Wednesday, August 12
Bimini MP: More needed for Bahamians to get FDI benefit
BIMINI’S MP, and the Ministry of Tourism’s parliamentary secretary, yesterday said more work needs to be done to maximise foreign direct investment’s (FDI) benefits for Bahamians as he hailed the opening of Westgate Resorts’ first Caribbean destination on the island.
Vendor open but cautious on $2m Potter’s Cay marina plan
A POTTER’S Cay vendor yesterday welcomed the potential benefits from the proposed $2m Blu Cay marina project but said he remains cautious about how much additional business it will generate for nearby businesses.
BPL ‘murder’, 60% delivery cost hikes hit water suppliers
BOTTLED water and ice suppliers yesterday revealed rising fuel and operating costs, combined with repeated Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) outages, are making it increasingly difficult to capitalise on increased demand generated by the extra hot summer.
‘We’ll have to be independent of BPL and Gov’t’, asserts attorney
BAHAMIAN attorneys yesterday questioned whether the courts will now have to be independent of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) grid as well as the Government after repeated energy outages since last Friday finally forced the Supreme Court’s closure.
Spending watchdog probes to help deter future funds ‘misuse’
THE OPPOSITION’S leader yesterday voiced hope that public officials and others will be deterred from “misusing” taxpayer monies by Parliament’s spending watchdog as it held “a productive meeting” with a provider of the controversial pre-election building vouchers.
Judge urged: Clarify $10m tax dispute not dismissed
A SUPREME Court judge was yesterday urged to swiftly clarify that his recent verdict does not mean the challenge to the Department of Inland Revenue’s demand for nearly $10m in unpaid taxes owed on the former Ginn project’s land assets is dismissed.
Ministry defends strict public school hair rules
WHEN St Andrew’s International School posted photographs earlier this year of its Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy wearing braids and twists, the images fuelled a familiar debate over why one of the country’s prominent private schools could allow Black boys to wear natural hairstyles while public-school students remain subject to far stricter grooming rules.
Eleuthera father dies in Haiti boating tragedy
A FAMILY vacation to Haiti ended in tragedy Monday when a 39-year-old Eleuthera father of three died in a boating accident just four days into the trip, leaving relatives awaiting answers from Haitian authorities while pushing back against online claims that his death was linked to drugs or violence.
Judge permits mom to take autistic boy to US for care
AN eight-year-old autistic boy has been allowed to relocate from Grand Bahama to the United States after a Supreme Court judge found that the specialised services he needs are not available locally and that access to them abroad outweighed the disruption of moving him away from his father and extended family.
Power outages forces Supreme Court closure
THE Supreme Court was forced to close yesterday after a downtown power outage that reportedly began on Friday exhausted and damaged its backup generator system, disrupting court schedules and prompting the Bahamas Bar Association to warn that the administration of justice had been “materially” compromised.
Exclusive realtor says project signals GB real estate revival
A Bahamian real estate firm says it has been appointed as the exclusive broker for a new waterfront residential development under construction on property next to Grand Bahama’s Taino Bridge.
BTC outages disrupt southern Bahamas
PROLONGED Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) outages across several southern islands disrupted economic activity over the weekend, with residents stressing they were unable to work online, operate digital businesses or access services while still paying for data and connectivity.
Exuma eatery eyes two-week re-open after enforced closing
A POPULAR Exuma restaurant yesterday said it is aiming to re-open within the next two weeks as it works through labour and supply challenges to resolve the concerns that sparked its enforced closure by health officials and other government regulators.
BTC parent’s chief: Innovation must flow from digital progress
The head of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) immediate parent says the Caribbean has reached a critical moment in its digital progress and must now translate advances in connectivity into greater innovation, productivity and global competitiveness.
Bahamas to ‘accelerate’ digital Gov’t with Estonia partnership
The Bahamas will seek to leverage Estonia’s “model for e-governance” to “accelerate” its own roll-out of digitised public services, a Cabinet minister has affirmed.
Govt considering Fox Hill land for about 80 affordable homes
THE Davis administration is considering developing about 13 acres of vacant land along Bernard Road into an affordable housing subdivision that could accommodate roughly 80 homes, Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell said yesterday.
Man accused of near-fatal shooting
A MAN accused of a near-fatal bar shooting in Andros last week was remanded to prison yesterday.
Man faces indecent assault charge
A MAN was accused yesterday of indecently assaulting one woman and exposing himself to another in separate incidents less than a week apart last month.
Teen faces gun and theft charges
A 17-year-old boy was accused yesterday of possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition found in the yard of his Amos Ferguson Street home last week.
Trio face ammunition charges after Oakes Field bank threat
A 21-year-old man was accused yesterday of threatening the lives of three women with a handgun outside a bank in Oakes Field last week.
Cooper warns commercial banks over Family Island access
EXUMA and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper has warned commercial banks that they have an obligation to serve Family Island communities, declaring that institutions which “profit handsomely” in The Bahamas cannot leave residents behind as Exuma grapples with worsening access to cash.
