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Capo son-in-law’s ‘two decade tax fraud’ claim

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

RESORTS World Bimini’s original developer has been accused by his son-in-law of perpetrating a “two-decade tax fraud and evasion” against the Government and Bahamian people involving “millions of dollars” in unpaid VAT and other obligations.

Rafael Reyes, in a May 21, 2026, lawsuit fled with the Miami-Dade County Circuit Court is alleging that Gerardo Capo, who spearheaded the previously-named Bimini Bay development, and one of his corporate entities were forced to agree a formal repayment plan with the Bahamian tax authorities after “sufcient irregularities” were uncovered during a VAT audit.

Mr Reyes, who would have had inside knowledge of such developments prior to the acrimonious December 2025 split with his fatherin-law, claimed in legal documents obtained by Tribune Business that Mr Capo treated companies he owned and controlled as “alter egos” by constantly moving funds and assets between them in a bid to escape tax liabilities due to the Bahamian Public Treasury.

In particular, he is alleging that Mr Capo recorded “fctitious and unsupported transactions” in the accounting records of RAV Bahamas, the entity that developed Bimini Bay before becoming Genting’s minority partner in its transformation into Resorts World Bimini, and OPAC Bahamas. The latter is a construction

Alleges ‘millions of dollars’ in VAT, NIB, Immigration fees evaded

Bimini developer’s construction rm forced to repay e Bahamas

and project management company, also controlled by Mr Capo, which developed other Bahamas-based projects such as the Treasure Cove gated community in eastern New Providence.

And Mr Reyes, who claims to have served as RAV Bahamas president for more than a decade, is also asserting that his father-in-law’s companies employed schemes such as deferring revenues beyond the period in which they were earned, as well as generating “artifcial expenses”, to avoid

Water sports fear 40% hit on US jet skis alert

BY ANNELIA NIXON

Tribune Business Reporter

anixon@tribunemedia.net

THE US embassy’s warning urging all American visitors not to rent jet skis in The Bahamas could have immediate negative consequences for bookings during the water sports industry’s peak tourist season, an operator warned yesterday.

Astra Charlton, director of business development at My Own Water Sports, said the advisory’s timing is particularly damaging for legitimate operators who rely heavily on US visitors during the summer months.

“The core issue is the impact of the US. Embassy’s safety warnings regarding jet ski and small watercraft operations on our industry,” Ms Charlton said. “Although jet ski safety concerns have existed for some time, the recent video featuring the US Ambassador has intensifed attention on this issue.”

She added that the advisory comes at a critical economic moment. “The alert’s timing is signifcant,” she said. “It comes as The Bahamas sees rising visitor arrivals and licensed water sports operators enter a key revenue period.

“For our business, summer generates about 40 percent of annual revenue, and US visitors make up over 90 percent of our customers. An ofcial US warning now can shape travel decisions, discourage bookings and create hesitation among our main market.”

Ms Charlton emphasized that while safety concerns are real, the public messaging risks blurring the line between compliant businesses and illegal operators.

“What is notable, however, is that the discourse has shifted,” she said. “The issue

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Realtor: Don’t cap private island tax at $200,000 yearly

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Father-in-law blasts suit as ‘improper’, ‘ agrant misuse’ of courts

and under-state taxes plus National Insurance Board (NIB) contributions and Immigration-related fees.

The tax evasion allegations are part of a wider lawsuit in which Mr Reyes is seeking more than $20m in damages over claims that Mr Capo and his companies have paid little to nothing in commission owed on $147m worth of Bahamas-based real estate sales located in Bimini. The 11th Judicial Circuit court case is one of several legal battles between the

Carey urges ‘higher tier’ for homes above $20m

Multi-family ‘the perfect model for Bahamians’ ‘Balancing act’ on new foreign owner-occupied

Trustee appeal critical for tax info exchange regime

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN trust company’s bid to revive the strike out of a former client’s negligence and breach of contract lawsuit has been allowed to proceed by the Supreme Court because of its “wider public importance” to this nation’s international tax

Sebas pledges AI reform across the public service

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Government plans to deploy artifcial intelligence (AI) across the public sector, introduce a national identity (ID) card and connect public sector databases as part of a sweeping modernisation drive designed to improve efciency and make it easier to do business in The Bahamas.

Sebas Bastian, innovation and national development minister, in his contribution to the 20262027 Budget debate argued that many government services remain slowed by outdated systems and disconnected databases despite years of digital transformation eforts.

"Today, government collects mountains of information from its citizens, and then traps it," he said.

information exchange regime and obligations. Justice Camille Darville-Gomez, in a June 1, 2026, ruling rejected the arguments by Isaac Daniel Picciotto Kassin, a wealthy Colombian businessman, and allowed the appeal by JP Morgan Trust Company (Bahamas) to move ahead while also ‘staying’, or halting, her previous verdict that dismissed the fnancial

PRIVATE islands and foreign-owned homes worth more than $20m should not have their annual real property tax payments capped at a maximum $200,000, a prominent Bahamian realtor is arguing, calling for it to be set much higher. Mario Carey, president and chief executive of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate MCR Bahamas, told Tribune Business “it makes no sense” for the Government to limit real property tax yields from the wealthiest owners given that, on some private islands, “a bottle of wine is worth more than that” $200,000 cap that will be set for foreign owner-occupied property with efect from July 1. Urging that “another tier” be created for those who own homes and private islands valued at more than $20m, he added that Bahamians will not be impacted by such a move as there are none “close to that price point”.

And Mr Carey also backed the Davis administration’s decision to switch the test qualifying

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institution’s attempt to strike out his lawsuit.

In particular, she found that JP Morgan’s appeal raises issues critical to The Bahamas’ wider fnancial services industry and, in particular, whether the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information Act 2016 ofers legal immunity for a local fnancial institution, and its employees and agents, making lawful “bona fde” disclosures of client information under the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) that governs non-US global tax information sharing standards.

Mr Kassin initiated Supreme Court legal action after incurring a $2.5m tax

"Locked in systems that cannot speak to one another. Filed in one ofce, invisible to the next. The result is a government slower than it should be, and a country harder to do business in than it should be. That is not an IT problem. It is a competitiveness problem."

Mr Bastian said the Government intends to move beyond simply placing existing processes online and instead redesign how public services operate. "In too many cases, we digitised the form, while the work behind it stayed analog," he said.

"Somewhere in this country right now, a form a citizen submitted online is being printed on to paper so it can be typed back

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penalty when JP Morgan mistakenly provided information not required by Bahamian law to the Colombian tax authorities. The institution also valued his investments at three times’ their previously-disclosed worth. The Colombian, who is involved in the wine business in both his homeland and Chile, had declared the assets held by his Bahamas-domiciled trust, the Cabo Verde Trust, as being worth $6.183m in both the 2016 and 2017 tax returns he submitted to his home country tax authorities. The valuation was based on the “historical cost” of

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CHALLENGE

SEBAS BASTIAN MP

RESORTS WORLD BIMINI

MARIO CAREY GAVIN CHRISTIE

Minister concedes GB’s progress

waiting too long

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday conceded that Grand Bahama residents have waited too long for much-promised projects to materialise but argued the island is now seeing the benefts of a broad economic recovery supported by more than $3.5bn in investments.

Speaking during the 2026/2027 Budget debate in Parliament, Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama, said criticism about the pace of development on the island was not entirely misplaced.

"I hear people when they speak about Grand Bahama, and sometimes I can say you're correct. You are correct. Grand Bahama has waited too long for some things. You are correct. Some projects have taken longer than our people expected, and you are correct. There are still roads to fx, communities to restore, and services to strengthen,” she added. "Grand Bahamians want to feel progress, not just hear about progress."

Mrs Moxey argued, however, that much of the work required to move major projects forward occurs behind the scenes and is not always visible to the public.

"Sometimes the work begins with approvals. Sometimes it begins with land acquisition. Sometimes it begins with environmental review, technical work, fnancing, procurement, legal work, stakeholder meetings and clearing long-standing obstacles that should have been addressed decades ago,” she added.

The Minister said that work has helped support investor confdence and what she described as more than $3.5bn in investments connected to Grand Bahama's development.

Mrs Moxey pointed to tourism growth as evidence of the island's recovery, saying Grand Bahama welcomed more than one million visitors and

recorded a 91.2 percent increase in arrivals while leading the country in air arrivals growth - albeit from a very low starting point.

"That is a major rebound. That is confdence returning. That is cruise tourism expanding. That is businesses seeing movement again," the minister said.

