woman & health
The Tribune
SUICIDE S INCREA S E
OVER 60 PERCENT
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
AT least two others are seeking the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) nomination for the MICAL constituency, in addition to Bahamas Aviation Climate and Severe Weather Network’s (BACSWN) founder Robert Carron-Dupuch, as interest in the south-eastern seat grows ahead of the next general election.
Angela Michelle Cox-Lockhart and Laverne Bertrum “Dyie” Ingraham have both declared their intention to represent the governing party in the vast constituency, which includes Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay.
Mrs Cox-Lockhart confirmed her candidacy in campaign materials circulating online, outlining a “7-Pillar Development Plan” that emphasises
infrastructure, healthcare, economic empowerment, education, culture, climate readiness, and inter-island connectivity. She positioned her run as a push for “transparency, accessibility, and public accountability”.
Mr Ingraham — a businessman, pilot, and former DJ — announced his interest in an interview with The Tribune , citing long-standing political
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A 46-YEAR-OLD
Grand Bahama man convicted of five counts of incest with a minor was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison by a Supreme Court judge. The father was unanimously found guilty by a
Davis: Uptick in legal migrants due to labour shortage in construction
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has acknowledged an uptick in legal migration to address a growing labour shortage in the Bahamian construction sector, citing a lack of skilled local workers to meet rising demand.
Speaking at a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) event at Windsor Park last night, Mr Davis emphasised that while the construction boom continues across the country, developers must adhere strictly to immigration laws. He warned that all foreign labourers must possess valid work permits and be provided with appropriate housing.
“There’s more construction happening in The Bahamas than ever before,” he said. “Hotels and developments are rising from the ground up and with that comes real pressure of finding enough workers. At the moment, there are simply not enough skilled Bahamian workers right now to fill their construction jobs and even the Bahamas Construction Association said the same thing.
“Yes, there has been an increase in legal migration to meet that demand, but I want to put every construction company
and developer on notice tonight. If you are bringing people into work, they better have a valid work permit and they must have decent housing. This ain’t no free for all.” He also directed a stern warning at landowners who enable illegal shanty towns, stressing that existing laws will be enforced. “We’re going to protect the dignity of Bahamian communities and we are going to do it while creating the additional skilled labour force that we need,” he said. These comments followed criticism from Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard, who accused the government of overseeing a “broken, politicised and corrupt” immigration system. In response, Mr Davis defended his administration’s policies, affirming its commitment to law and order. “This is a country of order,” he stated, adding that laws are being enforced “fairly, firmly, and without apology”.
Mr Davis stressed that foreign workers must train Bahamians to eventually take over their roles. Employers are expected to actively invest in Bahamian development and promotion.
To support this goal, the Prime Minister announced
plans to collaborate with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the Ministry of Education to establish a new BTVI campus in New Providence. The campus will feature updated infrastructure, a modern curriculum, and a nationwide focus on preparing Bahamians for high-paying technical jobs.
Mr Davis also addressed concerns about the upcoming introduction of biometric voter ID cards. Despite criticism from FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, who suggested the process is being rushed, Mr Davis said the FNM passed the relevant legislation in 2020 but failed to implement it. He said his administration is simply completing what was started.
“No one is being erased. No one is being left out,” he assured voters. “If you want your new card, one that fits in your wallet and doesn’t need to be hidden under your mattress or in a zip up bag, go get a card. If you don’t want it, that’s fine, but don’t let anyone lie to you.”
He concluded: “No one is taking away your right to vote. The PLP protects voting rights. We don’t play games with democracy. We the PLP, fought hard for you to have that right to vote.”
Shane Gibson, once thought to be contending, says he will not return
ASPIRANTS from page one
neglect and unfulfilled promises from elected officials.
“At the end of the day, we cannot even get a phone call,” he said.
“They come to your place, eat one sandwich, and they go.”
He claimed he submitted his name for consideration months
ago but believes it was suppressed internally. Frustrated, he went public to ensure MICAL residents “are not overlooked again”.
“This job needs to be done,” he added. “Even though I am not a politician, I think I am the best person.”
The Tribune understands other potential names may be in the mix, but the PLP has
yet to release an official shortlist or timeline for selecting its nominee.
Meanwhile, former Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson, once seen as a possible contender, confirmed he will not return to frontline politics.
“I am done with politics, period,” Mr Gibson told Eyewitness News last week. “I have no more political aspirations.”
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis dances on stage during a PLP rally at Windsor Park last night.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
AG: Govt targets first quarter 2026 for land adjudications
“Yes, we know this is a big project and we know it’s a complex project and the implementation will be complex, but we’re not scared of complex things. We are confident we can get it done.”
SON SHOWED NO SIGNS OF SUICIDA L THOUGHTS
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
THE father of Evan Fox told a coroner’s court yesterday that his son showed no signs of depression or suicidal thoughts in the days leading up to his death, calling the incident “completely out of character” as the inquest into the 33-yearold’s suspected suicide got underway.
Adrian Farrington gave emotional testimony before Coroner Kara TurnquestDeveaux, recounting the days before his son’s body was found in a bushy area off Frank Watson Boulevard on April 29, 2024. Fox had been reported missing two days prior. His decomposing body was discovered alongside his
truck, with a shotgun found nearby.
Farrington said he was the one who identified his son’s body at the morgue. He insisted that Evan had never shown signs of emotional distress, nor did he believe his son was capable of harming himself.
“My son was always a happy person,” he said. “He was well-liked by his peers and family alike.”
Fox’s death stunned relatives and friends, many of whom have continued to question the circumstances surrounding his final days. Angelo Whitfield is serving as the evidence marshall in the case. His recent recall to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force was rescinded earlier this month to allow him to participate in the proceedings.
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said yesterday the government is targeting the first quarter of 2026 to begin land adjudications, marking a step toward overhauling the country’s outdated land ownership system. Mr Pinder made the announcement during a Senate debate on the Land Adjudication and Registered Land Bills, which aim to modernise how land is claimed, recorded, and transferred in The Bahamas.
He noted that the push for a registered land system has been stalled for more than 60 years, despite several previous draft bills. No administration, he said, had moved the initiative forward until now.
“Consistent with the FNM way, they are good at talking, but not good at doing. The PLP does, and when it comes to land adjudication and registration we will do,” Mr Pinder said. He described the current state of land holdings in The Bahamas as “precarious” and plagued by uncertainty. Citing the 2010 Land Use Policy and Administration Project (LUPAP) report, he said at least 15 percent of all land parcels were in dispute, a number he believes could be even higher.
The proposed Land Adjudication Bill would establish adjudication panels consisting of an experienced conveyancing attorney and two other people. These panels would evaluate and determine ownership claims in areas designated by the responsible minister.
Once adjudicated, claims would be entered into a newly created Land Registry, an upgrade from the current system
of recording deeds in the Registry of Records under the Registrar General’s Department.
The Registered Land Bill, which complements the adjudication legislation, would create a central land registry with unique parcel identifiers and provide government-backed Land Certificates or Certificates of Lease. Together, the bills are designed to streamline and digitise land administration across The Bahamas. Mr Pinder said the legislation draws on models used in Barbados and the Cayman Islands, but will implement a compulsory system, rather than a voluntary one, to ensure momentum.
“Systematic adjudication allows us to commence land registration in areas of the country where there may be fewer land disputes because much of the surveying required has been done and lots identified,” he said. He added that the government intends to issue a request for proposals (RFP) soon for the development of a digital platform to support the registration process. Several developers have already expressed interest.
