Cat Island blackout ‘tragic’ for Rake and Scrape Festival
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
AN island-wide blackout that struck Cat Island during the Labour Day weekend left vendors counting losses and disrupted one of the island's most important annual economic events, with one business owner describing the outage as a "tragic moment" for those who depend on the Rake and Scrape Festival to earn income.
Vince McDonald, owner of Curly's Beach Resort, said his business was able to weather the outage thanks to emergency lighting and an established customer base, but many festival vendors were not as fortunate.
"I can't say the same for everybody," said Mr McDonald. "I'm an institution, so I have a brand. I don't depend on setting up a stall at the festival.
"People on the island look forward to that weekend to make money. That's how they do."
He added: "I think it was a tragic moment for them with the lights being off."
The outage occurred during the final night of the Cat Island Rake and Scrape Festival, an event that annually attracts visitors from throughout The Bahamas and provides a significant boost for local businesses, vendors and entrepreneurs. Mr McDonald said many stall operators suffered substantial losses as a result of the power failure.
BALS president: Bahamas ready for geospatial spotlight
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors (BALS) has restored its standing after resolving years of unpaid membership fees and regaining active participation in the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), following a five-year period of dormancy.
Speaking at a press conference following the FIG Congress 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, BALS
President Rodrick Wood said the association’s recent achievements represent a turning point for the profession in The Bahamas. He said the achievements the group brought home “will resonate for generations.”
Mr Wood noted that the association had ceased operations for five years and was expelled from the International Federation of Surveyors due to unpaid membership fees.
“Many of you know that the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors was
Financial evaluation stalls Beach Club offering
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter
ROYAL Caribbean (Bahamas) president Philip Simon said the longawaited public offering for the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island has been pushed toward year-end so potential investors can evaluate financial results based on actual operating performance.
"Those people with stalls and booths suffered drastically," he said.
While Curly's Beach Resort also lost electricity, Mr McDonald said the business remained open.
"We were without power, but I had emergency lighting and other backup lights in place, so people stayed around and enjoyed themselves because that was really the only place to go," he said.
"The electricity was down, but it wasn't a major issue for us. We still pushed through. Everybody stayed, and we still did well. We have a very comfortable environment and there were a lot of people there."
Ferguson: Pay Lucayan workers what’s owed
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
TRADE union leader Obie Ferguson renewed his call for the Government to settle outstanding wages and dues owed to former Lucayan Renewal Holdings employees, arguing that workers who "worked, served and sacrificed" should not have to wait any longer for money they are owed.
Speaking at a Labour Day rally organised by the Bahamas Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Ferguson said the long-running dispute involving former Grand Lucayan employees had dragged on for too long and required immediate action.
"Those workers are owed wages and dues," he said. "They worked. They served. They sacrificed. And they must be paid what is rightfully theirs."
"We call on the Government to settle this matter without delay. Not after another meeting. Not after another promise. Now."
The comments mark the latest intervention by
the veteran trade union leader in a dispute that has stretched for months following the closure of the Grand Lucayan resort and uncertainty surrounding its sale to Concord Wilshire. Mr Ferguson, whose Bahamas Hotel Managerial Association represents middle managers employed at the resort, has repeatedly accused the Government-owned Lucayan Renewal Holdings vehicle of failing to properly address workers' severance and compensation claims. Earlier this year he described the situation facing employees as one of the most severe labour disputes he had encountered, with workers going weeks without pay
"That's coming," he said. "We've said it before, and we've pushed that towards the end of the year because we want to operate in partnership with the Government and with our vendors so that we have a good understanding of the business.
"When we get to the IPO, we want the numbers to be reflective of the experience thus far. So it's coming."
Speaking during the beach club's Labour Day community event, Mr Simon said the initial public offering (IPO) remains on track but management wants to establish a clearer operating record before inviting Bahamians to invest.
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Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation backs NIB’s latest contribution and pension adjustments
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) is backing the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) latest contribution and pension adjustments and is encouraging businesses to review their systems to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
In response to NIB’s recently announced adjustments, the Chamber said it supports the changes, which take effect on July 1 and include a 1.5 percent increase in pensions and grants as well as an increase in the insurable wage ceiling from $810 to $830 per week.
“The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce recognises the importance of a robust and sustainable social safety net for all citizens,” it said. “NIB
has served as the country’s premier fund that most Bahamian households rely on during sickness, disability, childbirth, unemployment, and retirement years.”
BCCEC added: “We support the recent increases implemented by the National Insurance Board, as they are vital to ensuring the long-term viability of the system and the well-being of our workforce.”
The endorsement comes as businesses and employees prepare for higher National Insurance contributions on earnings above the current wage ceiling.
Under the changes announced by NIB director Dr Tami Francis, workers earning more than $810 per week will contribute on an additional $20 in weekly earnings. Employees affected by the increase will pay approximately 93 cents more per week, or around $4 per month, while employers
A day to ‘celebrate the journey that has been the Royal Beach Club’
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter
THE Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island marked Labour Day by opening its doors to contractors, vendors, community organisations and other partners whose support helped bring the development from concept to reality.
Philip Simon, president of Royal Caribbean’s Paradise Island Beach Club, described the event as both a celebration of Labour Day and an opportunity to recognise those who contributed to the project's development.
"This is a special day. It's an exciting day," said Mr Simon. "We have been planning this for a very long time. We wanted to do it earlier in the year, but it was a little too cold at that point, so we pushed it back."
He added: "This is the perfect day. It is Labour Day, but it's also a holiday, and we chose today to celebrate the journey that has been the Royal Beach Club."
Mr Simon said the event brought together a wide cross-section of stakeholders involved in the project, from construction and architecture firms to marine operators, landscapers and technology providers.
"To get to this point, we received tremendous support from our contractors, vendors and partners," he said.
"We took this opportunity to invite all of them, along with our community partners such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Centre, government representatives
and members of the diplomatic community."
The Royal Caribbean executive said the finished product has met the company's expectations and stands apart because of its deliberate emphasis on Bahamian culture.
"Amazing. I think we accomplished, in terms of product delivery, everything we set out to accomplish," said Mr Simon. "As you look around, you'll see we've been very deliberate in infusing Bahamian art, culture and craftsmanship into this development, and I believe that's what sets it apart from anything else of this scale in The Bahamas."
He also reported growing local interest in the attraction since its opening.
"The numbers are growing," said Mr Simon. "We've only recently opened, but local attendance has been steadily increasing. We're now into the hundreds."
