标签： Bahamas

Robert Sands, immediate past president of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), has publicly declared that merging the Bahamas Hotel Training College with the University of The Bahamas stands as “the worst decision I ever made in my tourism career.” The candid admission came during a panel on workforce development at the Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board’s Annual General Meeting.

Sands, who originally supported the consolidation, now believes it dismantled a vital pipeline for practical, skills-based education tailored for the hospitality industry. He argued that while some tourism professionals thrive in academic settings, the majority of sector workers are “more practically endowed.” The merger, he contended, effectively “eliminated an opportunity for persons to matriculate in their passions.” This revelation arrives amid renewed efforts to reintroduce robust vocational training programs to address critical staffing shortages.

The workforce challenge is particularly acute in the Family Islands, described by BOIPB executive director Kerry Fountain as a “shallow workforce pool.” Sands acknowledged the issue’s complexity, noting it is more severe in the Out Islands than in New Providence. However, he highlighted a positive shift: an 18-month collaboration between the University of The Bahamas and major hotel operators is signaling a stronger focus on bridging these gaps. Several hotels are now partnering directly with UB to identify and recruit suitable students.

Sands also pointed to a structural flaw within the industry contributing to stagnation: compensation models that sometimes result in line employees out-earning their managers. This creates a disincentive for upward mobility, forcing hotels to “work with and train up” middle managers internally. The solution, Sands explained, requires creating structured pathways for advancement and ensuring commensurate compensation.

Reflecting on his own career, Sands shared that his advancement was fueled by a willingness to seek international experience, even taking a pay cut for a position in Guyana in 1982. He contrasted this with a modern reluctance among workers to leave their “comfort zone,” urging Bahamian hotel employees to embrace such growth opportunities when they arise, viewing them as a strategic step backward to ultimately make ten steps forward.

The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and the Eleuthera community gathered in profound grief on Friday to honor the life of Ashantio ‘Clevorn’ Johnson, a 23-year-old trainee correctional officer whose promising career was tragically cut short by fatal stabbing last month. The emotional funeral service at a local church saw uniformed officers and mourners dressed in green and gold filling the sanctuary to capacity, creating a somber atmosphere of collective mourning.

Johnson’s mother became the embodiment of parental anguish as she kissed her son’s face in the casket, initially maintaining composure before collapsing into raw grief, crying out his name and calling upon God for strength. Her heart-wrenching cries of ‘Look at my baby’ and ‘Oh Clevorn, why do this to mummy?’ echoed through the church, moving many attendees to tears.

The service revealed Johnson’s remarkable character through heartfelt tributes from loved ones. A female cousin remembered him as more than family—a protective brother who made women feel safe and provided unconditional love. Chief Corrections Officer Zhavonne Mackey, whom Johnson affectionately called ‘Paps,’ delivered a particularly moving recollection of their father-son-like bond developed during training. He described Johnson as exceptionally calm-spirited, never raising his voice even when corrected, and instead responding with smiles and thoughtful comments.

Prison Commissioner Doan Clear highlighted Johnson’s early legacy, noting his voluntary decision to ‘go on the battlefield’ and his recruitment as one of only two qualified candidates from Eleuthera. Classmates from North Eleuthera High School’s Class of 2020 remembered him as unforgettable—filled with humor, joy, and infectious energy.

The tragedy occurred in the early hours of November 5 on Baillou Hill North, where Johnson was fatally stabbed and two of his squad mates were injured during a violent altercation at Blu Ice Restaurant & Bar. The incident happened mere months after Johnson’s proud father witnessed his graduation from the correctional services training program. Twenty-one-year-old Michael Petty has been remanded to prison facing charges connected to Johnson’s death and the attempted killings of Perry Butler and Gregory Bullard.

At the graveside, grief intensified as mourners knelt by the casket, some hyperventilating, while Johnson’s body was lowered into the ground. Through the pain, Mackey urged Johnson’s fellow trainees to honor his memory through peace, not revenge, remembering that ‘God does not make mistakes’ even in profound tragedy.

A Bahamian family faces compounded tragedy as they seek both answers and financial assistance following the fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 29-year-old Devon Butler. The recent graduate, who had just celebrated his birthday weeks earlier, was struck by two vehicles in the early hours of the morning on Robinson Road, according to police reports.

The devastating incident occurred around 2am when Butler was first hit by a dark-colored Acura whose driver reportedly stopped at the scene, only to be followed by a second vehicle that struck him again and fled. The young father, remembered by family as a persistent and joyful person, leaves behind a son he worked tirelessly to support.

His sister, Latoya Smith, revealed the family’s multidimensional struggle as they cope with both emotional trauma and financial hardship. The situation represents the third devastating blow to the family this year alone—their mother survived a previous hit-and-run accident months earlier, and their father subsequently passed away from illness, depleting both emotional reserves and financial resources.

Smith expressed frustration with the investigation’s progress, noting that despite initial police indications that the first driver was in custody and cooperating, the family has received no substantive updates regarding either driver’s status or potential charges. She emphasized the particular injustice of the second driver’s escape from accountability.

The family has turned to crowdfunding through GoFundMe to cover the $7,000 funeral expenses, a necessity compounded by Butler’s lack of life insurance. Smith articulated her belief that those responsible for the crash should contribute to these costs, describing the current situation as profoundly unfair to a family already pushed beyond its limits.

As the holiday season approaches, the family prepares for their first Christmas without Butler, whose absence has created a palpable void in their lives. Smith recounted how even the children in the family are struggling, particularly her own child who attended church weekly with Butler’s son.

Despite a challenging childhood that included time in children’s homes, Butler consistently pursued better opportunities for himself and his family. His sister remembered him as someone who “would keep trying and pushing, regardless of the situation,” noting that he died wearing his work clothes—a testament to his dedication.

At last report, the fundraising effort had garnered $320 toward its goal, while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Butler’s death continues.

A Waterford family has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Derek Rahming, who police believe drowned while gathering seawater near his Eleuthera home. The incident has left his wife, Lynn Rahming, grappling with the sudden void in their lives just weeks after they celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary.

According to Mrs. Rahming, the sequence of events began on the morning of December 4th when her husband accompanied her to the porch before she departed for her security shift—a familiar domestic ritual. Upon returning from work, she grew concerned when he failed to make his customary check-in calls. Her anxiety escalated when a neighbor discovered Mr. Rahming’s vehicle abandoned near a local marina with its lights illuminated, trunk open, and keys still in the ignition.

The scene suggested an abrupt interruption: a water jug intended for saltwater collection remained inside the vehicle, located merely two minutes from their residence. After repeatedly calling his name with no response, Mrs. Rahming notified authorities of his disappearance.

Police reports indicate that officers responded to a creek around 7 p.m. following leads, where they discovered an unresponsive man submerged in shallow water. A diving team retrieved the body, which was subsequently identified as Mr. Rahming and pronounced dead by medical personnel. Investigators preliminarily classified the incident as an accidental drowning, likely resulting from a loss of footing on slippery terrain.

Mrs. Rahming expressed appreciation for the prompt police response but described the emotional devastation of learning her husband had been found face-down in ankle-deep water mere steps from his collection bottle. She chose to remain in the vehicle during the recovery, unable to witness the traumatic scene.

Remembered as the ‘life of the party,’ Mr. Rahming was a devoted husband and stepfather who nurtured a blended family. His widow now confronts the haunting silence of a home that once echoed with his presence, reflecting that the reality of his absence only truly settled days after the tragedy.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas’ government-operated shelter network has reached maximum occupancy as authorities grapple with escalating demands for emergency housing, Social Services Minister Myles Laroda revealed today. The ministry currently leases approximately 150 rooms from private entities, all of which are fully occupied, excluding additional capacity at the Poinciana Inn Shelter.

Minister Laroda confirmed that officials are actively negotiating leases for two additional properties to address the growing crisis. The situation has created a complex balancing act between granting extensions to current residents and accommodating new arrivals seeking emergency shelter.

“We have provided extensions to individuals whose circumstances haven’t improved sufficiently for independent living,” Laroda stated, emphasizing that each case receives individual assessment. However, these extensions inevitably reduce availability for newcomers to the shelter system.

The minister clarified the fundamental difference between emergency shelter assistance and government housing programs, noting: “We consistently emphasize that this represents a temporary solution. Our objective involves providing financial and supportive assistance to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency.”

Demographic analysis reveals varied resident profiles, including mothers escaping dangerous domestic situations, recently unemployed individuals, and Family Island residents seeking economic opportunities in New Providence. Shelter durations range from approximately one month for transitional cases to extended stays for those requiring comprehensive support.

Laroda stressed the government’s commitment to avoiding assistance denials, even when residents exceed planned shelter durations. Simultaneously, he issued a compelling appeal for increased family involvement in supporting relatives experiencing hardship.

“While government assistance remains available,” Laroda asserted, “we actively encourage family members to support relatives in need. Strengthening family units ultimately builds more resilient communities and a more robust nation.”

The vibrant pulse of Junkanoo resonated across Montagu Beach this Saturday as the annual number picking ceremony electrified the atmosphere, marking the official commencement of the highly anticipated parade season. This pivotal event, steeped in tradition and competitive spirit, drew massive crowds of enthusiasts and local residents eager to witness the determination of performance order for the iconic Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades.

In a ceremony brimming with anticipation, representatives from the nation’s premier Junkanoo groups stepped forward to draw their positions. The results set the stage for a thrilling competitive landscape. For the prestigious Boxing Day Parade A Category, the Music Makers clinched the coveted first position, earning the right to lead the procession. They will be followed in sequence by the Shell Saxons Superstars, The Prodigal Sons, The Valley Boys, Roots, One Family, Genesis Warhawks, and the World Famous 1958 group.

The B Category lineup for Boxing Day will be spearheaded by The Ultimate Force. The subsequent order includes Redland Soldiers, Dynasty Junkanoo Group, Foundation Junkanoo Group, Chipping Knights, Colours, Body of Christ Crusaders, The Immortals, Fancy Dancers, The New Viking, and The Mighty Eagles.

Demonstrating remarkable consistency, the Music Makers also secured the lead for the New Year’s Day Parade A Category. The full running order for January 1st is set as follows: Music Makers, World Famous 1958, The Valley Boys, Shell Saxon Superstars, Genesis Warhawks, One Family, Prodigal Sons, and Roots.

The B Category order for the New Year’s Day spectacle will commence with Z Bandits, followed by Chipping Knights, The Ultimate Force, Conquerors of Christ, Mystical Bombers, Foundation Junkanoo Group, Dynasty Junkanoo Group, The New Viking, Body of Christ Crusaders, Redland Soldiers, The Immortals, Fancy Dancers, Colours, and The Mighty Eagles. This ceremonial drawing of numbers has effectively positioned the groups for their upcoming artistic and musical showdowns on Bay Street.

A Bahamian mother’s quest for justice ended in devastating institutional failure when the murder trial of her eight-year-old son concluded without her knowledge, leaving her to discover the acquittal through social media notifications. Kendera Woodside, whose son Eugene Jr. was killed by a stray bullet in 2017, described the experience as emotionally equivalent to witnessing her child’s fatal bleeding firsthand.

The judicial proceedings against Lloyd Minnis and Perry Pickering—the two men accused of the shooting that killed Eugene as he did homework in their Chippingham home—collapsed unexpectedly this week when prosecutors presented neither opening statements nor witnesses. According to Cordell Fraizer, Director of Public Prosecutions, the case foundered because the Supreme Court denied the Crown’s request to present an anonymous witness.

Woodside, who was pregnant when she held her dying son, revealed that the judicial system never informed her that the trial had been scheduled, much less that it was underway. For years, she had been told the case would not reach court before 2026. The first indication of the trial’s occurrence and abrupt conclusion came through social media messages and news clips sent by friends and family.

‘What happened to the system? Why does the system want to fail Eugene?’ Woodside asked in an emotional interview. ‘He was only eight years old.’

The failure to notify the victim’s family compounded the trauma of a killing that had originally sparked national outrage. Woodside detailed how the tragedy fractured her family: her daughter, who witnessed the shooting, required psychological support; her marriage dissolved under the weight of shared grief; and annual celebrations like birthdays and Christmas have become painful reminders of loss rather than occasions for joy.

Woodside has vowed to continue seeking justice, expressing anguish toward all parties involved—from the judge and jury to the prosecutors and the Attorney General’s Office—whom she believes failed her son and compounded her suffering.