woman & health
DAUGHTER’S DEATH
A ‘DOUBLE BLOW’
Ishniequa murdered just three months after cousin killed
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
JUST months after her cousin’s murder, 26-yearold Ishniequa Culmer was shot dead while spending time with a neighbourhood friend at the home where she lived and cared for her elderly grandmother— plunging her grieving family into fresh heartbreak. The murder took place on Sunday night in the Wulff Road area - with a boy and another woman also injured in the shooting. Ishniequa’s father, Ishmael Culmer, described the loss as shocking, remembering his daughter as a loving, independent young woman
CHRISTIE
FA MILY GRIEVING A NOTHER TR A FFIC FATA LITY
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
PHILLIPA Christie, sister of the three Christie brothers who died in a car crash last September, is now facing unimaginable grief again after her eldest son, 18-year-old Jimmy “JJ” Johnson, was killed in a traffic accident in Andros on Sunday night. Jimmy’s death comes less than a year after Ms Christie lost her brothers — Philip McCarron Christie, 24, Philip D’Caprio Christie, 23, and D’Angelo Christie, 20 — in a crash on Sir Milo Butler Highway. Police said the teen died following a two-car collision
Moss: FNM selection of Henfield for South Beach constituency ‘hurt’
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FORMER FNM Senator Jamal Moss admitted yesterday he felt “hurt” by the party’s decision to ratify Darren Henfield as the South Beach candidate, despite receiving full backing from the FNM’s South Beach Constituency Association. He said he believed he
was the best man for the job but respected the party’s choice and felt it was time to “move on”.
Mr Moss, who is also the party’s national vice chairman, spoke after The Tribune reported that executives of the South Beach Constituency Association were upset with the FNM leadership for ignoring their preferred candidate.
BY DENISE MAYCOCK
DESPITE government promises that Abaco’s longdelayed hurricane shelter would be completed by today, officials from the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRMA) say the facility is still unfinished. Alex Storr, the authority’s executive chairman, told The Tribune yesterday that
ABACO SHELTER MISSES L ATEST DE A DLINE BUT FINISH IN SIGHT NHI AUTHORITY ELIMIN ATING 90-DAY WA IT TIME TO JOIN
By NEIL HARTNELL
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE National Health Insurance (NHI) Authority will today eliminate restrictions on Bahamians enrolling in the scheme in a move branded as “damn the torpedos” by an ex-health minister. Dr Duane Sands, the Opposition’s chairman, speaking out as the Authority removes the extra 90-day wait persons must endure before they can join NHI, challenged how the Government-funded healthcare scheme will be able to “pay for” the increased patientsand associated higher costs - when it was unable to stay within its $46.2m budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
ISHNIEQUA CULMER, the 26-year-old woman who was shot and killed in a neighbourhood in the Wulff Road area on Sunday night.
Chinese Embassy makes donation to National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE Chinese Embassy donated a new set of assistive devices to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities yesterday, as Disability Empowerment Month came to a close.
This year’s donation included seven wheelchairs, ten mobility aids, and 14 walking canes — marking the fourth consecutive year the Chinese Embassy has supported the commission.
The handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting and attended by Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, First Lady Ann Marie Davis, and Social Services Minister Myles LaRoda. Ambassador Yan said the
initiative reflected her government’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities, a theme reinforced in the Beijing Declaration adopted at the China–Latin America and Caribbean Forum earlier this year.
He added: “As we hand over today’s supplies, let us together reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all persons with disabilities.”
Mrs Davis described the donation as both a symbol of solidarity and a call to action.
“This occasion is not just a celebration of generosity but it is a testament of enduring friendships,” she said.
“In this act of giving, I congratulate the Chinese Embassy, and I should say my office, for the dedication to the principles of equity and the universal right to access
to resources that facilitate growth, development and well-being.”
Mr LaRoda - also speaking at the event - thanked the Chinese government for the donation and emphasised their ongoing work in meeting the needs of residents across the country.
“Just about every week there is a demand or request from different parts of our society,” Mr LaRoda said. “Devices like canes and walkers give the disabled community freedom to move about. We are most grateful.”
While official records reflect around 2,200 registered persons with disabilities, Mr LaRoda noted that international estimates place the number closer to 64,000. He said this underscores the need for continued outreach, especially in the Family Islands.
Korea commemorates 40 years of diplomatic relations with The Bahamas
WIFE of Prime Minister Philip Davis, Ann Marie Davis, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Myles LaRoda and Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas Yan Jiarong during the ambassador’s gift presentation to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Services yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
AMBASSADOR of the Republic of Korea Sang-ryul Lee speaks during an event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and The Bahamas at the British Colonial Hotel yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Daughter’s death a ‘double blow’
with big dreams.
He said hair styling was her passion, and she had a steady stream of clients. Her dream was to open her own salon and support friends pursuing the same path.
“She was a very loving, humble child. Stayed to herself, and she always working on her own, and she always was independent. She was very loving to the family and everyone,”
Mr Culmer told The Tribune yesterday.
Police said three people were shot in the attack, including Ms Culmer, a 13-year-old boy, and a 19-year-old woman who was shot in the chest. Ms Culmer died on the scene while the two injured survivors were taken to hospital and remain in stable condition. All three are relatives.
Family members said they are at a loss over the motive behind Ishniequa’s killing, insisting that she never bothered anyone.
They said she often babysat her young relatives and was always there for her grandmother, who is now struggling to cope with the tragedy.
The killing is also a double blow for the family, who are still grieving the loss of her cousin, Jaidyn Henfield, killed just three months ago. In March, Jaidyn was fatally shot on Boyd Road after being approached by two gunmen in a light-coloured Japanese vehicle.
“For the last couple of months, we’ve been going through it like one thing to the next thing to the next thing. It’s like it’s been a lot,” said Mamawie Henfield, Jaidyn’s mother and Ishniequa’s aunt.
“Justice for my son and my niece. They were humble. My son was like my baby. My baby was a mama’s boy. My niece, the same way. She was like a Grammy Papa girl.”
Police said they are still looking for the suspects connected to the triple shooting.
Meanwhile, Ishniequa’s death brings the country’s murder count to 43 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.
Police said yesterday they are still investigating and have not yet determined a motive. Officers said they would review surveillance camera footage in the area if operational.
