THURSDAY
The Tribune OBITUARIES Biggest And Best!
Goodbye, daddy
• Daughter’s tribute to murdered police reserve
• Bishop: Don’t turn blind eye to criminals
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
CHRIST Church Cathedral was filled with sorrow yesterday as family, friends, government officials, and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force honoured Reserve Inspector Lernex Williams, who was fatally shot during an attempted armed robbery last month.
Bishop Laish Boyd, Bishop of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, stressed the need for citizens to address wrongdoing instead of turning a blind eye, linking widespread complacency and corruption to the SEE page three
Broken glasses and court date as guidance counsellors clash
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A HEATED lunchtime dispute at Jack Hayward Junior High exploded into violence when a
guidance counsellor allegedly attacked a colleague, leaving her eyeglasses destroyed in the fray.
Magistrate LaQuay Laing heard the case in Grand Bahama’s Magistrate’s Court yesterday,
where Sophia Morley, coordinator of the Guidance Department, is accused of assaulting fellow counsellor Shani Bowe and damaging her glasses during a May 12
Diddy dodges sex trafficking but convicted
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
MUSIC mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was reportedly preparing to fly to The Bahamas when US Homeland Security agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami
of prostitution charges
last year, was found guilty yesterday of transporting women across state lines for prostitution but acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. A jury of eight men and four women delivered SEE page seven
sean “DiDDy” Combs. Photo: ap
Latayah poitier speaks during the funeral of her father Reserve Inspector Lernex Williams at Christ Church Cathedral yesterday. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
HOUSE Speaker Patri-
cia Deveaux, who missed most of the 2025/2026 budget debate, confirmed yesterday that she was hospitalised, although she did not disclose the reason. Her absence drew attention and prompted speculation about her health on social media.
“I’m so happy to be back. I got health and strength,” she said at the start of yesterday’s sitting.
“Laying down in a hospital
“It
During
Goodbye, daddy
conditions that led to Williams’ death.
He issued a strong call for Bahamians to adopt greater honesty, diligence, and personal accountability as part of their contribution to national development. He framed the memorial service as a moment to reflect on individual service to country, urging people not only to celebrate those who work hard but to challenge themselves and others to do better.
“Unfortunately, in the midst of the hard work, we have a lot of people who are lazy, who are irresponsible. We have a lot of people who are not honest so there’s corruption in some places where they shouldn’t be,” he said, clarifying he was not singling out any group but highlighting systemic problems. He lamented that too many people can be “bought and paid” to ignore illegal or unethical acts, arguing that this collective failure of integrity perpetuates crime and violence in the country. Williams, 52, is survived by his parents, five children, a granddaughter, two sisters, and two brothers. Some of his children participated in yesterday’s ceremony, reading scripture verses and singing.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis delivered a heartfelt tribute, describing him as “one of the finest sons” of the Cabinet Office. He reflected on the tragedy occurring on Father’s Day, acknowledging the profound grief endured by the Williams family.
Highlighting Williams’ 25 years of public service, including roles as a Police Reserve Inspector, Senior Transport Officer, and former Defence Force Officer, Mr Davis praised his professionalism, technical expertise, and generosity in mentoring colleagues.
“As Mr Reliable, Lernex routinely worked weekends and holidays and could be called upon at any time — he would not disappoint. And though he was reliable, Lernex was not a selfish gatekeeper of knowledge. He took joy in sharing expertise and mentoring co-workers,” he said.
“He exceeded his duties with every responsibility. Lernex assisted with National Audits, provided technical
support for advisory committees, and even volunteered for maintenance tasks, like changing flat tires on government vehicles.”
Gunmen accosted Williams on June 15 as he was about to deposit $38,854.10, belonging to two service stations, at the Royal Bank of Canada Palmdale Branch while working an off-duty job. An ensuing shootout left him and suspected robber Joseph Sinclair dead. Prosecutors allege that Ronald Telfort and another man, who remains at large, were with Sinclair during the attempted robbery and murder.
Surveillance footage from the scene showed Sinclair’s accomplices dragging his body to their getaway car before abandoning him on the ground. The men were seen removing a gun from Sinclair and taking a black bag into a small white car.
Telfort’s girlfriend, Antionette Henfield, has been charged as an accessory after the fact to murder. Prosecutors allege she picked up Telfort and another man after they abandoned their getaway car. Henfield has been granted $10,000 bail.
Police ReseRvist leRnex Williams
FuneRal service of Police Reservists Lernex Williams. Photos: Dante carrer/Tribune Staff
McAlpine will contest Pineridge seat as independent candidate
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Pineridge
MP Frederick McAlpine said he will again seek to contest the Pineridge seat as an independent candidate, positioning himself as a potential spoiler after a strong second-place finish in the constituency in the last general election.
Mr McAlpine announced his move in a voice note to Pineridge constituents, saying: “I will be offering in the upcoming general elections as an independent candidate. Soon, I will officially launch my election
campaign. In the meantime, I, along with members of my team, will be reaching out to you. Please feel free to share this voice note with family, friends, and neighbours in the Pineridge Constituency.”
Mr McAlpine last ran as an independent in the 2021 general election, where he garnered 1,175 votes, trailing only the PLP’s Ginger Moxey, who won the seat with 1,423 votes. The FNM’s candidate, Welbourne Bootle, finished third with 886 votes. Pineridge had 5,670 registered voters in that election.
Mr McAlpine was first elected as the Member of
Parliament for Pineridge on May 10, 2017. In June 2018, he was dismissed by thenPrime Minister Hubert Minnis from his post as Chairman of the Hotel Corporation after he, along with fellow FNM MPs Travis Robinson, Vaughn Miller, and Reece Chipman, voted against the government’s proposed increase of value-added tax from 7.5 percent to 12 percent.
As an FNM member, he frequently criticised his party, ultimately severing ties with the FNM in July 2021 before running as an independent in the subsequent election.
Cooper: Constituencies Commission report delivery to PM expected by August
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
DEPUTY Prime Minis -
ter Chester Cooper says the Constituencies Commission hopes to submit its report to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis by August, aiming to balance constituencies based on registered voter numbers.
