04292026 BUSINESS

Cable slams US broadcaster’s

‘baseless’ signal piracy lawsuit

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

CABLE Bahamas last night slammed as “baseless” accusations by the top US public service broadcaster that it had undertaken “a deliberate, years-long, sustained piracy scheme” by broadcasting its programming to local TV subscribers without permission.

The BISX-listed communications provider, in a statement responding to Tribune Business inquiries, described the lawsuit filed against it on Monday by Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and its fellow nonprofit, WGBH Educational Foundation, as “without merit” and pledged to contest the allegations

through the relevant legal mechanisms.

PBS, which said it had assigned the exclusive distribution rights for the programming at the centre of the Cable Bahamas dispute to WGBH, is alleging that the Bahamian TV, video and fixed-line phone services provider retransmitted its content to Bahamian subscribers despite lacking the necessary licences and authorisation for a six-year period up until August 19, 2025.

In its legal claim, filed with the south Florida court on Monday, April 27, 2026, PBS asserted it had identified 3,308 TV programs “that were infringed by Cable Bahamas” over the almost two-and-a-half

PBS claims BISX-listed firm broadcast thousands of programs without permission

Seeking ‘treble the amount of damages’ and up to $2m for each trademark breach

Cable blasts south Florida legal action as ‘without merit’ and pledges to fight suit

AG tells Washington: Bahamas is ‘a beacon against forced labour’

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Attorney General has branded The Bahamas “a beacon against slavery and forced labour” as he urged US trade chiefs to find that none of this nation’s laws or policies present an obstacle to banning goods made by coerced workers.

Ryan Pinder KC, who was due to yesterday defend The Bahamas’ position in Washington D. C. public hearings into the ongoing ‘forced labour’ probe by the US Trade Representative’s Office, previously stressed this nation’s determination to combat such practices while asserting the Government “is unaware” of any occurring within this nation’s economy or its supply chains.

Pinder defends Bahamas against US probe Says nation’s exports have ‘low risk profile’ And US import dominance contains threat

The Attorney General, in an April 15, 2026, submission responding to the Trump administration’s investigation, asserted that Bahamian exports to the US “represent a low risk profile” for forced labour as none have ever been subjected to the Withhold Release Orders that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issue when they suspect products have

Residents voice fears on $700m Baha Mar expansion’s utilities

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS living in close proximity to Baha Mar’s $700m new resort project last night pushed back against its expansion plans by raising safety concerns and warning the proposed back-up utilities could disrupt daily life in surrounding communities. Nearby homeowners, speaking at a public consultation on the project, said they are not opposed to the redevelopment of

BY ANNELIA NIXON

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the former Melia property, which is billed as creating 400 construction jobs and more than 500 fulltime posts, but argued that locating the back-up utility facility near residential properties poses significant risks.

Attorney Nicholas Mosko, Westward Villas Homeowners Association’s secretary, described the situation as “very dangerous”, pointing to both flooding issues and the nature of the proposed infrastructure. “I’ve had to drive in the back there to my neighbours being flooded out by

find persons “who want to work”. Heather Carey, a longtime tourism executive now with Eleuthera’s Ritz-Carlton Reserve project, and Lee Prosenjak, managing director of Valentine’s Resort and Marina in Harbour Island, said the number and scale of resort and real estate developments currently underway is widening the labour gap.

been produced through such practices. And, calling on The Bahamas’ largest trading partner to provide tangible evidence that supports forced labour concerns with regard to this nation, Mr Pinder said that since $5.59bn worth of goodssome 63 percent, or almost two-thirds, of this nation’s 2024 imports - originated from the US “only a very small portion could, in theory, pose a forced labour risk”.

Baha Mar’s water, and it’s already been mentioned in Parliament. When it rains, it floods in the back there, and now you are putting a building that could explode 20 feet from neighbours,”  said Mr Mosko.

“When you look at putting a gas tank in a neighbourhood, it has to be done in certain ways and extremely far away from homes. I would like the DEPP to explain to the Bahamian people the lack of resources that you have, and the expertise that you do have, to deal with things like this.”

Mr Mosko added that environmental concerns cannot be viewed in isolation, warning that failures in one area could have broader consequences. “To say that this is an environmental matter and it has

Ms Carey said the issue is not just a shortage of workers but recruiting skilled, qualified and committed employees across multiple sectors.

“Having lived in Eleuthera for four years, and speaking to all the stakeholders and upcoming developments, etc, is that realistically, there is a labour challenge, not just in Eleuthera but all of the islands,” she said.

“And it isn't just putting bodies in jobs. It's skilled labour, people who want to work. But it's not just

Having asserted that The Bahamas represents a minimal forced labour risk, Mr Pinder added that both the Bahamian constitution and statute law, via the Employment Act, prohibit such practices domestically. This nation has also signed the relevant international treaties to counter such practices, and the Attorney General said: “Current Bahamian measures effectively prevent forced labour and the entry of articles produced with forced labour.”

Mr Pinder’s written submissions respond to the US Trade Representative’s Office investigation, launched on March 12 this year, into The Bahamas and 59 other major US trading partners to determine if they have implemented - and are enforcing - measures to

nothing to do with anything else; everything is interconnected. Failure of one or another is dangerous to human life,” he said.

However, Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection’s(DEPP) director, pushed back on concerns about resource constraints, saying the agency has mechanisms in place to ensure adequate oversight. “The Department has the resources it needs to monitor and manage sites of this nature,” she said.

“Where there is a shortage, the Government of The Bahamas requires that developers cover any shortfall that the Government would otherwise have to absorb. We have

an Eleuthera problem. It's The Bahamas’ problem.

“If you speak to all of the hotels, restaurants, insurance companies… we keep focusing on the tourism product. And it is not just the tourist product. Every product in the Out Islands has a hard time of finding talented, qualified, hard-working employees. So then, if you add that into all the developments that have been announced for Exuma,

years from April 27, 2023.

Despite being a public service broadcaster, it added that it never allows programs - which include the likes of Sesame Street and Wild Kratts from PBS Kids, plus adult content such as Frontline and Antiques Roadshows - to be broadcast outside the US and its territories without a licence.

Cable Bahamas, though, vehemently rejected and dismissed PBS’ accusations while signalling that it could challenge the lawsuit on jurisdiction grounds - meaning it has been filed in south Florida rather than here in The Bahamas.

“Cable Bahamas is aware of the baseless action filed against the company in a foreign jurisdiction and maintains that the claims are without merit,” the BISX-listed provider said.

“The matter is currently under legal review, and as it is an active proceeding, the

Besides requesting that the US court impose a “permanent injunction” barring Cable Bahamas from broadcasting its content to Bahamian subscribers, PBS is also demanding a variety of damages including up to $150,000 for “each copyright” violated by the BISX-listed provider. It is also demanding “treble the amount of damages” it has suffered “and any profits Cable Bahamas” has earned from its alleged conduct, plus up to $2m “for each counterfeit trademark or service”.

PM meets unions over Morton Salt termnations

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

UNION executives met with the Prime Minister yesterday over Morton Salt’s plans to terminate 75 percent of its Inagua workforce and, potentially, shut operations down entirely if the move proves unsuccessful, with one labour leader arguing the workers are being used to obtain concessions from the Government. Obie Ferguson KC, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) president, told Tribune Business he “completely agrees” that the Chicago-headquartered salt producer is using the threat of mass terminations, and even a possible shut down of Inagua’s largest employer, as leverage to obtain a more favourable tax settlement with the Government over the company’s pending sale and force the Lusca Group deal through to closure. The TUC chief disclosed that leadership of the Bahamas Industrial, Manufacturing and Allied Workers Union (BIMAWU) had been due to meet Philip Davis KC at 8am yesterday morning to discuss the situation and push for a resolution that protects Bahamian jobs, the workers’ families and the future of the Inagua community and its economy

which depends heavily on Morton Salt.

