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Thursday, augusT 20, 2026

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Abaco Farmers Association set sights on supplying half the country’s food

BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net ABACO farmers are pushing for a larger role in national food security, with the island’s newly-formed farmers association setting its sights on significantly increasing local production and eventually supplying up to half of the country’s food.

Nick Miaoulis, president of the Abaco Farmers Association (AFA), said the group’s goal is to bring commercial farmers, small growers, backyard producers and aspiring farmers together to strengthen the agricultural sector and make it a larger economic pillar.

“Without an association, it’s going to be almost impossible for agriculture to move forward. All the farmers need to collaborate, hold hands, share information and collect data.

All of that is important, just

Association targets agriculture’s economic growth Farmers seek technology boost for agriculture Youth urged to drive farming’s future like you run a business. Farming is a business,” said Mr Miaoulis.

The AFA was formally established on August 4 and is seeking to create a stronger collective voice for farmers while improving access to agricultural machinery, inputs, technical training, markets and development opportunities.

Mr Miaoulis said the association wants farmers of all sizes to work together rather than address the sector’s challenges individually.

“If we can really get this going and get the backyard, small, medium-sized and big farmers all on board and hold hands, this can be very successful,” he said.

The association is also exploring ways to improve access to tractors and other agricultural machinery, which can represent a significant cost for individual farmers seeking to clear land, prepare fields and expand production.

Mr Miaoulis said greater cooperation could help farmers overcome some of those barriers while allowing the industry to expand.

The AFA is also developing its Ready-to-Grow Backyard Farming Programme, which is intended to encourage households to grow more of their own food using established vegetable seedlings

that can be taken home and transplanted.

The programme is being developed around the message “Take It Home. Plant It Today. Grow Food for Your Family” and the association plans to seek grant funding and partnerships to help subsidise starter kits.

Mr Miaoulis said the push to increase local production would take time but argued that steady progress could produce significant results over the long term.

“If we can supply 50 percent of our food, that is a huge success. And everybody has to be patient. It’s not going to happen overnight. But if every year we could take a step in the right direction, in 10 short years we could have better quality food and we’d be feeding our people,” he said.

He also criticised the quality of some imported food

THE BAHAMAS National Alliance Trade Union Congress (BNATUC) has urged the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) to return to the negotiating table with livery operators to resolve their escalating dispute, but taxi union president Tyrone Butler has flatly rejected the appeal, insisting livery drivers must first comply with the law.

Belinda Wilson, BNATUC president, said yesterday that

the union remains convinced there is a workable path forward for both taxi and livery drivers and called on the BTCU to resume discussions with the Bahamas Livery Drivers Union.

Her appeal comes as tensions between the two sectors continue to threaten disruption to the tourism industry, with the BTCU having renewed its threat of industrial action over the presence and operations of livery drivers at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

Crawfish exporters brace for tariff impact

BY ANNELIA NIXON TRIBUNE BUSINESS REPORTER anixon@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN fisherman left a meeting with the Minister responsible for agriculture and fisheries feeling confident that the government will do all they can to reduce the US tariffs that has been placed on exports.

Chuck Pinder, a commercial fishing industry representative, said he left a recent meeting with Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell confident that the

government was treating the tariff as a priority and would push for relief on behalf of fishermen.

“We had a meeting on the phone,” Mr Pinder said. “The minister was very obliging. He was very focused on seeing that they worked on these tariffs that The Bahamas is now being charged by the United States to see if they could get them back down to where they were.

“He promised me that on the fishermen’s behalf, this is just one of the top agendas that he is in the

EXPORTS - See Page B3

Cooper ‘won’t be happy’ until Scotiabank ATM issues in Exuma are resolved

BY ANNELIA NIXON TRIBUNE BUSINESS REPORTER anixon@tribunemedia.net SCOTIABANK has committed to resolving persistent ATM problems in Exuma, with the Deputy Prime Minister and MP for the island stating he will not be satisfied until the island’s machines are reliably operational.

Chester Cooper said he has been in “active dialogue” with Scotiabank chief executive Roger Archer over the island’s deteriorating banking access and is encouraged by recent movement from the bank.

CHESTER COOPER “I’m satisfied that there is now some movement,” Mr Cooper said.

“I will not be happy until the ATMs are working clearly. The people of Exuma deserve better quality service than it’s

ATMS - See Page B4

“The Bahamas Livery Drivers Union is an affiliate of the Bahamas National Alliance Trade Union Congress,” Ms Wilson said. “Last year, the BNATUC attended a series of meetings with livery and the taxi unions. We met with stakeholders from road traffic, NAD, the airport authority, and we discussed the concerns of both unions.”

She said a steering committee was subsequently established with representatives from the BNATUC, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), Road

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Govt crop insurance initiative welcomed by farming association Farmers struggle to secure agricultural financing Abaco farmer urges stronger local food demand Crop losses threaten farmers’ ability to recover

BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Traffic, the airport authority, the taxi union and the livery union.

According to Ms Wilson, the committee was presented with a written proposal from the Bahamas Livery Drivers Union aimed at improving

A LONGTIME Abaco farmer said crop insurance could help unlock much-needed financing for Bahamian farmers, who say the lack of insurance coverage has been one of the major obstacles to expanding agriculture.

Nick Miaoulis, president of the Abaco Farming Association, said the industry is optimistic about the government’s exploration of crop insurance, stressing the initiative could have an impact far beyond protecting farmers from hurricane and weather-related losses.

Speaking to Tribune Business, Mr Miaoulis said it is “crazy” that farmers like himself have been operating for more than 30 years without insurance coverage while maintaining operations through decades of natural disasters.

“It’s very important for farmers to have insurance. We can all come under one umbrella to where we can afford it. I’ve been farming for 33 years without insurance. That’s crazy,” he said.

His comments come as the government explores a crop insurance programme aimed at giving farmers greater confidence to expand production, particularly given the Bahamas’ exposure to hurricanes and other weather risks.

Mr Miaoulis said the issue is not simply the loss of a crop following a major storm, noting that a severe weather event can also leave producers without the capital needed to replant and continue operating, creating another barrier to agricultural expansion.

He said strong collaboration between farmers and government will be essential if the sector is to make up lost ground.

TRANSPORT - See Page B4

FARMERS - See Page B3

ABACO - See Page B3

Taxi Cab Union rejects appeal by TUC to return to negotiating table

BY ANNELIA NIXON TRIBUNE BUSINESS REPORTER anixon@tribunemedia.net

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BELINDA WILSON

PAGE 2, Thursday, August 20, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

More economic support needed for senior citizens, says Carey A BAHAMIAN businessman is calling for greater economic support for senior citizens, warning that rising healthcare, insurance and living costs are encouraging more Bahamians to spend their retirement years overseas.

Mario Carey, president and chief executive of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate MCR Bahamas, said countries including Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica and Portugal are increasingly competing for retirees by offering lower living costs, healthcare benefits and discounts, while The Bahamas remains an expensive place for seniors to live.

“For the first time in our history, we are witnessing an exodus of Bahamian

citizens and long-term residents who are finding that it is not better in The Bahamas when you get older,” said Mr Carey.

“They are exploring options and taking up residence in places like Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica and Portugal where the cost of living is lower and the benefits are greater.”

His comments come as the Government considers the Older Persons Rights, Protection and Care Bill 2026, proposed legislation that would divide responsibility for older persons between the Ministry of Social Services and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Mr Carey said the proposed legislation is a starting point but does not

go far enough in addressing the financial pressures facing older Bahamians, particularly the cost and availability of health insurance.

“The Bill is a very basic starting point. It pays lip service to ideas like ‘motivated by a genuine concern’ but it does not address the economic realities including how hard it is for older people to maintain health insurance because the premiums keep climbing and the pension funds from National Insurance don’t begin to cover living expenses,” he said.

Mr Carey is also calling for changes to exchange-control rules that he said restrict Bahamians’ ability to purchase insurance overseas.

Student’s plan to turn coffeeprocessing waste into alternative to conventional packaging A BAHAMIAN agriculture student is among three semifinalists in an international sustainability competition after helping develop biodegradable packaging made from coffee-processing waste.

Aaron John, a 2017 graduate of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine

Science Institute (BAMSI), and fellow Agricultural Engineering student Heran Mekonnen Gebrewahid of Ethiopia are developing Bereka BioPacks, a venture that aims to transform coffee pulp into environmentally friendly packaging products.

The pair, who are studying at EARTH University in Costa Rica, advanced from an initial field of 16 student businesses to the final three in the university's Sustainability Prize Program.

Mr John said reaching the semifinal stage was an encouraging sign that the

“We should not have exchange control over health insurance,” he said. “We should have the freedom and the right to purchase health or life insurance without interference from regulators.

We can purchase an automobile, a TV set, send our children off to school abroad. Why are we not able to acquire insurance coverage if we can buy everything else we need where we want to? I would like to see that right added to the pending legislation.”

Mr Carey said the issue is becoming more pressing as older Bahamians face higher medical costs, rising insurance premiums and pension income that may not keep pace with their expenses.

