• Opposition blasts lease deal: Says it ‘stinks’, ‘reeks’
• Lease witness’s ties to Bahamas Moorings address
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Government yesterday abruptly terminated the Exuma-wide moorings deal amid Opposition demands that “someone fall on their sword” and fears up to 90 percent of boaters may abandon the destination. The Davis administration moved swiftly to quell the mounting controversy and public outrage over its lease agreement with Bahamas Moorings as both sides revealed they have “mutually agreed” not to proceed after
their previously secret tie-upand the involvement of persons with strong links to the Prime Minister’s Office - were exposed.
The Prime Minister’s Office, in announcing the break-up, said Bahamas Moorings is “voluntarily relinquishing” its leases and will remove all the moorings and buoys installed to-date at its own cost. And it is also conducting an “internal review” into how Sandra Kemp, its deputy director of communications, witnesses the lease execution and signed it on the company’s behalf while employed by the Government.
BPL fraud trial delay breaches ex-banker’s constitutional rights
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor
AN ex-banker charged with defrauding Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) of more than $1m has suffered a breach of his constitutional rights because his trial has yet to conclude after almost seven years.
Justice Carla Card-Stubbs, in a February 21, 2025, verdict that does not reflect well on the Bahamian judicial system’s speed, processes and procedures ruled that Reno Bethel’s “right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court” had been breached by the failure to complete a trial that began on June 20, 2018.
Bahamian provider
By FAY SIMMONS
Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
And, in ruling against the Attorney General and Commissioner of Police, she ordered that the charges against Mr Bethel will be “stayed” if the trial is not completed and concluded by December 20, 2025. Justice Card-Stubbs found that the case had languished for more than two years, with no effort made to advance it, until prosecutors were “spurred into action” by Mr Bethel’s suit for violating his constitutional rights.
The Tribune’s records show that Mr Bethel, an ex-CIBC Caribbean (Bahamas) employee, was charged on September 4, 2017, following a probe into an alleged fraud ring that cost BPL losses of $1.9m via payment of fictitious invoices to both existing and sham contractors for work that
unveils first
A BAHAMIAN financial services provider yesterday unveiled what it described as the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI) powered humanoid loan officer, Evelyn Phylistina (Evie). Robert Pantry, founder and chief executive of the Simplified Group of Companies, said it has been integrating AI into its business for the past two years. He added that Evie will make the client experience more efficient and easier,
The statement from Philip Davis KC’s office implied that it was unaware of Mrs Kemp’s involvement as a lease witness or that her husband, Philip A. Kemp II, was one of Bahamas Moorings’ two principals named in the lease document. However, Dr Duane Sands, the FNM’s chairman, told this newspaper that he and other Bahamians find this had to believe especially since Mr Davis himself signed the lease.
Blasting the deal as “a blatantly unacceptable conflict of
was never performed on the stateowned utility’s behalf.
Mr Bethel, who pleaded not guilty to all counts and charges, was accused of defrauding BPL of more than $1m within a five-month period. He faced 23 counts of fraud by false pretences, 23 counts of receiving, and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretences.
It was claimed that, between January 27 and May 5, 2017, Mr Bethel $1.034m from BPL’s account at Scotiabank by means of false pretences while employed by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (FCIB) at its John F Kennedy Drive branch. It was also alleged that the former CIBC Caribbean employee dishonestly received some $1.426m during the same time period.
No mention was made of BPL in Justice Card-Stubbs’ verdict, although the dates and nature of the charges match those in The Tribune’s report of Mr Bethel’s arraignment.
AI-powered loan officer
and the humanoid robots will become available through the group’s technology branch, Simplified Tech.
“Simplified Lending has made significant strides in AI automation, leading to new opportunities as a group and the creation of Simplified Tech. Simplified Tech will be dedicated to providing humanoid robots and AI solutions for businesses and individual consumers, both in The Bahamas and internationally,” said Mr Pantry.
“We believe Evie is just the beginning of what’s possible. While still in beta testing, she represents the future of financial services and the future of business in general. We believe that AI-driven humanoid
robots will impact every industry in the years as the technology advances.”
Mr Pantry said Evie will assist clients with loan applications, inquiries and document processing, allowing Simplified’s human agents to have faster turnaround times and focus on developing more meaningful client relationships.
“She’s being developed to assist with loan applications, making the process faster and seamless. Document processing, automating tasks that traditionally require manual effort, client engagement, enhancing the customer experience SEE PAGE B5
90% Exuma boating boycott if anchorage deal proceeded
‘Not have returned’ or gone elsewhere in Bahamas
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
SOME 90 percent of visiting boaters were threatening to boycott the Exuma cays if the controversial outsourcing of all anchorages/ moorings had proceeded, it was revealed yesterday.
Wally Moran, who writes for sailing publications and has produced videos for the Sailing Channel, told this newspaper an informal online poll he conducted at the weekend revealed that 90.2 percent of respondents - more than nine in every ten - said they would either abandon the Exumas or go elsewhere in The Bahamas if the moorings/anchorage plan took root.
Speaking with Tribune Business prior to the joint announcement by the Government and Bahamas Moorings that they have “mutually agreed” to terminate their lease deal, Mr Moran shared poll results that showed 29 percent of boaters would “not have returned to the Exumas”, while a further 61.2 percent would have “gone elsewhere in The Bahamas” if the moorings scheme had gone into effect.
Declining Nassau harbour defences
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
NASSAU’S main commercial shipping port yesterday disclosed that five vessels were forced by the deteriorating harbour breakwater to wait out at sea during the three months to end-December 2024.
Dion Bethell, BISX-listed Arawak Port Development Company’s president and chief financial officer, in
response to Tribune Business that the weakening harbour defences continue to impact “operational efficiency” during bad weather because cargo ships are unable to dock at its facilities due to the high waves.
“Regarding the breakwater repairs, there have been no further developments on its repair and remediation. We continue to experience operational disruptions during certain times of the year due to adverse
Only 9.8 percent, less than one in ten, said they would have returned to the island chain regardless.
“Boaters are very strongly against fees for mooring or anchoring in the Exumas, despite clearly being in favour of spending time in The Bahamas in other locations,” Mr Moran concluded of the snap poll’s findings.
“Based on this poll, it can be assumed that mooring or anchoring fees are viewed very negatively by boaters and will strongly affect their decisions on where in The Bahamas to cruise.
