The Tribune WEEKEND
‘NEW AMBULANCES NOT FIT FOR THE JOB’
Staff say vehicles not big enough and unsuitable for emergency callouts
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
SEVERAL National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) employees have criticised recently acquired ambulances, saying their small size and inability to accommodate large patients and essential medical equipment make them unsuitable for responding to emergencies. However, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said the vehicles are still effective in emergencies.
He said despite their smaller size, their advantages include manoeuvrability in tight spaces and quicker response times. Fourteen ambulances arrived from Spain last month to address critical shortage issues.
Dr Darville said the ambulances bought from Spain for about $1.5m were intended for the Family Islands as part of an InterAmerican Development Bank and Ministry of Health project.
STRIKE RISK AS CUSTOMS UNION WILL TAKE VOTE
By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter
anixon@tribunemedia.net
SEVERAL union leaders last night threatened potential strike action as the Bahamas Customs, Immigration and Allied Workers Union (BICAWU) confirmed it will be taking such a vote on October 30.
Deron Brooks, the Bahamas Customs Immigration & Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU) president, told the ‘Enough is Enough’ rally held by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) that his members have grievances with regard to overtime and having to use their personal vehicle for work matters.
COMMUNITY ANGER AND PROBE LAUNCHED OVER CARE HOME CLAIMS
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Social Services has launched an investigation into allegations of elder abuse and financial exploitation at the “Home Away From Home” senior care facility in Grand Bahama.
The investigation follows growing community outcry and claims that the facility’s administrator, Mervie Knowles, allegedly exploited elderly residents by taking control of their homes, cars, National Insurance Board
(NIB) benefits, and life insurance policies. The ministry said the case has been referred to the Royal Bahamas Police Force for further investigation.
The Ministry of Social Services and the Ministry for Grand Bahama expressed deep concern about the allegations, adding: “The protection and well-being of our elderly citizens is a priority, and we want to assure the public that we are taking this matter very seriously.”
The ministries pledged to hold accountable anyone found responsible for wrongdoing, stressing the importance of allowing the investigative process to proceed thoroughly.
The case gained public attention after Phillipa Carey, whose grandmother Ingrid Carey resides at the facility, accused Ms Knowles of obtaining power of attorney over her grandmother’s assets. Ms Carey claimed that Ms Knowles had moved into her grandmother’s home and taken control of her property and finances without her consent.
SECOND MURDER IN WEEKS AT SCRAP METAL SITE
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
FOR the second time in eight weeks, a man has been killed at a scrap metal and bodywork facility in Carmichael Road, marking the 98th murder of the year. The latest victim, Lenroy Rolle, said to be in his 50s, was gunned down near Ramsey Street shortly before noon yesterday.
THE SCENE on Ramsey Street off Carmichael Road where a man was shot and killed.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Second murder in weeks at scrap metal site
from page one
Police said an unknown assailant shot Rolle, the owner of the facility, multiple times before fleeing in a dark-coloured vehicle.
In late August, a 40-yearold employee of the
facility, Noelcin Vilma, was shot and killed during an attempted robbery one day before his birthday.
Chief Superintendent Tess Newbold, the officer in charge of the southwestern division, yesterday acknowledged the location
of the two murders but could not confirm a connection between them.
Eric Utile, a friend of Vilma, told The Tribune in August that two weeks before his friend was killed, an attempt was made to rob him in the same yard.
FATAL PLUNGE FOR WORKER FROM SCAFFOLD
THE SCENE of the work accident yesterday. Photo: Keile Campbell/Tribune Staff
THE SCENE on Ramsey Street off Carmichael Road where a man was shot and killed.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Community anger and probe launched into care home claims
from page one
Upon returning to Freeport from Chub Cay, Ms Carey claimed she discovered that her grandmother’s house in Bahamia had been transferred to Ms Knowles, along with her NIB pension, survivor’s benefits, and life insurance policy.
“I have to rent an Airbnb or stay with friends because a stranger came and took everything away,” she said, as she appealed for justice and called for more scrutiny of elder care facilities across Grand Bahama.
When contacted by The Tribune, Ms Knowles declined to comment, citing her busy schedule. However, in a separate interview with ZNS, she defended her actions, claiming that Ingrid Carey willingly signed over her property and named her as the beneficiary of her life insurance policy to ensure her burial expenses were covered.
Other families have come forward with their own troubling stories, including Jordan Curry, who accused the facility of neglecting his late grandfather. He claimed his grandfather was left unattended for hours after suffering a seizure and that the facility had taken control of his NIB benefits allegedly without the family’s knowledge. Mr Curry called on the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to investigate and urged families with loved ones in elder care to take action.
Pastor Margo Victor of Living Water Assembly of God emphasised the need for regular inspections of elder care facilities to prevent further exploitation, while Apostle Tyrone Thomas, a member of the Grand Bahama Christian Council, described the situation as “heart-wrenching.”
In its official statement, the Ministry of Social Services urged the public to be patient as the investigation proceeds, assuring residents that any egregious behaviour will be prosecuted under the law. The ministry also encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
BNT FEAR ON ABACO PLAN
THE Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has expressed strong opposition to the $985m Kakona Resort Development proposed for South Abaco, saying it poses a grave risk to the ecological balance and biodiversity of two critical protected areas: Abaco National Park and Cross Harbour.
