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Volume: 123 No. 31, Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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PARTIALLY BLIND DAD KILLED ON CROSSING Family demands justice after father becomes year’s first traffic fatality By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
Photo showing Vincent Hepburn with three of his daughters
A 64-YEAR-OLD partially blind man became the country’s first traffic fatality of the year after he was reportedly struck while using a pedestrian crossing on Bahamas Games Boulevard, with his family calling for answers and justice. Vincent Hepburn, a father of five, was reportedly on his way to his Yellow Elder Gardens home, just a few houses from the thoroughfare, when he was fatally injured on Saturday afternoon. He died in hospital hours later.
His daughter, Bianca Hepburn, said the family believes their father was killed due to negligent driving. She said that although he was partially blind in his left eye, he regularly used the pedestrian crossing and was familiar with the area, having lived there his entire life. “He was coming home. He was coming across the road and according to the people, they said he got hit by a car coming across the road,” she told The Tribune. A bag of groceries was reportedly found near the FATALITY - SEE PAGE THREE
BERRY ISLANDERS CALL FOR STANDALONE SEAT AS Roberts beats Watson in ‘opinion poll’ BOUNDARIES REPORT EXPECTED TO BE TABLED TODAY as concerns raised over its relevance By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net WITH the Boundaries Commission expected to table its long-awaited report in Parliament today, Berry Islands residents are calling
for their own parliamentary seat, warning that proposals to merge the island with Bimini would once again leave them overlooked. The Berry Islands are currently paired with North Andros and were previously combined with Bimini.
Sources say the Davis administration is expected to propose changes that would again pair the island with Bimini. The Tribune understands the report also recommends BOUNDARY - SEE PAGE FIVE
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party deputy chairman Obie Roberts defeated contender ZNS General Manager Clint Watson in
what was described as an “opinion poll” held by the Southern Shores branch on Monday night, a vote that has since raised concerns about its relevance and conduct. Multiple sources have confirmed Mr Roberts won
the poll 40-0. However, The Tribune understands the vote carries no formal weight, as the party’s candidate committee is responsible for selecting constituency candidates. TENSIONS - SEE PAGE SEVEN
BNU CHIEF VOWS TRANSPARENCY IN HOSPITAL DEATH INVESTIGATION By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net AS investigations continue into the death of Clanesha Adderley at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) president Muriel Lighbourn said she would not speculate on what happened until the probe is
complete, but assured that the concerns are being taken seriously. In a brief message to The Tribune yesterday, Ms Lighbourn reaffirmed the union’s commitment to transparency, compassion and accountability, but stressed she would respect the family’s grief and the NURSES - SEE PAGE FOUR
BAHAMAS NURSES UNION PRESIDENT MURIEL LIGHBOURN
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PAGE 2, Wednesday, January 7, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Fire truck donation honours two North Abaco boys lost in fire By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net THE family of 12-yearold Montana Ferguson say they wish it did not take his death in a Crown Haven house fire last year for North Abaco to finally receive a new fire truck. The donation made by Eagles’ Wings Foundation and its Pathfinders taskforce is the second fire truck provided to the area. The vehicle is slated to serve the Little Abaco communities and bears the names of Montana and 13-year-old Terrance Williams, who died in a car crash in November alongside his aunt. In an interview with The Tribune, Montana’s aunt Jacqueline Duncombe said her family was asked whether they were comfortable with his life being honoured through a fire truck donation to North Abaco. She said residents had been calling on officials for years to provide an additional fire truck to serve the Little Abaco communities. She described the donation as bittersweet, noting that it took a tragedy for those concerns to be addressed. “I am grateful now that they have it because now something like this won’t happen again,” she said yesterday. “It still hurts.” “Y’all should have seen this ahead of time. Prepared yourselves ahead of time for the future. The community was asking for this fire truck for years.” Ms Duncombe said it took her nephew’s tragic death for change to occur, adding that “at least some good came out of his death”. Montana died when a
fire broke out at a friend’s home where he was staying overnight in August 2025. Neighbours tried desperately to rescue him, breaking windows and throwing buckets of water on the single-storey wooden house as his cries for help filled the air. The homeowner, Ocianna Scott, and her three children escaped but lost everything in the blaze. Firefighters arrived nearly an hour later from Cooper’s Town, about 40 to 50 minutes away, by which time the house had been completely destroyed. The tragedy renewed urgent calls for a fire truck and hydrants in the Little Abaco communities. Ms Duncombe said Montana could have survived had there been another fire truck on the island. “He would have been here with us,” she said, adding that she trusts God’s plan and will not question why events unfolded as they did. FNM North Abaco candidate Terrece Bootle said it took just one conversation with Scott P Lewis of Eagles’ Wings for the donation to become a reality. She said the effort also involved collaboration with Family Island Administrator Stephen Wilson, the North Abaco Pastors Association, and consultation with volunteer firefighter Gary Smith, whose guidance helped determine the most suitable option for Little Abaco. “From that moment, action was set in motion to secure a fire truck for Little Abaco,” Ms Bootle said. “Seeing the young men’s names represents hope. The young men possessed so much potential and we honour them. It speaks to
our collective determination to move forward.” Ms Bootle said this is the second fire truck donated to North Abaco by Eagles’ Wings. She noted that the organisation previously built a fire station at the clinic grounds in Cooper’s Town and that the new fire truck was earmarked for Little Abaco following the fatal fire. She said the truck is currently at a shipping company in Florida and is expected to arrive in The Bahamas next week. Gary Smith, deputy chief of the North Abaco Volunteer Fire Department, said the existing fire truck in North Abaco is based in Cooper’s Town and remains operable. He said the new fire engine will be used effectively in Little Abaco and is well equipped with bunker gear, hoses and external pumps. Last November, Sherlin C Bootle Secondary School honoured Montana and Terrance, who were both students at the school. In a Facebook post, the school said Grade 8B and its homeroom teachers created a heartfelt tribute featuring an adorned chair filled with messages, flowers and expressions of love. The school said the chair symbolised the boys’ presence, laughter and the light they brought to the classroom. The post read: “Though they are no longer with us, this chair remains filled with the love, memories and bonds they created within their homeroom.”
