BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
FIDELITY Bank (Bahamas) is aiming to double commercial clients to between 20-25 percent of its business within five years, its chief executive revealed yesterday, even as it fell $546,000 short of its $18m profits target for the 2025 full-year.
Gowon Bowe told Tribune Business that the BISX-listed lender’s “core fundamentals” remain strong, while asserting that there is “no runaway train on expenses”, even though he acknowledged that “some shareholders” will likely be critical of the 7.4 percent, or near$3.5m, increase in full-year costs to more than $50m for the year to end-December 2025.
* Lender below $18m profit as staff costs up 15%
With employee costs, in the form of salaries and benefits, increasing by 15.3 percent or almost $2.29m to $16.959m when compared to 2024 levels, he described the “key phrase” for 2026 as “accountability” - meaning that staff must justify the compensation they receive by delivering on the increased efficiency promised from ongoing system upgrades while also ensuring higher margins show up in increased profitability. Mr Bowe told this newspaper that the 5 percent
Bahamas can ‘kiss summer bye’ if no imminent boat feet reform
BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
BAHA-
MIAN marinas
can “kiss the summer goodbye” if reforms to the new and increased boating fees, and accompanying regulatory changes, are not unveiled in time for the Palm Beach Boat Show that will take place at endMarch 2026, it was argued yesterday.
Peter Maury, the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president, told Tribune Business he was unaware of how far negotiations on potential revisions between the private sector and the MInistry of Finance have progressed as his group has not been involved, but said any changes communicated now will come too late to rescue the Spring Break period that has already started.
And he warned that, with the Palm Beach Boat Show just weeks away on March 25-29, The Bahamas is rapidly running out of time to use the event as a potential launching pad for informing the international boating and yachting community of fee and regulatry process reforms intended to entice them back to this nation.
“All we ever see is that it’s being discussed and the stakeholders will be consulted,” Mr Maury told this newspaper, responding to Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister, who said the boating fee review is ongoing and and update will be provided “in due course”.
Top executive says expenses not out of control Card magins up 5% amid ‘accountability’ push
margin increase on Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) card business in 2025 should have a greater bottom line impact this financial year, while the systems improvements that have helped drive a spike in general and administrative expenses should be completed within six months. The impact from reduced spending on this initiative, while likely to be modest in 2026, is forecast to have a greater effect in 2027. The Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief also said the banking platform and systems upgrade will position the institute to attract more corporate and commercial clients, with ambitions to increase this
segment from 10 percent of its business to between 20-25 percent over the fiveyear “medium-term”.
And, pointing out that the bank is achieving consistent annual profitability, with net and total comprehensive income falling just short of $18m in both 2024 and 2025, Mr Bowe said it will again seek to match this “primary base case” in 2026 with $20m representing the “stretch target” it believes it can eventually attain without going “on a cost-cutting exercise”.
Asserting that there were “no major surprises” with Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) 2025 full-year results, with unaudited figures showing a 2.9 percent
GROWTH - See Page B4
Taxi chief blames Royal’s PI project for downtown fall-off
BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE BAHAMAS Taxi Cab Union’s president yesterday blamed the December launch of Royal Caribbean’s $200m Paradise Island beach getaway destination for what he described as a noticeable reduction in business for his members.
Tyrone Butler told Tribune Business that, while the downturn cannot be attributed to a single factor, the Royal Beach Clubdesigned as an exclusive, cruise line-managed destination for up to 2,700 Royal Caribbean passengers daily - is limiting the number of tourists venturing into downtown Nassau and using local taxi services.
“The jobs have shrunk,” he said. “Not because of that issue alone, but it is one of the major reasons. When we spoke with the Prime Minister, he made it clear this is a joint venture between the Government and Royal Caribbean. So it’s not just a private company. The Government is part of it.”
Mr Butler argued that by taking passengers to a cruise-controlled facility across Nassau Harbour, business that traditionally flowed to downtown transportation providers is being redirected.
Part of the concern is that it is not only Royal Caribbean’s destination affecting taxi business but the Government, as a partner in the project, is also contributing to the loss of business for taxi drivers.
TRAFFIC - See Page B2
‘Well beyond $20m’ for Andros energy overhaul
Renewable group says three plant approvals to be ‘fast tracked’
Will be built to supply ‘almost double’ initial 7.2 MW required
‘We won’t be wasting time’: Construction to commence in 2026
BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A PRIVATE sector group is investing “well beyond $20m” to develop three new Andros-based power plants set to be “fast tracked” for approval ahead of a construction start forecast for later in 2026, it was revealed yesterday. Kenwood Kerr, principal of Bahamian-owned Providence Advisors, a key member of the Andros Renewable Energy Company consortium, told Tribune Business that the three plants will be constructed to supply “almost double” the combined 7.2 mega watts (MW) of electricity that the island presently requires to ensure generation capacity is not outpaced by future economic growth and development.
Speaking after the project’s unveiling at the Office of the Prime Minister, he
disclosed that the three power purchase agreements (PPAs) - that govern the price, and terms and conditions, on which each plant supplies electricitywere signed with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) in December 2025 prior to the Christmas holidays. While declining to disclose figures, Mr Kerr told this newspaper that Andros Renewable Energy Company believes it will be able to supply more reliable, cleaner and affordable energy at a price that is “a lot less” than BPL’s current tariff rates and costs. And, pledging that the group “won’t be wasting time”, he added that it has already been conducting site visits to the proposed plant locations in Nicholl’s Town, Fresh Creek and the Bluff over the past year to assess engineering and geotechincal conditions plus the available
- See
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
A CABINET minister yesterday signalled that the Government is mulling calls to eliminate or reduce VAT on agricultural inputs in a bid to even the competitive playing field for Bahamian farmers against rival imports. Jomo Campbell, minister for agriculture and marine resources, suggested Bahamian farmers might soon hear from the Prime Minister’s Office over their plea that VAT be eliminated on all “essential agricultural inputs.” He
added that he has also received similar concerns and suggestions from the fly fishing industry about placing Bahamian producers at an unfair competitive advantage through eliminating VAT on all uncooked foods from April 1, 2026.
“You may hear more on that soon, coming from the Office of the Prime Minister and through the Ministry of Economic Affairs,” Mr Campbell said. “But that
ANDROS Renewable Energy Company Limited Founder and CEO Kenwood N. Kerr, left, and Prime Minister Philip Davis.
GOWON BOWE
PETER MAURY
JOMO CAMPBELL
BISX-listed insurer in 42% profit jump
A BISX-listed life and health insurer has unveiled a 42 percent year-over-year increase for 2025 driven by a combination of increased insurance and investment incomes.
Colina Holdings (Bahamas), the publicly-listed parent of Colina Insurance Company, said in a statement that it generated comprehensive net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of $60.1m, or $2.43 per ordinary share, for the 12 months to end-December 31, 2025.
It added that this represents a significant $17.8m increase compared to the $42.3m, or $1.71 per ordinary share, that it delivered in 2024. Colina said its insurance service results improved by $10.8m,
totalling $26.2m for the 12 months ended December 31, 2025, compared to $15.5m for the same period in 2024.
Colina said this growth was driven by strong performance across its life, health and general insurance subsidiaries, as well as contributions from its Saxon Holdings acquisition. Net investment income totalled $71.9m for the year, up from $59.3m in 2024, due to increases in both interest received and mark-to-market adjustments. “While fair value movements remain subject to volatility, our investment strategy is designed to navigate market changes and safeguard returns,” said Emanuel Alexiou, Colina Holdings (Bahamas) chairman.
“We are proud to share another year of strong results for Colina Holdings (Bahamas), demonstrating
our commitment to excellence and long-term growth. Our focus on disciplined execution and strategic
Industry launches Insurance Month
initiatives has positioned us to deliver for our shareholders, customers and employees.”
Colina Holdings (Bahamas) said that, as of December 31, 2025, total assets stood at $988.5m compared to $886.7m at year-end 2024, with invested assets comprising 72.7 percent of total assets.
Shareholders’ equity totals $322m, net of $2.4m in dividend distributions to Class ‘A’ preference shareholders, and dividends paid to Class ‘A’ ordinary shareholders of $6.4m or $0.26 per share during the year.
“The fourth quarter continued to build on our momentum, further strengthening our balance sheet and capital resilience,” said Mr Alexiou.
“The integration of the Saxon companies is progressing well, presenting meaningful opportunities for growth and collaboration. Our shared values and unwavering commitment to excellence across all companies position Colina Holdings (Bahamas) for continued success.”
“Our outstanding 2025 results place us significantly closer to the $1bn milestone, and reflect our investment strategy and team’s adaptability,” added Andrew Alexiou, chief executive of Colina Holdings (Bahamas). “We are embracing new technologies and creative approaches to drive performance and shape the future of the financial services industry across the region.”
THE BAHAMAS Insurance Association (BIA) has officially launched Insurance Month, which is celebrated annually in February, with a service held at Mount Tabor Church. Representatives from both the industry’s property and casualty and life and health sectors were in attendance. Bishop Delton D. Ellis, senior pastor of Mount Tabor Church, reminded attendees that while insurance is essential for protecting life and property, having assurance in God is indispensableespecially in seasons when expectations may be delayed.
The Bahamas (ICB) and Bahamas Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), were also among those present.
Julian Rolle, the BIA chairman, delivered brief remarks and presented a special token of appreciation to Mount Tabor church on the Association’s behalf. Members of the BIA executive board were present and joined by more than 70 industry professionals. Representatives from the Insurance Commission of
ABM chief: Marinas say ‘worst they have seen’
CHANGE - from page B1
The ABM chief added:
“I’ve heard so many negative comments in the industry. People feel unsure, they don’t feel welcome. Even if we fix it now it may not matter until 2027. I think Spring is over for us. I don’t know about summer. The boats coming for Spring Break have to be booking months in advance otherwise space will run out. Spring is already here.”