She said the benefts are beginning to reach taxi drivers, vendors, restaurants, entertainers, tour operators and small businesses after years of economic hardship following Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs Moxey highlighted a number of projects she said are advancing, including the $600m Celebration Key development, MSC's cruise port project, the Grand Bahama International Airport redevelopment, the Grand Lucayan redevelopment, the Freeport Health Campus, Doctors Hospital's facility and expansion at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

Mrs Moxey also outlined housing initiatives, including plans for 18 homes at Wellington Pinder Estates, development of a 100-acre tract under consideration by the Ministry of Housing and construction on 30 lots already owned by the Government.

Addressing criticism on the pace of development, she said: "When people ridicule the process, I say if they only knew what it takes to move a stalled project from talk to action, from fle to feld, from delay to delivery."

Mrs Moxey urged residents to prepare themselves for opportunities generated by new investments. "Get ready, get trained, get certifed, register your business, improve your skills, position yourself, because progress creates opportunity, but preparation determines who can access it,” she added.

"Some progress you can see, some progress is the groundwork that makes construction possible, but whether visible or behind the scenes, Grand Bahama is moving."

RF Group makes eight executive promotions

A BAHAMIAN-headquartered investment bank has unveiled eight executive-level appointments across its Caribbean network in what it hailed as one of its largest promotional exercises.

RF Group (RF), in a statement, said the appointments span the full breadth of its core functions including fnancial governance, product and business development, human resources, marketing and customer service. Women account for

seven of the eight executive appointments.

“At RF, we strive to deliver premier service,” said Michael Anderson, RF Group’s executive chairman. “These strategic appointments are as much a celebration of our staf as they are a commitment to perfecting the client experience across our regional network.”

Gerhard Beukes, vice-president and head of funds and investment banking, will now take on additional role as RF

Minister rejects FNM’s calls for Grand Lucayan answers

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday declined to answer Opposition questions on the status of the Grand Lucayan’s redevelopment and when all former resort workers will receive outstanding payments

Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama, dismissed inquiries about the long-awaited project and a $60,000 government allocation linked to a Youth Innovators Club initiative when speaking in Parliament.

The exchange began when Frazette Gibson, the Central Grand Bahama MP, asked Mrs Moxey to explain the $60,000 allocation and sought an update on the Grand Lucayan redevelopment, asking about the status of the project and when payments would be made to workers terminated during the resort's transition to Concord Wilshire’s ownership.

When asked by the deputy speaker, Sylvanus Petty, whether she intended to answer the question, Mrs Moxey replied: "Not at this time." She then challenged the premise of the inquiry. "Not at this time, but still, the point is I don't know what she's talking about," Mrs Moxey said. "I don't even know if she knows what she's talking about."

Pressed again on whether she would answer, Mrs Moxey replied: "Yeah, she can put it on the record because I have no idea what she's talking about."

Kwasi Thompso, the east Grand Bahama MP, then intervened, noting that the matter appeared in Ministry of Finance procurement records. He asked Mrs Moxey to specify what the $60,000 allocation was for and who received it. He also sought an update

on the Grand Lucayan redevelopment. No answer was provided to either question. Mr Petty subsequently noted that Mrs Moxey had already indicated she would not answer and moved proceedings to the next speaker. The unanswered questions come as the Government continues to tout the Grand Lucayan redevelopment as one of Grand Bahama's most signifcant economic projects.

In April, Concord Wilshire and its partners unveiled a multi-phase redevelopment agreement for the property that includes a cruise resort, marina village, casino

resort, residential development and a major overhaul of the existing hotel.

The agreement was presented as a framework for moving the long-stalled redevelopment forward following years of uncertainty over the Government's eforts to divest the property.

During her contribution, Mrs Moxey also addressed the Government's relationship with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), insisting the administration is pursuing co-operation while continuing to press for accountability.

"Some say we should work with the Grand Bahama Port Authority instead of fghting, but the truth is we are already engaged," she said. Mrs Moxey said she has already held her frst meeting with the GBPA since returning to ofce. "Working together does not mean ignoring obligations. Collaboration does not mean silence. Partnership does not mean the people of Grand Bahama should settle for less than they deserve,” she added.

Her comments follow a major arbitration ruling earlier this year involving the Government and the Port Authority. The Davis administration had sought approximately $357m in damages, arguing that the GBPA and afliated entities failed to meet obligations related to Freeport's development. The arbitration tribunal rejected the Government's monetary claims but upheld the state's authority to regulate and legislate for Freeport, a point the Government later described as an important victory despite the fnancial claim being dismissed. Mrs Moxey signalled that the administration intends to continue applying pressure where it believes obligations are not being met. "Where collaboration is possible, we will collaborate. Where accountability is required, we will insist. Where projects must move, we will push," she said. "We are not fghting for the sake of fghting. We are working, co-ordinating and pressing for progress because Grand Bahama deserves results."

Bahamas chief executive with efect from February 26, 2026.

The investment house said he will continue to build out RF’s investment funds and investment banking area. It added that Mr

Beukes, during his career, has managed companies and held positions in a wide range of sectors, while executing transactions valued at more than $2bn in 12 countries.

Other promotions include:

* Candice Murton-Catalyn, vice-president and chief fnancial ofcer

* Shervanna Deleveaux, vice-president and chief human resources ofcer

* Rachael Allahar, vice-president and chief marketing ofcer

* Frances Anderson, assistant vice-president, fnancial controller

* Tifany Gibson, assistant vice-president, business development and private wealth

* Dionne Best, assistant vice-president, business development and Barbados country head (subject to regulatory approval)

Janeen Bethel, assistant vice-president, international investments and banking

RF Group said that, beyond the eight executive-level appointments, further promotions and hirings were carried out at the non-executive level to support operational restructuring and work fow optimisation.

GRAND LUCAYAN

RF BANK & Trust has announced new executive appointments and promotions. From L to R: Candice Murton-Catalyn, Shervanna Deleveaux, Dionne Best, Frances Anderson, Gerhard Beukes, Rachael Allahar, Janeen Bethel and Tiffany Gibson.

GINGER MOXEY

Pharmacy concern over drug plan’s NHI switch

BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net

PHARMACISTS yesterday voiced concerns that they may face late and delayed payment once Government completes the National Prescription Drug Plan’s (NPDP) transfer from the National Insurance Board (NIB) to the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

The concerns come as the NPDP is already grappling with temporary shortages of some medications used to treat chronic illnesses, forcing programme administrators to activate emergency procurement measures and seek alternative supply sources while awaiting replenishment shipments.

The Tribune reported in May 2025 that the NHI Authority was set to take control of the prescription drug programme on February 1, 2026. However, one pharmacy operator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the plan will shift to NHI on July 1. They pointed to growing fnancial uncertainty tied to government reimbursement systems, particularly as the NPDP prepares for integration into the NHI Authority.

“With government, their margins are very, very small… so really and truly, it’s just a cash in and cash out system,” the pharmacist said.

“There are times that we have to wait for our payments from the government,” they added, noting that while larger pharmacies may be able to absorb delays, smaller operators are more vulnerable to cash fow pressure. “Luckily for us, we make sure that we don’t have that cash fow issue,” the pharmacist said. “But for some pharmacies, very small pharmacies, that is an issue.

“I’m going to be quite honest with you, the next biggest thing we are going to have to deal with is NHI,” the pharmacist said, adding that the sector is “very concerned about how we are going to get paid”.

They added that, under the current NIB system, payments, while occasionally delayed, are usually predictable. “Prior to July 1 coming up, payments have always been made by NIB… you might have had to wait a month or two, but you knew you were going to get your money,” the pharmacist said. “Now… the Government is now switching that over to NHI, which is now going to be government paid.

“How is it I have to wait six months to get paid, which is common for some people,” they said, adding that some contractors already face signifcant delays in government arrears.

The transition also comes as the Government expands the NHI programme, and funding arrangements remain unclear to some providers. “They’re expanding the system. But they have yet to explain how they’re

paying for the system,” the pharmacist said.

The concerns are amplifed by recent issues within the wider NHI system where doctors and other healthcare providers have reported delayed payments, raising fears among pharmacies that similar challenges could emerge under the expanded drug plan.

“It’s a legitimate concern,” the pharmacist said. “You’ve been having issues paying these people, now all of a sudden you take on more burden.” They also highlighted diferences between medical services and pharmaceutical supply chains, noting that pharmacies face less predictable demand.

“When you come to pharmaceuticals, you don’t know how many people are coming in there for an antibiotic… that fuctuates from month to month,” the pharmacist said.

Another pharmacist acknowledged that supply chain issues are not unique to The Bahamas. Philip Gray, chief executive of Quality Care Pharmacy, said while occasional shortages exist, they are not currently at alarming levels.

