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‘public should fund political parties’

Former PM: Pay up as part of reform to campaign finance

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis says the public purse should help fund political parties as part of campaign finance reform.

He said parties that meet certain thresholds, like winning a percentage of the vote or securing seats in Parliament, should qualify as viable and be eligible for public money.

He told reporters yesterday: “I’m just picking a figure; they are entitled to, let’s say, a quarter-million-dollar subsidy per year. That subsidy is utilised to pay the staff and for them to establish an inhouse library or museum with the history of their political organisation so that our students can have access to this information. I think that in itself is a form of campaign finance reform, starting just with subsidy.”

Dad faces charges after his two children allegedly found starving

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

young children wandering the streets and eating from garbage bins.

A MAN was arraigned yesterday on charges of child cruelty after authorities allegedly found his two

The 39-year-old man, whose name is being withheld to protect the identities of the minors, appeared before Assistant

Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on two counts of cruelty to children. He is accused of neglecting his six- and nine-year-old children and

Mitchell: General election at least a year away

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell says he doesn’t expect the next general election to go all the way to October 26, 2026, the final date of the current parliamentary mandate, but believes it’s “at least a year” away. “The mandate runs out

in October of 2026,” he told constituents at a recent PLP branch meeting in Fox Hill. “I do not expect that it could go to October 26, but I think it is probably not going to go right out to the end. I think we have at least a year before the election is called.”

Mr Mitchell, who also serves as Minister of

YEARS of

try’s 49th murder of the year.

Gedeonn, his mother, believes her son was pursued by people who had been holding a

PLP chairman Fred Mitchell. photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

parliament for Killarney Dr Hubert Minnis in the House of assembly yesterday. photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Proud moment for DJ Ovadose as he is sworn in as a cultural ambassador

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

DJ Ovadose was officially sworn in yesterday as a cultural ambassador for The Bahamas. The popular Bahamian DJ –– real name Jasper Thomas –– has built a massive following over the years. He began his career at age 11.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg conducted the swearingin ceremony in the House of Assembly’s Minority Room.

Mr Davis thanked DJ Ovadose for accepting the role and reaffirmed his commitment to identifying cultural figures who promote The Bahamas authentically. He recalled meeting DJ Ovadose as a young boy and said his musical talent continues to resonate across generations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DJ Ovadose was praised for his live online DJ mixes, which lifted spirits as Bahamians remained indoors under emergency regulations.

Mr Bowleg noted that many Bahamians began

following the entertainer during that period.

DJ Ovadose described the moment as surreal.

“About four years ago, people were giving me this title of Bahamian ambassador because I was one of the few to really be fortunate to represent our country on an international stage,” he said. “Just throughout those years, I’ve unofficially accepted it, and now today, to see this dream come true is just a blessing.”

He offered a message to young dreamers and thanked those who have supported him along the way.

“I’m just happy for this moment, and I’m proud to be Bahamian, proud to be here,” he said. “Let’s just continue doing the great work and showing everybody how great The Bahamas is.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and Jasper Thom-

as aka DJ Ovadose during the swearing-in of the Mr Thomas as Cultural Ambassador in the Majority Room of House of Assembly yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis shakes hands with Jasper Thomas - aka DJ Overdose.

Nassau

Wife offers tribute to officer after fatal crash

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE wife and a former colleague of Police Sergeant Michael Lockhart Jr, a father of six killed in a car crash on Queen’s Highway in Eleuthera on Tuesday, remembered him yesterday as a devoted family man and respected officer.

In a statement to The Tribune, Pharcina Cash Lockhart honoured her husband as “a loyal son, husband and father”.

“Those who know him personally speak of a man who leads with humility, grounds

his values in faith, and always puts his family first,” she said.

“His strength of character at home mirrors the same values he upholds in uniform: respect, discipline, compassion and resilience.”

She also reflected on his time in the Flying Squad, where he was often on the frontlines of high-risk operations. She said his “firm but fair” approach earned him respect on the streets and admiration among peers.

That admiration was evident in the words of Rashad Smith, a friend and former colleague who spoke with Sgt Lockhart just hours before his death.

“I just spoke with him the morning off because they had an operation in Hatchet Bay… never realising that would’ve been my last hail to him,” Mr Smith said.

The two met during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, working together as COVID ambassadors, and forming a lasting bond.

“If you had a bad day and he comes around, you could sure know that your day is going to change. Your atmosphere is going to change,” he said. “It was a great opportunity to work with him and to work alongside with him.”

‘I know in myself I wouldn’t have seen my son no more’

against him since his teenage years. She recalled an incident months earlier in which he was attacked while walking to a shop.

“Couple months back, he said he was walking to the shop one day and they pull up on him and beat him dead bad but a bystander end up seeing him and carry him to the station and report it,” she said at the murder scene yesterday.

“Then after that they come after him but he said the police catch them in time; they had gun and everything in the car to eliminate him but he said they have a wybe with him from school time and they ain’t letting it go.”

Ms Gedeonn said the threats never stopped, even after her son was recently released from custody for

an undisclosed reason.

She said she usually spoke to her son every morning, and when he didn’t return home Monday night, she immediately felt something was wrong.

“This morning, I get up I was suppose to call him. I does call him every morning. I sit down to catch myself to work. When I get up, that’s when my daughter call me, tell me my son ain’t come home from last night. My chest start to hurt. I had this pain I never had before and I know in myself I wouldn’t have seen my son no more.”

Ms Gedeonn described her son as quiet and selfless, saying he never bothered anyone and would give her his last dollar, even if it meant walking from his home to Minnie Street.

“I love my child,” she said. “To see he dead like that, you don’t even shoot a

dog like that or treat a dog like that, and that hurt me because I still don’t believe that’s my son right there.”

Charmaine, Marshall’s sister, said the family was alerted by a friend who had heard Wayne had been attacked while walking home.

She said after getting the message, she called their mother and told her he hadn’t slept at home and no one had seen him. As they tried to figure out what had happened, police confirmed a body had been found dead in the bushes. She said the loss was painful despite their ups and downs, because he was still her brother, and she loved him.

Police press liaison Chief Superintendent Sheria King said it was unclear how long the body had been in the bushes before it was found.

Pharcina Cash Lockhart pictured here with her husband Police Sargeant Michael Lockhart Jr.

Police Sargeant Michael Lockhart Jr.

‘Parties would need to meet certain thresholds like vote percentage to be eligible for subsidy’

Dr Minnis did not say whether public subsidies should come with limits or bans on private donations, which are widely believed to wield outsized influence in Bahamian politics. In 2012, then-Prime Minister Perry Christie said campaign financing had sunk to “repugnant” and sometimes “criminal” levels. He, like his predecessors and successors, took no action to reform the system.

Public subsidies for political parties are common in countries like Sweden, Austria, Canada, and Australia. In some cases, public money makes up the bulk of a party’s funding, with the goal of reducing reliance on wealthy donors and curbing their influence over political decisions.

In Canada and Australia, funding is tied to votes received. Private donations

are still allowed, but typically come with disclosure rules.

Last year, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis acknowledged the role public funds play in financing election campaigns in other countries.

“If you check and benchmark where campaign financing is in the law in various countries, you’ll find that a part of the access to campaign financing is from the public purse,” he said. “Should I put that payment on people at this time? I don’t know.”

Last week, Mr Davis said his administration will not bring campaign finance legislation before the next election, despite the PLP pledging to do so in its last manifesto.

As opposition leader in 2020, he slammed Dr Minnis for failing to follow through on the same promise, calling it proof that his government was built on

“empty promises and political expediency”.

