CLASSIFIEDS
The Tribune
123 No. 165, Wednesday, July 22, 2026
‘SOMEBODY DROPPED THE BALL’
IN MURDER OF KEY WITNESS
Carlos Reid calls for accountability after murder accused allegedly breached his bail 81 times before killing
McPhee was expected to testify in the accused man’s armed robbery trial.
Roadside memorial removed
CRIME consultant
Carlos Reid has called for accountability after a man accused of murdering a key witness in his armed robbery case allegedly breached his bail conditions 81 times before the killing, saying “somebody dropped the ball”.
Mr Reid said the repeated violations should never have gone unchecked and urged authorities to investigate how the accused allegedly failed to report to police for months without being brought back before the court.
“I think somebody should be accountable. Somebody should be made to bear,” he told The Tribune yesterday.
“No, we can't wait until like somebody die before we sound that alarm.” His comments came after a 39-year-old man was charged on Monday with murdering James McPhee on Carmichael Road on July 12, weeks before
Prosecutors allege the accused failed to report to his local police station on 81 occasions between January 3 and July 8. He attempted to plead guilty to violating his bail conditions, but the court entered a not guilty plea after he disputed the prosecution’s account of the ofence.
Mr Reid said the electronic monitoring provider informed him that the accused remained under electronic surveillance and had not gone of the grid.
He argued that authorities could have easily located the man by checking the monitoring system or contacting the provider after he allegedly stopped reporting to the police station.
“That should’ve never happened and in the future, we hope that don't happen again,” he said. “If the court sanctions that you sign it,
Pilot awaiting murder trial admits to having ounce of marijuana in his prison cell
A PILOT awaiting trial for murder and charges stemming from a $15.3m drug seizure in 2024 was sentenced to six months in prison yesterday after admitting to possessing an ounce of marijuana in his prison cell. Donald Ferguson II, 28, was found with one ounce of marijuana in his cell at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services on June 9. Ferguson was on remand awaiting trial for
Two men killed in separate shooting incidents less than 10 hours apart
A WAVE of gun violence left two men dead less than 10 hours apart yesterday, with surveillance footage capturing the fnal moments of one victim before he was fatally shot in a hail of bullets. The deadly shooting captured on surveillance camera happened shortly after 2:30am yesterday on Alexandria Boulevard, Nassau Village, where police responded to reports of gunfre. Police said the 28-year-old victim was
MURDERS - SEE PAGE FOUR PRISON - SEE PAGE SEVEN
Grieving parents of five teens killed in Shirley Street crash
left distressed after roadside memorial cleared without warning
He said seeing the memorial disturbed compounded his grief.
GRIEVING
parents
of fve teenagers killed in the Shirley Street crash have been left distressed after a roadside memorial was cleared without warning, depriving them of the chance to retrieve photographs and other items honouring their children.
The memorial marked the site where Keno Gordon Jr, 19; Diamond Stubbs, 17; Betrica Brown, 18; Evalena “Lilly” Johnson, 19; and Stania Webb, 19, were killed.
Up to press time, The Tribune was unable to determine who ordered or carried out the removal.
Damian Stubbs, Diamond’s father, said he discovered workers digging at the site when he visited Shirley Street on Monday after building up the courage to return to the scene.
He said he walked away before returning to put some of the items back in place.
“From I come there and I meet them throwing dirt on top of it, I wanted to lick somebody out but I say I ain’t gonna say nothing,” he said.
He initially believed the work involved water infrastructure and did not realise the memorial was being removed.
At his wife’s urging, he returned yesterday morning hoping to retrieve photographs, but found the memorial gone.
Mr Stubbs began contacting the other victims’ families after discovering the removal.
He travelled to Cat Island yesterday and spoke with Stania’s father, who was also apparently unaware that the memorial had been cleared.
Mr Stubbs said the families should at least have been notifed and allowed to collect the items most meaningful to them.
“If they had approached us, we would have moved what we wanted and if they wanted to get rid of whatever at least they could have given us the opportunity to say what we had to move, if only the girls’ pictures,” he said.
He had hoped to retrieve a photograph of Diamond from the memorial and take it with him to Cat Island.
“I went there to get that this morning to take to Cat Island and to put that above my bedhead, and that ain’t there,” he said.
Mr Stubbs said the families may also have wanted to place some of the photographs at the teenagers’ gravesites.
He questioned why the entire memorial was removed while a large tree stump remained at the scene. Addressing those
responsible, he said: “Tell those people Mr Stubbs say fnd his daughter picture because I’m coming for it.”
Shantika Williams-McQueen, Keno’s mother, said she had not known the memorial was gone and had not yet been able to bring herself to visit the crash site.
“I’ve not built myself up to even go there as yet,” she said.
Ms Williams-McQueen said the memorial should have been allowed to remain longer, particularly because the families were still grieving and the burial process had not yet been completed.
“I can’t speak for everybody, but especially at this time, you know that there’s still a lot of grieving and stuf going on,” she
said. “There hasn’t even been, like, the funerals or anything like that for the complete burial of them as yet. I don’t think it should have been removed at this time.”
She said some of Keno’s friends had placed items at the memorial and she would have welcomed the chance to retrieve some of them for her son’s grave.
Family devastated after father of fve electrocuted to death
HOURS after telling his eldest son he loved him, 68-year-old John Walkes was electrocuted while working at a Bimini marina, leaving his wife and fve children struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of a devoted father who had travelled from Exuma in search of work.
Walkes, a painter and contractor, was killed on Saturday after reportedly coming into contact with high-voltage electrical equipment while working at Bimini Blue Water Marina.
Police said ofcers were alerted shortly after 2.35pm to an industrial accident at a business on Kings Highway in Alice Town.
