标签： Bahamas

In a significant political development from The Bahamas, John Pinder, the Member of Parliament for Central and South Abaco, has formally declared he will not seek re-election. Pinder stated his decision stems from a belief that he can contribute more effectively “behind the front lines” rather than building a long-term political career.

Pinder’s announcement occurs against a backdrop of reported dissatisfaction among senior members of his ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in Abaco. Concerns were allegedly raised during a branch meeting attended by Prime Minister Philip Davis, where constituents criticized the MP’s perceived lack of visibility and a dismissive attitude toward local issues. Questions were also directed at the pace of post-disaster recovery efforts on the island.

In defense of his tenure, Pinder pointed to substantial achievements in revitalizing Abaco’s economy and tourism sector. He emphasized that his primary focus upon entering office was to restore economic activity and reinstate Abaco as a key destination on the tourism map, a status he claimed was neglected by the previous Free National Movement (FNM) government.

His international advocacy, he reported, successfully rebuilt global confidence, catapulting Abaco to become the nation’s second-largest stopover visitor destination after Nassau. On the infrastructure front, Pinder highlighted the completion or near-completion of critical Public Works projects, including road paving in Pelican Road and Central Pines, and the finalization of contracts for Sweeting’s Tract Water and Road works.

A particular focus was placed on Moore’s Island, which received long-awaited investments such as rebuilt and extended fishing docks, a completed front street seawall, and an imminent start on a new clinic.

Pinder confirmed that three individuals are vying for the party nomination to succeed him, and he expressed support for one candidate, whose identity he will disclose after the candidate selection committee concludes its meetings. Reflecting on his service, Pinder expressed “absolutely no regrets,” stating it was a “profound honor” to represent his constituency and reaffirming his unwavering dedication to Abaco’s advancement, albeit from a non-electoral role.

Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard has acknowledged ongoing discussions with former NBA champion and actor Rick Fox regarding potential political collaboration. The revelation came during a press briefing outside the House Assembly, where Pintard expressed his party’s admiration for Fox’s accomplishments and his positive representation of The Bahamas on the global stage.

Pintard revealed that conversations with Fox began during his tenure as sports minister, focusing on substantial investments exceeding $300 million in the sports sector. While not confirming a formal recruitment offer, the opposition leader emphasized the FNM’s openness to engaging with talented Bahamians both domestically and abroad who wish to contribute to national development.

The political landscape has grown increasingly complex as Fox currently serves as Ambassador at Large for sports within the incumbent Davis administration. Tensions emerged after Fox publicly criticized the governing Progressive Liberal Party while refusing to resign his diplomatic post. In a recent Facebook statement, Fox asserted that his allegiance lies with the Bahamian people rather than any political party, challenging conventional expectations of ambassadorial conduct during election periods.

The situation has drawn additional controversy after Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper questioned Fox’s nationality, apparently unaware of his dual Canadian-Bahamian citizenship. Fox was born in Canada to a Bahamian father and Italian mother but spent his formative years in The Bahamas.

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Herschel Walker has formally commenced his diplomatic duties as the fourteenth United States Ambassador to The Bahamas following a credential presentation ceremony with Governor General Dame Cynthia Pratt at Government House. The confirmation of his appointment by the US Senate on October 7 culminated in his swearing-in at the White House on October 17, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

The newly appointed ambassador will immediately engage with key Bahamian stakeholders across government, business, education, cultural institutions, and sports organizations. Concurrently, he will receive comprehensive operational briefings from embassy personnel on critical security and consular matters.

In an official statement, Ambassador Walker expressed profound honor in accepting this role, emphasizing his commitment to ‘strengthening the enduring ties between our nations and engaging with communities throughout The Bahamas.’

His appointment concludes a thirteen-year vacancy in the position since Nicole Avant’s departure in 2011. The official ambassadorial residence, Liberty Overlook, has been prepared for occupancy after extensive renovations following its prolonged vacancy.

Nominated by President Donald Trump in December 2024, Walker secured confirmation through a 51–47 Senate vote. During his September confirmation hearing, he outlined strategic priorities including countering Chinese regional influence, enhancing anti-narcotics cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and regional partners, and promoting American investment to stimulate Bahamian economic development.

Walker brings a distinctive profile to the diplomatic corps, having achieved national recognition as an elite athlete across professional football, Olympic bobsledding, and mixed martial arts. His public service includes serving as national spokesperson for the Patriot Support Program, advocating for mental health awareness among military personnel, and co-chairing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition from 2017-2021. For nearly two decades, he spearheaded National Health Through Fitness Day, bridging fitness advocates and policymakers.

His transition to national politics featured a 2022 Republican Senate campaign in Georgia that faced significant controversy regarding allegations of domestic abuse and reproductive rights inconsistencies.

The successful installation of Ambassador Walker resolves years of diplomatic limbo characterized by multiple failed nominations, including Cassandra Butts (deceased before confirmation), Trump nominees Doug Manchester and William Douglass (withdrawn), and President Biden’s nominee Calvin ww (never proceeded to confirmation).

The Bahamas House of Assembly has ratified a contentious land exchange agreement along West Bay Street, triggering intense parliamentary discourse concerning public shoreline accessibility and commercial tourism encroachment. The resolution, passed following vigorous deliberations, aims to address longstanding infrastructure deficiencies while simultaneously raising alarms about Bahamians’ diminishing access to coastal areas.