A CHAIR adorned with tributes, messages, flowers and expressions of love from students and teachers of Grade 8B at Sherlin Bottle High School in North in honour of Montana Ferguson and Terrence Williams.
Family calls for answers as father becomes first traffic death of new year
THE TRIBUNE
FATALITY from page one
scene. The family believes he was on his way home to cook, something they said he loved to do. Police did not report the incident in their daily crime reports. When contacted by The Tribune, press liaison officer Sheria King said she would look into the matter. Police later issued a statement following The Tribune’s inquiries, confirming a collision involving Hepburn and a black Nissan Juke. Officers said they found Hepburn lying on the ground with visible injuries, while the Nissan Juke was parked on the eastern side of the street with damage to its front end. The family said they were troubled by the lack of police reporting. “That’s how a lot of people find out about their loved ones too if you ain’t immediate,” Ms Hepburn said. “Or even someone who probably saw could say, ‘oh well, let me come forward and say something, because
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, PAGE 3
“It’s hard because I keep thinking about him, trying to sleep. It’s just hard because you can’t focus and then you have your own life you have to focus on because all of us have kids.” - Bianca Hepburn Daughter I didn’t know the person died. I saw it happen.’ So that had me distraught to know it wasn’t reported.” Hepburn’s daughters learned of the accident through their 88-year-old grandmother, who called them frantically after hearing the news. Ms Hepburn said she and her sisters immediately went to the hospital, where they learned their father had lost a significant amount of blood. They were later allowed to see him. “Everybody was talking to him and letting everyone
know all of us here right here with you and to stay strong,” Ms Hepburn said. Hours later, hospital staff delivered the devastating news, marking the first time the close-knit family had experienced such a tragedy so close to home. “It’s hard because I keep thinking about him, trying to sleep,” the grieving daughter said. “It’s just hard because you can’t focus and then you have your own life you have to focus on because all of us have kids.” She said the loss was especially shocking because they had spoken just hours before the incident about her collecting a gift for her son for participating in Junkanoo. A few days earlier, they had attended church together and spent Christmas together as a family. Ms Hepburn described
Vincent Hepburn pictured with family. her father as their world, saying he was proud of his daughters and always protective of them. “He always told us we are family. We are our own friends. We have enough sisters as friends and he always
stood by his word and said whatever we need, he got us.” She said she will always cherish the time they spent together on Father’s Day and during the holidays. She added that cooking
was their love language, and she would write messages like “made with love” on the food she gave him. “I saw he still had the cover on in his bed, so I just carried that home to keep,” Ms Hepburn said.
No word from government as Arawak Cay vendors rebuild By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net ARAWAK Cay vendors continue to rebuild nearly six weeks after a fire damaged several businesses at the popular Fish Fry, with the president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association saying there has been no recent communication from the government and little contact among affected operators. Speaking with The Tribune, restaurant owner and association president Rodney Russell, whose Red Snapper restaurant was partially damaged in the November 16 fire, said he has not been contacted by government officials since discussions held shortly after the blaze. Mr Russell said he has also not heard from most of the other vendors impacted by the fire, refraining from speaking on their individual circumstances or conditions since the incident. “I am in the Cay every day and no one has come to me or said anything to me,” Mr Russell said. The fire, which struck
Rubble is cleared at Arawak Cay in the aftermath of a blaze the destroyed several businesses on November 16. Arawak Cay just weeks before the start of the Christmas season, raised concerns at the time about lost income during one of the busiest periods of the year for vendors. Mr Russell said that while some activity has been visible on site, including electrical repairs and inspections by the Ministry of Works, recovery efforts appear to be proceeding on an individual basis.
“It is good to know that some persons are on their way back,” he said. When asked about government involvement moving forward, Mr Russell said no official had contacted him recently and that he believed the administration was focused on other national priorities. “When they do get around to it, they would contact me and I would be able to give you more
information on what the government plans are and what they intend to do, if they intend to do anything,” he said. Mr Russell said his own restaurant sustained damage to roughly half of the structure, allowing him to avoid a full rebuild. He said the damaged section was closed off and the entire electrical system was replaced. “I had to put in a brand new electrical system and
rewire the entire area,” he said. “I am painting up, fixing up all my facilities and improving certain areas so I can function again on a small scale.” He said the Ministry of Works has already inspected the new electrical system and that he is awaiting documentation to proceed with reconnection by Bahamas Power and Light. Mr Russell said he expects to reopen Red Snapper as early as next week, initially operating on a reduced scale. “My clients are calling me on a regular basis and they are excited to come back,” he said. “It is like I have been away and now I will be back and we will be back as one big family again.” Reflecting on the weeks following the fire, Mr Russell said he viewed the period as an unexpected pause after more than two decades of near daily work at Arawak Cay. “I have worked here for about 23 years, six days a week,” he said. “The fire put me on vacation and it taught me that I need to take work as it comes and try to enjoy my life.” On the state of the association, Mr Russell said
there have been no recent meetings or coordinated discussions among members since the fire. He used a metaphor to describe AVCA’s activity, likening the organisation to a walking stick used by a blind man only when needed. Mr Russell explained that vendors tend to engage the association and its leadership during times of crisis but largely disengage once normal operations resume. “When there is a problem in Arawak Cay, all members can find the president. When there is no problem, there is no need to look for the president,” he said, adding that while the association functions as a unit during emergencies, it does not operate collectively on a consistent basis outside of crises. “It is like most organisations. People get busy doing other things. People get busy with family, school fees, opportunities. People get busy,” Mr Russell added. He said that while vendors do not operate collectively on a regular basis, they have historically come together when circumstances demand it.