Headdresses depicting their islands’ delights crowd at Miss Universe pageant
If the summer heat was not enough to ignite pageant season, the contestants of Miss Universe Bahamas certainly turned up the temperature without hesitation or apology.
Know your health ahead of Chronic Disease Awareness Day
This week is Chronic Disease Awareness Day - but what are chronic diseases and how should you be making sure you are ready to deal with them if you or your family are affected? Dr Antonio Lewis Camargo, of the Cleveland Clinic, answers your questions.
Seven-day power outage ends for Grand Cay
POWER was restored to Grand Cay early Tuesday after residents endured seven days without electricity and running water, leaving some households spending as much as $80 to $90 a day on fuel for generators as telephone service to the island remained down.
Boy mauled in Bimini pleaded with God not to let him die
A NINE-year-old American boy mauled about 100 times by dogs while holidaying in Bimini pleaded with God not to let him die as his mother held him and examined his wounds, his family has revealed.
ALICIA WALLACE: The heat is on . . .
ELECTRICITY outages continued across New Providence this week, reminding us that we are experiencing an energy crisis.
Tuesday, August 11
'Buddy' returns to Eight Mile Rock to host his 12th annual basketball camp
GRAND Bahama — Bahamian National Basketball Association veteran player Chavano “Buddy” Hield returned to his hometown of Eight Mile Rock to host the 12th annual Buddy Hield Foundation Basketball Camp.
Digital wallet screening to put Bahamas ‘in step’ with world
THE SECURITIES Commission’s top executive yesterday said the proposed “screening” of licensees’ digital asset wallets will bring The Bahamas’ “in step with global best practice” and ensure they are being used properly.
LPIA transport rules unchanged amid fresh driver confrontation
THE MINISTRY of Transport yesterday warned taxi, livery and tour operators that existing rules at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) remain in force amid competing accounts over a proposed two-week trial that threatens to deepen a long-running dispute.
$2m marina project ‘won’t compete’ with Potter’s Cay
THE MARINA developer targeting a Nassau harbourfront location just west of Potter’s Cay said he plans to invest more than $2m in the project while promising vendors it will generate extra business rather than compete with them.
Spending watchdog to investigate $1.5m pre-election vouchers
PARLIAMENT’S spending watchdog will today probe whether $1.5m worth of building vouchers were used to influence voters in the May 12 general election as the Opposition’s leader voiced suspicions the National Investment Fund’s $265m may have been used for similar purposes.
Bahamas ‘clearly ahead’ over shipping clean energy switch
THE BAHAMAS was yesterday hailed as “a strong leader” in the Caribbean on the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner fuel and energy sources, with Nassau Cruise Port’s top executive yesterday asserting this nation will be “clearly ahead” of all rivals by 2027.
Govt moves to expand special education to address island waitlist
THE Davis administration is moving to expand special education capacity in Grand Bahama after officials found more than 50 children waiting for placement at the island’s Beacon School, with two schools now being refurbished to accommodate additional special education units.
Violence commission gets home but not ready yet
THE Protection Against Violence Commission will be officially housed in a new building on Pitt Road this month, bringing it one step closer to becoming fully operational, although it will still not be able to provide direct support to victims.
BCC calls for 21 days of prayer to combat crime and corruption
THE Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) is calling on Bahamians to join a mass prayer rally in Rawson Square on August 30 to take a stand against crime, corruption and other social ills plaguing the country.
Ex-police sergeant loses bid to overturn his dismissal
A FORMER police sergeant accused in a sweeping US cocaine and firearms trafficking case has lost his bid to overturn his dismissal from the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Amputee remains hopeful despite a lack of concrete assistance
A YOUNG man who lost both legs and two fingers after an infection says he is not disappointed that an overwhelming public response to his plight has so far translated into little concrete assistance, insisting he remains grateful and hopeful that more help will come.
‘Generator use right during power crisis’
BAHA Mar Senior Vice-President Robert Sands has defended the practice of major businesses switching to backup generators when the electricity grid is strained, describing it as “good corporate citizenry” as New Providence continues to grapple with recurring power outages.
Mom seeks cure for toddler’s mystery illness
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD girl who once walked, talked and ate normally has lost those abilities amid a mysterious medical decline marked by daily seizures, leaving doctors still unable to determine what is causing her condition.
Four titles decided after first week of 32nd annual AID Clay Court Championships
THE first week of the 32nd annual AID Clay Court Championships wrapped up on Sunday with four titles being decided at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows.
Caribbean Hoopfest back for its 5th edition
THE Caribbean Hoopfest basketball tournament is back for its fifth edition and organiser Donald Francois said the two-day event this weekend at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium will be bigger and better.
Beyond the Gates - Lives are being transformed at the Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls
Beyond the secure gates of the Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls, a large airbrushed mural greets every visitor with a simple but powerful message: "We Are the Future."
'I was ready to quit': Mother's breastfeeding journey inspires others
Published author and mother of three Kelly Fowler never imagined that one of the greatest challenges she would face after giving birth would be breastfeeding.