Government representatives championed the initiative as a critical infrastructure modernization effort that will resolve persistent safety hazards, including dangerous road curvature, elevation complications, and severe flooding that has regularly submerged vehicles. Works Minister Clay Sweeting presented photographic evidence demonstrating the roadway’s susceptibility to inundation, emphasizing that the realignment concept has been under consideration since the 1960s.

Opposition legislators voiced substantial reservations regarding the arrangement’s implications for public beach access. St Anne’s MP Adrian White, a real estate attorney, expressed concerns that the redevelopment might exacerbate existing accessibility issues rather than ameliorate them. He specifically referenced cartographic indications of potential beach access points between maritime parcels and questioned whether public traversal rights would be adequately preserved.

The debate intensified with former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis highlighting Goodman’s Bay as a cautionary example where commercial tourism operations have substantially occupied beachfront space. He detailed how cruise ship tourists and commercial operators have effectively claimed half the beach area with umbrellas and chairs, potentially restricting resident access. Paradise Island was similarly cited as experiencing comparable accessibility challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper acknowledged these concerns while affirming the government’s dedication to safeguarding Bahamian beach access. He clarified that Goodman’s Bay falls under Beaches and Parks jurisdiction, which has already implemented measures to prevent additional commercial expansion.

The negotiated agreement involves a partnership between the Ministry of Works and developer Vakis Ltd., wherein the developer will finance road construction, design, utility relocation, and drainage enhancements. The government will provide lighting infrastructure and utility materials. The land exchange yields a net public benefit of approximately 10,516 square feet, with government acquiring 44,639 square feet while transferring 34,123 square feet to the developer.

Additional considerations emerged regarding the historical rock wall featured in the James Bond film ‘Thunderball,’ with assurances that the no-build zone will extend to this structure and coastal visibility will be preserved for motorists.

In her inaugural address at Government House, newly appointed Senator D’Asante Small has committed to leveraging her legislative position to champion enhanced safeguards for The Bahamas’ most vulnerable citizens. The recently sworn-in lawmaker articulated a comprehensive five-pillar agenda focusing on critical social issues during her acceptance ceremony upon receiving the Instrument of Appointment.

Senator Small identified public safety reform as her primary objective, emphasizing the necessity for a strengthened national framework addressing missing persons cases. She specifically highlighted the urgent need for improved protocols concerning missing children and adults with cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, noting that each case represents a beloved family member or friend.

Mental health transformation constitutes another cornerstone of her legislative vision. The senator characterized psychological well-being as a pervasive national concern affecting all sectors of society. Her proposed initiatives include establishing a dedicated mental health emergency hotline, enhancing community-based support services, and eliminating societal stigma surrounding mental health treatment. She asserted that mental wellness warrants equivalent attention to physical health and that no individual should endure silent suffering.

Gender equality and women’s empowerment feature prominently in Senator Small’s platform. She pledged to create expanded opportunities for female leadership through specialized training programs, mentorship initiatives, and ensuring meaningful participation in decision-making processes. The senator affirmed that advancing women’s representation directly correlates with community and familial progression.

Confronting gender-based violence remains a critical priority, with Senator Small vowing to intensify national efforts through improved protective measures, enhanced reporting mechanisms, survivor-centric services, and sustained public awareness campaigns. She unequivocally stated that every Bahamian deserves security within their household and nationwide.

Prime Minister Philip Davis endorsed the appointment as part of a broader strategy to incorporate younger generations and more women into prominent governmental roles. He recounted Senator Small’s distinguished trajectory from youth organizations through academic excellence at St John’s College and the University of Tampa, to her professional contributions with the Public Hospitals Authority and international representation at UN forums on gender equality. The Prime Minister emphasized that her substantial pre-Senate experience has prepared her for significant legislative responsibilities.

Nine months after the statutory deadline for mandatory financial disclosures by Bahamian public officials elapsed, significant uncertainty persists regarding compliance rates, exposing systemic flaws in the government’s accountability mechanisms. The March 1 filing deadline, which included provisions for extensions, has been characterized by chronic delays that critics argue undermine the integrity of public service.

Bishop Victor Cooper, chairman of the Public Disclosures Committee, provided ambiguous responses when questioned about compliance status. While unable to confirm whether all parliamentarians and senators had submitted their disclosures, Cooper revealed that reminder letters were still being dispatched to prompt submissions. His contradictory statements regarding December deadlines—initially referencing them as reminders for March submissions before clarifying they pertained to a new reporting cycle—highlighted the administrative confusion surrounding the process.

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard of the Free National Movement has consistently criticized the disclosure framework, emphasizing its failure to ensure timely compliance and transparency. The committee’s explanations citing accessibility issues and facility challenges have been widely dismissed as inadequate justifications by government watchdogs.

Notwithstanding the overall opacity, numerous high-ranking officials from the Davis administration have confirmed their compliance, including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin, and National Security Minister Wayne Munroe. The Free National Movement has asserted that all its parliamentarians met the legal requirement.

The ongoing delays and lack of public accountability mechanisms raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures within the Bahamian government, with the absence of a published compliance list violating statutory transparency requirements.