After decades of moving in the same musical circles, reggae artists Singer Irie and Ian Sweetness have finally joined forces to release their first collaborative track, ‘Real Friends,’ on September 2. The song, produced by the UK-based independent label One Harmony Records, marks a significant milestone in their careers.
作者： admin
-
Rick Fox hints at possible political future
Rick Fox, a former NBA player and Bahamian actor, has ignited widespread speculation about a potential foray into politics following a series of introspective social media posts shared over the holiday weekend. On Sunday, Fox revealed that he had been approached by numerous individuals inquiring whether he would consider running in the upcoming general election. “I’ve been hearing from a lot of you lately asking if I’m thinking about politics… if I’d consider running in the next general election,” he wrote. “Truth is, I didn’t expect so many people to care. But I’ve been having real conversations with women, youth, business owners, everyday Bahamians, and I keep hearing the same thing: ‘We’re ready for something different.’”
While Fox emphasized that he was not making any formal announcements, he expressed that he was “listening, reflecting, and exploring what the next chapter could look like.” He added his belief that The Bahamas’ best days lie ahead “if we come together with vision and purpose.”
The following day, on National Heroes Day, Fox shared another post honoring the individuals who have shaped his life and the nation’s history. Among those he celebrated were his father, grandparents, and prominent national figures such as Sir Lynden Pindling, the Women’s Suffrage Movement, Sir Sidney Poitier, Mychal Thompson, and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. Fox revealed that Davis had encouraged him four years ago to return to The Bahamas and bring his innovative ideas “to the front lines of climate change” to help establish “a global industry from The Bahamas.”
“These leaders and icons of mine remind me daily what it means to serve, inspire, and build a better life for my family, my community, and our nation,” Fox wrote.
In addition to his potential political aspirations, Fox serves as The Bahamas’ Sports Ambassador and is the founder and CEO of Partanna, a climate technology company specializing in carbon-negative building materials. In 2022, Fox signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bahamian government to develop a carbon-negative concrete manufacturing facility. The initiative aimed to construct the first 30 affordable homes using the sustainable material in Abaco the following year.
-
Israel identifies hostage bodies, returns 45 Palestinian dead
In a significant development, the Israeli military announced on Tuesday that the remains of four hostages returned by Hamas have been identified. Among them is Bipin Joshi, a 22-year-old Nepalese agriculture student, and Guy Iluz, a 26-year-old Israeli sound technician. The identities of the other two victims remain undisclosed at their families’ request. The remains were part of a broader exchange facilitated by the United States, which also saw the return of 45 Palestinian bodies to Gaza. This exchange aligns with ongoing efforts to de-escalate the Gaza conflict, as outlined in President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Guy Iluz, who was attending the Nova music festival during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, was injured and abducted alive. He later succumbed to his injuries due to inadequate medical care while in captivity. Bipin Joshi, part of a Nepalese agricultural training group, was abducted from Kibbutz Alumim and is believed to have been murdered during the early months of the war. The Israeli military stated that the exact causes of death for all four hostages will be determined following forensic examinations.
-
EU hits Gucci, Chloe, Loewe with 157-mn-euro fines for price fixing
In a significant move to uphold fair competition, the European Union has levied fines totaling over €157 million ($182 million) against luxury fashion giants Gucci, Chloe, and Loewe for engaging in resale price-fixing practices. The European Commission, following surprise raids in April 2023 and a formal antitrust investigation launched in July 2024, found that the brands had restricted independent retailers from setting their own prices both online and in physical stores. This anticompetitive behavior, according to the EU, not only inflated prices but also limited consumer choice.
