Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas has vowed to disburse overdue payments to public sector workers before Christmas, following a protest led by union leaders outside the House of Assembly. The demonstration, organized by the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) and the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), saw workers demanding their long-awaited wage increases. Union presidents Kimsley Ferguson and Belinda Wilson spearheaded the rally, with chants of ‘pay us our money’ echoing through the streets. The delay in implementing government wage hikes has been a persistent issue, with union officials accusing the administration of sidelining key worker groups and failing to engage in proper consultations. Addressing the crowd, PM Davis emphasized his personal commitment to resolving the matter, stating, ‘The decision to give y’all some money came from me, from my heart. I understood that y’all need that. It was nothing negotiated, I’m trying to help all of you, y’all will be paid and the payment will be before Christmas.’ Last month, the government announced that public servants who missed earlier pay raises would receive their increments in December, retroactive to September. Each employee is expected to receive at least two salary increases, though the exact amounts will vary by category.
标签： Bahamas
巴哈马
-
Long-delayed Accident and Emergency at PMH to be completed by late 2025
After years of persistent delays and shifting timelines, the much-anticipated Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at Princess Margaret Hospital is now projected to open by the end of 2025. Initially announced with high hopes in 2023, the project has encountered numerous setbacks, including equipment delays and repeated revisions to its completion schedule. Originally slated for a 2023 launch, the opening was first postponed to August, then to October, but the facility remains non-operational.
Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority, revealed that the final phase of the project hinges on the installation of a critical cooling system, known as the DX system, which is essential for regulating airflow in the new unit. Earlier plans to utilize the hospital’s existing system were deemed insufficient, prompting the need for this upgrade.
Rolle emphasized that contractors are currently preparing the space for operations, with furniture, fixtures, and equipment being installed. She urged the public to remain patient, assuring that officials are committed to ensuring the facility is fully equipped before opening. While expressing cautious optimism about meeting the new target, Rolle acknowledged potential challenges, particularly in importing necessary components.
The A&E expansion is designed to modernize emergency care and alleviate pressure on the hospital’s overcrowded existing department, which has long struggled with extended waiting times, limited space, and staff shortages. Public frustration has mounted over the repeated delays, as the new facility is seen as a critical solution to improving conditions for both patients and healthcare workers.
-
Long-delayed Accident and Emergency at PMH to be completed by late 2025
After years of persistent delays and shifting timelines, the much-anticipated Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at Princess Margaret Hospital is now projected to open by the end of 2025. Initially announced with high hopes in 2023, the project has encountered numerous setbacks, including equipment delays and repeated revisions to its completion schedule. Originally slated for a 2023 launch, the opening was first postponed to August, then to October, but the facility remains non-operational.
Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority, revealed that the final phase of the project hinges on the installation of a critical cooling system, known as the DX system, which is essential for regulating airflow in the new unit. Earlier plans to utilize the hospital’s existing system were deemed insufficient, prompting the need for this upgrade.
Rolle emphasized that contractors are currently preparing the space for operations, with furniture, fixtures, and equipment being installed. She urged the public to remain patient, assuring that officials are committed to ensuring the facility is fully equipped before opening. While expressing cautious optimism about meeting the new target, Rolle acknowledged potential challenges, particularly in importing necessary components.
The A&E expansion is designed to modernize emergency care and alleviate pressure on the hospital’s overcrowded existing department, which has long struggled with extended waiting times, limited space, and staff shortages. Public frustration has mounted over the repeated delays, as the new facility is seen as a critical solution to improving conditions for both patients and healthcare workers.
