Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, August 5, 2023 – An American woman has been arrested in The Bahamas, accused of conspiring with two men, one of them alleged to be her lover, to murder her estranged husband.

The woman, 36 year old Lindsay Shiver and the two men, 28-year-old Terrance Bethel, the alleged lover and 29 year old Faron Newbold, were taken into custody last week following police investigation of a reported burglary at Grabbers Bar and Grill restaurant on Great Guana Cay.

The police looked into their cell phones and found WhatsApp messages detailing the assassination plot to kill her husband.

The couple, who built a life in South Georgia have three children and are home owners on the island in the Abacos.

News outlets throughout the US have reported on the scandalous story, including that a nasty court battle over the couple’s reported, $5 Million dollar fortune and three children was underway.  Shiver, an entrepreneur is a former beauty Alabama queen, her husband a former football player was an insurance executive.

According to US media, the husband, Robert, recently filed for divorce from Shivers after a decade of marriage upon discovering she had an alleged extra-martial affair with Bethel whom she met in The Bahamas.

While the husband claims infidelity on the part of his wife, the wife claims he was abusive.

The suspects Shiver, Bethel and Newbold appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley on Friday July 28th.  Their next court date is set for October 5th.

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, August 5, 2023 – The Bahamas is now facing an unfortunate reality as sexual assault has become and is a growing issue since 2023.  Women and girls are said to be living in fear for their safety from these perpetrators.

The Royal Bahamas Police force has reported on instances of assault in press releases found on their Facebook page.

One report spoke of a 50 year old they were searching for after he burglarized a home and sexually assaulted an elderly woman, 82 years old.  She was reported to be asleep when he woke and assaulted her.

This took place on Tuesday July 11th, 2023 at the home in the Centreville area of Nassau.

There is another incident that took place on July 17th, 2023 which the police are seeking in catching the suspect as they investigate.  It involves a man believed to the perpetrator in for an armed robbery and sexual assault.

According to preliminary data, he approached the victim, a female, with a firearm, robbed her and sexually assaulted her.  He proceeded to enter the house and robbed a male and escaped.  This happened in the Cowpen Road area; also in Nassau.

The assaults continue to grow in number as the police reported that they were investigating two other incidents that took place on July 24th.

The first had to do with a female, 30 years old who reported she was driving on West on Marshall Road when two men approached her after she slowed down near Faith Avenue.  One of the males with a firearm, forced her from her vehicle and took her to nearby bushes where they sexually assaulted her after which they escaped.

The second incident involved à 32 year old woman who was sexually assaulted by a male known to her.  It is reported that she was walking in the Fleming Street area when she accepted transportation from the suspect, who drove her to a dirt road off Gladstone Road where he presented a firearm and proceeded to rape her.

Furthermore, another assault, this time involving a 9 year old girl, was reported.  As revealed by preliminary information, the victim was playing with friends outside where she lives on Saturday July 29th, 2023 when the suspect, a 42 year old male of Summerset Estate, driving a white Nissan Skyline, arrived and gestured to her to enter the car.

She entered the car after which he took her to an unknown location, threatened her and sexually assaulted her.  She was later found somewhere in Spikenard Road; this also happened in Nassau.

Fortunately, he was caught and arrested for abduction and sexual assault on Sunday July 30th by officers affiliated with the Drug Enforcement Unit.

There are other reports of sexual assault throughout The Bahamas as well as rape and attempted rape during the earlier parts of the year, dating back to as early as February.

CAPTION: Women Leaders, including Ann Marie Davis, wife of the Prime Minister filled the gallery of The Bahamas Senate this week as members of the upper chamber debated the Protection Against Violence Bill 2023.  The debate came just as the country experiences a spike in sexual assaults against women and girls.  Photo by Patrick Hanna, BIS.

Group photo caption:

From Left to Right: Mr. Joshua Sears, Senator Hon. Darren Hendfield, Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Bahamas Leader of the Bahamas Hon. Michael Pintard and Deputy Premier Hon. Erwin J. Saunders.

