Woman & health
GB airport plan comes to a halt
$200m project hit by failure to
secure funding by partner
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE long-promised redevelopment of grand Bahama International Airport has once again ground to a halt after the private partners tapped to lead the $200m project failed to secure financing.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation
Chester Cooper confirmed yesterday that the UKbased Manchester Airport group, selected under a public-private partnership, had not delivered the funding officials expected. “Regrettably, the funding had not happened,” Mr Cooper told reporters after touring the Nassau Straw Market yesterday. “We are at the moment organising
IRATE GBPC CusTomERs lInE uP To GET PowER REConnECTIon
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
SCORES of frustrated residents lined up outside the grand Bahama Power Company (gBPC) on Monday to pay their bills following widespread electricity disconnections.
Customers said they did not receive prior notice before their power was cut and scrambled to restore service. A huge crowd gathered at the company’s headquarters on Pioneer’s Way, where some waited for hours to make payments.
COI members criticise biometric voter cards and electoral
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE government’s plan to introduce biometric voter cards drew sharp resistance Thursday night as supporters of the Coalition of Independents (COI) dominated a town hall meeting, pressing officials with pointed questions and vocal objections about data
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A HIgH school track and field coach broke down in tears yesterday as he denied allegations
he sexually assaulted an underaged male student four years ago. Prosecutors allege Robert Ayton, 54, touched the complainant inappropriately at the Doris Johnson High School gym
process
security, ballot box integrity, and transparency in the electoral process. The meeting, hosted by the Parliamentary Registration Department, was meant to explain reforms to the Parliamentary Elections Act, including new ID cards with photographs, fingerprints and signatures,
OBJECTIONS - SEE pagE f Our
between October 1 and 31, 2019, and later had sexual relations with him at his home and at school on two separate occasions between June 1, 2020, and February
By NEIL
BAhAmAS’ Devynne Charlton competes in a women’s
Petr David Josek/ap
Straw market vendors say they are battling unsafe conditions
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
VENDORS at the Nassau Straw Market say they are battling unsafe and unsanitary conditions, from flooding that forces roaches through drains to strobe lights that trigger headaches and drive away customers.
Some stallholders told The Tribune the environment is making them sick and scaring off tourists. Their comments came as officials consider closing the historic downtown site for urgent repairs.
One veteran vendor described recent heavy rains that pushed filth and vermin into the market, while another said a malfunctioning overhead light had been blinking for weeks, leaving her with constant headaches and prompting visitors to walk out for fear of seizures.
“My only grievance right now is this light, the strobe light, and I am losing too much business,” Marbas Smith said. “When you are trying to make a sale, they go because they say they do not want to get a seizure. Yesterday I had a terrible headache. I had to put on
my dark shades in order for me to focus. Some days, I leave early because I just cannot take the pain. This is not healthy. Customers just walk out and leave.”
Another vendor, Deborah Miller, said sanitation problems were just as alarming. “A couple weeks ago, we had a lot of rain, and the rain came up through the drain and brought up a lot of roaches and filth,” she said, adding that the heat inside is oppressive and the layout often prevents wheelchairbound tourists from moving freely.
The Straw Market Authority has acknowledged conditions need urgent attention. Chair Kelverna Small confirmed the board will meet on Friday to finalise whether the market will shut down for up to one week so crews can install an air conditioning system and new fire sprinkler motors.
Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper, who toured the market yesterday, said concerns about heat, sanitation and upkeep were valid but assured that upgrades would be carried out quickly.
Deputy Prime Minister Chester A Cooper participate in a walk about in the Downtown Strawmarket to speak to the local vendors and media yesterday.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
TUC president calls for minimum wage to $350
Union accuses Davis government of breaching industrial agreement by cutting vacation leave
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
THE Bahamas Customs Immigration and Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU) has accused the Davis administration of breaching its industrial agreement by cutting vacation leave for some public officers, a claim Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle rejected yesterday.
BCIAWU president Deron Brooks said the Ministry of Public Service recently advised that staff on a specified salary scale — previously entitled to five weeks’ vacation under general orders — would lose one week of leave each year. He said union-presented documents show salary increases in July 2022, 2023 and 2024 were followed by adjustments to vacation and casual leave without consultation. Calling for the changes to be revoked and for talks to begin, Mr Brooks said:
“The union firmly believes that any changes affecting employees rights, working conditions or benefits must be discussed and agreed upon through the proper
and established channel.”
Mrs Glover-Rolle said there was no breach, insisting the circular at issue reflects negotiated changes to salaries and benefits rather than unilateral action. She added that no officer lost accumulated leave before the latest amendment and any erroneous deductions would be repaid. “If you were receiving five weeks vacation paid prior to this circular and prior to this amendment, that will not be recovered from you,” she said. “It should not be recovered from you and if it was, it will be reimbursed.
“But the vacation leave is based on salary scale so if you fall in a scale and your vacation leave is four weeks, three weeks, that is where your vacation entitlement should fall.”
Mr Brooks said the union had raised concerns repeatedly but received no reply since last October.
Mrs Glover-Rolle countered that her permanent secretary received a letter from the union last week, noting ongoing repairs at the Ministry of Public Service building had delayed delivery. She said officials intend to meet the union
and suggested there may be a misunderstanding of the circular’s interpretation. Questioning the rationale for the change, Mr Brooks said it would not affect key government revenue streams such as customs duties, work permits and tourism. “These benefits that we would have been enjoying do not affect any of those three things. So why do it?” he said. “Make it make sense.”
He said the union has engaged legal advisers and is coordinating with affiliated unions that say they are similarly affected. The dispute is the latest tussle between the BCIAWU and the government, following earlier criticism over the rehiring of retired public servants ahead of promotion opportunities for existing staff.
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
TRADE Union Congress (TUC)
president Obie Ferguson yesterday renewed his call to raise the national minimum wage to $350, calling the current rate of $260 unacceptable.
The Davis administration increased the minimum wage from $210 in January 2023. That was the second increase since the Ingraham administration introduced the minimum wage in 2001 at $150 per week. Some workers said the increase did not go far enough given rising food and electricity costs. Yesterday, Mr Ferguson agreed, saying: “No matter who says $260, we say $350.”
“From 2013, they want to give you base figures over the cost of living in The Bahamas. Could you imagine $260? You got a family of four?
How could you support that,” Mr Ferguson said. “These other people making millions of dollars, spending money all over the place.”
He said the $260 rate falls below the standard of living for Bahamians and urged workers not to be swayed by empty promises, adding that “those people” are not interested in improving their lives.
Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said last year that the Davis administration plans to raise the minimum wage again, but she did not provide a timeline.
It remains unclear whether another increase will occur this term.
TRADE Union CongREss pREsiDEnT obiE FERgUson
Bain suggests registrar should be sole custodian of voter data
Taxi Cab Union warns patience has run out over livery drivers at LPIA
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Taxi Cab
Union (BTCU) says it will escalate action over what it calls the government’s failure to rein in livery drivers at Lynden Pindling International Airport, warning that patience among taxi drivers has run out.
BTCU president Tyrone Butler said several meetings with Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis and a Nassau Airport Development representative have produced no concrete steps to resolve the standoff.
“It’s very frustrating, but I think our frustration is basically coming to an end, and I think in short order, the union is going to have to take the next step in this process, because, in our opinion, the government is not acting in good faith,” he said yesterday. Mr Butler accused officials of disrespecting taxi drivers and allowing what
he described as a “free-forall” at the airport, arguing that lax enforcement is hurting the country’s tourism image. He did not specify the union’s next move but said the government’s stance left taxi operators “no choice” but to respond. He also criticised the silence of senior tourism officials, saying their failure to intervene has emboldened livery drivers.