Investigators said Mr Walkes was painting alongside another man when he reportedly came into contact with a transformer located between the building and the ground and was engulfed in fames.
His co-worker went to retrieve a fre extinguisher and found Walkes unresponsive when he returned.
A doctor was summoned and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Police are investigating the accident.
Walkes’ daughter, Elizabeth Walkes, said the family learnt of his death through a family friend. She said the news had devastated them, particularly her mother, Mavis. “We're still processing it,” she told The Tribune on Monday.
“We're grieving, and it's going to take a while to really get over it.”
Ms Walkes described her father as a hardworking painter and contractor who travelled throughout the Family Islands to provide for his family. After working in Abaco and Grand Bahama, he recently travelled to Bimini in search of employment and was contracted as a painter.
“We’re still processing it. We’re grieving, and it’s going to take a while to really get over it.”
— Elizabeth Walkes, daughter
Ms Walkes said her father enjoyed working in Bimini and had been making plans for two of his sons to join him there. “He was a very hard worker, a dedicated person and a go-getter,” she said. “He was always trying to provide for his family.”
Only hours before his death, Walkes spoke with his eldest son, John Walkes Jr, about God’s goodness.
“My brother told him, ‘Daddy, I love you. I'll talk to you later.’ Then a few hours later we heard the tragic news,” Ms Walkes said.
She described her father as a strict and deeply religious man who prayed, fasted and constantly
encouraged his family in their faith. He often reminded them: “Only what you do in Christ will last.”
“Our father was very family-oriented and would always call to check up on us,” she said. “So, we were always in contact with him, and so that's why it's so hard to deal with because we were very close family.”
Ms Walkes said the family has spoken with police but had not yet been contacted by Bimini Blue Water Marina.
Walkes’ nephew, Cyril Walkes, said his uncle inspired him through the way he transformed his life through faith and became a pillar of strength for his family. “He never gave up. He found God and turned his life around,” he said. “He was a giver, a jack of all trades and someone who always wanted to do something positive.” Walkes is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters. He would have celebrated his 69th birthday on November 27.
Bimini MP Randy Rolle extended condolences to the family in a statement on Sunday. Mr Rolle said authorities were working to determine the exact source of the electricity to better inform the public and help ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
Bahamas Christian Council calls for ‘balanced approach’ to the
Sexual Offenders Register
THE Bahamas Christian Council has called for a “balanced approach” to the Sexual Ofenders Register, arguing that while protecting children and vulnerable persons must remain the nation’s highest priority, making the database fully public could create unintended consequences.
In a statement issued yesterday, the council said it understood the frustration and concern surrounding sexual ofences in The Bahamas, particularly among survivors and families afected by abuse.
“The Bahamas Christian Council recognizes the deep pain, anger and concern that have gripped our nation as we confront the growing scourge of sexual ofences,” the organisation said.
“Our hearts remain frst and foremost with every survivor and every family whose lives have been forever changed by these horrifc crimes. Protecting children and vulnerable persons must remain our highest priority.”
The Council’s comments come amid renewed public discussion over whether the country’s Sexual Ofenders Register should be made accessible to the public.
A petition launched by the Bahamas Urban Youth Development Center (BUYDC), supported by groups including Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM) and Rise Bahamas, has called for the register to be made publicly available while protecting victims’ identities.
However, the Christian Council said after reviewing the issue and consulting with professionals, including child psychologist Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson and forensic psychiatrist Dr John Dillett, it believes a cautious approach is necessary.
“In recent days, we have carefully examined the issue of making the Sexual Ofenders Registry fully public,” the Council said.
“After listening to their insights and reviewing the broader implications, we believe there is wisdom in pursuing a balanced approach that places public safety above public emotion.”
The Council warned that making the register fully accessible could create challenges in a small country where communities are closely connected.
“The Bahamas is a small nation where families and communities are closely connected,” the statement said.
“An unrestricted public website could unintentionally encourage vigilantism, retaliation and collateral harm to innocent spouses, children and extended family members who have committed no crime.”
The position aligns with concerns previously raised by Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, who has argued against a fully public registry, warning that public access could encourage vigilantism, make monitoring ofenders more difcult and may not necessarily make children safer.
Dr Dean-Patterson has instead supported access being limited to agencies responsible for child protection and ofender supervision, including law enforcement, Social Services and the prison system.
Social Services Minister Barbara Cartwright has also supported restricted access, saying relevant government ministries and institutions should be able to access the information to better protect vulnerable persons.
Attorney General Wayne Munroe has questioned the efectiveness of opening the register to the wider public, pointing to existing criminal record checks and vetting systems used for individuals seeking employment in sensitive areas.
Mr Munroe has also argued that simply knowing where a convicted ofender lives would not necessarily prevent crimes, citing the murder of 11-year-old Marco Archer as an example during discussions about the limitations of public registries.
The Christian Council said policymakers must also consider the possibility that a public register could create a false sense of security.
“We must also guard against creating a false sense of security,” the statement said.
"Research consistently shows that most children are sexually abused by someone they already know and trust, not by strangers. A public registry
must never replace vigilant parenting, safeguarding policies, education and prevention."
The organisation stressed that prevention eforts must remain a central part of the national response, arguing that protecting children before abuse occurs should be a priority.
“Our national response must give equal attention to prevention. Protecting one child from becoming a victim is an even greater victory than identifying an ofender after a crime has occurred," the statement read.
The Council called for stronger child protection education, improved safeguarding policies in churches, schools and youth organisations, and increased public awareness. It also raised concerns about whether The Bahamas currently has the resources required to support a public notifcation system similar to those used in other countries.
