woman & health
The Tribune Biggest And
Best!
Family grieves F or m om and daughter
Third person also dies after morning traffic collision
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunmedia.net
A MOTHER and her daughter were killed in a violent car crash early Saturday morning, a tragedy that has left their family struggling to cover burial costs. Yesterday, a third person in the car, a 33-year-old man, was also pronounced dead.
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Chinese embassy has challenged the United States to say whether it ever offered The Bahamas a competing loan for a new hospital, after the US criticised the Davis administration’s $195m agreement with Beijing.
Among those grieving is Guy Timber Louidor, who had moved to new Providence just two months ago to live with the women: his sister, natasha David, 41, and her daughter, nayka Saint Fleur, 24. He said he urged his niece not to go out Friday night, worried about a nearby shooting.
“Is there a US loan proposal at all on the table?” the embassy asked in a statement released yesterday, describing American concerns as “baseless and absurd”.
The sharp response came days after US chargé d’affaires Kimberly Furnish said Chinese investments
Sebas rejects pastor’s claim that he is trying to reinvent himself
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net
SEBAS Bastian has defended his role in the rise of the web shop industry, rejecting calls from a prominent pastor to repent for what the clergyman described as years of profiting off the poor.
His comments came in a letter to the editor published today, responding to an open letter from Pastor Lyall Bethel in Monday’s Tribune. The pastor urged Mr Bastian to repent for his role in legalised web shop gaming, describing it as a morally corrosive industry
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
A DIRECTOR on the Cannabis Authority says the authority’s work is moving too slowly. “Almost like everything in our country, it’s just slow, almost to a stop,” said Bishop Simeon Hall, who also served as co-chair of the former Marijuana Commission. He urged policymakers to consider small-time users. “Redeem the little
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
OPPOnEnTS of a proposed East Bay Street condo hotel and marina yesterday voiced suspicions it was “a done deal” after the project received its conditional go-ahead despite their protests. neighbours of the Grantanna Holdings development say the project is akin to “putting ten pounds of potatoes in a five-pound bag” with the land simply too small to contain all the proposed amenities.
Mother and daughter, Natasha David and Nayka Saint Fleur, pose together. Both were killed in a traffic collision early saturday morning.
PLP crime walkabout in Mount Moriah
Prime Minister Philip Davis, lead a crime walkabout through Major Road in the Mount Moriah constituency on Monday. The walkabout followed a town hall meeting held at CW Sawyer Primary School, where residents gathered to discuss growing concerns about crime and public safety in the area. While Prime Minister Davis addressed the audience, other officials in attendance included Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Wade Watson, and Mt Moriah MP McKell Bonaby. Following the meeting, the group proceeded on foot along Major Road, engaging with residents and observing conditions on the ground as part of the government’s continued efforts to promote safer communities through direct outreach and visibility.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Save Exuma Alliance calls for crackdown on reckless boating
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net
A GRASSROOTS coalition in the Exumas is calling on the Bahamian government to urgently crack down on reckless boating, citing a surge in dangerous incidents tied to the explosion of boat traffic around popular tourist attractions like the Swimming Pigs.
The Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) issued a sharp warning this week following a July 1 incident in which a man snorkelling just 20 feet from shore was struck by a speeding 20-foot Boston Whaler. The boat did not stop, but authorities have since seized the vessel and detained two suspects.
“We cannot stand by and allow reckless boaters, many of whom don’t know how to read the waters of The Bahamas and particularly the shallow banks of the Exumas to carry on as if they were on the I-95 speedway,” SEA said in a statement.
The victim, who sustained life-changing injuries, was rescued by bystanders and transported by truck to a local clinic before being airlifted to a hospital in the US.
This latest case, which drew international attention on CBS, is part of a troubling pattern. SEA says the rapid rise in tourism to the Exuma Cays, sparked in large part by the global fascination with the swimming pigs, has brought “literally dozens of boats” racing through areas clearly marked with No Wake signs and teeming with swimmers.
“They visit the sandbars, Thunderball Grotto, the Swimming Pigs at Big Majors, and often have their lunch at Blackpoint or Staniel Cay,” the group said. “But while there have been economic benefits, there are too many cases of captains operating at fast speeds very close to shorelines and right through anchorages.”
According to SEA, the dangerous boating practices have already led to multiple serious accidents. In March 2024, a US woman was killed and her husband critically injured when their dinghy was run over near Staniel Cay. A January 2023 crash near Pelican Point left eight people injured.
“These boats can run over 40 feet in length, powered by three or four outboard engines and carrying over 30
“We
cannot stand by and allow reckless boaters, many of whom don’t know how to read the waters of The Bahamas and particularly the shallow banks of the Exumas to carry on as if they were on the I-95 speedway.”
passengers,” the group noted. “They’ve been seen flying through the small cuts at Fowl Cay Resort and Little Sampson Cay, even though both places have No Wake signs clearly posted.”
SEA, whose members include major resorts and tour operators such as Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Embrace Resort, and Makers Air, is urging the government to act. “It is time to take the issue of boat safety far more seriously,” the statement read.
They propose enforcing mandatory boating tests, deploying community patrols, and installing more signage to ensure boats stay at least 200 feet from shore unless travelling at under 5 knots.
“We insist that every
Rahming: Bahamas won’t get in middle
PROPOSAL from page one
in the Caribbean “typically benefit elites, not the people”.
China dismissed the remarks and said its deal with The Bahamas came without political strings and at terms the US and others have yet to match.
“Can other countries provide loans to The Bahamas with terms as favourable as China’s?” the embassy asked, defending the hospital project as a response to the country’s healthcare needs, not geopolitical influence.
The diplomatic row follows the revelation that the government bypassed a British financing proposal earlier this year. The British High Commission told The Tribune the UK Export Finance had offered terms competitive with China’s, with the added advantage of compatibility with Western medical equipment and training systems.