The union maintains the dispute centres on the application of the Road Traffic Act. Taxi drivers say the law empowers the minister to regulate taxi stands at airports and hotels, leaving no legal space for liveries in those areas. Livery drivers counter that their vehicles operate under separate provisions and are legitimate.
The Bahamas Livery Drivers Union (BLDU) pushed back last month, accusing Mr Butler of abandoning talks and trying to force liveries out of the sector. BLDU president Tory Austin said hotel staff
frequently request livery services for guests and argued Mr Butler’s position was about “taking bread out of people’s mouths.”
He also highlighted wider industry concerns, including price gouging, unauthorised tours, the influx of newly issued plates and the persistence of illegal ride-share operators despite the ban. Tensions have spilled over at the airport, with scuffles reported in the departures area, particularly in the evenings when Road Traffic officers are absent. Drivers on both sides say the market is oversaturated and blame the government for failing to enforce existing rules consistently. Mr Butler said only strict enforcement at Lynden Pindling International Airport will satisfy taxi drivers. He added that issues at the cruise port are different, involving shuttle bus franchises he described as legitimate operators rather than direct competitors.
OBJECTIONS
from page one
and the use of electronic poll books to replace paper registers at polling stations. Officials insisted the changes would streamline voting and strengthen verification, with manual systems retained as a backup.
But the session quickly grew heated. COI supporters jeered in support of their leader Lincoln Bain, who challenged officials on ballot security, the monitoring of overseas polls, and the use of passport and driver’s licence offices to collect biometric data. Applause followed his insistence that the Parliamentary Registration Department should be the sole custodian of voter information.
Audience members raised concerns about potential data breaches and questioned whether ballot boxes were truly secure after polling. One suggested 24-hour live camera surveillance, while another proposed a three-lock system requiring keys from all major parties to open ballot containers.
Panelists, including Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson and consultant Charles Albury, defended the reforms. They noted the logistical pressures of recent elections, including a surge in advance polling and the addition of international sites, saying the new technology would ease those burdens.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has argued that the laminated voter cards now in use are outdated and easily forged, citing international observers who have repeatedly flagged weaknesses in registration and identity checks. He maintains the reforms will modernise registration while leaving voting and counting entirely manual.
US names Bahamas among major drug transit countries
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas has once again been named among the world’s major drug transit countries by the President of the United States, placing the country on a list submitted to the US Congress yesterday.
In his annual Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for the 2026 fiscal year, the US leader identified 23 nations, including The Bahamas, as critical routes or sources in the global narcotics trade. Others on the list include Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela.
The White House stressed that a country’s inclusion is not necessarily a judgment on
its government’s enforcement efforts or cooperation with Washington. Instead, geography, commerce, and economic factors often make countries vulnerable to trafficking, even where officials are taking strong action.
While The Bahamas was listed as a transit state, five countries — Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela — were singled out as having “failed demonstrably” to meet their counter-drug obligations. These designations could trigger restrictions on US aid unless waived for national security reasons.
The determination comes as Washington intensifies its campaign against the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, which US officials describe as a national emergency claiming more than 200 American lives a day.
The Bahamas has long featured on the US government’s annual narcotics report, reflecting its proximity to the United States and location along Caribbean smuggling routes. The country has been included on this presidential list for years.
The announcement also comes shortly after two US military strikes on vessels near Venezuela that Washington claimed were transporting drugs. On September 2, the US said a strike killed 11 people aboard an alleged smuggling boat, followed by another operation on September 15 that left three dead. Venezuela’s government condemned the attacks as acts of aggression, while US officials described them as part of a wider campaign to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the region.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 21-yEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison yesterday on a murder charge stemming from the 2022 killing of 19-year-old Damutri Thurston, who prosecutors say was shot by his own accomplices during a failed doublemurder attempt.
Prosecutors allege Richard McKinney and another man, along with Thurston, exited a beige Toyota Vitz near Dunmore Street on September 17, 2022 and opened fire on two
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 28-yEAR-OLD
man accused of libelling a woman on Facebook was remanded yesterday for psychiatric evaluation after displaying erratic behaviour in court.
Prosecutors allege Ashton Bethel posted defamatory statements
men outside a residence.
During the gun attack, Thurston was allegedly struck by his accomplices.
Police later stopped the vehicle near Fort Fincastle after a chase, recovering three guns and a large quantity of ammunition.
Officers found Thurston in the back seat with apparent gunshot wounds to his upper torso. He died at Princess Margaret Hospital on December 21, 2022. Before his death, Thurston had been accused of the September 18, 2021 murder of Devante Brown near Meat Max
about the complainant on Facebook between 2022 and September 8, 2025, including claims that she was a gang leader and drug dealer. He is also alleged to have said the woman was his wife and that he was the father of her child. Prosecutors say these assertions are false. Bethel was charged with libel and misuse of a telecommunication device
on Carmichael Road. His co-accused in that case, Jawuan Armbrister, was convicted of murder in June.
McKinney was charged with Thurston’s murder before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley and was not required to enter a plea. The case will proceed to the Supreme Court by voluntary bill of indictment. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and must apply for bail in the higher court. The VBI is scheduled to be served on December 4. Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted.
before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly-Burrows. While the charges were being read, he appeared incoherent and did not enter a plea. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, where he will undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Bethel is due back in court for a report on October 27. Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom prosecuted.
COI leader lInCOln BaIn
‘Sex violence victims in need of more help’
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
A FORMER Royal
Bahamas Police Force officer who says she was raped at knifepoint by a man she had charged is urging authorities to close gaps in support for victims as reports of sexual violence persist.
Lynelle Clarke, 40, a volunteer with the Bahamas Crisis Centre, said many survivors of sexual and domestic violence avoid the police because they lack confidence in the process, a mistrust compounded by allegations that some officers have been involved in sexual assault cases.
“If they’re being named as persons that are involved in these crimes, you know what confidence does that give to a young girl who is going through the exact same thing?” said Ms Clarke, who has waived her right to anonymity. She called for the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the government to partner with trained advocates, including survivors, to help victims navigate reporting and recovery.
Ms Clarke said victims rarely get space to tell their story publicly and suggested a system that allows advocates to speak on their behalf while protecting identities.
She recounted being attacked in 2005, when three men broke into the apartment she shared with her five-month-old daughter and a roommate. One intruder recognised her.
“Oh, this is the b**** who charged me,” he allegedly said, before dragging her into a bedroom and raping her, while another man assaulted her roommate. The men stole cash, designer bags and jewellery before fleeing. Police were alerted by the landlord.
The trauma, she said, was compounded when a local news broadcast named her on air.
“They called my name very boldly across national television, and I will never forget it,” she said. “And so not only did I have to live with the persons that I worked with knowing. I had to live with the whole Nassau who knew me personally.”
Now an insurance manager and motivational speaker, Ms Clarke said she resigned from the RBPF in 2016 because continuing to work there was difficult after the assault, recalling occasions when she saw officers reading her rape file on a computer. She said the case never reached trial: the men were charged but died before conviction. At the time, a series of armed robberies plagued the area; she was the only witness prepared to testify, and a court date never came.
