A significant wave of industrial action swept through The Bahamas yesterday as over a thousand public school teachers failed to report to work, leading to the early closure of six schools. The mass absenteeism, orchestrated by Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson, was part of a broader protest against the government’s handling of pay adjustments. According to Education Director Dominique McCartney-Russell, 1,135 out of 3,186 public school teachers were absent, with the majority concentrated in New Providence. The government has privately warned that participants in the protest could face salary deductions and disciplinary measures. Meanwhile, Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle reported no widespread absenteeism among other public servants, despite calls for action from Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) President Kimsely Ferguson. The protest culminated in a march to Parliament, where demonstrators, including teachers, janitors, and social workers, voiced their frustrations over stagnant wages, poor working conditions, and lack of promotions. Among the protesters, janitress Geraldine Strachan shared her struggles with mounting bills and medical needs, while teacher aide Sharon McKenzie highlighted the emotional toll on educators. In Grand Bahama, social worker Taronya lamented her 12-year career without a promotion, citing systemic barriers to upward mobility. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis faced criticism for his handling of the dispute, particularly after canceling a scheduled meeting with union leaders. In a national address, Davis accused some union leaders of “grandstanding and public drama,” while defending the government’s phased pay adjustment plan, which excludes certain categories of workers. The plan, aimed at closing the pay gap between public service and the wider sector, includes base pay increases of 8 to 31 percent over four years. However, union leaders argue that the plan prioritizes middle management over frontline workers, leaving many in precarious financial situations. The protest underscores deepening tensions between the government and public servants, with union leaders vowing to continue their fight for fair treatment and equitable pay.
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Government tables bill aimed at cracking down on migrant smuggling
In a significant move to address migrant smuggling, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe presented the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025, in the House of Assembly. This legislation aims to strengthen The Bahamas’ ability to prosecute traffickers involved in moving people into or out of the country, particularly when Bahamian nationals or interests are implicated. The bill extends jurisdiction to cases occurring both within and outside The Bahamas, covering scenarios where the country serves as a point of origin, transit, or destination for smuggled migrants. Minister Munroe emphasized that the expanded scope ensures local authorities can act against offenders regardless of the location of the crime, provided it involves Bahamian interests. The legislation also enhances enforcement powers at sea, including search, seizure, and arrest, while safeguarding migrant safety and human rights. The bill outlines various human smuggling offenses, such as using fraudulent documents, arranging illegal entry, concealing migrants, and coordinating smuggling operations. Penalties include fines up to $300,000 and imprisonment for up to 15 years, with harsher punishments for cases involving exploitation, violence, or harm to vulnerable groups. The bill also penalizes owners of vehicles, vessels, or aircraft used in smuggling and criminalizes harboring smuggled migrants for financial gain. Additionally, the legislation protects migrants’ rights, ensuring access to basic amenities, consular services, and asylum procedures. Minister Munroe highlighted that this legislation fills a critical gap in national law, aligning with international treaties to combat migrant smuggling effectively.
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Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ highest-paid footballers list again
PARIS, France (AFP)—Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer, has once again claimed the top spot on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid footballers for the 2025-26 season. This marks the sixth time in the past decade that Ronaldo has led the rankings, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most lucrative figures. The announcement follows closely on the heels of Bloomberg’s revelation that the 40-year-old has become football’s first billionaire. Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, is estimated to earn a staggering $280 million, combining both on-field and off-field earnings. This figure more than doubles that of his closest rival, Lionel Messi, who is projected to earn $130 million, primarily from off-field ventures rather than his on-field contributions to Inter Miami in the United States. The list also features French football icon Karim Benzema, who earns $104 million annually with Saudi club Al Ittihad, and Senegalese forward Sadio Mane, Ronaldo’s teammate at Al Nassr, who takes the eighth spot with an estimated $54 million. Notably, the number of Saudi-based players in the top 10 has decreased by one compared to the previous year, following Brazilian star Neymar’s departure from Al Hilal to return to his childhood club, Santos in Sao Paulo. Neymar, who was third on the list last season with $110 million, now earns a modest $38 million, largely from off-field contracts. Despite the financial might of the English Premier League, which spent a record £2.6 billion ($3.5 billion) on transfers during the summer window, only two players from the league feature in the top 10: Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in fifth place and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in seventh. Spain’s La Liga, however, boasts the most representatives in the top 10, including three Real Madrid players—Kylian Mbappe (fourth), Vinicius Jr (sixth), and Jude Bellingham (ninth)—alongside Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who rounds out the list in tenth place with $43 million. Forbes highlighted that the combined earnings of the world’s ten highest-paid footballers for the 2025-26 season are estimated at a whopping $945 million.
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ITA temporarily suspends driver’s licence tests at Swallowfield hub
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has declared a temporary suspension of driver’s licence and learner’s permit tests at its Swallowfield Service Hub in St Andrew, effective next Tuesday. The suspension is due to scheduled repairs at the facility, which are set to commence on October 21 and are projected to last four to five weeks. During this period, written, yard, and road tests will not be conducted at the Swallowfield location.
To accommodate affected customers, the ITA has advised individuals to utilize alternative service hubs, including the Spanish Town Road Service Hub, the Harbour View Service Hub, and the Spanish Town Service Hub. Those with pre-scheduled appointments for learner’s permits or driver’s licences at Swallowfield will be redirected to the Spanish Town Road Service Hub.
Despite the suspension of testing services, motor vehicle inspections will continue as usual at the Swallowfield facility. Additionally, certificates of fitness will be issued digitally to ensure minimal disruption to customers. The ITA emphasized its commitment to maintaining service efficiency and urged the public to plan accordingly during the repair period.
