abaco

Tears, prayers, and moments of reflection filled Full Gospel Assembly in Abaco on Saturday as loved ones gathered to mourn the lives of Monique Williams and her 13-year-old nephew, Terrence Williams, who were taken in a tragic car accident last month.

Family members, quietly with friends and community members, were united by the memories of Monique and Terrence.

As hymns echoed through the church, tears flowed freely and quietly and the service became a farewell and a reminder of how Monique and Terrence were loved.

Watch as family and friends view Monique and Terrence Williams.

Williams, 53, was remembered as a woman whose kindness was felt long before it was spoken. A preschool teacher, a friend said, she had a way of making everyone around her feel seen and cared for.

“She never sought the spotlight. She was always present, always faithful.”

They described Monique as family-oriented, thoughtful, and loyal.

Her devotion, they said, extended into her classroom, where she poured love and guidance into the children she taught.

Terrence Williams was remembered as a shy but joyful 13-year-old whose smile, loved ones said, could light up any room. A student at S.C. Bootle High School, Terrence, mourners said, had a gentle spirit and a growing love for basketball.

“He was sweet,” one family friend said in a social media post. “A good boy with a bright spirit.”

The pair died tragically in Marsh Harbour, shortly after 8 a.m., as the aunt and nephew traveled north along the roadway. Police say their vehicle was struck head-on by another car traveling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the other vehicle, a tourist visiting Abaco for the first time, has since been charged in connection with the fatal crash. He drove on the wrong side of the road.

The tragic deaths of Monique Williams and 13-year-old Terrence Williams have sent shockwaves across Abaco, leaving a community steeped in grief and disbelief.

In a statement shared to social media, Cooper’s Town Primary, where she was employed, described her as “a quiet storm, a gem with a smile that could light up any room,” adding that the school is carrying “heavy hearts” as they mourn one of their own.

The aunt and nephew were traveling north along the road in Marsh Harbour shortly after 8 a.m. when their vehicle was struck head-on by another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The other driver, a tourist visiting the island for the first time, has since been charged in connection with the fatal incident.

Ms. Williams, 53, was a teacher, remembered by colleagues, parents, and students as gentle, kind, and deeply devoted to her children in the classroom. Terrence, a 13-year-old student at S.C. Bootle High School, was described by loved ones as a sweet boy with a bright spirit.

“This loss is one that is felt profoundly by our school and the communities of North Abaco,” the school’s post read.

Glendor Knowles, who knew Ms. Williams said, “This teacher was one of the nicest and most caring. The students are at a loss.”

Her niece, McCara McPhee, wrote simply but heartbreakingly, “You’ll in a better place now.”

Another mourner, Janice Lewis, echoed the sentiment shared by many: “She was such a sweet person.”

The Ministry of Education also extended condolences, noting that Ms. Williams served her school community with “passion, commitment, and love for her students and colleagues.”

Leanne Russell, a close family friend, shared a tribute for Terrence: “Take your rest, beautiful boy. My heart aches for your mother, the Russell family, and everyone who knew your sweet spirit.”

The accused, John Porth of South Carolina, was granted bail on Tuesday for $60,000 and ordered to wear an ankle monitor. He is expected to return to court on March 16.

Following the arrests of two men connected to the looting of a grounded barge in Abaco, police are urging residents to return stolen property,and Bahamians are weighing in with mixed reactions.

The barge, Brooklyn Bridge, ran aground in Abaco waters on November 11 after a mechanical failure. The Jacksonville-based shipping company Trailer Bridge reported that by November 13, dozens of people were attempting to remove goods and cargo from the stranded vessel. The company estimated that as many as 50 people were involved.

Trailer Bridge CEO Mitch Luciano called the situation “rapidly unfolding,” saying the barge was “actively being robbed.”
“Our top priority is the safety of our personnel,” he said. “We have alerted Bahamian police as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy.” The company stated that the the Bahamas police unit could  not intervene initially because “they feared violence.”

Click here to watch looters take supplies from the stranded cargo: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1VusAGuu1h/

Police in the Northern Bahamas confirmed the first arrests. Press Liaison Officer Stephen Rolle said two men were taken into custody and appealed to the public to return items removed from the barge.

But that appeal has triggered pushback online.

