标签： Bahamas

Residents from the MICAL constituency have made a significant journey to New Providence to rally behind Robert Dupuch-Carron, founder of the Bahamas Aviation Climate and Severe Weather Networks Ltd (BACSWN), as he prepares to appear before the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) Candidates Committee. This surge of support comes in the wake of MICAL MP Basil McIntosh’s announcement that he will not seek re-election, a decision that has sparked criticism from some PLP supporters who feel let down by his performance. Dupuch-Carron, who has expressed his honor at being considered for the role, represents a lineage of political service, with his grandfather, great-uncle, and uncle all having served parts of the southern Bahamas. Timothy Thompson Sr, a Crooked Island resident and member of the PLP’s National General Council, has voiced his belief that Dupuch-Carron is the ideal candidate to bring true representation to MICAL, a constituency he claims has been neglected for years. Thompson has called for investments, airport development, and projects to showcase Crooked Island’s potential. Constituents from Mayaguana, Acklins, Inagua, and Crooked Island have flown in to support Dupuch-Carron, who is expected to meet with the PLP’s Candidates Committee for an interview. Thompson has warned of a potential protest vote against the PLP if Dupuch-Carron is not selected, emphasizing the urgency of effective representation. Henry Rolle, PLP branch chairman for Acklins, has highlighted the dire need for basic necessities like potable water and proper hurricane shelters, pointing to longstanding issues on Acklins. Father James Palacious, an Inagua native, has praised Dupuch-Carron’s innovative ideas, particularly his BACSWN project, which includes aviation-grade ambulances, enhanced search-and-rescue capabilities, and upgrades to radar and meteorological services. Palacious believes this project could significantly benefit Inagua. As the PLP’s nomination process unfolds, at least two other candidates, Angela Michelle Cox-Lockhart and Laverne Bertrum “Dyie” Ingraham, have also declared their intentions to represent the governing party in the vast constituency, which includes Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay. Cox-Lockhart has outlined a “7-Pillar Development Plan” focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, economic empowerment, education, culture, climate readiness, and inter-island connectivity, while Ingraham has cited long-standing political neglect and unfulfilled promises as his motivation for running.

The Bahamas is contemplating abstaining from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) pivotal vote on the proposed Net Zero Framework, following threats of retaliation from the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell revealed that the Bahamian government has formally requested the IMO to postpone the vote, signaling that the nation may withhold its support if the vote proceeds as scheduled. This decision comes in response to a stern warning from the Trump administration, communicated via the US Department of State, which outlined five retaliatory measures against countries endorsing the framework. The US has criticized the plan, claiming it imposes ‘unduly or unfairly burdens’ on American citizens and could harm the nation’s shipping and commercial interests by enforcing stricter emissions standards. As one of the world’s largest ship registries and a longstanding IMO member, The Bahamas holds significant sway in global maritime regulation. The IMO’s Net Zero Framework aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. While proponents argue the framework is essential for achieving global climate goals, opponents, particularly US conservatives, contend it could escalate shipping costs and disadvantage maritime economies dependent on fossil fuel transport.

Rick Fox, a former NBA player and Bahamian actor, has ignited widespread speculation about a potential foray into politics following a series of introspective social media posts shared over the holiday weekend. On Sunday, Fox revealed that he had been approached by numerous individuals inquiring whether he would consider running in the upcoming general election. “I’ve been hearing from a lot of you lately asking if I’m thinking about politics… if I’d consider running in the next general election,” he wrote. “Truth is, I didn’t expect so many people to care. But I’ve been having real conversations with women, youth, business owners, everyday Bahamians, and I keep hearing the same thing: ‘We’re ready for something different.’”

While Fox emphasized that he was not making any formal announcements, he expressed that he was “listening, reflecting, and exploring what the next chapter could look like.” He added his belief that The Bahamas’ best days lie ahead “if we come together with vision and purpose.”

The following day, on National Heroes Day, Fox shared another post honoring the individuals who have shaped his life and the nation’s history. Among those he celebrated were his father, grandparents, and prominent national figures such as Sir Lynden Pindling, the Women’s Suffrage Movement, Sir Sidney Poitier, Mychal Thompson, and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. Fox revealed that Davis had encouraged him four years ago to return to The Bahamas and bring his innovative ideas “to the front lines of climate change” to help establish “a global industry from The Bahamas.”

“These leaders and icons of mine remind me daily what it means to serve, inspire, and build a better life for my family, my community, and our nation,” Fox wrote.

In addition to his potential political aspirations, Fox serves as The Bahamas’ Sports Ambassador and is the founder and CEO of Partanna, a climate technology company specializing in carbon-negative building materials. In 2022, Fox signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bahamian government to develop a carbon-negative concrete manufacturing facility. The initiative aimed to construct the first 30 affordable homes using the sustainable material in Abaco the following year.

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.