Ex-minister’s $30m-plus tax and loan ‘offset’: ‘You know more than me’
BY NEIL HARTNELL
Business Editor
AN EX-CABINET minister’s attorney yesterday joked “you know more than me” after documents appeared to show the Government has decided to “offset” his client’s $30.5m loan debt to the Bank of The Bahamas bail-out vehicle, plus millions in real property taxes, against outstanding lease monies.
Damian Gomez KC, himself a former minister of state for legal affairs, told Tribune Business that negotiations remain ongoing and “we have not yet finalised” a settlement over the long-standing dispute involving the Government’s alleged breaches of multiple lease agreements for various public sector agencies to rent space in Leslie Miller’s Summerwinds Plaza complex off Tonique Williams Highway.
He spoke after Tribune Business saw documents suggesting the Government has already taken concrete steps to initiate a deal where the rent purportedly due to Mr Miller and his Summerwinds Plaza companies will be used to “offset” - meaning to effectively repay - the $30m-plus owed to Bahamas Resolve, the bailout vehicle that removed $267m in toxic commercial loans from Bank of The Bahamas’ balance sheet, plus at least $2.1m in outstanding real property taxes.
Central Bank forecasts 2026 growth slowdown
BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE Central Bank is forecasting a slowdown in economic growth over the remainder of 2026 as higher oil prices and Middle East uncertainties start to weigh more heavily on the outlook despite a strong start to the year.
Settlement for Miller’s Summerwinds Plaza ‘not yet finalised’
Documents signal Gov’t set to ‘offset’ debts via lease money
Show $2.1m in real property tax already removed from books
A internal government memorandum, dated June 27, 2025, said:
“Having regard to Cabinet conclusion ICO (24) 44th meeting, regular conclusion one, the Cabinet authorised the offset of amounts owed by Summerwinds to Resolve Bahamas and real property tax against payments owed under the various lease agreements for Summerwinds.”
The latest real property tax bills for a portion of the Summerwinds Plaza, which has been home to the Road Traffic Department since 2024, appear to show this “offset” may have already been implemented. While real property taxes due and owing on the now-closed Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace were shown at $2.113m in 2025, with some of the arrears dating back to 2009, the present 2026 tax bill shows just $70,140
as owing - suggesting the prior multi-million sum has been wiped out.
Several sources said that, as of 2025, total real property taxes due on Summerwinds Plaza - both past due and owing - amounted to more than $5m. Mr Gomez, confirming that such an “offset” between outstanding rents on one side, and the real property tax and Bahamas Resolve debts on the other, is the settlement
GB Power staff ‘used’ to ownership changes
BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
John Rolle, Central Bank governor, yesterday said that while the economy continues to expand, the pace of growth is expected to moderate as external pressures intensify and begin to filter through to domestic conditions.
“As to the economic outlook, the Central Bank still projects growth in the economy over the remainder of 2026, but at a somewhat slower rate than forecasted for the first half of the year, as more of the impacts of geopolitical risk materialise,” he said. The Governor pointed out that the year began on a solid footing, with key sectors driving broad-based gains across the economy. However, those gains are now being impacted by rising fuel and transportation costs plus heightened global uncertainty linked to Middle East tensions.
“The Bahamian economy maintained its growth momentum during the first quarter of 2026 when compared to the same period in 2025. This was led by strength in tourism output in both the stopover and cruise segments, alongside continued foreign investment activities which benefited the construction sector,” Mr Rolle said.
“However, inflation firmed in the latest indicators due to higher import costs in fuel and other goods and services from
THE head of the union representing Grand Bahama Power Company middle managers said staff “are used” to ownership changes ahead of today’s announcement where the Prime Minister and several Cabinet ministers will be joined by several executives from the utility’s Canadian owner, Emera.
Kendal Culmer, president of the Bahamas Industrial Engineers, Managers & Supervisory Union, told Tribune Business that the union and GB Power staff are “assuming” that the Davis administration and Emera, which owns 100 percent of the utility’s shares, have “come to a final agreement or are signing a Heads of Agreement” for its $200m acquisition by the Government.
“We were supposed to meet with management today,” he
Governor issues warning on Bahamas energy costs
BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE Central Bank’s governor yesterday warned that Bahamian energy costs could rise once Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) existing fuel hedge expires given ongoing Middle East uncertainties that saw crude oil prices hit $114.4 per barrel last night.
John Rolle, speaking at the regulator’s 2026 first quarter briefing, said the domestic outlook for electricity and fuel-related costs remains highly dependent on how global oil markets evolve in the coming months given the ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Oil prices, as measured by the Brent crude index, yesterday jumped by $6.27 per barrel or 5.8 percent.
“There’s still a lot of uncertainty out there as to how the values will be impacted. And once we get beyond the fuel
Justice delays on attorney abuses ‘undermines law’s rule’ in Bahamas
Appeal justice: Legal misconduct can appear ‘condoned’
Warns threat to justice system if hold-ups ‘left unchecked’ Court dismisses struck-off attorney’s appeal for more time
BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A COURT of Appeal judge yesterday warned that delayed justice in legal malpractice cases “creates the perception that the ethical misconduct of the attorney is being condoned” and threatens to “undermine the rule of law” in The Bahamas if “left unchecked”.
Appeal justice Vasheist Kokaram delivered his warning as the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision, rejected attorney Domek Rolle’s plea for more time to comply with the requirements for proceeding with his challenge to being struck off from the Bar Council’s roll and barred from practicing. This occurred after he misappropriated $167,722 in client
funds, representing the proceeds from a real estate sale, and only repaid the monies “after a protracted period of time”.
Citing “serious non-compliance with the rules and orders of the court” as one of several grounds for why Mr Rolle’s ‘extension of time’ bid was rejected, Appeal justice Kokaram wrote: “Attorneys are charged with the sacred duty to act at all times with integrity, honesty and probity. In the ethical discharge of their roles as gatekeepers of justice, they inspire the public’s trust in the legal profession, the administration of justice, and reinforce the rule of law.”
As a result, any “ethical breaches” of the Bahamas Bar’s code of professional conduct “must therefore
disclosed. “Nothing has happened, nothing has capitalised yet. We’re hearing the same as you guys.” Mr Culmer said “not a thing” has been heard from management about the Government’s proposed GB Power purchase since the union last sought an update on what will happen to members’ jobs, benefits and working conditions under the terms of their industrial agreement. Asked about current employee concerns, Mr Culmer told this newspaper: “They are more so concerned about wanting to know if there’s going to be any change in management structure. We are assuming Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) or FOCOL want to bring someone in to manage from their end. Plus their benefits. That’s what they are concerned about.
hedge, you would appreciate that how things look at the point when the fuel hedge is reset is going to be dictated by what the current state of play is in the energy market,” he added. BPL in December 2025 hedged, or locked in, two million barrels of oil at a fixed $70 per barrel price - a timely move that has, to-date, shielded Bahamian energy consumers from the worst volatility. BPL relies on fuel hedging strategies to smooth out volatility
“This is the third time in 15-20 years that the ownership has changed, and that’s something we are used to. The only difference now is it’s the Government or FOCOL, and possibly both.” Majority control and ownership of GB Power has, since the turn of the century, switched from Southern Energy/Mirant to the Marubeni/Taqa combination and, finally, to Emera which also bought out the Bahamian minority shareholder investors to assume 100 percent charge.
LESLIE MILLER
DAMIAN GOMEZ KC
BAHAMAS POWER & LIGHT (BPL) HQ
JOHN ROLLE
US ambassador visits Nassau Cruise Port
THE US ambassador to The Bahamas toured Nassau Cruise Port’s piers and operational facilities last week during a site visit that gave an insight into the facility’s daily activities.
Herschel Walker and his wife, Julie Blanchard Walker, also visited the Museum of Junkanoo where they experienced the cultural heritage that defines Bahamian identity.
Mr Walker also met with Bahamian vendors and hair braiders, as well as American cruise passengers.
“We were honoured to welcome Ambassador
CIBC unveils new chief for Bahamas
CIBC Caribbean has named Terrance Gibson as its country head for The Bahamas wuth effect from April 24, 2026, to replace Dr Jacqui Bend.
The BISX-listed institution, in a statement, said Mr Gibson will have overall responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategic direction and business performance in The Bahamas. He will also continue to oversee the director, personal and business banking portfolio until that position is filled.
CIBC Caribbean added that Mr Gibson has more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry spanning retail, corporate and investment banking functions, plus personal credit risk management and wealth management. He most recently held senior leadership responsibilities across the Caribbean, including oversight of teams in The Bahamas, Barbados and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Donna Wellington, CIBC Caribbean’s chief country management officer, said: “We are pleased to have Terrance step into this important leadership role in The Bahamas. His extensive experience, strong leadership and deep understanding of the regional banking landscape position him well to lead our operations. I am confident he will continue to strengthen our client relationships and our presence in the community.”
Mr Gibson holds a bachelor of business administration in computer information systems from Baruch College, and a master of business administration from Nova Southeastern University. He has also completed several executive training programmes, including a senior leadership development programme.
Walker to Nassau Cruise Port,” said Mike Maura, chief executive and director of Nassau Cruise Port. “The relationship between The Bahamas and the United States is incredibly special, and we are proud to play a role in strengthening that connection every day.
“We take our responsibility seriously in safely welcoming and delivering an exceptional experience to the thousands of US visitors who pass through our port daily, while also showcasing the best of Bahamian culture and hospitality.”
GB digital platform expands to Nassau
A BAHAMIAN-built digital platform, which connects local merchants with residents and visitors, says it is expanding to Nassau through a tie-up with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC).
Flamingo Bahamas, which launched in Grand Bahama in July 2025 at an event attended by Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and Tourism Development Corporation executives, said it has grown to nearly 200 active subscribers while helping more than 50 businesses reach new customers. It added that its digital discount savings network has facilitated scores of deal redemptions across Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama and now New Providence.
Laquay Laing, a Grand Bahama native, said he founded Flamingo Bahamas after identifying a gap in how Bahamian businesses connect with the residents and visitors most likely to support them.
"People used to clip coupons. Now they scroll their phones looking for deals on everything from dinner reservations to beauty appointments to their next workout. We built Flamingo Bahamas for the Bahamian business owner who is working hard but needs more eyes on what they offer," he said.
Flamingo Bahamas said businesses join for free with no monthly fees, and post deals in real time. Subscribers pay $9.99 for 28 days of access to those deals. This, it added, means discounts on restaurants, salons, gyms and retailers without having to hunt through social media feeds or wait for a posted sale. For visitors, the platform adds a direct line to local businesses offering real deals before they even land.
"Before Flamingo Bahamas, getting in front of visitors meant hoping they stumbled across us online or picked up a flyer somewhere," explained LaShaun Dorsett, owner of CMT Tours. "Now they arrive with the app open and a
Statistical Committee in first-ever meeting
THE first-ever meeting of the National Statistical Committee brought together senior representatives from key ministries, government departments and public agencies.
The meeting, held at the Bahamas National Statistical Institute’s (BNSI) headquarters in Nassau, was said to mark the full implementation of a governance body created by the Statistics Act 2021. The BNSI, in a statement, said the move signals a step forward in the co-ordinated development of official statistics in The Bahamas.