“There’s no rush,” he said. “This isn’t a signal for anything. The prime minister, in his sole discretion, determines when the election is.”
Asked when the report might be ready, he said outside the House of Assembly: “Hopefully by August, when we
complete our work, we’re going to submit it to the prime minister. Then, in his sole discretion, he will determine what happens or when it happens next.”
The commission is reviewing the number of voters in each constituency to ensure fairness, including areas with a large land size but few people.
Speculation about possible boundary changes has grown ahead of the next election, with some PLP supporters calling for redistricting in places like Golden Isles and Killarney, where voter imbalances concern them.
Sources say adjustments could also happen in West Grand Bahama
and Bimini due to population growth.
Mr Cooper acknowledged the “talk” but said he’s bound by confidentiality.
FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright said: “[The commission is] reviewing registers with access to registered voters to see if adjustments need to be made. They are also looking at the possible changes in constituencies in terms of its numbers.”
Both Mr Cooper and Mr Cartwright said discussions are ongoing and expressed satisfaction with the process so far.
House Speaker Patricia Deveaux chairs the Constituencies Commission.
FORMER PinERidgE MP FREdERick McAlPinE
dEPuty PRiME MinistER chEstER cOOPER
THE Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe gave an overview noting the country’s marked improvement since gaining independence in 1973, during a Flag Raising ceremony on Monday at the
Orville Turnquest Building, John F Kennedy Drive. Leaders from the various law enforcement agencies including Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles, Defence Force Commodore Floyd Moxey and Bahamas
Correctional Services Commissioner Doan Cleare were in attendance for the hoisitng of the national flag which was followed by the playing of the National Anthem.
Photos: Philip Moxey
Broken glasses and court date as guidance counsellors clash
confrontation.
Ms Bowe, the first witness for the prosecution, described a tense standoff that spiralled out of control over lunches meant for students in the school’s National Lunch Programme. She said she had set aside meals for her drama club students to eat while rehearsing, but Ms Morley ran out of lunches during her distribution shift and demanded the ones on Ms Bowe’s desk.
According to Ms Bowe, Ms Morley began
shouting and ordered her to hand over the lunches.
When Ms Bowe refused, Ms Morley insisted she come to her office.
“I followed her into her office, and we argued. She pushed me backward as I was standing in her doorway. Then she swung the door, which struck the right side of my body,” Ms Bowe testified.
She claimed Morley locked the door and launched a physical attack, sparking a violent struggle that saw both women crashing to the floor. Administrators
pounded on the door to intervene, but Ms Morley allegedly blocked them by pressing her body against it.
Eventually, Ms Bowe managed to unlock the door. Vice Principal Anderson-Brown and Senior Mistress Adderley-Stuart rushed in, separated the women, and escorted Ms Bowe to safety.
Ms Bowe told the court that her glasses, worth $118, were twisted beyond use during the scuffle.
“Please, do not step on her glasses,” she recalled
Vice Principal Brown saying, followed by an “Oh” of dismay before returning the bent frames to her.
During cross-examination, defence attorney Ernie Wallace pressed Ms Bowe on whether she had informed Ms Morley in advance about pulling the lunches on Ms Morley’s assigned day.
“No, sir,” Ms Bowe admitted, but insisted Ms Morley knew she was feeding students who were rehearsing.
Ms Wallace suggested Ms Bowe was
undermining Ms Morley’s authority and depriving students of their lunches.
Ms Bowe denied the accusations, maintaining she acted properly.
When asked if blows were exchanged, Ms Bowe acknowledged the fight but insisted, “Yes, she did, and I did land a blow, but it was in self-defence.”
She said the glasses were knocked off during the fight but admitted she didn’t actually see Ms Morley break them.
Police Constable Abigail McKenzie testified that she investigated
the incident after being briefed by Sgt 2968 Miller on May 19. She said Ms Morley came to the Northeastern Police Station but, on legal advice, refused to answer questions or sign a statement. Ms McKenzie admitted under questioning that charges were laid solely based on statements from school administrators, without any confession or admission from Ms Morley herself.
The case was adjourned to July 11, when Vice Principal Anderson-Brown is expected to testify.
US Embassy marks American Independence Day at John Watling’s Distillery
US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish and Commander Victor Lange salute as the US Marines Color Guard during an event to mark the 249th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America at John Watling’s Distillery yesterday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
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-
Published daily Monday to Friday
Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207
TELEPHONES
News & General Information
(242) 502-2350
Advertising Manager (242) 502-2394
Circulation Department (242) 502-2386
Nassau fax (242) 328-2398
Freeport, Grand Bahama (242)-352-6608
Freeport fax (242) 352-9348
WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK
www.tribune242.com
Involve the stakeholders in process
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I hAVeN T really said anything about these new legislations the government has implemented because to be completely honest, I didn’t want to deal with the ignorant comments from people not in the industrybecause if you are not in the industry, chances are you do not understand the reach this industry has to Bahamians.
So many Bahamians are hurting because the boats can simply go somewhere else that makes better business sense for them.
And before you say well, they over fish and they bring all their supplies. Not true. I am not saying there are not bad apples - I mean flip, how many Bahamians take under measure crawfish or undersized conch or overfish themselves?
@tribune242 tribune news network
Marina fees a colossal mess-up?
“IT’S hard to believe they could mess it up this bad.”
Those were the words of the Association of Bahamas Marinas chief, Peter Maury, on the issues surrounding the implementation of boating reforms –although some might say the words could be used on a variety of issues in governance.
Those issues included the inability to access or pay online for the new frequent digital cruising card, the fishing permit or anchorage fees.
Imagine trying to encourage visitors to come in their yachts and boats to The Bahamas only for them to have to find a government office they can pay for such things in.
All the above were absent from the Click2Clear site, while there is also an absence of a fee schedule and more.
After assessing the various failures of the government in setting these features up in time to perhaps look as if we are in the 21st century let alone a quarter of the way through it, what are the consequences?