Mr Pinder acknowledged the scale and complexity of the undertaking but said the government is undeterred.
“Yes, we know this is a big project and we know it’s a complex project and the implementation will be complex, but we’re not scared of complex things. We are confident we can get it done,” he said.
“In fact, my goal would be to start land adjudications in quarter one of 2026. That means we have six months to build the registry, to develop the platform, to train our staff and to get adjudication panels formulated and to start the process.”
ATTORNEY GENERAL AND PLP SENATOR RYAN PINDER
‘Overall crime statistics decline as suicides rise’
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
SUICIDES and attempted suicides have risen across the country, even as major crimes continue to decline, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s (RBPF) mid-year report released yesterday. Police Commissioner
Shanta Knowles confirmed that eight suicides were recorded between January and June, up from five during the same period in 2024. Attempted suicides also increased, climbing from 23 to 32 cases. Five of the suicides occurred in New Providence, two in Grand Bahama, and one in the Family Islands. Men made up the majority of the
cases, accounting for six of the eight deaths. The two female victims were both between 18 and 30 years old.
Among the male victims, two were aged 18–30, another two were 31–45, and two were between 46–60. No suicides were reported among minors. Attempted suicides followed similar geographic trends, with 18 cases in New
Memorial Service For
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Margaret Elizabeth Gibson-Major, affectionately known to all as Betty, who left us on July 15, 2025. Betty was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew her.
We understand this is a diffcult time for our family, and to honor the varied wishes of those who loved Betty, we will hold two separate memorial services. It’s our hope that these arrangements will allow everyone to grieve and celebrate her life in a way that feels most comforting and meaningful to them.
Intimate Gathering: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
This frst service will be an intimate gathering for close family and friends on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 4:00pm. If you wish to attend and share your memories of Betty, please contact Denise Major at 525-4231 for more details.
Community Memorial: Thursday, July 31, 2025
A second memorial service will take place at Community Holiness Church, Bahama Avenue and Exuma Street on Thursday, July 31, 2025at 6:00pm. This service is open to all who wish to honor Betty’s life. For further information, please contact Desiree Major.
We know that grief is a deeply personal journey, and we respect the individual paths each of us will take in mourning this tremendous loss. Our shared love for Betty unites us, and we hope these services provide an opportunity for solace and connection for everyone.
“We’re seeing that the fear [of] crime has decreased over the past six months, and we’re pleased with that. And I believe that is because we are highly visible in our communities throughout the Commonwealth, highly visible.”
Providence and 14 in Grand Bahama.
Commissioner Knowles acknowledged concern over the rising numbers but emphasised that overall crime continues to fall.
From January to June, major crimes dropped by 14 percent, with 1,223 incidents recorded compared to 1,420 during the same period last year. New Providence reported a 15 percent decline, Grand Bahama 11 percent, and the Family Islands six percent.
Crimes against the person decreased by 30 percent, down to 262 cases from 373 last year. Every major category saw a decline. Murders dropped by 27 percent, from 60 to 44, while armed robberies fell by 42 percent, from 132 to 76. Property crimes were down by eight percent overall, with 961 cases compared to 1,047 in 2024.
Men accounted for 91 percent of murder victims, with 84 percent under the age of 46. Victims aged 26–35 represented the largest age group, with 20 killings, followed by 12 victims aged 18–25. No minors under 17 were killed in the period.
Four victims were on bail and wearing electronic monitoring devices at the time of their deaths. Police identified retaliation, gang violence, and personal disputes as the primary motives for murder, collectively accounting for 64 percent of cases. Firearms were used in 34 of the 44 murders, while seven victims were fatally stabbed, and two died as a result of fire.
Most murders occurred on Sundays, between 4 pm
and midnight, with nearly half taking place on the streets. Residences and bars were the next most common locations. The Southern and South Central Divisions accounted for 41 percent of all murders.
Armed robberies also declined sharply, reaching their lowest level in years. Most occurred on the streets, in businesses, or at residences—primarily on Sundays and Mondays between 4pm and 11pm Firearms were used in 65 of the 76 cases. Knives and cutlasses were used less frequently. Sixty-four per cent of victims were male, and most were under 46.
Housebreakings fell by 39 percent (from 142 to 87 cases), and shopbreakings dropped 16 percent (from 166 to 140). Eleuthera recorded the highest number of housebreakings in the Family Islands (16), while Abaco had the most shopbreakings (12).
Sexual offences declined by 30 percent, with 87 reported cases compared to 125 last year. These included 25 rapes, five attempted rapes, and 57 instances of unlawful sexual intercourse, including incest. Police said 80 percent of rape victims knew their attacker. Seventy-six percent of victims were under 36 years old; four were tourists. All suspects were male, and 67 percent were under 36. Most incidents took place at residences.
One notable exception to the downward trend was vehicle theft, which surged by 30 per cent, from 181 to 236 cases. Nissan models, especially the Cube and
Note, were the most targeted. Just over half of the stolen vehicles were later recovered.
Enforcement data showed police conducted 74,019 stop-and-search operations, 11,306 field checks, and 3,057 roadblocks between January and June. These led to 8,388 arrests, with 5,127 individuals formally charged. Police also seized 196 illegal firearms and 8,369 rounds of ammunition. ShotSpotter technology detected 488 gunfire incidents, including over 1,000 rounds fired in total.
Police investigated 107 missing person cases in the first half of 2025. Ninety-six were resolved; 11 remain open. Most missing persons were Bahamians under 17, and 39 percent of cases involved runaways.
Defending the RBPF’s performance, Commissioner Knowles said officers are seeing a shift in public sentiment.
“I believe that there is a decrease in the fear of crime, from what I’m gathering from my officers, who are walking the streets, who are patrolling the streets, and I just want you to know that my operations teams are walking the streets even as they patrol the streets, and we’re not getting that,” she said.
“We’re seeing that the fear [of] crime has decreased over the past six months, and we’re pleased with that. And I believe that is because we are highly visible in our communities throughout the Commonwealth, highly visible. And again, we give God thanks for guiding us as we believe.”
POLICE Commissioner Shanta Knowles holds a copy of the Commissioner’s Policing Plan as she discusses the crime statistics and other policing matters at a press conference yesterday.
Photo: Dante Crrer/Tribune Staff
Knowles credits ethics training with reduction of misconduct in
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
POLICE Commis-
sioner Shanta Knowles
said the Royal Bahamas Police Force is working to rebuild public trust, revealing that 91 public complaints and 67 internal misconduct cases are currently under investigation.
She believes the Complaints and Corruption Branch, despite being understaffed, is doing commendable work, noting that under her leadership, the number of active police tribunal courts has increased to four.
“We will continue to address any concern or any complaints that members of the public bring to our attention with our officers,” she said during a recent press conference.
She credited ethics training with helping reduce misconduct, noting that more than 2,000 officers, including reserves and civilian staff, have undergone the programme.
“I wish that Bahamian people would recognise that we are putting on
these uniforms every day to come out here and give good service, not to look for rewards from members of the public, because we are well paid,” she said.
“I want them to realise that the men and women who sit before you and those that you see every day are honest, hardworking people who are only going out there to enforce the law and to make each and every one of you comfortable.”
While she acknowledged there are “bad apples” in the force, she said efforts are made to remove them when identified.
Her comments come amid public outrage over a viral video allegedly filmed by a police officer, showing a halfnaked Caucasian woman defecating on the floor of a police station. The woman, who appeared visibly distressed, claimed she had been denied access to a restroom. The footage shows her repeatedly pleading to use the bathroom before defecating on the floor. Off-camera voices— believed to be police
officers—are heard mocking and taunting her.
“I told you I had to go to the bathroom,” she says during the clip. At one point, she uses racial slurs, while officers accuse her of being high on cocaine. One tells her to “stay out the coke house.”
Many viewers have condemned the officers’ actions as inhumane and demeaning. The video appears to have been recorded on a personal device, not an official body camera.
Commissioner Knowles confirmed the incident is under investigation and said her team was “disgusted” by the footage. However, she said no further public statements would be made while the probe continues.
“We will not speak further to that, as our complaints and corruption unit are investigating that, and I hope that very shortly, the file will be produced to my office,” she said.
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has confirmed the video’s recording breached RBPF policy.
COP: We need additional 2,000 officers to address manpower shortfall
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
POLICE Commissioner Shanta Knowles acknowledged yesterday that the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is facing a significant manpower shortage, estimating that an additional 2,000 officers are needed to effectively police the nation.
“We do believe that we have a serious manpower shortage in our organisation,” Commissioner Knowles said during a press conference. “But let me tell you how we are managing.
“We are managing because the officers are dedicated. They come to work with the spirit to give good service and that is how we are managing. The grace of God is bringing them out to work, and I am grateful for
every one of them that come out to work on the 24-hour shifts that we have.”
The RBPF started the year with around 2,656 officers, but that number has since declined due to retirements and resignations.
“We wish them all the best,” she added. “But we believe that if we can get another 2,000 officers to police the entire Commonwealth, we would be in good standing.”
To help address the gap, Commissioner Knowles said 105 recruits are currently in training and expected to graduate in November.
A second cohort of about 100 recruits is expected to follow shortly thereafter.
“Our numbers are small, but the dedication of our officers is certainly what speaks for us,” she said. Concerns about staffing levels within the RBPF are long-standing. Earlier
this year, Commissioner Knowles conceded that the force was stretched thin, particularly in New Providence and the Family Islands, where officers routinely work extended 12- to 24-hour shifts.
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has also described the shortage as a persistent issue, pointing earlier this year to a shortfall of about 900 officers when the Davis administration came to office in 2021. He attributed the deficit to the previous administration’s failure to maintain consistent recruitment amid attrition from retirements, dismissals, resignations, and deaths.
A 2021 manpower audit conducted by the Ministry of National Security’s Research and Development Section revealed that the RBPF was not only
understaffed at the constable level but also severely “top-heavy” in its leadership ranks. The audit found that while the force had 837 constables, it needed at least 791 more to adequately protect Bahamians. At the same time, it had an excess of senior officers, with researchers concluding there was “no conceptual transfer of knowledge” occurring at the top levels to strengthen the organisation.
“Despite the force ebbing top-heavy, very little, if any, of the strength in numbers is translating into evidencebased leadership,” the report noted, calling for better alignment between rank and responsibility.
The audit harshly criticised a 2017 promotional exercise—conducted just days before the general election under then-Commissioner
Ellison Greenslade—which researchers said lacked transparency and breached police policy. Officers interviewed for promotion reportedly faced superficial questions or none at all.
One officer recalled being asked only if his shoes were clean; another said she was asked about her mother’s health before being dismissed. Researchers warned that promotions during that exercise may have been unfair, with no clear criteria or performance-based assessments. They also noted that such practices damaged morale among junior officers and eroded confidence in leadership.
Between 2011 and 2017, the number of chief superintendents grew by 2,200 per cent, while the number of superintendents more than tripled—from 33 to 103. At
the same time, intelligencegathering operations and frontline policing suffered, as constables faced heightened risks with reduced support and longer hours.
The audit also highlighted attrition as an ongoing issue.
Between January 2016 and September 2017, 145 junior officers exited the force. That figure was expected to rise as more approached retirement.
Commissioner Knowles, who assumed the top post with an agenda of accountability and reform, has emphasised her commitment to restoring confidence in the RBPF and strengthening its operational capacity.
“We are working through the challenges,” she said yesterday. “But our officers continue to show up. They are committed, and they are the backbone of this organisation.”
POLICE COMMISSIONER SHANTA KNOWLES
POLICE Commissioner Shanta Knowles sits at a table with senior officers during a press conference yesterday. Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
Published daily Monday to Friday
Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207
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Clarifying drug costs in country
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Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master
ON THE wall of the newsroom in The Tribune’s office on Shirley Street is a large sign – across which is emblazoned our motto. It is the same motto as can be found at the top of this very page.
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master” – from the original Latin of Nullius Addictus Jurare in Verba Magistri.
The reason it is written in every edition of The Tribune is the same reason it is written in large letters across our newsroom wall – it is because it is the guiding light of this newspaper.
It is a motto that predates us all –going all the way back to when Leon Dupuch started the newspaper in 1903. More than a motto, it is a responsibility, handed down from generation to generation in the leadership of The Tribune
Sir Etienne Dupuch embraced such a belief fearlessly – determined that neither he nor The Tribune should ever become the story, that it should report the news without fear or favour.
When this column speaks, it is with the voice of The Tribune. It is the newspaper itself. It prevents petty political attacks, where the old trick of discrediting the messenger is used – seen even in this past week with the Prime Minister criticising the executive editor of the Guardian personally despite the story being correct.
It is the job of journalists to report the story, fairly, and come what may.
That has cost The Tribune in the past. We have had work permits denied, we have had business pulled – but we just tightened our belts and moved on; no matter what happened, we didn’t buckle. This newspaper has stood up for civil rights. It has called for an end to discrimination.
Crucially, we have done good for the country, and we have been honest citizens.
We can do a lot of good if we tell the stories as they are. Keep it straight and let the public make up their own mind.
A young Sir Etienne picked up a number of copies of The Tribune and took them out to sell. His paper route went down East Street to Ross Corner and across to Farm Road (Market Street
south).
What did this mean to Sir Etienne and his father? It meant that this was a newspaper for all Bahamians, no bar because of colour, class or religion. Over the years, The Tribune has seen all manner of threats. Demonstrations outside our door, a notorious drug trafficker bursting in and demanding to know why the newspaper was writing about him, legal missives from the rich and powerful who would rather not have their business written in public, even when the laws of the land were being broken.
That is why the company’s motto is so important. Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master. None. Throughout its existence, The Tribune has been subject to allegations of bias. Before the PLP came to power, The Tribune was called “the black newspaper”. When the PLP was in power, The Tribune suddenly became “the white newspaper”. Neither was true. The Tribune simply kept reporting regardless. Throughout, The Tribune stood for justice and fairplay, regardless of the colour of a man’s skin.
Questions are being asked now that Tribune president Robert Dupuch-Carron has said that, if selected, he would be open to standing as a candidate for the PLP for the seat in MICAL for the next election. If that happens, The Tribune wishes him well.
But let us be totally clear, The Tribune will continue to report on the activities of both the PLP and FNM, and their candidates, holding each and every one of them to account for their actions, no matter who they are or which party they support. The Tribune backs no horse in the race to the next election.
Our motto remains the same. The sign on the wall remains intact. The independence of The Tribune remains sacrosanct.
No master means just that, and The Tribune will continue to champion those who have no one else to turn to, will continue to hold governments of whatever stripe to account and continue to keep it straight.
