07092025 NEWS

The Tribune

2 DEAD, 2 HURT

IN BLOODBATH

Mom and girl in hospital as ex kills new boyfriend and then shoots himself

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A MOTHER and her 12-year-old daughter were shot and injured, and her boyfriend killed, after the woman’s ex stormed into their Montel Heights home early Tuesday morning with a gun and a cutlass, unleashing deadly violence.

The mother, Patricia

Major, 41, and her daughter remain hospitalised in stable condition.

The scene was covered in blood in the wake of the violent attack. Relatives say this wasn’t a random outburst but a tragedy years in the making.

Ms Major reportedly filed complaints against her ex-boyfriend of 21 years,

‘UnlawfUl sex with teenage girl in exchange for favoUr’

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A TEENAGE girl has testified that a bus driver had sex with her 15-yearold friend in exchange for a favour two years ago.

The minor, whose identity is being withheld due to her age, gave her testimony before Justice Dale Fitzpatrick as the trial of 40-year-old Antion Thompson for unlawful sexual intercourse continued yesterday. The witness’s mother was present during her statement.

Thompson is accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 15-yearold girl at a residence in

‘Big BeaU tifUl Bill’ adds $250 to Us visa cost

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS applying for United States visas face significantly higher fees under sweeping new immigration legislation signed into law by former US President Donald Trump on July 4.

The legislation, titled the One Big Beautiful Bill, introduces a mandatory $250 “visa integrity fee” on all temporary visa applications, including those for tourism, study, and business. This new fee will be added on top of existing visa processing charges, sharply increasing the overall cost for applicants.

‘considering P olitical Bid, BU t have not decided yet’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

SEBAS Bastian says he has not decided whether he will enter front-line politics but is considering it. The webshop owner and entrepreneur addressed his political ambitions during an interview on Beyond the Headlines with Shenique Miller last night, where he

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

TRAVIS Robinson, the frontrunner for the FNM’s nomination in Fort Charlotte, says he’s unfazed by talk that prominent businessman Sebas Bastian may enter the race—but openly questioned his motives.

Currently, a standard US tourist or student visa application (B-1/B-2, F, J, or M) costs $185. For students and exchange visitors, additional SEVIS fees of $350 or $220, respectively, also apply. Petition-based visas — such as work or cultural exchange programs (H, L, for

MEN at work putting the final touches for the celebration at Clifford Park yesterday as the country readies to celebrate the 52nd Independence Day. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

The next edition of THE TRIBUNE with Obituaries will be available on Friday

2 dead, 2 hurt in bloodbath

one

Jeffrey Mackey, and recently attempted to have him bound over to keep the peace. Still, around 1am, Mackey, 59, broke into her home and launched the attack.

According to Ms Major’s sister-in-law, the mother’s current boyfriend, Quincy Evans Sr, walked in and was immediately shot dead.

Mackey then turned on Ms Major, attacking her with a cutlass before shooting her and her 12-year-old daughter.

By the time police arrived, Mackey was dead in a neighbour’s yard from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered nearby.

“She told him to leave her alone,” said the sister in law. “She thought he had listened.”

Just days before the attack, Ms Major reportedly tried to take legal action to keep Mackey away.

Their daughter, 18-yearold Tresia, told The Tribune her father had been unravelling for some time, writing disturbing notes and issuing threats.

“I know he wanted to kill her,” she said yesterday.

“The police know that, so instead of the police lock him up, I don’t know why

the police left him alone. This isn’t the first time.” She recounted how her father would leave notes suggesting he planned to kill her mother and take his own life, writing things like: “She treat me like a dog so I gotta take her away with me.”

Tresia said her father was emotionally volatile, threatening her if she didn’t convince her mother to visit him.

She often tried to bridge the gap, but knew her mother no longer wanted the relationship.

“It’s couple times he hit on her,” she said. “She’d come back because he supported the family, but she did not fully want the relationship. He just didn’t acknowledge that.”

The sister-in-law said Ms Major only kept limited contact with Mackey to see her children, who lived with him. But every visit risked igniting his temper.

Now, the family is left in shock, struggling to make sense of how far Mackey went.

“He tripped like some kind of demon was in him,” said the sister-inlaw. She added that the innocent boyfriend killed during the incident was “nice” and “sweet”.

blood in a

‘Unlawful sex with teenage girl in exchange for favour’

from page one

Yamacraw on November 18, 2023.

The witness said she met the defendant through a friend two years ago and identified him in court, referring to him as “Reds.” She told the court that on the night in question, she called Thompson to pick her and the complainant up. He arrived driving a purple #15 bus. She noted there was no party occurring on the bus that night.

The court was shown a photograph of Thompson’s residence — a white house with green trim — where the alleged incident took place, along with a picture of the bus parked outside. She testified she was unaware of any allegation that Thompson had stolen parts from the bus. According to her account, she and the complainant spent the night at the house and did not leave until around 3pm the following day. She described the residence as “abandoned”, with only two beds and a couch inside.

The teen said she asked Thompson to call a boy named “RJ” she liked, telling him she would do “anything” if he did. She claimed Thompson then instructed her and the complainant to undress and perform oral sex on each other.

She further alleged that she saw Thompson place his tongue on the complainant’s genitals before having

sexual intercourse with her.

During cross-examination by defence attorney Domek Rolle, the witness said she had known the complainant for about three years and considered her a best friend. She also said she had visited Thompson’s home three or four times.

When questioned about describing the house as “abandoned”, she said Thompson’s belongings were scattered throughout the property.

She denied Mr Rolle’s accusation that she was lying and maintained that they had boarded the bus at 11pm, not in the morning.

When asked why she asked Thompson to call RJ instead of doing it herself, she said she had “pride” and preferred not to make the call personally.

Mr Rolle questioned why she remained in the room while the alleged sexual activity occurred. He said her story did not make sense and accused her of lying. The teen insisted she was telling the truth.

She also denied suggestions that she had called for the ride to meet boys or that she had been on other buses that day.

She claimed RJ arrived after Thompson called him and that Thompson had pretended to have issues with his bus as an excuse. RJ reportedly told her he wasn’t on her route that day. She testified that the complainant performed oral sex on her while Thompson watched, but denied

doing the same in return. She said she dressed and moved to the other side of the bed while Thompson allegedly had sex with the complainant.

The witness said the house had no running water, and she and the complainant used a jug to freshen up the next morning.

She testified that Thompson later drove them to a mechanic and then to KFC at the Marathon Mall for food before dropping them off at 3pm.

The girls then took a bus to Winton before getting a ride from someone who saw them on the road.

She said she ignored calls from her mother that day because she was afraid to go home after being out so long. According to her testimony, she returned home around 7pm on November 19, 2023, and found her mother and her brother’s father waiting outside.

Her mother reportedly said they couldn’t come inside because a missing person alert had been issued for the complainant.

She said they went to the police station shortly after and filed a complaint against Thompson. She confirmed that her mother knew Thompson but denied that her mother had contacted him to pick her up. Thompson has maintained his innocence.

Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier is leading the prosecution.

QUINCY EVANS SR

SAND covers

neighbour’s yard in Montel Heights where Quincy Evans died after being attacked with cutlass and gun by his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend who also injured the woman and her daughter before ending his own life yesterday. from page

Retired public teacher takes govt to court over pension

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A RETIRED public school teacher who spent more than four decades in the classroom is taking the government to court, claiming he’s been unfairly denied a pension owed to him for years.

Benjamin F Thomas, now in his 80s, says he served continuously in the Bahamian public education system from 1961 until his retirement in 1997, well beyond the minimum age required for pension eligibility. However, government officials insist he wasn’t entitled to a pension at all. The case is set to proceed to trial following a Supreme Court ruling that both sides’ arguments need to be fully aired. In a judgment recently handed down, Justice Carla Card-Stubbs declined to strike out either the government’s defence or Mr Thomas’s claim, saying the matter raised factual and legal questions that could not be resolved on paper alone.

At the centre of the dispute are two key issues: whether Mr Thomas was ever formally appointed to a pensionable position within the public service, and whether his citizenship status at the time of his retirement disqualified him from receiving a pension.

Mr Thomas argues that he was a permanent public officer who, by virtue of serving for over 40 years, should have automatically qualified for a pension under Bahamian law. He began teaching in The Bahamas when it was still a British colony and says he was registered as a “belonger” of the Bahamas in 1963.

He maintains that this status entitled him to Bahamian citizenship when the country gained independence in 1973. Even so, Mr Thomas says he applied for citizenship again in the 1990s, and his application was approved just months before he retired.

The government sees it differently. Officials argue that Mr Thomas never held a pensionable post and was, at all times, a

contract worker. They say he received a gratuity upon retirement in 1997 — final compensation for his service — and that no further benefits are owed.

