标签： Bahamas

A veteran nurse with 44 years of service, known only as ‘Sister Pearl,’ has been suspended for ten days after publicly highlighting severe issues at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in a video. The nurse, a senior critical care professional, revealed problems such as leaking roofs, supply shortages, and rodent infestations, which she claims have worsened over time. Following the video’s release, she was subjected to restrictive measures, including being barred from traveling, entering the hospital except for medical care, and surrendering her ID band. She likened the treatment to being monitored with an ‘anklet bracelet,’ expressing feelings of being criminalized. The Public Hospital Authority (PHA) stated that the video violated its social media policies, prompting an investigation. However, the suspension has drawn widespread criticism, including from Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville, who vowed to ensure fair treatment for the nurse. In an interview, ‘Sister Pearl’ criticized the PHA’s handling of her case, emphasizing the exhaustion and overwhelm among A&E nurses. She asserted that her video aimed to draw attention to longstanding issues rather than embarrass anyone. The PHA defended its actions, citing its social media policy’s emphasis on professionalism and confidentiality. Meanwhile, Bahamas Nurses Union president Muriel Lightbourn acknowledged the technical breach of the union’s contract but noted the nurse remains on paid leave. Former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands condemned the suspension as an attempt to intimidate and silence a competent worker, highlighting the ongoing shortage of critical care workers and resource constraints at PMH.

The Bahamas Ministry of Energy and Transport has announced a significant initiative to recall nearly 800 inactive taxi and livery plates, aiming to address revenue discrepancies and streamline the transportation sector. Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis revealed that the ongoing audit at the Road Traffic Department has identified 783 inactive plates in New Providence and Grand Bahama. These plates, unused for six months or more due to delinquency or the death of franchise holders, will be recalled effective November 30, under Section 69 (1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act. The minister emphasized that the presence of inactive plates has skewed revenue calculations, as the government’s intake is based on all issued plates, regardless of their activity. She clarified that the issue is not a failure in revenue collection but rather the underutilization of many plates. The recall is also intended to address the high demand for new plates, as the ministry seeks to balance the market. Bahamas Taxicab Union president Tyrone Butler criticized the government for issuing hundreds of new plates “recklessly” in 2022, which oversaturated the industry and led to many operators leasing their plates. While he supports recalling plates of retired or deceased holders, he believes operators should still have the opportunity to update their plates. Bahamas Livery Drivers Union president Tory Austin praised the initiative, calling it overdue and necessary to identify active operators in the increasingly saturated market.

Freeport Primary School in Grand Bahama faced an unexpected closure this week after significant roof damage and mould were discovered, posing potential health and safety risks. The decision to shut down the campus was made by education officials, who swiftly relocated over 300 students and staff to nearby churches as a temporary solution. However, the makeshift arrangements at New Life Community Church proved inadequate, leading to an early dismissal of students on Wednesday morning. Parents were promptly informed to collect their children while officials adjusted their plans. District Superintendent Maneica Pratt explained that the school’s ageing infrastructure, exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall, had revealed vulnerabilities, including roof leaks and mould growth. Repair crews have since been mobilized to address these issues, with mould remediation and roof repairs now underway. In the interim, students will transition to virtual learning for two days, with teachers providing prepared learning packets for continuity. Pratt emphasized that the health and safety of students and staff remain the top priority, expressing confidence that the repairs will be completed swiftly, allowing for a safe return to the classroom. Freeport Primary, which serves approximately 360 students and employs 35 teachers, is expected to resume normal operations shortly.

The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) has refuted claims of a joint management agreement with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) for the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. This denial comes in the wake of a video released by the Office of the Prime Minister, which suggested a collaborative effort between the two organizations. The video featured JCNP Chairman Dion Miller and NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder, alongside other Junkanoo community members, discussing a unified approach to the parades. Miller emphasized their commitment to advancing Junkanoo in the national interest, stating, ‘We’re excited to be at this point and to move forward together hand in hand to make Junkanoo one and whole for all.’ Pinder acknowledged the presence of key stakeholders, including the Parade Management Team, the Festival Committee, and longtime sponsor Sir Franklyn Wilson. However, the NJC later clarified that the meeting was not a formal engagement with the JCNP but rather a discussion with representatives of the Shell Saxon Superstars. The NJC stated, ‘To be clear, no agreement for joint management between the NJC and the JCNP exists.’ The committee confirmed that the 2025/2026 parades would be managed exclusively by its appointed Parade Management Team, led by former Deputy Commissioner of Police Douglas Hanna, under the oversight of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. The NJC reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness in managing the parade season, ensuring the integrity of Junkanoo. Efforts to reach Dion Miller for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Two police officers in the Bahamas are facing serious charges and potential dismissal following a disturbing incident involving the inhumane treatment of a detained American woman. Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles confirmed the charges to The Tribune, though specific details were not disclosed. The incident, which occurred in July, was captured in a graphic video that circulated widely on social media, sparking widespread public outrage. The footage shows a half-naked Caucasian woman pleading to use a bathroom while officers appear to mock her. Racial slurs were exchanged during the ordeal. The woman was ultimately forced to defecate on the police station floor, with officers audibly reacting to the smell. The video, believed to have been recorded on a personal device rather than a police body camera, has raised concerns about the conduct and professionalism of the officers involved. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe emphasized that the recording violated Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) policy and underscored the importance of treating detainees with dignity. Attorney Christina Galanos, a detainee rights advocate, condemned the incident as a severe violation of the woman’s rights and warned of the lasting harm the viral footage could inflict on her life and reputation. She also criticized the officers’ failure to de-escalate the situation, calling it a reflection of a troubling lack of professionalism. The US Embassy has called for accountability, urging the RBPF to ensure such incidents do not recur. The case has drawn international attention, with concerns about its impact on the Bahamas’ reputation and tourism industry.