UK officials said their proposal was well received, and that after delays in China’s offer, Prime Minister Philip Davis asked them to direct their pitch to the Minister of Health. But despite follow-ups, the
Davis administration ultimately declined to pursue the UK funding route.
Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister Latrae Rahming said yesterday the project was already too advanced by the time UK firms formally engaged, and reiterated the government’s position that China’s terms were “very favourable”.
He also responded to US criticism.
“We do not intend to get between the geopolitical fight of China and the United States,” he said. “The Prime Minister has been very clear that China has always been a partner in The Bahamas’ long-term economic development.”
The loan from the China Export-Import Bank will fund most of the $267m hospital, reduced from an initial $290m after a Chinese engineering review. It includes a 20-year repayment term at two percent interest with a five-year grace period. Officials say reinforced concrete will replace fire-resistant steel to reduce costs.
The facility — to be built on 50 acres in the Perpall Tract — will feature 200 beds, paediatric and maternal wards, intensive care
of geopolitical fight between US and China
units, emergency services, surgical theatres, diagnostic labs, and mass casualty infrastructure. Services currently housed at Princess Margaret Hospital will be shifted, allowing PMH to expand adult care.
Responding to claims the deal represented a “debt trap”, the Chinese Embassy said its loans account for only a small fraction of The Bahamas’ external debt and do not come with political conditions.
“The very Western countries that repeat the socalled ‘Chinese debt trap’ narrative are, in fact, the ones whose dominance of multilateral financial institutions and commercial lenders are the major creditors and sources of debt stress,” it said.
“China is a trustworthy friend and reliable partner of The Bahamas,” the
embassy added, citing hospital projects in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana as examples of cooperation that “involves no geopolitical calculations, seeks no spheres of influence, and imposes no political conditions.”
It called on the US to abandon “its outdated Cold War mentality and zero-sum game approach” and take “an open and inclusive attitude” toward China’s cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean nations. Environmental approvals for the hospital have been secured. Site prep is expected to begin within weeks. The government says it is still negotiating labour terms, aiming for a 50/50 split between Bahamian and Chinese workers with hopes of increasing the local share.
driver of a vehicle on the road take lessons and pass a very challenging
test before they are licensed,” the group said. “Yet we allow
people to hop in a boat and do whatever they want. This must stop.”
Chinese AmbAssAdor to the bAhAmAs YAn JiArong
A boAt that recently ran aground in the Exumas.
Dr Brown: Cannabis industry ‘cannot go live’ without platform to monitor it
fella with his little spliff,” he said.
Authority chairman Dr Lynwood Brown responded by saying the delay stems from the need to launch a comprehensive regulatory platform before going live. Without it, he warned, the system would lack control.
“You cannot go live.
You create a wild, wild scenario,” Mr Brown said.
He explained that the digital platform will connect every stage of the supply chain, from cultivators and manufacturers to dispensaries, ensuring that each seed and product is tracked.
“There’ll be no accountability if we allow it to go
forward without a platform to monitor it,” he said. He did not provide a launch date, noting that delays have occurred when external contractors failed to meet deadlines. When asked about people still being penalised for small amounts of cannabis, he said those matters are being addressed. Under the law, those with less than 30 grams of marijuana will receive a fixed penalty. Yesterday, cannabis advocate Glenwood Ferguson said the government has failed to properly educate the public or involve communities since the bill passed. He said he offered to help with outreach by
sharing his book, Cannabis: The Plans to Miss the Truth, and hosting informational town halls, but was ignored.
“I petitioned that they use my book as an educational piece,” Ferguson said. “Many, many countries have tapped into me… because they understand what attention I bring towards your country.”
He criticised the government for relying on foreign consultants instead of local experts and called for the immediate review of possession cases.
“We need to go in the database and we look to see who all are locked up for under one ounce,” he said. “We need to get them out of jail right
Ferguson also questioned the qualifications of authority staff and the
transparency of its budget, and said public interest remains high despite a lack of information.
Sebas: I have spent my life earning my good name
that exploits the poor and vulnerable.
“You preyed on the hopes of the poor to enrich yourself,” Pastor Bethel wrote.
“You are coming across as a predatory vampire, ‘sucking the blood of the sufferer,’ to quote Bob Marley.”
The pastor, who said he first met Mr Bastian more than a decade ago during the gambling referendum campaign, claimed the businessman was now trying to “buy a good name” as he eyes a potential seat in Parliament.
He warned that the political rise of web shop bosses amounted to a “takeover” of the system and urged Mr Bastian to renounce the industry entirely if he was serious about pursuing God’s will.
But Mr Bastian, in his letter, said he would not remain silent in the face of personal attacks.
“In any healthy democracy, dissenting voices are necessary,” he wrote. “But when commentary becomes personal, when it crosses from critique into condemnation, it warrants a response. Not out of anger, but out of responsibility.”
He rejected the suggestion that he is trying to reinvent himself to gain political favour.
“I do not need to ‘buy a good name.’ I have spent
my life earning mine, with discipline, with consistency, and across multiple industries,” he said. “I have built businesses, created jobs, navigated challenges,
and learned hard lessons. I wear my name with pride because I know what it cost to build it.”
“If my name unsettles you, I understand. This
is not new. Your public criticism dates back over a decade, and yet here we are, still debating my identity rather than my ideas. Still focused not on the work, but the man.”
While Pastor Bethel demanded Mr Bastian abandon the industry entirely, the businessman said he is not seeking to glorify gaming.
“I did not introduce it to this country. I inherited its existence,” he wrote.
“And while many looked the other way or quietly benefited from the status quo, I chose to confront it. I advocated for structure, regulation, player protections, and real accountability.”
Mr Bastian said his involvement brought order
to an unregulated space, a process that, he noted, was not accidental but required “vision, effort, and sacrifice”.
“This is not about defending an industry,” he said. “It is about defending a principle — that Bahamians, all Bahamians, should have the right to serve their country without being disqualified by bias, stigma, or legacy prejudice.” He accused critics of gatekeeping and applying moral standards inconsistently, pointing to the silence that surrounds foreignowned land-based casinos operating in plain sight.