Mr Maury said rival Caribbean destinations are “already in full swing” for the spring boating season. “We’re just not. We’re just not competitive,” he argued. “It’s still the same thing. The marinas are just not getting the bookings at the volume in the past. Everybody is fighting for
whatever volume they can get. If you consider that spring is at the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter, that’s already gone.
“Last week I went to several different island groups - Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island and the Berry Islands - and the marinas there all said the same thing. It’s the worst they’ve seen. On Harbour Island, one marina was at 40 percent and the others were worse than that. It’s pretty bad. Last year they were full.”
Mr Maury said New Providence-based marinas, such as his Bay Street marina, have received a temporary boost from the cold North American winter which has forced boat owners and operators to move their
Driver vents frustration:
‘You all killing a whole industry’
TRAFFIC - from page B1
Mr Butler’s comments came amid wider frustration within the transportation sector over shifting cruise passenger patterns. Separately, a video circulating on social media this weekend shows a Nassau taxi driver venting about what he described as a lack of passengers leaving Nassau Cruise Port despite multiple ships being in harbour.
In the recording, the driver points to taxis parked idly near the port and questions why visitors are not venturing into downtown Nassau. “We have ships in the harbour. Look - all these workers. You see any tourists coming out? No tourists coming off the port,” the driver said in the video.
“Look over there in the port; just taxis parked up.
We have three, four big ships in here and no people coming off because they’re heading straight to the private island. How could you all even do that to the Bahamian people?”
The driver also criticised developments tied to Nassau Cruise Port’s expansion, including the pool facility - due to open next month - that is aimed at creating a family-friendly attraction and job growth at the port itself.
“And now you’re opening a water park right here in the Nassau Cruise Port — what for? What, for the drivers?” he says in the video, referring to the planned facility that is part of an expansion Nassau Cruise Port officials say could create about 350 fulltime jobs, yet is seen by some as keeping passengers closer to the docks.
The BIA’s members include insurance underwriters, brokerages and agencies licensed by the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas, and dealing in all lines of business including general (property and casualty) and long-term (life and health). As the Association marks its 51st year, the BIA said
vessels south to destinations such as The Bahamas in a bid to escape the harsh conditions. However, transiting vessels are significantly down in number.
“The marinas in Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, they were empty,” he added. “It is a huge difference compared to years past. Harbour Island, I’ve never seen it like that apart from maybe during hurricane season. It’s sad to see a major marina with just two boats. It hurts the shop owners, the restaurant owners and everybody else. I think it’s too late to save Spring Break as people are booking for summer now.”
Mr Maury argued that any reforms will unlikely make an impact prior to the 2026-2027 winter boating season that launches towards the end of this year. He added that those who have brought their vessels to escape the US winter have told him they will head back as soon as
The driver argued that such additions, combined with dedicated cruise line attractions nearby, are further reducing the number of visitors who leave the port and seek out Bahamian vendors and services in downtown Nassau.
He further claimed the impact is being felt beyond taxi operators, describing what he sees as a broader economic ripple effect across the community.
“I walk down by the Straw Market, and the vendors in the Straw Market complaining. You go in the port, the braiders complaining; everyone feeling it. It’s like a domino effect. You all kill a whole industry,” the driver said.
Last week, Michael Maura, the Nassau Cruise Port’s chief executive and director, told Tribune Business the port will “never seek to corral’ the 6.5m passengers forecasted to arrive at its facility in 2026.
Mr Maura said the Nassau Cruise port “doesn’t have the physical space” to
its members are focused on highlighting the 2026 theme, ‘Beyond 50: Securing the future’. Among the events planned for insurance month are the presentation of a 50th anniversary book to the University of The Bahamas; a ‘Virtual lunch and learn’, in partnership with the Insurance Institute of The Bahamas; an annual awards ceremony and reception; and food drive.
weather conditions improve while other captains have said they have “fuelled up” sufficiently that they do not have to stop in The Bahamas when heading to the Caribbean. Asserting that he has never before seen The Bahamas implement policies that are “chasing people away”, the ABM president said: “We are halfway through February. The Palm Beach Boat Show is in about four to five weeks. The thing is they could have made an announcement before at the Stuart Boat Show and didn’t.”
While The Bahamas’ new two-year frequent digital cruising card (FDCC) has gained traction with boaters, others have pointed out that The Bahamas has gone from charging $600 for a cruising permit, which included a fishing permit and no anchorage fee, to a $1,000 cruising permit fee, $350 anchorage fee and
accommodate all 20,000 to 30,000 passengers that arrive on an almost daily basis and instead has “very successfully” acted as “the bridge” connecting these arrivals with water and land-based activities that place tourist spending in the hands of Bahamian entrepreneurs and employees.
The Nassau Cruise Port is preparing for the “soft opening” of its Blue Marlin restaurant, located on the “peninsula” at its western end, which will provide a high-end food and beverage experience for both Bahamians and tourists. Its official launch will occur in March.
Mr Maura also confirmed the pool experience, as well as the tripling of Nassau Cruise Port’s mega yacht berth capacity from three to nine spots, will go live next month in line with the forecast timeline. The three developments combined are projected to generate 350 jobs and involve a $25m investment.
$300 per month fishing permit fee.
The ‘temporary’ 12-month cruising permit fee for a vessel below 50 feet in length has risen from $300 to $500, a two-thirds or 66.67 percent rise, with those between 50 feet and 100 feet seeing an increase of similar magnitude from $600 to $1,000. And the new anchorage fees range from $200 to $1,500 “for foreign pleasure vessels not mooring at a marina”, and are again linked to vessel size.
A key element in the Davis administration’s fiscal strategy has been to avoid imposing new and/or increased taxes and fees on Bahamian families, likely due to the potential fall-out for general election votes. Instead, the increases have fallen heavily on foreign visitors, and not just cruise passengers but, in particular, the private aviation and boating markets.
Boating industry contacts spoken to by Tribune Business said that, while not opposed to ensuring that visiting boats and yachts pay their fair share in taxes, any increases in fees/ levies must be reasonable and proportionate in scale, with the industry properly consulted in advance and informed of changes in sufficient time so that they can adjust. Much of the backlash is over lack of notice and consultation. The Government perceives the private aviation and boating markets as having deep pockets, and the ability to pay more because users are wealthy. However, this newspaper has been told that both sectors are incredibly fickle and, if participants perceive they are being targeted for taxes because they are wealthy, they have the means and transportation to go elsewhere besides The Bahamas even if it costs more.
EMANUEL ALEXIOU
BIA chairman, Julian Rolle, presents Bishop Ellis with a donation on behalf of the BIA.
BIA members worship at Mount Tabor Church to mark the beginning of Insurance Month.
$20m renewable energy deal hailed as ‘very much needed’
BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE North Andros Chamber of Commerce president yesterday said a $20m renewable energy deal could finally provide long-awaited stability for the island’s economy after years of unreliable, expensive power that has hurt businesses and households alike.
Darin Bethel told Tribune Business that the Government’s private-public partnrership (PPP) with 100 percent Bahamian-owned Andros Renewable Energy Company is “very much needed” after what he described as the worst period for utilities in Andros.
He said that while the implementation of renewable energy in Andros has “felt like a campaign promise” for some time, he is optimistic the power purchase agreement (PPA) signed between Andros Renewable Energy Company and Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) could finally bring long-overdue reliability after four years of worsening utility service.
“That’s something they have talked about since coming into government, and it’s very much needed when you look at the outages we’ve been experiencing. It kind of feels like a campaign promise, considering how long ago it was needed,” said Mr Bethel.
“Since the fire in North Andros, and subsequently the one in Central Andros, we have been operating
Out Island airlift rebuild critical to stopover boost
BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
A SENIOR Bahamian tourism executive says the launch of American Airlines’ service to Bimini will help replace the roughly 8,000 seats lost after Silver Airways’ departure.
Kerry Fountain, executive director of the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board, argued that this is critical to reviving higher-spending stopover arrivals.
Speaking to Tribune Business, Mr Fountain said the return of consistent airlift capacity into islands such as Bimini, Exuma and Eleuthera is essential not just to restoring visitor numbers, but to strengthening the economic impact of tourism across the Family Islands.
He said rebuilding air capacity is key if the Bahamas is to reverse lagging stopover numbers and remain competitive with regional destinations.
“For the last three or four years, we’ve been breaking records with cruise visitors, but cruise passengers spend about $84 a day. The average stopover visitor stays five nights and spends around $2,500. If we’re serious about strengthening the Out Islands’ economies, we have to fix our air arrival numbers,” he explained.
Mr Fountain said external factors such as geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies cannot be used as a blanket explanation for softer air stopover performance, noting that
competing destinations are operating in the same global environment.
“If you look at what is happening geopolitically, one day you have tariffs, the next day you don’t. But we’re not the only ones living in that world,” he said.
“Other islands are facing the same conditions, yet they are still seeing growth in air stopovers. We’re not in a bubble, so we have to examine why our business is down and what we need to do differently.”
Mr Fountain said that while airlift restoration is critical, the broader tourism product must also be examined if The Bahamas is to regain momentum in stopover growth.
“I think we need to take a look at our product from A to Z,” said Mr Fountain. “Yes, we need to fix accessibility. But we also have to ask why other destinations are realising increases year after year in air stopovers while we’re lingering. That’s a challenge we need to take back to the product lab.”
