The Big Story

Health officials closely monitoring uptick in cases and hospitalizations  NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Dr Nikkiah Forbes said a recent uptick of coronavirus infections and hospitalizations could be the onset of a third wave of the virus in The Bahamas. Forbes, when contacted for comment, told Eyewitness News health experts in the nation...

Vaccinations to continue this week on NP, GB and Eleuthera; 7,000-plus vaccinated NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has advised The Bahamas that it will receive 33,600 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine through the COVAX Facility this week, according to the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee. In a statement, the committee underscored that the batch...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The regulation of medicinal marijuana in The Bahamas “could be a blessing to some people”, according to former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, who said the legislation and regularization for cannabis is “long overdue”. He was responding to questions on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ announcement last month that the government was in the process of completing...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Christian Council’s (BCC) COVID-19 Vaccine Investigative Committee has determined that the World Health Organization’s (WHO) validation of the emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines is “warranted”. However, the committee maintains taking the vaccine is a matter of “personal choice”. At last report, over 5,000 people have received their first dose of AstraZeneca in The Bahamas. The...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The opposition has expressed serious concerns over the government’s recently announced affordable housing plan for western New Providence, asserting that the Minnis administration is not serious about helping Bahamians realize their dreams of home ownership. Progressive Liberal Party Deputy Leader Chester Cooper said in a statement yesterday that while the party supports more Bahamians owning homes, it...

reEarth president tells PM, who said he opposes oil drilling, it’s time to “put his money where his mouth is” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A well-known environmentalist said yesterday that the time has come for the government to implement a ban on oil drilling and exploration. Sam Duncombe, reEarth president, was commenting on Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) recent announcement that it...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Arawak Port Development’s (APD) top executive said he could not dismiss the possibility that some negative impact of the Suez Canal mishap could be felt locally. Dion Bethell, ADP’s chief executive, told Eyewitness News: “I’m not certain of which route MSC uses in terms of bringing in their cargo here because they have many shipping lanes and...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamian women in politics have differing views on the question of gender bias, however, they all agree it is a topic that must be taken seriously. With the recent detainment of Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Arinthia Komolafe for a protest held weeks ago and former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle’s resignation from Cabinet...

Police investigating fake COVID tests at LPIA NASSAU, BAHAMAS — There should be no mercy for individuals who create and use falsified coronavirus tests where they are required, suggested former Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands yesterday. Sands' comments came after police confirmed that several individuals were arrested at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) after presenting falsified RT-PCR tests. According...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Commissioner of Police (COP) Paul Rolle yesterday reiterated his position on the release of body camera footage in police encounters, insisting that serious matters, such as police-involved killings, will be handled in court. Rolle’s comments come amidst ongoing calls from the public to release footage from interactions with the police — the most recent being the arrest...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — At least seven students from S C McPherson Junior High School were taken to hospital on Wednesday after consuming marijuana edibles brought to school by another student, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle confirmed yesterday. In an interview with Eyewitness News, Rolle said: "Four children were taken to the hospital by ambulance from S C McPherson School and...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has ratified 19 candidates for the upcoming general election, including its leader, Arinthia Komolafe, who will vie for a seat in Carmichael. The party's deputy leader, Buscheme Armbrister, will run in Yamacraw and its Chairman Omar Smith in Killarney. The other candidates include: Kino Lockhart for Bains and Grants Town; Frederick Sawyer...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Massachusetts resident who appeared in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday to answer to charges of disturbing the peace and fighting at an establishment on Eleuthera last month was given a conditional discharge. Ryan Consigli, 40, a father of one and the CEO of RWH Holdings Inc, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt yesterday. The court heard that Consigli...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A man charged in a Magistrate’s Court today with murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm with the intent to endanger the lives of two witnesses, was remanded to the Department of Correction Services. Sean Higgs, 26, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt. Higgs has been accused of the murder of Kendrick Ferguson, who was shot...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A 29-year-old man was charged in a Magistrate’s Court today with indecent exposure, after he allegedly showed his genitalia to a schoolgirl as she walked along Madeira Street on Wednesday. Joel Griffin, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt, was accused of willfully and unlawfully indecently exposing himself in the presence of the young girl, whose name...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Nearly a dozen travelers have been taken into police custody at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) for presenting fraudulent COVID-19 tests this week. According to Chief Superintendent Shanta Knowles, head of the Central Detective Unit, eight individuals were arrested on Friday morning and one on Thursday. “There are a number of persons in custody at one of...

Home must be completed within two years of purchase NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday tabled a resolution in Parliament that would give "young Bahamian professionals" access to affordable land in an upscale community in western New Providence. Minnis gave notice that he would move the resolution at the next sitting of the House shortly after 8pm....

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A man who exposed his private parts to a young schoolgirl walking toward Palmdale Primary School was chased away by two good Samaritans who saw the incident unfold on Madeira Street. A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with the matter, according to Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle. Dr Kent Bazard, one of the men who gave...