A heated political dispute has erupted in The Bahamas following allegations by Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard regarding a bag of passports found on a Bahamasair flight. Pintard claimed during a political rally on the eve of the Golden Isles by-election that an internal investigation had been conducted, resulting in dismissals. He described the incident as a bag bursting open, scattering passports on the ground, and suggested the flight was heading south with a package of passports on board.
标签： Bahamas
巴哈马
-
Goldie’s destroyed as massive fire sweeps Fish Fry
A devastating fire has engulfed Arawak Cay’s renowned Fish Fry, a prominent tourism and cultural landmark in the country. The blaze, which has been raging for over an hour, has left several popular restaurants in ruins. Among the hardest hit is Goldie’s, which has been completely destroyed, while the adjacent Rake and Scrape restaurant is fully consumed by flames. The fire has rapidly spread through multiple wooden structures, with power lines also catching fire as the situation escalates. Vendors located on the western end of the Fish Fry are facing significant losses as emergency crews work tirelessly to contain the damage. The Fish Fry is celebrated as a vital hub for both tourism and local culture, making this incident a severe blow to the community. Further details regarding the cause of the fire and potential casualties remain unavailable at this time.
-
‘Christmas come early’
In a dramatic turn of events, a stranded container barge off the coast of North Abaco became the target of a brazen looting spree yesterday. The vessel, named *The Brooklyn Bridge*, had run aground near Nunjack Cay after its towline snapped during inclement weather. Scores of residents, arriving in small boats, swiftly descended upon the barge, hauling away goods ranging from toilet paper and dog food to appliances and furniture. The scene, captured in viral videos, was described as a “free-for-all” by one local, with some jokingly referring to it as an early Christmas for Abaco. Authorities, including the Defence Force and police, were deployed to secure the area, but not before significant quantities of cargo were removed. Stephen Wilson, North Abaco’s island administrator, condemned the theft but noted that police are unlikely to pursue the looters, as their actions inadvertently lightened the barge’s load. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that an assessment team has inspected the vessel and anticipates no environmental impact. Meanwhile, public reaction remains divided, with some condemning the looting and others defending it as a customary practice in the region. The barge, reportedly carrying millions of dollars’ worth of supplies, awaits a replacement tug for recovery.
-
OPM rejects Pintard’s claim of passports found on Bahamasair flight
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) of The Bahamas has vehemently denied claims made by Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Michael Pintard regarding an alleged incident involving unaccompanied Bahamian passports on a Bahamasair flight. Pintard, during a political rally in Golden Isles, asserted that a package of passports was discovered on a flight “heading south,” prompting an investigation and resulting in dismissals. He questioned the silence of senior government officials and hinted at potential misconduct within the passport office. Pintard challenged the Prime Minister to address the issue directly, accusing the government of withholding information. In response, the OPM issued a statement categorically refuting Pintard’s allegations, labeling them as false and baseless. The statement emphasized that no such incident occurred, no investigation was conducted, and no staff were dismissed. The OPM accused Pintard of spreading misinformation for political gain, urging him to retract his statements and apologize to the relevant authorities. The government’s rebuttal underscores the escalating political tensions in The Bahamas, with both sides engaging in a war of words over the credibility of the claims.
-
19-year-old turns lunch money into boutique business
At just 19 years old, Dashia Moxey has already carved out a remarkable path as a multifaceted entrepreneur, balancing her growing clothing boutique, multiple side businesses, and law studies. Her journey began in high school, where she saved her lunch money to fund her first venture—a skincare line. This initial step laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, which later expanded to include locs hairstyling, candied fruit sales, and eventually the opening of Astra Boutique in February 2024, just months after graduating from Temple Christian High School.
-
UB students ordered to sit exams in rooms deemed unusable due to mould
Growing concerns over mould contamination in multiple classroom blocks at the University of The Bahamas have reached a critical point this week. Students have reported being instructed to sit their end-of-semester exams in a room previously deemed unsafe due to mould issues. A social media post from a student revealed that a mathematics class had been moved online for weeks because of mould in the assigned classroom, only for the final exam to be scheduled in the same space, with masks required as a precaution. Dr. Anastasia Brown, Acting President of the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas, confirmed that mould complaints extend beyond the maths building to other facilities, including the CATS building. She attributed the problem to long-standing maintenance challenges on the Oakes Field campus, exacerbated by the university’s location on a former pond, which necessitates regular upkeep. Dr. Brown also highlighted issues with air-conditioning vents and filters, which are not being replaced on schedule due to resource constraints. She emphasized the impact of poor air quality on faculty, staff, and students, stating, ‘If you hear my voice, I can barely breathe.’ Despite promises from university officials and the government to address the issues, Dr. Brown expressed frustration over the lack of progress. Edwin Waldron, President of the Student Government Association, acknowledged earlier complaints about mould and confirmed that the university had allocated funds for repairs. However, he was unaware of the specific exam-related complaint and pledged to investigate. Both Dr. Brown and Mr. Waldron stressed the importance of resolving maintenance issues, particularly as the university prepares for accreditation exercises. Dr. Brown urged the institution to prioritize safety, stating, ‘We understand we want to do accreditation, but you have to make sure that we are around to enjoy accreditation.’ University officials did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
-
Health conditions will play part in US visa application process
A recent immigration directive by the Trump Administration has raised concerns among individuals applying for U.S. visas, particularly immigrant visas. The U.S. State Department issued a cable instructing embassy and consular officers to evaluate applicants’ health conditions more rigorously. This includes assessing whether applicants with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and metabolic diseases, cancers, diabetes, and mental health disorders could incur substantial medical costs in the U.S. While health assessments have always been part of the visa process, the new directive expands the list of medical conditions under scrutiny. The heightened focus primarily targets immigrant visas, not short-term B-2 visitor visas for individuals who can fund their own medical treatment and intend to return home. Visa officers must also determine if applicants have sufficient financial resources to cover their medical needs without relying on U.S. government assistance. Leonara Coakley, a visa consultant, noted that while clients have not directly questioned her about the directive, business has slowed significantly since September due to widespread fear and confusion about immigration policies. She highlighted a case where a client with a heart condition was denied a B-2 visa extension despite ongoing medical treatment in the U.S. Coakley emphasized that fear, fueled by news reports on immigration enforcement, is deterring potential applicants. She explained that visa denials often depend on the officer’s judgment, and applicants can reapply with additional evidence. The directive also includes conditions like obesity, which are linked to chronic illnesses, as factors in assessing whether an applicant might become a public charge. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the Trump Administration prioritizes the interests of American taxpayers by enforcing immigration policies that prevent the system from becoming a financial burden. The Department has historically had the authority to deny visas based on the likelihood of applicants becoming public charges.
