The Tribune
PINTARD: GBPA FUND
CLAIM IS NONSENSE
FNM leader says port has funded both major parties
By RASHAD ROLLE and EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff
AFTER Prime Minister
Philip “Brave” Davis challenged Michael Pintard to confirm or deny whether he received financial contributions from the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Mr Pintard said both major political parties have
received donations from the authority for decades.
“From the days of Pindling, both organisations have received primarily in election periods, contributions from the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and principally the Progressive Liberal Party,” he said. “Ingraham himself
MINNIS DE M ANDS I PO F O R BPL GRID C OMPANY
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
AN ex-prime minister yesterday demanded the Government revamp its New Providence electricity grid reforms by allowing “average” Bahamian investors to directly participate via an initial public offering (IPO).
Dr Hubert Minnis said that the way in which Bahamas Grid Company is financially structured sends the message that Bahamians “are only good enough to pay the light bill” by excluding individuals from being able to acquire and hold shares themselves in this entity.
Fire destroys storage building at Sapodilla Estates on West Bay St
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
A FIRE destroyed a storage building at Sapodilla Estates, the home of Sapodilla restaurant,
yesterday.
Superintendent Quincy McGregor said that before the fire was extinguished, it destroyed the interior of the wooden structure, the roof foundation, and certain walls.
He said the building was under construction, with scaffolding there.
Sapodilla’s management committed to rebuilding the structure “as soon as
‘$290m hospital won’t address healthcare issues’
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement (FNM) chairman Dr Duane Sands said the Davis administration is wrong for creating the appearance that the proposed $290m hospital in New Providence will resolve the island’s healthcare issues, calling it an “ostentatious promise”.
Last week, Minister of
Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville confirmed his ministry had received approval from the Ministry of Environment to proceed with the hospital’s construction. Dr Sands said yesterday: “They are going to build this hospital, and they are going to claim that anybody that says anything against
KALIK S manufacturer has blamed a near-two percent revenue slump during the 2024 first half on a government tax crackdown that disrupted “normal purchases” by some of its largest customers, and lead to a reversal of the revenue growth over the first five months.
FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands A FIRE destroyed a storage building at Sapodilla Estates, the home of Sapodilla restaurant, yesterday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Fire destroys storage building at Sapodilla Estates
from page one
possible”.
Sapodilla officials said the restaurant was only closed yesterday because of the smoke, adding that the destroyed storage unit would not affect restaurant operations. Supt McGregor, the fire services administrator, said firefighters arrived on the scene at roughly 11.33am after receiving reports of a fire at the Sapodilla property.
“Upon arriving, Fire
Department personnel met a two-storey wooden structure engulfed in flames from the interior,” he said. “This fire was quickly brought under control. At this time, the cost of the fire is unknown. Our investigators are on scene conducting inquiries.”
FIREFIGHTERS work to suppress a fire that destroyed a building used for storage at Sapodilla Estates yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
FIRE at Sapodilla Estates.
Photo: Nicholas Klonaris
PINTARD: GBPA FUND CLAIM IS NONSENSE
said over and over in Parliament, none of that impacts him in any way in terms of what his opinion is relative to a matter of principle concerning governance.”
Mr Pintard’s comment came after Mr Davis accused him of being “the waterboy for the Grand Bahama Port Authority”.
When a ZNS reporter asked Mr Davis in Grand Bahama yesterday about unsubstantiated claims that Mr Pintard received up to $5m from the authority to support his campaign, Mr Davis said: “If they gave it to him, they gave it him, but what was very curious to me is that once it came out, whether he would deny it or confirm it.
“It would be good to know whether he did or not.”
“We don’t have any campaign financing rules in The Bahamas. People could give their contribution to whichever party they wish. That’s their free will, but if it comes to the light and the Bahamian people like to know, I think it’s only right for them to deny or confirm whether they have it.”
Office of the Prime Minister director of communications Latrae Rahming said yesterday that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has not personally received financial contributions from the Port
Authority.
Mr Pintard said the claim that he received $5m from the Port Authority is “nonsense”.
He said: “We don’t want get into no figures, but $5m? Nonsense. $4m? Nonsense. Three, two, one, half a million? Nonsense. It’s fictitious.”
He also criticised ZNS’ question to Mr Davis and accused the network of basing the allegation on a meme.
“ZNS elevated a meme to an allegation,” he said.
“My question is, how do you then not ask the prime minister about some of the heinous allegations, including some damning, dark stuff about violence against people, that has been floating around in reference to the prime minister directly?
Relative to several ministers? If journalists now have the latitude to ask questions about something from social media, help me understand how you come to ask me about some fictitious number that we know nothing about when you have not bothered to ask questions about all these scurrilous, damning life and death memes about the prime minister and ministers?”
Mr Pintard said political contributions to him would not affect his positions and decisions.
“If you want to contribute to Marco City efforts
or to the party’s efforts, feel free but that’s not going to alter what our opinion is on a particular subject,” he said.
He said his party believes the owners of the Port Authority should divest themselves of their interest in the institution either wholly or in part.
Dr Duane Sands, chairman of the FNM, said yesterday: “At a time when Grand Bahamians are looking for real solutions, for the prime minister to go to Grand Bahama and seek political gamesmanship is nothing short of an insult. This is the party of quidpro-quo. This is the party of Sam Bankman-Fried and Peter Nygard, and so while they may be into transactional politics, we certainly are not.”
Both major political parties have promised to enact campaign finance rules but have repeatedly failed. In its Blueprint for Change, the PLP’s pre-election manifesto, the party promised campaign finance reform. However, in August 2022, Mr Davis said campaign finance reform was not a priority, and officials have given no indication since then that the matter will be addressed.
Mr Pintard said his party would introduce campaign finance rules. His predecessor, Dr Hubert Minnis, made the same promise but did not deliver.
EL ECTRICAL FIRE BLAMED FOR $75K DAMAGE TO COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN FREEPORT
FIRE personnel on the scene at a commercial building that suffered an estimated $75,000 in damages from a fire caused by an electrical issue.
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A COMMERCIAL building in downtown Freeport suffered an estimated $75,000 in damage after a fire on Monday affected two businesses.
The building on West Mall Drive, which houses a shipping company and a car rental business, was extensively damaged by fire and smoke.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle said an electrical issue caused the fire.