PAGE 4, Wednesday, January 7, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Nurses union chief warns against speculation in hospital death probe NURSES from page one professionalism of the caregivers involved. “The matter is currently under investigation, and so it would be premature for me to draw any conclusions before the process is completed,” she said yesterday. “We assure the family and the public that their concerns are being taken seriously. We also recognise the dedication of our nurses who continue to serve under challenging circumstances while this investigation proceeds.” She cited Psalm 34:18, noting that God is close to the brokenhearted and would bring comfort to the family in their sorrow. “Our commitment is to transparency, compassion and accountability, and I’m sure that whatever the investigations findings are, that it will be shared with the family members.” Her comments followed the Public Hospitals Authority launching an investigation on the family’s claims of negligence and inadequate care, which they believe contributed to Clanesha’s death at the PMH. Clanesha, 36, a mother of one, was admitted to the Female Medical-Surgical East ward on November 1 after experiencing persistent pain that did not subside with medication. Her family said her condition worsened over several days, with no clear diagnosis provided. In her final days, Clanesha sent voice notes
BAHAMAS NURSES UNION PRESIDENT MURIEL LIGHTBOURN begging her family to hire a lawyer and transfer her to another hospital. Her daughter Shamyah, 16, broke down in tears on Monday as she revealed the trauma of discovering
her mother’s body, cold and unresponsive, with her oxygen mask dislodged.. On November 14, the day of her death, relatives claimed hospital staff were allegedly unaware of her
condition. The case, reported exclusively by The Tribune on Monday, sparked widespread public reaction and calls for accountability. Health and Wellness
Minister Dr Michael Darville confirmed that medical notes and records are now in his possession and vowed that his ministry would “do everything in its power” to investigate the
circumstances surrounding her death. He said that if any findings implicate PMH or its staff, the matter would be addressed appropriately and with full transparency.
Thompson: Bahamians paying for PLP decisions
EAST GRAND BAHAMA MP KWASI THOMPSON THE Free National Movement has rejected claims by Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell that the cost of living crisis is largely driven by imported inflation, arguing that government policies have played a significant role in keeping prices high for Bahamian families. In a statement issued yesterday, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson said while Bahamians understand that inflation in the United States affects local prices, they should not accept what he described as the government using global pressures to deflect responsibility for domestic decisions that have increased costs. Mr Thompson said once prices rise, they rarely fall, and that government policy determines whether those increases are eased or compounded. He argued that over the past four years, decisions by the Davis administration have added pressure to households by increasing costs across the
economy. He said the government controls taxes, fees, energy policy, housing rules and the cost of doing business, but has failed to use those tools to provide meaningful relief. Instead, he said, policies have contributed to higher food prices, electricity bills, rents and business expenses. Mr Thompson pointed to increased fees on small businesses, particularly in the marine and boating sector, saying these costs are passed on to consumers. He also criticised the expansion of VAT on certain breadbasket items, arguing this has increased grocery bills at a time when household budgets are already stretched. He said despite repeated commitments, there has been little progress on improving the ease of doing business, with red tape, slow approvals and rising compliance costs continuing to burden entrepreneurs. The FNM MP dismissed government claims that
VAT adjustments, duty changes and social assistance programmes have eased the cost of living, arguing that if those measures were effective, Bahamians would feel the difference in their day to day expenses. Mr Thompson also raised concerns about slowing economic growth and said some productive sectors are contracting. He added that the government’s energy plans would result in higher electricity bills until at least 2027, leaving families to absorb increased costs now with only promises of future relief. He said after four years in office, the PLP is asking for more time, but argued that Bahamians cannot afford continued high costs for food, electricity and housing. Mr Thompson said the FNM’s approach focuses on lowering and stabilising costs, supporting local businesses and home ownership, and prioritising affordability for Bahamian families.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, PAGE 5
Berry Islands: We deserve our own constituency seat BOUNDARY from page one creating a new seat in western New Providence, combining multiple communities, including parts of Killarney, under a single electoral boundary. When contacted for comment yesterday, many Berry Islands residents told The Tribune that the island deserves a representative from their own community who can properly advocate for their needs in Parliament. They argue that when paired with larger or more politically dominant islands, the Berry Islands are routinely marginalised. Erica Knowles, a Berry Islands resident, said she was surprised to learn of the proposed new seat configuration. “This is news to me. As always they don’t consult with the people. They just do their own thing,” she said. Ms Knowles expressed disappointment that the Berry Islands would once again be grouped with another island. “We are paired with North Andros, and so they are combining us with Bimini again,” she said. “I just think that the Berry Islands need to be a standalone seat. That’s my feeling on the whole thing.” When asked why, she said past pairings have brought little benefit to residents. “It doesn’t matter who they pair us with, nothing gets done in any event,” she said.
