Stories for January 2025

Subscribe

Tuesday, January 7

Put ‘all cards on table’ over banking reforms

A Bahamian economics professor is urging that “all cards have to be on the table” for banking industry reform as he voiced fears the credit bureau’s launch has yet to lower interest rates for quality borrowers.

BREAKING: Three men to face charges in police corruption probe

THREE men, including former senior police officer Michael Johnson and a well-known attorney, are set to face charges in a high-profile corruption case linked to leaked voice recordings that surfaced in July.

Tease photo

Auto dealer in $500k investment despite ‘saturation’ concerns

A Bahamian auto dealer yesterday revealed it will invest up to $500,000 in a new showroom and create “at least” five jobs for its newly-acquired Chinese brand despite “market saturation” concerns.

Tease photo

Consumer watchdog’s ‘huge’ three-fold complaints surge

The Bahamas’ consumer protection watchdog saw a “huge” three-fold increase in complaints against businesses for the 2024 full-year, its chairman revealed yesterday.

Tease photo

Union chairman backs Vybz Kartel opposition

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) chairman yesterday backed the United Artist Bahamas Union’s (UABU) vocal opposition to dancehall artist, Vybz Kartel, staging a concert in The Bahamas.

Bahamas behind region in economy performance

The “sluggish” Bahamian economy’s growth under-performed its regional rivals by five percentage points over the decade to 2023 due largely to declining productivity and lack of “technological progress”.

Tease photo

Mom beaten in jitney attack recovering - but needs help

LATASHA Rolle, the woman who suffered a brutal attack last month, leaving her with both legs broken, is slowly making progress toward walking again, according to her relatives.

Tease photo

Sewage leak at Montagu

DR Rhianna Neely-Murphy, director of the Environmental Planning and Protection Department, confirmed a sewage spill at Montague Beach has been contained but could not specify when the beach will reopen.

Tease photo

‘Stop making us pay more fines’

WITH new changes to the road traffic regulations now in effect, Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard has urged the Davis administration to avoid burdening the public with extra fees and strict compliance measures.

Monday, January 6

Tourism ministry celebrates awards

A HOST of awards marked the end of the year for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

PDC opens new office as it expands services

AN accounting services firm is starting the year by announcing expansions for both its services and locations.

Tease photo

Chamber chief looks to younger generation as she steps down

Abaco’s Chamber of Commerce president is stepping down with the hope that the younger generation will bring new ideas, and stronger teamwork to continue representing the island’s business community.

Tease photo

Union to fight against Vybz Kartel concert

The United Artist Bahamas Union plans to “push back by any means necessary under the law” against the approval of the Vybz Kartel concert set to happen at Fort Charlotte, citing the Jamaican Dancehall artist’s criminal background - despite his 2011 murder conviction having been overturned.

Tease photo

Fancy dancers miss out after title reversal

THE Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence reversed the results in the 2024 Boxing Day Parade’s Category B after a protest by the group Colours, prompting the Fancy Dancers to consider legal action.

Tease photo

Grandmother’s grief after boy, 15, killed in accident

A HEARTBREAKING tragedy unfolded in Bimini on January 4, 2025, as 15-year-old Anthorn Jaheim Johnson lost his life in a car accident that left his family and the close-knit community in shock.

Tease photo

FNM leader opposes choice of deputy commissioner

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said he wrote to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, expressing strong opposition to his intention to appoint Anthony Rolle as deputy commissioner of police.

Tease photo

90-day plan unveiled by new top cop

NEWLY appointed Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles has pledged immediate initiatives for the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), including mandatory ethics training, body-worn cameras by all frontline officers, and a scholarship fund to facilitate continued education for officers.

Finding affordable rented houses is a challenge. A research study suggests how that can be tackled

A NEW research study says while rental housing in New Providence is unaffordable for lower-income households, targeted policy interventions could revitalise the market and increase the availability of affordable units.

Tease photo

Mother hurt in crash that killed her child seeks help

THE family of a grieving mother, who was seriously injured in a fatal three-car collision in Grand Bahama that claimed the life of her one-year-old son, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $75,000 for her medical expenses and recovery.

WORLD VIEW: Forget begging rich nations - Caribbean countries should act to save themselves

It has long been evident that the world’s richest nations, especially those responsible for the lion’s share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, care little about the existential threats faced by small states.