In a statement, the BNT called the project an “existential threat” to these areas, warning of irreversible damage to native wildlife and decades of conservation efforts.
The proposed development by SALDCO Ltd includes plans for a 225slip marina, 400 residential units, and a hotel with 90 keys, spread across three large sites in South Abaco. The BNT argues that the scale of the project would severely disrupt and alter essential habitats that the protected areas were established to safeguard. Abaco National Park, for example, is home to the Bahama Parrot — the northernmost population of this endangered bird — and provides critical feeding grounds for the species.
According to the BNT, the influx of human activity, noise, and waste associated with such a large development could attract invasive species, including feral cats and raccoons, which threaten the Bahama Parrot’s survival. The organisation highlighted that the parrot’s groundnesting behaviour makes it especially vulnerable to predation.
Invasive species could undo decades of conservation work, potentially leading to the local extinction of the parrot. The park also supports other endangered bird species, including the Bahama Warbler, Bahama Swallow, and Bahama Yellowthroat, whose habitats were already fragmented by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
The BNT said Cross Harbour, another protected area under threat, is a vital
marine nursery supporting fish species such as snappers, groupers, and queen conch, which are essential to Bahamian fisheries. The BNT warned that the development’s construction, particularly the marina, would disrupt pre-spawning sites for bonefish, a cornerstone of the local sportfishing industry. In 2018, bonefishing was valued at $169 million annually to the Bahamian economy, making it a critical source of revenue for local communities.
The BNT also criticised the developer’s lack of meaningful consultation with their organisation and raised concerns about the public consultation process for the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The BNT claimed the process was inaccessible to many, requiring personal information from people before they could view the
EIA, which the BNT says limits meaningful public participation. Furthermore, the BNT stressed that despite the project’s proximity to Abaco National Park, the developer bypassed critical engagement with them, even though the project involves road construction through the park.
The resort development, which has been in the works for several years, was outlined in a 2022 Heads of Agreement. However, environmentalists, including the BNT, have continually raised alarms about the project’s potential to cause “severe adverse impacts” to marine and terrestrial environments.
The BNT pointed out that while economic development is necessary, it must be balanced with environmental preservation, particularly in areas as ecologically sensitive as South Abaco
THE SCENE yesterday in Grand Bahama amid protests over claims connected to a care home.
Pintard: Minnis airing grievances rather than national concerns
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
AFTER former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the FNM is preventing him from speaking at party events, Michael Pintard accused him of highlighting untrue personal grievances rather than important national issues.
“To hear a former leader talking about personal grievances that are not true is troubling at a time when the public wants an open, transparent, independent inquiry into matters
related to the police force and segments of the judicial or law enforcement community,” Mr Pintard said yesterday, the latest sign that the party’s hopes for unity involving its most recent leaders have not materialised.
Mr Pintard said Dr Minnis had not accepted some opportunities to speak to party members.
He said before the party’s one-day convention in June, the FNM contacted Dr Minnis through various means, but Dr Minnis declined the opportunity to speak at the convention.
He said Dr Minnis, as a member of the party’s executive board, has not attended any meetings since 2021, and has only participated in one council meeting during the same period. “All of these are forums where you have an opportunity to speak to all of the persons who make the most pivotal decisions in the Free National Movement,” he said. “He is welcome to all of those meetings to share his views. He has spoken to multiple memorial services where we have eulogised
or memorialised important members of our team that have passed away.”
“What we need is not a distraction, not an attempt to garner personal attention. What we need is to train our focus on the challenges that Bahamians face, the unfortunately bad job that’s being done by this government, and we invite the former leader and all others to participate in that process.”
Mr Pintard said most people who supported Dr Minnis in June are now working to help the current leadership of the party.
COOPER: WE’RE WORKING TO ENCOURAGE CRUISE VISITORS TO SUPPORT VENDORS
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
AFTER the release of a report indicating that nearly 20 percent of cruise passengers arriving in The Bahamas never leave their ships, Tourism Minister Chester Cooper said efforts are ongoing to encourage more visitors to explore Nassau and support local vendors.
A report commissioned by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and conducted by Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA) provided insights into the cruise industry’s economic impact on the region while identifying potential growth areas.
Despite The Bahamas leading the Caribbean and Central America in total passenger spending and cruise-related employment, with 13,846 jobs supported by the sector, the report revealed that one in five cruise visitors and 70 percent of crew members remain onboard during their visits.
Mr Cooper acknowledged the report’s findings but noted that the issue of some passengers not disembarking is not new. He emphasised that the government has launched several initiatives to create more attractions and experiences for cruise passengers.
“We have an active initiative through the Tourism Development Corporation to create new tours and
opportunities for our cruise passengers to come offshore,” he said. He believes these efforts will lead to increased spending and longer stays on land, which will ultimately benefit Bahamian businesses.
Mr Cooper also highlighted ongoing projects such as a “smart city” initiative providing free or low-cost Wi-Fi in Nassau’s downtown area.
He called on local entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity to develop more restaurants, entertainment options, and cultural tours to attract cruise passengers, noting an increase in grant applications from small businesses.