Calls to Richard Ingraham, the BIMAWU president, were not responded to or returned before press time last night. And, when contacted for a further update yesterday afternoon, Mr Ferguson said he was still waiting to obtain a report on the outcome of the meeting with the Prime Minister, what was discussed and the way forward to a potential resolution.

Prior to departing for Nassau, Mr Ingraham told this newspaper that while Morton Salt workers are now in the 45-day period before the company moves to terminate 75 percent of its workforce on or around Friday, June 5, “everybody’s trembling right now. Everybody’s watching what’s happening. We’re right here, praying, believing in God. Something’s going to happen”.

Tribune Business previously reported that Morton Salt’s move to drastically downsize the workforce and cut costs is directly linked to the Chicago-headquartered company’s planned deal to sell the Inagua operation to Lusca Group and its subsidiary, Grand Bahama Salt Company - entities linked to the Liwathon Group, which has acquired

CABLE BAHAMAS HQ

Bahamas in Caribbean first through sustainable tourism event’s hosting

THE Bahamas has been selected to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) 2027 conference - a move it believes will highlight this nation’s environmental stewardship and long-term economic resilience.

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation said in a statement that the conference, which will be held from May 18–21, 2027, at the British Colonial Nassau and Margaritaville Beach Resort, will allow The Bahamas to share practical initiatives in ecosystem restoration, nature-based tourism and destination resilience. It added that The Bahamas will become the first Caribbean destination to host the event.

“We are pleased to welcome GSTC 2027 to The Bahamas and to contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable tourism,” said Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation. “As a small island developing state, The Bahamas brings a unique and important perspective, and we look forward to showcasing the practical work taking place across our islands.”

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation said The Bahamas continues to advance sustainability through efforts that include ecosystem restoration initiatives such as coral reef protection and mangrove preservation. It added that it has also expanded training and certification in nature-based tourism and flats fishing, and the continued growth of community-based and cultural tourism experiences that directly benefit local stakeholders.

Supporting mechanisms, including the establishment of Destination Stewardship Councils in The Bahamas, further integrate community perspectives into tourism planning and development.

The ministry said these efforts have gained increasing regional and international recognition, including acknowledgment from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation for leadership in destination stewardship and resilience, as well as recognition at the PATWA International Travel Awards (ITB Berlin) 2026, where Mr Cooper was named tourism minister of the year – sustainability.

“Sustainability in The Bahamas is being advanced through co-ordinated action across our islands, supported by Destination Stewardship Councils now active on seven islands, alongside continued investment in nature-based tourism and community-led experiences,” said Latia Duncombe, director-general at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

“Hosting GSTC 2027 positions The Bahamas to demonstrate how a multi-island destination can operationalise sustainability at scale while engaging global partners to strengthen long-term resilience.”

The GSTC is a globally recognised, independent body that establishes international standards for sustainable travel and tourism. Through its work, the Council supports destinations in improving sustainability performance while fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and policy dialogue.

The 2027 conference is expected to attract around 400 delegates, including policymakers, tourism operators, investors and sustainability specialists.

Eleuthera braces as shippers warn of up to 50% fuel hikes

BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net

ELEUTHERA’S Chamber of Commerce president yesterday warned that the island’s economic growth will be impacted as businesses brace for higher fuel, shipping and goods costs due to the higher oil prices sparked by the Middle East conflict.

Thomas Sands added that inflationary pressures had already begun to surface before war started, with shippers facing rising operational costs. However, he said the situation has worsened since the start of the Iran conflict.

“Even prior to this war, we began to see slight inflation anyway from shippers having challenges with costs,” he said. “But, of course, the war would have increased the price point significantly.”

Operating within the fuel industry himself, Mr Sands said he has received

notice of further increases in gasoline and diesel prices to come. He warned that these costs are unlikely to stabilise any time soon given ongoing global developments.  “I'm in the fuel business, and we just got a notification that the cost of gas and diesel has increased again,” he said. “And we expect that this will continue, given what's taking place in the world. Of course, in terms of the operations, that is dramatic. Any increase in cost is dramatic. And the result is that we, in turn, are going to have to increase our costs.”

Mr Sands, who also runs a grocery business, said the impact is also being felt in the retail sector with both local and international suppliers having issued notices of product price increases.  “Again, one of my businesses is a grocery business. We're seeing notifications from suppliers in The Bahamas and from outside, in the US, that the cost of product is increasing. I think

Quality standards critical for The Bahamas’ growth

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business

THE Bahamas’ standards chief yesterday said infrastructure that provides quality products is becoming central to this nation’s development strategy that is becoming increasingly based on trade, competitiveness and resilience.

Dr Renae Ferguson-Bufford, executive director of the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ), speaking at COPANT Week 2026 that was organised by the Pan-American Standards Commission, said the agency’s work is now deeply embedded in the country’s

broader economic and development agenda.

“I view the work of BBSQ as foundational to national development,” said Dr Ferguson-Bufford. “It supports trade facilitation, enhances economic competitiveness, protects our consumers and contributes to sustainable growth.

“The Government of The Bahamas remains fully committed to strengthening this institution, ensuring that BBSQ continues to serve as a cornerstone of national progress, particularly at this important moment in our national context.”

Her comments come as the BBSQ marks its 10th anniversary, a milestone she said reflects significant

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everybody is generally concerned where this may end,” he added. Shipping costs are another major concern. Mr Sands pointed to a recent notice from a shipping company indicating that the fuel surcharge component of freight charges would increase by as much as 50 percent. While this does not represent the full shipping rate, he emphasised that fuel remains a critical factor in determining overall costs.

“I did notice that we got a price increase notice from one of the shippers, where they said the fuel portion of the charge was going to increase by 50 percent,” he said. “Now, of course, that's not the full rate, but I think it's a factor of what the rate was. That particular factor, the fuel surcharge, was decreasing significantly. So I think people are trying to hold prices where they can, but there's a reality that the cost of fuel plays a major factor in the formula, in the entire formula.

“It was notifying us that there will be an increase in freight, and that where the greatest change in the freight formula would have been related to fuel, and that the fuel surcharge and fees were going to increase just on the fuel side of the formula by 50 percent…”

For businesses in Eleuthera and other Family Islands, these developments present serious operational challenges, Mr Sands said. He explained that running a business outside major cities already comes with higher costs, including the need for back-up systems and limited access to maintenance services.

“It's tough operating in the Family Islands, definitely, with increasing costs, energy costs, challenges with the consistency,” he said. “And then also, remember, businesses in the Family Islands also have to have redundancies. They have to have back-up systems. They have to have back support for maintenance and what have you.

“So the complexities of operating an environment where you cannot run down the road to get someone to fix your equipment, and you have to stop it and what have you, it's a very difficult environment. Increasing costs just makes that even more significant and even more challenging to survive long-term.”

Mr Sands also warned that price increases could dampen investment and economic growth on the island. He said higher expenses may discourage starting or expanding a business on Eleuthera.

“This is not helpful,” he said. “It's not helpful to, I think, sustained investment because, again, when you make up your mind to invest in the Family Islands, the cost is going to be greater than doing that in a city centre. And so it is a fact of our reality. But that is then amplified.

“And, at some point, there's a level of diminishing return, diminishing desire to keep on

going down that road. If it continues to escalate, if we're not careful, it could impact where you're having positive growth and positive development.

“But. hopefully, we can continue the momentum. I am hopeful that what is taking place in places like Eleuthera and the Family Islands in terms of growth can be encouraged, can be enforced. And I think it's very important that whatever we have to do as a country to keep our economy going, that we are focused on doing that. And again, in terms of businesses, businesses are the backbone of these economies, especially in the Family Islands. So there must be consideration taken to what is needed.”

Scotia named as top private bank in The Bahamas

SCOTIABANK Bahamas has earned the Global Finance Award for best private bank in this nation while also achieving the same accolade for the Caribbean. This marks the third year that the Canadian-owned bank has received the regional award.