In 2022, decades after his last day in the classroom, Mr Thomas received a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally stating that he was not eligible for a pension because he was not a Bahamian citizen at the time of retirement. A follow-up email reiterated that position, prompting him to launch his lawsuit.

In court filings, Mr Thomas has pointed to earlier correspondence from the Ministry of Education suggesting that officials once regarded him as eligible for retirement benefits. In a 1996 letter, the ministry encouraged him to complete pension forms to “ensure the expeditious processing of your retirement benefit.” A separate letter, however, warned that unless he obtained Bahamian citizenship before turning 60, he would only be entitled to a gratuity.

He says that even if citizenship were required,

he had obtained it before retiring.

For their part, government lawyers say there is no documentary evidence that Mr Thomas was ever moved to the permanent and pensionable establishment. They argue that employment in the public service — particularly with pensionable status — is not automatic, even for citizens.

In separate interlocutory applications, both sides asked the court to strike out the other’s case. Mr Thomas argued the government’s defence had no merit. The government, in turn, said his claim was “frivolous and vexatious” and should have been filed years ago.

Justice Card-Stubbs rejected both applications. She ruled that the issues at play were too complex and fact-dependent to be resolved without a trial. The judge also dismissed the government’s argument that the claim was out of time, saying the repeated failure to pay the pension amounted to ongoing breaches that restarted the clock.

Attorney loses bid to overturn ruling that struck him from Bar

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY Raymond A Rolle has lost his bid to overturn a disciplinary ruling that saw him struck from the roll of Bahamian attorneys after being

found guilty of serious professional misconduct. In a decision handed down by the Court of Appeal on Monday, Justices Evans, Charles, and Smith unanimously dismissed Mr Rolle’s appeal and upheld the ruling of the Bahamas Bar Council’s Disciplinary Tribunal, which had ordered his disbarment in February 2023. The Tribunal’s decision stemmed from two separate complaints — one from RBC FINCO and the other from a private client, Michael Preuss — both involving uncompleted

legal transactions and mishandling of funds.

According to court documents, Mr Rolle acted as RBC’s attorney on more than 30 mortgage transactions between 2008 and 2013, worth nearly $7m in total. RBC alleged that Mr Rolle failed to carry out essential legal steps in dozens of files, including securing necessary consents and finalising the recording of mortgage instruments. Efforts by RBC to retrieve the outstanding documents and resolve the issue reportedly went unanswered.

In a second complaint dating back to 2011, Mr Preuss accused Mr Rolle of accepting nearly $193,000 for a property purchase on Rum Cay but failing to complete the transaction. Despite multiple attempts to move the sale forward, the deal was never closed, and the funds were not returned.

Both matters were referred to the Bar Council’s Ethics Committee and then escalated to the Disciplinary Tribunal. After hearings, the Tribunal ruled that Mr Rolle had committed improper conduct under the Legal Profession Act and should be disbarred immediately.

Mr Rolle appealed the

decision, arguing that the punishment was too harsh. He admitted that his handling of the matters fell short of professional standards but insisted that disbarment was excessive.

Through his counsel, he argued that a suspension with conditions, such as requiring repayment to affected clients, would have been a more proportionate penalty.

In support of his argument, Mr Rolle’s legal team cited the 1993 English case of Bolton v. The Law Society, which distinguishes between dishonesty and professional lapses. Mr Rolle maintained that while his conduct was negligent, it was not dishonest.

But the Court of Appeal wasn’t convinced. Writing for the court, Justice Evans said the Tribunal had properly weighed the seriousness of Mr Rolle’s misconduct, which included long periods of inaction, poor communication with clients, and a complete failure to account for client funds.

“It is difficult to understand what would warrant disbarment if these actions did not,” said the judgment, pointing to the lasting harm done to

clients, particularly the uncertainty and financial risk faced by RBC as a result of the mishandled mortgage documents.

The court also noted that Mr Rolle has since been declared bankrupt, a development the Tribunal had taken into account when deciding the appropriate sanction. While bankruptcy alone is not a basis for disbarment, it becomes relevant when an attorney is unable to make clients whole after professional failures involving money.

The judges emphasised that lawyers must meet the highest standards of trust and accountability, especially when handling client funds, and that failing to do so undermines the integrity of the entire profession.

“Public confidence in the legal system demands that attorneys can be trusted with their clients’ most sensitive financial and legal affairs,” the ruling said. “Where that trust is broken, the consequences must be serious.” The court awarded costs to the Bar Council, meaning Mr Rolle is now responsible for legal fees related to the appeal, in addition to being permanently disbarred.

Preparing for a grand Independence celebration

PREPARATIONS under way at Clifford Park for the July 10th Independence Day celebrations.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

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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A challenge to uplift The Bahamas

ANOTHER Independence anniversary is upon us.

Tonight, many of us will go out to celebrate, to go to the official ceremonies, both in New Providence and on other islands, and count down the moments to midnight.

In a year’s time, there will be another anniversary – and perhaps we might even have another government by then. At the very least, we will be on our way to another election day.

Candidates will have been chosen. Doors will be knocked. Hands shaken by familiar veterans or eager hopefuls. Would-be parliamentarians wanting to get your vote.

In today’s Tribune , we include our Independence supplement. A number of voices put forward their hopes for the future.

But in the countdown to the day, we have also been asking people what they would want to change for the future of The Bahamas.

The answers can be remarkably simple.

Less crime. That’s a familiar call. The story on today’s front page shows the horrors we want to avoid. A bloodbath brought about by a violent man inflicting harm on two women and killing the boyfriend of one.

We talk often about the problems of domestic violence – but see it take place again and again.

What we need is a determination to take such crimes seriously, to protect more often than not the women and children affected, to have adequate shelter provision for those who need to get away from abusers who could become killers, for laws against gender

violence that truly protect those who need to be protected. We need all that. And more. We need a cultural change. We need to know to our bones that raising our hands against those we say we love is abhorrent.

What of the other changes people have been saying they would want to see?

Some of the answers were simple things. Not so much red tape in dealing with government. Less tax. More people having a chance to be in the middle class. A chance to get on the property ladder. Improved school grades. Roads without so many potholes. More money in the pocket. More support for young people. Equality for women. Better healthcare. A lot of these are things people have been promised year after year, administration after administration, and still many are on the wishlist.

A lot of them boil down to one thing – hope that things will get better. A lot of people are not asking for the world, but they are asking for things to get a little bit better, one year at a time.

As we count down to the next election, as we go through this spell to our next anniversary, the incumbent government will need to show it has delivered improvement to voters, while the challengers will need to convince those same voters they can do better.

But all people want is for lives to be uplifted. A little. Consistently. To know that their children’s lives will be better than theirs, that the struggles have been worth it. That is the challenge for the year ahead. To rise.

Celebration Key a win for Bahamas

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Govt has priorities wrong

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS WE approach our nation’s 52nd anniversary of Independence, we must reflect on our state of affairs.

Commentary from boaters seem to follow a consensus that: It’s not only about the increase, it’s also about principle.

I WAS happy to see the grand opening of Celebration Key this month. It is an important step forward for our economy and a proud moment for Grand Bahama and for our entire nation. Any project that brings jobs, economic opportunity, and new life to our islands should be celebrated. But as a resident who’s followed this development closely from the beginning, I feel compelled to speak up: we must give credit where it’s due. This $350m investment didn’t appear overnight. The groundwork for Celebration Key was laid under the Free National Movement. It was during their administration that the deal was initiated, land was secured, and the investment was first publicly announced. Years of negotiations, planning, and vision made what we’re seeing now even possible. Crucially, the project received formal approval by the FNM, and the FNM administration signed and executed the Heads of Agreement with Carnival. That agreement laid the framework necessary to make Celebration Key a reality. Without it, there would be no project to celebrate today. So yes, it may be opening under the current government, but it was born under the FNM.

simply the truth. And if we want to foster a culture of transparency and good governance in this country, we must be willing to tell the whole story, not just the convenient parts.

Celebration Key is a win for The Bahamas, for Grand Bahama, and for the cruise tourism sector.

But let’s not forget it’s also a reminder that bold ideas and long-term planning matter, and when those ideas take root under one government, it is dishonest for another to take all the credit.

We should all be proud.

But let’s also be fair.

That’s not a jab; it’s

RYAN THOMPSON Nassau, July 6, 2025.

As we pause, we must take note on how our government is trying to tax its way into prosperity; a move that Sir Winston Churchill warned about many decades ago. Churchill declared, “I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”

After the dust had cleared from the parliamentary debate on the annual budget and its compendium of bills, we find an industry that is the lifeline of so many is now targeted by the Ministry of Finance to prop up and help finance the government’s agenda. This industry is our boating tourism industry.

Politicians fail to learn, time and time again, year after year, that instead of thinking that they have all the answers (which they don’t) they should be consulting thoroughly the stakeholders of the industry. Was the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) consulted?