“Many developed countries that maintain public notifcation systems also possess extensive resources to monitor ofenders, provide psychiatric treatment, support rehabilitation and ofer comprehensive services to victims, ofenders and their respective families,” the statement said.
“As a developing nation, The Bahamas must honestly assess whether we currently possess the infrastructure, personnel and resources necessary to achieve those same outcomes.”
Instead of full public access, the council said it supports strengthening the existing system by ensuring law enforcement and authorised agencies have access, while allowing controlled access for institutions responsible for children and vulnerable persons.
“The Bahamas Christian Council therefore supports a measured approach that strengthens the existing registry by ensuring full
access for law enforcement and other authorized agencies, while providing controlled access for institutions responsible for the care of children and vulnerable persons,” the statement said.
The organisation also supported limited public disclosure in cases where authorities determine an ofender presents a continuing risk. “We also support targeted public disclosure where qualifed authorities determine that an ofender presents a signifcant and continuing risk to public safety," the statement read.
"Finally, while we remain
uncompromising in our support for victims and accountability for ofenders, we also afrm that genuine rehabilitation, where possible and supported by evidence, contributes to safer communities. Redemption never eliminates accountability, but responsible rehabilitation can reduce future victims.
"This discussion should never be framed as choosing between protecting victims and protecting ofenders. Rather, it is about adopting the approach that ofers the greatest protection for children, families and our nation."
JOHN WALKES
Immigration penalties set for early legislative push
THE government will move early in the new legislative term to strengthen penalties for immigration ofences, including misconduct by immigration ofcers, Attorney General Wayne Munroe said yesterday. Mr Munroe said the Davis administration is now drafting legislation to fulfl its election commitment to increase sanctions for immigration-related crimes. He said the proposed bills will also be shared with senators for input before being brought to Parliament."
Early in the legislative term, we can go about passing those pieces of legislation to increase penalties for persons who participate in those types of matters," Mr Munroe said.
The minister did not outline the specifc penalties being considered or identify which immigration ofences would face tougher punishment, but said the reforms would cover both immigration violations and ofences committed by people employed within the immigration system.
The legislation forms part of the government's previously announced immigration reform agenda following its re-election.
Mr Munroe indicated the draft bills will undergo a consultation process before being fnalised and tabled in Parliament, adding the government wants stakeholders and legislators to provide feedback before the measures are debated.
Two men shot to death in separate murders less than 10 hours apart
outside a business establishment with a group of people when a masked gunman approached and opened fre, fatally wounding him. A 20-second
surveillance clip of the shooting shows the victim, dressed in a white shirt and blue trousers, standing beside a white van when the masked gunman appears and begins fring before leaving.
The wounded man then attempts to fee but collapses, limping behind the van for cover. Moments later, the gunman reappears and fres several more shots before feeing the scene.
The shooting came hours before another man was fatally wounded on Eaton Street, Yellow Elder gardens.
The victim, a 46-year-old man, was reportedly seated in his black Ford truck after 8am when he was shot by unknown assailants. He died on the scene.
Responding ofcers found him clad in a white singlet and green pants with apparent gunshot wounds to his face. These latest incidents follows a string
of violent attacks and have pushed the country’s murder count to 44 for the year, according to The Tribune records.
Anti-crime activist Carlos Reid said some recent killings appear to be retaliatory and urged people accused of violent crimes to keep a low profle.
“So, our encouragement of persons that have been accused of taking somebody’ life, like try not to be as visible. Try to be like ghosts until like these cases
are resolved. You can’t be out in the club or be out partying like you’re not accusing anything, “ he said. He said the government plans to work more closely with schools to teach young people confict resolution and anger management skills. He added that several initiatives are being planned for the upcoming school year to support students facing challenges, noting he believes schools provide the best opportunity to help turn the country around.
Carlos Reid calls for
accountability after murder accused allegedly breached his
bail 81 times before killing
sign in, then what is the next step?
then you sign in. If you miss signing in, then you’re in breach of a court order. You should be taken back to court and if there’s any time that they wanted to fnd that person, that person was being monitored. They could have found him in a heartbeat.”
Asked whether police should have alerted McPhee, Mr Reid said the attorney general should examine the issue and determine what authorities are required to do when an accused person repeatedly breaches a reporting condition.
“We have to start someplace,” he said. “If there’s a breach, what is the protocol for that? If somebody refuses to sign in when they have been summoned to
“I think that needs to be looked at, and that should never happen and in speaking with the Minister of National Security, that will never happen again.”
However, Attorney General Wayne Munroe yesterday played down the public safety significance of the reporting condition, saying its purpose is to ensure that an accused person appears for trial.
“The more positive way that we have to protect the public with people on bail if they’re considered dangerous is to electronically monitor them,” he said.
“That way you know where they are 24 hours a day, as opposed to the one moment you walk in a police station and sign a book or do the biometric
thing so the condition of signing into a police station is about preventing from you absconding.”
Asked whether the alleged breaches were nevertheless alarming, Mr Munroe questioned why someone being electronically monitored would also need to report to a police station.
“If he’s being electronically monitored, I don’t understand why somebody who’s being electronically monitored needs to sign in at a police station,” he said.
“You know where to fnd him 24 hours a day.”
Mr Munroe again said anyone who feels threatened can alert the police. He said ofcers would investigate and determine whether the witness should be removed from their home or relocated elsewhere.
AG WAYNE MUNROE
47-year-old mother has not left her home since December 2019
A 47-YEAR-OLD
mother who has spent more than six years confned to her home because of severe lymphedema says she fnally has reason to hope after a public appeal for help led to intervention from the National Health Insurance Authority and an upcoming medical evaluation that could mark the beginning of her longawaited recovery.
