Bahamas safety reports

Former police investigations chief charged in bribery and theft case

ZNS reported in January 2025 that a former police investigations chief, an attorney and a sergeant were charged in a case involving alleged bribery and money from an armored-vehicle heist. The charges were allegations, not convictions. In an August 2026 ruling in the attorney’s case, the court rejected an application to halt the proceedings and allowed disputed recordings to be admitted. That procedural ruling is not a finding of guilt.

Court update: https://courts.bs/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/R.-v.-Bjorn-Ferguson-Application-for-Stay-Ruling.pdf

Source: The ZNS Network · January 8, 2025; court update August 2026.

Additional source: https://znsbahamas.com/former-cdu-chief-charged/

Two travelers alleged sexual assault during a Grand Bahama shore visit

ABC reported that two American travelers said they were drugged and sexually assaulted during a Grand Bahama stop in February 2024, and that police arrested two staff members. Pirates Cove disputed their account, saying surveillance footage conflicted with the allegations. Inside Edition’s follow-up includes that response. These reports do not establish a conviction.

Source: Eyewitness News ABC7NY · February 8, 2024.

Additional source: https://www.insideedition.com/media/videos/nurse-practitioner-who-helped-bahamas-alleged-assault-victims-speaks-out-85996

Humane societies call for shade, fresh water and inspections at pig attractions

In April 2019, the Bahamas Humane Society and Humane Society of Grand Bahama urged officials to regulate expanding pig-swim attractions. Their concerns included shelter, sun exposure, appropriate food and access to fresh drinking water.

The coverage also discusses a visitor’s allegations about Celebrity Eco Adventures in Freeport. The operator disputed mistreatment and said the pigs were healthy, properly fed and kept onshore overnight. This entry records the groups’ calls for stronger welfare standards, not a separate proven incident or a current inspection finding. The earlier Freeport complaint is already covered elsewhere in this archive.

Free facial ended in a $9,897 purchase and a failed refund dispute

A couple says a short Nassau shopping stop became hours of sales pressure, alcoholic drinks and almost $10,000 in purchases. They later tried to return the products, but the merchant relied on final-sale terms and their card dispute failed. Consumer Rescue reviewed their documents and found no evidence proving drugging or fraud. It also clarified that the purchase included three expensive devices, not just ordinary creams. The couple remained unhappy, but the article did not substantiate their claimed scam.

Source: Consumer Rescue, August 26, 2024, updated July 14, 2025.

Family questions emergency response after fatal Rose Island shark attack

A June 2019 snorkeling trip ended with a visitor being killed by a shark. Her family questioned the emergency response, saying staff did not enter the water to help and that first-aid supplies and treatment were unavailable. Sandy Toes disputed criticism of its response, saying its staff acted swiftly, followed established procedures and took reasonable preventive measures. The linked report presents the family’s allegations and the operator’s position, not a finding of negligence.

Source: Eyewitness News, July 11, 2019.

Grand Bahama pig-tour operator disputed swimming and housing complaints in 2019

Complaints about a Grand Bahama pig attraction focused on animals allegedly being forced to swim and kept in unsuitable housing. In its April 2019 coverage, The Tribune also reported the operator’s denial and its account of veterinary checks. The allegations were disputed, not established findings in that article.

Source: The Tribune.