Yesterday, Mr Maury said that for marinas: “It looks like we’re in COVID again.”
Typically this weekend should be a big one for marinas. Friday is the 4th of July, and Americans celebrating their Independence Day would often get in their boats and head for our shores.
Instead, marinas are reporting empty docks and confusion among would-be travellers.
There have been various petitions launched, there has been talk of a boycott of The Bahamas on social media, and various resorts are reporting a series of cancellations – and some people saying they will not be back.
One visitor talked of having been a regular here for more than 35 years –but no more.
Is this just sour grapes at being asked to pay? Not entirely – for many it is a case of being over-hasty and
implementing the reforms without being ready to do so. For others, it is the scale of new fees. For others still, it is a simple comparison to other locations where there are lower or zero fees.
And the knock-on effect of these cancellations? No money in the pockets of local businesses. No visitors calling into island restaurants. No stocking up at local stores. No money spent down at the bar.
Then there are the boat support services, the cleaners and pilots, the ship crew and fuel stations.
Over at Bimini Big Game Club Resort, there were another six cancellations yesterday. At Bimini Cove Resort and Marina, there has been another ten cancellations.
And there is no doubt, boaters are telling the marinas and resorts it is because of the new fees.
That bad news about extra fee costs travels fast in the boating community. If the goal was to raise revenue, it is doing so at the expense of money in the pockets of local businesses.
With boats going elsewhere, that spending is going elsewhere too.
Topping that off with the hassle of computer systems that do not allow you to log in and pay the fees so you have to go further and find an open office to do so is just going to add another reason for people not to come.
Those online payment systems should be functional today. Yesterday. ASAP. If people cannot pay these fees – and we are talking people travelling from other countries here – then postpone their introduction until they can.
And in the meantime perhaps have a rethink about it completely.
There is no benefit in the government earning a dollar if the community loses a million.
Perhaps there truly is a need for the boating community to contribute more income – but is this really the right way?
The message is simply this - when you implement something hastily, chances are it will backfire.
No one is saying not to charge boats coming into Bahamian waters but do it logically. You can’t increase fees by 100%300% and not expect a backlash - especially when our direct competition is 0%.
Also, if changes are to be made, discuss with the stakeholders. have all the information so that the best possible solution can be made.
And let’s not rush to execute new legislations without the necessary systems being in place.
I work at a marina. Part of my job is to help boats get workers/services they need. So, I deal with many Bahamians on a daily business with all different types of occupations.
I am being called all the time asking what happened - where did the boats go?
The boat washer crying to me that he can’t feed his children; the laundry service that expanded
after covid only to have to downsize and let staff go; the carpet cleaner who is now having to wash cars; the one who bought a centre console to assist yachts and now is wondering if she has to sell it; the provisioner who doesn’t have any yachts to provision for; the car rental guy who is selling some of his plates because he can’t keep up with the increase in his fees and there aren’t enough crew to rent his cars; the fisherman who has no one to sell his catch to; the pilot who guides boats pass Devil’s Backbone and sells his wife’s pies to the boats isn’t getting the boats; the interior cleaners who have no boats to clean; the freight forwarder who bought another plane after COVID, only to have to now figure out if he has to sell it; the florists who don’t have the boats to sell flowers to, not to mention Bahamian captains and crew who have no jobs because there just are not enough jobs and are having to go find work on boats abroad. The list goes on and on (mechanics, the marine stores, the AC & refrigeration technicians, food stores, fuel docks, fuel attendants, mobile barbers, hairdresser, salons, masseuses, farmers, and on and on).
I know for a fact that the majority of these yachts get their fish from local fishermen, load up at the food stores and liquor stores (we have all seen crew with their three loaded trolleys at the food store), and they not only take their trash from the beach, but they clean up whatever trash they meet.
We have all seen the mess our people leave at the beach on a holiday weekend.
So, let’s not be hypocrites.
The bottom line is that there are so many Bahamians, especially in the out islands, that rely on boaters and yachts coming to the Bahamas. So, before we push them away and have many Bahamians out of work, let’s find a common ground.
The government needs to meet with stakeholders and let’s find the best solution to continue to grow this industry to benefit Bahamians and the Bahamas.”
ERIKA FESZT Nassau, July 2, 2025.
We need truth on violence shelter status
the Tribune.
The Minister of Social Services is once again asking the public to “take his word” that progress is being made on domestic violence shelters. But after four consecutive budget cycles of broken promises and zero transparency, the public is right to ask: whose word can we trust?
Let me be clear: No one in the Senate called for the public disclosure of any shelter’s physical location. The Opposition understands the need to safeguard survivors. What we asked for, and continue to ask for, are basic updates about the government’s promised domestic violence shelter: its capacity, readiness, staffing, and services. These are reasonable questions that deserve real answers. And yet, the Minister continues to deflect, even pointing to a facility operated by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Domestic Violene Unit as if that fulfills the government’s
obligation. It does not. That police-operated facility is not the shelter that was promised to the Bahamian people. It was opened with cameras and ribbon-cuttings for media attention, so why now cite “security concerns” to avoid sharing even the most basic progress updates on the actual shelter?
The numbers are stark. According to recent data published by Sanigest International, about one in four women in The Bahamas are victims of domestic or intimate partner violence. This is not just a statistic, it is a crisis. And every day of delay, every dodged question, every excuse from the PLP government puts more women and children at risk. You can’t have it both ways. While we agree the shelter’s exact location should remain confidential for safety reasons, that does not excuse the Minister’s refusal to share basic, non-sensitive information. At the very least, the government should extend professional courtesy by
granting confidential access to the Shadow Minister. The Free National Movement is ready and willing to work across party lines on this urgent issue. But real collaboration requires trust, transparency, and a commitment to doing right by the Bahamian people.
The FNM has made clear our commitment: under our national security policies, domestic and gender-based violence will be treated as the public health and safety emergency that it is. This is not about politics. This is about justice. The women and children of this country cannot wait any longer for the support they need. If the shelter is real, then show us. If there’s progress, prove it. If you truly care, act like it. Accountability is not optional; it is the bare minimum. And until this government provides it, the Opposition will not be silent. Not on this. Not ever.