He said the beach club's online booking platform has generated strong interest from residents seeking venues for birthdays, family outings and corporate events.
"It's summertime, and we've been receiving a lot of interest from companies and individuals who want to celebrate birthdays, vacations and corporate beach days," he said. "We encourage persons to contact us as soon as possible because availability will eventually become limited."
Mr Simon added that the facility is capable of accommodating between 3,500 and 4,000 guests at a time, providing significant capacity for both cruise visitors and local patrons.
will contribute roughly $1.33 more per week, or about $5.76 per month, for each affected worker.
At the same time, pensioners will receive a 1.5 percent increase in benefits. A recipient receiving the minimum retirement pension of approximately $364 per month will see payments rise by about $5.46 monthly.
Dr Francis has stressed that the adjustments are not discretionary but are required under the statutory biennial review framework established through amendments to the National Insurance Act in 2010. The process links pension and wage ceiling reviews to changes in the Retail Price Index, ensuring benefits and contribution thresholds remain aligned with inflation and wage growth.
The Chamber acknowledged the legal and economic rationale behind the increases.
“We acknowledge that these adjustments are in line with NIB’s strategy of planned increases and are necessary to address the evolving demographic and economic realities,” the BCCEC said. “We commend the government and the NIB for their efforts to balance sustainability with fairness.”
The private sector body is urging employers to ensure they are prepared for the changes ahead of implementation.
“We encourage all businesses to review and reconfigure their payroll and accounting systems to ensure full compliance with the new contributions and payment requirements,” the Chamber said. It also encouraged companies with outstanding obligations to regularise their accounts.
“Additionally, we recommend any business that is
not in good standing with the board to take full advantage of their payment plan and interest waiver options,” the statement said. “These would be beneficial to those seeking to bring their account current without additional costs.”
While recognising that the higher contributions will increase labour costs for some employers, the Chamber sought to reassure businesses that it would continue advocating for policies that support economic growth and private sector competitiveness.
“While we understand that any impact to the bottom line of a business comes with its unique challenges, rest assured we will continue to work with the government and stakeholders to secure other measures of support and economic progress conducive to a thriving private sector,” it said.
The Chamber also called on NIB to maintain open communication with employers and the wider public as the changes are implemented.
“We admonish the National Insurance Board to ensure continued dialogue and transparency in the implementation of these changes to ensure they support the growth of our nation while safeguarding the social security of future generations,” the BCCEC said.
The organisation said it remains committed to working with policymakers, employers and employees to ensure the transition is smooth and that the country maintains a resilient social insurance system capable of supporting Bahamians through retirement and periods of economic hardship.
Carnival Cruise Line turns ship upgrades into community support
WHEN a cruise ship enters dry dock for a scheduled refit, the items being replaced could simply be discarded. Carnival Cruise LIne has chosen a different path.
Since November 2025, Carnival has completed more than 20 donations across Nassau, Grand Bahama and Eleuthera, channelling hundreds of items from vessels undergoing upgrades directly into the hands of Bahamian families, schools, community centers and charitable organisations.
Carnival vessels have contributed a range of furniture, clothing and household goods.
One contribution from Carnival Conquest during dry dock saw Carnival’s teams coordinate the offloading of over 240 pieces of furniture in a day, working alongside local partners to ensure nothing went to waste.
On Grand Bahama, beneficiaries included organisations supporting disaster relief, youth development, education, healthcare and community services. In Nassau and Eleuthera, donations also supported youth development, education and community-focused organisations.
“Every donation starts with a conversation between our team and the ships,” said Linarbet Toledo-Garcia, environmental services manager, Carnival Cruise Line. “We work closely with the vessels to identify items that can be redirected – whether during a refit or between sailings – and then coordinate to a handover to local organisations to ensure they reach
families in The Bahamas who need it most.”
“Community partnerships are what make initiatives like this possible,” said Philcher Grant, director of public affairs and community engagement, The Bahamas & Turks and Caicos Islands, Carnival Cruise Line. “Giving back to the destinations is an ongoing commitment. For more than 50 years, The Bahamas has been a cornerstone of Carnival’s story. These donations are one expression of what that relationship means to us in practice.”
Carnival extends its sincere thanks to the ships and its environmental operations team whose efforts make this program possible.
ADVERTISE TODAY! CALL THE TRIBUNE TODAY @ 502-2394
Tendering, Transparency and the Public Hospitals Authority
MOST people judge a hospital by the doctors they meet, the nurses who care for them, or the treatment they receive in an emergency. But behind every functioning hospital is something far less visible — a quiet supply chain that keeps the entire healthcare system alive.
Medicines, gloves, syringes, surgical instruments, disinfectants, paper products, and countless other supplies move through hospitals every day with little public attention. Yet when these items are unavailable, even the most skilled medical professionals are left with limited options.
This is why public procurement matters.
Procurement may sound like a technical government process, but in reality, it is how public money is spent. Every contract awarded for hospital supplies directly affects patient care, taxpayer dollars, and public confidence in public institutions.
One area that deserves greater public discussion is the procurement of pharmaceuticals, medical, and surgical supplies within our healthcare system. Publicly available records appear to indicate that the
last major open tender for pharmaceutical, medical, and surgical supplies issued by the Public Hospitals Authority dates back many years. Some industry sources estimate that it may have been more than 15 years since a major publicly advertised tender process of this nature was undertaken.
While procurement activity has clearly continued — because hospitals continue to operate — publicly accessible information regarding competitive tendering for many essential supplies appears limited. This does not automatically suggest wrongdoing. However, in most modern public systems, open and competitive tendering is considered the foundation of sound procurement. Competition helps governments secure better pricing, reliable delivery, and higher quality goods. More importantly, it promotes transparency by allowing both the public and the business community to better understand how procurement decisions are made. Without regular open tenders and clearly accessible procurement information, it becomes difficult to demonstrate that the government is consistently receiving the
best value for money. Competitive bidding protects both taxpayers and honest suppliers by creating a level playing field.
One supplier, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that the continued lack of a structured tender process by the Public Hospitals Authority has negatively affected his business. He explained that larger companies with substantial financial resources are often able to secure and stockpile pharmaceuticals and medical and surgical supplies in bulk, effectively monopolising segments of the market and influencing prices — sometimes at significant cost to the public purse. He further noted that a structured tender process provides suppliers with a forecast of projected usage over a specified period. This not only allows businesses to plan inventory and pricing more efficiently but also assists public institutions with budgeting exercises and resource allocation. In the absence of such a system, smaller suppliers may be placed at a significant disadvantage, while public bodies, such as the PHA could lose opportunities for cost savings, transparency, and accountability.
