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TCI on Alert as riots rage in Haiti, two-year president asked to resign

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FILE PHOTO FROM PREVIOUS RIOT IN HAITI

#Haiti, February 12, 2019 – The situation in Haiti is once again volatile as a new round of riots, calling for the resignation of President Jovenel Moise has forced officials to cancel Haiti’s Carnival. 

The economic implications are forecast to be disastrous for Haitians who depend on the event, for Haiti’s tourism which is linked to the celebration and countries like The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos say they are paying attention and stand ready in the event of any exodus from the embattled republic. 

“It is a serious situation that we are watching pretty closely and actually have been watching it since November of last year where things have been heating up in calling for the resignation of the President. In addition, there are some concerns about the handling of aide that is coming into Haiti and that is an ongoing problem which has plagued from one government (of Haiti) to the next,” said Sean Astwood, Deputy Premier and Border Control Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands in a one on one with Magnetic Media on Monday.

Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, which involves the US Coast guard is designed to circumvent drug interdiction but that help stands ready. 

“That Operation is put on alert for this type of activity that any movement on the water, they pay attention to it and they have assisted us on a number of occasions in the past with being able to successfully turn around vessels headed to The Bahamas or to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

TCI DEPUTY PREMIER, HON SEAN ASTWOOD – MINISTER OF BORDER CONTROL

In 2018, nine vessels were turned back to Haiti by the US Coast Guard, in a single effort.  

DP Astwood said there is communication with the United Kingdom too; the UK is directly responsible for national security as the TCI is an overseas territory of Mother England.

“We have already engaged the UK on this.  My officers from the Task Force and Immigration are on high alert.  The Commission of Police and I are in discussions about this as well to ensure that we are taking all of the necessary precautions that we can.  Basically, we are bracing for any potential fall out that would impact us this way.”    

FILE PHOTO: HAITIAN SLOOP INTERCEPTION IN THE BAHAMAS

In recent days, since the cancellation of the Carnival festival in Haiti, there have been no ships landing or intercepted in Turks and Caicos waters.   

The Deputy Premier said still, everyone is on high alert as human smuggling attempts could gain traction as a result of the ongoing protests.

“In the past we have seen where, when you have this type of unrest the number of sloops will try to make it our way as people try to flee the chaos over there (in Haiti).  We are cognizant of the situation and are taking the necessary precautions to combat it and deal with it as best as possible.”

In nearby Bahamas, on Sunday, a somber mass funeral service was hosted by the Haitian League of Pastors and paid for by the Haitian Consulate in The Bahamas.  As many as 30 Haitians, who died in a boating tragedy in the Abaco Cays on February 3, were laid to rest.    

FUNERAL HELD SUNDAY FOR DROWN VICTIMS OF FEB 3, 2019 HAITIAN SMUGGLING ATTEMPT

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Bahamas Immigration reported that a sailing yacht or catamaran had crashed into the coral reefs on and split in half. The impact of the vessel running aground reportedly flung those on board into the water, many of the men and women could not swim. 

Thirty-five bodies are believed to be unrecovered in the mishap and there were 18 survivors taken in by Bahamian authorities with the help of civilians and volunteer group, Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA).

As the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas work to solidify bi-laterally agreed upon ideas of greater amalgamation through a soon to come Memorandum of Understanding, the TCI’s Border Control Minister shared that the Turks and Caicos stands ready with Operation Guardian still activated.

“It has been the most efficient and longest sustained operation that yielded great results.  Last year we repatriated over 3,000 persons out of the country.  Now that is including from illegal sloops as well as on land, but Operation Guardian is responsible for more than fifty percent of that number…”

In Haiti, at least eight people are reported dead in this fifth day of violent protests. The Chamber of Commerce is calling on the President to end the demonstrations which have led to businesses being burned and ransacked. Business owners have expressed that ‘Operation Lock Down Haiti’ will only end when the President and Opposition forces engage in negotiations to pacify the thousands of Haitians demanding Moise’s resignation, a mere two years into his presidency.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Bahamas News

National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats

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By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
 

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas –– In an effort to strengthen the public health system in the country, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Inter-American Development Bank facilitated the signing of an estimated $2 million contract for the National Reference Laboratory.  The contract signing ceremony was held during a press conference at the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Meeting Street on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The agreement was entered into with Scorpio Construction Ltd., following a competitive bidding process.  The project is being carried out in partnership with the IDB for Health System Strengthening.

“Today marks an important milestone for my ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the public health system of The Bahamas,” said Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.

The reference lab will be located at the former Mortgage Corporation Building on Russell Road in Oakes Field and will provide accessible services in New Providence.  Dr. Darville pointed out that in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, healthcare facilities sustained an estimated $37.7 million in damage.

With construction of new ones, and renovations to healthcare facilities throughout the country, the ministry is focusing on three main areas:
resilience to natural disasters; sustainability and energy efficient design incorporating EDGE “green building” certification; and adequate design for infectious diseases.

Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations/The Bahamas underscored the importance of IDB’s support in such undertakings.

“The health programme is an important aspect of the IDB’s portfolio in The Bahamas,” she said.

Through two investment loans, one non-reimbursable grant, and one non-reimbursable technical cooperation totalling approximately $65 million, she said that the bank is pleased to support the Government of The Bahamas and The Ministry of Health.

“Through the Health Systems Strengthening Programme of The Bahamas, we will finance renovations to the National Reference Lab (NRL),” she said.

And added, “While labs are essential to providing diagnostic information — data on the efficacy of treatment plans, indications of improvements in patient outcomes, early warnings of public health threats — the National Reference Lab is the central mechanism for ensuring quality and reliability of those results.”

Signatories to the contract were Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness and representative, Scorpio Construction Ltd.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna

Pictured L-R: Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; and Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations, The Bahamas.

