KINGSTON, Jamaica – Demonstrators numbering over 150 gathered at National Heroes Circle in Kingston on Tuesday, staging a public display of solidarity with Cuba’s communist government as it faces escalating pressure from the United States administration. The protest occurred against the backdrop of two significant developments: controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding potential intervention in Cuba, and Jamaica’s termination of a five-decade medical cooperation program with the island nation—a move widely attributed to Washington’s influence. Protesters voiced their concerns through chants of “We need nurses, we need Cuba!” referencing the ongoing healthcare crisis triggered by the withdrawal of hundreds of Cuban medical practitioners from Jamaica. One participant characterized Cuba’s international medical diplomacy as “magical” generosity, while another condemned US policies as neo-colonialist. The demonstration featured prominent figures including former People’s National Party general secretary Paul Burke, University of the West Indies lecturer Louis Moyston, and attorney Stacey Knight. Meanwhile, Cuba confronted domestic challenges including a nationwide blackout and severe economic strain following the US-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro—a key ally. Since January 9, the island has faced a de facto oil blockade that has crippled both its energy infrastructure and vital tourism industry through flight cancellations.
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GK pushes reformulation as better option than sugar tax
Amidst Jamaica’s implementation of a Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on sugary beverages, corporate giant GraceKennedy Limited is championing an alternative strategy for promoting public health. The food and financial conglomerate asserts that incentivizing product reformulation would yield more substantial long-term health benefits than relying predominantly on taxation mechanisms.
Frank James, Group Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy, articulated this position during a recent investor briefing. While clarifying that the company does not oppose the government’s new fiscal measure, James emphasized that policies encouraging manufacturers to systematically reduce sugar content could drive more meaningful behavioral change. “We are mindful of the Government’s drive around health,” James stated, “but we have been doing that already.”
James proposed restructuring the SCT to incorporate a differential taxation model based on sugar concentration, arguing that the current flat-rate levy fails to adequately incentivize manufacturers to alter product compositions. “What we would certainly encourage is that the SCT is structured in a way that promotes reformulation — pushing manufacturers to lower the sugar content in their products,” he explained. “I think that is something that would drive the behaviour we want.”
The concept of reformulation represents a strategic process wherein manufacturers modify product recipes, compositions, or production methodologies. Particularly prevalent in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, this approach enables companies to enhance nutritional profiles by reducing salt, sugar, or fat content while preserving flavor and quality. GraceKennedy, as a manufacturer of sweetened beverages, has reportedly been engaged in such initiatives long before the SCT announcement, exploring methods to reduce sugar across multiple product categories while maintaining consumer appeal.
The government’s taxation measure, introduced as part of broader budgetary financing efforts, has generated polarized responses. Health advocates have largely welcomed the intervention, while manufacturers have questioned its effectiveness and equity. Critics argue the levy disproportionately targets the beverage sector and may adversely affect lower-income consumers.
This perspective found reinforcement from Opposition Finance Spokesman Julian Robinson during parliamentary budget debates. Robinson contended that mandated reformulation requirements with implementation timelines would more directly reduce sugar consumption than taxation alone. “If the Government’s concern is about reducing sugar consumption and improving health outcomes, it has a more effective instrument available to it,” Robinson asserted.
Scheduled to take effect in May 2026, the flat-rate levy of $0.02 per milliliter applies to beverages containing added sugars or sweeteners, encompassing sodas, fruit-flavored drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages—whether carbonated or non-carbonated, locally produced or imported. Projected to generate approximately $10.1 billion in revenue, the policy fundamentally operates as a public health measure targeting products associated with noncommunicable diseases including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
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May Pen Hospital saves life of patient stabbed in the heart, Tufton lauds medical team
A multidisciplinary medical team at May Pen Hospital in Clarendon has achieved a remarkable medical breakthrough by successfully saving a patient who suffered a life-threatening stab wound to the heart. This extraordinary case represents a significant advancement in the hospital’s trauma care capabilities and has drawn high-level recognition from Jamaica’s health leadership.
Led by Dr. Natoya Hall-Okori, acting consultant in the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, the medical team performed a series of complex procedures including open heart surgery under extremely challenging circumstances. The patient was transported to the facility and received immediate attention within minutes of arrival, though specific details regarding the incident that caused the injury were not disclosed by hospital authorities.
Following the successful surgical intervention, the patient underwent continued monitoring and treatment before being discharged with confirmation of full recovery. The case demonstrates exceptional medical expertise and coordination among trauma care specialists.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton issued an official statement praising the medical team’s achievement, highlighting the procedure as a milestone in Jamaica’s public healthcare system. Minister Tufton specifically commended Dr. Hall-Okori and her team for their expertise, courage, and collaborative approach in saving the patient’s life under extremely difficult circumstances.