Although the question was not asked, it is safe to presume that if mooring and anchoring fees are implemented in the Abacos and other areas of The Bahamas, boating tourism will take a substantial hit.” Mr Moran also shared online comments made by boaters responding to his poll, with some asserting “they can keep their mooring money pit” in reference to The Bahamas. One, stating that cruising in the Exumas has been “our top bucket list goal for many years”, said they were finally going to visit in 2025.
in five-ship wait
weather conditions,” Mr Bethell confirmed.
“During the second quarter of 2025, we had up to five vessels waiting out at sea due to unfavourable weather conditions and the lack of adequate breakwater protection in the channel. This remains a concern as we work to maintain operational efficiency despite these challenges. The breakwaters, which function as Nassau harbour
safeguards have been in place since Majority Rule some 56 years ago but are “no longer able to absorb the energy from the ocean” especially at high tide or during rough weather. This impacts “the channel” cargo vessels use to access Nassau’s major commercial shipping port, and complicates the work of APD staff, service providers and ship’s crew in
SEE PAGE B6
BUOYS being installed in Exuma cays.
PHILIP DAVIS DR DUANE SANDS
Exuma Cays moorings branded as ‘haphazard’
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
BLACK Point’s former acting chief councillor yesterday said asserted that the way in which Bahamas Moorings’ buoys were introduced to the Exuma Cays was “haphazard”.
Pat Smith said that while he is not against the installation of mooring stations, the District Council for the Exuma Cays should have been consulted about the project and given its permission before work began.
Speaking to Tribune Business, he added that the lease deal with Bahamas Moorings to install 253 moorings at “key locations throughout the Exuma Cays” did not receive any permits or approvals from local government or other agencies prior to commencing work and was therefore “illegal”.
“Moorings are a good thing for us because you have those big boats dropping an anchor and, when they pull it up, they are taking our reefs and sea beds. So, I’m not against moorings, let’s make that very clear, but the procedure how it is being
done is where the issue lies,” said Mr Smith.
“It seems like they got a lease of the sea bed from the state. That’s just the lease with them. In order to install moorings, you must present an application - in this case, to the district council - and you must receive a permit to install moorings. With that permit you can apply for the other permits.
“The district council of Black Point knew absolutely nothing about them. They never consulted, they never gave approval and, if the district council of Black Point never gave approval, then they are illegal.”
Mr Smith said the moorings were a hazard for mariners as they had no lights or GPS location signals to make unwary boaters aware of them in the night. “You have to have GPS location as a part of it, but those moors were just being installed. The navigation community has to know that there’s work going on; that these moorings are in place so they can look out for them,” he said.
“Although they are intended to do well, if you know, they are a hazard and can cause an accident. These things have to be placed on the new maps and the
FOOD AND CRAFT FESTIVAL TO HONOUR BAHAMIAN CULTURE
THE Food and Craft Festival, a celebration of Bahamian culture, tradition and community, will be held on Saturday, March 1, in Eleuthera.
The festival will take place from noon to midnight on the grounds of the Rock Sound Campus of the Centre for Training and Innovation, an extension
of the One Eleuthera Foundation. The festival is designed to bring people together while honouring local traditions. “The Food and Craft Festival exemplifies the vibrant spirit and rich traditions of The Bahamas,” said Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments
boating guides, but if it’s done without the proper procedure, it’s kind of haphazard and it presents a risk.”
The Office of the Prime Minister announced yesterday that the Davis administration is not moving forward with the agreement with Bahamas Moorings and the company was “voluntarily relinquishing their leases”.
The statement said Bahamas Moorings was required to meet “environmental and other conditions” prior to commencing work but began to install the moorings prior to receiving the necessary approvals and will remove any installations at its own cost.
“Bahamas Moorings Ltd is a Bahamian-owned company recently granted a seabed lease to install moorings in the Exuma Cays. The lease required that the company meet environmental and other conditions. When the company began to install some moorings in advance of meeting all such conditions, they were ordered to cease and desist,” the Government said.
“The Office of the Prime Minister has since become aware that an employee of our office acted as a witness to the leasee. We are conducting an internal review of the matter. The placement of
and aviation. “It is a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together, celebrate our culture and support our talented artisans and entrepreneurs.
“Events like these showcase the heart of our islands, and we look forward to creating lasting memories with all attendees.”
Attendees can explore a variety of authentic Bahamian crafts. Sushi will for the first time be introduced to the traditional culinary offerings of Bahamian staples such as: Conch salad, roasted produce, desserts, Caribbean-flavoured mixed drinks, and more.
The festival will also feature a performance by the Eleuthera Music Masters Marching Band, a
moorings prior to the full set of approvals and the involvement of an OPM employee have raised concerns about the venture.
“As a result, the Government and Bahamas Moorings Ltd have agreed not to move forward with the agreement, with Bahamas Moorings voluntarily relinquishing their leases. Bahamas Moorings will remove any moorings already installed, at their own cost,” it continued.
“We are grateful for their cooperation, and for the vision they shared with the government regarding how to manage moorings in our waters in ways which are consistent with marine conservation principles.
“It’s important that the Bahamian public has confidence that mooring rights are handled transparently and in a manner consistent with the national interest. We are committed to moving forward with a process that includes broader stakeholder and public consultation, including the convening of local government officials and representatives of the marine industry, in order to formulate a new policy structure for managing seabed leases.”
group of talented students from various schools across Eleuthera and reigning champions of the national ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition. Attendees will be able to enjoy a sip and paste demonstration showcasing the intricate art of Junkanoo pasting, a 360degree photo booth for creating memorable keepsakes, and live performances by musicians including Puzzle and Nishie L.S, plus the New Vision Band. There will also be a Kiddies Corner with supervised play.
This year’s event is being sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation and One Eleuthera Foundation.
COST RIGHT LAUNCHES GROCERY E-COMMERCE
COST Right, the wholesale arm of BISX-listed AML Foods, has launched a new e-commerce grocery platform that will allow its members to order food products for in-store pick up or delivery.
“We are thrilled to introduce our new online grocery shopping service, making it easier and more convenient to shop at Cost Right”, said Gershwin Greene, AML Foods’ director of e-commerce. “You can expect the same efficient service, variety and quality products you’ve enjoyed in-store from the comfort of your home, office or boat.
“Family island residents can also take advantage of the new site and order their groceries and general merchandise online for delivery to the mail boat of their choice free of charge”. AML Foods described the e-commerce site’s launch as “a significant step forward” to enhancing customer shopping experiences and satisfaction.
