National

Today in History: July 17

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history – in 2014, the minimum wage was increased for public servants.

Published

1 year ago

July 17, 2023

Kendeno Knowles

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In 1999 The Bahamas Development Bank opened a branch in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

At the time the bank was expanding its operations and the Abaco location was the second expansion after the opening of the Freeport branch in 1986.

The Abaco branch has since merged with its sister office in Freeport, Grand Bahama which is now the Northern Bahamas Branch.

Then in 2014, the minimum wage was increased for public servants.

An industrial agreement was signed increasing benefits and promotions of all Bahamas Public Service Union employees.

Eldon Sylvester ‘Sly’ Roker was killed during a home invasion at his residence in Turks and Caicos Islands.

Sly Roker was a popular Bahamian musician who was living in TCI at the time.

The 66 year old was well known for his contribution to bahamian music, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s when he performed on the music circuit all through the islands and internationally as well.

In 2016, he was honored during the 43rd independence celebrations for his contribution to the bahamas through music.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis signed an emergency order to ban American tourists from visiting The Bahamas.

Due to the high covid 19 infection rates in the United States, Minnis said at the time he believed it was a necessary step to protect the Bahamian people.

The ban went into effect on July 22nd 2020 but was reversed three days later in favor of a 14 day quarantine standard instead.