The minister emphasized that such historic medical accomplishments often go unrecognized and urged the medical professionals to celebrate this significant achievement. He concluded his statement with encouragement for the team to continue their vital work in serving public health interests and the Jamaican people.
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Man feared dead after vehicle plunges into Rio Cobre
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A motorist is now presumed deceased following a catastrophic vehicular incident along the Flat Bridge roadway on Monday night. According to official reports from the Bog Walk police, the tragedy unfolded when a Toyota Hiace motor truck was compelled to execute an evasive maneuver to avoid an oncoming vehicle, resulting in the truck careening off the road and into the treacherous waters of the Rio Cobre.
Preliminary investigation details provided by the Corporate Communications Unit indicate the driver was traveling from Bog Walk toward Spanish Town. Upon reaching a specific section of the route, another vehicle abruptly swung into its path. In an effort to prevent a direct collision, the driver of the Hiace swerved sharply to the right. This critical action, however, caused the vehicle to lose control, overturn, and subsequently plunge into the river below.
Emergency and recovery operations were immediately launched at the scene. Despite extensive search efforts, the body of the driver has not been recovered, leading authorities to presume fatal consequences. The investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the other involved vehicle remains ongoing as police continue to gather evidence and witness accounts. Further updates are anticipated as the situation develops.
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‘Dangerous and humbling’: Defence Force marines share Haiti deployment experiences
Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) personnel have returned from a high-risk deployment in Haiti, describing their experience as both profoundly dangerous and deeply humbling. The marines, part of the initial RBDF contingent for the Regional Intelligence and Deployment Exercise in Port-au-Prince, reunited with emotional families after completing their tour of duty.
Leading Seaman Lyndon Rolle, prominently featured in local media embracing his young daughter, expressed the emotional weight of homecoming. ‘That’s my baby, I love her so much,’ he shared, noting the need to reconnect after his absence. His account revealed the extreme security precautions necessary throughout the mission, with personnel required to carry weapons at all times—even during routine activities like using bathroom facilities. ‘I’m trained for it,’ Rolle stated, ‘so it’s just a matter of being cautious.’
Beyond the security challenges, the mission provided stark exposure to Haiti’s humanitarian crisis. Rolle described sharing bottled water with local residents while stationed at a government post, noting their gratitude for what he characterized as an extension of ‘Bahamian hospitality.’ The profound poverty witnessed left a significant impression on the deployed personnel.
Acting Commander Alexis Brown addressed ceremony attendees, expressing pride in the team’s accomplishments within the gang suppression force. ‘The knowledge gained, lessons learned and professional networks established during this time have been invaluable,’ Brown noted, highlighting collaboration with Haitian National Police and international partners.
In media interviews, Commander Brown detailed the severe conditions encountered upon arrival, with widespread kidnappings and gang-enforced curfews paralyzing daily life. He observed encouraging signs of improvement toward mission’s end, citing the symbolic sight of citizens jogging publicly—an indication of returning normalcy.
RBDF Commodore Floyd Moxey confirmed the mission’s success and praised the contingent’s performance. The commitment to regional security continues, with 18 additional RBDF personnel currently in training pending potential deployment authorization by the National Security Council.
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Tearful tribute paid to man killed in hillside collapse
A somber memorial service was held Sunday at the Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church for Kingsley Dean, the 52-year-old construction worker who tragically perished in a catastrophic hillside collapse near Tonique Williams-Darling Highway on January 29th. Family members, friends, and community gathered to honor the father of three, whose life was abruptly ended while operating excavating equipment at a construction site.
The service transformed into a poignant celebration of Dean’s life, characterized by his cheerful disposition and unwavering dedication to his family. Dr. Rebecca Johnson, his adopted sister, delivered heartfelt reminiscences tracing back to his childhood in South Andros, where he was remembered as a joyful and independent boy among five brothers.
Dean’s profound commitment to fatherhood emerged as a central theme throughout the tributes. Dr. Johnson recounted his devoted efforts in caring for his three sons—Kaden, Jaleel, and Alexander—describing how he consistently prioritized their wellbeing. “He radiated pure happiness and wore a massive smile whenever he discussed his boys,” she shared with attendees. More recently, Dean had embraced the role of primary caregiver for his ailing father, further demonstrating his nurturing nature.
