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Wednesday, July 29, 2026

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Fidelity rejects ‘bragging rights’ on consumer borrowing binge BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BANKS will continue to fuel the Bahamian consumer borrowing binge “for the foreseeable future” although one BISX-listed institution is reassuring shareholders it will not pursue “bragging rights” in this segment at the expense of prudent lending and risk management. Greg Bethel, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) president, writing in the institution’s just-released 2025 annual report ahead of tonight’s shareholder meeting, said the general absence of a savings culture with Bahamians “borrowing as much as they can as often as they can” will continue to dictate

that commercial banks focus on the personal loan segment. Net growth in the Bahamian commercial banking industry’s outstanding consumer loan portfolio, representing credit extended for auto purchases, vacations and other consumer goods, as well as debt consolidation, grew at a rate more than triple that for mortgages in 2025 - expanding by $119.5m compared to $34.4m. Total outstanding consumer loans at yearend 2025 stood at $2.207bn, just shy of $2.553bn for mortgages, with the former having rebounded quicker after COVID. “Due to a persistent personal financial ‘culture’ whereby individuals borrow as much as they can as often

as they can - or must - with no commitment to savings, the provision of credit products for individuals has been, and will continue to be, the primary product offering of the bank for the foreseeable future,” Mr Bethel conceded to shareholders. “Nevertheless, the competition in this product segment is intense, impacting the market share of the bank as other financial institutions take on greater risk, which the bank is not prepared to take. The bank will not abandon its responsible lending philosophy and guidelines for shortterm gain, bragging rights or to maintain market share by lending larger amounts, for longer terms, at lower interest rates, leaving customers with lower

disposable income to support their families.” Pledging that Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) will maintain a responsible approach to consumer lending, Mr Bethel added that it will seek to capitalise on digital and electronic payments by consumers - via debit, credit or pre-paid cards to small and medium-sized businesses. And it also sees commercial loans to these corporate customers as “a significant growth area” that can offset any loan portfolio contraction elsewhere due to reluctance to take unnecessary risks on unqualified borrowers. “These businesses are consumers of electronic payment services, payment products, card settlement services and card products, which are secondary

‘Damning conflicts’ sink ex-Water Corp manager’s bid for $1m firing damages BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Probe found links to firms awarded $900k contracts

A FORMER senior superintendent at the Water & Sewerage Corporation yesterday lost his bid for near-$1m in damages for wrongful and unfair dismissal after a “damning” investigation revealed he personally profited from “a major conflict of interest”. Findings from an internal audit revealed that Trevor Roberts, a 38-year veteran who rose from semi-skilled labourer when he joined in 1982 to senior superintendent for road reinstatement, had a “personal affiliation” with - and was allegedly the “true”

Fronted by nominees to ‘disguise’ true ownership Investigator faced ‘duress’ from utility’s former chair owner of - multiple thirdparty contractors who he ensured received maintenance and other business from the Corporation. The investigation revealed that the address for many of these

TRAFFIC congestion fears and a lack of parking overshadowed environmental concerns during last night's public consultation on a proposed 25-slip marina project earmarked for a location just west of Potter’s Cay dock. Vendors, business owners and residents repeatedly warned the development could worsen an already-congested area, especially when mail boats are loading and offloading

at Potter’s Cay, unless adequate parking and transportation planning are addressed. Much of the discussion during the public consultation staged by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) centred on whether the proposed Blu Cay Marina, which includes 25 slips for boats, a 50-space dry storage facility for jet skis and personal watercraft, and a small office building, could operate without placing additional pressure on

BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

WATER & SEWERAGE CORPORATION HQ contractors was the same as Mr Roberts’ home, and that he had seemingly used his wife’s friend, neighbours and their relatives, and the Corporation’s own janitorial contractor and a security guard to act as nominee owners, or ‘fronts’, for these entities in a bid to “disguise” his involvement. The final report, which was completed on August 26, 2020, found that the Water & Sewerage Corporation had paid a collective $912,315 to four of the contractors linked

to Mr Roberts without him declaring his purported ownership interest. Acting justice Raynard Rigby KC branded these “damning findings” and “good reasons to summarily terminate” Mr Roberts, who he found had “placed himself in a position of conflict” due to his “desire for personal enrichment”. The 92-page judgment, in detailing much of the evidence and internal audit findings, also disclosed that Krystal Ferguson, the lead

REPAIR - See Page B6

BLU CAY MARINA PROJECT CONCEPTUAL PLAN Potters Cay's limited parking and freight operations. One of the strongest objections came from the Potters Cay Dock Fish, Fruit and Vegetable Vendors Association president, who said the area already struggles with congestion throughout the week.

McKenzies: Marina project must manage congestion and dredging BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net A POTTERS Cay business owner whose restaurant sits next to the site of a proposed 25-slip marina said the project could boost business and create jobs, but warned traffic congestion and

nearby dredging will have to be carefully managed. Kenneth McKenzie, owner of McKenzie's at Potters Cay, said the proposed Blu Cay Marina development could bring more customers to nearby waterfront businesses by attracting additional tour boats and visitors to the area.

Bank won’t sacrifice lending prudence to gain market share President laments absence of ‘savings culture’, financial goals Bahamians ‘borrow as much as they can as often as they can’ business finances; using financial statements and cash flow analysis; submissions of tax returns; and tax planning.” Outlining Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) primary strategic goals for the next two years through 2027, Mr Bethel said that - besides retaining existing customers with value and services - it is also aiming to snatch customers from other institutions and “attract business, corporate,

EXPAND - See Page B5

Election day crash probe cites regulatory breaches

Congestion and parking fears dominate marina consultation BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

offerings of the bank with growing importance to its revenue. This was evident during 2025, as seen in fees and commission income,” Mr Bethel explained. “Making commercial loans available to small and medium-sized businesses, which utilise the electronic payment services, is expected to be a significant area of growth for the bank and is intended to offset the declining personal loan portfolio. “Few consumers have a pattern of saving and investing to fund medium and long-term goals, which requires the bank to offer financial coaching for individuals and financial planning/consulting for business owners, including guidance on segregating personal and

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However, he warned the success of the development will depend on how well traffic is managed, particularly on the busiest mail boat days. "It could be good and it could be bad," said Mr McKenzie. "A marina would bring tour boats in, and people could come over here to shop and eat. That would be good

"We have a problem as it is from Mondays to Wednesdays," she said. "That particular part of the parking lot is the most common part of our parking lot... During Christmas time, it takes two to three hours from East Street to

CONSULT - See Page B5 business for everybody in this area." Mr McKenzie said increased activity around the marina could also create employment opportunities for Bahamians. "It could create jobs for Bahamians too, and that's a good thing," he added. While optimistic about the project's economic potential, Mr McKenzie said existing congestion at Potters Cay remains his biggest concern. "The only concern is Tuesdays

DEVELOP - See Page B4

PANAMANIAN investigators have raised concerns over co-operation and access to critical documents related to the May 12 general election plane crash involving drug suspect, Jonathan Eric ‘Player’ Gardiner, while also exposing multiple regulatory breaches. The initial report, released by Panama’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Office (OFINVAA) on June 12 and obtained by Tribune Business, reveals that - one month after the Beechcraft 300 King Air twin-prop carrying Mr Gardiner and ten others was ditched in international waters - the central American state’s regulators say they have yet to be provided with the plane’s maintenance records by the Bahamian authorities. Chequita Johnson, director-general at the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas, could not be reached for comment on these concerns before press time last night despite several attempts and voice mails left for her secretary. However, Michael Strachan, The Bahamas’ ambassador to the International

Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), last night said the issues raised over the maintenance records by the Panama report were misplaced. Mr Strachan, also chief operating officer for the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network (BACSWN), explained that - as the plane was registered in Panama The Bahamas and its Civil Aviation Authority have “no obligation” to have or maintain those records. The only responsibility The Bahamas has is to provide details on whether the pilot had a valid licence to fly that type of plane, which it has done. “They [Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas] don’t have any obligation to have the maintenance logs because it’s a foreign-registered aircraft,” Mr Strachan said. “The only information that Bahamian civil aviation would provide is whether the pilot’s licence was current. “That’s as far as the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas’ information flow on the back-end. It wouldn’t be obligated to have those maintenance records.” However, the Panamanian report, with that

REPORT - See Page B4

PAGE 2, Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Trade deficit jumps $80m as exports drop modestly BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE BAHAMAS’ trade deficit increased by $80m year-over-year during the 2026 first quarter due to a slight decrease in exports combined with a 6.4 percent rise in imports. The Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI), in unveiling the foreign trade statistics for the three months to end-March 2026, disclosed that the deficit - which measures by how much this nation’s goods imports exceed the exports it sells into other nations had increased from $1.005bn

during the same period last year to $1.085bn. The expanded first quarter deficit, which has been revealed just as Bahamian exports come under further pressure from the Trump administration’s 12.5 percent tariff, was generated by a modest 2 percent decline in exports coupled with a $76m, or 6.4 percent, jump in foreign goods imported into this nation. The Bahamian economy’s structure, which results in this nation importing most of what it consumes, means it has always traditionally incurred large trade deficits. These, though, only capture the trade in goods and do not include the large surplus

generated by the primarily service-based economy and its tourism, financial services, real estate and construction industries. But, while services-related foreign currency inflows finance and cover the trade deficit, the latter’s increasing size means that earnings from the likes of tourism and financial services are coming under growing pressure to expand at the same pace to sustain this. However, others have argued that increased imports are a sign of a healthy economy represented by growing demand and increased activity. “The value of merchandise trade into The Bahamas totalled $1.3bn during the

first quarter of 2026, representing an increase of 6.4 percent compared with the corresponding quarter of 2025,” the Statistical Institute’s report said. “In the first quarter of 2026, ‘machinery and transport equipment’ was the largest import commodity group, with imports valued at $319m, accounting for 25 percent of total imports. This was followed by ‘food and live animals’, valued at $223m (18 percent), and ‘manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials’, valued at $197m (15.5 percent). Collectively, these three commodity groups accounted for 58 percent of the merchandise imports.

THE TRIBUNE “Other significant import commodity groups included ‘miscellaneous manufactured articles’, valued at $170m; ‘mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials’ at $144m; and ‘chemicals’ valued at $85m. Together, these commodity groups accounted for 31 percent of total merchandise imports during the first quarter of 2026,” it added. “Compared with the first quarter of 2025, ‘mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials’ and ‘chemicals’ recorded declines of 15 percent and 14 percent, respectively. In contrast, all other major import commodity groups recorded increases over the same period.” Turning to exports, which are goods that Bahamian producers sell in foreign markets such as the US, the Statistical Institute said: “During the first quarter of 2026, the value of total merchandise exports - domestic exports and

Bahamas Science Academy unveils 12,113-record study THE Bahamas Academy of Sciences (BAS) has unveiled its first peer-reviewed publication, For the Record, which analyses 12,113 records on local science accumulated over the 50 years to 2025. TITLED ‘The state of Bahamian Science (Edition One) - or Fifty years of research in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas’, the study is a quantitative thematic analysis of five decades of Bahamian research. Unveiled during the Academy’s annual reception at the Balmoral Club last Friday, it will be published in the international journal, Gulf and Caribbean Research. The analysis identified 10 thematic trajectories and 8 meta-themes across five decades of research. Marine and coastal science is by far the most-studied area, while Bahamian health, education and the Family Islands remain substantially under-represented. The record reflects a strong

international and collaborative history, with the top contributing countries being the US, The Bahamas, Spain, England and Canada. The publication also reveals significant research gaps in national priorities such as groundwater, food systems, renewable energy, social-ecological governance and locally led long-term monitoring. Conducted by eight Academy members, the study concludes that a more co-ordinated research agenda is needed which is aligned with climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, public health, sustainable resource management and national development. “This is the first paper we are publishing as BAS,” said Dr Krista Sherman, president of the Academy. “To move forward, you need to know what’s happened and where you’re going, so you’re not flying blind. “It’s important to reflect on what The Bahamas has

BAHAMAS Academy of Sciences members with Zane Lightbourne, minister of the environment and natural resources. accomplished in research over the last 50 years - the successes, the challenges, and where we go from here. The pressing challenges facing our nation - from public health, reliable clean energy and economic development to climate change, biodiversity loss, overfishing and habitat degradation - all require evidence-based solutions. That is what ‘The State of Bahamian Science’ is for, and what the Academy is for.

“For decades, The Bahamas has served as a natural laboratory, advancing global understanding of oceans, reefs and carbonate systems. Moving forward, research should continue contributing globally, while aligning more closely with national priorities and creating lasting value for Bahamian communities” said Dr Amina Moss, first author of the study and a lecturer at the University of Stirling, who presented the publication. “Edition one is an

honest first look. The next editions get sharper.” Michael Braynen, the keynote speaker, reaffirmed the importance of evidence-based decision-making, effective resource management and meaningful collaboration, and highlighted the vital role Bahamians play in shaping the future of science in the country. “True national progress is measured by security, by sustainability and sovereignty. Let us, as a government, as a

re-exports - from The Bahamas was $187m, representing a decrease of 2 percent ($3.6m) compared with the first quarter of 2025. “The largest export commodity groups were ‘machinery and transport equipment’, valued at $65m (35 percent); ‘mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials’, at $43m (23 percent); and ‘manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials’, valued at $31m (17 percent) of total exports. Collectively, these three commodity groups accounted for 74 percent of total merchandise exports during the quarter. “Compared with the first quarter of 2025, ‘miscellaneous manufactured articles’ and ‘chemicals’ each recorded declines by 64 percent and 63.7 percent, respectively, while ‘manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials’ decreased by 42 percent.”

private sector and as a society, fund our own research to champion our own institutions and to trust our own experts. Our islands have given us life. Let our science give them future,” he said. Zane Lightbourne, minister of the environment and natural resources, hailed the role of science as an “indispensable tool for effective governance, environmental stewardship and sustainable national development”. He added: “Combining the Academy's expertise with the ministry's public outreach, we can build greater public confidence and encourage informed participation in decisions that affect our nation's future.” The evening also launched 242 #ForTheRecord, a four-month public campaign running through the end-October 2026 that brings Bahamian science directly to local audiences on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X and YouTube. Built around the same 50-year dataset and surfaced one story at a time, the campaign carries a strong science-literacy focus.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 29, 2026, PAGE 3

Freeport Harbour expansion opponents ramp up campaign BY ANNELIA NIXON TRIBUNE Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net OPPONENTS of Bahama Rock’s 270acre Freeport Harbour expansion and excavation yesterday ramped up their campaign ahead of tonight’s public consultation on its environmental approvals by asserting nearby communities will be exposed to “15 to 20 years of blasting and industrial disturbance”. Preserving Paradise launched what it describes as a wide-ranging environmental, economic and government accountability campaign aimed at preventing regulatory approval until critical unanswered questions are resolved. The campaign comes ahead of the public consultation on Bahama Rock’s proposal to excavate approximately 269.39 acres of the former Bahamas Cement Company property at Southwest Point, Grand Bahama. The project, outlined in the company’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), would involve demolition, land clearing, blasting, dredging and aggregate extraction to create a basin that is converted into an expanded section of Freeport

