FALLEN MARINES OF HMBS FLA MINGO HONOURED AT 45T H A NNIVERSARY MEMORIAL SERVICE
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force held a memorial service today at Coral Harbour Base to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the HMBS Flamingo tragedy.
The event commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in the Garden of Remembrance, honouring the four marines who lost their lives on May 10, 1980, when their vessel was attacked and sunk in
Bahamian waters. The Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe paid tribute to the servicemen who “exemplified the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.” He emphasised that “their courage continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Bahamians in the face of adversity.”
Commodore Floyd Moxey, Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence
Force, joined Munroe and other distinguished guests in laying wreaths at the HMBS Flamingo Memorial Park monument. Family members of the four fallen marines - Fenrick Sturrup, Austin Smith, David Tucker, and Edward Williams - were present, alongside survivors of the incident, serving as a poignant reminder of both loss and resilience. The service concluded with a traditional
wreath-laying at sea in Coral Harbour, symbolising eternal remembrance for those lost at sea.
The HMBS Flamingo
incident remains one of the most significant events in the history of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, representing both
tragedy and the enduring commitment to safeguarding Bahamian sovereignty. See PAGE 15 for more photos.
US servicement carry a wreath to lay at the memorial at the Cenotaph in the Garden of Remembrance at the RBDF base in Coral Harbour, honouring the four marines who lost their lives on May 10, 1980, when their vessel was attacked and sunk in Bahamian waters.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
US Secretary of State shares
Aviaton, Climate & Weather Network
By Fay Simmons Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
During the signing of BACSWN’s Heads of Agreement with the Government of The Bahamas last week, Prime Minister Davis noted that during discussions with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, he was informed the project had been “endorsed” by the US; hinting that financial assistance may be forthcoming.
“It appears they (NOAA) have adopted and has endorsed this project”, added the Prime Minister with a smile.
“They’re trying get BACSWN too…”
Prime Minister Davis went to say he was delighted to learn that a cadre of young Bahamians from various public high schools have been developing advanced products to assist in the safe, efficient and expeditous passage of flights using the 173,000 squares miles of The Bahamas strategically located sovereign archipelago; as well as, a revolutionary US Certified Aviation Carbon Credits Platform, which was unveiled at the S&P Global Carbon Credits Conference in Barcelona last year. Such developments, he added, “have not only attracted my attention but the U.S. Government.”
Michael Strachan, Group Financial Advisor of Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network (BACSWN), said the company’s $400m investment in what U.S. defence contractor, Raytheon Tehnologies has publically stated will be the “First-of-Its-Kind” aviation, climate and severe weather stystem will “exceed those of other industrialized nations.... propelling The Bahamas into a world leader in live flight tracking, crash, search & rescue co-ordination, environmental infrastructure and unparalled real-time meteorological situational awareness”
“Our team has been working tirelessly developing state-of-the-art proprietary products the likes of which the US Government (NOAA) has expressed an interest in licensing to assist with advanced weather predictions” said Mr Strachan.
Mr Strachan emphasised that the ability to provide accurate and timely data is critical when making decisions about adverse weather conditions. In addition, the US National Hurricane Centre will also benefit from receiving this information through the upgraded weather stations.
“I suspect the US government sees the benefit of having a close collaborative relationship with BACSWN in view of our nation straddling the key air and sea routes to the Gulf of America and South Florida from Europe, Caribbean and South America,”continued Mr. Strachan.
“Very rarely does the US government back private sector projects so it shows the level of importance and urgency. Being in the middle of active hurricane zones, we often times lack the ability to provide robust data to our counterparts at National Hurricane Centre and NOAA. Hopefully that will now change.
BACSWN will be moving “full steam ahead” with its aviation carbon credits project said Mr. Strachan - which will assist the Government with its climate agenda by generating new source of revenue.
Subsequent to a courtesy call on the offices of the International Civil Aviation Organization in Mexico City, Mexico, the company plans to commence its consultations with the users of The Bahamas’
Bringing BACSWN’s propertiary workflows together with products from National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) will result in unique creations that have never been envisioned and, in many cases, far surpass those of other industrialized nations
Members of BACSWN’s team visitng the Natonal Oceanic & Atmospheric Administraton (NOAA) at U.S. Department of Commerce headquarters in Boulder, Colorado in April 2024. Our photo shows: Front Row: (Lef to Right) Mr. Quincy Rolle, President of TribuneDigitaLabs, Mr. James Powell (Advanced Radar Company) Mr. Lyrone Burrows, President & CEO of Bahamas Aviaton Climate & Severe Weather Network Ltd.; Mr. Dan Neteld (NOAA); Mr. Leslie Pindling, Consultant (Governmental Afairs); Second Row: (Lef to Right) Mr. Stephen Strachan (BACSWN) Arnaud Dumont (NCAR); Mr. Darrel Kingfeld (NOAA), Mr. Adam Darville, VP Infrastructure & Development, Mr. Trevor Basden, BASCWN’s Sr. VP & Director of Meteorology; Third Row: Professor Roelof Bruintjes (NCAR); Mr. Patrick Rollins, COO BACSWN; Mr. Michael Strachan, Group Financial Advisor;
sovereign territory by submitting a comprehesive infrastrucutre plan showcasing the unparalled safety and operational benefits the 600,000 flights which traverse our airspace each year will receive”.
“In addition to providing real-time meteorological services and live flight tracking, BACSWN will also help to enhance health and safety services and crash search and rescue operations throughout the archipelago,” explained Mr. Strachan
“In keeping with The Bahamas’ binding obligations under the Chicago Convention for International Civil Aviation, BACSWN will not only been installing an interconnected array of phased array and other tracking radars; but, has been asked to assist various government agencies put together a plan so the nation can levy fees on users, like 186 other nations, for the roll out of crash, search and rescue infrastructure (ambulances, fire engines helicopters, paramedics. medical evacuations) and secure the funding needed for upgrades to any medical faciliy designed to provide services for aviation events.”
###
Professor Roelof Bruintjes US Centre for Atmospheric Research
FNM: We will invest $10m in
firefighting aircraft and trucks
from page one
also serves as shadow Minister of National Security, criticised the current administration’s handling of emergency services.
“Unfortunately, we have a government accustomed to living large on the people’s dime. Meanwhile, Bahamians can’t be sure they’ll get an ambulance, a fire truck, or a police officer when they need one most. We can do better than this,”
Mr Cartwright said.
The plan includes establishing an autonomous fire department whose leadership would report directly to either the Prime Minister or the Minister responsible.
Mr Cartwright said: “As our leader stated, the next FNM government will establish a stand-alone fire department, and its head will report to the Prime Minister or the Minister responsible. Led by a senior official, it will be structured similarly to the Police, Defence Force, and Corrections leadership. This approach will bring new focus to firefighting; it will also involve an increase in the number of full-time firefighters based on the major islands.”
