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Volume: 123 No. 209, Thursday, September 24, 2026
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BAHAMIAN GOVERNMENT
DEA ‘ACTED ILLEGALLY’ NO, IT’S ‘FAKE NEWS’ U.S. AMBASSADOR
Herschel Walker: Bahamian officials are concerned that the United States helped to arrest a known drug trafficker? By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Davis administration has complained to the United States that undercover US Drug Enforcement Administration agents operated “illegally” in The Bahamas, drawing a blistering rebuke from US Ambassador Herschel Walker, who dismissed the accusation as
“fake news” and publicly questioned why Bahamian officials were concerned that the United States “helped to arrest a known drug trafficker”. The extraordinary exchange deepens the political fallout from the US prosecution of Jonathan “Player” Gardiner and others, which has already raised unanswered DEA - SEE PAGE THREE
US AMBASSADOR to The Bahamas Herschel Walker and Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Wendall Jones.
FAMILY CLAIMS PMH SURGEON ADMITS TO SURGICAL ERROR BPL suspends union chief By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net THE family of 42-yearold Lamond Brice is demanding accountability from Princess Margaret Hospital after alleging a surgeon admitted accidentally
damaging a vein during an operation, leaving Mr Brice with dying intestines. Mr Brice was admitted to PMH on September 3 for surgery to remove what his family said doctors had determined was a non-cancerous mass from his stomach.
His relatives said the first operation was performed on September 4 and initially appeared successful. However, they said his condition deteriorated after he began vomiting and suffering severe stomach pain. In a statement, PHA said it was aware of the family’s
concerns about Mr Brice’s treatment and that the complaints were under review. Mr Brice underwent a CT scan before being rushed into a second operation on September 7, according to his niece, Marissa Rolle.
and fires two workers
ERROR - SEE PAGE ONE
MAN FATALLY SHOT AFTER ANSWERING KNOCK AT DOOR By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net A MAN in his early 30s was shot dead after answering a knock at the door of his Cowpen Road residence on Wednesday afternoon, police said. Police press liaison Chief Superintendent
Sheria King said officers were alerted to the shooting on Cowpen Road West at about 1.30pm. Responding officers found the man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to his upper body. “Information is limited at this time in this MURDER - SEE PAGE SEVEN
BEWU PRESIDENT KYLE WILSON By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union president Kyle Wilson has been suspended from Bahamas Power and Light and at least two other employees have been fired as the fallout deepens over the
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
utility’s controversial overtime payments, The Tribune understands. Mr Wilson was suspended this week, according to sources familiar with the matter. The disciplinary action comes amid a dispute between BPL and the WILSON - SEE PAGE FIVE
Walker rejects Bahamas’ complaint over DEA operation
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2026, PAGE 3
DEA from page one
"I am here to the criminal prosMr Jones rejected the ecution itself, suggestion that the underbut aspects of cover operation showed work together the investigation US authorities lacked conBahamian fidence in the Bahamian and help protect that officials found government. He pointed to years of both our nations troubling. Mr Jones said cooperation between the believed DEA and Royal Bahamas from the scourge officials unauthorised Police Force, including operations by Operation Bahamas Turks of narcotics US agents had and Caicos, and said, “it’s been occurring not a question of lack of trafficking." for some time and confidence.”
questions about Gardiner’s political connections and allegations that undercover DEA operatives met an unnamed Bahamian politician inside Parliament to discuss facilitating a cocaine transhipment operation. On Tuesday, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Wendall Jones confirmed that a Bahamian delegation took its concerns directly to the US Justice Department, meeting acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Skaret and other officials over what the government believes were ‘rogue’ DEA operators on Bahamian soil. The meeting included Assistant Commissioner of Police for Security and Intelligence Dwight Adderley and National Intelligence Agency Director Anthony Ferguson. The Tribune reached out to Mr Jones after Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell posted photographs of the September 18 meeting on Facebook. Mr Jones accused
did
US AMBASSADOR to The Bahamas Herschel Walker undercover US agents of operating outside
OPBAT FRAMEWORK ALLOWS US COUNTER-DRUG OPERATIONS OPERATION Bahamas, Turks and Caicos has provided a formal framework for US counter-narcotics personnel and aircraft to operate in The Bahamas for more than four decades, making it central to questions raised this week about the activities of Drug Enforcement Administration agents in the country. Known as OPBAT, the programme was established in 1982 as a joint effort involving the United States, The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands to stop cocaine and marijuana moving through the northern Caribbean. US congressional testimony in 2011 described OPBAT as operating under a tripartite agreement between the United States, The Bahamas and the United Kingdom, which acts on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The testimony said the agreement authorised OPBAT helicopters and personnel to conduct counter-drug operations in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The DEA has historically led the operation, working alongside the US Coast Guard, US Customs and Border Protection, the US Department of State and Bahamian and Turks and Caicos law enforcement agencies. The arrangement grew out of the explosion of Caribbean cocaine trafficking in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Bahamian islands and surrounding waters became important transhipment and refuelling points for traffickers moving drugs from South America towards the United States. Historically, Bahamian officers played the enforcement role during OPBAT missions. A US State Department report on operations in 2001 said Royal Bahamas Police Force Drug Enforcement Unit officers and Turks and Caicos police flew on OPBAT missions and were responsible for arrests and seizures, while a DEA special agent travelled aboard flights to provide advice, coordination and intelligence support. The operation has also relied heavily on US aircraft, surveillance and maritime resources across The Bahamas’ sprawling archipelago. In a 2014 operation, for example, US Customs and Border Protection aircraft detected a suspicious vessel south of Grand Bahama before DEA and Bahamian drug enforcement officers moved in. A US Coast Guard helicopter assisted, while a DEA aircraft transported the seized marijuana to Nassau. The partnership remains active. In March 2024, the US Coast Guard said OPBAT partners collaborated after Bahamian police and DEA agents seized about 391 kilograms of cocaine from a suspected smuggling aircraft in Mayaguana. The RBPF took custody of a suspect and continued the investigation. OPBAT’s work has also extended beyond narcotics. US authorities say its assets have been used in human-smuggling investigations and search-and-rescue operations throughout the region. The United States has also used the broader security partnership to provide equipment and training to Bahamian agencies. The State Department said four high-performance marine interception vessels provided through US assistance programmes participated in OPBAT operations between 2013 and 2019 that resulted in the seizure of nearly eight metric tonnes of cocaine. It said OPBAT seized 219 metric tonnes of illegal drugs in 2019. Older State Department records illustrate the programme’s scale. By 2003, US officials reported that OPBAT had seized more than 75,000 kilograms of cocaine and 375,000 kilograms of marijuana since its inception, citing United Kingdom government statistics. The US Coast Guard has described OPBAT as the foundation of security cooperation in the northern Caribbean, although officials from the participating countries have also discussed modernising or expanding the agreements underpinning regional security cooperation. However, OPBAT's existence does not, by itself, establish whether the DEA agents at the centre of the current dispute were acting as part of an OPBAT operation or whether the activities in question fell within the authority granted under its agreements.
treaties and longstanding arrangements governing law enforcement cooperation between the two countries. “The same way a police officer is not allowed to go into the US to arrest someone or something such,” Mr Jones said, “by the same token, the DEA agent is not allowed to do so in The Bahamas unless they have the permission of the government of The Bahamas. That is the complaint.” Mr Walker’s sharp response appeared to contradict Mr Jones’ claim that “US authorities have conceded that (DEA agents) did not have permission” to operate in the country. “Meanwhile,” Mr Walker said, “Bahamian officials are concerned that the United States helped to arrest a known drug trafficker?” He urged the Davis administration to “do the hard work” of combating corruption and continue working with the United States to stop the illicit flow of drugs through the region. He highlighted Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ 2024 commitment to transparency and fighting corruption, urging the government to stay focused on that pledge. “I am here to work together and help protect both our nations from the scourge of narcotics trafficking,” he said. The confrontation comes after US court filings in the Southern District of New York revealed details of a three-year undercover DEA investigation in The Bahamas connected to Gardiner. The affidavits suggested US investigators kept the Bahamian government and local law enforcement in the dark about parts of the investigation, which relied heavily on undercover “co-operating sources” operating in The Bahamas. Gardiner, a convicted cocaine smuggler, is due to stand trial in New York in March alongside
former police chief superintendent Elvis Curtis,
not
address
wanted Washington to investigate. “We just wanted to make it very clear that they have been operating against the laws of our country,” he said. “And we just wanted the US authorities to be aware of it and to investigate it so that it doesn’t happen in the future.” “In order for a DEA agent to operate in The Bahamas,” he said, “it must do so with the permission of the Bahamas government or the Royal Bahamas police force. “That is a matter of law. That is a matter of treaty. That is a matter of an agreement between the two countries and that agreement goes back to
the early 1980s.”
“We have seen a number of arrests of people trafficking drugs through The Bahamas, and so there’s been a reduction really over the years in the amount of drugs coming out of South America through Bahamian waters.” Mr Walker likewise said arrests and convictions of drug traffickers who violate Bahamian and US laws demonstrate the countries’ shared commitment to keeping both nations safe. He said US agencies, including the DEA, work with Bahamian authorities under longstanding agreements and cited OBPAT as a model of that cooperation.
AMBASSADOR Wendall Jones headed a delegation to speak with the US Justice Department, along with Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Security and Intelligence Branch, Dwight Adderley, and Anthony Ferguson, Director of the National Intelligence Agency. The US was represented by Brian Skaret, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Emily Siedell Associate Director of International Affairs, and Philip Mervis Trial Attorney, Office of International Affairs. William Simeon and others. Former Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer Darrin Alexander Roker is so far the only defendant to admit his role in the alleged conspiracy. US court filings alleged that undercover DEA agents posing as members of a drug cartel met an unnamed Bahamian politician inside Parliament in October 2024 to discuss a proposed cocaine transhipment operation through The Bahamas. The politician is the same unnamed figure referred to in a November 2024 indictment issued by the Southern District of New York. The politician’s name was also written on a cross-body bag attached to Gardiner during the May 12 Election Day plane crash. US investigators alleged that the politician was willing to assist the proposed operation in exchange for financial benefits. While those allegations have raised questions about Gardiner’s political connections with the Progressive Liberal Party , Mr Jones said the Justice Department meeting
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PAGE 4, Thursday, September 24, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Family demands answers over alleged PMH surgical error ERROR from page one Ms Rolle said the family was told his intestines were already dying. Mr Brice’s aunt, Malaya Curry, alleged that doctors later told the family his intestines were dead but did not initially explain how the damage occurred. She said the family was subsequently advised that Mr Brice would be taken to the Intensive Care Unit and undergo another operation. Ms Curry alleged his abdomen was left open for about three days after that procedure and that doctors attempted to repair the damaged vein by attaching another vein from his thigh to his stomach. A third operation was later performed in an attempt to restore his intestines, according to the family, but was unsuccessful. Ms Curry said the family repeatedly met doctors without being told there had been a complication during the original operation. She alleged that after she pressed doctors for answers, she spoke with the head surgeon during the week of Mr Brice’s operations and was told a vein had been damaged during the first surgery. “He said, ‘I am sorry. I made a mistake,’” Ms Curry recalled.
