Carib Scope

标签： Bahamas

巴哈马

  • ‘GB Power deal a political stunt’

    ‘GB Power deal a political stunt’

    The Bahamian government is confronting severe criticism following Prime Minister Philip Davis KC’s announcement of a memorandum of understanding with Canadian energy giant Emera regarding the potential acquisition of Grand Bahama Power Company. The disclosure has sparked accusations of political theater and creating false hope among residents.

    Darren Cooper, a prominent Grand Bahama business owner and radio personality, characterized the government’s actions as treating citizens like ‘puppets’ by announcing preliminary discussions as a finalized deal. Cooper drew parallels to last year’s Grand Lucayan agreement, which remains uncompleted, suggesting a pattern of premature announcements without substantive details.

    The controversy intensified when Dave McGregor, Emera’s Caribbean chief operating officer, revealed in a staff communication that both local and Bahamian management were completely blindsided by the Prime Minister’s announcement. McGregor explicitly stated that while discussions about a possible government acquisition option were ongoing, ‘no final agreement’ had been reached, directly contradicting the government’s presentation.

    Energy sector analysts note that the proposed acquisition faces significant challenges, particularly given Emera’s status as a publicly-traded company subject to Canadian and US securities regulations. The Prime Minister’s announcement timing—suggesting a 60-90 day closing window—appears particularly optimistic without Emera’s formal agreement.

    Grand Bahama residents expressed widespread skepticism, citing the government’s troubled track record with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL). Environmental advocate Joe Darville voiced concerns about reliability guarantees, noting that while GB Power has faced recent service challenges, residents have grown accustomed to relatively consistent power compared to other islands.

    Opposition Leader Michael Pintard questioned the government’s capacity to improve energy services, stating: ‘The government has a record of failure around BPL in multiple places in The Bahamas, which does not give us confidence that they will do a better job.’ The announcement has raised fundamental questions about acquisition costs, potential partners, and how the government intends to address Grand Bahama’s specific energy challenges beyond political pronouncements.

  • Tourism records “unprecedented” 12.5 million visitors for 2025

    Tourism records “unprecedented” 12.5 million visitors for 2025

    The Bahamas has achieved unprecedented tourism success in 2025, with Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper announcing a record-breaking 12.5 million visitor arrivals—the highest in the nation’s history. This represents an 11.4% year-over-year increase, significantly surpassing both 2024 numbers and pre-pandemic levels by more than 72%. The remarkable growth was driven primarily by sea arrivals, which exceeded 10.6 million visitors, marking a 14% annual increase and nearly double 2019 figures.

    Minister Cooper, who oversees Tourism and Investments, credited this achievement to strategic relationship-building, enhanced port operations, and substantial infrastructure developments. He emphasized that these numbers translate directly into economic benefits: “They represent jobs and salaries, shifts being filled, inventory purchased, tours booked, taxis running, and restaurants with busy marinas.”

    While foreign air arrivals experienced a slight decline of 1.6% to 1.7 million visitors due to global aviation disruptions and weather challenges, stopover visitor numbers remained strong at 1.8 million—still above pre-pandemic benchmarks.

    Grand Bahama emerged as a standout success story, recording over 1.1 million arrivals—the first time exceeding one million visitors in 22 years. The island saw air arrivals surge by 20% compared to 2024 and more than 30% above pre-pandemic levels. The opening of Celebration Cay contributed significantly to a 90% year-over-year increase in sea arrivals, more than doubling 2019 numbers.

    Abaco also celebrated record-breaking performance with nearly 520,000 visitors, driven by both air and sea arrivals. The destination achieved a 5.2% increase in air arrivals, ranking as the nation’s second-fastest growing destination by air traffic.

    Despite these achievements, opposition leader Michael Pintard of the Free National Movement questioned whether these tourism gains are benefiting ordinary citizens. He argued that many Bahamians “don’t feel” the economic impact despite government claims of record growth.

    In response, Cooper expressed disappointment that some political figures appear to be “rooting for the failure” of the country’s tourism sector for political gain. He maintained that the tourism success reflects “sustained global demand, a strong brand, and a tourism strategy that’s delivering economic impact across the country.”