Despite challenges, including disruptions caused by recent hurricanes in the US and Central Florida, Mr Cooper remains optimistic about The Bahamas’ tourism outlook.
He said the country is on track to surpass last year’s record number of visitors, though he acknowledged some “bumps in the road” during September and October. He also noted a shift in
travel patterns, with shorter booking windows signalling a more impulsive approach to travel that the country is equipped to handle, given its airlift capabilities from major US cities. The FCCA report underscored the importance of cruise tourism to The Bahamas, which generated $655m in direct economic impact during the 20232024 cruise year, accounting for 15 percent of all passenger spending across 33 regional destinations.
However, it also highlighted areas where The Bahamas lags behind, particularly in passenger satisfaction. The country ranked in the bottom 40 percent for key visitor satisfaction metrics, including various activities, value for money, and overall experience.
Yesterday, opposition leader Michael Pintard echoed concerns about the country’s reliance on cruise tourism, urging the government to focus on increasing stopover visitors who tend to spend more time and money onshore.
FREE National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
ACTING Prime Minister Chester Cooper and Eden chairman and
CEO Andrew McFall during the groundbreaking ceremony for Eden Recycling and Manufacturing yesterday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
‘New ambulances not fit for the job’
from page one
However, he said some remained in New Providence to address the shortage.
He said the Public Hospitals Authority is in the process of procuring a new fleet of ambulances for New Providence, but could not say when they will arrive.
Nonetheless,the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who spoke to The Tribune anonymously fearing victimisation said the new ambulances are problematic.
They reported instances where responders could not transport patients in the new vehicles and had to wait for another
ambulance due to the patient’s size or because certain trauma cases could not be managed with the limited equipment.
They argued that these limitations make the ambulances unsuitable for patients and first responders, with one EMT calling them “pure garbage.”
“If we have a patient that is 250 and higher in terms of pounds, that stretcher will not be conducive to put them on,” the EMT said. “While it can carry the weight, the girth of them, it would not be conducive. If you’re 5’10 or taller, it would be very uncomfortable to put you on.”
In addition to size concerns, all of the new ambulances have manual
transmissions, limiting who can drive them. An EMT claimed fewer than ten EMTs can operate the vehicles, which are better suited for shorter and smaller drivers. However, the worker said this has not hindered operations, as reserve EMTs are on standby.
EMTs also highlighted safety concerns in treating certain cases.
They said the vehicles’ cramped space makes it difficult to apply traction to patients with femur fractures, a critical step in preventing life-threatening complications like compartment syndrome.
Cardiac arrest cases, according to them, are also harder to manage in the new ambulances, which lack AutoPulse, a
device that performs chest compressions.
EMTs said the AutoPulse cannot be safely stored in the vehicles due to space constraints.
“If we have a cardiac arrest management, we are relying back on the responder, the EMT paramedic, in the back of the vehicle, to do compression,” one EMT said.
“If the motion of the vehicle swings left and right in and out of traffic, it takes away from the effectiveness, and it increases the risk to the responder because you can be thrown left, right on back because of the vehicle operation.”
Responders criticised the stretchers, describing them as “outdated” and unsuitable for safe patient
transfers, and warning that they could lead to “industrial accidents.”
The main concern was that the stretchers lack adjustable height settings, offering only fully raised or fully lowered positions.
EMTs said this limitation increases the risk of accidents when moving patients from beds or chairs.
To compound the situation, EMTs said the new vehicles are not easily noticeable.
“It does not produce the wattage that we would like it to produce to warn people that we are coming,” one said.
Dr Darville said that while operators may have personal preferences regarding the type of vehicles, the primary focus is
always on delivering timely, safe, and evidence-based care.
He said officials bought standard shift ambulances because they are cheaper to maintain and widely used globally.
“Some drivers may not be able to do standard shift, but the reality is they need to be trained,” he said. Regarding concerns about the size of the vehicles, he said: “It’s always good to have an ambulance where you could walk around and you could stand in but an emergency medical vehicle is for immediate response and immediate delivery of the medically challenged individual. The transport is very, very quick, and it does not have to be bulky.”
AIRPORT SIMULATION TESTS OUT EMERGENCY RESPONSE
A PLANNED emergency exercise was held last night at Lynden Pindling International Airport.
The simulation saw an exercise conducted in which a plane with 86 passengers on board “incurred a mechanical malfunction” during the demonstration, resulting in a staged crash with the left side of the aircraft igniting, all set off the shoulders of a taxiway.
Jonathan Hanna,
vice president of operations at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), highlighted the exercise’s importance in reinforcing LPIA’s ongoing commitment to safety and adherence to aviation regulations. He said regular emergency drills are essential not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to ensure that the airport and its partners can respond promptly and effectively in
real emergency situations. The exercise is conducted every two years.
Coordinated by NAD, the exercise involved various emergency response agencies, including the Bahamas Air Navigational Services Authority and the National Emergency Medical Services. JetBlue Airlines served as the host airline, with recruits from the Royal Bahamas Police Force acting as passengers and family members.
THE SCENE last night at Lynden Pindling International Airport during the test exercise.
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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What is our next great leap?
WE HIGHLY recommend that you read Diane Phillips’ column in today’s Tribune
Of course, we would encourage that every week – but we would urge you to read today’s column with a question in your head as you do.
