标签： Bahamas

In a dramatic turn of events, a stranded container barge off the coast of North Abaco became the target of a brazen looting spree yesterday. The vessel, named *The Brooklyn Bridge*, had run aground near Nunjack Cay after its towline snapped during inclement weather. Scores of residents, arriving in small boats, swiftly descended upon the barge, hauling away goods ranging from toilet paper and dog food to appliances and furniture. The scene, captured in viral videos, was described as a “free-for-all” by one local, with some jokingly referring to it as an early Christmas for Abaco. Authorities, including the Defence Force and police, were deployed to secure the area, but not before significant quantities of cargo were removed. Stephen Wilson, North Abaco’s island administrator, condemned the theft but noted that police are unlikely to pursue the looters, as their actions inadvertently lightened the barge’s load. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that an assessment team has inspected the vessel and anticipates no environmental impact. Meanwhile, public reaction remains divided, with some condemning the looting and others defending it as a customary practice in the region. The barge, reportedly carrying millions of dollars’ worth of supplies, awaits a replacement tug for recovery.

The Bahamas government has announced plans to demolish three additional shantytowns, marking a significant escalation in its nationwide campaign against unregulated communities. Works and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting revealed that two of these settlements are located in New Providence, while the third is in Andros. The Unregulated Community Action Task Force is spearheading the initiative, which has already seen nearly 500 structures torn down across New Providence, Eleuthera, and Abaco over the past year.

Several government employees in The Bahamas are still awaiting overtime payments months after participating in the nation’s 52nd Independence celebrations. Workers from the Ministry of Works’ Ceremonial Department, who spoke anonymously to The Tribune, expressed frustration over delayed payments and lack of clarity from officials. They claim to be owed hundreds of dollars for overtime work, which included tasks such as installing poles and preparing for elaborate events during the celebrations. Many workers emphasized the financial strain, especially as the holiday season approaches. One employee stated, “All these years, we were doing overtime for independence, and now, we are not getting the funds.” Leslia Miller-Brice, chair of the Bahamas Independence Secretariat, acknowledged the issue and assured that payments are being processed. She noted that 95% of vendors have already been paid and emphasized the commitment to compensating all staff. However, the total cost of the Independence celebrations remains undisclosed, leaving questions about the financial management of the event.

James Lambert, a prominent figure in Nassau’s entertainment industry affectionately known as ‘Milky,’ tragically lost his life in a car accident on November 7. The 34-year-old, who was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his second child, was remembered by friends and family as a joyful and charismatic individual who brought life to every gathering. The accident occurred early in the morning on Bethel Avenue, off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, when Lambert’s red Nissan Note collided with a utility pole. Despite being rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Lambert’s mother, Debbie Lambert, expressed her profound grief, stating that her son’s untimely death was a devastating blow. She recalled their close bond and shared how Lambert had been planning a future with his four-year-old son and pregnant girlfriend. Originally from Grand Bahama, Lambert had built a reputation as a dedicated father and a vibrant event organizer in New Providence. His mother now cares for his young son, who remains unaware of his father’s passing. Lambert’s girlfriend, nearing her due date, is also grappling with the loss. Debbie Lambert urged the community to remember her son for the happiness he brought to others, emphasizing his ability to light up any room. Police investigations into the crash are ongoing.

The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services is grappling with an unprecedented emotional challenge as its officers are now tasked with guarding the man accused of murdering their colleague, Ashantino Johnson. Commissioner of Corrections Doan Cleare acknowledged the difficulty of the situation during a heartfelt healing session for Johnson’s co-workers. The session, filled with tears and hymns, underscored the deep bond among the officers, particularly Johnson’s 2024 squadmates, who are described as one of the most cohesive groups in the department’s history. Johnson, a 23-year-old officer from Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, was fatally stabbed in a violent altercation at Blu Ice Restaurant & Bar on November 5, just months after graduating from the department’s training program. Two other officers were injured in the incident but are recovering well. Commissioner Cleare emphasized the department’s mandate to rehabilitate even the most challenging individuals, urging officers to exercise restraint and professionalism despite the emotional toll. The government has also directed the department to enhance training for new recruits to better prepare them for the dangers of the job. Johnson’s family and colleagues remember him as a dedicated and joyful individual who was proud to serve his country.

