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GB Minister conducts initial assessment of damage from TS Nicole

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4 years ago

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#GrandBahama, The Bahamas, November 11, 2022 – Once the “All Clear” signal had been given by the Bahamas Meteorological Department, following the passage of Hurricane Nicole, Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey was on the ground on Thursday morning (November 10, 2022) making her way into various Grand Bahama communities, making an assessment of damages that had been caused by Nicole.
Minister Moxey focused most of her initial assessment in West Grand Bahama, going from Eight Mile Rock to West End.
“Based on the assessment, I can safely say that we have done pretty well during the passing of Hurricane Nicole,” said Minister Moxey. “There has been some flooding in West End and there was a lot of debris in the streets. But as we can see, clean up has already begun.”
Hurricane Nicole battered Abaco and Grand Bahama as a Tropical storm on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, but increased in intensity, forming into a Category One Hurricane, packing sustained winds of 75 miles per hour, as it began its exit from the second city on Wednesday, November 9, 2022.
Hurricane shelters had been opened and evacuations had taken place in a number of communities, including Sweeting’s Cay, East Grand Bahama and parts of West Grand Bahama. However, many residents made the decision to weather the storm in their homes. While Nicole had been a Tropical Storm as it approached Abaco and Grand Bahama, the main concern was high surge and extreme flooding because of a combination of heavy rain from the system, with the seas being at king tide.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had urged residents in flood proned communities to evacuate because of the potential for extensive flooding. True to prediction, Tropical Storm Nicole brought severe flooding in both Abaco and Grand Bahama.
 Asked about mandatory evacuations for residents, Minister Moxey said it is something that is always discussed. However, she said everything was done to send out the warnings and to try and encourage people to evacuate properties that were in low-lying areas or those near the coast.  “I believe that because it was a tropical storm at the time, many residents made their decisions based on that,” said Minister Moxey. “I know that we have been very, very supportive and as government, we’ve done all that we can to ensure that all of our people are safe.”
About the flooding in West Grand Bahama, Minister Moxey said the plans are to put in more drainage and construct additional seawalls. That, she said is a part of the budget.
“We’re focused really on resiliency. The master plan for this island that we’re working on is tied to building with resiliency because Grand Bahama is known as the center of resilience, because we deal with so many of these storms.
“Moving ahead, we really look to strengthen our infrastructure and to be able to build with resiliency. I believe that we always learn something every time we go through these storms. What I would say is that we came together – as normal – to ensure that our residents were safe. All agencies and other regulatory bodies all came together and we were able to effectively navigate through this system.
“Of course, having the weather department with the frequent updates and the media reports, they assisted us with getting the word out there to the public to evacuate in some areas and for residents to stay indoors during the storm. We’re happy that everyone came together to ensure that Grand Bahamians remained safe.
“As far as this storm is concerned, Grand Bahama is in a good place, because we didn’t do too well in Hurricane Dorian.”
As Tropical Storm Nicole approached Grand Bahama, there was concern for the residents in East Grand Bahama, who had suffered severely during Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Many homes in East Grand Bahama, which was hit the hardest, were destroyed, forcing many to leave the community for a while.
 As far as how East Grand Bahama fared during the passage of Hurricane Nicole, Senator James Turner reported that early on Thursday morning, he and a team travelled into East Grand Bahama, as far as McLean’s Town to assess any damage there: “There was some moderate flooding in the roads, but if you had a four by four or a truck you could get by. Of course, the roofs that were already compromised suffered a little more. But overall, the news is good. No one got hurt, everyone is in good spirits and everyone has plans to move on.”
 Senator Kirkland Russell said the government did what was necessary to prepare residents for Tropical storm Nicole. He said the government did what was necessary in evacuating persons who wanted to leave; they opened and properly managed the shelters and ensured that the Emergency Operations Center was properly manned and the operation was at the highest standard.
“We want to ensure all of our residents who may have been suffering from Dorian, those who may have incurred new damages to their homes that they need assistance with, the government is at the ready,” said Senator Russell. “Teams are already out and about, carrying out assessments.  The government is ready to provide all of the necessary assistance that is needed to get our islands back to a state of normalcy as quick as possible. And that includes assessments of all of our business sectors, hotel sectors and everything else. We are here and we are ready to go.”
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey chats with some of the workers who were cleaning up the street in Eight Mile Rock following Tropical Storm Nicole on Thursday, November 10, 2022.
Insert: Eight Mile Rock Administrator Ferguson (left) chats with Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey and Senators James Turner and Kirkland Russell during their stop on the front road of Eight Mile Rock, where the popular Fish Fry is located. The area, which is near the sea, had major flooding from Tropical Storm Nicole. There were still some signs of the water that had filled the area the day before.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Coakley)

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Bahamas News

From Hollywood to Parliament

Published

2 days ago

on

May 23, 2026

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The Rick Fox Political Timeline

 

“Are You Thinking About Politics?”

Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”

October 19, 2025

“Then Jump, Man.”

Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.

November 24, 2025

“The Bahamas Must Be First”

Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.

February 4, 2026

“Officially Picked”

The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.

March 20, 2026

“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”

Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.

March 30, 2026

“I’m Giving The Salary Back”

Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of Garden Hills.

April 14, 2026

“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”

A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.

April 16, 2026

“Pick Rick” Officially Launches

Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.

