The Tribune PUZZLER
DPP DECISION CALLED
‘FAILURE OF JUSTICE’
No charges for police officer with no licence in fatal car accident
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A LAWYER condemned the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) yesterday for declining to pursue criminal charges against an off-duty police officer who killed a man in a car accident in 2017, calling it a “miscarriage of justice”. Tavarrie Smith, who represents the estate of Phillip Daniel Clare Jr, announced in the Coroner’s Court that he intends to seek judicial review after the DPP’s Office ruled there was insufficient evidence to move the case forward even though a coroner’s
ARREST WA RR A NTS ISSUED FOR OFFICERS A BSENT FROM INQUEST
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
CORONER Kara
Turnquest-Deveaux issued arrest warrants and imposed $5,000 fines on several police officers, including the lead investigator, after they failed to appear in court for the inquest into the fatal police shooting of 27-year-old Dino Bain. The officers were summoned to testify in the case, but their absence forced the court to delay proceedings. As a result, the fiveperson jury assembled for the inquest was excused for the day. The coroner
12-year-old girl ordered back to The Bahamas by judge in Canada
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
AN Ontario judge has ruled that a 12-year-old girl must be returned to The Bahamas under
the Hague Convention, despite her recently granted refugee status in Canada, allegations of abuse and her mother’s contention that The Bahamas lacks adequate protections for domestic
violence victims. The child, referred to as “R” in court documents, was represented by Renatta Austin from Ontario’s Office of the
ANOTHER BUSY HURRIC A NE SE A SON FOREC
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FORECASTERS are anticipating an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2025, with an early uptick in storm activity expected as early as July. Colorado State University projects 17 named storms this year, including eight hurricanes, four of which could M A
A ST
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 19-YEAR-OLD Royal Bahamas Defence Force marine seaman was granted bail yesterday after being accused, along with an accomplice, of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl last month. Devon Cooper was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse. His co-accused, D’John
WAVES crash on shore in Nassau during the passage of Hurricane Nicole in
TOURISTS walk through torrential rain in downtown Nassau yesterday. See PAGE TWO for more.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Heavy rains impacted Downtown traffic
TRAFFIC pushes through flooded roads on West Bay Street near The Pointe yesteray during heavy rainfall.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Another busy hurricane season forecast for 2025
become major hurricanes.
This marks a slight decrease from its 2024 forecast, which included 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.
AccuWeather offers a similar outlook, predicting between 13 and 18 named storms, with seven to ten hurricanes and three to five becoming major hurricanes.
In contrast, its 2024 forecast projected 20 to 25 named storms, eight to 12 hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Atlantic basin experienced 18 named storms in 2024, including 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes.
In The Bahamas, acting
Director of the Department of Meteorology Jeffrey Simmons said that storm activity is expected to intensify earlier than in previous years, particularly during July and August. He attributed last year’s relatively delayed start to high concentrations of Saharan dust, which are not expected to pose the same issue this year.
Mr Simmons also noted a broader trend toward
increasingly active hurricane seasons. “We’ve been seeing that a lot, but the amount this year is lower than you know that prediction two three years ago, but we’re still above the average,” he said. “So you know that may excuse me in the next few years, when we re-evaluate our averages, you can see average overall going up. That’s a possibility.” Concerns over forecasting
capabilities were raised following budget cuts to NOAA under the Trump administration. The cuts resulted in the loss of hundreds of staff members, mostly probationary employees, and raised alarms over potential impacts on weather forecasting, particularly during hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.
Emergency response has ‘deeper issues’ than number of vehicles, doctor cautions
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas’ emergency medical system faces deeper challenges than a shortage of ambulances, said Dr Kenville Lockhart, Vice President of the Bahamas Doctors Union, who cautioned that operational readiness involves more than simply acquiring vehicles. His comment came after former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands, the chairman of the Free National Movement, raised concerns about the number of ambulances on New Providence.
Dr Lockhart, speaking in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the union, told The Tribune that emergency response readiness requires comprehensive planning, trained personnel, and infrastructure, not just ambulances.
“It’s a more nuanced matter,” he said. “And it’s not even just to hire anybody off the road. You would have to purchase the vehicles, you would have to train the staff.”
Dr Sands, in a statement on May 11, described the reported number of ambulances on New Providence as a “national disgrace.”
“This is not a drill, not an exaggeration,” he said. “Right now, nearly 300,000 people in the capital are depending on just two working ambulances.”
He questioned the government’s readiness to respond to large-scale emergencies, such as major fires or accidents, and urged an immediate audit of the EMS fleet and emergency funding to address the situation.
