The Tribune OBITUARIES Biggest And Best!
‘Heads to roll at tHe HigHest level’
Labour head to make urgent trip to Great Stirrup Cay after firings
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
The government’s labour director yesterday revealed he has called for “heads to roll at the highest level” on a cruise line’s private Bahamian island amid claims that several senior staff were terminated. howard Thompson, who was contacted after staff reported three senior executives were yesterday fired at Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Great Stirrup Cay, told Tribune Business that he and another Department of Labour investigator are travelling to the Berry Islands destination today due to the “urgency” of the situation.
parliament turns ‘nasty’ as pintard and mitchell clash
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune
Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A FIeRY clash broke out in the house of Assembly yesterday as Opposition leader Michael Pintard and Progressive Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell exchanged barbs over the spiralling collapse of banking services in the Family Islands. It all began when Mr Pintard tore into the Davis administration for “chasing headlines and delivering half measures” as Family Island communities suffered the ongoing withdrawal of essential banking services. he accused the
Russian businessman accused of fraud seeking Bahamian citizenship
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
A RUSSIAN businessman once accused of embezzling millions from a state oil giant and dodging extradition to Moscow is seeking to become a Bahamian. A public notice in The Tribune yesterday revealed that Andrey Votinov is seeking Bahamian citizenship.
Dozens of Facebook users pointed out that the name, photo, and backstory closely resemble that of a former Rosneft vice president wanted in Russia
Moxey named to succeed King as Defence Force’s next Commodore
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
CAPTAIN Floyd Moxey will become the next Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), succeeding Commodore Raymond King. National Security
Minister Wayne Munroe confirmed the leadership change yesterday, also announcing that Captain Carlon Bethell, branch commander of communications, and Captain Natasha Miller, force inspectorate officer, will take on the roles
‘whole island is on fire’, says a baco fire chief
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
“The whole island is on fire,” an Abaco fire chief warned yesterday, as multiple wildfires continued to rage across the island, threatening homes and critical infrastructure.
Danny Sawyer, fire chief for Central Abaco, told The Tribune that at least four separate fires are burning in areas including Dundas Town, Murphy Town, and Spring City.
“You got one between Marsh (harbour) and what they call the chicken farm
Captain floyd Moxey
priMe Minister Philip Davis greets CARIFTA swimmer Will Farrington in Rawson Square yesterday. See PAGE 12 for story.
Photo: dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
‘Whole island is on fire’, says Abaco fire chief
down south and then you got one on the other side of the road going on towards camp Abaco,” he said.
He said the situation has stretched local firefighting resources to the limit.
On Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, he said crews worked through the night monitoring new blazes in Dundas and Murphy Town, which are now under control.
Earlier this week, firefighters battled a fire in Spring City that intensified after spreading through what was believed to be a car dump site. The flames moved dangerously close to the Marsh Harbour International Airport.
Videos sent to The Tribune showed the fire near the airport’s control tower.
Mr Sawyer said he was awaiting word on whether officials would shut down the airport but confirmed firefighters had deployed a 6,000-gallon tanker after the fire reached the security fence.
Crews were relieved when the flames moved west of the runway, sparing key infrastructure.
“They say it’s not too bad, it’s gone to the west of the airport,” he said.
Stephen Pedican, manager of the Leonard M Thompson International Airport, confirmed the fire reached the airport perimeter but said it posed no threat to the runway due to strong easterly winds. He said visibility was not a
concern then, although officials continued monitoring conditions closely.
The cause of the fires remains unknown. However, residents have expressed frustration, blaming uncollected debris left behind by Hurricane Dorian for fuelling the flames.
Mr Sawyer echoed those concerns, citing fallen pine trees and derelict vehicle yards.
“There’s just too many derelict vehicles compound here,” he said. “But it’s really mysterious how it’s happening all over the place.”
Roscoe Thompson, chairman of the Marsh Harbour/Spring City Township, said one farmer lost a work trailer, bush hog, and other equipment in the fire.
Fire officials also
confirmed that at least two dilapidated buildings were damaged.
“We couldn’t stop them from burning down, but we got no injuries,” Mr Sawyer added.
Residents said Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) utility lines were affected.
While BPL officials did not respond to requests for comment, Mr Thompson confirmed the damage.
“It did affect four or five BPL poles and their main feeder lines, but they are just hanging there right now. They’re waiting on the smoke and things to clear and they would be able to go in and deal with them because we’ve had to go out there to help put him out,” Mr Thompson said.
SEE page three
Fire surrounds some structures near Murphy Town this week.
Bush fires came close to Leonard Thompson International Airport but did not impact air traffic.
‘Whole island is on fire’, says a baco fire chief
from page two
He said there had been no power interruptions so far, but warned of possible outages once BPL teams begin repairs.
As the fires rage on, many Abaconians took to social media to express fear and frustration, saying they feel unsupported as the danger grows. One resident even tagged the prime minister, pleading: “We feel abandoned.”
Abaco Division, told The Tribune yesterday that “everything was under control.”
Central and South Abaco MP John Pinder did not respond to messages from this newspaper yesterday. However, Chief Superintendent Michael Thurston, the officer in charge of the
“We’re monitoring it, but there’s no threat to any buildings,” he added.
Mr Thompson said most of the fires have been contained, except for the one still burning near the airport.
Parliament turns ‘nasty’ as Pintard and Mitchell clash
government of reacting to political pressure instead of demonstrating leadership, calling the situation a “crisis years in the making” that has left Bahamians unable to access their own money.
Mr Mitchell then mocked Mr Pintard as “an object of fun” and a “comedian at work.”
Mr Pintard fired back: “I will not participate in your idea of fun.” The exchange escalated quickly as Mr Mitchell called him “nasty and filthy.”
Mr Pintard pointed to the Bank of The Bahamas’ recent decision to reduce hours in Central and South Andros, calling it the latest in a series of blows to residents who have long felt neglected. He accused the government of remaining silent until political pressure from within their own ranks finally pushed them into action.
“We have stood with Family Island residents as they lost their homes, paid outrageous fees, and watched services disappear,” Mr Pintard said. “Now that PLP members are feeling the heat, suddenly they find their voice.”
He warned that the gap between New Providence and the Family Islands is widening and that access to banking services should be considered a basic right, not a luxury.
Mr Pintard reminded the House that the FNM had already laid out a detailed reform plan in August, including expanding Bahamian ownership in
commercial banks, creating agency banking partnerships, and incentivising services in rural communities with tax credits.
“This government is the majority shareholder in Bank of The Bahamas,” he said. “It has both the authority and the responsibility to act decisively. Instead, it stands paralysed while the situation worsens before their eyes.”
He charged that Family Island communities are being economically suffocated by reduced banking hours, increased fees, and branch closures — while the government, despite being the majority shareholder in Bank of The Bahamas, refuses to intervene.
“Access to financial services is essential to economic opportunity, quality of life, and community development,” Mr Pintard argued. “Step up and do something.”
Mr Pintard revisited his party’s proposed banking reforms from 2024, underscoring the need for expanding Bahamian ownership of the banking sector, restoring services to underserved islands, implementing agency banking solutions, and offering tax incentives to banks. The plan also calls for reviving the Post Office Bank as a community-access point.
In a direct response, South Andros and Mangrove Cay MP Leon Lundy dismissed Mr Pintard’s criticism as little more than political theatre. He accused the Opposition Leader of selective outrage, pointing out that Mr Pintard
had remained silent when bank closures occurred under the previous Minnis administration.
While acknowledging that banking services have declined under various governments, Mr Lundy called for a more inclusive, non-partisan approach. He also rejected the idea of using the Government’s majority stake in the Bank of The Bahamas to dictate operational decisions, warning that such interference would be irresponsible and unlawful.
“This is not about fingerpointing,” Mr Lundy said. “It is about the real lives of real people. Representation is not about convenience — it is about consistency, courage, and commitment.”
