WOMAN & HEALTH
‘BUSINESSES HIT HARD AS POWER OUTAGES PERSIST’
Chamber of Commerce warns of nancial losses, closures and lost inventory
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
BUSINESSES across New Providence and the Family Islands are sufering signifcant fnancial losses from persistent power outages, with some forced to close, turn away customers and discard spoiled inventory, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation warned yesterday.
The BCCEC said restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, manufacturers,
retailers and service providers have all endured varying levels of disruption, with many unable to operate safely or efciently without reliable electricity.
The chamber said members have reported closing during business hours, losing sales because electronic payment systems could not operate and absorbing the cost of goods spoiled during prolonged interruptions to refrigeration and cold storage.
“These are sales that,
LOSSES - SEE PAGE FOUR
GBPA issues stop-work order on $21m marina
By DENISE MAYCOCK
and BARBARA WALKIN Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
DEMOLITION of the Port Lucaya Marina was abruptly halted just one day after work began after the Grand Bahama Port Authority issued a stop-work order amid unresolved questions over the legal transfer of the
marina’s seabed lease. Bahamas Land and Waterways, the marina’s new developer, received the notice from the GBPA’s Inspection Department on Friday, disrupting the opening phase of a $21m redevelopment intended to transform the deteriorated facility.
STOPPAGE - SEE PAGE FIVE
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THREE Bahamian men were detained and $5.9m worth of suspected marijuana seized after a 72-hour intelligence operation involving Bahamian and United States law enforcement agencies tracking and intercepting a go-fast vessel moving through Bahamian waters.
The operation began on July 24 after authorities received intelligence that a Bahamian-registered vessel carrying a large quantity of narcotics was heading towards The Bahamas, according to Royal Bahamas Defence Force Staf Intelligence Ofcer Captain Derrick Ferguson.
A United States air asset detected the vessel during the early hours of July 25, triggering a coordinated response involving the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force and several US law enforcement agencies under Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas Maritime Operations Coordination Working Group. Mr Ferguson said US authorities deployed air assets, the RBPF mobilised its units and the Defence
MOTHER DEMANDS ANSWERS AFTER VIRAL SCHOOL ATTACK
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
A 13-YEAR-OLD boy fed for his life as a group of students chased him across the grounds of C H Reeves Junior High School after attacking him, surrounding him and allegedly threatening to have his “head”,
according to his mother and a viral video of the incident. Genal Bodie said her son sought help from the school after the attack during summer classes on Thursday, but she was not contacted and no arrangements were made to ensure he reached home safely. She A still
IN a joint operation with the US Coast Guard and the RBDF a boat was intercepted carrying a large amount of marijuana worth an estimated $5.9m. Three Bahamian men were detained during the operation.
Photo: Shawn Hanna
Reeves Junior High School.
Engines from fatal ight sent to US investigators
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
WRECKAGE from the Independence Day plane crash that killed ten people of Andros has been sent to the United States for detailed examination as investigators continue gathering evidence to determine what caused one of the country’s worst aviation disasters in recent history.
The Air Accident Investigation Authority said yesterday that recovered aircraft components, including both engines, will be examined at a secure facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
The parts will also be taken to the engine manufacturer’s facilities in Mobile, Alabama, for assessment.
The AAIA said the examinations are part of its continuing safety investigation and will help investigators establish the sequence of events and contributing factors surrounding the crash.
The authority said the investigation is intended solely to prevent future accidents by identifying safety defciencies and recommending corrective measures.
“The investigation is not conducted for the purpose of apportioning blame or determining civil or criminal liability. The safety investigation conducted by the AAIA is separate and apart from any other investigation that may be undertaken by State Judicial, Legal, or Regulatory bodies,” the AAIA said.
The authority, assisted by Florida-based recovery partner SouthEast Air Recovery, recovered the wreckage from the crash site between July 22 and July 24.
The Flamingo Air Cessna 402C was travelling from New Providence to North Andros with ten people aboard when it crashed near San Andros Airport.
The aircraft frst struck trees before travelling a short distance and coming to rest in a wooded area, where it was destroyed by fre.
One person survived the initial impact and escaped the aircraft but later died from their injuries.
The AAIA said its investigation remains in the frst phase, which focuses on collecting information, documenting evidence and preserving all available material.
“Following completion of this phase, the investigation will progress to Phase 2 – Analysis of Data, during which all factual information—including wreckage examination results, recorded data, operational information, maintenance records, meteorological information, witness statements and other relevant evidence— will be comprehensively evaluated,” the AAIA said.
“The fnal phase of the investigation Phase 3 – Presentation of Findings will culminate in the preparation and publication of the Final Report, including any safety recommendations considered necessary to enhance aviation safety.”
The authority said it expects to publish a preliminary report on or before August 10.
A fnal report is expected approximately one year after the crash in accordance with international standards, although the AAIA warned that the timeline could change if further investigative work is required.
Wreckage of the Flamingo Air Cessna 402C that crashed in the forest on approach to North Andros on July 10.
Viral video shows 13-year-old chased by students at school
said the group was waiting outside the school gate when he later attempted to leave.
Ms Bodie, who is considering transferring her son for his safety, reported the matter to police and went to the school with ofcers on Friday to demand answers about its handling of the incident.
“What C.H.Reeves teachers thinking? Are they not parents?” she said.
The video, which had attracted nearly 1,000 shares and more than 700 comments up to press time, shows at least eight boys surrounding the teenager as he repeatedly refuses to fght.
At the beginning of the recording, one student tells another boy to “strike” him before a boy wearing a black head wrap pushes the 13-year-old.
“I ain’t fghting,” the teenager says, explaining that the other boy is his friend.
As he continues saying that he does not want to fght, students jeer and encourage the other boy to attack him. One shouts, “lay one on him;” another says, “He’s a joker,” and another urges the aggressor to “(expletive) him up”.
The aggressor grabs the teenager by his shirt while another boy slaps him on the head. The 13-year-old again refuses to fght, but holds the boy’s shirt after being slapped as the surrounding students urge the attacker to strike him again.
The confrontation escalates when one boy says, “see the knife right here.”
Another jumps around the teenager before slapping him, while another pushes him.
The boy eventually runs as a crowd of students chases him across the school grounds.
Ms Bodie said her son later told her: “I feel like these boys them gonna try kill me.”
She said he also told her the group threatened on Thursday that they would have his “head”.
Ms Bodie said her son
had been attending summer classes in preparation for eighth grade when the incident occurred. She said watching the footage caused him to tremble as the full weight of the attack appeared to hit him.
“I started to play the video, and then he started to just like tremble up. He started to actually tremble up. Like everything just started hitting him,” she said.
“I was like, so you were going through all this situation and you ain’t even letting me know. I said, furthermore, how could the school allow you to go out the gate with these same young men who just retaliated to you.”
Ms Bodie said she sensed something was wrong when her son returned home from summer school earlier than usual. Because she suffers from seizures, however, he was reluctant to disclose the full extent of what had happened.
He initially told her only
that some boys had tried to fght him at school, that the incident was not serious and that the school had addressed it.
Ms Bodie became more concerned after noticing a lump on his head and swelling around his cheek. She questioned why the school had not contacted her.
Her son told her: “Mummy, I gon be okay, I just want lay down and go sleep.”
Ms Bodie did not learn the full extent of the attack until her neighbour’s daughter received the video while they were running errands and asked whether the boy in the footage was her son.
“I felt weak in the knees,” she said. “All I do was just ask God for strength to keep my body standing. He just give me strength to deal with this the best way I could.”
She described watching the attack as heartbreaking.
“Because it ain’t my face,
but that’s my child’s facehe’s me, I’m him,” she said. “I was feeling his pain.”
“Whatever he felt, I felt it. I was feeling his pain, with the hits everything.”
Ms Bodie said she later showed her son the video and pointed out that some of those involved were boys he had considered friends. She said he then found the courage to tell her everything that had happened.
She said the dispute began during a group telephone call on Wednesday night after one boy, who does not appear in the video, mocked her son about his grandmother’s death.
The teenager left the call to avoid becoming upset, but later rejoined. Ms Bodie said the boy seen grabbing his shirt in the video also began mocking his grandmother and called her “deep and wide”.
She said her son responded by saying “that’s your mother” before
ending the call. Ms Bodie later instructed him not to rejoin it. She said there had been no indication that the boys would target him at school the following day.
After escaping the attack, the teenager ran to the school ofce for help because he feared the group would assault him while he walked home, Ms Bodie said. She said he told an administrator that he had been attacked and did not want to fght, although he did not explain the full extent of what had occurred.
According to Ms Bodie, the administrator contacted the parents of the other boys, informed them about the fght and said the students would be suspended until September. The parents were also told they could collect their children if possible.
Ms Bodie said no one contacted her or took steps to ensure her son reached
home safely. She said her son sufered further trauma when he tried to walk home and discovered the group waiting outside the school gate.
Her cousin, a security ofcer at the school, saw the situation escalating and placed the teenager in her vehicle for his protection while other security ofcers instructed the group to leave, she said.
Ms Bodie acknowledged that her son had previously been involved in two school fghts and said he was not perfect. She said he had sometimes yielded to peer pressure in an attempt to ft in, but learned confict-resolution skills after completing a two-week behavioural programme.
She said the boys involved should be held accountable through the law and must understand that their actions could lead to someone’s funeral.
The Tribune contacted police to determine whether any of the boys had been taken into custody or whether an investigation was underway, but the police press liaison did not provide an update.