LAMOND BRICE “We had meetings over meetings, and they never told me,” she said. “Because I raised the question, and that’s how he confessed to the whole situation.” Ms Curry said she had specifically asked one of Mr Brice’s doctors whether his intestines had already been damaged when he arrived at PMH and was told they had been functioning normally. She accused the hospital of depriving the family
of an opportunity to seek treatment elsewhere by failing to tell them sooner what had happened. “If they had told me the truth and been honest with me,” she said, “I could’ve probably saved his life or do more to get more help.” Ms Curry alleged doctors subsequently told the family there was nothing further they could do and that Mr Brice would eventually die, with efforts instead focused on keeping
LAMOND Brice in PMH’s Intensive Care Unit. him comfortable. “He’s lying there and he’s dying,” she said. Ms Curry said Mr Brice remains alert but cannot speak because of tubes in his mouth. She said waste from his bowels is instead passing through tubes in his mouth and nose. “I really would like the doctors at PMH to be held accountable for what they did,” she said. “It hurt to my core in my heart to see my nephew in the hospital.
I got to go every day to see him suffering, dying a slow death because of the hands at PMH.” The family described Mr Brice, a father and son, as the “life of the party” before his illness. His relatives said they have watched his body deteriorate dramatically since the operations. Ms Rolle became emotional while describing the impact on the family. “I wish this pain on no one because now we don’t
know whether to turn left or right,” she said. “We’re just asking and leaning on the faith of God.” The family submitted a letter to the Public Hospitals Authority this week and is seeking legal action over the alleged negligence. Ms Rolle said PMH should cover the cost of overseas treatment for her uncle, who she said needs a Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) machine — a portable pump that delivers liquid nutrients directly into a vein — and an intestinal transplant. “It’s too many families going into PMH and having to go through the same thing, negligence after negligence,” she said. “So, we just want justice. We just want him to get the right treatment needed.” The PHA said PMH remained in communication with the family during that process. “PHA takes concerns regarding patient care seriously and remains committed to ensuring that all matters raised are appropriately reviewed in accordance with established clinical and administrative procedures,” the statement said. PHA said it could not comment further on the details of Mr Brice’s medical care because of patient confidentiality and the ongoing review.
MINISTRY SAYS ABACO CLINIC SAFE AS AIR-CONDITIONING REPAIRS CONTINUE By LEANDRA ROLLE. Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net ENVIRONMENTAL Health Services officials have declared the Marsh Harbour Healthcare Centre safe for patients and staff after air quality testing found no harmful mould at the facility. The update was posted in a notice on the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Facebook page yesterday. It follows Monday’s staff sick-out over what workers described as poor conditions at the facility, including mouldy ceilings, a non-functional air-conditioning system and faulty toilets.
Video shared with The Tribune showed mould-covered ceilings, wet floors and buckets positioned throughout the facility to catch leaks. Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville attributed some of the problems to the centre’s ageing air-conditioning system, which he said had been strained by the heat. He said he had instructed a team from New Providence to travel to Abaco to assess the conditions at the healthcare centre after some nurses reported that conditions were affecting their health. Dr Darville said he would await the new
air-quality assessment before deciding whether the facility should be temporarily closed. “I have to wait on the air quality control report,” he said. “That's very important for me because I don't want to put my staff or the community in harm's way.” However, the ministry said yesterday that “air quality testing by the Department of Environmental Health Services found no harmful mould and the clinic remains safe for staff and patients.” The ministry said the problems were caused by a malfunctioning air conditioning system that caused condensation and
water build up, adding that repair work on the system was underway. “The current repairs
address the immediate concerns. The ministry is advancing a permanent replacement of the
ageing units through an Inter-American Development Bank Loan Programme.”
A WORKER conducts repairs to the air-conditioning system at the Marsh Harbour Healthcare Centre.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2026, PAGE 5
BPL union challenges new overtime policy in court WILSON from page one BEWU over overtime payments and the utility’s move to tighten overtime controls. A source close to the matter said the union is engaging the Department of Labour’s conciliation process while also pursuing the dispute in court. The Tribune made several attempts to contact Mr Wilson for comment but was unsuccessful up to press time. The latest developments follow The Tribune’s revelation last month that three employees in BPL’s Fuel and Performance Department received a combined $601,295.16 in overtime between May 2025 and April 2026. Two employees accounted for $483,281.53 of that total, receiving $265,551.83 and $217,729.70 respectively, while a third received $118,013.63.
BAHAMAS ELECTRICAL WORKERS UNION PRESIDENT KYLE WILSON Payroll information reviewed by The Tribune showed the annual base salaries of the two highest overtime earners were about $78,388 and
$56,182, respectively. Their overtime payments were therefore more than three times their annual base salaries. One overtime record
from Christmas week showed an employee recorded as working 18 hours on Christmas Day, followed by 24 hours on December 26, 24 hours on
December 27 and another 24 hours on December 28 — a total of 90 hours over four consecutive days. The findings prompted BPL’s board to tighten overtime controls, triggering a backlash from the union. The BEWU has argued that workers should not be held solely responsible for overtime payments because management must authorise and approve the hours. The controversy has already led to disciplinary action against other BPL employees. BEWU shop steward Wellington Porter was initially suspended for five days over alleged gross misconduct before BPL extended the suspension by another 20 days as it continued its investigation. Melvin Babb, manager of Fuel and Special Projects, was also reportedly suspended over alleged gross misconduct, with his
suspension later extended. At a press conference last month, Mr Porter attempted to explain the 90 hours recorded during Christmas week, attributing the extraordinary hours to overlapping fuel operations involving an ocean tanker, coastal tankers and continuing fuel transfers. The dispute has unfolded during a difficult summer for BPL, which has faced repeated power outages and mounting public criticism over the reliability of electricity supplies. The Nassau Guardian reported on Tuesday that the BEWU filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court on Monday against BPL and the Attorney General, seeking an injunction to prevent the utility from enforcing its new overtime policy. The union is also reportedly asking the court to declare the initial suspensions of two BPL employees unlawful.
Cooper sees cruise-and-stay potential in Sandals deal By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net ROYAL Caribbean Group’s $3 billion acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Sandals Resorts International could provide a major financial boost to the long-awaited redevelopment and reopening of the Sandals property in Exuma, Tourism Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday. Mr Cooper, the Exuma MP, said Royal Caribbean’s acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Sandals could provide additional investment for the planned Beaches Exuma resort, which remains closed. “I think it creates a cruise-and-stay potential. I'm not sure whether that's a part of their strategy, but it seems like an obvious part of the strategy to me,” Mr Cooper said yesterday. Royal Caribbean Group recently announced that it had agreed to acquire a 50 percent stake in Sandals Resorts International for $3bn. The deal is expected to close in early 2027 and
EXUMA MP CHESTER COOPER would bring Sandals’ 20 resorts into a joint venture with Royal Caribbean. Mr Cooper said he was hopeful the investment would benefit the redevelopment of the Exuma property, which is expected to involve more than $100m in investment. “We are hopeful that the additional financial injection for Sandals will accrue positively to the growth and development of beaches in Exuma that we understand will be in the 100 million-plus range, and hopefully this will result in new investments in the
Bahamas as well,” he said. The Sandals Emerald Bay resort closed in August 2024 and remains closed as plans continue to transform the property into a Beaches-branded family resort. The redevelopment is expected to include new accommodation, restaurants, a water park, sports facilities and other amenities. Mr Cooper said Sandals has been an important part of the Exuma community for many years and said he was proud of its growth as a Caribbean brand. “Sandals is a brand we know very well. Sandals has been a part of the Exuma community for a considerable period of time. It's a brand that I am very proud of as a Caribbean brand that has gone global, all around the region and elsewhere, made in the Caribbean. That makes me very proud that this is now a global brand.” He said combining Royal Caribbean’s cruise operations with Sandals’ resorts could create opportunities for visitors to combine
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cruise and resort holidays. “RCL, combining the strength of its transportation with the hospitality of Sandals, creates a win-win proposition that could only benefit Exuma and New Providence, where Sandals exists, and all of the other islands of the Bahamas,” Mr Cooper said. “RCL is one of the
largest cruise lines in the world, one of the cruise lines that bring most passengers to the Bahamas by sea, and therefore this is a big deal for Exuma. As a member of Parliament, I'm pleased with this announcement. I look forward looking forward to what it might mean for the people of Exuma. All
positive, I see,,” he said yesterday. Sandals, founded in 1981 by the late Gordon "Butch" Stewart, operates all-inclusive resorts across the Caribbean under the Sandals and Beaches brands with properties in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, and other destinations.
PAGE 6, Thursday, September 24, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
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Good roads should not need a royal occasion THE lack of roadworks makes people unhappy, the roadworks themselves make people unhappy – but the smooth roads are appreciated when they are done. This week, Shirley Street has had its surface scraped, leaving manhole covers popping up, traffic backing up and bringing with it plenty of grumbling. The Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs announced the work with a social media post saying that nightly works had commenced – and credit for doing the work at night to minimise the disruption – and advising motorists to drive with due care and attention. Social media users soon had their own say – noting that the king must be coming. Other users called for suggestions for other roads for the king’s route, such as Cable Beach and Gladstone Road, saying they need paved too. We would not be surprised if the upcoming visit of King Charles might have, shall we say accelerated plans for roadworks along the route he will be taking. There is an old saying that the Royal family thinks the world smells of fresh paint – so it is not just us. However, so what if that’s the case? Shirley Street has been showing signs of needing extensive repairs – so if the king’s visit leaves a better road for the rest of us, so be it. In fact, it would be to the benefit of us all if international leaders came to visit us so often that we had to ensure all our roads were shiny and new for the rest of us all the time. As long as the bill is covered. The potholes and lumps and bumps that take a toll on our cars are an endless frustration. There have been plenty of drivers who have seen their cars damaged as a result of the state of the roads – whether it is popped tyres, twisted axles, crumpled bumpers or something worse. At worst, the state of our roads might well have contributed to
more serious accidents – and if the visit of the king is a moment where we might think that the state of our roads is not good enough, it is not a realisation that is before its time. If the king deserves better, so do the rest of us. This week, the government confirmed $400,000 will be spent on repairing the condemned Fresh Creek Bridge in Andros, while there have also been hefty price tags at the Glass Window Bridge and the likely cost of repairing the bridges to Paradise Island. While there might be quibbling over the size of the price tag, there is little doubt that our infrastructure needs significant investment. So rather than grumble about the work now it’s being done, let us work out what should be the next priority, and the next. The thing is, while we might want to put our best face on for the visit of the king, the truth is that we need to put that best face on every day. Every day, cruise ships bring thousands of tourists in to visit. Every day, planes bring in visitors to all our islands, not just New Providence. And every day, the people of The Bahamas deserve the best. Too many of our roads and buildings are rundown, leaving a tired, careworn look, and bringing with it an expectation of the average rather than the exceptional. What about the historic buildings that we let run to ruin rather than preserve and keep to perfection, that can then become the next tourist attraction, the next reminder of our past for those both near and far? If a little short-term inconvenience is what it takes to get there, then it is well worthwhile. So proceed at pace with the repairs. Carry on with making our country look better. And recognise that is what we need to do all the time, rather than a last-minute sprucing up for the visit of a dignitary.