The memorial also served as a platform for spiritual reflection amid unanswered questions surrounding workplace safety protocols. Pastor Dr. Peter Joseph delivered an emotionally charged eulogy, urging congregants to seek spiritual preparedness in the face of life’s unpredictability. While police investigators continue examining the circumstances of the incident, family members expressed both profound grief and gratitude for divine protection throughout Dean’s life, referencing several previous occasions where he had narrowly escaped death, including a violent assault that required emergency medical treatment.
Dean’s remains will be transported to his childhood home of South Andros for final burial, closing a chapter marked by tragedy yet defined by remembrance of a life fully lived in service to family.
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‘We battled every day’: Bahamian students flee Qatar amid conflict
Two Bahamian aviation scholars have been safely repatriated following a period of heightened tension in Qatar, where they were caught in the crossfire of escalating Middle Eastern hostilities. Aysia Thurston, 26, and Brittany Ford, 20, who were enrolled at the Qatar Aeronautical Academy, arrived at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Friday to emotional reunions with family and government representatives. Their return marked a dramatic departure from the alarming conditions they recently endured, characterized by the audible interception of missiles, structural vibrations, and visible destruction in their immediate vicinity. Thurston provided a firsthand account of the disquieting experience, noting the relentless noise of shaking buildings and windows. She credited Qatar’s robust defense infrastructure for their safety, revealing that the most significant damage she witnessed was a vehicle destroyed by a fallen interceptor missile. Despite the persistent conflict, she noted that life in the city largely continued, which provided a sense of security. The regional instability was triggered last month by coordinated U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, which provoked a series of retaliatory missile and drone assaults across the Gulf region. Neighboring nations, including the United Arab Emirates, have actively intercepted numerous projectiles, while Iranian leadership has issued warnings of future attacks, alleging that the UAE provided covert operational bases for American forces. Both students acknowledged this was not their initial encounter with regional unrest but affirmed it was the most severe and prolonged episode. Ford described the ordeal of sharing a single bed with fellow CARICOM students throughout the crisis, stating they ‘battled every day since then.’ Thurston reflected that their coping mechanism was rooted in the mantra: ‘if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.’ The pair were recipients of a 2024 government scholarship initiative facilitated by the Bahamas Department of Aviation’s Aeronautical Academy. Regarding the prospect of resuming their studies abroad, Thurston expressed a willingness to return once stability is restored, emphasizing the need for a peaceful environment. Family members conveyed immense relief, with Thurston’s mother, Emily Williams, recounting days filled with anxiety and constant prayer for her daughter’s safe extraction. Brittany Ford’s grandfather, Wayne Cartwright, admitted to initially opposing her departure, foreseeing the potential for conflict in the region, and expressed profound relief at her return. Jerusa Ali, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed ongoing communications with UAE authorities. She reported that commercial flight operations continue intermittently and advised Bahamian citizens in the area to officially register with the ministry, maintain communication with diplomatic officials, and monitor airport advisories. While the exact number of Bahamians currently in the UAE remains unclear, Ali noted that the Bahamian embassy in Abu Dhabi is operating in a crisis management mode, providing essential consular services to those choosing to shelter in place or seeking assistance for evacuation.
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Western Air chief warns of air fare increase as 40% fuel spike expected
A perfect storm of geopolitical conflict and regional policy challenges is converging on The Bahamas’ tourism economy, with airline executives and resort owners warning of significant economic repercussions. Western Air, a major Bahamian carrier, has received formal notification of an immediate 40 percent surge in jet fuel costs directly linked to Middle East tensions, with further increases anticipated. Sherrexcia ‘Rexy’ Rolle, the airline’s president and CEO, confirmed that this development will inevitably force ticket price increases across the industry, potentially affecting travel accessibility to the island nation at a critical moment for tourism recovery.
The fuel crisis emerges alongside existing challenges in the Family Islands’ hospitality sector. Emanuel Alexiou, president of the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board, reported dramatic occupancy declines of nearly 50 percent in January and 27 percent in February at his Abaco Beach Resort property, with similar trends affecting other members. This downturn stems from two primary factors: the collapse of Silver Airways in June 2025, which drastically reduced air connectivity to Abaco, Exuma and other destinations, and controversial new boating fees that have deterred short-stay visitors.
While March has shown promising recovery signs with occupancy levels matching previous years, industry leaders express deep concern about the compounding effect of fuel prices on an already fragile market. Alexiou acknowledged that a protracted Middle East conflict would have ‘a big impact’ on both the Bahamian and global economies, particularly if fuel costs remain elevated through the critical summer season.
