Carib Scope

标签： Bahamas

巴哈马

  • Emera says PM’s GB Power announcement “far from ideal”

    Emera says PM’s GB Power announcement “far from ideal”

    A significant divergence has emerged between Emera Incorporated and the Bahamian government regarding the status of negotiations for Grand Bahama Power Company. This follows Prime Minister Philip Davis’s public announcement that his administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire the utility provider, a statement that Emera’s leadership has promptly qualified.

    In a company-wide communication dated January 27, Emera President and Chief Executive Dave McGregor explicitly stated that while discussions with the government are ‘active and productive,’ ‘there is no final agreement at this time.’ This declaration directly contrasts with the Prime Minister’s portrayal of a settled framework, expected to be finalized within 60 to 90 days.

    McGregor expressed clear dissatisfaction with the manner of the disclosure, noting that learning of the potential acquisition ‘via a press conference from the Prime Minister is far from ideal for our valued employees.’ He emphasized that Emera’s overwhelming preference was to secure a completed transaction before any public announcement, but the government felt the news could not be delayed.

    Despite the procedural friction, McGregor acknowledged shared ‘mutual goals’ with the government to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for the residents of Grand Bahama. He confirmed that the ongoing negotiations include a potential option for the government to purchase the utility outright.

    In his letter, McGregor sought to reassure employees, urging them to prioritize safety and maintain focus amidst the ‘unnerving’ potential for an ownership change. He pledged to keep staff informed of any significant progress or final decisions.

    This proposed acquisition is historically significant. Prime Minister Davis stated it would mark the first time the Bahamian government has taken control of Grand Bahama Power since the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was established in 1955. However, government officials have yet to disclose critical financial details, including the proposed purchase price, the financing structure, or whether the state intends to acquire full ownership or merely a controlling stake. Emera had previously consolidated its ownership of the utility by buying out minority shareholders.

  • Davis unveils $550m in Grand Bahama projects and landmark power deal

    Davis unveils $550m in Grand Bahama projects and landmark power deal

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis unveiled a comprehensive economic revitalization strategy for Grand Bahama during a landmark cabinet meeting in Freeport on Tuesday. The government announced three transformative projects totaling approximately $600 million in investments, signaling a new chapter for the island’s economic development.

    The centerpiece involves a groundbreaking energy agreement with Emera Incorporated concerning Grand Bahama Power Company. This memorandum of understanding represents a historic shift in energy governance, marking the first government control over power distribution since the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. Prime Minister Davis emphasized this move will establish uniform electricity rates across The Bahamas, addressing long-standing disparities between Grand Bahama and other regions. ‘This is about fairness, affordability, and aligning energy policy with the needs of the people,’ Davis stated, noting that reduced energy costs will enhance business competitiveness and support investment growth.

    Concurrently, Phase One of the Grand Bahama International Airport redevelopment has commenced construction with a $100 million capital investment. Construction firm Polycon has mobilized operations, with Bahamas Hot Mix conducting site preparation. The project will deliver a modern terminal capable of handling 500,000 passengers annually, expandable to one million. The design incorporates extensive flood mitigation measures and environmental considerations following comprehensive impact assessments. This infrastructure upgrade responds to remarkable tourism growth, with air arrivals increasing over 30% in 2025 compared to 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

    In maritime developments, MSC Cruises will invest $450 million in a new cruise pier complex at Billy Cay in Freeport Harbour. The project includes $400 million for port infrastructure and $50 million for a beach club and retail village refurbishment. The facility will feature new berths, welcome plazas, retail outlets, and entertainment areas, designed as a multi-user terminal to enhance Grand Bahama’s cruise sector competitiveness. Additionally, MSC is negotiating potential acquisition of Hutchinson Ports operations, including Freeport Container Port, positioning Grand Bahama as a strategic logistics hub within global shipping networks.

