Bahamas News
Mother asks for Psych Test of man arrested for Damaging Columbus Statue
#TheBahamas, October 13, 2021 – The Bahamas now knows it was Shavandaze Smith, a 37 year old Nassau man, believed to be mentally challenged that was arrested by the police for damaging Government property and other offences, after he allegedly used a sledge-hammer to destroy the statue of Christopher Columbus at the Government House on Duke Street. 
Smith, at the time of his arrest which was on Saturday October 9, was reported to have been found to be in possession of a bulletproof vest. Social media accounts of the incident shows him shouting and the statue of the Italian explorer being broken off with, what appeared to have been physically exhausting blows to the likeness of the so called “Founder of the New World”.
The incident has also reignited debates around the issue of whether or not leaders of the Colonial period should continue to have major standing in Caribbean societies. Several persons have posted on social media that they are in support of the man’s alleged action.
One social media posted “As a Bahamian this sickens and embarrasses me. Columbus was responsible for many terrible things, for which he should be held in contempt, but he is also a part of our history, and those of us who wish to pull ourselves out of the primordial sludge of ignorance understand that. Hate and stupidity. Although I’m sure the haters will be writing letters to the editor calling this idiot a “hero”. It’s a New Day!
While another said to one user who condemned the alleged action, “That D- education of yours has obviously left you without an unbiased account of the history of Christopher Columbus that is grounded in fact as opposed to fiction. And all of that internet browsing you do is unfortunately no substitute for your apparent lack of a good education in your more formative years.”
According to reports from the police, sometime around 1:20 p.m., officers from the Operations Unit were dispatched to Government House. On the officers’ arrival they met an adult male in the act of causing damage to the statue of Christopher Columbus, with the use of a sledgehammer.
It adds, that the male was also found in possession of a bullet proof vest, for which he could not give a satisfactory account, and “suspect was arrest and taken into custody for Damage to Government Property and Unlawful Possession. Investigations into this matter continues,” the police said.
Mr. Smith has since appeared in court, and was charged with causing $2,000 worth of damage to the monument. Shavandaze Smith’s mother, who was in the court at the time her son appeared ready to enter a plea to the charges of damage and trespassing, interrupted and requested a psychiatric evaluation of her son.
By ANDREW COAKLEY
Bahamas Information Services
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas — Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey says Grand Bahama is finally on the move, “the environment is shifting, investor confidence continues to grow; buildings are going up and, in some instances,
coming down; events are happening; properties are selling, apartments are rented, and homes being purchased, and Grand Bahamians are returning home!”
Minister Moxey was the guest speaker at the 2024 Freeport Business Expo, which was held at Grand Lucayan Resort on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
The event attracted several local small and medium sized businesses with booths to present their products and services. The event was held in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry for Grand Bahama, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and other partners.
The Grand Bahama Minister noted that her government is focused on all opportunities for the growth and development of Grand Bahama. “My ministry continues to partner with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation to promote Grand Bahama Island
to the world for tourism and other developments,” said Minister Moxey. “We are in constant dialogue with the cruise lines, the airlines, the tour operators, and other investors and developers, to ensure that the $2B currently in progress, is expedited.
“Tourism is on the move; Grand Bahama is on the move. It is happening, and we want our people to be prepared for it, so much that the Government of The Bahamas — a collaboration between the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation – has already held two Entrepreneurial Expos for the year. One in West Grand Bahama and the other in Freeport.”
Minister Moxey is convinced that this is the “turn-around” season for the Second City, pointing out that one could feel the change in the air. As such, she said the atmosphere is conducive for collaboration between innovative thinkers, who recognize the potential of Grand Bahama.
In addition to the previous business expos held across the island, last year, the Ministry for Grand Bahama launched the “Empower Grand Bahama Micro-Business Grant Programme” to encourage new and existing entrepreneurs to create immersive experiences, services, and authentic products, all uniquely Bahamian and attractive to visitors.
During that time 149 micro-grants were awarded to Tour & Experience Providers, Creatives/Artisans, and Authentic Food & Beverage Providers. Relief grants were also extended to Straw and Farmer’s Market Vendors, and to Junkanoo groups to help them rebuild after Hurricane Dorian. “And my ministry continues to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation to promote Grand Bahama as a tourism and investment destination to overseas markets,” said Minister Moxey.
“On the ground, we have cleaned and restored the Bahama Arts & Craft Center and the surrounding property, heritage and cultural sites from east to west through the ‘Beautiful Grand Bahama’ Program, and supported cultural festivals like Pelican Point Coconut Festival, McLean’s Town Conch Cracking, Goombay Summer, and others so that visitors and residents can enjoy events celebrating our Bahamian heritage.”
Minister Moxey revealed the staging of a future expo, called the Grand Expo, set to take place on July 5th, leading up to the country’s Independence. The Expo will be hosted by the Collab Unit of the Ministry of Grand Bahama, under the theme “Well coming home!” It
will feature government agencies, like the Tourism Development Corporation, Bahamas Development Bank, Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, Small Business Development Center, as well as GBPA, DEVCO, Invest Grand Bahama, organizations involved in major developments on the island, real estate companies, land developers, and other organizations to allow individuals to see the vast opportunities.
