标签： Bahamas

The community of Grand Bahama is united in grief following the passing of esteemed broadcaster Sabrina Brown, whose distinctive voice became a trusted fixture on ZNS Northern Service. After demonstrating extraordinary resilience during an extended struggle with cancer, Brown passed away on March 8 at age 53.

Colleagues and community members have flooded tributes honoring Brown’s professional excellence and profound personal impact. Former ZNS Freeport colleague Jay Philippe characterized her as both an exceptional journalist and a natural community leader. “Her passion and genuine affection for people created an indelible impression on everyone she encountered,” Philippe reflected, noting how Brown immediately welcomed him when he joined the station in June 2018, subsequently developing a meaningful friendship.

Barbara Walkin, lead writer for Grand Bahama News, highlighted Brown’s remarkable dedication to her profession despite health challenges. “She embodied an extraordinary example of faith, womanhood, and mentorship,” Walkin stated. “Though physically petite, she possessed immense courage, strength, and compassion that inspired all who knew her.”

Brown’s distinguished media career began at the Freeport News before she joined the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas’ Northern Service. After a brief period at Love97 Radio during the 1990s, she returned to ZNS in 2003, progressively advancing from news reporter to senior reporter, editor, and ultimately Director of Radio.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Brown established the Aim High Girls Club—a complimentary initiative dedicated to empowering and mentoring young women. Former educator Frazette Gibson emphasized how Brown’s community-oriented approach and youth development initiatives helped shape future leaders. “She approached journalism with both professionalism and personal investment, utilizing her platform to strengthen communities and raise awareness through her health journey,” Gibson noted.

Brown is survived by her husband, Duane Brown, and daughter, Tyla. Her legacy encompasses both her contributions to Bahamian media and her profound positive influence on countless individuals throughout Grand Bahama.

A horrific incident in Hepburn Town, Eight Mile Rock, has left a family shattered after 38-year-old Okino Kareem Burrows succumbed to fatal injuries sustained in a violent altercation. The tragedy unfolded late Saturday evening when Burrows became involved in a physical confrontation at a local bus stop, resulting in a severe neck wound.

Fleeing the scene, Burrows desperately sought refuge at his mother’s residence nearby. Collapsing on the front porch, he was discovered by his two young sons, aged 15 and 12, who responded to his frantic knocking. Family members witnessed the traumatic scene as Burrows’ sister attempted emergency first aid, applying pressure to the critical injury in a futile effort to stem the bleeding.

Family spokesperson Kim Musgrove described the devastating impact on those present, particularly the children who witnessed their father’s final moments. The emotional trauma has profoundly affected Burrows’ mother, sister, and sons, who are now grappling with the psychological aftermath of the event.

Anthia Bartlett, the victim’s aunt, emphasized Burrows’ role as a devoted family man despite personal challenges, noting his commitment to his children and loved ones. The family acknowledges the ongoing police investigation, which has resulted in the detention of a 46-year-old suspect, while recognizing that no legal outcome can alleviate their profound loss.

This tragedy compounds earlier hardships for Burrows, who lost his home to a suspected arson fire in January. Monica Mackey, mother of Burrows’ children, highlighted his vibrant personality and dedication to family, describing him as perpetually energetic and committed to bringing joy to others. The community now mourns the loss of a man remembered for his loving spirit and resilience in adversity.

A chilling surveillance video capturing a violent armed robbery in the Bahamas has revealed a potentially systematic criminal pattern involving suspects disguised as construction workers. The footage, which circulated widely, depicts two men wearing construction vests and hard hats entering a business establishment on February 25.

One assailant, brandishing a handgun, repeatedly pressed the weapon against a woman’s head while issuing threats and commands. Employees were forced to lie face-down on the floor as the perpetrators shouted profanities and demanded money. “Anything wrong, y’all dead,” one robber threatened during the incident.

The video evidence shows the armed suspect maintaining surveillance over victims while his accomplice moved behind counter areas to collect cash and valuables. Distressed pleas from victims are audible throughout the robbery sequence before the suspects eventually departed with stolen items.

Law enforcement authorities confirmed one individual has been apprehended in connection with the February incident, while the second suspect remains at large. Police have not yet established whether these individuals are connected to other criminal cases.

The footage prompted Justice of the Peace Dr. Felicia Archer to identify striking parallels with an earlier armed robbery at her Nassau-based salon and beauty supply store on December 20, 2025. According to Dr. Archer, a similarly dressed construction-attired gunman entered her establishment around 7 PM, brandishing a handgun and immediately forcing approximately seven people to the ground before stealing cash, electronic devices, and personal belongings.

Despite initial police response that included tracking a stolen phone to a suspected residence and temporary detentions, identification procedures proved unsuccessful and suspects were released. Dr. Archer noted no subsequent updates from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Armed Robbery Unit.

The justice emphasized the undeniable similarities between both incidents, noting identical construction disguises, firearm types, vocal tones, phraseology, and criminal methodologies. She urged accelerated investigation, highlighting the strategic advantage of construction disguises for accessing businesses without suspicion and targeting vulnerable smaller establishments.

A routine school run transformed into an act of civic duty for Constable Jasmine Jones of the Royal Bahamas Police Force last Thursday afternoon. While traveling near Robinson Road shortly after 3pm, she encountered a critical traffic malfunction. The signals at the confluence of Marathon and Robinson Road had failed, creating a gridlock of vehicles during the peak school pick-up period. The situation escalated into a cacophony of blaring horns and mounting frustration as confused motorists from all directions inched forward, dangerously increasing the risk of collisions.

Despite having just completed her shift, Constable Jones, still in uniform, immediately transitioned from private citizen to public servant. She parked her personal vehicle and proceeded on foot into the chaotic junction. For over an hour, she manually directed the flow of traffic, a intervention she believed was necessary to prevent potential accidents and injuries.

Her commendable actions were captured in a video that swiftly circulated on social media. A Facebook post showcasing her efforts garnered significant public acclaim, amassing over 1,600 reactions and 300 shares by press time. The online community overwhelmingly lauded her initiative and dedication. Constable Jones humbly attributed her response to a fundamental philosophy of service, stating, ‘I feel that being a police officer is about service, and sometimes that means stepping in even when you’re off duty.’ She further elaborated to The Tribune, emphasizing her proactive nature: ‘I’m not that kind of officer that will wait and tell someone come. If I could assist, I will assist.’ She also acknowledged the subsequent support from PC Rolle who joined her at the scene.

A significant conflict has emerged between the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) regarding the recognition of faculty qualifications. UTEB President Daniel Thompson alleges that BTVI is systematically rejecting accredited degrees and professional certifications held by educators based solely on criteria established by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB).\n\nThompson contends that BTVI has implemented a new policy requiring all faculty credentials to appear explicitly on NAECOB’s approved list, despite many degrees originating from regionally accredited international universities. The union leader characterized NAECOB as a fledgling institution in its \”infantile\” stage, noting that only 14 institutions currently appear on its registry—a situation exacerbated by the council’s requirement that universities pay a $2,000 annual fee for listing.\n\nThe dispute centers on BTVI’s alleged violation of the industrial agreement governing faculty employment terms. Thompson described the institution’s position as \”ludicrous,\” \”unfair,\” and \”academically indefensible,\\” arguing that it dismisses globally recognized education standards. Kerima Smith, a BTVI business department faculty member, confirmed the policy affects approximately 40 full-time and 250 adjunct staff, potentially undermining professional development requirements outlined in their contracts.\n\nFaculty representatives emphasize that the industrial agreement specifically requires qualifications from accredited institutions, which they have obtained, and that BTVI has added an unauthorized additional validation step. The union has urgently called for government intervention to resolve what they characterize as a breach of trust and dangerous precedent for Bahamian higher education. Despite requests for comment, BTVI administration had not responded by press time.