    Prime Minister Davis reported over $3.5 billion in investments and commitments across multiple sectors since September 2021, including tourism, maritime, health, logistics, and education. While addressing ongoing challenges with the Grand Lucayan redevelopment, Davis affirmed the government’s commitment to ‘protecting workers and safeguarding public interest’ through careful, sustainable project advancement. The comprehensive strategy aims to establish Grand Bahama as a diversified, resilient port economy where investment and communities can thrive.

  • Murders plummet 31% as major crime hits record lows

    Murders plummet 31% as major crime hits record lows

    The Bahamas has witnessed a dramatic downturn in criminal activity during 2025, marking one of the most significant nationwide crime reductions in decades. Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles unveiled these transformative results during the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s annual crime briefing, revealing substantial declines across multiple major offense categories.

    Preliminary statistical analysis indicates an overall 15 percent reduction in major crimes, decreasing from 2,825 incidents in 2024 to 2,409 cases in 2025. This positive trend manifested across all regions, with New Providence leading at 16 percent reduction, followed by the Family Islands at 13 percent, and Grand Bahama with the Northern Bahamas region at 8 percent.

    Violent crimes against persons demonstrated particularly impressive improvement, plunging by 27 percent from 696 to 509 reported cases. The most striking development emerged in homicide statistics, which recorded an unprecedented 31 percent decline—from 120 murders in 2024 to 83 in 2025. Commissioner Knowles emphasized this represents both the largest percentage decrease since national crime tracking began in 1963 and the lowest homicide count in a comparable policing environment since 2008.

    Geographic distribution of homicides showed New Providence accounting for 76 killings, while the Family Islands and Grand Bahama recorded 4 and 3 respectively. Demographic analysis revealed 83 percent of victims were aged 18-45, with males comprising 93 percent of homicide casualties. Retaliation, gang activity, and personal conflicts motivated 43 percent of these incidents, with firearms used in 64 cases.

    Property crimes similarly exhibited substantial improvement. Armed robberies plummeted by 39 percent (265 to 162 cases), while non-armed robberies decreased by 22 percent (59 to 46 cases). Residential break-ins nearly halved, dropping from 331 to 170 incidents, and commercial burglaries declined by 13 percent to 273 cases. Although vehicle thefts saw a slight 2 percent increase to 398 cases, law enforcement recovered 59 percent of stolen vehicles.

    Law enforcement achievements included the seizure of 366 illegal firearms and over 11,200 rounds of ammunition, resulting in 828 arrests and 292 criminal charges. Advanced ShotSpotter technology documented 970 gunshot incidents throughout the year. Collaborative operations with Customs and Immigration authorities yielded an additional 37 firearms and more than 5,400 ammunition rounds.

    Commissioner Knowles attributed these remarkable improvements to strategic initiatives including intelligence-led policing methodologies, enhanced officer visibility, targeted operational deployments, and strengthened community partnerships. The 2026 Policing Plan will build upon these successes with continued focus on disrupting firearms and drug trafficking networks, further reducing property crimes, and intensifying youth and community engagement programs.

    “The progress achieved in 2025 conclusively demonstrates that strategic, intelligence-led policing produces measurable results,” Commissioner Knowles stated. “Through unified effort and continued collaboration, we will further advance toward a safer and more secure Bahamas.”

  • Hanna Martin eyes tougher penalties for campus assaults

    Hanna Martin eyes tougher penalties for campus assaults

    The Bahamas Ministry of Education is collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office to establish specialized criminal offenses specifically for assaults occurring on school premises. This legislative initiative comes in response to growing public outcry over campus violence, highlighted by the recent sentencing in a brutal attack against a Grand Bahama principal.

    Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin announced the policy development during a press briefing in Grand Bahama, emphasizing that the proposed measures would classify school campus assaults as aggravated offenses carrying enhanced penalties compared to similar attacks occurring elsewhere. The initiative aims to create stronger deterrents against violence in educational environments.

    “We are determined to send an unequivocal message that school campuses are inviolable spaces,” Minister Hanna Martin stated. “Those who believe they can commit violent acts on educational grounds will face consequences of a significantly more severe nature. Our collaboration with the Attorney General’s office seeks to establish aggravated offense classifications specifically for assaults occurring on school property, which would impact both sentencing severity and the fundamental nature of the offense.”