We shall come to what that question is shortly.
Today, Diane looks both to our past and to our future. She looks back nearly 300 years to the creation of the Bahamian parliament. And then looks toward the actual anniversary five years from now.
We will not retell Diane’s article here – suffice to say she spells out the foundation of that parliament, and the work that went into it by Governor Woodes Rogers, and notes the work of historian Tellis Bethel in capturing this history. We too would salute former commodore Bethel for his work in telling the tale of our country. But the closeness of such landmarks in our history does bring a thought. What will we do that will resonate down the years? What are we doing – both as a people and as individuals – that will leave a mark to be remembered?
This is a thought that occurred too during our 50th anniversary of independence celebrations.
Nearly 300 years ago, a parliament was carved out of chaos. More than 50 years ago, an independence nation was born out of a desire to say this is us, we stand.
The independence anniversary year seemed to be marked by more parties than bold steps forward to match those who have gone before us. But five years. Five years to go until the 300th anniversary of parliament.
That is a period of time in which a difference could be made. It is a period of time in which we can ask, what will be our next great leap forward? And how can we make it happen?
Will it be true equality for all our citizens, man or woman? Will it be a reinvigoration of our Family Islands, which are seeing a steady flow of young people away in search of work in New Providence instead?
Dare we imagine that we conquer the scourge of illegal drugs, that plays such a prominent part in feeding the crime that affects our streets?
Perhaps it will be leading the way to make CARICOM an economic power through joint action and operation?
Shall it be tackling the scourge of poverty, to give all Bahamians a fair chance at life?
Or shall we be five years on, still weighed down by the lack of action we see today? Holes in our roads, power outages still commonplace, no progress in legislation that brings transparency such as freedom of information or campaign finance, no reason for the everyday citizen to believe our leaders are held as accountable as the commoner. So the question we would urge you to consider as you read Diane’s column today is this: What are you doing that will make a difference?
And if you have an answer to that, we would love you to share it. Write to us at letters@tribunemedia.net, and tell us how you are moving the nation forward. Tell us what we need to do. Tell us what the next great leap shall be. We hear often from the same old voices in our world of politics and crime. We would love to hear yours. Speak up. And we hope others will listen.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net
YESTERDAY in Samoa, Prime Minister Brave Davis joined King Charles and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in announcing the new King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme. This programme will fully fund, train and support multiple cohorts of undergraduate, postgraduate and mid-career King’s Fellows in its first few years and seeks to engage participants from every Commonwealth Small Island Developing State. The idea was first discussed by Prime Minister Davis and the King when the two met for lunch prior to the Coronation, in London in 2023.
Silly season early over Baha Mar
EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE traditional ‘silly’ political season has yet to arrive but the bit players and actors are already coming out of the wood works. A few days ago, a New York based court gave a ‘judgment’ in favor of the original developers of Baha Mar. As a trained and well experienced lawyer (albeit a defrocked one) it was patently clear to me that some of the statements attributed to the trial judge were gratuitous and designed for maximum affect within and outside of that court’s jurisdiction. I am not a spear carrier for anyone save and except for the people of this wonderful nation. A very broad brush was used, in my view, to mischievously paint our nation in a negative light. The USA and it’s judicial system are ‘used’ to alleged corruption in high and low places. Hundreds of their appointed and elected public officials have been charged; convicted and sentenced to penal institutions for white collar crimes and nefarious criminal malfeasance since the founding of that nation.
To the best of my recollection two of our politicians, over decades, have been accused; tried and convicted for acts of a criminal nature by way of evidence in a competent court of law after a trial.
The New York based judge stated that ‘high ranking governmental officials’ received or solicited monetary favors/bribes from assorted persons associated with the ongoing saga at Baha Mar during a ‘dispute’ between Sarkis and the Chinese State Construction Company.
The judge named a Bahamian based corporate entity, which from the available facts, was properly
incorporated within our jurisdiction. That firm is/ was owned by a son of a then advisor to the former Prime Minister, the Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie. The underlying insinuation is that the son influenced Christie or could have done so to consider the Chinese favorably to the detriment of Sarkis et al! Mind you, not a piece of evidence has been deposed of in any court, here in The Bahamas or in the USA to prove corruption or undue influence!!
Was the judge suggesting that then PM Christie may have received a portion of the consulting fees paid to the son of the advisor? If he feels so strongly about that possibility he may wish to make a public statement to that effect right here in The Bahamas and face the massive legal consequences. The judge also seemed to be implying that other senior advisors and governmental officials may also have solicited and received bribes. Where is the evidence that may have been tested in a competent court of law and not simply innuendo ?
Without being privy to the intricate details and background of the same, I have always been partial towards Sarkis and his allies. I do not like what went down and/or how it went down.. As a businessman I believe in straightforward practices.
A deal is a deal unless there is concrete evidence of deceit or fraud. There is absolutely no need for the Davis administration to hurt its head over baseless and possibly bogus allegations and innuendos. If persons and
corporate entities have a beef with any Bahamian administration, bring it to trial within our jurisdiction or shut the hell up!! We need not waste the precious time of the Office of The Attorney General, which is already stressed and under performing, with judicial nonsense, in my considered view. The so called judgment will be appealed in due course. Once deposed of by the Appellate Court for the New York Circuit, I have little doubt that it would be appealed , by either parties, to the Supreme Court of the USA. These proceedings, if launched, would take years to be finally resolved.