Mr Cartwright said the department would include a structured, national volunteer fire brigade trained to respond rapidly to emergencies. “Additionally, we will develop a fully trained and supported national volunteer fire brigade,” he said. “This will build on current volunteer efforts with structured training and compensation. This will look to use the ‘5-minute response time’ model, commonly used worldwide. An on-call fire engine will be crewed by on-call firefighters who respond from home or work to the station within five minutes after a message is passed to them via a modern alert system. Volunteers will be fully trained to core standards, earn an annual retainer fee, and receive payment for incident response.”
Noting the country’s geographic challenges, Mr Cartwright said that international best practices would inform future procurement.
“Our geography poses unique challenges. The new service will therefore need to undertake a review of capacity and procure the latest firefighting
SUPREME COURT AWARDS
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff
Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
appliances, including ‘offthe-shelf’ models with proven ability, learning from international best practices,” he said.
He also promised the investment would be funded through spending cuts. “We will guarantee at least $10m of new capital investment into the fire service over the life of the next Parliament (both in terms of fire trucks and a firefighting plane), paid for by scrapping the PM’s dedicated private plane and cutting back on luxury government travel. This would be capital spend, focused on new appliances and upgrading fire stations.”
The FNM has previously criticised the Davis administration’s procurement of ambulances, citing safety concerns raised by emergency medical technicians. The party claims only two ambulances are working in New Providence.
“The PLP cannot be trusted to do the right thing to keep us safe,” the FNM said. “Philip Davis is not a proactive Prime Minister. The FNM is the only serious alternative to this government, and we will get the job done without excuses.”
WOMAN $25K FOR UNLAWFUL DETENTION BY IMMIGRATION DEPT
THE Supreme Court has awarded $25,000 to Sonette Joseph, ruling that her constitutional rights were breached when she was unlawfully detained for 30 days in 2018 without charge, court appearance, or deportation order.
describing it as “unlawful from the outset and in breach of constitutional safeguards.”
Acting Registrar Renaldo Toote found the detention violated Articles 17 and 19 of the Constitution of The Bahamas,
Ms Joseph, born in New Providence in 1988 to undocumented Haitian parents, had spent much of her life in Haiti
but returned to The Bahamas in May 2017 to apply for Bahamian citizenship. During an immigration raid on July 6, 2018, she was arrested at her home despite presenting her original Bahamian birth certificate to officers.
She was transported to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre and held there for 30 days before being released through legal action via a habeas corpus application. She was not charged, brought before a court, or presented with a deportation order.
The court held that Ms Joseph’s detention lacked legal basis and was conducted without due process.
“Detaining someone without charge, without a court appearance, and without confirming their immigration status is a clear breach of the Constitution,” the Registrar said.
The court affirmed that even if a person’s status is unresolved or documentation incomplete, constitutional protections require that detention be reviewed within 48 hours, as set out in the Immigration Act and Article 19(3) of the Constitution.
Ms Joseph, who speaks very little English, gave evidence with the help of a court-appointed Creole interpreter. She alleged that during detention, she was slapped, pushed, verbally abused, denied access to legal representation and basic hygiene items, and made to stand in the sun for long periods. She also testified that the dormitories were cleaned only once during her 30-day stay and that she experienced emotional distress, embarrassment, and reputational damage.
However, many of these claims were challenged by the Defendants and ultimately rejected by the
court due to inconsistencies and lack of corroborating evidence. Peter Joseph, the officer in charge of the detention centre at the time, testified that detainees were routinely given care packages containing soap, toothpaste, and sanitary pads and that immigration officers only entered the dormitories during feeding and medical escorts.
Surveillance cameras monitored all movement areas, though not the interiors of dormitories. He said Ms Joseph ever lodged no complaints of physical abuse. The court also noted contradictions in Ms Joseph’s testimony. While she initially said that she was not seen by a doctor and suffered constipation for 12 days, she later admitted during cross-examination that she had seen a doctor and received medication but claimed the treatment made her feel worse. No medical records or witness testimony were provided to support either version. The court found these inconsistencies, along with the lack of any documentary or independent evidence, significantly weakened her credibility.
Although the court did not find sufficient proof of physical abuse or degrading treatment, it recognised that the failure to conduct a lawful immigration process caused Ms Joseph emotional distress and public humiliation. The Registrar noted that even in the absence of malicious intent, procedural failures by state authorities that result in unlawful detention justify compensation. Ms Joseph had sought $270,000 under various heads: $125,000 for compensatory and vindicatory damages, $40,000 for assault and battery, $30,000 in aggravated damages, and $75,000 for constitutional breaches.
The court awarded her $20,000 in general damages for unlawful detention and $5,000 in aggravated damages to reflect the emotional distress caused by the nature of her arrest and lack of procedural safeguards. No award was made for exemplary damages, as the court found no evidence of systemic abuse, deliberate misconduct, or malice by the authorities. “There is no proof of deliberate misconduct or systemic abuse by the authorities,” the Registrar said.
On the issue of legal costs, the court noted that Ms Joseph had succeeded in proving that her detention was unlawful, but had only been awarded 9.2 percent of the total amount claimed.
The defendants successfully challenged the credibility of her claims and resisted the majority of the damages sought. As a result, the court awarded her a reduced sum of $10,000 in legal costs. Interest on the damages is to accrue at the statutory rate of 6.25 percent from the date of filing until full payment.
The court referenced established legal authorities, including Takitota v The Attorney General, Ramon Lop v The Attorney General, and Farquharson v The Attorney General, reinforcing that detention powers must be exercised strictly in accordance with law and constitutional safeguards.
The court noted that even when an person’s immigration status is uncertain, they remain entitled to timely judicial review and protection from arbitrary or prolonged detention.
“The State cannot detain someone indefinitely or without proper legal justification, even where deportation is anticipated,” the Registrar said.
FNM DEPUTY LEADER SHANENDON CARTWRIGHT
Tragedy strikes two GB families
responded to frantic 911 calls from the rocks near Sunset Village, their patrol unit was in collision with another car on Queen’s Highway. Inside was Althea Lashanda Mitchell, a beloved daughter on her way home from work.
Sanders’ uncle, Mark Anthony, had been working nearby when someone told him a boy had gone missing in the sea. His heart sank.
“I was shocked when I found out about it,” he said. “He was a good boy, and I have been taking care of him. He was supposed to graduate in June.”
The 17-year-old was raised from infancy by his aunt after his mother left The Bahamas. He was a quiet, respectful teenager who spent weekends doing odd jobs with his uncle and cousin, who was also his closest friend.
