标签： Bahamas

A devastating fire swept through Arawak Cay’s renowned food strip yesterday, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. The blaze, which erupted at Goldie’s Conch House around 8 a.m., rapidly consumed at least six wooden stalls and severely damaged two others. Thick smoke engulfed the area as firefighters battled the flames, while onlookers, including patrons and vendors, watched in disbelief. Despite efforts to contain the fire, the structures were reduced to ashes, leaving their owners to grapple with the loss of their livelihoods during what should have been their busiest Christmas season. Tragically, none of the destroyed properties were insured, as they were deemed ‘uninsurable.’

Among the businesses lost were Goldie’s, On the Edge, South of Florida, Brother Eddie’s Kitchen, Rake N Scrape, and the Red Snapper. Teshell Mackey, owner of On the Edge, arrived to find her two-and-a-half-year-old restaurant in ruins. “It’s hard to come here this morning to actually see that,” she said, reflecting on the years of hard work that had gone up in flames. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association, estimated his losses at $300,000, with total damages across the strip ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis visited the scene, offering comfort to distraught vendors and pledging government support for cleanup and rebuilding efforts. He emphasized the need to upgrade the site and expressed hope that businesses could reopen within 60 days. Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell announced plans for temporary facilities and financial assistance, acknowledging the lack of insurance among many vendors. Meanwhile, political figures Sebas Bastian and Travis Robinson called for infrastructure improvements and updated building codes to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Fire Services Superintendent Quincey McGregor reported that one officer suffered first-degree burns during the response, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Despite outdated equipment, firefighters were praised for their persistence. As the community begins to rebuild, the fire serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by small businesses and the urgent need for systemic improvements.

What initially appeared as a spontaneous act of opportunism turned into a full-blown criminal scandal over the weekend in Abaco, Bahamas. The incident began on Thursday when a barge, owned by US-based company Trailer Bridge, ran aground near Nunjack Cay after its tow line snapped during severe weather. Residents swiftly descended upon the vessel in small boats, forcibly opening containers and making off with a wide array of goods, including food, appliances, electronics, and medical supplies. The brazen looting, described as piracy in modern times, drew international attention and condemnation. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe denounced the mass theft as “criminal behaviour” that has “given Abaco a black eye.” He emphasized that the widespread nature of the theft and the public defense of such actions were particularly troubling. Trailer Bridge CEO Mitch Luciano revealed that approximately 90% of the containers were compromised, forcing the company to abort its mission to deliver goods to Puerto Rico and return the barge to Jacksonville. The company refuted claims that residents were invited aboard to assist or “lighten the load,” labeling such assertions as “entirely false.” Munroe criticized the barge’s owners for failing to secure their property, likening the situation to leaving a shopping mall unguarded. He also highlighted the significant resources diverted by the government to secure the vessel, including a 30-meter patrol craft and a quick-reaction team. Two individuals were arrested, and authorities urged residents to return stolen goods and assist in identifying offenders. The US Embassy condemned the incident, with the US Coast Guard supporting patrol flights and security efforts. Environmental penalties may also be imposed on the barge’s owners once reef damage is assessed.

The Yntegra Group, developer of the proposed $200 million Rosewood Exuma resort on East Sampson Cay, has announced plans to submit a revised site plan to the Town Planning Committee. This decision follows extensive community feedback and ongoing controversy surrounding the project’s environmental impact. The revised plan includes adjustments to the location of the service dock, increasing its distance from the neighboring Turtlegrass Resort property. Yntegra CEO Felipe MacLean emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and responsible development, stating, ‘We wish to peacefully coexist with neighboring resorts for the benefit of the Exuma Cays community.’ The company has already obtained its Certificate of Environmental Clearance from the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) and aims to address concerns raised by stakeholders through the revised submission. The project has faced significant opposition from environmental groups and local residents, particularly regarding the potential harm to coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and marine life. A petition opposing the development, organized by the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA), has garnered over 7,000 signatures, reflecting widespread concern about the project’s environmental impact. Despite the controversy, the government has defended its approach, with Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper asserting that the Rosewood Exuma and Turtlegrass developments can coexist. The revised plan offers an opportunity for renewed stakeholder review and feedback, as Yntegra seeks to move forward with its commitment to creating local employment and long-term benefits for the Exuma community.