Ms Clarke praised the work of the RBPF’s dedicated domestic and sexual offences teams, but said more consistency is needed across the force. She argued that better training, clear protocols and active collaboration with crisis advocates would improve the experience for victims and encourage more survivors to come forward.
Coach claims accuser was lying and has issues with authority
DENIAL from page one
28, 2021. The complainant was between 14 and 15 at the time.
Ayton faces two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor of the same sex and indecent assault. He is appearing before Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns.
Ayton broke down in tears and needed a moment to compose himself after he described how he first heard of allegations when he voluntarily went to police in 2021.
He claimed the complainant was lying about him.
The defendant said he does not know why the complainant made the allegations against him. Ayton said the complainant had issues with authority at school, especially with male staff members.
Ayton said he worked at Doris Johnson as a math teacher and that he helped coach the track and field team. He said that the complainant was part of the team.
Ayton described how in 2019 he would sometimes train the team for cross country at the track at the cricket club.
Ayton denied touching the complainant
inappropriately at the field. He further claimed there was no place reserved for massages on field. Ayton said it was impossible that he touched the complainant’s genitals. He said he did not massage the teen nor recalls the complainant being injured.
Ayton, while being questioned by his attorney Mario Gray, claimed he did not have access to the school gym. He said he would have to ask the Physical Education teacher for a key.
Ayton refuted the complainant’s claim he told him to go to the gym to do leg lunges. Ayton denied forcing the complainant to perform fellatio on him inside the gym.
The defendant exclaimed “what?” when the prosecution suggested someone discovered the alleged sexual assault at the gym. He denied the incident ever happened.
The defendant denied pulling a knife on the complainant during this alleged incident. He claimed he does not carry knives and he only walks around with his whistle and stopwatch. Ayton called the complainant’s claims that he threatened the teen with a knife “ridiculous”.
Ayton disagreed with the complainant’s claim that
he was circumcised, claiming it was a fact that he was uncircumcised.
Ayton said he did not give the complainant a ride in 2021 after a track meet. He said it was impossible that he had done so around 1pm as the meet would have long been over.
The complainant previously testified that while the defendant was taking him home Ayton stopped at his own house to pick up something.
Ayton explained that students would’ve seen his house during Zoom practices during the COVID pandemic. He said he would be throughout the house and would utilise different spaces to demonstrate different exercises.
The prosecutors suggested Ayton was lying about Zoom practices because the complainant could give exact details about his home.
Ayton claimed that sometimes after beach exercises at Yamacraw students would come to his house to use the bathroom or for refreshments as he lived nearby. He claimed students knew where his house was because they followed him there. Ayton said the complainant went to his house for water.
Ayton said it was a lie that the complainant did
Plea deal for man accused of sex assault of teen
girl withdrawn by P rosecution
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
A PROPOSED plea deal collapsed yesterday after the accused rejected the prosecution’s statement of facts in a case involving the alleged 2023 sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl on Harbour Island, Eleuthera. Prosecutors allege Alonzo Pinder, 26, had sexual intercourse with an underage girl between July 1 and 31 2023. Before Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns, Pinder declined to accept the facts underpinning a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse. As a result, the prosecution withdrew its offered eleven-year plea agreement and the matter will proceed to trial. Pinder is due back in court on Wednesday for the setting of trial dates. Ian Cargill represents the accused.
not attend beach training and that he has a record of it on his phone.
Ayton told the prosecution he couldn’t remember the exact number of students in track team. He also alleged the complainant never had an injury in September 2019. However, he could not say when the complainant stopped coming to practice.
While Ayton denied ever taking the complainant
home and said his relatives picked him up.
Moreover, Ayton claimed a man the complainant referred to as his “uncle” picked him up in a red car once. Ayton further claimed the complainant’s mother said no uncle had picked up her son.
The prosecution recounted the complainant’s testimony that once when he went to Ayton’s home the defendant
allegedly locked the door. The complainant claimed that while the defendant was in the shower he told the teen to come for the key. While in the bathroom the defendant alleged he was sexually assaulted and that defendant allegedly put his finger in his anus.
Ayton denied this incident ever happened.
Cordell Frazier and Vashti Bridgewater are prosecuting the case.
Former royal Bahamas Police Force oFFicer lynelle clarke
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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How much longer must Grand Bahama wait for answers?
STOP us if you have heard this one before.
Everything is going to be great in Grand Bahama. Deals are done, projects are launched, papers signed and then… it all slows down. And stops.
The week is only two days old and already we have had stories about two major projects in Grand Bahama over which question marks are hanging.
In yesterday’s Tribune, we reported on FNM leader Michael Pintard highlighting that staff at the Grand Lucayan had not been paid.
Tribune Business got deeper into the subject – with reports that staff at the resort did not receive their salary payments due to a hold-up with potential termination payouts, and over which workers will be kept on by the potential new owners.
The questions over pay are just part of the discussion over what is going on with the planned resort overhaul.
It has been months since the heads of agreement for the property was signed, but many are still questioning when the next stage of the development will proceed.
No demolition has started, bookings are still being taken – but there are problems over payments to vendors, and now also staff.
Mr Pintard also questioned the progress on the new Grand Bahama airport – which should have been built by now. So what is the situation there?
That is the second major project we have talked about this week. In today’s Tribune, we report that the airport has not taken off.
Indeed, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, the funding has collapsed for the private partner. It was a $200m project, involving the UK-based Manchester Airport Group. It seems surprising that such a group would struggle to raise the funding. It has 40,000 employees and manages three British airports already – Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted, all sizeable airports. Manchester Airport alone handles about 19 million passengers a year.
Mr Cooper said: “Regrettably, the funding had not happened. We are at the moment organising alternative funding. Whilst I cannot speak to that today,
I can tell you that we are making progress and in due course I will be making a further statement.”
The problem here is of course that without the airport, the resort might also be stalled. Why redevelop the resort when you cannot get the passengers there?
Mr Cooper’s words about a further statement in due course should not have anyone holding their breath.
In 2023, demolition was due to begin.
It did not. In February this year, Mr Cooper assured us that demolition would happen “within 30 days”. You will notice again that it did not. So a promise of a statement without a deadline? You may as well bet on which way the wind will blow.
As for the Grand Lucayan, Mr Cooper backed away from that subject as quickly as possible. Never mind the Minister of Tourism part of his title.
He said: “The Prime Minister will speak to that matter. He is handling the issue, and I am sure at some stage he will make a statement. I have no comments on it.”
Had he turned tail and run after making that statement, it would probably have been no surprise.
Again, though, note the timeline. “At some stage” is hardly inspiring confidence.
Predictably, the FNM lambasted all of this as “another broken promise”, but that does not begin to get under the skin of what is going on here.
These were the lifelines for Grand Bahama. These were the projects that would help to lift it up – and lord knows it has needed some lifting over these past years.
For both the airport and the resort to seemingly be stalled at this point leaves Grand Bahama staring into another year – an election year, mind – without the progress that it needs.
“At some stage” is not enough for anyone when it comes to a response. The government needs to lay out the plan for what comes next. Not for those of you reading this in New Providence, or one of the Family Islands. Not for FNM leader Mr Pintard. Not for anyone but the people of Grand Bahama itself, who must be so very, very tired of waiting.
It takes a village to raise a child
EDITOR, The Tribune. WHERE either by design or happenstance, the ninth month of the year has always been one of return: carries the promise of a new school year, but designated as suicide awareness and prevention month it also carries a sobering reminder of the silent struggle of suicide.
