A CABINET minister is hoping doctors and other National Health Insurance (NHI) providers receive outstanding payments “before the end of the week” as the scheme plans to discuss “additional efficiencies”.
Dr Michael Darville, minister of health and wellness, told Tribune Business yesterday that he is “on top of it” after it emerged that the NHI Authority, which oversees the state-sponsored healthcare initiative that cares for more than 160,000 Bahamians, has again exhausted its Budget allocation and is unable to pay sums owed to physicians and other service providers.
Conceding that he “cannot wait” until the new fiscal year begins on July 1, the minister said he and NHI officials held
A BIMINI resort and marina yesterday said it has already suffered 12 guest cancellations due to the fall-out from new and increased cruising permit and other fees set to take effect on July 1.
Describing the loss of business as “significant”, Stephen Kappeler said the cancellations at Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina stretch into August with those guests involved looking for a refund.
“So that means people who are thinking and planning further out, they’re
“very favourable” discussions with Ministry of Finance and Public Treasury representatives yesterday morning, during which they were informed the situation will be “resolved very shortly”
upset, they’re pissed off, they’re not spending the fees, and they probably don’t care to have to rush to go get some AIS system figured out inside their boat,” Mr Kappeler said.
“I don’t know what it takes to do that, but it’s just something they’re not even going to want to deal with so fast if they have to pay the additional fees also.
“Remember, when we cancel a booking, this is money that somebody’s already paid, a deposit they’ve already paid. When you book a room and you book a slip with us, that’s somewhere in the area of $500 in business just the first night deposit.
through the release of the necessary funding.
One doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to Tribune Business that they have yet receive payment from NHI for services provided in both May and June 2025. Describing this as “the new normal” for providers, they added that it has been “delay after delay” when it comes to receiving payment, concluding with the expression: “Jokers.”
This has meant that doctors and other NHI providers are financially carrying, and effectively underwriting, the scheme at their own expense, which is likely causing cash flow, liquidity and other financial strains for their own companies.
Christy Butler, the NHI Authority’s managing director and chief executive, in a conciliatory letter acknowledging the impact the scheme’s financial challenges are having on its service
And guests are coming in for two, three, four nights. “So you could multiply and extend that out to understand what the value of a cancellation is. And they’re looking for the refund of their money. I can tell you, there were a dozen alone today. We’re a 50-room resort. So if this continues at a pace of a dozen a day... I’m sure not everybody’s got the news or got the message. So this thing is going to be exponential.”
Potential boating visitors to The Bahamas are not holding back in voicing their opinions over the increased cruising permit fees, new fishing permit and anchorage fees,
providers, attributed the woes to the inability of its “static” $46.2m annual Budget allocation from the Government to keep up with ever-growing patient numbers, its expansion and rising costs.
And she effectively warned providers, and the 160,000 Bahamians cared for under NHI, to brace for potential cut-backs in services and benefits, stating that “additional programme initiatives and efficiencies will be communicated” and discussed before the Government’s new fiscal year starts on July 1.
Mrs Butler conceded that NHI had done likewise at this same point in 2024, meaning that similar measures to what was imposed 12 months ago will likely soon be forthcoming. Those implemented last year included “caps and limits” on a portion of the care benefits received by patients as part of further “cost containment measures”.
plus the confusion over whether all boats coming to The Bahamas must have a functioning automatic identification system (AIS) that is turned on at all times. The latter was subsequently clarified to vessels of 55 feet or less in length.
“With the new rates for boaters, I am sad to say that after 25 years of going to Bimini three to four times’ a year, staying there five to ten days, I won’t be going any more,” one boater posted. “I am not going to pay $1,500 to bring my boat there and I’m only able to come back within 30 days one time. Bimini, you guys are in big time trouble.”
Mr Kappeler confirmed “the fees in themselves, are problematic”, and boaters have expressed outrage. As treasurer of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, he added
Consumer watchdog in counterfeit alcohol alert
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE CONSUMER Protection Commission is on high alert for liquor stores selling counterfeit drinks that threaten to make Bahamians ill, its chairman said yesterday. Senator Randy Rolle, speaking in the Senate during the 2025-2026 Budget debate, warned merchants selling counterfeit alcohol that the Commission will be
monitoring their activities and sanctioning those found guilty amid the planned crackdown on the spread of liquor stores in New Providence.
“While our government is reviewing the over-saturation and proliferation of liquor stores in the community, we are working closely with our sister agencies to ensure that stores aren’t selling fake liquor that will make people sick,” said Mr Rolle “What is cheap is not always good. We want businesses and consumers to be vigilant, because we are watching and they will be penalised if found breaking the law.”
Mr Rolle also issued a warning to “predatory lending institutions” that offer unsecured loans at high interest rates. He added: “While I’m talking about cautions, I want to put predatory lending institutions on guard that offer unsecured consumer
Watchdog
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas’ consumer watchdog has processed 139 complaints during 2025 to-date and recovered more than $116,000 from merchants for aggrieved purchasers, its chairman disclosed yesterday.
Senator Randy Rolle, the Consumer Protection Commission’s (CPC) chairman, told the Senate during the
loans at absurd and ridiculous rates. We are also watching you. You will not be allowed to go unchecked.”
He said Bahamians have been “suffering for far too long at the hands of financial predators”, and called for enhanced regulatory oversight and banking reforms to protect Bahamians from commercial banks and other lending institutions.