“That selective morality does not go unnoticed,” he said.
Pastor Bethel’s letter portrayed Bastian’s success as the result of a system warped by political compromise. He questioned why former “numbers men” are now celebrated with titles, ambassadorships, and access to power, despite a national referendum in 2013 in which Bahamians voted against the legalisation of web shop gambling, a result that was later overturned by government policy.
Mr Bastian said the real issue is not his past, but long-standing resistance to people like him entering positions of power.
“This is about something older, deeper, and more familiar,” he wrote. “This is about who gets to speak, who gets to rise, and who is allowed to serve.”
He said he built his name without political lineage or favours and would not apologise for his success.
“I did not ask for permission to succeed. I worked. I created. I built. I served. I gave,” he said.
“I write this as a matter of public record — I will not revisit this topic again.”
Prison officer shoots man who oPened fire on him
A PRISON officer shot a man early yesterday morning at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services after the suspect allegedly opened fire on him.
The officer returned fire with his service weapon, striking the suspect, who then fled the scene.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact them.
Police said the incident occurred around 3am, when the officer spotted an unknown man on the prison compound. When confronted, the suspect reportedly drew a firearm and discharged several rounds at the officer.
“If I don’t just keep the page busy, people just fall deaf,” he said. “It’s like, is it really happening?”
Bishop simeon hall
seBas Bastian
Family member struggles with grief and burial costs
MOM AND DAUGHTER from page one
Hours later, both women were dead.
Mr Louidor, still adjusting to life in The Bahamas after spending most of his life in Haiti, said he feels lost and helpless — unfamiliar with the streets, overwhelmed by grief, and unable to cover the burial costs for his sister and niece.
He said a cousin in the family home sounded the alarm on Saturday morning after realising the women hadn’t returned. When repeated calls to their phones went unanswered, Mr Louidor feared the worst.
Police said the crash happened shortly after 4am at the junction of Baillou Hill Road and Kim’s Crescent. Two vehicles were involved. Mr Louidor said his sister was killed on impact, while her daughter died later. He was unsure who had been driving.
The 33-year-old man’s relationship to the mother and daughter is unclear. A fourth occupant in the car was taken to the hospital and has since been treated and discharged.
Ms David had lived in The Bahamas since 2010 and worked as a hairdresser. Her daughter, Mr Louidor said, loved to sing and write, and had dreams of becoming a social media influencer.
“I’m still thinking about that day,” Mr Louidor said.
“It’s kind of hard to imagine that I’m going to live without them.”
“It was the hardest day of my life and it’s still heavy.”
Bus driver acquitted of sex assault of 15-year-old girl
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 40-yeAR-oLD bus driver was acquitted yesterday of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl who had been reported missing in yamacraw estates in 2023.
Antion Thompson remained silent but composed as a jury returned a 7–1 verdict of not guilty on the charge of unlawful sexual intercourse.
After the verdict, Mr Thompson thanked Justice Dale Fitzpatrick, who presided over the trial, and was told he was free to go. Mr Thompson was accused of having sex with the teenage girl — whose name is being withheld due to her age — at his home in yamacraw on November 18, 2023. Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence.
His defence claimed he merely gave the girl and her friend a ride on the day of the alleged incident. Thompson also said he did not know the complainant, only her friend.
Before the verdict, Mr Thompson’s attorney, Domek Rolle, told the jury that the complainant was a “problem child” and a known runaway. He noted she had been missing for two days at the time of the alleged incident.
The complainant’s teenage friend — also unnamed because she is a minor — testified that Thompson had sex with the complainant in exchange for a favour. Her mother was present for her testimony.
The witness said she met Mr Thompson through a friend two years ago and identified him in court, referring to him as “Reds”. She testified that she called Mr Thompson on the night in question to pick up her and the complainant. He arrived in a purple #15 bus.
She said there was no party on the bus that night.
The court was shown a photo of Mr Thompson’s residence — a white house
with green trim — and a picture of the bus parked outside.
She claimed the two girls spent the night at the house, which she described as “abandoned”, with only two beds and a couch, and no running water. She said they used a jug to freshen up the next morning.
According to the witness, she asked Mr Thompson to call a boy, whom she liked, offering to do “anything” if he did. She claimed Mr Thompson then told her and the complainant to undress and perform oral sex on each other.
She alleged she saw Mr Thompson put his tongue on the complainant’s genitals before having sex with her.
During cross-examination, the witness said she had known the complainant for three years and considered her a best friend. She admitted visiting Mr Thompson’s house three or four times. When asked about the house being “abandoned”, she said it still had Mr Thompson’s belongings inside.
She denied Mr Rolle’s accusation that she was lying, insisting they boarded the bus at 11pm, not in the morning.
When asked why she didn’t call RJ herself, she said she had “pride” and preferred not to make the call.
Mr Rolle pressed her on why she remained in the room during the alleged sexual activity, accusing her of fabricating the story. The teen maintained she was telling the truth.
She denied claims that the ride had been arranged to meet boys or that she had taken other buses that day.
She testified that the boy eventually arrived after Mr Thompson called him, but said Mr Thompson pretended to have bus trouble as a cover.
She said the complainant performed oral sex on her while Mr Thompson watched, but denied returning the act. She said
she dressed and moved to the other side of the bed while Mr Thompson allegedly had sex with the complainant.
The witness said Mr Thompson later drove them to a mechanic, then to KFC at Marathon Mall, before dropping them off around 3pm.
She said they then took a bus to Winton and got a ride from someone who saw them walking. She ignored her mother’s calls because she was afraid to go home after being out for so long.
She testified that she returned home around 7pm on November 19 and found her mother and her brother’s father waiting outside. Her mother reportedly told her they couldn’t come inside because a missing person alert had been issued for the complainant.
The girls went to the police station shortly after and filed a complaint against Thompson.