“There are a couple but not in a major way,” Mr Gray said. “In any market, at any given point, there is the possibility that the availability of a medication may be difcult [to obtain] at any given point in time.”

He added that global events continue to infuence pharmaceutical supply chains, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong local distribution systems.

“Particularly during periods when you have actions like the war going on, you just want to sort of be on what we need for the country,” Mr Gray said, adding that local distributors “do a good job” managing coverage.

Still, for the anonymous pharmacist, the convergence of supply instability, procurement delays and an impending shift in payment administration raises broader concerns about system readiness.

Speaking on the medication shortage, they alleged that the tendering process for NPDP has long been slow and increasingly strained. They claimed the process worsened following the COVID-19 pandemic, but was signifcantly exacerbated by global disruptions that intensifed competition for limited pharmaceutical supply.

The pharmacist warned that Bahamas-based procurement delays can push the country further down the queue in global distribution chains.

“If we slow on uptake, and if we don’t have our ducks in a row as a country or as a government, then you can see where shortages will occur,” the pharmacist said. “If Cayman ready, and Jamaica ready and Trinidad ready, and we ain’t ready, we go to the back of the line.”

Liquor merchants brace for further regulatory reforms

BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net

ALCOHOL merchants already grappling with the uncertainties and delays involving a new regulatory regime now face further supervisory change with looming fee increases and the creation of a Liquor Review Board.

The latest changes, contained in the Business Licence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, build on sweeping reforms frst unveiled in 2025 that introduced stricter oversight of liquor-related businesses, new registration requirements and greater scrutiny of where and how alcohol is sold.

The efort announced last year was portrayed as a major overhaul of liquor licensing rules designed to curb the proliferation of such establishments, particularly in residential communities and inner-city New Providence.

Under those reforms, all businesses selling alcohol are required to obtain a registration certifcate from the Department of Inland Revenue before applying for or renewing a Business Licence.

New applicants were also required to apply at least 90 days before opening to allow for public consultation and regulatory review. Government ofcials said applications would be assessed based on factors such as the concentration of liquor stores in a particular area, proximity to schools and places of worship, and the suitability of premises. The reforms also targeted business models that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic including the prohibition of walk-up liquor “cages”, drive-through alcohol sales, take-away restaurants selling alcohol through service windows, and alcohol sales by convenience stores and other non-traditional outlets.

Now, the 2026 amendments represent the next phase of that process. Among the changes is the requirement to obtain a certifcate of endorsement, which will come with a fee of $250. Currently, those in the industry seeking to obtain or renew a Business Licence for a liquor establishment must pay a $100 fee for a certifcate of registration. When asked about the prospect of paying $250 for a certifcate of endorsement,

Sebas promises national development’s overhaul

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday said the Government plans to overhaul how national development is managed by creating a permanent institution responsible for tracking progress, updating priorities and ensuring long-term goals remain set despite changes in political administrations.

Sebas Bastian, innovation and national development minister, in contributing to the 2026-2027 Budget debate argued that development plans cannot efectively guide a country if they are drafted and then left dormant as governments change.

"A plan completed in draft, then left largely untouched as administrations changed, cannot guide a nation in real time," he said.

Mr Bastian revealed that the National Development Plan secretariat has completed a comprehensive review of Vision 2040, the existing plan, assessing both the country's progress and areas where objectives remain unmet.

"The National Development Plan secretariat has completed a full review of Vision 2040, measuring what we have achieved, what remains outstanding and what must be renewed,” he added.

Mr Bastian said the review has informed a new approach to national planning that will move beyond static policy documents towards a system of continuous evaluation and implementation.

George Robinson Jnr, owner of Base Road Wholesale Bar, said businesses are prepared to comply.

“We made up our mind whatever it is, we just have to pay it,” he said. “You can’t go against the Government. They got fve more years there, and nothing we can do about that. So we just got to go along with it. I don’t know if they are going to deduct it from our annual estimate. We just got to wait and see what happens.” Industry participants are also currently dealing with challenges surrounding the licensing process. Mr Robinson said the Department of Inland Revenue is currently unable to print Business Licences because of an issue afecting its system.

“In terms of printing the Business Licence, they’re having a problem with their system, so they’re not able to print the licence right now,” he said. “So they’re waiting to get that sorted out. No one really has their licence as yet.”

The delay, according to Mr Robinson, has given operators additional time to complete renovations and upgrades needed to satisfy the Government’s suitability requirements.

implementation across government,” he added.

"The National Development Plan will no longer be a document we complete and set aside. It will be a living instrument — continuously reviewed, always current, resourced by full-time professionals and grounded in real data - that shapes how this government, and every government after it, chooses its priorities,” he added.

To support that objective, Mr Bastian disclosed that legislation has already been drafted to establish a National Planning and Development Institute that would function as an independent statutory body charged with overseeing implementation of the country's long-term development strategy.

"The Secretariat has already drafted legislation for a National Planning and Development Institute — an independent statutory body, with dedicated staf to oversee the plan, measure our progress, and hold the nation's development to account, beyond the reach of any political cycle,” he added.

Mr Bastian said the Government also intends to strengthen execution by creating a ‘delivery division’ within the Ministry of Innovation and National Development (MIND).

"Within MIND, we are establishing a delivery division — the execution engine that turns the plan into action and co-ordinates

Mr Bastian argued that national development planning must adapt to emerging economic realities and industries that were not contemplated when Vision 2040 was frst prepared.

As part of that efort, Mr Bastian announced plans for a National AI Literacy initiative aimed at equipping Bahamians with skills needed for a technology-driven economy. "We will establish a National AI Literacy initiative," he said.

"Through it, we will launch training opportunities both online and in person, bringing worldclass courses in artifcial intelligence, software development, AI-powered productivity tools, and the emerging skills a modern economy demands.”

Mr Bastian said the Government also plans to work alongside the education

“So everybody has free time to do what they have to do in terms of renovations,” Mr Robinson said. Another major component of the reforms is the planned establishment of a new Liquor Review Board. The board would review applications for certifcates of endorsements, conduct public consultations for those seeking endorsement and make recommendations on whether to award a Business Licence. The move has been welcomed by operators who argued that stronger oversight is needed to ensure compliance and restore confdence in the sector.

“We welcome that, because we really need to get back to where we were,” Mr Robinson said. “We welcome the new Board and everything, and we just want to get back to where it was before and go from there.” He added that the Board should focus on addressing long-standing concerns about illegal or non-compliant operators. “We got to be paying strict attention to those who we knew were breaking the law,” Mr Robinson said. “But until they have the new Board formed and everything, then we will go from there.”

system to prepare younger Bahamians for the changing labour market. "We will work closely with the Ministry of Education, supporting them as they introduce artifcial intelligence into our classrooms,” he added.

Mr Bastian said the revised development framework will place greater emphasis on sectors that have emerged since Vision 2040 was frst conceived. "We will write in the sectors that did not exist when Vision 2040 was penned — artifcial intelligence, digital services, fntech, space technology,” he promised.

The minister said those industries will play an increasingly important role in shaping the country's economic future and ensuring The Bahamas remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

PUBLIC NOTICE

e owner/s of Lot #20 on the Eastern Side of (Rupert Dean Lane) O Meadow Street, BLOCK NO#184

Please contact MR MICHEAL MOSS at 421-1782

NOTICE OF VACANCY

A well-established organization is seeking a quali ed candidate for the position of Tour Facilitator / Education Coordinator e successful candidate will coordinate and deliver engaging tours, educational programmes, workshops, and cultural experiences that promote Bahamian history, culture, and environmental stewardship.

Quali cations

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, History, Cultural Studies, Tourism, Hospitality, or a related eld (preferred);

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in teaching, guiding, pro gramme facilitation, or cultural interpretation;

• Strong communication and public speaking skills;

• Knowledge of Bahamian heritage and culture;

• Ability to work e ectively with children, adults, and diverse groups.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resumé, copies of relevant quali cations, and two professional references to: info.hrdepartment.careers@gmail.com

Application Deadline: June 29, 2026

Over $20m damages sought on commission non-payment

duo that remain ongoing in both The Bahamas and south Florida amid their bitter break-up and family feud.

However, Mr Capo is urging the Miami-Dade County Circuit Court to dismiss and strike-out the legal claim brought by Mr Reyes. The RAV Bahamas chief, in further legal flings obtained by Tribune Business, branded many of his son-in-law’s claims as “improper” and vehemently denied any wrongdoing, while asserting that the matter was “nothing more than a simple employment dispute”.

