Carib Scope

标签： Bahamas

巴哈马

  • IT staff protest outside OPM over outstanding unresolved promotions and regularisations

    IT staff protest outside OPM over outstanding unresolved promotions and regularisations

    Employees of the Bahamas’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) organized a demonstration outside the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday, demanding resolution to long-standing promotion and regularization disputes. The protest saw staff members gathering near Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’s vehicle while holding placards with messages including “Silence is compliance. We choose to speak” and “No fight. No fuss. Just pay us.”

    Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) President Kimsley Ferguson revealed to journalists that multiple attempts to engage government officials, including Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis, have failed to address the unresolved personnel matters. Ferguson expressed particular concern about the implementation of a new career progression framework that has created uncertainty among employees who qualified for advancement under the previous system.

    “The implementation of new systems without proper consultation has adversely affected the terms and conditions of these dedicated professionals,” Ferguson stated, emphasizing that the transition should not have occurred without union collaboration. He noted the ironic circumstance of DICT staff—many of whom work within the Prime Minister’s Office—having to abandon their posts to demonstrate outside the very building where they serve.

    The union leader urged government action before the next general election, highlighting the critical role DICT personnel play in maintaining digital services across government agencies. He called for immediate meetings between the prime minister, relevant ministers, and union representatives to address these concerns.

    Jannette Pratt, a senior system network officer, provided additional context, explaining that line staff have awaited reclassification and promotions for years despite the introduction of the new ICT scale. According to Pratt, only five executive managers have thus far benefited from promotions, reclassifications, and back pay under the new system, while rank-and-file employees remain in limbo.

    Pratt indicated that recent industrial action by nurses over unpaid overtime influenced the DICT protest, noting the particular irony that DICT officers would typically be responsible for processing such back pay payments for other government employees.

  • Rick fox joins FNM as twelve ratified

    Rick fox joins FNM as twelve ratified

    In a significant political development, former NBA champion Rick Fox has been officially ratified as the Free National Movement’s candidate for Garden Hills constituency, marking a dramatic shift from his previous stance as an outspoken critic of Bahamian politics. The ratification ceremony at FNM headquarters on Mackey Street saw Fox join eleven other candidates as the opposition party solidifies its roster ahead of the next general election.

    The move comes despite Fox’s months of public criticism targeting both major political parties and his earlier considerations of running as an independent candidate. In a revealing disclosure, the former Los Angeles Lakers star confirmed that his three-year contract as ambassador-at-large concluded without renewal in 2024, despite previous resistance to calls for his diplomatic resignation from PLP chairman Fred Mitchell.

    Addressing supporters after his ratification, Fox expressed both overwhelm and gratitude for the opportunity to represent Garden Hills. He cited the pressing struggles faced by Bahamian citizens as his primary motivation for entering frontline politics now rather than later in life. ‘The urgency increased,’ Fox stated. ‘I don’t have time to wait until I’m 65 to maybe entertain the idea of getting into frontline and being part of the policy changes.’

    The former athlete addressed his history of political criticism, clarifying that his remarks targeted systemic issues rather than individuals. ‘It’s about looking at the results we got in the system and realizing that across the board, it’s not an easy system to operate in and to run,’ he explained, acknowledging respect for those who have served in political roles.

    Fox’s nomination surprised some party supporters who had considered longtime aspirant D’Angelo Ferguson the frontrunner for the constituency. Ferguson, who had campaigned extensively in Garden Hills, declined to comment but was photographed with Fox following the announcement.

    The ratification process also saw significant developments in other constituencies, with the FNM denying nomination to Long Island MP Adrian Gibson due to ongoing criminal proceedings, instead selecting former Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins as replacement. Other ratified candidates included FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright for St James and Carlton Bowleg for Bimini and the Berry Islands.

    Initial reactions from Garden Hills residents appeared supportive, with longtime resident Jeffrey Clarke noting willingness to work with whichever candidate the party selected. The political reentry of Dr. Rollins, who described the FNM as his ‘political home,’ and the strategic constituency reassignments signal the party’s comprehensive preparation for upcoming electoral contests.

