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MP: NO COMMENT

RIGHT NOW, BUDDY

Politician said to have chartered flight taken by drug smuggler Gardiner declines to comment

By Tribune Staff Reporter

THE MP said to have chartered the Election Day flight that crashed into the ocean with convicted cocaine smuggler Jonathan “Player” Gardiner aboard, declined to answer questions yesterday, saying only: “No comment right now, buddy.” When told there were serious questions about how Gardiner, now in custody in the United States,

came to be aboard the flight, Kingsley Smith, the PLP MP for West Grand Bahama, said: “We will get to that at some point.” He would not elaborate. His refusal to explain the flight leaves unanswered basic questions about who the plane was chartered for, who chartered it, why it was chartered on Election Day, and how Gardiner came to be allegedly found with

SUPER VALUE CHIEF WARNS OF FOOD PRICE INCREASES

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SUPER Value’s president is warning of potential food price increases, and a barrier to pay rises for hundreds of staff, due to the supermarket chain having to absorb “over $1m” in extra annual costs from the Government’s VAT exempt treatment of uncooked foods.

Debra Symonette told Tribune Business that the food distribution industry’s new inability to reclaim, or ‘net off’, the tax they pay on input expenses linked to uncooked foods is “a big deal” for all operators as the resulting increase in their costs impacts the business model by eating into bottom-line profits.

PM addresses Climate Scientists meeting in Nassau

DRUGS - SEE PAGE THREE CLIMATE - SEE PAGE TWO

SEE BUSINESS FOR

PRIME Minister Philip Davis urged global climate scientists meeting in The Bahamas yesterday to treat small island states not only as subjects of study, but as partners in shaping the world’s response to a worsening climate crisis. Speaking yesterday as more than 200 scientists gathered for an

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Public Service

Minister Brensil Rolle yesterday said ZNS General Manager Clint Watson’s appointment to the Senate raises serious questions about whether the Davis administration is bending public service rules for political convenience.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change meeting, Mr Davis said the work of climate experts must continue to drive policy, national planning and international negotiations as vulnerable countries confront rising climate threats. The five-day conference, described as the largest gathering of its kind

Mr Rolle, speaking after Mr Watson was sworn in as a government senator, said General Orders bar public officers from political affiliation and argued that Mr Watson should have resigned before taking up the Senate appointment. "General Orders says any public officer can't be affiliated in any political party

ever held in the Caribbean, is co-hosted by The Bahamas Aviation Climate & Severe Weather Network in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister’s Climate Change and Environmental Advisory Unit. The meeting will help advance the

PRIME Minister Phil ‘Brave’ Davis addresses more than 200 scientists gathered for an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change meeting in Nassau, sponsored by BACSWN.

SENATOR CLINT WATSON

Davis tells IPCC experts that science must drive climate action

scientific content and direction of the Working Group II contribution to the IPCC Seventh Assessment Report, which will provide a comprehensive scientific assessment based on the latest climate-related data compiled by the panel.

Mr Davis said the work of climate scientists carries particular weight for countries like The Bahamas, where climate change is not a distant theory but a direct threat to communities, coastlines and economic security.

“Your work gives voice to vulnerability, but also to solutions,” he told scientists.

“For countries like The Bahamas, your findings are not just academic, they are foundational. They influence how we plan our cities, manage our coastlines, protect our people, and invest for the future.”

He said science must remain central to climate action, especially as countries debate how boldly and urgently to respond.

“Science must remain at the heart of climate action. It must guide us, challenge

us, and, when necessary, compel us to act more boldly. At a time when the world can sometimes feel divided, the IPCC stands as a powerful example of what cooperation can achieve.”

Mr Davis also reflected on the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, saying the storm and the country’s continuing recovery have strengthened The Bahamas’ resolve to press for climate action.

He pointed to the government’s efforts to build climate-resilient infrastructure, protect mangroves and seagrass beds and expand renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. He said those initiatives are both environmental and economic priorities.

Mr Davis told delegates that by meeting in a small island developing state, the IPCC was grounding its work in lived experience and seeing firsthand the communities and ecosystems affected by the issues its scientists study.

“The science is clear,” he said. “The impacts are accelerating. The window for effective action is narrowing, but it has not yet closed.”

“Your work ensures that the world cannot claim ignorance. It equips leaders with the evidence needed to make informed, courageous decisions. It empowers communities with knowledge and it reminds us all that while the challenge is global, the solutions must be local, inclusive, and grounded in reality.”

Mr Davis said he hoped the scientists’ presence and work in The Bahamas would be productive and meaningful.

He ended his remarks by reaffirming his government’s commitment to working with the international community to advance climate action and support the panel’s work.

He also praised Bahamian scientist Dr Adelle Thomas for her contributions to previous reports, describing her as a leading authority in the field. Dr Thomas now serves on the Bureau of Working Group II.

“We are also proud of our private sector partnerships as the Climate Change Unit – in partnership with the Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network – have worked with the IPCC secretariat and the World Meteorological Organization to host this 5-day meeting of global climate scientists,” he said.

Pictured from left: Robert Dupuch-Carron, founder of The Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network (BACSWN); Dr

Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; Bart van den Hurk, co-chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis; Winstow Chow, co-chair of IPCC; and businessman Vincent McDonald.

DR ADELLE THOMAS Senior Director of Climate Adaptation at NRDC, and The Bahamas’ Candidate for the IPCC.

A PACKED audience for the opening of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in Nassau, opened by Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.

PRIME Minister Phil ‘Brave’ Davis chats to BACSWN founder Robert Dupuch-Carron at the opening of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change meeting in Nassau.

MP Smith refuses to answer questions on election day flight The Cocaine Files

DRUGS from page one

$30k among the passengers rescued from the downed aircraft.

Mr Smith, who served as parliamentary secretary in the first Davis administration after winning the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, has not been named among the ministers or ministers of state announced so far in the new administration.

Some rescued passengers were reportedly aboard because of a ticketing mix-up involving a scheduled Flamingo Air flight.

Fearing they could not get to Grand Bahama to vote, they contacted Mr Smith, who reportedly said they could be accommodated on a chartered plane travelling from Abaco to Freeport.

It is not known who owns the downed Panama-registered Beechcraft King Air 300 twin-prop plane, although Gardiner is reported to own at least one plane in The Bahamas.

Gardiner was rescued along with ten other passengers and the pilot, also a convicted drug smuggler, after the May 12 crash about 80 miles off the Florida coastline in US airspace.

He was allegedly wearing a cross-body bag containing three mobile phones, a small quantity of cash and $30,000 inside an envelope labelled with the handwritten name of “Politician-1”. The name was redacted by US prosecutors.

According to the DEA, the cash was in “bulk Bahamian currency packed in a manner consistent with narcotics proceeds.”

So far, all passengers contacted by The Tribune have declined to comment about the flight, although at least one posted an account of the ordeal on social media.

A photograph posted to social media shows some of those aboard wearing PLP shirts and hats.

It is believed that some passengers were flying to Grand Bahama to vote because that is where they are registered to vote. Whether they paid to be aboard the chartered aircraft is not known.

One of the rescued passengers, Olympia Outten, revealed at a press conference last Thursday that Mr Smith offered her a seat on a plane she claimed he said he had chartered after she called him about a ticketing mix-up involving tickets she bought to fly from Marsh Harbour, Abaco, to Grand Bahama to vote in the election.

After discovering she had mistakenly been booked on a flight to Bimini, not Grand Bahama, Ms Outten said: “We called Kingsley, our senator…and we tell him, and he told me, ‘Miss Outten don’t worry, we sending in a charter, a charter coming in from Nassau, you and your children

can jump on that charter because he sending them there for us.’ That’s how we got to go on that plane. Me and my sons weren’t supposed to be on that plane. We were supposed to be on Flamingo Air.” The crash has intensified scrutiny of allegations contained in US court filings about drug trafficking, political access and corruption in The Bahamas. The Tribune’s exclusive story on the US court documents rippled across the

country and beyond yesterday. In a published piece, the Miami Herald speculated that the case could lead to additional arrests, including that of an unnamed Bahamian politician.

Gardiner’s arrest appears to connect him to the Georgia-based drug syndicate named in the November 2024 indictment of former Royal Bahamas Police Force chief superintendent Elvis Nathaniel Curtis and others on federal narcotics and firearms charges.

mule pilot inside a Bahamian “Parliament building” to discuss a US-bound shipment of cocaine said to be worth about $30m.

A DEA special agent’s affidavit, filed in connection with Gardiner’s arrest, also revealed that just two years after being deported from the US, six years into his sentence, Gardiner’s Bahamian construction company “bid for and secured Bahamian government-issued construction projects” and used his buildings to launder the proceeds of his narcotics empire.

That indictment alleged the group trafficked drugs through The Bahamas and into the United States with help from corrupt Bahamian government officials, including politicians and senior members of the police and defence forces. Social media was abuzz with reaction to The Tribune’s story revealing that “Politician-1” allegedly met an undercover US Drug Enforcement Administration source, posing as a drug trafficker, and a drug

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard said yesterday he was not surprised by the allegation that a high-ranking Bahamian politician allegedly met people believed to be members of an international drug smuggling cartel inside the Parliament Building to discuss a major cocaine shipment bound for the United States.

“During the entire election cycle and before, again, we issued warnings about the close relationship between members of this administration and characters that were of interest to police locally and internationally, so I’m not surprised,” he said.

“They have signed multiple contracts with persons who are of interest to the police locally and internationally. I don’t expect them

to do anything different than behave the way they’ve been behaving all along.”

A politician identified onlyas“Politician-1” allegedly met in October 2024 with an undercover DEA source posing as a drug trafficker and a drug mule pilot to discuss a $30m cocaine shipment.

The same politician was referenced in a November 2024 US indictment alleging widespread drug-related corruption involving Bahamian government and police officials.

The affidavit was filed after Gardiner was rescued following the plane crash off the Florida coast with 11 Bahamians and was later arrested by US authorities. Investigators said he was carrying $30,000 in Bahamian currency in an envelope labelled with the name of “Politician-1.”

The US Coast Guard discovered that Gardiner was a wanted man and a key figure in an international drug trafficking network under DEA surveillance, despite previously serving 18 years in a US prison for drug and money laundering offences.

