NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Kwasi Thompson, Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, has leveled serious allegations against the Davis Administration, accusing it of distorting year-end fiscal data to project a misleading image of financial stability. Thompson contends that the government’s recent fiscal report includes a questionable $30 million reduction in reported expenditures, a move he believes was orchestrated to align with budget targets and mask the true economic hardships faced by Bahamians.
标签： Bahamas
巴哈马
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Central Bank launches public consultation on basic accounts to improve financial inclusion
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBOB) has initiated a public consultation on a groundbreaking proposal to introduce low- to no-cost basic banking accounts, targeting unbanked and underbanked individuals. This initiative, part of the Bank’s broader Payments System Modernization strategy, aims to make these accounts widely accessible by the first half of 2026. The modernization efforts have already introduced key infrastructure, including the Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), the local Automated Clearing House (ACH), and the SandDollar retail central bank digital currency.
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Male in his early 20s committed suicide
Authorities in Nassau, Bahamas, are currently investigating a distressing incident involving an alleged suicide attempt by a 24-year-old male. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 4, 2025, at a residence located on Zion Boulevard. According to initial reports, the young man ingested a liquid chemical and subsequently used a sharp object to inflict injuries upon himself. Emergency services were promptly called to the scene, and the individual was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment and further evaluation. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and police are actively working to piece together the details. This tragic event has raised concerns about mental health and the need for greater awareness and support in the community. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in their inquiries.
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Stolen Vehicle Alert
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities in Nassau are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating two vehicles reported stolen over the weekend. The first incident occurred on Friday, October 3, 2025, when a charcoal gray 2019 Honda CR-V with license plate #DA3662 was taken from West Bay Street. The following day, Saturday, October 4, 2025, a white 2025 Changan Uni T bearing license plate #DD00179 was stolen from Windsor Place Road. Police have launched investigations into both cases and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact emergency services at 911 or 919, visit their nearest police station, or reach out to the Criminal Investigation Department directly at 502-9991. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS (8477). The public’s cooperation is crucial in resolving these incidents and preventing further criminal activity.
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Man in his 40s arrested for gun possession
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In a significant development on Saturday, 4th October 2025, law enforcement officers from Operation Black Scorpion apprehended a 46-year-old man after uncovering an illegal firearm. The incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning when officers, acting on a search warrant, conducted a raid at a residence located on Windsor Lane. During the operation, a loaded firearm was discovered and subsequently seized, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details surrounding the case. Operation Black Scorpion, a collaborative effort between the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, continues to play a pivotal role in combating crime and ensuring public safety across the region.
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Police Constable charged with indecent assault
In a significant legal development in Nassau, Bahamas, a Police Constable was brought before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing two counts of Indecent Assault. The officer entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. The court granted him bail set at $7,500, requiring two sureties for his release. The case stems from a formal complaint lodged with the police on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This incident has drawn attention to the conduct of law enforcement personnel and the judicial processes in the Bahamas. The case is expected to proceed with further hearings, as the legal system seeks to address the allegations while ensuring due process.
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Gas tank refuel ends in explosion and structural fire
A significant fire erupted on Western Road in Nassau, Bahamas, on the afternoon of Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, prompting a swift response from local authorities. The incident, which occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m., involved a single-story building where flames were seen engulfing the roof. Preliminary investigations reveal that the blaze was triggered by an explosion during routine maintenance of a gas tank at a restaurant located within the building. The explosion resulted in injuries to two individuals, aged 32 and 30, who were promptly transported to a nearby hospital by Emergency Medical Services. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control, but not before the northern section of the building’s roof was completely destroyed. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and subsequent fire.
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Australian man robbed at gunpoint while leaving restaurant
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities in Western New Providence have initiated a thorough investigation following a violent armed robbery that took place on the evening of Wednesday, 1st October 2025. The incident involved an Australian national who was attacked and robbed by a group of assailants, leaving him with significant injuries.
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Man shot in the legs while at a business establishment in Montel Heights
Authorities in Nassau, Bahamas, have initiated a thorough investigation into a shooting that took place on the afternoon of October 2, 2025, near Bowe Avenue in the Montell Heights area. The incident unfolded shortly after 1:00 p.m., leaving a male victim with gunshot wounds. According to initial reports, the victim was at a local business when a black Japanese vehicle pulled up. Three masked individuals emerged from the car, armed with firearms, and opened fire in the victim’s direction. Despite managing to escape the attackers, the victim sustained injuries to his legs and was rushed to the hospital via a private vehicle. His current medical condition remains undisclosed as the investigation progresses. Police are actively working to uncover the motives behind the attack and identify the perpetrators.
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Halkitis rejects suggestions of manipulated government numbers, defends fiscal data
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Economic Affairs Minister Senator Michael Halkitis has firmly refuted claims questioning the reliability of the government’s fiscal data, emphasizing that all published figures undergo rigorous independent verification. Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, Halkitis highlighted that the Ministry of Finance, Treasury, Internal Audit, and the Auditor General meticulously review the data. He further noted that international entities such as the IMF, S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, as well as private investors, rely on these figures when making investment decisions in The Bahamas. ‘There is no contemplation, let alone desire, to manipulate these numbers,’ Halkitis asserted, addressing recent allegations head-on.
The minister confirmed that the government concluded the 2024/25 fiscal year with a deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP, comfortably within the targeted range of 0.3 to 0.7 percent. He attributed this achievement to robust revenue growth, economic expansion, and effective expenditure control. ‘We are very pleased with this outcome,’ Halkitis remarked, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline.
In a significant development, Standard & Poor’s recently upgraded The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating from B+ to BB-, a move Halkitis described as a step toward restoring the nation’s investment-grade status within the next two to three years. He linked the upgrade to the country’s strong economic performance, improved revenue administration, and prudent fiscal management.
Looking ahead, Halkitis clarified that while the government is not currently in a surplus, it anticipates a budget surplus of approximately $75 million by the end of the 2025/26 fiscal year. He also addressed delays in government payments to vendors, stressing that all properly contracted and certified work would be compensated.
On the issue of unemployment, Halkitis acknowledged a recent temporary uptick but expressed confidence in the government’s ability to address skill gaps in the job market. ‘The economy is generating demand for jobs, and we are ensuring our workforce is equipped to meet this demand,’ he concluded.