Great Commission Ministries (GCM), a prominent charity in The Bahamas, is grappling with a severe financial crisis as its resources dwindled to a mere $246 last month. Founder Bishop Walter Hanchell revealed the dire situation during a press conference announcing the charity’s inaugural Hope Fest. He highlighted the escalating demand for food, shelter, and emergency support, driven by the surging cost of living and deepening social crisis. GCM, which serves up to 600 people daily, provides groceries, shelter, and support for homeless residents, alongside initiatives like a weekly Children’s Club, a substance abuse treatment program, and daily street outreach. Bishop Hanchell described the increasing desperation among families, with many resorting to living in their vehicles. He also noted a rise in young men experiencing mental and emotional breakdowns, often requiring staff to locate and assist them. The ministry’s operating expenses now exceed $5,000 daily, including the purchase of 300 pounds of meat, even as donations have declined over the past six months. Despite the financial strain, Bishop Hanchell emphasized the spiritual motivation behind GCM’s mission, crediting unexpected miracles for keeping the ministry afloat. He urged the public to support the charity by contributing money, groceries, or meat, stressing the critical need for assistance.
分类： society
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Taxi union warns of ‘escalating’ industrial action over livery dispute
The Bahamas Taxicab Union (BTCU) is gearing up for intensified industrial action, citing unresolved grievances and accusing the government of failing to curb illegal operations that undermine taxi drivers’ livelihoods. Union President Tyrone Butler expressed frustration over livery drivers allegedly soliciting passengers in areas reserved for taxis, with major hubs like Atlantis, Nassau Cruise Port, and Lynden Pindling International Airport enabling the practice. Butler warned of escalating unrest, stating, ‘We can’t continue to operate where the government is allowing one fraction of society to operate illegally.’ He also criticized Transport and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis for allegedly favoring livery drivers, claiming she supports their right to operate despite legal violations. The dispute, which escalated earlier this year, led to a formal request for legal guidance from the Office of the Attorney General regarding the Road Traffic Act. The Ministry of Transport and Energy emphasized its commitment to a fair and modern regulatory framework but acknowledged the conflict stems from differing interpretations of the law. Recent protests outside Nassau Cruise Port, which resulted in arrests of two taxi drivers, underscored the union’s determination to be heard. Butler expressed satisfaction with the union’s efforts to highlight their concerns but warned of further unrest if the government continues to ignore the issue.
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Appeal Court overturns ruling quashing dentist’s suspension
The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision that had dismissed disciplinary findings and lifted the suspension of Dr. Dion Koonoolal, a dentist accused of violating the Dental Council’s advertising regulations. The case has been remitted to a newly constituted appeal tribunal for a full rehearing. Justices Charmaine Pemberton, Mira Dean-Armorer, and Carla Brown-Antoine ruled that Justice Carol Gobin, acting as the appeal tribunal, failed to conduct the case as a true rehearing, as mandated by Section 37 of the Dental Profession Act and Part 60.8 of the Civil Proceedings Rules (CPR).
Justice Pemberton, who authored the unanimous judgment, stated that this procedural lapse prevented the proper examination of evidence, including cross-examination, rendering the earlier decision “plainly wrong.” She emphasized that the appeal judge did not ensure all necessary evidence was presented, relying instead on statements from counsel and personal opinions. This approach, the court found, led to factual errors and an incorrect dismissal of the Dental Council’s statutory role as the profession’s primary regulator.
The Court of Appeal underscored the importance of appellate courts respecting the expertise of professional disciplinary bodies, particularly in specialized fields. It concluded that the High Court had undermined the role Parliament intended for the Dental Council in maintaining professional standards. While Dr. Koonoolal had challenged the fairness of the disciplinary process, the court declined to rule on these issues, noting they were not properly examined during the initial appeal.
The court also clarified that the regulatory framework explicitly prohibits unauthorized advertising by dentists, subject to specific exceptions. It rejected any interpretation suggesting ambiguity in the law, stating that the policy documents complement rather than contradict the legislative provisions. The court emphasized that debates about modernizing professional codes should not interfere with judicial obligations to base decisions on evidence and legal frameworks.
The appeal was allowed, the High Court’s decision was set aside, and the case was ordered to be reheard by a different tribunal. Dr. Koonoolal was also directed to pay the Dental Council’s legal costs. The Dental Council was represented by Ian Benjamin, SC, Anil Maraj, and Nicole de Verteuil-Milne, while Dr. Koonoolal was represented by Anand Ramlogal, SC, and Jared Jagroo.
