BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A US investor yesterday confirmed the Government has provided all approvals for his $35m acquisition that promises to revive the Berry Islands’ Great Harbour Cay destination after 50 years of economic stagnation.
Matt O’Hayer, who already owns all or part of three nearby cays, told Tribune Business that it was “a real privilege and honour” that the Davis administration has paved the way for himself, and his Vital Shores LLC company, to close the purchase of Great Harbour Cay’s resort, marina and golf course from long-standing owners, the Fender family. The issuance of the necessary government approvals was revealed in the Central Bank’s December 2025 monthly economic briefing. Drawing on information provided by the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA), the banking regulator reported: “Vital Shores LLC received approval to acquire various parcels of land that comprise the Great Harbour Cay
Islands revival
Governance reformer: Fighting corruption will cut cost of living
ORG chief argues will cut waste and drive investment
Bahamas falls one rank, matches US in corruption index
Urges voters: Tell MP candidates battle must be ‘priority’
BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
GOVERNANCE
Resort, marina and golf course for $35m.”
Mr O’Hayer, confirming that this information is accurate, told this newspaper: “I will confirm I have got those approvals and
‘Last shot’ for
regulating construction profession
BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE
the Government has been very helpful in getting those approvals at every stage. “I feel like it’s a real privilege and honour, and I am one of the luckiest guys
BY NEIL HARTNELL and Fay Simmons Tribune Business Reporters
on the planet to do this and work with the island community. I’m really lucky to be here, and feel fantastic to be doing what
reformers yesterday argued that fully implementing and resourcing anti-corruption measures will help ease The Bahamas’ cost of living pressures after this nation slipped one place in Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index. Matt Aubry, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) executive director, directly countered Prime Minister Philip Davis previous assertion that he is prioritising the cost of living fight over initiatives such as the Freedom of Information Act by advocating that “greater investment and risk taking” occur when graft is believed to be in check.
He told Tribune Business that properly funding and staffing the bodies to enforce such laws,
including the Public Procurement Board, Office of the Ombudsman and Independent Commission of Investigations, will also help to curb public sector “wastage”, freeing up funds for critical public services such as education and health, and develop an “opportunity” culture that encourages more small
fully-engineered stormwater management system designed to retain and control run-off entirely within the hospital site.”
BAHAMIAN Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday said the launch of a public petition is the industry’s “last shot” to persuade the Government to initiate regulatory oversight of the construction industry prior to the upcoming general election.
Leonard Sands told Tribune Business that the petition, urging the Davis administration to finally make good on promises to appoint the Construction Contractors Board, and give effect to proper supervision of the Bahamian building industry, is the BCA’s last attempt to make the issue “front and centre” before policy-related issues are overtaken by political battles.
He added that the typical refrain of administrations, that they will “deal with it in the next term”, is “not good for us” because the BCA and Bahamian contractors heard exactly the same pledge five years ago and, before that, ten years ago but each time such promises go unfulfiled during an election cycle.
“I think we came to a decision with that having got the commitment from the Prime Minister,” Mr Sands told this newspaper of the petition. “In good faith we have been working on having the Board appointed since this administration came to office. While we believe some parts of the administration would
A $5.7m investment is needed to solve flooding and poor drainage in the 350-acre Perpall Tract and east Grove area of northern New Providence, an engineering study is estimating, with the planned new hospital not adding to these woes.
The Caribbean Civil Group’s January 2026 report, which was tabled in the House of Assembly last week alongside other
studies and documents related to the second New Providence hospital, confidently asserted that the proposed 50-acre medical facility will not worsen flooding for nearby residents and communities because it will have its own, separate rainfall management system and site run-off.
The findings, which the Government is likely hoping will resolve residents’ concerns over the new hospital’s location, were released just ahead of last
night’s public consultation over the Davis administration’s plans to invest $30m in developing the 147-home affordable housing subdivision, Premier Estates One, in close proximity within the Perpall Tract area. Some cynics have already branded it a “second Pinewood Gardens” due to flooding fears.
However, the Caribbean Civil Group study reassured that the second New Providence hospital will not exacerbate existing flooding and drainage issues. “A new hospital facility is currently under development within the immediate vicinity of the Perpall Tract drainage corridor. Given the scale and critical function of the facility, the project includes its own
BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) newly-confirmed election candidate yesterday promised frustrated Mayaguana residents that long-delayed payments from the Government will be made next week.
Ronnell Armbrister, who is seeking the MICAL seat, in a message to Mayaguana residents said thatwhile an exact payment date cannot be disclosed for security reasonsthe funds are expected to arrive on the island next week
“You can expect the funds to be on the island next week. For security purposes, an exact date cannot be disclosed,” said Ms Armbrister. Mayaguana residents, though, have voiced their frustration over repeated delays in receiving payments.
In a recent video, a resident claimed they have yet to receive
payment for January and questioned when the Government will introduce a system that meets the needs of Mayaguana residents, describing the situation as unacceptable and “ridiculous”.
“We are at this point again for non-payment of funds for January 2026. December was a very long month. Now January has come and passed, and we are still waiting on our payments in Mayaguana,” she said.
“School children need to be fed. Families have needs. Everybody has bills. When is this system going to get right for the citizens of Mayaguana in terms of payment? This is ridiculous.”
She highlighted that a lunch vendor has not been paid in “months”, while grocery store owners have not received food coupon funds since December.
“The issue with the money and with us getting paid: We understand
The report said the second New Providence hospital will have its own on-site stormwater “detention and storage infrastructure” featuring “controlled discharge systems” that will restrict peak rainwater flows to pre-construction conditions. The site will also be graded to prevent water flowing off, while there will also be a “self-contained drainage network that does not drain toward, nor rely on, the Perpall Tract open channels, culverts or retention pond”.
MATT AUBRY
GREAT HARBOUR CAY MARINA
LEONARD SANDS
Regulator warns Bahamians
on ‘relationship’ fraud scams
THE Securities Commission yesterday revealed it is participating in a five-day global campaign as part of a drive to better protect Bahamians from falling victim to so-called ‘relationship’ or ‘romance’ fraud scams.
The Bahamian capital markets, investment fund and digital assets regulator, in a statement said the February 11-14 initiativedesigned to coincide with Valentine’s Day - aims to raise both local and international awareness about relationship scams and the devastating impact they can
have on a victim’s emotions and financial future.
Operated under various names, including romance scams; crypto investment scams; financial grooming scams; and ‘pig butchering’ scams, these frauds involve a ‘long con’ where criminals target people through wrong-number texts, dating apps and social media over time. They seek to gain their victims’ trust through friendship, romance or an offer to help them achieve their financial goals.
The Securities Commission said the campaign seeks to educate persons on
how to detect relationship investment scams, and also share the information to warn others. Fraudsters use trust and emotional manipulation to defraud victims, which their success stealing an estimated $75bn annually. This figure is likely to be under-reported.
“Bahamians face the same risks, as scammers exploit online dating platforms and social media to solicit money, cryptocurrency and investment transfers,” said Christina Rolle, the Securities Commission’s executive director. “These
scams destroy both finances and trust. The Commission urges everyone to pause, verify and report suspicious investment offers to stay safe.”
The Securities Commission said ‘red flags’, which should alert potential victims that they are being targeted by scammers, include the offer of unsolicited investment advice and opportunities plus conversations that are switched from social or dating platforms to encrypted messaging apps or “an unmonitored space”.
It added that other warning signs include “a prolonged inability to meet in person” and/or repeated suggestions for investments or requests for money. The regulator urged Bahamians to protect themselves by ignoring, deleting or blocking messages from senders that they do not know, plus refusing to take investment advice from persons who “make unsolicited contact with you online or through an app or text message”.