Ex-Club Med site’s $200m revival eyes mid-2027 start
THE DEVELOPER bidding to revive Eleuthera’s former Club Med property is targeting a mid-2027 construction start for the $200m-$250m project featuring a boutique hotel and 100 residences.
Water Corp’s debt to top provider slashed by $5m
THE MAIN water provider for the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s New Providence customers yesterday revealed that the debt owed by the latter was slashed by more than $5m or 21.4 percent during the three months to end-June 2026.
We owe Andros crash victims learning for safety oversight
The Tribune’s front-page reporting on the preliminary investigation into the fatal accident near San Andros on Independence Day understandably raises serious questions for the travelling public and the aviation community.
Ambassador hoping to broaden national climate change conversation, engage youth
AS The Bahamas confronts the growing effects of climate change, Taylor Cargill wants to broaden the national conversation beyond the environment and show young Bahamians how climate change intersects with nearly every part of their lives.
Let’s Make A Difference working for Grand Bahama back to school
THE Let's Make a Difference programme has expanded its annual back-to-school initiative to Grand Bahama, bringing together civic organizations to distribute nearly 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in West Grand Bahama.
Man on bail for 2023 murder remanded over bail violations
A MAN awaiting trial for a 2023 murder was remanded to prison yesterday after he was accused of breaching his bail conditions for 117 days.
Judge denies bail to murder suspect accused of stealing car
A MAN awaiting trial for a 2022 murder in Exuma was denied bail after being accused of stealing a car in New Providence earlier this year.
Baha Mar expects occupancy to defy traditional slow season
BAHA Mar expects occupancy during the traditionally slow late-summer and early-autumn period to run 10 to 15 percent ahead of last year, extending a strong 2026 performance.
BEMU rejects ministry claims over promotions, warns of strike
THE Bahamas Educators Managerial Union has rejected the Ministry of Education’s claim that it has substantively addressed administrators’ promotion concerns.
Bamboo Shack worker granted bail over $7,000 theft charge
A WOMAN accused of stealing more than $7,000 while working at two Bamboo Shack locations last month was granted bail.
Bahamas Select falls to University of South Caroline 86-46
THE Team Bahamas Select team closed out the Baha Mar Hoops Summer League with another valuable test against NCAA Division I opposition yesterday, falling 86-46 to the University of South Carolina at Baha Mar.
Housekeeper granted bail over alleged $38,000 theft charge
A HOUSEKEEPER accused of stealing $38,749.81 over six months was granted $7,500 bail.
Why anxiety can slow physical recovery — and what good physiotherapy looks like
When most of us think about recovering from an injury, we imagine the process is fairly straightforward.
Do people with early lung cancer have symptoms?
Knowing the signs (like a cough that won’t quit) may help some people detect lung cancer early
Beyond Awareness: Protecting young men’s mental health
For too long, our conversations about mental health began too late.
FACING REALITY: One umbrella, one voice
A SOCIETY is ultimately judged not by the grandeur of its buildings or the size of its economy, but by how it treats those who face the greatest obstacles in everyday life.
Monday, August 10
BPL barrier to ‘banking’ $210m energy savings
The Bahamas cannot “bank” the projected $210m annual savings from the Government’s energy reforms without further structural changes at Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) to make private investment in the industry more appealing, a multilateral lender is warning.
Man denies setting relatives on fire, claims uncle ignited himself
A MAN accused of setting his grandmother and uncle on fire told a jury that his uncle accidentally ignited himself while trying to throw gasoline at him during an argument at their Gibbs Corner family home in 2023.
China urges more Bahamians to apply for under-used scholarships
THE Chinese government says its scholarship programme for Bahamians remains under-subscribed even as eight students prepare to leave the country on full scholarships to pursue studies in China.
Two arrested at hospital after six shot in capital
SIX people were shot in three separate incidents across New Providence over two days, including a 27-year-old man who underwent surgery after being shot in the chest.
Viral Spanish Wells woman arrested over building new shanty structures
THE Spanish Wells woman who went viral earlier this year after confronting officials during a demolition exercise has been arrested and charged again after authorities allegedly found four new structures built without permits on her property.
Teen hit by car while fleeing aggressive Robinson Road dogs
A 15-YEAR-OLD honour roll student was knocked unconscious and left with multiple serious injuries after being struck by a car while trying to escape two dogs on Robinson Road, an incident that has left his mother demanding accountability from the driver.
Plane that killed 10 hit trees on approach
THE Flamingo Air aircraft that killed ten people in North Andros was descending at about 300 feet and travelling at 62 knots moments before it struck tall pine trees while lined up to land at San Andros Airport, according to the first detailed official account of the Independence Day disaster.
Teen girl and woman hospitalised in suspected suicide attempts
A 13-year-old girl and a 19-year-old woman were taken to hospital in separate suspected suicide attempts in Grand Bahama and New Providence on Friday.
Four arrested, $21,000 in drugs seized in busts across three islands
FOUR people were arrested and more than $21,000 worth of suspected marijuana products seized in three drug operations in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Bimini on Thursday and Friday.