SENATOR MAXINE SEYMOUR July 2, 2025.
EDITOR,
Picture of the day
Diddy dodges sex trafficking but convicted of prostitution charges
their verdict after roughly 12 hours of deliberation.
Although Mr Combs celebrated in court after he was found not guilty of the more severe charges, his mood reportedly darkened after the judge, Arun Subramanian, denied him bail later yesterday, citing his history of domestic violence.
Mr Combs’ long-standing ties to The Bahamas, where he once called the islands his “third home”, resurfaced during the trial as a witness described trips here central to the case.
The witness testified in June about a 15-day trip Mr Combs took her on to Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas in February 2021. The court heard that heavy drug use, particularly ecstasy, was rampant during the Turks and Caicos leg of the trip.
Brendan Paul, a former assistant to Mr Combs, testified that part of his job involved procuring ketamine and ecstasy for the music mogul’s
personal use. He recalled being on a private jet with Mr Combs and his chief of staff in route to The Bahamas before they were detained, at which point he was found with cocaine allegedly intended for Mr Combs.
Mr Combs’ guilty conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution means he could face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. Sentencing is expected later this month in the Southern District of New York.
Mr Combs called The Bahamas his “third home” in a 1990s interview with Bahamian TV personality Charlie Bahama, saying he spent a month there recording half his album.
“I spent like a month here. I did half my album here in The Bahamas,” he said. “This is like my third home, I’d have to say.”
When asked if the relaxed island vibe made it hard to work, he insisted, “No, it’s a beautiful place, but I definitely got work done. The vibe was right for me,” adding, “I like the heat—I like the hotness. That makes me work harder.”
Sean ‘DiDDy’ CombS
GB man accused of 2024 murder granted $20,000 bail
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
A 39-YeAr-olD man was granted $20,000 bail earlier this week after being accused of murdering a 64-year-old man in Grand Bahama in 2024.
Charles Tony Fritzgerald was granted bail by Justice Andrew Forbes.
Fritzgerald allegedly shot and injured the 64-year-old victim during a verbal altercation on oleander Street on January 23, 2024. The victim succumbed to his injuries in hospital on February 4, 2024.
Fritzgerald was arraigned for murder and pleaded not guilty to the charge on November 26, 2024. His trial is currently scheduled to begin on october 4, 2027. During his bail application, Fitzgerald said he is married and the father of adult children. He said he works as a carpenter and claimed he has spent the last 16 months on remand. He further submitted that he has no other pending matters before the courts and would comply with any conditions attached to his bail. The defendant maintained that he did not
murder anyone and argued that he was a suitable candidate for bail.
Conversely, Sean Norvell Smith, representing the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, questioned whether Fritzgerald was indeed a fit candidate for bail.
In reviewing the case, Justice Forbes noted that a witness allegedly heard an argument between Fritzgerald and the deceased before hearing gunshots shortly afterward. The same witness later identified Fritzgerald in a photo lineup. Justice Forbes also said
18-month sentence for pinning man against wall with his vehicle
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to 18 months in prison yesterday after admitting to pinning another man against a wall with his car earlier this year.
Corporal Cooper, while speaking with the victim at the scene before he was transported to the hospital, heard the victim identify his attacker as a man named “CT.” When asked if he meant Charles Fritzgerald, the victim reportedly replied, “yeah.”
Justice Forbes noted that it would be up to the trial judge to determine whether the victim’s statement could be admitted into evidence, depending
on whether it qualifies as a dying declaration and overcomes hearsay objections. Although Justice Forbes observed that Fitzgerald had prior convictions for firearm and drug offences dating back to 2009, he also noted that the accused had no recent charges. Finding no evidence that the accused would fail to appear for trial, Justice Forbes set Fritzgerald’s
bail at $20,000 with one or two sureties. Fritzgerald must sign in at the Central Police Station in Freeport every Wednesday and Friday by 7pm. He was warned not to interfere with any witnesses in the case; failure to comply could result in his bail being revoked. Additionally, the defendant must surrender his travel documents and must apply to the court if he needs to travel.
During an altercation on May 31 in New Providence, Smith reportedly used his vehicle to pin Delano Carey against a wall.
In his latest court appearance, Smith reversed his
Garvin Smith, 45, appeared before Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs on a charge of assault with a dangerous instrument.
earlier plea and admitted guilt, accepting full responsibility for his actions.
After admonishing him, Magistrate Isaacs sentenced Smith to one year and six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
Inspector Wilkinson served as the prosecutor.
t een gets two-and-a-half years for
loaded gun
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 19-YeAr-olD man was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after admitting to having a loaded gun while fleeing police at a park in Kennedy Subdivision last week.
Michael Forbes was arraigned before Magistrate lennox Coleby on charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition.
Forbes and an accomplice reportedly ran from police after officers spotted them at the park around 10am on June 29. During the chase, one of the men was seen discarding a firearm.
Police later caught Forbes and recovered a black Glock 17 9mm pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. Forbes pleaded guilty to both charges.
Alphonso lewis, who represented Forbes, highlighted his client’s young age and previously clean record, asking the court for leniency.
Magistrate Coleby sentenced Forbes to 30 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. During his incarceration, Forbes will have the opportunity to enrol in trade classes.
m an accuse of stealing electronics from shop
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN has been granted bail after being accused of stealing equipment from a shop last week.
Melchior “MJ” Francis Jr, 21, was arraigned before Senior Magistrate
raquel Whyms on charges of shop theft and receiving.
Francis is accused of stealing a 55” rCA Fire TV, valued at $368, from a business on robinson road on June 25. The TV belongs to Percy Marshall. The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Bail was set at $2,000 with one or two sureties. As part of his bail conditions, Francis must sign in at the Grove Police Station every Tuesday by 6pm. His trial is scheduled to begin on September 8. Sergeant Wilkinson served as the prosecutor.
