Carib Scope

标签： Bahamas

巴哈马

  • Cuban ambassador says US policies are ‘starving’ Cuba

    Cuban ambassador says US policies are ‘starving’ Cuba

    Cuba’s ambassador to The Bahamas, Juan Carlos Marcof Sánchez, has delivered a stark assessment of the island nation’s deteriorating conditions, attributing severe fuel shortages, prolonged blackouts, and widespread societal disruption directly to United States policies. In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, the diplomat detailed how American measures have created cascading effects across all sectors of Cuban society.

    The healthcare system faces particularly critical challenges, with tens of thousands of patients—including significant numbers of children—unable to receive necessary surgeries due to persistent electricity shortages. Ambassador Marcof Sánchez identified a January executive order signed by President Donald Trump as significantly intensifying the decades-long economic blockade. This order, which declares a national emergency and enables tariffs on countries supplying fuel to Cuba, represents a strategic effort to cut off the island’s vital energy imports.

    According to the ambassador, Cuba has endured more than three months without fuel shipments, creating what he described as ‘very adverse conditions’ affecting the entire population. The energy crisis has resulted in power outages exceeding 30 hours in some communities, disrupting water supply systems, halting industrial production, and crippling essential services. The communications infrastructure suffers when radio base stations lose power, while medical services, education, and transportation systems struggle to maintain normal operations.

    Despite these challenges, Marcof Sánchez emphasized Cuba’s resilience, noting that schools remain open, hospitals continue providing care, and essential services persist through government crisis management. He reported expanded domestic oil production that has exceeded early-year targets, though he acknowledged this covers only approximately 30 percent of national needs.

    The ambassador condemned US pressure on third countries regarding trade with Cuba as coercive and dismissed claims that Cuba poses a national security threat as unfounded. He simultaneously pointed to ongoing diplomatic engagement between Cuban and US officials aimed at addressing bilateral differences, while highlighting international support from governments and organizations across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

    In response to these allegations, the US Embassy in Nassau directed attention to comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who asserted that Cuba’s economic troubles stem from systemic failures rather than US policy, claiming the regime has historically depended on foreign subsidies that are no longer available.

  • Mom: I just want justice for my son

    Mom: I just want justice for my son

    Eight years following the tragic death of her infant son, Madeen Bullard continues her relentless pursuit of accountability in a medical negligence case that she alleges originated from a critical error at Princess Margaret Hospital during her pregnancy. The case, which remains pending before the Supreme Court, has seen minimal progress despite repeated attempts by the grieving mother to seek resolution.

    Mrs. Bullard maintains that she received an incompatible blood transfusion during her pregnancy—A positive instead of her actual O negative blood type—which she believes directly contributed to severe complications and ultimately the death of her two-year-old son, Joshua Bullard, in 2018. Clinical documentation reviewed by media outlets indicates Joshua exhibited significant neurological complications at birth, including minimal limb movement, weak crying, and poor reflexes, requiring immediate intensive care.

    The prolonged legal battle has named the Public Hospital Authority, former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands, and the Attorney General as defendants. Court records reveal the case has progressed through various procedural stages, including summons, affidavits, and medical records requests. In June 2022, the family’s legal representatives proposed a potential settlement, but despite acknowledgment from the Attorney General’s Office, no substantive response has been forthcoming.

    Mrs. Bullard describes the profound emotional and physical toll the ordeal has taken on her entire family. “It has affected me really badly health-wise,” she recounted. “I was crying, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat.” Her other children similarly struggled with the loss, having anticipated their younger brother’s eventual return home after celebrating both of his birthdays in hospital settings.

    The COVID-19 pandemic was cited in official correspondence from 2020 as contributing to earlier delays. Mrs. Bullard has engaged with multiple government administrations, including a meeting with Prime Minister Philip Davis in August 2023, who reportedly acknowledged the case’s excessive duration and promised investigation. Despite these high-level interventions, the mother reports receiving no meaningful updates from either government officials or her legal representatives, leaving her in a perpetual state of uncertainty and grief.

