The Big Story

Top economist says either lockdowns or out-of-control virus spread would be “detrimental to the economy” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — All Bahamians must bear the collective responsibility of helping to curb the spread of COVID-19 to ensure this nation’s economic revival is maintained, according to a prominent banker. Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive officer, noted that all-out lockdowns, as well...

BUT expresses concern about lack of “forthcoming” information on school exposuresNASSAU, BAHAMAS — Department of Education Director Marcellus Taylor said yesterday there have been approximately 15 to 20 suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in public schools across New Providence. “We have a protocol for addressing suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases,” Taylor said, underscoring the protocols contained in the Strategic...

Court case continues today; more charges to be readNASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Bahamian woman was arraigned in the Magistrate's Court yesterday on charges of possession of a forged document and forgery in relation to the recent trend of fake coronavirus tests. Laderia Russell, 35, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt and was read 40 counts of the 160 counts she...

“There are people that are going to look at this and decide they won’t come right now, but we find that a lot of travel takes place nonetheless”NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday that the country must “double down” on its efforts to curb the third wave of COVID-19 in the country, acknowledging that the US Centers...

“I know art is interpreted by the viewer it appears slightly racist and we've been getting some complaints about it” NAGB associate calls debacle “ironic”, asserting “art is not just for pretty”NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The removal of a "racist" mural by a local Bahamian artist came after several complaints and after advising the artist, said Freeport City Chief Councilor Kendal...

RBDF commodore expected to return to duty this week Commodore and several personal, security and administrative staff contracted COVID-19NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Commodore Dr Raymond King has fully recovered from the coronavirus and is expected to return to active duty later this week. Speaking with Eyewitness News, King said: “I’m fully recovered and will likely return...

Police dispatched to Potter’s Cay during community service initiativeNASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) on Sunday said police sought to intimidate its members as they attempted to aid vendors at Potter's Cay Dock who were impacted by a recent fire. The party said it stands in solidarity with the vendors and families that have been negatively impacted by...

“We have come too far to veer off course” CDC raises Bahamas travel advisory from level three to more serious level fourNASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) President Robert “Sandy” Sands yesterday warned that this nation cannot allow apathy or COVID-19 fatigue to jeopardize tourism industry gains in recent months, noting “we have come too far to...

UB and Verizon Media national debate series set for May 4 to June 15NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis stopped short of indicating he will not participate in a national debate series with Opposition Leader and Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Philip Brave Davis, advising that he and Davis debate often in Parliament. He was informed...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Legislation that will modernize and transform public finance management, procurement and statistical operations within The Bahamas is expected to come into effect this summer. The Public Finance Management Act, Public Debt Management Act and the Statistics Act will come into effect on July 1, 2021; and the Public Procurement Act on September 1, 2021. Acting Financial Secretary...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Amid accusations from Constituencies Commission Chairman Halson Moultrie that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has “undermined” its report, the prime minister said the work of the commission continues without his involvement, to the best of his knowledge. When prompted about Moultrie’s statement, Minnis said he awaits the commission’s report, which focuses on achieving voter parity in the...

Cambodia and China digital currencies ranked second and third respectively NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has given the Sand Dollar the highest ranking — above even China's digital yuan — in a report ranking Central Bank digital currencies. PwC’s Global CBDC Index 2021 examined interbank and retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) projects. The Bahamas’ Sand Dollar and...

Nine Bahamians and five Americans test positive “They were all contacts who got together off-base after hours” ANDROS, BAHAMAS — Officer in Charge of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Detachment AUTEC Commander Michael Woodcock has confirmed that nine Bahamians and five Americans have tested positive for COVID-19 on the Andros base. In an interview with Eyewitness News, Woodcock said while...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A man was found dead on Collins Avenue and Sixth Terrace shortly before 4am this morning. According to police, officers were called to the area where they found the body of a man lying on the side of the street. He had wounds consistent with a stabbing, according to reports. The incident pushed the country’s murder count to...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Irate homeowners in a Fort Charlotte subdivision have called on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to fulfill his pledge of a $40,000 rebate on the government homes they purchased and for the government to address structural issues with those residences. Veron Pratt, president of the Ardastra Gardens Estates #3 Homeowners Association, told Eyewitness News the prime minister...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) advised yesterday that it will be pulling back its in-person political campaigning for the upcoming general election amidst the third wave of coronavirus cases in the country. In a statement on the matter, PLP Leader Philip Brave Davis indicated that he was very concerned with the recent growing number of COVID-19 cases....

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A senior police officer under investigation for allegations of police brutality officially retired from the force at the end of last month, Eyewitness News can confirm. Assistant Superintendent of Police Derrick Ferguson was among several officers discharged from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), having retired on pension. His retirement took effect on March 31, 2021. Ferguson...

Olympic gold medalist Chris Brown joins the debate Disney officials opt not to attend local environmentalists’ meeting NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Local environmentalists have dismissed the “all-or-nothing false narrative” surrounding their opposition to Disney’s Lighthouse Point, South Eleuthera, development, with a former Olympic gold medalist now lending his support to their cause. Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, executive director of the Bahamas Reef Environment...