Romal Russell, owner of Fast Forward Shipping, told The Tribune that the
fire broke out after he had left and secured the premises around 5.30pm. At about 6.50pm, he received a call informing him that smoke was coming from the building. He said the fire department responded quickly and contained the blaze. Although the fire caused significant damage to the building, Mr Russell said no one was injured, and none of the rental cars were damaged. He added that fire officials are still investigating the cause but do not suspect arson.
“No one was in the building, and the gates were locked,” he said. “We
Photo: Vandyke Hepburn
don’t expect arson, and that’s my personal belief because the building was secured. We left shortly after 5.30pm and secured the building, and an hour later we got a call about a fire.”
Mr Russell expressed gratitude for the fire department’s quick response. “I was just around the corner and got here five minutes after I got the call, and they were already on the scene and had contained the fire,” he said.
Darren Cooper, owner of D’s Car Rental, which also operates from the building, could not be reached for comment up to press time.
OPPOSITION LEADER MICHAEL PINTARD
WSC board member testifies she fired CMO ‘under duress’
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A FORMER Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) board member claimed yesterday that she was “under duress” when she voted to recommend the dismissal of an employee as the criminal trial of Long Island MP Adrian Gibson and others continued yesterday.
Carolyn Wallace-Whitfield, who previously served as deputy chairman of the WSC board, said the recommendation was made by the corporation’s general manager at the time.
Her comments came during her continued testimony under cross-examination by Adrian Gibson’s attorney, Damian Gomez, KC.
Mrs Wallace-Whitfield said she disagreed with the decision.
“I probably would’ve accepted the decision if the executive member had been given an opportunity to meet with the board because I wanted to ensure we were setting that person up for success,” she said. “It just felt like we could’ve been more accommodating.”
However, Mr Gomez suggested that the board voted on the issue and that his client was not the only board member who supported the general manager’s recommendation. The witness replied, “Yes”.
When Mr Gomez suggested she voted in favour of the recommendation, Mrs WallaceWhitfield claimed she did so “under duress”.
The defence attorney asked her to explain, and the witness said she felt pressured.
“I put it to you that Mr Gibson never told you what to do regarding that particular employee,” Mr Gomez said.
Mrs Wallace-Whitfield acknowledged that Mr Gibson and others gave their reasons for their decision but said she remained unsatisfied.
During reexamination, the acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier asked the witness who the fired employee was. She identified the individual as the CMO.
Mr Gibson faces several charges related to his tenure as WSC executive chairman under the Minnis administration. The charges concern his alleged failure to declare his interest in contracts awarded by the WSC.
The FNM politician is on trial alongside Elwood Donaldson Jr, the former WSC general manager, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick.
The defence team includes Mr Gomez KC, Mr Murrio Ducille KC, Ian Cargill, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve, and Raphael Moxey.
The Crown’s legal team includes Ms Frazier, Cashena Thompson, Karine MacVean, and Rashied Edgecombe.
MAN DENIES HE CHOKED WIFE AND INJURED HER AR M IN CLOSING ARGUMENTS OF TRIAL
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN denied choking and injuring his estranged wife yesterday as closing arguments were presented in his trial for causing harm.
Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms presided over the trial of Javon Williams as Sergeant 2257 Wilkinson summarised the evidence against Williams. Williams allegedly choked and injured Dashanique Williams’s left arm during an argument at their home on June 2. Mrs Williams previously testified that she questioned her husband about a plate she didn’t recognise,
which she said enraged him. She claimed he yelled at her, forced her against a wall, and choked her for two to three minutes.
Mrs Williams also testified that the defendant released her only when their daughter came to their bedroom door. She said she received medical attention and time off work
due to her injuries, and she still experiences pain. She further said they couple is separated and in the process of divorcing.
In his closing address, Williams claimed that the complainant took a plate from the trash and poked him with it. He also alleged that Mrs Williams poked him with her finger before he told her to get out of his face.
Williams denied ever choking or injuring his wife, suggesting she reported him to the police out of spite. He claimed the charges were made to harm him and that, as a result, he no longer sees his children, though he still pays child support.
Williams suggested that the complainant pursued the charges because he didn’t want to reconcile with her.
Sgt Wilkinson argued there was sufficient evidence to prove harm occurred.
Magistrate Whyms is expected to deliver her ruling on October 16.
Joanna Robertson with Roxie and Buddy
TRIBUNE readers are continuing to send in pictures to our Love Ya Dog campaign.
Joanna Robertson sent in pictures of her dogs Roxie and Buddy.
The Love Ya Dog campaign encourages dog owners to take care of their pets - and we are calling on readers to join in.
We want to encourage those who do treat their pets well to show them off - and by doing so letting others see a better way to treat their pets.
Joanna said: “Here are my two loyal companions. Roxie is a Shih tzu, seen here in
her summer coat, who lost her human mother when she was ten years old. After her owner died, nobody wanted her, then I heard about her, and as I had recently lost my beloved toy poodle at the age of 17, I took her into my home. She settled in beautifully and very soon became boss of the household.
“Buddy is a pure-bred Bahamian Potcake. I picked him up off the streets of Palmdale several years ago. He was starving and covered with ticks and fleas, but I couldn’t resist the look in his eyes. With some help from my vet and a lot of TLC and
nourishing food he became the loving companion he is today.
“I do encourage people to rescue. Somehow the dogs know they have been saved, and really are truly grateful.” CARE TIP: Dogs do not sweat; this is why they pant a lot. During the hot summer months, they need a shaded place to lie (with a cross breeze) and cold fresh water available at all times.
ADRIAN Gibson outside court on Monday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
‘$290m hospital won’t address healthcare issues’
from page one
it is just anti-Bahamian. At the same time, they are promising Bahamians that just by building this particular hospital and the one in Grand Bahama that, somehow all of the challenges that we’ve had with healthcare will go away. That is absolutely not true. They are selling the Bahamian people a bill of goods, but it is an ostentatious promise.”
Dr Sands said the new hospital won’t address medication shortages, surgical delays, and emergency room congestion. He noted that the 200-bed speciality hospital would primarily serve women and children.
He questioned the necessity of the new facility, pointing out that The Bahamas already has the best neonatal intensive care unit in the Caribbean. He also highlighted that the hospital will not focus on critical areas like emergency, surgical, or men’s healthcare.
Dr Gemma Rolle, president of the Medical Association of The Bahamas, also has voiced concerns. She said doctors were unaware of the plan and questioned how the government would
staff the facility, given the current manpower shortages at Princess Margaret Hospital. Dr Sands agreed with Dr Rolle, stressing that the issue of medical staffing should not be taken lightly.
