The Tribune OBITUARIES Biggest And Best!
House suspends opposition deputy
Cartwright: God as my guide, I cannot in good conscience apologise
BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement (FNM) deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright was suspended from Parliament by House Speaker Patricia Deveaux yesterday - the second time he has been given a suspension. Mr Cartwright was suspended from the next sitting of Parliament after he refused to apologise to South and Central Andros MP Leon Lundy as recommended by the House Committee on Privilege. His previous suspension came after he threw the mace out of a window. The suspension followed a report from the committee, which found Mr
‘Politics has become too hostile’ - Davis
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip
“Brave” Davis yesterday decried the current state of politics in the country, saying he is “deeply afraid” of what it has become and how it is affecting communities. His comments came at the Church of God of Prophecy’s “Love Thy Neighbour” event, a national faith-based initiative aimed at promoting unity through service and spiritual renewal. Mr Davis lamented the growing hostility in political discourse, saying it is eroding the sense of
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunmedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he wants The Bahamas to move towards a system where voter registration is mandatory for all citizens, even though choosing to vote would remain a personal decision. Mr Davis, speaking in the
‘Who would steal from
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter Lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A BRAZEN early morning break-in at the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) has left officials convinced the perpetrators were familiar with the property and its operations—as police continue the search for the suspects. BHS president Kim Aranha said no animals or people were hurt during the break-in, but confirmed “several thousand” dollars
House of Assembly yesterday, acknowledged that some Bahamians, including members of certain religious communities, choose not to register, adding: “That is their right.” However, he stressed that registration is essential to participate in elections and urged greater civic engagement.
PRIME Minister philip Davis. photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
ChurCh of God of Prophecy leader Bishop Woodley Thompson (left) provided the sermon at the ‘Love Your Neighbour’ Church Service which was attended by Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and other government officials yesterday.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
‘I am deeply afraid of what politics is making us become’
community that once defined the country.
He reflected on a time when Bahamians could disagree politically but still share meals, attend the same churches, and cheer for the same Junkanoo groups. But, he said, much of that unity has faded.
“Today, we don’t just argue – we attack. We don’t just disagree — we despise. It’s not enough for someone to be wrong in our eyes — now we must make them out to be wicked, corrupt, irredeemable,” Mr Davis said.
“I want to say this clearly, as our prime minister, but more than that, as your neighbour: I am deeply afraid of what politics is making us become.”
He said politics should never cost the country its compassion — but “more and more it is”.
Mr Davis said he has seen families and church communities grow divided over political differences, asking “Is this who we want to be? Because it’s not who we were and it doesn’t have to be who we become.”
He added: “If we lose civility, if we lose decency, if we begin to see every opponent as an enemy, we’re entering into a different reality. One where our country can’t hold together.”
Referencing American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin’s observation that every encounter reflects a part of ourselves— Mr Davis urged Bahamians to extend grace and understanding to one another.
“You don’t know what that woman on the bus is carrying,” he said, “You don’t know what that young man on the corner has been through. You don’t know what that angry voice on the radio is trying to heal from. But you know this: they are your neighbour.”
“And if you’ve ever needed grace, then you know how powerful it can be to give it. Treat others the way you want others to treat you. That’s not just a moral guideline. That’s how we survive. That’s how we heal.”
While acknowledging his role as the country’s leader, Mr Davis said the nation’s strength lies not in its leaders, but in the way citizens treat one another. He said questions about kindness, forgiveness, honesty are what will determine the future and not just who wins an election or how laws are passed.
“You don’t have to agree with someone to treat them with dignity. You don’t have to like someone’s choices to respect their humanity. You don’t have to share someone’s story to honour their struggle. We can disagree. That’s democracy. That’s life. But we must never let disagreement lead us to devalue one another.”
“Michael Pintard is not a serious leader. He is a seat warmer who answers to the same old forces that failed this country time and time again. What real job has he ever had? What has he ever built? What has he ever managed, outside of press conferences and political complaints?”
“If we lose civility, if we lose decency, if we begin to see every opponent as an enemy, we’re entering into a different reality. One where our country can’t hold together.”
Minnis deflects criticism of his decision to run - reaffirms belief he will win seat
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Staff Reporter
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis defended his decision to seek re-election yesterday after receiving criticism from a former Cabinet colleague, stressing that the interests of the country and its people should come before political parties. His response came after former Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar told
Eyewitness News that it was time for Dr Minnis to move on.
Mr D’Aguilar, who served in the Minnis-led Cabinet, said the former prime minister’s political ambition was not worth the damage it is causing to the Free National Movement.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working under him,” he said. “He was a great boss to me. I cannot fault him for that. But you know, sometimes the party wants to move in a
different direction.”
The former minister suggested Dr Minnis should serve the party in a different capacity— a view echoed by the FNM’s leadership team.
However, Dr Minnis disagreed with his position yesterday, saying his decisions are guided by God.
“One must always look to God for solutions,” he said, “Before I make any decisions, I’ve always looked to God and asked for God’s guidance and I continue to do that but I think country and people should always be before political parties.”
Though he has repeatedly declined to say whether he would run as an independent, party leader Michael Pintard confirmed in April that Dr Minnis would not be renominated.
Mr Pintard said the party offered Dr Minnis a senior statesman role and the opportunity to contribute to policy development.
Yesterday, Dr Minnis remained mum on his election plans, but insisted that he will run and win.
“I don’t think you need anything other than that at this particular point in time, but I am running, and I have no doubt, I have faith and confidence that the people of Killarney will return me as the Member of Parliament for Killarney who will continue to fight for them and this country in the halls of Parliament.”
The Killarney constituency, long considered an FNM stronghold, is now positioned to be one of the most hotly contested battlegrounds in the
country.
Dr Minnis remains a popular figure in the area, and his candidacy, outside the party’s endorsement, has sparked speculation about whether he could fracture the FNM’s base and split the vote.
Interest in the seat also comes as the Constituencies Commission
prepares to recommend adjustments to electoral boundaries ahead of the next general election.
Dr Minnis said he expects changes to Killarney, noting that the constituency has a large number of registered voters.
“We’re hearing lots of things,” including talk of a potential split between Killarney and Delaporte.
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the commission plans to submit its report to the prime minister by August.
Mr Pintard also acknowledged the possibility of boundary changes, saying:
Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis speaks during the ‘Love Your Neigbour’ service held at the Church of God of Prophecy on East Street yesterday.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks to reporters outside of the Church of God of Prophecy on East Street after the ‘Love Your Neighbour’ service yesterday. Photo: Nikia Charlton
Cartwright suspended for refusal to apologise for ‘inappropriate’ comment
Cartwright’s claims during the budget debate—accusing Mr Lundy of misleading Parliament over Water and Sewerage billing practices— were “unsupported” and “unwarranted”.
Adrian White, the MP for St Anne’s, was also ordered to apologise for “inappropriate conduct” related to a separate matter during this year’s budget debate. He was not present during the evening session yesterday.
The Speaker asked the St Barnabas MP if he would follow the committee’s ruling and apologise, but he said he hadn’t read the report or sought legal advice.
“The chair had given an order for you to take a look and review the report and come back after lunch, it’s two hours,” she said.
The exchange continued with Mr Cartwright saying there was no record in the Hansard, the official transcripts of parliamentary debates, of him using the word “lie” or calling Mr Lundy a liar.
Hansard, which the committee also used for its ruling.
“Madam Speaker, for the record, with God as my guide and my commitment to my principles, I cannot in good conscience apologise,” he reiterated.
Ms Deveaux posed the question a final time, but again, Mr Cartwright refused to comply and apologise.
Ms Deveaux then ruled Mr Cartwright would be suspended for the next sitting of the House after the summer break.
“I am handing that down because the member is not willing to comply with the findings of the report of the Committee of Privilege in the matter concerning Honourable Leon Lundy and himself,” she said.
“And I would not allow any member to call any committee that is made up of the Honourable Members that sit in this place to be called kangaroos.
“It did say that I said you misled this House, and I asked a specific question if there were any fees that were increased. I did not qualify when that was. The Honourable Member took it upon himself to misinterpret or interpret what I was trying to say. I asked him a specific question, and he answered a question I did not ask. I did not use the word ‘lie’ in this Honourable House,” he insisted.
By KEILE CAMPBELL
Tribune
Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard said yesterday he values the efforts of all party aspirants and expects them to contribute to the party’s success despite some internal dissatisfaction over recent candidate selections.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Mr Pintard acknowledged the disappointment within some FNM branches over recent picks, but insisted that all aspirants remain valued and respected.
He also called for patience and discipline among supporters, noting
Opposition leader Michael Pintard and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson supported Mr Cartwright, questioning why he should apologise. “I had an opportunity to
look at the Hansard related to that and I am at a loss for how the committee arrived at the ruling,” Mr Pintard said.
Prime Minister Philip Davis also interjected, noting the committee had made its findings and the issue was no longer open for debate.
Mr Thompson said the
that while there may be some bumps in the road, “at the end of the day, we will emerge as a united force ready to govern this country”. His comments come amid ongoing tensions between the party’s leadership and several constituency branches.
The FNM’s Killarney, South Beach and Bamboo Town associations have all raised objections to recent candidate selections, publicly warning the decision could cost the party the seat.
Bamboo Town Association chairwoman Monique Seymour claimed the party’s rejection of former MP Renward Wells was tied to his past support for former
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis — a claim party officials have rejected.
“In every political organisation, when you have far more entrants or aspirants than positions, you will have persons who will be disappointed,” Mr Pintard said.
“We value all of them. They have made contributions in the past. We expect that they will make contributions leading up to the election, and they will play a pivotal role in helping us to govern this country effectively,” he said.
On the broader candidate selection process, Mr Pintard said the party is excited about its progress and plans to unveil its second slate of candidates soon.
committee did not declare a ruling of contempt, adding:
“I am at a loss in terms of what obligates him, and what gave the committee jurisdiction to apologise,” said the FNM MP.
However, Ms Deveaux shot back, defending the committee and its investigation. She added: “You said it was not picked up on the Hansard, but there were members sitting in this Honourable Assembly who heard every word that came out of your mouth. So, you are saying that the committee is telling an untruth against you; that is what you are indicating?”
“This is not a kangaroo court. There are many members that sit on various committees, including members on the opposite side and if you say this is a kangaroo court, all I can say from this chair, I hope the cap fits,” she said.
Mr Cartwright said he referred only to the
Speaking to The Tribune after the suspension, Mr Cartwright stood by his position, saying: “Simply put, we will not allow the voices of the Bahamian people to be stifled.”
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
JUNKANOOERS must remain central in shaping the cultural parade, insists Free National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard, who cautioned the government against assuming too much authority in the future of Junkanoo.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament yesterday, Mr Pintard admitted that while more structure is needed, the primary leadership must come from within the Junkanoo community.
“Junkanooers ought to be at the forefront of coordinating the development of the craft, the festival dimension of it, the rushing, whether it is on Bay Street or in a stadium,” he said, “not that there is not a need for structure, not that there is not a role for government, but the principal roles ought to be played by Junkanooers.”
His comments come amid ongoing tensions between the government and the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) over the proposed National Junkanoo Authority Bill.
The JCNP has suspended all parading activity in protest of the draft legislation, which it says reverses two decades of self-governance and represents government overreach.
Mr Pintard, who previously described a Junkanoo Authority as essential to
the festival’s growth when he served as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in 2018, deflected when asked about that stance yesterday, saying he would speak more comprehensively on the issue at a later date. He acknowledged concerns that politicians have been interfering in individual Junkanoo groups for political or personal reasons, adding that this should not be the case.
Last night, the government said public consultation would begin on Monday - with the launch of a dedicated website where people can read legislation and offer comments. In a statement released last night by the Office of the Prime Minister, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg hit back at Mr Pintard, saying: “This is a time to come together. But instead of unity, Michael Pintard has chosen confusion. He is now campaigning against the very thing he once called for. When he was Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, he said the country needed a Junkanoo Commission. He organised consultations. He told the media that a national governing body was essential. He began the process. Today, he wants to pretend that never happened.”
The bill proposes a 15-member governing body appointed by the minister,
representing stakeholders from New Providence, Grand Bahama, the Family Islands, and cultural institutions. It would regulate national parades, administer funding, issue licences, manage a National Junkanoo Fund, and create for-profit subsidiaries.
Mr Pintard said if elected, his government plans to restructure how several boards are organised.
He said the FNM believes boards should be dominated by members of civil society and sector organisations, structured in a way that prevents politicians from making arbitrary changes without first returning to Parliament to amend the governing provisions
“In the case of the creative arts, we need more of the creatives in charge of helping to push the industry,” Mr Pintard said. “They know better than the policy maker and what we do not need is more politics influencing every single thing.”
Last night, Mr Bowleg said the authority does not give more power to the minister - saying “it transfers that power to an independent body made up of Junkanooers, educators, cultural leaders, and stakeholders from every island”.
However, there have been concerns from parts of the Junkanoo community as the members of the authority would be appointed by the minister.
opposition leader Michael Pintard speaks in the House of Assembly yesterday. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
FnM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright speaking during the House of Assembly meeting yesterday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
‘We are modernising how we register voters’
from page one
“Hopefully, as we move on in improving our electoral system, we may reach the point where every Bahamian citizen is required… to register, and always automatically registered. And whether they exercise that right will then be their choice,” Mr Davis said.
His comments came as he opened debate on the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The legislation sets the stage for sweeping electoral reforms, including optional biometric voter ID cards featuring digital fingerprints, facial recognition, and electronic signatures.
While contributing to the debate, Mr Davis said international election observer missions – including those
from the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Commonwealth – have consistently praised the credibility of Bahamian elections but also highlighted systemic weaknesses.
He pointed to the current voter registration system as outdated and vulnerable to errors.
He also noted concerns about laminated paper voter cards, which are easy to duplicate, forge, or lose.
Holding up two such cards with taped-on photos as examples, Mr Davis said there have been cases where inaccurate voter data caused confusion at polling stations and, in some instances, led to citizens being turned away.
He noted that observer reports from the 2012, 2017, and 2021 general elections all recommended transitioning to
electronic registration and biometric identification.
Mr Davis also said many Bahamians are frustrated with the manual registration process and long lines, and that growing public support exists for change.
He stressed, however, that the bill does not introduce online or electronic voting.
“This legislation does not introduce online voting nor does it introduce digital ballots, or any form of voting by electronic device,” Mr Davis said. “The process of casting and counting votes remains entirely manual. What we are modernising is how we register voters, how we verify identity, and how we protect the integrity of the roll.”
“Biometric voter cards and electronic poll books are tools to strengthen the front end of the electoral process, not to alter how votes are cast or tabulated.
PM: Give evidence if any of 15,000 deceased removed from voter register was in error
By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunmedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip
“Brave” Davis yesterday said the Free National Movement (FNM) should present evidence if it believes any names were wrongly removed from the voter register, as the party continues to demand the publication of the 15,000 names of deceased voters taken off the roll.
Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr Davis said Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson indicated that approximately 15,000 names were removed from the register because those individuals were confirmed to be deceased.
According to Mr Davis, Mr Thompson noted that from 2017 to date, about 15,000 people have been removed. He added that even before 2017, there were names on the register of persons who had died but had not been removed.
He stressed that the responsibility to maintain the register lies with the Parliamentary Commission, not with any minister, Cabinet member, or political figure. The removal of deceased, disqualified, or ineligible persons is not a discretionary act, he said, but one mandated by law. The commissioner has the authority to investigate, verify, and remove names when necessary.
Mr Davis said the removal of deceased persons or those no longer eligible to vote is part of maintaining a credible electoral register and should not be seen as controversial. He added that following the law is essential to ensure clean elections.
He noted that he received a letter from
the FNM concerning the 15,000 names removed. FNM leader Michael Pintard said the letter requested the full list of those removed, their registration details, and for the list to be made public. However, Mr Davis said if the FNM believed someone was wrongly removed, it should present evidence so the matter could be reviewed.
“It is not responsible to suggest wrongdoing without evidence, because if you have the evidence, the law provides that the Parliamentary Commissioner — he is human, right? And like anyone else, we’re prone to make an error. “All the information that he has might not be full or may not be accurate. And if you have information that is more accurate than his, you present that to him instead of suggesting that there’s some wrongdoing.”