Ms Knowles believes a separate constituency would improve representation. “It would be better if we could have persons from the community who have an interest in the community to represent us because as of now, representation is severely lacking.” She pointed to several longstanding challenges, including poor telecommunications. “BTC is non existent on the island. They closed their location due to mould and that was over maybe two years ago, and the building never reopened. So, they don’t have a presence here,” Ms Knowles said. She said the absence of on island technicians has made service unreliable. “In the last several days alone, we’ve been having challenges. You may not have even been able to reach me if you tried to call like three hours ago because the system was just down for hours, and that’s every day.” Banking services are also limited, with only a credit union operating on the island. Ms Knowles said even that service was recently under threat due to low transaction volumes. Infrastructure remains another concern, particularly delayed road works. “They’ve been doing the road works now for three years. The work has been off and on, but mostly off,” she said, adding that activity has
A Beach in the Berry Islands. resumed as elections approach. She also noted ongoing challenges in education, including a shortage of teachers. However, Ms Knowles said some development is taking place through cruise related projects at Great Stirrup Cay, where construction is nearing completion on what will be known as Pleasure Island. Once completed, the Berry Islands will host two cruise ports, in addition to Little Stirrup Cay’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay. VJ Reckley agreed that the Berry Islands need their own seat, saying past
Sky Princess makes its inaugural call to Freeport
Charles Rolle, Deputy Port Director at the Freeport Harbour, makes a presentation to Captain Tony Draper of Sky Princess, along with Deputy Port Director Thurston. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net The Sky Princess made its inaugural call to Freeport on Tuesday, bringing about 4,000 passengers, with roughly half of those guests disembarking the ship. The visit to Grand Bahama was marked by a plaque exchange and brief remarks onboard the vessel, signalling an important call for both the port and the community. Captain Tony Draper said the visit represented a milestone for the Princess Cruises vessel. “This is our inaugural call into Freeport today. This is the biggest of the Princess ships that has come into Freeport,” he said. The vessel measures 330 metres in length and can carry up to 4,400 passengers. Capt Draper said about 3,900 passengers were onboard. “We regularly run around 3,900 to 4,200 through our Caribbean season,” he added. He also commented on port infrastructure, noting that while the current berth accommodated the ship, future upgrades would be beneficial.
“Well, obviously we’ve got a fairly narrow channel that we come through. I know there’s some improvement going on as well so that we can have the ships this size frequently,” he said. Charles Rolle, deputy port director at Freeport Harbour Company and Hutchison Ports, said the Sky Princess’ visit was significant for the port and the Grand Bahama community. According to Mr Rolle, Freeport ended last year on a strong note despite some challenges. He reported a surge in unscheduled calls late last year, particularly in December. “We finished very strong in the month of December where there were three or four unscheduled calls and those represented at least about 12,000 to 15,000 passengers arriving to our shores in December,” he said, describing them as “unexpected passengers”. He said Freeport often serves as an alternative port when cruise itineraries change. “Freeport is always ready and willing to accept them at a short moment’s notice,” Mr Rolle said. While he said Tuesday’s call does not necessarily signal an immediate increase in cruise traffic, he
stressed that officials are working with the Ministry of Tourism to grow the number of calls to Freeport. Karenda Rolle, senior manager of guest services at the Ministry of Tourism, said the ministry welcomed the inaugural visit and the economic boost it provided. “We’re so excited to welcome a vessel as the Sky Princess,” Ms Rolle said. “When we have such visits, it does help to meet our mandate, and we look forward to further partnerships. We’re always ready and excited to welcome new partners.” Ms Rolle said they were pleased that of the approximately 3,900 guests onboard, about 1,500 disembarked. She noted that the visit benefited many local stakeholders. “We are happy for our industry partners, the taxi drivers, tour operators, vendors and artisans who all benefit from the guests who came off the ship,” she said. Ms Rolle added that the plaque exchange is an important part of welcoming new cruise partners. “It is important to have a plaque exchange as a sign of appreciation, unity and part of us welcoming new cruise ships to the destination,” she said.
arrangements with Bimini and Andros have consistently left the islands overlooked. “I think we should get our separate seat because don’t care who you put us with, they always put us last,” Mr Reckley said. Though originally from Andros, Mr Reckley has lived and worked in the Berry Islands as a landscaper for many years. “I’ve been here long enough to know that we need our own representative to just focus on what the Berry Islands need,” he said. He described telecommunications as one of the most pressing issues. “The phone service is deplorable. You can’t hold a decent conversation because it is always dropping,” he said.
Mr Reckley also raised concerns about emergency services, noting that while the island recently received a fire truck through private efforts, residents still lack access to a public ambulance. “Anyone here gets sick, you have to get transported by private vehicle,” he said. Alexandria Moss said residents should have been consulted before any changes were made to constituency boundaries, noting that decisions are often taken without local input. She argued that under the current pairing with North Andros, Great Harbour Cay generates more revenue but receives fewer infrastructure upgrades, pointing to long delayed road works and the need for a
new school rather than temporary repairs. “It should not take you four years to complete roads,” she said. “And the school, we don’t need no more patching here and there, we need a new school.” Ms Moss also raised concerns about unsafe government buildings and limited social services, noting that the Berry Islands share a social worker with North Andros who visits only every few months. Residents said these recurring challenges are why the Berry Islands should have a dedicated representative, one from their community focused solely on its needs.
