The Tribune house & hoMe
BUS ATTACK VICTIM MEETS HER RESCUER
Woman whose legs broken in assault in tears hailing hero
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
MONTHS after surviving a brutal attack that left her with two broken legs, Latasha Rolle tearfully reunited with the man who saved her on Friday, vowing never to forget his heroic actions. The 44-year-old mother of two was on her way to
SEARS:
IMMIGRAT
work on December 17 when a stranger launched a vicious, unprovoked attack.
The assault, which occurred after she stepped off a bus for a quick stop at the bank, was caught on camera and rapidly shared online. While bystanders watched — some even recording the attack
ION COMMISSION report coming ‘in due course’
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
MORE than a year after its formation, the immigration commission responsible for reviewing how decisions are made has yet to produce its report — but Minister of Immigration and National Insurance Alfred Sears insists it will be
completed “in due course”.
At the Immigration Connect City Pop-Up at Christie Park on Friday, Mr Sears said the commission has been gathering data, conducting site visits, and consulting officials to assess current immigration policies and practices.
“The prime minister,”
Questions over what led to fatal crash that left young mother dead
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A HARROWING video of a car speeding through an intersection and plunging into the water on
‘rise
Yamacraw Beach early Saturday morning left many shaken, sparking confusion and urgent questions about what factors led to the fatal crash.
The victim, identified as Shyann, a mother of
two from Yellow Elder, died at the scene after her black Honda Fit was submerged in the water around 2am on March 1. She left behind a newborn and a
in young boys with suicidal thoughts’
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Crisis Centre has seen an increase in calls this year from young boys expressing suicidal thoughts, with many reporting feelings of isolation and failure.
“We are very concerned about what’s happening in the country and the impact
on boys, and for the last three years, we’ve been doing a symposium on the boy child and talking about how you protect the emotional life,” Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, director of the Crisis Centre, said on Friday. On February 18, 2025, police said the body of Nikolai Sarles, a prominent
INSURERS have hailed the government’s move to abandon the “counter productive” stipulation that all Bahamian and resident drivers must annually renew auto insurance coverage in their birth month. The Davis administration unveiled an amendment to the Road Traffic Act that eliminates the ‘birth month’ requirement and instead replaces it with language mandating renewal on annual basis.
DR Sandra Dean-Patterson.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
LATASHA Rolle and Delano Clarke during a press conference where the Bahamas Crisis Centre presented the Good Samaritan Award to Mr Clarke at the Ministry of National Security on February 28, 2025.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Saxon Superstars Victory Fest
A VICTORY Fest was held Saturday for the Shell Saxon Superstars who celebrated their holiday parade sweep as well as four straight victories.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
Bus attack victim meets her rescuer
from page one
— Delano Clarke sprang into action, pushing the assailant away and halting the violence.
Seated in her wheelchair, Ms Rolle shook hands with Mr Clarke on Friday, telling him: “Thank you so much, so much and I can never forget that day. You came there and you rescued me.”
She said she was still recovering from the incident but was now in much better condition.
The emotional exchange happened as Mr Clarke received the White Ribbon Award from the Rotary Club and the Bahamas Crisis Centre during a special presentation at the Ministry of National Security on Friday.
The award was presented as part of the White Ribbon campaign, a global initiative
encouraging young men to help end violence against women.
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe praised Mr Clarke’s actions, saying his example is one everyone should follow.
“It’s a demonstration that that is what we are all called to do,” he said. “We all have a decision to make. We can either be a part of the problem. We can be part of solution, or we can simply watch.”
Dr Sandra DeanPatterson, director of the Bahamas Crisis Centre, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of stepping up when others need help.
“We’ve learned over the years violence happens to everybody, and violence is preventable, and the way to prevent violence is to name it and call it out and
say what you’re doing is not right,” she said.
Mr Munroe went further, urging the public to donate and help Ms Rolle with her recovery and expenses.
He acknowledged the public outrage over the attack and called on Bahamians to take action.
“All of these Bahamians who have all sorts of things to say can now, just as Mr Clarke acted on that day, they perhaps can act themselves,” he said.
“It doesn’t have to be thousands, but I can guarantee you that Ms Rolle will tell you that any assistance will go for her raising two teenage boys with a mother having dialysis. Not able to work cannot be easy.”
Last December, police charged 41-year-old Lavardo Knowles in connection with the brutal attack.
LATASHA Rolle and Delano Clarke during a press conference where the Bahamas Crisis Centre presented the Good Samaritan Award to Mr Clarke at the Ministry of National Security on Saturday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Coalition of Independents ratify seven new candidates for the upcoming general election
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Coalition of Independents (COI) ratified seven new candidates for the next general election on Saturday, further expanding its roster ahead of the upcoming general election.
The new candidates represent a mix of constituencies across The Bahamas: Toni Stubbs Albury in West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Brian Rolle in Golden Isles, and Shura Pratt in Long Island. Byron Smith has been ratified for Exuma, Jamaal Woodside for Centreville, Kirk Farrington for Southern Shores and Justin Young for North Andros and the Berry Islands.
Charlotte Green, the party’s national chairman, said the candidates “were vetted, and the council felt that they would be fit to represent the organisation”.
The COI, led by Lincoln Bain, failed to secure a seat in the last general election but secured nearly 8,000 votes. COI contested 32 of the 39 seats and secured 7,852 votes, 6.2 percent of the total voter turnout.
Last September, the party ratified its first 19 candidates.
The party has now ratified 28 candidates and held a Vision 2030 launch event on March 1 at Fusion Superplex.
The event featured party leaders discussing the Vision 2030 blueprint and outlining their plans.
THE COALITION of Independents (COI) ratified seven new candidates for the upcoming general election at to join the 19 ratified at a meeting last September.