Dr Lockhart noted that junior doctors rarely interact directly with ambulance services unless
assigned to Accident and Emergency.
He raised concerns about using ambulances for non-emergency cases due to economic hardship, such as dropping people home after a hospital visit.
Meanwhile, the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) did not offer specific figures yesterday on functional ambulances but promised forthcoming details.
“The PHA acknowledges the public’s concern and recognises the importance of transparency regarding the state of our emergency medical services,” the Authority said. “To that end, the PHA is in the process of developing a detailed and thoughtful communication that will address these matters more thoroughly. Once finalised, this information will be shared with the public and the media.”
Growth report,
By DENISE MAYCOCK
THE Free National Movement (FNM) is casting doubt on recent government-released figures claiming economic growth while also raising broader concerns about whether that growth is reaching ordinary Bahamians.
In a statement released Monday, FNM Member of Parliament J Kwasi Thompson highlighted a $413m “statistical discrepancy” in the national accounts, calling into question the accuracy of the Bahamas National Statistical
Institute’s report of 3.4 percent GDP growth for 2024.
He said the discrepancy, equivalent to nearly three percent of GDP, merits deeper scrutiny and promised the party would seek further clarification in the coming days.
“This raises important questions about accuracy and accountability,” he said, signalling a potential line of a parliamentary or public inquiry.
Beyond the technical critique, Mr Thompson also sought to reframe the broader economic narrative being put forward by the government, arguing that everyday citizens are not feeling the supposed
growth. He pointed to persistent inflation, high grocery prices, unpaid government vendors, and stalled infrastructure projects as signs that life remains difficult for many.
“The average Bahamian doesn’t need a press release to know that things aren’t getting better—they feel it every day,” he said.
He said the benefits of any economic improvement are being concentrated among “a well-connected few” rather than distributed broadly across society.
“The FNM believes in an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top,” he said.
ONE of the recently acquired ambulances being driven on an obstacle course during a PHA training exercise last month.
12-year-old girl ordered back to The Bahamas by judge in Canada
Children’s Lawyer, who supported her wish to stay in Canada. R expressed fear of her father and a strong desire not to be separated from her mother and sister.
Justice Catherine Rhinelander acknowledged the child’s concerns but determined they did not meet the legal threshold to prevent her return. The judge found that neither the
child’s fear nor her mother’s claims of a violent and neglectful environment were substantiated to the degree necessary under the Hague Convention.
The child’s father, Benson Beneby, denied the abuse allegations, pointing out they were never raised during previous family court proceedings in The Bahamas. His stance was reportedly supported by his adult daughter from the same relationship, who
disputed a specific 2021 incident referenced by the mother.
Justice Rhinelander found much of the mother’s evidence to be inadmissible hearsay. He noted that Mr Beneby had no criminal record, had completed parenting courses, and had complied with Bahamian court orders.
The mother, Odaz Melody Gibbs, represented by Sophia Dales, Meghan De Snoo, and
Man who died in fall from balcony was student of Bentley University
BENTLEY University in Waltham, Massachusetts, is mourning the loss of senior student Gaurav Jaisingh, who died in a tragic accident during the school’s annual senior trip to The Bahamas. Jaisingh reportedly fell from a balcony at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort on Sunday night. Emergency responders found him unresponsive; he was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital. In an official statement, Bentley University said: “This is an enormous tragedy for our community.”
The institution is offering counselling and support services to students and staff. The incident came just days before Bentley’s undergraduate commencement ceremony, scheduled for Saturday.
Alina Valachi, argued that The Bahamas lacks adequate protections for domestic abuse victims. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the court concluded they fell short of the grave risk or human rights violation required to halt the child’s return under Articles 13(b), 13(2), and 20 of the Hague Convention. Canadian immigration authorities recently
granted refugee status to both the mother and child.
However, Justice Rhinelander emphasised that this designation does not automatically prevent a return under international treaty obligations.
The judge issued a 14-day stay on the return order to allow for any potential appeals or jurisdictional coordination. If unchallenged, the child must return to The Bahamas by May 19.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a treaty designed to prevent parents from unilaterally relocating children across international borders in custody disputes. It requires the prompt return of children to their country of habitual residence when they are wrongfully removed or retained, allowing local courts to resolve custody matters.
Marine and man accused of sex assault of teen girl
Kirk Bowe, was arraigned on the same charge the previous week. The alleged offence occurred on April 15 in New Providence. Both men are accused of engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with the underaged victim. Cooper was not required to enter a plea during the arraignment. His case will proceed to the Supreme Court through a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI). He was granted $8,000 bail with one or two sureties and must wear a monitoring device as a condition of his release. He is scheduled to return to court on August 6 for possible service of his VBI before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans. Assistant Superintendent of Police S Coakley served as the prosecutor.
