Bahamas News
Bahamasair Execs say Flight Attendants sick out is “illegal”; COI Leader calls on Government to pay the Staff
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
The Bahamas, December 18, 2024 – A heated row over incremental payments when salaries of AAAWU members were raised between 2018 and 2023 has led to a major inconvenience to travellers on the national flag carrier, at least six flights were listed as cancelled due to an employee sick-out.
While Bahamasair executives, in correspondence obtained by Magnetic Media, have defended their position that every penny owed to the members engaged in the sick-out was paid, the Union leaders are adamant that monies remain outstanding and members want what is fully due to them.
It has moved from a row behind closed doors to an impasse which has now impacted public travel to destinations serviced by Bahamasair including Freeport, Grand Bahama; Ft Lauderdale, Florida; Rock Sound, Eleuthera and Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
In a statement from Bahamasair, the travelling public was told: “We regret to inform you that all afternoon flights scheduled for December 18, 2024, have been cancelled due to ongoing industrial action by Airport Airline & Allied Workers Union. We deeply apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely empathize with the disruption to your travel plans.”
The fiasco has ignited heated social media commentary and has elicited reaction from Lincoln Bain, leader of the Coalition for Independents (a political party in The Bahamas).
“The Bahamasair union has decided to hold a sickout. This has adversely affected my travel plans. That said, I SUPPORT THE ACTIONS OF THE BAHAMAS AIR WORKERS WHOLEHEARTEDLY. The government increased the PM’s record breaking travel budget but refuses to
pay the Bahamasair staff what is owed and due to them,” Bain chastised the government for its management of the country’s airline, “They can find the money to fly first class around the world eating steak and caviar but refuse pay the staff. The Government spent $1,500,000 on a trip to London for Brave and Pintard but can’t pay the Bahamasair staff! Stand your ground staff! They always have money for them but never have money when it comes to the Bahamian workers.”
“I can assure you that the politically appointed executives get their money on time. I am tired of Bahamians being treated like last class citizens in this country. Stand your ground Team Bahamasair. Either that money will go to you or it will go to more first class flights for the Politicians.”
Media reports indicate that 12 of 16 flight attendants assigned to the morning shift called in sick, in a move that “significantly impacted airline operations.”
Bahamasair believes the union is being unreasonable, calling the agreement struck two years ago “a very good one for the AAAWU.”
The document explains there was an 11.5% salary increase, four increments were added to salary for each year except 2020 and a lump sum payment was designated to cover the Covid year, 2020.
It was explained, in order to catch up on the payments as the contract was signed with only seven months remaining in the year, there were accelerated payments. Bahamasair itemises them as November 18, 2022; March 2, 2023; June 3, 2023 and July 4, 2023.
With the payments made, Bahamasair says that they closed the matter.
For the AAAWU however, there still remains some funds unpaid and members are unflinching on the point that they are owed six incremental payments. It is unclear why the two entities have recorded such a difference in accounting.
It was also explained that the Labour Department has mediated negotiations and a final offer by Bahamasair to end the dispute was proposed. The claim by the AAAWU was for six more incremental payments to be made to the staff in question; Bahamasair countered with an offer for two payments.
The correspondence from Bahamasair informed that there was no further communication from the union and the action taken on December 18 was described as, “surprising and not in the interest of good relationship. Management is demanding that all staff return to work as this in an illegal action by the union.”
We have not been able, up to publication time, to access comments from the AAAWU.
To customers of the airline, Bahamasair advised this: For further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Customer Care Center at 242-702-4140 or our Customer Relations team at 242-702-4159.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
