WOMAN & HEALTH
MEN GET TWO CHANCES BUT WOMEN ONLY ONE
Corrections chief warns female recruits face firing for single misstep but males will be ‘massaged’ into line
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
CORRECTIONS Commissioner Doan Cleare warned female recruits yesterday that one misstep could swiftly cost them their jobs, while saying he would try to “massage” struggling male recruits into line because qualified men are in short supply.
CORRECTIONS Commissioner Doane Cleare speaks to recruits yesterday at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services signing-on ceremony for the 81st cohort.
MINISTER OF FINANCE Michael Halkitis.
HALKITIS IGNORES RESIGNATION CALLS AS PLP SUPPORTERS RALLY
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
FINANCE Minister Michael Halkitis walked into Parliament yesterday flanked by chanting Progressive Liberal Party supporters as Free National Movement leaders, standing yards away in Rawson
Square, intensified calls for him to resign over his past role with Top Notch Builders.
The split-screen scene unfolded before Mr Halkitis opened the budget debate, turning Parliament’s doorstep into a political battleground over
RESIGN - SEE PAGE THREE
“Now, females in the squad, the first one of you
mess up or do wrong, I gonna let you go, and you know why, because we have an abundance of you, too much,” he said.
“Our waiting list now is over 400 females trying to get in here, but it is the males who I will try to massage, wash your toes, and wash your feet to try to get you in line, but if you do fool, we still gon’ let you go.”
Strachan pledges reform for Public Parks Authority
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
NEW Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority Executive Chairman Jamahl Strachan promised yesterday to bring transparency and accountability to an agency battered by spending controversy under
McKell Bonaby, drawing laughter, glances and an opposition charge that he had thrown his predecessor “under the bus.”
In a forceful contribution to Parliament, Mr Strachan, who flew under the radar during the Davis administration’s first term, said the PUBLIC Parks and Public Beaches
Thompson slams BPL for ‘excuses’ over power outages
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
OPPOSITION MP Kwasi
Thompson accused Bahamas Power and Light of offering excuses rather than solutions for persistent power outages, saying the government has failed to deliver on promises to lower electricity costs and improve reliability.
During his contribution in Parliament on Monday, the East Grand Bahama MP referred to a recent BPL statement that blamed equipment failures, underground cable faults and an early summer heat wave for recent outages. "Bahamians have every right to demand answers," he said. "These explanations sound less like solutions and more like excuses."
Authority Executive Chairman Jamahl Strachan.
EAST GRAND BAHAMA MP KWASI THOMPSON
Photo: Shawn Hanna
School breakfast programme hits two million milestone
Deputy Prime
Primary
yesterday
and Minister
Education
celebrate the achievement, which officials say reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring children begin the school day fed, focused and ready to learn. Officials said the programme remains a key part of the government’s efforts to support families, strengthen education outcomes and give every Bahamian child a fair start.
The National School Breakfast Programme has reached a major milestone, serving two million breakfasts to primary school students across The Bahamas.
Prime Minister Philip Davis joined
Minister
of
Chester Cooper at Claridge
School
to
Photos: OPM
FNM intensifies calls for Halkitis to resign over ties
RESIGN from page one
his previous connection to a company US authorities have alleged was used to launder proceeds for accused drug trafficker Jonathan Eric Gardiner.
Asked about renewed calls for his resignation, Mr Halkitis declined to go beyond comments he made in late May.
“I have nothing else to add to that,” he said. “Everything is in the public domain. I’m just happy to open this debate this morning.”
Across Rawson Square, FNM Chairman Dr Duane Sands and Opposition Leader Michael Pintard argued that serious questions remain about Mr Halkitis’ former role with Top Notch Builders.
“We find it absolutely astounding he cannot recall whether or not he held if not the first, the second most prominent role in the company Top Notch builders owned by a convicted international narco trafficker who is now arrested, incarcerated, and before the courts in the Southern District of New York,” Dr Sands said. “We find it astounding that this administration feels that he is a fit and proper person to run the exchequer, the finances of this country.”
Mr Pintard accused Mr Halkitis of misleading the public about the extent of his involvement with the company, noting the minister initially told The Tribune he had not previously been connected to it.