    The policy development follows the judicial resolution of a high-profile case involving Kenneth Farrington, who received a 30-month prison sentence for attacking McLean’s Town School principal Simone Butler-Cornish with an iron bar in her classroom in June. The victim was assaulted while retrieving a student’s report card for Farrington, after which she fled outside and feigned death to halt the attack.

    Butler-Cornish and her colleagues have publicly expressed that the sentence was insufficient given the brutality of the assault and Farrington’s previous convictions for similar offenses. While Minister Hanna Martin declined to comment specifically on the sentencing, she emphasized that such attacks must carry substantial repercussions.

    Regarding the principal’s future placement, the minister indicated that any decision about reassignment would rest entirely with Butler-Cornish herself. The government’s overarching objective remains ensuring that school campuses become completely secure environments where educators and students can operate without fear of violence.

  • Winter Storm Fern strands Bahamians across the US

    Winter Storm Fern strands Bahamians across the US

    A catastrophic winter storm identified as Fern has unleashed unprecedented disruption across the United States, resulting in numerous fatalities and bringing transportation networks to a complete standstill. The severe weather system has generated massive flight cancellations, widespread power outages, and dangerous road conditions, creating a crisis for both residents and international travelers.

    According to flight tracking data from FlightAware, the aviation sector continues to struggle with massive disruptions, with approximately 5,300 flights canceled and over 4,300 delayed by Tuesday afternoon. This follows Sunday’s staggering cancellation of more than 11,400 flights, marking one of the most severe travel disruptions in recent history.

    The storm’s impact extended beyond transportation, with poweroutage.com reporting over 670,000 customers without electricity as freezing temperatures overwhelmed electrical infrastructure. Major metropolitan areas including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Dallas experienced complete operational shutdowns at key airport hubs due to freezing precipitation and blizzard conditions.

    Among those most severely affected were Bahamian travelers who found themselves trapped in the travel chaos. Kaylee Roberts, a 22-year-old from New Providence, described her ordeal after traveling to Dallas for a college visit and concert. Her return plans descended into chaos as multiple flight cancellations and inadequate communication from airlines left her stranded at the airport for extended periods without accommodation options or clear information.

    Earl Thompson, another Bahamian national, encountered similar disruptions while traveling to New York for a funeral. His Delta flight was canceled after passengers had already boarded, resulting in hours-long waits to retrieve luggage amid snow-blocked airport access points. Thompson noted that many travelers were forced to sleep at airports while others faced growing panic and frustration.

    The human impact of the storm revealed systemic vulnerabilities in airline emergency response protocols, with travelers reporting insufficient customer support, conflicting information from staff, and inadequate accommodation provisions during weather-related emergencies. While some passengers eventually received compensation such as hotel vouchers for non-weather related delays, the overall response highlighted significant gaps in crisis management procedures.

    Meteorological experts indicate that Winter Storm Fern represents one of the most extensive winter weather events of the season, affecting regions from the Northeast through the Midwest and into southern states typically unaccustomed to such severe winter conditions. The event has prompted questions about infrastructure preparedness and emergency response coordination for extreme weather events affecting international travel corridors.

  • ‘General Orders don’t require ZNS chief to tender resignation’

    ‘General Orders don’t require ZNS chief to tender resignation’

    The Bahamas government has firmly rejected opposition calls for the resignation of ZNS General Manager Clint Watson, who continues to lead the state-owned broadcaster while pursuing political candidacy. Public Services Minister Pia Glover-Rolle has invoked General Order 949 to defend Mr. Watson’s position, stating that public officers are not required to resign during political activities until formally ratified as candidates.

    The controversy centers on Mr. Watson’s dual role as head of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and his aspirations to represent the Progressive Liberal Party in Southern Shores. The opposition Free National Movement (FNM) contends this arrangement compromises the impartiality of the national broadcaster and undermines public trust.