When asked about his failure to fulfuill his promise in late 2020, Dr Minnis said: “I got seven more years. We’re working on it.”

Mr Davis, at the time, called that response hypocritical.

In 2016, ahead of a general election, then Prime Minister Perry Christie said campaign finance reform was not on his agenda despite previously calling the status quo “repugnant”.

In 2011, then Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham signalled he did not support campaign finance legislation, arguing they were ineffective even in countries that had them.

“What they spend on elections in the United States is unbelievable, and they have campaign finance laws,” he said. “You cannot legislate honesty. The dishonest would be dishonest no matter what you do.”

‘However they split Killarney, I will win’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister and Killarney MP

Dr Hubert Minnis says he supports the idea of splitting his constituency to reflect population growth, calling it a “viable option”.

He insists such a change would not weaken his electoral prospects.

“However they split it, I will win,” he said. “Let’s

leave it as that. I, capital I, will, capital W-I-L-L, win. W-I-N.”

Dr Minnis said voter numbers in Killarney had already been high during the last election and have since increased further, making the case for a division.

The comments come as the Constituencies Commission prepares to recommend adjustments to electoral boundaries ahead of the next general election.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis recently acknowledged that voter numbers are out of balance in “one or two” New Providence constituencies and said the matter requires “an anxious look” to determine whether boundaries should be redrawn.

Last month, Dr Minnis revealed he plans to run in the next general election even though the FNM will not nominate him for a seat.

MinniS: real iMMigration threat iS

greed and corruP t baha MianS

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis says the real threat to immigration enforcement in The Bahamas isn’t porous borders — it’s greed and corruption among Bahamians themselves.

In comments that subtly distanced him from Opposition Leader Michael Pintard’s harsh criticism of the Davis administration over what he has called an “immigration crisis,” Dr Minnis said the country must “face reality” about who is truly at fault.

“Immigrants are not the problem,” he told reporters. “You can’t do the same thing over and over and expect the same results.”

While acknowledging long-standing calls for more border resources, Dr Minnis said the real issue are corrupt practices among Bahamians who enable illegal migration for personal gain.

“They put a few dollars

in the application,” he said bluntly. “They know exactly where to go, who to see. Those are the problems. Until we deal with the problems, nothing will happen. We are the problem.”

Dr Minnis said existing immigration laws are sufficient, but remain poorly enforced. He criticised both the Progressive Liberal Party and his own Free National Movement for failing to enforce them consistently, though he reminded reporters that court rulings blocked his administration from demolishing shanty towns, which the Davis administration has done.

He also drew a stark comparison between Bahamians’ behaviour abroad and at home, saying the same people who follow laws in the United States routinely flout them in The Bahamas due to a lack of enforcement.

“I watched Bahamians on a flight with me to the USA. They were law-abiding citizens. They understand the law,” he

said. “What’s the difference here? The difference is we refuse to enforce it.”

Dr Minnis also aimed Parliament’s obsession with legislative output, saying both major parties are more focused on political “bragging rights” than actual governance.

“You don’t have the resources. You don’t put the manpower in place. You don’t put the finances in place to deal with it. You don’t enforce it,” he said.

His comments come days after Mr Pintard accused the Davis administration of overseeing a politicised and corrupt immigration system, promising sweeping reforms under an FNMled government.

In response, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe defended the administration’s track record, highlighting the repatriation of 13,000 migrants over the past four years and a historic low of 50 detainees at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

Killarney MP: Seba S iS a ‘reSPectable individual’ who ha S the right to PurSue P olitical office

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has defended Island Luck co-founder Sebas Bastian’s right to pursue political office, calling him a “respectable individual” who should not be denied opportunities available to other Bahamians.

“He’s a Bahamian,” Dr Minnis said. “Yes, he may have dealt in other types of business before, but now he’s dealing with legitimate business. He’s accepted. He deposits his money to the bank. He’s a respectable individual. Why should he be denied things that other Bahamians are not denied? Is he not equal to me? Is he not equal to you? The answer is yes — he’s richer than me. He’s richer than you. I’m happy for him.”

Mr Bastian has confirmed

he is considering a political bid. Multiple sources claim he is eyeing the Progressive Liberal Party’s nomination in Fort Charlotte. His potential candidacy has stirred controversy. Prominent pastor Lyall Bethel recently called on him to “repent” for his role in the rise of webshop gaming, accusing him of profiting off the hopes of the poor and attempting to “buy a good name” ahead of a political run. Mr Bethel warned that the rise of webshop bosses in politics amounts to a “takeover” of the system.

In response, Mr Bastian published a strongly worded letter defending his record, rejecting the pastor’s portrayal as a “predatory vampire,” and insisting he has earned his name through discipline and hard work. He said his entry into the onceunregulated web shop

sector brought structure, accountability, and player protections.

The Gaming Act currently bars Cabinet ministers and their immediate family members from holding gaming licences. Prime Minister Philip Davis said there is no consideration to amend that law, though he welcomed Bastian’s interest in public service.

Dr Minnis acknowledged that laws must be followed, but added that change is often necessary.

“Is this,” he said, “the time? I don’t know, but those are matters that have to be discussed. But laws are there, and let’s follow what laws are there. The people will decide at some particular point in time if amendments are necessary. Amendments are necessary for all laws at particular times — as we advance and as we progress, amendments come about.”

Former Pm and mP For Killarney dr Hubert minnis

Election preparations have already begun at constituency level

Foreign Affairs, said preparations have already begun at the constituency level.

That includes identifying volunteers to staff polling divisions.

He said those volunteers will be trained to run voting stations, monitor the electoral process, and ensure legal compliance.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson is awaiting the Constituencies Commission’s report on constituency boundaries for the next general election.

Mr Thompson said if boundary changes lead to the creation of new constituencies, voter transfers would follow. He added that his

department is focused on verifying existing voter registrations, processing first-time applicants, and updating records for those who’ve moved since the last election.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Philip Davis suggested that constituencies such as Golden Isles and Killarney in New Providence may need redrawing to correct voter imbalances.

“I do not expect that it could go to October 26, but I think it is probably not going to go right out to the end. I think we have at least a year before the election is called.”

ELECTION

PLP Chairman Fred mitCheLL

The Tribune Limited

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Should the public pay for political campaigns?

THE suggestion by former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis that political parties should be publicly funded is sure to cause a stir.

Plenty of people will be quite entitled to ask why these politicians should be asking for a handout from the public, when the public is so often left short by politicians. There can be more to such a suggestion, though – depending on what exactly is being proposed.

In a number of countries, such a measure already exists. Party subsidies are paid directly to a political party by a government – though the scale of such funding, and what it can be used for, varies widely. In Sweden and Japan for instance, the sums are quite large.

We know from our own experience here in The Bahamas that our politics can be vulnerable to parties potentially falling under the sway of rich investors – not all of which may have our best interests at heart.

Remember when Peter Nygard posted a video to YouTube titled “Nygard takes The Bahamas back”?

Fast forward to today and that disgraced abuser has been labelled a sexual predator and sentenced to 11 years in prison – and faces more charges to boot. Back in 2013, he was as close as could be to the PLP. In the video, he could be seen raising a champagne glass and shouting “Victory! Victory! Take our country back!”

The very suggestion that someone as loathsome as him, a serial abuser, would call it “our country” is repugnant.

How much did Nygard give the PLP? We do not know. We have no legal requirement for campaign financing to be made public – so no one makes it public.