Dr Sands urged the health minister to address existing problems in the healthcare system, including the shortage of nurses, lack of opportunities for doctor training, the disrepair of the critical care block, and the absence of sustainable funding. He suggested that redeveloping Princess Margaret Hospital would be better than constructing a new facility.
The proposed 50-acre hospital at the Perpall Tract Wellfield will include a 200-bed speciality hospital primarily for women and children, featuring a neonatal unit, imaging services, a morgue, pathology services, and telemedicine. It will be located off the New Providence Highway, between the six-legged roundabout and Saunders Beach roundabout.
The $290m hospital will be funded through a 20-year loan from the China Export-Import Bank at a two percent interest rate.
Medical workers coM plain of Mould issues at Mc l ean’s t own c linic
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
EAST Grand Bahama
MP Kwasi Thompson claimed healthcare workers were treating patients outside the McLean’s Town Clinic in East Grand Bahama because of suspected mould issues in the air-conditioning system.
He said there was a “strong scent” coming from the vents.
“When I arrived, I was told that officials had just today repaired the airconditioning after it was not working for a month,” he said. “However, even the doctor and the nurses were still extremely concerned about working inside the building due to the suspected mould.”
He added: “Patients had to be seen outside the building and in areas where there was no AC ventilation.”
He claimed health officials have also expressed frustration over a
pharmacist’s infrequent presence at the East End clinic.
Additionally, Mr Thompson claimed that the lack of immediate access to patient records and on-site lab results are issues that have persisted for weeks.
“We bring these issues to light to ensure that immediate relief is provided to assist our health workers,” he said. “They should not have to work outside or in substandard facilities.
Unfortunately, one of the health officials became ill recently due to her working conditions. A proper mould assessment must be done now. This needs to be fixed immediately.”
Muriel Lightbourne, president of the Bahamas Nurses Union, confirmed that nurses were outside due to repairs of the airconditioning unit inside the clinic.
Asked about mould complaints, the union representative merely confirmed that the AC unit was being fixed.
EAST GRAND BAHAMA MP KWASI THOMPSON
FNM CHAIRMAN DR DUANE SANDS
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
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
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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Ridiculous dialogue leads to campain finance reform question
THE back-and-forth today between our political leaders over possible donations from the Grand Bahama Port Authority opens up both a serious point and a ridiculous dialogue. We will start with the ridiculous, and work our way to the serious.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was asked about claims that FNM leader Michael Pintard had received up to $5m in donations from the Grand Bahama Port Authority to support his campaign. Quite why the question was put to Mr Davis and not Mr Pintard is another matter.
Mr Davis said it was “very curious to me… that once it came out, whether he would deny or confirm it”.
He added: “It would be good to know whether he did or not.”
In one motion, he took some speculation and elevated it to the level of political commentary.
Mr Pintard dismissed the claims as “nonsense”, but let us dwell on Mr Davis’ side of the discussion for a moment.
There has been plenty of speculation over the years about funding for the PLP – with such discussion usually being batted away without confirmation. Do we now get to hear how much Peter Nygard gave the PLP, for example? Or how about whenever someone gets a contract and is suggested to have connections to the PLP?
Do all those connected to the BPL reforms now have to show whether they have donated to the PLP? How about construction projects, roadworks, etc.
The suggestion inherent in the discussion over whether or not the port authority has donated to Mr Pintard is that there might be some influence on his opinions based on whether or not he has received such funds. Again, to mention, he says that it’s “fictitious”, and that the authority has donated to both parties over the decades. He cited former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham as saying with regard to campaign donations that “none of that impacts him in any way in terms of what his opinion is relative to a matter of principle concerning governance”. You might say such a stance echoes The Tribune’s own motto, of being bound to swear to the dogmas of no master.
It also would perhaps be no surprise if the port authority has decided, given the war of words with the Davis administration going on, that its funds might be better off going to the opposition than the party whose government is throwing around so much public criticism. But push through all of that to-and-fro and there is a serious point – and it is one
that both parties have failed to do anything about over the years.
Campaign finance reform, that is the point.
In the PLP’s Blueprint for Change prior to the last election, the party committed to “fully implementing the Freedom of Information Act, an Integrity Commission Act, Ombudsman Bill, new Public Disclosure Act, Anti-Corruption Act…” and here it is, “…Campaign Finance Reform, Code of Conduct, Whistleblower Act, Electoral Reform Act, and Procurement Act.”
Has that happened? It has not. In fact, the US government last month criticised The Bahamas in its 2024 investment climate report for “stalling” the full enactment of anti-corruption laws, noting: “The Government has not fully enacted its Freedom of Information Act (2017). Legislation to support an Integrity Commission and campaign [finance] reform have also been delayed. An independent Information Commissioner, supported by technical and administrative staff, was appointed in mid-2021, but the office is not fully operational.”
In fact, Mr Davis himself in January 2020 criticised his predecessor for making campaign finance under his administration another empty promise. Mr Davis said at the time it would be irresponsible of the government not to bring campaign finance legislation before the next election – the one that he won.
The US report went on to say: “The campaign finance system remains largely unregulated with a few safeguards against quid pro quo donations, leaving a vulnerability for corruption and foreign influence.”
If there is something wrong with either party receiving a donation from the port authority, then it is within the power of the government to do something – or have done something long ago – about campaign finance laws. That the discussion is at the level of asking the other leader to confirm if they have received something rather than stating what the laws will be and when they will be implemented shows the level of seriousness with which such reform is being considered – which is next to none at all.
We can elevate the discussion, and we can reform our system to minimise the risk of undue influence – or even just to inform citizens who is donating, and when this contract is handed out or that campaign speech is given, we can judge for ourselves the integrity of the speaker’s words.
If we do not take those steps, what does that really say about this discussion?
Must demand to be our own masters
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS the month of August enters its last week, I submit another letter for consideration, whilst also noting with measured anticipation, the recent pronouncements from government entities demanding and promising greater efficiency and accountability from their various agencies.
Some readers might consider me “anti-foreign” based on my many musings, but as my mother used to say: “Chile, it’s a free world” to each hold our own opinions. I am proud to be a “born, bred and gan dead” Bahamian with a relentless love of my country and people first and foremost!
My letters are usually an end result of “my vexation” of happenings, and they are also an attempt to get Bahamians to open their eyes and see what dey lookin at, because “ain’t all what you see, is”. We must be critical thinkers and try to see the bigger picture by looking behind the curtains to analyse what sorts of machinations are truly happening on the other side.