Photo: aP
The selection of election candidates
After the free National Movement (fNM) announced 17 candidates for the House of Assembly ahead of the upcoming general election, there was the usual ritual of criticisms, a number of which are frequently trotted out at election time.
Some critiques were on point. Others were the typical shallow, knee-jerk criticisms which do not account for the political realities of the contemporary Bahamas. It is intellectually sluggish and simplistic to assail the selection of candidates without noting the context from which they are chosen.
the hard reality is that it is difficult to find eligible and good candidates with the portfolio of qualities needed to serve in elected office.
Candidates reflect the broader society with our myriad strengths and tremendous limitations in populating politics, government, journalism, religious life, civil society, and union leadership with more adept talent.
the crisis in attracting quality leadership may be seen in the ever-declining quality of print and broadcast journalism, the decline in the quality of senior public officers, and the difficulty in attracting religious leaders with greater theological depth. We have a dearth of talented leaders across the board.
Moreover, many, including those who may fervently criticise proposed candidates, are rarely prepared to enter the political arena. Many of these critics lack the
qualities to be good and eligible candidates.
theodore roosevelt bemoaned the constant critic who has never been involved in political life or government but who endlessly editorializes, comments on, and lambasts certain politicians, especially those for whom they have a personal vendetta:
“A cynical habit of thought and speech, a readiness to criticize work which the critic himself never tries to perform, an intellectual aloofness which will not accept contact with life’s realities—all these are marks, not as the possessor would feign to think, of superiority, but of weakness.”
While there is rightly public and media vetting and analysis of proposed candidates, we might pause to acknowledge the courage of those who do step forward and who will have their lives and that of their families
diced and dissected, and in some instances, destroyed. With politics as a spectator sport, many enjoy attacking those in the arena from their cloistered sidelines. We delight in gossiping about the foibles and failures of others despite our own deep failings and checkered pasts.
the PLP and the fNM will criticise candidates on the other side. this is a usual and necessary element of political battle. those in the arena appreciate this as part of the process. Still, viciousness and certain other attacks should be shunned by all.
Given the mixed and sometimes poor quality of candidates the major parties have run in the past few elections, both parties might demonstrate more humility and a sense of irony when criticizing opposing candidate slates.
the PLP’s candidates at the last election were not exactly a Who’s Who of stellar talent, a good number of whom the party is now desperately trying to drop because of lackluster performance in government and in their constituencies.
Candidate selection is a messy and difficult process, especially depending on how a leader conducts the process. there are always those who feel jilted and who will publicly express their displeasure.
Some leaders have more adeptly run the selection process, while others sometimes leave behind a trail of unresolved ill feelings that boomerang over time.
With tabloids typically and gleefully looking for political conflict, there will be stories from disappointed prospects and branch officers. Still, it is curious, perplexing that the recent resignation of an fNM branch chairman would mystifyingly become a huge banner headline.
there are many proverbial moving parts to selecting and mounting a candidate team for a general election. Having more female candidates has always been a challenge, with many women afraid to come forward, fearing personal attacks on themselves
and their families.
One always wants a mix of cabinet experience and new blood. the notion that someone who may have lost their seat at the last election should not run again is silly beyond measure.
Quite a number of politicians in our post-independence history, who lost a seat at an election, were reelected and made their contributions to national life. to suggest that talented individuals who were part of a previous government that lost office should not run again is insipid and counter to the reality of most parliamentary democracies.
A party that would not rerun experienced individuals who may have lost their seat at the last election would look asinine and would be severely criticised for not utilising such talent.
Alas, this is the nature of politics and some journalism: No matter what one does, reflexive criticism often follows.
Voters quite often reelect the very MPs and others they previously voted out. earlier this year, Kamla Persad Bissessar’s United National Congress (UNC), won reelection in trinidad and tobago against the incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM), after having been previously “rejected” by the country.
One of those who helped formed the first majority rule government in the Bahamas, served in the public arena, experiencing the deprivations and difficulties of political life. Despite losing his seat at more than one election, he ran again on a number of occasions, eventually returning to the House.
He observes that some contemporary critics remind him of those, including some in the black middle class of the day, who refused to offer
their talents and assistance to the movement for majority rule. they refused to enter the arena to serve in party branches, to run for office, to help spread the message of change through the media of the day, to canvass voters, to help organize rallies, to hold house meetings, to raise funds, to serve on committees, to offer professional help, to register voters, to cook food for events. though they reaped the benefits of majority rule, many hedged their bets and remained on the sidelines endlessly criticizing and complaining. they considered themselves too “good” and pristine to soil themselves in the heat of political battle.
And he recalls the number of Bahamian professionals his party repeatedly attempted to recruit to run over the decades but who refused to do so.
As we continue to strive for improved leadership in every area of national life, including in politics, we should recognize those who have served well in parliament and who were committed to public service. the first group of fNM candidates includes some good talent and others who should be encouraged to grow as leaders. the same will likely be true for the PLP. this does not negate a deeper problem in politics and in society that is not unique to the Bahamas: a need for better political talent and leadership. the failures of political leadership and the quality of leaders is not singularly an internal failure of our political parties. It is also a collective failure of the body politic of which we are all a part. It is not enough to wag fingers. We might also look more closely in the mirror at ourselves.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar - Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
US facing confusion and uncertainty under Trump
There’s a profoundly unsettling aspect to what’s happening in the Us these days. Uncertainty and dread seem to shroud numerous volatile situations overseas.
The Us role in regional international conflicts, long a reliably steadying influence and force, now seems to have developed as an active agitator for ambiguity and confusion.
Domestically, the president is apparently seeking to refresh his sagging personal financial situation by monetising his position as leader of what is still the world’s most powerful nation. As one pundit remarked, “this president is selling access to himself and to his family to an unprecedented, even unimaginable, degree. It’s hard to comprehend that they are getting away with it.