“He usually wake me up every morning on Saturdays and Sundays and say, ‘Excuse me, Mark, you have something to do?’ And I would carry him and my son out to work with me and put a little something in their pocket,” said Mr Anthony. His aunt last saw him Saturday morning before she left for work.
“He is my sister’s son. He was here since he born. I feel bad because she leave him in my care and I take care of him like my own,” she said. “Yesterday morning, I wake him up and I talk to him and he go inside and lay down. I go to work, and after 3 I hear he went in the sea. He never come back.”
Sanders and his friend had entered the water sometime after 2pm, despite high winds and strong currents that made conditions dangerous. According to relatives, they usually swam at safer locations and knew to avoid that stretch of coast.
“The water was so rough... that ain’t no time to jump in the water,” his uncle said. “That was in the wrong spot.”
Community member
Leaven McIntosh, a father himself, rushed to the scene when he heard a teenager was missing. Fearing his own son might be involved, he grabbed his diving gear and entered the water.
“I was just praying as I dived,” he said. “Lord, please let me see if I could find this young man.”
He found Sanders, partially submerged, and carried him back to shore.
“I just wrapped my hands around him and came up to the top,” he said. “I just wanted to bring closure to the family.”
Meanwhile, just miles away, the search for Sanders had already claimed another life.
Althea Lashanda Mitchell, 30, was driving home from her job at a tour company in West Grand Bahama when her car was struck by a police unit responding to the drowning. The impact crushed her vehicle. It took firefighters hours to free her body using the ‘jaws of life.’ She was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Right now, I am not
coping too well, but I am trying my best,” said her mother, Deborah Mitchell, at the family’s home. “I have pressure and I am not well. She is my baby.”
Althea, the youngest of three siblings, was remembered for her ambition, her generosity, and the way she tried to lift the spirits of her ailing mother.
“Every time she come home, she come straight in my room and stand in the front of my mirror and dance for me, to cheer me up,” her mother said. “When I talk about it too much, my chest aches.”
She held two jobs and was in the process of launching a beauty esthetics business. After completing studies at Terreve College and earning certification as a Body Contour Esthetician, she had begun planning the opening of VSOP Beauty Esthetics.
“Althea was very educated and smart, she was a go-getter,” said her cousin, Shaquel Thomas. “She had two jobs and she was just always making the next move to better her life. She would always talk about bettering her family.”
Her aunt, Gloria Pratt, broke down as she spoke.
“That’s my niece... we were real close. My whole soul hurts right now. That’s just the impact she had on everybody’s life. She had a good heart.”
The family expressed deep frustration over the emergency response. They said Althea remained pinned in the wreckage for nearly five hours before her body was recovered.
Weekend shootings leave one man dead and two in hospital
A MAN was shot dead on Saturday in a late night shooting in New Providence. Shortly after 11.30pm, police responded to reports of gunfire in the area of Comfort Street off Hay Street. They found a man lying on the ground with gunshot wounds. He was dead at the scene. Police said the victim was at a park nearby when a motorcyclist approached
and fired in his direction. The victim tried to flee but collapsed on Comfort Street.
A 22-year-old man has been arrested. In a separate incident on Saturday, a 38-year-old man was shot and had to be taken to hospital. Shortly before 9.30pm, the victim was in the area of Pink Cassia Avenue, Garden Hills #2, with another individual when a man approached and
opened fire. The pair ran for safety and it was only afterwards the victim realised he was shot. He was taken to hospital by private vehicle, where he was said to be in stable condition.
for a stolen 18ft gray 2024 Limitless dinghy stolen from the waters of Bimini Cove, South Bimini. Anyone with information is urged to contact 911, 919 or police in Bimini.
MAN ACCUSED OF STABBING DEATH TELLS MAGISTRATES COURT HE HAS SCHIZOPHRENIA
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff
Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A 50-YEAR-OLD man accused of fatally stabbing another man earlier this month appeared in Magistrate’s Court on Friday, informing the court that he has schizophrenia. Ricardo Green appeared before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley without legal representation. He is accused of killing Anthony
Sullivan on Plantol Street on May 4, 2025. Green was not required to enter a plea and was advised of his right to apply for bail at the Supreme Court.
During proceedings, he told the court about his condition and requested the medication he had been taking from the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre. Inspector Deon Barr, the prosecutor, confirmed he had received this
information and was working to verify it. Initially, the magistrate said there was no clear indication that a psychiatric evaluation was necessary. However, he later ordered that Green undergo an assessment and acknowledged that he takes prescribed medication. Green is scheduled to return to court on July 31 for a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.
ALTHEA MITCHELL - car crash victim SANDERS Joseph - drowning victim
PHOTOS on left show the scene of the fatal crash of a police vehicle that caused the death of Althea Mitchell. Photos on the right shows the scene where a young man drowned.
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Parties spell out fire services plans
IT is all too easy to criticise when in Opposition, without putting forward the solution you would provide in office. So credit to the FNM then, in the wake of the fires that have affected The Bahamas of late, both in New Providence and throughout other islands, for presenting their plan for how they would go about remedying the situation.
The move is all the more pointed given how National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has continued to defend the fire department’s response to the blaze that devoured several buildings in downtown Nassau, and affected the Victoria Court apartment complex. The residents there complained about the slow speed of the response by authorities to the fire.
Mr Munroe has insisted it took eight minutes for firefighters to respond to the fire – and while the first engine arrived on the scene relatively swiftly, the concerns have been about the rest of the resources and their deployment.
One of the concerns has been whether or not the firefighters have enough equipment – and given the Office of the Prime Minister has already said that more equipment is on the way, including 15-20 fire trucks, that would seem to be an acknowledgement that more is needed.
This is not the first major fire recently, remember, with the Department of Labour, Solomon’s and Cost Right all going up in smoke off the East-West Highway.
The Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles, said that all the island’s fire trucks were at the scene of the downtown fire – this amounted to five fire trucks.
At both the downtown fire and the Department of Labour fire, a truck was also sent from the airport. When that vehicle is away from the airport, the airport has to close.
Mr Munroe has also played down suggestions of a standalone fire department, separate from the police force.
Enter the FNM, with its proposal to buy at least $10m in new fire trucks and a firefighting aircraft. This latter is
particularly interesting given the apparent impact of the use of one tackling the fires in Abaco. That plane was brought in by local MP John Pinder along with other willing hands.
The FNM will also seek to have that standalone fire department.
How will it be paid for? Well, out will go the Prime Minister’s private plane apparently, and there will be cutbacks in government travel.
Deputy FNM leader Shanendon Cartwright says that the government will develop a national volunteer fire brigade, and will look to have a five-minute response time model.
