Bahamas News
Drug Seizure Turns Deadly in Haiti: Bahamian and Jamaican Citizens Caught in Crossfire During Historic Bust
By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
July 18, 2025 – A historic cocaine seizure by Haitian authorities has left at least three men dead and others critically injured,
following a bloody and chaotic incident at sea on Sunday, July 13. The event, which Haitian police say resulted in the recovery of nearly 100 kilograms of illicit drugs, has turned tragic and controversial, with Bahamian and Jamaican citizens at the center of the operation.
The scene, captured in disturbing video footage released by the Haitian National Police, showed two bloodied men aboard a speedboat. Their bodies were visibly torn by what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds — blood soaked parts of the vessel. The Jamaican man appeared near death, weak from both the injuries and the sun. In the footage, Haitian police officers are seen dousing him with cool water in an effort to stabilize him. His condition remains unknown.
The Bahamian survivor, still alert, was seen speaking on camera, identifying himself and acknowledging involvement. In a separate
video obtained by Magnetic Media, the same man is seen later, lying barely conscious on a stretcher, appearing gravely wounded and struggling to breathe.
The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday that it received unverified reports via its embassy in Port-au-Prince that three Bahamian males and one Jamaican male were on a boat when they were shot at by unknown individuals. Two Bahamians were reportedly killed and one hospitalized.
Haitian police accounts offered a different version, stating they intercepted a rowboat heavily laden with drugs. That report claims two Jamaican citizens drowned, one of whom was taken to the morgue, and that a Bahamian is in police custody.
The discrepancy between the reports has generated significant confusion, with details still emerging. Both Haitian and Bahamian
officials have not confirmed who fired the shots, or what precisely led to the violent confrontation.
Adding another layer to the investigation, regional sources suspect the drugs were being trafficked either from Jamaica to Haiti or vice versa — making the Jamaican citizens potentially key figures in the suspected inter-island smuggling route.
The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated:
“We still await the formal notification from the Haitian government as to what transpired on Sunday, July 13. We are in touch with the authorities and are pressing them to respond.”
The Ministry added that it is providing support to the affected families in The Bahamas.
Meanwhile, both The Bahamas and the United States have reissued “Do Not Travel” advisories for Haiti, as the security situation continues to decline. Armed gangs remain in control of major areas, and the United Nations reports that over 5.2 million Haitians are facing food insecurity amid ongoing civil collapse.
While Haitian authorities call the operation a milestone in counter-narcotics enforcement, the lack of clear answers — and the evident human toll — has cast a long shadow over the bust.
This is a developing story.
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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