“Also concerning is the disadvantage to consumers by banks and lending institutions in The Bahamas. These include high interest rates on loans and credit cards, limited access to credit, excessive banking fees, lack of transparency, predatory lending practices, limited consumer protections. And I’m not only talking about Nassau. The Bahamian people have been suffering for far too long
Restrictions to laboratory benefits were to be introduced in October 2024 to help to “better manage.... escalating costs”, while limitations were imposed on the size of NHI’s care network. No new doctors, laboratories and
2025-2026 Budget debate that the agency currently has a 56.63 percent recovery rate and has resolved 45 disputes with 62 still under investigation.
“The Commission is on target to surpass its number of claims processed last year with a significant recovery rate. From January 1 to June 10, 2025, the CPC has received 139 complaint reports. From this number, 22 were advice given to consumers; ten were referrals to other agencies; and
THE Opposition is set to “voice our concerns” to energy regulators after the Government suddenly unveiled a fuel charge rebate to dampen outcry over BPL bills that in some cases doubled month-on-month.
Michael Pintard, the Free National Movement (FNM) leader, confirmed to Tribune Business that his party will formally write to the Utilities Competition and Regulatory Authority (URCA) to determine if the Summer Energy Rebate initiative fully complies with electricity laws and regulations that require Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) to pass 100 percent of its fuel costs on to consumers.
He spoke out after the Davis administration, in what appeared to be a knee-jerk response to public outrage over such a steep and sudden hike in BPL bills, unveiled without warning an initiative designed to provide residential (household) consumers with a 5-6 percent discount on the state-owned electricity provider’s July fuel charges.
The Summer Energy Rebate will lower BPL’s
107 were disputes between consumers and providers that fall under the CPCs remit,” said Mr Rolle.
“The ever-capable CPC team has resolved some 45 matters to-date, with about 62 still open and under investigation. So far for this year, the CPC has processed $206,392 in claims and has recouped $116,873 - all refunded back in the pocket of consumers. This gives us a recovery rate of 56.63 percent.”
fuel charge by 1.1 cents per kilowatt hour (KWh) for both portions of the billunder and over 800 KWh.
The fuel charge below 800 KWh will be lowered from the 18.5 cents that appeared in Bahamians’ July bills to 17.4 cents, representing a 6 percent discount, while for over 800 KWh it is being lowered from 22.5 cents to 21.4 cents.
The move came after social media lit up in outrage as consumers received their bills due for payment in July. Almost all questioned the sharp month-over-month increases, with posts seen by Tribune Business showing all-in cost increases ranging from 38.6 percent
Mr Rolle explained that most of the outstanding complaints involved timeshares and beauty aids, but there has been a decrease in those concerning courier companies and contractors, which generated the largest numbers of concerns last year.
“Most of these complaints that remain outstanding involve a number of timeshare and beauty aid disputes, but there has been
SENATOR RANDY ROLLE
DR MICHAEL DARVILLE
MICHAEL PINTARD
Tour company safeguards endangered rock iguanas
A Bahamian-owned tour company offering high-speed day trips to the Exuma Cays has installed educational signage to help protect one of the country’s most endangered species - the Allen’s Cay Rock Iguana.
Powerboat Adventures, in a statement, said the Allen Cays, located at the northern end of the Exuma chain, are home to the only remaining natural breeding populations of this species. These prehistoriclooking reptiles are found nowhere else on Earth and are considered living relics of a wilder, more ancient Bahamas.
The company explained that the new signs were installed following a rise in reported incidents of iguana harassment earlier this summer, including visitors chasing and handling the animals. In one case, an iguana was killed after
a visitor’s pet dog got loose on the island. It added that these incidents impose serious stress on the already-fragile iguana population, and highlight the urgent need for clear, visible visitor guidance to help prevent future harm.
The new signs provide visitors with clear, scienceguided advice on how to safely and respectfully interact with the iguanas. In addition to outlining proper feeding and viewing behaviour, the signs also include information on how to report suspicious or harmful activity observed on the islands.
“These animals have been here long before any of us,” said Captain Nigel Bower, owner of Powerboat Adventures. “They’re part of what makes the Exumas so special. We want every visitor to enjoy this experience, but also understand
how fragile these iguanas are, and how easy it is to cause unintentional harm.
“The iguanas are a part of our tour experience, and so it’s our duty to ensure they are being respected and protected, and that we’re doing our part to help them survive long into the future.”
Powerboat Adventures has previously supported iguana conservation efforts in the Exuma Cays, helping Bahamian and visiting scientists in the field when they are studying the iguanas. It focuses on promoting responsible wildlife interactions, including staff training, guest education and educational signage.
To accompany the signage roll-out, the company has also published a new blog post that dives deeper into the ecology, behaviour and conservation of the Allen’s Cay Rock Iguanas.
CENTRAL BANK HOSTS A FINANCIAL SUMMIT
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Central Bank has reported that the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) regional consultative group (RCG) for the Americas held its latest meeting in Nassau on June 17, 2025. The meeting was cochaired by Kenneth Baker, managing director and chief executive of the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission, and Martin Moloney, deputy secretary general of the Financial Stability Board. Representatives from Argentina, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico, The Bahamas and the US participated in the discussions, which addressed a broad range of issues central to financial system stability across the region.
Particular attention was given to developments in the non-bank financial intermediation (NBFI) sector, including current approaches to identifying and monitoring potential financial stability risks. Representatives
Key topics included the enhancement of crossborder payments, with participants reviewing progress toward the G-20 goals of making such payments faster, more affordable, transparent and inclusive. The group also assessed global and regional vulnerabilities, focusing on financial market developments and their potential implications f or economies across the Americas.