This letter is a call to action for we, the people, to advocate for and demand the opportunity to be the masters of our own fate. Isn’t that the purpose of Independence and the goal of being a sovereign nation?
Pause to examine that word “sovereign” because, as a former colony of Britain, we certainly know what that encompasses – in fact, as a member of the Commonwealth, The Bahamas is a still under the rule of His Majesty.
The National Honours Act was introduced in 2016, after many years of advocating and protesting for it by a noble group of relentless warriors, such as Father Sebastian Campbell, who would not let that deficiency rest! Thanks to him, and others – including the present Minister of Foreign Affairs – they finally got their wish but without the corresponding discontinuance of British Honours, which many Bahamians still scramble to attain by wishing on that golden British star! To my way of thinking, this is a disgraceful indictment of “our own tings” and deeming them “not good enough”!
I grew up during that journey to Independence, and my late husband and I were constantly battling to debunk the myth that “foreign is better”. In fact, that journey sadly
still continues today. We will never make that necessary emancipation leap of being in charge instead of being led, unless we own our own and strive for the meritocracy and excellence that comes with believing in our own selves first!
A recent case in point concerns the actions of foreign banks, a topic of discussion that is now making the rounds amongst political parties. We, the people, have many issues with banks, but no resource to turn to for relief because our “leaders” continue to allow banks to make arbitrary rules that put us at a disadvantage.
Resolution of these issues requires correct balance –that immutable fact of Nature that allows for the harmonious coexistence of different species to strive and thrive.
But how can balance be achieved if the fox is the door keeper of the hen house?
Yes, the Central Bank of The Bahamas houses the office of the Ombudsman – but how efficient and effective is that office if it does not have adequate human and monetary resources to operate?
Where, then, are we, the people, supposed to air our grievances and expect a balanced resolution? Since banks are a service industry, then we, the customers, are entitled to demand basic efficient and respectable customer service. If we are talking about value for service these days, banking services are sadly and badly lacking and we, the people, are the ones that suffer!
The same can be said about the long promised total enactment of the Freedom of Information Act!
For how many years have we been hearing the flowery speeches about ‘coming soon’? Yes, gubments might have appointed a Commissioner with an office, but again, if they do not have adequate human and monetary resources to operate efficiently and effectively, why are we wasting money, spouting hot air and empty promises, and getting nowhere fast?
These examples are but a few of what politricksters continue to throw at we, the people, expecting us to just accept them, but enough
is enough, and we demand better!
How in the world have gubments not realised that we cannot hand over complete control of our essential utilities and services (water, power, communication, ports etc.) to ‘foreign’ whose eyeballs are glued by greed to their bottom line, ie profit over people, whilst they send more and more funds out of the country in exchange for a few jobs? In this 21st century, why are we not operating from a position of strength and belief in ourselves first, knowing that we are worth so much more than mere scraps off the table!
I was aghast to see our Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs pleading in the press for water, the elixir of life, to be provided to the people! This is totally unacceptable, and I say: good for you, residents of Harbour Island - march relentlessly and demand your rights!
The present BPL debacle is another such example. We are, and have been experiencing an unconscionable lack of resolution of these problems for much too long with too many hot air speeches signifying nothing, as negotiations happen behind closed doors with a total lack of transparency and accountability!
I have also found in my myriad dealings with various utility companies that amongst the Bahamian workers that have been employed at these companies for years are the very ones with the intimate knowledge of our systems who can offer solutions on how best to correct them, if given the opportunity and the resources to do so.
We have many highly skilled Bahamians right here in our midst but do not respect their talents nor appreciate what they can bring to the table! Why?
Because of petty jealousy and spite, stupid politricks, favourtism for FF&Ls (friends, families and lovers), or the insecurity and ignorance by the powers-that-be who still believe that ‘foreign is better’!
These attitudes are killing our country! Emancipate your mind and let meritocracy rule - use the best person for the job, listen to their advice and apply it, and pay them what they are worth, period!
PAM BURNSIDE Nassau August 25, 2024.
MPs need to step it up
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS A staunch supporter of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, I want to express a sentiment that I believe is shared by many Bahamians who have placed their trust in his leadership. We have witnessed the Prime Minister’s unwavering dedication to steering our country through some of the most challenging times in recent history. His commitment to the people is evident, and his leadership has been a source of inspiration and hope. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that some of his MPs are not meeting the high standards that he has set, and this is a matter that deserves serious attention.
Prime Minister Davis has shown that he is more than capable of leading our nation towards a brighter future. His efforts to stabilise the economy, his focus on social justice, and his vision for a more equitable Bahamas have resonated with many of us. Yet, despite his hard work and dedication, there are members of his parliamentary
team who seem to be coasting, relying on the Prime Minister’s popularity and success rather than actively contributing to it. As we enter the final quarter of his term, it is imperative that every MP within his administration steps up to the plate. Political analysis teaches us that the success of a government is not solely dependent on the leader at the top but on the collective efforts of the entire team. A strong leader needs a strong, committed team to implement the vision and deliver results. The Prime Minister cannot be expected to carry the entire administration on his shoulders alone—especially not a second time. The people of The Bahamas are watching closely, and they have high expectations. They expect their elected representatives to be present in their communities, to be responsive to their concerns, and to work tirelessly to advance the policies that will improve their lives. Unfortunately, some MPs are falling short of these expectations. This is not just a matter of optics;
it has real consequences for the effectiveness of the government and, ultimately, for the well-being of our nation.
Prime Minister Davis has demonstrated his capability and commitment, but his MPs must now show that they are equally committed to the task at hand. This is not a time for complacency or for coasting on past successes. The challenges facing our nation require a unified and fully engaged team, one that is willing to put in the hard work necessary to deliver on the promises made to the Bahamian people. If certain MPs are not prepared to step up and meet the demands of their roles, then perhaps it is time for them to reassess their positions. The Prime Minister deserves a team that is as dedicated and hardworking as he is. The success of his administration—and by extension, the success of The Bahamas—depends on it.
THE GATE KEEPER Nassau, August 22, 2024.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
SY NC CONCLUDES JUNKANOO ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
AN award ceremony at the American Corner within the Harry C Moore Library in the University of The Bahamas yesterday marked the conclusion of the SYNC (Science, Youth, Nation Building, and Culture) Junkanoo Entrepreneurship Programme.
