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Tuesday, October 13, 2026
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Bahamas provider ‘victim’ of top Brazilian bank fraud By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net A Bahamian financial provider yesterday asserted it is a “victim” of Brazil’s largest-ever bank fraud amid allegations that itself, and a network of locally-domiciled investment funds, were used to “improperly dissipate”
$430m ‘improperly disspiated’ through fund it oversaw But Mosaic Financial says: ‘Our reputation is spotless’ Alleges liquidator trying to ‘circumvent’ Bahamas court $430m in misappropriated monies. Robert Jensen, president of Mosaic Financial, in an e-mailed response to
Tribune Business inquiries, said “our reputation is spotless” and that the Caves Village-based provider, its affiliates, owners
and employees “had absolutely nothing to do with the illegal activity” in the Banco Master scandal. He hit out after Eduardo Felix
Bianchini, Banco Master’s Brazilian liquidator, in an October 7, 2026, lawsuit filed in the south Florida federal bankruptcy court,
alleged that Mosaic Financial and an investment fund it oversaw played a key role in facilitating the diversion of funds misappropriated by the bank’s principal, Daniel Vorcaro. Mr Bianchini is alleging that, in just two-and-a-half years up to October 2025 , Mr Vorcaro and his
SUPERVISE - See Page B6
Chamber chief fears taxpayers ‘saddled’ GB growth optimism matches concerns with up to $412m in GB Power debts By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama’s Chamber of Commerce president is warning that taxpayers may ultimately be “saddled” with more than $400m in debt repayment obligations linked to the island’s electrical utility as he voiced concern over whether its “90-95 percent” supply reliability will endure. Ralph Hepburn said it was “shocking to me” after Tribune Business revealed
on Friday that Grand Bahama Power Company has yet to receive the $80m in capital works funding approved by Parliament prior to the May 12 general election. He added that this is “creating more questions in the business community” over the reliability and cost of the island’s energy supply, including whether the utility has sufficient funding to complete vital network repairs and upgrades. And the GB Chamber president also queried why the Davis administration,
having just months ago obtained Parliament’s approval to borrow $200m to finance GB Power’s purchase from Emera, and only closing the deal in early May, was returning so swiftly to gain permission to not only refinance that sum but also an extra $131.82m representing loans left on the utility’s books by the previous owner. Mr Hepburn, asserting that the Government would have been aware of the pre-existing debt from the due diligence it conducted on GB Power
prior to the acquisition, not only challenged why this is being publicly disclosed now but said that - when the $80m capital works borrowing is added in Bahamian citizens in their role as taxpayers are now being called upon to guarantee repayment of almost $412m in borrowings. The fate of the $80m, which was to be borrowed from Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), and why it has yet to be made available to GB Power despite Parliament approving the
ELECTRIFY - See Page B5
DIGITAL ASSET TRANSACTIONS DROPPED 70% AFTER FTX By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net DIGITAL assets business involving The Bahamas “contracted by more than 70 percent” in the year after FTX’s collapse, it has been revealed, with less than 3 percent of such transactions linked to “criminal activity” in the nearly two years to end-July 2026. The Securities Commission, unveiling its first-ever supervision and surveillance report on The Bahamas’ digital assets and crypto currency sector, said that -while “activity has been materially smaller and
event-driven” since FTX’s November 2022 demise - some $472m worth of transactions between digital wallets took place over the 22 months between September 2024 and this July. The regulator added that its tracing of digital asset flows linked to The Bahamas shows the exposure to both criminal activity and “higher risk services” is “consistently small”. Just 2.03 percent of digital assets transactions in the 16 months to end-December 2025 were identified as tied to criminal activity, such as frauds, scams and darknet markets, with only 0.27 percent linked to “higher risk” such as overseas crypto
exchanges that lack customer ID requirements. And, while the volume of digital assets transactions linked to criminal activity rose to 2.8 percent during the first seven months of 2026, the Securities Commission attributed the jump largely to “flows to a single international exchange designated by a foreign sanctions authority in May 2026”. It added that most of the transactions involving The Bahamas occurred before sanctions were imposed, and assets worth just $468,376 were involved. The Bahamian digital assets sector, the regulator added, now serves more than 2.159m clients
worldwide and holds combined customer assets worth $33.65bn. Just 1,376 clients, with combined digital assets of $16.5m, live in The Bahamas to ensure more than 99.9 percent of the industry’s customer base resides overseas. Of those, 65 are classified as politically exposed persons or PEPs. Sector participants, according to Securities Commission of The Bahamas data, have more than tripled from the ten who existed at December 31, 2022, in the aftermath of FTX’s implosion to 35 now. Some 20 are deemed to be
WALLETS - See Page B4
over business costs By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@ tribunemedia.net MORE than half of Grand Bahama’s businesses are cautiously optimistic over the island’s economic outlook for the next 12 months with almost
two-thirds both expecting to grow but citing cost of doing business concerns. The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, unveiling the findings of its 2026 Business Climate and Economic Outlook survey, which received responses
EXPAND - See Page B7
PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 13, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Airport critical to lower Grand Bahama’s reliance on cruise By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@ tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama’s Chamber of Commerce president is warning businesses cannot rely on cruise tourism alone to sustain their operations, with the island needing more overnight visitors who spend outside the lines’ private destinations to support restaurants, shops and other local enterprises. Ralph Hepburn said the redevelopment of Grand Bahama International Airport is critical to attracting the volume of visitors needed to support hotel investment and give businesses greater confidence to expand, hire workers and extend their operating hours.
He was speaking as the GB Chamber's Business climate and economic outlook 2026 survey identified airport redevelopment as the leading priority among 114 companies surveyed, with 82.5 per cent selecting it as one of the island's top priorities for the next five years. The respondents represented 2,985 employees across Grand Bahama. Mr Hepburn said the airport redevelopment needs to go beyond maintaining a runway and basic terminal facilities, arguing that Grand Bahama requires the capacity to accommodate increased airlift, cargo movements and the volume of visitors needed to support larger hotel investments. He added that the availability of adequate airport facilities will give hotel investors greater confidence
they can attract enough visitors to fill their rooms, with the benefits extending to businesses throughout the island. “If you put up a 500-room hotel or even a 200-room hotel, that we have the facilities that can cater to bringing in the amount of persons they need on a weekly basis to fill their rooms,” said Mr Hepburn. That additional visitor traffic would give businesses in areas such as Port Lucaya Marketplace greater opportunities to attract customers staying on the island for several days, rather than depending on visitors who arrive for only a limited period. Mr Hepburn said companies serving the wider tourism economy will then have more confidence to expand their operations, employ additional staff and
extend their opening hours to cater to visitors and tourism workers spending their earnings locally. He acknowledged the contribution of the cruise industry to Grand Bahama's tourism sector, but said the benefits were not necessarily distributed evenly across the wider business community, particularly where cruise passengers spent their time at private destinations. “We appreciate the cruise industry for what they're doing. How they have basically changed tourism and allow for more people to come on a daily movement. We appreciate all of that,” Mr Hepburn said. “But some industries don't benefit when these two cruise lines bring people to their private destination because they try to cater for their guests at their private destination.” Mr Hepburn said the issue was not opposition to private cruise developments, but how to ensure
that businesses outside those operations could also benefit from visitors coming to Grand Bahama. He suggested that the Government can explore opportunities to encourage more cruise ships to make overnight stops on Grand Bahama, allowing passengers to spend evenings at local restaurants, attend shows and experience other attractions before departing. The Chamber's survey also identified the redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan resort as a major priority, with 51.8 per cent of respondents selecting it among the five most important issues for the island's next five years. Separately, 49.6 per cent said increased hotel, resort and vacation-rental capacity would positively affect their businesses. The findings point to the importance of expanding Grand Bahama's visitor economy while addressing other constraints on
business activity. The cost of doing business was identified as the leading current barrier by 62.8 per cent of respondents, while 46.9 per cent identified power reliability and energy costs as developments that would positively affect business. Despite those challenges, 62.5 per cent of respondents expected their businesses to grow over the next 12 months, although the Chamber said sustained confidence would depend on visible progress in the island's operating environment and major development projects. The survey was conducted between June 15 and August 4, 2026. It included Chamber members and non-members and was presented as a basis for discussions with the Government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) on improving business conditions and supporting economic growth.
Chamber chief wants GB to boost maritime, farming By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahama must increase investment in agriculture and marine industries to strengthen food security, reduce reliance on imports and diversify its economy, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president is urging. Ralph Hepburn said Bahamian farmers are already producing for niche markets but lack the capital investment and structured support needed to supply larger customers, such as supermarkets and restaurants, plus other islands in The Bahamas. “We need to see agriculture as the next industry movement in Grand Bahama,” Mr Hepburn said. “We have a lot of persons that are starting farms in Grand Bahama that they can’t supply the entire demands of Grand Bahama, but they have started out because they want to cater
to those niche markets where people want locally grown products.” He added that farmers need more than just assistance in purchasing equipment or securing supplies, arguing that government agencies must help develop commercially viable agricultural businesses capable of growing production and reaching larger markets. Mr Hepburn identified the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources as institutions that should play a greater role in supporting the sector, including helping farmers develop sustainable business plans covering production, sales and distribution. “Not that you do it yourself, but help work with them in terms of creating viable plans from growth to sales to market, and where it can be a sustainable and a long-term investment of theirs - that they can see it as more than just playing in the dirt - but they can actually make a living off it,” he said. Mr Hepburn’s call comes as Grand Bahama seeks to diversify its economic base and create opportunities beyond traditional tourism-related employment. He argued that agriculture and marine industries can help the island become more self-sufficient while creating new avenues for investment and employment. The Chamber president said Grand Bahama has several natural advantages that can support agricultural expansion, including its available land, fertile soil and access to transportation infrastructure. “We have a lot of land mass, a lot of good soil,” Mr Hepburn said. “We have the spacing. We have the acreage of land. We have it whether it’s plant-based or animal-based agribusiness.” He added that a growing number of persons are willing to enter agriculture and train others, providing a foundation for the industry to expand if sufficient investment and support were made available.