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The Public Procurement Act establishes important expectations for public bodies, including the use of approved procurement systems, the publication of procurement opportunities and contract awards above certain thresholds, and regular reporting requirements intended to strengthen accountability and transparency. These provisions matter because transparency is not only about legality — it is also about maintaining public confidence.
In a small country like The Bahamas, where healthcare resources are limited and public finances are under constant pressure, every dollar matters.
Procurement is not simply paperwork. It is part of national governance. I have consistently argued in previous articles that one of the major challenges affecting compliance with the Public Procurement Act is the apparent lack of effective oversight and enforcement by the Public Procurement Department. If The Bahamas is to achieve meaningful progress in public procurement reform, the government must ensure that the department is led by competent procurement professionals who are prepared to actively enforce the principles of transparency, accountability, and competition.
Public procurement cannot function effectively under a culture of indifference or acceptance of the status quo. Strong leadership, consistent oversight, and institutional accountability are essential if the objectives of the Act are to be fully realised. The quiet supply chain inside our hospitals may not often make headlines, but it affects every Bahamian family sooner or later. Whether through a hospital visit, a medical emergency, or routine healthcare, we all depend on that system functioning properly.
NIB: Ignore fake smart card messages
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
THE National Insurance Board (NIB) is warning Bahamians to remain vigilant of fraudulent text messages in circulation that claim recipients must renew their NIB Smart Card before June 2026 to
maintain access to National Insurance and National Health Insurance (NHI) services.
In a public advisory, NIB said the messages are fraudulent and did not originate from the organisation.
The scam text, titled “NIB Smart Card Renewal Notification,” informs recipients that under “new
regulations” their card must be renewed before June 2026 and instructs them to reply “Y” to activate a renewal link. The message further claims that failure to complete the process could affect access to government services.
However, NIB stressed that it does not request personal information, banking details, passwords, or card renewals through unsolicited text messages containing links.
“The National Insurance Board wishes to make it clear that this message did not originate from the National Insurance Board and is a scam,” the agency said.
The warning comes amid a rise in phishing attempts targeting individuals through text messages, emails and social media platforms. Such scams are designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive personal and financial information, which can then be used for identity theft or unauthorized access to bank accounts.
The real question is not whether procurement exists.
The question is whether the system is open enough to assure the public that it is functioning fairly, efficiently, and in the best interest of the Bahamian people.
• Daniel S. Ferguson, FCIPS, CM is the author of Public Procurement in The Bahamas: Lessons Learned from Reform, Practice, and Experience. He is retired Chief Petty Officer (RBDF), Lead Investigator – 2004 Lorequin Commission of Inquiry, former Chief Supplies Officer, Ministry of Health; Procurement Consultant, Ministry of Finance; Adjunct Facilitator in Public Procurement, University of The Bahamas; former Component Coordinator for the IDB-sponsored Public Financial Management Reform Project.
Mr. Ferguson led the drafting team for the Public Procurement Act 2021 and Regulations, assisted in developing the University of The Bahamas professional procurement officers training framework, and managed the development of the e-Procurement Supplier Registry.
NIB urged members of the public not to click on any links contained in the message, not to provide personal information, and to delete the text immediately.
The Board also advised anyone who may have interacted with the scam by clicking the link or sharing information to contact their financial institution as soon as possible and take steps to secure their accounts.
NIB said it takes the security and privacy of contributors, pensioners and customers seriously and is actively monitoring the situation.
The agency emphasized that all legitimate communications will be issued through its verified channels and encouraged members of the public to independently verify any suspicious messages claiming to be from NIB. Individuals seeking confirmation of any communication purportedly from the National Insurance Board can contact the agency directly at 502-1500.
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BALS backs stronger surveying profession
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors (BALS) is renewing its call for greater investment in local training and education programmes, arguing that The Bahamas can develop enough professionals to meet demand and reduce reliance on foreign surveyors.
BALS president Rodrick Wood said the association’s concerns about the continued employment of expatriate surveyors by the Government have not diminished since the issue was first raised earlier this year.
“That’s something that we work on continuously,” Mr Wood said. “Our concern about that topic has not gone away. The government is still employing surveyors from outside the country.”
The comments come months after BALS publicly challenged the Government’s decision to recruit foreign surveyors to help tackle a backlog of Crown Land applications. At the time, the association argued that qualified Bahamian surveyors were available to perform the work and questioned whether some
expatriate surveyors were undertaking private projects outside the scope of their work permits.
While Mr Wood acknowledged there may be circumstances where foreign expertise is beneficial, he said such arrangements should contribute to developing locals.
“Having some persons come from overseas from time to time, it’s not so bad, particularly if they’re going to be in a training capacity,” he said. “To my knowledge, these persons who are here now, they are not involved in any training or development capacity.”
BALS believes the long-term solution lies in building a sustainable pipeline of Bahamian surveyors through local and regional educational institutions.
“Our point is we want to do our part to reduce and alleviate this need for constantly bringing in foreign persons in the surveying profession,” Mr Wood said. He argued that The Bahamas has successfully developed local expertise in other professional fields and should adopt a similar strategy for surveying.
“We train lawyers in this country, we train doctors, we train nurses,” Mr Wood said. “We have a nursing college here. We have a law school in The Bahamas.
Surveyors’ chief sees opportunities in tech
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter
THE Bahamas has re-established its presence in the international surveying arena and secured new educational, professional and technological partnerships following a delegation’s participation in the 2026 Congress of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) in Cape Town, South Africa, according to the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors (BALS).
Speaking during a press briefing, BALS President Rodrick Wood said the delegation’s achievements will help strengthen the country’s surveying profession, expand opportunities for young Bahamians and support modernisation efforts within the nation’s land management systems.
“Just days ago, a small but determined team of
Bahamian ambassadors, our delegation [went] to the FIG Congress 2026 delegation event in Cape Town, South Africa,” Mr Wood said. “But they returned home with achievements that will resonate for generations.”
Among the major outcomes was the admission of the Bahamas Institute of STEM Innovation (BIOSI) as an academic member of FIG, making it the first Bahamian nonprofit organisation to receive the designation.
According to Mr Wood, the membership will provide Bahamian students, faculty and researchers with direct access to international scholarships, professional networks and research opportunities.