The Tribune is here to serve you, the readers, and that will always be our goal.
I RECENTLY read a letter published in your paper in which a concerned citizen called on the government and insurance companies to negotiate better drug prices, citing the high cost of medication in The Bahamas. While I deeply understand and empathize with the frustrations expressed—especially in today’s economic climate—it’s important to clarify the realities of the pharmaceutical industry in our country and attempt to debunk some common misconceptions.
First and foremost, The Bahamas is a small nation with a population of fewer than 500,000 people. For context, Canada has over 40 million, and the United States over 340 million. This matters because it speaks directly to the concept of economies of scale. Larger countries are able to negotiate lower prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers simply because of the volume they can commit to purchasing. Our market size does not afford us the same leverage.
The suggestion that the government should negotiate directly with manufacturers may work in very specific cases— such as for high-demand medications like those for hypertension or diabetes—but this approach falls apart when it comes to specialty medications with low regional demand. In such cases, manufacturers typically assign a single distributor to serve the entire Caribbean through Latin America. This adds layers to the supply chain, all of which affect pricing.
Moreover, the US, Canada, and UK operate under different regulatory environments and distribution models that impact their drug pricing structures. Ironically, for branded medications, Caribbean countries often have better pricing than those large markets. For example, the Eliquis 5mg “Retired Expat” referred to, from my research, it retails for ~$650 for 3-month supply in The Bahamas vs ~$1800 in the USA. Therefore, the 40% price reduction in USA
prices would have no impact on us because we are already significantly lower than USA. But this leads us to another critical distinction: brand-name drugs versus generics. Branded pharmaceuticals are inherently more expensive because the manufacturers invest heavily in research and development, global clinical trials, marketing, and ongoing safety monitoring. The only reason many of us know the names of our medications is because of television commercials, magazine ads, or social media campaigns— efforts all funded by those manufacturers. Comparing the price of a branded medication to a generic version is like comparing apples to oranges.
It is also important for the public to know that the Bahamian government does, in fact, have systems in place to secure affordable medication. The public tender process is one such mechanism through which the government negotiates prices on over a thousand products—primarily generics—for use in the public healthcare system. Accessing these prices requires filling prescriptions through a public hospital or clinic.
Additionally, the National Prescription Drug Plan provides free medications for over 15 chronic conditions through approved private pharmacies, increasing convenience and access for many patients.
A frequent misunderstanding is that pharmacies and wholesalers are intentionally inflating prices. The truth is, due to our small market, we have limited negotiating power with international manufacturers. When certain generics are not available through contracted sources, we are often forced to purchase them from the US, Canada, or UK at their wholesale price and then apply a modest markup to cover operational costs. These operational costs
are not trivial. As healthcare institutions, every pharmacy must employ licensed professionals who have invested years and thousands of dollars in their education. These professionals are responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of every medication dispensed—a task that requires precision, care, and accountability. Proper pharmaceutical storage, temperature control, patient counseling, insurance compliance, and safety protocols all require significant investment, and rightly so.
Unfortunately, some citizens equate the Bahamian pharmaceutical sector with “Big Pharma” in the US, but that comparison is deeply flawed. We do not set international prices. We operate under price control regulations, we employ trained professionals, and we exist within a much tighter margin of risk and reward.
I understand that calls for dramatically lower prices may seem like an easy fix, but they come with dangerous trade-offs: increased risk of substandard or counterfeit medications, lower wages for professionals, and the erosion of a sector that employs hundreds of Bahamians. We risk discouraging future generations from entering the pharmacy profession if we devalue the work and expertise it demands.
To be clear, I am not saying that the system is perfect. But I am asking for balance. Many of us in the pharmaceutical industry chose this path because we genuinely wanted to help people. We aim to serve the public while also earning a fair living—two goals that should not be mutually exclusive. Yet somehow, over time, the public has been bamboozled into thinking we are public enemy #1.
Let’s continue to advocate for more accessible healthcare—but let’s do it with a clear understanding of the facts and respect for those of us working every day to keep Bahamians healthy.
PHARMACIST Nassau, July 28, 2025.
Pastors need to pastor, not condemn
EDITOR, The Tribune. IT’S all too common place in the very fabric of our Bahamian life. This was played out in the case of Sebas Bastian in his quest to offer public service. It’s his inalienable right to so offer. Church leaders must not attack the character of individuals under the cover up of, “thus says the lord.” Those of us called to be pastors are to offer pastoral care and counseling, one on one, before we come out blasting fellow Bahamians. Where there is a concern about someone’s action, we are to go one on one, in closet and offer spiritual guidance. Indeed, this is clear
New Testament theology. This is what Jesus would have done. Do not destroy people’s names with the misconceived Old Testament approach. We are people of the New Testament. Remember, “WWJD?” Condemn no one. The merits and demerits of gambling is not the issue but rather our call as pastors in dealing with a fellow Bahamian with whom we have issues.
A national blast out only creates pestering sores, unnecessary back and forth, alienation, hate and anger.
We can easily justify our personal viewpoint on biblical grounds while one and the same time destroy character. As a pastor I have a higher calling to salvage a situation in the name of love. Using this narrow approach, used by pastors and self-righteous Christians with Sebas I can easily extend that to countless others offering for public life because of sin/flaws in their lives. But no, we cherry pick. It cannot be right and the most appropriate thing to do. Let’s be pastoral, the country needs practising pastors.
REV CANON S SEBASTIAN CAMPBELL Nassau, July 23, 2025.
Photo: Yaopey Yong
Man convicted of incest claims innocence and intends to appeal
jury on March 18 of sexually abusing his daughter, beginning when she was just ten years old. The abuse continued until she turned 14.
During the sentencing hearing on Monday, the court was told that the virtual complainant remains deeply affected and traumatised by the ordeal.
According to a probation report, the victim said she is “sickened” by what her father did to her and wants him to pay for the trauma and emotional damage he caused.
Although the offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, Justice Petra HannaAdderley sentenced the man to 20 years on each count, to run concurrently.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the judge ordered that the convict receive psychological counselling during his incarceration. She further ordered that upon his release, he is to be registered as a sexual offender.
According to the facts presented in court, the offences occurred on five separate occasions. The first incident took place between September 1 and September 30, 2015, in Murphy Town, Abaco, when the victim was ten years old. Subsequent incidents occurred between February 1 and February 29, 2016, when she was still ten; between December 1 and December 31, 2016, when she was 11; between June 1 and June 30, 2018, when she was 12 in Freeport; and between July 1 and July 31, 2019, when she was 14.
In 2021, the victim gave her mother a journal in which she described what she was going through, writing that it had become
too much to bear and that she was experiencing frequent nightmares.
Probation officer Laish Boyd Jr compiled a report based on interviews with the convict, his mother, his aunt, the virtual complainant, his estranged wife, and his son. According to the report, the convict still maintains his innocence and shows no apparent remorse for his actions. Despite this, Mr Boyd believes he is capable of rehabilitation.
In his mitigating plea, defence attorney Brian Hanna said his client has no prior convictions and continues to deny committing the offences for which he was found guilty. He recommended a sentence of seven years.
Crown counsel Shawn Norville Smith acknowledged the lack of prior convictions but emphasised several aggravating factors. He said the sexual acts began when the victim was just ten years old and continued over a prolonged period. Mr Smith also noted that the victim continues to suffer from the trauma caused by the abuse. He recommended a custodial sentence in the range of 25 to 30 years.