The Securities Commission called on Bahamians to research investment opportunities thoroughly, and protect information about their identity and personal finances. It added: “Never pay money to recover your investment or to release funds.” Persons were urged to report suspected scams to https://scb.gov.bs/ complaints/
$100m roadworks funding via ‘receivables factoring’
A $100M loan that will enable a Bahamian contractor to complete 200 miles of roadworks on Exuma and Eleuthera has been structured as an “accounts receivables factoring” arrangement, it was revealed yesterday.
The Bahamas Striping Group of Companies (BSGC), in a statement asserting that the Exuma roadworks are 97 percent complete, disclosed for the first time how the $100m financing it received last year from the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been put together.
It explained that the receivable factoring facility will ensure that the road projects proceed without delay by smoothing the timing of payments, thus helping to maintain stable cash flow and uninterrupted service delivery without increasing costs or risks to the Bahamian tax-paying public from unexpected hold-ups
And Bahamas Striping added that the Afreximbank loan enables it to reliably fund the work of key Bahamian sub-contractors, including Quick Fix and Nu View, which have been awarded multi-million dollar portions of the roadworks contracts.
Atario Mitchell, Bahamas Striping’s president, said the $100m receivables factoring facility will enable Bahamian companies to meet their financial obligations, such as paying employees, purchasing materials and expanding operations.
“This facility gives Bahamas Striping the ability to move faster, plan better and execute with even greater reliability across multiple islands,” said Mr Mitchell.
“Strong working capital is essential in infrastructural development, and this partnership gives us the
financial agility to maintain momentum. Most importantly, it strengthens the value chain around us, making successful project delivery possible on time and on budget.”
Accounts receivables factoring occurs when a company sells unpaid invoices, representing monies owed to it, to a third-party in exchange for cash. A relatively common commercial financing technique, it improves a company’s cash flow and means they are not hanging around to receive due payments.
However, in this particular case, the major accounts receivables that Bahamas Striping will be waiting on are payments from the Government on their roadworks contracts. Financial specialists spoken to by Tribune Business said the release, and the financing structure as described, strongly suggest that the receivables exchanged by Bahamas Striping in return
for the loan are those government contract payments.
They added that, in effect, the Government will now be paying the Africa Export-Import Bank instead of Bahamas Striping for the roadworks contract. And they argued that this represents an ‘offthe-books’ loan, designed to keep liabilities off the Government’s balance sheet and from adding to the $11.5bn-plus national debt.
One source noted that the financing structure’s disclosure was especially interesting given the just-released International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV consultation on The Bahamas, which warned there was a risk of “under-estimating” the liabilities associated with public-private partnership (PPP) deals such as Bahamas Striping’s.
“It’s off-balance sheet financing,” one source said. “Did the Government provide a letter of comfort or guarantee in kind to the Africa Export-Bank. I can’t
Bahamian realtor unveils its ‘Circle of Excellence’
A BAHAMIAN realtor
has unveiled its 2025 Circle of Excellence winner to honour agents and teams who show outstanding performance and commitment.
HG Christi, in a statement, said the designation was created to celebrate excellence, encourage continued growth and acknowledge agents who consistently elevate its brand through their work.
It added that the 2025 Circle of Excellence awardees include Dylan Christie, Daren Seymour, John and Charlotte Constantakis, and Elbert Thompson, all based in Nassau, as well as Dwayne and Sheree Wallas and Christopher Plummer from Abaco. The awards were presented alongside HG Christie’s annual top producer recognitions.
John Christie, HG Christie’s president and managing broker, said: “It was a privilege to bring together the HG Christie Circle of Excellence at our beachfront luncheon at Albany. Many of these professionals have earned this recognition year after year, and their leadership, dedication and insight continue
to shape the success and future of HG Christie. I am particularly proud of the new members joining this distinguished group, whose achievements reflect the next generation of excellence within our company.” Elbert Thompson, a Nassau-based agent, earned Circle of Excellence recognition for the third consecutive year. “Earning the Circle of Excellence distinction for the third consecutive year is a testament to my perseverance and determination to always strive for personal excellence and growth,” Mr Thompson said.
“Despite the changes in the real estate market and global dynamics, to succeed you must continually adapt and evolve to serve your clients in a meaningful and relevant way. HG Christie does this as the leading real estate company, always seeking new and innovative ways to market properties and elevate its agents and staff.”
In Abaco, Dwayne and Sheree Wallas were recognised for their performance and dedication to clients and community, as well as Christopher Plummer,
a fellow Abaco agent.
“Having been with the company non-consecutive for 12 years, this is a first. After being recognised among such great sales associates, it makes me want to strive to be there every year. I will do my best to serve my clients and the company to be top producer for Abaco in 2026,” Mr Plummer added.
The 2025 Circle of Excellence also includes agents such as Daren Seymour, who has previously been recognised for his work as a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and Dylan Christie, who was formerly rookie of the year. John and Charlotte Constantakis were also named among this year’s honourees, recognised for their collaborative approach and consistent performance.
“The Circle of Excellence is about recognising agents who consistently show up for their clients and their colleagues,” Mr Christie said. “These professionals may not always be the headline names in a given year, but their contributions are essential to our success and to the trust our clients place in HG Christie.”
imagine the bank would get into this arrangement without a commitment from the Government. That would then become a contingent liability of the Government and requires express parliamentary approval just as they did around the energy financing last week.
“That’s a clear way to keep government debt off the books, and we don’t know if Bahamas Striping is getting any fees as the middle man. This PPP exposure is crazy and will eventually come back on the Government’s books. The credit rating analysts will likely now ask the Government questions given that the IMF has flagged it.”
However, the $100m loan is said to mark Afreximbank’s first such transaction with a private company in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean region.
“This funding mechanism is a defining moment for Bahamas Striping Group of Companies and for the wider Caribbean,”
said Dominic Sturrup, Bahamas Striping’s executive chairman. “The successful closure of this deal represents far more than financing; it signifies belief in Caribbean excellence, trust in our ability to deliver, and confidence in the impact that regional companies can create when they are properly capitalised.
“We are grateful to Afreximbank for standing with us through every stage of the process, and we are proud that this transaction strengthens our ability to execute major projects, support our sub-contractors and vendors, and scale opportunities.”
The scope of work includes asphalt paving, road striping, safety modifications and maintenance. Once completed, the works are expected to significantly improve road safety and enhance access between communities on the Family Islands.
Founded 16 years ago, Bahamas Striping is
currently carrying out phase one road improvement works on around 183 miles of highway and settlement roads in Eleuthera, stretching from Cape Eleuthera in the south to Hatchet Bay in Central Eleuthera. The project also includes installing water mains in areas that previously did not have piped water.
Okechukwu Ihejirika, acting chief operating officer of Afreximbank, said the deal reflects the bank’s “steadfast commitment to supporting Global Africa partners in developing trade-enabling infrastructure”.
The facility, he added, represents an innovative approach to structured finance in cross-regional partnerships. “We are supporting sustainable development and creating enhanced economic opportunities across the region,” said Mr Ihejirika. The loan facility was signed at the Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2025.
CHRISTINA ROLLE
Atario Mitchell, president of Bahamas Striping Group of Companies
Officials of Bahamas Striping Group of Companies and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) at the Trade and Investment Forum 2025, following the signing of a $100m receivables factoring facility to support road improvement works across The Bahamas. L to R: Alex B Epale, senior manager, banking legal services, Afreximbank; Melanie Roach, Bahamas Striping’s general manager; Ginger M. Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama; Frederick Mitchell, minister of foreign affairs; Atario Mitchell, president of Bahamas Striping; Dominic Sturrup, executive chairman, Bahamas Striping; Kanayo Awani, executive vice-president, Afreximbank; Professor Benedict Oramah, former president of Afreximbank; Eric I Monchu, acting group managing director, client relations, Afreximbank; Okechukwu Ihejirika, acting chief operating officer, Caribbean office, Afreximbank.