The delegation also announced the creation of the Bahamas Young Surveyors Network, an initiative aimed at addressing workforce
We have the University of The Bahamas that has civil engineering and mathematics and physics, and we have people at the doctorate level in mathematics at the University of The Bahamas who are eagerly awaiting for us to send them 10 people a year, so we can give them the mathematical background and get them in surveying.”
The association is also urging the Government to redirect some of its educational investment toward expanding domestic training opportunities.
Mr Wood noted that The Bahamas contributes financially to regional universities, including the University of the West Indies, but argued that additional resources should be directed toward strengthening programmes at local institutions such as the University of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
“We know that The Bahamas government, say the University of the West Indies, there’s a standing arrangement to support that institution,” he said. “We’re not knocking that. We don’t have a problem with that.
“My point is, we would like to see some money spent, since we have our
development challenges within the profession. Two students from BIOSI and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute have been appointed co-chairs of the new organisation.
Mr Wood said the network will play a central role in recruiting and training future surveyors.
“This is a direct investment in our youth and in the future of what I call the pipeline of recruiting surveyors, young surveyors to keep the profession going in The Bahamas,” he said.
The move comes as industry stakeholders continue to raise concerns about the shortage of work to build local capacity.
BALS also used the conference to pursue international partnerships. Mr Wood said the delegation initiated discussions on a proposed agreement with the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) that could create pathways for international accreditation, student exchanges and jointly branded training programmes.
ALLIANCES - See Page B7
own university and our BTVI,” he said. “We would like to see some money spent on developing these local institutions and assisting them to meet the demand for surveyors.”
He added that if the Government continues to support overseas programmes, it should ensure Bahamians are filling available places.
“We need to make sure we get five to 10 people in those seats if we’re going to be contributing a million dollars or whatever the amount of money is to those institutions,” Mr Wood said. “We need to fill those seats with Bahamians and bring those trained, educated Bahamians back to The Bahamas.”
According to Mr Wood, BALS has already begun
working with BTVI to develop surveying-related training opportunities.
“We also want to mention that we do intend, or we already started the programme at BTVI, and we definitely want to improve on that programme as well,” he said.
The organisation also recently celebrated its reinstatement to the International Federation of Surveyors after previously losing its membership, a development members described as restoring credibility to the profession internationally.
Meanwhile, questions remain about the role foreign surveyors may be playing in the Government’s planned digital land register initiative. Asked whether expatriate
professionals are assisting with the establishment of the new land registry system, Mr Wood said he was unable to provide a definitive answer.
“Honestly, I can’t answer that question right now,” he said.
For BALS, however, the central issue remains ensuring that future demand for surveying services is increasingly met by Bahamians.
“I would have pressed hard to develop our own system of recruiting people first, send them to whatever universities or training programmes there are around the world, bring them back and eventually set up our own local training,” Mr Wood said. “So that we can fill the need.”
Blackout deals blow to festival economy
VENDORS - from page B1
The outage also disrupted media coverage of the festival.
Jamaal Rodgers, better known as DJ XcitEmnt of 100 Jamz, said the station had planned to cover the final night of the festival but was unable to do so because of the island-wide blackout.
“It was brutal,” said Mr Rodgers. “The electricity went off around 8 pm and when we left the next morning it was still off.” He added: “We couldn’t do it that night because it was an island-wide blackout. We couldn’t go to the Rake and Scrape Festival on Saturday night and broadcast because we had no power at all.”
Workers’ rights remain unfinished business
DUES - from page B1
while awaiting clarity on their future.
He also became embroiled in a public dispute with government officials over claims that he had participated in discussions on worker payouts, subsequently launching legal action after denying he had approved any settlement arrangements.
Mr Ferguson’s remarks came during a separate Labour Day event organised by the TUC and its affiliates, which again declined to participate in the traditional Labour Day parade.
The union umbrella body instead recreated a route associated with labour pioneer Sir Randol Fawkes, marching from the House of Labour to the Southern Recreation Grounds, where Mr Ferguson said workers would reflect on the progress of the labour movement and the challenges still facing employees. Tribune Business previously reported that the separate march was intended to preserve Labour Day as a worker-focused event free from political influence.
Beyond the Grand Lucayan issue, Mr Ferguson used the occasion to call on the Government to honour commitments contained in a memorandum of understanding signed with the TUC in August 2021.
He said workers were still awaiting progress
on a number of reforms, including a liveable wage, stronger health and safety protections, pension protection, affordable housing, equal pay, improved public transportation, formal consultation with unions, automatic agency shop provisions and the restoration of the House of Labour.
“This agenda is not extreme. It is not unreasonable,” said Mr Ferguson.
“It is the foundation of a fair and modern Bahamas system of labour rights.” He added: “These are not favours. These are rights.”
The TUC president also warned that labour issues could not continue to be sidelined.
“A country cannot rise when its workers are pushed down,” he said. “A nation cannot prosper when its unions are ignored. A democracy cannot thrive when its promises are broken.”
“The TUC is not asking for charity. We are demanding justice. We are demanding respect. We are demanding action.”
Mr Ferguson said the labour movement would continue pressing its demands until the workers’ agenda is fulfilled and all outstanding obligations to Grand Lucayan employees are settled.
“We will not stop. We will not bend. We will not retreat,” he said.
Mr Rodgers said darkness and safety concerns prevented his team from returning to the festival grounds.
“We were supposed to return to the festival for the final night, but we couldn’t,” he said. “There was no power where we were staying, and the road was completely dark. There are no lights along that stretch, so it was pitch black.”
According to Bahamas Power and Light, the outage stemmed from a generation shortfall involving problems with the CI1 generation unit’s turbocharger and the CI2 breaker. The utility implemented an eight-hour rotational power schedule between the island’s north and south feeders while repairs were carried out. Customers south of New Bight Airport
BALS rejoins global surveying network
dormant for five years,” he said. “We were expelled from the International Federation of Surveyors, which was a national embarrassment,” he said.
The organisation began rebuilding in September 2025 after holding democratic elections overseen by the Department of Labour, Civil Society Bahamas and the Bahamas Taxicab Union. A new council was elected and tasked with restoring the association’s governance and international relationships.
“Our presence in Cape Town was not a vacation trip,” Mr Wood said. “It was a declaration that The Bahamas is back and ready to take its place on the global geospatial stage.”
Addressing questions about the association’s reinstatement within FIG, Wood confirmed that outstanding financial obligations were settled before the delegation attended the congress.
