标签： Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A local entrepreneur who had successfully rebuilt his life following past difficulties was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a targeted assault, plunging his family into profound grief. Brent ‘BJ’ McPhee Jr, 38, succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Saturday after being shot multiple times near the intersection of Homestead Street and Palm Beach Street on Friday evening. The father of five was reportedly visiting a friend when the attack occurred, moments after sending a final text message to his father indicating he was heading home. His father, Felix Brent McPhee Sr, recounted the devastating sequence of events, revealing he had been awaiting his son’s return to provide him with money to settle outstanding debts. Instead, he received the traumatic news of the shooting. Describing the subsequent hours as emotionally turbulent, the elder McPhee detailed receiving conflicting reports about his son’s condition before doctors ultimately delivered the tragic confirmation of his death. Despite the overwhelming loss, McPhee Sr expressed a stance of forgiveness toward the perpetrators, stating, ‘God be with him. I could forgive because we’re supposed to be forgiving… regret doesn’t have any cure.’ Family members emphasized that the victim had transformed his life, establishing a trucking business, engaging in maintenance work, and nurturing aspirations to construct his own family home. The incident marks the nation’s eleventh homicide this year, according to official records. Law enforcement officials have not yet made any arrests in connection with the case.

A devastating fire completely destroyed the generational home of a Centerville family of seven in the early hours of Friday, yet the tragedy has been met with an overwhelming wave of community solidarity. Alexis Braithwaite, 39, her husband, their four children aged 19, 13, nine, and two, and her disabled brother were all forced to flee the rapidly spreading inferno. While the blaze consumed nearly all their possessions, the family expressed profound gratitude that all human members escaped without physical injury. The incident has highlighted both the fragility of security and the strength of communal bonds in Nassau.

The fire erupted with alarming speed shortly after Mr. Charles Braithwaite departed for work at approximately 6:00 AM. Mrs. Braithwaite was awakened minutes later by her disabled brother, who first detected the danger. She described initially seeing smoke accumulating on her ceiling before discovering the fire’s origin in her brother’s bedroom. A critical turn of events occurred when opening the front door created a backdraft, causing flames to explode throughout the structure and forcing an immediate evacuation. Neighbors demonstrated remarkable courage, assisting the children to safety and even moving the family car away from the flames by breaking a window and pushing it into the road.

Emergency services were alerted at 6:12 AM, with fire crews arriving on the scene by 6:45 AM. Mrs. Braithwaite conveyed a sentiment of frustration regarding the response time, noting the proximity of the fire station and believing a quicker arrival might have allowed for the salvage of some belongings. Neighbors had initially attempted to combat the fire themselves using buckets and hoses but were ultimately unable to contain the intense flames.

Amid the total loss, the family found small miracles. Two Bibles, one from the children’s room and another from the main bedroom, survived the destruction with their pages intact—a phenomenon Mrs. Braithwaite views through a lens of faith. Tragically, the family’s five-year-old Shih Tzu, Marshall, perished in the fire, a loss described as particularly painful.

The aftermath has seen an incredible outpouring of support. Community members have provided essential donations including clothing, food, and financial assistance. The family has also been contacted by local MP Jomo Campbell and Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal Keith Bell, who have offered to facilitate aid through social services. Mrs. Braithwaite, who works at Baha Mar, and her self-employed taxi driver husband had been saving to purchase their own home. While offered restructuring of the burned property, the family’s hope is now to secure a new, independent housing solution, potentially through government assistance programs.

Currently, the displaced family is separated and staying with various relatives across Nassau as they begin the arduous process of recovery and await the official determination of the fire’s cause. Mrs. Braithwaite credits her brother with saving their lives and remains focused on gratitude for their safety and the compassion shown by their community.

A security alert triggered a full-scale evacuation at Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport on Wednesday morning following a bomb threat, causing significant travel disruptions and prompting a multi-agency security response. The incident began shortly after 7:30 AM when airport authorities received a telephone call claiming an explosive device had been planted on Terminal B’s third level.

Law enforcement and emergency services, including specialized units from the Airport Division, Anti-Terrorism Unit, Security Intelligence, Police K-9 Unit, and fire services, immediately initiated comprehensive security sweeps of the affected terminal. The evacuation protocol extended to adjacent commercial operations, including several car rental facilities, as a precautionary measure.

After nearly two hours of intensive inspection, authorities declared the facility secure at 9:13 AM, permitting the gradual resumption of airport operations. The Nassau Airport Development Company issued an advisory indicating that both inbound and outbound flights would undergo reprocessing procedures, with passengers advised to expect considerable delays while normal operations were being restored.

The incident created substantial inconvenience for hundreds of travelers who were forced to wait outside the terminal during the security operation. Passenger reactions ranged from frustration to resignation, with several individuals reporting missed connections and travel complications. One Bahamian traveler criticized the evacuation management as disorganized, calling for improved contingency planning for similar incidents in the future.

Tourist Chris Penland reported missing a scheduled boat transfer to Marsh Harbour due to the disruption, while other passengers expressed concerns about potential missed flights and accommodations. The event highlighted broader questions about passenger rights and airline obligations during security-related travel interruptions.

Law enforcement authorities have launched a full investigation into the source of the threat and have appealed to the public for any relevant information that could assist in identifying those responsible.

FORT CHARLOTTE, The Bahamas – A transformative community initiative has been launched with the official opening of the Fort Charlotte Technology, Arts & Culture Centre (FCTech), a premier facility designed to foster education, innovation, and economic empowerment. Spearheaded by Progressive Liberal Party candidate Sebas Bastian, the center’s inaugural phase was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by government ministers, community stakeholders, and enthusiastic supporters.

The newly unveiled facility represents a significant investment in community infrastructure, featuring state-of-the-art technology training rooms, a fully-equipped computer laboratory, versatile community meeting spaces, an events lawn, and a dedicated business center. The comprehensive hub is strategically designed to serve multiple generations, offering tailored programs that address both educational and economic needs.

Educational initiatives include specialized exam tutoring, technology mentorship programs, and enhanced computer access for students. For adult residents, the center will provide critical upskilling opportunities through financial literacy workshops, job readiness training, and leadership development programs. Additionally, the facility will serve as a venue for wellness activities and cultural events that celebrate local heritage.

Mr. Bastian articulated the center’s long-term vision, stating: ‘This initiative transcends physical infrastructure—it represents our commitment to building a stronger future for Fort Charlotte. Residents will acquire essential digital competencies for our technology-driven world, while entrepreneurs gain access to vital resources to strengthen our local economy.’

The project has received endorsement at the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis emphasized that the center reflects Mr. Bastian’s deliberate vision to create lasting community value, addressing resource gaps that prevent talented individuals from thriving. Current Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears, who has publicly endorsed Bastian as his successor, praised the center as exemplary of public service that genuinely benefits constituents.

Phase two developments are already planned, featuring three advanced technology laboratories, a culinary arts academy, fitness center, and expanded entrepreneurial spaces. The FCTech center stands as a testament to collaborative community development designed to serve Fort Charlotte for generations to come.

The Bahamian government has launched a comprehensive national wellness program targeting primary and secondary students, appointing Olympic track and field legend Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie as its National Student Wellness Ambassador. This collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Health and Wellness represents a strategic response to the nation’s growing health crisis related to preventable chronic diseases.

Mrs. Ferguson-McKenzie, a decorated athlete with three Olympic medals and five Olympic appearances, will spearhead the year-long campaign beginning March 2. Her role will focus on promoting nutrition education, physical activity, and sustainable healthy lifestyle practices among youth across all Bahamian islands.

Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin emphasized the urgency of addressing the country’s alarming health statistics during the program’s announcement. “When examining our national health data—particularly regarding diabetes, hypertension, and related complications—it becomes evident that we face a substantial health emergency,” she stated. Minister Hanna-Martin cited research indicating that 80% of such conditions could be prevented through proper education in school environments.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville reinforced this perspective, noting that “eighty percent of non-communicable diseases are preventable, meaning the majority of cases presenting at our tertiary healthcare facilities result from modifiable lifestyle factors.” He stressed that early intervention through schools represents a critical strategy for reducing long-term healthcare burdens.

The program will implement a multifaceted approach including school visits, digital outreach, and nationwide media campaigns. Using a blended model of in-person engagements, virtual sessions, and student-led wellness challenges, the initiative aims to help students understand the vital connections between nutrition, discipline, physical activity, and lifelong health outcomes.

Mrs. Ferguson-McKenzie expressed both honor and determination in accepting her ambassadorial role. “I approach this responsibility with utmost seriousness,” she affirmed. The Olympic medalist also highlighted the importance of collective community support, invoking the African proverb “It takes a village” to emphasize her non-judgmental, encouraging approach to working with students.

Following the initial 12-month implementation period, government officials will conduct a comprehensive national review to assess student participation, engagement levels, and potential opportunities for expanding the wellness initiative within the educational system.

The Bahamas’ media landscape pauses to honor its most distinguished figure as Eileen Dupuch-Carron, publisher emeritus of The Tribune, celebrates her 96th birthday. Recognized globally as the record-holding longest-serving newspaper editor and publisher, her 63-year tenure at the publication’s helm represents an unparalleled legacy in journalism.

Dubbed the ‘Iron Lady’ by political commentators, Mrs. Carron inherited the newspaper from her father, Sir Etienne Dupuch, in 1972. She subsequently guided The Tribune through six decades of national development, including the country’s transition to independence and evolution into a modern democracy. Her leadership established the publication as a bastion of independent journalism and vigorous public discourse.

Beyond her editorial achievements, Mrs. Carron’s multifaceted career includes groundbreaking accomplishments across multiple professions. She became the first Bahamian woman to earn a pilot’s license in her early twenties and later qualified as a barrister-at-law, being called to both the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn and the Bahamas Bar in 1962. Despite her legal qualifications, she dedicated her professional life to journalism, becoming the nation’s most senior female barrister while simultaneously leading The Tribune.

Her editorial commentary gained international recognition, with several pieces entered into the official record of the United States Senate. In 1993, she expanded her media influence by launching The People’s Radio Station (100.3 FM), becoming the first CEO of a private radio station.

Colleagues and protégés throughout the Bahamian media industry have extended birthday wishes as Mrs. Carron recuperates from a recent hospital stay. Former Managing Editor Stephen Hunt praised her as ‘the finest journalist in The Bahamas,’ while former News Editor Paul Turnquest noted her profound impact on generations of journalists, emphasizing that ‘The Bahamas is a richer, more vibrant, and freer nation today because of her work.’

Current Editor-in-Chief David Leigh compared meeting her to ‘meeting The Queen,’ acknowledging the impossibility of matching her remarkable legacy. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including appointment as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II and designation as a ‘Living Legend’ by the Zonta Clubs of New Providence.

The Tribune staff joins the nation in wishing Mrs. Carron continued strength and full recovery as she marks this milestone birthday, celebrating a life that has fundamentally shaped Bahamian journalism and democratic development.