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PINTARD: EMERGENCY OVER N ATION’S YOUTH

Opposition leader pledges action by FNM administration

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune

Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) leader

Michael Pintard has declared the findings of the Ministry of Health’s Global School Health Report a “national emergency” demanding immediate and compassionate action, warning that The Bahamas

‘Ministry

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION leader

Michael Pintard accused the Davis administration of turning the Ministry of Finance into what he called a private ATM by awarding nearly half a million dollars in no-bid contracts for Christmas decorations.

However, the government quickly rejected

risks losing a generation to mental health crises, violence, and substance abuse.

Mr Pintard described the report as painting a “deeply troubling picture” of Bahamian youth, with teens facing rising violence, social disconnection, and overwhelming economic pressures. He stressed that nearly every mental health

the claims, defending the spending as lawful, transparent and supportive of Bahamian businesses.

“When the Ministry of Finance functions less like a watchdog and more like a private ATM for a handchosen few, you know the system is broken,” said Mr Pintard.

Mr Pintard pointed to Department of Public

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

AN American tourist who narrowly survived a brutal boating accident in Exuma said it is a miracle he survived. He is urging authorities

to improve emergency medical resources on the island, saying he owes his life to the kindness of strangers but fears others may not be so fortunate. Brent Slough, 42, of Prosper, Texas, was snorkelling just 20 feet from shore at Tar Bay Beach on June 30

when he was struck by a speeding boat, its propeller tearing through his lower body. From his ICU bed at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Mr Slough told The Tribune over the weekend: “It’s a miracle I

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune

Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

MERVIE Knowles’ attorney, David Cash, has been acquitted by a Grand Bahama magistrate, who ruled that his actions reflected an attorney passionately defending his client’s rights, clearing him of disorderly conduct and obscene language charges stemming from his controversial arrest in Freeport last year.

Mr Cash said he feels vindicated by the outcome and is considering taking legal action over the incident.

The New Providence

BAHAMIAN MAN shot dead in t ennessee in rent dispute

A 26-YEAR-OLD Bahamian man was shot and killed in Nashville, Tennessee, early Saturday morning following a dispute over rent money, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). Police said they found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the breezeway of an apartment complex. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Mervie’s attorney walks free ‘vindicated’

-based attorney had travelled to Grand Bahama last November to meet with his client, who was in police custody in connection with a fraud investigation involving the assets of an elderly resident. He was arrested at the Central Police Station and detained for more than ten hours.

On Friday, Mr Cash appeared before Magistrate LaQuay Laing, who dismissed all charges against him. He was represented in court by attorney Miranda Adderley.

During the proceedings, the prosecution called three witnesses, including Police Sergeant Curtis and Police Officer Carey-Forbes. According to their testimony, Mr Cash presented himself at the station and requested to see Ms Knowles. Officers reportedly told him he was not the attorney on record and would need to have the current attorney removed before he could be added to the case.

Mr Cash reportedly responded that Ms Knowles had the right to see whichever attorney she wished. He then asked officers to inform her that he was present at the station. The officers refused, told him they were not obligated to speak with him, and instructed him to leave.

As he was walking away, the officers claimed Mr Cash used profanity, stating, “this is a bunch of f..k,” and subsequently charged him with disorderly conduct and obscene language.

Magistrate Laing determined that Mr Cash’s behaviour amounted to nothing more than an attorney passionately defending his client’s rights. He said his conduct did not meet the statutory threshold for disorderly behaviour or obscene language in a police station. As a result, he acquitted and discharged him without requiring him to present a defence or testify.

Mr Cash said he feels

justice has been served.

“I was a bit frustrated by the process because I made several trips back and forth, and obviously had to pay a financial burden of coming back and forth and time away from clients,” he said.

“But I feel like I was vindicated and that the

profession was vindicated, and I think that the public should be reminded that no matter what a person is accused of, they still maintain the right to see their attorney. I hope in the future the police will understand that and act accordingly.”

“I also want to commend

the second shift from that morning on November 2, who, after I was released from custody, allowed me to see my client with no problems,” he added.

The case drew criticism from the Bahamas Bar Association, which condemned Mr Cash’s arrest and highlighted

the constitutional rights of detained people. Bar Association President

Kahlil Parker emphasised that attorneys have a duty to ensure those rights are upheld, citing Article 19(2) of the Constitution, which guarantees access to legal counsel and private communication without delay.

RACING TO HELP - PUSH-A-THON R AISES FUNDS FOR MOBILITY AIDS FOR GERIAT RIC HOSPITAL

THE 2025 Push-a-thon, held under the patronage of

brought together supporters to promote healthy

and

dependence for seniors. Funds raised will provide wheelchairs,

and other mobility aids to enhance the lives of patients at the Geriatric Hospital. Sponsors included: BTC ($5,000), Sunshine Insurance, JS Johnson, Asure Win, and Commonwealth Bank (each $1,500).

ATTORNEY DAVID CASH

MERVIE KNOWLES

Leslie Miller,

aging

in-

walkers,

Photos: Nikia Charlton

‘A miracle I survived boat accident horror’

from page one

survived. Another couple of inches and I could easily have died.”

He said the boat driver looked back after hitting him, made eye contact, and sped off. “The guy driving the boat knew that he’d hit me,” he added.

Mr Slough described trying to swim to shore using survival techniques he had learned in the army. “My left leg didn’t work, my left arm hurt, and I felt like something was hanging. I didn’t know if it was my bathing suit or my intestines,” he said.

He called for help until people onshore came to his aid. “I saw some people on the shore, and I said, ‘Help. Help me, please.’ And just kept on screaming, ‘Help.’”

His wife, Whitney, who witnessed the aftermath, said: “I saw the boat speeding along the shore but at first didn’t realise Brent had been hit. There was blood everywhere. It was horrific. He’s so, so lucky to be alive. We thank God for that.”

Their daughters, aged 17 and 9, had been in the water just minutes earlier.

Locals and tourists helped pull Mr Slough from the water and wrapped him in towels to slow the bleeding. With no ambulance available at that hour, he was transported in the back of a

pickup truck to the Exuma Healthcare Facility. Mr Slough praised the efforts of the clinic’s staff, saying: “The care I received from the people there was outstanding. But the system needs more support so no one else has to go through this.” “One ambulance isn’t enough for the population. The doctors and nurses did the best they could with what they had. But they simply don’t have enough resources.”

The accident happened on the first day of what was meant to be a ten-day family vacation. Mr Slough was later airlifted to Miami after his wife arranged for a private air ambulance.

A GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical and transport costs has raised nearly $75,000.

Police on Saturday confirmed the arrest of a local man in connection with the incident and said a boat has been seized. It is unclear whether a male passenger on board at the time has been questioned.

“I just hope that they get better resources so this doesn’t happen to other people,” Mr Slough said.

“And I hope people that are driving boats understand the right distance they’re supposed to be from the beach so that people can safely swim, snorkel, play in the waters and not worry about a boat running them over.”

Mother of American man that drowned three months ago feels ‘left in the dark’

By

LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmuunings@tribunemedia.net

THREE months after 23-year-old American tourist Dinari McAlmont drowned on Paradise Island, his mother, Michelle Bacchus-McAlmont, says she is still seeking clarity and closure, despite authorities having ruled out foul play. Dinari, of Bowie, Maryland, was vacationing with his parents when he was found unresponsive on the beach early on April

5. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, a post-mortem examination determined the cause of death was drowning, and investigators concluded there was no evidence of foul play. Toxicology results are pending, and the case is expected to be forwarded to His Majesty’s Coroner for final review. Despite the official findings, Ms Bacchus-McAlmont says she feels left in the dark about details of her son’s final hours and has expressed frustration with what she describes as poor communication from Bahamian authorities. “No, I haven’t had any updates from the Bahamas authorities,” she said, adding that repeated attempts to reach

investigators have gone unanswered.

The family held Dinari’s funeral on May 10. Ms Bacchus-McAlmont said she remains troubled by injuries she saw on her son during a brief viewing and has commissioned an independent autopsy in the United States.

