Philip Davis

[upbeat music]The Bahamas has secured another three-year term on the Council of the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, reinforcing the country's role in shaping global standards that influence trade, business, and economic development.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis welcomed the country's re-election, which took place in Paris, describing it as an important opportunity for The Bahamas to continue participating in international discussions that affect economies around the world.

Davis said the achievement reflects the nation's ongoing commitment to improving quality standards, strengthening competitiveness, and ensuring that The Bahamas maintains a voice in decisions that help shape global trade and industry.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the appointment for a small island developing state, noting that representation on the council allows The Bahamas to advocate for standards that take into account the needs of its businesses, citizens, and wider economy.

Both schools underwent deep cleaning exercises before reopening.

During Thursday's weekly press briefing at the office of the prime minister, Director of Public Health, Dr. Philip Swann, says fewer than 70 cases have been reported through their surveillance system in recent weeks.

He also says the numbers are lower than what they've seen around this time last year.

And while the latest figures are encouraging, Swann says they're still keeping a close eye on the situation.

Our Janessa Outlaw spoke with an economist to break down the numbers and explain what the surplus could mean for The Bahamas.

The government is hailing a historic fiscal milestone, but the opposition is questioning whether the numbers tell the full story.

Prime Minister Philip Davis announced a $39.3 million surplus for the 2025-2026 financial year, claiming that this is the first time the country has recorded a surplus since independence.

Davis says the latest figures show a steady improvement in the country's public finances following years of economic strain brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

It all started when a Member of Parliament sought to give a communication, but was quickly shut down by an opposition member.

Prime Minister Philip Davis announcing a nearly $40 million surplus for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, a milestone he's calling historic.

Addressing the House of Assembly today, Davis says it is the first fiscal surplus recorded in an independent Bahamas, labeling it as a dramatic turnaround in the country's public finances.

The year has shown that fiscal consolidation and economic growth can advance together.

Tonight, the national security minister is defending the process.

And later, the push to bring the Bahamas' anti-terrorism laws in line with its international commitments.

What Prime Minister Philip Davis says must change as debate begins in the House of Assembly when our news live at 7.30 returns.

There's that one person that sits behind a bunch of dials and has a bunch of tubes, and that person gets to keep the patient alive while the surgeon operates.

The BEMU president says 29 of those schools also lack substantive administrators, leaving teachers to shoulder management responsibilities.

The issue prompted union members to strike at the start of the school year, followed by public disagreements and meetings with education officials and Prime Minister Philip Davis.

Despite promises the matter would be addressed, McPhee says the affected schools remain at a disadvantage

These 36 principals have not even been discussed yet.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Now Prime Minister Philip Davis has joined a new brotherhood.

The nation's leader is now a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity after turning down an offer of honorary membership to go through the regular induction process.

He's one of 10 Bahamian men welcomed into the fraternity, each with their own reason for joining.

Our Delvaro Emmanuel was there.

He has the story.

Prime Minister Philip Davis is adding another title to his name.

This time, it's frat.

First tonight, the FNM chairman blasting the Davis administration's decision to borrow over $333 million to refinance the debt of the Grand Bahama Power Company.

Plus.

National Security Minister Miles Larruda concerned over the discovery of a military grade-type weapon, along with the attempted smuggling of narcotics into the prison.

Thank you so much for joining us tonight.

I'm Megan Shepherd.

Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Duane Sands blasting the Davis administration over its decision to borrow over $333 million to refinance the debt of the Grand Bahama Power Company.

Back in March, parliament approved two resolutions to guarantee 208 million in borrowing to assume control over the power provider.

Of that amount, 200 million was planned to flow through Grand Bahama Energy Company Limited, a special purpose vehicle, and would, and 80 million would assist with the capital expenditure of the GBPC upon the acquisition.

A government-backed Youth Innovators Club launched today in the Margaritaville Resort, creating hands-on learning for these youngsters.

At this morning's launch, Prime Minister Philip Davis challenging students to become part of the change they want to see.

This is why the Young Innovators Club exists.

It creates a space that encourages curiosity and it expects young people to ask why and what if.

Plus, a final salute for Sergeant 3541 Stephen Duncombe, the police cyclist who died after being injured while on duty, laid to rest.

And the FNM chairman is weighing in on climbing prices at the pumps, claiming the Davis administration does not care about the hardship and suffering of Bahamians.

Other countries have reduced or capped gas taxes.

The government should consider reducing VAT and taxes on gas and diesel, which could go even higher.

insists that no school will be reopened until the Ministry of Works has clearly signed off on its approval.

Reporting for Our News, I'm Joshua Williams.

Meantime, Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Dwayne Sands is taking aim at the Davis administration over the rising cost of fuel and ongoing power issues at public schools.

As it stands, gas prices are $6.89 in Rubis, $7.06 at Esso, and $6.95 at Shell.