-
China donates $85k for Hurricane Melissa relief
In a significant move to bolster disaster recovery efforts, China has pledged additional aid to The Bahamas following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The Chinese government has approved approximately $84,665 through the China-Caribbean Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Fund, underscoring its commitment to supporting the Caribbean nation in times of crisis. This latest contribution comes in response to a diplomatic note from the Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which detailed the extensive damage inflicted by the hurricane. Chinese Ambassador Yan Jiarong highlighted China’s ongoing support, recalling her visit to a restoration village in Grand Bahama last November, where she delivered aid following Hurricane Milton. She emphasized that the lingering effects of Hurricane Dorian, which struck five years ago, are still palpable. Over the past three years, China has donated $140,000 to The Bahamas through the same fund, along with emergency supplies and over $600,000 in cash and material aid post-Dorian. Beyond financial assistance, China has organized workshops and seminars for Bahamian professionals to enhance disaster response and climate adaptation capabilities. The Chinese government expressed its deep understanding of the unique vulnerabilities faced by small island states like The Bahamas in the era of climate change. Reiterating its commitment to global climate governance, China emphasized the importance of translating climate commitments into action and fostering international cooperation. The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of China’s unwavering support for The Bahamas, encapsulated in the proverb, ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’
-
‘Exterminate cane toads to protect your family and pets’
The Bahamas is grappling with the escalating presence of cane toads, an invasive species that has firmly established itself in the nation’s ecosystem. Local experts warn that the toads, which have been increasingly spotted across New Providence, pose significant risks to pets, wildlife, and even humans. Deon Gibson, general manager of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), noted a sharp rise in cane toad sightings in both western and eastern parts of the island. He urged residents to euthanize the toads by sealing them in bags and freezing them or using long tools like pitchforks to avoid direct contact. Dr. Ancilleno Davis, an assistant professor at the University of The Bahamas, emphasized that eradication is no longer feasible. ‘It is impossible to kill off all the cane toads,’ he stated. ‘We must learn to coexist with them and educate communities, especially children and pet owners.’ The toads’ rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators ensure their long-term survival. A single female can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs, and mature toads face minimal threats. However, their toxins are deadly to local wildlife and can cause severe reactions in humans, including nausea, vomiting, and even cardiac issues. Dr. Davis highlighted the ecological imbalance caused by the toads, which prey on native species and poison predators. ‘A stray dog or cat might think it’s an easy meal, but they will die,’ he explained. The surge in reported sightings is partly attributed to increased public awareness and the rapid dissemination of information online. Cane toads were first detected in western New Providence in 2013, and since then, multiple alerts and identification guides have been issued to combat their spread. Despite these efforts, the species’ impact on the Bahamas’ ecosystem and public safety remains a pressing concern.
-
Fourteen young Bahamians graduate the government’s 2025 National Lifeguard Certification Programme
In a landmark achievement for water safety and youth employment, fourteen young Bahamians have successfully completed the 2025 National Lifeguard Certification Programme, becoming fully certified lifeguards. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in the country, was designed to enhance water safety while creating sustainable career opportunities for Bahamian youth. The certification ceremony, themed “The First Wave: Building a Safer Bahamas,” was hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture at Pelican Bay Resort’s Delphine Room. Launched in 2024 through a collaboration between the Ministry, the YMCA Family Centre, and Bahamas Swim and Scuba, the programme equips participants with life-saving skills and Caribbean-standard aquatic training. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in programmes that foster confidence, discipline, and opportunities for Bahamians of all ages. He highlighted the transformative power of sports and education in empowering and uplifting lives. Karon Pinder-Johnson, Executive Director of the YMCA Family Centre, lauded the initiative as a model of national collaboration, describing it as a strategic investment in human capacity, youth empowerment, and life preservation. All graduates have secured employment in the lifeguard field, fulfilling the programme’s objective of creating direct career pathways. The ceremony also recognized exceptional participants with awards such as the Rising Star Trainee Award, Most Improved Lifeguard Award, and Leadership & Training Award. Officials announced that this initiative is the first step in a broader effort to expand lifeguard training and strengthen national water safety standards across The Bahamas.