The National Statistical Committee serves as the principal co-ordination mechanism for the country’s statistical system (NSS), bringing together the institutions that produce, use and depend upon official data to guide public policy and national development.
The meeting addressed three key areas - the role and governance of the Committee within the national statistical framework; key priorities for strengthening the national statistical
system; and opportunities to improve data sharing and co-ordination among government institutions.
The BNSI said the Committee will also play a central role in supporting the development of a National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS), which is a comprehensive policy framework that will guide statistical investment, programming and operations across The Bahamas for years to come.
Dr Jamiko Deleveaux, the BNSI managing director and chairman of the National Statistical Committee, said: "The production of high-quality statistics is not the responsibility of a single institution. It requires strong co-operation among ministries, departments and agencies across government.
“The National Statistical Committee provides an important forum to strengthen this collaboration and ensure that The Bahamas continues to produce reliable and timely data to support national decision-making.”
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB),
deal already in hand. It has brought in customers I would never have reached otherwise."
Rhonda Lowe, owner of Rondi's ShoeNiverse, said: "I posted my first offer and had new local customers within the week. It costs nothing to be on the platform, and the returns have been real."
Flamingo Bahamas said its tie-up with the BCCEC will allow Chamber members to receive priority
onboarding, and will be featured in a co-branded campaign rolling out across New Providence throughout April and May. For Flamingo Bahamas, this offers a direct link to an established network of businesses, providing the platform with the professional credibility necessary to scale within the private sector.
"Supporting Bahamian-built platforms that create real value for our
members is at the core of what the Chamber does," said Dr Leo Rolle, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce chief executive. "Flamingo Bahamas gives every business in our network a free tool to reach more customers. It is a straightforward win."
New Providence businesses can register by downloading the app on iOS or Android, or by using the web app at flamingobahamas.com.
REPRESENTATIVES from government ministries, departments and agencies gather at the Bahamas National Statistical Institute headquarters for the first-ever meeting of the National Statistical Committee.
which has committed funding support to strengthen the BNSI's institutional capacity, identified the establishment of the National Statistics Committee as a priority objective, alongside the formal adoption of the NSDS and the modernisation of statistical infrastructure. The first meeting of the Committee directly addresses these priorities, placing The Bahamas in alignment with international best practice for national statistical governance.
The BNSI said a functioning National Statistical Committee also positions The Bahamas within a broader regional movement. It added that the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians (SCCS), established in 1974 under CARICOM, has long advocated for co-ordinated national statistical systems across the region to support evidence-based governance and sustainable development planning. The Bahamas' National Statistical Committee thus
strengthens the country's capacity to contribute to and benefit from regional statistical harmonisation efforts, the BNSI said. The National Statistical Committee will meet monthly, with subsequent sessions expected to advance the governance framework, deepen interagency collaboration and support the formal development and adoption of the NSDS.
MR Walker tries his hand at goatskin drumming during a visit to the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo.
MIKE MAURA, chief executive and director of Nassau Cruise Port, leads the tour of Nassau Cruise Port for Mr Walker.
MR WALKER and his wife, Julie Blanchard Walker (centre), celebrate the occasion with members of the Nassau Cruise Port executive team and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
TERRANCE GIBSON
CHESTER COOPER, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investment and aviation, addresses attendees at the Flamingo Bahamas launch event.
External reserves jump 60% amid local credit expansion
BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE Central Bank yesterday unveiled a sharp 60 percent frst quarter increase in The Bahamas’ external reserves alongside double digit increases in foreign currency purchases and sales by local commercial banks.
John Rolle, its Governor, told the 2026 first quarter economic briefing that this nation’s foreign exchange position reflected both stronger inflows and increased economic activity, with demand for foreign currency rising alongside gains
in key sectors such as tourism and construction.
“The economy’s first quarter performance supported stronger foreign currency inflows, closely matched by expanded demand for foreign exchange,” said Mr Rolle.
“In particular, the volume of foreign currency purchased by commercial banks and the private sector increased by 12.6 percent relative to the same period last year to an estimated $2.3bn during the first quarter of 2026, while sales of foreign exchange… expanded at a healthy 14.2 percent to $2bn.”
Fly fishing industry calls for crackdown on rogue lodges
By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter
anixon@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Fly Fishing Industry Association
(BFFIA) representatives yesterday asserted that Exuma is the island with the highest number of rogue fishing lodges, adding that such operations are costing the country millions of dollars and placing fragile marine ecosystems at risk.
Keod Smith, the Association’s attorney, said the scale of unregulated activity in Exuma is high. “The island right now that does most of the illegal activity is known to be in Exuma,” he asserted. “It started off in Abaco, but just started there. But Exuma, you have lots of illegal businesses operating in Exuma.
“I don’t know why it is. Exuma is the most beautiful place in the whole country, but Exuma is there, and unfortunately, we have a number of things that need to be carefully looked at. And we need to call it the way it is. And if you were to talk to all the guides, they will tell you they have over 1,000 or 3,000 or so different bed and breakfasts operating in Exuma. I mean, it is what it is.”
Prescott Smith, the Association president, warned that illegal operations are only part of the threat the industry is facing. “There are many illegal operations operating in The Bahamas. And we’re not just talking about a few,” he said. “The Government is losing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue as a result of it.”
Other threats, he asserted, include the destruction of the coastline and fisheries nursery systems, littering, sewerage and debris. He also pointed to environmental risks, including proposed development projects.
Beyond Exuma, Prescott Smith highlighted a number of islands that are vulnerable to overfishing and environmental damage due to their location, including Long Island, Acklins, Eleuthera and Cat Island.
“And let's say if you have a school of 100 bonefish on a flat in Long Island, and you have anglers going out on the flats who are not being guided by professional guides or educated themselves, and let's say they catch 10 bonefish out of that school, and more than half of them are eaten by sharks,” he said.
“It only takes you a few months to destroy that fishery, and that's why it's important that we educatecontinue to educate guides and anglers, and our decision makers - that we have to address these issues. We can't just haphazardly take an approach to this industry like what has been happening.”
Captain Shawn Leadon, Association board member and owner of the Andros Island Bonefish Club, said illegal operators bypass regulations entirely. “There are a lot of businesses that were unknown to the Government that were operating as lodges and bringing in anglers from abroad and conducting business within the country,” he said. “So they were evading taxes from the Government.
“So here lies a business like my own, and others who are part of the regulatory process of paying Business Licenses and getting certified guides to work, Bahamian guides to work for our organisations, and you'd have entities that were bringing in foreign guides to work
Despite this increase in demand, largely driven by import volumes and private sector activity, Mr Rolle said reserve accumulation remained strong, pointing to a solid external position.
“The seasonal build-up of external reserves was almost 60 percent stronger during the first quarter in 2026 at approximately $270m… external reserve balances reaching an estimated $3.2bn compared to about $2.8bn at the same point in 2025,” he added.
The Governor said the external reserves provide an important buffer against external shocks, as they
and conducting business out of maybe an Airbnb or just someone else, a second home owner, utilising their home as a lodge and conducting business in that way.
“So evading the Government taxes and basically not being a part of the regulatory process, which is getting a Business Licence and utilising the law, which is using Bahamian guides to operate a lodge.”
Keod Smith, said stricter enforcement is needed, adding that The Bahamas needs an enforcement department to handle these sort of threats to the fishing industry.
“We need to have an enforcement department as a part of the Ministry of Environment. If we have that department in place, it is dedicated to looking at, making sure that each of these lodges register themselves,” he added. “Have enforcement powers as well as seizure powers. Seize the boat and eventually seize the building, if people are running hotels, etc, and do not have the right licences to be there.”
Keod Smith added that current penalties are insufficient to deter offenders.
“It is just not enough to put a dollar figure, because the people who are running these businesses are making so much money from it they don't mind spending the kind of fees, whatever it is that they are charged,” he said. “Take their boats, take their house… if people are breaking the law, they need to suffer the consequence.”
The Association is continuing to push for stronger legislation, proper funding and nationwide education initiatives.
“The legislation where the Conservation Fund was passed, it needs to be implemented, and the Association funded properly and resources going toward educating the entire country towards these issues because, at the end of the day, we're just caretakers of this resource,” Keod Smith said. “If we are not putting back into it at the end of the day, we are not going to be able to maintain a sustainable industry.”
Despite the challenges, Association members acknowledged recent government support, including funding and training initiatives through the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI).
“We are now at the tip of the end of this last election cycle,” Keod Smith said. “We got a Prime Minister who happened to be an angler... The beautiful thing about that is that he, with his Cabinet, for the first time, all these years we've been fighting, the Bahamas government gave us a subvention, meaning that they gave money toward our industry development. And also, through BAMSI, we were able to have the guides be trained - a big achievement.
“And the one thing that we are hoping that the Prime Minister, starting next week, hopefully... when he goes into a second term as Prime Minister... the hope is that he will take our fight to a different level. Because if it is that he has a second term, he's able to increase the subvention. The way it was, it was $150,000 in cash toward our industry.. small, but also $50,000 with BAMSI so we can have the training. So it's a total of $200,000, which is good. It's sounds small, but the reality is, it was nothing before.”
support The Bahamas’ fixed exchange rate regime and one:one currency peg with the US dollar, particularly as global conditions remain volatile and energy prices continue to fluctuate.
“These balances are therefore comparatively healthy to absorb sustained private sector credit growth over the remainder of 2026, as well as to accommodate increased usage from higher oil prices,” Mr Rolle said.
At the same time, domestic lending activity accelerated, with banks expanding credit more aggressively than in the prior year supported by stronger
FNM Exuma candidate demands answers on Turtlegrass lay-offs
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
THE Free National Movement’s (FNM) candidate for Exuma and Ragged Island is demanding answers from the Davis administration after Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club asserted it was forced to terminate 53 staff due to a dispute with the Government over planning approvals.
Debra Moxey-Rolle said the lay-offs, which impacted more than 30 workers from Black Point and Staniel Cay, have had a significant impact on families already facing economic challenges.
“Fifty-three Bahamians went home today without a pay cheque,” she said. “More than thirty of them live in Black Point and Staniel Cay; communities I know, communities where every job matters, and communities where this loss will be felt deeply. It happened because
our own government chose to halt construction on a project that had every approval it needed from the people of Exuma. I want to know why.”
Her comments followed an ongoing dispute between Turtlegrass and government agencies that has forced construction to halt at the Big Sampson Cay project site since February 2026. The developer said it was compelled to terminate its workforce after a cease-anddesist order was issued by the Department of Physical Planning in Nassau, despite having operated for two years without permitting issues.
According to Ms Moxey-Rolle, prior reporting said Turtlegrass had secured approvals from multiple agencies, including the Black Point District Council, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), the Forestry Unit, the Docks Committee and the Ministry
Payment reforms to aid adoption of Sand Dollar
BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE Central Bank yesterday said proposed reforms could place every payment terminal in The Bahamas within reach of Sand Dollar users, marking a major step towards greater adoption of the Central Bank-backed digital currency.
John Rolle, the Central Bank governor, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to deepen digital payments usage across the economy, particularly by embedding the Sand Dollar more directly into daily transactions and expanding its practical use beyond early adopters.
“Insofar as Sand Dollar is concerned, we are seeing some positive trends, but these are still relative to starting from a low base of use,” said Mr Rolle.