  • Remaining FNM candidates to be ratified before Valentine’s Day, says Pintard

    Remaining FNM candidates to be ratified before Valentine’s Day, says Pintard

    The Free National Movement (FNM), Bahamas’ primary opposition party, is intensifying its electoral preparations with an accelerated candidate ratification schedule. Party leader Michael Pintard confirmed the imminent completion of their selection process, indicating one ratification round will occur before Valentine’s Day followed by up to three additional approval cycles.

    With 13 prospective candidates still under review, the FNM anticipates resolving most pending approvals in the upcoming ratification session. This strategic acceleration positions the party to finalize its electoral roster efficiently amidst growing political competition.

    The opposition has already officially endorsed 28 candidates through previous ratification rounds, creating a balanced slate combining experienced legislators from the former Minnis administration with fresh political talent. Notable ratified candidates include Party Chairman Dr. Duane Sands (Bamboo Town), Kwasi Thompson (East Grand Bahama), Michael Foulkes (Golden Gates), Marvin Dames (Mount Moriah), and Carlton Bowleg (North Andros and Berry Islands).

    The political landscape grows increasingly competitive as the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) simultaneously advances its own candidate preparations. The PLP recently confirmed 15 additional candidates, bringing their total ratified representatives to 28. Their selections include 12 incumbent parliamentarians and three newcomers, among them Darron Pickstock who secured the Golden Isles seat in a November 2025 by-election following the passing of Vaughn Miller.

    Political activity intensifies across the islands with PLP hopefuls in Grand Bahama constituencies actively mobilizing support at party headquarters, signaling heightened engagement as both major parties approach the upcoming electoral period with strategic urgency.

  • ‘Weak enforcement’ fuels stray dog crisis

    ‘Weak enforcement’ fuels stray dog crisis

    Across the Bahamas, from bustling New Providence to the tranquil Family Islands, an escalating stray dog crisis paints a stark contrast to the nation’s tourist-friendly image. Unlike wealthy nations where stray animals are rare, the archipelago struggles with pervasive packs of roaming canines that inhabit school zones, scavenge near resorts, and create public nuisance through noise, bites, and garbage disruption.

    Animal welfare organizations point to a solvable problem exacerbated by systemic failures. The Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK!) and the Bahamas Humane Society report unprecedented public engagement with their spay-and-neuter initiatives, having performed over 10,000 free surgeries in 2024-2025. Yet these efforts are consistently undermined by weak enforcement of existing animal welfare laws and uncontrolled backyard breeding.

    According to Lisse McCombe of BAARK!, the core issue isn’t operational capability but leadership failure within the Department of Agriculture. “NGOs are funding and delivering the bulk of animal control outcomes without regulatory backing to stop irresponsible ownership and abandonment,” she stated, emphasizing that without consistent enforcement, stray populations multiply faster than charities can respond.

    Kim Aranha, president of the Bahamas Humane Society, presented a viable solution: a sustained national strategy could humanely resolve the crisis within five years through expanded sterilization programs. She highlighted the mathematical urgency—spaying one female today prevents up to 2,000 dogs within three years, given reproduction rates.

    On Grand Bahama, Elizabeth Burrows of the Humane Society described enforcement challenges, noting that police rarely follow up on animal welfare complaints despite existing laws against roaming dogs, uncontrolled breeding, and neglect. She additionally warned against profit-driven breeding operations that sell puppies without proper medical care.

    Advocates unanimously agree that the blueprint for success exists—combining expanded sterilization services, stringent breeder licensing, and financial disincentives for unaltered pets—but requires political will and consistent leadership to implement.

  • Emera says PM’s GB Power announcement “far from ideal”

    Emera says PM’s GB Power announcement “far from ideal”

    A significant divergence has emerged between Emera Incorporated and the Bahamian government regarding the status of negotiations for Grand Bahama Power Company. This follows Prime Minister Philip Davis’s public announcement that his administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire the utility provider, a statement that Emera’s leadership has promptly qualified.