PAGE 6, Monday, Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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Acting without guardrails of law A day seems a long time in politics – in the international arena even more so. Yesterday, in this column, we considered the various countries that have been the target of threatening words from the US leadership, including Greenland. Today, we find the US government not ruling out military intervention to take Greenland. The White House said that President Donald Trump is “discussing a range of options” to acquire Greenland. Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark. Denmark is a NATO ally of the US. Allies by habit do not float the idea of military action to take one another’s territory. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN: “President Trump has made it well known that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it’s vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region.” She went on: “The President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal.” As for Trump himself, he told reporters: “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.” This is not just noise from the top – it carries down the chain. Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller questioned the right of Denmark to claim the territory during an interview on CNN – while not giving any case for why the US deserved to do so. And Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that the rhetoric about military force is a negotiating tactic to push Denmark into selling Greenland. The response has been as you might expect – a combination of leaders being flabbergasted and a demonstration of unity. Across Europe, leaders said the future of Denmark and Greenland is down to the people of Denmark and Greenland. And rightly so. This follows of course closely on the heels of the US intervening in Venezuela to arrest its president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife and Trump saying that the US would “run the country”. Again, that should be a matter for the people of the country. There is no point liberating a country from the leadership of an illegitimate administration if one is not to offer the chance of a legitimate democratic election. Trump’s justification for the Maduro arrest was his involvement in drug smuggling offences against the US – and yet last night he was claiming that Venezuela was turning over 30-50 million barrels of oil to the US to be sold
at market price “and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States”. Quite how Venezuelan oil being handed over is connected to its arrested leader’s drug crimes have yet to be explained. It is a positive sign that last night there was a bipartisan statement from US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, one a Democrat, the other a Republican, urging Trump to accept that Greenand is not for sale. It urged: “When Denmark and Greenland make it clear that Greenland is not for sale, the United States must honor its treaty obligations and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark. Any suggestion that our nation would subject a fellow NATO ally to coercion or external pressure undermines the very principles of self-determination that our Alliance exists to defend.” Trump has said the US “badly” needs to have Greenland – but it has no right to do so. On the face of it, the US has no serious claim to the territory. More to the point, the people of Greenland do not want to be part of the US. A poll a year ago showed that 85 percent of Greenlanders did not want to be part of the US. There is a broader desire, according to polls, for Greenland to be independent of Denmark – but that is a very different discussion. There is a concern here that in this rhetoric – and in the actions in Venezuela – that we are seeing an administration acting without the guard rails of international law. It also makes one wonder about the other outlandish comments made – from US cities being used as training grounds for the military to Canada becoming the 51st state. How many of these remain braggadocio and how many might now not be beyond the realms of possibility? Fundamentally, at the heart of these things, it should be up to the people of any nation to decide their leadership, their governments and their sovereignty. Imposing anything else from outside is expansionism and colonial in nature. It does not matter what the US “needs badly” if that is the sovereign territory of another nation. Even more so when that territory is an ally willing to cooperate on security issues. Such steps do not just threaten the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark – but the stability of NATO itself, an organisation that among its goals sought to ensure the horrors of the Second World War would not be revisited. A day is indeed a long time in politics. What will tomorrow bring?
Imperialism and a thirst for oil EDITOR, The Tribune. ON Saturday morning past, January 3rd, the world awakened to the news that American forces went into Venezuela in the dead of night, turned the electricity off, snatched president Nicholas Madura out of his hiding place, and took him to America. This was an action in search of a reason. It was lawlessness disguised as necessity. America’s mantra seems to be “diplomacy be damned!”. America has taken on the roll as the arbiter of world justice. No one was surprised, since the United States (US) recently moved tons of military hardware -including its largest aircraft carrier- into the Caribbean sea within the last two months, and more recently it has commandeered two oil tankers which belong to Venezuela. President Trump, a wannabe dictator himself, has accused Madura- another dictator - of drug smuggling, ammunition trafficking, and
a slew of other trumped-up charges which the (US) claimed were endangering American lives; a claimed which was never substantiated. Political observers felt all along that these were manufactured charges by the (US) to topple the Madura government and install a puppet regime in Venezuela. Critics further reasoned that a puppet regime would pave the way for American oil companies to move into Venezuela and control the flow of oil. My guess is that if Haiti had large reserves of oil deposits, American forces would have been in Haiti eons ago -but I digress. To be sure, president Madura was no choir boy, having crusher all opposition forces in sham elections and having systematically dismantled the basic tenets of democracy in an effort to stay in power. But that does not give the (US) of any other country the right to invade or trample
the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another country. There are always a right way and a wrong way. This is American imperialism on steroids! Some Latin American right-wing leaning governments have condemned the (US’s) behavior; a tepid response at best, which is tantamount to whistling past the grave yard. The precedent has been set, and other Caribbean leaders are quivering in their boots, wondering who might be next. This naked form of aggression (American imperialism) must be condemned by all countries who seek to be on the right side of history. Russia has invaded Ukraine, and now America has removed Nicholas Madura from power in Venezuela. Will China invade Taiwan next? Only time can tell. ZEPHANIAH BURROWS Nassau, January 3, 2026.
Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net A POTCAKE posing for his photo.