Over 100 vendors set for agricultural expo
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business
MORE than100 vendors are expected to take part in the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources’ Agri Expo 20226, which will be held from April 10-12 at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre (GRAC). Supporting the Government’s goal of strengthening food security and reducing the country’s dependence on imports, Jomo Campbell, minister of agriculture and marine resources, said this year’s event will highlight Bahamian production, encourage innovation and create pathways for younger persons to enter the sector. This, he said, will help build “a more resilient and self-reliant Bahamas”.
This year’s expo, which will be held under the theme ‘Agriculture: Our heritage, our future’, will feature demonstrations, lectures and competitions. Mr Campbell said food
on temporary supplies that have been inconsistent. After years of terrible service - the past four years have been the worst ever in North Andros when it comes to utilities - if this happens, it will be a great relief to the business community and the general public.”
Prime Minister Philip Davis KC said the agreement represents a significant step in the Government’s broader energy reform efforts, aimed at lowering electricity costs, modernising outdated plants and delivering more reliable service across the Family Islands.
He acknowledged that Andros residents and businesses have endured years of power cuts, and said the new generation assets are intended to address those
long-standing challenges in a “serious, long-term way”.
“For years, families and businesses in Andros have lived with power cuts, unstable supply, and the worry that comes every time the lights flicker. What we are doing today is dealing with those problems in a serious, long-term way,” said Mr Davis.
“We are answering that call and giving Andros an energy system that supports your plans for your families, your communities and your businesses.”
JoBeth Coleby-Davis, minister of energy and transport, described the agreement as “a covenant with the people of Andros” that will power economic growth and development on the island. She said the project forms part of the Government’s
wider energy reform strategy to modernise generation, improve reliability and ensure that no island is left behind in the transition to cleaner, more efficient systems.
“This agreement is a covenant with the people of Andros for the powering of an energy transformation that will support economic growth and development on the island. As a small nation comprised of many islands, we have made sure that our national energy reform plans are comprehensive in scope and leave no island behind,” said Mrs Coleby-Davis.
The Government, through BPL, has signed a $20m PPA with Andros Renewable Energy Company, which is fully Bahamian-owned, for the construction and operation
of three hybrid power plants in North, Central and South Andros.
Under the agreement, Andros Renewable Energy Company will finance, build and operate the facilities, which will deliver a combined 7.2 mega awatts (MW) of generation capacity. The energy mix will include 6.5 MW powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 1.6 MW generated through solar energy, supported by battery energy storage systems (BESS).
The plants are intended to replace aging and temporary generation units, improve reliability, reduce fuel inefficiencies and lower operating costs, while supporting the Government’s broader national energy reform initiative.
The agreement runs through a long-term PPA structure under which BPL will purchase power from Andros Renewable Energy Company once the plants are constructed and commissioned, with completion targeted for 2027.
producers and artisans who have locally grown, made and inspired products will be showcased. He added that local markets will be strengthened and economic opportunity will be expanded as farmers, agro-processors and creatives are give the chance to engage directly with consumers, distributors and investors.
“Beyond the exhibits, Agri-Expo 2026 will be a space for learning, collaboration and inspiration,” Mr Campbell said. “Attendees can expect hands-on demonstrations, practical and forward-thinking lecture series, and expert-led discussions focused on sustainability, innovation, food security and climate resilience.
“Some of the sessions that will be available are the manufacturing of yoghurt; bottle tomato and sauces; toffee candy making, bread making; pickling peppers and farm
EVENT - See Page B5
Ex-New Providence landfill chief now
BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE operations consultant who played a pivotal role in transforming the New Providence landfill following its outsourcing to private sector management in 2019 is being sought by the Royal Bahamas Police Force over allegations of stealing.
Tribune Business confirmed that Timothy Hodge is wanted for questioning by police, with his last
wanted by police
known address listed as
No.301 Cumberbatch Cove in the Love Beach area. However, this newspaper was told that he is no longer involved with the landfill, now renamed as the New Providence Ecology Park, and the incident he is being sought over is not linked to the company or its operations.
Felix Stubbs, the New Providence Ecology Park’s chairman, told Tribune Business it had “no involvement at all” with the police
Smaller food stores back Gov’t price compare app
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN food store operators yesterday backed the launch of the Government’s PricePal as officials collect product prices at their stores for uploading to it.
Horace Miller-Major, Centreville Food Market proprietor, said officials were in his store last week compiling prices to enter into the app’s database.
Ricardo Morley, chief executive and manager of Shop Rite Mart, added that the price control representative for Exuma also visited his store to collect prices.
“The price control individual, who works on the island here for the Government, he has been doing some work inside our store, updating their database and what have you. But this is not really complete yet,” Mr Morley said.
“That still is a work in progress. I guess when they finish all their initial work, or what have you, then he will go in more in depth and let us know what is what. But that's still a work in progress on the island here. It's not fully functional as yet.
“The customers will be able to explore the app and find out where the best prices are, I have no difficulty with that. I think that's a good initiative. People will be aware and be more shopper savvy, and then that helps them a lot in navigating all the stores. So that's a good thing where they will be more informed in that capacity.”
Mr Morley said his store strives to offer low and competitive prices and the app will only continue to push business for him. “We try to run a price point where we try to be the lowest in terms of providing pricing and customer service to our customers,” he added.0
“So we are like on the cutting edge where we offer great variety of services and what have you, at affordable prices, on the island as we speak. So that is a positive for us. That will fully inform them.”
While Mr Miller-Major believes the PricePal
app is a good initiative for customers, he maintains his argument that smaller grocery stores “always get screwed”.
“It is a good, good initiative,” Mr Miller-Major said. “But, like I always maintain, the smaller man always get screw because they don't have the buying power like the bigger stores. And so the biggest stores can offer the price cheaper, while we either offer it as a loss or keep your prices at what it is to make something.
“I don't think it's much that they [Government] can do to offset the smaller stores. And then I guess the big stores will complain and say, 'they're favouring the smaller stores over the bigger ones'. But everybody has to pay their share, right? So I don't think it's nothing much you can do in order to help that.
“That's why I sell a lot of things that the bigger stores don't sell, because that's my capital market. If the person is looking for a certain item and they can't find it at the other store, and I happen to have it, then, you know, kudos to me.”
Mr Morley, however, said he believes smaller stores have the advantage, adding: “I consider myself more medium to large on the island here. And Solomon's, what used to be Exuma Market, and Solomon's being our biggest competitor in terms of store floor space and providing grocery products and what have you, they were able to buy on a large scale.
“But I find, initially, when I got into the business, I find that you being a small store, it gives you an advantage, because as long as you cut your overhead expense you could still have a fighting chance against the biggest stores because they only could go so low.
“That has always been my viewpoint,” Mr Morley said. “And when I started out in the business almost 40 years ago, people would say, 'Boy, these bigger stores, you think you would be able to compete with them?' or 'They'll run you out of business.'
“When we first started, they started to do that, where they say, we'll back
inquiry but was aware that something was happening as a member of staff had been questioned by the Financial Crime Investigation branch in relation to Mr Hodge.
“Timothy Hodge was a consultant to the landfill,” he explained. “He had a company called Strata Sustainability. When it became the New Providence Ecology Park, Tim was hired as the operations consultant and we also had an engineering consultant.
down prices and put you out of business. But then we stuck to our guns. And we had a price war for a couple months. Then they found out that it doesn't make any sense. Here we are today, 40 years later. So we are at the point where our purchasing power is just as great as theirs.”
“His contract was for five years. It ended a year ago. He is no longer involved with the landfill, but he’s doing his own thing in The Bahamas. We were only aware that something had come up when Financial Crime Investigation came and interviewed one staff member. We have no connection at all to this, but were aware that something was up. We have no involvement; nothing at all.”
The New Providence landfill was taken over by a consortium of Bahamian waste services providers and Providence Advisors, the financial services firm headed by Kenwood Kerr, following a competitive tender and bidding process in 2019.
The PricePal app, which is currently in its testing phase, is a price comparison tool launched by the Government to allow for market competitiveness and provide shoppers with a resource that will help them find products for the cheapest price. Developed by the Novio Group and launched on February 10, the beta testing is being expanded and more testers are needed.
KERRY FOUNTAIN
System change completion ‘huge benefit’ come 2027
GROWTH - from page B1
year-over-year decline in profits from $17.971m to $17.454m, Mr Bowe said: “From our perspective we see the growth in the fees and commissions, so that continues the trend and is positive.
“We see that as a large part of the growth strategy. We continue to grow at a 20 percent pace, and we believe there’s still an opportunity for similar growth. Not all of it drops to the bottom line. You have to ensure economies of scale and have to reset the threshold in terms of getting higher profit margins, particularly on the card business.
“The card business is a volume business so the more the growth, the better the margin. We were seeing last year a 5 percent increase in the margin for 2025 over 2024. It shows that, ultimately, the growth in the business is dropping down to the bottom line so, in 2026, the benefit of that margin increase will drop to the bottom line and improve profitability.”
Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) saw its fee and commission
income increase by 21.1 percent year-over-year in 2025, rising from $10.483m in 2024 to $12.697m last year. This drove the overall 3 percent increase in the bank’s total income from $64.733m to $66.718m in 2025. This was achieved despite net interest income essentially remaining flat year-over-year, closing 2025 at $53.825m as opposed to the prior period’s $53.98m. The subdued lending market meant that Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) interest income, representing interest that borrowers pay on loans, declined by more than $2m year-over-year - from $56.87m in 2024 to $54.684m last year. However, Mr Bowe said the BISX-listed lender partially compensated for this by redeploying capital from loans to investments in securities, which produced a $1.5m-plus rise in investment income to $6.596m. He added that Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) had also maintained its interest margins despite paying what he maintained is the Bahamian commercial banking industry’s highest deposit interest rates to those placing their money with it “long-term”.