I would therefore, advise the PM to simply ignore the salacious and, to me, bogus allegations, for the time being. Issuing statements of denial will serve no useful purpose as many in the American media, has long been biased towards administrations by the PLP from the hallowed days of the late great and deeply lamented, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling. Do you recall or remembers the provocative media headlines back in the day?
‘A Nation for Sale’ ?
As it was then, so is it now. The recent criminal fraud case with BankmanFried was replete with serious allegations against USA based politicians and extended to the highest levels. Was any American based politician charged?
Not a single one!! I guess that The Bahamas being a black majority nation, is more vulnerable to corruption and bribery than a ‘white’ one, without being racist? The Baha Mar saga continues. To God then, in all things, be the glory!
ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr
Nassau, October 24, 2024.
JEANNE THOMPSON Nassau, October 23, 2024. Mitchell’s
EDITOR, The Tribune. Dear Mesdames Little Tommy you Tucker Sings for his supper What shall we give him? The world on a platter. Anyone who could not see the obvious conflict of interest in a Minister of Government simultaneously holding the position of chairman of the governing party should have had the beam cast from his or her eyes following the intemperate remarks made by our Minister of Foreign Affairs on the
judgment of a New York Court in the matter involving BahaMar… I have no problem with the chairman rising to the defence of party officials, family and friends. However, I take strong exception to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of our nation lambasting the judge of a friendly country because he did not like his ruling, and vilifying a foreign resident and investor because he dared to bring an action to secure his rights and succeeded. As the Prime Minister had already indicated that the Attorney General would review the ruling and comment therein later, there was no call for comments to be made by the Foreign Minister. He has shown a total lack of diplomatic behavior and the Prime Minister should now be well aware that knowledge of the world Atlas does not make a person qualified for the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Bahamian people are or should be tired of his crass behaviour.
Photo: Michael Probst/AP
IN DON’S MEMORY
The motorcade followed a public viewing at Eternal Rest Mortuary adn headed to the hot rod association track for a memorial service.
Woman in 2019 case died of blunt force trauma
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A PATHOLOGIST
testified yesterday that a 56-year-old woman, Sherrymae Rolle, died from blunt force trauma to the head, torso, and extremities as the inquiry into her 2019 traffic fatality continued.
Coroner Kara Turnquest
Deveaux presided over the hearing, where a five-person jury heard testimony regarding Rolle’s death on April 20, 2019, after being
struck by a 2012 Mitsubishi van driven by Trevor Lightbourne on Blair Street and Baillou Hill Road. Rolle succumbed to her injuries at Princess Margaret Hospital the following day.
Dr Kiko Bridgewater, the pathologist, said Rolle sustained broken ribs, a fractured pelvis, and multiple abrasions on the right side of her body. However, he could not confirm if the vehicle ran over her.
During questioning by K Melvin Munroe, attorney for Rolle’s estate, Dr
Bridgewater explained that greater vehicle speed could result in more severe injuries and suggested that Rolle’s head injury could have been caused either by the impact with the vehicle or the pavement.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Walter Johnson, a traffic accident investigator, testified that he and his team measured the accident scene six months later, on October 23, 2019.
Using an illustration of the road, he explained that Rolle was struck three feet
into the northbound lane, and the van stopped 40 feet from the point of impact.
ASP Johnson disagreed with Mr Munroe’s assertion that another officer, Williamson, was absent during the scene measurements despite not being mentioned in the report.
ASP Johnson acknowledged the lengthy gap between the accident and the investigation, admitting he found no physical evidence at the scene and was not informed of any changes to the landscape during that time.
$6,500 FIND OVER DRUGS AND GUN MAGAZINE
By PAVEL BAILEY
Staff Reporter
A MAN was fined $6,500 yesterday after admitting to having over six pounds of drugs in his car and a gun magazine in his home earlier this week.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Martin McKulsky, 34, on charges of possessing a component part of a firearm and two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
Danielle Richardson, 29, was also charged alongside McKulsky for the firearm component, but McKulsky alone pleaded guilty to all charges, while Richardson pleaded not guilty.
McKulsky was stopped by police in his black 2010
BMW 528-I on Cowpen Road on the night of October 21 for suspicious driving. Police seized 6.5 pounds of marijuana from the vehicle, valued at $6,500 on the street.
During a subsequent search of McKulsky’s residence on Spikenard Road, police found a black 9mm firearm magazine with a sixround capacity, as well as an additional five ounces of marijuana.
McKulsky admitted to the charges, explaining to the magistrate that he did not intend to sell the drugs but understood the amount he possessed qualified for a charge of intent to supply. He added that he smokes regularly, calling it his only joy in life.
Inspector Deon Barr,
the prosecutor, noted that McKulsky’s employer attended his arraignment, indicating the defendant’s strong work ethic.
Magistrate Reckley remarked that it was rare for a defendant’s employer to show up at such proceedings.
The magistrate recognised McKulsky’s early guilty plea, his good character until now, and his role as a father. However, he also emphasised the current dangers of gun-related crime, despite McKulsky only being found with a magazine.