Organised in partnership with the US Embassy Nassau and Bahamian digital wallet company Kanoo Pays, the programme sought to empower youth by integrating Bahamian culture with cutting-edge technology. US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish and Bahamian government officials attended the event to celebrate the participants’ accomplishments.
During the ceremony, Ms Furnish shared insights from her entrepreneurial journey, stressing the significance of perseverance and passion. She recounted her initial ventures — an ice
cream shop, a floral design business, and a shoe design project — all of which ultimately failed.
“It’s crucial to love what you do. Be invested and persistent,” she advised, adding: “Failure isn’t necessarily negative.”
Ms Furnish encouraged students to learn from setbacks and persist in their ambitions, stating, “Today’s outcome is just the start. Keep exploring, innovating, and believing in yourselves.”
Ms Furnish also commended the programme’s impact on participants, noting, “Your hard work, creativity, and dedication are truly inspiring.”
She recognised the support of the students’ families, acknowledging their sacrifices for their children’s participation.
The ceremony included a pitch competition and a final showcase, where students presented 3D-printed Junkanoo-inspired products to a panel of judges.
The SYNC programme featured two phases:
Innovative Education and Creative Competition. The Innovative Education phase, running from April to June, encompassed a Junkanoo workshop on the history and craft of Junkanoo, an American Spaces 3D Printing Workshop focused on Junkanoo-themed items, and an Entrepreneurship Workshop on business fundamentals.
The Creative Competition, from July to mid-August, had students design Junkanoo-inspired products and souvenirs using 3D printing. The pitch competition allowed them to present their creations, with the winning group revealed at the final showcase.
Involving fifteen students aged 14-18, the SYNC Junkanoo Entrepreneurship Programme blended traditional Bahamian Junkanoo designs with modern 3D printing technologies, supporting U.S. objectives of fostering innovation, cultural exchange, and youth
empowerment. Khalil Braithwaite, chief marketing officer at Kanoo, underscored the programme’s importance.
“This marks a full-circle moment for both the programme and myself,” he said. He highlighted the value of engaging young people in leading their peers, stating, “The greatest resource of any great nation is its children. Restricting access to this resource stifles potential.”
Braithwaite praised the programme’s partners for their collaborative efforts and called for the continuation of its momentum.
“We’ve designed the programme to be costeffective, prioritising the welfare of the students,” he added.
The winning group received an all-expensespaid college tour to the United States in Fall 2024, including visits to institutions specialising in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) careers and majors.
Injured woman’s personal injury complaint dismissed as statue of limitiation had passed
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Staff Reporter
A SUPREME Court judge dismissed a woman’s personal injury claim against American Bridge Bahamas Limited (ABL) after she claimed the company’s Jeep Wrangler struck her, causing serious injuries. Justice Deborah Fraser ruled that the statute of limitations barred Jannette Taylor’s claim. She found that allowing the case to proceed to trial despite being clearly barred under section 9 of the Limitation Act would be “frivolous, vexatious, and an abuse of the court’s process”.
The case stems from an incident in January 2019, when Ms Taylor was allegedly struck by a Jeep Wrangler owned by ABL and driven by Jose Ramon Zayas Sepulaveda. She claimed the injuries from January 2, 2019,
prompted her to seek medical treatment in Miami, Florida, and New Providence. From January 7, 2019, onwards, she reportedly made numerous trips to medical professionals in both locations for diagnoses and treatment.
She said by early 2020, she experienced severe new pain in her neck and back and reported memory issues, leading to further consultations in New Providence. She said her condition prevented her from driving, causing her to rely on taxis and others for transportation.
She said on October 27, 2021, she was diagnosed with memory loss and additional injuries to her neck and hand. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on November 3, 2021, with symptoms including sudden heaviness and weakness on her left side, dizziness, and vision problems. Her condition
reportedly worsened by February 20, 2022.
Justice Fraser found that the limitation period for Ms Taylor’s claim began on January 25, 2019, or February 6, 2019, when she became fully aware of her injuries. Under the Limitation Act, personal injury claims must be filed within three years of this awareness. Consequently, Ms Taylor had until January 25, 2022, or February 7, 2022, to initiate her claim, according to the judge.
Ms Taylor’s argument that her disability should have extended the limitation period was not accepted by the court. Evidence showed she managed her own affairs and arranged medical appointments, contradicting her claim of being incapacitated.
“Ms Taylor knew about her injuries and their extent either on January 25, 2019, when the MRI was conducted, or on February
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded to prison after allegedly being found with an unlicenced rifle in his Coconut Grove home last week.
Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned Alvin Etienne, 25, and Henrica Tilme, 21, on charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm.
The pair were reportedly found with a black M&P Smith & Wesson .22 rifle at
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to 18 months in prison yesterday after admitting to having $40,000 worth of marijuana in his home in Acklins last Friday.
Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned Edrick Newton, 34, and Arabella Lightbourne, 34, on charges of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs.
The couple were reportedly found with 40 pounds of marijuana at their Salina Point residence around 2am on August 23. During the drug bust, an additional gram of marijuana was
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted bail after being accused of car thefts in New Providence earlier this month.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Rosten Moxey, 49, on two counts of stealing and receiving.
their 7th Street residence around 2.30am on August 23. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge. Tilme was granted bail at $7,500 with one or two sureties, while Etienne’s bail hearing was deferred until today. Until then, he will remain in custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
The trial date for the pair will also be set today.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie served as the prosecutor.
seized along with $313 in cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.
Newton was the sole defendant to plead guilty to both charges, while Lightbourne pleaded not guilty. Newton was sentenced to 18 months in the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and was ordered to pay a fine of $15,000 or face an additional six months in prison.
The money confiscated in this incident will remain forfeited to the Crown.
Lightbourne’s bail was set at $9,900 with one or two sureties. She must sign in at the Salina Point Police Station every Wednesday by 6pm. Her trial is scheduled to begin on September 13.
6, 2019, when the doctor referred her for physiotherapy sessions,” Justice Fraser wrote. “Time began to run against her under section 9 of the Limitation Act when she became aware of the significance of her injuries and their attribution to the defendant she wished to sue.”
“Even if the claimant requests the court to extend the time for the injuries claim under section 9 of the Limitation Act, which are generally addressed at trial, the court is not empowered to do so. Section 9 requires strict adherence to the time for filing personal injury claims as ‘equity aids the vigilant, not the indolent.’ The claimant did not justify the delay beyond the threeyear limit.”