Grand Bahama’s proximity to the US, and presence of Freeport Harbour, can also support the export movement of agricultural products to other Bahamian islands and, eventually, overseas markets. However, Mr Hepburn said the immediate priority should be reducing The Bahamas’ dependence on imported food rather than building an export industry before local demand is adequately served. “The thing with the exports is anything that’s exported, and that we seek to export, will be affected,” he said, referring to US tariffs that could apply to Bahamian agricultural products entering that market. “But our main focus should be how we use it to grow our local demand. That should be our main focus. How we feed ourselves.” The Chamber president added that businesses considering exports will need to account for tariffs in their pricing and protect their profit margins, rather than absorbing the full extra cost and undermining their financial sustainability. Mr Hepburn’s emphasis on agriculture forms part of a broader argument that Grand Bahama must prepare its workforce for emerging industries as tourism activity and development patterns evolve. He pointed to Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) proposed Billy Cay development as an example of the opportunities that could emerge in construction, engineering, technical maintenance and maritime services. He added that such investments will require workers with specialised skills to construct and maintain facilities around canals and piers, as well as electrical, structural and mechanical expertise to support their operations. Mr Hepburn also urged Bahamians to look beyond conventional tourism employment as the island’s maritime sector expands through entities such as the Grand Bahama Shipyard. “Persons got to get involved in understanding the maritime sectors because, if we’re moving up more ships to the island and for one-day turnaround, and less persons,” he said. “Instead of looking for more people to make beds, we need more people to work at ensuring that these vessels, as they come in and out, we have staffing to accommodate those needs there.” Mr Hepburn said diversification should include building capacity to produce more of the goods Bahamians consume, pointing to manufacturing as an area worth revisiting.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, PAGE 3
Boating fees greater blow than fuel hikes By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net YACHT charter operators are again urging the Government to revisit taxes and fees, warning that the cost of such levies is driving vessels to competing destinations and inflicting a greater blow than soaring fuel prices. Michael Dillon, owner of Abaco Yacht and Charter Services, said the Government must focus on making The Bahamas more attractive to visiting boaters rather than focusing on just fuel costs, arguing that the 14 percent foreign yacht charter fee plus the new cruising permit structure introduced last year continue to undermine demand and the wider marine tourism industry. “I’ll be honest with you, the fuel costs aren’t nearly the impact on us that we had from the decisions the Government made last year with fees, the cruising permit fees and all that,” Mr Dillon said. “That structure is still convoluted, and it’s still having a negative impact today.” The Davis administration, in response to complaints about 20252026 Budget boating fee hikes, sought to address these by creating two new cruising permit categories this year. Mr Dillon said operators have also been forced to contend with higher fuel costs, which are affecting charter bookings and profitability. However, he argued that the more pressing concern is the loss of business to destinations where boaters face lower charges. “You don’t make more when you charge more,” he said. “You run people off. You got to find middle
ground where you can get your pricing, where it’s going to attract people.” Mr Dillon said the Government should compare the cost of boating in The Bahamas with rival destinations, particularly the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the US Virgin Islands, where he said fees are significantly lower. “Find out what boats are paying for the same services that we have here in The Bahamas; find out what they’re paying down in BVI and the US Virgin Islands,” he said. “They’re significantly less money. And guess what’s happening? People are taking their boats there.” Mr Dillon argued that policymakers have failed to adequately consult marine industry stakeholders before implementing charges, warning that the decisions are being made without a full understanding of the costs associated with operating a vessel. “They don’t know anything about yachting,” he said. “They don’t know what it costs to put fuel on a boat. They don’t know what it costs to put crew on a boat. They don’t know what it costs to put provisions on a boat. They don’t know what it costs to take care of the boat. They don’t know any of that stuff. None of it.” Mr Dillon said visiting boaters are particularly sensitive to the overall cost of cruising, and that excessive charges can damage The Bahamas’ reputation as a destination even when the country offers attractive waters and proximity to the US. “And then you go on and start whacking everybody with fees and, trust me, the people that are on the boats, they know what it costs,” he said. “And when they saw
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them fees, you know, the first thought they had was: The Bahamas is ripping me off — again.” Stephen Kappeler, managing director of Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, previously said larger vessels were still largely absent from Bahamian waters, arguing that the Government’s failure to adequately adjust charges was deterring some of the country’s highest-spending visitors. Mr Kappeler said the absence of boats longer than 60 feet was hurting businesses beyond marinas because yacht owners and their guests spend money on fuel, groceries, restaurants and other services as they travel between the islands. He estimated that private boaters can spend up to $400 per day on land, compared with about $30 for a cruise ship passenger, and argued that the Government was penalising visitors who contribute substantially to the wider tourism economy. Meanwhile, Kerry Fountain, executive director of the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board, previously attributed a 6.4 percent year-over-year decline in sea arrivals to Abaco through July 2026 to the impact of the boating fee increases. The Government has since revised elements of the fee structure, introducing the two new cruising permit categories covering stays of 30 days or less and six months or less. The changes reduced costs for some visiting vessels, particularly those staying for shorter periods, while also clarifying that anchorage fees apply to pleasure vessels that are not docked in marinas. However, Mr Dillon maintained that the broader pricing issue requires further attention if The Bahamas is to recover lost boating business. He also criticised the country’s fuel costs, pointing to what he described as a substantial
disparity between prices in Florida and The Bahamas before the conflict involving Iran began. “Before this Iran war started, people in Florida were paying $2 a gallon for gas,” he said. “In The Bahamas, we were still paying $5. Why? It does not cost that much more to get the gas to The Bahamas than it does to Florida. It does not.” Mr Dillon argued that taxation and fuel company margins were contributing to the price burden facing Bahamian businesses and consumers, but insisted that fuel should not overshadow the industry’s concerns about boating fees.
For his own charter operation, he said higher fuel prices have resulted in cancellations, additional surcharges and fewer bookings, directly affecting the company’s bottom line. “We’ve definitely had people cancel because of the cost of fuel,” Mr Dillon said. “I know it’s definitely hitting our bottom line because we have charters where fuel is included. So we’ve had to put surcharges on the charters to cover the fuel cost. We have fewer bookings, too, because the fuel cost is so high.” Fuel in Abaco is selling at about $7.80 per gallon, he said, adding that prices in Nassau do not fully reflect
the burden faced by businesses operating in the Family Islands. “It’s like $7.80 something,” Mr Dillon said of the price in Abaco. “If you’re in Nassau, you have no idea. You guys are living cheap.” Despite those pressures, Mr Dillon said restoring the flow of visiting vessels should be the industry’s primary concern, arguing that the economic benefits of attracting boaters extend across multiple sectors. “You guys talking about the fuel prices. I’m sorry, it’s the wrong conversation to have,” he said. “The conversation to have is getting the boats back here.”
PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 13, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Less than 3% of digital assets deals linked to ‘criminal activity’ WALLETS - From Page B1 active, with 22 percent regarded as posing a “low” supervisory and regulatory risk; the majority, some 69 percent, offering a “medium-to-low” risk; and the remaining 9 percent ranked as “medium-to-high”. Noting the impact from FTX’s failure, the Securities Commission’s report said: “On-chain activity connected to the jurisdiction peaked in late 2022. From that peak to the trough at the end of 2023, estimated transaction volumes contracted by more than 70 percent in both directions, reflecting the exit of the jurisdiction’s largest market participant and the global market cycle. “Activity has since been materially smaller and event driven: An estimated $401.9m in total on-chain
volume across wallets connected to the jurisdiction between September 2024 and December 2025, and an estimated $70.1m between January and July 2026, concentrated in a small number of quarters.” The Securities Commission added that decentralised finance has overtaken centralised exchanges as the main digital asset counterparty hub or trading forum. As for The Bahamas’ exposure to “criminal activity” and “higher risk” services from digital assets transactions, the Securities Commission report said these flows are constantly traced and monitored to that it can “act on it” if anything illegal or untoward is discovered. “The measured exposure here is constantly small,” the Bahamian regulator reassured. “Inflows from
higher-risk sources were estimated at 0.16 percent of inbound value in the period to May 2024, a decline from previous years. Of flows traced to classified destinations between September 2024 and December 2025, an estimated 97.7 percent went to legitimate services, 2.03 percent to services associated with criminal activity, and 0.27 percent to higher risk services. “Between January and July 2026, the corresponding estimates were 97.12 percent, 2.8 percent and 0.07 percent. The 2.8 percent is driven principally by flows to a single international exchange designated by a foreign sanctions authority in May 2026, most of which predates the designation and amounts in absolute terms to an estimated $468,376 or 0.67 percent of total period
volume…..“As at the reporting date, a small number of suspected unregistered services connected to the jurisdiction are under monitoring: Three services, of which two remain active and one has shown no activity since August 2025. One of the monitored services shows exposure to higher-risk counterparty categories and is prioritse accordingly.” The Securities Commission reiterated it “is an offence” to operate an unregistered digital assets firm from The Bahamas. The Securities Commission added that, of the 342 suspicious transactions reports (STRs) related to digital assets that it received in 2022, nearly all - some 330 - were linked to FTX. STRs dropped to 34 in 2023 following the crypto exchange’s collapse, but then rose again to 164 and 206 in 2024 and 2025, respectively, as digital assets activity recovered and the number of licensed operators expanded. Disclosing that it has conducted 16 on-site examinations to check licensees’ anti-financial crime defences since January 2026, plus five ‘Travel Rule’ reviews to ensure customer beneficial ownership information is sent with a
transaction, the Securities Commission says it has assessed 17 of its 20 active registrants so far this year. Two anti-financial crime assessments found no deficiencies. And, of the total 16 examinations and inspections, some 82 findings were made for “an average of just over five” per visit. There were also some 16 “non-binding recommendations”. More than half the 82 findings involved late or missed legal filing requirements and none related to “missed sanctions exposure”. “No finding in the programme indicated that a designated or sanctioned person went unreported, that a positive screening match was missed, or that assets that should have been frozen were not,” the Securities Commission said. As for the so-called “Travel Rule’, some 44 examinations have been carried out from 2021 to the present. Of the 1,831 digital wallet transfers sampled, only eight breaches involving three licensees have been found by the 44 examinations. Elsewhere, the Securities Commission has designated the securities and investment fund administration sector, which held $256.6bn in client assets at
end-December 2025 and an investment fund net asset value of $45.6bn in assets under administration, as “medium to high risk”. It justified this on the basis of the sector’s high value, large international client base and “remote onboarding” of customers overseas or by third-party intermediaries, which attracts money launderers. The regulator added that the sector had some 202 licensees at year-end 2025, including 161 securities firms, marketplaces and clearing facilities, and around 850,000 clients. Of the latter, 117,990 live in The Bahamas and 732,553 or 86 percent live abroad, with 2,075 classed as PEPs. The Securities Commission also ranked the financial and corporate services provider segment’s risk as “medium-high” as it administers 27,700 entities with 634 new formations since year-end 2025. Some 293 licensees are registered in this segment. Money lenders, payment and financing businesses, which have a 98 percent Bahamas-based client based, are ranked as posing a “medium” financial crime and regulatory threat. It has $6.6bn in assets and 102,141 client relationships.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, PAGE 5
GB businesses see no bill drop due to fuel charge rise ELECTRIFY - From Page B1 Government guaranteeing its repayment, has yet to be disclosed. “When I saw the news report, my first question was what happened to the $80m?” Mr Hepburn told Tribune Business. “They initially came to Parliament to borrow $200m for the shares and $80m for the operations, repairs and refurbishment of GB Power. My question was: What happened to that?” Mr Hepburn then decried the lack of consultation with the Chamber, the wider business community and Grand Bahama residents over the Government’s GB Power purchase ever since the deal was unveiled by the Prime Minister in early 2026. Pointing out that the announcement, plus Parliament’s debate over the initial $280m worth of borrowing and government guarantees, took place without consultation, the GB Chamber chief added: “Now, five months after the sale was completed and the initial requirement for $280m, they are coming back for $331m to refinance $109.82m in Bahamian dollars and $22m in US dollars. “As a business person, one of the first things when you are purchasing or taking over any company, you do due diligence on the assets and liabilities. How come you are coming back just give months later to buy out these liabilities? In the first half of your fiscal year, you are going to
absorb more than 50 percent of the purchase price of the company to pay off debt. “You are increasing your debt of $200m by $131m, which is more than 50 percent of the amount you needed [to buy it]. It’s going to pay off debt. For us, looking forward to a reduction in power bills, we are saddled with the additional burden of paying off the original $280m plus now the additional $131.82m, which is more than $400m. That is what we as taxpayers will be left to pay.” The latest GB Power borrowing resolution, tabled in the House of Assembly last week will - if approved - convert the $200m previously borrowed by the Government to finance the acquisition from a guaranteed contingent liability into direct taxpayer debt. And the $131.82m in legacy GB Power loans, left behind by Emera, will be transferred from a former privately-owned company and converted into direct Bahamian taxpayer debt. No mention is made in the new resolution of the $80m capital works financing that was supposed to be sourced from RBC. Refinancings, such as this $331.82m, are typically done if the borrower, in this case the Government and Bahamian people, can obtain better terms and conditions - in particular, a lower interest rate and reduced debt servicing costs. The refinancing will also remove debt liabilities from both GB Power and Grand
Bahama Energy Company, the Government-owned special purpose vehicle (SPV) that financed the acquisition, leaving them with clean balance sheets albeit switching the repayment obligations to Bahamian taxpayers. The Government has yet to unveil its strategy for GB Power, although this is likely to involve switching to LNG and solar energy similar to BPL. Mr Hepburn, though, said the GB Chamber and many in the private sector are wondering how to make GB Power “what it needs to be and take it beyond that” given that the utility has been nationalised and is now publicly owned. He added that many in Grand Bahama had become used to a utility that was seen as relatively efficiently run, dependable and reliable, with regular equipment upgrades and replacements, at least in comparison with BPL. “Grand Bahama Power Company traditionally maintained a constant system of improvements in terms of maintenance, upgrades and advancing infrastructure, and keeping us in the loop regarding when they were doing maintenance and repairs in certain areas,” Mr Hepburn told Tribune Business. “Without a level of funding, how will they continue to do that and, if they do not have aggressive maintenance and preventative maintenance due to a lack of financing that’s pulled away on debt, we could be
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in a position where the reliability we came to rely on is pulled away and we could be just another Nassau. “We are used to at least 90-95 percent of the year our power functions properly, no issues. We are now concerned how that is going to happen.” Mr Hepburn said the switch to Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) tariff structure, via the so-called Equity Rate Adjustment, has done Grand Bahama’s private sector no favours as it has exposed businesses to higher GB Power fuel charges. Most companies, the GB Chamber chief said, use more than 800 kilowatt hours (KWh) per month, which pushes them into the higher 21 cents per KWh fuel rate as opposed to the previous 17 cents. “That needs to be revisited as well,” Mr Hepburn added. “Most companies are not happy. Most companies say they have not seen a drop in their bill. “Consumption has gone up, but the bill has not dropped. The base rate has gone down, but the fuel charge has gone up.