“The older we get, the more our medical costs increase,” he said. “For many people, that becomes ever more difficult to afford.

We see the challenges faced by our public healthcare facilities and the lengthy waiting times for patients, while we see what seems to be the ever rising costs of private healthcare.”

He said those pressures can leave retirees with few options once they stop earning employment income.

“Your NIB payment is hardly enough to cover anything, you don’t have your career or job revenue, your insurance rates skyrocket or you may be cancelled or not qualify if you are no longer employed,” said Mr Carey.

“Meantime, your medical expenses increase, health

concept has commercial potential.

The venture is based on a circular economy model, seeking to convert agricultural waste into raw material for new products instead of allowing it to be discarded.

The team plans to test the material for strength, durability, moisture resistance, biodegradability, manufacturability and cost before deciding which products offer the greatest commercial potential. Proposed applications include food containers, seedling trays, protective packaging and biodegradable sheets.

Initially, the project is focused on Ethiopia's coffee industry, drawing on Mr Gebrewahid's knowledge

of the country's coffee sector.

However, the students believe the technology could eventually be adapted for use in other coffee-producing countries.

The next stage of the competition includes a US$1,000 development allowance and mentorship while the team continues refining the product over the next year before finalists are selected.

Mr John, who enrolled at EARTH University in 2023 and is expected to graduate in 2027, credited his education at BAMSI with shaping his interest in agricultural engineering and sustainability.

He said he believes similar value-added approaches could be applied in The

MARIO CAREY insurance rates can climb so high you cannot even afford to maintain it. You are too old to borrow money from the bank so you are strapped.”

Mr Carey also pointed to accessibility as another challenge for older people, particularly those with mobility issues.

“We do not ensure that rules on accessibility are followed. Getting around with a cane or in a wheelchair is incredibly difficult with the lack of ramps and elevators,” he said.

SENIORS - See Page B4

Bahamas to reduce agricultural waste while creating new business opportunities.

"I personally believe that these concepts of adding value to agricultural by-products can easily be applied to The Bahamas so that as Bahamians we can add value to our rapidly expanding agriculture sector while minimizing the waste produced," he said.

BAMSI president Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna said Mr John's achievements demonstrate how agricultural education can lead to innovation beyond traditional farming and encourage students to develop practical solutions to environmental challenges.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 20, 2026, PAGE 3

Island entrepreneurs targeted for business support support for the initiative, which is designed to expand access to business training, advisory services and funding opportunities for Family Island entrepreneurs.

“Back to Da’ Island” will be implemented in three cohorts across participating islands. The first cohort includes entrepreneurs from: Bimini, Berry Islands, San Salvador, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Cat Island, Ragged Island and Long Cay The initiative aims to provide expert-led virtual

training, personalised support from Island Advisors and opportunities for participants to apply for grant funding to help grow and strengthen their businesses.

Also in attendance was the Member of Parliament for Bimini and Berry Islands, who addressed the gathering and reaffirmed his support for economic development in the Family Islands.

“As your Member of Parliament, this is one of the greatest joys, to be able to serve you people,” he said.

“And as a Member of Parliament, it is my job also to create opportunities, not for one set of people, but for every single person, and that is what we intend to do — create opportunities for every single person.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of SBDC Bahamas, Executive Director Samantha L Rolle emphasised the importance of ensuring entrepreneurs in the Family Islands have equitable access to the tools and resources needed to succeed.

“We’ve come to the island of Bimini to launch the Back to Da’ Island initiative,” she said. “This initiative was designed specifically for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout our Family Islands. It represents a commitment to move beyond simply talking about inclusion and towards providing the dedicated, practical

Food security depends on buying local

also need access to grants and other forms of capital because traditional bank financing remains difficult to secure for agriculture.

“There are many grants out there that we can go after, as a co-op instead of begging the banks because the banks ain’t gonna lend money for agriculture,” he said.

He said the challenge is particularly significant in a country exposed to hurricanes, where agricultural lending carries risks that farmers may struggle to absorb on their own.

“The fact of the matter is, we live in a hurricane zone, right?” he said.

Mr Miaoulis stressed that the potential economic benefits extend beyond

the farm itself, arguing that greater domestic production could strengthen food security and reduce the country’s reliance on imported food.

“Globally, food security is a global issue. It’s not just our little issue, but quality of food, we can manufacture. We can produce in this country. We can grow, we can grow, we can feed ourselves,” he said.

However, he warned that increased production will mean little if farmers cannot find buyers for what they grow.

Using mangoes as an example, he said Abaco farmers experienced an abundance of the fruit this year but struggled to get

hotels and restaurants to purchase the local crop.

“If you came to Abaco and you went to the hotel, and you order a mango drink, a mango fruit bunch, or daiquiri, that’s not a mango from Abaco,” he said.

“That comes out of a carton, okay. Imported.”

He said local farmers had so many mangoes that they had to puree and freeze the fruit because they could not secure sufficient demand from hotels and restaurants.

“We need everybody to buy local, all right,” he said.

The same issue, he argued, applies to other agricultural products, pointing to the need for further investment in processing and other infrastructure.

He cited Eleuthera’s pineapple industry as an example, arguing that the island should have a pineapple juicing plant to create another commercial outlet for locally grown produce.

“The pineapples, in Eleuthera, organized correctly, should have a pineapple juicing plant,” he said.

The broader message, he said, is that farmers will be reluctant to invest in increasing production if they cannot be confident that a market exists.

“Yeah, we can grow a lot of things in this country, and people are not going to go into farming if there’s no market. If we don’t get the local support.”

buyers return to the market and seek supplies for domestic sales as well as exports.

“That 12.5 percent tariff can mean a lot at the end of the day,” he said, comparing the potential impact to the way seemingly modest increases in duties can ultimately translate into much larger price increases for consumers.

The government has been seeking an exemption for Bahamian crawfish and stone crab exports while also attempting to negotiate a reduction in the overall tariff rate.

Minister Campbell recently said The Bahamas was seeking to return to the 10 percent rate that existed before July 24, noting that the country was among more than 60 nations engaged in broader discussions with the United States over the tariff measures.

Mr Campbell said Prime Minister Philip Davis, Economic Affairs Minister Jerome Fitzgerald and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell have been involved in efforts to address the issue, while the government also plans to seek another meeting with US Ambassador Herschel Walker to present The Bahamas’ position.

For the fishing industry, however, the consequences of the tariff may not become clear immediately.

Keith Carroll, another industry representative, said buyers are unlikely to determine the full effect on their operations until they begin shipping under the new tariff.

“We wouldn’t feel effects from this until probably in the middle of September when the buyers start to ship, and they will know what it will cost them,” Mr Carroll said.

He said fish houses could ultimately choose different ways to deal with the additional cost, including absorbing some of the loss or passing some of it back to fishermen.

“Fish houses, sometimes they absorb the loss,” Mr Carroll said. “Sometimes they probably pass it on to the fishermen. But we wouldn’t know none of this until, like I say, until the

end of the month or middle next month, middle of September.”

Mr Pinder said he remained optimistic following his discussion with Mr Campbell, saying the minister appeared committed to securing a resolution.

“I had a very good conversation with the minister this morning, and I am well pleased with his response to

me on this matter,” he said.

“And I do think that they will try their best to rectify the situation.”

With the crawfish season now underway, the industry will be closely watching both the government’s negotiations with the US and the response of international buyers as the higher tariff begins to filter through the export market.

BY ANNELIA NIXON TRIBUNE BUSINESS REPORTER anixon@tribunemedia.net THE SMALL Business Development Centre (SBDC) Bahamas officially launched its “Back to Da’ Island” Family Island initiative during a community event held on August 13, at Resorts World Bimini.

The launch brought together Bimini residents, entrepreneurs, community leaders and stakeholders, reflecting strong local

FARMERS - from page B1 “We’re trying to build momentum. It’s very important that we keep it up,” he said.

“We want to work with government. We don’t want to fight government. I don’t care who’s in power. We will work with any Administration, okay, and I feel that this current minister of agriculture is really trying his best. But we have to work as a team. We have to hold hands and move forward because we have a lot of catching up to do.”

He pointed to the country’s agricultural history as evidence of the potential for greater domestic production, arguing that rebuilding the sector will require farmers to return to the basics of production while creating the commercial structures needed to support them.

“You realize, you realize over 70 years ago we produced more than we do today,” he said. “So we need to get back to basics of farming.”

He said, in addition to access to insurance, farmers

Fisherman confident tariff relief efforts underway EXPORTS - from page B1 middle of seeing through, and they are working on this diligently to make this happen.”

Mr Pinder said the tariff should not be viewed simply as a cost to be absorbed by exporters, warning that the increased expense could ultimately affect what fishermen are paid for their catch.

“I walked away with Minister Campbell believing that he will very much so try his best to work on behalf of the commercial fishermen of The Bahamas to see that we fix this 12.5 percent tariff,” he said.

Commercial fishermen are warning that the full impact of the United States’ 12.5 percent tariff on Bahamian seafood exports could eventually be felt throughout the crawfish industry, despite some fishermen initially viewing the measure as a cost that would fall primarily on fish houses.