Christie family grieving another traffic
shortly after 9pm in Andros Town. When officers arrived, they found two injured men in one of the vehicles. Medical personnel pronounced Jimmy dead at the scene. The second man was taken to the local clinic and later airlifted to New Providence; his condition remains unknown.
Ms Christie described Jimmy, who would have turned 19 on July 17, as a loving, respectful young man with a passion for fishing and diving.
He had completed a diving course and was described as a “people’s person, happy, loving and respectful.”
“Not a day goes by my three children never passed without saying ‘Mommy. I love you’. I could always say that for them and wherever he go in the community, persons actually liked him,” Ms Christie told The Tribune in an emotional interview yesterday.
She also spoke candidly about her son’s struggles and his efforts to turn his life around. Ms Christie
said Jimmy had trouble finding steady work due to the stigma of past mistakes, which left him discouraged.
“I’m not going to sit here on the phone and tell you lies. My son was into things, like he stole thing but no major thing, he never kills anyone, it’s just like he was stained,” she said yesterday.
She said he had briefly worked security at a hotel but was never called back, and repeated setbacks had dampened his spirit. Jimmy often said being idle led to poor decisions and that he wanted to stay
busy to stay out of trouble.
Ms Christie recalled one of her final conversations with Jimmy on the day of the crash: “He was telling me in the room - ‘Mommy I want to change, I want to change my life. I want a job’.”
Now preparing for another funeral, Ms Christie said she is trying to stay strong for her other children.
Speaking of the pain of losing him and the challenges of coping, she said: “It’s hard, but I trying to cope with it because, you know, you have other
things to do. Like to try put a whole funeral service together, to try hold my head for my other kids. That’s basically like the head of the family from even before this happened.”
Having endured multiple family tragedies, she believes her faith is being tested, saying: “God has actually been putting me to the test and trying to try me out.”
She also expressed frustration over the lack of emergency medical resources on the Family Islands, urging the
government to do more.
“My first question would be, why is it that the persons living on the Family Island have to pay for the emergency flight, when there is no medical facility here,” she added.”Things could have turned out differently, even for the next gentleman who got in the accident. They had to wait and then the air ambulance didn’t move because they didn’t pay the money. They don’t move until you pay something. Why we have to pay for it if they know there’s no suitable resources.”
from page one
Moss: FNM selection of Henfield for South Beach constituency
The executives told The Tribune the association sent two letters to party officials endorsing Mr Moss because they
believed he had the best vision for the constituency. They also alleged they only learned that Mr Henfield, the former MP for North Abaco, would be ratified hours before the
official announcement. FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands declined to comment when contacted by The Tribune yesterday. However, this is not the first time tensions have
FATHER JUMPS F ROM DISNEY CRUISE SHIP TO SAVE DAUGHTER WHO WENT OVERBOARD
A FATHER dived in to the sea to save his daughter after she fell from a Disney Cruise Line ship on its way back to Fort Lauderdale from a four-night Bahamas sailing, it has been reported. The incident reportedly happened on Sunday, when
an alert sounded to signal man overboard. A spokesperson for the cruise line told USA Today that the crew “swiftly rescued two guests from the water”.
A fellow passenger posted to Facebook that a girl had fallen overboard and her father jumped in to save her before both were collected by the Disney rescue team. The incident took place while the ship was cruising between The Bahamas and Florida.
Suspected suicide attempt under investigation by Grand Bahama police
POLICE in Grand Bahama are investigating a suspected suicide attempt on Saturday.
Officers were called to a business address where an employee was reportedly found hanging from a tree shortly before 11.50pm. Police said officers arrived to find a person administering CPR to an unresponsive male.
The man was transported to hospital where he remains under medical care.gating a series of armed robberies over the weekend, one on Saturday and three in the early hours of Sunday.
The first incident was at about 5am on Saturday, at a residence on Lucky Heart Corner, when a resident was woken by the sound of someone moving
his blue and black XTL 125 motorbike. He ran outside and saw two males fleeing with his bike. The suspects fired shots at the resident before heading in the direction of Palmdalle. At about 2am on Sunday, a man was sitting on his black and white Yamaha 350 Trail Motorbike in the parking lot of a business on Farrington Road when two males approached, one in a red hoodie and the other in a black hoodie and armed with a handgun. They tried to take the motorbike but failed because of a kill switch, but did take cash before fleeing north towards New Providence Highway. Shortly before 3am, near a beach on West Bay Street, two people were sitting inside a
parked rented silver Nissan Note when they were approached by two unknown males, one armed with a firearm. The suspects stole the vehicle and left heading east on West Bay Street. Then shortly before 4am, outside an establishment on Bernard Road, a person was sitting in a parked grey 2012 Nissan Note when a dark Japanese vehicle with three male occupants inside stopped and two armed with firearms robbed the victim of his vehicle and left heading along Village Road.
36, have been arrested in Inagua after the seizure of 1kg of suspected cocaine valued at $20,000 at a business shortly after 8pm on Saturday. Officers executed a search warrant.
arisen between the FNM leadership and some constituency associations over candidate selections.
The recent ratification of Chief Councillor Jeremy Sweeting for Central and
South Abaco prompted the resignation of local FNM branch chairman Roscoe Thompson.
Meanwhile, the FNM’s Killarney Constituency Association has
publicly criticised the party’s decision to deny former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis re-nomination, warning the move could cost the party the seat.
Police and Customs Dept seize $200k in guns and marijuana
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune S taff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
POLICE Commissioner Shanta Knowles issued a stern warning yesterday to those behind a recent drug and gun smuggling operation, saying: “We got your guns, we have your marijuana, we have your ammunition, and my team will now be coming to look for you.”
Her comments came after a major seizure by the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and the Bahamas Customs Department, which uncovered 25 illegal firearms and 24 packages of marijuana – valued at $198,400. The items were hidden inside household appliances being transported in a vehicle.
The seized items were on full display during a press conference yesterday at the RBPF’s headquarters. The cache included two revolvers, 11 pistols, 12 rifles, and 29 magazines. Some were “ghost guns” — firearms with no serial numbers, making them difficult to trace.
The bust followed a joint operation by police and customs officers, who acted
on a tip last Friday. Around 5pm, they stopped a vehicle on the western side of New Providence and discovered firearms, 5,216 rounds of ammunition, and 49.6lb of marijuana hidden inside several household appliances.
Yesterday, Commissioner Knowles confirmed that none of the firearms or marijuana reached the streets, calling the bust a success. She stressed the importance of preventing such dangerous items from falling into the hands of those who instil fear and wreak havoc in communities.