Cooper pushes to fill teacher vacancies before schools open
EDUCATION Minister Chester Cooper could not say whether all teacher vacancies would be filled before schools reopen, but said the Ministry of Education issues placement letters daily in a race to staff classrooms for the new academic year.
Woman faces charges over $1.6m construction theft
A FEMALE accountant accused of stealing more than $1.6m from two construction companies over nearly two years was granted $400,000 bail on Friday.
Man gets probation after Potter’s Cay knife attack
A MAN was placed on probation after assaulting another man with a knife at Potter’s Cay Dock last week.
Woman remanded over Lincoln Blvd stabbing
A 37-year-old woman accused of nearly fatally stabbing a 38-year-old man at his Lincoln Boulevard residence last week was remanded to prison on Friday.
Pintard demands employee’s reinstatement in political victimisation row
FNM Leader Michael Pintard demanded the reinstatement of a young professional whose abrupt departure from the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority has triggered allegations of political victimisation, as party supporters protested outside the authority on Friday.
Bahamas Softball Federation begins selection process for junior national programme
THE Bahamas Softball Federation began the selection process for its junior national programme on Saturday with under-18 tryouts aimed at identifying the players who will represent the country at the WBSC Pan American U18 Women’s Championship in El Salvador.
BAHAMAS FOUR FINALISTS AT WORLD UNDER-20
AS the World Athletics’ 2026 World Under-20 Championships came to a close in Eugene, Oregon, over the weekend, The Bahamas produced four finalists, two of them coming with a men's national junior record-breaking feat.
Serena Brown gets silver in the discus
AFTER a hiatus for the past decade from the sport, discus national record holder Serena Brown returned in a flurry, adding another medal for Team Bahamas at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Doctors: NHI expansion must be matched by sustainability
Doctors are warning that National Health Insurance’s (NHI) continuing expansion without first ensuring its financial sustainability could ultimately drive providers away and undermine treatment quality provided by the Government’s flagship initiative.
FOCOL and Shell hire LNG operation partner
FOCOL Holdings and Shell have hired px Group as operations and maintenance partner for the $500m Clifton Pier liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal that will play a key role in delivering cheaper, cleaner energy for New Providence.
Straw Market vendors hope cool-off boosts tourist sales
THE Government has confirmed that long-promised cooling units for Nassau’s Downtown Straw Market have arrived on-island, with plans underway to install and activate them in a bid to improve the ambience for clients and boost vendor sales.
Administrator ordered for Briland firm’s booking site
A Supreme Court judge has ordered the appointment of an “independent administrator” over the booking platform of a Briland tourism operator at the centre of a furious legal battle involving claims of ‘fronting’ and $1m in unpaid Bahamian taxes.
Judge: ‘Clean hands’ absent over $10m tax sale challenge
The two companies that hold the former Ginn project’s real estate assets have vehemently rejected a Supreme Court judge’s findings that they “do not come with clean hands” in their challenge to the sale of 1,143 acres over almost $10m in allegedly unpaid tax arrears.
Transport unions differ on airport dispute ‘deal’
THE Bahamas Taxi Cab Union’s (BTCU) president yesterday unveiled a two-week trial aimed at easing the long-running dispute between his members and livery operators at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). The move is set to begin today but the livery drivers union said no agreement has been reached.
Private aviation fear over new retroactive, triple digit fee hikes
The Bahamas’ standing as a “must go to” destination faces “damage” from efforts to impose retroactive triple-digit fee hikes on private pilots and general aviation operators who travelled to this nation after May 1, 2021, industry executives are warning.
Water Corp wellfield upgrades target $2m annual user savings
The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) yesterday said it has saved customers $5m over the past three years through improvements and upgrades to western New Providence’s Windsor wellfields.
Emera suffers $15m loss on exit from GB Power
Grand Bahama Power Company’s former owner says it incurred a $15m gross loss on selling 100 percent ownership of the utility to the Government.
Editorial: Time to make resorts accountable for workers
TOURISM is the lifeblood of the Bahamian economy.
Friday, August 7
Chinese ambassador donates $20,000 to Parks Authority
Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas Yan Jiarong has donated $20,000 to the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority during a visit to the Authority's headquarters on Gladstone Road and Fire Trail Road West.
Family battle erupts over ‘Mayor of Cat Island’ estate assets
A FURIOUS Cat Island legal battle has erupted with the three sons of Captain Allan Russell fighting over the businesses and property assets in their late father’s estate amid claims that his will is not “genuine” or valid.
Robbery voice notes can be played at trial
A SUPREME Court judge has ruled that five viral voice recordings at the heart of the $1.4m Odyssey Aviation robbery case can be played at trial, rejecting lawyer Bjorn Ferguson’s bid to have the prosecution against him stopped.
Family seeks answers after elderly father is shot dead
THE daughter of a 71-year-old construction worker shot outside his Wilson Tract home said her family cannot understand why anyone would kill a man who spent his life working, raising six children and keeping to himself.