Disgusted with BTC EDITOR, The Tribune. I AM completely baffled by the fact that there has been no public outcry over the recent action by BTC. Over the weekend of September 4th, 5th and 6th BTC completely discontinued their email service with no warning whatsoever to its customers. As a very long time Batelnet subscriber, I could not understand why all my outgoing emails were returned as “undeliverable”, and I was not receiving any incoming mail. Evidently, many of the BTC employees on the Technical Support team were totally unaware of this
action as I called on two occasions to find out what the problem was, only to be told that the problem must be my end as I had an internet connection. After my computer guru spent hours trying to find my emails and failing, I called BTC a third time and was told that BTC email service had been discontinued. Nobody could tell me the reason, or why customers were not given any notice in order to have time to set up an alternative email address. Until this happened, I had No Idea what chaos is caused by changing one’s email address, Every bank
or financial institution requires that you go in personally and fill in paperwork and produce your ID. Then there are the business establishments who mail you your monthly statements. Plus, web sites that one subscribes to. All this before you can begin with your friends and contacts in your address book. To say I and angry and disgusted at BTC is putting it mildly. I went through a week of hell last week, and I expect this week to be the same. JOANNA ROBERTSON Nassau, September 19, 2026.
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The muddy waters of national investment EDITOR, The Tribune. WHEN hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds are involved, Bahamians should not have to piece together the story themselves. The National Investment Fund (NIF) belongs to the Bahamian people. The money entrusted to it si public money, and its management should, therefore, be accompanied by transparency, proper oversight and clear reporting. It is important to trace the timeline. In March 2025, Parliament authorised the Government to borrow up to 5300 million, with the proceeds intended for the National Investment Fund. By December 2025, the Fund reported a balance of 5265.3 million. Just three months later, in March 2026, the reported balance had fallen to approximately $200,000. That represents a significant movement of public funds in a very short period. This is even more important because the NIF Board did not meet to conduct business during this period, as confirmed by Central Bank Governor John Role. The Minister of Finance has now provided some explanation. He stated that $100.3 millions of NIF proceeds was invested in aviation infrastructure, specifically identifying improvements to airports in Cat Island, Long Island, Exuma and San Salvador, among others. But that explanation raises further questions. Exuma is one example. The Exuma Airport Project forms part of the Inter-American Development Bank’s $35 million Airport Infrastructure Program. Works associated with the programme have included pavement rehabilitation, taxiway works, fencing, drainage infrastructure, airfield lighting, electrical works, navigational aids and runway markings. If Exuma was already receiving financing through the IDB programme, what specifically did the NFI pay for at Exuma? The questions do not end there.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net What became of the Saudi airport financing? In 2023, the Government signed a $70 million development loan agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development for the Family Islands Airports Renaissance Project. The financing arrangements subsequently changed. By October 2025, hte Government announced that Saudi financing would instead be redirected toward the redevelopment of Grand Bahama International Airport. But the Grand Bahama International Airport redevelopment raises its own questions. The redevelopment of the new Grand Bahama International Airport has yet to commence ni any significant way. If Saudi financing was redirected to this project, what became of that financing? How much was drawn down, how much has been spent, and where is the remaining balance? The Minister’s explanation raises a similar question regarding water infrastructure. He told Parliament that the NIF supported the acquisition of water infrastructure. Again, there is another identified source of financing. In November 2024, the Inter-American Development Bank approved an eye-popping $100 million credit line for The Bahamas’ Water Supply and Sanitation Systems Upgrade Program, beginning with an initial 550 million loan. The programme was designed to improve potable water services in New Providence and the Family Islands, expand piped water infrastructure, reduce water losses through smart-water technologies and strengthen the resilience and efficiency of the country’s water systems. Therefore, I ask: What water infrastructure did the NIF acquire? These are not accusations. They are basic accounting questions arising from the
Government’s own statements about how these projects were financed. And there is an even larger question. During the May 2026 Budget Debate, the Minister of Finance stated that approximately 5700 million in excess borrowing receipts had been transferred to the National Investment Fund. Yet, when subsequently explaining transactions involving the Fund on September 16, 2026, the Minister specifically addressed approximately $310 million. If those figures relate to the same pool of funds, then a straightforward question arises: how is the full $700 million reconciled? Naming broad categories such as airports, roads, buildings and water infrastructure is not the same as providing a detailed accounting of hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds. For every major NIF expenditure, Bahamians should be able to see how much was spent, what project received it, who received the payment, when the payment was made, what other financing was attached to the project, and under whose authority the expenditure was approved. That level of disclosure is especially important when some of the projects now associated with NIF spending had previously been linked to other financing arrangements. The issue is, therefore, bigger than any single airport, road or water project. It is about whether Bahamians can follow their money. When hundreds of millions of dollars move through a public investment fund, the public should not have to connect scattered statements, Budget Communications and loan announcements to determine what happened. Show us what entered the Fund. Show us what left. Show us what it paid for. Show us who authorised it. The numbers are significant. The questions are reasonable. Bahamians deserve a clear accounting. DR TREVOR JOHNSON Jr Nassau, September 17, 2026.
Is the corporate world destroying the earth for profits? EDITOR, The Tribune. ACCORDING to Taxfairness.ca Canada’s Biggest Corporations Profits made over $578 Billion dollars in 2025. America’s Corporate Profits neared $4.077 Trillion dollars in 2025 also Chinese Corporations exceeded these figures greatly according to Statista.com. Lots of money being made, along with job building and economic growth. What is the main purpose behind a corporation? Well corporations exploit and use the earth’s essence, from Our land, Sea and Air to sell for a profit to us, the global population. They harvest the Earths minerals, forests, Oceans and Sea of limited resources like wildlife, sea creatures, minerals, energy sources, water and even our air. The corporation manipulates the earth’s resources into sellable products. The oceans become dumping grounds for corporations and governments alike. It’s cheaper to dump our garbage and waste into a water mass they are not responsible to maintain. Our forests are farmed and harvested on a schedule that is often too quick. Got to feed the pulp and paper mills of the world. Our mineral and energy sources are finite, yet the corporate world continues to take and take. They search the world looking for energy sources and seize them periodically. Venezuela’s Oil fields are not controlled by American energy Corporations
under guard of US Military. There is no greater example of how a corporate entity can prevail upon its government to commit international crimes like seizing a leader of a sovereign and taking control of this nation’s mineral wealth. National Governments tend to favor their multi-national corporations. Both compete for global economic dominance and economic power. The entire government of China is based upon an economic competitive trend…influence, purchase or take what the greater corporation needs and desires. If you look at the Chinese Governments structure you will see a corporate leadership(the politburo), major and lesser management structure and a military/ security apparatus to protect the structure and carry out the leadership requirements. The myth of a democracy lays out a corporate structure within the government itself. Who supports those who run for office in America? The Corporations of America donated billions to the Trump Cause. In return the Trump Administration cuts regulatory laws, environmental protections and labor laws that hinder a corporation’s ambitions. Look to your local City Council and see who leads the way to allow developers to purchase protected lands for development. A financial tit for tat among corporations and the corporate elite. Harvard Law states the main impetus of
a corporation: is the shareholder’s benefit: Profitability. Sure, corporations take into account the environmental, social and governance but it all goes down to the corporate accumulation of money. Profitability is all that counts and often how that profit is generated has no moral or ethical boundaries. Historically the British Empire and American Corporations ruled the roost establishing corporate entities throughout the world. Ultimately these corporations helped establish what has developed into the greatest of corporate entities, The People Republic of China. China is now the greatest threat to the Western Corporate Status Quo. Corporations compete for just about anything globally. Corporations have the means to create military conflicts globally hiring private armies whose purpose is profitability as well. Black Water of America, Frontier Services of China, Defion International (Peru), Aegis Defense of Britain, Wagner Group of Russia, Garda World of Canada are examples of private armies available for hire globally. So, Corporations harvest the earth in an uncontrolled fashion and are capable of creating and maintaining global conflicts all for the sake of profitability. Money before humanity’s needs? Perhaps. STEVEN KASZAB Bradford, Ontario September 20, 2026.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2026, PAGE 7
Gunmen open fire after man answers knock at his door MURDER from page one matter,” Chief Supt King said, “but what we do know preliminarily is that the male was home in his residence when there was a knock at the door. He answered that knock, and the individuals that was on the other side of the door opened fire on him and fatally shot him.” The killing follows another fatal shooting earlier this month, when a man in his early 40s was shot and killed on Richard Drive in Adelaide moments after leaving Adelaide Primary School, where he had been working as a landscaper. That shooting prompted school officials to place the campus under emergency lockdown. Police said the five students and ten staff members who remained at the school were not in danger.
CORONERS remove a man’s body from his residence on Cowpen Road yesterday after he was fattally shot by gunmen. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
Woman denies libel charge over IMMIGRATION OFFICER SHOT BY POLICE nude video posted to WhatsApp DURING CHIPPINGHAM ROAD CHECK By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A 61-YEAR-OLD woman was accused of posting a nude video of another woman in a WhatsApp group chat in an attempt to defame her earlier this year. Prosecutors allege Rochelle Forbes posted the
video in a WhatsApp group called “Political Gab” on May 9 to expose the complainant to general hatred and ridicule. Forbes pleaded not guilty to intentional libel before Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville. Inspector Cordero Farrington, the prosecutor, did not object to bail. Bail was set at $1,500
with one or two sureties. Under the terms of her bail, Forbes must sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station every Monday by 7pm. She was warned not to interfere with the complainant or any witnesses in the matter or risk having her bail revoked. Forbes returns for trial on January 16.
