NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In a significant development on Saturday, 4th October 2025, law enforcement officers from Operation Black Scorpion apprehended a 46-year-old man after uncovering an illegal firearm. The incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning when officers, acting on a search warrant, conducted a raid at a residence located on Windsor Lane. During the operation, a loaded firearm was discovered and subsequently seized, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details surrounding the case. Operation Black Scorpion, a collaborative effort between the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, continues to play a pivotal role in combating crime and ensuring public safety across the region.
标签： Bahamas
巴哈马
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Police Constable charged with indecent assault
In a significant legal development in Nassau, Bahamas, a Police Constable was brought before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing two counts of Indecent Assault. The officer entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. The court granted him bail set at $7,500, requiring two sureties for his release. The case stems from a formal complaint lodged with the police on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This incident has drawn attention to the conduct of law enforcement personnel and the judicial processes in the Bahamas. The case is expected to proceed with further hearings, as the legal system seeks to address the allegations while ensuring due process.
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Gas tank refuel ends in explosion and structural fire
A significant fire erupted on Western Road in Nassau, Bahamas, on the afternoon of Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, prompting a swift response from local authorities. The incident, which occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m., involved a single-story building where flames were seen engulfing the roof. Preliminary investigations reveal that the blaze was triggered by an explosion during routine maintenance of a gas tank at a restaurant located within the building. The explosion resulted in injuries to two individuals, aged 32 and 30, who were promptly transported to a nearby hospital by Emergency Medical Services. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control, but not before the northern section of the building’s roof was completely destroyed. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and subsequent fire.
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Australian man robbed at gunpoint while leaving restaurant
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities in Western New Providence have initiated a thorough investigation following a violent armed robbery that took place on the evening of Wednesday, 1st October 2025. The incident involved an Australian national who was attacked and robbed by a group of assailants, leaving him with significant injuries.
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Man shot in the legs while at a business establishment in Montel Heights
Authorities in Nassau, Bahamas, have initiated a thorough investigation into a shooting that took place on the afternoon of October 2, 2025, near Bowe Avenue in the Montell Heights area. The incident unfolded shortly after 1:00 p.m., leaving a male victim with gunshot wounds. According to initial reports, the victim was at a local business when a black Japanese vehicle pulled up. Three masked individuals emerged from the car, armed with firearms, and opened fire in the victim’s direction. Despite managing to escape the attackers, the victim sustained injuries to his legs and was rushed to the hospital via a private vehicle. His current medical condition remains undisclosed as the investigation progresses. Police are actively working to uncover the motives behind the attack and identify the perpetrators.
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Halkitis rejects suggestions of manipulated government numbers, defends fiscal data
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Economic Affairs Minister Senator Michael Halkitis has firmly refuted claims questioning the reliability of the government’s fiscal data, emphasizing that all published figures undergo rigorous independent verification. Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, Halkitis highlighted that the Ministry of Finance, Treasury, Internal Audit, and the Auditor General meticulously review the data. He further noted that international entities such as the IMF, S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, as well as private investors, rely on these figures when making investment decisions in The Bahamas. ‘There is no contemplation, let alone desire, to manipulate these numbers,’ Halkitis asserted, addressing recent allegations head-on.
The minister confirmed that the government concluded the 2024/25 fiscal year with a deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP, comfortably within the targeted range of 0.3 to 0.7 percent. He attributed this achievement to robust revenue growth, economic expansion, and effective expenditure control. ‘We are very pleased with this outcome,’ Halkitis remarked, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline.
In a significant development, Standard & Poor’s recently upgraded The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating from B+ to BB-, a move Halkitis described as a step toward restoring the nation’s investment-grade status within the next two to three years. He linked the upgrade to the country’s strong economic performance, improved revenue administration, and prudent fiscal management.
Looking ahead, Halkitis clarified that while the government is not currently in a surplus, it anticipates a budget surplus of approximately $75 million by the end of the 2025/26 fiscal year. He also addressed delays in government payments to vendors, stressing that all properly contracted and certified work would be compensated.
On the issue of unemployment, Halkitis acknowledged a recent temporary uptick but expressed confidence in the government’s ability to address skill gaps in the job market. ‘The economy is generating demand for jobs, and we are ensuring our workforce is equipped to meet this demand,’ he concluded.
