By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
A FAMILY says a man was left to die like an animal on a dark roadway in New Providence — and they are now pleading for the driver who struck him to come forward and face what they did.
Dominic Archer Brown, 48, died Monday night from injuries suffered after he was hit by a vehicle while crossing Robinson Road on Sunday evening.
His cousin, Alicetine Johnson-Francis, said the driver never stopped.
“He’s a human being, and he has people who love him — he’s not an animal,” Ms Johnson-Francis, 53, said, as she appealed for the person responsible to come forward and give the family closure.
Ms Johnson-Francis said she learned of her cousin’s death through a family member and has been overwhelmed by grief since. She said Archer Brown, known as “Dommy” to relatives and friends, did not deserve to die the way he did. Neil Hartnell
FORMER Cabinet ministers from the Minnis administration reacted with dismay yesterday after Dr Hubert Minnis announced that he intends to contest Killarney as an independent candidate, a move that would sever his ties with the Free National Movement and upend one of the party’s safest seats. While acknowledging Dr Minnis’ past role as prime minister and party leader, several senior figures said his decision to break from the Free National Movement risks undermining party unity while offering little realistic prospect of success in a system dominated by two major parties. Former deputy prime FOR STORY -
MINNIS - SEE PAGE FIVE
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 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.
DOMINIC Archer Brown (left)
Former FNM women’s president defects to PLP after 33 years
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
A FORMER senior Free National Movement figure crossed the political divide yesterday, ending a 33-year association with the FNM and declaring her support for Prime Minister Philip Davis and the Progressive Liberal Party ahead of the next general election.
Karen Shepherd, who previously served as the FNM’s Englerston candidate in 2012, president of the party’s Women’s Association for three terms and a party trustee, was formally welcomed into the PLP at a press conference at party headquarters on Farrington Road. She was presented with a PLP membership card and pin and posed for photographs with party chairman Fred Mitchell and other officials.
Ms Shepherd, the daughter of the late former PLP MP James Shepherd, said her decision to leave the FNM was rooted in
concern that the party no longer reflected the principles championed by its founders.
“They have strayed from the goals our founding fathers set out to accomplish,” she said. “Their words are saying one thing, yet their actions show another. Our motto as the FNM used to be ‘all together,’ and today, the FNM is not all together.”
She said FNM leader
Michael Pintard did not contact her after she made her resignation known, and described a party losing support among its base even as it focused on filling visible leadership roles.
While “the party was filling their spaces from the front,” she said, “the back is hemorrhaging.”
Ms Shepherd said her concerns grew while canvassing on behalf of the FNM and relaying feedback from dissatisfied supporters, only to find that party leaders were unwilling to listen or adjust course.
She framed her decision
to join the PLP as one motivated by conscience rather than personal gain, saying she felt compelled to act in what she believes is the national interest.
“It was not an easy one, but it was one that took holy courage to be able to stand here today,” she said. “I don’t regret the decision that I have made. I’ve made my decision with a clear conscience.”
Ms Shepherd urged undecided FNM supporters to join her in backing Mr Davis for a second term in office, something no governing party has achieved since 1997.
“Join me on the winning team — a team focused on service to the Bahamian people,” she said.
“I pledge to work smart, hard, focused, and diligently to secure a second term for the PLP in service to our people. I am here to serve and to serve with purpose — for a better Bahamas. I have a heart for the people,” she added.
During her address,
Ms Shepherd reflected at length on her father’s political legacy, describing her roots as “firmly grounded in the Progressive Liberal Party” and recalling his role in the labour unrest surrounding the general strike at the British Colonial Hotel and the 1967 general election. She cited the policies he championed, including price control, housing, inner-city renewal, strong immigration measures, reduced taxation for the poor, improved labour relations, agricultural
support and national infrastructure development.
“My father won the great constituency of St Michael under the PLP banner in that historic election, becoming the first Whip in the House of Assembly — a symbol of a new generation with stamina, fortitude, and resilience,” she said, recalling his close association with the late Sir Lynden Pindling.
“Sir Lynden went, my father was by his side,” she said.
Ms Shepherd
acknowledged progress under the Davis administration, while cautioning that significant work remains. Welcoming her to the party, Mr Mitchell described the move as “a great day” for the PLP, suggesting she could play a role in the party’s general election campaign. PLP Women’s Branch chairwoman Calverna Small also welcomed Ms Shepherd, describing her as a formidable organiser who would strengthen the party’s efforts.
PRIME Minister Philip Davis has confirmed the Progressive Liberal Party will officially launch its general election campaign on February 16 as the party completed its ratification process last night.
Speaking at the PLP ratification event at party headquarters on Farrington Road Monday night, Mr Davis said the selection phase was over and the party was now moving into full campaign mode, telling supporters that visibility and engagement would be expected from all ranks.
“This marks the end of one phase and the beginning of another,” Mr Davis said. “The selection process is done. Ratifications are complete. Next week, February 16, the Progressive Liberal Party launches its campaign.” The prime minister warned that “a lot is at stake this election”, framing the vote as a decision on whether progress continues or is “blocked by pettiness and
KAREN Shepherd speaks at press conference held at PLP headquarters yesterday.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS
Family begs driver to surrender after fatal hit-and-run
“We need the person who was responsible for this to come forward,” she said.
“Please come forward and give my family closure. He didn’t deserve to die the way he died.”
In a Facebook post, Ms Johnson-Francis described her cousin as a devoted father of a 25-year-old and said he suffered spinal injuries and bleeding on the brain before succumbing to his injuries. She also called for a full investigation and urged the driver to confront their actions.
“Where is your heart? How can you live with yourself? Please come forward and face your actions,” she wrote.
She thanked the person who stopped to help Archer Brown and contacted family members, saying that the intervention ensured the family knew what had happened.
Ms Johnson-Francis also appealed to police to conduct a thorough investigation and urged members of the public to assist if they have information, particularly anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has surveillance cameras along Robinson Road.
She said the family has received an outpouring of messages and phone calls, describing widespread shock among those who knew her cousin. Some people, she said, questioned why news of the incident did not surface sooner.
Ms Johnson-Francis, who lives in Maryland in the United States, said she and Mr Archer Brown grew up in the same household and were as close as siblings.
“I cried from when I heard this. I wasn’t eating. I couldn’t work. I just wasn’t
myself,” she said. According to her account, Archer Brown spent part of Sunday with her daughter. When he was unable to secure a ride home, he began walking.
Police said in a report issued Tuesday afternoon that the incident occurred shortly after 8pm on Sunday near Robinson Road and Eighth Street in the Grove, where Archer Brown was attempting to cross the road when he was struck by a vehicle. Emergency Medical Services transported him to the hospital, where he
later died around 8pm on Monday.
Ms Johnson-Francis said the family was initially unable to confirm whether authorities were aware of the incident. She said her daughter called 919 and was told there was no record of the accident at the time and was advised to report the matter to Road Traffic the following morning.
She questioned why the incident was not logged earlier, arguing that faster reporting could have helped locate the driver involved.
Two people granted bail in forgery case prosecutors call ‘national security’ risk
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
TWO people accused of trying to use forged Bahamian citizenship documents that prosecutors say originated overseas were granted bail yesterday amid warnings of national security risks as the country approaches an election.
Dorrel Leo Smith, a man in his fifties, and Sicqua Lewis, 27, appeared before Magistrate Uel Johnson on nine criminal charges linked to alleged falsified public records and forged Bahamian documents. The pair are accused of acting together with others on February 5 in Grand Bahama. Prosecutors allege the pair falsified three Bahamian certificates of naturalisation in the names of Fritzroy Selabi, Carmeta Selabi and Jornell Selabi, knowing the documents were not genuine. They are also accused of having six forged Bahamian passport applications in the same names, on the same date, at the same location.