Philipa Armbister, who has not left her home since December 2019, is scheduled to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation on July 29 after Dr Tornette Hanna, director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHI), reached out following the broadcast of her story on Eyewitness News. The assessment is expected to determine what treatment and specialist services she will need to address the medical conditions that have progressively robbed her of her mobility and independence.
Ms Armbister said several people have contacted her ofering assistance since the story aired. In addition to the support from Dr Hanna and NHI, two ftness professionals have volunteered to help by providing workout plans designed to gradually improve her mobility once she is medically cleared.
For Ms Armbister, who has spent years watching life pass by from the confnes of her home, the response has given her
• Says she fnally has reason to hope after a public appeal for help led to intervention from National Health Insurance Authority • Upcoming medical evaluation could mark beginning of her long-awaited recovery
hope that change is fnally within reach.
"I'm excited," she said of the upcoming evaluation.
"I'm just a little frightened because they want to do blood work and I am scared of needles."
Despite the nerves, she remains optimistic.
The upcoming evaluation represents the frst major step in what is expected to be a lengthy recovery for Ms Armbister, whose health has steadily deteriorated over the better part of a decade.
She sufers from lymphedema, hypertension and heart failure, conditions that have signifcantly afected her mobility and overall health.
Lymphedema, a chronic condition that causes swelling when lymph fuid builds up in the body's tissues, has left Ms Armbister with severe swelling in both legs, making it increasingly difcult for her to move independently.
Although it was reported that she was bedridden, she said that is not entirely accurate.
"I haven't been completely bedridden. I have a walker that I use," she explained.
However, she admitted that each passing day has become more difcult as her condition continues to worsen.
"Every minute it progresses," she told The Tribune yesterday,
The progressive nature of the illness has forced her into an increasingly isolated existence, leaving her unable to leave home, work or participate in many aspects of everyday life that most people take for granted.
Ms Armbister said she had already been diagnosed with lymphedema before becoming pregnant with her second daughter, but believes having two pregnancies in quick succession dramatically accelerated the progression of the disease.
"After getting pregnant with my second pregnancy, I began swelling up and was unable to work anymore and unable to go places where I wanted to go," she said. "The pregnancy again in 2019 made the situation even worse."
She has been unemployed since 2017 and said losing the ability to work has been one of the greatest losses she has experienced.
AG Munroe: Bahamas could have
the capacity to conduct DNA testing locally before year end
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas could have the capacity to conduct DNA testing locally before the end of the year, Attorney General Wayne Munroe said yesterday, as families of victims killed in the Independence Day plane crash in Andros face waits of up to eight weeks to identify and bury their loved ones.
Health and Wellness
Minister Dr Michael Darville also renewed the government’s commitment to establishing a national forensic laboratory after concerns were raised about delays in identifying victims whose remains were severely burned in the July 10 crash near San Andros Airport.
Relatives submitted DNA samples last week after several victims reportedly could not be identifed because of the condition of their remains.
Dr Darville confrmed that the remains were largely unrecognisable and said DNA testing would be conducted at a laboratory in the United States.
“It's a process and labs in the United States have to look at the remains and match before we start speaking and start putting remains to individuals. It needs to be tested for confrmation,” he said.
Forensic DNA analysis is often used alongside other methods to identify victims after mass-fatality incidents.
Dr Darville said the government would cover the cost of the testing and other expenses arising from the crash.
“We realise that this is one a national tragedy, and there's a lot of things that are going to be underwritten and absorbed by the government,” he said.
He said plans were being developed through the pathology department, in collaboration with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, to make DNA testing available locally.
Dr Darville said Bahamians would eventually have access to a DNA laboratory in the country, although ofcials would continue working with accredited laboratories in the United States and possibly Canada.
Mr Munroe said he understood police were working to establish the capacity to conduct DNA testing in The Bahamas before the end of the year.
The absence of a national forensic laboratory has been a longstanding issue, afecting criminal investigations, sexual assault cases and disaster victim identifcation.
The Progressive Liberal Party pledged in its 2021 Blueprint for Change to establish a national forensic laboratory as part of its national security and justice agenda before winning the general election that year.
However, Free National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands said a forensic laboratory had been discussed for decades without the political will or budgetary allocation needed to make it a reality.
He said the country remained dependent on international partners for DNA testing despite the laboratory being promised in the PLP’s manifesto.
“It's not only the grieving families,” he said who are waiting on DNA results.
“It is the justice system, because you have to wait for this evidence to be adduced. And sometimes you wait for weeks, sometimes for months before you get results. In the meantime, you have no answers, and some of those remains, are kept in storage in one of
Before her health declined, she took pride in earning her own income and supporting herself.
"I like to be independent," she said.
"I don't like to depend on people."
"I used to work and make my own money."
Today, she depends on her father and government assistance to meet her daily needs, a reality she said has been difcult to accept after years of living independently.
Ms Armbister estimates she now weighs close to 500 pounds but rejects the assumption that her weight is simply the result of unhealthy eating habits. Instead, she attributes it largely to the severe swelling caused by lymphedema.
"I don't even eat that much," she said.
"I think it's just swelling in both legs that has me how I am. I don't eat fast food or anything like that, just home cooked meals.
She acknowledged that she has always been on the heavier side but believes the combination of lymphedema and two back-to-back pregnancies dramatically changed her body and limited her ability to move.
The physical challenges have also taken an enormous emotional toll, noting that she has been separated from her daughters, aged
eight and 11, who were in the care of social services, but are now in the care of their godmother.
Ms Armbister explained that one of the children became seriously ill and required medical attention, prompting authorities to determine that the girls would be better cared for elsewhere while she struggled with her own declining health.
