标签： Bahamas

North Eleuthera Member of Parliament Sylvanus Petty has announced his intention to seek re-nomination for his seat, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions within the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). Petty, who previously declared his departure from frontline politics to focus on family, confirmed his change of heart during a press briefing, stating he has the full backing of Prime Minister Philip Davis. ‘I just spoke to the Prime Minister about 20 minutes ago, so I’m good to go,’ Petty told reporters. However, his decision has left some PLP aspirants feeling ‘disrespected,’ particularly Oscar McPhee, a hopeful candidate who criticized Petty’s performance and accused him of neglecting constituents. McPhee argued that Petty’s return undermines the efforts of other aspirants and fails to address the community’s dissatisfaction. Residents of North Eleuthera have also voiced frustration over ongoing issues such as water, electricity, and internet disruptions, with some expressing reluctance to see Petty return. Despite these concerns, Petty remains confident in his re-election prospects, citing recent government initiatives to improve infrastructure and living conditions. ‘We’re gonna have the same support as we did in the last election,’ he said. ‘So I’m confident that we’re gonna win it.’ Prime Minister Davis is expected to meet with other hopefuls for the constituency soon, as the PLP navigates internal tensions ahead of the upcoming election.

In a significant move to address migrant smuggling, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe presented the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025, in the House of Assembly. This legislation aims to strengthen The Bahamas’ ability to prosecute traffickers involved in moving people into or out of the country, particularly when Bahamian nationals or interests are implicated. The bill extends jurisdiction to cases occurring both within and outside The Bahamas, covering scenarios where the country serves as a point of origin, transit, or destination for smuggled migrants. Minister Munroe emphasized that the expanded scope ensures local authorities can act against offenders regardless of the location of the crime, provided it involves Bahamian interests. The legislation also enhances enforcement powers at sea, including search, seizure, and arrest, while safeguarding migrant safety and human rights. The bill outlines various human smuggling offenses, such as using fraudulent documents, arranging illegal entry, concealing migrants, and coordinating smuggling operations. Penalties include fines up to $300,000 and imprisonment for up to 15 years, with harsher punishments for cases involving exploitation, violence, or harm to vulnerable groups. The bill also penalizes owners of vehicles, vessels, or aircraft used in smuggling and criminalizes harboring smuggled migrants for financial gain. Additionally, the legislation protects migrants’ rights, ensuring access to basic amenities, consular services, and asylum procedures. Minister Munroe highlighted that this legislation fills a critical gap in national law, aligning with international treaties to combat migrant smuggling effectively.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is poised to finalize its roster of candidates for the forthcoming general election, with a significant focus on the Golden Isles constituency, where a by-election is anticipated. Senator Darren Pickstock is expected to be ratified as the candidate for Golden Isles, following the recent passing of area MP Vaughn Miller. House Speaker Patricia Deveaux has officially notified the Governor General of the vacancy, triggering the constitutional requirement for a by-election within 60 days of the vacancy, with the vote to follow within 21 to 30 days after the writ is issued. Golden Isles, a pivotal swing constituency, has seen voter dissatisfaction due to inconsistent representation in recent years. PLP insiders revealed that several incumbents, including Seabreeze MP Leslia Miller-Brice, Garden Hills MP Mario Bowleg, and Golden Gates MP Pia Glover-Rolle, are also set to be confirmed. These decisions follow thorough interviews conducted by the PLP’s Candidates Committee, which has endorsed several hopefuls. Videos circulating on social media last week depicted Mrs. Miller-Brice, Mr. Bowleg, and South Beach MP Bacchus Rolle celebrating their re-nominations with supporters. Mrs. Miller-Brice expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving her constituents. Additionally, broadcaster and former government press secretary Clint Watson, the frontrunner for the Southern Shores seat, is expected to face the committee this week. PLP officials emphasized that the final approval lies with the party’s National General Council, which convenes on Thursday to formalize nominations. PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell urged reporters to await the outcome, while Deputy Chairman Obie Roberts highlighted the dual process of recommendation and ratification. The Candidates Committee may endorse nominees, but the council, comprising stalwart councillors and senior members, must approve each candidate by vote. Branch chairman Henrico Ellis expressed high anticipation for Thursday’s meeting, noting that a candidate has already been identified but stressing that the final decision rests with the council. “It’s going to be an exciting night,” he remarked.