Judge instructs jurt to rule for acquittal in police shooting case By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A JUDGE directed a jury to acquit a man accused of attempting to murder two police officers on Quakoo Street in 2022 after finding there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Justice Jeannine WeechGomez instructed the nine-member jury to return not guilty verdicts on Jeremy Dames’ two counts of attempted murder and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to
endanger life. Prosecutors alleged Dames, 34, attempted to kill Corporal 3333 Precious Lewis and Superintendent Dwight Smith with a black and blue .40-calibre pistol near Quakoo Street on January 19, 2022. Justice Weech-Gomez told jurors she had heard legal arguments in their absence and, after reviewing the evidence at its highest, found that it could not properly support a conviction. During testimony the previous day, Cpl Lewis said she heard a suspect
fire a weapon near her family home and witnessed an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and another officer. However, she was unable to identify the suspect, saying he was wearing a mask. Dames was discharged and told he was free to go, provided he had no other matters before the court. He left the courtroom following his acquittal. Ciji Smith-Curry represented Dames. Davina Pinder and Gary Rolle III prosecuted the case.
Man denies stealing $7,700 in appliances from woman’s home By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was accused of unlawfully entering a woman’s home in John Claridge Estates and stealing $7,702.85 worth of property earlier this month. Prosecutors allege Vaughn Seymour, 20, and accomplices unlawfully
entered the residence sometime between 5pm on September 10 and 7am on September 11 and stole an assortment of kitchen and household appliances. Seymour pleaded not guilty to unlawful entry and stealing before Magistrate Abigail Farrington. His bail was set at $7,000 with one or two sureties. Under the terms of
his bail, Seymour must sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station every Monday and Friday before 7pm. He must also obey a 7pm to 6am curfew and be fitted with a monitoring device. Seymour returns for trial on January 21. Reserve Inspector Deveaux prosecuted the case.
A 35-YEAR-OLD immigration officer was shot and hospitalised after police said he reversed a car towards an officer during a road check in Chippingham yesterday morning. Police said officers were conducting a road check on Dunmore Avenue shortly before 9am when they stopped a white Toyota Passo occupied by a man and woman.
The driver was asked to produce identification and vehicle insurance but told officers he had neither, according to police. He instead handed over his Department of Immigration identification. Police said that while officers were making further inquiries, the man got back into the vehicle and allegedly reversed aggressively towards an officer standing behind it. The officer, who police
said feared for his life, drew his service weapon and fired in the driver’s direction. The man then drove away, leaving the female passenger behind. Police searched for the vehicle and driver but were initially unable to locate them. Shortly afterwards, officers were informed that the man had arrived at hospital suffering from gunshot wounds.
Traveller forfeits $15,000 over failur to declare over $10k cash By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was fined $5,000 after failing to declare that he was travelling with more than $10,000 earlier this week. Colimond Cedieu, 45, a Haitian national, failed
to declare to a Bahamas Customs officer at Lynden Pindling International Airport that he was travelling with $31,990 on September 22. Cedieu pleaded guilty to failing to declare before Assistant Chief Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux. Keevon Maynard,
Cedieu’s attorney, said his client was remorseful and asked the court to spare him a custodial sentence. Cedieu was fined $5,000 or, in default, faces six months in prison. Of the money seized, $15,000 was forfeited to the Crown, while the balance will be returned to Cedieu.
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PAGE 8, Thursday, September 24, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Simon • Front Porch
While citizens must comply . . .
government gets away with noncompliance ment agencies demand multiple documents, identifications, audits, etc., to obtain business licences, tax compliance certificates, and other documents required by law? How can certain individuals receive massive no-bid
very same funds without compliance to the rules and laws they force on us. In other countries, citizens should be in an uproar. “Taxation without representation is a political slogan from the American Revolution meaning people should not be taxed by a government
Photo: pojuuu/pexels
ments and conventions in government and the banking system are designed to address drug dealing, money laundering, and corruption. But it is often ordinary Bahamians who have to withstand and bear the overthe-top banking rigors from commercial banks imposed on weary clients tired of the suspicion, long wait periods, and approvals from senior managers just to deposit certain checks. How can public funds be spent with no proper authority on electioneering while the Department of Inland Revenue and other govern-
contracts while those supplying legitimate goods and services to the Government of The Bahamas have to wait months and years and have to beg to get paid? How can the government require a business that has a government contract and that it owes money to, to pay VAT on funds not yet received, sometimes for extended periods? There is a profound lack of basic fairness and justice when a government introduces layers of compliance and layers of fees and taxes to fund itself and then turns around and spends these
Gold, gems and Renoir: France's museums grapple with a wave of smash-and-grab thefts By JOHN LEICESTER Associated Press PARIS (AP) — At a museum in eastern France, two men disguised with wigs used a sledgehammer and a hammer to smash a display case and make off with a 2,500-yearold gold necklace. The heist took under four minutes. In a smash-and-grab at another French museum, three masked robbers stole 27 pieces of jewelry valued at more than 4.5 million euros (US$5.2 million), busting through two doors to break in. Those thefts took place in July. This week, thieves sliced through a fence and climbed through the window of a museum on the French Riviera and fled with two paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. They abandoned two other artworks by the Impressionist master as they made their escape. The rash of the robberies, coming on the heels of last year's stunning jewel heist in France's most famous and most visited museum, the Louvre, show how the country is both blessed and cursed by its troves of treasure
accumulated over centuries of conquest, creativity and having
money to spend on art. France's passion for paintings, sculptures, ancient artifacts and other valuables and curios is a source of national pride and identity. Thousands of museums that house collections big and small help transmit France's love of culture and history from one generation to the next. The biggest also draw millions of tourists who pump money into the French economy. But keeping all that wealth safe is costly and difficult. Criminals see museums as soft targets. The brazen and agonizing theft of 88 million euros ($102 million) worth of crown jewels from display cases in the Louvre's Apollo gallery served as a wake-up call. But it was only the most shocking example of broader threats to museums, and not just in France. "When the jewels of a French king disappear, to be melted down because of the price of gold, it is tragic. It breaks everyone's heart," said Guillaume Poitrinal, president of a foundation that funds the renovation and protection of French cultural sites, the Fondation du patrimoine.
that does not give them a voice or vote in choosing their lawmakers.” In The Bahamas, we have taxation without accountability by the people we elected to be our representatives—not overloads and kingpins, who abuse these tax dollars and borrowings and then tell the press, citizens, and the Official Opposition to shut up and not ask questions. The lack of fairness and the abuse of public systems is widespread and deep, one of the reasons Bahamians
are turned off from politics. The well-connected get fast approvals for a variety of contracts and services. They have their Inland Revenue and National Insurance matters fast-tracked, while most Bahamians encounter endless delays and the request for additional documents, stamps, and procedures that may be unnecessary and are quickly waived for others. Conflicts of interest in government are not endemic in The Bahamas. Such conflicts are The Bahamas, with entitled elites certain that rules and laws do not apply to them. In their minds, such laws are for the little people and the masses who supply them with the money they require for their lavish lifestyles Such conflicts are a human and global. Still, when conflicts of interest become
address potential illegal behavior such as the trafficking in drugs, human smuggling, and money laundering of illegal proceeds. Compliance, however, must be balanced and fair. It causes problems for citizens and clients when government agencies “prioritize rigid procedures and endless paperwork over practical risk management.” Some of the rigidity is caused by incompetence and lack of oversight by senior mangers. Some of it is caused by arrogant and puffed-up bureaucrats on their self-constructed thrones, who often have poor attitudes and want to display their “power” and majesty. Compliance problems are also caused by “excessive approval chains, requiring multiple signatures, legal reviews, and signoffs for routine tasks slow[ing] down daily operations.” Bureaucrats working in silos within and across agencies “create communication barriers and prevent teams from sharing vital information.” Certainly, there are those citizens who do not play by the rules and who seek to game and cheat various systems. Still, there are many others who carefully comply with the rules and who suffer financial burdens, stress, and business problems as they wait for agencies like Inland Revenue to complete a relatively simple process. As the majority of citizens are pressed to comply with the laws of the land, and asked to respect the rule of law and the constitution, the disrespect and breach of these laws by government is like taking a sledgehammer to our democracy and the principles upon which it s founded. Accountability and transparency are not slogans! They are the lifeblood and oxygen of good, honest, and fair government. No wonder we are suffocating. Photo: ketutsubiyanto/pexels
procedures, and obstacles Bahamians are ordered to comply with throughout the year. Moreover, how is it that a convicted drug dealer and money launder can breezily get Crown Land and contracts while many Bahamians have waited decades to receive Crown Land or to be paid for private land acquired by the Government for infrastructural and other projects? How can certain gaming bosses, as well as alleged and convicted drug dealers, pay for various services with wads of cash, while similar behavior by other citizens would sound many alarms? Certain compliance require-
Photo: mizunokozuki/pexels
THE explosive revelations and burgeoning scandal over how $700 million was borrowed, spent, and poorly accounted for in relation to the National Investment Fund (NIF), has caused a quagmire of difficulties for the Davis Administration. The government failed to comply with various laws and procedures to ensure transparency and accountability. The contradictory and insulting explanations about the use of public funds has degenerated into attacks on those asking legitimate questions about government spending. The silly and nasty attacks on The Nassau Guardian, and its Executive Editor, Candia Dames, are particularly egregious. Such attacks are backfiring politically. Many PLPs, FNMs, and others are collectively aggrieved that hundreds of millions of dollars could be spent with little to no serious explanations or clear accounting trail. In October 2022, Prime Minister Philip Davis was expansive in what the NIF could accomplish and how it would be run. He explained in the House of Assembly: “We are proud that this National Investment Fund Bill is structured in line with ‘The Santiago Principles.’ “These are a set of 24 global principles that assign best practices to the operation of national funds to ensure transparency, accountability, high ethical standards, and independence, especially in the auditing and public disclosure requirements of the funds, which include making that information easily available online to the public.” “This will put The Bahamas among the top tier of world-class national funds, and demonstrate to Bahamians and to investment partners alike, that they can be confident in the integrity of this Fund and have confidence in doing business in The Bahamas and with the Government of The Bahamas.” The Davis Administration has clearly breached these principles in a breathtaking and stunning manner. The National Investment Fund scandal is one of the more spectacular examples of an elite convinced that they don’t have to abide by financial, constitutional, and other legal norms that the government insists the people abide. Juxtapose the failure to adhere to these principles with the endless, sometimes numbing labyrinth of compliance rules,
so widespread and typical, it does great harm to the mass of people who suffer from sluggish public systems that inflict disadvantages on those not well-connected. Proper compliance is essential to ensure that citizens pay taxes and abide by myriad standards and regulations to protect the public good and democracy. There are myriad compliance measures by government and banks to
"We need to make it more difficult to steal works of art and objects that are part of France's cultural heritage and belong to all French people. That is absolutely essential. And to achieve that, we need to invest," he said in an interview with The Associated Press. The Renoir heist took just minutes Before dawn Tuesday, two robbers made off with "Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano" and "Young Woman at the Well." They dropped ''Portrait of Madame Pichon" and "Coco Reading" as they fled through the garden of the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer. They cut through a fence with an electric knife or saw and entered the museum through the ground floor, said Bryan Masson, mayor of the town between Cannes and Nice on the Mediterranean coast. The heist took under three minutes. Masson estimated the artworks' value at 9 million euros ($10.5 million). Offloading well-known, stolen art is impossible through legitimate channels, so the paintings could prove to be worth little or nothing for the thieves. European police agency Europol says museum heists are becoming more violent, with sledgehammers, axes, crowbars and even explosives used for break-ins and to smash display cases. Thieves also are increasingly targeting museum items with gold and other precious metals that can be melted down and with gemstones that can be removed and sold, the
agency said in a report in August. Criminals believe "museum security measures are less robust than those in jewelry stores," it said. The ancient necklace stolen July 24 from the museum in Châtillon-sur-Seine, eastern France, was crafted from nearly half a kilo (a pound) of gold. A record 10 burglaries targeted French and other European museums this summer, according to Jean-Christophe Castelain, director of Le Journal des Arts, a bimonthly revue of the art world. "Eight of those 10 involved jewelry, coins or antique objects that can easily be melted down," he said. A distraught museum director shares her pain The Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, further east near France's border with Germany, has not reopened since the July 5 theft of jewelry there from six display cases busted open with sledgehammers and hammers. The public museum celebrates 19th-century jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique and his successors. The pain is still raw for its director, Véronique Brumm Schaich. Her voice cracked with emotion during an interview. The museum is seeking 200,000 euros ($233,000) for security upgrades. "Robbers' tactics are evolving," she said. "The recent examples show that we are not the only ones who need to go further in our efforts."