Man who had bail previously revoked has it reinstated with conditions
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A MAN who has been granted bail two times had his bail reinstated after it was previously revoked for failing to comply with court-imposed conditions.
Cameron Moree, 20, was initially granted bail in April 2021 after being charged with murder earlier that year. However, in August 2023, he was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and later released on bail in January 2024.
attended a further hearing on December 18, at which point he was taken into custody.
his battery was critically low on 16 occasions, and on four occasions, he was outside his designated inclusion zone.
In December 2024, his bail was revoked after he failed to appear at a case management hearing. He
Prosecutors opposed his bail reinstatement, highlighting his repeated non-compliance with bail conditions. Reports from the Electronic Monitoring Device programme indicated that
In his judgement, Justice Neil Brathwaite wrote: “A further reading of the report indicated that the critical battery situation occurs when an alarm is generated as a result of the battery having only 1.5 to 2 hours of operating time remaining. There is no indication that the battery actually died. The inclusion zone violation indicated that the applicant was required to be at his home on Landrail Close, Stapledon Gardens, but that he was instead at a nearby location at a resident occupied, according to him, by a female friend.”
Moree’s attorney argued that these infractions
were minor. The prosecution, however, maintained that he had a history of non-compliance and should remain in custody until his trial, scheduled for March.
The judge ruled that Moree did not pose a heightened flight risk or threat to the public or witnesses.
“In the circumstances of this case the applicant has now been in custody for two months as a result of his failures in adhering to bail conditions,” he wrote. “While I make no comment on whether that would be an appropriate punishment if the applicant were convicted of offences with respect to those breaches, it is my view that it is certainly sufficient time to again impress upon the applicant the importance of
abiding by his obligations. Certainly, any further breaches could not be expected to be met with any leniency. However, in all the circumstances. it is my view that bail should be reinstated.”
Moree’s bail was reinstated at $10,000 with one or two suretors. He must wear an electronic monitoring device, report to the Grove Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before 6pm, and adhere to a 10 pm to 6am curfew at his residence. He must also surrender his travel documents, seek court approval for any travel outside the island, and stay at least 100 feet away from the complainant and witnesses. Additionally, he must surrender into custody on the Monday of his trial.
Questions over what led to fatal crash that left young mother dead
two-year-old.
The footage, widely shared on social media, shows the vehicle hurtling through the intersection at high speed without stopping at the stop sign before launching into the air and crashing into the water.
Debris scattered on impact before the car vanished beneath the surface.
Speed appeared to be a factor, but speculation has swirled over the possibility of suicide. Authorities have not drawn any conclusions and continue to investigate the circumstances.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived, but
found no signs of life.
Police later retrieved Shyann’s body and the wreckage of her vehicle. She reportedly suffered upper extremity injuries, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Superintendent Coran Jennings acknowledged that this was not the first incident of its kind in the area and urged motorists to exercise caution. He noted that poor lighting may contribute and said police will discuss the issue with the Ministry of Works.
“At this time, we have no motives, no reason as to why, but we would like to put out to the public
that when traversing in this area, you need to have caution and pay attention, as this area is poorly lit,” he said.
St Anne’s MP Adrian White, who visited the scene, echoed safety concerns and called for improved lighting and preventive barriers.
“We have to get road traffic and the Ministry of Works to put attention to lighting as well as safety prevention barriers,” he said.
This marks the second such crash at this location.
‘Rise
in young boys with suicidal thoughts’
One relative declined to speak to The Tribune about the incident, saying: “It’s too much right now.” from page one from page one
real estate professional, was found shot dead in Grand Bahama in what officers suspect to be an apparent suicide.
Days later, officers reported the suspected suicide of a 39-year-old man at a residence on Fritz Lane, off East Street.
On Friday, Dr Dean-Patterson highlighted the need for a targeted approach to tackle the issue, urging communities to be more attentive to the emotional needs of males and to encourage open discussions about mental health.
“If we are serious about stopping it, we have to not only have things that make the perpetrator accountable, but we have to have things in place that support
boys’ health,” she told reporters.
The Tribune previously reported that the Bahamas Crisis Centre’s hotline saw an increase in calls in 2024 compared to 2023, especially about suicidal thoughts. At the time, Dr DeanPatterson said most callers had been experiencing violence in the home or were being abused or under a lot of stress.
Police statistics released last month showed that suicides increased by 33 percent in 2024, while attempted suicides decreased by 38 percent. Eight people committed suicide in 2024, up from six in 2023. There were 50 attempted suicides in 2024, down from 80 in 2023.
DR SANDRA DEAN-PATTERSON, director of the Bahamas Crisis Centre, speaking during a press conference on Saturday. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
A VEHCILE is lifted from the water at Yamacraw Beach, the scene of a traffic fatality that took the life of a mother of two on the intersection of the Eastern Road and Prince Charles Drive on Saturday. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
THE HIGH Commission of Canada presented “Women in Energy” awards last week to Minister of Energy JoBeth Coleby-Davis, BPL chairperson Christina Alston and BPL chief executive Toni Seymour. The presentation was made on Thursday at Baha Mar.
The Tribune Limited
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“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
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Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Why review policy if procedure was the flaw?
THE government produced another statement last night in the wake of the ripping up of the seabed lease of Bahamas Moorings.
As yet, such statements have yet to address how the company did what it did without necessary approvals.
Just imagine, this company went out and started putting down moorings that appear to be entirely in contradiction to the more environmentally friendly moorings the government boasted about just a few short days ago.
They did this without consultation, without environmental assessments. And who is this cowboy outfit that went about doing such things? Well, it’s closely connected to the Office of the Prime Minister.
After stressing how important this work was in the immediate response to questions about the company from this newspaper, the government has since decided it needs to rethink the whole policy.