To listen to Mr Munroe, you would think no one had any reason to be perturbed by the downtown fire. The FNM present a case that something did indeed go wrong. And so we wind up with a clear difference between parties to be presented to the electorate when the time comes (be that early as FNM leader Michael Pintard says or full term as PLP chairman Fred Mitchell insists).
People will judge from their experiences and determine whether or not they felt their safety needs were met, and may well vote accordingly.
Meanwhile, FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands raises the alarm bell for the state of the nation’s ambulances. He says just two ambulances are working in Nassau. He went on to say that emergency medical technicians have called new ambulances “pure garbage”, supposedly too small to treat trauma patients.
Dr Sands has called on the government to disclose the exact state of the fleet – and so it should.
Any competent fleet manager will know the status of vehicles they are responsible for – and there really should be no reason why that cannot be commonplace information that is available to the public. After all, we pay for those vehicles.
And remember, these are not just political squabbles – these are genuine matters of life and death.
Let’s call the score, and be clear and transparent about the state of our emergency service vehicles.
Tanks to moms, alive and departed
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS the world prepares to celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 11, I am filled with both gratitude and sorrow. While this day is rightfully dedicated to honoring the beautiful women who have given us life, nurtured us, and shaped our hearts, it is also a day that stirs fresh grief for many of us—for those whose mothers are no longer here.
Mother’s Day is a powerful reminder of the immeasurable strength, love, and sacrifice that mothers embody. From the moment of birth to the countless days of care, discipline, and encouragement, a mother’s love becomes the anchor of a child’s life. Yet, in a world often shaped by misogynistic ideologies and systems that undervalue the labor and emotional strength of women, especially mothers, their contribution remains too often taken for granted. Let us remember what the Bible declares in Proverbs 31:28-29 (NIV): “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’” This verse does not speak only to the biological connection, but to the
noble spirit of motherhood—the fierce, gentle, unwavering presence that supports us through life’s storms. Today, I want to recognise all mothers— biological, stepmothers, adoptive, grandmothers, godmothers, and those who have stood in the gap as mother figures. A mother is defined not only by birth, but by love, sacrifice, and presence. To the single mothers who carry the weight of being both mom and dad—I salute you. Your courage, determination, and unconditional love do not go unnoticed. You are warriors, and your strength deserves to be celebrated every single day. We see you, we honor you, and we lift you in love. And to those, like myself, who approach this day with a broken heart, grieving the irreplaceable loss of our mothers, I stand with you. The pain never truly fades, and this day can feel like a spotlight on that empty chair at our table. I believe more must be done to hold space for this grief. Let us create moments and
events that allow people to celebrate the memories of their mothers—to light candles, to share stories, to cry and to laugh, wrapped in remembrance.
While we celebrate the living, let us also give voice to those memories that keep our mothers close to our hearts. So, to all mothers—those raising children now, those who have gone before us, and those becoming mothers in spirit—I say thank you. You are the heartbeat of the world. Your love is the light that continues to guide us.
With love, I dedicate this short poem to you: To all the mothers, near and far, Your love remains just as you are.
Through sleepless nights and joyful days, You shaped our hearts in countless ways.
Though some of you now rest above, We carry on with all your love.
To every mom in every role—
You are our light, our guide, our soul.
With heartfelt admiration.
SHERVONNE CASH
HOLLIS Nassau, May 9, 2025.
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I UNAPOLOGETI-
CALLY find myself very frustrated with Cable Bahamas. The NBA playoffs are on now. and you are unable to get it despite having the TRIO package, also the MLB IS on, and what do you get on going to the channel’s “Channel error or Channel not authorised” yesterday Monday the 5th, after finally getting through I spoke to seven agents off Cable Bahamas only to be
moved around like a checkerboard, from Accounts to Sales to Technical support, the agent from Technical Support took me through the tedious task of disconnecting the cable and electricity from the box and assured me that my services that I’m paying for will be restored.
I’m still waiting...I then called URCA on four occasions today, Tuesday the 6th, I was unable to get the person responsible for complaints about Cable. I
left three messages; I have yet to receive a return call. What purpose does URCA serves?
What is so ironic. Cable Bahamas don’t skip a beat in sending your electronic billing for a service that is not being rendered in a manner that’s expected.
I firmly admonish URCA to do what they are regulated to do!!!
KELLY D BURROWS Freeport, Grand Bahama May 6, 2025.
(anas bahamensis).
Photo: Marek R. Swadzba
Murder victims’ moms face holiday with heavy hearts
know God is faithful,” Ms Butler said. “He has kept me and continues to sustain me and that’s my source.”
Surrounded by a network of family, friends, and her son’s peers, she is drawing strength from the love they continue to show.
“I have a good tribe of people behind me praying. I’m grateful for them and his friends have always shown love — they have never left my side from day one,” she said.
Jaiden left behind a daughter, whom Ms Butler now sees as a gift and living reminder of her son.
This year, Ms Butler planned a quiet Mother’s Day, gathering with family to reflect on Jaiden’s life.
Kizzy Brown-Pratt, who lost her 13-year-old son, Clinton Danny McKenzie, in 2022, described the day as “bittersweet”.
Clinton was shot and killed on Labour Day while heading to a park to play ball. Though she has five sons still alive, Ms Brown-Pratt says she will always count all six.
“I do have other kids… but I don’t never say I have five, I always is count him in because he live in my heart and I could never forget him,” she said.
This Mother’s Day, her thoughts were with the last one she shared with Clinton, when he surprised her with a simple but meaningful gift from money he earned working.
“He was a packing boy at Super Value Wulff Road, and he made $50 that day, and he said, ‘Mommy, $30 for you and $20 for me, Happy Mother’s Day, I love you,’ and that was the last thing I ever got from him before he passed.”
As she lay in bed looking at a large photo of her son, she reflected on the void left behind.
“It’s a little sad, it’s a little bittersweet because it’s like a missing piece, like when you filling out the puzzle and it will never be the same,” she said. “Every Mother’s Day, I will remember because that was a special time for me.”
Kendera LightbourneWoodside, whose eight-year-old son Eugene
Antonio Woodside was killed by a stray bullet in 2017 while doing his homework, called the holiday “a depressing day”.
“This isn’t my best day, but it isn’t the worst,” she said. “When one child is missing, things is change.”
The bullet that killed her son was fired during a chase between houses in Chippingham. It pierced a wooden wall and hit the boy as he studied inside.
Though painful, Ms Lightbourne-Woodside takes comfort in the love she expressed to Eugene in his final moments.
“My last words to him was that I love him.
Before he actually died he was alert and I was able to tell him me, his sisters and daddy, that we loved him,” she said.
