death

Progressive Liberal Party’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Vaughn Miller died early Sunday morning after he was found unconscious in a vehicle.

The 64-year-old Member of Parliament for Golden Isles was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Here is a timeline of the events leading up to his death:

2017—Vaughn  Miller joined the Free National Movement becoming the MP for Golden Isles Constituency

The popular radio personality entered politics to become a candidate for the Free National Movement. He won the Golden Isles constituency and gained 56 percent of the votes (3,374), beating PLP Michael Halkitis, who got 34 percent (2,058) of the votes.

Miller served in the House of Assembly in Prime Minister Hubert Minnis’ administration, becoming a parliamentary secretary.

June 12 2018—Vaughn Miller voted against the FNM’s increase of Value Added Tax

Miller was one of four Free National Movement members of Parliament to publicly oppose the government’s value added tax increase, joining Centreville MP Reece Chipman, Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine, and Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson in opposing the move.

When Hubert Minnis’ administration sought to raise the VAT from 7% to 12%, Miller emphasized the burden it placed on Bahamian families, whom he believed could not afford the tax hike.

Miller said his constituents suggested it be implemented incrementally.

June 19, 2018—Vaughn Miller was fired by Prime Minister Hubert Minnis

Miller, appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, was fired for going against the Budget bill passed in the House of Assembly, in what the government said was a breach of the Manual of Cabinet and Ministry Procedure.  Minnis had appealed for MPs to support the budget in its entirety.

Opponents of the budget were apparently warned that voting against any part of the budget package would result in a resignation of their positions in government, in keeping with the Westminster system of governance.

Miller said he was given a letter from Minnis and escorted by a police officer to return his government-assigned vehicle.

December 11, 2019– Miller lambasted Hubert Minnis and became an Independent

Miller announced his decision in the HOA to leave the FNM and became an independent.

“Two cannot walk together except they be agreed,” he said.

“Obviously, Mr. Speaker, our differences are irreconcilable. The FNM will not repent and I shall not recant, and therefore, Mr. Speaker, because of my respect for organizations and institutions that I am a part of, two cannot walk except they agree.”

December 2020–Miller became a member of the Progressive Liberal Party

He announced in the House of Assembly his decision to join the Opposition at the time, The Progressive Liberal Party.

“It has always been, Mr Speaker, my desire, my dream… to serve our great country and to make life better for other people, particularly the poor, the indigent, the marginalised, the disenfranchised, the downtrodden,” Miller said, referencing his firing as Parliamentary Secretary, also revealing that he survived thyroid cancer, saying the illness took a financial toll on him.

September 2021–Miller was elected the Golden Isles MP for the Progressive Liberal Party

As a PLP, Miller won the Golden Isles seat, gaining 50% of the votes (2471). He was soon appointed the first Minister of Environment and Natural Resources in the Philip Davis administration.

September 2025–Speculations arose that Miller would not run again in the upcoming general election

Miller’s political future came under scrutiny, and rumours swirled that he may not contest the Golden Isles seat or may not be renominated by the PLP in the 2025 general election.

Reports were that he was seen campaigning alongside former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller.

However, the Tribune reported that some PLP supporters in his constituency claimed he was not a good representative, citing his neglect of the community during his two terms.

Friends and family of 44-year-old Lauren Erickson Van Wart who was killed in the Bahamas in a shark attack on Monday, are in utter shock after learning of her death.

“She always seemed very nice, always waved to us, said ‘hello.’ [She was] very neighborly,” Beth Stack Emerson said of her neighbor.

Van Wart lived in the Lowell neighborhood for a decade and Stack Emerson would often see Van Wart walking the dog and waving as she passed by.

Last week was the last time Stack Emerson saw her in their Boston neighborhood.

“[It was a] trip of a lifetime. It’s heartbreaking, it really is.

“Shocking. These poor people, they probably looked forward to this vacation for months.” Stack Emerson lamented to CBS News.

Van Wart was a newlywed, having just married on Sunday. She was reportedly with her husband when the shocking incident occurred, while paddle boarding three-quarters of a mile off the shore of the Sandals resort beach, where she was a guest at Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Rescued by a lifeguard, Van Wart was severely bitten by a shark and sustained serious injuries to her thigh region and arm, dying shortly afterward.

Her new husband was not injured during the ordeal.