Mr Pintard rejected the claim that the FNM was accusing anyone of wrongdoing. He said the public has a right to know who has been removed and under what criteria.
Mr Davis said the FNM should have directed its request to the Parliamentary Commission, as that office holds the relevant information.
He added that under the Parliamentary Elections Act, there are procedures in place for voters to protest their removal from the register. They may file an objection and have the matter reviewed by the relevant authorities.
“If they disagree with the Parliamentary Commissioner, after they make their case, they have a right of appeal to the courts,” Mr Davis said. “The Parliamentary Commissioner is duty bound to investigate and respond accordingly. No Bahamian is left without recourse.”
The ballot box remains at the centre of our democracy. This reform ensures that the names on the register are accurate, the credentials secure, and the process credible.”
Mr Davis pointed out that the biometric voter ID is not a new concept.
In December 2020, the Minnis administration passed amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Act that provided for biometric voter cards and the creation of a continuous register.
Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told reporters last week that he supports biometric registration.
However, other Free National Movement MPs, including Kwasi Thompson and deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, have raised concerns.
Mr Cartwright has questioned
the need for biometric cards and the potential cybersecurity risks. Mr Davis told Parliament yesterday that the door remains open for further dialogue. Canadian Bank Note (CBN), a company that has previously worked with the government on passports and other secure documents, will assist the Parliamentary Registration Department in producing the biometric voter cards.
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe confirmed CBN’s involvement.
“In my contribution, I thought it was clear that a policy decision was made. That you don’t want Bahamians private data all over the place, sensitive data, and that drove the decision-making, inclusive of the reputation and delivery by Canadian Bank Note,” Mr Munroe said.
Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis debates the proposed biometric voters card in House of Assembly yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison tHomPson
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
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RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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‘Do as I say, not as I do’
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis seems to have a new political motto – do as I say, not as I do. There is a scene in the classic movie Casablanca, when the police captain Renard closes down the club with a declaration of how he is “shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here”, a moment before a member of staff comes forward and hands him some money while saying: “Your winnings, sir.”
Yesterday, Mr Davis lamented the lack of civility in politics, saying: “Today, we don’t just argue – we attack. We don’t just disagree – we despise. It’s not enough for someone to be wrong in our eyes – now we must make them out to be wicked, corrupt, irredeemable.”
He added: “I want to say this clearly, as our prime minister, but more than that, as your neighbour: I am deeply afraid of what politics is making us become.”
Mr Davis is no newcomer to politics. Much of his life has seen him involved in politics. He has been part of multiple administrations. He has been deputy prime minister and now holds the top job. He has had ample opportunity to change the tone of politics over the years – there has been little sign of any inclination to do so.
In his time as prime minister, he has called for stories about murder to be taken off the front page. Back in 2012, when billboards were put up with the murder count under the FNM administration, Mr Davis was all for it. When the signs were torn down by what he called “FNM goon” squads, he declared: “We cannot hide the truth and we cannot suppress the facts.”
At the time, he added: “We cannot hide the truth. Are we about hiding the truth? Are we going to be concerned about the impression that the truth gives?”
There was no effort to talk about the need for a lack of hostility then – and calling people goon squads is certainly far from civil.
In recent times, he has accused the executive editor of the Guardian of drinking “the Kool-Aid of the FNM” for daring to write a story that was accurate, and pointing out the fact her brother is running for the FNM as if brother and sister do not have their own free minds and can do as they please. In describing Candia Dames, he said she “is supposed to be a seasoned journalist”. No apology has been forthcoming from a man apparently so concerned with hostility.
Then there were his attacks on Michael Pintard, no more hostile than when he said Mr Pintard “is a seat warmer who answers to the same old forces that failed this country time and time again”.
He went on tauntingly to say: “What real job has he ever had? What has he ever built?”
Mr Davis talked in mocking tones of Mr Pintard’s history as a poet and actor – much to the frustration of other Bahamians who are part of the creative community, as dismissing Mr Pintard’s creative achievements shows a certain attitude towards all such individuals.
If Mr Davis wishes there to be more civility in politics, then physician, heal thyself.
Then in an interesting juxtaposition, today we have word of Shanendon Cartwright being suspended from the House of Assembly. He was found to have misled Parliament, and refused to apologise – and under our system, that justifies his suspension. Whether the decision was correct or not as to whether he truly misled Parliament, once he was found to have done so, the rules stipulate what follows from there.
Only here is the thing, Mr Davis told the House of Assembly yesterday that he did not project a fiscal surplus for April of $135.4m – even though he did. It is clearly written in his Budget communication for this year.
So if Mr Cartwright has misled Parliament and must apologise, well Mr Davis must do so too.
Unless, of course, it is a case of do as I say, not as I do.
PM selling country to Haitians
EDITOR, The Tribune.
IT IS insulting to me as a real Bahamian to see how the government along with others are trying to deceive the Bahamian population. They are saying and doing things that are untrue and make no sense. Firstly, the illegal immigration problem is a crisis. There are too many of them here illegally and too many are being made legal. I saw the President of the Christian counsel on a show on Cable 12. I was astounded and angry to hear him speak as if there was no problem with Haitians being here. He talked about how immigration officers in other countries deal with illegals in a more dignified way and how Haitians are looking for a better life here.
Not once did he sound the alarm and say that our country cannot take anymore immigrants coming here. Not once did he mention the violent nature of these people or the fact that they are being allowed to take over our family islands and set up shanty towns. He did not mention that it is alleged that in some schools Haitians or Haitian Bahamians are forming gangs and are fighting against Bahamian students. You see it does not matter if they are helped by the Bahamas and given citizen ship.
At the end of the day, the student and the adult Haitians are walking around with their Haitian flags and saying Haiti is the best. The majority if not all of them will never side with or embrace the Bahamas. They will run to have flag day in our country. This is ridiculous.
Perhaps immigration officers here have to be rough with some of them because of their attitude and behavior. They come here looking for a better life but there are other countries they can go to besides the Bahamas to have a better life.
The Prime Minister was just on TV talking about they are allowing more legal migrants to come here for work. What foolishness! Start a cadet program in the high school to train young men to learn how to be builders and contractors and there will never be a shortage. Ask for unemployed men to come and sign up to work. Do not worry about certificates. Simply ask for all able bodied Bahamian young men who want to work, to come and be shown what to do so they can work!
In my opinion the Prime Minister is selling our country out to Haitians. Does he think we do not see all of the Haitians in the paper applying for citizenship? There should not be any shanty towns on any island. The Prime Minister also
needs to change the law so no foreigner is entitled to citizenship if they are born here. They can apply but there is no guarantee. Furthermore, children born to illegal parents should not be eligible to apply for citizenship. The children and their parents should be sent home.
The Prime minister should encourage Haitians to go home and help to rebuild their country.
Another point is we do not need any illegals or foreigners here who are worshipping false gods and practicing witchcraft. People may say that some Bahamians were doing obeah long time and that may be true. This is wrong and should not be allowed. Bahamians practicing witchcraft should be charged and locked up. However, Haiti decided to make voodoo their religion. In spite of all of the suffering and hardship they have endured for many years, they will not turn to God. Many of them are coming here and polluting our country with evil. These evil practices attract demonic spirits to our country . Surprisingly, no one mentioned this when they were on the television.
The government and other public figures are trying to deceive us by telling us ridiculous stories and doing dances on stage. It is most likely they want more Haitians to become legal to vote in the election. I can assure them that if that is the case, it will not work. God sees all and He will not allow this beautiful country that He gave to us to be taken over by foreigners from any country and their false gods. May all of the intercessors rise up and pray and war in the spirit for our country. so that the evil plans of the wicked will not prevail.
I don’t hate foreigners but I hate how my country is being used as a doormat. I hate the works of darkness and I hate people treating me like I cannot see the evil they are trying to do to this land.
Secondly the government is trying to make it seem like they are doing good things for the country so we should vote for them. This is a lie. We don’t need a new hospital or a new supreme court right now. Renovate each ward of the hospital we have in stages. Also, our country should not be making deals with China. This country persecutes Christians and treats its own people in a cruel way in my opinion. A wise
person is careful about who they associate with. The Supreme Court can wait. The government needs to focus on buying fire engines.
They need to focus on bringing in burn specialists to train Bahamian doctors so they can treat burn patients properly so their skin can heal with minimal scarring. They need to hire reading specialists in large numbers to deal with the reading crisis in our schools. They need to start a programme to help landlords put toilets and running water in all homes over the hill. This can be done in stages. They need to sponsor Bahamian farmers so they can create farms on every island and sell food here and abroad. These are things that matter right now. New buildings can wait.
Finally, I was angry to see the government pushing a bill to take over junkanoo. Junkanoo does not belong to the government. It belongs to the Bahamian people who have spent their own money for years to prepare for parades. Politics does not belong in Junkanoo no matter who is related to a politician. Have some self respect! Don’t try to sell the rights to Junkanoo or anything having to do with Junkanoo to foreigners. Everything is not about money. Junkanoo is doing fine. Leave it alone, It belongs to the people. Let it continue as it has been…If more sponsors can be found for each group that is great but the government cannot push their way into the people’s domain. I cry shame on them! Once again, they tried to deceive us by telling us about how this new bill will cause more money to go into Junkanoo. There is more they are not saying.
I do not like how the government is starting to force things on us as a people. The people do not like the location for the hospital but they want to push that. We don’t want any more Haitians coming here even if they are legal but Bahamas-air is bringing more daily. We don’t want the people’s Junkanoo to be bothered with but the government is pushing a bill. The people are complaining about high light bills. The government tells the people they are using more power so the bills are high. All of these things are examples of how deceptive and out of touch this government is. They can plan all they want but God sits in the heavens and laughs. Much things are wrought by prayer.
A BAHAMIAN WHO SEES
Nassau, July 29, 2025.
Central Bank being unfair
EDITOR, The Tribune. IT is
If you check similarly rated countries, you will get
Picture of the day
Thieves stole thousands in cash from Bahamas Humane Society
in cash was stolen.
Expressing deep disappointment over the attack, Ms Aranha said: “I’m so upset that people would do it to a charity that there are no words for, for how poorly it reflects on our country and that we need to, we need to really look at this.”
“This is, this is just the the result of so many things that are going wrong right now.”
The break-in reportedly occurred around 1am on Wednesday.
According to Ms Aranha, two masked men climbed a perimeter wall, jumped into a paddock full of dogs, and walked through without disturbing the animals.
They then entered the back section of the main building—used for administration—where they broke into an office and stole several thousand dollars in cash.
One employee was present during the break-in but was not injured.
Photos shared with The Tribune show shattered glass, broken blinds, and scattered paperwork—evidence of the destruction left behind. Surveillance footage captured two slim-built men, both masked, moving through the compound before fleeing on foot.
Ms Aranha believes the burglary was planned by someone familiar with the property.
“I believe somebody who may have worked at the Humane Society at some point may have known where to go and how to do it,” she said, “because it seems to me that I wouldn’t want to jump over the wall into a, you know, four, six
potcakes in the middle of the night and wake them up and scare them. It struck me that it had to be someone who really knew what they were doing.”
Police said no arrests have been made as investigations continue. Ms Aranha said the crime has taken a heavy toll on the non-profit organisation, which relies on donations and community support.
She said operations have continued and will not stop in light of the incident.
“We have to keep feeding the animals, etc, but losing money, and having to pay for the door and having to pay for the window and having to pay for all the damage, of course, is pricey,” she said.
This is not the first time the BHS has suffered a break-in, Ms Aranha revealed, calling the experience “devastating” and appealing to the public for support.
She said the shelter has suffered a financial setback due to the cost of repairs and heightened security measures.
Plans include installing more cameras, door sensors, lighting, and possible deterrents such as spikes or broken glass along the perimeter walls.
“We’re devastated, we’re brokenhearted, and that anybody who wants to step forward and help us would be gratefully welcomed with open arms. We need more cameras. We need more sensors, we need more lights, and we would welcome any help anybody can give,” she said.
• People can make donations to the BHS at https:// www.bahamashumane.org/ donate BRAZEN from page one
Psychological evaluation ordered for man accused of shoP break-in
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
A MAN was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation after displaying erratic behaviour in court yesterday while facing a shopbreaking charge.
Duran Johnson, 33, was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly Burrows, accused of breaking into the Bearded Clam on Bay Street on July 2.
Although Johnson pleaded not guilty, prosecutor Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom objected to bail, citing the defendant’s twitchy and erratic behaviour during proceedings. The court ordered that Johnson undergo psychiatric evaluation and drug counselling while on remand at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He is expected to return to court for a report on September 17.
Police investigate suspected drowning
POLICE are investigating the suspected drowning of an 89-year-old man at Montague Beach on Tuesday. According to initial reports, officers were alerted shortly before 4pm that the man had encountered difficulties while swimming and had to be rescued from the water. He was taken to hospital by private vehicle before police and emergency services arrived. He was later pronounced dead. Investigations are ongoing.
You can’t fatten a cow on market day
AS the general election approaches political parties might recall the proverb, “You can’t fatten a cow on market day!” What is not completed or done sufficiently in advance to secure an electoral victory cannot be salvaged at the last minute. This is a reality for both major parties with the election reportedly worryingly tight.
There appears to be a high number of unconvinced and persuadable voters. Despite the power of government and the Public Treasury, the PLP is failing to convince a good number of non-base voters. Moreover, some base voters feel left behind, though most PLPs will likely support their party.
The PLP and the FNM are struggling to get many voters to believe that voting for them will make a difference. There will likely be a good number of protest votes by those determined to send the parties a message.
— the lack of reliable electricity, running water, and phone service. They said the persistent issues are affecting the well-being of locals and tourists alike.”
these outstanding issues are addressed, many voters who feel neglected may have already made up their minds. There is often a point of no-return for a good number of voters.
and his failure to deliver numerous promises.
Are voters ready to give Prime Minister Davis a second chance by reelecting him to a consecutive term?
Given the record of voting governments out every five years and a feeling that the country is on the proverbial wrong track, the FNM has the opportunity to build momentum in its favour. It remains an unrealised opportunity at this juncture.
A news story yesterday reporting on the complaints of residents of Grand Cay is a warning sign for the government. This journal reported: “Residents of Grand Cay, Abaco, say they feel abandoned by the government amid ongoing power and water outages that have made life unbearable and driven tourists away.
“Several residents, speaking to The Tribune yesterday, expressed frustration over what they described as a daily crisis
Despite four years in office there are many communities and constituencies complaining about failed promises by the PLP, which the government has little time to fix, especially given the difficult state of public finances.
But even if more of
By example, Bahamians know well the gimmick of paving roads soon before an election, which has little currency with jaded voters who have seen that game before.
The power of incumbency is a mixed blessing. While a party can do many things for constituents, the failure to do certain things riles and disappoints voters.
An MP who has done little for constituents or who failed to fulfill previous promises, is vulnerable to an opposition candidate, including a fresh face.
The political aphorism, “Don’t compare me to the Almighty, compare me to my opponent,” is a mixed blessing for Philip Davis and Michael Pintard. Both sides still have much work to do to boost and articulate the strengths of each of their leaders while attacking the weaknesses and mistakes of the other leader.
If the PLP is banking more on the deficits of the Free National Movement than on its ability to move undecided voters with the largesse of the state and the appeal of Davis, this is a mixed bag, suggesting the party’s strengths and limitations.
Many voters are deeply dissatisfied with the incumbent government as is usually the case at this point in the electoral cycle. There is the typical let’s throw them out mindset. The cost of living and crime remain key issues. The government is becoming more vulnerable on immigration.
Many voters remain disgusted with the perception of corruption in the PLP, a perennial problem for the party which it has not been able to shake for decades.
After giving Perry Christie a second electoral chance, voters felt that he squandered the opportunity in numerous ways including the swirl of corruption in his government
What should be deeply worrying for the FNM is why it is not further ahead given the dissatisfaction in the country. There are a number of factors. Mr Davis is not only likeable, but most voters also have a perception of him. They know much of his biography.