Harbour with additional turning areas and deep-water berths. C Allen Johnson, senior spokesman for Preserving Paradise, said the organisation’s campaign extends beyond opposition to mining and instead seeks to determine whether the project represents the best long-term use of one of Grand Bahama’s most strategically located coastal properties. “Our policy position is not that every industrial or harbour project should be rejected,” the organisation said in its campaign statement. “This campaign’s test is whether a proposed development is lawful, evidence-based, independently scrutinised, environmentally responsible and demonstrably capable of producing measurable, durable and broadly shared benefits for Bahamians.” At the centre of the campaign are four questions that Preserving Paradise argues must be answered before any irreversible approval is granted: Whether environmental, groundwater and public health risks have been independently assessed; whether the complete legal and regulatory approval process has been fully disclosed; whether the public

value of the country’s natural resources and expected economic returns have been quantified; and whether mining has been compared with other potentially higher-value uses for the site. The initiative follows growing public concern over Bahama Rock’s proposal, which has already prompted an online petition calling for approvals to be delayed until independent environmental and economic reviews are completed. Preserving Paradise has now formally objected to the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) issuing a certificate of environmental clearance (CEC) based on the current record. Among the remedies sought are a revised or supplemental Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), independent technical peer review, publication of the complete administrative record, disclosure of all permits and agency comments, at least 60 days for public review following full disclosure and a new public consultation in Grand Bahama. One of the campaign’s principal concerns relates to the size and scope of the proposed excavation. While the DEPP notice and main

EIA describe the project as covering approximately 269.39 acres, Preserving Paradise says other technical documents reference areas ranging from roughly 238.7 acres to 282 acres, while an ArcGIS image circulated during the campaign depicts an area measuring approximately 326 acres. Although acknowledging that the image is not a legal survey, the organisation is calling for survey-certified boundaries and reconciled mapping before any final approval. The campaign also raises questions over what it describes as inconsistencies in the project’s timeline. Although the EIA states aggregate extraction will occur over 15 to 20 years, Preserving Paradise argues that one project schedule reproduced in its formal objection appears to show Phase Three beginning in November 2024 and ending in June 2025, while simultaneously referencing the much longer operational period. The group says regulators should seek clarification because project duration affects environmental monitoring, community impacts and closure obligations. Preserving Paradise also points to environmental impacts acknowledged within

Bahama Rock’s own EIA. Those include permanent land conversion, removal of pineland and coppice habitats, blasting, vibration, dust, groundwater impacts, storm surge and flooding considerations, coral relocation, waste management, erosion and potential effects on nearby communities including Eight Mile Rock, Lovers Beach and recreational marine areas. Rather than disputing that impacts exist, the campaign argues the central issue is whether available studies, mitigation measures and monitoring requirements are sufficiently robust and independently verified before irreversible excavation begins. Preserving Paradise is also questioning modelling contained within the EIA relating to harbour flushing, flood risk and groundwater. Its objection cites a harbour flushing study that reportedly found only 11.2 percent of harbour water is flushed within one month under existing conditions, rising marginally to 12.4 percent following expansion, while describing both outcomes as “very poor.” It is calling for an independent review of those findings, including modelling assumptions and long-term water quality

Insurance Commission Port Lucaya vendor opens expands push over AI three times in two months BY ANNELIA NIXON TRIBUNE Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net

THE INSURANCE Commission of The Bahamas is expanding its compliance and innovation drive with a new artificial intelligence (AI) component to aid greater understanding of emerging technologies. The regulator, which has launched the InsurTech Compliance, Innovation and Regulatory Practices (ICIRP) programme, is hoping AI and technology can help insurance innovation while addressing persistent protection gaps. The eight-week online course, which begins in September, will introduce participants to AI applications in insurance, regulatory frameworks and real world case studies, while providing graduates with a direct pathway to the Commission’s newly-established innovation hub where they can further develop business ideas into potentially regulated ventures. Rodney Bain, deputy superintendent of insurance at the Insurance Commission, said the addition of AI reflects the industry’s rapidly-evolving landscape and the need to equip entrepreneurs and professionals with practical knowledge of new technologies. “We have now something I’ll call an innovation hub,” Mr Bain said. “We have a team within house who essentially takes someone’s idea and walks them through the process of what they need to get registered and regulated with the Commission. So now the bigger difference is you essentially can take your capstone project and go straight from class to the hub, and see if it actually can possibly work.” The programme continues its partnership with the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Business School, and Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB), and has extended the course from six weeks to eight weeks to accommodate the expanded curriculum. “It’s going to be eight weeks now because we’re going to introduce the AI component and talk about AI and different trends of AI, which we did not talk about before, and a lot more regulatory grounding to see how it actually can work, and also real case scenarios as well,” Mr Bain said.

He added that AI is increasingly being explored across the global insurance sector to improve efficiency rather than replace human decision-making. The Insurance Commission participates in the FinTech Forum of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, where regulators are examining how AI can streamline operations while maintaining appropriate oversight. “Our role is essentially to find out how can AI make our job easier,” he said. “Some companies use it mainly for administration purposes, but they’re trying to see how it can be used for more real case scenarios. What we’re using it for is just to make the business process a lot more efficient and productive.” However, Mr Bain stressed that the programme will place significant emphasis on responsible AI use. “The biggest thing with AI we’re going to drive home in the course is the need for the human in the loop. We never want to get rid of the human element as relates to technology because that’s what makes the real decisions,” Mr Bain said. He added that many consumers remain sceptical of AI because they neither trust nor fully understand the technology. “What we recognise, too, with AI from our conversation, they don’t trust it and they don’t understand it,” he said. “And then for insurance, you recognise they don’t trust it and they don’t understand it. So now we’re trying to just bridge the gap to make sure they understand and they trust it as well.” To support responsible adoption, the Commission has already introduced internal AI policies and intends to promote similar standards across the insurance industry. “One of the suggestions we give persons is when using AI, treat it like a junior staff member,” Mr Bain said. “The same way we would trust and verify if a junior staff member presents you a report, you do the same thing with AI.” Beyond AI, Mr Bain said the programme is designed to encourage innovation that addresses real world challenges facing The Bahamas, particularly the country’s insurance protection gap. “Technology on the whole is here,” he said. “So it’s very much important to

COVERAGE - See Page B7

BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net A PORT Lucaya Marketplace vendor yesterday said plans to revive the marina under new ownership could provide a much-needed boost for struggling businesses, revealing she opened her souveniur booth just three days over the past two months because visitor traffic has been so weak. Ernestine Markland, owner of Ernie's Souvenirs in the Port Lucaya Marketplace, said any effort to attract more visitors to the area would be welcomed by merchants who continue to grapple with sluggish customer traffic. "Anything that brings more tourists into the area is appreciated," said Ms Markland. "Right now, I opened my booth only two days in June and one day so far in July because business has been so slow."

She said the lack of visitors has left many vendors struggling to make ends meet. "It's so slow," she added. "It's only by the help of God." Ms Markland said she hopes improvements to the marina will encourage more boaters to dock in Port Lucaya and spend time shopping and dining in the Marketplace. "If people can dock there, bring their friends ashore and shop, that's good for all of us," she said. "Anyone we can get into the area is better than not getting them." Ms Markland added that the marina once generated that type of activity. "It used to happen before," she said. "People would dock, come ashore, shop and spend money. We'd like to see that again." While government officials have pointed to new tourism developments as positive signs for Grand Bahama's economy, Ms

Markland said Port Lucaya businesses have yet to see a meaningful increase in customer traffic. Asked whether the opening of Celebration Key had resulted in more visitors reaching Port Lucaya, she replied: "Most definitely less traffic. We're waiting for tourists to come from Celebration Key, but there aren't that many." The comments come as efforts to redevelop the long-neglected Port Lucaya Marina have become embroiled in a dispute between the developer, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Grand Bahama Development Company (DEVCO). Demolition work began last week as part of a planned $21.8m redevelopment that includes rebuilding the marina with 60 concrete slips, dredging the basin, upgrading onshore facilities and constructing a new fuel dock and marina amenities. The

implications. Similarly, Preserving Paradise argues flood modelling referenced in the objection achieved about 65 percent accuracy, did not incorporate future climate change scenarios and suggested post-excavation flooding could increase by as much as 10 percent in some circumstances. Groundwater also features prominently in the campaign. The group says only two private wells were tested, and that drilling encountered cave and cavern formations typical of Grand Bahama’s limestone geology, prompting calls for a comprehensive hydrogeological assessment and expanded groundwater monitoring before any approvals are issued. Beyond environmental issues, Preserving Paradise is challenging the project’s economic justification. The EIA states Bahama Rock’s operations currently support around 84 employees and contribute $25m annually through employment, contracts and support services. While acknowledging those benefits, the group argues job retention alone is insufficient to justify the permanent conversion of hundreds of acres of coastal land. Instead, it is calling for a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis examining new versus retained employment, export revenues, taxes, royalties, infrastructure costs, environmental losses, disaster risks, natural resource values, Bahamian ownership and potential alternative land uses.