The Bahamian government has initiated infrastructure work at the Gladstone Road site, designated for relocating New Providence’s problematic roadside garages. Zane Lightbourne, the newly appointed Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, announced the development, emphasizing the urgency of resolving this decades-long issue. ‘Infrastructure work must be completed before the property can be utilized,’ he stated, noting collaboration with the Ministers of Works and Urban Renewal and Housing. The initiative aims to address public grievances over garages operating in residential areas and along major roads, where mechanics have conducted repairs, bodywork, and car stripping on sidewalks and verges. Several fires at these sites have further fueled calls for government intervention. Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has acknowledged the complexity of the issue, warning that without a designated space, the problem could persist elsewhere. An inter-ministerial committee, formed by the Prime Minister, has been consulting with garage owners to design a relocation plan. Funding for the project was included in the current national budget. The late Minister Vaughn Miller, who championed the initiative before his passing in September, had secured agreements from major garages on Joe Farrington Road, Soldier Road, and Augusta Street to relocate to Gladstone Road. Mr. Lightbourne, who succeeded Mr. Miller, expressed determination to resolve the issue and paid tribute to his predecessor’s mentorship and dedication. He also outlined broader priorities, including improving waste collection, expanding recycling, beautifying New Providence, and promoting environmental education.

A former Nassau Cruise Port director has lauded the government’s initiative to reclaim nearly 800 inactive taxi and livery plates but emphasized the need for more stringent measures to address the oversaturated market. Ed Fields, who previously served as the port’s director of business development and as managing director of the Downtown Nassau Partnership, urged officials to permanently deactivate these plates and impose a moratorium on new issuances. He also called for the publication of a list of current plate holders, expressing concerns that some plates are held by individuals who should not possess them. Fields criticized the distribution of public service franchises, describing them as ‘coveted gems’ awarded without proper analysis or industry engagement. His remarks followed the Ministry of Transport and Energy’s announcement to recall 783 inactive plates, which Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said has distorted revenue at the Road Traffic Department. Fields acknowledged the recall as a positive step but warned that reactivating the plates would worsen market imbalances. He advocated for transparency in plate ownership, a moratorium on new plates until supply and demand are balanced, and an end to the practice of leasing plates, which he likened to ‘sharecropping or indentured servitude.’ Bahamas Taxicab Union President Tyrone Butler echoed these concerns, criticizing the government’s past issuance of new plates without first addressing inactive ones, which he said has led to market oversaturation and forced operators to lease their plates. While supporting the recall of plates belonging to retired or deceased holders, Butler suggested allowing necessary updates to active plates.

In a landmark achievement for water safety and youth employment, fourteen young Bahamians have successfully completed the 2025 National Lifeguard Certification Programme, becoming fully certified lifeguards. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in the country, was designed to enhance water safety while creating sustainable career opportunities for Bahamian youth. The certification ceremony, themed “The First Wave: Building a Safer Bahamas,” was hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture at Pelican Bay Resort’s Delphine Room. Launched in 2024 through a collaboration between the Ministry, the YMCA Family Centre, and Bahamas Swim and Scuba, the programme equips participants with life-saving skills and Caribbean-standard aquatic training. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in programmes that foster confidence, discipline, and opportunities for Bahamians of all ages. He highlighted the transformative power of sports and education in empowering and uplifting lives. Karon Pinder-Johnson, Executive Director of the YMCA Family Centre, lauded the initiative as a model of national collaboration, describing it as a strategic investment in human capacity, youth empowerment, and life preservation. All graduates have secured employment in the lifeguard field, fulfilling the programme’s objective of creating direct career pathways. The ceremony also recognized exceptional participants with awards such as the Rising Star Trainee Award, Most Improved Lifeguard Award, and Leadership & Training Award. Officials announced that this initiative is the first step in a broader effort to expand lifeguard training and strengthen national water safety standards across The Bahamas.