Arguing that dismissal of the entire case is justifed because Mr Reyes is not licensed as a real estate broker or salesman in Florida, and therefore cannot claim the commission he asserts he is entitled to, Mr Capo also alleged that the claim lacked supporting evidence and specifcs. He also suggested that, similar to how The Bahamas’ own Limitation Act works, many of his son-in-law’s allegations are time or statute-barred because they were not brought within the

time limits set by Florida law.

Mr Capo then claimed that his son-in-law, by naming him as a defendant personally, was engaging in “a fagrant misuse of the litigation process” because Mr Reyes’ employment contract was with RAV Bahamas, a corporate entity. He argued that this was “a thinly-veiled attempt to harass” him and gain leverage in their ongoing legal battles.

Yet it is the tax-related claims that will likely attract most attention, with Mr Reyes naming both RAV Bahamas and OPAC Bahamas, both of which are Bahamian-domiciled and registered entities, as defendants. Besides failing to pay him his alleged commission, Mr Capo’s sonin-law is claiming: “Another aim of Capo’s alter ego structure was to commit tax fraud and evasion against the Bahamian government.

“To that end, Capo employed a host of fnancial manipulations and fraudulent schemes through these entities to avoid taxes, including recording fctitious and unsupported transactions in the books and records of RAV and OPAC; systematic deferrals

of revenue that, in fact, had been earned so that such revenue would fall outside the applicable tax reporting periods; and substantial manipulation of inter-company accounts to generate artifcial expenses at the revenue-generating level, thereby suppressing reportable income.”

Mr Reyes’ lawsuit gave no dollar fgure for the amount of Bahamian taxes and fees that were evaded, but he added: “Over the course of two decades, these fraudulent tactics allowed RAV and OPAC to avoid paying millions of dollars that they owed in VAT, NIB contributions and Immigration-related fees and levies that were lawfully due and payable to the Government of The Bahamas.

“This fraud was partially confrmed through ofcial governmental action, as the Bahamian government, following a VAT audit of OPAC’s books and records, discovered sufcient irregularities to compel OPAC to enter into a formal payment plan for the repayment of millions of dollars in unpaid VAT obligations.”

Mr Reyes’ lawsuit is claiming damages for alleged breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraud

and equitable accounting. While Mr Capo exercised control over Bimini Bay’s fnances, he is alleging that - from 2011 onwards - he “spearheaded” the management, development and sales for Bimini Bay, the island’s so-called ‘anchor resort’ property prior to the tie-up up with Genting, the Malaysian gaming and hospitality conglomerate, that resulted in RAV Bahamas becoming a 22 percent minority owner.

Central to the MiamiDade legal battle is Mr Reyes’ claim that his employment agreement entitled him to a 15 percent commission on the net proceeds generated by the sale of developed property, plus 10 percent on vacant land transactions. He alleges that he has yet to receive more than a pittance of this sum.

“RAV has been immensely successful in the Bimini Bay project, which has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate sales and generates millions in annual revenues through a casino resort and other attractions,” Mr Reyes’ lawsuit alleges.

“RAV generated $147m in sales during the term of Mr Reyes’ agreement stemming from well over

100 real estate transactions. Upon information and belief, based on those sales Mr Reyes has accrued, and is owed, compensation in excess of $20m. But RAV failed to pay anything but a tiny fraction of the amount Mr Reyes is owed.”

The latter alleged that the $147m was broken down into $32m generated from the sale of condominiums, single family homes and marina slips at Bimini Bay itself, plus a further $115m stemming from 45 high-end residences in the nearby Rockwell Island subdivision.

Mr Reyes is claiming that, every time he spoke to Mr Capo requesting payment, his father-in-law would state that RAV Bahamas “was not proftable and did not have sufcient liquidity” resulting in deferral of his compensation. The son-inlaw alleged that he trusted Mr Capo “to his detriment”, and believed the latter was being honest, especially given that they were family as a result of his marriage to his step-daughter.

Turning to the relationship between Mr Capo, RAV Bahamas and OPAC Bahamas, Mr Reyes described the two companies as “alter ego entities”

that were completely dominated by his father-in-law and featured commingled fnances and “sham transactions” designed to deceive the Bahamian tax authorities and others “out of millions of dollars”.

He claims that “bogus management fees and fake loans” were among the techniques employed to shift funds from RAV Bahamas, which he asserts was proftable, to OPAC Bahamas. “Whenever RAV earned signifcant revenues from its operating activities - real estate sales, electricity department profts and profts from its marina, Capo would cause OPAC to submit or record fctitious invoices to RAV,” Mr Reyes alleged, resulting in his father-in-law stating the company was at a “break even” or a loss.

“Indeed, a RAV executive conceded that the company always carried a (fake) outstanding receivable to OPAC of approximately $10m-$15m so that on paper RAV could avoid its fnancial obligations to third parties… In truth, RAV was highly profitable during the relevant period….”

foreign real estate purchasers as owner-occupied.

Michael Halkitis, minister of fnance, during the 20262027 Budget presentation revealed that such owners must use the property as their primary residence as he foreshadowed a move away from the current regime that mandates they spend a minimum 180 days in The Bahamas.

“That’s fair enough,” Mr Carey told this newspaper. “It’s too difcult for them to count days, and the person must show it’s their primary residence versus an Airbnb or vacation rental.

It’s something they have got Investments Board approval on to qualify as their primary residence.”

Mr Halkitis disclosed that the Government is moving to create a “twotier real property tax system that clearly distinguishes between Bahamian-owned and foreign-owned properties” through the creation of a new foreign owner-occupied tax-paying category. Those who qualify will pay a rate of 0.625 percent, with the amount of annual tax payable capped at $200,000. Mr Carey, though, argued that the cap should be set much higher for the wealthiest foreign property

NOTICE

IN THE ESTATE of JANE GERTRUDE COLLINS late of Little Orchard Abaco, one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having any claim or demands against the above named Estate are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of the same duly certifed in writing to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of July A.D., 2026, and if required, prove such debts or claims, or in default be excluded from any distribution; after the above date the assets will be distributed having regard only to the proved debts or claims of which the Executor shall then have had Notice.

And Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the aforementioned date.

MICHAEL A. DEAN & CO., Attorneys for the Executor Alvernia Court, 49A Dowdeswell Street P.O. Box N-3114 Nassau, The Bahamas

owners in The Bahamas - and potentially even eliminated for those who enjoy the most valuable private islands. He argued that their means are such that they can aford higher tax payments and this will not be a deterrent to either foreign direct investment (FDI) or real estate sales.

“They should go above $200,000,” he argued. “If someone owns a property above $20m, there’s no Bahamian close to that price point. The cap should be higher. Islands should be taxed higher. If you are paying $100m for an island you should not be paying $200,000 in property taxes. It makes no sense. If they own an island, there should be another tier.

“If they own a home over $20m, no matter what happened in the past they should be paying $300,000, not $200,000. I know people that work on these islands, and they say a bottle of wine is worth more than that, or champagne, or cognac. It’s a joke to these guys.”

The Government is forecasting that it will realise $24m in real property taxes from the new foreign owner-occupied category during the 2026-2027 Budget year,

with this fgure increasing to $26.5m and $28.3m in the upcoming 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 fscal periods, respectively. Not all of this will be ‘new’ revenues as many of these properties and their owners will have previously been included in other real property taxpayer categories.

Gavin Christie, managing partner at the Corcoran C.A. Christie real estate frm, told Tribune Business that the switch from ‘180 days’ to ‘primary residence’ as the test for determining whether foreigners fall into the owner-occupied category, together with the new rate and $200,000 ‘cap’, represents a “balancing act” where The Bahamas is seeking to still encourage FDI but, at the same time, create more opportunity for Bahamians.

“I think that, with the new category, it kind of signals a small policy shift, and it’s tied to the need to provide and create more access for Bahamians,” Mr Christie added, “but still wanting to welcome that foreign investment. As always, with FDI, there’s a thin line that we walk.

“We want to still encourage them to come into our market and invest in our

market. I think it’s kind of a balancing act, and I think the Government are trying to simplify the system by removing the 180 days and moving it to more of a residency test. It’s a way of kind of modernising the system a bit, moving away from 180 days as to whether it’s a primary residence or non-resident.”

Mr Christie, though, warned that legislative and policy clarity are key. “With my experience with FDI, there are a few things,” he said. “It has to be very clear. There has to be a lot of clarity and execution has to be on point as well. It’s ease of doing business. If someone is paying for something they want to be 100 percent clear what it is and ensure they get value.

“It is a balancing act that comes back to clarity and also then the proper execution and value. People just want to ensure that whatever they are paying for there is value there. Overall, the Budget would be what I consider to be a positive step for the industry, but particularly for frst-time home buyers. All in all, a positive Budget and a progressive Budget.”