He confirmed that he had already met with banking executives to discuss solutions for his constituents and emphasised that his efforts were driven by a genuine commitment to equitable banking access, not political point-scoring.
Other MPs from both sides of the aisle have also raised alarms about the worsening banking crisis.
Long Island MP Adrian Gibson has recounted how the island’s only ATM frequently breaks down, leaving residents and tourists without cash.
Meanwhile, North Andros and Berry Islands MP Leonardo Lightbourne has made a plea for urgent banking infrastructure in his constituency, where some pensioners have been forced to fly to New Providence just to withdraw their funds.
opposition leAder MichAel pintArd
Forest fire burns south of Spring City, Abaco, just a few miles away from airport.
Five seek to represent FNM in Central Grand Bahama
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FIVE people are seeking the Free National Movement’s nomination for Central Grand Bahama in the next general election, a seat long considered one of the party’s safest.
Among them are Dr Trevor Johnson, businessman Darren Cooper, Bishop Ricardo Grant, and entrepreneur Johnyk Bevans. The Tribune understands a government employee is also vying for the nomination but declined to comment yesterday.
The interest comes after Iram Lewis, the sitting MP, resigned from the FNM on April 2 and joined the Coalition of Independents.
Dr Johnson, a 29-yearold professor at the University of the Bahamas and former Eight Mile Rock High School teacher, is seen as a frontrunner but declined to comment. He previously worked with the Disaster Reconstruction Authority and holds expertise in environmental science.
Businessman Darren Cooper confirmed he has applied to represent the constituency.
Mr Cooper, a former talk show host and president of the Rotary Club, said his advocacy for small business owners and experience leading protest actions in Grand Bahama make him a strong candidate.
“The constituency is made up of quite a bit of private subdivisions, and a lot of the subdivisions have developed challenges with service charges and the lack of proper maintenance,” he said.
He said he hopes to advocate for Grand Bahama broadly, not just his constituency. “Rather than being always the one with the bullhorn, making the noise, I realise sometimes change comes from within,” he added.
Bishop Ricardo Grant, who lives and is a pastor in the constituency, said he has submitted himself for consideration. “The
constituency deserves to have a representative that is noteworthy of the constituents, given the track record of the constituency for the FNM,” he said, adding that his family roots in the area stretch “from Pinder’s Point straight to Williams Town.” He previously sought to be the MP in the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency.
Johnyk Bevans, a 37-year-old businessman from Pinder’s Point/ Seaco Town, said he is running to improve representation.
“I feel we have been subjected to poor leadership,” he said. “People assume Central Grand Bahama is an easy win and don’t have genuine intentions to serve.”
Mr Bevans owns a barbershop, a construction company, and a bar and grill. He said residents were disappointed with Mr Lewis.
“He did not execute any of his plans. We could not see where the constituency funds were going, and it was frustrating,” he said. He said infrastructural improvements and programmes to support young men are urgently needed. “We need to create opportunities for persons to thrive,” he said.
Residents told The
Tribune they are paying attention to the contenders.
Eloise Miller said the right candidate should be committed to service. “I don’t know all of them, but whoever they put forward should be someone with not too much baggage and ready to work for the people,” she said. She believes Dr Johnson, Mr Bevans, and Mr Cooper “are young and energetic.”
“Darren can get the
message out, and he stands behind what he says,” she said. “Dr Johnson, I know his family, and they are nice people. I met him and he seems to be a very nice gentleman who is coming forward, and he is young.”
Sammy Russell, another constituent, said he supports Dr Johnson.
“He is well educated and community-minded, and a breath of fresh air. We want a candidate who can serve in the seat for another 25-year term in the constituency,” he said.
Kevin Wildgoose echoed the support.
“I have known him for 15 years. He has always been involved in youth development and would always volunteer his time at the primary school he attended during breaks from college,” he said. “He is very intelligent.”
Mr Russell said Dr Johnson’s youth development work and his environmental science background make him a valuable addition to Parliament.
Russian businessman accused of fraud seeking Bahamian citizenship
for financial crimes. Media reports from Russia and the UK show images that match the one featured in the April 23rd citizenship notice.
The man Russian authorities want was accused in 2016 of masterminding a shady land sublease scheme that siphoned more than $1.7 million from the Tuapse Oil Refinery — a Rosneft subsidiary — into entities he allegedly controlled. Prosecutors said the plan involved bogus construction projects and shell companies. Votinov was placed on an international wanted list. But in 2018, a UK court blocked his extradition, warning he might face politically motivated prosecution and a “flagrant denial of justice” if
from page one
JohnyK Bevans
Frazette GiBson
Darren Cooper
Dr trevor Johnson
Bishop riCarDo Grant
‘No discipline for officer forcefully seizing phone’, says Deputy Commissioner
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Staff Reporter
NO disciplinary action will be taken against an officer filmed forcefully seizing a civilian’s phone, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Kirkwood Andrews, who confirmed yesterday that the civilian involved requested only a warning for the senior officer.
The video, which circulated on social media,
‘Nothing fundamentally wrong with recording police officers...’
- Wayne Munroe National Security Minister
shows four uniformed officers entering a yard where several minors and at least one adult were gathered. One officer confronts the man filming and says, “I’m letting you know right now, don’t record me without my consent.” Despite the man explaining he was on his own property, the officer confiscates his phone. The man is heard demanding, “Give me my phone.” National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said
yesterday there is “nothing fundamentally wrong” with recording police officers, as long as footage is not used to alert others to the officers’ presence.
“We’re increasing the number of body cameras worn by police, so that police are also recording their interactions,” he said.
Human Rights Bahamas expressed concern over the video, calling for disciplinary action against the officer involved.
BtC sponsors the ghs Centennial Ball
BTC partnered with The Government High School’s (GHS) Centennial Ball committee as the institution celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand gala under the patronage of Dames Janet Bostwick and Anita Allen.
BTC’s CEO, Sameer Bhatti, made a personal donation of $15,000 to support this milestone event.
Moxey named to succeed King as Defence Force’s next Commodore
from page one
of Deputy Commodore. According to the force’s official website, Captain Moxey has held several positions within the RBDF, including staff officer for legal affairs and base executive officer.
Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard has called on the Davis administration to explain why Commodore King is being replaced.
Yesterday, Mr Munroe said senior officers are aware that such appointments are tied to the tenure of the administration in office and typically conclude when their term does.
Mr Munroe said that while in the early days of the RBDF, it may have been difficult to find a replacement for a departing commodore, that is no longer the case due to the depth of qualified
leadership within the force. He also acknowledged that political administrations often influence senior military appointments, drawing a comparison to practices in the United States.
Commodore King began acting in the role in October 2019 under the Minnis administration and was officially confirmed the following year, succeeding former Commodore Tellis Bethel.
“I was delighted to assist when the committee reached out. The anniversary is significant, as many persons passed through GHS with pride, including my mother who was a student, and my father who taught there. This was an opportunity to honour my parents and show BTC’s support,” Bhatti said. Donald Demeritte from the Centennial Ball committee expressed gratitude for BTC’s partnership. He said, “BTC’s sponsorship of GHS’s Centennial Gala Ball event reflects the indelible bond that the institutions have shared over the years. A bond that was created and fed by the heavy preponderance of GHS graduates that populated BTC’s management ranks.
BTC provided tickets for current staff and retirees who are GHS alumni to attend the gala ball at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. Sherrylyn Fowler, a 1985 GHS alumna, and BTC’s executive assistant to the CEO, attended the ball, praising the school’s community impact and BTC’s support.
BTC’s current CEO is the son of a former GHS teacher, Mohammad Bhatti, and GHS graduate, Mary (Wilchcombe) Bhatti. Through the sponsorship,
“As a member of the class of 1985, this was indeed an awesome opportunity to celebrate with other graduates and faculty from GHS. This school has been a pillar in the community, and I was happy that our CEO and BTC was able to support this ball,” Fowler said.
Captain Floyd Moxey
Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe.