One of the magazines seized was a drum, meaning it could carry several rounds of ammunition.
“We don’t need these kinds of weapons on our street, because they will certainly continue to create fear,” she said.
Commissioner Knowles declined to say how many suspects police are currently pursuing, citing the early stage of the investigation. However, she said police are following several leads.
When asked whether the firearms and marijuana were intended for sale, she said the items were smuggled into the country illegally and could have been sold if not intercepted. Although national crime statistics are down, many residents remain fearful due to persistent violence in communities. Commissioner Knowles said she hopes the bust demonstrates that police are making every effort to tackle crime.
FORMER FNM SENATOR JAMAL MOSS
FNM SENATOR AND SOUTH BEACH CANDIDATE DARREN HENFIELD
Abaco shelter misses latest deadline but finish in sight
while work is progressing, the shelter will not be fully completed on schedule.
“Work on the shelter is going on full speed ahead,” he told The Tribune yesterday. “The shelters should be usable shortly, but it won’t be completed because there are still some things that need to be done but it will be a usable shelter in the next couple of weeks.”
His comments come as DRMA officials are prepared to travel to Abaco today for a site visit on the shelter’s progress.
Officials have repeatedly missed deadlines for the $4.5m shelter, which was initially expected to be completed late last year, and then by July 1.
However, the project has faced several setbacks. Last September, trusses on the shelter collapsed as Abaco marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Dorian.
Photos of the incident went viral.
More recently, a vandalism incident at the site raised concerns about further delays; however, DRMA officials said it is not expected to significantly
impact construction.
Meanwhile, regarding the government-issued RV trailers, Mr Storr also confirmed that there is currently no new deadline for occupants to vacate despite setting an initial deadline for October last year.
This comes amid increasing complaints from Abaco residents about alleged criminal activity at the RV site and concerns that some occupants may not be authorised to live there.
The trailers, located next to the Marsh Harbour government complex, were meant to provide temporary housing for those displaced by Dorian in 2019.
In May, Mr Storr said officials were conducting an assessment to determine who is occupying the trailers and whether they are legally allowed to remain.
“We are still waiting for some of the other agencies we are working with to report to us, and so that process is still ongoing. So, there is no hard date for the occupants to be out as yet,” Mr Storr said yesterday. Mr Storr said he expects to receive an updated list of RV occupants during this week’s trip to Abaco.
Pace of Protection Against Violence Commission’s establishment defended
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
SOCIAL Services
Minister Myles LaRoda yesterday defended his ministry’s pace in establishing the Protection Against Violence Commission amid criticism over delays, claiming that while the commission is not yet operational, its core responsibilities are already being carried out behind the scenes.
While he did not provide a timeline for the commission’s launch, Mr LaRoda told reporters yesterday that several prerequisites must be fulfilled before it can be formally established.
“You just cannot put a commission there,” Mr Laroda said. “There are certain things that trigger the commission so it is not just we name a body and that body get together.
Minister
There are certain individuals on that body but to say that the work that commission do, it goes on now. “I don’t want the public to think because you say it ain’t functioning, that duties of that commission is not going on so the law comes into play so you pass legislation which calls for a certain body and there are certain things that happening behind the scenes before that comes into action.”
The Protection Against Violence Bill, passed over a year ago and promoted by the Davis administration as a key step in tackling violence, establishes a commission responsible for supporting victims.
They would liaise with police officers when victims feel they lack full cooperation. The body would also recommend a national strategic plan
to combat and respond to violence. It would also liaise with the minister to ensure sufficient shelters are available to victims throughout the country. However, few updates have been provided about the government’s progress in enforcing the bill’s provisions, with local women’s rights activists repeatedly criticising the administration for “dragging its feet” on implementation.
Members of the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee (PHRC) recently expressed concern over the delay, saying they intend to hold the administration accountable for failing to meet its legal obligations.
Yesterday, Mr LaRoda insisted the issue isn’t being ignored and said talks are ongoing with his permanent secretary to roll out the commission soon.
says, ‘take My word’ that
being M ade on doMestic
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
MINISTER of Social Services
Myles Laroda said the government is making progress on two domestic violence shelters - and said he was disappointed by calls for proof in the Senate over the status of those facilities.
Mr LaRoda said one facility, in Chippingham and operated in collaboration with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, has been completed and can accommodate 22 residents.
progress
violence shelters
“The other shelter that has been completed, we are just waiting for that to be furnished,” Mr LaRoda said. “The other shelter that we purchased, a contractor has been contracted, contract signed, so we are just looking at the mobilisation for that shelter.”
The second facility, bought in January, will not have its location publicly disclosed, Mr LaRoda said, citing safety concerns for survivors.
“For obvious reasons, we are not going to give the location,” he said.
“But I would say to the Bahamian people, if they do not want to take the Minister for Social Services’ word, they could have a word with the police, and they could confirm they have toured a completed version of a set of buildings that will be domestic violence centre housing.”
Questions were raised during a recent Senate debate about whether the government had delivered on its promise of two shelters. Mr Laroda said the request for proof was “quite disappointing”.
THE ABACO Hurricane Shelter missed another deadline but DRMA director says work expected to be completed in a few weeks.
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Rising summer heat increases risk of child deaths in hot cars
A RECORD heat wave that spread across the East Coast of the United States during the first week of summer has child advocates warning parents and caretakers about the risks of heatstroke to children left inside hot vehicles.
So far this year, nine children have died after being left unattended in vehicles in California, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New Jersey and North Carolina, according to Kids and Car Safety, which collects data on hot car deaths. Five died in June.
And last year, 39 children in the US died after being left in hot cars.
WHY HOT CARS ARE SO DANGEROUS FOR CHILDREN
Human-caused climate change keeps dialing up temperatures and extreme weather, scientists say. But the temperature outside doesn’t have to be super hot for a child left in a vehicle to be affected by the heat, said Kathy Wall, director of Safe Kids Palm Beach County.
“Inside, the vehicle can heat up 20 degrees in just 20 minutes,” Wall said. “So if you imagine it’s an 80 degree day, which in South Florida is a cool day, it could be over 100 degrees within 10 minutes inside the car.”
Hot car deaths can happen any time of year, and since 1998, every state but Alaska has reported a hot car death, according to the National Safety Council. In both 2018 and 2019, a record 53 children died after being left in hot cars.