Photo: Laurie Gouley
When laws are not enforced EDITOR, The Tribune. DESPITE the existence of the Animal Protection and Control Act (2011), illegal dog fighting, backyard breeding, and widespread neglect continue unchecked across The Bahamas. The crisis is no longer a matter of unclear legislation; it is a failure of enforcement, public will, and national accountability. One recent situation is a stark symbol of this growing problem: A male pit bull confined inside a wooden box. He has no sunlight, no bedding, no accessible water, only a hole he chewed himself in desperation to see the world outside. He is not a pet. He is a breeding tool — a living commodity used for profit. This is not an isolated incident; this is a pattern. In the past weeks alone, residents and animal advocates have witnessed: • Dogs bearing wounds and scars, believed to be used as bait in illegal fighting rings, were later dumped on public roads. (Breach of Sections 29, 46 – APCA) • Family dogs abandoned in public spaces, including a case where a man released a large dog from his truck in front of his young child, then drove off as the dog chased the vehicle. (Breach of Sections 10, 27 – APCA) • Dogs are often chained with less than a four-foot leash to boats, fences, and rusted car parts, with no shelter from heat or storms. (Breach of Sections 46, 47 – APCA) • Female dogs are repeatedly bred until physical collapse, showing signs of extreme reproductive exhaustion. (Breach of Section 9 – APCA) • Emaciated, injured dogs wandering tourist areas,
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net still wearing collars, proving they were once owned. (Breach of Section 10 – APCA) Every one of these situations is illegal under Bahamian law — yet the law is not being enforced. THE SYSTEMIC PROBLEM How can cruelty be stopped when those responsible for enforcing the law are divided, under-resourced, or unwilling to intervene? And an even harder question: What does it say about us, as a nation, when this is allowed to continue? When we ignore suffering, we normalise it. When children grow up watching animals used for violence or thrown away like garbage, they learn that life, any life, is disposable. A nation that does not protect its animals is a nation failing its people. When tourists arrive expecting paradise but instead see starving dogs on beaches and roadsides, it harms how they see our country. If this level of neglect is considered “acceptable care,” then the law is broken. If this level of cruelty is ignored, then enforcement is broken. And if we accept this as normal, then we are broken. If we do not care for the animals living among us, we are not caring for our neighbors, our neighborhoods, or our future generations. This is not just an animal crisis; it is a community crisis and a national issue.
Animal Welfare Action Group Bahamas (AWAG) stresses that animal cruelty is not only a welfare concern; it is a social indicator. A society that normalises violence against animals also normalises the disrespect of life, responsibility, and community. A nation cannot claim progress while allowing systemic neglect on its streets. We cannot care for our children, our communities, or our future while ignoring suffering in plain sight. AWAG CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION Full enforcement of existing animal cruelty laws Mandatory inspections of breeding facilities and suspected fighting sites Mandatory licensing and registry for all breeders National humane education in schools and public campaigns A 24-hour animal abuse reporting hotline with trained response teams. Animal Welfare Action Group Bahamas (AWAG) is a newly formed, citizenand resident-led collective working to improve animal welfare across The Bahamas. We collaborate with animal welfare organisations and policymakers to promote humane treatment and uphold existing animal protection laws. AWAG provides a united voice for residents seeking practical, ethical, and lawful solutions to animal welfare challenges nationwide. Animal Welfare Action Group Bahamas (AWAG), Together, we can make the Bahamas a better place for animals. ANIMAL ACTION GROUP Nassau, January 5, 2026.
THE TRIBUNE
Former senator Lynes looking to run in next general election By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net FORMER Progressive Liberal Party senator Robyn Lynes has announced her intention to run in the upcoming general election. Ms Lynes said she has not settled on a specific constituency, which is why she made a general submission to the party. She added that if matters progress in the coming weeks, discussions about a particular seat would follow. “I think a lot of people thought that I had made application in times past, but I never have. This is the first time that I have put in a general submission to the party advising that I am available should there be favourable considerations. So I think it’s time. There’s work to be done,” she said. Ms Lynes said one of her interests is bridging the gap between legislation and community involvement, participation and understanding. “I think oftentimes people stand and say, ‘I stand on behalf of, I represent the good people of,’ but oftentimes, there’s no nexus between what is being said and what the people in those communities understand,” she said. “I think representation has to be just that, that you have to stay close enough to the people you represent to understand their thoughts, their feelings, their passions, their fears and their ideals. That’s one of the things that I want to focus on. How do we bridge that gap that so often exists, and how do we bring community into our legislation?”
A 23-YEAR-OLD man was accused yesterday in connection with a double shooting in Pinewood Gardens on New Year’s Eve that left a 48-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl injured. Prosecutors allege Nari “Boogaloo” Forbes got into a verbal altercation with Kevin Tynes over money outside Tynes’ residence on St Luke’s Avenue, near Buttonwood Street, at around 2pm on December 31, 2025. Forbes allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot Tynes in the stomach, continuing to fire as he attempted to flee. Tynes reportedly also suffered a gunshot wound to his right arm. Prosecutors further allege Forbes shot a teenage girl, a relative of Tynes,
ROBYN LYNES Ms Lynes challenged Fred Mitchell at the party’s convention in November 2023. At the time, Mr Mitchell said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis asked him to run again for chairman, while Mr Davis said Ms Lynes did not have his support to run for the post. Mr Mitchell retained his position with 845 votes to Ms Lynes’ 630. Despite her loss, the number of votes secured by Ms Lynes was viewed as a strong showing, with observers suggesting at the time that Mr Mitchell or the PLP establishment had lost ground with its base since the 2021 general election. In 2019, Mr Mitchell defeated Obie Wilchcombe by 802 votes to 338 in the chairman race. Former Cabinet minister Shane Gibson, who endorsed Ms Lynes after withdrawing from the race, said the results highlighted issues within the PLP. Ms Lynes said she embraced Mr Mitchell after the results were announced and is ready to rally behind the party’s leadership.
to the right side of her chest and her lower right forearm. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. Both victims were last listed in stable condition in hospital. Forbes was not required to enter pleas to two counts of attempted murder and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. He was told the matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) and was informed of his right to apply for bail in the higher court. Forbes was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until service of his VBI on May 7. Alphonso Lewis represented the accused, while Inspector Deon Barr was the prosecutor.