Minister reveals concerns voiced by fly fishing sector
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discussion has been held even at Cabinet level. And so steps are underway to address those concerns, not only from the agricultural standpoint, but also from the fisheries standpoint.
“We’ve gotten a number of concerns and suggestions coming in to us from the fly fishing industry, which is growing as equally as fast as any agriculture or other sector of agro-tourism, and so we are actively seeking new ways to try to make life easier for both farmers and fishers alike.”
Mr Bowe argued that this ensured an “equitable split of interest income” between depositors and shareholders. However, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) profit performance was again impacted by the 7.4 percent yearover-year jump in total expenses, which rose to $50.221m from $46.781m in 2024. Apart from the material increase in staff wages, the other major driver was the 6.1 percent rise in general and administrative expenses which hit $25.655m as opposed to $24.179m in 2024.
As a result, operating profit fell by 8.8 percent to $16.497m compared to $17.953m the prior year. And the drop in profitability would have been greater had it not been for the $945,077 revaluation gain that Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) enjoyed on the worth of its property, plant and equipment. This revaluation occurs every three years.
Mr Bowe said he was “sure I will get criticism from some shareholders” over the returns the lender is receiving from its investment in staff. “It’s a little bit of a chicken and egg situation; which comes first,” he added, while attributing the salary and benefits rise to the hiring of more executives in 2025. This, in turn, added to the compensation
paid as part of the bank’s employee profit-sharing scheme.
“Ultimately, we are in a phase where I say the key phrase for us in 2026 is accountability,” Mr Bowe told Tribune Business. “We need to invest in employees, but they have to deliver. We want to see accountability in terms of doing all they can to improve efficiency as we continue to invest in new systems and processes, and giving us support in going after new areas of lending, the card business and corporate business.
“It’s more that persons now realise there’s going to come a spotlight on their compensation; are they generating returns to justify their levels of compensation? On general and administrative expenses, some of that is attributable to the growth in revenues in fees and commissions on the card business. There’s no runaway train on expenses.
“Once we get past these system changes that we’ve been doing for the past 18 months, and will continue for the next six months, after that is complete we will make sure we get what we need out of the system in terms of efficiency and cutting project costs.”
Mr Bowe also said loan loss provisions, which were flat year-over-year, could have been cut by $700,000
had Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) retained its original model for calculating them - a move that would have enabled it to match 2024’s bottom line. However, he added that the bank had prioritised “accuracy in reporting” and this was showing up in consistent annual profitability that eliminated spikes and troughs.
“We know we have set a high bar, a high standard in terms of what shareholders expect, and we believe we are deepening our relationship that is grounded in principles that will allow us to do that for many years to come,” the Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief said, adding that the institution had increased dividend payouts to shareholders slightly in 2025 - from 51 cents to 52 cents per share - due to the lack of lending opportunities.
“The fundamentals continue in the right direction and we are poised to take advantage of economic expansion and have a few initiatives in 2026 that we expect to add to profitability,” Mr Bowe said. “The increased margins on the card business, which we expect to drop to the bottom line.
“We hope to have a successful end to the core system changes. We have overtime costs, payments
to consultants. It will be felt a little bit in 2026, but more in 2027. We’re not expecting a huge benefit in 2026, but certainly in 2027 and beyond. Some of the under-performing service providers will be rotated out, with greater in-house capacity and greater reliance on our own resources.
“The new core banking [platform] will allow us to have a far greater presence in corporate and commercial banking. Corporates want certain things with respect to flexibility in their core banking systems.” Mr Bowe said growing its corporate client base will give Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) access to a more stable deposit base and move it beyond its previous standing as a bank catering mainly to retail or individual clients.
To achieve this, he said the BISX-listed lender will have to demonstrate it has the ability and systems to service their needs. “It’s not much more than 10 percent of the business,” Mr Bowe said of the existing commercial client base. “Going forward, we’d like to see that become 20-25 percent of the business. That 25 percent is over a five-year period, not a jump in one year. It’s a medium-term programme.”
Mr Campbell’s comments followed an inquiry by Tribune Business about Caron Shepherd, president of the Bahamas Agri Entrepreneurs Co-Operative’s, who had warned that cutting the VAT rate from 5 percent to zero on all unprepared food will create an unequal playing field between Bahamian farmers and imported food items.
and pesticides - for “registered” Bahamian farmers. She called for targeted for tax relief for items such as seedlings and plants, potting soil, plant pots and related supplies.
In a January 22, 2026, letter Ms Shepherd urged Prime Minister Philip Davis KC to eliminate VAT on all “essential agricultural inputs” - such as seeds, animal feed for poultry, pigs, goats, sheep and other livestock, egg cartons and related packaging materials, and fertilizers
“Farmers nationwide commend your government’s decision to remove VAT from unprepared foods. We understand that this initiative is intended to provide meaningful relief to Bahamians, particularly those earning the minimum wage of $260 per week, and to ease the burden on families striving to maintain a sustainable household budget,” Ms Shephard wrote.
“We agree with the objective of making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible, especially for families who must often choose between fresh
produce and frozen or canned alternatives…. However, while the focus has rightly been placed on consumer relief, we respectfully submit that farmers - the backbone of domestic food production - have been inadvertently overlooked.
“Farmers are on the front lines, working tirelessly to bring high-quality food to market. Encouragingly, consumers continue to show enthusiasm for purchasing directly from farms, farmers’ markets and Family Island producers. We therefore humbly recommend that your government revisits the elimination of VAT for registered farmers who are leading the charge toward national food security and self-sufficiency.”
Ms Shepherd added: “While the objective of VAT-free food items is
commendable, the current framework places farmers at a disadvantage. Local producers are often forced to sell at higher prices than large food stores, which benefit from VAT-free imports, undermining the competitiveness of locally grown produce.
“Our goal as farmers is to deliver quality products at cost-effective prices for consumers. However, the VAT-free advantage afforded to larger retailers unintentionally discourages local production and weakens the push toward food independence.”
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Biomass capability said to be ‘in future’
AFFORDABLE - from page B1
infrastructure. The process of obtaining the required certificate of environmental clearance from the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) will launch this month with environmental impact assessment (EIA) preparation.
“We’ve entered three PPAs with BPL under which we will develop three hybrid power plants - one based in Nicholl’s Town, where the BPL plant had a fire three years ago; another in Fresh Creek, where the existing plant had a fire last year, and the third at the Bluff,” Mr Kerr said.
“They’ll replace old, heavy fuel oil (HFO) and diesel plants with modern, efficient, hybrid stations that combine liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel with an array of solar photovoltaic panels along with battery energy storage systems (BESS).”
LNG, widely regarded as a cleaner and more economical fuel than the HFO and automated diesel oil (ADO) that BPL currently relies on, will be used by the three Andros plants
when solar energy is not sufficiently available. Asked when building work will commence in Andros, Mr Kerr replied: “There are several things that have to happen before the actual construction.
“We’ve been on the ground doing site visits over the last year, looking at infrastructure and doing the engineering to see what’s necessary to put in place. The next thing for us is the environmental management plan (EMP) and that kind of thing. DEPP has to give you a certificate of environmental clearance before you start doing any physical construction or the land clearance. We will be doing the studies this month. We already have permission to access the land.”
Mr Kerr said two of the three plants will be located close to BPL’s existing generation facilities, with the one in central Andros based slightly further north. Geotechnical studies will also be conducted to verify the “integrity of the ground foundation” before concrete is poured and Andros Renewable Energy Company’s engines installed.
Expo seeks to interest
Young in agriculture
EVENT - from page B3
to table experiences just to name a few. These sessions are designed not only to share knowledge, but to equip participants with tools they can take back to their farms, businesses and communities.”
New initiatives include a poultry workshop where persons will learn to raise chickens at a commercial leve and become a poultry farmer, while the animal husbandry community can learn how to produce feed for their livestock.
Jacqueline Fox Deveaux, the expo chairperson and project manage, said the expo had 80 vendors last year but expects more than 100 this year. She said this year’s event is focused on the youth, and its aim is
to cultivate interest in the farming and fisheries industries. Young Bahamians will be taught marketing strategies that will empower them to compete with commercial farmers in first world countries.
Deon Gibson, the former director of agriculture and the general manager of the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMS), said agriculture programmes in schools are progressing well. While resources and materials are the biggest challenge for agriculture science, according to Mr Gibson, the Ministry and Department of Agriculture as well as the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) are supporting the poultry programmes.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that MARVIN SIFFORT of Abundant Life Road, 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 17th 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 ROLIN ALEXIS of #15 Sunshine Way, 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 17th 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 JENNIE CADET of Polhemus 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 10th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
Noting that the consortium’s financiers will hire their own engineers to verify “the integrity of operations” in Andros, Mr Kerr nevertheless said construction work on the three plants is expected to begin in 2026. He added that the required permits and approvals will likely be processed rapidly once all regulatory requirements are satisfied.
“These are being done on an expedited basis,” he told Tribune Business, “because the partners are BPL and, essentially, the Government. We are going through the proper channels to get it done. We will be fast tracking all of them. I cannot give you a time when it will be finished but all will be fast-tracked.:
Mr Kerr added that, in parallel to physical construction, land clearance, geotechnical studies and the permitting process, Andros Renewable Energy Company is also working on is drawings and renderings as well as ordering “long lead items” such as the actual generation turbines plus its LNG supply and storage tanks.
“We won’t be wasting time,” he said. “We’ll be doing everything at once. According to our agreement we have 18 months to complete construction. We believe we can finish within 18 months, on time
Mr Gibson said BAMSI provides the schools with feed and supplies, allowing communities to purchase eggs from the schools. A
or ahead of it.” This likely places the start of supplying utility-scale solar and LNGfuelled energy in Andros towards the end of 2027 at earliest and, more likely, early 2028.