Photo: dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
aluMni of Government High School pose for a photo at their Centennial Ball, held on Saturday past at the Atlantis Resort.
MeMbers of Team BTC take a photo with Mary (Wilchcombe) Bhatti (4th left), the mother of BTC’s CEO, Sameer Bhatti.
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NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
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Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Nature’s clues on how climate change’s accelerating pace is creating disruptions
The problem with climate change isn’t just the temperature – it’s also how fast the climate is changing today. historically, earth’s climate changes have generally happened over thousands to millions of years. Today, global temperatures are increasing by about 0.36 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 degrees Celsius) per decade.
Imagine a car speeding up. Over time, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the Sun. This is like pressing the gas pedal. The faster the driver adds gas, the faster the car goes. The 21st century has seen a dramatic acceleration in the rate of climate change, with global temperatures rising more than three times faster than in the previous century.
The faster pace and higher temperatures are changing habitat ranges for plants and animals. In some regions, the pace of change is also throwing off the delicate timing of pollination, putting plants and pollinators such as bees at risk.
Some species are already migrating
Most plant and animal species can tolerate or at least recover from short-term changes in climate, such as a heat wave. When the changes last longer, however, organisms may need to migrate into new areas to adapt for survival.
Some species are already moving toward higher latitudes and altitudes with cooler temperatures, altering their geographic territory to stay within their optimal climate. Fish populations, for example, have shifted toward the poles as ocean temperatures have risen.
Pollinators such as bees can also shift their ranges.
Bumblebees, for example, are adapted for cooler regions because of their fuzzy bodies. Some bumblebee populations have been disappearing from the southern parts of their geographic range and have been found in cooler regions to the north and in more mountainous areas. That could increase competition with existing bumblebee populations.
Plants and pollinators can get out of sync Plants and their pollinators face another problem as the rate of climate change increases: Many plants rely on insects and other animals for seed and pollen dispersal.
Much of that pollen dispersal is accomplished by native pollinators. About 75% of plant species in North America require an insect pollinator –bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, birds and bats. In fact, 1 in 3 bites of food you eat depend on a pollinator, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
So, even if a species successfully migrates into a new territory, it can face
a mismatch of pollination timing. This is known as phenological mismatch.
During the winter, insects go into a hibernation known as diapause, migrate or take up shelter underground, under rocks or in leaf litter. These insect pollinators use temperature and daylight length as cues for when to emerge or when to migrate to their spring and summer habitats.
As the rate of climate change increases, the chances of a timing mismatch between pollinators and the plants they pollinate rise.
With an increase in temperature, many plants are blooming earlier in the spring. If bees or other pollinators emerge at their “normal” time, flowers may already be blooming, reducing their chance for pollination.
If pollinators emerge too early, they may struggle to survive if their normal food sources are not yet available. Native bees, for example, rely on pollen for much of the protein they need for growing and thriving.
Wild bees are emerging earlier
This kind of shift in timing is already happening with bees in the U.S. Studies have shown that the date wild bees emerge in the U.S. has shifted by 10.4 days earlier over the past 130 years, and the pace is accelerating.
One study found wild bees across species have been changing their phenology, or timing of seasonal activities, and over the past 50 years the emergence date is four times faster. That means wild bees were emerging roughly eight days earlier in 2020 than they did in 1970.
This trend of earlier emergence is generally consistent across organisms with the accelerating rate of climate change. If the timing mismatches continue to worsen, it could exacerbate the decline of pollinator populations and result in inadequate pollination for plants that rely on them.
Pollinator decline and inadequate pollination already account for a 3% to 5% decline in global fruit, vegetable, spice and nut production annually, a recent study found.
Without pollinators, ecosystems are less resilient − they are unable to absorb disturbances such as wildfires, adapt to changes, and recover from environmental stressors such as pollution, drought or floods.
Managing climate change
Pollinators face many other risks from human activities, including habitat loss from development and harm from pesticide use. Climate change adds to that list.
Taking steps to reduce the activities driving global warming can help keep these species thriving and carrying out their roles in nature into the future.
Courtney McGinnis Quinnipiac University
I AM writing to bring attention to the extraordinary contributions of Felipe MacLean, founder and CeO of Yntegra Group, whose visionary leadership is transforming exuma’s hospitality landscape by bringing some of the most reputable and extraordinary ultra luxury hotel brands in the world to the region. As the founder of the Phoenix Institute for Positive Development and empowerment and a long-time radio show host, I have honed the ability to identify individuals who are real, sincerely care about their endeavors and have the grit to deliver on their promise.
Felipe began his career in the agricultural sector, where he demonstrated exceptional skill in building vertically integrated businesses. his ability to innovate and seize opportunities laid the foundation for his next venture, the financial and development arm of the Yntegra Group. Under his leadership, this arm has evolved into a thriving investment and development powerhouse that is now at the forefront of transforming exuma’s hospitality complex.
Felipe MacLean and his company Yntegra Group
are uniquely positioned to cater to the global ultra-luxury market. his projects are characterised by strong financial backing and a highly skilled management team, ensuring the delivery of world-class experiences.
Felipe’s commitment to excellence is evident in his meticulous selection of ultra-luxury operators, ensuring that each project is executed with precision, visionary design and care for the environment. he seamlessly integrates his deep understanding of exuma’s landscape with strategic business acumen, setting new benchmarks for luxury hospitality. his work not only enhances the tourism sector but also contributes significantly to the local economy, creating jobs and fostering sustainable growth.
Furthermore, Felipe’s vision extends beyond mere luxury. he is committed to sustainable development, ensuring that his projects respect and enhance the natural beauty of exuma. This approach not only attracts discerning travelers seeking unique experiences but also
ensures that the development is in harmony with the environment and local culture.
In a world where innovation and sustainability are paramount, Felipe MacLean exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and leadership. his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to envision and execute grand projects have positioned exuma as a premier destination for luxury tourism. I care about this contribution to e xuma because, as regular listeners of Immediate Response know, my roots are in e xuma. This opportunity for the e xuma Cays matters to me at the deepest level. I believe Felipe MacLean’s achievements deserve wider recognition, and I am confident that his continued efforts will leave an indelible mark on e xuma’s future. h is story is a testament to what can be achieved with vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I urge Bahamians everywhere to support his vision and the opportunity for fellow Bahamians in e xuma and the Cays, as well as throughout The Bahamas, to achieve a better future.
MARK ROLLE Great exumian April 23, 2025.
Women belong in parliament
EDITOR, The Tribune. IN every corner of The Bahamas, women are leading. They are leading in classrooms, boardrooms, hospitals, homes, and judiciary. Yet, in the halls of Parliament where the laws are made that affect all of us they remain underrepresented, their voices too often drowned out by a system slow to embrace the full power of female leadership. This must change. In a country as vibrant and progressive as The Bahamas, it is no longer acceptable to relegate women to the sidelines of political power. If we are serious about building a fairer, more inclusive, and more effective democracy, then we must commit deliberately and boldly to increasing women’s representation in frontline politics by at least 30%. This is not just a quota; it is a national imperative. Around the world, nations are awakening to the reality that women are not just qualified to lead they are essential to the success of any modern government. Look no further than our Caribbean neighbours. In a historic turn of events during Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 General election, the nation elected Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar as Prime Minister and Mrs Pennelope Beckles Robinson
as Leader of the Opposition. Two women now stand at the helm of one of the region’s most influential democracies. That is not just progress it is precedent.
