03072025 NEWS

‘160,000 TO GET F R EE MEDICINE’

Non-communicable diseases targeted in new health care plan

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune

Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration has announced plans to expand healthcare access, saying more than 160,000 Bahamians with chronic non-communicable diseases will soon receive free prescription medication. Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville told Parliament yesterday

BAHAMASAIR is investigating claims that a female flight attendant smuggled $100,000, which was later allegedly seized at Hugo Chavez Cap-Haïtien International Airport.

The Haitian Times reported that agents from Haiti’s Brigade for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking (BLTS) intercepted the money from a Bahamasair

the initiative will benefit people with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, renal insufficiency, and mental illness.

He did not disclose the budget or timeline for the programme, telling The Tribune details will be provided later. He noted that the NIB Chronic Drug Prescription Plan provides free

Ballet in paradise

flight on March 1. Haitian authorities allegedly arrested two suspects, Lucken Clervilus and Erilène Bernadin, in connection with the case. However, the flight attendant who reportedly handed Mr Clervilus the bag of cash avoided arrest for questioning by quickly

A TEENAGE girl testified in an incest trial that her father began sexually abusing her in 2015 when she was just ten years old and continued doing so into her early teens until 2019. The 19-year-old victim said the abuse took place in Abaco during her father’s visits from Freeport, as well as during one summer when she and her siblings stayed with him in Freeport.

The victim recalled being awakened in the middle of the night by her father, who engaged in oral sex with her. After enduring years

PERFORMERS on the beach at sunset ahead of the Iconique ballet performance at Old Fort Bay this weekend. The event, organised by the Covent Garden Dance Company, will be held tonight and tomorrow. See page 15 for more.

Photo: Courtesy of Covent Garden Dance Company

Exploding SpaceX rocket drops debris on Bahamas

the fiery destruction to an asteroid.

Long Island MP Adrian Gibson said his constituents saw bright lights and heard thunderous sounds “like the ground breaking”.

“I am deeply concerned about the potential for debris to cause damage to homes, property or even result in injury or death,” he said in a Facebook post.

According to The New York Times, the launch disrupted air traffic across Florida, delaying departures at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Miami International Airports by up to 45 minutes.

This marks SpaceX’s second failed test flight in

two months. In January, a Starship rocket exploded over the Turks and Caicos Islands, with CNN reporting that debris landed near homes and washed up on beaches.

Despite the failure, SpaceX successfully recovered the rocket’s Super Heavy booster — the third time the company has achieved this.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation, requiring SpaceX to determine the cause of the failure before another test flight can take place. As The Tribune was going to press, a statement was promised from the Office of the Prime Minister but had not yet been released.

DEBRIS was seen falling by many people throughout The Bahamas who shared videos and pictures on social media after a SpaceX Starship that was launched yesterday evening exploded during flight. Screen capture above: Michael Strachan Photo below: Patrick Maura

‘160,000 to get free medicine’

medication to just over 44,000 Bahamians, primarily government workers and their families. The government now plans to transfer the initiative — currently managed by the Ministry of Health — to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

To facilitate the transition, a compendium of bills will be introduced in the coming months to repeal and replace the NHI Act and amend the Pharmacy Act and other related legislation.

“Once transferred to NHI, the 60,000-plus registered NHI members who suffer from chronic non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancers, renal insufficiency, mental illness, and other illnesses will finally have access to lifesaving medications free of charge,” he said. “This is a huge initiative by our administration and will change medical outcomes.”

He said the policy would improve medical compliance, save Bahamians thousands of dollars, and keep people out of hospitals.

“Under the complete universal primary healthcare package, NHI patients would see the doctors free, get the labs and diagnostics free, and very soon all medications for chronic noncommunicable diseases will be provided free of charge for both private and public patients at healthcare facilities across the country that accept NHI,” he said.

He said the move underscores the administration’s commitment to universal primary healthcare, despite opposition criticism over its decision to reimpose valueadded tax (VAT) on medication.

He accused the opposition of misrepresenting the government’s stance, insisting the focus remains on expanding essential healthcare services.

The VAT on medication has been politically contentious. The Minnis administration removed the tax from medicines and ‘breadbasket’ food items, arguing it would ease the financial strain on low-income and elderly individuals. However, after taking office in September 2021, the Davis administration reinstated the 10 percent VAT, maintaining that exemptions contradicted the low-rate, broad-base VAT model.

“While the Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama was referencing VAT on prescription drugs, our administration will be offering free medication to Bahamian citizens and residents across the country,” Dr Darville said.

Dr Darville also highlighted plans to cut VAT on some food items by 50 percent, saying the move would make healthier choices more affordable.

With more than 600 Bahamians currently on the government-funded hemodialysis programme, he warned that chronic renal failure is at an alltime high.

“The scary part is many more are suffering from end-stage renal disease and are on the waiting list. This silent epidemic is robbing lives and stealing our loved ones away from us,” he said. “Our dialysis centres are overflowing with patients, and we are running out of options.”

He said the government is addressing the issue through prevention efforts, VAT reductions on nutritious foods, and the launch of a kidney donor programme.

Lewis calls on govt to address lack of mammogram machines at Rand Memorial Hospital

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis has criticised the lack of a working mammography machine and functional freezer at Rand Memorial Hospital, calling on the government to address the “inefficiencies.”

He also raised concerns about an overflow of medical waste at the hospital, sharing photos of garbage bins filled with trash.

“The mammogram machine is not working at the Rand, and I want to hear what the solution for that is,” he said. “And I also mentioned that the freezer is not working, and it is a fact that meats are stored offsite, opening up the possibility of

cross-contamination.”

He urged government to provide immediate solutions.

“I’m happy to see that action was taken on the trash buildup after it was revealed,” he said. “So, hopefully, the mammogram, as well as the freezer, would be fixed.”

Grand Bahama resident Donna Jones-Laing called the situation “deeply concerning,” warning that the lack of a working mammography machine puts women’s health at risk.

“A functioning mammogram machine is a basic yet critical tool for early breast cancer detection, which can save lives,” she said. “The fact that Rand Memorial Hospital doesn’t have one in working condition is unacceptable — it forces women to seek services

elsewhere, which can be costly and inconvenient.”

The island’s only operational mammography machine is at a private facility.

In July 2022, a local mammographer warned that many Grand Bahamians, particularly the uninsured, depend on Rand’s mammography services.

“The machines at the private clinics are not free, and you have to pay,” she said at the time. “It leaves women in a very precarious position because if they cannot pay, they cannot get the service —not with Rand being offline.”

Rand Memorial Hospital’s mammography machine was damaged by seawater during Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and has yet to be replaced.

MAN FOUND GUILTY OF 2021 ATTE MPTED MURDER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

A MAN was found guilty of attempting to shoot and kill another man outside a bar on Bethel Avenue in the spring of 2021.

Senior Justice Gregory Hilton presided over the trial of 47-year-old Tavare “Little Spoon” Meijas, which concluded with a jury returning a 7-2 guilty verdict for attempted murder. The same jury unanimously convicted him on two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Meijas appeared downcast as the verdict was delivered.

He reportedly fired a gun in the direction of Desmond Smith and Darron Minnis at B Watts Liquor on April 10 2021. Mr Smith was shot in the left hand. A doctor testified that the victim suffered a penetrating wound that could have been fatal without medical treatment.

Meijas was arrested half an hour after the shooting. The trial had been delayed

after Mr Smith was shot and killed in an unrelated incident in Gambier Village on February 5, 2023. However, prosecutors proceeded with the case against Meijas.

Summarising the evidence, Justice Hilton said Mr Minnis had testified that Meijas was standing three to four feet away when he fired at them three to four times.

Mr Minnis described the shooter as fair-skinned with plaited hair at the time of the attack. Both he and the deceased identified Meijas as the gunman in a police lineup.

Justice Hilton noted that Mr Smith had told police he and Meijas attended high school together. He further said that they had been drinking together that night before Meijas left and later returned with a gun.

Meijas denied Mr Smith’s claim that the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a woman. Surveillance footage of the incident was also presented to the jury.

Despite maintaining his innocence, Meijas did not testify in his own defence or call any witnesses. He claimed he was at home at the time of the offence.

His attorney, Calvin Seymour, argued that the lack of a gunshot residue test on Meijas’ hands or clothing weakened the prosecution’s case. He also noted that an officer could not recall whether the accused was left-handed. After the verdict, Mr Seymour requested a probation report while his client remains on remand.

Meijas was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until sentencing submissions on June 18. Janet Munnings and Audrey Bonamy prosecuted the case. Meijas was previously convicted in 2013 for the attempted murders of two men at the same bar on December 25, 2010. He was sentenced to ten years in prison, with credit for one year spent on remand.

CENTRAL GRAND BAHAMA MP IRAM LEWIS

HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTER DR MICHAEL DARVILLE

Govt defends safety of eggs from Dominican Republic

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE government has defended the safety of eggs imported from the Dominican Republic, assuring Bahamians that all food imports meet strict inspection standards.

Reports that the Dominican Republic has not been officially declared free of bird flu sparked local concern after Super Value announced this week that it would sell eggs imported from that country.

Yesterday, the Bahamas Agricultural Health & Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) said the imported eggs have passed regulatory checks and are safe for consumption. The agency said it received official documents from the Dominican Republic’s government verifying that the shipment is in good sanitary condition and complies with all current regulations.

According to BAHFSA, the eggs were sourced from Huevos Perla, a farm certified by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health. Officials said the farm holds a sanitary registration endorsed by the General Directorate of Medicines, Food, and Health Products and is currently exporting to other demanding markets.

Additionally, BAHFSA said avian influenza — commonly known as bird flu — is absent from the farm of origin.

The agency emphasised that all poultry and meat imports to The Bahamas must meet strict safety requirements under the Animal Health and Production Act 2016. Importers must secure permits and provide health certificates for every shipment.

Halkitis

Meanwhile, at a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Senator Barry Griffin, chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission, said dependence on a single source drove higher costs.

“We are simply encouraging businesses to look at different options for diversifying their trade,” he said.

One company assisting in the shift is CLX Logistics, which played a role in securing imports that are now sold at Super Value.

CEO Ceri Howell said his firm facilitated the logistics but credited Super Value for establishing supplier connections.

Jasmine Williams, CEO of Global South, another private sector partner, gave an assurance that all Latin American-sourced food items undergo strict regulatory vetting.

“Affordability should not come at the expense of quality,” she said.

Mr Griffin pushed back against scepticism, saying

Latin America has established itself as a major exporter of agricultural products, including poultry, and that even the US heavily relies on these markets.