EXCAVATE - See Page B7 project is being undertaken by Bahamaland Waterways, with Executive Marine Management overseeing the demolition phase. However, the GBPA subsequently issued a stop work order, arguing the developer had begun demolition without first obtaining the necessary permits. The developer has maintained that it had secured all required government approvals and accused the Port Authority of attempting to delay the project. Adding another layer to the dispute, DEVCO said it has no objection to the marina redevelopment proceeding once the required documentation is submitted and approved, noting that it supports investment capable of revitalising Port Lucaya while ensuring all regulatory requirements are satisfied. For vendors such as Ms Markland, however, the regulatory dispute is secondary to the need for more visitors. "Anything that revitalises the marina and brings more tourists to Port Lucaya is very much appreciated," she said. "We just need more people coming into the area."

PAGE 4, Wednesday, July 29, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Pilot’s attorney rejects ‘flawed’ medical certificate suggestion REPORT - from page B1 country taking the lead because it is where the plane is registered, also suggests the aircraft with registration number HP-1859 was flying despite multiple aviation regulatory violations including expired airworthiness and registration certificates plus expired insurance coverage that lapsed on April 1, 2026. The report also suggested that critical data relating to numerous flight plans associated with the plane, such as the date they were filed and when actual flights took place, appeared to be missing. And the Panamanian investigators signalled they have little idea of what the aircraft has been doing, or used for, as it left their territory on May 3, 2025, en route to The Bahamas and has never returned. Discussions, though, are taking place on whether to recover the plane from its present location some 50 miles from Vero Beach given that it holds the flight recorders which contain key evidence. “The refloating/ recovery of the aircraft is also being evaluated with the company’s legal representative for the purpose of recovering evidence that will contribute to the investigation,” the report said.

It was also suggested by the report that, while the plane’s Bahamian pilot, Ian Nixon, possessed a valid commercial pilot’s licence at the time of the accident, his “first class medical certificate” - which proves a pilot is mentally and physically fit to fly - had expired and was out-of-date. This assertion was vehemently rejected and disputed by Bjorn Ferguson, the Bahamian attorney for 43 year-old Mr Nixon, who branded such a finding as “flawed and erroneous” and signalled he will mount a legal challenge against the Panamanian investigating authority if it persists with such accusations. “That finding is flawed and erroneous,” Mr Ferguson blasted. “I have all the proof. It is very, very valid, his medical certificate. I have no reason to doubt the validity of the medical certificate I have. Let the Panamanian authorities go with whatever. I’ll wait for the final report so I can take further instructions from my client.” Tribune Business understands that, while Mr Nixon has been co-operating with, and talking to, key Bahamian regulators such as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) as they conduct their own

Potter’s Cay owner says project could be positive DEVELOP - from page B1 and Wednesdays when the mail boats are in,” he said. “That’s already hectic, so I don’t know how they’re going to work that out. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea. They just have to organise it properly because it’s different now. Years ago, we didn’t have this kind of heavy traffic.”

Mr McKenzie also recalled that a marina previously operated in the same general area and helped support nearby businesses. “There used to be a marina there years ago,” he said. “People would come off the boats, walk through the market, buy what they needed, stop and have a conch salad, then head back out.”

probes into what happened on general election day, he has yet to hear from their Panamanian counterparts despite being a key witness to what occurred. “The pilot held a commercial pilot licence issued by the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority on January 14, 2022, with an expiry date of January 31, 2027,” the preliminary Panamanian report asserted. “According to information obtained, the pilot’s first-class medical certificate was issued on March 11, 2024. Under the regulations of the issuing country, The Bahamas, a first-class medical certificate for a commercial pilot over 40 years of age is valid for six months; for private operations, the medical certificate is valid for 24 months.” If accurate, this would mean that Mr Nixon’s medical certificate expired, at earliest, on September 11, 2024, which would have been almost 18 months before the crash, or, at latest, on March 11, 2026, whichs was two months before. However, Mr Ferguson dismissed such assertions as patently incorrect and untrue. The Panamanian report, though, also noted that the commercial pilot’s licence once held by Mr Nixon

from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), the US regulator, had been revoked. And it also highlighted difficulties in obtaining the Beechcraft’s maintenance records from The Bahamas. “The records of the most recent inspections performed are dated April, May and July 2024,” it said. “OFINVAA requested the aircraft maintenance files from the state of The Bahamas. As of the date of this report, the requested documentation had not been received.” However, other findings to-date raise major questions surrounding the Bahamian civil aviation regulatory and oversight regime, its enforcement and what is permitted to fly around in this country’s air space. The Panama report said the Beechcraft’s “most recent airworthiness certificate obtained was valid until July 3, 2025”, while its certificate of registration expired on July 1 last year and insurance coverage ended on April 1, 2026. “According to the documentation, the provisional assignment of registration HP-1859 was made on December 30, 2022,” the report said. “The first provisional registration certificate was subsequently

Mr McKenzie said he only recently learned of the proposal and was surprised to discover the marina would be built immediately west of his business. “They don’t tell you nothing. You find out at the last minute,” he said. “Then there’s going to be all that dredging right next to me, so we’ll have to wait and see what happens.” Despite those concerns, Mr McKenzie said he believes the project can be positive if properly planned. “Let’s see what happens,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but they have to organiae it properly. If they

do that, it could be good for businesses around here.” The proposed Blu Cay Marina would be developed on government-leased land immediately west of McKenzie’s, between Potters Cay Dock and the Water & Sewerage Corporation facility on East Bay Street. The plans call for a 25-slip marina, a 50-space dry storage facility for personal watercraft and a small office building. The project is currently undergoing the environmental approval process before any construction can begin.

issued on June 28, 2024, and the most recent provisional registration certificate was valid until July 1, 2025. “According to the aircraft records in Panama, it maintained a valid insurance policy providing coverage from April 1, 2025 to April 1, 2026.” A corporate entity, TRTC Aeroplus Investment, was identified as the plane’s owner, although its shareholders and owners were not named. “The [Panama] Air Navigation Service reported that the aircraft departed on May 3, 2025, from Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (MPMG), Panama, bound for Lynden Pindling International Airport (MYNN),” the initial accident report said. “The investigation found no records showing that aircraft HP-1859 subsequently re-entered the state of Panama. “According to information obtained during the investigation, several flight plans associated with the operation of the aircraft were accessed;. However, those documents do not contain information allowing the date on which they were filed or used to be established. The only flight plan presented with dated information is from May 7, 2026, for the route from

Grand Bahama International Airport to Lynden Pindling International Airport.” Detailing what occurred on May 12, the Panama report said of the flight that took off from Leonard M. Thompson International Airport in Abaco: “During the flight, the aircraft maintained contact with Freeport air traffic services. Communications were subsequently interrupted. “When contact was re-established with Freeport approach, the pilot reported having experienced a communications failure, navigation instrument failure and difficulties related to one of the engines. He also stated that approximately 30 minutes of fuel remained and that the aircraft was heading toward Freeport. “After the link was restored, and following several communications with Freeport air traffic control, contact with the aircraft was again lost. According to information collected during the investigation, the aircraft made an emergency ditching in the sea approximately 50 nautical miles east of Vero Beach, Florida, US, where it subsequently sank. All 11 persons on board were rescued by the United States Air Force.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 29, 2026, PAGE 5