Mr Carey also praised the Government’s decision to extend the VAT exemption for frst-time home buyers to cover the entirety of duplexes, triplexes and larger complexes even if the owner is living in just one unit.

Describing such accommodation as “the perfect model for Bahamians”, he urged the Government to incentivise their increased development and re-zone ‘single family’ areas to ‘multi-family’ where feasible.

NOTICE

IN THE ESTATE of IRVIN LEON KNOWLES A.K.A IRWYN LEON KNOWLES late of the Settlement of McKenzie, Long Island, one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased.

And Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the aforementioned date.

MICHAEL A. DEAN & CO.,

Attorneys for the Executor Alvernia Court, 49A Dowdeswell Street P.O. Box N-3114 Nassau, The Bahamas

NOTICE

IN THE ESTATE of NATHLEE LOUISE BROWN AKA NATALIE LOUISE BROWN late of James Street Dundas Town Abaco, one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased.

And Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the aforementioned date.

MICHAEL A. DEAN & CO.,

Attorneys for the Executor

Alvernia Court, 49A Dowdeswell Street P.O. Box N-3114 Nassau, The Bahamas

“It’s a good start,” he told Tribune Business on eliminating 10 percent VAT on the purchase. “The banks are using that [rental] income to help qualify people for a mortgage, too.

It’s good the Government are doing that. I like it.

“With that in mind, the Government should encourage developers to develop more multi-family properties because it’s the perfect model for Bahamians. The failure rate for multi-family property is lower. The development costs are so high. The Government can subsidise this activity by eliminating tax on the transfer. There’s ways they can make the developer subsidise some of that infrastructure cost to make it more afordable.

“There’s a formula there to be looked at. A Bahamian owning a duplex or something similar is a formula that works. That should be a priority. Any sound land owner in an area zoned multi-family should make the property more afordable. If there’s a rezoning ability to take an area in transition from single family to multi-family it should be a priority for the Government to rezone.” Mr Halkitis, in the Budget presentation, said:

“We are therefore extending VAT relief for frst-time homeowners by expanding zero-rated treatment to include multi-unit properties such as fourplexes, triplexes, and duplexes; particularly where at least one unit is owner-occupied. To clarify, this VAT relief will be on the entire building rather than just the proportion where the frst-time homeowner resides.

“This reform reduces the upfront cost of home ownership, supports smallscale investment and rental income, and refects how Bahamians are increasingly entering the housing market today. This measure takes immediate efect, helping more Bahamians to own property, build equity and generate income.” ‘Clarity

NOTICE

IN THE ESTATE of ROBERT WILFRED HALL late of Ethel Street, Montell Heights, in the Eastern District of the Island of New Providence, one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased.

And Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the aforementioned date.

MICHAEL A. DEAN & CO.,

Attorneys for the Executor Alvernia Court, 49A Dowdeswell Street P.O. Box N-3114 Nassau, The Bahamas

JP Morgan challenge rests on Act’s ‘statutory immunity’

CHALLENGE - from page B1

acquiring the underlying operating companies held by the trust.

However, JP Morgan, as trustee, failed to properly update its records to show the trust was an entity that did not have to be reported or disclosed to the Colombian tax agency, DIAN, under the provisions of The Bahamas’ Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information Act 2016. And, in addition to inadvertently disclosing its clients assets, JP Morgan’s Bahamas afliate compounded this error by valuing the trust’s assets at “market value” rather than the “historical cost” method employed by Mr Kassin.

As a result, it declared that the trust’s assets were worth $22.732m and $20.813m for the 2017 and 2018 tax years, respectively - providing valuations that were three times’ higher

than those submitted to the Colombian tax authorities by Mr Kassin. This “discrepancy” resulted in the latter having to pay a combined $2.516m in penalties and an “additional wealth tax”, and Mr Kassin sought to recover this sum from the Bahamian trust company on the basis that it had incorrectly disclosed his assets and over-valued them.

Mr Kassin, in seeking to resist JP Morgan’s appeal of Justice Darville-Gomez’s previous verdict, argued that it was an attempt to re-litigate her earlier December 18, 2025, ruling and none of the 15 grounds cited had “a realistic prospect of success”. He also alleged that the fnancial institution had not shown it was at “real risk of injustice”.

However, central to JP Morgan’s appeal is section 14 (5) Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information Act 2016, and whether the legal immunity and protection it ofers both

National identity card also on Gov’t agenda

UPGRADE - from page B1

into a computer.” To address those inefciencies,

Mr Bastian said artifcial intelligence will be incorporated into government operations to automate routine administrative

tasks and speed up service delivery.

“We will go behind these systems, redesign the processes and bring artifcial intelligence to the work itself, so that what once required a person at every step can increasingly be

Top US diplomat criticises lack of Task Force meetings

ALERT - from page B1

is no longer being framed simply as an unregulated industry. Rather, there is now recognition that laws and regulations do exist, but that enforcement remains the central concern.”

Ms Charlton said responsible operators have long called for stronger oversight. “Licensed operators have invested in safety, professionalism, training, insurance and compliance. Non-compliant actors operating outside the law are the ones who create risk and damage the reputation of the wider industry,” she said.

“The lack of diferentiation between legitimate, accountable operators and unlawful operators creates confusion for visitors and unfairly harms compliant businesses. A video like the one released may lead viewers to assume that all operators are unsafe, which does not refect the standards maintained by many reputable Bahamian companies.”

the Ministry of Finance and Bahamian fnancial institutions overrides - and ofers a complete defence to - Mr Kassin’s claim.

The relevant section states that “no action, suit, prosecution or other proceedings shall be brought or instituted against the Competent Authority or a Bahamas fnancial institution, its employees, agents or assigns, in respect of any lawful disclosure done bona fde in pursuance, execution or intended execution of the Act”.

Setting out both sides’ positions, Justice Darville-Gomez wrote: “The defendant [JP Morgan] submitted that this is not merely an ordinary defence to liability, but a statutory immunity from proceedings being brought at all. It says that, if the immunity applied, the litigation burden itself is the mischief Parliament intended to avoid.

“The claimant [Mr Kassin], however, submitted

handled automatically,” he added,.

Mr Bastian also announced plans for SmartGov, a suite of AI-powered tools intended to assist public servants with research, correspondence and administrative work.

“To our civil servants, we will bring SmartGov — AI tools that take on the briefs, the research, the correspondence, the busy work,

incident during his vacation in Nassau.

that the immunity cannot be determined without trial because the case concerned the defendant’s alleged gross negligence and breach of trustee duties in failing to maintain accurate records and failing to correct the trust’s Common Reporting Standard classifcation, and not merely the act of disclosure.”

Finding that JP Morgan had raised an “arguable point”, the judge added: “The intended appeal raises a real question as to the scope and timing of section 14(5) - whether, on assumed facts, the statutory bar can or should be determined at an interlocutory stage, or whether the factual and fduciary context requires trial before the statutory protection can be applied…..

“This issue also has a dimension beyond the immediate parties. The statutory reporting regime under the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information Act

and hand them back their time,” he said.

At the centre of the modernisation strategy will be a national digital identity system designed to allow government agencies to securely share information and verify identities.

“At the heart of this connected government will be a secure national ID card,” said Mr Bastian. He argued that citizens currently face unnecessary administrative

2016 applies to fnancial institutions operating within The Bahamas and to the Competent Authority (Ministry of Finance). The proper construction of section 14(5), and the circumstances in which it may be invoked at a preliminary stage, are matters of continuing practical importance to the operation of that regime. “I am satisfed that the proposed appeal raises issues of wider public importance concerning the operation of statutory immunity under the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information Act and the relationship between domestic trust duties, Common Reporting Standard reporting obligations and claims arising from foreign tax consequences.”

Mr Kassin, in an August 27, 2020, e-mail told JP Morgan Trust Company (Bahamas) that it was in breach of the revocable trust agreement and

burdens when interacting with multiple government agencies.

“Today, proving who you are to your own government too often means carrying a stack of documents from one ofce to the next. A national ID card changes that,” he argued.

Mr Bastian said the broader objective is to create a connected government in which agencies communicate seamlessly

responsible for the penalties he had incurred due to it “mistakenly reporting the trust’s fnancial information to the Competent Authority without having any legal obligation to do so and against his alleged express instructions not to do so”. He called on it to compensate him for the tax penalty, but JP Morgan’s Bahamas subsidiary argued in an October 12, 2020, e-mailed reply that there was no breach of the trust agreement and any talk of reimbursement was “premature”. It later informed the Ministry of Finance on September 2, 2021, that the trust’s information was submitted erroneously due to “an inadvertent, isolated administrative mistake”.