Opposition leader Michael Pintard is still not well known. Few Bahamians know his biography or life story. Much work remains for him to connect with voters on a more visceral or emotional level.
The continued perception of division within the party continues to cloud the party’s message and standing.
While the FNM rightly criticises the PLP’s failures, it must indicate how it will respond to these failures.
A number of older voters believe that the FNM has a better track record in delivering public services and infrastructure. The FNM should remind the country of its record as it pivots to outlining its vision.
Nevertheless, many if not most voters have lost faith in the political class to deliver better public services, to boost economic growth, to respond to the social decay in the country, to clean up a dirty and derelict New Providence, to improve Family Island communities, and to bring genuine relief to Grand Bahama, among other pressing concerns.
The deep and widespread disconnect from politics is a global reality that is driving many citizens and voters to populist appeals.
In the United Kingdom, the Nigel Farage-led populist Reform Party has gained considerable momentum and did extraordinarily well in the most recent local elections. The Party is now polling ahead of the incumbent Labour Party and the Conservatives, the official opposition, which is in freefall and at an historic low.
While the Coalition of Independents and Lincoln Bain will likely not do as well as Reform and Farage, how many voters might
they attract? Correspondingly, voters aged 18-30 do not have the historic ties to the major parties as did their parents. The PLP and the FNM are struggling to get many voters to believe that voting for them will make a difference. There will likely be a good number of protest votes by those determined to send the parties a message. Historically, populism was often a positive term. In the US, Theodore Roosevelt pursued a populist agenda of reform that included enhanced social welfare and the breakup of many corporate monopolies.
Today, populism is a pejorative, highlighting autocratic demigods destroying democratic norms while enriching billionaires and corporate elites. Nevertheless, there is a need for old-style populism.
Citizens around the world, including in The Bahamas, are experiencing longstanding economic challenges, including wage stagnation and rising inequality; high levels of unchecked immigration; corruption and incompetence by public officials; and a loss of trust in government and business elites.
Voters feel left behind, ignored, taken advantage of. Parties of the left, right, and center are scrambling to respond to the despair and despondency of citizens. There are some clues in this for the FNM and the PLP.
Bahamians are desperate for political leadership that will respond authentically to their economic, social, political, and cultural challenges. People do not expect perfect leaders.
But they are sickened by leaders who they believe continue to offer crap, a euphemism, rather than genuine hope. The last time The Bahamas had a progressive populist whom the country thought had an authentic and effective platform and specific policies for reform was Hubert Ingraham.
We are not likely to see that quality of leadership soon. Still, a leader who can come somewhere close to that era may realise good fortunes for himself or herself and better fortunes for The Bahamas. Meanwhile, the major parties have considerable work to do to ensure that they have fattened and primed their messages, machinery, and the personas of their leader and candidates ahead of election cum market day.
Democrats must push for nopartisan redistricting
The retired political science professor sat on his porch in the summer heat and humidity that annually drives from Washington DC to cooler climates most politicians, their staffs, lobbyists, lawyers and other assorted US government hangers-on. A veteran of the American political wars, this bearded sage was musing about the latest news from the Republican Party.
“Look what I got in the email from the Republicans yesterday,” he said with a wry smile. The professor, whose first name is Samuel – not Albert – read out the message:
“Dear Albert,
“here’s a list of (8) house Republicans that have emailed or texted you this year:
Mike Johnson (Louisiana - Speaker of the house of Representatives)
Jim Jordan (Ohio - house Judiciary Committee chair)
Steve Scalise (Louisianahouse Republican majority leader)
Tom emmer (Minnesota - house majority whip and deputy leader)
Anna Paulina Luna (St Petersburg and western Tampa Bay region)
Richard hudson (South central North Carolina)
Derrick Van Orden (Southern Wisconsin) eli Crane (Northeastern Arizona)
….and yet, no response from you.
“Albert, we all agree: you’re a rising star in
STATESIDE
our grassroots movement, and your response to your August Voter Audit is essential to house
Republicans future success. “Can you take 2 minutes to complete your audit? Once you do, the members
listed above will be able to view your verified status.
“We’ve notified house Leadership that we’ve reached out to you one last time.
“We’ll be sure to let them know when your audit is complete.
“Thank you, Albert.
(signed) “NRCC (national Republican campaign committee) hQ”
Samuel leaned back in his comfortable wicker rocking chair and gazed at the early morning sun, already an angry orange ball glaring back at us from behind the hangover haze of a languid night with nearly 100 percent humidity.
“I hardly even notice that they got my name wrong,” he said. “Because of my past position, I get 30 emails every day from both political parties. While they are mostly designed to solicit a contribution from me, many of them, like this one, merely serve to build out the party’s data base in order to better target potential supporters for the next election.”
he chuckled, the sound rumbling up from deep within his barrel chest, and idly stroked his snow-white beard. “My first instinct is to just delete all this junk. But it’s not insignificant. Both parties are frantically trying to fortify their voter lists in preparation for next November’s house of Representatives election. It will be one of the closest and most consequential elections in recent decades.”
Last week we took a close look at the 2026 US Senate election prospects. Barring a general economic collapse that recalled the great recession of 2008-9 or the massive dislocations of the COVID19 pandemic a decade later, the Republicans figure to retain or even marginally expand their control of the upper American legislative chamber.
But in order for the second Donald Trump administration to continue cutting its broad, haphazard swath through American political tradition, the GOP will also need to maintain its control of the lower house of Representatives. Right now, according to the CNN website, the house has 219 Republicans, 212 Democrats and four vacant seats. The GOP can only afford to lose three Republicans in any party-line votes.
upcoming elections. The governor is musing about asking the FBI to arrest the Democrats.
Not every day political activity in the USA.
That’s gaining headlines. But the Democrats are likely only delaying the inevitable. It seems that according to current laws, the GOP is within its legal rights to push this redistricting through. And this move is consistent with Trump’s overall plan to retain virtually absolute power for as long as possible. The Republicans in Congress still show few if any signs of meaningful public dissent.
The Democrats are stuck for a response. In a normal first congressional election after a different party wins the White house, things don’t go very well for the incumbent. The elections of 1994, 2002 and 2010 were harbingers of the Republican disaster in 2018, and based upon this recent history, Dems would have expected to enjoy a recapture of the house next November.
Such a narrow margin practically makes the party beholden to various small groups of party extremists on the fringe of mainstream US politics, and sometimes forces compromises that offer tempting political opportunities to the Democrats, who have remained uncharacteristically united in opposition to Trump under minority leader hakeem Jeffries of New York City.
The current slim Republican margin in the house also represents a chilling message to the party leadership and a reminder of what happened in the first election after Trump’s first presidential campaign victory in 2016. In those 2018 elections, Democrats gained a stunning 40 seats to command a controlling majority for the rest of Trump’s first term.
Readers will recall that Trump was impeached twice by then-speaker Nancy Pelosi and that house of Representatives in less than two years after the Democrats regained control in the 2018 election.
Neither the president nor his loyal supporters want to see anything like that again this time around, so they are trying by every means they can think of to avoid a similar fate in 15 months.
This is the guiding principle behind an extraordinary effort launched to great fanfare in Texas to accomplish a redistricting of house districts for partisan advantage.
Normally, house districts are redrawn every ten years when the US census reports population shifts that in recent years have revealed a steady southern migration that has most benefitted Texas and Florida with their warmer climate, lower taxes, relatively robust economy and job prospects. The Lone Star state is now the nation’s second most populous, and Florida sits solidly in third place. Since the GOP controls politics in both states, Florida is also being urged by Trump and others to follow Texas’ lead. It is not clear what will happen in the Sunshine State, but Texas is rushing ahead to implement a partisan redistricting. Due to some peculiarities in Texas law and political practice, Democrats in the state legislature have literally fled from the state in order to impede the governor’s efforts to complete a redistricting process that is expected to lead to a Republican gain of as many as five seats in the
Now that is threatened. The problem for the Democrats is that they have long and high-mindedly championed so-called redistricting commissions. These state bodies are designed explicitly to prevent exactly the kind of partisan gerrymandering of legislative and congressional districts within states to ensure that the party in power can manipulate things in order to guarantee that they maintain their advantage. here’s how the Associated Press described the Democrats’ dilemma: “The commission model limits parties’ ability to game the system, leading to more competitive districts. And, like Republicans, the Democrats have exploited line-drawing for its own gain in the handful of states where it controls the process. But unlike Republicans, many Democratic Party leaders have embraced the nonpartisan model.”
Nonetheless, Democratic leaders are vying to get out front of the outrage and appear aggressive in response.
Wisconsin Gov Tony evers, who has pushed for a nonpartisan redistricting commission in his state, said Democrats must “do whatever we can” to counter the Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps.
“When you have a gun against your head, you’ve got to do something,” he said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-controlled Legislature say they will try to redraw the state’s congressional map. But they would need to repeal or defy the 2008 ballot measure creating an independent redistricting commission. Voters extended its authority to congressional districts two years later.
In perhaps the most significant shift in perspective of any Democratic leader, former Attorney General eric holder, who heads the party’s redistricting effort and has called repeatedly for a more nonpartisan approach, seemed to support his party’s efforts to overrule their own favored commissions.
“We do not oppose – on a temporary basis – responsible, responsive actions to ensure that the foundations of our democracy are not permanently eroded,” holder said in a statement last week. Maybe all the rough, bare-knuckled politics favored by Trump and his associates is nothing much new, as some believe. But the fact that it is all unfolding in public is new – and shocking – to many.
Former-Attorney General Eric Holder speaking at the Justice Department in Washington April 24, 2015. Photo: manuel Balce Ceneta/ AP
with Charlie Harper
Friends of Exuma donates $30k to Exuma Arts Network to assist kids art and creativity camp
More than two dozen young people in exuma took part in a three-week summer art and creativity camp - with a helping hand from a local community organisation.
Friends of exuma donated $30,000 to the exuma Arts Network (eAN) to make this year’s camp a reality.
Artist Sann Sann Lam started discussion of the arts network in 2020, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, and began hosting artists and a travelling show by the following year. In 2021, eAN held its first summer camp.
“We just completed our fourth summer camp – it was a wonderful success,” said Lam.
“our primary thing is to create a creative community in a non-judgmental environment which gives children a sense of safety and security in our space.”
She added: “They are able to thrive and feel more
confident, it sparks more in themselves, creates personal growth and a connection with others, and also it’s a place to have fun in a healthy environment, with a healthy lifestyle. We are not necessarily trying to create Picassos but to allow those who are interested in trying it to have a go and to explore themselves.”
Among those who have taken part are Amy Butler, a member of the board of Friends of exuma, and her daughter Faith. For the past two summers, Butler has flown in from Kansas to volunteer.
Dr Kathleen Sealy, a marine biologist, author of dozens of publications and artist, also ran what Lam called “an amazing workshop” with the children, incorporating images of different species, while Katarina Danks worked with the youngsters on movement and dance. The original camp had just four or five participants. This
year, the number grew to 25 students between 6 and 16 years old.
“We could not do this without Friends of exuma. They are not just the funds. They are mentors and they give us credibility and keep us accountable. We have to keep records and provide reports. It shows we are trustworthy,” said Lam. “There is no way we could afford to do what we do without Foe – that includes buying healthy snacks, just buying fruit and healthy food for their brains!”
A native of Toronto, Lam now lives in exuma with her husband and has a studio in George Town. For more information about her work and classes for children and adults, contact sannsannlam@gmail. com.
Friends of exuma was founded in 2020 to give back to the community and to encourage donors to support exuma. For more information, visit exumafriends.org.
Minnis: Waiting on Davis to prove Grand Lucayan sale not ‘a big fat lie’
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
AS the public awaits further details from the government on the Grand Lucayan resort sale, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has questioned whether the government has received the $120m from the transaction.
“The prime minister said that we would receive information soon,”said Dr Minnis, “One has to believe or trust what he says. He must come forth with it. He do not want to show the nation that he gave a big fat lie, not only to the nation, but to the world.”
“Therefore I have wait for him to bring forth what he has promised to prove to me, the nation and the world that our prime minister did not come and give the nation a big fat lie because remember, the deputy prime minister said the money is in the bank. I asked which bank. They have not told me. It’s not in Royal Bank. It’s not in Scotia Bank. Whose bank is it in?”
The Grand Lucayan has been a contentious issue for Grand Bahama since the Minnis administration bought it in 2018 for $65m to protect tourism and jobs. A proposed deal with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and ITM Group was
scrapped when the PLP took office in 2021, and multiple sale attempts have since stalled. In May, the Davis administration signed a Heads of Agreement with US-based Concord Wilshire for a $120m sale of the resort. Prime Minister Philip Davis touted the $827m redevelopment project as “ambitious,” promising 1,300 construction jobs and more than 1,700 permanent
positions, 80 percent of which would be held by Bahamians.
However, the public has received little updates on its progress since the announcement. Meanwhile, the Free National Movement has repeatedly called on the Davis administration to provide an update on the status of the resort, particularly concerning current operations and the future of employees.
Man denies raping 14-year-old grandniece and paying hush money
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN yesterday denied raping his 14-yearold grandniece twice in 2021 and to paying her hush money. The 59-year-old male, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor, interrupted prosecutor Cephia PinderMoss during her closing submissions and disputed her claims before being cautioned by the bailiff and court officials.
The defendant stood trial for two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse before Justice Neil Braithwaite.
The defendant allegedly had sexual intercourse with his underaged relative at his residence on May 25, 2021. He was accused of once again having sexual intercourse with the same girl on May 28, 2021. Mrs Pinder-Moss told the jury that on March 22, 2021, that the complainant went to the defendant’s home to drop off a DVD player and charger.
The attorney recounted the girl’s testimony where she claimed that the defendant told her to give him her private parts.
Following this, the defendant allegedly told the child not to tell anyone and gave her money on multiple occasions to keep quiet.
Mrs Pinder-Moss said that May 21, 2021, the defendant allegedly told the complainant that it was “time to pay up” before raping the child.
The attorney recalled the complainant’s testimony that the defendant allegedly locked the door to his house and placed his hand on his mouth to keep her quiet during the alleged sex
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN awaiting trial for murder was remanded to prison yesterday for allegedly breaching his bail conditions for 55 days.
Kevin Calixte, 31, was granted bail after being accused of fatally shooting Axanthio Thompson outside Zone Stop Car Wash on Market Street on April 21, 2017. He is also alleged to have seriously injured Police Constable 3825 Hall
assault.
Mrs Pinder-Moss said the defendant allegedly threatened to hurt the girl’s mother and sister if she was not quiet about the sexual assault.
The attorney said the defendant allegedly raped the girl again on May 28, 2021, and once more allegedly attempted to bribe her into silence.
Mrs Pinder-Moss said the complainant trusted her uncle and did not think he was capable of hurting her prior to these incidents.
The complainant reportedly told her mother of the alleged assault sometime in June but could only do so through text.
Mrs Pinder-Moss said the complainant broke down in tears during her testimony but was able to finish after being allowed a moment to compose herself.
The attorney said the complainant’s mother testified that she noticed that her daughter had become withdrawn in a two-week span after the alleged incidents and had started to wear boys clothing.
The mother’s suspicion was further aroused when she noticed the defendant being nicer to the complainant and giving her cash. She was also allegedly offered cash by the defendant.
Since the incident, the complainant has moved out of the family complex in which both she and the defendant had property.
Mrs Pinder-Moss said the complainant’s mother had moved her elsewhere for her own protection.
The defendant denied letting the girl into his house and committing the alleged offence.
Marianne Cadet represented the accused.
during the same incident. While awaiting trial, Calixte allegedly failed to sign in at his local police station as required, missing 55 days between March 28 and August 1. He pleaded not guilty to the bail violation charge during a hearing before Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest Deveaux. Calixte was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He is scheduled to return to court on November 17.
Six monthS priSon for a SS ault
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison yesterday after admitting to assaulting another man with a handgun during a confrontation in New Providence on July 17. Alexander Smith, 38, pleaded guilty to assaulting Charles Saunders and
accepted the facts of the case before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. In addition to his sixmonth sentence, he was ordered to compensate Mr Saunders $1,000 or face an additional six months in prison.
Smith is expected to return to court for a report on September 4. Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted the case.
Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks to the press outside the Church of God of Prophecy on East Street yesterday.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
Army sergeant shot 5 soldiers before he was tackled and arrested at Fort Stewart, officials say
FORT STEWART Associated Press
A sergeAnt shot
five soldiers Wednesday at one the country’s largest Army bases before he was quickly tackled by other Fort stewart troops, forcing a brief lockdown, officials said.
Few details were immediately available about what led to the gunfire, but officials said the shooter was sgt. Quornelius radford, 28, who used a personal handgun, not a military firearm.
radford opened fire where he worked but officials wouldn’t speculate about a motive, authorities said.
the injured soldiers are stable and expected to recover, said Brig gen. John Lubas. the soldiers who tackled radford helped ensure his arrest, said Lubas, who commands the 3rd Infantry Division.
“these soldiers, without a doubt, prevented further casualties or wounded,” he said. this latest act of violence on a U.s. military installation — sites that are
supposed to be among the most secure in the country — again raised concerns about safety and security within the armed forces’
own walls. the Army said it’s investigating the shooting. there were still many unanswered questions,
including the scope of the injuries and the shooter’s motive.
the injured were taken to the hospital and three underwent surgery, officials said.
A telephone number listed for radford in public records rang unanswered.
Army records released to the Associated Press show that radford enlisted in January 2018. He worked as a supply sergeant and has not been deployed.
radford faced an Aug. 20 hearing in Hinesville, a small town near the base, on accusations of driving under the influence and running a red light just after 1 a.m. on May 18, according to a citation and court filing. He was given a blood test and freed on a $1,818 bond, the documents said.
Attorney sneh Patel is representing radford in the traffic case but not the shooting as of Wednesday, he said in an email. He cited attorney-client privilege in declining to comment about any his conversations with radford.
Law enforcement was
sent to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat team complex shortly before 11 a.m. the shooter was arrested at 11:35 a.m., officials said. the lockdown lasted about an hour. After it was lifted, cars began to move through the normal security checkpoint at the fort’s main gate. the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat team was created in 2016 when the service added more than 200 vehicles to an infantry unit of roughly 4,200 soldiers. Also known as the “spartan Brigade,” the Army has called the unit its “most modern land fighting force.”
Located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of savannah, Fort stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi river by land area. It’s home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and family members.
President Donald trump called the shooter a “horrible person” in comments to reporters at the White House. the FBI was at the fort
to help investigate, said Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Among the deadliest acts of violence on U.s military bases was a 2009 attack. A U.s. Army psychiatrist killed 13 people in a shooting that left more than 30 wounded at Fort Hood, a military installation in texas.
In 2013, a defense contract worker and former navy reservist killed 12 people at Washington navy Yard. He was then killed in a gun battle with police.
In 2014, a soldier opened fire on his fellow service members at Fort Hood, killing three people and wounding more than a dozen others before the gunman killed himself.
In 2019, an aviation student opened fire in a classroom at naval Air station Pensacola in Florida, killing three people and injuring another dozen people including two sheriff’s deputies. Just days earlier, a U.s navy sailor shot two people to death before killing himself at Pearl Harbor, the naval station in Hawaii.
Trump’s immigration crackdown strips tuition breaks from thousands
of college students
AUSTIN Associated Press
tens of thousands of Us college students without legal resident status are losing access to instate tuition prices as part of President Donald trump’s crackdown on immigration. the Justice Department has been suing states to end tuition breaks for students without legal residency, starting with texas in June. It has also filed lawsuits in Kentucky, Minnesota and, most recently, Oklahoma. Last year, Florida ended its tuition break for students living there illegally,
“Federal law prohibits aliens not lawfully present in the United states from getting in-state tuition benefits that are denied to out-of-state Us citizens,” the Justice Department argued in a lawsuit this month in Oklahoma. “there are no exceptions.” the tuition breaks once enjoyed wide bipartisan support but have increasingly come under criticism from republicans in recent years.
Here’s what to know about the tuition breaks: Texas’ program was blocked first texas’ tuition policy was initially passed with sweeping bipartisan majorities in the Legislature and signed into law by then-gov. rick Perry, a republican, as a way to open access to higher education for students without legal residency already living in the state. supporters then and now say it boosted the state’s economy by creating a better-educated and better-prepared workforce. the law allowed students without legal resident status to qualify for in-state tuition if they had lived in texas for three years before graduating from high school and for a year before enrolling in college. they also had to sign an affidavit promising to apply for legal resident status as soon as possible. texas now has about 57,000 qualifying students enrolled in its public universities and colleges, according to the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher education and Immigration, a nonpartisan nonprofit group of university leaders focused on immigration policy. the state has about 690,000 students overall at its public universities. the difference in tuition
rates is substantial. For example, at the University of texas rio grande Valley, a 34,000-student campus along the border with Mexico, a state resident will pay about $10,000 in basic tuition for a minimum full-time class schedule in the upcoming school year. A nonresident student will pay $19,000. Political pushback and a swift end texas’ law stood mostly unchallenged for years, but it came under fire as debates over illegal immigration intensified. In the 2012 r epublican presidential primary, Perry apologized after saying critics of the law “did not have a heart.” t he law withstood several repeal efforts in the r epublican-dominated Legislature. During the legislative session that ended June 2, a repeal bill did not even get a vote. But the ax fell quickly. After the trump administration filed a lawsuit calling the law unconstitutional, state Attorney g eneral Ken Paxton, a key trump ally, chose not to defend the law in court and instead filed a motion agreeing that it should not be enforced.
In Oklahoma, Attorney g eneral g entner Drummond, also a r epublican, filed a similar motion.
“ r ewarding foreign nationals who are in our country illegally with lower tuition costs that are not made available to out-of-state American citizens is not only wrong — it is discriminatory and unlawful,” Drummond said in a statement.
Campuses nationwide feel the impact
At least 21 states and the University of Michigan system have laws or policies allowing tuition breaks for the immigrant students, according to the national Immigration Law Center, which favours them. those states include Democratic-leaning ones such as California and new York, but also gOP-leaning ones such as Kansas and nebraska.
According to the center, at least 16 states allow the immigrant students to receive scholarships or other aid to go to college.
Immigration lawyers and education advocates said they are assessing whether there are legal avenues to challenge the rulings.
This booking photo provided by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office shows Sgt Quornelius Radford, who is accused of shooting multiple soldiers at Fort Stewart, Georgia, yesterday. Photo: Liberty County sheriff’s Office/AP
Governor General Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt administered the Requisite Oaths to the Madam Justice S Maureen Crane-Scott to act as President of the Court of Appeal, at Government House, August 2, 2025.
Photos: Patrick Hanna/BIS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025
NHI: 84% patient visit rise renews funding concerns
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Health
Insurance (NHI) needs “a significant increase” in funding to “sustain the quality of care” after patient visits to doctors and other providers increased by 84 percent in just two years.
Dr Duane Sands, a former minister of health, told Tribune Business the 67,228 rise in ‘patient appointments’ between 2022 and 2024 showed the Government-run scheme will not be able to maintain treatment standards and improve the quality of “health outcomes” unless more funding and other resources are provided to keep pace with this growth in usage.
While the patient visits data, disclosed in the recently-released NHI performance report for 2024,
• Sands: Major increase needed to ‘sustain care quality’
• Accuses successor of ‘cop out’ over scheme financing
• Minister hails improved care access, diagnosis growth
is in many respects positive because it shows Bahamians are increasingly accessing primary healthcare services, the Opposition’s chairman reiterated his long-standing concern that the ‘value for money’ received by numerous patients remains “absolutely dismal”.
However, Dr Michael Darville, minister of health and wellness, in a statement responding to this newspaper’s inquiries hailed the 85 percent increase in patient visits as an indication of NHI’s “transformative impact” on the health and quality of life for many Bahamians. He added that the rise showed “growing public trust” in the scheme.
The 2024 performance report, compiled by the NHI Authority, which oversees the Government-funded and managed healthcare initiative, also detailed
Central Bank ‘monitoring’ situation with Island Pay
By NEIL HARTNELL
THE Central Bank’s governor yesterday confirmed the regulator is “monitoring matters” at a Bahamian digital payments provider subject to client complaints about delays in having their money refunded.
John Rolle, in a brief messaged reply to Tribune Business inquiries on whether the Central Bank is watching the situation at Island Pay, declined to provide details other than to say: “The Central Bank is monitoring
matters but cannot comment publicly on issues involving supervised financial institutions.”
Andrew Allen, who late last year became Island Pays chairman, declined to comment further yesterday in a messaged response to this newspaper following attempts to reach him. However, wellplaced sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Tribune Business that the payments provider appears to have “paused” its business and placed it on hold until it develops its own technology platform.
BTC urges URCA: ‘Make it easy’ for new network
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday asserted it will move “as fast as regulators allow” in rolling out the new network technology that its top executive branded as “a huge deal”.
Sameer Bhatti, the carrier’s chief executive, told Tribune Business that the next-generation fixed wireless access technology formally launched in Bimini yesterday is already in the process of being introduced to BTC’s Eleuthera customers.
Disclosing that the new network’s roll-out on that island should be completed by next month, and all 600 BTC clients migrated over
Mr Allen on Wednesday blamed “an extremely disruptive and unhealthy relationship” with a third-party provider, who he declined to name, for Island Pay’s present woes while conceding that it was enduing “a bad time”.
This newspaper understands the payment provider may be locked in disputes with both the entity that built the platform and licensed it to Island Pay, and a separate company that hosts its technology platform, over the payment of fees. It is thought the latter may have suspended the Bahamian provider’s access to the platform,
thus forcing it to announce a “five-month” migration earlier this week.
Island Pay, in a newspaper advertisement issued yesterday, asked hundreds of clients to visit its Sandyport offices and bring their Know Your Customer (KYC) verification documents and bank account details so that it can transfer the monies due and owing to them. It confirmed that they would be unable to access their electronic wallets and funds stored on the legacy platform.
CFAL eyeing $100m target for new fund
• Private equity launch ‘exceeds’ $20m goal
• Raise attracted 5,000 investors; 2,000 new
• Possible doubling to $40m within 12 months
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A BAHAMIAN investment house yesterday said it “exceeded” the $20m target for its new private equity fund’s first capital raise as it unveiled ambitions to expand to $100m in assets long-term.
Anthony Ferguson, president of CFAL, told Tribune Business that the fund could potentially double in size to $40m within 12 months if fresh infrastructure projects that meet its investment criteria emerge as expected. He added that the fund’s launch, and initial capital raise, attracted 2,000 new Bahamian retail, or individual, investors to participate.
“We exceeded our expectations,” the CFAL chief disclosed of the initial offering. “We have over 2,000 new registrants. Most people who are in the Bahamas Investment Fund also invested. We have catered to 5,000 retail investors.
“We exceeded our target. We have over $20m, and we’re still counting. So the response has been really good and we’re excited for the new young retail investors participating in this.” The Bahamas Investment Fund is the vehicle that was created by CFAL to allow Bahamian investors to invest in the Nassau Cruise Port, and which holds their collective 49 percent equity ownership stake in that project. The CFAL private equity fund’s first two investments will be EA Energy and Island
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business
Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
MP, Kwasi Thompson. “I never projected a surplus in April. And, in fact, this concept of the deficit in April was raised by the member for east Grand Bahama that he continues to repeat. We are not denying it’s a deficit. We’re not denying it. There was a deficit,” said Mr Davis.
“There’s no argument. We never said that there would be a surplus in April. We never said that there was not a deficit in April.
ANTHONY FERGUSON
TECHNOLOGY WINNERS WILL POSSESS STRONGEST VALUES
In an age where a single tweet can reshape public opinion, and data breaches can cripple entire industries, the way businesses behave is under a greater spotlight than ever before. Technology has not only revolutionised the way we do business, but it is also changing the rules about how companies are expected to act — ethically, transparently and responsibly. Let us be honest: Technology has brought tremendous opportunities. It has made communication faster, operations more efficient and global markets more accessible. But with this power comes a greater responsibility - and businesses in The Bahamas are not exempt. In today’s digital economy, there is no hiding in the shadows. Social media, online reviews and mobilefirst journalism mean that every business decision - good or bad - can become public in minutes.
KEITH
ROYE
II
Customers want to know: Where are your products coming from? How do you treat your employees? What is your environmental impact? For Bahamian companies, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Firms that embrace transparency and ethical practices can build stronger brands, gain customer loyalty and even tap into
NATIONAL LABORATORY IS ON SCHEDULE FOR END OF YEAR
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter
WORK on the new
National Reference Laboratory is ahead of schedule at 55 percent, and has an expected completion timeline of the end of the year, say government officials. With renovations having begun on May 20 and an initial completion date of 12 months, the Project Execution Unit (PEU) at the Ministry of Health and Wellness yesterday announced renovations that will move the
National Reference Laboratory into the former Bahamas Mortgage Corporation building on Russell Road, Oakes Field, are halfway completed. Currently, drywall finishes are being taken out, tiling is in progress and plumbing and HVAC are being completed, according to Stafford Evans, a representative of Scorpio Construction Limited. The site will include six labs, sanitary grade infrastructure, stainless steel, touchless units.
“Like this is a medical facility, so it has to be up to par,” Valeria Evans project
SUPPORT FROM INDUSTRY FOR CONTRACTOR BOARD
BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
MEMBERS of the construction industry have hailed the prospect of the formation of a Construction Contractor’s Board, saying it is needed and will offer protection to both those in the field and clients. Skyline Construction Bahamas is in full support of the formation of a board, as well as the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) - and Adrian Reid, owner of Adrian Reid Construction, has also now
agreed, saying the board is a long time coming. Mr Reid expects more protection for contractors with a board in place to regulate the industry.
“We need somebody to actually speak for us or protect us, because of the an idea we actually don’t have that,” he said. “A lot of times the contractor get a lot of blame, and then sometimes most of the problem that we come up with sometime fall on the architect. When anyone say anything about blaming the contractors, or the contractor do this, or the contractor do that, we have
new markets such as ecoconscious tourism and fair trade exports. But those who cut corners? They risk getting called out — and fast. Look at data. Businesses are collecting more of it than ever before, thanks to mobile apps, e-commerce platforms and digital payments. But how that data is stored, used and protected is now a matter of ethics as much as it is legality.
Think about it: If a Bahamian company gathers personal information from its customers, say from a loyalty programme or online ordering system, it has a moral obligation to protect that information. One breach, and not only is the company’s reputation on the line, but consumer trust can evaporate overnight. As The Bahamas continues to digitise and modernise its infrastructure, strong data protection policies and ethical IT governance will be key not only
manager for Scorpio Construction Limited said.
“On the upper floor are offices that’s going to be tiled out. The Ministry of Health and Wellness is executing a nearly $2m contract with Bahamian company Scorpio Construction to transform the old Bahamas Mortgage Corporation building on Russell road into the new home of the National Reference Lab,” Gerard Symonette, PEU’s component lead, said. “The project was funded by the IDB and is a part of a broader initiative to strengthen public health infrastructure and medical services in The Bahamas. The upgraded facility will enhance the nation’s diagnostic testing capabilities and better support public health responses. The project is on schedule. Actually, it’s ahead of schedule, which means it’s at approximately 50, 55 percent, somewhere up in there.
a bigger problem. No one’s seeing that. So we actually have, literally, no one on the contractor’s side.”
Matthew Munroe, principal of Integrity Roofing and Construction Ltd, added: “I guess they are trying to police everything, to make sure everything is being done that is proper practice, which isn’t bad to me, because there’s a lot of things in the industry that’s very chaotic at this time. So I think it does kind of make sense to get people to be a little bit more vigilant in terms of how they do business and, I guess, how they handle clients.”
Shoddy work done by unqualified contractors, is a concern within the industry. Mr Reid said contractors are typically left with the blame or a contractor’s workers may be
to comply with laws, but to show consumers that their privacy matters. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are the latest technological waves sweeping through the business world. They promise efficiency, lower costs and better decision-making. But they also raise ethical questions. Will jobs be lost? Will algorithms treat people fairly? Will decisions made by machines be accountable?