  • Pineridge emerging as key election battleground

    Pineridge emerging as key election battleground

    The Pineridge constituency is rapidly emerging as a focal point of electoral intrigue, positioning itself as a quintessential swing district with multiple candidates vying for voter approval. Political dynamics are intensifying as Dr. Charlene Reid anticipates official ratification as the Free National Movement’s candidate, while Ginger Moxey secures her position as the Progressive Liberal Party’s standard-bearer. Adding complexity to the race, former MP Fred McAlpine is mounting an independent campaign, challenging conventional party politics.

    Across the community, residents are expressing a clear preference for practical governance over partisan loyalty. Florence Deveaux emphasized the critical need for representatives who prioritize tangible outcomes over political rhetoric. “We will support a candidate who is really looking out for everybody and not just those in their party,” she stated, highlighting infrastructure deficiencies including homeless shelters, youth centers, and senior recreation facilities as pressing concerns.

    The electoral landscape reveals deep divisions regarding candidate performance and accessibility. Multiple residents reported limited engagement with the incumbent representation, with Tiara Williams noting, “I haven’t seen Ms. Moxey at all in the four years she represented Pineridge, only on TV and on social media.” This perceived absence has fueled support for alternative candidates who demonstrate consistent community presence.

    Dr. Reid’s ground-level activism, including educational donations and constituent meetings, has generated substantial support among those prioritizing visibility and engagement. Conversely, Mr. McAlpine’s independent bid attracts voters valuing legislative experience and willingness to challenge party establishments. Savion Bethel articulated this perspective, noting that challenging party lines “says a lot” about a candidate’s commitment to constituent representation.

    The emerging consensus indicates that electoral success will depend on demonstrating genuine commitment to comprehensive constituency service rather than party affiliation alone, setting the stage for a highly competitive election determined by practical governance over political tradition.

  • ‘It looked like he was begging for his life’

    ‘It looked like he was begging for his life’

    GRAND BAHAMA – The island community is reeling from its first homicide of 2026 after 37-year-old Deangelo ‘Ducky’ Burrows was fatally shot multiple times on a Saturday night. The incident occurred near the intersection of Adventurer’s Way and East Atlantic Drive around 10 PM, with Burrows succumbing to his injuries at a local medical facility shortly thereafter.

    According to hospital officials who briefed the family, Burrows sustained seven gunshot wounds—five to his lower extremities, one to his torso, and another to his hand. The pattern of injuries led his sister, Desiree Wilson, to a heartbreaking conclusion: “Based on the description of his wounds, it appeared he was begging for his life.”

    Local authorities have yet to determine a motive or identify suspects, publicly urging anyone with relevant information to assist in the ongoing investigation.

    Wilson learned of her brother’s death Sunday morning through community members. Overwhelmed by grief, she delegated the grim task of identifying the body to two other siblings. While acknowledging her brother’s imperfections, Wilson emphasized that nothing justified the violent nature of his death. “My brother wasn’t a saint, but he didn’t deserve to die like this,” she stated.

    Burrows, a father of two sons—one nearing high school graduation—was remembered as a hardworking jack-of-all-trades who took on fishing, carpentry, and car washing to provide for his family. Known for his humor and vibrant presence in the ‘Back of the Town’ neighborhood, he was described as someone who “always cracked jokes, even during disagreements.”

    The family is now grappling with both emotional and practical hardships, including planning a birthday memorial for Burrows, whose March celebration will now remain unseen. Wilson expressed fragile hope in the judicial process, noting that although police lack concrete leads, they promised a thorough investigation. “I will leave it in the cops’ hands,” she said.

