The Tribune house & hoMe
PM HITS OUT AT ABSENT PINTARD
Davis slams FNM head for missing Lucayan signing
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune
Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip
“Brave” Davis torched Free
National Movement leader
Mr Pintard wasn’t his only target during a PLP Men’s Branch “Hype Sunday” event; Mr Davis slammed multiple senior FNM figures in a rally speech filled with jabs, taunts, and political indictments.
He accused Mr Pintard of
Michael Pintard for missing last week’s signing of the Grand Lucayan Heads of Agreement, accusing him of ducking a pivotal moment for Grand Bahama and failing to show leadership when it mattered most.
CARNIVAL PARTI C IPATION ‘will be up by 50 percent’
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Carnival Band Owners Association
Mr Tirelli noted that while more foreign revellers than Bahamians are expected to take part in the June 7 parade, local spectators traditionally line the route in large numbers.
He attributed the increase in interest to a
chairman Dario Tirelli expects participation in this year’s event to jump nearly 50 percent over the past two years — but he’s sharply criticising the Ministry of Tourism for failing to support the festival through funding or marketing.
Concord Wilshire pay $120m for Grand Lucayan and golf course
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Davis administration has disclosed a $120m sale price of the Grand Lucayan resort and surrounding property.
Government officials had not revealed the figure during Thursday’s formal signing event. The resort and the adjacent 160-acre Reef Golf Course are being sold to Ancient Waters Bahamas Limited, a
subsidiary of US-based Concord Wilshire Capital. The developer, which claims $10 billion in developed and acquired assets, is leading an $827m redevelopment to transform
Man died ‘trying to scale barbed wire’
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was found dead early on Sunday morning in a shed on South Beach Drive, after what police believe may have been a failed attempt to scale a fence topped with barbed wire. Officers responded to the
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE acting Director of Immigration said the final decision on whether Russian businessman Andrey Votinov will be granted Bahamian citizenship rests with the Immigration Board, a Cabinet-level body, and not the department itself.
He told The Tribune he could not confirm additional details about Mr Votinov’s current permit to reside, which is up for
Bahamian
A BODY of a man is removed from the scene on South Beach Drive yesetrday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff PRIESTS conduct the last rites at a funeral for John Henry Bostwick at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday as family, friends and officials paid their last respects. See PAGE 12 for more.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
Man died ‘trying to scale barbed
from page one
scene shortly before 10am and found the man’s body in the north-east corner of a residential property. Emergency Medical Services confirmed he was unresponsive.
Inspector Jerard Culmer of the Royal Bahamas Police Force said the body was found inside the shed, with initial reports suggesting the man may have become entangled in the wire during the attempt.
Police say the exact cause of death is still unknown. An autopsy will determine whether the death was accidental or involved foul play.
The man was not a resident of the home where he was found, and authorities believe he had no fixed address. He appeared to be in his late twenties.
“We do not believe he lived there,” Inspector Culmer said. “But people in the area believe he was known.”
THE BODY of a man was found dead early yesterday morning in a shed on South Beach Drive, after what police believe may have been a failed attempt to scale a fence topped with barbed wire.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
PM hits out at absent Pintard
from page one
turning his back on progress and his constituents by refusing to attend the hotel sale event. He reminded the crowd that Mr Pintard resides in Grand Bahama yet was absent for what he framed as a symbol of rebirth for the island’s economy.
His criticism of Mr Pintard came even though many observers likened last week’s Grand Lucayan signing to a PLP rally rather than a typical government event.
“Let’s talk about what real disrespect looks like,” he said. “The people of Grand Bahama waited years for something to break through — for jobs, for investment, for a signal that better days were finally coming.”
Mr Davis called Mr Pintard a “seat warmer” who answers to “the same old forces that failed the country.” He questioned whether Mr Pintard had ever held a “real job.”
He unleashed barbed attacks against several senior FNM members.
He targeted FNM Deputy Leader Shanendon
Cartwright, calling out his past as chairman of the Beaches and Parks Authority, and referencing the infamous mace-throwing incident in House of Assembly. “It is not ‘brave’ to try to distract from a highly questionable tenure at Parks and Beaches, by ineptly throwing the mace out of the window,” he said, without providing specifics.
He also ridiculed an unnamed MP whose political legacy, he said, is defined only by being “carried ‘belly-out’ by the police, for brawling in this House” —a likely reference to St Anne’s MP Adrian White.
He skewered Long Island MP Adrian Gibson, referencing his legal challenges. Former Prime Minister Perry Christie capped off the rally by urging the PLP base to rally behind Mr Davis. “You know who your leader is now,” he said, adding: “If anyone should know the value of their leader, Brave Davis, it has to be those of you who are in the front line of the Progressive Liberal Party.”
Mr Christie insisted Mr Davis needed visible support to press forward.
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and deputy chairman Obie Roberts Jr during the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) National Men’s Branch Meeting on yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
‘Immigration will decide if Russian gets citizenship’
from page one
renewal. However, he emphasised that while the Department of Immigration may not make the final call, applicants would not be recommended if Bahamian authorities hold criminal records against them.
Mr Votinov’s name appeared in a public notice in April, stating his intention to apply for Bahamian citizenship.
People pointed out that his name, photograph, and
personal history closely align with those of a former vice president of Russian oil giant Rosneft, who was added to an international wanted list in 2016 for allegedly embezzling more than $1.7m from a Rosneft subsidiary through a fraudulent land sublease scheme.
A UK court later blocked his extradition to Russia, citing risks of political persecution and an unfair trial. While being wanted internationally may raise eyebrows, it does not necessarily equate to a
criminal conviction. Under Bahamian law, citizenship applications can be refused if the applicant has been convicted of an offence and sentenced to over 12 months in prison, is deemed not to be of good character, or is considered a threat to public order or national security. It remains unclear whether Votinov has ever been convicted of a crime or whether Bahamian authorities consider his past sufficient grounds for denial.
