标签： Bahamas

The Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI) has revealed that the number of vacant homes across the country surged to over 25,000 in 2022, marking a six percent increase since 2010. According to the latest Census data, the nation has a total of 144,198 dwelling units, with 82.6 percent (119,138) occupied and 17.4 percent (25,060) vacant. This rise in vacant properties coincides with escalating rental costs, stagnant wages, and a growing deficit of affordable housing, which Housing Minister Keith Bell estimates at more than 12,000 units. Despite these challenges, the Census highlighted positive trends, including a 19 percent increase in homeownership and improved access to utilities over the past 12 years. Fully owned homes without mortgages saw a significant jump from 37,109 in 2010 to 52,691 in 2022, while mortgaged homes declined from 23,434 to 19,299. Rental occupancy grew modestly, with 40,060 renters recorded. The report also noted a decline in overcrowding, with the average household size decreasing from 3.4 to 3.3 persons. Ten islands reported homeownership rates exceeding 70 percent, with Ragged Island leading at 92.9 percent. New Providence’s share of private dwellings dropped from 68.3 percent in 2010 to 66.9 percent in 2022, while the Family Islands saw an increase from 12 to 13 percent, reflecting a gradual population shift. The Census also highlighted significant improvements in internet access, with 92.3 percent of individuals aged three and older connected, up from 64.7 percent in 2010. Access to sanitation and basic utilities has also improved, with nearly all households now connected to essential infrastructure.

In a shocking act of vandalism, thieves targeted the Centre for the Deaf in the early hours of yesterday morning, causing extensive damage and stealing critical educational resources. The intruders smashed windows, breached the school’s fencing, and made off with the institution’s bus, which was later found crashed and abandoned at Ross Corner. The incident occurred around 12:25 AM, with security personnel discovering the aftermath during their routine checks. Education Director Dominique McCartney-Russell described the scene as grim, noting the theft of children’s learning devices and the severe damage to the school’s infrastructure. Police have confirmed the recovery of the bus, which collided with a wall, and have launched a manhunt for the suspects. While the exact cost of the damages remains unclear, Mrs. McCartney-Russell assured that all stolen items, including tablets, would be replaced. Repairs to the mangled fencing were already underway by the afternoon. Despite the disruption, school operations continued uninterrupted, with students relocated to another building and supported by the school’s guidance counselor. The Centre for the Deaf, established by the Red Cross in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, serves approximately 22 students and employs 11 staff members. In response to the incident, security teams have recommended enhanced mobile patrols and additional officer support to prevent future breaches.

A tragic incident unfolded yesterday near Robinson Road when a man was discovered dead from gunshot wounds following a vehicle collision outside the Early Bird supermarket. Authorities were alerted to the scene around 4:45 PM by an anonymous tip. Upon arrival, police found the unresponsive victim inside a purple Nissan Cube. Investigators suspect the man, believed to be in his late 20s, was shot at a separate location and lost control of his vehicle while attempting to flee. CCTV footage from the vicinity is currently under review to aid the ongoing investigation. Inspector Gerard Culmer, speaking at the scene, confirmed that the shooting did not occur at the supermarket but rather elsewhere, with the victim crashing into another vehicle in the parking lot. The identity of the deceased remains unknown, and it is unclear if he had any prior interactions with law enforcement. When questioned about a potential link to a mass shooting in August that resulted in multiple casualties, Inspector Culmer could not confirm but mentioned an increased police presence in the area. This incident marks the 67th homicide recorded in the country this year, according to The Tribune’s records.

A 46-year-old man, Kino Wood, broke down in court as he described a harrowing ordeal after trespassing on a property in Sandilands Village on October 15. Wood, who works with the Urban Renewal Programme, claimed he entered the property to deal with a family emergency, citing heavy rain and a delayed bus as reasons for taking a shortcut. However, he alleged that the property owners subjected him to a brutal assault, including being hog-tied, beaten, and stomped on the chest. Wood also claimed his boots and clothes were removed and thrown across the road. He showed the court bruises and a bump on his head, recounting how he feared for his life during the incident. Wood denied stealing $5.50 from the complainant’s car, insisting it was his own money for bus fare. Prosecutor Kendrick Bauld disputed Wood’s account, stating the complainant saw him searching her vehicle and called the police, who found him at the scene and arrested him after discovering the missing money. Wood, who pleaded guilty to the theft charge, expressed remorse and vowed to change his life. Magistrate Abigail Farrington placed him on two years’ probation, warning that further offenses could result in a $50 fine for trespassing and a three-month prison term for theft.

A devastating double tragedy has struck a family in Eleuthera, Bahamas, after 58-year-old Ferde Julien, a father of four, was killed in a car crash on Friday night, just weeks after the death of his wife. The incident occurred on Queen’s Highway when Julien, reportedly returning home after socializing, collided with a tree. Police discovered him unresponsive and severely injured in his extensively damaged vehicle. His nephew, Ervin Bain, described the loss as a profound blow to the family, who were still grieving the recent passing of Julien’s wife. ‘The loss of two parents is something many people have never experienced, making the coping process incredibly difficult,’ Bain told The Tribune. Julien, a carpenter originally from Haiti, had moved to Eleuthera five years ago for work and had aspirations of purchasing land to build a home for his family. He was known for his quiet, loving nature and deep devotion to his family. The crash has raised concerns about road safety in the area, with family members citing poor road conditions and inadequate street lighting as potential contributing factors. The family plans to meet with police officials to seek further clarity on the circumstances of the accident. This tragedy marks the 51st traffic fatality in the country this year, according to The Tribune’s records.

A high-ranking officer from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has been issued a notice of intended prosecution following allegations of assault and abandonment involving a marine. Commodore Floyd Moxey disclosed on Friday that a Senior Lieutenant is among those implicated in the case, which centers on Able Mechanic Marvaughn Miller’s claims of being physically assaulted aboard HMBS Kamalamee in June 2024. Miller alleges he was punched, kicked, and placed in a headlock during separate incidents, resulting in lost teeth and bruises. Moxey confirmed that two or three other marines are also being charged in connection with the matter. The Senior Lieutenant, due to his rank, will face a court-martial as mandated by the Defence Act. Moxey emphasized his confidence in the investigative process, citing his extensive experience within the RBDF’s legal system. Miller, who has reportedly been issued a gag order, was the only officer initially charged internally. The case has drawn attention due to the presence of a senior Cabinet minister’s son on the vessel, though Moxey clarified he was unaware of any involvement by the minister’s son, who served as the craft’s executive officer. The incident has raised concerns about discipline and accountability within the RBDF.