The unanswered questions now extend beyond the crash itself. The Tribune sent Mr Smith questions asking whether he knew Gardiner, whether he knew Gardiner was on the flight and, if so, why. The Tribune also asked whether he knew the pilot, why he chartered the flight on Election Day and whether passengers paid to be aboard. As of press time, he had not responded.

RESEARCHERS SAY CONCH, LOBSTER AND GROUPER STOCKS OVERFISHED

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

MOST of The Bahamas’ signature seafood stocks are being fished faster than the sea can replace them, with 11 of 12 commercially and culturally important species now classified as overfished in a new study led by Sea Around Us researchers.

The findings, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, draw on reconstructed catch records spanning 73 years, from 1950 to 2022, and put scientific weight behind what Bahamian fishers have warned for years: many of the country’s most familiar seafood species are disappearing from local waters.

The study assessed 12 key marine species. Nassau grouper and yellowfin grouper were classified as “grossly overfished.”

Queen conch, Caribbean spiny lobster, hogfish, black grouper, rock hind and wahoo were classified as “overfished.” Lane snapper, mutton snapper and gray snapper were listed as “slightly overfished.” Only dolphinfish, also known as mahi mahi, was classified as healthy.

The findings strike at the heart of Bahamian food culture, fisheries management and the country’s tourism-driven seafood economy. Spiny lobster and queen conch alone account for more than half the seafood The Bahamas has extracted from its waters over the last seven decades, according to the study.

Researchers estimated that The Bahamas removed about 1.3m tonnes of seafood from its waters between 1950 and 2022, averaging around 17,500 tonnes a year.

The recreational sector, including tourism-driven charter boats,

sportfishing and visiting anglers, accounted for 46 percent of the reconstructed catch over the period. The industrial sector, dominated by the export-oriented spiny lobster fishery, accounted for 26 percent, while artisanal fishers accounted for 23 percent and subsistence fishing for five percent.

Caribbean spiny lobster represented 33 percent of the country’s total reconstructed catch, about 425,000 tonnes over the period studied. Queen conch accounted for another 21 percent. Both are now classified as overfished. The study placed spiny lobster at 61 percent of the biomass needed to support maximum sustainable yield, while queen conch was at 59 percent.

Maximum sustainable yield refers to the theoretical highest catch a fish stock can sustain over the long term if environmental

conditions remain relatively stable.

The reef groupers and snappers showed some of the most troubling signs.

Yellowfin grouper was estimated at just 40 percent of the biomass needed to support sustainable harvest, making it the worst-off species in the paper.

Nassau grouper, listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as critically endangered since 2015, was placed at 49 percent.

The study found that Nassau grouper catches remained above the maximum sustainable yield for nearly 40 years before collapsing from a peak in the mid-1990s. The species has shown no sign of recovery since.

The study’s conclusions sharpen the pressure on fisheries managers, who have long faced the challenge of regulating culturally

important seafood industries with incomplete data, uneven enforcement and strong public demand for local catch.

Dr Krista Sherman, a co-author of the study and researcher at the Perry Institute for Marine Science, said the overfished status of key species has direct consequences for local food supply.

“These species are the backbone of The Bahamas’ domestic seafood supply, supporting commercial and subsistence fishers across the islands and anchoring local food security. Their overfished status means fewer fish in local markets and on local plates unless management action is taken,” she said. “These assessments not only improve our understanding of the status of key fisheries but also provide a critical foundation for the sustainable management of these valuable resources moving forward.”

Social media photo of passengers on plane that crashed off Florida with a wanted drug dealer - Jonathan Gardiner - on board.

WEST GRAND BAHAMA MP KINGSLEY SMITH

PM defends large Cabinet sizePintard says backbench silenced

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis defended the size of his Cabinet yesterday, saying he needed the “best hands-on deck” to deliver on the PLP’s expanded mandate.

His comments came as Opposition Leader Michael Pintard accused the government of weakening parliamentary oversight by placing most of its elected MPs inside Cabinet, leaving too few government backbenchers to scrutinise the administration from within.

The PLP won 33 of 41 seats in the May 12 general election, a landslide that gave Mr Davis broad control of Parliament. However, the administration has faced criticism after unveiling the largest Cabinet in Bahamian history: a 29-member ministerial team that includes 21 Cabinet ministers, seven ministers of state and the prime minister.

The line-up is larger than the 22-member Cabinet Mr Davis appointed after taking office in 2021 and far bigger than the first ministerial team appointed by the Minnis administration after the Free National Movement won office in 2017, when the government began with 13 Cabinet ministers and three ministers of state.

The new Davis administration gives The Bahamas roughly one minister for every 14,000 residents, based on a population of just over 400,000.

The figure is striking compared with larger Caribbean countries, including

Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, whose ministerial teams are in the same broad range despite having far larger populations.

Speaking as nine senators were sworn in, Mr Davis said the government made commitments ranging from immediate priorities to long-term national goals and needed the right people in place to execute them.

“We also need the best hands-on deck,” he said. “At the beginning of our last term, some questioned the need to grow the number of appointments to the administration. However, it is because we took the approach that we did that we're able to make the kind of progress that we did, which resulted in the vote of confidence the Bahamian people invested in us.”

“Now that the task ahead is even greater, it must bring to bear all the talents at hand to help us deliver on our commitments.”

Mr Davis also defended the size of his Cabinet after the PLP’s 2021 election victory, when he said the scale of the country’s problems required an “all hands on deck” approach.

Mr Pintard, who was sworn in as opposition leader, said the size of the administration raises serious questions about accountability, especially because the majority of elected government MPs now hold Cabinet posts.

“One of the reasons we have to be vigilant in making sure we hold this government accountable is the government clearly has silenced the backbench of its own party,” he said. Mr Pintard said the

arrangement leaves little room for independent scrutiny from government MPs.

“It is not an appropriate situation where the majority of elected members are cabinet members because what you want is healthy, robust discussion on issues and room for disagreement,” he said.

“Backbenchers expected to hold the cabinet accountable to a large extent, but we knew in advance that this is not an administration that's interested in dissent. We've seen that in multiple ways, and so we're not

surprised.”

Mr Pintard also questioned the financial implications of the appointments.

“It would be good for you to ask, what is the price tag that comes with such appointments?” he said.

Mr Pintard said the opposition would “oppose when necessary and support when appropriate” while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

Asked about voter turnout, Mr Pintard said both the opposition and the government had failed to inspire Bahamians, causing many to become disaffected from the political system. He said policymakers have significant work to do to rebuild public trust.

He said the FNM is reviewing all factors behind its general election defeat.

“We're actually still assessing all of the

reasons, including the personnel, starting at the top, so we are prepared to take a sober, candid look at what worked, what didn't work, and then make adjustments, so nothing is off the table,” he said.

Mr Pintard said he is “honoured” that the FNM executive council and members-elect have supported his return as leader, adding that he will “honour their confidence with diligence”.

Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis

OPPOSITION LEADER MICHAEL PINTARD

Watson defends ZNS work amid Senate scrutiny

so if he’s affiliated then he must send in his resignation just like any public officer,”

Mr Rolle told The Tribune.

Mr Watson, a veteran journalist and former PLP aspirant, did not say at the swearing-in ceremony whether he would resign from ZNS. However, he said questions about his tenure as general manager would be answered by the end of the week.

“I don’t want to preempt anything, but you’ll all understand it at the end of the week, that’s all I would say, and it’ll be quite clear to you,” Mr Watson said.

His appointment has placed early scrutiny on the Davis administration’s Senate choices, with critics questioning whether a senior executive at the state broadcaster can move into a partisan legislative role while his employment status remains unresolved.

person serving in a political position directly conflicts with the “code of reserve”. General Orders also say an officer’s personal affairs should not conflict with or affect the performance of official duties.

Mr Rolle said Mr Watson’s resignation should have been announced before his Senate appointment.

others who are not PLP and that’s a sad thing if you take the position that this is how persons who are receiving renumerations from the public treasury should behave,” he said.

his company and the same ought to apply to any public officer, anyone who receives renumerations from the Treasury,” he said.

Mr Rolle warned that allowing Mr Watson to keep both positions could set a precedent across the public sector.

any of the opposition parties criticising ZNS for biasness,” he said. “Matter of fact, we’ve been praised by most of the opposition parties for getting fair coverage. They’ve hailed ZNS as giving sometimes better coverage than other media houses, so instead of talking about it, I showed them.”

Mr Watson described his appointment to the Upper House as a “sobering” opportunity for national service and said he was humbled to join the Davis administration’s team at the start of its new term.

He reflected on his political journey and past disappointments, urging Bahamians pursuing their ambitions not to become discouraged by setbacks.

Chapter 9 of General Orders outlines that a

“I think its an example of the PLP is prepared to break all the rules and how they should only apply to

Mr Rolle pointed to Mr Watson previously being placed on leave of absence before seeking the PLP’s Southern Shores nomination. Obie Roberts was later named the party’s candidate for the seat.

“If he’s allowed to do it in one, another government agency is gonna try, and they may not try now, but they may try five years from now, so the same rules that apply today will apply five years from now and if the government is saying this no longer exists, then that’s fine – then it no longer exists for anyone,” he said. “It means that any employee can choose whatever political side they wish and do whatever they wish and still be engaged, and that itself will create chaos.”

Mr Watson defended his tenure at ZNS, saying opposition parties had praised the broadcaster’s coverage rather than accused it of bias.

“He had to get an official leave of absence from

“You haven’t heard from

“I didn’t ask for this,” he said. “They saw something greater in me. It was about my deportment I believe, how I handled what I went through, and I always said it to people: be very careful how you handle disappointments, you either use it as opportunities or you can use it to become sour. I chose to use it as opportunity. I stay focused on what my mandate was, knowing that the right thing for me will come with the right opportunities. Will the opportunity come around again? I sure hope so. Will I be ready? Definitely will.”

Mr Watson said he looked forward to participating in Senate debates and helping advance legislation affecting journalism, communications and governance.

