Two Bahamian aviation scholars have been safely repatriated following a period of heightened tension in Qatar, where they were caught in the crossfire of escalating Middle Eastern hostilities. Aysia Thurston, 26, and Brittany Ford, 20, who were enrolled at the Qatar Aeronautical Academy, arrived at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Friday to emotional reunions with family and government representatives. Their return marked a dramatic departure from the alarming conditions they recently endured, characterized by the audible interception of missiles, structural vibrations, and visible destruction in their immediate vicinity. Thurston provided a firsthand account of the disquieting experience, noting the relentless noise of shaking buildings and windows. She credited Qatar’s robust defense infrastructure for their safety, revealing that the most significant damage she witnessed was a vehicle destroyed by a fallen interceptor missile. Despite the persistent conflict, she noted that life in the city largely continued, which provided a sense of security. The regional instability was triggered last month by coordinated U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, which provoked a series of retaliatory missile and drone assaults across the Gulf region. Neighboring nations, including the United Arab Emirates, have actively intercepted numerous projectiles, while Iranian leadership has issued warnings of future attacks, alleging that the UAE provided covert operational bases for American forces. Both students acknowledged this was not their initial encounter with regional unrest but affirmed it was the most severe and prolonged episode. Ford described the ordeal of sharing a single bed with fellow CARICOM students throughout the crisis, stating they ‘battled every day since then.’ Thurston reflected that their coping mechanism was rooted in the mantra: ‘if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.’ The pair were recipients of a 2024 government scholarship initiative facilitated by the Bahamas Department of Aviation’s Aeronautical Academy. Regarding the prospect of resuming their studies abroad, Thurston expressed a willingness to return once stability is restored, emphasizing the need for a peaceful environment. Family members conveyed immense relief, with Thurston’s mother, Emily Williams, recounting days filled with anxiety and constant prayer for her daughter’s safe extraction. Brittany Ford’s grandfather, Wayne Cartwright, admitted to initially opposing her departure, foreseeing the potential for conflict in the region, and expressed profound relief at her return. Jerusa Ali, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed ongoing communications with UAE authorities. She reported that commercial flight operations continue intermittently and advised Bahamian citizens in the area to officially register with the ministry, maintain communication with diplomatic officials, and monitor airport advisories. While the exact number of Bahamians currently in the UAE remains unclear, Ali noted that the Bahamian embassy in Abu Dhabi is operating in a crisis management mode, providing essential consular services to those choosing to shelter in place or seeking assistance for evacuation.
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Western Air chief warns of air fare increase as 40% fuel spike expected
A perfect storm of geopolitical conflict and regional policy challenges is converging on The Bahamas’ tourism economy, with airline executives and resort owners warning of significant economic repercussions. Western Air, a major Bahamian carrier, has received formal notification of an immediate 40 percent surge in jet fuel costs directly linked to Middle East tensions, with further increases anticipated. Sherrexcia ‘Rexy’ Rolle, the airline’s president and CEO, confirmed that this development will inevitably force ticket price increases across the industry, potentially affecting travel accessibility to the island nation at a critical moment for tourism recovery.
The fuel crisis emerges alongside existing challenges in the Family Islands’ hospitality sector. Emanuel Alexiou, president of the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board, reported dramatic occupancy declines of nearly 50 percent in January and 27 percent in February at his Abaco Beach Resort property, with similar trends affecting other members. This downturn stems from two primary factors: the collapse of Silver Airways in June 2025, which drastically reduced air connectivity to Abaco, Exuma and other destinations, and controversial new boating fees that have deterred short-stay visitors.
While March has shown promising recovery signs with occupancy levels matching previous years, industry leaders express deep concern about the compounding effect of fuel prices on an already fragile market. Alexiou acknowledged that a protracted Middle East conflict would have ‘a big impact’ on both the Bahamian and global economies, particularly if fuel costs remain elevated through the critical summer season.