The warning comes as the government continues efforts to persuade the US to reduce the tariff to the 10 percent rate that applied to Bahamian exports before July 24, when the higher levy took effect.

He said some fishermen believe the tariff would

have little direct effect on them because fish houses, rather than fishermen, handle the exports. However, Mr Pinder said that view overlooks the way costs move through the seafood supply chain.

“What they need to realise and remember is they can’t expect to get the same price if the buyer is having to pay this 12.5 percent,” he said. “And they also need to understand the buyers that buy these crawfish tails will look for a different market if the price from the Bahama tail is too big.”

The timing of the tariff is particularly important because The Bahamas’ crawfish industry operates across several international markets and seasonal demand cycles.

Mr Pinder said European buyers are typically an important market for Bahamian lobster tails between August and November, when demand increases ahead of the Christmas season.

“From August until November has been the Europeans buy our lobster tail because … they celebrate with lobster,” he said.

According to Mr Pinder, US demand becomes increasingly important after November, when American

Growers target bigger local food role ABACO - from page B1 products, arguing that greater domestic production would give Bahamians more control over the food being consumed locally.

“We’ve got a better quality product than what they’re shipping here. They send us seconds and thirds.

Now we know what our food is, at least, and we can supply it,” sais Mr Miaoulis.

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The association has identified youth participation as another priority, with Mr Miaoulis arguing that the future of agriculture will depend increasingly on technology, data and business skills.

“We need young people who have that technology skill. I’m in my 70s. My wife is in her 70s. We’re in our early 70s. We need data collection with technology.

That is very important. We

need young people. It’s just not planting a seed,” he said.

The AFA intends to work with the Government, agricultural agencies, private businesses, educational institutions and other partners as it develops its programmes and seeks to expand participation in agriculture.

Mr Miaoulis said the association ultimately wants to help position agriculture as a meaningful contributor to the economy while strengthening Abaco’s ability to feed its own communities and contribute to national food security.

The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story.

assistance necessary to help businesses launch, grow and become sustainable.”

“I truly, sincerely, with all of my heart, believe in the potential and the support that is needed and required for Family Islands.”

Ms Rolle noted that “Back to Da’ Island” represents a strategic investment in local talent, innovation and sustainable economic growth, particularly in communities where small businesses play a vital role in employment and community development.

“The Back to Da’ Island initiative is not just another programme,” she said. “It represents a new approach to how we think about entrepreneurship and economic participation across our archipelago. It says that where you live should not limit what you can build. It says that entrepreneurs in our smallest and most remote communities

deserve the same opportunity to develop their ideas, strengthen their businesses and access meaningful assistance.”

The event also featured participation from other community leaders and stakeholders, who welcomed the initiative and encouraged residents to take advantage of the opportunities it presents.

“Back to Da’ Island” forms part of SBDC Bahamas’ continued commitment to strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) throughout The Bahamas, with a special focus on increasing support for entrepreneurs in the Family Islands.

Applications for the first cohort are currently open, with training scheduled to begin later this month.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

NO JOBS TOO BIG OR SMALL Mr Adderley -Tel: 826-0482

PAGE 4, Thursday, August 20, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Exuma businesses struggle with limited banking ATMS - from page B1 getting from Scotiabank in particular.”

His comments follow Scotiabank’s announcement that it is working with a telecommunications provider to make alternative cash machines available in Exuma after public access to its ATM at Sandals Emerald Bay was restricted.

The bank also said it was engaging Sandals Emerald Bay in an effort to reach an agreement over access to the ATM. Mr Cooper said the issue is bigger than inconvenience for individual customers, arguing that reliable banking infrastructure is essential to economic activity on the island.

“Ultimately, banking is a key plank in the overall economy, and it’s really a service that’s not optional to economic development or development of the community,” he said.

“Therefore, I’m happy that the powers that be are now alert to the problem and doing something about it.”

The problems have left residents and businesses dependent on a limited number of functioning machines. Scotiabank’s two other ATMs on Exuma had reportedly been out of service for months, while the restriction at Sandals further reduced access to cash.

For businesses, the lack of reliable ATM access can create practical difficulties, particularly for those that

BNATUC urges taxi livery dispute talks TRANSPORT - from page B1 the transportation system and addressing concerns raised by both industries.

The proposal included colour coding to distinguish taxis from livery vehicles, the establishment of a help desk and call-up system, designated parking spaces, greater Road Traffic oversight and NAD greeters, among other measures.

“This proposal was to assist with the improvement of the transportation sector,” Ms Wilson said.

She said the discussions continued when the BNATUC and livery union met with former Transport and Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis, where they raised concerns including the oversaturation of the transportation industry. Ms Wilson said the BNATUC believed progress was being made until the taxi union indicated that it would no longer participate in discussions if livery operators remained at the table.

“The BNATUC was of the view that we were making strides to address the concerns, but the taxi

union informed that they will not continue any further dialogue once livery is at the table,” she said.

“We are still of the view that the proposal is workable, and there can be a win-win for taxi and livery to make a living to feed their families.”

Ms Wilson is now appealing directly to the taxi union to reconsider its position.

“So I appeal to the taxi union to come back to the table with livery, and let’s continue to discuss, review, and amend the proposal as necessary,” she said.

“The BNATUC and the Bahamas Livery Drivers Union, we are prepared to meet, and we are willing to work together to ensure the best for both unions, and by extension, the transportation industry and an improvement in our tourism product.”

But Mr Butler dismissed the appeal, arguing that the BNATUC should instead be telling its affiliate to comply with existing laws governing airport operations.

“Ms Belinda Wilson, what she should do actually is advise her affiliate member to follow the law,” he said.

continue to rely heavily on cash transactions.

Perez Wright, owner of Pie-O’s Grill Pit, said he uses Scotiabank’s ATM to withdraw cash and pay his employees.

“It is sad that they would block access from locals for using their machine at the marina,” he said.

“We have one bank on this island and that barely is [working] half of the time,” he said. “That’s Royal Bank. Scotia, they have two machines but they don’t really work half of the time and they don’t have a bank actually here on the island anymore. They used to have it, but they pulled out. They just leave the machines here.”

Mr Wright said the distribution of banking services

is also a concern, particularly for residents living in western Exuma. He said additional ATMs should be installed in the western part of the island, where many residents live, rather than concentrating banking access around Georgetown in eastern Great Exuma.

“That would be great if they could put some more cash machines around the island, especially in the west,” he said.

“All they have is everything in the east, and the majority of people who live on the island live in the west. The west starts from Moss Town and comes back to Barraterre and everybody have to ride all the way in Georgetown just to get stuff done, get cash

and whatever else. I don’t understand that.”

However, the banking challenges in Great Exuma do not necessarily extend to all communities throughout the Exumas.

David Hocher, owner of Staniel Cay Yacht Club, said businesses and residents in Staniel Cay have traditionally conducted much of their banking through Nassau rather than Great Exuma.

“We’re too far away for it to directly impact us,” Mr Hocher said. “We really aren’t impacted because whenever we need banking, most people in Staniel do so through Nassau,” he said. “The real story is we don’t have scheduled flights to Nassau. So, Staniel Cay people have always done

their banking in Nassau and not Great Exuma, large majority.”

Scotiabank previously said a local telecommunications provider was assisting with efforts to make alternative ATMs available and provide customers with broader access to its banking services.

Mr Hocher’s comments highlight broader issues surrounding a lack of banking facilities on Family Islands.

Scotiabank did not identify the provider, specify where the alternative machines would be located or give a firm timeline for their deployment. Mr Cooper said he would continue to press for a concrete resolution.

“I’ve had that candid conversation, and I’m delighted that Mr Archer has made a definitive commitment to resolve the issue,” he said.

“She should start there instead of inviting the taxi drivers to come and sit with her member, who doesn’t have no legitimacy at the airport, to come and work out an arrangement for them to be given privilege.”

Mr Butler maintained that the BTCU has no interest in negotiating an arrangement that, in his view, would legitimize livery operations at the airport without the necessary legal authority.

“She’s asking the wrong union for that privilege,” he said. “So she could start by just respecting the law, and asking her client or affiliate member just respect the law before we could even talk.”

Mr Butler said the issue is particularly personal for him because he was previously part of the same umbrella organisation before the taxi union moved to the Trade Union Congress.

“When I first became president, I was part of that same umbrella, and that was one of the main reasons why we left and went to the Trade Union Congress because nobody’s going to ask us to sit with people who have no legal standing,” he said. “Livery drivers was never gazetted to work at the airport.”

He challenged Ms Wilson to instead ask her affiliate

to suspend its airport operations until the legal framework changes.

“If Belinda Wilson want to talk about sitting, tell her just sit her people down until the law provides for them to be out there hustling,” Mr Butler said.

His rejection comes against the backdrop of a broader dispute over an alleged agreement reached between the Government and taxi operators earlier this month. Mr Butler said the BTCU met with the Transport Minister on August 5 and reached a compromise, questioning why the Government has not implemented what he said was agreed.