“We estimate it’s well beyond $20m, and actually larger than that,” Mr Kerr told Tribune Business of Andros Renewable Energy Company’s combined investment in the three plants. “In total, it’s 7.2 MW across the three stations. That comprises LNG and solar with battery storage. It will average about 2-3 MW per site.
“We can supply that, and are building capacity to supply more than that; almost double that. We can do a lot more. The additional capacity will be for those off-grid and to accommodate future development.” Mr Kerr added that the number of construction and permanent jobs that the project will create is still being assessed.
Promising to maximise the use of Androsian and Bahamian labour during the construction, although the nature of the plants will require specialist skills, the Providence Advisors chief said filled and empty LNG tanks will be rotated out on a weekly basis while ensuring there is sufficient redundant generation capacity at each site.
number of other schools, including those on the Family Islands, will also be involved.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that JEANER AUGUSTIN of Crooked Island 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 17th 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 ESPERANTA BEAUCHAMP/ OSCAR of Dundas Town, 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 twentyeight days from the 17th 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 AVERY MELESEA KNOTT-JONES of #14 Cedars Way, 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 17th day of February, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
Leon Lundy, the central and south Andros MP, had suggested at the 2024 Andros Business Outlook conference that Andros Renewable Energy Company’s plants also planned to solve the island’s casuarina pine tree invasion by incorporating biomass into its energy mix. However, Mr Kerr yesterday said that is not an immediate priority.
“That’s not in the plan. That’s in the future,” he explained. “It can still happen, but after we have stabilised generation and brought reliable and affordable power. We’ll look at ways to do biomass generation, but we’re looking initially at replacing outdated equipment, putting in modern infrastructure and putting in battery energy storage…
“We know what we will be charging, which we believe is a lot less than BPL. I think the Prime Minister put it best. This gives residents an opportunity
to live in comfort, have reliable, affordable power generation so they can efficiently maximise on the economic benefits that can accrue from being raised in Andros just like those living on New Providence.
“Reliable power so that fishermen can get their work done, reliable power so hotels and Airbnbs can get their job done. I have a very good team of engineers, environmental people, other technical support. We think we can do it. I know we can do it. They have done many projects, the team I have put together. This is just another one of them. This is urgent, urgent.”
Andros Renewable Energy Company is also in the process of obtaining the necessary licences from the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), and organising its forthcoming fuel supply logistics, including LNG tankering and pipelines.
Cuban drivers face monthslong wait for gasoline in a government app designed to reduce lines
By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ Associated Press
DRIVERS in Cuba are facing the prospects of waiting several months to refuel their cars, as fuel shortages caused by a U.S. oil siege intensify.
To avoid chaos outside gas stations, Cuba's government last week made it obligatory for drivers to use an app known as Ticket to get refueling appointments.
But drivers in Havana told The Associated Press on Monday that the app is only awarding them appointments several weeks or months from now.
"I have (appointment) number seven thousand and something," said Jorge Reyes, a 65-year-old who downloaded the app on Monday.
Reyes signed up to refuel at a gas station in Havana that is only awarding 50 appointments per day.
"When will I be able to buy gas again?" he said.
Scoring a coveted appointment
The app only allows drivers to sign up for appointments at one gas station at a time. So, on WhatsApp groups some drivers are sharing information on which places might be less crowded or which gas stations have a greater
capacity to serve customers, noting that some locations are awarding up to 90 appointments per day.
But that is of little comfort to those who have downloaded the app, only to find out there are up to 10,000 appointments ahead of theirs.
The Cuban government has also stopped selling gasoline in local currency at subsidized rates of about 25 cents per liter, and is now only selling more expensive fuel, priced in U.S. dollars. A liter of gasoline currently sells for $1.30 at gas stations and can cost up to six dollars in the growing
By CHAN HO-HIM AP Business Writer
WORLD shares mostly advanced on Monday and gold declined. Japanese stocks dipped and several stock markets in Asia were closed or trading for a halfday ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations. In early European trading, Germany's DAX was up 0.2% to 24,958.01.
Britain's FTSE gained 0.3% to 10,479.47, while the CAC 40 in Paris also rose 0.3% to 8,333.81.
In Asia, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 was down 0.2% to 56,806.41, after the government reported that Japan's economy grew more slowly than economists had expected in the latest October-December quarter, at an annualized 0.2%.
black market for gasoline.
Government workers in Cuba are earn less than $20 a month, when their earnings in Cuban pesos are converted to U.S. dollars using market rates.
When drivers can finally refuel at service stations, they are only allowed to buy 20 liters of gasoline, or about 5.2 gallons.
"This will not last me long," said Ariel Alonso, a businessman who refueled Monday at the El Riviera gas station.
"I have to leave a reserve of five liters in case anyone gets sick at home," and has
to be taken to the hospital, he said.
The Ticket app is run by XETID, a state owned software firm. Last week, the company's commercial director Saumel Tejada, told news site Cuba Debate that more than 90,000 drivers had sought refueling appointments using the app. Ticket has been around for three years, and was previously used by Cubans to secure appointments at notaries and at gas stations where they could pay for fuel in local currency. But now it is almost the only way for drivers to get their
closed. The first day of the Lunar New Year this year falls on Tuesday.
The sluggish rate of growth increases the likelihood that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will press ahead with plans to revive the economy by raising government spending and cutting taxes, Marcel Thieliant, head of Asia Pacific at Capital Economics, wrote in a note.
Trading was thin as stock markets in China, South Korea and Taiwan were
Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.5% in its half-day session, closing at 26,705.94. In Australia, the S&P/ ASX 200 picked up 0.2% to 8,937.10. India's Sensex was up 0.4%.
U.S. futures edged higher. The future for the S&P 500 rose 0.4%, while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average was also up 0.4%. U.S. stock markets are also closed on Presidents Day, a holiday.
RETIREE Jorge Reyes shows his phone with the app “El Ticket” which is used to reserve a place in line to buy rationed gasoline in Havana, Cuba, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
cars refueled — without going to the black market. Vehicles used for the island's tourism industry are the exception. Those cars have special license plates and are allowed to refuel at 44 service stations around the island, where long lines have formed. As with regular vehicles, tourism cars can only purchase 20 liters of fuel.
Crisis intensifies Fuels shortages and blackouts have been intensifying in Cuba this month, as the nation struggles to import oil for its power plants and refineries.
In late January, U.S.
President Donald Trump threatened any nation that sold oil to Cuba with tariffs, as Washington steps up efforts to pressure the island's communist government to make economic and political reforms.
Cuba's president Miguel Díaz-Canel has said that he is willing to negotiate with the U.S. "as equals" and without relinquishing his nations sovereignty.
Díaz-Canel has accused the U.S. of staging an "energy blockade."
Venezuela, one of Cuba's main oil suppliers, stopped
On Friday, U.S. stocks calmed after a sharp drop earlier driven by worries about artificial intelligence disruptions across various industries which particularly hit software companies hard.
A report showing inflation cooled last month also helped steady the markets. The data suggesting U.S. price pressures may be easing offered more room for another Federal Reserve interest rate cut.
The S&P 500 edged up less than 0.1% to 6,836.17. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1% to 49,500.93. The Nasdaq
selling crude to the island in January after the U.S. captured then president Nicolás Maduro in a predawn raid and flew him to New York to face drug trafficking charges. Mexico also cut off oil shipments to Cuba in January, after Trump issued the tariff threat.
Banks on the island have reduced their working hours in a bid to save electricity and earlier this month the Cuban government said that it will not provide fuel to planes that land on the island, prompting three Canadian airlines to cancel flights to Cuba. Other airlines will continue to fly to the island but will make refueling stops in the Dominican Republic.
A book fair and an annual cigar trade fair have also been postponed as officials look for ways to reduce fuel and electricity consumption.
Last week a group of United Nations human rights experts condemned the U.S oil siege, saying that it has "no basis on collective security and constitutes a unilateral act that is incompatible with international law."
composite edged down 0.2% to 22,546.67. Computer chipmaker Nvidia, the heaviest weight company on the S&P 500, was down 2.2% Friday. Technology company AppLovin rose 6.4% after losing almost a fifth of its value on Thursday, as investors focused on how AI could disrupt businesses of software and technology-related firms.
In other dealings early Monday, gold and silver prices fell. The price of gold was down 0.3% to $5,030.30 per ounce and the price of silver fell 1.2% to $77.05 an ounce.
Oil prices fell. U.S. benchmark crude oil lost 34 cents to $62.55 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, was also 34 cents lower at $67.41 per barrel. The U.S. dollar was at 153.33 Japanese yen, up from 152.64 yen. The euro was trading at $1.1867, down from $1.1872.
Photo:Ramon Espinosa/AP
JUDGE PARKER
CARPE DIEM
HAGAR
Two-year delays in breast cancer treatment narrow survival window for Bahamian women
ATROUBLING gap is emerging between diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer patients in The Bahamas — one that could tip the balance between life and loss.
Many patients experience delays of up to two years between diagnosis and the start of breast cancer treatment, according to Dr Locksley Munroe, Co-Founder of Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group.
Health advocates warn that closing this treatment gap could significantly improve survival outcomes.
About 74 out of every 100 Bahamian women diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive five years later, according to data from the Bahamas National Cancer Registry. That figure is significantly lower than survival rates reported in high-resource countries where early-stage detection and timely treatment are more common. Nearly half of Bahamian women are diagnosed at stage three or four, when treatment becomes more aggressive and survival odds decline sharply.