JP Morgan’s consistent position has been that it is protected by both the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information Act and the Cabo Verde Trust’s governing instruments, and that the claim should be struck out.

while protecting citizens’ information.

“Government systems must be designed to communicate securely, share information where appropriate, and support a seamless experience for citizens, businesses and investors,” he added, asserting that digital sovereignty would remain a priority as the Government expands its use of technology and data systems.

The Embassy said decades of inadequate enforcement have contributed to “a pattern of preventable tragedies”, including serious injuries and sexual assaults involving US citizens. It stated that since August 2024, six Americans have been hospitalised in jet ski-related incidents, with three requiring emergency medical evacuation to the US.

In 2025, the Embassy reported two sexual assault cases involving US women and jet ski operators, with two additional cases already recorded in 2026. It also cited the death of Alaska Air National Guard second lieutenant Robert Rosa in September 2025, describing it as a jet ski-related

Ms Charlton spoke out after the US Embassy in Nassau escalated and broadened its warnings from just advising caution, and that all federal government employees are banned from renting on and riding jet skis, to a security alert discouraging all Americans from using them. It described “serious and ongoing dangers” associated with renting jet skis in The Bahamas, and suggested that its move was sparked at least partially by what it alleged was the failure of this nation’s Jet Ski Task Force to meet frequently if at all.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, HENEL MICHEL of P.O. Box SB-51877, #10 Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas is 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 16th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I WALNER PIERRE of Munnings Drive #8, 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 9th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

According to the Embassy, rogue operators described as unlicensed, uninsured and using unsafe equipment, continue to solicit tourists at high-trafc beaches including Junkanoo Beach, Saunders Beach and Cabbage Beach, as well as near Nassau Cruise Port and small islands east of Paradise Island. It also said enforcement in designated rental zones is “sporadic at best”.

The advisory was reinforced by a public service announcement featuring US ambassador Herschel Walker, who issued a direct warning to travellers. “I have an important message for Americans visiting or living in The Bahamas,” Mr Walker said. “We’ve lost Americans’ lives to preventable accidents. Multiple visitors have been hospitalised.”

He also raised concerns about criminal activity linked to some operators, adding: “Americans have also been sexually assaulted by jet ski operators who take victims to isolated islands”, while “many watercrafts are unsafe, and operators are unlicensed and uninsured”.

Mr Walker said US government personnel are already prohibited from renting or using jet skis in Nassau and Paradise Island

due to safety risks. “Consider all the risks before you get on a jet ski in The Bahamas,” he said. “Your safety matters. If you need help, contact the embassy immediately.”

In a separate statement included in the US embassy’s release, Mr Walker acknowledged eforts by Bahamian authorities but said more decisive action is needed.

“The Jet Ski Task Force that was established last year is a meaningful frst step, and we are grateful for it — but a task force that does not meet cannot protect lives,” he said. “I am calling on the Government of The Bahamas to activate this task force, enforce existing regulations and take the concrete steps needed to bring real accountability to this industry.”

Mr Walker also emphasised potential collaboration with the private sector and government.

“Bahamian business owners and resort operators are ready and willing to be partners in making these waters safer — for tourists, for the Bahamian economy, and for the country’s reputation as a world-class destination. This is a real opportunity to make a lasting, positive change, and the Embassy stands ready to support that work,” he added.

Ms Charlton echoed that view, calling for

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I JEANNINE BELIAS of #27 Finlayson Street, Bain Town, 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 16th 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 DIEVLANDA DONZIR of Foxhill, 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 9th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

co-ordinated enforcement and clearer consumer protections. “Our government must act decisively to protect Bahamian businesses, reassure visitors and demonstrate that existing regulations are being enforced clearly, consistently and visibly,” she said. She further urged the introduction of a visible certifcation system to distinguish licensed operators from illegal vendors, arguing it would help restore consumer confdence and protect compliant businesses from reputational damage.

“We call for the urgent establishment of a visible certifcation system to help visitors identify reputable operators,” Ms Charlton

said. “Taking these actions protects the reputation, credibility and long-term strength of Bahamian tourism as a whole.

“As a reputable Bahamian company, we urge the Government, law enforcement and tourism stakeholders to immediately prioritise a co-ordinated enforcement plan.”

The US Embassy, meanwhile, is advising US citizens to avoid renting jet skis entirely, particularly around New Providence and Paradise Island. It has also urged travellers to stay alert near popular beaches and the cruise port, and to monitor weather and marine advisories.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, JOHNNY TANIS of P. O. Box N-9426, Gun Point, Eleuthera, Bahamas is 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 16th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I, LAKESHA GUSTAVE of Central Line Road, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas is 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 16th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I KASENDRA JEAN of Wood Alley, 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 16th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Stocks leap worldwide, and oil prices drop after the US and Iran reach a tentative deal on their war

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

STOCK markets rallied worldwide Monday, and oil prices eased after the United States and Iran reached a tentative deal to extend their ceasefre and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to get the global fow of crude going again.

The S&P 500 rose 1.7% on hopes that this time, the announcement of an IranU.S. agreement will mean a long-term fx to a confict that has worsened infation around the world. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 468 points, or 0.9%, to a record, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 3.1%.

Stocks got a lift after the price for a barrel of Brent crude oil fell 4.8% to $83.17, back to where it was in early March. While that’s still above its price of roughly $70 from before the war, it’s lower than the $100 plus it cost just a few

weeks ago. The hope is that lower oil prices will take pressure of households and businesses, which have had to pay higher prices for everything from food to fuel to fertilizer because of the war with Iran. Iran confrmed the deal, but it does not include a fnal agreement on issues like Iran’s nuclear program. Negotiations on that are expected to continue over the next 60 days, which leaves opportunity for hiccups that could derail the agreement. And even if the Strait of Hormuz does fully reopen on Friday as expected, it will likely take months for the energy industry to get back to full speed.

For now, though, relief swept through fnancial markets worldwide.

On Wall Street, stocks of companies with big fuel bills were instant winners.

United Airlines few 3.9% higher, and cruise operator

Royal Caribbean Group rose 6.6%. Stocks of companies enmeshed in the artifcial-intelligence industry also jumped. These stocks have yo-yoed in recent weeks, going from roaring to records to suddenly turning lower. The concern is whether such stocks shot too high, too fast because of AI mania, and their careening moves have sometimes reversed direction by the hour.

Micron Technology rallied 10.8%, and Advanced Micro Devices rose 7%.

Nvidia’s climb of 3.5% was the strongest force pushing the S&P 500 upward because the AI chip company is Wall Street’s most valuable company, giving it more weight on the index than any other.

SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket company that also owns the AI company xAI, rose 19.6% in its second day of trading on Wall Street. Its successful debut on the Nasdaq suggested plenty of demand still exists

among investors for AI. The market has given SpaceX a total value of more than $2.1 trillion, making it bigger than Exxon Mobil, Bank of America and CocaCola combined.

In the bond market, Treasury yields eased on hopes that lower oil prices will remove pressure on central banks to raise interest rates.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.47% from 4.48% late Friday.

Europe’s central bank last week became the frst major one in the world to raise interest rates because of the war with Iran. High interest rates can keep a lid on infation, but they also slow economies and undercut prices for all kinds of investments, including stocks and cryptocurrencies. They hit investments seen as the most expensive in particular, and some critics are calling the AI industry

Judge tosses lawsuit challenging civil rights agency’s pullback on transgender workplace protections

By CLAIRE SAVAGE Associated Press

A FEDERAL judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is unlawfully refusing to enforce workplace protections for transgender workers.

Chief Maryland District Judge George L. Russell III dismissed the case on Friday, saying the court lacks jurisdiction over the complaint,

and plaintif FreeState Justice, a Maryland LGBTQ+ advocacy group, lacks standing to pursue it.

“While deeply troubling, the Court agrees with Defendants that the EEOC’s decision to alter its investigations of gender identity discrimination claims constitutes a discretionary decision over which the Court lacks authority to review,” said Russell, a nominee of President Barack

a bubble where investment infated too far.

The Fed will announce its latest decision on interest rates later this week, which will be the frst under its new chair, Kevin Warsh. Traders see it as a near certainty that the Fed will leave its main interest rate steady after its two-day meeting ends Wednesday. Traders had been raising bets that the Fed may have to raise interest rates this year because of how much infation has accelerated and how solid the U.S. job market remains. But the tentative deal between the United States and Iran means traders are now betting on only a 57% chance of a hike this year, down from 71% a week ago, according to data from CME Group.