Officers urged to tackle crime and corruption

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) held its annual police church service yesterday at Life Changers Ministries, where speakers urged officers to tackle crime and corruption with greater intensity and accountability.

RBDF ship returns from Haiti deployment for repairs

A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) vessel will be redeployed to patrol offshore areas near Haiti early this week after returning to The Bahamas for repairs due to defects encountered during its mission, Commodore Raymond King said yesterday.

INSIGHT: What’s on the agenda for new commissioner?

AND so we have a new Commissioner of Police.

Sunday, January 5

Tease photo

Man's body found in waters at West End

A Grand Bahama man, who is known to police, was found dead in waters near a church in West End early this morning.

Saturday, January 4

Outgoing COP Fernander: "I have finished the race"

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) marked a historic milestone yesterday as Clayton Fernander officially handed over leadership to Shanta Knowles, the first woman to hold the position of Commissioner of Police in the institution’s 184-year history.

Tease photo

Bahamian poetry and renowned talent at annual High Commission carol service in London

The High Commission of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas hosted its annual Carol Service at the historic Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair on December 14.

Friday, January 3

Tease photo

Time to put up or shut up as Bahamas Bowl teams ready for whistle

WITh all of the pre-game formalities over and done with, it's time for both the Buffalo Bulls and the Liberty Flames to put up or shut up as they wait for the whistle to blow to start the ninth Bahamas Bowl.

Tease photo

01032025 EDITION

Friday, January 3, 2024

Woman hospitalised after alleged suicide attempt in GB

A 21-YEAR-OlD Grand Bahama woman was hospitalised on New year’s Day following an alleged suicide attempt.

Tease photo

Govt looking to establish Office of the Ombudsman early this year

ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said the government is working to establish the Office of the Ombudsman in the first quarter of 2025, stressing that a wide range of work is required, from outlining job roles to creating training modules.

Tease photo

Human rights committee still has not held meeting

HUMAN Rights Bahamas has called for the newly established parliamentary Human Rights Committee to begin its work, emphasising the urgent need to address ongoing issues affecting the Bahamian public.

Tease photo

UB operations uninterrupted as fear rises of a sickout

OPERATIONS at the University of The Bahamas remained unaffected despite some staff members reportedly calling in sick, raising fears of a sickout.

Tease photo

Near $10m cocaine seized at container port in GB

NEARLY $10 million worth of cocaine has been seized in a New Year’s Day drug bust at the container port in Grand Bahama.

Tease photo

Family’s horror at baby’s death

A GRIEVING grandmother says the loss of 14-month-old Kengdom Seymour, her last grandson, in a horrific New Year’s Day crash has devastated her family, and the premature posting of the tragedy online has only added to their pain.

Accused of breaking into home, assault and threats

A MAN was granted bail after being accused of breaking into a woman’s home in Nassau Village and threatening her with death.

Man accused of unlawful sex with 15-year-old girl

A 22-year-old man was granted bail after he was accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl twice last year.

US Coast Guard hands over 14 migrants to Bahamian authorities

THE US Coast Guard handed over 14 migrants to Bahamian authorities following the interdiction of an illegal maritime migration attempt.

Much to do to secure second term

GENERAL elections are scheduled for 2026, a year or so away.

How can our classrooms become more inclusive?

A myriad of problems and challenges have hindered the success of inclusive education.

Exuma man admits to having unlicenced firearm

A 21-year-old Exuma resident admitted to having an unlicensed gun on the Family Island on Christmas Day.

$1,000 fine for possession of a fake police certificate

A MAN was fined $1,000 last week after admitting to having a fake police character certificate earlier this week.

Thursday, January 2

Tease photo

01022025 OBITUARIES

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Tease photo

01022025 EDITION

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Tease photo

This week's Tribune Obituaries PDF edition

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Brittania finalises acquisition of Deltec private client banking

Deltec Bank and Trust has officially completed the sale of its private client banking and fiduciary business to Brittania Bank.

Burrows store bought for $2.5m and set for renovation by AML

A GROCERY story in Governor’s Harbour has been purchased by AML Foods Limited - and will be shutdown temporarily for renovations.

‘Positive’ year ahead starting with Routes America event

This year should be a “positive” one, says the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board’s (NPIPB) chief executive - with the board preparing to host Routes America and explore new projects.

Silver Airways files for bankruptcy - but move ‘will not affect airlift’

Silver Airways has filed for bankruptcy in US courts but the government’s aviation chief says proceedings not expected to have adverse impact on local airlift.