Lashan McIntosh commented, “Y’all going crazy about return items. We still waiting on the set from Dorian.”

One user suggested officers were more upset about missing out than the theft itself: “The force only mad they didn’t get there first.”

Others questioned whether arrests were necessary. Lovely McIntosh wrote, “Insurance will cover the loss regardless. Ask them to hand over the stuff and let them go.”

Another commenter agreed: “Try let them go. If you chase them, you have to go behind all those other people.”

Some took a more mocking tone. “Catch me if you can,” one user said, adding the hashtag #AbacoChristmas.

Others found the situation embarrassing. “I never would’ve thought to take my boat over and steal washing machines,” one commenter said. “But that’s just me and my character.”

Nigel Bower added, “It speaks a lot about our society.”

There was also criticism of media framing. Several users objected to The Tribune labeling the suspects as “looters,” with one questioning whether the paper confirmed the barge owners’ stance before using the term.

Another joked that the entire incident resembled a movie title: “Pirates of the Caribbean 2025.”

As police continue their investigation, officials request that other looters return the cargo removed from the vessel. It is unclear whether anyone will face charges.

Photo credit: Trailer Bridge

Six years after Hurricane Dorian, one body still lies unclaimed in the Grand Bahama morgue.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the remains couldn’t be identified despite police forensic work.

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard called it hypocrisy, the same government that once accused the Hubert Minnis administration of negligence now faces the same problem.

But beyond politics lies a deeper question — how can a nation rebuild if its victims are still unburied?

The monster storm destroyed parts of Abaco and Grand Bahama, with hundreds of lives lost, and some remain missing. A mass burial was held for the victims, and all bodies found were thought to be buried.

Barri Bethel Thomas, who lost her husband and three children in the storm, questioned whether or not the body could be her relatives. She said she took a DNA test six years ago.

In a social media post in August, on the sixth anniversary, she recalled the fateful day, “The smell of Hurricane Dorian still lingers in my nose. I remember with unbearable clarity, watching as the 50 to 60-foot ocean swallowed my beloved family. The last words I heard from my husband were, “Lord help my family…I can still hear my babies screaming and crying out for their dad.”

Over these six years, I’ve fought some of the hardest battles of my life. I fought for the remains of my family, I never received them.”

The bottom line

Dorian’s wounds remain open, long after the storm passed. It now raises questions about accountability.

Featured images: The Atlantic and ABC News

As Category 5 Hurricane Milton churns toward Florida, the Bahamas is under a tropical storm warning beginning early Thursday morning, significantly impacting the northern islands—Abaco, Grand Bahama and Bimini.

Florida is expected to experience fierce a hurricane with a direct hit to Tampa and St Petersburg with tall surges and floodings.

Though the Bahamas is not in the direct pathway of the ferocious hurricane, these islands will experience adverse effects in the next 36 hours.

“Do all you can to stay safe,” Prime Minister Philip Davis warned at a press conference on Tuesday evening. “Prepare now.”

The Bahamas is on the outer peripherals of the hurricane and will experience tropical-force winds. New Providence, Eleuthera and Andros will experience winds, extensive floodings and heavy rainfalls.

Davis announced the closure of schools on these islands and urged residents to prepare.

Meteorologists predict Grand Bahama and Abaco will experience winds and ‘squally’ conditions while Bimini will get gust winds.

Hurricane Milton had weakened to a Category 4 storm but strengthened again to a Category 5 storm Tuesday afternoon, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

Its wind speeds have increased past the Category 5 threshold. The storm is located about 480 miles (775 kilometers) from Tampa as of about 5 p.m. EDT, and has sustained wind speeds of 165 mph (270 kph), the hurricane center said. The hurricane center also extended a storm surge and hurricane warnings on Florida and Georgia’s east coasts.

Tropical storm-force winds will accompany the storm because Milton is considered a large hurricane. Winds are predicted to cause widespread damage to property and trees and leave millions without electricity across Florida.

An extreme flash flood risk — the highest level — is in effect for Tampa to Orlando to Daytona.

The wife of a pilot found deceased after his single-engine aircraft went missing en route to the Bahamas, remembers him as a man of exceptional kindness, intelligence, and quirks,

“Chris was a precious man, with a rare kindness and sincerity. He was cute and quirky,” Stacye Love said. “He was wickedly smart. I am forever blessed to have been loved by him.”

