分类： society

The death of 23-year-old Guyanese-American Dinari McAlmont, who was found dead near the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in The Bahamas earlier this year, has sparked widespread calls for a thorough and impartial investigation. McAlmont’s family, along with the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), a New York-based advocacy group, have accused Atlantis security staff and the Royal Bahamas Police Force of colluding to potentially cover up a homicide. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has been urged to intervene and ensure a transparent inquiry into the incident. McAlmont, a resident of Bowie, Maryland, arrived in Nassau on April 4, 2025, with his parents for a family vacation. Less than 24 hours later, he was found dead on a beach, with officials attributing the cause of death to drowning. However, his family disputes this conclusion, citing inconsistencies in the investigation and evidence suggesting foul play. Surveillance footage reportedly shows McAlmont being assaulted by the chief of security at the resort, and his body bore bruises and marks consistent with defensive wounds. Autopsy and toxicology reports revealed ethanol, methanol, and marijuana compounds in his system, along with significant injuries. The family has appealed to U.S. officials, including Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, for support. CGID President Rickford Burke warned that the case, if unresolved, could severely damage The Bahamas’ reputation as a safe tourist destination. The organization has called for an independent investigation to determine whether McAlmont’s death was accidental or a homicide, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.

Ameca Ford McKenzie, a 47-year-old single mother, faced an unimaginable ordeal when she and her two autistic sons were forced to sleep in their car at Saunders Beach. This distressing situation arose after Ms. McKenzie, who works as a security officer, fell behind on rent due to months of financial hardship following the death of her husband earlier this year. Her husband, whom she described as the backbone of the family, had succumbed to colon cancer after 25 years of marriage. Left to navigate life as a single mother, Ms. McKenzie found herself in a dire predicament. Despite reaching out to the Department of Social Services for assistance, she was informed that she was on a waitlist, leaving her with no immediate support. Desperate and with nowhere else to turn, she and her sons spent two sleepless nights in their car. The emotional toll was immense, with her youngest son nearly developing a fever from the stress. However, Ms. McKenzie found solace in her faith, turning to her Bible for comfort and protection. Her story gained public attention, prompting an outpouring of support from the community. Members of the Coalition of Independents (COI), led by Lincoln Bain, stepped in to provide temporary housing assistance. Ms. McKenzie expressed profound gratitude for the unexpected kindness, describing it as a miracle. She also shared that her employer, moved by her story, offered her a full-time position. Now, Ms. McKenzie is focused on rebuilding stability for her family, emphasizing that she refuses to let pride hinder her from seeking help for her children. Her resilience and faith have been strengthened by the experience, and she remains thankful for the support she has received.

The search for Lauren Saunders, a seven-months-pregnant mother of two, ended in tragedy on October 22, 2025, when her body was reportedly discovered with gunshot wounds near Munnings Drive, off Gladstone Road. Saunders had vanished after leaving work early on Sunday to meet someone and never returned home. Her abandoned jeep was later found off Coral Harbour Road with a flat tire, her purse, and shoes inside. Family members, fearing the worst, believe she had gone to meet the man thought to be the father of her unborn child, who is believed to be married. Saunders’ sister, Charmaine Edgecombe, described her as a ‘sweetheart’ who was in high spirits before her disappearance. The family grew alarmed when Saunders failed to attend a function at Atlantis and could not be reached by phone. After checking every hospital ward, they filed a police report. Another sister retraced Saunders’ usual route to work and discovered the abandoned jeep. Police expanded their search along tracks off Gladstone Road, combing thick bushes near Coral Harbour Road. Relatives expressed frustration over the slow response and lack of updates from authorities. Saunders’ seven and nine-year-old children are heartbroken, and their grandfather is struggling to cope. Edgecombe admitted she is also finding it difficult to focus and move on. The disappearance comes four years after the death of Saunders’ mother, and she had not yet held a baby shower or chosen a name for her unborn son. Police have not confirmed reports that the father of Saunders’ unborn child has been questioned.

Tensions escalated outside Margaritaville Resort on West Bay Street yesterday morning as dozens of taxi drivers staged a protest against what they claim is an illegal $20 parking fee. The demonstration, which required police intervention, has reignited calls for government action to address the issue. Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) President Tyrone Butler accused Margaritaville employees of colluding with a taxi driver to collect the fee, despite assurances from the resort’s management that they were not involved. Butler revealed that union representatives had met with Margaritaville officials and the Road Traffic Department last Thursday, where the hotel pledged to halt the practice. However, by Sunday morning, another driver was reportedly asked to pay the fee and was denied work after refusing. Margaritaville’s general manager, Shyam Lalu, denied any wrongdoing by the resort or its staff, labeling the individual responsible as a “rogue” actor operating independently. Butler criticized the Ministry of Transport and the Road Traffic Department for their inaction, warning of larger protests if no measures are taken. He also highlighted broader grievances against taxi drivers at key locations, including Lynden Pindling International Airport, Atlantis, and Nassau Cruise Port, calling for corporate partners to act responsibly.