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Over 19,000 Women Killed in Five Years Across the Region
A recent United Nations report has unveiled a harrowing reality of gender-based violence in Latin America and the Caribbean, with over 19,000 women killed in the past five years. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) disclosed that 3,828 women lost their lives in 2024 alone, averaging approximately 11 deaths per day. The majority of these murders were perpetrated by current or former intimate partners, highlighting the pervasive issue of domestic violence in the region. Honduras, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic recorded the highest femicide rates, while Chile reported the lowest. In Belize, the Crime Observatory documented nine femicides in 2024, including a recent incident where a Coast Guard officer allegedly stabbed a woman multiple times, leaving her hospitalized. This incident occurred on the eve of the global ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign against gender-based violence. ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, condemned the statistics as ‘unacceptable levels of gender-based violence’ and called for urgent governmental action. He emphasized that femicide is not merely a criminal issue but a profound human rights crisis that hinders societal progress and equality. Although most countries in the region have enacted laws to combat gender-based violence, the UN has cautioned that enforcement remains inconsistent and inadequate.
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PAHO: Violence against women remains a serious problem in the America
Violence against women and adolescent girls remains a deeply entrenched issue in the Americas, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings, released in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, highlight the alarming lack of progress in addressing this pervasive problem. Data spanning from 2000 to 2023 reveals that despite heightened awareness and the implementation of multisectoral policies and health service interventions, the reduction in violence has been minimal. Intimate partner violence continues to be the most prevalent form of abuse, with rates showing little change over the past two decades. Britta Baer, an advisor at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that the stigma and shame surrounding sexual violence often deter victims from reporting incidents, suggesting that the actual figures are likely far higher than those documented. This underscores the urgent need for more effective strategies and societal shifts to combat this enduring crisis.
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‘Street kid’ charged with murder (+Video)
Romano Warren, an 18-year-old from Ottley Hall, appeared before the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown on Monday, facing charges for the murder of Gary Bute, a teenager of the same age. The incident occurred on November 11, when Bute was fatally stabbed on Melville Street around 10:45 a.m. and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. During the court proceedings, Warren initially claimed to be 15 years old, but a detective presented his birth certificate, confirming his true age. Chief Magistrate Colin John informed Warren that he could not enter a plea at this stage and denied bail, scheduling a preliminary inquiry for January 6, 2026. Notably, Warren was unrepresented by legal counsel during the hearing. However, attorney Grant Connell, present in court but not directly involved in the case, suggested that the Bar Association could assign a lawyer to assist Warren. Connell proposed advancing the next hearing to Monday to facilitate this process. The case was adjourned accordingly, with Connell committing to discuss the matter with Bar Association President Shirlan ‘Zita’ Barnwell.
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Government Launches Training Workshop to Strengthen Local Contractors
In a collaborative effort to enhance the capabilities of local contractors, the government has joined forces with the Caribbean Development Bank to inaugurate a two-day capacity-building workshop. This initiative is designed to equip contractors with advanced skills, enabling them to compete more effectively for significant projects. Works Minister Maria Browne emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, highlighting the government’s vision for a robust construction sector. She noted that the enhanced competitiveness of local contractors is crucial for national development and for expanding their reach into regional markets. The workshop underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive on a larger scale.
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Ministry of Tourism Refutes Claims Over Litter at Rising Sun Grounds
The National Solid Waste Management Authority, under the Ministry’s directive, has confirmed that all trash and waste receptacles were thoroughly removed from the venue before the departure of cleanup teams on Saturday. Officials emphasized that the site underwent a comprehensive cleaning process, adhering to standard post-event protocols. The Ministry further clarified that a separate event held on November 23 at the same location is believed to be the probable source of the litter depicted in a widely circulated online video. Tourism authorities reiterated their dedication to preserving clean and secure public spaces and expressed gratitude to the public for their patience as the situation is being investigated and resolved.
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Blackmoore urges police to strengthen community policing across Dominica
In a compelling address at the recent Police Awards Ceremony, Dominica’s Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, emphasized the critical importance of community policing as a fundamental strategy for law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Blackmoore underscored the necessity of fostering trust between the police force and the public, asserting that such collaboration is indispensable for effective policing. ‘The only way to cultivate the essential element of trust is through forging partnerships and relations with the public,’ he declared. ‘The existing suspicion between the police and citizens can only be mitigated by ensuring they work together.’ Blackmoore lauded the efforts of the Chief of Police, Mr. Andrew, and the community policing unit, but called for a more comprehensive and serious implementation of the program across the nation. He stressed that community policing should be a standard practice in every district and police station throughout Dominica. ‘This initiative is not optional; it is vital for our future,’ Blackmoore stated. ‘It is the only way we can address policing and community issues effectively.’
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When theory meets enforcement: Inside Barbados’s first practical data protection workshop
In recent months, the Data Protection Commissioner of Barbados has been actively engaging in public forums, emphasizing the urgent need for robust data privacy practices. The message is clear: data privacy can no longer be an afterthought. The looming question is whether the Data Protection Act will be enforced with the consistency and confidence that the nation has been anticipating. Without effective enforcement, compliance remains a distant aspiration for many organizations.