The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

GOOD Samaritans have come to the rescue of the Bahamas Humane Society after a brazen break-in at the charity on Wednesday. 

Thieves broke in to the Humane Society building and stole thousands of dollars in cash from the property - leaving volunteers and organiser frustrated that criminals would target an organisation that is trying to help the community. 

However, Baha Mar has now stepped in to help - donating $7,500 to the organisation. 

The donation, made through the Baha Mar Resort Foundation, matches the amount of cash reportedly stolen during the burglary and is aimed at supporting the organisation’s recovery and continued operations.

BHS president Kim Aranha described the contribution as meaningful.

“It’s a breath of fresh air. It’s a reason to smile again. They were so quick on offering the donation. It’s just overwhelmingly kind. I cannot tell you how happy and touched I am that they reached out so quickly and it’s just wonderful,” she said.

Ms Aranha said while the donation offsets the immediate financial loss, the organisation now faces significant costs to increase security.

“It certainly makes up for the monetary loss and then some. The law, you know, again, it’s hard to equate the loss, because it would make up for the loss, but it isn’t going to make up for all the things we have to put in place to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

According to Ms Aranha, two masked men entered the property at approximately 1 am on Wednesday, bypassed a paddock of dogs without raising alarm, and broke into the administrative section of the main building.

No animals or people were hurt during the break-in, but “several thousand” dollars in cash was stolen.

Videos and photos shared with The Tribune show shattered glass, broken blinds, and scattered paperwork—evidence of the destruction left behind

Police have not made any arrests, but Chief Superintendent Sheria King said officers are pursuing active leads.

Addressing public criticism about the organisation’s handling of cash and storage practices, Ms Aranha said regular deposits pose safety risks, especially given recent violent incidents.

She emphasised that lawlessness is the bigger issue and called for the perpetrators to be caught and punished.

“You know, people that keep saying that we should  go and deposit money every day?,” she said. “Who are you going to send out? I mean, somebody said this, people should take it home. Are you nuts? And then have somebody waiting in the yard for you? There is no solution. There’s too much lawlessness, there’s your solution. I hope they catch the guys, and I hope they spend a long time in jail.”

In a statement, Baha Mar Foundation chairman Robert Sands said the donation reflects the resort’s commitment to the community and the value of compassion—both for people and animals—in difficult times.

“The Bahamas Humane Society has been a lifeline for animals in need for over a century, and we are proud to support their recovery during this difficult time. It is our hope that this contribution helps them continue their vital work and inspires others to do the same,” he said.

People can make donations to the BHS at https://www.bahamashumane.org/donate/ 

• For more, see Kim Aranha’s column in today’s Weekend section.