Corporal 3700 Kenton Smith and Assistant Superintendent Veron Rolle appeared for the prosecution. Prosecutor Smith told the court the offences carry penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and said there was uncertainty over whether the Magistrate’s Court could grant bail.
“This offence falls in the Third Schedule as a Supreme Court matter,” he said, asking that the issue
of bail be deferred to the Supreme Court. The prosecutor also informed the court that Smith is currently on bail in relation to a previous matter.
Defence attorney Brian Hanna urged the court to grant bail, telling the magistrate that his client “has lived in The Bahamas all his life.” He said both accused are self-employed in Freeport and posed no flight risk.
“There is nothing to suggest that they will leave the country,” he said.
Mr Hanna argued that the charges are forgery offences and that the Magistrate’s Court has the authority to grant bail in such cases.
ASP Rolle warned the court that the matter raised serious national security concerns, particularly given an approaching election.
“These are Bahamian documents that were
Archer Brown, a construction worker and handyman, was described as friendly, social and deeply family-oriented.
Ms Johnson-Francis said
allegedly fraudulent made that people can use to vote,” he argued.
“These are documents for citizenship.”
When questioned by the magistrate about the source of the alleged forgeries, Prosecutor Rolle said the instrument originated internationally, from New York City. Magistrate Johnson ruled that the Magistrate’s Court does have discretion to grant bail. Prosecutor Smith then asked for strict conditions, including substantial sureties and reporting requirements, citing the seriousness of the allegations. Bail was set at $15,000 each with one or two sureties. The accused were ordered to report to the Northeastern Police Station by 6pm and to surrender their travel documents.
The matter was adjourned to June 15, 2026, for the service of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.
he had been making plans for the future, including visiting his daughter and travelling to spend time with relatives. “He had plans. He had a full life,” she said. Police said no witnesses or vehicle description have been identified at this stage, and investigations are continuing.
DOMINIC ARCHER BROWN
Pharmacies unite to fight illegal drug sales after Tribune probe
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
SEVERAL local pharmacies have joined forces to warn the public about the dangers of illegally selling prescription medicines, rolling out flyers and social media campaigns after a recent Tribune investigation shed light on the issue.
Barbara Wilson, former Bahamas Pharmacy Council chairman and director of a pharmaceutical wholesale, is among those leading the effort.
She told The Tribune yesterday that she came up with the idea to promote flyers on social media to educate the public, knowing its reach and influence.
“I’m good at getting people's attention,” she said, “and I figured ‘okay, well here's an idea.’ and I was the one that gave them the first flyer, and then, you know, about four or five of them eventually said this is a good idea.”
She said many other pharmacy operators have also been exploring ways to assist in the effort to curb the illegal sale of prescription medicines, including talk show appearances and newspaper advertisements.
The move follows a Tribune investigation that exposed how easily powerful drugs are being sold over the counter without prescriptions.
The Tribune’s investigation showed that prescription medicines are entering the country through formal ports and
informal channels, often from unverified overseas manufacturers, and being sold without prescriptions, proper labelling, dosage instructions or medical oversight.
In response, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has committed to long-promised legislative reform to clamp down on the practice.
Mrs Wilson welcomed the move, saying reliance on credibility and trust is no longer sufficient.
“I do believe that we have come to a point now in the country, in my opinion, a lot of it is even because of international forces, that we have no choice now but to regulate the market in some way. It's been pretty unregulated and I believe the time has come for a lot of reasons,” she said.
She said strong laws, clear protocols and effective oversight can help curb illegal practices, even if they cannot eliminate them entirely.
She said many people mistakenly view the illegal sale of prescription drugs as harmless, unaware that it is against the law and can pose serious health risks.
She added that frustration with long wait times and overcrowding in the public healthcare system often drives patients—many of whom already know their diagnoses—to seek medication without prescriptions rather than go without treatment.
“Maybe if we could get to the bottom of that in the country and figure out a way for people to be able to see doctors without the long waits because a lot of times they don't have money, they can't go to a private doctor,” she said. “And then they go to some pharmacy and plead their case, and then somebody may just try to help them out out of the goodness of their heart, but really, it's illegal.” Meanwhile, the Ministry added that it is working with the Bahamas Pharmacy Council and other agencies to ensure reports of illegal dispensing are investigated and addressed, and urged members of the public to report suspected breaches.
It’s (pharmaceutical
industry) been pretty unregulated and I believe the time has come for a lot of reasons.
- Barbara Wilson
BAHAMAS TIES US ON CORRUPTION INDEX, BUT ADVOCATE WARNS OF DAILY REALITY
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas’ steady showing in Transparency International’s latest corruption index masks a deeper problem: despite years of legislative reform, many Bahamians still do not feel the impact of anti-corruption efforts in their daily lives,
a governance advocate warned yesterday.
Matt Aubry, executive director of the Organisation for Responsible Governance, said the country’s score of 64
out of 100 in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index should be taken seriously, but not viewed as a definitive measure of lived experience. The Bahamas ranked 29th out of 182 countries, tying with the United States.
Mr Aubry said the index, while influential, reflects the views of a narrow group rather than the wider public.
“When we're thinking about the index itself, it's a measure of perception, and it's a measure of perception, from a somewhat limited perspective,” he said. “It is independent experts, it's business folks for the most part, but that also reflects that it's a barometer that others might look at.”
He added that the ranking can shape the type of investors the country attracts.
The Bahamas’ CPI score has remained largely unchanged over the past five years. The country scored 63 in 2020; 64 in 2021, 2022 and 2023; 65 in 2024; and 64 in 2025. The index measures perceived levels of public-sector corruption on a scale from zero, considered highly corrupt, to 100, considered very clean.
Mr Aubry pointed to several laws passed in recent years, including the Independent Commission of Investigations Act, but said the public has yet to see tangible benefits from those initiatives.
He argued that corruption and unfair systems disproportionately burden vulnerable communities, particularly in the Family Islands, and are closely linked to cost-of-living pressures. Despite new laws, he said, many Bahamians do not perceive meaningful change, echoing Transparency International’s broader concern that global leaders are failing to prioritise anti-corruption efforts.
Mr Aubry said delaying
reform in favour of other political priorities mirrors an international pattern and entrenches inequality, harming historically marginalised communities. He said a fairer system could directly ease economic pressure by rewarding merit rather than political connections, while greater transparency would encourage small-business growth and innovation. He also cited regional data highlighting persistent community-level concerns. A 2018 corruption barometer found that about 20 percent of respondents in The Bahamas reported having paid a bribe.
“We were listed as the highest in the Caribbean who just paid a bribe without even being asked. So we've ingrained some of that behaviour as this is how you get around a system that doesn't work in the way that we think it should work,” he said.
Mr Aubry said expanded electronic government services, such as online licence renewals and vehicle registration, could reduce opportunities for bribery by limiting faceto-face interactions, but warned that legislation alone is not enough without public education.
“We have to get past the language of corruption and freedom of information and get back to fairness and opportunity, which every Bahamian is looking for, is hoping for, the ability to succeed based on your own merit and your own capacity, is the heart of really tapping into our potential,” he said.
He described the CPI as “a good message” and “a good check and balance”, but said real progress will depend on fully implementing and resourcing reforms so that Bahamians see clear improvements in everyday life.
ORG PRESIDENT MATT AUBRY
Colleagues dismayed as Minnis risks legacy and party expulsion
Minister and finance minister Peter Turnquest said the move was disappointing and reflected a broader failure in Bahamian politics, where long-serving politicians struggle to recognise when their time has passed. He argued that history offers little support for the idea that independent candidates can meaningfully influence national elections.
“I think the reality is history is a great teacher, and despite the desire for change, the reality is the potential for a third-party candidate, much less an independent candidate to win a seat, much less have any influence on an election, is remote at best,” Mr Turnquest said. He said the country risks stagnation when senior politicians continue to occupy space without bringing the vision, energy
or willingness to take risks needed to move the country forward, warning that this tendency holds back national progress.
