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Communities and officials across the southern Bahamas are bracing for Hurricane Melissa, with a mix of preparedness, stress, and apprehension as the storm looms. Dr. Roelof Bruintjes, an atmospheric scientist from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, emphasized the need for vigilance, urging residents to transition from ‘monitor’ to ‘action’ mode if the hurricane shifts northward earlier than anticipated. ‘The southern Bahamas must remain on high alert and begin preliminary preparations,’ he stated. ‘Once the storm’s northern trajectory is confirmed, immediate action will be necessary.’ Dr. Bruintjes explained that hurricanes function as ‘heat engines,’ weakening over land due to disrupted rotation and loss of heat sources, particularly when interacting with mountainous terrain. ‘Jamaica will bear significant impact, but the storm will lose its intensity as it moves inland,’ he added. High-pressure systems have temporarily slowed the hurricane’s progress, but it is expected to move northward as weather fronts shift. In Mayaguana, Chief Councillor Vincent Murphy confirmed that preparations, including the readiness of shelters, would be completed by Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, on Crooked Island, resident Kirkwood McKinney Sr criticized the lack of backup power capacity, describing it as ‘gross negligence’ by the Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) management. Despite the challenges, McKinney vowed to remain on the island, citing lingering trauma from Hurricane Joaquin. In Acklins, PLP Branch Chairman Henry Rolle announced plans for evacuations in vulnerable communities, highlighting the island’s lack of proper hurricane shelters and calling for government action to address the issue.

As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, Bahamian nationals on the island were making urgent preparations to weather the storm. The Bahamas Consulate in Kingston, led by Consul General Alveta Knight, worked tirelessly to account for all Bahamians across Jamaica and deliver essential supplies to students remaining at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus. Ms. Knight described the deteriorating weather conditions in Kingston as a mix of light showers and strong winds, with an overcast sky setting the scene. Despite the calm appearance, the consulate was in full emergency mode, distributing flashlights and radios to students in anticipation of power outages. Stores across the capital had closed, making it challenging to secure items like power banks. The consulate also monitored a group of Bahamians stranded in Montego Bay after airports were closed, working to find them accommodations until flights resumed. Jamaica’s Ministry of Transport provided continuous weather updates, and the government’s no-price-gouging policy ensured basic supplies remained affordable. At UWI Mona Campus, about 20 Bahamian students chose to stay, while 76 were evacuated earlier. Victoria Jean-Jacques, president of the Bahamian Students Association, emphasized the importance of communication and preparedness, noting that students were calm but anxious. Care packages containing water, snacks, and emergency supplies were delivered to students by Ms. Knight. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield, who was in Jamaica for a family wedding, urged Bahamians in the southern Bahamas to heed evacuation advice, drawing lessons from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian. Ms. Knight called for prayers as the hurricane strengthened, emphasizing the need for safety and vigilance.

The Bahamas Faith Ministries International became a gathering place of remembrance and celebration on Friday as hundreds of individuals, including family, friends, church leaders, and public officials, honored the life and legacy of Vaughn Miller, the late Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Golden Isles. Miller, who passed away late last month, was commemorated as a man of profound faith, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to his family, community, and the preservation of the Bahamas’ natural beauty. The state-recognized funeral service drew a diverse array of national leaders, including Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, former Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie, Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, members of the judiciary, and other dignitaries. The ceremony featured heartfelt musical tributes by Clint Watson and the gospel group Shaback, whose performances provided solace and inspiration. A video presentation chronicled Miller’s life, from his early years and pastoral ministry to his broadcasting career and environmental advocacy. Prime Minister Davis shared a poignant letter of condolence from King Charles III, who praised Miller’s integrity, faith-driven leadership, and lifelong commitment to improving the lives of Bahamians. Davis highlighted Miller’s principled stand during the 2018 Value Added Tax debate, emphasizing his courage and conviction. Opposition Leader Pintard lauded Miller as a patriot whose service transcended political boundaries, rooted in a deep sense of social and economic justice. Environmental advocate Prescott Smith also paid tribute, acknowledging Miller’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental protection. Bishop Delton Fernander delivered a powerful sermon, urging attendees to honor Miller’s legacy through service and faith. Speakers collectively painted a portrait of a man who lived with purpose, embodying the ideals of stewardship and national progress. Miller is survived by his wife, Cassandra Miller, their son, and extended family.