TOURISM DEVELOPMEN T CORPORAT ION TO HOS T QUEEN CONCH SHELL C ARVING WORKSHOP IN W ES T END, GB
THE Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) announced Monday they will hold a Queen Conch Shell Carving Workshop in West End with the aim to support entrepreneurship and highlight Bahamian craftsmanship.
The workshop will be led by Sylvie Carey offering hands-on training focused on the intricate art of carving conch shells into unique, handcrafted jewellery and artwork.
Director of the TDC for Northern Bahamas, Steven Johnson emphasised the long-term vision behind the
workshop - to be held in the next two weeks - highlighting it not only as a creative outlet, but also as a pathway to entrepreneurship.
He stated the goal is to establish West End as the manufacturing capital for conch shell products, enabling mass production and export of conch shell jewellery which could contribute millions of dollars to the local economy. He described the addition of the Queen Conch Shell Carving Workshop, along with upcoming workshops in silver, gold, and wood jewellery-making, as part of
the TDC’s commitment to empowering Bahamians to become entrepreneurs. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Kingsley Smith encouraged residents to take full advantage of the program, which offers a great opportunity to build financial independence and create new opportunities for themselves. Carey noted that the workshop promises to be intensive and rewarding, instilling not just technical skills, but also pride in a product that is uniquely Bahamian.
THE TOURISM Development Corporation (TDC) held a press conference on Monday in West End, Grand Bahama to announce the Queen Conch Shell Carving Workshop. Shown from left: East GB resident, Leroy Glinton; director of the TDC for Northern Bahamas, Steven Johnson; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Kingsley Smith; and workshop instructor, Sylvie Carey.
Photos: Andrew Miller/BIS
DPP decision called
‘failure of justice’
from page one
jury made a finding of gross negligence by manslaughter last November.
The jury’s verdict followed a years-long wait for an inquest into the
January 10, 2017, death of Clare Jr, who was struck by a civilian vehicle driven by Corporal 3847 Samuel Rolle as he tried to cross Tonique Williams-Darling Highway to get food from
Pressure Point Bar. In court, Cpl Rolle appeared composed as Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux relayed the DPP’s decision. The victim’s family, however, reacted with visible
Arrest warrants issued for officers absent from inquest
from page one
informed the court that the matter will now continue on August 11. Bain was shot and killed by police on Dean Street at 2.30pm on December 28, 2023, one day before his birthday.
The officer implicated in the shooting was present in court and represented by attorney Glendon Rolle. Bain’s family, who have waited nearly two years for answers, showed visible frustration over the delay.
A vigil was held in his memory at the site of the shooting on the first anniversary of his death.
Attorney K Melvin Munroe represented the Bain family, while Angelo Whitfield is set to marshal the evidence when the inquest resumes.
TRIBU T ES PAID T O A NDROSIAN A RAMINA
‘Auntie
Bye’ B A in turning 100-ye A r-old
FRIENDS and family have paid tribute to Aramina Bain, who on Monday turned 100 years old..
A celebration will be held on May 24, with a formal dinner at Rozelda M Woodside Primary School in the North Andros community Aramina calls home.
Affectionately known as Auntie Bye, she is a beloved resident of Mastic Point.
In a statement, Juliette Roberts said: “Her stories, shared with a warm smile and the twinkle of nostalgia in her eyes, open a portal to the rich history of North Andros. With an incredible memory and a gift for storytelling, her vivid narratives captivate all who listen, preserving the essence of the past while encouraging younger generations to embrace and honor their heritage.”
At 15, she helped establish the Northern Star Burial Society with Gertrude Simms to support grieving families. Now, 85 years later, it serves as a beacon of hope for many in Mastic Point, North Andros, New Providence, and beyond. As the only living founding member, she has seen it grow from meeting at a home to having a hall, chapel, and
over 900 members. She continued to break new ground as an entrepreneur, becoming the first in her community to introduce the iconic “chicken-in-the-bag” takeout snack restaurant venture that delighted taste buds and paved the way for local food businesses. Her homemade bread became a cherished favorite among
neighbours, earning her a reputation as one of the best bakers in North Andros. She was also a skilled farmer, and a devoted member of Wesley Mt Zion Church. Auntie Bye has a daughter, Veronica, who has blessed her with nine grandsons. She also now has 20 great-grandchildren.
distress and outrage.
The inquest revealed troubling details: the officer’s vehicle was unlicensed and uninsured during the crash.