Scotiabank, in a statement, said its Bahamian subsidiary, through Scotia Wealth Management, in 2025 introduced the Total Wealth Approach strategy that integrates banking, investment management, more complex lending solutions and asset protection. It added that this delivers personalised solutions and a unified financial plan through a team of specialists, supporting a client’s family, business and future.

Gerardo Escruceria Cortes, Scotiabank’s regional head for private banking, said: “Being recognised by Global Finance as the best private bank in

the Caribbean affirms the strength of our long-term strategy and our unwavering commitment to delivering integrated, hightouch advice that enables clients to preserve, grow and transfer wealth across

generations. This distinction reflects years of disciplined execution, deep advisory expertise and a client-centric culture that guides everything we do.

“I am especially proud of the recognition awarded to

our Bahamas team. Their technical proficiency, dedication and relentless focus on delivering exceptional service continues to set a benchmark in the industry.”

Neil Macdonald, Scotiabank’s regional head of wealth management, Caribbean and trust, added: “At Scotia Wealth, our commitment has always been to deliver a wealth management experience that is both globally informed and locally relevant.

“The Total Wealth Approach represents a significant evolution in how we advise clients, integrating investment management, trust structures, succession planning and risk mitigation into one cohesive framework. We are proud to have received this recognition, which is a testament of the value we bring to the Caribbean in wealth management.”

THOMAS SANDS

GERARDO ESCRUCERIA CORTES, regional head of Scotiabank private banking.

and restarted operations at Grand Bahama’s former South Riding Point oil storage terminal.

The deal, which was agreed around seven months ago, has yet to close because of a significant difference between the Government and Morton Salt over how much “transfer tax” - VAT and other levies charged on the assets of the business being sold, such as land - is payable to the Public Treasury on the transaction. This is likely to be a much-needed multi-million dollar sum from the Government’s perspective, but Morton Salt feels the delay - and ongoing losses - have left it with no option but to cut costs.

The downsizing’s timing also coincides with the May 12 general election, which further serves to increase the pressure on the Government to reach a favourable settlement with Morton Salt and allow the sale to proceed. “I agree with you completely,” Mr Ferguson said yesterday. “What they are attempting to do is use the workers to cause the Government to make concessions. I think that, really

and truly, is what they are attempting to do.”

The TUC president, with the BIMAWU among its affiliates, argued that the way Morton Salt has gone about the termination process is “totally unacceptable” and has not followed Bahamian law. He added that company executives had simply informed the union of its plans, whereas the Employment Act and Industrial Relations Act mandate that a “selection process” be carried out to determine who will leave and who stays.

Instead, Mr Ferguson asserted that Morton Salt had merely determined to make 75 percent of the workforce redundant and bypassed the selection stage. And he also argued that the company had failed to inform Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour, about its plans as required by law. “What Morton did was totally unacceptable. It was totally unacceptable,” Mr Ferguson blasted. “You have an industrial agreement, you sign the agreement. The agreement makes provisions for redundancy. If that is your intent, all you need to do is notify the union and follow the procedure.

PBS says Cable used signal without licence for six years

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company will not comment further at this time. Cable Bahamas will continue to address this matter through the appropriate legal channels.”

However, PBS asserted in its legal claim: “This action arises from a deliberate, years-long, sustained piracy scheme in which defendant Cable Bahamas captured US broadcast signals in Florida, converted and encoded plaintiffs’ copyright protected PBS and PBS Kids programs, and

retransmitted that programming to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for commercial gain without any licence, authorisation or payment.

“Cable Bahamas illegally reproduced, distributed, publicly displayed and publicly performed thousands of programs, including PBS and PBS Kids Programs, that were broadcast by WPBT, a PBS member station located in Miami, Florida… Cable Bahamas incorporated PBS Programming into its channel line-ups.

“The first thing you must do is notify them in writing, and then go through what the Act envisages as a selection process. You cannot just say 75 percent of the workers will be made redundant. The law makes it mandatory that you go through what we call a selection process to determine how many and who will go and who stays. There’s a process. Once you do that, the law requires you to notify the minister.”

Failing to follow this process, Mr Ferguson added, exposes companies to having to make additional payments to workers and possible unfair dismissal.

Howard Thompson, the Government’s director of labour, yesterday told Tribune Business that “the status remains the same” and that neither himself nor Mrs Glover-Rolle had received formal notification from Morton Salt about the termination plans. And, while the BIMAWU had requested a meeting, this will only happen following the meeting with the Prime Minister.

“I’ve sent a message to management, along with my phone number, but no one has responded yet,” Mr Thompson said. “We need

“Cable Bahamas then used PBS’s registered PBS and PBS Kids trademarks to market those infringing channels to customers and sold subscriptions that included plaintiffs’ PBS Programming as part of Cable Bahamas’ core content offering.”

PBS alleged that, despite never granting Cable Bahamas the necessary licence permission to broadcast its signals in The Bahamas, “everything aired on WPBT, including PBS programming, was distributed on a 24/7 basis on purported ‘PBS’ channels created by Cable Bahamas on its cable system in The Bahamas”. It claimed that the Bahamian provider “chose to illegally

formal notification, and the law says it has to be about three weeks before any decision is made to downsize. You have to give three weeks’ notice under the Act. Whether it’s posturing or not I don’t know.

“Morton Salt, in my view, is a legacy company and has been around for decades. They and their lawyers know the law. I expect them to comply with the laws of The Bahamas. If not, there will be consequences. My phone lines are always open, so I’m hoping to receive a call from Morton Salt’s management, ownership to at least start having a conversation with them.”

Mr Ferguson, who was not present at yesterday’s meeting with the Prime Minister, added: “I’m waiting on them to give me an update on what was decided and what steps were agreed to be taken to make sure this matter is resolved.

“They were very surprised that the minister of labour and director of labour indicated that they weren’t made aware of the situation. They were rather surprised. I had discussions with them about compensation and all that, but I told them it would not be productive because

capture and retransmit” its TV content without paying the necessary fee compensation.

“Cable Bahamas’ conduct was not isolated or accidental - it was willful,” PBS alleged. “It persisted for years and occurred at commercial scale. And even after Cable Bahamas received notice of plaintiffs’ rights, repeated warnings of the unlawful nature of its conduct, and explicit demands that the infringing conduct cease, Cable Bahamas did not stop.

“Instead, Cable Bahamas continued to retransmit, distribute and sell Plaintiffs’ PBS programming, reflecting a calculated business decision from which it derived significant financial and operational advantages.” The US public service broadcaster further claimed that the Bahamian provider has violated its copyright and trademarks, “and inflicted significant commercial and reputational harm by undermining plaintiffs’ ability to licence and control their programming in foreign markets”.

Asserting that it is now seeking to hold Cable Bahamas “accountable”, PBS alleged that Cable Bahamas had accessed its programming with the help of a Barbados-registered company, Gulfcom, which has an operation in Florida and a Canadian satellite uplink facility through which it has transmitted signals to the Bahamian provider before. It added that Gulfcom had previously been sued by other Florida-based TV stations for purported copyright violations.

“From 2019 or earlier until at least August 19, 2025, Cable Bahamas infringed copyrights owned by or exclusively licensed to plaintiffs, including the copyrights in PBS programming,” PBS further claimed. “During this period, without authorisation, Cable Bahamas distributed to its customers PBS programming that originated from WPBT in Miami.

“Plaintiffs did not license any PBS Programming to Cable Bahamas. And WPBT did not have the right to, and did not, licence any PBS programming to Cable Bahamas. Those PBS and PBS Kids programs were illegally captured, reproduced, demodulated,

you don’t know what the Prime Minister will say.”

