标签： Bahamas

Residents of North Cat Island in The Bahamas are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by relentless weekend rainfall. Marine Wilson, a 61-year-old resident of Stephenson, recounted the harrowing experience of losing nearly all her possessions as floodwaters inundated her home. Wilson and her family were forced to flee barefoot, salvaging only essential documents as furniture floated outside. The deluge left parts of North Cat Island, including communities like The Bluff and Bennett’s Harbour, submerged under up to two feet of water, rendering roads impassable and trapping residents in their homes. Arthur’s Town Comprehensive School remained closed due to the dire conditions. Wilson described wading through knee-high water for nearly 20 minutes to reach her blind brother’s house on higher ground, where she sought refuge overnight. Upon returning, she found her belongings destroyed, including rugs, drawers, and bureaus. Residents attributed the severity of the flooding to clogged drains, which exacerbated the situation. Stacy Strachan of Bennett’s Harbour reported that the water rose so high it submerged a Suzuki jeep up to its roof. Derrick Rolle, another resident, noted that while his home escaped flooding, his bathroom plumbing was affected. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology linked the extreme weather to a frontal trough and a tropical wave, which triggered widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region. As water levels began to recede, many residents remained stranded, unable to return home due to debris and impassable roads.

Panamanian authorities are actively investigating the tragic death of 16-year-old Bahamian student Madeline Thompson, who fell from the 27th floor of the Megapolis Hotel in Panama City on Friday. Police have yet to determine whether foul play was involved, with detectives currently reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence. A police spokesperson stated that it remains unclear whether Thompson fell or was pushed, and declined to comment on whether others were present in the room at the time of the incident. The Megapolis Hotel, a 66-story luxury property overlooking Panama’s oceanfront, reported the discovery of Thompson’s body around 6:05 a.m. in the hotel’s social area near the pool. Thompson was in Panama to participate in the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge, an international competition for secondary school students, and was reportedly sharing a room with two classmates. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and his wife, Ann, expressed their condolences, describing Thompson as a bright, compassionate young woman who embodied faith and service. Davis emphasized that her kindness and volunteerism reflected “the best of our Bahamian youth,” and her passing has deeply affected the nation. Jerusa Ali, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the government is coordinating with Panamanian officials and event organizers to assist Thompson’s family through its honorary consulate in Panama. Ali assured that consular officers are in close communication with all parties to prioritize the family’s needs and ensure a smooth process. Thompson, who recently celebrated her 16th birthday on September 26, was a dedicated volunteer at St. Joseph’s Parish’s soup kitchen and a cherished member of the church community. St. Augustine’s College, her school, expressed profound grief over her loss, stating that its delegation in Panama, including a parent, chaperone, principal, and faculty members, remains in contact with Panamanian authorities.

As the highly anticipated Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades approach, participants remain steadfast in their preparations despite escalating tensions between the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) and the government over event management. The conflict centers on the JCNP’s refusal to recognize The Way Forward Valley Boys, a splinter group led by Trevor Davis, reportedly the brother of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. In response, the government has proposed transferring parade oversight to the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), a move supported by 19 of 21 Junkanoo groups in a recent poll. However, many artisans and participants express loyalty to the JCNP, emphasizing its decades-long role in organizing the parades. A Saxons member highlighted the unity among major groups, stating, “We support the JCNP because they represent the people who actually make Junkanoo happen.” He criticized the government’s intervention, suggesting it undermines established structures. Meanwhile, artisans from groups like the World Famous Valley Boys and One Family report that production remains on schedule, with costumes and preparations adhering to JCNP guidelines. Leslie Johnson, former JCNP chairman and a One Family artisan, argued that changing management this late in the year is impractical, given that preparations began in February. He called for a formalized partnership between the government and JCNP, proposing that any changes be implemented next year. Johnson also suggested a compromise allowing both Valley Boys factions to compete this year while maintaining JCNP’s leadership. Despite the uncertainty, participants remain committed to the parades, driven by their passion for Junkanoo and the cultural significance of the event.

Roberto Rolle, the father of Adriel Moxey, a 12-year-old girl who was tragically murdered in November 2024, has passed away after a brief battle with stomach cancer. Rolle, 45, was laid to rest in Grand Bahama over the weekend. A close friend, Wendy Fox, who delivered a tribute at his funeral, believes that Rolle’s death was not solely due to cancer but also the profound heartbreak he endured following his daughter’s brutal killing. Fox stated, ‘He died from a broken heart. He just wanted his daughter.’ Adriel, a seventh-grade student, was sexually assaulted and killed on November 18, 2024. Her body was discovered two days later near Faith Avenue, leading to the arrest of 35-year-old Chris Ferguson in connection with her death. Rolle, who had raised Adriel from infancy, expressed deep regret in previous interviews, feeling he had failed to protect her. ‘I did everything for that little girl, even if she wasn’t my child, she was my child,’ he had said. Fox revealed that Rolle lived with constant sorrow and regret, often lamenting his inability to secure custody and provide a safer environment for Adriel. His death has left his family, including his surviving son, devastated.