In a sad conclusion to a multi-day search, Chris Moore, a 59-year-old pilot from Louisville, was discovered 2.5 miles from Marsh Harbour Airport, having succumbed to the crash upon impact.

Moore embarked on his journey from Sebastian, Florida, and last made contact at approximately 11 a.m. on Sunday.

“We are deeply grateful for having him found,” Love said. “He was found 2.5 miles short of the runway, upright in the marsh.”

She requested the community’s continued support through thoughts and prayers for the family during this challenging time, expressing gratitude for the discovery of her husband and extending thanks to Moore’s close friend, Bahamian officials, and U.S. authorities for their relentless efforts in the search.

A private search team located the single-engine Bristell aircraft piloted by the experienced aviator and retired engineer.

The Coast Guard had previously suspended their extensive search, which covered an area of roughly 1,760 square miles, yielding no results. Moore, a resident of the Glenview area on River Road, embarked on what was supposed to be a three-hour journey from Sebastian Municipal Airport in Florida to Marsh Harbor.

The disappearance of his aircraft prompted immediate search efforts by the Coast Guard, deploying aircrews from both Miami and Clearwater stations. Despite their efforts, the initial searches did not locate Moore or his plane.

The case was then handed over to the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, which also conducted an unsuccessful search on Monday morning.

“Please keep our family in your prayers,” Love asked.

The heartbroken fans of Haitian rapper MechansT officially known as Wens Jonathan Desir, who vanished two weeks ago have not given up hope he’ll be found alive—even though reports circulate that he could have been a passenger on a sunken vessel on its way to Eleuthera.

Haitian fans took to social media to express shock that the popular rapper with over 1 million views on TikTok and Instagram vanished weeks after attending a party in Abaco, Bahamas in honor of Haitian Flag Day.

“We are waiting for you champion. We can’t lose you like that. May God protect you wherever you are,” one Instagram user said in Haitian Creole.

As the missing case garners attention, authorities in the Bahamas said they are still searching for the 32-year-old though “there are no official records of Desir entering or leaving the country.”

According to the Haitian Times, the famed rapper, along with his brother Steeven Desir, another brother, a disc jockey, fellow artist Marshelle, and her manager arrived in Abaco, Bahamas on May 14 for a “short vacation.”

Steeven returned to Haiti on May 23 but Mechans-T stayed behind to prepare for his 2025 album. Steevin said Mechans-T told him, “If I go back to the country, I won’t be able to focus…It’s calmer here. I’m staying here for a short vacation.”

But Mechans-T reportedly stayed for approximately two months while the two brothers remained in contact via WhatsApp until July 4, when Mechan-T stopped responding to messages and phone calls.

Now Bahamian authorities are investigating a recent tragedy at sea that saw four people overturned in a boat on its way from Ocean Cay to Andros around 2 am on Thursday. They remain missing at sea. Only four Hondurans and one Haitian national were rescued by local fishermen, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The captain is also missing.

Chance Boudreaux, a social media user said in Creole, “The artist did not go to the party on the boat. The artist was on a trip to Miami. There are many people from Port de Paix La Tortue who died in the same boat as well.”

Another user said, “Strength my brother wherever you are. We are waiting for good news from you.”

“You can’t disappear like that,” one cried as another said, “What is that Mech? You forgot that you are a superstar man? My heart is torn.”

Jahnezzy Eltime asked for the Haitian Foreign Minister to actively investigate his whereabouts. “Millions of Haitians around the world are trying to find out what happened to Mechans-T one of the biggest rappers in Haitian music industry. Despite this, the Foreign Minister of Haiti has remained silent on the matter…Regardless of any personal issues with Mechans-T, it is her duty to respond to the concerns of these Haitians asking for information about him.”

TikTok star Destiny Hamilton seemed to have captured the hearts of Tiktokers with her stylish fashion, luxurious living and expensive travels showcased in most of her videos which amassed 1.4 million likes and 46.3 followers.

When news of her surprising death hit social media, fans spiraled into a frenzy, shocked at her alleged death by suicide.

“Destiny I just commented on this video two days ago, now I’m here again but with a goodbye? God help!” Livia wrote to Hamilton’s TikTok page, Itsnatalyasworld.