Ongoing tensions over internal operations at Clifton Heritage Park
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
INTERNAL commu-
nications from the Clifton Heritage Authority reveal ongoing tensions between senior officials and a department head, involving disputes over probation terms, resource requests, and internal operations at one of the country’s primary heritage sites.
Between May 6 and May 14, park operations manager Clayton Williams was notified that his six-month probationary period would be extended until August 6. The notice, signed by managing director Glenette Reckley, was issued late on the night of May 6, shortly before the original probation period was set to end. Emails and other internal records reflect unresolved issues related to operations and internal communications. Requests from the Park Operations Department for tools and a replacement storage unit are documented without recorded follow-up. A proposal to erect a billboard for a historic canvas donated by the Central Bank of The Bahamas was noted as deferred, pending submission of a strategic plan.
Operational records cite the closure of the park’s kitchen due to staffing issues and outstanding vendor payments. One email references more than $7,000 owed to the authority’s telecommunications provider, noting the effect on internal communication systems.
In other messages, staff raised questions about procurement timelines and vendor selection, with one describing a “hostile environment” and concerns about communication.
Internal correspondence also shows expressions of frustration over management practices. Team leaders flagged delays in payments, changes in directives, and issues surrounding event gratuities. One manager questioned why supervisory staff were excluded from gratuity distributions despite their role in event planning.
Some messages include efforts toward reconciliation. In one email to Ms Reckley, Mr Williams wrote: “I am not your adversary.”
“I remain dedicated to empowering my team and contributing positively to the organisation’s goals.”
Between May 9 and
May 14, internal messages reported severe weather conditions at the park, including flooding and staff safety concerns. While alerts were shared, no directive to close the park was included in the messages reviewed by The Tribune.
Following this, a directive was issued requiring prior approval for all overtime. Subsequent emails from operations staff asked how this policy would apply in emergencies that might require immediate action.
Staff also submitted multiple formal requests for the authority’s Employee Handbook. Records reviewed indicate that at least four such requests were made, with no documented responses.
The final correspondence reviewed, a WhatsApp message dated May 16, shows a staff member requesting a meeting with Ms Reckley, the Permanent Secretary, and the Board Chair. The request was declined with the reply: “Absolutely not.”
The staff member responded that the grievance in question could not be addressed solely by the managing director, citing a potential conflict of interest.
Police investigating drowning of 60-year-old man in Grand Bahama
POLICE on Grand
Bahama are investigating the apparent drowning of a 60-year-old man, whose body was pulled from waters off Sea Horse Road on Friday evening. Just before 8pm, the
man was found floating unresponsive in the water. Bystanders helped remove him from the sea, but Emergency Medical Services on scene found no signs of life. He was later pronounced dead at
the hospital. Authorities have not yet released the man’s identity. An autopsy will determine whether the death was accidental or if other factors were involved.
VISITORS are given a tour at Clifton Heritage Park.
Concord Wilshire pay $120m for Grand Lucayan and golf course
from page one
the Freeport property into a premier integrated resort destination.
Latrae Rahming, the Office of the Prime Minister’s communications director, revealed the price in a press statement issued following the signing of the agreement with the heads of agreement.
“This sale and redevelopment form part of the government’s wider plan to revitalise Grand Bahama,” Mr Rahming said.
The redevelopment is expected to include three new hotel buildings, branded timeshare units, a 35-acre cruise port, a 25,000 sq ft casino, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, and a 16-slip mega-yacht marina.
Construction is scheduled to begin within 90 days of receiving the necessary permits and will be rolled out in phases.
Officials say the project will generate 1,320 construction jobs and 1,750 permanent positions.
Mr Rahming highlighted that the government had been spending approximately $1.5m monthly to maintain the resort, totalling around $63m over the past three years.
As part of the transition plan, the developer will implement a retention framework to ensure continuity, offering partial compensation to employees who remain available for specific duties. Employees can seek other jobs during the retention period, but payments will stop if they are unavailable when needed.
Nate Sirang, president of Concord Wilshire, said the redevelopment aims to reignite tourism, create jobs, and stimulate Grand Bahama’s economy, which has struggled since the resort’s closure.
American woman in critical condition following boat accident in Bahamas
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
AN American woman is in critical condition after suffering severe injuries in a boating accident during a recent visit to The Bahamas.
Hannah Smith, a 22-yearold recent college graduate, was reportedly struck by a boat’s propeller while entering the water during an excursion, causing significant trauma to her lower body.
According to a report by WREG, a local news station in the United States, Ms Smith had been on a cruise with her best friend, Brooklyn Pitre, when the accident occurred. Ms Pitre told WREG that Smith
fell into the water during the excursion. At first, she didn’t appear distressed, but then she disappeared from sight for several seconds before resurfacing and reaching out for help.
Ms Pitre said she and another woman they had met on the cruise pulled Ms Smith from the water. She described seeing a large amount of blood in the water following the incident.
Ms Smith’s mother, Tracy Smith, also spoke to WREG. She said she immediately flew to The Bahamas upon hearing of the accident and described her daughter’s injuries as extensive. She credited the staff at Doctors Hospital for saving her life and said doctors warned the family
of the seriousness of her condition, noting the substantial blood loss and the uncertainty of her survival.
WREG reported that Ms Smith underwent two surgeries in The Bahamas before being flown back to the United States on Wednesday for further treatment.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to support Ms Smith’s recovery, with a fundraising goal of $250,000. The campaign, titled “Support Hannah’s Endless Adventures and New Beginnings,” describes the accident as a life-altering tragedy and calls for public support in covering the long road ahead, including surgeries and medical costs.
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, along with other government ministers and officials at the Heads of Agreement signing event for Grand Lucayan Resort on Thursday.
Photos: Vandyke Hepburn
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Is inequality not a matter of consequence?
AMID all the hullabaloo about the new Grand Lucayan deal – which is very worthy of the attention that surrounds it, make no mistake – some words from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham may have been overlooked.
Mr Ingraham was speaking about the discriminatory citizenship laws in our country that continue to persist.
