标签： Bahamas

The tragic killing of seven-month pregnant Lauren Saunders in the Bahamas has reignited a heated debate over foetal rights and the country’s abortion laws. Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister, has labeled the incident a “double murder,” asserting that Saunders’ unborn child, at seven months gestation, should be considered a living human being. This stance starkly contrasts with the position of National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who maintains that Bahamian law does not recognize a foetus as a separate life for the purposes of murder charges. Munroe cautioned that altering the law could lead to unintended consequences, such as criminalizing medical terminations. Davis, speaking at a Zonta Club press conference, emphasized her belief that abortion should be avoided “at all costs” unless the mother’s life is in danger. She argued that Saunders’ pregnancy was advanced enough for the foetus to be considered a person, likening the act to “killing a baby.” The case has highlighted the disconnect between public sentiment and the legal framework, which currently prevents a murder charge for the death of an unborn child. Internationally, jurisdictions like the United States, Australia, and El Salvador have adopted varying approaches, with some allowing dual charges for the death of a pregnant woman and her foetus. The Bahamas’ legal stance remains unchanged, but the incident has sparked calls for a reevaluation of existing laws and their implications.

The parents of Paige Bell, a 20-year-old yacht stewardess found dead in the engine room of a Harbour Island yacht in July, are grappling with profound grief as the accused in her death prepares to face court. John and Michelle Bell, speaking emotionally to The Tribune, described the devastating moment they learned of their daughter’s untimely death, just 11 days before her 21st birthday. ‘Whoever did this stole our world,’ Mrs. Bell said, her voice breaking. Paige, described as a vibrant and determined young woman, had been eagerly anticipating her milestone birthday, planning a ‘Pearls and Prosecco’ celebration. Her parents, however, were left to mourn the life that was tragically cut short. The Bells first learned of the incident through Paige’s boyfriend, who was unable to reach her. Initial suggestions of suicide were swiftly dismissed by the family, who knew their daughter would never take her own life. The confirmation of her death left Mrs. Bell in such shock that she required sedation. Paige’s absence has left an irreplaceable void in their lives, compounded by the loss of other family members earlier in the year. The Bells have found solace in the support of their community, with friends organizing a vigil in Paige’s memory. As they await justice, the family remains determined to ensure that Paige’s life and legacy are honored. ‘This has destroyed us,’ Mr. Bell said, ‘but we will fight for her.’

The Bahamas is mourning the loss of Stephanie Darville, a leading woman marine reservist, who passed away last Sunday after a brief battle with aggressive cancer. Darville, 58, was remembered as a devoted mother, disciplined officer, and the driving force behind her family’s reunions. Her sister, G Veronica Basden, described her as a person who approached both her service in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and her family life with purpose and seriousness. Darville joined the reserves in 2012 and quickly rose to the top of her class, fully embracing the physical and academic demands of the program. She served across the Base Maintenance Team Section and the Office of the Captain Coral Harbour, leaving a lasting impact on her colleagues. Commodore Floyd Moxey, Commander of the Defence Force, praised her professionalism, loyalty, and warm spirit, noting that even in her final days, her thoughts remained with her fellow marines. Outside of her military service, Darville worked as a croupier and was known for her selfless acts of kindness. She is survived by two sons and a grandson. Her sister shared that Darville remained communicative until her final weeks but grew too weak to continue treatment as the cancer advanced.

A devastating fire that destroyed six restaurants at Arawak Cay on Sunday has reignited long-standing frustrations among vendors and highlighted systemic issues at Nassau’s iconic Fish Fry. The blaze has brought to the forefront concerns over cramped wooden structures, inadequate oversight, and years of stalled reforms. Vince ‘Curly’ McDonald, owner of Curly’s Restaurant & Bar, described the incident as a wake-up call, urging stakeholders to “reflect and refocus” on the future of the strip. He criticized the current setup as unsustainable, citing overcrowding, lack of fire safety protocols, and the inability to secure insurance for the wooden buildings. McDonald emphasized the need for a strong oversight committee comprising vendors and policymakers to enforce standards and drive meaningful change. He also dismissed the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association as ineffective, claiming little progress has been made over the years. Rodney Russell, president of the ACVA, shifted focus to the immediate hardships faced by over 60 individuals affected by the fire, particularly as the Christmas season approaches. While acknowledging that the buildings met Ministry of Works standards when constructed, Russell admitted enforcement has weakened over time. He attributed the Fish Fry’s decline to nepotism and favoritism, accusing some of bypassing regulations to erect structures. Despite the close proximity of the wooden buildings, Russell maintained that the fire was an accident unrelated to building codes. The incident has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform to ensure the safety and sustainability of Arawak Cay’s vibrant culinary hub.