Women such as Dame Cynthia Pratt, Dame Janet Bostwick, Rome Italia Johnson, and Loretta Butler-Turner paved the way, breaking barriers in a male-dominated arena. But we need more than history we need momentum.
elevating women in politics is not about tokenism. It is about tapping into the solutions our nation so desperately needs. Women bring unique perspectives to national issues like education reform, economic inclusion, gender-based violence, healthcare access, and social welfare. Studies from global development organisations show that parliaments with higher female representation are more likely to prioritise policies that directly improve the lives of families and communities. More women in Parliament means more focus on equity, more attention to issues that matter to the everyday Bahamian, and a government that truly reflects the makeup of its people. We already see the impact women have made in civil society, grassroots organizing, and public service. Imagine
the transformation if more women were given the opportunity to shape legislation, chair powerful committees, and negotiate on behalf of the people on the world stage. But change will not come by chance. Political parties must be intentional in recruiting, mentoring, and supporting female candidates not just in the lead-up to elections, but throughout the political pipeline. Voters must also do their part by dismantling outdated stereotypes and recognizing that leadership is defined not by gender, but by integrity, vision, and commitment to service.
It is time for The Bahamas to rise to the occasion. Let us not wait for another generation to ask why we didn’t do more. Let us lead with courage and conviction, creating a political landscape where our daughters see themselves not only as voters but as leaders, Members of Parliament, and Cabinet Ministers. The call is clear. The time is now. Women belong in Parliament not just as symbols, but as powerful agents of national progress.
Let us make room. Let us make history. Let us make change.
HEATHER W McDONALD April 30, 2025.
Procedural bottlenecks, not neglect, blamed for delays to regularising Bahamian nurses
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
GOVERNMENT ministers have pushed back against criticism from the Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU), insisting the public service is actively addressing nurses’ concerns and attributing delays in regularisation to procedural bottlenecks, not neglect.
Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said yesterday that officials have maintained constant communication with the union and are steadily processing outstanding matters. She noted that most of the 12 unresolved regularisation letters were already with the Ministry of Health before nurses staged a protest on Monday. The remaining cases, she said, were scheduled to be addressed this week.
She said the union’s president regularly visits the Ministry of Public
Service for updates and has expressed appreciation in formal meetings. Given the ongoing engagement, she questioned the necessity of Monday’s demonstration.
BNU members protested outside the orientation of newly recruited Ghanaian nurses, accusing the government of overlooking Bahamian professionals, some of whom remain unregularised despite working for over a year, in some cases without pay.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville has previously acknowledged that the delays have created frustration, blaming the slow pace of police vetting and the administrative hurdles within the Public Service Commission.
Mrs Glover-Rolle said files submitted for vetting are often incomplete or fall short of required standards, which stalls the process. She said police
officials involved in the vetting have been urged to fast-track the checks, but procedural requirements still need to be met. She added that the process for bringing in contracted foreign nurses is different from regularising locals, noting that reforms are underway to streamline outdated public service laws. She described the current framework as a holdover from when the civil service was much smaller, suggesting that reducing steps in the approval process could help speed things up.
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe also weighed in, saying ministries are responsible for following up on vetting requests. He said gaps sometimes occur because no vetting request was submitted or completed files were not properly tracked after being returned by police. In either case, he said, diligent follow-up is critical to avoid delays.
Officer testifies shots fired from inside car in police-involved killing of three men
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A CRIME scene investigator testified yesterday that gunshots were fired from inside the car where three men were killed by police in 2020. Superintendent Antonio Levarity gave evidence during the inquest into the deaths of Deshoan “Spider” Smith, 25, Rashad Clarke, 28, and Jared Ford, 27, who were shot and killed near Spikenard and Cowpen Roads on June 13, 2020.
Inspector Alcott Forbes, Corporal Kevin Greenslade Jr, and Police Constable Courtney Hall
Teen
— the officers involved in the incident — were present in court. A fivemember jury is tasked with determining what happened. Police previously said the men were in a white Honda Accord parked near Spikenard Cemetery. When officers approached, the vehicle allegedly fled and the men reportedly opened fire, prompting officers to shoot back.
Superintendent Levarity said he was called to the scene around 12.50pm and found the bodies of the deceased in the vehicle, along with a gun. He said he later interviewed two anonymous witnesses who reported
accused
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 15-yEAR-OLD boy was remanded into custody yesterday after he was accused of robbing someone at knifepoint last week.
hearing two distinct types of gunfire. He also observed bullet damage to the vehicle.
Supt Levarity said the gun retrieved from the car showed no visible damage, but he couldn’t determine its functionality from photographs alone. He could not recall whether the car doors were open when he arrived, but confirmed the area was secured.
He acknowledged knowing the nicknames “Spider” and “Dog Bite” for two of the victims.
Under cross-examination by attorney Maria Daxon, representing the deceased men’s families, Supt Levarity confirmed that Sergeant Desmond
of knifepoin T robbery
The teenage defendant, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr on a charge of armed robbery. The boy’s guardian was present during the arraignment. Prosecutors allege that on April 26 in New Providence, the accused robbed Jayden Brown of a gold chain and coin set valued at $650 while armed with a knife.
30-mon T h jail sen T ence for possession of loaded gun
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to 30 months in prison yesterday after admitting he had a loaded gun in a car on Cowpen Road.
Thaddeus Burrows, 29, pleaded guilty to possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition before Magistrate Lennox Coleby.
He was previously charged with John Smith, also known as “Wayne Demeritte,” 25, and Tariq Flowers, 24, for the same offences.
The matter will proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The defendant was advised of his right to apply for bail in the higher court. He will be held at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services adolescent unit until his VBI is served on July 24.
Terrel Butler represented the accused. Sergeant 3004 Forbes was the prosecutor.
Rolle was the lead investigator. When asked why he wasn’t in charge despite outranking others at the scene, he said sergeants often lead police shooting investigations.
He said he could not recall whether former Commissioner Paul Rolle or then-Chief Superintendent Shanta Knowles visited the scene.
Attorney K Melvin Munroe, representing the officers, asked the coroner to caution Ms Daxon against calling the area a “murder scene,” noting that the proceedings were an inquest and not a criminal trial. The coroner issued the caution.
Ms Daxon claimed three
officers had referred to Supt Levarity as the investigator, but he insisted he only assisted and was not in a supervisory role. He could not identify who the supervising officer was.
Supt Levarity also said he could not speak to the officers’ positioning during the shooting. He testified that two gunshot holes in the windshield appeared to have been fired from inside the vehicle. When asked by the coroner why he did not write a report about his involvement, Supt Levarity said he saw no reason to do so. He acknowledged a document suggesting there may have been more than
one investigator and that he was listed as one of them.
He told evidence marshal Angelo Whitfield that his involvement was minimal and did not make him the investigator.
Mr Munroe later clarified that while Supt Levarity was part of CSI and may be viewed as an investigator, Sergeant Rolle was the official lead. Sergeant Rolle’s earlier testimony was scrutinised by attorneys representing both the families and the officers.
Also testifying yesterday was Corporal 3188 Jarvis Rolle, who said he escorted the bodies to the morgue.
Woman admits to choking and beating her boyfriend’s one-year-old daughter
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 28-yEAR-OLD woman was remanded to prison yesterday after admitting she choked and beat her boyfriend’s one-year-old daughter on Sunday.
Keva Rolle was arraigned before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on a charge of cruelty to children. While babysitting and
riding in a car, Rolle reportedly beat the baby across her body and choked her after she reached for a Tampico bottle on April 27. Upon witnessing the incident, the driver stopped the vehicle, took the child, and flagged down the nearest police officer.
Rolle pleaded guilty.
Magistrate Vogt-Evans questioned her about the incident, but the defendant reportedly stared blankly and did not respond.
The child’s father asked the court for leniency during sentencing. Assistant Superintendent S Coakley recommended a psychological evaluation, citing the defendant’s unusual behaviour in court. Rolle was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for evaluation and is expected to return to court on May 13.
Earlier this week, Burrows was sentenced to one year in prison for breaching his bail conditions by failing to sign in at his local police station for 68 days. He has now reversed his original plea and admitted to the gun charges, receiving 30 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His two co-accused will return to court at a later date.
Inspector Lincoln McKenzie was the prosecutor.
The three were arrested during a routine traffic stop on November 29, 2023, after officers reportedly found a brown Canik pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition in their vehicle.