Some critics have questioned why the government is prioritising imported eggs over local production. Mr Griffin maintained that while domestic agriculture investments are ongoing, the priority is lowering prices.

“We are investing in the production of eggs in the country,” he said,

referencing the Golden Yolk programme.

As part of its broader affordability strategy, the Consumer Protection Commission has been monitoring complaints to prevent price manipulation.

“Consumers call our hotline and our main office daily to complain,” said Senator Randy Rolle, chairman of the commission.

Mr Griffin said the government is committed to further reducing the cost of living.

“We expect a 20 to 60 percent decrease of a new round of products over the short term,” he said, listing items such as poultry, pork, beef, canned goods, and rice.

Beyond food, he said similar measures are being explored for construction materials, including cement and steel.

“We’re working with international suppliers to make sure building supplies become more affordable,” he said.

‘not concerned’ over potential Trump tariffs

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

ECONOMIC

Affairs

Minister Michael Halkitis is not concerned that The Bahamas may have to reevaluate its customs duties regime as the Trump administration considers retaliatory measures against countries that impose taxes on American imports.

“We export very little, mostly import, and we have customs duties attached to a lot of items,” he said yesterday. “So I’m not concerned about any sort of retaliation from that perspective and therefore us being forced to do something with our import duties.”

The Trump administration has pledged to impose new tariffs on key trading partners, including China, the European Union, and Canada, targeting automotive, steel, and technology industries. He has also signalled that his administration could

impose tariffs on all countries that levy taxes on American imports, arguing such measures are necessary to protect US economic interests.

While dismissing concerns that The Bahamas could be directly impacted, he warned that rising US tariffs could increase the cost of goods for Bahamians, particularly for products routed through the US supply chain.

He noted that many Chinese-manufactured goods consumed in The Bahamas pass through the US, meaning increased tariffs could lead to higher prices locally.

Beyond potential price hikes, he said the broader concern is how escalating trade disputes could affect the global economy.

“What concerns me more as a minister is the potential impact it has on the economy of the US, economy of Canada, the economy in Europe,” he said. He warned that a weaker US economy

could threaten The Bahamas’ tourism industry, as declining American discretionary spending could lead to fewer visitors.

He also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding US trade policy, noting that while some tariffs were postponed following industry pressure, uncertainty remains a challenge for economic planning.

To mitigate potential risks from a global trade war, Mr Halkitis said the government is working to diversify trade partnerships beyond the US.

“One of the ways we can begin to sort of insulate or protect ourselves is things like increased agricultural production, and things like sourcing new markets, opening up new trade routes,” he said.

He added that expanding trade with Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean could help strengthen food security and reduce The Bahamas’ reliance on US imports.

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS MINISTER MICHAEL HALKITIS

CONSUMERS scrambled to buy eggs at Super Value last week after they imported them from the Dominican Republic at great savings. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Minnis calls for Commission of Inquiry in Exuma mooring deal

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis renewed concerns yesterday over the controversial Exuma mooring deal, calling for the matter to be referred to the Independent Commission of Investigations (ICOI) as soon as it is appointed.

The deal, which would have granted the Bahamas Moorings Ltd control over 49 mooring and anchorage sites across the Exuma Cays, was halted after widespread public outcry over a lack of transparency and consultation.

Dr Minnis, speaking in the House of Assembly, raised concerns about the “shady” deal, particularly the involvement of Deputy Director of Communications Sandra Kemp in the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Tribune previously reported that she signed the lease as a witness for Bahamas Moorings, a company led by her husband.

Despite the lease’s cancellation, the government has not addressed key questions, including how Bahamas Moorings was allowed to proceed without the necessary approvals.

Dr Minnis also questioned whether anyone in the Office of the Prime Minister was involved, as the government has not clarified the role of OPM officials connected to the project.

“Clearly, there was a conflict of interest with the Prime Minister’s deputy communications director serving on the one hand as a government official and on the other, as an agent of Bahamas Mooring,” Dr Minnis said.

“The question is, was she a double agent? And how many other double agents are within the confines of the Office of the Prime Minister? As a result of her actions and this conflict of interest, she must do the honourable thing and resign.”

Dr Minnis also noted that under his administration, plans were in place to establish an authority to manage moorings, with projected annual revenues of $40-50m.

He said the funds would have gone to local governments for island improvements. However, he added that the Davisled government wanted to control who receives the money.

Mr Davis has previously said that the controversy had forced his administration to review marine policies, claiming officials still cannot determine how certain breaches occurred.

Nonetheless, he said there is a need for policies that Bahamians can trust and contribute to, adding that his government is committed to developing a new national strategic plan for mooring management.

Hanna-Martin:

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

EDUCATION Minister

Glenys Hanna-Martin said 79 percent of 1,112 students with a GPA below 1.0 have improved their grades due to targeted interventions.

She said her ministry had engaged 15 academic success coaches across primary, junior, and senior school levels. These coaches, one per grade level, provided individualised student support, focusing on literacy, numeracy, monitoring, and reporting. Schools with students performing below a 1.0 GPA were specifically targeted for intervention.

“Clearly, there was a conflict of interest with the Prime Minister’s deputy communications director serving on the one hand as a government official and on the other, as an agent of Bahamas Mooring.”

Dr Hubert Minnis

Targeted interventions for students with lower GPA than 1.0 working

Assistant

While Mrs Hanna-Martin acknowledged that ongoing work is needed in the education sector, she highlighted the positive results of these targeted interventions and praised the academic coaches for ensuring no student leaves school at a disadvantage.

She also said the high school diploma rate had increased from 47 percent to 56 percent nationwide.

“I think that’s the highest we have ever seen, a high school diploma rate,” she said. In June 2023, following public outcry over the Bahamas High School Diploma criteria, the Ministry of

She said at the primary school level, 85 percent of students who had a GPA below 1.0 are now above 1.0. At the junior level, 80 percent of students with a GPA below 1.0 have also improved, and at the senior level, 83 percent of students have surpassed the 1.0 threshold.

Education announced several revisions. A 24-member national review commission recommended changes to accommodate students with different learning styles. Among the revisions, the

required type of BJC passes for graduation was altered, the 27-credit-hour requirement was removed, and the attendance requirement was reduced from 90 to 80 percent. Additionally,

the parent-teacher conference requirement was eliminated. Mrs Hanna-Martin also reported a 17 percent decrease in school violence. In September 2024,

introduction of the School Resource Officer

programme.

Commissioner of Police Dr Chaswell Hanna said there had been a decline, attributing it to the

(SRO)

FORMER PRIME MINISTER AND KILARNEY MP DR HUBERT MINNIS

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

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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What goes up must come down

FALLING apart, going down in flames, and coming down to Earth with a bang.

Are we talking about government policy when it comes to rockets being allowed to land in The Bahamas or SpaceX’s Starship – which exploded in our skies last night.

The rocket is a monster one. It measures more than 400 feet in length, and blasted off from Texas.

It was supposed to be headed for a controlled entry over the Indian Ocean. It took off, its booster landed as it should… but control? Not so much.

The spacecraft went into an out-ofcontrol spin – and across The Bahamas, eyes looked up to see streaks in the sky as it came tumbling down and broke into pieces.

Planes were put on hold in the US because of “space debris”, although Bahamian officials were hard to track down to comment on the matter.

What happens if people find debris? Goodness knows. The hour was ticking toward midnight before the Prime Minister issued a statement.

This is not the first time SpaceX’s Starship has broken up. Earlier this year, another of the vehicles exploded over the Turks and Caicos Islands. Or rather, went through a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” as SpaceX puts it. Which is a very long-winded way of saying BANG.

In the Turks and Caicos, a “Debris Response Area” was announced by the Federal Aviation Authority in the US.

As The Tribune reported before SpaceX’s first Falcon 9 landing here in

The Bahamas, debris was reportedly found all over the islands of TCI.

SpaceX told people on its website to refrain from touching debris, and to contact SpaceX if any was found.

However, people had already gone out and picked up the debris scattered across roads and beaches. One person’s car was damaged by the impact. Environmentalists in TCI had no clue what was going to be done to remedy any impact from the debris. And last night, those same questions were largely unanswered here as the hours ticked on.

There was another SpaceX malfunction just a few days ago too – the Falcon 9 rocket booster from another mission toppled over after landing on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship in the Atlantic Ocean and was lost.

That would be the same type of booster that landed in The Bahamas – and the exact same droneship one landed successfully on in the first such landing here.

There are many more planned.

People were already nervous about the prospect of more such landings. Last night’s explosion in our skies will have only magnified such concerns. What happens if there are more incidents with the planned landings here? Who will pay for the clean-up costs if needed after this explosion?

Any significant damage to our nation’s environment after inviting in such landings could well have significant damage on the government’s reputation too.

Last night’s rocket might not be the only thing that could crash and burn.

Injustice a fecting women

EDITOR, The Tribune. AS INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day approaches, I am embarrassed as I reflect on an injustice that continues to impact many Bahamian women, including some of my closest friends. This is an issue that cuts to the core of what it means to be a Bahamian woman, and one that demands immediate attention and action. Some of my friends, remarkable women who grew up alongside me from infancy to young adulthood, met their soulmates while studying abroad, married, and built families in other countries. These women—brilliant, compassionate, and deeply rooted in our indigenous Bahamian identity— have contributed to our nation’s development in countless ways. Yet, because they married non-Bahamians, they are denied the right to pass on their Bahamian citizenship to their children, simply because of an archaic and unjust law. Their only fault? Falling in love with someone who is not Bahamian. And for this, our laws punish them. This

is a grave injustice, not only to them as individuals but to their children—children who should have the right to claim the same Bahamian heritage, culture, and legacy that their mothers carry so proudly. It is difficult to understand how we continue to endorse a system that excludes these women from a fundamental right simply because of who they married. After all, they are Bahamian and so are their parents who have given their lives in service to this country and regularly fly over to see visit their daughters and nonBahamian grandchildren. Moreover, it is important to recognise that many of the women impacted by this inequality have served our country at the highest levels in key roles and in top industries, representing our nation on the global stage. We can all name some of them, even if we struggle to pronounce their exotic surnames. The reality is that their contributions are invaluable and undeniable. They are mothers who have given so much

to our country—yet, under the current law, they are still seen as less than equal in the eyes of the state. How can we celebrate their achievements and contributions, while simultaneously denying them the ability to pass on their Bahamian citizenship to their children?

The truth is, a child is more guaranteed to belong to their mother than to their father. So if we are going to confer citizenship, it is only right that women are equally empowered to pass it on. There should be no distinction based on gender, particularly when it comes to something as fundamental as nationality. These women deserve the right to pass on their citizenship without restriction, just as their male counterparts can.