She said the experience that fnally convinced her to seek help came when one of her daughters spent more than two months in hospital and she was physically unable to visit.
"I was unable to see her," she recalled.
"We just talked on video calls."
Unable to comfort her daughter during one of the most difcult periods of the child's life left her devastated and also made her realise she could no longer continue living without seeking help to improve her own health.
Despite living apart, she said her daughters continue to inspire her every day.
"When they see me down, they cheer me up," she said.
"They kiss me up and they say mummy will be okay. They don't like to see me cry."
Career Opportunity
Asked where she hopes to be a year from now, Ms Armbister said: "A year from now, I see my daughters back home and I making my own money."
She said reuniting with her daughters and returning to work remain the goals that motivate her to keep fghting despite years of declining health.
Ms Armbister said she has also had to endure painful comments from some relatives who suggested that her life might have been different had she not become pregnant with her second child. "I have some family members who used to tell me maybe if I didn't get pregnant with my second child, maybe I wouldn't have been the way I am," she said.
"But I don't let that get to me because she's a blessing. She's not a mistake. She is here for a reason."
Rather than dwell on those comments, Ms Armbister said she remains focused on the future.
She hopes the July 29 medical evaluation will provide answers about the treatment she needs and put her on the path towards regaining her health, returning to work and, ultimately, bringing her daughters home.
the multiple trailers at Princess Margaret Hospital, and there are many with human remains for years.”
Dr Sands also pointed to the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, when many victims remained unidentifed because of the condition of their remains.
In 2020, 55 victims were buried in Central Pines after DNA samples were collected, with ofcials saying the remains could later be exhumed if testing confrmed their identities.
Dr Sands said some of those victims had never been positively identifed, although their families believed the remains belonged to their relatives.
The need for a local forensic laboratory has also been repeatedly raised in connection with sexual assault investigations.
In 2025, Bahamas Crisis Centre director Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson said the lack of a forensic laboratory was forcing rape victims to wait months for critical DNA testing. She argued that the delays denied survivors justice and retraumatised them in court.
Dr Dean-Patterson said she had raised the issue with successive administrations but had been told establishing a laboratory would be extremely costly. She rejected cost as a valid excuse.
Mr Munroe, while serving as minister of national security, previously said Royal Bahamas Police Force biologists could examine samples collected in rape kits, but DNA testing was still conducted overseas.
He said the Davis administration was pursuing a national forensic laboratory that would provide DNA testing, pathology, drug analysis, frearms examinations and other forensic services.
and international
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Man awaiting trial over near-fatal bar shooting
remanded to prison after allegedly breaching his bail conditions
A MAN awaiting trial over a near-fatal bar shooting in 2022 was remanded to prison yesterday after allegedly breaching his bail conditions for 66 days.
Prosecutors allege that Donnovan Higgins, 28, failed to sign in at his local police station on 66 days between February 18 and July 17.
Pilot
Higgins was on bail on charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed frearm and possession of ammunition.
At around 2am on December 17, 2022, Archelous Thompson reportedly encountered two men fghting inside a car outside Papi’s Lounge, near the Esso service station on East Bay Street. When Mr Thompson attempted to intervene, Higgins allegedly pulled
out a gun and shot him in the neck.
Mr Thompson was successfully treated for his injuries at Princess Margaret Hospital.
Police allegedly found Higgins later that day with an Austrian Glock .40 pistol whose serial number had been erased. He was also allegedly found with 17 live rounds of .40-calibre ammunition.
Higgins pleaded not guilty to violating his bail
awaiting murder trial sentenced to six months in jail after he admits to having marijuana in his prison cell
murder and several serious drug importation charges.
He allegedly shot and killed 38-year-old Giovanni Rolle in his car on Coral Harbour Road, outside Rolle’s workplace at Jet Aviation, on the morning of June 16, 2024.
Rolle was a father of two.
Prosecutors also allege that Ferguson and his accomplices conspired to import 1,982 pounds of cocaine and 50 pounds of hydroponic marijuana into The Bahamas between October 1 and December 6, 2024.
Police reportedly seized the drugs, packaged in 24
multicoloured bundles, from a crashed blue-andwhite plane in Acklins on December 6, 2024. The cocaine was estimated to be worth $15.3m, while the marijuana was valued at $50,000.
Ferguson is also among 13 people indicted in the United States over an alleged international cocaine-trafcking network that prosecutors say exploited Bahamian airports and involved senior members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Last week, Supreme Court Justice Dale Fitzpatrick denied Ferguson’s latest appeal, ruling that
there were too many risks to allow his release.
Although Ferguson was initially charged with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply in connection with the marijuana found in his cell, the charge was reduced to simple possession.
He pleaded guilty before Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms.
The magistrate sentenced Ferguson to six months in prison. He was also sentenced to an additional three months for breaching his probation on a previous ofence.
The sentences will run concurrently. Inspector 2257 Wilkinson prosecuted the case.
All public school repairs expected to be completed before campuses reopen Aug. 31
ALL public school repairs are expected to be completed before campuses reopen on August 31, while the Ministry of Education continues its push to recruit enough teachers to fll persistent vacancies, particularly in the Family Islands.
Keenan Johnson, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, gave the assurance yesterday, saying contractors had already been mobilised and repair work was underway.
“The Deputy Prime Minister indicated about a week or two ago that contractors have already been mobilized and the work has already begun, and we anticipate that the work will be complete in time for all schools to open on time,” Mr Johnson told reporters.
The government is also grappling with teacher shortages, particularly in the Family Islands, where recruiting educators and securing suitable accommodation have remained concerns.
Mr Johnson said the ministry’s immediate priority is to identify enough teachers to fll the vacancies before addressing their housing needs.