  • FNM demands answers after BGC ‘denied access’ during blackout

    FNM demands answers after BGC ‘denied access’ during blackout

    A significant political confrontation has erupted in the Bahamas following allegations that the Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) was barred from accessing critical infrastructure during a major power crisis. Free National Movement Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis, serving as Shadow Minister for Energy, has formally demanded explanations from the Davis administration regarding these claims.

    The controversy stems from a since-deleted Facebook post by BGC, published during Sunday’s island-wide blackout, which stated that their team had been denied entry to the New Providence Control Center since January 27th. According to the company, this restriction violated their contractual right to jointly manage the facility alongside Bahamas Power and Light (BPL).

    Senator Barnett-Ellis characterized these allegations as raising ‘serious and troubling questions about the management of our national electricity system.’ She emphasized that if verified, this decision would have left BPL personnel exclusively overseeing the control center during a critical emergency period, potentially hampering efforts to assess, mitigate, or shorten the widespread outage that affected thousands of residents.

    The opposition senator presented a series of pointed inquiries to the government, including: who authorized the denial of access, whether the Minister of Energy and Prime Minister were informed of this decision, and what safeguards exist to ensure contractual partners can perform their designated roles during emergencies.

    In response, BPL issued an official statement denying any strain in their partnership with BGC, affirming their commitment to ‘a seamless working relationship.’ The power company disclosed that both organizations held a productive meeting to address the social media post and ‘chart the way forward in unity.’ BPL also emphasized maintaining strict security protocols governing access to secured spaces, applicable to all employees, partners, and visitors.

    The extensive power outage began late Saturday, with a complete island-wide blackout occurring around 1 AM Sunday. BPL attributed the crisis to high winds causing multiple areas to trip offline, with several other islands also experiencing weather-related disruptions. Notably, BGC’s responsibilities are limited to New Providence’s network under a public-private partnership established between the government and US-based Pike Corporation.

    This incident has brought renewed attention to the 25-year agreement between BPL and BGC, whose specific details remain undisclosed despite repeated requests from opposition parties and media outlets. Questions persist regarding staffing arrangements, equipment control, and operational responsibilities between the two entities.

  • FNM to ratify eight candidates as election race heats up

    FNM to ratify eight candidates as election race heats up

    The Free National Movement (FNM) is poised to officially endorse a minimum of eight parliamentary candidates during its upcoming ratification assembly, signaling intensified electoral preparations ahead of Bahamas’ general elections. Insider sources reveal the party will strategically position prominent figures in newly established constituencies, with notable shifts involving current St Barnabas representative Shanendon Cartwright transitioning to the St James electoral district and Carlton Bowleg moving from North Andros to contest the Bimini and Berry Islands seat.

    The ratification list demonstrates the party’s balanced approach between experienced legislators and fresh political voices. Newcomers including Jamal Moss (St Barnabas), Janice Oliver (North Andros), and Jay Philippe (Bain and Grants Town) are among those expected to receive official endorsement. Additional constituencies slated for candidate confirmations encompass Pineridge, Centreville, and Long Island, though party officials remain discreet regarding the latter’s nomination, merely acknowledging Dr. Andre Rollins as the probable frontrunner.

    Political observers note that the final number of ratifications remains fluid, with intense deliberations continuing throughout Monday evening. This development occurs alongside the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) completion of its own candidate roster on Sunday, setting the stage for heightened political competition.

    The FNM’s latest endorsements supplement its existing slate of 28 previously ratified candidates, including party chairman Dr. Duane Sands (Bamboo Town), Kwasi Thompson (East Grand Bahama), Michael Foulkes (Golden Gates), Marvin Dames (Mount Moriah), Elsworth Johnson (Yamacraw), Rickey Mackey (North Eleuthera), Senator Darren Henfield (South Beach), and Adrian White (St Anne’s). These strategic movements reflect both parties’ concerted efforts to optimize electoral advantages through careful candidate placement and constituency-specific considerations.

