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In a dramatic turn of events, a stranded container barge off the coast of North Abaco became the target of a brazen looting spree yesterday. The vessel, named *The Brooklyn Bridge*, had run aground near Nunjack Cay after its towline snapped during inclement weather. Scores of residents, arriving in small boats, swiftly descended upon the barge, hauling away goods ranging from toilet paper and dog food to appliances and furniture. The scene, captured in viral videos, was described as a “free-for-all” by one local, with some jokingly referring to it as an early Christmas for Abaco. Authorities, including the Defence Force and police, were deployed to secure the area, but not before significant quantities of cargo were removed. Stephen Wilson, North Abaco’s island administrator, condemned the theft but noted that police are unlikely to pursue the looters, as their actions inadvertently lightened the barge’s load. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that an assessment team has inspected the vessel and anticipates no environmental impact. Meanwhile, public reaction remains divided, with some condemning the looting and others defending it as a customary practice in the region. The barge, reportedly carrying millions of dollars’ worth of supplies, awaits a replacement tug for recovery.

The Bahamas is grappling with the escalating presence of cane toads, an invasive species that has firmly established itself in the nation’s ecosystem. Local experts warn that the toads, which have been increasingly spotted across New Providence, pose significant risks to pets, wildlife, and even humans. Deon Gibson, general manager of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), noted a sharp rise in cane toad sightings in both western and eastern parts of the island. He urged residents to euthanize the toads by sealing them in bags and freezing them or using long tools like pitchforks to avoid direct contact. Dr. Ancilleno Davis, an assistant professor at the University of The Bahamas, emphasized that eradication is no longer feasible. ‘It is impossible to kill off all the cane toads,’ he stated. ‘We must learn to coexist with them and educate communities, especially children and pet owners.’ The toads’ rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators ensure their long-term survival. A single female can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs, and mature toads face minimal threats. However, their toxins are deadly to local wildlife and can cause severe reactions in humans, including nausea, vomiting, and even cardiac issues. Dr. Davis highlighted the ecological imbalance caused by the toads, which prey on native species and poison predators. ‘A stray dog or cat might think it’s an easy meal, but they will die,’ he explained. The surge in reported sightings is partly attributed to increased public awareness and the rapid dissemination of information online. Cane toads were first detected in western New Providence in 2013, and since then, multiple alerts and identification guides have been issued to combat their spread. Despite these efforts, the species’ impact on the Bahamas’ ecosystem and public safety remains a pressing concern.

Growing concerns over mould contamination in multiple classroom blocks at the University of The Bahamas have reached a critical point this week. Students have reported being instructed to sit their end-of-semester exams in a room previously deemed unsafe due to mould issues. A social media post from a student revealed that a mathematics class had been moved online for weeks because of mould in the assigned classroom, only for the final exam to be scheduled in the same space, with masks required as a precaution. Dr. Anastasia Brown, Acting President of the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas, confirmed that mould complaints extend beyond the maths building to other facilities, including the CATS building. She attributed the problem to long-standing maintenance challenges on the Oakes Field campus, exacerbated by the university’s location on a former pond, which necessitates regular upkeep. Dr. Brown also highlighted issues with air-conditioning vents and filters, which are not being replaced on schedule due to resource constraints. She emphasized the impact of poor air quality on faculty, staff, and students, stating, ‘If you hear my voice, I can barely breathe.’ Despite promises from university officials and the government to address the issues, Dr. Brown expressed frustration over the lack of progress. Edwin Waldron, President of the Student Government Association, acknowledged earlier complaints about mould and confirmed that the university had allocated funds for repairs. However, he was unaware of the specific exam-related complaint and pledged to investigate. Both Dr. Brown and Mr. Waldron stressed the importance of resolving maintenance issues, particularly as the university prepares for accreditation exercises. Dr. Brown urged the institution to prioritize safety, stating, ‘We understand we want to do accreditation, but you have to make sure that we are around to enjoy accreditation.’ University officials did not respond to requests for comment by press time.