The cruising permit fees have soared in some cases by 233%. Mariners with boats under 35 feet will now pay $500 instead of $150, and vessels over 35 feet will pay $1,000 instead of $300.

Fees have skyrocketed to $2,500 for boats exceeding 50 ft in length to 100 feet and vessels over 100 feet will now incur fees of $8,000.00

The permits for pleasure vessels will not be

inclusive of a fishing permit, as that permit is now a separate fee altogether and the duration of the permit is slashed from 90 days to 30 days. There are also other surcharges that are affixed to these permits.

Marinas are the heartbeat of many communities across our beautiful archipelago, and those in this crucial industry are bracing for the repercussions of government decisions that didn’t appear to have been well thought out.

The effects are far reaching. Those pleasure vessels mostly affected (not entirely) are the summer centre console fast speed boats from Florida, wanting to enjoy a two-week getaway in the Bahamas. Some may berth their vessels at a marina, while others will rent a cottage, rent a golf cart or car, support local shops and restaurants, not to mention fuel purchases, etc.

The amount of revenue poured into local economies by pleasure boats will greatly outweigh the amount that is hoped to be collected through this drastic increase in fees that will likely dry up a good source of revenue and income, particularly in the summer months from May until mid-August.

Bimini and West End are communities that will likely feel the pinch as boaters will be turned off from what will now be a very costly weekend visit from Florida.

Boaters feel that they would like to see their tax dollars put to work. They would like to see better Customs facilities or well-maintained channel markers that are usually in disrepair. And all the while, the government’s priorities are in the wrong place; with talks of building a $60m new Parliament building, $10m of which was allocated in this budget toward the project. Do we need a new parliament building? Perhaps.

But should it be a priority item over other pressing issues? Absolutely not!

In conclusion, we have to be very careful not to overtax an industry that has provided job opportunities and an industry that is a good revenue source for the Public Treasury. Maybe there was a need to increase cruising permit fees but to increase at such an exorbitant rate was unreasonable.

More importantly, those that hold the levers of power must understand that government alone does not always have the answers; in many cases government doesn’t have the answers. That is why it is vital to include the private sector and other stakeholders in consultative exercises before making decisions that have far reaching effects. We can do better!

Let’s Fix It!

‘Mother’ Pratt looks on as the flag of The Bahamas is moved by the wind in a pre-Independence flag raising ceremony at Government House last week.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Candace Fields:

Shark conservation is about balance

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

CANDACE Fields grew up in The Bahamas curious about what swam beneath the surface. While other kids played in the sand, she peered into the water, drawn to the fish and the mystery of the sea.

Now, as a PhD candidate in marine biology, she’s turning that childhood curiosity into conservation work, work that’s taken her all the way to National Geographic’s SharkFest 2025.

Ms Fields appears in six episodes of the series, including one focused on shark attacks in Bahamian waters. She’s not just an expert in front of the camera. She’s also someone who represents a shift in who gets to tell the story of sharks and oceans.

“You see the difference of impact when it’s coming from somebody who looks like you, from who sounds like you, who’s where you’re from,” she said yesterday. “There are many people who are discouraged from pursuing certain things if they don’t see themselves represented in that field.”

In the episode, which aired Saturday, Ms Fields helps walk viewers through shark-related incidents in The Bahamas, acknowledging the fear they provoke, but placing them in context.

“We can’t pretend these things don’t happen,” she said. “But we also have to understand that it’s a positive thing that we are conserving sharks.”

Ms Fields is pursuing her doctorate at Florida International University, focusing on the conservation of the oceanic whitetip, a critically endangered shark once common in Bahamian waters. She’s quick to push back on the idea that sharks are mindless threats.

“People often think of sharks as mindless predators, but they’re actually incredibly intelligent and play an essential role in keeping the ocean in balance,” she said.

She points to tiger sharks, which affect sea turtle behaviour, helping protect seagrass beds that support lobster and conch populations.

Still, Ms Fields knows her work often runs up against public fears, especially in a country where

tourism is vital.

“One of the biggest challenges is the perception that, because I advocate for sharks, I’m somehow valuing them above people,” she said. “That’s not the case at all. Conservation is about balance.”

Shark bites are extremely rare, but the reaction they spark is often swift and emotional.

“The number of incidents is extremely low compared to how many interactions people have with sharks every day without anything happening,” she said. “But the public reaction is still, ‘Get rid of all the sharks.’”

Ms Fields argues that research, not panic, should guide decision-making. Her work includes genetic analysis, satellite tracking, and underwater video surveys. Through DNA sampling, she traced nearly 20 percent of shark fins in international markets back to the Atlantic, despite strict trade rules.

“This species is one of the most highly protected sharks out there, and yet illegal trade is still happening,” she said. That kind of data, she says, is essential for shaping policy.

“We struggle to do enough research to determine if certain policy responses are truly necessary,” she said. “What we need is effective, well-supported research that allows us to monitor our species, especially when public safety or livelihoods are involved.”

In recent years, however, research in The Bahamas has become more difficult, with permit approvals becoming slower and more restrictive.

“We have the capacity to be a model for what healthy shark populations look

like, but without consistent support for research, we risk losing that edge,” she said. Her findings will be presented at the next CITES meeting, where she hopes they’ll help elevate the oceanic whitetip’s protection status to the highest level –– banning all international trade.

“It’s not just about collecting data,” she said. “It’s about building a baseline understanding of these

populations so we can track their recovery over time.”

Back on Cat Island, Ms Fields continues seasonal surveys, identifying sharks by their fin patterns using underwater cameras.

“This is an example of research impacting policy directly,” she said. “It’s super exciting to be part of something that could actually change how these sharks are protected on a global scale.”

No changes for gender equality

ANOTHER year of Independence has come and gone, and The Bahamas remains in the same place that it has been for decades when it comes to women’s rights and gender equality.

This location is the result of colonisation which extended its tentacles into the present through the laws that remain unchanged and the constitution that was passed down to many former British colonies. The stagnation of this country and its laws and policies are a result of (neo)colonialism along with the neoliberalism—ushered in by structural adjustment programs across the Caribbean and the “Global South” and the pressure to pay off foreign debt—and concentration of power in few people for whom corruption is (or becomes) more attractive than the work of representing the people, ensuring our needs are met, and guaranteeing our human rights.

Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says, “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms[…], without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.”

Everyone in The Bahamas, however, does not have all of the rights and freedoms to which we are entitled. Women are especially affected by the lingering colonial laws and the harmful gender ideology that both undergirds and is perpetuated through them. A truly independent Bahamas must contend with the colonial roots of its existence today and make the changes necessary for the advancement of women’s rights and the achievement of gender equality.

Here are four areas for

By Alicia Wallace

legal reform that are long overdue, highly necessary, and critical to growth as an independent nation:

1. Criminalise marital rape. Women, regardless of marital status, are human beings with human rights. Human beings have the right to be free from violence. Rape is an act of violence, and this does not change regardless of the identities of the perpetrator and survivor/ victim or the relationship, if any, between them. Rape is rape. In the Sexual Offences Act, the definition of rape explicitly excludes married people. Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act says, “Rape is the act of any person not under 14 years of age having sexual intercourse with another person who is not his spouse[…] without consent.” This exclusion is discrimination against married women in particular. In addition to the cementing of harmful gender ideology, this faulty definition of rape prevents married women from being recognised as people before the law and denies them equal protection of the law—violations of human rights.

Article 6 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says, “Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.” Article 7 adds emphasis stating, “All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.”

2. Guarantee genderequal nationality rights. The constitution discriminates against women by limiting our ability to confer citizenship on spouses and children. This creates a different

category of citizenship for women—one that is less than or below that of men. It regards Bahamian women as appendages to the men they marry rather than full human beings in their own right and citizens of The Bahamas. Inability to confer citizenship on children leads to complications and disadvantages in the lives of Bahamian women married to non-Bahamian men that Bahamian men married to non-Bahamian women do not face. A referendum must be held, following a robust educational campaign on nationality rights and, in the interim, the Bahamas Nationality Act must be amended to allow Bahamian women to automatically confer Bahamian citizenship on their children.

3. Decriminalise abortion. Women have the right to bodily autonomy and to decide if they want children, how many they want, and how they space them. No one should be forced to carry a pregnancy to term for any reason. Abortion needs to be decriminalises and made accessible as a part of the expansion of sexual and reproductive health and rights and services. There must also be comprehensive sexuality education in all schools, access to contraceptives, and policies to ensure that tubal ligation is accessible to women, regardless of age or marital status.