“People have been talking about the Freedom of Information, people have been talking about acts and governance in the 21st century,” Mr Watson said. “I want to make sure that we put those in place, so that we have a more progressive modern country, modern governance, a modern style and I’m excited to be able to do that, contribute on that level and to help ensure that people understand this is about succession.” WATSON from page one

Watson, Rahming and former NBA player Fox named to Senate

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

ZNS General Manager

Clint Watson, Director of Communications Latrae Rahming and former NBA player Rick Fox were among the most closely watched appointments to the Senate yesterday, as the new Parliament began taking shape after last week’s general election.

The swearing-in ceremonies followed the Progressive Liberal Party’s landslide victory, when it won 33 of 41 seats in the May 12 general election, leaving the Free National Movement with eight seats and the task of rebuilding after another defeat.

At Government House, the PLP appointed former Senate president Lashelle Adderley, Public Hospitals Authority Deputy Director of Communications

D’Asante Small, former Killarney candidate Robyn Lynes, former St Anne’s candidate Keno Wong and

PLP legal team representative Keenan Johnson.

Other government-appointed senators include JaAnn Major, Kevin Simmons, Mr Watson and Mr Rahming.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he was proud to welcome the appointees to the Senate, noting that some are already well known to the public. He said several had been tested either by him personally or in the court of public opinion.

Mr Rahming and Mr Watson were among the highest-profile government appointments, moving from key public communication roles into the upper chamber.

Mr Rahming said he hopes to inspire young people to believe in the political system and become more involved. He pointed to the low voter turnout during the election, which he said reflected a lack of interest among some people in exercising their democratic right.

During the PLP’s last term, Mr Rahming played a central role in the administration’s public relations operation, responding to scandals involving the government.

Mr Watson said his background in journalism shaped his interest in stronger laws for the media industry. He noted that the public is still calling for the Freedom of Information Act. “I want to make sure that we put those in place so that we have a more progressive modern country,” he said.

The FNM also held a swearing-in ceremony for its appointed senators, naming Mr Fox, attorney Elsworth Johnson, attorney Arinthia Komolafe and Dr Trevor Johnson to the upper chamber.

Mr Fox’s appointment gives the opposition one of the most recognisable public figures in the country at a time when the party is trying to regroup after its election defeat.

Death Notice For

a resident of Las Vegas Nevada and formerly of Nassau Village, Lewis Street, New Providence, Bahamas died at residence in Las Vegas Nevada on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026.

A Memorial Service with be held In Las Vegas Nevada on Saturday, May 30th, 2026.

He is survived by his loving mother, Bernice Munnings, Father:Rodney Munnings (predeceased)

Cherishing his memories are his son, Ryan Munnings; daughters, Desha, Renee, and Ryan-Renee Munnings; brothers, Ricky, Rodney, Ashley and Randy Munnings; sisters, Carla Taylor, Monique Cartwright, Reann King, Xena Trotman, Aaliyah Bastian, Tonya Graves and Morvette Butler; 2 brothers-in-law, Garth King and Floyd Trotman; sister-in-law, Tiffany Baker Munnings; aunts, Deborah, Leslie, Maria, Emma Taylor, Onya Stuart, and Reynelda Scott; uncles, Dwayne & Vaughan Musgrove and George Nixon; nieces, Malika, Maneshia and Makayla King, Gerisha Morris; cousins, Miguel, Monica and Melissa Clare, Thorn Demeritte and numerous other relatives and friends including Darcie Burrows.

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard said the FNM had hoped for a different outcome but accepted the role assigned to it by voters.

GOVERNOR General Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt stands with Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, DPM Chester Cooper and the newly appointed PLP senators at Government House yesterday. Photos: Shawn Hanna

GOVERNOR General Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt stands with Opposition leader Micahel Pintard and the FNM’s newly appointed senators. FNM

The Tribune Limited

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End silence on corruption

“PEOPLE’S indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow.”

Those were the words of Delia Ferreira Rubio, the chair of Transparency International, during a newspaper interview in 2018 – and recent events here in The Bahamas are proving her words to be prophetic.

In December 2025, The Tribune reported an allegation that an unnamed high-ranking politician sought $2m to assist cocaine smugglers to take their goods from The Bahamas to the US, with the involvement and help of Bahamian law enfocement officials.

That came from legal papers filed in the US District Court Southern District of New York – and was part of an explosive series of accusations that saw two senior law enforcement officers arrested in Florida, police chief superintendent Elvis Curtis and chief petty officer Darrin Roker, a defence force official. A third officer, Sergeant Prince Albert Symonette, a retired officer, was also named in the indictment.

In January this year, Roker pleaded guilty, and was given four years in jail –a lighter sentence than the 20 years he could have faced, in part because he has terminal cancer and begged for mercy.

At the time of Roker’s guilty plea and sentence, we wrote in this column about the need to tackle corruption with urgency.

Indeed, at the time the revelations emerged, we raised the prospect of a Commission of Inquiry in order to deal with allegations so serious they reach the very top of our governing and law enforcement structures.

Noises were made instead that newly introduced Commissions of Investigation could be used to tackle corruption – but last June, The Tribune reported that just $30,000 had been allocated by the government to the newly established independent commission, and there has been no sign at all of it being funded to the level needed to stifle routine corruption claims, let alone claims of the significance we now face.

The unnamed official in those 2025 allegations has had seemingly no investigation conducted into their behaviour here in The Bahamas – although the US clearly has that individual on their radar. And now that official’s name has surfaced again – and again has been redacted. It appears that individual is the same one named as Politician-1 with their name on a packet of money in the possession of a man with a history of drug offences arrested and detained by the US after a Bahamian plane crashed and those on board were rescued in international waters.

Let us be clear about that. No action was taken to urgently investigate who this unnamed official was who was willing to sell out our nation, and that person’s name has now popped up again on election eve on a packet of money in the possession of a drug smuggler. As a nation, as a government, we showed indifference, and it appears to have give corruption the chance to grow.

The measure of a commission of inves-

tigation has fallen short – so perhaps it is time again to say we should hold a full commission of inquiry.

It is remarkable how little effort we seem to be making in terms of investigating corruption that strikes to the heart of our nation – in this case with reports of a drug deal being arranged within the walls of Parliament itself.

A full inquiry can establish who knows what, and whether there is cause to take action here at home rather than waiting for the US.

Yesterday, The Tribune asked the MP who was said to have chartered the flight that crashed with Jonathan “Player” Gardiner on board, Kingsley Smith, serious questions on the issue, he responded by saying: “No comment right now, buddy.”

The story of Gardiner’s arrest is now featuring in the Miami Herald – which has questioned whether there might be further arrests, including of that unnamed politician.

No comment seems to fall very short of what needs to be done to root out corruption before it is given more opportunity to flourish.

Davis and climate challenge

EARLY in Prime Minister Philip Davis’ first term as the nation’s leader, he took the international spotlight with his comments on the dangers of climate change. At the COP26 event in Glasgow, he said: “We cannot outrun your carbon emissions, we cannot outrun the hurricanes which are becoming more powerful, and we cannot outrun the rising sea levels as our islands disappear beneath the waves.”

His words caught global attention – and catapulted him onto the international stage and Bahamian policy on climate change into the frontline of global decision-making.

It is fitting, therefore, that his second term begins by bringing the world to our doorstep, in a gathering of climate scientists co-hosted by the Bahamas Aviation Climate & Severe Weather Network and the Office of the Prime Minister’s Climate Change and Environmental Advisory Unit.

Mr Davis told scientists at the event that their findings “influence how we plan our cities, manage our coastlines, protect our people, and invest for the future”.

Mr Davis also pointed to Bahamian efforts to protect mangroves and seagrass beds and cut back on fossil fuel dependence.

Sadly, our world is still heating up, action on climate change has not reached a global consensus, and The Bahamas is still at the sharp end, facing the prospect of devastating damage from rising seas and ever more powerful storms. We are far from a solution still – but it is fitting that we continue to be at the forefront of the fight.

How power turns free press into govt subsidiary

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AFTER hearing the 2026 Bahamas Election Observers discuss the weaknesses of the Bahamian media, I felt compelled to share the following.

For 40 years plus, I have developed and helped others develop Cryptogenic (systems thinking) solutions, ecosystems, and environments that the public eventually adopts without realising their origins.

In around 2010/2011, I created three systems (political theses), all of which I have observed becoming increasingly Ambient in our country. The first is a method of political campaign strategy, which I have recently written about. The second, which I will currently address, pertains to media.

One of the most sophisticated political strategies I developed was not merely about messaging, press releases, interviews, or social media management. It was about understanding media as a battlefield of power. It was about recognising that in modern politics, the party that controls attention often controls interpretation, and the party that controls interpretation often controls political reality.

This theory can now be understood as Media Disruption, Domination, Distraction, Delegitimisation, and Destruction, which I have named: MD⁵.

MD⁵ is not ordinary public relations. It is not simply a communications strategy. It is a political theory of media control in a democratic society where censorship may be too crude, too visible, and too dangerous to use openly.

Instead of shutting down the press, MD⁵ works by absorbing, overwhelming, redirecting, neutralising, and, where necessary, weakening the independent media environment.

This most advanced form is not censorship. It is “Strategic Co-Optation.”

In a free society, the press is supposed to operate as an independent observer. Journalists question power. Editors filter propaganda. Producers decide what deserves public attention. Commentators test official narratives. Media houses help citizens distinguish between governance, performance, scandal, distraction, and truth.

But under MD⁵, this independent function is gradually compromised. Not necessarily by force. Not necessarily by threats. Not necessarily by banning anyone from speaking.

It happens through recruitment, appointment, access, contracts, influence, proximity, and career opportunities.

When competent media professionals are brought into an administration, hired into state-owned enterprises, placed inside public institutions, appointed to boards, retained as consultants, or absorbed into quasi-government communications ecosystems, something structural occurs. The media class is no longer merely reporting on power. Parts of it become attached to power.

This is where MD⁵ becomes most sophisticated.

It transforms the free press from an independent observer into a subsidiary of power.

This does not mean every journalist is compromised.