Mr Pintard said Mr Halkitis would have known who the company’s beneficial owners were, arguing that he became president of the company after Gardiner held that post.
Mr Pintard disputed Mr Halkitis’ previous description of his former role as director, pointing to documents he said identified him as president of the company and “show that he lied on his feet”.
He said that was grounds for resignation.
The opposition leader also accused Mr Halkitis of failing to disclose the full extent of his involvement with the company while serving in government, including while Cabinet discussed and
awarded certain contracts.
Mr Pintard accused Mr Halkitis of exercising poor judgement, trying to conceal the extent of his involvement and sitting in Cabinet while contracts were issued to a company he previously led.
PLP supporters, meanwhile, defended Mr Halkitis outside Parliament.
Prince Kinlock, speaking on behalf of supporters gathered near the House of Assembly, said Mr Halkitis “he has done no wrong” and accused the opposition of “trying to take him down”.
“You know, every time you move up there’s another level and another level and those levels come with devils, and those devils are not red, they are very vicious,” Mr Kinlock said.
PLP stalwart and former MP Leslie Miller also defended Mr Halkitis, calling him “an ethical man, family man, and knows his job”.
“Give him a chance to do his job as the minister of finance,” he said. “He’s gonna do a wonderful job if given the opportunity. Let him do his work. That’s what the government is there for the election is over, finished, move on.”
He called for Mr Pintard to resign as FNM leader, citing his election losses.
“One would think that Mr Pintard would’ve done the right thing like Mr Ingraham did, like Mr Christie did, Mr Minnis did. When you lose, three in a row, you go home. Give it to someone else,” Mr Miller said.
Inside Parliament, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson sought to distance himself from the controversy surrounding Gardiner, disclosing during his budget contribution that the man in US custody is related to his wife’s family.
Mr Thompson told the House that neither he, his wife, nor anyone acting on his behalf had any business dealings, financial relationship, campaign contributions or involvement with any company owned by, connected to or associated with Gardiner.
He said he made the disclosure voluntarily because he believed “the Bahamian people deserve transparency from all of those who hold public office.”
Minister claims procurement transparency is improving
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FINANCE Minis-
ter Michael Halkitis defended the Davis administration’s public procurement record yesterday, insisting the system is becoming more transparent despite opposition claims that ministries and stateowned enterprises have failed to comply with the law.
“What we are seeing today is not a system standing still, but one that is evolving, improving and becoming more transparent with each step forward,” he claimed during the budget debate.
His comments followed years of criticism from good governance advocates and Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard, who has repeatedly accused the Davis administration of misusing or ignoring procurement procedures, failing to meet disclosure requirements and awarding no-bid contracts. A review of official procurement records shows that 927 of 3,881 categorised contracts were awarded without competitive bidding between December 2023 and December 2025. Mr Halkitis claimed that competitive bidding remains the government’s standard approach
to procurement, designed to ensure fairness, transparency and broad participation. He claimed sole-source awards are permitted only under specific conditions, including urgency, technical constraints or when only one qualified provider exists.
He said the government has awarded about 8,000 procurement opportunities worth $1.39bn since taking office, with much of the money supporting infrastructure projects, including the construction and repair of roads, government buildings, bridges and docks in the Family Islands, as well as airport terminals and runways.
“That is not just a statistic, that is real economic activity flowing into the Bahamian economy,” he added.
Mr Halkitis said the contracts included 29 major awards valued at more than $2.5m each, totalling about $569m and approved by Cabinet; 182 medium-sized contracts valued between $400,000 and $2.5m, totalling about $155m; and nearly 7,800 contracts under $400,000, worth about $666m and approved at the ministry level.
He said most of the contracts were awarded to Bahamian companies.
He said the government has published monthly reports since July 2024
detailing the procurement of goods, works and services nationwide.
“This means that procurement activity is no longer occasional or selective in its exposure. It is consistent, systematic, and transparent,” he said.
Mr Pintard disputed the claim, saying government ministries and stateowned enterprises have not made the disclosures required by law.
Mr Halkitis said he never claimed every government agency was already using the procurement system, but said the system continues to improve and expand.