How much did he give the FNM? Nygard was roundly rebuffed by now former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. Back in 1992, he made efforts to curry favour with the FNM – announcing Ingraham victory celebrations at

Nygard’s Lyford Cay home, no less. The Tribune attended, only to find there was no sign of Mr Ingraham or any member of his government.

He tried to reach out to Mr Ingraham again on the 500th anniversary of the landing of Columbus at San Salvador, sending each member of the Ingraham government a sports jacket. Nygard was never shy about offering gifts, it would seem. But what was the price to be paid?

However, the point is that if he never gave the FNM a dime, there would still be no record to show it. Who does give our parties money? Who does not? We do not know, and there is no proof to show it. So when one rich investor or another starts to get deals given their way after a government is in office, is it because they are the right person or because they paid the right money at the right time?

If Dr Minnis’ suggestion extends to the point of the public providing funds for political parties and private donations by such investors being banned, then perhaps there might be some merit to the idea.

If it is simply more money on top of the private donations, no one will welcome that.

There is also the question of who qualifies for such subsidies. Dr Minnis suggests it could be based on those who achieved a certain percentage of the vote, for example, or securing seats in Parliament. How does that affect new parties? The Bahamas has seen plenty of those appear – and some fade. The DNA had its moment, but never won a seat. The Coalition of Independents has not won a seat – but has an MP after Iram Lewis’ change of parties. How does that affect funding.

The only merit in the idea is if it cleans up party funding – and for that, all parties would have to deliver transparency over who their donors are and how much they are providing.

If it is nothing but a cherry on top of an already rich cake, we do not need it.

A history of third parties

EDITOR, The Tribune. EVERY election cycle in The Bahamas new political parties emerge on the scene. They start with high energy and even higher expectations only to come face to face with reality after general elections. The truth is that third parties have not enjoyed a lot of success in The Bahamas. But you can be assured that very soon, once again, third political parties will surface.

There have been third parties contesting elections from 1962, the first general election contested by adversarial political parties. Randol Fawkes’ Labour Party was around prior to 1962. He contested that historic election under the Labour Party and won and he also won reelections in 1967, 1968 and 1972 under the Labour Party banner. No other third party has been nearly as successful. In addition to Sir Randol’s 1967 candidacy, the BDP also contested that election but were not successful.

In 1968 and 1972, in addition to the Labour Party, the CLP, another Labour party also contested those elections but was unsuccessful. By the 1977 elections, the FNM had splintered into factions and both the FNM and the BDP contested the 1977 election, The FNM won five seats and the BDP won three seats. By 1982 the party had unified under the FNM. 1977 also saw the first appearance by the Vanguard Nationalist and Socialist Party. In the 1982 elections, the Vanguard, Workers Party and the CDP were the third parties which contested that election. In 1987 the Labour Party was the sole third party. In 1992, the DLR and CCP had emerged, and in 1997 the Bahamas Freedom Alliance and the Survivors Party made their initial entrances. In 2002 the CDR, BDM made their entrance into the political fray and were joined by the Survivors Party and Bahamas Constitution Party (BCP). In 2007, the BDM and Survivors parties were the only third parties active. In 2012 the DNA and BCP contested the election and in 2017 there were the DNA, the TPM, the BNCP and the BCP parties.

The DNA was still around in 2021 and accumulated a total of 1,497 votes but disbanded soon after. Other parties contesting the 2021 elections included: United Coalition Movement, Kingdom Government Movement, Grand Commonwealth Party, Bahamas Constitution Party, Righteous Government Movement, Faith that Moves Mountains Party and Bahamian Way Forward Movement. None of these parties or movements garnered more than 600 votes.

The Coalition of Independents (COI) which as its name implies is an amalgamation of a number of smaller political parties contested the general election of 2021. It is led by Mr Lincoln Bain, a wellknown activist. The COI amassed 8,560 votes or 6.77% of the total votes cast. They have stayed active and visible and I suspect that the party will do better in the next general election.

When you examine the results of the last general election you see why so many parties opt to contest elections. There are very few truly safe seats left in The Bahamas. Only two candidates received better than 70 percent of the votes cast in their constituencies in 2021 and which could be regarded as safe seats; they were Glenys Hanna Martin in Englerston at 75 percent and I Chester Cooper in Exuma and Ragged Island at 72 percent. The Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, Philip “Brave” Davis, received 69.80 percent of the votes in that constituency, and given his name recognition, position and accomplishments he perhaps can be moved into that category.

Conversely, there were several current members of parliament who received less than 50 percent of the votes cast in their constituencies and still won. The list includes the then Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Killarney, Dr Hubert Minnis who received only 48.79 percent of the votes cast in Killarney. It also included the Deputy Leader of the FNM, Shanendon Cartwright who received only 48.98 percent of the votes in St Barnabas. The list also includes three sitting PLP cabinet ministers, Keith Bell in Carmichael, JoBeth Coleby-Davis in Elizabeth and Ginger Moxey in Pineridge. Other members who did not receive 50 percent of the votes cast are: John Pinder, Central and South Abaco, Iram Lewis in Central Grand Bahama, J Kwasi Thompson, East Grand Bahama, McKell Bonaby, Mount Moriah, and Kirk Cornish, North Abaco.

Failure to attain 50 percent of the votes cast in a constituency may signal openings and hope for the COI. It is also a reflection of relic of the First Past the Post system where a candidate merely needs more votes than the other candidates to be declared winner. There is little doubt that ten sitting members who did not receive 50 percent of the votes cast

ware a result of the lower turnout in the 2021 election and the inclusion of so many other parties in those constituencies. But it would take a quantum leap for the COI to improve from 6.77 percent of the total votes cast to a position where it gathers sufficient number of votes to become the governing party or even the official opposition party. They more realistically could become a spoiler party drawing enough votes from one of the major parties to cause the other party to win. Since political parties were first introduced in The Bahamas, it has taken a few election cycles for a new party to become the government. The PLP established in 1953 did not win the government until 1967 and it took the support of Sir Randol Fawkes, a third-party candidate and Alvin Braynen, an independent member, for the PLP to win the government after fourteen years of existence. It took the FNM twenty-one years in its several iterations in opposition before it won the government in 1992. For the FNM to take root the UBP had to disband and most of their leading members had to move off the scene. The ability to acquire the needed financial resources to contest seats competitively throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is daunting. It is extremely difficult for new parties to attract sufficiently acceptable candidates to mount thirty-nine or maybe even forty campaigns throughout the archipelago. Third parties must think long term and cannot expect early successes; there are no quick fixes in politics.

This snap shot journey through the political history of third-party candidacies in The Bahamas were meant to give a realistic glance for success of smaller parties. The fact that so many would-be leaders prefer to establish new parties rather than working within an established organisation says something about aspiring political leaders. I am not sure if it is an issue of inflated ego, or impatience with working to change the internal culture of a proven political party. It may even be an indication that The Bahamas is as free and democratic a nation as any country. What I do know is that most democracies, especially those with Westminster structures, have basically two major political parties. Their third parties have lingered for a long time outside the halls of power, and the most they can expect is to make up a coalition where they share power with one of the legacy parties.

MAURICE TYNES Nassau, July 15, 2025.

Environment effects beyond construction

Photo: Timothy Roberts

Candlelight vigil held in memory of mother and daughter killed in car crash

Da D faces charges after his two chil Dren allegeDly founD

Cruelty from page one

allowing them to starve on October 17, 2024.