“such overt, brazen corruption is making Americans reassess their faith in the values and even morality of their electorate. It is, frankly, embarrassing. how can voters continue to support someone who represents such a startling contrast to what we have imagined our
STATESIDE
exceptionalism to be?” “I have no idea how to cope with the international situation,” a reliably conservative foreign affairs specialist observed earlier this week. “What in the
world is going on? And how do we access accurate information about it? We have a long-lasting, active war in eastern europe that no one talks about although people are dying every day. The
Us has just dropped bombs on Iranian labs hidden in mountains; Israel and Iran have basically opened war on each other, and then, almost overnight, this world flashpoint recedes into the news shadows.”
There is always conflict in the world. We are certain that at some point Iran will have its revenge for the American aerial bombing attacks. It looks like if the Ukrainians can hold out for the rest of this year, perhaps the russians will agree to settle their war for now. Maybe the Western european nations can muster enough materiel and economic support for the Kyiv regime to keep Putin’s army at bay until some ceasefire can be imposed.
What about the Israeli aggression in its
neighbourhood? Are they just going to keep pulverizing Gaza until the northern third of that pathetic territory can no longer sustain the kind of urban environment which could conceal hamas militants?
It’s as though the world is reeling in shock, stunned momentarily into a kind of inactivity before needing to react again to stunning new developments.
There’s a vacuum in global political leadership. It’s a situation that analysts have long feared would be turned to its advantage by China. But is that happening? Or is the retreat from responsible world leadership by the United states creating a kind of ominous uncertainty whose resolution is nowhere in sight?
At home in the Us president Donald Trump rules the roost. The latest evidence is to be found in his overweening influence in pushing through both the American house of representatives and the Us senate a large, sweeping, omnibus budget bill that embodies the kind of callous redistribution of government resources to favor the wealthy which have become synonymous with recent republican administrations but which promise to provoke serious threats to the American social and economic order in the relatively near future.
even people who believe they are taking the time to grasp what this administration is doing are flummoxed. A local Washington-area Democratic official said on Monday that the Trump administration is upending norms and practices on such a broad scale that opposition can only be described as “ineffectively and episodically reactive.”
In their Project 2025 policy manifesto that appeared in April 2023, the republicans signalled what they intended. Trump casually disavowed it while he was a candidate. But once he returned to office, the president has followed its guidance pretty faithfully.
Now, there are reports that the Democrats are planning their own blueprint, intentionally mimicking the GOP by naming it Project 2029.
The creation of this document has revealed an elemental split in the Democratic Party between a populist wing that basically wants to cast corporations and billionaires as villains and others who, while they may share those beliefs, are unconvinced that such an approach can produce electoral success.
These “others” are pragmatists who have become advocates of the so-called “abundance agenda”, named for the eponymous book co-authored by ezra Klein, a columnist for The New York Times whose brainy, dense policy colloquies with other really smart people make good reading but also require careful attention to the dense detail that these conversations cover. It can be hard work to get your mind around it all.
supporters of the abundance agenda want to work with corporations and cut through regulation in order to solve problems and achieve progressive outcomes more quickly. The party’s long-term success will be achieved by showing that pragmatic liberalism works, they believe.
The populist wing, still led by independent Vermont senator Bernie sanders, seeks to directly, by government intercession in the workings of the economy, redistribute power and wealth to the working class and away from economic and corporate elites, and to inspire voters through that struggle.
Klein has said it is imperative for Democrats to admit to voters that the existing system stinks, not just to propose ideas. saying that
the tax system was “rigged” to favor the rich, he noted, made Democratic proposals more popular as they seek to make corporations and the wealthy “pay their fair share.”
“People think that our various systems and laws are broken,” Klein wrote.
“If you acknowledge that the system needs to be fixed to work better, then you start in a better place. It is more about convincing people that we are for what is popular, and communicating that to them, than it is about wrapping it up with a new type of tax credit,” which is often the preference of the progressives.
Amid the chaos, some media outlets have again begun to analyse the American president’s finances, which have intrigued people for decades. Trump’s personal wealth is significant, as even his detractors have grudgingly admitted. But investigators have found that there is still some weakness in his personal financial situation.
One focus has been the iconic Doral golf resort to the west of downtown Miami. The New York Times has reported that Deutsche Bank, which held Trump’s mortgage on Doral, hired a specialized firm to appraise the property after Trump’s first presidential term.
Doral was then Trump’s highest-revenue resort, including four courses and 643 hotel rooms. The consultants concluded that Trump had spent $379m buying and renovating the resort, but that it was then worth only $297m.
This appraisal also revealed that while Doral, like several of Trump’s properties, greatly benefitted from customers who wanted to curry favor with him during his first term as president, his own managers believed that even more potential customers stayed away because of him.
Mr. Trump’s public contentiousness had depressed bookings and room rates for six years in a row, including during his first term as president, his own managers told the appraisers. The managers believed that “the Trump brand has negatively impacted” revenues at Doral. such a finding contravenes the conventional wisdom that Trump’s many real estate properties were profoundly enhanced by his service as president.
Wherever that truth lies, Trump has cleverly or serendipitously raked in literally billions of dollars from enterprises that exist and have value principally because of the office he holds.
For instance, he has reportedly invested no personal funds in Trump Media, the parent company of the social media site Truth social that he has used as a primary communications tool since becoming disenchanted with Twitter several years ago. Trump appears to have no responsibilities at Truth social. But he received more than half of the company’s stock when it launched operations in February 2022. This is a holding that has fallen in value recently, but is still worth $2 billion. That’s not too bad a return on a reported direct, personal investment of – nothing!
Trump and family members have also entered into a series of lucrative partnerships with investors in crypto coins, meme coins and other ventures that seek to capitalise on Trump’s name and likeness. Trump’s partners have raised or invested most or all of the capital and run the businesses. The crypto coins have recently been worth at least $236m, and meme coins sales have so far totaled $320m, according to published reports.
with Charlie Harper
President donald trumP, speaking at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, November 15, 2022. Photo: andrew Harnik/AP
Lightbourne will seek re-election to head Bahamas Nurses Union
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Nurses Union (BNU) president
Muriel Lightbourne says she will seek re-election in January 2026, expressing confidence that ongoing tensions within the union will not affect her chances of securing another term.