THE TRIBUNE
1
Thursday, September 24, 2026, PAGE 9
Psalm 62
my strength, and my Truly my soul waiteth upon God: refuge, is in God. from him cometh my salvation. Trust in him at all times; ye people, He only is my pour out your heart rock and my before him: God is a salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be refuge for us. Selah. greatly moved. Surely men of low How long will ye degree are vanity, imagine mischief and men of high against a man? ye degree are a lie: to be shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall laid in the balance, shall ye be, and as a they are altogether tottering fence. lighter than vanity.
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They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
My soul, wait thou God hath only upon God; spoken once; for my expectation is twice have I heard from him. this; that power belongeth unto God. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my Also unto defence; I shall not be thee, O Lord, moved. belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to In God is my every man according salvation and my glory: the rock of to his work.
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THE BIBLE IS OPENED AND WHATEVER SCRIPTURE IT OPENS TO THAT IS THE SCRIPTURE THAT GOES FORTH IT IS OF GREAT GREAT PLEASURE AND AN HONOUR TO BE CHOSEN BY THE LORD TO BE HIS SERVANT.
The Lord’s Servant
PAGE 10, Thursday, September 24, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Charlie Harper • Stateside
Dems pins hopes of going after Trump on midterm majority UNITED Nations week in New York City is always a big deal. It’s the ultimate annual gathering of most of the world’s leaders, not just those at the head of the largest global economies. UN week is always a challenge for law enforcement, too, rarely more so than in the current highly-charged atmosphere of fractious relationships in several key places in Eurasia and also in North America. The New York Police Department gets the help and support it needs for its massive security obligations, but there’s still a nervy quality to the proceedings. The grim prospect of a targeted political bombing or carefully-crafted assassination attempt always looms just off stage as this week continues. Inside the UN building, US President Donald Trump made headlines this week, with his off-handed remark that he now faces a choice of either “making a deal with Iran or annihilating it,” as he so bluntly described his current options as he sees them. While many of the dignitaries at UN week veered away from offering opinions on the US war with Iran and its profound global economic implications, the effects of the American president’s actions in the Middle East came into clearer focus. The prime ministers of both Canada and Britain tried to illuminate a path forward that both recognizes the need for the West to increasingly move independently from the US, but also to acknowledge the reality that
America remains the leading economic and military force in the world. In their remarks, both Canada’s Mark
Senate and House of Representatives. He is clearly focused to an inappropriate degree on building projects
has been unable to itemize and which seem to anyone paying attention to be flimsy at best. Nearby along the river-
becoming more difficult to dismiss the impression that like Rome’s infamous emperor Nero, Trump is ‘fiddling while Rome burns.’
of significance, mostly to some residents of the greater Washington DC area. Facing real resistance to his grandiose idea to construct a giant Arc de Triomphe in Virginia just across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial and within a couple hundred yards of the Arlington National Cemetery honoring American servicemen and women, Trump has begun justifying the project by linking it to ‘national security’ interests, which he
bank in Washington, Trump’s assault on the venerable John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has now resulted in erection of sturdy fencing all around the building site and the iconic venue being essentially closed for two years or until further notice for ‘repairs.’ It’s no secret that the Kennedy family epitomizes for Trump everything he loathes, envies, and resents about American society: The Kennedys have leveraged great wealth achieved in somewhat dubious fashion into a kind of almost reverent respectability that over the span of just a couple of generations enabled them to populate American political leadership with a president and two senators from the same family. This is the sort of grandeur to which Trump clearly aspires, but has heretofore been unable to emulate. In one of his first moves after being elected president for the second time, he dismissed as many as he could from the Kennedy Center board of directors and replaced them with reliable Trump loyalists. He affixed his own name next to JFK’s on the front of the building. He took over the process of identifying the recipients of the annual Kennedy Center honors. As Trump no doubt expected, the ‘woke American establishment’ was aghast, and pushed back hard, both in the press and social media as well as in court rooms. The result has been somewhat of a standoff. The Kennedy Center’s cultural light has certainly dimmed over the past 18 months, as many long-time resident institutions such as the National Symphony Orchestra took their business and performances elsewhere. But at the same time, it cannot be said that Trump has been thoroughly frustrated or even defeated in this process. He has made a powerful political and cultural statement against the massed forces of liberalism and ‘wokeness.’ He may well have permanently reduced the Kennedy Center’s place in American culture. As the president’s attention has been focused on these ‘local’ Washington DC-area issues, it is
He hasn’t really made
Photo: matreding/pexels
Carney and Britain’s Andy Burnham contemplated a future reality in which their respective nations would play roles much less subordinated to the US and achieve greater prominence on the world stage. The world as we have known it for 80 years is really starting to look different. Domestically, Trump continues to behave as if he doesn’t care if the Republicans maintain their current slim majorities in the US
much progress toward the kind of peace settlement with Iran that would help to stabilize the world’s economy by regularizing oil prices again. He continues to bait and provoke many of America’s most loyal and tradi-
Prospectively restored to the power with working majorities in both houses of Congress, the Democrats are reportedly planning to launch far-reaching investigations into Trump and his family, leading potentially to a third impeachment in the House, though conviction in the Senate would seem almost unattainable. Here are some of the key areas identified: Trump family enrichment. The Dems have already shouted that Trump and his family have enriched themselves since the beginning of his second term in office by approximately 2.25 billion dollars. Family-controlled cryptocurrency and venture capital firms with close ties to Trump’s family would be the likely targets. Also on the table would be Trump’s ‘settlement’ with the Internal Revenue Service that would shield his family and businesses it owns from any future audits or investigations by the American tax agency. Trump family grift. Trump’s liberal use of his pardon power has attracted attention from almost the beginning of his first term in 2017. A case cited by the Post involved a nursing home executive convicted of defrauding the US government of over $38 million. The executive was pardoned by Trump after a vigorous personal lobbying effort. Under Trump, the US government has sanctioned or approved mining and energy deals that have enriched some of the president’s largest financial supporters. One Democratic congressman has accused Trump of setting up slush funds to reward supporters. DC construction projects. Several of Trump’s pet local projects have reportedly been awarded to supporters without the required inconvenience of a competitive bidding process.
Immigration enforcement tactics. This path offers many avenues of TOP, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney; investigation, Above, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham including Photos: AP misconduct allegations against immitional allies, while remaining gration officials; the illegal standoffish and even hostile detention of lawful US restoward Ukrainian president idents or citizens; the rising Volodymyr Zelensky, who death toll in immigration might be the closest thing we detention centers; deployhave to a worldwide political ment of National Guard hero today. troops in Democratic-led Trump has not backed off cities; and gross mishanhis affection for and seeming dling of large contracts by affiliation with Russian pres- the Department of Homeland ident Vladimir Putin, while Security. not looking hard enough to Petty prosecution of find real areas of common Trump’s political opponents interest and even alliance like former FBI director with an ascendant China that James Comey and New York looks more each day like the state attorney general Letitia great rival and counterweight James. to the US in the decades to Cancelling parts of the US come. government without prior The American political approval of Congress. Trump punditry class is hyperven- has hollowed out both the tilating over the notion that US Agency for Internaevery day brings, to those tional Development and the who expect it, ever more Department of Education. evidence that the Democrats Extensive staff cuts, some will win a workable majority through the newly-created in the House of Represent- US Department of Governatives and perhaps a most mental Efficiency (DOGE), unlikely majority of at least have already been chal51 seats in the Senate. lenged in court. Less attention is being The list goes on, including paid to what the Dems might the handling of the Epstein do with those majorities. But files and extensive political party operatives are talking chicanery and manipulation quietly to the Washington to forestall the very same Post and other media outlets, electoral defeat in November and have revealed advanced that is now widely forecast planning in several areas. by so many polls.