-
Walker confirmed
Former NFL star Herschel Walker has been officially confirmed by the United States Senate as the next US ambassador to The Bahamas, marking the end of a 13-year vacancy in the position. Walker, a 63-year-old Georgia native, becomes the first individual to hold the role since Nicole Avant’s departure in 2011. The US Embassy in Nassau confirmed the Senate’s decision, expressing eagerness to welcome Walker after he receives his presidential commission and is sworn in. His exact arrival date in New Providence remains uncertain but is expected to occur after the end of the month, causing him to miss the upcoming wedding of US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish, who has led the embassy since 2024. The official ambassador’s residence, Liberty Overlook, will be prepared for his arrival after sitting unused for over a decade. Walker was nominated in December 2024 by President Donald Trump, who returned to office following his election victory that year. During his Senate confirmation hearing in September, Walker outlined his priorities, including countering China’s influence in the region, enhancing anti-drug trafficking efforts with the DEA and regional partners, and promoting US investment to foster local prosperity. His confirmation was secured by a 51 to 47 vote, making him one of over 100 nominees approved by the Senate. Walker’s illustrious career spans college football, the NFL, Olympic bobsledding, and mixed martial arts. He has also been a national spokesperson for the Patriot Support Programme, advocating for mental health awareness among military personnel. From 2017 to 2021, he co-chaired the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and for over 18 years, he led National Health Through Fitness Day, connecting fitness advocates with lawmakers to promote physical education. Walker entered politics in 2022 as a Republican candidate for the US Senate in Georgia but faced defeat amid controversy over allegations of domestic abuse and claims of hypocrisy regarding his anti-abortion stance. His appointment concludes a prolonged period of delays in filling the US ambassador post, with nominees across three administrations failing to secure confirmation. The Bahamas was one of only five countries, including Bolivia and Cuba, without a US ambassador for over a decade. A US State Department spokesperson praised Walker’s appointment, stating he would champion the ‘America First’ foreign policy agenda and advance US interests in the Bahamas, located less than 60 miles from Florida.
-
Murder 66: Man killed in ambush moments after arriving home
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities in the capital are actively investigating a tragic shooting incident that unfolded on Monday, October 6, 2025, near Concha Road off Sea Breeze Lane. The violent episode claimed the life of a 28-year-old man, marking another grim chapter in the city’s ongoing struggle with crime.
-
Man set woman ablaze before robbing her
Authorities in Grand Bahama are conducting a thorough investigation into a harrowing incident that left a 48-year-old woman hospitalized with severe burns following a violent attack on October 6, 2025. The incident occurred in the Explorer’s Way area, where the victim was reportedly approached by an unidentified man in a parking lot around 9:30 p.m. A heated argument ensued, escalating into a physical altercation during which both individuals allegedly threw flammable liquids at each other. The suspect then ignited the liquid, causing the victim to be engulfed in flames. After the attack, the assailant allegedly stole cash and personal belongings from the victim before fleeing the scene. Emergency Medical Services promptly responded, transporting the woman to a hospital where she was listed in stable condition. Police have since detained a 39-year-old male suspect, who is currently cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
-
Ann Marie Davis: My office will address expanding menstrual products in country
Ann Marie Davis, the spouse of the Prime Minister, has announced plans to broaden the availability of menstrual products across the nation, responding to increasing demands for affordability and variety. This initiative aims to introduce menstrual cups and period underwear to better cater to the diverse needs of women and girls. Mrs. Davis emphasized the importance of offering a range of options to accommodate different users, including students in school swimming programs and elderly women in care facilities. She highlighted that period underwear, in particular, would be more suitable for older women, promoting dignity in personal care. The announcement was made following the launch of the D6 Project documentary earlier this week. Mrs. Davis stressed the necessity of dignity and proper preparation in addressing menstrual health, stating that access to sanitary items is a fundamental right, not a privilege. This renewed focus aligns with advocacy from Equality Bahamas, which recently called on the government to address the high cost and limited variety of feminine hygiene products. The group recommended tax exemptions, local manufacturing, and greater availability of reusable alternatives. Mrs. Davis previously initiated a national feminine hygiene product distribution program in June, which continues to receive widespread requests for more assistance. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring that all women, regardless of income or location, have access to affordable menstrual supplies and the ability to choose what works best for them. ‘We have to diversify in how we prepare ourselves,’ Mrs. Davis said. ‘We are diversifying in every other way, and we have to do the same for menstrual care.’
-
Documentary on trauma caused by Dorian to premiere October 18
A groundbreaking documentary, titled “D6 Project: We Are Not Okay,” is set to premiere on October 18 at the Atlantis Theatre on Paradise Island. Directed by Bahamian journalist and filmmaker Dr. Juliette Storr, the film delves into the enduring emotional scars left by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, urging a national dialogue on mental health. Dr. Storr, inspired by her volunteer work with Dorian survivors, sought to uncover the silent suffering that persisted long after the initial crisis. Collaborating with the Bahamas Psychological Association (BPA), the film provides a platform for survivors and mental health professionals to share their stories, emphasizing the need for robust mental health policies. Ann Marie Davis, spouse of the Prime Minister and project patron, highlighted the importance of seeking help, stating, “Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” The documentary, which has already garnered eight international awards, including Best Documentary at the London Independent Film Awards, is the first in a three-part series aimed at fostering mental health awareness and preparedness for future climate disasters. Film editor Justin Williamson, who spent over two years working on the project, emphasized its lasting relevance, stating, “This project should be shown for generations to come, reminding us of the work still to be done.” Tickets for the premiere are available online, ranging from $25 to $95.
-
Ann Marie Davis: My office will address expanding menstrual products in country
Ann Marie Davis, the spouse of the Prime Minister, has announced plans to broaden the availability of menstrual products across the nation, responding to increasing demands for affordability and variety. This initiative aims to introduce menstrual cups and period underwear to better cater to the diverse needs of women and girls. Mrs. Davis emphasized the importance of offering a range of options to accommodate different users, including students in school swimming programs and elderly women in care facilities. She highlighted that period underwear, in particular, would be more suitable for older women, promoting dignity in personal care. The announcement was made following the launch of the D6 Project documentary earlier this week. Mrs. Davis stressed the necessity of dignity and proper preparation in addressing menstrual health, stating that access to sanitary items is a fundamental right, not a privilege. This renewed focus aligns with advocacy from Equality Bahamas, which recently called on the government to address the high cost and limited variety of feminine hygiene products. The group recommended tax exemptions, local manufacturing, and greater availability of reusable alternatives. Mrs. Davis previously initiated a national feminine hygiene product distribution program in June, which continues to receive widespread requests for more assistance. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring that all women, regardless of income or location, have access to affordable menstrual supplies and the ability to choose what works best for them. ‘We have to diversify in how we prepare ourselves,’ Mrs. Davis said. ‘We are diversifying in every other way, and we have to do the same for menstrual care.’
-
BACSWN set to roll out new aviation emergency-response network across Bahamas
Executives from the Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network (BACSWN) recently conducted a site visit to Long Island, engaging with health officials and residents while inspecting facilities at Stella Maris and Deadman’s Cay airports. This visit followed a series of town-hall meetings on Cat Island and virtual consultations with residents of Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay. The initiative is part of a broader plan to establish a nationwide aviation emergency-response network, including aviation trauma centers, air-ambulance bases, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).
Lyrone Burrows, a BACSWN executive, explained that the project stems from the group’s Heads of Agreement with the Bahamian government, which authorizes BACSWN to provide aviation meteorology services and live flight tracking. These services will form the foundation for a parallel emergency-response system designed to benefit both international aviators and local communities. Burrows emphasized the group’s commitment to creating trauma centers near every international airport, supported by ambulances, trained medical staff, and dedicated air-evacuation hubs. Four strategic locations across the southern, central, and northern Bahamas have already been identified for these bases.
The goal is to reduce emergency-response times to 30–40 minutes by positioning aircraft and personnel closer to high-risk areas. Burrows highlighted that this initiative will significantly improve access to life-saving interventions, with all activities being coordinated with relevant government ministries and agencies. BACSWN has partnered with Response Plus Medical (RPM), a global aviation emergency-services provider based in Abu Dhabi, to implement the project. RPM plans to deploy up to 50 aviation-based ambulances, over 200 medical professionals, and a HEMS network. Additionally, RPM will establish training centers in the Bahamas to prepare locals for new roles created by the project.
During their visit to Long Island, the BACSWN team met with Health Administrator Anya Forbes and toured the Simms Community Clinic with Head Nurse Stubbs. They also inspected both airports, where Bahamas Airports Authority executive Euley Glinton expressed strong support for the plan, noting its potential to enhance medical and firefighting capabilities for both aviation users and the broader community. Public meetings were held in Clarence Town and North Long Island High School, with Island Administrator Jandilee Archer delivering opening remarks.
Burrows encouraged residents to prepare for economic opportunities tied to the project’s rollout, including new jobs, real estate rentals, and support services. While BACSWN officials did not provide a specific start date for construction or deployment, they confirmed that the emergency-response network will be introduced in phases over the coming months, with government oversight and regulatory collaboration at each stage.