During a voluntary police interview, he
claimed he did not know Clare Jr had died. A coroner’s inquest does not establish criminal liability. The final call lies with the DPP, who must assess whether the evidence meets the
threshold for criminal proceedings.
Attorney Kevin Armbrister represented Rolle, while Angelo Whitfield marshalled evidence for the Coroner’s Court.
PHILLIP DANIEL CLARE JR
ARAMINA ‘AUNTIE BYE’ BAIN
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Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
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The importance of being transparent
YOU will have read the word “transparency” in this column on a number of occasions – usually as we search for it only to find a world far too opaque.
The Public Hospitals Authority takes that to new lows in today’s Tribune
In response to FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands stating that the country has just two working ambulances, the PHA has the audacity to talk about “the importance of transparency” while delivering precisely no such thing.
Have a close read of the following:
“The PHA acknowledges the public’s concern and recognises the importance of transparency regarding the state of our emergency medical services. To that end, the PHA is in the process of developing a detailed and thoughtful communication that will address these matters more thoroughly. Once finalised, this information will be shared with the public and the media.”
Consider the information it is being asked to verify – how many working ambulances there are.
The claim is that there are just two. It cannot take very long at all to check if two ambulances are working. Once done, check if a third is working. There, job done. You now know whether it is accurate or not. How long can it take to check three ambulances?
Of course, as has been noted in this column previously, any half-competent fleet manager will know the state of operation of all vehicles under their care at any time.
Such a fleet manager will have details quickly to hand for what vehicles are fully functional – bar any immediate incident in any given day – and which ones are undergoing repair or maintenance. That person will have a schedule to hand of when maintenance is due
and so on. This genuinely is not rocket science.
So when the authority is asked to respond to whether or not just two ambulances are functional and the reply is well, wait, we’ll come back to you later, but we’re totally being transparent, then our response is skepticism in the extreme.
How many ambulances are working now? Today. Not at some point in the future when you come up with an answer that sounds good. Today.
Meanwhile, we also agree with Dr Kenville Lockhart, vice president of the Bahamas Doctors Union, that operational readiness is about more than buying vehicles – it is about staff training, planning, infrastructure and more. The same holds true with firefighting equipment, police equipment and so on.
You have to have the right personnel with the right access to the right equipment, and it needs to be functioning properly. That is the business of good management.
We seem to have fallen into a situation where we do not have enough staff – witness police officers who are going to double up as ambulance drivers, where we do not have enough vehicles – witness the announcement that more will be bought, and where we reportedly have ambulances that staff are not trained to drive and which some claim are too small for the purpose required.
All of these things can be remedied, with the right plan, and, frankly, with a willingness to be honest about what is needed.
Let us recognise the problems that need to be remedied, and then proceed to do so.
Some more of that transparency could go a long way.
No trust in Lewis’ spot on the PAC
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I WRITE to express my profound concerns regarding the proposed reappointment of Iram D Lewis, Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama, to the Public Accounts Committee. As the guardian of our treasury’s integrity, this committee must consist solely of individuals whose conduct is beyond reproach. Regrettably, Mr Lewis’s record of accountability leaves much to be desired.
For eight consecutive years, Mr Lewis has received a yearly Constituency Capital Grant and Constituency Allowance, combined funding in the range of $200K per year, without providing the mandatory accounting for their usage. As a resident of Central Grand Bahama, I, and many of my fellow constituents, have persistently sought transparent explanations from his office. Our repeated inquiries regarding these funds, particularly in light of his likely re-election bid, have gone unanswered satisfactorily.
Had I been aware of his
current committee membership sooner, I would have raised these concerns decisively and advocated for his removal from any oversight role. Entrusting someone who has consistently evaded fiscal accountability with the oversight of public funds is equivalent to placing the fox in charge of the henhouse. As Justice Louis Brandeis so aptly stated, “sunlight is the best disinfectant.” Those who refuse to operate in the light should not be empowered to scrutinise the actions of others. Eight years of financial opacity, in this instance, raise serious doubts about Mr Lewis’s qualifications for a role that demands ‘absolute transparency.’
The repercussions of this appointment extend far beyond the actions of one individual. The authority of the Public Accounts Committee rests on public trust — a trust that is undermined when its members fail to uphold the standards they are charged to enforce. Public service demands accountability; no official can
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Proposal to improve f re services
EDITOR, The Tribune. AN open letter to Wayne Munroe.
Dear Minister Munroe, I read your remarks in this morning’s paper with great interest. While I appreciate your defence of the current structure, it is clear that a string of recent destructive fires and concerns from citizens underscore a national demand for more effective, transparent, and well-resourced fire services.