He said the government is working to strengthen
the process and improve transparency, adding that dozens of public servants from various agencies have completed procurement courses and received certification. He also pointed to upcoming procurement workshops. Mr Halkitis said the ministry will soon conduct a comprehensive operational assessment of the procurement system from 2021 to 2026.
“It is envisaged that this report will provide valuable insights into areas where improvements can be made to enhance the existing procurement platform and will guide the development of policies to further strengthen the system,” he said.
Finance Minister defends pension push amid $4.1bn liability warning
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FINANCE Minister
Michael Halkitis defended the Davis administration’s push for pension reform yesterday, warning that public pension liabilities are projected to climb by $4.1bn by 2032 as the government faces pressure over tax arrears and its broader fiscal strategy.
Opening the budget debate, Mr Halkitis said pension and gratuity payments already accounted for nearly 6.2 percent of recurrent expenditure for the nine months ending March 2026. The Davis administration
has introduced a White Paper proposing a Contributory Public Sector Pension Plan. Under the proposal, employees would contribute at least three percent of their pensionable salary, while the government would contribute five percent. The Bahamas Public Services Union has objected to parts of the proposal, particularly a provision that would require public servants with fewer than eight years of service to join a new pension plan. However, Mr Halkitis argued that reform is necessary to keep retirement benefits sustainable while giving workers greater longterm security.
“While this reform will ease long-term fiscal pressure, its benefits go beyond the public balance sheet. A more sustainable pension structure frees resources for priorities that matter most to Bahamians, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and essential public services,” he said.
His comments come amid continuing concern about government spending and a growing tax arrears bill.
A review of budget documents found that tax arrears owed to the government increased by $382m, or 26.7 percent, during the first nine months of the current fiscal year.
Addressing the issue, Mr Halkitis said tax arrears
stem from several factors, including timing issues, delays between assessment, billing and payment, and communication breakdowns between taxpayers and relevant authorities.
“There are also cases where bills are not received on time, which contributes to late payments and the accumulation of arrears,” he said. “However, Madam Speaker, while we recognize these challenges, we are also taking decisive steps to address them.”
Mr Halkitis said the government’s response includes modernising tax administration through the One Tax Bahamas initiative and expanding the government’s digital tax portal.
“We are making it easier, faster, and more convenient for taxpayers to view their obligations and make payments,” he said. “This reduces the likelihood of missed deadlines and improves overall compliance.”
He said the government is also strengthening enforcement, including increased property tax collection efforts and auctions where necessary, as well as tighter oversight of VAT and business licence obligations.
“In cases where arrears persist without resolution, the government will take appropriate action to ensure compliance,” he said.
Mr Halkitis said the
government is taking a balanced approach by making it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations while holding non-compliant taxpayers accountable. He also rejected concerns that the government may be underestimating global economic uncertainty, insisting the budget was built on conservative assumptions.
“This budget reflects prudence and discipline,” he said.
Addressing questions about the government’s ability to withstand a tourism downturn or other external shocks, Mr Halkitis said maintaining a budget surplus is helping build a financial buffer for periods of uncertainty.
FINANCE Minister Michael Halkitis speaks in the House of Assembly yesterday. Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
Digital permits coming to parks and beaches
authority had reached a “turning point.”
“The Bahamian people deserve to see tangible, visible evidence of how public resources are being invested in their communities,” he said.
“We intend to live on visible, measurable, and meaningful improvements on the ground, Madame Speaker. Our vision is clear. We are building a more transparent authority, a more accountable authority, a safer authority, a more technologically advanced authority.”
The remarks drew visible reaction in the House, where MPs exchanged glances with Mr Bonaby, the Mount Moriah MP and former executive chairman of the authority. Some laughed and made jokes. Mr Bonaby left the chamber at one point before returning a short time later.
Long Island MP Dr Andre Rollins accused Mr Strachan of throwing Mr Bonaby “under the bus.”
Mr Strachan rejected that interpretation, accusing Dr Rollins of trying to “savage the environment by putting his spin” on the presentation.
“All I say, Madam Speaker, is if he is to say that he is going to be doing all these things to bring beaches and parks into the 21st century, it is an acknowledgement that we got absolutely no value out of the $141 million that was spent in the last four plus years,” Dr Rollins said.