  • Cocaine and caffeine found in reef sharks off Eleuthera, study finds

    Cocaine and caffeine found in reef sharks off Eleuthera, study finds

    A landmark scientific investigation has revealed alarming evidence of human pollution infiltrating marine ecosystems through apex predators. Researchers from the Cape Eleuthera Institute and international partners have documented the first global detection of caffeine and acetaminophen in shark bloodstreams, alongside the initial discovery of cocaine and diclofenac in Bahamian sharks.

    The peer-reviewed study, published in Environmental Pollution, analyzed blood samples from 85 sharks across five species inhabiting nearshore waters around Eleuthera. The comprehensive screening identified four contaminants—caffeine, cocaine, acetaminophen, and diclofenac—present in 28 specimens spanning three species: Caribbean reef sharks, Atlantic nurse sharks, and lemon sharks.

    Caffeine emerged as the most prevalent compound, detected in 27 sharks across all three affected species. Cocaine was identified in two sharks, while the pain reliever acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory diclofenac appeared in three sharks and multiple species respectively. The contamination pattern exhibited strong geographical correlations, with the Aquaculture Cage site showing the highest concentration levels, particularly in Caribbean reef sharks.

    Researchers attribute this contamination distribution to localized human activities rather than species-specific factors. The affected sites, including Boathouse Cut and Kemps Creek, experience significant tourism-related traffic, with liveaboard vessels and diving excursions potentially contributing to wastewater discharge in offshore environments.

    The physiological analysis revealed metabolic variations between contaminated and uncontaminated sharks. Caribbean reef sharks with detectable contaminants showed reduced urea and elevated lactate levels, while Atlantic nurse sharks exhibited lower triglycerides. Lemon sharks demonstrated decreased triglyceride and lactate levels when contaminated.

    Although the study doesn’t establish direct causation between contaminants and health impacts, these metabolic shifts suggest potential stress responses or altered physiological functioning. The research underscores how tourism development, vacation homes, and wastewater discharge introduce pharmaceuticals and stimulants into marine food webs, with caffeine serving as a particularly significant indicator of human-sourced pollution.

    The findings carry substantial implications for The Bahamas’ marine conservation efforts and shark-diving tourism industry, highlighting the invisible penetration of human pollutants even in seemingly pristine marine environments.

  • Marathon canvassing reveals mixed views on incumbent MP

    Marathon canvassing reveals mixed views on incumbent MP

    A comprehensive canvass of the Marathon constituency reveals a complex electoral battleground where incumbent Progressive Liberal Party MP Lisa Rahming demonstrates notable grassroots support while confronting significant challenges regarding constituent visibility and infrastructure development. With the approaching general election, residents across key neighborhoods including Ferdinand Drive, Arawak Court, and Lucaya Circle present divergent perspectives on the representative’s performance. Many constituents highlight Rahming’s responsive approach to community issues as her primary strength, citing specific instances of effective intervention and problem resolution. Longtime resident Emerson Wong attested, ‘Since her election, she has accomplished substantially more than her predecessor and continues to address our concerns promptly.’ Another supporter, identified only as BJ, characterized Rahming as ‘a hands-on representative who serves with pride, sense, and dignity.’ First-time voter Anton Hanna, 19, credited the MP with personally facilitating his college enrollment through Urban Renewal programs. However, the assessment remains decidedly mixed. Critical voices emphasize concerning gaps in physical presence and youth engagement initiatives. An anonymous Lucaya Circle resident noted deficiencies in street lighting, road paving, and programming for both young people and senior citizens. Angela McDonald, a 50-year Arawak Court resident, reported remaining undecided due to insufficient visibility of the MP’s community efforts. Meanwhile, challenger Dr. Jaquique Penn-Knowles of the Free National Movement has generated limited visibility according to residents, though some indicate growing interest in Coalition of Independents candidate Tyrone Greene. The political landscape further reveals evolving voter attitudes, with several residents explicitly rejecting traditional party loyalty in favor of performance-based representation, while others contemplate electoral disengagement altogether.

  • Bahamian smuggler arrested in Florida

    Bahamian smuggler arrested in Florida

    A Bahamian national with prior convictions for human trafficking faces renewed federal charges after United States authorities intercepted a vessel he was operating with 14 undocumented migrants off the coast of Florida. Theron Don Mills, recently released from prison for similar offenses, led law enforcement on a maritime pursuit before tactical officers disabled his boat using precision fire.