It added that all major debit and credit cards are accepted on the site, but persons must be an existing Cost Right member to use it. Members can also link their membership accounts to the platform. To do so, they have to create an online account using the same e-mail address and phone number associated with their membership. Member prices on the site are the same as in-store.
The new e-commerce service includes customisable product substitution preferences; access to saved order history; the ability to track the order progress; and an option to place orders up to seven days in advance.
“I would particularly encourage Family Islanders, chefs, restaurants, property, office and boat charter managers to use the platform as an easy solution to securing the products that they need for their home, office or business”, said Mr Greene.
“Our valued local customers and busy professionals can utilise this option to save time by letting us handle the shopping for them. This new service is a major part of our commitment to modernising and improving the grocery shopping experience and we invite all our customers to experience the ease and efficiency of our new online grocery shopping platform.”
FISHERMEN FEAR COMPRESSOR BAN TO CAUSE LAW BREACHES
By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business
FISHERMEN yesterday warned that a ban on compressor use outside of crawfish season could result in the law being broken on a consistent basis.
Keith Carroll, the National Fisheries Association’s (NFA) president, told Tribune Business that while he does not use a compressor many other fishermen do as it is an essential “tool” for their livelihood. Explaining that the ban coincides with crawfish season, Mr Carroll said compressor usage is allowed from August to March leaving fishermen with four months’ “vacation.”
“You can’t tell the fishermen you have to go on vacation for four months,” Mr Carroll said. “It’s like going in the office and
telling everybody in the office: ‘we going to take your computer from your office for four months. You all see how you all can make it the best way you all can.’ And the same thing they do to the fishermen, just how important a computer is to a business is just as important as a compressor to a diver.”
Mr Carroll and Captain Andrew Thompson both made the point that those four months could push some fishermen to break the law. Mr Carroll added that some have already become accustomed to the use of underwater air supply and need it to catch other fish during the closed crawfish season.
“I don’t really use a compressor, but I know it’s a problem for those guys because it’s like you are taking a computer away for a couple months,” Mr Carroll reiterated. “That’s what they use to breathe under the water. And once you’re
used to that, once you’re used to using the compressor, then it’s hard to go back [to] free diving.
“Years ago when they first started with that, it was only used to get lobster. After the guys get the lobster, they got used to that. Now, it’s time to go diving for grouper and other fish. When they can’t use [it] it’s a problem because their body already used to the compressor. But, in my opinion, I think it should be year round for them because that’s a part of the tool.
“The honest guys don’t use it. They don’t go fishing. But those who are willing to take the chance they do it. And if they get caught, it’ll be a problem. I think the Government should get rid of that [ban] so these guys can fish. Some of these [fisherman are] law-abiding citizens, and then when they have to do these things and make them feel like
Fly fishing targeted for entrepreneurial growth
By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
A $50,000 investment will help drive the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) bid to nourish and grow the Bahamian fly fishing industry, it was announced yesterday.
A partnership between the SBDC, the Ministry of Agriculture and The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA) produced the $50,000 investment in the Fly Fishing Initiative, the former’s first project for 2025. SBDC’s executive director, Samantha Rolle, hailed it as “a decisive step to not only ensure that this industry remains in the hands of Bahamians, but that it also continues to grow”.
Ms Rolle added that a standalone grant opportunity has been “tailored” for “the foundational level and the advanced level” in the fly fishing industry. Certified guides can get up to $40,000 in grant funding, while the initiative will offer “selfpaced entrepreneurship training” and mentorship in partnership with the Association. Ms Rolle also announced that the SBDC will launch the ‘Cast for Change’ campaign.
“In 2018 alone, this sector contributed approximately $169m to the Bahamian economy and supported over 7,800 jobs,” Ms Rolle said. “These numbers highlight the great value that this industry has and, through this initiative, we will ensure that Bahamian fly fishing entrepreneurs have the tools, the training and resources to build sustainable businesses that will last for generations.
“At the Small Business Development Centre, we develop each of our programmes to address unique needs of the entrepreneurs we are serving. This initiative is designed with both new and existing fly fishing entrepreneurs in mind, offering specific resources that will help both to thrive. We are offering a self-paced entrepreneurship training which will cover the basics needed to run successful businesses.
“To further this training, we are offering a mentorship programme in collaboration with the BFFIA regional learning network. This mentorship will allow for mentees to collaborate with others in the industry who understand the unique challenges they experience,” Ms Rolle continued.
“For eligible participants, we are offering a standalone grant opportunity to close out this initiative. Unlike our other standalone grant opportunities, we have tailored the grant to both the foundational level and the advanced level.
“For guides who are not yet certified, the grant will provide funding assistance to pursue the National Flats Fishing Guide Certification and Flash Fishing Guide for Veteran Guides
programmes or certification through BAMSI in New Providence and Andros,” she added.
“Certified guides are eligible for up to $40,000 in grant funding to support the purchase of supplies and equipment critical for business growth. These funding opportunities welcome new guides into the industry while also fostering sustainability with existing businesses.
“In addition to training and funding, the SBDC will also launch our Cast for Change campaign,” Ms Rolle revealed. “This campaign will reinforce the industry’s national significance while also raising awareness for the Bahamian talent within the industry. By highlighting the economic and cultural importance of fly fishing, we will encourage more people to support Bahamian fly fishing entrepreneurs.
“The SBDC is only able to impact a large scale of entrepreneurs through our community of partners, and so we would like to extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, to BAIC and the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association for their commitment.
“This initiative is not only about reclaiming the industry, but also about empowering Bahamian entrepreneurship. By investing in Bahamian talent in the fly fishing industry, we are not just securing jobs;, we are preserving the legacy of fly fishing guides nationwide.
This initiative follows the Bahamas Fly Fishing Association’s receipt of $150,000 from the Government of The Bahamas to support the industry. Jomo Campbell, minister of agriculture and marine resources, said the initiative will provide those in the industry with what they need to succeed and it will further the fight in “creating sustainable economic growth within this vital sector”.
“This initiative represents our government’s commitment to creating sustainable economic growth within this vital sector,” Mr Campbell said. “Fly fishing contributes significantly to our economy, generating millions of dollars annually and supporting thousands of jobs.
“Our local guides are more than just stewards of the industry. They are conservationists, ambassadors of our waters and key players in our tourism product. This initiative is about equipping them with the tools, training and financial support they need to grow their businesses and to further secure their future.
“.We are pleased to introduce the Fly Fishing Entrepreneurs Initiative, which underscores the commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly in the fly fishing industry. This initiative will provide the necessary resources, training, support needed to empower Bahamians in this field, ensuring that our waters and fisheries remain
they breaking the law, like they is criminals.”
Mr Thompson mentioned the impact those four months have on wholesalers who are already stating that they are seeing price increases on seafood items. He said the wholesalers “are losing”, especially when fishermen are unable to produce inventory for them to purchase. Those who are able to catch are hit with a demand and supply crisis that results in higher prices passed on to the customer.
“Once the season is closed, you are not fooling with no lobster. You should
have a right to use your compressor. It’s ridiculous and no one is doing nothing about it,” Mr Thompson said.
“They go by the season, by the lobster season. So you have eight months to use it and you have four months not to use it.
Which I’m highly against because you need to use that year-round. How are we supposed to breathe in these deep waters to get fish and conch, other stuff than lobster for the population.
protected whilst also fostering economic growth,” he added.
“The success of our marine and agriculture industries depends on collaboration. Collaboration between the Government, private sector and our communities. By working together, we can create a thriving sector that not only supports our livelihoods, but also preserves our rich Bahamian heritage for generations to come.”
The SBDC is set to launch its Crafting The Bahamas Initiative, which caters to the creative industry, Women’s Entrepreneur initiative and inaugural Men in Business initiative. To date, SBDC has facilitated $92m in approved funding and has helped approximately 2,300 businesses.
“Why would you put a stipulation on fishermen like that? That is not going to stop no show. Fishermen are still going to use the compressor. That’s a livelihood. Not because the lobster season close we can’t use the only thing we have to get these products. You’re putting a stipulation on it,” Mr Thompson added.
“But we got to try and look into that. That hurt the big wholesale companies who are buying wholesale from the fishermen. Because if the fishermen can’t use the air apparatus to get this stuff for their wholesalers, the wholesalers are losing. So why make a law like that? That don’t make no sense.”
‘Someone fall on their sword’: Exuma mooring deal terminated
interest”, he said the Exuma moorings controversy “reeks” and “stinks” and “the public believes this is a corrupt deal”. Dr Sands argued that the language used by the Prime Minister’s Office was tantamount to an admission that “we got caught, we didn’t expect to get caught and we’re hoping that everyone kisses, shakes hands and walks away”.
The FNM chairman also agreed with Tribune Business that it was an “appropriate analogy” to describe the Bahamas Moorings situation as the Davis administration’s ‘Oban moment’, a reference to the Grand Bahama oil refinery deal that its Minnis predecessor signed but never proceeded after the questionable backgrounds of some of its principals and investors was exposed.
Besides seeking to end public discussion and commentary around the Bahamas Moorings deal, the Government also likely acted to head-off potential fall-out among high-spending boaters that generate a significant economic boost for Exuma communities and other Family Islands.
Wally Moran, who writes for sailing publications and has produced videos for the Sailing Channel, told this newspaper an informal online poll he conducted at the weekend revealed that 90.2 percent of respondents - more than nine in every ten - said they would either abandon the Exumas or go elsewhere in The Bahamas if the moorings/anchorage plan took root (see other article on Page 1B). Tribune Business, meanwhile, confirmed other notable coincidences involving some of the key players in the Bahamas Moorings deal. A bill of lading, detailing Bahamas Moorings’ importation of anchors and link chains from China, gives the company’s address as Suite No.5, 138 Wulff Road. Research showed that also located at 138 Wulff Road
is Cubix Bahamas, a shipping company and freight forwarder. Mrs Kemp, who witnessed the signing of the Exuma Cays lease deal on Bahamas Moorings’ behalf, states on her Linkedin page that she has served as “head of marketing communications” for Cubix Bahamas from March 2018 to the “present”.
This implies that she is still working for the company even while acting as the deputy director of communications in the Prime Minister’s Office. Referring to Mrs Kemp’s role in witnessing the lease, Mr Davis’s office said yesterday: “The Office of the Prime Minister has since become aware that an employee of our office acted as a witness to the lease. We are conducting an internal review of the matter.”
The lease stated that Mrs Kemp is “of Bahamas Moorings”, and that she “subscribed my name to complete the due execution of the lease” for the company. Several observers, speaking on condition of anonymity, have questioned her involvement given that she is acting as witness on behalf of a private company to a deal with her employer, the Government of The Bahamas. They pointed out that ‘general orders’, which govern the civil service, require officials to disclose any private dealings that may conflict with their public duties and, potentially, divest them.
Meanwhile, confirming that itself and Bahamas Moorings will not proceed with a deal that critics allege gave a private company an effective monopoly over all safe anchorage/mooring sites in the Exumas outside the Land and Sea Park, the Prime Minister’s Office added: “The placement of moorings prior to the full set of approvals and the involvement of an.. employee have raised concerns about the venture.
“As a result, the Government and Bahamas Moorings
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that SHEENA FRANCOIS of Jones Town, Eight Mile Rock, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of February, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
Ltd have agreed not to move forward with the agreement, with Bahamas Moorings voluntarily relinquishing their leases. Bahamas Moorings will remove any moorings already installed at their own cost.
“We are grateful for their co-operation, and for the vision they shared with the Government regarding how to manage moorings in our waters in ways which are consistent with marine conservation principles. It’s important that the Bahamian public has confidence that mooring rights are handled transparently and in a manner consistent with the national interest.”
Besides raising questions over the Davis administration’s apparent lack of transparency and failure to consult Out Island communities, observers had also challenged why a deal of this nature was not put out to competitive bidding via a request for proposal (RFP).
And they queried why the Government had not adopted a different publicprivate partnership (PPP) model by retaining the seabed and, instead, hiring a private management company through competitive bidding to operate the moorings/anchorages. The two sides could then have entered into a revenue/ profit sharing arrangement with some of the proceeds directed to environmental preservation.
“We are committed to moving forward with a process that includes broader stakeholder and public consultation, including the convening of local government officials and representatives of the marine industry, in order to formulate a new policy structure for managing seabed leases,” the Prime Minister’s Office said, in a nod to both public pressure while hinting that the Bahamas Moorings scheme may come back in a revised format.
Bahamas Moorings itself, in its own statement, said the project was designed to
protect “the country’s invaluable marine environment”. It added: “After careful consideration and extensive discussions, both parties have mutually agreed that the proposed mooring venture will not proceed.
“This decision was not made lightly. Both Bahamas Moorings and the Government share a deep commitment to marine conservation, sustainable tourism and responsible boating practices. The need for a structured and wellregulated mooring system remains evident, as unregulated anchoring continues to impact fragile marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and seagrass beds.”
Dr Sands, though, was unimpressed. “The question is what if this had not been discovered, and how could this happen involving individuals so closely connected to the seat of government?” he blasted. “They [the Prime Minister’s Office] have not gone far enough, and these blatantly unacceptable conflicts of interest ought to require someone to fall on their sword. It’s not enough to issue some tepid statement...
“It stinks. It reeks, and the public believe this is a corrupt deal. We have to call it what it is. You have to identify them and deal with them accordingly. This is carefully parsed language [in the statement]. This is legalease and legal speak. For ‘we got caught, we didn’t expect to get caught, and we’re hoping everyone kisses, shakes hands and walks away.
“The Bahamian people are not going to accept this, the Opposition is not going to accept this. This is an incident that needs to be dealt with accordingly. The Prime Minister’s Office needs to do more than this. This is a reasonable start, perhaps, but are you going to ask the members of staff complicit in this” to resign?”
Warning that “this is not going to go away”, Dr Sands asked: “How did this occur in the first place? Where
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that CAMESHA NATASHA WILBURGH of Hunts Close, Fire Trail Road, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
does the buck stop? Who signed this lease? Was it discussed by Cabinet? If not, why not? Who knew what When did they know it? Who was involved?
“I wonder if the MP for Exuma [deputy prime minister Chester Cooper] was aware. It’s his constituency. Was the minister responsible for the environment aware?
It’s an absolute disgrace. We’re not impressed. I’m not impressed. They’ve got to do better. They can start with an apology to the Bahamian public and can follow up with a couple of terminations. Do the right thing for a change.”
The Government previously said the anchorage/ mooring plan was approved by the Cabinet in June 2022 but the lease was not signed until January 23, 2025. “It sounds like the Prime Minister’s got some explaining to do,” Dr Sands added. “Is he going to admit what happened here or was this a deal by others, something done in the dark that came out in the light?”
While acknowledging that comparisons with Oban made him “a little uncomfortable”, Dr Sands conceded that there are some parallels but argued that “Oban never got out the door” while the Davis administration was actively moving to “privatise the seabed and waters of Exuma, monetise this thing and create the apparition this was going to benefit the Bahamian people. In reality, it was going to benefit this company’s principals.”
In return for leasing a total 4,615 acres from the Government for 21 years, with effect from February 1, 2025, Bahamas Moorings had agreed to pay an annual rent equal to 3 percent of gross revenue collected from boaters plus 10 percent VAT. The firm, which says its fees are VAT inclusive, has also issued social media messages saying boaters can use its moorings free of charge until its official launch. This was to take place at the Palm Beach International Boat show from March 19-23, 2025. For mooring at its round buoys, Bahamas Moorings was proposing to charge fees ranging from $25 to $135 per day depending on vessel length, plus fees of between $170 and $250 per day for “super yachts” mooring at its taper buoys again depending on length.
Anchorage fees were to range from 55 cents per foot per day to $1.10 per foot per day, again depending on
boat length. Bahamas Moorings argued that its mooring/ anchorage plan would bring order to the present chaos on Bahamian waters by giving boats and yachts designated points where they can tie up, thus preventing damage to the seabed, coral reefs and other ecosystems from anchors dragging.
Tribune Business previously reported many of those involved in the Bahamas Moorings Company deal have close links to the Office of the Prime Minister and senior persons who work in it. Of the two principals named in the lease, Tribune Business research reveals that Philip A. Kemp II is a former City Markets chief financial officer, having been part of both the illfated Trans-Island Traders deal and its predecessor, BK Foods.
And Raymond Christian Knowles, better known by his middle name, is a boat captain with the ‘Pieces of 8’ tour boat and charter operator, where he is described as “a 30-year veteran on the open waters” who has worked as a commercial fisherman.
The address for serving Bahamas Moorings Company, No.3 Bayside Executive Park in western New Providence, is the same as that for two entities playing a key role in the Government’s energy reforms - Bahamas Grid Company, which now controls New Providence’s energy grid, and Island Power Producers, the company that will supply energy to cruise ships docked in Nassau.
The address is the home of Levant Advisors, incorrectly spelt as Lavent in the lease document, which appears to be a newly-formed boutique financial services firm. Its website lists Levant’s principals as Anthony Ferguson, the company’s founder who is also CFAL chief, and Antoine Bastian, the Genesis Fund Services head.
Both men are heavily involved with the Office of the Prime Minister as they are leading the Government’s efforts to monetise The Bahamas’ seagrass meadows, mangroves and other so-called ‘carbon sinks’ via the creation of ‘blue carbon credits’ - an initiative much-touted by the Government.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that PERNEL WEEKES of #6 Saunders Road off Lighbourne Avenue, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of February, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that FERNAND LUCIEN of Malcolm Road, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that JUVY SILVA CUEVAS NUTT of #12 Highland Court, New Providence, The Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 18th day of February, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
90% Exuma boating boycott if anchorage deal proceeded
“I don’t want to let this kill that dream,” they said of the Bahamas Moorings proposal, “but it’s less money we will be spending on land which only hurts the locals.” Another added: “Unfortunately, some of The Bahamas have become a corporate money grab.... Sad to say it, but next season we’ll be ‘just passing through’ or perhaps I-65 and pass them by.”
In return for leasing a total 4,615 acres from the Government for 21 years, with effect from February 1, 2025, Bahamas Moorings had agreed to pay an annual rent equal to 3 percent of gross revenue collected from boaters plus 10 percent VAT. Bahamas Moorings, which said its fees were to be VAT inclusive, also issued social media messages saying boaters can use its moorings free of charge until its official launch.
This was to have taken place at the Palm Beach International Boat show from March 19-23, 2025. For mooring at its round buoys, Bahamas Moorings was proposing to charge fees ranging from $25 to $135 per day depending on vessel length, plus fees of between $170 and $250 per day for “super yachts” mooring at its taper buoys again depending on length. Anchorage fees range from 55 cents per foot per day to $1.10 per foot per day, again depending on boat length. Bahamas Moorings Company argued its mooring/anchorage plan would have brought order to the present chaos on Bahamian waters by giving boats and yachts designated
points where they can tie up, thus preventing damage to the seabed, coral reefs and other ecosystems from anchors dragging.
Peter Maury, the Association of The Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president, yesterday told Tribune Business - just prior to the Government and Bahamas Moorings announcements that the deal was being cancelled - that the plans to install 250 moorings at 49 locations in the Exumas via an investment worth $2.5m were effectively “taking away our rights to use the seabed”.
This, he argued, would be especially problematic for residents of smaller communities on the Exuma Cays who would now have to pay for the privilege of mooring/anchoring their boats. “How do you take away their rights to use the seabed in front of their property?” Mr Maury asked. “Now they won’t even have the right to the seabed in front of their properties. I don’t understand it. Next they’ll take the beaches away from us.”
Confirming that he was aware of the negative fallout among The Bahamas’ current and potential boating visitors, the ABM chief said this would only worsen the impact caused by yacht brokers and management companies diverting vessels away from this nation due to the increased fees/taxes and greater entry bureaucracy imposed in recent years.
Disclosing that communities and businesses in the Exuma Cays will be most impacted had the Bahamas Moorings deal gone through, Mr Maury added: “I’ve never seen this in 35
BAHAMIAN PROVIDER UNVEILS
AI-POWERED LOAN OFFICER
FROM PAGE B1
with AI interactions,” said Mr Pantry.
“As technology advances, we envision Evie expanding our capabilities to support insurance obligations to our partnership with affiliate insurance, legal sales, financial education and advisory services. Our goal is not to replace human jobs, that’s important to note, but enhance productivity and efficiency, allowing our team to focus on more creative tasks and other higher value tasks in customer
relationship, financial advisory and innovation.”
Mr Pantry said humanoid robots can help solve many issues in the financial services industry as they can expand operational hours, lower operations costs and work remotely in convenient locations.
“One of the reasons, when you look at the challenges with operating branches is the cost of operating those branches. With the humanoid robots, we believe that you may not need as much folks working in the branch to operate
NOTICE
EMBRACCO LTD.
Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Registration number 210571 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)
Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 24th day of February A.D. 2025.
Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The Liquidator is Mr. Elton Acco, whose address is Rua Mangueira, 102 – NE QDR 38 LT 10, CEP: 78360-000, Jardim Alvorada, Campo Novo Do Parecis, MT, Brazil. Any Persons having a Claim against the above-named Company are required on or before the 26th day of March A.D. 2025 to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is proved.
Dated this 24th day of February A.D. 2025. ELTON ACCO LIQUIDATOR
NOTICE
Eunoia Ltd.
Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Registration Number 208821 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)
Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 9th day of November, 2024.
Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The Liquidator is Richard L. Broughton, No 6 Bosham Close, Camperdown Heights, P.O. Box SP63801, NP, The Bahamas. Persons having a Claim against the above-named Company are required on or before the 3rd day of March, 2025 to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is proved.
Dated this 24th day of February, 2025
Richard L. Broughton Liquidator
years. This is the first time in history. They [boaters] are going to boycott the Exumas.”
Besides raising questions over the Davis administration’s apparent lack of transparency and failure to consult Out Island communities, observers also challenged why a deal of Bahamas Moorings’ nature was not put out to competitive bidding via a request for proposal (RFP).
Instead, several sources suggested the lease deal represented a privatisation of all safe, feasible anchorage and mooring sites throughout the Exuma cays outside of those in the Exuma Lands and Sea Park.
In effect, they said the Government has given a private company a monopoly over these sites where it will be “mandatory” for boats and yachts to pay the fees levied by Bahamas Moorings.
That will now not happen after both the Government and Bahamas Moorings backed down in the face of public pressure. Michael Pintard, the Opposition’s leader, told Tribune Business he had “very deep concerns” over the lease deal which he branded “a clear conflict of interest”.
And Dr Hubert Minnis, his predecessor as Opposition leader, branded the arrangement as “very fishy”, adding: “It seems a bit strange and fishy. It doesn’t smell right.” The Government, in its Sunday statement on the deal, said it had an equity ownership stake in Bahamas Moorings but provided no details.
This, critics argued, meant it was a publicprivate partnership (PPP) deal. Besides challenging why the Bahamas Moorings
that branch, because they will be complemented with humanoid robots,” said Mr Pantry.
“In terms of distribution, you may be able to open up more branches, with the humanoid robots working alongside less humans, but you can also expand the distribution of where these robots can be. They can be in a furniture store to take an application. Whereas it may not be feasible to have a human loan officer in that branch, they may be able to be in a grocery store, they may be able to be in a hospital.
“So different points where it may not be feasible for humans, but it can be feasible to serve customers with your robots. She won’t have to knock off at 5pm.
deal had not been publicly announced, given that it involved the use of the Bahamian people’s tax money, they also questioned the Government’s justification for why the mooring/anchorage scheme was not put out to competitive bidding.
The Government, in its statement, said: “The public is further advised that a Request for Proposal was not required, as the project is a private commercial venture, albeit in the national interest, not involving government expenditures and was proposed to the Government.”
Besides pointing out the seeming contradictions between this and the assertion of an equity interest in Bahamas Moorings, several observers questioned whether this breaches the Government’s own PPP policy which is still posted on its website. This states that, in the case of unsolicited offers such as Bahamas Moorings, “procurement will generally be through an open, competitive tender process”.
Bahamas Moorings, in its statement yesterday, said: “The need for a structured and well-regulated mooring system remains evident, as unregulated anchoring continues to impact fragile marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and seagrass beds - critical habitats that sustain biodiversity and support The Bahamas’ economy.
“We fully support the Government’s ongoing efforts to explore solutions that align with conservation goals while considering the needs of local communities and the broader public.” However, questions were
She could continue to work. You may have a section in the food store that opens until 9pm. She can be open as well. So you expand the distribution and also the timing.”
Through Evie is still “several months” away from deployment at a Simplified Lending branch, Mr Pantry said his team has been training to work with AI for the past year-and-a-half and has seen an increase in productivity and efficiency.
He added that although some may have fears about humanoid robots replacing human labour, Evie is not a replacement for his employees but a tool to help make their jobs easier.
Mr Pantry said he believes future jobs will require less manual,
NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION
RE: FORUM TIMEKEEPERS LIMITEDREGISTRATION NO. 119762B (“the Company”)
NOTICE is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 the International Business Companies Act and the Articles of Association of the Company, the Voluntary Dissolution of the above captioned company commenced on 23rd day of December, 2024. Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered with the Companies Registry and Jean-Pierre Diserens of rue des Barques 2, 1207, Geneve, Switzerland has been appointed Liquidator of the said Company.
Jean-Pierre Diserens rue des Barques 2 1207 Geneve, Switzerland Liquidator
Legal Notice
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000
TRIPLE M Opportunities Investment Fund Ltd. SAC
NOTICE is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, the Dissolution of TRIPLE M Opportunities Investment Fund Ltd. SAC has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 13th day of December, 2024.
MMG Fund Services (Bahamas) Ltd. Liquidator
raised yesterday about the justification for the moorings/anchorage plan - to protect coral reefs and other ecosystems from anchors dragging on the seabed, including seagrass meadows key to the carbon credits plan.
Boaters yesterday said no bond fide boat owner would deliberately anchor on a reef, while warning that the scheme threatens to turn anchorages “into parking lots”. And several sources suggested many of the anchorage sites involved in the Bahamas Moorings deal are above sandy seabeds that contain none of the ecosystems that the deal is ostensibly seeking to protect. Photos also emerged of buoys allegedly installed by Bahamas Moorings that were secured to the seabed by anchors and heavy link chains - exactly what they were supposed to prevent.
“I’ve seen nothing friendly about the approach they have set up,” Dr Duane Sands, the FNM chairman, said.
Meanwhile, Mr Pintard, in a statement on the Bahamas Moorings deal, said:
“At every turn, the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency, conflicts of interest and abuse of power. How could the Prime Minister approve a multimillion dollar exclusive concession involving a sensitive seabed in one of our most pristine ocean environments, apparently without public consultation or a published Environmental Impact Assessment? Why was there no engagement with key stakeholders in Exuma and beyond? Why
repetitive tasks as technology will take them on, but human employees will still be needed to process this information leading to an increase in employment opportunities for more tech savvy individuals. “In the last year-and-ahalf, we’ve been retraining our staff to prompt and train AIs to take on more of the manual tasks. So, the creativity and being able to process automation, I think they are the jobs of the future. Rather than using manual tasks, your job will be focused in terms of process automation and working with these robots so they can do that,” he explained.
“There will be job displacement in terms of those who may not want to learn
the secrecy surrounding this deal?”
Turning to the fact Sandra Kemp, deputy communications director in the Prime Minister’s Office, witnessed the lease agreement on Bahamas Moorings’ behalf when her husband, Philip A. Kemp II, was one of the company’s principals, the FNM leader added: “How is it possible that the Prime Minister’s deputy director of communications is a documented agent of Bahamas Moorings?
“How is it not a blatant conflict of interest that she and her husband - the apparent principal of the company - were able to negotiate a lucrative 20-plus-year deal in secrecy? Did the Prime Minister know that the principal of Bahamas Moorings has been a reported close business associate of a key senior advisor to his office?....”
Calling for the Bahamas Moorings deal to be “cancelled”, which it almost immediately was after his statement was issued, Mr Pintard said: “Other than their ties to the Office of the Prime Minister and a senior advisor to the Prime Minister, what justifies them being handed such a lucrative concession?
“Why was there no public procurement process to ensure the best possible deal for the Bahamian people? This doesn’t pass the smell test..... Any public officials involved in this abuse of power must be held accountable. If found guilty, they should be removed from office and face the full weight of the law.”
to evolve but, for the most part, the jobs of the future will be a little different. I think it’s going to be a net increase in jobs with these humanoid robots. Also, in terms of job satisfaction, I think they’re going to bring more job satisfaction. Because, rather than sitting out toiling on one thing over and over a day, they could go do more creative jobs.
“Also, they could take more time off in terms of vacation because the robot’s doing the physical, manual tasks. I think it’s an exciting time for the job, but again, it’s going to be a transition. Overall, I do think it’s going to be a net increase, given the increase in terms of efficiency, productivity and, by default, economic activity.”
N O T I C E
CITIUS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:
(a) CITIUS INVESTMENTS LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.
(b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 24th February, 2025 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.
(c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas
Dated this 25th day of February, A. D. 2025. Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator
Legal Notice NOTICE
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT
Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business DOWN WIND INVESTMENTS LIMITED (the “Company’) is in dissolution. The date of commencement of . Thomas Ford is the Liquidator and can be contacted at 17 Avenue de la Costa, 98000, Monaco. All persons having claims against the above-named Company are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of the debts or claims to the Liquidator
BPL fraud trial delay breaches
constitutional rights
He was then re-arraigned just months later on November 14, 2017, over money laundering offences to which he also pled ‘not guilty’ and was released on bail.
Mr Bethel’s trial began on June 20, 2018, with prosecution witnesses giving evidence and continued for another two days until it was adjourned. It was “called up on several occasions” in 2018, only to suffer further adjournments. It was scheduled to resume on September 13, 2019, with 18 prosecution witnesses present, but was again delayed because one of Mr Bethel’s co-accused was sick while another had no attorney.
The case was rescheduled for February 7, 2020, but again failed to proceed “due to the unavailability” of attorneys representing some of the accused. It was pushed back to August 2020, but then suffered a further delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And,
after the courts resumed sitting for trials, the magistrate in charge of Mr Bethel’s case stepped down in February 2021. With no further progress made, Mr Bethel launched his constitutional rights action on February 24, 2023, seeking relief under the Bahamian constitution’s Article 20 (1). “The Applicant claims that the delay in his trial from 22 June, 2018, breaches his constitutional rights accorded him by virtue of Article 20 (1) which entitles him to a trial within a reasonable time,” Justice Card-Stubbs wrote.
“He further asserts that, by this delay, he has suffered mental, emotional and financial damage. He asserts that he has been unable to find suitable employment and that he lost opportunities presented to him because of the outstanding matter - the unconcluded trial.
“His evidence, by affidavit, is that he has had to deplete his savings and sell some of his real estate to support his family. He also
avers that he went into a state of depression and that resulted in the dissolution of his marriage,” the judge continued.
“The applicant avers that he and his family had relocated to Canada in 2016, and claims that he had incurred travel and accommodation expenses of over $50,000 to date to attend court. The Applicant also avers that ‘the Canadian Government cancelled my Electronic Travel Authorisation due to noncompletion of my trial’.
“The applicant’s case is that the trial had been pending for over five years (2018 to 2023) and constituted a breach of Article 20. The applicant submitted that the court could find that the applicant’s right was breached even if the court finds that he was not prejudiced by the delay.”
This was disputed by the Attorney General’s Office, which conceded that one of the accused was left without legal representation because they joined its chambers. They argued that
Mr Bethel himself did nothing to advance his case, and then the attorney representing him - not identified but likely to have been Wayne Munroe - was elected to Parliament in September 2021.
“The respondent [Attorney General’s Office] further submitted that this matter is a complex one, and that the reasons for the delay stemmed largely from the actions and circumstances surrounding the applicant, his co-accused and their counsel. The respondent submitted that they have managed the Applicant’s case efficiently and to the best of their ability,” Justice Card-Stubbs wrote.
“The respondents further submitted that the applicant has not shown, on a balance of probability, that he had been prejudiced by the delay and can no longer have a fair trial. They also submitted that a stay should only be granted in exceptional cases and should not be imposed if the delay was due to some complexity of
the case or caused by the defendant himself.” Justice Card-Stubbs, in her verdict, agreed that the case was complex because it was based on documentary evidence and involved five accused persons represented by six attorneys. But she added that there was “no suggestion of deliberate delaying strategies” by Mr Bethel or his attorneys, and the onus was on the prosecution to push the trial forward.
“The evidence before me is that by letter dated April 27, 2023, the respondent [Attorney General’s Office] requested that the matter be placed before another magistrate and given a case management date so that the trial could proceed. At the date of hearing, no response had been received,” the judge ruled.
“What has been unexplained is the failure to advance the matter with some urgency since the March 2021 date advanced by the respondent as the relevant date for considering the delay, a proposition which I have rejected. The evidence before me is a letter from the respondent going to the court, subsequent to the date of this current application – some two years after the learned
DECLINING NASSAU HARBOUR DEFENCES IN FIVE-SHIP WAIT
FROM PAGE B1
unloading and working on the boat. The “roll”, or pitch, of cargo vessels in such circumstances can be between “six to ten feet up and down”, which is unforgiving on APD’s cranes and other equipment and results in significant wear and tear. While vessels can still safely enter and exit the Arawak Cay-based port, APD has previously said it “won’t compromise” on safety. Mike Maura, APD’s chairman, wrote in the company’s most recent annual report: “As a matter of urgency, we must pay special attention to mitigating factors that have begun to impinge on the quality of
magistrate with carriage of the matter demitted office.
“In the premises, the trial process commenced in 2017 and was brought to a halt by an ‘Act of God’ in 2020. In 2021, the learned magistrate with conduct of the matter demitted office. That is where matters seemed to rest until the respondents were spurred into action by the filing of this suit,” Justice Card-Stubbs found.
“As indicated before, in this case there were a myriad of reasons for the delay including the failure (and/or inability) of counsel for the applicant and for the co-accused to appear or to find an early convenient date. There was the intervening global pandemic and subsequently, the magistrate demitted office.”
Finding that a six-year plus trial is “unduly long”, Justice Card-Stubbs ruled that “inaction” by the Attorney General’s Office “in advancing the matter to trial” was the cause and found the delay “unreasonable”. But, despite finding that his constitutional rights had been infringed and awarding him $1,000, she declined to halt the trial because there was nothing to suggest Mr Bethel cannot receive a fair hearing.
port operations from the maritime side.
“Our port partners must seriously address the now continuous degradation of Nassau Harbour’s western breakwater, which poses a clear danger to all port users onshore and offshore, especially the giant cargo carriers and the equally massive cruise ships that carry millions of dollars in cargo and thousands of passengers.”
And Mr Bethell, writing in the same report, added: “Last year, the continued disintegration of the breakwater located just to the west of Paradise Island simulated increasing concern. There were incidents of cargo ships impeded in unloading at Nassau Container Port owing to the powerful sea surges and high winds that prevailed some months ago.
“As climate change accelerates, it is bringing stronger hurricanes and sea surges to our archipelago and neighbouring regions. In the past, services might typically have been disrupted twice a year by high seas. However, this phenomenon has escalated to the point where, over summer 2023, cargo operations at Nassau Container Port were impacted on eight to ten days.
“As I have informed our primary constituents and the press several times, if salutary action is not taken, breakwater disintegration will continue to pose a serious threat to life and business at the port and its environs. It bears repeating that the negative effects will reverberate throughout The Bahamas’ import-driven economy,” Mr Bethell continued.
“I will again remind decision-makers that 90 percent
of international shipping cargo passes through APD’s Arawak Cay facilities.... I reiterate that the current and daily state of the 56-year-old barrier negatively impacts ship and port operations and personnel, including APD staff, ships crews and stevedores loading and unloading docked vessels.
“Inclement sea conditions increase danger as the resultant ‘roll’ or ‘pitch’ of cargo vessels being worked can be between six to ten feet up and down. Such occurrences take a significant toll on APD’s cranes and other equipment.”
Mr Bethell yesterday said the Nassau Container Port operator has “not been able to determine any direct fall-out” yet from Donald Trump’s imposition of US tariffs on Chinese imports “as the majority of global cargo from China and the wider Asian region comes directly to The Bahamas”.
He added: “If Chinese goods are first imported into the US before being shipped to The Bahamas, then there is a possibility that increased tariff rates could impact the final price of those goods or commodities. However, as a port operator, we do not track the cost of imported goods, as we do not receive or have visibility into the underlying invoices for imports passing through our facility.
“From an operational and pricing standpoint, APD has not increased its landing, stevedoring, security, terminal handling, gate or reefer monitoring fees since inception. However, ocean carriers have increased their ocean freight rates and fuel surcharge rates on several occasions. These carrier-imposed costs are external factors that impact overall shipping expenses but are not controlled by APD.”
NOTICE
IN THE ESTATE of CRYSTAL SUSAN ROBERT DELEVEAUX AKA CRYSTAL SUSAN STUBBS late, of #14 Bay Lily Lane of the Eastern District of the Island of New Providence, one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased.
Notice is hereby given that all persons having any claim or demands against the above named Estate are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of the same duly certified in writing to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of February A.D., 2025, and if required, prove such debts or claims, or in default be excluded from any distribution; after the above date the assets will be distributed having regard only to the proved debts or claims of which the Executor shall then have had notice.
And Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the aforementioned date.
MICHAEL A. DEAN & CO., Attorneys for the Executor Alvernia Court, 49A Dowdeswell Street P.O. Box N-3114 Nassau, The Bahamas