ENTREPRENEUR TARGETS $300-$500,000 TO FUND CANADA STOREFRONT EXPANSION
By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
A BAHAMIAN restaurant is seeking new investors as it today launches its sister brand in Canada alongside the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s current sales mission to that nation.
The New Providencebased restaurant, The New Duff, will debut at Hotel X Toronto with its new brand, Gran Bahama. It will host a pop-up at the presentation, with food items also available on the DoorDash app.
Noting that the overseas expansion has been “incredible and humbling”, Kendrick Delaney Jr, chief executive of both restaurant brands, said pursuing DoorDash as a service avenue came with challenges.
“Opening in Canada is like learning to cook in someone else’s kitchen — different rules, different ingredients, but the same hustle,” Mr Delaney said. “DoorDash didn’t come easy. You need permits, listings, production — but I leaned on my
entrepreneurial roots and just figured it out. “I watched YouTube, made calls, filled out every form myself. Now we’re live, and every order that comes through that app feels like proof that Bahamian food belongs anywhere.”
Explaining that he has “taken a very scrappy, startup-minded approach to launching Gran Bahama,”
Mr Delaney said he has invested, personally, under $15,000 in the venture “but the brand is designed for scale”.
He said he is looking to give Gran Bahama a storefront and is searching for investors. “Gran Bahama is designed for scale and I’m actively looking for strategic investors who see the vision and want to build with us,” Mr Delaney said. “This brand is commercial and easily franchisable, with a tight menu of crowd favourites: Home-style sandwiches, pastries like cinnamon rolls and French toast, our Sunday Curry Lamb buns and jerk chicken and, of course, our Grammy-celebrated Bahamian dessert — duff.” He added: “When the time is right, we’re preparing
for a $300,000 to $500,000 round to build our first flagship fast-casual location. For now, it’s about proving the concept, gaining traction, and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.”
Mr Delaney said he is beginning “lean”, adding that he will work alongside a production assistant and sales and administration co-ordinator. He said he welcomes “Bahamians who are already here or looking to make a mark globally”.
“I’m a big believer in building smart, sustainable businesses, so I’m using a ghost kitchen model and second-hand equipment sourced through Facebook Marketplace to reduce overhead,” Mr Delaney said. “It’s about proving traction before making a larger investment into a flagship fast-casual location.
“I’m an equal opportunity employer, and I welcome Bahamians who are already here or looking to make a mark globally. More than anything, I’m looking for that immigrant hustle and values-driven energy — people who aren’t afraid to build something from the ground up and make it meaningful.
“We’re focused, hands-on and everyone on the team — myself included — is ready to wash dishes or take out the trash. That’s just the nature of entrepreneurship.”
Mr Delaney said he will be between both The Bahamas and Canada, but The New Duff is now being led by his mother.
“I’m chief executive of both brands, and I split my time between Canada and The Bahamas. The New Duff is in great hands — my mom, Patrice L. Delaney, leads an incredible team that continues to grow our presence locally. We’re not abandoning Nassau; we’re expanding from it. Both brands are part of a bigger vision to take Bahamian food global, and now’s the time,” he added.
Mr Delaney said he was invited to be part of the ministry’s Toronto mission and “that moment unlocked everything”.
“I’m so glad they saw the value in this brand and product. It wasn’t about the money for them — it was visibility, access and pride. Being selected to represent The Bahamas in that room said to me: This brand, this dough matters. And it
CHESTER COOPER LATIA DUNCOMBE pushed me to go all in. This is more than a restaurant — it’s an export of culture,” he added.
“I’m hoping, too, that The New Duff in Nassau also is recognised as an integral part of the culinary tourism product of the Bahamas. Partnership and opportunity is all we need. We can deliver.
“Canada chose me in a way. It’s multicultural, it’s open, it’s curious — all things I feel Gran Bahama is at its core. I came here to test the waters, but what I found was a market hungry for Caribbean food that was innovative, not just traditional. Plus, if you can win over Canadians in the dead of winter with tropical flavours and warm spices, you know your food hits.” When asked what this meant for Bahamians, Mr Delaney said: “It means we’re more than sun and sand. We’re culture creators. It’s a message to every
GOV’T TO SEE GOLDEN YOLK THROUGH TO ITS COMPLETION
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter
THE Bahamas Agri-
cultural and Industrial Corporation’s (BAIC) chairman yesterday pledged that the Government is committed to seeing the “controversial” Golden Yolk project through to completion.
Senator Darron Pickstock, speaking in the Senate during the 2025-2026 Budget debate, said the initiative - designed to enable The Bahamas to become largely self-sufficient in domestic egg productionwill deliver 38 grow houses across 12 islands when it is completed.
“The Golden Yolk project will see the expansion of domestic egg production. This programme has been controversial, but we want to reiterate our commitment to seeing this project to completion. When fully executed, the project is
slated to deliver 38 new grow houses across 12 islands,” he said. Mr Pickstock added that BAIC is “making agriculture sexy again” through its initiatives for farmers, including the Farmers Commercialisation Programme that launched in Andros, and which has resulted in $313,800 going directly to farmers through enabling them to sell their produce to local wholesalers.
NOTICE
LIQUIDATOR’S NOTICE
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000
NOTICE is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register of Companies pursuant to Certifcate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 22nd day of April, 2025.
RIW NOMINEES LIMITED Liquidator NOTICE
JPM LTD.
Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Registration number 206539 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)
Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 24th day of June A.D. 2025. Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The Liquidator is MR. PAULO GUIMARAES MISK, whose address is Rua Palmira 343, Apto 402, CEP: 30220-110, MG, Brazil. Any Persons having a Claim against the above-named Company are required on or before the 25th day of July A.D. 2025 to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the beneft of any distribution made before such claim is proved.
Dated this 24th day of June A.D. 2025.
PAULO GUIMARAES MISK LIQUIDATOR
“We successfully launched the Farmers Commercialisation pilot programme in North Andros, and linked local farmers directly with major wholesale buyers. We worked with wholesalers to identify high demand crops, including tomatoes, cabbages, cucumbers, onions, and to help farmers meet those demands with market grade produce,” said Mr Pickstock.
“The overall sales generated from this project from December 2024 to May 2025 werw $312,800. That is real impact. That is money going directly into the pockets of farmers. We are making farming… we are making agriculture sexy again.”
Mr Pickstock said the agency is working to
increase the profitability and efficiency of farmers, and is launching a national crop calendar with plans to expand the Fish and Farm store to all major Family Islands.
“We see the vast potential in our agricultural industry, and we will seek to bridge these efforts with programmes that create a network of new opportunities for the industry. We are also going even further with our innovative projects, like the national crop calendar, to help farmers align their planting with national demand, increasing profitability and efficiency,” said Mr Pickstock.
“Our Fish and Farm store on Andros provides easy access to supplies for our agricultural industry, and to go further, we intend to put
these stores in our major Family Island across the length and breadth of this country.”
Mr Pickstock said BAIC also has an memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bank of the Bahamas to provide financing to small and medium-sized businesses in the agricultural sector.
“We also have MoUs with the Bank of the Bahamas to unlock increased financing for farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs, and to facilitate government-guaranteed loans to qualified small and medium-sized business enterprises. These kinds of agreements are designed to strengthen collaboration between agencies and close the gap in the processing
Bahamian entrepreneur that our stories and flavours deserve a global stage. It’s also a love letter to home, showing that we don’t have to wait for tourists to come to us. We can bring our excellence to them.
“Honestly, it started with guava duff. Not just the dessert — the memory, the ceremony, the feeling of it. My family made duff for every special occasion, and at some point I realised this wasn’t just food, it was a story.
“The New Duff West Bay Street tells the story of duff daily to over 200 cruise and air travellers a day. And like any good story, it deserved to travel. Gran Bahama is me taking what I inherited — a humble dough recipe passed down — and remixing it into something bold, modern and export-worthy. I wanted to show that Bahamian food could be both nostalgic and next-level.”
of building successful businesses,” he said. Mr Pickstock added that BAIC has approved more than 200 land lease applications - a number that “eclipses” the less than 40 approved under the former Minnis administration.
“At BAIC, we know access to land is a game changer for entrepreneurs. We offer these to own land programmes for agriculture, light manufacturing and touristic development projects like Airbnb rentals,” said Mr Pickstock.
“Since this New Day government took office, BAIC has approved over 200 applications for leased land, with more opportunities for Bahamians to come. We continue to eclipse the fewer than 40 approved leases issued by the FNM administration in their nearly five years in office. But they claim they were for the people.”
DARRON PICKSTOCK
MINISTER ‘ON TOP OF’ NHI LATE PROVIDER PAYMENTS
other medical facilities offering services to patients enrolled in the scheme were to be added on New Providence before this fiscal year ends on June 30.
No details were given on what the NHI Authority is proposing this year, although Mrs Butler said the proposed steps were necessary to ensure NHI’s “sustainability”. This is despite the scheme being allocated an extra $2m for
the upcoming 2025-2026 financial year. Dr Darville, meanwhile, acknowledged that all NHI providers owed outstanding sums needed to be paid after being “alerted” to the situation by the Authority. While unable to give a date, or “guarantee” when payment will be made, he voiced optimism that this will happen “before the end of this week”. This is not the first time that NHI has run short of funding towards the end of the Government’s fiscal
year, and Dr Darville told Tribune Business: “I had an opportunity to meet with the Ministry of Finance, and we are in the process of solving this problem. I don’t think it can wait until the new Budget. “I believe we are having some traction to resolving this matter, as we have physicians with outstanding payments. I had a meeting at about 11am today in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Treasury, and was told the problem should be resolved
very shortly. I’m hoping it will be resolved before the end of this week.
“I spoke to the NHI Authority. They alerted me to the situation, and they and myself had discussions with Finance... The discussions were favourable, and they acknowledged the fact it needs to be resolved in the short-term because you cannot have people out for a long period of time,” the minister added.
“I’m on top of it; on top of it to get it resolved and get the doctors paid. They’ve already worked, and anyone who has worked should get their money. I’m not waiting for the new Budget to get it resolved. I cannot wait to get it sorted out.”
The Davis administration expanded the NHI Authority’s annual funding by $2m in the Budget, increasing it from $46.2m to $48.2m for the 2025-2026 fiscal year - an amount projected to remain the same for the following two fiscal years.
For 2024-2025, NHI had used up $36.135m - some 78.2 percent of its full-year $46.2m allocation - by endMarch, which marked the fiscal year’s three-quarter mark.
This suggested the remaining $10m was likely to be inadequate to see the NHI Authority through to the June 30 year-end. “We got $2m,” Dr Darville confirmed of the extra financing for 2025-2026. “In this line of business you never get all you ask for. We are appreciative of that $2m.
“We are trying to be frugal with our means, trying to find ways to have savings on administrative costs. You cannot do much with fees for services provided; that’s a contractual arrangement. Any time we see unforeseen challenges and shortcomings we make it clear to the Ministry of Finance, which has been supportive.