She confirmed her mother knew Mr Thompson but denied her mother had arranged the ride. Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier led the prosecution.
Natasha DaviD Nayka saiNt Fleur
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-
Published daily Monday to Friday
Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207
TELEPHONES
News & General Information
(242) 502-2350
Advertising Manager (242) 502-2394
Circulation Department (242) 502-2386
Nassau fax (242) 328-2398
Freeport, Grand Bahama (242)-352-6608
Freeport fax (242) 352-9348
WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK
www.tribune242.com
@tribune242 tribune news network
Are we counting on miracles on our seas?
THE collision that Brent Slough was lucky to survive should never have happened.
Mr Slough was snorkelling in Exuma – just as many a Bahamian and many a tourist had done before him – when he was struck by a speeding boat, with its propeller ripping into his body.
Speaking to The Tribune last week, he said it was “a miracle” he survived. His case is shocking – yet the circumstances are not a shock. Too often, we have heard concerns about speeding vessels getting too close to swimmers. Too often, we have seen that right here in New Providence too – be it boats near beaches or jet skiers coming within the buoy lines at public beaches.
So we applaud the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA) for raising the alarm about reckless boating – and hope that others join their call.
“We cannot stand by and allow reckless boaters, many of whom don’t know how to read the waters of The Bahamas and particularly the shallow banks of the Exumas to carry on as if they were on the I-95 speedway,” SEA said in a statement.
Quite right. That is exactly how accidents happen, when boats move too quickly for the waters, and do not have the time to notice swimmers, divers, other vessels – and more than a few rocks they might end up on.
Over the years, The Tribune has reported on plenty of accidents at sea
– and some that should not be called accidents as they are the result of reckless behaviour.
Of course, what needs to be done is enforcement. That takes money and time. It takes patrols. It takes inspections. It takes an active interest in making sure people are safe rather than leaving it to be a free-for-all at sea.
As SEA says: “We insist that every driver of a vehicle on the road take lessons and pass a very challenging test before they are licensed. Yet we allow people to hop in a boat and do whatever they want. This must stop.”
Of course, some might express concerns that such a clampdown might harm tourism. Perhaps we might counter that those who do not care for the safety of others are tourists we do not want.
It ought to be perfectly possible for tourism and safety to co-exist – indeed, we know of many people who do not venture down to beaches because they are alarmed by fast-moving jet skis or inconsiderate boaters. Perhaps such measures might encourage more visitors rather than fewer.
Regardless, safety must be a foremost consideration. Mr Slough’s injuries should never have happened. He should have been safe swimming in that space. If we do not act, then others will share his fate – or worse. We cannot always count on miracles.
Immigration plan by Pintard ‘breath of fresh air’
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I SAT down and watched the Opposition leader’s press conference on immigration this weekend, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like someone actually sees what’s going on in this country and is serious about doing something about it. We’ve been talking about illegal immigration and shantytowns for years. Meanwhile, the problem has only gotten worse. As someone who owns property, I’ve watched the value go down and had to deal with the headache of trying to rent apartments when the surrounding
area is overcrowded and poorly kept. I’ve even had to turn away good tenants because they were scared of the conditions. It’s frustrating. You follow the law, pay your taxes, and try to build something, but there’s no protection. People just show up, build wherever they want, and the authorities either look the other way or pass the blame.
That’s why hearing Mr. Pintard lay out a full plan to clean up the system, hold people accountable, and finally bring some order was a breath of fresh air. I’m not saying everything will change overnight, but at least it
Sebas’ response to pastor
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I READ with interest Pastor Lyall Bethel’s recent letter in The Tribune, and I want to begin by thanking him sincerely for his many years of spiritual service to our country.
In any healthy democracy, dissenting voices are necessary. But when commentary becomes personal, when it crosses from critique into condemnation, it warrants a response. Not out of anger, but out of responsibility.
feels like there’s a direction now. A serious one.
I know immigration is a touchy subject. But we’ve reached a point where it’s affecting everyday life. Bahamians are not against people coming here the right way. But we are against being ignored in our own country. We just want fairness, structure, and a government that addresses our concerns.
It’s past time we stop ignoring the problem and passing the blame. I’m glad someone finally stood up and said it.
CONCERNED BAHAMIAN CITIzEN July 13, 2025.
I do not need to “buy a good name”. I have spent my life earning mine, with discipline, with consistency, and across multiple industries. I have built businesses, created jobs, navigated challenges, and learned hard lessons. I wear my name with pride because I know what it cost to build it.
If my name unsettles you, I understand. This is not new. Your public criticism dates back over a decade, and yet here we are, still debating my identity rather than my ideas. Still focused not on the work, but the man. But I am not responsible for the version of me that lives in your head. That is between you and your conscience.
The God I serve is the one who guided me through every rocky path and into every room I have ever entered. And I do not need to prove the strength of that relationship, certainly not to someone who would use the pulpit of public opinion to measure another man’s salvation. Some would argue that is not the value of our Christian faith.
I have said before and I will say it again. I am not here to glorify gaming. Like many industries, it has its flaws, and I will not pretend otherwise. But I did not introduce it to this country. I inherited its existence. And while many looked the other way or quietly benefited from the status quo, I chose to confront it. I advocated for structure, regulation, player protections, and real accountability. I helped
turn an unregulated space into a governed framework. That did not happen by accident. It required vision, effort, and sacrifice. And for the progress we have made, I stand proud. This is not about defending an industry. It is about defending a principle — that Bahamians, all Bahamians, should have the right to serve their country without being disqualified by bias, stigma, or legacy prejudice. Service should be measured by vision, character, and track record, not by assumptions rooted in decades-old narratives.
