FNM TO AMEN CONSTITUTION
Party intends to hold a non-voting convention soon to clarify matters
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Move-
ment (FNM) chairman Dr Duane Sands said the party plans to revise its constitution—a move that comes in the wake of tensions over recent candidate selections. He said the new provisions are aimed at improving internal operations, and could include
further clarifications to the decision-making powers of constituency associations. This comes amid ongoing tensions between the party’s leadership and several constituency branches over candidate selections.
The FNM’s Killarney, South Beach and Bamboo Town associations have all raised objections to recent candidate picks, publicly warning the decision could cost the party the
FOCUSED ON TACKLING GANGS AS NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS
By E ARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
TACKLING gang activity is part of the discussion as schools prepare for the new year, according to Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson.
Mrs Wilson said: “One major element is the gathering of intelligence with a focus on gang activity, an intervention team, as we bear in mind that the school is a microcosm of the community.”
Union officers have met
seat. However, party officials have previously said that recommendations from association branches do not guarantee a nomination.
Dr Sands told The Tribune yesterday that while the current constitution already outlines the role of constituency associations, recent developments suggest more clarity may be needed.
However, he said the
FOAM chief warns impact of domestic violence affects children
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
ACTIVIST Khandi Gibson has warned of the effects of violence on families, saying: “We can’t expect a child to worry about schoolwork when they and they mummy have no place to sleep.”
Ms Gibson, the founder of Families Of All Murder
Victims (FOAM), said the group’s shelter and housing project on Carmichael Road West aims to give families a safe place to stay, but donations are still urgently needed to make it a reality.
She said while people often say children have nothing to worry about, they do face serious
BPL GIVING REBAT ES TO SEVERAL FAMILY ISLANDS
By E ARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
RESIDENTS in Eleuthera, Cat Island and Long Island are to receive a 50 percent rebate on their next electricity bills after repeated issues with power outages.
Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) CEO Toni
Seymour made the announcement yesterday during an Office of the Prime Minster press briefing addressing the outages on those islands as well as Abaco.
She said: “I would like to apologise once again to all of our Family Island customers who have been experiencing extended outages due to power
disruptions, generation shortfalls or whatever the case may be, and to advise that we have we are offering a 50 percent rebate on the base rate for the next billing cycle to the residents of Eleuthera, Long Island and Cat Island,” she said. Eleuthera has been marred with outages for
RECOMMENDED FIXES TO ISSUES AT IMMIGRAT ION S T ILL PENDING
By LYNAIRE MUNNIN GS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
NEARLY two years after an Immigration Commission report identified systemic issues including detainee treatment, procedural inconsistencies, and oversight failures, the recommendations have yet to be implemented. This comes as separate high-profile incidents involving alleged mistreatment by immigration officials continue to go unanswered.
The Immigration Commission, established to review practices within the immigration department, called for comprehensive reforms to improve accountability,
FOAM president Khandi Gibson
New Immigration Director declines comment on outstanding incidents
enforce proper procedures, and protect the rights of detainees. Despite its findings, progress on implementing the report’s recommendations
has been limited. In July, a viral video showed 43-year-old Jarvin Green, a wheelchair-bound Jamaican man, being dragged across Shirley Street by plainclothes officers following a Supreme Court
order for his release after he had been detained beyond the 90-day legal limit for deportation. Mr Green’s attorney raised concerns about his treatment while in detention, including prior allegations of abuse during his
imprisonment. Separately, in May, a viral video showed a man being choked and beaten by individuals dressed as immigration officers inside a private home. Bystanders were heard demanding his release.
The incident attracted public attention, but a senior immigration official at the time said the department was aware of the videos but had not fully reviewed them.
The newly appointed Director of Immigration,
has declined to comment on both the outstanding incidents and the broader report, leaving unresolved questions about accountability and transparency within the department.
BTC donates 110 push-to-talk radios and 60 cameras to Immigration Dept
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Department of Immigration has received 110 push-to-talk radios and 60 body cameras from the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).
Ashton Greenslade, Chief Immigration Officer, information technology and communications, said the new devices would enhance communication, provide clearer evidence, and allow faster resolution of operational matters. He noted that BTC’s training had given officers the confidence to operate the equipment effectively.
He said yesterday: “This means clearer evidence, better accountability and faster resolution of incidents at the end of the day, these tools expand our capability, and they help us to respond faster and more accurately and offer operate and with the transparency that the public expects. In partnership with BTC business, we have pilot tested these radios push the talk radios
and body cams for a period of several months, and this equipment is proven to be extremely helpful in our day-to-day operations. Reliable communication and recording capabilities are critical for effective law enforcement. Most importantly, as I indicated, these tools directly enhance officer safety in the field.”
Delmaro Duncombe, BTC director of B2B operations, said the push-to-talk radios were mission-critical tools featuring encrypted voice messaging, silent emergency alerts, and built-in worker protection features. The body cameras are capable of recording high-quality audio and video. Mr Duncombe said the Department of Immigration was the first enforcement agency to receive the equipment, with plans to expand the initiative to other uniformed enforcement agencies.
Director of Immigration Stephen LaRoda said: “Today marks an important milestone
for the Department of Immigration, as we officially receive handheld mobile radios and body worn cameras from our valued partner, the Bahamas Telecommunications Company. This initiative, speaks directly to our commitment to transparency, accountability and the highest standards of public service, these tools will not only enhance the safety of our officers in the line of duty, but also reinforce the trust and confidence of the public that we serve.”
Stephen LaRoda,
DIRECTOR of Immigration Stephen LaRoda giving remarks at a promotional exercise in July.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
SCREEN capture from video showing man being dragged across Shirley Street by plain clothes officers.
BTC donates 110 push-to-talk radios and 60 body cameras to the Department of Immigration.
‘Shelter project not a want, but a need’
SHELTER from page one
concerns, including not knowing where they will sleep at night.
Workers have begun cutting into the ground to prepare the foundation at the site, and the project now has official architectural drawings. Other documents are being submitted to secure full clearance to build on the property.
The shelter and housing project cost is estimated at $2.5m, up from the original $1m. Phase One is projected to cost $250,000. Ms Gibson did not give a completion date, but hopes the building will accommodate at least ten families by December.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in January. The initiative aims to provide housing, shelter, and resources for families in need, including victims of violence and hardship. Phase One will house up to eight people per family, with a total capacity of 40.
Although FOAM received donations at the groundbreaking, most funds have been spent on architectural drawings, foundation work, and permits.
“We’re appealing to the public to please partner, sponsor, and donate. A shelter and housing project is not a want in our country; it is indeed a need,” Ms Gibson said.