The residents are the ones that benefit from the rate change; the businesses are not.” “All this is doing is creating more questions in the business community as to what is going on,” Mr Hepburn added. “There are other important issues we feel the Government should be looking at - completion of Grand Bahama International Airport, completion of the Freeport Medical Centre and hospital, finding out what is going on on the Lucayan Strip (Grand Lucayan) as it relates to the tourism segment. “There is financing of future capacity for people to meet demand coming on from cruise tourism and cruise developments. We need to find some way to draw people out of these developments to patronise local businesses. Those are the things that we feel we should be focusing on, not increasing the debt burden on us.” Mr Hepburn was backed by his immediate predecessor as GB Chamber president, Dillon Knowles, who said his concerns about
the impact on GB Power’s profitability and financial sustainability if it adopted BPL’s rate structure without any matching reduction in costs appear to be being realised. “That’s exactly what I predicted was going to happen,” he said, “and, unfortunately, it’s playing out as I predicted. That does not bode well for the future because one of the things the business community wants to do is develop Grand Bahama’s economy further than it is now, which means even more capital expenditure is needed [by GB Power] - not just to restore capacity we have but build capacity for the future economy we have on the island. “If we cannot fund maintenance of the existing capacity, how are we going to fund its expansion?” Mr Knowles also questioned why the Government appeared to be going in the opposite direction in Freeport, compared to the rest of The Bahamas, by nationalising GB Power when it is outsourcing much of BPL’s generation capacity to private investors.
PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 13, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Financial provider had ‘absolutely nothing to do with illegal activity’ SUPERVISE - From Page B1 associates used a complex web of Bahamian investment funds to “unlawfully and fraudulently” transfer a total $430m to Mosaic Short Duration Fund, which purportedly shares the same address as Mosaic Financial’s Caves Village office. Some $169m of those funds, the Banco Master liquidator is claiming, were ultimately used to acquire high-end multi-million dollar properties in Miami and Aspen, Colorado, and his bankruptcy court action is seeking to seize and take control of these assets so as to recover monies due to the Brazilian bank’s creditors and other victims. The lawsuit, which has been obtained by Tribune Business, alleges that Mosaic Financial “used to manage” Mr Vorcaro’s assets, and that millions of dollars taken from Banco Master flowed through, and were transferred between, client accounts established by the Bahamian financial services provider and its affiliates at US financial institutions such as Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNYM). Mr Bianchini is also claiming that Mosaic Short Duration Fund entered into “sham transactions”, including a purported $350m loan agreement with an entity called Mosaic Group LLC, which enabled monies misappropriated from Banco Master to be advanced for the acquisition of the US properties he is now targeting. Brad Jensen, Mosaic’s chairman, allegedly vouched for Mr Vorcaro’s “integrity and honesty” in an April 20, 2020, letter that purportedly opened further
financial services industry doors for the Banco Master mastermind. And Mr Bianchini further alleged that David Garff, Mosaic’s chief executive, previously allowed Mr Vorcaro to use his “personal credit card” for purchases of up to $100,000 per month. The letter, though, will have been written by Brad Jensen at a time when Mr Vorcaro was still held in high regard in Brazil, having himself stepped in to rescue Banco Master’s distressed predecessor, Banco Maxima, and before all the fraud-related claims emerged. And neither Mosaic Financial, nor its owners, directors or employees, are named as defendants in Mr Bianchini’s south Florida bankruptcy court action. Robert Jensen, in his response to Tribune Business, blasted the “false allegations” made against Mosaic Financial while suggesting that they need to be viewed as part of the increasing competition Mr Bianchini faces in the race to trace, seize and realise Banco Master assets for the benefit of defrauded victims and creditors. The Mosaic president revealed that the Mosaic Short Duration Fund has already been placed into receivership by The Bahamas’ Supreme Court, and argued that Mr Bianchini’s south Florida litigation is nothing more than “a riposte” to this and an attempt to “circumvent” this nation’s judicial system in the fight to secure Banco Master assets. Rob Jensen signalled that the Brazilian Banco Master liquidator should stand back, and allow the Bahamian receiver for Mosaic
NOTICE OF APPLICATION (pursuant to section 23 of the Natural Gas Act, 10 of 2024, Statute Laws of The Bahamas) NOTICE is hereby given that RenugenPro Ltd. has made applications to the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) for licenses to: import liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) (commercial) and operate LNG terminals. The applications are made with the object of licensing and regulation of the Applicant’s activities for the import of LNG and the operation of LNG Regasification Terminals at (1) Cat Island (2) San Salvador and (3) Long Island. The applications can be inspected by appointment at the Applicant’s office at No. 138 Robinson Road, New Providence, The Bahamas. Any objections to the applications must be made on or before the 16th October, 2026 and shall be made by Affidavit and solemn declaration to be submitted exclusively to URCA’s office located at Frederick Street, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas. Dated the 14th day of September, 2026 Italia C. Chambers Attorney for the Applicant No. 36 Nassau Street New Providence, The Bahamas
Short Duration Fund to take control of the US properties and other assets. He revealed that Jerome Gomez, president, chief executive and managing director of Global Corporate Management, has been appointed as the receiver. Mr Gomez, an ex-PLP senator, confirmed to Tribune Business yesterday that he has been appointed as Mosaic Short Duration Fund’s receiver but is still in the early stages of his work. “I am the receiver for it. I have just been appointed,” he said. “I’m not fully up to speed on all the issues yet. Just going through everything now.” Robert Jensen, in his response to Mr Bianchini’s lawsuit, blasted: “Mosaic Financial, its affiliates, owners or employees had absolutely nothing to do with the illegal activity that took place at Banco Master in Brazil. We were victims of the Banco Master scandal. “From our perspective, the liquidator’s US lawsuit appears to be nothing more than a riposte to the receivership Order recently made by the Bahamas Supreme Court in relation to Mosaic Short Duration Fund, which presently controls the properties. Jerome Gomez has been appointed receiver of the fund. “The Bahamian Supreme Court receivership Order was entered to ultimately ensure the assets of the Mosaic Short Duration Fund are distributed to the persons lawfully entitled to them,” he added. “The liquidator’s US action is an attempt to circumvent the effect of the Bahamian Supreme Court’s receivership Order and an attempt to allow the liquidator to take control of the properties instead. The recent lawsuit is purely tactical. The false allegations made against Mosaic must be viewed in that light.” A similar cross-border fight for assets and control took place over the FTX crypto currency exchange’s collapse, which pitted the Bahamian liquidators for FTX Digital Markets against US-based John Ray, who controlled FTX Holdings, for a year until it was settled and both parties worked out a co-operation agreement. Robert Jensen, meanwhile, also suggested there are limits on Mr Bianchini’s powers. “Under Brazilian law, we understand that it is clear the first claim over any assets is for the benefit of the people of Brazil through the public prosecutor’s office - not the liquidator. The liquidator does not represent the public interest in Brazil,” he asserted. “The public interest comes before private creditors represented by the liquidator according to law in Brazil. The liquidator was told this in writing by the Supreme Court of Brazil. He is allowed to find assets, but he cannot take assets. The US proceedings commenced by the liquidator should be paused until the Supreme Court in Brazil clarifies the scope of the liquidator’s authority and powers,” Rob Jensen added. “The liquidator should respect the Bahamian Supreme Court receivership Order, and he should respect the limits of his authority under Brazilian law. “The Mosaic group of companies is valued
at more than $100m. We have been in business for more than 40 years. We advise on tens of billions of dollars’ worth of assets. Our reputation is spotless. We repeat: Mosaic is also a victim.” Mr Bianchini, in his south Florida lawsuit, repeated allegations that Mr Vorcaro and his associates defrauded Banco Master through transactions where its funds were used to purchase inflated “assets” of little to no value from thirdparty entities that they also controlled. Some $430m ultimately found its way to Mosaic Short Duration Fund from a web of other Bahamas-domiciled investment funds - Liquidity Strategies Fund, OGP LatAM Investment Ltd, and Entre Investments and Arbitrage Ltd. All these vehicles were said to be controlled by Brazilian associates of Mr Vorcaro. “One specific structure created and employed by Vorcaro and his co-conspirators to dissipate Banco Master’s assets involved the Mosaic Short Duration Fund SAC (segregated accounts company), a Bahamian mutual fund situated at West Bay Street, PO Box SP- 63771, New Providence, The Bahamas,” the Banco Master liquidator alleged. “Upon information and belief, the Mosaic Short Duration Fund, which was formed in September 2020, was created to hold and/ or further transfer funds that had been unlawfully and fraudulently dissipated from Banco Master. “Specifically, as part of this scheme, funds dissipated from Banco Master were routed through a series of entities controlled by - and operating for the benefit of - Vorcaro and his co-conspirators, and were ultimately transferred to the Mosaic Short Duration Fund, which would then further transfer and/or deploy those funds through a variety of fraudulent transactions for the ultimate benefit of Mr Vorcaro and his co-conspirators.” And Mr Bianchini further claimed: “The purpose of the Mosaic Short Duration Fund was to hold funds obtained from the fraudulent scheme against Banco Master, conceal the source of those funds, and otherwise launder the proceeds through transactions…. that resulted in the transfer of millions in laundered funds into the US, [and] were designed to appear legitimate but lacked any economic substance and, in many instances, allowed Mr Vorcaro to directly benefit from the use of those improperly-diverted assets. “In furtherance of the foregoing scheme, in the less than three-year period from April 2024 through October 2025, Mosaic Short Duration Fund received more than $430m in funds that were improperly dissipated from Banco Master, much of which was further dissipated via transfers using US bank accounts.” The Banco Master liquidator added that $5m was transferred by Mr Vorcaro’s associates directly to Mosaic Financial, which “used to manage Vorcaro’s assets, intending to maintain the assets of these structures for the benefit of Vorcaro”. Of that $5m, some $1m was used to allegedly settle Mr Vorcaro’s credit card expenses.
