Carib Scope

标签： Bahamas

巴哈马

  • Tributes pour in for ‘fearless attorney’ Ramona Farquharson

    Tributes pour in for ‘fearless attorney’ Ramona Farquharson

    The Bahamas legal and political spheres are grappling with the unexpected demise of distinguished attorney Ramona Farquharson-Seymour, whose passing yesterday prompted an outpouring of tributes honoring her formidable career and unwavering advocacy. While specific circumstances surrounding her death remain undisclosed, reports indicate she was discovered unresponsive and subsequently transported to Doctors Hospital, where legal colleagues and family members convened upon learning the tragic news.

    Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard expressed profound shock at the loss, characterizing Farquharson-Seymour as universally respected for her “sharp wit, formidable legal acumen, and fearless advocacy.” Pintard emphasized her significant contributions to the party’s Executive Council, noting: “She was direct and did not mince words when sharing her views. We benefitted from her tough questions and strong positions on subjects most would avoid.”

    Prime Minister Philip Davis issued an emotional statement acknowledging the profound impact of her passing: “There are some losses that land heavy, because they take away someone who was still in the middle of giving. Ramona was in her late 40s, yet her name already carried weight in our legal community, built on hard work, sharp ability, and the courage to take on difficult matters.”

    Admitted to the Bar in December 2001, Farquharson-Seymour maintained an active practice for over two decades, handling numerous high-profile cases. Her recent legal representation included former Prison Commissioner Charles Murphy in his ongoing litigation against the government following his 2021 administrative leave. She additionally served on the defense team for Long Island MP Adrian Gibson during initial investigations into his tenure at the Water and Sewerage Corporation in 2022.

    Demonstrating her commitment to legal professional development, Farquharson-Seymour had expressed intentions to campaign for the Bahamas Bar Association presidency in 2023, advocating for organizational renewal and fresh leadership vision. Although ultimately unsuccessful in her bid against incumbent Khalil Parker, her aspiration reflected deep engagement with the legal community’s evolution.

    The Tribune confirms the attorney had previously explored political candidacy through the Free National Movement before withdrawing her application. Prime Minister Davis extended condolences to her husband, attorney Calvin Seymour, their two daughters, and extended family, recognizing the immeasurable void left in both professional circles and personal relationships.

  • China hits back at US criticism over Nassau hospital financing

    China hits back at US criticism over Nassau hospital financing

    A significant diplomatic confrontation has emerged between the United States and China regarding the financing of Nassau’s new medical facility, with both nations presenting contrasting views on the project’s implications for Bahamian sovereignty. The Chinese embassy in New Providence issued a formal rebuttal to criticism from US Ambassador Herschel Walker, characterizing the $195 million financing arrangement as a “livelihood project” developed through mutual consultation and respect.

    The hospital project, which represents a substantial portion of the $278 million total financing, is being funded through preferential loan terms from China Export-Import Bank. Chinese officials emphasized that their cooperation with The Bahamas contains no hidden strategic objectives or third-party targeting, stating that the arrangement strictly addresses critical healthcare infrastructure needs while respecting the nation’s autonomous decision-making capabilities.

    Ambassador Walker had previously raised concerns about the financing terms, particularly noting that Chinese law and jurisdiction would govern the loan agreement. He advocated for alternative funding options that align with international norms and confirmed that China Railway Construction Corporation, the project’s primary contractor, appears on a US restricted investment list due to its connections to China’s military-industrial apparatus.

    The Bahamian government has defended its decision, explaining that the agreement underwent comprehensive technical, legal, and financial review before approval. Officials highlighted that urgent healthcare requirements—including tertiary care, maternal health services, and addressing systemic capacity shortages—outweighed other considerations. The administration also revealed that despite engaging with US financial institutions, including the US Export-Import Bank, no alternative financing package matching China’s offer in scale, timing, and certainty materialized.

    Financial feasibility studies presented to Parliament indicate the facility will operate at a financial deficit, generating only 3.7% of its annual operating costs internally while requiring approximately $66 million in additional annual subsidies. However, government ministers stress that the project’s primary objective is social rather than commercial, aiming to alleviate critical healthcare shortages and improve national health outcomes despite the anticipated financial challenges.

  • Tremors felt in Inagua after 5.8-magnitude Cuba quake

    Tremors felt in Inagua after 5.8-magnitude Cuba quake

    Residents across the southern Bahamas islands experienced mild seismic activity early Sunday morning following a significant earthquake near eastern Cuba. The 5.8-magnitude tremor, which struck at approximately 7:00 AM local time, originated just 49 kilometers southeast of Baracoa in Cuba’s Guantánamo Province at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers.