As backpacks are filled with new supplies and classrooms with fresh hope and promised matriculation, there are too many Bahamian boys and girls weighed down by burdens unseen. This is not an abstract issue. In July of this year, Prime Minister Davis, during the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China for the New Providence Specialty Hospital, revealed a staggering truth: according to the 2025 Global School Health Survey, one in five Bahamian students between the ages of 13 and 18 have attempted suicide. For any nation, this is alarming. For a small island state like ours, it is nothing short of a national crisis. One in five is not a statistic, it is a daughter, a son, a classmate, a friend. Each represents a life that felt unheard, unseen, unloved. Their feelings, though perhaps grounded or not grounded in reality, must be acknowledged and validated. Because without intervention, the bright futures we assume are ahead full of promise, growth, and contribution risk being lost.
Today’s young people are navigating a world unlike any faced by baby boomers, Gen X, or even millennials. To dismiss their struggle by saying, “we’ve been there and done that,” is to betray them and reality. Youth in this era comes with magnified pressures filled with constant comparisons on social media, the cruelty of cyberbullying, and the unrelenting exposure to matured realities that they are not emotionally equipped to handle. The constant criticisms, yes, through digital screens but sometimes right in their homes. What connects them to the world can also isolate them into dangerous silence.
Civic organisations have long been doing the heavy lifting without slogans, designated awareness colors, fanfare, or recognition. They create safe spaces where young people can share their voices and fears. However, they cannot stand alone. As a government, the response must be bolder and compassionate starting with the swift decriminalisation of attempted suicide, finally removing not only the negative stigma but an inherited colonial vestige that has no place in a country that truly seeks to support individuals faced with this crisis. Government and nongovernment must continue
to work hand-in-hand to multiply and strengthen these safe spaces in programmes, schools, churches, and community centers. These meeting spaces are not luxuries; they are lifelines. We must continue to learn and recognise the signs of suicide whether loud and glaring or quiet and subtle. From the home to the pulpit, from the classroom to Parliament, we must train ourselves to hear the whispers of pain.
The African proverb reminds us: “It takes a village to raise a child.” In today’s Bahamas, this means blending the old with the new while recognising the unique cultural realities that shape our youth. While we can glean lessons from the experiences of other nations, we must recognise our unique spiritual and moral culture while merging with health care professionals and civic society to craft our own plan of action not reaction. A plan that is Bahamianmade and speaks directly to the challenges and hopes of Bahamian young people. A blend of our traditional parenting wisdom with modern proactive measures, counselling and educational strategies. It means parents, teachers, pastors, healthcare professionals, and policymakers locking arms in a united front. We must be reminded that wars are not won by bystanders. They are won by a village willing to fight.
Applause for a public servant Are we vessels of honour?
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AN incident that occurred about a decade ago resurfaced recently, requiring immediate attention. This surprising resurrection of an apparent traffic violation had to be immediately resolved. A local police station officer kindly advised that one should go to the Nassau Street location of the courts to satisfy the charge levied for the traffic infraction. In pursuit of this matter, I was directed to Court 12, Nassau Street. I visited Court 12 and was informed that I should first go to the Warrant Section, which will provide me with a document and then return to Court 12. The Warrant Section sent me back to Court 12, where
I was directed to speak with an incredible luminary in the public service. She was not in her assigned office space. She was removed by one floor down, assisting a multiplicity of individuals who all thought (presumedly) that their matter was a priority concern. As her mellifluous voice assured, comforted, inquired, consulted, and directed, her face radiated a smile on her lips and in her eyes. She appeared to be a master “jugglerist”, expertly and simultaneously managing the issues of different personalities with their varying levels of anxiety. I was pleased, yea, encouraged to have met Freda Farrington, an outstanding public servant who daily goes beyond the call
of duty or mediocrity to help those she encounters every day. My inquiry and personal observation testify that she sometimes works a 12-hour shift, neglecting to pause long enough for her required nutritional intake. Though not encouraged or sustainable without eventual harm to her health, it graphically demonstrates her sacrificial commitment to providing effective service to the general public who are in need. She is worthy of emulation as an exemplar in the ministry of serving others – a civil servant indeed! I see you, Freda Farrington, and publicly stand in applause for consistently wonderful service.
LC FOWLER September 10, 2025.
EDITOR, The Tribune
WE as people are vessels. The question is—what are we carrying? Are we vessels of honour—filled with truth, kindness, and purpose—or vessels of dishonour, spilling gossip, envy, and destruction?
The Bible warns us in Proverbs 10:18: “Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.” Yet in today’s society, we see it everywhere—people speaking recklessly about others, driven by jealousy, envy, and bad mind, spreading
propaganda without a second thought. Drama and gossip have become a form of entertainment, with falsehoods travelling faster than truth. We have created a culture where tearing someone down gets more applause than building them up. This is not only dangerous—it is poison. Words have power. They can heal or they can harm. Every single day, each of us chooses whether our mouths will be instruments of purpose or tools of destruction. Imagine if we all decided to speak life instead of
TAMAR V MOSS
Nassau, September 10, 2025.
death, encouragement instead of ridicule, unity instead of division. Imagine if we guarded our words as treasures, using them to lift rather than crush. What a wonderful place this world would become. As the elders have always said: “If you can’t say anything good about someone, keep your mouth shut.” Bless up. God is the greatest. Choose love. Speak life. Live with honor. SHERVONNE HOLLIS Nassau, September 10, 2025.
Redevelopment plagued by delays since Hurricane Dorian damaged the airport
AIRPORT from page one
alternative funding. Whilst I cannot speak to that today, I can tell you that we are making progress and in due course I will be making a further statement.”
The revelation marks the latest setback for a redevelopment effort plagued by delays and shifting timelines since Hurricane Dorian devastated the airport in 2019.
In March last year, government officials heralded a sweeping $200m transformation, promising work would begin before the quarter’s end. Design options were unveiled and demolition of old terminals was said to be imminent. Despite those pledges, financing was never locked in, and substantive construction never began.
The government bought the facility in April 2021 and has repeatedly promised to deliver a new, modern hub by 2025, though that deadline now appears increasingly uncertain. Demolition was supposed to start in 2023, then again in February this year when Mr Cooper assured it would happen “within 30 days.” Neither
pledge was met. The public-private model was meant to mirror the arrangement at Lynden Pindling International Airport, with the state owning the facility and private partners managing operations.
The redevelopment of Grand Bahama International Airport is considered vital to the island’s recovery. A modern airport is seen as the gateway to revitalising tourism, improving airlift, and attracting the visitor numbers hotels, resorts and small businesses need to survive.
Business leaders argue that the project could also serve as a catalyst for broader economic growth, spurring investment in logistics, real estate and industrial sectors that have languished since Hurricane Dorian.
Meanwhile, when asked about progress on the Grand Lucayan resort, Mr Cooper declined to comment, saying Prime Minister Philip Davis was personally handling that matter.
“The Prime Minister will speak to that matter,” he said. “He is handling the issue, and I am sure at some stage he will make a statement. I have no comments on it.”
The airport setback echoes earlier troubles with the Grand Lucayan, where the Davis administration’s 2022 agreement with Electra America Hospitality Ltd collapsed
after the company failed to secure the financing needed for its proposed $300m redevelopment.
The Free National Movement condemned the latest setback as “another broken
promise”, noting the PPP was unveiled months ago and that officials had pledged phase one would be finished by April 2025.
The party called on the government to disclose
whether funds were ever received, whether any financing agreement collapsed, and to publish an updated construction timeline and the terms of the PPP.