Because Ms Taylor’s claim was struck out, she must pay ABL’s legal costs, which are to be assessed if not agreed upon by both parties.
Moxey allegedly stole a white 2014 Nissan Latio valued at $8,000, belonging to Jasmine Culmer, on August 13 between 2.32pm and 10.50pm. He is also accused of stealing a white 2013 Nissan March valued at $6,000, belonging to Marco Taylor, on August 20 between 2pm and 4pm.
After pleading not guilty to both charges, Moxey was granted bail at $7,500 with one or two sureties. His trial is scheduled to begin on October 15.
KANOO CEO Keith Davies, US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish and Permanent Secretary Lorraine Symonette-Armbrister present Jayden Davis with a certificate of completion for the SYNC (Science, Youth, Nation building, and Culture) Junkanoo Entrepreneurship Program at the University of The Bahamas yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Stop normalising gender violence
‘Violence, in all of its forms, has been normalised in The Bahamas. Many believe that violence is an appropriate response to a variety of situations.’
CASES of gender-based violence against women continue to be in the news on a daily basis. With little or no ongoing work to prevent gender-based violence against women and girls and insufficient resources allocated to intervention, women and girls are experiencing violence in many forms, and repeatedly.
A 26-year-old man who met a 14-year-old girl on Instagram in 2022 pleaded guilty to “unlawful sexual intercourse”. He will return to court on September 18 for sentencing.
A 20-year-old man admitted to “injuring his girlfriend and assaulting her with a knife”. He threatened to kill the woman. The news report stated that he “lost his temper” during an argument. He was sentenced to three months for causing harm and five months for assault with a dangerous instrument, and the sentences are to be served concurrently.
These people were not under the impression that what they were doing was right. Certainly, the 26-yearold knew that he was raping the 14-year-old girl as no one under the age of 16 can give consent. The 20-yearold man definitely knew that assaulting his girlfriend with a knife and without a knife was a criminal offence. Why did they act violently? Were they trying to make a point? Were they trying to assert authority? Did they want to appear dominant? Did they want to have power and control over someone else? What makes violence the go-to when there are ways that we can actually fulfill our needs to communicate, to respect ourselves and be respected, and to take control of our own lives?
Violence, in all of its forms, has been normalised in The Bahamas. Many
By Alicia Wallace
believe that violence is an appropriate response to a variety of situations.
“What did you do to make him do that?” is a victimblaming question that is often asked of survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner violence. It suggests that there is cause and effect—that person who experienced violence caused it, and that the perpetrator was violent for a reason. Violence, however, is not reasonable. It is not a reasonable response to any situation or event. It is not a reasonable way to express emotion.
Violence has long been regarded by Bahamians as a solution. It is regarded as one of the most foundational tools of parenting. Children are beaten for failing to behave in the ideal manner, getting lower grades in school that parents and guardians want to see, not making the best decisions at all times, going through development (including changes in their bodies), being unable to regulate their emotions at all times, having natural reactions to situations, and crying when they are beaten. There are many other “reasons” that children are beaten. The beatings that children are subjected to vary widely.
Some adults hit children repeatedly with hands. Some adults hit children with objects like shoes and power cords. Some adults pinch and poke children. Some adults punch and kick children. Some adults take children by the neck
and throw them against walls. Shout obscenities at their children and threaten to hit them, put them out, take them to the police station to be beaten, or send them to someone else who, presumably, does not have the means to provide for them. Destroy their children’s belongings. Record and publicly share videos of themselves verbally and/or physically assaulting their
children. It is all violence. It is a failure of parents and guardians to effectively communicate with children, regulate their own emotions, deprioritise their egos, and be led by love— not fear or the desire to instill it in others—as they raise their children with the respect and discipline that eschews violence.
People learn violence early. Children are taught, through the actions of adults, that violence is a way to respond to their emotions. Violence is the response when feelings are hurt. Violence is the response when there is a feeling of disrespect. Violence is the response when there is the feeling of
Recommendations
1. Join Feminist Book Club this month. We are reading Ayọbámi Adébáyọ’s Stay With Me which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for fction. Nigerians Yejide and Akin fell in love in university and got married, decided that polygamy was not for them. After for years of trying, they have not been successful in conceiving. Yejide is doing everything she can, but what is she supposed to do when a new wife for Akin is delivered to their doorstep? The Guardian called it a “bright, bighearted demonstration of female spirit, as well as the damage done by the boundlessness of male pride”. Join Equality Bahamas and Poinciana Paper Press for Feminist Book Club on Wednesday, September 18 at 6pm EDT. Register at tiny.cc/fbc2024 to receive information on our monthly meetings.
2. The Braxtons. This reality television show following The Braxton family comes four years after the last season of Braxton Family Values aired. In March 2022, Traci Braxton died of esophageal cancer at the age 50. Three episodes in, the frst season of this new show starring the Braxton sisters and their mother, Ms E (Evelyn Braxton), focus on their grief alongside their promise to Trina that they would stay close. Sometimes funny, sometimes deeply saddening, the show can be hard to watch, especially for anyone experiencing grief. It can be helpful for people whose loved ones are grieving as it shows some of the different ways that grief can look, how differently people, even in the same family, process grief, and the long-term support that is needed.
embarrassment. Violence is the way to coerce someone into taking a particular action. Violence is the way to instill fear. Violence is the way to assert dominance. This is what we are led to believe when violence, and the fear of violence, form our discipline. Violence is, in fact, the way of the cowardly, the ignorant, the lazy, the underdeveloped. Violence is a failure to communicate. It is the failure to experience and process emotions. It is the failure to lose and to then move on. Violence is indicative of an incompatibility with humanity which requires us to have experiences that prompt feelings, to then experiences those feelings, and to understand what those feelings mean, even when it means sitting in the discomfort or vulnerability of being seen as human. When violence is taught, by demonstration, from childhood, what are we to do about the challenges we face as we get older and both our needs and responsibilities change? What can we expect from one another when we are under stress and many factors are completely out of our control? What standard do we currently hold ourselves and one another to, especially as we navigate crises from the devastation of hurricanes and the impact of COVID-19 to difficult relationships and precarious living situations?
Far too many people turn to violence, expecting it to make them feel and appear more powerful. They use it to shut people up. They use it to make people talk. They use it to make money. They use it to make a name for themselves. They use it to send messages. “They” are not always the criminals that comes to mind. “They” are not just the young men on the street. “They” are
not just people on the run.