JOHN AND CHARLOTTE CONSTANTAKIS
DYLAN CHRISTIE
DAREN SEYMOUR
DWAYNE AND SHEREE WALLAS
CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER
ELBERT THOMPSON
More students fall victim to child porn, sex scams
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is increasingly dealing with cases where high school children fall victim to child pornography and sex-related scams, it was revealed at the Safer Internet Day Forum hosted by the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).
Chekesha McPhee, head of the police’s digital forensic and investigation unit in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID, said she hopes students will learn to be more aware and make safer decisions while online. She said high school students are being scammed, adding: “We have a lot of matters where mostly high school students are
becoming victim to online scams.” When asked by reporters what kind of scams high school students have been falling victim to most frequently, Ms McPhee answered: “In terms of child pornography and sex
“With any social media platform you have to be a certain age, and the certain age is the age of 18 and over,” she added. “And so for the kids who are in high school, nine times out of ten, they are under the age of 18. And the reason why I believe social media put that rule in place is because at that age you'll be more responsible. So I feel as if the parents also need to play a part in what social media platform their kids are part of.
“For parents with kids, I would advise parents to please check their kids’
online platform every day. Do not let them know when you want to take their phone. You just go and do a random check on your phone. Parents should have the pass code for their kids’ phones. Parents, please stalk your kids on a daily basis, because when you're asleep, your children are on their phone doing all kinds of things they should not be doing. So my advice to parents is to please make checks on your kids’ social media presence every day.”
Ms McPhee said Tiktok, Snapchat, Facebook and Discord are popular forms of social media among high schoolers, listing the latter as the number one platform where they get scammed.
Anton Rahming, assistant commissioner of police responsible for crime management and criminal investigation, warned
RM Bailey Park vendors voicing faith in security after Xmas theft
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
THE RM Bailey Park Association president is not concerned about the threat of crime this Valentine’s Day season as there will be fewer vendors on the park thus providing greater access and visibility for security.
Three vendors suffered the loss of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise at Christmas, but Karen Brown said she does not believe security will be an issue when merchants come out to sell Valentine’s Day items this year. The park will not be as crowded with vendors and tents, she added, as there will be no more than 40.
“As far as security, we don't have that many vendors like how we did at Christmas,” she said. “So,
I mean, there are not that many tents. We still have security now, and we have enough security to cover the grounds for the amount of tents that's going to be there.
“During Christmas, there are plenty tents out there. So now there are not so many tents. You have a lot of space between the tents. The security will be able to, I guess, see from different angles, or when people enter the park. With so many tents close together, people can hide. “They [thieves] came from the back, and that's actually where they came from. We don't have that many tents over there like that. They came from that back wall in the back of RM Bailey School; in that back section near the bushes. So not many tents will be around that side, and so I don't think we'll have a problem.”
Ms Brown said extra protection and security will be available as the Coconut Grove Police station conducts patrols in the area often, especially when vendors are on the park.
“Usually Coconut Grove Police Station is responsible for that area,” Ms Brown said. “And the police usually frequent. Every season they drive through night and day. They know we are out there, so they usually
students during the forum that while artificial intelligence (AI) can be an incredible tool, criminals are also using it to commit cyber crimes.
Recalling an AI-generated deep fake of John Rolle, the Central Bank governor, that was in circulation recently, Mr Rahming said there are many similar incidents occurring and they police are actively investigating the reports that come in.
“Our financial crimes investigation branch and our cyber crime team work every day to trace digital footprints, analyse evidence and collaborate with international law enforcement partners to identify and pursue these offenders, even when they are operating outside of The Bahamas,” he added.
drive through. They are aware security is out there as well. But they always drive through several times to make sure we are OK.”
Ms Brown, in December 2025 following the breakins, reported that the theft seemed to be planned and the thieves may have been watching the on-duty security officer plotting on when to make their move. Ms Brown said a group of five persons individually robbed tents at the back of the park in an attempt to be more discreet.
While Christmas is known as the season where there is an uptick in robberies, sometimes due to
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED
The public is hereby advised that I, CYNTHIA DALE RAHMING of P.O. Box N-8784, #1 Seagull Lane, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to CYNTHIA RAHMING MUNNINGS. If there are any objections to challenge the name by deed poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, The Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice.
Mr Rahming said AI has personalised phishing scams, and is able to create messages free of grammar errors and using Bahamian slang, making it all the more difficult to decipher whether it is real.
Embracing technology, real time crime monitoring systems, video and data analysis, and the exploration of AI has helped the police to detect patterns and strengthen investigations, Mr Rahming said. He added that they also partner with other agencies and organisations.
“We are not just reacting. We are becoming proactive, and every time someone reports a suspicious message, a strange voice note or potential scam, even if they don't or didn't lose any money, it makes a real difference,” he said. “Those reports help us to connect
economic pressures and the high cost of living, Ms Brown said she expects it to be “a good Valentine’s Day” in terms of sales. However, she noted that Bahamians are last minute shoppers and so it is a “wait and see game”.
“But with the economy the way it is, it's a wait and see game,” Ms Brown added. “People, of late, are coming last minute. They tend to come last minute, so it's usually a cat and mouse game. But they still have their significant other or their loved ones for who they will come and purchase a basket for.”
the dots, build stronger cases, disrupt criminal networks and protect more people in our community.” Mr Rahming, noting that he has seen students lose access to their Snapchat accounts and gaming profiles through scammers pretending to be classmates or group administrators, advised students to double check and verify odd calls and voice notes, especially those asking for money. He suggested that they not click on unknown links but report them instead. Mr Rahming also encouraged students to protect their online information by having strong passwords, two factor authentication and privatising their social media settings. Shervin Evans, information and communications
She added that children’s baskets these past few years have been popular on Valentine’s Day, and said: “In the last few years, we have been getting a lot of sales for kids. So it kind of changed the dynamic. People want kids’ baskets and teenagers. It's just not for lovers any more.
“Everybody is feeling the pinch, but we still expect it to be a good Valentine's Day season. People will come and purchase anyway, if only for the kids. We do female baskets, male baskets. People usually come in for kids, but I did like little gifts for teenagers. I include all ages.”
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED
The public is hereby advised that I, DEVON MELBA KALVENETTA KAREEM (née Forbes) of #5 Devon House, #23 Chenile Avenue, Garden Hills #2, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to VICTORIANNA ADAH KAREEM. If there are any objections to challenge the name by deed poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, The Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice.
Great Harbour Cay investor buys fire-fighting equipment
PERMISSION - from page B1
we’re doing on Great Harbour Cay. That’s how I feel every single day; it feels like a privilege to be here. I love the Bahamian people and to be here doing what I’m doing.”
Mr O’Hayer declined to provide details on his plans for Great Harbour Cay on the basis that the purchase of the Fender family’s assets, which include hundreds of unsold lots, plus the 80-slip marina, long-shuttered golf course, water utility and monopoly fuel concession, has yet to complete.
Tribune Business previously reported that the US investor, who some Berry Island residents referred to as “Mr Eggs” because of his role in founding Vital Farms, described by its own website as the “leading US brand of pasture-raised eggs”, has already acquired three islands in close proximity to Great Harbour Cay - Lignum Vitae Cay, more than half of Cistern Cay and Bullocks Harbour Cay.
Nature trail and hiking tours on Lignum Vitae Cay are due to launch this week for cruise passengers who will be transported from Royal Caribbean’s nearby ‘Perfect Day’ destination at Coco Cay. The tours will be operated by a Nassau-based, 100 percent-owned Bahamian company, Bahama Island Group, while the ferries transporting the visitors will also be captained and crewed by Bahamians.
School children in the Berry Islands have made the signs that will be used to guide visitors, and all tour guides will be Bahamian. Mr O’Hayer, meanwhile, is understood to have already purchased two fire engines and two fire-fighting trailers which are already in the Berry Islands via his foundation.