  • Weekend fire guts family-owned hotel

    Weekend fire guts family-owned hotel

    A devastating fire has completely destroyed the historic All My Children Hotel in Bimini, dealing a crushing blow to the Rolle family during ongoing negotiations to sell the property. The Sunday afternoon inferno gutted all 38 hotel rooms and two suites located on the top floor of the four-story building, while lower levels containing a banquet hall and restaurant escaped damage.

    Co-owner Glennash Rolle, who was in the United States during the incident, described receiving frantic calls about the blaze. “My heart dropped,” she recounted to The Tribune, emphasizing the profound emotional impact of watching her family’s legacy disappear in flames.

    The hotel represented more than just property—it stood as a testament to her late father Glen Rolle’s pioneering spirit. As one of the first Black men to own property in downtown Bimini and the area’s first Black hotel owner, his achievement broke racial barriers in its time. The building, constructed in phases between the 1980s and 1990s, held the distinction of being the second-oldest structure on the island.

    Adding to the tragedy, the fire occurred while the family was fulfilling their father’s final wish by negotiating the property’s sale through a realtor. The uninsured building, though not operational, remained structurally sound before the fire. Preliminary reports suggest electrical work by BPL crews was underway in the area when the blaze started, though official causes remain under investigation.

    The disaster prompted an extraordinary community response, with residents—some still in pajamas—joining firefighters to combat the flames. Ms. Rolle expressed profound gratitude for this outpouring of support and acknowledged Senator Randy Rolle and the Police Commissioner for ensuring firefighting equipment reached the scene.

    Despite millions in damages and the emotional devastation, the family finds solace in preventing further escalation that could have threatened nearby homes, including those of Ms. Rolle and her siblings. Looking forward, she affirmed: “I just trust that God is in control and there’s going to be a path through this.”

  • FOAM president says celebrate your birthday by donating blood

    FOAM president says celebrate your birthday by donating blood

    The Bahamas is confronting a severe blood supply crisis that has prompted urgent public health appeals and innovative community mobilization efforts. Khandi Gibson, president of Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), has initiated a distinctive campaign challenging citizens to commemorate their birthdays by donating blood rather than seeking material gifts. This initiative emerges against a backdrop of daily circulation of flyers pleading for blood donations for patients across age groups.

    Gibson advocates for transforming birthday celebrations into opportunities for lifesaving contributions, suggesting visits to Princess Margaret Hospital, Doctors Hospital, or the Blood Bank with family and friends. ‘Instead of looking for money or worldly gain, celebrate your birthday by allowing somebody else to celebrate theirs,’ she emphasized, revealing her personal commitment to annual blood donation.

    The urgency of this initiative was highlighted through Gibson’s recollection of a tragic case where despite public appeals, a woman’s mother succumbed to her condition due to insufficient blood availability. This experience underscores the critical nature of sustained donation efforts.

    Health authorities across the archipelago have amplified concerns regarding dangerously low blood reserves. Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama and Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau report struggling to maintain adequate supplies amidst rising demand. In March 2025, Grand Bahama Health Services issued emergency appeals as transfusion requirements increasingly outpaced available donations.

    Adelecia Campbell, administrative manager at Grand Bahama Health Services, confirmed that the hospital’s blood bank has been overwhelmed by request volumes, forcing staff to utilize social media for urgent public appeals during critical patient situations. Claudia Glinton, laboratory manager, revealed that collected blood units are typically utilized within one week—significantly before their 35-day expiration period—due to constant demand from multiple medical departments.

    Patients requiring regular transfusions include those battling kidney disease, cancer, anemia, and women experiencing childbirth complications. Health officials continue stressing that consistent donor participation is essential for maintaining supplies for both emergency situations and routine medical treatments, urging all eligible donors to contribute regularly to this vital community resource.

  • The quiet victims – kids left behind by murder

    The quiet victims – kids left behind by murder

    NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – A silent crisis is unfolding in households across The Bahamas as children grapple with the traumatic loss of parents to gun violence, leaving relatives to navigate dual roles as caregivers and grieving family members.