Van Wart worked as a math editor at Curriculum Associates for nine years. CEO of the institution, Rob Waldron said he and his staff are inconsolable.

“Our team is heartbroken and grieving the loss of a dear and trusted colleague and friend. Lauren was a beloved member of our math editorial team, and she infused her deep dedication to students and educators into every material she touched. Her commitment to excellence and outstanding work was driven by a higher purpose, focused on improving learning outcomes for all. Our Curriculum Associates community is mourning this tragedy and extends our deepest love and support to Lauren’s wonderful husband and all of her family.” 

The type of shark in the attack has not yet been identified.

Though shark attacks are rare, the Bahamas has the highest number of attacks in the Caribbean region.

Following the shocking death of an American tourist in a fatal shark attack The Bahamas on Monday, experts contends that incidents like this are rare. However, the country has the highest number of shark attacks in the Caribbean region.

In the Bahamas, there have only been 33 confirmed unprovoked attacks since 1580, according to Gavin Naylor, the program director of the International Shark Attack File, a database which tracks such incidents.

The fatal death of newlywed American tourist Lauren Erickson Van Wart on Monday shined a spotlight on attacks in the Bahamas. The 44-year-old woman from Boston, Massachusettes was paddle boarding a mile off from the western end of New Providence when a shark attacked her, biting and seriously injuring her lower right hip and right arm.

She died in the water.

The type of shark in the attack has not yet been identified.

Van Warts’ death is particularly alarming since the country has seen a spate in shark attacks, in recent times. In September 2022, Caroline DiPlacido, 57, from Pennsylvania, was killed near Rose Island while snorkelling with her children on a week-long cruise.

In August 2022, eight-year-old Finley Downer of Great Britain was attacked by nurse sharks but lived to tell the tale. He was in a lagoon at Compass Cay when the shark bit his leg and underwent a three-hour operation.

And in June 2019, Jordan Lindsey 21, was killed by a group of sharks while on vacation in waters near Rose Island.

Why do sharks attack?

Following Van Wart’s death, shark experts have echoed that these incidents are rare, arguing that in most cases, it is a mistaken identity.

Nick Whitney, a senior scientist at the New Englan Aquarium said, “Humans just happen to be unfortunate enough to be swimming in the water in a place where the shark was feeding on something else and the shark accidentally bites the person or investigates the person and uses their teeth to do that investigation.”

Sharks are known by researchers to bite people when they are confused or curious, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For instance, if a shark sees someone splashing in the water, it may try to investigate, leading to an accidental attack.

“If people were targeted by sharks, we’d see 1,000 bites a day. We don’t,” Naylor, program director of the International Shark Attack File in Florida stated.

“In fact, humans and sharks do their best to avoid one another.”

Naylor said there is a strong correlation between shark attacks and the number of people and sharks in the water at the same time. He said that, while this may be an obvious point, it reiterates that sharks are not intentionally going after humans.

Why does it seem like there are so many shark attacks in the Bahamas?

Some experts say that because the Bahamas has a large tourist population, with lots of people in the water at a given time, and lots of visitors who view the sharks from fishing boats, or often dive with them, the sharks adjust and become less cautious with humans than they once were.

Between 30 to 40 shark species live around the Bahamas, although the Caribbean reef shark, the bull shark, the tiger shark and the black tip shark have the highest bite frequency, Naylor said.

“Usually, it’s an accidental bite. They think it’s something else,” he said. “Once in a while, they’ll actually single out people, and it’s very intentional.”

During the incident involving Erickson Van Wart, it is not known how many people were in the water at that given time and whether or not the shark mistook the paddle board for something else.

How often do sharks attack?

Only 5 to 6 incidents are reported each year with most attacks happening in Australia. In 2022, fifty-seven (57) cases were reported, with the majority in the USA.

The Bahamas ranks 9th worldwide, in shark attacks, marking the highest rate in the Caribbean.

Featured Photo credit: Reuters/Dante Carrer

The death of the “sweet boy” found dead in banana bushes in Fox Hill, still remains a mystery.

Many tales circulated as police and the neighbours tried to make sense of two-year-old Daniel Nixon’s death. Some speculated the boy was attacked by a stray dog roaming the area while others guessed he was a victim of a hit-and-run. Police are examining all suspicions as an Animal Control agent was seen taking blood samples of dogs in the area.