The time has come for this gender discrimination to stop. Let’s honour the contributions of all Bahamian women—those who serve our nation at home and abroad, and those who raise the next generation of Bahamians, regardless of where that generation is born.

SENATOR MAXINE SEYMOUR March 5, 2025.

What did DPM know?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

SO DPM-MP for Exuma had no knowledge that OPM had negotiated and agreed a sea bed lease for the infamous moorings? Does DPM sit in Cabinet? Surely, he knew the grant was agreed and the grant signed. If not, he has a lot to explain.

His media interview tries hard to cover-up the obvious...by intent Exuma the public was not supposed to

know anything about the moorings deal till someone split the beans. The Minister for Foreign Services through his Cabinet portfolio is Foreign Affairs...what’s mooring buoys got to do with sewerage in Elizabeth Harbour? Again, spin trying to take the public away from yet another PLP glitch…internal mess up. By intent OPM - Government did not consult Exuma by intent. When the

fact that a senior OPM official witnessed the sea bed grant PM cancelled everything but as sure as the sun rose over Elizabeth Harbour this morning this deal will re-appear...may be little difference and this time first time Exuma the babies of DPM will be consulted but not before (usual party-inoffice arrogance!).

K WILLIAMS Nassau, March 1, 2025.

Being picky over eggs

MURPHY Nassau, March 4, 2025.

Aymara, in La Paz, Bolivia, on Monday.

Photo: Juan Karita/AP

Teenage girl details incest by father over four years

of abuse and recurring nightmares, she began documenting her experiences in a journal, which she later shared with her mother.

The father is now facing five counts of incest in the Supreme Court.

Justice Petra HannaAdderley is presiding over the case, which opened on Thursday before a jury of seven women and two men.

Sean Smith, representing the Office of the Attorney General, is prosecuting on behalf of the Crown, while Brian Hanna serves as the defence counsel.

Mr Smith alleges that the father committed incest, which is a criminal offence under Section 13 1A of the Sexual Offences Act.

The first incident allegedly occurred on September 30, 2015, in Murphy Town, Abaco, when the victim was just ten years old. Additional incidents occurred between February 1 and 30, 2016; December 1 and 30, 2016, in Abaco; June 1 and 31, 2018, in Freeport; and July 1 and 31, 2019, in Abaco.

The virtual complainant recalled the first time she was awakened by her father in the middle of the night on September 30, 2015. At the time, she shared a bedroom with her two brothers while her parents slept in another bedroom.

The father entered the bedroom and told her to put on a skirt and meet him in the hallway.

The complainant told how he pulled her panties to the side and began performing oral sex on her for about 20 minutes to half an hour while the mother slept not far away in the next

bedroom. She said he then forced her to perform oral sex on him.

Afterward, the father told her to always wear it before going to bed.

Two nights later, it happened again. After performing oral sex, she said he told her to face the wall and proceeded to penetrate her anus with his penis.

“It was painful, and I began making noise, and he told me to be quiet because my mother’s bedroom door was cracked,” she recalled.

When Mr Smith asked if she had told her mother what had happened, the teen said she had not because she was afraid.

She and her three brothers lived with their parents in a two-bedroom duplex.

The virtual complainant said her father had explained that what he was doing was preparing her for when she started to have a boyfriend.

She said in February 2016, while home on midterm break from school, the sexual abuse occurred again while her mother and brothers had gone to the food store.

The teen told the court that she did not tell her mother what had happened when she returned home because she was “sacred.”

In December 2016, when her father came from Freeport, he took the virtual complainant and brothers to a hotel where they stayed for two nights. While there, he allegedly had oral sex with her in a rental car.

The teen recalled another incident in June 2018 in Freeport when she and her brothers went to spend time with their father during the summer.

“When we arrived, he dropped my brothers off at my aunt’s house and took me back to his place,” she said.

The father attempted to have sexual intercourse with her in his room and got upset when she refused to comply with his demands.

“He put his penis at my vagina, and told me to put it in,” she said.

“Did you do it?” asked Mr Smith. “No sir, he eventually got upset and left the room and went into the car.”

The teen said on another occasion, he took her for a drive to an abandoned building and poured a liquid in his hand and rubbed it at the entrance of her vagina, and tried to have sex with her.

The virtual complainant said she pushed him off.

She recalled similar incidents in June 2018 in Abaco at her grandfather’s residence and in July 2019.

On March 24, 2021, the virtual complainant finally confided in her mother, urging her to read a journal where she had documented the abuse and detailed what her father had done to her.

She had been unable to sleep at night because she was having nightmares.

The teen said her mother accompanied her to the police station on March 26 to report the sexual abuse. Police took a statement from the virtual complainant. The mother also took her to the clinic for examination by a doctor.

On April 26, at 6.45pm the teen and her mother were summoned to the police station by Officer Frazier for a confrontation with her father. After she recounted everything in the officer’s presence, her father

M AN RECEIVES TWO-YEAR SENTENCE FOR CAUSING THE DEATH OF TWO PEOPLE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE prosecution recommended yesterday that a 32-year-old man who admitted to causing a fatal traffic accident on East Street South in October 2023 be sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

Senior Justice Gregory Hilton presided over the sentencing submissions for Michanko Bethel, who pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular manslaughter.

Bethel was driving a blue 2007 Mitsubishi south on East Street South near Cavalry Deliverance Church at around 2am on October 16 2023. While attempting to overtake another vehicle, he collided with a black Yamaha XTV motorcycle carrying three riders travelling north on the same street. Bethel and a female motorcycle passenger were treated in the hospital for

their injuries, but the male driver and his girlfriend died at the scene. Family members identified the male victim as 27-year-old Deandre Woodside. His sister, Latonya Marshall, described him to The Tribune shortly after the accident as a “hustler who loved riding bikes”. She said he was the life of the party, brightening any room. The female victim was identified as 37-year-old Rhashan Tatem “Pinky” Rolle.

Tennielle Bain, a representative from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, noted that Bethel had no prior convictions, was relatively young, and had entered an early guilty plea. However, she emphasised the severity of the charge and pointed out that Bethel’s vehicle was both unlicenced and uninsured.

Ms Bain said Bethel had failed to drive carefully while overtaking and that

his vehicle had no legal right to be on the road. She also highlighted the emotional toll on the victims’ families and the devastating injuries suffered by a third victim, who was hospitalised in intensive care for an extended period. That individual, who was not included in these charges, lost a limb and was left in a wheelchair due to the crash.

To deter similar offences, Ms Bain recommended a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence and requested that Bethel be ordered to compensate the victims’ families with $10,000 each.

In response, Bethel’s attorney, Sonia Timothy Knowles, said her client lost his job after being incarcerated for the offence. She also noted that Bethel, a father of one, had already spent eight to nine months on remand. Justice Hilton will deliver his ruling on April 16. Bethel remains on bail until then.

JAMAICAN FINED FOR HAVING OVER $7K IN HEMP

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A JAMAICAN man was

fined $11,000 in court yesterday after admitting to possessing $7,350 worth of marijuana at his residence in Lowe Sound, Andros, last Friday.

Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned 54-year-old Alden Whyte alongside 22-year-old Deago Knowles on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. Police reportedly found the defendants in a single-storey structure in North Andros on February 28 with 7lbs 3 5/8oz of marijuana. Whyte pleaded guilty to the charge, while Knowles pleaded not guilty. The prosecution subsequently withdrew the charge against Knowles. Whyte was ordered to pay an $11,000 fine or face 18 months in prison. He was informed of his right to appeal the court’s decision. Sergeant 2257 Wilkinson prosecuted the case.

allegedly held his head down and said no comment.

The mother also gave evidence. She said that all four children were for the one father, who she identified as the defendant sitting in court.

The couple lived together for a while but separated for nine years in May 2016. The mother said the children’s father would travel back and forth between Abaco and Grand Bahama to bring groceries and take the children with him to spend time with them.

She said when she read her daughter’s journal, she was very upset and called the father and asked him if he had been molesting their daughter for three years.

The mother said that initially, he denied the accusations. When she asked if their daughter was lying about him, the father replied that he wasn’t claiming she was lying but suggested he must have been drunk or out of his mind at the time. He then apologised.

The trial resumes on Friday.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT $100K SMUGGLING CLAIM PROBED

BAHAMASAIR is investigating claims that a female flight attendant smuggled $100,000, which was later allegedly seized at Hugo Chavez Cap-Haïtien International Airport. The Haitian Times reported that agents from Haiti’s Brigade for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking (BLTS) intercepted the money from a Bahamasair flight on March 1. Haitian authorities allegedly arrested two suspects, Lucken Clervilus and Erilène Bernadin, in connection with the case. However, the flight attendant who reportedly handed Mr Clervilus the bag of cash avoided arrest for questioning by quickly boarding the return flight to Nassau before investigators could detain her.

The Haitian Times also reported that

Bahamasair’s manager in Cap-Haïtien declined to comment.

In a statement Bahamasair said it was aware of the alleged incident and is taking it seriously.

“Bahamasair is taking this matter very seriously and is reviewing all relevant procedures to ensure that our stringent security measures are upheld. The airline is cooperating fully with the Haitian National Police and other relevant authorities. The Royal Bahamas Police Force and our local Interpol have also been contacted to launch an investigation,” the statement said. The airline said no further updates would be provided until more details are confirmed. Police did not respond to The Tribune ’s requests for comment up to press time.

SHOPBREAKER IN E XUMA PLACED ON PROBATION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was placed on probation yesterday after admitting to breaking into a warehouse in Exuma and attempting to steal property earlier this year.

Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs arraigned 28-year-old Kelson Morley Jr on a charge of shopbreaking.

Prosecutors said Morley broke into the February Point Warehouse in Flamingo Bay, Exuma, intending to steal, sometime between December 27, 2024 and January 2. During a police interview, Morley admitted to entering the warehouse through a door. He said he left items near the entrance while looking for someone to help move them but was unsuccessful.

Morley pleaded guilty and accepted the prosecution’s account of events. He was granted a conditional discharge and placed on three months’ probation. If he breaches the terms of his probation, he will face a $50 fine or one month in prison.

Morley was informed of his right to appeal the sentence.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Bould prosecuted the case.

Future-proof philanthropy

PHILANTHROPY in

The Bahamas has long been defined by generosity and goodwill, with individuals, businesses, and foundations stepping up to address our country’s pressing social challenges. Many people and organisations continue to support worthy causes aligned with their passions to help build local communities and enhance our society.

In some instances, models of giving have focused on short-term relief. Still, for the sake of ongoing national development achieved through the sector’s work, we must evolve toward more empowering, consistent approaches that build long-term sustainability, resilience, and self-sufficiency.