Former tourism minister Dionisio D’Aguilar was more blunt, questioning why a former prime minister would choose to end his career in open conflict with his party.
“Why would you end your career being expelled from the party because, obviously, he will be expelled from the party when he nominates to run in Killarney where we have a ratified candidate,” Mr D’Aguilar said.
He said the decision feeds a misleading narrative of division within the FNM, which he rejected, noting that a strong majority of party members supported Michael Pintard as leader. Mr D’Aguilar said Dr Minnis had already reached the pinnacle of political office and questioned the purpose of returning to Parliament as a backbencher.
He said significant effort had been made to appease Dr Minnis, but the former leader did not attend party meetings or
caucus activities.
Former immigration minister Brent Symonette said Dr Minnis did not need to sever ties with the party to remain relevant, arguing that he could have continued contributing meaningfully after losing both the general election and subsequent leadership contests. He said Dr Minnis should have stepped aside earlier, rather than prolonging internal uncertainty.
“I think he really
should have done the honourable thing in politics, which would have showed true character,” he said.
FNM chairman and former health minister Duane Sands said the party was not focused on Dr Minnis’ political aspirations and would instead concentrate on its slate of ratified candidates, including Senator Michaela Barnett-Ellis in Killarney. He said the party had heard similar statements before
and would wait to see whether Dr Minnis formally follows through. Ms Barnett-Ellis said Dr Minnis’ announcement had not altered her campaign, which she said remains focused on street-by-street engagement with residents. She said voters continue to raise concerns about flooding, road conditions and street lighting, as well as access to their MP and opportunities for business growth and national development.
Minnis takes aim at ‘afraid’ FNM candidates switching seats
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Prime Minis-
ter Dr Hubert Minnis took shots at Free National Movement candidates who, after holding office in certain constituencies, are now seeking election in different seats.
“Regardless of how they cut it, I’m staying in Killarney unlike many others who have ran from one constituency to another,” he said while appearing on Beyond the Headlines with Shenique Miller on Monday where he confirmed his plans to run as an independent candidate in the next general election.
When asked who he was referring to, Dr Minnis
declined to name specific candidates, saying their decisions had been repeatedly highlighted in newspaper reports. Pressed further on his views about candidates leaving their former constituencies, he said: “I don't know if individuals are running. They must be afraid of something. So they'd have to inform us what that fear is all about, but I'm not afraid of it.”
Several FNM candidates are now seeking election in constituencies other than those they previously represented.
FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands was the former Member of Parliament for Elizabeth before losing the
seat in the 2021 general election to JoBeth Coleby-Davis of the Progressive Liberal Party. Dr Sands is now seeking to represent the Bamboo Town constituency.
Travis Robinson, who served as the FNM Member of Parliament for Bain and Grants Town from 2017 to 2021, lost his seat in the last general election. Mr Robinson is now seeking to win the Fort Charlotte constituency.
FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, the sitting Member of Parliament for St Barnabas, has been ratified as the party’s candidate for the newly created St James constituency.
Dr Minnis has represented the Killarney constituency since 2007.
‘THEY AIN’T COMING IN MY YARD’: FNM VETERAN SLAMS RICK FOX PICK
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
Chief Reporter
THE Free National Movement’s decision to ratify Rick Fox as its Garden Hills candidate has triggered sharp internal backlash from some, including a former constituency chairman accusing the party’s leadership of driving it into decline and sidelining loyal members.
Ricardo Rolle, a longtime Garden Hills resident and former association president, said the party had made a grave mistake by backing Mr Fox while denying the nomination to former MPs, including Dr Hubert Minnis and Renward Wells. Mr Rolle, who served nine years as the association’s president under the Ingraham administration, said the move had left many supporters disillusioned and disengaged.
“This is the worst the FNM has ever been run,” Mr Rolle told The Tribune as he criticised the party’s leadership and Mr Fox’s candidacy. “I can tell you one thing, they ain't coming in my yard.”
leader that the FNM has now, that is garbage.”
Kendal Culmer, an FNM meritorious council member, also voiced dissatisfaction, saying the party’s leader should have explained who Mr Fox is and why he was chosen. Mr Culmer said he knew little about Mr Fox beyond his public profile.
“There should’ve been a conversation about Rick Fox,” he said. “Okay, yeah, he’s Bahamian. Yeah, he’s spent some time in Canada. Yeah, he’s worth millions of dollars, but is that what you’re looking for?”
“The person who should really speak to this issue is Michael Pintard, and he don’t make sense sometimes himself.”
Mr Culmer said the FNM of today is not the party it once was and said he is uncertain whether he would even vote in the upcoming election.
“You know nothing about Rick Fox,” he said.
“You only know about Rick Fox what in the NBA, that's it, and now
His remarks come amid mixed reactions within the party following the ratification of Fox, a former NBA star who recently said this year’s general election will mark the first time he has ever voted in The Bahamas. The Tribune previously reported that the decision surprised some FNM supporters, as longtime aspirant D’Angelo Ferguson had been widely viewed as the frontrunner after months of campaigning. Mr Rolle said nominating someone he described as a stranger to the party, rather than established figures such as Dr Minnis, was deeply troubling.
you gon’ come talk about you gon’ run and if you ask Rick Fox, right now, where Garden Hills starts and where it end, he can’t tell you.”
He added that many of his neighbours, also FNM supporters, have said they do not plan to vote, citing frustration with the
party’s leadership and a lack of consultation on key decisions.
“I’ve been with the FNM since 1985,” he said.
“I never voted nothing else. I never supported nothing else, right and all of the leaders under the FNM that I was a part of, to compare them to the
Still, not all party members oppose Mr Fox’s candidacy. Former area MP Brensil Rolle backed him, describing Mr Fox as a qualified Bahamian who deserves a chance. Mr Rolle said he believes Mr Fox could win the seat, arguing that voters in Garden Hills will judge candidates by performance rather than rhetoric.
MINNIS from page one
FORMER IMMIGRATION MINISTER BRENT SYMONETTE
FORMER TOURISM MINISTER DIONISIO D’AGUILAR
RICK FOX at the FNM announcement of candiddates last week.
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
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Throwing stones from a glass house
THE long, slow dance that Dr Hubert Minnis has led the country along is finally coming to an end.
Credit to Dr Minnis for one thing – he has always known how to grab a headline.
Over many months, the former FNM Prime Minister has fuelled speculation about what he would be doing in the next election. He insisted he would run again in Killarney, even though it long looked like he would be denied the nomination.
When that nomination was indeed denied, he kept saying he would run, but would not say what banner that would be under. He even dodged questions about an involvement with the Democratic National Alliance – when he could have just said no. No, instead he kept the game going, keeping the speculation firing around social media.
Now he has finally declared he will run as an independent – and what does he do as his intentions are made clear? He criticises other FNM candidates who are switching to different seats.
“Regardless of how they cut it,” he said, “I’m staying in Killarney unlike many others who have ran from one constituency to another.”
He went on: “I don’t know if individuals are running. They must be afraid of something.”
There are several FNM candidates seeking new homes – Dr Duane Sands running in Bamboo Town rather than Elizabeth as in in the past, Travis Robinson trading his old seat in Bain and Grants Town for Fort Charlotte, and Shanendon Cartwright, swapping St Barnabas for the new St James constituency.
But does Dr Minnis really think we should take him seriously?
Dr Minnis, yes, these candidates are indeed seeking new homes in a different constituency – but you are seeking a new home outside the party entirely.
Now we have regularly seen politicians switch parties in the past – Renward Wells for example, or Vaughn Miller. You can think of plenty more, we are sure, and even yesterday the PLP was touting the switch to the party of a former FNM, about which you can read more in this edition of The Tribune.