4. Include “sex” in the prohibited grounds of discrimination. The definition of “discriminatory” in Article 26 of the constitution has almost an exact copy of the identity markers listed in Article 15 on fundamental rights and freedoms except for its exclusion of “sex”. The framers of the constitution made the decision to deny Bahamians legal protection against sex-based

‘...The Bahamas remains in the same place that it has been for decades when it comes to women’s rights and gender equality.’

discrimination. This must be remedied. As we lament the apparent increase in gender-based violence, we cannot ignore the relationship between discrimination and violence or the relationship between structure violence and interpersonal violence. Practical areas that need attention and investment include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for women and girls, a political quota for 50 percent to encourage and increase women’s participation and representation in frontline politics, free

BRCA gene mutation testing for Bahamian women, prioritising those with family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and paid parental leave that supports birthing parents in recovering and caring for babies and non-birthing parents in sharing the care work while supporting the recovery of birthing parents. In addition to these issues of gender inequality in law, policy, and programming, The Bahamas has an ineffective governance structure. We see, every day, that Members of Parliament are incapable of managing constituencies, legislating, policymaking, and heading ministries. It is not only an issue of budget, but skill, time, and priorities. We need cabinet ministers with technical expertise and managerial skills to ensure that budgets are properly allocated, staff are appropriately assigned and supported, and the needs of the public are being met. We need people who understand law and policy and have the aptitude to make connections

between the realities of our daily lives and the legal frameworks and tools that create environments for the betterment of society. We need people who live in our communities to manage the public goods and services that are necessary for safe, healthy lives, from well-maintained roads and street lighting to garbage collection and participatory decisionmaking processes. Independence is a time to look not only at where we have come from, but to see how much further we need to go. It is not only for celebration and reflection on the past, but orienting ourselves to the future still to be built. This can be a better place. We can have effective governance with high levels of citizen participation. We can benefit from the full engagement of all residents, regardless of their identities, in an environment that enables everyone to share their knowledge and ideas, equally access opportunities and outcomes, and build healthy, happy communities.

1. Participate in the Feminist Standards for Governance process. Equality Bahamas is engaging the public in a series of workshops toward the development of a people’s agenda for 2026 to 2031. Workshops are designed to identify issues and work toward solutions in several thematic areas including health, education, social services, women and LGBTQI+ people, and the environment. To see dates and register for upcoming sessions, visit tiny.cc/feministstandards.

2. Join Feminist Book Club Equality Bahamas and Poinciana Paper Press host monthly book club meetings. This month, the book selected is The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings. It is available in hardcopy, ebook, and audiobook formats. Join the discussion at Poinciana Paper Press, 12 Parkgate Road, on Wednesday, July 16, at 6pm. Register at tiny.cc/fbc2025. Need more time? Get the book for August. We’ll be reading All Fours by Miranda July.

What to know about a potential deal to keep t iktok running in us

LESS than a month after extending a deadline to ban TikTok for the third time, President Donald Trump told reporters late Friday night that, “We pretty much have a deal,” on TikTok — but he did not offer details.

The details and timing of a potential deal are not clear. TikTok did not immediately respond to messages for comment on Monday.

Emarketer analyst Jeremy Goldman said while TikTok is “reportedly planning” a US version of its app to comply with legal restrictions, the platform — if it launches without the original TikTok algorithm — “risks losing the very personalization that drives user engagement.”

In other words, TikTok just isn’t TikTok without its algorithm.

“And getting millions to download a new app is no small feat, to say the least,” Goldman added.

Here’s what to know about where TikTok stands in the US following Trump’s comments.

EX TEN S ION S CONTINUE

Though he has no clear legal basis to do so, Trump has continued to extend the deadline for TikTok to avoid a ban in the US This gives his administration more time to broker a deal to bring the social media platform under A merican ownership.

I t is not clear how many times Trump can — or will — keep extending the ban as the government continues to try to negotiate a deal for TikTok, which is owned by China’s ByteDance. While there is no clear legal basis for the extensions, so far there have been no legal challenges against the administration.

Trump has amassed more than 15 million followers on TikTok since he joined last year, and he has credited the trendsetting platform with helping him gain traction among young voters. H e said in January that he has a “warm spot for TikTok.”

T IKTOK STAYS FOR NOW

For now, TikTok continues to function for its 170 million users in the US Tech giants Apple, Google and Oracle were persuaded to continue to offer and support the app, on the promise that Trump’s Justice Department would not use the law to seek potentially steep fines against them. Americans are even more closely divided on what to do about TikTok than they were two years ago.

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that about one-third of Americans said they supported a TikTok ban, down from 50% in March 2023. Roughly one-third said they would oppose a ban, and a similar percentage said they weren’t sure.

Among those who said they supported banning

the social media platform, about 8 in 10 cited concerns over users’ data security being at risk as a major factor in their decision, according to the report.

Trump said Friday that on Monday or Tuesday, the US would take the proposal to Chinese leader Xi Jinping or one of his representatives. The president said he thinks they “probably” need China to approve the deal but he wasn’t sure they needed to.

When asked whether he was confident China would approve the deal, Trump said, “I’m not confident but I think so.”

He said that for the US, “we make a lot of money if the deal goes through.”

The Chinese embassy in Washington said in a statement that it has no new information to share and “China has reiterated its principled position on multiple occasions and will handle relevant issues in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.”

WHO WANT S TO BUY T IKTOK?

Although it’s unclear if ByteDance plans to sell TikTok, several potential bidders have come forward in the past few months.

Aides for Vice President JD Vance, who was tapped to oversee a potential deal, have reached out to some parties, such as the artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI, to get additional details about their bids, according to a person

familiar with the matter.

In January, Perplexity AI presented ByteDance with a merger proposal that would combine Perplexity’s business with TikTok’s US operation. Perplexity had no comment on Monday.

Other potential bidders include a consortium organized by billionaire business executive Frank McCourt, which recently recruited Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian as a strategic adviser. Investors in the consortium say they’ve offered ByteDance $20 billion in cash for TikTok’s US platform. And if successful, they plan to redesign the popular app with blockchain technology they say will provide users with more control over their online data.

“Every day that passes without a qualified divestiture of TikTok puts Americans at greater risk of manipulation and surveillance. We believe the administration will ultimately obey the courts and follow the requirements for a lawful divestiture,” McCourt’s internet advocacy organization, Project Liberty, said in a statement. “We look forward to working with members of the administration, policymakers, and our many outstanding partners in The People’s Bid to achieve this goal.”

Among other possible investors are the software company Oracle and the investment firm Blackstone. Neither company immediately responded to messages seeking comment on Monday.

Oprah Winfrey’s latest bOOk club pick, ‘c ulpability,’ delves int O ai ethics

By HILLEL ITALIE AP National Writer

OPRAH WINFREY has chosen a novel with a timely theme for her latest book club pick. Bruce Holsinger’s “Culpability” is a family drama that probes the morals and ethics of AI

“I appreciated the prescience of this story,” Winfrey said in a statement Tuesday, the day of the novel’s publication. “It’s where we are right now in our appreciation and dilemmas surrounding Artificial Intelligence, centred around an American family we can relate to. I was riveted until the very last shocking sentence!” Holsinger, a professor of English at the University of Virginia, is the author of four previous novels and several works of nonfiction. He said in a statement that he had admired Winfrey’s book club since its founding in 1996.

“Oprah Winfrey started her book club the same year I finished graduate school,” Holsinger said. “For nearly 30 years, as I’ve taught great books to college students in the classroom and the lecture hall, she has shared great books with the world. Her phone call was like a thunderbolt, and I’ll never forget it. I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful that she found ‘Culpability’ worthy of her time, praise, and recognition.”

Tuesday’s announcement continues Winfrey’s book club partnership with Starbucks. Her interview with Holsinger, held recently at a Starbucks in Seattle, can be seen on Winfrey’s YouTube channel or through other podcast outlets.

List of Winfrey’s last 10 Oprah’s Book Club selections:

June 2025: “The River is Waiting,” by Wally Lamb (Read AP’s review.)

May 2025: “The Emperor of Gladness,” by Ocean Vuong (Read AP’s review.)

April 2025: “Matriarch,” by Tina Knowles (Read and watch AP’s interview with Knowles.)

March 2025: “The Tell,” by Amy Griffin

February 2025: “Dream State,” by Eric Puchner

January 2025: “A New Earth,” by Eckhart Tolles (Winfrey has picked this book twice.)

December 2024: “Small Things Like These,” by Claire Keegan (Read AP’s review.)

October 2024: “From Here to the Great Unknown,” by Lisa Maria Presley and Riley Keough. (Read AP’s story about how Keough completed the book.

September 2024: “Tell Me Everything,” by Elizabeth Strout (Read AP’s review.)

June 2024: “Familiaris,” by David Wroblewski.

Associated Press

‘Considering political bid, but have not made decision yet’

from page one

said public service is “never off the table”, though no decision has been made.

“If I ever have the opportunity to make an impact, to change the country, to really contribute to transformation and to apply my business acumen and ability to execute to public office — if that’s where the Lord wants to send me, I’ll be open to it, but today, I have to make that decision,” he said.

He said any decision to enter frontline politics would follow careful discussions with his family due to the scrutiny such a move would bring.

