A COMPANY with ties to an accused drug traffcker acquired substantial assets in New Providence’s Venice Bay subdivision after embarking on a real estate spending spree that saw it purchase 27 lots for a combined $1.155m in less than three months.
Corporate documents fled with the Registry of Records, which is maintained by the Registrar General’s Department, reveal that Jonathan Gardiner, now in federal custody after being seized by US authorities following the May 12 general election plane crash, was in 2016
* Firm paid $1.155m for 27 lots in three-month spending spree * Corporate records named Jonathan Gardiner as its president * FNM’s leader demands Top Notch money laundering probe
named as the president of Jaric Enterprises Ltd. Filings seen by Tribune Business reveal that Jaric Enterprises purchased lots in Venice Bay, located on New Providence’s southern shore on Bacardi Road, at prices ranging from a low of $28,460 to a high of $75,000 between October 20, 2003, and January 13, 2004. All bar six of the lots, most of which were purchased from the subdivision’s original developer, Venice Bay Holdings, attracted a $38,460 purchase price.
Attorney’s Village Road property saved from mortgage restructurer
A BAHAMIAN attorney’s former Village Road law ofces have enjoyed a last-minute rescue after the Supreme Court dismissed a mortgage restructurer’s bid to foreclose and repossess the property as “frivolous and vexatious”.
Acting justice Raynard Rigby KC yesterday upheld the strike-out by R&R Holdings, a company owned by attorney Derek
Ryan, after he found that both the action sparked by the original mortgage default and enforcement of a subsequent judgment by Gateway Ascendancy, which is headed by Sir Franklyn Wilson, were out of time and statute-barred by the Limitation Act. As a result, acting justice Rigby overturned two previous foreclosure Orders that would have allowed Gateway Ascendancy to repossess the building that once housed Mr Ryan’s law
Many of these lots were the subject of bulk purchases, which took place on two dates - November 4, 2003, and January 13, 2004 - and saw Jaric Enterprises buy multiple land parcels at the same time. The company then turned around and began to re-sell these lots from 2006 onwardssometimes at prices that were more than double, even four times’ greater, than what it originally paid to acquire the land.
For example, two diferent lots acquired by Jaric
Enterprises for $38,460 apiece were subsequently sold for $90,000 in September 2016 and June 2017, respectively, representing a 134 percent increase.
Another lot, originally purchased for $38,460, sold for four times’ greater at $155,000 in October 2010.
According to an afdavit of benefcial ownership fled with the Deeds and Documents section of the Registrar General’s Department on August 2, 2013, one Spence Burton Dorsett swore under oath that
he was Jaric Enterprises’ “president, director and the benefcial owner of all the shares” in the Bahamian-domiciled company. However, just three years later, the conveyance for the $90,000 lot sale in September 2016 names Jonathan Gardiner as “the president” of Jaric Enterprises. He signs the conveyance in this capacity to execute the sale, which came “by the order and with the authority of the Board of Directors” of
Pre-election building materials vouchers outlay hits $1.5m
nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net
THE Opposition’s leader yesterday pledged that concerns over whether taxpayer funds were misused to fnance the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) general election campaign are “not going to go quietly” after a further $663,437 outlay on building material vouchers emerged.
* Further $663,437 spent by Finance ministry in May * Opposition renews taxpayer funds misuse concern * Pledges that controversy is not ‘going to go quietly’
necessary authorities to investigate after the Government’s monthly report on public procurement for April revealed further pre-election spending that took the total outlay on building materials vouchers to more than $1.5m in two months.
SEE PROPERTY, Page 5
Minister: Those ‘scandalising’ me will admit they are wrong
A CABINET minister yesterday hit back at the Opposition leader’s call for him to resign over his former role as president of a contractor linked to the election day plane crash drug accused, asserting that those seeking to "scandalise" his name will eventually have to admit they were wrong.
Michael Halkitis, minister of fnance, speaking in Parliament yesterday said the controversy surrounding Top Notch Builders, for whom corporate records show he served as president between 2019 and
SEE RESPONSE, Page 4 nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net
2021 while out of ofce, made him recall the period between 2015 and 2017 and claims that the Government had ‘stolen’ $1bn in
Michael Pintard told Tribune Business that the Free National Movement (FNM) plans to “pursue” the issue through the Public Accounts Committee and calls for the
GB tourism operator to add 20 jobs via $100k expansion
A GRAND Bahama tourism operator is investing around $100,000 to launch two new guest experiences by September in an expansion expected to create 20 new jobs.
David Wallace, Pirate’S Cove Zipline and Water Park’s principal, said the move will position the attraction to capitalise on increased cruise passenger arrivals as Freeport prepares for greater vessel call volume.
The expansion will fund the introduction of ‘The Conch: A Taste of Grand Bahama’ and an underwater sea scooter tour, the
frst phase of a broader expansion strategy aimed at diversifying Grand Bahama’s tourism oferings ahead of increased calls from major cruise operators.
“We believe with the new calls that will come because of the development now of the Freeport Harbour, Royal Caribbean and MSC partnering in the harbour with them calling, bringing on more ships, we believe you’re going to need more activities for the tourists to do on the island,” Mr Wallace said.
The project includes an investment of between $50,000 and $60,000 for new equipment, in
The April 2026 report revealed that the Ministry of Finance acquired $413,437 worth of vouchers from Freeport-based
Contractors Direct, with the $250,000 balance obtained from Premier Importers. Both purchases were made by the ‘direct award’ method, meaning there was no competitive bidding, and took place on April 13, 2026 - less than one month before the general election. The vouchers were acquired for the purpose
Sweltering heat pushing visitors out straw market
BAY Street straw market vendors are complaining that the summer heat is driving tourists away before they can make purchases amid the continued wait for a long-promised air conditioning and cooling system.
The lack of air conditioning is worsening what vendors describe as an already-difcult business environment, with tourists spending less and competition for visitors increasing.
Celestine Eneas, president of the Straw Vendors Advancement Association, said the heat has become so unbearable that visitors often leave the market within minutes of entering.
“When they do come in the market, and they feel the heat, they get out as quick as possible,” Ms Eneas said.
“We have a lot of tourists that are coming, but they’re not spending. See, that’s the problem. We can’t complain that we are not seeing the tourists, mind you. The tourists come, but they’re not spending like that.”
The cooling system has been under discussion
for months. While the Straw Market was previously under the Ministry of Works, ofcials had explored temporarily closing the facility to install the system.
However, Ms Eneas said the proposed timing clashed with the busy Spring Break season, making closure impractical for vendors who depend on daily sales.
“When we were under the Ministry of Works, they were looking for a time to shut the market down to put the cooling system in,” Ms Eneas said. “That was around Spring Break time. They couldn’t close it down then because the people were looking to make their money.”
She suggested September, traditionally the slowest period for straw vendors, would be the most practical time for any temporary closure.
“You have to remember now, straw vendors, some of them work from day to day with little children with nothing to eat,” Ms Eneas said.
“You can’t just drop it on them. You have to give them time so that they’ll be able to put something aside when they close the market.”
Responsibility for the Straw Market has since shifted from the Ministry of Works to the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, leaving vendors uncertain about whether the air conditioning project remains on schedule.
“I have no idea,” Ms Eneas said. “We have no idea what’s going on with that. Since we’re under a new ministry, I guess we’ll have to wait and see what she brings to the table.”
Tribune Business reached out to Leslia Miller-Brice, minister of culture, arts and heritage, for an update on the cooling system and the project’s timeline, but did not receive a response up to press time.
In the meantime, vendors are bearing additional operating costs simply to make their stalls bearable.