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, August 4, 2023 – The Bahamian Government is standing by Kenya which is considering to lead a multinational force in Haiti, sending 1000 police officers to be a part of that force as announced.  For this, The Bahamas is committed to send 150 people to support the cause.

This comes as the humanitarian crisis affecting the republic escalates.  They are waiting on authorization from the United Nations Security Council to make the next move, sending the 150 personnel to Haiti.

“We now urge the passing of a UN Security Council Resolution in support of this force,” The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The Bahamas’ decision comes following a request made by Antonio Guterres, U.N. Secretary General on Monday July 31st, 2023, for Haiti’s neighbors to join Kenya in its decision to help the republic, standing “with persons of African descent across the world,” as expressed by Alfred Mutua, Kenyan Foreign Minister.

Additionally, in its statement, The Bahamas highlighted that it was happy to work with Kenya, reiterating the goal to stand with people of “African descent,” including those in the Caribbean,” as well as other countries in the hemisphere.

“We also look forward to cooperating with hemispheric partners including the United States and Canada,” Nassau stated, further pointing out that The Bahamas will continue to support the CARICOM led Eminent Persons Group, which includes Perry Christie, former Bahamas prime minister and his colleagues Dr. Kenny Anthony of St Lucia, and Bruce Golding of Jamaica, and the Organization of American States’ Haiti Working Group chaired by Trinidad and Tobago.

Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, commended Kenya for “considering to serve as the lead nation” for the multinational force and expressed support for its authorization from a UN Security Council Resolution.

These efforts are crucial to restoring Haiti to a properly functioning Caribbean Island like its neighboring islands. This was put forth in The Bahamas’ statement which said, “These regional and Diasporic approaches to addressing insecurity caused by gang violence are critical to creating a safe space to foster political consensus and to restore democratic order.”

Haiti is now getting the help it deserves following last month’s appeal by Guterres to the UN Security Council and major potential contributing countries, to quickly act towards the deployment of multinational forces to the country. Also, this comes after Dr. Ariel Henry, Haiti’s Prime Minister appealed to the UN for the “the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force, in sufficient quantity,” to combat worsening gang activity.

This agreement was memorialized Wednesday, July 26, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by founding members of the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance (Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Perry Institute for Marine Science, and Waterkeepers Bahamas), Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute, Bahamas National Trust, Blue Action Lab, Friends of the Environment, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources – Forestry Unit, and The Nature Conservancy. The signing was held at the Harry C. Moore Library – University of The Bahamas. The group will also support developing and implementing a national mangrove restoration and monitoring plan and identify sustainable financing options to support long-term mangrove restoration needs.

“The signing of this MOU on World Mangrove Day is a momentous occasion for The Bahamas and its precious mangrove ecosystems,” stated Rashema Ingraham, Executive Director of Waterkeepers Bahamas, and member of the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance.” Through this collaborative effort, we will increase our capacity to execute restoration projects and pave the way for an ambitious scaling up of scientific research and community involvement in the preservation of these invaluable habitats.”

Mangroves are a critically important habitat for fish and wildlife, and they support Bahamian livelihoods through fishing and tourism. The natural infrastructure provided by mangroves aids in preventing erosion and absorbing storm surges during severe weather such as hurricanes or floods. Mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet and store up to five times more carbon than upland tropical forests, thus playing an important role in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gasses.

“All my life I’ve spent fishing, and today I’m excited to be a part of the mangrove restoration. This means so much to not only me but to all the folks who live here. When you think about the bonefish, they need the crabs, they need the shrimp, they need the mangroves. I’m filled with joy. To me, this is a dream come true. I remember in 2019 when I came out here after the storm and saw all the dead mangroves. I said, God, You’ve got to help us, and today, I see all of this wonderful work helping to bring it back,” said Sherman Tate, a fishing guide at East End Lodge on East Grand Bahama.

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian struck The Bahamas, devastating about 21,000 hectares of mangrove forests on Abaco Island and 22,000 hectares on Grand Bahama – equivalent to over 80,000 football fields. Some of the impacted areas are slowly regenerating, but due to the loss of mature plants that produce seeds, most of them will not recover without help.

This diverse group of agencies and leading non-profit organizations based in The Bahamas are coming together to increase coordination and ensure long-term support to take on mangrove restoration at scales needed to accelerate natural recovery and prevent further loss of the benefits that mangroves provide, bringing immense value to The Bahamas.

One of the group’s key priorities is to engage with community partners to build local capacity to conduct education and restoration activities such as seed collection, planting, and monitoring.

To learn more or get involved with restoration efforts, contact Rashema Ingraham, at 1-242-373-7558 or rashema@waterkeepersbahamas.com.

Initial funding for this historic effort is generously provided by: Builders Initiative, COmON Foundation, Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme – The Bahamas, Global Fund for Coral Reefs, Moore Bahamas Foundation and The Nature Conservancy.

Photo Captions

Header: Strengthening Alliances for Mangrove Restoration:  Historic MOU signed on World Mangrove Day (July 26th) Front L-R Jim McDuffie, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust; Rashema Ingraham, Waterkeepers Bahamas; Dr Craig Dahlgren, Perry Institute for Marine Science

Back L-R  Dr Carlton Watson, University of The Bahamas; Marcia Musgrove, The Nature Conservancy; Dr Brandon Bethel, University of The Bahamas; Geoffrey Andrews, Bahamas National Trust

1st insert: Representatives from key conservation organizations attend MOU signing at the Harry C. Moore Library, University of The Bahamas on World Mangrove Day (July 26th)

2nd insert: Red Mangroves ready for Outplanting

Credited as a show highlighting black males in a positive light, fans will see the scenic beauty of land and sea and witness the culture of The Bahamas in both episodes. “Johnson” creator, executive producer, writer, director, and lead actor, Deji LaRay, said The Bahamas ranked first of possible locations and it was important for Bahamians to be involved to secure Bahamian authenticity.

The episodes were filmed in Nassau at the Sandyport Beach Resort, Trip Advisor 2023 Traveler’s Choice award winner, for the sixth time, and the family-themed Atlantis Paradise Island.

Conchboy Films owner, Lavado Stubbs, was hired as the local director and co-producer for the two episodes filmed outside of the United States for the first time. He also headed the pre-shoot search to select the location spots.

Stubbs said that once he got the scripts, he immediately knew the locations had to ensure The Bahamas was a character in the show and not just any island destination backdrop.

“The Bahamian beauty and local feel of Sandyport Beach Resort made it an obvious choice. It has been here for years and is very Bahamian,” said Stubbs.  “It further added to the portrayal of The Bahamas as a character in the show as every aspect of the resort contributed to the cultural element of the series.”  The award-winning resort also housed the international actors and film crew during the week-long shoot.

“We knew we wanted to go to a beautiful country and island,” said “Johnson” star LaRay. “The Bahamas’ beaches are the best in the world and the people are incredibly inviting and supportive. Bahamian director Lavado Stubbs brought a unique perspective and ensured that the episodes captured the authenticity of the Bahamian culture.”

“Johnson” Executive Producer Reesha L. Archibald echoed LaRay, noting that the show was looking to elevate the series beyond just location, so the inclusion of Bahamian culture and typical events was key.

“The Bahamian production team members and actors, Chantel O’Brian and young artist, BahaMian Trae and the many extras all contributed to the success of that goal.  And we decided that it would be smart and send a big ‘thank you’ to Nassau to include Lavado as a director because of his expertise, local knowledge and his film production company. “It has been phenomenal and definitely worth the months of planning; it was also surprising and wonderful to learn that our show has Bahamian fans.”

Conchboy Films owner, Lavado Stubbs shared that the shoot was enlightening for him. “What was amazing to me was the “Johnson” team wanted these episodes to be authentically Bahamian, meaning The Bahamas wasn’t just the backdrop, as is usually the case, but a major part of the storyline. As a Bahamian director, I’ve learned that’s rare with a visiting film crew.  It has made me realize that any other projects that come here could see that local production talent is the right way to go.”

Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager, Leeanne Clarke said it had been a great experience working with the “Johnson” production team and is thankful that the Film Commission in the Ministry of Tourism and Conchboy Films reached out to the resort with the opportunity.

Clarence Rolle, the Film Commissioner at Bahamas Film Commission said that overall, the decision to film in The Bahamas and involve Bahamian talent in the “Johnson” series demonstrates a commitment to authenticity, cultural appreciation, and the elevation of the show. It’s a positive development for both the Bahamian entertainment industry and the visibility of the country on an international platform.” The Bahamas Film Commission is a national agency with a remit to maximize and support the production of international feature film and television in The Bahamas promoting the region through the development of film, video, and multimedia production.

“Johnson” returns for a new season on Bounce TV Saturday nights at 8 p.m. ET starting August 5, 2023, with two new back-to-back episodes. Bounce (@bouncetv) features a programming mix of original series and movies, theatrical motion pictures,  off network series, specials and events designed for African American audiences. Viewers can catch up on “Johnson” and all Bounce originals anytime on Brown Sugar, Bounce’s subscription video-on-demand service. Visit www.BrownSugar.com for more information.

Photo Caption: 

Header: Bounce TV network series “Johnson” filmed two episodes in Nassau for an upcoming season in the popular drama. USA production team and local Conchboy Films production team are pictured at Sandyport Beach Resort during the week-long shoot. L to R: Executive Producer, Reesha L. Archibald; Bahamian Actress, Chantel O’Brian; “Johnson” creator, writer and lead actor, Deji LaRay; Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager, Leeanne Clarke; and General Manager Cheralda Arnett; Conchboy Films Production Assistant, Keanna Rigby and Conchboy Films owner, Lavado Stubbs.

1st insert: “Johnson” creator, writer and lead actor, Deji LaRay; and Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager, Leeanne Clarke are interviewed for a promotional video for the Bounce TV hit show “Johnson.”

2nd insert: Conchboy Films owner, and Director of 2 episodes of Bounce TV hit show, “Johnson” filmed on location at Sandyport Beach Resort takes a break with  Bahamian production team member and actor, Chantel O’Brian.

Photos and words: Ashley@serenawilliams-pr.com

The exhibition, mounted in the foyer of the Senate building, features national symbols, gifts from countries around the world to The Bahamas upon attainment of Independence in 1973, a copy of The Constitution, a document showing the name of then Prince Charles reading the scripture at the Ecumenical Service, documents on The Constitution and Independence, portraits of former Governors-General, and the present Governor-General His Excellency Sir Cornelius Smith, the Legislative Council and other artifacts and documents.

The secretariat is encouraging participants of youth camps and youth organizations, students on summer break, civic organizations, and members of the wider public to seize the opportunity and view the exhibition which will continue to be on display from Monday, 24 July, to Friday, 28 July 2023 between the hours of 10 am to 12 pm, and then from 2 pm to 4 pm.

These items were also on display during the country’s 40th Independence anniversary in July 2013.

This year presents another opportunity to view the historic display in celebration of the 50th Independence Anniversary of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

To ensure a smooth handover and transfer process, RBDF’s surface assets, HMBS LL. Smith and Safe Boat, were deployed to facilitate the transfer of the 275 migrants that took place at Coral Harbour Base. On Monday, 17th July, HMBS LL. Smith arrived alongside Coral Harbour Base, where a comprehensive profiling of the migrants was conducted.

The profiling revealed 168 adult males, 47 adult females, 46 minor males, and 14 minor females. Two individuals necessitated immediate medical assistance. Ultimately, all migrants were safely handed over to The Bahamas Immigration Department.

Commodore Raymond E. King is steadfast in his commitment to fostering enhanced collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and local law enforcement agencies, as well as regional partners. Through joint operations and proactive information sharing, these strategic alliances serve as force multipliers, effectively addressing both existing and potential challenges.

The RBDF remains resolute in its duty to safeguard our cherished heritage, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the security and well-being of our nation.