-
UN, Red Cross demand opening of all Gaza crossings to let in aid
In a joint appeal on Tuesday, the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) emphasized the urgent need to open all crossings into Gaza to facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to the Israeli-blockaded Palestinian territory. The call comes as the region grapples with severe famine and catastrophic living conditions, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
-
Widespread flooding in Nassau after weekend of heavy rain
New Providence faced unprecedented flooding over the weekend as torrential rains transformed roads into rivers, severely disrupting daily life and submerging multiple communities. Housing Minister Keith Bell expressed concerns about the growing need for government assistance, particularly as the region is still recovering from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Imelda. Bell highlighted that areas such as Bel Air Estates, Carmichael Road, Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, and West Bay Street experienced some of the most severe flooding. Social media was flooded with videos depicting vehicles battling surging waters, overwhelmed drainage systems, and major thoroughfares rendered impassable. The Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs has announced plans to deploy drainage pumps and pump trucks once weather conditions stabilize. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Bell emphasized that the weekend’s deluge has significantly increased the number of Bahamians requiring government aid for home repairs and replacement of damaged possessions.
-
Protestors face off over LGBTQI+ rights march
In a dramatic display of societal division, religious demonstrators and LGBTQI+ advocates confronted each other on Saturday outside the University of The Bahamas, highlighting the nation’s ongoing struggle over faith, sexuality, and human rights. The event unfolded as two distinct groups gathered on opposite sides of University Drive, each voicing their deeply held convictions.
-
Bowleg: No private parades allowed
The Bahamas’ Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Mario Bowleg, has announced a comprehensive audit of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) amid escalating tensions over the management of the nation’s iconic Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. The minister has also ruled out approving any private parades organized by the JCNP, citing concerns over financial mismanagement and accountability. “The public will be very surprised by the audit’s findings,” Bowleg stated, emphasizing the need for transparency in the use of public funds. The government has transferred parade management to the newly established Parade Management Committee, chaired by veteran Junkanooer Douglas Hanna, which will oversee the 2025 and 2026 events. The JCNP, which has managed the parades for decades, has protested the decision, claiming it will suffer significant financial losses, including unpaid sponsorships and recent investments in scoring systems. Despite the backlash, Bowleg defended the move, stating it was based on a vote by Junkanoo groups, with 19 in favor of the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) taking charge. The government has also unveiled plans to expand Junkanoo into a two-week festival, aiming to boost cultural and economic impact. Opposition Leader Michael Pintard criticized the government’s approach, calling it politically motivated and urging a delay in major changes until after the holidays. Bowleg dismissed the criticism, asserting the decision was driven by the wishes of Junkanoo practitioners.
-
Submachine gun seized in St Andrew South Police Division
In a significant early morning operation on Tuesday, law enforcement officers from the St Andrew South police division in Kingston, Jamaica, successfully seized a high-powered Mac 11 9mm submachine gun. The operation, led by detectives from the Hunts Bay Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), took place around 6:10 am near the Oak Glades Health Centre in Kingston 13. During a thorough search of an open lot, the firearm was discovered hidden inside an old refrigerator. The weapon was loaded with a magazine containing two live 9mm rounds. While no arrests were made in connection with the seizure, authorities have confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing to uncover further details about the firearm’s origin and intended use. This operation highlights the continued efforts of Jamaican law enforcement to combat illegal firearms and enhance public safety.
-
Cameroon opposition candidate Tchiroma declares victory in presidential vote
In a dramatic turn of events, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former Cameroonian minister turned opposition leader, declared victory in the recent presidential election, challenging the 43-year reign of incumbent President Paul Biya. The official results, however, are not expected for another two weeks. Biya, 92, the world’s oldest serving head of state, is seeking an unprecedented eighth term in office. Tchiroma, 79, who served as employment minister until June, has unexpectedly galvanized voters, sparking widespread enthusiasm across the central African nation. Both sides are asserting victory based on unofficial tallies circulating on social media, with Tchiroma urging the government to ‘accept the truth of the ballot box’ or risk plunging the country into chaos. He promised to release detailed regional results, despite legal restrictions prohibiting the announcement of overall outcomes before the Constitutional Council’s official declaration. Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji emphasized that premature announcements are a ‘red line that must not be crossed.’ The delay in releasing official results has raised concerns about potential electoral fraud, given Biya’s history of securing landslide victories with over 70% of the vote in past elections. The 2018 election saw opposition leader Maurice Kamto arrested after declaring himself the winner, with his supporters facing violent crackdowns. The current political climate remains tense as Cameroon awaits the final verdict.