A further two rescue trucks, capable of operating in five feet of water, have also been acquired from surplus US army stocks and are in the process of being outfitted in Houston before being transported to The Bahamas. Fire fighting
trainers are also expected to arrive in the Berry Islands next week to help train local residents in how to combat the bush and other blazes that occasionally erupt on the islands.
The prospect of Mr O’Hayer’s Great Harbour Cay investment has been received positively many residents and observers familiar with the destination. “I’ve got to say it’s good news,” one source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said yesterday. “I think everybody agrees with that down there. This new fella has money to spend, and hopefully he will.”
The Berry Islands destination has been in the economic doldrums for at least 50 years following the 1973 economic recession sparked by the global oil embargo imposed by Arab producers in the wake of their clash with Israel. This was then followed in 1975 by the exit of Great Harbour Cay’s original investor/developer, Louis Chesler, who abandoned his
Anti-corruption law reforms not enough to give public confidence
GRAFT - from page B1
business participation in government contract bids.
Mr Aubry spoke out after The Bahamas fell one spot in Transparency International’s rankings, slipping from 28th in 2024 to 29th last year, to rank alongside the US with the same score of 65.
The ORG chief, while arguing that such external reviews must “be taken with a grain of salt” because the assessors may not be familiar with what’s happening on the ground in The Bahamas. nevertheless warned that this nation’s latest minor fall in the Corruption Perceptions Index likely reflects the belief that little has changed in its efforts to fight corruption and graft.
The US State Department, in its annual ‘investment climate statement’ report on The Bahamas in September 2025, said this nation’s nine-point fall in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index since 2011 indicates “growing concerns over governance and anti-corruption enforcement”.
Mr Aubry, agreeing that these issues have not “been seen as a priority” by either FNM or PLP administrations, added that the Bahamian people will have to drive these reforms - not
the politicians - and there is no better time to press the case than the upcoming general election campaign when candidates from the major political parties, as well as independents, will be knocking on doors seeking votes. Prime Minister Davis last year confirmed his administration was focused on “bringing relief to the Bahamian people” from the ongoing cost of living crisis, adding: “The Bahamian people were suffering. Some are still suffering. And until that suffering is alleviated, things as esoteric as matters of freedom of information, they can’t take priority in my mind when a little baby can’t find food tomorrow. That is what worries me.
“When people don’t feel safe in their homes, that is what bothers me. That’s what I pay attention to. It’s taking my priorities, trying to make this country a country where people can strive, people could survive and feel safe in their homes.” Mr Aubry, though, argued that fully resourcing and executing the package of anti-corruption and transparency laws already passed by Parliament will help ease the very same inflation and pricing woes,
“I would actually say that anti-corruption laws and measures fully enacted and experienced by citizens
would actually help with affordability and the cost of living issues,” the ORG chief told Tribune Business.
“When there’s less wastage in the public sector there’s more money to be used for the benefit of the public.
“When you’ve got confidence in an environment that’s fair and provides opportunity, and is not subject to political agendas, there’s greater investment and risk taking. When there’s more transparent procurement laws that are fully enacted, there’s opportunity for greater revenue generation and local investment. All these things contribute to the cost of living challenges.”
ORG last year noted that the 2025-2026 Budget allocations were insufficient to properly and fully enforce anti-corruption laws already passed by Parliament. It added that the $140,000 provided for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was far below the $1m estimated as needed for execution.
The Office of the Ombudsman has been budgeted $39,890 for the current fiscal year, the Independent Commission of Investigations has been allocated $30,000 and the Public Disclosure Commission was allocated $80,000.
“These figures remain static across the Government’s
tourist development on the island.
Tirrel Fender, a Florida realtor, acquired the bankrupt resort’s assets in the early 1990s, and signed a Heads of Agreement with the then-Ingraham administration that provided tax concessions as well as a Crown grant for several uninhabited cays and hundreds of acres of mangroves. However, the promised development never happened. Deciding that Mr Fender had failed to live up to his obligations, the Government revoked the Heads of Agreement in the late 1990s after Great Harbour Cay’s airport was declared unsafe and complaints about impassable roads soared. Tribune Business understands that the uninhabited cays may be included among the assets being acquired by Mr O’Hayer.
Despite the Heads of Agreement revocation, the Fender family has retained ownership of the assets they acquired 30 years ago while - in the eyes of most Great Harbour Cay residentsdoing very little to develop or expand them, resulting in minimal job or economic benefits.
Mr O’Hayer has already launched a website to promote his Berry Islands
projected out-years, suggesting limited intention to scale or implement these reforms in any meaningful way,” said ORG at the time.
Mr Aubry yesterday agreed, saying: “I don’t think it’s been seen as a priority issue from any side” of the political divide. He added that this applied to both FNM and PLP administrations, and argued that political patronage and “lack of fairness” - rather than someone pocketing public funds via fraud, bribery or other corrupt means - was often a greater problem in The Bahamas.
Urging Bahamian voters to confront the political candidates over these issues during the upcoming general election campaign, the ORG executive director added: “We sometimes hurt ourselves by the language we use. We think of corruption as people putting money in their pockets. I’m sure that does happen, but the greater issue is patronage and lack of fairness.
“When you are talking to people looking for your vote, whether from a party or independent, now is the time - the opportunity will never be greater - t say we want laws that promote fairness, create transparency, create equal opportunity. We want to know what these are, when they will happen, and make sure they are executed at our level.
“We’ve heard the administrations say they are too busy now, will get it done in the next term. At least the last two. The truth is there will always be things that come up, always external forces - climate change, economic turmoil. We have to do things that give citizens a chance. The Government and citizens have a responsibility to each other that is levelled with anti-corruption laws. People do not
project and investment, vitalshores.com, and this newspaper reported last year that he was already undertaking renovations and construction at the Great Harbour Cay beach club.
“From what I understand, it’s pretty much a done deal,” Leonardo Lightbourne, MP for North Andros and the Berry Islands, said then of Mr O’Hayer’s acquisition of the Fenders’ Great Harbour Cay assets.
“Speaking to him, it seems like a done deal. He’s purchasing all of what the Fenders own down there. The beach club is where he’s now in construction.
He’s going to put a hotel there along with villas. I’m happy something is happening for Great Harbour Cay.”
As for the existing owner, Mr Lightbourne added:
““Government has been more than merciful in regards to what was given to them during the Ingraham administration. I think they had a contract with the Government to acquire and develop at the same time. They did some stuff. Now they are selling. It’s an historical thing for the Fender family.
“I think for Great Harbour Cay economically this will be good. It’s not
have to wait to see if the Government of the day will save them in five years.”
Mr Aubry argued that “the main takeaway” from Transparency International’s corruption perception rankings is “the lack of government leadership paying attention to anti-corruption measures and putting value and priority on these” - something that he argued also applies to The Bahamas.
“We can see that in many ways,” he added. “We’ve seen a lot of advances in policy and legislation, the Independent Commission of Investigations Act and the Protected Disclosures Act… But we’re not seeing it at the perception level or day-to-day level. Most of those policies are not being applied to leverage what the collective intent is. They are under-resourced and not fully developed.”
As an example, the ORG chief cited the Public Procurement Act and the continued absence of many ministries, departments, agencies and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) from the monthly list of multi-million dollar government contract awards. Mr Aubry said such non-disclosure inevitably impacts business confidence due to concerns that bidding processes may not be entirely fair, resulting in fewer choosing to participate.
Speaking directly to the Transparency International index, he added: “You have to take any external review with a grain of salt because they don’t know what’s going on in the day-to-day experience. But we do hear people talking about what The Bahamas is about, that it’s not fair, open and equitable at all levels.