“I have about eight fans in my shop,” Ms Eneas said. “You have to try to keep your environment cool.” Those fans, she added, often become gathering points for overheated tourists rather than paying customers. “They’re standing there trying to cool of, and sometimes three and four of them, fve and six at a time,” Ms Eneas said. “They don’t want nothing,
but they’re feeling the cool breeze, and they don’t want to move.”
Vendors often choose hospitality over immediate sales in hopes of protecting The Bahamas’ tourism reputation. “You can’t insult them because you need them to come back,” Ms Eneas said.
“If you tell them, ‘Excuse me, you have to move,’ they could speak about their bad experience and then tell their friends, ‘Choose another destination other than The Bahamas’.” The intense heat is also shortening the business day for many vendors.
“You could walk in the market, and by three or four o’clock, you would see more blue plastic,” she said, referring to the tarps vendors use to cover their stalls after closing early. “The market still closes at 7pm, but you might fnd one or two persons who stay until then.”
Although no one has collapsed inside the market, Ms Eneas said vendors frequently encounter visitors showing signs of heat exhaustion.
“Nobody never really faint and fall on the ground,” she said. “But you could see the tourists feel bad, and you could look in their face and see they’re ready to fall. Before they fall, you ofer them your chair and tell them, ‘Sit here and catch a little bit of breeze.’ They are very grateful for it. And that happens all the time.”
The heat is only one of several pressures weighing on Straw Market businesses. Ms Eneas said increased retail oferings at the Nassau Cruise Port and other shopping locations mean visitors no longer need to visit the Straw Market to purchase Bahamian souvenirs.
“It’s really too much things that pull the tourists
away from the market,” she said. “The Government have to fnd a way to get the people of the ship. When they do come, everywhere you go, they can purchase an item. So they don’t necessarily need to come to the Straw Market.”
She also pointed to broader economic uncertainty in the US, the Bahamas’ largest tourism source market, as contributing to softer consumer spending.
“I’m not just putting it on our government, because everybody knows America’s in a mess,” Ms Eneas said. “People are scrambling and don’t know what to do, whether they should spend their money or not. And we rely a lot on American tourists.”
Still, vendors hope the change in ministry oversight will deliver long-awaited improvements to one of Nassau’s best-known tourist attractions.
Investors to get chance to own ‘up to quarter’ of Bank of The Bahamas
THE Prime Minister yesterday pledged to give institutional and retail investors the opportunity to own “up to a quarter” of BISX-listed Bank of The Bahamas although he gave few details on how this will be achieved.
Philip Davis KC, speaking in the House of Assembly on the post-election ‘Speech from the Throne’, said: “Since we’re talking about truly owning a piece of our country, we will ofer Bahamians the chance to own a piece of one of their own national institutions by placing up to a quarter of the ownership of Bank of The Bahamas directly into our citizens’ hands.”
Bank of The Bahamas has now recovered from the 2014 and 2017 taxpayer-sponsored bailouts that removed a toxic commercial loan portfolio from its balance sheet. However, some 17.4 percent of its shares are already held by private investors according to its 2025 annual report, with the Government holding the remaining 82.6 percent through the Public Treasury and National Insurance Board (NIB). The Government does not have far to go to hit 25 percent private ownership.
Mr Davs, meanwhile, said his administration will intensify eforts to reduce the cost of living during his second term as prime minister.
He acknowledged that earlier measures to ease infation and provide tax relief have not gone far enough for many Bahamian families, and the Government will "aggressively go after the cost of living in whatever ways we can”.
"We took VAT of the unprepared food in the cart, and we cut the rate on baby items, feminine products and medical supplies," said Mr Davis. "We held infation to 0.6 percent last year while the rest of the world struggled. But we know this was not enough."
Among the initiatives outlined was long-promised competition legislation designed to combat anti-competitive practices. "We will bring competition legislation to stop the price-fxing and abuses that strain household budgets," said Mr Davis.
He also pledged to introduce uniform electricity rates nationwide. "We will end the injustice that makes a family in Mayaguana pay more to keep the lights on than a family in Nassau by introducing standard rates for light bills across the country,” Mr Davis added.
The Prime Minister also promised a review of real property tax rates to provide greater relief for Bahamian homeowners, and said the Government intends to increase domestic food production by setting production targets and supporting local farmers.
Housing afordability also featured prominently in the Government's agenda.
Mr Davis said the administration plans to expand afordable housing and rent-to-own programmes while introducing minimum standards for rental properties backed by an enforcement authority.
"We are expanding afordable homes and rentto-own opportunities so that hundreds more families each year can turn a key in the front door of a home they can call their own," he said.
Mr Davis added that his administration remains committed to completing
several major projects in Grand Bahama, including Grand Bahama International Airport and a new hospital, as he argued the island's economic recovery is already underway and dismissed criticism over the pace of the projects.
"For years, people talked about Grand Bahama in the past tense, as if the Magic City's best days were behind it," he said. "I never believed that for a moment."
Pointing to tourism growth, Mr Davis said visitor arrivals rose by more than 91 percent last year to surpass one million, making Grand Bahama the country's fastest-growing tourism destination. "This is just the beginning," he added.
Mr Davis said projects including the Afro-Caribbean Marketplace, MSC cruise port, the Xanadu redevelopment and a new agreement with the Grand Bahama Port Authority. He added that the Government acquired the Grand Bahama Power Company to ensure residents beneft from lower electricity costs under its energy reforms.
Responding to criticism from Opposition MPs over the airport project, Mr Davis insisted it would be completed. "You all raise the question about the airport. By now, y'all should know if I say it will be done, it will be done," he said. "Y'all said, 'Wait and see' on the power. You all waited and saw; it's getting done."
"I would have thought that the Grand Bahamian MPs would thank us for lowering the bill for their residents, their constituents...
“I'm talking about good news right now. Big things are happening in Grand Bahama and people can feel the change."
Carnival unlocks 700k extra
GB arrivals in berth doubling
CARNIVAL yesterday
said it has unlocked 700,000 extra annual cruise passenger arrivals to Grand Bahama through completion of the pier expansion project at its $600m Celebration Key destination.
The cruise line, in a statement, said the addition of two new berths will enable four ships to dock at Celebration Key at the same time thus increasing vessel calls by 200 per year. It added that the expansion will enable its fagship Grand Bahama location to receive more than 13,000 guests per day.
Carnival said the doubling of berth capactiy from the original two, which were present when Celebration Key opened in July 2025, to
now four occurred ahead of schedule.
"Celebration Key is one of the centrepieces of our Paradise Collection – a bold destination built to redefne what a Caribbean vacation can feel like," said Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corporation’s chief executive.
"From a mile of white sand beach to the Caribbean's largest freshwater lagoons and fve distinct experience portals, every part of Celebration Key was designed to deliver something unforgettable. Finishing the pier extension ahead of schedule gives us a real jump on meeting the extraordinary demand we're seeing, and allows us to bring even more guests to this unique Bahamian
paradise sooner than expected."
Twenty Carnival Cruise Line ships now call at Celebration Key from 10 US home ports. The cruise line added that, from September 2026, three and four-ship days will be routine in Grand Bahama, with Princess Cruises and AIDA joining the vessel rotation later this year.
"Celebration Key's expansion refects continued confdence in Grand Bahama and in The Bahamas as a leading tourism destination," said Glenys Hanna Martin, minister of tourism.
"Our priority is to ensure that investments of this scale create meaningful opportunities for Bahamian
businesses, expand employment and deliver lasting economic benefts to our people. We congratulate the team at Celebration Key on its frst anniversary, and look forward to its continued contribution to Grand Bahama's economy and the well-being of its communities."
"The expansion of Celebration Key's pier is a powerful endorsement of Grand Bahama's economic potential," said Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama.
"Every ship that calls on our island creates opportunities for Bahamians - from entrepreneurs and small businesses to countless families who depend on a thriving tourism sector.