Walter Hanschell during the groundbreaking of the FOAM (Families Of All Murder Victims) shelter and housing project on Carmichael Rd on January 23, 2025.
Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
“We’re appealing to the public to please partner, sponsor, and donate. A shelter and housing project is not a want in our country; it is indeed a need.”
Her comments come as concerns persist over the limited availability of shelters or temporary housing in the country. Women’s advocacy groups and the Free National Movement (FNM) have repeatedly called on the government to provide shelters, especially for victims of abuse.
Social Services Minister Myles LaRoda said two domestic violence shelters are currently in development.
“Social Services will have two buildings, one which was purchased that is under renovation,” he said last week. “The other one is a leased facility, where the renovation has finished and we are sourcing furniture.” Currently, domestic violence victims can be temporarily housed at a Royal Bahamas Police Force facility in Chippingham, used as a transitional space until they are transferred to Social Services.
Abused mother of four considered suicide while struggling to find help
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
A DESPERATE mother of four considered suicide after struggling to get help for herself and her children following domestic violence, according to Khandi Gibson, president of Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM).
Ms Gibson told The Tribune yesterday that the woman came to her office this week pleading for assistance. She had previously stayed at FOAM’s mini shelter about two years ago but was now in urgent need of a safe place for her young children. The woman initially sent her a phone message asking for her but then later came to the FOAM office in person.
“I really need help before my life take away from my kids,” the victim wrote in a phone message.
Ms Gibson described the woman’s vulnerable state, saying she had visited several police stations to report the abuse but felt no one was taking her seriously.
“The woman said, ‘Miss I try everybody, but nobody will help me’,” Ms Gibson recalled.
“She came there with her children. Even if I didn’t have a space, I would have to find space and thank God I had a room available.”
Ms Gibson said suicide and mental health are still not taken seriously enough in the country and called for more support for victims and children fighting to survive. Alicia Wallace, director of Equality Bahamas, told The Tribune her organisation also frequently assists survivors in making police reports, seeing doctors, obtaining protection orders, and finding temporary safe housing.
“We have had to appeal to members of the public in people our own networks for assistance, knowing that lack of funds could quickly lead to people going back into dangerous situations which could lead to their deaths,” Ms Wallace said.
Ms Gibson said people usually reach out to non-profit organisations only after exhausting all other options. She said the mother’s struggle reflects the reality faced by many others in similar situations. The mother-of-four was able to secure a safe place to stay, but she still requires counselling to address the trauma she has endured.
She stressed that no government should claim it has no resources to support people fleeing for their lives or that Social Services should turn them away due to unavailable housing. Ms Wallace highlighted the urgent need for more shelters and called for action to stabilise the housing market so residents can access safe, secure housing. She also suggested addressing the rise of short-term rentals and said the government should consider agreements with private entities, including hotels, to ensure options are available even when shelters are full.
Ms Wallace described how the inaccessibility of resources to support survivors through reporting and navigating the justice system can be traumatic and demoralising, often forcing them back into life-threatening situations.
MINISTER of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis, wife of Prime Minister Philip Davis, Ann Marie Davis, FOAM president Khandi Gibson, Senate President Lashelle Adderley and Bishop
Photo:
TRENCHES have been dug for footings to begin building the foundation of the FOAM headquarters which will also provide shelter for up to ten families when complete. They are appeal for donations to continue the work.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
KHANDI GIBSON, president of Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM).
BPL installing generators on Abaco cays to bring relief to main power station
station for the north.
months and locals protested over the issue.
Pedro Marcello, BPL’s Family Islands regional manager, said Hatchet Bay plant experienced a blackout on August 4 due to an issue with one of the main generators. An eventual overload of the system occurred and all generators, including the rentals, tripped offline. The technicians identified the problem and the unit was replaced.
Three out of four Hatchet Bay units are operational and require radiator replacements. The company contracted for these repairs have already received 50 percent of their payment and expected to commence this project within the next four weeks.
Mr Marcello said the government has signed a PPA with companies to provide 19.91MW of LNG generation, 8.7MW of solar and 10MW of battery storage.
37.6MW. Harbour Island operation has 11 MW of total generation, 6 MW from rentals and 5 MW from BPL, supplying about 39 consumers. Peak demand ranges from 4 to 6.5 MW, with the highest recorded in July 2023.
Mr Marcello said this is more than enough generation for Harbour Island.
Cat Island Power Station originally had four engines. After two failures, one about a week apart, only two units remain operational. Repairs are ongoing on one failed unit, while a new unit is being installed to boost power. The installation is expected to be completed by the middle of next week.
Long Island’s network has a central plant with north and south feeders, allowing balanced load shedding. However, because the power plant is farther north, the southern areas sometimes face longer outages. To address this, a temporary generator is planned for the southern area which will connect to the grid.
Currently, two Wilson City units are operational while two others are under maintenance.
“While the two units at the Wilson City power station is sufficient generation to meet the demand on the island of Abaco, if one of those units goes down for any reason, we are in a state of load shedding, and that is what we experienced over the past few days, where we lost one of the units,” Ms Seymour said.
“So we put in place a load shedding schedule for the mainland for Abaco. Now what we’re doing to correct that, in addition to our technicians on the ground working on the two units that are currently unavailable, we are installing generation on all of the main Abaco Cays.”
A generator was installed in Great Man-of-War Cay and expected to be in service by early next week. Two additional units in Hope Town will be installed.
Mainland Eleuthera has 34MW of generation capacity from two power stations — Hatchet Bay and Rock Sound — with an additional 3.6MW to be added soon, raising total capacity to
The BPL is also installing a unit on Great Guana Cay to bring some relief at the Wilson City station. This will allow the Cays to remain self-sustaining in case of engine failure or submarine cable damage. REBATES from page one
Abaco’s power system relies on the Wilson City station for south-central areas and the keys, and a rental-based Cooperstown
Sweeting’s Cay residents struggling six years after Dorian get helping hand
BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
RESIDENTS of Sweeting’s Cay are being given a helping hand as they continue to rebuild six years after Hurricane Dorian.
Several families on Sweeting’s Cay will receive kitchen sets and other household items donated by the Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama.
Darren Cooper, area governor for Rotary District 6990, made the presentation on Thursday to Chief Councillor Shervin Tate and members of the Sweeting’s Cay Council at Five Star Shipping.
The donation, which is earmarked for five of the homes rebuilt by Rotary following the storm, includes fully equipped kitchen sets with builtin refrigerators, granite countertops, sinks, and faucets.
Mr Cooper said Rotary remains committed to helping residents restore normalcy to their lives.
Since Dorian, Rotary has assisted 36 residents, rebuilt 17 homes and helped others complete construction already underway. The storm destroyed every single residence on that island.
“These are persons who have lived on this cay for 40 or 50 years and lost everything. We are still
working to help them return to employment and some sense of normal living,” he said.
Mr Tate expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, praising Rotary for its tireless
support.
“Rotary has done such a wonderful job by building homes and now helping families furnish them,” he said. “Many of our people lost everything, and to see families receiving cupboards, wash basins, and now full kitchen sets is a blessing. I must say thank you to Rotary.”
Mr Tate said Sweeting’s Cay, which once had over 200 residents, now has only about 80 people still living there. While the island is recovering, he said much more assistance is still needed.
“Sweeting’s Cay is on the rise. We are strong, hardworking people, and with Rotary standing behind us, we will continue pressing forward with God’s help,” he said. Rotary officials encouraged those wishing to assist with donations to contact any of the presidents of the seven Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama.
“We are in the business and still open to receive donations to continue to help those residents, especially in the eastern end of Grand Bahama, rebuild their lives,” Mr Cooper said.
THE ROTARY Clubs of Grand Bahama donated a trailer full of kitchen cabinets, sinks, granite counter tops, carpeting, and other household items to assisst several families who are still rebuilding on Sweeting’s Cay. From left are Stevenia Beneby, public image director of Rotary Club of Grand Bahama; Ms Huyler, president of the Rotaract Club, Chasarie Bullard, Rotary president; past president Mike Stafford, Rotary water plant manager; Darren Cooper, area governor for Grand Bahama District 6990; Shervin Tate, chief councillor of Sweeting’s Cay; deputy chief councillor of Sweeting’s Cay; Candy Burrows, of Five Star Shipping; and Dave Mackey, president of the Rotary of Grand Bahama.
BPL CEO Toni Seymour speaks at press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.
Photo: Nikia Charlton
Convention planned earlier but delayed by ‘pressing’ matters
CONVENTION from page one
matter will remain under discussion until the party holds its non-voting convention at a date to be determined.
The Tribune understands the convention was originally expected earlier this year but was delayed due to other “pressing” matters.
Dr Sands said preparations for what he described as an “imminent” general election have required significant time and focus, thus delaying the conference.
Still, he confirmed the convention will eventually be held.
“This organisation has been around for more than 50 years, and our Constitution has been revised over time - the last time in 2022 at the last voting convention after election,” he said.
“We’ve also recognised some lacuna things that our Constitution doesn’t speak to based on some of the challenges that we’ve had over the last few years, and rather than leave them undecided, okay, we will make sure that our constitution deals with.”
Dr Sands added that
officials also want the constitution to address social media, noting its growing role in party
communication.
“Our constitution speaks to putting ads in the paper and on the radio and in a time, when it was only newspaper and radio but we now need to address you know, what role does social media play? Email, WhatsApp, etc, Facebook, all these other types of things on notification about meetings and what have you.”
He said most people now get their information from social media, but under the current constitution such notifications are not considered adequate.
“These types of things have to be addressed in order to maintain the relevancy and the appropriateness,” he added.
Dr Sands also said the party intends to fill vacancies left by deceased meritorious council members at the upcoming non-voting convention.
The FNM’s upcoming convention will not involve the election of officers but will instead focus on constitutional changes and other party matters.
“We established that there would be no voting at this convention in the lead up to the last election so this would have no material bearing on leadership or party offices,” Dr Sands added.
“We established that there would be no voting at this convention in the lead up to the last election so this would have no material bearing on leadership or party offces.”
Wilson urges ministry to discuss student ID plan with BUT
which represent the Royal Bahamas Police Force.”
the Ministry of Education’s director of security and his team to discuss plans, and say a meeting with senior education officials is now necessary to see the written plan and budget.
She said: “The draft protocol highlights the need for hiring more security officers and increasing numbers of the security officers in our schools. There is a need for equipment such as scanners, metal detectors, cell phones and even drones.”
The BUT president called the meeting with the security “fruitful”, but said the union recognised that successful implementation of new recommendations requires funding.
She said: “Transportation is vital, so vehicles are needed. Improve communication between stakeholders, such as the administrators, the teachers, custodial staff, security officers and the school resource officers,
She added that her union along with the Bahamas Public Service Union and the Bahamas National Alliance Trade Union Congress are prepared to partner with the security division to ensure that officers are familiarised with union agreements, especially over union access and safety.
Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin previously announced a new student identification card system designed to restrict school access for the upcoming school year.
Visitors, including parents, will be escorted to designated areas. She also confirmed metal detectors are already in use, and a former assistant superintendent of police is leading a revamp of national school security.
“We expect September to see a... stronger security presence for anyone who enters that campus,” she said.
Mrs Wilson said the BUT has not been consulted or briefed by
the minister or education officials on the implementation of new initiatives, such as student ID cards, despite public announcements about them.
She added the union and teachers are unclear about their roles and which of the more than 160 institutions will implement the IDs first.
She said: “I am urging Minister Glenys Hanna Martin and her team to meet with the Bahamas Union of Teachers forthwith to discuss this very important proposed initiative for safety in the schools throughout the Bahamas, not limited to the implementation of biometric ID cards for students.
“As we’ve already met with the security officers, and now a meeting with the hierarchy is warranted because we want to see the plan, a written plan, an action plan, and we want to see where the funds are budgeted for the implementation of this new proposed security access protocol for schools and the implementation of the biometric ID cards.”
FNM CHAIRMAN DR DUANE SANDS
GANGS from page one
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson during the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training new hires orientation opening ceremony at Stephen Dillet Primary School on Wednesday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
THE MINISTRY of Education & Technical & Vocational Training welcomed over 80 new teachers, teacher aides, guidance counselors school and attendance officers for the upcoming academic year. A two-day orientation was held at the Stephen Dillet Primary School on August 20 – 22. Director of Education, Dominique McCartney-Russell, delivered welcome remarks and Minister Glenys HannaMartin presented the keynote address at the opening.
Photo: Patrice Johnson/BIS
The Tribune Limited
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LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Six years later, recovery continues
IT IS almost six years since Hurricane Dorian – but its after-effects, both physical and mental, still remain with us.
That can be seen in some of the stories in today’s Tribune – but it can also be seen and heard if you take a few moments to talk with those who went through the horrors of that storm.
The topic came up at a recent family gathering. Several family members from Abaco talked of how for many the impact still lingers.
It can be a simple thing – a repair that hasn’t been finished, even a small one – that prompts the memories. Or it can be bigger than that – the empty lot where a neighbour lived. An empty place in someone’s heart for a relative who died in the storm.
One said tellingly that everyone who went through the storm should have some kind of therapy, some kind of treatment for post-traumatic stress. It does not matter, they said, how much they seem like they are fine, how much they put one foot in front of the other and carry on – they all need help.
Yesterday, The Tribune spoke to people in Sweeting’s Cay who remain determined to recover after the storm.
Shervin Tate is the chief councillor there, and he said that many are still hurting. He talked of how his mother “lost five nieces and nephews”. He said he had buried his father and his brother this year – who “never had the chance to return to their home before they passed”.
He said: “There is still a lot of sorrow inside of us, even though you
may see us laugh.”
The trauma is reflected in numbers too. Before Dorian, there were more than 200 residents on Sweeting’s Cay. Now there are less than half that number. Mr Tate estimates it at 75-80 people.
He said: “Each day, the numbers are depleting because of the lack of homes and jobs. We need the same opportunities as every other Bahamian so people can stay in their homes and rebuild their lives here.”
That infrastructure needs to be rebuilt – and infrastructure came up in another discussion yesterday. Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) announced a series of rebates for islands badly affected by power outages. Abaco misses out on that rebate –even though it is still struggling with power. One of the reasons for that is that recovery work is still ongoing after Dorian. That work includes commissioning the Marsh Harbour station and completing the transmission line between Treasure Cay and Cooper’s Town. Six years on and still plenty to do. As we approach the anniversary of the storm on September 1, remember those who went through that monster category five event. Listen to them. Talk to them. Let them say what is on their minds. There is still plenty to do to physically clear up in the aftermath – and some of that lies in the hands of government. But perhaps there is even more to help the mental state of the survivors. And that’s up to all of us. We owe it to our fellow Bahamians to listen.
Where did Parks and Beaches money go?
EDITOR, The Tribune
THE recent revelation that the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority overspent its budget by $16.2m is alarming. Even more troubling is that the public has seen little to no return on that massive overrun. The question every taxpayer should be asking is simple: where did the money go? As a resident of Golden Isles, I see the consequences of this mismanagement every day.
Beaches like Adelaide and Coral Harbour are often covered in trash that remains untouched for days. Public parks in communities like Bacardi Road, Coral Heights, Golden Meadows, and Dignity Gardens are overgrown, poorly maintained, and in some cases unsafe. Facilities that should serve our families—like restrooms and playgrounds—are broken, infested, or completely
unusable. Lighting is nonexistent in many of these spaces, raising real concerns about safety after dark.
This is not just a matter of inconvenience. It is a matter of basic dignity and accountability. Even more concerning is the fact that the sitting Member of Parliament for Golden Isles also serves as Minister of the Environment, the very ministry responsible for overseeing public spaces. He receives $150,000 a year in constituency allowance that is meant to help maintain these areas, yet little has been done to improve conditions. Residents are right to ask why.
Meanwhile, public concerns continue to grow that personnel are being hired at the Parks and Beaches Authority in a way that priorities politics over performance. We must not allow community resources to be used for political purposes
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Meritless criticism of Pintard
EDITOR, The Tribune. A GHOSTWRITER
calling himself The Forerunner wrote in the August 14 edition of The Nassau Guardian the following on Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard: “An examination of the first 17 candidates Pintard ratified reveals a concerning lack of political experience and credentials. Many of these individuals are relatively newcomers to frontline politics, with no noteworthy track record outside of switching from the PLP to the FNM just to receive a nomination.” Continuing in his fearmongering, the ghostwriter, presumably a Minnisite, asked the question: “If the FNM secures victory at the polls, who will help Pintard govern?”
1967, general election. It is almost as if The Forerunner had copied and pasted the written political rhetoric of Sir Roland Symonette and Sir Stafford Sands. “An examination” of the 11 individuals appointed to the Cabinet in the first Majority Rule administration “reveals a concerning lack of experience and credentials”.
in 1967. Pindling had to engage in politicking to get Fawkes and Sir Alvin Braynen to side with his party in order wrest control of the government from the UBP. Tens of thousands of Black Bahamians were wary of the PLP and its band of inexperienced candidates ahead of the 1967 general election. Those fears were overblown. Considering the lack of experience of Pindling and Co, they fared admirably well.
while our neighborhoods are left behind.
The bottom line is this: an extra $16.2m was spent, yet families in Golden Isles are still taking their children to parks that look like abandoned lots. Residents are still walking through dark, unsafe areas at night. Our tax dollars are being spent, but the results are nowhere to be seen.
We need a full public audit of the Parks and Beaches Authority. We need proper oversight of the money that is allocated to maintain our communities. And most importantly, we need action. Not explanations. Not delays. Not spin. Golden Isles deserves parks and beaches that are clean, safe, and cared for. Residents deserve representation that fights for results, not excuses.
BRIAN BROWN FNM Candidate for Golden Isles August 18, 2025.
The premise of this hit piece is that the sheer number of political novices who have been nominated by the FNM should give eligible Bahamian voters pause for concern as we enter the height of the political season. Ironically though, the very same arguments being used against Pintard and this iteration of the FNM were used against a young Sir Lynden Pindling and the PLP by the politically seasoned United Bahamian Party government propaganda machinery ahead of the historic January 10,
Sir Lynden Pindling (minister of tourism), Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield (Minister of works), Sir Milo Butler (health), AD Hanna (education), Clarence A Bain (without portfolio), Jeffrey Thompson (internal affairs), Carlton E. Francis (finance), Sir Randol Fawkes (labor and commerce), Warren J Levarity (Out Island affairs), Dr Curtis C McMillan (communications and Clement T Maynard (without portfolio) were all green from a government standpoint. Heretofore not a single one of these men had ever sat in the executive branch of the government.
To a certain extent, the UBP fear mongering worked, in that the then white minority government gained 18 of the seats in the House of Assembly
The Forerunner, had he been alive in 1967, could have written the exact same thing about Sir Lynden and the fledgling PLP. The funny thing is, though, is that Pintard, unlike Pindling ahead of 1967, had sat in the executive branch during the Minnis administration. The same thing can be said of Marvin Dames, Darren Henfield, Ellsworth Johnson and Dr Duane Sands. Undermining his own arguments, The Forerunner referenced the Cabinet experience of the foregoing men. Consequently, the arguments of the ghostwriter have no merit. And even if they do, Pintard can simply point to Pindling and his Majority Rule administration. It is a matter of historical precedence.
KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama August 17, 2025.
A BLACK ibis in search of a meal.
Photo: Dirk Shuneman
Six years after Dorian, residents of Sweetings Cay still trying to recover
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
AS the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Dorian approaches on September 1, Sweeting’s Cay residents remain determined to recover, still fighting to restore their island to the vibrant fishing community it once was.
The cay’s population has dwindled from more than 200 before Dorian to fewer than 80, with many families still displaced in Freeport.
While some return on weekends to repair their homes, major infrastructure such as the dock, school, and clinic remain in disrepair.
“We are still begging every day for help from NGOs and government,” said Shervin Tate, chief councillor of Sweeting’s Cay.
Describing residents as hard working, strong people, Mr Tate said the island is known for its abundant fishing grounds, teeming with lobster, crab, fish, and conch which feeds many in Grand Bahama and the Bahamas.
“We cannot compete with the rest of the world without the resources and infrastructure we need,” he pleaded.
According to Mr Tate, the state of the island’s dock, the point of entry and critical for tourism, is a constant source of frustration.
“When my guests come and see such an untidy spot, it makes my heart sad. I am saying to the government and the opposition: fight
together and let’s get Sweeting’s Cay dock going, let’s get the school going, and let’s repair our infrastructure. We have so much to offer, but we are being left behind,” he said.
He also expressed frustration that while government grants are being distributed to support development in other communities, Sweeting’s Cay has not been included.
“You are giving out all these grants all over the place, but you are not giving to Sweeting’s Cay,” Mr Tate claimed. “Bring those grants here so our people can participate, create jobs, and compete too like everyone else.”
Mr Tate said Sweeting’s Cay fishermen need assistance. “We can put more money into the treasury if given the chance — our fishermen and tour guides just need the same opportunity,” he stressed. For residents, the anniversary of Dorian remains bittersweet. Many lost
homes, loved ones, and livelihoods.
Many are still hurting, Mr Tate said.
“Every time it’s a sad feeling,” he added. “My mom lost five nieces and nephews. I just buried my dad and my brother this year. They never had the chance to return to their home before they passed. There is still a lot of sorrow inside of us, even though you may see us laugh.”
Still, the community is determined to push forward. With restaurants, fishing tours, and eco-tourism offerings, residents are working with what little they have.
But Mr Tate warns unless more support is given, the island risks further depopulation.
“Before Dorian, we had more than 200 residents.
Now it’s 75 to 80. Each day, the numbers are depleting because of the lack of homes and jobs. We need the same opportunities as every other Bahamian so people can stay in their homes and rebuild their lives here,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, Mr Tate is optimistic that the island can fully bounce back. “Sweeting’s Cay has alway been a place where the wise men of fishing come from. We contribute about a million to the Bahamian economy through conch, lobster, and fish. If given the same chance, we can double that. We want the opportunity to compete and to restore Sweeting’s Cay.”
P OLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING IN ROBINSON RD AREA
POLICE are investigating a shooting that left a 28-year-old man in hospital on Wednesday. Officers were called to the scene off Robinson Road shortly after 8.30pm by unknown callers. Responding officers found the man
suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. According to initial reports, the victim was sitting in a vehicle with another man when a dark-coloured car pulled up. Two gunmen reportedly exited the vehicle and opened fire, striking the victim in the upper body.
The driver, fearing for his life, ran and hid behind a nearby store while the suspects fled west along Robinson Road.
The victim was transported to hospital, where his condition remains critical.
Killer apologises to mom of murder victim
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A KILLER apologised to the mother of his murder victim on Wednesday as he awaits sentencing for the 2020 stabbing of Charles Demeritte. Franco Ferguson apologised to Demeritte’s mother for his involvement in her son’s death during a sentencing hearing before Justice Dale Fitzpatrick. The victim’s mother had tears in her eyes during court
proceedings. Ferguson fatally stabbed Demeritte to the leg at his exgirlfriend’s house on Claridge Road following a physical confrontation on September 11, 2020.
During his trial, the convict claimed he acted in self-defence. He said Demeritte was also armed at the time.
Demeritte was dating Ferguson’s ex at time of his death. Ferguson also expressed remorse for his actions and accepted responsibility for crime.
He promised to never be before the court for another offence once he serves his time for murder. After reviewing his probation report and hearing Ferguson’s latest submission, Justice Fitzpatrick said he would proceed with sentencing on August 27. Ferguson has spent six months in prison, with five of those months being after his conviction. Rashied Edgecombe served as the prosecutor, while Ryszard Humes represented the accused.
FOURTH MAN CHARGED IN GANG RAPE OF TEEN GIRL
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A FOURTH man accused in the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl faced court yesterday.
Prosecutors allege that Karshorn Deveaux, 22, forcefully had sexual intercourse with the girl at a house she was visiting on August 13. Deveaux was charged
with unlawful sexual intercourse before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr. He was remanded to custody over the alleged incident in a bathroom on Kemp Road last week. His co-accused— Henrico McPhee, 18, Charlton Curtis, 23, and a 15-year-old boy— were arraigned on Wednesday. The accused was not required to enter a plea. The case will proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He must apply for bail in the higher court. Deveaux will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Service until service of his VBI on November 12. Sergeant 3738 Johnson was the prosecutor. It has previously been reported that police were seeking other suspects in the incident.
M AN ACCUSED OF ACTING AS ACCESSORY TO MURDER
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN accused of acting as an accessory in the murder of Eleson Pierre on Lexington Avenue last week has been remanded into custody.
Prosecutors allege that Horatio Strachan, 28, helped the suspects evade police following the murder of 21-year-old Pierre on August 13. At the time of his death,
Pierre was out on bail for a serious offence.
Police said Pierre was ambushed and shot outside a residence on Lexington Avenue at 5pm. The deceased attempted to evade his pursuers but ended up collapsing in nearby bushes.
The suspects reportedly fled in a northern direction in a dark Japanese vehicle.Strachan was charged with accessory after the fact murder before Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest
Deveaux. The accused was not required to enter a plea. The case will proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment. He must apply for bail in the higher court. Strachan will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Service until service of his VBI on December 8. Nicholas Mitchell and Levar Ferguson represented the accused.
SHERVIN TATE, chief councillor of Sweeting’s Cay.
How to deal with conflicts of interest
IN The Bahamas, the term “conflict of interest” is commonly linked to the for-profit sector, particularly in relation to corporate boards, attorneys, and public officials.
However, conflicts of interest can and do occur within non-profit organisations, and the implications can be just as serious. Nonprofit organisations are mission driven entities dedicated to making meaningful change within communities. Maintaining this trust is essential to a nonprofit’s integrity and long-term success.
One of the most critical components of ensuring accountability and public confidence is the effective identification and management of conflicts of interest. When non-profit boards and executives fail to properly address these situations, the organisation’s credibility, effectiveness, and public trust can all be jeopardised.
What is a conflict of interest in a non-profit organisation?
A conflict of interest arises when a person involved with a nonprofit, whether a board member, executive, or staff member, has personal, financial, or professional interests that could interfere with their duty to act in the
By Mario Smith
organisation’s best interest. The concern is not only actual conflicts but also the perception of conflict, which can be equally damaging.
Examples include: A board member serving simultaneously on the board of a competing non-profit organisation. Staff using the nonprofit’s time, money, or resources for personal gain.
Board members voting on decisions that directly benefit themselves or their businesses.
A CEO being a close relative of a board member, leading to questions about impartiality and favouritism. Board members using their position to promote personal, political or social causes that are not in line with the non-profit’s mission. Having a conflict of
interest is not inherently unethical or illegal. However, failing to disclose and manage the conflict appropriately can lead to legal trouble, ethical violations, and damage to the organisation’s reputation. Over time, it can also erode trust among board members and stakeholders, which can result in board disengagement and weakened
governance structures.
In small, closely connected communities such as those in The Bahamas, conflicts of interest may be inevitable. The key is not to eliminate them entirely, but to manage them transparently and responsibly. How non-profts can effectively address conficts of interest
All non-profit board members and executives have a fiduciary responsibility to act in good faith and the best interest of the organisation. To protect against conflicts of interest, several steps can be taken.
1. Implement a conflict of interest policy
A well-written conflict of interest policy is essential. This policy should: Define what constitutes a conflict of interest.
Outline the duty to disclose actual or potential conflicts.
Prohibit board members with conflicts from participating in related votes or decisions.
Establish clear procedures for managing and resolving conflicts.
Require an annual disclosure statement from each board member listing any affiliations or interests that could pose a conflict.
Having such a policy not only strengthens governance but also sends a strong message about the organisation’s commitment to ethical conduct.
Require annual disclosures
Each board member should complete a conflict of interest disclosure form annually. This helps identify potential issues before they arise and creates a culture of openness. It also provides a formal mechanism for recording and
revisiting declared interests throughout the year.
Empower the chair to lead confict management
When a potential conflict arises, the board chair should review the matter, consult relevant disclosures, and engage the board member in question. If the conflict is clear, the member should be asked to recuse themselves from related discussions and votes. In cases where the member disagrees that a conflict exists, the chair must ensure that the board deliberates the issue carefully. The final decision must prioritise the best interests of the organisation and protect the integrity of its decisionmaking processes.
Seek independent advice when necessary Complex conflicts, especially those involving financial transactions or legal relationships, may require independent legal or financial counsel. This helps ensure that decisions are not only ethical but also legally sound and defensible.
Promoting a culture of transparency
Beyond policy, nonprofits must actively foster a culture where transparency, honesty, and accountability are expected and encouraged. People must feel safe disclosing conflicts without fear of judgment or retaliation. This culture can be established by: Offering regular training sessions on ethics and conflicts of interest. Encouraging open discussions around potential grey areas.
Promoting a clear understanding that disclosures are a sign of integrity, not wrongdoing.
When transparency is embedded in organisational culture, trust grows, both internally among board members and externally among donors, partners, and the public.
Conclusion
Effectively managing conflicts of interest is critical to the ethical governance and operational integrity of nonprofit organisations in The Bahamas. While some conflicts are unavoidable, the board’s role is to ensure that these are disclosed, documented, and addressed in ways that protect the organisation’s mission and credibility.
Clear conflict of interest policies, regular disclosures, strong leadership, and a culture of transparency all contribute to minimizing risks and maintaining public trust. In cases of uncertainty, independent guidance should be sought to ensure the organisation remains compliant with legal standards and true to its values.
Ultimately, when a non-profit organisation prioritises accountability and integrity, it strengthens its governance, enhances its reputation, and safeguards its ability to serve the public good for years to come.
With roots in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, Mario Smith is a past chairman of One Eleuthera Foundation. He is also a founding member and director of the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI). Mario serves as a member of Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief and is a Past Assistant Governor of Rotary District 7020.
MARIO SMITH, Board Director, One Eleuthera Foundation.
of One Eleuthera Foundation
In a lonely world will a Chatbot be our next best friend, even our shrink?
WE’VE done it to ourselves. We’ve made electronic interaction so handy, so easy, so available, so intelligent, we can go a full day getting all our work done, looking smart, achieving goals without interacting with a real human being. Now we’re taking it to a level that only a few years ago might have sent shivers down our spine. In one of the fastest growing trends in health care, we are increasingly relying on AI Chatbots for our mental well-being.
The Bot is becoming our shrink, lending support when we need it, helping us deal with stress, anxiety or depression, possibly even talking us out of suicide. That’s a big ask for a robot we’ve never had the pleasure of meeting in person, but then again, that bot has heard it all before. How did we get here and where will it lead?
It started with our reliance on ChatGPT, Claude, Alexis and Gemini. The Bot became our friend. Alexa didn’t complain if we asked her to change the music we wanted to listen to ten times before we got to the exact sound we wanted. She didn’t even expect a nod of appreciation, a fact that probably did not do our manners habits any favour. Gemini did our research for us, saving us time. And there was almost nothing we could throw at ChatGPT that she could not do better than we. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the ChatBot has become our latest addiction. The stats are staggering - ChatGPT users are expected to reach 700 million weekly. We can Google everything from the best pizza crust near us to the most expensive diamond ever sold. We don’t have to figure out how much change we should expect
By Diane Phillips
from a $30.85 sale if we hand the clerk a $50 bill ($19.15) or how to find our way to the closest electric vehicle charging station. So why would we be surprised that we are turning to a Bot by our side when we are having one of those moments when we could use a little mental helping hand?
The trend is growing so fast that it has caught the attention of professionals who hold both academic and practical, hypothetical, experiential and anecdotal knowledge. Though opinions vary, many feel the Bot might be a good companion, especially in the wee hours of the morning when the doctor is less likely to be available and just having “someone to talk to” who understands and can work with the individual to boost their spirit, let them talk it out, perhaps come to a positive conclusion or path forward themselves can supplement other mental health assistance. They recognise that depression, loneliness, stagnation, emotional hardship or paralysis does not recognise a schedule when the couch, comfy chair or zoom call is available. Others worry that the Bot will only reinforce and reaffirm the problems the individual describes because it is viewing those issues through the eyes of the persons seeking help instead of objectively bringing an “open mind” to the conversation.
Pro, con or somewhere in between, psychologists, psychiatrists and others in the mental health field
A SM A LL TIP A BOUT
TREE-TRIMMING
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understand that the technology is revolutionizing the mental health industry – a sector that is expected to be a $4.2 billion market by 2030. They are aware that the Bot is not only available on a moment’s notice at any hour, it is likely to be a lot less expensive, though there is a charge. And that may increase as the demand continues to increase, but then so will competition.
Bots don’t need to repay a four- or eight-year or more college career. They don’t have to hire receptionists, lease office space. It would be reasonable to assume they are masters of discretion and never tell anyone your business.
The Bot doesn’t worry about medical school or internships. It has the knowledge of the entire world at its disposal and that, say some professionals, is the concern – inability to understand that what people talk about is not necessarily the real issue that is driving them to seek help. If we knew what was really bothering us, would we bother to seek help to try to find out what it is and fix it?
Interestingly enough, the rise of the AI therapist appears to be growing especially fast in China and among the Chinese population in places where stress levels are high. Whether it is DeepSeek in China or talk2us.ai in the US or one of several other bots, there is little doubt that the day of having to lie on a shrink’s couch and bare your soul, hoping to find an answer in either a
The Bot doesn’t worry about medical school or internships. It has the knowledge of the entire world at its disposal and that, say some professionals, is the concern – inability to understand that what people talk about is not necessarily the real issue that is driving them to seek help.
parental relationship that led to a complex that is destroying your chance at happiness or just discovering a way forward without worrying about the DNAdriven cause, the business of mental well-being is going the way everything else in our lives is.
We’re happily handing it over to some electronic equipment with an intelligence we will never match, hoping for a magic we cannot create on our own, And in that regard, we are doing in this contemporary sophisticated world what we have always done
from the beginning of time. We are taking the path of least resistance and there may be nothing wrong with that at all. The path of least resistance is, and always has been, the most efficient, effective way to get from Point A to B.
Israel approves settlement project that could divide the West Bank
ISRAEL gave final approval Wednesday for a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, and that Palestinians and rights groups say could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state.
Settlement development in E1, an open tract of land east of Jerusalem, has been under consideration for more than two decades, but was frozen due to US pressure during previous administrations. The
international community overwhelmingly considers Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank to be illegal and an obstacle to peace.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a former settler leader, cast the approval as a rebuke to Western countries that announced their plans to recognize a Palestinian state in recent weeks. “The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not with slogans but with actions,” he said on Wednesday. “Every settlement, every neighbourhood, every housing
unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the idea of a Palestinian state alongside Israel and has vowed to maintain open-ended control over the occupied West Bank, annexed east Jerusalem, and the war-ravaged Gaza Strip — territories Israel seized in the 1967 war that the Palestinians want for their state.
Israel’s expansion of settlements is part of an increasingly dire reality for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank as the world’s
attention focuses on the war in Gaza. There have been marked increases in attacks by settlers on Palestinians, evictions from Palestinian towns, Israeli military operations, and checkpoints that choke freedom of movement, as well as several Palestinian attacks on Israelis.
More than 700,000 Israelis settlers now live in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
The location of E1 is significant because it is one of the last geographical links between the major West Bank cities of Ramallah, in the north, and Bethlehem,
in the south. The two cities are 22 kilometres (14 miles) apart, but Palestinians travelling between them must take a wide detour and pass through multiple Israeli checkpoints, spending hours on the journey. The hope was that, in an eventual Palestinian state, the region would serve as a direct link between the cities. “The settlement in E1 has no purpose other than to sabotage a political solution,” said Peace Now, an organization that tracks settlement expansion in the West Bank. “While the consensus among our friends in the world is to strive for peace and a two-state solution, a government that long ago lost the people’s trust is undermining the national interest, and we are all paying the price.”
Asked about E1 in an interview with The Associated Press, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said talk of a two-state solution was not a “high priority” for the Trump administration and that there were too many unanswered questions about what a Palestinian state would look like. The State
Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
If the process moves quickly, infrastructure work in E1 could begin in the next few months and construction of homes could start in around a year. The plan includes around 3,500 apartments that would abut the existing settlement of Maale Adumim. Smotrich also hailed the approval, during the same meeting, of 350 homes for the settlement of Ashael near Hebron.
Israel could, in theory, remove the settlement at some future date, as it did with its ones in Gaza in 2005, but that possibility appears extremely remote at present given strong support for the settlements among Israel’s government and even some opposition parties.
Israel’s government is dominated by religious and ultranationalist politicians, like Smotrich, with close ties to the settlement movement. The finance minister has been granted Cabinet-level authority over settlement policies and vowed to double the settler population in the West Bank.
Rhode Island Judge Frank Caprio, whose empathy in court earned him fame online, dies at 88
PROVIDENCE Associated Press
FRANK Caprio, a retired municipal judge in Rhode Island who found online fame as a caring jurist and host of “ Caught in Providence,” has died. He was 88.
His official social media accounts said Wednesday that he “passed away peacefully” after “a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”
Caprio billed his courtroom as a place “where people and cases are met with kindness and compassion.” He was known for dismissing tickets or showing kindness even when he handed out justice.
Last week, Caprio posted a short video on Facebook about how he had “a setback,” was back in the hospital and was asking that people “remember me in your prayers.”
Caprio’s show was filmed in his courtroom and featured his folksy humour and compassion. Clips from the show have had more than 1 billion views on social media.
During his time on the bench, Caprio developed a persona at odds with many TV judges — more sympathetic and less confrontational and judgmental.
In his bite-sized segments on YouTube, Caprio is often seen empathizing with those in his courtroom. Many of the infractions are also relatively minor, from failing to use a turn signal to a citation for a loud party.
Caprio also used his fame to address issues like unequal access to the judicial system.
“The phrase, ‘With liberty and justice for all’ represents the idea that justice should be accessible to everyone. However it is not,” Caprio said in one video. “Almost 90% of low-income Americans are forced to battle civil issues like health care, unjust evictions, veterans benefits and, yes, even traffic violations, alone.”
Caprio’s upbeat take on the job of a judge drew him millions of views. His most popular videos have been those where he calls children to the bench to help pass judgment on their parents. One shows him
listening sympathetically to a woman whose son was killed and then dismissing her tickets and fines of $400.
In another clip, after dismissing a red-light violation for a bartender who was making $3.84 per hour, Caprio urged those watching the video not to duck out on their bills.
“If anyone’s watching I want them to know you better not eat and run because you’re going to get caught and the poor people who are working hard all day for three bucks an hour are going to have to pay your bill,” he said. His fame reached as far as China, where clips of his show have been uploaded to social media in recent years. Some fans there posted about his death, recalling and praising the humanity he showed in his rulings.
