标签： Bahamas

A heated protest by members of the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) brought Nassau Cruise Port to a standstill yesterday morning, as dozens of taxi drivers blocked the entrance with their vehicles, demanding action on long-standing grievances. The demonstration, which escalated into clashes with police and tow truck operators, resulted in the arrest of three drivers who refused to clear the road. The protest highlighted years of frustration over what drivers describe as unfair treatment, worsening working conditions, and a lack of basic amenities. Taxi operators claim they are being marginalized in favor of private tour and livery drivers, receiving less than 40% of ground transportation business from cruise passengers. Union president Tyrone Butler defended the drivers’ actions, calling them a desperate response to years of neglect and broken promises. Despite ongoing meetings with port executives, little progress has been made to address the drivers’ concerns. The protest underscores broader tensions within the taxi industry, which has faced challenges from unlicensed operators and government inaction. Authorities and port officials have yet to comment on the situation.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) has reported a significant increase in participation for its community surveillance initiative, with nearly 2,000 residents and businesses registering their security cameras. This marks a notable shift from the program’s slow start two years ago, when only 50 registrations were recorded within the first two weeks of its 2023 launch. The initiative, powered by the FUSUS platform, integrates private security systems with public CCTV feeds, body cameras, drones, and ShotSpotter technology to establish a comprehensive real-time crime monitoring network. Assistant Commissioner of Police Zhivargo Dames, who oversees information and communication technology, highlighted the program’s growth, emphasizing its role in enhancing public safety. Registration is free and voluntary, allowing participants to decide whether police can access their cameras directly or upon request. The process involves providing basic details such as name, address, email, and the number of cameras installed. Despite initial skepticism and online backlash over privacy concerns, the RBPF has continued to advocate for community collaboration in modernizing crime prevention efforts. The FUSUS system is part of a broader strategy by the RBPF to leverage technology in policing. Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles has prioritized equipping all frontline officers with body cameras and ensuring mandatory ethics and conduct training. Currently, the force has 800 to 900 body cameras in use, with plans to acquire an additional 200 to 300 by early 2026, aiming to outfit all 3,000 officers. Mr. Dames noted that the cameras have already improved accountability and transparency, fostering greater public trust in interactions with law enforcement.

Chief Justice Ian Winder has acknowledged the failure to finalize the long-promised judicial complaints procedure in The Bahamas, nearly a year after committing to its completion. Speaking to The Tribune, Justice Winder admitted that progress has been hindered by the challenge of identifying committee members and other pressing judicial priorities. Despite the delay, he pledged to intensify efforts to collaborate with Bahamas Bar Association President Khalil Parker to establish the framework. He emphasized that complaints against judicial officers are currently handled by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, which regularly receives and investigates such grievances. However, the lack of a formalized procedure has drawn criticism from attorney Tavarrie Smith, who warned that the delay undermines public confidence in the judiciary. In a letter titled ‘The Urgent Need for a Judicial Complaints Procedure in The Bahamas,’ Smith highlighted the absence of updates or a published procedure since the December 2024 pledge to finalize the framework before the 2025 legal year. He argued that the delay raises serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and the administration of justice, particularly in light of high-profile controversies involving judges last year. Smith stressed that the proposed mechanism would enhance judicial independence by ensuring fair and transparent review of allegations. He described most judges as ‘unsung heroes’ but cautioned that a lack of accountability could erode public trust. The issue gained traction in late 2024 when Justice Winder and Parker announced plans to finalize a unified framework. Attorney General Ryan Pinder has also supported the initiative, emphasizing the need for clear conduct standards for judges. Critics argue that the current process lacks transparency and public redress mechanisms, with some viewing the Judicial and Legal Services Commission as a political body. Smith urged swift action, asserting that judicial accountability is essential to maintaining public trust and upholding the integrity of the legal system.

The Bahamas has witnessed a remarkable improvement in its electronic monitoring system for individuals on bail, with only two successful attempts at tampering reported under the Migrafill-managed system. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe highlighted this as a significant advancement in tightening bail supervision. This progress follows the government’s contentious decision in 2023 to terminate its contract with the previous provider and reinstate Migrafill Electronic Security, which had previously managed the program. The decision has coincided with a notable decline in murders involving individuals on bail, contributing to a broader reduction in the national murder rate. Minister Munroe emphasized the robustness of Migrafill’s technology, which provides immediate alerts to law enforcement when tampering is detected. He noted that the system also offers advanced features such as curfew reminders and the ability for individuals to report emergencies, ensuring a swift police response. The government’s decision to switch to Migrafill in March 2024 has proven effective, with murders involving individuals on bail dropping to 11 percent of total killings by the end of the year, a sharp decrease from 42 percent in November 2023. Munroe attributed this success to Migrafill’s advanced equipment and real-time communication capabilities, which have significantly enhanced the monitoring process.

A veteran nurse with 44 years of service, known only as ‘Sister Pearl,’ has been suspended for ten days after publicly highlighting severe issues at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in a video. The nurse, a senior critical care professional, revealed problems such as leaking roofs, supply shortages, and rodent infestations, which she claims have worsened over time. Following the video’s release, she was subjected to restrictive measures, including being barred from traveling, entering the hospital except for medical care, and surrendering her ID band. She likened the treatment to being monitored with an ‘anklet bracelet,’ expressing feelings of being criminalized. The Public Hospital Authority (PHA) stated that the video violated its social media policies, prompting an investigation. However, the suspension has drawn widespread criticism, including from Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville, who vowed to ensure fair treatment for the nurse. In an interview, ‘Sister Pearl’ criticized the PHA’s handling of her case, emphasizing the exhaustion and overwhelm among A&E nurses. She asserted that her video aimed to draw attention to longstanding issues rather than embarrass anyone. The PHA defended its actions, citing its social media policy’s emphasis on professionalism and confidentiality. Meanwhile, Bahamas Nurses Union president Muriel Lightbourn acknowledged the technical breach of the union’s contract but noted the nurse remains on paid leave. Former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands condemned the suspension as an attempt to intimidate and silence a competent worker, highlighting the ongoing shortage of critical care workers and resource constraints at PMH.

The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) has refuted claims of a joint management agreement with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) for the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. This denial comes in the wake of a video released by the Office of the Prime Minister, which suggested a collaborative effort between the two organizations. The video featured JCNP Chairman Dion Miller and NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder, alongside other Junkanoo community members, discussing a unified approach to the parades. Miller emphasized their commitment to advancing Junkanoo in the national interest, stating, ‘We’re excited to be at this point and to move forward together hand in hand to make Junkanoo one and whole for all.’ Pinder acknowledged the presence of key stakeholders, including the Parade Management Team, the Festival Committee, and longtime sponsor Sir Franklyn Wilson. However, the NJC later clarified that the meeting was not a formal engagement with the JCNP but rather a discussion with representatives of the Shell Saxon Superstars. The NJC stated, ‘To be clear, no agreement for joint management between the NJC and the JCNP exists.’ The committee confirmed that the 2025/2026 parades would be managed exclusively by its appointed Parade Management Team, led by former Deputy Commissioner of Police Douglas Hanna, under the oversight of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. The NJC reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness in managing the parade season, ensuring the integrity of Junkanoo. Efforts to reach Dion Miller for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.