Young double amputee back on streets as mystery infection spreads
A YEAR after the public rallied around Ezekiel Miller following his story of an infection that led to the amputation of both his legs and two fingers, the 22-year-old still spends about an hour each day pushing his wheelchair through the streets, hoping someone will spare a few dollars to help him make ends meet.
Residents furious after Sandals limits public ATM
EXUMA residents have been left with sharply reduced access to cash after Sandals Emerald Bay restricted public use of an ATM on its property while Scotiabank’s two other machines on the island have reportedly been out of service for months.
NHI statistics show a 44% jump in HIV patients seeking care
THE National Health Insurance Authority recorded a 44 percent increase in HIV and AIDS cases among beneficiaries who used its services last year, although officials stressed the figure does not represent newly diagnosed infections.
Thursday, August 6
‘Mexican stand-off’ at Old Bahama Bay
THE WARRING Old Bahama Bay parties were last night said to be locked “in a Mexican stand-off” with efforts to repossess the resort described as “in the process” and yet to successfully conclude.
NCAA basketball guard ‘AJ’ Storr on the move again
AMBROZINO ‘AJ’ Storr is on the move again after being granted a fifth year of eligibility.
Denisha Cartwright 4th in 100 hurdles final
HURDLER Denisha Cartwright narrowly missed out on a medal to lead Team Bahamas' performances yesterday as athletics and sailing highlighted the country's second day of competition at the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Concern safeguards made ‘meaningless’ in Investment Fund $265m draw down
THE GOVERNMENT appears to have moved more than $265m out of the National Investment Fund (NIF) without explaining why, or what the funds were used for, with the Opposition charging that “Parliament's safeguards” are being rendered “meaningless”.
FDI inflows set to jump 62% in next two years
NET foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Bahamian economy are forecast to increase by 62.2 percent over the next two years, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has revealed, although it voiced warnings over a “structural shift” favouring cruise tourism.
Former PM calls BPL power conservation plea ‘insulting’
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis branded Bahamas Power and Light’s energy conservation advice “insulting” yesterday, accusing the utility of being detached from the realities of ordinary Bahamians enduring prolonged outages.
Court awards woman $39,000 after catching fire at restaurant
A WOMAN who suffered second-degree burns when her clothing caught fire as a flaming dish was prepared or presented during a class reunion at Sapodilla restaurant has been awarded $39,515.86 in damages.
Gardiner hit with new drug charges
CONVICTED drug trafficker Jonathan Gardiner has been indicted in Georgia over an alleged conspiracy to move massive quantities of cocaine from The Bahamas into the United States, including shipments prosecutors say could exceed 2,000 kilograms at a time.
Grand Bahama man gets $100k surgery on legs after decades of pain
CORDEARO Moss endured pain with nearly every step for more than two decades, ridicule from classmates who called him “crab man” and “Mr Krabs”, and the stares of strangers that sometimes made him afraid to leave home.
Anniversary trip marred by Bimini shark attack
AN American tourist celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary was bitten by a shark during a snorkelling excursion in Bimini after tour operators assured participants the animals would keep their distance.
Sprinter Ishmael burns up track at World Under-20
SPRINTER Ishmael Rolle became the first Bahamian in action in Eugene, Oregon, at the 2026 World Athletics Under 20 Championships yesterday, opening Team Bahamas' campaign in the men's 100 metres at the legendary Hayward Field.
Former RBDF marine faces new indecent assault case
A FORMER Royal Bahamas Defence Force marine accused of indecently assaulting his ex-girlfriend over the Emancipation Day holiday weekend was denied bail yesterday.
The Bahamas signs on to regional healthcare alliance with funding details unclear
THE Bahamas has joined a regional healthcare alliance intended to coordinate technical support and financing for primary care reform.
Reparations committee expands global and local campaigns
THE Bahamas’ reparations committee has expanded its campaign at home and abroad, stepping up public education and joining regional and international efforts to build support for reparatory justice.
Dominican national denied bail over forged passport
A MAN from the Dominican Republic accused of fraudulently obtaining a Bahamian passport was denied bail yesterday.
Man denied bail over injuring two with a knife and cutlass attacks
A MAN accused of seriously injuring two people with a knife and cutlass on Moore Avenue was denied bail yesterday.
Minnis says weak enforcement of laws putting lives at risk
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has criticised what he described as weak enforcement of the country's laws, arguing that failures to enforce laws relating to immigration, animal control and aviation are putting lives at risk.
Four Haitian nationals denied bail over $541k drug bust
FOUR Haitian nationals accused of importing more than $500,000 worth of cocaine and marijuana into The Bahamas near Norman’s Cay, Exuma, last week were denied bail.
Hotel’s 50-year owner to ‘take care of staff’ over $7.2m sale
A DOWNTOWN Nassau resort’s 50-year owner has pledged to “take care of our loyal staff whatever happens” once the George Street property’s sale closes.
FRONT PORCH: The cannibalisation of our stopover business
CRUISING plays a role in our tourism mix. There is a sensible economic and social position between those who wish to near completely ban cruises and those who rejoice at gangbuster numbers that provide limited economic gains.