“Our frst goal is to ensure that we have the teachers to be able to go on the Family Islands, which we recognize is where a lot of the shortage is,” he said. “Once we’ve identifed those teachers, our intention is to ensure they have adequate opportunities and assistance to fnd appropriate housing on these Family Islands.”
He also clarifed that no Ghanaian teachers have yet been recruited, despite previous discussions about bringing educators from overseas.
conditions before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr.
Prosecutor Sergeant 3004 Forbes objected to bail, citing the grave nature of the ofence and the danger of retaliatory violence.
The magistrate denied Higgins bail and remanded him to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His trial is scheduled to begin on August 21.
Forty-year-old man who stole more than $2,000 granted
Mr Johnson said the ministry had established a task force and a recruitment unit at the Mabel Walker Professional Development Centre to focus frst on fnding qualifed Bahamian teachers.
He said the government’s goal is to fll the shortages with Bahamians and explore overseas recruitment only where qualifed local teachers cannot be found.
Ghana is among several countries being considered, alongside the United States, Kenya and the Philippines.
Ghana’s Foreign Afairs Minister previously announced that The Bahamas was prepared to receive 300 Ghanaian teachers this year.
In a Facebook post, he said the proposed deployment followed ofcial negotiations during his visit to The Bahamas for the country’s 53rd Independence Anniversary celebrations.
A MAN who stole $2,004.55 from a food distribution company on Marathon Road earlier this month was granted a conditional discharge yesterday.
Christopher Miller, 40, admitted stealing the money from A.S.A. H. Pritchard on July 7 while it was in his custody as an employee. Miller pleaded guilty to stealing by reason of employment before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans.
The magistrate granted him a conditional discharge and ordered him to reimburse the company in full. Failure to do so would result in a $500 fne or three months in prison. Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted the case.
2026 Sand Wars Beach Flag Football Tournament
THE
Honey Badgers and Freeport’s 3Lynx emerge as champions
Teams survive dramatic fnishes to capture ladies and men’s championships
THE Honey Badgers and Freeport's 3Lynx survived dramatic fnishes to capture the women’s and men’s championships respectively on the fnal day of the 2026 Sand Wars Beach Flag Football Tournament at the Beach Soccer Field on East Bay Street. Both championship games were decided in the closing seconds, with late touchdowns and defensive stops sealing the titles.
The women’s fnal produced the tournament’s most dramatic fnish as the Honey Badgers rallied to defeat Pink Venom 13-12.
With just 18 seconds remaining and trailing 12-6, the Honey Badgers found the end zone to tie the game at 12. They then converted the one-point extra-point attempt to take their frst lead of the contest at 13-12.
Pink Venom had one fnal opportunity with 12 seconds left but could not generate another scoring drive as the Honey Badgers celebrated the championship.
The victory was especially meaningful after sufering a loss to the same Pink Venom team in the Bahamas Flag Football League championship just three weeks earlier.
“It has been a long time coming,” said Honey Badgers player coach Dakota Marshall. “We played them in the BFFL championship about three weeks ago and lost to this very same team. It feels wonderful to fnally beat them.”
Marshall said preparation over the previous two days allowed the Honey Badgers to build a game plan around controlling possession and limiting mistakes.
“We watched them play over the last few days and recognised what they were giving us and what they were taking away,” Marshall said. “We built a game plan to keep the ball on the ground and only throw it when they gave us the space.”
When asked how his team stayed composed during the frantic closing
seconds, Marshall credited the group’s chemistry.
“Experience and sisterhood,” he said. “That’s what got us through.”
The men’s championship was equally entertaining as Freeport's 3 Lynx held of the Abaco Sharks 21-14.
Holding a 14-6 advantage with just over two minutes to play, 3 Lynx appeared to be in control before the Sharks mounted a furious comeback.
Abaco scored a touchdown and converted the two-point attempt to level the score at 14-14 with one minute remaining.
The tie lasted only a few seconds.
Freeport answered with a touchdown with 40 seconds left and added the extra point to move back in front 21-14. An interception on the Sharks’ fnal possession sealed the championship for the Grand Bahama club.
Head coach Jared Sands said his team responded well after battling through early mistakes.
“The win feels so sweet,” Sands said.
“We had a few challenges and made some errors early, but one thing about this team is when we’re down, we recover quickly. We bounced back, took the lead again and our defence stepped up at the right time.”
Sands said the game-winning drive came from trusting the speed of his receivers after recognising a favourable matchup.
“We knew their defenders couldn’t stay with our receivers,” he said.
“We believe we have two of the fastest receivers in The Bahamas, so we decided to air it out. It worked exactly the way we wanted.”
With Freeport teams continuing to enjoy success at the tournament, Sands had a simple answer when asked if 3Lynx had established itself as the team to beat in Sand Wars.
“Yes, we are,” he said.
“Freeport is the king of Sand Wars.”
The championship victories capped an actionpacked weekend of beach fag football as teams from across The Bahamas battled for Sand Wars supremacy. At the end of the day, both title games delivered the type of dramatic fnishes expected on championship day.
Bahamas Football Association set
to host inaugural BFA U15 Girls Goombay Soccer Cup this weekend
BFA, from Page 12
play a vital role in growing the women’s game and highlighting the achievements of these talented young athletes,” she said.
“We wish all our participants the very best of luck. May this frst U15 Girls Goombay Cup be the beginning of a tradition that continues to inspire and develop the next generation of women’s football in our region.” Competition director Bruce Swan said the response from neighbouring football associations was immediate.
“By the time I called around, it took me about 10 minutes to get fve teams confrming for this tournament,” Swan said.
“Up to last week we were getting calls from teams wanting to join, but of course it’s capacity to host all these teams. We are defnitely going to be looking to build on that.”