A few days before her death, Hamilton posted new content, dressed in a white dress as she sat on wooden steps on the beach, as somber music played.

@itsnatalyasworld

Home 🫶🏾

♬ original sound – Hen

One fan believes it “almost feels like this was a goodbye.”

Tiktoker Anya who was intrigued by Hamilton’s world, said she appreciated “the beautiful glimpse of your life you shared with us. You inspired me so much and gave me so much hope for the future.”

@anyajovita

RIP sweet girl, i will never forget you or the beautiful glimpses of your life you shared with us. You inspired me so much and gave me so mjch hope for the future. I’m so sorry you’re gone but i pray that you find peace while you rest. Thank you for simply existing @itsnatalyasworld 🤍

♬ original sound – Anya 🎀🤍

The 27-year-old, while visiting Guana Cay, Abaco where she once lived before moving to the United States, was found in a bathroom last week Thursday around 8:30 am with a laceration to her wrist.

The prior evening, she reportedly argued with her former husband and when he returned to see her the next morning, she was discovered lifeless in a pool of blood with a knife near her body, leading police to classify the death as a suicide.

Tiktokers have joined the family in expressing doubt that she died by suicide since she was left-handed. The laceration was found on her left wrist.

VeeBaby wrote to social media, “This is heartbreaking. This needs to be investigated. It’s not adding up.”

Her cousin Bennae Beneby-Pinder told the Tribune earlier, “Growing up, we actually used to tease her about it because when she tried to use her right hand, she barely could do it. She was left-handed, so I would think if someone was trying to kill themselves, they would use their more dominant hand.

“It doesn’t make sense to me.”

Tiktoker Sophia said she remains in shock. “I can’t get her off my mind.”

Another said, “It messed me up…I can’t wrap my head around any of it.”

“I literally cried myself to sleep last night…I’m devastated by this news,” Sherri said.

“Sigh, been following her page for a year and she was really a light.”

Friends of the 22-year-old woman and her 4-year-old son killed in a tragic car accident in Abaco are still shocked after their unexpected death.

“My sister and my nephew…Why Lord? An older sister of the mother posted on social media.

Michelleda Arius and her son Armani were driving north on Ernest Dean Highway early morning Tuesday when she swerved into oncoming traffic, hitting another vehicle travelling in another direction, which subsequently collided with another vehicle.

Arius and Armani were seriously injured and were taken to the local clinic where they died.

“Sometimes we question God and ask why. He always has a plan for our life,” Bianca Cooper, a relative of the victims lamented.

“All we can do is cherish our loved ones, especially those that are still alive and keep the departed in our hearts.”

Now, the family and Arius’ boyfriend, Delano Demeritte are feeling the void left behind by their death.

Cooper said her prayers are with Demeritte.

Police did not state a cause for the accident.

The sister of the country’s 12^th murder victim is stricken with grief after learning that her brother was killed in Dundas Town, Abaco on Tuesday night.

He reportedly only left home to purchase a soda and was to return home, but never did.

“Oh the pain,” Nicoya Penn lamented.

Thirty-eight-year-old Cieon Davis, also known as “Bolo”, was shot multiple times about the body on the island around 7pm. His body was found lying on the side of the street.

His sister was seen wailing near his body in the street, before emergency personnel arrived.

Niece Oshawnte Walker cried, “My want my uncle. I want him back home now.”

Unlike New Providence, this is the first homicide for the island which remains relatively crime-free. Dundas Town which is populated, is in Marsh Harbour, Central Abaco.

A national day of prayer was held in Nassau and Abaco on Monday, called by the Prime Minister Philip Davis, in hopes to bring comfort to victims of crime  after an alarming and spiraling rate of homicides since the beginning of the year.

Mark Handwerker who lives on the island begged, “Oh that’s enough people. [It’s] bad enough [that] it’s common in Nassau. We don’t need that here.

“Just stop.”

News reporter on the island Silbert Mills said he knew Davis from a young boy and was surprised since he was the first murder victim for the island.

Dira Diana visited the settlement and knew it to be tranquil. “It’s sad. just visited there and it was so peaceful and calm.”

“What the hell is going on in our land Abaco?” Angenell Gray questioned.