Last night, it put some details on that move – while issuing a call for interested parties who wanted to have a say to get in touch. If only they had done that before issuing the lease on the project they were apparently so confident about.
Bear in mind the leases with Bahamas Moorings were effectively torn up because of the company going out and starting work prematurely. It was not the policy the government had a problem with at the time, just the way the company went about its business.
So why now does the government need to review the entire policy it was happy with less than two weeks ago?
The government says it is taking preliminary steps to ascertains moorings across The Bahamas, including whether there are leases, certificates of environmental clearance, port approvals, Cabinet approvals where necessary, whether the moorings are registered and who to, and whether fees have been paid appropriately.
Why does the government need to know this now when they didn’t need to know this when initially backing Bahamas Moorings? What, apart from one company’s slackness, has changed that suddenly requires a full rethink across The Bahamas?
So everything was fine until the company the government backed, with the Prime Minister having signed the deal, started putting down moorings that led to people asking questions?
Meanwhile, all remains quiet on why the deputy director of communications at the Office of the Prime Minister was allowed to sign as a witness to the deal between the government she works for and the company run by her husband.
An internal review was mentioned – but of that there is no sign so far. How much of a review could be needed – the signatures are right there.
And what other entanglements do the individuals involved have with the Office of the Prime Minister – the FNM has already called for one senior advisor to be fired.
This looks less like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted than some form of distraction.
After all, those groups that are wanting to comment are being asked to register for consultations. How about a commitment to a series of public meetings across the areas likely to be affected?
And how does any of this address the response of boaters who say if the government wants to go down this path, they’ll take a path elsewhere?
It is easy to say this is to tackle visitors – but there are plenty of Bahamian boaters who would be affected too. How much should they be charged to visit their own islands?
In the end, this statement fails to answer the concerns – valid ones – that are still on people’s minds.
Until those questions are truly answered, this is going to be a bone of contention for this administration.
Govt must help GB’s exploited casual workers
EDITOR, The Tribune.
SEVERAL weeks ago an employee at a huge industrial company told me that he works for a company that acts as a middleman between staff members and the industrial company. As a casual worker, his salary is about $8 per hour. At $8 per hour, he would be earning $320 per week before NIB deductions. His $320 weekly wage is just $60 more than minimum wage laborers. As a casual worker, he is not entitled to holiday pay like permanent staff members. If he doesn’t work on, say, Christmas or New Year’s Day, he will not get paid. Moreover, there is no vacation pay and banks are hesitant to loan monies to casual staff members owing to the uncertainty of their jobs. Casual labourers in Grand Bahama are being exploited as if they’re undocumented aliens residing in The Bahamas. And no one in the government seems to care. I remember when $8 per hour was the average salary for drivers employed at small firms in the bonded areas in Freeport in 1994. That was 31 years ago when a gallon of gasoline was going for $2.30 and the average monthly mortgage payment for a low-cost home was around $500. A trolley of groceries at Winn Dixie was about $70 and you would have been outraged if your monthly light bill exceeded $100. Fast forward to 2025 when the cost of living has skyrocketed, and certain industrial companies in Freeport continue to pay their workers as if we are still living in the mid nineties. It is absolutely unconscionable what Bahamian casual laborers are being subjected to. The system seems tailored to perpetuate abject poverty. At $8 per hour, a casual laborer is earning $1,280 in a four week month. The average rent is going for $600 for a twobedroom apartment in an area that would be considered below the middle-class level. I chose not to entertain a hypothetical scenario regarding mortgage payments for the simple fact that these casual laborers in Grand Bahama do not even remotely qualify for a mortgage. When you subtract his rent, he is left with $680 to pay his light bill, which would be anywhere from $150 to $200. This means he only has
PICTURE OF THE DAY
By:
Time to change how we think
about $480 remaining to pay his cable and Internet bills and to buy groceries, which can average anywhere from $200 to $350 weekly, depending on the size of his family. After paying his monthly bills, he is left flat broke. As you can see, the $8 per hour wage is inhumane and sinful. It has no place in the lucrative industrial sector in Grand Bahama in the 21st century, especially given the fact that their counterparts in Europe, Canada and the United States are earning upwards of $25 to $40 per hour for the same work being done on the island. The government must pressure these wealthy industrial companies to increase the salaries of their casual workers to a level they can afford to live with some semblance of dignity. I am asking for a rate of $25 per hour. I am sure that the industrial industry is more than capable, financially speaking, to increase the salary of casual workers to at least $13 per hour.
KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama February 27, 2025.
EDITOR, The Tribune. GRATEFUL for the space and do look forward to the release of this essay for public consumption. In agitating for redress, this motion to excite and often trouble the mind or feelings of the recruiting agents comprising the moral majority of our country, a drive that heretofore, is inescapable. I also wished to point out that the objective is people based, not the impression or takeaway, to-be garnered from this, or that I know more than all of the others, not the criteria being sought here! But, a set of facts coming out of years and years of the same regurgitation of what has become a system, procedural proclivities, materials, budgetary exercises, after exercises, is much more concerning in especially these hard economic times, and who were the most likely to be impacted (the poor)? When it need not be, just so many talents available in areas of economics, financial-fidelity, to have the struggles that we have as a country on how we take out loans, the frequencies, the numbers, countries financial institutions, politicians have caused an entire country to be indebted too, is problematic? And the dragging of the feet to provide the country’s parliament with the in-real-time-black & white of those proof, is
really not the way, a progressive way to conduct the Bahaman people’s business (is another one of the shortfalls that this essay-a retooling is suggestive of)?