“This investment represents more than new infrastructure; it is an investment in our people, our economy and a future built on sustainable, yearround growth."
Carnival added that Celebration Key will have welcomed around 2.5m guests when it marks its frst anniversary on July 19, 2026. It added that the destination’s second year is expected to see that number grow by 40 percent or one million to 3.5 million. The cruise line added that, according to an economic impact study by Tourism Economics (an Oxford Economics company), the development, construction and ongoing operation of Celebration
Key is projected to create more than 2,500 direct Bahamian jobs, generate $3.2bn in extra government revenue and contribute $9.7bn in additional GDP impact over the next two decades. That translates into an annual GDP impact of $485m and tax revenue increase of $160m. Celebration Key is one of the seven Caribbean destinations that make up Carnival Corporation's Paradise Collection. They also include RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, Isla Tropicale (Roatan), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Puerto Maya (Cozumel, Mexico), Grand Turks Cruise Center (Turks & Caicos) and Princess Cays (The Bahamas).
Don’t let FDI ‘duplicate’ what Bahamians offer
A tour operator yesterday called on the Government to safeguard Bahamian-owned attractions from growing competition as multi-million dollar foreign direct investment (FDI) projects transform Grand Bahama’s tourism economy.
David Wallace, operator of Pirate’s Cove Zipline and Water Park, said the island’s tourism sector is entering a period of significant opportunity driven by increased cruise passenger arrivals. However, he warned that without policy support, Bahamian-owned businesses could struggle to compete against largescale foreign developments that enjoy easier access to cheaper capital.
“I think the key to surviving in tourism in Grand Bahama is to adapt to the changes and become very fexible,” Mr Wallace said. He pointed to the opening of Carnival’s $600m Celebration Cay destination as evidence that adapting business models can pay of, noting that Pirate’s Cove has already seen a noticeable increase in visitors.
“Now we are seeing bigger numbers of persons coming out of Celebration Cay,” he said. “On an average day at Pirate’s Cove, we can see anywhere from 150 to 250 persons at the beach.”
“Many of these persons are coming back to the island on their second or third cruise to Celebration Cay, and they’ve already seen and experienced Celebration Cay,” he said. “Some of them want to get up and see other parts of the island because they realise that Celebration Cay is located on the island of Grand Bahama.”
Mr Wallace added that cruise calls at Freeport Harbour further boost visitor trafc, with daily beach attendance rising to between 200 and 300 guests when ships are in port.
“Many of these persons, where they live, they’ve never seen a beach before,”
Mr Wallace said. “They are happy to come and enjoy this beautiful water that we have.” He said Bahamian tourism operators must ofer more than traditional beach experiences to encourage spending and repeat visits.
“We just want to give them that ‘wow’ experience where it’s not just the sun, sand and sea,” he said. “It is also the hospitality, but there are activities - safe activities - that they can do while they are in Grand Bahama. Safety is our number one concern.”
While optimistic about the sector’s growth, Mr Wallace argued that government policy must ensure Bahamian entrepreneurs are not pushed aside by larger overseas investors developing similar attractions. “I think to whatever extent the Government has to protect businesses like Garden of the Groves,
Mr Wallace said many of those visitors are repeat cruise passengers who have already experienced Celebration Cay and are looking to explore more of Grand Bahama.
Pirate’s Cove, the Nature Trail, Paradise Cove and Deadman’s Reef, who’ve been in these businesses for all these years, there has to be something carved out where they can continue to exist,” he said. “We do not have the billion dollar capital to compete, but we’ve invested lots, we’ve invested all, and we are locals, born and bred and living in the country.”
Mr Wallace urged policymakers to prevent major tourism developers from duplicating experiences already ofered by established Bahamian operators.
“See what these guys are doing, and see how they can protect those persons who are already in the business who are Bahamians,” he said.
He also suggested government-led tourism expansion should increasingly focus on areas outside
Freeport, noting that much of the city’s remaining commercial beachfront property is controlled by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA). “I think the challenge for the Government is that all of the land in the city of Freeport is owned by the Port Authority; what is left,” Mr Wallace said, adding that commercial beachfront opportunities within Freeport are becoming increasingly limited. Instead, he encouraged the Government to leverage land under its control in east and west Grand Bahama. “I often call on theGgovernment to show us your strength by developing outside of the city of Freeport, developing in East End, Grand Bahama, where the government controls the land, or in the west, where the government is responsible for the land,” he said.
At the same time, Mr Wallace credited the Grand Bahama Port Authority for its renewed investment promotion eforts.
“The city of Freeport, I like to give the Port Authority their credit. They
continue to market and promote,” he said.
“There was a time when things were in a lull in Freeport, and we raised hell with the Port. If it’s good, we have to give them their credit for their work.”
Pintard urges close look at ties to Carmichael Village
Jaric Enterprises. The conveyance was fled with the registry by the Cedric Parker & Company law frm. Mr Gardiner’s action was witnessed by Samson Hield as Jaric Enterprises’ assistant secretary - the very same person who swore a separate afdavit of benefcial ownership asserting that he owned 100 percent of Top Notch Builders. That is the construction company which Mr Gardiner, in evidence and flings with the southern federal New York last week, confrmed is his “business” while revealing that he has signatory authority over the contractor’s bank accounts.
The Venice Bay purchases also occured around the time that Top Notch Builders was itself established in 2002. Numerous Tribune Business contacts, speaking on condition of anonymity, have confrmed that Mr Dorsett is Mr Gardiner’s nephew. Their relationship is illustrated by this newspaper’s own obituary records for Synida Rose Gardiner Dorsett, which list Mr Dorsett as her son and also identify an ‘Eric Gardiner’ as one of her siblings. This makes Mr Gardiner the uncle of Mr Dorsett.
Mr Dorsett’s afdavit of benefcial ownership was signed, notarised and fled with the Registrar General’s Department by attorney Michael Foulkes, the former Free National Movement (FNM) MP for Golden Gates who unsuccessfully ran for the same seat in the May 12 general election.
Mr Foulkes, a former parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Social Services
and Urban Development, has not responded to multiple Tribune Business phone calls and messages seeking comment on the legal work he performed for Mr Dorsett and Jaric Enterprises. This included Mr Dorsett’s own purchase of a Venice Bay lot from Jaric Enterprises in early August 2013 at around the same time he swore the afdavit of benefcial ownership.
Other documents seen by this newspaper show that Jaric Enterprises even held an “extraordinary general meeting” at the ofces of Bethel, Moss & Company, the law frm in which Mr Foulkes was then a partner on September 26, 2011, to approve the lot’s sale to Mr Dorsett. There is no suggestion that Mr Foulkes has done anything wrong in relation to Jaric Enterprises.
Multiple Tribune Business sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, have further confrmed Mr Gardiner’s connections to substantial real estate investments in Venice Bay. These represent holdings likely to attract the attention of US prosecutors and the southern New York federal court when it comes to asset forfeitures, where they will seek to confscate Mr Gardiner’s property if he is found guilty or as part of a plea bargain deal.
Mr Gardiner’s appearance as the president of Jaric Enterprises occurred just before he swore a February 13, 2017, afdavit denying that he was the benefcial owner of Top Notch Builders despite being its president and a director. The veracity of that afdavit has been undermined by the very evidence he submitted in the southern New York district
court, which purported to show $20,000 of the $30,000 in election day cash was withdrawn by himself from Top Notch Builders’ bank account.
Michael Pintard, the Opposition’s leader, in a letter to Shanta Knowles, the Royal Bahamas Police Force commissioner, yesterday said Mr Gardiner’s own admissions have only increased the need and urgency for a probe into potential money laundering, falsifying of corporate records and ‘fronting’ involving Top Notch Builders.
