The music world is mourning the loss of Michael Eugene Archer, the celebrated R&B artist known globally as D’Angelo. The 51-year-old singer succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, after a prolonged and valiant struggle with the illness. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement to Variety, expressing their profound grief and gratitude for his enduring musical legacy. ‘The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,’ the statement read. ‘After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home.’ The family also requested privacy during this challenging period while inviting fans to join them in mourning and celebrating the extraordinary gift of music he left behind. Earlier this year, D’Angelo faced another personal tragedy when his former partner and mother of one of his sons, R&B singer Angie Stone, died in a car crash at the age of 61. D’Angelo is survived by his three children, who now carry forward his legacy.
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TTSPCA welcomes animal shelter tax concession
In a significant move to support animal welfare, the Trinidad and Tobago government has announced tax concessions for corporate and individual contributions to registered animal shelters. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled this initiative during the national budget presentation on October 13 at the Red House. The proposal includes amendments to the Corporation Tax Act and the Income Tax Act, allowing companies and individuals to claim deductions for their donations to approved shelters. Companies can deduct up to 15% of their chargeable profits or $100,000 annually, while individuals can claim up to 20% of their total income or $20,000 per year. These changes, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aim to bolster the efforts of shelters in controlling stray populations, promoting spaying and neutering, and enhancing public health and environmental sanitation. Sita Kuruvilla, chairman of the TT Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSPCA), expressed optimism about the new policy, highlighting its potential to attract more support and reduce the financial burden on shelters. The TTSPCA, which faced imminent closure in September 2024 due to funding shortages, hopes this initiative will encourage more donations and ensure the sustainability of their operations.
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Budget shifts gear on auto sector
The 2025/2026 national budget of Trinidad and Tobago has been hailed as ‘for the people’ by Visham Babwah, president of the TT Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA). The budget introduces significant policy shifts aimed at making vehicle ownership more affordable while addressing loopholes that have allegedly drained foreign exchange reserves. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced a series of tax reforms in the automotive sector, balancing environmental responsibility, economic prudence, and public accessibility. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of new taxes on luxury electric vehicles (EVs), effective January 1, 2026. Tancoo emphasized the government’s support for EV adoption to reduce carbon emissions but highlighted the misuse of tax exemptions for high-end models. Under the new regime, EVs with a cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value exceeding $400,000 will attract a ten per cent customs duty, a 12.5 per cent VAT, and a tiered motor vehicle tax, expected to raise $40 million annually. Mid- and lower-priced EVs will continue to benefit from tax relief, promoting clean energy alternatives for the average citizen. Additionally, tax concessions for returning nationals, including exemptions from motor vehicle tax, VAT, and customs duty, will be removed, aligning them with other vehicle importers. The government also revised the age limit on used car imports, increasing the permissible age for private vehicles from three to six years and for light commercial vehicles from seven to ten years. Babwah welcomed these changes, noting they followed detailed consultations with TTADA. The budget also introduced increased fines for road safety and environmental protection, including higher penalties for careless driving and driving under the influence. While no new investments were made in compressed natural gas (CNG), Babwah cautioned against revisiting past initiatives that failed to yield long-term benefits. He also welcomed the government’s $1 reduction in the price of super gasoline, highlighting past unfulfilled promises to reverse fuel price hikes. Babwah described TTADA’s engagement with the government as collaborative, emphasizing their commitment to policies supporting the automotive industry, consumer protection, and environmental sustainability.
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Young: Budget unrealistic, expect raid on H&S Fund
Former Energy Minister Stuart Young has sharply criticized the 2025/2026 budget presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, labeling it as a ‘smoke and mirrors’ strategy. Young expressed concerns over the government’s potential raid on the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund to cover revenue shortfalls. The $59.232 billion budget, announced on October 13, is projected to fall short by $3.865 billion in revenue. Key measures include a $1 per litre reduction in super gasoline prices, a revised 10% salary increase for public servants, an electricity surcharge for commercial and industrial customers, a landlord tax, and an asset levy on banks and insurance companies. Young, in a Facebook post on October 14, supported the gasoline price cut but condemned the budget as ‘populist’ and warned of rising inflation and job losses. He questioned the government’s optimistic oil price projection of US$73.25 per barrel, which is 40% higher than global forecasts, and predicted serious revenue shortfalls. Young also criticized the lack of new energy initiatives, the closure of employment programs like URP and CEPEP, and the potential economic impact of new taxes on banks, insurance companies, and landlords, which he argued would lead to higher costs for consumers. Additionally, he raised concerns about the government’s plan to appoint majority directors at Republic Bank, warning against interference in critical financial institutions.
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US Charge d’Affaires gets married
In a joyous celebration of love and unity, Kimberly Furnish, the US Chargé d’Affaires to the Bahamas, tied the knot with her partner Michael Dowgiewicz at her official residence in Nassau on Saturday. The event was graced by notable figures, including Ann-Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper along with his wife Cecilia. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor TG Morrison of Zion Baptist Church, with the bride being escorted by her children Samantha, Veronica, and Calvin Furnish. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band provided enchanting music, while Chef Wayne Moncur and his team ensured a delightful culinary experience for the guests. The highlight of the celebration was the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the couple’s new journey together.
