标签： Bahamas

Four months after witnessing the harrowing footage of her brother being struck by one vehicle and then run over by another, Shanda Robinson and her family are still awaiting accountability and answers from authorities. Winchester “Chester” Robinson, who suffers from schizophrenia, was walking alone on Soldier Road on July 17 when the tragic incident occurred. Surveillance footage captured the moment he was hit by a car, left motionless on the road, and then run over by a second vehicle. A third car stopped briefly but failed to offer assistance. Chester sustained severe injuries, including four broken ribs, a bruised lung, a broken leg, and required three surgeries. Despite his miraculous survival and subsequent discharge from the hospital in September, the family remains in the dark about who is responsible for the incident. Shanda Robinson expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Road Traffic Department and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, stating that officials promised to visit Chester in the hospital but never followed through. The family initially obtained surveillance footage from a nearby Chinese restaurant and sought assistance from authorities, but their efforts have been met with silence. Shanda, who relocated from Abaco to New Providence after Hurricane Dorian in 2019, finds it particularly challenging to navigate the system, as she knows few people on the island outside her family. Despite the emotional toll, the family has shifted their focus to Chester’s recovery. Reflecting on the incident, Chester’s reaction to watching the footage was one of gratitude: “Thank God I’m still here.” Shanda emphasized that accountability, even in the form of an apology, would bring the family much-needed closure. “You have to hold accountability for things in life,” she said, underscoring the importance of responsibility in such tragic circumstances.

The family of Quintero Arnett, a 25-year-old man tragically murdered in front of his girlfriend and four-year-old daughter earlier this year, has taken a bold step in their quest for justice. They are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for his death. This reward, privately coordinated by family and friends, aims to encourage individuals with concrete evidence to come forward, bypassing traditional channels like the police or Crime Stoppers. The family’s decision underscores their frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation, which has seen no significant updates in seven months. Quinton Arnett, Quintero’s father, emphasized the family’s determination to keep the case alive, fearing it could otherwise become a cold case. He urged anyone with information to step forward, promising anonymity and confidentiality. The family marked what would have been Quintero’s 25th birthday with a visit to his grave, a prayer service, and the release of balloons, followed by a gathering at home. Quintero, a boat captain and mechanic, was remembered as a devoted father and hardworking young man with dreams of owning his own boat. The shocking CCTV footage of the February shooting, which showed masked gunmen opening fire as Quintero’s daughter fled, sparked national outrage. Despite the pain, Quinton Arnett has chosen forgiveness, stating, ‘I forgive them, but we definitely want justice for him.’ The family’s ultimate wish is for closure and justice as the investigation continues.

Residents of North Cat Island in The Bahamas are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by relentless weekend rainfall. Marine Wilson, a 61-year-old resident of Stephenson, recounted the harrowing experience of losing nearly all her possessions as floodwaters inundated her home. Wilson and her family were forced to flee barefoot, salvaging only essential documents as furniture floated outside. The deluge left parts of North Cat Island, including communities like The Bluff and Bennett’s Harbour, submerged under up to two feet of water, rendering roads impassable and trapping residents in their homes. Arthur’s Town Comprehensive School remained closed due to the dire conditions. Wilson described wading through knee-high water for nearly 20 minutes to reach her blind brother’s house on higher ground, where she sought refuge overnight. Upon returning, she found her belongings destroyed, including rugs, drawers, and bureaus. Residents attributed the severity of the flooding to clogged drains, which exacerbated the situation. Stacy Strachan of Bennett’s Harbour reported that the water rose so high it submerged a Suzuki jeep up to its roof. Derrick Rolle, another resident, noted that while his home escaped flooding, his bathroom plumbing was affected. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology linked the extreme weather to a frontal trough and a tropical wave, which triggered widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region. As water levels began to recede, many residents remained stranded, unable to return home due to debris and impassable roads.

Panamanian authorities are actively investigating the tragic death of 16-year-old Bahamian student Madeline Thompson, who fell from the 27th floor of the Megapolis Hotel in Panama City on Friday. Police have yet to determine whether foul play was involved, with detectives currently reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence. A police spokesperson stated that it remains unclear whether Thompson fell or was pushed, and declined to comment on whether others were present in the room at the time of the incident. The Megapolis Hotel, a 66-story luxury property overlooking Panama’s oceanfront, reported the discovery of Thompson’s body around 6:05 a.m. in the hotel’s social area near the pool. Thompson was in Panama to participate in the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge, an international competition for secondary school students, and was reportedly sharing a room with two classmates. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and his wife, Ann, expressed their condolences, describing Thompson as a bright, compassionate young woman who embodied faith and service. Davis emphasized that her kindness and volunteerism reflected “the best of our Bahamian youth,” and her passing has deeply affected the nation. Jerusa Ali, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the government is coordinating with Panamanian officials and event organizers to assist Thompson’s family through its honorary consulate in Panama. Ali assured that consular officers are in close communication with all parties to prioritize the family’s needs and ensure a smooth process. Thompson, who recently celebrated her 16th birthday on September 26, was a dedicated volunteer at St. Joseph’s Parish’s soup kitchen and a cherished member of the church community. St. Augustine’s College, her school, expressed profound grief over her loss, stating that its delegation in Panama, including a parent, chaperone, principal, and faculty members, remains in contact with Panamanian authorities.