MAN FINED $1,000 FOR KNIFE ASSAULT By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN who assaulted a woman with a knife and damaged her iPhone last month was fined $1,000. Patrick Sweeting, 27, assaulted Justine Smith with a knife and damaged her coral iPhone XR during an altercation at around 10.30pm on December 21, 2025.
Sweeting pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a dangerous instrument and damage before Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs. The damage charge was later withdrawn, and Sweeting was fined $1,000 for the assault or faces a two-month prison term in default of payment. He returns to court on February 2 to pay the fine. Sergeant 2257 Wilkinson was the prosecutor.
$5K BAIL IN BAHAMASAIR VAN ROBBERY By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was granted bail yesterday in connection with the alleged theft of a Bahamasair van during a violent robbery at Marathon and Robinson Roads last June. Prosecutors allege Marvin Brown, 32, and accomplices violently robbed Alexander Williams of a white 2012 Honda AYT van after crashing into it with another Japanese vehicle at around 11pm on June 9, 2025.
Attendees criticise Southern Shores group as a ‘kangaroo branch’ as tensions rise TENSIONS from page one
23-YEAR-OLD CHARGED IN NEW YEAR’S EVE DOUBLE SHOOTING By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, PAGE 7
The suspects then fled north on Marathon Road in the vehicle, valued at $8,000. The victim reportedly suffered injuries to his neck, right knee and both knees. Brown pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbery before Deputy Chief Magistrate Kara Turnquest Deveaux. Inspector K Wilkinson, the prosecutor, raised no objection to the defendant’s bail, which was set at $5,000 with one or two sureties. Brown returns to court for trial on April 7.
The relevance of the poll has raised concerns among party members and observers, with questions being asked about why a vote was conducted at all, particularly as PLP branches are not generally holding such polls and the outcome is not binding. The vote took place during a tense meeting at PLP headquarters, with the situation reportedly nearing a physical confrontation outside as the meeting came to an end. Concerns were also raised about alleged irregularities within the branch, including claims of ineligible or “fake” members being present and a branch election being held outside the constituency. Some attendees reportedly had to leave the meeting
because they were not on the registry, with critics describing the group as a “kangaroo branch” that does not represent Southern Shores PLP members. Some attendees canvassed by the Tribune said the meeting had been promoted as a routine Southern Shores branch meeting and that they expected a discussion on who should be the candidate, not a vote. They said they were only informed of the poll after arriving. Participants were told that only “financial” branch members could take part, a requirement some attendees described as unfair given past branch disputes and the departure of members following a controversial election. It was argued that residents holding voter cards should have been allowed to participate, with critics
questioning why an “opinion poll” would exclude members from expressing their views. One attendee said they walked out before voting began, describing the process as unfair and saying people from the constituency were being disenfranchised. Another source said Watson’s supporters refused to participate because they believed the poll was rigged and fundamentally flawed, while a separate source said Watson’s supporters walked out after being told they were not eligible to vote. While others alleged the meeting was not properly advertised and suggested there are competing factions within the PLP leadership, with some backing Mr Roberts and others supporting Mr Watson.
THE TRIBUNE
PAGE A8, Wednesday, January 7, 2026
The politics of
POWER SMOKE raises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. AP Photo/Matias Delacroix
IN A MILITARY operation, the United States abducted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their home in Caracas. Maduro and Flores are now being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York. They were taken to court on Monday, January 5. Maduro, when asked to confirm his identity, stated that he was kidnapped on January 3, and was cut off by the judge. Discussions about the abduction and the subsequent statement by the US president about “running” Venezuela are going in many different directions. Some people, very unfortunately, believe it’s an attempt to bring stability to Venezuela, ignoring evidence to the contrary. Others believe it’s a move to control the oil. Still others see it going even further than oil, using it to inflate the value of the US dollar. Some point to the US fear of BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and trade outside of the US. This is certainly not about establishing a legitimate government in Venezuela. There’s a tremendous amount of history to digest on the subject to fully understand what took place on January 3 and the path that not only Venezuela, but the world, is on. Venezuela has experienced economic booms and busts since the discovery of oil in the Maracaibo Basin in the 1920s. In the 1970s, the oil embargo imposed by the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on countries backing Israel, led to an exponential increase in oil prices and revenue in Venezuela. In 1976, President Carlos Andrés Pérez created Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), nationalising the oil industry and securing 60 percent equity in joint ventures. Oil prices dropped in the 1980s, which significantly impacted the Venezuelan economy and led to a financial bailout by the International
Monetary Fund (IMF). In 1998, Hugo Chávez became president and his decisions, including gutting PDVSA, led to a decline in the oil industry and the conditions for an authoritarian regime.
