标签： Bahamas

In a dramatic turn of events, the Bahamas’ most renowned Junkanoo groups—the Saxons, the World Famous Valley Boys, Roots, and One Family—have collectively decided to boycott this year’s holiday parades. This unprecedented move, confirmed after a unanimous vote by group leaders on Wednesday, threatens to disrupt the nation’s largest cultural celebration and significantly impact vendors and organizers. Several smaller B groups are also expected to follow suit, with an official announcement from the Junkanoo Corporation of The Bahamas (JCNP) anticipated soon. The decision stems from escalating tensions between Junkanoo leaders and the Davis administration, particularly over the proposed Junkanoo Bill and the government’s decision to transfer control of the parades to a newly established Parade Management Committee. Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Mario Bowleg’s recent declaration prohibiting private or competing events under the new system has further exacerbated the rift. JCNP-affiliated groups have long warned that these changes could fracture the Junkanoo community, and the corporation has hinted at organizing independent events in protest. However, their efforts appear stifled, as the JCNP was reportedly denied permission to practice at the Sports Centre on November 23. The fallout has left food vendors anxious, fearing a sharp decline in turnout and sales. Despite increased seed funding announced by the government in September, including a $10,000 boost for Category A groups, the dispute shows no signs of resolution. Prime Minister Philip Davis, who met with JCNP officials earlier this month, has distanced himself from the conflict, stating, ‘Don’t bring me into it.’

St Andrew’s School has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability by unveiling a state-of-the-art solar power array. The project, celebrated during a commissioning ceremony, was lauded by Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis as a pioneering example of renewable energy adoption and youth leadership.

The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) has firmly dismissed concerns about the readiness of this year’s Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades, emphasizing that preparations are progressing smoothly and the events remain on track. In a statement released on Friday, the NJC highlighted that Junkanoo participants from various organizations are actively engaged in designing costumes, crafting music, and preparing to showcase their creativity on Bay Street during the festive season. This announcement came in response to earlier reports from the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence (JCNP), which revealed that several prominent A groups, such as the Saxons Superstars, Roots, One Family, and the Valley Boys, would not participate in the government-organized parades. Instead, these groups plan to host independent community Junkanoo events. The Tribune had initially reported on the groups’ withdrawal, sparking speculation about the future of the national celebrations. However, the NJC clarified that it has not received any formal communication from major groups indicating their withdrawal. The committee also reassured the public that sponsors remain fully committed to the government-run parades and continue to support the NJC’s management of the events. The NJC reiterated its dedication to delivering a safe, fair, and transparent parade experience that celebrates the rhythm, unity, and artistic heritage of Bahamian culture. ‘Junkanoo belongs to the people,’ the committee stated, ‘and the NJC is committed to ensuring that the sounds of drums, horns, and cowbells fill Bay Street this Christmas on New Providence, as they have for generations.’

Elias Fritz, a 19-year-old TikTok influencer with over 300,000 followers, must wait until mid-November to discover if he will be granted bail on charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. Known online as “Jaido World,” Fritz appeared before Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson, who announced that the bail decision will be delivered on November 12. Fritz and a 16-year-old co-defendant are accused of attempting to rob Theodore Fernander of his white Honda Odyssey on August 11 and trying to kill him during the incident. Additionally, both face charges of firearm and ammunition possession and the attempted murder of two police officers. The arrests followed a high-speed police chase that ended when the suspects’ vehicle crashed into a utility pole on Eastern Road. Officers from Operation Black Scorpion initially spotted the suspects speeding near Ida Street and Robinson Road in a white Japanese vehicle without headlights. When police attempted to stop the car, the suspects fled, leading to a pursuit. During the chase, another patrol unit encountered a motorist on Robinson Road who had been shot by occupants of a vehicle matching the one being pursued. Three suspects, including Fritz, were arrested at the scene. Fritz’s voluntary bill of indictment is scheduled for service on November 21 before Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville.

Residents across the Central and Southeast Bahamas endured the brunt of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, as the Category Two storm unleashed heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and the looming threat of severe flooding. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued Alert #24, warning of sustained winds reaching 100 miles per hour, storm surges, and up to ten inches of rainfall. The hurricane, moving northeast at 15 miles per hour, impacted several islands, including Ragged Island, Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Rum Cay, and San Salvador. By mid-afternoon, the storm’s core passed approximately 25 miles east-southeast of Duncan Town, Ragged Island, and 60 miles south-southwest of South Long Island, bringing hurricane conditions to the region. On Long Island, residents reported worsening weather, with tropical-storm-strength gusts and power outages. Ann Cartwright, a resident of Gray’s, described the situation as calm but overcast, with winds exceeding 30 miles per hour. Meanwhile, Jill Smith of Stella Maris highlighted repeated power cuts and rapidly deteriorating conditions, particularly in the southern part of the island, where residents faced water and electricity shortages ahead of the storm. In Exuma, Princess McKenzie noted continuous rainfall since 4 a.m., while Gary Rolle expressed resilience despite the panic caused by the hurricane. On Acklins, Island Administrator Herman Gilbert confirmed that 194 residents chose to remain behind despite evacuation efforts, citing poor communication due to weather-related disruptions. Ragged Island residents were evacuated earlier in the week, with evacuees staying with family in New Providence. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis issued a mandatory evacuation order under the Disaster Risk Management (Evacuation – Southeast Bahamas) Order 2025, relocating over 1,400 residents from Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island. The order prioritized the elderly, sick, and children, with Davis emphasizing the government’s commitment to public safety. Although Hurricane Melissa weakened as it moved north, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant as damage assessments continue.

Residents of Abaco, Bahamas, are voicing their frustration over the prolonged neglect of the Treasure Cay International Airport, which remains in disrepair six years after Hurricane Dorian devastated the region. The Category Five storm, which struck in September 2019, reduced the airport to rubble, leaving it without a functional terminal. Visitors are reportedly forced to wait in a makeshift plastic shed and use portable toilets, highlighting the dire conditions. Bishop Cedric Bullard, a member of the North Abaco Pastors Association (NAPA), described the airport as overgrown with grass and primarily used by private planes. Customs and Immigration staff have been operating from two trailers for the past five years, enduring uncomfortable conditions, including encounters with snakes. Mr. Bullard emphasized the need for immediate repairs, including rebuilding the terminal, resurfacing the runway, and providing a functioning ambulance. He noted that the airport’s poor condition has led Bahamasair and US carriers to cease operations, redirecting travelers to the Marsh Harbour Airport. The NAPA recently held a meeting to address the lack of progress on the airport, the North Abaco Port, and the island’s deteriorating roads. Residents argue that rebuilding the airport is crucial for revitalizing the local economy. Despite being included in the government’s Family Island Airports Renaissance Programme, a public-private partnership initiative to upgrade 14 Family Island airports, the Treasure Cay Airport’s revitalization remains stalled. Mr. Bullard expressed the community’s sense of neglect, stating, ‘Honestly, we feel neglected. The airport is sitting there. It’s a long runway, it’s a safe runway. It’s in a good area, it’s near the world’s best beach, and they refuse to prepare it. It is a slap in the face.’