“We believe it is important to continue with the work on fast payments, because that integrates the Sand Dollar more fully into the payment system. What fast payments will do is put all of our payment terminals in The Bahamas within reach of Sand Dollar users.”
Mr Rolle said beyond digital adoption, the Central Bank is also targeting improvements in financial access, particularly in the Family Islands where traditional banking infrastructure has historically been more limited.
“We are seeing some pick-up in the Family Islands. One of the use cases that is evident is payroll, where firms operating there are able to onboard employees quickly and send payments directly through the Clearing House into bank accounts,” he said.
Mr Rolle explained that efforts to expand access are not limited to digital channels, but also include strengthening the physical and cash-based infrastructure that supports financial inclusion across The Bahamas.
demand from both consumers and businesses.
“The rate of expansion in private sector credit during the first quarter was more accelerated than in 2025, and this reflected stronger consumer lending growth and an almost steady pace of growth in commercial lending. However, outstanding mortgages were unchanged over the quarter,” said Mr Rolle.
He indicated that this trend was consistent with broader shifts in borrowing behaviour, particularly as households and firms increased applications for short-term and working capital financing.
“The pick-up in private sector credit corresponded to an increased volume of applications for consumer credit and business loans, and an elevated rate at which banks approved such applications,” the Governor said.
of Works. However, the Department of Physical Planning later required full site plan approval - a process the developer argued was unnecessary for the scaleddown residential project.
The terminations sparked concern among impacted workers, some of whom described the affect as “devastating” for Black Point and surrounding communities, where Turtlegrass was considered the largest employer. Former employees said the loss of jobs would ripple through local businesses and households, particularly as the tourism season begins to slow. They threatened to go to Rawson Square to fight for their jobs.
Ms Moxey-Rolle echoed those concerns, stressing the timing and scale of the job losses. “Turtlegrass was the largest employer in central Exuma,” she said.
“The people who worked there are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who were able to feed their families because of those jobs. With tourist season winding down, there is nothing waiting around the corner for them. The Government knew that, and they did it anyway.”
However, Mr Rolle said the housing market continued to lag, reflecting tighter conditions and reduced accessibility for borrowers seeking long-term mortgage financing.
“Both the volume of mortgage applications and the ease at which households qualify for mortgages were reduced comparatively,” he added. Meanwhile, the overall quality of banks’ loan portfolios improved, with fewer borrowers falling behind on their paymentsa key indicator of financial system stability.
“The fraction of private sector loan balances on which borrowers were three or more months behind in payments - that is, the non-performing loans rate - decreased further to less than 5 percent at the end of March 2026 compared to nearly 6 percent one year ago.,” Mr Rolle said.
She also questioned the role of Chester Cooper, current MP for Exuma and Ragged Island, who also serves as deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation.
“The member for Exuma and Ragged Island is the deputy prime minister and the minister of tourism, investments and aviation,” she said. “Where has he been while 53 of his own constituents have lost their livelihoods?”
With the May 12 general election approaching, Ms Moxey-Rolle added: “Exuma and Ragged Island deserve a representative who will fight for the workers in Black Point as hard as this government has fought for an investor in Miami. On May 12, that is the choice on the ballot.”
The dispute involving Turtlegrass is though to be connected to the neighbouring $200m Rosewood Exuma project, which the former has opposed over environmental and planning concerns. Turtlegrass has suggested that the timing of the Government’s enforcement action raises questions about fairness and consistency in how approvals are handled.
“We also embrace the importance of improving the network that provides access to cash facilities in the Family Islands… so that anyone with a bank account can access cash dispensing facilities wherever they exist,” he said.
At the same time, the Central Bank is working to create an enabling environment for fintech (financial technology) innovation, particularly in areas that can support tourism-related payments and broaden the range of services available to both residents and visitors.
“As payment service providers and fintech firms think of use cases that reach tourists, the Central Bank is fully supportive of those. That speaks to putting in place the right frameworks to allow innovation around payments infrastructure,”
Mr Rolle said.
These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of a financial services sector that remains in transition, with increasing emphasis on competitiveness, compliance and broader participation.
“The financial services sector… is still in a transitioning state. There’s a lot of emphasis on how to boost the prospects of the sector, enlisting widespread participation from both the Government and the private sector,” said Mr Rolle He added that a critical near-term priority is The Bahamas’ upcoming mutual evaluation under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework, which will assess the country’s effectiveness in combating money laundering and maintaining financial system integrity.
Mr Rolle stressed that preparations for this process are intensive and carry significant implications for the jurisdiction’s global standing.
“It’s very important for us to demonstrate effectiveness… because that impacts our global risk rating as a jurisdiction, and therefore the ease with which we do business with the rest of the world,” he explained.
In parallel, authorities are also advancing work related to international tax transparency standards, another key benchmark for maintaining credibility in global financial markets.
“We are very involved with the assessment of how The Bahamas is delivering on its common reporting standard (CRS) around tax transparency… and we anticipate that by the second half of the year there will be more publicised understanding of how The Bahamas has performed,” Mr Rolle added.
CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS
Ex-minister: Family ‘grateful’ if 13-year saga nearing end
concept under discussion, said he was unaware of the real property tax move.
“They’ve done it already? They’ve not sent me any written confirmation,” he replied, when contacted by Tribune Business yesterday.
“That means they would have already changed the books, but they haven’t yet told us that.
“I will call and find out what’s going on. You have more information than me. They have not sent anything to me in writing; confirmation in writing of what we verbally agreed to.” Mr Gomez, though, added that the contents of the government memorandum detailing the Cabinet conclusion, as well as the seeming real property taxes “offset”, were consistent with what had been discussed in settlement negotiations.
“That’s reflective of what I have personally agreed to,” he said. “I’ve got an informal arrangement agreed to, but I’m waiting for a document. I’ve been patient, but that’s as much as I can say. We have been negotiating, but we have not yet finalised and resolved it.
I’m not sure whether it will be resolved before the election is over. This has been a rather messy affair.”
Tribune Business reported in 2020 that it had seen written suggestions that the Government then owed as much as a $66m liability to Mr Miller over the
unpaid rent, and Mr Gomez added yesterday that the Government’s “position is about $20m short of what is owed in rent. Up until this year, those leases have not been abandoned by the Government”.
Mr Miller, meanwhile, confirmed to Tribune Business that negotiations with the Government are ongoing and nothing has been settled yet. He added that his family will be “very grateful” should what he described as a 13-year saga be brought to an end.
However, he said he had “never seen” the 2025 and 2026 real property tax bills for “Mario’s Bowling Lane”, adding that they would have instead been sent to Bahamas Resolve as the special purpose vehicle (SPV) has “control” of the Summerwinds Plaza through the loan security over it. BISX-listed Bank of The Bahamas has assigned all interest in the loan over to Bahamas Resolve.
Mr Miller, who is one of the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) top general election campaigners, telling Tribune Business he has been out meeting voters seven days per week and visited all 41 constituencies, said the talks with the Government have yet to bear fruit. “Nothing yet. We are working on it,” he said. “I’ve been in discussions with them for the last 13 years.
“Our lease went through, and was approved by, Parliament in 2013. For the first time in the history of The
Bahamas, it went through Parliament, Then we started construction on the building, went to Bank of The Bahamas and they couldn’t come up with a loan to build. It went downhill from there. We had some discussions with Minnis and those. They just let the leases run” but never paid any rent.
Mr Miller added that the Government’s UK attorneys had advised he held binding, valid lease agreements and that the agreements should be honoured, but this did not happen. “That’s where it is now,” he said. “God is still good. We’ll see what the PLP is going to do. Plenty money, and I wish we could get some of it. My family will be very grateful. That doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.”
Asked about the seeming “offset” of the $2.113m in real property tax accumulated between 2009 and 2025 for Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace, Mr Miller replied: “To be honest with you, I’ve never seen any of them [bills]. I have not seen them. I have not seen the new one. They [Bahamas Resolve] have control of the property. It’s on them to settle; nothing to do with us.”
James Gomez, the Ecovis Bahamas accountant and partner, who chairs Bahamas Resolve, yesterday said he was travelling and unable to comment when contacted by Tribune Business. This newspaper, though, understands that the outstanding $30.5m
Middle managers yet to gain update on Gov’t acquisition
It is also expected that either BPL or BISX-listed FOCOL Holdings, which has been contracted to provide baseload electricity generation for New Providence, will take over GB Power’s management as part of the Government’s strategy to have one uniform electricity tariff for the entire Bahamas and bring GB Power into line with a nationwide electricity network. Another source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of the Government and Emera: “I understand they’ve signed some kind of contract. I don’t know how that happened so fast. The Grand Bahama people don’t want the Government to own their power company. And you always get a half-story from the Government.” It is unclear whether more details on the Government’s plans for
GB Power will be revealed at today’s 2pm announcement which is scheduled to take place at the utility’s headquarters. To-date, the Government has pledged to lower GB Power’s rates to tariffs in line with BPL, although it has yet to lay-out the road map and strategy for how this will be accomplished. However, Prime Minister Philip Davis KC promised in announcing the GB Power deal at end-January 2026 that the deal would close in 60-90 days and, if that is what today’s event is about, he will tout it as another accomplishment to boost the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) general election campaign. Parliament has guaranteed $280m worth of borrowings to finance GB Power’s purchase and working capital for the utility, with $80m of that sum aligned for the latter purpose. The deal, if it closes, will more than double the
borrowings that the Government and Bahamian taxpayers have guaranteed on behalf of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to more than $700m. Emera’s financials for the 12 months to year-end 2025 show that GB Power generated a $10m Canadian dollar contribution to the utility giant’s “consolidated adjusted net income” for the period - a figure that was slightly down on the prior year’s $11m. Using the current exchange rate, that $10m Canadian dollars translates into about US $7.3m.
Those profits were generated from $162m Canadian dollars worth of revenue, which represented a 16.5 percent year-overyear increase compared to 2024’s $139m Canadian dollar top-line. The increase is likely due to increased economic activity among GB Power’s 20,000-strong customer base, with Carnival’s $600m Celebration
loan originally extended to Mr Miller by Bank of The Bahamas, and secured on the Summerwinds Plaza’s real estate assets, remains on Bahamas Resolve’s books and has not been settled or “offset” yet. The latter’s Board would also have to approve this.
Some observers, including the Free National Movement (FNM) in this politically-charged environment, will likely view any sort of “offset” settlement as the culmination of a decade-long effort by two Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administrations to provide a Bahamian taxpayer-funded bail-out of Mr Miller’s private interests.
This is particularly since the $9.846m ‘breach of contract’ damages awarded to Mr Miller and his companies in 2020 by Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal and sent back to the Supreme Court for a fresh trial before a different judge.
As a result, some will likely argue that there is nothing to “offset” the mortgage and real property tax debts as the near-$10m awarded against the Attorney General and Treasurer for breaching the five Summerwinds Plaza lease agreements. However, Mr Gomez said in September 2021 that he had consented to allow the appeal’s success because both sides were in negotiations to settle the matter and avoid further legal action.
Key destination having opened last July. The exchange rate conversion means GB Power generated $118.26m worth of revenues in US dollars last year.