The terminations were one of two options presented to Morton Salt workers. The first involved making 75 percent of workers redundant with effect from Friday, June 5, following a 45-day notice period. Only persons involved in the powerhouse, pump house, fuelling and maintenance would be retained, with production and general store staff all laid-off. The second involves retaining all staff but cutting everybody’s work week by 50 percent to 20 hours, with all benefits retained. The general store’s operations would be cut to two to three days per week under both options.

Mr Ingraham reiterated that neither was a route that the union and its members want to take. However, he explained that if forced to choose, he would take the ‘75 percent redundant’ option because the 45-day period provides extra time to galvanise both the Government and Morton Salt to a resolution of their dispute protects all jobs and the survival of the Inagua business. The ‘50 percent work week’ cut option would take effect

converted, encoded and retransmitted from Florida to The Bahamas.” PBS, though, signalled it was uncertain about how this has been done, stating this had been “possibly via Canada” and Gulfcom, which was not named as a defendant.

The US public service broadcaster also alleged that Cable Bahamas had given “conflicting representations” over how it had accessed PBS programming, stating in June 2019 that it received the feed from an overseas provider via a fibre optic delivery system - likely the Bahamian provider’s own submarine cable network that is linked to Florida.

However, in fall 2019, PBS said Cable Bahamas asserted it obtained PBS programming “over the air” and did so is The Bahamas. The US broadcaster, though, is challenging the second part of that assertion by alleging it would “not be commercially feasible to capture and retransmit WPBT’s over-the-air broadcasts of PBS programming outside of Florida, given how WPBT’s broadcast antenna in Florida operates.

“WPBT’s broadcast tower is located in Andover, Florida, approximately 10 miles to the west of the Atlantic coast. The station transmits using a directional antenna pattern that emphasises signal coverage to the north, west, and south, targeting communities across South Florida, while limiting signal propagation east over the Atlantic Ocean,” PBS alleged.

“With this directional pattern, it is not technically feasible to maintain commercially reliable reception of WPBT’s signal in Nassau, where Cable Bahamas’ primary infrastructure is located. As a result, if Cable Bahamas obtained PBS programming by over-the-air reception, it must have done so in Florida.” Then, when challenged by PBS last year, Cable Bahamas allegedly said it received the signals from Gulfcom, which said it received WPBT’s signal and sent it to The Bahamas from Canada.

“By capturing WPBT’s broadcast signals in Florida, demodulating and converting those signals into a digital format in Florida, and transmitting the

much earlier from Friday, May 1. Lusca Group, in announcing the potential Morton Bahamas acquisition in September 2025, gave few specifics on its plans and did not disclose the purchase price. In confirming that its Grand Bahama Salt Company had signed an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Morton Bahamas’ shares, it said: “The facility, the second-largest solar salt operation in North America, positions The Bahamas as a leading source of high-quality solar salt for international markets.

“Lusca Group will also enter into a long-term supply agreement with Morton Salt USA, securing Morton’s role as an anchor client and ensuring continuity of production and export from Inagua. Following completion, Lusca Group plans to invest substantially in the facility’s operations, improve efficiency and expand production capacity. This will include investments in upgrading salt quality on the island, as well as targeted investments into other on-island businesses and the local community.”

resulting feed from Florida to Cable Bahamas’ customers in The Bahamas, Cable Bahamas reproduced, distributed, publicly displayed and publicly performed plaintiffs’ registered works without authorisation by plaintiffs and in violation of US copyright law,” PBS claimed.

It added that an investigation it conducted on Grand Bahama showed that 535 PBS and PBS Kids programs were “unlawfully distributed” by Cable Bahamas during the month of April 2025, with WPBT’s logo displayed on each program to identify it as the source. “Until at least August 19, 2025, Cable Bahamas advertised PBS and PBS Kids channels on its website,” PBS alleged. “PBS and WGBH never granted a licence to Cable Bahamas.

“On June 26, 2025, plaintiffs served Cable Bahamas with a written ‘cease-anddesist’ notice, informing the company that it lacked any license or authorisation from PBS and WGBH to retransmit, distribute and sell PBS programming. That notice further instructed Cable Bahamas to ‘immediately cease all use of PBS programming and marks associated with PBS programming’.

“The next day, Cable Bahamas’ president and chief executive, Franklyn Butler, acknowledged that the company received the notice.Cable Bahamas never produced a license or other authorisation from PBS or WGBH to retransmit, distribute and sell PBS programming,” PBS continued.

“Between June 26, 2025 and August 19, 2025, plaintiffs repeatedly warned Cable Bahamas and its counsel, orally and in writing, that Cable Bahamas was continuing to infringe hundreds of PBS and PBS Kids programs, and that Cable Bahamas’ ongoing infringement was knowing and willful.

“Between June 26, 2025 and August 19, 2025, Cable Bahamas reproduced, distributed, publicly displayed and publicly performed at least 683 PBS and PBS Kids Programs without authorisation and in willful violation of US copyright law. Broadcast logs show that WPBT aired at least 2,090 PBS and PBS Kids programs between April 27, 2023 and June 25, 2025, each of which, upon information and belief, Cable Bahamas retransmitted, distributed and sold to its cable, broadband and mobile customers without authorisation.”

This is far from the first time that copyright concerns have been raised with regard to broadcasting US programming content in The Bahamas. However, much of this was addressed when The Bahamas ended its compulsory TV licensing regime via amendments to the Copyright Act that were passed on October 1, 2009.

AG urging Trump trade chiefs to clear Bahamas

ban the importation of products made with forced labour. Canada, Australia, the UK, the European Union (EU), Israel, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore are among the other jurisdictions being investigated.

The Bahamas is thus far from alone in being subjected to a probe that appears to be a thinly-veiled attempt to crack down on the volume of Chinese goods imported by some of Washington D.C’s major trading partners. China has long faced accusations that it subjects ethnic minorities, particularly the Uighurs in Xinjiang province, as well as political prisoners and dissidents to forced or slave labour where they are forced to manufacture goods against their will and for no compensation.

However, Mr Pinder’s assertion that The Bahamas has the necessary “measures” in place to prevent the entry of imports made from forced labour was somewhat contradicted by Ralph Munroe, the Customs comptroller, who told Tribune Business last month that this nation has no specific laws, policies or regulations in place to detect and prevent such products accessing this nation.

He personally believes it is virtually “impossible”

to determine whether any goods, or their components, are being manufactured using forced labour, and said: “There are no policies with respect to these types of matters. No, none at all. None that I am aware of, and certainly none that I have been asked” to enforce.

“As a matter of fact, all the world’s markets are open to The Bahamas for trade purposes. If there are any kind of prohibitions on imports or trade matters, those would be coming from another ministry, the Ministry of Economic Affairs,” Mr Munroe added. Nevertheless, Mr Pinder in his written submissions urged the US Trade Representative’s Office to find that none of “the Government’s acts, policies or practices” relating to forced labour “are actionable” under Section 301 of the 1974 US Trade Act.

A negative determination could potentially trigger the imposition of extra US tariffs on Bahamian exports, or other so-called “remedies”, designed to protect US companies and industries from what Washington D. C. deems to be “unfair foreign trade practices”.

The present probe is particularly interested in whether US products and manufacturers are being placed at a competitive disadvantage by other countries failing to crack down on rival goods made with

forced labour. Mr Pinder added that, as an alternative to clearing The Bahamas, the Trump administration should “suspend the investigation to allow time to see if a satisfactory solution can be reached”.

The Attorney General argued that there were “compelling reasons for adopting this approach”, including the strength of the trading relationship between The Bahamas and the US with the latter being this nation’s main economic partner. He also cited The Bahamas’ shared commitment to combat forced labour and “the lack of any known forced labour issues arising from The Bahamas, whether directly or indirectly, through transhipments to-date”.

“At the outset, The Bahamas emphasises that forced labour is morally abhorrent - and the people of The Bahamas know it through their history better than most,” Mr Pinder wrote. “Approximately 85 per cent of the population are descendants of slaves brought from Africa. Fortunately, slavery was outlawed in The Bahamas on August 1, 1834, which is now celebrated annually as Emancipation Day.