With respect, I believe the time has come to seriously explore a dedicated National Fire and Emergency Services Branch, separate from the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
credibly oversee others’ financial conduct while simultaneously concealing their own. To include such individuals in a key oversight position jeopardizes the very principles of democratic governance.
In light of these serious considerations, I respectfully urge the Honorable Speaker of the House and the Leader of His Majesty’s Official Opposition to reconsider Mr Lewis’s potential reappointment, or if he is still a member, his continued membership on this committee. Upholding the integrity of our public institutions means ensuring that those entrusted with managing and overseeing our funds are held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I trust that the Honorable Speaker of the House and the Leader of His Majesty’s Official Opposition will give this the serious consideration it deserves.
C ALLEN JOHNSON Freeport, Grand Bahama May 11, 2025.
Here is a constructive plan and rationale for how such a transition can be managed with improved accountability, efficiency, and national safety:
1. Structure and Oversight Proposal: Create a National Fire & Rescue Authority (NFRA) as a civilian emergency agency, under the Ministry of National Security but with its own leadership, budget, and legislative mandate.
Commissioner of Fire & Emergency Services: Appointed leader with direct accountability.
Regional Divisions: Units in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and key Family Islands.
Disaster Response Linkage: Strong integration with NEMA and public health.
Why?
This avoids silos by establishing proper interagency collaboration
protocols, not more bureaucracy. The agency would no longer compete with criminal investigations or policing priorities for attention and funding.
2. Fire Truck & Equipment Needs
Minimum National Standard Proposal:
New Providence: Ten modern pumpers, two aerial ladder trucks, one hazmat unit.
Grand Bahama: Six pumpers, one ladder truck.
Abaco, Exuma, Eleuthera, Long Island: Two pumpers each, plus one tanker per island.
Small islands (Bimini, Andros, Cat Island, etc.): One quick-response unit per major settlement.
Total Estimate: 35–40 fire trucks across the country (new or upgraded fleet).
$20–25m investment, aligned with your recent mention of $20m allocation.
3. Manpower & Training
Proposal: Initial Staffing Target: 300–350 trained firefighters nationwide.
200 in New Providence 60 in Grand Bahama 90 across the Family Islands
Ongoing Training Cycle: 50 recruits per year in certified fire academy with modules on: Fire suppression Rescue operations
Fire investigation
Community fire education 4. Budget
Accountability Proposal: Separate annual line item for the National Fire & Rescue Authority in the national budget. Annual performance audits and public reporting of:
Number of fires responded to Equipment uptime Emergency response times Community engagement programs delivered 5. Community Engagement & Prevention
Launch a national fire safety awareness program. Partner with local councils and schools for fire drills and extinguisher training. Use community-based volunteer auxiliaries in outer islands with smaller populations.
Closing Thoughts
This proposal is not about discrediting your efforts or those of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Instead, it recognizes that fire services demand specialised focus, resourcing, and community engagement that a standalone branch can better deliver. A well-structured, accountable fire authority can be a proud national institution—prepared, professional, and responsive in every settlement across our islands. I look forward to your thoughts and hope this can start a wider conversation across political lines and agencies. The safety of our people is too important for it to be an afterthought.
RICHARD RUDON New Providence May 13, 2025.
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A BLUE Queen parrotfish smiles for the camera.
Photo: Scuba Mike
CPSA frustrated over lack of progress on new industrial agreement with PHA
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA) has voiced mounting frustration over protracted negotiations with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and the government, citing a lack of progress on a new industrial agreement set to expire in 2026.
Dr Charelle Lockhart, CPSA president, said yesterday that despite ongoing discussions, no formal agreement has been reached. She noted that while talks have occurred, the next round of negotiations is not scheduled until 2026, coinciding with the current agreement’s expiration.
Dr Lockhart emphasised that the CPSA holds a strike certificate, viewing
industrial action as a last resort. She criticised the government and the PHA for mutual blame over delays, saying: “The government says that they have been explicit in what they want to propose to us, and the Public Hospitals Authority is saying they have not gotten the green light to send us the proposal, but the proposal that was sent that we ended up rejecting the government says that they had no dealings with that. That’s not what the discussion was. So they continue to blame each other, and we’re in the middle. So it’s like we’re being passed back and forth like a hot potato.”
She expressed concern over the latest delay, attributing it to the need for the managing director and the Minister of Health to review two
specific points, which she described as minor. The primary issues impeding progress are health insurance provisions and accurate tracking of consultants’ working hours. Dr Lockhart emphasised that consultants’ responsibilities often extend beyond hospital premises and standard hours: “I continue to tell people that my job does not end when I walk out of the doors of the Princess Margaret Hospital,” she said. “It continues into the night at home. I am consulting at all hours of the day and night to people on the Family Islands, to the outside community clinics.”