Attorney David P Cash has initiated a Supreme Court claim against the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, alleging unlawful arrest, assault, and constitutional rights violations during an incident in Freeport last year. The claim, filed last week, details accusations against officers at the Central Police Station in Grand Bahama, where Mr Cash was reportedly detained for 12 hours, assaulted, and charged with disorderly behavior and obscene language. These charges were dismissed in July 2023 by Magistrate Laquay Laing, who ruled that Mr Cash’s actions were merely those of an attorney passionately defending his client’s rights.

According to court documents, Mr Cash asserts that he was denied access to his client, Mermaid ‘Mervie’ Knowles, who was in custody at the time. He claims he was grabbed by the collar by a sergeant, dragged to the front desk, and placed in an unsanitary, overheated cell with limited access to restroom facilities and legal counsel. Mr Cash described the experience as humiliating and traumatic, causing post-traumatic stress and damage to his professional reputation, exacerbated by national media coverage of his arrest and prosecution.

In his filing, Mr Cash is seeking $11,390 in special damages to cover expenses such as airfare, car rental, accommodation, and legal representation related to the incident. Additionally, he is pursuing general, aggravated, exemplary, and vindicatory damages for alleged breaches of his constitutional rights under Articles 17, 19, 20, and 25 of the Constitution. The defendants, the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, are being sued in their official capacities under the Crown Proceedings Act.

Four months after witnessing the harrowing footage of her brother being struck by one vehicle and then run over by another, Shanda Robinson and her family are still awaiting accountability and answers from authorities. Winchester “Chester” Robinson, who suffers from schizophrenia, was walking alone on Soldier Road on July 17 when the tragic incident occurred. Surveillance footage captured the moment he was hit by a car, left motionless on the road, and then run over by a second vehicle. A third car stopped briefly but failed to offer assistance. Chester sustained severe injuries, including four broken ribs, a bruised lung, a broken leg, and required three surgeries. Despite his miraculous survival and subsequent discharge from the hospital in September, the family remains in the dark about who is responsible for the incident. Shanda Robinson expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Road Traffic Department and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, stating that officials promised to visit Chester in the hospital but never followed through. The family initially obtained surveillance footage from a nearby Chinese restaurant and sought assistance from authorities, but their efforts have been met with silence. Shanda, who relocated from Abaco to New Providence after Hurricane Dorian in 2019, finds it particularly challenging to navigate the system, as she knows few people on the island outside her family. Despite the emotional toll, the family has shifted their focus to Chester’s recovery. Reflecting on the incident, Chester’s reaction to watching the footage was one of gratitude: “Thank God I’m still here.” Shanda emphasized that accountability, even in the form of an apology, would bring the family much-needed closure. “You have to hold accountability for things in life,” she said, underscoring the importance of responsibility in such tragic circumstances.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, farmers on Crooked Island and Long Island are grappling with extensive agricultural damage, prompting urgent calls for government assistance. Michael Carroll, a seasoned farmer on Crooked Island, recounted the devastation wrought by the hurricane, which obliterated his five-acre farm. His banana and plantain crops, along with over 100 plantain trees, coconut, and papaya trees, were ravaged by 120 mph winds and severe flooding. Carroll, who has cultivated the land for 14 years, expressed profound discouragement, estimating an 18-month recovery period for his crops. He emphasized the critical need for financial aid to restore his farm, which had been a vital source of fresh produce for the local community and his store. Photographs from his farm depicted uprooted trees, debris, and stagnant floodwaters, underscoring the scale of destruction. Despite the setback, Carroll remains hopeful that with government support, he can rebuild and resume farming. Meanwhile, Long Island MP Adrian Gibson reported similar agricultural losses in his constituency, though he noted that the damage was less severe compared to Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. Gibson highlighted flooding as a primary concern, attributing it to inadequate drainage systems, and pledged to address the issue. He also mentioned that several properties, including his own home, suffered roof damage, but utilities and downed telephone lines were being restored. Gibson has been actively engaging with residents to ensure their needs are met, including arranging drinking water supplies for affected households. He emphasized the necessity of government and NGO intervention to aid in the recovery and restoration efforts following the storm.