Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

The Bahamas, August 3, 2025 – It had to be early 1995 that our Journalism Department hosted a media day in the auditorium of what was then, COB—the College of The Bahamas.

She was our premier speaker.

Still a wide-eyed 20-year-old with lofty aspirations of becoming an impactful journalist and marketing mogul one day, I had no idea the full weight of what I was about to receive. Back then, cell phones were clunky, AI was sci-fi, and the unceasing stream of news over social media didn’t exist. But her name—I knew that. Or at least, one of them: Kelly. I’d seen it etched above the entrance of department stores, and I’d dreamed of packing those designer housewares into my own place one day.

But on that day, out stepped a dainty little lady—classy, composed, and clad in a skirt suit that shimmered just enough to say “I’m a boss,” without outshining her message. She commanded the room. Her voice—firm, deliberate, relentless—poured wisdom across the rows of aspiring media minds. She had lived it. She had fought for it. She had made journalism mean something in this country.

Her philosophy has never left me: “You can never be out of news. When you feel like you are, look outward—see what’s happening in the world. Find the ripple effect. The tidal wave. The echo at home. Then go after it.”

That was Nicki Kelly.

And now she is gone.

On August 2, 2025, the legendary journalist—who shaped public discourse in The Bahamas for more than half a century—slipped away quietly at her home. She was 93 years old.

Nicki Kelly was more than a columnist. She was a cultural critic, a social historian, and a fearless advocate. Her writing in The Tribune, and later The Punch, chronicled corruption, challenged the powerful, and gave voice to national frustration. She was not afraid to be unpopular—only to be silent.

A teacher turned newswoman, she mentored from the page and from the podium. In 2002, she challenged her fellow journalists to rise above mediocrity. In 2016, she was immortalized as a cultural icon in the Bahamas National Portrait Gallery.

To say her work was fearless is an understatement. She was steady when others were shaken, and she spoke when many dared not.

And yet, Nicki Kelly’s exit was just like her entrance—understated but unforgettable.

“That little lady way back then knew how to make an entrance, and all these years on, she again proves she knows how to exit.”

We owe her more than accolades. We owe her courage, curiosity, and commitment.

Rest well, Nicki Kelly. Your voice shaped ours.

By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Government through the Ministry of Health and Wellness is moving ahead with radical measures aimed at delivering comprehensive healthcare throughout the country.

The Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville opened debate on a compendium of five Bills, in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

The Bills are: The National Health Insurance Bill, 2025; the National Health Insurance (Specified Chronic Diseases) (Prescription Drug Fund) Bill, 2025; the Health Promotion and Wellness Bill, 2025; The Dental Professions Bill, 2025; and, the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

These together represent “a comprehensive health reform package ideal for our archipelago where the logistics of navigating land and sea demand adaptable and well-regulated healthcare services,” said Dr. Darville.

He told parliament that he is lending his voice to this important debate, “this time to the compendium of five non-contentious health-related Bills designed to strengthen and modernize healthcare, protect public health and expand equitable access to essential health services across the country.

“After extensive consultation, we on this side are confident that these Bills will meet the needs of Bahamians today, while preparing for the demands on our healthcare system for tomorrow.”

Provisions under the proposed measures will see a new NHI package expanding the provider network so that Bahamians on the Family Islands can expect the same basic standard of care as those in New Providence and Grand Bahama.                                                                                                                                      The Dental Professions Bill seeks to repeal the outdated 1990 Dental Act and provide modern regulatory structure for dentistry in the country.  It will also provide for licensing and registration of all dental practitioners under unified standards, and a comprehensive code of conduct, among other things.                                                                                                                                              The National Health Insurance Bill will repeal and replace the National Health Insurance Act 2016, and create the essential unified legal framework moving The Bahamas closer to universal health coverage.

“For the next generation, these reforms ensure that a child born today will inherit a system capable of detecting disease early, treating it affordably and empowering individuals to live longer, more productive lives, that would improve healthcare delivery systems for years to come,” said Dr. Darville.

“Remembering that healthcare is not a privilege, but it is a right, and with God’s help and hard work we will deliver a sustainable healthcare system now and for generations to come,” he said.

Nassau, The Bahamas – Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) has been nominated again for The Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port 2025 in the annual World Travel Awards program—marking its second consecutive year receiving this prestigious honour.

Just two years after its grand reopening, Nassau Cruise Port continues to exceed expectations. On April 8, 2025, the port welcomed a record-breaking 31,011 cruise passengers in a single day, a milestone that highlights its remarkable growth and increasing global appeal. “This second consecutive nomination is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication and excellence of our entire team,” said Mike Maura, Jr., CEO & Director of Nassau Cruise Port.

“Nassau Cruise Port is not only setting a new benchmark for Caribbean cruise destinations—it’s showing the world the warmth, creativity, and spirit of The Bahamas. We are honoured to be recognized again.”

The nomination underscores commitment of the cruise port team to delivering an Authentically Bahamian experience, from the vibrant Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo that welcomes visitors at the port entrance to the diverse local vendors and retailers who bring the sights, sounds, and flavours of The Bahamas to life every day. Continuously raising the bar, NCP recently became a proud participant in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, a global initiative supporting travelers with non-visible disabilities.

This initiative promotes inclusivity and helps ensure every guest feels welcomed and supported—further establishing the port as a leader in the cruise industry. “We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited about what’s ahead,” Mr. Maura, Jr., added.

“This nomination is a tribute to every team member, partner, and Bahamian who plays a role in making Nassau the exciting world-class destination it is today.”

Phase two of the redevelopment of the port is now underway, introducing new features such as a portside pool experience and expanded yacht and marina services—further enhancing what Nassau offers to cruise passengers.

You can support Nassau Cruise Port by voting at www.worldtravelawards.com/vote.