THE TRIBUNE
What China's Import Expo means for businesses in The Bahamas Zhou Yi, Head of the Economic and Commercial Section of the Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas For businesses in The Bahamas looking beyond the domestic market, one of the world's largest trade events raises an important question: what opportunities can an increasingly open Chinese market offer? One place to look for an answer is the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will take place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10 this year. Launched in 2018, the CIIE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to imports and has become an important platform for China's continued opening-up. Eight editions later, it has grown into much more than a trade exhibition. It is now a global platform where international companies can showcase their products, meet potential Chinese partners and consumers, and gain first-hand insights into evolving consumer demand in the world's second-largest economy. The scale of the event is significant. At last year's expo, 290 Fortune Global
500 companies and industry leaders from 155 countries, regions and international organizations took part. Exhibition space and overall participation reached record highs, while many companies and institutions have returned year after year. The value of intended deals exceeded US$83.4 billion. Perhaps more importantly, the CIIE has become a platform for innovation, where new products, technologies and services are introduced to the global market. Last year, 461 new products, technologies and services were unveiled, including more than 200 global debuts. For businesses, however, the significance of the CIIE goes beyond these numbers. The expo provides an opportunity to understand Chinese consumers, identify potential partners and explore whether a particular product or service can meet demand in the Chinese market. This makes the CIIE relevant not only to major multinational companies, but also to businesses in The Bahamas. The Bahamas has a diverse and internationally connected economy, with businesses offering products, services and ideas that
can appeal to consumers beyond its shores. Tourism remains a cornerstone of the economy, while Bahamian seafood, cultural products and other distinctive goods could find opportunities in new markets as businesses build international connections and gain a better understanding of consumer demand. China's continued opening of its market therefore deserves attention from Bahamian businesses, including those that may not yet see China as an immediate export destination. For smaller and emerging businesses in particular, the first step may not be entering the Chinese market at scale, but learning more about it, identifying potential partners and understanding where their products or services might fit. The CIIE also offers a broader perspective at a time when global trade faces considerable uncertainty. China has reiterated its commitment to high-standard opening-up, free trade and mutually beneficial cooperation. As the world's largest trader in goods and the world's second-largest consumer market, developments in China's economy
have implications far beyond its own borders. For The Bahamas, the broader opportunity lies in strengthening connections with international markets, diversifying economic activity and building greater economic resilience. The CIIE is one platform through which such connections can begin. Ultimately, the value of the CIIE for Bahamian businesses is not simply whether a particular company makes a sale at the expo. It is whether the event can help businesses better understand a major global market, build relationships and identify opportunities that may develop over time. In an increasingly interconnected global economy, China's continued opening-up creates opportunities for businesses around the world. For businesses in The Bahamas, the CIIE offers a window into those opportunities—and a chance to consider where Bahamian products, services and ideas might find their place in the Chinese market.
World News
Why the versatile PB&J remains king of the lunchbox after 125 years By KATIE WORKMAN Associated Press
IF there is a single sandwich associated with childhood and school lunches in the U.S.A, it has to be the PB&J. Sweet and salty, inexpensive, easy to make (maybe the first sandwich many kids make for themselves?), peanut butter and jelly is as close to iconic as a sandwich can get. It's been 125 years since the first known written recipe, and the PB&J concept is still going strong. In its simplest form, it's a lunchbox staple, but it's also a jumping-off point for creative takes in eateries from delis to high-end restaurants. It's nothing if not versatile: When peanut allergies led to school bans, alternative nut butters like almond and seed butters like sunflower, flaxseed and pumpkin seed
A PEANUT butter and jelly sandwich is prepared in New York in August 2026. Photo: Katie Workman via AP
Natural peanut butter has also carved out a niche, though what "natural" means is up for debate. Many people think of it as peanut butter that allows the natural oil to separate, and requires stirring to emulsify. The classic old-school sandwich would have to be two slices of soft bread, probably white, maybe wheat, with a layer of peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) on one side, jelly (often grape, maybe strawberry or raspberry, probably seedless) on the other. Simple and perfect. Not so long ago, a kid who lugged sandwiches to school made with heavy natural peanut butter and sugar-free jam on multigrain bread wouldn't have found
In some regions of the US, you might find dill pickles tucked into the sandwich, or potato chips layered in for salty crunch stepped in. The combo began as a tea sandwich for the wealthy The recipe that appeared in 1901 in The Boston Cooking School Magazine was written by Julia Davis Chandler. It called for currant or crab-apple jelly and was viewed as a fancy tea-time snack for wealthy people. In the 1920s and '30s, commercial peanut butter and machine-sliced bread became widely available. Peter Pan and Skippy were early brands, and then Jif came along in the 1950s.
anyone who wanted to trade. (Trust me on that.) But times and tastes have evolved, and now a sandwich like that would no longer feel crunchy-granola-weird. Twists include adding pickles, chips, marshmallow fluff and more Griddled or pan-fried versions of the PB&J are popular throughout the South and Midwest. In some regions of the U.S., you might find dill pickles tucked into the sandwich, or potato chips layered in for salty crunch. PB&J with a side of chili is pure school-cafeteria nostalgia — cheap, protein-packed and filling. In New England, the "Fluffernutter" still reigns, with marshmallow fluff standing in for the jelly. Texans sometimes take their PB&Js with jalapeño jam and crispy bacon, often double-decked with an extra slice of bread. And at Southern state fairs, you can find the sandwich deep-fried (though I'd advise waiting a while before getting on any rides afterwards).
Restaurant menus play with peanut butter and jelly In San Antonio, Texas, a restaurant called PB&J
Thursday, September 24, 2026, PAGE 11
Op Ed A Valuable Opportunity to Explore the Chinese Market CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Seminar on Capacity Development for Exporting to China, November 2–15, 2026, Shanghai, China Are you a Bahamian business representative, government official, policymaker, researcher or trade expert interested in expanding exports to China? Apply for the Seminar on Capacity Development for Exporting to China and gain practical insights into opportunities in the Chinese market. WHY PARTICIPATE? Experience the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, one of the world’s leading platforms connecting international businesses with the vast Chinese market. Gain first-hand knowledge about the Chinese market, consumer demand and practical approaches to developing exports to China. Share experiences with participants from different countries, explore international trade opportunities and build valuable business connections. Participation is free of charge. International airfare, accommodation, study visits and other related expenses will be covered by the Government of China. WHO CAN APPLY? The programme is open to: • Representatives of businesses engaged in or seeking to develop export activities; • Government officials involved in trade and policymaking; and • Experts and researchers from research institutions and related organizations. Only THREE places are available for Bahamian participants. ELIGIBILITY Applicants must: • Be under 60 years of age; • Be in good health and able to undertake long-distance international travel; and • Have relevant professional experience in trade, exports, policymaking or related research. HOW TO APPLY Please submit your CV/resume to: bf@mofcom.gov.cn Application Deadline: October 2. Applications will be jointly reviewed by representatives of the Bureau for Technical Assistance and Project Management of MOFA, the Bahamas Trade Commission, and the Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas. Selected participants will be announced on October 7. Seminar in China: November 2–15. Explore China. Connect with the Chinese Market. Expand Export Opportunities.
with Tay has a whole menu inspired by this sandwich. You might try The Egg-Cellent, which contains peanut butter, hard-cooked egg, bacon and strawberry-jalapeno jelly, or The Kitchen Sink (Double Decker), jammed with peanut butter, banana, walnuts, almond butter, bacon, cream cheese and choice of jelly. The South Philadelphia Tap Room in Philly has a Fried PB&J made with sourdough bread that is crusted in Frosted Flakes before being griddled. At Pearl Street in New York City, you can indulge in PB&J Triangles with fois gras ganache on milk bread. Fancy, but it's noted on the menu that the strawberry jam is Smuckers and the peanut butter is Jif. This mashup will set you back $24. Just changing up the two main ingredients, and the bread, gives you a whole new sandwich
There are a lot of companies making gourmet versions of peanut butter. At Big Spoon Roasters, in Hillsborough, North Carolina, bestsellers include Pistachio Crunch Almond Butter made with almonds, pistachios, organic maple syrup and sea salt. They describe their Maple Cinnamon Peanut and Pecan Butter as "cinnamon-dusted pecan pie in a jar." Peanut Butter & Co., based in New York, sells a flavor enticingly named Dark Chocolatey Dreams, and another called The Bee's Knees, made with honey. To change up your jelly, add chia seeds, maple syrup, crushed pretzels, sliced peaches or apples, pomegranate seeds. Try it on a croissant or challah. No matter how far the PB&J has come from its 1901 currant jelly version, somehow it still tastes like being a kid.