Because the truth is, this is not really about gambling. It is about something older, deeper, and more familiar. This is about who gets to speak, who gets to rise, and who is allowed to serve. We are not just debating policy. We are confronting a mindset that still tells some of us to know our place and be content with it. It is a mindset passed down from a system that told entire generations they were only meant to support, but never decide. To contribute, but never shape the direction of the country. To cheer from the stands, but never step on the field. That is not righteousness. That is control. And it has no place in the Bahamas we are trying to build. I did not come from political lineage. I did not inherit a platform. I did not ask for permission to succeed. I worked. I created. I built. I served. I gave. I continue to do all of that today. And I stand here with no apologies, only purpose. I also find it telling that those who criticise the loudest on this issue often fall quiet when it comes to the existence of land-based casinos in our capital, many of which are foreign-owned. Their revenues fuel the very hotels we hold up as
national pride. And yet, not a word. That selective morality does not go unnoticed.
But let us not stay stuck in the past. This country does not need more shouting. It needs more solutions. It needs people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and take on the real issues: crime, education, food security, digital transformation, affordable housing, and generational wealth creation.
It needs people who are not afraid to think differently, serve differently, and be judged by their impact, not their pedigree. If I ever chose to enter frontline politics, it would not be because someone gave me permission. It would be because I believe I can serve at a high level, because I see where my experience adds value, and because I am convicted by the belief that Bahamians deserve more and better. And as for the young man you met more than a decade ago, I have grown. I have matured. I have made mistakes and learned from them. Today, I am a wiser man who understands that a good name cannot be bought. And that is why I am so at peace with the name I carry today. It is not just mine. It is a symbol. A symbol to every young Bahamian who may not come from the right family, the right school, or the right neighborhood. A symbol that even when the system does not favour you, purpose still finds you. That you can rise, even when others hope you fall. And that prosperity is still possible, even when everyone is not rooting for you.
Because the future of The Bahamas will not be decided by gatekeepers. It will be built by people with vision, humility, and the courage to serve.
I write this as a matter of public record – I will not revisit this topic again.
To whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48)
SEBAS BASTIAN July 14, 2025.
Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net
The lighT house at Hog Island (now known as Paradise Island). Photo: Deanna lewis
WSC looks to halve 3 million gallons lost in leaks by end of next year
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is currently losing more than three million gallons of water per day but is aiming to cut that figure in half by the end of next year, according to Devon Wilmott, WSC’s waste manager.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Mr Wilmott said the water losses are primarily due to theft, inaccurate metering, and leaks caused by pressure-related and infrastructural issues.
To address the problem, he said the WSC signed a performance-based contract with MIYA Bahamas in 2012, which significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced water losses across New Providence.
He said at the time, the corporation was losing more than 6.8 million gallons of water per day, but by 2019, that figure had been reduced to under two million. However, due
to various factors, daily losses have since risen to 3.16 million gallons per daily.
“We’re working hard to push that even further, with the goal of reaching 1.5 million by the end of 2026,” he said. “Thanks to this initiative, we’ve already saved over 16 billion gallons of water and that translates to an estimated $138m in savings and water purchases.”
He added that officials have also seen a significant boost in billed water revenue, increasing from 5.02 million gallons in 2012 to 8.43 million gallons today.
As part of the initiative, more than 15,000 service laterals have been replaced, while approximately 4,700 outdated connections were disconnected.
The corporation has also established 32 pressure zones across New Providence to better detect leaks and manage water pressure more efficiently.
Officials have also seen an improvement in
Man charged with firing gun in police officer’s presence
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted bail after being accused of firing a gun in the presence of a police officer in New Providence last month.
Mario Meadows, 61, was arraigned before Magistrate Lennox Coleby on a charge of wantonly discharging a firearm.
Prosecutors allege that Meadows discharged the weapon to the annoyance of Police Constable 4486 Reo Thompson on June 30.
The defendant pleaded not guilty. Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie, serving as the prosecutor, raised no objection to bail.
Bail was set at $6,000 with one or two sureties.
As part of his bail conditions, Meadows must sign in at Elizabeth Estates Police Station every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday by 6pm. He is expected to return to court on July 16. Nathan Smith represented the accused.
Man accused on Gun, a MMo and druG possession charGe
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN has been remanded to prison after he was allegedly found with a firearm and cocaine earlier this month in New Providence.
Romell Poitier, 30, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley on charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
Poitier was charged alongside Shanae Stubbs, 30, in relation to the firearm offences.
The pair were allegedly found with a black 9mm Taurus pistol and ten rounds of ammunition on July 4. Poitier was also allegedly found with
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to two years in prison for receiving a stolen car last month.
Nesley Tilme, 32, and Tanaj Thompson, 38, were arraigned before Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms on charges of stealing and receiving.
The pair allegedly stole a burgundy 2014 Toyota Corolla, valued at $7,000, from Paul Roberts on June 28 in New Providence. Tilme was also accused of
response time, with over 70 percent of our leaks are repaired within two days.
“Every gallon we recover is a gallon we don’t have to purchase or produce, which helps us control costs and invest in other parts of our system and third, it boosts our operational efficiency. We’re using better data, acting faster and getting ahead of the problem before they become major issues,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Wilmott said the corporation will soon assume full control of its non-revenue water (NRW) management from Miya Bahamas.
He noted that later this month, the corporation will launch a consultancy study to assess NRW levels across the Family Islands. By early next year, officials plan to award a contract for NRW-related work outside of New Providence.
In the long term, he said WSC hopes to establish a Centre of Excellence for NRW management in The Bahamas by 2027.
a quantity of cocaine that same day.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Inspector Deon Barr, the prosecutor, did not object to bail for Stubbs, noting that she had no prior convictions. However, he objected to bail for Poitier, citing his previous convictions and arguing that the new charges marked an escalation in his criminal behaviour.
Poitier was denied bail and remanded to prison. Stubbs was granted bail in the amount of $7,500 with one or two sureties. As part of her bail conditions, she must sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station every Friday by 6pm. The trial is set to begin on September 10. Ryszard Humes represented the accused.
receiving the same vehicle during that time.
Both men pleaded not guilty to the stealing charge, but Tilme pleaded guilty to receiving.