Labour and PubLic Service MiniSter Pia GLover-roLLe
Failed promise and wasted opportunity
A story in this journal in March of this year reported: “Introduced with great fanfare in 2015, Carnival in the Bahamas was meant to establish itself as a staple on the country’s cultural calendar. Now, opinions on its future are split, with many seeing it as a fading experiment that never fully took root in Bahamian culture.”
The Tribune noted that Anthony Coakley was a co-founder of the Enigma Carnival Group. the group was launched in 2015. It ended a short four years later in 2019.
Mr Coakley observed: the interest in Carnival is just not there. We started with 23 bands. Now, there are probably six or seven, it has dramatically declined.” there were up to 1,000 participants in some bands the early years, he noted. As of last year, some groups only managed to scrape together 20 to 30 participants.
Millions were pumped into a festival that former Prime Minister Perry Christie boasted would be a breakthrough cultural event. Nine million was initially provided for its 2015 launch.
Bahamians like a good show and to show off and shake up. We revel in novelty. thousands in New Providence and Grand Bahama joined parties, parades, and performances with Bahamian and international artists. though it was also billed as a major tourism event, that promise never materialised. With his signature braggadocio and bluster,
Christie enthused, with curious and misdirected rationale: “It is important to note that carnivals are the largest income-generating festivals in the world, contributing significantly to increased economic expenditure in tourism and overall economic growth in cities such as toronto, New york, London, Miami, New orleans, Jamaica, Barbados and trinidad which hosts these special events.” In a swirl of ahistorical gobbledygook. Mr Christie seemingly ignored the history and nature of carnivals in these jurisdictions, connected to various religious and historical observances. He failed to note the ties between carnivals and various diasporas.
Mr Christie touted: “Economic benefits are generated from the expenditures generated from increased stopovers, cruise passengers as well as local participation.”
He claimed: “With proper execution of a national carnival-styled festival and expanded scope of cultural activities in the coming years the Government of the Bahamas can anticipate a potential GDP impact of $30m from these initiatives.”
ten years later, Carnival is mostly a bust as many predicted. Where is the $30m GDP impact?
Millions that could have been invested in other cultural opportunities was splashed and wasted on partying with little to no long-term benefits. the country lost money on the misadventure.
When Mr Christie first giddily announced the idea with theatrical fanfare, it was evident that he had little in the way of a comprehensive or studied vision for the Carnival or for cultural development.
At first, he wanted a trinidad and tobago-style Carnival. He bragged that he was advised that the Bahamian version could eventually add one to two percent to our GDP, ignoring the economics of the t&t Carnival, especially the fact of the tens of thousands of trinis who annually return home for the bacchanal.
Under pressure on the cultural content and authenticity of the proposed spectacular and to appease his critics, Christie used Crazy Glue to feverishly attach the name Junkanoo.
subsequently, the head of the Bahamas Carnival Band owners Association asked that
the name Junkanoo be dropped as it misrepresented what the event was all about and mostly added to the pun intended “playmas” confusion that was associated with the ill-conceived extravaganza.
By eliding the images and notions of Junkanoo and Carnival we were opening ourselves to doing great damage to the genesis and genius of Junkanoo, especially in the minds of younger, more impressionable Bahamians. We were simultaneously sowing confusion in the minds of visitors.
Bahamas Junkanoo is deeply rooted in our history and culture, wonderfully unique to us, extraordinarily artistic, a valuable example of national identity.
It was stunning to many that Christie, the prime minister most associated with Junkanoo, was one of the prime advocates of such a culturally counterfeit carnivalesque charade!
Unable to attract a significant number of layover visitors, the more lucrative tourists, promoters desperately attempted to lure cruise ship passengers with slipshod marketing, including wooden stick figures pointing the way to Carnival venues.
Many Bahamians had a delightful time at the concerts. there were some wonderful acts. the staging of concert performances was generally professionally done.
But these were limited measures of success. We were told that the event would bring in a
considerable amount of foreign exchange. In this, Carnival proved a disaster. the economics of the Carnival did not measure up, with many businesses at Arawak Cay and along the parade route losing money. Many vendors at the cultural village failed to make money, with some not even making back their deposits, though they were promised thousands of tourists from local hotels and cruise ships. there were reports that the government subsidised costume sales by purchasing costumes for many partygoers.
Carnival proved a boondoggle for certain political cronies, with a massive government subsidized budget that at the time was significantly larger than the under two million dollars that the government spent directly on the Boxing Day and New year’s Day Junkanoo parades. the economic failures of the Carnival are one matter. the other was the ongoing confusion over its cultural context and content. the appearance of foreign artists at the concerts was welcomed by many. the idea of a native cultural market and the appearance of Bahamian artists were also welcome.
But the road marches were an exercise in cultural pollution, with the importation of some of the worst excessive of the carnival experience of other cultures. the road marches were often poorly organized. Much of what was on display was vulgar.
In the lead-up to the first
Carnival weekend, a video went viral of a young girl being coached to dance in an inappropriate manner.
During the road marches there were simulated sex acts, all watched by young people and children. Even many who are in no way prudish were shocked by the level of vulgarity and lewd conduct. though the name Junkanoo was appended to the carnival event, the Junkanoo content was limited, with trinidad and tobagostyle Carnival given more prominence at its inception. the development of a Bahamian cultural festival experience for residents and tourists may be a good idea. But there should be a more compelling vision of what it should look like, and how sustainable jobs and institutions might be developed around such a concept.
Despite the parading, good time and jollies had by many Bahamians, the Carnival generally failed on many fronts. A decade after its inception, the euphoria and hype has ended.
While some suggest that the Carnival may be at a crossroads, others believe it may be near its end in the years ahead. And while it may continue for some time in some guise, it has atrophied dramatically, in great measure because it lacked cultural and historical authenticity.
For many Bahamians, its eventual end is as it should be. others have rendered an even harsher judgment on its genesis, failed promises, and wasted resources and opportunities.
ParticiPants of Carnival on the road in 2023.
Trying to see inside the mind of Trump
It’s not just an American parlour game anymore. It has spread right across the world. Everyone is trying to get inside the mind of the man who has simply taken over the global consciousness.
Columnists and opinion writers and even beat reporters writing in America’s journalistic opinion leader are seemingly vying with each other each week to offer the wisest, freshest, most clarifying insights into the amazingly unorthodox mind of Us President Donald J trump.
Every day, the New York times is full of new insights about the president.
Up north in Canada, trump has single-handedly turned upside down an election once so likely to return the Conservative Party to power in Ottawa that former Liberal Prime Minister Justin trudeau resigned just a few weeks ago in order to give his beleaguered party a somewhat improved chance in Monday’s election. things really looked bleak for the Liberals just six weeks ago. then trump strode onto the scene, blathering on about annexing Canada, complaining about high Canadian tariffs on some Us goods, ranting about the American trade
STATESIDE
deficit with Canada, and discretely clinging to resentment of both Justin trudeau and his father Pierre, an earlier Canadian Prime Minister.
Both men, with
their urbane, suave sophistication and noticeable overtones of haughty superiority over the brash American tV star turned politician, are clear antipodes to trump. Both trudeaus have offered evidence of their scorn for him, and trump remembers. It seems quite reasonable to assume that trump’s antipathy toward the trudeaus is playing a part in his behaviour and attitudes toward Canada.
Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney, the former central banker and neophyte politician who replaced trudeau in March of this year, has been saying on the campaign trail that “there is no going back. We in Canada will have to build a new relationship with
Volodymyr Zelensky.
Many details about this story emerged in trump’s subsequent impeachment investigation and trial in the Us Congress. the core of the issue was that trump promised to release two hundred and fifty million dollars in stalled Us military and economic assistance for Ukraine if Zelensky would agree to launch a corruption investigation into matters involving Joe Biden and his son Hunter. trump’s behaviour seemed to be a brazen attempt at extortion.