However, Dr Minnis was the leader of the party he has now abandoned – and several of the colleagues who served under him yesterday were dismayed by his move to cut his ties from the party.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest called it disappointing and pointed to the problem of long-serving politicians not knowing when to let go of the reins. Former Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar did not mince his words, saying Dr Minnis would be expelled from the party – the rules of the party determine as much. You cannot run against a fellow party member, so off Dr Minnis will go. Brent Symonette, former Immigration Minister under Dr Minnis and a former Deputy Prime Minister previously, said
Dr Minnis could have contributed meaningfully despite losing an election and multiple leadership contests. He said Dr Minnis could have done the honourable thing, “which would have showed true character”.
Dr Minnis has chosen not to continue to contribute to the success of the party he once led, and instead now stands in open opposition to his former colleagues.
He does so having long fuelled tensions within the party, undercutting party leader Michael Pintard.
And to what end? To hope to win as an independent and hold a single seat in a Parliament dominated by whichever party succeeds in the next election, neither of which is likely to offer much support to a solitary MP who has long criticised one party and now scorned the other?
Even as he does so, he fixes his eye on criticising candidates for failing to show loyalty to a seat when he does not show loyalty to his party?
Dr Minnis was ever bold, but such criticism takes the biscuit.
Both Mr Turnquest and Mr Symonette make excellent points, however. There are politicians of all stripes who have served this country with dedication and integrity, but whose time in office ought to perhaps come to an end gracefully rather than clinging to power.
There ought to be ways in which those politicians can continue to contribute, to offer their experience and wisdom without it being perceived as a threat to the next generation of leaders, and the generation after that.
In the UK, many of these politicians take up seats in the House of Lords, the second house, which scrutinises legislation to ensure it lives up to the expectations of those who wrote the laws.
Our second house is the Senate –although it is often populated with more up-and-coming politicians rather than the voices of experience.
That is the public-facing form of service, but what about internally in parties? Can each find ways to put such voices at the heart of planning party manifestos and crafting legislation behind the scenes to take the nation forward?
We do not, as a nation, do succession planning very well. Continuity of governance and service is not our strongest point.
Dr Minnis’ choice to continue as a lone wolf may well turn out with him having an impact on the next election. He may win. Or his votes may lead to a winner who will then proceed to implement legislation without his influence whatsoever.
Finding ways to ensure those who have led can continue to serve is something that would benefit the nation.
Dr Minnis is still going to run. This is not his political obituary just yet. But he should perhaps resist the urge to throw stones while he stands in a glasshouse of his own making.
Promises are not performance
EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE discussion of an early general election does not reflect strong leadership. Instead, it is a political strategy intended to reset the narrative, obscure records, and persuade voters to renew a contract that has yet to be fulfilled.
This focus on a possible early election distracts from the essential attention required for effective governance, as Parliament prioritises winning over addressing the needs of the people.
Under the Constitution, the Parliament of The Bahamas is elected for a five-year term from its first sitting after dissolution unless it is dissolved sooner.
The current Parliament convened on October 6, 2021, meaning its term runs until October 6, 2026, unless the government decides to shorten it. This is significant because the public was presented with a governing agenda intended for a full term, not a partial one with an escape route in the middle.
The core issue is not whether a Prime Minister has the legal authority to advise on dissolution. The real issue is whether the government has earned the moral authority to seek a renewed mandate before fulfilling the commitments that led to its last election victory.
The Progressive Liberal Party explicitly tied its legitimacy to principles such as Transparency, Accountability, Integrity, Anti-Corruption Reforms, and Freedom of Information. On opening day, the “Blueprint for Change” Speech from the Throne promised the full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act and other governance measures. Yet, according to the government’s own public posture, Freedom of
The dynamics of politics
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS a lifelong student and scholar of retail politics, for decades, I am more than persuaded that while ‘fluff’ and a degree of ‘fame’ (both of which are fickle and uncertain) are able to go a long way in the political arena, there will come a time when the gloss and veneer wear off. I thank God, daily, that I have lived long enough to witness the never-ending stream of political personalities and their inevitable sidekicks. Many of them were larger than life. Having said the above, let’s look at some prime examples, at least those individuals who may have passed on into Eternity. Those who yet remain alive, let’s be circumspect towards them. Almost every living Bahamian over the age of Thirty may well
recall many of the then political players back in the 1940’s straight up to the present time. In the 1940’s into the 1980’s. Many of them were motivated by love of country; financial and political goals. As a boy growing up in Step Street (Fox Hill) and later on Wulff Road opposite the FYP (formerly the site where Bahamian Lumber Company was located), during the mid 1950’s , I first meet the likes of the late Charles Rhodriquz (then owner of what was then referred to as a Dry Goods Store on Market Street; the late Arnold Flowers; the late Clarence & Edgar Bain; the late Charles Coakley; the late Dr C R Walker; the late Leon Walton Young; the late Reverend Harcourt Brow; Stafford L Sands and countless others.
While the above is not exhaustive, the ones mentioned were movers and shakers. Way back then The Bahama Islands , as we were then known before securing Independence in 1972, Pindling and his colleagues in the budding Progressive Liberal Party, used to hold spell binging political rallies at locations like Windsor Park on Wulff Road; the Southern Recreation and up in the Fox Hill Parade grounds. Most of the speakers possessed a measure of oratorical skills. None of them, however, could ever match Pindling. He was able to galvanise attendees at those rallies with his mastery of the English language and innate ability to read individuals.
Others like Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, also known commonly as Sophie, was
also a skilled orator but he, alas, never rose to Pindling’s level or possessed his ability to move a crowd the way the latter was able to effortlessly do. Indeed, Pindling, was regarded as a rock star of Bahamian politics. He was flamboyant to a fault. All of this is to say that Bahamians have long been accustomed to flamboyancy and seemingly larger than life personalities. Today, as we prepare for the scheduled general elections later this year, assorted personalities have emerged and are offering themselves for elective office…Yes, some are considered charismatic; flamboyant and may even be considered wealthy. Some are or would have been famous for their exploits in the business; professional and other
Information has remained a low priority in practice.
The Tribune reported Philip Davis defending minimal funding and stating that the implementation of FOIA was not currently a priority.
This is not merely a partisan talking point. The US Department of State has repeatedly noted that the 2017 FOIA is not fully implemented and that key governance reforms, including the Integrity Commission and related systems, have been delayed. While some legislative steps have been taken, such as the Ombudsman framework, these exist only on paper; the Ombudsman Act’s commencement is not automatic; it requires activation by the Prime Minister through official notice. Legislation is not the same as delivery. Delivery involves staffing, funding, publishing procedures, reporting outcomes, and creating real access for ordinary citizens. The gap between what is “passed” and what is “operational” is where reform often stalls. Civic groups like the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) have publicly pointed out chronic underinvestment in FOIA capacity and oversight institutions as a structural barrier to implementation. Moreover, concerns have persisted about whether public disclosure and compliance regimes are actually producing visible, verifiable accountability.
A government seeking an early election is essentially saying: judge us without a complete record, renew us without fulfilled reforms, and grant us a second term while foundational
areas. That is all well and good but the core questions are: what do they bring to the proverbial table; have they demonstrated commitment and love of country; why are many only now coming forward and what are their true motives? In many of these cases, especially for first timers , who are only now able to envision themselves as possible political saviors, it is so sad that they are jockeying for power with absolutely no track record of service to their original community much less the nation. many of them, i submit, are merely carpetbaggers i.e. individuals from outside of a particular environment who move into another for political advantage. The upcoming general elections will be the most
measures remain unfinished or ineffective.