Three years ago, he said he expected the Davis administration to change the laws on citizenship to ensure equality, as well as to criminalise marital rape. Neither of those measures have come to pass, nor are they looking likely to do so any time soon.
But one particular phrase stood out as Mr Ingraham spoke last week on the issue again.
He said: “The government has its own priorities, and there has been no public pressure of consequence to cause the government to move in one direction or the other.”
Focus on those words “no public pressure of consequence” for a moment.
There certainly has been some public pressure. When asked soon after coming to power whether marital rape laws were something on the new administration’s agenda, Prime Minister Philip Davis suggested not – and that prompted enough of a backlash to lead to some mollifying noises from the administration, but not enough to actually lead to the legislation finding its way onto the to-do list.
There was commentary from senior figures – including the prime minister’s wife, Ann Marie Davis, who has said repeatedly that she supports criminalising marital rape and that the government should move forward with legislation on the matter.
Activists have spoken out on a number of occasions, columnists have written about the matter in this very newspaper, there has been international attention to see what steps we have taken to live up to previous promises, and so on.
But the words “of consequence” are the ones that linger here. For all the above pressure, how much of that is going to cost this administration an election? Where is the broad-based public push to ensure that women have
exactly the same rights as men when it comes to citizenship, and that married women have the same protections as unmarried women when it comes to being raped by their partner?
That is the substance of the matter.
Mr Ingraham went on to say: “The women of The Bahamas have not stepped up to the plate, as educated as y’all are, and said we demand our equal rights. No, they haven’t done so, and clearly the men who are in politics are not gonna go out of their way to have you all who are better educated than we are, more prepared than we are, but of course we have this dominant role in public life, so why do you expect these men, unless you push them, to change?”
Ironically enough, there is some movement on erasing inequality… for men.
The Privy Council ruled in 2023 that people born out of wedlock to Bahamian men are Bahamians at birth regardless of their mother’s nationality.
After that ruling, it was expected that further inequalities would be looked at – but the absence of action has been notable.
As it stands, children born outside the country to a Bahamian woman and a foreign man are not automatically granted Bahamian citizenship, and Bahamian women also lack the same rights as men in securing citizenship for a foreign spouse.
We are, of course, on the countdown to an election – albeit one where we do not as yet know what the date will be. Certainly, moves are in place to select candidates and start campaigning. Will inequality be a matter “of consequence” to the electorate in the next vote? Will Bahamian women – and men alongside them – demand whoever is in government next had better make sure everyone is equal at last? Or is it an issue that will remain down the list behind how much money is in your pocket and how many crimes are taking place?
There will be plenty who might criticise Mr Ingraham for blaming women for not having “stepped up to the plate” – but the only way to prove him wrong is to ensure this issue has consequences. It has to matter, and that is the only way things will change.
Govt needs to make rent control laws
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I NOTE with interest in Thursday’s Tribune dated May 8th, Washington State Governor signed a bill into law to protect tenants. This is needed locally immediately. Working in the real estate
field I have observed landlords greedy and grabalicious with their rental units. Overnight in some areas rents increased anywhere from 50 percent to 85 percent.
Apartments are being converted into Airbnb. Owners are converting duplexes into one-bedroom units and renting on a weekly basis. I believe a government has obligation to protect tenants and control rents. I believe there is a Rent Control Act in place. However, I believe it needs to be amended to address this new level of greediness. On numerous occasions I am bombarded
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Stop myth that Lewis did nothing
in Central Grand Bahama.
with telephone calls from persons seeking Apartments in the $800.00 to $1,500.00. I would encourage the government to tackle this challenge for prospective tenants. For the most part I believe they are the same individuals who elected the government.
PAT STRACHAN Nassau, May 13, 2025.
EDITOR, The Tribune.
BAHAMIANS have been fed the myth that Coalition of Independents MP Iram Lewis has done diddly squat in Central Grand Bahama. Famed American writer Mark Twain once who said that a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. Being what we are as morally flawed human beings, we would more rather assume the absolute worse about the Central Grand Bahama MP in his political performance rather than anything meaningful he has accomplished. This is the case with those who are mainly driven by politics.
In response to a prospective Free National Movement candidate for the Freeport-based constituency, Lewis has, I believe, set the record straight in The Tribune regarding his accomplishments in that area since assuming office in 2017. Capital works have been carried out in Central Grand Bahama, inclusive of the restoration of the YMTA building in Hunters; the setting up of a smart park, a community garden, repairs to the Orlando Baseball Field, bathroom and upgrades to roads; the coastline cleanup initiative in the Eight Mile Rock area; pipe replacements in a
Southern Grand Bahama community and a solarization project. What’s more, there’s the monthly farmers market at the International Bazaar and the annual back-to-school giveaways to needy children of struggling Central Grand Bahamians in addition to the annual Christmas parties.
Not surprisingly, when the foregoing accomplishments are referenced to certain elements within the FNM, they would immediately counter that those are the things that MPs do and that Lewis should not be patted on the back for simply doing his job. After all, they would further argue, he is paid the tidy sum of about $28,000 annually. But this is a case of moving the goalpost further afield. The issue was not about Lewis doing what MPs typically do in their respective constituencies. His FNM detractors were saying he did absolutely nothing at all. It was only after his announcement in the House of Assembly in early April that he would be defecting to the COI did we began hearing talks in the media of him not having done anything at all
As the aforementioned has shown, this claim is a bald-faced lie. It is a myth that must be dispelled.
The FNM is well within its rights to move on from the Central Grand Bahama incumbent. But its members should not resort to fabricating untruths about Lewis with the aim of tarnishing his image and reputation. Truth should not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. Remember, Lewis was a dyed-in-the-wool FNM who believed in the principles and philosophy of the party. His claims on The Beyond the Headlines show with Shenique Miller that the FNM of today is not the FNM of yesteryear should give party supporters pause for thought.