    According to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, which coordinated with both the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the United States Geological Survey, the seismic event posed no tsunami threat to the Bahamian archipelago. Preliminary assessments indicated that light to moderate shaking was potentially felt in the southern islands, including Inagua and Acklins, as well as in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

    Inagua Island Administrator Quenna Gibson, though absent from the district during the incident, received multiple accounts from residents who reported distinct vibrations. Assistant Superintendent of Police Kelly Kemp described experiencing bed shaking and residential vibrations, with similar reports from Chief Councillor Palacious and other community members. Despite the widespread sensations, no injuries or significant structural damage were officially documented.

    Local resident and district council member George O. Harris recounted being alerted by neighbors moments after the tremors began. One neighbor dramatically described being jolted awake by moving furniture, initially mistaking the phenomenon for ‘evilness’ before recognizing it as seismic activity. Harris noted the appearance of new cracks around doorframes in older buildings but confirmed no serious damage to government facilities or local infrastructure, including his Coast FM radio station compound.

    Meteorological officials have advised residents to maintain normal activities while remaining alert for potential aftershocks, though none are expected to be significant. The public is encouraged to report any unusual observations through official channels for ongoing monitoring.

  • Services restored after dialysis delays at PMH

    Services restored after dialysis delays at PMH

    Princess Margaret Hospital experienced a temporary suspension of its dialysis services early Monday morning, resulting in treatment delays for numerous patients. The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) officially confirmed the incident, attributing the disruption to unexpected staff absences rather than any form of industrial labor action.

    In an official communiqué, the PHA characterized the staff shortages as ‘legitimate’ absences, swiftly moving to dispel rumors of coordinated strike activity. The authority extended sincere apologies to affected patients and their families for the resultant inconvenience and emotional distress caused by the unforeseen interruption to critical healthcare services.

    Medical operations have now been completely reinstated following the morning’s procedural delays. The PHA has guaranteed that all patients originally scheduled for treatment will receive their necessary dialysis care throughout the remainder of the day. Reaffirming its institutional commitment, the authority emphasized its continued dedication to delivering secure, punctual, and empathetic healthcare services to the community despite these operational challenges.

  • Davis backs Sebas Bastian despite FBI file allegations

    Davis backs Sebas Bastian despite FBI file allegations

    Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis has publicly affirmed his support for Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate Sebas Bastian, despite unverified allegations appearing in FBI documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The documents, dated September 30, 2021, name both Bastian and Island Luck co-founder Adrian Fox in connection with claims made by an informant alleging Epstein’s influence over Bahamian and U.S. governments.

    Speaking to reporters on Friday, Prime Minister Davis dismissed the significance of these allegations, stating he had heard Bastian’s response and found the claims unpersuasive. ‘I don’t know as much about what is in those files and what those files mean,’ Davis remarked. ‘All I know is that he’s indicated that he doesn’t know foolishness. He don’t know what they’re talking about.’ When questioned whether the issue would impact the PLP’s election campaign, the Prime Minister responded confidently: ‘I don’t think so.’

    Both Bastian and Fox have issued separate denials through Tribune Business, asserting they never met Epstein nor engaged in any illegal activities. Bastian, campaigning in Fort Charlotte, quipped: ‘The closest I come to Epstein, Jepstein or any Stein is the stain on my shirt,’ emphasizing his focus on national development. Fox categorically denied any personal interaction with Epstein or involvement in firearms or human trafficking.

    The same FBI document also references Craig Flowers of FML Group of Companies and former national security minister Marvin Dames (misspelled as ‘Marvin James’), though without linking them to trafficking allegations. Dames confirmed facilitating an informant’s visit to the U.S. Embassy but questioned the document’s overall authenticity. Flowers did not respond to requests for comment prior to publication.

  • Fox: This election will be my first time voting

    Fox: This election will be my first time voting

    In a remarkable political development, former NBA champion Rick Fox has revealed that the upcoming general election will mark his first-ever vote cast in The Bahamas. The Free National Movement’s candidate for Garden Hills disclosed this significant personal milestone during a recent appearance on Our TV’s ‘On the Record’ with host Jerome Sawyer.