“The Bahamas is proud that it has been a beacon against slavery and forced labour throughout its history, including by serving as a vital refuge, through the ‘Saltwater Railroad’,

NOTICE

for enslaved Americans seeking freedom during the antebellum period. The Bahamas believes that the important issues raised in this Section 301 investigation can be addressed through mutual co-operation of the two countries, which share a common perspective on this troubling issue.”

Highlighting the long-standing economic, cultural and diplomatic ties between The Bahamas and the US, Mr Pinder added that this nation shares the Trump administration’s “commitment to eliminating forced labour globally”. He also pointed to the $3.4bn trade surplus that the US enjoyed with The Bahamas in 2025, which measures by how much American goods exported to this nation exceeded the value of products sent the other way from these shores.

And, of The Bahamas’ $8.92bn worth of total imports in 2024, the US accounted for $5.59bn or 63 percent with many originating from sectors identified by the Trump administration as “critical for securing the health of the US economy”.

“With respect to exports, $985m of The Bahamas’ exports went to the US out of total exports worth $2.38bn. The major export by far was refined petroleum, valued at $610m; product essential for maintaining price stability in the US,” Mr Pinder added.

precludes allegations that goods imported into The Bahamas originate from sources that undermine US commerce, trade interests or human rights values,” the Attorney General continued.

“American goods reflect American values. Since most imports into The Bahamas come from the United States, only a very small portion could, in theory, pose a forced labour risk. Nevertheless, current Bahamian measures effectively prevent forced labour and the entry of articles produced with forced labour.”

Mr Pinder said the domination of the Bahamian market by US imports shows that “US goods are not discriminated against” in this nation, and that there is no indication they are being squeezed out or replaced by products made from forced labour. “The economic data demonstrates that the opposite is occurring, with year-over-year increases in the volume and value of US goods entering the Bahamian market,” the Attorney General added.

from profiting from forced labour practices by selling to the Bahamian market.

“The Government is unaware of any forced labour issues arising from The Bahamas or its related supply chains, particularly given the limited risk presented by its US-dominated imports profile. Of note, The Bahamas has never been the subject of a Withhold Release Order (WRO) issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

“CBP issues a WRO when it has reasonable evidence that forced labour was used in the production of specific goods, which authorised CBP to detain those goods at US ports of entry unless the importer can demonstrate that forced labour was not used in the production of the goods,” he added.

“The fact that CBP has never issued a WRO with respect to The Bahamas indicates that Bahamian exports represent a low risk profile with regards to forced labour. This is yet another example of why a negative determination is warranted in this investigation.” Mr Pinder also urged the US to comply with “procedural fairness” and release any evidence it has to support forced labour claims relating to The Bahamas so that this nation can respond and/or take meaningful action.

The Public Worker’s Co-operative Credit Union Limited announces that its 46th Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, May 29th, 2026, at the National Training Agency beginning at 5 pm.

Applications are invited from members in good standing who may wish to run for the following vacant positions: Board of Directors (2 vacancies); Supervisory Committee (1 vacancy) and Credit Committee (1 vacancy).

Nominations forms are available at our Nassau and Freeport offices or by emailing sthompson@pwccul.com & edavis@pwccul.com

Completed Nomination forms, along with a cover letter and resume must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, May 1st, 2026, either by delivering to any of our offices or via the emails listed.

No nominations will be allowed from the floor.

“The other exports were categories such as documents of title ($95.2m), styrene polymers ($55.7m) and pearl products ($39m). Suffice it to say, the nature of these products makes it unlikely that they are produced with forced labour or present competition to US labour…. This trading dynamic is important for two reasons regarding forced labour.

“First, the dominant volume of US imports

“If forced labour occurred in The Bahamas, or if articles produced with forced labour were allowed to enter, the trend-lines of US exports to The Bahamas should be trending in the opposite direction. In other words, there is no evidence that US goods face any form of discrimination in the Bahamian market or that US commerce has been negatively impacted in any way by virtue of The Bahamas-US trading relationship.”

Asserting that The Bahamas knows “first-hand why forced labour is a scourge, and has adopted a number of legal instruments to combat it”, Mr Pinder said: “The Bahamas is committed to preventing forced labour domestically and abroad. This commitment includes preventing perpetrators

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“We respectfully request that the US Trade Representative’s Office issue a negative determination in the Section 301 investigation regarding The Bahamas,” Mr Pinder wrote. “To date, there have been no concrete allegations related to forced labour in Bahamian supply chains, and The Bahamas’ import profile demonstrates a significantly low risk of forced labour given the dominance of US imports.

“The Bahamas-US trading relationship is a boon to both countries, and US goods not only effectively compete in, but also dominate, Bahamian markets. US commerce is aided by The Bahamas, as evidenced by the consistent US trade surplus.

“Further, The Bahamas is committed to preventing forced labour in compliance with international best practices and its robust domestic legal framework. In short, The Bahamas has been - and will continue to be - an important partner to the US on issues of forced labour and the economy.”

BCS TRUST SERVICES COMPANY LTD.

Notes to the Financial Statements

December 31, 2025 (Expressed in United States Dollars)

1. GENERAL

BCS Trust Services Company Ltd. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on June 22, 2016, under the International Business Companies Act, 2000. The Company is licensed with The Central Bank of The Bahamas under the Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act, 1965 (as amended), as an unrestricted trust company.

The Company’s principal place of business is located at Cumberland House, 15 Cumberland Street, Nassau, The Bahamas.

2. MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION

The material accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

a) Statement of compliance – The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) promulgated by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

b) Basis of measurement – These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

c) Adoption of new and revised standards – Certain new standards, and amendments to existing standards have been issued by the IASB, the effect on the Company’s financial statements are set out below:

i) Adoption of published standard effective January 1, 2025

The following amended standard that became effective for the Company’s financial year beginning on January 1, 2025, was adopted during the year.

ii) New and amendments to existing standards published but not yet effective

The following new standards and amendments to existing standards have been issued but are not yet effective and have not been adopted early. The Company intends to adopt these standards when they become effective:

Amendment to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 - Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026). These amendments:

TRUST SERVICES COMPANY LTD. Notes to the Financial Statements

31, 2025

 clarify the requirements for the timing of recognition and derecognition of some financial assets and liabilities, with a new exception for some financial liabilities settled through an electronic cash transfer system;

in United States Dollars)

 clarify and add further guidance for assessing whether a financial asset meets the solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) criterion;

MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION (Continued)

c) Adoption of new and revised standards (Continued)

 add new disclosures for certain instruments with contractual terms that can change cash flows (such as some instruments with features linked to the achievement of environment, social and governance (ESG) targets); and

 make updates to the disclosures for equity instruments designated at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI).

ii) New and amendments to existing standards published but not yet effective (Continued)

 IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements (Effective for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2027) – This standard will focus on updates to the statement of profit or loss. The key new concepts introduced in IFRS 18 relate to:

 the structure of the statement of profit or loss;

 required disclosures in the financial statements for certain profit or loss performance measures that are reported outside an entity’s financial statements (that is, management-defined performance measures);

 and enhanced principles on aggregation and disaggregation which apply to the primary financial statements and notes in general.

The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard.

d) Foreign currency translation –

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of the Company are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). These financial statements are presented in United States dollars (US$), which is the Company’s functional and reporting currency.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary and non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive income.

e) Significant accounting estimates and judgments in applying accounting policies – The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

f) Cash and cash equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost in the statement of financial position. For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents represent balance at banks and at broker.

g) Fixed deposits – Fixed deposit is carried at amortized cost in the statement of financial position. This consists of deposits with original maturity of over 90 days.

h) Fees receivable – Fees receivable are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized

Gov’t environmental chief rejects resource concerns

CONSTRUCT - from page B1

done this in the past, we are doing it presently, and we will continue to do so in the future.

