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NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government is being “overly cautious” in its decision to implement strict measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, said National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Dr Nikkiah Forbes yesterday. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced a nationwide partial shutdown for the next 11 days. The number of confirmed cases still stood...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday sent a warning to “fake news gurus” as he unveiled COVID-19 regulations that criminalize the spread of false information. “Each Bahamian can be part of the battle by rejecting the spirit of negativity that has infected too much of our public conversation.,” he said. “Do not join them. We have a...

AG’s office preparing in the event of non-compliance NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government is moving forward with plans to remove residents illegally dwelling on Crown Land in Andros after serving those residents eviction notices 30 days ago, according to Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard. An estimated 1,800 people reside in the shantytown communities in Mastic Point and...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The government is seeking to regularize hundreds of public service workers on contracts this year, according to Public Service Minister Brensil Rolle. “It is our hope that we can take another great step forward this year, and that is to cause individuals who have been with the 52-weeks program for example, if they are performing and making...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS - The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) expects to re-establish a temporary physical presence in Abaco by the end of March, according to its managing director LaSonya Missick. Missick told Eyewitness News the bank is in the process of setting up a mobile financial center in Marsh Harbour as it rebuilds its branch. “For RBC, I can tell...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Minister of National Security Marvin Dames yesterday sought to defend the pace of the identification of Hurricane Dorian victims, insisting that while the criticism is invited, the process is ongoing and takes time. Dorian pounded the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama between September 1-3, claiming the lives of a confirmed 70 people — and displacing thousands....

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A Flamingo Air aircraft’s landing gear collapsed while taxiing to the ramp area, shortly after landing at the Leonard Thompson International Airport in Marsh Harbour, Abaco last week. The Air Accident Investigation Department reported the Cessna airplane departed the Grand Bahama International Airport and landed in Marsh Harbour shortly before 4 pm on February 12. There were...

King: Turks and Caicos overwhelmed with illegal migration attempts NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Acting Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Commodore Dr. Raymond King said yesterday the organization’s efforts and expanded coverage of the nation’s territorial waters, particularly in the south, has diverted illegal migrants to Turks and Caicos. According to King, Turks and Caicos and U.S. Coast Guard have recently arrested...

But the economy could still contract in 2020, says Central Bank gov. NASSAU, BAHAMAS -  The Commercial banks have been able to withstand the ‘shock’ of Hurricane Dorian without encountering any major balance sheet stress, according to Central Bank Governor John Rolle. Rolle noted just under 10 percent of commercial bank loans to the private sector were to borrowers on Abaco...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS - The Ministry of Tourism is placing strong emphasis on yacht and charter market this year, tourism officials said yesterday, while underscoring the industry’s economic benefits. The inaugural Bahamas Charter Show will be held on February 27 to March 1. The event is being hosted by the Ministry of Tourism in conjunction with Worldwide Boat, a luxury charter...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Nearly three years since the government inked a controversial heads of agreement with Oban Energies, a Cabinet committee is reportedly still reviewing the matter. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest confirmed the matter was still under review during a recent interview with Eyewitness News. The government signed the agreement with Oban in February 2017...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Progressive Liberal Party Deputy Leader Chester Cooper yesterday slammed the government’s plans to borrow $587.9 million to finance Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts and cover revenue losses. “We are alarmed that this government is engaged in record borrowing, a good chunk of it having nothing to do with Dorian,” Cooper charged in a statement. “This will lead to...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – At least four types of fired cartridge casings were found at the scene of the 2013 Fox Hill mass shooting that killed four people and injured seven others, according to Detective Inspector Lavardo Sherman yesterday. Sherman testified as the Crown’s second witness, presenting evidence in chief in the trial before Supreme Court Justice Deborah Fraser. The scenes...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS - The Shell Saxon Superstars emerged as the official winners of the 2019/2020 Junkanoo season after disputed Boxing Day results were overturned. The Junkanoo Corporation New Providence Limited (JCNP) chairman Dion Miller yesterday defended the judging process after the Valley Boys announced their resignation and boycott of future JCNP-run parades. "The JCNP is a combination of about 24...

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China has claimed the lives of at least 56 people as the government continues to monitor the outbreak in China. This comes as Chinese officials lock down the city of Wuhan, where the virus was first detected, halting public transportation and suspending outbound flights and trains. Parents and relatives of Bahamian students...

Dear Editor, Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands is the least disciplined cabinet minister when it comes to endlessly and needlessly running his mouth and embarrassing the government and himself. Over the nearly past two and a half years he is proving himself to be a one-man public relations disaster.  If he talked less and did more the PR would speak...