The value of the Grand Bahama-based electricity provider’s physical assets, namely property, plant and equipment, narrowed slightly last year from $371m Canadian dollars at year-end 2024 to $361m Canadian dollars some 12 months later.
To give an idea of what the Government is potentially acquiring, Emera said: “With $378m US dollars of assets, and approximately 20,000 customers, GB Power owns 98 mega watts (MW) of oil-fired generation, approximately 100 kilometres of transmission facilities and 1,000 kilometres of distribution facilities. GB Power’s approved regulatory return on rate base is 8.52 per cent.”
The Government has yet to disclose its “game plan”, and the commercial and economic rationale, for acquiring GB Power and adding more than a quarter-of-a-billion dollars to The Bahamas’ $12bn-plus national debt other than implying that Grand Bahama businesses and households will see a reduction in energy bills and costs
The Supreme Court verdict’s overturning came just weeks after the Davis administration was elected to office. The negotiations have now seemingly dragged on into their fifth year and, in the meantime, no effort appears to have been made to move legal proceedings forward.
Mr Miller, a former Cabinet minister in the first Christie administration, had argued that the Government’s failure to honour the lease payments, and make combined annual rental payments exceeding $4.5m annually, resulted in his company being unable to repay Bank of The Bahamas. The PLP-controlled House of Assembly passed a resolution in 2014 permitting Mr Miller and his companies to enter into rental contracts to lease space to government agencies.
Two leases were entered into for the Summerwinds complex in May and June 2013, but “significant renovations and structural work” were required to make the property ready for the Government agencies.
Financing for the upgrades was obtained from Bank of The Bahamas via a $2.5m “upstamping” of the mortgage it held on Summerwinds, and $185,000 was received by Mr Miller and his companies. However, nothing further was received, and the former MP alleged the bank breached the contract to finance the renovations.
following the acquisition. It has also yet to show how its valuation of GB Power was derived, given that $200m of the $280m has been earmarked for covering purchase costs.
The GB Power purchase which, in effect, is a nationalisation of Grand Bahama’s energy supplier, is also the exact opposite direction that the Government has taken in outsourcing BPL’s New Providence baseload generation and electricity grid to the private sector, “GB Power should be the least of their worries,” the source said. “It’s a functioning utility. It would be different if it was in trouble or a bad performer, but there’s no urgency other than there’s an election coming up and they want to make a splash. I’m eager to find out what the rationale is going to be. This [Emera’s confirmation the sale has yet to close] makes this $280m exercise more curious because there’s no need to do this right now.
“No one is clamouring for this change. I know quite a few people in Grand Bahama and not one wants the Government to have a greater role. And we haven’t seen the game plan for GB Power. Are we taking on the liabilities? What are we actually purchasing?
The 2013 leases were replaced by fresh ones agreed between Mr Miller and the former Christie administration in 2016. The ex-Cabinet minister then argued that the Government now “set them up to fail” by only providing a partial $344,802 advance on a $4.787m rental payment to finance the renovations.
The main potential tenant was the Immigration Department, which had been lined up to lease some 98,000 square feet at the former Robin Hood store. Other government departments supposed to join it were the Registrar General’s Department, Public Parks and Beaches Authority and Parliamentary Registration (voting) Department. Those leases were among the contracts identified by K Peter Turnquest, deputy prime minister under the Minnis administration, as “handcuffing” the Government’s financial plans. It was one of two cases he cited during the 2018 midyear Budget debate where the Government owed between $13-$14 million for property leases and had “no exit clauses”, even though “not one single government worker has ever set foot in the building”.
Mr Miller, though, had described the leases as “a win-win” for all parties given that the rental rate was 45-55 per cent lower than that typically enjoyed by the Government.
This has been driven by the Government from day one but there’s no need for the Government to be taking this on.
“You have enough Bahamian capital out there. Let them buy it, let the regulators regulate, otherwise you are setting yourself up for disaster and you will have another BPL and the same problems that BPL has but now in Grand Bahama.” Grand Bahama businesses, meanwhile, have continued to voice scepticism about what the Government’s proposed GB Power purchase will mean for energy costs and reliability on the island.
“If we’re going to come under the auspices of what goes on in Nassau, it’s a bit scary,” one said. “I’m sure Emera will be delighted. I’m sure they will be happy to be out.”
And a financial observer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they were “shocked and stunned” that the Government was seeking to increase the national debt by almost $300m through pursuing GB Power’s acquisition. Emera, they added, had seemingly not been seeking to sell or exit, which meant it had likely been “squeezed” by the Government into doing so.
Central Bank chief cites ‘uncertainty’ once existing BPL fuel hedge expires
PRICES - from page B1
in global oil prices, helping to stabilise electricity costs for consumers. However, Mr Rolle indicated that the effectiveness of any future hedging arrangement will depend heavily on prevailing market conditions at the time of renewal.
“One has to hope that we make good progress over the next few months to try to bring in more stabilisation to the energy markets. And I think that will put us in a strong position in terms of potentially renewing a
fuel hedge,” the Governor added.
He warned, however, that even if a new hedging arrangement is secured it may not deliver the same level of price protection as before, particularly if oil prices remain elevated due to global conflicts and supply disruptions.
“But it is equally likely that, beyond this period, even being able to secure new hedge facilities, we should anticipate that likely we will see some adjustment in The Bahamas in terms of if market prices are not settled to the level that they were when we
Share your news
The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story.
added the hedge initially. Then some of that is going to be factored into any new hedge,” Mr Rolle said. His comments come amid renewed volatility in global energy markets, driven in part by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have already contributed to rising fuel costs and broader inflationary pressures.
Mr Rolle’s warning suggests that while hedging can provide short-term stability, it does not fully insulate The Bahamas from sustained increases in global oil prices, meaning consumers and businesses could eventually face higher energy costs if current trends persist.
The Central Bank has previously highlighted energy prices as a key transmission channel for inflation in The Bahamas, affecting not only electricity bills but also transportation, imported goods and the overall cost of living. As a result, the trajectory of fuel prices will be a critical factor shaping inflation and economic conditions over the remainder of 2026.
Barred attorneys still able to practice amid appeal delays
be effectively regulated to promote the public’s confidence that our administration of justice is best served by the attorney inspired by an ethic of care”, the appeal justice added. “Effective enforcement of professional ethics is, therefore, a matter that transcends the private relationship of the attorney and his client, and indeed the domestic arrangement between the bar and the attorney.
“Effective enforcement is more notably important in small societies in the Caribbean, such as The Bahamas, where unethical legal practices left unchecked undermine the rule of law. It is for this reason that an attorney, as in this case, who has been struck off the roll, having been found guilty of misconduct by the Disciplinary Tribunal [of the Bar Association] and wishes to appeal such a finding, must act with alacrity, diligence and competence.”
Appeal justice Kokaram continued: “Delay in the prosecution of such an appeal only serves to compromise the efficacy of the legal profession and the legal system itself in the eyes of the public. More significantly, in this case, where the legal system provides that an appeal, once lodged by an attorney against a serious finding that he should be disbarred, cannot take effect while the
appellate proceedings are pending.
“The public, as indeed the profession, must place a high demand on the timely disposition of such appeals, as any delay unwittingly affords the sanctioned attorney the benefit of continuing to ply his trade. This serves only to create the perception that the ethical misconduct of the attorney is being condoned.
“This is a critical feature of the backdrop of this appeal, where the appellant, an attorney who was ordered by the Tribunal to be struck off the Roll, is seeking further time to comply with clear directions by the court to pursue his appeal against the Tribunal’s Order.”
Appeal justice Kokaram said Mr Rolle had committed “several procedural deficiencies and missed deadlines” in prosecuting his appeal, including failing to pay a bond, file the record of appeal and his written submissions on time. “The cumulative effect of this series of missteps is a matter of grave concern for this court, as this is no normal litigant, nor is it a normal appeal,” the appeal justice wrote.
“Indeed, these breaches amount to contumelious conduct. As an attorney, he is one who is well aware of the rules and the ethos of compliance before the Court of Appeal. Further, this was a case of the need for the attorney himself to be held to the proper
Bahamas’ proximity to US remains ‘potential upside’
EXPAND - from page B1
geopolitical tensions experienced in 2025. Moreover, heading into 2026, downside economic risk further increased as the war in the Middle East caused a new spike in oil prices.”
Mr Rolle explained that these external shocks are not isolated, but instead transmit through multiple
channels into the Bahamian economy, affecting both businesses and consumers.
“Geopolitical risks, as they exist, impact the economy through varied channels. In particular, higher energy costs from the war in Iran are expected to cause increased inflation directly in imported fuel and in goods and services impacted by higher fuel,
standard of complying with the court’s deadlines in the face of a serious finding of sharp practice made by the Tribunal, and of the need to effectively regulate the conduct of attorneys.
“Having regard to all the circumstances of this case, the application for an extension of time was dismissed, as there was unexplained delay, serious non-compliance with the rules and orders of the court, unsatisfactory grounds to justify the delay, continuing prejudice to the respondent, the public and administration of justice, and lack of merit in the grounds of appeal. It was not in the interests of justice to extend the time for complying with the Registrar’s Order.”
The Court of Appeal judgment recorded how Mr Rolle ran afoul of the Bar Association’s disciplinary tribunal for “the misappropriation” of $167,722 due to the now-late Scott Deal as proceeds from a 2017 real estate transaction. “Despite demands by his client to recover the proceeds of the sale, the appellant [Mr Rolle] continuously made excuses to his client as to why the balance could not be paid,” the Court of Appeal recorded.
“Eventually, in an attempt to retrieve the balance due, the client launched debt recovery proceedings against the appellant in 2018 in the Supreme Court, in which the client was ultimately successful in obtaining an order at the
such as airline ticket pricing for tourists, higher freight and other transportation costs being absorbed by local businesses,” he added.
Mr Rolle said tourism, the country’s primary economic driver, continues to perform strongly, although some structural constraints and emerging risks remain.
“As tourism estimated inflows soared at a healthy pace during the first quarter, with a stronger stopover earnings boost than in the first quarter of 2025 alongside a rebound in visitor volumes, indications are
Wall Street falls from its records and oil prices jump after fighting flares in the Middle East
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer
THE U.S. stock market fell from its record heights Monday, while oil prices jumped following escalations in the Middle East that may undermine the ceasefire in the war with Iran.
The S&P 500 sank 0.4%, coming off its latest alltime high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 557 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.2%.
The action was stronger in the oil market, where the price for a barrel of Brent crude leaped 5.8% to settle at $114.44. It jolted higher after the United Arab Emirates, a U.S. ally, said it came under attack by Iran for the first time since the ceasefire took hold in early April. The attacks appeared to be in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s closure of the strait has kept oil tankers pent up in the Persian Gulf and away from customers worldwide. That in turn has sent the price of Brent soaring from roughly $70 per barrel before the war.
Trump said Sunday that the United States would guide ships through the strait, which could get oil flowing again and bring down its price. But prices instead climbed with uncertainty about what would happen next. The U.S. military said Monday that two American-flagged merchant ships had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz. It also said that it sank six small boats as it set up an “enhanced security area” for ships crossing the strait. Even with all the uncertainty about how long the war with Iran will last, the U.S. stock market has remained remarkably resilient and has powered to record after record. Hope is still high on Wall Street that the global economy can avoid a worst-case scenario because of the war. And in the meantime, companies continue to deliver big growth in profits. That’s key because stock prices tend to follow the path of corporate profits over the long term.