Rollins best fit for FNM leadership

EDITOR, The Tribune. THE blessed smoke of the 2026 general election in The Bahamas has officially cleared, and a lot about it is being heard quietly and vociferously here, there and everywhere. The opposition Free National Movement (FNM) has some bold and popular adjustments to make - no doubt. The main one concerns the party’s leadership moving forward to the next general election. In my view, the entire present

leadership of the FNM has got to go. I have been intensely contemplating the question about the next leader of the FNM - the one whom I feel is the most fit and qualified among the elected members of the party. I must testify that the good Lord moves in mysterious ways, as I wondered how Dr Andre Rollins got that Long Island FNM nomination. Now I have the gut feeling that Dr Rollins is best fit for the new leader of the FNM.

Dr Andre Rollins should be crowned FNM leader as soon as possible; and the official campaign for the next general election should immediately follow. Indeed, search for and welcome more Lincoln Deal and Michaela Barnett-Ellis in the FNM front-line fold - and dump the dead weights without mercy.

DENNIS ARTHUR DAMES Nassau, May 14, 2026.

LETTERS

It does not mean every media worker who enters government is corrupt. Many are competent professionals seeking legitimate employment.

But from a political theory perspective, the structural effect is clear: the administration reduces the pool of independent media talent while increasing its own internal communications capacity.

The result is a quieter, softer, more manageable press environment.

Here are my five pillars of MD⁵:

The first pillar is “Media Disruption.”

Disruption prevents the public from settling on one damaging story long enough for that story to become politically fatal. The news cycle is crowded with announcements, side issues, emotional controversies, policy fragments, personality disputes, ceremonies, symbolic gestures, and rapid rebuttals. The objective is not always to prove innocence or demonstrate competence. Sometimes the objective is simply to prevent focus.

A confused public is easier to manage than an informed public.

The second pillar is “Media Domination.”

Domination does not require government ownership of every media house. It requires influence over enough voices, enough platforms, enough messengers, and enough timing to shape the dominant public narrative. This is where the integration of media professionals into governance structures becomes strategically powerful.

Former journalists, producers, hosts, editors, and media personalities understand the rhythm of news. They know what becomes a headline. They know how reporters think. They understand deadlines, framing, soundbites, emotional triggers, and public fatigue. When that knowledge is transferred into the political command structure, the administration gains an intelligence advantage over the press itself.

The watchdog’s habits become known to the house it is supposed to guard.

The third pillar is “Media Distraction.” Distraction redirects the national conversation away from the central issue. A governance failure becomes a debate about tone. A policy contradiction becomes a partisan argument. A scandal becomes a personality clash. A broken promise becomes a story about communication style. The public is not invited to examine the substance. It is pulled into the theatre.

The more emotional the distraction, the more effective it becomes.

The fourth pillar is “Media Delegitimisation.” This is one of the most dangerous elements of MD⁵. Delegitimisation does not merely answer criticism. It attacks the credibility of the critic. Journalists become “biased.” Commentators become “bitter.” Whistleblowers become “political.” Civil society becomes “opposition-aligned.” Independent

analysts become “disgruntled.” Once the messenger is discredited, the message can be dismissed without being seriously answered.

This is how power avoids accountability while pretending to engage in debate.

The fifth pillar is “Media Destruction.” Destruction is not always dramatic. It does not always look like a newspaper being shut down or a broadcaster being silenced. It may be economic, reputational, institutional, psychological, or professional. Access can be restricted. Advertising can be redirected. Critics can be isolated. Independent voices can be drowned out by coordinated surrogates. Media houses can be weakened by talent extraction. Public trust can be corroded until citizens no longer know whom to believe.

At that stage, the press still exists, but its power has been reduced.

That is the genius and danger of MD⁵. It preserves the appearance of democracy while weakening one of democracy’s most important defenses. The microphones remain on. The cameras keep rolling. The newspapers still publish. The talk shows are still on air. But the environment around them has been altered.

The press is not abolished. It is managed.

The public is not denied information. It is flooded with it.

Criticism is not banned. It is delegitimised. Journalism is not destroyed overnight. It is absorbed, redirected, and exhausted.

This is why strategic co-optation is more sophisticated than censorship. Censorship creates martyrs. Co-optation creates dependencies. Censorship exposes the hand of power. Co-optation hides it. Censorship tells the public what cannot be said. Co-optation shapes what is likely to be heard, believed, repeated, or ignored.

MD⁵ is therefore not simply a Media Strategy. It is a Power Strategy. Its central insight is that modern political control does not require the elimination of the free press. It requires the conversion of the media ecosystem into a managed environment where independent scrutiny becomes weaker, official narratives become louder, critics become suspect, and citizens become too distracted to separate governance from performance.

This is the real danger. When media professionals are integrated into governance structures without strong ethical guardrails, cooling-off standards, transparency rules, and institutional boundaries, the public loses more than independent journalism. It loses one of the few remaining mechanisms capable of interrogating power in real time. In the end, MD⁵ should teach a hard political lesson: the most effective way to control the press is not always to attack it. Sometimes, it is to hire it.

I conclude by stating that all impacts can be countered with a proper understanding of what you aim to negate.

C ALLEN JOHNSON Freeport, Grand Bahama May 17, 2026.

Thank God for peace

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE 2026 General Elections are now behind us, leaving important lessons, reflections, and criticisms in their wake. Yet amid the political debates and differing perspectives, one truth stands above them all: Election Day in The Bahamas was peaceful.

Across our nation, the atmosphere was calm, orderly, and hopeful — a blessing for which we should all be grateful. At a time when many countries experience political unrest, division, and

even violence surrounding elections, The Bahamas was spared such turmoil. This should not be taken lightly. It is a mercy worthy of national gratitude. Before the elections, many citizens, churches, and organisations called for prayer, asking Almighty God to preserve peace and grant wisdom to our nation. It is therefore fitting that thanksgiving should now follow prayer.

Just as we sought God’s protection before the election, so too should we publicly acknowledge His goodness afterwards.

Perhaps this is an appropriate moment for a National Day of Thanksgiving — a time when Bahamians, regardless of political affiliation, can unite in gratitude to God for preserving our nation in peace and stability.

“The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.” — Psalm 100:5 In the end, elections may shape governments, but it is God’s mercy that preserves nations.

REV PERRY R CUNNINGHAM Nassau, May 15, 2026.

Supreme Court awards $180k to victim of jitney crash

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court judge has awarded nearly $180,000 to a former spa worker who suffered a lasting neck injury after the Golden Rule jitney she was riding in slammed into the back of a car more than 12 years ago.

Justice Camille Darville-Gomez entered judgment for Kyrenia Newbold-Roberts in the net sum of $179,758.34 against Shandwick Taylor and Kirkwood Smith, trading as Golden Rule Bus Service, over the December 6, 2013 crash.

The ruling closes a long-running damages fight in a case where liability was formally conceded in April 2022, but the court still had to decide how much of Mrs Newbold-Roberts’ pain, medical problems and lost income could fairly be laid at the defendants’ feet.

Mrs Newbold-Roberts was a fare-paying passenger on a Golden Rule jitney driven by Mr Taylor when the bus collided with the rear of a Kia Sportage. She alleged the crash was caused by Mr Taylor’s negligence and that Mr Smith, as the bus operator, was vicariously liable.

Her claim, filed in October 2016, accused Mr Taylor of failing to drive with due care and attention, failing to maintain a safe distance, and failing to stop in time. She also accused Mr Smith of failing to properly train Mr Taylor in safe driving techniques and maintaining a safe distance between the bus and other vehicles.

The defendants formally conceded liability nearly six years after the claim was filed. Justice Indra Charles entered judgment on liability in April 2022, leaving damages to be assessed.

Justice Darville-Gomez awarded Mrs Newbold-Roberts $50,000 for pain, suffering and loss of amenities; $12,000 for past loss of earnings; $19,200 for future loss of earnings; $3,197.02 in special damages; and $33,327.07 for future surgery. The gross award was $207,729.09, but the judge deducted $27,970.75 for payments already received from insurers and the National Insurance Board.

The judgment shows the court accepted that Mrs Newbold-Roberts suffered an acute cervical injury in the crash and that her complaints of persistent neck pain were genuine. However, the judge rejected the broader claim that all her long-term symptoms and financial losses flowed from the accident.

The court heard that she underwent repeated medical treatment, including consultations with several doctors, and that some specialists recommended cervical surgery. Her counsel sought substantial damages, including $100,000 for pain and suffering, more than $200,000 for past loss of earnings, more than $296,000 for future loss of earnings, $100,000 under what is known as a Smith v Manchester award for disadvantage in the labour market, and more than $100,000 for future medical expenses.

On the central medical issue, Justice Darville-Gomez found that the

claimant sustained a moderate cervical injury, including a whiplash-type injury with significant pain and residual symptoms, and that the accident aggravated or rendered symptomatic an underlying degenerative cervical condition. She said the accident was not the sole cause of all the claimant’s complaints, but she was satisfied that the present complaints could be laid entirely at the defendants’ door.

The judge was unsparing about delay.

Although the crash happened in December 2013 and the writ was filed in October 2016, the defendants were not served until three years later. An application for interim payment was made in 2017 but was not supported by affidavit until 2024. The matter also lay dormant after the defendants’ 2022 admission of liability.

Justice Darville-Gomez said the responsibility for prosecuting the claim lay with Mrs Newbold-Roberts and refused to award interest before judgment, even though she found the defendants had been reluctant to settle.

The judge also refused to give Mrs Newbold-Roberts full costs. Although she succeeded in the action, the court said she did not recover close to what she had claimed. The court ordered the defendants to pay 60 percent of her costs, to be assessed if not agreed. Judgment was entered for Newbold-Roberts in the sum of $179,758.34, with interest at 2.5 per cent from the date of judgment. The defendants must also pay her costs on the limited basis ordered by the court.

MAN REMANDED OVER RAPE CHARGE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 29-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison yesterday after he was accused of raping the mother of his young daughter in an abandoned building on East Bay Street earlier this month.

Prosecutors allege Shone Munroe contacted a 37-year-old woman on May 5 to see their daughter.

After meeting him at a business at 2pm, the pair

talked, and the complainant declined his request to rekindle their relationship. When she attempted to leave around 4pm, Munroe allegedly pushed her into the stairwell of a two-storey abandoned building and raped her while their daughter was in a stroller nearby. The suspect fled the scene while the victim sought sanctuary in a nearby church until authorities arrived. Munroe was not required

to enter a plea to a charge of rape before Acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans. He was told the matter will proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment. He was also told of his right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court. Munroe was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is expected to be served on August 27.