“It reflects concern about opportunity and not being able to thrive
PLP candidate reassures as islanders vent concern
SYSTEM - from page B1
there was an attempted robbery at the administrator’s complex, but that was last year. Why is there still not proper security, such as a camera or safeguards, in place so that we can be paid on time? These issues need to be addressed immediately,” she said.
“There is a lunch vendor who hasn’t been paid for
an overnight thing; it will take some time to develop. He [Mr O’Hayer] has the community at heart. He has bought a fire truck and delivered two fire trailers, and is getting ready to bring them in. He’s not just talking but putting his money into action. He’s making things happen. He has a lot of persons employed on the various infrastructure and things he has going on.”
Some contacts, though, have questioned the ability of the Fenders to deliver marketable title to some of the property being sold. They explained that this stemmed from the Government’s compulsory acquisition of land owned by the Fenders for the development of Great Harbour Cay’s airport.
“They took over the airport and didn’t charge any compensation,” the source said of the Government. “I think Matt would be good for the island. I just hope Marc can deliver to title.
Matt’s a good guy.” Tribune
Business understands that the sum due to the Fenders for the airport land purchase may have to be offset against outstanding real property taxes that are due and owing by the current owners.
on opportunity, ideas and talent that exists here. That’s when we see the change in perception when these things are in play.”
ORG, in a statement, said The Bahamas’ one-place drop in the Transparency International index follows a year in which Parliament passed the Independent Commission of Investigations Act 2025 and the Protected Disclosures Act 2025.
The Government also strengthened compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, expanded the publication of government contracts as part of progress under the Public Procurement Act, and signed the Escazú Agreement, committing to stronger access to information, public participation and justice.
But, while “meaningful reforms”, ORG suggested public trust and confidence has yet to match the policy changes. Mr Aubry said: “The Corruption Perception Index shows that passing laws alone does not build trust.
“People judge integrity by what they see and feel in their day-to-day lives - how decisions are made, whether processes are clear, and whether accountability is consistent. When those signals are mixed, confidence breaks down, even when reforms are underway.
“Corruption affects people’s daily lives, especially in communities with the least access to power and opportunity. But those same communities also have the power to drive change and insist that accountability is visible, shared and enforced.”
months. I have a grocery store, and I haven’t received food coupon funds from December. How am I supposed to survive?” She added that Mayaguana residents also face difficulties accessing banking services as there is no full-service bank on the island and the only automated teller machine (ATM) is often out of service.
“We don’t have a bank down here. We have an ATM machine that hardly ever works. People have to go into Nassau to do banking just because the ATM machine is not working for whatever reason,” she said.
“There’s one ATM machine where you can use your card. The two other ATM machines only allow you to pay bills, and paying those bills through the ATM charges the residents of Mayaguana an extra $2 and something cents. This is unfair.”
Minister pledges flooding solution with new housing
WATER - from page B1
As a result, Caribbean Civil Group concluded: “Run-off from the new hospital site is hydraulically isolated from the Perpall Tract drainage system and East Grove area. The hospital development does not contribute to peak flows, channel loading or flooding conditions within the study area watershed described in this report.”
Of the $5.7m investment required to address drainage and flooding issues in Perpall Tract and the East Grove, the report estimated that $1.33m would be needed for culvert upgrades and $2m for enhanced road drainage, with the balance including $360,000 for the clearing of existing channels; $500,000 for rehabilitating existing retention ponds; a further $560,000 for coastal outfall improvements; and $950,000 for a new drainage pond.
Noting that the area has historically “been prone to localised flooding”, the Caribbean Civil Group report identified
the existing problems as including homeowners “dumping” debris into the Chippingham drainage channel; “limited outfall capacity” at the coastal water discharge point on Saunders Beach; high groundwater levels; and “restricted access for routine maintenance and clearing of drainage channels”.
To remedy these weaknesses, the report called for vegetation removal and channel clearing in areas such as St Albans Drive and Ardastra Gardens to Chippingham Road, along with a “sustained focused education” campaign to persuade homeowners and businesses not to dump into the channel while reporting on culprits who do.
Existing culverts at St Albans Drive, Ferguson Road and Regional Road, as well as Bay Street, needed to be inspected and rehabilitated with any obstructions removed, while the creation of a “routine drainage maintenance programme” was also recommended. This, Caribbean
‘Someone complaining every day about rogue operators’
like to see this happen, including the Prime Minister, for whatever reason it has stalled and we have an election coming up this year.
“This is a last effort to get this front and centre, and get the Board appointed, before a general election takes place, and the next thing we will be hearing is that they will deal with it in the next term. That is not good for us. We heard it five years ago, and we heard it five years before that. We feel we need to get the public involved in the importance of getting the Board appointed to enact the legislation; that’s it right there.”
Mr Sands said the newly-launched petition has already received “overwhelming support”, and received “a couple hundred signatures already”, after it was released via the BCA website and the Government’s social media channels. It is now almost a decade since the Construction Contractors Act was passed into law in 2016, but the legislation and regulatory regime it introduces have never been implemented.
This is because of the failure to appoint the Board that would oversee the construction industry’s self-regulation. The Board’s role would be to handle the licensing and registration of Bahamian contractors and construction trades persons according to their abilities and the scale of projects and work they are able to perform. It would also enforce the Act, imposing penalties and sanctions on contractors found guilty of misconduct and defective work, and thus providing Bahamian consumers with protection and a means of redress. This has left construction as the last major Bahamian profession without self-regulatory powers
The BCA, in its petition, asserts: “We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of The Bahamas, respectfully submit this petition urging the immediate appointment of the Construction Contractors Board as required by the Contractors Act passed by Parliament in 2016.”This important legislation marks a significant step in our nation’s commitment to building a properly regulated construction industry — one where all contractors
Civil Group added, needs to be followed by “targeted infrastructure upgrades” that include improvements to culvert capacity and rentention ponds. And, in the final phase, the engineering consultancy urged the construction of a new relief drainage channel, around 10 feet wide and 1.5 to two feet in height, plus enlarging the existing Saunders Beach outfall and further road drainage improvements.
Keith Bell, minister of housing and urban renewal, last night pledged that the Government will take steps to address long-standing flooding and drainage issues during the construction of new subdivision, ‘Premier at Adastra’.
Speaking to Tribune Business, he said the 30 acres of land transferred to the Ministry of Housing by the Water and Sewerage Corporation will be used to construct 147 affordable homes.
Mr Bell added that the subdivision will be located off Perpall Tract accessible via Ferguson Road, and be bordered on its northern and southern boundaries by the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) corporate headquarters and offices, and New
operating in The Bahamas meet high standards of professionalism, quality and safety.”It added that the Construction Contractors Board “is essential” for overseeing and licensing professional contractors; implementing a standardised licensing system; improving the overall quality of construction work; and protecting consumers from sub-standard practices and safety hazards.”A well-regulated licensing system ensures that only qualified and competent professionals carry out construction activities, thereby protecting the integrity of our buildings, infrastructure and the well-being of our communities,” the BCA argued.”We therefore call upon the relevant authorities to act without further delay and appoint the Construction Contractors Board so that it may fulfill its mandate and support the sustainable development and economic growth of our nation. If you agree with this call for professionalism, accountability and consumer protection in
Providence’s second hospital, respectively.
“This will be our newest subdivision. This is called Premier at Adastra, and it is our newest, and it’s off Perpall Tract, right beyond BTC,” said Mr Bell.
“We have identified the land. The land has been transferred to us from the Water and Sewerage Corporation. The Cabinet has agreed that we will put a new subdivision here, and they’re going to have 147 homes - affordable homes for Bahamians.”
Mr Bell said there is an overall drainage plan for the area to mitigate the flood concerns of nearby residents, including expanding and improving the existing drainage system and introducing retention points to manage water flow.