In closing, despite all the unkind things said about Lewis by FNMs, I have not heard him say anything untoward about the party he once loved. That speaks volume about the kind of individual he is compared to his FNM naysayers. He has handled this matter with grace and dignity, while his opponents have engaged in gutter politics. Again, the claims that Lewis has done nothing in Central Grand Bahama is a myth that must be dispelled.
KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama May 14, 2025.
HAWKSBILL Turtle - Eretmochelys imbricata - enjoys an afternoon swim. Photo: Andrei Armiagov
Carnival participation ‘will be up by 50 percent’
post-pandemic resurgence, particularly from international visitors, after two years of muted celebrations due to COVID-19. The pandemic also reduced corporate sponsorship as many companies struggled financially.
Mr Tirelli praised the collaboration between band owners and event organisers, saying: “The non-band owners, that’s the people who are doing all the events. The partnership has proven strong, and they do an excellent job exposing the country to the world, along with the band owners.”
Despite limited funding, organisers are optimistic. “We feel comfortable that this year will be in terms of revellers coming in, in terms of the level of 2018, almost 2019 we feel good, and this without any government involvement. So that’s a tremendous feat we have conquered with our limited budget for marketing,” Mr Tirelli said.
Observers have raised concerns about the lack of financial support, pointing out that carnivals in other countries often benefit from government assistance. Initially, The Bahamas government allocated $9 million to launch the Bahamas Carnival in 2015, but funding was completely withdrawn by 2018.
Although former Prime Minister Dr Hubert
Minnis recognised the event’s economic benefits, he criticised the Christie administration’s level of investment.
Mr Tirelli expressed
frustration with the current government’s lack of support: “We don’t know — we can’t even get some visual marketing by the Ministry of Tourism, and
WOMAN ACCUSED OF HAVING LOADED GUN IN CAR
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
A 20-YEAR-OLD woman was granted bail after being accused of having a loaded firearm in her vehicle on Turtle Drive and Carmichael Road last week. Haranique Brown was charged with possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition. Prosecutors allege that police found a black Glock .40 pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition in her vehicle on May 14.
Brown pleaded not guilty. She was granted $5,000 bail with one or two sureties and must sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station twice a week. Her trial is set to begin on September 16. Inspector Cordero Farrington served as the prosecutor.
M AN GETS ONE YEAR PRISON FOR BREACHING BAIL
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to one year in prison for breaching his probation by stealing from AID on Wulff Road last week.
Brian Bain, 22, appeared before Senior Magistrate
Kendra
Kelly-Burrows
on charges of stealing and receiving. He stole $135.63 worth of merchandise on May 15, including a grey backpack and a 13-inch MacBook sleeve. Bain pleaded guilty to the theft, and the receiving charge was subsequently withdrawn.
He had previously been convicted of indecent assault for allegedly inappropriately touching a woman. Bain received a three-month sentence for the theft and an additional year for violating probation. He was informed of his right to appeal.
EIGHT MONTHS JAIL FOR DAMAGING GUEST HOUSE
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to eight months in prison after damaging a guest house room that had been paid for by the Ministry of Social Services, despite not having permission to stay there.
Wilfred Anthony Farrington, 36, appeared before Senior Magistrate Aniska Isaacs on a charge of damage. He reportedly broke a window and a curtain at the property, which had been rented for two weeks by Social Services for a woman.
Farrington told the court the woman was his girlfriend, and he believed
he had the right to stay wherever she was allowed to. Magistrate Isaacs disagreed, stating that Social Services had not authorised his stay.
Explaining his actions, Farrington said he was drunk. Although he had a key to the front gate, he claimed he was not allowed inside the building and broke in as a result. The prosecutor also noted that Farrington had an outstanding warrant from 2024 for which he had been ordered to pay $1,100.
Farrington said he had not paid the fine because he forgot. He was sentenced to an additional four months on that charge. Magistrate Isaacs handed
him an eight-month sentence for the damage to the guest house.
they keep talking to the orange economy. So I’m very disappointed with the minister himself because he keep talking orange economy from he came.
You can’t get more orange than this,” he said. He added that earlier discussions with the Ministry of Tourism yielded no results, with officials citing
budgetary constraints despite early communication ahead of the last fiscal cycle.
Carnival week is scheduled for June 5–7.
MOTHER ORDERED TO PAY $4,500
AFTER SON
FAILS TO APPEAR FOR ARMED ROBBERY TRIAL
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A WOMAN was ordered to pay a $4,500 bail bond after her son failed to appear in court for his armed robbery trial.
Branhilda Cooper, 60, and Carmica Smith were each ordered on Friday to pay $4,500 by Justice Jeanine Weech-Gomez. Both had agreed to act as sureties for Brandon Cooper, who was granted bail in 2019 after being charged in a 2016 armed robbery case. In September 2023, Mrs Cooper asked to be removed as a surety, explaining that her son had relocated to Abaco
for work and she could no longer ensure his court attendance. Brandon Cooper had received a bail variation in September 2022 to accommodate the move, with conditions including police check-ins and no interference with witnesses. A warrant has since been issued for Brandon Cooper’s arrest. Mrs Cooper argued that financial hardship should exempt her from forfeiting the bond. She claimed her house had been repossessed, she worked multiple jobs, and her husband, a self-employed electrician, lacked a steady income. She emphasised that she initially signed the bond because she trusted her son to appear in court and had attempted to withdraw as a surety before his missed court date on August 16, 2023. She pleaded with the court for leniency. Meanwhile, Ms Smith claimed she did not know the Coopers and had signed the bond at a co-worker’s request. She said she was unaware of the seriousness of her obligation. Justice Gomez acknowledged both women’s financial challenges but emphasised that they were responsible for the bond. They have 45 days to pay or must return to court on June 26 with a payment plan.
Eric Carey’s Attacks Are Hurting Bahamians, Not Helping Us
Dear sir,
I feel the need to speak out about the ongoing negativity being spread by Eric Carey regarding the Yntegra project. Enough is enough.