The standard for a renewed mandate is simple: measurable proof. Start by fully implementing and funding Transparency, Accountability, Integrity, Anti-Corruption Reforms, and Freedom of Information to a level that allows for real operations. Operationalise the Ombudsman’s office. Publish implementation dashboards that include dates, budgets, staffing levels, service standards, and quarterly public reporting. Make procurement transparency routine and searchable, rather than episodic and discretionary. Demonstrate that integrity systems yield consequences, not just press releases. Provide a report detailing the complete fulfillment of promises made in the Blueprint for Change, the two Speeches from the Throne, and all communications during this term, both inside and outside of Parliament. Offer thorough, verifiable, evidence-supported answers to 100 percent of the questions posed by His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition during this term, and then and only then, present a New Agenda that includes the unfulfilled promises along with a detailed plan with KPIs to take us from our current situation to where we should have been and where we ultimately need to be. Only then can you be considered for re-election.
An early election before delivering on these essentials is not a sign of confidence; it is avoidance dressed up as strategy.
People who quit but demand second chances during their quitting deserve rejection.
C ALLEN JOHNSON Freeport, Grand Bahama February 4, 2026.
far-reaching and important ones since 1967, in my opinion. We have had several administrations and Prime Ministers since then. As we go forward, however, it must be borne in mind that the dynamics of retail politics changes and shift constantly. Individuals who clearly are political carpetbaggers and others who would have been previously rejected or sidelined are now being dragged or pulled to the front lines… The dynamics of retail politics are alive and well here at home and, I dare say, abroad. To God then, in all things, be the glory.
ORTLAND H BODIE, JR Nassau, February 8, 2026.
HEADS up, everyone: there’s a new cartoonist in town – and nobody in authority or power should consider themselves safe from his pointed pen. The Tribune’s brilliant new cartoonist, Lamaro Smith, will be skewering hypocrisy, highlighting absurdity, and giving readers plenty to think about. You can follow Lamaro on Instagram @lamarosmith.
Tears of relief as jury acquits man of East Street car wash murder
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
TEARS of relief broke out in court yesterday after a jury acquitted a man accused of carrying out a fatal car wash shooting on East Street more
than three years ago. Tevin Bethel, 28, was found not guilty of murder by an 8-1 jury verdict before Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns, ending a trial centred on the July 12, 2021 killing of Michael Thompson Jr. Following the verdict, Mr
Bethel shook hands with his defence attorneys as family members cried in the courtroom. The prosecution’s case relied largely on the testimony of Chimika Louis, the deceased’s girlfriend, who said she was present when a man exited a blue vehicle and pulled a gun on a group of men near the car wash. Ms Louis testified that she saw Mr Bethel aim the gun at Thompson before fleeing and hearing gunshots as she ran. Prosecutors submitted that she had positively identified Mr
Man charged with first murder of 2026 in Grand Bahama
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A 35-YEAR-OLD
man was charged with murder in Grand Bahama yesterday.
Steve Derosier, without a lawyer, appeared before Magistrate LaQuay Laing. Prosecutors allege that on January 31 at Freeport, Derosier intentionally caused the death of Deangelo Wilson. According to police reports, a fatal shooting occurred shortly before 10pm at Adventurers Way and East Atlantic Drive. Officers discovered an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The incident recorded
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN accused of discarding a firearm while fleeing police during a domestic disturbance investigation was denied bail and remanded to prison yesterday.
Prosecutors allege that Dwayne Williams, 33, was found in possession of a
POLICE are investigating
two separate stabbing incidents in Abaco on Monday night, one of which led to the arrest of a 17-year-old male.
According to initial reports, shortly after 6pm officers were alerted to a stabbing at Murphy Town Community Park and proceeded to a local clinic, where the victim had been taken by private vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers met a male suffering from a stab wound to the back.
Investigations revealed that the victim had been outside a restaurant when
black Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm pistol after police responded to reports of a domestic dispute near Riviera Court on February 7. According to the prosecution, officers later reviewed footage showing a man throwing the weapon onto the roof of a nearby establishment, after which both the firearm and the suspect were recovered. Williams pleaded not
he became involved in a verbal altercation with another male. That individual reportedly left the area but returned a short time later with two other males, all armed with weapons. The victim attempted to leave but was allegedly physically assaulted by the three males and stabbed with a sharp object.
Police arrested a 17-yearold male in connection with that incident. Investigations are ongoing. In a separate matter, sometime after 8pm, police were notified after a male
Registration Number: 140981 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that UNITED FUTURE SYSTEMS LIMITED has been dissolved and has been struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 11th day of December, A.D., 2025.
Craig A. (Tony) Gomez Liquidator
the first murder of 2026 on Grand Bahama.
During the arraignment, Magistrate Laing informed Derosier that murder is an indictable offence and that he was not required to enter a plea at this stage.
Bail was denied, and Derosier was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until April 28, 2026.
guilty to possession of an unlicensed firearm before Magistrate Lennox Coleby. Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie objected to bail, citing the serious nature of firearm offences. Williams was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial on April 14. He is represented by Karen Butler.
presented himself at the Marsh Harbour Health Care Centre suffering from stab wounds.
Further investigations revealed that the victim had been walking past a business establishment on Crockett Drive when he was approached by a male known to him, who allegedly produced a sharp object and stabbed him in the back and upper chest.
The conditions of both victims are unknown as investigations continue to identify those responsible, police said.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN accused of injuring two teenage boys during a physical altercation at AF Adderley Junior High School last week was granted bail yesterday. Prosecutors allege that
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
Bethel as the shooter. The defence disputed that account, arguing that Ms Louis did not witness the shooting and that the identity of the gunman remained unproven. In closing submissions, attorney Tamika Roberts criticised the police investigation as “slack”, “sloppy” and “sad”, pointing to the absence of surveillance footage and fingerprint testing results presented at trial.
Johnathan Javis Rolle Sr, 35, caused physical harm to two boys, one of whom was 13, during the incident on February 3.
Eucal Bonaby prosecuted the case. Cassie Bethel also appeared for the defence.
Rolle is scheduled to return to court for trial on March 19.
Inspector K Wilkinson prosecuted the matter.
Rolle pleaded not guilty to two counts of causing harm before Assistant Chief Magistrate Kara Turnquest Deveaux. He was granted bail in the amount of $2,000 with one or two sureties and warned not to interfere with any witnesses or complainants, or risk having his bail revoked.
A HAITIAN national who admitted stealing a vehicle from a busy Nassau intersection was sentenced to ten months in prison yesterday and will be handed over to immigration authorities upon completion of his term. Judson Pierre, 26, pleaded guilty to stealing a gold 2005 Kia Sorento belonging to Sateigdra Rolle, which was taken from the area of Old Trail and Robinson Road on January 31. He appeared before Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs, where the receiving charge against him was withdrawn.
POLICE arrested a 69-year-old American man at an airport in New Providence on Monday after discovering suspected illegal drugs and undeclared cash in his possession. According to initial reports,
shortly after 1.30pm the man checked in for a departing flight from The Bahamas and declared a sum of cash. His checked luggage was randomly selected for inspection.
During the search, officers discovered cigarettes
Pierre
to ten
Correctional
the
informed that he would be transferred to the Department of Immigration after serving his sentence. He was also advised of his right to appeal. Inspector Timothy Bain prosecuted the matter.
containing suspected marijuana, along with an additional $10,000 in cash that had not been declared. The man was taken into custody and cautioned. Investigations are ongoing, police said.
Registration Number: 203376 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that GRUPOTEC BAHAMAS LTD. has been dissolved and has been struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 29th day of December, A.D., 2025.
Craig A. (Tony) Gomez Liquidator
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of ZHI RONG GROUP LIMITED completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 30th day of December, 2025.
Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 19th day of December 2025
was sentenced
months at
Bahamas Department of
Services and
Yntegra offers to complete stalled Black Point community centre
A MIAMI-based investment firm has submitted a formal proposal to help complete a longplanned community centre in Black Point, Exuma, positioning the project as a stand-alone community benefit amid delays to broader development in the area.