Worldwide evidence shows that when treatment begins early, survival rates are significantly higher — and every delay narrows that window.
In The Bahamas, cost remains a primary barrier. Advanced imaging such as PET-CT scans can cost around $2,500. Diagnostic testing — including biopsies, pathology reviews, blood work and imaging — may range from $500 to $3,500 before treatment even begins. Chemotherapy, depending on the prescribed drug regimen and duration, can range from $15,000 to well over $100,000. Radiation therapy carries additional costs. From diagnosis through survivorship, total expenditures can approach or exceed $150,000.
For many families, those figures are prohibitive.
According to Sister Sister President Shantel
Dry air’s hidden health effects revealed by Cleveland Clinic physician
the body can be far more significant.
Hutchinson, bottlenecks within the public healthcare system compound the crisis. Limited oncology clinics, overburdened facilities, shortages of specialists and delays in laboratory processing slow the pathway from diagnosis to care.
Blood tests, imaging results and pathology reports must move swiftly from technician to physician if treatment decisions are to be made without dangerous lag time. When capacity is strained, urgency is diluted.
For some patients, fear also becomes a factor, Hutchinson says. A cancer diagnosis can trigger emotional, financial and psychological paralysis. Some delay chemotherapy
viruses before they enter deeper into the respiratory tract. When dry air thins and reduces that protective barrier, people may become more vulnerable to illnesses such as colds, sinus infections, bronchitis and asthma flare-ups. Nosebleeds can also become more common when nasal passages dry out.
The effects of dry air extend beyond the respiratory system. Reduced humidity can lead to red, itchy eyes because there are fewer tears available to protect the surface of the eye. A sore throat may develop as the protective mucus lining thins. Sinus irritation combined with dehydration can trigger headaches. Even the ears contain mucous membranes that can become irritated when moisture levels drop.
Skin is also highly affected. When humidity is low, moisture is pulled from the outer layers of the skin, leaving it tight, flaky or irritated. Lips are particularly vulnerable because they lack oil and sweat glands. Dry air can even contribute to constipation, as overall dehydration affects the digestive system.
“When the air is too dry, your sinuses dry out, too,” Dr
According to Josue Limage, MD, a family medicine specialist with Cleveland Clinic Florida, low humidity can affect the respiratory system, hydration levels and overall wellness.
catch things that you breathe in as often as usual.”
Mucus plays an important role in protecting the body. It traps dust, bacteria and
“Dry air can also worsen conditions you may already have, such as eczema or seasonal allergies,” Dr Limage notes.
Indoor environments can intensify the problem. Heating systems commonly used in cooler climates — and even air conditioning systems in warmer regions
or radiation due to anticipated side effects or stigma. Others struggle to navigate a complex healthcare system without support.
Dr Munroe, speaking during Sister Sister’s Community Fun Run Walk on Valentine’s Day, said research must shift its focus.
“The BRCA gene is important, but that is not the most important aspect of dealing with breast cancer,” he said. “The research really needs to go into why there is a delay in persons being treated — the root cause of delay in our patients, not whether they are BRCA positive or negative.”
Bahamian women are known to have one of the highest documented prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in the world, placing many at elevated lifetime risk of developing breast cancer
— can reduce humidity levels significantly.
“The furnaces that heat our homes also contribute to the problem by pumping our living spaces full of hot, dry air,” Dr Limage says. “It’s a dryness double whammy.”
To minimise health risks, maintaining indoor humidity between 30 per cent and 50 per cent is recommended. Levels that are too low increase irritation, but levels that are too high can promote mold growth and dust accumulation, which may trigger respiratory issues.
“Don’t overdo the humidity. Too much can cause mold growth and encourage dust and possibly cause respiratory issues,” he cautions. There are several practical steps individuals can take to counteract dry air. Adding moisture to indoor spaces through a humidifier can help restore balance.
Portable humidifiers can be used in bedrooms or living areas, while wholehome systems integrate with existing heating and cooling units. In some cases, simply placing bowls of water near heat sources can increase moisture through evaporation. Hydration is equally important. “The best way to keep yourself hydrated is also the simplest: Drink more water,” Dr Limage says. While general recommendations often suggest about 64 ounces per day, individual needs vary depending on activity level,
at younger ages. But as Dr Munroe stressed, risk alone does not determine survival — access and timing do. Hutchinson added: “If you're doing your mammogram, if you're doing your self breast checks, that is the first step towards not preventing breast cancer, but catching it at a very early stage.”
Sister Sister is working to reduce these delays and help individuals access treatment more quickly. Advocates argue that education without access is insufficient. Expanded screening programmes, subsidised imaging, greater oncology capacity and faster laboratory turnaround times are critical if survival outcomes are to improve.
Non-governmental organisations, including Sister Sister, continue to bridge the gap through financial assistance, patient navigation and psychosocial support. The organisation has increasingly focused on sustainable fundraising initiatives aimed at multiplying its impact rather than simply distributing aid. For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, visit www.sistersisterbahamas.com or call 242-326-1929.
medications and climate. In particularly dry conditions, adding electrolytes may provide additional support. For skin protection, Dr Limage advises taking short showers using warm — rather than hot — water. Hot water strips away natural oils that help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. After bathing, applying a thicker emollient cream or ointment before fully drying off can help seal in moisture more effectively than lighter lotions.
Some individuals may also benefit from omega-3 supplements, which can help support skin health.
“Omega-3 supplements may help normalise the fat in your skin cells, which helps keep the moisture trapped and helps keep the oils on the surface of your skin,” Dr Limage explains. However, he emphasises the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before starting supplements, as they may interact with certain medications or medical conditions.
Dry air is often underestimated as a health concern. Yet its cumulative effects — from respiratory irritation to sleep disruption — can influence daily comfort and overall well-being. Addressing humidity levels and staying properly hydrated are simple but effective ways to reduce these risks.
“A little hydration can go a long way,” Dr Limage says.
Dr Locksley Munroe
Where compassion meets action in kidney care
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
A KIDNEY transplant is often described in clinical terms. Matching donors. Surgical timelines. Recovery periods.
But behind every transplant is a family holding its breath.
In 2018, Tamika Roberts made the decision to donate a kidney to her brother after his chronic kidney disease diagnosis the year before. The moment was medical, yes, but it was also deeply human. It was a sister choosing hope.
Today, as President of The Bahamas Kidney Association and a living kidney donor herself, Ms Roberts leads with a perspective shaped by lived experience.
“It was an act of love that forever changed how I see patients, families, and the health system that surrounds them,” said the Bahamian woman.
Her experience did more than deepen her compassion. It transformed the way she approaches leadership. She understands the medical system not only from the outside as an advocate, but from within as both caregiver and patient.
“Because I’ve lived the fear, the questions, the sacrifice, and the recovery, I don’t advocate from a distance. I understand what it means to sit on both sides of the table,” said Ms Roberts.
That lived experience shapes the work of the Association, particularly its focus on access to care, dignity in treatment and practical support for families navigating long-term illness.
“It pushes me to fight harder for access, dignity, and equity in kidney care. I’m especially passionate about education, early detection, and living donation, because I’ve seen firsthand how one informed decision can change the trajectory of an entire family,” said Ms Roberts. For readers of the Tribune’s Health pages, Ms Roberts’ message centers on prevention and awareness.
She noted that kidney disease is often described as a silent illness. Many individuals feel well until the condition has progressed significantly. She warns that waiting for symptoms can mean waiting too long.
The president encourages Bahamians to be mindful of warning signs such as persistent fatigue, swelling in the feet or hands, changes in
urination, high blood pressure, nausea, muscle cramps and shortness of breath. Even more important, she stresses routine screening, especially for those with diabetes or hypertension.
“Early screening is critical because kidney disease is detectable and manageable in its early stages. Simple blood and urine tests can identify issues long before symptoms appear,” said Ms Roberts.
In The Bahamas, where chronic conditions are common risk factors, she believes kidney screening should become part of regular health maintenance rather than a reaction to discomfort.
“Early detection saves lives, reduces healthcare costs, and most importantly, preserves quality of life. The message is simple: don’t wait for symptoms. Know your numbers, get tested, and take control of your kidney health,” she said.
That emphasis on awareness and community support is reflected in the return of the Emerald Soirée, the Association’s signature fundraising event set for March 28, 2026 at Margaritaville Resort.
While the evening includes celebration and recognition, Ms Roberts says its meaning runs deeper.
“The Emerald Soirée is deeply meaningful to the kidney community because it shines a light on people whose strength and sacrifice are often carried quietly. This event says to them: we see you, we value you, and your fight matters,” she said.
Patients commit to regular treatments. Caregivers manage emotional and financial strain. Donors make life-altering choices.
Medical professionals work
tirelessly behind the scenes. For Ms Roberts, acknowledging that collective effort helps restore hope.
“Kidney disease is not just a medical condition, it’s a human experience,” she said.
Beyond the event itself, she hopes the wider public walks away with greater compassion and a willingness to engage in open dialogue about organ donation.
“This journey is not an easy one, and it takes a village, a community, even a nation, to support those affected,” she said.
She also wants fear surrounding organ donation to be replaced with informed understanding.
“I want us to shift from fear to hope. As a living kidney donor, I know firsthand that one courageous, selfless decision can give someone a better quality of life,” said Ms Roberts.
At its core, her work is about empowerment. She believes informed choices, early screening and community solidarity can alter outcomes for Bahamian families.
“Above all, I hope people leave feeling empowered. Empowered to take care of their health, to stand beside those affected with empathy and understanding, and to have open, honest conversations about kidney donation in their homes and communities,” said Ms Roberts.
While her journey began with a sister’s decision. It continues as a national call to awareness, compassion and collective responsibility for kidney health in The Bahamas.
