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  • ‘Ask them’: DPM deflects as Grand Lucayan update deadline passes

    ‘Ask them’: DPM deflects as Grand Lucayan update deadline passes

    The Bahamas government is facing increased scrutiny over the stalled redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan resort, with Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper declining to address the missed deadline for a crucial project update and redirecting inquiries to the developer, Concord Wilshire. The evasion occurred on the sidelines of a public event, where Cooper advised journalists to contact the developer directly for statements, asserting he had “no more comments on it.

    This development follows a February 23rd statement from the U.S.-based developer, which pledged to announce key project milestones “within the next two weeks,” setting an implicit deadline around March 9th. That announcement, which vehemently denied reports of a collapsed $120 million acquisition deal with the government, promised to reveal formal commencement dates for development, construction activities, and two major cruise line destination resorts, alongside the start of demolition and preparatory works.

    No such update has materialized, making the February statement the sole public communication from Concord Wilshire since it inked a Heads of Agreement with the Davis administration in May 2025. The government has consistently supported the developer’s position, with Prime Minister Philip Davis recently urging public patience and affirming that progress was being made for the benefit of Grand Bahamians.

    The landmark project, envisioned to revitalize the resort shuttered since Hurricane Matthew in 2016 with only a section operational, carries significant economic promises. Official projections anticipate the creation of 1,300 construction jobs and over 1,700 permanent positions upon completion, highlighting the high stakes of the current silence and missed communications.

  • Upgraded $2m National Reference Lab expected to expand disease surveillance

    Upgraded $2m National Reference Lab expected to expand disease surveillance

    The Bahamas is poised to significantly enhance its public health capabilities with the scheduled relocation of its National Reference Laboratory to a state-of-the-art facility at Oaks Field by the end of May. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville confirmed the move, which transitions operations from a historic structure dating to the 1870s to a modern, purpose-built center funded with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

    Constructed at a cost of just under $2 million, the new laboratory represents a critical component of a broader, multi-million dollar health systems strengthening program financed by the IDB. Dr. Indira Martin, the laboratory’s director, emphasized that the upgrade will dramatically improve working conditions for staff and substantially expand the lab’s diagnostic and surveillance capacities.

    A key advancement is the newly acquired genetic sequencing capability, made possible through equipment donations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). This technology, absent during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now actively being used to monitor COVID-19 and influenza variants. Dr. Martin announced plans to soon extend sequencing efforts to dengue virus strains, enabling health officials to map the movement of viruses across the Bahamian archipelago. This data will provide invaluable epidemiological intelligence, allowing for more proactive public health interventions and policy decisions.

    Minister Darville highlighted the laboratory’s vital role in supporting the nation’s massive tourism industry, which hosts over 12 million visitors annually and requires robust surveillance for airborne and waterborne diseases. The transition to the new facility will be conducted in a phased manner to ensure the lab remains fully operational and does not disrupt critical public health services throughout the move.

    Shirley Gayle, the IDB’s country representative for The Bahamas, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating the bank is proud to support the Bahamian people in strengthening their health infrastructure and building a more resilient public health system for the future.

  • School tour reveals hundreds of students battling suicidal thoughts

    School tour reveals hundreds of students battling suicidal thoughts

    A recent week-long evangelical school initiative in New Providence has uncovered alarming levels of psychological distress among Bahamian high school students, with organizers reporting widespread experiences of suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, and dysfunctional home environments. Beijing Rodgers, founder of faith-based organization It’s Our Turn, conducted the Hope Tour across five public schools from March 23-27, revealing what she describes as a profound youth crisis requiring immediate intervention. During the program, over 1,200 students came forward with personal struggles, with approximately 50 explicitly reporting active suicidal thoughts during one session alone. Rodgers characterized many students as living in ‘survival mode’ due to absent parenting, with children frequently assuming caregiver roles for younger siblings while facing severe trauma including sexual abuse, physical violence, and household instability. The emotional sessions saw students embracing, crying, and sharing experiences, with one 15-year-old revealing she had planned to take her own life on the day of the visit had the intervention not occurred. Notably, the program resulted in hundreds of students committing to Christianity, including groups of male students providing mutual support. The initiative collaborated with multiple organizations including Men of Today, Men of Tomorrow, Second Chances, the Student Christian Movement, and the Ministry of Education. Participating schools included Anatol Rodgers Junior High School, CR Walker Senior High School, Doris Johnson Senior High School, RM Bailey Senior High School and CV Bethel Senior High School. Rodgers has announced plans to expand the program to the Family Islands, citing the urgent need to address what she perceives as both a social and spiritual crisis affecting Bahamian youth.

  • Historic agreement links Nassau with German namesake

    Historic agreement links Nassau with German namesake

    In a significant diplomatic move, The Bahamas and Germany have formally established a sister city relationship between their respective municipalities named Nassau, revitalizing a historical connection dating back to the 17th century. The agreement, signed by government officials from both nations, establishes a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors including cultural exchange, economic development, educational initiatives, and environmental sustainability.

    Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper emphasized the pragmatic nature of the partnership, stating that the arrangement must yield measurable outcomes including enhanced tourism flows, increased commercial activity, and substantive knowledge transfer rather than serving as merely symbolic. The collaboration is expected to generate tangible economic benefits through expanded trade opportunities and strengthened tourism connections between the regions.

    Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey characterized the agreement as part of a broader strategy to develop people-centered international relationships. The visiting German delegation participated in cultural immersion activities designed to foster deeper connections with Bahamian communities, underscoring the agreement’s focus on genuine cultural exchange.

    The historical significance of the partnership was highlighted by Mayor Manuel Liguori, who noted that the Bahamian capital received its name in 1694 in honor of King William III of England, who belonged to the German House of Nassau. This historical connection has been maintained through intermittent engagement over centuries, including official visits, cultural exchanges, and symbolic recognitions such as German landmarks named after the Caribbean nation.

    Director General Latia Duncombe revealed that the concept of formalizing this relationship was initially proposed in the 1960s but never implemented until now. The current agreement has been carefully structured to align with national development priorities and is designed to deliver practical, long-term benefits for both communities. Officials anticipate the partnership will encourage increased travel between the destinations, deepen mutual cultural understanding, and create new avenues for cooperation in entrepreneurship, education, and sustainable development.

  • Baby shot and killed during home invasion in Trinidad

    Baby shot and killed during home invasion in Trinidad

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — A horrific act of violence has shaken the community of St. James, following a deadly home invasion in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has launched a full-scale investigation into the murders of 25-year-old Joseph Sutton and his 11-month-old son, Jaden.

    According to official reports, armed assailants forced their way into the family residence while the occupants were asleep. The gunmen opened fire indiscriminately throughout the home. In a final, desperate act to shield his infant son from the barrage of bullets, Sutton used his own body as protection. Despite his efforts, both father and child sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

    Emergency services transported the victims to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced both deceased upon arrival. Authorities have stated that the motive for this brutal attack remains undetermined, with no immediate suspects in custody.

    This tragedy underscores a severe public safety crisis in the twin-island nation. The government had previously declared a state of emergency to combat soaring crime rates. Official statistics reveal that as of March 16, the country has recorded at least 75 homicides since the beginning of the year. Firearm-related violence is the predominant method, accounting for the overwhelming majority of these deaths. Disturbingly, at least 60 victims died from gunshot wounds, a figure that includes nine women.

  • Scott calls for foreign election observers

    Scott calls for foreign election observers

    A senior advisor from the Free National Movement (FNM) has issued a compelling call for international election observers to oversee the upcoming general election in The Bahamas, raising serious questions about the reliability of the current voter registration system. Michael Scott, KC, a prominent council member and legal expert who intends to serve as a poll worker, emphasized that the electoral process is plagued by mounting irregularities that could undermine democratic integrity. Among the most pressing issues cited are numerous instances of deceased individuals remaining on official voter rolls and relocating citizens still being assigned to previous constituencies. Scott provided specific figures, noting that 425 individuals who had departed Garden Hills remained registered there, while 234 deceased persons were still listed in the MICAL constituency, asserting these cases are not isolated incidents. He argued that a flawed register, while not conclusive evidence of misconduct, creates opportunities for electoral manipulation, which he deemed unacceptable in any democratic society. Scott’s concerns follow similar complaints that emerged during last year’s Golden Isles by-election, amplifying calls for transparency. In response, Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson stated he was unaware of the specific allegations but affirmed that his department is continuously working to maintain an accurate register, including through daily updates and collaboration with the Registrar General’s office to remove deceased voters. Thompson acknowledged recent delays at voter registration centers and confirmed that additional staff are being deployed to address long waiting times, which in some cases extended to four hours due to a slow, paper-based process. Scott further criticized what he described as an ‘influx of voters’ from the southeast, suggesting possible efforts to form an additional voting bloc. With the expected dissolution of Parliament imminent, Scott warned that there is insufficient time to overhaul the system, making independent international oversight from bodies like the Organisation of American States and the Commonwealth essential to ensure credibility and public confidence.

  • Tennis star Rafael Nadal joins ‘save Exuma’ fight

    Tennis star Rafael Nadal joins ‘save Exuma’ fight

    Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has amplified a growing environmental controversy in The Bahamas by publicly endorsing local opposition to a luxury resort development in the Exuma Cays. Using his substantial social media platform of 21 million Instagram followers, Nadal appeared in footage from Sampson Cay wearing merchandise from the Save Exuma Alliance—a coalition of businesses and conservationists fighting the Yntegra Group’s proposed Rosewood Exuma resort.

    Nadal recounted his decade-long connection to Exuma, describing North Bay as “one of the most beautiful places” he’s encountered, emphasizing its unparalleled natural resources and peacefulness. His endorsement brings international attention to concerns that the development could damage fragile marine ecosystems including coral reefs, sea grass beds, and aquatic life.

    The Miami-based Yntegra Group has faced nearly a year of public opposition from critics who characterize the project as “vastly oversized” and potentially destructive to the area’s ecological balance. Particular concern centers on a proposed service dock in North Bay that opponents warn could disrupt tidal flows and harm marine habitats.

    Despite these concerns, the Town Planning Committee indicated in a March 25 communication that the scale of proposed dredging operations is “limited” and manageable under existing regulations. The committee granted preliminary support for site plan approval, noting the project’s dispersed layout would preserve the natural character of Big Sampson Cay.

    The conflict appears headed for further legal proceedings as project opponents prepare to appeal the decision to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, setting the stage for continued confrontation between development interests and environmental preservation advocates in the Bahamas.

  • ‘FNM will give single moms $200 monthly’

    ‘FNM will give single moms $200 monthly’

    The Free National Movement (FNM), a major opposition party in The Bahamas, has unveiled a significant social welfare proposal aimed at supporting new single mothers. The initiative would provide a monthly stipend of $200 to unmarried mothers and those from low-income households during the critical first two years after childbirth.

    Heather Hunt, the FNM’s candidate for Elizabeth Estates, elaborated on the policy, characterizing it as a vital ‘child support initiative.’ She emphasized that the program is designed to alleviate the financial burden of expensive childcare, which often hinders new mothers from reentering the workforce and regaining their full earning potential. The stipend is intended to offer these women the means to live with ‘decency and dignity’ while facilitating their reintegration into the labor market.

    According to party estimates, the annual cost of this program would range between $12 million and $14 million. Hunt asserted that this funding would be secured not through new taxes but by identifying and eliminating what she labeled as rampant ‘wasteful government spending.’ She specifically cited exorbitant official travel expenses and excessively high consultancy service fees as two primary areas where significant savings could be realized.

    Hunt was critical of the existing level of state support for single-income households, describing it as unsatisfactory and pointing to reductions in food assistance programs and unfulfilled commitments to construct shelters for women and girls.

    The proposal has been positioned as a cornerstone of the FNM’s broader policy platform ahead of the next general election. However, the initiative was met with immediate skepticism from the current administration. Latrae Rahming, Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, issued a sharp retort, dismissing the FNM’s plan by stating the opposition party ‘has a credibility problem’ and lacks a demonstrated ability to deliver on its promises.

  • Larger Family Islands to get second ambulance unit

    Larger Family Islands to get second ambulance unit

    The Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced a strategic initiative to enhance emergency medical response capabilities across its larger Family Islands. This development comes in direct response to recent incidents that exposed critical challenges in ambulance service coverage, particularly in regions with significant geographical distances.

    Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville revealed plans to deploy at least two ambulances to major islands including Exuma, where current emergency response infrastructure has proven inadequate. The expansion specifically targets the Georgetown area, where vast distances have historically compromised the effectiveness of single-ambulance coverage.

    This policy shift follows the tragic death of 29-year-old Deno Rolle on Exuma, whose family reported he waited nearly an hour for emergency medical transport after a hit-and-run incident. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious questions about response time adequacy in remote island communities.

    Minister Darville acknowledged existing ambulance services while emphasizing the logistical challenges posed by large island territories. “We are now working the logistics on how to have at least two ambulances on our larger islands,” he stated, assuring residents that current single-ambulance operations would be expanded to dual-vehicle coverage.

    The deployment coincides with the graduation of a new cohort of Emergency Medical Technicians from the Public Hospitals Authority Academy, with most specialists designated for Family Island assignments. This personnel expansion complements ambulance acquisitions funded through the Inter-American Development Bank.

    Current emergency medical infrastructure already includes operational ambulances on Bimini, Cat Island, and San Salvador, with further deployments contingent on available trained staff. Minister Darville emphasized the importance of practical resource utilization, noting that vehicles must be accompanied by qualified personnel to ensure productive operation rather than remaining idle.

    The ministry maintains that service expansion must balance operational costs with sustainability, considering the significant expenses associated with personnel training and equipment maintenance. Officials are implementing comprehensive maintenance programs and ensuring medical staff familiarity with updated emergency response systems to guarantee effective ground transportation services across the island chain.

  • Alkaline’s NPT debuts at #10 on Billboard

    Alkaline’s NPT debuts at #10 on Billboard

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Alkaline has secured his third career entry on the prestigious Billboard Reggae Albums chart with his latest project ‘NPT’ making a notable debut at position #10. The album, which arrived on March 23rd through the artist’s own AutoBamb Records imprint, comprises sixteen tracks that showcase Alkaline’s distinctive vocal style and contemporary dancehall production.

    The collection includes several previously successful singles that have already demonstrated chart potential, including the viral hit ‘Gyal Good,’ the academically-themed ‘Graduate,’ along with established fan favorites ‘Key Man’ and ‘No Emotions’—the latter produced by Sponge Music. This strategic release compilation demonstrates Alkaline’s methodical approach to album construction, blending proven hits with new material.

    This achievement places Alkaline in rarified company within the reggae and dancehall landscape. His previous chart entries, ‘New Level Unlocked’ and ‘Top Prize,’ demonstrated even stronger commercial performance by reaching the chart’s peak positions at #1 and #2 respectively. The consistent chart presence establishes Alkaline as one of the most commercially viable artists in contemporary dancehall music.

    Notably, ‘NPT’ holds the distinction of being the first dancehall album to break onto the Billboard Reggae Albums chart since the beginning of 2023, ending a three-month drought for the genre on this influential ranking. This milestone highlights both Alkaline’s individual popularity and the continued relevance of dancehall music within the broader international music market.