Tensions flared in Kemp Road yesterday morning following a dramatic police chase that culminated in the fatal shooting of a man in his early 30s. The incident, which unfolded in a densely populated neighborhood, sent residents scrambling and drew a heavy police presence. According to authorities, the deceased was the sole suspect struck during the confrontation, while three other occupants of the vehicle managed to flee on foot. The chaotic scene left bystanders bewildered, with some recounting hearing gunfire and others uncertain about the events leading up to the shooting. Children watched from windows as officers cordoned off the area, and one distraught mother likened the turmoil to the trauma of losing her son in a police shooting two years prior. Investigators later examined the suspects’ damaged silver vehicle, which bore shattered windows and a detached front bumper. Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Roberto Goodman revealed that the chase began after officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert reporting gunfire on St James Road. The suspects allegedly opened fire on police, prompting officers to return fire in self-defense. A firearm was reportedly recovered from the vehicle, and the deceased, believed to be the driver, was not previously known to law enforcement. The incident adds to a recent surge of violence in the area, including a shooting last week that left three men injured. ACP Goodman urged residents to exercise caution, particularly during the upcoming holiday season, to ensure their safety.

Arawak Cay vendors affected by a recent fire expressed dissatisfaction with a meeting held with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, describing the discussions as lacking substance and more of a public relations exercise. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable, and Food Vendors Association, criticized the outcome, stating that no significant commitments were made to support the affected business owners. Russell’s stall, Red Snapper, was among six structures completely destroyed in the blaze, with two others sustaining damage. While the government outlined plans to construct temporary structures within 60 days, Russell emphasized the absence of a concrete long-term strategy. He argued that decisions should be made in partnership with vendors rather than dictated by officials unfamiliar with their needs. Prime Minister Davis, who shared photos of the meeting on social media, pledged his government’s support and commitment to rebuilding the site. However, vendors like Teshell Mackey, owner of On the Edge, expressed concerns about the lack of financial assistance and clarity on long-term plans. Mackey estimated rebuilding costs at $230,000 and highlighted the urgency of support to retain employees and sustain livelihoods. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper acknowledged that detailed assistance plans are still under discussion, leaving vendors uncertain about their future.

Grand Bahama’s leading food aid organizations are grappling with unprecedented demand as residents increasingly rely on non-profits to supplement their shrinking grocery budgets. The Grand Bahama Red Cross Society and Reach Out Ministries report a significant rise in weekly inquiries, walk-ins, and requests to join their feeding programs, highlighting the growing economic hardship on the island. Kimberly Outten, administrator at the Grand Bahama Red Cross, revealed that their Meals on Wheels service, which provides hot meals to disabled and elderly residents five days a week, has been operating at full capacity for months. Despite serving approximately 50 to 55 individuals, the program is unable to meet the escalating demand. Many seeking assistance have already exhausted other options, such as Social Services and churches, only to be redirected to the Red Cross. In addition to Meals on Wheels, the organization distributes monthly grocery parcels to 22 families, but new requests continue to strain resources, with 12 to 20 weekly walk-ins seeking help. The needs often extend beyond food, with requests for home repairs and rent assistance, which the Red Cross cannot provide. As Thanksgiving approaches, the organization is preparing for its Feed the 10,000 initiative, a community-supported mass feeding event expected to exceed 10,000 meals. Reach Out Ministries is experiencing similar pressures, with founder Dudley Seide noting a steady stream of calls for assistance, including 60 to 70 weekly requests. The ministry continues its weekly Sunday feeding program and is gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas initiatives. Seide emphasized the acute need among older residents, many of whom face financial instability due to delayed pensions and unemployment.