“If there is any information technology or technical knowledge shortfall, we have recourse at our disposal. Developers will be required to pay for studies, assessments or monitoring; whatever is necessary to ensure that what needs to be done is done.”

Residents, however, say their concerns centre on the utilites facility rather than opposition to development itself. Leslie Munnings, president of the Westward Villas Homeowners Association, questioned the proposed buffer zone between the facility and nearby homes.

“I don’t know how you say it without a smile or laughing - that the setback and buffer zone between the service plant and the

residents is 20 feet… That is ridiculous, in my view,” he said.

Mr Munnings noted that similar infrastructure already exists elsewhere on the Baha Mar property, raising questions about why an additional facility is being placed so close to residences.

“There is already an electrical generation plant out by the golf course… so it bewilders me why they would want to create a secondary service location right next to residents when they already have a fully established and functioning generator location,” said Mr Munnings.

“We are not opposing the establishment of the additional hotel and property on the seaside. What we are opposing is the establishment of this facility right at our back door.”

Mr Francis, another nearby resident, pointed

Staff shortage means Bahamas must ‘revisit the whole model’

FOUNDATION - from page B1

all the developments for Abaco, these are all highend luxury…

“If they’re saying, oh, long term, we’re going to hire 300 [persons] now, you start adding up, and you say, ‘Okay, in the next three years, they’re going to need what? 5,000 talented, skilled and they all trained. But if you’re looking at high-end luxury resorts, where are these people going to come from?”

Ms Carey said that while attention often centres on tourism, the problem affects all industries in the Out Islands. Other businesses, she said, are equally impacted by the shortage of dependable workers and consistent service quality.

“It’s not just a development or a tourism hotel problem, either,” she said. “It’s all businesses in the Out Islands that struggle for strong employees. Because, again, we lose the focus and because our revenue is tourism, everyone always says, ‘The hotel, the hotel.’

“But we have all these supporting businesses that struggle - restaurants, bars, insurance companies, the little Mom and Pop shop on the corner. Everyone struggles. And it isn’t

always about bodies. It’s about quality of service, definitely.”

Ms Carey argued that the labour woes are closely tied to the need for education and workforce preparedness. She believes schools should place greater emphasis on workplace expectations, labour laws and long-term job commitment.

“Everyone is struggling,” she said. “And it’s the work ethos. To me, it’s education. We need to revisit the whole model. And for me, successful employment isn’t, ‘We have 500 people who want to be a housekeeper’.

“We need all levels, but it’s about education, understanding the expectation in the workplace, commitment to a job, understanding labour laws. We need to teach these things in school. It’s very circular. And then the Out Islands have the additional challenge when it comes to labour of no accommodation. Every development is challenged.”

Ms Carey said many developments face difficulty accommodating workers, which limits their ability to recruit both locally and nationally. She called for greater incentives to encourage Bahamians to invest in affordable housing solutions, rather than

NOTICE

International Business Companies Act (No. 46 of 2000)

HSN CORPORATION

Registration No. 141826 B In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 of the International Business Companies Act, (No. 46 of 2000), HSN CORPORATION was put into voluntary liquidation pursuant to a resolution passed by the Members of the Company. The date of Commencement of dissolution was January 16, 2026 when the Plan and Articles of Dissolution were submitted to the Registrar.

We, Redcorn Consultants Limited of Suite 205A – Saffrey Square, Bank Lane & Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas, are the appointed Liquidators of HSN CORPORATION

It is estimated that the winding-up and dissolution of the Company will require approximately thirty (30) days.

Therefore, any person having a Claim against HSN CORPORATION is required on or before to send their name, address and particulars of the debt or claim to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is approved.

Redcorn Consultants Limited Liquidator

NOTICE

International Business Companies Act (No. 46 of 2000)

FERROTRADE (MIDDLE EAST) LIMITED

Registration No. 148655 B In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 of the International Business Companies Act, (No. 46 of 2000), FERROTRADE (MIDDLE EAST) LIMITED was put into voluntary liquidation pursuant to a resolution passed by the Members of the Company. The date of Commencement of dissolution was April 27, 2026 when the Plan and Articles of Dissolution were submitted to the Registrar.. We, Redcorn Consultants Limited of Suite 205A – Saffrey Square, Bank Lane & Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas, are the appointed Liquidators of FERROTRADE (MIDDLE EAST) LIMITED It is estimated that the winding-up and dissolution of the Company will require approximately thirty (30) days.

Therefore, any person having a Claim against FERROTRADE (MIDDLE EAST) LIMITED is required on or before to send their name, address and particulars of the debt or claim to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is approved.

Redcorn Consultants Limited Liquidator

to ongoing impacts from nearby developments, including dust, traffic and parking issues, which he said has already affected daily life.

“I think the issue that we have is we’ve lived through environmental management plans with existing developments… the impact of those developments on a daily basis is people, vehicles and parking all over the place,” said Mr Francis.

“We’ve had dust issues… These are issues that we’re living with on a daily basis. This project is going to be at least 24 months or more, so we’re going to experience these issues over that period.”

Mr Francis added that the proposed location of the facility is a central concern.

“What we did not expect was for our neighbour to install a service utility - an industrial facility- next

focusing primarily on foreign investors.

“The entire country has got to address the labour force issue, and that ties into education, that ties into accommodation, all of that needs to be looked at,” she said. “Because, yes, Abaco has the same. Those hotels want to expand, but to expand and hire more people, who most of the time have to come from other properties somewhere...

“But then you have to build accommodation. And that goes back to the Airbnb product and affordable housing and incentivising Bahamians. We give all these incentives to non-Bahamians. We need to give incentives to Bahamians to build affordable housing.”

Meanwhile, Mr Prosenjak highlighted similar concerns about workforce availability in Eleuthera amid a surge of new developments, including Jack’s Bay, the Ritz-Carlton project, as well as the Disney development.

“With all these projects happening at once, they’re all pulling from the same talent pool,” Mr Prosenjak said. “The population base isn’t large enough to support that level of demand.”

While developers have promised significant job creation, he questioned whether local communities can supply the necessary workforce. He also noted the affordable housing

to our property,” said Mr Munnings.

“The main concern is that we want the site relocated… placing 50,000 gallons of fuel, chillers, pumps, LPG tanks right next door to residences, operating 24 hours is not acceptable in our view.”

He urged Baha Mar to reconsider the location of the facility, arguing that while development is expected, it should not come at the cost of safety or the quality of life in established communities.

Carl McCartney, who lives across the street with his family, said the issue is not the development itself but its proximity. “I don’t think we oppose the hotel… it’s just the plant. There are a lot of kids in the area, and I don’t think a plant should be 200 feet away from my house,” he said. Residents are also calling for a full environmental and social impact assessment, including alternative site analysis, arguing there is sufficient space within the broader Baha Mar property to relocate the facility away from homes.

challenge, adding that attracting workers from elsewhere is difficult without affordable accommodation.

“Now that Cotton Bay is going to start to happen, not only will they have to have construction jobs to build, they’ll have to have a bunch of people to maintain it,” Mr Prosenjak said. “Same thing with Jack’s Bay. That’s three major developments down there that are all pulling from the same talent pool.

“There’s going to be lots of job openings, which is a great thing, but if you don’t want a job, or if you’re coming from another place, how do you get in there and get into an affordable housing market? Because it’s hard to move to a new place, and also have a place to live…

“If Disney has 35 jobs to fill and Jack’s Bay has jobs to fill, and Cotton Bay is going to have jobs to fill, you can’t wait for people to build apartment buildings before taking people on to start working there.”

Mr Prosenjak stressed the importance of workforce training and attitude, pointing to institutions such as the Centre for Training and Innovation through the One Eleuthera Foundation as part of the solution. However, he noted that training alone is not enough, and willingness among workers is also needed.

NOTICE

International Business Companies Act (No. 46 of 2000)

FORGE X LTD.

