The Mental Health of Teens in The Bahamas continues to Worsens

The Depressed and Hopeless Teen in The Bahamas

The Bahamas Ministry of Health’s Global School Health Report 2025

Several factors contribute to the perpetuation of violence within societies.  Witnessing violence is one of those factors.  In 2023, 32.8% of teens reported experiencing or witnessing violence at home, a notable increase from 25% in 1998.  Additionally, nearly 30% of teens reported being involved in physical fights, while 27% were physically attacked in the past year, The prevalence of teens carrying weapons climbed from 12.6% (1998) to 18.2% (2023), a 44% increase.  Furthermore, almost 8% of teens admit to being a current gang member.

Bullying continues to be a lived experience for far too many teens, Over 1 in 3 teens (38%) report being bullied either on or off school premises, and 15.7% report being cyberbullied.

Unacceptably, almost 10% of Bahamian teens have been forced to have sex.  An additional 9.6% have been sexually exploited.  While more girls are forced to have sex, more boys experience sexual exploitation and, in the relationship context, emotional abuse.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide ranks among the top three leading causes of death among teens globally and in the LAC region.  Overall, the mental health of teens in The Bahamas continues to worsen, with close to 30% of teens always or most times feeling depressed and hopeless, compared to 19.9% in 1998.  In addition, teens who always or most times feel lonely have more than doubled, reaching 25.6%.  The proportion of teens unable to sleep due to excessive worrying increased from 14.1%% in 2013 to 19.6% in 2023.

The proportion of teens seriously contemplating suicide has risen significantly, nearly quadrupling from 6.6% in 1998 to 25.2% in 2023.

Currently, 23.1%% of Bahamian teens have formulated a suicide plan, and 19.5% have attempted suicide.  To put this into perspective, in a typical classroom of 35 students, approximately 9 students have seriously considered suicide, 8 students have created a plan, and 7 students have made a suicide attempt.

Self-harm behaviours, without the intent to die, have also surged - almost tripling from 9.5% in 1998 to 26.7% in 2023.  Girls are disproportionately affected by suicidality and self-harm behaviours relative to their male counterparts.  These troubling trends highlight an urgent need for targeted and gender-sensitive mental health interventions for Bahamian teens, with particular attention to the higher vulnerability among girls.

The data highlights the interconnected nature of bullying, loneliness, worry, and mental health outcomes, with loneliness and worry contributing to, but not solely determining, harmful behaviors.

Although 61.3% of teens know where to access professional mental health help, only 23.4 %% feel they have someone to confide in about their personal worries and problems.  And, 58,4% rarely or never talk to anyone about their challenges, indicating a critical gap between awareness of resources and availability of trusted, accessible support systems.  Bridging the gap between professional resources and personal support will be essential to building resilience and improving mental health outcomes for Bahamian adolescents.

Source / Full Report

The Bahamas Ministry of Health’s Global School Health Report 2025

The Depressed State of Bahamian Adolescents in The Bahamas

While 60.3% of teens live in a home with their father or a father figure - a term encompassing relatives or parental partners/friends who take on a paternal role - many teens, in increasing proportions, still feel unheard (60.4%) - and misunderstood (72.4%) by their parents or guardians.  These feelings are more frequently reported by girls than boys.

Parental involvement in academic activities, particularly homework monitoring, has appreciably declined over the years.  In 1998, 78.2% of Bahamian teens reported that their parents regularly checked their homework, while only 21.4% said their parents rarely or never did so.  By 2023, the percentage of parents routinely monitoring homework had plummeted to 30.5%, with 50.2% of teens indicating their parents rarely or never paid attention to their homework.  This decline is more pronounced among girls, and becomes increasingly common as teens progress to higher grade levels.

Additionally, 37.2% of teens state that their parents or guardians never or rarely knew what they were doing during their free time.  These findings may allude to widening disconnect between teens and their caregivers.

Across nearly all measures/variables - unhealthy diets, substance use (excluding illegal drugs), bullying, witnessing violence at home, and mental health struggles, as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors - Bahamian girls face disproportionate burdens, experiencing greater negative impacts.  Research by Dr. David Allen concludes that high academic performance is not a sufficient protective factor to mitigate risky behaviour; as supported by students with high GPAs can still exhibit elevated levels of depression and PTSD.  This is corroborated by the GSHS findings, which reveal that while girls tend to have higher GPAs, they also report higher incidences of these adverse experiences and behaviors.  This deserves a pause.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are well documented as significant risk factors for a wide range of negative outcomes across the lifespan.  These outcomes relate to physical health issues, mental health disorders, behavioural issues, lower educational attainment, exposure to violence and intergenerational transmission of violence - among others.  While the GSHS is not a formal instrument for measuring ACEs, The Bahamas' adaptatIon of the survey did incorporate questions addressing key ACE-related factors such as experiences of violence, sexual abuse, lack of parental support, household drug use, hunger, and more.