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Boost in Flights from Canada to The Islands of The Bahamas this Summer and Fall

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NASSAU, Bahamas  – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation announces new and expanded airlift options from Canada making it easier than ever for Canadian travelers to experience the beauty and culture of the islands.

Air Canada is introducing new, nonstop flights from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) and Halifax-Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) this winter, with the addition of weekly flights starting Friday, 5 Dec. 2025 through 10 Apr. 2026.

Commencing on 20 June through 29 Aug., Air Canada will resume weekly nonstop flights from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). Operating every Friday, the Airbus A220seasonal service will provide additional fast and convenient service to the excitement of Nassau and Paradise Island.

Air Canada will continue to provide service from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) six to seven times per week.

Air Canada Vacations’ flights from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Georgetown, Exuma (GGT) is also scheduled to resume November 2025 through April 2026.

“Air Canada continues to demonstrate their commitment to expanding air travel from Canada to The Bahamas,” said Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “It also reflects the eagerness of Canadians to travel to The Bahamas.

We look forward to welcoming even more visitors from eastern Canada, to experience the warmth of our people, beauty, and culture of our islands this summer, next fall, and beyond.”

Sunwing Vacations also announced that their seasonal flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) will be extended to year-round weekly service as of this summer.

Sunwing will also continue to operate their nonstop flights from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Airport (YUL) to Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) on a year-round basis, with weekly Saturday flights.

Latia Duncombe, Director General, BMOTIA added: “Canada remains a priority growth market for The Bahamas, and the expansion of the airlift by our longstanding partners reflects the sustained demand for our destination. These enhanced routes from key Canadian cities strengthen our connectivity, improve accessibility, and support our broader strategy to drive year-round visitation across the islands.”

In addition to the Montreal/Nassau route this summer, Canadians can also opt for the nonstop charter offered by Club Med (every Tuesday through 29 July), to experience their all-inclusive Columbus Isle Resort on San Salvador.

For the latest travel information and inspiration, visit www.bahamas.com.

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New Commander for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force

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By Betty Vedrine

Bahamas information Services

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has new leadership.  Commander Dr. Raymond King, with 38 years of RBDF service, passed the baton to Captain Floyd P. Moxey during an official ceremony held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base on Thursday, May 8, 2025.  Captain Moxey assumed the position of ninth Commander Defence Force.

In attendance were Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe; cabinet ministers, senators, justices and senior government officials.

Prime Minister Davis thanked Commodore King for his long service and said that Commodore King has been an outstanding contributor to the nation and wished him well in his future endeavors.  He commended Commodore King for leading the nation through several crises, including Hurricane Dorian, unrest in Haiti, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

He welcomed Captain Moxey and said that he epitomized the essence of what a public servant should be.

“Captain Moxey is, in many ways, what public service ought to look like — not glamorous, not boastful, but honest, professional, thoughtful,” said Mr. Davis. “He started out as a marine mechanic in Mangrove Cay, Andros, worked his way up across 40 years of service, mastering technical operations, legal frameworks, and the complex workings of a national security policy.”  The Prime Minister said that history was also being made as for the first time ever, the new Commander will be supported by two deputies, both of whom are females.

Outgoing Commander King thanked his staff, colleagues and family for their support over the course of his career.  “As I exit the highest office in this distinguished military, I do so with a sense of pride in the work that we have accomplished together,” he said, describing his leadership style as defined by professionalism, fairness, and service to the public.”  Delivering a personal tribute was his wife, retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, who serenaded him with the hit, “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman musical.

Commander Moxey noted his work began immediately with addressing the fleet, which is currently running at just 65 percent capacity — far below the 85 percent target.

“Our operations must be intelligence-driven and forward-looking,” he said. To this end, he pledged to boost patrol rotations, set up small boat stations in key locations, and ensure personnel are well-supported and mission-ready.

Plans were also announced to introduce a family support event and expand welfare programmes.  An anonymous feedback system, he said, will give marines and staff a safe channel to raise concerns, reinforcing internal transparency and trust.

“To strengthen capabilities, the RBDF will pursue long-term maintenance contracts, adopt a predictive supply model, and invest in training for pilots, mechanics, and unmanned aerial vehicle operators.” He confirmed that four new safe boats will soon be commissioned, stationed alongside coastal radar systems to expand surveillance coverage.

“The growing instability in Haiti, where gang violence and political turmoil have displaced tens of thousands, has pushed regional governments — including The Bahamas — to bolster border controls and intelligence operations.”  Consequently, Commodore Moxey said the RBDF will deepen partnerships with regional allies like the Turks and Caicos Islands, focusing on intelligence sharing and formal agreements to better manage migrant activity.

He added that a new entry of 150 personnel in May will help address manpower needs.

Commodore Moxey is a distinguished Bahamian military professional and legal expert, with over four decades of experience in various agencies including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of National Security.

Born in Mangrove Cay, Andros, he joined the RBDF in January 1982.  He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) in 2008 from the University of Wolverhampton and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in May 2011. Four months later, he was called to the Bahamas Bar and was subsequently seconded to the Office of the Attorney General.

In 2017, Commodore Moxey returned to the RBDF and became Staff Officer, Legal Affairs.  In October 2021, he was appointed Legal Counsel to the Ministry of National Security.  He is an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral.  Married to Theresa Sturrup, Commodore Moxey is the proud father of three children — Marcus, Maurice and Theresa, and a proud grandparent.

The ceremony also included Medal Presentations, Three Cheers/Gun Salute for the outgoing Commander and Inaugural Salute to the incoming Commander, the Presentation of Sword and Commander Defence Force Pennant, and a March Past.  The RBDF Band provided entertainment.

A reception followed on the grounds.

 

(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)

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