'Jazz' hits his 17th home run of the season
JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr may still be trying to climb out of a season-long slump, but the Bahamian infielder is beginning to show signs that his bat is heating up at the right time for the New York Yankees.
Bimini hopes Western Air launch ‘just a start’
BIMINI businesses yesterday hailed Western Air’s launching of new direct service between Grand Bahama and their island but described the twice-weekly flights as only a first step.
MP: Energy grid failed to match Nassau’s expansion
AN OPPOSITION MP yesterday accused Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) of blaming consumers and businesses for the country's energy crisis, arguing that years of failing to expand the grid to keep pace with New Providence's development has left the system unable to meet growing demand.
Andros bridge close hits commute for employees
THE CLOSURE of Central Andros’ Fresh Creek Bridge is creating staffing challenges for businesses on both sides of the crossing, with one retailer revealing employees who normally rely on its access are struggling to get to work.
Chamber: Businesses cannot shoulder energy crisis burden
THE BAHAMAS Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) yesterday argued that businesses should not be expected to shoulder the burden of the country's energy crisis, arguing that the Government, Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) must present a clear plan to restore reliable power.
Fishermen warn of surge in off-season crawfish catches
A BAHAMIAN fisherman, following the August 1 crawfish season opening, yesterday warned there is a rise in illegal off-season harvesting by local divers amid fears US tariffs on the country’s largest seafood export could result in higher prices.
Ex-DPM: Opposition must ‘stand up’ over BPL woes
AN EX-DEPUTY prime minister is asserting that the Opposition has ”fallen short” in holding the Government to account for The Bahamas’ energy woes with households and businesses paying high bills for “a service they are not getting”.
Wednesday, August 5
Gardiner indicted on new US cocaine charges
ACCUSED Bahamian drug trafficker Jonathan Eric Gardiner has now been indicted in Georgia on federal cocaine trafficking charges after US authorities arrested him following his rescue from the Election Day plane crash in the Atlantic Ocean.
Denisha Cartwright Denisha Cartwright advances to the final
NATIONAL champion Jalen Cadet, a last minute addition to Team Bahamas, watched as a medal slowly slipped from his grasp in the men's long jump at the Central American and Caribbean Games.
‘Go to the beach’ says BGC CEO amid power crisis
Bahamas Grid Company chief executive officer Dareo McKenzie yesterday said of the recent spate of power outages: “Sometimes it may not be a bad thing.”
Gofundme launched for boy bitten by dogs over 100 times
A BIMINI dog owner was sentenced to 12 months in prison yesterday after six dogs mauled a nine-year-old American boy about 100 times, leaving him with life-threatening injuries and facing what his family described as a long and difficult recovery.
Andros Bridge collapse disrupts travel and electricity
THE Fresh Creek Bridge has been condemned after a structural support sank and shifted its weight dangerously, severing Central Andros’ main transport link and disrupting electricity restoration, government services, businesses and access to the airport.
PMH kitchen delayed after $5m drainage issue found
THE long-awaited reopening of Princess Margaret Hospital's kitchen has been delayed by a newly discovered sewage and drainage problem expected to cost about $5 million to fix, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville revealed yesterday.
Accused kidnapper remanded over viral child stealing incident
A MAN accused of attempting to kidnap a ten-year-old boy on East Street last month was remanded to prison yesterday.
Haitian woman sent to prison for vehicular manslaughter
A HAITIAN woman accused of causing a fatal traffic accident near Cowpen Road last month was remanded to prison yesterday.
LPIA robbery suspect cleared of shooting cop but guilty of robbery
A MAN was acquitted of attempting to murder a police officer at LPIA in 2021 but was convicted of robbing the female Bahamasair employee the officer was escorting when he was shot.
Doctor details injuries in attempted murder trial
A DOCTOR testified yesterday about the serious injuries suffered by an elderly woman and man who were set on fire at their Gibbs Corner home in 2023, allegedly by a relative following an argument over dogs.
Workers locked out as legal battle engulfs resort
EMPLOYEES at Old Bahama Bay Resort were barred from entering the West End property on Tuesday as a long-running legal battle over control and management of the resort again disrupted its operations.
BPL Executive Chairman says outage rebates rarely please the public
BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) Executive Chairman Christina Alston declined yesterday to say whether customers would receive rebates on their electricity bills following ongoing power outages, saying rebates are often not well received by the public.
Eco-tourism pioneer Keith Cooper dies at the age of 69
THE West End community is mourning the death of Keith Cooper, a pioneering eco-tourism operator and community advocate credited with introducing generations of residents and visitors to the marine life of West Grand Bahama.
Man wearing ankle monitor drowns at a GB resort pool
A 40-year-old man who was found at the bottom of a swimming pool at a resort in South Bahamia on Monday was recently released on bail and was reportedly wearing an electronic monitoring device at the time of the incident, The Tribune understands.
Union boss says Bahamians blocked from top hotel jobs
QUALIFIED Bahamians have been shut out of senior hotel and restaurant management posts despite decades of industry experience, Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union president Darrin Woods said as he backed a government review of tourism-sector hiring practices.