Mr. Carey, once again, is leading a campaign for foreigners that seems less about protecting the environment and more about trying to bully our elected government and the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP). I have been around a long time and this has become a pattern. Any time a major project is proposed that could bring jobs and investment to The Bahamas, especially to our struggling Family Islands, Mr. Carey is
front and center trying to shut it down.
Let’s not forget his opposition to Disney’s Lighthouse Point. Today, that project is providing real, steady jobs and creating opportunities for people in Eleuthera. Bahamians are finally getting a piece of the economic pie. This is proof that DEPP and other environmental professionals involved care about The Bahamas and will make decisions in the best interest of the people. They are qualified and capable of doing their jobs.
These kinds of antidevelopment campaigns, including the recent use of fake AI-generated videos and aggressive
social media tactics, are not just over the top; they are damaging our reputation on the world stage. The Deputy Prime Minister has already warned about this, and he’s right. This constant negativity paints The Bahamas as unstable and unwelcoming to investors when we need new opportunities to grow and provide for our people.
What Mr. Carey and his allies are doing makes us look like we’re stuck in the past and unwilling to move forward. We cannot afford to keep pushing away investment and progress because of a few loud foreign voices who want things to stay the same for their own reasons that have
nothing to do with Bahamians. Bahamians want jobs, development, and a better future not more scare tactics and international embarrassment.
It’s time we stop letting a handful of people speak for the entire country. We need balanced conversations but not bullying, not misinformation, and certainly not more campaigns that make us look like a third world nation.
Let the government do its job. Let Bahamians work.
~ By Rudy Ferguson
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
Hoping for a good deal, not fool’s gold
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
THE big news of the past week has been without doubt the signing of the deal for the Grand Lucayan.
After previous deals with Royal Caribbean International and the ITM Group first of all, then the Electra America Hospitality Group, there will be plenty of hope that it’s third time the charm with the new company to sign on to the dotted line, Concord Wilshire.
It is reasonable to be hopeful. It is reasonable to be cautious. We have after all had promises before that have not come to fruition.
So who are Concord Wilshire? By the company’s own description, it is a “Miami-based, nationally recognised leader in residential, resort, and mixed-use real estate development and construction with over $10 billion in total value of developed and acquired assets”.
Its website boasts of projects across a number of states, including offices, residential and hotel developments.
So far, so good. Scratch the surface and there have been hitches at some of those projects – the demolition of the Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix was hit by significant delays, falling more than a year behind schedule, although part of that seemed to stem fro issues surrounding sales tax changes. Another project in Las Vegas, the Maxim Hotel, was announced in 2006 but never went anywhere despite 14 years of back and forth with different issues.
Still, despite those, there have been plenty of other
projects which have come off – and the company has the assets to hopefully make the most of the Grand Lucayan.
The launch event spoke of confidence, complete with the legendary Greg Norman in attendance as the golf star spoke of the latest course he has been asked to design.
The country has put a lot of money into the Grand Lucayan since it was bought up by the government. The new deal is for a sale and redevelopment for a value of $827m. After paying to keep it going for years, it was revealed that we will be getting back $120m as a sale price, according to a government statement.
All that investment may be worthwhile if it has taken us to this place, this moment, where we are promised – again – that everything will come good and Grand Bahama is set for lift-off. But let’s see more details.
If all does turn out as we are told, then this deal will bring 1,300 construction jobs, then 1,750 jobs when the resort is up and running properly.
Concord Wilshire has detailed its plan for the development – calling the Grand Lucayan a powerful engine, and talking about each aspect of the project as “cylinders” for that engine. There would be a cruise destination, a casino, a hotel and convention centre, a timeshare, a golf course, a marina.
Prime Minister Philip Davis aid that the people of Grand Bahama will finally “have the development partner you deserve”.
Mr Davis cited the “track record” of Concord Wilshire as being
“conclusive evidence of its ability to deliver on this complex redevelopment”.
Meanwhile, Nate Sirang, president of Concord Wilshire, said: “By reimagining and redeveloping this entire resort, we’re not just creating a destination, but we’re reigniting tourism, generating local jobs, fueling the local economy and crafting a legacy that both the government and community can proudly call their own. We are also proud to be working with Bahamaland Investments, which is acquiring Port Lucaya Marina and Grand Bahama Yacht Club, to integrate these facilities and the existing Port Lucaya Marketplace, containing 120,000 square feet of local authentic shops, into this unique mixed-use resort and village.”
Richard Bosworth, a board member of Concord Wilshire’s Lucayan Resort and Gaming Platform, said that “every element of this resort is being financed
independently of the other elements, and each is coupled with a select branding partner to ensure long-term sustainability and growth”. It certainly seems like a good deal of thought has been put into how the project would work – the involvement of individual partners particularly suggests consideration has been given to ensuring the appropriate expertise.
The signing ceremony, admittedly, was an occasion for patting one another on the back and saying well done – despite there being lingering questions such as what will be done about the redevelopment of the airport in order to service the island, even before the presumably extra anticipated passengers coming to the redeveloped resort. There was also notice posted to IssueWire of a lawsuit being filed against Concord Wilshire as the deal was being announced, for “anticipatory breach of contract and unjust
enrichment” from Joseph Brown and Howard Babcock over claims of the pairs involvement in the project.
Many projects attract lawsuits of course, but it will be a case to follow and hopefully not a major stumbling block on the way to delivering the outcome that Grand Bahama needs.
And we keep coming back to that. What Grand Bahama needs. Over the years, I have written many times about the state of affairs at the Grand Lucayan.
Back in 2017 – eight years ago now – I wrote about then Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his talk of selling the Grand Lucayan. I wrote: “Grand Bahama desperately needs an economic stimulus. The prime minister promised them this. He has no choice but to deliver. Otherwise, it will be another knock against his already weakening credibility.”
We all know what became of those promises
for a deal, and what became of Dr Minnis’ credibility.
The same now applies for this government. On the face of it, this is good news, but the proof will be in the delivery.