Given the current economic shifts, climate challenges, increasing social needs, and changing donor expectations, the nonprofit sector must redefine how we structure and operate our organisations if we are to future-proof philanthropy and giving in The Bahamas and the region. This means embracing new strategies but also leaning into the wisdom and practices that laid the very foundation for community-based philanthropy. This approach is what Dr Kim WilliamsPulfer terms “philanthropy from below”—where communities play a leading role in shaping their own futures and find ways to give that may not have been recognised in traditional philanthropy.

Empowerment through social enterprise

In various parts of the world, a crucial shift in modern philanthropy is moving from reliance solely on donations to self-sustaining models like social enterprises. A social enterprise is a business that operates with a social or environmental mission, reinvesting profits back into the community instead of distributing them to shareholders. Unlike

By

Keyron Smith

traditional nonprofits that depend solely on external funding, social enterprises generate their own revenue, providing some financial

sustainability while solving real-world problems or meeting community needs. At the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI)

powered by One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF), we have implemented social enterprise models that drive both economic and social impact. Our farm-to-table restaurant, eco-tourism initiatives, and trainingfocused businesses not only provide job opportunities and skill development but also generate income to support our broader mission.

These ventures help future-proof philanthropy by reducing its sole reliance on donor funding, allowing organisations like ours to remain adaptable and resilient in uncertain times. More than just receiving aid, Bahamians are given opportunities to develop and thrive, reinforcing the idea that philanthropy should empower, not just assist.

The Social Good Accelerator Programme

Recognising that our non-profits are also critical drivers of national development in the country, we are developing a Social Good Accelerator to support nonprofit capacity building for increased resilience and long-term sustainability.

The Social Good Accelerator will: with tools, training, and mentorship to strengthen leadership, governance, and strategic planning.

build financial sustainability through fundraising innovation, social enterprise development, and impact investing.

ecosystem where non-profits, donors, businesses, and policymakers work together to maximise social impact.opment by ensuring that Bahamian non-profits have the capacity to address challenges in education, economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and more.

This initiative is about moving beyond traditional charity models and positioning non-profits as key players in national resilience and economic growth. By strengthening the nonprofit sector, we ensure long-term impact and a more sustainable philanthropic ecosystem in The Bahamas. Ways that governments can strengthen philanthropy

As the sector continues to contribute to national development across the country, governments can play a crucial role in fostering a culture of giving and

ensuring that philanthropy plays its part in national development. Here are some key measures that can be considered:

1. Tax incentives for charitable giving

While The Bahamas does not have a personal income tax system, the government should consider corporate tax deductions for businesses that donate to registered charities and social enterprises. One of the approaches that has been taken is to offer import duty and VAT exemptions on goods and charitable initiatives; however, creating policies that can help standardize the process for nonprofits, so it is easier to utilise and increases efficiency.

2. Matching grant programmes

While this is very common in philanthropy, governments could consider matching donations to community-led projects, incentivising the private sector and individuals to contribute more. This stands on the current principles of public-private partnerships and can be particularly useful for youth empowerment, food security, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

3. Public-Private Partnerships for philanthropy

The government can actively partner with the private sector to co-invest in national development initiatives with non-profits. Businesses could adopt schools, clinics, or community centres, receiving government recognition and incentives. Philanthropic contributions could be integrated into national economic development strategies, ensuring that donations align with long-term national goals.

a bipartisan approach to drive the process.

4. Encouraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Another consideration can be the introduction of voluntary CSR guidelines or incentives for businesses that support community development. This could include CSR tax benefits for companies that allocate a percentage of profits to social impact. It may even include preferential consideration on government contracts for businesses demonstrating strong CSR engagement and investments.

From the perspective of local nonprofit stakeholders, here are some considerations that we have to start thinking about:

sifying our revenue streams because relying on donations alone is risky. Social enterprises, impact investing, and hybrid funding models ensure that philanthropic efforts remain financially sustainable. digital platforms. Crowdfunding and blockchain technology can make giving more accessible, transparent, and scalable across the global economy.

local organisations, leadership, and infrastructure to ensure that philanthropy continues to be effective long after donors step away. to climate change, philanthropy must prioritize environmental sustainability, disaster preparedness, and resilient infrastructure.

thropy in education, business, and national policy can ensure that future generations understand the history and value of collective impact. The future of philanthropy in The Bahamas cannot rely on traditional charity alone. We must embrace empowering models like social enterprise, invest in community-led solutions, and create an environment where giving is incentivised, recognised, and sustainable. Through the Social Good Accelerator, we are taking bold and deliberate steps to strengthen the nonprofit sector and drive national development. Additionally, the government, private sector, and civil society must work together to build a robust, more resilient philanthropic ecosystem that empowers communities and fosters sustainable impact. The time to act is now if we want to steer the sector and build capacity for greater impact today and for future generations.

Keyron Smith is the chief operations officer at One Eleuthera. Established in 2012, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a nonprofit organisation located in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. For more information, visit www.oneeleuthera.org or email info@oneeleuthera. org. The Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is the first and only postsecondary, non-profit education and training institution and social enterprise on Eleuthera. CTI operates a student training campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, with a 16-room training hotel, restaurant and farm. For more information about CTI’s programmes, email: info@oneeleuthera.org.

of One Eleuthera Foundation

KEYRON SmithPresident and CEO, One Eleuthera Foundation and CTI.

PRESENTING at the first meeting of the Social Good Accelerator’s (SGA’s) “Nonprofit Leaders Retreat”. L to R: Keyron Smith, president and CEO, One Eleuthera Foundation and CTI; Mark Palmer, SGA & OEF consultant.

Every stroke of the brush dedicated to the woman he loves

Kevin Cooper - an artist with passion and purpose to keep Hope alive

KEVIN Cooper is a Bahamian artist. Like many who have that rare ability to turn a raw canvas into a work of art, he knows the importance of light. For Cooper, it is the magic of the golden light of early morn or the silver light of eve that triggers the rush to paint whatever is bathed by it.

In some ways, Cooper is luckier than most. He lives in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, where there is something magical about the natural light. Maybe it is the absence of tall buildings casting shadows, maybe it is the sun reflecting off surrounding waters, but whatever it is, when Cooper leaves his home in the pre-dawn hour searching for that light critical to telling the story he wants to portray on canvas, the light of Eleuthera is like the trusted friend he keeps close by his side.

He is lucky in another way. Unlike some creatives who await inspiration, Cooper paints almost daily. Laden with camera, canvas, his brushes and paints, he waits for the sun to introduce itself to the day. When it does, his heart beats faster, the clock is ticking, he has to make the most of every second.

“You may have only 30 or 40 minutes when the light is perfect,” he says, “when it catches the water a certain way before the clouds come or the wind changes or something else changes it. And that is all the time you will have to paint that scene, to capture that moment on that day.”

Cooper knows how precious every moment is.

The light, like time, is fleeting.

He had too little time with his daughter, Tahliah, before she passed away in 2022 at the age of 24. A Ministry of Tourism junior rep, she later became the first Junior Minister of Tourism from a family island. Tahliah, says Cooper, brought a light of her own to everything she touched – studying, earning her Master’s degree, teaching early education,

By Diane Phillips

caring for her mother, a young woman full of life, purpose and promise who became a victim of sickle cell anemia.

Fleeting light and time

Cooper thinks about the fleeting light and time a lot. He grabs the light as if he could hoard it. For the last five years light has been the answer to a prayer, allowing him to paint, producing art, saving the life of his wife, Hope.

Every canvas he turns into art that sells funds the co-payment for $25,000-a-dose medicine keeping Hope alive.

In 2020, just before The Bahamas locked down for COVID, Hope Cooper, a multiple-award-winning teacher at Preston H Albury High School in Eleuthera (alma mater of Olympic gold medalist Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown), was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.

“Everybody loves Hope,” says Cooper. “She was named Teacher of the Year so many times I joked and said she should give someone else a chance. She laughed. Then all of a sudden, the diagnosis, Stage 4.” It was a bombshell that struck like a death threat.

A local cancer specialist knew how serious the case was and referred her to MD Anderson in Houston.

The Cooper family went for a visit and stayed two years.

Chances of survival were slim, but the Coopers came fully armed. They had grit, strong will and a determination they shared. When one family member started to wear out, another would shoulder the weight, no one left, no one varied from the end goal – keep Hope alive, make her well, bring

her home to the Eleuthera where she was loved and where she wanted to be.

Painting and prayers

For two long years, there was the daily medical routine and the prayers and the painting. There were tough times, periods following treatments that seemed almost unbearable, but Hope Cooper had proven that with the right medical attention, the willingness to try the experimental and withstand the agony of radiation and chemo and more, survival past Stage 4 was possible.

In 2022, the Coopers did what seemed like the impossible. They returned to Eleuthera, a family of four just as they had left. Hope Cooper began the slow path to resuming a somewhat normal, albeit much slower, routine, daughter Tahliah was able to combine working with caring for Mom and eventually, as Mom recovered, moving on to Nassau where she taught school. Then one day she did not answer the phone when Dad called … and the daughter who helped her mother turn her back on death’s door had walked through it herself.

Cooper, grief-stricken but strong, juggles painting with continuing to nurse his wife back to health. She is now driving again. He is a great father to son Joshua, 18, an Engineering student at college in Texas, who is still recovering from discovering his sister’s body following the sickle cell crisis that took her life.

Cooper chases the light to continue paying the medical costs of keeping the woman he loves alive.

“I took a vow, ‘in sickness and in health,’ and I never questioned it, not for a second,” he said.

TAHLIAH Cooper.

PAINTINGS by Kevin Cooper.

HO PE, Joshua, Tahliah Cooper.

USAID’s history shows decades of good work on behalf of America’s global interests, though not all projects succeeded

By CHRISTIAN RUTH University of Florida

THE Trump administration’s sudden dismantling of nearly all foreign aid, including the work carried out by the US Agency for International Development, has upended the government agency’s longtime strategic role in implementing American foreign policy.

The Trump administration said at the end of February 2025 that it is freezing 90 percent of USAID’s foreign aid contracts, leaving few projects intact. It has also recalled nearly 10,000 USAID staff from countries around the world.

USAID is a government agency that, for more than 63 years, has led the United States’ foreign aid work on disaster recovery, poverty reduction and democratic reforms in many developing and middle-income countries.

Reuters reported that a senior USAID offi-

cial wrote in a March 2 internal memo that a yearlong pause in USAID’s work on health, food and agriculture in the world’s poorest countries would raise malaria deaths by between 71,000 and 166,000 annually, an increase of nearly 40 percent. It would also result in an increase of between 28 percent and 32 percent in tuberculosis cases, among other negative effects.