Obama, in a memorandum opinion fled Friday. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under the leadership of Chair Andrea Lucas, a Republican, moved swiftly to comply with President Donald Trump’s January 2025 executive order declaring two unchangeable sexes. The federal agency charged with enforcing laws against workplace discrimination has aggressively pared back protections for transgender workers, dropping lawsuits on their behalf as well as requiring heightened scrutiny for incoming discrimination complaints related to gender identity. On behalf of FreeState Justice, legal advocacy groups Democracy Forward and the National Women’s Law Center sued the EEOC in July 2025, alleging the agency’s “Trans Exclusion Policy” violates Supreme Court precedent, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fifth Amendment’s Equal Protection guarantee, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

Liz Theran, senior director of litigation for education and workplace justice at the National Women’s Law Center, said the organization is reviewing the decision, and “considering our options. Regardless of the outcome of this case, transgender people deserve workplaces free from discrimination, and we will continue fghting to ensure that federal civil rights protections apply to everyone they were designed to protect.”

She added that “the EEOC exists because people who faced workplace discrimination often had nowhere else to turn. This agency is charged with enforcing civil rights laws and cannot single out workers it wants to protect. No one should lose access to federal protections because of who they are.” The EEOC declined to comment on the lawsuit, and instead referred The Associated Press to the Department of Justice. The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The EEOC in its motion to dismiss argued that “allowing FreeState’s suit would thrust this Court into the role of an overseer that micromanages the Commission’s enforcement process,” according to court documents fled Oct. 15.

OPTIONS trader, and New York Knicks fan Ousama Fayek works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, June 15, 2026.

Photo:Richard Drew/AP

Blood pressure control starts before symptoms appear

HIGH blood pressure can afect the body long before a person feels a change. That makes regular screening, movement, sleep quality and early lifestyle changes essential.

In The Bahamas, cardiovascular prevention has special urgency.

The latest World Health Organisation (WHO) hypertension profle for The Bahamas estimates that 45 per cent of adults aged 30 to 79 had hypertension in 2019. That represents about 90,000 people. Among them, two out of three people have been diagnosed, half are on receiving treatment, and one out of fve had their blood pressure controlled.

Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) 2024 country profle also points to weight being a major chronic disease risk. Overweight and obesity afected three out of four people aged 15 and older in 2022. These factors can add pressure to heart and blood vessels.

“Blood pressure control begins with awareness and early action,” says Dr Juan G Lopez, medical cardiologist at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, specialising in complex cardiovascular conditions, echocardiography and preventive cardiovascular health. “Small decisions repeated every day can help reduce cardiovascular risk and support long-term health.”

Movement remains one of the most practical starting points.

Dr Lopez reports that regular physical activity can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, strengthen the heart and improve the way blood vessels respond. Aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, swimming,

cycling or dancing can be especially useful.

For adults, a realistic target is 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week, divided into sessions that ft daily life. Exercise also supports weight management and glucose metabolism, both connected to cardiovascular risk.

“Exercise works best when it becomes part of a routine,” Dr Lopez says. “People can begin with walking, build gradually and choose activities they can maintain.”

Sleep also plays a role in blood pressure control. Obstructive sleep apnea

can strain heart and blood vessels as breathing repeatedly pauses causing the inability of the body to fully rest. Warning signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, morning headaches, daytime fatigue and trouble concentrating.

A new study, led by researchers at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, found that patients with sleep apnea who used positive airway pressure therapy had lower blood pressure readings compared to patients not on treatment. Systolic pressure was about four points lower on average, while diastolic

pressure was more than two points lower.

Earlier lifestyle changes are gaining stronger attention. Baptist Health highlights updated guidance that supports physical activity, heart healthy eating, lower sodium intake, weight management, stress control and home blood pressure monitoring before medication for some adults with lower risk.

This approach fts a broader public health priority in The Bahamas. PAHO reported that the country advanced a Health Promotion and Wellness Bill in 2025 to support nutrition

Does future of healthcare depend on what happens between visits?

Healthcare has solved many of medicine's greatest challenges, but one of its most important blind spots remains.

Most health deterioration does not happen in hospitals, clinics, or physician ofces. It happens at home, between appointments, where subtle changes in mobility, cognition, medication adherence, vital signs, and daily function can quietly evolve long before they become clinically visible. The future of healthcare may depend on how efectively we close this visibility gap.

Patients leave hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, and physician ofces every day with little ongoing visibility into what happens next. A patient may appear stable at discharge and deteriorate days later. A senior may experience subtle mobility changes before a fall.

Blood pressure, oxygen levels, medication adherence, or cognitive function may change gradually long before a crisis becomes apparent. Most of these changes occur at home, outside direct clinical observation.

In many ways, healthcare still operates like a movie built from scattered snapshots. The challenge is no longer simply collecting data but maintaining

meaningful visibility into a patient's health journey between visits.

This has led to the emergence of a new concept: Early Warning Health Intelligence. More than remote monitoring, telehealth, wearables, or artifcial intelligence alone, it represents an infrastructure layer designed to support continuous visibility, earlier awareness, and proactive understanding of evolving health trends. Healthcare has traditionally been built around reactive intervention, often responding after symptoms worsen or complications become clinically visible. Yet many serious health events result from gradual physiologic, behavioural, and functional changes that develop over time.

Research supports the value of earlier awareness.

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, nearly one in fve patients experiences an adverse event within weeks of hospital discharge. Hypertension often progresses silently between ofce visits, while falls among older adults frequently follow subtle warning signs that go unnoticed. The challenge is magnifed by aging populations, chronic disease, and polypharmacy. As medication

policy and prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases.

For people and families, prevention begins with information they can use.

Checking blood pressure regularly, knowing personal risk, moving more, improv ing sleep and speaking with a healthcare professional can make daily care more efective.

“High blood pressure is common, and it deserves attention at every stage,” Dr Lopez says. “The earlier people

Dr Juan G Lopez,

medical cardiologist

build healthier routines, the more opportunity they have to protect their future health.”

Continuous Health Intelligence: maintaining ongoing awareness of health trends between care interactions and identifying evolving risks earlier.

Remember2, Inc. and Rm2.ai™ are among the organisations exploring this emerging category through a unifed health intelligence platform designed to support authorised caregivers, families, clinicians, and healthcare teams.

Rm2.ai™ identifes four foundational layers of Health Intelligence:

Continuous Monitoring focuses on ongoing visibility into vital signs, mobility, medication adherence, sleep, hydration, and other health indicators.

LiveVital Intelligence™ focuses on making health information visible and understandable for authorized caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals.

shortages, escalating costs, clinician burnout, and growing caregiving demands. Millions of adult children now care for aging parents remotely and often lack meaningful visibility into what happens between appointments or emergencies.

This challenge is especially relevant in geographically fragmented regions such as The Bahamas, rural communities, remote islands, and underserved areas where access to care may already be limited. In these settings, visibility may become as important as access itself.

CORLETTE

DEVEAUX, MBA CEO & Co-Founder, Remember2, Inc and Rm2.ai™

regimens become more complex, changes in cognition, mobility, sleep, adherence, and daily functioning may emerge gradually outside traditional clinical observation. Caregivers often notice something is wrong long before concerns become visible during scheduled appointments.

Rising healthcare costs further highlight the need for continuity and earlier

awareness. Healthcare cannot respond early to what it cannot meaningfully observe. This reality may shift healthcare from episodic intervention toward continuous health awareness. Historically, healthcare evolved through physical infrastructure such as hospitals and clinics, followed by digitization through electronic medical records. The next phase may be

Risk Signal Detection uses AI-supported pattern recognition to identify unusual changes or trends that may warrant earlier attention, without replacing clinical judgment.

Intelligent Alerts and Actions supports communication, reminders, care coordination, and escalation pathways when intervention may be needed.

Together, these layers create a framework for continuous visibility and earlier awareness across the care ecosystem.

This shift is becoming increasingly important as populations age, chronic disease rises, and healthcare systems face stafng

Early Warning Health Intelligence reframes healthcare from a system that primarily reacts to crises into one that supports earlier awareness before problems escalate. While not a guarantee of prevention or outcomes, it represents a new approach that requires continued research, regulatory oversight, and scientifc rigor. The implications extend beyond hospitals and physicians. Governments, insurers, employers, healthcare systems, caregivers, and families all face the same challenge: limited awareness between healthcare interactions.

Healthcare is increasingly moving beyond episodic encounters toward models that support greater continuity, visibility, and earlier awareness. The future of healthcare may depend not only on access to care, but on how efectively we understand and respond to what happens between visits.

Sleeping Butt Syndrome:

Yes, it’s real — and more common than you think

It’s not every day that a medical term brings a smile, but occasionally one pops up that’s too amusing to overlook—such as Sleeping Butt Syndrome. Yes, it’s real, and physiotherapists discuss it with straight faces! But before you envision your glutes cozied up under a blanket, let’s explore what this condition—formally known as gluteal amnesia—really entails and why it matters more than you might think.