GBPC apologises for failing to give notice of disconnections
DISCONNECT from page one
“I got a call saying the power company was doing mass disconnection, I had to leave my groceries to come here,” one resident said.
Some people reported receiving a notice an hour after their power was already shut off.
“The notice came at 11.27am and the power was off from 10am, I guess no one thought of implementing a 14-day notice policy,” one customer complained, questioning the Grand Bahama Port Authority, which regulates GBPC, about the disconnection notice policy.
On its Facebook page, GBPC issued a statement acknowledging its failure to provide clear communication ahead of the disconnections and apologised to customers.
“We understand the recent disconnections have caused significant frustration and disruption for many of our customers,” the company said. “We know how important electricity is to every household and business, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.”
“Our normal process is to provide clear communication prior to disconnections for non-payment, and we recognise that this step was not executed in this instance.”
GBPC said it is reviewing its internal processes to ensure customers receive proper notice in the future. It also announced that all disconnections for non-payment would be paused for the remainder of the week.
“Once disconnections resume, GBPC will ensure that notice is communicated in advance before
disconnecting for non-payment, consistent with our normal practice,” the company said.
Some residents, however, expressed scepticism over the company’s explanation.
“Y’all broke my heart today trust you me!” one resident posted on GBPC’s Facebook page.
“What’s so funny about this is they tell you that disconnection is out of their control but here it is they are saying they are going to pause disconnections for
the remainder of the week.
GBPC y’all are too funny,” another customer wrote.
The utility company also reminded customers that payment plan options are available for those facing financial difficulties and urged anyone experiencing challenges to contact its Customer Service team.
GBPC emphasised that its priority is to work with the community to “find solutions, keep customers connected, and ensure reliable power for all.”
The high cost of electricity remains a longstanding issue for Grand Bahama residents. In August, GBPC was criticised over increased power bills due to a higher fuel surcharge, which left many customers frustrated.
On Monday, Pastor Eddie Victor, a former community activist, stressed that residents should not bear the cost if GBPC failed to maintain its generation units properly.
“If your bad decisions have brought about the maintenance failure of your major primary generation units, the people should not pay for that,” he said.
GBPC had blamed the increase on its reliance on diesel fuel. The latest fuel charge jumped from $0.1884 per kWh in July to $0.2353 in August — a nearly five-cent spike linked to diesel use. The company insisted it does not profit from fuel charges.
Grand Bahama International Airport.
GBPC customers waiting in line outside the power company’s office after unannounced mass disconnections yesterday. Photos: Vandyke Hepburn
Bahamas’ new initiatives aim for social progress
Politics aside, are we moving forward as a people? Are we all combining our efforts to contribute our two cents toward a better Bahamas, or are we just sitting on the sidelines waiting for what we could get?
Are we genuinely adding to the discussion, or are we just a bunch of complainers who will never be satisfied? Furthermore, are we genuinely willing to say if something positive is happening, or are we cynical enough to call good bad? can we find it within ourselves to say well done?
Judging from the talk around the water cooler these days, people are looking in every crack and crevice for a shortcut toward getting ahead. We are so busy measuring where we want to get, where someone is, or what they have. our jealousy and envy have consumed us so much that we are inflicting too much pain on ourselves to keep up. We have become accustomed to following social media without checking its validity.
We are so consumed with pretending to do well that we have lost all sense of logic in reasoning and keeping things civilised. looking good is more important than feeling good, so we spend much time on cosmetics rather than creating a healthy lifestyle to sustain us physically moving forward. We take selfies that have been
FACING REALITY
doctored to give a fictitious image to get “likes”. We’re sad! in the same way, we are whistling Dixie instead of facing reality, we expect the country to move forward automatically. We all share what happens in the country, even though many of us have a “hands-off” attitude, mainly because the ills do not affect us. in politics, slogans often overshadow actions. We’re usually told to be patient and trust that things will improve. However, authentic leadership is not about making promises but delivering on those promises. We’ve seen that compassionate and fair governance can bring about tangible, lasting changes in the lives of all citizens. it’s time we
If affordable living eases today’s burdens, preparing the youth ensures tomorrow’s strength. There should be an equally bold vision for young Bahamians, ensuring that responsibility matches opportunity.
demand more than just words from our leaders. Administrations have not shied away from the hard questions: How do we make life more affordable for families crushed by the cost of living? How do we give young people jobs and a sense of purpose and patriotism? How do we move from greed toward satisfying with what we have and working to achieve more? How do we make healthcare more accessible and protect consumers from market exploitation? these questions have lingered for decades, but there have always been pros and cons. there has always been what is prudent. But some would even be presumptuous to say being frugal is the best way
if the priority is the bottom line on the balance sheet, not the ordinary people’s spirit. some of the answers have come in bold initiatives that are already reshaping lives and restoring hope. No matter what is said, raising wages must be the most humane gesture that can begin to show what compassion looks like.
Making ends meet has become burdensome, especially for people who lack discipline and cannot resist compulsive shopping. they buy things because they see others have them, not because they need them. this practice is why merchants succeed: because of the people who cannot resist.
Building clinics cannot be debated; the most humane thing to do is breathe a sigh of relief. Basic health care by any government is what is expected, period, and it is the least that could be done for a people. Nothing can speak to compassion like making it easier to access health care. New clinics have been built, and existing facilities have been expanded and renovated.
Healthcare services reach people where they live, bringing convenience and peace of mind. this progress in healthcare is a beacon of hope for a healthier future for all Bahamians. However, we have much work to do because the expectations at the Princess Margaret Hospital leave much to be desired.
if affordable living eases today’s burdens, preparing the youth ensures tomorrow’s strength. there should be an equally bold vision for young Bahamians, ensuring that responsibility matches opportunity.
in a climate where the grade point average is not encouraging, and since we are saddled with a system where there is a demand for certificates that are not forthcoming in every neighbourhood, we need a stopgap measure.
Also, Bahamians, especially younger Bahamians, have never had a sense of patriotism. the National Youth Guard has placed the people—the everyday worker, the struggling parent, and the ambitious young citizen, at the centre of its mission. they are not pressured to have unattained certificates, so there is a new sense of possibilities in our youth. Now we have First Responders who are fully trained in survival techniques and disaster preparedness and can jump into action when disaster strikes. Wow! the Youth Guard is more than a programme; it is a movement. it instills discipline, fosters patriotism, and equips
participants with the resilience and level-headedness ande sense of responsibility needed to lead in times of crisis. Alongside the National training Agency and BtVi apprenticeship programmes, it ensures that young people find work and build futures rooted in service, pride, and purpose. this generation is being prepared not simply to enter the workforce, but to inherit the nation with confidence and responsibility. Unfortunately, hot breakfast for school children should not be needed, but it is. children learn better with a hot meal. How could people who lie about being compassionate not see the wisdom? Arguably, families should be able to provide it themselves, but the reality is that some cannot. the Bible speaks about feeding the poor.
Moving from minimum to a liveable wage is a sigh of relief. Many who are not where they want to be can sigh in relief because they can take home a little more. i cannot begin to imagine a single mother of three in Nassau who worked long hours for years at a job that barely paid minimum wage. Every week, she faced impossible choices: groceries or school supplies, the electricity bill or the rent. the wage increase has brought significant relief to families like hers, making it easier to meet their basic needs and providing a sense of security.
this is the story of many, but we as a nation should not selfishly ignore that this exists and not want something done about it. Never mind how she got there, we should all do our part with a hand up, not a handout, to help her. tomorrow, it can easily be any one of us. Even though it is not enough, all efforts must be made to bring further relief. Moving from minimum wage to liveable wages has been life-changing. For the first time, she can cover her basic expenses without relying on charity or going into debt. Add to this the reduction in Value Added tax, which cuts costs at the checkout counter, and her household budget has a cushion it has never had before. A single parent must appreciate that her children will have a hot breakfast that she does not have to worry about.