Distraught grandmother Barbara Nixon believed someone killed the boy. “I don’t know who would do this to a baby. I couldn’t sleep. I ain’t sleeping. and I ain’t eating.

“I never dreamed in my wildest dreams that something like this would happen to him,” she laments to the Tribune.

The boy’s mother who suffers from a mental health issue was reportedly doing house chores when the family believes he wandered through an opened door and sometime after 4 pm, they realised he was missing.

A man found the boy around 5:30 pm in the banana patches with a wound to the head and neck, partially clothed while his bottom bared naked. Authorities said the body was swollen, indicating rigour mortis was setting in. Flies were seen hovering over the body as he lay in the bushes.

The boy’s father Douglas Nixon who assisted in caring for him is also trying to handle the unsuspecting grief.

“This morning my son broke down. I tried to be strong for him, but I couldn’t,” Barbara recounted.

Neighbours alleged the boy was often seen roaming the street late at night, without supervision.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has not yet determined whether or not foul play is suspected.

The grieving mother appeared on the scene sometime later, asking, “Who killed my baby?” Police eventually carried her away and she is assisting with the investigations.

What is unknown

No arrest has been made.

Many questions remain to be answered –how long was the toddler in the bushes, was he killed by the hands of someone, and will the parents be held liable for neglect?

Following the unexpected death of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Minister Obediah Wilchcombe early Monday morning, Prime Minister Philip Davis and parliamentary colleagues sought solace in his legacy, and service to the Bahamas and his political party.

“Obie was a stalwart of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and his voice resonated as a beacon of progressiveness within the party,” Davis said while mourning Wilchcombe’s death.

“He was funny and thoughtful, with a great sense of our place in history.

“His articulate discourse and thoughtful insights were profound and often shocked the conscience of the Progressive Liberal Party, leading to meaningful deliberations and impactful resolutions.”

Since the PLP’s win at the polls in 2021, during his run for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Wilchcombe was initially given the portfolio for the Minister of Social Services, and just three weeks ago, he was granted an additional portfolio to include Information and Broadcasting.

“His favourite phrase, ‘One Love’, exemplified his worldview, symbolizing unity, compassion, and a deep love for humanity,” Davis said.

Wilchcombe started as a journalist at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas in 1975, and was first elected to parliament in 2002 for West End Grand Bahama and Bimini, as the Minister of Tourism in the Christie administration.

In addition to his current ministerial profile, Wilchcombe was the leader of government business in the House of Assembly where he often butted heads with the Opposition.

“Even amidst the heat of passionate exchanges, he conveyed his goodwill through his warm smile or an unmistakable laugh, reassuring everyone that, on his end, all was well,” Opposition Leader Michael Pintard remembered.

“He had an unparalleled skill for placing topics in a historical context, weaving in his personal connection while at the same time touching the hearts of his listeners. He was a formidable opponent and everyone knew it.

Pintard reminisced on his “signature smile.”

Pintard’s last interaction was an installation service for Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee as the President of the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention. “We were sitting near each other. We followed the preacher’s instruction to turn to our neighbour and exchange a greeting. Little did I know that this would be our final interaction, in a place where divisions are bridged, and the essence of what truly matters becomes crystal clear.”

Wilchcombe passed overnight Sunday but it was not publicized until 10 Monday morning.

“This is a shocking development for a dedicated, energetic and vibrant public servant,” said party chairman Fred Mitchell who Wilchcombe once challenged for the position.

“Our party is reeling this morning (Monday).”

Family and friends of the mother and daughter found dead early Friday morning are in disbelief after their decomposing bodies were inflicted with lacerations to the neck.

“I can’t believe this. You didn’t deserve this. My heart is breaking,” cousin Rollie Brown expressed.

Allison Thompson, 37, and her daughter Trevoniqua, 14, were killed in their apartment on Ross Corner. Police were alerted to a foul odor emanating from an upstairs room. They then breached the locked door and found the pair lying on the floor of the apartment, showing signs of rigor mortis.

Friend Anna Sweeting said, “I’m in tears right now. [She was] such a sweet soul.”

Friends remembered the mother of two for her warm personality and humor.

“I met her late and she still told me, ‘I love you family. We are blood,’” cousin Quisha mourned.