Credit bureau arrival driving Bahamians to resolve defaults EXPAND - from page B1 personal and private banking customers from the private sector seeking a superior banking relationship with commercially-attractive product bundling”. Besides introducing new online and mobile banking applications, Mr Bethel said the BISX-listed institution will “continue to aggressively pursue opportunities for recoveries or restructuring of delinquent credit facilities, giving the underlying customers the opportunity to rehabilitate their credit reports issued by the credit bureau”. And, “when appropriate, terms and conditions will be adjusted to attract or retain personal loan customers, except where such customers are ‘maxed out’, near retirement or challenged with inadequate disposable income to meet family commitments”. Fidelity Bank (Bahamas), in analysing its full-year

2025 results, said the credit bureau’s arrival - which has enabled banks to better detect risk and price loans because it supplies a borrower’s prior history, including current and prior defaults and delinquencies is driving more Bahamians to regularise their financial affairs and resolve non-repayment of credit. “More customers with defaulted loans are presenting themselves to the bank to address the hurdles caused by their defaulted loans resulting in less than favourable credit reports from the credit bureau, which are now being used by all commercial banks. As households seek to restore their finances and creditworthiness, there is an opportunity for continued recoveries of loans and advances to customers previously written-off,” it added. “Interest income on loans and advances to customers decreased over the prior year as a result of the

contraction in the primary interest earning assets of the bank, loans and advances to customers, notwithstanding growth in certain portfolios such as commercial loans.” However, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) suggested that its tactic of targeting, and recovering, delinquent loans previously written-off is starting to bear fruit. “The lessons learnt in relation to rehabilitating loans and advances to customers in default during fiscal years 2021 and 2022, following furloughs and unemployment associated with the global pandemic, transferred to a sustained strategy of aggressively pursuing loans and advances to customers previously written off,” it added. “The execution of this strategy during the prior year experienced the expected challenges associated with any new strategy, but the consistency in executing the strategy in the current year expanded on the successes of the

prior year and led to a net decrease in the expense for provision for loan losses of $59,135 [compared to $2.893m in 2024]. “The expense for provision for loan losses for the active loan portfolio was consistent with that observed in the two years immediately prior to the global pandemic. However, recoveries and restructurings of loans and advances to customers written-off in prior years, excluding those written-off during the peak of the global pandemic and already recovered, led to net decreases in the expense for provision for loan losses in the prior and current year. “The Bank benefited from the discipline of remaining consistent with its underwriting practices in the face of the contraction in the loan portfolio, particularly considering the natural consequent anxiety and emotional inclination to assume greater risk to arrest this contraction, as

poor quality credit has been limited and in turn loan loss ratios have been contained.” As for current delinquencies and loan arrears, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) said: “Non-performing loans observed decreases during the current year and, as of December 31, 2025, totalled $13.505m” compared to $13.633m at end-2024. This was equivalent to 3.75 percent of total loans and advances to customers, excluding accrued interest, and little changed from 2024’s 3.71 percent ratio. “Non-performing mortgage loans totalled $8.809m compared to $9.609m at year-end 2024,b representing 65.23 percent of total non-performing loans and advances to customers,” the bank added. “As of December 31, 2025, the provision for loan losses totalled $15.191m, which represented 4.22 percent of total loans and advances

to customers, excluding accrued interest. “The persistent economic uncertainty that directly impacts the ability of borrowers to meet loan payment obligations correlates with the increase in provision for loan losses despite the contraction in the performing loans and advances to customers, as the model for calculation for expected credit losses was recalibrated during the year resulting in a provision for loan losses applicable to performing loans and advances to customers of $7.738m. “Similarly, non-performing loans and advances to customers remained consistent with the prior year, and the provision for loan losses applicable to non-performing loans and advances to customers modestly increased to $7.453m” from $6.814m in 2024. The former figure represented 55.19 percent of total non-performing loans and advances to customers.

“Construction, dredging, raised during the consul- better, and so now we are vessels and marine debris Environment chief pile driving - everything tation in its report and going to do better.” from the area, and create will have to stop until those would also pursue broader The proposed Blu Cay pledges to ‘do better’ levels come back into the environmental concerns Marina would be developed employment during both regulated levels,” she said. affecting Potter’s Cay on around two acres west of construction and operation. Questions were also beyond over Potter’s Cay concern raised the proposed Potter’s Cay Dock. AccordThe public consultaabout sewage dis-

CONSULT - from page B1 Potter’s Cay for persons to get their freight off.” She said vendors already grapple with motorists from nearby businesses using Potter’s Cay for parking, warning that additional marina users could make the situation worse. “If somebody comes out for a tour, they’re going to leave their cars there until after the tour,” she said. “What happens to Potter’s Cay?” Another participant questioned how the proposed 18 parking spaces shown in the plans could accommodate boat operators and visitors. “Traffic goes all the way to East Street,” he said. “That cannot stop anything with the traffic flowing. It’s only going to make it worse.” Responding to the concerns, Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy, DEPP’s director, acknowledged parking had emerged as one of the consultation’s major issues. She explained that the marina is intended primarily as a docking facility for tour operators rather than a destination where visitors would spend extended periods, and confirmed that a traffic study is being undertaken. Questions over parking were echoed by Freetown MP Lincoln Deal, who asked whether any measures would prevent marina patrons from spilling into surrounding public parking. “I’m trying to figure out if there’s any alternatives for the developer to have a parking site,” he said, noting that “people choose to park wherever they want to park”. Officials from JSS Consultants, the consultancy that produced the environmental studies, revealed the developer has access to additional parking beyond what is shown on the project site. “We just confirmed that there is another property on the lease that should cover 80 parking spaces for captains if needed,” one said.

“The traffic, the concern of traffic, is definitely noted. We have asked the developer to come out to initiate a traffic study for that area. That will also be publicly available once completed.” Beyond traffic, Mr Deal raised concerns about transparency surrounding the project, asking who owned the proposed development and whether they had previous experience with similar projects. Dr Neely-Murphy eventually identified the developer as Mr Russell, with the first name not discernible on Zoom. She added that he is Bahamian but has chosen not to attend the consultation. “There is no need for the developer to be present at the public consultation meeting,” said Dr Neely-Murphy, explaining the meeting focused on the environmental review rather than the developer’s business plans. Several attendees also questioned the wisdom of adding marina facilities next to an area already plagued by sewage issues. One resident told officials: “I cannot literally walk over the eastern bridge without smelling raw sewage.” Following those concerns, Dr Neely-Murphy disclosed that the proposed deli originally included in the marina plans had already been removed. “We advised the developer this afternoon to remove the deli from the development,” she said. Residents also questioned how dredging would affect fishermen and vendors who store conch in nearby waters. One vendor warned that increased turbidity could damage seafood kept in the area. In response, environmental consultants said the environmental management plan requires continuous monitoring during dredging operations. Dr Neely-Murphy added that if turbidity exceeded approved limits, construction activities would be halted.

posal from vessels, with one attendee asking whether pump-out facilities would be available at the marina. Dr Neely-Murphy confirmed no pump-out facilities form part of the proposal because the marina is not intended for overnight berthing. She added that any significant change to the project’s operating model would require additional environmental review. Several residents used the consultation to voice broader frustrations with environmental enforcement around Potters Cay, citing derelict vessels, illegal dumping, fuel spills and long-standing sewage problems. Mr Deal said while residents appreciated the consultation process, many remained sceptical because of previous experiences. “We have all the laws on the books, but enforcement has always been our issue,” he said, adding that residents wanted more than assurances. “They listened, they took notes, but we haven’t heard anything back from these projects any more,” he said. Dr Neely-Murphy acknowledged the concerns, pledging the department would respond to all issues

marina itself. “I have heard what the community has said with respect to traffic... as well as all of the other solid waste and refuse issues that you’re having,” she said. “We know

ing to the environmental impact assessment prepared by JSS Consultants, the project is intended to provide affordable marina facilities for local tour operators, remove derelict

tion period remains open until August 27, after which DEPP will prepare a report before the environmental review process continues.

PUBLIC NOTICE RE: NOTICE TO LOCATE PROPERTY OWNER The Lucayan Group is seeking to establish contact with the owner(s), heir(s), representative(s), or any person having an interest in the property located on Eastern Road, Nassau, The Bahamas. If you are the owner of this property, or have any information regarding the owner or their legal representative, please contact: The Lucayan Group Email: byron@thelucayangroup.com Phone: (242) 429-4387 If no contact is received within 30 days of the publication of this notice, The Lucayan Group may proceed with any lawful actions available to identify or communicate with the owner. This notice is published in good faith for the purpose of locating the property owner and should not be construed as a claim of ownership or legal action against the property. The Lucayan Group

PAGE 6, Wednesday, July 29, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Fears Board interference ‘compromised’ inquiries REPAIR - from page B1 investigator, felt “under duress” and pressure from the Corporation’s then-executive chairman, Adrian Gibson, the former Long Island MP, to push the probe into Mr Roberts’ activities too quickly. She added that this resulted in a backwards process, where the ex-senior superintendent was interviewed “prematurely” and contrary to normal practice. Ms Ferguson’s evidence, which acting justice Rigby detailed in his verdict, asserted that a key witness - one of the nominees fronting for a company linked to Mr Roberts - revealed she was personally contacted by Mr Gibson who asked her to visit the Corporation and meet with the then-Board, while allegedly “promising her she wouldn’t go to court or anything”. The internal auditor hit out at this alleged interference, asserting that “the Corporation’s Board and/or Board members” - in meeting with a key witness - had “compromised the impartiality of the investigation findings and jeopardised the investigation’s integrity” by potentially undermining key evidence. However, these concerns appear not to have factored into acting justice Rigby’s verdict. Mr Roberts initiated legal action against his former employer in 2023 after he was summarily dismissed over alleged “vendor payment processing irregularities” related to work performed by third-party contractors related to valve box raising, filter management and road reinstatement. He received a final net payout of $20,369, having been on a $75,000 annual salary when terminated. However, he claimed for unfair dismissal on the basis that the Corporation had failed to provide him with a copy of the internal audit findings and give him “an opportunity to respond” and make his case against them. Mr Roberts, who was also a member of the Water & Sewerage management union, in addition claimed that the state-owned water utility had failed to follow its own disciplinary procedures. And, following his October 2, 2020, termination, Mr Roberts alleged he was also subjected to a Royal Bahamas Police Force investigation into the allegations that resulted in his dismissal, although this has yet to result in any criminal

charges. He claimed a total $972,354 in damages, and detailed the devastating impact the affair has had on himself and his family. “I am of the view that Water & Sewerage Corporation is wrong to have summarily dismissed me for the findings of internal control and compliance (IC&C), which do not definitively say nor present evidence showing that I had done anything wrong or which was repugnant to Water & Sewerage Corporation’s interests,” Mr Roberts alleged in written evidence. “In fact, although I have been languishing with the criminal charges hanging over me, no proceedings have been started yet against me although I have been dismissed without any of my retirement benefits having been paid…. For the last five years, Water & Sewerage Corporation has been giving the world-atlarge a view that I had done something criminally or so wrong that it justifies then withholding my pension benefits… “In fact, because of the allegations that Water & Sewerage Corporation has made against me, I have lost my right as a Bahamian to travel to the US as a part of the pre-clearance system that I have enjoyed in The Bahamas all my life. I am restricted from being able to visit my daughter, Payton, who now lives in the US. My son, Trevor Jnr, is having significant challenges not wanting to go to the US for further education because he does not want to have any such restrictions from me.” Mr Roberts further alleged that, as a result of his termination, he now owes $30,800 to his landlady, Veronica Newbold; has been unable to afford the $253,964 bill for his wife’s surgery; and been forced to let the Family Guardian life insurance coverage for both his children lapse. However, the Water & Sewerage Corporation countered that Mr Roberts was both “lawfully terminated” and given more more than a month to respond to the internal audit findings. It alleged he and his then-attorney, Sharmie Farrington-Austin, were presented with the report in late 2020 and given until a September 29, 2020, meeting to reply. “The defendant asserts that it followed procedure by conducting an investigation into suspected irregularities at the

company, which unearthed findings of a major conflict of interest in the carrying out of the claimant’s duties,” the Corporation asserted in its defence. Krystal Ferguson, the Corporation’s internal auditor and lead investigator, said the probe into Mr Roberts began on June 18, 2020, after she was told he was involved in issuing valve box raising contracts even though this was not among his unit’s responsibilities as it was under distribution maintenance - not road reinstatement. Concerns had been raised over the absence of locations and times on invoices submitted by third-party contractors seeking to be paid for this work. “I received information… that it was alleged that senior superintendent Roberts changed filters for a customer during a time that he was not assigned to the section, distribution maintenance, responsible for such works,” Ms Ferguson alleged. “I received information that there were speculations that senior superintendent Roberts were the ‘true’ owner of several companies providing valve box raising and filter changing services to the Corporation.” However, when interviewed on June 24, 2020, Mr Roberts denied having any “personal, financial or otherwise interest” in any of the companies providing such services. Yet the investigation uncovered “irregularities” associated with several contractors - Kemp’s General Maintenance, M&N General Maintenance, PICCS General Maintenance, RGM Services, Shalom Development Company and S Forbes Contract Services. And RGM Services, as well as Newann Development Company, an entity that received $702,619 from the Corporation between 2010 and 2020, shared registered addresses that were the same as Mr Roberts’ home. Mr Roberts had also signed for, and collected, two cheque payments made by the Corporation to Shalom Development Company, and altered two invoices submitted by PICCS General Maintenance and S Forbes Contract Services by changing the date and number, respectively. As a result, Krystal Ferguson contacted Kimley Ferguson, the registered owner of Shalom Development Company, and Mary

Ching-Neely, who held the same post with M&N General Maintenance. The latter was a security guard stationed at the Corporation’s New Providence offices, and who also owned Mary’s Janitorial Services, which provided janitorial services by changimg the utility’s bins. Kimley Ferguson, under interview, confirmed her’s and Shalom’s links to Mr Roberts, and added that she received a $500 cut of every payment made by the Corporation to the company while the senior superintendent received the rest. “Kimley Ferguson stated the following,” Krystal Ferguson alleged. “She has a business affiliation with senior superintendent Roberts. She stated that senior superintendent Roberts registered Shalom Development Company in her name, and also that she provided him with her government-issued identifications. “As the registered owner, she stated that she had no knowledge of what general maintenance entails. She was unable to confirm that any of the work that she invoiced to the Corporation was actually done, nor did she at any point visit any of the locations where her company did works for the Corporation. She had no knowledge of how works were dispatched to her employees, neither did she communicate with them, nor did she know their names. “She prepared invoices and e-mailed them to the Corporation, based on information senior superintendent Roberts provided to her. Kimley Ferguson stated that she received the Corporation cheques written to Shalom Development Company, and gave all of the funds to senior superintendent Roberts except for $500 that she kept for herself.” During the Supreme Court trial, Mr Roberts indicated that he had indeed changed the two invoices and that they bore his initials, but denied “that the altering of the invoices was conduct repugnant to the interests of the Corporation”. He also revealed that another of the suspect contractors, RGM Services, was owned by one of his neighbours, Vanessa Rolle, while Newann Development’s principal, Marvin Scavella, was her son-in-law. Mr Roberts also alleged it had the same postal address as his home because it was