Ms Lightbourne’s remarks come as the BNU grapples with internal discord, with divisions among executives and growing concerns from some members about the organisation’s direction and management. Reports of strained relations between Ms Lightbourne and other union officials, including the secretary general, have fuelled speculation about instability at the top of the union’s leadership.
The union has also
been dealing with the fallout from the alleged discovery that more than $60,000 was misappropriated under a previous administration;
Ms Lightbourne has said recovering these funds remains a key priority.
“I have a strong chance of winning that election,” she said at a press conference this week.
“Notwithstanding what is happening. I’m representing my nurses every day, every day.”
In a message aimed at calming fears among union members, Ms Lightbourne continued:
“I will say to our nurses, you do not have to worry.
Your union is solid.
Your union is strong and your president, with this administration, wherever the tides come or the winds blow, we can stand firm. We are standing firm. I believe it with all my heart, and I’m going
to do the best that I can do for you with God’s grace and ability.”
Ms Lightbourne was elected president in January 2023, succeeding Amancha Williams after nurses voted for change amid frustrations with the previous administration. At that time, she promised to rebrand the union, restore its founding principles, and promote greater inclusivity and communication.
Since then, however, her tenure has not been without challenges. Internal disagreements over governance, transparency, and the handling of financial matters have marked the union. The friction has spilled into the public domain, contributing to uncertainty among members about the union’s stability.
Ms Lightbourne has insisted that, despite these issues, the union remains
focused on representing nurses and addressing critical matters, including nurse retention. She has highlighted concerns
about the number of nurses leaving the profession or migrating, and has pledged that her administration will continue to
UB hosts Sustainable Development Goals Youth Conference
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
NEARLY 100 people gathered yesterday at the University of The Bahamas (UB) for the second annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Youth Conference, encouraging young people to challenge traditional approaches to sustainable development.
Speakers emphasised that while sustainable development is typically associated with climate, the economy, and innovation, true sustainability also requires dignity, equality, and inclusion.
The event featured a panel presentation by SDG ambassadors, interactive activities where participants designed headpieces using sustainable materials, a two-hour expo, and a sustainable fashion show highlighting eco-friendly designs crafted in collaboration with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational
Institute fashion trades department.
The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, including objectives such as eradicating poverty, achieving zero hunger, promoting gender equality, and taking climate action.
Kendricka Kemp, senior officer at the Office of the Prime Minister’s SDG Unit, said The Bahamas has made progress toward meeting several goals despite significant setbacks.
“Presently, we are working towards achieving the SDGs but The Bahamas is a very small country, and at present we are reaching from our dashboard at least about two to three SDGs but we are actively working, and we have progressed in many of them, and due to COVID and Hurricane Dorian, we have actually regressed in a few of those as well,” she said.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis encouraged
young people to adopt a mindset of innovation and resilience.
“Challenging the norm means rejecting complacency and embracing a mindset that constantly questions, innovates, and seeks better solutions,” he said.
“It is about looking at old challenges with fresh eyes and finding new pathways that preserve the planet, promote prosperity, and guarantee social inclusion for all. This conference is an opportunity for you to acquire the knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to take claim of this goal.”
“It is a guide, not just for learning about sustainability, but for challenging the status quo, questioning outdated practices, and spearheading innovative solutions. I encourage you to engage fully, to challenge your assumptions, and to connect with likeminded peers and mentors who will be with you on this journey.”
MoXey: MSC joining grand Baha M a Shipyard Show S ConfidenCe in gB eConoMy
By
DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
MINISTER for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey says the MSC’s move to join the Grand Bahama Shipyard shows “continued confidence in the Grand Bahama economy”.
The move sees MSC Cruises join Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruises as a venture partner in the expansion project at the shipyard.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in an official press statement issued by the Ministry for Grand Bahama - although The Tribune previously confirmed the deal in April this year.
“With billions of dollars in investments underway on the island across multiple sectors, MSC Cruises’ entry into the Grand Bahama Shipyard joint venture marks another significant milestone for Grand Bahama, in the midst of the ongoing $665m transformation of the facility,” said Ms Moxey. “This expanded partnership aims to solidify the shipyard as a world-class cruise and commercial vessel repair hub.”
Caribbean Group and Carnival Corporation, and the Grand Bahama Port Authority were the partners in the deal.
Ms Moxey said MSC’s participation is expected to significantly boost operational capacity, enhance technical capabilities, and drive the company’s longterm goal of becoming the world’s largest cruise ship repair facility.
Last August, Prime Minister Philip Davis signed a Heads of Agreement with the shipyard for a $665m transformation project. It was noted that once fully operational, the shipyard would provide a total economic output of $350m. At the time, Royal
She said: “This is a pivotal moment for our island. As the transformation continues, we are witnessing the reawakening of Grand Bahama as a preferred destination for large-scale investment, job creation, entrepreneurial opportunities, and sustained economic development.”
work on creating a supportive environment for nurses across the country, including those on the Family Islands.
BAHAMAS NurSeS uNioN preSideNt Muriel ligHtBourNe
NeArlY 100 people gathered yesterday at the University of The Bahamas for the second annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Youth Conference.
Photo: earyel Bowleg/Tribune Staff Reporter
grANd BAHAMA SHipYArd
Smiles, and even some cowbells, for BTVI
StudentS of BTVI’s 2025 graduating class taking in the moment at their commencement ceremony yesterday.
Photos: nikia Charlton
What is your prayer for our nation?
By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
AS The Bahamas prepares to celebrate its 51st Independence on July 10, the flags are ready to fly, the Junkanoo drums are set to beat, and families everywhere are gearing up for backyard cookouts and community festivities. Yet behind the colours and music, many Bahamians say this milestone is more than a holiday it’s a sacred moment to pause, reflect, and send up a prayer for the country they call home.
In churches, homes, and even office break rooms, voices lift the same question: What is your prayer for The Bahamas?