Sleeping Butt Syndrome occurs when the glute muscles—comprising the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus—become weak, inactive, or fail to perform their essential

functions. These powerful muscles are crucial in activities like walking, climbing stairs, lifting, and stabilizing the pelvis. When they “switch of,” other muscles, such as those in the lower back, hamstrings, or hip fexors, step up to take over. Unfortunately, these compensatory muscles aren’t always happy about the extra workload, leading to pain, stifness, poor posture, and an increased risk of injury. So while the term sounds humorous, the reality is serious.

Why has Sleeping Butt Syndrome become so prevalent? The answer lies in our modern lifestyle.

If there were awards for the most neglected body part in the 21st century, glutes would sweep the podium. Our daily routines revolve around prolonged sitting—working at desks, commuting in cars, lounging on sofas, and scrolling through phones. This constant cycle leads to two main issues:

1. Your hip fexors shorten, tightening and tipping your pelvis forward.

2. Your glutes lengthen and relax when you sit, efectively “switching of.”

Over time, inactivity causes these muscles to forget how to engage, even when you stand. They

become like that friend who went to the gym once, got sore, and never returned. So, how can you tell if your glutes are snoozing on the job? Look for these signs: lower back pain after standing or walking, tight hamstrings that persist despite stretching, difculty feeling your glutes engage during exercise, hip pain, aching knees during stair climbing or running, poor posture, and the classic sign—a fatter or softer backside.

The good news? Sleeping Butt Syndrome is reversible. By adopting the right approach that balances strengthening, stretching,

and reactivation, you can revive those glute muscles.

Here are some efective methods to wake up a sleepy butt:

1. Glute Activation: Incorporate targeted exercises such as clamshells, bridges, side-lying leg lifts, donkey kicks, and fre hydrants to re-engage your glutes gently.

2. Strengthening: Once activated, work those muscles with squats, lunges, deadlifts, hip thrusts, and step-ups to build strength and support.

3. Stretch Tight Muscles: Utilize stretches like hip fexor stretches, quad stretches, and piriformis stretches to alleviate tightness and restore balance.

4. Improve Sitting Habits: Make small changes such as standing every 30-45 minutes, walking during phone calls, adding mini-movement breaks throughout the day or using a standing desk to keep your glutes engaged. Caring for your glutes goes beyond aesthetics— they stabilize your pelvis, support your spine, and help prevent injuries. By waking them up, you can improve your overall movement, reduce pain, and enhance your daily activities. Time to get it out of bed.

women and girls through out The Bahamas through conferences, mentorship initiatives, media platforms, educational programs, and community outreach.

"We live in a time where many young women are struggling with issues that previous generations never had to face at this level," she said.

"Social media pressures, cyberbullying, low self-esteem, anxiety, unhealthy relationships, online exploitation, violence, and a lack of positive guidance are afecting far too many of our girls. We created I Gat U Girl because our young women need more than encouragement—they need opportunity."

The organisation's commitment to empowering girls was demonstrated during its highly successful I Gat U Girl Conference held in Nassau in 2024.

Despite severe weather conditions impacting New Providence on the day of the event, young women and their families braved the rain and challenging conditions to attend what many described as a transformational experience.

The conference featured a distinguished panel of women leaders including Donna Mortimer, Brittainy Noel, Internationally Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Mental Health Therapist,

Leona Young, Dr Wilnaye Bain, Kiteshla Bonaby, Kim Welcome, and Conference Host Regina Whylly.

Topics included: Healthy Relationships,Healthy Minds, Self-Esteem, Self-Care, Building Finances,Responsible Social Media Usage, The Power of Knowing Who You Are and Personal Leadership

"The weather could not stop what God intended to happen that day," Regina said. "Those young women showed up because they were hungry for knowledge, mentorship, guidance, and hope. That conference confrmed for us that there is an urgent need to continue creating opportunities specifcally designed for our girls."

Today, that mission continues through the I Gat U Girl AI Summer Program. Participants between the ages of 13 and 18 will

receive hands-on training in:

• Artifcial Intelligence using Biela.dev

• AI Mastery

• Website Development

• App Development

• Prompt Engineering

• How to Vibe Code

Through Prompting

• Social Media Optimization

• Entrepreneurship

• Business Development

A special feature of this year's program is the participation of Sarah Cooper from the Biela.dev team, who will work alongside the organisation to help expose Bahamian young women to emerging opportunities in technology and artifcial intelligence.

Students will not simply learn technology—they will learn how to use that technology to create income-generating

Pioneering Judy adds PhD to list of accomplishments

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

After a career spanning more than three decades in the public service, Judy Lucinda Simmons can now add PhD to her impressive list of accomplishments.

The Grand Bahama native was recently given an honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in ITC, Leadership and Organisation Development by the International American University (IAU), in Los Angeles, California.

The degree is a formal acknowledgment of Judy’s professional excellence, and the real-world impact she has made over the years.

She also received the IFEA Award (Iconic Felicitation of Exemplary Achievements) 2026.

The award falls under the title of Excellence in ITC, Leadership and Organisation Development and was presented by the

Association for Awareness of Applied Research (AAAR) during the Global Excellence Summit (GES) in San Francisco. Only ten exceptional leaders worldwide receive this honour each year

Judy has worked in the public service for more than 30 years, including roles in BAIC, Cooperative Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Social Services (leading digitisation and modernisation eforts), and the Ministry of the Public Service.

She is considered a pioneer of the internet revolution in The Bahamas – the frst female Internet Technical Executive for Systems Resource Group (now Rev/Cable Bahamas). She is also the founder and CEO of Simmons Investments and Management Company Limited (SIMCo).

“As a female technology pioneer in The Bahamas, I was the frst woman to serve as an

Internet Technical Executive for Systems Resource Group (now Rev/Cable Bahamas) in 1995, helping to introduce the internet, website development, and e-commerce to our nation. This aspect of my journey is particularly close to my heart, as I hope it encourages more Bahamian women to enter STEM and digital leadership felds,” she said. Her civic accomplishments include being a distinguished Toastmastershe has served as a former Area Governor, Division Director, and Club President with Toastmasters International Judy was the researcher and developer of the Country Paper supporting Bahamian beekeepers and sustainable agriculture presented at The Association of Caribbean Beekeepers' Organisation's (ACBO) 8th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress (Trinidad and Tobago) September 2016 and she was the researcher

and developer of The Bahamas Student Loan Scheme (enacted 2000).

It is quite the journey for Judy who hopes that her journey can be an inspiration for other woman.

"From a small house on Saint James Road to an international stage in San Francisco – this journey has been guided by faith, hard work, and the belief that with God, all things are possible. I stand on the shoulders of my Bahamian family, my mentors, and every person who believed in me. To every young Bahamian woman reading this: your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and you belong in every room where decisions are made. Let this moment remind our beautiful Bahamas that greatness lives in every island, every home, and every humble beginning."

The convocation ceremony took place on Saturday, June 6, at the Crowne Plaza, San Francisco Airport, California.

program, participants will have the knowledge and practical skills necessary to begin developing websites, applications, digital products, and entrepreneurial ventures of their own.

Regina said that it is essential that the organisation receive corporate and private support.

“To ensure that fnancial barriers do not prevent participation,“The I Gat U Girl Organisation is calling upon corporate leaders, philanthropists, churches, civic groups, and community-minded individuals to invest in the future of Bahamian young women through sponsorships, technology donations, and strategic partnerships.” There are a number of sponsorship levels available.

• Sponsor 2 Girls – $500

• Sponsor 4 Girls – $1,000

• Sponsor 6 Girls – $1,500

• Sponsor 8 Girls – $2,000

• Sponsor 10 Girls – $2,500

Sponsors who support more than two girls will receive an invitation to the program's Business Showcase Event and an opportunity to have their business website pro

“Many young women have the desire to participate but lack access to the tools necessary to fully engage in today's digital economy.

"Technology is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity," she said. "Some of our young women have incredible potential but do not have access to a computer. A donated laptop can literally change the trajectory of a young person's life. It can become the bridge between where they are today and where they dream of being tomorrow."

"Our goal is simple," she added. "No young woman should be left behind because of fnancial circumstances. We are inviting businesses, organisations, and individuals throughout The Bahamas to partner with us in helping to raise a generation of confdent, capable, technologically-skilled young women. The I Gat U Girl Organisation believes that when a young woman is given access to knowledge mentorship, technology, and opportunity, she becomes a force capable of transforming not only her own life but her family, community, and country,” she added. For sponsorship opportunities, laptop donations,