“Attending the conference was a significant step,” he said. “Even for us to get the invitation to be there, we had to deal with all those financial situations behind the scenes. We paid those and we have made the commitment, however
COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS IN THE SUPREME COURT Common Law & Equity Division Claim No. 2026/CLE/gen/00132
BETWEEN:BANK OF THE BAHAMAS LIMITED Claimant -ANDSTEPHEN TREVOR ALEXANDER MCPHEE Defendant
NOTICE APPLICATION FOR LEAVE TO ENTER JUDGMENT
TAKE NOTICE that the hearing of the Notice Application for Leave to Enter Judgment is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, the 17th day of June 2026, at 11:30 a.m. before Assistant Registrar Adrienne Bellot, via Zoom:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4210257296?pwd=7knDtb9rkSwmb3SPU3rf0VYJd81KaR.1&omn=81605183376
Meeting ID: 421 025 7296 Passcode: aMZg6L
The basis of the Claimant’s claim is set out in the Fixed Dated Claim filed in the Supreme Court on the 19th day of February 2026, along with the Affidavit of Paulette Butterfield filed on the 19th day of February 2026.
YOU MAY attend in person or by your counsel. If you fail to attend, such Order will be made as the Court may think just and expedient.
Dated the 8th day of June 2026
MITRE COURT
Suite 227, 2nd Floor, Olde Towne, Sandyport West Bay Street, Nassau, The Bahamas (242)327-4150
Attorneys for the Claimant
we do it internally, to keep those payments current.”
Mr Wood said maintaining membership is critical not only for international recognition but also for access to professional resources, research, scholarships and academic partnerships.
The association’s operating costs are funded primarily through member contributions, although Mr Wood said BALS remains open to receiving donations and financial assistance.
“Members of the association would normally contribute to the cost of the association by their dues or making donations,” he said. “But predominantly the members of the association itself cover the operating costs of the association.”
BALS Secretary Thomas Ferguson said the international body’s fee structure is currently under review, with membership rates expected to increase following discussions at the congress.
“The fees are being ratified to be changed because the fees have not been risen for quite a number of years,” Ferguson said. “We’ll have an accurate figure once we get the final ratification on the fees.”
He added that FIG has increased its focus on supporting small island developing states, creating new opportunities for
remained without electricity as crews worked to restore service.
BPL later advised that replacement parts and a technical support team had been dispatched from Nassau to assist with repairs. The utility subsequently restored the North Feeder as far as Arthur’s Town and continued restoration efforts across the island.
Bahamian surveyors to participate in international initiatives.
“They have put an emphasis even more so to support small island states like The Bahamas,” Mr Ferguson said. “They are now concentrating on us and zoning in on us to assist us to move as much as we want to move.”
According to Mr Ferguson, BALS members will become more involved in FIG commissions, specialized committees that address professional standards, technology, education and policy development across the surveying sector.
“They want to engage us now in what we call commissions,” he said. “We’re going to get members from our association to volunteer to be a part of these committees because it matters for the standards, not just in The Bahamas.”
The organisation is also exploring the creation of a broader Caribbean surveying network through collaboration. Working alongside Civil Society Bahamas, the Young Surveyors Network and other stakeholders, BALS plans to support a land reform project and establish a land justice programme designed
COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS
IN THE SUPREME COURT Equity Side
Throughout the outage, BPL repeatedly apologized to consumers and said crews were working to restore normal service as quickly and safely as possible.
For many Cat Island residents, however, the outage overshadowed what is typically one of the year’s busiest weekends.
“You want everybody to benefit, particularly during a moment like that,” said Mr McDonald. “That’s what they were looking forward to.”
to provide free surveying and legal guidance to members of the public.
The association is also partnering with educational institutions to develop the next generation of surveying and geospatial professionals. Mr Ferguson praised the support of the University of The Bahamas and Akhepran International Academy, which has collaborated with BALS on a geospatial club for students.
He also acknowledged the role played by labour and civil society organisations in helping the association rebuild.
“The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress has been a pivotal backbone for us,” Mr Ferguson said. “The taxi union has been in our corner, so they actually helped to bring us to the table.” With its international membership restored and new partnerships emerging at home and abroad, BALS says its focus is now on ensuring long-term sustainability while expanding opportunities for Bahamian surveyors and geospatial professionals.
2019/No.
IN THE MATTER of the Petition of GILGAN COMPANY LIMITED AND IN THE MATTER OF THE Quieting Titles Ac,t 1959 AND
IN THE MATTER OF ALL THAT piece parcel or part of a larger Tract of land situate on the Northern side of Prince Charles Drive in the Eastern District of the Island of New Providence, The Bahamas. NOTICE
The Petition of GILGAN COMPANY LIMITED acompany incorporated under the laws of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and carrying on business within the said Commonwealth in respect of:-
ALL THAT piece parcel or part of atract o and formerly a portion ofa four (4) acre tract originally owned by the late Josiah Rahming and situate in the Eastern District of the Island of New Providence one of the Islands in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas containing Sixty-one Thousand One Hundred Twelve (61,112) square feet and being bounded on the NORTH by vacant land formerly the property ofJosiah Rahming and running thereon One Hundred and Twenty-four (124) feet on the EAST by land formerly the property ofJohn Rahming and now said to be the property of one Antonio Bullard running thereon Three Hundred and Eighty-two and Sixty-one Hundredth (382.61) feet and on the SOUTH by a Public Road formerly known as the Pine Barren Road now known as Prince Charles Drive and running thereon One Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety-nine and Sixty-nine Hundredths (1,399.69) feet on the WEST by land formerly the property of Thomas A. Rahming now said to be the property of one Rolle and running thereon Four Hundred and Five and Forty-three Hundredth (405.43) feet which said piece parcel or part of a tract of land has such position boundaries shape marks and dimension as are shown on an Amended Plan of the said property and is delineated on that part which is coloured Pink on the said Amended Plan.
GILGAN COMPANY LIMITED claims to be the owner of the unencumbered fee simple estate in possession of the said piece parcel or lot of land and made application to the Supreme Court of The Bahamas under Section Three (3) of The Quieting Titles Act, 1959 to have its title to the said piece parcel or tract of land investigated and the nature or extent of ti determined and declared ni a Certi cate of Title to eb granted by the Court in accordance with the provisions of the said Act.