“I’ve definitely been in conversations with persons,” he said. “But other than it being in the infancy

stage of consideration, it hasn’t really gone beyond consideration.”

Pressed further by Ms Miller, Mr Bastian insisted he did not want his remarks misconstrued and reiterated that public service remains an option — whether “tomorrow or ten years from now”. His comments came after The Tribune reported that he is seeking the Progressive Liberal Party’s nomination in Fort Charlotte—a seat now held by MP Alfred Sears, who is retiring from frontline politics.

Former Fort Charlotte MP and PLP trustee Valentine Grimes Sr confirmed Mr Bastian’s interest and endorsed him as a “top-tier candidate” already gaining traction within the party.

“I’ve definitely been in conversations with persons, but other than it being in the infancy stage of consideration, it hasn’t really gone beyond consideration.”

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Job Opportunity Commercial and Supply Chain Manager

CEMEX Bahamas Limited

Job Opportunity

Commercial and Supply Chain Manager

CEMEX Bahamas Limited

CEMEX Bahamas Limited, a leading global building materials company, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Commercial and Supply Chain Manager to lead our end-to-end commercial and logistics strategy. This role is critical in driving profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence within our dynamic and evolving market.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial Strategy & Execution

CEMEX Bahamas Limited, a leading global building materials company, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Commercial and Supply Chain Manager to lead our end-to-end commercial and logistics strategy. This role is critical in driving profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence within our dynamic and evolving market.

Develop and implement comprehensive commercial strategies to achieve revenue targets and market share growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead commercial forecasting, market intelligence gathering, and customer segmentation to inform data-driven decisions.

Commercial Strategy & Execution

Manage customer relationships, contracts, pricing strategies, and service-level agreements (SLAs).

Coordinate with the Country Manager and regional commercial teams to align local objectives with global business goals.

Identify and lead initiatives to expand product offerings, channels, and customer base.

Supply Chain Optimization

Sebas’ plans questioned as he eyes bid for Fort

we’re getting and our vision, our plan for the community and the country.”

Charlotte

“What more does he want?” Mr Robinson asked.

Develop and implement comprehensive commercial strategies to achieve revenue targets and market share growth.

Lead commercial forecasting, market intelligence gathering, and customer segmentation to inform data-driven decisions.

Oversee all aspects of supply chain operations including sourcing, procurement, inventory control, warehousing, shipping, and distribution.

Manage customer relationships, contracts, pricing strategies, and service-level agreements (SLAs).

Lead demand and supply planning in alignment with commercial forecasts and production schedules.

Develop and monitor KPIs for delivery performance, cost efficiency, inventory turnover, and vendor compliance.

“Certainly, there are a number of roles to play. I think he have done well to play many roles in society, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall,”

Coordinate with the Country Manager and regional commercial teams to align local objectives with global business goals.

Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international suppliers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers.

Identify and lead initiatives to expand product offerings, channels, and customer base.

Champion the use of digital tools and ERP systems (e.g., SAP) to streamline operations and enhance visibility.

Leadership & Collaboration

Supply Chain Optimization

Manage a cross-functional team spanning sales, logistics, procurement, and customer service.

Promote a safe, high-performance culture, continuous improvement mindset, and strong collaboration across departments.

Mr Bastian, The Bahamas’ non-resident ambassador to Central America, has built a sprawling business empire across gaming, media, real estate, construction, and electric vehicles. He is best known as the co-founder of Island Luck, one of the country’s largest gaming operations.

Oversee all aspects of supply chain operations including sourcing, procurement, inventory control, warehousing, shipping, and distribution.

Lead demand and supply planning in alignment with commercial forecasts and production schedules.

Ensure compliance with internal policies, safety standards, and all applicable regulatory requirements.

His remarks came after former Fort Charlotte MP and PLP trustee Valentine Grimes Sr confirmed Mr Bastian’s interest in frontline politics. While Mr Grimes didn’t link Mr Bastian to any specific constituency, he noted the businessman lived in Fort Charlotte for many years and called him as a top-tier candidate already gaining traction within the party.

“Clearly, Mr Bastian is an excellent leader, a proven entrepreneur and a corporate citizen whose benevolence is well known,” he said yesterday. “If he enters frontline politics, I think the Bahamian electorate is mature and wise enough to weigh all of the factors, his web shop ownership and the potential good he can do for the country.”

His possible entry into politics has sparked debate over the values tied to the gambling industry, with some questioning whether a figure so closely linked to web shop operations reflects the ethical standards expected of national leaders.

Develop and monitor KPIs for delivery performance, cost efficiency, inventory turnover, and vendor compliance.

Support operational audits, budgeting, and risk mitigation activities related to supply chain and commercial activities.

Sustainability & Resilience

Mr Robinson said he is prepared for any challenge.

Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international suppliers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers.

Implement strategies to build a resilient and sustainable supply chain aligned with CEMEX's global goals.

He noted that his team has been working in the Fort Charlotte community for over three years.

Champion the use of digital tools and ERP systems (e.g., SAP) to streamline operations and enhance visibility.

Lead cost control initiatives, reduce carbon footprint of logistics operations, and manage supplier sustainability performance.

Qualifications:

Leadership & Collaboration

“We are making a connection, talking with the people,” he said. “We’re excited about the responses

Reverend Dr Philip A Stubbs, senior minister at St Michael’s Methodist Church and a Fort Charlotte resident, acknowledged such concerns but said Mr Bastian should not be disqualified based solely on his industry ties.

Manage a cross-functional team spanning sales, logistics, procurement, and customer service.

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Promote a safe, high-performance culture, continuous improvement mindset, and strong collaboration across departments.

Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in commercial and/or supply chain management, preferably in the manufacturing, construction, or cement industry.

Ensure compliance with internal policies, safety standards, and all applicable regulatory requirements.

Support operational audits, budgeting, and risk mitigation activities related to supply chain and commercial activities.

Strong understanding of operational processes, supply chain logistics, and project management.

Strong business acumen, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive performance improvements.

Proficient in SAP, SF, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with supply chain analytics tools.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong interpersonal abilities to engage effectively with team members and stakeholders.

What We Offer:

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Opportunity to work with a global industry leader.

Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Career development and growth opportunities within the CEMEX network.

Ready to take your career to the next level?

How to Apply:

Submit your resume and cover letter to hrbahamas@cemex.com by July 14, 2025, with the subject line: Commercial and Supply Chain Manager

CEMEX Bahamas Limited is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Join us in building a better future - together.

“We all need to be careful not to become fatigued over the issue of Mr Bastian while neglecting the more germane ethical issues that are affecting our society.” Former Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Simeon Hall also said he sees no issue with Mr Bastian entering politics.

“That doesn’t mean I support people wasting their money,” he added.

Still, he said Mr Bastian is a “legitimate, licenced” businessman and should be free to serve the country in whatever way he chooses.

SEBAS BASTIAN

from page one

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ adds $250 to US Visa cost

O, P, Q, R) — carry a $205 fee, while E-class investor visas cost $315. The K-visa for fiancés or spouses is priced at $265.

The $250 integrity fee will be assessed in addition to these baseline charges, pushing the total cost for a simple tourist visa to $435, or more for other visa categories.

Applicants must pay the $250 visa integrity fee at the time of visa issuance. Refunds will only be granted under strict compliance, such as departing the US within five days of

Funeral Service For

Charmaine Sharon Charlow, 58

of New Providence, Bahamas. Offciating will be Pastor Paul Miller assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel.

She was pre-deceased by her parents: Hazel Andre Rutherford and Carl Charlow

She is survived by her one child: Brittany Cunningham; grandchildren: Ger’Liyah and Ger’Khia Gabriel; siblings: Pamela Rutherford, Bridgette Charlow and Jeremy (Keiliah) Charlow, Sean Charlow, Chevette (Revello Sr.) Williamson, Carlette (Garette) Flowers, Theadore (Susan) Charlow and Michelle Charlow; nieces and nephews: Jillian Mullings, Johnathan (Amanda) Taylor, Blaire and Bianca Skippings, Joel Charlow, Revello Jr. and Cherell Williamson, Kameron, Hollie and Koda Major, Durante and Carson Charlow, Marchello, Carmel, Sharon and Jamel Charlow and Raquel Charlow; grand nieces and nephews: Amiyah Beneby, Hailey Mullings, Avianna Taylor, Berkley and Elizabeth Johnson; aunts and uncles: Stephanie Major, Jacqueline Rutherford, Harry (Sharon) Rutherford, Sandra Lockhart, Gail Rutherford, Pandora Darling, Antoinette Rutherford, Marsha (Lavaughn) Wilkerson, Jay Rutherford; cousins: Eletha Whylly, Yvette (Arnold) Paul, Dwayne (Maureen) Major, Patrice Major, Typhanie Kemp, Tamarrah Major, Ginger (Marvin) Jordan, Sophie (Keith) Knowles, Jason Rutherford, Yolanda (Everette) Fraser, Lockinvar (Fieka) Lockhart, Michelle West, Carla, Dion and Darren Rutherford, Latoya (Sidney) Brown, Gia Rutherford, Sanobia Sabala, Carlenseano and Shavel Darling, Latonya (Dale) Johnson, Ashley Rutherford, Tia Rutherford, Olivia Wilkerson and Thorne and Tylar Rutherford. Abagail Charlow, Sophia Charlow, Theodore Charlow, Pierre Charlow, Mia Charlow, Marcello Charlow and Charmon Charlow; extended family: Geralle Gabriel, De’Anna, Mason, Deon, Bre’Anna and Menti Francis, Claudette Darville, The Chuno Family, Chaz Cunningham, Reginald Cunningham, Jasmine Cunningham, Khari Marshall, Monteigne McQuay, The Butler Family, The Seymour Family, The Pedican Family, The Marshall-Godet Family. Turning Point Ministries: Pastor Paul Miller, Sister Marriott, Sister Cummings, Sister Woods, Brother Hepburn and the entire congregation; special thanks to: Eduardo Burrows, Anthony Craigg (Transport), Ms. Monroe (Social Services); and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to St. Ambrose Funeral Home.