About 80% of the heat rise in vehicles happens in the first 30 minutes of a child being left inside, when maximum temperatures can exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius), according to data compiled by Jan Null, a certified consulting meteorologist at San Jose State University.
“Children sweat a lot less than adults do and their internal temperature can increase three to five times faster than an adult. So that’s why it’s just as important to make sure that your child isn’t left in the vehicle, especially during these rising temperatures,” said Capt. Karen Derogatis of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE
While it’s easy to place blame for leaving a child in a vehicle, even people trained to know the dangers
have made that tragic mistake, Wall said.
“It’s not a socioeconomic group, it’s not a cultural group,” she said. “This sadly has happened to doctors, it’s happened to dentists, it happened to school teachers, it’s happened to child care workers. Nobody is exempt from this.”
Distraction often leads to forgetting about a child in the backseat, which is why it is important to create routines and reminders, she said.
“It sounds crazy, but sometimes people get out of routines or are distracted, especially in today’s world. There’s lots going on in the news, lots going with families,” she said.
A parent who normally doesn’t drop a child off at a day care facility might become distracted and forget that the child is in the vehicle, she said.
CREATE A REMINDER THAT A CHILD IS IN THE BACKSEAT
She encourages parents and caregivers to establish routines.
“We have an acronym, ACT,” Wall said.
A stands for avoiding leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.
C stands for creating a reminder that works best for you. Authorities suggest leaving a personal item such as a purse or briefcase in the backseat so you’ll have to open the back door before locking the vehicle.
T is to take action right away. “If you see a child in a car, don’t try to figure out how long they’ve been in the car. Call 911 immediately,” Wall said.
Some newer cars offer warnings for drivers to check the backseat for passengers.
Double checking the vehicle is key, said Derogatis, the fire captain.
“If you make it a common habit, just like you would look in their rear view mirror to see if somebody’s behind you, or if you look at your side view mirror to see if you want to switch lanes, make it habit to look in your rearview mirror, whether you have a child or an animal or anything, just to ensure that they are as safe as possible,” she said.
By FREIDA FRISARO Associated Press
PICTURE OF THE DAY
fun,
EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE current government has announced its desire to win the next general election; however, it continues to renominate lackluster MPs and cabinet ministers, many of whom oversee crumbling infrastructure, unchecked crime, and economic paralysis. The opposition, true to form, mirrors this parade of recycled faces. We must confront a harsh truth: continuing to vote for the same failures while expecting different results is not hope; it is a national delusion. When the ringmaster promises revival but recruits the same clowns, the circus only becomes more chaotic. Our survival demands that we reevaluate not just our politics, but also our collective mental health. How much longer will we applaud the very performers who have burned the tent?
for everyone as our communities’ crumble and our futures are auctioned off. Our infrastructure has become mere scenery for the circus. Mega-projects are not progress; they are glittery distractions from decay. Ports built for cruise ships and resorts staffed by exploited Bahamians are nothing more than economic colonialism, not real development.
Our education system has become nothing more than a way to train performers instead of builders. Schools are prioritising athletes over engineers and service workers over scientists.
Protest and demand hanging Dismantle circus of politics
EDITOR, The Tribune.
WHAT a damn shame Inspector. Lennox Williams was shot down dead this afternoon, trying to make a deposit only to be accosted by two hoodlums on this Father’s day. He was able to shoot one of the culprits who died on the scene. We need to do as the Americans are now doing against the tyrant Donald Trump, and organise a mass protest to enforce hanging that’s on the books. How long are we going to put up with this carnage of criminality? On this special day, what comfort could you bring to his children? Those old men in England who the government is allowing to hold us hostage. with their, When is the worst off the worst sentiments what is the worst? is nothing but bull. We need to pop some necks or take it off the books since it’s not being enforced!
KELLY D BURROWS Freeport, Grand Bahama June 15, 2025.
We have become a nation in peril, a symbolic boiling pot. For 50 years, we have been like frogs simmering in a pot of political deceit. They call us the Caribbean’s “wealthiest” nation, but this is a cruel illusion. We have become a stage where starvation exists amid plenty. While grocery shelves overflow, Bahamians are forced to empty their wallets for basic necessities. Wealth that doesn’t feed our children is not true wealth, it is merely theater. Recycling clowns will lead to recycled failures. The same politicians whose previous terms saw schools’ decay, hospitals neglect patients, and young talent flee continue to strut back onto the stage. New thinkers are silenced unless they pledge allegiance to broken systems. Governance has become a circus act presenting applause lines instead of real solutions. Tribal loyalty has devolved into national suicide. We’ve been trained to wave party flags like cheerleaders in a game we cannot win. “Red” or “Yellow” victories amount to losses
Foreign labor floods our market, ensuring wages stay suppressed and ambition remains shackled. This isn’t mere neglect; we must call it by its true name: systematic disempowerment. We must pay attention to the brain drain occurring as the best minds escape a circus run by clowns. They leave to build nations that reward intellect, while ours continues to peddle broken dreams.
No more applause for failure. We need a revolution. This upcoming election is not about choosing lesser evils; it’s about dismantling the circus. Voting Bahamians must reject the zombie politicians. These performers have had their chance, and their “experience” is a record of decay. We need candidates with proven competence beyond the political realm—engineers, teachers, and entrepreneurs, not just party puppets.
It’s time to discard the tribal flags and vote for policies, not circus colors.
If candidates cannot outline plans to break our dependency on foreign labor, establish Bahamian tech hubs, or overhaul education, they are part of the
farce. Education should be about liberation, not servitude. Ten engineers can build more than a hundred athletes. We must demand free STEM education, vocational training, and curricula focused on sovereignty instead of servitude. We need to fire ministers who treat schools as talent agencies for foreign resorts. Bahamians must take ownership of the stage. Tax foreign investors to fund Bahamian startups. Ban non-critical foreign labor that leaves our people in menial roles when they long for dignity. We need to build foundations, not facades. Our infrastructure should serve our economy by developing solar grids for energy independence and ports for Bahamian exporters, not just for tourist imports. It’s time to leave the Big Top. They call us frogs in a boiling pot, but frogs can jump, and lions can devour ringmasters. For fifty years, we’ve tolerated a circus that uses the same tricks, the same clowns, and the same decline. Now, we must storm the stage. In this election, we demand leaders who see Bahamians as architects, not mere audience members. We deserve a country where groceries are affordable because wages reflect and honour our labour. We envision a future where our children choose to stay because here, minds are cultivated, not caged.