Yntegra Group said it has presented the proposal to the Black Point Community Development & Regatta Association, outlining plans to support construction of the Black Point Community Center, which is intended to serve both as a gathering space and as a hurricane and emergency shelter.
The company said the
submission follows years of engagement with residents and is not tied to ownership or operation of the facility. Under the proposal, the centre would remain community-owned, with long-term oversight structured through the association and local government stakeholders if the plan is approved.
Yntegra Group chief executive officer Felipe MacLean said the project responds to a long-standing community need, particularly for a safe shelter during hurricanes.
“For us, this has never been a question of if, but when,” Mr MacLean said. “We have spent
years coming to Black Point, listening, learning, and understanding what this community truly needs. A safe place, especially during hurricanes, has always been clear. Now we are at a point where we can take the next steps and move forward.”
According to the company, the association’s board will review the proposal and, if it agrees, work with local government stakeholders to guide the next phase, including the creation of a community-based structure to manage the facility over the long term.
Yntegra said its proposed role would include
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that PAULETTE GRACE ROPER of P.O. Box N4235, Lou Adderley Estate, 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 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 BIANCA FAITH DESGRANGES of Pinewood Gardens, 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 STPHEONO GODIN of Cumberbatch Alley, 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 twentyeight 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 ALISHA ROSEGARDINE CATY of Butlers 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 twentyeight days from the 4th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
supporting construction, providing machinery and equipment, and ensuring the building is designed to function as a resilient hurricane shelter. The company also said it intends to prioritise local employment, with residents of Black Point hired during construction. If the proposal is approved, the company said local hiring would begin immediately, coordinated by a dedicated hiring manager. In its announcement, Yntegra also acknowledged delays affecting wider development plans in the area, citing ongoing legal action by neighbouring developments Turtlegrass and Over
Yonder. The company said it did not want those delays to continue affecting the Black Point community.
“When projects are delayed, it’s not paperwork that suffers, it’s people and families,” Mr MacLean said. “We are committed to Black Point for the long term, and this is one meaningful step we can take now.”
Yntegra described the community centre initiative as an expansion of smaller forms of support it has provided to Black Point over the years, and as a longer-term investment in community infrastructure, safety and economic opportunity.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that LINCOLN O’BRIAN ROPER of P.O. Box N4235, Lou Adderley Estate, 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 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 JEAN YVES GELIN of P. O. Box SS-19009, #37 Jackson Street, Nassau Village, 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 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 MEAGEN SALOMON of Faith Avenue North, 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 twentyeight 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 GEORGES ROYBROOK of Prince Charles Drive (Ceria Close), 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 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 YLONIE PIERRE of Plantol Street, off East Street, 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 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 MARCELINE JACQUES of Blackwood, Eleuthera, 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 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 DIEULIFAITE ITALIEN of Pinewood Gardens, 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 twentyeight 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 SIMEON LOUIS of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, 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.
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper brought motivational remarks at Exuma’s 11th Annual Career, College, Entrepreurship Expo, 2026 on Monday at St. Andrew’s Community Centre.
Photos: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS
US wants to create a critical minerals trading bloc with allies
By DIDI TANG, JOSH FUNK and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP)
The Trumpadministration announcedWednesday thatit wants to create a critical mineralstrading blocwith itsallies and partners, using tariffs to maintainminimum prices anddefend against China’s stranglehold on thekey elements neededfor everything from fighter jets to smartphones.
Vice PresidentJD Vance saidthe U.S.-China trade war over thepast yearexposed how dependent most countries areon the critical minerals thatBeijing largelydominates, so collective action is needed now to give the West self-reliance.
We want members to form a trading bloc among allies and partners, one thatguaranteesAmerican accessto American industrialmight while alsoexpanding production across the entire zone, Vance said at theopening of a meeting thatSecretary of StateMarco Rubiohosted with officialsfrom several dozen European, Asian and African nations.
The Republican administration is making bold moves to shore up supplies of critical mineralsneeded forelectric vehicles, missilesand other high-tech products after China choked offtheir flowin response to President Donald Trump s sweeping tariffs last year. While the two global powersreacheda truceto pull back on the high import taxes and stepped-uprare earthrestrictions, China s limits remain tighterthan theywere before Trump took office.
The criticalminerals meetingcomes ata timeof significant tensions between Washington and major allies over PresidentDonald Trump s territorial ambitions, including Greenland, and his movesto exertcontrolover Venezuela and other nations. Hisbellicose andinsulting
rhetoricdirected atU.S.partners has ledto frustrationand anger.
Theconference,however,is an indicationthat theUnited States is seeking to build relationshipswhen itcomes toissues it deems key national security priorities.
Whilemajor allieslike France andthe United Kingdom attended the meeting in Washington, Greenlandand Denmark,the NATO ally withoversight of the mineral-rich Arctic island did not.
A new approach tocountering China on critical minerals
Vancesaid somecountries havesignedon tothetrading bloc, which is designed to ensure stableprices andwill provide members access to financing and the critical minerals. Administration officials said the planwill help the West movebeyond complaining about the problem of access tocritical mineralsto actually solving it.
“Everyoneherehasaroleto play,and that swhy we re so grateful for youcoming and beingapart ofthisgathering that I hope will lead to not just moregatherings, butaction, Rubio said.
Vance said that for too long, Chinahasused thetacticof unloading materialsat cheap pricesto underminepotential competitors, then ratcheting up prices laterafter keeping new minesfrom beingbuilt in other countries.
Prices withinthe preferential trade zone will remain consistent over time,the vice president said.
“Our goal withinthat zone isto creatediverse centresof production, stableinvestment conditionsand supplychains that are immune to the kind of external disruptions that we ve alreadytalked about, he said.
In Beijing,Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jiansaidinresponsetoaquestionaboutthetradingblocthat we oppose any country un-
Uber found liable in case, ordered to pay $8.5M
By WYATTE GRANTHAMPHILIPS and HALLIE GOLDEN
Associated Press
The
A FEDERAL jury this week found Uberto belegally responsibleina 2023caseof sexual assault ordering the rideshare giant topay $8.5 milliontoa womanwhosaidone ofits driversrapedher duringa trip using the platform. The verdict, reached Thursday in Arizona, follows years of criticism against Uber's safetyrecord, muchofwhich spans fromthousands ofincidents of sexualassault reported by both passengers and drivers
Because Uber drivers are categorised as gig workers working as contractors, rather than company employees the platformhas longmaintainedit'snot liablefortheir misconduct.
Uber spends billionsof dol-
larstomake allridersfeellike they’re (riding)with Uber.And that is what thejury found yesterday,"Ellyn Hurd,one ofthe attorneys representing plaintiff Jaylynn Dean, told The Associated Press. Theverdict determined the driver is an “apparent agent of the company, she explained, makingUber liablefor the assault.
Hurd added her team was very proud of our client for facing sucha huge,powerful company. And thejury's decisioncould carrysignificant impact forsimilar cases,she noted.
Uber saidit plansto appeal. And beyondapparent agency, the jury didn't find the company to benegligent orhave defective safety systems. The verdict affirms that Uber acted responsiblyand has investedmeaningfully inrider safety,” spokesperson Andrew
SECRETARY of State Marco Rubio speaks at a news conference during the Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting at the State Department, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 in Washington.
dermining theinternational economic and trade order throughrules setbysmall cliques.”
To makethe newtrading group work, it will be importanttohave waystokeep countries from buying cheap Chinesematerials ontheside and toencourage companies fromgetting thecriticalminerals they needfrom China, said Ian Lange,an economics professor who focuses on rare earthsat theColoradoSchool of Mines.
“Let’s justsay it’s standard economics or standard behaviour. IfI cancheat andget away with it, I will, he said.
At least for defence contractors, Langesaid the Pentagon canenforce where those companies get their critical minerals, but it may be harder with electric vehicle makersand othermanufacturers.
US turnsto astrategic stockpile and investments Trump this week also announced ProjectVault, aplan for astrategic U.S. stockpile of rare earth elementsto be fundedwith a$10 billionloan fromthe U.S.Export-Import Bankand nearly$1.67billion in private capital.
Inaddition, thegovernment recently made itsfourth direct investmentin anAmerican criticalminerals producer, ex-
tending $1.6 billionto USA Rare Earthin exchange for stock and arepayment deal. The Pentagon hasshelled out nearly$5 billionover thepast year to spur mining.
The administrationhas prioritised themoves because China controls70% ofthe world s rare earths mining and 90% of the processing. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spokeby phone Wednesday, including about trade. Asocial mediapostfrom Trumpdid notspecifically mention critical minerals.
Heidi Crebo-Rediker,a seniorfellowin theCenterfor Geoeconomic Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the meeting was “the most ambitiousmultilateral gathering ofthe Trumpadministration.
“The rocksare wherethe rocksare, sowhenit comesto securing supplychains for both defenceand commercial industries,we needtrusted partners,” she said.
Japan s minister ofstate for foreignaffairs, IwaoHorii, said Tokyo was fully on board with theU.S. initiativeand wouldwork withasmany countries as possible to ensure its success.
“Critical mineralsand (their) stable supply is indispensable to the sustainable developmentof theglobaleconomy, he said.
Hasbun saidin astatement. He added thatthe awardwas far below” the full amount initially requested fromthe plaintiff's lawyers.
The lawsuitstems froman November2023 Uberride when Dean, who was19 at the time,washeading toherhotel after celebratingher upcoming graduation from flight attendant training ather boyfriend s homein Arizona.Partway through theride, thecomplaint alleged, thedriver stoppedthe
car, entered theback seat and raped her.
The driver was not named or part of this civil suit.
The lawsuit arguedUber had long known its drivers were assaultingpassengers, andthatit didn timplement thesafety measures needed tostopthis fromhappening. Thecomplaint, filed in December 2023, called thecompany's response “slow and inadequate”— putting thelivesandwell-beingof its customers at grave risk.”
Paramount sweetens offer for Warner Bros. shareholders in hostile takeover fight
By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS AP Business Writer
NEWYORK(AP)
Paramount isagain sweeteningits hostile takeover bidfor Warner Bros. Discovery, while again extending the deadline forits tenderoffer asit scrambles for more shareholder support. On Tuesday,the Skydanceowned companysaid itwould pay Warnershareholdersanadded tickingfee ifitsdealdoesn't gothroughbytheendof theyear amounting to 25 cents pershare, ora totalof $650million, forevery quarterafter Dec.31. Paramountalso pledgedtofund Warner's proposed $2.8 billion breakuppayout toNetflix underits studioand streaming merger agreement.
The value of Paramount'soffer otherwise remains unchanged.Thecompanyisoffering topay$30persharein cashtoWarner's stakeholders,whonowhave untilMarch2 to tender their shares.
Musk vows to put data centres in space and run them on solar power (experts have doubts)
By BERNARD CONDON and MATT O'BRIEN AP Business Writers
NEW YORK (AP) ElonMusk vowed this week to upend another industry just as hedid with cars and rockets and once again he's taking on long odds.
The world's richest man said he wants to put as many as a million satellitesinto orbit toform vast,solar-powered data centers in space amove toallowexpandeduseofartificial intelligenceand chatbots withouttriggering blackouts and sending utility bills soaring. To finance that effort, Musk combined SpaceX with his AIbusiness on Monday and plans a big initial public offering of the combined company.
But scientists and industry experts say even Musk who outsmartedDetroit toturnTesla intotheworld’s mostvaluable automaker facesformidable technical,financial and environmental obstacles.
Google's quarterly results paint picture of internet power getting stronger in AI age
By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)
Google’s latestquarterly report provided further evidencethatitsinternetempireis withstanding anartificial intelligence shakeupthat’s turning into another potential boon for the company.
The numbers released Wednesday marked Google's third consecutive quarter of digital ad growth of more than 10% from theprevious year, whilealso posting morethan 30% sales growth in its division that powers data centers for AI services.
ThoseincreasesduringtheOctober-Decemberperiodpropelled Google’s corporate parent Alphabet Inc. well past the earnings forecasts of stock market analysts.
Alphabet’sfourth-quarter profitrose 30%from theprior year to $34.5billion, or $2.82 pershare, while revenue climbed 18% to $113.8 billion.
Electric motorcycle riders in Kenya demand more flexible battery networks
By ALLAN OLINGO Associated Press
NAIROBI,Kenya (AP) For weeks,popular Kenyan podcaster andradio presenter FrancisKibe Njerihasused hissocial mediaplatformsto spotlight aproblem hesays many electricmotorcycle riders face but few companies in theindustry acknowledge: batteriesunable tobe swappedacrossnetworks andmotorcyclesthatcan beremotelydisabledafter periodsofinactivity.
Electric motorcycles, also known as electric mobility bikesor e-bikes,are gaininggroundthroughout Africa,led by companies such as Ampersand,ARC Ride and Roam. The continent slargeste-bike firm,Spiro,operatesmore than1,200battery chargingandswapstations andhasdeployed about60,000 electric motorcyles, accordingto its most recent public filing in late 2024.
Njericlaimsin hiswidelysharedposts thatsomeoperators’ remotelockout features have renderedelectric motorcyclesunusable,strandingriders whodependonthemfor theirlivelihood.He isamongmanycalling formoreopen, standardized battery systems.
AP Photo: Kevin Wolf
THEUBER logoappears abovea tradingpost onthe floorof the New York Stock Exchange, Aug. 16, 2019.
AP Photo: Richard Drew
THISyear, Valentine’s Day
is on a Saturday, making it easy for businessto capitalise on thehuman desireto be loved and thesocial condition to give and expect love to take tangible forms.While gifting can be a beautiful, meaningful way to express love and care, it’s oftenused asa placeholder, distraction, or cop-out. Loveisoften reducedtoa feeling and separated from the mandate it presents to us. There is no love that is not active. There is no love that is not vulnerable. There is no love that does not come with responsibility. Givingared roseandabox of chocolate, going out for a fancy dinner, and/or providing an elaborate one-time experience does not make up for 364 days of abuse,neglect, orindifference.It snotpenancefor long-term passivity and lack ofintention inseeing andcelebrating relationships.
For some,Valentine’s Day maybe agood opportunityto
Love is an investment
startnew habitsandmake commitments to act with love every day. It neednot be just another day on the calendar thatleads themasses tobuy greeting cards, fragrances, stuffed animals,sweet treats, and event tickets.It can mark the setting of new intentions. In AllAbout Love:New Visions, bellhooks offered radical newways tothink aboutloveby showingitsinterconnectedness in our private and public lives.” She shared that shewould have been a more loving person if shehadgrasped whatitmeant to love earlier in her life.
“HadI sharedwith othersa common understandingof whatitmeanstolove,itwould have been easier to create love. A gooddefinition marks our startingpoint andlets us
“Genuine love is rarely an emotional space where needsare instantly gratified. To know love we have to invest timeand commitment. Dreaming that love will save us, solve allour problemsor providea steady state of bliss or security only keepsusstuck inwishfulfantasy, underminingthereal powerofthe love--which istotransformus. Manypeoplewant lovetofunction likea drug,givingthem animmediate and sustained high. They want to do nothing,just passively receive the good feeling.
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know where wewant to end up. In many ways,people practiceforms ofpossessionand tryto exercisecontrolover others, callingit love.It isnot onlymanipulation ofthe people theyclaim tolove, but a failure to understand love for themselvesand thecongruence it must have with freedom. Many see, experience, and imitate failures to love, often believingit to be the truestform, causingharm andperpetuating violence,al-
Loveis aresponsibility toone another
“The underlying values of a culture andits ethics shapeand inform theway we speak and act. A love ethicpresupposes that everyone has the right to be free, to live fullyand well.To bringa love ethicto everydimension ofour lives, oursociety wouldneed to embrace change.