“What is there for us to speak with?” he asked. “We had a meeting on the fifth of August with the minister, who came out of the meeting and did not tell the livery drivers what we agreed. We already made a compromise on August 5, you know.”

“So Belinda Wilson should go to the minister

and ask the minister why not honour what you all agreed to on the fifth. She can start with that also, rather than asking us to speak with them.”

The disagreement underscores the widening divide between the taxi and livery sectors, with the dispute increasingly becoming a test of how the Government regulates competing transportation services at the country’s main gateway.

Mr Butler also rejected any suggestion that the BTCU should compromise on what it considers to be the legal rights of its members.

“Is she kidding?” he said.

“Is she now part of this whole group of prominent people who is all too willing to aid and abet in people breaking the law? Because that’s what her people are doing, breaking the law. So she’s on the wrong side of the law. We’re on the right side of the law.”

The BTCU has previously warned that it has exhausted its patience with

the Government and does not see a resolution without industrial action. The Trade Union Congress has also pledged its support for taxi drivers, raising concerns that any industrial action could have significant implications for tourism and airport transportation.

The Ministry of Transport has maintained that the two sides should meet, negotiate in good faith and reach a mutually acceptable agreement, while the livery union has disputed claims that it was included in an agreement reportedly reached between the Government and taxi operators.

For Mr Butler, however, the immediate issue remains legal compliance.

“But at the end of the day, you know, it’s all about who respects the law,” he said. “Belinda, of all people should know about respecting the law because she’s the very one always beating the government down. Want the government to respect them, respect their rights.

What about our rights?”

Healthcare costs drive retirement exodus SENIORS - from page B2 The issue has been highlighted by the power outages experienced across New Providence this summer, which Mr Carey said have placed an additional burden on elderly residents with limited mobility or transportation.

“The power outages that have plagued The Bahamas this summer have been especially hard on the elderly, many of whom face mobility challenges,” he said. “Someone had the insensitivity to suggest that if the power is off, we all just go to the beach while too many have been left to sweat in the dark. What about the individual in a wheelchair, or those who have no transportation or extra money for a jitney?

What about those people in the few senior homes we have? What are they supposed to do?”

Mr Carey said The Bahamas also needs to consider policies that would allow seniors to make greater use of the wealth they have accumulated in their homes.

He suggested allowing reverse mortgages, which would allow homeowners to access equity in their properties during retirement, with the outstanding amount repaid from the property after their death.

“At least, you can enjoy the part of your life you worked all those years to be able to afford – being able to travel, pursue a hobby, or cover your medical expenses,” he said.

Mr Carey said the growing number of countries actively courting retirees should also prompt The Bahamas to reconsider how it supports its older population.

“There is a powerful campaign to seniors playing out in at least a dozen countries around the world, countries like Panama and Costa Rica, that are rolling out the red carpet for those over 60 or 65,” he said. “They are setting a trend, understanding how much value retirees can bring to their economy and their culture.”

He pointed to discounts and other benefits available to seniors in Panama,

including reduced costs for transportation, restaurants, hotels, healthcare and entertainment.

Mr Carey said retaining older Bahamians is not simply a social issue but an economic one, given the experience, assets and knowledge they contribute to communities.

“We underestimate what we lose when older people choose to move to another country,” he said. “These are our elders – they carry our knowledge, our wisdom, they provide guidance to the generations which follow.”

He added: “If The Bahamas wants to retain retirees – citizens, residents, investors, professionals – who in their retirement must take into account the basics of affordable health care, insurance, cost of living and lifestyle, we need to act now.”

“There are Bahamians who never dreamed they would need to leave the country of their birth – but who are doing so because they cannot afford to stay.

We hear time and again that it’s better in The Bahamas – but too often that’s not the case for Bahamians as they grow older.”

GENERAL MANAGER DESIGNATE A supervised financial institution is seeking to employ a suitably qualified and experienced professional for the position of General Manager – Designate.

The successful candidate will work alongside the current General Manager for a period before formally assuming the position. Please visit PWCCUL.com for the full Job Description, including the responsibilities and qualification requirements. Applications should be submitted to board@pwccul.com no later than 5:00 pm, Friday August 21, 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 20, 2026, PAGE 5

Arab Emirates Longtime publisher of Stars and United suspends trade with Stripes to retire, citing differences Iran after coming under renewed missile fire with Pentagon leadership

By DAVID RISING Associated Press

By JOCELYN NOVECK AP National Writer THE longtime publisher of Stars and Stripes has announced his retirement, ending a decades-long career with the military newspaper as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon moves to exert editorial control and eliminate what it asserts are “woke distractions.”

Max D. Lederer Jr. announced his retirement, effective at the end of September, in a memo to staff on Tuesday, as well as in an interview with Stars and Stripes. In the memo, seen

by The Associated Press, Lederer, the second fulltime civilian in the position, wrote that it had “become clear that my philosophy of leadership, and my understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes, differ in fundamental ways from the direction the leadership of the Department of Defense has for the organization.”

The announcement comes less than four months after the Pentagon fired Jacqueline Smith, ombudsman for the newspaper, whose job was to safeguard editorial independence. The news outlet is partly funded by the Defense Department, but has a legacy of independence from military and government leadership. “No one should be surprised that they’re kicking out the one person charged by Congress with protecting Stars and Stripes’ editorial independence,” Smith wrote in a column.

Stars and Stripes has recently been at the forefront of some of the reporting on conditions for sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln and concerns for their mental health during the aircraft carrier’s long deployment — concerns that President Donald Trump has downplayed.

It’s part of larger, government-driven changes to the military publication The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Lederer’s retirement, which comes seven months after the department announced in a social media post that it would essentially overhaul

THE Pentagon is seen from the air, July 15, 2026, in Washington. the newspaper to align with its current messaging.

Hegseth’s spokesman, Sean Parnell, wrote on on X in January that the Pentagon “is returning Stars and Stripes to its original mission: reporting for our warfighters.” He said the department will “refocus its content away from woke distractions.”

“Stars and Stripes will be custom tailored to our warfighters,” Parnell wrote. “It will focus on warfighting, weapons systems, fitness, lethality, survivability and ALL THINGS MILITARY. No more repurposed DC gossip columns; no more Associated Press reprints.”

More broadly, the developments at Stars and Stripes come against a backdrop of increased efforts by Hegseth to control media coverage of the department.

Last year, officials attempted to impose restrictions on journalists working inside the Pentagon, which, in turn, led most news outlets to turn in their access badges and walk out.

Then this summer, the Pentagon took another step and declared its press office a classified space — instituting a policy that journalists must be accompanied by an escort on Pentagon grounds.

That policy is being challenged in court. In mid-July, a panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit said the policy could stand, overturning a lower court decision.

In her April column titled “The Pentagon is trying to silence me,” Smith, the former ombudsman, expressed concern over increasing restrictions on the media.

“For nearly a year, Pentagon leadership has placed more and more restrictions on the mainstream media,” she wrote. “The New York Times sued and when the Defense/War Department lost in court, instead of following the judge’s ruling Secretary Hegseth and company pivoted, finding another way to restrict journalists.”

Of Stars and Stripes, Smith wrote: “This newspaper has a long history of commitment to the military community and to journalistic values. Please don’t let it be controlled by Pentagon brass.”

The departing publisher objected to certain changes Lederer was not made available for an interview with the AP. In the interview with Stars and Stripes, he said he did not feel the modernization efforts the Pentagon announced in March were appropriate, in particular a transitioning of print products to digital — a move he feared would limit accessibility for troops.

“I don’t feel that there’s a full recognition of the value of multiple platforms versus only a digital platform,” Lederer was quoted as saying.

Photo:Alex Brandon/AP

In another development, Stars and Stripes said it could not confirm an account that, in recent weeks, a new deputy had been installed by the Pentagon under Lederer without the publisher’s prior knowledge.

In a letter seen by the AP, Rufus Friday, the chair of Stars and Stripes’ advisory board of publishers, wrote to congressional leaders about the arrival of the new deputy, a development he said “threatens Stripes’s editorial independence.”

Roughly half of Stars and Stripes’ budget comes from the Pentagon, and its staff members are considered Defense Department employees.

The outlet’s mission statement emphasizes that it is “editorially independent of interference from outside its own editorial chain-ofcommand” and that it is unique among news organizations tied to the Defense Department in being “governed by the principles of the First Amendment.”

THE United Arab Emirates suspended all trade with Iran on Wednesday after the UAE said it had come under renewed fire from the country — a move that will further isolate the Islamic Republic, which is suffering under U.S. sanctions and a blockade.

Incoming ballistic missile fire triggered nationwide warnings Tuesday night for UAE residents to seek shelter, the first time in weeks such an alarm had sounded.

Early in the conflict, the UAE regularly came under intense fire from Iran, and most trade between the countries, which had once been important trading partners, ground to a halt.

In late June, as hostilities eased, some maritime trade resumed, Iran’s staterun IRNA news agency reported.

Beyond the trade in domestically produced goods, “the UAE has been very important for Iran as a re-export hub and has helped the country absorb some of the shocks caused by sanctions,” Mohammad Farzanegan, a professor of Middle Eastern economics at Germany’s University of Marburg, told The Associated Press.