“They” are people in high places and in not-so-high places where decisions are made.
Over the past few days, public discussion has centered the horrific text messages, videos, and photos that have been circulating via WhatsApp and other social media platforms. The violence displayed in them is disgusting, terrifying, and gratuitous. The way people are fiends for graphic images, publicly asking for the material to be sent to them, is sickening. It is a clear indication of the way many have been desensitised not only to the idea of violence, but the display of it. How different from the person who inflicts violence is the depraved person who wants to watch it happen?
How can we continue to pretend to be shocked by the rate and extent of murder and other violent crime in The Bahamas, knowing that many people around us teach it, practice it, and delight in it? People who claim to care about various issues related to national development and human rights are laughing about a recent murder and the graphic material circulating. These are signs of people who are peaceful or peace-loving. These are not signs of people who are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of people in The Bahamas.
While this case is discussed, along with the way positions and relationships to people in positions of power protect certain people, no matter what they do, let us not forget the sitting Member of Parliament charged for rape and making death threats. Everyone is not treated equally. Not the violent, and not the violated. Justice, all too often, takes a very long time to come.
Efectively conveying a vision Toughts on relocating Goombay
EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE late great and deeply lamented, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, the main Founding Father of this wonderful nation, was a master communicator.
Apart from his many other attributes, he was able to clearly lay out is vision for The Bahamas in plain and understandable terms. There was little, if any, miscommunications between he and those with whom he was communicating. He also had the innate ability to fire up his listeners. We are all able to clearly recall the phrases which he was able to conjure up at the drop of a hat: ‘Lend Me Your Hand’; ‘Step Now’; and the iconic and immemorial ‘Bend or Break’ declaration to the Grand Bahama Port Authority decades ago.
All of the national institutions were crafted under his watch or transformed into the modern entities which they are today. He was able to sell his vision and platforms to the unwashed masses with a simplicity and ease which have never been matched before or since his era in Bahamian politics. Some of you may remember when Sir Lynden adopted the role of many of the players in our assorted industries.
One day he was a Potter at the airport; the next he donned the uniform of a hotel worker and later on he worked as a garbage collector. Why did he, the ultimate political leader at that time, do what some may refer to as menial jobs?
As a master communicator, Sir Lynden, successfully, conveyed the salient message to all Bahamians, regardless of education or station in life that there was inherent dignity in work. These public antics were some of the reasons why he was able to wield political power for over Twenty(20) odd successive years. He was a great proponent of listening to the marginalized voices of the so called ordinary Bahamian and to then adopt them as his own. We needed a Defence Force. The people spoke and he acted. We need a secure safety net in the form of National Insurance. The people spoke and he acted. Additional and refurbished airports
and seaports were needed. Our health and medical facilities, such as they were, back in the 1960s and 1970s were in a bad state of repair and often lacked critical medication and trained personnel. Again, the people spoke and he acted. Having said all of the above it must never be forgotten that because Sir Lynden was a master communicator, that did not mean that he was unable or unwilling to communicate “chilling” messages to his detractors. There was a time, way back then, when at a pivotal National Convention of the PLP, when a cabal led by the late Sir Cecil WallaceWhitfield, dared to publicly challenge Sir Lynden for the leadership of that party. In fact, that cabal was dead set or getting rid of Pindling or, in the extreme, resign en masse. Sir Lynden got wind of this potential coup and ascended the podium. He boldly declared, and those words still ring out to this very day: ‘Fish; cut bait or get the hell out of the boat’! All hell broke loose within that convention and on the floor. Sir Cecil and his acolytes walked out of that hall, some never to return to the ample bosom of the pliant PLP. Sir Lynden emerged as the undisputed and unchallenged leader of the PLP. Interestingly, the Hon Hubert A Ingraham, who later overthrew Sir Lynden and became Prime Minister himself, was creased right up with Ping! Even after Sir Cecil and his rump group basically relocated to Grand Bahama, they continued to be a minor political thorn in Sir Lynden’s flesh. Never one to back down from a political challenge, Sir Lynden, et al, travelled into Grand Bahama. It was at the now infamous Lewis Yard debacle that Sir Lynden directly stated to his detractors: ‘Draw Back or Draw Blood’. Again, all hell broke loose and the rest is history.
It took the FNM, under the translated leadership of a Pindling acolyte, the Hon Hubert A Ingraham, who had served Pindling well
as a National Chairman of the iconic PLP and a very effective cabinet minister under Sir Lynden, close to 15 years to, finally, send Ping home. Mr Ingraham, may God continue to bless his soul, was able to drive Sir Lynden out due, principally in my view, to being a better strategist than the latter as opposed to a communicator. Ingraham is able to conceptualise grand plans (The Airport Gateway) but he was never an effective public speaker and had difficulties conveying his messages, such as they would have been (I Am a One Man Band).
Communications by our homegrown politicians has never been more critical than at this juncture. It cannot appear to be, almost incessantly, that there is a break down in cordial and successful communications between the national movers and shakers in The Bahamas. Where there are disagreements, especially involving matters of revenue and taxation, there is absolutely no need for an apparent adversarial posture. There is only one sovereign government here in The Bahamas and as such, it holds all of the trump cards. I strongly suggest that where such postures exist that we all take a step back and appreciate that we are All in this exercise together. Lastly, the bloated Civil Service, especially those who are entrenched and parade around like peacocks, are terrible at mass communications or at all. Ordinary Bahamians have grave difficulties in accessing governmental services due to the stinking attitudes of many civil servants. Correspondence and simple applications are ignored for years and even decades. The obtaining of a Crown Grant, may lie at the feet of the PM of the day But oftentimes applications Never even get to the desk of the PM. The continued success of this wonderful nation will depend, as it always has, on effective mass communication from the top to the bottom. To God then The Master Communicator, in all things, be the glory.
ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, August 25, 2024.
a selfie of their Perseverance Mars rover taken on July 23,
NEW YORK Associated Press
NASA’s Perseverance rover is tackling a steep new challenge on Mars. The six-wheeled rover has spent the last 3 1/2 years roaming around the bottom of a crater. On Tuesday, it began climbing to the top. The rover will go up 1,000 feet (305 meters) to the rim of Jezero Crater to dig up rock samples. Since landing on the red planet in 2021, Perseverance has collected 22 rock core samples from the floor of the crater, which was once filled with water.