The strength so far this reporting season has been broad-based and not confined to just the Big Tech superstars that dominate
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that ROSE-GUERLINE BAPTISTE of Fellow Centre 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 5th day of May, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
trial for the recovery of the said sum. This resulted in the 2019 complaint to the Bar Association’s disciplinary tribunal, which ruled four years later in 2023 that Mr Rolle was “in breach of his duties of integrity, competence and preservation of property”.
This, the Tribunal found, merited Mr Rolle being struck from the Roll and disbarred from practicing as an attorney. “During the course of that hearing, a receiver was appointed over the assets of the appellant’s firm, and eventually after a protracted period of time the funds were paid by the appellant,” the Court of Appeal ruled.
Mr Rolle’s subsequent appeal was rejected on all grounds apart from one, where the Court of Appeal found that the striking-off was “in breach of natural justice” because he had not been given the opportunity to respond and be heard. When this occurred, the Bar Association’s disciplinary tribunal ruled on December 18, 2024, that disbarrment should proceed despite Mr Rolle’s arguments about his “young family, the full repayment of funds, and that other sanctions would be appropriate, such as suspension”.
His latest appeal against the strike-off required that Mr Rolle file the record of appeal on March 20, 2025, and place the bond by April 20, 2025. The Court of Appeal said there was no sign of the ‘record’ in its
that room rate pricing appreciated for hotels and vacation rentals,” said Mr Rolle.
“A dominant factor was significantly accelerated non-US stopover visitor growth compared to 2025, benefiting from airlift, particularly in Canada. Nevertheless, limited room capacity remained a constraint on hotels, and continued weakness in the US source market underscored emerging risks given the importance of such demand to sustaining airlift capacity.”
system, while the bond was paid on May 29, 2025, some six days after the deadline imposed after Mr Rolle obtained an extension. As a result, the Bahamas Bar Council moved to dismiss the appeal for non-compliance with the Court of Appeal’s rules.
The Court of Appeal also voiced alarm that Mr Rolle had elected to represent himself, adding: “Attorneys should be strongly encouraged to avoid putting themselves in these embarrassing positions. In this instance, the appellant ought to have entrusted the conduct of this application to another colleague.”
And it added that there has “simply been no good reasons” provided for failing to meet the deadlines.
“The explanation is symptomatic of the very failure for which he was found in breach of his ethical duties with his client.
That is, using funds allocated for a legitimate purpose for his own private purposes,” the Court of Appeal ruled. “This appeal is being pursued within a unique statutory context, in which the sanction imposed on the appellant has been effectively stayed.
“The consistent delays without sufficient excuse, and casual non-compliance, has worked only to stall the effect of the Tribunal’s Order, and the appellant continued to practice in the face of the Tribunal’s determination. This is no trite matter, as it strikes at the
Despite the mounting challenges, Mr Rolle added that there are still potential upside opportunities, particularly as shifting global travel patterns could benefit The Bahamas.
“There are some upside potentials. Travel to proximate destinations like The Bahamas could offer more affordable substitutes for North American visitors confronted with disproportionately costlier travel to more distant destinations,” he said.
The Governor explained that, even in the face of
integrity of the enforcement procedures under the Legal Professions Act, which was implemented to protect the public and to instill confidence in the profession’s ability to regulate itself…..
“Equally, this would be a matter for the Bar Association to advocate for reform to tighten the enforcement procedures under the legislation to ensure there is effective regulation of the unethical conduct of attorneys.” It also found that Mr Rolle had sought to resurrect previous issues that had been dismissed - in effect, taking “second bite at the cherry”.
In concluding its dismissal of Mr Rolle’s appeal, the Court of Appeal added: “It cannot be overstated how important it is for the integrity of our system of justice that attorneys act with diligence and complete probity. The court’s orders must be observed, especially where the court is being called upon to investigate an attorney’s serious breach of conduct.
“Further, the need to effectively regulate and discipline attorneys requires the appellate system to be properly and efficiently utilised. Having regard to all of the circumstances considered in our judgment, the application for an extension of time is dismissed. Ultimately, the interests of justice in this case is better served by dismissing the application rather than acceding to the request.”
increased uncertainty, The Bahamas’ economic fundamentals remain relatively strong and are supported by adequate buffers and a stable financial system.
“Even under worse scenarios than currently anticipated, external reserve coverage is robustly adequate to protect the currency, and domestic banks’ balance sheets remain strong and highly capitalised to absorb any setbacks,” he said.
the market. The median stock in the S&P 500 is tracking for the best growth since 2021, according to Savita Subramanian, a strategist at Bank of America.
Tyson Foods joined the list Monday of those topping analysts’ expectations for both profit and revenue during the latest quarter.
It sold less beef than it did a year ago, but it did so at prices that were 11.5% higher, so its total beef revenue edged up. It also sold more chicken and pork than a year earlier, at slightly higher prices. Its stock rose 8% and helped limit Wall Street’s losses.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings likewise delivered a better profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. But it’s feeling the effects of the war, which has not only raised pressure on fuel prices but also pushed customers to think twice about travel plans, particularly to Europe.
The cruise operator said some “execution missteps” also have bookings below where it would like, and its stock fell 8.6%.
UPS and FedEx dropped even more for some of the market’s sharpest losses
after Amazon announced a move that could cut into their businesses. The online giant said it’s begun allowing Procter & Gamble, 3M and other big companies to use its logistics services to move inventory, fulfill orders and deliver packages directly to shoppers.
UPS dropped 10.5%, and FedEx fell 9.1%, while Amazon rose 1.4%.
GameStop slumped after it said it wants to buy eBay, a much larger company, for $125 per share in cash and stock. Coming into the day, eBay had a total market value that was nearly quadruple GameStop’s.
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 JEAN CLAUDE PIERRE of Village Road, Nassau, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th day of MAY, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that ASMILE VIXAMAR PIERRE of Palmetto Avenue, 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 28th day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
OPTIONS trader Anthony Spina, foreground, works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Photo:Richard Drew/AP
AP, Washington Post, Reuters and Minnesota Star Tribune among Pulitzer winners for 2025 work
By JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press
THE Washington Post won the Pulitzer Prize for public service for scrutinizing the Trump administration’s sweeping, choppy overhaul of federal agencies, and The Associated Press won the award Monday for international reporting about surveillance.
In a year when several prize-winning projects zoomed in on the Trump presidency, the Post’s coverage illuminated the fast-moving, sometimes opaque particulars of the administration’s drive to reshape the national government and what the cuts and changes meant for individual Americans.
The Miami Herald’s Julie K. Brown was given a special citation for her reporting, nearly a decade ago, that drew attention to Jeffrey Epstein ‘s abuses.
The New York Times won three of the coveted prizes, the Post and Reuters each won two, and smaller outlets ranging from The Connecticut Mirror to the podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out” also were recognized in a challenging year for American journalism.
“This is always a day of celebration in our communities, but perhaps never more so than today as we face tremendous political and economic pressures,” prize administrator Marjorie Miller said in a livestream announcing the awards.
In the last few months, the Post cut a third of its staff, CBS News announced it would shutter its nearly century-old radio service, The AP offered buyouts to over 120 journalists and some regional newspapers also publicly struggled. CBS
parent Paramount’s acquisition of CNN has raised questions about what’s next for those networks. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump continued to bash, and sometimes sue, outlets whose coverage he finds objectionable.
‘Sweeping and deeply impactful reporting’
Spanning three years, thousands of pages of documents and numerous interviews, the AP project found that American companies help lay the foundations of the Chinese government’s system for monitoring and policing its citizens.
“This was sweeping and deeply impactful reporting, the kind of work that highlights the unique strengths of AP’s global, multiformat newsroom,” executive editor Julie Pace said in an email to staffers. She is among the Pulitzer Board’s new members.
Some of The Washington Post’s winning work was by reporter Hannah Natanson, whose home was searched and devices were seized in
what federal authorities say was an investigation into a Pentagon contractor’s handling of classified documents but the Post says was a violation of the First Amendment.
Two winning entries focused on Trump’s pulverizing approach to norms and constraints. Reuters, which won for national reporting, looked at how Trump has used the federal government and his supporters’ influence to expand presidential authority and target foes, the award judges noted. The Times took the investigative reporting prize for exploring the Republican president’s boundary-pushing approach to the notion of conflicts of interest.
Joseph Kahn, executive editor of the Times, said its reporters have been threatened over their work. “We have not, and will not” bow to the pressure, he said in a statement.
Reuters’ reporting on scam ads, AI chatbots and the social media giant Meta — which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp
— won the newly revived prize for beat reporting. The award, for journalists consistently assigned to a particular topic, was last given two decades ago.
Reuters’ wins spotlighted “fearless, deeply reported, original work that holds powerful institutions to account,” editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni said in a statement.
Visual journalism honors included a graphic novel
The prize for breaking news went to The Minnesota Star Tribune’s coverage of last year’s deadly mass shooting during Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school. Judges praised the thoroughness and compassion of the newspaper’s reporting on a scene of carnage in its hometown.
“To me, it’s really a moment to appreciate the power of local journalism,” Kathleen Hennessey, the Star Tribune’s editor and senior vice president, said in an interview. One Tribune reporter who lives in the neighborhood heard the gunshots and called 911
before running to the scene, she noted; an editor at the paper has children who attend the school.
“It feels really gratifying to be recognized, but for this newsroom, this is also just still a really painful event,” Hennessey said.
The San Francisco Chronicle received the award for explanatory reporting, which means work that makes a complex topic comprehensible to everyday readers and viewers. The Chronicle’s series laid out how insurers, aided by algorithmic tools, undervalued and denied rebuilding claims for fire-destroyed homes, the judges said.
In visual journalism, The Times got a breaking news photography award for depicting devastation and starvation in Gaza resulting from Israel’s war in the territory. The Post won the feature photography prize, for a visual essay on a family welcoming a firstborn as the child’s father grappled with terminal cancer. The award for illustrated reporting and commentary — a category that includes editorial cartoons and more — went to Bloomberg for a graphic novel about online scams that threaten “digital arrest.”
In a statement, Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait called it “deeply reported public service journalism, published in an inventive format.”
While several prizes reflected the year’s biggest news stories, others highlighted work that wasn’t pushed to everyone’s phones.
One of two local reporting awards went to The Connecticut Mirror and ProPublica for a series on
how towing companies profited off Connecticut laws, at the expense of poor car owners; the state soon changed the laws. The Chicago Tribune also was honored for its coverage of the Trump administration’s intense immigration crackdown in the Windy City.
A ‘pioneering’ live podcast investigation
Texas Monthly won the feature writing award for an editor’s first-person story of flooding that killed his toddler nephew and swept his home away. Also in Texas, The Dallas Morning News’ architecture critic won the criticism award; judges praised Mark Lamster’s wit and expertise. The New York Times’ M. Gessen won the opinion writing award for essays on authoritarianism.
The audio award went to “Pablo Torre Finds Out” for probing financial arrangements between Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard and an environmental startup in which the team owner invested. The judges called the project a “pioneering and entertaining form of live podcast journalism.”