“Iran therefore depends heavily on the UAE, not because the UAE itself produces one-third of Iran’s imports, but because it serves as a major gateway for Iran to access third-country goods and commercial infrastructure.”

The UAE accuses Iran of firing missiles.

Tehran denies it Following the announcement that two ballistic missiles had been fired toward the UAE, both of which splashed down in the Persian Gulf late Tuesday, the Emirati Foreign

Ministry said it decided to impose the punitive measures, while also saying it remained committed to “dialogue, cooperation and regional integration.”

The step halted all trade and financial transactions “until further notice,” the ministry said in a statement.

The UAE Defense Ministry said assessments showed that the missiles targeted maritime traffic. It was not clear whether they targeted Emirati ships or the country’s territorial waters.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied that Iran had launched any missiles toward the UAE. As part of Iran’s efforts to maintain a stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz, it has regularly attacked ships attempting to use the waterway, including four tankers owned by Abu Dhabi’s state-owned ADNOC oil and gas company over the past two weeks. None of the attacks caused injuries, but they brought harsh condemnation from the UAE and others in the region, including Kuwait and Bahrain.

Since the beginning of the conflict, nearly 20 ADNOC vessels have been attacked by missiles and drones in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one person and wounding another 20.

Iran’s ability to control traffic through the strait, through which a fifth of traded oil and natural gas passed during peacetime, has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war.

While the U.S. and Israel — which launched the war on Feb. 28 — have given various aims, including toppling Tehran’s government and ending its nuclear program, the conflict has devolved into a fight over the strait.

U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Tuesday that the strait was “open and operating” and posted a map depicting it as a U.S. territory.

PAGE 6, Thursday, August 20, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

Trump says US and Canada have a trade deal, but key terms remain unclear CANADA-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, left, and United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer speak to reporters in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, the day after the Trump administration temporarily delayed tariffs on Canada.

Photo:Kelly Geraldine Malone/AP

By ROB GILLIES, PAUL WISEMAN and SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press CANADA and the United States moved closer Wednesday to finalizing a trade agreement that would avert threatened 50% U.S. tariffs, with a senior Canadian official calling the emerging terms “a very good deal for Canada” while cautioning that negotiations were not complete.

President Donald Trump said the agreement was “very fair” to both sides and predicted U.S. farmers and manufacturers would benefit. The tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian imports have been postponed until 12:01 a.m.

Saturday.

The senior Canadian official said the emerging agreement would provide greater certainty, protect Canada’s dairy sector and jobs threatened by the new tariffs, and preserve what Ottawa considers favorable trade terms with the United States.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked provincial premiers to return U.S. alcohol to store shelves, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said, a step aimed at addressing one of the Trump administration’s key trade complaints. Houston and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, both conservatives, voiced support for the direction of the talks, though Houston said whether Canadians would

actually buy U.S. alcohol again “is a whole other discussion.”

The senior official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations publicly before an agreement is finalized.

Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, returned to Ottawa on Wednesday to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who chaired a Cabinet meeting and a virtual meeting with provincial and territorial leaders.

Here’s what to know: Trump’s tariff threat would hit 5% of Canadian exports

LEGAL NOTICE iMAR TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given in pursuance of Section 138 of The International Business Companies Act, 2000 (as amended) that the Members of the above-named company by Resolution passed on the 10th day of August 2026 resolved that the company be wound up voluntarily forthwith and that the Liquidator is Mr. Bennet R. Atkinson of Ronald Atkinson & Co., Chartered Accountants, Marron House, Virginia and Augusta Streets, P.O. Box N-8326, Nassau, Bahamas.

All persons having claims against the above-named company are requested to submit particulars of such claims and proofs thereof in writing to the Liquidator, Mr. Bennet R. Atkinson, Marron House, Virginia and Augusta Streets, P.O. Box N-8326, Nassau, Bahamas, not later than the 20th day of September 2026, after which date the books will be closed and the assets of the company distributed.

Dated the 20th day of August 2026.

Bennet R. Atkinson Liquidator

Last month, Trump invoked a never-before-used legal authority, dating back to the Great Depression, to announce that the United States would slap 50% tariffs on $20 billion, or about 5%, of Canadian exports to the United States, ranging from hockey sticks to tongue depressors.

Trump claimed that Canada discriminates against American exports of autos, alcohol and cheese.

The U.S. president is also furious that Canada and China were the only countries that punched back with retaliatory tariffs of their own when he slapped levies on their products.

The United States and Canada have sparred for decades over trade, poking each other over sore spots like Canadian softwood lumber imports and U.S. access to Canada’s protected dairy market.

Canada’s dairy market has been a persistent irritant While details of the agreement emerging Wednesday remain vague, Trump claimed Canada had agreed to end tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. “The tariffs will be non-existent for our farmers. Our farmers were paying tremendous tariffs into Canada, and those tariffs are going to be totally eviscerated. Down to zero,” he said.

Canada currently allows a set amount of dairy imports at low tariffs. Once imports exceed that limit, much higher tariffs apply. The U.S. says Canada’s “supply management” system makes it harder for American dairy producers to get full access to the Canadian market.

LeBlanc, talking to reporters in Washington, said Canada’s “agriculture sector will be well protected and we have maintained our tough line.’’

The senior Canadian official was even more explicit, saying supply management was “not on the table” and Canada’s dairy system would remain protected.

That leaves another key question unresolved: how Canada can preserve supply management while giving U.S. farmers the additional access Trump says they will get.

What does Canada get?

Canada has not publicly detailed what tariff relief Washington has offered.

But the senior Canadian official said the emerging agreement would protect a significant number of jobs and preserve Canada’s favorable access to the U.S. market.

The official also said the agreement would allow Canada to focus more on its domestic economic agenda, including infrastructure

projects, attracting foreign investment and diversifying exports beyond the United States.

Trump raised the prospect of reviving Keystone XL In the Truth Social post announcing the three-day tariff pause, Trump declared that the long-canceled Keystone XL pipeline “may be awoken from the grave.” He did not say whether reviving Keystone XL was part of the agreement.

Keystone XL was designed to carry up to 830,000 barrels of crude a day from Canada’s oil sands to Nebraska and onward to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries.

The project became a major political and environmental fight: President Barack Obama rejected it in 2015, Trump revived it in his first term and President Joe Biden canceled its permit in 2021. The Canadian company behind it later abandoned the project.

Carney had already raised reviving Keystone XL with Trump at the White House in October 2025, and Trump was receptive, according to a Canadian government official familiar with the discussion. A revival would align with a longstanding Canadian goal rather than amount to a new U.S. concession.

From robot dogs to helpers, China puts robotics ambitions on display at world conference

By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO Associated Press DO you want to see whether a robot can fold a piece of cloth? Interested in getting a robot dog or even a humanoid robot that could offer some emotional support? Or perhaps you just want to watch robots boxing and dancing? Come to Beijing.

China kicked off the 2026 World Robot Conference on Wednesday, with companies showcasing the country’s expanding robotics industry as it looks to move the technology beyond demonstrations and into factories and other real-world applications.

Organizers say around 3,000 products will be showcased during the

five-day event. Despite the conference’s name, there was no sign of other countries exhibiting.

One of the main attractions on Wednesday was the booth of Unitree, one of China’s leading humanoid robot makers, where some of its models boxed and danced. One even played ping pong with a human opponent.

The opening of the conference coincided with Unitree’s stock market debut in Shanghai.

The conference comes weeks after the U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move targeting China. The prohibition also

A MODEL shows her fancy dressed up robotic dogs at a booth during the World Robot Conference at the Beiren Yichuang International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.

Photo:Andy Wong/AP covers new imports of quadruped robots, often referred to as four-legged robot dogs. The agency said advanced robots could pose cybersecurity and other national security risks.

UBTECH, another of China’s leading robotics companies, brought several

industrial models to the conference. Some demonstrated tasks such as moving components around as they might on a factory floor.

But among those drawing the most attention were humanoid robots with lifelike faces, promoted for emotional care.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 20, 2026, PAGE 7

Former Meta engineer says Instagram took a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ approach on kids under 13

By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writer

A GENERAL view shows the New York Stock Exchange, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, in New York.

Photo:Yuki Iwamura/AP

The US national debt now stands at $40 trillion

By FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press THE national debt surpassed a record $40 trillion on Wednesday, a staggering milestone as defense costs, social programs like Social Security and Medicare and interest on the burgeoning deficit make up an enormous share of federal spending.

The milestone figure was recorded just five months after the U.S. hit a record $39 trillion debt in March.

It reached $38 trillion five months before that, in October.

The unprecedented $40 trillion figure highlights competing administration priorities, from boosting defense spending that the U.S. relies on to carry out President Donald Trump’s almost-6-month-old war in Iran to lowering the cost of gas and groceries.

Kush Desai, a White House spokesman, said the Trump administration “has been focused on slashing waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending while accelerating economic growth to get America’s debt-to-GDP ratio trending in the right direction.”