    In a company-wide communication dated January 27, Emera President and Chief Executive Dave McGregor explicitly stated that while discussions with the government are ‘active and productive,’ ‘there is no final agreement at this time.’ This declaration directly contrasts with the Prime Minister’s portrayal of a settled framework, expected to be finalized within 60 to 90 days.

    McGregor expressed clear dissatisfaction with the manner of the disclosure, noting that learning of the potential acquisition ‘via a press conference from the Prime Minister is far from ideal for our valued employees.’ He emphasized that Emera’s overwhelming preference was to secure a completed transaction before any public announcement, but the government felt the news could not be delayed.

    Despite the procedural friction, McGregor acknowledged shared ‘mutual goals’ with the government to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for the residents of Grand Bahama. He confirmed that the ongoing negotiations include a potential option for the government to purchase the utility outright.

    In his letter, McGregor sought to reassure employees, urging them to prioritize safety and maintain focus amidst the ‘unnerving’ potential for an ownership change. He pledged to keep staff informed of any significant progress or final decisions.

    This proposed acquisition is historically significant. Prime Minister Davis stated it would mark the first time the Bahamian government has taken control of Grand Bahama Power since the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was established in 1955. However, government officials have yet to disclose critical financial details, including the proposed purchase price, the financing structure, or whether the state intends to acquire full ownership or merely a controlling stake. Emera had previously consolidated its ownership of the utility by buying out minority shareholders.

  • Davis unveils $550m in Grand Bahama projects and landmark power deal

    Davis unveils $550m in Grand Bahama projects and landmark power deal

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis unveiled a comprehensive economic revitalization strategy for Grand Bahama during a landmark cabinet meeting in Freeport on Tuesday. The government announced three transformative projects totaling approximately $600 million in investments, signaling a new chapter for the island’s economic development.

    The centerpiece involves a groundbreaking energy agreement with Emera Incorporated concerning Grand Bahama Power Company. This memorandum of understanding represents a historic shift in energy governance, marking the first government control over power distribution since the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. Prime Minister Davis emphasized this move will establish uniform electricity rates across The Bahamas, addressing long-standing disparities between Grand Bahama and other regions. ‘This is about fairness, affordability, and aligning energy policy with the needs of the people,’ Davis stated, noting that reduced energy costs will enhance business competitiveness and support investment growth.

    Concurrently, Phase One of the Grand Bahama International Airport redevelopment has commenced construction with a $100 million capital investment. Construction firm Polycon has mobilized operations, with Bahamas Hot Mix conducting site preparation. The project will deliver a modern terminal capable of handling 500,000 passengers annually, expandable to one million. The design incorporates extensive flood mitigation measures and environmental considerations following comprehensive impact assessments. This infrastructure upgrade responds to remarkable tourism growth, with air arrivals increasing over 30% in 2025 compared to 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

    In maritime developments, MSC Cruises will invest $450 million in a new cruise pier complex at Billy Cay in Freeport Harbour. The project includes $400 million for port infrastructure and $50 million for a beach club and retail village refurbishment. The facility will feature new berths, welcome plazas, retail outlets, and entertainment areas, designed as a multi-user terminal to enhance Grand Bahama’s cruise sector competitiveness. Additionally, MSC is negotiating potential acquisition of Hutchinson Ports operations, including Freeport Container Port, positioning Grand Bahama as a strategic logistics hub within global shipping networks.

    Prime Minister Davis reported over $3.5 billion in investments and commitments across multiple sectors since September 2021, including tourism, maritime, health, logistics, and education. While addressing ongoing challenges with the Grand Lucayan redevelopment, Davis affirmed the government’s commitment to ‘protecting workers and safeguarding public interest’ through careful, sustainable project advancement. The comprehensive strategy aims to establish Grand Bahama as a diversified, resilient port economy where investment and communities can thrive.