She lamented the government’s apparent responsiveness to industrial unrest over constructive dialogue,
UB faces backlash from union over appointment of VP for UB North
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter
THE University of The Bahamas (UB) is facing backlash from the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) for appointing Denise Barnes as vice president of UB North without publicly advertising the position.
Ms Barnes, who is currently the vice president of Human Resources, assumed the UB North role in an acting capacity on May 1 and is set to hold the post substantively from July 1, 2025. UB has described the dual role as part of efforts to strengthen leadership, align operations, and support institutional growth.
However, UTEB president Daniel Thompson has criticised the process, calling it a “cloak and dagger” appointment and accusing the university of bypassing transparency and accountability.
“This lack of transparency is deeply disappointing,” said Mr Thompson.
“Carry on as you see fit, without concern for accountability. These strategies will eventually return to haunt the university. If the university follows its
own policies, UTEB will offer its support. However, if it continues to engage in this type of behaviour, UTEB cannot support it, as it undermines the institution’s integrity and makes a mockery of best practices.”
Mr Thompson said the issue is not personal but procedural. He said the core issue is not with Ms Barnes herself, but with the process that led to her appointment.
He noted that academic appointments at the university usually undergo rigorous interviews and committee reviews but no such procedure appeared to have taken place in this instance, and no opportunity was given for internal candidates to apply.
“When our members heard about the appointment, they said, hold on, we thought this was an opportunity we could have applied for,” he said. He also expressed concern that a non-academic has been placed in charge of an academic campus, a role traditionally held by scholars.
“The thing about it is that it is not a personal attack to the appointee, but the appointee is not an academic,” he said.
“You’re putting someone in charge of an academic institute as a CEO, and they are non-academic. That position was held by an academic, Dr Ian Strachan, and before then, we have always had academics representing.”
Mr Thompson also criticised what he views as a pattern of decision-making that overlooks qualified Bahamians.
“When you juxtapose what they did in this instance, and you juxtapose that to what they recently did with the appointment of the least qualified non-Bahamian candidate for the presidency, it speaks volumes as to the mindset of the institution, how they seem to be more concerned about making America great again, but definitely not about making The Bahamas great, because they have, it seems, no concern or appreciation of local talent.”
He said UTEB had written to the university, and while a response was received, it was unsatisfactory, adding that although the university claimed to have followed procedure, it failed to prove that the position was ever publicly advertised.
MAN GETS TEN YEARS IN JAIL AFTER GUILTY PLEA ON TWO COUNTS OF AR M ED ROBBERY
By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 27-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of armed robbery.
Ashtino Douglas entered his guilty plea before Justice Renae McKay. He was charged alongside Shemar Bennet, who received an eightyear prison sentence for the same offences.
Douglas was initially scheduled to stand trial
before Justice Joyann Ferguson-Pratt, but he changed his plea ahead of proceedings.
On November 16, 2023, Douglas and an accomplice robbed Olivia Joseph, a cashier at Faith Variety Store, at gunpoint, stealing $1,300. That day, Douglas also robbed Peaches Ledger of $40 at the 4G Variety Store while armed. Douglas is also accused of robbing Alphanique Brown and Novellette Allen, cashiers at Budget Meat Mart, though the outcome of those charges
was not specified in court.
Following the conviction, Justice McKay advised Douglas to reform and avoid returning to a life of crime and negative influences.
Douglas will serve a tenyear sentence, with time already spent on remand deducted.
Tamika Roberts and Kara Wight appeared on behalf of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Stanley Rolle of the Public Defender’s Office represented Douglas.
saying: “We are still holding our strike certificate. You know that is our absolute last resort, and at this particular point in time, if that’s what my membership says that we need to do, I’m not going to be the one to discourage that because our negotiation team has certainly tried to the very end to get this to where we need it to be, where it should be.”
The CPSA comprises approximately 123 members.
The government initially aimed to finalise a new industrial agreement with doctors by February 2025.
Dr Lockhart noted that the last communication from Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle was on
March 28, during a quarterly meeting. She said at that time, Minister GloverRolle assured the CPSA of a written proposal by April 1. In a statement, Mrs Glover-Rolle expressed her concerns over the prolonged negotiations.
“The government has already agreed to the terms concerning health insurance,” she said. “With respect to time and attendance, the initial proposal presented to the doctors was rejected, not on the basis of the terms, but because the language in the document did not align with what was agreed upon by the Department of Labour and the Financial Secretary.” She added that revised
language, agreed upon by all parties, was resubmitted to the PHA on April 15, 2025, but the final counter-proposal has not yet reached the CPSA.