Our final act must be a roar. Register to vote, and encourage someone who is not registered to do the same. Challenge every candidate who comes to your door. If their solution is “more circus,” show them the exit.
Our lives—and our children’s birthright—depend on it.
A Citizen Walking Out of the Circus.
RABBI COMMON SENSE Freeport, Grand Bahama June 29, 2025.
a cool,
interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net
REAL Bahamian breakfast - chicken souse and Johnny cake.
Photo: Peta Archer
Worker awarded $15,000 for ‘wrongful and unfair’ dismissal
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Industrial Tribunal has awarded $15,141.53 plus interest to Jackson Joseph after finding that his dismissal by Transformation Landscaping Development in February 2023 was wrongful and unfair.
Mr Joseph, who had worked for the company since 2017 as a
maintenance and later an irrigation technician, was sent to Harbour Island to work on a landscaping project at the Briland Club Marina. Before departing, Mr Joseph informed management he needed to return to New Providence by February 19, 2023, due to a family commitment involving care for his threeyear-old daughter.
Mr Joseph testified: “I reminded management that I could not change my travel
plans because my wife work nights and we have a small child to attend to and I will have to look after her while she is at work.”
He added: “Had my situation not being what it was I would have stayed on the island until the job was completed.”
While on Harbour Island, Mr Joseph was asked by his supervisor and the company’s owner, Conray Rolle, to remain longer than planned due to
delays in the project. When Mr Joseph insisted on returning as scheduled, Mr Rolle warned that leaving would be considered job abandonment, however Mr Joseph left Harbour Island on February 21, 2023, after missing his original flight.
The company argued that Mr Joseph’s refusal to remain and his conduct towards management amounted to gross insubordination and abandonment of his duties. However, the
Tribunal found that the company failed to conduct a fair investigation and did not prove that Mr Joseph’s actions justified summary dismissal.
The Tribunal ruled that the dismissal process was flawed and that the company could not demonstrate it had an honest and reasonable belief that Mr Joseph had committed misconduct serious enough to warrant dismissal without notice. The award
includes $9,237.53 in termination pay and $5,904 as a basic award under the Employment Act. The Tribunal also ordered interest at a rate of ten percent per annum on the sum until it is paid in full. In its decision, the Tribunal found Mr Joseph to be “humble, soft-spoken, and a respectful individual” and called him a credible witness despite some minor inconsistencies in his evidence.
Man accused of murder of Lynwood Rolle C OUPLE CHARGED WITH I M PORTING $95,000 WORTH OF M ARIJUANA WITH INTENT TO SUPPLY
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded into custody yesterday after being accused of murdering another man outside his apartment on Newbold Street last weekend.
Edward Major, 20, also known as “Twin” and “EJ”, was arraigned on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to more than three years in prison yesterday after pleading guilty to multiple gun charges.
Prosecutors allege that Major and an accomplice conspired to kill 25-yearold Lynwood Rolle on June 23. The defendant allegedly shot and killed Rolle as he approached their Japanese vehicle outside his residence at around 8pm.
Major was not required to enter a plea. He was informed his case will proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
Major was not required to enter a plea. He was
informed his case will proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) and was advised of his right to apply for bail in the higher court.
He will remain in custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) until the presentation of his VBI on October 7.
Alphonso Lewis represented the accused, while Inspector Deon Barr served as the prosecutor.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A COUPLE was granted bail yesterday after being accused of importing $95,000 worth of marijuana into The Bahamas last week.
Tyler Thompson, 31, and Megan Johnson, 34, appeared before Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms on charges of importation
of dangerous drugs, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs, and two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
The pair allegedly conspired to import marijuana into the country in June.
Police reportedly found 43.6lbs of marijuana at their residence on Boatswain Hill West on Thursday. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $95,000. Both defendants pleaded
not guilty. Bail was set at $5,000 each, with one or two sureties required. They must sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station every Monday and Thursday by 6 pm and are to be fitted with monitoring devices. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 27. Sergeant Wilkinson served as the prosecutor.
MAN ACCUSED OF INJURING NINE- MONTH-OLD SON
Jason Morley, 29, was arraigned before Magistrate Lennox Coleby on charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition. Morley was charged alongside Makel Storr, 29, who pleaded not guilty. The charges against Ms Storr were later dropped.
June 26. He also owned up to prior charges of firearm possession and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear.
Morley was found in possession of a silver and black .40 pistol and seven rounds of ammunition in his bedroom on Major Road at around 1 am on
THE
Morley was sentenced to 40 months in prison for the firearm charges, to be served concurrently.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie prosecuted the case.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 28-YEAR-OLD father was granted bail yesterday after allegedly injuring his nine-month-old son by ramming his vehicle into the back of the child’s mother’s car last month. The man, whose name is withheld to protect the minor’s identity, was charged with cruelty to
children before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt Evans. The incident reportedly occurred on June 19 in New Providence when the defendant slammed into his wife’s car, resulting in the child’s injuries. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. The defendant’s bail was set at $7,000 with two sureties. He was also ordered to sign in at the Carmichael
Road Police Station on the last Sunday of every month. Additionally, he must be fitted with a monitoring device and was warned not to interfere with any witnesses in the case. He was warned that failure to comply with these conditions will result in bail being revoked. The trial is scheduled to begin on October 16. Inspector S Coakley served as the prosecutor.
15TH meeting of the council of ministers for the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDEMA) opened in New Providence Thursday evening at Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam, with a call for shared resolve and collective action in advancing regional disaster resilience and preparedness from Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper. Photos: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS
‘THE EYES HAVE IT’: A personal experience with cataracts
While cataract blindness is curable through surgery, most people remain challenged because they cannot aford eye care and surgery.
CATARACTS are real.
Far more Bahamians have them than one would imagine. We ignore them because they appear to be just a sight problem that can be adjusted with glasses. I must share my testimony. I have been doing art, writing, helping with my Junkanoo Group Colours and going through my daily routine with one eye for twelve years. I never complained and told no one. I maintained a positive mental attitude, and despite struggling to see, I continued with my life’s journey. I had several glasses prescriptions changed, hoping for relief, but none was forthcoming. I became intimately involved with the numerous programs and projects, wrote commentary and assisted others in their work while still becoming passionately involved in my art, doing research and never complaining.