“There is an overall drainage plan, not just for our subdivision, not just for the hospital, but for the entire area stretching from Eastern Marina and Highland Terrace all the way to Chippingham, all the way to Ardastra, all the way to Perpall Tract. All of these areas will be covered by that,” said Mr Bell.
“We do have a current system of drainage connections inside there,
the construction industry, please sign this petition.”
The BCA said last year that Prime Minister Philip Davis KC had not followed through on his early August 2025 pledge to form the Board by early September last year, despite being provided with industry recommendations for as to who its representatives should be.
Emphasising the need to better protect construction consumers, Mr Sands said yesterday: “Every single day someone is on What’s App, someone is on social media, complaining about the lack of professionalism in the construction industry, persons out there doing rogue work, persons operating solely on a Business Licence but that don’t have a licence to do construction.
“It’s important that we have persons in construction who act in a professional manner, and we have to question why this [Board] has not happened. Why do people not understand, not appreciate the personal and financial loss when things go wrong
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that MARIE GEORGES of Eneas Street, P.O. Box N-7290, Nassau, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 4th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that SARAH KANDICE ANDERSON of Albury Lane, Shirley Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that SONIA BEDI SAREEN of P. O. Box N-7514, 11 Hudson Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that BEDJY EVARISTE of #39 Conifer Dr, Pine Bay, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 10th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that AYAAN JAGDISH SAREEN of P. O. Box N-7514, 11 Hudson Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
but of course it has to be expanded. It has to be improved, and of course we’re going to create retention points. As for our subdivision, we’re going to ensure that no run-off of water in our area actually goes into any other area. They’re not going to be impacted, and that is why we’re putting in retention points.”
During the public consultation and hearing on the Premier Estates project, as part of the process for obtaining its certificate of environmental clearance (CEC) approval, residents raised concerns about chronic flooding in the Perpall Tract area.
Mr Flowers said that while he is pleased the Government is taking steps to address the housing shortage on New Providence, there are concerns about how new developmentsthe second hospital and the Premier Estates subdivision - will increase population density and water run-off, potentially making the flooding and drainage problems worse for the community.
“The Government is doing an excellent job by bringing the project to EIA and hearing from the residents, but it’s widely known
in construction? We’ll see how this petition goes. This is our last effort to get this front and centre in this administration before it becomes sunk like at other times because this is election season.
“This is the last shot.
There’s a statutory obligation to appoint the Board and, for ten years now, it has not been appointed and we have not been given a clear answer as to why that is. It just is what it is. Let’s see what happens.”
The licensing and self-regulatory system ushered in by the Construction Contractors Board’s approval should eventually result in increased business for Bahamian contractors as developers - both local and foreign - will know which companies and individuals can perform certain jobs competently based on the scale and type of work they are certified for.
It will also will provide Bahamians with a more accessible avenue for redressing grievances with contractors. The Board will have the power to fine and
that in the Perpall Tract area there’s a lot of flooding and there are a lot of drainage issues,” said Mr Flowers.
“And so the Premier concerns revolve around what the Government is doing to relieve the existing concerns of residents, particularly as both the hospital and the Premier Estates subdivision will compound the density in the area, and particularly the run-off of the water in the area.”
Mr Flowers said flooding has a serious impact on nearby residents, and raised concerns about the financial burden, adding that those who have invested in their homes could face higher insurance premiums and more expensive repairs because of the persistent flooding.
“From the public infrastructure standpoint, you can see that at least sometimes two to three feet of water stays there for days at a time. And so it’s difficult not only from a transit perspective, but also from an economic perspective, in terms of residents who have invested significantly in structures that now may face increased insurance prices as well as increased renovation costs,” he said.
discipline rogue contractors, and even bring them before the courts, its regulatory authority being the construction sector’s equivalent of the Bahamas Bar Council or Medical Council.
The BCA has the ability to submit the names of six Board members, with a further three appointed by the minister responsible for the construction industry on its advice. The final member of the ten-person Board will be the director of public works.
However, even with the Board’s appointment self-regulation will take time to implement due to the ‘grandfathering in’ period for existing contractors and trades persons to become licensed and registered under the new system it introduces.
The initial “grandfathering” period expired two years after the Act was passed in 2016, which would have been 2018. This now has to be reset, with the two-year period - at earliest - now starting in 2026 and running until 2028.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that KARINE GEORGES of Rupert Dean Lane, P.O. Box N-7290, Nassau, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 4th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that SHIVAN SAREEN of P. O. Box N-7514, 11 Hudson Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that AHAAN JAGDISH SAREEN of P. O. Box N-7514, 11 Hudson Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
CALVIN & HOBBES
DENNIS THE MENACE
Parents urged to check children’s social media
CYBER - from page B3
technology (ICT) and cyber security head with 21st Century Cyber Security, stressed the importance of having an event such as the Safer Internet Day forum because it helps young Bahamians understand that their digital footprint cannot be erased and therefore they must be careful of what they put online.
“It’s no longer where you can actually walk out there and just put stuff out there not to believe that it will come back to you. We have to realise that your 12-year-old self can affect your 18-year-old future. So you have to be very careful what you do at 12, because at 18 when it’s time to look for a job, it will come back up,” Mr Evans said. “When it’s time to go to a university, it will come
back. And then when you want a visa to go to the United States, they’ll say, ‘Give me all of your social media profile.’ And then when they give you those profile, and they see about these things that you were rejected from this school, you’re rejected from this job. I’m being rejected for a visa because of what I did at 12 years-old.
“Events like these help our students, our Bahamian students, to make the right decision, to let them know that what you post out there is critical. You need to be careful and realise that digital footprints cannot
Privacy activists call on California to remove covert license plate readers
By GARANCE BURKE and BYRON TAU Associated Press
MORE than two dozen privacy and advocacy organizations are calling on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to remove a network of covert license plate readers deployed across Southern California that the groups believe feed data into a controversial U.S. Border Patrol predictive domestic intelligence program that scans the country's roadways for suspicious travel patterns.
"We ask that your administration investigate and release the relevant permits, revoke them, and initiate the removal of these devices," read the letter sent Tuesday by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Imperial Valley Equity and Justice and other nonprofits.
An Associated Press investigation published in November revealed that the U.S. Border Patrol, an agency under U.S. Customs and Border Protection, had hidden license plate readers in ordinary traffic safety equipment. The data collected by the Border Patrol plate readers was then fed into a predictive intelligence program monitoring millions of American drivers nationwide to identify and detain people whose
A
travel patterns it deems suspicious. AP obtained land use permits from Arizona showing that the Border Patrol went to great lengths to conceal its surveillance equipment in that state, camouflaging it by placing it inside orange and yellow construction barrels dotting highways.
The letter said the groups' researchers have identified a similar network of devices in California, finding about 40 license plate readers in San Diego and Imperial counties, both of which border Mexico. More than two dozen of the plate readers identified by the groups were hidden in construction barrels.
They could not determine of the ownership of every device, but the groups said in the letter that they obtained some permits from the California Department of Transportation, showing both the Border Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration had applied for permission to place readers along state highways. DEA shares its license plate reader data with Border Patrol, documents show.
The letter cited the AP's reporting, which found that Border Patrol uses a network of cameras to scan and record vehicle license plate information. An algorithm
young cancer patient and his family worry nearly a month into New York City nurses’ strike
By PHILIP MARCELO Associated Press
WHEN thousands of New York City nurses walked off the job last month in the city's largest strike of its kind in decades, 9-year-old Logan Coyle was a patient in the cancer unit at NewYork-Presbyterian's children's hospital in Manhattan.
Logan was recovering from his latest setback in a two-year battle with advanced liver cancer that has already included chemotherapy and a complex triple transplant of a liver, pancreas and small intestine.
But as the nurses formed their picket outside the hospital, he walked to his window and held up a handmade sign: "Proud of My Primaries."