The court heard that Tilme had a previous conviction for stealing in 2024, for which he served a twomonth prison sentence. He was sentenced to two years in prison for the current offence.
Thompson was denied bail and remanded to prison until his trial begins on September 27.
Sergeant 2257 Wilkinson served as the prosecutor.
Politics is not time for nursery rhymes, it’s serious business
Politics is not the time for nursery rhymes. it is not “one two buckle my shoe, three four shut the door”, or “goosey gander, where should i wander”, which are for kids and should not be allowed to enter politics. Politicians must refrain from stale humour to convince intelligent people that the presentations have some seriousness, expecting people to buy the jokes. it is disrespectful and politically suicidal if anyone thinks that the Bahamian people can be tricked with utter foolishness this time.
it’s high time we raised the bar for those vying to be candidates in our parliament. Political organisations should make it a non-negotiable requirement that potential candidates undergo thorough psychological evaluations. this is not just a formality but a crucial step to ensure that those who seek to represent us are mentally sound, emotionally stable, and capable of handling the intense pressures of debate, campaigning, the ongoing demands of public service and potential defeat. this measure is not just a formality, but a reassurance that our potential representatives are fit for the job.
Politicians are servants sent to do our bidding and should not do so flippantly.
When we tune in to the Parliamentary channel, we often witness not a healthy debate but a verbal battlefield. the personal insults and crude innuendos hurled at each other have no place in our political discourse. our children are watching and are not impressed. We must demand a more respectful and dignified exchange of ideas that our children, the future voters, can look up to and learn from. this is not just a wish, but a call to action for a more civil and constructive political environment, giving us hope for a better future for our
FACING REALITY
By Ivo I ne Ingraham
children. serious suggestions in the best interest of all Bahamians should not be treated frivolously. some of us are or grew up in youth organisations, where we learned how to debate, execute, and gain an advantage. We know a thing or two. But discipline, self-respect, and respect for other people’s opinions could be the foundation for debate.
However, from observation of the many debates shown live on television, there is a disappointment in the behaviour that speaks to an obnoxious level of irresponsibility. our impressionable youth copy this behaviour, thinking one must become combative and lose selfrespect to get the point across. But neither is necessary because if one is skilled enough, they would use tactics that can be seen and heard clearly, which is what “ring generals” do. so, in the upcoming processes to select candidates and revisit the present members, a psychological evaluation must be part of the criteria needed to qualify, even to be a candidate, which indicates we are serious about the calibre of individuals we want in our parliament. We must settle for no less than the best among us to act on our behalf, who are working for us, so we should hire someone
with the gravitas to be in that position. No longer should the most popular be selected because we would be comfortable with our peers just like us; therefore, anyone would fall through the cracks.
Hiring the best for the job is paramount; otherwise, how could we complain if we picked someone we knew before who could not cut the mustard? How could we complain we were shortchanged when we selected someone about whom we had many unanswered questions in the beginning?
We have a saying that after we make a grave mistake, we say, “one mind tells me don’t do that”, but we don’t follow that mind, which is a fact that your spirit is directing you. if your spirit is unsettled now, you are making the wrong choice. Your spirit is never wrong; it is when you employ your mind to devise why you should dismiss your spirit and rely on the human mind, which has failed you countless times before.
We are in the driver’s seat; we determine who speaks for us. if we get carried away with fairy tales and nursery rhymes, we deserve to live in la la land.
We call this the “silly season”, a term that describes the period leading up to elections when political discourse often becomes more heated and less rational. But surprisingly, some take “silly” seriously, which is a cause for concern.
Face reality: We all have reservations about politicians, so the least we could do to satisfy our curiosities is to examine them to see if they have all of their marbles, meaning if they are mentally sound and competent. Nothing more, nothing less. the behaviour in parliament often leaves a lot to be desired, with personal attacks and disrespectful language overshadowing the critical issues.
PrIme mInIster PhIlIP ‘Brave’ DavIs
Relations back on track for old allies
Britain and France were in the news last week with the state visit of President Macron to London. it was the first such visit to the UK by the leader of a European Union country since Britain left the bloc in 2020.
in modern times, some people believe that there is less need for traditional such state visits, because of the regular top-level exchanges and international meetings that are made possible by today’s ease of communications and of travel. But the symbolic value of these visits remains important as a formal expression at the highest level of friendly bilateral relations between two sovereign states.
Such visits also help to reinvigorate the relationships between the countries concerned at all levels and stimulates co-operation across the board; including, for example, in diplomacy, defence and security, trade, the arts, sport and tourism. in Britain, the monarch, as the nation’s constitutional head of state, is the host for a state visit but acts on the advice of the government.
President Macron, amidst all the pomp and pageantry for which Britain is justifiably famous, was received with traditional welcoming ceremony and a procession in open horse-drawn carriages; and one of the highlights was a grand state banquet at which both heads of state delivered formal speeches. according to reports, the Macron visit was designed to be a symbol of Britain’s
The Peter Young column
desire to reset relations with individual member states after leaving the EU which had caused some rancour. an important indication of a new era of bilateral relations with France was the president’s formal address to both Houses of Parliament in a joint session. there were also separate discussions about political and economic issues and matters of mutual interest, including immigration, in what was termed a mini -summit with prime minister Keir Starmer. reportedly, Ukraine was high on the agenda and, particularly, the joint efforts by Britain and France to create a “coalition of the willing” to provide a post-ceasefire security force. this would underpin new local conditions following cessation of hostilities, despite apparent US indifference to the idea and russia’s refusal to end the war. there was, too, a
joint announcement of a new defence relationship that will, for the first time, coordinate the two countries’ independent nuclear deterrence systems. the two leaders described this as an historic deal that aimed to protect Europe from threats amid growing uncertainty over the US commitment to European security.