  • Murders plummet 31% as major crime hits record lows

    Murders plummet 31% as major crime hits record lows

    The Bahamas has witnessed a dramatic downturn in criminal activity during 2025, marking one of the most significant nationwide crime reductions in decades. Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles unveiled these transformative results during the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s annual crime briefing, revealing substantial declines across multiple major offense categories.

    Preliminary statistical analysis indicates an overall 15 percent reduction in major crimes, decreasing from 2,825 incidents in 2024 to 2,409 cases in 2025. This positive trend manifested across all regions, with New Providence leading at 16 percent reduction, followed by the Family Islands at 13 percent, and Grand Bahama with the Northern Bahamas region at 8 percent.

    Violent crimes against persons demonstrated particularly impressive improvement, plunging by 27 percent from 696 to 509 reported cases. The most striking development emerged in homicide statistics, which recorded an unprecedented 31 percent decline—from 120 murders in 2024 to 83 in 2025. Commissioner Knowles emphasized this represents both the largest percentage decrease since national crime tracking began in 1963 and the lowest homicide count in a comparable policing environment since 2008.

    Geographic distribution of homicides showed New Providence accounting for 76 killings, while the Family Islands and Grand Bahama recorded 4 and 3 respectively. Demographic analysis revealed 83 percent of victims were aged 18-45, with males comprising 93 percent of homicide casualties. Retaliation, gang activity, and personal conflicts motivated 43 percent of these incidents, with firearms used in 64 cases.

    Property crimes similarly exhibited substantial improvement. Armed robberies plummeted by 39 percent (265 to 162 cases), while non-armed robberies decreased by 22 percent (59 to 46 cases). Residential break-ins nearly halved, dropping from 331 to 170 incidents, and commercial burglaries declined by 13 percent to 273 cases. Although vehicle thefts saw a slight 2 percent increase to 398 cases, law enforcement recovered 59 percent of stolen vehicles.

    Law enforcement achievements included the seizure of 366 illegal firearms and over 11,200 rounds of ammunition, resulting in 828 arrests and 292 criminal charges. Advanced ShotSpotter technology documented 970 gunshot incidents throughout the year. Collaborative operations with Customs and Immigration authorities yielded an additional 37 firearms and more than 5,400 ammunition rounds.

    Commissioner Knowles attributed these remarkable improvements to strategic initiatives including intelligence-led policing methodologies, enhanced officer visibility, targeted operational deployments, and strengthened community partnerships. The 2026 Policing Plan will build upon these successes with continued focus on disrupting firearms and drug trafficking networks, further reducing property crimes, and intensifying youth and community engagement programs.

    “The progress achieved in 2025 conclusively demonstrates that strategic, intelligence-led policing produces measurable results,” Commissioner Knowles stated. “Through unified effort and continued collaboration, we will further advance toward a safer and more secure Bahamas.”

  • Hanna Martin eyes tougher penalties for campus assaults

    Hanna Martin eyes tougher penalties for campus assaults

    The Bahamas Ministry of Education is collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office to establish specialized criminal offenses specifically for assaults occurring on school premises. This legislative initiative comes in response to growing public outcry over campus violence, highlighted by the recent sentencing in a brutal attack against a Grand Bahama principal.

    Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin announced the policy development during a press briefing in Grand Bahama, emphasizing that the proposed measures would classify school campus assaults as aggravated offenses carrying enhanced penalties compared to similar attacks occurring elsewhere. The initiative aims to create stronger deterrents against violence in educational environments.

    “We are determined to send an unequivocal message that school campuses are inviolable spaces,” Minister Hanna Martin stated. “Those who believe they can commit violent acts on educational grounds will face consequences of a significantly more severe nature. Our collaboration with the Attorney General’s office seeks to establish aggravated offense classifications specifically for assaults occurring on school property, which would impact both sentencing severity and the fundamental nature of the offense.”

    The policy development follows the judicial resolution of a high-profile case involving Kenneth Farrington, who received a 30-month prison sentence for attacking McLean’s Town School principal Simone Butler-Cornish with an iron bar in her classroom in June. The victim was assaulted while retrieving a student’s report card for Farrington, after which she fled outside and feigned death to halt the attack.