As a historian of USAID, I know well that the agency has long faced a surprisingly high degree of scrutiny for its relatively tiny portion of the national budget.

USAID’s budget has always been small –recently, in 2023, making up a roughly US$50 billion drop in the $6 trillion ocean of the federal budget. But USAID’s projects have had an outsized effect on the world.

From a foreign policy standpoint, USAID’s greatest contribution to American influence abroad has always been its intangible soft-power effects. It helps to create an image of the US as a positive, helpful world power worth partnering with.

Responding to a Soviet threat in the 1960s

USAID dates back to 1961, born from Cold War confrontations between the US and the Soviet Union.

In 1961, President John F Kennedy merged several separate foreign aid agencies and offices – including the Mutual Security Agency, the Point Four Program and the Foreign Operations Administration – into one new agency.

Kennedy, like other American presidents in the early years of the Cold War, fretted over the spread of communism.

A well-known development economist, Walt Rostow, who served in Kennedy’s administration, was among the experts who argued that the Soviet Union could easily influence poor countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. It was possible, Rostow argued, to help these countries grow their economies and become more modern.

This possibility pushed Kennedy in 1961 to sign the Foreign Assistance Act, creating USAID that November.

USAID immediately began to oversee US foreign aid programmes to develop farming, irrigation and dam construction projects throughout Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America, taking over the existing projects of the various other aid departments that were now defunct.

USAID was also responsible for public works projects in Cold War conflict zones, particularly Vietnam. There, USAID struggled in its efforts to build dams, improve rural agriculture techniques and construct South Vietnamese infrastructure. There were various environmental challenges working in the dense jungles, the physical threats caused by the ongoing Vietnam War and the realities of rural poverty.

For example, USAID introduced new farming technologies to Vietnam, including modern fertilisers and tractors. This helped some farmers

produce more crops, faster. But it also created disparities between wealthy and poor farmers, as modern fertilizer and other improvements were expensive. A growing number of poor farmers simply gave up and moved to nearby cities.

Throughout the 1960s, USAID also funded the construction of hydropower water dams in Asia and Africa. This led to higher energy production in those regions, but also resulted in environmental degradation, as recklessly dammed rivers flooded forests and arable fields. Rostow and other development experts had unrealistically high goals for helping poor countries grow their economies. By the end of the decade, across the board, USAID beneficiary countries in Asia and Africa fell short of the economic growth expectations the US set at the beginning of the 1960s.

Still, USAID made substantial progress in developing food production and some economic growth, and improving the health of people in rural parts of countries such as India and Ghana.

But that progress had limits and did not magically turn these economies into modern, Western-style capitalist democracies. Mixed results and focus

As a result of USAID’s uneven progress in modernising poor countries, the agency’s approach shifted in the 1970s and ‘80s.

In the early 1970s, Congress and development experts pushed USAID away from grand, gross domestic product-focused modernisation projects like dams, which they ostracised for their high costs and lack of tangible results.

Instead, with the support of the Carter administration, USAID began to work more on meeting poor people’s basic human needs, including food, shelter and education, so they could lift themselves out of poverty.

The agency shifted priorities once again in 1981, after President Ronald Reagan took office. His administration created programs meant to advertise American businesses and draw developing countries into the global marketplace.

Rather than USAID giving money to a local government to build a well in a rural village, for example, the agency increasingly started contracting local or American businesses to do so. The US, in other words, began outsourcing its foreign aid.

USAID’s next phase

At the end of the Cold War in 1991, the United States’ interest in spending money on helping poorer countries develop and modernize declined around the world.

USAID shifted priorities once again.

Without the threat of the Soviet Union, USAID’s mission throughout the 1990s became increasingly focused on new issues. These included

democracy promotion in former Soviet countries in Eastern Europe. Sustainable development – a broad term that means promoting economic growth while respecting environmental concerns and long-term natural resource usage – was another focus in different regions.

After the US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 2000s, USAID struggled to fulfill its existing international projects while also rebuilding critical infrastructure to resurrect the Iraqi and Afghani economies during wartime.

USAID’s funding remained stagnant in the 2010s after the recession. At the time, its annual budget was roughly $25 billion.

At the same time, China expanded its own international development program to entice governments toward its side and to tether them to the Chinese economy.

China’s aid work in South America has expanded rapidly over the past several years, and it is now the region’s top trading partner and also a major contributor to investment, energy and infrastructure projects.

China’s aid and investment work in Africa has also grown considerably over the past few decades.

Now, with USAID’s dissolution, Chinese influence throughout poor and middle-income countries is expected to grow.

A lasting mark

Despite its limitations and frustrations, in my

view, USAID has had an undeniable, and often massive, positive impact on the world.

USAID’s efforts to promote American businesses and exports abroad have resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs, both domestically and abroad, in a wide variety of industries, ranging from farming to medical sciences.

The tens of thousands of water wells and other forms of critical rural infrastructure the agency has funded, or created itself, have provided clean, safe drinking water for millions in Africa. The agency’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance has provided decades of critical disaster assistance during famines, earthquakes and hurricanes around the world.

These humanitarian efforts cost money, however. Some Republicans, including politicians and voters, say they have found the idea of American tax dollars being sent abroad, whether during the Cold War or today, wasteful, and others have worried over how aid funds may have been abused.

USAID has always straddled a difficult line, as development is a messy field. But ending US foreign aid will be much messier, and it could also cost millions of people who are reliant on USAID their health or lives.

Originally published on www.theconversation.com

A SOMALI internally-displaced person (IDP) child looks out from her family’s makeshift home in Maslah camp on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Photo: Farah Abdi Warsameh/AP

AGRICULTUR

AL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

COOPER ATIVE SOCIETY

The third annual STEM High School Exploration Day has concluded with resounding success, leaving a tangible result for the AGENDEVCO Cooperative on the students and the Grand Bahama community. Hosted on Friday, February 7, at the Rand Nature Centre in Grand Bahama, the event brought together 100 senior high school students specialising in agricultural, marine, and environmental sciences for an unforgettable day of inspiration and engagement.

The programme featured dynamic presentations and interactive sessions led by an impressive lineup of organisations and institutions, including: Bahama Trust (BNT)

tute for Cooperation on

mas, Northern Campus

ture (DoA) Trust

Mammal Research Organization (BMMRO)

These esteemed partners delivered engaging presentations and showcased being done both locally and globally. Students gained valuable insights into STEM careers and learned about educational pathways and scholarship opportunities available to them.

The STEM Quiz Bowl, a highlight of the event, once again captivated the audience with its spirited winners were:

2nd Place: Tyelor Grant School (Teacher: Oprah Hepburn)

3rd Place: Amare BulSchool (Teacher: Patricia

The winning teams demreflecting the success of the a passion for STEM in Bahamian youth. A heartNational Trust for their

tion of the Rand Nature event sponsor Caribbean Bottling Company, and the for Cooperation on Agriculture for their continued co-hosting of the event and invaluable contribugratitude to all participating organisations for their support and efforts. For more information about STEM High School Exploration Day and future events, please contact agendevcobahamas@gmail.com.

ADMINISTR ATIVE

ASSISTANTS CONFERENCE

Get ready to elevate at the highly anticipated Administrative Assistants Conference, scheduled for Thursday, March 27, from 12.30pm-4.30pm at the Cancer Society of The Bahamas. This transformative event will be led

by the renowned Spence Finlayson, an international conference leader,

Response.”

ence conducting seminars in over 20 countries, Finlayson and impactful presentafrom his expertise, gaining valuable insights and praccareers as administrative professionals.

Registration includes a delicious lunch, comprehensive training materials, and an internationally recognised This is a unique opportunity to invest in your professional development while the industry.

To secure your spot, email phoenixinstitute@ gmail.com.

BAARK!

The countdown is on for -

on Sunday, March 30, at Jaws Beach. This highly anticipated event will bring together athletes of all levels for a thrilling day of swimming, cycling and running in support of a great cause.

Over the years, this has become a staple and much-anticipated highlight

delighted to have Powerade as their presenting sponsor for this event for the 11th consecutive year.

Jonathan Thronebury,ing, Caribbean Bottling Company, added “we our role as the present-

Morley Realty is a Best Co. are Loyal Companions.

is a major fundraiser forance for Animal Rights and Kindness), with proceeds supporting the and education programs throughout the country. Registration and full event details are available

test your endurance, have for animals in need.

CARMICHAEL URBAN RENEWAL FUTURE FUN LEARNING HUB YOUTH CLUB

-

on community health and wellness — promoting education and the well-being of both animals and individuals — perfectly aligns with our values. Through our Powerade brand, which champions active lifestyles, we are proud to support this fundraiser by providing premium hydration solutions for athletes

The sprint-distance triathlon will challenge participants with a 750m swim, with a 5K run. Athletes can solo or team up with friends and family to compete as a relay team. For younger competitors, the event also offers the FYP Puppy Tri, featuring shorter distances rewarded with a customdesigned medal and adult forward to a refreshing a delicious burger or hot dog courtesy of the Rotary Young athletes will be treated to a special postDonuts.

the other sponsors who help

sponsors include Tile King, -

ies is sponsoring the swim caps, while our race crew is once again supported by exclusive race bag is sponsored by JS Johnson.

Our Top Dog sponsors

ration aimed at fostering community development, Fourth Terrace Diagnostic Centre is thrilled to announce its partnership with The Carmichael Learning Hub Youth Club. This initiative, which serves approximately two hundred children, highlights the importance of education

ing a vibrant, empowered community. At the heart of this partnership is the Community Empowerment Programme, dedicated to education and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. This program not only aims to assist unemployed individuals in pursuing tertiary education but also supports community members in attaining their high school diplomas. Furthermore, special attention is given toing their unique challenges and providing essential resources to help them succeed.

The Carmichael further enriches its community-focused services Association Programme. Serving people aged sixtyis crucial for enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens, particularly those living alone or with disabilidistributions and addressing daily needs, the programme

demonstrates a profound commitment to the health and well-being of our elder community members.

FUTURE FUN LEARNING HUB YOUTH CLUB

Fourth Terrace Diagnostic Centre is proud to sponsor a College Road Trip in November 2025 for 20 senior students from the Future Fun Learning Hub Youth Club. This transformative opportunity is designed to expose young minds to higher education institutions, allowing them to engage with academic professionals and explore potential career pathways. By facilitating this trip, Fourth Terrace aims to inspire and motivate these students to envision their futures beyond high school.