There is a sense that the masses have gotten the impression that their governments are not taking the daily struggles to be able to afford to live, seriously enough, their plight! The pool of expertise globally, was just too expensive-tobe-avoided (ignored), but why have they apparently not consulted?
Bringing home to roost the main ingredients of this essay, there is a focus, a conviction ingrained with the right mindset of a would be politician that impels the drive that the overarching numbers to be governed for, were not household, but half a million or so people comprising the population, charter a course for? It is this number, that view sought to be garnered (sourced), on continued way forward, simply because no 39-men and women politicians will effectively be able marshal the political landscape, the protection of the state, and welfare of its people (with such a minute number)? And any single
mind individual that was of the beliefs that they can single handedly conduct vacuum the affairs of an entire nation, does have a problem?
For it is not one’s household that he, or she is manga ngbu the preponderance of an educated, well astute, knowledgeable and God given qualities, people that receives tid bits from the Creator Himself on matters plaguing nations, ought not to be dismissed, as having no relevances, or teeth? I also believed that we have become small minded because we functioned out of very small edifices, buildings that have outgrown its usefulness decades ago. The time has come for a revolutionising of the way we think, the approaches to matters affecting the socialsides of the Bahamian people. Father God has stated that He has a problem with the imprisonment of the will of a people being taken hostage by the avoidance of them not having the same opportunities to make money as many of those supporting the people in power said God Most High has spoken about it. Lord, for behold your words are forever settled in the Heavens, hallelujah and amen!
FRANK GILBERT Nassau, February 27, 2025.
If it looks to good to be true, it is
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I ONCE knew a businessman tra la la le As crooked as Al Capone was he. Not a manager, nor a achiever was he, his love for money was his only true belief.
I once knew a businessman tra la la le Manufacturing things cheaply while charging extravagantly, he promised a wonderful gold fixture, but months later this gold fixture began to bleed rust profusely.
I knew a businessman man tra la la le When business was slow, instead of not taking pay, his employees were
docked pay, or laid off unexpectedly. His only responsibilities solely rested on making himself money. I knew a customer tra la la le who placed an order and asked for a 3 week delivery.
The businessman agreed immediately, yet when it was 3 weeks late he said he never told the customer what month it would be. I knew consumers who wanted transparency tra la la le Never could they know what type of person they would deal with, nor how much customer service there would be.
Purchasing services and product was like a casino
crap game. We all know how difficult life can be tra la la le with our expectations to broad and our hunger for things to demanding. Intelligent investigation, knowing what you want first each time it seems is the most likely way to remain financially and emotionally sane. intelligent consumer recognises a fraud, bad quality or an amoral business person when they see one. Hopefully. If it looks too good to be true it is folks.
STEVEN KASZAB Bradford, Ontario February 28, 2025.
Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net A LOT of young sting rays swimming slowly in the warm water of Nassau in the Bahamas.
Alex
Young man shot dead in Elizabeth Estates area
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
POLICE are investigat-
ing a fatal shooting that occurred on Saturday in Elizabeth Estates, claiming the life of a 24-year-old man.
According to preliminary reports, the victim had just arrived at a residence near Antiqua and Australia Avenue around 7pm when a black Japanese-model vehicle pulled alongside him. Occupants of the vehicle discharged gunfire in his direction, striking him in the lower body.
Police responded to the scene after being alerted to the incident. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services personnel examined him, but found no vital signs of life.
While authorities have not yet confirmed whether the victim was known to police, they believe he was a resident of the community.
Grieving family members were heard wailing at the
scene, and social media posts from relatives referred to him as “Tori.”
This latest incident brings the country’s murder toll to 13 for the year.
Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles, speaking on ZNS’s The Rundown with Clint Watson, said earlier this month that police are pleased with the “numbers” so far this year concerning violent crime.
“We don’t want to talk and celebrate too much because we know that we could be kind of superstitious at times and say we’re celebrating a little bit too quick and things will happen,” she said. “But we are pleased with what we’re seeing.”
She estimated that most of the homicides last year and in previous years stemmed from retaliation and conflict resolution issues.
The Bahamas recorded 120 homicides last year, a nine percent increase from 110 in 2023. New Providence accounted for 105 homicides, Grand Bahama had 12, and the Family Islands had three.
BUT chief insists she has no
political affiliations
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
BELINDA Wilson, president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Bahamas National Alliance Trade Unions Congress (BNATUC), insisted she has no political affiliations, a position she has maintained for over two decades.
Speaking On The Record with Jerome Sawyer last week, Mrs Wilson was adamant that her involvement in politics ended after her independent run in the 2002 Carmichael election, where she received just 68 votes. She said she has not attended a political rally or function since 1997 and carries no allegiance to any party.
“I belong to no party. I carry no card for anybody, and I carry no allegiance to any party,” she said.
She recalled applying for a nomination for the Free National Movement (FNM) in October 2001, but said this was a onetime attempt and did not mark the beginning of any political career.
“If I wanted to run, I would have to consult
with my husband, my daughter, my family, and the members of the Bahamas Union of Teachers, who pay my salary,” she said.
The veteran union leader said unions should remain politically neutral to preserve their strength and credibility. She warned against unions becoming too closely tied to political factions, as such relationships can erode their ability to effectively advocate for workers.
“When you get in bed with the politicians, you compromise your union and its members,” she said. “Once a union leader forms political ties, negotiations become about personal deals, not workers’ rights.”
She voiced her frustration with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government.
“You,” she said, “could meet with the Haitian pastors, but you can’t meet with union leaders who are trying to discuss pertinent issues relevant to thousands of workers?”
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis addressed a Haitian church in Abaco last week.
SCENE of a shooting in Elizabeth Estates that lead to the death of a young man on Saturday.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
BUT PRESIDENT BELINDA WILSON
SEARS: IMMIGRAT ION COMMISSION report coming ‘in due course’
he said, “appointed a commission to review national immigration policies and practices and to make certain recommendations. I had
the opportunity to meet several times with the commission. The commission has also been
Govt reviewing mooring policies as it looks to modernise oversight
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE government is reviewing mooring policies in The Bahamas as it prepares to modernise regulations and strengthen oversight of mooring fields across the country, days after a controversial Exuma-wide mooring deal was scrapped.
In a statement yesterday, the Office of the Prime Minister said officials are assessing existing leases, technological developments, and enforcement mechanisms as part of efforts to update longstanding policies. A key objective, according to the government, is ensuring that Bahamians manage and operate mooring fields, keeping the economic benefits within the country.
officials connected to the project.
The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has called for stronger regulations before the government considers similar agreements in the future, warning that an improperly managed mooring system could create environmental risks and financial liabilities. The organisation said the country lacks a regulatory framework to impose accountability on mooring operators and that proceeding without sufficient oversight would be “unfathomable”.
meeting with various components of the immigration department, and we are giving the commission complete cooperation.”
The immigration commission was launched amid heated national debates over immigration enforcement, border security, and pathways to regularisation.
In October 2023, Mr Davis announced the commission’s formation to assess discretionary decisions made by the Department of Immigration. The move came months after leaked reports raised concerns about alleged interference by former Immigration Minister Keith Bell.
Mr Sears said the commission’s preliminary report shows “that the work and the quality of the immigration officers really been sterling.”
The review follows the cancellation of a 21-year lease granted to Bahamas Moorings Company, which would have given it control over 49 mooring and anchorage sites across the Exuma Cays. The deal, signed by Prime Minister Philip Davis in his capacity as minister responsible for Crown Land, was halted after public outcry over the lack of transparency and consultation. The government’s decision to lease seabed areas to a single private company, granting it the authority to charge mandatory fees, had drawn sharp criticism from marina operators, environmentalists, and local businesses.
Despite the lease’s cancellation, the government has not addressed key concerns surrounding how Bahamas Moorings Company was able to move forward without necessary approvals. Exuma’s administrator ordered the company to cease and desist its mooring installations after it was revealed that critical environmental and port clearances had not been obtained.
The government has also remained silent on the involvement of OPM
The BNT also pointed to waste management and environmental concerns, saying any new system should include measures to protect critical habitats such as seagrass beds and coral reefs. The organisation highlighted its existing mooring programmes in Moriah Harbour Cay National Park and Elizabeth Harbour as examples of sustainable models that prioritise conservation. It warned that a privatised system without clear regulatory standards could undermine marine protection efforts and disrupt local economies that rely on visiting boaters.
As part of the government’s new review, officials will assess whether existing mooring fields have the necessary approvals, including seabed leases, environmental clearance certificates, and port permits. They will also examine whether mooring operators are compliant with tax and fee obligations.
The government is encouraging public participation in shaping its new policy approach, inviting stakeholders—including local government officials, island residents, community groups, commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, marine tourism operators, and environmental scientists—to register for consultations via email at opmcommunication@ bahamas.gov.bs.
St John’s Native Baptist holds bicentennial church service
from page one
MINISTER OF IMMIGRATION AND NATIONAL INSURANCE ALFRED SEARS
ST John’s Native Baptist Cathedral holds their 200th church anniversary service, attended by the Govenor General Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, along with many other public officials and guests on Sunday.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
MAN CHARGED WITH HAVING UNLICENCED GUN DENIED BAIL
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 28-YEAR-OLD man
was denied bail on Friday after being accused of possessing an unlicenced shotgun last summer.
Gregory Williams was arraigned before Magistrate Lennox Coleby on a charge of possessing a black Mossberg model 88 12-gauge shotgun. The
weapon was allegedly found in his possession on August 27, 2024, in New Providence. Williams pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie, prosecuting, objected to bail. Williams was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and will return to court on March 3.
WOM AN ACCUSED OF CAUSING HAR M GRANTED $5,000 BAIL
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 42-YEAR-OLD woman was granted bail after being accused of injuring someone during a physical altercation last March. Tracy Adderley appeared before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr, who arraigned her on a charge of causing harm. Prosecutors allege that Adderley injured Annarique Lightbourne during a
confrontation on St James Road on March 10, 2024. Adderley pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecution raised no objections to bail, which was set at $5,000 with one or two sureties. Adderley was also ordered to sign in at the Wulf Road Police Station every Wednesday by 6pm. She was warned not to interfere with the complainant, as doing so could result in her bail being revoked.
Adderley’s trial is scheduled to begin on May 14.
Teen accused of killing Miler Thalamour last year
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 19-YEAR-OLD man was remanded on Friday after being accused of killing Miler Thelamour on West Street last year.
Marcus Bullard was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley on a charge of murder.
Prosecutors allege that Bullard, along with an accomplice, shot and killed Thelamour as he stood outside his house on September 13, 2024. The accused are said to have chased Thelamour into his home and continued firing. The 23-year-old victim died from his injuries at Princess Margaret
Hospital on October 4, 2024. Bullard’s co-accused, a 17-year-old man, was arraigned earlier in February. Due to his age, the co-accused’s name is withheld.
Bullard was not required to enter a plea, as the case will proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He was also informed of his right to apply for bail in the higher court.
He will remain in custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is potentially served on May 22. Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted.
Mikey Madison wins best actress, Adrien Brody wins best actor
LOS ANGELES Associated Press
TWENTY-TWO years after winning best actor for “The Pianist,” Adrien Brody won the same Oscar again for his performance as another Holocaust survivor in Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist,” at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday.
Brody’s win came over Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), who had the chance of becoming the youngest best actor ever, a record owned by Brody – just short of 30 when he won for “The Pianist.”
“I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression and of antisemitism and racism and othering,” said Brody. “I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world. If the past can teach us anything it’s to not let hate go unchecked.”
Mikey Madison won best actress for her breakthrough performance in “Anora,” a victory that came over the category favorite, Demi Moore (“The Substance”).
Sean Baker made Oscar history Sunday at the 97th Academy Awards.
“Anora” won best picture, his fourth win of the night and tying Walt Disney for the most in a single year in Academy Award history.
“Anora” was the night’s big winner with five statuettes overall, two more than “The Brutalist.” But Baker’s historic run is the story of the night. Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater,” said
Baker. “Filmmakers, keep making films for the big screen.”
“I want to thank the sex worker community,” said Baker, echoing comments he made when “Anora” won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. “They have shared their stories. They have shared life experiences with me over the years. My deepest respect. Thank you. I share this with you.”
The Oscars otherwise spread the love around, dishing out awards to “Anora,” “Conclave,” “Wicked” and “The Substance,” in an Oscar ceremony that steered toward a nailbiter ending.
Eight of the 10 movies nominated for best picture came away with at least one award at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday. That included the beleaguered Netflix contender “Emilia Pérez,” which, despite a backlash to old offensive tweets by star Karla Sofía Gascón, won best supporting actress for Zoe Saldaña.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands,” said Saldaña. “I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last.”
The night’s first award, presented by Robert Downey Jr., went to Kieran Culkin for best supporting actor. Culkin has cruised through the season, picking up award after award, for his performance alongside Jesse Eisenberg in “A Real Pain.”
“I have no idea how I got here,” said Culkin, “I’ve just been acting my
whole life.”
Culkin spent most of his speech recalling an earlier, hypothetical promise from his wife Jazz Charton, that they could have a fourth child if he won an Oscar. Culkin used the opportunity to take Charton — “love of my life, ye of little faith” — up on the offer.
The biggest upset early on came in the best animated feature category. “Flow,” the wordless Latvian film upset DreamWorks Animations’ “The Wild Robot.” The win for “Flow,” an ecological parable about a cat in a flooded world, was the first Oscar ever for a Latvian film.
“Thank you to my cats and dogs,” director Gints Zilbalodis accepting the award.
Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo kicked off the ceremony with a tribute to Los Angeles following the wildfires that devastated the Southern California metropolis earlier this year. Grande sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Erivo performed Diana Ross’ “Home” before the “Wicked” stars joined together for “Defying Gravity” from their blockbuster big-screen musical.
Later, “Wicked,” the biggest box-office hit among the best-picture nominees, won awards for production design and costume design.
“I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award,” said costume designer Paul Tazewell, who couldn’t finish that sentence before the crowd began to rise in a standing ovation. “I’m so proud of this.”
MIKEY Madison arrives at the Oscars last night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Photo: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Expanding opportunities for women and girls
By DR HUBERT MINNIS Kilarney MP and Former Prime Minister
THE theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”.
Women of every age and background around the world are coming together to move the cause of women’s rights and protections forward.
Here in The Bahamas we must continue the fight to ensure enhanced opportunities, ongoing advancement, and protection for women and girls.
The Free National Movement (FNM), has been a champion for the rights of women since its inception. After coming to office for the first time in 1992, the FNM instituted a progressive agenda that empowered women, economically, socially, and politically.
The first woman elected to Parliament, Dame Janet Bostwick, was an FNM, who attained this milestone before the FNM first came to office. It was an early example of the FNM’s commitment to the participation of women in elected office.
The FNM legislated and put in place legal and public service reforms to eliminate various forms of discrimination. It also ended primogeniture.
Under the FNM, benefits under the National Insurance Board (NIB) were increased, which included benefits for widows and orphans.
It also introduced a minimum wage in the public and private sector, equalising pay for women and men. It also legislated equal pay for men and women in the public service.
The FNM elevated women to roles of authority in the Cabinet, judiciary, legislature, and government and state sectors.
It is good to see the increasing number of women who are business executives, business owners and frontline political leaders in the modern Bahamas. The task for this generation of leaders is to further increase female participation in the leadership of our society.
The Bahamas will become a more equal and fairer society the more we increase female participation in leadership in the Cabinet and legislature.
Women in politics
The shift in mindset in the 1990s, driven by the FNM, led to there being more women in frontline politics. Parties select more women candidates.
While these are positive developments, considerably more is needed. We should be bolder. Both major political parties should commit to having at least one third of their candidates as
women. This should include measures to attract and promote more women to run for the House of Assembly.
This is a simple pledge that would ensure we have more women elected to Parliament and more women to choose from to put in Cabinet.
It is important to have more female voices at the tables of political decision making. Though increased from yesteryear, there are too few women currently in frontline politics and elected office.
It is also important for more women to come forward and offer themselves as candidates. Politics should not be considered a man’s career. Women have a unique perspective to bring to policymaking and national leadership.
Government policies and decision making would be enhanced if more women are involved in the formulation and administration of public policy.
Women in business
Women are increasing their presence in business as executives and owners.
Businesses run by women are a vibrant part of small - and medium-sized businesses.
We must encourage more girls and women to dream of being business executives and owners. We should use the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) as a tool to more aggressively lend to women.
Efforts are already underway via the SBDC to lend to women. These initiatives should be dramatically scaled up to increase the number of female-run businesses.
Many of our women have ideas for innovation that may assist in economic growth and job - and wealth - creation. However, they need more funding and support to transform these ideas and dreams into vibrant companies.
Women-run businesses employ thousands of Bahamians. Giving more support to aspiring female entrepreneurs could help reduce unemployment, including youth unemployment.
We also need to ensure
that all entrepreneurship programmes are open to girls and women, no matter the economic sector or industry.
