The Big Story

Resort says discussion ongoing with Ministry of Finance over GovUEBex program NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Some Baha Mar employees yesterday expressed being pushed to the brink as they continued to wait after nearly two months for payments from the government's extended unemployment program. Speaking to Eyewitness News on the condition of anonymity, dozens of workers have expressed frustration and anger over the...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Federation of Retailers (BFR) has recommended that retailers found in breach with its COVID-19 protocols either face a hefty fine or be closed down for two weeks, noting that an entire sector cannot be shut down due to the negligence of a few. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced during a national address on Sunday...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While early analysis of a coronavirus vaccine by Drugmaker Pfizer shows "groundbreaking" strides in the coronavirus fight, prevention will have to continue for a while, said National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Director Dr Nikkiah Forbes. Yesterday, United States-based Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech announced that initial analysis from its vaccine candidate shows it is more than...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The presumptive change in United States presidency and administration will not have an impact on the Bahamas-US relations, Bahamian Ambassador to the United States Sidney Collie said yesterday. "Don't expect any traumatic change vis-a-vis the relationship between The Bahamas and the United States," Collie said in an interview with Eyewitness News. "We have a long and close...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The appellate court will hear submissions next month related to an appeal of Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt's decision to grant bail to an American man in 2019. American Peter Albee, who was accused of stabbing his former's employer's son, Jak Hannaby-Cummins, was convicted of causing grievous harm on September 4, 2019. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment....

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A well-known realtor and commercial property specialist said yesterday that commercial property landlords are trying to work with tenants grappling with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the ease in restrictions on local retailers has come at the right time. David Morley, president of Morley Real Estate, which manages more than 40 commercial properties told Eyewitness News: “The lockdowns...

Dear Editor, The prime minister’s remarks regarding expunging the records of those convicted for simple possession of small amounts of marijuana is a refreshing tone. That the discussion of decriminalizing and industrializing hemp in The Bahamas has resurfaced is also promising. There are, of course, many ideas that can be tossed into the hat, and many are viable economic drivers....

Weekend lockdown lifted for Abaco and New Providence, weekly curfew extend by one hour, GB included COVID Command Centre receives more than 2,888 calls NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As he announced a loosening of restrictions for New Providence and Abaco the prime minister warned that cases could increase and another lockdown could be implemented if health protocols are not followed. "As...

PM: Authorities to ensure vessels do not flee island against orders NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Amid rising cases of the coronavirus in Eleuthera, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has imposed a 24-hour weekend curfew and nightly weekday curfew for the island beginning tomorrow. Spanish Wells and Harbour Island have been exempted from the increased restrictions. A 6pm to 5am curfew will...

Small and medium-sized businesses were losing 75 percent of their sales NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Retailers last night expressed relief that they have been “given a chance to survive” by getting the green light to allow customers in their establishments once again. During his national address on Sunday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that “the retail sector, including pharmacies, may...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Tourism has advised that Bahamians in South Florida, whose flights were canceled yesterday due to inclement weather, will be able to use their current Bahamas Health Visa to enter the country. The ministry's assurance came after a video was circulated about Bahamians being stuck abroad due to difficulties obtaining a Bahamas Health Travel Visa and...

Storm expected to strengthen as it approaches South Florida NASSAU, BAHAMAS — As Tropical Storm Eta neared Florida, the northwestern Bahamas experienced strong winds and heavy rainfall causing moderate flooding in some areas. On its forecast track, the center of the storm was expected to pass near or over the Florida Keys early this morning and over the southeastern Gulf...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamasair has announced that it will restart its international flight schedule beginning November 15. The airline said in a statement yesterday that international service will begin in three phases. In Phase I, beginning November 15, flights will operate into Fort Lauderdale, Cap Haitien and Port Au Prince Haiti. In Phase II, beginning November 22, flights will operate...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Gym operators said last night they are now facing bankruptcy and voiced fears over the long term damage to their industry which remains closed. Speaking with Eyewitness News following Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ national address Sunday, Empire Fitness CEO Dr Kent Bazard said: “To be honest we’re facing bankruptcy. We’re facing closure. It doesn't seem as though...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Royal Bahamas Police Force said yesterday that it has had to change its process and protocols for military funerals due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement, the RBPF responded to criticisms from the family of the late Sergeant Jefferson Kemp over the perceived lack of support received from the agency in the aftermath of the fallen...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday reiterated that the country will go through cycles of “tightening and loosening” of restrictions” as it grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that measures put in place to combat the second wave of the virus have worked. During his national address on Sunday, Minnis outlined changes to restrictive measures on New...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A well-known environmentalist yesterday condemned the discovery of oil and other refuse dumped in South Bahamia, Grand Bahama as "absolutely despicable". Joe Darville of Waterkeepers Bahamas told Eyewitness News he was directed to the site while in Central Grand Bahama with area MP Iram Lewis working on a community gardening initiative. “This is an area where over a period...

PM: "We will be doing even more to create opportunities for Bahamians entrepreneurs" NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) has shifted its budget to allocate an additional $500,000 to its stand-alone grant programme, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed during a national address Sunday. He noted that over 400 applications have been received so far. “While we continue...