April 19, 2026

“Vote and Win”

Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.

April 20, 2026

“The Wealthiest Candidate”

Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.

April 25, 2026

“The Garden Hills Blueprint”

Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:

  • youth development,
  • healthcare access,
  • infrastructure upgrades,
  • environmental restoration,
  • entrepreneurship,
  • and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.

May 4, 2026

“The Numbers Don’t Lie”

Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:

  • 20 community clean-ups,
  • 16 streets and locations served,
  • and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.

May 6, 2026

“Shaq Steps In”

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.

May 8, 2026

“Buju Backs Rick”

Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.

May 10, 2026

“Vanessa Williams Endorses”

Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.

May 11, 2026

“Magic Joins the Campaign”

NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.

May 12, 2026

“Election Day”

Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.

May 13, 2026

“Grace in Defeat”

Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.

May 18, 2026

“We Pick Rick”

Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:

“We Pick Rick.”

The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Bahamas News

First Woman to Lead Tourism Ministry: Glenys Hanna-Martin Takes On Bahamas’ Leading Industry  

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2 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Veteran parliamentarian Glenys Hanna-Martin has made history, becoming the first woman to lead the Ministry of Tourism in The Bahamas — assuming responsibility for the country’s most important economic engine 62 years after tourism first gained Cabinet-level representation.

Tourism received its first Cabinet minister on January 7, 1964, when Sir Stafford Sands was appointed Minister of Finance and Tourism, helping shape what would become the dominant pillar of the Bahamian economy.

Now, six decades later, Hanna-Martin steps into the role as the nation’s first female Tourism Minister.

The longtime Englerston Member of Parliament moves into the powerful portfolio following years overseeing education and after building one of the most enduring political careers in modern Bahamian history.

Hanna-Martin is widely regarded as the country’s longest-serving female MP, having represented Englerston continuously since 2002.

Her appointment comes at a critical moment for the tourism sector, which continues to drive employment, foreign exchange earnings, hotel development, cruise expansion and airlift growth across the archipelago.

The scale of the industry she now oversees is staggering.

According to tourism and government data, The Bahamas welcomed a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025, including roughly 10.8 million cruise passengers and 1.7 million air arrivals.

Tourism is estimated to generate roughly 70 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and employs more than half of the Bahamian workforce either directly or indirectly.

The industry also continues to fuel massive hotel and resort expansion projects across Nassau, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, while helping sustain airlift partnerships, cruise port investments and vacation rental growth.

The Ministry of Tourism is widely viewed as one of the most influential assignments in any Bahamian Cabinet because of its direct connection to the nation’s economic stability and international image.

And while regional competition intensifies across the Caribbean, The Bahamas remains one of the world’s most recognized island tourism brands.

Hanna-Martin now inherits responsibility for protecting and expanding that position.

Her political career has already included several barrier-breaking milestones, including becoming the first female chairman of a major political party in The Bahamas and the first female Minister of Transport and Aviation.

Now, she adds another first to her legacy.

For many observers, the significance of the moment extends well beyond symbolism.

Tourism is not simply another ministry.

It is the heartbeat of the Bahamian economy.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Bahamas News

“Politician-1” Frenzy Intensifies After Plane Crash Survivor Allegedly Misses US Court Appearance

Published

2 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Questions and speculation intensified across The Bahamas Thursday night after Eyewitness News reported that Jonathan Eric Gardiner — the Election Day plane crash survivor now accused in a major international cocaine trafficking conspiracy — was allegedly a no-show for a scheduled US court appearance.

The latest development adds yet another dramatic twist to a case that has already pushed the country into political and social fever pitch.

Gardiner first appeared in federal court in Orlando on May 15 following his arrest on a New York federal warrant tied to a DEA investigation into alleged cocaine trafficking operations running through The Bahamas into the United States.

But the case exploded nationally after US federal affidavits repeatedly referenced an unnamed Bahamian political figure identified only as:  “Politician-1.”

The filings allege meetings connected to a proposed cocaine shipment and references to political protection for trafficking operations.

No politician has been publicly identified by US prosecutors.

Still, the mystery has consumed the Bahamian public.

Talk shows, social media timelines, Parliament corridors and street corners have erupted with demands for answers, including headlines declaring:  “TELL US WHO IS POLITICIAN 1.”

Public speculation has centered heavily around West End MP Kingsley Smith, who has denied any involvement in drug trafficking or cartel activity.

The controversy became so intense this week that Smith was reportedly heckled inside Parliament while taking his official oath of office.

Adding to the surreal nature of the case are reports carried by The Tribune that some passengers aboard the doomed flight were ordinary Bahamians trying to return home to vote after missing another flight connection on Election Day.

What began as a dramatic survival story involving 11 rescued passengers floating in waters off Florida has now transformed into a sprawling scandal involving alleged drug trafficking, political intrigue, DEA affidavits and mounting national anxiety.

The Tribune has also reported alleged links between Gardiner and construction-related business dealings, while US court documents reportedly describe cash-filled envelopes labeled for “Politician-1” in language investigators viewed as consistent with narcotics payment structures.

For many Bahamians, the story now feels almost unbelievable: an Election Day plane crash, an accused drug kingpin, references to Parliament, public outrage and now questions surrounding an alleged missed US court appearance.

And with official answers still limited, the fever surrounding “Politician-1” appears only to be growing.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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