Maurice Moore, a founding member of the Free National Movement (FNM), has emphasized the importance of the opposition party contesting the upcoming Golden Isles by-election. Speaking to The Tribune, Moore warned that allowing the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to run uncontested would be a strategic misstep. He argued that the FNM must remain in the political fray, even if the odds are stacked against them. While some believe the FNM could leverage the late Vaughn Miller’s limited popularity in the area, Moore acknowledged the PLP’s significant financial and organizational advantages, describing the race as challenging but not unwinnable. ‘We’re one of the two major parties, so we have to contest it,’ Moore stated. ‘Even if we win by a narrow margin, it demonstrates the FNM’s potential to secure victory in a general election.’ Moore also stressed that the party’s success will hinge on its candidate selection process. The FNM has yet to confirm whether it will field a candidate for the by-election, with party insiders divided on the issue. Some advocate for conserving resources for the national campaign, while others view the by-election as an opportunity to rally supporters and attract new funding. FNM leader Michael Pintard has remained noncommittal, reiterating his call for Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis to call an early general election instead. The party’s hesitation follows a recent defeat in the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, where the FNM ignored advice from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham to avoid the race. Despite the setback, Moore insists that the FNM must not signal retreat. ‘If we don’t run, it gives the impression that we’ve given up,’ he said. ‘The FNM must always be in the fight.’

Residents from the MICAL constituency have made a significant journey to New Providence to rally behind Robert Dupuch-Carron, founder of the Bahamas Aviation Climate and Severe Weather Networks Ltd (BACSWN), as he prepares to appear before the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) Candidates Committee. This surge of support comes in the wake of MICAL MP Basil McIntosh’s announcement that he will not seek re-election, a decision that has sparked criticism from some PLP supporters who feel let down by his performance. Dupuch-Carron, who has expressed his honor at being considered for the role, represents a lineage of political service, with his grandfather, great-uncle, and uncle all having served parts of the southern Bahamas. Timothy Thompson Sr, a Crooked Island resident and member of the PLP’s National General Council, has voiced his belief that Dupuch-Carron is the ideal candidate to bring true representation to MICAL, a constituency he claims has been neglected for years. Thompson has called for investments, airport development, and projects to showcase Crooked Island’s potential. Constituents from Mayaguana, Acklins, Inagua, and Crooked Island have flown in to support Dupuch-Carron, who is expected to meet with the PLP’s Candidates Committee for an interview. Thompson has warned of a potential protest vote against the PLP if Dupuch-Carron is not selected, emphasizing the urgency of effective representation. Henry Rolle, PLP branch chairman for Acklins, has highlighted the dire need for basic necessities like potable water and proper hurricane shelters, pointing to longstanding issues on Acklins. Father James Palacious, an Inagua native, has praised Dupuch-Carron’s innovative ideas, particularly his BACSWN project, which includes aviation-grade ambulances, enhanced search-and-rescue capabilities, and upgrades to radar and meteorological services. Palacious believes this project could significantly benefit Inagua. As the PLP’s nomination process unfolds, at least two other candidates, Angela Michelle Cox-Lockhart and Laverne Bertrum “Dyie” Ingraham, have also declared their intentions to represent the governing party in the vast constituency, which includes Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay. Cox-Lockhart has outlined a “7-Pillar Development Plan” focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, economic empowerment, education, culture, climate readiness, and inter-island connectivity, while Ingraham has cited long-standing political neglect and unfulfilled promises as his motivation for running.

The Bahamas is contemplating abstaining from the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) pivotal vote on the proposed Net Zero Framework, following threats of retaliation from the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell revealed that the Bahamian government has formally requested the IMO to postpone the vote, signaling that the nation may withhold its support if the vote proceeds as scheduled. This decision comes in response to a stern warning from the Trump administration, communicated via the US Department of State, which outlined five retaliatory measures against countries endorsing the framework. The US has criticized the plan, claiming it imposes ‘unduly or unfairly burdens’ on American citizens and could harm the nation’s shipping and commercial interests by enforcing stricter emissions standards. As one of the world’s largest ship registries and a longstanding IMO member, The Bahamas holds significant sway in global maritime regulation. The IMO’s Net Zero Framework aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. While proponents argue the framework is essential for achieving global climate goals, opponents, particularly US conservatives, contend it could escalate shipping costs and disadvantage maritime economies dependent on fossil fuel transport.