    The incident unfolded on March 11 when radar systems detected a 25-foot twin outboard vessel approximately 21 miles east of Miami-Dade County. United States Department of Homeland Security agents reported the craft was traveling westward without navigational lights and appeared significantly overloaded. Despite verbal commands and warning shots, Mills allegedly attempted to evade capture before authorities disabled the engines with targeted rounds.

    Boardings teams detained fifteen individuals including nationals from Haiti, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. Immigration verification confirmed none possessed legal authorization for U.S. entry. Mills was found possessing $4,900 in U.S. currency and $1,000 in Bahamian funds.

    Court documents reveal Mills’ extensive criminal history, including a 2021 conviction for human smuggling that resulted in a five-year prison term and three years supervised release. Following his previous sentence completion, he was formally removed to The Bahamas on January 8, 2026. During interrogation, Mills acknowledged operating the vessel, recognizing pursuing officers, and attempting flight. He additionally confirmed understanding his prohibited re-entry status.

    Federal prosecutors have charged Mills with illegal re-entry and inducing unauthorized immigration. Three other individuals—Oswaldo Sisa Heredia, Palo Alvarez Rodriguez, and Joel Perez Matos—face related charges, all having been previously deported following convictions for immigration and drug offenses.

    Mills has invoked his right to legal counsel and remains in custody pending pretrial proceedings scheduled for later this month, where he will formally enter a plea.

  • Family mourns father shot in his sleep

    Family mourns father shot in his sleep

    A Kemp Road community is reeling from the tragic killing of 37-year-old Archie ‘AJ’ Thompson, a father described by relatives as a peaceful man with no known enemies. The shooting occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning on Abraham Street, leaving family members devastated and searching for answers.

    According to police reports, Thompson contacted authorities himself shortly after 3am to report he had been shot. Investigators revealed the victim had been asleep when he heard gunshots and subsequently realized he had sustained injuries. Despite being conscious enough to call for help, Thompson could provide no information about his assailant or assailants. Emergency medical personnel transported him to hospital where he later succumbed to his wounds.

    The victim’s brother, Devon Thompson, expressed profound grief and confusion, stating: ‘AJ was a good person. I still don’t like the fact that happened, how it happened, when it happened.’ He emphasized his brother’s character as a hardworking landscaper who had recently started a new job and was focused on staying out of trouble.

    Family members painted a picture of a man dedicated to his 11-year-old daughter, with cousin Peaches Thompson revealing he had recently expressed desires to become ‘a better father’ and ‘do better for his daughter.’ Relatives described Thompson’s life as quiet and routine, centered around family gatherings on the porch after work hours.

    Multiple family members expressed disbelief that anyone would target Thompson, with cousin Levante Thompson noting the shooting ‘had to been something with a vengeance or personal vendetta,’ while simultaneously acknowledging he knew of no enemies in Thompson’s life. The family has appealed for anyone with information to come forward, expressing hope that justice will ultimately prevail.

    Police investigators have not disclosed any potential motive for the shooting and continue to seek witnesses to the incident that has left a young daughter without her father and a close-knit family grappling with an inexplicable loss.

  • PAHO report flags high maternal mortality rates

    PAHO report flags high maternal mortality rates

    A newly released regional health strategy from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) reveals alarming trends in maternal and infant mortality rates in The Bahamas, indicating systemic weaknesses within the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. The report, forming the Country Cooperation Strategy for 2026-2031, presents a comprehensive analysis of health outcomes up to 2022, highlighting persistent challenges despite the country’s relatively high economic development status.

    Maternal mortality ratios reached a peak of 248.8 deaths per 100,000 live births before moderating to 212.1 in 2022. Simultaneously, infant mortality rates increased to 29 deaths per 1,000 live births before decreasing to 22.7. These volatile indicators underscore significant disparities in healthcare performance, particularly concerning for a nation with The Bahamas’ economic profile.

    The archipelagic nature of the country creates substantial access barriers, with residents of the Family Islands facing considerable logistical challenges in obtaining timely medical treatment. Resource distribution remains uneven, with New Providence clinics serving disproportionately larger populations than facilities on less populated islands. Patients throughout the nation encounter extended wait times for specialized care, limited availability of certain services within the public system, and financial barriers when compelled to seek private treatment.