When most people picture heart care, they imagine cardiologists, operating theatres, high-tech scans and lifesaving medications. Physiotherapy rarely makes the highlight reel. Yet for thousands of people living with heart disease, recovering from surgery, or trying to prevent their next cardiac event, physiotherapists are some of the most important professionals in the room. They are the ones who help patients move again — safely, confidently, and with purpose.
Cardiac disease remains one of the leading health challenges worldwide. Improved medical treatment means more people survive heart attacks, bypass surgeries, valve replacements, and heart failure exacerbations. Survival, however, is only the beginning. The question that follows is: How do I get my life back? This is where physiotherapy steps forward.
MORE THAN EXERCISE
To the untrained eye, cardiac physiotherapy can look like supervised walking or light gym work. In reality, it is a carefully prescribed, medically informed progression of activity
The quiet power of physiotherapy in cardiac care
designed to strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and restore endurance while closely monitoring risk.
Physiotherapists assess heart rate response, blood pressure, oxygen levels, fatigue, breathing patterns, and symptoms. They identify how hard a patient can safely work and how that capacity can be increased over time.
For someone who has been afraid to climb stairs since leaving hospital, that guidance is priceless. Research consistently shows that structured cardiac rehabilitation reduces hospital readmissions, improves quality of life, and can even lower mortality. Exercise, it turns out, is powerful medicine — when delivered correctly.
REBUILDING CONFIDENCE
After a cardiac event, fear can be as limiting as physical weakness. Many patients worry that exertion might trigger another episode. Families often become protective, encouraging rest when gradual activity would actually be more beneficial.
Physiotherapists help people understand their bodies again. They explain safe limits, normal responses to exercise, and warning signs that require attention. Each successful session becomes evidence that movement is not the enemy. Confidence grows. Independence returns.
BREATHING, CIRCULATION AND STRENGTH
Heart conditions often affect far more than the heart itself. Time in hospital
can lead to muscle loss, reduced balance, and decreased lung function. Some patients struggle with persistent shortness of breath or overwhelming fatigue.
Physiotherapy addresses these issues head-on. Treatment may include breathing exercises to improve oxygen exchange, mobility work to restore joint movement, strength training to rebuild muscles, and strategies to conserve energy during daily tasks.
The goal is simple: make ordinary life easier again.
SUPPORT AT EVERY STAGE
Cardiac physiotherapy is not reserved only for people after surgery or heart attacks. It also plays a vital role in prevention and long-term management. Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes,
obesity, or sedentary lifestyles benefit from guided programs that improve cardiovascular fitness before a crisis occurs. For those living with chronic heart failure, regular physiotherapy helps maintain function and slows decline.
In many cases, physiotherapists become long-term partners in health, adjusting exercise as needs change.
A TEAM EFFORT
Modern cardiac care works best when professionals collaborate. Cardiologists manage medical stability. Nurses monitor and educate. Dietitians guide nutrition.
Psychologists address emotional recovery.
Physiotherapists focus on restoring movement — the bridge between surviving and truly living. When this team approach is in place, patients often discover they are capable of far more than they imagined.
The human victories Success in cardiac rehabilitation is not measured only in test results. It is the grandfather who can return to gardening. The shop owner who can stand through a workday again. The traveler who boards a plane without fear.
These are quiet triumphs, but they matter deeply. Moving forward Despite overwhelming evidence, many eligible patients never attend cardiac rehabilitation. Some are unaware it exists. Others assume it will be too difficult or unnecessary. The reality is the opposite. Programs are tailored, gradual, and designed around individual ability. Whether someone starts by walking a few minutes or lifting light resistance, progress is always possible. The heart is remarkably adaptable. With the right guidance, it can become stronger, more efficient, and more resilient. And often, the person guiding that transformation is a physiotherapist.
NEW YORK (AP) — Christian Siriano barely had 48 hours to design his finale gown for his New York Fashion Week show.
The iridescent green liquid fabric Siriano had ordered from Italy was stuck in customs for weeks before it finally arrived shortly before Thursday's runway show.
The designer of “Project Runway” fame may have been accustomed to executing his designs on a tight deadline but with months to design his other looks, he told The Associated Press, that the last-minute design brought a fresh wave of excitement ahead of his show.
“The best dresses come at the end because I’m really, really in it,” he said.
Unlike his previous shows, where Siriano decorated his venues in sync with this theme, this time around the designer pared down the atmospheric drama allowing his clothes to speak for themselves. For his latest collection, the designer experimented with texture and a variety of colors to create his surrealist dream.
“It was more of an idea of this fantasy dream, maybe like a Dali painting that
can never be explained,” he said. “It really is this dreamlike world that hopefully everybody feels really beautiful in.”
Siriano’s fashionable crew of celebrity friends and loyal customers sat front
Aduba, Julia Fox, Natasha Lyonne,
Christian Siriano invites New York Fashion Week guests into his surrealist dream
Whoopi Goldberg and rock singer Taylor Momsen. The show opened with black and white structured looks before models emerged dipped in a sea
of colours. They stopped along the runway to pose with their hair transformed into a surrealist swoop style, crisscrossed around their necks.
AP Movie Review: Emerald
Siriano's collection reimagined red carpet silhouettes including eye-catching gowns with dramatic asymmetric necklines and exaggerated tulle
Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights' is a bold but shallow take on Brontë's classic
It’s hardly a surprise that filmmaker Emerald Fennell, who possesses a particular interest in shocking and riling her audience, was drawn to Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights.”
This is a novel that has vexed critics since the beginning, with one in 1848 decrying its “vulgar depravity and unnatural horrors.”
Nearly 179 years after its publication, “Wuthering Heights” may have been reappraised a classic, but it continues to haunt with that “wild, wicked slip” Catherine Earnshaw and her tumultuous relationship with Heathcliff, he of the “half-civilised ferocity.”
It’s not just because of the teenagers who can’t make it work: Swirling around them are issues of class, race, property, education, inheritance, desire, revenge, trauma and the miserable weather of the Yorkshire moors.
Adaptations have taken various liberties with Brontë’s story, cutting characters and plot points in vain attempts to condense and tame its wildness and stubborn amorality. A poster for the 1920 film carried with it the tagline “Emily Brontë’s tremendous Story of Hate.” More than a century later, it’s being sold as a great love story, but, you know, with a wink. This is love (if you want to call it that) of the tortured, toxic, obsessive variety. In a noble attempt to do something different, Fennell decided to make a movie that captured how “Wuthering Heights” made her feel the first time she read it, at age 14. It’s a heady experiment — a defiantly anti-academic interpretation that lets
Warner
Catherine (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) finally do something about all that pent-up lust. Those quotation marks on the title card promise that this is not Brontë’s book at all.
Fennell reduces her story to a more simplistic narrative about hate and its polluting ripple effects. The film begins with a hanging that has young Cathy (Charlotte Mellington) downright ecstatic, but she might just be a product of her environment: Her father (Martin Clunes) is an abusive, unloving drunk and their home is shabby, cold and deteriorating under mounting debts and harsh conditions. Her only companions are essentially employees: a maid, Nelly (Vy Nguyen as a child and Hong Chau as an adult), and Heathcliff (Owen Cooper), whom she claims as her pet. No Hindleys or Haretons here.
and with revenge and some light bondage on his mind. When they meet up again, their dynamic feels like “Wuthering Heights” by way of “Cruel Intentions.”
In these sex-deprived times at the cinema, if some corset kink, power games and smoldering star power from two genetically blessed Australians is what you’re looking for, “Wuthering Heights” might just satisfy that big-screen itch. There
The miserable Earnshaw way of life stands in stark contrast with their happier, gentler neighbors, the Lintons, who inhabit the primly manicured Thrushcross Grange. Their home is within walking distance of Wuthering Heights and yet, in a sheltered valley, it seems worlds away. As in the book, Cathy decides to deny her heart for the promise of a comfortable life with Edgar Linton. Heathcliff overhears Cathy saying it would degrade her to marry him, and he disappears for years only to reemerge bathed, wealthy
are myriad pleasures to be had in the bold, absurd pageantry and devilish scheming. Alison Oliver’s comic timing as the naive, skittish Isabella Linton is a particular delight. With the right crowd, it could make for a fun night out at the movies.
Yet for all the big swings, Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” amounts to something oddly shallow and blunt: garish and stylised fan fiction with the scope and budget of an old-school Hollywood epic. As Heathcliff, Elordi is certainly brooding,
sleeves or peplums. Even his black and white designs, featured shimmering fringe, alluring cut outs, feathers or delicate beading.
Siriano’s looks are not for the wallflower. The designer fashioned several revealing sheer looks.
In typical Siriano fashion, the runway was filled with models of all sizes and genders.
“We need to escape and be somewhere else … in a dream world,” he said. This will be a celebration of like, beauty, bodies, age and cultures and we need that.
Siriano’s supermodel muse Coco Rocha closed the show in the ombre bubble gown. As Rocha theatrically posed down the runway, she locked eyes with guests. Celebrity guest Jones cheered on the model, yelling “drama” as she passed by.
“He makes you feel secure in his clothes,” Jones said of Siriano. “It doesn’t matter what size you are; he’s going to make you feel beautiful and that’s the essence of Christian.”
Siriano’s standout looks of the night featured pops of colour including a chartreuse lace cropped jacket and maxi skirt, and the bright green ombre bubble gown that arrived shortly before his show.
effectively passionate and surprisingly pro-consent, although it’s hard to accept the idea that he could pick up a grown woman by the corset string, as tantalising a prospect as that might be. But for a character famous for his rage, there is little of that primal ferocity he showed so well through all those prosthetics in “Frankenstein.” As an actor, he was more unsettlingly toxic as Elvis. This Heathcliff is mostly there to pine for, protect and punish Cathy. Fennell removes the racial component of Heathcliff’s otherness completely by casting Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton. Instead, Heathcliff is just an orphan from Liverpool with a chip on his shoulder.