“We want to bring more enrollment to NHI, and when you have more
enrollment you have more
costs. We try to stay within the realms of Budgetary allocations, but if we go over that there are checks and balances in place to resolve that through the Ministry of Finance,” the minister of health and wellness said.
“We do have wiggle room to help us, but ultimately we have to fully structure the programme for us to become sustainable. Right now, we’re completely underwritten by the Government. We are standing in that space, and trying to pay people on a timely basis.”
Dr Darville said NHI has no challenge with paying its bills once it receives the necessary taxpayer “subventions” from the Government, and added: “Right now, it’s a very tricky time because we’re right in the mouth of the new Budget and are filling some gaps, but we have met with Finance and the response has been favourable to getting the doctors paid.”
He also confirmed that there has been “an overlap from the latter part of May to June” in terms of what is owed to doctors and other NHI providers, who have been contacting the Authority to inquire when they will be paid. “We are all on one accord that the Authority needs to have the money in their account in order for it to be disbursed,” Dr Darville said.
“Everyone is fully aware of the financial situation, and Finance will move quickly with the Treasury in order to address the shortfall.” Mrs Butler, in her letter, sought to place the “delayed provider payments” in the context of the challenges caused by NHI’s growth and its unchanged financing that has failed to keep pace with this.
“Over the last few years, the NHI Authority programme has continued to expand with increased beneficiary enrollment, exponential growth in utilisation, particularly for laboratory services, and increased technology fees to accommodate an evolving programme with a
demand for NHI Authority facilities and providers throughout the archipelago,” she wrote.
“Despite the programme’s growth and obvious success, funding has remained static. Additionally, NHI has experienced challenges related to regularised financing, which have made meeting our obligations to providers and vendors increasingly difficult.
“Although there have been previous payment delays, I recognise that this current delay has extended beyond our collective expectations and has put your organisation and operations in uncomfortable positions.”
Mrs Butler pledged that the Authority “is working tirelessly” to resolve the payments situation, but warned that potential restrictions and cost curbs - described as “efficiencies” - are likely to be unveiled and discussed in the coming days. She also urged providers to help it advocate for “proper funding” and timelier payments.
“We have, and will continue, to escalate our requests for adequate and timely funding to meet our obligations and, once received, we will begin processing payments to providers without delay,” she said. “Many of you have inquired about the programme’s future and sustainability. This is an important and relevant question as you plan to participate in the NHI programme.
“As was communicated last year, the NHI Authority Board of Directors approved several programme efficiencies designed to manage resources and improve programme efficiency and value. Additional programme initiatives and efficiencies will be communicated before the new fiscal year begins on July 1, 2025, and further discussed at the upcoming medical director’s meeting.
“These measures are necessary to address the sustainability of the programme.”
BIMINI RESORT, MARINA SUFFERS ‘DOZEN A DAY’ CANCELLATIONS
FROM PAGE B1
that “the immediacy that this is being done, with not enough discussion and clarity with our members”, is an issue.
As for the AIS confusion, Mr Kappeler said it was unreasonable, to expect boaters “to get this done so quickly”. He added that the impact will reach other businesses on the island, including restaurants and rental properties. He said there should be a “pause” for more education and clarification.
“This is a significant problem for tourism, with boating being one of the number one or two demand generators for our country. Recognise the multiplicity of this. When you impact these boaters, you impact the Bahamian-owned Airbnb properties, rental properties, small slips and others that they might have,” he explained.
“So it’s not just the property of 50 rooms and what have you, but then it’s going to impact the jobs of those people working for us. If they’re cancelling, then they’re not eating. If they’re cancelling, then they’re not buying gas, they’re not shopping... picking up
bread or any other thing that they do to keep these grocery stores, I want to say, open.
“And I would say, in my view, there needs to be a pause and more discussion with this to understand the wider impact that this is going to cause tourism in the economy of our islands, and not just the Out Islands, but I mean Nassau as well.”
Mr Kappeler said marina numbers have been declining for years, and he “can’t see the value of what they’re going to gain by haste of initiating this act.”
He also pointed to the lack of airlift to Bimini, noting that fewer boaters also add to the challenge of getting tourists to the island with the collapse of Silver Airways.
“Our marina numbers are already down yearover-year, and that’s been trending at these marinas,”
Mr Kappeler said. “Our marina that on the weekends, might run 70 percent or something, is down to 40 percent or less, to 20 percent during the week. And this is Bimini.
“We are the first stop… We clear in more persons in the Bimini market than any other market because of the proximity to the major
metros, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and even the reach from West Palm Beach. So this is significant, what’s happening, and just what I’m watching in these last several days.
“I can’t see the value of what they’re going to gain by the haste of initiating this act, much less how they think this further taxation and fees is going to benefit revenues and what it’s going to benefit. When you lose the revenues, you lose the VAT taxes,” Mr Kappeler added.
“And for this amount of money that they’re now going to gouge these boaters for, and now make this requirement, which may be a good requirement about the AIS over time, let’s say six months or something reasonable that might start with the next boating season.
“But surely this can’t make sense in the peak of the high summer season. This cannot make sense, and it’s not putting the right taste into the boat owners, and which I want to say significantly, are the owners of these resort homes whether they rent them out, which was more of a multiplicity of loss.
“With the failure and bankruptcy of Silver Airways, which largely served the Out Islands of The Bahamas, there’s no airlift. And so now you’re going to screw up the boating generator of traffic and upset the owners of these boats, and also the owners of these homes or who might even visit or rent,” he continued.