Swan said the tournament flls the competitive gap left by the cancelled CONCACAF event and will help prepare players for next summer’s CONCACAF U17 Women’s Qualifers. “These girls have been preparing over the last two years,” Swan said. “This tournament is a stepping stone for the girls to prepare for the CONCACAF U17 qualifers next summer. If they move on from the qualifers, then they go to the CONCACAF Championship and hopefully qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup.”
To ensure every player gains meaningful experience, Swan said tournament rules require each participant to play at least 50 minutes during the competition.
He also expects a high standard of football despite the tournament being classifed as friendly matches.
“It is not being taken lightly,” Swan said. “USVI right now is in a camp in Florida in preparation for this tournament. Grenada has been training extra sessions trying to replicate what the tournament has to ofer. It’s going to be a very competitive tournament that we are going to be hosting.”
Bahamas head coach Ricquea Bain said her team has emphasized both preparation and mentality heading
into a demanding schedule that will see teams play multiple matches over the three-day event.
“It’s not just a sub coming to replace. It’s a player coming with a purpose,” Bain said. “We can keep going and keep the fre running from the frst minute to the last minute.”
Bain believes handling the tournament schedule will be one of the biggest factors in determining success.
“I think the X factor for us right now is the mental part of it. It’s how we play two games in a day,” she said.
“The practice matches have prepared us for that.” She added that the tournament also gives young players an opportunity to grow beyond the feld.
“When they get out to the feld, they realise that it’s more to the game than just sports. It’s communication, having fun and doing something that you like,” Bain said. “It’s a sport of companionship. They get to meet girls from other countries who face the same challenges as them and they can share their stories.”
Captain Kacey Cooper said the team is ready to put its preparation on display.
“We’ve been working on technical aspects as well as physical aspects,” Cooper said. “We’re going to showcase everything that we’ve practiced and everything that we’ve learned.”
Fellow captain Kallie Mackie said communication has been one of the team’s biggest areas of focus throughout training.
“We’ve been working on shooting, passing and goalkeeping drills. One of the biggest things I’ve taken away has been the communication drills because communication is one of the biggest aspects of the game,” Mackie said.
“I think The Bahamas can expect a good tournament, a tournament full of diferent prospects, diferent athletes and a tournament full of competitiveness.”
The tournament opens Friday evening with three matches, including The Bahamas taking on Turks and Caicos at 8pm. Action continues Saturday and Sunday before champions are crowned following the completion of round robin play. There is a cost for admission.
Honey Badgers won the ladies’ portion of the Sand Wars Beach Flag Football Tournament at the beach soccer facility on East Bay Street.
Pony Softball International World Series
PONY ladies’ softball team falls short of clinching gold medal
PONY Baseball Softball
Bahamas women’s softball team fell short of clinching the gold medal at the Pony Softball International World Series over the weekend in McAllen, Texas.
The team, managed by Shane Albury, reached the championship game on Sunday where they lost 3-2 to the Philippines. They fnished the tournament with a 4-3 win-loss record.
"The last game was a nail-biter. We had strong defence and pitching from both teams for most of the game," said Albury, who was assisted by Desmond Dean, Nerissa Lockhart, both from Grand Bahama, and Albury's daughter, Sari Albury.
"The last two innings the game opened up with both teams executing bunts and timely hitting which resulted in a 3-2 score. The Bahamas was not able to bring in the tying run on third with two outs. Good performance by both teams."
After losing their opening game 6-4, Team Bahamas reeled of four straight games, winning 6-4, 6-3,12-0 and 5-3. They lost again 6-4 before sufering a heartbreaking 3-2 decision in the fnale.
"The team performed exceptionally well, despite missing a few players that had other commitments," Albury said. "I’m extremely proud of the team's performance, noting that we are on an upward trajectory.
"We are so excited for the future and what that will look like in years to come as we position ourselves to play competitively at various levels. As stated by a reporter that was covering the event, “Bahamas plays with joy, passion and incredible determination."
Albury said the team is the defnition of unity, heart and resilience.
"They fght for every play and don’t give up," he stressed.
He said the team started playing in PONY tournaments in 2009/2010. And he said PONY Baseball Softball Bahamas was not competitive at all, practically mercy ruled every game, according to Albury. But they have since turned things around.
"During a PONY tournament in 2012/2013, I can recall a conversation with
Team Bahamas was made up of Skai Albury, Sanaa Roberts, J’Nair Russell, Laurel Hanchell, Lanell Louis, Ciara Bowe, Markaylah Foster, Katelyn Bain, Tania Clarke, Andrinique Lamour, Juneka Saunders, Tyra Wilmott, Mariah Joseph, Rhamia Bethel and Janae Bain.
a coach," Albury said. "He said “your girls can hit, you have speed but when you get pitching you guys will be a force”.
"In 2014, we won our very frst game at a PONY tournament in Virginia.
Several years ago we created PONY Baseball Softball Bahamas, which helped with the invitation to the World Series. This was our third year attending this tournament and
without a doubt the best showing to date."
PONY Baseball Softball Bahamas also took a 14U team to Texas. But they got eliminated early in bracket play.
The team consisted of Caia Sweeting, Destiny Adelson, Mikelle Cartwright, Temera Bullard, Maddison Dillett, Garjae Green, Kylea Greene, Paris Lowe, Jamiah Thompson, Kimeyah Coakley, Caitlin
McWilliam, J’Lynn Bain, D’Antia Rose and Cassidy Jones. As they look ahead, Albury said "the strength of any team rests on quality pitching."
“Unfortunately a few key injuries in game one, and early in the tournament, including our ace pitcher, lead to the early exit in the tournament,” Albury said.