Morgan Bieler, one of Logan's longtime, primary nurses, said the sight was a jolt of encouragement in those early, uncertain hours of the walkout, which, at the outset, involved roughly
15,000 nurses across some of the city's most prestigious hospitals.
"In that moment, it kind of reinforced like, 'This is why we're doing this'," she said recently. "If he can fight for as long as he has and as hard as he has, then we could fight this."
But nearly a month on, more than 4,000 nurses in the NewYork-Presbyterian system are the last on the picket line in a bitter dispute over salaries, staffing, safety, health care and other contractual issues.
The hospitals have said the union's demands were exorbitant. They say unionized nurses' salaries already average $162,000 to $165,000 a year, not including benefits.
The nurses have countered that top hospital executives make millions of dollars a year.
Jeff Coyle, Logan's father, says its "infuriating" that some of the city's most vulnerable patients are caught in the middle.
International Business Companies Act No.45 of 2000
be erased. It’s out there forever.”
Mr Evans said a lot of persons still need to be educated about cyber security, pointing to breaches that occurred in other countries and their impact on The Bahamas.
“We have to realise that we are playing inside a bigger pool where we are all interconnected right now, and we will be affected by what’s happening inside some other countries,” he said. Mr Evans added that he and his daughter have a podcast where they break down, in 30-minute segments, information on how to protect yourself online.
BTC’s chief executive, Sameer Bhatti, said Safer Internet Day is recognised in 170 countries. “That means this is not just a local thing. This is a global thing and a global need. The Internet has opened doors to creativity, entrepreneurship… in the classroom, faster learning, learning with colleagues around the world in different ways; different ways to collaborate,” he added. “But it’s also introduced some risks as well. Cyber crime is misinformation and misuse of AI and machine learning, and these can have large detriments to society. It can be a powerful tool
when used responsibly, but when not, it can be misused with scams, impersonation and false information.
“BTC understands these risks, and the rewards and benefits, but recognises our responsibility goes beyond connectivity. So we’re committed to ensuring, as we build faster networks and smarter cities, we’re also building knowledge resilience and digital confidence among our youth. Each of you here is a digital citizen. Our goal here isn’t to tell you what to do, but empower you so you can be more confident online and make safer choices.”
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of ALIX LIMITED of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 31st day of December, 2025.
flags vehicles deemed suspicious based on where they came from, where they were going and which route they took. Agents appeared to be looking for vehicles making short trips to the border region, claiming that such travel is indicative of potential drug or human smuggling.
Federal agents in turn sometimes refer drivers they deem suspicious to local law enforcement who make a traffic stop citing a reason like speeding or lane change violations. Drivers often have no idea they have been caught up in a predictive intelligence program being run by a federal agency.
The AP identified at least two cases in which California residents appeared to have been caught up in the Border Patrol's surveillance of domestic travel patterns. In one 2024 incident described in court documents, a Border Patrol agent pulled over the driver of a Nissan Altima based in part on vehicle travel data showing that it took the driver six hours to travel the approximately 50 miles between the U.S.-Mexican border and Oceanside, California, where the agent had been on patrol.
"This type of delay in travel after crossing the International Border from Mexico is a common tactic
used by persons involved in illicit smuggling," the agent wrote in a court document.
In another case, Border Patrol agents said in a court document in 2023 they detained a woman at an internal checkpoint because she had traveled a circuitous route between Los Angeles and Phoenix. In both cases, law enforcement accused the drivers of smuggling immigrants in the country unlawfully and were seeking to seize their property or charge them with a crime.
The intelligence program, which has existed under administrations of both parties, has drawn scrutiny
from lawmakers since the AP revealed its existence last year.
The California Department of Transportation and the office of Newsom, a Democrat, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Courts have generally upheld license plate reader collection on public roads but have curtailed warrantless government access to other kinds of persistent tracking data that might reveal sensitive details about people's movements, such as GPS devices or cellphone location data. Some scholars and civil libertarians argues that large-scale
collection systems like plate readers might be unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment.
"Increasingly, courts have recognized that the use of surveillance technologies can violate the Fourth Amendment's protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Although this area of law is still developing, the use of LPRs and predictive algorithms to track and flag individuals' movements represents the type of sweeping surveillance that should raise constitutional concerns," the organizations wrote.
A LICENSE plate reader used by U.S. Border Patrol is hidden in a traffic cone while capturing passing vehicles on AZ Highway 85, Oct. 21, 2025, in Gila Bend, Ariz.
Photo:Ross D. Franklin/AP
US stocks drift to a mixed finish as yields fall after a discouraging report on US shoppers
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer
STOCKS drifted on Wall Street Tuesday following a mixed set of profit reports from big U.S. companies, as Hasbro jumped but Coca-Cola slipped. Hopes also built that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates later this year to boost the economy following a discouraging report on the strength of U.S. shoppers.
The S&P 500 fell 0.3% after briefly rising above its all-time high, which was set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 52 points, or 0.1%, to its own record, while the Nasdaq composite fell 0.6%.
The action was stronger in the bond market, where Treasury yields fell after a report showed U.S. retailers made less money at the end of last year than economists expected. Shoppers spent roughly the same amount in December as they did in November, less than the modest growth that economists expected.
That could signal a loss of momentum for spending
by U.S. households, which is the main engine of the economy. It also came ahead of two more anticipated reports coming later in the week. On Wednesday, the U.S. government will give the latest monthly update on the unemployment rate, while a Friday report will show how bad inflation is for U.S. consumers.
Altogether, the data should help the Federal Reserve decide what to do with interest rates. The Fed has put its cuts to interest
Opposition grows in Congo over US mineral deal
By SALEH MWANAMILONGO Associated Press
OPPOSITION to a deal that would allow U.S. companies access to critical minerals in Congo is growing after Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi returned from the U.S. minerals summit last week — with praises from U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. lawmakers.
Tshisekedi has offered U.S. companies access to eastern Congo’s rich minerals — mostly untapped and estimated to be worth $24 trillion – as a bargaining chip for U.S. support to help fight off rebels and build critical infrastructure in the region where Rwanda-backed rebels seized major cities last year.
It comes as the Trump administration seeks to create a minerals trading bloc with its allies, in part to defend against China’s stranglehold on critical elements needed for everything from fighter jets to smartphones. China accounts for nearly 70% of the world’s rare earth mining and controls roughly 90% of global rare earths processing. It is also the most active player in Congo’s minerals sector.
Congo went seeking support and investment
On the sidelines of the Feb. 4 Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington D.C., Tshisekedi led a Congolese delegation on strategic meetings with senior Trump administration officials and members of the Congress, mostly building on the strategic partnership agreement that both countries signed in December.
“We are open for business and we are serious about doing business the right way,” Tshisekedi told members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during a meeting last week.
Discussions with Congolese officials focused on reviewing a list of strategic assets submitted by Congo which will help determine investment opportunities for American companies, the U.S. State Department said last week.
US, Chinese competition ‘will intensify’ on Congolese soil
The strategic partnership has been framed as securing supply chains for strategic minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium and coltan for the U.S. while Congo in return receives U.S. support for development of key infrastructure.
In Congo, however, analysts and residents say there are still no signs that U.S. involvement in the country’s minerals sector will help meet its most crucial need: permanent peace and stability particularly in the east where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized territories a year ago.
The rebels also control vast territories rich in minerals, including the Rubaya coltan mine which produces around 15% of the world’s coltan and where at least 200 miners died recently after a part of it collapsed.
American companies, meanwhile, have long avoided Congo due in part to high levels of insecurity and corruption, a void long filled by Chinese companies.
“The battle between China and the United States for access to and control of strategic minerals will intensify concretely on Congolese soil,” said Josaphat Musamba, doctoral researcher studying conflict and development at Belgium’s Ghent University. Opposition could hamper the implementation In the capital of Kinshasa, opposition is growing against the mineral partnerships both from public figures and the civil society leaders, some of whom have accused the Congolese government of underselling the country’s vast mineral wealth.