McKulsky was fined $6,500, with the alternative of six months in prison.
He was informed of his right to appeal the sentence within seven days.
MAN JAILED OVER DEATH THREAT AND ASSAULT
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to one year in prison after admitting to threatening a woman with death and assaulting another with a knife on Seabreeze Lane earlier this week.
Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans arraigned 45-year-old
Dominique Andy Simms on charges of making death threats and assault with a deadly weapon. Simms reportedly threatened Tamara Collie with death on October 22 on Seabreeze Lane. He also allegedly assaulted Zoya Hanna with a brown-handled knife that day. At the time of the incident, Simms was reportedly out on bail for
a pending murder charge. He pleaded guilty to both charges, claiming he was intoxicated at the time of the assault. Simms apologised for his actions. He was sentenced to one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, where he is required to undergo anger management and alcohol abuse counselling during his incarceration.
BAIL GRANTED IN SEX ASSAULT CASE
By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune
Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted bail after he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman earlier this month.
Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans arraigned Deidrick Johnson on three counts of indecent assault. The defendant allegedly inappropriately touched a woman in New Providence three times in the last month. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Inspector S Coakley, who served as prosecutor, did not object to the defendant’s bail. Magistrate Vogt-Evans set Johnson’s bail at $5,000 with one or two sureties. The defendant must sign in at his local police station on the last Sunday of every month. Johnson’s trial begins on January 30.
Magistrate Reckley further recommended that immigration authorities repatriate McKulsky, noting that he has no legal status in the country.
Mark Symonette represented the accused.
• Must have a good employment background • Must possess a Bachelors Degree in Nursing • Must have Operating Theatre experience • Must be licensed in the Commonwealth of the
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of Hibiscus Avenue, Vista Marina and formerly of Freeport, Grand Bahama will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, 26th October, 2024 at St. Jude’s Parish Church, Smith’s Point, Grand Bahama. Offciating will be Rev. Marie Roach-Hepburn. Cremation was held.
Margaret is survived by her adopted children: Brenda Major and Gracion Sands; adopted grandchildren: Bridgette Major-Donaldson, Mark Major, Indira and Nestor Sands; The Welfare Committee: Dr. Pamela Etuk, Ruby Nottage, Evelyn GibsonNeily, Bert Gibson, Ellen Gibson, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Clarke, Karen Ann Clarke, Joan & Joseph Duncombe, Beverly Chinn, Carolyn Roberts, Lorenzo Gibson, and Francis Wallace; other relatives and friends including: The children of the late Luella JohnsonThompson, the late Mary Johnson-Butler, the late James Johnson, the late Cyril Johnson, the late Beryl Antrobus-Sandiford, the late Gallie Culmer-Pinder, the late Ellen Culmer-Taylor, the late James Culmer, Herbert Gibson, Gayle Newbold, Nurse Viola Butler, Nurse Barbara Curtis, Barbara Hollis, Neville and Marcus Bethel Families, Glenroy Pratt (Godson), the Settlement of Savannah Sound Eleuthera, and the Island of Grand Bahama, including Water Cay. Sweeting’s Cay and Grand Cay, Abaco.
May Her Soul Rest in Peace!
Angelo Whitfield marshalled the evidence, while Maria Daxon represented Mr Lightbourne.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Counting down to 300 years of our Parliament
IN five years, the Bahamian Parliament will be 300 years old, one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. (Virginia General Assembly established in 1619 was actually the first, but, unlike The Bahamas, did not remain as a consistent drumbeat of national lawmakers).
By any standard, turning 300 is a heck of a milestone. No doubt it will be celebrated with lots of flag-waving. There will be a national church service, likely a contest for an original song, Junkanoo tributes at Boxing Day and New Year’s parades. Probably, safe to add, the calendar will include lectures and a series of guest speakers on the topic of governance at the Public Policy Institute at UB.
All that is good and well, an economic boost good for cultural reinforcement not to mention retail sales, light manufacturing and possibly another acceptable burden on an already overburdened national debt, but who can reject the idea of a 300-year-old anniversary, especially when no one else in half the world can lay claim to such a feat? We won’t begrudge a single penny spent.
But all the flag-waving and parades and days that we wear the national colours will be meaningless unless we ask ourselves what have we learned and how can we put it to good use? How can we 300 years on make the kind of life-altering difference that Governor Woodes Rogers made when he convened the first Parliament three centuries ago?
First, let’s start with what prompted the creation of a body of lawmakers. It wasn’t as if Woodes Rogers, a privateer and adventurer who sailed the globe and, among other feats, rescued the stranded sailor who gave rise to the legend of Robinson Crusoe, woke up one morning and decided to form a body of men to meet and make law. He was sent to bring order to the colony that had been overtaken by bandits.
By Diane Phillips
Think about this –the Parliament we will celebrate was created by a privateer ordered by the king to bring law and order to an island overrun by pirates. In the latest book in the trilogy by historian Tellis Bethel, the former commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the tale of how The Bahamas went from a state of total lawlessness dominated by pirates whose brutality and greed knew no bounds to a place of law and order with commerce restored and one of the oldest Parliaments in history is filled with heroics and demands.