However, experts say the exploding debt and the latest record milestone are already affecting Americans’ pocketbooks by raising borrowing costs for things like mortgages and cars, lowering wages from businesses that have less money available to invest, and creating more expensive goods and services.

“If we want to improve our living standards, today and for the next generation, now is the time for lawmakers to put our nation on a more affordable and sustainable path,” says Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, a think tank focused on U.S. fiscal challenges.

The debt has exploded over several presidential administrations, as the nation’s leaders spend more

money than it collects in taxes. In recent memory, the multi-year COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the U.S. economy, where the federal government borrowed heavily during President Trump’s first term and under former President Joe Biden to stabilize the economy and support a recovery.

More government spending was approved after Trump signed Republicans’ tax cut and spending legislation into law last year.

Advocates for a balanced budget also warn that the long-term trend of borrowing more and paying more in interest will force Americans to face tougher fiscal tradeoffs ahead.

“The federal debt is already raising the cost of living and choking out other spending and investment, threatening our economy and Americans’ long-term prosperity,” said Margaret Spellings, president and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center.

“Our current fiscal trajectory is plainly unsustainable, and that’s the best-case scenario. AI disruption, a recession, global war, or any number of other events could quickly push us over the edge from a challenge into a full-blown crisis,” Spellings said in a statement.

The U.S. is subject to a statutory debt limit, or a limit to federal borrowing, which Congress has the authority to set, adjust or abolish. The Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that the U.S. will most likely reach the $41.1 trillion debt limit sometime between late winter and mid-summer of 2027, requiring Congress to again vote on whether to raise or suspend it.

The U.S.’ fiscal position stands as the worst among other developed countries, according to recent data analysis from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

A FORMER engineering director at Meta who has testified before Congress about child safety on Instagram told jurors Wednesday at a landmark trial that the company took a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach on kids under 13 on its platforms.

During his second day of testimony, Arturo Béjar said Meta consistently prioritized profits over safety in designing its products, focusing on how often and for how long people used them, even if it was detrimental to their mental well-being.

“If you step away from the product, they are not going to make any money,” he said.

The trial that began Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California, pits Meta against the states of California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey and is expected to last about six weeks. The four states were among 29 that sued the tech giant in 2023 over child safety and privacy — the other 25 will go to trial later. The company also faces lawsuits in state courts, including one underway in Tennessee.

The lawsuit accuses Meta of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms and hide these harms from the public. It also argues that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law.

Meta says users must be at least 13 years old to create an account, in line with the law, called the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA. “The attitude in particular on Instagram was ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell,’” Béjar said in response to a question about his perception of the company’s attitude towards users under 13.

The company has rejected the claims and said evidence at the trial will show its commitment to safety.

“You will hear over the course of this case a lot of important issues, issues like teen mental health, issues like social media, issues like how teens use social media,” Meta lawyer Paul Schmidt said Tuesday. “Those are important issues, and they’re issues where Meta believes that it has a responsibility. It has a

PARENTS hold pictures of their deceased children during a protest against social media platforms outside the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo:Noah Berger/AP responsibility to act on its own. It has a responsibility to try to work with teens and parents in partnership to try to address those questions.”

Plaintiffs’ witness says safety was an ‘afterthought’ Béjar worked at Facebook from 2009 to 2015, attracting wide attention for his work to combat cyberbullying. He returned from 2019 to 2021 as a contractor to work on safety issues. He testified before Congress in 2023 about social media and the teen mental health crisis, saying that Meta executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, knew about harms Instagram was causing but chose not to make meaningful changes to address them.

In his testimony Wednesday, Béjar said employee performance reviews and compensation for those who worked on user-facing products were mostly focused on user numbers and how long they spend with those products.

“In that context, safety was an afterthought,” he said.

The states are seeking changes to user experiences for Facebook and Instagram as well as financial damages, which could include billions

of dollars in penalties. In a written statement, the office of California’s attorney general said if Meta loses, the amount of any damages would be set by the court.

“This case is about stopping Meta from offering a dangerous product to teens, and from lying to teens, families, and the public about the dangerousness of their platforms. The primary remedy under our state consumer protection law is an injunction,” the statement said.

Béjar walked through Meta features he said were designed for adults and are “inherently unsafe for teenagers.”

This includes video autoplay, which can mean teens see videos that may cause them harm even if they don’t click on them; as well as various counters that track how many people liked, viewed or commented on your content or how many followers you have.

Child development experts have noted teenagers are more susceptible to social comparison than adults, so products that reward popularity can be more harmful to their mental health.

Age verification has been criticized for not

going far enough Despite Meta’s statements that it works to find kids under 13 on its platforms and ban them, Béjar testified that he found “tens of thousands” of kids under 13 on Instagram through his research. He said it was “common knowledge” at the company that such young children were on Instagram.

“Meta has one of the most sophisticated infrastructures in the world to detect fake accounts,” he said. But despite that, he added, there were “no goals, no metrics” to detect and check kids’ ages who were suspected to be under 13.

Over the years, Meta has introduced features it says are designed to make the experience safer for young people. But Béjar said these did not work.

For instance, a tool called “Take a Break,” introduced in 2021, is a feature that is “designed to fail,” he said.

First, it is a setting that people have to turn on if they want to use it. Béjar said that in his experience building settings, very few users actually go through the trouble of turning them on. He compared it to an airbag that drivers have to turn on every time they get in a car.

PAGE 8, Thursday, August 20, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

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JUDGE PARKER

CARPE DIEM

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In the following passage, the numbers 12345 represent different letters:

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WORDS ISEPAGE 9 Thursday, August 20, 2026,

THE TRIBUNE

5

Solution in Monday’s puzzle pull-out

4

➔

SUMTHING

MARVIN BLONDIE

Fit the missing numbers into the grid so that all the sums are correct – reading left to right or on single lines top to bottom. There are 11 squares to fill, with one digit in each, and the 11 digits you must use are listed below.

But where do they all go?

Solution in Monday’s puzzle pull-out

× + ×

We’ve given you one digit to get you started.

Here are the missing digits to fit in:

1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 7, 8

−

=

= ×

4

Y HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

TIGER

SAMURAI SUDOKU

WORDSEARCH

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

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

SMALL CROSSWORD Across: 1 Broadcast, 7 Tilted, 9 Careful, 10 Trip, 12 Ass, 13 Priests, 14 Rim, 15 Yoga, 17 Needles, 19 Anyone, 20 Pointless. Down: 1 Bacteria, 2 Roar, 3 Oar, 4 Different, 5 Clumsy, 6 Seuss, 8 Diseases, 11 Pigeon, 13 Piano, 16 Gets, 18 Lie.

CALVIN & HOBBES

TARGET CHAMOMILE camomile CHAMOMILE chime ciao claim clime coil email haemic hail heil ileac imam lima lime limo mail maim maleic malic malice mica milch mile mime oleic

THE ALPHABEA

Black squares: 3, 5, 8, 12 23, 24, 30, 33, 36, 40.

Across: Positive, Sign, W Fiasco, Scalps, Mop, Phra Extol, Unisex, Ajar, Pertur Down: Piqued, Skirmish, Shaves, Syndrome, Exit, T Disarm, Laws, Eve, Polyga

CROSS DOUBT Across: CRUSH Down: BRICK

SUMMIT UP 102 and 97

DENNIS THE MENACE

CRYPTOQUOTE AXYDLBAAXR is L O N G F E L L O W One letter stands for another. In this example, A is used for the three L’s, X for the 2 O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different.

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

MICRO CROSSWORD

CHALLENGER

Yesterday’s Answers

PAGE 10, Thursday, August 20, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

and newer experts say it presents a new analyze software and inter- wastewater systems, among AI-assisted tool helped secure aggression Iranian threats to cyber capability for those trying net-connected systems for other critical infrastructure. to defend critical systems in vulnerabilities in a more “The tools and techsatellite communication system infrastructure.

The cybersecurity com- the emerging cyberwarfare comprehensive manner. niques of yesterday do after 2022 Russian hacking pany Atalanta has released theater.

The conflicts in both not scale for today and

By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN Associated Press ON the same day it invaded Ukraine in 2022, Russia disabled thousands of satellite modems across

Ukraine and other European countries, aiming to disrupt communications. A new AI-assisted tool aims to help close that kind of vulnerability amid concerns about continued Russian

“Argo” — a product that includes the technology now being used to prove the resilience of Viasat’s satellite communications network, which was targeted in the 2022 hacking attack, against emerging adversary attacks. Industry

Atalanta’s leaders say the new technology relies on what it calls “software understanding,” combining complex mathematics along with artificial intelligence technology to create the first commercially available system that can

Ukraine and Iran have highlighted the danger that hackers can pose to everyday life. This summer several government agencies have warned that Iranian hackers have been targeting water and

‘software understanding’ is going to be the path forward for anyone building a system of consequence for the United States,” Atalanta CEO and co-founder Anjana Rajan told The Associated Press.

NOTICE

NOTICE

LRM LTD.

JOKER CAPITAL LTD.

Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas registered in the Register of Companies under the registration number 208414 B.

Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas registered in the Register of Companies under the registration number 205139 B.

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that the liquidation and the winding up of the Company is complete and the Company has been struck off the Register of Companies maintained by the Registrar General.

Notice is hereby given that the liquidation and the winding up of the Company is complete and the Company has been struck off the Register of Companies maintained by the Registrar General.

Dated this 18th day of August A.D. 2026.

Dated this 18th day of August A.D. 2026.

LUIZ DA GAMA MOR LIQUIDATOR

FABIO DE OLIVEIRA MARTINEZ ALONSO LIQUIDATOR

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

SchatzePaias Ltd.

NANA LTD.

Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas registered in the Register of Companies under the registration number 210304 B.

Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas registered in the Register of Companies under the registration number 205818 B.

International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000)

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that the liquidation and the winding up of the Company is complete and the Company has been struck off the Register of Companies maintained by the Registrar General.

Notice is hereby given that the liquidation and the winding up of the Company is complete and the Company has been struck off the Register of Companies maintained by the Registrar General.

Dated this 18th day of August A.D. 2026.

Dated this 18th day of August A.D. 2026.

Pursuant to the provision of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that AZ SERVICES LTD. has been dissolved and struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 7th day of August, 2026

CARLOS ALBERTO PAIAS LIQUIDATOR

CLAUDIA BLAJ NEUFELD LIQUIDATOR

GALNOM LTD. Liquidator

AZ SERVICES LTD. Registration No. IBC 207422 (B)

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 20, 2026, PAGE 11

A new look and fresh merch are winning customers back at Target as sales rebound

By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Business Writer TARGET reported a second straight quarter of comparable sales gains on Wednesday, saying that a merchandising overhaul under the retailer’s new CEO attracted more customers and boosted sales both in stores and online.

The mass-market discount retailer also benefited from a tariff refund of $994 million after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this year that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority when he imposed double-digit import taxes on goods from most other countries.

There is a lot of interest in how tariff refunds from the U.S. government will impact retailers and whether those refunds will be used to lower prices for customers.

Chief Financial Officer Jim Lee, when asked about tariff refunds this week, said the company continues to invest in lowering prices. Target reduced the prices of more than 10,000 items over the past year and “there’s more to come even as we’re facing headwinds overall,” Lee said.

Comparable sales, those coming from stores and digital channels operating

for at least 12 months, rose 3.8% in the second quarter.

The company also upgraded its annual profit and sales outlook, citing the solid performance during the first half of the year.

Target is emerging from more than a year of weak comparable sales.

It started off 2025 with a 3.8% decline, but recorded a 5.6% jump in the first quarter of this year. The second-quarter gain offset a 1.9% drop during the same three months last year.

Target CEO Michael Fiddelke, a 20-year company veteran who became chief executive in February, said the latest quarter was “an important step forward in the plan we laid out earlier this year to open a new chapter of growth for Target.”

Target also reported an increase in the number of customers going to its stores and shopping on its website from May through July.

“We’re encouraged by the progress made so far, and we’re also clear-eyed about the important work still ahead,” Fiddelke said.

In March, Fiddelke unveiled a $6 billion plan to reverse Target’s sales slump and to reclaim the retailer’s reputation as a place to go

for affordable yet stylish apparel and home goods.

More than half of Target’s back-to-school merchandise is new, the company said.

That includes a limited-time collection of teen and tween clothes, school supplies and accessories in pastel colors and floral prints from the women’s lifestyle brand LoveShack Fancy. Target also collaborated with Hollister on a dorm decor collection.

Target recruited fashion designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi this summer to fill the newly created role of creative director at large.

Mizrahi has been brought in to mentor Target designers, advise on product design and innovation, and forge new partnerships.

It is Mizrahi’s second partnership with Target. He became the first major fashion designer to collaborate with the retailer in 2003 for a successful run.

Fiddelke is also remodeling Target stores and improving staffing. The company has more than 100 full-scale remodels underway, with a goal of reaching 130 this year, Fiddelke said Tuesday.

During the second quarter, comparable store sales — sales from established physical stores — increased

A SHOPPER enters a Target store, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Woodbury, Minn.

Photo:Ellen Schmidt/AP 2.7%, while increased same-day deliveries pushed digital comparable sales up 8.7%.

Target is one of the first big retailers to report second-quarter financial results, which could give industry analysts and economists another read on whether ongoing price pressures from the conflict in Iran impacted consumer behavior.

The Commerce Department released a report Friday showing weak retail sales in July. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, also released Friday, showed greater pessimism about the economy this month, likely driven by stubbornly high prices.

Target’s overall sales increased in all six of its main merchandising categories, led by double-digit

growth in what the company calls Fun 101 — a division that includes consumer electronics, toys, trading cards, sports paraphernalia, books and gaming items.

Target’s beauty and food and beverage sales were also standouts. Target plans to roll out a new Target Beauty Studio concept next month in more than 600 locations. The new area, which will offer upscale beauty products and enhanced product expertise from staff, will partly replace its in-store shops with Ulta, which ended its partnership with Target this month, the company said.

Target executives said the company still was working to improve the assortment in its clothing and home goods departments, where sales hardly grew during the latest quarter.

Net income was $1.87 billion, or $4.11 per share,

for the three months ended Aug. 1, easily beating the $2.34 per share that Wall Street had expected, according to a survey by FactSet. It also outpaced last year’s $935 million, or $2.05 per share. Yet this year also included millions from tariff refunds, which amounted to $1.65 in earnings per share, Target said.

Net sales rose 5.3% to $26.54 billion for the period.

Target now expects sales to increase 5%, up from its earlier predictions for a 4% gain. It also expects earnings per share for the full year to be in the range of $9.90 to $10.90. Analysts expect $8.52 per share for the year, according to FactSet. In May, Target reiterated its guidance from March for earnings per share to be near the high end of $7.50 to $8.50.

heavy investment in last week, according to the by providing little guidance topping 4.7%, before falling ‘Many’ Fed officials think and AI infrastructure were all consumer price index. Yet at a July 29 news confer- back Wednesday. Mortgage prices of a range the Fed pays more atten- ence on what the Fed’s next rates have followed the of goods and services. tion to a separate gauge, steps might be, threatening 10-year higher, lifting borhigher rates will be needed boosting “Participants judged that the personal consumption the Fed’s inflation-fighting rowing costs for potential their inflation outlooks expenditures (PCE) price credibility. Interest rates, buyers. The yield on 30-year if inflation stays high were highly uncertain and index, which is running or yields, on longer-term

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer MANY Federal Reserve officials think the central bank will have to lift its key short-term interest rate in the coming months if inflation doesn’t subside, minutes of the Fed’s meeting last month showed.

The minutes of the July 28-29 meeting, released Wednesday, don’t provide specifics on how many of the 19 officials supported higher rates. Only 12 of the 19 policymakers vote on the outcome. Officials voted 9-3 at the meeting to keep

their key rate unchanged at about 3.6%.

Inflation has since showed some signs of cooling, though gas prices have rebounded this month on renewed hostilities in the Middle East. Wall Street investors now expect the Fed to remain on hold at its next meeting in September and potentially lift rates in December, though that outlook could change.

At last month’s meeting, Fed officials were heavily focused on the threat of stubbornly elevated inflation. Fed officials worried that the Iran war, tariffs,

that inflation risks were skewed to the upside,” the minutes said. “Many participants assessed that (higher rates) would likely be necessary if inflation did not decline.”

Some Fed officials pointed out that “even after excluding prices of items most directly affected by tariffs and energy prices, underlying inflation appeared to be elevated,” the minutes said.

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, so-called “core” prices have cooled, with annual core inflation falling to 2.5% in July, the government said

hotter than the CPI. Core PCE prices are expected to have risen 3.3% in July from a year ago, a much higher reading than CPI. Those figures will be reported Aug. 26.

According to the minutes, “Most participants anticipated that inflation would step down over the rest of the year as the effects of tariffs and earlier energy price increases wane, but many participants noted the possibility that inflation might be more persistently elevated.”

New Fed chair Kevin Warsh also unnerved Wall Street investors last month

Treasury securities, which had already risen before the meeting, moved higher.

Warsh has said he will provide less of what he calls “forward guidance” about the Fed’s plans, which he sees as limiting the central bank’s policy options even if economic circumstances change. At the news conference, Warsh didn’t fully commit to boosting the Fed’s key rate even if inflation stayed persistently high.

The yield on the key 10-year Treasury note touched its highest point more than a year Tuesday,

bonds reached the highest level since 2007.

In response, earlier Wednesday the Treasury Department said it would buy back more longerterm Treasury bonds, which helped to lower yields on the 10-year and 30-year Treasurys. But the move highlighted the government’s concerns that rising borrowing costs could weigh on the economy, particularly as U.S. tech companies are stepping up their own borrowing to build out artificial intelligence infrastructure.

PAGE 12, Thursday, August 20, 2026

THE TRIBUNE

FTC proposal would require retailers to be transparent about personalized pricing

By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer COMPANIES that secretly vary prices based on how much they think individual customers will pay could face federal charges under a proposed policy released Wednesday by the Federal Trade Commission.