A devastating fire has engulfed Arawak Cay’s renowned Fish Fry, a prominent tourism and cultural landmark in the country. The blaze, which has been raging for over an hour, has left several popular restaurants in ruins. Among the hardest hit is Goldie’s, which has been completely destroyed, while the adjacent Rake and Scrape restaurant is fully consumed by flames. The fire has rapidly spread through multiple wooden structures, with power lines also catching fire as the situation escalates. Vendors located on the western end of the Fish Fry are facing significant losses as emergency crews work tirelessly to contain the damage. The Fish Fry is celebrated as a vital hub for both tourism and local culture, making this incident a severe blow to the community. Further details regarding the cause of the fire and potential casualties remain unavailable at this time.

Growing concerns over mould contamination in multiple classroom blocks at the University of The Bahamas have reached a critical point this week. Students have reported being instructed to sit their end-of-semester exams in a room previously deemed unsafe due to mould issues. A social media post from a student revealed that a mathematics class had been moved online for weeks because of mould in the assigned classroom, only for the final exam to be scheduled in the same space, with masks required as a precaution. Dr. Anastasia Brown, Acting President of the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas, confirmed that mould complaints extend beyond the maths building to other facilities, including the CATS building. She attributed the problem to long-standing maintenance challenges on the Oakes Field campus, exacerbated by the university’s location on a former pond, which necessitates regular upkeep. Dr. Brown also highlighted issues with air-conditioning vents and filters, which are not being replaced on schedule due to resource constraints. She emphasized the impact of poor air quality on faculty, staff, and students, stating, ‘If you hear my voice, I can barely breathe.’ Despite promises from university officials and the government to address the issues, Dr. Brown expressed frustration over the lack of progress. Edwin Waldron, President of the Student Government Association, acknowledged earlier complaints about mould and confirmed that the university had allocated funds for repairs. However, he was unaware of the specific exam-related complaint and pledged to investigate. Both Dr. Brown and Mr. Waldron stressed the importance of resolving maintenance issues, particularly as the university prepares for accreditation exercises. Dr. Brown urged the institution to prioritize safety, stating, ‘We understand we want to do accreditation, but you have to make sure that we are around to enjoy accreditation.’ University officials did not respond to requests for comment by press time.

The Bahamas is grappling with the escalating presence of cane toads, an invasive species that has firmly established itself in the nation’s ecosystem. Local experts warn that the toads, which have been increasingly spotted across New Providence, pose significant risks to pets, wildlife, and even humans. Deon Gibson, general manager of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), noted a sharp rise in cane toad sightings in both western and eastern parts of the island. He urged residents to euthanize the toads by sealing them in bags and freezing them or using long tools like pitchforks to avoid direct contact. Dr. Ancilleno Davis, an assistant professor at the University of The Bahamas, emphasized that eradication is no longer feasible. ‘It is impossible to kill off all the cane toads,’ he stated. ‘We must learn to coexist with them and educate communities, especially children and pet owners.’ The toads’ rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators ensure their long-term survival. A single female can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs, and mature toads face minimal threats. However, their toxins are deadly to local wildlife and can cause severe reactions in humans, including nausea, vomiting, and even cardiac issues. Dr. Davis highlighted the ecological imbalance caused by the toads, which prey on native species and poison predators. ‘A stray dog or cat might think it’s an easy meal, but they will die,’ he explained. The surge in reported sightings is partly attributed to increased public awareness and the rapid dissemination of information online. Cane toads were first detected in western New Providence in 2013, and since then, multiple alerts and identification guides have been issued to combat their spread. Despite these efforts, the species’ impact on the Bahamas’ ecosystem and public safety remains a pressing concern.