Inspector K Wilkinson served as the prosecutor.

BAIL DENIED FOR MAN IN BAR SHOOTING

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 30-YEAR-OLD man was denied bail after he was accused of trying to kill a man at a Dorsette Alley bar last year — the same man who was accused of fatally stabbing someone at the bar earlier that night.

Miguel Fox was denied bail for attempted murder by Justice Darron Ellis.

Justice Ellis based his decision on the absence of unreasonable delay in the defendant’s trial and the risk to public safety because of potential retaliatory violence. Prosecutors allege Fox

attempted to shoot and kill 38-year-old Darius Burnside during an altercation at Swingers Bar and Lounge on April 17, 2025. Burnside was grazed on the chin and was successfully treated in the hospital.

Burnside was previously arraigned on a murder charge in connection with an incident that allegedly happened earlier that same night.

He allegedly fatally stabbed Derrick Smith about the body and neck with a knife at 10.21pm on April 17, 2025. Smith reportedly ran to his residence and collapsed outside his door, where he died.

Fox sought bail so he could properly prepare his defence and provide for his three children and family.

He maintained his innocence and claimed he was a fit candidate for bail.

The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the case against Fox was strong. Prosecutors said there was video footage of the accused shooting the complainant. They also said Fox posed a risk to public safety, had prior convictions and faced a separate attempted murder charge.

Cephia Pinder-Moss appeared for the prosecution, while Tamika Roberts represented the accused.

SUSPECT GETS BAIL IN $34K THEFT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of steal-

ing $34,673 worth of jewellery during a break-in at a Nassau Village home last year was granted bail yesterday.

Prosecutors allege Cimeleo Darling, also known as “Rashard Rolle” and “Jetto”, 29, stole $34,673 worth of jewellery from Shakil Hanna’s home during a housebreaking

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of threatening someone with a gun in his yard in Commonage, Eleuthera, was granted bail yesterday.

Prosecutors allege Alexander Ferguson, 42, threatened Lavardo McKenzie with a black handgun on May 13. After electing to have his matter continue before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr, Ferguson pleaded

Position Summary:

The Vice President, Engineering & Planning is a senior executive responsible for leading BGC’s overall engineering, system planning, and grid development strategy for the New Providence electrical network and broader system expansion initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the VP provides strategic leadership in system planning, protection and control oversight, capital development, and grid modernization.

This role ensures the safety, reliability, and future ready development of BGC’s electrical infrastructure by integrating long-term planning, engineering design, operational reliability, and capital investment strategy. The VP serves as the primary technical advisor to executive leadership on system capacity, infrastructure expansion, and network resilience.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Financial Leadership

Lead the development and execution of long term system planning strategies for generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.

• Oversee load forecasting, capacity planning, and system expansion studies to ensure alignment with current and future demand growth.

• Direct preparation of integrated system expansion plans, including feeder, substation, and transmission development requirements. Identify system constraints, infrastructure gaps, and investment priorities to support reliable grid performance.

Power System Analysis & Grid Reliability

• Oversee advanced system studies including load flow, short circuit, voltage stability, contingency (N-1/N-2), and reliability assessments. Ensure engineering analysis supports safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electrical network under normal and contingency conditions.

• Evaluate system performance under growth scenarios, DER integration, outages, and planned maintenance conditions.

Provide technical direction on system resilience, reliability improvement, and risk mitigation strategies.

Capital Planning & Infrastructure Development

• Lead engineering input into capital planning, budgeting, and long-term infrastructure investment programs.

Evaluate, prioritize, and justify capital projects including substations, feeder upgrades, transmission enhancements, and system automation initiatives.

• Oversee preparation of technical justification reports, engineering studies, and investment business cases.

Ensure alignment between engineering requirements and financial planning with the Finance function.

Protection, Control & System Engineering Oversight

Provide executive oversight of Protection & Control engineering standards, philosophies, and system reliability strategies.

• Ensure protection coordination, relay settings governance, and system security compliance across the grid.

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Oversee integration of SCADA, automation systems, and grid control technologies in coordination with IT and Communications teams.

Grid Modernization & Technology Integration

• Lead grid modernization initiatives including automation, digital substations, advanced metering infrastructure, and smart grid technologies.

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Regulatory, Stakeholder & Executive Interface

• Serve as the primary technical advisor to executive leadership on engineering, system planning, and capital investment matters.

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Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to engineering teams, including System Planning, Protection & Control, and related technical functions.

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Provide engineering leadership during system disturbances, outages, storm response, and restoration activities.

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Must Have valid Driver’s License

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on September 17, 2025.

Darling was also accused of giving a false statement to Police Constable 4277 Miller on Prince Charles Drive on May 15 in an attempt to evade the law.

He pleaded guilty to deceiving a public officer, but pleaded not guilty to housebreaking and stealing before Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville.

Darling was placed on six months’ probation for the

not guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear. Sergeant 3004 Forbes, the prosecutor, objected to bail on public safety grounds. She said there had been an ongoing dispute between the accused and the complainant. Devard Francis, Ferguson’s attorney, argued that strict conditions could be attached to his client’s bail. A female relative of the accused confirmed that the complainant was in Ferguson’s yard.

deceit charge. Breaching the conditions of his probation could result in a six-month prison sentence.

He was granted $7,500 bail with one or two sureties. Under the terms of his bail, he must sign in at the East Street South Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 7pm. His trial begins on July 3. Maria Daxon represented the accused, while Inspector Cordero Farrington prosecuted the case.

Ferguson was granted $8,500 bail with one or two sureties. He will be fitted with a monitoring device and must sign in at the Rock Sound Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 6pm. He must also obey a 6pm to 7am curfew and was warned not to interfere with the complainant. Failure to comply with the conditions could result in Ferguson’s bail being revoked. His trial is set for July 21 to 23 in Eleuthera.

• Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive system and infrastructure information.

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• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.

Professional Engineer designation or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in power system engineering, system planning, or utility operations, including senior leadership experience.

• Proven expertise in load forecasting, system planning studies, capacity analysis, and grid reliability assessments.

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Opportunities for professional growth and career development

• Executive leadership role shaping the future of BGC’s power system, infrastructure, and grid modernization strategy.

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Opportunity to lead high impact engineering functions including system planning, protection strategy, and network development.

The destruction of our children destroys the future of our country

THERE is a monster living among us. It does not hide in dark alleys or wear a stranger’s face. It sits at family tables. It attends church services. It is welcomed into homes. It is called “uncle,” “father,” “stepfather,” “brother,” “cousin,” “family friend,” “neighbour,” and sometimes even “protector.”

And for generations, society has looked away.

The sexual abuse of children, particularly young girls, remains one of the greatest moral failures of our time. It is not merely a crime of the body. It is often the assassination of innocence, trust, identity, and emotional security. The child survives physically, but many carry invisible wounds for decades. Some never fully recover.

Yet these crimes are still not treated with the seriousness they deserve.

Too many children are introduced to sex long before their minds, bodies, and emotions are capable of understanding what is happening. Their innocence is stolen before they can even define the word. Their bodies are violated before they understand ownership of self. Their spirits are wounded before they know how to speak.

And then society asks why they struggle.

Why do they become withdrawn? Why do they self-destruct? Why do they battle depression, addiction, trust issues, selfharm, anxiety, or unstable relationships? Because trauma leaves fingerprints.

The tragedy is that these children are often harmed by people they trust. In many cases, it is not strangers. It is someone living under the same roof. Someone who brings groceries home. Someone the family depends upon financially.

This is where the silence begins.

How many mothers have suspected something but remained quiet because exposing the perpetrator would mean losing household income? How many relatives knew and chose family reputation over a child’s safety? How many neighbours heard rumours but decided it was “not their business”?

Silence becomes complicity.

Those who cover up these crimes are not innocent bystanders. Every lie told to protect an abuser extends the suffering. Every excuse becomes another wound. Every decision to preserve appearances over protection enables another victim. And we must confront an uncomfortable truth: in many communities, this behaviour has become normalised.

Some mothers experienced the same abuse as children and never received help. Their pain became buried beneath survival. The trauma was inherited, not healed. The cycle repeated itself.

But generational trauma cannot become generational permission.

The cycle must end somewhere. The law also has questions to answer. Why are repeat offenders still finding opportunities to reoffend? Why are predators not being monitored more aggressively? Why do some cases take years while victims wait for justice? Why are sentences still viewed by many as insufficient compared to the lifelong damage inflicted?

When a child’s innocence is stolen, the consequences can last a lifetime. The emotional death that follows is real. Confidence dies. Trust dies. Safety dies. These crimes deserve the highest social outrage. Anyone engaging sexually with children should face severe consequences. Repeat offenders who continually prey upon children

demonstrate dangerous patterns that society cannot ignore. Protection of children must come before protecting predators.

But punishment alone is not enough.

We have failed victims repeatedly because we focus only on prosecution and forget healing.

Every child survivor should immediately receive access to trauma-informed counselling, psychological support, safe housing where necessary, educational protection, and long-term therapy. Healing cannot be a six-week programme. Trauma does not keep a schedule.

The state must invest heavily in child recovery centres staffed with psychologists, social workers, therapists, and advocates trained specifically in childhood sexual trauma.

Schools must become safe spaces capable of identifying warning signs.

Teachers need training. Counsellors need resources. Children must be taught body autonomy, boundaries,

World View • Sir Ronald Sanders

and how to report abuse safely.

The village must return. Too often, victims are isolated while perpetrators remain integrated within the community. That is backwards.

Communities should surround victims with support, not suspicion. We must stop asking, “Are you sure?” and start asking, “How can we help?”

Self-esteem rebuilding programmes, mentorship initiatives, survivor networks, family therapy, educational assistance, and community care systems should become national priorities.

Love matters in recovery. Belief matters. Protection matters.

And then there is the church. The church cannot be absent from this conversation.