She doesn’t begrudge other families who can celebrate today. Instead, she offers them a gentle reminder.
“I don’t feel a way seeing other mothers celebrate because it’s a good thing that they could celebrate it,” she said. “You have mothers out here who cannot celebrate with all their kids. I would tell them hold onto your kids
Vendors report varied outcomes over this year’s Mother’s Day sales
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff
Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
VENDORS at RM
Bailey Park had mixed reactions to this year’s Mother’s Day sales, with many saying business was slower than previous years due to economic pressures and changing consumer habits.
Despite varied outcomes, many vendors emphasised the importance of adapting to economic challenges while holding on to their livelihood through small business.
Many vendors pointed to the increase in tariffs and the rising cost of items needed to operate their businesses as major challenges.
Despite varied outcomes, they continue to adapt and push forward in hopes of better seasons ahead.
Karen Brown, president of the RM Bailey Park and Allied Vendors Association and a vendor for over
18 years, noted a trend of last-minute shopping and reduced spending.
“Sales never really picked up until like Friday, Saturday,” she said. “People aren’t spending as much as they were because of the economy now.”
Ms Brown said rising tariffs have pushed up prices, making it harder to maintain previous rates.
“Customers coming in expecting the same price,” she said, but added that she offered small discounts “to try and save them a dollar” rather than taking products back home.
Veteran vendor Orlean Lightbourne shared that increased competition has impacted individual sales.
“In the days when we didn’t have so many persons out here, the sales was good,” she said. Although sales have picked up slightly, she added, “profits don’t seem to balance out with the cost of living.”
Susette Nairn, owner of M and S Perfume, had a more positive outlook. She
described sales as “awesome” and said she was pleased with her consistent customer base and reasonable pricing. “We have a lot of return customers so we are pleased,” she said yesterday.
Myrtle Munroe, who sells gift baskets and straw bags, said, “Sales was going pretty good today,” noting the previous days were slower. While profits weren’t substantial, she appreciated the exposure.
“What I don’t make in sales I use the opportunity to advertise my business.”
Deborah Whylly, vending at the park for nearly 18 years, said she has seen a decline, especially over the last three to four years.
“Sales was better last year,” she said. With customers cutting back due to rising costs and tariffs, she now limits her inventory. “Sometimes it doesn’t worth it,” she added, expressing doubts about returning if conditions don’t improve.”
CHINESE E MBASSY SAYS US S EC RETARY OF S TATE seeks to ‘smear China’s relations’ in Caribbean
THE Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas has criticised comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying he “sought to smear and undermine China’s relations with the Caribbean countries”.
In a statement, the embassy said that China “firmly opposes these comments which revealed ideological bias and disrespect and ignorance of the basic norms in international relations”.
The statement added:
“China’s cooperation with Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas, has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and win-win outcomes, delivering tangible benefits to
the peoples of both sides. Chinese-invested projects, whether ports or other facilities, aim to address local development needs, foster economic growth, and create employment opportunities. “Both China and The Bahamas are independent and sovereign states, fully capable and wise enough to decide whom to be friend and whom to do business with. China supports The Bahamas to diversify its partnerships, which serves its national interests. China does not pursue exclusive blocs, geopolitical rivalry, or camp confrontation, nor does it force any country to take sides. We welcome all nations to sincerely
increase their investment in The Bahamas, and to pursue cooperation with The Bahamas based on equality and mutual benefit.”
The statement called for an end to “Cold War mentality” and an open and inclusive approach in the region.
The statement follows comments by Mr Rubio bin which he urged leaders in the region to “make responsible, transparent decisions when selecting vendors and contractors for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring they are not vulnerable to privacy and security risks and exploitation by malign actors like the Chinese Communist Party”.
for as long as they could.”
For Maeronie Black, Mother’s Day has grown more peaceful over the years — but the loss of her son, Defence Force marine Leonardo Black, still lingers. He was killed in 2010 by his wife, Mikiko Black, who claimed self-defence. She was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 14 years in prison.
This year, Ms Black
shared a message of faith and forgiveness.
“Mother’s Day has been great, nice and quiet. I was out to church and came from church, now I am resting,” she said. “But there are some mothers who cannot cope with the loss, but first of all you have to trust in God and allow God to heal you.”
Ms Black has chosen to forgive the woman who took her son’s life — a
decision that brought her peace.
“Regardless of whatever circumstances, you have to learn how to forgive,” she said. “Because if you don’t learn how to forgive, that will eat you up.”
Though Leonardo had no children, Ms Black imagines the man he would have become.
“I know if he was living he would have been a great father,” she said.
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
Are we doing enough for our mothers?
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
LIKE many of you, I imagine, yesterday I spent time in church celebrating the mothers of our nation.
It is of course something we should do. Our mothers are the ones who raised us – too many times without a father figure nearby, sadly. Our mothers are the ones who kept us on the right path, sometimes making us fearful of seeing our moms as we come home when we know we have done something wrong.
So yesterday was a day to celebrate all they have done for us. Which prompts a question of whether we are doing enough for them.
I have written too many times about how we are not living up to our end of the deal. Let us take a look and see how things have advanced since those times.
Back in April this year, the country’s first domestic violence standalone unit was opened. There was much fanfare around it, ribbon cutting and all.
Bizarrely, the media was asked not to report the
“As we approach the 50th anniversary of our independence, is it really too much to hope that our nation might fnally give people full and straightforward equality. No ifs, no buts, no differences between any of us who can call themselves Bahamian.”
facility’s location due to safety concerns – which seemed an odd contrast to photographs and videos of the ceremonies.
Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles said the facility is not a shelter but a short-term response centre for those in immediate danger.
Now this is a good thing to have – but it does leave open the question about that long-promised domestic violence shelter that we were told was going to be with us any time soon. Is this it? Or is that still to come?
Either way, if this is a short-term facility, it still leaves women and families without a long-term place of refuge if they are seeking to escape domestic violence. That situation too often leaves women and children at home with abusive men, because
there is nowhere else for them to go.
At the opening, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe acknowledged international research showing high rates of violence against Bahamian women, including an IDB survery that found nearly a quarter of Bahamian women had experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. He also talked of the prevalence of emotional, psychological and economic abuse. I would be surprised if the numbers are not significantly higher than that myself.
Back when he was in opposition, Prime Minister Philip Davis attracted ridicule for saying the government would provide complimentary whistles to women as a method of rape prevention. That never materialised of course – and a domestic violence unit is of far more use, especially if it is followed up with further shelter and protection.
Mr Munroe has attracted his own measure of ridicule lately when he suggested that
When candidates come knocking on doors, women would be very much entitled to ask those hoping for their vote, “Well, what about me?”
tourists going on jet ski trips should consider wearing bodycams to prevent them from being raped after a spate of such attacks.