Registration No. 207764 B In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 of the International Business Companies Act, (No. 46 of 2000), FORGE X LTD. was put into voluntary liquidation pursuant to a resolution passed by the Members of the Company. The date of Commencement of dissolution was December 5, 2025 when the Plan and Articles of Dissolution were submitted to the Registrar.

We, Sovereign Directors Limited of Suite 205A – Saffrey Square, Bank Lane & Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas, are the appointed Liquidators of FORGE X LTD.

It is estimated that the winding-up and dissolution of the Company will require approximately thirty (30) days.

Therefore, any person having a Claim against FORGE X LTD. is required on or before to send their name, address and particulars of the debt or claim to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is approved.

Sovereign Directors Limited Liquidator

Notice is given hereby in accordance with Section 138(8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, the dissolution of ALECAM LTD. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Registrar.

Aegis Corporate Services Limited Building Six, Caves Village West Bay Street, P.O. Box SP-63771 Nassau, Bahamas Liquidator

Standards agency helps drive economic growth

institutional growth and expanding national impact.

“In just a decade, BBSQ has evolved from a developing institution into a credible and increasingly mature organization,” Dr Ferguson-Bufford said.

She added that the agency has established key national frameworks, strengthened its institutional foundation and advanced The Bahamas’ national quality infrastructure while building technical capacity across priority sectors.

“This progress is both tangible and important, and it reflects our clear national commitment to quality

as a driver of growth and competitiveness,” Dr Ferguson-Bufford said. She added that this commitment is increasingly shaped by The Bahamas’ experience with external shocks, particularly climate-related events.

“We’ve learned how to pivot. We’ve learned how to rebuild, and perhaps most importantly, we’ve learned that resilience must be designed into our systems, not assumed in times of crisis,” Dr Ferguson-Bufford said.

She added that BBSQ’s work is aligned with national and global priorities, including climate resilience, data systems and emerging technologies.

“Our work is deliberately aligned to areas of national and global importance. These include environmental standards and climate resilience, geospatial systems and data integrity, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence,” said Dr Ferguson-Bufford.

She pointed to supporting frameworks such as the National Quality Policy, National Standardisation Strategy and National Laboratory Policy, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen certification, conformity assessment and metrology services.

“Our industrial metrology laboratory is progressing towards ISO/ IEC 17025 accreditation,

Elon Musk takes stand in trial vs. Sam Altman that could

By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writer

ELON Musk, the Tesla CEO, world’s richest man and OpenAI cofounder, took the stand Tuesday in a high-stakes trial revolving around a bitter feud with his former friend Sam Altman that could reshape the future development of artificial intelligence.

His testimony at the Oakland, California, federal courthouse kicked off a legal drama that is expected to brim with intrigue and potentially embarrassing details about the two tech moguls. Musk filed the lawsuit against Altman and his top lieutenant, Greg Brockman, along with Microsoft

reshape AI’s future

over its investments in OpenAI, in 2024. “Fundamentally, I think they’re going to try to make this lawsuit ... very complicated, but it’s actually very simple,” Musk said. “Which is that it’s not OK to steal a charity.”

The nine-person jury was selected Monday and the trial is scheduled to take three weeks.

In the civil lawsuit, Musk accuses Altman and Brockman of double-crossing him by straying from the San Francisco company’s founding mission to be a steward of a revolutionary technology. In his opening statement, Musk’s attorney, Steven Molo, quoted OpenAI’s mission statement when it was created as a

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that LOUBEN JORILIEN of Hanna Road, 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 29th day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that LESLIE RICO BLANC of Cowpen Road, 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 29th day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, TAMARA NATHALIE SAINFARD of Jabal Drive, East Street South, Nassau, The Bahamas, 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 22nd day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, WILSON FRANÇOIS of P.O. Box N-1508, Eleuthera Close off Market Street, Nassau, The Bahamas, 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 22nd day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

alongside our ISO 9001 certification, positioning The Bahamas to deliver internationally recognised services that support trade, industry and regulatory compliance,” Dr Ferguson-Bufford said. Highlighting the importance of international collaboration, she said forums such as COPANT Week play a key role in advancing standards across the region.

“It reflects not only participation, but commitment; commitment to advancing standards, strengthening quality systems and shaping the frameworks that enable trust, trade and transformation across our economies,” said Dr Ferguson-Bufford.

In his opening statement, OpenAI lawyer William Savitt told jurors “we are here because Mr. Musk didn’t get his way with OpenAI.”

nonprofit for the benefit of humanity, not constrained by the need to generate financial enrichment for anyone.

Altman and Brockman, aided by Microsoft, stole a charity “whose mission was the safe, open development of artificial intelligence,” Molo said. Musk is seeking damages and Altman’s ouster from OpenAI’s board.

OpenAI has brushed off Musk’s allegations as a case of sour grapes aimed at undercutting its rapid growth and bolstering Musk’s own xAI, which he launched in 2023 as a competitor.

Both sides recount the start of a bitter divide

Savitt said Musk used his promises of funding to bully OpenAI founding members and tried to take control of OpenAI and merge it with Tesla. In fact, he said Musk wanted to form a for-profit company and own more than 50% of it.

There is no record, Savitt said, of promises made to Musk that OpenAI was going to remain a nonprofit forever. What Musk ultimately cared about, he said, was not OpenAI’s nonprofit status but winning the AI race with Google.

Musk’s attorney said the case is not about Musk, but rather Altman, Brockman and Microsoft.

By 2017, about two years after OpenAI’s founding, it

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, INIKA ILIVINE CRAIG of P. O. Box FH14435, Crockit Drive, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that LOVENDA DORCILIEN of Soldier Road, 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 29th day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, BERNICE LOUISSAINT of Lazaretto Road, Carmichael Road, Nassau, The Bahamas, 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 22nd day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, ROXANNE DEANNA MCINTOSH LOCKHART of #2 Southern Heights, Roy West Lane, 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 22nd day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

“Gatherings such as this remain essential… they create the space for collaboration that drives meaningful progress.” She added that the conference’s focus on resilience, sustainability and quality is particularly relevant for The Bahamas.

“They enable us to construct infrastructure that can withstand increasingly severe climate events,” said Dr Ferguson-Bufford.

“They guide environmental protection and the responsible management of our natural resources. They strengthen disaster preparedness and response, and they provide a foundation for sustainable and resilient economic growth.

“Quality, therefore, is not simply technical; it is strategic, it is developmental and it is fundamental to how we move forward as a nation.”

“We’ve made it the theme of this assembly - resilience, sustainability, quality - all together. It’s both timely and deeply relevant for The Bahamas,” Dr Ferguson-Bufford said, pointing to the country’s experience with Hurricane Dorian and the ongoing impact of climate change on its development trajectory. In that context, she argued that standards and quality systems are critical tools for the country’s future.

became clear that OpenAI would need more money, and Molo said the founders eventually settled on the idea of creating a for-profit arm of OpenAI that would support the nonprofit. Terms were capped for investors so they “couldn’t make infinite profit.”

“There is nothing wrong with a nonprofit having a for-profit subsidiary, but (it) has to advance the mission,” Molo said.

Microsoft initially invested $2 billion in OpenAI. Then, in 2022, news spread that OpenAI had done a deal with Microsoft and it was a “game-changer,” Molo said, which violated “every commitment” OpenAI made not just to Musk but to the world. It was no longer open source, it became a for-profit company for the benefit of the defendants and Microsoft was going to have control,

through licensing, of much of its intellectual property, Molo said.

After opening statements,

Musk’s side began presenting a tale of alleged betrayal, deceit and ambition that caused OpenAI to pivot from its founding mission as an altruistic startup to a capitalistic venture now valued at $852 billion.

