NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A collaboration between the governments of The Bahamas and the People's Republic of China aimed at addressing visual impairments was announced Tuesday afternoon.

Set to begin in summer 2024, "The Brightness Action Initiative" was conceived as a means of providing surgical interventions to PMH Ophthalmic clients impacted by cataracts.

The Chinese government will facilitate the surgeries at PMH, which officials say will assist with servicing a backlog of almost 200 patients.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper assured yesterday that he will actively oversee the progress of the February Point development despite homeowners' concerns about alleged delays.

When asked about the matter yesterday, Cooper, who serves as the Minister of Tourism, Aviation, and Investments, as well as the Exuma and Ragged Island MP, stated: "There has been an ongoing dialogue between the developers of February Point and the homeowners. I anticipate that this development will continue over the coming weeks, months, and possibly years. As the Member of Parliament for Exuma, I will monitor it closely to ensure progress."

The February Point property was acquired for just over $8 million by an investment group led by developer US John McGarvey a decade ago. The property's redevelopment was initially proposed to include the transformation of Georgetown with the development of over two dozen condominiums, a boutique hotel, and a redeveloped marina in a multimillion-dollar project. Concerns have been raised regarding the alleged stall in the project's progress and its potential deterioration.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources Vaughn Miller admitted Monday afternoon that dealing with the ongoing forest fires in North Andros has been very challenging.

According to the minister, there are currently marines and firefighters on the ground in Nicholl's Town, Andros battling a new blaze that reportedly erupted over the weekend. Officials are hopeful that they are able to contain it by Wednesday of this week.

Forest fires have been raging in North Andros for three weeks. Residents on the island have reported lie air quality as a result of the ongoing fires and businesses have been reportedly negatively impacted as well. The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute's (BAMSI) crops have reportedly been significantly damaged as a result of the fires.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander revealed to media Monday morning, during a press briefing held at the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Headquarters, that authorities have not only been successful in capturing accused perpetrators of serious crimes, but he said they have also been able to swiftly bring those matters before the court.

The commissioner highlighted that investigations into a number of recent killings in the capital have yielded positive results; he noted that the man believed to be responsible for the broad daylight killing of a man and woman on Prince Charles Drive earlier this year has been hauled before the court.

He also revealed that another man was taken to court April 19, 2024 for the fatal shooting of a Water & Sewerage Corporation employee which unfolded on Kemp Road on April 12, 2024.

Fernander confirmed that three adult males have also been taken into police custody for the shooting death of a male which unfolded outside of a local nightspot in Western New Providence during the early morning hours of April 15, 2024. He said the trio are expected to appear in court April 22, 2024 to be arraigned for that killing.