The authority was engulfed in controversy under Mr Bonaby’s leadership amid criticism over high spending and the absence of a public audit.
Mr Bonaby refused to provide a detailed account of the authority’s spending despite pledges.
Mr Strachan previously said audits, transparent procedures and protocols had already been introduced. He repeated that point yesterday, saying the authority is conducting a “hard, honest look” at its staffing structure, operational systems, procurement practices and institutional capacity.
Mr Strachan said
transparency alone is not enough, adding that “accountability must walk hand in hand with transparency.”
He said Bahamians deserve assurance that every dollar allocated to the authority is spent responsibly and produces real, measurable results.
He said a thorough review of policies, procedures, reporting structures and internal controls is underway. Where necessary, he said departments will be reorganised to eliminate duplication, clarify responsibilities, streamline operations and improve decision-making.
“There must be clear lines of authority, clear mandates, and clear accountability,” he said. “Every department must know its role. Every employee must know their responsibilities. Every dollar spent must advance the Authority’s mission.”
Mr Strachan said the authority will publish updated policies, procedures and operational guidelines on its website to strengthen public confidence and improve transparency around decision-making.
He said security will also be a major priority, with a review underway to strengthen safety at public parks and beaches. He said measures under consideration include deploying additional security personnel such as lifeguards, expanding the park warden presence and increasing the use of surveillance systems. Beyond safety, Mr Strachan said the authority plans to beautify spaces across New Providence and restore a stronger sense of community use in public spaces.
He said communication will be key to rebuilding public trust, pointing to plans to expand public engagement and improve how the authority communicates with the public.
On the digital front, he said the authority will modernise its online infrastructure by redesigning its website and launching a dedicated portal for complaints and service requests.
He also announced plans for a Digital Permit System.
“We intend to live on visible, measurable, and meaningful improvements on the ground, Madame Speaker. Our vision is clear. We are building a more transparent authority, a more accountable authority, a safer authority, a more technologically advanced authority.”
Under the programme, electronic permits will be issued to beach and park vendors, event organisers, billboard operators, concessionaires, commercial operators and other authorised users of public spaces.
Mr Strachan said billboard and signage management will be a key priority, saying billboards and signs have appeared across public spaces without the structure, consistency and order communities deserve.
He said the authority will implement a structured and transparent framework for issuing permits, with clear standards for location, appearance, size and placement.
He also pledged to
Opposition MP attacks government over rising electricity costs
from page one
Mr Thompson said the government’s handling of the electricity sector has become one of its most significant unfulfilled promises.
“In 2021, the PLP promised Bahamians lower electricity costs and a more reliable power supply,” he said. “Instead, we have watched electricity bills get higher. Families have had to cut back on groceries and other necessities, while businesses have faced rising energy costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.”
He said the relief promised to consumers has not materialised, leaving many households under greater financial strain.
Mr Thompson also criticised the government’s record on electricity reliability, saying residents in Eleuthera, Abaco, Andros and other Family Islands have endured years of power disruptions that affected homes, businesses and daily life.
Referring to reports from Cat Island, he said business owners described a recent island-wide blackout as “tragic” because it disrupted economic activity linked to the island’s Rake and Scrape festival.
“Power failures continue to undermine economic opportunities and disrupt
lives,” he said.
Mr Thompson warned that New Providence could face another summer of outages, citing recent reports of interruptions in several Nassau communities.
He said the government, having completed a full term in office and secured re-election, must take responsibility for fixing the country’s energy problems. “You have had more than enough time to fix these problems,” Thompson said. “At this stage, responsibility rests squarely with the government.”
He said Bahamians want to know when electricity costs will fall, when reliability will improve and when the government will
produce a clear plan to modernise the country’s power infrastructure.
Turning to Grand Bahama, Mr Thompson said residents are still waiting to see the benefits they were promised.
“When will electricity become more affordable? When will reliability improve? Where is the roadmap for modernizing the system?” he asked.
He also questioned when Bahamians would be allowed to own and benefit from the power company as part of the government’s broader energy reform agenda.
“The government calls this progress,” Mr Thompson said, “but for too many Bahamians, progress feels like pressure.”
launch a nationwide compliance review targeting owners of billboards, signs, banners and advertising structures on public property without the required
approvals and permits.
