Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

The Bahamas, April 25, 2025 – The Bahamas has adopted a more cautious stance on spaceflight activity within its territory following the unexpected fallout from a recent SpaceX launch.

Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper, speaking at a national briefing on April 15, announced that no further Falcon 9 rocket landings will be permitted in The Bahamas until SpaceX completes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

This decision follows the discovery of debris from a SpaceX Starship test flight in Bahamian waters, which Cooper emphasized occurred without prior Bahamian involvement or consent.

“The Bahamas was not involved in any way with the planning of that rocket’s flight, but we were impacted by it,” he said.

Cooper highlighted the success of a previous Falcon 9 booster landing, which was coordinated with Bahamian authorities and drew scores of space tourism enthusiasts to Exuma and Eleuthera.

The Falcon 9, known for its reusability and high safety record, has completed more than 400 successful landings. However, the recent March 6 launch of the more powerful and experimental Starship—intended for re-entry over the Indian Ocean—ended in a midair breakup visible from multiple countries, including The Bahamas.

The resulting debris field raised environmental and legal concerns.

According to Cooper, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) is leading the response, ensuring the recovery and removal of all debris at SpaceX’s expense. “None of it will remain in our country, and The Bahamas will incur no cost,” he confirmed.

The incident has triggered broader scrutiny of aerospace activities near Bahamian territory. Cooper revealed that additional debris linked to three other aerospace companies has also been found in national waters.

The Office of the Attorney General and DEPP are investigating these findings to determine responsibility and ensure compliance with international treaties.

While acknowledging the promise of the commercial space industry, Cooper stressed the need for stringent oversight. “Maximizing the opportunities and minimizing the risks will require a comprehensive strategy, including diplomatic agreements, regulatory enforcement, scientific partnerships, and legal reforms,” he stated.

The Bahamas remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, safety, and environment as it navigates its role in the emerging era of global space exploration.

The Bahamas, April 22, 2025 – The Ministry of National Security of The Bahamas has issued a statement addressing recent social media allegations claiming that Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officers deployed in Haiti have been abandoned, unpaid, and subjected to unsafe working conditions.

According to the Ministry, in a statement on Tuesday April 22, these allegations are “inaccurate” and misrepresent the realities facing deployed personnel.

Contrary to the claims circulating online, the Ministry emphasized that all officers and marines continue to receive their full salaries and benefits.

At the onset of their deployment, each officer was provided with a six-month hazardous pay supplement at the highest rate, alongside hardship and deployment allowances that surpass the standard rates for deployments elsewhere.

The welfare of the personnel deployed in Haiti has been a priority throughout their mission. Officers have maintained direct communication with the Minister of National Security via scheduled Zoom calls, enabling open dialogue regarding any concerns.

Moreover, Commander Julian Smith, The Bahamas’ Chargé d’Affaires to Haiti, has conducted personal visits to the officers to offer support and evaluate their conditions.

It’s significant to note that the Bahamian officers are not involved in front-line patrols with the Haitian National Police or the Kenyan contingent. Instead, they hold command and support roles within the Logistics Support Area (LSA), as stipulated in their deployment terms.

Addressing claims of overwork, the Ministry confirmed there have been no complaints about workload from the deployed personnel. Discussions with the Kenyan Force Commander reinforce that their work expectations align with standard RBDF norms.

The Ministry, in the media release, urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and recommends seeking clarification through official channels for any concerns related to the deployment.

The government also said it remains committed to supporting the RBDF personnel’s service levels and professionalism.

April 21, 2025 – Today, I join the global community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a spiritual shepherd whose life was marked by humility, courage, and a deep commitment to humanity.

I recall with great reverence my meeting with the Holy Father. In our exchange, his heart for the poor and suffering, his compassion for the displaced people of Haiti, and his concern for the existential threat of climate change revealed a man of profound faith who understood the urgency of justice in our time.

Pope Francis went beyond leading the Catholic Church he opened its doors wider. His papacy re-centered the Church’s moral voice on the teachings of Jesus Christ: love without exception, mercy without condition, and service without reward. He reminded us that the Church must walk with the wounded, speak for the voiceless, and care above all for the poor.

As the world reflects on his legacy, we remember his call to be stewards of the Earth and protectors of the vulnerable. In the Caribbean, where the impacts of climate change are felt daily, his voice was among the loudest calling for equity and responsibility. And in Haiti, he never turned away from suffering—he insisted we look closer, act bolder, and love deeper.

Ann and I, together with the people of The Bahamas, extend our deepest condolences to the Catholic faithful, to the people of the Vatican, and to all those touched by Pope Francis’ remarkable ministry. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour him best by living lives rooted in compassion and service.