In The Bahamas, where tourism and financial services drive much of the economy, the impact of AI could be significant. While it can help streamline operations, boost the customer experience and even predict market trends, there is a risk of widening the gap between those who are technology-savvy and those left behind.
Companies have a duty not only to adopt new tools responsibly, but also to ensure that employees are retrained and supported in
“Renovations began officially on May 20, 2025, and is scheduled for completion by late this year. The electrical rough-in is 95 percent complete on the first floor, 90 percent complete on the second floor, HVAC [air conditioning] rough-in 95 percent complete on the first floor, 75 percent on the second floor, plumbing is 100 percent complete, rough-in that is, on both floors. Fire safety systems are 60 percent, communication cabling, 95 percent on the first floor, 70 on the second floor. As far as exterior works are concerned, fire escape stairs are 100 percent formed. Elevator shaft skim coat is being completed. We’re also proud to report zero on-site incidents today, a reflection of the professionalism and skill of the Bahamian team leading this project.”
Donald Demeritte, the project lead for the Ministry of Health and Wellness IDB project
unqualified, resulting in low quality work.
“I’m a contractor,” he added. “If someone give me a job, right, I can’t be at another job, so I pretty much have workers who can do the job. What happens, most of these contractors, what they do, they get a job, and then they get somebody who have an idea of what’s supposed to be done, and then they leave the job site. No supervision, nothing. And then the consumer or the client ends up getting the bad work because the person doesn’t know what to do.”
the transition. Ethical use of AI means using it to augment human potential - not to replace it without consideration for the social cost. Climate change is a critical issue for The Bahamas. Companies do not have the luxury of ignoring sustainability since it is a matter of survival. Technology can help, ranging from smart energy systems to sustainable supply chain tracking, but ethics play a role, too. Being environmentally responsible is not just trendy; it is smart business. Tourists, investors and global partners are increasingly looking at a company’s environmental impact. Bahamian companies that invest in green technology, and show real commitment to eco-friendly practices, can position themselves as leaders in both sustainability and economic resilience.
In this technology-driven era, corporate responsibility is no longer a “nice to have”; it is a necessity. For businesses in The Bahamas,
Executing Unit, said the project is “supplemented by EU grant funding, and so it’s incumbent upon us to provide updates, environmental updates, project updates, because that’s part and parcel of our deliverables”. He also noted the partnership with Scorpio Construction Limited “is indeed a good one”.
the stakes are even higher. Our economy depends on trust — trust from tourists, investors and regular consumers. And that trust can only be earned through ethical practices backed by smart, responsible use of technology. As we embrace digital transformation, we must also nurture a business culture that values integrity, transparency and accountability. Because, in the end, the companies that win in the modern economy will not just be the ones with the fastest Wi-Fi; they will be the ones with the strongest values.
• NB: About Keith Keith Roye II is a highly analytic and solutionsdriven professional with extensive experience in software development. He holds a BSc in computer science and his career includes leading and delivering global software projects in various industries in The Bahamas and the US.
“I beam with pride, because selecting a Bahamian contractor was uppermost in the government’s mind, uppermost in the project’s mind,” he said. “And we have another project closing tomorrow, and that’s for the Moore’s Island new clinic build, and we expect to have another Bahamian construction company named. And all of these projects are actually objectively reviewed, and so transparency is the order today. The names of the winners are published in all of the publications, and we’re glad that the press is a partner in this thing, so they can show that this IDB project executing unit is doing what we were actually contracted to do.”
BOARD - See Page B5
Bristol Group in water distribution team-up
The Bristol Group has partnered with a Floridabased firm to distribute the Tropical Water brand in The Bahamas.
Daniel Rogers, from Pensacola-based MSPFLA, said: “Bristol Distribution is exactly the partner we were looking for in The Bahamas - a distributor with a robust network serving wholesale and retail channels throughout The Bahamas, plus a commitment to sustainable brands like our Tropical Water line.
“Tropical Water represents more than just premium artesian water in
reusable eco-friendly cans. Each sip offers the dream of a sandy beach while supporting environmental sustainability.”
Sandy Rolle, senior vice-president of Bristol Distribution, added: “This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to bring an alternative bottled water packaging to The Bahamas that our clients have been asking for. By choosing Tropical Water, we’re preserving our country’s beauty and resources. Tropical Water should be on the shelves in a few weeks.”
BTC brings together key top-up partners
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) brought together the vendors who facilitate top-up credit to its subscribers at the carrier’s first-ever Merchant Mixer.
The event, held at Fusion Superplex, enabled BTC to engage directly with its master distributor and merchant partners. Madeleine Williams, BTC’s director of business-to-consumer (B2C) sales and fulfillment, said: “The Merchant Mixer is a reflection of how much we value the people and partners behind our distribution network.
“Our merchants are more than just sales points – they are ambassadors of our brand and extensions of our customer experience. Hosting this mixer was about listening, sharing ideas and expressing our gratitude for their commitment. We want our partners to know they are supported, and to see BTC as a company that invests in collaboration, not just transactions.”
Paula Knowles, proprietor of You Max and a BTC partner for the past 20 years, said: “Being in the room with BTC executives and other merchants reminded me that we’re part of something bigger.
“It wasn’t just a social event; it was a chance to understand BTC’s direction and share ideas on how we can grow together. This kind of engagement builds real partnership, and it motivates us to keep pushing forward. We work hard for BTC, we make money for BTC, and the gratitude being shown is greatly appreciated.”
Millicent Woods, proprietor of K&L Crafts, said she finds the digital top-up arrangement that BTC presently has in place with its merchants very convenient. “It’s easy to feel like
just another vendor in this industry, but BTC made us feel like true partners,” Ms Woods said.
“The mixer opened the door for collaboration and even new ideas to help us grow. I left feeling re-energised and more connected to the brand than ever before, and I like the fact they took the time to say thank you.”
Besides merchants, representatives from BTC’s master distributors were also in attendance. They connect with merchants –ranging from gas stations to convenience stores and mom-and-pop outlets – to offer BTC top-up.
Nikhil Shah, a BTC master distributor and the chief executive of Communications Solutions, said events such as the Merchant Mixer are important because they strengthen the alignment between BTC, its distributors and merchants.
“It’s encouraging to see BTC creating space for open dialogue and collaboration,” Shah said. “We’ve been partners with BTC since 2004, and we have a great relationship. When we all have a clear understanding of the goals and strategy, it makes it easier to deliver value to customers and grow the business together.”
BTC said it continues to expand its top-up distribution footprint. Last month, it partnered with CTI Cellular and Rokers Gas station to install top-up kiosks, offering customers a way to purchase BTC pre-paid credit with denominations ranging from just $1 to $100. The company’s sales team is also in the process of introducing an e-sim designed for tourists.
BUSINESSES BLAME STOPOVER DROP FOR DECLINE IN INCOME
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribuneemedia.net
THE owner of the Green Parrot restaurant has reported slow summer numbers - that he attributed to declining stopover visitor numbers.
Speaking to Tribune Business, Peter Maury said sales have declined when compared to last year, speculating that a reduction in stopover guests have impacted the number of diners at his establishment.
“Sales are definitely off. We still have people coming in but last year was way better. The problem
HUMANE SOCIETY ISSUES PLEA FOR SUPPORT AFTER BREAK-IN
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter
jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Humane Society president Kim Aranha issued an appeal for private sector and public donations after the charity was damaged during a robbery early Wednesday morning.
Speaking to Tribune Business, Ms Aranha said shortly
before 1am, intruders scaled a wall, navigated through a paddock of dogs, entered the building and stole several thousand dollars from the administrative office.
Highlighting that the Humane Society only receives $150,000 annually from the government but runs on a $1.5m budget, Ms Aranha said it is “disgusting” that thieves would target the charitable donations the organisation has worked so hard to raise.
Contractors back Industry regulation
BOARD - from page B3
It is Mr Reid’s hope that a board can help. Mr Munroe noted that many clients get scammed and that “there’s a lot of dishonesty and distrust”. “So having something like that, I think can kind of maybe help offset a lot of that distrust that people have within the industry,” he added.
Mr Reid also said a board can help crack down of foreign investors bringing in non Bahamian contractors
and workers to obtain higher quality work. “A lot of times, foreign investors, they’re not getting the quality work that they need,” Mr Reid said. “And then that’s why they try to bring in their people to do the work. And that’s what happens. I do a lot of work over in Abaco and Baker’s [Bay]. It’s mostly foreign investors, and they required a higher quality of work. “I do some work over there. I was there for like, three years. I just finished my contract. But I’m just
is, is the stopover numbers are down. The marinas are down, the vacation properties are down, from what we’ve heard,” said Mr Maury “The restaurants aren’t down as much, thankfully because we do have a local crowd, but it’s mainly with the vacation crowd that we’re seeing a big decline.
“It’s just so disgusting that people would come in and steal from a charity. We worked so hard to raise the money that we raise. We get $150,000 from government, and it costs us close to $1.5m a year to run the shelter,” said Ms Aranha.
“It’s so depressing. Just the thought that these guys would come and break into any charity. Charities are where people try and help the helpless that is so disgusting that they would do that. It just demonstrates how far we are falling as a society.”
She said while operations at the Humane Society have continued as usual donations
saying, the type of work that they require, it’s just different from the normal. Even product wise, it’s different. You got to know how to use different stuff and all that. So it’s a lot different. And these are the things, what they’re looking for. And if you can’t do it properly, they’re not going to hire you. So those are some of the issues that really go on.
“There’s a lot underlying, and it really needs something like that [a board] to really regulate it so everybody can have some form of protection. And then even that the clients will have protection, and the contractor will have protection because now, if you don’t know what you’re supposed
It’s been down compared to the past years. I can say that. There’s no increase. That’s for sure.”
He said bookings at his marina have seen a more significant decline over the past months due to he introduction of new boating sector fees.
“July started to slow down. And August has been
from the public would assist in repairing the damages and installing additional security measures around the building.
“We can’t stop. We have to keep feeding the animals. But losing money, and having to pay for the repairs, the door, window and all the damage is pricey,” said Ms Aranha.
“We’re also going to have to heighten security and that’s going to cost us as well. We need to install more cameras, door sensors and possibly put broken glass or spikes on the wall so they can’t just jump over.”
to do, you can get a fine. So you got to do what you’re supposed to do.”
Mr Reid said once a board is formed, he would like for long wait times with banks to be addressed. He said banks take too long to pay contractors and it leads to delays with projects.
“If the board is there, you could actually put something in place or say something so something can really be done about that,” Mr Reid said. “A lot of times that push you back. Finishing a project, you got to wait on the bank sometimes three, four weeks to get payment after you finish a stage. It’s good that the government is stepping in and doing something about it.”
very slow. Numbers we’re getting back are saying things have dropped right off,” said Mr Maury.
Delvon Ferguson, who also owns I Dream of Sugar, a candy store located across from the Straw Market on Bay Street, said he has also seen a decline in patrons from last year.
Mr Ferguson said while the restaurant still serves a strong number of cruise ship visitors, there has been a decline in local clients.
“Sales are not as strong as they were last year. We are still getting a lot of visitors and cruise passengers, but the local crowd has died down. So right now we are trying to think of new campaigns that would bring more locals to Bay Street,” said Mr Ferguson.
Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester
Cooper told the House of Assembly during the 20252026 Budget debate that total air and sea arrivals through April 2025 were up 11.7 percent year-over-year from the 3.9m recorded during the same four months last year. Mr Cooper hailed record visitor arrivals of 4.373m for the first four months of 2025 despite a slight 0.4 percent drop in higher-spending stopover visitors.
‘Huge deal’ for Out Islands connectivity
WIRELESS - from page B1
from its legacy copper network, he added that it represents the wireless or wi-fi equivalent of fibre optic infrastructure with the same broadband Internet download speeds and TV channel and landline access - but without having to put cables in the ground.
However, Mr Bhatti told this newspaper that the speed with which the next generation fixed wireless technology - known as the ‘BTC Air Network’ - will be rolled out to other Family Islands is dependent on “how easy” the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) makes the process.
Praising the communications regulator’s “diligence”, he acknowledged that it is soon due to publish its National Spectrum Plan review and any adjustments with BTC
eager to gain access to presently unused and unlicensed frequency bands to facilitate the Air Network expansion.
Confirming that BTC will still rely on fibreoptic cable networks on New Providence and the more populated islands, Mr Bhatti said Grand Bahama is now 100 percent switched over with no client remaining in its nowdecommissioned copper network. And Bimini has also been used as the testing, or proving, ground for BTC’s new retail store look and layout, with the Mall at Marathon next to undergo the change.
“This is a huge deal,” Mr Bhatti told Tribune Business of the Bimini launch, “because what we have done is, we call it the BTC Air Network, the next generation fixed wireless access. This technology provides the equivalent of fibre.” This, he added,
meant it offers broadband Internet download speeds of 150 mega bytes per second (Mbps) plus access to 160 TV channels and landline services.
The BTC chief added that the ‘Air Network’ will be primarily deployed to service the “more sparsely populated communities” of the Family Islands and cays, while fibre optic cables will remain its primary infrastructure in locations such as New Providence and Grand Bahama. The move also appears designed to combat the competitive threat posed by the likes of Elon Musk’s Starlink and satellite providers.
“It is a big deal? It’s a huge deal. We’re out here launching this thing,” Mr Bhatti said. “We’ve had it trialling and running for over a year, working out the glitches. With any new technology you have some glitches, but people are raving about it. We’ve shut
Provider in dispute with its technology providers
However, several customers told Tribune Business that since complying with this request, and providing Island Pay with their KYC identification and bank account details, they have heard nothing for several weeks and their funds have yet to be returned.
Island Pay’s notice, which said the refunds were part of a “five-month platform migration”, raised more questions than answers.
Andrew Allen and his brother William Jnr, who last December told Tribune Business they had become Island Pay’s chairman and managing director, vehemently denied that the
notice was a ‘stalling tactic’ or attempt to play for time over client payouts. They pledged that they were seeking to resolve all outstanding customer refunds this week, and were due to meet with remaining Island Pay staff yesterday. Asserting that all clients remaining to be paid have been identified, and “quite a few” already have been refunded, Andrew Allen said ownership and management are seeking to make Island Pay “ship shape moving forward”. “A company wants to get ahead of news in the marketplace,” he said. “This has come at a bad time.... This is not a new thing. We’ve resolved a lot of it
already. We rely on external providers, technology vendors, and we are going to deal with that through our own platform.
“We cannot rely on third party providers. We’ve been trying this for some time. We’ve had an extremely disruptive and unhealthy relationship with our partners.” One Island Pay customer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they only found out they could not access their electronic wallet - and the funds it contained - by chance when they went to check it.
They added that, after finally tracking down a representative of the digital payments provider and
down the copper network in Bimini...
“Eleuthera is underway right now. That’s the island we’re focused on now. We have 600 customers on Eleuthera. We’re from Briland to Spanish Wells, all the way down. We’re in Rock Sound now. We’re going to shut down the copper and migrate everybody to BTC. I would expect that, if we were having this conversation in September, we would expect to have planted our flag and sat we’re done in Eleuthera.”
Asked how quickly BTC will deploy its ‘Air Network’ to other Family Islands, Mr Bhatti acknowledged: “The big question is how fast can we go to the other islands. I would say we would go as fast as URCA allows us to. They are presently dealing with the National Spectrum Plan.
“On the other side, they have the ability to make it easy for us to roll this out. I’ll leave it at that and give them a chance to make it easy for us. Sameer’s ready to give it. How can make URCA make it easier for
BTC to roll this out. On the other side, to be fair, the team at URCA are very diligent and are sharpening their pencils on the National Spectrum Plan.
“I think they intend to publish it in the third quarter. I don’t know what date. I hope they look carefully at our desire to use unlicensed spectrum to support the network. I hope they look at this and say: ‘Let’s make it easy for them to do this as fast as they can.”
Mr Bhatti said BTC had made it a priority to hire and train Bahamians to install the ‘Air Network’ on Bimini, with persons from islands such as Abaco, Eleuthera, Long Island and Andros involved so that they all have the necessary skills to deploy the technology at home. The same, he added, was done with the 2,100 square foot Bimini retail store’s overhaul. The “immediate next step” in BTC’s retail transformation is its flagship Mall at Marathon outlet, with Exuma and Eleuthera set to follow soon after.
learning what was happening, they provided all the KYC and bank account details but have yet to be paid.