“Additional information has come to light which materially strengthens the basis for a targeted fnancial investigation into potential money laundering, non-disclosure of benefcial ownership and the misuse of corporate structures to conceal control of funds,” he wrote.
“In particular, emerging evidence suggests a potential fundamental inconsistency between Top Notch Builders’ formal corporate records and the apparent exercise of control over its fnancial accounts.
“Specifcally, there are credible indications that an individual, Mr Eric Gardiner, not refected in the company’s corporate flings may nonetheless have exercised direct access to - and control over - the company’s bank accounts, including the withdrawal of signifcant sums. This disconnect between recorded ownership and actual control of funds is highly signifcant.”
Tribune Business previously revealed that Top Notch Builders was deemed to be non-compliant with the Register of Benefcial
Ownership Act 2018. Mr Gardiner’s afdavit the prior year appeared to be an efort to put distance between himself and the contractor, as he attested that Mr Hield was its 100 percent benefcial ownersomething refuted by the former’s own court flings.
Calling for a “full review” of all bank accounts held by Top Notch and its afliates, Mr Pintard added: “Under the applicable legal framework governing fnancial transactions reporting and benefcial ownership disclosure, such a mismatch may indicate the use of corporate entities to obscure the identity of the true controlling party and, in turn, may be consistent with established indicators of money laundering activity.
“Against that background, we respectfully urge that the ongoing investigation be sure to include a detailed forensic examination of the banking relationships associated with Top Notch Builders and all related entities….. This review should include the identifcation of all authorised signatories to those accounts over time, the dates on which such authority was granted or revoked, and the actual pattern of usage of the accounts.
“Of critical importance is the need to obtain and analyse the Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation and due diligence records held by the banking institutions, including all declarations of benefcial ownership submitted at the time of account opening and during subsequent reviews,” the Opposition leader added.
“Such records will be central to determining whether any individual not refected in the corporate flings was nonetheless recorded by the fnancial institutions as a benefcial owner, a signatory, or a person exercising efective control over the accounts. Any divergence between the bank’s KYC records and the flings maintained by the Registrar General would, in itself, be a matter of serious concern requiring careful investigation.”
Calling for particular scrutiny of major cash withdrawals and deposits; transfers between Top Notch Builders and its afliates; and “structuring and layering of transactions” to obscure where monies were coming from and being moved to, Mr Pintard also urged the police to probe the contractor’s ties to the fagship Renaissance at Carmichael Village afordable housing subdivision.
Tribune Business previously revealed that Complete Construction, the Carmichael Village contractor, was owned by Top Notch Builders and efectively its alias, front or alter ego.
“It is essential that the investigation trace the fow of funds between Top Notch Builders and its subsidiaries, afliates and related companies, including but not limited to entities engaged in construction or development activities linked to government projects,” Mr Pintard added.
“Particular attention should be directed to the relationship between Top Notch Builders and entities associated with public projects, including the interface
with Carmichael Village Project Development Company, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) established by the Government. We understand that this SPV was established by the same legal frm that has served as the registered agent for Top Notch Builders.” That law frm is Bowe Partners and attorney Alecia Bowe.
The Opposition leader continued: “The investigative authorities should examine all fnancial fows between these entities and public sector counterparties, including any payments arising under government contracts, to determine whether such funds were subsequently transferred through layers of corporate entities in a manner consistent with concealment or obfuscation.
“The investigation should also address whether any special purpose vehicles, subsidiaries, or related corporate arrangements were used to facilitate the commingling of public funds with private fnancial fows, or otherwise created opportunities for the layering and integration of funds in ways that may be inconsistent with lawful commercial practice….
“The matters now before the authorities are no longer confned to allegations of narcotics trafcking. They raise the prospect of a broader misuse of corporate and fnancial systems to conceal ownership, control fnancial fows and obscure the origin of funds.
“These are issues that directly afect the integrity of the country’s fnancial system and its compliance with international standards.”
Pintard demands Halkitis resigns over Top Notch
RESPONSE, from Page 1
revenues when he was serving as minister of state for fnance.
“Having been around, so to speak, I am reminded of the biblical admonition in Ecclesiastes, Chapter One, Verse Nine, where it says there is nothing new under the sun,” Mr Halkitis told Parliament.
“I had to listen to my daughter come home from school and say the children were telling her, ‘Your daddy is going to jail because he stole the VAT money’.”
Mr Halkitis noted that, after the 2017 election, the then-chairman of the Free National Movement acknowledged that no money had been stolen, but “there was no apology” for the allegations.
“I am hopeful, but I’m not hopeful. I don’t expect anything better.
“But it would be good, in the fullness of time, when everything is revealed, for those who so gleefully seek to scandalise your name...” he said.
Mr Halkitis’ remarks came after a heated exchange earlier in the debate, when Michael Pintard, the Opposition leader, attempted to raise questions about the minister’s former association with Top Notch Builders and began
reading from a letter he said had been sent to the Commissioner of Police requesting that investigators widen their probe into the company.
Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister, immediately objected and argued that the matter had already been referred to Parliament’s committee of privilege and should not be debated while awaiting the committee’s fndings.
Patricia Deveaux, the House speaker, upheld the objection and reminded MPs that the issue had been referred to the committee.
She also questioned whether the matters Mr Pintard sought to raise were before the courts, later citing House rules prohibiting discussion of matters under judicial consideration.
Despite several attempts by Mr Pintard to continue, the Speaker directed him to move on and later ordered one of his remarks expunged from the record following an objection from Mr Halkitis.
Outside Parliament, Mr Pintard renewed his criticism in a statement posted to social media, arguing that evidence emerging in court proceedings in the US raised further questions about Mr Halkitis’ former role as president of Top Notch Builders.
Mr Pintard claimed the latest evidence showed Jonathan ‘Eric’ Gardiner was able to withdraw $20,000 from the company’s bank account the day before the 2026 general election despite not appearing as a director or ofcer in the company’s corporate flings. He argued that Mr Halkitis, as the company’s former president, should have known who exercised control over the company’s fnances and renewed his call for the minister’s resignation. “The minister owes the country the full truth, and his resignation along with it,” said Mr Pintard.
“The president of a company is expected to know who controls its fnances, who has authority over its bank accounts, and who makes the important decisions on behalf of the company. The Bahamian people deserve clear answers. Did Minister Halkitis know Eric Gardiner continued to exercise control over Top Notch Builders?
“If not, how could someone serving as president fail to know who had access to - and control over - the company’s bank accounts? The Davis administration cannot continue to spin away legitimate concerns while asking Bahamians to trust them with the nation’s fnances.”
Minister and Opposition leader dispute GB jobs
A Cabinet minister’s assertion that Grand Bahama businesses are struggling to fnd workers to fll available jobs sparked a sharp exchange with the Opposition’s leaderin Parliament yesterday.
Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama, traded words with Michael Pintard as the latter argued that
many Grand Bahamians are still searching for work. While outlining what she described as Grand Bahama's economic resurgence, Mrs Moxey pointed to several major developments, including the MSC cruise port, Carnival’s Celebration Key, the Royal Caribbean Xanadu Beach project, the Grand Bahama Shipyard redevelopment and new healthcare facilities. She said those investments were translating into employment opportunities. "Just last week I met with
Grand Bahama business owners, and they said to me, 'Minister, we have jobs, but we cannot fnd enough people to fll them.' That is what I call a good problem," said Mrs Moxey. "It is a very diferent conversation from the one Grand Bahama was having a few years ago."
Mr Pintard immediately disputed the claim, saying MPs representing the island's three Free National Movement-held constituencies maintain lists of residents who remain unemployed. "We have a list of
persons who are unemployed," he said.
Mr Pintard questioned whether the businesses Mrs Moxey referenced had been connected with job seekers in Opposition-held constituencies. “If that is the case, she could easily refer them to any of us," he said. "We are following that same experience."
He argued that if employers were genuinely unable to fll vacancies, they should be directed to MPs who regularly hear from constituents seeking work.
Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour and the public service, intervened to defend the Government's position, saying available vacancies are listed on the Department of Labour's job seekers portal and encouraging unemployed Bahamians to register. She added that her ministry would also be willing to host a job fair in Mr Pintard's Marco City constituency. When Mr Pintard again questioned whether Mrs Moxey's account accurately refected conditions
in Grand Bahama, the minister briefy dismissed the exchange before resuming her contribution. "It's not a point of order...” Mrs Moxey said. She then continued her speech, arguing that Grand Bahama's economic progress was refected not only in investment announcements but also in ofcial indicators, including what she described as the island's lowest unemployment rate in 18 years and a 91 percent increase in visitor arrivals last year.
Court overturns foreclosure as move is statute-barred
PROPERTY, from Page 1
frm, Ryan & Company.
The Supreme Court verdict now means that not only is Mr Ryan in a position to get his property back, but also beneft from the “substantial, material and irrerversible” upgrades made by Gateway Ascendancy at its expense amid an ongoing legal battle.
Damian Gomez KC, former minister of legal afairs who represented Mr Ryan and his company, said the verdict showed that “if the Limitation Act period expires for both the cause of action and the judgment you cannot now come back and say the judgment is res judicata”. He added that, despite the existence of ongoing leval proceedings, Gateway Ascendancy has installed “a big parking lot” and ramps to give disabled persons access.
Sir Franklyn, in reply, told Tribune Business: “The lawyers will deal with it. It is what it is. It’s a court process. Whatever happens we’ll deal with it. It’s life. That’s the process.”
Described as having “a colourful history” for over a decade by Mr Rigby in his 53-page verdict, the legal dispute also embroiled Mr Ryan’s fellow attorney, Ian Jupp. He had leased the Village Road property on December 28, 2020, and argued that Gateway Ascendancy must have known of his presence as its own attorney, Sharlyn Smith, had corresponded multiple times with him at the same address in 2021 over a separate real estate
transaction where they were representing both parties.
However, upon returning from a two-week vacation on July 30, 2023, Mr Jupp found he had been locked out by Gateway Ascendancy and was unable to access his ofce and client fles. Then, two years later, he was driving past the Village Road ofces when he saw client fles and other possessions had been “discarded into multiple garbage bins” and left outside where they “were either damaged or destroyed” by heavy rain.
“I had been a tenant of [R&R Holdings] continuously operating my law practice therein from that date, up until the date when I was unceremoniously and without notice locked out of the said demised premises by the claimant/applicant [Gateway Ascendancy],”
Mr Jupp alleged.
“The said demised premises had always served as my principal place of practice… and the secure repository of my client fles, books, professional implements, professional apparel, ofce equipment, and personal efects. On Sunday, July 30, 2023, I had just returned from a two-week vacation and, on that same evening, I went to the said demised premises to prepare for my return to work the following day (Monday).
“Upon my arrival, I noticed that some legal documentation had been taped to the outer gate at the entrance thereto. I then tried to unlock the gate, but I found that my key to the lock was not working. I then
LEGAL NOTICE LOLLIPOP INC.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:
(a) LOLLIPOP INC. is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.
(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 15th June 2026, when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.
(c) The Liquidator of the said Company NextGen Management Services Establishment, Feldkircher Strasse 31, 9494 Schaan, Liechtenstein as Liquidator.
Dated 15th day of June, A.D. 2026 NextGen Management Services Establishment LIQUIDATOR
NOTICE
ROSA INC.
Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas registered in the Register of Companies under the registration number 208931 B.
(In Voluntary Liquidation)
Notice is hereby given that the liquidation and the winding up of the Company is complete and the Company has been struck off the Register of Companies maintained by the Registrar General.
Dated this 26th day of June A.D. 2026.
realised that the lock had been changed. I then read the entirety of the documentation taped to the gate, and I further realised that I had been locked out of the said demised premises by the claimant/applicant, who had obtained an order for an Injunction to do so among other things.”
The travails which ultimately impacted Mr Jupp stem from a Scotiabank (Bahamas) mortgage that Mr Ryan and his company obtained in 2000, more than a quarter of a century ago. The loan was eventually sold, or transferred, to Gateway Ascendancy as part of the portfolio of delinquent and defaulted mortgages sold by the Canadian-owned commercial bank.
However, prior to the sale and transfer, Scotiabank obtained a Supreme Court possession Order against the Village Road property on January 25, 2016. And Gateway Ascendancy did not seek to enforce this until January 2023 - some seven years later. As a result, Mr Gomez argued that the foreclosure bid was statute-barred by the Limitation Act as this requires enforcement actions to be brought within six yearsa deadline that expired in April 2022.
As a result, he argued on Mr Ryan’s behalf that the claim was statute-barred and the two foreclosure orders obtained by the mortgage restructurer in July 2024 and April 2025 should be set aside and struck out. As for the basis of the claim - the mortgage
default - Mr Gomez argued that, because Scotiabank admitted this occurred on May 26, 2009, this too is statute-barred by the Limitation Act which only allows a maximum 12 years - until 2021 - for a lender to recover a mortgage debt.
Acting justice Rigby, in his verdict, wrote: “Based on the authorities noted above, it seems clear that the court has a discretion to re-open a foreclosure order absolute. The discretion is one that must be exercised sparingly and judiciously.
“I note and highlight that no contention is made by the defendant (Mr Ryan and his company) that it can pay the mortgage debt or that the court should instead order a sale of the property given its signifcant value. The nature of the defendant’s complaint is that the foreclosure orders should not have been made because the recovery of the debt is statute barred by section fve of the Limitation Act.
“The principal question for the court, therefore, is whether the limitation argument is a good reason for the re-opening of the foreclosure order, or a circumstance to warrant the exercise of the court’s discretion to re-open the foreclosure order absolute.”
Mr Rigby found there was just such an argument.
“I exercise my discretion to re-open the foreclosure orders primarily because should the limitation argument prevail, the claimant ought not to have the beneft of the mortgaged property or, alternatively,
LEGAL NOTICE
CRYSTAL SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED
(In Voluntary Liquidation)
Notice is hereby given in pursuance of Section 138 of The International Business Companies Act, 2000 (as amended) that the Sole Member of the above-named company by Resolution passed on the 17th day of June 2026 resolved that the company be wound up voluntarily forthwith and that the Liquidator is Mr. Bennet R. Atkinson of Ronald Atkinson & Co., Chartered Accountants, Marron House, Virginia and Augusta Streets, P.O. Box N-8326, Nassau, Bahamas.
All persons having claims against the above-named company are requested to submit particulars of such claims and proofs thereof in writing to the Liquidator, Mr. Bennet R. Atkinson, Marron House, Virginia and Augusta Streets, P.O. Box N-8326, Nassau, Bahamas, not later than the 30th day of July 2026, after which date the books will be closed and the assets of the company distributed.
Dated the 26th day of June 2026.
Bennet R. Atkinson Liquidator
LEGAL NOTICE
JORGAL SUPPLIERS LTD.
(In Voluntary Liquidation)
NOTICE is hereby given in pursuance of Section 222(2) of the Companies (Winding Up Amendment) Act, 2011, that all contributories of the above-named Company are requested to attend an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of the above-named company on Thursday the 31st day of July 2026 at 11:00 o’clock in the forenoon in the Offces of Ronald Atkinson & Co., Chartered Accountants, Marron House, Virginia and Augusta Streets, Nassau, Bahamas, for the purpose of having an account laid before the Members showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted, the property of the Company disposed of, hearing any explanations that may be given by the Liquidator and determining, by Extraordinary Resolution, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of both the Company and the Liquidator shall be disposed of.
Dated the 29th day of June 2026.
Tanya P. Simmons Liquidator
the defendant ought not be deprived of its right to the property. Equity must be seen to do equity; starving of any unjust advantage or beneft to the party who came to the court seeking equity,” he ruled.
And, fnding in favour of Mr Gomez’s arguments, acting justice Rigby agreed with the statute-barred deadlines he had calculated.
“The limitation defence advanced by the defendant appearsto be unimpeachable,” the latter wrote.
“Under the Limitation Act, a foreclosure action in respect of mortgaged land is treated as an action for the recovery of land.
“No such action may be commenced after the expiration of 12 years from the date on which the right of action accrued. If the mortgage contains a fxed date for redemption, the right of action accrues at that date. It is generally accepted in law that the action accrues at the time of default or non-payment… “I am bound to conclude that the foreclosure proceedings which were commenced in 2023 by
[Gateway Ascendancy] were in fact commenced outside of the prescribed limitation period. It must follow therefore that the claim to seek a foreclosure order was statute barred. The court thereby lacked the jurisdiction to grant the Foreclosure Orders (Nisi and Absolute).” As for enforcement of the January 25, 2016, possession order originally obtained by Scotiabank, acting justice Rigby added: “The fact that the defendant remained in occupation after its default in May 2009, and continued to occupy the mortgaged property until July 2023, led me to my fndings on the evidence that the periods to enforce the judgment debt and to seek foreclosure of the mortgaged property expired by the time this action was fled….
“I also fnd that, and occasioned by the expiration of the limitation periods to enforce the judgment debt and to seek foreclosure, the claimant’s [Gateway Ascendancy] claim is frivolous and vexatious, and thereby I grant the strike out application.”
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL
The public is hereby advised that I, APRIL WOODSIDE/ CAMERON of Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas, intend to change my name to APRIL NICOLE NEELY. If there are any objections to challenge the name by deed poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Offcer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, The Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice.
Legal Notice
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No.45 of 2000)
In Voluntary Liquidation
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, (No.45 of 2000), CASSIDY MANAGEMENT INC. (the “Company”) is in dissolution. e date of commencement of the dissolution is 26th June, 2026 PAOLO BIZZIO is the Liquidator and can be contacted at 6 Lacets Saint Leon, Monaco. All persons having claims against the above-named Company are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator before 26th July, 2026
NOTICE
Kuarahy B&B Investments Inc.
Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas registered in the Register of Companies under the registration number 1501391 (IBC).
(In Voluntary Liquidation)
Notice is hereby given that the liquidation and the winding up of the Company is complete and the Company has been struck off the Register of Companies maintained by the Registrar General. Dated this 26th day of
obtaining “building materials in Grand Bahama and Abaco” - seemingly to assist still-struggling residents with rebuilding and repairing their homes more than six-and-a-half years after Hurricane Dorian devastated both islands.
It was the Premier Importers vouchers that created the pre-election controversy after the building materials supplier revealed they had been purchased by the Ministry of Finance. But the vouchers, which were issued in “amounts of $200, $300 and $500”, carried the names and signatures of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) election candidates and ofcials.
The April 2026 purchases added to the $900,000 worth of building materials vouchers purchased by the Ministry of Finance in March, which means that the total outlay in the two months prior to the general election exceeds $1.5m.
Some $250,000 worth of building material vouchers was sourced in March from 21st Century Building & Hardware, located on Palm Beach Street, along with a further $200,000 from Wulf Road-based FYP. Some $150,000 was obtained from each of Cartwright’s
addition to a $40,000 purpose-built facility for the conch experience, bringing the total outlay to roughly $100,000. Mr Wallace said the investment builds on more than a decade of expansion at the attraction.
“That will take the total investment in the park to in excess of over $3m over the last 10 years,” he said.
“We started out with a capital injection of about $1.3m, and we’ve developed a park now to well in excess of over $3m.”
‘The Conch: A taste of Grand Bahama’,is designed to immerse visitors in a Bahamian-centred culinary experience. Guests will frst participate in an educational
Opposition chair calls for Treasury ‘reimbursement’
Building Supplies, Pinder’s Enterprise and Hanson Building Materials to bring the total to $900,000 for that month.
Mr Pintard, who has already written to Michael Halkitis, minister of fnance, seeking “a full breakdown” on how these vouchers were distributed and the criteria employed to determine who qualifed to receive them, yesterday said Grand Bahama residents had been “reporting” during the campaign that PLP workers and operatives “were distributing” them although he had not witnessed this personally.
Asserting that the Opposition’s concerns over the vouchers’ possible misuse remains, and that taxpayer monies were employed to fnance the governing party’s campaign, he added that “a substantial amount were purchased”.
“I think that over the next few weeks and months the picture will become clearer with the amount spent to infuence the election,” Mr Pintard argued. “Again, our pressing concern is that so many Bahamians have been in need of assistance for hurricane relief and small home repairs, and
the Government has been negligent in meeting those needs.
“They timed their intervention to infuence the support of persons. They should have been helping persons all along. What they have done during the election cycle is to infuence persons waiting quite some time for assistance, and the Government leveraged their assistance to get political support.”
Mr Pintard added: “They do not see the obligation to explain the actions they have taken in especially putting the names of non-government ofcialscandidate names - on these vouchers. We have asked them [the Government] to point to the laws that permit them to use public funds to assist candidates on their slate. They see no obligation to give an explanation.
“It will be pursued. We are also reporting it to all authorities who investigate such matters. These are not matters that are going to go quietly. We are going to be very vigorous on them.”
The Government has yet to provide a fulsome explanation to address the building material voucher concerns. Dr Duane Sands,
the Opposition’s chairman, yesterday called on the governing party to “reimburse the Public Treasury” for the voucher outlay and said there was “no question” that the matter should be investigated by the likes of the Auditor General, the Government’s own internal fnancial watchdog, and even the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
“What happened to all these vouchers?” Dr Sands asked.
“Were they distributed in east Grand Bahama? And, again, the same question that was asked in the House of Assembly and the Senate: On what basis were these vouchers purchased and distributed, and was their equitable distribution or was this a campaign gimmick?
“That is clearly what happened, but there are feigning ignorance… they have no idea how these vouchers come to have the name of one PLP candidate on. They have been completely silent on any explanation for how this happened? It’s now a matter of us determining what the quantum is. They have used public funds for campaigning, and they
ought to admit they have done so as opposed to passive non-denial. I am sure they, too, believe it will blow over.”
Premier Importers revealed that the Ministry of Finance purchased some $200,000 worth of building materials vouchers from itself to assist Abaco residents with post-Hurricane Dorian relief. But the vouchers, which were issued in “amounts of $200, $300 and $500”, carried the names and signatures of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) election candidates and ofcials.
This raised fears - denied by PLP representativesthat Bahamian taxpayer dollars were being improperly used to fnance the governing party’s re-election campaign and give it an unfair advantage.
Valentine Grimes, a PLP trustee, denied that the party would use public funds in the way alleged by the Opposition. “Anything that candidates give out to people, anything, is paid out by the party or the candidate,” he said. The issuance of the vouchers on Abaco was said to be a way to assist Hurricane Dorian victims.
Conch experience, underwater sea scooter tours set to launch
experience led by a narrator explaining the biology, habitat and cultural signifcance of conch before entering a constructed conch crawl to collect their own conch.
Visitors will then learn how to crack, clean and prepare the conch before sampling traditional Bahamian dishes including conch salad, cracked conch, conch fritters and other conch dishes. Mr Wallace said the concept is intended to ofer visitors an authentic, hands-on cultural experience that goes beyond traditional beach excursions.
“The good thing is these people can be cracking their
own conch,” he said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity where someone can pull out their camera… I think it’s a lifetime experience that they will always remember,” he said.
The second attraction will feature industrial underwater sea scooters capable of pulling guests through shallow reefs at speeds of three to four miles per hour. Subject to weather conditions, the tour may extend to Rainbow Reef.
Mr Wallace said the company expects to launch both products by September and has already begun submitting tour descriptions to cruise lines so excursions
can be marketed before passengers arrive in Grand Bahama.
The attraction plans to market the tours to passengers arriving on Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and MSC vessels, while also positioning itself for increased calls by Norwegian Cruise Line beginning in 2027.
Although Mr Wallace declined to provide frstyear revenue projections, he outlined expected visitor capacity. The conch experience is being designed to accommodate about 24 guests per session, with two tours daily allowing for 48 to 50 participants per day.
The sea scooter attraction is expected to serve 20 to 30 guests daily, depending on sea conditions.
To support the underwater experience, Pirate’s Cove has invested around $20,000 to $25,000 in 12 to 14 sea scooters, although some units will be reserved for tour guides. Mr Wallace said weather-related disruptions would be managed by ofering guests alternative activities, including zipline, UTV or conch tours. The expansion is also expected to generate wider economic benefts across Grand Bahama. Pirate’s Cove plans to increase its workforce from 80 employees to about 100, with new positions ranging from tour narrators and culinary staf to customer service personnel. The attraction will also source fresh conch directly from local fshermen, creating new business opportunities within the island’s fshing industry.
“We’re going to be buying
Asked whether issuing gift cards to people so close to an election amounts to vote buying, Mr Grimes said such practices are carried out by “all sides of the political equation” — a topic long whispered about but rarely addressed publicly.
“There’s nothing wrong with giving that assistance as long as you’re not doing it to infuence their vote,” he said. “If I see someone who needs food, what do I do?”
Pressed on whether both things can be true — someone can be in need of help and a candidate is trying to infuence their vote — he said that would be up to people to interpret. Some Free National Movement (FNM) candidates in the May 12 general election were also issuing building material vouchers to their prospective constituents pre-election, but they were unlikely to have access to the Public Treasury.
The Bahamas has no campaign fnance laws, and there are no clear, enforceable rules requiring full disclosure of political spending or governing the use of public resources during election periods. Both major political parties have continually promised to introduce a campaign fnance system but have failed to do so.
the conchs from the fshermen, we’re going to be putting the conch in the crawl every day,” Mr Wallace said. “So somebody will beneft from delivering to us the conch.”
He added that taxi operators and local transportation providers will also beneft as the range of attractions gives visitors more reasons to travel outside the cruise port.
Looking beyond the September launch, Mr Wallace said Pirate’s Cove is already planning additional attractions, including a zipline extending into the water and a 15-person paddle bike tour linking the beach to Smith’s Point and the Port Lucaya Marketplace with a liquor tasting stop. The park currently ofers zipline, ATV and UTV tours, jet ski rides, banana boat excursions, clear kayak rentals and snorkel experiences. “We are selling memories,” Mr Wallace said. “We want to continue to develop memories for these guests when they come to Pirates Cove or to The Bahamas.”
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that I EMMANUEL DELUSMA of Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration/ Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 30th day of June, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that I KETIA FLEUR of Market Street, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 23rd
NOTICE is hereby given that I JENSEN-KENSEL BELLOT of #24 Haven Street, Soilder Road, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the
Bahamas helps shape Autism Conversation at United Nations Conference
THE Bahamas took an active role in shaping international discussions on disability rights and autism inclusion at United Nations Headquarters in New York during the 19th Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
At a high-level side event focused on the growing needs of ageing autistic individuals, Bahamian physician and gerontologist
Dr Indira Grimes joined leading global experts to examine how governments, healthcare systems and communities can better support autistic adults and seniors throughout their lives.
The discussion, titled ‘Health, Rights and Inclusion: Addressing the Needs of Aging Autistic Individuals,’ brought together internationally recognised researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals and advocates to address healthcare access, independent living, mental health, community participation and human rights protections for autistic individuals across the lifespan.
Dr Bianca Edwards PhD, MScN, RM, RN, CLC Nursing Officer
Men’s Health Month in June highlights the importance of men’s health and its impact on families, workplaces, faith communities, and society.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, requires special attention. Often symptomless, it increases men’s risk for stroke, heart disease, heart failure, and kidney disease, even as they go about daily life.
My doctoral research with 11 Bahamian men diagnosed with hypertension provided valuable insights into how men understand, manage, and take responsibility for their health, despite the study’s limited scope.
The study was titled Exploring the Experiences of Bahamian Men Diagnosed with Hypertension and Medication Adherence.
Medication adherence is infuenced by practical concerns, cultural practices, family responsibilities, spiritual beliefs, and personal experiences. It
Medicine Physician and Gerontologist, Medical Services Advisor to the Public Hospitals Authority, and Chair of the Bahamas Nation Council for Older Persons, spoke on the unique challenges facing autistic individuals as they age and emphasised the importance of long-term planning for healthcare, support services and inclusion.
Bahamian diplomats also participated in the event, including Ambassador Stan Oduma Smith, Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the United Nations. He was joined by Deborah Borg, Deputy Ambassador of Malta to the United Nations.
University, the University of British Columbia and Spectrum Works Consulting Group in Canada; and Dena Gassner, PhD, Senior Research Scientist at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute.
Refections were provided by Alex Agius Saliba, Member of the European Parliament and Co-Chair of the European Parliament Disability Intergroup.
Widely recognised for their work in autism research, disability rights, healthcare policy, mental health and community inclusion, the panelists contributed to a robust international exchange of expertise and lived experience.
The Bahamas was further represented by Dr Anthony Hamilton, Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and President of Civil Society Bahamas; Nalini Bethel, Social Services Representative and Disability Advocate; Jewel Major, Head of the Human Rights Unit within the Ofce of the Attorney General; and Townsley Roberts, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Together, the delegation demonstrated The Bahamas’ ongoing commitment to advancing disability rights, accessibility, inclusion and human rights protections at both the national and international levels.
The United Nations discussion also explored how governments and service systems can prepare for the growing number of autistic adults and seniors worldwide, an issue that is receiving increasing attention from policymakers and healthcare providers across the globe.
Add electrolytes to water to avoid dehydration risk
As temperatures continue to climb this summer, so does the risk of dehydration.
Bryan Baskin, MD, emergency medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, ofers some tips on how to prevent it.
“The best way to prevent dehydration is to take in continuous water throughout the day. And while you're drinking water, make sure you're using electrolytes as well.
DR BRYAN BASKIN
“That can come through food or electrolyte supplementation. In addition, eating foods with water in them, such as fruits like watermelon, can help.
“Also, make sure you monitor and limit your cafeine and alcohol intake, and monitor your environment.”
Hosted by the Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Malta to the United Nations and the Autism Research Institute of California, the event highlighted the growing
international focus on ensuring that autistic individuals receive appropriate support and services well into adulthood and older age.
Representing The Bahamas on the international panel, Dr Grimes, Family
Take hypertension seriously, guys: your health matters beyond today
involves more than simply telling men to “take their tablets.”
Some men resisted lifelong medication, while others adjusted their regimen based on personal feelings or blood pressure readings. Side efects, particularly sexual ones, were common and difcult to discuss. Missed doses often resulted from work, travel, busy schedules, or forgetfulness.
Some also used bush teas or home remedies. These fndings show that men’s health behaviours are complex and cannot be categorised simply as compliant or noncompliant. Men may be concerned, uncertain, embarrassed, overworked, or balancing medical advice with cultural beliefs and personal judgment.
Many participants described a pivotal moment that altered their perspective on health. For some, this was prompted by a personal health scare; for others, it involved witnessing another man experience a stroke, receiving a serious warning from a physician, becoming a father, aspiring to live for grandchildren, or recognising their ongoing importance to their family. These moments often marked a shift from reluctance to responsibility. Three primary motivators emerged: fear, family, and faith.
Fear included concerns about stroke, disability, hospitalisation, and loss of function. Family was a strong motivator, with men citing reminders from spouses, motivation from
Dr Grimes shared the platform with a distinguished panel of internationally respected experts, including Christopher Palmer, Projects Manager with Malta’s Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability; Stephen M Edelson, PhD, Chief Science Ofcer of the Autism Research Institute; Margaret Bauman, MD, Neurologist at Boston University School of Medicine; Kimberly Armstrong, PhD, Clinical Psychologist with Simon Fraser
children, and a desire to see grandchildren grow. Faith also infuenced self-care, connecting it to stewardship, prayer, and purpose.
These insights align with the 2026 Men’s Health Month focus on collaborative care. Men’s health improves when families, providers, faith communities, workplaces, and public health systems work together rather than in isolation.
Several key lessons emerge from these fndings.
First, health education for men should be clear and practical. Men need straightforward information about hypertension, medication, side efects, lifestyle changes, and the risks of stopping medication without consulting a healthcare provider. Second, healthcare providers should create environments where men can discuss health concerns openly. Men should feel comfortable sharing issues such as sexual side efects, dizziness, or frequent urination without embarrassment or judgment. Without open dialogue,
The participation of Bahamian experts, diplomats and advocates at COSP19 underscores The Bahamas’ growing voice in international disability policy discussions and its commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in every aspect of society.
As global leaders work to build more inclusive communities,The Bahamas continues to contribute its expertise and experience to conversations that will help shape the future of disability rights around the world.
men may miss doses, stop medication, or avoid care.
Third, cultural practices should be respected. In Caribbean communities, some men use bush teas or home remedies. Dismissing these practices can hinder communication. Providers should ask respectfully, ofer safety guidance, and emphasise that medication should not be changed without consulting a healthcare provider.
Fourth, family support is essential. Spouses, children, and other loved ones can help men remember appointments, manage medication, prepare healthy meals, and maintain consistency. Support should be a partnership, not control. These actions demonstrate wisdom, responsibility, and care for those who depend on them.
Men’s Health Month initiatives should go beyond awareness by promoting actions that are culturally relevant, family-centred, faith-sensitive, and grounded in men’s real experiences. Men with high blood pressure should monitor it regularly, follow prescribed
He explains that early signs of dehydration can be subtle.
You may feel thirsty, get a headache, or notice that your urine is darker in colour.
If left untreated, symptoms can progress.
You may start to feel tired, get dizzy or even pass out.
Dr Baskin said at that point, a person needs to be taken to the emergency department immediately.
But it’s not just dehydration that’s a risk this summer.
“The other two that are very important are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is when your body has a difcult time recovering from increased temperature, and heat stroke is when it loses its ability to recover. The signs and symptoms of that can be similar to dehydration,” said Dr Baskin.
It’s also important to keep a close eye on the elderly and children this summer.
Dr Baskin said they can’t always regulate fuids the same way a younger adult can, which can put them at higher risk for things like dehydration.
medication, attend appointments, communicate openly with providers, and disclose any use of bush teas or home remedies. Medication should not be changed without professional guidance. Your health matters beyond today. It matters to your family. It matters to your community. It matters to your purpose. It matters to the generations watching you.
Men’s health extends beyond individual well-being; it encompasses family, community, and generational health. Take the pressure seriously.
Dr. Indira Grimes, Chair of the Bahamas National Council for Older Persons (seated, right) and Ambassador Stan Oduma Smith, Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the United Nations (seated, center) speak on a panel at the 19th Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
(left to right) Dr. Anthony Hamilton, Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and President of Civil Society Bahamas; Jewel Major, Head of the Human Rights Unit within the Office of the Attorney General; Nalini Bethel, Social Services Representative and Disability Advocate; and and Townsley Roberts, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Young innovators return from London trip with accolades
A TEAM of talented young Bahamian innovators has returned home with international accolades after capturing both Gold and Silver awards at the prestigious International Greenwich Olympiad (IGO) in London.
Representing The Bahamas through the nonproft organisation
FEM STEM Bahamas, the students earned Gold in the STEM Presentation Category and Silver in the Environment Category, competing against some of the brightest young minds from around the world.
The award-winning team consisted of Sanaa Clarke, Amelia Hepburn, Karis Moss, Amerie Pinder, Marena Strachan and Staria Wallace, accompanied by chaperones Cleo Strachan and Mitzi Jones.
The students represent a cross-section of Bahamian schools, including Aquinas College, Central Christian Academy, CR Walker Senior High School, Queen’s College and St Augustine’s College.
Their success was driven by SmartSteps, an innovative technology-enhanced mobility cane designed to improve safety and independence for persons with visual impairments.
The device utilises sensors and vibration feedback to detect obstacles and alert users before contact, providing greater confdence and mobility for those navigating their environment.
The project was developed through a structured after-school STEM programme supported by the United Nations
Development Programme Small Grants Programme, which encourages students to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through practical, real-world challenges.
“We are incredibly proud of these young women and what they have accomplished,” said Tyrhonda Glinton, Founder of FEM STEM Bahamas. “To compete on an international stage and return home with both gold and silver awards speaks volumes about their dedication, creativity and determination. They
represented The Bahamas with excellence and have shown that our young people can successfully compete with the best in the world.”
Glinton noted that the students’ achievements demonstrate the importance of investing in STEM education and creating opportunities that allow young Bahamians to innovate, problem-solve and develop solutions that address societal needs.
The SmartSteps project had previously received strong endorsement from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities following consultations with visually impaired individuals, who praised the concept for its practicality, afordability and potential
Nominations are now being accepted for The Bahamas Woman of Impact Gala set to take place in Nassau in November.
The special and meaningful event is the brainchild of April Holt an American social infuencer and motivator with deep ties to the Bahamas.
to enhance everyday independence and safety.
The students’ participation in the Olympiad was made possible through the support of several community partners, including a co-funding initiative between the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) and the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC).
Additional support was provided by the Ministry of Youth, the Securities Commission of The Bahamas, New Providence Ecology Park, Euvaka Paul of Toastmasters, and the Honourable Michael C Pintard, MP and Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.
FEM STEM Bahamas also extends sincere gratitude to Alden Chisolm, Cleo Strachan and Mitzi
Jones, whose mentorship, guidance and unwavering support played a signifcant role in preparing the students for international competition.
“This achievement belongs not only to these students, but to everyone who believed in them and invested in their success,” Glinton added.
“Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to other young Bahamians and demonstrate the tremendous potential that exists within our country.”
The team’s international success marks a proud moment for The Bahamas and highlights the growing impact of STEM education in empowering the next generation of innovators, leaders and change-makers.
making a diference in their communities, professions, businesses, ministries, and organisations.
She explained that women may be nominated in a variety of categories that highlight leadership, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, community service, youth development, and other areas of impact.
“Although I am an American, I have developed deep ties to The Bahamas and have a genuine love and appreciation for the people and the country as a whole. This gala was created to celebrate and spotlight the incredible women who are making a positive impact throughout the nation,” she said.
She added that the gala is designed to honour and celebrate outstanding women from across The Bahamas who are
“We are encouraging people throughout The Bahamas to nominate deserving women. Individuals may nominate more than one woman in diferent categories; however, a separate nomination form must be submitted for each nominee,”she explained. Nominations will close on August 31. All submissions will be reviewed by an independent judging committee in the United States to ensure a fair and unbiased selection process. Persons interested in the nomination process can visit www.thewiyp.com, to access and complete the nomination form.