Too often, institutions know more than they admit. Too often, forgiveness is demanded before accountability. Too often, protecting the institution's image takes precedence over protecting

The OAS faces a moral test in Panama

An attempt is now being made by a few member states of the Organization of American States (OAS), using procedural manoeuvres, to prevent a proposed “Declaration on the Rights of Persons and Peoples of African Descent” from proceeding to the OAS General Assembly scheduled to be held in Panama next month.

Debate on this fundamentally important declaration should have been near its end by now, leaving the way clear for consideration and adoption by the General Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the OAS.

Normally, the positions expressed in my weekly commentary reflect my own views. I am pleased to say that this commentary has the full support of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, whose Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, instructed that “we stand on the principles of justice, truth and right … We should never cower in defending these principles”.

The proposed Declaration is the product of a negotiating process of a Working Group of the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs (CAJP) of

the OAS, led principally by Brazil and Colombia, and involving numerous member states across the hemisphere, including Antigua and Barbuda. Yet, some countries are now seeking to block the Declaration from proceeding, advancing arguments that ring hollow. Among them is the claim that “more time” is needed. But the evidence of history is not obscure. The denial of rights to peoples of African descent in the Americas is not a recent discovery. It’s written into centuries of slavery, colonial exploitation, racial discrimination, exclusion, and dispossession. To say now that more time is required risks appearing less as a procedural concern than as an effort to avoid acknowledging truths that have long been plain. The countries of CARICOM, with majority or significant populations of African descent, are among the few places in the hemisphere where those systems have been most consciously challenged. They have done the most to dismantle the structures built on that history. The draft Declaration seeks to affirm, within the

Inter-American system, principles relating to equality before the law, protection against racial discrimination, access

Those who cover up these crimes are not innocent bystanders. Every lie told to protect an abuser extends the suffering.

to justice, political participation, education, development, cultural identity, economic and social inclusion, and recognition

the child. Silence from the pulpit is not neutrality. It is abandonment. Faith communities should become leaders in child protection, mandatory reporting, victim support, and prevention education. The sanctuary should be the safest place for the vulnerable, not the safest for predators.

The scriptures repeatedly speak of protecting children and defending the vulnerable. Those words cannot remain ceremonial. They must become action. We also must ask ourselves difficult questions as neighbours. We know what happens next door. We hear the cries. We notice behavioural changes. We see the fear. Why do we remain silent? Why are we not our brother’s keeper? Perhaps because we fear involvement. Perhaps because we fear retaliation. Perhaps because we know it could happen inside our own families. But fear cannot outweigh responsibility. Every

ignored warning sign risks another child. Every silent witness risks another lifetime of suffering. This issue requires a national response. Government. Churches. Schools. Communities. Families. Mental health professionals. Law enforcement. Everyone. Because these children did not ask for this burden. They should not carry it alone.

The measure of a society is not how it treats the powerful. It is how it protects the vulnerable.

Right now, too many children are carrying wounds in silence while adults argue, deny, minimise, and protect reputations. Enough. The child must matter more than the family name. More than the breadwinner. More than public image. More than shame. More than silence.

The greatest scandal is not only that these crimes happen. It is what we have learned to live beside them. And until we refuse to tolerate the silence, the monster remains fed.

FORMER GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF SAINT-DOMINGUE TOUSAINT LOUVERTURE

of the continuing effects of slavery and colonialism upon peoples of African descent in the hemisphere.

The draft also addresses matters such as the preservation of cultural heritage, the pursuit of reparatory justice, the collection of disaggregated data to expose racial inequality, fair access to education and employment, protection against racial profiling and discrimination in the administration of justice,

and measures aimed at improving participation and representation in public life. In several respects, the Declaration seeks to encourage member states to confront enduring structural inequalities affecting peoples of African descent and to adopt public policies directed toward equality, inclusion, dignity, and opportunity.

CONTINUED ON PAGE NINE

FORMER GUYANA PRESIDENT CHEDDI JAGAN

OAS faces moral test

Antigua and Barbuda has long played a constructive leadership role within the Inter-American system in confronting racism and discrimination. Our country served as Chair of the OAS Working Group to draft Legally Binding Instruments Against Racism, Discrimination and All Forms of Intolerance, a process that helped to usher in the adoption of two important Inter-American instruments addressing racism and all forms of discrimination in the hemisphere. CARICOM countries were significantly shaped by the forced labour, suffering, endurance, and resilience of their ancestors. The prosperity of colonial powers was built in significant measure upon that exploitation. The freedom and dignity that the peoples of CARICOM countries now enjoy were won through generations of resistance, sacrifice, and struggle by those who came before us, including the indentured labourers from India and Madeira. Their descendants, too, joined the wider struggle for African liberation everywhere.

The names of those struggles, from slavery to the end of colonial rule, still echo across the Caribbean: Toussaint Louverture and Dessalines of Haiti; Nanny and Marcus Garvey of Jamaica; Bussa and Barrow of Barbados; Cuffy, Jagan and Burnham of Guyana; Prince Klaas, V.C. Bird and

Tim Hector of Antigua. These men and women were asserting the humanity, equality, and dignity of African peoples in societies designed to deny all three. Therefore, CARICOM nations would be untrue to their own history, untrue to the memory of their ancestors, and untrue to all those who fought against racism and colonial domination if they do not support a serious hemispheric declaration affirming the rights, dignity, equality, and historical experience of peoples of African descent.

That support does not mean that every word of the current draft is settled or agreed. Like many multilateral texts, it contains provisions still under discussion and consultation among states. That is the normal process of multilateral negotiation.

However, what must not happen is the prevention of the Declaration from proceeding at all to the OAS General Assembly in Panama. The General Assembly is precisely the forum where governments should demonstrate their individual dedication and the commitment of the OAS, as an institution, to more rights for more people, as former Secretary General, Luis Almagro, so often proclaimed.

To prevent consideration altogether would be contrary to the spirit of dialogue and multilateral engagement that the OAS

is intended to uphold. There is no justifiable reason for this issue to become a source of unnecessary confrontation within the hemisphere. The rights and dignity of peoples of African descent should not be viewed as a partisan or ideological matter. They are matters of history, justice, equality, inclusion, and human rights.

We would like all OAS member states to join Colombia, Brazil and the 14 CARICOM members in support of this Declaration, which is entirely consistent with the history, values, and constitutional democracies that fashioned the OAS and its many declarations, resolutions, and statements of commitment to human dignity and equality for all peoples.

OAS member states should also remember that the General Assembly is being held in Panama, where the canal that enriched world commerce and transformed global shipping was built largely by the labour, sacrifice, suffering, and deaths of thousands of African descendants from the Caribbean.

The moral question could not be clearer.

The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also the Chancellor of the University of Guyana

JAMAICAN POLITICAL ACTIVIST MARCUS GARVEY

‘There’s no excuse you can give for pulling the country from the competition’

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE withdrawal of the men’s team from the prestigious Davis Cup tie in June in San José, Costa Rica, has drawn grave reviews from former and current Davis Cup players, who feel the decision will only hurt the future of the sport.

The Bahamas was scheduled to be a part of a seven-member pool, but the withdrawal by ousted president Perry Newton has dropped the field down to six - Barbados, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

The Bahamas has played Davis Cup since 1989 and, for the past 36 years, have never missed a competition. So when the news

broke, players were highly disappointed. Now players who would have benefitted from their participation in the biggest global team competition outside of the Olympic Games are voicing their opinions.

Spencer Newman, who along with his brother Baker Newman provided some sparks for Team Bahamas in 2016, said the players train their whole lives for their opportunity to represent the country at this level of competition. "For that to be stripped away from them because of someone's personal vendetta.

“I don't know why they would want to take that away from the players who have been training so hard for this opportunity," said Newman, who had a 4-7

win-loss in singles and 4-1 in doubles.

"To be able to represent your country at this level requires a lot of time and energy. So if you've never done it before you won't understand. But there's no excuse you can give for pulling the country from the competition."

Newman, like Justin Lunn, who also played back in 2010, are calling for the removal of Newton from office to allow a new body to take over, which cares about the development of the sport.

"I feel like me, not performing in the Davis Cup in the trials in December because the president, who didn't make it easy for players to come out and participate for their country.

"Taking Davis Cup away from the future players, who

worked all their lives to get to this point to represent their country, is not right," said Lunn, who played in three ties accumulating a 1/7 record in singles and 0/3 in doubles. "It seemed like he was only there to live a comfortable life. But he needed to put more eyes on the kids of the future like we were and how we grew up and communicated with each other. I feel like this is a problem for The Bahamas."

Lunn is calling for interim committee chairman Marvin Rolle and vice chairman Philip Major Jr as the ideal replacements for Newton, if the sport is going to flourish again.

Michael Major Jr, who returned home from college and was expected to be one of the players leading Team Bahamas into competition

Coach Greene hopes to build on Bahamian connection at University of Kentucky

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

HEAD coach Rolando

Greene hopes to build on the Bahamian connection at the University of Kentucky when he welcomes St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine graduate standouts Darvinique Dean and Alexis Roberts to the Wildcats women's track team in August.

The duo both completed all the necessary paperwork over the weekend and are eager to make their transition, not just to the collegiate level, but to make an impact in the prestigious Southeastern Conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Greene, a Bahamian who has been coaching in the USA for quite a while, said when he first saw the duo compete at the Devynne Charlton Invitational earlier this year, he was blown away.

"I think they both have what it takes to run at this level. Some people might differ,” said Greene of the SEC, which is considered the stiffest conference in the USA. "The SEC is comparable to the Olympics in terms of intensity and competition.

"But I think they have what it takes to be developed into athletes that can run at this level. If I didn't think they could, I would have recruited them. I would not have wasted the resources to do it. I love what I saw from them when

they competed. In time, they will only get better."

In the long run, Greene said they hope to develop the two competitors into becoming the next superstars to follow in the footsteps of Devynne Charlton and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

"I think Darvinique has got what it takes. I think she's got the juice. It's just a matter of time and maturity," he said. "I think it's the same thing with Alexis. I think she has the same type of juice. I love what I've seen so far from both of them."

Dean, a versatile quarter-miler, who runs both the 100 and 400m hurdles, said Kentucky was always high on her priority list from the time she started running the hurdles. "They have produced some of the best athletes and I want to be the next one," said Dean, who intends to pursue a degree in business management. "I hope to take my confidence, fierceness and that warrior mentally that my coaches taught me."