Love is vulnerable To live our lives based on the principles ofa love ethic (showing care, respect, know-
tering families, communities, and society. This failureexists notonly in romantic and sexual relationships, but between parents andchildren, withinfriendships,and acrosslargersocial spaces. Love is not obedience, sameness, or absenceof criticism. It s not always easy. Instead, it challenges us. Wecomeface tofacewith differences, andlove callsus to choose curiosity and kindness inour communication, includingdebate. Loveisnot
ledge, integrity,and thewill tocooperate), we have to be courageous. Learning howto face our fears isone way weembrace love. Ourfear maynotgoaway, butit will notstand in the way.Those of us who have already chosen to embrace a love ethic, allowing it to govern and inform how we think and act, know that when we let our light shine,wedraw tousandare drawn to other bearers of light.
Love does not cause harm “Alltoo oftenwomen believeit is a sign of commitment, an expression of love, to endure unkindness or cruelty, to forgive and
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static, and it s notmerelyan idea. It’s an action, and we are tolook toit fordirection, asit canmoderate ourbehaviour andhelpus tonavigatechallengingcircumstancesinways thatareboth peacefulandeffective.
Inchapter one,hooks wrote, “The word ‘love’ is mostoften definedas anoun, yetall themore astutetheorists oflove acknowledgethat wewould alllovebetter ifwe usedit asaverb.I spentyears searching fora meaningful definition of theword ‘love,’ and wasdeeply relievedwhen I foundone inpsychiatrist M. Scott Peck's classic self-help bookTheRoadLessTraveled, firstpublished in1978. Echoing thework ofErich Fromm, he defines love as "the will to extend one's self for thepurpose ofnurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth." "Love is as love does,” he explains. Loveis anact of will namely,both anintentionand anaction. Willalso implieschoice. Wedonot haveto love.We chooseto love." Sincethe choicemust be made tonurture growth, this definition counters the morewidely acceptedassumption that we love instinctually.
forget. Inactuality, whenwe love rightly we knowthat the healthy, loving responseto crueltyand abuse isputting ourselvesout of harm's way.
Love is not an escape “Butmanyof usseekcommunity solely to escape thefear of being alone. Knowing how to be solitaryis centralto theart of loving.When wecan bealone, wecan bewith others withoutusing themas a means of escape.
Love forself isa prerequisite for loving others Oneof thebestguides tohow
In her writing,bell hooks hasleft usawealth ofknowledge and ideas to consider and applyto ourlives inrelationto feminismandlove. Here are six lessons on love thatare worththinkingabout, discussingwith lovedones, andintegrating intoourlives this week:
tobe self-lovingis togive ourselves the lovewe are often dreaming about receiving from others. There was a timewhen Ifelt lousy about my over-40 body, saw myself as too this,or toothat. Yet I fantasizedabout finding a lover who would giveme the gift ofbeinglovedas Iam.Itissilly, isn't it, that Iwould dream of someoneelseofferingtometheacceptance and affirmation I was withholding from myself. This was amomentwhen themaxim You can neverlove anybodyif youare unable tolove yourself made clear sense. AndI add, Do notexpect to receive the lovefrom someone else you do not give yourself ”
NOTICE
LIONST INC.
International Business Companies Act No.45 of 2000
NOTICE International Business Companies Act No.45 of 2000
AIRLEASE TWELVE LIMITED (the “Company”)
AIRLEASE TWELVE LIMITED (the “Company”)
International Business Companies Act No.45 of 2000
RKP INVESTMENT LTD. (the “Company”)
Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Registration Number 212273 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of AIRLEASE TWELVE LIMITED has
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of AIRLEASE TWELVE LIMITED has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 17th day of December, 2025.
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BP EDGE LTD.
LIQUIDATOR’S NOTICE
Pursuant to Section 138(6) of the International Business Companies Act
NOTICE is hereby given that BP EDGE LTD., a company registered under the International Business Companies Act, has been dissolved and struck off the Register as of the 29th day of December 2025.
Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of RKP INVESTMENT LTD. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was the 15th day of December, 2025
Gustavo Dos Santos Vaz Liquidator
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STONEHAVEN ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD.
LIQUIDATOR’S NOTICE
Pursuant to Section 138(6) of the International Business Companies Act
NOTICE is hereby given that STONEHAVEN ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD., a company registered under the International Business Companies Act, has been dissolved and struck off the Register as of the 29th day of December 2025.
Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator
Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 10th day of February, A.D. 2026.
Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The Liquidator is Mr. LEONARDO DE STEFAN TAVARES, whose address is R RAS REINALDO VEIGA, 00005 QD 25, COOPHAMIL, CEP:78028-180 CUIABA, MT BRAZIL. Any Persons having a Claim against the above-named Company are required on or before the 10th day of March A.D. 2026 to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is proved.
Dated this 10th day of February A.D. 2026. LEONARDO DE STEFAN TAVARES LIQUIDATOR
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THE STONEHAVEN PROPERTY TRADING FUND LTD.
LIQUIDATOR’S NOTICE
Pursuant to Section 138(6) of the International Business Companies Act
NOTICE is hereby given that THE STONEHAVEN PROPERTY TRADING FUND LTD., a company registered under the International Business Companies Act, has been dissolved and struck off the Register as of the 29th day of December 2025.
Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator
Photo: bez-timms/unsplash
DW Davis Junior High School Honour Roll Assembly
BTC highlights community and youth development initiatives
BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company (BTC) has highlighted its community and youth-development focus through its support of two major initiatives in New Providence, backing the Bahamas Red Cross Society’s annual fundraising gala while also launching its 2025 Junior Achievement programme.
BTC served as title sponsor of the 52nd Annual Red Cross Ball, held on January 31 at the Grand Ballroom at Atlantis, Paradise Island, an event hosted under the patronage of Governor General Dame Cynthia Pratt. The gala, themed Midnight & Moonlight: A Night in Silhouette, drew hundreds of supporters and featured entertainment from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Pop Band, Da Rhythm Band and Blaudy.
BTC Executive Senior Manager of Communications Indira Collie said the company was proud to support the ball for a fourth consecutive year, noting that the event enables the Red Cross to continue providing care and assistance to those in need. She added that giving back to communities remains central to BTC’s corporate ethos.
In a separate initiative, BTC has also launched its 2025 Junior Achievement programme in New Providence under the theme Unlocking Potential, aimed at developing young Bahamians’ entrepreneurial and leadership skills. This year’s JA company, BTC B.E.T (Building Economic Thinkers), is made up of students encouraged to think creatively, build leadership capacity and contribute to their communities. Gordia Gray, an eleventh-grade student at Anatol Rodgers High School, was elected president of BTC B.E.T and said the experience had strengthened her leadership skills and underscored the importance of teamwork and accountability. The group has already hosted two fundraisers, including a movie night at Fusion Superplex and a bake sale at BTC’s Southwest Plaza location.
Ms Collie said the Junior Achievement programme gives students practical exposure to entrepreneurship and equips them with tools to succeed, adding that this year’s participants have shown strong creativity and energy. BTC JA Executive Advisor Kenton Lightbourne said the focus this year is on growth, resilience and turning ideas into meaningful impact, noting that the programme continues to build on previous successes.
Lightbourne, a member of BTC’s finance team, has supported the Junior Achievement programme for more than a decade, providing mentorship and guidance to participating students.
STUDENTS of DW Davis Junior High School are recognised during an Honour Roll Assembly held today. Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings, Minister Jomo Campbell and Minister Zane Lightbourne delivered remarks, encouraging academic excellence and discipline among students.