“The rules must apply equally to everyone,” he said. “Those who follow the law should not be undercut by those who ignore it.
This initiative is not about punishment; it is about restoring order, fairness, accountability and public confidence in the management of public land.”
PUBLIC Parks and Public Beaches Authority
Executive Chairman Jamahl Strachan speaks in the House of Assembly yesterday.
Photo: Chappell Whymns Jr
OUTAGES
EAST Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson speaks in the House of Assembly yesterday. Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
Police officers outline vehicle evidence in carjacking trial
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
POLICE officers testified yesterday that they photographed two vehicles allegedly tied to a 2022 armed carjacking near a shipping company on Carmichael Road, including the stolen car and the vehicle prosecutors say the suspects used before the robbery.
Andre Lightbourne, 31, and Luther Delancy, 22, appeared before Justice Neil Braithwaite as testimony began in their armed robbery trial.
Prosecutors allege the pair, while armed with a firearm, robbed Sherika Gibson of a brown Nissan Cube and $48 in cash while she was near Go Postal on Carmichael Road on July 15, 2022.
The suspects allegedly pulled up beside Ms Gibson in a dark-coloured Mazda before the carjacking. The Nissan Cube stolen from Ms Gibson belonged to her boyfriend.
In her opening address, prosecutor Cashena Thompson called the case one of “crime and greed”.
Ms Thompson alleged the accused sold the vehicle to a man called Micheal McCartney. She said the rightful owner later spotted the vehicle on the road and used his spare key to retrieve it before taking it to a police station.
Detective Corporal
Takeia Harvey, of crime scene investigations, said she spoke with Detective Corporal 4017 Demeritte, an investigator, and received certain information on August 9, 2022. She said she went to the CSI parking lot, where she saw a dark-coloured vehicle.
DC Harvey said she examined a four-door purple Mazda Verisa with its ignition intact. She photographed and processed the vehicle, recovered fingerprints from it and submitted them to Sergeant Sawyer of the fingerprint section.
She said she also saw licence plate AK7931 inside the vehicle.
Under cross-examination by defence attorney Philip Hilton, DC Harvey said she did not learn the results of the fingerprint analysis. She also said she did not obtain the vehicle’s VIN number.
DC Harvey said she did not investigate the vehicle’s ownership because that did not fall under her remit as a crime scene officer. She said she was not the investigator.
Under questioning from defence attorney Miranda Adderley, she said it was the investigator’s job to obtain the fingerprint results.
Detective Corporal Leroy Strachan said he spoke to DC Demeritte at 3.30pm on August 6, 2022, about a vehicle involved in
an armed robbery.
He said he photographed a brown Nissan Cube in the CSI parking lot. While reviewing a photograph of the vehicle, DC Strachan said the front licence plate read AW8875. However, he said the licence plate and registration disc did not match, as the disc read AX5709.
He said a metal plate initially covered the VIN number. Although the number was partially defaced, he said it read Z12-218154.
DC Strachan told Mr Hilton he was not instructed to photograph a Mazda.
He said he did not know who owned the Nissan.
He also agreed with Mr Hilton that, to his knowledge, anyone could have placed the metal plate on the vehicle.
DC Strachan told Ms Adderley that DC Demeritte was the investigator.
Under questioning, the officer said he did not think it was necessary to take fingerprints from the vehicle. However, he said that although he followed the investigator’s instructions, he could have suggested that fingerprints be lifted because they may have had evidential value.
DC Strachan said he did not think the Nissan had a rear licence plate.
Rashied Edgecombe also appeared for the prosecution.
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS MANAGER PLEADS FOR HELP OVER HUMAN WASTE
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
A DOWNTOWN Nassau business manager said staff have been forced to repeatedly clean up suspected human waste left outside their property for nearly a year, calling for more police patrols in an area she said feels forgotten. Michelle Palamino, general manager of Hoffer Sport, said the problem has persisted for months despite efforts to block access to parts of the property.
She suspects a vagrant is responsible, a view she said police have also expressed. However, she said neither she nor authorities have identified a suspect.
The problem initially occurred, she said, in a corner beside the business, where people had previously gathered after a neighbouring property put up fences to keep vagrants
out.
