The Bahamian government has initiated a significant infrastructure enhancement campaign across several islands, marked by the signing of a $986,000 contract for a new airport terminal on Rum Cay and the simultaneous inauguration of three modern medical clinics. Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis led a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper and key ministers, on a tour of his constituency to commission these vital projects. The new Rum Cay airport terminal, awarded to Greenslade Construction Company, will replace an existing inadequate structure described as a basic cabana with wooden benches. Designed to span 2,500 square feet, the facility will feature passenger seating for approximately 20 people, a dedicated baggage ramp, full wheelchair accessibility, and a hybrid power system utilizing both generator and solar energy. Company President Desmond Greenslade committed to employing local residents throughout the 12-month construction period, with officials expressing optimism for an accelerated 8-month completion. Concurrently, the government unveiled three comprehensive medical facilities: the 3,000-square-foot Rum Cay Medical Clinic offering triage services, physician consultations, and phlebotomy; the 2,900-square-foot United Estates Clinic in San Salvador equipped with an ambulance; and the 3,300-square-foot Old Bight Community Clinic in Cat Island, which also received a new emergency vehicle. All health facilities will maintain operational hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, significantly improving healthcare access for island residents. Deputy Prime Minister Cooper emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring smaller islands are not neglected in national development, announcing plans for Southern Air to establish regular flight services to Rum Cay, which has approximately 60 inhabitants.
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Murder target’s death renews anguish for mother of slain 16-year-old girl
A recent fatal shooting in Nassau has resurrected profound grief for a family still mourning the loss of their teenage daughter in a previous shooting incident. Gamaliel Gray, the intended target of a 2024 shooting that accidentally claimed the life of 16-year-old Davinique Gray, was himself killed Tuesday evening near Ruthland Avenue and South Beach Drive.
The 2024 tragedy occurred when assailants targeted Gray at his girlfriend’s Nassau Village residence. Instead of hitting their intended victim, the gunfire killed Davinique Gray, an 11th-grade student who was inside charging a mobile device. Then-Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander indicated the attack was likely motivated by gang retaliation.
Davinique’s mother revealed that the latest violence has compounded her family’s trauma, making closure increasingly difficult. Since the 2024 shooting, she and her younger daughter have withdrawn from social media and social activities. “It brings up all types of memories,” she expressed. “I just need them to let my daughter’s soul rest because she ain’t rest since she was down.
The tragedy was particularly poignant as Davinique was killed exactly two years after her father’s murder and one day after what would have been his birthday.
At the time of Davinique’s death, Gray was wanted in connection with the killing of Gerrad Coakley. He was subsequently granted bail in December 2024 while awaiting trial on murder charges. The teen’s mother also faced charges of harboring a criminal related to Gray, though she pleaded not guilty.
Following Gray’s death this week, the woman says she has encountered renewed public criticism that she characterizes as unfair and uninformed. “They don’t know me,” she stated. “How you could judge me? You ain’t God. Don’t judge me. Don’t go with what the media or what people say because all this what they saying, this ain’t true.”
The mother continues to experience severe emotional distress, noting that she frequently has flashbacks of her daughter. “Anybody know me, when they see me, they see her,” she shared. “She never leave my side. That was my best friend. That’s why I say people gotta stop making me look like I’m a bad parent.”
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Jamaican-owned GroceryList says it turned a profit last year with US$2.7m in revenues
South Florida-based digital platform GroceryList, founded by Jamaican entrepreneurs, has announced a significant financial milestone, surpassing $2.7 million in revenue last year while achieving profitability. The innovative platform has transformed how overseas immigrants support families back home by enabling direct purchase of essential goods from trusted local Jamaican merchants with same-day delivery.
Operating from Pompano Beach, the company has developed what appears superficially as a grocery delivery application but functions as a comprehensive logistics and payments infrastructure specifically designed for markets characterized by fragmented retail systems, addressing challenges, inventory visibility issues, and last-mile coordination complexities.
Jermain Morgan, COO and Co-Founder, explained the company’s unique approach: ‘Our primary objective wasn’t merely creating another delivery application. We constructed the fundamental framework that converts diaspora support into tangible household goods within hours. While cross-border care remains predictable, the necessary infrastructure to efficiently facilitate it was previously nonexistent.’