Significantly, in his address to parliament the French president celebrated a return of closer ties between France and the UK and stressed that the two countries must work together to end “excessive dependency” on the US and China. they should, he said, strengthen Europe in various different ways, not least in relation to defence – as shown in the nuclear co-operation just announced – immigration, climate change and trade, in order to help Europe as a whole play an important role in global affairs. He also spoke of the importance of European countries never abandoning Ukraine and the pressing need to work for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. the separate bilateral meetings mentioned above included exchanges on the thorny issue of stopping migrants crossing the English Channel from France in small boats in a bid to settle in the UK illegally. the two countries have been at odds over this for some while so it was encouraging that an agreement was reached, and the details were announced by both leaders at a press conference. Given that immigration
is a major political topic in the UK – and is of particular interest here in the Bahamas because of illegal immigration from Haiti – it might be worth writing separately about this agreement in today’s column. Since leaving the EU, British government ministers have consistently maintained that this action was taken in order to respect the wishes of the people as expressed in the nation’s 2016 Brexit referendum. But the UK had quit the institution of the EU, not Europe as such of which it was still very much a part, not least geographically and historically. it wished to continue to co-operate as extensively as possible with
its European partners and friends; and this meant nurturing close and mutually beneficial relations with the individual countries of the bloc. in his speech of welcome at the state banquet, King Charles christened the new era of friendly relations with France an “entente amicale”. He welcomed this, with a characteristic touch of humour, as an “upgrade” of the existing “entente cordiale” which was an unwavering alliance that went back as far as 1904 and which had ended centuries of military rivalries.
Historians say that it was the entente cordiale that formed the basis of angloFrench co-operation in the
First World War. they also say, somewhat sardonically, that it may be wise to refrain from too much discussion of the rivalries referred to that characterised earlier centuries, since these included the actions of English monarchs in laying claim to the throne of France – and they mention the Hundred Years’ War, a prolonged conflict between England and France during the 14th and 15th centuries. But all that is in the distant past. France is Britain’s closest neighbour and an old ally. What welcome news it is that bilateral relations have been demonstrably strengthened following last week’s state visit.
Anglo-French agreement to control migrants
in writing on this page about President Macron’s state visit to Britain last week, i have mentioned the controversial subject of immigration and a deal he and prime minister Keir Starmer had reached on immigration. this was in a bid to stop migrants making the hazardous journey from France across the English Channel in small and grossly overloaded boats, typically, inflatable rubber dinghies. Over the years, there have been various agreements between Britain and France about how to handle the so-called boat people. With the help of payments from the UK government, the French authorities agreed to step up patrols – of the beaches regularly used by people smugglers – in an effort to disrupt the activities of the gangs concerned. But such action has largely failed. in 2024, approximately 37,000 would-be migrants crossed the Channel in
small boats. More than 20,000 have undertaken the journey during the first six months of this year, which is double the number in the same period last year. Dozens have died attempting the crossing. the British government have pledged to smash the smuggling gangs but have been looking to the French police to be more active and forceful in stopping the boats from starting their journey in the first place. Unsurprisingly, therefore, the British authorities welcomed the recent action by the French police in slashing some rubber dinghies with knives.
During talks in Downing Street about this important issue, Macron and Starmer pledged to “apply our collective strength” to handle the problem of undocumented migration through this dangerous English Channel route. the two leaders announced at a press conference a “one-in-one-out”
ANNIVERSARY OF BRITAIN’S 9/11
LaSt week, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist bombing attacks in London was marked by a memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral and a separate one in Hyde Park. there were also commemorative events held across the capital including at the sites of the bombings. Fifty-two people were killed and almost 800 more injured when four suicide bombers struck the capital’s transport network on July 7, 2005. these bombings in London have become known as 7/7 and been called Britain’s 9/11 although not on the same scale as the tragic event of the atrocity of the suicide bombing of the twin towers in new York in 2001. Last Wednesday was described as the “solemn anniversary of an act of terror inflicted on our city”, and at the St Paul’s service the names of the fifty-two
who lost their lives were read out individually – as has been the custom each year in new York. in a heartfelt message to mark this anniversary, King Charles spoke of the “senseless act of evil” and called on people to remember the countless stories of “extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day”. He also spoke of the need for unity in a country where people can live together with mutual respect and understanding. Whatever views people may have about divided communities in today’s Britain, 7/7 was an act of terrorism and should be condemned as that, so that expressions of the need for unity should not simply be dismissed. Meanwhile, it is heartening to note from the UK press that people find it uplifting that such terrible events are always properly commemorated.
migrant deal aimed at deterring them from crossing the Channel in small boats. the agreement will see failed asylum-seekers returned to France for the first time. France has now agreed to take back asylum seekers who have crossed over to the UK but have been unable to prove a family connection there. For each migrant France takes back, the UK will grant asylum to one migrant from France who is able to prove such a family connection. it remains to be seen how this will work out in practice. the Labour government is calling it a ground breaking agreement. But critics are saying already that it appears to be hopelessly limited in scope and is unlikely to have much, if any,
deterrent effect. the numbers, they say, are likely to be small compared to the masses of people involved. Moreover, the process of proving family connections will probably be subject to abuse.
But others say that it is at least a small step forward in what has been an intractable problem so far. nonetheless, doubts have been raised already because the French say that the agreement is “subject to legal verification” – presumably by the EU Commission.
Britain, which is seen as a generous welfare state, remains a magnet for migrants. French officials are on record as saying the country does not enforce properly its own immigration laws and
needs to crack down on illegal workers. according to the latest polls in the UK, immigration and asylum have become the most significant issues of concern to voters, and the UK press is now warning that, if effective action is not taken soon, the government could be in real trouble.
Meanwhile, i spotted a press report recently that former US secretary of state and Democratic presidential nominee in 2004, John Kerry, has told a BBC journalist that the Democrats made a mistake on immigration by allowing the US-Mexico border to be “under siege” during the Biden presidency. reportedly, Kerry is now suggesting that this pro-immigration policy
allowed republicans – not least, of course, trump himself – to gain considerable political advantage and damaged the Democrats’ chances in the most recent elections. He has gone on to say that any president should made clear explicitly that, without a border protected, “you don’t have a country”.