Police said the children were found in a vulnerable state, prompting an investigation that led to

the father’s arrest. The accused pleaded not guilty. Inspector Shadrach Coakley, serving as the prosecutor, objected to bail, citing the defendant’s lack of legal status.

An immigration officer

confirmed that the man had no lawful status in the country. He was denied bail and will be held at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial on September 10.

Man granteD bail Despite penDing trial for MurDer anD having a prior conviction

By PAVel BAIley tribune Staff reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 23-yeAr-OlD man has been granted $15,000 bail for armed robbery, despite already being on bail for a murder charge and having served time for a prior conviction.

Antonio Paul was granted bail for armed robbery and receiving by Justice Neil Braithwaite.

Paul and two alleged accomplices are accused of robbing Obiecheryl Bowe at gunpoint of her boyfriend’s red 2012 Nissan Note on January 26, 2022, while she and her children were getting food.

A witness reported seeing Paul on January 30, 2022, in possession of one of the complainant’s son’s phones, which had been left in the vehicle. The witness said Paul attempted to unlock the device. Paul admitted having the phone but claimed he received it from a friend.

During his bail application, Paul acknowledged a

prior armed robbery conviction and confirmed he is facing pending charges for murder and conspiracy to commit murder, for which he said he had already been granted bail. He claimed his murder trial was set for 2027.

However, prosecutors contested this, saying that his murder trial is scheduled for June 2026, with the armed robbery trial to begin in April 2026. Given the upcoming trial dates, the prosecution argued that his continued detention was reasonable.

Paul has been on remand since February 2022, although prosecutors clarified that he has only been detained for this particular offence since October 2023, due to serving a previous sentence. He was sentenced to two years in prison in 2022 for a separate robbery conviction.

Paul denied the current armed robbery allegations and said his imprisonment has caused hardship for his family, including his

daughter. He argued that he has not breached any bail conditions in his other pending cases and is a suitable candidate for bail.

Justice Braithwaite, while recognising Paul’s criminal record, the seriousness of the charges, and the risk of reoffending, ruled that conditions could be imposed to secure his appearance at trial.

Bail was set at $15,000 with one to three sureties. Paul must wear an electronic monitoring device and adhere to a daily curfew from 8pm to 6am He is also required to report to the elizabeth estates Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by 6pm. He was warned not to contact the complainant or any witnesses in the case. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the revocation of his bail.

Paul was represented by Stanley rolle. Prosecutors Jacklyn Burrows and Calnan Kelly appeared for the Crown.

A CAndlelight vigil was held yesterday in the community of Kim Crescent for the loss of three people, including a mother and daughter, who were killed in a traffic accident on July 12, 2025. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

Why are so many voters undecided and cynical?

Both major parties are reportedly finding that neither is clearly nor decisively ahead as they prepare for the next general election. the race appears generally tight, with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM), seeing certain advantages, weaknesses, and risks. Insiders are trying to answer a basic concern: “Why are so many voters undecided?”

When Bahamians voted overwhelmingly against Perry Christie after his second term and Dr hubert Minnis after his single term there was a palpable feeling of exhaustion with the incumbents. Change was in the air.

Both leaders had become unpopular for varying reasons that Christie lost his Centreville seat and Minnis’s vote count in Killarney was significantly reduced. their personalities became a political burden they could not overcome.

Prime Minister Davis was never as popular or charismatic a figure on the order of hubert Ingraham or Perry Christie. Still, he is not today as deeply unpopular as Christie and Minnis became. Many find him personable. though this election is a contest between the Davisled PLP and the Michael Pintard-led FNM, there is a much broader horizon and context for the upcoming vote. Many voters, most especially younger voters, feel that it makes no difference which party is elected. Even many older voters are cynical, tired of broken promises, and dissatisfied with the policy and

leadership offerings of the major parties. For many, there is still a lack of clear and compelling choices. the pox on both houses’ syndrome, regularly fuelled by the media, including in editorials which often do not make distinctions and nuances, is entrenched in the minds of voters. It remains mostly the responsibility of the parties to demonstrate in the words of former Prime Minister hubert Ingraham, how they are, “distinctly different”. Such distinctions and comparisons help to motivate undecided voters, especially those fed up with politics in general, the failures of government, and the parlous state of the country. For many voters, the country has been engulfed in a downward spiral and a vortex of complacency for years. Much of our public infrastructure is crumbling. New Providence is filthy and derelict. there is widespread social decay and increasing mental health

challenges. the more lucrative stopover tourism economy is in decline, with tourism requiring imaginative thinking and deep structural changes. Crime remains rampant. the delivery of basic government services is appalling and worsening. Public healthcare is in a dire state.

We are recovering still from economic and other ravages of the 2008 Great Recession, CoVID-19, a series of hurricanes including Dorian, an entrenched cost of living crisis, and the combustible economic and geopolitical turmoil and uncertainty unleashed by Donald trump.

Cost of living pressures have eased in some ways. however, the Bahamas remains an expensive place to live and many people are struggling, including middle class voters who constitute a significant number of seats in New Providence.

Most voters are not looking for a political saviour per se. they understand that the country’s structural problems are not easily resolved. Still, they desperately desire political leadership that is authentic and concerned about their daily problems. they want to hear reasonable policy ideas to address what is severely broken in government. they hunger for genuine empathy.

When Bahamians look at many in the political and economic elites, they see men and women luxuriating in gilded and golden cages. they see health care, insurance, and other monopolies that seem callous and indifferent to their suffering. they see a system rigged,

with gaming bosses and certain monopolists enjoying giddy profits as Bahamians go hungry and cannot afford mortgages and rentals. they see videos going viral of expensive weddings held overseas as many cannot afford medication for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other maladies.

Many Bahamians believe that the political class is bankrupt of ideas, values, and empathy, living their so-called best lives as income inequality and poverty continue to climb.

Lincoln Bain and the Coalition for Independents (CoI) understand much of this. Bain makes promises that are unrealistic and unaffordable. But we know from the history of populism that when people are struggling or desperate, populists make gains, whether they win office or not.

With the Democratic National Alliance moribund, the Coalition for Independents will be the recipient of many protest votes by disgruntled voters, some of whom want to send a “message” to the major parties. the CoI will not win the government. Nevertheless, who does it threaten politically?

Many voters are hungry for a new period of “reform and modernisation” on the magnitude of what delivered by hubert Ingraham during three terms in office. Bahamians do not believe that any prime minister since Ingraham, has delivered anywhere near the quality of vision and change the country desires.

Many question whether Davis and the PLP or Pintard and the FNM can offer substantive change, which is both risk and opportunity for the parties and leaders. At the last election, amidst CoVID-19 and a wave of infections, hospitalisations, and death, Prime Minister hubert Minnis unwisely called an early election. he was likely exhausted following hurricane Dorian and the pandemic. though it is unlikely the FNM would have won reelection, it would have fared better once CoVID restrictions were gone and the effects of an opening economy were felt. though the PLP has repeatedly tried to take credit for the economic recovery, the global recovery had already begun before they took office. the 2021 election results showed a number of close contests in some seats the FNM may have won if the election was held later. With the FNM base collapsed, the PLP won certain seats the FNM could have retained. the PLP won a huge share of seats but the party did not gain the majority of registered voters.

Approximately one-third of voters stayed home at the last election. the PLP only garnered approximately 30 percent of registered voters. though it is likely that there will be more people voting this election, a questions remains as to how many voters will return. how many will vote for an independent or the CoI

in various constituencies because of deep dissatisfaction with the major parties? With small margins in some constituencies, the major parties cannot afford to lose too many votes, especially if it is a close election. Prime Minister Davis and the PLP have an advantage when it comes to getting out their base. Despite grumblings and misgivings, PLPs tend to come home during elections. Quite a number of FNM base voter are prone to “being cute and special” and not voting because of dissatisfaction with their party or leader. Despite more FNMs having now returned home, the party still has a good ways to go to motivate many of its base voters. to his potential peril but also great advantage, Michael Pintard is still relatively unknown by a vast number of Bahamians. If he can articulate his biography and vision for the country he can attract many more voters. Pintard is a blank slate in many ways. But if he does not adroitly and quickly exploit this potential advantage, Davis and the PLP will fill in the blanks, as they have started to do. Both parties and leaders are seeking to boost their advantages, to minimise risk, and to seize and exploit opportunities, even as unseen events and mistakes can scramble an election or repel voters, especially with many still undecided.

• MORE NEXT WEEK.

PM PhiliP ‘Brave’ Davis FNM leaDer Michael PiNtarD

Lamentations 4

How the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull! The sacred gems are scattered at every street corner.

How the precious children of Zion, once worth their weight in gold, are now considered as pots of clay, the work of a potter’s hands!

Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but my people have become heartless like ostriches in the desert.

Because of thirst the infant’s tongue sticks to the roof of its mouth; the children beg for bread, but no one gives it to them.

Those who once ate delicacies are destitute in the streets. Those brought up in royal purple now lie on ash heaps.

6 The punishment of my people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment without a hand turned to help her.

7 Their princes were brighter than snow and whiter than milk, their bodies more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like lapis lazuli.

But now they are blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.

Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of famine; racked with hunger, they waste away for lack of food from the field.

10With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food when my people were destroyed.

11The Lord has given full vent to his wrath; he has poured out his fierce anger. He kindled a fire in Zion that consumed her foundations.

12The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of

the peoples of the world, that enemies and foes could enter the gates of Jerusalem.

13But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the righteous.

14Now they grope through the streets as if they were blind. They are so defiled with blood that no one dares to touch their garments.

“Go away! You are unclean!” people cry to them. “Away! Away! Don’t touch us!”

When they flee and wander about, people among the nations say, “They can stay here no longer.”

16The Lord himself has scattered them; he no longer watches over them. The priests are shown no honor, the elders no favor.

17Moreover, our eyes failed, looking in vain for help; from our towers we watched for a nation that could not save us.

18People stalked us at every step, so we could not walk in our streets. Our end was near, our days were numbered, for our end had come.

19Our pursuers were swifter than eagles in the sky; they chased us over the mountains and lay in wait for us in the desert.

20The Lord’s anointed, our very life breath, was caught in their traps.We thought that under his shadow we would live among the nations.

21Rejoice and be glad, Daughter Edom, you who live in the land of Uz. But to you also the cup will be passed; you will be drunk and stripped naked.

22Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion; he will not prolong your exile. But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom, and expose your wickedness.

Spectators bewildered by Trump on yet another stage

London, new York, Paris and donald Trump came together on Sunday, and while some aspects of this were predictable others, spectacularly, were not.

The occasion was the final match of a heretofore relatively obscure soccer competition known as the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC). FIFA is the world’s governing soccer organisation. Until this year, this competition’s participants have been the champions of the six leading soccer federations from around the world plus the host country titlist. Most of the time, the champion of Europe’s premier Champions League tournament has won this trophy.

For 2025, ambitious FIFA president Gianni Infantino reimagined the CWC as a companion to the quadrennial World Cup that is contested among the world’s national teams. That’s regarded by many fans as even bigger than the olympic Games, and is really the world’s only rival to the olympics in terms of global reach.

Infantino, who has cultivated a friendship and now a business partnership with US president Trump and has even opened an office in Trump Tower in new York City, decided to unveil his new, 32-team CWC tournament in various US stadiums this summer as a prelude to next year’s World Cup, which will also be held in north America. Infantino went all in on the CWC this summer.

While US television coverage was relatively weak and attendance at the numerous host stadium sites (including Miami) was often embarrassingly meagre, FIFA put up one billion US dollars in prize money and many of the world’s best, most celebrated teams competed in earnest for a share of that enormous pot. Because of the tournament’s somewhat

STATESIDE

with Charlie Harper

complicated qualification terms however, some English powerhouse teams like Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal were not included in the field, while club teams from Miami, Seattle and Auckland, new Zealand were invited. Still, many European and most South American giants were there, and they all played hard in the stifling heat and humidity.

The heavy favourite before play began in June was recent European champions Paris Saint Germain, which had prevailed by an astonishing 5-0 score over 2023 finalist Inter Milan to win the 2025 Champions League. But while that victory margin was the second largest in tournament history, PSG really impressed the experts by rolling through English powers Liverpool, Arsenal (of north London), Manchester City and Birmingham’s Aston Villa in the competition’s knockout rounds.

London’s Chelsea was PSG’s final opponent. The Blues, located on Fulham Road in the English capital’s tony SW6, have a long history in England’s top leagues, but it has only been in the past 20 years that the team has consistently challenged for titles in the world’s top soccer competitions. That’s because they have been owned since 2003 by a superrich Russian oligarch and since 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, by a conglomerate headed by the US investor who has inspired the spending that has sparked the recent domination of American baseball by the

Los Angeles dodgers.

The value of the team soared by 3,000 percent during the period of the Russian oligarch’s ownership.

While plucky spirit and inspiring play can lead to victory for underdog, underfunded soccer teams, money and associated power ultimately reign supreme in world soccer just as in most other professional sports. Chelsea, like PSG with its Qatari oil wealth support, has been a major beneficiary of the trend toward soccer club control by some of the world’s wealthiest people.

When PSG and Chelsea squared off Sunday at Met Life stadium in new Jersey outside new York City, the French champions were overwhelming favourites. But they got outcoached and outhustled in the mid-afternoon heat by Chelsea and the final score of 3-0 was an appropriate measure of the play in the game.

For many in the US, however, the biggest story occurred just after the game had concluded with an ugly, sore loser display by PSG’s coach and goalie.

Trump and Infantino, flanked by their obviously bored wives, had watched the game together and went down to the field to present the championship trophy to the winners. The expectation was that the two men would then respectfully retreat out of sight while Chelsea’s exultant players rejoiced in the traditional wild, gesticulating victory celebration.

Trump however, lingered. He did not leave the stage. A few moments of stunned confusion

by the Chelsea players ensued. Infantino had to come back and retrieve the US president, who seemingly cannot imagine a scenario where he is not at the centre of any event.

According to numerous accounts and TV coverage, Chelsea captain Reece James couldn’t figure out what on earth was going on. Trump had just handed him the Club World Cup trophy but was still there on the podium, grinning, not going anywhere.

Some of James’ Chelsea team-mates, standing behind him, couldn’t stop laughing. Cole Palmer, the star of Chelsea’s 3-0 victory against PSG, furrowed his brow and looked at Trump in apparent bewilderment before urging James to wait. “I was admittedly a bit confused,” Palmer told reporters afterwards.

Palmer, incidentally, claims ancestry on St Kitts and travelled there immediately after the team’s new York celebrations concluded. He received a hero’s welcome.

According to the Independent, “fresh from rubbing shoulders with donald Trump after lifting the FIFA Club World Cup with victory over PSG in new York on Sunday, Palmer made his first visit with his family to the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry Palmer. The midfielder, born and raised in Wythenshawe, Manchester, is also proud of his Caribbean heritage, wearing the flag of St Kitts and nevis – alongside the England flag – on his football boots to honour his family’s roots.”

Back in new York,

Trump was of course interviewed after the game.

“We’re doing very well on the other stage, the political stage, the financial stage,” Trump said, before going on to talk about Qatar (the 2030 World Cup host), nATo, and the US being the “hottest country in the world.” He was clearly not referring to the air temperature.

Asked about sport being a unifying, powerful tool. Trump said “it’s about unity, about everybody getting together, a lot of love between countries. I guess soccer is the most international sport, it really can bring the world together.”

WHILE Trump was in new York feigning interest in and knowledge of the world’s premier sport, leftist media were rubbing their hands in glee. This was because a furor had erupted over the “Epstein papers”, a compendium of various federal investigations of a man universally referred to in the press as “disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein”, a convicted felon and sex abuser who died in prison in 2019 under still mysterious circumstances and whose friendships with both Trump and Bill Clinton had elevated him to the national stage.

Epstein has been a political hot potato for years. now, after Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared to foreclose further public comment on or release of the Epstein papers, some of the most virulent MAGA trolls were outraged, and their indignation has appeared to rattle the GoP establishment.

Last week, the Justice department had announced that Epstein’s death was a suicide and that there was no list of his clients to be made public. In effect: “nothing to see here.”

But Trump for years used the Epstein case to rile up

his base. now he seems to be evading an issue that has inflamed his supporters and spurred their devotion to him.

The assertion by billionaire and former doGEr Elon Musk last month that Trump was named in FBI files on Epstein opened a crack in the president’s support system. Conservative allies of Trump have since criticised the president and Bondi, for what they see as evasive and opaque handling of the case. Included in this group are Trump ally and advisor Steve Bannon, Elon Musk, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, various current and former Fox news commentators, etc.

According to the Guardian, US House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson, a reliable Trump ally, yesterday called for the Justice department to make public all documents related to Epstein. You get the idea. MAGAs conspiracy theorists are upset. over the weekend, Mr. Trump urged his supporters to move on, urging them on social media not to “waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about”. Hmmm.

This photo provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein, March 28, 2017. Photo: New York state sex Offender Registry/AP

$3,000 fine for stabbing man with cutlass in dispute over garden tools

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was fined $3,000 and ordered to pay compensation yesterday after admitting to stabbing another man in the stomach, allegedly during a dispute over tools on St George’s Avenue.

Lavon Pratt, 21, appeared before Senior Magistrate Kendra KellyBurrows, charged with causing grievous harm. He also faced additional charges: two counts of threats of death and two counts of assault with a dangerous instrument.

Prosecutors said Pratt stabbed Shawn Minus Rolle in the stomach with a knife on July 13. Mr Rolle was treated in the hospital and recovered from his injuries.

Pratt is also accused of threatening to kill Kendrick Grant and Sonia Greenslade and assaulting them with a cutlass. The defendant pleaded guilty to the grievous harm charge but denied the remaining allegations. He claimed the stabbing happened after the complainant refused to return his tools and allegedly came at him with a cutlass during the confrontation.

Magistrate Kelly-Burrows noted that Pratt had no prior convictions. He was fined $2,000 for the grievous harm offence and ordered to pay $1,000 in compensation to the victim. He was also placed on probation for one year. Failure to comply will result in a one-year prison sentence.

For the remaining charges, Pratt was granted $3,000 bail. He must report to the Wulff Road Police Station every Friday by 6pm.

The trial for those charges is set to begin on September 24.

Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom served as the prosecutor.

Accused of thre Atening m A n’s life with shotgun

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail yesterday after being accused of threatening someone’s life with a shotgun in Long Island on Independence Day.

Wallace Rolle, 48, was arraigned before Magistrate Lennox Coleby on a charge of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Rolle allegedly used a shotgun to endanger the life of Rashad Laing in Doctor’s Creek, Long Island, on July 10. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie, serving as the prosecutor, did not object to Rolle being granted bail.

Bail was set at $6,000 with one or two sureties. Rolle’s trial is scheduled to begin on August 20.

PUBLIC NOTICE

MINISTRY OF WORKS & FAMILY ISLAND AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL PLANNING

MINISTRY OF WORKS & FAMILY ISLAND AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF

PHYSICAL

PLANNING

The public is hereby notified that an application for Site Plan Approval (SPA/1/2025) on behalf of BPG Ltd. is presently being reviewed by The Department of Physical Planning for presentation to the Town Planning Committee.

The applicant is proposing to develop a 2.37-acre parcel of land on the southern side of West Bay Street, between Sea Beach Estates and North Westridge Subdivision The proposed project will consist of an eleven-storey building featuring 125 condominium units that will be marketed through a hotel rental program On-site amenities include a restaurant and bar, a gym, spa and pool. Surface level and garage parking are also available on-site

The applicant is proposing to develop a 2.37-acre parcel of land on the southern side of West Bay Street, between Sea Beach Estates and North Westridge Subdivision The proposed project will consist of an eleven-storey building featuring 125 condominium units that will be marketed through a hotel rental program. On-site amenities include a restaurant and bar, a gym, spa and pool. Surface level and garage parking are also available on-site

A Public Hearing will be held on Thursday 24th July, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Hearing Room of the Department of Physical Planning for all interested parties to discuss and address planning issues related to the proposed Residential/resort development

Preliminary plans for the proposed development will be available for viewing at the office of the Department of Physical Planning, located in the Aventura Plaza on John F. Kennedy Drive, during working hours of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Interested persons and organizations are invited to review the information on file and provide written comments prio

r to the hearing. Comments should be directed to the Director of Physical Planning within twenty-one (21) days of the date of this notice. Submissions can be made via P.O Box N1611, Nassau Bahamas. Further inquiries can be made to the Director via Tel. (242) 3227550/1/1 OR (242) 328 - 3202 or deptphysicalplanning@bahamas.gov.bs

Interested persons and organizations are invited to review the information on file and provide written comments prio

Signed

Charles B. Zonicle Director of Physical Planning

Signed Charles B. Zonicle Director of Physical Planning

Funeral Services For

Kevin Anthony Carroll Johnson Jr.,

36

of #24 Harmony Hill, New Providence, Bahamas who died on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, 10:00am at St. Anselm Roman Catholic Church, Bernard Road, Fox Hill, New Providence. Officiating will be Fr. Glen C. Nixon. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery, Bernard Road. Kevin Anthony was predeceased by his parents: Kevin Anthony Carroll Johnson Sr. and Ivalee Shareene Johnson; step mother: Sadaisca Adderley-Johnson; brother: Devon Johnson; aunts: Patricia and Deborah Johnson; uncles: Mark, Ethan, Rodney and John Johnson. He is survived by his son: Tafari Ambrose Johnson (Ellicia S Fitzworme); sisters: Shicara Pitt; brothers: Fletcher, Kendal, Kelsey, Shawn, Kirkland Prince Johnson; uncles: Stephen Davis (Samantha Lockhart), Marvin and Dwight Adderly and Stephan Johnson; aunts: Apostle Karen Butler (Chief Superintendent Thomas Butler) and Lernisa Scott (Craig Scott) Ruth Brown, Francis Smith; nephew: Gary Poitier; grand nephews: Gary Poitier Jr. and Kamello Poitier; cousins: Mark Johnson, Mitzi Johnson, Trevor Rolle, Alexis Smith, Rodney, Rhodina, Zoltan and Karem Johnson, Janelle, Jonathan and Joshua Brown, Tracy Johnson; god mother: Yvonne Mortimer; numerous close friends and relatives including: Ulric Williams and Williams Marine, Lynden and Nadia Bethel, Hyacinth Grant and Family, St. Bede’s and St. Thomas Moore Parish, Harmony Hill Neighbours, Allan Major and Family, The Davis Family, The Lockhart Family, The Carroll and Wells Family, Tony and Wendy Craig, Joan Pinto, Keith and Dr. Justine McSweeney, Richard Charlton, Rolisha Maycock, Linda Charles, Demetrius Nairn, Lyndell Bethel, Renaldo Adderly, Christopher Joseph, Derek Adderly, Jackie Cartwright Knowles, Don Smith and family, Colleen Knowles, Kristian Fawkes, Torcassio Bethel, Marvin Clarke, George Armbrister, Javier Forbes, Peyton Hall, Jarvis Bethel, Kierohn Mortimer, Jaleel and Lemunique Armbrister, Miguel Mackey, Donathon Collie, Rolisha Maycock, Ri”liah Charlton, Miguel Mackey, Madison Maycock, Amari Brown, Travis Fitzworme, Robert Newbold, Fr. Noel Clarke, Fr. Jonathan Berdejo, Fr. Glen Nixon, Deacon Dennis and Estelle Mackey, Marietta Beckles and Maureen Newchurch.

Viewing will be held in the Legacy Suite of Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal Avenue and Talbot Street on Friday from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm and on Saturday at the Church from 9:00am until service time.

Celesten Theresa Patrice Moultrie, 61

of Carol Harbour Blvd., New Providence, Bahamas who died on Sunday, June 22, 2025 will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, 11:00am at The Chapel of Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal Avenue and Talbot Street. Officiating will be Bishop Rudolph Balfour. Interment will follow in Southern Cemetery, Cowpen and Spikenard Roads.

She is survived by her loving sisters: Priscilla Laverne Johnson, Teneal Moultrie Roberts; brothers: Keith Moultrie, Calvin Ingraham Moultrie; brothersin-law: Ronald Johnson and Ian Bowe; sisters- in- law: Catherine Moultrie and Chris Jones Moultrie; nephews: Kevin, Troy Moultrie, Ian and Ivante Bowe, Calvin Jr.; nieces: Nikki Moultrie, Shakeeta Moultrie; aunt: Deborah Whymns; grandaunt: Ettelyn Woodside; granduncle: William Stuart; cousins: Dexter Whyms, Philencia Dames, Lisa Forbes, Jacqueline & Delaura Laing, Stephen Larimore, Denise Hindsey, Jeanna, Delaresse, Sophia, Sophia, Daphane and Nique Larimore, Ebenezer Frazier, Eric, Ronnie, Derick Alvin and Brenda Rolle, Stephanie Roberts, Melanie McKenzie, Stacy Rolle, Elvina and Dwayne Whyms, Brindley and Ted Marshall, Marlin, Monalisa, Denise, Richie, Prince, James, Nadia, Dennis, Mario and Ian Whyms, Leonard Whyms, Sherman, Betty Scavella, Bertram Taylor, Elvis Bullard; other relatives and friends including: Marina Major & Family, Pandora Lightbourne & Family, Clifford Newton & Family, Ricky Laing and Family, Lorraine Whymns Williams and Family, Gretel Woodside & Family, Christine Stuart & Family, Valaria & Peter Stuart and Family, Chevette & Julian Rolle and Family, Patsy Hepburn and Family, Barbara Laing & Family, Johnny Taylor and Family and Moss and Family.

Viewing will be held in the Legacy Suite of Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal Avenue and Talbot Street on (TODAY) Thursday from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm and on Friday from 10:00am to service time

Death Notice for Maggie Banton, 56

a resident of Gotland Avenue off Soldier Road, New Providence, Bahamas, died on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

She is survived by her husband: Christopher Banton; mother: Geraldine Marret; children: Gemetreya (Devardo-deceased) Cartwright, Javon Banton, Christanese Banton, Christine Camoy; adopted daughters: Candace Nixon and Shantell; grandchildren: Davardo Jr., Delano, Davanté, Davarie and Damarie Cartwright, Geminique Marret, Ratio Neely, Jaceo Banton, Jordane Cranston, Theodore Daley; sisters: Maxine Thompson, Chearron Marret, Mosetta and Mosine Ferguson, Terry Edgecombe; brothers: Shorn and Trevor Munroe, Benjamin Martin; brothers-in-law: Scott Thompson, Trevor and Dwight Banton, Tyrone Gordon Deacon Herbert Edgecombe; sisters-in-law: Jennifer Banton, Colette Cummings, Carol Lloyd and Theresa Martin and nieces, nephew and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will be announced at a later date.

Summer Spectacular delivering a me SS age

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THIS year’s Summer Spectacular at Evangelistic Temple delivered more than just a vibrant musical showcase and according to organisers offered a stirring reminder of God’s enduring faithfulness through the eyes and voices of children.

Titled “Faith News!”, the production, led by the church’s children’s choir, captivated audiences of all ages with its “spirited performances” and deeply rooted biblical message.

According to Raquel Lockhart, children’s choir director at Evangelistic Temple, the theme was carefully selected with spiritual relevance and audience impact in mind.

“When searching for a theme for this year’s production, I came across ‘Faith News!’ This musical production stood out to me as it highlighted many of the significant times that God moved in the lives of His people just by them having faith and being obedient to His instructions,” Mrs Lockhart said.

“This message is still true today for both children and adults. Because of this, I felt that this message, given through both singing and acting, would be well received by people of all ages.”

Throughout weeks of preparation, the children engaged deeply not only learning songs and lines but

also embracing the biblical truths that underscored the story.

The participants she said were receptive to the message of faith,” Mrs Lockhart said.

“They would usually ask questions if there was something about the message they did not understand. They also were very engaged with learning their music and their lines as they wanted to do their very best in demonstrating this message to those who were coming to watch the production, as they are aware that what they are doing is ministry to God.

For Mrs Lockhart, witnessing that dedication unfold during the final performance was a profound moment.

“During the big night, they truly gave it their all and it was evident by all who were in attendance. The audience was visibly moved, and the children’s joy and commitment shone brightly on stage.”

There were also unexpected moments of delight that added to the production’s success.

“The song performances were a highlight of the night. Also, in one scene we had a character flying while saying his lines, which seemed to amaze everyone in the audience. It added an extra layer of excitement and wonder that made the entire experience even more memorable,” she told Tribune Religion.

The response from the

broader community and families in attendance confirmed that the impact of “Faith News!” extended far beyond the stage lights.

“This year’s Summer Spectacular received rave reviews by those who attended,” said Mrs Lockhart. “Many people were impressed that even though it was a musical production put on by kids, it was excellently delivered so that all ages could enjoy. People were inspired by the message and uplifted by the talent and heart of the children.”

But for Mrs Lockhart, the most important outcome is the lasting spiritual impression the production can leave on both children and adults.

“I hope that the message of faith will resonate with each person, so that when they are going through life’s challenges, they can remember that as long as they have faith and be obedient, God will be there for them and see them through, because He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever,” she said.

With “Faith News!” now a celebrated success, the children’s choir is already looking ahead to what comes next.

“Definitely. The next production has already been chosen, and we will begin active preparations after the summer break,” Mrs Lockhart said.

Evangelistic Temple’s Summer Spectacular continues to grow as a beacon of youth ministry and creative expression.