The video triggered widespread outrage, with many social media users praising the teenager for escaping what they described as a dangerous situation and questioning the parenting of the other students.
Families of All Murder Victims president Khandi Gibson said a meeting should already have been held with all parents involved to seek a resolution.
Ms Gibson said the teenager had endured humiliation, fear and embarrassment and urged the community to take a stand against bullying.
She told the 13-yearold that he was a hero for running from the dangerous situation. Ms Gibson is giving him a new telephone for the school year and is working with others to provide school supplies, saying the support has been overwhelming.
Family pleads for police help in Andros search
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Staff Reporter
THE family of missing Andros resident Antonio “Doe Doe” Bastian is pleading for additional police resources from New Providence as the search for the 45-year-old enters its second week with no sign of him.
Mr Bastian was last seen on July 13 walking along the Queen’s Highway between Love Hill and Fresh Creek. His sister, Hanna Mott, said he had been travelling to see a doctor before he disappeared.
Ms Mott said her brother experiences “seeing things”, receives injectable medication and had previously been treated at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre. She said he had been making good progress since leaving the facility and earned money washing cars.
The family became alarmed after Mr Bastian failed to return home on July 14. He was reported missing to police on July 16 after relatives waited 48 hours.
Ms Mott said her brother would only “once in a blue moon” go for periods without contacting relatives and
that it was highly unusual for him to remain away from home for so long. She believes someone may have targeted him or taken him elsewhere.
Police have mounted extensive searches across Central and North Andros since the report was filed, including deploying the Criminal Detection
Unit’s drone team.
“As much as the police can do in Andros, from Central to North, they are doing, but they need more help,” Ms Mott said.
She praised officers on the island for supporting the family and joining searches throughout the day.
“They was with me from day one,” she said.
“We’ve been out in the evening, in the morning, and we’ve come up with nothing.”
Ms Mott said her brother had been treated at Sandilands about four or five years ago and had been in and out of the facility.
She traced the beginning of his mental health problems to an incident in which she
believes someone gave him a laced substance.
Police issued a missing person poster for Mr Bastian on July 19. He is described as having a dark brown complexion, standing
A STILL image from a video that went viral on social media shows part of the alleged assault involving a 13-year-old student during summer school at C H Reeves Junior High School.
5ft 6in tall and having a slim build. The Tribune sought comment from the Royal Bahamas Police Force but received no response up to press time.
POLICE with a drone and group of volunteers have conducted searches for Antonio ‘Doe Doe’ Bastian who has been missing since July 14.
Chamber demands fix for persistent outages
LOSSES from page one
in many cases, cannot be recovered,” the BCCEC said.
The warning followed hours-long outages that disrupted homes and businesses across Abaco and New Providence over the weekend.
Residents in parts of Abaco said the latest round of power disruptions began as early as Wednesday and included an outage lasting about 18 hours.
The BCCEC said prolonged outages frequently prevent businesses from processing transactions in an economy where consumers increasingly rely on debit cards, credit cards and other electronic payment methods.
It warned that the
damage extends beyond individual companies, citing lost productivity, interrupted operations, damaged equipment, increased operating costs and declining consumer confdence.
“The cumulative efect of these outages extends well beyond individual businesses,” the chamber said. “Lost productivity, interrupted operations, damaged equipment, increased operating costs and declining consumer confdence place additional strain on an economy already facing signifcant challenges.”
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises face the greatest risk because they often lack the fnancial resources to withstand repeated disruptions, the BCCEC said, adding:
“MSMEs, which comprise most businesses in The
Bahamas, are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the resources to absorb repeated disruptions.”
The chamber said a stable electricity supply is essential to economic growth, tourism, investment, employment and the delivery of essential services.
“Businesses cannot compete, expand or serve their customers efectively when they cannot depend on a stable power supply,” it said.
The BCCEC acknowledged the eforts of utility workers restoring service under difcult conditions and the government’s push for energy reforms, but said the frequency and duration of the outages demand urgent operational improvements and stronger contingency measures.
“While the BCCEC
recognizes the eforts of utility personnel working to restore service under difcult conditions and the government’s thrust towards robust energy reforms, we contend that the frequency and duration of these outages underscores the urgent need for both immediate operational improvements and more adequate contingencies for our electricity infrastructure.”
The chamber called on the relevant authorities and the electricity provider to clearly and consistently explain the causes of the outages, the measures being taken to resolve them and realistic timelines for improving reliability.
It said timely information is essential for businesses deciding whether to open, adjusting their operations,
communicating with customers and attempting to limit fnancial losses.
The BCCEC said it would continue documenting the economic impact of the outages through consultations with its members while advocating for practical, long-term solutions. It said the business community remains committed to working with stakeholders to ensure The Bahamas has an electricity system capable of supporting a modern and competitive economy.
Abaco Chamber of Commerce president Chantelle Sands described Thursday as “one of the worst days”, saying the prolonged loss of electricity disrupted normal business operations across the island.
Ms Sands said she had heard of one case in which
Bahamas Power and Light reportedly damaged the transfer switch on a business’s generator, preventing the company from using its backup supply during an outage.
She said businesses are increasingly purchasing generators to maintain operations, but the fuel and maintenance expenses are placing further pressure on already narrow proft margins.
“Many businesses are now investing in generators, which is a positive step for maintaining continuity of operations during outages,” Ms Sands said. “However, generators come with signifcant operating costs, including fuel and maintenance. Those added expenses reduce already tight proft margins.”
Union says PMH ooding managed as FNM blasts govt
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Nurses
Union president Muriel Lightbourne said nurses reported no major disruption after foodwater entered Princess Margaret Hospital’s newly renovated Accident and Emergency Department on Sunday, with the water cleared and services resumed as severe thunderstorms battered New Providence.
However, Free National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands yesterday seized on the incident, arguing that it undermined the government’s claims of progress and refected wider failures in the public health system.
Ms Lightbourne said the reports she received indicated that rainwater fowed into the department rather than leaking through the newly renovated building.
Water entered through the ambulance bay doors after heavy rain caused localised fooding at the hospital. Patients and staf were moved from afected
areas while cleanup crews removed the water.
Ms Lightbourne said staf were already clearing the department by the time she contacted them after learning of the fooding. Although she could not say how long the water remained inside, she said she received no formal complaints from nurses and the incident was managed appropriately.
She said staf were
naturally concerned about the potential danger of standing water near electrical equipment.
“Of course, you know we were concerned with the water, and then you know depending on the rise of the water, you know there are electrical things and all that stuf. You have to be that concerned, but they were, for the most part, they were okay,” she said. Videos and photographs
circulated on social media on Sunday showed standing water in sections of the A&E Department, with people walking through afected areas wearing protective shoe covers.
Princess Margaret Hospital said the fooding did not originate from the roof or ceiling, but resulted from an “extraordinary volume”
of rainwater accumulating outside the hospital before entering through the ambulance bay.
Hospital ofcials said the facility is in an area that was heavily afected by Sunday’s fooding and that neighbouring buildings and businesses also fooded because of the exceptional rainfall.
PMH said the afected areas were immediately cleaned and patients and staf relocated so medical services could continue.
Barriers were placed at the afected entrance and ambulance access was temporarily diverted while ofcials assessed the area.
The hospital said it would work with relevant partners to determine what additional measures could reduce the impact of similar severe weather events while protecting patients, staf and visitors.
The fooding came just weeks after Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville announced that the
long-delayed A&E redevelopment had been completed and the department was fully operational following a phased transition.
Meanwhile, Dr Sands said: “Yet again, the basic needs and concerns of ordinary citizens have taken a back seat to the champagne lifestyle of the new day, "progress" crew,” he said.
“After more than 5 years, the newly renovated A and E foors fooded. After an extended delay, to release a statement about PMH being in a food zone really? Has it moved?”
Dr Sands linked the fooding to what he described as a pattern of infrastructure failures under the Progressive Liberal Party administration, citing recurring power outages, operating theatre problems at Princess Margaret Hospital and Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama, and shortages of medication.
Surgeries delayed after AC fails at Rand Memorial
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE Public Hospitals
Authority has acknowledged that ageing air-conditioning systems at Rand Memorial Hospital’s operating theatre have disrupted surgical services and said replacement equipment is expected to be installed within weeks.
The authority’s statement came after Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville confrmed that some surgeries were postponed when an air-conditioning compressor malfunctioned, causing condensation and water to leak from the ceiling.
The PHA said it was replacing parts and carrying out other interventions to improve the performance and reliability of the existing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system while pursuing a long-term solution.
“The PHA recognizes that the existing HVAC systems supporting the operating theatre are aging and, as a result, have presented challenges that require both immediate and long-term solutions,” the authority said.
It said it had been working with external vendors and partners to acquire new HVAC equipment for the operating theatre.
“These replacement systems are expected to be secured and installed within the coming weeks, representing a more sustainable long-term solution to the current challenges,” the
PHA said.
The authority said it was also exploring arrangements with external healthcare providers to ensure patients continue to receive necessary surgical care while repairs proceed.
Elective procedures could be performed through external partners where necessary, while emergency surgeries would continue at Rand Memorial Hospital, the PHA said.
The disruption drew criticism from Central Grand Bahama MP Frazette Gibson, who raised concerns on Thursday about reports that major surgeries had been cancelled because of a leaking roof and non-functioning air conditioning.
“I am deeply concerned,” Mrs Gibson said. “This situation is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for proper maintenance and sustained investment in Grand Bahama’s primary healthcare facility.”
When contacted by The Tribune, Dr Darville said the issue was brought to his attention after some surgeries had to be rescheduled because of an “AC challenge”.
He said a compressor malfunction caused condensation, resulting in moisture and water leaking from the ceiling.
Dr Darville said technicians were called to address the problem, but replacement parts had to be ordered, leading to the postponement of surgeries.
She said Grand Bahama residents deserved access to healthcare in an environment that was safe, reliable and fully functional.
Mrs Gibson called on the government to prioritise Grand Bahama residents by resolving longstanding maintenance problems at the hospital.
“Access to quality healthcare is not a luxury—it is a fundamental right and a core responsibility of any government,” she said.
“Our healthcare professionals should have the facilities and resources they need to provide uninterrupted care, and patients should never have to worry that infrastructure failures will delay or prevent life-changing medical treatment.”
Mrs Gibson urged the government to take decisive action to ensure Rand Memorial Hospital could adequately serve the Grand Bahama community.
“The residents of Grand Bahama deserve a healthcare system that is safe, dependable, and capable of meeting the needs of our community. The time for decisive action is now,” she said.
The PHA said it appreciated the patience of patients, families, healthcare professionals and the wider Grand Bahama community while the corrective measures were being carried out.
Mrs Gibson said the cancellation of critical surgical procedures disrupted patient care and raised serious concerns about the condition of essential public health infrastructure.
BAHAMAS NURSES UNION PRESIDENT MURIEL LIGHTBOURNE
Port Lucaya demolition halted over lease dispute
STOPPAGE from page one
Glyine Delancy, managing director of Bahama Land Waterways, disputed the order, saying it referred to repair work even though the company was demolishing the existing marina.
“I explained to the personnel at the Inspection Department that we’re not doing repairs. We are actually doing demolition,” Mr Delancy said. “They were very overzealous in issuing that, and if you look at the stop-work order, it says repairs when we’re doing demolition.”
The dispute widened on Monday when the Grand Bahama Development Company said it remained the landlord under the marina’s seabed lease and had not received the legal documents needed to recognise its new owners or their authorised representatives.
DEVCO said the lease remains in force and requires any change in benefcial ownership to be formally disclosed.
“While we understand that the property has been sold by third parties, DEVCO has not yet received the legal documentation confrming the new ownership or identifying the
individuals authorized to act on behalf of the owner,” the company said.
DEVCO said its request was a routine legal and administrative requirement under the lease rather than an objection to the redevelopment.
“Our only requirement, as stated in our lease agreement, is that we receive the necessary legal documentation so that we can recognize the
properly authorized party and fulfll our obligations under the lease,” it said.
“This is a standard legal and administrative process that is common to landlord and tenant relationships. The new owners of the Port Lucaya Marina are not exempt from this requirement.”
Executive Marine Management announced on Thursday that demolition had begun, marking the
frst phase of the proposed redevelopment.
Mr Delancy said Bahama Land Waterways had informed the GBPA of its plans well before work started and that Executive Marine Management applied for the necessary permit about eight or nine days earlier.
He said the contractor received verbal approval and was given a permit number, with the formal
permit expected to be processed later.
“We kept in communication through the contractor, which is a very reputable contractor, and they’ve done things of this nature before,” Mr Delancy said. “They applied for the permit. They were given a verbal approval, with the permit number to be processed later. However, that did not happen, but we were told to commence the work.”
Mr Delancy said communication with the Port Authority continued through last Wednesday, when the company was verbally cleared to proceed. He said no GBPA representatives visited the site to prevent the demolition from starting, despite the work being publicly announced.
Mr Delancy said the company did not view the dispute as a broader confict with the GBPA and wanted the issue resolved quickly so the redevelopment could continue.
He said Bahama Land Waterways planned to meet GBPA ofcials this week.
Charisse Brown, president of GB DEVCO, said the company welcomed
the proposed investment and had no objection to the planned work.
“We welcome the planned investment in and improvement of the marina,” Ms Brown said. “Enhancements to this important asset are positive for Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama, and the wider economy. DEVCO has no objection to the proposed works and is committed to supporting responsible development.”
Ms Brown said there appeared to be “some misunderstanding and misinformation” surrounding the marina dispute.
She said DEVCO would work with the new owners to secure the necessary approvals and advance the project once the required legal documents were submitted.
Mr Delancy said demolition was expected to take between four and six weeks. The company would then await the arrival of new dock infrastructure before beginning installation.
“We just want to get this development started because we know the state of Grand Bahama, so we’re trying to do things in order to progress forward with this development,” he said.
Three Bahamians detained in $5.9m maritime drug bust
SEIZURE from page one
Force repositioned HMBS Kamalamee and HMBS Durward Knowles to intercept the vessel.
“The vessel would have entered Bahamian territorial waters, noticed that they were detected, and they would have started to deviate to alter their course to enter back into international waters,” Mr Ferguson said.
The Defence Force then authorised a nearby US Coast Guard cutter to board and search the vessel on its behalf.
“The Bahamas Defense Force granted permission to the US Coast Guard that
had a cutter in the nearby area to, on the behalf of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, to conduct a boarding and search of that vessel,” Mr Ferguson said.
The search led to the seizure of a large quantity of suspected marijuana and the detention of the three Bahamian men aboard.
The suspects, suspected drugs and vessel were transferred to a Defence Force vessel and transported to HMBS Coral Harbour. Authorities did not disclose the quantity or estimated value of the suspected marijuana, saying the investigation remained in its early stages.
Mr Ferguson said the
detainees and suspected drugs would be handed over to the RBPF Drug Enforcement Unit for further investigation.
“Be there no mistake. The US and the Bahamian partnership is strong, and we remain committed to detecting, disrupting, deterring, and denying any transnational criminal activity that may seek to enter and transit the Bahamian maritime jurisdiction, and as well as the US maritime jurisdiction,” he said.
Superintendent Wendy Pearson of the Drug Enforcement Unit said the go-fast vessel had been seized and would eventually be forfeited.
GLYINE DELANCY, managing director of Bahama Land Waterways, speaks to the media on Saturday.
Photo: Vandyke Hepburn
RBDF officers stand guard as $5.6m worth of marijuana is offloaded after a go-fast boat with three Bahamians on board was intercepted in Bahamian waters by a US Coast guard cutter. Photos: Shawn Hanna
The Tribune Limited
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SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
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RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Fighting for safety
It seems the spectre of bullying never goes away – and social media seems to simply make it easier to share the shame.
A video of an attack on a 13-yearold boy has gone viral. In it, the boy is seen to be being chased across the grounds of C.H. Reeves Junior High School, with the attackers threatening to have the boy’s “head”.
The boy’s mother is particularly upset that despite her son seeking help from the school after the attack at summer school on Thursday, she was not contacted and no steps were taken to make sure he arrived home safely.
As she asked, “What CH Reeves’ teachers thinking? Are they not parents?”
The video shows the boy being surrounded by at least eight other boys. At one point, one of the boys says, disturbingly, “see the knife right here”.
The boy himself later told his mother that he felt like the boys were going to try to kill him.
Seven years ago in this column, we wrote about the all-too-common reality of weapons in school, such as knives, and how a knife has no place in a school bag.
At the time, one CC student told The Tribune that students “defnitely” carried weapons to school, while another 15-year-old told of how “everyone just riding with gangs” and that students felt afraid to walk home from school. Other students talked of the pressure to be part of gangs to avoid bullying.
Psychiatrist Dr David Allen warned of how we “can’t have a country where children can’t walk home safely”, while former gang leader turned crime consultant Carlos Reid warned of how “we have moved from youth gangs to organised gangs”.
We wrote all the way back then that this is not a new problem, but one that it was past time to address. If it was past time seven years ago, then we should be very far past the point where it has been addressed by now.
Instead, we have a situation where a boy asked for help from his school, and his school did not even contact his mother to tell her.
She found out when he came home earlier than usual. He told her some boys tried to fght him at school, and she became more worried when she saw a lump on his head and swelling on his cheek.
It was only when her neighbour’s daughter saw the video that she learned more.
How can we be in a position where a school is made aware of a problem but a parent only fnds out when a video circulates and shows their child? Families of All Murder Victims president Khandi Gibson is right when she says that a meeting
should already have been held with all parents to seek a resolution.
The moment that kind of incident took place, all parents should have been contacted – and the police too if necessary. The Tribune contacted the police to fnd out if an investigation had begun, but the press liaison had no answer by the time of going to press. We will continue to seek an answer.
Ms Gibson has been in the position of working with all too many victims of violence, so hers is a voice that should be heard. She urged the community to take a stand against bullying, and hailed the 13-year-old as a hero for getting away from a dangerous situation. It is now several days on from the incident, and the school should without question act to reinforce that bullying is not acceptable. Those involved in the incident should be spoken to, and their parents advised. Further disciplinary measures may be necessary. Those who struck the boy may well be in a position where they might be arrested for assault, if deemed necessary.
We tell our children that if they are being bullied, they should tell someone. That advice cannot get a child very far if no one listens, or if no one takes action.
We must not let our children feel as if they are on their own, with no help if it is needed. If a teacher does not listen, tell a parent, tell a police ofcer, tell someone who will listen.
The Bahamas Crisis Centre is also available if you need to report bullying. Email bahamascrisiscentre@gmail.com or call 328-0922. Stand with your friends. If they are being bullied, tell those who are doing it to stop – and again, go and tell someone what has happened.
Parents, look for the signs that your child is being bullied – such as coming home with bruises or with damaged clothes, having trouble with school work for no reason, taking diferent routes home from school, having nightmares or emotional outbursts, being afraid of going to school or pretending to be sick.
There should be no place for fear in our education system. The most elementary thing that our children should be able to expect is safety at school – and that when they are not safe and they tell an adult that they are heard.
If we cannot even inform parents when there is an incident of bullying such as this at school, then we are failing at the frst hurdle. We must keep our children safe. It is the most basic requirement of a civilised society. How can we possibly look to a better tomorrow if we do not show compassion for those who will create that future?
The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story.
Coming to my mind were the stirring cadences of “March On, Bahamaland” that always resonate far beyond a mere melody; but it is the words that encapsulate the very essence of the Bahamian spirit, thus serving as a timeless beacon of national pride, unity, aspiration, and collective purpose.
Within the hallowed halls of the Parliament of The Bahamas (House of Assembly) often referred to as the Lower House), the Speaker is entrusted with a sacred guardianship of what occurs within those historical walls.
The Speaker (and the Members) play a pivotal role that transcends mere procedural oversight. Therefore, it demands an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every deliberation, every debate, and every legislative act reverberate with the national anthem’s foundational calls for inclusivity, respectful dialogue, and shared national advancement.
The stewardship that is expressed in the national anthem is paramount, as it directly underpins the integrity and democratic legitimacy of our legislative body.
By fostering an environment of equitable discourse, upholding the highest standards of decorum, and diligently facilitating the voice of the people, the Speaker’s chief tasks is to safeguard the dignity of all who enters those hallowed walls and public trust which is indispensable to the very fabric of our national identity and the enduring strength of our democratic institutions.
Those persons who have the honour of sitting in the Parliament of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas must do so with dignity and aplomb. so that the citizenry and particularly the impressionable youth can see and feel that their “house”…. is in good and reliable hands…. indeed the people’s house and what takes place there is done in their name….and for their beneft…
The bedrock of any thriving democratic system lies in the unimpeachable integrity and exemplary conduct demonstrated by its legislative body.
The profound significance of maintaining decorum within parliamentary proceedings transcends mere formality; it is absolutely indispensable for the health and efcacy of governance of the nation itself.
Firstly, a dignifed legislative environment is crucial for bestowing legitimacy upon institutional actions.
When debates are conducted with gravity and respect, and decisions are reached through a process perceived as fair, respectful, and thoughtful, the resulting legislation garners greater public acceptance and compliance. This perception of legitimacy is fundamental to the rule of law.
Secondly, the behaviour of elected representatives serves as a powerful national exemplar.
Parliamentarians, by virtue of their ofce, are under constant public scrutiny. Their adherence to ethical standards, their manner of dress, their language, and their interactions within the chamber set a benchmark for civil discourse and civic engagement across the nation, particularly infuencing younger generations’ learning about democratic values and processes.
Thirdly, a culture of mutual respect actively fosters more efective governance. Even amidst profound ideological divisions, an atmosphere of decorum facilitates constructive dialogue, allows for the nuanced exchange of ideas, and ultimately paves the way for more robust and pragmatic policy-making.
Citizens rightly hold their elected Members of Parliament to an exceptionally high standard. They expect these individuals to epitomise ethical leadership, embodying virtues of respect, civility, and professionalism.
This expectation extends to meticulous adherence to procedural rules, engagement in Rigorous yet Respectful debate, and an unwavering commitment to public service – completely free from ad hominem attacks, infammatory rhetoric, or undignifed spectacles. The ideal vision of a legislative assembly is that of a forum for reasoned deliberation and the collaborative crafting of policy for the national good.
However, the contemporary political landscape often presents a stark and concerning contrast to these deeply cherished ideals. Modern parliaments frequently grapple with intense partisan polarisation, exacerbated by the relentless demands of a 24/7 news cycle and social media. This confuence of factors can transform legislative debates into highly combative and often acrimonious exchanges.
While vigorous debate is an inherent and healthy component of democracy, instances of unparliamentary language, personal denigration, and disruptive behaviour unfortunately risk eclipsing substantive policy discussions and debate
Such perceived departures from expected decorum inevitably attract signifcant public criticism, igniting concerns about the fundamental integrity of the political process and steadily eroding public faith in the efcacy and trustworthiness of democratic institutions.
In recognition of the vital importance of upholding these standards, most legislative bodies have meticulously crafted comprehensive codes of conduct and procedural rules designed to enforce decorum. These robust frameworks are not merely ornamental; they actively seek to regulate member behaviour, cultivate respectful interaction, and deter actions that could diminish the gravitas of the institution.
For instance, the United Kingdom Parliament after which the Bahamas has supposedly modelled, and operates under a detailed Behaviour Code outlining expected conduct, while on the hand, the United States House of Representatives maintains intricate rules explicitly prohibiting personal attacks and governing conduct within the legislative chamber itself.
Beyond specifc national rules, broader ethical principles, such as those compiled by organisations like the National Democratic Institute, ofer a global perspective on universal standards expected of parliamentarians. These frameworks typically delineate acceptable language, establish clear procedures for calling members to order (such as the “words taken down” mechanism in the U.S. House), and outline potential sanctions for violations. Their authority is derived from a rich tapestry of historical precedents, established standing orders, and leadership directives, providing a structured and authoritative approach to maintaining order and dignity.
Ultimately, the persistent tension between the aspirational ideal of parliamentary decorum and the often-turbulent realities of political discourse constitutes a continuous and profound challenge for democratic systems across the globe.
The diligent and impartial enforcement of established codes, coupled with a renewed and genuine commitment from parliamentarians themselves to embody these principles, is absolutely essential.
This collective efort is critical not only for safeguarding the inherent dignity of legislative institutions but, more importantly, for reinforcing public confdence in their capacity to efectively serve the multifaceted interests of the Bahamas and its people…
DR DONALD M McCARTNEY Nassau, June, 2026.
Where is the FNM headed?
EDITOR, The Tribune.
IT was reported recently in the newspaper that Dr Duane Sands, FNM Chairman, said that the party’s planned post-mortem conclave would not happen this month, as decided by the Central Council.
He did not give a rescheduled date. Instead, he indicated that the conclave would take place when they are ready. It appears he was referring to the leadership. The party statement is curious.
The Central Council of the party is the highest authority outside of its convention. So, how is it possible that the Council, having agreed to have the conclave by the end this month, could be overruled by the leadership without a further decision by the
Council to change it? Can the Leadership also, on its own, decide to change a date previously agreed by the Central Council for a party convention? Just asking. If Leader Michael Pintard, wanted to change the agreed timing of the conclave scheduled by the end of this month, then he should have called a special call meeting of the Council earlier this month. It should have been done before the Chairman made public comments to the media, presumably approved by the Leader. They should have discussed with Council why they believed that the earlier agreed date was not feasible and seek approval for a new date or time-frame.
It is arrogant and unacceptable to conclude a
position and share it with the public frst. It demonstrates a lack of respect for the Council.
What is so distressing is that this type of behavior comes on the heels of Mr Pintard leading the party into one of its worst loses ever!
If memory serves me correctly, to date, Mr Pintard has not publicly taken personal responsibility for the loss as the Leader of the Party. Nor has he publicly apologised for the loss. Mr Pintard ought to move with haste to have the post-mortem conclave. The further away it is from May 12th, the less efective and advantageous it will be for the party.
DISTRESSED FNM Nassau, July 27, 2026.
Overstaying appeal dropped after Governor General pardon
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A HAITIAN woman sentenced to six months in prison for overstaying withdrew her appeal before the Court of Appeal yesterday after receiving a pardon from the Governor General and being repatriated.
Karen Othello had appealed her sentence before Justices of Appeal Bernard Turner, Gregory Smith and Deborah Frazier. Her attorney, Fedner Dorestal, appeared on her behalf.
Othello was convicted of overstaying before Acting Chief Magistrate Shaka
Serville on November 20, 2025, after pleading guilty with the assistance of a Creole interpreter.
In addition to the sixmonth prison sentence, Othello was fned $3,000 or faced a further six months in custody. She was also ordered to be repatriated after completing her sentence.
T’Shura Ambrose, chief prosecutor for the DPP and who represented the Department of Immigration, argued that the magistrate’s decision was not unduly harsh and that he was correct in his ruling. Ms Ambrose said Othello pleaded guilty and accepted the facts of the case. She said Magistrate Serville
could have sentenced her to up to two years in prison under the Immigration Act.
Ms Ambrose also submitted an afdavit from Chief Immigration Ofcer Andrew Gittens and asked the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the conviction.
Mr Dorestal then sought to withdraw the appeal, saying his client had been pardoned by the Governor General and repatriated to Haiti on June 18.
Ms Ambrose produced a copy of the pardon and raised no objection to the appeal being withdrawn.
The Justices of Appeal dismissed the appeal and upheld Othello’s conviction and sentence.
Man accused of Market Street murder remanded to prison
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN accused of a fatal shooting near Market Street earlier this month was remanded to prison yesterday.
Prosecutors allege that Tarazz Johnson, 25, and an accomplice shot and killed Dwight Benjamin, 35, outside a residence on Father Calnan Road at about 9.30pm on July 15.
The suspects reportedly ambushed Benjamin as he left the house. After the shooting, they fled south on Market Street towards Andros Avenue on a black scooter.
Authorities found Benjamin lying on his back with apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Johnson was not required to enter a plea to the murder charge before
MITCHELL URGES US TO REVERSE 12.5 PERCENT EXPORT TARIFF
Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr. He was informed that the case would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment.
Johnson was also informed of his right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.
The voluntary bill of indictment is scheduled to be served on December 4. Sergeant 3004 Forbes prosecuted the case.
Repeat o ender gets 18 months for damaging police statue
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A REPEAT offender was sentenced to 18 months in prison yesterday for damaging a police statue on Bay Street and breaking into a Charlotte Street business last month.
Rodnel Polydor, 40, broke into Churned Up! Ice Cream Parlour & Smoke House and stole $600 on June 14.
The following day, Polydor intentionally damaged a police statue at Bay and Elizabeth Streets. The statue, valued at $15,500, belonged to Anthony Boswick. Polydor pleaded guilty to shopbreaking, stealing and causing damage before Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms. Inspector 2257 Wilkinson, the prosecutor, said Polydor had multiple previous convictions for similar offences.
In January, Polydor was fined $150 for wilfully exposing himself to a woman on Shopper’s Mall Drive near the bridge authority on January 10. The woman, who was offended by his behaviour, reported that Polydor held his genitals and asked whether she had ever seen bubblegum. For his latest offences, Polydor was sentenced to 18 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
Man remanded for burglary and damaging ankle monitor
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN accused of burglary and damaging his electronic monitoring device was remanded to prison yesterday. Prosecutors allege that Levardo Mezidore, 30, broke into Altarrio Mitchell’s Eastern Road home between 11am on January 16 and 5am on January 17. While on bail for pending ofences, Mezidore allegedly damaged a black electronic monitoring device belonging to
Migrafll between January 21, 2025, and May 18. The device is valued at $850.
Mezidore pleaded not guilty to burglary and causing damage before Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms. Inspector 2257 Wilkinson, the prosecutor, objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk to public safety if Mezidore were released.
Mezidore was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His trial is scheduled to begin on August 19.
PEDESTRIAN DIES AFTER HIT AND RUN ON COWPEN ROAD
A 52-YEAR-OLD pedestrian died after being struck by a van on Cowpen Road yesterday morning, with the driver initially leaving the scene before later reporting the accident to police.
Police said ofcers responded shortly after 7.15am and found the unconscious man lying in the roadway. Emergency medical personnel treated him at the scene before taking him to hospital, where he later
died from his injuries. Preliminary investigations indicate that the man was walking north along an unnamed street of Cowpen Road when he was struck by a white van.
Police said the driver left the scene after the collision. At about 12.30pm, a woman went to the Carmichael Road Police Station and reported that she had been involved in the accident. Police are continuing their investigation.
Alphonso Lewis represented Mezidore.
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FOREIGN Afairs Minister Fred Mitchell has urged the United States to reverse a 12.5 percent tarif on Bahamian exports, warning that the measure appears “ill-founded” and could weaken demand for approximately $70m worth of crawfsh shipped to the American market.
Mr Mitchell said the tarif would make Bahamian crawfsh more expensive in the United States, with the economic model suggesting that higher prices would reduce demand.
The Trump administration last week imposed the tarif on products made in The Bahamas and exported to the United States.
The Bahamas was among 54 economies identifed by the Ofce of the United States Trade Representative as allegedly failing to impose and efectively enforce a prohibition on importing goods produced with forced labour.
Mr Mitchell challenged the basis for including The Bahamas, saying ofcials had pointed out during negotiations that close to 100 percent of the country’s imported goods come from the United States.
“Our ofcials during the negotiations pointed out that close to 100 percent of our goods are imported from the US, so the question must be asked: Where is the forced labour?” he said.
Mr Mitchell said
Parliament had recently passed legislation specifcally addressing the issue and argued that the country’s Constitution already condemns involuntary servitude.
“Secondly, a law was just passed by the parliament specifcally addressing the issue. Thirdly, our constitution decries involuntary servitude in our former slave-based society. The decision, in our view, by the U.S. should be revisited,” he said.
He acknowledged, however, that The Bahamas has limited leverage when confronting the bureaucracy and politics of a larger country.
“But remember that our country is a small country, and in the bureaucracy and politics of the larger countries, we can not force the issue and we count for little,” Mr Mitchell said. He also warned that the tarif could produce the opposite of its intended efect by increasing costs for American consumers.
“Concurrently and ironically, since it was designed to help the US economy, it will make goods more expensive for US customers,” Mr Mitchell said.
He said the government would continue working with the United States to clarify the tarif’s purpose and impact, but maintained that the decision appeared unjustifed if it was based on the absence of a Bahamian law prohibiting imports made through forced labour.
“The facts are, though, if
it is based on no law in The Bahamas against imports made by forced labour, the decision by the US seems ill-founded,” he said.
Mr Mitchell compared the dispute to previous international regulatory pressure from European countries and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which he said had “tied us up in knots” and made local banking “torture”.
The tarif has triggered concern throughout the fsheries industry just days before the opening of the lucrative crawfsh season.
Adrian LaRoda, president of The Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance, told Tribune Business that the decision was “very disappointing, very disappointing”.
Mr LaRoda said the 12.5 percent tarif would “no doubt” afect the competitiveness of Bahamian crawfsh exports and consumer demand in the United States.
The Davis administration is seeking an exemption for Bahamian crawfsh and stone crab exports.
Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell said the government is also working to strengthen the country’s prohibition on goods produced through forced labour.
Mr Campbell said ofcials would be sent to work directly with seafood processors and exporters as they navigate the new tarif.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER FRED MITCHELL
Ivoine Ingraham • Facing Reality
The monster we created
when political support becomes entitlement
THERE is a monster stalking our democracy. It didn’t appear overnight, nor did it emerge from the corridors of Parliament. It was nurtured over years of misplaced expectations, unhealthy political culture, and a growing belief that public ofce exists not to serve a nation but to satisfy personal desires. That monster is entitlement.
It’s a frightening creature because it disguises itself
isn’t representation. It’s dependency. Government has an undeniable obligation to care for its citizens. It should build reliable infrastructure, improve healthcare, strengthen education, ensure public safety, and create an economic climate attractive to investors so businesses can grow and employ more Bahamians. These are legitimate responsibilities. Government should create opportunities. It
fnance a lifestyle sustained by poor personal choices. Personal responsibility has become an endangered virtue. Even more alarming is the growing controversy surrounding appointments to government boards. Every administration faces criticism over who is appointed to these important bodies. Yet many critics operate from a fundamentally fawed assumption—that politi
Some who have already benefted from political generosity continue demanding even more. Satisfaction has become elusive because entitlement knows no fnish line. Once one expectation is fulflled, another immediately emerges. Greed rarely says, "Enough."
The sad-
approach the Prime Minister in public—as though they are entitled to immediate access because they know him, supported him, or wish to discuss a personal matter. This should concern every Bahamian.
I have no comprehensive data from other countries. Still, I would wager my shirt that few democracies
honestly. Somewhere along the way, politics stopped being about nation-building and became an avenue for personal gain. We have begun measuring our worth not by what we contribute, but by what we believe we deserve. That is a dangerous transformation.
A nation cannot prosper if every election creates ing for individual rewards instead of millions of lective progress. We must catch ourselves before this monster grows beyond our
Support a candidate because you believe in the country's future—not because you expect favours. ises of personal beneft. ity, not dependency. Serve your country with dignity, not
Above all,
the fnancial expectation. It’s the quiet surrender of dignity. There was once pride in earning one's way. Today, some openly boast about what they can obtain from politicians. They feel no embarrassment, hesitation, or shame. What should be private desperation has become public expectation. This is not healthy for the individual, and it’s disasThere is another disturbing dimension to this culture that deserves serious attention: the treatment of the Ofce of the Prime Minister. Whether one agrees with the policies of Prime Minister Philip Davis is entirely beside the point. Democracy welcomes disagreement. Criticism is healthy. Elections provide accountability. But respect for the ofce must never It has become alarmingly common for individuals to appear at the Ofce of the Prime Minister—or even
Japan's monkey sensation Punch gets thousands of birthday messages as he turns 1 on Sunday
By MAYUKO ONO and MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press
ICHIKAWA, Japan (AP)
— Punch, the orphaned monkey at a Japanese zoo that stole many people's hearts by clinging to an orangutan plushie, is marking his frst birthday with a food of well-wishing messages from his fans around the world — even though he now has friends and is no longer holding on to the toy.
Punch was abandoned by his mother after his birth a year ago Sunday, presumably because of exhaustion. Zookeepers nursed him and gave him the toy to develop his gripping ability, something newborn macaques need to survive.
No longer a baby
Punch is no longer a plump baby with the plushie and he's hard to distinguish from other monkeys as he mingles and plays with them at an enclosure at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden.
He still attracts big crowds, and has received some 2,500 birthday cards from inside and outside Japan, said Takashi Yasunaga, head of the zoo. Many of the cards and other messages fll the walls at an indoor Punch
birthday exhibit where visitors can also view video chronicling Punch from his earliest days.
“As Punch was trying very hard struggling to live each day, his two keepers did everything they can while other staff watched over him,” Yasunaga said, recalling the past year. “It was extremely hot when Punch was born. The memory is still clear to me as the hot season returns."
In mid-January, after six months of special care by his keepers, Punch was placed into the zoo’s monkey enclosure to join some 50 other monkeys — a challenge that led to his fame.
In February, images of Punch with his toy posted by the zoo on social media immediately became a sensation and drove tens of thousand of visitors to the zoo, half of them from overseas, Yasunaga said. When other monkeys shooed the baby away, Punch rushed back to the toy orangutan, hugging it for comfort. Fans cheered him with a #HangInTherePunch tag on social media.
More than just cute
It was not just the cuteness factor of seeing Punch with his toy, but also his lone
struggle to be gradually accepted by others that struck a chord, fans say.
Kumi Ishizawa, a Kobe resident who was at the birthday exhibit, said she found Punch on social media earlier this year. From then on, overcoming her illness to come see him had become her goal.
“He moved me ... I kept on telling myself that I'm going to get well and come visit to see Punch," said Ishizawa, who has since recovered and dropped by the zoo after wrapping up a business trip. “And here I am, I made it. I'm very happy I could fnally see him in person."
New day, new fans
Yeye Lights, a longtime resident in the city, had never visited the zoo until she became a Punch fan and now has an annual visitor pass. She was hooked by Punch after her daughter in the Philippines told her about the monkey.
“I have a cake for Punchkun, I'm celebrating with my friends,” Lights said, using an affectionate Japanese honorifc for boys. She thanked the monkey's two carers for taking good care of him.
Prime Minister is not simply another politician. He is the Head of Government. His safety is directly connected to the stability of the nation. No serious country should normalize the arrival of people unannounced, expecting an audience with its chief executive. We have Members of Parliament for a reason. Every constituency has representation.
Branch ofces exist so citizens can raise concerns, seek assistance, and communicate their needs through established channels. Allow MPs to do the work they were elected to perform. Allow ministers to administer their portfolios. And allow the Prime Minister the time and space to govern the nation.
Leadership requires concentration. Running a country cannot be reduced to an endless stream of unscheduled personal requests. It is time for us to pause and examine ourselves
public ofce belongs to the people collectively—not to individuals seeking repayment for political loyalty. Respect the ofce, even if you disagree with the ofceholder.
You may not respect Philip Davis the man. That’s your democratic right. But we must all respect the chair he occupies. It is, after all, the chair entrusted with leading the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. And if we lose respect for that institution, we may soon discover that the greatest casualty of entitlement is not merely our politics—it is our democracy itself. The monster of entitlement must not be allowed to live. We must work assiduously to plan its demise. Those of us who love this country must start by asking what we can do for the Bahamas, not what we could get.
Photo: Chris Wade Ntezicimpa/pexels
VISITORS gather to watch Punch, a young Japanese macaque, at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Ichikawa, east of Tokyo, Thursday, July 23, 2026. AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko
PUNCH, a young Japanese macaque, plays at Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Ichikawa, east of Tokyo, Thursday, July 23, 2026.
AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko
Tech developer denies new security causes LPIA delays
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
PASSENGERS using
Lynden Pindling International Airport’s domestic terminal are being urged to arrive at least two hours before departure as airport ofcials reject claims that a newly upgraded security system is responsible for longer lines.
Travellers have complained on social media in recent days about extended waits at the terminal, with some blaming the enhanced screening process for slowing movement through the airport.
However, Dr Raymond Wells, chief executive ofcer of Radiant Solutions Limited, the Bahamian company that developed and implemented the technology, said the system was designed to strengthen border security without increasing processing times.
“The mandate was that it should be done either the same or quicker than the manual process,” Dr Wells said.
He attributed congestion primarily to surges in passenger trafc, particularly between 5am and 6am, when large numbers of domestic travellers arrive within a short period for early morning departures.
“I always observe peaks and valleys,” Dr Wells said.
“If you go at fve or six o'clock on a Tuesday morning, it's a very large infux of crowds for that 45 minutes to an hour. This has always been the case.”
Dr Wells said passengers may now be linking those longstanding bottlenecks to the enhanced screening process because the upgraded technology is new and highly visible.
The Airport Authority
commissioned the system to modernise airport security and bring The Bahamas in line with international standards through automated passport authentication and facial recognition technology.
An earlier version of the platform, introduced in June 2025, primarily scanned boarding passes and monitored passenger movement through airports.
The upgraded system now authenticates passports from around the world, confrms passengers are departing from the correct terminal, checks whether passports have expired and compares a live photograph of each traveller with the image stored on the travel document.
“The system checks for the authenticity of passports,” Dr Wells said.
“That's not just Bahamian passports. That's passports worldwide. It checks for a comparison of your face with the photo on your document, and it matches your name and your boarding pass with the name on your document.”
The process begins when a passenger’s boarding pass is scanned to verify the fight information and confrm that the traveller is at the correct terminal.
The passport is then scanned to authenticate the document, check its expiry date and compare its details with the boarding pass.
The system subsequently captures a live image of the passenger and compares it with the passport photograph.
Dr Wells said the technology applies the same checks to every traveller, reducing the risk of mistakes caused by fatigue during manual inspections.
“So as opposed to a user having fatigue and missing
something, the system is consistently doing it always,” he said.
The system can also recognise security features embedded in passports issued around the world, avoiding the need for individual ofcers to be familiar with hundreds of diferent document designs.
“If I give you a Brazilian passport, do you know what the features are on that Brazilian passport that makes it fraudulent?” Dr Wells said.
“If I give you a passport from Colombia, would you know? The system is actually performing these checks.”
Dr Wells acknowledged that airport personnel faced a learning curve after the system was introduced, but said they have since become profcient in operating it.
FRENCH WILDFIRE CREATED A MONSTER CLOUD, UNLEASHING LIGHTNING THAT IGNITED MORE FIRES
By THOMAS ADAMSON Associated Press
A WILDFIRE in south-
west France grew so powerful that its smoke column became a thunderstorm, generating lightning that struck the ground and ignited new fires beyond the original blaze, French officials said. Put another way, that means the inferno was no longer simply being propelled by the weather. It was making its own. The thundercloud also produced violent, erratic winds capable of driving the flames in new directions.
The phenomenon, called a pyrocumulonimbus, or pyroCb, is rare in Europe and more commonly documented in North America and Australia, where it occurs only over some of the most extreme fires. France’s national firefighters federation said it had never before recorded one in the country.
The blaze erupted near Saumos on July 22 and has since burned more than 420 square kilometres (162 square miles) of forests and scrubland, damaged or destroyed more than 240 homes and forced 220,000 people to evacuate in Gironde.
At about 6:20 p.m. Friday, two days after the fire began, the departmental fire and rescue service said it had generated a pyrocumulonimbus. The cloud weakened overnight as humidity rose, then formed again several times.
An electrified black thundercloud Repeatedly, heat and smoke have surged upward into a vast black thundercloud, electrified and lit from within.
“Imagine a campfire so large and hot that the smoke rising off it turns
into a storm-like cloud,” said Theodore M. Giannaros, a fire meteorologist at the National Observatory of Athens.
“That is a pyroCb — a storm cloud born from the intense heat that a wildfire produces.” It takes more than a big fire.
There is no set temperature at which one forms, Giannaros said; what is needed is the kind of atmosphere that breeds dry thunderstorms — very hot, very dry air near the ground, with cooler and moister air above it. Hot air loaded with smoke and moisture then rises rapidly from the flames. As it climbs and cools, water vapour condenses around particles of ash.
Above the freezing level, droplets become ice crystals whose collisions separate electrical charges, as in an ordinary thunderstorm.
Lightning and more destruction follow
Beneath this storm lies a landscape already primed to burn. The cloud then amplifies the disaster that created it.
Rising air pulls powerful winds toward the fire, while downdrafts punch gusts back to the surface.
Those shifts can turn the flames, divide them into several fronts or send them racing in a new direction.
“It’s a feedback loop, not a one-way effect,” Giannaros said. “Once it forms, the cloud becomes its own weather system, sitting on top of the fire and making it harder to predict.”
The systems can also spin up whirling columns of flame — usually a fire whirl, which Giannaros describes as a dust devil made of fire and heat instead of dust.
True tornadoes are rarer, though one struck Redding, California, during the 2018 Carr Fire with winds equivalent to an EF-3, killing a fire inspector.
For firefighters, escape routes can close without warning as fresh outbreaks appear beyond their crews and equipment.
Direct attack may become impossible, forcing crews to retreat and defend communities.
The danger, Giannaros said, is fire moving faster than evacuations can be organized.
Until now, pyroCbs have been essentially an Australian and North American phenomenon. Canada alone produced a record 142 of them in 2023.
In Europe, pyroCbs have been rare Portugal recorded one during its deadly 2017 fire season. France has now joined the list.
The continent is heating faster than any other on Earth — at roughly twice the global average since the 1980s, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization — with heat waves growing more frequent and severe and drought spreading across the south, curing forests into fuel.
Hotter and drier conditions give extreme fires more opportunity to form them, Giannaros said, but scientists still lack enough long-term data to establish a trend.
The European research project ROSETTA aims to close that gap.
The most common misunderstanding, he said, is that the cloud is merely a side effect. As long as it hangs above the flames, it is helping decide where the fire goes next.
He said the Airport Authority increases screening capacity as passenger trafc grows. One station may operate during quieter periods, two are normally used and a third is activated when passenger volumes rise sharply.
Dr Wells declined to discuss stafng levels, saying those decisions rest with the Airport Authority, but said he has seen additional screening resources deployed when required.
He also rejected suggestions that the enhanced technology had forced passengers to begin arriving earlier.
Dr Wells said the Airport Authority has always recommended that domestic passengers arrive two hours before departure and international passengers
arrive three hours before departure.
“When we got the mandate to build the system, it was never for one hour,” he said.
“We have always heard the Airport Authority speak of two hours.”
Dr Wells said many Bahamians had become accustomed to arriving about an hour before domestic fights because they were often able to pass through the airport quickly.
However, he said that was never the ofcial recommendation, and airlines including Bahamasair and Western Air have long encouraged passengers to check in earlier because fights close well before departure.
“I think maybe as a practice, persons would get
their boarding pass and go through quickly,” he said.
“But from what I understood, the practice was always two hours.”
Dr Wells said the upgraded platform represents another step towards modernising airport operations and strengthening the country’s border security.
“This brings the Airport Authority in line with our international counterparts in terms of modernising the airport,” he said.
“We all go to Miami and Fort Lauderdale and come back, and we see this level of screening that is taking place.”
Radiant Solutions Limited developed and implemented the passenger screening system on behalf of the Airport Authority.
LYNDEN Pindling International Airport.
A PYROCUMULONIMBUS, a giant cloud created by a large wildfire is seen in the Fontainebleau forest region, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Paris, France, Monday, July 13, 2026.
Photo: Emma Da Silva/AP
Trial continues over whether postpartum psychosis drove Lindsay Clancy to kill her three children
By MICHAEL CASEY and LEAH WILLINGHAM Associated Press
IN the months after the birth of her third child, Lindsay Clancy ‘s mental health collapsed. Unable to sleep and stricken with thoughts of harming herself, she sought care from experts in postpregnancy mood disorders, was put on multiple psychiatric medications, and when nothing worked, checked in to a psychiatric hospital.
Nineteen days after she was discharged, she strangled her three children at their Massachusetts home.
A jury heard opening statements Monday in Clancy’s murder trial, which is expected to feature duelling views about her mental state. Both sides agree she killed her children. They disagree over whether she should be held criminally responsible for their deaths.
The frst witness was Patrick Clancy, her former husband, who found the children’s bodies after returning home on the day of the killings in January 2023. He has said in interviews that he forgives his wife, and will testify for both the prosecution and the defence.
Patrick Clancy told prosecutors on Monday that a month before the killings, his wife began to describe intrusive thoughts of harming the children and of suicide, but she denied having plans to hurt them or herself. He said the situation was “very confusing” because moments later, she would be making the children lunch or playing with them.
“I never saw Lindsay harm the kids,” he told jurors. Despite months of
psychiatric care, changing medications and new providers, her condition worsened, he said. She became increasingly depressed, struggled to sleep and lost weight.
A grieving father testifies about their last days as a family
Patrick Clancy breathed heavily as photos of his children were projected for the jury.
Cora, 5, was shown in one image wearing a red bow and skirt. Her dad said she loved princesses. Dawson, 3, loved frefghters, fre trucks and “Paw Patrol.” Eight-month-old Callan “was just a happy baby,” his father said. Clancy worked as a labour and delivery nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Patrick
testifed that her anxiety about being separated from her children would increase as she got closer to the end of her parental leave.
Patrick Clancy testifed that after his wife was discharged from the psychiatric hospital, the family tried to carry on with everyday life. They celebrated Cora’s birthday and visited the Museum of Science and a water park, where jurors saw video of Lindsay Clancy playing with the children. Patrick said she had returned to the gym and her moods appeared steadier.
However, on the day of the killings, “she was having one of her best days,” Patrick said. She took Cora to a doctor’s appointment while he stayed home with Dawson
and Callan. The couple exchanged photos of the children by text — Dawson had just dressed himself for the frst time — before she returned home to build a snowman and work on art projects.
Prosecutors say Lindsay Clancy strangled her children with exercise bands after sending her husband out on errands. She then used multiple methods to try to end her own life. She remains paralyzed from the waist down after jumping from a second-story window.
That day, Clancy said she heard voices telling her, “This is your last chance. Kill the children so you can kill yourself,” according to her lawyer.
Seated in a wheelchair, Clancy wiped her eyes with a tissue at times as lawyers
Court documents reviewed by AP say there were at least 3 shooters at Seattle food festival
By GENE JOHNSON Associated Press
POLICE now say there were at least three suspects involved in a food festival shooting near Seattle’s Space Needle over the weekend, and that one of them was among those killed in the violence.
In a document filed in juvenile court in Seattle, where a 15-year-old arrested in the case was making an initial appearance Monday, police said they believe there were at least three shooters: the 15-year-old; an acquaintance who died at the scene; and “at least one other unknown suspect.”
“Based on the evidence at the scene, investigators believe” the 15-year-old “and one of the deceased engaged in a gunfight with at least one other unknown suspect,” the document said.
The teen was being held in juvenile detention for investigation of firearms violations and first-degree assault ahead of the afternoon court appearance, Mayor Katie Wilson said at a news conference. Authorities said earlier Monday they are still looking for an additional suspect, but could not rule out whether that individual was among those killed.
“We are trying to identify who that person is,” said Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes.
Investigators had said they believed the two suspects were shooting at each other. Police said late Sunday night it was not clear whether any of the victims had been involved in the confrontation between the two shooters.
Two people died at the
scene and a third died at a hospital. They were described as two men, ages 19 and 44, and a woman, 56. The four wounded included a 2-year-old boy, who was in satisfactory condition Monday. The others — two men, ages 23 and 27, and a woman, 39 — were discharged, a hospital spokesperson said.
Vendors were allowed to return to the sprawling campus Monday morning to clean up and collect their equipment and merchandise. Skewered squid on grills, roasted ducks in ovens and plates full of food were among the items left behind as people fled the gunfire. Near the spot of the shooting, a stain of what appeared to be blood was still visible in the morning. A candlelight vigil was planned Monday night at the centre’s International Fountain. The gunfire erupted around 6 p.m. Sunday in the waning hours of the Bite of Seattle. The annual three-day festival draws hundreds of food and retail vendors and performers to Seattle
Center, a sprawling park and event space in the shadow of the Space Needle. Many attendees rushed into campus buildings or ran from the park at the sound of the shots. Dozens of officers were providing security at the event and some saw one of the suspects firing, authorities said. A large number of police and emergency crews responded and began evacuating the area. Police then searched an IMAX theatre on the grounds where they initially believed a second shooter had fled.
Adam Lombardo, who had a Burmese food stand at the festival with his spouse, described the panic of fleeing people as a “stampede.” As he gathered his equipment Monday, he described how police escorted them into the crime scene to turn off their ovens and stoves.
“It’s really sad because you think that three innocent people aren’t getting up with their families,” he said. “They just came to enjoy a food festival with people, with friends, with new friends, and they lost
discussed her children.
Competing narratives in the Lindsay Clancy trial Defence lawyer Kevin Reddington said Clancy had postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness linked to the stress, sleep deprivation and hormonal changes that follow childbirth. He argued she had bipolar disorder and that antidepressants prescribed after the birth of her third child worsened her condition.
“She loved those children right up to the time of their death,” he told jurors, saying they would hear from family, friends, neighbours and teachers about her devotion.
Prosecutor Shanan Buckingham argued Clancy “acted intentionally, rationally and swiftly” and bears full responsibility for the deaths.
“This was not a woman in the throes of psychosis,” Buckingham said. “This is not a public debate about women’s mental health and how the medical system treats women. This case is about this defendant, Lindsay Clancy.” If convicted of murder, Clancy faces life in prison without parole. If found not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility, she would be committed to a state mental health facility.
The trial will hinge on Clancy’s mental state Elyse Hershon, a Boston criminal defence attorney and legal analyst, said the verdict will likely depend on how the jury views Clancy’s “intent and mental capacity.”
“Whenever there are deaths of children, it rattles emotions,” Hershon said.
“Some people naturally
will identify and sympathize with Clancy and her postpartum depression, and others will not be able to understand how one could end their children’s lives, and demand responsibility.” While postpartum depression is fairly common among women who have given birth, postpartum psychosis afects an estimated 1 to 2 women per 1,000 births and can include hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Most women with the condition do not harm their children.
Similar cases have led to insanity verdicts
Possibly the best-known is Andrea Yates, who drowned her fve children in a bathtub in Texas in 2001. Her attorneys said she sufered from postpartum psychosis and believed killing her children would save them from hell.
Her initial murder conviction was overturned, and in a retrial she was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a state mental hospital. Dr. Nicole Cirino of Baylor College of Medicine said women in the grip of postpartum psychosis often believe they are helping their children. In their own minds, “they may be saving their children from damnation,” Cirino said.
Awareness of postpartum psychosis has grown since the Yates case, but Cirino and other maternal mental health advocates said it’s rarely considered in criminal prosecutions. Illinois is the only state with a law allowing for undiagnosed or untreated postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis to be a mitigating factor in sentencing.
WISCONSIN TORNADO CAUSES EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND CUTS POWER TO
THOUSANDS OF HOMES
their lives in just what sounds like meaningless bloodshed.”
Festival attendee Faith Adia Hunter said she and her friends had just gotten food from a crepe vendor when gunfire broke out nearby. In the scramble to find safety, she and others ran into the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum.
“We were about to start eating, then heard someone yell something, then we saw people start to run,” Hunter said. “So we took off running, too.”
Roberto Ramirez, a vendor at the event, said he heard what sounded like firecrackers before people began yelling “shooter” and frantically running.
“Suddenly everything was empty,” he said. “People were freaked out.”
After the initial panic, new guests continued to arrive, unaware of what had happened. Police told them to leave, he said.
Estan Wakonabo said he and his girlfriend were waiting in line for a photo booth when he was shoved from behind and turned to see a rush of people fleeing.
“People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling,” Wakonabo said, adding that was when he heard gunshots.