    Butler-Cornish and her colleagues have publicly expressed that the sentence was insufficient given the brutality of the assault and Farrington’s previous convictions for similar offenses. While Minister Hanna Martin declined to comment specifically on the sentencing, she emphasized that such attacks must carry substantial repercussions.

    Regarding the principal’s future placement, the minister indicated that any decision about reassignment would rest entirely with Butler-Cornish herself. The government’s overarching objective remains ensuring that school campuses become completely secure environments where educators and students can operate without fear of violence.

  • Proud mom as Edgecombe makes NBA All-Star Rising Star selection

    Proud mom as Edgecombe makes NBA All-Star Rising Star selection

    Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has achieved early career recognition with his selection for the prestigious 2026 NBA All-Star Rising Stars Game. The announcement has sparked celebrations within his family, particularly from his mother Bendra Rolle, who expressed profound pride in both her son’s athletic accomplishments and personal character development.

    The upcoming showcase, scheduled for Friday, February 13th at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, will feature the league’s most promising young talents. Edgecombe’s inclusion acknowledges his immediate impact since joining the professional basketball circuit.

    In an emotional statement, Rolle attributed her son’s success to divine intervention, noting: “God continues to demonstrate that he can accomplish all things. Our family remains overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for VJ’s rapid ascent in the NBA.” She emphasized that beyond his on-court abilities, she takes greater pride in his personal growth and values.

    Describing Edgecombe as “consistently humble yet fiercely determined,” Rolle highlighted his team-first mentality despite individual recognition. She stressed that her son views the honor as a collective achievement rather than personal glory, consistently recognizing the Philadelphia 76ers organization as an integrated unit.

    The Rising Stars selection represents a significant milestone in Edgecombe’s budding career, positioning him among basketball’s next generation of elite players. As family, friends, and supporters celebrate this achievement, Rolle concluded: “While we commemorate this extraordinary accomplishment, we give all glory to God.”

  • Davis: Progress is not always ribbon-cutting

    Davis: Progress is not always ribbon-cutting

    Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has vigorously defended his administration’s handling of major development initiatives in Grand Bahama, countering criticisms that key projects remain unrealized more than four years after their announcement. During a Tuesday address, the Prime Minister acknowledged public frustration while maintaining that substantial progress continues behind the scenes on complex undertakings including the Grand Lucayan Resort redevelopment, a new international airport, and a modern hospital facility.

    Addressing the particularly contentious Grand Lucayan transaction, Davis characterized the process as “a complex transaction requiring careful sequencing,” emphasizing that proper approvals, coordination, and structured execution were paramount. “We are making steady progress,” he asserted, dismissing claims of governmental failure as premature political theater.

    The Prime Minister reserved his strongest condemnation for previous administrators, stating that “the criticisms coming loudest from those who created the problem should hang their heads in shame.” He accused political opponents of being “incompetent political scammers who brought us this mess” while vowing his administration would remain focused on protecting workers and advancing projects through credible, sustainable measures.

    Davis rejected suggestions that Grand Bahama has been neglected, noting that certain elements appear to be “rooting for the failure of Grand Bahama” for political gain. He emphasized that “success is the only option because the people of Grand Bahama deserve nothing less,” criticizing what he described as a counterproductive mindset focused on “old arguments and old disappointments.”

    The Prime Minister contextualized the delays within the broader economic circumstances inherited by his administration in September 2021, referencing International Monetary Fund reports that depicted the nation’s economy as “in the intensive care unit on life support.” Despite this challenging foundation, Davis highlighted economic recovery and growth in Grand Bahama as evidence of progress, pointing to ongoing construction activity at the hospital and Grand Bahama Shipyard as visible signs of advancement.

    Regarding the Grand Lucayan’s complex history, the administration canceled a prior sale agreement in December 2021, pursued a failed arrangement with Electra America in 2022, and announced a new $800 million heads of agreement with Concord Wilshire in May 2025. Davis confirmed that former employees laid off from the resort “are being paid,” addressing one aspect of the protracted redevelopment process.