Research consistently shows a dose - response relationship between ACEs and negative outcomes.  Meaning, that as the number of ACEs increases the likelihood of experiencing negative outcomes also rises.  Of the ACEs explored in the GSHS, 93.9% of teens in The Bahamas had 1 ACE, 52.3% had 2 ACEs and 13.5% had 3 or more ACEs.

These adverse experiences were more prevalent among girls than boys.

Source / Full Report

FNM Ratified Candidates

Nassau, NP, The Bahamas - The Official Opposition Party, Free National Movement (FNM) ratifies 17 candidates for the next general election - which is lawfully due by fall 2026

- The candidates include two incumbents - namely: Adrian White, St. Anne’s; and Kwasi Thompson, East Grand Bahama.

- Former National Security Minister, Marvin Dames was ratified for the Mount Moriah constituency - where he has previously represented.

- Former leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), Arinthia Komolafe was ratified as the FNM Standard Bearer for the Carmichael constituency.   She resigned as DNA leader in 2021.

- Former Minister of Immigration, Elsworth Johnson was confirmed as the FNM Standard Bearer for the Yamacraw constituency.

- Ricky Mackey is the party's Standard Bearer for North Eleuthera, a constituency he has previously represented.

- Senator Darren Henfield was named as the FNM Candidate for the South Beach constituency.

Other FNM Standard Bearers include:

- Philippa Kelly, Central and South Eleuthera constituency

- Dr. Nicholas Fox, the Fox Hill constituency

- Brian Brown, the Golden Isles constituency

- Dr. Jacqueline Penn-Knowles, the Marathon constituency

- Michael Foulkes, Golden Gates

- Omar Isaacs, the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency

- Terrece Bootle, the North Abaco constituency

- Debra Moxey-Rolle, Exumas and Ragged Island constituency

- Carlton Bowleg, the North Andros and the Berry Islands constituency

- Jeremy Sweeting, Central and South Abaco constituency

- Michael Foulkes, the Golden Gates constituency

Party Leader, Michael Pintard said the first slate of candidates are capable of delivering change.

He called on party supporters to retire the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

“Fire them,” Pintard said.

No Official Evidence Confirms the U.S. Coast Guard Intercepted Iranians and Russians from The Bahamas

No Official Statement Confirms the U.S. Coast Guard Intercepted a Boatload of Iranians and Russians from The Bahamas

No official evidence confirms the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a boat of Iranians and Russians from The Bahamas, as claimed by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna.

Recent Coast Guard reports from June 2025 mention Cubans, Chinese, and others, but not Iranians or Russians in this context.

Social media posts echo the claim without credible sources.  While Luna's statement suggests possible insider knowledge, the lack of documentation makes it likely unverified or inaccurate. Official clarification is needed.

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The Bahamas Government Advises Bahamians to Avoid Travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Bahamians are advised not to travel to Israel under any circumstances (including the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem in particular

16 June 2025 – Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas

SUMMARY

Avoid all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian territories.  This advisory contains important information regarding the current security situation in Israel.  Bahamians are advised not to travel to Israel under any circumstances (including the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem in particular).  The Ministry encourages all Bahamians who are travelling or living abroad to register here.  If you are in urgent need of consular assistance, please email consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs.

SECURITY ALERT

There are ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran.  The situation has escalated with an increase in drones, missiles and other projectiles target strikes in Israel.  Further attacks are likely to occur imminently. Interceptions can produce falling military debris in Israel (in particular Jerusalem and the West Bank).

STATE OF EMERGENCY

A nationwide state of emergency is currently in effect in Israel.  Ben Gurion International Airport is closed.  All flights to and from Israel are cancelled until further notice.  Borders are closed or there are restrictions of movement.  Updates are provided by Israel’s Home Front Command here or you may call 104.

ADVICE TO BAHAMIANS IN ISRAEL, LEBANON, SYRIA AND EGYPT

Bahamians who are presently in Israel or any of the surrounding states, are advised to:

- monitor local media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation

- follow the instructions of local authorities, including air-raid sirens and evacuation or shelter in place orders, which can be updated at short or no notice

- identify the location of the closest bomb shelter

- shelter in a hardened structure when air raid warning sirens are active

- move away immediately and contact local authorities if you encounter an unexploded ordnance, military debris or fragments, or any suspicious object

- ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up to date

ADVICE TO BAHAMIANS IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

If you are in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and are unable to access the Home Front Command website, Please call the Palestinian Civil Defence at 102 or here.