“Another talented group of young ladies that also missed several players due to other commitments. We must improve our overall communication on game-situation plays, overall knowledge of the game in key situations and team execution on both sides as it relates to small ball play," Albury said.
PONY Baseball Softball Bahamas will now prepare to send a 18U team of to compete in the Pan Am Junior Softball Championships in November.
Jonquel’s double double helps New York get 99-98 overtime win over Wings
ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Breanna Stewart had 33 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, Jonquel Jones had a double double, Sabrina Ionescu scored 12 of her 21 points in overtime, and the New York Liberty beat the shorthanded Dallas Wings 99-98 on Monday night to snap a four-game skid.
Jones and Liberty host Chicago tonight
Ionescu took over from there, making all fve of her shots to give New York a 97-93 lead with 1:20 left.
Arike Ogunbowale sank a 3-pointer to pull Dallas within 99-98 with 27.5 seconds left and New York had a shot-clock violation at the
Jones fnished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for New York (14-12). After scoring just nine points in the third quarter — and trailing by 12 in the frame — New York responded with 24 points in the fourth to force overtime.
other end to give the Wings another chance. Ogunbowale had a good look from close range but her bank shot hit hard of the rim as time expired.
Ogunbowale scored 29 points for Dallas (17-9), which had a franchise-record six-game winning streak halted.
Jessica Shepard secured her 17th double-double of
the season with 13 points and 16 rebounds to tie Atlanta's Angel Reese for league lead. Dallas was without star Paige Bueckers after she hit her head on the foor late in a 90-82 victory over
the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday. Bueckers isn’t in the concussion protocol, but the team said last season's Rookie of the Year was still feeling sore. The game was rescheduled from Thursday night
THE WEATHER REPORT
had
after the Liberty’s charter fight
mechanical issues.
Up next Liberty: Host Chicago on Wednesday. Wings: At Portland on Wednesday.
RUNNERS-UP IN TEXAS
Chisholm Jr: ‘I’ve sucked all season. The numbers speak for themselves’
jburrows@ tribunemedia.net
JASRADO “Jazz”
Chisholm Jr continued his recent power surge Monday night, blasting two home runs and driving in fve to lead the New York Yankees to an 8-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium.
The Bahamian infelder went 2 for 4 with a pair of home runs, fve RBIs and two runs scored for his 10th career multi-homer game. He launched a three-run homer in the frst inning before adding a two-run
shot in the third, giving him home runs in three consecutive plate appearances after ending Sunday’s game with a go-ahead blast against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Chisholm wasted little time making his presence felt this game as he gave New York a 4-0 lead with a three-run homer in the frst inning, capitalising after Pittsburgh committed two errors on the same play. He struck again in the third inning, lifting a slider into the frst row of the second deck for a two-run shot that put the Yankees back in front 6-5. Chisholm paused briefy at the plate to watch the ball stay fair
before beginning his home run trot. The blast gave him home runs in three consecutive plate appearances, dating back to the tie breaking solo shot he delivered in the eighth inning of Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After going 1 for 3 with a double and a run scored in Sunday’s matinee, Chisholm blasted a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth inning to lift the Yankees to a 2-1 victory over the Dodgers at Yankee Stadium.
The home run broke a 1-1 tie and helped New York split its doubleheader with Los Angeles before carrying that momentum into
Monday’s series opener against Pittsburgh.
The turnaround came just a day after Chisholm openly criticised his own performance.
“It sucked. I’ve sucked all season. The numbers speak for themselves,” Chisholm said following Sunday’s game.
Despite his self-assessment, Chisholm’s recent outburst has signifcantly boosted his season numbers. Through 95 games, he is batting .228 with 76 hits, 16 home runs, 43 RBIs, 51 runs scored, 26 stolen bases and a .726 OPS. His latest performance moved him back within striking distance of a third consecutive
20 home run season while keeping him among the American League’s most dangerous base stealers. Monday’s performance highlighted another example of Chisholm’s ability to impact games even while searching for consistency at the plate. His combination of speed and power remains a valuable asset for New York as it battles for the American League East title and postseason positioning. Against the Pirates, Chisholm wasted little time making his presence felt, staking the Yankees to an early lead with a frst inning three run homer before putting New York back in front
with a two run blast in the third after Pittsburgh had rallied for a 5-4 lead. The Yankees’ bullpen followed with 4 1/3 scoreless innings to secure the victory. His latest heroics also continued a trend of delivering in clutch situations, even during a season he has acknowledged has not met his own expectations. With the stretch run approaching, the Yankees will be counting on Chisholm to build on his recent surge as they chase another American League East crown.
jburrows@ tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Football Association will welcome fve visiting nations this weekend when it hosts the inaugural BFA U15 Girls Goombay Soccer Cup, a tournament created to provide meaningful international competition for the region’s top young female footballers after the cancellation of this year’s CONCACAF U15 Championship. The three-day tournament, scheduled for July 24-26 at the Roscoe A.L. Davis Soccer Field, will feature The Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands in a round robin format, with the team earning the most points crowned champion.
Speaking during Tuesday’s press conference,
Daria Adderley, Bahamas Football Association council member for women’s football development, said the event is another important step in expanding opportunities for girls throughout the region.
“On behalf of our president Anya James and the executive council of the Bahamas Football Association, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this inaugural U15 Girls Goombay Cup,” Adderley said.
“We extend a very warm Bahamian welcome to all our visiting teams, coaches, ofcials and supporters. We are delighted to have you with us and hope that you enjoy not only football but also the hospitality and culture of our beautiful islands.” Adderley also thanked the association’s partners and the media for supporting the continued growth of women’s football. “Your coverage and commitment
CHISHOLM JR