The boating industry faces particular vulnerability. Peter Maury, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, projected that marine fuel costs could increase 30-40 percent, creating what he termed ‘one more expense that a lot of boaters are probably not going to want to pay.’ This comes amid ongoing uncertainty about the government’s promised new cruising permit categories, which were announced in the mid-year Budget presentation but remain undetailed just weeks before the crucial Palm Beach Boat Show.
Political responses are emerging as the crisis develops. Senator Darren Henfield, Opposition leader in the Senate, has urged the government to implement emergency measures including a VAT cap on gasoline and an increased VAT-free threshold for electricity bills to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices on Bahamian families. These proposals mirror approaches successfully implemented in Barbados during previous oil price spikes.
The convergence of these factors—aviation fuel costs, reduced air connectivity, controversial marine fees, and now geopolitical instability affecting energy markets—creates unprecedented challenges for The Bahamas’ tourism-dependent economy just as it seeks to recover from a difficult start to 2026.
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Halkitis defends VAT changes, says grocers had ‘ample time’
The Bahamian government has firmly responded to mounting criticism from food retailers regarding its upcoming Value-Added Tax (VAT) reforms, asserting that businesses have received adequate preparation time for the impending changes. Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis addressed the Senate on Wednesday, providing detailed justification for the administration’s decision to eliminate VAT on unprepared food items effective April 1, 2024.
Halkitis clarified the fundamental distinction between ‘zero-rated’ and ‘exempt’ VAT classifications, explaining that the government deliberately chose the exemption model to prevent substantial revenue losses. Under the exemption framework, importers avoid paying VAT and consequently cannot claim input tax credits—a mechanism that prevents large-scale refund obligations from burdening government coffers. Conversely, zero-rating would enable retailers to reclaim VAT inputs, creating significant fiscal liabilities for the state.
The Minister revealed that government officials had initiated dialogue with retail stakeholders as early as last year, providing advance notice of the policy direction before the formal January announcement. Halkitis emphasized that the three-month implementation window represents sufficient adjustment time given contemporary technological capabilities, including artificial intelligence systems that streamline accounting processes.
Addressing allegations that the tax relief measure constitutes pre-election maneuvering, Halkitis categorically denied any political motivation. He characterized the VAT reduction as part of a broader series of economic relief initiatives implemented since the Davis administration assumed office, designed specifically to alleviate cost-of-living pressures for Bahamian households.
While acknowledging variations in consumer savings depending on individual spending patterns, the Minister maintained that the policy will deliver tangible financial benefits. Households with higher grocery expenditures will realize more substantial savings compared to those who frequently dine out, but all consumers will experience some degree of economic relief through reduced food prices.
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‘Hospital in worst state in 40 years’
The Bahamas Nurses Union has declared a state of emergency regarding working conditions at Princess Margaret Hospital, with president Muriel Lightbourn characterizing the situation as the most severe deterioration witnessed in her four-decade nursing career. This alarming assessment amplifies similar concerns previously voiced by Consultant Physicians Staff Association leader Dr. Charelle Lockhart, who described the public healthcare system as operating in ‘dire straits.’
At the heart of the escalating crisis are multiple systemic failures including hazardous workplace environments, chronic equipment shortages, and unresolved financial compensations. Lightbourn revealed that more than twenty nursing professionals await overdue promotions, with some delays tracing back to 2023. Particularly notable is the case of the acting Director of Nursing who remains unconfirmed in her position despite repeated ministerial assurances.
Financial grievances compound the institutional neglect, with nurses awaiting outstanding mileage and overtime payments. Lightbourn reported receiving near-daily inquiries from public health nurses questioning when these financial commitments will be honored, creating an atmosphere of mounting frustration and eroding trust.
The physical working environments present additional hazards. Multiple clinics, including facilities in New Providence and the Family Islands, reportedly suffer from mold contamination and inadequate infrastructure, contributing to respiratory illnesses among healthcare staff. Lightbourn recounted the paradoxical challenge of being asked to provide evidence of illness causation while working in visibly compromised environments.