A night of worship

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

IT WAS a full house on Friday, July 4, as Abundant Life Bible Church transformed into a sanctuary of song and celebration during Magnify the Lord: Live in Concert—a Youth and Praise Choir Reunion that rekindled decades of musical memories and legacy.

Organisers noted the atmosphere was electric as more than 50 voices— some returning, some brand new—took the stage to lead the congregation in a powerful night of praise. The packed house was taken on a worship journey through gospel classics such as We’ve Come to Have Church, He That Overcometh, Order My Steps, Praise Jehovah, Days of Elijah, and Call Him Up.

“The night stirred the hearts of many as attendees reflected on the musical legacy of the church and were uplifted by the spirit-filled atmosphere,” said Travis Edgecombe of Edgy Management, the event’s media liaison.

He said the concert also honoured the leadership that shaped the choir over the years by spotlighting several choir directors from past to present, most notably, Rose Richardson, the choir’s very first director from the 1980s. “Their collective dedication helped form the vibrant

sound that Abundant Life is known for today,” said Travis.

Moreover, before the choir even sang its first note, Travis said gospel recording artist Antonio J Thompson set the tone with his upbeat opener You Can Do Anything before moving into a powerful moment of worship. The audience was immediately drawn in, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

Travis shared that the event served as both a celebration and a fundraiser aimed at helping the church upgrade its sound system to enhance future worship experiences.

A highlight of the evening was the honouring of past and present choir directors— pillars who helped shape the choir’s rich musical identity. Those recognised included Rose Richardson, the choir’s first director dating back to the 1980s, as well as Cordero Edgecombe, Edison Sumner, Shirlean Wallace, Melanie Huyler (in her absence), and Alison Coley (in his absence). Also celebrated were the musicians whose faithfulness laid the foundation for the ministry’s sound, including Ryan Jones, Eunice Johnson, Rovan Humes, and Simeon Smith.

“A particularly moving tribute was paid to Eunice Johnson, who has been faithfully playing the keyboard for the choir since the age of 12. Simeon Smith, who not

only played a key musical role but also served as choir director during the 1980s and 1990s, was also recognised for his leadership and lasting impact on the ministry. Their dedication laid the foundation for the rich legacy of worship that continues to flourish at Abundant Life today,” said Travis. The concert’s second half welcomed stirring performances by guest artists Willissa Nyobi Mackey and Eunice Rolle. Willissa opened her set with the moving hymn Search Me O God, followed by her original single Cleanse Me. Eunice followed with We Worship You and a signature rendition of My Faith Has Found a Resting Place, which left many visibly moved.

“The concert also featured lead vocal performances from Abundant Life voices including A’Yanna Cartwright, Jamaillah Bain, Adrian Edgecombe, Kimberley Cleare, and guest artist Kenyatta Taylor. Each of whom brought their unique anointing and vocal gifts to the worship experience,” said Travis.

Abundant Life Bible Church, located on Abundant Life Road in Nassau, continues to be a hub of spiritual growth, outreach, and excellence in worship. And with events like Magnify the Lord, it’s clear that the ministry’s musical heartbeat remains as strong as ever.

Thousands of Haitians mark annual pilgrimage far from a sacred waterfall surrounded by gangs

PORT-AU-PRINCE

Associated Press

The massive crowd that would gather once a year at a revered waterfall in central haiti where the faithful would splash in its sacred waters and rub their bodies with aromatic leaves was not there on Wednesday.

Powerful gangs in March attacked the town of Sautd’eau, whose 100-foot-long waterfall had for decades drawn thousands of Vodou and Christian faithful alike.

The town remains under gang control, preventing thousands from participating in the traditional annual pilgrimage meant to honor the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, closely associated with the Vodou goddess of erzulie.

“Not going to Sautd’eau is terrible,” said Ti-Marck Ladouce. “That water is so fresh it just washes off all the evilness around you.”

Instead, Ladouce joined several thousand people who scrambled up a steep hill in a rural part of haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, on Wednesday to honor erzulie and the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel at a small church that served as a substitute for the waterfall.

Like many, Ladouce thanked the Virgin Mary for keeping him and his family alive amid a surge of gang violence that has left at least 4,864 people dead from October to the

end of June across haiti, with hundreds of others kidnapped, raped and trafficked.

“People are praying to be saved,” he said.

A church bursting at its seams

pilgrimage. The church was built under a presidential order after rumours began circulating in the mid-1800s that a local farmer had seen the Virgin Mary in a palm tree there.

Next to Larose stood Joseph Wilson, who goes by “Lanmo Sanjou” and is the leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, and Jimmy Chérizier, best known as “Barbecue” and one of the leaders of a powerful gang federation known as “ Viv Ansanm,” or “Living Together.” The video showed them distributing money to some residents who gathered with their arms outstretched.

“They used to stop us from coming to Mount Carmel,” Barbecue said. “We are at the foot of our mother now.”

At one point, Lanmo Sanjou looked at the camera and said the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel would give them the opportunity to perform more miracles.

‘Everybody needs protection’

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Jean-Marcel said he was giving thanks “for

Daniel Jean-Marcel opened his arms, closed his eyes and turned toward the sky as people around him lit candles, clutched rosaries and tried to push their way into the small church that could not hold the crowd gathered around it.

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the grace of being able to continue living in Portau-Prince,” where gang violence has displaced more than 1.3 million people in recent years.

“There is nowhere for us to go,” he said, adding that he and his family would remain in h aiti even as people continue to flee the ravaged country despite an immigration crackdown by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

On Wednesday, US authorities deported more than 100 h aitians to their homeland on the latest such flight.

Jacques Plédé, 87, was among those dressed in all white who gathered to give thanks in Port-auPrince, of which 85% is now controlled by gangs.

h e recalled helping build the small church but never thought it would serve as a substitute for the Saut-d’ e au waterfall.

“It’s very disgraceful for the country that the gangs are taking over one of the nicest waterfalls where people go to pray privately,” he said. “Life is not over. One day, if I’m still alive, I’ll make it

back to Saut-d’ e au.” Gang leaders visit a revered church

On the morning of March 31, the Canaan gang led by a man known as “Jeff” attacked Saut-d’ e au. Police and a self-defence group repelled the attack, but the gang returned in early April with more than 500 men, prompting residents and authorities to flee, according to a new report from the UN human rights office.

Angry over the ongoing violence and what the United Nations described as “weak responses from authorities,” residents of Saut-d’ e au and other nearby communities in May and June took over a hydroelectric plant in protest, causing widespread power outages in h aiti’s capital and its central region.

On Wednesday, videos posted on social media showed Jeff Larose, leader of the Canaan gang, standing in the large church of Sautd’ e au that traditionally hosted the annual Mass amid the three-day

The sounds of laughter and gurgling water were absent on Wednesday at the church in h aiti’s chaotic capital where the substitute pilgrimage was underway.

h ugens Jean, 40, recalled how he and his family in previous years would visit Saut-d’ e au, where they would wash themselves in the waters and cook meals in the nearby woods.

“Today is a very special day,” he said. “I come here to pray for deliverance for my family and for the country that’s in the hands of gangs. One day, we need to be free from these systematic attacks. We don’t know who’s going to live today or who’s going to die tomorrow.”

Joane Durosier, a 60-year-old Vodou priestess known as a “mambo,” shared a similar lament.

Dressed in white with a rosary in hand, Durosier said she was praying for herself and her followers.

“A lot of people are suffering,” she said. “In a country like h aiti, everybody needs protection.”

Pilgrims pray during a Mass celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at the namesake church in the Pétion-Ville neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP