Here are some of the most surprising things that happened in 2024

The year 2024 was one of dramatic developments in the Bahamas, as the country faced scandals and unpredictable events that captured national and international attention.

Here are eight of the most impactful stories from the year:

1. The US Embassy issued a travel advisory as the murder rate climbed

January 24

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a security alert, advising U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders had occurred in the capital since the beginning of 2024. The alert cited gang violence as the primary motive, noting murders have occurred at all hours, “including in broad daylight.”

Though no tourists were harmed or killed, it highlighted the need for improved national security as crime was seemingly spiraling out of control in Nassau.

2. Hubert Minnis challenged Michael Pintard for the FNM leadership but loses

June 1

Michael Pintard retained leadership of the Free National Movement despite the challenge by Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis.

At the one-day convention, Pintard secured 486 votes to 163 for Minnis.

3. CDU Chief Michael Johnson was placed on ‘garden leave’ after a voice note allegation–bargaining with criminals in a 1.5m armour truck robbery

July 2024

Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson, the head of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s (RBPF) Criminal Investigations Department, went on ‘garden leave’ and remains under investigation following serious bribery allegations. Voice notes circulated online, purportedly capturing him negotiating with an alleged gang leader, Michael Fox Jr., to dismiss charges in exchange for monetary compensation.

Fox and other deceased individuals were previously implicated in a significant armored truck heist.

4. Official Mario Bannister was charged in a murder case of a man found with hands and feet bound

August 2024

The managing director of Clifton Heritage Mario Bannister with two other men were charged with the murder of Philip Adderley, whose body was found with stab wounds and bound by hands and feet in waters near Stuart’s Cove.

After text and photos circulated implicating Bannister in the murder, Prime Minister Philip Davis dismissed him from the position.

5. Abaco MP Kirk Cornish was cleared of rape, assault and death threat against former girlfriend

October 31

North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish walked free after a jury found him ‘not guilty’ of two counts of rape charges of assault and death threats.

His former girlfriend alleged the incidents occurred between January 20, 2023 and April 4, 2023 when Cornish became controlling and abusive because she was speaking to male friends. She added that Cornish attacked her while at an Airbnb and once charged at her with a knife.

A short time later, she said she went into the bedroom to rest and Cornish raped her and spat in her face after he was done.

6. Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander resigned amid U.S. drug trafficking indictments against officers

December 4

Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander resigned following a U.S. investigation that indicted several Bahamian officers for police involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation into the US.

Prime Minister Philip Davis announced Fernander’s resignation in the House of Assembly following cries from the Opposition and the public.

The indicted officers were accused of facilitating cocaine smuggling into the U.S. by exploiting their official positions, adding to growing allegations of corruption within the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

7. MP Shanendon Cartwright threw mace from House of Assembly spurring a forceful removal of the Opposition

December 4

Member of Parliament for St Barnabas Shanendon Cartwright threw the mace out of the window of the House of Assembly when House Speaker Patricia Deveaux prevented the Opposition from speaking on the matter involving officers indicted for cocaine smuggling in the US.

Deveaux ordered the removal of Bannister from the House when members of the Opposition linked arms to prevent his removal. Officers forcefully ejected the FNM parliamentarians and Deveaux suspended them from two House sittings.

8. Chinese Construction firm filed for bankruptcy over 1.6 bn Baha Mar judgment

December 23

China Construction America (CCA), the contractor behind the Baha Mar resort project, filed for U.S. bankruptcy protection. The filing followed a $1.6 billion judgment against CCA due to construction delays and financial losses associated with the project. The bankruptcy raised concerns about the future of foreign investments and large-scale developments in the Bahamas.

These events have significantly influenced the socio-political and economic landscape of the Bahamas in 2024, prompting discussions on governance, public safety, environmental conservation, infrastructure, and international relations.