Bahamas News
Bahamas gets timeline and assistance update on COVID-19 plagued Cruise Ship, Braemer
#Nassau, Bahamas – March 18, 2020 — FULL STATEMENT by Renward Wells, Minister of Transport
Mister Speaker;
Today I wish to report that the humanitarian relief afforded The Bahamas Flag cruise ship Braemar is completed and that the ship has departed Bahamian waters.
Mister Speaker;
I wish to provide a chronology of events regarding this matter in order to fully apprise Bahamians of the sequence of events that led to the resolution of this matter. We were initially advised via email on 11th March, 2020 that the Cruise Ship Braemar was en route to Barbados with confirmed coronavirus cases looking for a port of call to dock. The ship was denied entry into Barbados which was its home port.
Mister Speaker;
The ship entered Bahamian territorial waters on 13th March, 2020, with a crew of 381 and 682 passengers, including citizens from 33 countries. More than 97% of the ship’s passengers were of British nationality, and more than 90% were over 60 years of age.
A few people on board had tested positive for COVID-19, and the ship which had been on a Caribbean itinerary, had already been denied entry into several Caribbean ports, including Barbados.
The owners of the Cruise Ship, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, opened dialogue with The Bahamas, since it was registered under our flag. They also engaged the UK authorities due to the fact that there were hundreds of British citizens on board.
Mister Speaker;
The Bahamas Government’s course of action was to immediately establish an inter-agency team which comprised of representatives of The Office of The Prime Minister, the Ministry of Transport and Local Government, the Bahamas Maritime Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Health, all at the highest level, to set The Bahamas’ policy and establish parameters for this national issue. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Transport and Local Government and Minister of Grand Bahama headed this team, whose remit was to set policies and action points and to interface with the government of the United Kingdom. The Minister of Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Iram Lewis, also offered invaluable advice to the operations’ team.
The ship’s owners requested The Bahamas’ assistance with supplying the vessel with essential medical supplies, provisions and fuel; and also for the disposal of refuse and the disembarkation and repatriation of passengers; which they anticipated would occur at a dock and other facilities in The Bahamas.
The Bahamas Government however, did not allow the ship to dock at a Bahamian port or berth and advised that any discharges from the ship were prohibited in Bahamian waters. Further, we declined to accept any refuse from the ship and did not allow any disembarkation whatsoever and/or repatriation from The Bahamas by any of the passengers – in light of the broader health risks posed.
Mister Speaker;
We did, however, offer to provide humanitarian relief to the ship – without the ship docking at a Bahamian port.
The conditions advised were that this would occur at a location out at sea where the ship could be given aid in an isolated area.
Acting Port Controller, Lieutenant Commander Berne Wright assisted in this endeavor by identifying a temporary safe anchorage site for the ship in a remote area in the Great Isaac Bank, which is some twenty-five (25) nautical miles from Freeport, where the required humanitarian operation could be safely carried out.
Mister Speaker;
Permit me to now provide a more comprehensive and detailed timeline from the cruise ship Braemars arrival to its departure from Bahamian territorial waters.
On Friday 13th March, 2020, the Braemar entered Bahamian territorial waters from the South. The vessel was reported, at the time, to have on board five (5) persons that is; one (1) passenger, and four (4) crew members with confirmed cases of COVID-19, and a number of persons in quarantine with flu-like symptoms. The Bahamas Government’s, inter-agency team held a telephone conference, which was joined in part by the UK High Commissioner, to review possible arrangements.
British Officials requested that a few medical and support personnel and six (6) additional crew members be allowed to embark the ship during The Bahamas’ humanitarian operation. It was made unequivocally clear that no one would disembark the ship in The Bahamas.
Our next course of action was to establish an on-site team for the Freeport and Great Isaac Bank operations. This team was headed by the Acting Port Controller and representatives of the Chief Medical Officer in the persons of Dr. Bartlett and Dr. Hedge (pronounced Heggee) of Freeport; both of whom provided invaluable assistance on the ground.
The ship’s managers were advised of the location of refuge and the conditions for the planned operations were discussed. The ship’s managers provided details of their proposed arrangements for refueling; details of the embarking crew and identification of the local ship’s agents were provided.
The proposed plan was reviewed by the Acting Port Controller and Chief Medical Officer’s representatives, who made amendments to ensure that best safety practices were employed at all times.
Six (6) crew members arrived in Nassau and were cleared in the charge of the ship’s agent who subsequently transferred the crew to Freeport.