Asserting that Mr Vorcaro is “the ultimate beneficial owner of the Mosaic Short Duration Fund structure and all the assets underlying it”, including the US real estate acquisitions he is now targeting, Mr Bianchini alleged that the monies injected into the Bahamian investment fund were routed via “sham transactions” to facilitate these purchases. He singled out an April 9, 2024, loan agreement between Mosaic Short Duration Fund and an entity called Mosaic Group, in which the former agreed to advance the latter up to $350m for unspecified “investment purposes”. These monies, Mr Bianchini alleged, were used to finance the property purchases, with both real estate assets contained in structures “wholly-owned” by two Bahamian companies, Clear River Ltd and Goldbeach Ltd. The $350m loan agreement, the Brazilian liquidator further claimed, was signed on behalf of Mosaic Short Duration Fund by Bahamas-based Mosaic Financial executive, Cira Davis, who is named on the company’s website as one of its managing directors. Mr Bianchini alleged that those involved knew “the ultimate purpose of the transactions”, and that the Bahamian provider “maintained large accounts” for multiple entities linked to Mr Vorcaro. “The loan agreement provides for the transfer of $350m to an entity, Mosaic Group, which does not appear from the loan documents to have had any assets or business operations other than those received from the Mosaic Short Duration Fund and, indeed, was formed shortly prior to the Mosaic Short Duration Fund,” Mr Bianchini alleged. “Numerous very large transfers made in connection with the Clear River transfers and the Goldbeach transfers were made at or about the same time as known transfers involving the dissipation of funds to Mosaic Short Duration Fund, and all transfers identified were processed through the same Mosaic Financial client account that was used to effectuate those transactions, suggesting a common scheme and mechanism for funding. “The Loan agreement and various documents executed in connection therewith were signed by individuals, including Cira Davis (on behalf of Mosaic Short Duration Fund, and Brad Jensen and Lori Webb on behalf of Mosaic Group.” Mr Bianchini is claiming all parties “had knowledge of the ultimate purpose of the transactions and transfers at issue, as they either had personal ties to Vorcaro, personal involvement in the prior acquisition of other material assets on Vorcaro’s behalf, which were also acquired through the use of funds held in third-party accounts at Mosaic, and/ or ties to Bahamian-based Mosaic Financial and/or certain of its affiliates”. These companies, he added, “at all relevant times maintained large accounts for numerous entities believed to be implicated in Vorcaro’s fraud… and knew that Vorcaro was the beneficiary of these transactions, although he was not listed as an official member or beneficial owner of the Mosaic Short Duration Fund, Mosaic Group or Clear River and/ or Goldbeach. “Indeed, Brad Jensen, who is listed as chairman of Mosaic on the company’s website, signed a personal letter of reference for Mr Vorcaro, dated as of April 20, 2020, which vouched for Mr Vorcaro’s ‘integrity and honesty’ to the Kodiak Trust Company which, upon information and belief, subsequently became trustee of Mr Vorcaro’s family trust, the Fortress Legacy Trust, which was funded largely through transfers made from accounts maintained
by entities associated with the fraud with Mosaic Financial. “In addition, David Garff, who is listed as the chief executive of Accuvest Global Advisors, an entity which upon information and belief is affiliated with Mosaic, also allowed Mr Vorcaro to use a personal credit card that was in Mr Garff’s own name during the period in which Mr Vorcaro was defrauding Banco Master, which Mr Vorcaro used to make extravagant purchases which, at times, exceeded $100,000 in a single month.” Mr Bianchini alleged that the $350m loan agreement involving Mosaic Short Duration Fund did not feature commercial terms suggesting it was an “arm’s length transaction”, since Mosaic Group - as borrower - was given a seven-year grace period of no interest or principal repayments until April 9, 2031. That period could be extended for a further year, and there was also “an immediate negative pledge” of all Mosaic Group assets to guarantee the loan. The lawsuit also noted that at least $17m allegedly misappropriated from Banco Master was transferred into the Mosaic Short Duration Fund via another Bahamian investment fund, the Phoenix MultiMarket Fund, from a Cayman Islands structure said to be controlled by one of Mr Vorcaro’s associates. Tribune Business understands that the Securities Commission, the Bahamian investment fund and capital markets regulator, is “monitoring very closely” the fall-out from the Banco Master scandal on the local financial services industry. Christina Rolle, its executive director, declined to comment when contacted by Tribune Business, but did confirm that the Securities Commission had given its consent for a winding-up petition related to another Banco Master-linked Bahamas investment fund to proceed. That is FAEX Fund Ltd, set-up in The Bahamas as a SMART (specific mandate alternative regulatory test) fund on February 20, 2017, and which allegedly sits at the head of a complex “money laundering web” used to misappropriate some $1.618bn from the Brazilian bank. “The Commission was aware of it prior to it being put into liquidation, and agreed for the winding-up by the Supreme Court to proceed. We were aware,” Ms Rolle said. Tribune Business understands that the FAEX Fund Ltd winding-up petition was heard by Sir Ian Winder, the chief justice, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, and that the way is clear for it to proceed as a full Supreme Court-supervised liquidation. Veteran Bahamian forensic accountant, John Bain, now of Grant Thornton (Bahamas), had been appointed as FAEX’s joint provisional liquidator, working with co-provisional liquidators, Kevin Hellard of Grant Thornton UK and John Skelton of Grant Thornton BVI. They will now likely become full liquidators. The full Banco Master blow-up comes just as The Bahamas, its regulators and financial services industry prepare to undergo the fifth mutual evaluation of their anti-financial crime regime and defences by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) between October 19-30. The Bahamas has increasingly targeted the Latin American market, and especially Brazil, for international financial services business in recent years and created several product structures and services targeted at that nation’s wealthy investor base and civil law heritage - first the investment condominium (ICON), and now the usufruct that was heavily promoted at the recent Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) conference in Sao Paulo.
THE TRIBUNE
Chamber: Boost confidence with reform, investments coming to life EXPAND - See Page B1
from 114 employers, said the findings showed the private sector is more confident than current conditions suggest but much depends on improving the climate for commerce - especially the ease and cost of doing business - plus bringing key reforms and major investment projects to fruition. The responses produced a somewhat mixed picture, as Grand Bahama’s business community split almost evenly into around onethird who were positive on the current trading climate, one-third who were “neutral” and the final third who were negative. The actual splits were 35.7 percent who described themselves as “very positive” or “somewhat positive”; 33.93 percent who were “neutral”; and 30.4 percent either “somewhat” or “very” pessimistic. “The result is mixed rather than uniformly pessimistic,” the GB Chamber said. “Current sentiment remains weaker than businesses’ own growth expectations. The business community is not uniformly negative, but confidence will depend on visible progress in the operating environment.” Ten larger companies, featuring more than 50 employees, were more optimistic than their smaller counterparts , with 70 percent describing themselves as positive about Grand Bahama’s current business climate compared to just 32.4 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The SME findings mirrored those of the overall survey, with one-third “neutral (35.3 percent and the remaining 32.4 percent “negative”. And, in a further signal that Grand Bahama’s private sector sees emerging opportunities, more than half - some 52.21 percent of respondents - voiced confidence in the island’s near-term economic prospects over the next 12 months compared with 31 percent who were either “somewhat” or “very” concerned and 16.81 percent who described themselves as “neutral”. Again, the larger employers were more optimistic, with 90 percent - or nine out of the ten - who have more than 50 staff pronouncing themselves “confident” and none expressing concern. While the number of confident SMEs was less at 48.5 percent, they nevertheless exceeded the 34 percent who are “concerned” about the economic outlook over the next 12 months.
“Confidence remains stronger than the rating of current conditions. This points to cautious optimism rather than a settled economic recovery. Optimism appears conditional on anticipated projects and reforms translating into visible delivery,” the GB Chamber said of the findings. And, suggesting there is real hope that the island’s economy is poised for a rebound, some 70 businesses - 62.5 percent or close to two-thirds of respondents - said they expect to grow and expand over the next year. Most of the remainder, 35 businesses or 31.25 percent, predicted that they will experience no change while only seven companies - just 6.25 percent - said they believe their operations will shrink and contract. All those companies fearing a contraction are SMEs, but 58.8 percent forecast they will expand in the upcoming 12 months with another 34.3 percent predicting “stability” - meaning more than nine out of ten, or 93.1 percent, are optimistic they will not go into reverse. All ten large companies voiced confidence they will grow. “Businesses appear prepared to pursue opportunity despite present constraints,” the GB Chamber said, adding that it will look to pursue “removing constraints from businesses that are already inclined to grow”. Such “constraints” were highlighted by the fact that more than half of companies cited the ease of doing business in Grand Bahama as “somewhat” or “very” difficult - matching the number voicing confidence over the outlook for the next year. Some 55.3 percent of responding businesses cited ease of doing business challenges, with just 22.81 percent describing themselves as “neutral” and almost 22 percent rating the operating environment as “very” or “somewhat” easy. Both SMEs and large employers, 54.8 percent and 60 percent, respectively, described the business climate as difficult. “This is a system-wide issue,” the GB Chamber said in its analysis. “The result reinforces regulatory efficiency as a core economic issue. Ease of doing business should be treated as an ecosystem agenda spanning approvals, utilities, banking, Customs and information flows.” Breaking down the challenges, close to two-thirds or 62.83 percent of Grand Bahama business survey
NOTICE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000 KFT HOLDINGS II LIMITED (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, as amended, KFT HOLDINGS II LIMITED is in dissolution. The dissolution of the said Company commenced on 8 October 2026, when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered with the Registrar General in Nassau, The Bahamas. The sole liquidator of the said Company is Kim D. Thompson of Equity Trust House, Caves Village, West Bay Street, P.O. Box N-10697, Nassau, Bahamas. Any persons having a claim against the above-named Company are required, on or before 7 November 2026, to submit their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company. Kim D Thompson Sole Liquidator NOTICE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000 TOLAN INVEST LTD. (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, as amended, TOLAN INVEST LTD. is in dissolution. The dissolution of the said Company commenced on 8 October 2026, when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered with the Registrar General in Nassau, The Bahamas. The sole liquidator of the said Company is Kim D. Thompson of Equity Trust House, Caves Village, West Bay Street, P.O. Box N-10697, Nassau, Bahamas. Any persons having a claim against the above-named Company are required, on or before 7 November 2026, to submit their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company. Kim D Thompson Sole Liquidator
respondents identified the “cost of doing business” as the greatest impediment, with 48.67 percent and 45.13 percent fingering “economic conditions” and “Bahamas government policies, processes, requirements and/ or approvals”. And more than one-third, 34.51 percent, mentioned similar challenges with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA). Utilities costs were cited as an issue by 38.9 percent of businesses, with access to skilled labour and business banking named as barriers by 33.63 percent and 35.4 percent of companies, respectively. “SMEs emphasised financing and banking (38.8 percent each), Government processes (47.6 percent) and market demand (37.9 percent),” the GB Chamber said. “Large enterprises emphasised skilled labour and utilities (60 percent each), followed by housing (20 percent). Utilities, market demand, finance, banking, GBPA processes and skilled labour form a second tier. No single intervention will resolve the operating challenge.” Ralph Hepburn, the GB Chamber’s president, in a note prepared for both the Government and the GBPA on the findings of a survey conducted between June 15 and August 4 this year, said: “The central message is constructive but clear. Grand Bahama businesses see opportunity, and 62.5% expect to grow during the next 12 months. “That optimism remains conditional on visible execution, clearer communication, a more enabling operating environment and practical opportunities for local businesses to participate in major developments. “When respondents were asked to select Grand Bahama’s priorities for the next five years, five issues ranked highest: Airport redevelopment; regulatory reform and improvements to the ease of doing business; Grand Lucayan redevelopment; workforce development and skills training; and attracting foreign direct investment.” Redevelopment of Grand Bahama International
Airport was identified as “the dominant five-year priority” after being cited by 82.5 percent of respondents to the GB Chamber’s survey. “Separately, 57.5 percent identified accessibility to Grand Bahama, including travel availability and cost, as a development that would positively affect business,” it added. Regulatory reform and the ease of doing business were identified as an issue by 55.3 percent of companies. “The same share rate doing business in Grand Bahama as somewhat or very difficult,” the GB Chamber added. “Increased hotel, resort and vacation rental capacity was selected by 49.6 percent as a development that would positively affect business. “Workforce skills and development were also selected by 46 percent as a development that would positively affect business, while 33.6 percent identified access to skilled labour as a current barrier. Attracting foreign investment was also selected by 43.4% percent as a development that would positively affect business.” The GB Chamber added that “power reliability and energy costs were selected by 46.9 percent as a development that would positively affect business. Utility costs were identified by 38.9 percent as a current barrier”. Mr Hepburn, in his briefing note, said: “The Chamber respectfully asks that these findings inform practical planning, more predictable communication and measurable follow through. Businesses need earlier visibility into development and procurement opportunities, clearer processes and regular progress reporting so they can prepare, invest and participate. “The Chamber shares the survey in the spirit of partnership, and with a strong belief in Grand Bahama’s potential. “We remain ready to convene businesses, provide practical feedback and work with both Government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to support a more enabling and competitive business environment.”
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, PAGE 7
Wall Street: US stocks hover near their latest record in mixed trading By DAMIAN J TROISE and ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers WALL Street kicked off a busy week yesterday with a mixed finish for the major United States stock indexes, although the market remained near its all-time high. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% after wavering between small gains and losses. The benchmark index set a record high last Tuesday and is up 14% so far this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.4%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.4%. Shares in roughly 64% of the companies in the S&P 500 rose, led by communication services stocks. Meta Platforms rose 3.4%, T-Mobile added 2.2%, AT&T gained 1.4% and Verizon Communications rose 2.7%. Energy stocks had some of the biggest gains as oil prices kept rising. Chevron rose 1.4%. Despite those gains, a slide in big technology stocks dragged the market into the red. Micron Technology fell 3.9%, Advanced Micro Devices dropped 2.3%, Broadcom slid 1.9% and Nvidia gave up 1.3%. They are among several companies in the sector with big stock values that tend to have a heavy influence on the market. They have also been the driving force behind the broader market’s record gains throughout the year. Those companies could face more scrutiny from investors during this round of corporate earnings as Wall Street tries to get a better sense of whether the stock gains made during the frenzy over artificial intelligence can translate into future growth.
“AI continues to support growth, reinforcing the outlook for tech and critical suppliers across the supply chain," wrote Magdalena Ocampo, market strategist at Principal Asset Management, in a report. ”Yet uncertainty about AI’s long-term impact persists, making future gains more reliant on earnings delivery rather than potential." Stocks are reaching for records often because of the tech sector, but remain very volatile on a daily basis, partly because of big shifts in oil prices and their impact on bond yields and inflation. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, rose 1.8% to settle at $106.65 per barrel. Prices have been swinging between $96 and nearly $110 over the last month over uncertainty about the U.S. war with Iran and its continued impact on global energy supplies and inflation. Prices jumped despite President Donald Trump's announcement on social media Friday that he struck a deal to buy Russian diesel with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to tamp down a spike in fuel prices ahead of the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections. The plan, though, runs counter to U.S. efforts to cut the flow of money Russia gets from oil and gas sales that can be used to pay for its war against Ukraine. Higher oil prices have been driving gasoline prices higher. That's a direct hit to many people's wallets, as gasoline is usually a necessary expense. The rise in diesel is more indirect, raising the costs for just about any shipped product, which usually results in higher prices for everything from food to clothing.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Monday, October 12, 2026
PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Arrow-words are like crosswords, but the clues are printed
inside squares on the grid. Write your answers in the blank squares in the direction indicated by the arrows. Solution tomorrow
WORDSEARCH JUDGE PARKER
BLONDIE
Containing salt
furlongs
sac (4,3)
glass
pictured
Accumulate
Register as a member
water
THE TRIBUNE
_ Cooper, US rock star
Long thin strand
Suitable
Decompose
Solus
Seraglio
S D I A Y D U T S S J G R G R B R J C O G Q M R J B N H L U N C H B O X O M E W L K C A P O R L N C A L C U L O B T O Z P K U B F A P S T M T E U I T O J T E K O S N E C R R I P L O U M Y J T N E A G H I H F J B A P F B T C S A Q V E V W F I L S R E N I H M R Z G B G S
K F C H K L P N S P E D T I S
Of Emma _, education pictured or scholarship
O O B W X G L W O V U M Y V B Q D V B L C A B T E A T O R S K S A L S C B I U O Y C D S N N O I B S R L A S D C S R T X S P Y I N A R T C K J U L K R
Star sign
_ Lisa, painting
Brief
Passionate
_ Kane, footballer October (abbr.)
CARPE DIEM
Move to music
Unfastens
Single number
Nothing
Wheel surround
Annotations
Large fortified building
Boxing matches
Pen end
Sphere _ Service, the Royal Navy
Roman emperor
Hard stone used in jewellery
Over the top (abbr.)
_ on or _ water
Unaccompanied flight
Planet Forbidden
Close to
Beer Blokes Approximately
Canvas shelter
Nocturnal mammal
Book, _ Crusoe Laugh gleefully
Opposite of failure
Crib
MARVIN
WORDS RELATED TO SCHOOL Find all the terms listed below in the grid. Solution tomorrow BACKPACK ● BOOKS ● CALCULATOR DIARY ● LABELS ● LAPTOP ● LESSONS LUNCHBOX ● NOTEPADS ● P.E. KIT PENCILS ● PENS ● SCHOOL BUS STUDY AIDS ● TIMETABLE ● TRAINERS UNIFORM ● USB STICK
Rubs out
Any other business (abbr.)
Cult
Domesticated hoofed mammal
Yearly records
Bed part
Resound
_ Bristow, Despatch- Charged darts particle ed player
Single entity
Religious sister
Tree sap
Middle
Hilary _, actress
Particular part or feature
Language
Falsehood
Highly unpleasant
FRIDAY’S SOLUTIONS TIGER
THE ALPHABEATER
ARROW-WORD
Black squares: 3, 5, 7, 9, 13, 17, 18, 19, 22, 25, 28, 33, 34, 35. Across: Joint, Account, Fix, Murals, Ebbs, Jewel, Intensify, Pedagogue, Desks, Daze, Riddle, Him, Massive, Shrew. Down: Jumped, Ovine, Aqua, Wand, Averts, Tumbling, Abrupt, Grudge, Needless, Obsess, Irks, Numb, Knife, Stylus.
Across: Crusoe, Next, Lied, Laud, Tsetse, See, So-so, Its, Sap, Startle, Jovial, Pad, Yank, Hod, Ages, Fall, Ocean, Dodge, The Slap, Exe, Seep, Harp, Abate, Pope, Alex, Alee, Ayer, Brian. Down (left to right): Troy, Ache, Bay, Tuneless, Vaal, Exhale, Sedate, Single seater, Cox, Use, Take, Rex, Etude, Pal, Soda, Cops, Par, Postponed, E coli, Salad, Ague, Pea, Coped, One, Preen. Shaded letters: Logan Roy
THE ALPHAPUZZLE Across: Hamster, Pasta, Relax, Squally, Overcast, Laws, Remote, Behest, Funk, Jettison, Iciness (clue), Feign, Linen, Society. Down: Harbour, Frill, Melee, Mention, Toxicity, Dean, Resist, Census, Plum, Beatific, Selvage, Seize, Abyss, Tenancy.
CALVIN & HOBBES
TV CROSSWORD Across: 5 Milo, 7 Barlow, 8 Bruno, 11 Grace, 12 Assembly, 13 What, 15 Lily, 16 Daniels, 17 Tony, 18 Sophie, 21 Mary, 22 Teen. Down: 1 Carr, 2 Cowell, 3 Iris, 4 Forbes, 5 Michael, 6 Last, 9 Wallander, 10 Lydia, 14 Keith, 17 Team, 19 Out, 20 Ian. TV show: The Altruists
WORDS MOLES
MUDDLESOME The Shining Carnal Knowledge The Bucket List
CLOCK-WISE Anoa, Oahu, Hutu, Tuba, Babe, Bean
QUIZ OF THE WEEK
1 Kitchen, 2 The Borrowers, 3 Theresa May, 4 Downton Abbey, 5 Tomato juice, 6 Cumbria, 7 Henry VIII, 8 Baltimore, 9 Mungo, PUZZLES@REACHPLC.COM 10 The Boomtown Rats.