The platform currently connects diaspora communities across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom with over 1,200 local merchants throughout Jamaica. The service has expanded significantly beyond its initial grocery focus to include hardware supplies, farm store products, pharmaceutical items, cooking gas, bill payment services, wholesale goods, restaurant meals, and pet supplies.
GroceryList addresses a critical gap in Caribbean remittance economies, where billions flow annually into the region but traditionally convert inefficiently into essential goods through offline channels. The platform revolutionizes this process by enabling families abroad to select specific items their loved ones require rather than sending cash and hoping for appropriate utilization, with real-time delivery confirmation providing peace of mind.
CEO and Co-Founder Rory Richards emphasized the transformative nature of their service: ‘Diaspora families seek immediate problem-solving capabilities rather than simply transferring funds. When parents require groceries, gas, medication, or hardware supplies urgently, our platform ensures same-day fulfillment—a fundamentally different value proposition compared to traditional wire transfers.’
The company’s success stems from addressing challenges that typically hinder large e-commerce players in island markets, including inconsistent addressing systems, informal retail networks, and logistical gaps. GroceryList developed proprietary solutions including merchant onboarding protocols, wallet payment flows, shopper networks, and last-mile coordination systems.
This sophisticated infrastructure has attracted business-to-business adoption, with hotels, supermarkets, and wholesalers now utilizing GroceryList’s network for sourcing produce and goods. Notable regional partners include PriceSmart, ProgressiveGrocers, and Lillian LTD, alongside hundreds of independent merchants.
Having achieved profitability, GroceryList is now expanding into additional Caribbean markets while deepening its role as a comprehensive diaspora commerce platform that consolidates groceries, pharmacy products, hardware, bill payments, gas, wholesale items, restaurants, and pet supplies into a single, efficient ecosystem.
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G7 ministers urge end to attacks against civilians in Mideast war
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations issued a unified declaration on Friday, demanding an immediate halt to attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Middle East conflict zones. The joint statement, released following diplomatic talks in Cernaay-la-Ville, France, emphasized that targeting non-combatants and diplomatic facilities remains unjustifiable under any armed conflict circumstances.
The ministerial gathering of the world’s leading industrialized nations additionally addressed critical maritime security concerns, urging Iran to promptly restore unimpeded navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This waterway serves as a crucial global energy corridor, and its effective closure has triggered significant disruptions to energy markets and commercial supply chains worldwide.
The unexpectedly cohesive statement emerged amid speculation about transatlantic divisions regarding U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iranian interests. Although U.S. President Donald Trump had previously threatened strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, he has subsequently moderated his stance to allow additional diplomatic engagement opportunities.
Ministers dedicated substantial discussion to addressing broader economic repercussions stemming from regional instability, particularly focusing on vulnerabilities within global energy, fertilizer, and commercial supply systems that directly impact citizens across G7 nations.
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Joseph Benaiah revisits Selassie’s visit with cover of classic
As Jamaica prepares to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie I’s historic state visit, musician Joseph Benaiah has revitalized the classic tribute track ‘His Majesty is Coming.’ The original recording by The In Crowd, released in 1978, receives a contemporary reinterpretation through Benaiah’s self-produced cover released on March 16.
Benaiah revealed to Observer Online that his inspiration for the project came from keyboardist Robbie Lyn, an original member of The In Crowd who performed on the initial recording. The artist assembled an impressive ensemble of Jamaican music veterans for the project, including drummer Kirk Bennett, bassist Donald ‘Danny Bassie’ Dennis, guitarist Mitchum ‘Khan’ Chin, and saxophonist Dean Fraser.
‘The arrangement, magnificent horn sections, and exceptional vocals immediately captivated me,’ Benaiah explained regarding the song’s enduring appeal. ‘This composition has maintained universal admiration within musical circles—I’ve yet to encounter a musician who doesn’t appreciate this masterpiece.’
The original composition was crafted by Fil Callender, founder and guitarist of The In Crowd, and featured on the band’s 1978 album ‘Man From New Guinea’ under Island Records distribution.
Benaiah retains childhood memories of Selassie’s momentous April 21-25, 1966 visit, when thousands of Rastafarians gathered at Kingston’s Palisadoes Airport to welcome the Ethiopian monarch whom many considered divine. Emperor Haile Selassie I passed away in August 1975 at age 83, following his overthrow in a military coup the previous year.