CCA says Supreme Court ruling in Baha Mar case ‘deeply flawed’

CSCEC Bahamas Ltd. (CSCECB), CCA Bahamas Ltd. (CCAB), and CCA Construction, Inc. (CCA) filed the opening brief in their appeal of the trial court’s decision with the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court seeking the reversal of the “deeply flawed decision” to award Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar’s original developer $1.6bn in damages for fraud.

Tease photo

Vybz Kartel set to make long-awaited return to Bahamas

VYBZ Kartel’s long-awaited return to The Bahamas is set to take place at a concert organised by International Events and Production, with corporate sponsorship from Aliv and Bahamasair.

Tease photo

Murder rate up 8% over prior year

THE country recorded an eight percent increase in homicides from the 110 in 2023, according to The Tribune’s records.

Tease photo

Former officer and attorney arrested and interviewed in voice note probe

OUTGOING Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police arrested and interviewed a former high-ranking officer and an attorney at the centre of a major corruption investigation involving leaked voice recordings.

Tease photo

Saxons make history with fourth victory

THE Shell Saxons Superstars did it again, pulling off a fourth consecutive win of the Junkanoo season by unofficially clinching the 2025 New Year’s Day parade with a theme celebrating six decades of achievement and resilience.

Bahamas Bowl this Saturday

FOLLOWING a one-year absence, the Bahamas Bowl, the longest-running international bowl game in college football history, returns to Nassau for its eighth edition on Saturday, January 4.

Tribune sports’ coaches of 2024

THE year came to a close on Wednesday, but Tribune Sports couldn’t help but get the new year started by honouring those coaches who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes and rarely get the credit they so rightfully deserve.

First traffic fatality recorded for 2025

A TRAFFIC fatality, two separate stabbing incidents, and two boating incidents occurred over the New Years Day period.

Five Bahamians receive King’s New Year Honours

FIVE Bahamians have been recognised by His Majesty King Charles III in the 2025 New Year Honours for their contributions to business, religion, youth work, and community service.

‘No significant change’ in LGBTI+ support expected as Trump takes helm

AS The Bahamas prepares for a US republican administration, local human rights defender Alexus D’Marco expressed confidence that US advocacy for vulnerable communities, including LGBTI people, will remain steadfast.

High cost of living in our nation

As a mother of two children, married for eight years, and a working Bahamian who is doing her best to make ends meet, I am writing to express my deep concern over the unbearable cost of living in The Bahamas.

Progress in corruption probe

A PROMISE was made that there would be an update on the investigation into leaked voice notes that purported to suggest corruption in high places – and an update there was, just before the end of the year.

STATESIDE: Ambassador-nominee Walker could be a benefit to Bahamas

As we look ahead to a new year full of promise and peril, a recent announcement has stirred up quite a bit of local discourse.

Sir Franklyn deserves our respect

PLEASE allow me space to give a glimpse into a man who everybody knows but very few know of.

Tease photo

Swimming ‘going to the polls’ Jan. 11

As we usher in a new year, Bahamas Aquatics, coming off another productive year, is preparing to go to the polls on January 11 during their annual general meeting at the Balmoral Club.

FRONT PORCH: Christian love and social justice vs Christian triumphalism

A friend recalled a harrowing story of love and lost.

Wednesday, January 1

Man granted conditional discharge for assaulting ex-wife

A MAN was granted a conditional discharge on Tuesday after he admitted to threatening and assaulting his ex-wife at Sir Lynden Pindling Estates last week.

Man accused of $9,000 housebreaking spree remanded

A MAN was remanded into custody on Tuesday after he was accused of a spree of housebreakings in western New Providence over the last two months leading to the theft of over $9,000 worth of property.

Father remanded after allegeådly taking daughter to US without permission

A 34-year-old man was imprisoned earlier this week after he was accused of absconding with his daughter to the United States without the child’s mother’s permission.

Tease photo

Nurses union to lobby for improved working conditions in 2025

WITH the new year underway, Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) President Muriel Lightbourn said the union is focused on addressing several critical issues affecting nurses, including improved working conditions and concluding negotiations for a new industrial agreement.

Tease photo

BAARK! records rise in animal cruelty, neglect, and suffering cases

BAHAMAS Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK!) has seen an increase in animal cruelty, neglect, and suffering cases from 2023 to 2024.