Sydney Clarke: Tennis ‘players are suffering and we don’t know what’s going to happen’
BAHAMIAN professional tennis player Sydney Clarke says the ongoing uncertainty surrounding tennis in The Bahamas has become an added challenge as she continues her pursuit of a WTA ranking and a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Deyton Albury hosts Ballhead Basketball Camp & Showdown
BEFORE he leaves for his first professional contract as a basketball player, men's national team member Deyton Albury hosted his Ballhead Basketball Camp and Showdown over the weekend.
BPL exceeds 2025 maximum demand ahead of peak time
BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) yesterday said New Providence has already surpassed last year's maximum electricity demand twice, months before the traditional September peak, as prolonged high temperatures continue to strain the island's electricity network despite sufficient generation capacity being available.
BPL chair defers outage relief decision to Gov’t
BAHAMAS Power & Light‘s (BPL) executive chair yesterday declined to confirm whether consumers will receive additional financial relief following weeks of widespread outages, saying any decision rests with the Government.
Businesses: We cannot not afford to acquire generators
NEW Providence businesses yesterday warned that repeated Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) outages are disrupting operations, delaying customer orders and increasing costs with many now mulling whether they can afford not to invest in back-up generation.
Residents renew concerns over$650m Eleuthera development
GOVERNOR’S Harbour and central Eleuthera residents yesterday asserted they remain opposed to a proposed large-scale $650m resort project, arguing it threatens the island’s tourism product, environment and social fabric despite promises of major infrastructure upgrades and 500 full-time jobs.
BPL good news?…. $43m fuel hedge saving forecast
BAHAMAS Power & Light’s (BPL) latest fuel hedge is forecast to save households and businesses a combined $43m during 2026, a newly-released report has revealed, shielding energy users from the worst effects of the Middle East conflict and crude oil price spikes.
New Providence grid firm suffers key skills shortage
BAHAMAS Grid Company’s(BGC) top executive yesterday conceded the New Providence grid operator is suffering from shortages of staff and specialist skills, as he asserted: “Local talent is somewhat limited.”
Bahamas Grid investor: Loss of Pike alliance a ‘major risk’
A BAHAMAS Grid Company bond holder says the “main risk” for New Providence’s electricity network operator is the absence of a new “strategic partner” to replace Island Grid Solutions and Eric Pike rather than the delayed transfer of grid assets.
Developer: ‘No major talks’ with Gov’t over Crown Land and PPP for $650m proposal
THE US developer behind a $650m resort project for the Governor’s Harbour area has revealed “no significant discussions” have been held with the Government amid growing concern he does not own much of the large land tracts he desires.
Bahamian bank’s $35m claim survives strike-out
A BAHAMIAN bank yesterday hailed a south Florida court’s decision not to strike-out its $35m damages claim against a payments provider for “unlawfully withholding” funds belonging to itself and its clients as its accusations of theft and breach of fiduciary duty were upheld.
ALICIA WALLACE: James Baldwin and Emancipation and the importance of a letter to a nephew
EMANCIPATION Day, marking the 1834 abolition of slavery, is celebrated on 1 August.
EV dealers reject claims that chargers strain grid
ELECTRIC vehicle dealers Pia and John Farmer have accused Bahamas Grid Company executives of scapegoating EV owners for longstanding failures in the country’s electricity system after the company’s chief executive described home chargers as a substantial, unseen drain on the grid.
Tuesday, August 4
Not in The Bahamas ‘best interest’ for developer to lot-sell Gov’t land
A FORMER Bahamas National Trust (BNT) chief yesterday argued it is not in The Bahamas’ “best interests” to allow a US developer to obtain 100 acres of Government land at Eleuthera’s Navy Beach for lot sales to finance his development plans.
Rival group urges Potter’s Cay marina plan rejection
A RIVAL Bahamian group is arguing that the 25-slip marina proposed for a Nassau harbourfront site just west of Potter’s Cay dock should be rejected because it does not represent the most valuable or strategic use of that location.
Developer’s 30% lot sales promise on Eleuthera PPP
A US developer is pledging that 30 percent of the proceeds from residential lot sales, including 100 acres of Government-owned land, will be devoted to solving central Eleuthera’s power, water and affordable housing woes as well as underwriting an up to $50m infrastructure partnership.
‘You bank on BPL being dreadful, but not always’
AN OUTSPOKEN businessman says Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) latest woes have cost his company “at least $100,000” in generator repairs and related expenses, as he blasted: “You bank on BPL being dreadful, but not all the time.”
Elderly residents frightened and overheated during BPL power outages
ELDERLY residents at two New Providence care homes were left frightened, overheated and without parts of their normal medical routine during recent power outages, forcing staff to move bedridden patients in the dark and exposing the human cost of unreliable electricity service.
Two dead in separate shootings as murder count climbs to 48
TWO men are dead after separate shootings in the capital less than a week apart, pushing the country’s murder count to 48 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.