RBDF Photos by Marine Seaman Rickey Sealey

Set for Saturday October 7^th, this year’s walk will occur on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera. Each island will have a mini health fair with exhibitors and exciting vendors immediately following their Walk for the Cure event.

The funds raised from WFTC are primarily used to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients; and to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns regionally.

Helen Longley-Forbes, a 14-year breast cancer survivor and GD Sharing and Caring executive member, expressed thanks to the bank for its continued support and encouraged public participation because “every dollar goes a long way”.

“A lot of our group members don’t have medical insurance and the cost of cancer care treatment is very costly. The proceeds received from CIBC FirstCaribbean go a long way. We are able to assist with necessary scans, exams and even grocery needs, along with overall support which is critical,” she said.

Since the walk’s inception in 2012, CIBC FirstCaribbean has raised close to 4 million dollars across the region for the fight against cancer with the help of corporate sponsors, employees, clients, and members of the public.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, appealed to corporate Bahamas and the wider public to partner with the bank to support Walk for the Cure and help raise critical funds to support those impacted by cancer.

“Walk for the Cure is a family-friendly health and fitness event. Last year’s walk saw a great turnout and we are looking to double those numbers this year as we help increase awareness about prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of all types of cancer as well as funds for the fight against cancer. CIBC FirstCaribbean encourages everyone on the islands where CIBC FirstCaribbean has a presence to come out and support a great cause.”

Members of the public are encouraged to sign up to interact and walk with other participants while enjoying fresh air and great scenery. Registrants can make it a team activity by signing up with friends, family members or co-workers. WFTC registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children. Persons can register at any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch, or by emailing WalkfortheCureBAH@cibcfcib.com.

Additionally, individuals can stop into any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch and make a donation to the CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure account. CIBC FirstCaribbean customers can also use the convenient first pay option when they log in to donate.

Photo Captions: 

Header: During its Walk for the Cure launch of the upcoming October 7^th event, CIBC FirstCaribbean presented $51,000 to cancer care organizations across the country. Pictured from left to right are GD Caring and Sharing executive member, Helen Longley-Forbes; Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group representatives, Carolyn Sweeting and Nurse Charlene McPhee; CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend; Cancer Society of The Bahamas Founder and Director, Susan Roberts and Immediate Past President Dr. Williamson Chea and CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk Manager, Antionette Fox.

Inserts: Two photographs from previous Walk for the Cure (WFTC) events.  On October 7^th, 2023, individuals of all ages will participate in CIBC FirstCaribbean’s flagship fundraiser, WFTC on this islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera.

Landside works in preparation for maintenance dredging and jetty repairs at the inlet to the Fortune Bay Canal are now complete, and marine activities have begun.  Following the maintenance dredging works, repairs to damaged jetties in the area will be undertaken during June through October 2023.

The marine dredging and jetty repair activities are being conducted during the hours of 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Monday to Saturday over the period of June to October 2023, subject to weather and logistical impacts.

“We understand the significance of the Fortune Bay Canal to our residents and the boating public,” said Charisse Brown, CEO and President of The Grand Bahama Development Company Limited.  “Our teams are working diligently to ensure that the work continues to progress safely and as planned.  We are grateful for the support given to LUSCO by Phoenix Engineering Limited, A&D Gaitor’s Equipment Rock & Sand, and the Grand Bahama Port Authority and its Building and Development Services Department. We will continue to update residents and the boating public about ongoing works and potential impacts to traffic in the waterway and onshore areas.”

LUSCO urges operators of vessels of all types to exercise extreme caution and care while navigating the Fortune Bay Canal area both during work hours and off-hours when equipment and markers may be erected in the area.  Mariners should remain a safe distance away from the dredger, booster, buoys, underground and aboveground cables, pipelines, barges, derricks, wires, and related equipment.  They are reminded to comply with the published Mariners Warning and signage posted in the waterway near the construction zone.

Residents are encouraged to follow the LUSCO Facebook page for further updates.

Press Release