Given that the reported attacks are said to involve unlicenced operators, how about a clamp down on those for starters before leaving it to the victims to look out for themselves?
Back in 2017, a United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women came to visit. Dubravka Šimonovic quickly identified some of the systemic problems here in The Bahamas and our lack of political will to change.
You know these issues by now – they have been talked about at length with no sign of anything being done.
Five years ago, in 2020, I wrote about the issue of marital rape in this very column, calling it “a topic controversial enough to send even the most vociferous political firebrand into hiding”.
What has changed? Certainly not the law. Women are still given more protection if they are raped by a stranger than by their husband. Don’t get married, girls, you’re safer if you live with your partner in sin. I’m not sure that’s the outcome the churches ought to be delivering.
Then there is the issue of citizenship. We have had a Privy Council ruling when it comes to citizenship of children born out of wedlock to Bahamian
men and foreign women, but when it comes to Bahamian women, there is still no further progress.
The Privy Council, in the case involving Bahamian men, tossed out the Attorney General’s argument as “faintly absurd”. When then shall we see the issues surrounding women being tested at the same level?
After that case, Mr Davis said: “As Prime Minister, I am dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable Bahamas.”
That was 2023. What has that dedication delivered for women?
In 2023, after that case, I wrote: “Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and as I stood in church and listened to mothers being celebrated, I could not help but wonder that if this is how the first wave of people affected by a change in citizenship rulings have been treated, how will it be when changes are made to benefit women when it comes to having the same rights as men with regard to citizenship?
“There is an ingrained sexism in The Bahamas – and by that, I must be clear, that is no different to the rest of the world. How else are women’s rights so far behind?
“So if these are the barriers being presented immediately after the victory in this case, then how much worse will be the barriers put before women?
“As we approach the
50th anniversary of our independence, is it really too much to hope that our nation might finally give people full and straightforward equality. No ifs, no buts, no differences between any of us who can call themselves Bahamian.”
We have since had that 50th anniversary – and we failed to deliver on full equality. All those ifs and buts remain.
Instead, here we remain, still going to church, still singing the praises of our mothers, and still doing nothing to advance their rights.
There seems little sign that this administration is minded to move forward on any of these issues between now and the next election, whether that is an early call as FNM leader Michael Pintard suggests, or otherwise as the government sticks to its line of going full term.
So any hopes women have for advancement must lie in the hands of the next administration –be that a continuation of this one, which has failed to prioritise such issues, or a new party and prime minister in office.
When candidates come knocking on doors, women would be very much entitled to ask those hoping for their vote, “Well, what about me?”
We celebrate the power of our women on Mothering Sunday. We ought not to be surprised if they decide to use it.
Kriston Clarke: Driven to make a meaningful impact
GAIN AN EDGE
GROWING up in The Bahamas, Kriston Clarke witnessed first-hand how gaps in healthcare access could affect entire families and communities. Today, as a Lyford Cay Foundations’ Sir John Templeton Memorial Scholar and Master of Public Health candidate at Johns Hopkins University, Kriston is determined to change that reality – not just for a few, but for many.
“I chose public health because I’ve always been driven to make meaningful impacts at both the individual and systemic levels,” said Kriston. “Healthcare should be an asset, not a burden, but structural inequities have made it otherwise for too many people.”
Kriston’s passion stems from personal experiences watching loved ones navigate chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, often without consistent access to the resources they needed. Those early observations shaped his belief that lasting health solutions begin in communities, not only within clinics.
Now, through his research assistantship and studies at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Kriston is working to strengthen healthcare systems by addressing social determinants of health. His work includes projects like Project Vital, which explores how rewilding vacant lots might improve adolescent health disparities, and the TRUSTY project, which examines how youth perceive research to amplify their voices in shaping healthcare services. Both initiatives underscore Kriston’s belief that healthier environments and empowered communities are key to sustainable public health outcomes.
“My goal is to bridge gaps in health equity by applying innovative research methods and building communitycentered solutions,” he explained. “By understanding the root causes of health disparities, we can create better policies and better outcomes.”
Looking to the future, Kriston’s ambitions are firmly rooted in service to his home country. He envisions working with organisations such as the Ministry of Health, the Public Hospitals Authority, and National Health Insurance of The Bahamas to confront the high rates of non-communicable diseases in The
Bahamas, which account for up to 74 percent of all deaths according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). His strategies include strengthening preventive care, advancing health education, and fostering greater collaboration between agencies.
A major part of Kriston’s vision focuses on enhancing access to healthcare services for Family Island residents, where barriers to consistent care remain high. By applying models like value-based care, Kriston hopes to improve outcomes while reducing the strain on Nassau and Freeport-based facilities.
“Preventive care must become the cornerstone of our national health strategy,” he said. “We must empower Family Island residents with the tools, education, and specialist support they need right where they live.”
Beyond The Bahamas, Kriston also aims to support other Caribbean nations and low-to-middle income countries in strengthening their health systems, using data-driven decision-making and community-focused approaches to build resilience and trust in healthcare institutions. Through it all, Kriston remains deeply committed to the transformative power of education, both for himself and for the communities he serves. By pursuing his studies at the top-ranked school of public health in the United States, he is equipping himself with the leadership skills needed to create lasting change.
“Health is more than treating illness; it’s about creating environments where people can thrive,” Kriston said. “Through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, I hope to help The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean realise that future.”
As one of The Bahamas’ promising young public health leaders, Kriston Clarke represents the heart of Lyford Cay Foundations’ mission: supporting educational access to build a stronger, healthier nation.
Gain An Edge is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.
KRISTON CLARKE
Growing interest in farming: BAMSI benefitting Long Island
By THE BAHAMAS AGRICULTURE AND MARINE SCIENCE I NSTITUTE
LONG Island farmers and residents are reaping the benefits of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute’s (BAMSI) extension services, which have brought critical support and new opportunities to the island’s agricultural sector.
“This year, I have seen more farmers investing
their time and energy into farming. More younger persons want to get involved,” David Adderley, BAMSI’s extension officer in Long Island, said. The growing interest in farming reflects a renewed focus on agriculture as a viable livelihood, bolstered by BAMSI’s hands-on initiatives and community outreach programs. In 2024, BAMSI launched several impactful programs and participated
in a number of important events in Long Island, including breaking ground for a research and training facility, participating in Mutton Fest, regular farm and school visits, and a summer program hosted in partnership with the Long Island Museum. Seedling production was another major focus, with BAMSI providing farmers with healthy seedlings and technical guidance.
“Farmers have benefited from access to
healthy seedlings but are looking forward to having access to fruit trees and animals,” Mr. Adderley, who is a 2016 graduate of BAMSI’s associate degree program in agriculture, said. While farmers appreciate BAMSI’s efforts, they also emphasised the need for the Institute to “keep its promises” and continue delivering tangible support. However, challenges remain for the island’s farmers. Limited tools and resources, manual irrigation, and pest and disease issues have posed difficulties. These were addressed through the use of pesticides and resourceful problem-solving, but more support is needed in 2025.
As in other Family Island communities, BAMSI’s seedlings programme has been a notable success with enthusiastic participation from farmers and residents. “The results from others who participated before have driven growth in community participation,” Mr Adderley explained.
Other highlights for the Long Island extension office include the involvement of young people through summer
camp activities, where children learned about plant and animal care and participated in a seedling competition. Looking ahead, BAMSI aims to expand its seedling production and encourage more young people to pursue farming as a career. School visits will continue to be a priority, introducing students to the opportunities available at BAMSI College after high school. Additionally, Mr. Adderley plans to focus on climate-smart practices, such as helping farmers adopt droughtresistant crops and diversify their income through agritourism and alternative crops. Virtual training sessions and webinars are also on the horizon, aimed at making extension services more accessible and effective.
Other exciting initiatives include a farmto-school program that will connect local farmers with schools to supply fresh produce for meals, and the establishment of a greenhouse at a local school, with technical support from BAMSI.
Regular feedback from farmers and social media updates will play a vital role in strengthening
BAMSI’s connection with the Long Island community.
“Gatherings and visits” will be a key strategy to identify areas for improvement in programs like the seedlings initiative.
For Mr Adderley, the motivation behind his work is simple yet profound: “Helping my island out with the knowledge, advice and seedlings, and seeing good results motivates me.”
Reflecting on 2024, Mr Adderley noted that communication challenges and unexpected weather conditions impacted BAMSI’s outreach. As BAMSI moves into 2025, improving communication strategies and preparing for unforeseen events will be central to the Institute’s approach. With a vision to empower farmers, engage the next generation, and expand its reach, BAMSI’s extension services are set to continue making a meaningful impact on Long Island and beyond.
on BAMSI’s extension services in Long Island, email info@bamsibahamas.edu. bs, visit www.bamsibahamas.edu.bs and follow us on social media.
From the left and right, US Catholics hope new pope fulfils their hopes
NEW YORK Associated Press
NEWS that the global Catholic church would get its first-ever US-born pope was welcomed by Catholics across the ideological spectrum in Pope Leo XIV ‘s homeland, raising the question of whether he might be able to ease some of the deep divisions within its ranks.
From US Catholics to the left of the ideological center, there is optimism that Leo will carry on Pope Francis’ outreach to poor and marginalised people, including migrants, and provide a counterweight to policies of the Trump administration that distress them.
To the right, there is hope the new pope will faithfully uphold Catholic doctrine, including opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage and women’s ordination.
One reason for optimism: The new pope has made clear — in his remarks and his choice of a motto — that unity within the global church will be a paramount priority.
“In these early days, he’s still an empty vessel,” said Steven Millies, a public theology professor at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. “Until we all get to know him better, we can pour our expectations into him.”
Notre Dame Provost John McGreevy, a historian of Catholicism, said he was “completely stunned” after the papal announcement, having shared the conventional wisdom that a pope from the US was a near-impossibility.
But Leo “is a global Catholic citizen,” McGreevy said, citing the pontiff’s time in Peru, at the Vatican and leading an international religious order.
“Even though he’s an American, and we’re super proud that he’s American, it’s hard to think of someone more embedded in a lot of the global church,” he said.
Position Summary
What will Pope Leo’s relation with US Catholics be?
It’s too soon to tell what Leo’s relationship will be with his fellow American prelates and the broader US Catholic Church, McGreevy cautioned.
“The early indications are that there’ll be some similarities to Pope Francis,” he said – suggesting that differences with conservative US bishops could continue.
McGreevy said he expects some tension between the Vatican and the White House over immigration and climate change, two of Francis’ key priorities that are likely to be reaffirmed by Leo.
Chad Pecknold, a professor of systematic theology at the Catholic University of America, suggested that Francis either disliked or misunderstood the United States.
With Leo XIV, it’s clear he not only loves America, but he even loves the White Sox,” Pecknold said via email.
“That can only have a good effect, not only upon American Catholics, but also American bishops, and indeed, everyone. It’s good to feel like the pope is on your side.”
During the latter years of Francis’ papacy, one of the most divisive issues among US bishops was whether Catholic politicians who supported abortion rights — including then-President Joe Biden and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — should be barred from receiving Communion.
Francis stressed he would not reject politicians who support abortion rights and Biden received Communion during a visit to Rome in 2021.
San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, who barred Pelosi from receiving Communion in the archdiocese, described Leo as a “bridge builder.”
“He will be a good force for unity in the church,” Cordileone told KPIX-TV
in San Francisco. “Even with differences of opinion and different ideas of strategy and so forth, we can have unity in the church.”
US Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican and outspoken abortion opponent, took heart from a homily delivered early this year by Leo when he was Cardinal Robert Prevost. The passage cited by Smith: “God’s mercy calls us to protect every life, especially those society overlooks — the child yet to be born and the elderly nearing their journey’s end — because each bears Christ’s face.”
Smith depicted this remark as “underscoring the protection of the right to life as first among the many humanitarian responsibilities of the Church.”
The interim president of Catholics for Choice, which supports abortion rights, acknowledged that Leo opposes abortion and said the group would send him letters from Catholics who disagree with that stance.
Responsible for overseeing all security department staff and ensuring that suffcient security measures are in place and followed. Ensure that security requirements are adhered to throughout the organization. Develop and execute innovative ideas to improve current safety standards so that all work environments are always secure and safe
• Assists Human Resources with internal investigations and staff-related issues. Collaborates on team training related to security policies, customer service, grooming, and safety.
• Develops and facilitates security training with law enforcement and internal trainers.
• Develops and maintains facility-wide security plans and SOPs.
• Oversees armored truck operations, shift scheduling, and branch staffng.
• Coordinates kiosk machine clearance and supports store openings/closings as needed.
• Conducts spot checks to monitor alertness and standard adherence. Ensures fre safety systems are functional through inspections and documentation.
• Performs patrols and evaluates the performance of security offcers..
• Prepares incident reports for executive leadership and liaises with the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
• Conducts staff performance evaluations and recommends improvements to security operations.
Skills /Experience Required
• Must have a solid understanding of information technology and application security practices, including the areas of platform architecture, application security modeling, and systems integrity
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“We are praying that he will be a pope guided by a commitment to peace, justice, and inclusion,” said Chris Wimbush. “The future of our church depends on greater inclusion and nuance on reproductive health decisions like abortion, contraception and IVF.”
