The Big Story

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Bahamian woman returned to court yesterday to be arraigned on additional charges of forgery and possession of a forged document in relation to the recent trend of fake coronavirus tests. Laderia Russell, 35, once again appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt and was charged with a total of 160 counts. She previously pleaded not guilty to possession of...

Nearly 22,000 vaccine doses administered NASSAU, BAHAMAS — National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee Chairperson Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis revealed yesterday that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization’s (WHO) COVAX Facility will deliver another 33,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of May. The government secured an allocation of 100,800 vaccine doses by making a down payment of $250,000. A...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Carlene Edgecombe said the last time she spoke to her two daughters was over the phone, as they told her in horror of the waters rising in an Abaco church shelter during Hurricane Dorian. Edgecombe was testifying via a Zoom call during an ongoing coroner’s inquest into victims lost during the deadly September 2019 storm. The bereaved...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Many Bahamian businesses have been able to sustain their operations despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of the government’s business continuity loan initiative, according to Minister of State for Finance Kwasi Thompson. Thompson, who was addressing the Charley’s Philly Cheese Steaks grand opening, noted: “The coronavirus pandemic halted progress for so many...

Lab analysis of DNA samples hindered by onset of COVID pandemic, court hears “There is quite a number that have not been identified” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Police have positively identified 11 out of 47 DNA samples of victims who were killed during the deadly Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. The revelation was made during the continuation of a coroner's inquest...

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...