Teen remanded over $21K in summer shop break-ins
A 17-year-old boy was remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys on Friday after he was accused of a series of shop-breakings in New Providence this summer.
Fox Hill murder suspect jailed over illegal firearm
A 19-year-old man awaiting trial for a Fox Hill murder last month was sentenced to 42 months in prison for possessing a loaded gun.
Babysitter accused of beating two young girls with a stick
A WOMAN was accused of beating two young girls with a stick while babysitting them last week at Fox Alley and Cox Street.
Murder suspect denied bail after wrapping monitor in foil
A MAN awaiting murder trial was denied bail on Friday after he allegedly breached his curfew and tampered with his monitoring device twice this year.
Five days of blackouts push residents to the brink
FIVE consecutive days of power cuts across western New Providence left residents sleeping in cars, throwing out spoiled food and spending hundreds of dollars on generator fuel, as Bahamas Power and Light admitted its ageing system and contingency plans had been stretched by repeated failures.
Mourners bid tearful farewell to Shirley Street crash victims
BERTRICA Brown’s older brother recalled going without food and raising her from a shack after both of her parents died, as loved ones gathered over the weekend to mourn two of the five young people killed in the Shirley Street crash.
Govt launches forensic review of foreign hiring practices in GB
THE government has launched what Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell called a “forensic” review of hiring practices in Grand Bahama and the hotel sector, with particular scrutiny on management positions held by foreign workers.
Independence Day crash victim memorial
ONE family buried the first victim of the Independence Day plane crash on Saturday while another held a memorial service without their loved one’s remains, underscoring the prolonged anguish facing relatives nearly a month after the disaster killed ten people.
Fusion questions Sony block on new Spider-Man release
SONY Pictures has withheld Spider-Man: Brand New Day from Fusion Superplex without explaining why, prompting the cinema to question whether the decision is connected to its recent cyberattack and ransomware incident.
‘Something ain’t adding up,’ says mom of drowned teen who couldn’t swim
AN 18-year-old who could not swim drowned in the South Beach Canal after somehow entering the water with friends, leaving his family struggling to reconcile conflicting accounts of his final moments.
Ten escape uninjured after seaplane strikes Bimini dock
A SEAPLANE carrying eight tourists and two crew members struck a dock and sank near North Bimini on Saturday as the pilot tried to steer away from heavy vessel traffic.
Businesses urged to use less power
BAHAMAS Power and Light has appealed to government agencies, large businesses and ordinary customers to reduce their reliance on the electricity grid as New Providence’s system approaches capacity, with overloaded circuits and transformers already contributing to outages across the island.
Academy graduates highlight maritime sector’s growing role
THE LJM Maritime Academy highlighted the industry’s growing significance for the Bahamian economy as it celebrated the graduation of its 2023 and 2024 cadet classes while also holding a pre-sea passing out ceremony for those in the latter year.
Green Turtle Cay EIA call undermines trust
An advocacy group has warned that the decision not to require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Gillam Bay project on Green Turtle Cay threatens to further undermine transparency and trust in regulatory processes.
Marina chief: Potter’s Cay consultation upheld fears
A MARINA operator last week's public consultation on the proposed Blu Cay Marina left him convinced it will worsen congestion around Potter's Cay, arguing the meeting failed to resolve concerns over traffic and parking and whether it is being held to the same standards as other operators.
BPL chief admits regaining trust needs action, not words
BAHAMAS Power & Light’s (BPL) executive chairman yesterday admitted it will take more than promises for the utility to regain customers’ trust after frequent, long-lasting island-wide and community outages spread beyond multiple Family Islands to New Providence.
Governor: More research needed on US tariff effect
THE CENTRAL Bank’s governor yesterday said more research is needed to determine how the US imposition of a 12.5 percent tariff on Bahamian exports will affect this country's economy, identifying seafood exports as one of the sectors set to be most impacted.
Fusion queries if cyber attack delayed Spiderman licensing
FUSION Superplex has challenged film distributors over whether its failure to secure a licence to screen Spider-Man: Brand New Day is linked to the cyber and ransomware attack that forced several key operating systems off-line earlier this year.
No ‘rubber stamp’ eyed for ex-Club Med site’s revival
A BAHAMIAN-LED group yesterday pledged its redevelopment of Governor’s Harbour’s former Club Med property will produce a “low density” five-star project featuring 40-60 resort suites and villas while reassuring residents it is not seeking their “rubber stamp”.
OpEd: Reforms for Bahamas to lead Caribbean on aviation safety
For more than 40 years I have served Bahamian aviation in several capacities,
FACING REALITY: The finish line is never the end
HUMAN beings have an odd relationship with winning.
WORLD VIEW: Nicaragua’s abandoned ballot
DANIEL Ortega has now said openly what his regime has demonstrated for years: the people of Nicaragua are not to be permitted to remove their rulers through elections.
Saturday, August 1
Seaplane damaged while taxiing in North Bimini
A seaplane operated by Tropic Ocean Airways was damaged while taxiing in waters off North Bimini this morning, leaving the aircraft immobilised but causing no injuries to the 10 people on board.