    Fox explained that he obtained his voter registration card approximately five years ago while anticipating his permanent return to The Bahamas following his daughter’s college graduation. ‘No, this is going to be the first time,’ Fox responded when questioned about his voting history. ‘Yes, and I can’t wait. So it’s the first time for a lot of people, for me, and for a lot of people that need to get out and register to vote—that’s how we protect our sovereignty.’

    His candidacy has generated considerable attention within political circles, particularly as his ratification surprised some party supporters who had expected longtime aspirant D’Angelo Ferguson to secure the nomination after months of campaigning. Fox described a Thursday morning meeting at IHOP with both Ferguson and the party leader, emphasizing their discussions focused on unity and constituency development plans. He praised Ferguson’s professional accomplishments and suggested he has ‘a bright political future if he chooses.’

    Addressing his basketball career, Fox clarified his international representation, denying that he played for Canada’s Olympic basketball team despite FIBA records indicating his participation in the 1990 and 1994 World Championships. He stated that he declined Olympic opportunities and instead led The Bahamas’ national basketball program while maintaining his NBA career.

    Regardless of the election outcome, Fox affirmed his commitment to remain in The Bahamas, signaling a permanent dedication to his home nation’s development.

  • Father killed in Wulff Road crash years after losing son

    Father killed in Wulff Road crash years after losing son

    A devastating multi-vehicle collision on Wulff Road Thursday evening claimed the life of 33-year-old Jarad Miller, a man whose family says was finally rebuilding his life after the tragic loss of his toddler son nearly three years prior.

    According to police reports, the fatal incident occurred approximately at 7pm near the Kemp Road intersection. The chain of events began when a silver Acura attempted to overtake a Toyota Corolla while traveling eastbound. During this maneuver, the Acura collided head-on with a westbound Yamaha XTZ motorcycle operated by Miller, then subsequently struck the Corolla while attempting to re-enter the traffic lane.

    Miller sustained catastrophic injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead after being transported to a medical facility. His passing marks the second profound tragedy for his family within three years, following the death of his approximately two-year-old son from illness in 2021.

    Family members residing in Texas received the heartbreaking news through Miller’s mother. Ricardo Miller, the victim’s uncle, described the impact as striking the family at its ‘very core,’ noting that Miller’s mother was particularly devastated by the loss.

    Known affectionately as ‘JR’ among relatives, the deceased had been demonstrating remarkable resilience following his son’s passing. Those close to him reported he had been focusing on stable employment, personal accountability, and entrepreneurial aspirations that included establishing a car wash business. After working extensively in Abaco, Miller had recently returned to New Providence, where family characterized him as intellectually gifted and diligently industrious.

    The Thursday evening fatality was one of two separate traffic incidents resulting in deaths that day. In a concurrent Abaco accident, police reported a white Honda Pilot carrying two adult males veered off the roadway and collided with a tree, resulting in one fatality at the scene and the transportation of the second injured individual to a local medical clinic.

  • Former Turks and Caicos premier found guilty over bribery charges

    Former Turks and Caicos premier found guilty over bribery charges

    In a landmark ruling that concludes one of the most significant legal proceedings in the modern history of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the territory’s former Premier Michael Misick, his brother Thomas Chalmers “Chal” Misick, and former Lands Minister McAllister “Piper” Hanchell were found guilty on multiple corruption charges Wednesday.

    The verdict, delivered by Justice Rajendra Narine following a four-hour public hearing in Providenciales, marks the culmination of a ten-year judicial process that exposed systemic corruption at the highest levels of government. The case centered on a sophisticated scheme where senior officials allegedly received substantial bribes and illicit benefits in exchange for granting developers preferential access to government-owned land at significantly reduced prices during a period of intensive resort development.

    According to court findings, the corruption network involved tens of millions of dollars in financial transactions, luxury real estate, and other perks connected to controversial land deals across multiple islands. Justice Narine determined that the defendants engaged in bribery, conspiracy to defraud both the Crown and the Turks and Caicos government, and violated the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance.

    Evidence presented during the trial revealed that former Premier Misick knowingly accepted inducements including a multimillion-dollar loan, a luxury villa, and exclusive credit card access that financed millions in personal spending. In return, he provided favorable concessions and Crown land to developers. The judge concluded that these benefits were intentionally accepted as compensation for corrupt official acts.

    Former Minister Hanchell was convicted of accepting bribes connected to land transactions on Salt Cay and West Caicos, while Chal Misick was found guilty on multiple counts of money laundering related to covering scheme-associated debts and expenses. The court rejected defense arguments that Hanchell’s personal wealth made corruption implausible.