A group of lawyers and human rights activists in Congo has filed a lawsuit arguing that the mineral partnership threatens Congo’s sovereignty.
“We are assuming our responsibility as Congolese citizens to protect the sovereignty of our country and preserve our heritage for future generations,” said Jean-Marie Kalonji, one of the lawyers.
rates on hold, and too-hot inflation could keep it on pause for a long time. But a weakening of the job market, on the other hand, could push it to resume cuts more quickly.
One of the reasons the U.S. stock market has remained close to records is the expectation that the Fed will continue cutting rates later this year. Lower rates can give the economy a boost, though they can also worsen inflation.
Following Tuesday’s disappointing data on sales at U.S. retailers, traders upped bets that the Fed could cut interest rates three times or more this year, according to data from CME Group. Most still see two cuts as more likely.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury sank to 4.14% from 4.22% late Monday.
On Wall Street, mixed reactions to the latest profit reports from big U.S. companies helped to keep the market in check.
Coca-Cola fell 1.5% after its revenue for the latest quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. It also gave a forecast for an important underlying measure of growth this upcoming year that was less than some analysts expected.
S&P Global dropped 9.7% after giving a forecast for profit in the upcoming year that fell short of analysts’ expectations. The company famous for its stock indexes has been struggling recently with
worries that competitors powered by artificial-intelligence technology may steal customers for its data services. Its stock came into the day with a loss of 15% for the year so far.
But Hasbro climbed 7.5% after topping analysts’ expectations for profit and revenue in the latest quarter. The toymaker credited strength for its “Magic: The Gathering” game in particular, and it announced a program to send up to $1 billion of cash to investors by buying back its own stock.
DuPont rose 4.9% after the chemical giant reported better results for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave a forecast for profit in 2026 that topped analysts’ expectations.
Outside of earnings reports, Warner Bros. Discovery climbed 2.2% after Paramount said it upped its offer to buy the entertainment company.
Paramount is increasing its offer of $30 per share by 25 cents per share for each quarter that its buyout has not closed past the end of this year. It’s to show how confident Paramount is that its deal would get an OK from regulators at the government. Paramount also said it would pay $2.8 billion to help Warner Bros. Discovery get out of its buyout deal with Netflix. Paramount Skydance’s stock added 1.5%, while Netflix rose 0.9%.
All told, the S&P 500 fell 23.01 points to 6,941.81. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 52.27 to 50,188.14, and the Nasdaq composite fell 136.20 to 23,102.47. In stock markets abroad, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rallied for a second day on expectations that a newly elected parliament will help the country’s prime minister push through tax cuts and other moves to boost the economy. The Nikkei 225 rose 2.3% to another record. Gains for other Asian markets were more modest, while indexes were mixed in Europe.
Trump EPA set to repeal scientific finding that serves as basis for US climate change policy
By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press
THE Trump administration on Thursday will revoke a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, the White House announced.
The Environmental Protection Agency will issue a final rule rescinding a 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment finding. That Obama-era policy determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare.
President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin will “formalize the rescission of the 2009 Obama-era endangerment finding” at a White House ceremony, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday.
The action “will be the largest deregulatory action in American history, and it will save the American people $1.3 trillion in crushing regulations,” she said.
The bulk of the savings will stem from reduced costs for new vehicles, with the EPA projecting average per vehicle savings of more than $2,400 for popular lightduty cars, SUVs and trucks, Leavitt said.
The endangerment finding is the legal underpinning of nearly all climate regulations under the Clean Air Act for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources that are heating the planet. It is used to justify regulations, such as auto emissions standards, intended to protect against threats made increasingly severe by climate change — deadly floods, extreme heat waves, catastrophic wildfires
and other natural disasters in the United States and around the world.
Legal challenges certain to come Legal challenges are certain for any action that effectively would repeal those regulations, with environmental groups describing the shift as the single biggest attack in U.S. history on federal efforts to address climate change.
“The Trump administration is abandoning its core responsibility to keep us safe from extreme weather and accelerating climate change,’’ said Abigail Dillen, president of the nonprofit law firm Earthjustice. “There is no way to reconcile EPA’s decision with the law, the science and the reality of disasters that are hitting us harder every year. Earthjustice and our partners will see the Trump administration in court.”
EPA press secretary Brigit Hirsch said the Obama-era rule was “one of the most damaging decisions in modern history” and said EPA “is actively working to deliver a historic action for the American people.”
Trump, who has called climate change a “hoax,” previously issued an executive order that directed EPA to submit a report on “the legality and continuing applicability” of the endangerment finding.
Conservatives and some congressional Republicans have long sought to undo what they consider overly restrictive and economically damaging rules to limit greenhouse gases that cause global warming.
Zeldin, a former Republican congressman who was tapped by Trump to lead EPA last year, has criticized his predecessors in Democratic administrations,
saying they were “willing to bankrupt the country” in an effort to combat climate change.
Democrats “created this endangerment finding and then they are able to put all these regulations on vehicles, on airplanes, on stationary sources, to basically regulate out of existence ... segments of our economy,” Zeldin said in announcing the proposed rule last July. “And it cost Americans a lot of money.” Peter Zalzal, a lawyer and associate vice president of the Environmental Defense Fund, countered that the EPA will be encouraging more climate pollution, higher health insurance and fuel costs and thousands of avoidable premature deaths. The EPA is focusing solely on industry costs while ignoring the rule’s climate and health benefits, he and other advocates said.
Target CEO reshapes his leadership team in first big move since taking over this month
By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Retail Writer
TARGET CEO Michael Fiddelke is reshuffling his leadership team and making other changes shortly after stepping into the top job at the retailer that has struggled operationally.
Rick Gomez, the 13-year Target veteran who oversees the chain’s vast inventory of merchandise, will leave the company. And Jill Sando, the chief merchandising officer overseeing a handful of categories like apparel and home and who has been with the company since 1997, will retire. Lisa Roath, who oversaw food, essentials and cosmetics, will take Fiddelke’s
previous job as chief operating officer, the company said Tuesday. Cara Sylvester, who had been chief guest experience officer, will become the company’s chief merchandising officer. The changes will allow Target to move with greater speed, Fiddelke said.
“It’s the start of a new chapter for Target, and we’re moving quickly to take action against our priorities that will drive growth within our business,” Fiddelke said in a release. Gomez and Sando will remain with the company for a short time to help with the transition, but the changes become effective Sunday. Also on Tuesday, the company reiterated its profit guidance. It is also
increasing investment in store staffing at stores while eliminating about 500 jobs at distribution centers and regional offices, according to a memo sent to employees that Target shared with The Associated Press. The cuts make up just a tiny fraction of Target’s overall employee count of more than 400,000. It is the first substantial change under Fiddelke, a 20-year company veteran who took over for Brian Cornell this month. The company’s decision to choose an insider surprised many industry analysts who believe the company needs new ideas as it tries to revive sales. Target has struggled to find its footing as many
Americans have cut back on spending. Customers have also complained of disheveled stores that are missing the budget-priced niche that long ago earned the retailer the nickname “Tarzhay.”
The company has also been buffeted by consumer boycotts and backlash after it scaled back its corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. It has also faced protests for what some critics see as an insufficient response to President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis, its hometown,
where two U.S. citizens where fatally shot last month by federal agents.
SPECIALIST James Denaro works at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. Photo:Richard Drew/AP
WHITE House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a briefing at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in Washington.
Photo:Evan Vucci/AP
PRESIDENT Donald Trump greets Democratic Republic of the Congo President Felix Tshisekedi at the U.S. Institute of Peace, Dec. 4, 2025, in Washington. Photo:Evan Vucci/AP
