In a remarkable display of community spirit, Dr. Charlene Elizabeth Reid, a prominent Grand Bahama dentist and local entrepreneur, has once again extended her support to Jack Hayward Junior High School. Her latest initiative addresses a pressing need among students: access to hot meals and improved classroom conditions. Dr. Reid’s contributions, which began in 2024, have already made a significant impact on the school’s daily operations and student morale. During a special assembly on September 25, Dr. Reid not only donated essential supplies but also shared valuable oral health tips, urging students to strive for excellence. Her efforts have filled a critical gap, as the school is not part of the government’s breakfast program. Last year, Dr. Reid provided Cup of Noodles to ensure students could start their day with a hot meal. This year, she expanded her generosity by donating fans for classrooms and committing to fund the school’s first air conditioning unit. She also called on the local business community to join her in equipping more classrooms with necessary amenities. Principal Janice Pinder expressed profound gratitude, noting the tangible benefits of Dr. Reid’s contributions. Dr. Reid emphasized her desire to make her support an ongoing initiative, aiming to provide students with healthy breakfasts and lunches. Inspired by Whitney Houston’s famous words, Dr. Reid believes that nurturing children is key to building a brighter future. She also praised the school’s staff for their unwavering dedication and commitment to student success.
标签： Bahamas
巴哈马
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Bahamas Keeps Tier 1 Ranking Amid Scrutiny Over Cuban Labour Contracts
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas has successfully retained its Tier 1 ranking in the U.S. State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report, a testament to its ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. However, the report highlights significant concerns regarding the country’s labour agreement with Cuba, which has raised alarms about potential forced labour practices. Under the deal, up to 92 percent of Cuban workers’ wages were reportedly withheld by the Cuban government, prompting immediate action from Bahamian authorities. In response, the government has begun terminating contractor-based agreements and will now directly hire Cuban health professionals. Additionally, the recruitment of new Cuban workers has been temporarily suspended following discussions with the United States. Beyond labour reforms, the Bahamas has intensified trafficking prosecutions, increased funding for victim support services, and introduced a new rapid screening tool to enhance victim identification. Despite these efforts, no traffickers were convicted for the second consecutive year, and a new national action plan to replace the one that expired in 2023 remains incomplete. While the report commends the Bahamas for its sustained commitment, it calls for stronger measures to address official complicity, expand victim housing, and ensure equitable labour practices for foreign workers.
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Visitor arrivals to The Bahamas climb 8.5 percent year-to-date
The Bahamas has witnessed an 8.5 percent increase in total visitor arrivals, reaching 7.4 million year-to-date, according to the Central Bank’s latest Monthly Economic and Financial Developments report. This growth was primarily fueled by a 10.5 percent surge in sea passengers, totaling 6.2 million, which compensated for a 1.3 percent drop in air arrivals to 1.1 million. However, July saw a 3.3 percent decline in overall arrivals to 1.1 million visitors, with sea passengers decreasing by 3.8 percent and air traffic slipping 0.9 percent. Regional disparities were evident, as Family Islands experienced a 9.7 percent contraction in arrivals, while Grand Bahama recorded a remarkable 26.1 percent rise, driven by significant increases in both air and sea traffic. Meanwhile, outbound departures from Nassau Airport fell 3.0 percent in August, with U.S. departures declining 5.1 percent and non-U.S. international departures rising 14.5 percent. Short-term vacation rentals also reflected broader tourism trends, with total room nights sold increasing 1.0 percent in August, despite a dip in occupancy rates. Average daily rates (ADR) continued to climb, with entire place listings up 11.8 percent and hotel-comparable listings rising 1.1 percent. Despite localized slowdowns, the tourism sector remains a cornerstone of the Bahamas’ economic growth, supported by robust sea passenger numbers and sustained rental revenue.
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S&P lift positive, but investment grade remains goal, says Bowe
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas has received a one-notch credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s (S&P), moving from ‘BB-‘ to ‘BB’ with a stable outlook. While this development is a positive step, Gowon Bowe, Group CEO of Fidelity Bank & Trust International Limited, emphasizes that the ultimate objective is to achieve investment-grade status, not merely incremental improvements. Bowe stated, ‘It is a one-notch upgrade, which is certainly to be recognized as positive and celebrated, but also to be put into context. Our objective is really to move from non-investment grade into investment grade.’ He highlighted that the true value of S&P’s action lies in the narrative of reforms required to sustain and build upon this progress. S&P’s report underscored the importance of fiscal policy, energy reform, and the fragility of the tourism sector. Bowe noted that S&P has placed significant emphasis on the reduction of the fiscal deficit, the successful refinancing of foreign currency debt at moderate interest rates, and the need for energy reforms to stabilize power costs. He also pointed out the vulnerability of the tourism sector to global economic downturns, particularly in the United States, where elevated inflation and interest rate volatility could negatively impact tourism. Additionally, Bowe stressed the importance of implementing the country’s corporate minimum top-up tax, which has been enacted but not yet enforced. He called for the government to focus on realistic fiscal targets and long-term planning, including a national development plan spanning 25 years or more. S&P’s upgrade reflects The Bahamas’ progress in reducing fiscal deficits, stabilizing its debt-to-GDP ratio, and successfully refinancing external debt. However, the agency cautioned that the country’s high reliance on tourism, vulnerability to external shocks, and challenges in the energy sector remain constraints on the rating. The government welcomed the upgrade as a recognition of its fiscal responsibility and reform agenda, reaffirming its commitment to further economic strengthening, growth diversification, and resilience improvement.
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Prime Minister Davis releases statement on passing of Cabinet Minister
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas is in mourning following the passing of the Hon. Vaughn Peterson Miller, Member of Parliament for Golden Isles and Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. A man of unwavering principles and dedication, Miller’s life was a testament to the values of faith, family, and community. Born in Eleuthera, he rose to prominence as a voice of conviction and clarity on the radio, using his platform to inspire and uplift Bahamians. His message of hope, fairness, and accountability resonated deeply across the nation. Miller’s multifaceted career spanned roles as a pastor, trade unionist, broadcaster, and social activist, all driven by a singular mission: to advocate for the marginalized and remind society that true leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and courage. Entering frontline politics in 2017, Miller brought his steadfast principles to the House of Assembly, earning respect even from those who disagreed with him. As Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, he championed the protection of The Bahamas’ natural resources, emphasizing the sacred duty of stewardship. Beyond his public service, Miller was a devoted husband, father, and friend, whose love and compassion touched all who knew him. His legacy, from his humble beginnings in Eleuthera to his impactful roles in public life, serves as an enduring reminder of the power of service. The Government of The Bahamas and the Miller family extend their deepest condolences, finding solace in the knowledge that Vaughn lived a life of purpose, guided by faith and dedicated to his country. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory inspire future generations to serve with conviction and heart.
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Police investigate sudden death
Authorities in Nassau, Bahamas, have launched an investigation into the unexpected passing of a 64-year-old man, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025. According to initial reports, the individual was found unresponsive on Mount Royal Avenue (Hawkins Hill) shortly before 1:00 a.m. Emergency responders administered CPR on-site before he was transported to a nearby hospital via a private vehicle. Despite these efforts, he was later pronounced dead upon arrival. At this stage, law enforcement officials have not identified any signs of foul play. To ascertain the precise cause of death, an autopsy has been scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation. Further updates are expected as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
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Police investigate shooting incident
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities are actively investigating a shooting that took place in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, near Soldier Road. The incident resulted in a 19-year-old male being hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Police were alerted to the scene on Red Sea Road shortly after 1:00 a.m., where they discovered the injured victim. He was promptly transported to a medical facility, though his current condition remains undisclosed.
Initial findings suggest that the victim was accompanied by two acquaintances from Nassau Village, who were riding motorcycles. As the group approached a local church, one of the individuals reportedly drew a firearm and fired at the victim, who managed to escape but sustained injuries to his upper body. Following the incident, law enforcement officers apprehended a juvenile male motorcyclist believed to be connected to the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing as police work to uncover further details surrounding this violent encounter.
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Minister Vaughn Miller Passes Away; Cause Unkown
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas is mourning the loss of Vaughn Miller, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, whose passing was officially confirmed by the Director of Communications at the Office of the Prime Minister. Miller, a prominent political figure, began his parliamentary career in 2017 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Golden Isles. In a significant political shift, he joined the Progressive Liberal Party in 2019, where he remained an active and influential member. His contributions to environmental policy and national development have left a lasting impact. Further details regarding his passing are expected to be released in due course.
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LPIA services to be suspended at midnight
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In response to an impending storm, Nassau Airport Development (NAD) has announced the suspension of all services at the Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport, effective midnight. The decision comes as part of comprehensive emergency preparations to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and infrastructure.
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Met officials warn of significant rainfall from Tropical Depression Nine
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Meteorology Department has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the islands of the Northwest and Central Bahamas, including Eleuthera, New Providence, Abaco, Andros, Berry Islands, Grand Bahama, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, Exuma and its Cays, and Cat Island. As of the latest update at 12:00 pm, the forecast track has shifted westward, predicting the storm’s center to pass east of Andros and over New Providence early Sunday morning. By Sunday night, the system is expected to move between Abaco and East Grand Bahama, intensifying into a Tropical Storm.
According to the department, the storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour, with higher gusts. Further strengthening is anticipated in the coming days, with the system likely to develop into a hurricane by late Monday or Tuesday. The Central and Southeast Bahamas are expected to experience heavy rainfall, with amounts ranging from 4 to 8 inches and isolated areas receiving up to 10 inches. Authorities are urging residents in low-lying areas to take immediate precautions to minimize potential property damage caused by flooding.