标签： Bahamas

A former senior officer of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), Prince Albert Symonette, has been granted permission to challenge his dismissal following a Supreme Court ruling that Commissioner Clayton Fernander may have acted unlawfully. Symonette, who served for over 30 years, was discharged on December 12, 2024, after being implicated in a US federal indictment alleging cocaine trafficking and firearm-related offenses. The indictment accused Bahamian officials of facilitating drug smuggling operations, using The Bahamas as a transit point for cocaine destined for the United States. While former Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer Darrin Alexander Roker has pleaded guilty in the case, it remains unclear whether Symonette faces extradition proceedings. According to court documents, Symonette was summoned to a meeting at police headquarters, where he was stripped of his credentials and handed a discharge certificate dated ten days prior to the meeting. Commissioner Fernander claimed Symonette’s contract was not renewed due to the controversy surrounding the indictment, which had caused negative public perception. However, Justice Bazard ruled that Symonette was denied due process, as no hearing or opportunity to appeal was provided before his dismissal. Citing Regulation 42 of the Police Disciplinary Regulations, Justice Bazard emphasized that the Commissioner was required to follow a statutory procedure, including notifying the Secretary to the Cabinet and allowing the officer to respond before recommending dismissal to the Governor General. The judge referenced the landmark 1964 case Ridge v Baldwin, which established that dismissing an officer without a hearing violates natural justice. Justice Bazard also noted that the discharge certificate was pre-dated, suggesting the decision was made in advance. Government lawyers argued that Symonette should have appealed to the Governor General under Section 21(2) of the Police Act, but the judge found exceptional circumstances justifying judicial review. Symonette, who became pensionable in 2019, seeks declarations that his dismissal was unlawful and unconstitutional, along with compensation for lost salary since December 2024.

It has been three harrowing years since Rochellda “Dadah” Woodside vanished without a trace while walking home in August 2022. Her family, enduring an unbearable void, continues to seek answers, praying for her safe return or at least the chance to lay her to rest with dignity. Victoria Ferguson, Rochellda’s 35-year-old sister, describes the ordeal as an unhealed wound that has left their family shattered. “We hope she’s alive, but if not, we just want to give her a proper burial,” Ferguson shared with The Tribune. Rochellda was last seen on August 11, 2022, walking along Lincoln Boulevard toward Washington Street, where she resided. Witnesses reported seeing her enter a car with an individual who offered her a ride—a person Ferguson believes was not a stranger and may hold the key to her disappearance. The family’s frustration has grown over what they perceive as a lack of urgency from the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Despite multiple searches and tips, including combing empty lots and abandoned buildings, no trace of Rochellda has been found. Ferguson recalls her sister as educated, kind, and street-smart, someone who would not have accepted a ride from an untrusted individual. The family suspects jealousy or a personal dispute involving a friend or ex-boyfriend as possible motives. This tragedy is not the family’s first; in 2017, Rochellda’s brother was killed, leaving behind two children who still ask about their missing aunt. Ferguson, who returned to New Providence from the United States after her sister’s disappearance, remembers Rochellda’s aspirations—opening a clothing store, a car rental company, and returning to school. Each year, on the anniversary of her disappearance, Ferguson revisits her sister’s belongings and memories, keeping her spirit alive. Despite the silence and lack of progress, the family vows to continue their search, holding onto faith and the hope for eventual closure.

Water sports and tour operators in New Providence are raising serious allegations against the Port Department, accusing it of harassment, intimidation, and selective enforcement. Business owners claim that officials have targeted outspoken individuals while ignoring unlicensed competitors. Acting Port Controller Berne Wright is at the center of these accusations, with operators alleging that enforcement efforts are being used as a tool of punishment rather than regulation.

A remarkable collection of Bahamian history, featuring rare antiques from the Baker Estate, will be auctioned on December 5 and 6 in Nassau. The event marks the first public sale of private antiques from a single Bahamian home, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of Anthony Baker, a pioneering merchant who shaped Bahamian commerce in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The auction will include over a century-old coins, first-edition Bahamian stamps, antique tools, vintage furniture, fine chinaware, collectible books, vinyl records, and rare artifacts salvaged from the historic Windsor Hotel. Born Thannous Michael Saadi in Mount Lebanon in 1873, Baker immigrated to The Bahamas in the 1890s and founded A. Baker & Sons, a retail empire that revolutionized local trade. The auction, organized by the Bahamas Liquidation and Auction Centre, also serves as a heritage exhibition, celebrating Baker’s contributions to Bahamian society. Highlights include 1920s telephones, mid-century radios, handmade mahogany furniture, and scrapbooks from the 1930s. A private viewing and early-bidding session will be held on December 5, followed by a public auction on December 6. The event will be cashless, with card payments and next-day delivery for larger items. A digital catalogue will be accessible via QR code.

Long Island Member of Parliament Adrian Gibson has publicly criticized the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRMA) for its failure to deliver essential hurricane relief supplies to the island, describing the situation as “disgraceful,” “deeply disappointing,” and “unacceptable.” In a recent Facebook post, Gibson revealed that he personally donated tarps to Island Administrator Jandile Archer, with Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officers present, to assist residents whose homes were severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa. Despite repeated assurances from the DRMA, no relief supplies have been sent to Long Island, leaving residents struggling with shortages of tarps, construction materials, and other critical resources. Gibson emphasized that the people of Long Island deserve timely and adequate support during this recovery period. DRMA Executive Chairman Alex Storr responded by stating that officials are collaborating with the island administrator to assess needs and plan to dispatch supplies soon. He noted that RBDF officers are already on the ground conducting assessments and repairs but could not provide a specific timeline for the arrival of relief items. Hurricane Melissa, which struck The Bahamas in late October, was one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the region, causing widespread devastation across several islands, including Long Island, San Salvador, and Cat Island. The storm left many residents without electricity for days and severely damaged homes and infrastructure. Local officials have warned that the prolonged lack of assistance could exacerbate the already dire living conditions for affected families.

Muriel Lightbourn, President of the Bahamas Nurses Union, has publicly accused Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville of hypocrisy regarding the suspension of public health nurses. Since assuming office in 2023, Lightbourn revealed that over 30 nurses have been suspended, with some cases occurring as recently as three weeks ago. Although three nurses have since returned to work, Lightbourn criticized the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) for what she described as excessive disciplinary measures. She specifically questioned Dr. Darville’s sincerity after he expressed concern over the suspension of veteran nurse Pearl Williams, calling his remarks ‘disingenuous’ given his silence in other cases. Lightbourn highlighted the flawed disciplinary system within the PHA and called for reforms to ensure fairness and efficiency. She emphasized the union’s intention to revisit its industrial agreement to address these issues and prevent future occurrences. The controversy stems from the suspension of Williams, a 44-year veteran, who was disciplined for recording a video exposing poor conditions at Princess Margaret Hospital, including leaking roofs, rodent infestations, and supply shortages. The PHA accused her of violating its social media policy and imposed strict restrictions, including surrendering her identification badge and limiting her hospital access. Lightbourn argued that such punishments are overly harsh and strain already limited hospital resources. She also criticized the prolonged investigation process, suggesting that warnings or relocations would be more appropriate than suspensions. Dr. Darville defended his ministry, stating that he is not directly involved in all human resources matters and that suspensions are necessary for policy violations. Lightbourn further called for greater transparency in disciplinary proceedings, noting that nurses are often left uninformed about investigation outcomes. She defended her leadership style, emphasizing that her preference for private negotiations should not be mistaken for inaction. Meanwhile, Williams expressed hope that her case would prompt authorities to address the systemic issues she raised, though she has no plans to pursue legal action.

A heated protest by members of the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) brought Nassau Cruise Port to a standstill yesterday morning, as dozens of taxi drivers blocked the entrance with their vehicles, demanding action on long-standing grievances. The demonstration, which escalated into clashes with police and tow truck operators, resulted in the arrest of three drivers who refused to clear the road. The protest highlighted years of frustration over what drivers describe as unfair treatment, worsening working conditions, and a lack of basic amenities. Taxi operators claim they are being marginalized in favor of private tour and livery drivers, receiving less than 40% of ground transportation business from cruise passengers. Union president Tyrone Butler defended the drivers’ actions, calling them a desperate response to years of neglect and broken promises. Despite ongoing meetings with port executives, little progress has been made to address the drivers’ concerns. The protest underscores broader tensions within the taxi industry, which has faced challenges from unlicensed operators and government inaction. Authorities and port officials have yet to comment on the situation.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) has reported a significant increase in participation for its community surveillance initiative, with nearly 2,000 residents and businesses registering their security cameras. This marks a notable shift from the program’s slow start two years ago, when only 50 registrations were recorded within the first two weeks of its 2023 launch. The initiative, powered by the FUSUS platform, integrates private security systems with public CCTV feeds, body cameras, drones, and ShotSpotter technology to establish a comprehensive real-time crime monitoring network. Assistant Commissioner of Police Zhivargo Dames, who oversees information and communication technology, highlighted the program’s growth, emphasizing its role in enhancing public safety. Registration is free and voluntary, allowing participants to decide whether police can access their cameras directly or upon request. The process involves providing basic details such as name, address, email, and the number of cameras installed. Despite initial skepticism and online backlash over privacy concerns, the RBPF has continued to advocate for community collaboration in modernizing crime prevention efforts. The FUSUS system is part of a broader strategy by the RBPF to leverage technology in policing. Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles has prioritized equipping all frontline officers with body cameras and ensuring mandatory ethics and conduct training. Currently, the force has 800 to 900 body cameras in use, with plans to acquire an additional 200 to 300 by early 2026, aiming to outfit all 3,000 officers. Mr. Dames noted that the cameras have already improved accountability and transparency, fostering greater public trust in interactions with law enforcement.