DENNIS THE MENACE
SUDOKU EASY DITLOIDS HAGAR THE HORRIBLE 1 5 Gold Rings, 2 16 Ounces in a Pound, 3 2 Queens of England Called Mary, 4 1-Trick Pony, 5 Put 2 and 2 Together, 6 18 Players on an Australian Rules Football Team
TRIVIA WORDSEARCH 1 The Pretenders, 2 Paul Newman, 3 Mons Meg, 4 Nick Drake, 5 Henry James, 6 Isosceles, 7 Desilu, 8 Brecht, 9 Ross, 10 Quartermaster
5 2 6 3 4 9 1 7 8
4 9 1 7 6 8 5 2 3
7 3 8 5 2 1 9 4 6
3 5 9 4 1 7 8 6 2
8 1 7 6 5 2 3 9 4
2 6 4 9 8 3 7 1 5
6 7 2 1 3 5 4 8 9
SUDOKU MEDIUM 1 8 5 2 9 4 6 3 7
9 4 3 8 7 6 2 5 1
BATTLESHIPS
5+8=13, 4x4=16, 9x2=18
SMALL CROSSWORD
CROSS DOUBT Across: TORCH Down: LIGHT
1 5 6 4 7 2 9 3 8
3 2 4 9 8 5 1 7 6
2 3 1 8 9 4 7 6 5
7 6 9 5 3 1 8 4 2
4 8 5 6 2 7 3 1 9
9 7 8 3 5 6 4 2 1
6 1 2 7 4 8 5 9 3
5 4 3 2 1 9 6 8 7
KAKURO
KEIJO
1 8 2 1 4 7 6 1 5 3 9 8 2 1 9 1 3 2 4 1 2 1 3 2 6 8 2 5 7 3 1 9 4 1
SUMTHING
Across: 1 Disappear, 7 Ends, 8 Canoe, 10 Gas, 11 Poison, 13 Emotional, 14 Accent, 16 Awe, 18 Tunes, 19 Lion, 20 Extending. Down: 1 Desperate, 2 Income, 3 Asks, 4 Pat, 5 Engines, 6 Resulting, 8 Choices, 9 Violent, 12 Canyon, 15 Cold, 17 See.
8 9 7 1 6 3 2 5 4
SUDOKU DIFFICULT
2 1 8 2 9
1 4 1 2 3
3
4
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2
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3
2
4
4
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3
1
2
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QUICK CROSSWORD
TARGET
Across: 1 Tomb, 8 Additional, 9 Wardrobe, 10 Same, 12 Heaven, 14 Thirst, 15 Stylus, 17 Needed, 18 Slur, 19 Attitude, 21 Lugubrious, 22 Sign. Down: 2 Ornamental, 3 Bard, 4 Adjoin, 5 Street, 6 Conspire, 7 Else, 11 Misleading, 13 Valorous, 16 Starry, 17 Notion, 18 Silt, 20 Toss.
EXTEMPORE exempt expert expo export EXTEMPORE metope mope moper peer perm pert peter poem poet pome pore port proem prom repo repot romp rope temp temper tempo tepee tope topee toper tromp trompe trope
CRYPTOQUOTE AXYDLBAAXR is L O N G F E L L O w One letter stands for another. In this example, A is used for the three L’s, X for the 2 O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different. Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday
Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer
MICRO CROSSwORD
CHALLENGER
Yesterday’s Answers
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, PAGE 9
Minister reaffirms government commitment to helping those with disabilities MINISTER of Social Services, Senator Barbara Cartwright, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening protections and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities, declaring that inclusion must extend to the workplace, schools, transportation, housing and full participation in community life. Minister Cartwright recently addressed persons with disabilities, advocates, government representatives and members of the public during the “Let’s Talk Disability Affairs” Town Hall Meeting, led by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
(NCPD) at DW Davis High School. The town hall brought government agencies, advocates and members of the disability community together for direct dialogue on issues affecting persons with disabilities, including social assistance, disability awareness, registration with the NCPD, the AccessAbility Bahamas app, Urban Renewal services, National Insurance benefits, accessibility, advocacy and equal opportunities. Minister Cartwright used the occasion to highlight provisions contained in the recently tabled Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Amendment Bill, 2026, which proposes strengthened
measures addressing employment, workplace accommodations, abuse, accessibility and enforcement. Among the proposed changes are expanded employment requirements for companies with 50 or more workers, moving toward a two per cent staff quota for persons with disabilities, as well as provisions requiring employers to reassign workers who develop a disability on the job when they can no longer perform their original duties. The amendments also propose stronger accessibility requirements for new public buildings and criminal penalties for physical, sexual, psychological and
financial abuse of persons with disabilities. They further provide for strengthened employment tracking and placement through collaboration between the Department of Labour and the Commission. The minister said the importance of continued action is underscored by national statistics showing that 38,551 people, or 10.3 per cent of the population aged five and older, live with a disability in The Bahamas. She acknowledged that persons with disabilities continue to experience barriers to employment and economic participation, along with physical challenges accessing public
spaces and transportation where appropriate infrastructure is unavailable. Ms Cartwright said the government remains committed to equal opportunities and community inclusion and noted existing assistance available to persons with disabilities, including disability benefits and duty-free concessions on assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walking canes and hearing aids. She also encouraged persons with disabilities to register and engage with Social Services and the NCPD so that government can better understand the community it serves and develop laws, programmes and services that respond to their needs. “I see you. I will continue to work for you and ensure that your rights are protected and that there are opportunities for you,” Ms Cartwright told attendees. She reminded the wider public that disability can occur at any stage of life, making accessibility and inclusion an issue that ultimately affects everyone. She called on Bahamians to treat persons with disabilities with love, respect and consideration and to support greater accessibility and inclusion. The town hall also highlighted AccessAbility Bahamas, the NCPD’s mobile app designed to help connect persons with disabilities with information, services and resources. Participants were encouraged to use the app and remain connected with the Commission as part of efforts to improve access to disability-related information and services. The town hall was moderated by Deborah Bartlett, Communications Consultant, and featured a presentation by Dr Anthony Hamilton, Chair
of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, on the human rights of persons with disabilities. Dr Hamilton has also been involved in other national initiatives aimed at expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Presentations were also made by Ertha Charlow, Assistant Director, Disabilities Affairs and Seniors Division, representatives of the Ministry of Urban Renewal and Community Relations and the National Insurance Board, and a representative of the Deaf Association. Members of the NCPD team participating in the initiative included Executive Secretary Desiree Clark, Townsley Roberts, Thorne Clark and Ms Nabbie, as the Commission continued its work to connect persons with disabilities directly with information, programmes and services. Through the town hall, the NCPD provided a forum for persons with disabilities and their families to hear directly about available services and programmes, raise concerns, ask questions and engage representatives of agencies whose work affects their daily lives. The initiative reflects the Commission’s continuing mandate to advance advocacy, equality and inclusion and to help ensure that the voices and rights of persons with disabilities remain central to the national conversation. Persons seeking additional information on the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, its programmes and services may visit disabilitiescommissionbahamas.org. The AccessAbility Bahamas app is also available for mobile devices.
Someone with painful joints, reduced strength, neurological problems or significant deconditioning may struggle with exercises that look very simple on paper. A vibration platform can sometimes allow us to introduce a stimulus in a controlled environment and then build from there. The physiotherapist can combine vibration with squats, heel raises, weight shifting, mini lunges or other functional exercises. And because the treatment is adaptable, it can be progressed as the patient becomes stronger.
require caution or make WBV inappropriate. This is why using a vibration platform in a physiotherapy setting is different from simply buying a machine and standing on it at home. A physiotherapist can assess the person, choose the appropriate settings and exercises, and monitor how they respond.
Hannah Foster-Middleton
Shake it up: How whole-body vibration can help in physiotherapy
If someone told you that standing on a vibrating platform could be part of your physiotherapy treatment, you might reasonably wonder whether you had wandered into the wrong clinic. But whole-body vibration (WBV) is becoming an interesting addition to physiotherapy and exercise programmes. And no, it isn't simply about standing there while the machine does all the work for you. When used appropriately, vibration can provide an extra challenge to the muscles and nervous system and can be particularly useful for people who find traditional exercise difficult. Here in The Bahamas, where staying active is important but our heat, humidity, age, injuries and busy lifestyles can sometimes make exercise challenging, WBV can offer another tool in the physiotherapist's toolbox. So, what exactly is whole-body vibration? A vibration platform produces rapid, small movements while you stand, squat or perform controlled exercises on it. These vibrations create repeated changes in muscle length, stimulating sensory receptors in the muscles and tendons. In simple terms, your muscles have to respond quickly to what's happening underneath you. The result can be increased muscle activation while performing relatively simple exercises. It doesn't replace conventional strengthening or balance exercises, but it can
Magnific/Marek Uliasz complement them. Helping with strength One of the reasons physiotherapists may use vibration is to help improve muscle activation and strength. For someone recovering from an injury, surgery or a period of inactivity, getting a muscle working properly again isn't always as easy as it sounds. Sometimes the person simply can't tolerate heavy resistance or doesn't yet have enough strength to perform a more demanding exercise. Adding vibration to a relatively simple exercise may provide an additional stimulus without necessarily requiring heavy weights. It can be particularly useful when working on the legs and hips, where maintaining strength is important for walking, climbing stairs and getting up from a chair. And let's be honest — being able to get out of a chair without using your
arms becomes a surprisingly important skill as we get older! Balance and fall prevention Balance is another area where WBV may have a role. Standing on a vibrating surface challenges the body's ability to detect movement and make rapid adjustments. When appropriately prescribed, this can provide an additional balance challenge. For older adults, maintaining balance and lower-limb strength is particularly important because falls can have a major impact on independence. A physiotherapist can modify the exercise according to the person's ability. That might mean starting with both feet firmly supported and progressing gradually to more challenging positions. The key word here is progression. The goal isn't to see who can wobble the
most! Circulation and mobility Another potential benefit is increased blood flow and circulation in the muscles. Some people report that their legs feel looser or warmer after vibration therapy. For someone with stiffness or reduced mobility, this may make movement and exercise feel more comfortable. However, vibration shouldn't be thought of as a magic treatment for poor circulation. It is one possible component of a broader programme involving movement, strengthening and mobility exercises. Supporting people who struggle with conventional exercise This is where I think WBV can be particularly interesting in physiotherapy. Not everyone can tolerate traditional exercise straight away.
What about osteoporosis? You may have seen claims online that vibration platforms can "build bone" or reverse osteoporosis. That's where we need to be a little more sensible. Research into WBV and bone health is ongoing, and results aren't as dramatic as some advertisements suggest. It should certainly not replace medical management, resistance exercise, adequate nutrition or other recommended osteoporosis treatments. Think of vibration as potentially being part of the bigger picture, rather than a miracle cure. Is it suitable for everyone? Definitely not. Whole-body vibration needs to be appropriately assessed and prescribed. Certain medical conditions, recent surgery, pregnancy, significant cardiovascular problems, acute injuries and some neurological or musculoskeletal conditions may
A little shake can go a long way Here in The Bahamas, we are fortunate to have a lifestyle that encourages us to get outside and move — whether that's walking along the beach, gardening, swimming or simply keeping up with everyday life. Whole-body vibration isn't going to replace those things, and it certainly isn't a shortcut to fitness. But used properly, it can be a useful addition to physiotherapy, particularly when the goals are improving muscle activation, strength, balance, mobility and confidence with movement. Sometimes rehabilitation requires us to think outside the box — or, in this case, perhaps stand on one! The aim of physiotherapy is always to find the right combination of treatments and exercises for the individual, rather than expecting everyone to follow exactly the same programme. And if your next physiotherapy session involves a little shaking, don't worry. It may just be your muscles getting a very interesting wake-up call!
PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 13, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Before the whistle blows:
The power of prevention and earlier awareness by Corlette Deveaux, President and CEO, Remember2, Inc (Rm2.ai) IMAGINE standing on a railroad track. The day is beautiful. Everything is quiet. You look in both directions and see nothing. You hear no whistle. You feel no vibration beneath your feet. But somewhere in the distance, a train may be coming. Would you want to know? Most of us would answer yes without hesitation. Not because knowing guarantees we can stop the train, and not because every sound in the distance signals danger, but because knowing earlier gives us something incredibly valuable: TIME. Time to pay attention. Time to understand what is happening. Time to make a decision. And, when necessary, time to act. That simple analogy helps explain why prevention may be one of the most important conversations we can have about health and longevity. For generations, healthcare has largely operated around a familiar pattern: symptoms appear, we realise something is wrong, we seek medical attention, a diagnosis may be made and treatment begins. Preventive medicine asks us to look farther down the track. Rather than focusing exclusively on treating disease after it becomes symptomatic or severe, prevention includes reducing modifiable risks, receiving recommended
screenings, identifying certain diseases earlier and appropriately managing conditions that are already present. But prevention is not simply about avoiding disease. It is also part of a much larger conversation about longevity. When most people think about longevity, they imagine living to 90, 100 or beyond. But perhaps the more important question is not simply, “How long will I live?” It is, “How well will I live?” Most of us do not just want more birthdays. We want to remain active, independent and engaged. We want to travel, work, dance, spend time with our families, enjoy our grandchildren and continue doing the things that give our lives meaning. Longevity should therefore be about more than lifespan. It should also be about health-span living more of our years in good health and without major chronic diseases. The goal of prevention is not simply to add years to the end of life. It is to create the possibility of adding more healthy life to those years. Now think about the train again. Prevention gives us opportunities to look farther down that track. A blood pressure check may identify hypertension. Laboratory testing may uncover risk factors.
Recommended screenings may identify certain diseases or precancerous changes before symptoms appear. Lifestyle changes may help address modifiable risks, while appropriate medical care can help manage conditions that are already present. Screening cannot prevent every disease, nor does early detection guarantee a particular outcome. But it demonstrates an important principle: sometimes seeing something earlier can change what happens next. There is another part of the prevention conversation that deserves greater attention: What happens between doctor visits? We may visit a healthcare professional periodically, but our bodies do not stop changing when we leave the doctor’s office. We sleep, work, exercise, travel, experience stress, recover from illness and go about our daily lives. Heart rate, blood pressure, activity, oxygen levels and other physiological measures can fluctuate throughout those thousands of hours between appointments. Historically, much of that period has been relatively invisible. It is almost like being able to look down the railroad track only occasionally and then assuming everything is fine until the next time we look.
Connected health technologies and wearable devices are beginning to offer another window into that period. They can provide additional information about selected health measures outside traditional healthcare encounters. These technologies should not be viewed as automatically preventing disease, predicting every medical event or extending life. Their potential value is more fundamental: greater visibility. Greater visibility can support earlier awareness, and earlier awareness may give someone a reason to pay attention, ask questions or, when appropriate, seek professional medical evaluation. We already understand this principle in almost every other part of our lives. Our cars have dashboards because we do not want to discover a problem only after the engine stops. Our homes have smoke detectors because we do not want the first warning of a fire to be flames surrounding us. We monitor hurricanes because having time to prepare is better than discovering a storm when it reaches our front door. None of these systems guarantees that something bad will never happen. They provide information. Information creates awareness. And awareness
Corlette Deveaux, MBA CEO & Co-Founder, Remember2, Inc. Rm2.ai
gives us the opportunity to respond. That philosophy is also behind Rm2.ai™ — Predict 2 Prevent™. Rm2. ai is designed to integrate selected information from connected devices and examine changes and trends occurring between traditional healthcare encounters. It does not replace a physician, diagnose disease or guarantee that illness can be prevented. Its purpose is to help make selected health information more visible and support earlier awareness. No technology, screening test, diet, exercise program or preventive strategy can guarantee that any of us will live to 90, 100 or beyond. Longevity is influenced by genetics, environment, healthcare access, socioeconomic circumstances,
existing disease, individual behaviour and many other factors. But the scientific evidence supports an important conclusion: many of the factors contributing to premature disease and death are modifiable, and healthier lifestyles and appropriate preventive practices are associated with longer life expectancy and more years lived without major chronic disease. Perhaps longevity, then, begins much earlier than we think. It begins with the walk we take today. The cigarette we do not smoke. The screening appointment we actually keep. The blood pressure reading we do not ignore. The condition we manage instead of postponing. The change we discuss with a healthcare professional rather than dismissing. And increasingly, it may include using technology to better understand what is happening during the thousands of hours when we are living our lives outside the doctor’s office. Prevention is not about living in fear or believing that a train is always coming. It is about giving ourselves a better opportunity to see farther down the track. Because if a train really were coming, wouldn’t you want to know before the whistle blows?
Reach out if you feel someone is struggling Our mental health affects the ways we think, feel, behave and interact with others. And it’s something that we all need to focus on, especially if we’re going through a major life change, dealing with stress or struggling with a relationship. While you may be keyed into your own mental health, there might be a time in your life when you’re worried about someone else’s mental health. And when you do, you may think, “I should mind my own business.” But under the right circumstances, you can do a lot of good by reaching out, says psychiatrist Minnie Bowers-Smith, MD. Dr Bowers walks us through how to help a child, teenager, adult, friend or coworker who might be dealing with a mental health condition. How to get mental health help for a family member Whether it’s your own child, a sibling or an aunt, you may be worried about how to get mental health help for a loved one. Dr Bowers provides some
guidance, including conversation prompts. What to say to a child or teenager Say you notice your 16-year-old niece isn’t particularly happy. She’s doing poorly at school. She’s not interacting with people, taking care of herself or getting along with family and friends. “When it seems like something isn’t moving in the right direction for her as a normal 16-year-old, have a conversation with her,” says Dr Bowers. “It’s difficult to talk to teens unless they want to talk to you, so I try to tap into the here and now. If I see a tattoo, I’ll ask, ‘When did you get that tattoo, what’s it mean?’” Eventually, you can say, “Is there anything you think you want to talk about?” or “Can I help you in any way?” If you see scars on a young person’s wrist, if they always dress in black, if they always seem unhappy, Dr Bowers suggests asking, “Is there any chance you might hurt someone or hurt yourself?” or “Have you
had any thoughts about dying?” “It’s better to ask than not to ask,” says Dr Bowers. “With teens, you always want to know about suicidal thinking, to prevent harm to themselves and others.” Or you can ask their parent to pose these questions to their child. If that doesn’t work, the parent should talk to their child’s pediatrician. “When teens are violent toward themselves, their siblings or their parents, that demands an ER visit,” states Dr Bowers. “If drugs or alcohol are involved, or if they overdose, go to the ER. Then, let the experts decide when to bring them home.” What to say to an adult The risk of suicide isn’t confined to the young. “Suicide is also a concern in older adults,” says Dr Bowers. Say your 55-year-old uncle has been laid off. He’s isolated himself, grown irritable and doesn’t bother to shave or put on clean clothes. Midlife crises — a job loss, financial setback,
health challenge and/ or relationship problems — increase suicide risk, especially in men. Alcohol abuse only adds fuel to the fire. How do you tackle this sensitive subject with the older generation? Dr Bowers recommends a gentle, respectful approach. Start by asking how they’re doing and if they’re still able to enjoy their favorite pursuits. “Then, ever so gently, you can ask, ‘Are you happy with what you’re able to do now or not?’ and ‘Are you feeling kind of sad?’” she suggests. If they don’t volunteer information, you can observe if they don’t seem happy and aren’t getting around well. Ask if they’re sleeping, eating and taking care of themselves. “Then, you can ever so gently move into, ‘It may be helpful to talk to somebody — medication can help you feel better,’” Dr Bowers offers. Ask if they have a family doctor, then help them make an appointment. But if your relative admits to hoarding
medication or says, “Life just doesn’t seem worth living,” take them to the ER or urgent care, or call your local suicide prevention hotline or the police. “If you say you have a suicidal relative, you’ll be connected to the services you need,” she continues. “Large cities often have mobile crisis teams that come out to the home.” How to get mental health help for a friend or coworker It’s trickier talking to someone you’re not related to — like a friend whose difficult or erratic behaviour has landed them in hot water at work. Without judging, offer your concerned support. “It won’t help to discuss what they should have done or what the boss should have done,” notes Dr Bowers. “Just say, ‘I’d like to help you stop having the troubles you’ve been having.’ Show them that you’re working with them and not against them.” You can tell them, “I know someone who can help,” and offer the name of a doctor or counselor. But
Pexels/Olga Dimenshtein
if you think the situation might escalate, get help. “Use your judgment,” advises Dr Bowers. “If you think the person might get angry — or if they own guns or knives, or have said they’re going to hurt someone, or slash someone’s tires, then call the police, or the security officer at work.” Know your limits when it comes to offering help Compassion is key when you’re worried about someone with mental health problems. After all, they may not even realise they have a mental health disorder. “Pose your questions thoughtfully,” says Dr Bowers. “Some people with serious mental illnesses may decline our help. But sometimes, we’re just not asking the right questions.” And remember, you can’t fix their problem — only a mental health professional can. But you can get those you love going in a healthy direction by referring them to experts for help. Self-help groups like Emotions Anonymous (a 12-step program) can also be invaluable.
THE TRIBUNE
SAC honours Lorraine Symonette- Armbrister for a Lifetime of Public Service LORRAINE Symonette-Armbrister’s career tells a remarkable story of public service and an enduring contribution to education in The Bahamas - from helping Bahamians turn the humble conch shell into entrepreneurial opportunity, to playing a role in the digital transformation of the nation’s classrooms The St Augustine’s College Class of 1977 graduate has spent almost 44 years in Public Service, rising through its ranks to Permanent Secretary and serving across several major government ministries She was recently appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, bringing decades of senior administrative experience to that portfolio. But among the most significant chapters of her career are three separate stints in the Ministry of Education, demonstrating the length and breadth of her impact on Bahamian education. Her journey in the Public Service actually began there. Mrs Armbrister joined the service in September 1982 as a Trainee Executive
Officer in the Ministry of Education. During an early stint in the ministry under then Minister of Education Ivy Dumont, she worked in collaboration with the Industrial Training College, now the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), and assisted with the establishment of a conch shell jewellery and souvenir manufacturing initiative. The programme equipped Bahamians with skills to transform the indigenous resource into jewelry and souvenirs, opening opportunities for small entrepreneurs to develop their own businesses. Decades later, Mrs Armbrister would return to Education at a time when technology was becoming increasingly central to teaching and learning. During her 2018-2021 tenure, she was part of the team overseeing initiatives including the One Network Project, designed to advance digitisation across the education sector, and the computerisation of primary schools. That period also included the establishment of the Educational Management
Information System and Learning Management System, helping to strengthen the technological infrastructure supporting Bahamian education. Her work in Education continued during the tenure of minister Glenys Hanna Martin, when Mrs Armbrister again served as Permanent Secretary and participated in a wide range of education reform initiatives. These included testing and remediation programmes for students; the development of special education assessments; the commissioning of a University of The Bahamas
study into factors affecting learning; work toward a first-ever Bahamas history textbook; reform of the Bahamas High School Diploma; and, in collaboration with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the introduction of School Resource Officers in public schools to help address violence and improve school safety. Her tenure also included work toward the development of the Bahamas Polytechnic Training Institute, continuing a career-long connection with technical, vocational and skills-based education. Mrs Armbrister’s influence, however, extends well beyond the education sector. Over almost four and a half decades she has served in senior capacities in Housing, Transport and Aviation, Transport and Local Government, Education and Tourism. She also made history as The Bahamas’ first female Chief Housing Officer, and was involved in the development of government subdivisions that provided housing opportunities for hundreds of Bahamian families.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, PAGE 11
LORRAINE Symonette-Armbrister
Her work in Transport and Aviation included major modernisation initiatives involving the Road Traffic Department, Port Department and aviation sector, as well as improvements to airport infrastructure and weather-monitoring capabilities across the archipelago. But her repeated return to Education provides a particularly compelling measure of a career that has touched Bahamians at virtually every stage of life — from children entering classrooms to young people developing vocational skills and adults pursuing entrepreneurship. Now, more than four decades after beginning her public service career as a trainee at Education, Mrs Armbrister is being recognised by the institution that helped shape her own educational foundation. A proud 1977 graduate of St Augustine’s College, she is among the distinguished alumni being honoured at the 2026 SAC Alumni Lighthouse Awards and Gala Ball, which celebrates SAC graduates whose achievements and service have made an impact in The Bahamas and beyond.
Away from public administration, Mrs Armbrister is a lifelong Roman Catholic who attends St Francis Xavier Cathedral. She enjoys gardening, reading, travelling and singing in her church choir. She is married to Cadwell Ron Armbrister and is the mother of Medgar Symonette and stepmother of Rhonda Armbrister-Cash. From the classrooms and vocational workshops of the 1980s and 1990s to the interconnected, technology-driven education system of today, Lorraine Symonette-Armbrister has had a front-row seat to the evolution of Bahamian education. More importantly, during three distinct periods of service, she helped shape that evolution. Mrs Armbrister will be honoured during the SAC Alumni Lighthouse Awards and Gala Ball on Saturday, October 24, at the Atlantis Ballroom, alongside other outstanding SAC alumni being recognised for excellence, leadership and service.
Girls’ Brigade launching new initiative to modernise programmes The Girls’ Brigade of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands is launching a strategic initiative to modernise its programmes for today’s young women. The new direction was introduced during the organisation’s annual general meeting held last week at Girls’ Brigade House, Dolphin Drive. Building on nearly seven decades of character development, the new leadership team is focused on expanding accessibility and regional reach. Key plans include launching online platforms for leader and youth training across the islands, updating traditional uniforms for local climate conditions, and refreshing curriculum to address modern challenges like online safety and mental wellness.
Newly installed National President Candice Turnquest emphasised that adaptability and community outreach are central to the movement’s future. Turnquest, who joined the 16th Nassau Company at age seven and later founded the first Girls’ Brigade company on Andros, highlighted the need to evolve while staying true to the core mission. "Resilience is comprised of both strength and adaptability," said President Turnquest. "As we lean into adapting to the world around us, my hope is that this evolution inspires former Brigaders to reengage and re-energise our network, while also attracting young women and families who are seeking a strong, Christ-centred organisation to call home." She also commended immediate past president
Jennie McDonald for guiding the organisation through the disruptions of the pandemic while maintaining its vital community outreach to elderly and children’s homes. McDon-
Executive members ald will continue her service in a key governance capacity as Executive Director to the Board of Trustees. Among the new executives installed was
Poorly fitting sports bras are forcing some women and girls away from sport – new research DEIRDRE MCGHEE Researcher and Senior Lecturer, University of Wollongong, APA Sports Physiotherapist, University of Wollongong CLARE HANLON Professor and Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair, Victoria University DR ELLIOTT FLOWERS Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Women and Girls in Sport), Victoria University There are myriad reasons why this is happening. One barrier that gets little coverage is sports bras. We recently studied how decision-makers in schools and sports organisations understand breast-related barriers to participation and whether they recognised sports bras as part of the solution. Why are sports bras so important? Sports bras are essential for girls and women because breasts move a lot
during activities such as running, jumping or quick changes in direction. This movement can cause pain, chafing and embarrassment, which may discourage participation and hurt performance. A high-support, properly fitted sports bra can alleviate or resolve these issues and allow girls and women to exercise comfortably. However, research shows up to 88% of girls wear sports bras that do not fit properly and only about a third wear a sports bra during PE or school sports. Not including sports bras in school uniforms or sports kits, and not teaching about bra fit and breast health, are gaps that need addressing. The good news is these gaps can be addressed through practical, achievable changes to assist the health, comfort and performance of girls and women playing sport.
Members
teachers, administrators and program coordinators – who decide on sports kit items in 153 sporting organisations and 72 schools across Australia. We identified several key issues: many girls and women do not understand the benefits of supportive sports bras cost makes it difficult for some to access sports bras, especially in schools and community sports sports bras are often seen as underwear instead of performance equipment.
We identified several problems Our team surveyed 225 people – including coaches,
Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, who assumes the role of National Chaplain. Archdeacon Cartwright, who officiated the service, expressed enthusiasm for his appointment.
"Serving as National Chaplain of the Girls’ Brigade is a privilege and a joy," he said. "I encourage all of our girls and leaders to do their very best as we work together to take this
Most respondents said breast-related issues negatively affect participation – a majority believed about 40% of girls and women in their organisations faced breast-related problems that limited participation, led to dropping out and impacted performance. However, most understood the benefits of sports bras: about 95% believed sports bras help prevent breast pain during exercise, and more than 90% said they reduced embarrassment from too much breast movement. About 92% of decision-makers thought girls and women would benefit from learning about sports bra design, fit and support. While two-thirds felt their organisation should provide this education, less than 1% actually offered sports bra education. Only 2% formally included sports bras in school or sports kits.
Key solutions included schools and sports accepting the responsibility to educate girls and women on the importance of wearing supportive, well-fitted sports bras and recognising sports bras as an essential item in sports kits.
We also suggest some solutions We developed a guide that presents solutions to assist sports and schools in dealing with this problem. It includes facts, free evidence-based resources on sports bras for use in promotional efforts, and case studies on organisations that are educating and supporting girls and women to access sports bras.
Two case studies also identified recent success stories: At Gilgandra High School in New South Wales, teachers noticed few girls were taking part in sports and found a lack of access to supportive sports bras was a problem. The school used NSW government equity funding to give students professionally fitted sports bras for free. This led to a 35% increase in girls taking part in the school’s athletics carnival. It also boosted their confidence, comfort and willingness to talk about breast health. Also, the Queensland Academy of Sport added breast health education and sports bra fittings to their athlete support services. A physiotherapist met with athletes one-on-one to explain how sports bra design and fit can improve performance and comfort and help prevent breast injuries. The academy found its athletes were much more
organisation from strength to strength." As the Girls’ Brigade embarks on this transformative period, leadership invites former members, parents, and community partners across the region to reconnect and follow the organisation’s Facebook page for upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities. The Girls’ Brigade is an international, interdenominational organisation dedicated to empowering young women through Christian values, leadership training, life skills, and community service. likely to use breast health resources after getting personal advice from trusted health professionals. These sessions also made it easier to talk about breast health and lowered barriers to getting help. Practical tips for sports and schools There are several things sporting clubs and schools can do to help. Recognise sports bras as essential equipment for girls and women because breast support is important for keeping them involved in sport. Add breast health and sports bra education, along with access to evidence-based resources, to physical education programs in high schools and women’s sport training sessions. Offer opportunities for girls and women to learn about sports bra design and proper fit in supportive settings. Assist with funding or identify where funding could be provided to help make sports bras more affordable. If we want to boost participation and reduce dropout rates among girls and women, making sure they have access to proper breast support could be one of the easiest and most effective things we do.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
SECTION D
Miller-Brice shares more than 1,000 shirts and a message of care for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
SEABREEZE MP Leslia Miller- Brice
SEABREEZE MP Leslia MillerBrice gave her constituents a message of awareness, early detection and community support after distributing more than more than 1,000 pink and white shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative continues four years of breast cancer awareness outreach in the constituency, combining shirt distribution with billboards encouraging residents to get checked. Together, these efforts keep the message visible and remind residents to make their health a priority while supporting those affected by the disease. For Miller-Brice, the campaign reflects a commitment to community awareness that was also part of her leadership at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Centre. While
the successful enterprise provided fun and family entertainment, she also used it as a space to bring people together around important community causes. “During my time at Mario’s Bowling we hosted an event called Paint the Lanes PINK in recognition of breast cancer awareness,” she recalled. That initiative connected recreation with a wider purpose, using an atmosphere of togetherness to draw attention to an issue affecting Bahamian women and their families. Over the past four years, she has continued that spirit in Sea Breeze, encouraging residents to look after their health and support one another. “The rate of breast cancer is high in our country and I want to
Cancer changed me – but it did not define me BY CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net ZIA Scantlebury-Wallace was in the shower during the Covid-19 pandemic when she first discovered a lump in her armpit. However, she waited until November 2021 to have it biopsied. By then, she had also experienced unexplained weight loss. The results of the biopsy confirmed Stage 3 breast cancer and cancer in her armpit classified as Stage 2, despite having felt relatively well and experiencing no obvious symptoms. The diagnosis was the beginning of a journey that brought anxiety, sleepless nights and questions about what her future would hold. In March 2022, she underwent a single mastectomy of her left breast. Twenty lymph nodes were removed,
two of which tested positive for cancer. Chemotherapy followed in July, bringing low blood counts, hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhoea, peripheral neuropathy and “chemo brain.” After chemotherapy, she learned that her cancer was HER2-positive and received targeted therapy with Herceptin. Today, she takes anastrozole, which she expects to remain on for ten years to reduce the risk of recurrence. She continues to experience some lasting effects, including bone density loss and low energy, a reminder that completing treatment does not necessarily mean a survivor’s journey is over. She says her cancer journey has changed the way she lives. She adopted healthier eating habits, moved towards a more plant-based diet, incorporated exercise and became more intentional about understanding her body and nutrition.
“It has taught me to appreciate life more deeply and revealed a strength I did not know I possessed,”she says. “But I am here. I am still standing,” she said. “Cancer changed me, but it did not define me.” She also came to understand that courage does not require the absence of fear. “Fear and faith can exist at the same time — and even when I was afraid, I could keep moving forward,” she said. Zia is happy to share her story, especially during breast cancer awareness month in October. She hopes it can give women already diagnosed hope for the future and encourage other women to schedule their annunal mammograms. “My journey has not been easy, but it is my story of survival. I am a breast cancer survivor. And I am still writing my story.”
Zia ScantleburyWallace
continue to bring awareness to this disease. Encourage women to get tested as early detection can save lives,” Miller-Brice said. The pink and white shirts and constituency billboards serve as visible reminders of that message. Beyond wearing the colours, the campaign encourages residents to make time for checks, offer encouragement to someone undergoing treatment and show care for families affected by breast cancer. “I love my community and my hope is that residents understand the importance,” she said. Through this continuing outreach, Miller-Brice is reinforcing a message of care throughout Sea Breeze: awareness should lead to action, and community support can begin with each resident.