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SCB launches research into tokenizing real-world assets
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) has unveiled its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting its initiation of foundational research into the tokenization of real-world assets. This move comes in response to growing interest from licensees and other stakeholders in the digital asset space. The SCB has commenced drafting three comprehensive papers that delve into the characteristics of asset tokenization, its prevalent applications, and the associated benefits, risks, and regulatory challenges. While these papers do not aim to establish policy recommendations, they will serve as preliminary research to guide future regulatory decisions. Tokenization, the process of converting physical assets into digital tokens on a blockchain, enables the digital representation of ownership or rights in assets such as real estate, commodities, art, and intellectual property. These tokens can be traded or sold digitally, offering new opportunities for asset management and investment. Additionally, the report disclosed that 25 firms were registered under the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE) by the end of 2024. The DARE Act, enacted on 29 July 2024, replaced its 2020 predecessor, introducing significant updates to the regulatory framework for digital assets and exchanges. The SCB’s DARE Unit continued to engage in pre-applicant meetings to facilitate registrations under the Act. On the enforcement front, the Commission reported 18 ongoing matters from 2023, with two new litigation cases and one criminal case initiated in 2024. As of 31 December 2024, 20 enforcement matters remained unresolved, including 13 litigation cases, three administrative issues, and four criminal investigations. Administrative matters primarily involved non-compliance with filing obligations and record-keeping requirements under the Securities Industry Act and Regulations.
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Central Bank warns of deepfake scams targeting financial consumers
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Central Bank of The Bahamas has issued a stern warning to the public about an alarming surge in scams leveraging deepfake technology. Fraudsters are exploiting advanced artificial intelligence to produce highly convincing counterfeit videos, audio recordings, and images that impersonate financial institutions, government officials, and prominent individuals. These deceptive tactics aim to manipulate consumers into divulging sensitive information or making unauthorized payments.
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Prisoner escapes Nassau Street Court
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities in Nassau are on high alert following the escape of a male prisoner from the Nassau Street Court Complex on October 2, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. when D’Angelo Culmer, a detainee whose custody details remain undisclosed, fled from lawful custody. Culmer was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and light blue jeans. He is described as having a light brown complexion, with distinctive tattoos including lips on his neck and the name ‘Tiffany’ on his right chest. The circumstances surrounding his escape are under rigorous investigation as law enforcement intensifies efforts to locate him. Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could aid in his apprehension. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact emergency services at 911 or 919, their nearest police station, or the Criminal Investigation Department at 502-9991. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS (8477).
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Lyford Cay Foundations Award 41 New Scholarships to Bahamian Students
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Lyford Cay Foundations have unveiled their latest initiative to empower Bahamian talent by awarding 41 scholarships to exceptional students. These scholars will embark on academic journeys at prestigious universities and colleges across the United States, Canada, England, and Europe. This announcement brings the total number of scholarships for 2025 to 94, reinforcing the Foundations’ commitment to higher education and national progress. The 2025 cohort showcases the diversity of Bahamian society, with 51% of recipients being women, 44% representing first-generation college students, and 32% originating from the Family Islands. Additionally, 27% of the awardees are products of the nation’s public school system. The scholars will pursue a wide array of disciplines, including actuarial science, aviation maintenance, mechanical engineering, documentary film, dispute resolution, environmental management, clinical social work, and culinary management. Their academic pursuits span diploma programs, associate degrees, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies. Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle, Executive Director of the Foundations, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “The determination and achievements of these students underscore the immense talent within The Bahamas.” Basil P. Goulandris, Chairman of Lyford Cay Foundation Inc., emphasized the transformative impact of the scholarships, noting, “By investing over $1.2 million in their education, we are investing in the future of our country.” Mary Filippelli-Hall, Chairman of The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation, praised the resilience and ambition of the scholars, adding, “These students reflect the incredible promise and potential across our islands.” Since the 1980s, the Lyford Cay Foundations have supported Bahamian students through partial scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and vocational studies abroad, focusing on fields that drive national development. The program remains highly competitive, attracting hundreds of applicants annually. The 2025 scholars will join a growing alumni network of Bahamians making significant contributions to industries and communities both locally and globally.