The initiative is designed to become a catalyst to cause Grand Bahamians to return home. Minister Moxey noted that with a population decline to 47,000 and a capacity to easily service over 250,000 people, it’s time for residents to return home to Grand Bahama.
“There has never been a better time,” she added. “So, this is a clarion call… if it’s been over 20 years, or five years, after Dorian, or even one year… to you the Grand Bahama Diaspora, it’s time to come home!”
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Header: Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, who was the guest speaker at the Freeport Business Expo 2024, said that Grand Bahama is on the move and that investor confidence continues to grow. The Business Expo was held at the Grand Lucayan Resort on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
1st insert: Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey gets the feel of a new model ATV which was on display at the 2024 Freeport Business Expo on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Grand Lucayan Resort. President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Ian Rolle and other GBPA Executives look on.
2nd insert: President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Ian Rolle explains the concept of a new business recently launched in Freeport, during the 2024 Freeport Business Expo at the Grand Lucayan Resort on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
3rd insert: Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey is fascinated by the concept of one of the new proposed business ventures set to be implemented and opened in Freeport in the near future, during a tour of the businesses presented at the 2024 Freeport Business Expo at the Grand Lucayan Resort on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
4th insert: Glendia Sweeting, Manager of Quality Assurance and Special Projects of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (right) welcomes Minister for Grand Bahama, Ginger Moxey (left) through the display expo in the ballroom of Grand Lucayan Resort following the official opening of the 2024 Freeport Business Expo on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
(BIS photos by Lisa Davis)
Bahamas News
National Mangrove Project Flourishes as Grand Bahama Students Plant at Dover Sound and East Grand Bahama
Freeport, Grand Bahama – May 9, 2023 – Showcasing their commitment and dedication, students from Sir Jack Hayward Senior High, Bishop Michael Eldon, and Lucaya International schools in Grand Bahama have planted hundreds of mangroves as part of the National Mangrove Project. Two plantings were held recently at Dover Sound and East Grand Bahama, two areas where mangrove
forests were devastated during the passage of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The National Mangrove Project, a collaborative effort between Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), the Forestry Unit, and the 50th Independence Secretariat, continues to underscore the pivotal role of Bahamian students in conservation efforts. Students have embraced their roles as stewards of coastal ecosystems, actively participating in mangrove propagation and outplanting. Their involvement is a source of pride for the nation and a beacon of hope for the future of our coastal ecosystems.
Since its inception in October 2023, the project has been instrumental in empowering schools across The Bahamas to establish mangrove nurseries. Students diligently care for the red mangrove propagules until they are ready for outplanting, amplifying the project’s impact on coastal restoration and environmental education. In April 2024, six months after receiving their kits, Grand Bahama students significantly contributed, furthering the project’s mission.
Andurah Daxon, Waterkeepers Bahamas Programs Coordinator, praised the students’ unwavering dedication: “These students have
shown remarkable commitment and dedication. Their efforts are a testament to the power of youth engagement in environmental conservation. Through hands-on activities like mangrove propagation and planting, they actively contribute to coastal restoration and develop a profound connection to their natural surroundings, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
The outplanting events in Grand Bahama followed a successful initiative in March when four New Providence schools participated in planting mangroves at Adelaide Pond. Seven schools have completed the process, and eight schools on Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera and Exuma are currently growing their propagules for future outplanting.
Ni’kolaus Cartwright, Bishop Michael Eldon’s Student Nursery Manager, said: “Witnessing the growth and development of our mangrove propagules has been truly inspiring. Primary, junior, and senior high school students have poured their hearts and efforts
into caring for these precious seedlings. It’s all a part of our commitment to being an eco-school and maintaining a sense of pride and responsibility for our environment.”
Follow Waterkeepers Bahamas on Facebook to stay updated on the progress of school nurseries and upcoming outplanting events. Join us in celebrating the National Mangrove Project’s success and the dedication of Bahamian students to safeguarding our precious coastal ecosystems. Your support and engagement are crucial to our mission.
Photo Captions:
Header: Students receive instructions from Waterkeepers Bahamas Mangrove Nursery Coordinator Javan Hunt at Dover Sound.
1st insert: Year 10 students from Lucaya International School share a laugh in the mud as they plant mangroves at Dover Sound.
2nd insert: Jack Hayward Senior High students prepare to plant in East Grand Bahama with Waterkeepers Bahamas Program Coordinator Andurah Daxon.
3rd insert: Bishop Michael Eldon Warriors feeling proud after planting mangroves at Dover Sound.
Bahamas News
GBPA’S STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE ADDRESS OF PRIME MINISTER PHILIP DAVIS AT THE G.B. CHAMBER’S BUSINESS MEETING ON MONDAY, MAY 6TH, 2024
-
TCI News3 days agoBomb Threat No 6. In TEN days
-
Health1 day agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Crime1 week agoUnlocking Perspectives: Serious Tourist Incidents unveiled in TCI
-
TCI News1 week agoRegional SDGs Update; 22% to be reached by 2030
-
Bahamas News6 days agoRBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos
-
Caribbean News6 days agoVISITOR ARRIVALS NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY TRAVEL ADVISORIES KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
-
Bahamas News1 week agoCIBC Caribbean announces the closure of Bay Street Branch
-
Bahamas News6 days agoBahamas economic growth