National
Today in History: October 21
THE BAHAMAS – Uncover the fascinating events in Bahamian history on October 21: the first mail steamer, the infamous trial, and the launch of a new automated system at the Road Traffic Department.
On this day in Bahamian history:
1854: The mail steamer Jewess arrived in Nassau, becoming the first of its kind to visit The Bahamas.
2009: A mistrial was declared in the trial of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) senator Pleasant Bridgewater and Tarino Lightbourne. They were accused of attempting to extort $25 million from actor John Travolta after the death of his son, Jett, in Grand Bahama.
The mistrial followed a public announcement by MP Picewell Forbes at the PLP convention. Charges were later dropped in 2010 at Travolta’s request.
2016: On October 21, the Road Traffic Department launched a new automated system to combat fraud and streamline vehicle registration and licensing. Customers lined up as early as 7 a.m. for the rollout.
2020: Then-Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis extended the state of emergency and COVID-19 emergency orders to November as cases surged. Dr. Minnis presented the resolution to Parliament while tourism officials were preparing to boost visitor numbers and revitalize the economy.
2021: The Ministry of Health received 57,300 Pfizer vaccine doses from PAHO’s COVAX facility amid a shortage that temporarily halted first doses.
2023: Dr. Perry Gomez, former Minister of Health and key figure in the early fight against HIV/AIDS, passed away at age 76. His leadership significantly reduced HIV transmission in The Bahamas.
SUV’s Driver and Passenger Blame Each Other for Causing Deadly Crash
Murder Suspect Serving Time on Drug Charge Abandons Bid for Bail
Trinidad and Tobago Extends State of Emergency for 3 Months Over Crime
Cubans Reject War, Call For Dialogue As Trump Threats Loom
“The Numbers Coming Out of Celebration Cay Are Not As Strong As We Would Like”
Retailers Fearful VAT Cut Could Impact Bottom Line
Couple Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter One Year After Victim’s Death
Jamaican Babysitter Facing Deportation After Six-Year-Old Wanders From Home
SUV’s Driver and Passenger Blame Each Other for Causing Deadly Crash
Man Seeking $6.4 Million in Damages After Spending 12 Years In Jail
Murder Suspect Serving Time on Drug Charge Abandons Bid for Bail
Bail Denied for 40-Year-Old Haitian Man in Child Pornography Case
“The Numbers Coming Out of Celebration Cay Are Not As Strong As We Would Like”
Retailers Fearful VAT Cut Could Impact Bottom Line
Dean, Albury Advance But King Eliminated
Long Journey To Ratification Worth The Wait
Nearly 100 Passport Fraud Cases Referred to Police
Jerk Jam Features Good Vibes and Delicious Times
-
Court2 days agoCouple Charged With Vehicular Manslaughter One Year After Victim’s Death
-
Court3 days agoJamaican Babysitter Facing Deportation After Six-Year-Old Wanders From Home
-
Court14 hours agoSUV’s Driver and Passenger Blame Each Other for Causing Deadly Crash
-
Court3 days agoMan Seeking $6.4 Million in Damages After Spending 12 Years In Jail
-
Court14 hours agoMurder Suspect Serving Time on Drug Charge Abandons Bid for Bail
-
Court2 days agoBail Denied for 40-Year-Old Haitian Man in Child Pornography Case
-
National2 days agoDOA: “Affirming Support for Local Airline Owners and Pilots”
-
International3 days agoStabroek News and Newsday Papers Fold After Social Media Shift