    The debate intensified following the resignation of ZNS sports reporter Jay Phillipe, who stepped down from his position at the organization’s Grand Bahama station to pursue nomination for the FNM in Bain and Grants Town. Mr. Phillipe stated his resignation was necessary to avoid any perceived conflict of interest while seeking political office.

    FNM chairman Dr. Duane Sands has challenged the government’s position, arguing that Mr. Watson’s continued leadership creates legitimate concerns about institutional neutrality. Dr. Sands maintains that the appearance of impartiality is essential for a national broadcaster, and that public confidence diminishes when its chief executive engages in partisan political activities.

    Mr. Watson has previously committed to resigning if formally nominated as a PLP candidate, but opposition leaders consider this position inadequate to address immediate concerns about neutrality and the integrity of public broadcasting.

  • McAlpine to run independent again: “We gon’ be ready this time”

    McAlpine to run independent again: “We gon’ be ready this time”

    Former Pineridge parliamentarian Frederick McAlpine has formally initiated his independent campaign for the constituency seat, months after initially revealing his political intentions. The ex-MP delivered his declaration to supporters through a social media video, surrounded by allies adorned in purple campaign attire identifying his “Mac Pac” team.

    McAlpine’s reemergence establishes him as a potential disruptive force in the upcoming electoral contest, building upon his substantial second-place performance during the previous general election. His 2021 independent campaign yielded 1,175 votes, positioning him narrowly behind Progressive Liberal Party candidate Ginger Moxey, who secured victory with 1,423 votes. The Free National Movement’s contender, Welbourne Bootle, trailed significantly with merely 886 votes in a constituency boasting 5,670 registered voters.

    The political veteran originally entered Parliament representing Pineridge on May 10, 2017, under the FNM banner. His tenure within the party concluded abruptly in June 2018 when then-Prime Minister Hubert Minnis terminated his position as Hotel Corporation Chairman. This dismissal followed McAlpine’s rebellion alongside fellow FNM parliamentarians Travis Robinson, Vaughn Miller, and Reece Chipman, who collectively opposed the government’s proposal to elevate value-added tax from 7.5% to 12%.

    McAlpine’s relationship with the FNM deteriorated consistently due to his frequent critiques of party leadership, culminating in his complete separation from the organization in July 2021. His subsequent independent campaign demonstrated considerable voter support, establishing a foundation for his current electoral challenge.

  • Mom pleads – ‘I want to put my son at rest’

    Mom pleads – ‘I want to put my son at rest’

    A Bahamian family remains trapped in an agonizing state of uncertainty weeks after losing their son in a tragic traffic collision, with bureaucratic delays preventing both burial and closure. Llewellyn Forbes, 33, succumbed to injuries on January 8 following a December 24 crash at the intersection of Pioneer’s Way and East Atlantic Drive, yet critical documentation including autopsy results, official police reports, and medical records remain undisclosed to grieving relatives.

    Charlene Forbes, the deceased’s mother, articulated the family’s profound frustration after numerous unsuccessful attempts to obtain essential information from law enforcement authorities. “I want to put my son at rest. I need closure,” she stated, emphasizing that a month has passed without substantive communication from investigators. The emotional toll is particularly devastating for Mrs. Forbes, who previously lost her husband and another son, noting “That’s three men in my life that are gone.”

    Superintendent Christopher Farquharson, overseeing the Traffic Division, confirmed the investigation remains active with plans to forward findings to the Attorney General’s Office upon completion. While acknowledging two family visits to police stations where condolences were extended and preliminary updates provided, he offered no specific timeline for resolution.

    Llewellyn’s sister, Shacoda Forbes, remembered her brother as a quietly impactful jack-of-all-trades—a skilled welder and dedicated member of the GB Bikers’ Association whose helpful nature contrasted with his reserved demeanor. The association’s representative, Chante Wright, confirmed approximately twenty riders were traveling together when a vehicle struck the rearmost motorcycles, highlighting growing road safety concerns.

    The family reports being repeatedly assured of imminent updates and promised access to traffic camera footage that has yet to materialize. This administrative paralysis has forced the postponement of funeral arrangements indefinitely, leaving relatives simultaneously mourning their loss while fighting for accountability and transparency from authorities tasked with delivering justice.