    Noncommunicable diseases continue to dominate the health landscape, accounting for approximately 60% of all fatalities. Conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension persist as leading mortality drivers. Compounding these issues, over 75% of Bahamian adults are overweight or obese, while hypertension affects more than one-third of the population. Widespread physical inactivity and poor dietary habits contribute significantly to the growing burden of chronic diseases.

    Demographic shifts present additional challenges, with an aging population expected to intensify pressure on health services in coming years. The healthcare system itself is characterized as complex, featuring overlapping responsibilities between public and private providers and multiple funding sources that create operational inefficiencies.

    PAHO’s strategic framework outlines priority areas for intervention, including enhancing access to quality care, expanding the healthcare workforce, strengthening surveillance and data systems, and building resilience against public health emergencies and climate-related threats. The strategy also advocates for continued expansion of the National Health Insurance programme, improved integration of public and private healthcare delivery, and increased implementation of digital health technologies such as telemedicine.

    The report emphasizes that despite The Bahamas having one of the region’s highest per capita incomes, substantial inequities in healthcare access and outcomes persist. Addressing these challenges will require sustained coordination across government agencies, private sector entities, and international partners, with heightened focus on preventive measures, primary care enhancement, and systemic efficiency improvements.

  • Family Island hoteliers ‘wait and see’ on fuel hike impact

    Family Island hoteliers ‘wait and see’ on fuel hike impact

    Hotel operators across the Bahamian Family Islands are adopting a vigilant ‘wait and see’ strategy as escalating global fuel prices, fueled by the Middle East conflict, prompt dire warnings from local airlines about imminent airfare hikes. While current bookings remain robust, industry leaders are bracing for potential disruptions ahead of the critical summer season. This cautious optimism underscores the delicate balance between maintaining operational viability and preserving the archipelago’s competitive edge as a premier travel destination. General Manager Molly McIntosh of the Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina on Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, reported full occupancy for now but acknowledged the looming threat. ‘In my assessment, it will undoubtedly impact tourism,’ McIntosh stated. ‘The full effect simply takes time to materialize. We anticipate challenges in maintaining affordability without compromising service excellence or financial sustainability.’ The sentiment is echoed in smaller establishments like Andros’s Augusta Bay, where Manager Arlene Rolle confirms full bookings driven largely by domestic clientele attending local festivals. However, with Western Air—the sole commercial carrier serving Andros—forecasting a 40% surge in fuel costs, even resilient local markets face uncertainty. ‘One never knows,’ Rolle admitted, highlighting the pervasive anxiety. In Exuma, Hideaways Resort’s Assistant Manager Cindy Romer noted that steep airfares are already straining local travelers, potentially constraining domestic tourism. Despite these concerns, no significant booking declines have been recorded thus far. Economists like the University of The Bahamas’ Assistant Professor Rupert Pinder warn of broader repercussions: a protracted conflict could trigger heightened consumer caution, directly threatening discretionary spending—the lifeblood of tourism. As the industry monitors key indicators, such as upcoming engagements at the Palm Beach Boat Show, the overarching focus remains on delivering unmatched value to safeguard the Bahamas’ tourism-driven economy.

  • Western Air chief warns of air fare increase as 40% fuel spike expected

    Western Air chief warns of air fare increase as 40% fuel spike expected

    A perfect storm of geopolitical conflict and regional policy challenges is converging on The Bahamas’ tourism economy, with airline executives and resort owners warning of significant economic repercussions. Western Air, a major Bahamian carrier, has received formal notification of an immediate 40 percent surge in jet fuel costs directly linked to Middle East tensions, with further increases anticipated. Sherrexcia ‘Rexy’ Rolle, the airline’s president and CEO, confirmed that this development will inevitably force ticket price increases across the industry, potentially affecting travel accessibility to the island nation at a critical moment for tourism recovery.