“Once I heard a ‘pop, pop, pop,’ that’s when I knew it was a shooter,” he said.
After he escorted his girlfriend to safety, he returned to the scene to take photos and saw multiple victims on the ground, Wakonabo said.
The festival started in 1982 and draws 350,000 attendees, according to its website.
By SCOTT BAUER and CYBELE MAYES-OSTERMAN Associated Press
A TORNADO struck northeastern Wisconsin on Monday, blackening the midday sky and sending workers sheltering in ofce basements as ferocious winds splintered homes, scattered twisted metal across a highway and knocked out power to more than 30,000 people.
The National Weather Service confrmed a tornado in Winnebago County, about 90 miles (145 kilometres) northwest of Milwaukee. Damage was reported in cities including Appleton and Menasha, where Police Chief Matt Albrecht said some homes and businesses were “severely impacted.”
The tornado ripped roofs of homes and fipped vehicles in Menasha, just blocks from the shores of Lake Winnebago. Video showed a trail of destruction, with some homes reduced to their outer walls. Greg Van Driest was working in downtown Appleton when the sky got as dark as night.
“The word we all were using was ‘ominous,’” he said.
“It’s like, ‘Whoa, look at that.’ ... You looked outside and you thought it was three in the morning, it was that dark.” Gordon Hintz, Winnebago County’s top elected ofcial, said he wasn’t aware of
any fatalities or injuries, but emergency ofcials were still searching.
“Obviously, the footage looks devastating,” Hintz said. “Clearly some signifcant damage done with power lines down and things like that.”
Hintz said he’s heard multiple reports of buildings that were completely destroyed and vehicles overturned. All storm warnings that could be made ahead of time to get people to safety were activated, he said.
“Obviously when you look at the damage, Mother Nature doesn’t really care,” he said.
National Weather Service meteorologist Holley Kamba said the agency was receiving reports of damage in southern Outagamie County and eastern Winnebago County,
“We have been receiving calls of damage with a lot of trees down, power lines down,” Kamba said. “We’ve been searching for some pictures of the structural damage.”
So far, there have been no reports of injuries, she said.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said the state “is ready to assist communities however we can.”
The twister was over Lake Winnebago and moving southward toward Fond du Lac County around 12:25 p.m., the National Weather Service said.
LINDSAY Clancy waits for the judge to call a prospective jury member into court in her murder trial where she is charged in the 2023 killing of her three children, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Mass.
Photo: Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger/AP
POLICE attend to a person after a shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Seattle, Wash.
Photo: Estan Wakonabo/AP
THIS photo shows damage from a severe storm in Menasha, Wis., yesterday. Photo: Douglas Tom Williams/AP
Students build workplace skills at IDB teen camp
By Fay Simmons Tribune Education Reporter
A GROUP of 15 Bahamian high school students spent the past two weeks stepping into the professional world, shadowing specialists, building workplace skills and exploring careers in sustainable development through the Inter-American Development
Bank's inaugural Teen Summer Program. The students, nominated by public and private schools across New Providence, spent two weeks at the IDB Bahamas Country Offce participating in professional development activities aimed at preparing them for future careers while broadening their understanding of sustainable development and nation-building.
The program, which ran from July 13 to 24, concluded with student capstone presentations, a certifcate ceremony and a celebration attended by parents and IDB offcials.
Selected through a competitive process that included school nominations and essay submissions, the participants were chosen based on their leadership potential, positive attitude and demonstrated interest
in national development. Several of the students came from communities where opportunities for professional mentorship and workplace exposure are limited.
Throughout the program, students learned about climate change, health, transport, economics, energy, water and sanitation, disaster risk management, entrepreneurship and private sector development while interacting directly with specialists working in those felds.
They also participated in mock interviews, workplace readiness sessions, leadership exercises and team-building activities before presenting projects they developed during the program.
IDB Group
Country Representative for The Bahamas Shirley Gayle said the initiative refects the organization's commitment to investing in the country's young people.
"Every young person in this country deserves the chance to see what is possible for their future," said Ms Gayle.
"When we invest in our young students – when we give them the chance to sit across from an
investment specialist, to learn what a budget really means for their family, or to stand up and present their ideas to a room full of professionals – we are not just changing their experience: We are changing their view of what they believe they are capable of. That is the most powerful investment the IDB can make."
The curriculum was built around seven core pillars, introducing students to the IDB's work in The Bahamas while providing training in workplace ethics, communication, digital citizenship and interview preparation.
Participants also completed a fnancial literacy component covering budgeting, saving, banking, responsible credit use and protecting themselves against fnancial scams.
As part of the program's community service element, the students spent a day volunteering with the Bahamas National Trust, where they learned about environmental conservation and planted a yellow elder tree to commemorate the inaugural program.
The students also met with representatives from government agencies, private organizations and civil society organizations, who shared information on scholarship opportunities, internships and career pathways available both in The Bahamas and abroad.
The IDB said the Teen Summer Program forms part of its broader commitment to inclusive human capital development, with the goal of equipping young Bahamians with the knowledge, confdence and professional networks needed to help shape the country's future.
Bel Canto Singers shine with Independence concert in Zurich
By Fay Simmons Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN choral music took center stage in Zurich, Switzerland, as the Bel Canto Singers delivered a 90-minute concert marking The Bahamas' 53rd Independence anniversary before diplomats, members of the diaspora and invited guests.
The concert, titled "Music for All Times," was held at St Andrew's Anglican Church under the patronage of Her Excellency Patricia Hermanns, The Bahamas' ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva.
Conducted by Eldridge McPhee and accompanied by Demetrius Delancy, the volunteer choir performed a programme that blended sacred music, inspirational favourites and Bahamian classics, highlighting the country's rich musical heritage during the Independence celebrations.
The evening opened with performances of the Swiss and Bahamian national
anthems by an orchestra of Zurich-based musicians before Ambassador Hermanns welcomed guests with remarks refecting on The Bahamas' achievements since Independence, including contributions in the arts, science, sports and the professions.
The choir began its performance with the hymn How Great Thou Art and concluded with It Is Well with My Soul, performing a repertoire that included Day and Night Praise, The Road Home, Stand Up, Glory, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Hallelujah and Jehovah Sabaoth.
The programme also celebrated Bahamian musical traditions through performances of Go Down to Bimini, Brown Skin Gal and When the Road Seems Rough. Several selections featured arrangements by Bahamian musicians Stanley Thurston, K Quincy Parker and Eugene Rodgers, as well as works by the late Andrew Curry and the late E Clement Bethel.
According to organizers, the appreciative audience, which included members of the Bahamian diaspora,
responded enthusiastically throughout the performance, particularly during the closing selections.
The Bel Canto Singers comprise volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, including students, professionals and retirees.
Under the leadership of Mr
McPhee, the choir regularly performs concerts in Nassau, including its annual Christmas concert, and has previously represented The Bahamas in Canada, China, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Zurich performance was made possible with
the support of St Andrew's Anglican Church, including Vicar Rev Jackie Sellin, Director of Music Shaun Yong and the church's technical team.
Ahead of the concert, members of the Bahamian diaspora hosted the choir and accompanying
musicians for a welcome reception following the dress rehearsal, while Ambassador Hermanns later hosted a post-concert reception at the Park Hyatt Zurich for the choir, diaspora members and invited guests to conclude the Independence celebration.
Back 2 School
Bahamas Striping Group of Companies Gears
Up to Send 20,000 Students
Back to School
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE Let's Make a Difference programme has expanded its annual backto-school initiative to Grand Bahama, bringing together civic organizations to distribute nearly 2,000 backpacks flled with school supplies to students in West Grand Bahama.
Melissa Sears, chairman of the Grand Bahama Let's Make a Diference programme, said this year the initiative will beneft students at West End Primary, Holmes Rock Primary and Lewis Yard Primary schools.
She said the initiative is being extended by the charitable arm of the Bahama Stripling Group of Companies, which has operated a Thanksgiving feeding programme in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands for several years.
Ms. Sears said the organization has partnered with several civic groups, including the Rotaract Club, Pilot Club, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club and local lodges, to package and distribute the school supplies.
"All of us decided to come together and we are having a packing party and each club would be distributed a certain amount of bags, pencils, books so that they themselves would
be able to distribute in the various communities that they serve in," she said.
She said each backpack will contain books, pencils, rulers and other school supplies.
"We understand that during this time of the year, it could be very stressful for parents trying to get children ready, especially single parents, single mothers. And so we understand the stress and wanted to lend a helping hand."
Ms. Sears said this year's distribution is focused on West Grand Bahama, but organizers hope to expand the programme to East Grand Bahama next year.
The organization also plans to continue its annual Thanksgiving feeding initiative by providing meals to the schools receiving the back-to-school donations.
Ms. Sears thanked the civic organizations that have partnered with Let's Make a Diference since the programme was introduced in Grand Bahama.
"We work through our partners because it is a community initiative. And it's all of us. And so we work together as one. We touch more people that way," she said.
"So when people say no, we can't work together, yes, we can. Let's Make a Diference is proof that we can work together
Photos: Vandyke Hepburn
WEEKEND packing parties in Nassau and Grand Bahama bring together civic clubs, service organizations, and volunteers of all ages to prepare school supplies for the 2026–2027 school year.
GOOMBAY Summer Festival at Taino Beach
Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin and Minister for
Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey enjoyed the festivities with their ministry executives and the enthusiastic crowds, fully enjoying the summertime fun.
Photos: Kemuel Stubbs