Bahamas

A week before schools reopen, VAT exemption allows families and educators to purchase school items, PCs, stationery, clothing, bags, hair accessories, free of VAT; the Consumer Protection urged retailers not to inflate prices, parents to shop essentials

Over 1.400 destroyed firearms were encased in concrete at the Internal Security Division of the police force, a first of its kind in the region; Minister of National Security Munroe called it 'deeply significant' as it ends the life cycle of a firearm

One week into crawfish season, the legal harvesting period for spiny lobster running from 1 August to 31 March, has yielded poor returns, probably due to widespread poaching on southern banks, frequently reported

All practices of Junkanoo, the traditional street parades and dancing in elaborate costumes, have been suspended in response to the controversial Junkanoo Authority Bill, which the Junkanoo Corporation argue undermines 21 years of self-management

Public workers' salary adjustments have been announced: wages and benefits will keep rising over time; the salary increases will come from industrial agreements, regular promotions and a formal wage review to keep government competitive in the job market

A proposal to reform charter fees for Bahamian-flagged vessels has been submitted to Cabinet by Minister of Transport and Housing as part of a broader strategy to incentivize the use of the the national yacht registry to boost sector revenue

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas joined the Escazú Agreement, a Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean; it's the 9th CARICOM Member State, 18th in the region

$10 million have been budgeted to begin construction of a new Parliament in the upcoming fiscal year; the full project is expected to cost $65 million and be completed by 2028. The current building has been in use since 1815

The Bahamas is taking part in the wider push to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, focusing on administering the HPV vaccine to boys and girls across the country, Minister of Health and Wellness said at the WHO 78th World Health Assembly

A large brushfire was threatening homes and buildings as it swept through Grand Bahama, in the Regency Park and North Bahamia areas especially; flames were fully estinguished in 24 hours, no casualties occurred

11.157 road accidents, of which 2.234 involved minor and registered serious injuries or fatalities (66), were recorded in Bahamas in 2024, marking a 30% increase from the 51 fatalities of 2023

Amid efforts to achieve universal health coverage, a bill will soon be introduced to move the Chronic Drug Prescription Plan under the National Health Insurance, said Minister of Health and Welfare, Michael Darville

Almost 500 retired civil servants have been re-employed by the government, Minister of Labour and Civil Service Pia Glover-Rolle confirmed