The Big Story

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation yesterday released its plan for the reopening of the country's borders to commercial air traffic on July 1. The ministry noted all travelers will be required to complete an electronic health visa with further details to be provided at a later date. All incoming visitors must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative...

WHO said Friday the world has entered "new and dangerous" phase of pandemic NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Opposition Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday raised concern over whether the government has implemented sufficient safety protocols to ready The Bahamas and its citizens for the influx of potentially virus carrying visitors upon the reopening of the country's borders to international traffic. “Re-opening on July...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A proposed multi-million dollar project that would require aragonite mining in Morgan’s Bluff, Andros, has been opposed by some Androsians and environmentalists. Environmentalist Prescott Smith said he has requested a meeting with the North Andros Local Government Council to speak on the matter of why the project should not be approved. Scott said he is not trying to hinder...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Court of Appeal has affirmed a Supreme Court decision relative to a judgement in the sum of $1.35 million and subsequent bankruptcy petitions against former trustees of the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) Pension Plan and Trust Fund. The former trustees, including now National Congress of Trade Unions (NCTU) president Bernard Evans, had appealed...

UPDATE: Police have confirmed Kooban Mitchell Barr has been reunited with his family after being reported missing. Kooban is reportedly in good health, according to a statement. NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Police have issued a missing bulletin for 12-year-old Kooban Mitchell Barr. In the notice posted this morning, Kooban was last seen leaving his residence at 11am yesterday. His last known...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A suspected COVID-19 patient who was airlifted to the capital from Exuma last week has tested negative for the virus. The Ministry of Health confirmed the 33-year-old man's results in a press statement today. The patient entered the country on a cargo ship from Turks and Caicos. The vessel had reportedly requested to land in Exuma due...

Ministry of Agriculture says Fish Fry remains open despite “rumours” NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A group of Fish Fry vendors at Arawak Cay today claimed authorities blocked access to their strip of cultural restaurants on West Bay Street and prevented patrons from accessing the area. However, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, which has responsibility for management the Fish Fry,...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The anti-inflammatory drug approved by the United Kingdom as a treatment for severely ill COVID-19 patients is in stock, according to National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Director Dr Nikkiah Forbes. The British High Commission advised on Wednesday that the use of Dexamethasone for coronavirus treatment across the country had been approved effectively immediately, following conclusive government-funded clinical trials....

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas yesterday joined the consensus of members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), condemning all forms of racism and reaffirming its support for equality for all, amidst global uproar over racially inspired human rights violations, historic systemic racism and police brutality. Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield advised that H.E. Keva Bain, Ambassador and...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas’ voice was absent on an urgent United Nations Human Rights debate on current racially inspired human rights violations, systemic racism and police brutality yesterday. The Bahamas was elected by the United Nations General Assembly on October 12, 2018, to serve on the Human Rights Council (HCR) - the first time a CARICOM country has attained...

Quarantine will be required for those who cannot obtain a test NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Once commercial travel resumes on July 1, returning residents will not be required to obtain a secondary COVID-19 test once they possess a valid negative test within seven to 10 days of their return date, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Delon Brennen confirmed yesterday. Some intended...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Atlantis Paradise Island has announced today the Cove will reopen to guests on July 14 as part of a phased reopening. The property will welcome guests to the Royal and Harborside resorts on July 7. Atlantis has partnered with the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and launched the Atlantis Clean & Safe Promise to ensure the health, safety, and...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Panamanian man suspected to have COVID-19 was allowed to disembark a cargo ship in Exuma, and has been airlifted to New Providence, Eyewitness News can confirm. When contacted, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen said officials still had very little information on the matter. However, a high-level source confirmed the cargo ship from Turks and...

NASSAU, BAHAMS — Less than two months after retiring as commissioner of police, Anthony Ferguson could make a return to the public service. During the budget debate, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said the government is considering Ferguson for a position he hopes to announce in short order. The minister did not expound on the nature of the appointment...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Abaco We Rise cofounder Denalee Penn-Mackey yesterday called for the entire Cabinet to apologize to Bahamians for their handling of the missing people in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. Penn-Mackey's comments follow a heated exchange between National Security Minister Marvin Dames and former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands in Parliament yesterday. The dispute has been brewing since...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday the deal for the purchase and redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan property and expansion of the port terminal is still on track despite a ‘small delay” due to COVID-19. The new timeline will see the purchase of the property completed in the coming months and then the start of the construction...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said today leaders who had the opportunity to make change should not come to Parliament and postulate on what should have or could have been. It appeared to be a reference to former Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands, though he did not name him, and his recent public criticism over...

Non-lethal force devices still being explored NASSAU, BAHAMAS — With concerns regarding encounters between police officers and citizens across the globe, the government of The Bahamas will rollout 200 body-worn and dash-cameras for officers on the frontlines by August of this year. In February, the government invested nearly $700,000 on the equipment, which has arrived in The Bahamas. During the...