A former Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer, Darrin Alexander Roker, has pleaded guilty to his involvement in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, marking a significant development in a high-profile case that has shaken law enforcement in The Bahamas. Roker, 56, admitted to one count of cocaine importation conspiracy in a New York court on Friday, becoming the first among 13 defendants to enter a guilty plea. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, with sentencing scheduled for January 21, 2025.

In a tragic development, Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles announced that a man will face murder charges in the Magistrates Court today for the death of 30-year-old Lauren Saunders. Saunders, who was seven months pregnant and a mother of two, was reported missing on October 19 after her family could not reach her. Her silver Jeep was later found abandoned off Coral Harbour Road, with her personal belongings still inside. A coordinated search involving the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), drone units, and K-9 officers led to the discovery of her decomposed body in a bushy area off Munnings Drive last Wednesday. Forensic examinations revealed advanced decomposition, preventing pathologists from determining the exact cause of death. However, police confirmed they have sufficient evidence to proceed with a murder charge. The suspect, a man in his 30s known to the victim, was taken into custody early in the investigation. Commissioner Knowles praised the relentless efforts of her officers and expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance in the search. Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis condemned the crime, emphasizing that violence against women has no place in society. The case has sparked widespread grief and outrage across the Bahamas.

A devastating head-on collision on the Grand Bahama Highway over the weekend has claimed the lives of two men, including a chef who had repeatedly voiced concerns about the dangerous conditions of the road. The accident occurred between 6am and 6.30am on a poorly lit stretch of the highway, which lacks streetlights despite the early sunrise. Christopher Smith, a chef at The Garden of the Groves, and Mozen Selemfort, a boat captain at Statoil in East End, were both on their way to work when the crash happened. Smith’s sister, Roseleen Smith, who was driving the vehicle with him as a passenger, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized. The collision occurred when a white Honda, driven by Selemfort and traveling east, veered into the westbound lane, striking Roseleen’s grey Chrysler head-on. Both Smith and Selemfort died at the scene, marking the 53rd traffic fatality in the country this year. The Grand Bahama Highway, located just east of the Lucayan National Park, was closed for over two hours as police conducted investigations. Smith’s colleagues and family expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing him as a compassionate and dedicated individual who frequently highlighted the perilous state of the highway. Superintendent Christopher Farquharson of the Grand Bahama Traffic Division confirmed that speed was a contributing factor in the crash. The incident has reignited concerns about road safety in the area, with calls for immediate improvements to prevent further tragedies.

The Bahamas government is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 145 mph, threatens the southern and central islands. Officials have warned of life-threatening flooding, hurricane-force winds, and coastal inundation, particularly in Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Ragged Island, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. A formal evacuation order from the Prime Minister may be issued in the coming days, contingent on the storm’s trajectory and intensity. Jeffrey Greene, Deputy Director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, confirmed that a hurricane alert is now active for the central and southeast Bahamas, including the Turks and Caicos Islands. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for severe weather conditions expected to begin late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Hurricane Melissa is forecast to pass over Jamaica on Tuesday, cross southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and reach the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday. Currently located several hundred miles southwest of The Bahamas, the storm is moving west at approximately five mph but is predicted to shift north and northeast on Monday and Tuesday. While hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles from its center, tropical storm-force winds reach 205 miles. Officials noted that interactions with Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola might slightly weaken the storm before it impacts Bahamian territory. Leon Lundy, Minister responsible for Disaster Risk Management, emphasized the government’s full mobilization, including resource positioning, community briefings, and inter-agency coordination to ensure an effective response. He urged residents to stay informed through official channels and avoid relying on rumors. Aaron Sargent, Director of the Disaster Risk Management Authority, highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor the storm, coordinate with local administrators, and identify vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, for potential evacuation. Sargent praised the proactive response of residents, noting a trend of swift action even before official evacuation orders are issued.