PAGE 12, Thursday, September 24, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Works steps up drainage maintenance as rains continue By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Works is stepping up drainage
maintenance in flood-prone areas as the rainy season continues, while warning that private developments, blocked drains and inadequate infrastructure are
contributing to flooding across New Providence. Francis Clarke, Senior Highway Engineer responsible for Road Maintenance and Construction, said the
department prepares its teams ahead of the rainy and hurricane seasons by cleaning drainage infrastructure in areas known to experience flooding. He identified Bay Street, York Street and Pinewood Gardens among the areas regularly targeted by the department. Mr Clarke stressed that drain maintenance is carried out throughout the year and is not limited to the rainy season. He said residents who experience flooding in their communities can contact the department through its hotline to report problem areas. On Pinewood Gardens, Mr Clarke said the department has begun collecting data as part of plans to address flooding in the area. He said lift stations have been ordered but have not yet arrived in the country. He explained that the contractor is collecting hydrogeological information before finalising the design because the project is being carried out under a design-build contract. In the meantime, Mr Clarke said the department continues to maintain drainage infrastructure in Pinewood Gardens and surrounding areas that are prone to flooding. Mr Clarke also provided an update on work in Coral Harbour, where he said construction is continuing and sidewalks are being repaired. He said the department is also awaiting the arrival of pumps that will be installed as part of the drainage system. Mr Clarke said Coral Harbour experienced flooding during the current rainy season after two loads of fill were placed in the area by private individuals, restricting the flow of water. He said the project
FRANCIS CLARKE, Sr Highway Engineer - Road Maintenance and Construction. had experienced delays but that progress should resume shortly. Once completed, the Coral Harbour system will use a mechanical pump to remove water from detention ponds and discharge it into the canal. Mr Clarke said a maintenance programme will also be established to ensure the pumps remain operational. Mr Clarke also pointed to wider problems with the country's drainage infrastructure, saying some existing drains were constructed decades ago and do not meet modern drainage requirements. He said the drains are currently able to handle runoff from roadways but require regular maintenance because debris is frequently washed into them during heavy rainfall. Mr Clarke also blamed some of the debris on uncovered trucks carrying aggregate and other materials from unpaved roads onto paved roadways. He said private property development is another factor contributing to flooding. “The Control Act requires that you dispose
of your own drainage, and so there are a lot of private parking lots and residential buildings that are discharging the water runoff into the roadway,” Mr Clarke said. He explained that public drainage infrastructure is generally designed to accommodate runoff from the roadway itself, rather than additional water being discharged from privately developed properties. “The roadway has a single footprint, and our drainage infrastructure is only designed to accommodate that footprint. But the excess water running from private and developed properties is really causing the flooding issues too,” he said. Mr Clarke said development of wetlands can also worsen flooding because wetlands provide a natural route for stormwater to drain from the land towards the sea. He said these factors, combined with ageing drainage infrastructure and increased development, continue to create challenges for flood management across New Providence.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2026, PAGE 13
Cooper: School maintenance must be year-round effort By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net EDUCATION Minister Chester Cooper said a ceiling fan that fell at a primary school and injured at least one student was not connected to recent renovation work, but acknowledged the incident underscored the need for a more structured, year-round maintenance programme in public schools. Although Mr Cooper did not identify the school, Eyewitness News reported that a ceiling fan fell at Albury Sayle Primary School, injuring at least one student. One of the families affected
had raised questions about the condition and maintenance of the fan, including when it was last inspected and whether other fixtures at the school could pose a similar risk. Mr Cooper yesterday described the incident as “most regrettable and unfortunate” and said it demonstrated why school maintenance could no longer be concentrated in the summer months. “We consistently need a more structured maintenance program that I've been talking about since becoming the minister responsible for education,” he said. “So no longer will we just do repairs during the summer months. This is
going to be an ongoing exercise of preventative maintenance.” Asked whether the Ministry of Education would cover expenses arising from the incident, Mr Cooper did not directly answer. “We’re in touch with the family,” he said. “We’re mostly concerned about the health and safety of the children. We work closely with the family. We do everything that we possibly can to ensure the smooth transition and processing of these matters.” Mr Cooper said senior Ministry of Education officials contact families following incidents at school facilities to check on their welfare and
Govt seeks return of bonded scholarships By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@ tribunemedia.net THE government is seeking to reintroduce bonded scholarships that would require recipients to return to The Bahamas after studying abroad and work for the government or another designated agency, Education Minister Chester Cooper revealed yesterday. Mr Cooper said the proposal was discussed by the National Scholarship Advisory Committee as the government announced the recipients of its 2026 merit scholarships and disclosed that its annual scholarship budget stands at about $14m. He said roughly 500 new scholarships worth about $5m were approved this year, alongside continuing awards from previous years. Mr Cooper recalled receiving a bonded scholarship himself, which required him to return to The Bahamas and work for the government or an approved agency for as many years as he had studied overseas. “We are seeking to reintroduce this,” he said, “and we hope that we will be able to work out whatever kinks there exists to ensure that this is a smooth reintroduction of a programme that we believe is important for the development of our country.” Mr Cooper later stressed that the bonding system remains under
consideration and said the government would make an announcement “in due course”. His comments came as 17-year-old Jayden Sands and 18-year-old Gary Neilly were named winner and runner-up respectively of the 2026 All Bahamas Merit Scholarship, alongside 27 National Merit Scholarship recipients. Mr Sands will receive $35,000 annually for four years, while Mr Neilly will receive $25,000 annually. National Merit Scholarship recipients will receive $20,000 annually. A total of 29 students competed for the All Bahamas Merit Scholarship. The minimum academic criteria included eight A grades in the BGCSE examinations, an SAT score of at least 1,220 and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75. Applicants were also assessed on extracurricular activities, community service, nation-building, their ability to articulate themselves and whether they were well-rounded. Mr Sands, a graduate of St Augustine’s College who is studying accounting and finance at St John’s University in Minnesota, said the award came as a surprise. “I know that there were many other well-established and intelligent applicants who were also going for the scholarship,” he said, “and the fact that I was the one who would end up being awarded, I was really appreciative.” Mr Sands thanked God, the scholarship board,
his teachers, family and friends. “I can assure you all that I will continue to work hard,” he said. “I will keep education as my top priority, and I will achieve great things. Hopefully contribute back to the development of The Bahamas after I graduate.” Mr Neilly, a recent Queen’s College graduate, is studying at the University of The Bahamas after plans to begin his studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, were deferred. National Scholarship Advisory Committee chairman Robyn Lynes said the competition among the top applicants was extremely close. “The 29 students that were competing for this award were a caliber that is second to none, only to other students who've been in this category,” Ms Lynes said. “A lot of these students, year after year, the margin is fractions of a point, maybe one or two points.” Mr Cooper highlighted that both the winner and runner-up were young men, while Ms Lynes said the student who placed third was also male. Addressing the recipients, Mr Cooper described them as “the next generation of Bahamian leaders, thinkers, innovators, and professionals” and urged those studying abroad to return home. “I ask that you approach this opportunity with purpose,” he said, “excel in your chosen fields, broaden your perspectives, challenge yourselves,
Education Minister Chester Cooper extend the government’s support. He said he had personally spoken with families affected by the falling fan, as well as the family of a student involved
and wherever your studies take you.” “Never lose sight of the country that is investing in you and looking forward to your contribution on your return.” Mr Cooper also said changes are being considered to simplify the scholarship application process and make it more transparent. “We recognise that the scholarship application process can be further refined,” he said. “We discussed today at our board meeting some of the ideas that we will undertake to streamline the process and
in a separate lightning strike at RM Bailey Senior High School. Sixteen-year-old Anton Bowe, an 11th-grade student, was struck by lightning on the grounds of RM Bailey Senior High School. “I don’t want to speak specifically to any family-specific incident,” he said, “out of respect for them and respect for the processes I don’t have anything further to add as it relates to that. Suffice to say that the children are fine, thank God, and we continue to do all in our power to ensure ongoing maintenance throughout the schools.” Mr Cooper said the ministry’s priority following such incidents is the safety and welfare of students and their families. “It’s always safety first,” he said, “and it’s always first being concerned about the well-being of the child and the well-being of the family.”
improve the experience for applicants, ensuring greater transparency at every stage.” He said applying for scholarships should not be “unnecessarily complicated or frustrating”. Mr Cooper said the objective is to make the process easier to navigate, more efficient, transparent and accessible while maintaining the standards and accountability expected of programmes funded by taxpayers. He also said the ministry is pursuing new partnerships and memoranda of understanding
with overseas universities to expand opportunities for Bahamians. The ministry, working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also plans to enlist scholarship ambassadors abroad to identify opportunities outside traditional destinations such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. “For example, we are speaking with a potential Bahamian ambassador in the Middle East to explore partnerships there,” Mr Cooper said, “as we do likewise in Central and South America.”
PAGE 14, Thursday, September 24, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
World News
Words long used in the Caribbean and Bermuda are now part of the Oxford English Dictionary By DÁNICA COTO Associated Press MORE than a dozen words long used in Bermuda and across the Caribbean got an official nod on Wednesday from the Oxford English Dictionary. First in line is “bimpert,” a Bermudian word of unknown origin that is used to describe a stupid or foolish person. People on the tiny island in the north Atlantic often use it in this traditional phrase: “A bimpert is justah wuffless bye,” which roughly translates to: an idiot is just a worthless boy. Another colorful addition is “hornerman,” a word used in the eastern Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago since 1975 to describe an unfaithful man or a man having a relationship with someone else’s partner. Leonard Alexander, a grocery store owner in Trinidad, chuckled at the inclusion of the word “hornerman.” He explained that to “horn” means being unfaithful, and now the world would know the term for a man who commits such an act.
PEOPLE with Trinidad and Tobago flag are seen during J’ouvert celebration, September 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Photo: Yuki Iwamura/AP “That’s our heritage, that’s what we grew up with,” Alexander said. If someone in the Caribbean were to find out about such infidelities, they might be known “to get on,” which means to have an emotional outburst or make a scene, or “to cut someone’s tail,” meaning to beat someone. Depending on the fallout
from such infidelities, a woman might need “vex money,” which refers to “money carried or kept in a safe place by a woman, for use in an emergency or in any unexpected eventuality.” Among other dark words that made the list is “jablesse,” defined as “a malevolent shape-shifting
female spirit with one cloven hoof, which at night is said to assume the form of a beautiful woman to lure men to their deaths.” It is derived from “diablesse,” the French word for female demon. Another supernatural entry is “douen.” It is “typically depicted as short in stature, with
backward-pointing feet, and wearing a large hat, said to be the spirit of a child who died before it could be baptized, and believed to lure children into the forest by calling their names,” according to the dictionary. It is a variation of the Spanish word “duende,” which means elf. Avionne George, a 45-year-old maintenance technician in Trinidad, said formal recognition of such words helps preserve tradition for the younger generations: “Most of them are ignorant of certain terms from long ago like ‘douen.’ They don’t know about ‘la jablesse.’” Several food-related words were included this year: “shadeesh,” the Bermudian word for chorizo; “sugar cake,” made of grated coconut boiled with sugar, water and spices; and “peanut punch,” a wildly popular rich and frothy beverage made with peanuts or peanut butter, milk, sugar and several spices. In the Caribbean, one might sit down to have a peanut punch with one’s “nana” or “nani,” Hindi words that are used to address one’s maternal
grandparents. In Bermuda, one would sit down to partake with a “hamma,” or friend. The final Caribbean English words added this year are “Trinbagonian,” which refers to people from both the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, and “canboulay,” which refers to Carnival festivities in Trinidad in the 1800s that celebrated the emancipation of slaves. They stem from a 1700s harvest festival that the British tried to quash, leading to riots reenacted to this day to mark the start of Carnival. Canboulay is derived from “burning cane,” which the dictionary noted was associated with “acts of defiance and rebellion.” Sherwin Williams, a construction worker in Trinidad, said the inclusion of such words in the Oxford English Dictionary would help people around the world understand their Trinidadian origins. “People recognize us by our slang,” he said. There are some 500,000 words and phrases in the Oxford English Dictionary, which details the history of words, some of which go back to the 11th century.
Jamaica celebrates that its reparations case against Britain referred to final appeals court By JOHN MYERS JR. Associated Press JAMAICA’S government announced Wednesday that its reparations case against Britain has been referred to the United Kingdom’s highest court of appeal for the Caribbean island. The unprecedented legal maneuver marks a watershed moment in the fraught historical relationship between Britain and its Caribbean realms, moving a centuries-old grievance from the realm of political rhetoric into one of the highest echelons of the British legal system: the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. “It is really a very big deal, and the world is watching us,” said Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport. “What we are doing is historic, unprecedented and a major development in the reparatory justice
A DISPLAY featuring information about indigo cloth and cowrie shells is seen at a small exhibition inside a church, in London, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. Photo: Alberto Pezzali/AP movement. Talk of reparations has for a very long time been just that: talk. But
Jamaica is known for action. The tide is changing, we are getting things done.”