shared by the three units in the apartment complex where he lives. And, under cross-examination, he admitted to knowing Kimley Ferguson, Shalom’s nominee, because she previously worked with his wife at Commonwealth Bank. Mr Roberts was also unable to explain why Kimley Ferguson deposited $5,543 to a Commonwealth Bank account in the name of Invictus Trading, which he confirmed was his, on July 12, 2019, although he denied paying her $500 per cheque. Kimley Ferguson said she may have received up to $4,000 from this arrangement. All this led Krystal Ferguson to conclude: “There was insufficient distance between the vendors carrying out work for the Corporation and senior superintendent Roberts. There is an apparent conflict of interest, since he was the manager responsible for managing and approving the works carried out by those vendors and also had personal relationships with the vendors. “The best interest of the Corporation was jeopardised. Since senior superintendent Roberts is a Water & Sewerage Corporation manager, and he had responsibility for valve box raising and filter changing during the subject period, he was tasked with managing the contracts and ensuring that the said works were actually carried out by the contractors. “In that position, he needed to obtain sufficient distance and objectivity such that when he was called upon to perform the aforementioned tasks, the best interest of the Corporation would have been unquestionably preserved. An apparent conflict of interest exists. The fact that senior superintendent Roberts had personal affiliations with the contractors that he managed and approved works for, on behalf of Water & Sewerage Corporation, created a conflict of interest.” Krystal Ferguson, in her final report on the investigation, asserted that there were no documents - and “a lack of audit trail” - to support 15 invoices submitted for combined payments worth $54,000. “The filter changing programme was ceased since there is no process in place for Water & Sewerage Corporation to actually verify that the filters were in fact being changed by the contracted vendors,” she wrote. “The large volume usage of contractors to change filters was ceased by the division head. However, there was a limited use of contractors to assist with critical works. There is an excessive amount of filter Cartridges; 11,521 at New Providence stores, and 2,400 stored at distribution maintenance storage room and construction storage room. “There are inadequate internal controls for filter cartridges storage. Trevor Roberts carried filters in his Water & Sewerage Corporation issued vehicle and continued to change filters for Water & Sewerage Corporation’s customers after being transferred from distribution maintenance.” Acting justice Rigby, in his verdict, said he found Mr Roberts to be “a less than frank and honest witness”. He ruled that the ex-senior superintendent was fully aware of the investigation and that he was the subject, and was satisfied that Mr Roberts was given both a copy of the report and a month to respond to its findings prior to his termination. “I find that the evidence against the claimant was compelling in the circumstances to lead to his summary dismissal,” the judge ruled. “The employer cannot be faulted if the employee decides and elects to not respond to the allegations made after

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being told of the facts and circumstances that led to the allegation…. By failing to do so the employer had no other recourse but to act on the findings without regard to the views of the employee… “The audit report also made damning findings against the claimant…. I am satisfied on the evidence before me that the claimant committed a major misconduct amounting to dishonesty. Arranging and conspiring with Kimley Ferguson to start the business Shalom Development Company, and facilitating various contracts to be given to the company, and taking the majority of the proceeds for the services, save for $500 payable to Ms Ferguson, was conduct that is repugnant to the interests of the Corporation. “This conduct can constitute evidence of dishonesty and fraud. These actions are squarely within the category of misconduct that can lead to summary dismissal under section 31 of the Employment Act…. He placed himself in a position of conflict with his duty to the Corporation as an employee and his desire for personal enrichment. Such conduct, too, raises to the level of theft and justified the claimant’s summary dismissal.” Krystal Ferguson’s evidence, meanwhile, alleged that she came under pressure from Mr Gibson, in his capacity as the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s executive chairman, within one day of launching the probe into Mr Roberts. “At 3.35pm, on June 19, 2020, I received an e-mail from executive chairman Gibson directing me to immediately interview senior superintendent Roberts. The directions stated: ‘I hope that that interview is ongoing or was already done. Delays in the investigation will not be acceptable. Please ensure that no stone is left unturned’,” she asserted. “I interviewed senior superintendent Roberts prematurely and under duress as a result of consistent communicated directives from the executive chairman’s office to have senior superintendent Roberts interviewed immediately.” This, Krystal Ferguson, argued was contrary to best practice as the subject of investigations are normally interviewed when the probe is completed and all evidence gathered - not at the start. She then became aware that Mr Gibson had approached, and spoken to, Kimley Ferguson, who was the key witness against Mr Roberts. “At the time of the interview, I asked her: ‘Why did you decide now to inform Water and Sewerage Corporation’s Board of the business arrangements with Trevor Roberts and yourself?, and she responded: ‘Adrian Gibson called me the same day after you contacted me, and asked me to come in to Water and Sewerage the next day to meet with the Board. Mr Gibson told me to come’,” Krystal Ferguson alleged of the witness’ response. “Kimley Ferguson also told me that executive chairman Gibson promised her she wouldn’t go to court or anything…. The Corporation’s Board and/ or Board members interviewed/met with Kimley Ferguson, which compromised the impartiality of the investigation findings and jeopardised the investigation’s integrity. “The Board’s and/or Board members’ interference in contacting and meeting/interviewing Kimley Ferguson prior to her meeting with internal control and compliance during the ongoing investigation undermines everything she would have said to me during the interview. It led me to take a bias approach because I don’t know what she told them and/or what they told her.”

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THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 29, 2026, PAGE 7

Regulator gives further technology innovation understand how you play a role in technology and also, from a business perspective, expand your mind as to what new products can be.” Mr Bain said one of the Commission’s primary concerns remains the number of Bahamians without insurance coverage. “We are looking our endeavour best to solve so many problems, and one

of our problems is the protection gap,” Mr Bain said. “It’s hurricane season now. How can we now help those persons who are uninsured, whether they don’t trust it or they can’t afford it? There’s still Bahamians that we need to make sure are protected.” The course is open to anyone aged 18 and older, regardless of whether they have experience in insurance.

“You do not need any prerequisite knowledge to take the course,” Mr Bain said. “We take it from the ground up. We want persons who are business-minded, interested in technology, in AI, who want to expand their portfolio and who want a certificate from the University of Cambridge on their wall.” Interest in the programme is also expanding beyond The Bahamas. Mr Bain said previous cohorts include participants from Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, while the upcoming intake has already attracted registrants from Belize. He added

that prospective participants from France and the United Kingdom have also expressed interest. “When we travel to our conferences, we talk about The Bahamas often, and we demonstrate and showcase the things we’re working on,” he said. “So when we talk about things like the course that piques people’s interest.” “There is currently no enrolment cap because the programme is delivered entirely online. We had over 100 last year, so we want to keep it open because the digital is easier. All classes are online…”

Another major element of the campaign focuses on public disclosure. Preserving Paradise has submitted four separate requests seeking around 30 years of environmental, operational and regulatory records relating to the property from Bahama Rock, Bahamas Cement Company, DEPP and the Grand Bahama Port Authority. The requests cover environmental studies, groundwater data, blasting

enforcement actions, remediation plans, production records and historical correspondence from 1996 to present. The group said the requests deliberately follow the site’s history across multiple corporate owners, including Bahamas Cement Company, CEMEX, Martin Marietta and predecessor entities, to ensure historical environmental information is not fragmented. Preserving Paradise is also urging the

which is ‘Opportunity & Ownership’. This envisions a mixed-use innovation district focused on technology, marine industries, education, advanced manufacturing, climate resilience, tourism and Bahamian entrepreneurship. The proposal also includes evaluating parts of the wider property for renewable energy infrastructure, battery storage, smart buildings and clean energy technologies. However, the group

therefore that alternatives should be developed and compared before irreversible consent, not that O2 has already been proven superior,” the campaign said. Preserving Paradise argues the debate should evolve beyond a traditional “jobs versus the environment” discussion into a broader assessment of natural resource management, long-term economic development and government accountability.