Medical professionals describe a healthcare system in collapse. Dr. Lockhart, a pediatrician with 22 years of public hospital service, testified to critical equipment shortages where basic medical instruments were unavailable in emergency situations, forcing physicians to retrieve necessary tools from their private practices. She further highlighted poor staff deployment strategies and warned that continued systemic neglect is accelerating workforce burnout and skilled personnel loss.
With negotiations yielding minimal progress, nurses are now preparing to determine their next course of action during an emergency meeting this week. Lightbourn emphasized that patience has been exhausted, stating: ‘Faith without works is dead,’ indicating that traditional advocacy channels have failed to produce meaningful change.
The union leader issued a direct appeal to Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville to intensify efforts to address the multidimensional crisis before the healthcare system reaches complete breakdown.
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Iran ‘negotiating’ with FIFA over moving World Cup games to Mexico
MEXICO CITY — Iran’s national football team faces unprecedented geopolitical complications ahead of the World Cup tournament as diplomatic channels intensify efforts to relocate their matches from United States venues to Mexican stadiums. The Iranian Football Federation has formally entered negotiations with FIFA following security concerns raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the team’s safety during the tournament.
The controversy emerged when Trump publicly questioned security guarantees for the Iranian delegation, stating the team should reconsider traveling to the U.S. “for their own life and safety” despite previous assurances from FIFA President Gianni Infantino about their welcome status. This declaration triggered immediate diplomatic responses from Iranian officials.
Mehdi Taj, President of Iran’s Football Federation, explicitly stated through the Iranian Embassy in Mexico: “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.” The federation is now pursuing official channels to transfer Iran’s scheduled matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt from Los Angeles and Seattle to Mexican venues.
Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh further elaborated on logistical complications, citing the “U.S. government’s lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and the provision of logistical support” for the Iranian delegation. The diplomatic mission has formally suggested to FIFA that Mexico host Iran’s matches instead.
The situation developed against the backdrop of recent military confrontations between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, which had already cast doubt on Iran’s participation in the tournament hosted across North America. FIFA has not yet issued an official response to the relocation request or the escalating diplomatic situation surrounding the tournament’s scheduling.
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Nigeria suicide bombings kill 23, wound more than 100
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — A series of coordinated explosions ripped through the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on Monday evening, killing at least 23 people and injuring over 100 others in one of the most severe attacks to hit the Borno state capital in recent years. The bombings targeted strategic locations including a bustling market, the entrance to the city’s largest teaching hospital, and a post office axis just as residents broke their daily Ramadan fast.
Military authorities attributed the devastating assault to suspected Boko Haram militants, issuing warnings of heightened suicide attack threats during the final days of the holy month. The violence follows an earlier jihadist attack on a military post from Sunday into Monday and coincides with President Bola Tinubu’s preparation for a UK state visit where security cooperation is expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos as panicked crowds fled the initial market explosion toward the post office area, where a second detonation subsequently struck those attempting to escape. “Many people ran toward the post office area because the market entrance and the post office are not far apart,” recounted survivor Mala Mohammed, 31. “Unfortunately, as they were running towards post office, the person who had the explosive device ran into the crowd while people were still trying to escape.”
The attacks represent a devastating rupture to Maiduguri’s recent period of relative calm, which had seen the insurgency largely pushed to rural hinterlands. As the birthplace of Boko Haram’s initial 2009 uprising that evolved into a bloody campaign for territorial control, the city had transformed into a comparative oasis of stability despite ongoing violence in surrounding regions.
Conflict analyst Confidence McHarry of Lagos-based SBM Intelligence noted that while security within Maiduguri had improved, “the city has always been vulnerable” with countryside attacks frequently occurring mere kilometers from urban centers. The military’s recent focus on Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) may have created operational opportunities for Boko Haram, demonstrating that the group “still has cells around Maiduguri and the attacks show they’re still a force to be reckoned with.”