“Every time I saw her, she shouted ‘cousin’ from wherever and I‘ll smile and shout back, ‘family,’” Quisha continued.

Thompson, who once worked as a security guard, was known for her “youth, wisdom, and comedic conversations.”

“No one could beat her finding a job,” her uncle Paul Thompson remembered.

Thompson’s daughter, found next to her, was a student at TA Thompson Junior High School.

“Trevonika was a sweet person. She would do anything you ask her to do…If they wanted her to go to the shop, she going to get whatever it is,” Thompson’s cousin, Renell Clarke told the Nassau Guardian.

Police believed the pair may have been killed more than 24 hours, and the day they were discovered was Thompson’s birthday. She was preparing to celebrate and had already purchased a birthday cake with an imprinted image of herself, according to family and friends.

Friend Lashan said Thompson treated her like a member of her family.

“Thirty-seven years I have known [her] and [she] wasn’t just like a friend, [she] was more like a little sister to me.”

Police soon arrested a 23-year-old man, believed to be Thompson’s boyfriend.

Reports are that he returned to the crime scene after telling a family member that he had killed Thompson and her daughter.

Jasmine Brown, a cousin of the victims, lamented, “My heart is hurting so bad. I see what people feel when they lose someone. This kill[ed] me inside.”

The family hopes to render counseling for Thompson’s 13-year-old son, who by happenstance, was with his father.

Ann Marie Davis on Friday, mourned the death of Kenise Darville, the woman who died days after lamenting her treatment as a patient at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

In a short Facebook post, the wife of Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed shock at the woman’s death.

“Jerad, I am so shocked to hear of Kenise’s passing. I didn’t know she was ill…I’m lost for words.”

Kenise, the wife of Jerad who was a former PLP aspirant for the Pinewood Gardens Constituency, died on Thursday after streaming a live video, venting her frustrations with the country’s primary hospital. She complained that doctors did not treat her condition of low blood platelets as an emergency, as she asked for people to donate blood to her cause.

Davis remembered her as “so young and driven.”

“ I pray you find the faith and strength to deal with this great loss. May she rest in peace among the angels,” Davis said.

Jerad held a press conference on Friday after her death, lamenting the hospital’s neglect in the matter. In a social media post on Saturday, he said “Don’t worry though baby, your cry was heard and the cries of our children shall not be in vain.”

When reporters asked if he plans to take legal action, Jerad responded, “Legal action doesn’t fix the system, right? We have to fix the system for people.”

Kenise leaves behind three boys.

Health Minister Michael Darville promised an investigation into the matter.

The sex offender publicly released last week, died today in hospital following his discovery through a small road.

According to the Nassau Guardian, Alden Scott was found unresponsive on a dirt road while bleeding through the nose.

It is not known if he was attacked or the origin of his injuries.

His brother, Ronald Scott spoke to the daily saying, “The policeman took him to the hospital…Here we are [a] couple [of] days later, he’s dead.”

The big picture

Alden was released on Friday after being added to the sex offender registry. He served nine years in prison for sexual assault and was sentenced to two years in prison for caressing a girl’s thigh back in January.

Why it matters

Alden was the first person to be added to the sex offenders’ registry in a public notice. Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe warned that the public should refrain from issuing vigilante justice and cautioned that public notification will be discontinued if anyone physically assaults Alden on his release.

How the public reacts

Some social media users expressed no empathy for Alden.

Devon Rox says, “Knowing what sexual assault does to a person mentally and physically until the day they die, I have no compassion for the rapist.”

Stacey Smith says, “God doesn’t sleep.”

Negrita Valdez says she anticipated that the sex offender would be killed after release. “I knew it wasn’t going to be too long for him to enjoy his freedom…”

Monique Knowles calls for law reforms. “I don’t know why laws are not stricter. He should not have been allowed out in public after the second offense.”

Actor Michael K Williams, best known for his role as Omar Little in The Wire has died at the age of 54.

The actor was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment on Monday afternoon according to the New York City Police Department.

Williams received five Emmy nominations and four awards for outstanding supporting actor.

Williams appeared on many HBO series, including The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, The Night Of and Lovecraft Country.

The actor’s films included Inherent Vice, Gone Baby Gone, 12 Years a Slave,  and The Road.

Williams was born in Brooklyn to a Bahamian mother and an American father, starting his career as a dancer, working with George Michael and Madonna.