“There’s a lot of Bahamian-owned ‘available for rent’ in Bimini as well as what might be an outsider, or maybe they’re even a resident, because they’ve lived in the country enough where they bought property, so they might have resident status. What they’re going to lose is far [more] significant over what they think they’re going to gain in excess charges.”
OPPOSITION’S URCA ‘CONCERN’
AS BPL’S BILLS IN HUGE SPIKE
FROM PAGE B1
to almost tripling via a 199 percent jump.
“BPL is doing toilet tissue math on these light bills,” posted one person, whose bill had increased from $552.32 in June to $765.58 due for payment in July. “This is a copy of my bill from January to June. I have not changed anything in my house. This is outrageous.”
Another added: “Bahamas Power & Light, y’all dumb, eh? I live in a house with three cats and no other humans. It’s impossible for this to be my light bill. I travelled twice this month.
How could my bill have gone from $374 to $612 (a 63.6 percent increase). Try hard, send this to its real owner and update mine to the proper figure. I ready to get so radical right now my heart racing at 3,000 miles per hour.”
One responded: “If you think yours bad, check mine that literally tripled and I always tried to keep it under $200.” Her bill has risen from $175.47 in June to $527.49 coming due for payment on July 11, representing a 199 percent increase.” Yet another social media poster said his bill has jumped from $299.89 to $529.97 - a 76.7 percent increase.
The persistent BPL ‘bashing’ continued, with Bahamians describing the latest bills received on Monday night as “totally outrageous” and suggesting “definitely something wrong”. Another confirmed: “This is ridiculous. Almost $600 for a two-bedroom apartment.” Others added: “When they said it would be a ‘New Day’ they really meant new charges, new excuses and new levels of struggle.”
The Davis administration, alive to the potential perils with a general election now only 15 months away at maximum, reacted quickly to unveil its Summer Rebate initiative. However, the savings from the fuel charge discounts appear relatively minimal at best.
Tribune Business, which has also seen its own bill double, calculated that the 1.1 cent per KWh reduction on the portion of its fuel charge above 800 KWh would have saved around $36.70 on its July bill, while the savings on the portion below 800 kilowatts would have been $8.70. This translates into just a $45.40 collective saving.
The Government’s release did not explicitly explain why BPL’s fuel charge has increased to what one insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, described as the highest level than can recall. However, the Government signalled that BPL is having to presently rely on automotive diesel oil (ADO), its most expensive fuel form, which observers have suggested indicates some if its more efficient engines may be offline.
“In response to record-high summer
BAHAMAS POWER & LIGHT (BPL) HEADQUARTERS
temperatures, increased electricity demand, global fuel price volatility and political instability, the Government of The Bahamas, through Bahamas Power & Light (BPL), is introducing a Summer Energy Rebate programme to bring immediate relief to consumers,” the Davis administration said.
“This rebate is intended to help offset the elevated costs caused by increased summer usage and the temporary reliance on diesel — a more expensive fuel — to maintain consistent electricity supply.” The release also indicated that the initiative was announced before approval was obtained from URCA.
“Recognising the importance of regulatory oversight, the Government has directed BPL to begin immediate engagement with the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) to ensure all aspects of the rebate and broader energy strategy meet regulatory standards and serve the public interest,” the Davis administration said.
Mr Pintard, in a statement yesterday, said the BPL bill hikes required further explanation and questioned whether the Rebate initiative complies with electricity laws and regulations. He added that the extent of the increase in BPL’s fuel charge, more than 30 percent since the end of 2024, far outstrips the movement in global oil prices.
“As BPL customers around the country get their electricity bills this month, some are seeing their power bills double. Of course, most consumers understand that their electricity usage goes up in the summer months as they do their best to stay cool,” the Opposition’s leader asserted.
“But the Government has to explain why the base fuel surcharge rate has gone up more than 30 percent since the end of 2024 – much higher than the increase in global oil prices over that time. The spike in the surcharge cannot just be due to oil price increases.
“The minister responsible for BPL [Jobeth Coleby-Davis- must go on the record and confirm that BPL is not using any part of the surcharge to cover operating revenue losses from the ‘lower rates’ that had gone into effect. Not only would any such crosssubsidy be against the law, but it would also betray the customers to whom
the minister and the Prime Minister promised relief.”
Mr Pintard, noting that the Summer Energy Rebate was initiated in response to energy cost rises moving in the opposite direction to the Government’s promises of cheaper, more reliable and cleaner energy, said: “The Opposition has written to URCA to voice our concerns on this matter, and to follow up on BPL’s failure to explain why surcharge proceeds it incurred expressly to cover fuel arrears debts were never used to cover the same.”
Well-placed sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Government’s move reawakens memories of what resulted from the Davis administration’s decision to reject advice to execute further trades to purchase cut-price oil that were essential to supporting the fuel hedging strategy left in place by its predecessor. It then worsened this by keeping BPL’s fuel charge below-cost for a further 12 months, meaning that the utility failed to pass on 100 percent of this expense to consumers in their monthly bills. As a result, BPL incurred substantial arrears of at least $90m with Shell, its fuel supplier, and was forced to massively hike customer fuel charges over a 15-month period to recover these charges.
However, the Government’s latest quarterly debt report, covering the three
months to end-March 2025,
shows it has yet to repay
much of the loan it received from the Government - thought to be around $110m - to help cover the arrears owed to Shell. Some $170.3m was shown to be owing as at end-March 2025.
One observer questioned whether, as a result of the Summer Rebate, BPL will once again not be passing on 100 percent of its calculated fuel costs to residential consumers. If it is not, they suggested that arrears could build-up once again that will have to be covered by Bahamian taxpayer dollars. “They’re all over the place, and you cannot run a utility this way,” they said. “It’s madness.”
The Government sought to blame the situation on the Iran-Israel war, for which a ceasefire has just been announced, the global oil markets and summer heat. However, another contact argued that “URCA needs to weigh in on this” and assert whether the Summer Rebate is in compliance with the law and regulations.
They added: “The law says you cannot play with the price of fuel, and URCA’s allowing this to happen and not reprimanding BPL.”
Tribune Business reported at the time that the BPL ‘glide path’ initiative, to recover the fuel hedge expense, violated the law and accompanying regulations in at least two instances. In the run-up to the ‘glide path’s’ implementation, BPL seemingly breached regulations introduced in 2020 that mandated it pass 100 percent of incurred fuel costs on to consumers via fuel charge portion of their bill.
And, in the second instance, several sources suggested there was no legal or lawful basis for BPL to segment clients into two groups based on whether they consumed less or more than 800 kilowatt hours per month and charge them different fuel tariffs based on this. They explained that the law and regulations only allowed BPL to charge the same rate for all customers on the fuel charge portion of the bill.
CONSUMER WATCHDOG IN COUNTERFEIT ALCOHOL ALERT
FROM PAGE B1
at the hands of financial predators,” said Mr Rolle.
“To prevent predatory lending, and again - there are laws that govern it in The Bahamas - it is essential to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance financial literacy and enforce transparent lending practices.
“There’s a need to implement clear interest rate caps, mandate disclosures of loan terms, and closely monitor non-bank lenders. At the same time, public education campaigns should empower consumers to make informed financial decisions and recognise [predatory] lending.”
Mr Rolle said some lenders are “taking advantage” of Bahamians by offering loans with interest rates of up to 20 percent.
“Some of these lending agencies are taking advantage of the Bahamian people. Some loans have interest rates of up to 20 percent and this is wrong. The Bahamas presently lacks comprehensive statistics on predatory lending by non-bank lenders,” said Mr Rolle.
He also voiced displeasure with furniture stores that entice consumers with high interest financing offers.
“We have done an excellent job in putting Bahamians in homes. But we’ve seen that people get these mortgages for homes, but then they go and they finance furniture, and not calling names, but in some of these places they make more money off the financing than they do off actual furniture. This is wrong,” said Mr Rolle.
NOTICE
In the Estate of JEREMY JEROME STUBBS, late of the Settlement Marsh Harbour on the Island of Abaco, one of the Islands of the Commonwealth of Te 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 15th day of July A.D., 2025 and if required, prove such debts or claims, or in default be excluded from any distribution; afer the above date the assets will be distributed having regard only 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 Administrator Alvernia Court, 49A Dowdeswell Street P.O. Box N-3114 Nassau, Te Bahamas
CARNIVAL’S $600M GB PORT TO OPEN JULY 19
CARNIVAL has con-
firmed that its $600m Grand Bahama-based private port destination, Celebration Key, will officially open to passengers on July 19.
The cruise line, in a statement, said Celebration Key is part of Carnival’s Paradise Collection, which also includes RelaxAway on Half Moon Cay, another Bahamas-based destination, plus Isla Tropicale. Both these destinations will receive upgrades in 2026.
Carnival said the Celebration Key Sun Portal, a sun-shaped arch, will serve as the entry point to he private port destination. Just beyond the Sun Portal is Paradise Plaza, where wayfinding and destination information helps guests choose how they want to spend their day.
The cruise line added that the ten-story Suncastle, featuring five large conch shells, is the centrepiece of Celebration Key’s five portals. This area has two water slides, each more than 350 feet long. It said the Calypso and Starfish Lagoons incorporate the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, totalling more than 275,000 square feet.
Calypso Lagoon is the adults-only section, while Celebration Key’s overthe-lagoon super villas can accommodate ten guests and are targeted at friends and family. Pearl Cove Beach Club is an exclusive retreat that offers a premium experience for guests 18 and older, including an 11,000-square-foot private infinity pool.
WATCHDOG RECOVERS $116K FOR AGGRIEVED CONSUMERS
a significant decline in complaints against the couriers - against couriers, auto part stores, stores and contractors,” said Mr Rolle.
“What we are seeing is the more work we do, the more the public is seeking out support to ensure they are not being taken advantage of by local sellers. We see this as a step in the right direction, and we are encouraged by the public’s response to our efforts
to continue to educate and update the general public on consumer protection matters. Now, while every claim may be not be valid, every one of them has been heard.”
Mr Rolle said complaints frequently voiced by consumers include overcharged goods, under-delivered orders, unfinished work, poor quality of work, poor consumer service, services not rendered, expired items being sold and shipped to the Family Islands,
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that KETMA TELFORT of Soldier Road, a a , e a a a , i 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 25th day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that MILTON JOSE TAVAREZ FERNANDEZ of #6 Eastwood, 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 25th day of June, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE
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 18th day of June, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
damaged goods, hidden credit card charges, hidden restocking fees, duplicated charges and product damaged during installation.
Focusing on Grand Bahama, Mr Rolle said the Davis administration is committed to “restoring dignity to the lives of Grand Bahamians who have suffered for far too long”, and the CPC will be launching consumer education campaigns on contracts, loans, housing and fair pricing to ensure the island’s growth occurs with “accountability, transparency and equality”.
“This Davis administration is building a marketplace that works for people, not just around them, whether it’s opening avenues for rebuilding and recovery, lowering the cost of essentials, modernising public spaces or empowering local entrepreneurs,” he added.
“As Grand Bahama rises, the Consumer Protection Commission and Consumer Affairs stand ready to ensure this growth happens with accountability, transparency and equality. For Grand Bahama we intend to launch targeted consumer education campaigns on contracts, loans, health services, housing and fair pricing.”
Mr Rolle said the CPC will also deploy agents in Grand Bahama for “quality control” and to make complaint resources more accessible. “We’re expanding our outreach so that every Bahamian knows their rights, knows how to report wrongdoings and feels confident in standing up for fairness. When consumers are protected and businesses are transparent, everybody wins,” said Mr Rolle.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Public is hereby advised that I,MARTHA JOHNSON, JEANE JOHNSON, MARTHA DELORES JOHNSON, MARTHA JEANE JOHNSON, MARTHA JEANE DELORES BROWN née JOHNSON, MARTHA BROWN of Freeport, Bahamas intend to change my name to MARTHA DELORES JEANE BROWN née JOHNSON. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Offcer, P O o , assa , aha as o ater tha thirt a s after the ate of p icatio of this otice O C PO
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that SHELDON RECARDO GAYLE of P.O. Box N7945 Blue Hill South, Se e ill i 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 18th day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
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 18th day of June 2025 to the
Central Bank hosts a financial summit
FROM PAGE B2
provided insights into the challenges encountered by the public and private sectors in improving crossborder payment systems. In addition, perspectives were exchanged on the implications of global economic fragmentation for regional financial institutions. Finally, members were briefed on the Financial Stability Board’s current and upcoming initiatives, with a focus on how RCG Americas members can actively contribute to these efforts.
The FSB’s regional consultative groups operate under an established operational framework, and serve as a platform to facilitate interaction between FSB members and non-members on current and future FSB initiatives.
The consultative groups also support the regional implementation of international financial policy reforms, and enable members to exchange perspectives on emerging vulnerabilities and policy measures to promote financial stability.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Public is hereby advised that I,JACQUES MATHURIN CADET of #23, York Avenue, Gleniston Gardens, P.O. Box N-1805 Nassau, Bahamas intend to change my name to JACQUES CADET. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Offcer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice. INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that ANAUD CASIMIR of Market Street, e ro ide e, a a a i 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 25th day of June 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
Musk’s ‘robotaxis’ draw regulatory scrutiny after video shows one
By BERNARD CONDON
AP Business Writer
FEDERAL traffic safety regulators are looking into suspected problems with Elon Musk's test run of selfdriving "robotaxis" in Texas after videos surfaced showing them braking suddenly or going straight through an intersection from a turning lane and driving down the wrong side of the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday that it has asked Tesla for information about the apparent errors.
Though many other videos show robotaxis driving perfectly, if regulators find any major issues, that would likely raise questions about Musk's repeated statements that the robotaxis are safe and his claim that Tesla will dominate a future in which nearly all cars on road will have no one behind the wheel — or even need a steering wheel at all.
"NHTSA is aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information," the agency said in a statement.
Passengers in Tesla robotaxis on the road in Austin, Texas, have generally been impressed, and the stock rose 8% Monday. Investors grew more cautious Tuesday after news of NHTSA's inquiry, and the stock fell more than 2%. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A bullish Tesla financial analyst who was driven around in a robotaxi on
Sunday when the test runs began said his ride was perfect and suggested the videos on X and YouTube showing errors were no big deal.
"Any issues they encounter will be fixed," said Wedbush Securities' Dan Ives, calling the test a "huge success" in the past three days "despite the skeptics."
One of those skeptics, a Telemetry Insight expert in car technology, said
the videos were alarming enough that the tests as currently run should be halted.
"The system has always had highly erratic performance, working really well a lot of the time but frequently making random and inconsistent but dangerous errors," said Sam Abuelsamid in a text, referring to Tesla's self-driving software. "This is not a system that should be carrying members of the public
A DRIVERLESS Tesla robotaxi, a ride-booking service, moves through traffic, Sunday, June 22,
or being tested on public roads without trained test drivers behind the wheel."
In one video, a Tesla moves into a lane with a big yellow arrow indicating it is for left turns only but then goes straight through the intersection instead, entering an opposing lane on the other side. The car seems to realize it made some mistake and begins to swerve several times, with the steering wheel jerking back and forth, before eventually settling down.
But the Tesla proceeds in the opposing lane for 10 seconds. At the time, there was no oncoming traffic.
The passenger in the car who posted the video, money manager Rob Maurer, shrugged off the incident.
"There are no vehicles anywhere in sight, so this wasn't a safety issue," Maurer said in commentary accompanying his video. "I didn't feel uncomfortable in the situation."
Another video shows a Tesla stopping twice suddenly in the middle of the road, possibly responding to the flashing lights of police cars. But the police are obviously not interested in the Tesla or traffic in front or behind it because they have parked on side roads not near it, apparently responding to an unrelated event.
Federal regulators opened an investigation last year into how Teslas with what Musk calls Full SelfDriving have responded in low-visibility conditions after several accidents, including one that was fatal. Tesla was forced a recall 2.4 million of its vehicles at the time. Musk has said his Teslas using Full Self-Driving are safer than human drivers and his robotaxis using a newer, improved version of the system will be so successful so quickly that he will be able to deploy hundreds of thousands of them on the road by the end of next year.