Adding to her distress, she said key personal items, including Dinari’s sneakers and clothing, have not been returned, though authorities did return his wallet and cards. “I don’t know where my son’s sneakers are. I don’t know where his

clothing is,” she said. While police have publicly stated the cause of death, Ms Bacchus-McAlmont insists more should be done to provide answers about the timeline and circumstances leading to her son’s drowning. “By now at least they should have given me an update,” she said.

The family’s lawyer, Keith Seymour Sr, has called the investigation inconclusive and urged a review of resort surveillance footage to confirm the timeline of events. Atlantis, the resort where the family stayed, has not issued a public statement.

ABOVE: Brent Slough of Prosper, Texas seen recovering in a ICU hospital bed at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

BELOW: People swim to aid Mr Sulough after he was hit by a boat propeller while Snorkellng in Exuma on June 30.

Probe into blaze that destroyed Victoria Court and several Bay Street buildings ‘still ongoing’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune S taff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

TWO months after a fire gutted the Victoria Court Complex and displaced dozens of residents, police say the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Superintendent Quincy McGregor of the Fire Services Department told The Tribune on Friday that the probe is ongoing, with many “moving pieces” still to resolve.

The historic 29-unit building caught fire on May 1 after flames spread from an abandoned property next door, damaging several Bay Street properties and

forcing residents to flee. Many criticised the lack of working fire trucks, raising concerns about emergency response readiness.

Prominent businessman

Craig Flowers, who owns four units in the building, has said he hopes to see it restored, but noted the fire highlighted serious safety concerns, especially for elderly or disabled residents.

Residents remain hopeful reconstruction can begin this year. Sonia CoxHamilton, vice president of the building’s board, said residents have engaged a structural engineer and are working to stabilise the building before repairs can start.

Walker’s Certificate of Competency submitted to Senate Foreign Relations Committee

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune S taff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

The US Department of State has submitted Herschel Walker’s Certificate of Competency to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a key step in advancing his nomination as US Ambassador to The Bahamas.

A Certificate of Competency is a formal document required for all presidential nominees for Chief of Mission roles, including ambassadors. By law, it must be presented to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to affirm that a nominee is qualified to represent the United States abroad.

The certificate’s submission is a prerequisite for

the committee to consider and vote on the nominee’s confirmation.

The summary accompanying the certificate described Mr Walker as a “renowned business leader”, “former professional athlete”, and “dedicated community advocate for education and mental health”. It highlighted his reputation for “honesty, diligence, an unwavering commitment to community and excellence – both on and off the field”, saying these qualities “will serve him well as US Ambassador to The Bahamas”. Mr Walker’s background includes a celebrated career in college football, the NFL, Olympic bobsledding, and mixed martial arts. His

biography also noted his role as national spokesperson for the Patriot Support Programme, through which he visited military bases to advocate for mental health, sharing his own experience to

emphasise that “there is no shame asking for help: I did”.

From 2017 to 2021, Mr Walker served as co-chairman of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. He also led National Health Through Fitness Day for over 18 years, working to promote physical education by connecting advocates with lawmakers.

His recent political experience includes his candidacy for a US Senate seat in Georgia in 2022, which ended in defeat amid allegations of domestic abuse and a report that he paid for a girlfriend’s abortion despite his strong antiabortion stance.

The US ambassador post in The Bahamas

has been vacant for 13 years. The last confirmed ambassador was Nicole Avant, who served from 2009 to 2011. Since then, several nominations have stalled: President Obama’s pick, Cassandra Butts, died before her confirmation; President Trump’s nominees Doug Manchester and William Douglass both withdrew or had their nominations pulled before confirmation. President Biden’s previous nominee, Calvin Smyre, announced in 2023, was never confirmed.

Mr Walker’s nomination must now move through the Senate confirmation process before the US can fill its longvacant top diplomatic post in Nassau.

Bahamian man shot dead in Tennessee in rent dispute

from page one

Authorities identified the incident as stemming from an argument related to unpaid rent. Witnesses reported that the suspect, a 31-year-old man involved in a relationship with the

victim’s roommate, was engaged in the dispute shortly before the shooting.

Both the victim and the suspect were reportedly armed during the confrontation, but investigators have not confirmed whether the victim discharged his

weapon. The suspect surrendered to police and was taken to MNPD Headquarters for questioning. As of Sunday, no charges have been filed. The victim’s name had not yet been disclosed at the time of going to press.

HERSCHEL Walker.

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

AERIAL view of Victoria Court a day after a fire spread from buildings on Bay Street creating significant damage to the apartment complex. Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

POLICE SUSPECT ARSON IN CORAL HEIGHT S HOME FIRE A S FAMILY BEGINS FUNDRAISING EFFORT S

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FOR 25 years, the Dorsett family called their Coral Heights West house home. Last Tuesday, that home was reduced to ashes in what police suspect was an arson attack, forcing the family to flee for their lives in the early hours of the morning.

The fire began around 3am when a car parked outside the residence burst into flames. Janet Dorsett told The Tribune that she and her family were asleep when a car alarm from one of her daughter’s vehicles woke them up.

The sound prompted her to check outside, where she discovered the car engulfed in flames. She quickly alerted her husband, and their two daughters rushed downstairs in a panic. The family tried to extinguish the fire, but the flames spread rapidly, forcing them to flee through the back door and over a fence before the house was fully consumed.

On the scene, Dwayne

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GRAND Bahama man convicted of five counts of incest continues to maintain his innocence, although a probation officer believes he is capable of rehabilitation, the Supreme Court heard during a sentence hearing on Thursday.

His lawyer, Brian Hanna, said his client strongly denies the crime for which he was convicted earlier this year and intends to appeal the conviction.

Dorsett told The Tribune he was grateful that he, his wife, and daughters escaped unharmed. He said the home was insured and the family hopes to rebuild.

Following the fire, Mrs Dorsett’s daughter, Jodi Dorsett, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her family recover. The fundraiser aims to raise $100,000 to cover immediate living essentials, temporary transportation, relocation expenses, replacement of personal and professional belongings, and long-term rebuilding.

“Early Tuesday morning, my family’s home of 25 years in Coral Heights was completely destroyed in a fire. By the grace of God, all four of them made it out safely, but they lost everything,” Ms Dorsett wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“I wasn’t in the home when it happened, but this is the house I grew up in. A place built from years of sacrifice, love, and hard work. Watching my family lose everything in a matter of minutes has been heartbreaking. Every room was filled

“He is adamant that these events were perpetrated by the mother of the complainant,” Mr Hanna said. “He truly has nothing to do with this event. He maintains his innocence and has indicated to me that he intends to appeal. I will file the appeal after sentencing.”

On March 18, a jury unanimously found the father guilty on five counts of incest involving his daughter. The offences occurred between 2015 and 2019, beginning when the girl was just ten years old. The now 19-year-old

with memories, and now they’re left trying to rebuild their lives from nothing.”

“We’re still trying to process the emotional toll, but the immediate needs are overwhelming — clothes, shoes, hygiene items, housing, and emotional support.”

As of press time, the fundraiser had raised more than $19,800 toward its $100,000 goal.

Police said they were alerted shortly after 3am to a vehicle fire at a residence on Roberts Drive, Coral Heights West. When Fire Services arrived, the entire house and four vehicles were ablaze. Despite efforts to control the flames, the home and vehicles were destroyed.

Police reported they are still searching for a suspect, who was last seen wearing a white shirt and black trousers and is believed to have set one of the vehicles on fire.

The Dorsett family said they have no idea what the motive could have been, noting that they had lived a peaceful life before the incident.

virtual complainant testified that she initially kept the abuse a secret out of fear. However, by age 15, it became too much to bear and she began experiencing nightmares. In March 2021, she told her mother what happened to her. The incidents happened in Abaco when her father came to visit, and in Freeport when she and her siblings went to stay with him for the summer. The offences allegedly occurred between September 1 and September 30, 2015, in Murphy Town,

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY five months after a devastating fire destroyed their home, Richan Mackey and her family are still struggling to rebuild. They are appealing for public assistance, hoping to move into a new home by December.