  • PLPs divided over timing of pre-election convention

    PLPs divided over timing of pre-election convention

    The Progressive Liberal Party faces significant internal discord regarding the potential staging of a pre-election voting convention, revealing deep fractures within the Bahamian political organization. Senior figures and supporters remain sharply divided on whether such an event would demonstrate party strength or create unnecessary division mere months before the nation heads to the polls.

    Prominent voices within the PLP have expressed serious reservations about the convention’s strategic value. Former MP Shane Gibson questioned the fundamental purpose of holding internal elections at this critical juncture, suggesting it might primarily serve to highlight government achievements rather than address substantive organizational needs. His skepticism echoes concerns raised by PLP Deputy National Coordinator for Elections Valentine Grimes, who warned about the potentially divisive nature of internal contests so close to a general election.

    The opposition to the convention finds its most vocal proponent in former MP Leslie Miller, who dismissed the entire exercise as “a trivial exercise in futility” that would have minimal impact on voter behavior. Miller emphasized that Bahamian voters typically don’t seriously engage with election decisions until March, suggesting the convention would amount to wasted effort.

    Amidst this debate, attention has turned to potential leadership contenders. Current Party Chairman Fred Mitchell has indicated he will not seek re-election, focusing instead on retaining his Fox Hill constituency. Communications Director Latrae Rahming, frequently mentioned as a potential successor, has remained publicly circumspect about his intentions while expressing humility at being considered.

    Senator D’Asante Small has emerged as another potential candidate, refusing to rule out a leadership bid while emphasizing her commitment to strengthening the party through modernization, expanded membership, and support for emerging leaders. She specifically encouraged other young PLP members to step forward, noting the party’s openness to new leadership.

    Despite the substantial opposition, some party members advocate strongly for the convention. Joe Johnson, chairman of the PLP’s Men’s Branch, characterized the event as a crucial launch mechanism that could generate momentum and energy ahead of the general election. He emphasized the historical significance of potentially securing consecutive electoral victories, something not achieved in decades.

    The PLP’s last pre-election convention in 2017 resulted in a decisive victory for then-Prime Minister Perry Christie over challenger Alfred Sears, though the party subsequently suffered a sweeping defeat in the general election—a historical precedent that continues to inform current deliberations.

  • Unions warning of healthcare collapse

    Unions warning of healthcare collapse

    The Bahamas’ public healthcare system is teetering on the brink of operational collapse as a critical shortfall in overtime funding triggers widespread staff discontent and threatens essential medical services. This crisis emerged following a January 13 internal memorandum from the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) announcing that overtime compensation would be suspended without prior approval from the managing director’s office—a measure unions characterize as penalizing frontline workers for administrative failures.

    Key health unions, including the Bahamas Nurses Union and the Bahamas Public Service Union, have urgently advised their members to refuse any additional shifts beyond scheduled hours until outstanding payments are resolved. Union leaders Muriel Lightbourn and Kimsley Ferguson have condemned the situation as both unacceptable and profoundly disrespectful to medical professionals who regularly work beyond their contracted hours to maintain patient care standards.

    Consultant Physicians Staff Association president Dr. Charelle Lockhart reported that physicians are departing “in droves,” not due to diminished commitment to patients, but because of perceived abandonment by health system leadership. She issued a stark warning to government officials, comparing the scenario to a live grenade awaiting detonation within the medical care system.

    Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville has acknowledged the severity of the budgetary depletion, labeling it a matter of “great concern” and convening emergency meetings to address compensation gaps across healthcare facilities. Minister Darville attributed payment delays to acute staffing shortages within the PHA’s finance department, exacerbated by retirements and private sector migration, though he assured that outstanding overtime “not only must be paid, but will be paid.”

    The PHA management maintains that the directive was necessary to preserve funding for critical priorities, including essential hires, and to implement stricter oversight following the exhaustion of overtime allocations. Managing Director Dr. Rolle recognized the inconvenience caused and promised staff further updates regarding payment resolutions.