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A woman captured on video violently assaulting her young son is set to appear in court today, following widespread public outrage sparked by the disturbing footage. The video, which circulated on social media over the weekend, depicts the woman slamming, kicking, and stomping on the crying child, who is believed to be her son. In one harrowing scene, she throws him to the ground as he wails in pain. Another clip shows her dragging him by the hair, slamming his face into a door, and later stomping on his head. The woman, described as having a slim build, is also seen picking up a rock and seemingly threatening the person recording the incident, while a man’s voice is heard in the background. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 1,000 shares and thousands of comments within hours. Viewers expressed shock and disgust, labeling the footage “sickening” and “unbearable to watch.” Many called for her immediate arrest and harsher penalties for child abuse. Police confirmed the woman’s arrest and charges, stating that she is due in court today. While the investigation remains ongoing, authorities have declined to provide additional details.

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.