visa expiration. Immigration advocates in the US have described the bill as one of the most financially restrictive immigration frameworks in modern history, warning

that it effectively prices out vulnerable populations from seeking lawful entry. The law further establishes a range of fee hikes across the US immigration

application fee, a $550 work permit fee, and a $1,500 charge to adjust immigration status to lawful permanent residency.

Teenage boys facing drive-by shooting charges

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO teenage boys were remanded to the adolescent unit of prison yesterday after being accused of a near-fatal drive-by shooting on Homestead Avenue last month.

The 17 and 16-year-old defendants, whose names are being withheld because they are minors, were arraigned on a charge of attempted murder before

Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux. Their respective guardians were present during the arraignment. Prosecutors allege that the pair, while riding motorcycles, shot at Jamari Henfield as he was driving on Homestead Avenue around 5pm on June 19. The 18-year-old victim was treated for his injuries and has since recovered. The defendants were not required to enter a plea.

They were informed the case would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). They were also advised of their right to apply for bail in the higher court.

The accused will remain in the adolescent unit of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until their VBIs are potentially served on October 29. Sergeant 3738 Johnson served as the prosecutor.

Funeral Service For

Withlean O’Brien, 63

of McCullough Corner, New Providence, Bahamas and formerly of Nicholls Town, Andros, Bahamas will be held on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, 10:00p.m. at Nicholls Town Gospel Chapel, Nicholls Town, North Andros. Offciating will be Rev. . G. Morrison. Interment will follow in Nicholls own Public Cemetery

She was redeceased by her husband: Edmund O Brien; mother: Julia Dorsett; brother: Floyd Dorsett; sister: Abbey Williamae Ferguson Brown West.

Left to cherish her recious memories are her children: Kayla Dorsett, Alana Johnson, Leon Beasley and Cyril Obrien; grandchildren: Kylo, Richardinae, Dominic, Bethany, Jermaine, Phoeni , Layla and Atarah; father: Zechariah Neville Dorsett; siblings: encie Evans, Jessie, Samuel, Jonthan, Neville, Denise, Frankie and Glendina Dorsett, Calsey Strachan, Arimina Phili is and Darnell Robinson and other relatives and friends including: Janet, Deidre, Basil, Hughie, Ken and Neil Obrien Big Mike and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention

he body will re ose in the Blessed Redeemer Chapel at Ferguson’s Funeral Directors, 7th Terrace Collins Avenue on ( ODAY) Wednesday from :00noon to :00 .m. and at the Church in Andros from :00am until service time.

of # 415 Grenada Avenue, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas and formerly of Dumfries, Cat Island, Bahamas will be held on Friday, July 11th, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Jubilee Cathedral, Cathedral Boulevard, Freeport, Grand Bahama. Offciating will be Bishop Dr. Godfrey R. Williams assisted by Pastor Laquez Williams. Interment will follow at Grand Bahama Memorial Park, Frobisher Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Precious memories will linger in the hearts of her sons: Dr. Godfrey Pratt (Elita), Deacon Deraine Pratt, Matthian and Vandyke Pratt (Latoya); daughters: Dr. Paula Mortimer (Averell), Candace and Elaine Pratt; adopted daughters: Pamela Knowles, Yvonne Pratt, Beryl Armbrister, Hanna Dames (Bobby), Edith Gardiner and Mayglena Penn; daughters-in-law: Elita and Latoya Pratt; sons-in-law: Bobby Dames and Averell Mortimer; grandchildren: Nurse Leisa Johnson, Ann Terelle Pratt, Llereva Roker (Eugene), Joshua Bethel, Joshua Pratt, Jordyn Pratt, Jayden Pratt, Gabrielle, Ariel and Adara Pratt, Patricia Brown, Kim Gilbert, Bianca Armbrister, Barron Pratt (Petula), Ian Dames (Angela), Ikan Dames (Leslie), Ethan Danes (Francina) and Indira Adderley (Sean); great grandchildren: Asher Johnson, Breanna Roker, Ethan Roker, Emma Roker, Singular, Sierra, Vaughn, Barron, Dejah and Nicholas Pratt; numerous relatives, nieces, nephews & friends including: The Honourable Madame Justice Joyann Ferguson, Alicia Rolle, Deaconess Sheila Seymour (Patrick), Deaconess Elsaida Porter, Mavis Butler, Louise Davis, Shirley Cleare, Arthur and Rosa Pratt, Virgil and Virginia Pratt, Rev..Jerome and Karen Pratt, Stephanie and Keith Seymour, Madeline Gray, Sharon Dames, Beryl Elliot, Marilyn Pratt, Angela Pratt, Alice Gilbert, Lena Pratt, Dr. Patricia Pratt, Wendell Pratt, Bradley Pratt, Gary, Edward and Ornan Pratt, Mark Pratt, David Pratt, Brian, Basil and Michael Pratt, Henry Curry, Earl Curry, John Curry, Clayton and Yolanda Pratt, Ron and Tammy Pratt, Charles Jr. & Kim Pratt, Kimberly and Emerson Doorway, Azure-Dee Pratt, Joanna Newbold, Willamae Woods, Tryphena and Fred Moss, Barbara Stubbs, Sheryl Forbes, Linkworth and Lisa Stubbs, Milton Newbold, Anthony and Sherice Newbold, Zennarene Stubbs Garcia and Juan Roberto Garcia, Elsie Swain, Minister Roosevelt and Carla Rolle, Rosheeda Rolle, Roshanda Rolle, Roshawn Rolle, Roshad and Sasha Rolle, Roosevelt Jr. and Alana Rolle.

Viewing will be held in the “Celestial Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Limited, #11-A Coral Road, Freeport, Grand Bahama on Friday from 8:30 a.m. until service time.

KING’S TRUST WELCOMED

TWO YEARS

IN JAIL FOR MAN WHO THREW AWAY GUN DURING CHASE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 24-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after admitting to throwing away a gun during a police chase on a motorcycle earlier this year.

Mark Moss appeared before Magistrate Lennox Coleby on charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition. According to reports, Moss fled from police while riding a black Yamaha

motorcycle in New Providence on April 1. During the chase, he allegedly discarded a .40 Glock pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition. Police later recovered the weapon after apprehending him. Moss told officers he had found the firearm in the bushes two weeks earlier and couldn’t explain why he kept it. After hearing the testimony of one police officer, Moss changed his initial plea and pleaded guilty to the charges. His attorney, Bjorn Ferguson, said Moss was

remorseful and described his actions as a bad decision.

He noted that Moss was employed, had no prior convictions, and asked the court to consider giving him a second chance.

Magistrate Coleby sentenced Moss to 24 months in prison and advised him of his right to appeal within seven days.

Before being taken into remand, Moss was allowed a brief moment with a relative in court.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie served as the prosecutor.

18-YEAR-OLD DENIED BAIL IN ASSAULT CASE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN 18-YEAR-OLD man was denied bail after being accused of assaulting another man with a firearm in New Providence last week.

Jeff Jean appeared before Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon. He is alleged to have assaulted Robert Cartwright with a handgun on July 4. Jean pleaded not guilty.

Inspector Wilkinson, the prosecutor, objected to bail, citing the serious nature of the offence. Jean was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial, scheduled for October 7.

Edmond Edgar Johnson, 65

of Martinique Road, New Providence, Bahamas will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:30 am at Grace Communion International, Lumumba Lane off Fox Hill Road, New Providence. Offciating will be Pastor Robert McKinney assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Cremation will follow.