The Pulitzer announcement — usually followed by a dinner later in the year — came little more than a week after an armed man rushed a security checkpoint and exchanged gunfire with Secret Service agents outside another big event for U.S. journalists, the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington. The man is now charged with trying to assassinate Trump, who was attending the event for his first time as president.
Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the abovenamed Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 21st day of April 2026.
Brian Selvadurai Liquidator of
The conversations Bahamian men are not having
BY JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
BEHIND the humour, long workdays, and quiet resilience, many Bahamian men are managing health concerns they rarely speak about. From mental strain and high blood pressure to sexual health and delayed doctor visits, several men admit that silence has become a default response, often until something goes wrong.
For some, that silence is rooted in upbringing. The expectation to be strong, composed, and self-reliant has shaped how many men interpret discomfort, whether physical or emotional.
Andre, a 38-year-old father of two, said that mindset has followed him well into adulthood, making it difficult to open up even when he knows something feels off.
“I grew up in a house where you just dealt with things and moved on. Even now, if something feels wrong, my first instinct is to push through instead of talking about it or going to check it out. After a while, you don’t even realise you’re ignoring things because that’s just how you’ve always handled it,” he said.
That tendency to internalise issues is especially evident when it comes to mental health. While conversations around anxiety, stress, and burnout have become more visible globally, several men
say those discussions are still limited within their everyday circles.
Ricardo, a 29-year-old professional, said the pressure to provide and maintain stability often goes unspoken, even among friends.
“You don’t really hear men around you saying they’re stressed or anxious like that. Everybody is just trying to keep up, handle work, handle life, and you don’t want to look like you can’t manage it. So you laugh, you make jokes, you keep it moving, but inside you’re dealing with a lot more than people realise,” he said.
Beyond mental health, physical concerns are also frequently overlooked. Routine check-ups are often delayed, and symptoms are dismissed until they begin to interfere with daily life.
Derrick, a 45-year-old construction worker, said he learned that lesson the hard way after ignoring persistent headaches. “I kept putting off going to the doctor because most days I felt fine. It wasn’t until the headaches started affecting my work that I decided to check it out, and then I found out my pressure was high. Looking back, I probably should have gone earlier, but I never saw myself as someone who was sick,” he said.
Healthcare professionals have long warned that this approach can lead to late diagnoses and more serious complications, particularly for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which continue to affect many Bahamian men. Another area that remains largely unspoken is sexual and reproductive health. Discomfort and stigma often prevent open discussion, leaving some men without the information or support they need.
Kareem, a 34-year-old entrepreneur, said these conversations are often avoided altogether. “It’s not something men really sit down and talk about, even among friends. If anything comes up, it usually turns into a joke instead of a real conversation. That can leave you unsure about things you probably should be getting proper
Dr Arlington Lightbourne • Putting Wellness First
Make sure you get those ZZZs
This month is National Sleep Month, and that helps to remind us to pay attention to something we too often do not regard as important.
How many times do we stay up too late or rise too early? We burn the midnight oil, thinking what we are doing is more important than the need to sleep, even though that can harm our health in the long-term. Sleep is not something we can disregard. It is hugely important to our health, alongside nutrition, physical activity, and stress control.
When you don’t sleep well, you know how it affects you the next day. You are tired, you can’t focus properly, and you may have a foul mood. But what about the long term? Sleep disruption can affect your whole body – brain, heart, metabolism, and immune function.
Prolonged lack of sleep only makes it even worse.
Harvard University warns of the dangers of lack of sleep and burning the candle at both ends, saying that long-term chronic sleep deprivation may lead to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It can even lead to early mortality.
The university says, “Study after study has revealed that people who sleep poorly are at greater risk for a number of diseases and health problems.”
One of the reasons for obesity, for example, is that during sleep, our bodies secrete hormones that help to control appetite and
glucose processing. Not enough sleep upsets the balance of those hormones.
I have written before about how we need to treat sleep as medicine – and it is true. We need to protect the hours we need for our sleep.
To do that, you need to decide when to stop burning that candle. There are tips that can help you, such as turning off screens, putting down that phone, avoiding scrolling through social media. Try to do that at least an hour before sleep. There are many things that can wait until the next day.
You can try to establish a routine – your body will naturally get used to going to bed at certain hours once you repeat that pattern.
You can help by avoiding caffeine in the late part of the day, as well as limiting alcohol and large meals for up to three hours before bed.
Winding down is important. Find ways to relax. Perhaps a warm bath, perhaps listening to calming music.
Exercise is good – but try to avoid doing exercise that is too vigorous too close to bedtime. A break of a couple of hours allows you to unwind that energy.
The world’s experts all agree on the importance of this, so try to make time for yourself. A good night’s sleep is not just important for the next day; it is important for your long-term health.
Don’t underestimate its impact on your health. Treating
it as a priority could just put years on your life.
• Dr Arlington Lightbourne is the founder, president and CEO of the Bahamas Wellness Health System, which has launched the first private hospital in the Family Islands at Eleuthera Wellness Hospital. To learn more, visit https://bahamaswellness. health/
advice on, but you don’t always feel comfortable asking,” he said. Despite these challenges, there are signs that attitudes are slowly shifting. Some men are beginning to recognise that prioritising their health is not a sign of weakness, but a necessary part of maintaining their responsibilities and quality of life.
Andre said that the shift in perspective has made a noticeable difference in his approach.
“I had to realise that taking care of myself is part of taking care of my family. Once I started looking at it that way, it became easier to actually do something about the things I was ignoring. It’s still not always easy, but I know now that staying silent doesn’t help me,” he said.
For others, change begins with awareness. Hearing other men speak openly, even in small ways, can challenge long-standing norms and encourage more honest conversations.
As health awareness continues to grow, there is increasing recognition that silence can come at a cost. Whether it is addressing mental strain, seeking medical care earlier, or having more open discussions around sensitive topics, many agree that change starts with simply acknowledging what has long gone unsaid.
Hidden harm: Local educators analyse the impact of child sexual abuse and trauma
Newly publicised findings from the 2023 Global School-based Student Health Survey have given measurable voice to what educators and child protection advocates have long worked to uncover.
Framed within national discussions on child sexual abuse and trauma, the data highlights the downstream outcomes practitioners say often follow unaddressed harm. More than one in four students surveyed reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, nearly one in five said they had attempted suicide, and more than half indicated they do not confide in anyone when they are struggling - indicators, experts caution, of trauma that frequently originates well before a child ever enters a classroom.
Against this reality, guidance counsellors from schools across New Providence convened recently at the Department of Social Services for a one-day workshop focused on one of the most under-reported drivers of childhood trauma: sexual abuse.
Held as part of Child Protection Month 2026 under the theme "Building Safe Spaces: A Community Promise to Our Children," the session was organised by the National Child Protection Council in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting through the Say No, Then Go child-safety campaign. The campaign focuses on prevention education for children, including how to recognise unsafe situations, assert boundaries, and report concerns to trusted adults.
Dr Novia T Carter-Lookie, Chair of the National Child Protection Council and a senior child psychologist within the Ministry of Education, delivered a digital presentation titled "Hidden Harm: Understanding Incest, Trauma, and the Sexualised Brain." She urged counsellors to consider behaviour and academic performance not as standalone measures, but as possible indicators of underlying trauma and
the physiological expression of its neurological impact.
Globally, Dr Carter-Lookie noted, one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18 - most often within trusted relationships and without ever reporting the abuse. Drawing on neurological research, she emphasised that trauma is not merely an emotional response but a biological injury. When a child’s brain remains in a prolonged state of threat, the amygdala becomes overactive, the prefrontal cortex - responsible for reasoning and learning - shuts down, and survival eclipses cognition.
"You cannot teach a brain that is trying to survive," Dr Carter-Lookie stated.
That understanding underpinned the trauma-informed approach introduced during the workshop. Counsellors
Hannah Foster-Middleton
were guided through a five-step framework designed to support children who disclose abuse or present with signs of trauma: ensuring physical and emotional safety, listening and validating, understanding context, building a purposeful response plan, and providing sustained follow-up.
For many of the guidance counsellors in attendance, the workshop affirmed what they confront daily.
"We see the silence long before we hear the story," said Deborah Smith, Chief Social Worker, who works closely with schoolbased professionals. "Sometimes it shows up as withdrawal, sometimes as anger, sometimes as a child who suddenly can’t focus. Workshops like this help us respond with more clarity, more compassion, and more confidence - because these children need adults who don’t miss the signs."
The programme forms part of the National Child Protection Council’s longstanding work in prevention, education, and advocacy - efforts that for decades have sought to strengthen child-safeguarding systems across The Bahamas.
Speaking to the Ministry’s broader mandate, Deidre Hepburn, Acting Director of the Department of Social Services, underscored the government’s commitment to child protection.
"Our responsibility is not only to intervene after harm has occurred, but to build systems that prevent it," Hepburn said.
"Every child deserves safety, dignity, and the assurance that when they speak, they will be heard. The Ministry remains fully committed to strengthening reporting pathways, supporting schools, and ensuring that no child suffers in silence."
Busting the Big Five: Physiotherapy myths we really need to retire
If you’ve ever dealt with a sore back, cranky knee, stiff neck, or stubborn injury, chances are someone has offered advice about physiotherapy — whether they knew what they were talking about or not.
For a profession based heavily on science, physiotherapy attracts a surprising number of myths. Some are harmless, some are funny, and some actually stop people from getting the help they need.
So, in the spirit of public service, let’s clear the air and tackle five of the most common physiotherapy myths that simply refuse to go away.
Myth #1: “Physiotherapy Is Just Massage”
This one is incredibly common.
Yes, some physiotherapists use hands-on treatment such as soft tissue release, stretching, joint mobilisation, or massage-style techniques. But saying physiotherapy is “just massage” is like saying a mechanic only washes cars. Physiotherapists are trained to assess how the body moves and functions. They look at posture, strength, balance, mobility, coordination, flexibility, and movement habits. They investigate why pain started in the first place — not just where it hurts.
Treatment may include exercise programs, posture correction, balance training, rehabilitation after surgery, injury prevention, mobility work, and education on how to move better day to day.
Massage can be one tool in the toolbox, but
physiotherapy is much bigger than the treatment table.
Myth #2: “If I’m Not in Pain, I Don’t Need Physiotherapy”
Many people think physiotherapy is only for injuries or pain. In reality, pain is often the last sign that something has been going wrong for a while.
Think of it like servicing your car. You don’t wait until smoke pours out of the engine before taking action.
Physiotherapy can help prevent problems before they become painful or serious. People often see a physiotherapist to improve posture, correct movement patterns, increase strength, prevent falls, improve sports performance, or manage chronic health conditions. That little stiffness in your back, poor balance, recurring tightness, or awkward movement pattern may not hurt now, but it can become tomorrow’s bigger issue. Sometimes the smartest appointment is the one you make before something goes wrong.
Myth #3: “Physiotherapy Is Supposed to Hurt”
Somewhere along the line, people got the idea that physiotherapy should be painful to be effective. You know the image: grimacing through exercises while the therapist says, “No pain, no gain.” Thankfully, that old thinking has largely been left behind.