“When consumers see a listed price, they expect it to be (the) same price that everyone else sees, not the retailer’s estimate of how much they are willing to pay based on their personal data,” FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said in a statement.

The FTC has had its eye on personalized pricing for several years. In a preliminary report filed in January 2025, the agency found that grocers, clothing companies and others were using thirdparty companies to help them individualize online prices based on shoppers’

locations, browsing histories and other factors, including how long they left items in their virtual shopping carts.

In one hypothetical example, the FTC said a consumer profiled as a new parent might be shown higher-priced baby thermometers on the first page of their search results.

Ferguson said the FTC doesn’t have the legal authority to ban personalized pricing in all circumstances. But under the proposed policy, businesses would have to “clearly and conspicuously disclose” if they are engaging in personalized pricing and share the types of data they’re using to set those prices.

The proposed policy states that companies engaged in personalized pricing without revealing the practice and the data behind it could violate the FTC Act, which

prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in the marketplace.

The FTC is seeking comment on the policy for 30 days.

Several retail trade groups didn’t comment directly on the FTC’s proposal Wednesday.

The National Retail Federation, which represents big companies like Walmart, Target and Macy’s as well as smaller stores, said retailers want to continue to offer incentives like loyalty and rewards programs, which collect personal data and provide offers tailored to individuals.

“NRF has and will continue to aggressively advocate to protect these programs that deliver timely savings and personalized offers that are relevant to each shopper’s interests,” said David French, NRF’s executive vice president of government relations.

THE official seal of the Federal Trade Commission is seen on an office building in Washington, Feb. 13, 2026.

Photo:Cliff Owen/AP FMI, a trade group for the U.S. grocery industry, said Wednesday it was reviewing the proposal and didn’t have immediate comment.

But in a letter FMI sent to U.S. senators this month after a subcommittee hearing on personalized pricing, FMI also said it hoped to preserve shopper loyalty programs.

In the letter, FMI also noted that electronic shelf labels, which are becoming increasingly common

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I LONACK FRANCOIS of St. Vincent Road, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 20th day of August, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that I JOHNNY JULMISTE of East Street North, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration/Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 20th day of August, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

at grocers and retailers like Walmart, don’t automatically change prices based on individual shoppers.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association, a trade group that represents Best Buy, Home Depot, Dollar General and 200 other retailers, didn’t comment on the new proposal Wednesday but cited its own letter sent to U.S. senators earlier this month.

In the letter, the association said retailers don’t use consumers’ personal data to increase prices because that would jeopardize customer loyalty.

“As shoppers demonstrate an increased willingness to seek out lower prices, competition among retailers intensifies to meet customers’ needs, creating a strong and continuous incentive for retailers to offer attractive prices, discounts and value,” the letter said.

The FTC’s action comes amid consumer unease about pricing tactics. Wendy’s faced a backlash in 2024 after it said it was considering charging more for its menu items during peak times. Uber and Lyft have also been in lawmakers’ crosshairs for their surge-pricing practices.

Several states, including Maryland, Connecticut and New Jersey, have already passed laws prohibiting personalized pricing at grocery stores. California and New York are also considering legislation that would ban personalized pricing.

New Jersey also placed a one-year moratorium on new electronic shelf labels despite retailers’ assurances that the labels aren’t used for personalized pricing and can actually help consumers by, say, automatically lowering prices for foods that are about to expire.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I LOVENCIA DENIS of #36 Coconut Grove, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 20th day of August, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION (pursuant to section 23 of the Natural Gas Act, 10 of 2024, Statute Laws of The Bahamas) NOTICE is hereby given that RenugenPro Ltd. has made applications to the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) for licenses to: import liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) (commercial) and operate LNG terminals. The applications are made with the object of licensing and regulation of the Applicant’s activities for the import of LNG and the operation of LNG Regasification Terminals at (1) Cat Island (2) San Salvador and (3) Long Island. The applications can be inspected by appointment at the Applicant’s oSice at No. 138 Robinson Road, New Providence, The Bahamas. Any objections to the applications must be made on or before the 25th September, 2026 and shall be made by ASidavit and solemn declaration to be submitted exclusively to URCA’s oSice located at Frederick Street, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Dated the 17th day of August, 2026 Italia C. Chambers Attorney for the Applicant No. 36 Nassau Street New Providence, The Bahamas

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 20, 2026, PAGE 13

Trump picks Dr. Heidi Overton, a top White House aide, to lead the Food and Drug Administration HEALTH and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks as President Donald Trump, left, and Heidi Overton, deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, listen during a meeting to sign an executive order about vaccines, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.

Photos:Jacquelyn Martin/AP

By ALI SWENSON and MATTHEW PERRONE Associated Press DR. Heidi Overton, a top White House aide, has been picked to lead the Food and Drug Administration, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday.

Overton is a medical doctor and deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council who has worked on several of Trump’s second-term health initiatives. She has become a trusted administration figure and a champion of the Republican president’s goals.

If confirmed by the Senate, she would have to balance a raft of competing priorities, including Trump’s fixations, the anti-regulatory interests of traditional Republicans and the anti-corporate posture of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Those challenges dogged the tenure of the previous FDA head, Dr. Marty Makary. He resigned in May, leaving behind unfinished projects such as work on ultraprocessed foods, antidepressants and COVID-19 shots.

Referring to her as “Dr. Heidi” in a Truth Social post, Trump said Overton was a smart and respected “rockstar” who would deliver on his priorities of faster cures, innovation, lower drug prices and more wins for Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement.

Kennedy posted on X that Overton has “exceptional judgment, professionalism, discipline and an unwavering commitment to the American people.”

Overton has promoted Trump’s health priorities Overton attended medical school at the University of New Mexico and has a doctoral degree in

clinical investigation from Johns Hopkins University, according to her LinkedIn profile. Before joining Trump’s second administration, she was the chief policy officer at the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank.

In recent months, she has appeared with the president to announce major projects, including some of his “most favored nation” deals with drug companies to lower prices to those of other developed countries and his recent vaccine order that sought to split the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate immunizations — against the advice of medical groups.

At an Oval Office event to promote that order, she stood by Trump as he falsely suggested the number or timing of vaccines could play a role in rising rates of autism spectrum disorder. Scientific consensus and decades of studies have firmly concluded there is no link.

Overton has been critical of abortion pills and, if confirmed, would be positioned

actions to sow doubt in vaccinations, including the MMR order.

Cassidy posted Wednesday that while he respects Overton’s medical background, he has “strong concerns” about the nomination, mentioning her lack of managerial experience and her participation in the recent vaccine order, which he called “almost disqualifying.”

Democratic senators slammed the nomination.

“Heidi Overton is a far-right, anti-abortion extremist who has no business leading the FDA,” posted Washington Sen. Patty Murray, a committee member.

Makary’s replacement will face challenges he left behind

HEIDI OVERTON, deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, speaks during a meeting to sign an executive order about vaccines, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. to roll back FDA rules that made them more accessible.

U.S. abortion opponents have expressed frustration that the administration has not acted to stem the flow of such pills prescribed online, a situation they view as undermining state abortion bans.

Mifepristone is typically used with misoprostol in medication abortions that make up close to two-thirds of abortions in the U.S.

Medical professionals call it “among the safest medications” ever approved by the FDA. To be confirmed, Overton must seek approval from a narrowly Republican-led Senate and face questions from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Its chair, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician from Louisiana, has been a vocal critic of some of Trump’s

Before he left the FDA, Makary had drawn complaints from health industry executives and anti-abortion activists. The frustration with him came to a head over the agency’s lack of movement on flavored e-cigarettes.

Companies such as R.J. Reynolds are seeking to market to adult smokers, but sweet-flavored vapes have long been blamed for the trend of teenage vaping. FDA scientists have hesitated to endorse those products to curb adult smoking.

Days before Makary’s departure, the agency opened the door to allowing more unauthorized electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches onto the U.S. market, in a policy change that essentially bypassed FDA experts.

Pharmaceutical companies will be looking for changes at the agency, too, after rejections or reversals of biotech drugs intended for rare diseases.

Complaints from biotech companies, investors and patient groups have grown and been taken up by conservative lawmakers.

Makary tried to assuage industry grievances, in part by announcing new programs designed to streamline or accelerate drug approvals. Some of those initiatives, however, have meant new headaches for the agency.

Several of Makary’s deputies also exited the agency.

Dr. Vinay Prasad, the vaccine and biotech chief, stepped down in April following intense criticism from drugmakers, patients and investors. Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg, who was involved in scrutinizing the safety of antidepressants, COVID-19 vaccines and other widely used therapies, was replaced as FDA’s acting drug center director.

MAHA has high expectations of FDA’s next head Overton would also need to tend to the priorities of Kennedy’s health movement, some members of which are already skeptical of her.

Kelly Ryerson, an activist critical of pesticides who is known to her supporters as “Glyphosate Girl,” told The Associated Press that Overton parroted pesticide manufacturer Bayer’s talking points in a MAHA roundtable at the White House in April.

PAGE 14, Thursday, August 20, 2026

THE TRIBUNE