The blaze, which tore through their Eastwood residence on February 8, reduced decades of memories to ashes and left the family with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The Tribune first reported on the Mackey family’s tragedy in February, shortly after the fire.

Since then, Ms Mackey, her husband, their ten-yearold son, her brother, and her five-year-old nephew have been living together in the front room of her aunt’s house but hope to move into a building by Monday once electrical work begins. She explained they need the wiring completed so they can have their own private living space again, but for now, they remain with relatives.

She said the experience has been overwhelming, particularly as they try to secure the funds needed to clear the

debris and rebuild their home from scratch. She noted that donations have slowed in recent weeks, and the family continues to face serious financial challenges.

Ms Mackey said they are doing their best to remain positive about rebuilding their home, but the lack of funds has made the process difficult. She noted that their main focus now is finding the money needed to reconstruct the house so their children can have a stable place to live again.

Ms Mackey said the loss has been especially hard as the children are no longer surrounded by the familiar comfort of their grandmother’s home.

“Every day they talk about how the house burned down and how they’re not able to play with their friends in the community, and they don’t have their bikes and their scooters and their different stuff that they usually have they don’t have it no more,” she said.

She is trying to cope mentally with the reality of starting over, as the fire destroyed everything, from important documents to clothing and personal items, leaving the family with

nothing to retrieve and forcing them to rebuild their lives from the ground up.

However, the family hopes to be in a rebuilt home by Christmas, noting that their faith and the encouragement of others have helped them cope during this difficult period.

“If I didn’t have Christ, I would have flipped. It’s been really hard, especially going through Mother’s Day without my mom and dealing with the grief of losing everything. But I’m trying to stay strong for my son and nephew so they can have hope that better days are coming,” she said. Before the fire, the family had already endured major loss, as Ms Mackey’s mother died in 2024, her father eight years ago, and her aunt in January.

She said financial contributions can be made to Richan Sweeting Mackey, Bank of the Bahamas, Village Road Branch, Account Number 5510139955.

People can donate building supplies by contributing to the family’s store accounts at Tops and JBR (account 4257934, Richan Sweeting Mackey) or at Premier Importers (account 4257934, also in her name).

A S MAN MAINTAINS HE IS

Abaco, when the victim was ten. Between February 1 and February 29, 2016, when she was ten; between December 1 and December 31, 2016, when she was 11; between June 1 and June 30, 2018, when she was 12; and between July 1 and July 31, 2019, when she was 14.

At the sentence hearing, Justice Petra Hanna-Adderley asked probation officer Laish Boyd Jr whether he would consider the father capable of rehabilitation. Mr Boyd, who is employed at the Department of Rehabilitative

Welfare Services, said yes, he did think that the convict could be rehabilitated.

The probation officer submitted two probation reports on behalf of the convict. An initial report that was prepared on May 26 and a supplementary report completed on June 25 were accepted and marked as exhibits.

Although the reports were not read in court, defence counsel Brian Hanna was allowed to read the reports with his client. He said they had no questions regarding the

probation reports, adding that his client maintains his innocence.

Mr Hanna said his client is concerned about what has transpired and the welfare of his children.

“He indicated that he loves his children and he cares for them financially as well as emotionally,” the lawyer said.

“He is very confused that this has would have actually happened and come to this, and he is at a loss as to what would have transpired, and he is still trying to come to terms with it.”

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

PICTURE OF THE DAY

LEON E. H. DUPUCH

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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Still no transparency on Cuban healthcare workers

THERE was a curious development in the story last week of the Cuban workers employed here in The Bahamas.

As has been discussed at length, The Bahamas has employed a number of Cubans to fill gaps in our services – mostly in the fields of health and education. In other words, doctors, nurses and teachers.

That arrangement had come under some scrutiny – the nature of which we shall come to shortly – but it had ended with the government declaring it would scrap its deal with Cuba and offer terms directly to the Cuban workers.

But remarkably, Dr Darville said that the government was waiting for word from the United States on whether its proposal meets the approval of officials in Washington.

Just for clarity, that is our Bahamian government talking about an arrangement with the Cuban government and it is waiting for approval from the US government.

What has prompted this state of affairs, or these affairs of state? Let us take a short history trip.

The shake-up started when US officials issued a general warning to a number of nations, not The Bahamas specifically.

The visas of government officials could be at risk, the US warned, for any nations involved in forced labour, a form of human trafficking.

The reaction around the region was, it is fair to say, mixed.

In Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley lauded the work done by Cuban health workers during the COVID pandemic, saying her country could not have managed without them.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said: “If it is determined that you have to take away my visa, I want to say this publicly it will be reported… The hemodialysis, which we do in St Vincent at the Modern Medical and Diagnostic, without the Cubans there I would not be able to offer that service.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis, meanwhile, while saying there were no concerns about being banned, said:

“This doesn’t require any loud mouth.”

The concern, it seems, was that the Cuban government was receiving payments and only giving a fraction of those funds to the workers themselves.

In other words, the system was generating revenue for Cuba.

Indeed, a leaked 2022 contract, published by Cuba archive, showed The Bahamas paid up to $12,000 per month per Cuban doctor – while the doctors themselves received just $990-$1,200.

The remainder went to Cuba’s state-run agency, Comercializadora de Servicios Médicos Cubanos (CSMC).

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell railed against those revelations, dismissing them as “purloined” documents, without ever actually denying their accuracy.

And despite all the reassurances that everything was fine and there was no problem, the deal got ripped up and we find ourselves in the current situation.

Currently, the government employs three Cuban nurses and three doctors, along with X-ray technicians, physiotherapists and biomedical specialists.

Those would need to be replaced.

The government is apparently stepping up recruitment efforts in India, the Philippines and Ghana. The unspoken question over that is why we cannot fill our own ranks with Bahamian specialists – one answer to which is that many of those we train are lured away themselves, to the same US we are now asking approval from.

All through this process, there has been a lack of transparency on the issue – but by the actions we have taken, it seems clear that the government felt it was on the wrong side of things if subjected to too much scrutiny.

The final outcome of course is quality of care – will Bahamians suffer if we are unable to have the continuity from Cuban workers who have been here? That remains the biggest bridge to cross.

Concerned by youth in crisis

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM deeply distressed and appalled at the alarming statistic recently revealed—that 25% of our youth have attempted suicide. This is not merely a number; it is an urgent cry for help from an entire generation pleading for support, understanding, and intervention.

How have we allowed the mental health crisis among our young people to escalate to this devastating level? Where are the national policies and immediate interventions that should already be in

place? It seems our government’s focus is misguided, with resources disproportionately spent on extensive international travel rather than addressing the critical and heartbreaking needs right here at home. To our leaders, I must ask bluntly: What is more important to you—traveling the globe or saving our children’s lives? Our youth represent the future of our nation, yet their desperate pleas for support and resources to combat mental health challenges are met with silence and inaction. We must shift

Change begins with leadership

EDITOR, The Tribune. DEAR Prime Minister Davis, I pray this message finds you well.

priorities urgently. Immediate, effective strategies and comprehensive mental health programs need to be implemented in every community and school.

The government’s failure to act decisively on this issue is not just disappointing—it is shameful. Our young people deserve better. Their futures depend on the choices we make today. It’s time to hold those in power accountable and demand action now.

A CONCERNED AND OUTRAGED CITIZEN

July 6, 2025.

I’m a proud Bahamian woman, born and raised. I am a daughter of Doralyn Stuart, Mangrove Cay, Andros, and North Andros through my father Freddie Munnings , Staniard Creek, Andros. My grandfathers were the late Rodger Munnings and late Amos O’Brien, and I was raised by my grand-aunt, Mother Evelyn Greene. Her son, the late Elliott Greene who built the first full service hotel ‘Mangrove Cay Inn’ in Mangrove Cay, Andros, where I would gain some hotel knowledge and being hospitable from a little girl. This family trait grew on me and I became very passionate about customer service, and the hospitality industry. I worked in five star hotels over twenty years in management providing an unique touch, showcasing unforgettable memorable experience to our guest. I share this because our family’s roots run deep in the building of this nation.