Zelensky wouldn’t agree to the president’s deal. And trump remembers. His resentment of the Ukrainian leader, who for most of the past six years has been among the most widely-admired leaders in the world, is likely still simmering. Perhaps it triggered the grotesque outburst between the two men and Us Vice-President JD Vance in February during a routine photo op in the White House.
the United states.” Carney is emerging as a central figure in the global response to trump’s tariffs. Buttoned-down and almost anonymous looking, Carney is a Harvard and Oxford-educated economist who is the only person to have run two different central banks — in England and Canada. He had never previously held elected office of any kind prior to last month.
But in poll after poll, Canadians showed they believe Carney will be best suited to confront and deal with trump and his explicit, existential threat to Canadian sovereignty. And early returns from the Maritime Provinces pointed to the victory Carney and the Liberal Party achieved.
Carney has said his first foreign trip as Prime Minister would be to London and Paris – not Washington, where most of his predecessors have put at the top of their travel agendas.
No doubt he will discuss Ukraine with his European hosts. trump’s empty boast to end the war on his first day in office has long since been exposed as worthless. In most of his first 100 days in office, trump has stuck with his inexplicable fascination with Vladimir Putin, whose appeal to the American showman may have its basis in canny flattery.
trump’s self-centred narcissism also plausibly informs his attitudes toward Ukraine. trump remembers. And so can we, as we recall back in the summer of 2019. then just past the mid-point of his first term, trump was looking for ammunition to damage his likely 2020 opponent Joe Biden.
On July 25, 2019, trump called Ukraine’s recently elected president,
trump doesn’t need dirt on Biden now. He cannot run for president again. there is no pressure on him to win again. And yet trump persists in slyly hinting that his staff may have discovered a loophole in the Us constitution that would enable him to run for president once more. We’ve discussed here in past months how that cannot happen – politically or legally. still, trump keeps taking about the possibility. Why? It’s probably because trump must hate the idea of becoming what the Americans call a “lame duck”. that’s a politician who is termlimited, cannot run for reelection, and thus risks the kind of creeping irrelevance that can vex politicians and others prominent in public life like nothing else. they most fear being forgotten but not gone. trump probably cannot stand the idea that at some point in the next year or so, all the Republican politicians who now continue to fawn over him will realise that he will be out of office before he can again exert much influence over their political future. At that point, they might stop obeying him.
that’s not true yet. trump still can credibly threaten rebellious GOP Congressmen and senators with an expensive, debilitating and possibly destructive primary race for the Republican nomination for another term in office.
sometime around next year’s November elections, however, that is likely to change. And when it does, the volume of trump’s bombast about running for a third term will increase. He will cling to power like few others.
Meantime, there’s plenty of evidence that the president is much happier in his second term
in office. In an interview this week with influential on-line magazine the Atlantic, trump revealed himself, candidly, like he used to do in his first term with Washington Post editor and former Watergate journalistic hero Bob Woodward.
trump says he is “having a lot of fun” as he reflected on how his second administration feels different from the first as he nears his 100th day in office.
“the first time, I had two things to do—run the country and survive; I had all these crooked guys around me,” he said.
trump has expressed regret about some of the choices he made for top roles in his first administration. Installing loyalists in those roles was a top priority for trump in his second term.
“And now, on the second time around, I run the country and the world.”
the Atlantic reported that people both inside and outside the White House feel that trump is enjoying his job more than during his first term. the president told the journalists he agreed with that assessment. the first time, the first weeks, it was just ‘let’s blow this place up’,” a trump ally said. “this time, he’s blowing it up with a twinkle in his eye,”
Expanding on a practice embraced and expanded recently by Barack Obama and Biden, trump has taken broad, unilateral executive actions on a range of issues since returning to office in January. trump’s actions on immigration and trade have attracted the most attention. these executive actions effectively bypass Congressional oversight. On trade, trump sparked backlash globally by announcing tariffs on most countries, including top Us trading partners, although he has paused some of the country-specific levies until July. His helter-skelter action on trade has shaken global markets and raised economic anxiety.
While speaking with the Atlantic, the president also returned to his habit of commenting on the possibility of a third bid for the White House.
“It’s not something that I’m looking to do. And I think it would be a very hard thing to do,” trump teased.
Overall, trump has spent the first 100 days of his second term in office testing the limits of his executive authority, redefining the role of the U s in the world, slashing the size of the federal government, while trying to change the U s and global economic system. the president said “You know, what I do is such serious stuff,” the president said. No careful observer would disagree that what a Us president does is “serious stuff”. Maybe it shouldn’t be so much fun.
with Charlie Harper
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to supporters on stage at his campaign headquarters after the Liberal Party won the Canadian election in Ottawa, Ontario, on Tuesday. Photo: Justin Tang/AP
PresidenT Donald Trump speaks during an event about investing in America in the Cross Hall of the White House yesterday in Washington.
Photo: alex Brandon/AP
Bahamasair agrees to new industrial agreement with Public Managers Union
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
MIDDLE managers at Bahamasair expect to benefit from incoming salary adjustments, performance incentives, and expected travel benefits after a new industrial agreement was signed between the national carrier Bahamasair and the Public Managers Union (PMU).
At the signing yesterday, it was revealed that the agreement marks an update in employment, addressing financial realities and long-term career support for mid-tier staff as PMU
President Leslie Munnings emphasised that the deal is not just about money.
“The Union will, over the next several months, be working with HR to perhaps fine-tune the performance appraisal system,” Mr Munnings said. “The signing of this agreement with Bahamasair makes the fourth agreement which this team promised and has successfully executed across four entities in less than three years.”
The agreement also introduces allowances that facilitate airline operations, formal recognition of longserving staff, and support
for the academic development of career-minded individuals.
Other benefits include an evaluation of the mobile phone plan, the introduction of operational allowances, and an institutionalized communication process.
Bahamasair Chair of the Board Tanya Pratt was noted for her particularly active role in the process, especially towards the final stages of negotiation with a hands-on involvement, which was underlined while both current and former contributors were marked for appreciation towards efforts.
SHAREHOLDERS
The Board of Directors of Commonwealth Bank Limited has declared an Extraordinary Dividend for Common Shares, to all shareholders of record on May 15, 2025. Common Shares
The payment will be made on May 30, 2025 through Bahamas Central Securities Depository, the Registrar & Transfer Agent, in the usual manner.
Bahamasair leadership and Public Managers Union representatvies sign a new industrial agreement at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr.
CARIFTA athletes and coaches celebrated
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamian CARIFTA Games athletes were celebrated yesterday in the House of Assembly, with parliamentarians from both sides of the aisle rising to recognise their achievements.
The 120-member team, which dominated the 2025 CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago, were recognised for securing their seventh consecutive swimming championship, winning 74 medals in swimming and 37 medals in track and field.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg praised athletes like 12-year-old Dexter Russell and Siona Campbell for their outstanding performances.
“Over the Easter holiday weekend, 120 Bahamian athletes draped in the bold colours of aquamarine, black and gold went to Trinidad and Tobago, not just as competitors, but as warriors of national pride. With every stride, stroke, jump, splash and throw, they carried the spirit of over 400,000 Bahamians on their shoulders, standing
tall as beacon of unity, strength and purpose,” Mr Bowleg said yesterday.
“This is more than sports. It was a statement, a declaration and a reminder that the heart of the Bahamas beats loud and proud on any stage in an extraordinary display of commitment; the coordination of three chartered planes lifted this dream into the skies, a movement so powerful it could not be contained in numbers alone. This wasn’t just a team, it was a national force that invaded the southern Caribbean island.”
As a gesture of national appreciation, the government announced special rewards for the athletes, including complimentary phone devices, gift certificates, and potential summer employment opportunities with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.
Members of Parliament also joined in celebrating the team, shouting out their constituents and emphasising the athletes’ role in inspiring the nation and demonstrating the extraordinary capabilities of Bahamian youth on the international stage.
Prime Minister Philip Davis presents CARIFTA coaches with medals in Rawson Square yesterday. Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Who’s responsible?