I became so engrossed in the habit that I did not seek assistance but assisted others with the necessary
FACING REALITY
information for the procedure. While putting others first, I procrastinated in addressing my concerns. My sight became progressively more challenging, but I waited, saying “tomorrow” and “the next day”, which lengthened. The more demands placed on me, the less I remembered that I was operating at half speed and power.
The occasional demand to do more took its toll, but I endured quietly, promising to do better. I did not realise there was gradual deterioration: the more I worked, the less urgency I felt to resolve the matter.
I would get some rest, hoping it would clear up, yet I prevailed. It is hard for anyone with 20/20 vision in both eyes to appreciate the magnitude of these comments, but the value of sight becomes stronger when sight fails.
So, reality struck when I realised I had utterly lost my peripheral vision, and driving at night became progressively dangerous; experiencing a few near misses made the urgency paramount. This urgency, this need for immediate action, is what I want to convey to you all. We cannot afford to wait until our sight is severely impaired. We must act now to prevent such situations, which come down to life or death.
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness
worldwide today. It is gradual but never gets better. The vast majority of these people live in developing nations. The Bahamas is no different, with hundreds battling challenges with their eyesight because of cataracts.
While cataract blindness is curable through surgery, most people remain challenged because they cannot afford eye care and surgery. The fallout of blindness has far-reaching human implications. The surgery of the implantation of intraocular lenses, the cure for cataract blindness, involves a simple, safe, and effective procedure.
The government’s program to restore sight through its numerous partnerships and the need to deliver this sight-giving surgery to people with financial challenges are powerful.
The government is locked in on providing help even though the efforts are being diluted and overlooked due to the narrow-mindedness of some individuals who prioritise short-term gains
over the long-term benefits of such initiatives. This program is about restoring sight and fostering a sense of community support and shared responsibility. It’s about understanding that we all have a role to play in ensuring the well-being of our fellow citizens. The seriousness of the program and the ramifications of the recipients’ appreciation are immeasurable. The restored sight improves their quality of life and allows them to contribute more effectively to their families, communities and the nation. On Thursday, I flew to Abaco and experienced firsthand what the Eye Program meant to Bahamians. I underwent the procedure, which was quick and straightforward and took approximately thirty minutes. A highly skilled team performed this procedure. After the procedure, I spoke with several patients who had just been treated. Their gratitude was palpable, and they couldn’t help but “praise the Lord” for the gesture of having the eye surgery to remove Cataracts. There was a crescendo of thanks because they were tormented for years, just like me, and could not afford to have it done otherwise. Only a caring government would overlook the cost and provide the treatment that brought relief, both physically and emotionally, to so many.
The NGO Liquid Legacy and a very professional team from the World Cataract Foundation, a most experienced team, soon restored my sight and allowed me to rediscover the beauty of the world around me. Their professionalism and expertise on display at the Marsh Harbour Mini Hospital, where they performed 119 cataract surgeries free of charge, proves the reality. I spoke to several patients, mostly seniors, who were there for follow-up; they “praise the Lord” for the wisdom of implementing this much-needed program. Their relief and gratitude filled the room with hope
and optimism. According to recently announced policies, the government’s bold initiative for persons, primarily seniors, with glaucoma, retinal detachments, and cataracts, which is desperately needed and would also be restored through The Bahamas/ Cuba Medical Tourism Eye Care Project and the Chinese government’s Bright Eye cataract initiative, is expected to begin shortly. With its comprehensive approach and commitment to restoring sight, these initiatives are a reassuring sign of the government’s support for the health and wellbeing of all Bahamians. Kudos to the Minister of Health, Dr Michael Darville, for his vision and passion in implementing such a life-changing program for all Bahamians. His leadership and commitment have made a significant difference in the lives of many, including mine. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding professionalism of Kristonnia Stubbs, clinic administrator at Marsh Harbour Mini Hospital, and the entire staff for the sterile atmosphere. Their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and I feel proud and eternally grateful for the care displayed to all patients who made a significant difference in my life and the lives of many others. I urge everyone to support such initiatives and show appreciation for the healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to improve our lives.
The late great Johnny Nash penned, “I can see clearly now; the rain is gone I can see all the obstacles in my way Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) Sun-shiny day I think I can make it now; the pain is gone All of the bad feelings have disappeared Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) Sun-shiny day.”
Labour government in UK unpopular after first year
AFTER its commanding win in Britain’s General Election just a year ago, it is hard to believe reports of the extent of the domestic unpopularity of Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government today. In what has become a volatile electoral landscape, the first twelve months have not been good for him and his administration, and the past week has been a particularly bruising one. In this weekly column I aim to write positively about Britain whenever possible. But it is equally important to reflect reality, not least in the hope that any situation might always improve.
According to the latest polls, a majority of the public think that the Labour government is handling most major issues poorly, especially in the three main areas of the National Health Service, the welfare system and immigration. The UK press reports that voters have given a scathing verdict on the prime minister’s time in Downing Street which, by common consent, has been worse than anticipated. So, the general view seems to be that the prime minister is in some trouble.
Historians are now saying that no Labour prime minister since the Second World War has started so badly. Even allowing for voters’ usual dissatisfaction
The Peter Young column
with sitting governments, Starmer and his ministerial colleagues have managed to anger an array of different people over failures in many areas.
These range from pensioners, parents, small business owners, farmers, fishermen and people with disabilities to rape gang victims and Brexiteers - together with Labour backbench MPs themselves, without whose support the government would not have a mandate to run the country. The latest threat to Starmer’s authority was last week’s rebellion by some 120 Labour MPs over the government’s welfare reforms - and, specifically, disability benefit cuts – that
eventually led to a climb down by Downing Street. It is now being claimed that Starmer does not seem to realize that his position depends on carrying his own MPs with him. Some commentators suggest that rather too many of these do not have much loyalty towards him as leader, since they feel that it was the electorate’s desire for change from a failing Conservative government rather than support for Labour’s party leadership that was responsible for
their elevation to Westminster a year ago. But what has become politically unsettling to many is that the prime minister’s personal popularity has plummeted in the country. Reportedly, half of Labour’s own voters now hold an unfavourable view of him; and this is not only in relation to his own actions - particularly the numerous U-turns on policy resulting in accusations that he is a “flip-flopper” - but because of serious doubts about what he really stands
for politically. It is claimed that U-turns on winter fuel payments to pensioners, on a national inquiry into grooming gangs and now on welfare payments have shown not only incompetence at the heart of government but also a lack of adherence to established values in reaching decisions in the first place. Moreover, it is now being said that dissident Labour MPs are planning further rebellions on other issues.
