Today, as the world observes UNICEF's World Children’s Day, The Bahamas stands in stark contrast, mourning the tragic loss of one of our own. While the rest of the world prioritizes the most vulnerable, we are grappling with the heart-wrenching discovery of a young girl’s body, allegedly found under horrific circumstances. Her life has been stolen, her innocence likely violated, and her dignity trampled. This is a failure that cannot be ignored. As if this tragic event was not enough, the country is also reeling from three Marco's Alerts issued for missing children—within a single day. Where is Adriel? Where is Kayvano? Where is Evan? This is not a coincidence. This is a clear and unacceptable crisis. It is an indictment of our failure to protect our children, the very future of our nation. We are living in a state of denial. Every single day, countless children in The Bahamas are suffering from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. For each child reported missing, how many others are trapped in silence, enduring unimaginable horrors? This is no longer a matter of individual tragedy; it is a systemic crisis—one of morality, governance, and humanity. The time for empty promises and complacency is over. We must act now. It is incumbent upon us to urgently strengthen our child protection systems. Every report of abuse must be met with immediate investigation, unwavering support for victims, and the harshest consequences for perpetrators. We must demand public accountability—no more excuses, no more lapses. Institutions, agencies, and individuals must be held accountable for failing to safeguard our children. But protecting our children is not just the responsibility of authorities—it is a collective duty. Families, schools, and communities must be empowered to recognize, prevent, and report abuse. Justice must not be delayed. Every instance of abuse must be pursued with relentless determination, ensuring that no child's suffering is swept under the rug. Today serves as a painful reminder that we cannot afford to wait for another Marco's Alert, another missing child, another life shattered. Our children deserve to grow up in a country where they are safe, loved, and valued—not one where their lives are constantly at risk.  We must turn our collective outrage into meaningful action, our mourning into momentum, and our heartbreak into hope. This cycle of pain and loss must end. Our children cannot wait any longer. The time for change is now.

Today, as the world observes UNICEF's World Children’s Day, The Bahamas stands in stark contrast, mourning the tragic loss of one of our own. While the rest of the world prioritizes the most vulnerable, we are grappling with the heart-wrenching discovery of a young girl’s body, allegedly found under horrific circumstances. Her life has been stolen, her innocence likely violated, and her dignity trampled. This is a failure that cannot be ignored.

As if this tragic event was not enough, the country is also reeling from three Marco's Alerts issued for missing children—within a single day. Where is Adriel? Where is Kayvano? Where is Evan? This is not a coincidence. This is a clear and unacceptable crisis. It is an indictment of our failure to protect our children, the very future of our nation.

We are living in a state of denial. Every single day, countless children in The Bahamas are suffering from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. For each child reported missing, how many others are trapped in silence, enduring unimaginable horrors? This is no longer a matter of individual tragedy; it is a systemic crisis—one of morality, governance, and humanity.

The time for empty promises and complacency is over. We must act now.

It is incumbent upon us to urgently strengthen our child protection systems. Every report of abuse must be met with immediate investigation, unwavering support for victims, and the harshest consequences for perpetrators. We must demand public accountability—no more excuses, no more lapses. Institutions, agencies, and individuals must be held accountable for failing to safeguard our children.

But protecting our children is not just the responsibility of authorities—it is a collective duty. Families, schools, and communities must be empowered to recognize, prevent, and report abuse. Justice must not be delayed. Every instance of abuse must be pursued with relentless determination, ensuring that no child's suffering is swept under the rug.

Today serves as a painful reminder that we cannot afford to wait for another Marco's Alert, another missing child, another life shattered. Our children deserve to grow up in a country where they are safe, loved, and valued—not one where their lives are constantly at risk. 

We must turn our collective outrage into meaningful action, our mourning into momentum, and our heartbreak into hope. This cycle of pain and loss must end. Our children cannot wait any longer. The time for change is now.

By Senator Maxine Seymore

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt, Governor General, received Nurse Judy E. Deveaux and the PTS 16 Nursing Group as they celebrated their 58th Anniversary in a courtesy call at Government House on Thursday October 3, 2024.   Pictured from left: Mrs. Sandra Hutchinson Neville, Mrs. Helen Seymour Bhagwandin, Mrs. Judy E. Munnings Deveaux, Mrs. Willamae T. Hamilton Stuart, Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt,  Mrs. Marilyn E. Taylor Knowles, Mrs. Nathalee Patricia Smith Bonimy, Mrs. Suzanne Newbold and Mrs. Hilda Johnson Douglas.   (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- His Excellency Dr. Sherif Reda Ahmad Shehata, Non-Resident Ambassador-Designate of the Arab Republic of Egypt, presented Credentials to Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt at Government House, October 1, 2024.   (BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)

 

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Milton on the state of Florida. Passengers traveling to and from Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), particularly to destinations such as Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, may experience delays or cancellations. LPIA remains fully operational and will continue working closely with our airline partners to manage flight schedules and minimize disruptions. We encourage passengers to stay updated by checking directly with their airlines for real-time flight information.

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 - Hurricane Milton Update from Lynden Pindling International Airport

We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Milton on the state of Florida. Passengers traveling to and from Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), particularly to destinations such as Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, may experience delays or cancellations.

LPIA remains fully operational and will continue working closely with our airline partners to manage flight schedules and minimize disruptions.We encourage passengers to stay updated by checking directly with their airlines for real-time flight information.