The king’s decision to advance the petition rather than dismiss it is
highly significant. While the British government has consistently rejected calls for financial reparations, the Crown’s referral effectively delegates the legal parsing of these historical grievances to the Privy Council in London. Addressing the House of Representatives earlier, Grange emphasized the magnitude of the king’s cooperation: “Now, the king could have ignored us. The king could have delayed responding to us. The king could have made a decision not to refer the questions to the Privy Council.” While the petition was formally addressed to the king, Charles has no personal say on whether it would be referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council; he would act on the advice of government officials. Jamaica’s government said the king’s decision was made known via its lawyers in Britain. The move comes more than two weeks after Jamaica petitioned the king to refer a series of questions about slavery, and the U.K.’s responsibility to pay damages, to the Privy Council. The petition filed on Sept. 7 navigates a unique constitutional corridor. Because Charles remains Jamaica’s head of state, the island nation was able to directly petition him using an ancient legal mechanism that former colonies that have already transitioned to republics cannot access.
Grange acknowledged this constitutional irony, noting that Jamaica’s delayed transition to a republic — a longtime goal of the ruling Jamaica Labor Party — has actually proven to be a “blessing in disguise.” Because the island retains the king as its sovereign, it possesses the constitutional standing to force a legal review of the Crown’s historical obligations. The move has not been without its domestic critics, some of whom questioned the diplomatic optics of the filing. “There were no missteps in the filing process. There were no diplomatic blunders as some would want to give that impression,” Grange stated on Wednesday. “We were engaging, not with a foreign state, but with our head of state. It is a legal petition. It is not an interstate negotiation, or a demand for payment. It asked legal questions that must be determined by our highest court.” Grange also disclosed that Jamaica has formally offered to help other Commonwealth realms that still share the monarch to file similar slavery reparation petitions. Members of a Caribbean regional trade bloc known as Caricom met last week in Barbados to talk about reparations as they pushed for a unified strategy. The British government has acknowledged that slavery was “abhorrent,” but it has rejected demands for reparations or an apology.
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PAGE 16, Thursday, September 24, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Ghana envoy urges Caribbean businesses to target Africa By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net A GHANAIAN presidential envoy is urging businesses across the Caribbean to build their own brands and leverage them to access larger international markets, saying increased trade can create jobs and drive economic growth across the region. King Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, Ghana’s Presidential Special Envoy to the Caribbean Region, said Ghana was pushing to bring Caribbean nations closer to the African economy and integrate them into the African Continental Free Trade Area, potentially giving Caribbean businesses access to a market of more than 1.5 billion people. He spoke yesterday at the soft opening of a new showroom designed to promote Bahamian and African designers and strengthen trade and cultural ties between Ghana, The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
KING Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, Ghana’s Presidential Special Envoy to the Caribbean, and Tourism Minister, Glenys Hanna-Martin. Photos: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS King Kwasi said Caribbean entrepreneurs should use the opportunity to expand their businesses and develop products for larger international markets. He said the proposed integration could create new opportunities for manufacturers, designers and other entrepreneurs, while encouraging them to think beyond their domestic markets. King Kwasi also stressed the importance of access to financing in turning trade opportunities into economic growth, noting the role institutions such as Africa Bank could play in providing resources to manufacturers and entrepreneurs. He also promoted the potential for greater trade in agricultural products, saying Ghana could supply The Bahamas with natural, non-GMO produce. The envoy highlighted Ghana’s growing influence in fashion and design, pointing to increasing international interest in African designers. King Kwasi is in The Bahamas at the invitation of the Afri-Caribbean Trade & Logistics Consulting Group, the commercial arm of the Afri-Caribbean Trade Corridor. His visit is being held under the theme “Cultural Unity for Economic Prosperity” and follows recent engagements in Atlanta, Georgia. During his visit, he met with government and trade leaders to explore ways to expand trade, investment and tourism between Ghana and The Bahamas. Senator Barry Griffin, Chairman of the Trade Commission and Chief Trade Negotiator for The Bahamas, said the new showroom represented the results of years of diplomatic and
trade engagement between the two countries. He said The Bahamas had participated in reciprocal trade missions to Ghana and hosted high-level diplomatic meetings, including discussions between Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Ghana’s president. “Trade is a people-to-people partnership. You must go to new markets. You must meet people. You must exchange views. You must learn about each other's markets and culture and history, and build a foundation of friendship,” Senator Griffin said. “So right now we are in the process of building that foundational friendship with Ghana, and this is one of the true, real fruits of that labor.” Senator Griffin said the showroom, which focuses on the creative economy, was another example of The Bahamas strengthening its ties with Africa through the “orange economy”, which includes creative and cultural industries. King Kwasi said the initiative should ultimately move beyond government-to-government relations and focus on entrepreneurs building businesses and competing in international markets. He urged Caribbean entrepreneurs to develop local brands and take advantage of larger markets to create jobs and economic opportunities for young people. The new hub is being developed through the Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Corridor as a promotional platform for Bahamian and African designers, with the broader aim of using cultural exchange to develop business networks, investment and trade.
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Thursday, September 24, 2026, PAGE 17
Baha Mar to host the country’s first pickleball ranking competition IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EV MOTORS TENNIS OPEN THREE thousand dollars in prize money will be up for grabs when the Bahamas Pickleball Federation hosts the country’s first ever ranking tournament sanctioned by DUPR at Baha Mar on the weekend of October 3/4. In addition, there will be a second DUPR sanctioned ranking tournament held at the Abaco beach resort from November 13-15. The DUPR sanctioned ranking tournament helps the Bahamas Pickleball Federation select players for international competitions. The BPF won the silver cup in the over 50 division at the inaugural Caribbean championships held in Cayman along with 14 medals in the open division. The next Caribbean championships will be held in Jamaica on February 22-27,2027.
Kelly Ann Meade, Founder and President of the Bahamas Pickleball Federation. (L-R) First row: Tsinena Thompson, Bahamas Pickleball Federation secretary; Sports director Kelsie Johnson of Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Derron Donaldson, Director of the John McEnroe Tennis Center at Baha Mar and Bahamas Pickleball Federation Vice President. For the Baha Mar tournament, players can compete in mixed doubles, women’s doubles
and men’s doubles competitions in a round robin format of two out of three games to 11. All players are guaranteed at least three games. Dozens of players of all skill levels are expected to compete. The finals will be rally scoring to 15 to determine final winners. BPF Tournament sponsors are Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, RBC and KFC. Kelly Ann Meade, Founder and President of the BPF, says: “Pickleball is more than a sport, it is a growing community built on passion, competition and connection. This tournament marks an exciting milestone, raising the standard of play and opening a new chapter for pickleball in our community. We are proud of how far we have come and even more excited about where we are going. “We are so grateful to have the support and partnership of EV motors, Baha Mar, Berkshire Hathaway, RBC ‘Royal Bank Bahamas ltd’ and KFC.” James Bernard,
President, Broker and Senior Appraiser at Berkshire Hathaway said: “Sponsoring a pickleball tournament at Baha Mar feels right at home for us. Good people, great energy, and an incredible backdrop. “We are especially excited to cheer on our very own Iliana Gerasimenko, a luxury real estate agent with our company and a member of the Bahamas Pickleball Federation, as she competes in the tournament. She's a great example of the kind of people we are lucky enough to have on our team.KFC’s Commercial Manager Mark Anthony Myers said: “We’re proud to support the growth of pickleball in The Bahamas and to be part of an event that brings people together through the sport. As one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world, pickleball stands out because of how accessible it is – it’s easy to get started, affordable to play, and welcoming to people of different ages and skill levels. “That spirit of
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg wearing the medals won by Team Bahamas in the inaugural open Caribbean championships in Cayman in February 2025. accessibility aligns closely with what KFC has always stood for; bringing people together and providing great-tasting meals at a value that families and individuals across our community can enjoy. We’re excited to support the tournament and to play a part in the continued growth of pickleball in The Bahamas.” All players will be provided lunch and have access to physio, massage treatment and pilates classes on the padel courts during both days of the tournament. A pre-tournament
player/sponsor mixer will be held at Baha Mar’s newest nightlife venue, Horse to Water, a refined speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge, on Friday, October 2, from 7-10pm. There will be a juniors’ clinic, at a cost of $20, with giveaway and prizes. Raffle prizes will include the new Tesla paddle, Harbor Island canvas toiletry bags and more. Registration for the tournament closes on October 1 at noon. For more information email: Www.bahamaspickleballfederation.com
PAGE 18, Thursday, September 24, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Colina renews support for CIBC Walk for the Cure COLINA Insurance Limited has renewed its support for the CIBC Walk for the Cure, signing on as a bronze sponsor for the annual cancer fundraising initiative as organisers prepare events across four islands next month. The insurer, which has supported the initiative for the past decade, will also have staff members taking part in the walk/run. Events are scheduled for New Providence on October 3, Grand Bahama on October 10, Abaco on October 17 and Eleuthera on October 31. During a ceremony at Colina’s East Bay Street headquarters on September 18, CIBC Caribbean head of country Terrance Gibson thanked the company for its longstanding support. “It is key that sponsors like Colina continue to contribute towards the Walk for the Cure,” Mr Gibson said. “This is for a very worthy cause. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer.” He said the initiative is a “labour of love” for CIBC across the Caribbean and thanked Colina for remaining involved.
From left are Maxine V. Seymour, director of corporate communications, Colina Insurance Limited; Marcus Bosland, chief operating officer, Colina; Terrance Gibson, head of country, CIBC Caribbean; and Antionette Fox, business analyst, managing director’s office, CIBC FirstCaribbean. Antionette Fox, business analyst in the CIBC FirstCaribbean managing
director’s office, said this year’s programme would allow wider participation
throughout The Bahamas. “Every island gets its own event, so this year
there is a broader level of participation throughout The Bahamas,” Ms Fox
said. She said Colina has consistently sponsored and participated in the initiative over the years. Funds raised through the CIBC Walk for the Cure support cancer screening and diagnosis, treatment equipment, medical examinations and scans, patient and family assistance, counselling and cancer education and awareness programmes. Maxine V Seymour, Colina’s director of corporate communications, said the company remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at helping cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. “Cancer touches virtually every community in The Bahamas,” Ms Seymour said. “Colina is committed to the health and well-being of Bahamian families, and CIBC’s Walk for the Cure continues to play an integral role in providing muchneeded financial support in the cancer fight.” She said Colina would continue supporting initiatives assisting “the patients, the survivors and the caregivers”.
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Thursday, September 24, 2026, PAGE 19
PAGE 20, Thursday, September 24, 2026
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