Last updated 16 June 2025

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The Yoke of High Taxes on The Bahamian People in The Bahamas

Bahamian families struggle under the weight of high prices for food, household items, and basic hygiene necessities

The Bahamas Government Announced Tax Relief for Bahamian Consumers in Its 2025/2026 Fiscal Budget Communication to The People's Parliament

NASSAU, The Bahamas – While addressing the topic of Affordability Measures, during his 2025/2026 Budget Communication to Parliament, on May 28, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis pointed out that, due to the recent effects of global inflation, economies around the world – including The Bahamas’ – have faced significant price increases.

“As a result, Bahamian families have struggled under the weight of high prices for food, household items, and basic hygiene necessities,” Prime Minister Davis said in the House of Assembly.  “This administration understands their difficulty, and in this Budget, we are acting decisively to bring relief to the people.”

He added: “As part of the ongoing efforts to promote affordability, we will be reducing the VAT rate to 5 percent on a range of products that are crucial for the well-being of our citizens.  These include: baby diapers; Depends; feminine hygiene products; prescription and non-prescription drugs including medications for those with chronic conditions; medical and dental supplies such as needles, blood pressure machines, lancets, dental cements and other dental fillings; and, of course, other medical and therapeutic items such as cell therapy products."

Prime Minister Davis noted that those reductions, that would take effect on September 1, 2025, were aimed at ensuring that Bahamians of all ages and stages of life “can access essential products without the added burden of high taxes”.

“Under the amended VAT Act, we are also extending VAT relief on building materials for religious institutions, in recognition of their vital role in supporting and uplifting communities,” he stated.  “This VAT relief will come in the form of VAT exempt imports or as a refund system if purchased locally.   In addition, customs duty is being removed from digital and changeable letter signs, making it more affordable for them to enhance their visibility and communication efforts.”

Prime Minister Davis continued: "We are also reducing customs duties on dozens of essential items -- products that Bahamians purchase every week -- items that matter in every kitchen, every bathroom, every nursery, and every home.  We are helping families, homeowners, and small contractors by removing the customs duty on the following items: refractory cement, mortars, and concrete, and similar compositions; copper fittings; screws; and nuts and bolts, simple but essential hardware.”

Prime Minister Davis announced that his Government was reducing duty on the following items: cleaning products; electric or battery-operated shavers; juice extractors; trucks weighing 20 tons and above; and filters of all kinds – from water to air conditioning filters.

He added that his Government was also taking steps to reduce the cost of fuel sources used by numerous households in The Bahamas.

“We are removing the 45 percent excise duty on butane fuel mostly used in portable stoves,” he stated.  “Many Bahamians rely on this fuel for a hot meal, whether day-to-day or during emergencies.  This is part of our broader commitment to build resilience and affordability into everyday life, especially where it may help the most.”

Prime Minister said that The Bahamas was committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.

“Our clean energy transition includes expanding renewable energy, promoting electric vehicles, and improving energy efficiency through key initiatives and projects,” he pointed out.

“Duty exemptions on household appliances with the highest level of energy efficiency will be granted,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “Freezers, air conditioners, and gas and electric water heaters will be duty free, once confirmed that the appliance will make a positive impact on climate change initiatives.  These exemptions encourage Bahamians to adopt cleaner technologies, directly contributing to our climate goals and a sustainable future for us all.

“In addition to these measures, prefabricated homes can now be imported with prior approval from Ministry of Works.”

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U..S. Student Visa Freeze - The USA is Not The World Mon!

U.S. Student Visa Freeze is Just Crazy!

A recent freeze on new US student visa interviews is raising concerns for Bahamian students hoping to begin their studies in America... but one international recruiter says there is no need to panic and explains what the policy really means for students in The Bahamas.  Source

STOP WHINING ABOUT U.S. STUDENT VISA, and GO ELSEWHERE!

By Professor Gilbert Morris

Nassau, The Bahamas

China, Romania, Brazil, Denmark, Britain, Cuba all offer full scholarships for Bahamians.

Develop a tradition: do your first degree at UB…or UWI, then go far…New Zealand, Latvia, Switzerland…I’ve lectured in all those places and their schools are much better and more rigorous…plus you gain culture openness and sophistication!

We have failed to organise proper workshops and websites to inform our young people and too many of them like being spoon-fed.

Stop being lazy and indulgent!

Let the US do its thing:

There are brilliant universities in Dominican Republic (Escuela de Chavon is one).

I don’t want to hear about language barriers.  Go to Japan (it’s on websites) teach English for a year.  Make money and study Japanese, then do a degree.

You’re missing NOTHING by not going to the U.S.

Go to Mexico, or to South Africa, Ghana or Botswana.

Organise study groups and attend University of London online or MIT online!

Get it out of your heads that the U.S. is the world! 

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