During her ruling, Justice Adderley noted that the law considers incest with a minor a most serious offence, given that the maximum sentence of life imprisonment is prescribed. She said that the aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating factors, adding that events occurred when the victim was very young, at age ten, and continued for over four years, ending when she was 14 years old. “The victim suffered physically, particularly the incidents of anal sex, and emotionally throughout the years of the sexual incidents, and she is still suffering emotionally because of
Man accused in murder of
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 21-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of murdering 20-year-old Garvin Scavella in Fox Hill earlier this month.
Abner “Plank” Noville was formally charged with murder before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.
what is outlined in the probation report,” said Justice Adderley.
“The convict is still professing his innocence and lacks remorse and blames his estranged wife for what happened, she said, referring to the probation report.
“More importantly, the victim reports that she still experiences insomnia and loss of appetite. Her relationships have been negatively impacted as a consequence of the convict’s actions. She becomes apprehensive when she has to leave her two-year-old daughter in the care of the father, who is her boyfriend.
“She is sickened by the events and wants him to pay for the trauma and hurt he put on her.”
Justice Adderley said that the convict was in a position of trust and violated that trust in the most egregious way.
“The abuse in this case lasted four years, robbing an innocent child of a childhood,” she said.
Justice Adderley said while Mr Boyd believes the convict could be rehabilitated, as of today’s date, he continues to maintain his innocence.
“Rehabilitation begins with acceptance of one’s actions and taking responsibility, but I would not go so far as to say that the convict is not capable of rehabilitation,” she said.
“Taking all of the circumstances of this case, the probation report by Department of Rehabilitative Welfare Services, the impact of the offenses on the victim, and recommendations of sentencing by counsel for the convict and counsel for the crown, I sentence you to 20 imprisonment on each of the five counts to run concurrently to start of date of conviction on March 18, 2025,” she said.
After the sentencing, Mr Hanna indicated his intention to appeal.
Garvin Scavella
Noville, along with accomplices, allegedly shot and killed Scavella while he was in his car on Francis Avenue on July 11.
After the shooting, police found that the victim’s vehicle had crashed into a building. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a yellow Japanese vehicle. Noville was not required to enter a plea during the hearing. He was informed
OFFICER ACCUSED OF BEATING STUDENT AT EP ROBERTS DISMISSED FROM
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A RESERVE police officer accused of beating a fourth-grade student has been dismissed from the Royal Bahamas Police Force in connection with a separate matter, Commissioner Shanta Knowles said yesterday.
“We will check with our Tribunal to see where that particular case is but he has been dismissed from the police force,” she said during a press conference.
Police have been tightlipped about the investigation. However, in
April, Deputy Commissioner Kirkwood Andrews told reporters the matter was before the police Tribunal. He said the Complaints and Corruption Branch handled the complaint, conducted an investigation, and referred the matter to the tribunal, where it is still under review. The complaint was made by Chinika Louisius, who said her son came home in pain on Tuesday, January 28, after being struck multiple times by the officer at school. She said the officer first questioned another boy about his GPA before
allegedly hitting him eight times. He then accused her son of being rude and, after the boy said he didn’t know why, allegedly struck him ten times with a black police cane. Doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital confirmed tissue damage; photos showed extensive bruising.
The officer, assigned to the Urban Renewal Division, was not employed by the school and was reportedly on campus for unrelated matters. Since the incident, Ms Louisius said her son has been transferred to another class and is in better spirits.
Man accused of having sex with eight-year-old step-granddaughter
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was accused of having sex with his eight year old step-granddaughter three times this year.
The 58-year-old male, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor, was
charged with three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a dependent child before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans.
The male allegedly had sexual intercourse with the underaged girl three times between January 1 and June 31 in New Providence.
The accused was not required to enter a plea
at that time. He was informed his matter will proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He was told of his right to apply for bail through the higher court. The defendant will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is potentially served on November 27.
T EEN ACCUSED OF MURDERING T ERRIE N AIRN
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of murdering 54-year-old Terrie Nairn earlier this month on Whitfield Road. The teenager, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr on one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder. He appeared in court accompanied by his guardians.
that the case will proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He was also advised of his right to apply for bail through the higher court.
Until then, Noville will be held at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The VBI is expected to be served on November 6. Inspector Deon Barr served as the prosecutor.
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According to police, the accused, along with accomplices, allegedly opened fire on Nairn as he stood outside a residence waiting for a ride to work on the morning of July 7. Three other men, Collin Knight, Vandyke Taylor, and Antonio Ferguson, were also shot during the same incident.
The suspects reportedly exited a light-coloured Kia Jeep, fired into the crowd, then re-entered the vehicle and fled the scene.
Nairn died from his injuries in hospital on July 12.
The other three victims were treated and survived.
The court heard that the defendant has a prior attempted murder conviction from 2023. He was not required to enter a plea. The matter will proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He was advised of his right to apply for bail in the higher court. The teen will be held at the adolescent unit of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the expected service of his VBI on December 8. Alphonso Lewis represented the accused. Sergeant 3004 Forbes appeared for the prosecution.
MAN CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF RAPE
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of raping a woman he had offered a ride to earlier this month on East Bay Street. Olrick Farrington Jr, 41, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans, charged with
two counts of rape.
Farrington Jr allegedly raped a 34-year-old woman twice, once near Montague Beach and again at Yamacraw Beach, sometime after 4am on July 19.
The victim was reportedly offered a ride by the accused on East Street prior to the alleged assaults.
Farrington Jr was not required to enter a plea
during the hearing. He was informed that the case will proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
He was also advised of his right to apply for bail through the higher court. Until then, the defendant will remain in custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The VBI is expected to be served on December 8.
Where has the warm Bahamian spirit gone?
acquisition of things to contaminate our warm spirit and change our personalities. We are so disrespectful of others and ourselves that we “fly off the handle” without notice, unprovoked, unwarranted and unashamedly. We say the most uncomplimentary things, mostly lies about people, in the company of others, designed to harm.
We think nothing of using boisterous language in public. We have no selfrespect. We bear false witness against our neighbours, disregarding the damage done to individuals and families. People we assume knew what integrity was would easily denigrate an innocent person. It is commonplace for people with no courage in person to hide behind social media and tear people’s reputations to shreds without evidence.
Nowadays, we are not maintaining our strength because we have mysteriously allowed the
WE had a distinct reputation of being a friendly nation, and most of our tourists returned several times. They even recommended us to others who could not wait to experience happy people who overextended themselves to ensure the Bahamian experience was second to none. We catered to them in every way and even had exchange programmes where we visited their homeland. The tourism numbers increased exponentially. Working in the hotel was like wearing a badge of honour. We showed our best side, and we benefited. There was competition to offer the best service, and we earned substantial tips commensurate with our stellar service. Of course, other Caribbean countries envy our reputation and spirit. They have hired Bahamians to help them with their product. Did we take our good fortunes for granted? Have we become complacent? Tips are automatic, and the service has diminished. The secret to maintaining such an enviable good name was that we were a loving society. This love came from how we treated each other and ourselves. But what happened?
Paid internet mercenaries target innocent, unsuspecting people with no care for the damage done by bullying and extortion, which are too commonplace. Lives are upside down, and people now live in fear. How can this be? Where is the police cyber unit? Are they out to lunch or too lazy to hunt down the habitual perpetrators? Too often, verbal assaults hide behind the computer
and dismantle people’s lives. Betraying trust is the order of the day. People are in fear because they don’t know when it is going to stop or how anyone can show up on Facebook or any other platform with made-up accusations while the gullible public shares the insatiable garbage from group to group. Vile and gutter posts move quickly. Hate and fear have infiltrated our minds, altering our interactions with others. We’re constantly on edge, quickly responding with hostility, worsening the situation. This toxic atmosphere is far from the pride and warmth we once exuded. It is now the norm for some of us to behave inhumanely, which has tainted the atmosphere. We see people with things we don’t have and immediately accuse them of some
unproven irregularity to get the things they possess.
The country has become vicious, people grabbing and grabbing for things that are usually out of their reach. When they fail to plan their finances, they blame their successful friends or family, and the usual scapegoat is the government.
People mysteriously tell themselves that the members of parliament are gods who can cure their bad habits, and when they don’t, they rain terror on their names and threaten withdrawal. No politician can escape taking on some or most of the responsibility for people’s behaviour, financially or otherwise.
People work, waste money on fancy hairstyles, nail repairs, and elaborate body sculpting, and then complain to the representative that their lights are off or that they have unpaid rent. The blatant dishonesty interferes with the genuineness of the Social Services system for the deserving. Our entire outlook on life has changed. We had pride, and those mentioned above worked, attracting tourists who returned repeatedly because of our attitude. What changed?
Greed has consumed us, and we have lost our self-respect. We waste money to keep up, but we never catch up because our habits are to waste our money and hustle from others. We borrow with a definite plan not to pay back, join Asue and drop out after we receive our draw, or keep Asue,
collect the people’s money, and disappear. There is no investigation, arrest, or repercussion; then we reappear and do it again. This cycle of greed and deceit is eroding our societal values, and we must act now to restore them. The execution of the law has caused us to lose all confidence that justice is in these kinds of matters.
We need a new attitude. It’s time to evaluate how we treat each other and our love for our country. Our current behaviour is not sustainable, and without change, we all will suffer. We must rediscover our politeness, engage in meaningful discussions, and respect each other’s opinions. It’s time to shun our negative side and embrace a more positive approach.
Unfortunately, we avoid each other, family gatherings are scarce and socialising only happens for the free rum. Churches can’t get along. After a minor disagreement, the church splits, and the congregation is encouraged to take sides. Sometimes, it appears like God is a puppet. Moral authority too often displays a lack of morality by the degrading commentary that comes from our congregation about another religion, castigating and making fun of the other. What happened? We have abandoned all of the tenants we subscribed to, passed down from our forefathers. We lack manners, respect for others, and, sadly, most of all, self-respect.
The insatiable greed for money and things has reduced us to being better suited for a pen.
Facing reality, we desperately need a gut check and a return to the old gatepost. We would benefit more if we became our brother’s keeper again. It’s not too late for a societal and moral renewal. We can still reclaim our national pride and restore our values. Let’s work together to make it
Tragedy of avoidable catastrophe in Gaza
THE horrors happening in Gaza know no bounds.
In what is still fundamentally a rules-based global order, despite the US president’s apparent efforts recently to dismantle it, there seems to be a general disbelief that the man-made humanitarian crisis in this small Palestinian territory can be taking place before the eyes of the world.
In the words of the BBC, everybody there is hungry.
The harrowing scenes of malnourished people, particularly children, starving and even dying are captured on film and shown widely on TV screens.
There is also evidence of people being killed trying to access food at aid distribution points. People ask how this can be allowed to happen in an interdependent civilised world.
Inevitably, there are differing views about who is responsible, who should be held accountable and what can be done about it. The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words seems never to have been so applicable. Quite simply, the evidence of the shocking events is staggering.
The Peter Young column
Some of the scenes are so horrifying that, reportedly, many people cannot bear to watch the heartwrenching TV footage. But they urge their leaders to take meaningful action to alleviate the overwhelming suffering.
The UN – with its secretary general calling the situation a “moral crisis that challenges the global conscience” – and its aid agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNWRA
(UN Relief & Works Agency), together with bodies like Medecins sans Frontieres, are weighing in with their own warnings about catastrophic levels of malnutrition. The WFP is saying that the crisis has reached a “new and astonishing level of desperation” and it warns that up to 500,000 people in Gaza are expected to face “catastrophic hunger” by September, barely two months away. It also claims that about 70,000 children and 17,000 mothers need urgent treatment now for acute malnutrition.
At first sight, it appears that, in accordance with international law, Israel as the occupying power has responsibility to protect the civilian population from hunger and starvation. Its armed forces, the IDF, invaded the Gaza Strip following the horrific atrocities, including the murders of some 1,200 Israelis, committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Since Israel controls entry of all supplies into Gaza, many commentators maintain that it must bear full responsibility for the massive shortages of food and
ATTITUDES TOWA RD ISR A EL CH A NGING
IT could be concluded from a study of the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza (see separate article on this page) that Israel might be running out of friends. Allies, who supported it after the horrors of the murderous Hamas attacks on Israel in October, 2023 resulting in the deaths of 1,200 mainly Israeli citizens and the taking of 251 hostages, are said now to condemn Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Even its most important ally, President Trump, is said to be losing patience with Prime Minister Netanyahu after his recent bombing of Damascus.
The recent joint statement by the foreign ministers of 27 Western countries (see above), criticising in strong terms the nature and extent of civilian suffering and failure of the aid programme, can have left no one in any doubt about the seriousness of the situation and the change of attitude by so many countries. “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths”, the statement concluded.
It seems that even though, at the beginning, many people sympathised with Netanyahu’s aim to annihilate Hamas as a terrorist group, the wanton destruction of entire towns in a manner that has been disproportionate to the threat and risk to the Israelis has caused considerable concern and opposition. Netanyahu and his former defence minister are
subject to arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court for the war crime of starvation as a weapon of war. They are also subject to a legal process at the International Court of Justice which has issued an advisory opinion that found Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories to be unlawful. Whatever the mitigating circumstances about Hamas’s actions as a terrorist organization that have prompted strong Israeli action – including videos of Hamas rounding up recipients of US and other aid and controlling, intimidating or torturing their own people – the evidence also suggests that large numbers of Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid or denied essential humanitarian assistance. Nevertheless, a point that seems to have been overlooked or deliberately ignored is that the source of the figures being used throughout the conflict for dead and wounded Palestinians is said to be the local Ministry of Health which is part of Hamas as the de facto governing body. With the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) occupying Gaza for nearly two years and seeking out and destroying Hamas as an organisation, some people find it hard to believe that any part of the Hamas government is in a position to produce accurate figures of this sort – even if they rely on information coming from hospital morgues. Observers are now
saying that in practice it will be impossible for Israel to destroy Hamas completely because, as soon as one terrorist is eliminated, another will come forward. But it is hard to believe that Israel’s military occupation has not been more effective in severely limiting Hamas’s activities – for, although it has a population of over two million, the Gaza Strip is only about 25 miles long and some seven miles wide, similar in size to New Providence. There now appears to be evidence that Hamas has been willfully disrupting aid supplies destined for Palestinians and that as a terrorist body it has mounted a campaign of tyranny over its own people. Most in the West consider that the only way forward in the Arab/Israel dispute is a two-state solution. But Israel currently does not support the idea, and Hamas refuses to recognise Israel. So France’s announcement that it will recognise a Palestinian state in September looks to be primarily about grandstanding. As for Britain, prime minister Starmer is faced with a demand from his own backbenchers to do likewise. But, in the published view of a recent British ambassador to Washington, this may not be the right time for the UK to play this card since it will be seen as rewarding terrorism and not necessarily improve the chances of a long-term peace settlement in the Middle East.
Trouble in South-East Asia
IT is probably a fair bet that people who follow developments in the current major conflicts around the world like the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East will not even be aware of a smouldering border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Indeed, why should they show interest in a remote, but armed, controversy like this when it is impossible to keep up with the numerous current world conflicts even if, for whatever reason, they were minded to do so. But, since the purpose of this column is to throw light on and explain international developments, it might be worth mentioning this, not least because of the indirect China connection.
Under ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, relations between its member states
have remained generally peaceful over the years. There is a long-running war in Myanmar but this is considered an internecine conflict, and it may be significant that the country has been embroiled in armed conflict since 1948 when it gained independence from Britain.
A little research shows that the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which share a long border, dates back to colonial days when frontiers in the region were drawn up following the French occupation of Cambodia. There have been sporadic skirmishes over the years, but new fighting broke out last week after Thailand claimed that Cambodia’s military deployed drones to conduct surveillance of Thai troops near the border. It has been reported that
other aid.
To the man in the street, that conclusion should anyway follow logically from the recent diatribe by British foreign secretary, David Lammy, who, using inflammatory language, said he was “sickened and appalled” by the “grotesque targeting of starving Palestinians”. He insisted that the continuing catastrophe was all the fault of Israel, and of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally.
Voters in the UK might reasonably assume that Lammy, in his official position, is privy to information that is not in the public domain. Further, they might be reinforced in the view that governments know more than others after reading the recent joint statement by 27 countries, including Britain, France, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, demanding that Israel should lift alleged restrictions on aid and allow the humanitarian non-governmental organisations to do their work. Thus, without information from all sources it is hard for individual commentators to offer valid comment.
But there are nonetheless a number of pointers about where responsibility lies. It is also worth noting that Lammy’s extreme reaction might be partly motivated by inherent opposition to Israel within the ruling Labour government. With that in mind, it is interesting to see that, according to the most
recent reports in the UK, more than 200 Labour MPs have written to prime minister Starmer urging recognition of a Palestinian state.
Alarmingly, with so much conflicting information it is hard for unofficial observers to know what to believe. According to most recent Israeli reports, drone footage from Gaza showed around 950 UN food trucks rotting on the Gaza side of the main crossing for the UN agencies concerned to pick up and distribute. Delving a little into the recent history, it is clear that at some point UNWRA suspended its operations after repeated theft of its aid supplies by Hamas which allegedly profited by reselling it in order to help fund its attacks on Israel. There have also been reports of UNWRA working hand in glove with jihadis, and this led to the US and Israel setting up an alternative aid distribution scheme called the Gaza Humanitarian Fund.
There have also been nasty, highly charged and inflammatory accusations that Israel has lured people to aid distribution sites in order to shoot them. But such a grotesquely absurd notion has been dismissed as being anyway inherently implausible because it must be obvious to all that Israel would have absolutely nothing to gain from such terrible action, and a tremendous amount to lose in the propaganda war.
At the time of writing
over the weekend, Israel is now allowing a “limited” amount of aid back into Gaza after nearly three months of allegedly preventing it. New corridors have been opened up for such aid to be delivered by the UN and other international NGOs. Israel is also allowing airdrops of aid by Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, though these are considered by traditional aid suppliers to be limited, restricted and potentially dangerous, even if better than nothing.
None of the above can justify Israeli actions in allowing – or at least contributing to – starvation in Gaza, but perhaps there is a need to explain better some of the difficult circumstances; for example, the plain fact that, rather than protecting its own people, Hamas as a terrorist organisation is focused on perpetuating the conflict for its own ends.
The controversy over these terrible humanitarian issues should not, of course, divert attention from the broader and more complex challenges raised by the Gaza crisis as a whole, not least arranging a ceasefire and, later, the possible creation of a Palestinian state. There is general agreement that it remains incumbent on Western governments to bring some sense of balance and proportion to this intractable problem.
I have written further about the issue in a separate piece in today’s column.
more than thirty soldiers and civilians have been killed and many nationals from both countries displaced. But, with the help of the Malaysian government, peace talks are now taking place. The two sides have agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire in an effort to resolve these deadly border clashes.
The main threats to the security of ASEAN nations are apparently natural disasters, terrorism, sea piracy, transnational crimes and climate change. But, reportedly, the countries involved are also worried about maritime disputes in the South China Sea. It is also self-evident that there are concerns about the broader US-China rivalry that could lead to them, at some point, having to take sides.
PALESTINIANS carry sacks of flour unloaded from a humanitarian aid convoy that reached Gaza City from the northern Gaza Strip, Sunday.
Photo: Jehad Alshrafi/AP
BAIN AND GRANTS TOWN
WHEREAS it appears to the Prime Minister as the Minister in the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas responsible for the Acquisition and Disposition of Lands that the lands described in the Schedules annexed hereto are needed for a public purpose.
NOW THEREFORE notice is hereby given by the promoter the Minister Responsible for Housing that the said lands are required for a public purpose namely for housing of persons of low or middle Income and that the said promoter intends to acquire the said lands for the said public purpose.
All persons interested in the said lands shall within thirty (30) days of the publication of this declaration in The Gazette or posting of the same, state in writing to the Promoter. The Minister Responsible for Housing, University Drive in care of P.O. Box N-275, Nassau, The Bahamas enunciating the nature of their claim to compensation for such interests and the document supporting those interests.
The survey plans of the said lands may be inspected at the Offce of the Department of Physical Planning between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Dated the 29 day of July A.D., 2025.
Signed KEITH R. BELL, M.P Minister Responsible
for Housing SCHEDULES (Annexed)
SCHEDULE A (1)
Area = 12,340 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Twelve Thousand Three Hundred and Fourty square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 13 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot Numbered 12 toward the East by Public Road known as Finlayson Street toward the South by Lot 14 and toward the West by Lot Numbered 15 or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (2)
Area = 6,658 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Six Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Eight square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 14 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot Numbered 13 toward the East by Public Road known as Finlayson Street toward the South by Lot 15 and toward the West by Lot Numbered 15 or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (3)
Area = 4,038 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Four Thousand and Thirty Eight square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 19 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot Numbered 15 toward the East by Lot No. 18 toward the South by Public Road known as Bola toward the West by Lot 20 or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (4)
Area = 4,367 SQ. FT.