ROTAR ACT CLUB OF EAST NASSAU

THE Rotaract Club of East Nassau, sponsored by Club of East Nassau, is set to host its 13th Annual Entrepreneurship Panel on Friday, March 7, at 6.30pm at Le Château on East Bay Street. This highly anticipated event will bring together industry leaders, startup founders, and business innovators to share their expertise, insights, and success stories with aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. Attendees can expect aern Air Bahamas, and engaging panel discussionness growth strategies, overcoming challenges, and seizing opportunities economy featuring panelists such as Carlos Palacious (Founder and Managing Principal of Bron Ltd.), Brianna Eccleston (CEO and

(CEO of Mudda Freeze Hield (CEO of Natural Glow), DJ iGnitetive Strategist), Blayre Catalyn and Camille Cartwright (Co-Owners of Benz Bodies) and Justin Bootle (Multi-Business

Picture Perfect Bahamas, NDO Films, Party Mastermas). There will be an allowing guests to gain advice directly from experienced entrepreneurs. insightful discussions, the evening will include a netexciting raffles, awarding a small business grant and a corporate soirée providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals in a relaxed setting. All proceeds from the event will go towardmunity service initiatives, furthering its mission of through service, leadership, and professional development.

aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply interested in the world of entrepreneurship, this panel promises to be both insightful and inspiring. Admission to the event is free, but spaceviduals must reserve their rcenfromvision2reality. Clubs and Socie-

JOIN THE CLUB

ABOVE and left, the STEM High School Exploration Day hosted by AGENDEVCO.

SIMON

Foundations announce $2m scholarship programme

LYFORD Cay Foundations has announced the launch of the Peter George Goulandris Heritage Scholarship, a $2m endowed programme that will offer Bahamian students the opportunity to study building crafts in the United Kingdom.

The scholarship was announced yesterday at Government House.

The scholarship, created in partnership with The King’s Foundation, will allow students with an interest in traditional building techniques to participate in a five-month training course at The King’s Foundation’s specialist centres.

The first cohort will include eight students, with up to two participants selected each year thereafter as the programme continues.

Vice chairman of Lyford Cay Foundation Inc, Sarah Farrington, said the scholarship was established in honour of Peter G Goulandris, a long-time board member of the foundation. She credited his

son, Basil Goulandris, for making the initiative possible through the support of the Goulandris family and the Constance Goulandris Foundation.

“Mr Goulandris was a cherished member of Lyford Cay Foundations’ board for well over two decades, and we are delighted to have his memory honoured through this scholarship, which reflects his love for building crafts and educational opportunities,” Mrs Farrington said.

The King’s Foundation, originally established in 1990 by King Charles

III when he was Prince of Wales, focuses on community sustainability and education in traditional skills. The scholarship will provide hands-on training in the conservation and repair of historic buildings, including techniques related to stone masonry, timber features, and roofing.

The programme will begin in July 2025 with a three-week Summer School at Dumfries House in Scotland, followed by 15 weeks of intensive workshops at The King’s Foundation’s training sites,

Funeral Service For

Anastasia Patricia Charlow-Huber, 65

of Constitution Drive, Chippingham, New Providence, Bahamas will be held on (TODAY) Friday, March 7, 2025, 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Street, New Providence. Officiating will be Fr. Glen C. Nixon. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.

She was pre-deceased by her husband: Leo Huber; father: Sidney Theodore Charlow Jr. nephew: Alexander Charlow.

She is survived and will be sorely missed by her mother: Andray Elenor née Cambridge-Charlow; siblings: Shelie Abigail Charlow, Rev. Sophia and (Rev. Anthony) Major, Sidney Theodore Charlow III, Deacon Dwight Pierre (Laverne) Charlow (JP), Mia Leontyne Charlow, FCPO Marcello (FCPO Linda) Charlow, and Charmon (Lisa) Jennings; special friend: Michael Philip Treco (friend to the very end...); nieces & nephews: Keyshanna (Romeo) Johnson, Audra (Insp. Halley) Gray, Christian Major Sr., Anthony Major II, Krizia Major, Dwight Charlow II, Raven Storr, Theodore Charlow IIII, Marcia Charlow, P’Andray (Christian) Saunders, Ethan Charlow, Marcello Charlow II, Khowyn Charlow, Ke’Ira Charlow, Shazkah Charlow; grandnieces & nephews: Cristinique Major, Chaunté Dean, Anthony Major III, Janaé Jones, Anaya Gray, Jathyn Jones, Nathaniel Farquharson, Christian Major Jr., Alexandria Charlow, Dwight Pierre Charlow III, Nathan Farquharson, Shiloh Johnson, Jaylah Charlow, Atarah Gray, Xayla Charlow-Bethel, K’Zedria Kemp, CaliReign Saunders, Cayli-Rose Saunders, Chloé-Raya Saunders, Kyan Charlow, Kessiah Charlow, Chardaie Jennings, Ariana Jennings and Charmon Jennings II; uncles & aunts: Charles William Major Jr., his wife Patrice Major, and their children, Charles III, William Major and Shundal Rodgers, Reginald his wife (Catherine) and their children Robyn and Ryan Saunders, the descendants of the late Carl Charlow, the descendants of the late Elizabeth Nottage, the descendants of the late Olive CharlowClarke, the descendants of the late Amanda Charlow, the descendants of George Charlow, the descendants of Cleomie Charlow, the descendants of the late Glenroy Charlow, the descendants of the late Margaret Williams, the descendants of the late Lavern Culmer, the descendants of the late Immaculata Harrison and the descendants of the late Jacqueline Huyler, the family of the late Edith Styles, the descendants of the late Donald Charlow, Hastings Charlow and ‘THE ENTIRE CHARLOW CLAN’; godmother: Cleo Williams and her family; godsons: Amiel ‘Tappy’ Ingraham and Kyle Ingraham; other relatives & friends: The Hon. Fred Mitchell, Kathy Ingraham (TR) and her family, Vaughn (Vonya) Albury and Family, Dr. Monique Toppin (Ken), Mrs. Hollis Delancey (Philip), Kinson Deleveaux, Ila Shulman of Mississauga Ontario, Teddy Coakley, Tameka Hanna, Roy Adams, Ryan Hanna (Douglas), Shari Albury Lightbourne (Gordon), Doris Maycock and family, Albertha Hall and family, the Thompson’s family, Faith Pennerman and family, Keith, Ricky and Greg Treco, Sydney McCartney Saunders, Branville McCartney, Tiffany, Marina and Rosalie North, Myra Albury, Bradley Outten, Benson Smith, Charlene Whyms, Valerie Smith and family, Mrs. Henrietta Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond & Maria Culmer, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Entry 22 and Engineering, R.M. Bailey Classes of ’76, ’79, ’82, ’84, ’85 & ’95, The Roman Catholic Dioceses (Our Lady of the Holy Souls, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Holy Family, St. Cecelia’s), The Sisters of St. Martin, Holy Spirit Anglican Church, Church of God (especially Lighthouse Fellowship and Lakeview), Assemblies of God (especially The Eleuthera District), New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Grace Community Church, Mabel Newton, Holy Cross Exercising Group, The Dance Laugh and Relax Group, The Breakfast Club, The Bethel Robinson Club, The Dart Club, CPO Maxianne Woodside, Dwayne Delancey, Colors Junkanoo Group, the Demeritte family, the Malcom Allotment family especially the Jones, the Butlers, the Smiths, the Winders, the Ellis, the Bullard’s, the Pearson’s, the Kings, the Mackey’s, the Morrison’s, the Majors, the Porters, the McKay’s and the Smiths, the Poitiers, Dr. Delton Farquharson, PMH Female Medical II, Michaela Strachan, Dr. Tonya Alia and family. Please accept our sincere apologies if your names were not mentioned. Viewing will be held TODAY at the church from 9:30am until service time.

including Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire. Students will also participate in a live construction project at the Castle of Mey in Scotland.

Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle, executive director of Lyford Cay Foundations, said the initiative will be conducted in collaboration

with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC).

“We hope to recruit students who have studied at BTVI and have an interest in pursuing a short course abroad, as well as those who may currently be working in heritage building crafts through the AMMC,” Dr Virgill-Rolle said.

Chief executive of The King’s Foundation, Kristina Murrin, welcomed the partnership and said the programme would help train a new generation of master craftspeople.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this unique opportunity to talented students from The Bahamas

looking to further their skills in traditional heritage crafts and building techniques,” Ms Murrin said. Applicants should have a basic understanding of building crafts such as carpentry, stone masonry, and furniture making. The scholarship award, valued at $30,000, covers airfare, tuition, housing, and a warm clothing allowance. Applications must be submitted through the Lyford Cay Foundations scholarship portal by May 1, 2025, with decisions announced by June 1. Successful candidates must also obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to participate in the programme.

Death Notices For

Andrea Angela Wood, 82

of Polhemus Street, New Providence, Bahamas died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

She is survived by her sons: Joseph Jr., Terrance, Ephraim, ASP Kent and Adrian Wood; daughter: Sharlene Johnson; sibling: Valaria (Benjamin) Walkes; sistersin-law: Olive Lundy, Rosemary (Rufus) Johnson, Veronica Seymour; brotherin-law: Gregory Wood; grandchildren: Jasmin Sturrup, Jonece Burrows, Ashton & Edmond Johnson, Deandrea Wood, Daria, Darren Wood, Kent, Kevaughn Wood, Travis, Travon Wood, Adrianna, Joseph Wood, Ricardo II & Tranae Martin, Valencia Bowles; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements are being finalized and will be announced at a later date.

Lucinda Patricia Forbes-McIntosh, 54

of Fox Town, Abaco, Bahamas died at her daughter’s residence in Governor’s Harbor, Eleuthera, Bahamas on Friday, February 21, 2025.

She is survived by her husband: Iyrlee “Dwight” McIntosh; children: Deon, Devonya & Delvano McIntosh, Cintiqua Curry & Elvardo McIntosh; grandchildren: Devon Mills & De’Veon Bethel; sisters: Margret Bassett, Renae Hield-Bodie (Perry), Renissa Ferguson & Carnetta Forbes (TCI); adopted children, numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements are being finalized and will be announced at a later date

In memory of Eleanor Ramsay

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN loving memory of Eleanor Ramsay and the profound, real love she carried for her husband, this tribute is a humble offering to her life and legacy—to their love story, unique and beautiful.

Eleonor and Michael’s love story deserved a special place, a second tribute, as it was in their lives. The 41 years of widowhood lasted even longer than their 36 years of marriage. This tribute is offered in that spirit, to honor the depth and beauty of the love they shared, a love that shaped both their lives.

Mrs Eleanor Ramsay was born in Pennsylvania, US, into an aristocratic family in 1920, while Mr Michael Ramsay was born in London, UK, in 1918.