Police confirmed 23 fatalities and 108 injuries, though anti-jihadist militia sources suggested the death toll might reach 31. An AFP correspondent at a city hospital documented dozens of wounded receiving emergency treatment alongside bodies covered with sheets on pavement areas outside the facility.
Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the “barbaric” attacks, suggesting the surge in violence connects to “intense military operations in the Sambisa forest,” a known jihadist stronghold. Security forces have now increased their presence and surveillance throughout Maiduguri, with authorities reporting that “normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas.”
The bombings mark the most significant attack since 2021 mortar fire killed 10 people, following a December mosque bombing that claimed at least seven lives. These urban assaults occur against a backdrop of persistent rural violence, prompting the United States to recently deploy 200 troops to provide technical and training support to Nigerian forces combating jihadist groups.
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Israel says it killed Iran national security chief Larijani
JERUSALEM — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday that Iran’s influential National Security Chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary force commander Gholamreza Soleimani had been successfully eliminated in targeted operations. The announcement marks what would constitute the most significant assassination within Iranian leadership circles since the wave of U.S.-Israeli strikes initiated the conflict on February 28, which previously claimed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials.
In a televised address, Katz revealed he had received confirmation from Israel’s military chief regarding the operations. “Larijani and Soleimani have joined Khamenei, the architect of annihilation programs, along with all eliminated members of the axis of evil in the depths of hell,” Katz stated, employing stark rhetoric to characterize the outcomes.
Concurrent with these developments, Israeli military officials confirmed targeting Akram al-Ajouri, a senior military commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad and head of its al-Quds Brigades, in a separate strike within Iran. Al-Ajouri, operational in both the West Bank and Gaza, participated in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on Israel. Israeli authorities described Larijani as Tehran’s de facto decision-maker, asserting he had been “calling the shots and moving the pieces around” both recently and historically.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office disseminated an image of Benjamin Netanyahu on a telephone call with the caption: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders the elimination of senior figures in the Iranian regime.” Earlier military communications detailed that Soleimani’s elimination occurred through “a precise strike in Tehran” based on IDF intelligence. The Basij force, operating under Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was identified as having led repression operations during recent mass protests against the clerical establishment.
According to Israeli military assessments, Soleimani was killed alongside other Basij commanders at a makeshift headquarters. Recent Israeli operations have focused on Basij checkpoints around Tehran aiming to disrupt governmental control mechanisms. Following Katz’s statement, AFP correspondents in Jerusalem reported distant explosions and activated sirens in northern Israel, signaling warnings of incoming Iranian missiles.
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Shanoya Douglas could get World Under-20 silver after Hodge’s dope ban
Jamaican athlete Shanoya Douglas is poised to receive a retroactive upgrade to the silver medal position from the 2024 World Athletics Under-20 Championships following a significant doping adjudication. The original gold medalist, Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), has been sanctioned after testing positive for two banned substances during the event held in Lima, Peru.
The disciplinary proceedings, announced by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), revealed that Hodge returned Adverse Analytical Findings for metabolites of GW501516, a substance prohibited at all times. The AIU’s report detailed that the University of Georgia freshman was notified of potential anti-doping rule violations in November 2024 and received an immediate provisional suspension.
Hodge cooperated with investigators throughout the process, participating in an interview and providing additional information between November 2024 and January 2025. This cooperation led to a case resolution agreement in which the athlete acknowledged the rule violations while maintaining that she ingested the substance unknowingly. The AIU accepted this explanation on the balance of probabilities, concluding that the violations were not intentional.
As a result of her substantial assistance, Hodge received a reduced suspension period. While the standard ban would have been longer, seven months were suspended, making her eligible to compete again starting January 28, 2026. Her competitive results from August 27, 2024, onward have been nullified.