Untangling web of environmental enforcement in The Bahamas
By Desiree J MaJorCorneille
When last week’s article called out the “silent sabotage” of environmental crime, the response was immediate: readers wanted to know, Who is responsible for stopping this? The answer is both straightforward and complicated. environmental protection in The Bahamas isn’t the job of any one agency. It is shared by a patchwork of ministries, regulatory and compliance agencies, law enforcement, and non-governmental organisations. While this should mean robust protection, in practice, it often breeds confusion, bureaucracy fatigue, and, most dangerously, inaction.
A pAtchwork of responsibility
The Department of environmental Planning and Protection (DePP), Department of environmental health Services (DehS), Department of Marine Resources, Forestry Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Works, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bahamas Customs, Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), Department of Physical Planning, local governments, and the Bahamas national Trust (BnT) all bear some responsibility for differing pieces of the environmental enforcement mandate. each covers a slice: broadly speaking, DePP oversees environmental Impact Assessments and Certificates of environmental Clearance; DehS handles waste management, sanitation, and environmental health complaints; Marine Resources governs fisheries and marine products; Forestry Unit protects forests; Ministry of Agriculture oversees agricultural lands and animal health and animal import/export permits; Ministry of Works manages infrastructure and oversees some dredging/development; RBDF patrols territorial waters and exclusive economic Zones (eeZs); BnT manages jurisdictional national parks.
When an environmental crime occurs—whether illegal dredging, mangrove clearing, poaching, or pollution—jurisdiction is rarely clear-cut. There has been some effort for joint missions, however, most agencies default back to “collateral duty” mode, with environmental enforcement squeezed in between other competing priorities. Offenders learn to exploit these gaps. the foreign fActor — And enforcement gAps
The RBDF is critical in defending maritime boundaries, but their reach—considering the expansive territorial waters and the dispersement of our islands—is stretched. Foreign fishing crews, particularly from the Dominican Republic and Cuba, and perhaps closer in Southern Florida are notorious for timing illegal forays to avoid
detection, knowing that enforcement patrols are limited. But it’s not just outsiders. Locals exploit gaps too. Turtle fritters, ‘hushhush’ soup, illegal charcoal kilns, unlicensed sand and limestone mining, and unauthorized dumping operate openly, confident a fragmented system gives them a good chance of escaping prosecution. beyond whAt’s seen the need for reAl investigAtions
Most enforcement remains reactive: a seized shipment of fisheries here, an illegal quarry mine there, the occasional truck of cascarilla bark or poached iguanas intercepted. What’s missing is investigation that digs deeper—who is financing the poaching, buying shark fins, exporting flamingos, smuggling orchids, or running the black-market trade in snakes and coral? enforcement must evolve from “catch and release” to coordinated, evidencebased cases that dismantle trafficking networks, not just punish one-time offenders.
no centrAlised reporting, no eAsy Access
A critical barrier remains: there is no easily recognised, centralised place for the public to report environmental crime. While tip lines exist—BahWILD is a step forward—they’re not well-publicised as yet, and most Bahamians don’t know whom to call, what information to provide, or what will actually happen after a report is made. Cases fall between the cracks, and the public loses faith in the system. the revolving door of ngos And bureAucrAcy fAtigue
Adding to the complexity is the revolving door of non-governmental organisations. Many well-meaning nGOs step in to fill enforcement advocacy gaps, running education campaigns, clean-ups, or monitoring efforts. But after several years, their staff can experience burn out fighting the same bureaucratic hurdles, enduring sometimes long waits for permits, or seeing victories reversed by red tape and slow government response. As personnel change, institutional memory is lost, and the cycle begins again. scientists not AlwAys pArt of the solution
Complicating the picture further, some scientific researchers—granted access through official permits—fail to respect local access and benefitsharing protocols (as outlined under the nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing), or harvest more than agreed or do so for their own commercial gain, undermining community trust and sometimes damaging the very resources they are supposed to study. In recent years, communities have
raised concerns about foreign researchers extracting samples or specimens without proper consultation or benefit-sharing, fueling skepticism and resistance. when And where does it stop?
Where is the tipping point for public concern? It’s easy to blame agencies, but the real answer lies with society at large. Poaching, trafficking, and habitat destruction don’t only threaten scientists’ data or conservationists’ projects—they undercut national stability, food security, clean water, community safety, and the long-term future of every Bahamian.
When do we move from “preaching to the choir” to a true national movement for protection? Is it when flooding destroys homes in Coral harbour, when mangroves disappear from Andros, or when beloved species—turtles, flamingos, sharks—are gone from our shores? Or will it take something more?
community chAmpions: the reAl front line hope remains, thanks to Bahamian communities that refuse to stand idly by. Residents in places like Red Bays, Andros fiercely defend traditional rights and habitats, setting a standard for others. Fishermen in Spanish Wells have mobilised for sustainable practices. Yet, these champions cannot win alone. the cost of confusion And inAction
As long as responsibilities are fragmented, accountability is blurred, and reporting is unclear, environmental crimes will continue. Offenders will “play the system,” nGOs will cycle through the same battles, and scientists may not always be allies. What’s needed is a shift from siloed responses and “collateral enforcement” to sustained, joint investigations, transparent reporting, and true public engagement, perhaps from a centralised or standalone agency where this is the primary duties. where do we go from here?
Until we untangle this web, even our strongest laws will remain “paper tigers”—impressive on the books, but toothless in practice. The future of environmental enforcement in The Bahamas will depend not just on what’s written in law, but on building a culture of collaboration, dedicated resources, intentional enforcement, and clear, accessible channels for the public and partners to take action.
This silent sabotage can only be stopped if we demand unity, dedicated enforcement, and true accountability—from every agency, every leader, and every citizen.
• Desiree K Major-Corneille is a CITES specialist, and policy advisor on wildlife, environmental, and natural resource enforcement in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
Vietnam celebrates 50 years since war’s
end with focus on peace and unity
HO CHI MINH CITY
Associated Press
VIeTnAM on Wednesday celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the war with the United states and the formation of its modern nation with a military parade and a focus on a peaceful future.
The fall of saigon on April 30, 1975 marked the end of a Vietnam divided into the communist north and Us-allied south, and the country’s top official told crowds the past decades had led to ever increasing unity.
“All the Vietnamese are the descendants of Vietnam. They have the rights to live and work, to have freedom to pursue happiness and love in this country,” said To Lam, the Vietnam Communist Party’s general secretary.
“In a spirit of closing the past, respecting differences, aiming for the future, the whole party, the people and the army vow to make Vietnam become a country of peace, unity, prosperity and development,” he added. Thousands camped overnight on the streets of the former south Vietnamese capital, which was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after it fell to north Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, to get the best vantage point for the parade. Many lingered on the streets later in the afternoon and had picnics while waiting for drone and fireworks shows in the evening.
The red and yellow of Vietnam’s national flag was everywhere in the city — fluttering from buildings, painted on the faces of eager teenagers and on the T-shirts of those who had travelled to the city from all over the country.
“now it’s time for peace,” said spectator nguyen Thi Hue, a city resident. “Peace is the dream that everyone in the world wants.”
one float carried the mythical Lac bird, Vietnam’s emblem, another a portrait of Ho Chi Minh.
Chinese, Laotian and
Haitians
PORT-AU-PRINCE
Associated Press
Cambodian troops marched behind Vietnamese army formations, including some wearing uniforms similar to what was worn by northern Vietnamese troops during the war. Helicopters carrying the national flag and jets flew over the parade near Independence Palace, where a north Vietnamese tank smashed through the gates on the final day of the war.
Crowds soaked in the spectacle as they gathered outside the barricades and at some street corners where giant screens had been set up. Phones raised and eyes wide, people waved and cheered at the marching soldiers. Those at home huddled over their television sets.
sitting next to Vietnam’s leader were Cambodia’s former leader Hun sen and Laotian Communist Party General secretary Thongloun sisoulith.