Crime and justice
Sexual crimes against women and girls occur too frequently in The Bahamas.
We must ensure that the police and prosecutors have the resources needed to investigate and lead these matters in court.
This requires the government to ensure the necessary staffing levels are maintained in the force and at the prosecutor’s office.
We must also continue to work at lessening the overall backlog in the criminal justice system by making sure the necessary number of judges and support staff are available for matters to be heard.
It is further necessary for The Bahamas to build its own national crime lab. For example, we send away DNA samples for analysis. This is inefficient and limits the use of the latest laboratory technology in crime fighting.
This issue is especially important in analyzing evidence in sex crime cases. Having a national lab would bolster evidence analysis in these matters, helping lead to more successful prosecutions in sex crime matters.
It is also time for The Bahamas to fully criminalize marital rape. Our laws are out of step with modern democracies on this issue. Rape is rape. There should be no protection for married men who rape their wives.
We join with all those who have called for the law to be changed on marital rape. This issue has been discussed for too long. It is time for change.
Standing with our women
This is a call on all Bahamians, including our men, to stand in “Accelerating Action” toward the further empowerment of women throughout our country. We must stand with our women and not be opponents to reform.
Women are equal to men in ability and human dignity. There is no justifiable reason for there to be
any form of discrimination against women.
The Bahamas has a vibrant women’s rights movement. Male policymakers should listen to the suggestions being brought forward by this capable
group of leaders. There should be vigorous cooperation between the movement and policymakers in that when acceptable policies and ideas are suggested, policymakers should seek to
implement them. The modern Bahamas should be a place of full equality between men and women. We must work to make this a reality a quarter century into the 21st century.
KILARNEY MP DR HUBERT MINNIS
OAS needs a leader, not a battleground
THE campaign for the position of Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) has been tainted by misinformation and political distortion, particularly on social media.
A misleading narrative has emerged, falsely framing the election as a geopolitical battle between the United States and China for control of the organisation.
This portrayal is entirely detached from reality and distracts from the fundamental issue at hand: the selection of the most capable candidate to lead the OAS Secretariat.
The two official candidates are Rubén Ramírez, the Foreign Minister of Paraguay, and Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Minister of Suriname. Ramírez has openly associated himself with the
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
United States, implying its support for his candidacy, although the US government has endorsed no candidate and made no statement concerning its preference.
Social media campaigns have reinforced the perception, of an ideological battle, highlighting Paraguay’s lack of diplomatic ties with China. Conversely, the same sources claim that Ramdin, who has the unified support of all 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states in the
OAS, is aligned with China and would serve as its proxy within the Organization. This assertion is absurd and ignores the fundamental structure and system by which the OAS is governed.
Adding further complexity to the race, Arnaldo André, the Foreign Minister of Costa Rica, has entered the contest as an unofficial candidate. André has recently published a manifesto in Spanish, outlining his vision for the organisation. The government
of Costa Rica has the right to propose André’s candidacy up to the day of the election on March 10, but he is unlikely to garner much support. He offered himself as a candidate without campaigning among the member states or subjecting himself to questioning from the OAS members and civil society – a process in which both Ramírez and Ramdin engaged. His chances were also compromised by an outrageous slur from his President, who falsely claimed that Venezuela’s President had “bought the votes” of CARICOM countries at the OAS.
In any event, the OAS is a multilateral institution in which the United States, as a full member state, exercises direct influence in decision-making processes. China, by contrast, is an
Observer state, attending only open public meetings and having no vote or decision-making power. The suggestion that the OAS could be “taken over” by China through the election of a Secretary General is not only false but also demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the Organization’s structure and system of governance.
There appears to be a misconception that the OAS’ Secretary General has independent policymaking authority. In reality, the Secretary General is an administrator, executing the mandates set by the General Assembly and the Permanent Council. The role is one of implementation, not unilateral decision-making. No Secretary General can lawfully act or speak on behalf of the organisation without the express mandate of member states.
Compounding this issue, three months ago, when the current Budget of the OAS was adopted, many member states had refused to increase their assessed contributions, opting instead for further budget cuts and asset sales, further weakening the organisation’s ability to function effectively. Given this dire reality, the next Secretary General must possess more than diplomatic credentials; he (there is no female candidate) must have a firm grasp of the organisation’s operational needs, financial constraints, and institutional challenges. He must also be prepared to lead with resilience, innovation, and a clear vision for revitalising the OAS at a time of diminishing resources.
The upcoming election on March 10 is not about geopolitical rivalries; it is about selecting a Secretary General who can effectively execute the will of the membership, strengthen the organisation, and enhance its productivity. However, administrative experience alone will not be enough. The next Secretary General must navigate one of the most severe financial crises in the organisation’s history. This decision comes at a precarious moment for the OAS, which has suffered from chronic underfunding. For years, the organisation has relied on “specific” funds from non-member states such as Spain and members of the European Union, alongside contributions from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Without these funds, crucial programs in security, strengthening democracy, human rights protection, counterterrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, and transnational crime prevention would have collapsed long ago.
The financial crisis has been exacerbated by the recent decision of the US government to suspend “specific” funding as part of a broader review of its support for international organisations. This review, expected to conclude by April 30, leaves uncertainty over the current work of the OAS - 215 members of the workforce and 67 programmes are directly affected, with many projects halted.
CARICOM has carefully assessed the candidates and concluded that Albert Ramdin is the best-suited choice. His decade of experience as Assistant Secretary General of the OAS uniquely positions him above all other contenders. He possesses an intimate understanding of the organisation’s inner workings, its challenges, and the responsibilities of the role. His candidacy represents the kind of leadership the OAS urgently requires; one focused on institutional renewal, not political manoeuvring.