Dean, 18, said she's excited about the Bahamian connection in Kentucky.

"It's going to be amazing, knowing that I have people who know where I come from and I will have their support," she said. "He (Greene) also knows my coaches, so if anything were to happen, he or Devynne Charlton will be right there to guide me."

Looking back at her tenure in high school,

Dean said she's extremely pleased with her accomplishment, having set numerous records, "so it has been very successful."

This year, Dean said she was pleased that she left her name on both the under-20 girls 100 and 400m hurdles and was on both the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relays that also broke the records in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships. If there were any disappointments, Dean said it would have been at the CARIFTA Games in Grenada where she went into the final of the under-20 hurdles with the second fastest time, but she wasn't there mentally.

"I won't do it again because I'm back emotionally and mentally," she said. She left some parting words to the younger athletes she's leaving behind, encouraging them to trust their coaches and believe in the process to get them to where they need to go.

She thanked her parents Darvin Dean and Patrice Kemp, who supported her each step of the way, especially with dealing with her coaches in Red-Line Athletics, who pushed her beyond the limits.

Tito Moss, the head coach for Red-Line Athletics, said Dean is definitely well prepared for the challenge ahead of her.

"Looking at the successes that coach Greene has had with 400m runners and the

hurdles were two of the factors that Darvinique decided to go to Kentucky. Her cousin, Leevan 'Superman' Sands, is also on Greene's coaching staff and so she's in good hands.

"When we were looking at the schools that were the best fit for her, we came up with Auburn University, University of South Carolina and the University of Kentucky. But ultimately his choice was Kentucky with the Bahamian connection there."

As a versatile all-around athlete who can run from the 100-400 and both the 100 and 400m hurdles, Moss said she will bring a lot to Kentucky and he's only looking for good things to come in the future.

Roberts' father, Alexis Roberts, said it's the best place to shine.

"Most of the kids who come from the SEC go on to compete in the NCAA Nationals," he said. "I think it's a good conference to be in. It doesn't allow you to relax and become complacent, so I think it's a good move.

"It's a good fit for her. The school has a lot to offer, academically as well as athletically. The coaches there know what they are doing. They have produced the Olympics and SEC champions, so it's a good move."

The 18-year-old Roberts, who runs primarily the 200 and 400m, said she's very excited and she can't wait to get to Kentucky to experience college life. She also hopes to stay competitive in

this year, said it's disheartening that he won't get another opportunity to play.

"I've been playing tennis for 17 years and I've seen players like Marvin, PJ, Justin play for the country, I always aspired to play and now to have it taken away without reasoning by someone who claims to love the sport and want to do right by the sport is disheartening," Major Jr said.

"I honestly felt like this before. I've never had something like this taken away from me in this type of way without explanation."

After playing on the team that helped promote The Bahamas from Zone IV last year, Major Jr said the withdrawal will now put the country back in Zone IV again, rather than them trying to continue to climb back up the ladder.

the classroom as she majors in business and finance.

"I looked at the programme. Kentucky has a very good programme. Their facilities are excellent and even the team, a lot of the girls are progressing in the events that I am going to compete in," she said.

"Plus, the coaching staff has some Bahamians on it, so it's going to be like I am at home. I like the way they speak to you and I like how they have a personal relationship with the athletes."

With her "readiness" and "strength," Roberts said with the coaching she's expected to receive, she hopes to produce some good times and be a part of the women's 4 x 400m relay team.

She said she hopes that her accomplishment would inspire other athletes behind her to do the same.

"I had a lot of fun in my high school career," Roberts said. "Most of the time, track is hard work and there are trials and tribulations that you have to overcome. But in everything that I did, I enjoyed myself. I also broke some records which was also nice."

One of those records came last year at the BAISS

Knicks, Cavaliers open East finals at Madison

He called on Newton's removal and for a new government, headed by Rolle and Major Jr, to take over so that they can restore the integrity of The Bahamas again.

Last year, The Bahamas’ team consisted of Denali Nottage, Michael Major Jr, Donte Armbrister and Kofi Bowe, captained by John Antonas.

This year, Nottage and Major Jr were to return with the addition of Jerald Carroll and Jackson Mactaggart.

The captain was undecided, but would have been between Rolle and Philip Major Jr.  Team Bahamas withdrew from the Davis Cup but it was understood that the Fed Cup team heading to the Billie Jean King Cup was also withdrawn.

Championships. Roberts said she broke Miller-Uibo's 400m record, which was the most rewarding experience of her career. But on the flip side, she said her most disappointing moment also came last year when she went to CARIFTA in Trinidad & Tobago and she didn't get to compete. She thanked God for giving her the talent to run track and to earn the scholarship. He thanked his mother, Dameeka Roberts, and her father, Alexis, who has been training her recently. She also thanked her family members.

Father Roberts, a former 400/800m specialist who has been coaching his daughter in Team Roberts Athletics for the past year as they move away from Red-Line Athletics, said she didn't get off to the start he wanted as the season began. "We had to overcome some injuries, but she got going, but it was slower than usual," he said. "But right now, we have our eyes set on the World Under-20 where she hopes to compete in the 200 and 400m. "If she does well there, that will set her up well going into her freshman year in college."

Square

Garden, where they began with high expectations

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

GREENBURGH, N.Y.

(AP) — Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers were sent to face Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in a nationally televised season opener and again to kick off Christmas, NBA schedule makers clearly viewing that as the Eastern Conference's marquee matchup.

Good guess, it turns out.

The Cavaliers and Knicks will be back tonight under the same bright lights of Madison Square Garden where they began the season, this time for Game 1 of the conference finals.

“It's go-time now,” Brunson said yesterday. The Knicks have been on a record-setting playoff rampage. The Cavaliers, bolstered by the acquisition of James Harden, surged late in the season and powerfully ousted Detroit, the East's No. 1 seed, in the second round.

That sent Mitchell into the conference finals for the first time and also sent him home. He's a native of Elmsford, New York, just down the road from where the Knicks practice.

“Yeah it’s great I get to play at home, woo, but it doesn’t matter,” Mitchell said.

“We’ve got to be locked in and ready to go, and I know we will be.”

The Knicks finished third in the East and the Cavs fourth, well behind not only Detroit but also Boston. But seven months after the Knicks beat the Cavaliers in Mike Brown's first game as their coach, the teams have become who people thought they would be.

Cleveland began the season as the East's betting favourite, a spot it later reclaimed after acquiring Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Knicks were the second choice entering the season but ascended to the top earlier in the postseason, and

the way they're playing it's clear why.

New York has won seven straight games and outscored Atlanta and Philadelphia by a combined 194 points, the largest margin ever through a team’s first 10 postseason games. The Knicks reached 140 points in both series clinchers and appear likely to get a boost today as they are listing OG Anunoby as probable to play after he missed two games with a strained right hamstring. “They’re rested and they’re a juggernaut right now," Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said.

“I mean, it’s just what it is. It’s hard to blow out teams in the playoffs like they’ve been blowing out. Point differential means something in this league.”

The Cavs were just good enough rather than great for most of this postseason, needing seven games to get by both Toronto and Detroit. But they won their final two road games against the 60-win Pistons, including a 125-94 rout in Game 7.

Jarrett Allen scored 23 points and Evan Mobley had 21 points and 12 rebounds, a reminder that the Cavs are way more than just their high-scoring backcourt.

“I remember back in the day when I was with Pop, Pop said you need three All-Stars to win a championship. Well, they've got four,” Brown said, referring to his time as an assistant to Gregg Popovich in San Antonio.

Postseasons past

The Knicks beat the Cavs in five games in the 2023 first round, Brunson's first season in New York, improving to 4-0 in series between the teams. New York is 12-2 against

Cleveland in playoff games, also winning series in 1978, 1995 and 1996.

Familiar faces in different places Besides Mitchell, both coaches are going back to former homes. Brown had two stints coaching the Cavaliers, leading them to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007. Atkinson is from Long Island and was an assistant to Mike D'Antoni with the Knicks who later got his first head coaching job with Brooklyn. Rest vs. rust renewed

The Knicks haven't played since May 10. The Cavs have one full day off between rounds. The time off helps the Knicks get healthy, with Anunoby fully practicing again after missing Games 3 and 4 against Philadelphia. But it might hurt a team that has been in such a good rhythm. “I’ve been in both situations. I’ve been playing while the team is waiting and I’ve been waiting while a team is playing,

and you can say a lot theoretically,” Brown said. “You could say that they’re going to be tired, but you can also say they have a competitive edge because they’ve been going at it for seven games and we’ve been off." Contributing Cavs Cavs have been getting contributions well beyond Mitchell and Harden. Mobley has been a force at both ends. He is averaging 17 points but leads the team in rebounding (8.0) and is tied in blocks (1.9).

Allen has had two strong Game 7s but also has benefitted from Harden wanting to force things closer to the basket.

Max Strus, Dennis Schroder and Sam Merrill also have provided valuable minutes off the bench. Strus had key steals in the Game 3 and 5 wins over the Pistons. Schroder is providing another veteran ball handler when Harden and Mitchell are on the bench, while Merrill has a 40.4% accuracy rate on 3-pointers.

DARVINIQUE DEAN ALEXIS ROBERTS

Blue Action Lab fellow secures funding for aquaculture venture

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A YOUNG Grand Bahama entrepreneur has secured $25,000 in funding for a sustainable shrimp farming venture after participating in Blue Action Lab’s Ecopreneur Fellowship programme, highlighting growing opportunities for Bahamian students and young professionals within the blue economy.

Michael Johnson won funding at the TDC Bahamas pitch competition with his proposal for a landbased shrimp aquaculture business aimed at supporting sustainable food production and economic development in Grand Bahama.

Mr Johnson is one of several participants in Blue Action Lab’s Ecopreneur Fellowship, a programme launched in summer 2025 to help emerging entrepreneurs develop environmentally focused businesses connected to the blue economy.

The fellowship provides participants with training, mentorship and networking opportunities to help turn their ideas into sustainable businesses that support both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Current projects being

explored through the programme include shrimp aquaculture, wind turbine provision and maintenance, and ocean current energy initiatives.