Michael Scott KC, the former chairman of Lucayan Renewal Holdings under the Minnis administration, has already dismissed the new deal as “pre-election hype”, pointing at the lack of an upgraded airport as evidence and suggesting Concord Wilshire is a “reluctant suitor, and the Government seems to be more interested in them than they are in the government”.
We sincerely hope he is wrong, and that this is the beginning of something big for Grand Bahama.
But fool me once? Shame on me. Fool me twice? Shame on you. Fool me three times? Well, don’t be coming asking for my vote if that’s the way it ends up.
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper speak at the signing of a heads of Agreement with Concord Wilshire for $827m for the sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort on Thursday.
Photos: Vandyke Hepburn
US Immigration laws: A message for nationals of the Caribbean
“A NATION without borders is not a nation”. That is the opening line of an advisory issued by the US Department of State on May 15. It goes on to say, “Our government prioritises the prosecution of offences for illegal entry and illegal presence in the United States, as well as criminal offences by foreign nationals.”
While this statement may resonate with a particular political base in
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
the United States, it also affirms a principle universally upheld. That principle is: every country has the sovereign right to
enforce its immigration laws. Caribbean countries, like all others, expect their immigration laws to
be respected. The United States is no different. It is neither extraordinary nor unjust for a government to arrest and deport persons who breach the terms of their stay. That is the rule of law, and it applies regardless of origin, including to nationals of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states.
The facts are clear. With the exception of Haiti, whose unique economic and political fragility forces a flow of asylum seekers, CARICOM nationals are not part of the mass refugee or irregular migration trends into the United States. However, there is no denying that a number of CARICOM nationals enter the US on legitimate visitor visas and then make the deliberate decision to remain beyond their authorised stay. In doing so, they step outside the bounds of the law and assume the risk of arrest, detention, deportation, and a permanent bar from re-entry.
When this happens, the diplomatic reach of their home governments is limited. The most that Embassies and Consulates can do is to engage with US authorities, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to ensure that their nationals are treated with dignity and in accordance with international human rights norms. What foreign missions cannot do is shield those who have wilfully violated the laws of the United States.
The recent advisory issued by the US government is unambiguous. It states that foreign nationals who overstay their visas may face arrest, incarceration, deportation, and permanent bans. It goes further to announce “an historic opportunity” for those unlawfully present to voluntarily leave the country, with the possibility of receiving financial and logistical assistance to do so - provided they register via an Internet App, set up by US Customs and Border Protection.
This is not rhetoric. US President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to stop illegal immigration and irregular border crossings. It was a key plank of his re-election platform and one that resonated with millions of voters. That pledge is now being aggressively implemented, and there is little political appetite in the United States to challenge it. Foreign nationals - Caribbean nationals
included - should take this reality seriously.
There are many legitimate reasons to travel to the United States: tourism, business, specialised medical care, and education, among others. But those who abuse their visas cast a long shadow over others whose intentions are lawful and honourable. Worse still, they jeopardise the credibility of their countries in visa issuance processes, and they create burdens for their own diplomatic missions, who must deal with requests for assistance with limited resources and within the confines of US law.
Equally important, the recent advisory warns that the US “will not tolerate those who facilitate illegal and mass immigration.” It states quite clearly that new visa restrictions would be placed “on foreign government officials and others deemed complicit”. The message is blunt: countries that fail to act responsibly in discouraging illegal migration may see broader consequences. We in the Caribbean must be clear-eyed about the global context of migration. The hardening of immigration policy in the US and Europe will have knock-on effects, globally, especially to countries such as ours which are doing better than most economically. We may soon see an increase in people attempting to enter our own countries - some seeking asylum, others simply looking for work as migration avenues close elsewhere. Our economies, already fragile, will not be able to bear such strain without careful planning and legal
safeguards.
Many of our countries are also tourism-dependent. They will have to exercise special care and put judicious mechanisms in place to identify genuine tourists and business visitors from potential illegal immigrants. Immigration systems will have to be fortified - not to close borders, but to manage them with fairness and foresight. At the same time, there is room for constructive diplomacy with the US and other countries, such as Canada. The labour shortages already emerging in the US in hospitality, construction, and agriculture offer an opportunity for dialogue on regularised seasonal and temporary work programmes.
CARICOM countries could benefit from well-managed migration frameworks that provide legal pathways for temporary work and return, ensuring the interests of both sending and receiving states are met. The path forward should be neither protest against US efforts to end illegal immigration nor denial that such violations exist. It should be grounded in realism and responsibility, coupled with creative proposals that open channels for legitimate, temporary work opportunities and the assured return of Caribbean nationals.
The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also the Dean of the Ambassadors of the Western Hemisphere Group accredited to the US. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com.
Hurricane disaster planning with ageing parents should start now, before the storm
By LEE ANN RAWLINS
Williams University of N orth Dakota
WHEN I lived in Florida, I had a neighbor named Ms Carmen. She was in her late 70s, fiercely independent and lived alone with her two dogs and one cat, which were her closest companions.
Each hurricane season, she would anxiously ask if I would check on her when the winds began to pick up. She once told me: I’m more afraid of being forgotten than of the storm itself. Her fear wasn’t just about the weather; it was about facing it alone.
When hurricanes hit, we often measure the damage in downed power lines, flooded roads and windtorn homes. But some of the most serious consequences are harder to see, especially for older adults who may struggle with mobility, chronic health problems and cognitive decline.
Emergency preparedness plans too often overlook the specific needs of elders in an ageing population, many of whom live alone. For people like Ms Carmen, resilience needs to start long before the storm.
I study disaster preparations and response. To prepare for hurricane season, and any other disaster, I encourage families to work with their older adults now to create an emergency plan. Preparing can help ensure that older adults will be safe, able to contact relatives or others for help, and will have the medications, documents and supplies they need, as well as the peace of mind of knowing what steps to take.
Recent hurricanes show the gaps
In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton put a spotlight on the risks to older adults.