At its core, this election is a test of the OAS’s commitment to its own integrity and purpose. Will member states choose a Secretary General based on competence, experience, and a proven track record of administrative leadership? Or will they allow external narratives and geopolitical fearmongering to cloud their judgment? The answer will shape not only the future of the OAS but also its credibility as the principal multilateral body of the Americas.
The stakes are too high for anything less than a leader chosen for his merit, vision, and ability to enhance the OAS’s relevance to each of its member states – and all of them. The future of the organisation depends on it.
The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries:www.sirronaldsanders.com.
E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Cat Island Adjudications
YOUNG members of the Cat Island Community Band showcased their talents to cheers from locals and tourists, on February 26, 2025, during the first day of the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Cat Island Adjudications, held at the Cultural Village in New Bight. Instrumental adjudicator Oscar Dames also gave band members pointers on tweaking their drilling. Photos: Eric Rose/BIS
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
Is diplomacy failing with WWIII at stake?
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
THERE is so much going on at home and abroad
right now – but the astonishing clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has leaders around the world trying to figure out the new world order.
So, I’ll put a pin in the Bahamas Moorings story here at home until next week – it looks very much like there is more to come on that, not least of all the role of the Prime Minister’s advisor and his connection to it all – and look internationally for now.
The blowout between the two leaders has been coming, let’s not be mistaken, and one of the markers along the road is one that had people drawing comparisons between US Vice President JD Vance and a man who spent six years in Andros failing to launch a sisal growing business, and went on to become a byword for appeasement.
Vance had, ahead of Zelenskyy’s visit, talked publicly of how “we are on the cusp of peace in Europe for the first time in three years” as the US and Russia started talking about the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to the Cpac conference, he said that Trump “wants the killing to stop. He wants lasting peace in Europe”.
Who wouldn’t want peace, right? Of course, there are different kinds of peace.
Neville Chamberlain was Prime Minister of Britain on September 30, 1938, when he returned from talks with Adolf Hitler.
He waved a sheet of paper to the crowd with the agreement they had come to. Later, he said: “My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe its peace for our time.”
A year later, World War Two had begun. Chamberlain’s name became a byword not for peace, but for appeasement. Britain had allowed Hitler to expand German territory unchecked. It is not a policy of bringing peace, but a policy of weakness. Chamberlain, that man who had failed to grow sisal in Andros, was the man who failed to stop Hitler. Fast forward to February 2014, and the start of
Russia’s war with Ukraine. Russia occupied and annexed Crimea from Ukraine, and then in February 2022, launched its full-scale invasion, a conflict that continues today. What had been feared would be over in a few days became a prolonged conflict as Ukraine troops fought hard, while international allies rallied to support the nation, including the US.
A change of leadership in the US, though, has brought a very different change in approach – one that came to a head in that Oval Office clash between Zelenskyy and Trump, one that included Trump warning in front of the press and the TV cameras that Zelenskyy was “gambling with World War Three”.
Earlier in the meeting, Vance had said to
Zelenskyy: “The path to peace and the path to prosperity is maybe engaging in diplomacy.”
When asked by Zelenskyy – again, all in front of the cameras, what kind of diplomacy he was talking about, he said: “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.”
Vance also slammed Zelenskyy for not having said thank you to the US for its assistance – something objectively untrue, as fact checkers wheeled out the many times the Ukraine leader had done so, and with Zelenskyy responding with even more thanks on social media, even as his delegation had their meeting ended and were thrown out of the White House.
There are many
remarkable things that played out in that meeting – but perhaps most remarkable of all is the public nature of it.
Normally, such meetings are very well organised beforehand. The talking points are lined up, everyone knows what is going to happen, what people are (broadly) going to say. If you line up two parties in public who are still in disagreement, one of two things has happened.
Either the background work has not been properly done, or someone wanted this fight to happen in public. Incompetence or a deliberate choice, take your pick.
Either way, for the US to be holding up its solution as the power of its diplomacy, while it is being exposed in a diplomatic disaster on live TV is quite something.
Across Europe and beyond, other world leaders lined up to offer support for Ukraine in the wake of the bust-up. A number of those leaders have been meeting in a European summit in London to discuss Ukraine. Leaders from Britain, France, Poland, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Canada, Romania, the EU, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, Italy and Turkey all turned up for the discussion. In the aftermath of the White House farrago, the EU’s foreign policy chief said: “Today, it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.” Ukraine does want peace. It does not want surrender.
It does not want the troops who have fought and died to have done so for nothing.
So when there is talk in the US of how the peace deal being put together is likely to involve concessions on territory, what that means for Ukraine is some form of surrender. Surrender of its land to an invader, an aggressor, one who the rest of the world has no problem condemning.
Could Zelenskyy have handled matters better in that meeting? Perhaps. But given the lack of support on show – Trump even contradicted him on the date of the invasion at first before being corrected, saying 2015 – it is perhaps understandable.
And again, if there were still differences remaining, those are the kinds of matters to be thrashed out in sessions behind closed doors, not on live TV.
A saying widely attributed to Germany’s Otto von Bismarck says: “Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.”
The same applies to diplomacy. Brokering the agreement happens in private. The hard arguments, just as with laws, happen when people have the freedom to speak and make their case.
Only when all is done, the diplomatic battle is lost and won, do you pull back the curtain and reveal the agreement.
This was a diplomatic failing on every level. And what is at stake? As Trump himself said, potentially World War Three. If we are all still here next week, I shall return to domestic matters.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, right, meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office at the White House, Friday, February 28, 2025, in Washington.
Photo: Mystyslav Chernov/AP
UKRAINE’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy departs the White House in Washington, Friday, February 28, 2025.
Photo: Ben Curtis/AP