The next day, which was Saturday 14th March, 2020, the ship arrived at the identified anchorage and the Acting Port Controller arrived in Freeport to act as the on scene Coordinator for the proposed operation.
The proposed operational plans were further fine-tuned, additional control measures and protocols were also introduced.
Mister Speaker;
On the second day of the plan, Sunday 15th March, 2020, in keeping with the operational plans, the Bahamian tug crew were all fully briefed and provided with appropriate protective gear prior to departure. A barge with the provisions and the ship’s crew members who had flown in, were towed by tug from Freeport to a designated point in the vicinity of the vessel, and anchored at that location.
It is important to note here Mister Speaker, that the provisions were then loaded on to the Braemar by its crew – with no physical contact of any nature between the Bahamian crew and any Braemar personnel. The medical personnel bound for the ship arrived in Freeport after air transfer from Nassau, and the arrangements for the transfer of these persons to the ships were reviewed by the on scene Coordinator and his team with agreed control measures and medical control introduced.
Mister Speaker;
The medical team was transferred to the ship by launch and they boarded without any contact between the ship or the launch’s personnel who had been fully briefed and equipped regarding proper medical protocol.
Mister Speaker;
On the final day of the operation which was Monday 16th March, 2020, the Braemar cruise ship departed Bahamian territorial waters with its full complement of passengers, crew and personnel.
Mister Speaker;
I wish to advise that as a precautionary measure, the barge will remain on its own at anchorage (at sea) for a period of seventy-two (72) hours before The Bahamas medical authorities initiate a complete cleaning and disinfecting process.
Mister Speaker;
I am pleased to also report that the ship’s owners were fully cooperative throughout the operation. Additionally, it is instructive that at all stages of the operation none of the passengers left the ship and there was no contact whatsoever between the ship’s crew and the Bahamian tug or crew.
Mister Speaker;
The success of this aspect of the operation was contingent on the involvement and coordination by Acting Port Controller Lieutenant Commander Berne Wright, with the support and assistance of Captain Dwain Hutchinson and the Bahamas Maritime Authority and the representatives of the Chief Medical Officer.
Mister Speaker;
We are all keenly aware of the devastating impact that this pandemic has had on many countries in the world. We must all acknowledge however, that challenges will continue to abound in combating its spread. Ultimately however, we have to determine what is in the best interest of the Bahamian people. That is paramount. Notwithstanding, we continue to pray for the safe and successful passage and well-being of the passengers and crew of the cruise ship Braemar.
The Government of The Bahamas by way of the Bahamas Maritime Authority will continue to be in constant communication with the owners of the Braemar, and in so doing we will continue to update the Bahamian people as warranted.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I wish to embrace this opportunity to thank the numerous people who came together, whether hands on, or remotely, to ensure the successful outcome of this operation and invariably for the safety, well-being and best interest of all Bahamians.
The Bahamas, March 18, 2026 – Twenty days into the latest Middle East escalation, the United Nations is warning the conflict is spreading beyond its original battlefield, as the death toll rises and governments around the world issue urgent travel advisories — including The Bahamas.
In a March 17 statement, the UN Secretary-General’s office said the war must stop and called for all Security Council resolutions to be
respected, noting with concern that countries in the Gulf continue to be targeted, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
The current round of fighting began February 28 with strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iranian-linked forces, followed by missile and drone attacks across Iraq, Lebanon and parts of the Gulf.
International monitors report more than 1,300 people killed in Iran alone, with additional casualties reported in Lebanon, Israel and Gulf states. U.S. officials confirm at least 13 American service members have died since the escalation began, while reports indicate additional senior Iranian military leaders were killed in recent strikes.
Despite the growing violence, several NATO countries including the United Kingdom, France and Germany have not joined offensive operations, instead calling for diplomacy to prevent the conflict from widening.
The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a travel advisory, warning Bahamian nationals to avoid travel to Israel, Palestine, Iran and Lebanon and to reconsider travel across much of the Gulf region due to the risk of sudden escalation, flight disruptions and security threats.
Officials say Bahamians already in the region should remain vigilant and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Bahamas News
The Bahamas Celebrates Andrew Young at 94 – A Legend Honoured with Love at Baha Mar Gala
The Bahamas, March 18, 2026 – The Bahamas showed its deep affection for one of the world’s most respected civil rights leaders as Ambassador Andrew Jackson Young Jr. celebrated his 94th birthday in grand style at a gala held at the Eccho Art Gallery, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar on March 12, 2026.
