标签： Bahamas

A 49-year-old mother from Murphy Town, Abaco, endured a Christmas season defined by pain and financial distress rather than celebration, as she confronts a severe ovarian cancer diagnosis without adequate means to secure treatment. Anastasia Johnson, a mother of three, described her devastating physical and emotional journey to The Tribune from her bedside, where she remains largely immobilized by the disease.

Her medical crisis emerged earlier this year while employed as a cleaner at Maxwell’s supermarket, where she began suffering from relentless vomiting, drastic weight loss, and debilitating fatigue. After initial examinations at a local clinic, she was referred to Princess Margaret Hospital in New Providence, where physicians identified a significant mass subsequently diagnosed as ovarian cancer.

The emotional toll was immediate and profound. “I broke down in tears,” Ms. Johnson recounted. “I didn’t eat at all for that day, for the next two days, because I didn’t expect it to be cancer.”

Her resilience is fueled by concern for her children—two sons aged ten and 14, and a 33-year-old daughter. Though she receives emotional and practical support from her children’s father, former coworkers, and loved ones, the financial burden of treatment remains overwhelming. Having resigned from her job due to unbearable pain even before her diagnosis, she now faces estimated chemotherapy costs of $400 per session—an insurmountable sum given her circumstances.

Medical advisors have recommended she travel to New Providence in early January to determine the required number of chemotherapy rounds. Beyond treatment itself, she requires assistance for seizure medication, inter-island travel, accommodation, food, and basic living expenses.

This Christmas, typically a time of joy and family connection, was marred by suffering and anxiety. “I really didn’t enjoy it. I tried to smile for my kids, but with everything I’m going through, it wasn’t really enjoyable,” she confessed.

Facing an uncertain future, Ms. Johnson clings to faith and maternal love. “I just want to stay around for my kids, to watch them grow up,” she expressed. “A mother plays a major role in the kids’ lives. I want to be here to watch my two boys grow up and become someone in life.”

Those wishing to offer support may contact Ms. Johnson directly at 242-804-2078.

A Grand Bahama family is seeking accountability from law enforcement following a controversial police-involved shooting in Eight Mile Rock that left 49-year-old father of four Jorel Saltine wounded. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Russell Town area, sparking allegations of excessive force and procedural violations.

According to Cecil Celo Similien, the victim’s brother, Saltine was shot outside their family residence without justification. “I was home when I heard a gunshot,” Similien recounted. “I came out, and I heard that my little brother got shot in the yard.” He emphatically denied police assertions that Saltine was armed, stating no weapons or drugs were found on his brother following the shooting.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force provided an alternative account, indicating the confrontation began around 5pm on December 28 when officers on patrol observed a man in the Cemetery Road area who fled upon noticing them. Police claim that during the pursuit, the suspect held his waistband and entered an abandoned structure. Upon exiting, officers alleged he pointed a black object in their direction, prompting one officer to discharge his weapon and strike the suspect in the right foot.

Law enforcement officials confirmed the wounded man was transported to Rand Memorial Hospital, where medical staff determined his injuries were non-life-threatening. After treatment, he was discharged into police custody and remains detained at Central Police Station.

The family has raised serious concerns about police procedures following the incident. Similien questioned why no ambulance was summoned to the scene and criticized the premature removal of his brother from medical care. “That could have never happened in the United States,” he stated. “Any question that they needed to ask would have been done in the hospital.”

Similien further challenged the narrative that his brother posed a threat, asking: “If you chasing an individual and this individual have his back turn, shouldn’t you give a warning shot?” He expressed frustration with what he perceives as systemic protection of officers, stating: “In The Bahamas, we got this thing that the police is always right, which is wrong.”

The family has also alleged that the involved officer had previously been instructed by courts not to enter their property and accused senior officers of covering up misconduct. “It is a shame when the system that’s supposed to be protecting the citizen is the same system that is corrupt and abusing their power,” Similien asserted.

Expressing little confidence in official complaints mechanisms, Similien described the process as ineffective: “To go lodge a complaint is just like you writing something and you taking it and fold the paper up and throw it in the garbage.” He claimed that when attempting to file a report, he was dismissed by officers, suggesting discriminatory treatment based on his Rastafarian appearance.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing through its Complaint and Corruption Branch, which accepts reports through multiple channels including in-person submissions, written correspondence, and electronic communications.

A young father’s festive celebrations turned to tragedy on Christmas Eve when 25-year-old mechanic Christopher Mott was fatally shot in Nassau, Bahamas, shortly after purchasing gifts for his children. The incident has sent shockwaves through his community and workplace while elevating the nation’s homicide count to 83 for the year.

According to police reports, Mott was discovered deceased inside a red Nissan Cube near the intersection of Graham Drive and Lime Street shortly after 7 PM on Wednesday. The vehicle contained multiple gunshot wounds, indicating a violent assault that ended the young mechanic’s life.

Carson Strachan, Mott’s colleague, friend, and neighbor, provided poignant insights into the victim’s character. He described Mott as a devoted father to his two daughters, including a recently born infant, who consistently expressed affection for his children. “He genuinely adored his kids,” Strachan recalled. “He would proudly speak about them daily. Just recently, he told me, ‘Carson, I’ve already purchased all their presents and gifts. Everybody’s straight.’”

Strachan disclosed having a disagreement with Mott earlier on the day of the shooting but emphasized the matter had been fully resolved beforehand. He revealed experiencing sudden illness symptoms—including runny nose, watery eyes, headaches, and drowsiness—hours before the incident, prompting him to return home without further interaction with Mott. The devastating news reached him shortly thereafter through a telephone call.

The atmosphere at the Beaches and Park Authority, where Mott worked as a mechanic, turned somber as employees returned to work after the holiday weekend. Strachan characterized the workplace environment as heavy and subdued, with colleagues processing their grief individually rather than through collective conversation.

Beyond his familial devotion, Mott was remembered as outspoken, hardworking, and passionately connected to maritime activities. He frequently discussed aspirations of acquiring multiple boats and an additional jet ski, envisioning a future centered around his aquatic interests.

Law enforcement authorities have not yet publicly identified potential suspects or determined a motive for the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing as police seek answers regarding this tragic Christmas Eve homicide.

A devastating workplace incident at Freeport Container Port has triggered a comprehensive safety review following the death of a 27-year-old engineer technician on Boxing Day. Anderson Adderley, an employee in the port’s Engineering Department, fell from a crane in the early hours of December 26, marking the first of two serious accidents at the facility within hours.

The tragic sequence began around 5 AM when port personnel discovered Adderley unresponsive near the stack trailer area with critical injuries. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations by Superintendent Nicholas Johnson of the Criminal Investigation Department indicate Adderley was assigned to work on one of the terminal’s 14 cranes, though he was not wearing a safety harness at the time of the fall.

In a separate incident the same day, another worker sustained severe leg injuries when an object fell on him aboard a vessel docked near the container port. The injured man was transported to hospital, with his condition remaining undisclosed.

The dual accidents have intensified scrutiny on safety protocols at the transshipment terminal, currently undergoing $100 million in upgrades and expansion. Adderley, who held a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of The Bahamas, had been employed at the port for approximately one year and was described as enthusiastic about his career prospects.

Family members, including uncle Andrew Forbes, expressed profound grief while awaiting conclusive investigation results from both police and port authorities. Forbes revealed the tragedy represents the fourth consecutive year of bereavement for the family, describing Adderley as an only child whose mother is struggling with the loss.

Freeport Container Port CEO Godfrey Smith issued a statement extending condolences to Adderley’s family, loved ones, and colleagues, confirming the company’s full cooperation with the ongoing Royal Bahamas Police Force investigation. The incident has raised critical questions about industrial safety standards in port operations, with family members hoping the tragedy will prompt enhanced safety mechanisms to prevent future fatalities.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In a spectacular cultural resurgence, One Family Junkanoo Group captured the Boxing Day Parade championship, dethroning the two-time defending champions Shell Saxons Superstars in a vibrant display of Bahamian tradition. The group’s mesmerizing performance titled “001 Arabian Nights – Tales of Mystery and Magic” earned 621 points from judges, combining desert-inspired aesthetics, mystical characters, and seamless choreography that electrified Bay Street spectators.

The victory marks a triumphant return to prominence for One Family, whose performance generated some of the loudest cheers of the morning as supporters waved flags and rang traditional cowbells to fan-favorite musical arrangements. The Way Forward Valley Boys secured second position with 578 points, while the dethroned Saxons finished third with 533 points in the highly competitive A Division.

This year’s parade attracted thousands of attendees, including families, tourists, and dedicated Junkanoo enthusiasts who filled downtown Nassau’s streets to witness the return of elaborate costumes and powerful drumlines. The event also drew the attention of new U.S. Ambassador Herschel Walker, who attended his first Junkanoo parade and described it as “very, very impressive.”

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, operational challenges emerged as significant pauses between groups created frustration among sections of the crowd. The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), overseeing the parade for the first time following the government’s dispute with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence, acknowledged these issues in a post-event statement.

The NJC attributed the disruptions to “route obstructions, sequencing and readiness challenges, and isolated incidents requiring law enforcement intervention” rather than intentional obstruction by participating groups. Commissioner Shanta Knowles clarified security arrangements, noting that a private security firm had been hired by the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture to supplement over 600 police officers and 70-80 defense force personnel deployed for the event.

In a notable security enhancement, licensed firearm holders were prohibited from bringing handguns downtown for the first time in parade history. Attention now shifts to the upcoming New Year’s Day Parade, where One Family will attempt to achieve consecutive victories in Bahamas’ most celebrated cultural competition.

Bahamas Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles has declared herself uninformed about serious allegations made by an Andros resident concerning extended detention without charge, despite extensive media coverage and public discussion of the case connected to a sitting Member of Parliament.

Commissioner Knowles, speaking during the 2025 Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade festivities, stated she had not received any briefing regarding Zakari Campbell’s claims but emphasized standard police protocols require officers to inform detainees of custody reasons. “I don’t know about that case, but everyone who comes into custody is told of the reason why they are in custody,” Knowles told reporters. “One of the greatest powers of arrest of the police is the suspicion, and when anyone comes into custody, a detention record is made.”

The controversy stems from detailed allegations published by Campbell on social media and subsequently covered by multiple Tribune reports. According to his account, the incident began with a Friday night gathering at Round Two bar where the MP was present. Campbell described how the establishment’s manager attempted to close around 2am but claimed the politician “objected and signalled the DJ to continue playing.” The group reportedly departed thirty minutes later without any property concerns being raised.

Campbell asserts he learned the following day that police were reviewing security footage after the MP reported having “lost something.” On Monday, officers arrived at Campbell’s workplace—where he had recently begun employment handling substantial cash amounts—and took him into custody. He maintains that although police referenced a search warrant for “stolen property” connected to the bar, they refused to specify what item was allegedly taken.

Following a search of his home in his mother’s presence that yielded nothing, Campbell was transported to the police station. There, he noticed another patron from the bar in a holding cell and claims officers first accused him of taking the MP’s firearm. Despite denying any knowledge of a weapon, Campbell was placed in a cell without information regarding his detention duration.

He was ultimately released at 4:50pm the next day after his mother’s intervention, having spent over 24 hours in custody without formal charges, explanation, or apology. “This is not about drama,” Campbell wrote. “This is about power, protection and the unequal application of the law.”

The Member of Parliament central to these allegations has not responded to numerous calls or requests for comment from media outlets.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – A dual industrial incident at the Freeport Container Port has prompted a comprehensive police investigation following a fatal accident and a separate serious injury on Friday morning. The events have cast a spotlight on workplace safety protocols at the major shipping hub.

The primary tragedy occurred shortly after 5 a.m., claiming the life of Anderson Adderley. According to preliminary reports from the Grand Bahama Police, Mr. Adderley suffered catastrophic injuries after falling from a significant height on a crane. Despite the rapid response from Emergency Medical Services personnel, he was pronounced deceased at the location.

Police Superintendent Nicholas Johnson, who leads the Criminal Investigation Department, confirmed that law enforcement was notified by port personnel. Officers discovered an adult male employee with grave injuries within the stack trailer area. “We are in the initial stage and we are speaking with a number of witnesses who are assisting us at this time,” Supt. Johnson stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the inquiry.

In a concurrent but unrelated event, a second industrial accident was reported near the same facility just before 9 a.m. Another male employee, working aboard a vessel docked adjacent to the container port along the Warren J Levarity Highway, sustained severe leg injuries. Initial reports indicate a large object fell onto him. The individual was transported via ambulance to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

Authorities have clarified that while the incidents occurred in proximity both in location and timing, they are being investigated as separate occurrences. The police force has dispatched specialized teams to both sites to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine the precise sequence of events that led to each accident. The investigations aim to ascertain potential contributing factors, including equipment failure, procedural adherence, and overall worksite conditions.

The Freeport Container Port, a critical node in regional shipping logistics, has not yet released an official statement regarding the incidents or its operational safety review process.

Nassau, Bahamas – A violent Christmas Eve incident in the Yellow Elder community has resulted in one fatality and left another man hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The tragic shooting occurred on Wednesday evening, casting a shadow over holiday celebrations in the area.

According to law enforcement officials, police responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of Graham Drive and Lime Streets at approximately 7:00 PM. At the scene, officers discovered a 25-year-old male victim inside a red Nissan Cube, unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Emergency Medical Services personnel confirmed the victim displayed no vital signs of life upon examination.

A second victim, identified as a 27-year-old male, sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg during the altercation. The injured man was transported to a medical facility via private vehicle before police arrival and subsequently received treatment for his wounds.

Law enforcement authorities confirmed the recovery of an illegal firearm from the crime scene, which has been secured as evidence. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under active investigation, with detectives pursuing multiple leads.

In a related development hours later, Operation Black Scorpion officers conducted a separate operation in the Culmersville area that resulted in the seizure of another illegal firearm. Acting on intelligence received, officers searched an abandoned building where they discovered the weapon along with a sealed package containing suspected marijuana at approximately 9:00 PM.

No arrests have been made in connection with either incident as investigations continue. Police have not released information regarding potential motives or suspects in the fatal shooting, nor have they disclosed the estimated street value of the confiscated narcotics.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has appealed to residents with any information regarding either incident to come forward anonymously.