The Big Story

Company seeking to renew four out of five exploration licenses covering 4 million acres in Bahamian waters NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) said yesterday that while its first exploration well did not result in the discovery of commercial quantities of oil in The Bahamas, it intends to exercise its right to renew four of its licenses, which will...

Total price tag to include under $1 million in staff-related costs NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government’s acquisition of Grand Bahama International Airport will cost under $1 million, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday, noting that a special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be created to redevelop and operate the airport. D’Aguilar — who kicked-off debate yesterday on the Airport Authority Amendment...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Direct flights from the United Kingdom could resume to The Bahamas in May, according to the UK government. According to the foreign travel advice of the UK government’s website, British Airways plans to resume flights in May, though the date was subject to change. It remains illegal for UK residents to travel abroad for holidays and travel...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A family yesterday cried shame on police after officers allegedly entered their home in search of a suspect and shot two of the family's pet pit bulls. Perry Thompson, one of the residents of the home, said family members have been "traumatized" by the incident. Thompson said around 7.25am on Wednesday, several officers "barged" into his home...

Tourism minister believes Bahamas on “on the cusp” of tourism rebound NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Lucayan Renewal Holdings Chairman Michael Scott, QC, said yesterday that bookings at the Our Lucaya property are expected to pick up next month as an aggressive marketing and promotions campaign has been undertaken. Michael Scott, chairman of Lucayan Renewal Holdings Ltd. Scott told Eyewitness News that the...

Tourism officials to meet with Exuma stakeholders over Crystal Cruises plans today NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday that there have been concerns expressed by stakeholders on Exuma over the potential impact of mass cruise tourism on that island’s tourism brand, with a meeting set for today with stakeholders on the issue. Exumas and Ragged Island MP...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Caribbean tech developers have long lacked the necessary ecosystem to ensure that their applications and platforms evolve to a more polished end product, according to Tech Beach co-founder Kyle Maloney. Maloney told Eyewitness News that Tech Beach Inc, which he co-founded with Kirk Anthony Hamilton, aims to “close the gap” on issues plaguing tech entrepreneurs in the...

Party chairman says group is “perturbed and disturbed by the baseless accusations” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) yesterday demanded that Minister of National Security Marvin Dames apologize for recent comments accusing the political party of injuring police officers during a demonstration held earlier this month. DNA Leader Arintha Komolofe and others were questioned for over five hours at...

Health consultant concerned about India halting exports of AstraZeneca NASSAU, BAHAMAS — National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee Chair Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis said yesterday that notwithstanding reports to the contrary, the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) last advice concerning The Bahamas receiving its allotment of COVID-19 vaccine through the COVAX Facility has not changed. PAHO is expected to receive the vaccine...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamians must “shift” their mindset from believing that foreign investors must be the drivers of economic diversification, according to a prominent businessman. Sir Franklyn Wilson, while addressing a Facebook Live forum yesterday, acknowledged that this nation must diversify its economy, stating that “we have to do it ourselves”. “The problem is we have been saying that from...

DigiPay to be the future of govt revenue collection, says Thompson NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government’s DigiPay platform, which was officially integrated into the courts yesterday, will boost the ease of doing business and is the future of government revenue collection, according to Minister of State for Finance Kwasi Thompson. The government’s official DigiPay platform will allow for cashless transactions...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin on Wednesday accused the Minnis administration of being hypocritical in its position on a recent Democratic National Alliance (DNA) protest that led to several of the members being called in for police questioning. Hanna-Martin, who was making a presentation in Parliament, cried shame on the government for what she labeled as political interference...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — University of Texas standout Kai Jones declared for the 2021 NBA Draft on Wednesday after his breakout sophomore season came to an end on March 20. Jones, 20, is expected to sign with an agent and intends to forgo the remainder of his collegiate eligibility. https://twitter.com/242_jones/status/1374857798895480837?s=20 "It was truly an honor to represent the Texas Longhorns for...

Wells concerned about vaccine hoarding among other countries NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of Health Renward Wells suggested yesterday that The Bahamas could reach herd immunity with COVID-19 once the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations and supplies hold. Herd immunity thresholds for the virus stand between 70 and 80 percent, though these remain estimates. Outside the Churchill Building, Wells said based on...

Darville: Prioritize manufacturing as “one of the key areas for investment and growth” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Manufacturing must be developed as a central pillar to the Bahamian economy, decreasing this nation’s dependence on imports and bringing in more foreign currency through exports, a Senator said yesterday. Senator Dr Michael Darville, the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) candidate for Tall Pines, while...

Senator foreshadows Miller would make “strong contribution” in PLP administration NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Senator Dr Michael Darville, the Tall Pines candidate for the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), expressed confidence today that he and former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller can work together in “comradery as PLPs” to ensure a victory in the constituency and at the polls in the general...

Cartwright laments lack of banking facilities on the island, however NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While Harbour Island’s tourism stakeholders have voiced their opposition to cruise tourism on that island, one Long Island businessman said yesterday that that island will “take all we can get”. Businessman Mario Cartwright told Eyewitness News that Crystal Cruises’ decision to include Long Island on its itinerary...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Attorney General Carl Bethel and Minister of National Security Marvin Dames yesterday rejected any notion that the detention of Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Arinthia Komolafe, and at least nine other DNA members, was a result of political influence. In separate interviews outside the Churchill Building, the attorney general and minister of national security stressed that no...