Copies of the led Amended Plan may be inspected during the normal o ce hours at the following places:
(a) The Registry of the Supreme Court, Ansbacher House, East Street in the City of Nassau, The Bahamas; and (b) The Chambers ofMalcolm E. Adderley & Co., Yoruba House, Elizabeth Avenue, Nassau, The Bahamas.
Notice is hereby given that any person having dower or right of dower or an adverse claim or a claim not recognized ni the said Petition shal on or before hte 16 day of June, A.D., 2026 le in the Supreme Court and serve on the Petitioner or the undersigned a Statement ofhis Claim in the prescribed form veri ed by an A davit to be led therewith. Failure of any such person to le and serve a Statement of his Claim on or before the 16th day of June, A.D., 2026 will operate as a bar to such claim.
Dated this 21" day of May, AD. ,. 2026
MALCOLM E. ADDERLEY &CO., Chambers. Yoruba House, Elizabeth Avenue, Nassau. The Bahamas.
Attorneys for the Petitioner.
01238
Royal Caribbean sticks with ownership plan
IPO - from page B1
The latest timeline represents another delay for a share offering that has been repeatedly pushed back as Royal Caribbean and its partners worked through the legal, regulatory and structural arrangements required to bring the investment opportunity to market. Tribune Business previously reported that
the IPO had slipped from 2024 into 2025 and was later pushed into 2026 as approvals and offering details were finalized.
The public offering is intended to give Bahamians an ownership stake in the Paradise Island attraction, with Royal Caribbean holding a 51 percent majority interest while the remaining 49 percent is to be owned by the Government and Bahamian investors. The
Surveyors build path for young Bahamians
The Bahamian delegation additionally toured South Africa’s Surveyor General’s Office, where members observed a fully digitized land registry system and advanced GNSS reference network technology.
Mr Wood said such systems represent the type of modernisation that The Bahamas hopes to replicate in the future.
Government’s stake is tied to the value of Crown Land contributed to the project, with private investors expected to acquire the balance through the IPO.
Mr Simon previously told Tribune Business that Royal Caribbean is “1,000 percent committed” to providing Bahamians with an equity ownership opportunity in the development. The offering is expected to follow a structure similar
feature discussions on drone technology, artificial intelligence-driven land registries, hydrography and sustainable housing development.
to the Nassau Cruise Port transaction, where investors purchased shares through a collective investment vehicle.
The Royal Beach Club opened earlier this year after years of planning and construction. Government officials have touted the ownership structure as a first-of-its-kind model that will allow Bahamians to directly participate in the financial success of a major
workshop using open source GIS tools,” Mr Kemp said. “Together we can and will fix our land system in The Bahamas.”
tourism development rather than solely benefiting through employment and business opportunities.
Mr Simon’s comments suggest the company now wants several months of operating data before proceeding with the share sale.
By waiting until later this year, potential investors will be able to assess the business based on actual performance rather than forecasts, while Royal
Caribbean and its government partners gain a clearer understanding of the attraction’s revenue and operating trends. Although he did not provide a specific launch date, Mr Simon indicated the IPO remains a key component of the project’s partnership model and is still expected before the end of 2026.
Mr Wood emphasised that the trip was funded entirely through industry support.
“Let me be absolutely clear that all travel expenses, accommodation, registration, related expenses for our team or our delegation was fully covered by the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors and our BIOSI partners,” he said.
“No students bore any personal costs.
Looking ahead, BALS is preparing to host Geospatial Week 2026 in Nassau from October 11-17. The event is expected to attract international participants and
Delegates also met with university representatives, government officials and technology providers who expressed interest in collaborating with The Bahamas on geospatial and surveying initiatives.
Mr Wood also unveiled a five-year youth recruitment strategy aimed at attracting more than 50 young Bahamians into surveying through school clubs, internships, scholarships and summer drone training camps.
Student ambassador and newly appointed Young Surveyors Network co-chair Don Kemp said the organisation is already planning outreach initiatives, including a “Map Your Community” programme that will begin in Grand Bahama before expanding throughout the Family Islands.
“I’m already planning a Map Your Community
Stocks slump as Big Tech sinks and a strong May jobs report boosts odds for higher interest rates
By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers
The U.S. stock market had its worst day since October Friday as a sell-off in big technology companies weighed down the broader market and a strong jobs report boosted expectations that the Federal Reserve will be forced to hike interest rates at some point this year. The S&P 500 sank 2.6%, its biggest one-day drop since October 10, when the Trump administration threatened to impose a 100% tariff on imported goods from China. The losses helped push the benchmark index to its first losing week in the last 10.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.4%, while the Nasdaq composite slumped 4.2%.
Tech stocks dragged the broader market lower as companies that had powered the S&P 500 to a series of records the past two months saw losses. Nvidia fell 6.2%, Broadcom dropped 7.9% and Micron Technology slid 13.3% for the biggest loss among stocks in the S&P 500.
Shares in Meta fell 5.5% following a published report that the social media giant may seek to do a new stock offering to raise
funds for spending on AI infrastructure.
Stocks within the S&P 500 were not far from being evenly split between gainers and losers. But, many of the bigger tech stocks have pricey values that tend to give them outsized influence on the broader market.
Meanwhile, bond yields jumped after a report showed the U.S. added a surprising 172,000 jobs in May, according to the Labor Department. It is the latest report showing that employment remains solid, despite the squeeze inflation is putting on businesses and consumers.
The latest reading on employment comes two weeks before Kevin Warsh heads his first policy meeting as chair of the Fed. Policymakers are widely expected to keep rates steady at the June 16-17 meeting despite pressure from President Donald Trump to lower borrowing costs. Longer-term, the market sees a better than 60% chance the Fed will push rates higher by the end of the year, according to CME FedWatch, and little to no chance of a cut.
“Any hopes of a Fed rate cut have effectively been eliminated with this morning’s strong jobs report,” said Ronald Temple, chief
NOTICE
In the Estate of VERNON J. SYMONETTE late of #76/78 Killdeer Drive, Monastery Park, in the Eastern District of the Island of New Providence, one of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased
NOTICE is hereby given that all persons having any claims or demands against the above Estate are required to send the same duly certified in writing on or before 5:00pm on Friday the 15th day of May, A.D., 2026.
NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of the time mentioned above, the assets of the late VERNON J. SYMONETTE will be distributed among the persons entitled thereto having regard only to the claims of which the Executors of the Estate shall then have had Notice.
AND NOTICE is hereby given that all persons indebted to the above-named Estate are required to make full settlement or arrangements with the Executors for the full settlement of the same on or before the date mentioned above.