This year’s Child Protection Month theme underscores the need for more than awareness. Building safe spaces, participants were reminded, requires coordinated action across schools, families, and communities. For the counsellors in the room, silence was framed not as an absence of risk or reassurance, but as an opening - an opportunity to engage, to build trust, and to establish meaningful channels of communication with the students in their charge. As data continues to give voice to what children have long carried quietly, the call to listen - and to act - grows louder with each passing day.
Members of the public are reminded that suspected child abuse should be reported to the Department of Social Services Hotline at 322-2763, or to emergency services at 911 or 919.
strengthening, pacing strategies, or home programs.
Once your goals are reached — whether that’s walking pain-free, getting back to sport, lifting your grandchild, or simply sleeping through the night — you should be able to move on confidently.
Do some people come back later for tune-ups or new issues? Of course, bodies change, life happens, and injuries don’t send calendar invites.
But physiotherapy is not meant to become a lifetime subscription.
The Real Truth About Physiotherapy
A good physiotherapist works within your tolerance, listens to feedback, and adjusts treatment accordingly. You may feel challenged. You may feel effort. You may feel muscles waking up after a long vacation. But you should not feel like you’re surviving an extreme sport.
Myth #4: “Rest Is Best for Injuries” Ah, yes — the classic advice: “Just rest it.”
While short-term rest can be helpful immediately after some injuries, complete rest for too long often creates new problems.
Modern physiotherapy is about smart progress, not suffering. Yes, there may be moments of discomfort when stretching stiff joints, using weak muscles again, or rebuilding after injury. But pain should never be the goal.
Muscles weaken. Joints stiffen. Circulation slows. Confidence drops. Pain can even increase when the body becomes deconditioned.
The body is designed to move, and in many cases, movement is medicine.
Physiotherapists specialise in finding the right amount of movement during recovery. Not too much, not too little, just enough to encourage healing while protecting the injured area. This is especially important after sprains, strains, fractures, surgery, and flareups of chronic pain.
No, you may not be ready to run a marathon the next day. But guided movement usually beats lying on the
couch, negotiating with your ceiling fan.
Myth #5: “Once You Start Physiotherapy, You’ll Need It Forever”
Some people worry that starting physiotherapy means signing up for endless appointments.
That’s not how good physiotherapy works.
The goal is not dependency. The goal is independence.
A physiotherapist wants to help you recover, teach you what caused the issue, give you strategies to manage it, and provide tools to stop it from returning.
That may include exercises, posture changes, lifestyle advice,
When you strip away the myths, physiotherapy is actually quite simple. It helps people move better, feel better, and function better. It is proactive, evidence-based, and tailored to the individual. It gives people tools rather than temporary fixes. It focuses on long-term results rather than short-term gimmicks. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing pain, staying active as you age, or trying to prevent future problems, physiotherapy can be one of the smartest investments you make in your health.
So the next time someone says physio is “just massage” or that you need to wait until you’re in agony first, smile politely. Then stretch, strengthen, and carry on.
• For questions and comments, call Hannah Foster-Middleton at 356-4806, or visit www. physiotherapybahamas. com.
Photo: Pexels.com | kaboompics
DEBORAH SMITH, chief social worker, also shared remarks with workshop attendees on the role of professionals in safeguarding children
DESIRÉE HEPBURN, deputy director of the Department of Social Services, also brought remarks during the Child Protection Month workshop
DR NOVIA T CARTER‑LOOKIE addresses counsellors and educators
Comfort viewing ...the shows we turn to when we need a lift
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
EVERYBODY has that one show they run back to. The one that never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
Whether it is a light-hearted comedy, a nostalgic childhood favourite, or even an unexpected guilty pleasure, comfort viewing has become a simple yet effective way to unwind. And while the choices may vary, the outcome is often a subtle lift in mood and a temporary escape from stress.
According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter and light entertainment can play a meaningful role in overall well-being. You can be guffawing at a sitcom on television or quietly smiling at a familiar scene, and it still counts.
“ A good sense of humour can't cure all ailments, but data is mounting about the positive things laughter can do. A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally; it actually induces physical changes in your body,” noted the website.
Laughter, the site notes, enhances a person’s intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates the heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by the brain. It can activate and relieve your stress response.
“Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress,” noted the website.
Locally, many Bahamians say their go-to shows, regardless of
genre, offer that same sense of release in different ways.
For one viewer, nothing quite compares to the humour found in the world of Tyler Perry.
“Anything Tyler Perry or Madea-related, I’m watching it,” said Monique Thompson. She said it doesn’t matter how many times she has seen a film by Tyler; the feeling remains the same.
“I already know what’s coming, but it still gets me every time. I already know the acting is going to be horrible, the wigs are going to be dry, but his shows and movies bring a kind of humour that just lets you forget everything else for a while,” said Monique.
For others, comfort comes not just from laughter, but from revisiting a simpler time. Despite the responsibilities that come with adulthood, Valencia Grant said she often finds herself drawn to the familiar glow of childhood favourites on Disney+.
“As grown as I am, Disney Plus just does something for me,” she said. “It brings back that child-like feeling, like when life was softer and you didn’t have to think about so much. Sometimes you just need that kind of escape,” said Valencia.
Interestingly, not all comfort viewing is rooted in light or comedic content. For some, even high-stakes drama can offer a sense of enjoyment and release.
Keisha Rolle admits her preference often surprises people.
“Believe it or not, I love watching narco-type shows,” she told Tribune Health. “My partner always teases me about it. But something about the storytelling pulls me in. Queen of the South is my go-to. Once I start it, I can binge for hours,” she said. Then there are those who fully embrace the drama, not on the streets, but on reality television. For Tanya Ferguson, the more over-the-top, the better.
“I love a good ratchet reality show,” she said. “Love & Hip Hop, The Real Housewives, Love Island; all of it. It’s entertaining, it’s messy, and sometimes you just need something that doesn’t require too much thinking,” she said.
She felt the change. Now she’s starting the conversation.
Something was changing. The tests all came back normal, but Patricia D Johnson knew her body well enough to know that “normal” wasn’t the whole story. What she was living through had a name – she just hadn’t found it yet.
When she did eventually find the answers, they became the foundation of her new book- The Woman I didn’t see coming.
On Saturday, May 9, the evening before Mother’s Day, she will host The Woman I Didn’t See Coming — Live at the Andre Rodgers Events Hall, Bahama Games Boulevard, beginning at 6.30 pm. The evening is designed to be many things at once – a welcome reception, an expert panel discussion, a sit-down dinner, an official book launch, and a room full of people finally saying out loud what so many have only whispered.
An expert panel will guide the conversation, bringing together an OB-GYN specialising in reproductive and hormonal health, a marriage and family therapist and counselling psychologist, a certified menopause coach and women’s wellness specialist, and a prophetic voice and relationship advocate.
Together, they will centre the conversation on the often-overlooked physical, emotional, and relational shifts of perimenopause, while also shedding light on how those changes can unfold into menopause in later years — offering clarity, compassion, and practical guidance for women and the people who love them.
When a woman’s body is changing, her relationships feel it too. Her spirit feels it. The intimacy she once knew may feel distant. The connection she longs for may feel harder to reach. There may even be days when she does not recognise herself, and days when
Patricia D Johnson
the people closest to her do not quite recognise her either. It is in this delicate and often unspoken space that the voices of the panellists become essential – speaking candidly and with compassion about how women and their partners can rediscover joy, pleasure, and deep connection, even in the midst of a season that can feel anything but joyful. And yes – men are invited. She emphasises that they are needed. “This is not just a women’s health conversation,” Johnson explains. “It’s a relationship conversation. When a man understands what the woman he loves is going
through – her body, her emotions, her spirit – he stops feeling shut out and starts showing up. Informed partners build stronger homes.”
Spouses, partners, and adult children are warmly encouraged to attend alongside the women in their lives.
The evening will also mark the official launch of The Woman I Didn’t See Coming – Johnson's deeply personal and research-informed guide to perimenopause, written not as a medical textbook but as a warm conversation – honest, witty, and grounded in
While the genres differ, from comedy to cartoons, crime dramas to reality TV, the underlying theme remains consistent. These shows provide a shift in focus, and in many cases, a boost in mood. Experts suggest that even short periods of laughter or emotional release can have physical benefits, helping to ease tension in the body and promote relaxation. In that sense, what may seem like simple screen time can also serve as a form of self-care.
both science and shared human experience. It gives women language for what they are feeling and hands the people who love them a window into a world they may not have understood before. Every guest in attendance will receive a complimentary copy Menopause has a well-known name. Women hear it, read about it, and prepare for it, but perimenopause – the season that comes before it, as early as a woman’s late 30s or early 40s – rarely gets the same attention.
“It’s a conversation.relationship When a man understands what the woman he loves is going through – her body, her emotions, her spirit – he stops feeling shut out and starts showing up. partnersInformedbuild stronger homes.”
It arrives quietly, often disguised as stress, mood shifts, or just “getting older,” leaving women without a framework for what they are actually experiencing.
Johnson understood that gap when she made a deliberate choice about the voice of this book. The Woman I Didn’t See Coming does not read like a medical journal. It reads like a conversation with your most informed, most honest girlfriend — the kind who will sit across from you, look you in the eye, and say everything your doctor may not have had time to explain. It is accessible, warm, and real because Johnson believes that understanding this season of life should never feel like homework.
Johnson is quick to acknowledge that writing a book was
And for many, the real value lies not just in what they watch, but in how it makes them feel. Because sometimes, the best way to reset is not by doing more, but by pressing play on something that feels just right.
never part of the plan, let alone a book on perimenopause.
“This was God,” she says simply. “I was not sitting around thinking about writing a book, but I knew I could not be the only woman out there feeling these things and not having words for them. I knew there had to be others –women sitting in doctors’ offices, being told everything was fine, and walking out still knowing that something was not.” That conviction became her calling. Johnson is clear that she is not a doctor and does not present herself as one. She is a woman who did the research and who wants to give other women the language they deserve. “When you walk into your doctor’s office, and you can give a name to what is exactly happening in your body, and you no longer feel like you are going crazy,” she explains, “everything changes. You stop being dismissed. You start being heard.”
And her hope goes far beyond the page.
“If this book helps even one woman feel less alone, and in doing so helps save one marriage or one relationship,” she says quietly, “then every step of this journey, every moment of research, every late night, every doubt — will have been worth it all.”
That is not the language of an author chasing a bestseller. That is the language of a woman on a mission.
“Midlife is not decline,” Johnson says with conviction. “It’s an evolution. Women are not shrinking; we are stepping into our Strong Woman Era, and strong eras require a strong understanding.” Individual tickets are available at $175 per person, with a table package of 10 seats at $1,500. The dress code is cocktail attire. The Woman I Didn’t See Coming is available now on Amazon.com.
For more information, visit www.anorglobal.com or follow @ anorglobal on Facebook and Instagram. And for women who want to stay connected and informed beyond the evening, Johnson has established The Perimenopause Sisterhood — a Facebook community created to keep women in this era informed, supported, and never alone in the journey. Because the conversation does not end when the evening does. Because when women are informed, supported, and surrounded by community –everything changes.
Photo: Pexels.com | jcosta
Starting over: Bahamian women share what it really takes to rebuild
By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer
jgibson@tribunemedia.net
STARTING over is often spoken about like a fresh chapter filled with hope and possibility, but for many Bahamian women, the reality is far more layered. It is not just about new beginnings, but about navigating uncertainty, rebuilding confidence, and finding the strength to move forward when life does not go as planned. Across different ages and circumstances, several women shared what starting over has looked like for them, offering a glimpse into the quiet resilience behind their journeys.
For 34-year-old Alana, starting over meant walking away from
a long-term relationship that no longer served her. She said the decision was not easy, especially after years of building a life with someone.
“I had to accept that just because something lasted a long time does not mean it is meant to last forever. There was a lot of fear in leaving, especially not knowing what life would look like after. But I realised I was more afraid of staying stuck than starting over. That was the moment things began to shift for me.”
Alana explained that rebuilding her life required more than just emotional healing. It meant rediscovering who she was outside of the relationship and learning to be comfortable on her own again. She said there were moments of
Two prominent Bahamian wedding and events planners and coordinators will be featured at the Wedding Show Producers International (WSPI) 2026 annual conference that will be held May 4-7 at Paradise Island, Nassau.
On the invitation of Tommy Stubbs, executive producer and founder of the annual Bahamas Bridal Show, this year’s WSPI conference takes place at Warwick PI over a 4-day period, starting with a welcome reception 6.30 pm. May 4 at the all-inclusive resort. The conference is also in partnership with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Warwick PI. WSPI’s membership comprises 70 leading professional alliances of wedding expo owners, directors, and producers spanning the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, including The Bahamas through the Bahamas Bridal Show. WSPI members represent hundreds of consumer bridal show events annually, collectively reaching nearly one million engaged couples and tens of thousands of wedding vendors each year.
doubt, but also a growing sense of freedom. “You do not realise how much of yourself you give away until you have to stand on your own again. Starting over forced me to pour back into myself and figure out what I truly wanted.”
For 29-year-old Brianna, starting over came in the form of a career change. After years in a stable job, she made the difficult decision to leave and pursue a path that felt more aligned with her purpose. She said the transition was both exciting and overwhelming. “I walked away from something secure, so there was always that question in the back of my mind asking if I made the right choice. There were days when I felt confident and days when I wondered if I should go
back. But I knew I could not ignore that feeling that I was meant to do more.”
Brianna said starting over required a shift in mindset, especially when it came to measuring success. She noted that progress did not always look the way she expected.
“Starting over humbles you. You have to be willing to learn again, to take small wins and be patient with yourself. I had to remind myself that building something new takes time, and that does not mean I am failing.”
For 41-year-old Michelle, starting over meant rebuilding after becoming a single mother. She described the experience as one of the most challenging periods of her life, but also one that reshaped her strength.
“When everything changed, I did not have time to sit in fear for too long because I had a child depending on me. I had to figure things out quickly, even when I did not feel ready. It forced me to grow in ways I never imagined.”
Michelle said that while the journey was difficult, it also gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She explained that starting over helped her see her own resilience more clearly. “There were nights I cried and questioned how I would make it through, but I kept going. Looking back now, I realise that starting over did not break me. It built me into someone stronger and more capable.”
For 26-year-old Kayla, starting over came after a period of personal setbacks that left her feeling lost. She said it took time for her to even recognise that she needed a fresh start.
“I think sometimes we stay in situations longer than we should because we are afraid to admit that something is not working. For me, starting over began with being honest with myself about where I was in life and where I wanted to be.”
Kayla said the process has been ongoing, with small steps toward rebuilding her confidence and direction. She described it as a journey of self-discovery rather than a single turning point. “Starting over is not one big moment. It is a series of choices you make every day to do better for yourself. Some days feel easier than others, but each step counts.”
While each woman’s story is different, a common thread runs through their experiences. Starting over is rarely a clean break or a simple reset. It is often messy, uncertain, and deeply personal. Yet within that uncertainty lies the opportunity to rebuild, redefine, and reclaim a sense of self.
For many Bahamian women, starting over is not just about moving on from what was, but about creating something new with intention. It is a reminder that even in moments of doubt and difficulty, there is strength in choosing to begin again.
Bahamian wedding and event planners featured in international conference
Managing director, Joe Andretta, said WSPI is aggressively unveiling its new membership initiatives, expanding associate-partner categories, and highlighting its newly re- engineered destination romance and travel pavilion, which will launch soon in major wedding expos across North America this year. During the conference, new WSPI board members will be selected. Makeva Wallace, event coordinator of the Bahamas Bridal Show and event planner at Willow Events Bahamas, has been nominated to serve on the 11-member board. Mrs Wallace is a multi-talented businesswoman who started her career in the bridal and formal
wear industry at Buttons Bridal & Formal Wear in 1999 and is the fashion show choreographer of the Bahamas Bridal Show, which launched in 1990. Mrs Wallace is the voice of many bridal show radio and TV commercials and the brain behind “Girls Night Out,” a special event which started in 2014. Makeva also manages Lynx Brokerage & Cargo Services. Among keynote speakers at the conference inside the hotel’s Junkanoo Beat ballroom, Mrs Kim Wallace will speak on “How to Survive in a Small Business Market.” She is the owner and event planner at Template Bahamas. A chartered 3-hour bus tour of New Providence with 30 conference attendees will include a
stopover at her Jerome Avenue store, which features invitations, etiquette customs, stationery, Other international speakers include Holly Gray, Jerry Russo, Becca Poutney, Elizabeth Marberry and Haley Blackwell. Along with numerous business vendors of the Bahamas Bridal Show (BBS), participating at the conference will be Vandia Toote, romance manager at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; and Lesley Pinder and Jasmine Wright, president and vice president of the Bahamas Bridal Association (BBA).
As Managing Director of WSPI, Andretta says he remains “genuinely excited about the significant opportunity to
spotlight The Bahamas as a premier destination for weddings and honeymoons across our extensive network of shows in the U.S. and Canada.”
“Given the remarkable successes of the annual Bahamas Bridal Show under the long and distinguished leadership of Tommy Stubbs — and the outstanding engagement we’ve witnessed from couples and travel professionals alike — we truly believe the timing is ideal to build on this momentum.
“The Bahamas is the perfect setting for our 2026 conference because it represents luxury, romance, travel, and experience — the exact direction the wedding industry is moving. We are elevating the standard for collaboration, education, and global partnership.”
“We’re thrilled to feature The Bahamas so prominently at this conference and believe this collaboration will create exceptional exposure and goodwill throughout our North American producer network and the global wedding industry.”
Vandia Toote
PHOTO: Andrea Bova/Pexels.com
MAKEVA Wallace
Kim Wallace
SECTION D
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
SOMETIMES, the body asks for rest long before the schedule allows it. For many women, the pace of daily life rarely pauses. The responsibilities stack, expec tations grow, and rest becomes something postponed rather than prioritised.
Yet, tucked just across the bridge on Atlantis Para dise Island, the idea of an escape takes on a different meaning; one that does not require a passport, only intention.
The notion of a staycation has evolved in recent years, shifting from convenience to conscious choice. In an environment where burn out quietly lingers, even a short retreat can serve as a reset. “In today’s environment, people are carrying more respon sibilities than ever, and many are realising that rest and wellness need to be treated as priorities rather than afterthoughts,” said Vaughn Roberts, Chief Oper ating Officer at the Atlantis Resort.
He believes even a short escape can make a meaningful difference by helping people recharge mentally, physically, and emotionally.
That shift is felt almost immediately upon arrival at The Cove. There is a subtle release that comes with placing bags down, exhaling, and real ising there is nowhere else to be. What begins as a simple check-in quickly becomes a quiet acknowl edgement that this moment, however brief, is yours for the taking.
For solo travellers, par ticularly women, that choice often invites curiosity. The question of “are you here alone?” is met not with pity but with intrigue. It reflects a growing awareness that solitude is not something to fear, but something to explore. Within the grounds of the resort, that independence feels both safe and empow
A softplace to land
Throughout the property, there is a duality that defines the experience. While the resort is known globally for its energy, there is an equally present calm that reveals itself in quieter corners. “Beyond the energy, guests seeking a slower pace can enjoy quiet beachfront moments, relaxing pool environments, and stunning ocean views that naturally encourage calm and reflection,” said Mr Roberts. He said the property was designed to accommodate different rhythms of travel.
It is within that slower rhythm that the experience begins to unfold. Mornings feel unhurried, best spent in stillness rather than structure. Breakfast becomes a chance to sit, breathe, and take in a view that feels worlds away from the everyday. There is no urgency to move, no schedule to chase, only the quiet permission to exist without expectation. As the day progresses, the freedom of solitude reveals its quieter rewards. There is something unexpectedly fulfilling about a woman moving through spaces alone, not as an outsider, but as someone fully present. Conversations spark easily, whether with fellow guests or staff, and each interaction feels organic rather than obligatory.
When it comes to Fish at
The Cove, that sense of connection is something Assistant General Manager Ms Braynen encounters often. “I run into women on solo trips here all the time,” she said, reflecting on solo diners who choose to celebrate life on their own terms. Her approach is simple: engage the guest, guide, and create a personalised menu experience. “I even do it myself. You get to see so much more. And you get to know yourself a lot more. Because you don’t have to entertain anybody. And you meet so many people along the way,” she said.
Evenings, meanwhile, take on their own rhythm. At Nobu Atlantis, that philosophy is intentional.
“If you're alone at Nobu, the best part I’d say to try is our interactive experience, which is the sushi bar,” said Chef Jed Baluyot. “You get to interact, and it's like you don't feel alone at all,” he said.
That balance between solitude and connection is what defines the stay. Moments may be shared, whether over dinner or a passing conversation, but the experience remains deeply personal. There is fulfilment in both: in the laughter exchanged across a table and in the quiet return to one’s own space afterwards. Beyond dining, the property invites exploration in its own
seat there, perhaps an unexpected discovery tucked within a lesser-known corner like the Sunset Point restaurant at the Harbourside Resort. Even the simplest indulgences, a cup of ice cream at Sun and Ice, a pause at The Dig Aquarium, a mid-day rest, begin to feel intentional. They remind you that joy does not always need to be planned; sometimes it just needs to be noticed. Activities, too, offer a gentle contrast to stillness. A round at Good Lies, the resort’s newest mini golf addition, introduces a playful energy, while sunrise yoga provides a softer return to centre. Together, they create a rhythm that feels balanced. By the final morning of your checkout, there is a noticeable difference between arrival and departure. The mind feels clearer, the body lighter, the spirit more in tune with itself. And perhaps that is the true value of a staycation. Not as a complete solution, but as a reminder. A reminder that rest is necessary, that solitude can be enriching, and that taking time for oneself is never wasted.
For those considering it, the barrier is often not desire, but hesitation. Yet the reward speaks for itself. “We have definitely seen the continued rise of solo travel, especially among women who are
self-care, reflection, and personal renewal,” said Mr Roberts, noting that the resort’s environment offers both independence and reassurance.
As an experience like this comes to an end, one can’t help but wonder: how do you keep this feeling going when real life picks back up? The answer may not lie in constant escape, but in recognising the value of stepping away, even
briefly. Because sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are not the ones that take you far out of the country, but the ones that bring you back to yourself. For Bahamian residents, that escape may be