Blue Action Lab, a Bahamian-based non-profit organisation, said its wider mission is to position The Bahamas as a regional hub for blue economy education, research and sustainable innovation across the Caribbean.

Its programmes target students and young professionals at multiple levels, from primary school students to university researchers and early-career professionals. Among its educational

initiatives is the “Tides of Change” programme, which brings interactive presentations into schools to teach students about marine conservation, climate resilience and careers connected to the blue economy.

Students are also able to participate in Conservation Cove educational tours that provide hands-on experiences focused on marine ecosystems, restoration science and sustainable aquaculture practices.

The organisation also works alongside the University of The Bahamas to offer paid internships and research placements that

allow students to contribute to conservation and scientific projects.

Blue Action Lab said its programmes are designed to create direct pathways from education to employment while helping Bahamians build long-term careers within environmental and sustainability sectors.

The organisation partners with groups including the University of The Bahamas, Bahamas Tourism Development Corporation, Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International to support its projects and educational programmes.

Cleveland Eneas Primary school boys club teaches discipline and respect

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

STUDENTS at Cleve-

land Eneas Primary School are learning leadership, discipline and teamwork through the school’s Young Kings’ Boys Club, an afterschool initiative focused on helping boys grow into confident and respectful young leaders.

The programme provides students with a structured environment where they are encouraged to support, challenge and uplift one another while developing life skills beyond academics. Built around the scripture “Iron sharpeneth iron” from Proverbs 27:17, the club operates under the motto: “We build each other with confidence, respect, and integrity – together we soar.”

Meeting twice weekly, the club focuses on character building, accountability and positive male identity while giving students a safe and engaging space after school.

The initiative was founded

by performing arts teacher Shenique Collie-Sweeting alongside senior mistress Jacqueline Hart and Grade 5 team leader C Marguerite Forbes-Moree. Together, the educators aim to help boys develop into compassionate, disciplined and confident young men who can positively impact their communities. Students participating in the programme are taught the importance of teamwork, integrity, self-confidence and responsibility. Club members are

also encouraged to practice respectful communication, honesty, good manners and personal accountability while building healthy friendships with their peers.

A major feature of the programme is its partnership with the Bahamas Department of Corrections, whose officers assist with structured drills, discipline exercises and mentorship activities.

The school said the involvement of the officers helps reinforce lessons about responsibility, respect

and making positive choices.

Students also benefit from visits by guest speakers who share motivational messages, real-world experiences and encouragement designed to inspire confidence and perseverance.

The club recently celebrated its students during the Young Kings’ Ball, a formal event where the boys dressed in elegant attire and participated in a dinner experience focused on etiquette, confidence and self-presentation.

School officials said the event highlighted the students’ growth and served as a reminder that with guidance, structure and encouragement, young boys can rise to expectations and carry themselves with pride and dignity.

Through initiatives like the Young Kings’ Boys Club, Cleveland Eneas Primary School says it remains committed to developing the “whole child” by focusing not only on academics, but also on leadership, discipline and community engagement.

Sky Dean: Balancing academics and entrepreneurship

A YOUNG Bahamian student is proving that academic excellence and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.

Sky Dean, a student at Westminster College, is being recognized for earning an impressive 4.02 GPA while also building several young business ventures.

Sky is already developing brands including Sky Gourmet Popcorn, Sky Makeup and an upcoming candle business, showcasing both creativity and ambition at a young age. Beyond business, Sky enjoys makeup artistry, nails, sushi and travel, while also focusing on her academic goals and future success.

Among her dreams are celebrating Christmas in New York, receiving a full scholarship to Tambearly International School for grades six through 12, and eventually building

ful global businesses that give back to communities and help others in need.

Supporters

and growing business ideas already underway, Sky is emerging as a young student to watch.

SKY DEAN

YOUNG Kings Boys Club at Cleveland Eneas Primary School.

Rhema Otabor pleased with victory in Japan

Rhema Otabor pleased with victory in Japan

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

RHEMA Otabor remembers the disappointment she experienced during her initial visit to the Seiko Golden Grand Prix in Tokyo, Japan, last year. She returned to the meet over the weekend and made amends with her victory in the women’s javelin.

The Bahamian national record holder at 210-feet, seven-inches or 64.19 metres secured the win on her fifth attempt with 202-0 (61.57m) on her fifth attempt.

"Last year's appearance at this meet didn't go as I expected," said Otabor from Japan. "I had some technical issues when they were recording my marks and they didn't allow it to stay in the competition. That left a bad taste in my mouth.

"So for me to come back this year at the same meet, I am very happy with the way things went. I wished my throws were more consistent over 60 metres because I felt that I could have more throws over that mark. But it was good enough to get over the top in this competition."

The Pan American Games silver medallist and two-time NACAC Championship medallist had a series of throws including 186-1 (56.73m) on the first, 192-2 (58.57m) on the second, 186-1 (56.73m) on her third, a scratch on her fourth and 190-7 (58.09m) on the sixth and final throw.

Japanese champion Momone Ueda had to settle for second with her throw of 201-5 (61.40m) on her second attempt. Colombia's 2023 World silver medallist Flor Denis-Ruiz Hurtado of Colombia was third with 200 (60.98m) on her sixth try.

"The competition was good. I definitely had to work for it because it

Tokyo, Japan.

was a really tough field out there," Otabor said. "But it was a good confidence booster for me as I look forward to the rest of the season."

This weekend as she returns to the United States where she is training at the University of Nebraska as an undergrad student, Otabor will compete in the USATF Throws Festival

on Saturday in Tucson, Arizona. "I'm happy that I'm seeing my progressions, but I would like to improve on my technique for sure," Otabor pointed out. "I threw as far as I could with some many little issues that I need to work on.

"It's just a matter of lining things up so that I can be consistent with my throws. So I'm still in the

process of trying to clean up my technique so I can be more consistent with it."

As she looks ahead to the rest of the season, Otabor said her goal is simply to go out there and have fun and stay healthy as she competes in whatever meet she's entered in.

"I got a taste of the big stage last year, so this time around, I'm a little more

comfortable with what is required of me," she stressed. "It's good that I'm getting to see a lot of the competitors that I will eventually see in next year's World Championships and the next Olympic Games."

Having gotten her feet wet in the Pan American Games, the World Championships and the Olympics, Otabor said she's looking forward to making her debut in the only other major international meet at the Commonwealth Games that is scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, July 23 to August 2. "It's the biggest meet of the year for me, so I am definitely trying to line up my throws so when I face the competition, I can have my best performance there."

‘Flashy’ Hield defends WBC title, stays undefeated

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@ tribunemedia.net

FRESH off another victory in Colombia, Bahamian boxer Carl “Flashy” Hield said his adaptability and experience were the keys that carried him through one of the tougher fights of his professional career.

Hield, who improved his professional record to 16-0 with 16 knockouts, recently travelled to Colombia for a bout that saw his opponent change at the last minute after an originally scheduled fighter with an 8-0 record withdrew.

Instead, Hield was forced to adjust on short notice to a left-handed opponent, Colombian Manuel Felipe González Pertuz, who entered the fight with an 11-8-1 record and all 11 of his victories coming by knockout.

Despite the late switch, Hield still found a way to secure the win. “I was supposed to fight a guy who was 8-0, but he

pulled out last minute,” Hield said. “Then they gave me a lefty. I had been preparing six weeks for a right-handed fighter.” The adjustment created immediate challenges for the Bahamian fighter, who admitted the bout was tougher than expected because of the drastic change in style and preparation.

“What made it tougher was the change,” he said. “You train for one thing for six weeks and then have to switch everything up at the last minute.”

Still, Hield said his mindset never changed once he entered the ring.

“When you have a mindset just to go in there and get the win, that’s what I did,” he said. “After like the second round, I started figuring things out.”

Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, Hield said he does not enter fights solely hunting knockouts, even though many fans see him as a knockout artist.

“I just go in there smart,” he said. “You can’t always go looking for knockouts.”

UNDEFEATED: Carl Hield has his hands raised in victory.

The preparation leading into the fight was smooth overall, according to Hield, who trained extensively with teammates and fighters at the Strikers Boxing gym in the lead-up to the international bout.

“We had a good camp,” he said. “I was sparring with my teammate Rocky and the other guys in the gym. Everything went good.”

Two Bahamian amateur fighters also found success

on the same Colombia card. Lionel Pinder improved to 5-0 with a victory over Justin Cruz, while Erin Fowler delivered one of the night’s most impressive finishes with a second-round knockout win over José Manuel Diaz Granados.

"I let them fight on my card to try and give them more exposure, to let people start to see their talent early which I never had that when I was coming

up as an amateur," said Hield.

At 39 years old, Hield continues to push forward in a sport where many fighters his age have already retired. But he said retirement is not currently on his mind.

“Right now, all I’m doing is just keeping winning,” he said. “Just staying active.”

Hield also reflected on where he believes he stands among Bahamian boxers. While reluctant to rank himself outright, he said there are several fighters from The Bahamas he respects and admires.

“There’s a lot of guys that motivate me like Ray Minus Jr, Tureano Johnson” he said. “A lot of great fighters came before us.”

"I want the people to rank me when I retire and be able to look back and say I was one of the Bahamian great boxers that put on for the Bahamas," he said.

He added that he believes Bahamian boxing still has the talent to thrive internationally if the local boxing community becomes more united. “We need everybody to come together

and focus and build boxing back up in The Bahamas,” Hield said. “Too much division and different things going on. We need to put everything aside and focus on boxing.” Hield, who said he began boxing at a young age, also had a message for younger fighters trying to break into the sport. “Discipline,” he said. “Boxing can change your life and take you all over the world, but you have to have discipline. Boxing took me out of the streets and brought me all over the world from a little boy who just used to like run and fight in the streets."

As for what comes next, Hield said discussions are ongoing with veteran boxing figure Ronn Rodgers, who serves as both a mentor and manager.

“We’re going to sit down, draw everything up and wait on the call for the next big fight,” Hield said. Hield also thanked the people and businesses supporting his journey, including West End Contracting & Repair, Rodgers & Rodgers Sports Management Company.

TWO-time NACAC Championship medallist Rhema Otabor prevailed with the victory in her specialty in the javelin at the Seiko Golden Grand Prix in