The Big Story

Govt. establishes Contact Tracing Command Centre NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Health officials have ramped up efforts to increase testing and contact tracing capacity amid significant delays, and a continued surge in new cases. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced yesterday that a Contact Tracing Command Centre has been established at the Melia Hotel. "This center will strengthen the Surveillance Unit's ability to...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The appointment of former Supreme Court Justice Carolita Bethel to the Court of Appeal did not receive the support of the Official Opposition, according to its leader Philip Davis yesterday. Davis called for more transparency over the appointment process, noting he had indicated "widespread opposition" to the appointment in several consultations with the prime minister. The Opposition leader...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — More than 200 healthcare workers at the Princess Margaret Hospital are actively being monitored following possible exposure to COVID-19, according to health officials. Chief Medical Officer Dr Pearl McMillian revealed on Friday that some 30 healthcare workers had tested positive for COVID-19 during the country's second wave. "This 30 has exceeded the number that we had in...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Health officials last week defended the level of information provided to the both the media and wider public concerning the recent surge in COVID-19. In recent weeks, health officials have limited the extent of information released on new cases, particularly regarding the age and travel history. Health officials have also opted not to respond to reports of...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The absence of a clearly articulated post COVID-19 plan is proving to be the greatest challenge the country is facing amid the devastating pandemic according to well known banker, noting that the absence of a 12-18 month strategy was only exacerbating public anxiety and concern. Gowon Bowe, the Fidelity Group’s chief executive, told Eyewitness News that while...

NASSAU BAHAMAS — Commonwealth Brewery has reported a 30.5 percent decline in net revenue for the first half of the year, with its operations having been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The BISX-listed brewer in its Q2 financial statements noted that the company’s net revenue during the second quarter alone of the year was down by nearly 50 percent,...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government must take some very ‘dramatic steps’ and ‘be bold’ to resurrect the city of Freeport, according to a well-known QC. Fred Smith, Callenders & Co attorney and partner said: “Freeport and indeed The Bahamas is experiencing an existential threat to our economic survival. More so for Freeport because we have for so long been in a recession and...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Several unclaimed bodies from the Princess Margaret Hospital morgue were buried in mass graves last week. A video of multiple wooden coffins being lowered into holes and stacked on top of one another went viral on social media over the weekend. Rev Canon Sebastian Campbell, hospital chaplain, confirmed to Eyewitness News yesterday that a ceremony was conducted on Friday....

Superclub Breezes identified as national response facility NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis today announced lockdown and curfew measures will be lifted for eight islands tomorrow. Normal commercial activity, including church services, beaches and parks will resume on those islands at 5am on Monday. These include: Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Long Island, Rum Cay, and...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Health has confirmed 48 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of cases in the country to 878. Of those cases, there were 33 in New Providence, seven in Grand Bahama, five in Bimini, two in the Berry Islands, and one in Eleuthera. There were four more recoveries, and the number of hospitalized...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An amendment to the latest emergency order permits food stores and takeaway restaurants in Abaco and its cays to operate on weekdays during the lockdown period. The amendment order was released yesterday. Grocery stores on Abaco will now be allowed to open from 7am to 5am on weekdays. Restaurants in Abaco and its cays that utilize takeaway...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The National Emergency Management Agency today issued a public advisory to remain prepared as The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) upgraded its 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast. The NOAA is predicting 19 to 25 named storms, of which seven to 11 will become hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes. NEMA said weather experts have described...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Health minister Renward Wells today warned the country to brace for more COVID-19 deaths as he confirmed 69 new cases of COVID-19. The total number of cases now stands at 830. There are 719 active cases, including 30 hospitalized. Breakdown of active cases by island (Ministry of Health) Wells said 95 individuals have recovered, with 91 of...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — At least 20 nurses in Grand Bahama called in sick yesterday as healthcare workers in COVID-19 hotspots continue to grapple with the rapid rise in infections. This is the third protest from healthcare professionals in recent days against the backdrop of a healthcare system at its limits. Several nurses, doctors and staff from PMH's Accident and Emergency...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — More than 100 police officers have been placed in quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 since the country reopened its borders on July 1, according to Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle. This comes as 10 officers on Bimini have been placed in quarantine after exposure to people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Rolle confirmed ten replacement officers...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The U.S. State Department yesterday issued its strongest travel advisory against The Bahamas, urging its citizens not to travel to the country due to "health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions". The level four advisory also noted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the Bahamas due...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) yesterday confirmed 23 patients at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) have tested positive for COVID-19. The patients were on the Male Ward at the SRC, according to a statement, which indicated the patients were tested after a staff member who worked across three wards at the institution tested positive for the virus....

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Royal Bahamas Police Force's COVID-19 Enforcement Unit (CEU) is still in the process of being set up, said Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle yesterday. The prime minister announced the unit has been established to help curb breaches of quarantine protocols and to carry out patrols of public spaces to ensure health guidelines are being followed. "They...