Eyewitness News Bahamas

18/08/2025

NEW AIRLIFT: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has announced that Aztec Airways will begin new passenger flights to Georgetown, Exuma in November 2025.

The service will operate twice weekly from the airline’s private terminal at Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) directly to Exuma International Airport (GGT), offering travelers a stress-free connection to the Family Islands. The final schedule will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Chester Cooper, said the new route will boost access to the Exumas, strengthen year-round economic activity, and support trade and investment.

Tourism Director General Latia Duncombe added that the partnership will enhance the visitor experience, while Aztec Airways Director of Operations Rick Ar**ha emphasized the airline’s commitment to improving transportation options across The Bahamas.

This will be Aztec Airways’ first passenger service to Georgetown, expanding on its weekly cargo flights to the island since 2010.

18/08/2025

EYE ON ERIN: A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Central Bahamas, including Cat Island, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador.

Tropical storm conditions are already being felt in the Southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Residents in the Central Bahamas are being urged to begin preparations now for the possibility of tropical storm impacts.

At 5 a.m., Erin’s center was located about 105 miles north-northeast of Grand Turk, 180 miles east of Mayaguana, and 485 miles southeast of New Providence. The storm is moving northwest at 13 mph, with a gradual turn to the north expected later today. On its forecast track, Erin is expected to pass east of the Southeast Bahamas today and then move between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast by midweek.

Forecasters warn residents to expect showers, thunderstorms, gusty winds up to tropical storm strength, heavy rainfall, possible tornadic activity, and hail. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected, with isolated amounts of up to 6 inches. Dangerous swells are already affecting the Southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos and will spread into the Central and Northwest Bahamas today and Tuesday.

18/08/2025

BANK PROFIT: Commonwealth Bank Limited reported consolidated net profit of $35.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, up 4.3 percent from $34.1 million in the prior year.

The performance was driven by steady revenue growth, higher non-interest income, and improved loan asset quality. Gross interest income rose 3.2 percent year-over-year as the bank benefitted from strategic investment management and cautious credit underwriting that strengthened its loan book and reduced delinquency levels. Net interest income was further supported by a 6.1 percent decline in interest expenses, aided by a favorable mix of demand and term deposits.

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18/08/2025

HALF-YEAR PROFIT: Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited (CHBL) delivered strong financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2025, reporting net and comprehensive income attributable to ordinary shareholders of $22.7 million, or $0.92 per share, up from $9.8 million, or $0.40 per share, during the same period in 2024.

The company also finalized the acquisition of the Saxon Group of companies, comprising Saxon Holding Company Ltd. and Saxon Administration Ltd., both domiciled in the Cayman Islands. This strategic acquisition added $14.1 million in net assets to CHBL’s balance sheet and created $14 million in goodwill, expanding the company’s operational and service capabilities.

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18/08/2025

FISCAL DISCREPANCY: The Fiscal Responsibility Council (FRC) has raised concerns over inconsistencies in government fiscal reporting, noting the broadly publicised $137.5 million difference in April 2025 data.

In its report on the 2025/2026 budget, the FRC stated:”The FRC notes that to achieve the targeted fiscal deficit of $69.8 million, a fiscal surplus of $96.6 million over the final three months of FY 2024/2025 must be realised. Over the comparative period in FY 2023/2024, a fiscal surplus of $20.2 million was produced. A strong final quarter performance will be needed,

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18/08/2025

INSURANCE GROWTH: FamGuard Corporation Limited reported profits of $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, as insurance revenue growth and higher investment income helped offset rising health claims and financing costs tied to interest rate movements.

The results, representing earnings of $0.11 per share, were in line with expectations and reflect “the continued strength of the Group’s core insurance business operations, despite the impact of external market factors,” said Raymond Winder, chairman of the board.

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18/08/2025

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: “The Chief is a thief!”

That was the chant hurled in the 1980s at Sir Lynden Pindling, the man who brought independence to his people, the man who lifted the Bahamian flag for the first time in 1973. To some, he was a father of the nation. To others, he became a target of derision and accusation. The scene was a bitter paradox: a leader who embodied liberation, reduced to a slogan that equated him with common criminality.

That moment should haunt us, because it was not only about Pindling. It was about us. It was the birth of something darker in our politics: the idea that an opponent is not merely wrong, but corrupt; not merely misguided, but wicked. From that point onward, Bahamian politics was no longer just about ideas or policies. It was about shame, about humiliation, about destroying the very dignity of the person across the aisle.

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18/08/2025

DRUG SEIZURE: Police say three people were taken into custody Sunday evening following a search in Millar’s Heights under Operation Black Scorpion.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., officers executed a warrant at a home on Centre Drive. During the search, a quantity of ammunition was discovered in a vehicle along with suspected ma*****na.

A 28-year-old man and two women, aged 62 and 26, were arrested at the scene. Police say the weight and value of the suspected ma*****na are still being determined.

Investigations continue.

18/08/2025

Dear Editor

“The Chief is a thief!”

That was the chant hurled in the 1980s at Sir Lynden Pindling, the man who brought independence to his people, the man who lifted the Bahamian flag for the first time in 1973. To some, he was a fath...

Dear Editor “The Chief is a thief!” That was the chant hurled in the 1980s at Sir Lynden Pindling, the man who brought independence to his people, the man who lifted the Bahamian flag for the first time in 1973. To some, he was a father of the nation. To others, he became a target of derision

17/08/2025

Bahamian Film 'Pages of My Heart' Premieres on Amazon Prime August 22

17/08/2025

Fatal GB Crash Leaves Two Dead, Two in Hospital

17/08/2025

DRM Update on Erin; Southern Islands Expected to Be Impacted