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In a shocking act of vandalism, thieves targeted the Centre for the Deaf in the early hours of yesterday morning, causing extensive damage and stealing critical educational resources. The intruders smashed windows, breached the school’s fencing, and made off with the institution’s bus, which was later found crashed and abandoned at Ross Corner. The incident occurred around 12:25 AM, with security personnel discovering the aftermath during their routine checks. Education Director Dominique McCartney-Russell described the scene as grim, noting the theft of children’s learning devices and the severe damage to the school’s infrastructure. Police have confirmed the recovery of the bus, which collided with a wall, and have launched a manhunt for the suspects. While the exact cost of the damages remains unclear, Mrs. McCartney-Russell assured that all stolen items, including tablets, would be replaced. Repairs to the mangled fencing were already underway by the afternoon. Despite the disruption, school operations continued uninterrupted, with students relocated to another building and supported by the school’s guidance counselor. The Centre for the Deaf, established by the Red Cross in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, serves approximately 22 students and employs 11 staff members. In response to the incident, security teams have recommended enhanced mobile patrols and additional officer support to prevent future breaches.

The Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI) has revealed that the number of vacant homes across the country surged to over 25,000 in 2022, marking a six percent increase since 2010. According to the latest Census data, the nation has a total of 144,198 dwelling units, with 82.6 percent (119,138) occupied and 17.4 percent (25,060) vacant. This rise in vacant properties coincides with escalating rental costs, stagnant wages, and a growing deficit of affordable housing, which Housing Minister Keith Bell estimates at more than 12,000 units. Despite these challenges, the Census highlighted positive trends, including a 19 percent increase in homeownership and improved access to utilities over the past 12 years. Fully owned homes without mortgages saw a significant jump from 37,109 in 2010 to 52,691 in 2022, while mortgaged homes declined from 23,434 to 19,299. Rental occupancy grew modestly, with 40,060 renters recorded. The report also noted a decline in overcrowding, with the average household size decreasing from 3.4 to 3.3 persons. Ten islands reported homeownership rates exceeding 70 percent, with Ragged Island leading at 92.9 percent. New Providence’s share of private dwellings dropped from 68.3 percent in 2010 to 66.9 percent in 2022, while the Family Islands saw an increase from 12 to 13 percent, reflecting a gradual population shift. The Census also highlighted significant improvements in internet access, with 92.3 percent of individuals aged three and older connected, up from 64.7 percent in 2010. Access to sanitation and basic utilities has also improved, with nearly all households now connected to essential infrastructure.

The streets of New Providence have become a battleground for drivers as potholes, exacerbated by recent rainfall, wreak havoc on vehicles and finances. From Carmichael Road to Eastern Road, Balfour Avenue to Robinson Road, the island’s roads are riddled with deep craters and sunken asphalt, transforming daily commutes into treacherous obstacle courses. This has led to a surge in demand for tyre shops and mechanics, who are now inundated with customers facing costly repairs. At The Tire Outlet on Faith Avenue, workers report selling up to 30 tyres daily, with numbers spiking after heavy rains obscure potholes beneath water pools. Similarly, Rubberband Tires notes that nearly every customer arrives with pothole-related tyre damage. Mobile repair services are also overwhelmed, with Baton Roker of Keeping You Moving Mobile Tire Repair handling at least 15 calls daily. He humorously remarked that potholes are his ‘best employees,’ as they generate endless work without cost. Mechanics like Kipln Moss highlight that the damage extends beyond tyres, with broken shocks, lower arms, and tie rods becoming commonplace. Residents have taken to social media to share images of damaged vehicles and flooded streets, tagging officials and demanding action. Some have even created online maps to help motorists avoid the worst potholes. At the Ministry of Works, Superintendent Eric Rudon acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating that repair crews are working tirelessly alongside private contractors to address the problem. However, he admitted that the sheer number of potholes makes it impossible to count them all. In 2022, the ministry announced a two-year paving programme set to begin in January 2024, aiming to resurface 55 miles of road. Senior civil engineer Francis Clarke assured that once the paving network is stabilised, pothole complaints will significantly decrease. Yet, with thousands of potholes plaguing the capital and similar issues reported in Abaco and other islands, the promise of relief feels distant for many motorists.