Women and the church Francis, during his papacy, took major strides to give women more senior leadership positions in the church. But he upheld the ban on female priests and tamped down hopes that women could be ordained as deacons.
Ellie Hidalgo of Discerning Deacons, which advocates for women deacons in the church, said she hopes Leo will support the church’s ongoing review of women’s participation in ministry. A years-long Vatican process left open the contentious question of whether women should be ordained as deacons.
Hidalgo, who lives in Miami, heard then-Cardinal Prevost speak in February when she was in Rome for a celebration of deacons.
“He was asking deacons to be humble in their service,” Hidalgo said. “I could tell just from meeting him that that’s something he really values himself ... that you are to be of service and you’re there in a posture of humility.”
The US-based
Women’s Ordination Conference, which advocates for women to be accepted as priests, welcomed the inclusive tone of Leo’s initial remarks.
“His clear emphasis on bridge-building and dialogue offer WOC hope that Pope Leo XIV might be a leader who will also build bridges to Catholic women,” the group’s statement said. It envisioned “a long-overdue day when women are recognized as equals in Christ.”
Called on by Pope Francis Francis, in many ways, saw Robert Prevost as a possible successor, assigning him to positions in Peru that bolstered his global resume and later calling him to the Vatican to oversee the influential office that vets bishop nominations.
“Francis was paying close attention to new US bishops,” said Millies, the public theology professor.
“Prevost has been Francis’ man overseeing the careful selection of a different sort of bishop to fill important posts in the Ω ” Millies said the top leadership of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops - which was sometimes at odds with Francis - remains relatively conservative.
But in the ranks of bishops below them, “the change has already happened,” Millies said.
“They are men who
are more pastoral than focused on doctrine. The election of Leo means we are firmly in a different era.”
Traditionally, the taboo against a US pope reflected reluctance to give the world’s No. 1 superpower even more influence. That shouldn’t be a concern with Leo, according to Austen Ivereigh, a British-based journalist and author of two books on the Francis papacy.
“If anybody thinks he (Leo) is going to take a different line from Francis on migration or climate change, they’re in for a surprise,” Ivereigh said. “Francis was putting into practice church teaching, and Leo will do the same.”
There was muted reaction to Leo’s election from Bishop Robert Strickland, who was ousted by Francis in 2023 from leadership of the Diocese of Tyler in Texas. Strickland had been a fierce critic of Francis and came to symbolize the polarization within the US hierarchy.
In social media posts after Leo assumed the papacy, Strickland expressed hope that he would faithfully uphold the sacred Scriptures and traditions known as the Deposit of Faith. With the heavy weight of the papacy now on his shoulders he needs our prayers,” Strickland added.
POPE Leo XIV meets the College of Cardinals in the New Synod Hall at the Vatican, Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Photo: Vatican Media/AP
Commemorating 45th anniversary
Brigette Dupuch-Knudsen receives Doctor of Nursing Practice degree
ON May 6 at Georgia State University, Brigette Dupuch-Knudsen, the daughter of Susan and Pierre Dupuch, received her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
As a graduate of St Augustine’s College in Nassau she went on to the College of St Benedict/St John’s University in Minnesota where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has worked as a Registered Nurse covering multiple nursing specialties throughout The Bahamas, Minnesota, and Georgia. While practising in The Bahamas, she
practised nursing at various institutions, including Doctor’s Hospital, Harbour Bay Medical Centre, and as a Private Home Health Nurse.
Over the years, Brigette has received several honours including Award of Top Honour North Georgia 19th Annual Research Conference, Nursing Student Leadership Award, Georgia State University, and Sigma Theta International, Creating Healthy Work Environment’s Conference Rising Star. She is a member of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses,
Association for
of
Brigette has also published in Nursing, a Concept-Based Approach to Learning, a peerreviewed textbook for nursing students. Brigette settled in Georgia with her husband and two children. She emphasised that her success can be credited to her husband, John, of 20 years and her two children, Alexandria and Trenton, all of whom encouraged and supported her.
Georgia
Nursing Education, American Association of Colleges
Nursing, and Sigma Theta Tau International.
WREATHS laid at the Cenotaph at the RBDF Coral Harbour base in remembrance of the viictims of the HMBS Flamingo.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
Sustainable Studio teams up with University of The Bahamas for summer 2025 camp experience
THE youth-focused summer initiative Sustainable Studio is set to return this August with a revamped format, a new university partnership, and an emphasis on long-term impact in sustainability and social justice.
According to a joint press release from organisers Sustainable Me and Change the Tune, the two-week programme will run from August 4-15 at the GTR Campbell Small Island Sustainability Research Complex, located at the University of The Bahamas (UB) Oakes Field Campus. Now in its third year, the camp aims to engage students aged eight to 16 through hands-on, project-based learning that centres on innovation and global sustainability challenges.
“This new location is a perfect match for what we want to achieve,” said Ava Turnquest, president
of Sustainable Me. “It allows us to expose students to higher education and career pathways in sustainability while raising awareness of the incredible research being done at the GTR Campbell Complex.”
The partnership with UB marks what organisers describe as a “major milestone” for the camp, enhancing the learning environment and setting the stage for new initiatives, including a year-long after-school club set to launch in the 2025/2026 academic year.
The club is expected to provide students with extended mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities to undertake research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr Welsh-Unwala, a UB representative, welcomed the collaboration, saying: “We are excited to host the Sustainable
Studio summer camp at the GTR Campbell Research Complex. Sustainable Studio is doing important work to expose Bahamian youth to the concepts of sustainability and social justice. We hope this partnership inspires students to return to UB in the future to pursue degrees in science and sustainability.”
In addition to student participation, the programme is also encouraging involvement from UB lecturers as guest speakers and offering two internship placements for UB students to assist in camp operations and curriculum delivery.
The camp continues to focus on four core pillars — People, Planet, Peace, and Partnership — and has previously featured a range of guest experts, including marine scientists, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs. Past activities have included
environmental workshops, mock startup pitches, and hands-on sustainability projects using recycled materials.
Kya Nguyen, vice president of Sustainable Me, said the revised format aims to deepen student engagement: “We’ve seen how transformative this experience can be. Our new format lets
us dive deeper into what matters most, helping students connect with real-world sustainability challenges and design solutions that make a difference.”
The 2025 edition of Sustainable Studio will integrate themes such as climate justice, circular economies, digital activism, and sustainable
entrepreneurship, with a continued emphasis on youth-led innovation and critical thinking. UB students, faculty members, and local NGOs are invited to participate in various capacities, from internships and workshop facilitation to future collaboration on the planned after-school club.