The vast ocean could not keep two destined souls apart. Having endured the hardships of the Great Depression alongside her parents and survived the terror of World War II, Eleanor—Eleanor - young, beautiful and carrying the wounds of a first love lost - went to London looking for a fresh start. With her, she had her infant son and her mother. They found themselves in Mayfair and were fortunate enough to come across an available flat.

The owner of the flat was the very handsome Michael Ramsay.

However, because he was off fighting in the war, Eleanor did not meet him until much later, when he returned, a war hero and

veteran.

When she opened the door to him, he was immediately smitten with her. After much persuasion, she agreed to go out with him.

This became a turning point in both their lives. London, in 1947.

Their love ignited instantly, their bond proved unbreakable, and together, they embarked on a lifelong journey—36 years of devotion and happiness.

In the aftermath of the war, Eleanor and Michael were among the pioneers who relocated to the Bahamas, playing an instrumental role in founding the Lyford Cay community and the Lyford Cay Club, alongside a handful of visionaries and friends.

Their presence enriched the local community—not only as active members but as compassionate contributors, co-founding schools and businesses.

Their home on Prospect Ridge became a haven of warmth, erudition, and joyous gatherings before they settled permanently in Lyford Cay.

Blessed with their beloved son, Jonathan, they believed in giving him the very best in life, even at great personal sacrifice. With heavy hearts, they sent him to boarding school at the tender age of

five, determined to secure his future.

Michael Ramsay served with honor as a consul for France and Belgium in the Bahamas and was a valued officer in the Bahamas Police Force. His sudden passing at the age of 65 left Eleanor, only 63 at the time, heartbroken. Yet, she carried his memory with grace for the remainder of her long and harmonious life.

The furniture and books, the family’s genealogical tree carrying many Ramsay names and ten centuries of history, and the many cherished memories of their travels and celebrations surrounded her in their home. Michael Ramsay came from one of Europe’s most distinguished aristocratic families, tracing its origins back to 1122, with Simon of Ramsay, an English knight, as its patriarch. His passion for reading, his exquisite knowledge of wine, and the many stories they shared together brought warmth to Eleanor’s quiet days, shining like the crystal-clear waters of the ocean.

Many corners of Nassau held echoes of their life together—the handmade stone fence of their first house, built by Michael himself, and the places where their love and laughter once filled the air.

Now, after decades of separation, their love finds its home in eternity.

With love and tears, NIKKY RAMSAY AND IRINA, A FRIEND March 5, 2025.

Funeral Service For

Ruth Mae Davis-Brown, 84

a resident of #10 Maxwell Lane, Rock Crusher Road, New Providence, Bahamas, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Zion Baptist Church, East and Shirley Streets. Offciating will be Rev. T. G. Morrison assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleums, John F. Kennedy Drive.

She was predeceased by her husband: Freddie Alfred Brown; parents: Cecil Davis & Marjorie Young; daughter: Zulliana Richardson; sons: Johnathan Richardson & Larry McPhee; great-grandson: Kameron Turner; brothers: Cecil, Michael & Prince Davis; sisters: Josepheine Deveaux and Margaret Daxon.

Left to cherish her precious memories are her daughters: Yvette Swain, Pastor

Dellareese Dorsett, Portia McKenzie, Mersay, Rose & Fredricka Brown and Portia Smith; sons: James Ingraham Sr., Wayde & Dennis Brown and Dr. Leo V. Rolle (grandson raised from his birth as her own); sisters: Barbara Bain and Brenda Martin; daughter-in-law: Monique Brown; sons-in-law: Rev. Denzal Swain Sr., Rev. Oliver Dorsett Sr. & Danny McKenzie I; sisters-in-law: Violet Delancey, Ruby Outten, Emily Davis, & Francina Brown; brothers-in-law: Dr. Johnny & Franklyn Brown; grandchildren: Danyel (Darius Sr.) Adams, Danny II, Danya & Dante McKenzie, Dwight Wilson Jr., Denzal Jr., Yamease & Yana Swain, Shanell Mobley, Oliver Dorsett Jr., Genetta Rolle, Monique Cartwright, Jasmine Williams, James Jr., Jannte, Janesia & Javon Ingraham, Sherifa Richardson, Sade Fleurima, Angelina Wilson, Dominique Gibson, Gavanthro & Rashad Knowles Sr., Kevin Leubrunson, Geraiceo, Dennis Jr., Jordan, Sarai & Antoiniece Brown; great grandchildren: Dallas & Amelia Rolle, Gerayah, Gerriya & Rayanna Brown, Latayah Poitier, Matthias Lewis, Rashad Jr., Rashano, Ranae & Rashae Knowles, Kayden Nixon, D’Ahzur Gibson, Kimaro Turner, Keanu Martin, Kymhia Walshaw, Moninque & Kenyonique Thompson, Davinique Glinton, Danny III & Ryenn Mckenzie, Rahni & Darius Jr. Adams, David Balfour, Jayden, Jaquan & Erica Appoleon, Ashley Pratt, Regina Wilson, Markelle Davis & Riley Patton; great great grandchildren: Maliha Thurston & Brenden Cartwright of The Chilean Family; adopted children: Urvan Moxey, Daisy Almgreen, Debbie McCartney, Delray Pratt, Dorothy Collie, Nioaka Hudson, Paulette Bailey, Tangernica Whyms, Deborah Stuart, Tameko Gibson, Latoya Roberts, Bridgette Cartwright, Phillipa Dixon, Willemena Dorsett, Simeon A. Rolle (of Dallas Texas), Brenda Daxon, Rosalie Strachan, Tia Burrows, Deon Wright, Asharan Minnis, Brent Burrows, LaShanda Thompson, Geneieve Laing, Charlene Smith, Chief Offcer Gregory Williams, Quaid Robinson & Senekah Basden; adopted grandchildren: Kendrick Davis, Donna Pinder, Larenzo Reckley, Stephen & Phillis Colebrooke, Therron Bethel, Tika Smith, Brian Evans, Celeste & Ernest Thompson, Krystal Campbell, Chrystonia Taylor, Romel Poitier, Alvardo Scott, Jill Molino, Joan Joy Ramas, Charlene Strachan & Eugene Thurston; Tia Minus; god children: Shenika Knowles, Deann Mott & Cedeno Hepburn; nieces & nephews: Marsha Major, Deborah Edgecombe, Lynette Thurston, Audrey, Ray, Neil, Ron, Elizabeth (Aaliyah) Davis, Gary Cooper, Jefferson Gibson, Marjorie & Bernadette Williams, Maria Woodside, Donell Wilson, Brendalee (Joshua) Smith, Charles (Raquel) Bain, Estella Johnson, Natasha Bain, Diandra (Amaeleo & Ameala) Carey, Renel (Alphonso & Gabriel) Rolle, Terran, Nelreco (Carletta), Nathan (Maquelle & Nevaeh), Nelson Jr., Vanchell & Quincey Brown, Alicia (Davon) Outten, Kurlin & Travis Knowles, Kolicia Forbes, Kenja Rahming, Kendal, Cardo, Authur, Ricardo & Tyrone Deveaux; cousin: Tiffany Babbs; bonus family: Joan Mackey, Evannett Davis & Bernadette Major; family pet: Blacky Brown; other relatives and friends: the entire Rock Crusher Road Family, The Hon. Wayne & Dorothea Munroe, KC (MP & Minister of National Security), Hon. Shanendon Cartwright (MP, St. Barnabas), Travis Robinson, Sherice & Myron Munroe, The Goodridge Family, Veronica Pennerman & Family, Tovera Shearer & Family, Danielle Stuart & Marshell Bain, Shantina Clarke, Sheila Alcock & Family, Magistrate IanMarie Darville-Miller & Family, Doyle Burrows, Dino Rolle, Marcel Gibson, Justin (Octavia) Smith, Anastacia (Jamal) Small, Latovia McKinney, Donnalee Watkins, Shadeaw Buford, Shavanna Darville, Debbie McClure & Family, Barbara Pierre & Family, Marjorine, Alicia Gibson, Erica Stuart & Sons, Annise and Judymae Stuart & Family, Darlene Reusink & Family, Sybil Toote & Family, Wheathly Wilson & Family, Dwina Higgs & Family, Thelma Stubbs & Family, The Wilson Family, Hester Ingraham & Family, Ajeno Miller & Rozenya Wright, Patrice Miller & Family, Marion Taylor & Family, Eleston McPhee & Family (neighbors), Antoinette Cartwright, Elizabeth (Jen) Williams & Family, Delphine Davis & Family, LPIA CCTV Family, ICS Security Family, Timothy Ingraham, Don Williams & The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Family, Samantha Rolle, Phyllice Bethel & The SBDC Family, Staff of Chop Sticks Restaurant & Royal Towers VIP Services/Butler Departments at Atlantis, Traffc Division of the RBPF, The Education & Training Unit of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, Staff & Association, Doan Cleare (Commissioner of BDOCS), The Entire McKenzie Family, Araline Mackey & Family, Esther Clarke & Family, Sandra Johnson & Family, The Sherman Family, Tina Watkins & Family, Peggy Dean & The Derby Road Family, Kenva Thompson & Family, Shaniska Thompson & Family, Rosemary Pratt, Shelly Bain & Family, Louise Morris & Family, Nelson McQueen & Family, Anwar & Ashlee McCartney, Rikara Collie & Family, Janelsa Hanna, Karla Knowles, Monique Greene & Family, Indiana Cravatt, Jenniemae Higgins & Family, Michelle Knowles & Family, Khandi Gibson & Family, Shirley Turnquest, Lesley Delancy, Lucretia Rolle & Family, Yvonne Kemp, Andrea Hepburn, Katina Cartwright & Family, Andrea Deveaux, Sandra Johnson, Samantha Wilkinson, Renia Brown, The Smith & Laing Families, Pamela White, Bianca Lena, Isis Darville & Family, Sharmayne Colebrooke, Frankera Stuart, Marion Wood, Janet Davis, Apostle Joseph & Min. Dorian Cox, Rose Murray & Family, Winnifred Christie & Family, The Taylor Family, Richard Gardiner, Evangelist Vernette Deveaux, The Scott Family, Samantha Collie, Sasha Burrows, Sandra Johnson & Family, Omanique Gibson & Family, Dr. Charlene Reid, Terear Price, Rick & Mary Johnson (Calgary Canada), Eugena Thurston, Clayton Rolle & Family, Esther Clarke & Family, Polena Johnson & Family, Phillipa Porter & Family, Donna Dunn, Khandi Ferguson, Patricia Newman & Family, Lavita Thurston & Family, Marion Rolle, Rai Ferguson, Joey Saunders, Pedro Richards, Karla Hield-Knowles, Andrea Sweeting, Rolean Forbes, Edison Munroe, Abigail Rolle, Shanique Boodonsingh, Janet Hepburn & Family, Yoko Newman & Family, Cassandra Adderley, Lorraine Knowles & Family, Crystal Moss, Tammy Dean, Vanessa Outten, Bianca Arnett, Dwight Sands, Tamico Wallace & Family, Latoya Lord & Family, Rose Major & Family, Commonwealth Bank (Prince Charles), Family Guardian Insurance Company, Pastor Diane Coverley, Frank & Antoinette Williams and The Church of God of Prophecy and the Mount Moriah Baptist Church Family. Special Thanks to: John H. Loius, Associates & Staff, Mrs. Sylvia Malone, JMG Designs, Rev. T. G. Morrison & The Entire Zion Baptist (East & Shirley s\ Streets) Church Family, Pastor Charlene Strachan & Family, Bren’den Cartwright, Dr. Algreta Eneas-Carey, Dr. Deanna Bain, management & staff of Cedar Crest Funeral Home & Crematorium, Lakeview Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum, The National Training Agency, Management & Staff of Lyford Cay Club, Tropix Air Freight, Exclusive Warehousing, Christian Sherman and KC Kitchen. Grammy was well known and loved by so many people whom she encountered. Please pardon our inadvertent omission of any names during this time of grief. Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Robinson and Baillou Hill Roads on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Trump casts doubt on NATO solidarity, despite it aiding the US after Sept 11