The evening was filled with tributes, laughter and cultural pride, reflecting what many guests described as a genuine bond between Young
and The Bahamas — a country he has long admired and visited often. Those in attendance said the celebration felt less like a formal event and more like a heartfelt tribute to a man whose life has helped shape modern history.
Prime Minister Philip Davis, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Wendall Jones, and U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Herschel Walker were among the dignitaries offering remarks, along with Andrew Young Foundation President Gaurav Kumar and other international guests.
The event was co-hosted by veteran broadcaster Karyn Greer of WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News and Bahamian journalist Dr. Deborah Bartlett, who both reflected on Young’s lifelong commitment to justice, diplomacy and public service.
Born in 1932, Andrew Young is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the American civil rights movement. He worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., served as a key leader in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and later became a U.S. Congressman, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter, and Mayor of Atlanta.
Over the decades, Young has been honoured by multiple U.S. presidents, including receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the
nation’s highest civilian award, from President Bill Clinton. His diplomatic work, civil rights leadership and global humanitarian efforts have earned him recognition across the world.
Guests noted that even at 94, Young remains active, engaged and passionate about international cooperation and human rights, continuing to inspire new generations.
His wife, Carolyn McClain Young, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude for what she called the warmth and love shown by the Bahamian people.
The celebration ended in true island fashion with a Junkanoo rush-out, bringing guests to their feet in a joyful close to an evening that blended history, culture and admiration.
For many in attendance, the message of the night was simple — Andrew Young loves The Bahamas, and The Bahamas loves him right back.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – From pressures on the independence of the US Federal Reserve and relations with China to the instability facing the global economic landscape and how it all impacts The Bahamas’ economy and prospects, Tuesday’s Central Banking Series hosted
by University of The Bahamas (UB) in partnership with the Global Interdependence Center (GIC) peeled back the layers of the most critical factors impacting the world’s economic landscape.
At the one-day summit, top economic strategists, policymakers, academics, and economists gave frank and considered insights on the range of opportunities and challenges. In facilitating the high-level talks, UB’s Government and Public Policy Institute (GPPI) continues to provide the platform for evidence-based dialogue on public policy and reform.
“By convening world-class thinkers, policymakers, and practitioners here in Nassau, we affirm that The Bahamas is not solely a subject of global economic forces, but also a participant in the conversations that shape them,” said UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, III.
In his remarks, Minister of Economic Affairs Senator the Honourable Michael Halkitis acknowledged the ripple effects of financial shifts which put pressure on the Bahamian economy, yet he acknowledged that the economy is on the rise. He expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to adapt, citing a deep talent pool and expanding foreign and domestic investments.
“What makes this period particularly significant is the breadth of investment activity across sectors,” said Minister Halkitis, a UB alumnus. “Tourism development remains strong, but it is not the sole driver of growth. Investments are expanding into renewable energy, maritime services, digital infrastructure, agriculture, logistics and the blue and green economies.”
Economist and Former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve of Richmond, Dr. Jeffrey Lacker offered a sobering view on the independence of the US Federal Reserve, a topic that has attracted much national and international in the face of blistering pronouncements by US President Donald Trump.
Dr. Lacker said the Federal Reserve’s choice of monetary policy instrument and setting of the overnight interest rate that it controls should
be “free of executive branch and congressional meddling.”
“And by meddling, what I mean is overtly expressed policy direction, opinions about where policies should go, expressed in a way that carries with it the implied threat of adverse consequences to either the individual or the institution, either in the form of legislative changes or some sort of political harassment,” he said.
“The value of insulating day-to-day, meeting-to-meeting monetary policy from pressure from elected officials with an eye on their next election is widely recognized. Neglecting that pressure, caving into that pressure is a road to short-termism, or short-term stimulus at the cost of inflation later on.”
Other pertinent conversations at the summit focused on digital initiatives for financial inclusion, monetary and fiscal policies and strategies in The Bahamas, and the impact of AI on macroeconomic conditions. There was also a special presentation on the history and value of gold. Students from Government High School were among the audience members gaining knowledge from experts.
“When we determined the theme for this year, being Challenges and Opportunities in a Dynamic Global Environment, we did not know what was going to evolve in recent times,” said GPPI Executive Director Zhivargo Laing, referring to the war that the US and Israel initiated against Iran. “So I would like to think that maybe there was a little bit of insight that was taking place during the course of our discussions. But we are here again for the third time with our partners at the GIC to entertain a deep discussion on just what are those challenges and opportunities in this very dynamic environment in which we find ourselves.”
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