NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said while there is an uptick in murders when compared year over year, armed robberies have reportedly declined when compared to the same period last year.

The police commissioner said while 38 murders have been recorded for 2024, which is an uptick from 30 recorded for the same period last year;  there have been 69 cases of armed robberies between January and April 2024, a marked decrease from the 120 recorded in 2023 during the same period.

Fernander said police have identified that majority of the armed robberies recorded this yewr were vehicle theft.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Davis has dismissed criticism regarding the government's ongoing standoff with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), challenging the disparity in investment distribution across the islands, particularly the lack of focus on Freeport.

Davis made these remarks while inspecting progress on vital infrastructure projects in downtown Nassau, accompanied by Works Minister Clay Sweeting and Ministry of Works officials.

Responding to concerns about potential harm to investor confidence, Prime Minister Davis pointed to the substantial investments already secured and in the pipeline for The Bahamas. He questioned why investment capital is flowing to islands like Exuma, Cat Island, Abaco, and Bimini, while Freeport seems neglected.

"Look at what is happening in the country. We have billions of dollars in the pipeline already agreed to and more to come. If it's going to destroy investor confidence why are they still coming? The number of projects I still have on my desk to talk about and deal with is astronomical. The challenge is why is this capital not being attracted to Freeport. It is being attracted in Exuma, Cat Island, Abaco, and Bimini, the cays in the Exumas – why not Grand Bahama? That's the question they have to answer. If investor confidence has been shaken why do we still have all the interest to invest in The Bahamas as a whole and not Grand Bahama as a whole."

Over the weekend, Davis reiterated the government's stance on the GBPA's failure to fulfill its obligations to develop Freeport's economy, emphasizing the demand for $357 million covering the past five fiscal years.

During a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Branch meeting in Grand Bahama, Davis disclosed that the government had issued a demand letter to the GBPA, setting a 30-day deadline for payment. Failure to comply would prompt immediate arbitration proceedings.

The GBPA has vehemently denied owing the claimed $357 million, cautioning against government attempts to coerce a sale of the Port Group, citing potential damage to the Freeport economy.

The Port Authority emphasized the unprecedented nature of the government's claims and warned of adverse effects on investor confidence, despite the island's recent surge in new investments, largely attributed to the GBPA's efforts.

Amidst ongoing tensions, the GBPA called for cooperation from the central government to resolve issues in good faith, emphasizing the collective interests of Freeport's residents, licensees, and investors.

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Two authors have opened the first 100% fully Bahamian bookshop that only features books written by Bahamians. 'Through the Pages' is located in Downtown Nassau and offers books in all genres, including nonfiction, fiction, children's books, romance, and more.

Elle Clarke, co-owner and author, says she and her partner wanted to create a platform for Bahamian authors to showcase their work without competing with international titles. Through The Pages will have a grand opening on April 14, and all book lovers and authors are welcome.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A Florida based weather channel said Thursday afternoon that smoke from raging bush fires in North Andros has triggered moderate air quality levels in Broward.

7Weather posted a video to its Facebook account today to illustrate how winds in the Florida area have swept smoke from Andros to a portion of southern Florida.

The channel said to its viewers, "If you go outside and notice the scent of smoke, it is due to our winds steering the smoke from a fire in Andros Island. Moderate air quality levels now in Broward."

Large bush fires erupted in North Andros last week and continue to rage today; residents told Eyewitness News on Wednesday they are hopeful that government will send additional resources to the island to assist with quelling the big blaze.

The inferno has reportedly caused billows of black smoke to blanket some areas of North Andros, some roadways appeared impassable as a result of the thick clouds of smoke.

Video footage which emerged on social media since the start of the blaze has provided an accurate account of the agony that residents in North Andros are facing as a result of the raging blaze which has also severely impacted air quality levels on the island as well.