But, after visiting Island Pay’s Sandyport offices and
providing the KYC and bank account details, they added it has “been more than two weeks” and they have still to be refunded the contents of their electronic wallet. “They’re not telling
“Access to fast, reliable Internet should be universal, not exclusive,” said Mr Bhatti. “With this pioneering technology, Bimini ascends as a beacon of the digital Bahamas, empowering work, learning and entertainment with unprecedented speed and reliability.
“We have wholly transformed Bimini’s connectivity landscape, and I am also proud to say that we are also currently rapidly rolling out this evolution to Eleuthera.” Around 90 percent of Bimini’s population are already benefiting from and using the next-generation fixed wireless access network.
Mike Calabrese, vicepresident of worldwide sales at Tarana, BTC’s technology partner, added: “We are excited to see our ngFWA solution making progress on The Bahamas’ digital divide. BTC is doing great work to upgrade their community with ultra-fast broadband, and we’re honoured to be a part of it.”
Mr Bhatti said the plan is to address other elements of BTC’s product offering and services alongside the network and infrastructure upgrades.
people; they’re not giving clients notice,” the source said. “There’s no communication with individuals.
“I’m getting the distinct impression that unless clients actually use the account and become aware there is a problem, and can’t access their funds, only then will they contact you.” Other contacts questioned why Island Pay was only starting a “five-month migration” to a new platform now, as such moves are usually planned and executed well in advance to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
They also challenged why Island Pay in effect is requiring clients to submit the same KYC details they used to open their electronic wallet account again to receive their funds.
CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS
Fund to seek out further investment opportunities
CAPITAL - from page B1
Power Producers (IPP).
The former won the bid to build, own and operate solar and natural gas-fuelled plants supplying Abaco and Eleuthera’s power needs, while the latter has secured the deal to supply cruise ships docked at Nassau Cruise Port with ‘shore power’ again produced by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Some $10m worth of class A and class B shares were made available to investors in the private equity fund, with the proceeds set to be used to acquire separate 10 percent equity ownership interests in EA Energy and Island Power Producers, respectively. All 5,000 investor subscriptions have been accepted, and participants will receive confirmation e-mails within the next 30 days affirming their investment.
“We have all our permits,” Mr Ferguson said of the Island Power Producers project. “We have already started construction work at Arawak Cay. If you go
there you will see trucks, offices that have been established, and for EA Energy we expect to start clearing the ground for solar once we get our certificate of environmental clearance (CEC) permit which we expect to get on Friday.
“Everything is moving to target. Things are progressing quite nicely. Everything is on track. Hopefully by the end of the second quarter, start of the third quarter, next year we will be providing energy in those islands. With the cruise port, we expect that generation will be installed by the beginning of the second quarter [2026]. We’re on target for everything. We’re excited for where we’re at.”
Private equity funds typically invest in, and take ownership positions in, actual companies and businesses with a view to improving their performance. They ultimately exit these positions by selling their interests to another buyer or taking the subject company public via an initial public offering (IPO).
CFAL’s private equity fund is being structured as a segregated accounts company (SAC), allowing it to issue different share classes to investors and hold its various company investments separate from one another. This will allow investors to choose which ones they invest in, while also preventing liabilities (and problems) at a company held by the Fund from directly impacting others.
Mr Ferguson said CFAL’s fund will allow individual Bahamian retail investors to “participate in some of these major projects, particularly the infrastructure” and private-public partnership (PPP) investments designed to drive the Bahamian economy’s growth and benefit from dividend payouts and capital appreciation of the value of their underlying shares.
“Depending on the investment opportunities that become available, we would be seeking to introduce additional funds to participate in these opportunities,” Mr Ferguson told Tribune Business. “If something
‘Significant improvements’ in preventative healthcare
double-digit increases in patients diagnosed with chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD) such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, via 74 percent and 28 percent rises, respectively.
Dr Darville said these increases were “one of the most encouraging shifts” as they suggested Bahamians are “embracing preventative care” through the access provided by NHI, enabling
illnesses such as hypertension to be detected much earlier. And, while acknowledging that “continued investment in NHI is not only necessary but vital”, the minister said the NHI Authority’s performance report showed the scheme “is an accountable and effective means” of delivering healthcare to Bahamians. He added that equal access to affordable healthcare for all is the “cornerstone” of the Government’s plans.
But Dr Sands, noting that CNCD illnesses have reached an “unparalleled level” in The Bahamas, also accused Dr Darville, a successor as minister of health, of a “cop out” by introducing an NHI Bill that paves the way to finance the scheme through employer, self-employed and worker contributions but electing not to execute or “pull the trigger” on this.
He spoke out after the 2024 NHI performance report, which has been seen by Tribune Business, showed that both scheme beneficiaries and use of the primary care services provided continue to expand rapidly despite the only source of funding - taxpayer subsidies - remaining static at $46.2m until this fiscal year’s $2m increase.
NHI beneficiaries were shown to have expanded from 141,092 at year-end 2022 to 159,281 some two years later - an increase of 18,189. Bahamians covered by NHI increased by 9 percent, or 12,038, in 2023 to hit 153,130 at year-end, before their numbers enjoyed a further 4 percent or 6,151 person expansion in 2024.
comes into the water space, the renewable energy space, the roads space, we want to make sure our clients can participate and benefit in the long-run.”
Asked how big CFAL wants its private equity fund to become, Mr Ferguson replied: “It’s very ambitious, and our investment target depends on opportunities becoming available, but it could be up to $100m. It depends on what comes up. It’s more a function of opportunity.
“We believe perhaps, in another 12 months, there may be one or two more opportunities that take it up to $40m but we’ll see. It has to meet our investment criteria for us to go to the public and say: ‘Here’s another class of shares to invest in’.”
Describing the private equity fund’s first two investments, CFAL had told prospective investors: “EA Energy has been selected by the Government of The Bahamas to develop microgrids on the islands of Eleuthera and Abaco. The company will build solar and natural gas power plants on both islands under a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Government.
“EA Energy will be 65 percent owned by Bahamian investors and 35 percent
Usage of NHI’s doctor, laboratory services, meanwhile, grew at an even faster rate than enrollment.
‘Appointment counts’, representing the number of patient visits to doctors and other NHI providers, soared by 85 percent or 67,228 over the two years between year-end 2022 and 2024expanding from 78,632 to 145,860. The biggest jump of 44 percent, or 44,841 visits, occurred in 2023.
“From 2022 to 22024, appointment counts increased by 67,228 visits representing an 85 percent rise over the two-year period,” the NHI Authority said. “This strong upward trend indicates that not only more beneficiaries but also a greater frequency of primary care services utilisation over time.”
As to the consequences of increased patient usage having to be financed from an unchanged budget, Dr Sands told Tribune Business: “The expectation would be that there would have to be a proportionate increase [in funding] or even, if not a direct one:one increase, there would certainly be a significant increase to sustain the quality of care people get while paying attention to the sustainability of the programme...
“There are no surprises there [with the report], but we are not going to be able to provide the type of quality care, with diagnostic and therapeutic interventions people need, without having the resources to do it. If we try to do otherwise, we are going to waste our time.”
The ex-minister suggested the Government dedicate just an extra 0.5 percent, or even 0.25 percent, of the $3.887bn in revenues it is projected to earn during the 2025-2026 fiscal year towards increased healthcare financing. This, he added, will enable NHI to keep pace with the evergrowing demand for care following its struggles to pay bills in full and on time in recent years.
by a Turkish partner. The project will be funded with $140m in total investment and is expected to be completed at the end of the 2026 second quarter.”
As for the cruise shore power plant, it said: “Island Power Producers has been selected by the Government of The Bahamas to develop shore power for the cruise ships while docked at Nassau Cruise Port. The company will build a natural gas power plant along with regasification and storage facilities to supply natural gas to other Family Islands.
“Island Power Producers will be 100 percent owned by Bahamians. The project will be funded with $180m in total investment and is expected to be completed at the end of the 2026 second quarter.” Both EA Energy and Island Power Producers are, in effect, affiliated projects because the capital raised for each to-date has been via offerings overseen by CFAL.
This newspaper reported on April 24, 2025, that EA Energy’s $132.5m private placement had seen the $100m bond component fully subscribed for by investors. However, only $21m of the $32.5m equity was taken up, and the $10m raised by CFAL’s private equity fund will largely fill that gap.
Arguing that healthcare funding is being “neglected”, Dr Sands asserted: “As a consequence, look at the percentage of Bahamians who spend the last ten years of their life suffering from illness. The percentage is huge. When you look at years spent either disabled or economically inactive, the percentage of Bahamians who fall into that category is huge.
“The net negative impact to our economy, the net negative impact to our quality of life, is huge. A significant amount of our people stumble from clinic to clinic, emergency room to emergency room, hospital bed to hospital bed.”
Dr Sands also suggested that Dr Darville “took the out” in Parliament last week by introducing legislation that gives NHI options to seek alternative funding sources but not executing on this himself. “It will be very interesting to see as they ramp up NHI,” he added.
“The minister suggested there would be no effort to make funding more sustainable, and that he was only setting up the legislative framework to do so. How does that make sense? That sounds like a cop out.”
Dr Darville, though, focused on the positive aspects of the NHI Authority’s performance report including a 30 percent increase in consultations via tele-medicine. He added that NHI is succeeding in improving the health and quality of life for many Bahamians by providing them with greater access to affordable primary care services.
As for Island Power Pro-
ducers, Mr Ferguson told this newspaper in February 2025 that the $150m project obtained $60m in equity capital before yearend 2024. And, with CIBC Caribbean willing to put up $50m in bank financing, only needed a similar amount to close out its fund-raising.
“We settled at $60m [on the equity portion]. It’s about $150m total. We already have a commitment from the bank for up to $50m. CIBC. We’ve been doing business with them for the last 20 years,” the CFAL chief said then. Capital markets observers previously said the $10m sought for the Class A and B series shares, and 10 percent equity stakes that this will acquire, mean that both EA Energy and Island Power Producers have been valued at $100m even though they have yet to start producing energy. They also questioned whether these valuations align with what was previously disclosed publicly.
The retail offering for Class A shares in EA Energy and Class B shares in Island Power Producers opened on July 21 and closed on July 29, with shares priced at $10 and a minimum subscription of $1,000.
“One of the most encouraging shifts is how Bahamians are embracing preventative care, getting screened earlier and often, thanks to the accessibility provided by NHI. This has led to significant improvements in early diagnosis and preventative care, particularly for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions and obesity.
“For example, diagnoses of Type 2 Diabetes rose by 28 percent, and cardiovascular disease cases increased by 16 percent, indicating enhanced detection and follow-up care. A 42 percent jump in annual wellness visits and 12 percent more lab testing further confirms the programme’s success in encouraging regular health monitoring.”
Looking to the future, Dr Darville added: “The recent passage of new NHI legislation paves the way for further programme expansion. Continued investment in NHI is not only necessary but vital. The data demonstrates that a national health insurance programme is an accountable and effective means of delivering care, measuring health outcomes and managing the health status of our population.
“Importantly, the report underscores the need to ensure that all beneficiaries have access to the essential services they deserve. Equity in healthcare access remains a cornerstone of our mission. We remain committed to building a healthier Bahamas, where every citizen has access to quality, affordable healthcare.
“The NHI programme is a cornerstone of that vision. The results of the 2024 performance report clearly demonstrate that the programme is working as intended, and we must continue to strengthen and expand it in the years to come.”
“The 2024 performance report of the NHI Authority (NHIA) highlights the transformative impact of the National Health Insurance programme on the health and well-being of our citizens. With over 161,000 beneficiaries now enrolled, and an impressive 85 percent increase in appointment visits over the past two years, the data reflects growing public trust and widespread utilisation of the programme,” Dr Darville said.
PM alleges surplus he mentioned was ‘primary’
We projected what the deficit would be in April and that... that projection turned out to be off which we accept.”
As previously reported by Tribune Business, Mr Davis in unveiling the 20252026 Budget hailed April 2025’s revenue performance as being at “a high level”. He told the House of Assembly: “Typically, the month of April contributes approximately 12 percent to the total revenue intake over a ten-month period.
“According to the latest preliminary financial data, April 2025 is consistent with this trend, accounting for approximately 13 percent of total revenue over the ten-month period. The preliminary financial data shows revenue specifically for the month of April 2025 at $352.7m. The strong revenue performance in April suggests that fourth quarter revenue performance will be very strong.”
The revenue numbers were close to those detailed in the Ministry of Finance’s April 2025 report. However, Mr Davis was some way off the mark with his surplus/ deficit projection, which measures by how much the Government’s revenue income either exceeds or is
less than its total spending for a particular period.
“Earlier in this communication I mentioned the fiscal performance for April 2025. With the strong revenue performance, preliminary data shows April 2025 at a surplus position of $135.4m. So again, Madam Speaker, it is due to this second half performance that we feel confident in reaching a deficit within our target range of 0.3 to 0.7 percent of GDP.”
However, the subsequent Ministry of Finance report showed April 2025’s performance produced a minor $2.1m deficit - but a major $137.5m reversal from the Prime Minister’s earlier rosy surplus forecast.
Mr Thompson yesterday reminded Mr Davis of this, and questioned why April’s outcome was a $2.1m deficit - a vast difference from the $135.4m surplus projected during the 2025-2026 Budget communication.
“We quoted what you said in your Budget communication. So there’s no misunderstanding as to what we said. I quoted what you said in the Budget communication, and that was, it was a projection of what April would have been and it was off,” said Mr Thompson.
“When you had your Ministry of Finance report, your report said something different from what you projected. That’s simple. That’s all we said. And we ask you to explain the difference.”
Mr Davis denied projecting a surplus for April 2025, and maintained that the only surplus forecast he made during the Budget communication was the $75.5m full-year one for 2025-2026.
“I think my Budget communication is somewhere around here, and instead of going back and forth on this issue, let me just say this. The only surplus I spoke about for the Budget year, 2024/2025.. there was a surplus but it was what we call the primary surplus,” said Mr Davis.
“I say that to say I then projected a surplus for the year 2025-2026; that’s where the surplus is. The surplus I projected was for the year 2025-2026, not for the year 2024-2025. As he’s aware, the posting to accounts through the Treasury for April’s postings were still being done in May.
“When I was speaking in May, postings were still being done, and I was speaking of the end of April, so some of the postings had not yet been
posted. That was a projection, right? The only surplus I spoke of for the year 20242025 was a primary surplus, which means our income and expenditure minus our [revenue].”
However, the Budget communication makes no mention of a “primary surplus” - just a surplus - when it came to the Prime Minister’s April 2025 forecast of a $135.4m deficit. The Davis administration had previously sought to take cover behind the word “preliminary”, which the Prime Minister had used in referring to the forecast $135.4m April surplus when he disclosed it. It also blamed the significant variation between that figure and the $2.1m deficit outcome on “late postings by the Treasury, particularly related to interest expenses on Treasury Bills”, and suggested that it was “normal” for reconciliations between preliminary and final monthly fiscal data to occur.
Latrae Rahming, the Prime Minister’s communications director, said in a statement: “In the 2025-2026 Budget communication, it was made clear that the fiscal data presented for April 2025 was preliminary and subject to revision.
“The variance between the initial surplus estimate and the finalised figures is primarily the result of late postings by the Treasury, particularly related to interest expenses on Treasury Bills. This is a normal part
of the reconciliation process between preliminary and final monthly fiscal data.
“What remains most important is that all indicators continue to point toward the overall fiscal deficit for the full fiscal year, which ended on June 30, 2025, falling within the projected range of 0.3 to 0.7 percent of GDP, as communicated by the Prime Minister. The Government remains committed to sound fiscal management, accurate reporting and full transparency throughout the budgetary process.”
Fiscal observers, though, have already questioned the Government’s explanation that “late postings” of interest payments to investors holding its Treasury Bills was responsible for the $137.5m divergence - something repeated by Mr Davis yesterday. They pointed out that the Government’s interest, or debt servicing, costs - particularly the timing of such payments, how much and on which instruments - are known far in advance.