She said her employer later paid to install a fence to stop people from entering the area, but the problem shifted to the front of the business.
The issue has had limited impact on customers because employees clean the area before business hours.
Still, she said workers have grown frustrated after months of cleaning up the mess.
She also recalled previous incidents involving damage to the business, including a broken window and an occasion when someone allegedly threw drinks at storefront glass after being told not to search through the business’s garbage.
She said that person was later arrested in connection with unrelated matters and she does not believe he is responsible for the current problem.
Ms Palamino said officers
told her they were also dealing with wider concerns involving vagrants downtown.
"I'm not really complaining about vagrants," she said. "We had vagrants on Bay Street for years and years and years, and we do not have a problem with them until they start bothering your property."
She said many homeless people who enter the store are harmless and usually leave without incident after speaking with staff.
Ms Palamino said she recognises recent beautification efforts in the city centre, including murals and improvements to fire-damaged and derelict properties. However, she questioned whether officials are fully aware of sanitation problems affecting areas outside the main tourism corridors.
"A larger police presence," she said. "It feels like they just forgot about this part of downtown."
POLICE PROBE SUSPECTED ARSON AFTER FIRE DESTROYS ABACO TRAILER
POLICE in Abaco
have launched an investigation into a suspected arson incident after a trailer was destroyed by fire in the Seven Hills Subdivision, North Abaco, on Sunday.
Man awaits sentencing for groping and defrauding woman
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN who admitted groping a woman and defrauding her of $350 at her New Providence home was released until his sentencing later this month. Christopher Strachan, 32, touched a 29-year-old woman’s private parts on May 28. Earlier during the same incident, the accused asked the complainant for $350, saying he would return the money, but never did.
The pair had reportedly met online before the incident.
The defendant was released on his own recognisance until he returns for sentencing on June 30. The complainant will be present at that time.
Inspector Cordero Farrington prosecuted the case.
Strachan pleaded guilty to indecent assault and fraud by false pretences before Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville.
Teen granted bail on charge of assault with a deadly weapon
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
Responding officers arrived at the scene and found a 30-foot trailer fully engulfed in flames. Volunteer firefighters were called in to assist, but despite their efforts, the trailer was completely destroyed.
Investigators have since received information that a blue Japanese vehicle bearing a rental licence plate was seen in the area
According to police, officers were alerted to the blaze around 11.25am after an anonymous caller contacted the Marsh Harbour Police Station to report that a trailer was on fire near a group of apartments and that the flames were spreading toward nearby bushes.
around the time of the incident. Police are working to identify the vehicle and its occupants, who may be connected to the fire.
A male resident told police that the trailer belongs to his former girlfriend. He reported losing official identification documents, tools, clothing and other personal belongings in the blaze.
The resident estimated the damage at approximately $12,000.
The defendant returns for trial on July 13.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Kendrick Bauld prosecuted the case, while Mark Penn represented the accused.
A 17-YEAR-OLD boy accused of assaulting a woman with a handgun last month in New Providence was granted bail yesterday. Prosecutors allege the teenage defendant, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, assaulted Kevonya Smith with a firearm on May 21. The accused denied a charge of assault with a deadly weapon before Magistrate Abigail Farrington. The defendant was arraigned in the presence of his grandmother. His bail was set at $500. Under the terms of his bail, he must sign in at the Wulff Road Police Station every Friday by 6pm and obey a daily 9pm to 5am curfew. He was warned not to contact the complainant or any witnesses in the matter.
Murder suspect fined $4,000 for breaching bail for 80-days
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN awaiting trial for the 2021 murder of 10-yearold Kenron Dean was fined yesterday for breaching his bail for 80 days. Leon Evans, 27, who is on Supreme Court bail for murder, failed to sign in at his local police station for 80 days between December 1, 2025 and June 3. Evans is accused of fatally shooting Kenron Dean on Finlayson Street and Bola Avenue on March 11, 2021. Three other males were also shot and injured during the incident.
The defendant pleaded guilty to a previous bail violation charge last August.
He was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine or risk six months in prison. Inspector Cordero Farrington prosecuted the case.
Evans pleaded guilty to violating his bail conditions before Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville.