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Four Thousand and Three Hundred and Sixty Seven square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 20 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot Numbered 15 toward the East by Lot No. 19 toward the South by Public Road known as Bola toward the West by Lots 25 & 26 or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (5)
Area = 6,500 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Six Thousand Five Hundred square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 22 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot Numbered 21 toward the East by Public Road known as Finlayson Street toward the South by Public Road known as Poinciana Drive toward the West by Lot No.23 or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (6)
Area = 20,750 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Twenty Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 23 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Public Road Known as Bola toward the East by Lots 21 and 22 toward the South by Public Road known as Poinciana Drive toward the West by Lot No.24 or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (7)
Area = 7,000 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Seven Thousand square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 24 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot 25 toward the East by Lots 23 toward the South by Public Road known as Poinciana Drive toward the West by Lot No.Public Road known as Eneas Street or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (8)
Area = 4,500 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Seven Thousand square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 25 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot 26 toward the East by Lots 65 toward the South by Lot 24 toward the West by Public Road known as Eneas Street or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (9)
Area = 4,250 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Four Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 26 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot Numbered 27 toward the East by Lot 20 toward the South by Lot 25 toward the west by Public Road known as Eneas Street or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (10)
Area = 8,250 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Eight Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 28 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot Numbered 29 toward the East by Lot 15 toward the South by Lot 27 toward the west by Public Road known as Eneas Street or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
SCHEDULE A (11)
Area = 8,200 SQ. FT
ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land containing by admeasurement Eight Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty square feet or thereabouts being Lot Numbered 29 in Block No.278 on a Plan named Bain & Grants Towns lodged in the Department of Physical Planning, New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the Constituency of Bain & Grants Towns ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North by Lot Numbered 30 toward the East by Lot 15 toward the South by Lot 28 toward the west by Public Road known as Eneas Street or however else the same may abut and bound which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly delineate and shown coloured pink on the plan of the area.
School’S out, But l earning Doe Sn’t h ave to Stop
THE bags may be packed away and textbooks all stacked, but that should not suggest that learning takes a step back.
Summer break, introduced in the 19th century, came about due to extreme heat, health concerns, and a push to create a standardized academic calendar. What was once intended as a short break to refresh minds has, for many, become a prolonged gap where valuable learning is lost.
Each year, many students return to school with lost skills, broken routines, and gaps that take weeks to rebuild.
International studies show that students typically lose a month of academic progress over the summer, particularly in literacy and numeracy. This phenomenon, known as the summer slide, isn’t just a foreign issue. Here in The Bahamas, many educators witness the same setbacks
as students return each September needing significant time to catch up.
The effects of summer learning loss add up over time. By Grade 5, lowerincome students may be as much as 2.5 to 3 years behind their peers in math due to cumulative summer setbacks.
One major study also estimates that students can lose up to 40 percent of their yearly academic gains during the summer months.
It’s a concerning picture,
but there’s hope. While the data reveals risk, it also uncovers opportunity. Your child does not have to fall behind. With a small, intentional effort, summer can become a season of progression rather than regression.
Learning doesn’t end when school lets out. It simply shifts from the classroom to the living room, the backyard, the grocery aisle, or even the porch. Parents, the cards are in your hands. And the best part is, you don’t need a teaching degree to keep learning alive.
Here are nine simple, low-stress ways to keep your child’s mind sharp during the summer months:
1. Build a daily reading habit.
Reading helps sharpen vocabulary, boost comprehension, and spark imagination. Children should be encouraged
CG Atlantic Wraps Up 2025 Summer Internship Programme
CG ATLANTIC has concluded another successful year of its Group-wide Summer Internship Programme, which spanned six jurisdictions including Bermuda, Cayman, The Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica.
For eight weeks, the interns immersed themselves in an authentic and comprehensive professional
experience designed to mirror the pace and purpose of CG Atlantic’s professional environment. This year’s programme once again highlighted CG Atlantic’s commitment to fostering young talent and investing in the communities it serves. Interns worked across a wide range of departments, benefited from mentoring by CG
professionals, participated in educational sessions led by company leaders, and engaged in meaningful community service. A cornerstone of the programme is the GroupWide Intern Project, which unites interns from all participating islands to tackle a complex, real-world challenge. Working as a fully independent, self-led
to read what they enjoy, whether it’s comics, short stories, magazines, or even newspapers. Set the tone by reading alongside them. A family that reads together grows together. Just 15 to 20 minutes a day can make a lasting impact.
2. Take advantage of enrichment programs.
From summer camps to community workshops and church-based activities, learning comes in many forms. These experiences build confidence, spark creativity, and strengthen social skills in fun and engaging ways.
3. Revisit or finish up any unfinished workbooks.
Spending just 15 to 20 minutes a day on review can reinforce key skills without it feeling like schoolwork.
4. Keep a summer journal.
Let your child capture their summer through
writing or drawings. Offer playful prompts and encourage them to let their imagination take the lead.
5. Use YouTube as a learning tool.
Turn screen time into skill-building with educational channels like Khan Academy or CrashCourse Kids.
6. Try self-paced learning platforms. Programs like Reading Eggs, IXL, and Newsela offer guided, interactive lessons that adapt to your child’s level.
7. Practice life skills through real-world experiences.
Invite your child to help with meal planning, budgeting, or reading directions. Every day errands can become opportunities to build independence and apply math, reading, and reasoning skills.
8. Encourage hands-on, minds-on play.
Games, puzzles, crafts, and open-ended play spark curiosity and help children stay engaged, all without the need for a screen.
9. Set healthy screen-time limits.
Balance is key. When screens are off, children have the space to notice more, ask their own questions, and engage with the world around them.
Let’s rethink summer as more than just a break.
educator with nearly two decades of experience in The Bahamas. She holds degrees in both General and Special Education and is the owner of Turning Pages Literacy Center as well as the founder of The Teachers’ Hub. Deeply passionate about literacy, student success, and teacher empowerment, she believes that with the right tools and support, every child can thrive, and every teacher can lead with confidence.
team, the interns research, develop, and ultimately present their solutions to CG’s executive leadership, gaining hands-on experience in cross border collaboration, critical thinking, and professional presentation. Each year’s project explores a timely issue facing the insurance industry.
Each office also hosted
its own tailored intern experience, including community volunteer days and in-person development sessions on topics such as financial literacy, ESG, career branding, legal compliance, and cyber security. Whether presenting to executives, supporting their departments, or engaging in team building activities, each intern had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and build lasting skills. The CG Summer Internship Programme continues to evolve each year, but its core purpose remains unchanged: to provide a professional, inclusive, and empowering environment for young talent across the region.
Young Androsian hosts baseball camp
AFTER years of academic and athletic excellence both locally and abroad, Justin Smith returned to his home this summer to give back to the community that shaped him. He recently hosted his first youth baseball camp in Central Andros, offering young athletes a week of skill-building, teamwork, and fun.
A proud native of Andros, Justin spent his early childhood in Behring Point before moving to Blanket Sound, where he currently resides. He was introduced to baseball at the age of 10, when he joined the Freedom Farm Baseball League. His love for the sport quickly grew,
eventually becoming a driving force in his personal and academic life.
Justin has consistently balanced his passion for baseball with academic excellence. From primary school through high school, he maintained honour roll status. In 2018, while attending Bowen Sound Primary School, he was nominated for the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards—an early recognition of his leadership and academic achievements.
After completing junior high in Andros, Justin was awarded an opportunity to attend Tallulah Falls School, a boarding school in Georgia, USA. There, he continued to excel, graduating with honours in May 2025 with a cumulative GPA of 4.36. He was also inducted into the National High School Scholar Society in the United States. The summer baseball camp marked a significant milestone for Justin, as he returned to Andros with the goal of mentoring young players and sharing the skills and values he’s developed over the years. Justin is preparing for the next chapter of his academic and athletic journey. He will be attending Texas State University, where he has been awarded a partial merit scholarship.
ALLANDRA RUSSELL
LaCroix takes top honours at NTA’s graduation ceremony
Sea Breeze kids enjoy a day at the port
Photos: Anthon Thompson/BIS
KIDS from Sea Breeze STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) summer camp toured the Nassau Cruise Port where they got to see local Bahamian art and entrepreneurship in action with MP Leslia Brice yesterday. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr