作者： admin

The Grand Bahama community is reeling from two separate fatal stabbings that occurred within a 24-hour period, claiming the lives of two local men and leaving multiple others injured.

In the first incident on Saturday night, 17-year-old Gtero Foster, a promising baseball athlete with aspirations of joining Major League Baseball, was fatally stabbed outside the Ibiza nightclub and lounge on Queen’s Highway. According to his grieving mother, Latara Knowles, the teenager never entered the establishment and was socializing with friends outside when assailants arrived by vehicle and initiated the violent attack. Foster sustained critical wounds to his chest and lung and tragically succumbed to his injuries during transport to the medical facility.

Ms. Knowles described her son as a mannerly and helpful individual who was actively working toward completing his graduation requirements at St. George’s School. She revealed that just hours before the tragedy, she had exchanged text messages with her son, reminding him about Sunday church services. His final message to her read: ‘I isse going church in the morning.’

Authorities confirmed that three additional individuals sustained injuries during the nightclub incident, with two having received treatment and been discharged from medical care. Law enforcement officials have taken a teenage boy and an adult male into custody in connection with the stabbing.

In a separate occurrence later that same evening, 38-year-old Okino Kareem Burrows was fatally stabbed during a physical altercation in Hepburn Town, Eight Mile Rock. The suspected assailant, a 46-year-old male, subsequently surrendered himself at the local police station. Mr. Burrows had previously experienced significant personal tragedy, having lost all his possessions and documents in a suspicious house fire in Hepburn Town last year, which he believed had been deliberately set.

These violent incidents have raised serious concerns about public safety and youth violence in the community, with investigations ongoing for both cases.

A tragic incident involving a correctional officer fatally shooting a family dog during a funeral procession for a retired canine officer has ignited nationwide condemnation in The Bahamas, raising serious questions about law enforcement training and animal protection protocols.

The event occurred Friday on Soldier Road as correctional officers participated in a procession honoring retired officer Andrew Sears. Video evidence circulating widely on social media shows officers with leashed dogs passing the property of 92-year-old Bahamian music legend Duke Errol Strachan when his three-year-old dog approached while barking. Shockingly, one officer—already holding his drawn firearm—discharged a single shot that killed the animal on Mr. Strachan’s property.

The distinguished musician, known professionally as Duke Errol and founder of the Errol Strachan Quintet, expressed profound grief over the loss of a pet gifted by his daughter. He characterized the shooting officer as ‘trigger-happy’ and disputed the official account that the dog posed a threat to humans. ‘They had no reason to shoot the dog,’ Strachan stated. ‘The dog was barking, not attacking.’

Bahamas Department of Correctional Services described the incident as ‘unfortunate’ and announced an ongoing investigation, extending condolences to the affected family while claiming the dog had ‘charged at the Department’s trained canines.’

Animal welfare organizations responded with forceful criticism. Kim Aranha, president of the Bahamas Humane Society, condemned the shooting as ‘a disgraceful action’ and questioned why an officer would patrol with weapon drawn in a residential area. ‘What if he tripped and set it off and killed a child?’ she posed, calling for improved training and respect for animal life among uniformed personnel.

Lisse McCombe of the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK!) noted the situation escalated to lethal force with unjustified speed, highlighting ‘the consequences of poor training and selective enforcement of the Animal Protection and Control Act.’

The incident has stimulated broader discussions about responsible pet ownership and appropriate law enforcement responses. While the Royal Bahamas Police Force subsequently issued guidance urging residents to secure their dogs, many viewed the timing as insensitive following the viral video.

Prominent community members including Paige Waugh, granddaughter of Super Value owner Rupert Roberts, have demanded thorough investigation, characterizing the shooting as ‘morally wrong and unethical.’ Officials from the Department of Agriculture confirmed their Animal Control Unit has collected the deceased animal and scheduled interviews with involved officers as the investigation continues.

The Bahamian legal profession gathered in solemn tribute on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Romona Farquharson Seymour, a formidable attorney remembered for her unwavering dedication to justice and fearless courtroom presence. Her funeral service at Salem Union Baptist Church became a platform for colleagues, family, and political figures to celebrate her profound impact on the legal landscape.

Opposition Leader Dr. Michael Pintard characterized Farquharson Seymour as a powerful voice within the legal community, emphasizing her commitment to accountability and truth. “She possessed an exceptional ability to ask difficult questions and challenge conventional thinking without compromise,” Pintard noted during his tribute.

Personal recollections painted a portrait of a multifaceted individual. Family friend and attorney Cathleen Hassan described her as a “ferocious warrior” for clients, frequently accepting cases others avoided. Beyond her professional tenacity, Hassan highlighted Farquharson Seymour’s capacity for unconditional love and her dedication as a mother who seamlessly integrated her young daughters into her demanding career.

Reverend Heuter Rolle’s sermon emphasized her deep religious convictions and steadfast devotion to both church and family. The sudden nature of her passing at age 49 left many, including Reverend Cedric Farquharson, expressing shock at her departure during what they described as the prime of her life.

With over two decades of legal practice since being called to the Bar in 2001, Farquharson Seymour built a reputation through high-profile cases. Her recent representation included former Prison Commissioner Charles Murphy in his ongoing litigation against the government and her initial defense work for Long Island MP Adrian Gibson during his 2022 investigation.

Her ambitions extended beyond courtroom advocacy. In 2023, she publicly declared her intention to run for presidency of the Bahamas Bar Association, advocating for new vision and leadership. She had also briefly explored political candidacy with the Free National Movement before withdrawing her application.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, upon her passing last month, recognized her as a significant force within the legal field whose name carried substantial weight among peers. She is survived by her husband, prominent attorney Calvin Seymour, and their two young daughters, Victoria and Sienna.