“This matter has gone on for far too long. With the outstanding issues essentially resolved in principle, it’s time for all parties to come together to finalise this agreement,” she said.
In January, a two-day nationwide strike led by Trade Union Congress (TUC) president Obie Ferguson involved healthcare professionals, air traffic controllers, and other government workers. The strike forced some clinics to close and left health facilities operating in “crisis mode.”
ESPN
says it’s streaming service will start in September at $29.99
NEW YORK
Associated Press
ESPN said Tuesday that its new all-encompassing streaming service will take on a familiar name — ESPN — and launch in September at an initial price of $29.99 per month.
The service will enable consumers to view all of ESPN’s various networks, including ones devoted to the SEC, Big 10 and ACC college leagues, as well as content from the current ESPN+ streaming service, which will be folded in to the new product.
The network also promised enhancements to its ESPN app for mobile devices, including using artificial intelligence to create a personalized “SportsCenter” for consumers that concentrates on news and highlights for their favorite teams, sports and athletes.
September will represent a big moment for ESPN on par with the cable sports network’s launch in 1979, the introduction of ESPN2 in 1993 and launch of the ESPN.com website two years later, said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN chairman. The exact date it will become available will be announced later.
It’s also a pivotal development in the accelerating industry shift from television to streaming. ESPN and its sister channels will remain available on cable and satellite systems. After kicking around several ideas for what to call the service, which was known informally as “Flagship” during the developmental stages, Pitaro said executives decided to keep it simple.
“There’s power in our name and there’s trust in our name,” he said. All live events shown on ESPN networks, along with sports shown on broadcast sister ABC-TV, will be available through the streaming service. So will its other programming, like “SportsCenter”,
a month
“Pardon the Interruption,” “First Take,” “The Pat McAfee Show,” “NFL Live” and original films. ESPN announced Tuesday that a former network personality, Rich Eisen, will bring his daily program to ESPN even as he continues to work at the NFL Network.
ESPN’s streaming service will be available for $299.99 per year. The Disneyowned network said it will also allow people to bundle ESPN along with Hulu and Disney+ for $35.99 a month — or $29.99 a month for the first year.
Although consumers will be able to buy the more limited slate of programming available now on ESPN+ for $11.99 a month, Pitaro said ESPN decided against offering other lower-cost alternatives containing some, but not all, of the company’s various services. It would be too confusing for consumers, he said.
Pitaro said ESPN remains open to other acquisitions or partnerships to build programming. That includes potentially taking on some struggling regional sports networks that show baseball, even though ESPN decided earlier this year to opt out of the final three years of its contract to show Major League Baseball at the end of this season.
“When the league is ready to have a conversation, we are ready to listen,” Pitaro said.
Miller’s Ale House selects Ziosk’s tabletop technology to enhance guest engagement
TEXAS Associated Press
ZIOSK, the industry leader in guest engagement at the table, today announced a partnership with Miller’s Ale House, a thriving casual dining brand and part of the Roark Capital portfolio. The collaboration will deploy across all 115 locations in Q2, bringing dynamic engagement technology to every table, enhancing the guest experience and helping to optimise operations.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www. businesswire.com/news/ home/20250513144187/en/ Central to the rollout is Ziosk’s zMini, a single, connected tabletop platform that empowers guests to order appetizers, desserts, and re-order a round of drinks as well as pay at the table and sign up for marketing programs, all with the tap of a finger. Integrating with their existing tech stack, it’s a powerful guest engagement tool that also helps operators run their restaurants more efficiently.
“At Miller’s, we are committed to leveraging
technology to provide our employees and our guests a better overall experience. Ziosk transforms every table into a digital engagement point, allowing us to connect with guests in ways that weren’t possible before,” said Brett Patterson, CEO of Miller’s Ale House. “Over 95% of our guests are choosing to pay through Ziosk, and
more than half are providing feedback before they leave, so we’re capturing meaningful data that helps us fine-tune our guest experience.”
The new partnership has already been paying dividends on multiple fronts. With Ziosk’s new marketing ecosystem, Miller’s Ale House has seen an increase in appetizer,
US CHIP maker
Nvidia will partner with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund-owned AI startup Humain and will ship 18,000 chips to the Middle Eastern nation to help power a new data center project.
The partnership was revealed Tuesday as part of a White House trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has been working to develop its artificial intelligence capacity and strengthen its cloud computing infrastructure with the help of foreign investment.
“AI, like electricity and internet, is essential infrastructure for every
up for their marketing programs at a rate significantly higher than their other channels.
“We’re excited to partner with the Miller’s Ale House brand and help elevate what’s already an exceptional guest experience,” said Raymond Howard, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue and Growth Officer at Ziosk. “By combining best-inclass hospitality with intelligent marketing and actionable insights, we’re helping grow revenue, create stronger engagement, and enhance performance across every location.”
nation,” said Jensen Huang, founder of Nvidia. “Together with Humain, we are building AI infrastructure for the people and companies of Saudi Arabia to realize the bold vision of the Kingdom.”
The cutting-edge Blackwell chips will be used in a 500 megawatt data center in Saudi Arabia, according to remarks at the SaudiU.S Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday. The California company said its first deployment will use its GB300 Blackwell chips, which are among Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips at the moment, and which were only officially announced earlier this year.
data we collect through Ziosk, combined with AI-powered insights, are game-changers. This platform helps us capture guest interactions, engage them meaningfully, measure satisfaction, and drive return visits. You simply don’t get this level of visibility without the robust data that Ziosk delivers.”
drink and dessert purchases , in addition to an overall improvement in service quality and ease of ordering. This advanced tool allows them to deliver targeted, real-time promotions based on dayparts to drive upsells and unlock a new opportunity for digital engagement. Miller’s Ale House has also seen guests sign
The zMinis are providing a level of convenience that’s been noticed by both guests and team members alike. Guests like that they can dine the way they want to dine, with the power to order and pay on their own time right at the table. The staff is using the operational insights to refine each shift’s performance to truly provide guests with an enjoyable experience.
“Miller’s Ale House is dedicated to enhancing every guest touchpoint, and Ziosk gives us the tools to do that in a smart, scalable way,” said Katie Knight, Miller’s Ale House CMO. “The depth and breadth of
As the partnership evolves, there’s one shared vision at the heart of this collaboration: meeting guests where they are and engaging with them to deliver the convenience they crave that keeps them coming back again and again. Ziosk, the pioneer of pay-at-the-table, is a premier SaaS hospitality platform for restaurants. Ziosk’s core product suite includes solutions for payat-the-table, ordering, loyalty, guest engagement, guest feedback, and advanced data collection and analysis, in addition to hardware products like the Ziosk Pro Server and Ziosk zMini tablets. Ziosk’s newest offerings include the Drop & Pay™ Digital Check Presenter and DigiSite, an industry-leading location intelligence solution. Based in Dallas, the company processes over $17B in transactions annually and engages over 1bn guests per year.
STEPHEN A Smith arrives at Spike TV’s Video Game Awards in Los Angeles in December 2009.
Photo: Matt Sayles/AP
Associated Press
SAUDI officials attend a signing ceremony at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday.
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP
Arabia
MILLER’s Ale House Selects Ziosk as Tabletop Technology Partner to Enhance Guest Engagement and Elevate Experience.
Xaria Ingraham named 2025 Junior Minister of Tourism
XARIA Ingraham of Mary Star of The Sea Catholic Academy in Grand Bahama has been named the 2025 Junior Minister of Tourism. The announcement came during the national finals of the Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation on Thursday, May 8, at the Bahamas Harvest Church, West Campus. Finalists delivered prepared speeches on the theme, “The 3 New S’s of Caribbean Tourism: Smart Technologies, Sustainable Practices, and Social Inclusion.” They also responded to a mystery question during the event.
Ingraham received an all-expense-paid trip to the CTO Youth Congress, a $700 cash prize, and a trophy. Her school was awarded $700 and a floating trophy. Second place went to Malique Campbell of Admiral Ferguson Senior High School/Virtual School in Crooked Island, who earned a $500 cash prize and a trophy. His school received $500 and a plaque. Brazil Roache of St. Anne’s School in New Providence took third place, receiving a $300 cash prize and a trophy, while her school was awarded $300 and a plaque. Xaria Ingraham succeeds Orlandria Pinder of Central Eleuthera High School, who held the title in 2024.
XARIA Ingraham of Mary Star of The Sea Catholic Academy in Grand Bahama awarded 2025 Junior Minister of Tourism. Photos: MOT
Students of Long Bay School in Abaco share their talents
LONG Bay School students were the first to perform in the 2025 E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Abaco adjudications, on May 5, 2025, when the event visited the school in Dundas Town. Younger students - even of grade two - showed off their singing skills, while a number of older students played the keyboard, sang, danced and beat Junkanoo drums. Among those present was Abaco Family Island activity coordinator for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Candi Stubbs-Dawkins.
Photos: Eric Rose/BIS