The storms forced thousands of people to evacuate, often to shelters with little more than food supplies and mattresses on the floor and ill-equipped for medical needs.
Flooding isolated many rural homes, stranding older adults. Power was out for weeks in some areas. Emergency systems were overwhelmed.
A tornado tore into a senior community in Port St Lucie, Florida, during Milton, killing six people. Some long-term care facilities lost power and water during Helene.
At the same time, some older adults chose to stay in homes in harm’s way for fear that they would be separated from their pets or that their homes would be vandalised.
These events are not just tragic, they are predictable. Many older adults cannot evacuate without assistance, and many evacuation centers aren’t prepared to handle their needs.
How to prepare:
5 key steps
Helping older adults
prepare for emergencies should involve the entire family so everyone knows what to expect. The best plans are personal, practical and proactive, but they will contain some common elements.
1. Prepare an emergency folder with important documents.
Disasters can leave older adults without essential information and supplies that they need, such as prescription lists, financial records, medical devices and – importantly – contact information to reach family, friends and neighbors who could help them.
Many older adults rely on preprogrammed phone numbers. If their phone is lost or the battery dies, they may not know how to reach friends or loved ones, so it’s useful to have a hard copy of phone numbers.
Consider encouraging the use of medical ID bracelets or cards for those with memory loss. Critical documents like wills, home deeds, powers of attorney and insurance records are frequently kept in physical form and may be forgotten or lost in a sudden evacuation. Use waterproof storage that’s easy to carry, and share copies with trusted caregivers and family members in case those documents are lost.
2. Have backup medications and equipment.
Think about that person’s assistive devices and health needs. Having extra batteries on hand is important, as is remembering to bring chargers and personal mobility aids, such as walkers, canes, mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Do not forget that service animals support mobility, so having supplies of their food will be important during a hurricane or evacuation.
Ask doctors to provide an emergency set of
medications in case supplies run low in a disaster.
If the person is staying in their home, prepare for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency in case the power goes out. That means having enough bottled water, extra pet food and human food that doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking.
3. Map evacuation routes and shelter options. Identify nearbyshelters that will likely be able to support older adults’ mobility and cognitive challenges. If the person has pets, make a plan for them, too – many areas will have at least one petfriendly shelter, but not all shelters will take pets.
Figure out how the person will get to a shelter, and have a backup plan in case their usual transportation isn’t an option. And decide where they will go and how they will get there if they can’t return home after a storm.
If your loved one lives in a care facility, ask to see that facility’s hurricane plan.
4. Create a multiperson check-in system.
Don’t rely on just one caregiver or family member to check on older adults. Involve neighbors, faith communities or local services such as home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, support groups and senior centers. Redundancy is crucial when systems break down.
5. Practice the plan.
Go through evacuation steps in advance so everyone knows what to do. Executing the plan should be second nature, not a scramble during a disaster or crisis.
Planning with, not just for, older adults
Emergency planning isn’t something done for older adults – it’s something done with them.
Elders bring not only vulnerability but also wisdom. Their preferences and autonomy will have to guide decisions for the plan to be successful in a
crisis. That means listening to their needs, honoring their independence and making sure caregivers have realistic plans in place. It’s an
shift from just reacting to a storm to preparing with purpose.
Last respects paid to Henry Bostwick
FAMILY, friends, and officials paid last respects to John Henry Bostwick as he was laid to rest at a funeral service at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday morning.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
JetCar Adventures and Clear Boat Bahamas
‘growing faster than expected’, says founder
JUST months after launching with fanfare along Nassau’s busy waterfront, Clear Boat Bahamas and JetCar Adventures are already making their mark on the local tourism scene.
Founder Lincoln Deal says both ventures have grown faster than expected since opening in mid-2024. What started as an eye-catching idea — transparent boats offering a unique view of Nassau’s waters — has turned into a growing operation that now includes Jet Cars: high-speed, exotic-looking watercraft shaped like sports cars.
“We started with three Clear Boats, now we have five, and we’re about to add two more Jet Cars,” Mr Deal told The Tribune in a recent interview. “The demand from cruise passengers and hotel guests has been strong, and we’ve had to scale up to keep up.”
Both attractions are based at Elizabeth on Bay and benefit from their location near the cruise port. With over 11 million visitors coming to The Bahamas in 2024, most by cruise ship, Mr Deal says the foot traffic has helped put his brands on the radar of major tour operators.
“We’re not just another excursion,” he said. “We’re giving people something different — something memorable that they can’t get anywhere else.”
Clear Boat Bahamas offers guests a chance to cruise in fully transparent boats, giving them a clear view of the sea life below without ever getting wet. JetCar Adventures, on the other hand, lets people take the wheel of flashy, water-powered vehicles modelled after Lamborghinis and Corvettes. Both have proven especially popular on social media and among travel influencers.
The company now runs four tours a day and recently introduced a shuttle service to and from key hotel and cruise locations. Mr Deal also highlighted improvements like online bookings, digital media packages, and drone footage for guests.
He says the company, cofounded by Gil Cassar, employs a local team working seven days a week, with an emphasis on training and professionalism.
“There’s a real sense of pride in what we’re building,” he said. “This isn’t just about tourism — it’s about showing what Bahamians can create and lead.”
LINCOLN DEAL founder of JeCar adventures and Clear Boat Adventures stands outside his office.
Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive form of prostate cancer
WASHINGTON Associated Press
FORMER President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said Sunday.
The finding came after the 82-year-old reported urinary symptoms, which led doctors to discover a nodule on his prostate. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with the cancer cells having spread to the bone.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” his office said. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what’s known as a Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.
recovery.”
Biden’s vice president, Kamala Harris, said on social media that she was keeping him in her family’s “hearts and prayers during this time.”
“Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris wrote.
Former President Barack Obama said his thoughts and prayers were with Biden, his former vice president, lauding his toughness.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace,” Obama wrote on social media.
But in recent days, Biden rejected concerns about his age despite reporting in the new book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson that aides had shielded the public from the extent of his decline while serving as president.