His family described Caprio “as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.”
“Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond,” the family wrote online. “His warmth, humour, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”
State and local politicians mourned his passing and celebrated his life.
“Judge Caprio not only served the public well, but he connected with them in a meaningful way, and people could not help but respond to his warmth and compassion,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “He was more than a jurist — he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity.”
Robert Leonard, who co-owned a restaurant with Caprio, said he was “going to be sorely missed” and was “all around wonderful.”
“There is nothing he wouldn’t do for you if he could do it,” Leonard said.
Caprio retired from Providence Municipal Court in 2023 after nearly four decades on the bench.
PROVIDENCE Municipal Court Judge Frank Caprio sits on the bench in Providence, R.I., August 10, 2017.
Photo: Michelle R Smith/AP
CANCER SOCIETY OF THE BAHAMAS
It’s time to grab your paddles, rally your crew, and register for this year’s Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival, scheduled for August 30-31, at Goodman’s Bay, Nassau.
Now in its 4th year, the Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival is a major fundraising event, drawing paddlers, local organisations, and spectators from throughout The Bahamas and abroad.
Apart from dragon boat racing, paddlers and spectators can enjoy family-friendly activities, including cultural performances, live music, and a Junkanoo rush-out.
Vendors will also be on site, selling food and paraphernalia items.
• The Long Island branch is hosting its Blossoms Beyond Borders event, the 9th annual Ball of Hope, at the Clarence Town Community Centre at 6.30pm on September 27.
For $125, you can purchase a ticket for the Long Island Branch’s 9th Annual Ball of Hope, which will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Clarence Town Community Centre, starting at 6.30pm.
Also, if you’d like to promote your business or send congratulatory remarks to the Long Island Branch, you can place an ad in the ball’s commemorative booklet.
Prices for ads start from $30, and the submission deadline is August 27.
Contact the Long Island Branch at (242) 551-2346 or (242) 449-6765 for more information.
* The Grand Bahama branch will hold its Timeless Ball: A Quest for the Cure, on October 25, from 6.30pm at the Grand Ballroom, Grand Lucayan Hotel.
By purchasing tickets for the Timeless Ball, you can help the Grand Bahama Branch raise funds to educate the community about the prevention and early detection of cancer and assist those who have been impacted by this disease.
To purchase tickets, which cost $200 each, contact the Grand Bahama Branch at (242) 375-1498 or (242) 602-6767.
ROTARACT CLUB OF NASSAU SUNSET
THE Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset, along with our partners Queen Esther #232, Viking Lodge #351, and the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise are hosting an annual Back-to-School Giveaway on Saturday, August 30, from 11am to 2pm (or until supplies last) at BAF, Independence Drive.
This community event will feature:
• School supply distribution.
• Bouncing castle & face painting.
• Burgers, hot dogs, and treats.
• Music and family fun.
YOUTH ACHIEVERS CLUB
THE Urban Renewal Authority has officially launched the Youth Achievers Club (YAC), a groundbreaking initiative designed to unite all of its youth programmes under one dynamic umbrella. The launch marks a major milestone in Urban Renewal’s mission to shape the lives of young Bahamians through empowerment, mentorship and community pride. For decades, Urban Renewal has touched the lives of thousands of young people through programmes such as speech competitions, the Urban Renewal Christian Movement, marching bands, mentorship initiatives
JOIN THE CLUB
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and sports development. With YAC, these activities converge into a single powerful platform offering leadership training, academic support, cultural enrichment and opportunities for innovation.
The Grand Bahama launch on August 15 drew overwhelming community support, with a spirited march culminating in an inspiring pinning ceremony for boys and girls representing every settlement on the island. The event was standing room only, with Centre Managers, police officers, civic groups, and residents joining alongside government officials to celebrate this new beginning.
Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey hailed the programme as transformative saying: “I commend the Urban Renewal Authority for adopting a holistic approach to youth development. Grand Bahama is finally on the road to recovery, and this initiative has the potential to become a critical part of our island’s transformation promoting leadership training and reigniting community pride in our youth while encouraging academic excellence and sparking innovation.”
Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal Keith Bell emphasised the importance of mentorship, discipline, and community support, echoing the government’s mandate of empowerment. He said: “Our Prime Minister gave us one word – ‘empowerment’.
“We must empower our youth to take this country to the next level. I came from a family of nine. It does not matter how you start - whether you come from a broken home, a single-family home or a nuclear family. It is how you finish. The Youth Achievers Club is about giving every young person the tools to finish strong.”
Mr Bell reminded the audience of the traditional “village” values that once shaped Bahamian communities and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing resources to sustain the programme.
“If God is for you, who can be against you? We are here to support and ensure that each of you develop to your fullest potential. We want you to know that when we grew up we had the village concept, we knew what it was to have hand-me-downs.
“We had no cellphones; we had one telephone and when that rang only the oldest in the house could answer the phone. Now everyone has a cellphone.” He added, “AI and social media may have replaced the village, but Urban Renewal is here to restore it. That is why we are launching the Youth Achievers Club — to ensure every young person
has the support they need to thrive.”
The Urban Renewal Youth Achievers Club is now positioned as a cornerstone of the government’s progressive youth agenda, aligning with its Blueprint for Change and long-term vision of nationbuilding through the next generation.
GOVERNOR General Dame Cynthia Pratt welcomed during a courtesy call Superintendent of Police Keith Ferguson of the School Police Division, instructors and students participating in the Second Chance Programme to Government House. The girls were received on Wednesday August 13, and the boys in two sections - Juniors and Seniors on Thursday, August 14.
Photos: Letisha Henderson/BIS
YOUNG participants of the newly launched Urban Renewal Youth Achievers Club during the official ceremony on Grand Bahama on August 15. Photo: Andrew Miller/BIS
Teachers and students experience China in cultural exchange
SUPPORTED by the Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas, a group of teachers and students from San Pedro International School and Windsor International School spent ten days in Guizhou, China. The trip was part of a cultural exchange focused on learning about China’s language, traditions, and urban environment.
Participants took part in activities
like tea brewing, porcelain painting, paper-cutting, and Tai Chi. They also explored Guiyang’s city life by taking the metro and visited Huaguoyuan Wetland Park. The students visited historic towns and ethnic villages to learn about Guizhou’s cultural heritage and local customs.
During the trip, students engaged with local villagers and joined in folk
dances and songs, gaining a deeper understanding of Guizhou’s history and traditions. The trip ended with students from The Bahamas sharing an English poem called “Guiyang,” highlighting their appreciation for the region’s scenery and culture. The event was organized by Guizhou University and widely covered in Chinese media.