Musk testifies on how he sees AI evolving

Musk was the first to testify, with his lawyer starting off asking about his life story. This included details about his move, at 17, from South Africa to Canada where for a time Musk said he worked as a lumberjack among other odd jobs, then to the U.S. He recounted the slew of companies he founded and runs, including SpaceX, Tesla, The Boring Company, Neuralink and others.

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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 22nd day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

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OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma set to dissolve after judge approves its criminal sentence

By GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press

OXYCONTIN maker

Purdue Pharma is set to be dissolved and replaced by a company focused on the public good by the week’s end, as a massive legal settlement resolving thousands of lawsuits takes effect.

A federal judge on Tuesday delivered a criminal sentence to the company to resolve a U.S. Department of Justice probe — a last necessary step to clear the way for the settlement.

U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo made her decision after listening to hours of impact statements from people who lost loved ones or struggled with addiction themselves and requested she reject the negotiated sentence. While she didn’t go that far, she said she sympathized with people who bore the brunt of an epidemic linked to more than 900,000 deaths in the U.S. since 1999.

“It was a purposeful, intentional and sophisticated crime scheme,” she said.

The sentence calls for money, but no individual punishment

Purdue reached a deal with the Justice Department in 2020 to resolve criminal and civil probes the company was facing.

The Stamford, Connecticut-based company admitted it did not have an effective program to keep its powerful prescription painkillers from being diverted to the black market, even though it told the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration that it did.

It also admitted it paid doctors through a speakers program to prescribe the drugs and paid an electronic medical records company to send doctors information on patients that encouraged more opioid prescriptions.

Steve Miller, who became chairman of Purdue’s board to guide the company through the bankruptcy process and will cease to have that position when the company is dissolved, addressed the hearing: “I deeply apologize on behalf of the company for everything they did,” he said. Only the company was charged — not individual employees or owners.

The guilty plea and civil settlement with the federal

Alexis Pluis

government included $8.3 billion in forfeitures, fines and penalties. But the federal government agreed in a negotiated settlement to collect just $225 million in exchange for Purdue reaching a separate settlement of the thousands of lawsuits it faced from state, local and Native American tribal governments, along with other groups. Purdue’s guilty plea did not include restitution to victims.

After years of legal twists and turns — and $1 billion and counting in legal and professional fees for the parties — the broader sentence was approved by a bankruptcy judge in November.

‘We still deserve justice’ Arleo on Tuesday heard in person and by teleconference from people impacted by opioids in several ways: mothers who lost sons to overdose, a teenager born

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into withdrawal and whose mother later died, and people who were prescribed OxyContin after accidents and spent years dealing with addiction treatment and financial and emotional turmoil.

Many asked Arleo, who at times appeared to be on the verge of tears, to reject the negotiated sentence.

Alexis Pluis, an upstate New York mother who lost a son to opioids in 2014, said she doesn’t expect to receive anything from the settlement because she can’t locate 23-year-old medical records showing her son was prescribed OxyContin.

“We still deserve justice,” she said. “And this isn’t it.”

After listening to victims for about five hours Tuesday, the judge told them that she would keep photos of loved ones they lost to opioids in her chambers as long as she serves as a judge. She had harsh words for the federal government for approving OxyContin and not catching warning signs that it was being abused, and for prosecutors for not bringing charges.

She noted that she has sentenced convicted drug dealers to prison for selling OxyContin — and in those cases, federal prosecutors routinely bring up that it was part of an epidemic.

“It is not lost on me that those who started the epidemic will not serve a sentence,” she said.

Sackler family members to pay up to $7 billion

The settlement, which Purdue says could take effect as soon as Friday, calls for members of the Sackler family who own the company to contribute up

to $7 billion over 15 years.

Most of the money is to go to government entities to use to fight the opioid crisis.

Early in Tuesday’s hearing, Arleo asked lawyers why Sackler family members were being allowed to pay over 15 years. She was told it was because they had to sell other businesses to secure the cash.

The judge offered a different reason. “They’d rather pay it from future money than pay it now,” she said.

A Purdue lawyer said most of the lawsuits against the company over opioids did not include specific financial claims. But the ones in those that did totaled over $40 trillion in damages.

The settlement is among the largest in a series of settlements by drugmakers, wholesalers and pharmacies in recent years — and the only major one that includes payments for some individual victims or their survivors.

Payments to individual victims are expected to range from about $8,000 to about $16,000. Some people said Tuesday that they could be rejected for payments because they can’t locate decades-old prescriptions

to the pills. Arleo told Purdue bankruptcy lawyers to ensure there are additional ways to prove they were harmed.

Overall, the settlements are worth more than $50 billion, and most of the money is to be used to address the overdose epidemic.

Under the Purdue deal, members of the Sackler family will be shielded from lawsuits over opioids from those who agree to the payments. Family members received payments from the company totaling about $10.7 billion from 2008 through 2018, but said nearly half that amount was used to pay taxes on behalf of the business. As part of the settlement, Purdue itself will cease to exist and be replaced by a new company, Knoa Pharma, with a board appointed by the states and an aim of combating the opioid crisis. Millions of internal Purdue documents are to be made public.

Members of the Sackler family also have agreed not to object if their names are taken off museums and other institutions they’ve supported.

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PEOPLE rally outside a courthouse while a hearing for Purdue Pharma takes place inside in Newark, N.J., Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

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Starbucks says higher gas prices aren’t yet dampening customers’ enthusiasm

By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer

HIGHER gas prices may be changing some consumer spending decisions, but they don’t appear to be dampening consumers’ appetite for Starbucks.

Starbucks said Tuesday that its global same-store sales for the January-March period rose 6.2%. That was higher than the 4% increase Wall Street was anticipating, according to analysts polled by FactSet. In the U.S., same-store sales jumped 7%.

Unlike fast food companies, which have been piling on discounts to win back lower-income consumers, Starbucks said it continues to see traffic from people of all ages and income levels.

“What we see with folks is, when you give them an experience that they feel is unique, differentiated, special, a little touch of luxury, it goes a long way. And we’re seeing that play out with every income cohort,”

Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said during a conference call with investors. “We have to demonstrate to people that it’s worth it.”

Still, Niccol said the company is being cautious with its financial guidance because it’s not sure how consumer behavior might change if costs continue to rise.

“As you know, these issues continue to happen, whether it shows up in gas prices or utilities in other

ways or other input costs,” he said.

Starbucks said it now expects both global and U.S. same-store sales to rise 5% for the full year, up from previous guidance of 3%.

The company also raised its full-year earnings guidance to $2.25 to $2.45 per share, up from $2.15 to $2.40 per share.

Starbucks shares rose more than 5% in afterhours trading.

Over the last year, Starbucks has been adding employees to stores during rush times and using technology to better sequence its in-store and mobile orders. Niccol said 80% of U.S. company-owned stores are now meeting Starbucks’ goal of in-store or drive-thru service within 4

minutes and mobile order pickups within 12 minutes.

It has also encouraged friendlier service and is redesigning stores and adding seating to give them a cozier, coffeehouse feel.

Niccol said around 300 U.S. stores have been redesigned

so far and 1,000 will get that treatment by the end of this year. Starbucks has also shuttered underperforming stores and cut corporate jobs. Last year, the company closed hundreds of stores in the U.S., Canada and

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Europe and laid off at least

2,000 nonretail employees.

Niccol said that leaner structure is allowing the company to innovate more quickly. He cited premium bakery items that were introduced during the second quarter, including a strawberry matcha loaf and a yuzu-flavored croissant.

New drinks, like protein-enhanced lattes and energy refreshers, are also drawing in customers.

Niccol said he isn’t worried about growing competition from brands like McDonald’s, which recently announced its own menu of refreshers and handcrafted sodas.

“What my experience has been is when the category starts being talked about, the market leader benefits. And, you know, that’s going to be us in this scenario,” Niccol said.

Starbucks said its revenue rose 9% to $9.5 billion for the second quarter.

A CUSTOMER visits a Starbucks location on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Portland, Ore.

Photo:Jenny Kane/AP