Equally important have been the consumer protection policies. in a climate where inflation and unfair practices threaten the most vulnerable, it has been made clear that greed will not go unchecked. By policing businesses, enforcing fair pricing, and establishing stronger consumer protections, the administration has shielded Bahamians from exploitation. For families already stretched thin, these measures are not minor; they are vital. it sends a clear message: the marketplace must serve the people, not prey upon them. in this fight, the government should stand firmly with the people, providing all Bahamians with support and protection. challenges remain, as they always do. However, progress is possible when the people are placed at the centre of policy. change is taking root in the grocery aisles, classrooms, clinics, and in the very spirit of the nation’s youth, reaffirming the value and importance of every Bahamian. these policies— wage increases, complimentary breakfast, youth programmes, healthcare expansion, and consumer protection— may represent progress, but the attitude toward these initiatives must change. But taken together, they reveal something even greater: a coherent vision of a nation where fairness is not an afterthought but the foundation.
We must move quickly from who implements progressive initiatives to how they will impact most people. We certainly have some feel-good moments since all we hear are sad stories about the devastation of life.
We must embrace any programme that speaks to our dignity. in an age where productivity, profit, and speed are often prioritised above all else, dignity has become a quiet casualty. Yet dignity is not a luxury to be granted sparingly; it is the fundamental recognition of a person’s worth. Unlike wealth, status, or power, dignity cannot be conferred or revoked by circumstance, it is intrinsic to being human. to strip someone of dignity is to deny their existence as an equal participant in the human community.
By Ivo I ne Ingraham
Safeguarding youths in a digital world
Cyber security is a topic that I, like many parents, teachers, grandparents, counsellors, caregivers, youth workers, youth advocates and so many others endeavouring to conscientiously raise our youth, approach well aware that we are often under equipped and overwhelmed by this ever changing, largely unknown, digital world. As the opportunities presented with an iPad, laptop or cell phone in hand seem infinite... So does the task of protecting and preparing our children (and their caregivers) to handle the risks and challenges that come with it.
Anyone who engages in preparing children for life - has the imperative task of arming a new generation for global digital citizenry. The cyberverse presents tremendous opportunities for growth , creativity, connection, networking, business and community support and endlessly evolving avenues of innovation.
It is bright, “cool”, available and everywhere in our children’s lives. In their classrooms, friendships, pockets, backpacks and in the palm of your hand. A stratosphere to explore from the seeming safety of your couch. However, like every world - it also comes with darkness, threats, vulnerabilities and very real wars against predatory behaviours.
It has been compared to the basics of teaching children to cross the street. but in it’s brilliant and wealth of wonder - so come the risks of exposure to the ever present threats that now insidiously - can sit with us in our home unawares.
It’s the modern battlefield.
Children (and yes adults too - I can’t live without my phone!) with their natural curiosity and desire for socialisation are sponges for this extraordinary venue of exploration. And engagement and such is not an option. Its permanence in work, school, shopping, socialising - efficiency and ease suggest a permanence that we must prepare for.
However, the evidence has already presented itself. As one of the generation that grew up before the internet existed, and saw the birth of Hotmail, MySpace, Facebook, WhatsApp and all the bells and whistles of this new era... it can still be a bit of
a shock how swiftly and entirely our interactions with a wider world have changed.
Also, there are no shortage of studies, Netflix specials, and research done on the detrimental impact this can have - especially on younger brains and spirits. Cyber bullying, personal security risks, exploitation, and inappropriate content, addiction and mental health disorders have all been linked to the pervasive engagement of life with technology at our fingertips.
My experiences of this are personal. During my time at the ranfurly Home for Children as president I witnessed the culture that preyed upon our most vulnerable. And yes... put security and life at risk. As a mother of four boys, the fight and danger was very real in my very home. It is easily to be paralysed with fear or be tempted to tiptoe in trepidation, when met with so unfathomable an adversary as the world, civilised and insidious, digitalised.
The effort to protect, prepare and educate ourselves and our youth was the onus behind this upcoming cyber security week as hosted by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. We have, as a church, made it our mission to engage as Christians with our ancient and beloved faith, to be apart of assisting our greater community (and all our young) to surviving in this modern era. To this end, we have hosted a think tank on solutions for domestic violence in The bahamas and human trafficking awareness and have upcoming think tanks on the mental health crisis in The bahamas and the
environment (led by Pericles Maillis). It is hard not to be overcome with the depth and
breadth of this mission. Therefore, we’re blessed to have pulled exceptional international and local
partners to support us on this path. Father Peter Spiros of Freedom Ministry and the Arestivi Foundation is no stranger to us as he led our think tank on human trafficking last year and brings his vast experience with the connection of human trafficking, child abuse and the cyber criminal world. Cyber Safety Awareness USA joins us also for the first time as they bring their tremendous insight and methodology for preparing our youth (and their parents and teachers) for a digital world.
Many local advocates have already begun this good work and in partnering up with Women United, boost Academy, the National Society for the Protection of the Children of The bahamas (NSPCb) and the bahamas Union of Teachers, the hope is to
not only combat the potential threats that our young people and their families have no choice, but to face in the upcoming years but to also teach empowerment, digital empathy, good cyber citizenship, and open the doors to the positive potential available whilst strongly imparting the dangers of the hazardous road ahead. We invite all who wish for insight, intelligent and intentional thought and discussion to join this opportunity to find ways to the best and safely exist, ethically and responsibly in this arena. As ever, we, as a community believe that connection, conversation and an ability to adapt can align with our values and principles we wish to instil as a Christian community. And that the creation of a safety net is made stronger if we face it in solidarity.
Little daylight between US and Israel evident as Rubio and Netanyahu meet
JERUSALEM Associated Press
Israel and the United states showed a unified front on Monday in the face of growing international anger over Israel’s airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar and its intensifying bombardment of Gaza City.
as arab and Muslim leaders met in Doha to condemn Israel’s attack last week, and new rounds of criticism were aired over Israeli plans to occupy Gaza City, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Us secretary of state Marco rubio stood shoulder-toshoulder in Jerusalem and downplayed the furore that had, at least for a short time, taken the Trump administration aback.
rubio plans to pay a quick visit to Qatar on Tuesday, as the administration appears keen to ease tensions between its two close allies, before flying on to london to join President Donald Trump on his state visit to Britain.
“We understand they’re not happy about what happened,” rubio told Fox News. But “we still have Hamas, we still have hostages, and we still have a war. and all those things still have to be dealt with, and we are hopeful that Qatar and all of our Gulf partners will continue to add something constructive.”
There were no signs of Us frustration with Israel’s latest actions, although Trump had made clear his displeasure with Israel’s unilateral strike on Hamas in Qatar.
US and Israel agree on destroying Hamas
Both Netanyahu and rubio said the only way to end the conflict in Gaza is through the elimination of Hamas and the release of the remaining 48 hostages — around 20 of them believed to be
alive — setting aside calls for an interim ceasefire in favour of an immediate end to the conflict.
