Today in History: November 12

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On This Day in Bahamian History

1852: Death of Former Governor John Halkett
In 1852, John Halkett, who served as governor of The Bahamas from 1801 to 1804, passed away in Brighton, England.

1874: Birth of Entertainer Bert Williams
In 1874, Bahamian-born entertainer Bert Williams was born in Nassau. Known as one of the biggest stars of the vaudeville era, he became the first Black actor to lead on Broadway, breaking racial barriers in American entertainment. Williams remained a significant influence in comedy and film until his death in 1922.

1961: The “Bluebelle” Tragedy
On November 12, 1961, a tragic crime unfolded aboard the sea vessel Bluebelle. Captain Julian Harvey murdered his wife and four members of the Duperrault family, who had chartered the boat for a vacation to The Bahamas. Only 11-year-old Terry Jo Duperrault survived and was later found drifting at sea.

2020: Tensions Flare in Parliament Amid COVID-19 Emergency Orders
In 2020, amid COVID-19 emergency orders, tensions rose in Parliament as then-Attorney General Carl Bethel and then-Senator Fred Mitchell clashed over the enforcement of pandemic restrictions, sparking debate on accountability and fairness. This conflict arose after Bethel’s son participated in a wedding that appeared to contravene the rules.

2022: FTX and Missing Customer Funds
In 2022, just days after filing for bankruptcy, FTX was flagged for moving millions in assets under suspicious circumstances, with $1 billion in customer funds reportedly missing.

Sam Bankman-Fried
“There was a way … best possible outcome.”

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was later arrested and extradited to the United States to face charges of fraud. Following a high-profile trial, Bankman-Fried was sentenced in 2024 to 25 years in prison for fraud and conspiracy.