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Future Energy Leaders Forum aims to inspire students on sustainability
Hundreds of high school students from across The Bahamas convened at the British Colonial Hotel on Friday for the Future Energy Leaders Forum, an event dedicated to fostering innovation, dialogue, and discovery in the realm of sustainable energy. Organized by INTI Corporation Ltd in collaboration with local, regional, and international partners, the forum aimed to inspire the next generation to play a pivotal role in building a sustainable future for the nation. Attendees included government officials, industry leaders, and students, all united in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and environmental resilience. INTI President and CEO Owen Bethel emphasized the event’s goal of sparking curiosity among students about renewable energy and environmental action. Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis highlighted the government’s progress on renewable energy projects, including the transition to cleaner fuels like LNG and solar power with battery storage, many of which are slated for completion by 2026 or early 2027. She also noted the ongoing utility-scale solar project at Blue Hills Power Station, led by INTI, and the imminent start of dredging for the LNG project. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis underscored the importance of sustainability, reliability, and local empowerment in the government’s energy strategy, which includes solar microgrids across the Family Islands, large-scale solar installations in New Providence, and private sector investment opportunities. He stressed the critical role of workforce development, with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute launching a national training program in renewable energy technology. The forum concluded with a powerful call to action, urging students to become advocates for sustainability and innovation, as their generation will be instrumental in shaping The Bahamas’ clean energy future.
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Voter verification stations now open across country, says Thompson
The Parliamentary Commissioner of the Bahamas, Harrison Thompson, has confirmed that Family Island residents initially unable to register in New Providence have now been successfully processed. This development comes as the nation gears up for the upcoming general election. During a press conference at the Parliamentary Registration Department (PRD) on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, Thompson announced the nationwide opening of voter verification stations. These stations, operational from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Monday to Friday, aim to ensure the accuracy of the voter register by allowing individuals to confirm or update their details. Thompson emphasized the importance of this exercise, noting that the current voter count stands at 195,610, the highest in Bahamian history. Verification requires a valid Bahamian passport or voter’s card and takes only five to seven minutes. Locations in New Providence include St Paul’s Catholic Church, Aquinas College, and the University of The Bahamas, among others. Thompson also addressed concerns raised by Xavier Knowles, President of the Free National Movement’s Torchbearers Youth Association, regarding young voters being denied registration. He clarified that only a small number of individuals, including those from Inagua, were affected, and the issues have since been resolved. Additionally, the PRD is upgrading its digital platform with assistance from the Organisation of American States, incorporating biometric data from passports to modernize the electoral system. So far, 590 individuals have completed biometric verification, with data integration underway. Thompson reassured the public that biometric verification is voluntary and that no one will lose their voting rights for opting out. He also dismissed online rumors, reaffirming the department’s commitment to safeguarding the electoral process and combating misinformation. In related news, a by-election will soon be announced for the Golden Isles constituency following the passing of MP Vaughn Miller in September.
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More than 500 people awarded national honours
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis paid tribute to this year’s National Heroes Day honorees, describing them as the living embodiment of the Bahamian spirit. Speaking at a ceremony at Government House, where over 500 individuals were awarded national honors, Mr. Davis highlighted their quiet, selfless service rooted in faith, compassion, and community. Among the honorees was Pompey Rolle, who was posthumously awarded the Order of National Hero for leading the 1830 slave rebellion in Exuma. Reflecting on his own humble beginnings in Cat Island, the Prime Minister emphasized that his journey to leadership mirrors the broader Bahamian narrative of resilience and service. He praised the honorees for choosing “service over self” and for strengthening the nation through their contributions. Mr. Davis urged Bahamians, especially the youth, to draw inspiration from the honorees’ lives and to act with purpose and love for their country. He stressed that true success is measured not by wealth or status but by the positive impact one has on others. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of leadership as a responsibility to uplift others and to persevere through challenges. He concluded by affirming that the honorees’ stories of hope, humility, and faith are integral to the Bahamian identity and serve as a reminder of the nation’s enduring strength.
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Archbishop Drexel Gomez dies
Archbishop Drexel Gomez, a revered figure in the Anglican Church and former Archbishop of the West Indies, has passed away. Serving from 1996 to 2009, Archbishop Gomez was a pivotal leader whose influence transcended The Bahamas, shaping theological discourse across the Caribbean and the global Anglican Communion. Earlier this year, he was hospitalized while battling cancer, prompting widespread calls for prayers. Prime Minister Philip Davis described him as a ‘guiding light’ and ‘steadfast shepherd,’ praising his wisdom, faith, and love for the nation. Michael Pintard, Leader of the FNM, highlighted his unifying role within the Anglican Community and his lifelong devotion to God. Long Island MP Adrian Gibson, informed by the archbishop’s son, Damian Gomez QC, mourned his passing, calling him ‘a voice of conviction and unity’ and a shepherd to many. Archbishop Gomez’s journey from Bishop of Barbados to Archbishop and Primate of the Church in the Province of the West Indies marked a legacy of leadership during pivotal moments in the Anglican Church’s history. Arinthia Komolafe, former DNA leader and FNM candidate, expressed deep sorrow, describing him as ‘a true servant of the Lord’ and a loss to the Bahamian soul. The nation mourns his passing, celebrating his contributions and extending sympathies to the Gomez family. Updates will follow.
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Man pleads guilty to firebombing US state governor’s residence
A 38-year-old man from the United States, Cody Balmer, has admitted to attempting to murder Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro by firebombing his official residence. Balmer entered a guilty plea on Tuesday, acknowledging charges of attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary, and related offenses. According to prosecutors, he faces a prison sentence ranging from 25 to 50 years under a plea agreement. The incident occurred in April when Balmer, driven by what he described as ‘hatred’ towards the governor, hurled a Molotov cocktail at Shapiro’s Georgian-style mansion in Harrisburg. At the time, Shapiro was celebrating the first night of Passover with his family. Although no injuries were reported, parts of the residence sustained significant damage. Balmer was captured on surveillance footage scaling a perimeter fence, breaking windows, and igniting gasoline-filled bottles before fleeing the scene. He later surrendered to state police, confessing to the attack. An ex-partner of Balmer had alerted authorities, stating he intended to turn himself in. Shapiro, a prominent Democrat and potential 2028 presidential candidate, expressed relief that no one was harmed during the ordeal.