For some, it is a whisper in the dark before the family wakes. For others, it is a fervent cry at the altar on Sunday morning. For all, it is a simple but powerful reminder that despite challenges from economic struggles to rising crime hope still lives here, anchored in faith.
Many say that prayer has carried this nation through storms, recessions, and uncertain times.
It is the hidden thread that ties one generation to the next from grandparents who knelt beside their beds decades ago, asking God to protect their children, to teenagers today praying for a future they can build without leaving home.
This Independence, these prayers feel more important than ever. They speak of dreams for a
safer Bahamas, a stronger economy, a future where the young and old alike can thrive together on these shores.
A prayer for our economy
“I pray that God would bless the work of our hands,” Kendrick Ferguson, a 36-year-old tradesman from New Providence told Tribune Religion.
“We need more doors open for young people to work, build businesses, and own something. My prayer is that our leaders make wise decisions that help the money flow through every corner of this country not just the big hotels and foreign companies, but the small man too.”
For many small business owners, this prayer feels urgent.
“Times are rough,” said Keisha Gibson, who runs a takeaway in Freeport. “Every day I pray for enough sales to pay my workers and feed my family. But I also pray for new ideas for innovation that will help our people compete with the world.”
A prayer for our youth
At the heart of so many prayers is the next generation. Janet Rolle, who is grandmother living in Andros, said:
“I always say, ‘Lord, cover them. These young people have so much talent, but so much temptation too. I pray they find good mentors, good friends, good purpose. I pray they know they are loved by family, by community, and by God.”
“I pray for more opportunities to study and become something.
I want to be an engineer, but sometimes I wonder if I’ll have to move away. My prayer is that The Bahamas becomes a place where I can build my future and give back right here.”
A prayer for peace
Violent crime remains a heavy burden on the nation’s shoulders.
“I ask God to calm the anger in people’s hearts,” said Peter Taylor, of Grand Bahama. “So many young men are turning to guns because they feel there is no other way. My prayer is that we, as a people, learn to settle our differences with words, not bullets. May God turn us back to compassion.”
A prayer for families and unity
Loretta Smith said her prayers are close to home.
“When the family breaks down, the whole country suffers. I pray that parents teach their children right from wrong, that fathers step up, that mothers have strength. I pray for grandparents raising grandchildren may God give them health and help.”
Denise Clarke, who hails from Abaco, said unity is her deepest hope.
“We are stronger when we stand together. I pray this Independence reminds us that no matter our differences politics, family name, or island we share this rock. My prayer is that we look out for each other more than ever.”
‘For show or For real?’ w hen public Faith is questioned, what does God see?
By Al ESHA CA d ET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
WHEN it comes to walking with God, should it matter if someone starts their journey after a breakup or during a moment of crisis? And does it really make it less sincere if it’s visible to others online?
A recent TikTok post I came across stirred up quite the debate in the comments, with a Christian content creator claiming that some women only “get saved” after a breakup, using their
spiritual walk to get the attention of an ex. While the post sparked laughter for some, it struck a nerve for others who saw it as unnecessarily judgmental.
But beyond the viral soundbite lies a deeper question many Christians wrestle with: When someone turns to God during a tough season, does the motivation really matter?
Tribune Religion asked a number of Bahamians to share their thoughts on the topic.
“What does it matter really. However which way you turn your life over to God or simply put more focus on Him, it doesn’t make your
relationship with God any less real,” said Shania Thompson. She went on to say: “I think people forget that God meets us exactly where we are, even in the mess. Breakups, grief, burnout, whatever it is, if it leads you back to Him, that’s not a bad thing. That’s grace,” she said. This sentiment is echoed by many Bahamian believers who see the public display of faith, especially online, not as a performance, but a reflection of what’s happening internally.
Another woman, Tamara Adderley, said it is dangerous to assume
we can judge the hearts of others.
“People love to act like they know what’s going on with someone spiritually, just based on an Instagram story. But the Bible clearly says, ‘Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’
If someone’s posting about their faith, even if they just started, who are we to scoff at that? Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. We should too,” she said. Still, the concern about authenticity in public expressions of faith isn’t unfounded. In a world where “aesthetic
Christianity” can go viral, it’s easy to confuse true spiritual growth with trendy performance.
“It’s not about judging how someone started or how they started. But sometimes as humans we do have to ask: Are we pursuing God for healing and wholeness, or for image and influence? I think that’s a personal check-in that we all, myself included, need to do regularly,” said Denae Rolle.
Even so, she said, God can work through anything, even motives that may have started out wrong. Denae said some people may start reading their Bible just to “glow up” after a breakup. But somewhere along the way, that Word starts changing their heart. God doesn’t need a perfect reason to begin His work. He just needs a willing heart. For those who are just starting their walk, or returning to it, the message from many seasoned believers is to just start, and let God do the rest. Because in the end, whether someone is walking with God “for show” or “for real,” the transformation that takes place can only be measured by the one who sees the heart.
‘Thrill of the Grill’ ready to return
THE New Providence community known as “The Valley” is heating up as members of St George’s Anglican Church prepare for its annual “Thrill of The Grill and Parish Grand Raffle” on Saturday, July 12, on the grounds of the parish church, on Montrose Avenue at noon.
“This year, we have made a significant change to the event of past
years,” said Stankisha Pinder, chair of the 2025 Grill Out Committee. There will be food stalls and activities, including grilled food and more.
“No event in the Valley could do without conch fritters,” said Canon Andrew Toppin, rector of the parish, “they are the best in the country and we invite you the public to come and try them for
yourself, come and fellowship with us.”
This year’s raffle has more than 15 prizes, with a grand prize of $5,000 , and more cash prizes ranging from $2,000 to $300, flat screen televisions and more. Raffle books are $5 per ticket or a book with 11 tickets for $50. Books can be obtained by emailing admin@saintgeorgebahamas.org.
Flag raising ceremony held in Grand Bahama at the Harold DeGregory Complex ahead of The Bahamas’ 52nd Independence Day on Tuesday.
Photos: Vandyke Hepburn