As a young girl, I witnessed Bahamian leaders like the late Sir Lynden Pindling sitting in our home, discussing the future of The Bahamas with my elders. At age 46 today, I write not just as a citizen, but as a voice for many Bahamians who feel disheartened by what our beloved country has become.

However, I must express—respectfully but honestly—that the spirit, unity, and national pride that once defined us seem lost. It feels as though a small few benefit from the “cookie jar,” while countless others struggle to meet basic needs.

We are now raising generations who believe that D, E, and F grades in national exams are acceptable standards. These are not acceptable anywhere else in the world, and they

should not be acceptable here.

I am not writing to complain. I am writing because I am a woman of faith, hard work, and purpose. I do not seek handouts. I’ve knocked on many doors, followed all the right steps, submitted proposals, and spoken to former and current Ministers—including past and present Transportation Ministers, Road Traffic Controllers, and others in authority.

Despite my efforts, including direct communications and a respectful elevator moment with yourself, Prime Minister, I have received no acknowledgement or action on matters such as licensing, proposals for tourism initiatives, or livery plate applications— plates I have physically seen stacked in the Road Traffic Department offices, yet told “none are available.” My file, like many others, remains buried beneath bureaucracy. My call today is not just personal. It is national. Bahamians are hurting— emotionally, financially, mentally. Many are too proud to say it. Mental illness and suicide are rising. Many young people see no future in their own country. Our pride and culture—once alive in our foods, craft, and work ethic—is now being outsourced or forgotten. Even our beloved conch salad, a Bahamian staple, is being overtaken by others. Still, hope remains. My aunt in Staniard Creek, Andros is raising organic eggs to help the local food system—small steps with big economic potential. But such efforts often go unnoticed by those in power.

We cannot build a strong future by putting personal connections before

national interests. Government is meant to serve the people, not a select few. Unfortunately, both the PLP and FNM have lost their way in this regard. We see a flurry of promises during election seasons, only to be forgotten for the next 3.5 years.

We must also be honest: Bahamian people are not lazy. Many of us are working tirelessly, starting businesses, raising children, and fighting to thrive. Yet the systems in place continue to discourage independence and delay progress, especially for entrepreneurs over 35, who are often excluded from youth-focused opportunities—despite having the experience, discipline, and vision to contribute meaningfully to national growth. What about: Access to fair loans and funding for small businesses—not just quick loans for cars?

Affordable housing for families?

Tax reform on homeownership, so people aren’t blindsided with burdens they can’t manage?

Support for parents and students, many of whom are trying to survive, not thrive?

Our banks, our roads, our schools, our systems—must work for all Bahamians, not just the connected or privileged.

As a nation, we cannot keep ignoring:

Low wages and unemployment

Lack of financial services for entrepreneurs

Rising inflation

Poor governance and accountability

Declining mental health

Growing poverty and inequality

We can change—but change starts with leadership, and it must be mirrored by individual responsibility.

AERIAL view of Fort Fincastle.

Photo: Anthony Bostwick

Pintard: Emergency over nation’s youth

indicator is trending in the wrong direction and called for collective responsibility to act before more young people slip through the cracks.

“This is not about blame. It is about responsibility,” he said, urging the nation to destigmatise mental health and create a culture where young Bahamians “feel seen, supported, and safe”.

The FNM is proposing the deployment of mental health professionals in all 53 public clinics to make preventative care accessible across the country.

Mr Pintard’s plan includes introducing mental health first aid training in every public secondary school, equipping staff to recognise early warning signs in at-risk students. The party also wants to pilot digital therapeutics and telehealth services for Family Island residents lacking in-person care and to offer incentives that attract and retain young mental health specialists in the public sector.

Teen Challenge Bahamas executive director Eric Fox backed the report’s findings, warning that widespread alcohol use among teens has reached “mass levels.” He explained that many children are turning to alcohol and marijuana to cope with grief and trauma.

He argued legislation alone won’t solve the problem, since kids often access alcohol at home and imitate adults or give in to peer pressure. He noted that around half of the parents reaching out to his organisation worry about young men experiencing psychosis, including some sent from the US or Canada after displaying serious mental health issues. He urged parents to support their children, seek treatment, and avoid blaming themselves.

STRAW Inc Centre for Young Women executive director Therena Cunningham confirmed the report’s alignment with her organisation’s surveys, which found 54 percent of girls admitted to depression, 21 percent reported using recreational substances, and 36 percent engaged in unprotected sex. She said many girls are ambitious and high-achieving but suffer silently under academic and social pressures, often experiencing abuse or disrespect even in respected homes or religious settings.

She emphasised that despite numerous programmes targeting Bahamian girls, many still feel unheard and unsupported by adults in their lives.

She also criticised the government’s spending

‘Ministry of finance used as private atM for chosen few’

Procurement reports that showed the Ministry of Finance accounted for almost 90 percent of the value of all reported government contracts between December 2023 and April 2025, amounting to $369m.

He said many of those contracts were issued without competitive bidding as required under the Public Procurement Act 2023, questioning why the Ministry of Finance was managing contracts for Christmas decorations, topographical surveys, tree trimming at Government House and the construction of family courts.

“This is naked abuse of the system, plain and simple. Every right-thinking Bahamian must ask: Why is the Prime Minister, as the Minister of Finance, so determined to have his Ministry sign off on contracts for projects it should never manage and can’t properly oversee? Why do most of these massive Ministry of Finance contracts escape competitive bidding?”

The government struck back in its own statement, accusing the Opposition of trying to stir up outrage using information that was publicly released by the administration.

“Once again, the Opposition is attempting to manufacture outrage using information that is publicly available because this administration made it public,” said the Office of the Prime Minister.

The government explained that more than $500,000 had been budgeted in 2023 to provide lighting and decorations in Nassau and several Family Islands, supporting Bahamian vendors and creating a festive atmosphere for residents and tourists.

“If Michael Pintard and the Free National Movement believe that Bay Street and New Providence should remain bare and joyless at Christmas, they should just say so rather than pretending that support for local vendors and cultural expression is somehow a scandal,” the statement said.

priorities, questioning why millions are allocated for hotels and roads but not for social and mental well-being.

She expressed doubt that the Ministry of Health’s report, presented by Health Minister Dr Michael Darville last week, would lead to change, arguing that its impact is undermined when politicians, rather than neutral experts, deliver such findings.

The Ministry of Health’s report, based on responses from students aged 13 to 18 across 35 schools on eight islands, revealed alarming trends: one in five teens has attempted suicide, one in four has contemplated it, and rates of persistent sadness, loneliness, self-harm, and substance abuse have surged since previous surveys. Covering substance abuse, sexual health, violence, nutrition, mental well-being, and community support, the findings revealed that in two-thirds of the 54 indicators tracked, outcomes for teens have deteriorated since 1998.

OPPOSITION LEADER MICHAEL PINTARD

from page one

PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

MONDAY, JULY 7, 2025

Suicide: Can we make a difference?

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

WHEN I was a young man, I had my first personal experience with knowing someone who committed suicide. It was inexplicable. At the time, none of us could understand. The young man who died had been a shining star at school. He was the one who was always making jokes, he was bubbling and full of energy. He was the effervescent presence in the school show, making up with enthusiasm where he occasionally hit a wrong note in the songs. When he went off to college, somehow it ended up with him committing suicide. For those of us left behind, we tried to piece together how this wonderful soul could find himself with nowhere to turn. A number of us – me included – talked of how he was such a fun person, although each of us said how we were not very close to him, making us wonder how many really were close friends to him. And how they – or we –could have helped. It seemed when he went to college, he became lonely and isolated. I cannot even pretend to know what other problems he had. None of us knew. None of us. I was stung by this memory this week with the report that one in five teenagers in our country have attempted suicide, with one in four having considered it. Those are shocking figures. I’m not even sure what is more shocking – that so many have considered it, or that a huge proportion of those who have then tried to follow through with it. That first experience of mine was not the only time I have known someone – or known of someone – who

Statistics suggest that between half and threequarters of all those who commit suicide have given some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.

has committed suicide. Each time, there is the search for explanations –was it over money, was it over relationship troubles, was it drugs, was it this, or that?