Hamas has said it will only free the remaining hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
rubio had come to Israel seeking answers from Netanyahu about how Israel intended to proceed in Gaza and assess its interest in Qatar retaining a mediating role.
“Your presence here in Israel today is a clear message that america stands with Israel. You stand with us in the face of terror,” said Netanyahu.
The Doha attack, which killed at least five lowerranking Hamas members and a member of the Qatari security forces, appears to have paused mediation efforts.
rubio later met with families of the hostages,
who aired concerns that Israel’s latest offensive could doom their loved ones and called on the Trump administration to swiftly resume negotiations, according to a statement from the main group representing relatives of the captives.
Footage shows strike on Gaza high-rise
Israel destroyed another high-rise building in Gaza City as it moved ahead with its offensive. Video footage showed the explosion and the tower’s collapse. l ater, people could be seen scrambling up a mound of gray ruins.
In recent days, Israel has destroyed multiple high-rises after evacuation warnings. It accused Hamas of putting surveillance equipment in them, without providing evidence.
a irstrikes overnight and into Monday killed at least 18 people, including
Presidential gaffes toward British royals
MaYBe it was nerves from being in the presence of royalty or perhaps it was a simple mistake, but there have been quite a few gaffes by Us presidents and first ladies toward members of the British royal family over the years.
as President Donald Trump prepares to embark on a state visit with King Charles III in england this week, here’s a look back at some of the better-known faux pas, including one of Trump’s own: Carter’s kiss
President Jimmy Carter attended a summit dinner at Buckingham Palace in 1977.
The newly elected president hailed from Georgia and had strong southern roots. He entered the event with members of the royal family, and together they posed for photographs.
It was rumoured that Carter kissed the Queen Mother on the lips during a
greeting. Carter later said that he kissed her on the cheek, but British tabloids ran with the story for years.
Bush misspeaks
President George W. Bush hosted Queen elizabeth II at the White House in 2007.
Upon her arrival, Bush gave a welcoming speech in which he flubbed a line portraying the queen as much older than she was.
“You helped our nation celebrate its bicentennial in 17 ... in 1976,” Bush said, causing the crowd to erupt into laughter. He then turned to the queen, and together they shared a humoured look. she gave me a look that only a mother could give a child,” he said.
Michelle Obama makes the first move
Barack Obama’s musical toast
children, according to local hospitals.
One strike hit a tent housing a family, killing seven, and another hit a tent on the roof of a building, killing a local journalist, Mohammed al-Kuifi, and another person, according to s hifa Hospital in Gaza City. a strike in central Gaza killed four people, according to a l- awda Hospital.
Israel says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas because it is entrenched in populated areas.
“It was another night of horror. ... The situation is tragic and getting worse day by day,” said Mohammed s aber, a resident in Gaza City.
r ubio downplayed U s concerns about Israel’s latest operations in Gaza City, and Netanyahu gave no indication that Israel would let up on its offensive.
US and Israel reject calls for Palestinian state
One of rubio’s reasons for visiting was to show support for Israel as it expects to face growing international condemnation of the war at the upcoming United Nations General assembly session. a number of european countries and Canada have said they intend to recognize a Palestinian state over fervent Us and Israeli objections.
some Israeli politicians have hinted that Israel may respond by annexing part of the West Bank. rubio said statehood recognition is counterproductive to creating a state through negotiations and suggested that such proclamations are self-serving.
“The only impact they actually have is it makes Hamas feel more emboldened,” he said. “It’s actually served as an impediment to peace.”
Israel and the Palestinians have not held serious or substantive peace talks since Netanyahu returned to office in 2009. Netanyahu, who strongly opposes Palestinian statehood, said “it is clear that if unilateral actions are taken against us, it simply invites unilateral actions on our part.”
Palestinians flee to the south Israel has been urging Palestinians in Gaza City to head south. But there is little space for people to shelter in Muwasi, a sprawling, crowded tent camp that Israel has designated as a humanitarian zone and where it has regularly carried out strikes on what it says are militant targets.
COGaT, the Israeli military body in charge of civilian affairs in Gaza, said it has increased the amount of food, medical equipment and shelter supplies it allows into Gaza, including 20,000 tents brought in since May. It said it has also repaired water lines and power lines for desalination plants.
On Monday, images showed a steady stream of Palestinians walking and driving along the narrow road by the sea that Israel designated a safe corridor.
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Most of the hostages have since been released in ceasefires brokered in part by Qatar or other deals.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,871 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t say how many were civilians or combatants. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals, says women and children make up around half the dead.
GanG attack on armoured vehicle in
h aiti leaves
two police officers injured and driver dead
PORT-AU-PRINCE Associated Press
GUNMeN attacked an armoured vehicle in a community near Haiti’s capital, leaving two police officers injured and one driver dead, authorities said Monday.
The attack occurred over the weekend in the once peaceful farming community of Kenscoff, which heavily armed gangs have repeatedly raided in recent months.
began more than a year ago.
President Barack Obama was in the middle of proposing a toast during a dinner at Buckingham Palace in 2011 when the orchestra unexpectedly started to play “God save the Queen.” rather than stopping his toast to let the music finish out, the president forged on with his speech. as the president ended his toast, the queen waited for the anthem to end before raising her glass.
Trump gets ahead as Trump and Queen elizabeth II inspected the Guard of Honor at Windsor Castle during a 2018 visit, he stepped ahead of the queen and directly into her walking path. In British hierarchy, the monarch is meant to always lead the way.
When the Obamas visited the royal family in 2009, first lady Michelle Obama placed her hand on the back of Queen elizabeth II, breaking protocol that the queen is not to be touched unless she makes the first move. Despite Mrs. Obama making the first contact, the queen reciprocated the gesture by placing her hand on the first lady’s back as well.
Police said in a statement that gunmen threw Molotov cocktails into the armoured vehicle, which then overturned into a ravine.
Haitian police have been battling gangs alongside Kenyan police leading a UN-backed mission that
The attack comes days after gangs razed a small fishing town north of Port-au-Prince, killing at least 40 people, including women and children, according to local officials. UN secretary-General antónio Guterres condemned that attack on saturday, saying that he was “alarmed by the levels of violence rocking Haiti” as he urged Haitian authorities “to ensure that perpetrators of these and all other human rights abuses and violations are brought to justice.”
He also called on the international community to help the struggling multinational force with the logistics, personnel and funding it requires.
On Monday, Haiti’s government announced that it had coordinated an urgent meeting with highranking police officials and ordered the deployment of specialized units to towns including labodrie, arcahaïe and Cabaret following last week’s massacre north of the capital. The attack in Cabaret displaced more than 2,900 people, with some 70% fleeing to the nearby community of arcahaïe, the UN’s International Organization for Migration said Monday. More than 40% of those forced to flee their homes sought shelter at four schools, officials said. Overall, gang violence has displaced a record 1.3 million people across Haiti in recent years.
Police officers patrol the area near the Saint-Helene orphanage in the Kenscoff neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, August 4, 2025.
Photo: odelyn Joseph/AP
israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hold a joint press conference at the Prime Min-
ister’s Office, during Rubio’s visit, in Jerusalem, yesterday.
Photo: Nathan Howard/AP
Us President Donald Trump and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II inspect a Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, July 13, 2018.
Photo: Matt Dunham/AP
Students leading the way in BTT’s landmark Summer of Conservation
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
More than 200 students across The Bahamas took part in a record number of youth camps this summer, as Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) deepened its focus on education, conservation, and community engagement.