By contrast, many consider that the prime minister has been notably active and effective in relation to foreign affairs over the past twelve months, as is reflected in his much higher standing abroad. Indeed, such has been his heavy schedule attending a variety of meetings of world leaders in different countries that he has earned the only partly critical sobriquet “Never here Keir”. It is fair to say that he has been assiduous in meeting his obligations as the leader of a nation that is a global player – and Britain’s influence in international affairs has benefited accordingly.
Commentators in the UK press have been emphasizing recently that the rise of the Reform Party, led by the well-known Brexiteer, Nigel Farage, has shown that Britain is no longer dominated by the Conservatives and Labour while the
Liberal Democrats have also enjoyed success in the latest elections. Although it only has five MPs at the moment, Reform now seems to be on the march across the UK with several more wins recently in local byelections. Its success is such that, in their study of electoral patterns, psephologists predict that, if a general election were held now, Reform would be the biggest party with 271 seats and Labour in second place with 178. The Conservatives would be placed fourth behind the Liberal Democrats. General elections in the UK usually take place every five years unless, for example, a vote of no confidence in a sitting government forces one earlier or that an election becomes necessary in the light of unforeseen circumstances. So, these are still early days for the sitting Labour government, and there is time for it to change direction and restore its political fortunes. Britain prides itself on political stability. This includes respect for the country’s well-established electoral process and the outcome of democratic elections. In the uncertainty of an increasingly unstable world, long may that continue. It is a most valuable asset for any country.
Success of historic NATO Summit Free speech or terrorism?
B ARELY six months in to his second term and, while his actions domestically are being felt in every corner of A merican life, it is being said widely that US president Donald Trump is also reshaping global politics. The evidence is there for all to see. This is particularly the case in relation to N ATO in which Trump has become the dominant figure. This defensive alliance was created in 1949 by the US, Canada and several Western E uropean nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. A lthough a joint enterprise, it was clear at the time and beyond that the US was the driving force behind the alliance which was considered necessary in the face of a belligerent USS R following the end of the Second World War.
L ast week’s two-day N ATO Summit in The Hague, attended by its 32 members including the overpowering figure of Trump himself, has been described as historic and transformational insofar as it secured major new financial commitments on the part of each of its members, with the exception of a reluctant Spain. These allies agreed to a massive ramping up of funding by committing to spending and investing annually 5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2035. This comprises 3.5 per cent on core defence requirements and 1.5 per cent on defence and security related investments like infrastructure and industry.
In a joint statement about their commitment to spend 5 per cent of their country’s economic output, NATO leaders said they were united against “profound” security challenges, singling out the long-term threat posed by Russia and terrorism. They also reaffirmed their “ironclad commitment” to the principle that an attack on one NATO member would lead to a response from the full alliance – and that will surely be music to the ears of those countries
situated in the east of Europe close to Russia. This five percent pledge on defence spending marks a major uplift from the previous level of two percent. It represents a considerable victory for the US president himself, though Trump made a point of saying that it was a big win for Europe and for Western civilisation. He hoped it would become a new benchmark. Since his first term he has been railing against NATO members about their need to pay more for their own security rather than relying excessively on the US, and he has been pressing consistently for implementation of the two percent spending requirement agreed to by NATO defence ministers as a minimum level as long ago as 2006. For a number of years, NATO members have become increasingly wary of Trump’s apparently lukewarm attitude towards NATO. There have been doubts about whether he would honour, in the event of a crisis, the Article 5 commitment to come to the assistance of a fellow member who had been attacked. So it was interesting to watch the fawning approach to him by the new secretary general, Mark Rutte, who seemed eager to flatter him and “butter him up” at all costs, including sending him a special personal pre-summit letter. But perhaps Rutte read his man accurately. At the end of the summit Trump stated on the record that
the summit was a “big success” and that “I stand by Article 5, that’s why I’m here”.
In his speech at the summit, Mark Rutte welcomed the 5 per cent pledge which, he said, would reinforce NATO’s ability and commitment to do what it was founded to do – to deter and defend; and he admitted this would not have happened if Trump had not been re-elected. The new financial pledge would “ensure that our one billion people can continue to live in freedom and security”. He added that “together the Allies have laid the foundations for a stronger, fairer, more lethal NATO.”
Despite what is generally regarded as a positive outcome of this NATO Summit, the joint statement at the end did not include condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and there are critics who say there was no specific mention of the US which meant the credibility of deterrence had been weakened. Even though the US president has said he will always stand by Article 5, everyone is aware he is known for changing tack on a whim.
So, in light of such doubts, many in E urope are now beginning to realise that being forced by Trump to increase their own defence spending could, in a way, turn out to be a blessing in disguise - in terms of helping to ensure their own safety and security.
REPORTEDLY, to hear the “top cop” in London himself say recently that he was “shocked and frustrated” was alarming for many people. He was referring to the violent group in Britain called Palestine Action which was mounting a protest outside Parliament in central London. It cast doubt on the police’s commitment to protection of the public, leaving people wondering whether in today’s British democracy the right balance is being struck between respecting the right to protest and punishing criminality.
The implication of the remarks attributed to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner is that the police were unable under existing laws to do much to prevent this protest by Palestine Action or even to contain it. He stated that he did not have the power to ban the protest because, although it was already branded an extremist criminal group, it had not been officially proscribed. But, according
to UK press reports, many find it hard to believe that tougher action could not have been taken under existing laws.
His comments came after a former adviser to the government on political violence had warned that the security of MPs and members of the House of Lords was at risk after they had been harassed, intimidated and obstructed during a previous recent pro-Palestine demonstration outside Parliament.
This has hit the headlines in the UK because the Home Secretary (Minister of Interior equivalent) announced last week that Palestine Action would be proscribed under anti-terror laws. This would make membership and support of the group illegal. As she said in stentorian tones “this government will not tolerate those that put the nation’s security at risk.”
Given the group’s long history of targeting, among others, financial companies, universities and government buildings
and committing criminal damage, many people find it hard to see why the police were unable to act strongly against it without a formal banning order which will inevitably be controversial. Presumably, what has been the determining factor now is the group’s recent break-in at the RAF’s main base of Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and its spraying of paint into the jet engines of military aircraft together with other damage. This is not only a deeply embarrassing security breach for the RAF but it seems to have been the impetus for the government’s latest action.