Often, there is no explanation. Sometimes there is, but often it is a struggle a person has faced throughout their life. Who gets to be affected by that and who does not can be as indiscriminate as the lightning. Who it strikes is a matter of chance. It could as easily

be you. It could as easily be me. If we are lucky, and too many times we are not, we might see the warning signs. We might have a chance to intervene.

So how do we do that?

For those of us facing such a situation, we can feel lost and uncertain – but there is expert advice out there as to how to help.

First, it is important to recognise the warning signs. Has someone become less communicative, and

perhaps started dropping out of social events? That can be a sign something is wrong. Has that person given some kind of indication of having problems? Statistics suggest that between half and three-quarters of all those who commit suicide have given some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. If someone says they are considering suicide, take it seriously. After that? Offer

support. That can be personal – but it can also be professional. Encouraging someone to seek professional help is a positive step – while asking someone if they’re suicidal is shown to be able to protect them. It gives them a chance to open up, it gives them permission to tell you how they are feeling. Suddenly that valve that is keeping everything in can be released and they can talk to someone.

Each person who is considering suicide is different – and what they need can be different too.

I remember in a different situation sitting with a friend who went to seek counselling on an issue one time. It was a revelation. By simply listening and asking open questions, the counsellor was able to help my friend decide on a course of action without ever giving direct advice themselves.

My friend in that instance knew all along what to do, but having someone who would listen – really listen –gave him what he needed to take those steps.

All along, support as best you can – knowing that you too may have a limit and need to protect yourself –and make them aware of professional help and where it can be found.

And when it comes to support, remember that you need support too. Do not try to handle everything on your own if you can’t manage. Have your own people you can vent to so that you are not overburdened.

There are other steps that people with depression can take to find a way out – but again, it can be best if you help that person to find the answers themselves. It can sometimes be a bit glib to ask things such as “have you tried doing exercise?” and make the person feel defensive and perhaps lash out.

Suicidal is at the deeper end of depression – but some of the same steps can help, chiefly making sure as much as possible that

the person has a support network. And if they are threatening suicide, making sure they are not left alone so someone is always with them.

If the person will not call a medical professional themselves, you can do so to get advice on what services are available.

The Bahamas has a suicide hotline, on 322-2763, open 24/7, while the Bahamas Crisis Centre also has a hotline at 328-0922 for people in “any situation of crisis”, again open round the clock.

The crisis centre also has a Whatsapp line available, on 565-9633. That could be particularly valuable for those who are in need of guidance, but feel nervous about tying up a hotline. There are of course bigger issues to go with all of this. Why are so many of our young people now experiencing suicidal thoughts? It is said that throughout people’s lives, many of us have moments when we have such thoughts. I have been blessed. That lightning has never struck me. But I know that is a matter of luck.

Still, we must not simply dismiss it as an act of nature – there must be steps we can take to make our children’s lives better, to make them feel as if they have a place in our nation, in our world. There is no single, magic solution to all of this. But we must be prepared to try. In arming ourselves with the right information to tackle such issues, we at least give ourselves a chance to help avoid the grief and confusion those, myself included, have experienced when someone we know dies in such a way. I would give anything to have gone back and changed things to offer support back then in a way I think I know how to do now. I do not know if it would have made any difference, no one does. All we can do is try to make a difference tomorrow.

HAITI IS BLEEDING—AND T HE

CARIBBEAN C ANNOT LOOK AWAY

HAITI continues to wallow in deep crisis as criminal gangs entrench their violent control over nearly 90 per cent of Port-au-Prince and other parts of the country. These armed groups have become a de facto regime of terror. Especially chilling is the rampant sexual violence being used as a twisted reward for gang members, some as young as 14. As I noted in my previous commentary, young women and girls are being raped with impunity in areas under gang rule. Kidnappings for ransom are an everyday fear, and normal life is grasped in the brief moments that it comes. The trauma inflicted on Haitian society is incalculable.

The Transitional National Council (TNC), charged with governing Haiti until February 2026, has been unable to contain this descent into chaos. The Haitian National Police are both outmanned and outgunned. Meanwhile, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission of mostly Kenyan troops—deployed in the absence of a UN Security Council-authorised force—is largely confined to barracks. Starved of funding and operating without a clear mandate to use force, their capacity to confront the gangs is essentially non-existent.

Faced with these dire realities, the TNC has taken an extraordinary and controversial step: hiring a private mercenary group to combat the gangs. Until last week, this initiative remained unannounced and unexplained.

The TNC had not identified the group involved, disclosed the financial terms, or described its rules of engagement. Surprisingly, this development has received scant international press coverage. But details are now beginning to emerge.

According to the UK Guardian newspaper, the mercenary group has deployed “first-person view” (FPV) kamikaze drones—equipped with commercial mining explosives—to identify and kill gang leaders. But after three months of drone operations, not a single gang leader has been

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

confirmed killed. Instead, several drone strikes have damaged buildings in gang-controlled zones and may have harmed civilians. These are dangerous occurrences in a fragile and densely populated environment. Yet the TNC’s decision is not without logic. With a paralysed MSS, a compromised national police force, and no external military assistance under UN authority, Haitian leaders are at the end of their tether. In this vacuum, the mercenaries appear to be the only actors taking the fight directly to the gangs. And this has led even some Haitian human rights defenders to reluctantly view the use of mercenaries as a “necessary evil”.

But this course of action is fraught with risk. As I warned earlier, it is only a matter of time before the gangs strike back using the same technology. That time may be fast approaching. Reports surfaced last month of three alleged gang members being arrested in neighbouring Dominican Republic while attempting to purchase drones. Meanwhile, the mercenary group in Haiti is reportedly building a 150person strike force from among overseas-based Haitians with prior service in the military forces of Canada, France, and the United States. A substantial weapons cache has already been moved into the country.

I am not surprised at

this development. More than two years ago, leaders in the Haitian diaspora in the United States told me they were willing to organize themselves into a military-style force under credible leadership to confront the gangs. They already had an organisational blueprint. That vision now appears to be taking form.

Some voices—like that of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio—have suggested that, in the face of UN Security Council inaction, the Organization of American States (OAS) should take the lead. However, the OAS has no military capability, and its Charter forbids intervention in the domestic affairs of its Member States. Even if the Haitian government invited them, governments would still draw back in the absence of international authority.

It is in this context that the OAS held its 55th Regular Session of the General Assembly on June 27, 2025, in Antigua and Barbuda. The Assembly adopted a resolution, “Calling for Concrete Solutions to Resolve the Grave Security and Institutional Crisis in Haiti”.

The resolution acknowledges Haiti’s deep security, political, economic, and humanitarian collapse. It calls for urgent and

coordinated international cooperation—multilateral, regional, and bilateral—to support Haiti; assistance to restore law and order, facilitate humanitarian aid, and organise free and fair elections; increased contributions to the MSS mission and the Haitian police; stricter enforcement of arms embargoes and illegal weapons control; judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts to tackle root causes of instability; and a 45-day deadline for the OAS Secretary General to present a consolidated Action Plan—developed in consultation with Haiti and the UN—to provide a structured roadmap for institutional support and national recovery.

The problem with the resolution is that it is binding on no one, and the Secretary General cannot develop a plan that is not approved, mandated, and resourced by Member States. So, while the resolution is encouraging, it is still words on paper. Haiti needs action, not just the expression of commitments. It requires resources, not just rhetoric.

Worse now, US President Donald Trump has called for slashing $9.4 billion in UN contributions.

As columnist Jacqueline Charles pointed out recently in The Miami Herald, this would

jeopardize programmes for Haiti, including the MSS mission. If this crisis escalates— as it now seems set to do—the consequences will not stop at Haiti’s borders. Regional migration pressures, transnational crime, and humanitarian spillovers will affect us all. Warfare of drones, gangs, and mercenaries will not spare the Haitian people from suffering. It may seem necessary out of desperation, but the longer this violent path continues, the harder it becomes to find a peaceful solution.

CARICOM does not have the money or troops to help Haiti. Still, it does have the capacity for diplomatic coordination, humanitarian response, and high-level advocacy at the UN, as well as for assisting the OAS Secretary General’s plan to become a reality. The Caribbean cannot look away. CARICOM governments must continue to seek new ways to offer Haiti meaningful engagement.

The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also the Dean of the OAS Corps of Ambassadors. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com.

SECURITY guards stand watch as Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, centre, talks with the Mexico’s Charge d’Affaires Jesus Cisneros after attending an event marking one year since the start of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on June 26, 2025.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

Hurricane forecasters losing three key satellites ahead of peak of storm season

ABOUT 600 miles off the west coast of Africa, large clusters of thunderstorms begin organising into tropical storms every hurricane season. They aren’t yet in range of Hurricane Hunter flights, so forecasters at the National Hurricane Center rely on weather satellites to peer down on these storms and beam back information about their location, structure and intensity.

The satellite data helps meteorologists create weather forecasts that keep planes and ships safe and prepare countries for a potential hurricane landfall.

Now, meteorologists are about to lose access to three of those satellites.

On June 25, 2025, the Trump administration issued a service change notice announcing that the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, DMSP, and the Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center would terminate data collection, processing and distribution of all DMSP data no later than June 30. The data termination was postponed until July 31 following a request from the head of NASA’s Earth Science Division. I am a meteorologist who studies lightning in hurricanes and helps train other meteorologists to monitor and forecast tropical cyclones. Here is how meteorologists use the DMSP data and why they are concerned about it going dark. Looking inside the clouds

At its most basic, a weather satellite is a highresolution digital camera in space that takes pictures of clouds in the atmosphere.

These are the satellite images you see on most TV weather broadcasts. They let meteorologists see the location and some details of a hurricane’s structure, but only during daylight hours. Meteorologists can use infrared satellite data, similar to a thermal imaging camera, at all hours of the day to find the coldest cloud-top temperatures, highlighting areas where the highest wind speeds and rainfall rates are found. But while visible and infrared satellite imagery are valuable tools for hurricane forecasters, they provide only a basic picture of the storm. It’s like a doctor diagnosing a patient after a visual exam and checking their temperature. For more accurate diagnoses, meteorologists rely on the DMSP satellites.

The three satellites orbit Earth 14 times per day with

special sensor microwave imager/sounder instruments, or SSMIS. These let meteorologists look inside the clouds, similar to how an MRI in a hospital looks inside a human body. With these instruments, meteorologists can pinpoint the storm’s low-pressure center and identify signs of intensification.

Precisely locating the center of a hurricane improves forecasts of the storm’s future track. This lets meteorologists produce more accurate hurricane watches, warnings and evacuations.

Hurricane track forecasts have improved by up to 75 percent since 1990. However, forecasting rapid intensification is still difficult, so the ability of DMPS data to identify signs of intensification is important. About 80 percent of major hurricanes – those with wind speeds of at least 111mph – rapidly intensify at some point, ramping up the risks they pose to people and property on land. Finding out when storms are about to undergo intensification allows meteorologists to warn the public about these dangerous hurricanes.

Where are the defence satellites going?

NOAA’s Office of Satellite and Product Operations described the reason for turning off the flow of data as a need to mitigate “a significant cybersecurity risk”.

The three satellites have already operated for longer than planned.

The DMSP satellites were launched between 1999 and 2009 and were designed to last for five years. They have now been operating for more than 15 years. The United States Space Force recently concluded that the DMSP satellites would reach the end of their lives between 2023 and 2026, so the data would likely have gone dark soon. Are there replacements for the DMSP satellites?

Three other satellites in orbit – NOAA-20, NOAA21 and Suomi NPP – have a microwave instrument known as the advanced technology microwave sounder.

The advanced technology microwave sounder, or ATMS, can provide data similar to the special sensor microwave imager/ sounder, or SSMIS, but at a lower resolution. It provides a more washed-out view that is less useful than the SSMIS for pinpointing a storm’s location or estimating its intensity.

The US Space Force began using data from a new defense meteorology satellite, ML-1A, in late April 2025.

ML-1A is a microwave satellite that will help replace some of the DMSP satellites’ capabilities. However, the government hasn’t announced whether the ML-1A data will be available to forecasters, including those at the National Hurricane Center.

Why are satellite replacements last minute?

Satellite programmes are planned over many years, even decades, and are very expensive. The current geostationary satellite programme launched its first satellite in 2016 with plans to operate until 2038. Development of the planned successor for GOES-R began in 2019.

Similarly, plans for replacing the DMSP satellites have been underway since the early 2000s.

Delays in developing the satellite instruments and funding cuts caused the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System and Defense Weather Satellite System to be cancelled in 2010 and 2012 before any of their satellites could be launched.

The 2026 NOAA budget request includes an increase in funding for the nextgeneration geostationary satellite programme, so it can be restructured to reuse spare parts from existing geostationary satellites. The budget also terminates contracts for ocean colour, atmospheric composition and advanced lightning mapper instruments.

A busy season remains

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is forecast to be above average, with six to ten hurricanes. The most active part of the season runs from the middle of August to the middle of October, after the DMSP satellite data is set to be turned off.

Hurricane forecasters will continue to use all available tools, including satellite, radar, weather balloon and dropsonde data, to monitor the tropics and issue hurricane forecasts. But the loss of satellite data, along with other cuts to data, funding and staffing, could ultimately put more lives at risk. www.theconversation.com.

SCIENTISTS

a GOES-R satellite for packing aboard a rocket in 2016.

Photo: Charles Babir/NASA

Cooperatives in the Caribbean: A proven path to decent work and sustainable development

By JONI MUSABAYANA

THE Caribbean is at a critical juncture. Climate change is battering our shores, global economic shocks are testing our resilience, and social inequalities continue to leave too many behind. Amid these challenges, a powerful and timetested solution quietly transforming our communities: cooperatives. The 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, and the 103rd International Day of Cooperatives on July 5th offer a pivotal global moment to reflect on their impact and renew our commitment to their potential.

The cooperative model has deep roots in the Caribbean, dating back to the early 20th century. Cooperatives across sectors from finance and agriculture to fisheries and retail have contributed to creating decent work, fostering inclusive growth, and building sustainable local economies. Today, cooperatives thrive in countries like Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. What makes their story remarkable is how they’ve adapted through decades of change, from economic upheavals in the 1980s to the urgent climate crisis we face now, always grounded in democratic governance, shared ownership, and collective well-being.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has been a steadfast and strategic partner throughout this journey.

Since opening its Caribbean Office in Port of Spain in 1969, the ILO has worked alongside national institutions and stakeholders to strengthen cooperative policy and practice. It was in the 1970s that the ILO, with support from the Danish International Development Agency, started strengthening cooperative institutions across the region. A landmark moment came in 2000, when the ILO and the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions convened a regional conference of Ministers of Cooperatives, laying the groundwork for harmonized cooperative legislation and long-term development strategies that continue to guide the work on cooperatives in the region today.

The technical support of the ILO to advancing cooperatives continues to evolve in the region. Today in Dominica and Bermuda new cooperative policies are being developed in consultation with local stakeholders to enhance resilience and adapt frameworks to current challenges. In Guyana, capacity strengthening of support institutions is revitalizing cooperatives. The ILO is partnering with the FAOled FISH4ACP initiative to strengthen artisanal fisheries cooperatives promoting sustainable shrimp harvesting and advancing the inclusion of women in the industry. In Suriname, agro-cooperatives are receiving tailored support for strengthening pineapple-producing cooperatives under the

Joint Programme Accelerating Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Transformation in Suriname (ASTA). In Belize, indigenous communities are reinforcing their local social and solidarity economy entities through initiatives like the EU-funded ILO PROSPER Project that positions cooperatives as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable development.

These initiatives demonstrate the ILO’s longstanding commitment to people-centred development. Grounded in the Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, 2002 (No. 193), the ILO recognises cooperatives as critical to advancing its mandate for decent work, social justice, and sustainable development. Building on this foundation, the ILO has expanded its vision to include the wider social and solidarity economy (SSE), where cooperatives continue to play a central role. The adoption of the ILO Resolution on Decent Work and the Social and Solidarity Economy in 2022 and the follow up strategy and action plan (2023-29) are clear manifestation of that commitment. The true success of cooperatives is best seen in the livelihoods they

create and the communities they strengthen. It’s the fisherman in Dominica who gained access to finance securing his family’s future through his credit union. It’s the 30 agro-cooperatives in Suriname that have expanded their networks, modernised their practices and increased incomes of their members through targeted support. These are not isolated cases. They are how cooperatives work through economic democracy to empowering their members and uplifting their communities. Governments, in consultation with social partners, and in line with ILO Recommendation No. 193 and the 2022 Resolution on decent work and the SSE can adopt laws and policies that foster a conducive environment for cooperatives to thrive. These should uphold fundamental principles and rights at work, ensure fair competition, and recognise the unique role of cooperatives in advancing decent work and social justice.

National development plans and inclusive financing mechanisms can incorporate cooperatives and the wider SSE especially in key sectors like agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, care and digital services, where

they support sustainable livelihoods and community resilience. Cooperatives can play a transformative role in employment creation, skills development, formalisation, and social inclusion. Documenting and sharing evidence of their impact can inform policy and encourage replication. Education and training systems can integrate cooperative principles and practices in curricula, preparing young people to lead the cooperatives of tomorrow. Targeted investments in capacity-building, institutional support and partnerships can expand the reach of cooperatives and SSE entities that empower workers, reduce inequalities and enhance resilience. These efforts should be supported through coherent national, local, and regional strategies, in coordination with international organizations and financial institutions providing technical and financial support.

In 2025 and beyond, let’s build on the long and successful history and move towards a renewed commitment to ensure that the cooperative movement continues to drive a brighter, fairer Caribbean future.

JONI MUSABAYANA - Director of the ILO Caribbean Office

Clogged drains blamed for flooding in Marsh Harbour

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune News Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A MILE-LONG stretch of flooding hit parts of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, on Saturday following several hours of heavy rain.

Roscoe Thompson, head of the Marsh Harbour/Spring City Township, said floodwaters began in the downtown area but subsided by yesterday. He pointed to long-standing issues with the area’s drainage system as the root cause of the flooding.

“They’re just sitting there. They’re clogged up from before Dorian. Some of them local governments cleaned out with the help of the fire department,”

Mr Thompson said.

“Some were done by the fire department that we were able to blow, but in regards to, you know, what’s there, we do not have sustainable drainage systems that can handle that downpour or that amount of rain.”

Mr Thompson added he had heard reports of a few businesses suffering minor water damage due to the flooding.

“It shuts down all your commerce, because in that central area you have so many businesses and with a flash flood or flash rain that causes flooding, if somebody’s driving a vehicle and creates a wake, and it can go into their, you know, their business,” he explained.

Former Royal Palm Resort to be rebuilt as a $3m Business Innovation Centre in GB

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

A LONG-ABAN-

DONED hotel site in the heart of Freeport is set to get a new lease on life, as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper announced plans for a $3m Business Innovation Centre at the former Royal Palm Resort on East Mall Drive.

The crumbling 24,000-square-foot building, once owned by late businessman Mario Donato and left in ruin after hurricanes, is now being

demolished to make way for the ambitious project.

The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), in partnership with the Ministry for Grand Bahama, is spearheading the initiative as part of a broader plan funded by a $10m Saudi Fund for Development loan.

“This is perhaps going to be one of the larger innovation centres. We anticipate we will have at least 35 small businesses in this space,” Mr Cooper said during a site tour on Friday with Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey and TDC CEO Ian Ferguson.

Once completed, the centre will offer over 30 small businesses rent-free space for a limited time, a restaurant, meeting rooms, and a new home for the Ministry of Tourism’s Grand Bahama office.

Mr Cooper described the project as a game-changer for entrepreneurs across the country, explaining that it will strip away common barriers to starting a business, including steep rental costs and a lack of technical support.

“The reality of what we find today is that rent is a big component, and if we can give the entrepreneur

a head start that will help them to be more successful faster,” he said.

Local contractor STS has begun demolition, with construction expected to start immediately afterwards. Mr Cooper confirmed the $3m budget includes acquiring the building, but noted the site was purchased by a private developer. While he declined to name the developer, he said the public-private partnership would ensure speedy completion.

Ms Moxey said the Innovate 242 Incubator will function as both a creative business hub and a centre for sustainability. She outlined plans for a “one-stop shop” where agencies like the Small Business Development Centre, COLLAB,

the Department of Inland Revenue, and the Grand Bahama Port Authority will support entrepreneurs from concept to launch.

She also revealed plans for a Young Innovators Club to inspire the next generation of business leaders, as well as sponsorship opportunities for major companies to support rooms in the centre.

TDC CEO Ian Ferguson highlighted that the innovation centre addresses a critical gap in the Bahamian entrepreneurial landscape, informed by years of research and lessons learned from pilot programmes and international models. He said the Grand Bahama site will set the tone for similar centres planned for Exuma, Nassau, Abaco, Cat Island, and Eleuthera. Mr Ferguson also teased a series of upcoming projects designed to boost economic activity and enhance visitor experiences, including a food truck park in downtown Nassau — with others to follow in Grand Bahama and other islands — and a street musician programme aimed at adding vibrancy to public spaces.

Meanwhile, the TDC’s Venture Pitch competition continues to provide entrepreneurs with grants of up to $10,000, with upcoming events on Eleuthera, Cat Island, and Andros. Training webinars focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises are also held every three weeks, drawing over 500 participants nationwide.

Security officer pleads guilty to stealing and money laundering charges

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

A S E CURITY officer who admitted to withdrawing thousands of dollars deposited into his bank account through a financial scam was placed on probation and ordered to repay the funds during a hearing at the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Valentino Farquharson, 35, pleaded guilty to one count each of stealing and money laundering before Magistrate Roberto Reckley.

pending the outcome of the investigation.

O n April 22, Farquharson received $6,500 into his bank account after Marcus Smith, the victim, was deceived into transferring the funds through fraudulent instructions sent via an entity identified as “cibcfixer.today”. Prosecutors said Farquharson withdrew $3,000 at the Mall at Marathon and used the money to pay bills. The remaining balance was frozen

Drug counselling for man charged with having drugs three years after arrest

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

A LONG Island man who admitted to struggling with cannabis addiction was ordered to attend six months of drug counselling after pleading guilty to possession of dangerous drugs nearly three years after his initial arrest.

Sidney Pinder appeared before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley on Friday, where he pleaded guilty to possession of Indian hemp stemming from a December 2022 arrest in Mt Thompson, Exuma.

According to court records, Pinder was found with about two grams of marijuana, an amount he described in court as “one lil small joint”.

Police granted Pinder bail at the time and instructed him to return to court within two weeks. However, his failure to appear went unnoticed until April of this year.

While addressing the court, Pinder acknowledged his past struggles with drug dependency. He disclosed that he had previously undergone detox treatment at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre and clarified that his time there was not due to mental illness but substance misuse. Chief Magistrate Reckley offered Pinder options under the law, and Pinder elected to pursue probation. The magistrate acknowledged Pinder’s candour regarding his addiction and commended him for previously seeking help through rehabilitation services.

Pinder was placed on six months’ probation and ordered to undergo drug counselling for the same duration. The matter was adjourned to October 16 for a progress update.

He is expected to return to court on Monday to provide proof of enrolment in a counselling programme.

Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom, who prosecuted the case, said the victim was reimbursed by CI B C, but the financial institution sought restitution from the defendant.

Farquharson was represented by attorney Mark Penn, who told the court his client faced financial difficulties. He said Farquharson did not delay proceedings based on his guilty plea and had shown remorse.

He requested that the court impose a conditional discharge instead of a custodial sentence.

Farquharson, of Marathon E states, was described as a father and had his partner present in court to support him.

Sergeant Pyfrom recommended probation as a sentence and agreed to a plan for restitution to the bank.

Farquharson was sentenced to six months’ probation on each count and ordered to complete

100 hours of community service.

Magistrate Reckley said financial hardship does not excuse theft, noting that the victim, Marcus Smith, also works hard for his money and had experienced his own financial difficulties.

“There has been a rise in financial crimes,” the magistrate said.

“The victims of these offences suffer lasting consequences.”

The court accepted Farquharson’s guilty plea but withheld a conviction, allowing the defendant to repay the stolen funds and complete his sentence terms.

Magistrate Reckley ordered Farquharson to pay $1,000 by the end of the day on July 4 and to return on July 8 to present proof of payment. The remaining $2,000 must be paid by August 7. Should he fail to meet these terms, he will serve six months at the B ahamas D epartment of Correctional Services.

FLOODING seen downtown, Marsh Harbour, Abaco on Saturday after heavy rain.

Death toll in central Texas flash floods

rises to 79 while 10 campers still missing

By JIM VERTUNO AND JOHN SEEWER Associated Press

FAMILIES sifted through waterlogged debris Sunday and stepped inside empty cabins at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp ripped apart by flash floods that washed homes off their foundations and killed at least 79 people in central Texas.

Rescuers manoeuvring through challenging terrain continued their desperate search for the missing, including 10 girls and a counsellor from the camp. For the first time since the storms began pounding Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said there were 41 people confirmed to be unaccounted for across the state and more could be missing.

In Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and other youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said in the afternoon.

He pledged to keep searching until “everybody is found” from Friday’s flash floods. Ten other deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties, according to local officials. The death toll is certain to rise over the next few days, said Col. Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The governor warned

Sunday that additional rounds of heavy rains lasting into Tuesday could produce more life-threatening flooding, especially in places already saturated.

Families were allowed to look around the camp beginning Sunday morning. One girl walked out of a building carrying a large bell. A man, who said his daughter was rescued from a cabin on the highest point in the camp, walked a riverbank, looking in clumps of trees and under big rocks.

A woman and a teenage girl, both wearing rubber waders, briefly went inside one of the cabins, which stood next to a pile of soaked mattresses, a storage trunk and clothes. At one point, the pair doubled over, sobbing before they embraced.

One family left with a blue footlocker. A teenage girl had tears running down her face looking out the open window, gazing at the wreckage as they slowly drove away.

Searching the disaster zone

While the families saw the devastation for the first time, nearby crews operating heavy equipment pulled tree trunks and tangled branches from the water as they searched the river.

With each passing hour, the outlook of finding more survivors became even more bleak. Volunteers and some families of the missing who drove to the disaster zone searched the riverbanks

despite being asked not to do so.

Authorities faced growing questions about whether enough warnings were issued in an area long vulnerable to flooding and whether enough preparations were made.

President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration Sunday for Kerr County, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Texas.

The president said he would likely visit Friday. “I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way,” he told reporters before boarding Air Force One back to Washington after spending the weekend at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. “It’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible.”

The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the river in only 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The danger was not over as flash flood watches remained in effect and more rain fell in central Texas on Sunday.

Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads.

Officials said more than 850 people were rescued in the first 36 hours.

Prayers in Texas — and from the Vatican Gov. Greg Abbott vowed

48-year-old woman dies after being assaulted by a man known to her

A 48- YE A R-OLD woman has died after being attacked early Saturday morning on Watlins Street, according to police.

The incident occurred shortly before 3.30am, when the woman was allegedly assaulted by a man known to her. She was transported to hospital by ambulance, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Police have arrested a 55-year-old man in connection with the murder.

that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state.

“I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday — for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines,” he said in a statement.

In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for those touched by the disaster. History’s first American pope spoke in English at the end of his Sunday noon blessing, “I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them.”

The hills along the Guadalupe River are dotted with century-old youth camps and campgrounds where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the Independence Day holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing.

Harrowing escapes from floodwaters

Survivors shared terrifying stories of being swept away and clinging to trees as rampaging floodwaters carried trees and cars past

them. Others fled to attics inside their homes, praying the water wouldn’t reach them.

At Camp Mystic, a cabin full of girls held onto a rope strung by rescuers as they walked across a bridge with water whipping around their legs.

Among those confirmed dead were an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was at Camp Mystic, and the director of another camp up the road.

Two school-age sisters from Dallas were missing after their cabin was swept away. Their parents were staying in a different cabin and were safe, but the girls’ grandparents were unaccounted for.

Locals know the Hill Country as “ flash flood alley” but the flooding in the middle of the night caught many campers and residents by surprise even though there were warnings.

Warnings came before the disaster

The National Weather Service on Thursday advised of potential flooding and then sent out a series of flash flood warnings in the early hours of Friday before issuing flash flood emergencies — a rare alert notifying of imminent danger.

At the Mo-Ranch Camp in the community of Hunt, officials had been monitoring the weather and opted to move several hundred campers and attendees at a

church youth conference to higher ground. At nearby Camps Rio Vista and Sierra Vista, organizers also had mentioned on social media that they were watching the weather the day before ending their second summer session Thursday. Authorities and elected officials have said they did not expect such an intense downpour, the equivalent of months’ worth of rain for the area.

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said authorities are committed to a full review of the emergency response, including how the public was alerted to the storm threat.

Trump, asked whether he was still planning to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said that was something “we can talk about later, but right now we are busy working.” He has previously said he wants to overhaul if not completely eliminate FEMA and has been sharply critical of its performance.

Trump also was asked whether he planned to rehire any of the federal meteorologists who were fired this year as part of widespread government spending reductions.

I would think not. This was a thing that happened in seconds. Nobody expected it. Nobody saw it. Very talented people there, and they didn’t see it,” the president said.

MAN SURVIVES CAR CRASH BUT KILLED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER

A MAN walked away after his car hit a building on Saturday night, only to be struck and killed by a hit and run driver, say police. Police responded to

reports of a collision shortly after 11.45pm on Shad St and St Vincent Rd to find a body of a 54-year-old man near a vehicle that had struck a building.

Emergency Medical Services personnel found no signs of life.

Police say it is alleged the man, believed to be the driver, exited the vehicle following the collision, began walking, and was subsequently struck by a vehicle, which did not remain at the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact 911, 919, or the Traffic Division on 393-7713. Anonymous tips are also welcome.

Two adults and a child rescued after sailing vessel took on water

TWO adults and an eightyear-old were rescued on Monday after their sailing vessel became partially submerged near Plana Cays.

In a press release, the US Coast Guard said an Air Station Clearwater aircrew rescued the family, and no injuries were reported.

A Good Samaritan called Coast Guard Seventh District watchstanders around midnight, reporting the family in distress. The vessel’s owner is coordinating its recovery with a commercial salvage company.

The helicopter crew, deployed to Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) from Air Station Clearwater, located the family aboard a life raft in two to three foot seas and winds of five to seven knots around 7am. The family was safely hoisted and transported to Bahamian authorities in Great Inagua.

Our aircrews train very hard for moments like this, and we are thankful to have played a role in the safe rescue of this family

of three,” said Lt Andrew Boyle, a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater Jayhawk aircraft commander.

“We urge mariners to carry a radio and an emergency distress beacon in case they find themselves in a similar situation. It could help save their lives.”

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Operations Command Centre helped in coordinating the rescue.

“After receiving a call from a Good Samaritan regarding a distressed vessel, the RBDF reached out to nearby islands and vessels for assistance but received negative results,” said Lieutenant Darius Adams, Commander Defence Force’s Aide de Camp and Public Relations Officer.

“Simultaneously, the RBDF deployed its nearest asset and contacted OPBAT, which was able to deploy a helicopter and conduct the rescue in a timely manner. The RBDF monitored the situation until all appeared to be in good order.”

VOLUNTEERS search for missing people along the banks of the Guadalupe River after recent flooding yesterday in Hunt, Texas.

Photo:Rodolfo Gonzalez/AP

Prayers for the nation

CHURCH groups gathered at Rawson Square for an Indpendence Day Prayer Service that included praise and worship songs and dance to mark the country’s 52nd Independence celebrations.

Photos: Nikia Charlton

A ‘Grand’ reveal

Photos: Jamika Culmer/BIS