Today In History: June 6

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history in 2012 then State Minister of National Security Keith Bell defended his right to carry a licensed firearm and admitted that both he and the national security minister were armed.

This after then Free National Movement Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said at a press conference the day before that he had heard reports to that effect. 

Bell hit out at the opposition saying it was a non issue and argued that he needed a firearm because the Ingraham administration allowed the country to become a war zone.

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In 2013 as debate raged on over whether Bahamian should be allowed to gamble in casinos then Managing Director of Atlantis George Markantonis revealed the resort would upgrade its casino to the tune of $20 million.

Markantonis said at the time that the project would create 250 jobs. 

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Also in 2013 was the signing of a $10 million Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Housing and the National Insurance Board which included funds for the construction of more than 120 homes throughout the country. 

The exercise officially kicking off the Christie administration’s housing program. 

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Then June 6th 2016, Bahamian mixed martial artist, professional boxer, bare-knuckle boxer, and actor Kevin Ferguson died in Coral Springs, Florida. Better known as “Kimbo”, he became noted for his role in mutual combat street fight videos.

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June 6th 2020 – the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) praised The Bahamas’ reopening efforts post the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

PAHO Country Representative at the time Dr. Esther de Gourville warned the world was not out of the woods just yet.

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In 2022 – investigators began their probe into a tragic plane crash on Long Island that left 22-year-old Alethia Newbold dead and six others injured.

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And finally in 2022 -a viral video showing a dramatic police arrest on the Sydney Poitier Bridge which was thought to have been tied to an incident at a David Yurman store. In the video armed police are seen on the bridge as two young males are on the ground in handcuffs. 

The footage showing officers searching the vehicle. At the time police said it was simply a routine stop and search.