake marriage and the...

Vast majority of victims were not identifiable NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A pathologist yesterday outlined several recommendations to the government for the handling of victims, decomposing bodies and surviving family members of national disasters, following the challenges experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Dr. Kiko Bridgewater testified during the continuation of a coroner’s inquest into people presumed dead and reported to...

Request for proposals for PPP to be issued within 90 days NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government concluded the purchase of the Grand Bahama International Airport, bringing the number of airport’s under the Airport Authority’s ownership to 30. “Today, April 29, 2021, the final contract is being executed to complete the purchase transaction,” read a statement. The airport comprises 2,500 acres, inclusive...

"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...