Bahamas News
Operation Northern Strike takes down 51 alleged drug dealers, seizes big money and stashes of drugs, guns and ammo
Freeport, Grand Bahama – March 20, 2018 – Over 50 well known, alleged ‘drug dealers’ were taken into custody today in Freeport hot on the heels of a seizure days ago of over $1m US dollars and a huge haul of illegal drugs in a raid of a South Bahamia home.
Operation Northern Strike unfolded in dramatic fashion over Grand Bahama in an initiative combining the resources of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Drug Enforcement Unit, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and from the United States, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Customs Border Protection, the Coast Guard and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. 
Residents were buzzing on social and mobile media about the deafening sound of ‘choppers’ cutting into the usually quiet early morning hours, saying the helicopters were heard from around 4 a.m. Tuesday.
The targeted area is a known hot spot for crime and drug dealing. Garden Villas, more commonly called ‘the Ghetto’ was bombarded with the officers clad in army fatigues, armed and ready to take down any threats to the joint Operation.
Video shows the Police Canine unit working and uncovering illicit drugs including what appeared to be marijuana from all over the sprawling residential community. As the illegal drugs were found, men were arrested and stuffed into waiting vehicles.
“I must commend the canines; they were the star this morning because they were able to sniff out a number of drugs in areas where your eyes could not see.”
ACP Clayton Fernander, who led a team out of Nassau was a part of a late day debriefing with media and said suspected marijuana was the drug found in ‘the Ghetto.’ He said the entire initiative was banking on the ‘element of surprise’.
Operation Northern Strike did a thorough work as officers fanned out into additional areas of Grand Bahama where the report is the authorities uncovered stashes of cash, drugs, guns and ammunition.
ACP Fernander said, “a large quantity of drugs, also we were able to seize a large quantity of monies that individuals were unable to give an account for, it was in their homes and they cannot give an account for it… I can’t give a figure at this time but it was a large amount of cash, US and Bahamian, hidden in some of those homes.”
The ‘Operation’ is being called a success and it appears this move is just the beginning of things to come in a national and regional crack down on crime.
Lt Commander Eric Strachan of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force agreed with the success and credited the good work and strong message sent by the strike action, to the partnership of the various law enforcement agencies and their members represented in the effort. 
Images on cell phone video revealed the massive enforcement team being flown out of Grand Bahama late today. Walking double file, the officers clad in black and fatigues marched across the tarmac to a waiting aircraft.
It was later confirmed in a Police media release that 51 people were arrested and four firearms were seized, along with drugs and ammunition.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News7 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News7 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News5 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News1 week agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News7 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays
-
TCI News7 days agoPolice Swarm Five Cays, newest murder victim is 37 year-old man