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Newly minted police constable credits visually impaired dad for milestone
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heartwarming display of familial dedication and triumph over adversity, newly sworn Constable Raheem Brown attributes his successful graduation from the National Police College of Jamaica to the unwavering support of his visually impaired father, Detective Inspector Rohan Brown. The senior Brown, who commands the Portland Community Safety and Security Branch despite his visual impairment, consistently prioritized his children’s development alongside his demanding law enforcement responsibilities.
The recent graduate revealed that his father’s commitment transcended physical limitations and professional pressures. “Despite his visual impairment and immense responsibilities as CSS Branch inspector, he consistently carved out time to guide both me and my sister toward personal growth and significant achievements,” the young constable stated during Wednesday’s graduation ceremony.
Constable Brown described the milestone as the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream, expressing confidence that both parents would share immense pride in his accomplishment. His remarks carried particular emotional weight as he acknowledged the absence of his deceased mother, vowing to honor her memory through his service.
Detective Inspector Brown reflected on the pivotal moment when his son committed to following his professional path after experiencing maternal loss. “The moment of truth arrived with his mother’s passing, when he consciously embraced the guidance I offered,” the veteran officer recounted. He expressed profound sadness that Constable Brown’s mother could not witness their son’s achievement, while taking solace in the presence of his daughter during the ceremony.
The emotionally charged graduation represents both an endpoint and beginning—the culmination of paternal sacrifice and the launch of what the senior Brown believes could surpass his own distinguished career within the Jamaica Constabulary Force. “He now possesses the potential to exceed my accomplishments within the JCF,” the proud father affirmed, “and for this opportunity, I am profoundly grateful.”
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Carib Cement addresses delivery delays
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCC), Jamaica’s exclusive cement manufacturer, has officially addressed growing concerns over supply chain disruptions, confirming that while nationwide production continues at maximum capacity, recent adverse weather conditions have temporarily impeded delivery logistics.
The Rockfort-based industrial giant issued a public statement acknowledging customer experiences of delayed cement deliveries, emphasizing that resolving these logistical challenges remains their utmost priority. This assurance comes following the company’s substantial US$42-million (J$6.7-billion) debottlenecking initiative, which successfully boosted overall production capacity by approximately 30%.
According to the company’s technical explanation, persistent rainfall introduced excess moisture into key raw materials, creating minor operational setbacks. CCC confirms these production issues have been comprehensively resolved, with delivery schedules now returning to normalized operations.
The implications of cement availability are particularly significant for Jamaica’s construction sector, which relies exclusively on CCC’s domestic production and limited regulated imports. Buying House Cement Limited serves as the sole authorized cement importer, operating under an annual cap of 120,000 tonnes—a secondary supply stream that remains unchanged amid current circumstances.
Market analysts note that while temporary delays may cause localized disruptions, the fundamental production infrastructure remains robust and fully operational, preventing any actual shortage of cement materials within the Jamaican market.
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Area Three police determined to address slight rise in murders
MANDEVILLE, Jamaica—Law enforcement authorities in Jamaica’s Area Three policing region, encompassing the parishes of Manchester, Clarendon, and St. Elizabeth, are implementing targeted strategies to address a marginal rise in homicides while projecting a significant decrease in violent crimes in the coming months.
Addressing attendees at the Southern Regional Health Authority’s biannual stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips presented a comprehensive crime statistics analysis. While acknowledging an increase of 11 homicides compared to the same period last year, Phillips highlighted a remarkable 13% overall reduction in serious and violent crimes across the region.
“We have achieved a reduction of 23 cases in serious and violent crimes compared to the corresponding period in 2025,” Phillips stated. “Although murder incidents increased by 11 cases and shootings by one, all other crime categories have demonstrated significant declines.”
Police statistics reveal distinct patterns across the three parishes: Manchester recorded nine murders versus five last year, St. Elizabeth reported seven compared to two in 2025, and Clarendon documented 11 murders against nine previously. Notably, March has seen three homicides thus far, which authorities hope to maintain as the monthly total.
