FNM Senator: Where’s the ‘Ministry of Debt’?
An Opposition senator, yesterday argued that the Government should formally recognise its largest financial burden by establishing a “Ministry of Debt”, adding that the 2026-2027 Budget prioritises balancing the books over delivering effective results that improve Bahamian lives.
National Trust faces $150m funding gap
The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) faces an annual $150m funding gap over what is needed to fully manage this nation’s marine protected areas (MPAs) and national parks, it was revealed yesterday.
Gov’ts March surplus off $48m compared to 2025
The Government’s fiscal surplus for the key month of March 2026 shrank by 26.4 percent year-over-year, it was revealed yesterday, as revenues remained relatively flat while total spending jumped by $52.1m compared to 2025 during the run-up to the May 12 general election.
Exempt The Bahamas’ fisheries from 12.5% tariffs, Trump urged
US seafood importers are urging the Trump administration to exempt Bahamian lobster and stone crab from punitive 12.5 percent tariffs that threaten to place up to $70m of this nation’s exports at “an economic disadvantage” against rivals with “weaker labour protections”.
Govt plans visa exemption for foreign business visitors doing short-term work
THE Davis administration is moving to ease immigration rules for select foreign business visitors, with legislation creating a Trusted Traveller Programme that would allow some people to enter The Bahamas for up to three days without a work visa or short-term work visa.
Father killed in Andros crash during annual family reunion
A FAMILY’S annual trip to Andros ended in tragedy on Tuesday when Burdette Cartwright, the relative who helped organise the reunion for decades, was killed in a traffic collision as his 16-year-old son tried to save him with CPR.
Disease strikes 80% of Bahamian reefs
Scientists yesterday estimated that at least 80 percent of Bahamian reefs have been affected by stony coral tissue loss disease, with some sites experiencing mortality rates exceeding 90 percent.
Record healthcare spend must tackle system gaps
THE Government’s record $469m healthcare spending in the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal year will only translate into better patient care and outcomes if the funding addresses staff shortages, infrastructure gaps and access to care, a leading doctor is warning.
Environmental chief: Reefs key to Bahamas’ way of life
The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP)) director yesterday said reefs remain central to The Bahamas’ environmental and economic well-being.
Fiscal upgrades drive investor confidence
THE Bahamas’ improving fiscal position, declining debt burden and growing revenue base are strengthening investor confidence and creating new opportunities for long-term investment, financial executives and government officials are both asserting.
Top financial official labels affordable home woe ‘crisis’
THE Government’s latest home ownership incentives may improve access to mortgages and reduce transaction costs for first-time buyers, but there is a consensus that The Bahamas’ affordability woes cannot be solved without a significant increase in housing supply.
Far too easy’ to get key fishing licences
Bahamian fishermen yesterday demanded tougher regulation, more consistent enforcement and greater accountability, with industry leaders arguing that weak oversight is undermining both the industry’s sustainability and long-term business growth.
Parliament watchdog set to be ‘relentless’ amid ‘handicap’ bid
The Opposition’s leader yesterday pledged that Parliament’s spending watchdog will be “relentless” and “very aggressive” in seeking answers for the Bahamian people on how their tax dollars are being spent while asserting that government “stalling tactics” will not work.
‘Zero political will’ to slim $1bn civil service
A former Cabinet minister yesterday asserted that the major political parties “aren’t remotely interested” in reversing the ever-increasing size of government and its $1bn civil service because the cost has yet to overwhelm or outrage Bahamians.