To Lam said beyond a victory over the Us and south Vietnam, the fall of saigon was a “glorious landmark”
that ended a 30-year fight for independence that began with the fight to oust French colonial troops.
He said Vietnam owes its position in the world today to support from the soviet Union, China and solidarity from Laos and Cambodia, as well as “progressive” people all over the world including the Us, he said.
VietnAm’s cHAnging globAl ApproAcH
The emphasis on reconciliation and not, like previous years, on military victory reflected how Vietnam was approaching the changing tides of the global economy and geopolitics today, said nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at singapore’s IseAs–Yusof Ishak Institute. He added that the Vietnam War remains central to how the Communist Party framed its legitimacy, not just as a military triumph but also as a symbol of national unity. But To Lam’s comments underlined that the reconciliation remains unfinished.
“The war still defines Vietnam’s unity, and its unresolved divides,” Giang said.
For Pham ngoc son, a veteran who fought for the communists, today there is “only space for peace and friendship” between the Us and Vietnam.
“The war is over a long time ago,” said the 69-yearold who, during the war, served as an army truck driver bringing troops and supplies from the north to the south along the Ho Chi Minh trail — the secret supply route used by north Vietnam.
pAssAge of time HAs led to improVed rel Ations witH Us
This year also marks the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Us
In 2023, Vietnam upgraded its relations with the Us to that of a comprehensive strategic partner, the highest diplomatic status it gives to any country and the same level of relations as
China and Russia.
There are new signs of strain in the relationship with Washington, however, with President Donald Trump’s imposition of heavy tariffs and the cancellation of much foreign aid, which has affected war remediation efforts in Vietnam.
Vietnamese officials say the relationship with the Us is anchored in American efforts to address war legacies such as Agent orange contamination and unexploded ordnance in the countryside that still threaten lives.
The future of those projects is now at risk because of the Trump administration’s broad cuts to UsAID.
Moreover, the exportdependent country is vulnerable in a global economy made fragile amid Trump’s tariff plans.
Vietnam was slammed with reciprocal tariffs of 46%, one of the highest.
This puts a “big question mark” on what the Us wants to achieve in Asia, said Huong Le-Thu of the
International Crisis Group think tank. Previously, close ties with Washington have helped Vietnam balance its relations with its much larger and more powerful neighbour China, she said.
Vietnam is one of the countries, along with the Philippines, that has been involved in direct confrontations with China over conflicting maritime claims in the south China sea.
Focus on economic and not strategic competition may mean that Vietnam and other countries in southeast Asia become less important for the Us
“It really will be shaping up (on) how the new administration sees the strategic picture in the Indo-Pacific and where countries like Vietnam would fit in,” she said.
In Washington, state Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce on Tuesday refused to comment on reports that the Trump administration had discouraged diplomats from attending anniversary events. “I’m not going to discuss what has been suggested or not suggested,” she said.
The embassy in Hanoi said Us consul general in Ho Chi Minh City susan Burns had attended the event. Us ambassador Marc e. Knapper didn’t attend. wHo took pArt in tHe pArAde?
About 13,000 people, including troops, militias, veterans and local citizens took part in the parade. The route followed the main boulevard leading to the Independence Palace before branching into city streets and passed the Us Consulate.
A video of Chinese troops singing the iconic song “As If Uncle Ho Were With Us on Victory Day” during a rehearsal was shared widely on social media. Chinese leader Xi Jinping had visited Vietnam earlier in the month in a bid to present the country as a force for stability in contrast with Trump.
fleeing gang violence swim across t He country’s longest river
Dozens of people
swam and waded across Haiti’s longest river on Wednesday in a desperate attempt to flee gangs that
launched a fresh attack on a city in the country’s central region that has been under siege for almost a week. The onslaught in rural areas of Petite Rivière began before dawn, according to Bertide Horace,
spokesperson for the Commission for Dialogue, Reconciliation and Awareness to save the Artibonite, an activist group.
“Gangs are invading the city everywhere,” she told The Associated Press by
phone. “There are people trapped in their homes who can’t leave, and the guys are setting fire wherever they go.”
Videos posted on social media showed people balancing their belongings on their head or holding them aloft as they crossed the Artibonite River. A couple of boats ferried the few who could afford one.
Another video showed the bodies of several people, including that of a young boy, sprawled behind a school where gangs were killing residents in Petite Rivière. A woman screamed in anguish in the background as the man filming began to cry.
Horace blamed the Gran Grif gang for the ongoing attack, adding that the Viv Ansanm gang coalition was providing reinforcements.
A policeman who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media said officers on Wednesday were fighting gangs at the Crêteà-Pierrot fort, site of a key battle during the Haitian Revolution.
Gunmen first attacked Petite Rivière on April 24, and they have seized full control of the town’s northern region, she said.
“The police are still fighting, but they have already taken control of a good part of the city,” Horace said.
several people have been killed, including an 11-yearold child, Horace said. Haiti’s heartland under attack
Gran Grif is the largest gang to operate in the
central Artibonite region. It was blamed for an attack in the central town of Pontsondé in october 2024, where more than 70 people were killed in one of the biggest massacres in Haiti’s recent history.
Gran Grif was formed after Prophane Victor, a former member of Parliament who represented Petite Rivière, began arming young men in the region, according to a Un report.
The attack on Petite Rivière comes weeks after the Canaan and 400 Mawozo gangs struck other towns in the Artibonite region, according to the Un political mission in Haiti.
The gangs in late March seized control of most of Mirebalais, where gunmen stormed a local prison and released more than 500 inmates. Gangs also raided the nearby town of saut d’eau, which attracts thousands for an annual Vodou-Catholic pilgrimage.
The Un mission said in a report released Wednesday that while the attacks began on March 21, prompting residents to call for help on social media, the government did not deploy specialist police units until March 31.
At least 15 people were killed in Mirebalais, including two Catholic nuns. Most people were shot inside their homes or on the street as they tried to flee, according to the report.
The Un mission noted that the Canaan gang leader had posted a
video on social media on March 20 warning of “an imminent attack” on Mirebalais.
The mission said gangs struck to dismantle a barricade that a self-defence group had erected to stop gunmen from entering the heart of Mirebalais and to block the smuggling of weapons and drugs, presumably from the neighbouring Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
A trail of violence overall, more than 1,600 people were killed from January to March in Haiti, including at least 35 children. Another 850 people were injured, according to the Un report. Most of the killings and injuries were reported in the capital, Port-au-Prince, with 85% of it controlled by gangs. Gangs were responsible for 35% of the deaths and injuries, while police operations and executions were responsible for 56%. The rest were blamed on vigilante movements.
During that time frame, at least 161 people were kidnapped, with 63% of those cases reported in Artibonite, according to the report.
Haiti’s national Police are fighting gangs with help from a Un-backed mission led by Kenyan police that deployed last year. However, the mission has struggled as it remains underfunded and understaffed, with roughly 1,000 personnel out of the 2,500 envisioned.
A VietnAmese military unit marches past the grandstand during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War yesterday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Photo: Richard Vogel/AP
Call for Submissions: “My Mummy Don’t Play”
Because one cut-eye was all the warning you needed.
Did your mummy ever set you straight with one look or a sharp word? Did one cut-eye have you apologizing before she even opened her mouth? If so, you already know: My Mummy Don’t Play!
This Mother’s Day, we’re saluting the real MVPs — the mummies who didn’t spare the rod. The mummies who didn’t just raise us right, but straighten us right, making sure we turned out halfway decent.
We want your funniest “My Mummy Don’t Play” stories. Whether it’s a good old-fashioned memory of getting set straight or a moment when she laid down the law like only a Bahamian mother can — we want to hear it!
PESTO CLUB
Here’s how to submit:
• Write your story (keep it to 200 words or less)
• Send us a photo of you and your mother (include names)
• Email it all to jgibson@tribunemedia.net
The best stories (and photos) will be featured in our special Mother’s Day tribute — giving mummies their flowers and a few good laughs too.
Deadline: Friday, May 2nd, 2025