Thus, even if the interest payments had not been posted for April by the Public Treasury, they argued that officials would have known they were due and should have factored them into the monthly numbers and deficit calculations. The Government spent $86.2m on interest or debt servicing costs in April 2025, which is similar to the $85.4m outlay for the same month in 2024.
MCDONALD’S SAYS ITS FOCUS ON VALUE -- AND A MUSTHAVE MINECRAFT MEAL -- BOOSTED SECOND-QUARTER SALES
By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer
A FOCUS on value — along with hot products like a “Minecraft”-themed meal — helped McDonald’s turn around its sagging sales in the second quarter.
McDonald’s Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said Wednesday that the company’s McValue menu, which was introduced in January, is bringing some U.S. traffic back to its stores even as industrywide fast food visits have slowed. The menu lets customers buy one item for $1 when they buy a full-priced item, and it draws in different customers than McDonald’s $5 meal deal, Kempczinski said.
McDonald’s is also seeing a strong response to value meals in Europe and other regions, Kempczinski said.
But the company remains concerned about continuing declines in traffic from consumers with household incomes of $45,000 or less. Fast food visits by lowerincome consumers dropped
by double-digit percentages industrywide in the U.S. the April-June period.
Kempczinski said lowerincome consumers are feeling uneasy about tariffs and their impacts and about the employment outlook.
McDonald’s is talking with franchisees about ways to reengage those customers, he said.
“Too often, if you’re that consumer, you’re driving up to the restaurant and you’re seeing combo meals priced over $10. And that absolutely is shaping value perceptions in a negative way,” Kempczinski said Wednesday during a conference call with investors. “So we’ve got to get that fixed.” McDonald’s had a big win in April with a meal tied to “A Minecraft Movie,” which was offered in 100 countries, making it the company’s largest ever global campaign. McDonald’s said it sold out of its collectible figures in less than two weeks.
McDonald’s Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden said
Michael Pintard, the Opposition leader, also challenged the Government’s explanation in arguing that it had “only made the situation worse”.
“Simply put, given that the Ministry of Finance and the Public Treasury know the timing of all interest payments during the year, there is no way the debt servicing on Treasury Bills would not have been fully factored into any calculation of the deficit or surplus for any month,” he blasted.
One source familiar with the Government’s fiscal operations, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of the Public Treasury “late postings” explanation:
“That is a real weak excuse. It is laughably absurd. There is no way that, if the finance team was calculating the projected surplus or deficit for that month, would they leave out those interest payments.
“Interest is set. There are no fluctuations. Even if they are not yet posted they are one thing that you can mark your calendar by. It’s an absurd, sad, sad excuse. I can say without contradiction that the Public Treasury does cash flow projections every year on a month-by-month basis with specific peculiarity, and factored into that are all the known interest payments.
“You know the timing in advance. They know when they come due; whether it’s 180 days or 360 days. Even if they were not posted they would have known of them.”
chicken — including new products like McCrispy chicken strips in the U.S. and McWings in Australia — also boosted sales.
McDonald’s increased its chicken market share in each of its 10 biggest markets, Borden said. It was a far different story than the first quarter, when McDonald’s U.S. and global same-store sales slumped as both lower- and middle-income consumers cut back. Kempczkinski said visits from middle-income consumers improved in the second quarter. Some rivals didn’t fare as well in April-June period. Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, reported lower-than-expected revenue on Tuesday and said KFC’s same-store sales dropped 5% in the U.S. And last month, Chipotle lowered its full-year samestore sales guidance after a disappointing second quarter that saw same-store sales fall 4%.
McDonald’s said Wednesday its revenue rose 5% to $6.8 billion in the AprilJune period. That was higher than the $6.7 billion Wall Street forecast, according analysts polled by FactSet.
Disney’s 3Q profit climbs on strength of domestic parks, streaming; strikes deal with WWE
By MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer
DISNEY'S profit and revenue climbed in its fiscal third quarter as the entertainment company continued to add subscribers to its streaming service and see strength at its domestic theme parks.
It also raised its fullyear adjusted earnings forecast on Wednesday and announced a deal with WWE that will see the sports entertainment company's premium live events, like WrestleMania , streamed by ESPN.
The Walt Disney Co. earned $5.26 billion, or $2.92 per share, for the three months ended June 28. A year earlier it earned $2.62 billion, or $1.43 per share.
Excluding certain items, earnings were $1.61 per share. This easily beat the $1.46 per share analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research were looking for.
Revenue for the Burbank, California, company totaled $23.65 billion, falling slightly short of Wall Street's estimate of $23.68 billion.
Disney subsidiary ESPN struck a rights agreement with TKO Group's WWE to become the exclusive U.S. domestic streamer of the sports entertainment company's premium live events starting next year. Aside from gaining access to WrestleMania, ESPN will also air marquee events such as the Royal Rumble, SummerSlam and Survivor Series.
The wrestling events will be available on ESPN's new streaming service, which is set to launch next month, with select ESPN cable channels also airing them. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but The Wall Street Journal said that it's a fiveyear deal worth more than $1.6 billion.
"Sports is the big headline coming out of Disney's latest earnings report, and for good reason. Live sports programming (like WWE Premium Live Events) amasses captive audiences that advertisers crave, and Disney is prioritizing programming with the highest ad revenue potential," Mike Proulx, Forrester vice president, research director, said in an emailed statement. Last night the NFL announced that it had
entered into a nonbinding agreement with ESPN.
Under the terms, ESPN will acquire NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators and the league will get a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
Revenue for Disney Entertainment, which includes the company's movie studios and streaming service, edged up 1%, while revenue for the Experiences division, its parks, increased 8%.
Disney's direct-to-consumer business, which includes Disney+ and Hulu, posted quarterly operating income of $346 million compared with a loss of $19 million a year ago. Revenue climbed 6%.
The Disney+ streaming service had no change in
RUSSIA ASKS CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
TO REPLACE WAGNER WITH STATERUN AFRICA CORPS AND PAY FOR IT
By JEAN-FERNAND KOENA and MARK BANCHEREAU Associated Press
OFFICIALS in the Central African Republic have said that Russia has called on the country to replace the private Wagner mercenary group with Moscow's state-run Africa Corps and requested payment for further security services.
The Central African Republic's government has been reluctant to agree to Moscow's demands, because it sees Wagner as more effective and they prefer to pay for services with minerals, not in cash.
For years, Wagner has been in Central African Republic, where they are protecting President Faustin Archange Touadera and his government, and helped him win a 2023 constitutional referendum that could extend his power indefinitely. In exchange,
they've enjoyed access to the country's rich minerals, including gold.
But Russia has been trying to transition from Wagner to Africa Corps since Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was killed in a plane crash in 2023. The Wagner mercenaries were replaced earlier this year in Mali.
A Central African Republic military official told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the Russian deputy defense minister made the demands about a shift to Africa Corps and payment for its services earlier this year during several visits to the country.
The official said government authorities are reluctant to agree, because they believe the privaterun Wagner would be more effective than Africa Corps, which is under direct command of the Russian defense ministry.
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Wagner has "connections with the officers, are feared operationally and have the resources," said the official, who wasn't allowed to publicly discuss the matter so spoke on condition of anonymity.
The military official said that according to the Russian demands, the Central African Republic "must not only cover the costs of Africa Corps personnel, but also pay significant sums of money to Russia, amounting to billions of CFA francs (millions of dollars).
"But authorities in Bangui said they are unable to pay the amount," the official said. "Instead, they hope to compensate Russia with strategic and mineral resources, notably gold, uranium, and iron."
A senior Central African lawmaker with direct knowledge of the negotiations confirmed the
paid subscribers domestically, which includes the U.S. and Canada. There was a 2% rise internationally, which excludes Disney+ HotStar.
Total paid subscribers for Disney+ came to 128 million subscribers, up from 126 million in the second quarter.
Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions totaled 183 million, up 2.6 million from the second quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Disney anticipates that total Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions will increase more than 10 million compared with the third quarter, with most of the increase coming from Hulu due to the expanded Charter deal, CEO Bob Iger and Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said in prepared remarks.
The company expects a modest increase in the number of Disney+ subscribers in the fourth quarter. Iger and Johnston also said that Disney will stop reporting the number of paid subscribers for Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ streaming services because the metric has become less meaningful for evaluating the performance of its businesses. The company will stop reporting the metric for Disney+ and Hulu beginning with fiscal 2026's first quarter and will no longer report the figure for ESPN+ starting with fiscal 2025's fourth quarter.
The Experiences division, which includes Disney's six global theme parks, its cruise line, merchandise and video game licensing, reported operating income increased 13% to $2.52 billion. Operating income climbed 22% at domestic parks. Operating income declined 3% for international parks and Experiences.
Disney announced in May that it will build a seventh theme park in Abu Dhabi.
"We have more expansions underway around the world in our parks and experiences than at any other time in our history," Iger said in a statement.
"With ambitious plans ahead for all our businesses, we're not done building,
and we are excited for Disney's future."
For fiscal 2025, Disney now anticipates adjusted earnings of $5.85 per share. It previously predicted $5.75 per share. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expect full-year earnings of $5.80 per share.
While Disney continues to pull levers to successfully manage all of the different components of its business, it's also working on its search for a successor to Iger, the face of Disney for most of the past two decades.
Disney created a succession planning committee in 2023, but the search began in earnest last year when the company enlisted Morgan Stanley Executive Chairman James Gorman to lead the effort.
Disney does have some time, as Iger agreed to a contract extension that keeps him at the company through the end of 2026.
Disney is looking at internal and external candidates. The internal candidates are widely believed to include the chairman of Disneyowned ESPN, Jimmy Pitaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Josh D'Amaro, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Entertainment CoChairman Dana Walden. Shares of Disney declined more than 3% in morning trading.
demands by Russia to the AP.
"We discussed it, and the government needs to make proposals," said the lawmaker, who who wasn't authorized to talk to reporters about the issue so spoke on condition of anonymity.
There are also questions regarding the Kremlin's demand for payment. Both officials who spoke with the AP didn't mention a specific amount, but they suggested that it was too much for the country to pay.
Russia's Defense Ministry didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
NOTICE is hereby given that WISLER MICHEL of George Town, Exuma, Bahamas is 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 31st day of July, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
is 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 31st
The Central African Republic has been in conflict since 2013 when predominantly Muslim rebels seized power and forced the president from office. A 2019 peace deal was signed but six of the 14 armed groups involved in the deal withdrew from it. Wagner is credited for helping prevent the rebels from retaking the capital in 2021. Unlike Wagner, which fights rebels alongside government forces, Africa Corps is more focused on training and that could be a contentious issues for both countries, said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program
at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
"In Mali, they forced them to accept the change," Laessing said. "I don't think the Central African Republic has options since they chased away the Europeans."
France, the Central African Republic's former colonial ruler, had a significant military presence in the country since it's independence in 1960, but withdrew its last troops in 2022 after a fallout with authorities.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby
of
Balfour
that
The
is 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 31st day of July 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
STUFFED toys on display in the World of Disney store at Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Photo:John Raoux/AP
IN this image taken from video, President of the Central African Republic FaustinArchange Touadera arrives at a polling station in Bangui, Central African Republic, Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Photo:File/AP
PIERRE LOUIS of All Saints Road off Golden Isles, Nassau,
TRUMP'S PURSUIT OF MEETING WITH CHINESE LEADER
REVEALS THE COMPLEX WEB OF US-CHINA RELATIONS
By DIDI TANG Associated Press
CHINA, the adversary. China, the friend? These days, maybe a bit of both.
From easing export controls to reportedly blocking the Taiwanese president's plans to travel through the United States, President Donald Trump is raising eyebrows in Washington that he might offer concessions that could hurt U.S. interests in his quest to meet, and reach a deal with, the Chinese leader.
There is no firm plan for Trump to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. But it's widely believed that the men must meet in person, likely in the fall, for the two governments to ink a trade deal, and some are worried that Xi is leveraging Trump's desire for more giveaways. "The summit mismatch is real. There's a clear gap between Trump's eagerness for a face-to-face with Xi and Beijing's reluctance to engage," said Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank
Foundation for Defense of Democracies. There are concerns that Trump may throttle back on export controls or investment curbs to preserve summit prospects, Singleton said, warning the risk "isn't just in giving away too much" but also "in letting Beijing set the tempo." China-U.S. relations have pinballed often since Washington established relations with communist-led Beijing in 1979. They've hit highs and lows — the latter in the aftermath of the 1989 massacre of pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square, after a 2001 incident involving a U.S. spy plane, during the COVID pandemic and right now. Both countries have struggled to understand each other, which has sometimes gotten in the way of deeper partnerships.
And this time around, there's a wild card: the anything-might-happen second presidency of Trump.
Disputes often accompany potential US-China leader meetings
Efforts by a U.S. president to meet the head of the authoritarian Chinese government have often met with partisan outcries — which happened when former President Joe Biden hosted Xi in California in 2023. But Trump's case is peculiar, partly because he is willing to break with conventional political restraints to make deals and partly because his own party has grown hawkish towards China over national security.
"With President Trump, everything seems to be open for negotiation, and there are few if any red lines," said Gabriel Wildau, managing director of the global consultancy Teneo. "The hawks worry that if Trump gets into a room with Xi, he will agree to extraordinary concessions, especially if he believes that a big, beautiful deal is within reach."
While most Republican lawmakers have not voiced their concerns openly, Democrats are vocal in their opposition. "President Trump is giving away the farm to Xi just so he can save face and reach a nonsensical trade deal with Beijing that will hurt American families economically," said Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
On Tuesday, Kush Desai, a White House spokesman, said the Trump administration "has not wavered — and will never waver — in safeguarding our national and economic security to put America first."
"The administration continues to have productive conversations with China to address longstanding unfair trade practices," Desai said, adding that export controls on cutting-edge technology
Colo.
store
and many tariffs remain in place.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, after his latest round of trade negotiations with the Chinese in July, told CNBC that the team was "very careful to keep trade and national security separate." And Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appearing on Fox News Radio, said the U.S. remains "as committed as ever to our partners ... in places like Taiwan" but also spoke of the strategic need to keep trade ties with China steady.
"In the end, we have two big, the two largest economies in the world," Rubio said. "An all-out trade conflict between the U.S. and China, I think the U.S. would benefit from it in some ways, but the world would be hurt by it."
There's worry over Taiwan Taiwan is concerned that the self-governing island could be "trade-able" when Trump seeks a deal with Beijing, said Jason Hsu, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and a former legislator in Taiwan. "Our concern is that, will any of the trade deals lead to concession on political support for Taiwan?" Hsu said, citing the case last month where the White House allegedly blocked a request for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te to transit through the United States.
The U.S. maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and has always allowed such transits in the past. Experts are worried that the Trump administration is setting a bad precedent, and Democrats have seized on it to criticize Trump. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the top Democrat on the House Select Committee on China, called the move "both a sharp break from precedent and another example of the Trump administration caving to China in hopes of reaching a trade deal." He said the policy decision "sends a dangerous signal" that Taiwan's democracy is negotiable. Hsu said Taiwan fears that Trump could be coerced or compelled to support the one-China principle, as espoused by Beijing, that acknowledges Beijing's sovereignty claim over the island. There are also concerns that Trump might utter anything in support of "unification." That was a request Beijing raised with the Biden administration, though it failed to get a positive response. Now, it's upon Taiwan to persuade Trump to think of the island as "an economic partner rather than something that he can trade when he negotiates with China," Hsu said, suggesting that Taiwan step up defense commitments, increase energy procurement, open
its market to U.S. companies and invest more in the U.S.
But Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, said Trump is bound by the Taiwan Relations Act, a domestic law that obligates the U.S. to maintain an unofficial relationship with the island and provides it with sufficient hardware to deter any invasion by China.
"He can dial the (U.S.Taiwan) relationship up and down," Sun said, "but he can't remove the relationship."
Export controls have been instituted, to mixed results
In April, the White House, citing national security, announced it would restrict sales of Nvidia's H20 computer chips to China. The ban was lifted about three months later, when the two governments had climbed down from skyhigh tariffs and harsh trade restrictions.
