标签： Bahamas

The tragic killing of Lauren Saunders, a seven-month pregnant mother-of-two, has ignited a fierce debate over Bahamian law’s treatment of unborn children. While public outrage has surged, with demands for dual murder charges—one for Saunders and another for her unborn baby—National Security Minister Wayne Munroe clarified that Bahamian law does not classify a foetus as a separate life under the murder statute. Consequently, the death of an unborn child cannot be prosecuted as murder. Munroe explained that murder charges apply only to individuals with independent circulation, while the death of a foetus is legally treated as abortion. This distinction has raised questions, given that The Bahamas criminalises abortion in nearly all circumstances yet fails to recognise the violent killing of an unborn child as a distinct offence. Saunders went missing on Sunday after leaving work early, prompting an islandwide search. Her partially decomposed body was discovered in bushes off Munnings Road on Wednesday, with officials awaiting autopsy results to confirm the cause of death. A suspect has been in custody for three days, but no charges have been filed. Munroe noted that legal changes to classify the killing of an unborn child as murder could have far-reaching implications, potentially criminalising medical terminations. He emphasised that such a shift would require charging anyone who terminates a foetus, including doctors, with murder. This stance contrasts with jurisdictions like the United States, where the Unborn Victims of Violence Act allows separate charges for the death of a foetus. Nearly 40 U.S. states have foetal homicide laws, and countries like Australia’s Queensland and El Salvador also criminalise the unlawful killing of unborn children as distinct offences.

A dramatic escalation in rental prices has triggered a significant increase in the demand for emergency shelter assistance in New Providence, according to Social Services officials. Chief Social Worker Deborah Smith, who manages shelter operations, highlighted that many families are being displaced due to sudden and substantial rent hikes, often amounting to hundreds of dollars within weeks. Smith noted that tenants are struggling to cope with these abrupt increases, leading to a surge in requests for emergency housing. Housing Minister Keith Bell has also raised concerns, citing reports of rent increases exceeding $500. He revealed that draft legislation is being finalized to better balance the rights of landlords and tenants before the end of the current term. Currently, there are 123 shelter spaces available, but demand far exceeds supply. Smith explained that shelter occupancy is in constant flux, with new cases being logged continuously. Social Services Minister Myles Laroda announced plans to rent two additional facilities to address the growing number of displaced residents. The issue gained widespread attention after Ameca Ford McKenzie, a mother of two autistic sons, shared her experience of being forced to sleep in her car due to unpaid rent. She later received assistance from the Coalition of Independents and other supporters. While shelter stays are typically limited to two weeks, extensions are often granted for vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women and Family Island residents in Nassau for medical treatment. However, some residents refuse to leave after their time expires, as seen in the recent dispute at Poinciana Inn, which is now under judicial review. Smith emphasized that officials work with residents to develop exit plans, but the weakening of family support networks has exacerbated the crisis. ‘Many people are homeless, but they won’t come forward until you encounter them and hear their stories,’ she said.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has firmly distanced himself from the escalating Junkanoo dispute, emphasizing, “Don’t bring me into it,” as the government races to finalize parade plans just weeks before the season kicks off. During a meeting with Junkanoo Corporation New Providence (JCNP) chairman Dion Miller last Friday, Mr. Davis clarified that he has delegated the matter to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC). “I’m not involved in that at all because they accuse the matter of being political, and so don’t bring me into it. I’ve directed the Minister of Youth and Sports and the NJC, they are dealing with it, and I’m leaving it to them,” he stated. Despite his efforts to remain neutral, critics argue that the government is sidelining the JCNP due to its unfavorable stance toward the Prime Minister’s brother, Trevor Davis, in a dispute over the rightful claim to the Valley Boys group. The controversy deepened as JCNP officials convened Wednesday night to discuss the Prime Minister’s meeting and chart a path forward. JCNP public relations officer John Williams revealed that while Mr. Davis expressed a desire for resolution, he offered no direct intervention. “It’s very late,” Mr. Williams lamented. “It’s November, essentially, and we had to come up with a plan and a course of action. It’s action time. So we just have to do what we have to do.” He added that member groups were dissatisfied with the meeting’s outcome and expressed exhaustion over the prolonged feud. “I think everybody is just tired at this point. Just tired of the back and forth and going through all of this. We’ve never been through this sort of thing before,” he said. Ten major Junkanoo groups, including One Family, Saxons, Roots, The Valley Boys, and The Mighty Eagles, have rallied behind the JCNP. Roots chairman Duane Ellis voiced his frustration, stating that his group would only participate in a parade managed by the JCNP. “My frustration as a junkanooer is that by now, I thought both sides would come to some mutual agreement for the betterment of Junkanoo and not personalities,” he said. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Perry Christie expressed hope for a timely resolution, emphasizing the unifying power of Junkanoo. “It is always a regret when Junkanoo and culture are subjected to division because it’s the one area in the country which should unite people,” he said. “I’m hopeful, therefore, that the minister and all that he’s doing will be successful in ensuring that Junkanoo reigns supreme.”

After years of setbacks, Abaco’s highly anticipated multipurpose hurricane shelter has officially opened its doors, marking a significant step forward in the region’s disaster preparedness efforts. The facility, located in Central Pines, Marsh Harbour, was formally handed over to the public during a ceremony held yesterday. Designed to withstand Category Five hurricanes, the shelter spans over 12,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 600 people. Strategically situated on one of the highest points in Marsh Harbour, it minimizes flood risks and features essential amenities such as wheelchair ramps, bathrooms, and a medical room. Minister of State for Disaster Risk Preparedness Leon Lundy emphasized that the shelter was built in response to the vulnerabilities exposed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which left many families stranded on rooftops. He described the facility as both a tribute to those lost during the disaster and a beacon of resilience for the community. The project, initially estimated at $1.8 million, faced numerous delays and cost overruns, with the final price tag reaching $4.5 million. Funding was partially provided by international partners, including a $1 million donation from the Indian government. The shelter is the first of several planned facilities aimed at addressing shelter shortages in Abaco. During the ceremony, officials highlighted its dual purpose: serving as a safe haven during storms and a community hub for training, meetings, and youth programs in normal times. The government also approved a $17 million transfer to the Disaster Emergency Fund, signaling a renewed commitment to improving national disaster response. Attendees, including representatives from India, the United Nations, and China, praised The Bahamas for its dedication to climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

The family of Miguel Campoy, a Spanish-American sailor who vanished at sea six weeks ago, has expressed growing frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. Campoy, 56, disappeared on September 6 while sailing his 44-foot blue-hulled vessel, Hella, from South Abaco to New Providence. His last known communication with relatives was around 6 p.m., when he reported calm conditions and anticipated a longer-than-expected journey.

Both the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the United States Coast Guard conducted search operations for approximately a week before suspending their efforts. The family subsequently initiated a private search, deploying airplanes over the area for an additional fifteen days. Despite these efforts, no significant findings have been made, aside from the recovery of Campoy’s dinghy, which was found adrift with personal belongings, including his passport, credit cards, and water supplies.

Miriam Campoy, Miguel’s sister, speculated that her brother may have intentionally left the sailboat due to an emergency, such as water ingress or a collision. However, the exact circumstances remain unclear. The dinghy is currently in the custody of the Western Division police, who have yet to provide any updates or conclusions to the family.

Ms. Campoy revealed that she has repeatedly contacted authorities, including an RBDF officer identified as Mr. Livingston, but has received no substantive information. She also noted that Spanish police have attempted to liaise with Bahamian authorities but have similarly been met with silence.

The family, desperate for closure, has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Campoy’s safe return and $2,000 for verified tips. They have distributed missing-person posters across The Bahamas and internationally, urging anyone with information to contact the RBDF, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, or email findmiguelcampoy@gmail.com.

Miguel Campoy, a dual citizen of Spain and the United States, was a seasoned sailor and qualified yacht captain who had lived aboard his vessel for seven years. His family described him as methodical and well-prepared, making his disappearance under calm weather conditions all the more perplexing.

The Campoy family has called for greater transparency from Bahamian authorities, emphasizing their desire to uncover the truth and, if necessary, recover his body. ‘We just need to know what happened,’ Ms. Campoy said, reflecting the family’s anguish and determination for answers.