WASHINGTON Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Thursday expressed uncertainty that NATO would come to the United States’ defense if the country were attacked, though the alliance did just that after Sept 11 — the only time in its history that the defence guarantee has been invoked.

Trump also suggested that the US might abandon its commitments to the alliance if member countries don’t meet defence spending targets, a day after his pick for NATO ambassador assured senators that the administration’s commitment to the military alliance was “ironclad”.

Trump’s comments denigrating NATO, which was formed to counter Soviet aggression during the Cold War, are largely in line with his years-long criticism of the alliance, which he has accused of not paying its fair share toward the cost of defense. But they come at a time of heightened concern in the Western world over Trump’s cozy relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long seen NATO as a threat, and as the US president seeks to pressure Ukraine into agreeing to a peace deal with the country that invaded it three years ago.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth sent the alliance into upheaval last month when he said in a speech that the US would not participate in any peacekeeping force in Ukraine, which is not a NATO member, and would not

defend any country that participated in it if attacked by Russia.

Trump said Thursday in the Oval Office that other countries would not come to the defence of the US — though they have done exactly that, in the only instance that the Article 5 defence guarantee was invoked.

“You know the biggest problem I have with NATO? I really, I mean, I know the guys very well. They’re friends of mine. But if the United States was in trouble, and we called them, we said, ‘We got a problem, France. We got a problem, couple of others I won’t mention.’ Do you think they’re going to come and protect us? They’re supposed to. I’m not so sure.”

Article 5 was invoked after the Sept 11, 2001, attacks, leading to NATO’s largest operation in Afghanistan. France’s military participated in the operation.

“We are loyal and faithful allies,” French President Emmanuel Macron responded Thursday, expressing “respect and friendship” towards US leaders.

“I think we’re entitled to expect the same,” he said. Macron invoked “centuries-old history,” namechecking the Marquis de Lafayette, a 19-yearold French nobleman, who was a major-general in the American Continental

Army during the Revolutionary War, and Gen. John Pershing, commander of the American army in France during World War I. Macron added that a few days ago, he met American World War II veterans who landed on Omaha Beach as part of the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France. France and the US “have always been there for each other,” Macron said.

Trump, when asked Thursday if it he was making it US policy that the US would not defend NATO countries that don’t meet military spending targets, said: “Well, I think it’s common sense, right? If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them. No, I’m not going to defend them.”

Trump has suggested since his 2016 presidential

campaign that the US under his leadership might not comply with the alliance’s mutual defense guarantees and would only defend countries that met targets to commit 2% of their gross domestic products on military spending. The US is the most powerful nation of the seven-decade alliance, has the largest economy among members and spends more on defence than any other member.

The US was one of 12 nations that formed NATO following World War II to counter the threat posed by the Soviet Union to Western Europe during the Cold War. Its membership has since grown to 32 countries, and its bedrock mutual defense guarantee, known as Article 5, states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Trump on Thursday also seemed to suggest the US commitment to NATO might be leveraged in his trade war as he seeks to target what he says are unfair trade policies with other nations, including the European Union.

“I view NATO as potentially good, but you’ve got to get, you’ve got to get some good thinking in NATO. It’s very unfair, what’s been happening,” Trump said. “Until I came along, we were paying close to 100% of NATO. So think of it, we’re paying 100% of their military, and they’re screwing us on trade.”

On Wednesday, Trump’s choice for NATO ambassador, Matt Whitaker, said at his confirmation hearing that in regards to the U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance and specifically Article 5, “it will be ironclad”.

Last year, NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said a record 23 of NATO’s 32 member nations had hit the military alliance’s defense spending target.

Trump has taken credit for countries meeting those targets because of his threats, and Stoltenberg himself has said Trump was responsible for getting other nations to increase their spending.

A WEAK POPE FRANCIS THANKS PEOPLE FOR THEIR PRAYERS ‘FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART’ IN AUDIO MESSAGE

ROME Associated Press

A WEAK and breathless Pope Francis thanked people for their prayers for his recovery in a remarkable audio message broadcast Thursday, the first public sign of life from the 88-year-old pope since he was hospitalised three weeks ago with double pneumonia.

Francis’ feeble voice, discernible through his labored breaths and in his native Spanish, was recorded Thursday from the hospital and broadcast to the faithful in St Peter’s Square who had gathered for the nightly recitation of the rosary prayer.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square, I accompany you from here,” he said, his soft voice piercing the hushed square. “May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”

For anyone used to hearing Francis’ voice, which is often so soft it sounds like a whisper, the audio was an emotional punch to the gut that hammered home just how sick he is.

The cardinal presiding over the prayer, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, had told the crowd at the start of the

service that he had “beautiful news, a beautiful gift” to share. The clearly surprised crowd broke into applause and then applauded again after Francis’ final “Gracias.”

Fernández Artime, for his part, bowed his head as he listened. The 88-year-old pope has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man.

The Vatican has given twice-daily updates on Francis’ medical condition, but has distributed no photos or video of him since the morning of Feb. 14, when he held a handful of audiences at the Vatican before being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for what was then just a bad case of bronchitis.

The infection progressed into a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia that has sidelined Francis for the longest period of his 12-year papacy and raised questions about the future of his papacy. Francis has issued written messages from the Gemelli, including some that sounded very much like him. But even Vatican officials had been clamouring to hear his voice, saying the pope’s calls for peace are particularly needed at a time of such global conflict and war. More than any pope before

him, Francis has mastered the art of informal and direct communication, often recording cell phone videos for visitors to bring home to their communities. For the considerable effort it must have taken, the audio message made clear that he understood the power of his voice, even in its weakened state.

Doctors on Thursday reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no new respiratory crises or fever. He continued his respiratory and other physical therapy Thursday, worked, rested and prayed from the 10th floor papal suite at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.

Given the continued stability of Francis’ condition, doctors said they didn’t expect to provide a new medical update until Saturday. His prognosis remains guarded, meaning he is not out of danger.

The pope has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery. He has been transitioning to receiving high-flow oxygen with a nasal tube during the day. His routine now includes physical therapy, along with treatment for double pneumonia and respiratory therapy, Vatican officials said.

PRESIDENT Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, on Tuesday. Photo: Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP

Bringing ballet to paradise

ICONIQUE returns to

The Bahamas this weekend - the ballet show that made its debut last year and is back again at Old Fort Bay for two nights.

The show is performed tonight and tomorrowwith top-notch performers taking to the stage to dance a series of stunning pieces.

Among the dances is a new commission featuring Bahamian dancer Courtney Celeste Spears, set to music by Giveton Gelin.

Organisers Covent Garden Dance are promising a magical evening - complete with a sumptuous meal as diners sit and watch the show.

Among the performers at the event is Lauren Cuthbertson - who took time out of rehearsals to answer a few questions on what she finds special about the performance here in The Bahamas.

Last year’s event was a real addition to the Bahamian cultural landscape. What do you find special about bringing ballet to The Bahamas?

What’s really unique about bringing ballet to The Bahamas and it being in the setting that it will be is that we’re as performers integrated into the island, we’re not in a stage setting, we really are on the island and there’s something quite special about that when you’re bringing live movement to the elements of The Bahamas.

When you danced as

Tatiana in Onegin, you said that you became completely consumed with the novel it is based on - what is your latest obsession relating to one of your performances?

I’ve only just finished Onegin so I’m just unravelling out of that character, and I became completely captivated with playing Tatiana and I feel so fulfilled having given everything to that ballet and so it feels like a complete scene change to be here now performing new works already after such an intense period with Tatiana.

You have danced in all the great roles, as well as many new ballets - is there a role you still long to dance and if so what draws you to it?

I think there’s an element of always wanting to create new work so I think I’m still longing to create new work with choreographers and I feel completely fulfilled with my repertoire and the ballets I’ve danced, the dancers I’ve danced them with and the theatres I’ve performed them with and the productions I’ve been part of but there are definitely a couple of pieces I would still really love to do. But I won’t share any more because I don’t want to jinx anything.

The pieces you are dancing are choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, who you have worked with a number of times. What do you most enjoy about his work?

I love dancing Christopher Wheeldon’s pieces and I feel I have such an understanding of his work that every time I dance it I find something new to focus on and to grow alongside. I’m a huge fan of his work so to also be a collaborator as such with him feels like a huge honour. And performing these works with Robbie who’s worked really closely with Christopher feels really special. We just met on the island to rehearse and perform these works but I feel like Christopher Wheeldon is definitely the common thread between us, so yes, we’re having a magical time.

What are you most looking forward to when you come to The Bahamas for Iconique?

The thing that most excites me about coming to The Bahamas is as always actually is that moment that I’d say the curtain goes up but I don’t think we have a curtain in The Bahamas, but it’s that moment that you share that’s life between audience and dancers and something that you share that hopefully won’t be forgotten.

All-inclusive dinner tickets, including a three-course gourmet dinner, cost $350. The performance is being created in the grounds of the Old Fort Bay Club in a 360-seat dinner theatre. To book any remaining tickets, email events@coventgardendance.com or visit www. coventgardendance.com.

LAUREN CUTHBERTSON