The highly anticipated Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades in The Bahamas are shrouded in uncertainty as a rift emerges between the government and the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence (JCNP) over event participation. Reports suggest that major A Division groups, including the Saxons Superstars, the World Famous Valley Boys, Roots, and One Family, may opt to perform under the JCNP’s independent events rather than the government-led parades. This division has left Junkanoo enthusiasts confused and divided, with many fans vowing to follow the major groups wherever they perform. Group leaders have remained silent, fueling speculation and leaving members scrambling for clarity. While B Division groups appear unified in their support for the JCNP, A Division members express frustration over what they describe as unilateral decision-making and poor communication. The JCNP announced plans to host two independent community Junkanoo experiences on Bay Street, emphasizing a return to the festival’s “purest, most organic form.” However, the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) denies reports of major groups withdrawing from the official parades, asserting that preparations are on track. The situation has sparked concerns about the cultural and economic impact, with tourism stakeholders warning that a scaled-down parade could harm the country’s image. Long-time Junkanoo lovers lament the politicization of the beloved tradition, calling for unity to preserve its legacy. As tensions persist, the future of this cherished cultural event hangs in the balance.

The local community in New Providence was left in profound grief following the tragic shooting of Distinguished Toastmaster Derek Garcia Rolle on Thursday night. The incident, which occurred shortly after 11 pm on Cambridge Drive, has sent shockwaves through the toastmasters’ community and beyond. Police reported that upon responding to reports of gunfire, officers discovered Mr. Rolle lying outside a residence with multiple gunshot wounds. Preliminary investigations suggest that the assailants, traveling in a dark-colored Japanese vehicle, opened fire on Mr. Rolle as he exited the residence before fleeing south onto Dover Avenue. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown. Mr. Rolle’s untimely death has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, with friends and colleagues remembering him as a dedicated leader, mentor, and friend. Toastmaster Franky Camille expressed deep sorrow, recalling Mr. Rolle’s unwavering support and belief in others. Emergency Medical Services confirmed no signs of life upon arrival. Toastmasters International also issued a heartfelt statement, honoring Mr. Rolle’s selfless contributions and urging members to honor his legacy. This tragic event marks the 71st murder in The Bahamas this year, underscoring the ongoing challenges of violence in the region.

A 16-year-old Bahamian student, Madeline Thompson, tragically lost her life in Panama after reportedly falling from the 27th floor of a high-rise hotel. The incident occurred while she was attending the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge in Panama City. According to Panamanian news outlet El Siglo, the accident happened around 6:05 am on Friday, when Thompson fell from the 27th floor to the 12th, landing in the hotel’s social area near the pool. She was sharing a room with two classmates at the time. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding her death. Thompson, who had just celebrated her birthday on September 26, was described by St Joseph’s Parish as a ‘cherished member of our parish family’ who regularly volunteered at the St Joseph’s Soup Kitchen. Her school, St Augustine’s College, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, stating that the entire school community is deeply affected. The school is in close communication with Panamanian authorities and is providing support to those affected by this tragedy.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, farmers on Crooked Island and Long Island are grappling with extensive agricultural damage, prompting urgent calls for government assistance. Michael Carroll, a seasoned farmer on Crooked Island, recounted the devastation wrought by the hurricane, which obliterated his five-acre farm. His banana and plantain crops, along with over 100 plantain trees, coconut, and papaya trees, were ravaged by 120 mph winds and severe flooding. Carroll, who has cultivated the land for 14 years, expressed profound discouragement, estimating an 18-month recovery period for his crops. He emphasized the critical need for financial aid to restore his farm, which had been a vital source of fresh produce for the local community and his store. Photographs from his farm depicted uprooted trees, debris, and stagnant floodwaters, underscoring the scale of destruction. Despite the setback, Carroll remains hopeful that with government support, he can rebuild and resume farming. Meanwhile, Long Island MP Adrian Gibson reported similar agricultural losses in his constituency, though he noted that the damage was less severe compared to Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. Gibson highlighted flooding as a primary concern, attributing it to inadequate drainage systems, and pledged to address the issue. He also mentioned that several properties, including his own home, suffered roof damage, but utilities and downed telephone lines were being restored. Gibson has been actively engaging with residents to ensure their needs are met, including arranging drinking water supplies for affected households. He emphasized the necessity of government and NGO intervention to aid in the recovery and restoration efforts following the storm.