    Tara Richardson embodies this struggle as she raises her 12-year-old grandson following the tragic shooting death of her son, Keion Butler, in 2019. The 23-year-old father was fatally shot while visiting friends in Coconut Grove when assailants opened fire on a group gathered in a yard. Now, Richardson dedicates herself to maintaining stability for her grandson—the couple’s only child—through education and sports, while concealing her own anguish. “When I look at him, I look at my son,” she revealed. “I don’t want to let him see me cry.”

    The emotional toll manifests subtly in the boy’s behavior, particularly during school events where parental absence becomes painfully evident. Despite these challenges, Richardson remains committed to ensuring her grandson develops into a “good man” despite his traumatic childhood. When questioned about forgiveness for her son’s killers, she stated unequivocally that she cannot envision ever granting it.

    In another household, 11-year-old Ri’Anna Melidor channels her grief into altruistic ambition. Since losing her father to gun violence on January 14, 2022, the Ridgeland Primary School head girl has conceived plans to establish a support club for children who have experienced similar tragedies. Her grandmother, Stephanie Johnson, acknowledges the child’s occasional depressive episodes but emphasizes how family members consistently reinforce memories of her father’s love, with the mother providing steadfast support.

    Khandi Gibson, president of Families of All Murder Victims, highlights how society frequently overlooks the psychological impact on children affected by homicide. Having lost brothers to violence herself, Gibson witnessed firsthand how their deaths devastated the next generation, prompting her to establish the support organization. “We can’t expect them to just digest that,” she asserted. “They didn’t ask to come here. This is not their fault.”
    Gibson advocates for greater public compassion toward those silently enduring profound personal loss, emphasizing that many community members carry invisible emotional scars from the nation’s escalating violence.

  • INSIGHT: The other (secret) drug war

    INSIGHT: The other (secret) drug war

    A dangerous pharmaceutical grey market is flourishing throughout the Bahamas, where prescription medications are routinely dispensed without prescriptions, proper medical oversight, or regard for patient safety. Through extensive investigative operations spanning from August 2025 to January 2026, evidence reveals that powerful antibiotics, pain relievers, abortion pills, and even unregulated cosmetic products enter the country through official ports of entry despite customs enforcement efforts.

    The distribution network operates with alarming openness, with undercover operatives obtaining prescription drugs from numerous pharmacies without presenting prescriptions or medical documentation. In multiple instances, pharmacy personnel not only provided requested medications but recommended stronger alternatives and even accommodated customer price negotiations. This unregulated exchange occurs primarily through incremental smuggling via travelers who conceal pharmaceuticals within benign packaging such as spice containers.

    Chief Pharmacist Dr. Gina Archer of the Ministry of Health and Wellness identifies outdated legislation as the root cause, noting that the Bahamas lacks a national drug registration system. This regulatory vacuum prevents effective oversight of medicines imported from unauthorized sources, particularly those originating from unverified manufacturers in India, Pakistan, Mexico, and China.

    The situation is compounded by alleged conflicts of interest within the regulatory framework. The Bahamas Pharmacy Council, comprised predominantly of practicing pharmacists, functions as a self-policing body with insufficient resources for proper enforcement. Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville acknowledges the decades-old problem requires urgent legislative reform, particularly citing concerns about antimicrobial resistance from improper antibiotic distribution.

    The impending Medical Products Bill promises to modernize the pharmaceutical regulatory system by establishing clear authority over medicine importation, distribution, and violation penalties. However, Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association President Dr. Marvin Smith emphasizes that any effective legislation must include generic medications and provide adequate enforcement resources, including independent inspectors rather than the current part-time pharmacists who inspect their competitors.

    Customs Comptroller Ralph Munroe notes that while customs officials intercept non-English labeled medications in quantities exceeding personal use, the profitability of this $100 billion global counterfeit drug market continues to outweigh public health concerns, creating a quiet drug war fought in medicine cabinets rather than alleyways across the archipelago.