Robbie plays her role as a kind of gothic Scarlett O’Hara, selfish, vain, vindictive and bored. Her most interesting moments are those in which she’s flustered by stirrings she doesn’t quite understand. It’s the only thing she can’t seem to control and manipulate. There is also a conscious artificiality to the film, especially at the Grange. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran was beholden to no specific period and drew on all manner of inspiration to create the looks, including 1950s soundstage melodramas. The set design is a little absurd too — Catherine’s bedroom has been painted to match her skin color (moles and veins and all). It’s not uninteresting to look at, but as a storytelling aid, the surreal, pop art choices are often
more distracting than additive. Is it a good thing if the audience is wondering why Catherine is wearing a cellophane dress for her wedding night? If that red skirt is latex (it’s not)? Or why all the white hands adorning the fireplace?
A disposition for provocation put Fennell on the map with “Promising Young Woman,” a colorfully subversive tale of revenge. “Saltburn” might have lost the plot in all the gleeful debauchery, but there’s usually at least a loose justification for everything she chooses to show — even a bathtub-slurping social climber.
In her own messy but literate way, she is exploring human capacity for vulgarity and, in turn, pushing mass audiences to the edge into a sometimes tantalising, sometimes exhausting zone of entertainment and embarrassment. One might suspect that “crowd-pleasing” would be the greatest insult you could throw at her films; still, audiences seem to, well, lap them up. “Wuthering Heights” may also hit a nerve.
Fennell clearly has so many ideas swirling around, which is fitting for a story like “Wuthering Heights.” And yet as a viewing experience, it is an undernourishing feast, neither dangerous nor hot enough.
“Wuthering Heights,” a Warner Bros release in theaters Friday, is rated R by the Motion
for “sexual
A model walks the runway during the Christian Siriano Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in New York.
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
A model walks the runway during the Christian Siriano Fall/ Winter 2026 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
part of New York Fashion Week on Thursday, Feb.
Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
A model walks the runway during the Chris
tian Siriano Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in New York.
Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Picture Association
content, some violent content and language.”
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Margot Robbie, left, and Jacob Elordi in a scene from "Wuthering Heights."
Warner Bros. Pictures via AP
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie in a scene from "Wuthering Heights."
Bros. Pictures via AP
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Margot Robbie in a scene from "Wuthering Heights." Warner Bros. Pictures via AP
row, including actors Leslie Jones, Uzo
Samantha Braynen turns personal struggle into purpose-driven skincare
By ALESHA CADET
Tribune Features Reporter
acadet@tribunemedia.net
FOR more than two decades, Samantha Braynen has watched women sit in her treatment room and quietly confess the same thing. They avoid mirrors. They cancel plans. They lose confidence over breakouts that seem to arrive without warning and refuse to leave.
As an esthetician with more than 20 years of experience, Ms Braynen has built her career helping women navigate acne, sensitivity and inflammation in a climate that can be unforgiving to the skin. Now, she is taking that work a step further with the launch of her own clinical-grade line, Skinical Skincare.
Her journey from practitioner to product founder did not begin in a lab. It began in the treatment room.
“The experience of constantly mixing and matching products with varying results inspired me to create a skincare line specifically designed to target issues common in environments like the Bahamas. Skinical Skincare is the result of those
experiences, a brand created by a Bahamian, for everyone”, she said. That decision marks a significant shift in her professional life. After years of recommending and adjusting existing brands, Ms Braynen chose to build something rooted in what she had learned through hands-on care. The turning point was personal. She openly shares that her struggle with hormonal acne shaped the direction of the line’s earliest formulations. Experiencing persistent breakouts herself deepened her understanding of how closely skin health is tied to self-esteem.
“Motivated to truly help, I dedicated myself to researching treatments that not only calm and soothe the skin but also address the root causes of these issues,” said Ms Braynen. That research evolved into The Skinical Acne Method, a four-step system designed to guide users through a consistent routine without overwhelming the skin. The method launches March 7 and will be available online at skinicalwellness.com and in-store at Studio M, Village Road Professional Centre.
Alongside the acne system, Ms Braynen is introducing Sensi Calm Serum, a formulation she describes as central to the brand’s philosophy. She explains that her focus was not on creating an extensive lineup, but on refining targeted treatments that serve a clear purpose.
“What sets the Skinical line apart is simple: our formulas deliver results without unnecessary additives,” she said.
Ms Braynen said each product is carefully crafted with minimal non-naturally occurring compounds, meaning no fluff, no fillers, only potent, purposeful ingredients. “By combining pharmaceutical-grade, plant-derived actives, our formulations are designed to treat, restore, and transform the skin, producing visible and lasting improvements,” she said.
She points to Sensi Calm Serum as an example of that approach. The serum blends clinical actives with plant-based ingredients such as cucumber extract and arnica, along with peptides and antioxidants that support barrier repair and reduce visible inflammation.
“Sensi Calm is our holygrail treatment. If there
is only one product to try from the Skinical brand, this is it. It acts as a natural antihistamine and true skin first responder, calming and repairing trauma caused by sun exposure, insect bites, allergic reactions, post-procedure sensitivity, and inflammatory flare-ups such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. It delivers immediate relief while promoting long-term recovery,” said Ms Braynen.
The serum launches February 21 online and at Studio M.
She is especially mindful of how skincare advice must adapt to the Bahamian environment. With heat and humidity shaping daily life, Ms Braynen believes certain global beauty trends can do more harm than good locally.
“The one rule that doesn’t work is layering too many products. In humid climates, simplicity is key. Using too many products can clog pores and create new skincare issues that weren’t there before,” she said.
To counter that, each purchase includes what she calls a Skinical Ritual, a printed guide outlining step-by-step instructions and ingredient information. The Acne Method, she
explains, was intentionally designed as a streamlined system rather than a collection of unrelated items.
“We specially crafted The Skinical Acne Method, not a random collection of products, but a simple 4-step system that’s easy to follow, adapts to your lifestyle, and truly works,” she said. “Each product is effective yet gentle, delivering visible results without overwhelming your skin.”
Ms Braynen hopes the brand represents something deeper for Bahamian women navigating self-image in a world that often magnifies perceived flaws.
“Skinical Skincare represents an opportunity for every woman, Bahamian first, to take control of her identity. It’s a chance to project the version of themselves they envision, the powerful, self-aware, pretty woman.
Skin issues can cause us all to look away from the mirror for fear of what we see looking back at us, Skinical we hope, will allow men and women to bravely look at what they see and love it. Skinical Skincare is the culmination of twenty years of work toward this end, helping people see the beauty beneath,” said Ms Braynen. For her, that long arc of experience has come full circle. From mixing and matching products in a treatment room to developing her own formulations, she has built her next chapter on lessons learned face to face with her clients. In doing so, she joins a growing number of Bahamian women turning personal challenges into purposeful ventures.
Samantha Braynen
A BeautyRenaissance
cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas ushered in a renaissance of beauty as the first group of ladies to ever vie for the title of Ms Bahamas Globe were unveiled to the public.
As a newly established pageant system, Bahamas Globe Pageants marks its first year with a bold and meaningful vision, introducing a fresh approach to pageantry under the inspiring theme “The Renaissance.” Pageant founder and director Obrio Denoye explained that the theme symbolises rebirth, growth, and transformation—an intentional reflection of the organisation’s launch and its commitment to redefining pageantry for a new generation.
“The Renaissance celebrates the evolution of today’s modern Bahamian woman: resilient, intelligent, compassionate, and globally aware,” he told Tribune Woman.
The pageant is founded on the principles of empowerment, service, and personal development.
“We want to create a nurturing platform for young women to discover their purpose, build confidence, and emerge as impactful leaders… and we to cultivate
confident ambassadors who lead with integrity, inspire positive change, and represent The Bahamas with excellence on both national and international stages.”
He added: “Year one is not about perfection—it’s about purpose. Bahamas Globe Pageants was created to restore meaning to the crown by focusing on growth, service, and leadership. This first group of contestants represents the foundation of something greater than a competition; they are pioneers of a movement rooted in empowerment, cultural pride, and global impact.”
Last year, pageant organisers selected their queen Eleisha Alcime as Miss Teen Bahamas Globe. However, this year is the first year that the organisation will go through the entire competition
The nine ladies will take park in a variety of actives focused on holistic development.
This includes workshops, seminars, mentorship, and community service initiatives, designed to equip them with essential life skills including effective communication, professionalism, self-discipline, and civic responsibility—tools that extend far beyond the stage.
Obrio explained that organisation wants their queen to not only have grace and poise, but also to
champion causes that positively impact their communities while embracing the values of service and leadership.
At the conclusion of the com petition, (the finale takes place on March 29) the crowned titleholder will earn the distinguished honour of representing The Bahamas at the Miss Globe International, to be held in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in July.
This international opportunity places the winner among delegates from around the world, providing a global platform to showcase Bahamian culture, advocacy, and excellence.
The nine contestants recently took part in an unveiling ceremony at the Solemar restaurant. They will compete for one of three national titles under the organisation’s inaugural season.
The unveiling brought together family, friends, supporters, and partners for an evening filled with excitement, celebration, and purpose. Guests enjoyed a beautifully curated atmosphere as contestants were formally presented, sashed, and welcomed into the Bahamas Globe Pageants family.
Obrio also extended his gratitude to the evening’s sponsors Solemar Restaurant, Dolphin Transportation and Flare Fancy.