Rogers rose to the task, ordering the unruly hard-drinking, cussing, sword-swinging, cloak and dagger men and women to listen up or face the consequences. They had three choices - turn themselves and their booty in and go straight, get out of the islands and never return or keep raiding boats and houses and the few businesses that were left and take their chances on getting hanged. That’s a simplification but the shocking part is that several took option three and led the movement of what not to do by being hung, setting an example of what not to do as they swung by the neck in the town square. And thus law and order was born in The Bahamas. But how much have we really learned?
Three hundred years ago, pirates with their stranglehold on the islands nearly destroyed The Bahamas. Today, we don’t need pirates. We are doing all the destruction we can all by ourselves. We watch as communities get torn apart and we fail to recognise how important being part of something bigger than ourselves is.
Today, we watch as historic buildings crumble taking irreplaceable history with them because we still do not recognise demolition by neglect as a crime and we fail to preserve the built environment. Today, we allow overdevelopment instead of careful stewardship even in the most fragile of places like the Exuma cays. Today, we permit overfishing and underpreservation. Today, we watch as our conch, crawfish and fish stocks grow ever closer to depletion. Today, we allow dredging that will erode coastlines, make us even more vulnerable to violent storms and by the way, kill sea turtles and other species along with a way to make room for what? Another dock?
Today, we boast of the world’s largest seagrass bed and allow visiting fishing boats and local fishers to trample the resource of blue carbon credits that only two years ago we were promised could help us bring down our national debt and make The Bahamas a resourcerich hero for the world to admire.
Today, we spend millions on health care and fail to face the uncomfortable truth that we are a nation of obesity. Today, we build residential communities with 24-hour security and iron gates to keep crime outside while it is happening under own noses and within our own bedrooms. Today, we watch as family life erodes and values our ancestors once held dear fade into an abyss, as irrelevant as a rotary dial phone.
We have every reason to mark 300 years as a Parliamentary leader and five years to find the reasons to celebrate.
BAHAMAS STATE OF ELKS
The group will hold its state fair this coming Saturday, October 26, from noon to 6pm. The fair is open to all, and scrumptious dishes will be served. Prizes and surprises.
Also, on Sunday, October 27, at 3pm the group will be honouring deceased members who passed away 2023 to 2024 at Divine Praise Baptist Church Hunts close.
CANCER SOCIETY OF THE BAHAMAS
Saturday, October 19, SuperClub Breezes came alive as hundreds of guests gathered for a night of thrill and laughter at the Cancer Society’s Bingo Family Fun Night, held to raise funds for the Cancer Caring Centre.
As guests screamed “Bingo!” and collected their prizes, excitement scattered through the air, adding to the festive atmosphere that filled the room.
For the event, local companies generously donated fantastic prizes, including gift certificates, an iron, an air fryer, luggage, a smart TV, and many more! In addition to bingo games, guests also entered a raffle to win other prizes.
The Cancer Society would like to thank the Kiwanis Club of Nassau A.M., who did a remarkable job organizing the event, and the volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of Elite Young Professionals and Key Clubs of various schools. Furthermore, we would like to thank SuperClub Breezes for allowing us to hold the event in their ballroom, the businesses who donated prizes, and the many residents who attended to help us provide comfort and hope to cancer patients.
A heartfelt thank you also goes out to Janet Brown, her son, Jarad, and other relatives for continuing to support the cause.
If you missed this year’s event, mark your calendar
for October 18, 2025.
FIRST BAHAMAS BRANCH OF TOASTMASTERS CLUB 1600
Last Thursday, October 10, The First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600 honoured Distinguished Toastmaster Clement ‘the Gem’ Foster for his remarkable 50 years in the Toastmasters organisation, with a special highlight being the attendance of the Right Honorable Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Prime Minister of
the Bahamas who is also a Distinguished Toastmaster and past president of The First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Prime Minister celebrated his long-time friendship with Clem, praising his unwavering dedication to public speaking and leadership. He emphasised how Clem’s contributions have not only shaped the Toastmasters community but have also inspired countless individuals to find their voices and lead with confidence.
The evening featured an engaging educational program, followed by a
delightful gathering where members shared stories and laughter over food and drinks. This memorable event not only recognised Clem’s incredible achievements but also reinforced the strong bonds of friendship within our Toastmasters family. Here’s to many more years of inspiration, guided by the legacy of DTM Clement Foster.
KIWANIS CLUB OF CABLE BEACH
Establishing a reading centre in a preschool setting is essential for fostering early literacy skills among
young children. This centre can serve as a vibrant space where children can explore books, engage in storytelling, and participate in various literacy-related activities. The goal is to create an environment that promotes a love for reading and enhances language development.
In an effort to enhance early literacy skills among preschool-aged children, The Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach saw it fit and partnered with SLP schools namely Anatol Rodgers High School Key Club and Builders club to design benches and bookshelves. These benches and bookshelves along with reading books will be donated to various pre-schools to establish a reading centre within our educational institutions. The rising readers reading center will serve as a crucial resource for both children and educators, providing access to a diverse range of literature and literacy-related activities.
The primary objectives of the Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach Rising readers reading center include:
1. Promoting Early Literacy Skills: By providing access to a variety of books and literacy resources, the center will support the development of essential reading skills among young learners.