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Policewoman found dead at home in St James
In a somber turn of events, 59-year-old police corporal Bibzie Foster was discovered unresponsive at her residence in Brooks Close, Granville, St James, Jamaica, on Wednesday morning. Foster, who was on the verge of retirement, was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where she was pronounced dead. Preliminary reports have not yet disclosed the cause of her sudden passing. Foster was set to retire in November, marking the end of her dedicated service with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The JCF’s Corporate Communications Network (CCN) has officially confirmed her untimely demise. The incident has left the local community and her colleagues in mourning, as they reflect on her contributions to law enforcement and her impending retirement that will now remain unfulfilled.
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Pay review warns of ‘wealth destruction’ for civil servants
A comprehensive salary review commissioned by the Bahamian government has uncovered alarming disparities in public sector earnings, with middle managers and technical officers struggling to keep pace with rising living costs. The May 2025 Salary Review for Middle Management and Technical Officers, conducted by consulting firm DCB Holding Ltd for the Ministry of Finance, analyzed 85 priority roles across various public service departments, including senior administrators, law enforcement officers, customs and immigration personnel, and finance and audit staff. The report highlights a concerning trend of ‘wealth destruction,’ as inflation and stagnant wages erode employees’ purchasing power. Over the past few years, real earnings for public officers have declined by 5 to 16 percent, with top management staff losing up to 15 percent of their income. Police and Defence Force officers saw reductions of 5 to 14 percent, while customs, immigration, and correctional officers experienced the steepest declines of up to 16 percent. The study also revealed systemic issues within the government’s pay structure, including compressed salary ranges and ‘negative progression,’ where promotions yield minimal financial benefits. Nearly one in three police officers and 22 percent of executive personnel were found to be earning below the minimum threshold for their ranks. The consultants recommended aligning future pay reviews with key economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, and the Consumer Price Index to restore balance and safeguard workers’ purchasing power. Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has pledged to extend the review’s methodology to the broader public service, though the timeline for implementation remains unclear.
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North Eleuthera MP seeks re-nomination, leaving some aspirants feeling ‘disrespected’
North Eleuthera Member of Parliament Sylvanus Petty has announced his intention to seek re-nomination for his seat, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions within the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). Petty, who previously declared his departure from frontline politics to focus on family, confirmed his change of heart during a press briefing, stating he has the full backing of Prime Minister Philip Davis. ‘I just spoke to the Prime Minister about 20 minutes ago, so I’m good to go,’ Petty told reporters. However, his decision has left some PLP aspirants feeling ‘disrespected,’ particularly Oscar McPhee, a hopeful candidate who criticized Petty’s performance and accused him of neglecting constituents. McPhee argued that Petty’s return undermines the efforts of other aspirants and fails to address the community’s dissatisfaction. Residents of North Eleuthera have also voiced frustration over ongoing issues such as water, electricity, and internet disruptions, with some expressing reluctance to see Petty return. Despite these concerns, Petty remains confident in his re-election prospects, citing recent government initiatives to improve infrastructure and living conditions. ‘We’re gonna have the same support as we did in the last election,’ he said. ‘So I’m confident that we’re gonna win it.’ Prime Minister Davis is expected to meet with other hopefuls for the constituency soon, as the PLP navigates internal tensions ahead of the upcoming election.
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Investigation launched into cash stolen from Beryllium truck
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Beryllium, a prominent local security firm, has initiated an internal investigation and is collaborating closely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) following a significant cash theft from one of its armored vehicles last Saturday. The incident has prompted heightened scrutiny and swift action from the company. In a statement released on Thursday, Beryllium expressed confidence in the ongoing advanced investigative efforts, anticipating positive outcomes that will lead to the recovery of the stolen assets and the apprehension of the perpetrators. The company reassured its clients that the safety and integrity of its operations remain its utmost priority. Beryllium emphasized that every possible measure is being taken to resolve the matter quickly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to its services and maintaining trust with its customers.
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Danece Jacas is Miss Jamaica World Talent, advances to MJW top ten
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Danece Jacas, a resident of St. Mary, has emerged as the first-place winner in the Miss Jamaica World Talent fast track event, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the competition featured all 20 finalists vying for an automatic spot in the top ten. Jacas captivated the judges with her performance of Teddy Swims’ 2023 hit ‘Lose Control,’ securing her place in the finals.
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Rights groups demand legal memo on Caribbean boat strikes
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) have jointly filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to uncover the Office of Legal Counsel’s (OLC) guidance and related documents concerning lethal strikes on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean. This move follows U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s refusal to confirm the existence of such guidance during her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, Charles Young, nominee for U.S. Army General Counsel, acknowledged the guidance’s existence in a separate hearing, revealing it was developed through an interagency lawyers’ working group involving the White House and executive branch agencies. Public reports suggest the OLC’s opinion asserts expansive presidential authority to use military force against individuals linked to drug cartels. Jeffrey Stein of the ACLU’s National Security Project condemned these strikes as ‘murder, pure and simple,’ emphasizing the need for public scrutiny of the administration’s legal justifications. Since early September, President Trump has reportedly ordered five strikes in the Caribbean, resulting in at least 27 deaths. The administration defends these actions by labeling drug cartels as ‘non-state armed groups’ engaged in armed conflict with the U.S. However, critics, including bipartisan lawmakers, legal experts, and international bodies, argue the strikes violate both international and domestic law. Baher Azmy of CCR warned of the administration’s ‘indiscriminate pattern of lawlessness,’ stressing the importance of transparency. Amnesty International’s Daphne Eviatar condemned the strikes as ‘murder—plain and simple,’ urging Congress to halt these actions and hold those responsible accountable.