The decision upset both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Rep. John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican who chairs the House Select Committee on China, wrote to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to stress that the U.S. cannot let the Chinese Communist Party "use American chips to train AI models that will power its military, censor its people, and undercut American innovation."
A PAIR of platform mule shoes and a bright blue bag are displayed at Apocalypse, a buy, sell and trade
in Boulder,
on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Photo:Nicky Andrews/AP
ECLECTICALLY styled mannequin heads are displayed at Apocalypse, a buy, sell and trade store in Boulder, Colo. on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
A rally for Apple leads Wall Street higher
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer
A RALLY for Apple led Wall Street higher on Wednesday as U.S. stocks reclaimed more of their sharp losses from last week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 81 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2%.
Apple alone accounted for more than a third of the S&P 500's gain. It rose 5.1% ahead of a White House event where it was expected to announced an increase to its U.S. investments of an additional $100 billion over the next four years.
Trading elsewhere on Wall Street was mixed following a jumble of profit reports. McDonald's and Shopify rose following their latest updates, while Super Micro Computer tumbled after its earnings and revenue came in below analysts' expectations. The Walt Disney Co. fell after its earnings beat forecasts but its revenue fell short Worries are still high that President Donald Trump's
tariffs may be hurting the economy, but hopes for coming cuts to interest rates by the Federal Reserve and a parade of stronger-thanexpected profit reports from U.S. companies have helped steady the market. Companies are under pressure to deliver bigger profits to justify the big gains their stock prices have made since the U.S. market hit a low point in April. The S&P 500 is only a bit below its record, which was set late last month, and the big rally fueled criticism that the broad market has become too expensive. McDonald's climbed 3% after reporting stronger profit and revenue for the spring than analysts expected. Offerings tied to the "Minecraft" movie proved to be a hit for the restaurant chain.
Shopify jumped 22% after the company, which helps businesses sell on the internet, said it made more in revenue last quarter than expected. Analysts also said the company's forecast for revenue in the current quarter suggests the strong trends are continuing.
CLAIRE’S, KNOWN FOR PIERCING MILLIONS OF TEENS’ EARS, FILES FOR CHAPTER 11, 2ND TIME SINCE 2018
By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO AP Retail Writer
MALL-BASED teen accessories retailer Claire's, known for helping to usher in millions of teens into an important rite of passage — ear piercing — but now struggling with a big debt load and changing consumer tastes, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Claire's Holdings LLC and certain of its U.S. and Gibraltar-based subsidiaries — collectively Claire's U.S., the operator of Claire's and Icing stores across the United States, made the filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware on Wednesday. That marked the second time since 2018 and for a similar reason: high debt load and the shift among teens heading online away from physical stores.
Claire's Chapter 11 filing follows the bankruptcies of
other teen retailers including Forever 21, which filed in March for bankruptcy protection for a second time and eventually closed down its U.S. business as traffic in U.S. shopping malls fades and competition from online retailers like Amazon, Temu and Shein intensifies.
Claire's, based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois and founded in 1974, said that its stores in North America will remain open and will continue to serve customers, while it explores all strategic alternatives. Claire's operates more than 2,750 Claire's stores in 17 countries throughout North America and Europe and 190 Icing stores in North America.
In a court filing, Claire's said its assets and liabilities range between $1 billion and $10 billion.
Arista Networks leaped 17.5% after the networking company delivered a bigger profit for the latest quarter than expected. Its forecast for revenue in the current quarter also topped forecasts.
They helped offset an 18.3% slump for Super Micro Computer, which gave back some of the huge gains the server maker has made recently. Super Micro came into the day with a nearly 88% gain for its stock so far this year, but it reported weaker profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave a forecast for profit in the current quarter that fell short of what Wall Street had penciled in. Disney dropped 2.7% after its profit beat forecasts but its revenue fell short.
Analysts said investors may have been looking for Disney to boost its profit forecast by a bigger amount.
The NFL also announced that it had entered into a nonbinding agreement with Disney's ESPN, which will give the sports broadcaster the NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to
distribute the RedZone channel. The NFL will get a 10% stake in ESPN in the proposed deal.
Chip company Advanced Micro Devices fell 6.4% after its profit for the latest quarter only matched analysts' expectations. Analysts said the company's financial forecasts for upcoming results also looked solid, but that may not have been enough for investors after its stock had already soared 44.3% for the year so far coming into the day.
"This decision is difficult, but a necessary one," Chris Cramer, CEO of Claire's, said in a press release issued Wednesday. "Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire's and its stakeholders."
All told, the S&P 500 rose 45.87 points to 6,345.06. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 81.38 to 44,193.12, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 252.87 to 21,169.42. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 4.22%, where it was late Tuesday. It's well below where it was last week, before Friday's weakerthan-expected report on the U.S. job market ignited
Like many retailers, Claire's was also struggling with higher costs tied to President Donald Trump's tariff plans, analysts said. Cramer said that the company remains in "active discussions" with potential strategic and financial partners. He noted that the company remains committed to serving its customers and partnering with its suppliers and landlords in other regions. Claire's also intends to continue paying employees' wages and benefits, and it will seek approval to use cash collateral to support its operations.
NOTICE
TRAPIA LTD.
Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Registration Number 210089 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)
Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 1st day of August, A.D. 2025.
Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The Liquidator is Mrs. SANDRA PAULA RODRIGUES DE SOUZA, whose address is RUA ADERBAL MAIA PAIVA, S/N - Q 254 L 422, 58046527, BRAZIL. Any Persons having a Claim against the above-named Company are required on or before the 2nd day of September A.D. 2025 to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is proved.
Dated this 1st day of August A.D. 2025.
SANDRA PAULA RODRIGUES DE SOUZA LIQUIDATOR
worries that Trump's tariffs are pushing employers to hold back on hiring. That report has traders on Wall Street betting heavily that the Federal Reserve will need to cut interest rates at its next meeting in September. Such cuts can give the economy and investments prices a boost, but they also can push inflation higher. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose modestly across much of Europe and Asia.
Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, a research firm, noted in a note published Wednesday Claire's bankruptcy filing comes as "no real surprise." "The chain has been swamped by a cocktail of problems, both internal and external, that made it impossible to stay afloat," he wrote.
Tachaka Mullings and Magdaline Carey LIQUIDATORS c/o Corvalier Trust Company (Bahamas) Limited Pineapple House #4 Lyford Cay P.O. Box SP-64284 Nassau, Bahamas NOTICE
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act (as amended), NOTICE is hereby given that ISA Company Limited has been dissolved and has been struck from the Register with effect from 7 July 2025.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:
(a) First Bahamas Title Insurance Agency Limited intends to wind-up its business under the provisions of the Insurance Act, 2005.
(b) First Bahamas Title Insurance Agency Limited will make application to the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas on September 24, 2025, for the Company to be voluntarily wound up.
Registered Agent for the above-named
TRADER Vincent Napolitano works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Photo:Richard Drew/AP
Trump to put additional 25% import taxes on India, bringing combined tariffs to 50%
By JOSH BOAK, RAJESH ROY and FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press
PRESIDENT Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to place an additional 25% tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil, bringing the combined tariffs imposed by the United States on its ally to 50%.
The tariffs would go into effect 21 days after the signing of the order, meaning that both India and Russia might have time to negotiate with the administration on the import taxes.
Trump's moves could scramble the economic trajectory of India, which until recently was seen as an alternative to China by American companies looking to relocate their manufacturing. China also buys oil from Russia, but it was not included in the order signed by the Republican president.
As part of a negotiating period with Beijing, Trump has placed 30% tariffs on goods from China, a rate that is smaller than the combined import taxes with which he has threatened New Delhi.
Trump had previewed for reporters Tuesday that the tariffs would be coming.
During an event in the Oval Office Wednesday with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump affirmed the 50% tariff number, not giving a specific answers as to whether additional tariffs on India would be dropped if there were a deal between Russia and Ukraine.
"We'll determine that later," Trump said. "But right now they're paying a 50% tariff."
The White House said Wednesday that Trump could meet in person with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as next week as he seeks to broker an end to the war.
The Indian government on Wednesday called the additional tariffs "unfortunate."
"We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, adding that India would take all actions necessary to protect its interests.
Jaiswal said India has already made its stand clear that the country's imports were based on market factors and were part of an overall objective of ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
Ajay Srivastava, a former Indian trade official, said the latest tariff places the country among the most heavily taxed U.S. trading partners and far above rivals such as China, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
"The tariffs are expected to make Indian goods far costlier with the potential to cut exports by around 40%50% to the U.S.," he said.
Srivastava said Trump's decision was "hypocritical" because China bought more
Russian oil than India did last year.
"Washington avoids targeting Beijing because of China's leverage over critical minerals which are vital for U.S. defense and technology," he said.
In 2024, the U.S. ran a $45.8 billion trade deficit in goods with India, meaning America imported more from India than it exported, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. American consumers and businesses buy pharmaceutical drugs, precious stones and textiles and apparel from India, among other goods.
As the world's largest country, India represented a way for the U.S. to counter China's influence in Asia. But India has not supported the Ukraine-related sanctions by the U.S. and its allies on Moscow even as India's leaders have maintained that they want peace.
The U.S. and China are currently in negotiations on trade, with Washington imposing a 30% tariff on Chinese goods and facing a 10% retaliatory tax from Beijing on American products.
The planned tariffs on India contradict past efforts by the Biden administration and other nations in the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations that encouraged India to buy cheap Russian oil through a price cap imposed in 2022. The nations collectively capped Russian oil a $60 per barrel at a time when prices in the market were meaningfully higher.
The intent was to deprive the Kremlin of revenue to fund its war in Ukraine, forcing the Russian government either to sell its oil at a discount or divert money for a costly alternative shipping network.
The price cap was rolled out to equal parts skepticism and hopefulness that the policy would stave off Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
The cap has required shipping and insurance companies to refuse to handle oil shipments above the cap, though Russia has been able to evade the cap by shipping oil on a "shadow fleet" of old vessels using insurers and trading companies located in countries that are not enforcing sanctions.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES APPLE INVESTING ANOTHER $100 BILLION IN US MANUFACTURING
By JOSH BOAK Associated Press
CEO Tim Cook
APPLE
joined President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to announce a commitment by the tech company to increase its investment in U.S. manufacturing by an additional $100 billion over the next four years.
"This is a significant step toward the ultimate goal of ensuring that iPhones sold in the United States of America also are made in America," Trump said at the press conference.
"Today's announcement is one of the largest commitments in what has become among the greatest investment booms in our nation's history."
As part of the Apple announcement, the investments will be about bringing more of its supply chain and advanced manufacturing to the United States as part of an initiative called the American Manufacturing Program, but it is not a full commitment to build its popular iPhone device domestically.
"This includes new and expanded work with 10 companies across America. They produce components — semiconductor chips included — that are used in Apple products sold all over the world, and we're grateful to the President for his support," Cook said in a statement announcing the investment.
The new manufacturing partners include Corning, Coherent, Applied Materials, Texas Instruments and Broadcom among others.
Apple had previously said it intended to invest $500 billion domestically, a figure it will now increase to $600 billion. Trump in recent months has criticized the tech company and Cook for efforts to shift iPhone production to India to avoid the tariffs his Republican administration had planned for China.
While in Qatar earlier this year, Trump said there was "a little problem" with the Cupertino, California, company and recalled a conversation with Cook in which he said he told the
CEO, "I don't want you building in India." India has incurred Trump's wrath, as the president signed an order Wednesday to put an additional 25% tariff on the world's most populous country for its use of Russian oil. The new import taxes to be imposed in 21 days could put the combined tariffs on Indian goods at 50%.
Apple's new pledge comes just a few weeks after it forged a $500 million deal with MP Materials, which runs the only rare earths producer in the country. That agreement will enable MP Materials to expand a factory in Texas to use recycled materials to produce magnets that make iPhones vibrate.
Speaking on a recent investors call, Cook emphasized that "there's a load of different things done in the United States." As examples, he cited some of the iPhone components made in the U.S. such as the device's glass display and module for identifying people's faces and then indicated the company was gearing to expand its productions of other components in its home country.
"We're doing more in this country, and that's on top of having roughly 19 billion chips coming out of the US now, and we will do more," Cook told analysts last week, without elaborating.
News of Apple's latest investment in the U.S. caused the company's stock price to surge by 5% in Wednesday's midday trading. That gain reflects investors' relief that Cook "is extending an olive branch" to the Trump administration, said Nancy Tengler, CEO of money manager Laffer Tengler Investments, which owns Apple stock. Despite Wednesday's upturn, Apple's shares are still down by 15% this year, a reversal of fortune that has also been driven by the company's botched start in the pivotal field of artificial intelligence.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, right, speaks with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington.
Photo:Ben Curtis/AP
PRESIDENT Donald Trump makes an announcement about Apple with Apple CEO Tim Cook in the Oval Office, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Washington. Photo:Alex Brandon/AP
Trump once hailed mRNA vaccines as a ‘medical miracle.’ Now RFK Jr. is halting advancement
By AMANDA SEITZ Associated Press
PRESIDENT Donald Trump hailed as a "medical miracle" the mRNA vaccines developed to combat the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Now, his health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is effectively halting the vaccine technology's advancement. Kennedy announced Tuesday that the federal government is canceling $500 million worth of mRNA research development contracts, putting an end to U.S.-backed hopes for the vaccine technology to prevent future pandemics, treat cancer or prevent flu infections.
It's a sharp pivot from how Trump and top officials described the technology during his first term.
Here's a look at what Trump and some of his closest advisers have said about mRNA vaccines that were credited with slowing the pandemic five years ago.
Robert Redfield, Trump's director of the Centers for Disease Control
"A COVID-19 vaccine is the thing that will get Americans back to normal everyday life," said Redfield, in a Sept. 16, 2020, statement.
Americans were still donning face masks as one of the few ways of protecting themselves from a virus that had killed nearly 200,000 in just over six months. Redfield promised that the new vaccines — developed for the first time using mRNA technology — would offer a return to normalcy.
Trump wanted to make sure Biden didn't get credit "Don't let Joe Biden take credit for the vaccines ... because the vaccines were me, and I pushed people harder than they've ever been pushed before .. The vaccines are — there are those that say it's one of the greatest things. It's a medical miracle." Trump said
on Nov. 26, 2020, during a news conference in the White House.
Weeks earlier, Trump had lost the election in a bitter race against Democrat Joe Biden. As the Republican grappled with leaving Washington and continued to plan for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, he reminded reporters that he oversaw the development of the new shots.
"They say it's somewhat of a miracle and I think that's true," Trump said on Dec. 8, 2020, during a speech at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The event celebrated "Operation Warp Speed," the government-funded project that accelerated vaccine development with pharmaceutical companies.
Trump was promoting the shots as the government prepared to offer them to frontline health workers.
Trump's first-term health secretary, Alex Azar
"It's clear that many Americans are learning these vaccines are safe and extraordinarily effective," Azar said on Dec. 16, 2020, at a news conference.
The government was shipping out mRNA vaccines to states, preparing to distributed it to the masses. Azar noted that a vast majority of Americans — between 70% to 80%, according to polls — intended to get the new COVID-19 vaccine that would be available to the public in the coming months.
Gen. Gusave Perna, Trump's chief operating officer for pandemic response
"It takes somewhere between five and 10 years to put a vaccine on the street. Look what we did. Now, that's because of the great work of the scientists who had done the research on mRNA vaccines and others because of industry working on this, they just didn't
wake up one day and start working on it," Perna said during a podcast interview that aired on May 9, 2023. Reflecting in an interview about his time overseeing "Operation Warp Speed,"
Perna credited the mRNA technology with the government's ability to get shots in arms mere months after the pandemic started claiming lives in the U.S. in 2020.
Trump supporters boo his vaccine accomplishments "Take credit because we saved tens of millions of lives. Take credit. Don't let them take that away from you," Trump said on Dec.
19, 2021 during a live interview with former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly. Daily COVID-19 deaths had ticked down to 1,500 compared to 3,000 from a year earlier after Americans began receiving their first doses of the mRNA vaccines.
Trump revealed to O'Reilly and the audience that he had just gotten a COVID-19 booster.