Memories will forever linger in the heart of his wife: Sharlene Johnson; mother: Florence Johnson; children: Jasmin (Antoine) Sturrup, Jarcel Johnson, Jonece (Akeem) Burrows, Edmond (Gaynel) Johnson Jr., Jessica Johnson and Ashton Johnson; grandchildren: Jeniah and Jordyn Burrows, MicKaylah Larrimore, Jared Sturrup, Jediah and Jehirah Johnson; step grandchildren: Josiah Miller and Jeniah Johnson; sisters: Jan McKinney, and Deborah Johnson; closest friends and “Brothers”: Patrick Newman and Timothy Moore; brothers-in-law: Samuel McKinney, Joseph, Ephriam, Adrian, Terrance and Kent Wood; uncles: John Nesbitt, John Johnson; aunts: Lucille Shirley Johnson and Michelle Nesbitt; nieces: Coolie, Delphenia and Latoya Johnson, Samantha Lewis, Lewann Wildgoose, ranae Martin, DeAndrea, Adrianna and Daria Wood, Joan-Nichole Johnson; nephews: Michael Johnson, Nathan and David McKinney, Jonathan Wildgoose, Jose h, Kent (Jr) and Kevaughn Wood, Ricardo Martin, ravis and ravon Wood; grandnieces and grandnephews: Donovan Johnson, Kiera Johnson, Talayah Culmer; cousins: Bertram Jr., Natasha, Crystal, Terah, Sheldon, Tavairo, Berkley and Dencil Johnson, Sharon Hinds, Gregory Green, Fredricka Gibson, Melvern Butler, Walter, Orcha, and De Andrea Whyms, Patrick Marshall, Ingrid, Rio, Al achino, Kino, amara, Takara, Tiffany Jonathan and Okhell Nesbitt and Denise Williams, Kerry Adderley, Patrick Jr., Leonardo and Talia Newman; other relatives and friends including: Anthony Mather and Hazel Seymour, Leshan McPhee and family, Shelmerdine Carwright and family, Donald Burrows and Family Philli a Mckinney and Family, Peter Bethel and Family, Dr Lisa Hoverman and family, Jarrett Dean and family, Desmond and Dwayne Allen, Iris Tynes and family Robert and Tanya McKinney and the entire McKinney family, Dr. Marcella Elliott Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Hampton, Mr. and Mrs. Leeford Burke, Valarie Walkes and Family, Olive Lundy, Dwayne, Machelo and Fernando Lundy The entire Wood Family, Oswald & Veronica Moore and Family, Silas Moore and family, John Bain Jr & family, Mr. James Moxey The Martinque Road and Polhemus Street families and a host of other friends and family too numerous to mention.

Viewing will be held in the Serenity Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary Robinson & Soldier Roads on (TODAY) Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 10:00am to 5:00pm and on Friday at the church from10:30am until service time.

GOVERNOR General Dame Cynthia Pratt (centre) welcomed executives and successful candidates of The King’s Trust programme during a courtesy call, July 8, 2025 at Government House. Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

Govt teams with port for job fair

THE DEPARTMENT of Labour and Public Service, in partnership with Hutchison

Holdings

a job fair for berth operators, straddle drivers, crane checkers, maintenance technicians and engineers on Thursday last week at the Obadiah H Wilchcombe Complex

is

for July 16 at the Department of

and

Funeral Service For

Basil Rolle, 82

a resident of Charleston Street and Slave Road, Ridgeland Park West, New Providence, Bahamas and formerly of Harry Cay, Exuma, Bahamas, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at First Baptist Church, Market Street and Coconut Grove Avenue. Offciating will be Rev. Dr. Joseph Knowles assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleums, John F. Kennedy Drive.

Basil was predeceased by his son: Delando Rolle.

Left to cherish his fond memories are his wife: Ena Davis-Rolle; daughters: Nursing Offcer Anishka Rolle-Grant, Wendy and Angela Rolle; sons: Garvin Rolle, Stephen Maycock, Patrick Rolle; sister: Margaret Rolle-Taylor; sisters-in-law: Florida Rolle, Vernie and Mary Davis; brothers-inlaw: Irvin Taylor, Mackey Smith, Godfrey (Ella), Morrison and Anthony Davis; daughters-in-law: Racquel Maycock and Yvette Rolle; son-in-law: Julian Grant; grandchildren: Khadysha, Anicea and Brielle Maycock, Katherine, Darea and Enya Rolle, Julianna Grant, Paris Smith, Ashton (Alia) and Decario Maycock, Javan Grant, Nathan, Roman, Uriel Rolle; great grandchildren: Peyton and Elijah Curtis, Jamyah Gaitor, D’Marri Mayock, Jakhai, Mateo and Nyla Rolle; nieces: Minister Trudymae Smith, Minister Valentina Nairn, Minister Patrice Davis-Rolle, Phyllis and Adriane Rolle, Mildred Henfeld, Maxine Knowles, Roselda Davis, Chrystal Hanna, Quincy and Evelyn Taylor, Shenique Smith, Tanya Rolle, Jacintha Wallace, Sheanda Henfeld, Monique Dulcio, Neketria Brown, Doramae, Latanya McIntosh, Desarie Rolle, Delphine Fernander, Adrianna Bowe, Erica, Roshanda, Antonia, Epiphany, Shakara, Neffeteria, Shantel Davis, Vanria Hepburn, Beryl Armbrister; nephews: Dewy, Bursil, Dino and Lermon Rolle, Allan Taylor, Byron and Norman Smith, Lionel Harris, Lawrence (Theresa), Dennis Lockhart (Lakeycha), Keron Bowe, Alexander Laroda, Shawn and Shammal Henfeld, Bertram Bethel, Adrian Bowe, Mark Stubbs, Darren, Renaldo, Michael, Errol, Tamar, Sean, Bryan, Marley, Anthony Jr., Johnathan, Martin, Hezron Davis Jr., Jeremy and Brandon Davis, Andy Mackey; numerous cousins: Yvonne Bethel, Advilda Dames, Willamae Lotmore, Bernal, Patchely, David and Hollace Bullard, Evie Wallace, Etta Johnson, Sidney Mcphee (Francis) Earlymae, Sheila, Heastie, Ken Mcphee, Larry Bullard, Hope and Orrie Johnson, Vanessa, Mavis, Adrian, Sigrid, Cherine, Elspeth and Glen Jackson, Tiffany and Mannix Barton, Blanche Sears, Madonna Evans, Corrie Hield, Lorana Sears, Kina and Basil Ferguson, Renaldo Swann, Daxon Curry, Iris and Norma Paul, Winnie Newbold, Eulamae Morley, Cynthia, Nioshie and Barbara Johnson and family, Adrianna and Maxwell Moncur; caretaker: Melanie Vassor; other relatives and friends including: The Harry Cay Bullard Descendents Christopher Smith, Marvin Cooper, Rochelle Davis, Rodney Strachan, Joseph Bethel, John Sands, Tony Pratt, Doreen Young, Mia Williams, Mevis Kerr and Family, Deidra, Visna and Lisa Adderley, Naomi Brown and Family, Tracey Lawrence and Family, Pleasant Bowe and family, Leanthe Gibson, Patricia Gibson, The Gardiner’s, Peter Smith and Family, Beatrice Marshall and Family, Muffy, Darren Johnson Sr., The Ridgeland Park West and Fifth Street the Groove community, Norma Whylly and Family, Dianna Miller and Wilfred Davis, The Minister of Parliament for Englerston The Honourable Glenys Hanna Martin, First Baptist Church, Mount Theo’s Baptist Church, the staff of Accident Emergency, Intensive Care Unit, the nursing and medical staff of Med/ Surg West, Dr. Crispin Gomez, the management and staff of Davis & Co Law frm, the Management and Staff of Marcos Pizza Prince Charles location and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Baillou Hill Roads on (TODAY) Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Funeral Service For

Jeremiah Vernal Stubbs Jr., 19

of Lockwood Bend, Malcolm Road, New Providence, Bahamas will be held at The Metropolitan Church of The Nazarene, East Street, New Providence on Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be Dr. Antoine St. Louis assisted by other ministers of the gospel. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Solider Road, New Providence.

He is survived by his mother: Micheline Griffith; father: Jeremiah Stubbs Sr.; step father: Alvin Griffith; 2 sisters: Anthonique Loriston and Anthonisha Dean; adopted sister: Marsha Deveaux; brother-in-law: Markendy Loriston; nieces: Ma’kayla & Amaya Loriston; nephew: Malachy Loriston; 14 aunts: Angeline Alex, Betty Saunders, Fernander Bullard, Natasha Saintsurin, Pierla Gilles, Theresa Knowles, Anna Sands, Wilda Daniel, Edith Smith, Edlyn Jacques, Carla Bastian, Velma Stubbs, Amanda Stubbs, Tracey Wright; 12 uncles: Superintendent Audley Peters, Joubert Pierre, Sylvester Jean Sr, Loubens Pierre, Harvey Saunders Sr, Micheal Saintsurin, Gregory Gilles Sr., Garfield Bullard, Joseph Stubbs, Kendrick Delaney, Hugo Stubbs, Steven Stubbs; grand uncles: Ocerine Petit (of Delray Beach Florida) and Alexander Pierre (of Fort Lauderdale); cousins: Rashad, Ahmad, Raheem, Kevin, Harvey, Tatayano, Clint, Deon, Kayvon, Gregory, Greyson, Tyree, Donfelix, Shamar, Stephon, Jovaugh, Joel, Slyvester Jr, Kienday, Jeff, Ranaldo, Natazia, Ma’khayla, Madicyn, Anniqua, Juliann, Gardisha, Felicia, Latazia, Gregoria, Jael, Charis, Zion, Clintazia, Crystal, Glendisha, Kevinique, Daphnee, Arianna, Jazel, Janiya, Lounique, Sariah, Joeann, Tenaj. Ashley, Judell, Joenaz, Marlie, Merline, Charles, Ieshia, Amani, Angeline, Shantell, Helen, Shawn, Namound, Travis, Transhan, Ebonique, Amy, Jaheim, Deno, Josiah, Taelyn, Acharee, Christopher, Demille, Devine, Trevor, Abdul, Andrea, Emily, Yanick, Claude, Westley, Ebby, Kevin, Louby, Kendall, Deangelo, Marcus Jr., Immacula, Marcelline, Lashelle, Lamar, Tamal, Ricardo, Rickiesha, Caneisha, Perry Jr., Perry III, Raven, Rikera, Rinardo, Stanique, Henry, Tamera, Shanae, Travis Sr., Terniesha, Travis, Terell, Jerethor, Jereniqua, Antwon, Antwonae, Marquell, Omar, Giovanni, Giavantae, Henry, Valrenique, Omari, Germiyah, Gerard, Gernae, Jeremiah, Keano, Teko, Shaquel, Nyima, Osira, Le’asia, Tiffya, Andee, Odalia, Shanika, Guellda, Kevin, Sindy, Asia, Lewis, Phillipha, Phillip, Donovan, Dale, Delshannon, Rudolph, Jamaal, La’Tavia, Shelly, Natasha, Eddson, Amir, Kyrie, Zion, Delron; god mothers: Rochelle Whylly, Rebecca Pennerman, Lyn Bridgewater, Samantha McKenzie; god fathers: Brian Christie, Johnathan Edward, Troy Farrington, Donnie Miller; god sisters: Jermani and J’nyah; god brother: J’Quan; god child: Amira Bullard; and a host of other relatives and friends: Pastor Antione and family, Pastor Nelson Pierre and family, Pastor Hutchinson and family, The Griffith Family, William Butler and family, The Deveaux Family, Ronald Ferlitien and Family, Darlene Knowles and Family, Amelia Gilles and Family, Olive Major-Dean and Family, The Whylly Family, Patrick Saintilen and Family, Maxine Brown and Family, Cedricka Sarmphelus and Family, Suzette Augustine and Family, Kathleen Blanc and Family, Ulrick Tillerine and Family, Marilyn Prophet and Family, Krystal Bootle and Family, The Atlantis STARS Cafeteria Family, Savannah Forbes and Family, Kristeneak and Family, The Malcolm Allotment Family, The Lockwood Bend Community, The Padoleo Street Family, The Bain and Grants Town Family and others to numerous to mention. The family would like to express apologies to anyone who’s name may have been overlooked.

Relatives and friends may pay their last respects at the church on Friday from 12:00 noon until service time.

Port

Ltd, hosted

in Eight Mile Rock. A second job fair

scheduled

Labour

Public Service in the Winn Building, Downtown, Freeport. Photos: Jamika Culmer/AP

Disaster plan was approved two days before Camp Mystic flood

By the Associated Press

TEXAS inspectors signed off on Camp Mystic’s emergency planning just two days before catastrophic flooding killed more than two dozen people at the all-girls Christian summer camp, most of them children.

The Department of State Health Services released records yesterday showing the camp complied with a host of state regulations regarding “procedures to be implemented in case of a disaster”. Among them: instructing campers what to do if they need to evacuate and assigning specific duties to each staff member and counselor.

Five years of inspection reports released to The Associated Press do not offer any details of those plans at Mystic, raising new questions about the camp’s preparedness ahead of the torrential July 4 rainfall in flood-prone Texas Hill Country.

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for the area on July 3 at 1.18pm. That danger prompted at least one of the roughly 18 camps along the Guadalupe River to move dozens of campers to higher ground.

Camp Mystic, established in 1926, did not do that and was especially hard hit when the river rose from 14 feet to 29.5 feet within 60 minutes in the early morning hours of the disaster.

Flooding on that stretch of the Guadalupe starts at about ten feet.

A wall of water overwhelmed people in cabins, tents and trailers along the river’s edge. Some survivors were found clinging to trees.

The uncertainty about what happened at Mystic comes as local officials have repeatedly dodged questions about who was monitoring the weather and what measures were taken ahead of the flooding.

At least 27 campers and counselors died during the floods, and officials said Tuesday that five campers and one counselor have still not been found. Among the dead was Richard “Dick” Eastland, the camp’s beloved director described by campers as a father figure.

The potential for heavy rains had put precautions in motion as the state activated an emergency response plan and moved resources into the central Texas area.

The state inspected Camp Mystic on July 2, the same day the Texas Division of Emergency Management activated emergency response resources ahead of the anticipated flooding.

The inspection found no deficiencies or violations at the camp in a long list of health and safety criteria. The camp had 557 campers and more than 100

staffers at the time between its Guadalupe and Cypress Lake locations.

The disaster plans are required to be posted in all camp buildings but aren’t filed with the state, said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services.

“We do not have them,” Anton wrote in an email. “You’d have to get it from the camp.”

Camp Mystic did not respond to requests for comment on its emergency plan. In a statement on its website, the camp said it has been “in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls”.

Camp Mystic notes that it is licensed by the state and a member of the Camping Association for Mutual Progress, which says its goal is to “raise health and safety standards” for summer camps. Leaders of that association didn’t return messages.

The American Camp Association said Tuesday that Camp Mystic is not accredited with that organisation, whose standards focus on safety and risk management.

In Kerr County, home to youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 87 people, including 30 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said yesterday. Fatalities in nearby counties brought the total number of deaths so far to at least 107.

More than 160 people were believed to be missing,

NO MORE SHOES OFFCHANGES TO AIRPORT SECURITY SCREENINGS

TRAVELLERS racing to catch a flight at US airports no longer are required to remove their shoes during security screenings, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said yesterday. Noem said the end of the ritual put in place almost 20 years ago was immediately effective nationwide. She said a pilot programme showed the Transportation Security Administration had the equipment needed to keep airports and aircraft safe while allowing people to keep their shoes on.

“I think most Americans will be very excited to see they will be able to keep their shoes on, and it will be a much more streamlined process,” Noem said.

While shoe removal no longer is standard procedure at airport security checkpoints, some travelers still may be asked to take off their footwear “if we think additional layers of screening are necessary,” she added.

The travel newsletter

Gate Access first reported that the TSA planned to make the security screening

change soon.

Security screening sans shoes became a requirement in 2006, several years after “shoe bomber” Richard Reid’s failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in late 2001. All passengers between the ages of 12 and 75 were required to remove their shoes, which were scanned along with carry-on bags and other separated items such as outerwear. Travelers previously were able to skirt the requirement if they participated in the TSA PreCheck program, which costs around $80 for five years. The programme allows airline passengers to get through the screening process without taking off their shoes, belts or light jackets, and without having to take their laptops and bagged toiletries out.

PreCheck will remain the easier option for the time being since people going through regular screening stations still will have to put items besides shoes on a conveyor belt for scanning, Noem said.

IMPOSTER USES AI TO IMPERSONATE RUBIO

WASHINGTON Associated Press

THE State Department is warning US diplomats of attempts to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio and possibly other officials using technology driven by artificial intelligence, according to two senior officials and a cable sent last week to all embassies and consulates. The warning came after the department discovered that an impostor posing as Rubio had attempted to reach out to at least three foreign ministers, a US senator and a governor, according to the July 3 cable, which was first reported by The Washington Post. The recipients of the

scam messages, which were sent by text, Signal and voice mail, were not identified in the cable, a copy of which was shared with The Associated Press.

“The State Department is aware of this incident and is currently monitoring and addressing the matter,” department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters. “The department takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard its information and continuously take steps to improve the department’s cybersecurity posture to prevent future incidents.”

The hoaxes involving Rubio had been unsuccessful and “not very sophisticated,” one of the officials said.

A CAMP Mystic mailbox lies near the entrance to the camp along the banks of the Guadalupe River, Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas, after a flash flood swept through the area.

Photo: Julio Cortez/AP