In February 2023, Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. And in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially pre-cancerous lesion.
However, when prostate cancers need hormones to grow, as in Biden’s case, they can be susceptible to treatment that deprives the tumours of hormones.
When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it often spreads to the bones. Metastasized cancer is much harder to treat than localized cancer because it can be hard for drugs to reach all the tumours and completely root out the disease.
Outcomes have improved in recent decades and patients can expect to live with metastatic prostate cancer for four or five years, said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center.
Many political leaders sent Biden their wishes for his recovery.
President Donald Trump, a longtime political opponent, posted on social media that he was saddened by the news and “we wish Joe a fast and successful
“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” Smith said. Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy.”
The health of Biden was a dominant concern among voters during his time as president. After a calamitous debate performance in June while seeking reelection, Biden abandoned his bid for a second term.
Harris became the nominee and lost to Trump, a Republican who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus.
In 2022, Biden made a “cancer moonshot” one of his administration’s priorities with the goal of halving the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. The initiative was a continuation of his work as vice president to address a disease that had killed his older son, Beau, who died from brain cancer in 2015. His father, when announcing the goal to halve the cancer death rate, said this could be an “American moment to prove to ourselves and, quite frankly, the world that we can do really big things.”
Israel says it will allow ‘basic’ aid into Gaza after nearly 3 months of blockade
GAZA STRIP Associated Press
ISRAEL announced Sunday it will allow a limited amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza after a nearly three-month blockade, days after global experts on food security warned of famine.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a “starvation crisis” would jeopardize Israel’s new military offensive in Gaza, and his Cabinet approved a decision to allow a “basic” amount of food into the territory of over 2 million people. It was not immediately clear when aid would enter Gaza, or how. The Israeli military body in charge
of overseeing aid did not comment. Israel has been trying to impose a new aid system, despite objections by aid workers. Netanyahu said Israel would work to ensure that aid does not reach militants. Israel imposed the blockade starting March 2, cutting off all food, medicine and other supplies to Gaza, while pressing Hamas to accept new ceasefire terms. Israel resumed the war days later, shattering a twomonth truce.
Earlier on Sunday, Israel said it launched “extensive” new ground operations in its new offensive — the largest since the ceasefire. Airstrikes killed at least 103
people, including dozens of children, hospitals and medics said. The bombardment also forced northern Gaza’s main hospital to close as it reported direct strikes.
Israel wants Hamas to agree to a temporary ceasefire that would free hostages from Gaza but not necessarily end the war. Hamas says it wants a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and a path to ending the war as part of any deal.
“When the Jews want a truce, Hamas refuses, and when Hamas wants a truce, the Jews refuse it. Both sides agree to exterminate the Palestinian people,” said Jabaliya resident Abu Mohammad Yassin, who
was among those fleeing the new offensive on foot or in donkey carts. “For God’s sake, have mercy on us. We are tired of displacement.”
Israel’s military, which recently called up tens of thousands of reservists, said the ground operations are throughout the Palestinian territory’s north and south. Israel’s chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said that plans include “dissecting” the strip.
Airstrikes killed more than 48 people — including 18 children and 13 women — in and around the southern city of Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital, which said it struggled to count the dead because of the condition of bodies.
In northern Gaza, a strike on a home in Jabaliya killed nine members of a family, according to the Gaza Health Ministry’s emergency services. Another strike on a residence there killed 10, including seven children and a woman, according to the civil defence, which operates under the Hamas-run government.
Israel’s military had no immediate comment. Its statement announcing the ground operations said preliminary strikes over the past week killed dozens of militants and struck more than 670 targets. Israel blames civilian casualties on Hamas because the militant group operates from civilian areas.
IN Q ATAR
TALKS
Israel had said it would wait until the end of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East before launching its offensive, saying it was giving ceasefire efforts a chance.
Trump didn’t visit Israel on his trip that ended Friday.
Netanyahu’s office said his negotiating team in Qatar was “working to realize every chance for a deal,” including one that would end fighting in exchange for the release of all remaining 58 hostages, Hamas’ exile from Gaza and the disarmament of the territory.
Hamas has refused to leave Gaza or disarm.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has said almost 3,000 people have been killed since the last ceasefire ended.
Frustration in Israel has been rising. A small but growing number of Israelis are refusing to show up for military service, even risking imprisonment.
Other Israelis have been displaying photos of children killed in Gaza during weekly rallies demanding a deal to free all hostages and end the war.
The war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 others.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count.
HOSPITAL CITES
IsraelI ‘s Iege’
Health officials said fighting around the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza and an Israeli military “siege” prompted it to shut down. It was the main medical facility in the north after Israeli strikes last year forced the Kamal
Adwan and Beit Hanoun hospitals to stop offering services.
“There is direct targeting on the hospital, including the intensive care unit,” Indonesian Hospital director Dr. Marwan al-Sultan said in a statement, adding that no one could reach the facility that had about 30 patients and 15 medical staff inside.
Israel’s military said that troops were operating against militant infrastructure sites in northern Gaza, including the area “directly adjacent” to the hospital.
Israel has repeatedly targeted hospitals, accusing Hamas of being active in and around the facilities. Human rights groups and UN-backed experts have accused Israel of systematically destroying Gaza’s health care system. In northern Gaza, at least 43 people were killed in strikes, according to first responders from the Health Ministry and civil defence. Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital said 15 children and 12 women were among the dead.
A drone strike Sunday afternoon killed at least seven Palestinians near a school sheltering displaced people northwest of Gaza City, according to the Health Ministry’s emergency service. Other strikes in central Gaza killed at least 12 people, including two children and four women, according to hospitals.
In Gaza City, Um Mahmoud al-Aloul lay across the shrouded body of her daughter, Nour al-Aloul.
“You took my soul with you,” she cried. “I used to turn off my phone from how much you called.”
PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, September 30, 2024.
Photo: Mark Schiefelbein
ISRAELI soldiers move tanks around staging area near the border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, yesterday. Photo: Ariel