EDITOR, The Tribune. JUST like out of a sandstorm, came the advertisements by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (MOT), in the media about them having to host the Bahamas Goombay Festival every Friday until August ends 2024. Well, suffice it to say that Bay Street, the heart of commerce was selected as the venue, and on the busiest day of the work week (a time when businesses were busy preparing paychecks, and depending on the last minute shoppers traveling to the area by vehicle means and others bi-pedalgait on foot, many shoppers will likely be deterred, when they sees the traffic gridlock)? But many have asked ‘how is this fair to the merchants of downtown, and the bottleneck traffic were such chaos, that many the public bus service also-were being forced to go-off-route, in order mitigate backups, lost in bus fares and this goes on year, after year with no tweaking ever taking place, not to exclude the tourists either trying to get to check in at their Paradise Island hotel, or making their way to the local International Airport, in Nassau?
I am not advancing the notion that the festival is bad for business and or to be cancelled, for it is a good way for the stall-owners to earn a couple of dollars, which I support wholeheartedly, rather I am attempting
to point out that not everything should be held in the city center, consequently, disrupting even the Emergency Medical Service (EMS-was drastically inconvenienced, delayed, constricted, restricted, hampered, risking the lives of its patients, just what ought the costs be? For the sake of selling food and playing band music?) An ordinary course of doing business in the town is disrupted or without reasonable grounds, because so many parks, playing fields, Convention Halls, Clifford Park, Arawak Cay, where these matters could be hosted, but who will make the case to have this madness canceled and put to rest once and for all?
Haven’t made the foundation, what I would like to comment on is the fact that several articles had been published in your publication concerning the deplorable state of not only downtown, but those tiles and trust me, editor, there is something to be said about the level of grease that have gone into our cooking, some of the local cuisines will definitely cause a storm in the arteries, blood vessels subjecting them to have to screamed help, and general condition of one’s health. I know, writer, what are you talking about?
Prior to the start of this year’s Goombay festival, poor state and wear of the tiles on Bay Street (heavy tourists traffic areas), were centred around the garbage
receptacles, and sadly, nothing has changed there, but the festival has deposited a new set of challenges from Charlotte to Parliament Streets on the southern side the shopping district, is laden with the black and grime after usage-cooking spilt-greases. From what is unavoidable, can the authorities post a demand letter to the website of the hierarchies the Bahamas Ministry Tourism, requiring that they clean up their mess, after all, the festival they admitted was orchestrated by their ministry and therefore, the obligation is theirs to undertake, otherwise, what good is having a store like the John Bull Department (flagship) Store, an ideal example in Downtown Of What Stores Should be, and have put in the work daily (supervised from the top to the bottom), to be able to maintain its standards, whilst the promoters of our tourist product has not been holding up their bargain of the deal, but how come? In conclusion, growing up in North Andros, my grandmother sought it so that we children knew how to wash, cook, clean and be able to properly iron our school uniforms, church clothing and for a reason, she said. You will need to know how to do it for yourselves, not expecting others to do it for you.
FRANK GILBERT Nassau, August 26, 2024.
Message for young black men
EDITOR, The Tribune.
IN today’s world, it is more important than ever to remind our young black men of the immense value they hold within themselves and the greatness they can achieve in society. Too often, society underestimates their potential, but the truth is that they are the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. It is crucial for them to recognise this and to understand the importance of making the right life choices.
Involvement in crime has devastating consequences, not only for young black men but also for their families and communities. When a young man turns to crime, he risks his future, potentially facing incarceration, violence, or even death. This path of destruction erodes the potential that lies within him, depriving society of his talents, leadership, and contributions.
But the road ahead won’t be easy. Perseverance will scale rocky terrain and slopes of up to 23 degrees on the monthslong journey.
“Perseverance has certainly been a real trooper,” said Lee. The rover has logged around 18 miles (29 kilometers) during its exploration. The rock at the top of the crater may have come from past hydrothermal vents — sites where heated water and dissolved minerals spewed out after cycling underneath the planet’s surface. On Earth, similar sites — like at Yellowstone National Park — are considered a cradle for life.
The rover’s samples may help scientists piece together what the planet’s climate looked like billions of years ago — and learn whether any ancient Martian life lurked. NASA is exploring ways to bring the rock samples to Earth. The bedrock at the rim of the crater might yield clues as to how rocky planets like Mars and Earth came to be, said Steven Lee with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.
For families, the impact is deeply personal and often tragic. Parents, siblings, and extended family members bear the emotional toll of seeing a loved one caught in the cycle of crime. They experience pain, grief, and sometimes guilt, questioning what more they could have done. The loss of a son, brother, or father to the criminal justice system creates a void that can never be filled, breaking the bonds that hold families together.
Communities also suffer when young black men are drawn into crime. Each individual lost to the streets weakens the social fabric, making
neighborhoods less safe and more unstable. Crime perpetuates a cycle of poverty, fear, and mistrust that hinders communal growth and prosperity. Instead of thriving, these communities become places where potential is stifled, and hope is diminished. Moreover, the broader societal impact is significant. When young black men are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, it reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates systemic inequalities. This not only affects those directly involved but also damages the collective identity and progress of the entire black community. Breaking this cycle requires collective effort. Families must nurture, support, and guide their young men, instilling values of integrity and self-worth. Communities must provide positive role models, opportunities for growth, and safe environments where young men can thrive. Society as a whole must address the root causes of crime—such as poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities—ensuring that young black men have the resources and support they need to choose a better path.
The pathway you choose today will not only shape your future but will also influence the next generation. Surround yourself with positive influences— friends who uplift you,
mentors who guide you, and a community that believes in you. The allure of gang life and street life may seem tempting, but these paths lead to a dead end, stripping you of your potential and limiting your future.
Instead, choose a path that honors your true worth. Focus on your education, your passions, and your dreams. Seek out opportunities that build you up rather than tear you down. Remember, your life has a purpose, and you are destined for greatness. The decisions you make today will determine the legacy you leave for the next generation.
Ultimately, the impact of crime on young black men, their families, and communities is profound. By working together to steer them away from this destructive path, we can unlock the potential within every young man, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
To all young black men: You are powerful, you are capable, and you are deserving of a life filled with success and fulfillment. Embrace the greatness within you, and let it guide your choices.
As you navigate this journey, hold onto this truth:
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt Stay focused, stay strong, and never doubt your ability to make a positive impact in this world.
SHERVONNE CASHHOLLIS Nassau, August 23, 2024.
THIS image provided by NASA, shows
2024.
Photo: NASA/AP