hyperinflation, and increasing autocracy. Within the last year, we have seen María Machado—previously funded to overthrow Chávez—dedicate her Nobel Peace Prize to the US president, attacks on
liberalism and globalisation,” Middle East Eye’s Sami AlArian wrote. “Venezuela extends the lesson into the western hemisphere, with a clarity that even allies cannot easily obscure. When legality is enforced only against opponents, as Gaza and Venezuela show, it ceases to function as law and becomes an instrument of power. And when aggression is openly
PEOPLE protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro outside Manhattan Federal Court before his arraignment, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Heather Khalifa In 2007, the oil industry was partially nationalised, and foreign companies were required to partner with Venezuelan companies, which had to hold 50 percent ownership. Exxon sued for damages over nationalisation and Venezuela was ordered to pay $1.4 million. This was later annulled. Exxon resubmitted its claim and was awarded $76 million in 2023. Maduro succeeded Chávez and maintained his position in 2018, in an election that was considered undemocratic. Economic sanctions were imposed by the US government in 2017. In recent years, Venezuela has experienced a decline in oil production, increased debt,
Venezuelan boats, threats to the national security of Venezuela, and leveraging of Trinidad and Tobago’s land, sea, and airspace. The abduction of the president of Venezuela is an act of imperialism. It is an overreach of the United States, extending power over another territory through military force. The US is attempting to display and exercise dominance over a sovereign country—one that has independent power to govern itself. And Venezuela is not a standalone case. It is, in fact, emblematic of a nefarious ambition to control resources and people. “Gaza exposed the hollowness of western universalism,
linked to oil, empire stops pretending to be anything else.” In response to alleged
cern about the increased risk of human rights violations in Venezuela in the coming weeks, particularly as the United States government stated its intent to “run” Venezuela. In a Facebook post on January 3, Menominee author, organiser, and educator Kelly Hayes was equally critical of the US government’s action, calling it a “fascist imperial power grab with implications for future foreign policy moves.” She noted that it’s also an indicator of the direction US democracy is taking. Hayes said the US president is acting out his fascist fantasies. “We can hold compassion for the range of emotions Venezuelans may be experiencing — including positive emotions — and also be clear that regime change by a fascist superpower is dangerous, destabilising, and sets precedents that will not stop at Venezuela. Those aren’t contradictory positions,” she said. Recognising the sovereignty of a country is not optional, regardless of the view anyone has of the way it governs itself. Foreign invasion does not bring great leadership. It’s for the people to rise up and stand together to create change. We need not see the Venezuelan case play out as the US intends, to understand that foreign invasion is dangerous and chaotic, negatively affects control of resources, prioritises extraction, and dis-
they are and will be passive. With resistance, under circumstances like those created in recent days, comes a violence that is manufactured by oppressive forces, though often framed as unreasonable and caused by those who refuse to submit. The lack of unity in a country is not and cannot be a license for imposition by another. “This moment demands political maturity, not purity tests,” Ellner said. “You can oppose Maduro and still oppose US aggression. You can want change and still reject foreign control. You can be angry, desperate, or hopeful, and still say no to being governed by another country.” Do we live in a world where it is acceptable for one country to claim the right to control another? What does it mean when a country can enact violence, operate outside of the law, and deem itself an authority on another country? What are we called to do in the face of the genocide in Palestine and the imperialist threat to Venezuela? "Power has displaced law, preference has replaced principle and force has been presented as virtue,” Howard University School of Law Professor Ziyad Motala wrote in Al Jazeera. “This is not the defence of the international order. It is its quiet execution. When a state kidnaps the law to justify kidnapping a leader, it does not uphold order. It ad-
PROTESTERS hold signs calling for the release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro outside Manhattan Federal Court before his arraignment in New York, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah human rights violations in Venezuela, the United Nations Human Rights Council established the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in September 2019. Expert member of that mission, Alex Neve, was blunt in his assessment of the situation in the January 2026 report, titled “Venezuela: UN FactFinding Mission expresses grave concern following US military intervention and calls for accountability for human rights violations and crimes. “The Maduro government’s longstanding record of grave human rights violations does not justify a US military intervention that breaches international law. Similarly, the illegality of the US attack does not in any way diminish the clear responsibility of Venezuelan officials, including Mr. Maduro, for years of repression and violence amounting to crimes against humanity. The Venezuelan people require and deserve solutions that fully comply with international law.” The report expressed con-
proportionately impacts people in situations of vulnerability. In her response to the January 3 press conference held by the US president, Venezuela-born campaign coordinator of CODEPINK Michelle Ellner made important points about the effects of war, sanctions, and military escalation. “They fall hardest on women, children, the elderly, and the poor. They mean shortages of medicine and food, disrupted healthcare systems, rising maternal and infant mortality, and the daily stress of survival in a country forced to live under siege. They also mean preventable deaths, people who die not because of natural disaster or inevitability, but because access to care, electricity, transport, or medicine has been deliberately obstructed. Every escalation compounds existing harm and increases the likelihood of loss of life, civilian deaths that will be written off as collateral, even though they were foreseeable and avoidable.” Ellner went on to challenge the assumptions made about the Venezuelan people: that
vertises contempt for it.” People are sharing opinions on this situation without sufficient information. It takes time and effort to access accurate information, process it, and come to a strong position. It’s easier—and irresponsible—to make assumptions based on headlines and snippets being passively shared on social media. In a Facebook post, Kelly Hayes reminded people that we need not make enemies of one another. “The ignorance of folks who are flailing in their efforts to make sense of this moment does not make them the enemies[…] They are poor stand-ins for your actual enemies.” This, of course, is not permission to shirk the responsibility to share information, challenge positions, and speak in support of human rights and the international laws that promote, protect, and uphold them. It is a call to see the violent systems and the people who uphold them for exactly what they are, and to dismantle those systems in the interest of all.