2. Encouraging a Love for Reading: The centre will be designed to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages children to explore books and engage in storytelling, fostering a lifelong passion for reading.
3. Supporting Language Development: Through interactive literacy activities, the center will help enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills among preschoolers.
4. Providing Resources for Educators: The reading center will serve as a valuable resource for teachers, offering materials and strategies to effectively integrate literacy into the preschool curriculum.
On Wednesday, October 16th, Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach made their first donation to the Coconut Grove Pre School. Before the presentation was made Reading Ralph (Distinguished President Kenneth Sweeting) read to the students and they participated and enjoyed the story that was read to them.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach. Your commitment to enhancing
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early literacy is invaluable and will leave a lasting legacy in our community.
PHI MU CHAPTER OF ALPHA PHIL ALPHA FRATERNITY INC
The Brothers of the Phi Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated — the 964th House of Alpha—represented our chapter with excellence at the 64th Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters District Conference:
• Brother Theodore A Johnson was elected as the Assistant District Director-elect, stepping into a vital leadership role within the district.
• Brother Joshua Z Dames won the Florida District Belford V Lawson Oratorical Competition and will represent the Florida District at the Southern Region Convention, March 5-9, 2025, Atlanta, Georgia.
• Brother Dévonte D Rolle received the Outstanding Service Award for his exceptional work as the Bahamas Islands Assistant Area Director, a testament to his dedication.
• Brother Jason J Weir served as the delegate for the chapter, voting on all matters during the conference.
• The Brothers of Phi Mu also participated in the College Chapter of the Year presentation and competition, representing our chapter with pride.
We are proud of the achievements of our brothers and look forward to continuing the legacy of Alpha excellence.
ROTARACT CLUB OF NASSAU
SUNSET AND ROTARACT CLUB OF UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS
The Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset and the Rotaract Club of the University of The Bahamas, will be hosting a “Financial Literacy Event” on Saturday October 26, at 10am at the University of The Bahamas, Harry C Moore Library.
The objective of this event is to educate individuals on how to take control of their finances and how to optimise tools and resources to build wealth. We’ll have five amaz-
ATTENDEES at the meeting of the First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600, including Prime Minister Philip Davis.
THE CANCER Society of The Bahamas bingo night.
Groundbreaking ceremony held for Eden facility to handle plastic
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter
EDEN Recycling and Manufacturing Limited marked a groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility yesterday, attended by government officials and local leaders.
The company, led by chairman and CEO Andrew McFall, unveiled its vision for transforming waste management in The Bahamas by introducing innovative recycling and manufacturing solutions to reduce the country’s environmental impact.
“This facility will be equipped with state-ofthe-art technology, initially handling plastic waste from key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and education,” Mr McFall said.
He outlined plans to eventually expand into manufacturing eco-friendly plastic products, helping to reduce the use of singleuse plastics while offering sustainable alternatives for commercial purposes.
In addition to recycling,
During the event, Mr McFall emphasised the company’s commitment to addressing the country’s waste challenges, specifically focusing on reducing plastic waste.
Eden Recycling will also focus on manufacturing products like plumbing pipes and electrical fixtures. Mr McFall believes that local manufacturing will play a crucial role in driving economic growth, reducing dependency on imports, and offering more affordable retail options for Bahamians.
“At Eden, it is our inherent belief that manufacturing will, or should be, one of the ways forward for economic growth,” he added.
The event also included remarks from Acting Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper, who
SWANCO LIMITED
(In Voluntary Liquidation) (“the Company”) Company Registration No. 36722 C NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT an Extraordinary Meeting (“the Final Meeting”) of the Shareholders of the Company is hereby called to be held at the office of Deloitte & Touche Bahamas, Dehands House, 2nd Terrace West, Centreville, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas, on Monday, the 18th day of November A.D., 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The object and purpose of said meeting is to have laid before the Shareholders of the Company the accounts of the Liquidators, Mr. Mark E. Munnings and Ms. Tiphaney C. Russell, showing the manner in which the winding up of the Company has been conducted, the property of the Company distributed, the debts and obligations of the Company discharged, the retention and destruction of the Company’s books and records, and also to hear any further explanations that may be given by the said Joint Liquidators.
Dated this 25th day of October A.D., 2024.
Ms. Tiphaney C. Russell Joint Liquidator For and on behalf of Swanco Limited (In Voluntary Liquidation) c/o Deloitte & Touche Bahamas Dehands House, 2nd Terrace West, Centreville P.O. Box N-7120 Nassau, New Providence The Bahamas
highlighted the importance of sustainable initiatives like Eden’s in supporting the government’s environmental goals. He praised the company for contributing to the country’s eco-friendly
agenda, noting that initiatives like this will help address the country’s plastic pollution problem.
“A few years ago, the government of The Bahamas banned single-use plastics,” Mr Cooper said.
“By recycling, Eden is playing a critical role in ensuring less plastic ends up in our environment, which aligns with our broader efforts for sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.”
MINISTER for the Environment and Natural Resources Vaughn Miller, Marco City MP and Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Eden Chairman and CEO Andrew McFall and Eden Director of Sales and Marketing Garth Rolle during the groundbreaking ceremony for Eden Recycling and Manufacturing on October 24, 2024.
Photo: Dante Carrer/ Tribune Staff