This development means the original race standings from August 20, 2024, will be reconfigured. Australia’s Torrie Lewis, who initially finished second, is expected to be elevated to gold medal status, while Douglas moves from bronze to silver position. Jessica Milat, another Australian athlete who placed fourth, would consequently receive the bronze medal.
Hodge, who previously won the Austin Sealey Award at the 2022 Carifta Games and represented BVI at both the 2023 World Championships and 2024 Paris Olympics, recently demonstrated her continuing athletic prowess by winning the women’s 200m at the NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championships in Arkansas.
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Middle East war spurs call for local production boost
NEGRIL, Westmoreland — In a strategic move to insulate Jamaica’s vital tourism sector from global supply chain vulnerabilities, Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) Executive Director Dr. Carey Wallace has issued a compelling call for accelerated local production of goods. Addressing industry stakeholders, Wallace emphasized the critical timing of this initiative, highlighting the Caribbean’s status as a peaceful haven amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East that threaten international shipping routes.
The urgency was underscored during last Thursday’s TEF Speed Networking event at James Hunter Event Centre Board Walk Village, where Wallace delivered his keynote. He articulated a clear vision for supply chain resilience, stating, ‘Strategic domestic sourcing ensures our tourism experience remains uninterrupted. Should disruptions emerge from critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, Jamaica will maintain its strength, powered by locally produced products and services for our visitors.’
The event itself served as a practical implementation of this strategy, facilitating targeted connections between 72 local suppliers and 25 major buyers from the hospitality industry. Through a structured platform, pre-arranged 15-minute meetings linked top executives from supplier firms with decision-makers from hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Looking beyond current geopolitical tensions, Wallace outlined a future of expanded opportunity. He projected that a post-conflict global landscape would unlock new potential for ‘experiential tourism’ dispersed across Jamaica’s diverse geography—from mountains and riversides to valleys—ensuring widespread local economic benefit.
Reaffirming a ‘local-first’ doctrine, Wallace confirmed that this approach is a cornerstone of the Ministry of Tourism’s policy, aimed at creating a more inclusive and expansive tourism model where Jamaican communities reap significantly greater rewards from the industry.
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BUILDING BREACHES BLITZ!
TRLAWNY, Jamaica – Municipal authorities in Trelawny have initiated a rigorous enforcement campaign targeting zoning violations within the parish’s gated communities. Under the leadership of Falmouth Mayor C Junior Gager, the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) executed a coordinated operation in Florence Hall, issuing over twenty formal notices for building regulation infractions and unauthorized signage.
The enforcement team, comprising officials from the building department, revenue collection unit, and municipal police, identified multiple violations including residential properties illegally converted into commercial establishments and automotive garages operating in zones designated exclusively for residential use. Mayor Gager emphasized that the primary objective extends beyond revenue generation to preserving community integrity and residential tranquility.
‘Residents purchased properties in these communities expecting peaceful neighborhoods, not commercial disturbances,’ Gager stated. ‘We cannot tolerate situations where business activities disrupt residential comfort, particularly during nighttime hours.’
The municipal corporation has signaled that this operation marks merely the initial phase of a parish-wide compliance initiative. Having commenced in southern Trelawny, the campaign is now progressing through northern sectors with all gated communities scheduled for inspection. Authorities have formally notified strata presidents to facilitate access for comprehensive evaluations of unauthorized structures.
Violators are being afforded opportunity for compliance through a graduated enforcement approach. The TMC will issue up to three notices before pursuing legal recourse, with officials expressing confidence that most property owners will regularize their status through proper planning approval processes.
Notably, the crackdown predominantly addresses new construction violations rather than hurricane-damaged structures. Mayor Gager highlighted particular concerns regarding deviations between approved building plans and actual construction, alongside ancillary issues including road encroachments, abandoned vehicles creating public health hazards, and dangerous speeding within residential schemes.
The municipal corporation plans collaborative discussions with community management committees to address traffic safety concerns and potential leptospirosis risks from derelict vehicles, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to community regulation and public welfare.