Perhaps it is worth repeating briefly to such protesters that criminal action incurs penalties under the law. While freedom of speech and expression are the lifeblood of a democracy, there have to be restrictions in order to maintain public orderand to protect the rights of individuals, including their own.
BRITAIN’S Prime Minister Keir Starmer gestures as he speaks during a media conference at the end of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands on June 25, 2025.
Photo: Kin Cheung/AP
DEMONSTRATORS shout and gesture toward a police line during a protest by Palestine Action group in London, on June 23, 2025.
Photo: Frank Augstein/AP
PRESIDENT Donald Trump speaks standing between Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a press conference after the plenary session at the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25, 2025.
Photo: Markus Schreiber/AP
No test scores, just testimony
By ALL A NDR A RUSSELL
THERE were smiles that lit up the room, tears that spoke louder than words, and somewhere in between, I’m sure, unspoken thoughts of what comes next. As the procession of Stapledon School graduates began, it was a moment filled with a whirlwind of emotions. I have attended my fair share of graduations this season, each meaningful in its own right, especially witnessing the success of many of our male students. But this one was different. It wasn’t about passing a test or announcing SAT or BGCSE scores. This was a testimony of resilience, a story of growth. I didn’t just attend this graduation; I had the privilege of standing before the Stapledon School Class of 2025 as their guest speaker. While my role was to pour into them, I realised from the very start that the pouring had already begun through the students themselves and all they displayed. Every moment, from the entrance to the final
applause, carried a heavy weight, showcasing the unique victories each student had achieved. Under the theme “Navigating Your Journey to Success,” graduates were encouraged to stay locked into their GPS: God, Principles, and Self-Awareness. They were reminded of the unique light each of them holds and that no matter the limitations the world may try to place on them, they were created with purpose. The moderators, former students now making their mark, made it clear that Stapledon School produces far more than many give it credit for. This is especially true for a school that’s often misunderstood or narrowly labeled. What many don’t realise is that special education schools serve a large range of learners. Many students who simply learn differently, not less. One of the moderators is now studying Culinary Arts at the University of The Bahamas; the other works as a technician at Cable Bahamas. Then there were the graduates with job offers already
lined up, and others who achieved personal goals that held real meaning. Every story was a victory within itself. What made this moment unforgettable was the reminder that success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Each student on that stage had a different story, a different win and each was celebrated for reaching their own mark, not the one society sets.
As these students step into uncharted waters, no longer protected by the walls of school or the systems that once supported them, the question remains: have we truly done all we can to make their transition more navigable? The dedication of Principal Amanda Moncur and her team, combined with the support of parents, has been instrumental in driving progress thus far. In speaking with Principal Moncur, she acknowledged that positive steps have been made. Efforts range from expanding access to education for children from kindergarten through age 18, to training more teachers in special education,
and even hosting a recent career fair designed specifically for the special needs community. Yet, we can all agree there’s still a long way to go. Considering the various laws and international treaties we’ve signed on to, and the progressive nation we claim to be, it’s clear that a stronger reflection of these commitments should be evident within this community. When one considers the access and support available worldwide, especially in preparing young people with special needs for life beyond the classroom, we still have some catching up to do.
Admittedly, the next steps for many of our graduates will not be easy, but they do not have to navigate them alone. These students have already shown true courage and resilience. Now, it’s on us; educators, employers, policymakers, and community members to continue creating pathways that reflect that
SAC alumni provide thousands in scholarships
THE St Augustine’s College (SAC) Alumni Association has awarded more than $30,500 in scholarships and tuition grants to outstanding students for the 2025–2026 academic year, thanks to the support of alumni, sponsors, and donors.
Funds were raised through alumni dues, donations to the SAC Alumni Scholarship and Tuition Grant Fund, and participation in events such as the 2024 Lighthouse Awards and Gala Ball, sponsored by Dr Don and Kristi Deveaux of Oak Tree Medical. The scholarships reflect SAC’s mission to reward academic excellence, leadership, service, and resilience among its students.
Among this year’s recipients is Daniel Hepburn Jr, a Grade 11 student-athlete who received the James Clarke Award for his performance in both basketball and track, his leadership, and his strong character. Jerome Smith Jr, also in Grade 11, was awarded the Algernon Cargill Award for his 3.62 GPA and active involvement in volunteerism, including work with the SACarama Fair, Our Lady’s Soup Kitchen, and the Dynamos Football Club.
Jordan Pyfrom, a Grade 12 student accepted into an accredited engineering program, received the $5,000 HannaGroup Engineering Scholarship in recognition of his academic drive in the STEM field. Georgia Pascal, also in Grade 12 and raised by her father, was honored with the Jennifer Louise Johnson Memorial Scholarship for her 3.90 GPA, resilience, and values. She also received an additional $2,568 grant from the SAC Class of 1974.
Additional scholarship recipients include Makai Mackey, Neil Gibson, J’mere Sands, and Madison Dillet. SAC Alumni Association president Dr Anastasia Brow said: “We’re not just funding education — we’re investing in future leaders.”
Radio House Outreach teams up with Abilities Unlimited and Disability Empowerment Outreach group for
THIS past Friday, June 27th, the Radio House Outreach team united with Abilities Unlimited and the Disability Empowerment Outreach Group for the highly impactful Dollar Day Drive, aimed at raising vital funds in support of the disabled community.
Radio House stations —
100 JAMZ, Y98, Kiss FM, and Joy 101.9FM — hit the streets with full force, broadcasting live from 7AM to 9AM on John F. Kennedy Drive, directly in front of Abilities Unlimited. The event drew tremendous community support, with listeners and volunteers, including members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers, coming out to lend a helping hand.
“This initiative was
all about showing up for our community,” said Reality, Radio House Promotions Director. “Our aim is to help organizations like Abilities Unlimited and Disability Empowerment Outreach because, at the end of the day, these are our brothers and sisters — and the support felt good.”
Funds raised will go toward enhancing services and support systems provided by both partner organizations for people living with disabilities.
If you missed the event but would still like to support the cause, donations can be made directly by contacting Abilities Unlimited or Disability Empowerment Outreach Group at: (242) 431-4150, (242) 556-1773 or (242) 816-2642.