Phillips emphasized the police force’s determination to reverse the homicide trend: “We remain undaunted by this slight increase and are fully committed to addressing the challenge. Our commanders are implementing strategic measures to reduce murder and shooting incidents by the second quarter, particularly after February’s concerning 18 murder cases.”
Separately, Phillips expressed alarm over deteriorating road safety conditions, noting 16 fatal collisions resulting in 20 fatalities across the three parishes. The police have identified peak incident periods, with most crashes occurring on Fridays and weekends, prompting deployment of specialized traffic enforcement teams to address concerning driver behavior patterns.
SRHA Director Michael Bent welcomed the police efforts, highlighting the intersection between public safety and healthcare delivery: “Violent crime substantially impacts healthcare resources through blood bank demands, staff allocation challenges, and surgical postponements. We are encouraged by the reduction in violent crimes and urge continued public cooperation.”
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Mexico searches for missing Cuba aid boats
MEXICO CITY—A multinational search operation is underway in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean waters as the Mexican Navy coordinates efforts to locate two humanitarian sailboats that vanished during a mission to deliver critical aid to Cuba. The vessels, carrying nine international crew members, departed from Isla Mujeres on March 20 but lost communication shortly after beginning their voyage.
The missing sailboats belong to the Our America Convoy initiative, which has been transporting approximately 50 tonnes of essential supplies including medical equipment, food provisions, and solar energy panels to address Cuba’s escalating economic and energy crises. The humanitarian effort comes as Cuba faces severe fuel shortages exacerbated by U.S. sanctions implemented under the Trump administration in January, which effectively created an oil blockade against the island nation.
Mexican naval authorities confirmed they have activated search protocols and deployed aerial surveillance assets along the planned route to Havana. The navy is maintaining real-time coordination with international rescue agencies from Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, while also consulting with diplomatic representatives from the crew members’ countries of origin.
A third vessel in the convoy—a converted fishing boat that departed Mexico simultaneously—successfully reached Cuban shores on Tuesday despite encountering adverse weather conditions and technical challenges. However, the two sailboats failed to arrive within their expected Tuesday-Wednesday window, prompting concerns among Cuban officials and humanitarian organizers.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed official concern regarding the missing vessels, affirming that Cuban authorities are “doing everything possible” to support search operations. Convoy representatives noted that both sailboats were equipped with appropriate safety systems and were crewed by experienced sailors, maintaining confidence in their ability to reach Havana safely despite the concerning delay.
The incident highlights both the humanitarian challenges facing Cuba and the complexities of international aid delivery amid geopolitical tensions. The island has experienced seven nationwide blackouts since the beginning of 2024, including two major outages occurring just last week, intensifying the need for alternative energy solutions like the solar panels being transported by the convoy.
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Parliament prorogued as PM urges “don’t wait for the bell” to register
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis has officially announced the prorogation of Parliament, marking the conclusion of the current legislative session amid mounting anticipation for upcoming national elections. The procedural move was confirmed during a nationally televised address on Thursday morning, where Davis revealed he had formally advised the Governor-General to enact the constitutional measure earlier this week.
Citing Article 66(1) of the Bahamian Constitution, the Prime Minister emphasized that prorogation represents a standard administrative procedure that does not automatically initiate election proceedings—unlike the dissolution of Parliament, which directly triggers the electoral process. Davis explicitly clarified the distinction while simultaneously indicating that dissolution appears imminent.
“I haven’t advised the dissolution of Parliament yet,” Davis stated, “but I am very close to ringing that bell.”
The Prime Minister issued urgent guidance to citizens regarding voter registration eligibility, warning that individuals not registered at the time of dissolution would be excluded from participation in the democratic process. His remarks carried significant political undertones as he prepares to present his administration’s accomplishments and future vision to the electorate in the coming weeks.
Davis struck a unifying tone amid the politically charged environment, acknowledging inevitable differences while emphasizing shared national objectives. “We are all Bahamians,” he declared. “We all want this country to be safe. We all want it to be fair.” The Prime Minister encouraged citizens to maintain focus on the nation’s collective future throughout the election period, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and democratic participation.
The procedural transition occurs as the Caribbean nation prepares for what many anticipate will be a closely contested general election, with Davis’s administration seeking to maintain governance against emerging opposition challenges.