Monique V. A. Gomez & Co. Chamber The Oschloe Building #73 East St. & Cordeaux Ave. Nassau,The Bahamas
Mr Kemp said applications for the network will soon be available through BIOSI’s website and social media platforms, with a particular focus on engaging younger Bahamians who may be intimidated by mathematics.
“That’s one of the challenges,” he said. “We have thought of some very creative ways to get young folks very excited about math.”
BALS Secretary Thomas Ferguson said international delegates were enthusiastic about the progress made by The Bahamas and have already expressed interest in attending Geospatial Week later this year.
“We have gotten excellent support from the South Africans and the other countries that were there in South Africa,” Mr Ferguson said. “They’ve committed to come and see us for the Geospatial Week.” He noted that the congress brought together more than 1,500 professionals representing approximately 120 countries, providing valuable exposure for The Bahamas.
“It was so good to see The Bahamas be restored after being the only one kicked out last year,” Mr Ferguson said, adding that international organisations are now eager to collaborate with local professionals and students.
The youth-focused message was echoed by Michael Finley, a University of The Bahamas architecture
student interested in entering the surveying profession. Mr Finley said he hopes to gain more field experience and encouraged other young Bahamians to consider joining the new network.
“Take a chance and be a part of it,” he said. “We have a very good team. You can learn some more skills to better yourself as an individual and better your community.”
For BALS, the developments mark what Mr Wood described as a turning point for the profession.
“The Bahamas is no longer invisible on the global surveying and geospatial map,” he said. “We are restored. We are united, and we are definitely moving forward.”
market strategist at Lazard, in a research note.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.54% from 4.50% just before the report was released. The yield on the 2-year Treasury, which more closely tracks the Fed’s actions, jumped to 4.16% from 4.04% just prior to the report.
The Fed has been holding interest rates steady as it tries to gauge the ongoing impact from rising inflation. Prices were already ticking higher from the impact of tariffs. The U.S. war with Iran has essentially blocked crude oil shipments from moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
The price of Brent crude, the international standard, fell 2% to settle at $93.09. It was about $70 per barrel before the war. The surge in oil prices prompted a jump in fuel prices. That
“Any hopes of a Fed rate cut have effectively been eliminated with this morning’s strong jobs report.”
has fueled a broader rise in inflation as prices for anything being shipped move higher and threaten to slow economic growth.
NOTICE
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000
LEDIN HOLDINGS SA (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, as amended, LEDIN HOLDINGS SA is in dissolution.
The dissolution of the said Company commenced on 29 May, 2026, when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered with the Registrar General in Nassau, The Bahamas.
The sole liquidator of the said Company is Kim D Thompson of Equity Trust House, Caves Village, West Bay Street, P O Box N 10697, Nassau, Bahamas.
Kim D Thompson Sole Liquidator
Ronald Temple
A measure of inflation preferred by the Fed showed that prices rose 3.8% overall in April. That marked the biggest increase in two years.
Wall Street has been anticipating that negotiations to end the war will eventually be successful. American and Iranian negotiators reached a tentative deal last week to extend their ceasefire, but the agreement has not been finalized.
The latest round of corporate earnings is coming to a close. Lululemon slumped 8.6% after trimming its revenue and profit forecasts.
Most reports from companies have been surprisingly good and helped Wall Street on its record run. Encouraging profits and forecasts helped overshadow lingering worries about the direction of the economy amid tariffs and high energy costs because of the U.S. war with Iran. With earnings now in the background, analysts have been warning that the tech companies benefiting from interest in artificial intelligence may have become too expensive. That could result in a slowdown for a market that has posted a solid gain in 2026, with the S&P 500 up 7.9% for the year.
Notice is given hereby in accordance with Section 138(8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, the dissolution of NETCAP LTD. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Registrar.
Aegis Corporate Services Limited Building 6, Caves Village West Bay Street P.O. Box SP-63771 Nassau, Bahamas Liquidator
N O T I C E
Kassel Baker’s Bay, Ltd.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, (no. 45 of 2000) as follows:
(a) Kassel Baker’s Bay, Ltd. (the “Company”) is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000.
(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 2nd day of June 2026 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.
(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Brian Selvadurai.
Dated the 2nd day of June 2026.
H&J CORPORATE SERVICES LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company NOTICE NETCAP LTD.
SPECIALIST Anthony Matesic works at his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Photo:Richard Drew/AP
Armenians vote in general election under Russian pressure aimed at preventing a drift toward West
By AVET DEMOURIAN and KOSTYA MANENKOV Associated Press
ARMENIANS voted in a parliamentary election Sunday as the incumbent government, under mounting Russian pressure, sought to loosen ties with Moscow and deepen cooperation with the West.
Polling closed at 8 p.m. local time, with preliminary results expected Monday.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his governing Civil Contract party are looking for a strong mandate for a new geopolitical course for Armenia. The opposition they face includes some parties that are vocally pro-Russia.
Casting his vote on Sunday, Pashinyan said that the country would continue strengthening its independence, statehood, democracy and rule of law.
“The European Union is our main partner in democratic reform implementation, and we will continue that path,” he said.
He also stressed that there were no tensions between Armenia and Moscow, saying “our relations with Russia are institutional and based on mutual respect,” the Armenpress news agency reported.
Russian officials have hit Armenian exports with a barrage of restrictions in recent weeks.
President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have made thinly veiled threats comparing Armenia’s path to that already taken by Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia.
Meanwhile, Armenian investigators said that they issued six arrest warrants for members of the opposition Strong Armenia
party the day before the election, accusing them of buying votes. The nation’s Central Election Committee confirmed Saturday that the party could run after a member of another opposition party, Republic, appealed for Strong Armenia to be barred over corruption allegations.
Commenting on the arrests on Sunday, the head of the Strong Armenia party, Russian Armenian business owner Samvel Karapetyan, said that they “would not change the minds of Armenian voters.”
Karapetyan is under house arrest for allegedly advocating for the government’s overthrow, a charge that the billionaire has rejected as politically motivated. He was escorted to a polling station where he spoke briefly to the media before returning home.
“The Armenian people will make the right choice and Armenia will finally have a legitimate government,” he said.
Trump offers support as Putin urges caution
Armenia’s National Assembly must consist of at least 101 members who are elected for five-year terms. Parties must win at least 4% of the vote to take a seat, while blocs made up of three or more parties must hit 8%.
Two political blocs and 17 parties are taking part in Sunday’s election. Most pollsters and experts have predicted Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 following sweeping street protests, will come out ahead.