In partnership with five organisations on five islands, BTT hosted ten youth camps and a workshop with law enforcement, giving students hands-on experience in marine science, habitat restoration, and environmental stewardship.
“It was inspiring to see so many young people connect with their environment in meaningful ways,” said Ms Nina Sanchez, BTT’s Bahamas education Coordinator.
“These camps foster pride in our natural resources and
a sense of responsibility to protect them.”
The programmes are part of BTT’s broader mission to support coastal ecosystems and empower the next generation of conservation leaders. The excitement and curiosity shown by students, Ms Sanchez added, gives hope for the future of conservation in The Bahamas.
Alongside youth programmes, BTT completed a major milestone in June with the construction of a new mangrove nursery on Crooked Island—the first in the Southern Bahamas. The nursery will grow up to 10,000 red mangrove propagules annually to help restore critical bonefish habitat damaged by Hurricane Joaquin in 2015.
“Working with local guides to restore the flats they depend on is very rewarding,” said Mr Justin Lewis, BTT’s Bahamas
research Manager.
“We’re building on what we learned in Grand Bahama and Abaco to support communities that haven’t recovered naturally.”
BTT will highlight both student programmes and restoration work at its upcoming 8th International Science Symposium, where 50 speakers from The Bahamas, the US, Latin America, and the Seychelles will present conservation research and strategies.
“The symposium builds strategies that protect not just fish and habitats, but also the communities and economies that depend on them,” said Dr Aaron Adams, BTT’s Director of Science and Conservation. registration is now open at bonefishtarpontrust.org/ symposium
BAMSI sees record enrolment
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THe Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has kicked off its Fall 2025 semester with recordbreaking enrolment — up 15 percent over last year — marking a major milestone for the institution and a strong signal of growing student interest in agriculture, marine science, and sustainable development.
As more students relocate to North Andros or join BAMSI’s expanding online platform, the Institute is transforming not only academic life but also the surrounding community. This surge in enrolment is helping to drive economic activity, create a vibrant campus culture, and reinforce BAMSI’s role in preparing the next generation of Bahamian professionals.
“BAMSI continues to grow as a pillar of national development,” said Mr
Valentino Munroe, chairman of BAMSI. “The Institute’s steady increase in enrolment speaks to the confidence families are placing in BAMSI to prepare the next generation of agricultural and marine science professionals.” Dr raveenia roberts-Hanna, president of BAMSI, said the enrolment boost reflects growing recognition of the Institute’s academic strength and practical training. “More Bahamians are recognizing the value of hands-on training that connects directly to national development,” she said.
enrolment has surged in agriculture, marine science, and environmental science, with added interest in aquaculture, animal science, business management, and creative programs like art and environment. Dr Amanda Bethell, director of admissions and recruitment, said targeted outreach helped students see how these fields support national sustainability goals.
BAMSI’s Dual
enrolment and College Prep programs are also widening access to higher education, allowing high school students to earn college credits and build skills for tertiary-level success.
Students benefit from international partnerships that allow for credit transfers abroad, while the Institute’s growing presence in North Andros is stimulating local economic activity through increased student relocation and campus operations.
BAMSI is also leading in national certification programs. The 2025 Flats Fishing cohort enrolled 28 students, and a new Nature Tour Guide class launches in october, preparing students for careers in eco-tourism.
Mr Munroe said new research partnerships, fundraising efforts, and farmer training programs are planned to support food security and sustainability. “With ongoing campus development, BAMSI is steadily building toward an even stronger future,” he said.
Dr Amanda Bethell, director of admissions and recruitment with students.
Valentino Munroe, chairman of BAMSI. Dr Raveenia Roberts Hanna BAMSI president.
BPL: About 1,000 customers hit by Friday’s microburst restored
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) says about 1,000 customers in eastern New Providence lost supply during Friday night’s ‘microburst,’ with service now restored to all impacted areas.
The utility said the hardest-hit communities were re-energised within 24 hours, though one customer in San Souci remained without power as of yesterday because of a high-voltage underground cable fault.
BPL said the epicentre of the event was around Fox Hill Road South but by 8pm on Saturday, crews had re-energised and restored supply there, as well as to Kool Acres. Work also continued on reliability upgrades elsewhere, including Bethel Avenue, where an outage to redistribute load from an overloaded transformer prompted an immediate upgrade and the installation of an additional unit. The storm struck around
9pm Friday, toppling trees and damaging infrastructure. BPL said crews mobilised within 45 minutes and worked through limited access in Imperial Park; replaced high-voltage poles on Fox Hill Road South after extensive tree damage; swapped two damaged transformers in High Vista; and cleared a faulty transformer and multiple downed high-voltage lines along Eastern Road near Chancery Lane.
Chief Operating Officer Anthony Christie said three poles were damaged at the epicentre and both lowand high-voltage lines were affected, chiefly by falling trees and lightning-induced surges that overloaded transformers. He added that underground networks were largely unaffected unless surges caused cable faults, as occurred in San Souci.
BPL said crews are continuing repairs in San Souci and completing the Bethel Avenue upgrades to strengthen the grid and reduce the risk of overloadrelated outages.
Meteorology
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FORECASTERS say there is a 20–30 per cent chance of thunderstorms this week, with potential for tornado activity — an alert that comes days after a microburst damaged several homes in eastern New Providence.
Department of Meteorology Director
Jeffrey Simmons said microbursts — sudden downdrafts from thunderstorms that can produce tornado-like damage with straight-line winds — are not unusual in summer and can also occur in winter. He noted they can form wherever conditions are favourable, including along strong cold fronts and during hurricanes, when daytime heating drives convective storm
development. Mr Simmons urged residents to take shelter when storm clouds approach, limit time outdoors during active weather, and avoid open areas, trees and bodies of water to reduce the risk of lightning strikes. He said recent advisories have underscored that severe thunderstorms can generate tornadic activity.
Bahamian ocean scientist launches non-profit to explore and protect Caribbean’s deep sea
A BAHAMIAN ocean scientist has launched a new non-profit organisation dedicated to exploring and protecting the Caribbean’s deep sea.
Dana “Denley” Delaney, founder of Marmoris, said the initiative seeks to close critical knowledge gaps about the ocean while ensuring conservation efforts are led from within the region.
“Marmoris was created to fill critical data gaps about the deep sea, and to contribute to long-lasting conservation efforts that are led from within the region,” she said.
Headquartered in Nassau, Marmoris will lead expeditions throughout The Bahamas and partner with scientists and institutions across the Caribbean.
The organisation is using advanced tools such as baited deep-sea camera systems and remotely operated vehicles to study waters up to 3,000 metres deep.
Its first major expedition is underway in the northern Bahamas, conducting a multi-island survey of biodiversity and habitats that will later extend to the southernmost islands of the archipelago.
Ms Delaney, who previously managed the National Geographic Society’s portfolio of ocean technologies and supported global deepsea expeditions, said the stakes are high.
“What happens in the deep ocean affects us all: from our fisheries to our climate. As risks to the deep ocean like deep-sea mining and oil drilling expand globally, data becomes our most powerful tool for protection,” she said.
Marmoris’ mission rests on five pillars: innovative research, locally-led exploration, regional capacity building, strategic communication, and making data accessible to support ocean decision-making.
Bahamas Grid Company carries out line work in the aftermath of a microburst event in the Fox Hill area on Saturday. Severe weather
damaged utility poles, homes and left the area in the dark on Friday night.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
Dana “Denley” Delaney, founder of Marmoris