    This verdict follows a broader investigation that previously led Britain to suspend self-governance in the territory from 2009 to 2012 after a commission of inquiry discovered widespread abuse of power. The prosecution successfully argued that the corruption was intrinsically linked to resort developments, particularly on Salt Cay, where extensive Crown lands were transferred or leased at discounted rates to developers who received concessions reserved for local inhabitants despite not qualifying for such status.

    All three convicted individuals remain on bail with increased amounts and are prohibited from leaving the country pending sentencing scheduled for May 4. Prosecutors announced intentions to seek confiscation of tens of millions of dollars in assets connected to the corruption scheme.

  • Mayaguana parents protest ‘failing’ school system

    Mayaguana parents protest ‘failing’ school system

    A growing educational crisis is unfolding on the remote island of Mayaguana, where frustrated parents have staged protests against a severe and persistent teacher shortage at the island’s sole comprehensive school. For years, this deficiency has forced students to rely heavily on virtual learning—a solution severely compromised by frequent power outages, unstable internet connectivity, and systemic technical failures.

    The situation has had tangible academic consequences. Cheryl Farrington, a single mother of four, reported that after returning to Mayaguana, her daughters’ grades plummeted dramatically, with their GPAs falling by nearly a full point. This decline is emblematic of a broader pattern affecting the school’s roughly 30 students across primary and secondary levels.

    Education Director Dominique McCartney-Russell has acknowledged the grievances, confirming that the ministry is negotiating with utility providers to enhance services. Furthermore, recruitment efforts are underway, with at least two local candidates identified for teaching positions. Parents were asked to allow a two-week period for administrative processing.

    However, parental trust is at a breaking point. Pristore Cartwright and other parents revealed that promises of additional instructors have been made—and broken—for years. Virtual learning, initially a pandemic stopgap, has remained in place for four years, leading to half-days of instruction and inconsistent education delivery. In some instances, teachers have sent threatening emails regarding overdue assignments, despite students lacking proper instruction.

    The frustration culminated in a peaceful protest where parents occupied classrooms and recorded videos detailing their concerns. These clips, sent to local media, feature accounts of children failing classes and returning home distressed. A subsequent meeting with education officials was held to address the emergency.

    With multiple graduating classes reportedly failing and students missing diplomas, some families are considering leaving the island to secure viable educational opportunities for their children. Vanessa Moss, another parent, noted that her daughters feel increasingly discouraged, questioning the value of attending school under such conditions. While teachers encourage maintaining hope, the community’s patience has worn thin, signaling an urgent need for tangible resolution.

  • Ryan Forbes enters North Abaco race as independent candidate

    Ryan Forbes enters North Abaco race as independent candidate

    In a significant development for Bahamian politics, businessman Ryan Forbes has announced his independent candidacy for North Abaco’s parliamentary seat after being denied the Free National Movement’s nomination. This move introduces a fresh dynamic to the electoral landscape traditionally dominated by major political parties.

    Forbes, who confirmed his campaign plans to The Tribune, is scheduled to officially launch his bid today, operating outside conventional party structures. His entry follows the FNM’s ratification of Terrece Bootle-Laing as their candidate, while incumbent Kirk Cornish seeks re-election representing the Progressive Liberal Party. The race further diversifies with social media figure Cay Mills running under the Coalition of Independents banner.

    Political analysts interpret Forbes’ independent run as indicative of underlying discontent among constituents regarding party candidate selection processes. This perception strengthened after several community members publicly questioned the FNM’s decision to bypass Forbes, who has maintained a consistent presence in the constituency through extensive community work.

    The former pastor and community consultant has established substantial grassroots credibility through residency in Dundas Town and Murphy Town, where his active involvement in local affairs has cultivated significant community support.

    Forbes attributes his decision to run to mounting frustrations over systemic challenges facing Abaco, citing inadequate infrastructure, healthcare limitations, restricted access to higher education, unresolved illegal migration issues, and stagnated economic development as primary concerns.

    In his statement, Forbes articulated his vision: “I look forward to the development of Abaco, translating my vision to reality in my constituency, advocating for the development needs of our people, and ensuring laws and policies serve the best interests of The Bahamas, its industries, and citizens.”

    With campaign activities commencing, Forbes has issued urgent calls for voter registration among constituents. Recent electoral boundary adjustments have redefined the constituency’s demographics, with the Boundaries Commission report indicating North Abaco currently maintains 4,097 registered voters following the redistribution of several polling divisions to Central and South Abaco.