COVERAGE - from page B3

AN employee bussing tables, left, walks past diners as he works inside Half Shell Raw Bar, Friday, July 24, 2026, in Key West, Fla. Photo:Rebecca Blackwell/AP

Loss of work authorization to consider acknowledges that O2 that nearby communities Government an alternative vision for remains a working concept sows confusion for thousands Fears face ‘15 to 20 years of blasting’ the property. Rather than rather than a completed feaof Haitian immigrants large-scale aggregate sibility study or approved records, ecological surveys, extraction, it has proposed development plan. EXCAVATE from page B3 and their US employers “Our defensible claim is permits, monitoring reports, a concept known as O2, By GISELA SALOMON and MATT SEDENSKY Associated Press FOR more than a month, Bobby Kuchinsky arrived at his restaurant each morning worried about whether he still had enough staff or if this might be the last shift for some of his Haitian workers, who have spent over a decade as cooks, busboys and oyster shuckers. On Tuesday, he suspended six of them after they lost authorization to work in the U.S. Kuchinsky and thousands of other businesses owners and managers are living in a state of constant uncertainty because confusion clouds the status of work permits for Haitian employees with Temporary Protected Status, better known as TPS. As part of its crackdown on legal and illegal immigration, the Trump administration terminated TPS for about 1 million people from more than a dozen countries, including 350,000 Haitians who have been living and working legally in the U.S. since 2010. The termination, which exposed them to deportation, was challenged in district courts. On June 25, the Supreme Court sided with the government, allowing the TPS program to end. The cases went back to the lower courts, which generally take 32 days to announce their decisions following the high court’s

recommendations. In the meantime, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, extended the Haitians’ work permits. The agency usually acted on the same day that the permits expired and offered extensions of only a few days, creating confusion and desperation among employers and the Haitian community. Then on Monday, the work permits were not extended, and fear mounted — not only due to the loss of jobs but also because of the potential for arrest and deportation to one of the poorest and most violent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Almost 1.5 million people have been displaced because of gang violence in Haiti, where more than half of the country’s nearly 12 million inhabitants need humanitarian aid. More than 2,300 people have been killed and more than 1,100 injured since January, according to the United Nations. Citizenship and Immigration Services did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press requesting clarification on the validity of work permits. In a written statement to AP, the Department of Homeland Security said TPS was created to be a temporary program, and the agency encouraged Haitians to request a $2,600 check to buy a “free flight home.”

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I LOVE GUENCIA AURELIEN of Wulf Road, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of July, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I SHEWELL SAINT-FLEUR of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of July, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I CANDICE SHUSHANNA PRINGLE of Twynam Avenue, Mackey Street New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of July, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I FRITZ JOACHIN of Toote Shop Corner, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of July, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that I MARILIA JOSEPH ESPERANCE of Hope Town Abaco, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of July, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

JUDGE PARKER

CARPE DIEM

THE TRIBUNE There

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CL O

My 2525, a 2334, was a 4543 breed. “235 soup,” he’d say, “followed by stuffed 232234 and a grilled 2544 in 4523-seed sauce with a 2354 for dessert is the only 241234 way to 2432543 for a night at the 12345. If you are into 452, however, you might as well eat 25234 and 212 out for an 354 exam, you 2114 523.”

6

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the numbers 12345 represent different letters:

PAGE 8, Wednesday, July 29, 2026

5

are six answ be entered clock clock face. Each has each begins with the las previous one, until we c answer six ending with th answer one. Here 1 Shakespear 2 Affectedly a 3 Rubber w 4 Long g 5 Norse p 6 Valle

Solution in Monday’s puzzle pull-out

4

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SUMTHING

MARVIN

Fit the missing numbers into the grid so that all the sums are correct – reading left to right or on single lines top to bottom. There are 11 squares to fill, with one digit in each, and the 11 digits you must use are listed below. But where do they all go? Solution in Monday’s puzzle pull-out

2 +

BLONDIE

×

We’ve given you one digit to get you started. Here are the missing digits to fit in:

1, 1, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 9, 9

+

= ×

Y HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

TIGER

SAMURAI SUDOKU

WORDSEARCH

8 6 3 4 1 7 5 2 9 9 8 2 5 4 1 7 6 3 2 7 5 3 6 9 1 4 8 1 6 5 2 7 3 8 9 4 1 9 4 8 5 2 7 3 6 3 4 7 9 8 6 5 2 1 6 3 7 5 2 4 8 9 1 4 1 8 7 5 2 6 3 9 4 2 9 1 7 8 6 5 3 7 5 3 6 1 9 2 4 8 5 1 8 6 9 3 4 7 2 2 9 6 4 3 8 1 5 7 9 4 6 7 3 1 2 8 5 4 3 9 6 7 1 3 9 5 4 8 2 3 8 1 2 4 5 9 6 7 8 2 1 5 3 4 8 2 7 9 1 6 7 5 2 9 8 6 3 1 4 7 6 5 8 2 9 1 6 4 3 7 5 8 2 6 9 1 3 7 4 5 5 4 1 6 7 2 9 8 3 7 3 9 5 4 8 1 6 2 4 8 9 7 3 1 6 5 2 3 9 7 4 1 8 5 9 7 2 3 6 1 7 6 2 5 8 4 9 3 1 8 6 2 5 7 3 6 8 1 9 4 2 5 3 4 9 6 1 7 8 2 5 4 3 9 6 1 4 2 5 8 7 9 1 7 8 4 5 2 3 6 9 3 5 7 2 1 6 4 8 5 3 8 6 2 7 9 1 4 7 6 1 8 5 4 9 2 3 6 4 2 9 1 3 7 8 5 8 2 4 6 3 9 7 5 1 3 2 4 5 7 9 8 6 1 5 4 3 2 1 6 8 7 9 8 9 1 3 6 2 5 4 7 6 7 9 4 8 5 3 1 2 7 6 5 1 8 4 3 2 9 1 8 2 9 7 3 4 6 5

A S A S S E T T E L U T H J L T J C L B L K E G N T S I I U P T O I S E R N X P U O G Y I A M P C H M Q T T P O X L H S R J G A H Y Q W E S Z A S Z N C H F F P M R B I T R X A P U A L A Z Y P W C L S F R F E A T H E G G B B E O N J R R Q B Y E K O J V A T U B U O Z Q X

SMALL CROSSWORD Across: 1 Democracy, 7 Flight, 9 Massage, 10 Ends, 12 Led, 13 Holster, 14 Tub, 15 Solo, 17 Recital, 19 Canvas, 20 Envelopes. Down: 1 Domestic, 2 Elan, 3 Mrs, 4 Classical, 5 Rights, 6 Cheer, 8 Tadpoles, 11 Sleeve, 13 Human, 16 Lace, 18 Tap.

CALVIN & HOBBES

TARGET HELLHOUND dell, dole, done, duel, dune, held, hell, HELLHOUND, hello, hoed, hole, holed, hone, honed, hued, hulled, lend, lode, loden, lone, node, nodule, nude, olden

THE ALPHABE

Black squares: 2, 4, 8, 25, 26, 29, 36, 37, 38. Across: Disobeying, Ord Decamps, Drama, Askew Bespoke, Exhume, Dozie Down: Folds, Cruel, Ded Scrum, Pawn, Pear, Exit, Inferno, Ivories, Straw, G

CROSS DOUBT Across: TWEAK Down: THOSE

SUMMIT UP 90 and 110

DENNIS THE MENACE

CRYPTOQUOTE AXYDLBAAXR is L O N G F E L L O W One letter stands for another. In this example, A is used for the three L’s, X for the 2 O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different. Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

MICRO CROSSWORD

CHALLENGER

Yesterday’s Answers