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标签： Bahamas

巴哈马

  • Young officer and recent graduate killed in separate weekend crashes

    Young officer and recent graduate killed in separate weekend crashes

    Grand Bahama witnessed a devastating weekend with two separate fatal traffic collisions that claimed the lives of young individuals with promising futures. The incidents, occurring within 24 hours of each other, have sent shockwaves through the community.

    In the first tragedy, 18-year-old George Ferguson, a recent high school graduate from Eight Mile Rock, lost his life in a collision at the intersection of Queen’s Highway and Stubbs Avenue. The accident occurred shortly before 9am yesterday when Ferguson’s vehicle collided with a Ford Transit van. Preliminary reports indicate the Ford driver was traveling eastbound on Queen’s Highway as Ferguson was exiting Stubbs Avenue. While the van driver sustained only minor injuries and was transported to hospital, Ferguson tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

    In a separate incident on Sunday evening, 27-year-old police officer Jonathan Johnson perished in a single-vehicle crash along East Bay Street. Authorities responded to reports of a serious collision around 7pm to discover a severely damaged blue Ford Taurus that had impacted a wall on the northern side of the roadway. Emergency crews extracted the unresponsive officer from the wreckage, but medical personnel confirmed he showed no signs of life. Initial investigation suggests Officer Johnson lost control of his vehicle while traveling eastbound before colliding with the wall.

    Officer Johnson, a former St Augustine’s College student and accomplished basketball player, is being remembered as an exceptional individual both on and off the court. Denykco Bowles, who coached Johnson from ages 15 to 18, described him as ‘a natural leader’ and ‘almost-perfect student-athlete’ known for his discipline, dedication, and passionate approach to both sports and life. Many former athletes like Johnson naturally gravitate toward uniformed services, making his career choice unsurprising to those who knew his character.

    The back-to-back tragedies have highlighted ongoing road safety concerns while reminding communities of the fragile nature of life, particularly for young adults on the threshold of their future endeavors.

  • Superstar Rockets finally take top prize in GB’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo parade

    Superstar Rockets finally take top prize in GB’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo parade

    In a spectacular cultural victory, the Superstar Rockets have claimed unofficial championship status at Grand Bahama’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo Parade, ending their six-year streak of second-place finishes to emerge as the 2026 Division A winners. The group’s triumphant performance, themed ‘Splendors of Ancient Egypt,’ featured an elaborate procession of pharaohs, kings, and meticulously crafted ancient Egyptian imagery along Explorer’s Way, captivating both spectators and judges alike.

    The victory represents the culmination of months of intensive preparation in the group’s shack, where members dedicated countless hours to design and construction. According to unofficial results, last year’s champions, the Swingers, secured second place with their presentation ‘Magnificent Expressions of Diverse Cultures,’ while the Classic Dancers captured third with ‘Breakfast Time, Let’s Eat Cereal’—a vibrant celebration of popular cereal brands. Completing the top five were Platinum Knights in fourth with ‘Jewels of the Bahamas’ and New Generation in fifth with ‘Latin America Kingdom Culture.’

    Division B saw Showtime claim top honors with their ‘Wizard of Oz’ presentation, followed by The Bushwhackers in second, Sting in third, and Bahamian Gladiators in fourth. The event attracted ten participating groups total, with official attendance from Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Junkanoo authority Percy ‘Vola’ Francis, and representatives from the National Junkanoo Corporation.

    Superstar Rockets leader Chauncey Gray expressed both relief and exhilaration at finally overcoming what he described as ‘the hump’ of consistent second-place finishes. ‘It was months and months of preparation, almost non-stop,’ Gray revealed. ‘We took a week or two off and then went back to the drawing board—planning and drawing.’ He emphasized the financial challenges involved, noting that while ‘it could be easier with better financing, we made it happen because we are Bahamians and we’re going to put on our cultural show.’

    The group’s success was bolstered by more than 200 members and additional support from dedicated fans who play vital roles in production. The cultural significance was further highlighted by visits from officials including Michael Pintard, FNM Leader and Minister for Grand Bahama, who has maintained a tradition of visiting Junkanoo shacks since his tenure as minister responsible for Junkanoo. Pintard praised the artists’ commitment, noting that many groups invest substantially more in costumes than they receive in prize money—a testament to their dedication to preserving and celebrating Bahamian cultural heritage.

  • Clergy hit out at ‘politicisation’ of Majority Rule as unfinished project

    Clergy hit out at ‘politicisation’ of Majority Rule as unfinished project

    In a powerful address during the nation’s 59th Majority Rule anniversary ecumenical service at Bahamas Harvest Church, two prominent religious figures issued stern critiques of The Bahamas’ political landscape, condemning the partisan appropriation of the national holiday and demanding greater youth inclusion in governance.

    Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd delivered a pointed message to parliamentarians and congregants, asserting that both major political parties—the Progressive Liberal Party and Free National Movement—have improperly politicized what should be a unifying national observance. ‘It’s unfortunate that both major political parties have managed to politicise this event,’ Bishop Boyd stated, ‘either by certain behaviours when they are in power or by catching feelings and keeping away when they’re not in power.’

    The religious leader reframed Majority Rule as an ongoing national project rather than a completed achievement, employing grammatical metaphors to illustrate his point: ‘Majority Rule Day is not a full stop. It’s not a pinnacle at which we have arrived. Majority rule day is a comma. It is a semicolon.’

    Bishop Boyd further cautioned against replacing the historical white oligarchy with an equally exclusionary black oligarchy, emphasizing that true freedom carries inherent responsibilities that Bahamians must collectively embrace.

    Pastor Mario Moxey, delivering the sermon, shifted focus to generational leadership disparities, noting the concerning absence of young Bahamians from meaningful political roles. He highlighted the historical contrast that many architects of Majority Rule were under 40 years old, while contemporary Members of Parliament average 50 years of age.

    ‘A nation that delays its youth leaders eventually delays its destiny,’ Pastor Moxey declared, questioning why young citizens are now relegated to campaign logistics and photo opportunities rather than substantive leadership positions.

    The pastor issued specific challenges to political parties, urging them to nominate at least 30 candidates under 30 in the next election cycle and establish robust mentorship programs across generations. He criticized modern political campaigns for emphasizing personal attacks over substantive ideas, interpreting low voter turnout as evidence of disillusionment rather than apathy.

    Pastor Moxey concluded with a warning to political parties approaching election season: ‘The Bahamian electorate has matured over the years. We are thinking voters. We are discerning voters. Bahamians will attend your rallies, accept your gifts, smile politely and still vote based on vision, not favours.’

    PLP chairman Fred Mitchell later responded to these critiques at party headquarters, acknowledging generational transition with the statement: ‘Time runs out on everybody,’ while reaffirming the PLP’s historical connection to the Majority Rule legacy.

  • Arrest warrant issued for Brittany Harris over libel allegations

    Arrest warrant issued for Brittany Harris over libel allegations

    A Bahamian court has issued an arrest warrant for Brittany Harris, a 34-year-old woman facing charges of intentionally libeling high-profile public figures. The case involves allegations against Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis and attorney Bjorn Ferguson.

    According to court documents, Harris stands accused of publishing a video targeting Mr. Ferguson on social media platforms in April 2024, which prosecutors claim was deliberately intended to cause public humiliation. Additionally, she allegedly shared defamatory content about Minister Coleby-Davis on Facebook in October 2024, accompanied by audio recordings purportedly meant to shame the government official.

    The legal proceedings took a significant turn when Harris failed to appear before Deputy Chief Magistrate Kara Turnquest Deveaux for a scheduled status hearing. This absence prompted Magistrate Deveaux to rule that Harris had violated her bail conditions, resulting in the immediate revocation of her bail and the issuance of an arrest warrant.

    The court’s decision carries financial implications for Harris’s sureties, who now face potential forfeiture of their $5,000 bond to the Crown. Harris had previously entered a plea of not guilty to both counts of intentional libel during December proceedings.

    The case, prosecuted by Inspector K Wilkinson, remains ongoing with trial dates set for February 24 and 25, 2026, should Harris be apprehended and brought before the court.

  • Primetime owner cites uneven playing field and rising overheads as 14-year-old venue closes

    Primetime owner cites uneven playing field and rising overheads as 14-year-old venue closes

    New Providence’s nightlife landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the permanent closure of Primetime Nightclub, a dominant entertainment venue for fourteen years. Owner Lavon Rahming confirmed the establishment’s shutdown resulted from converging factors including evolving consumer preferences, escalating operational expenses, and his own recognition that the business had completed its lifecycle.

    Mr. Rahming described the closure as a difficult but necessary evolution, noting that his core customer base had gradually diminished due to natural life progression. “People change their lives, get married, and assume responsibilities,” he explained, highlighting how demographic shifts influenced his decision to ultimately rebrand.

    Rather than terminating operations entirely, Rahming is orchestrating a strategic pivot. The existing facility is currently undergoing comprehensive renovations to emerge within approximately four months as a sophisticated restaurant and lounge under an entirely new brand identity, completely disassociated from the Primetime legacy.

    Beyond personal business considerations, Rahming identified systemic challenges within Bahamas’ nightlife industry. He cited unsustainable overhead costs, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, and perceived stigmatization of nightclub operations as significant sector-wide pressures. Notably, he referenced unequal enforcement of operating hours that placed his establishment at a competitive disadvantage compared to venues permitted to operate until 4 AM.

    The closure’s impact on staff was reportedly minimized through natural attrition, as many employees had already transitioned to part-time status while pursuing other ventures during the club’s gradual decline. A limited team remains engaged during the renovation phase, with Rahming continuing to provide support where feasible.

    Despite newer venues drawing away portions of his former clientele—many operated by former Primetime promoters—Rahming maintains a philosophical perspective, viewing their success as natural industry evolution rather than direct competition. The nightclub concluded public operations with a final event last Saturday, formally ceasing operations on Monday amid preparations for its next incarnation.

  • Deveaux confirms desire to run in Bamboo Town again

    Deveaux confirms desire to run in Bamboo Town again

    Patricia Deveaux, the current House Speaker and Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town, has officially declared her intention to seek re-election in the upcoming parliamentary race. Despite previous uncertainty about her political future, Deveaux expressed strong confidence in securing renomination from the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), while simultaneously pledging unwavering loyalty to the party regardless of the outcome.

    The announcement comes following months of speculation about her political ambitions, which Deveaux previously dismissed as ‘political mischief.’ In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, the Bamboo Town representative asserted her deep connections to the constituency, stating: ‘I was born here. I live here. I’m still here and I ain’t going nowhere.’

    Addressing criticisms from some constituents regarding her representation, Deveaux acknowledged room for improvement while highlighting several accomplishments during her term. Infrastructure developments featured prominently in her defense, with completed road paving projects in multiple neighborhoods and park renovations at Kennedy Park and Zion Boulevard Park. The MP also emphasized the establishment of Bamboo Town’s first Urban Renewal Center on East Street South, which she credits with significantly reducing crime rates, particularly petty theft and housebreaking incidents that had previously plagued the area.

    Despite these advancements, Deveaux identified flooding as the most pressing ongoing challenge, declaring flood zone mitigation her top priority. Responding to complaints about her visibility within the constituency, she maintained that her office remains consistently accessible except during illness or official absences, describing her approach as ‘personal’ and centered on ‘servantry’ rather than photo opportunities.

    The electoral landscape in Bamboo Town appears increasingly competitive. The Free National Movement has nominated party chairman Dr. Duane Sands as their candidate, while former MP Reward Wells has also announced his candidacy, setting the stage for a closely contested battle. Deveaux remains optimistic about her prospects, citing strong relationships with local schools and community members, and asserting she has ‘done more than what I’ve seen some sitting MPs do in ten years’ despite lacking a formal ministerial portfolio.

  • Grief resurfaces for widower after latest PMH neglect claims

    Grief resurfaces for widower after latest PMH neglect claims

    A fresh wave of outrage has hit Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in The Bahamas following the death of Clanesha Adderley, with her family alleging severe medical neglect. The case has drawn striking parallels to another tragic incident from nearly two years ago, revealing what appears to be a persistent pattern of systemic failure within the nation’s public healthcare system.

    Jerad Darville, who lost his 33-year-old wife Kenise at PMH in January 2023, stated that the allegations surrounding Ms. Adderley’s death have reopened deep emotional wounds. The circumstances are eerily familiar: Ms. Adderley was found cold and unresponsive in a hospital ward on November 14, with staff allegedly unaware of her passing. Her family reports that in her final hours, she repeatedly struggled to get attention from medical personnel and even instructed relatives to contact a lawyer to sue the hospital.

    This narrative mirrors Kenise Darville’s experience, who days before her death posted a viral Facebook video detailing what she described as negligence and substandard care at PMH. The video has since garnered over 240,000 views and sparked national calls for healthcare reform.

    Mr. Darville expressed profound disappointment with the government’s response, noting that despite personal assurances from the Prime Minister to investigate these matters, accountability remains elusive. He criticized hospital management for creating an environment where overworked, underpaid staff operate with limited resources, while senior officials avoid public scrutiny by refusing to identify medical personnel involved in controversial cases.

    In a March 2023 letter, the Public Hospitals Authority claimed Kenise Darville died from being “extremely ill” and reported no shortcomings in her care—a conclusion her husband vehemently rejects. He argues that simply building additional facilities won’t address the core issues of staff frustration and management failures that directly impact patient outcomes.

    In response to the growing public concern, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville has pledged that his ministry will “do everything in its power” to investigate Ms. Adderley’s death. Both cases have become emblematic of what many Bahamian families believe is a broader pattern of neglect at the nation’s leading public medical facility.

  • Rolle and Bowleg are early considerations for new Bimini and Berry Islands seat

    Rolle and Bowleg are early considerations for new Bimini and Berry Islands seat

    Political interest is intensifying around the recently established Bimini and Berry Islands electoral constituency, with early speculation centering on two prominent figures as potential contenders. Senator Randy Rolle of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), whose family has deep ancestral connections to Bimini, and former Free National Movement (FNM) Member of Parliament Carlton Bowleg are emerging as frontrunners in the developing political race.

    Local Bimini resident Natasha Bullard Hamilton is also under consideration as a potential PLP candidate, adding further dimension to the emerging electoral landscape. The PLP’s Bimini branch chairperson Kitty Saunders has publicly endorsed Senator Rolle, characterizing him as the most qualified representative for the island community. Saunders emphasized Bimini’s longstanding advocacy for independent constituency status and stressed the necessity for leadership that comprehends the unique cultural fabric and developmental trajectory of the islands.

    “Senator Randy Rolle Jr embodies the authentic spirit of our community,” Saunders stated. “He has demonstrated courageous leadership, genuine humility, and an unwavering dedication to public service.”

    Meanwhile, Mr. Bowleg, who has already received official ratification for North Andros and the Berry Islands, indicated he would continue his work within the constituency while seeking divine guidance regarding his political future. The former MP revealed he maintains strong connections with residents across both Bimini and the Berry Islands, communities he considers home after years of service.

    Reflecting on his tenure as a customs officer, Bowleg highlighted his history of community engagement: “The people of Bimini embraced me as one of their own, and I’ve consistently worked to give back to the island. I’ve maintained the same commitment in North Andros.” Regarding the Berry Islands, he described residents as resilient and authentic people whom he considers extended family.

    The newly formed constituency, which features 2,253 registered voters, was established following recommendations from the Constituency Boundaries Commission, signaling a significant restructuring of electoral representation in the region.

  • St James and Bimini seats created in boundaries report

    St James and Bimini seats created in boundaries report

    The Constituency Boundaries Commission has unveiled a comprehensive proposal to reshape the electoral landscape of The Bahamas, responding to significant demographic changes and aiming to ensure voter parity across the nation. Central to these recommendations is the establishment of a new parliamentary constituency in western New Providence, to be designated as St James, which will incorporate communities spanning Golden Isles, Killarney, and Southern Shores. A separate, standalone constituency for Bimini and the Berry Islands is also proposed, addressing long-standing calls for dedicated representation for these island communities. The commission’s report, formally presented in the House of Assembly by Speaker Patricia Deveaux, maintains the national total of 501 polling divisions while realigning boundaries and reassigning voter bases to reflect population data from the latest census and recent election results. The proposed adjustments impact numerous constituencies, including Bain and Grants Town, Centreville, and several in Grand Bahama and Abaco. The restructuring involves the transfer of specific polling divisions between constituencies to balance voter numbers, with the new St James constituency projected to host 5,149 registered voters. The commission’s methodology relied on historical boundaries reports, electoral data, and the 2022 census. The governing Progressive Liberal Party has endorsed the report, characterizing the redistribution as a normal and essential process for a healthy democracy that strengthens local representation.

  • Bahamian researcher: Obesity drugs may prevent colorectal cancer

    Bahamian researcher: Obesity drugs may prevent colorectal cancer

    A groundbreaking international study led by Bahamian researcher Dr. Colton Jones has revealed that medications commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management may significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. The research, which represents the first large-scale comparative analysis of its kind, demonstrates that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) outperform aspirin in preventive efficacy while presenting a more favorable safety profile.

    The comprehensive investigation, scheduled for presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco, examined health records of over 281,000 participants sourced from TriNetX, a commercial database encompassing 150 million patients across 106 healthcare organizations. The cohort, with an average age of 58 and comprising nearly 70% women, was divided between GLP-1 users and aspirin recipients.

    Research findings indicate that individuals administered GLP-1 medications experienced a 36% reduction in colorectal cancer incidence compared to those using aspirin. This protective effect proved even more pronounced among high-risk populations with personal or family history of the disease, reaching nearly 42% risk reduction.

    Dr. Jones, a cancer fellow and researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center, emphasized the clinical significance of these findings: ‘While aspirin has demonstrated modest preventive benefits, its associated bleeding risks have limited widespread adoption for cancer prevention. GLP-1 receptor agonists, already extensively utilized for metabolic conditions, may offer a dual therapeutic advantage by addressing both metabolic control and oncological risk mitigation.’

    The study further revealed superior safety outcomes for GLP-1 medications, with users experiencing fewer instances of acute kidney injury, gastric ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding compared to aspirin recipients. However, gastrointestinal side effects including diarrhea and abdominal pain were more frequently reported among GLP-1 users.

    Notably, the protective benefits were most substantial among participants who initiated treatment before age 45 and were observed irrespective of obesity or diabetes status. Tobacco users and individuals with atherosclerotic disease did not demonstrate significant risk reduction. Among the specific medications analyzed, semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide showed considerable efficacy, while tirzepatide did not demonstrate comparable benefits.

    Despite the modest individual benefit requiring approximately 2,000 person-treatments to prevent one cancer case, researchers highlighted the substantial public health implications given that approximately 6% of adults currently use GLP-1 medications. Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, with approximately 150,000 diagnoses and over 50,000 fatalities recorded in 2025.

    Dr. Jones characterized the research as a milestone achievement for Bahamian science, noting that clinical trials will be necessary to further validate these observational findings and establish definitive clinical guidelines.