    The fuel crisis emerges alongside existing challenges in the Family Islands’ hospitality sector. Emanuel Alexiou, president of the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board, reported dramatic occupancy declines of nearly 50 percent in January and 27 percent in February at his Abaco Beach Resort property, with similar trends affecting other members. This downturn stems from two primary factors: the collapse of Silver Airways in June 2025, which drastically reduced air connectivity to Abaco, Exuma and other destinations, and controversial new boating fees that have deterred short-stay visitors.

    While March has shown promising recovery signs with occupancy levels matching previous years, industry leaders express deep concern about the compounding effect of fuel prices on an already fragile market. Alexiou acknowledged that a protracted Middle East conflict would have ‘a big impact’ on both the Bahamian and global economies, particularly if fuel costs remain elevated through the critical summer season.

    The boating industry faces particular vulnerability. Peter Maury, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, projected that marine fuel costs could increase 30-40 percent, creating what he termed ‘one more expense that a lot of boaters are probably not going to want to pay.’ This comes amid ongoing uncertainty about the government’s promised new cruising permit categories, which were announced in the mid-year Budget presentation but remain undetailed just weeks before the crucial Palm Beach Boat Show.

    Political responses are emerging as the crisis develops. Senator Darren Henfield, Opposition leader in the Senate, has urged the government to implement emergency measures including a VAT cap on gasoline and an increased VAT-free threshold for electricity bills to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices on Bahamian families. These proposals mirror approaches successfully implemented in Barbados during previous oil price spikes.

    The convergence of these factors—aviation fuel costs, reduced air connectivity, controversial marine fees, and now geopolitical instability affecting energy markets—creates unprecedented challenges for The Bahamas’ tourism-dependent economy just as it seeks to recover from a difficult start to 2026.

  • ‘We battled every day’: Bahamian students flee Qatar amid conflict

    ‘We battled every day’: Bahamian students flee Qatar amid conflict

    Two Bahamian aviation scholars have been safely repatriated following a period of heightened tension in Qatar, where they were caught in the crossfire of escalating Middle Eastern hostilities. Aysia Thurston, 26, and Brittany Ford, 20, who were enrolled at the Qatar Aeronautical Academy, arrived at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Friday to emotional reunions with family and government representatives. Their return marked a dramatic departure from the alarming conditions they recently endured, characterized by the audible interception of missiles, structural vibrations, and visible destruction in their immediate vicinity. Thurston provided a firsthand account of the disquieting experience, noting the relentless noise of shaking buildings and windows. She credited Qatar’s robust defense infrastructure for their safety, revealing that the most significant damage she witnessed was a vehicle destroyed by a fallen interceptor missile. Despite the persistent conflict, she noted that life in the city largely continued, which provided a sense of security. The regional instability was triggered last month by coordinated U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, which provoked a series of retaliatory missile and drone assaults across the Gulf region. Neighboring nations, including the United Arab Emirates, have actively intercepted numerous projectiles, while Iranian leadership has issued warnings of future attacks, alleging that the UAE provided covert operational bases for American forces. Both students acknowledged this was not their initial encounter with regional unrest but affirmed it was the most severe and prolonged episode. Ford described the ordeal of sharing a single bed with fellow CARICOM students throughout the crisis, stating they ‘battled every day since then.’ Thurston reflected that their coping mechanism was rooted in the mantra: ‘if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.’ The pair were recipients of a 2024 government scholarship initiative facilitated by the Bahamas Department of Aviation’s Aeronautical Academy. Regarding the prospect of resuming their studies abroad, Thurston expressed a willingness to return once stability is restored, emphasizing the need for a peaceful environment. Family members conveyed immense relief, with Thurston’s mother, Emily Williams, recounting days filled with anxiety and constant prayer for her daughter’s safe extraction. Brittany Ford’s grandfather, Wayne Cartwright, admitted to initially opposing her departure, foreseeing the potential for conflict in the region, and expressed profound relief at her return. Jerusa Ali, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed ongoing communications with UAE authorities. She reported that commercial flight operations continue intermittently and advised Bahamian citizens in the area to officially register with the ministry, maintain communication with diplomatic officials, and monitor airport advisories. While the exact number of Bahamians currently in the UAE remains unclear, Ali noted that the Bahamian embassy in Abu Dhabi is operating in a crisis management mode, providing essential consular services to those choosing to shelter in place or seeking assistance for evacuation.