“I think Armenians expect, first of all, a peaceful, independent and prosperous Armenia from this election, as we have today,” said Hripsime Grigoryan, a Civil Contract member of the outgoing parliament.
Pashinyan has spoken on several occasions about the need for a balanced foreign policy to ensure that
Armenia maintains good relations with the United States, Europe and Russia, as well as regional powers such as Turkey and Iran — both of which border Armenia.
Despite this, Pashinyan has attracted far more enthusiasm in the West than in Moscow. He has been endorsed by several European leaders, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, of Armenia, a great friend and Leader, is making his Country strong, wealthy, and very secure,” Trump wrote on social media, urging Armenians to “Make (Armenia) Great Again.”
This has displeased the Kremlin. Speaking to journalists after Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, Putin said if the Armenian people saw benefits in joining the European Union, then “we will certainly have nothing to say against it.”
Yet he also reminded reporters, “We are currently
ARMENIAN Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, center, casts his ballot at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Yerevan, Armenia, Sunday, June 7, 2026. Photo:Anthony Pizzoferrato/AP
living through everything that is happening in respect of Ukraine. And how did it start? It started with Ukraine’s joining or attempting to join the EU.”
Opposition wants closer ties with Russia
Unlike the Civil Contract party, most of Armenia’s opposition supports building stronger relations with Moscow.
The Strong Armenia party seeks to develop business ties with Russia and has accused Pashinyan of attempting to start a war with Moscow.
Other potential contenders include former President Robert Kocharyan, who leads the Hayastan bloc and also has accused Pashinyan of undermining relations with Russia, and the Prosperous Armenia Party, led by pro-Russia business owner Gagik Tsarukyan.
These parties also have strongly criticized Pashinyan for attempting to normalize relations with neighboring Azerbaijan.
The Armenian leader and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev initialed a document on moving toward a peace deal at the White House alongside Trump in August.
Armenia and Azerbaijan were locked in a decades-long conflict over the fate of Karabakh, a
breakaway region that had been controlled for decades by ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia. Azerbaijan took control of the entire Karabakh region during a rapid offensive in 2023.
“I want this government to change, because the condition of our country is getting worse,” Sahakyan Elina, a supporter of the Prosperous Armenia Party, told The Associated Press at a rally Thursday. “I don’t want to live with my enemies in unity.” EU criticizes Moscow’s pressure Russian officials have imposed new restrictions on Armenian produce in the lead-up to the parliamentary vote, banning the import of Armenian flowers, certain types of cognac and wine, eggplant, potatoes, dried fruits, fish and more.
Russia says the bans are related to violations of agricultural import rules.
The European Commission on Thursday described the move as “nothing short of economic coercion.”
“By extending export restrictions on Armenian products, Moscow is weaponizing economic relations for political pressure. We know this playbook all too well,” the commission said in a statement.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that I CARLOS BROWN of Chub Cay, Berry islands, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that I GARRIKK MICHAEL TOMLINSON of Charles W. Saunders High Way House 4 Appartment #2, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 8th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that I LEDAIN GERZINIO of Mackey Street, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that I JODY-ANN AKILAH BOYD of Golden Isles Road, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
Broken speaker? Finicky zipper?
Anticonsumerist Repair Cafes urge you to fix it instead of pitch it
By MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN Associated Press
ON A drizzly Saturday morning late last month, the basement of the New Paltz United Methodist Church filled with old lamps, blunt knives, malfunctioning sound mixers and balky zippers.
About a dozen volunteers welcomed the broken goods and their owners to a worldwide movement that’s evangelizing new relationships between people and their things.
Repair Cafes — free events where volunteers with technical know-how help neighbors fix myriad household items — are part of a new brand of
anticonsumerism that’s trying to offer an alternative to the mass-produced disposable goods that have dominated the global economy for the last half-century. Helping fuel that move to repairing, not buying, are U.S. consumer prices, which climbed sharply again last month as the war with Iran delivered higher gasoline prices and more pain for Americans.
After starting in the Netherlands with a single event in 2009, Repair Cafe has grown into a global nonprofit with more than 59,000 members, some 4,000 cafes and close to 850,000 items fixed a year.
“We need to change our mindset. We need to change
the economy,” Repair Cafe founder Martine Postma said. “Even if Repair Cafes can’t solve the problem alone, then still they are a very clear sign that change is needed on a much higher level.”
Repair Cafes are both a way to fix things and to form community
In New Paltz, a Hudson Valley college town about two hours from New York, 50 people brought about 85 items to the Repair Cafe: an antique fan that required rewiring, shirts, pants, jackets, stuffed animals. There were old family photos that needed restoring and jewelry awaiting work like
restringing beads or replac-
ing clasps.
Repair experts waited behind long cafeteria tables to teach alternatives, giving people chances to learn that flawed goods aren’t automatically junk.
“Maybe their initial reason for coming is monetary or sentimental,” organizer Holly Shader said.
More than that, she added, “it gives people a chance to work together and extend the life of something. People form relationships.”
The experts on hand fixed 71 of the items, found that four needed more work and deemed 10 beyond repair. They said they volunteer for the low-pressure joy of fixing things, with networking as a side benefit.
“I get to come and actually do the work and meet the nice people and show them how to put something together,” contractor Patrick L. Murphy said.
Networks touting this new brand of anticonsumerism are growing
The Buy Nothing Project, “right to repair” legislation, and a growing number of tool libraries also are dedicated to repairing, trading, and giving instead of buying and selling.
Starting in Washington state in 2013, the Buy Nothing Project maintains an app and social media presence that links people giving things away with people nearby who want them — a worldwide network of gift economies, as described on its Facebook page.
Founder Liesl Clark said the network has expanded to at least 12.5 million people on Facebook, showing a growth rate with the ability to influence corporate and state behavior.
“What was a social movement has really become a safety net for millions of people,” she said. “People
THE WEATHER REPORT
are seeing that you don’t have to go to the Amazons of the world to get what you might need, there is a robust material culture in your community.
“We want to change the way that the world consumes.”
The movement “started as a social and economic and environmental experiment,” she noted.
“There’s going to be a conversation that you have, when you and someone else are fixing something together,” she said. “We’re finding that we’re crossing a lot of barriers.”
In today’s modern, disposable culture, many people have lost the ability to repair household goods, a skill that was once nearly universal, said Peter Counter, an engineer who’s studying Repair Cafes and working on a doctorate at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England.