The boating industry faces particular vulnerability. Peter Maury, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, projected that marine fuel costs could increase 30-40 percent, creating what he termed ‘one more expense that a lot of boaters are probably not going to want to pay.’ This comes amid ongoing uncertainty about the government’s promised new cruising permit categories, which were announced in the mid-year Budget presentation but remain undetailed just weeks before the crucial Palm Beach Boat Show.
Political responses are emerging as the crisis develops. Senator Darren Henfield, Opposition leader in the Senate, has urged the government to implement emergency measures including a VAT cap on gasoline and an increased VAT-free threshold for electricity bills to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices on Bahamian families. These proposals mirror approaches successfully implemented in Barbados during previous oil price spikes.
The convergence of these factors—aviation fuel costs, reduced air connectivity, controversial marine fees, and now geopolitical instability affecting energy markets—creates unprecedented challenges for The Bahamas’ tourism-dependent economy just as it seeks to recover from a difficult start to 2026.
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Halkitis defends VAT changes, says grocers had ‘ample time’
The Bahamian government has firmly responded to mounting criticism from food retailers regarding its upcoming Value-Added Tax (VAT) reforms, asserting that businesses have received adequate preparation time for the impending changes. Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis addressed the Senate on Wednesday, providing detailed justification for the administration’s decision to eliminate VAT on unprepared food items effective April 1, 2024.
Halkitis clarified the fundamental distinction between ‘zero-rated’ and ‘exempt’ VAT classifications, explaining that the government deliberately chose the exemption model to prevent substantial revenue losses. Under the exemption framework, importers avoid paying VAT and consequently cannot claim input tax credits—a mechanism that prevents large-scale refund obligations from burdening government coffers. Conversely, zero-rating would enable retailers to reclaim VAT inputs, creating significant fiscal liabilities for the state.
The Minister revealed that government officials had initiated dialogue with retail stakeholders as early as last year, providing advance notice of the policy direction before the formal January announcement. Halkitis emphasized that the three-month implementation window represents sufficient adjustment time given contemporary technological capabilities, including artificial intelligence systems that streamline accounting processes.
Addressing allegations that the tax relief measure constitutes pre-election maneuvering, Halkitis categorically denied any political motivation. He characterized the VAT reduction as part of a broader series of economic relief initiatives implemented since the Davis administration assumed office, designed specifically to alleviate cost-of-living pressures for Bahamian households.
While acknowledging variations in consumer savings depending on individual spending patterns, the Minister maintained that the policy will deliver tangible financial benefits. Households with higher grocery expenditures will realize more substantial savings compared to those who frequently dine out, but all consumers will experience some degree of economic relief through reduced food prices.
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‘Hospital in worst state in 40 years’
The Bahamas Nurses Union has declared a state of emergency regarding working conditions at Princess Margaret Hospital, with president Muriel Lightbourn characterizing the situation as the most severe deterioration witnessed in her four-decade nursing career. This alarming assessment amplifies similar concerns previously voiced by Consultant Physicians Staff Association leader Dr. Charelle Lockhart, who described the public healthcare system as operating in ‘dire straits.’
At the heart of the escalating crisis are multiple systemic failures including hazardous workplace environments, chronic equipment shortages, and unresolved financial compensations. Lightbourn revealed that more than twenty nursing professionals await overdue promotions, with some delays tracing back to 2023. Particularly notable is the case of the acting Director of Nursing who remains unconfirmed in her position despite repeated ministerial assurances.
Financial grievances compound the institutional neglect, with nurses awaiting outstanding mileage and overtime payments. Lightbourn reported receiving near-daily inquiries from public health nurses questioning when these financial commitments will be honored, creating an atmosphere of mounting frustration and eroding trust.
The physical working environments present additional hazards. Multiple clinics, including facilities in New Providence and the Family Islands, reportedly suffer from mold contamination and inadequate infrastructure, contributing to respiratory illnesses among healthcare staff. Lightbourn recounted the paradoxical challenge of being asked to provide evidence of illness causation while working in visibly compromised environments.
Medical professionals describe a healthcare system in collapse. Dr. Lockhart, a pediatrician with 22 years of public hospital service, testified to critical equipment shortages where basic medical instruments were unavailable in emergency situations, forcing physicians to retrieve necessary tools from their private practices. She further highlighted poor staff deployment strategies and warned that continued systemic neglect is accelerating workforce burnout and skilled personnel loss.
With negotiations yielding minimal progress, nurses are now preparing to determine their next course of action during an emergency meeting this week. Lightbourn emphasized that patience has been exhausted, stating: ‘Faith without works is dead,’ indicating that traditional advocacy channels have failed to produce meaningful change.
The union leader issued a direct appeal to Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville to intensify efforts to address the multidimensional crisis before the healthcare system reaches complete breakdown.