For many, the irony of this is all too obvious. it is the same wording used by trump on the campaign trail. Could this perhaps herald the beginning of an end to the Democrats’ advocacy of more relaxed US immigration laws and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented migrants – at least for those who survive the current crackdown?
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron, host a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing during a joint military visit to the Northwood Headquarters, in London, on Thursday.
Photo: Leon Neal/AP
Munroe Pinder AwA rds s till Fuelling s tudents’ d re AM s
It’s been a decade since the nation was shaken by the loss of giants Dr Myles Munroe, Dr Richard Pinder, and their fellow passengers on a tragic flight to Grand Bahama. though their journey ended that day, their vision lives on stronger, louder, and brighter than ever.
One of the most enduring flames of that legacy is the Munroe-Pinder trust scholarship Awards, a beacon of hope for Bahamian youth striving toward higher education. On thursday, July 3, at Government House, those flames flickered brilliantly once more. Under the patronage of Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt, Governor General, the latest cohort
of Munroe-Pinder award recipients was honored in a ceremony filled with pride and purpose. the evening opened with a rousing call to action by Ethan Moss, Director of the Awards, who challenged parents and leaders alike to invest deeply in the futures of our children. His message set the tone for what was to come - not just an awards ceremony - but a living tribute to legacy. then came music that stirred the soul courtesy of Mr Akeem Gardiner, National Gospel Award winner, who delivered both the National Anthem and a musical tribute that had hearts full and heads lifted. Reagan Moxey, Primary
school student of the Year, brought youthful wisdom to the evening with an address that reminded every adult in the room of the power of believing in young people even before they believe in themselves.
Among the ten Munroe Pinder Foundation scholarship Award finalists were: Cydney turnquest, Daunte Butler, Lester Arnett, and Cordal Ramsey Jr. Four students received financial scholarships, while six were gifted electronic devicesessential tools for digital success in today’s learning landscape. But the spotlight was also on the “shining stars” - former scholarship recipients whose progress since earning the award in 2024 is commendable.
SUMMER FilM WoRk ShoP
YOUNG filmmakers wrapped up the Light Culture Action summer Film Workshop with an unexpected twist: a fast-paced, barefoot scavenger hunt inspired by traditional bush medicine and their own screenplays. the challenge, called “the Bush Medicine Quest,” was the final event of the youth workshop.It was a collaboration between Blended
Creations and tellabration. Participants raced to identify and collect ingredients from native Bahamian plants to “brew” fictional elixirs drawn from their scripts. Caerwyn turnquest placed first, followed by Vesper Cepeda, and Maria in third . the summer programme focused on storytelling, scriptwriting, acting, and filmmaking. Its final day
merged traditional knowledge with storytelling in a hands-on experience that challenged students to think visually and work collaboratively, off the screen and into nature.
From crafting scripts to foraging under the gum elemi tree, students learned that compelling stories can grow from the roots of their own cultureand sometimes, the best scenes happen off set.
sierra Miller, 2024 top winner, is currently a sophomore at tennessee state University, pursuing a Bs in Architectural Engineering with dreams of becoming a structural engineer. A President’s and Dean’s List scholar, she is a member of the tsU Honors College, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor society, tri-Alpha, and the National society of Black Engineers, and serves as Fundraising Chair of the Architectural Engineering Institute. she also serves as Historian-Elect for the group sisters in Different shoes. sierra is proof that the scholarship doesn’t just support dreams, it builds them. Kyrah Miller is a freshman at the University of the
Ozarks. Kyrah is majoring in chemistry with a focus in pharmaceutical studies. she closed out her first semester with a spot on the Dean’s List, making academic waves at her university from the start.
Fredrea Laing is a freshman on a mission, studying Computer science with double minors in Cybersecurity and Mathematics. With tech transforming the world daily, she’s determined to be part of that transformation.
De’Anthoni Coakley, a 2023 recipient and Maleah Wilchcombe, a 2024 servant leadership awardee, continue to represent the spirit of the Munroe-Pinder mission through their steady commitment to academic
and personal excellence. As the ceremony neared its close, Pastor Ricardo Dean, founder of the Munroe-Pinder Awards, reflected on what the two late church leaders might say if they were present: “I think they would be elated. ten years has been quite a journey, not just honoring them but also giving awards to students.
We want this to be a movement, pay it forward, invest in our brightest and best.”
From the sorrow of the loss of two great spiritual leaders, has bloomed a garden of potential cultivated through vision, faith, and the unwavering belief that greatness still lives in the hearts of our youth.
BNSS SUMMER CAMP
Seventeen students, boys and girls aged 12 to 16, kicked off the Bahamas national Sailing School (BnSS) summer camps with an exciting two-week session in partnership with LJM Maritime Academy. After a brief pause due to funding, the collaoration returned stronger than ever.
Students gained hands-on experience sailing Optimist,
Sunfish, and Nomad sailboats, learning how to read the wind and waves while enjoying the beauty of Bahamian waters.
More students will have the chance to join BnSS through three upcoming two-week sessions starting July 14, July 28, and August 5. Sponsorships are available for government school students upon request.
After summer camp, students can continue their sailing
journey by joining BnSS fall programmes, which offer after-school and Saturday lessons based on skill level.
Students with competitive ambitions can participate in the Optimist national Championships scheduled for October 4-5. BnSS remains the Bahamas’ first community-based sailing program open to all youth.
MYSC holds summer camp at Stephen Dillet Primary School
Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears speaks as kids and Volunteers of the constituency gear up for the 25th annual summer camp to introduce them to life skills and develop themselves at TG Glover Primary School yesterday.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
Minister of Youth Sports and Culture (MYSC) Mario Bowleg yesterday visited a summer camp at Stephen Dillet, one of several different camps held by MYSC across the country, to see how they are progessing.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr