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Volume: 123 No. 231, Tuesday, October 27, 2026
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MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS: MITCHELL REBUKES WALKER ‘Outsiders’ should stay out of Freeport fight, says Minister after U.S. Ambassador voices ‘real concern’ By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
LAST miniute preparations at Rawson Square ahead of King Charles III’s historic visit to The Bahamas today. See more photos on PAGE TWO. Photo: Shawn Hanna
KING RETURNS AFTER 53 YEARS FOR HISTORIC VISIT By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net KING Charles III arrives in The Bahamas today for his first visit as monarch, with police closing
dozens of roads across New Providence. Late last night, an army of workers was still repairing roads and making last-minute preparations ahead of the historic visit – Charles’ first as King of
The Bahamas. The King will be welcomed with a ceremony at Lynden Pindling International Airport. His convoy will then travel to Paradise Island, with roads along the route closing from 4.20pm.
It is his first visit since succeeding Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, and only his second official visit to The Bahamas. He last was in 1973 as a 24-year-old Prince KING - SEE PAGE THREE
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has told “outsiders” to stay out of the fight over Freeport’s future, calling it “none of their business” in an apparent rebuke of US Ambassador Herschel Walker. Mr Walker accused the government of telling investors the rules can change after they invest. Mr Mitchell, who is also chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party, made the comments in his weekly voice note released on Sunday night. “Some people who are not vested in the city,
A 15-YEAR-OLD boy is feared drowned after disappearing beneath the waves while swimming in rough seas off Harbour Island on Sunday evening, with severe weather keeping searchers off the water and out of the air.
Jayden Ferguson was swimming with another teenage boy when the pair got into difficulties shortly before 7pm, police said. The waters were dangerously rough. The other boy made it back to shore, but Jayden has not been seen since. The incident is believed to have happened at Pink
MISSING - SEE PAGE FIVE
outsiders to the debate, have entered a debate that is none of their business and of course, the wider point needs to be made that REBUKE - SEE PAGE THREE
ALL Public Schools closed today for visit of King Charles III
TEEN FEARED DROWNED AS of ROUGH SEAS HAMPER SEARCH Death legendary boat By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell.
captain and one time husband to first black woman to enter Miss USA contest See PAGE EIGHT
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 27, 2026
WORKERS make final preparations at Rawson Square and Fort Charlotte ahead of the visit of King Charles III.
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Photos: Shawn Hanna (Rawson Square) and Tim Aylen (Fort Charlotte
Final preparations ahead of King Charles III historic visit
Royal visit brings traffic disruption across Nassau
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KING from page one of Wales, representing his mother at the Independence celebrations. The King is travelling alone. Queen Camilla is scheduled to join him later in the tour. His first public engagement will be a youth rally at Clifford Park this evening, the same park he visited in 1973. About 300 young people are taking part, including a marching band, the National Youth Choir, the Bahamas National Children’s Choir and pop bands from New Providence and the Family Islands. The rally is open to the public. Tomorrow, the King will visit the Royal Bahamas Defence Force base at Coral Harbour, where he will see a disaster-response vessel and pay tribute at the HMBS Flamingo memorial. He will also visit Bonefish Pond National Park to learn about mangrove conservation and coastal resilience, and attend a sports event for young people. In the afternoon, he will tour a cultural festival at Parliament and Rawson Square, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage. The festival runs from 10am to 6pm and is open to the public. The King is due to visit artisans, straw vendors and craftspeople at the cultural booths at 2pm. A Junkanoo rush-out will follow at 2.30pm, travelling along Bay Street from East Street to Frederick Street. The day will also feature live bands, Bahamian music and local food. The ministry has urged people to arrive early, as the area around Parliament Square, Rawson Square and Bay Street is expected to be busy throughout the day. After meeting Governor General Dame Cynthia Pratt and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, the King will attend a garden reception at Government House. The reception ends his official programme, and he leaves on Thursday. He will then make a state visit to Guyana before travelling to Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which runs from November 1 to 4. Police have warned motorists to expect disruption on all three days of the visit. Supt. Coran Jennings from Traffic Division.said last night: “The police wish to advise the public that in regard to road closures for His Majesty’s visit, routes will only be temporarily closed during the
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, PAGE 3
ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLOSED TODAY FOR KING’S VISIT All public schools in New Providence will be closed today because of King Charles III’s visit. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology only made the announcement after 8pm last night, despite the royal visit being known about for weeks. “It’s crazy - why no one tell us earlier?” one parent said last night. “Last we heard it was school as usual.” Many parents had been online during the day complaining about the lack of information regarding school closures. Another parent, commenting on the late notice of road closures, wrote: “Surely an event of this magnitude wasn’t organised overnight. So why is the motoring public receiving these detailed arrangements with less than 24 hours to make adjustments? “Wouldn’t earlier communication have allowed schools, parents, employers, transportation operators and businesses to make proper arrangements? “You cannot simply close
major roads across New Providence during peak commuting hours, tell people to ‘plan ahead,’ and leave them to figure out the logistics themselves. “This isn’t about being against the Royal Visit. It’s about communication, coordination and consideration for the thousands of Bahamians who still have to go about their daily lives.” A statement from the MOEST said: “The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Neil Campbell, advises parents, guardians, students, teachers and the general public that all public schools in New Providence will be closed on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, to facilitate activities associated with the Royal Visit of His Majesty King Charles III. “As part of this historic occasion, public school students will participate in the National Youth Rally being held in honour of His Majesty’s visit. “The Ministry thanks parents, guardians, educators and the wider public for their understanding and cooperation as our students participate in this significant national occasion.”
movement of the Royal Convoy. “As the convoy passes, closures will be in effect. Once His Majesty has arrived at a designated location, motorists will be accommodated, where practicable, to return to their residences, places of employment, or respective businesses. Additionally, while His Majesty is at a designated location, all roads in the immediate vicinity will remain closed. Roads on the outer perimeter will accommodate motorists where practicable. The public cooperation and understanding are appreciated.” Today’s closures will run along the convoy’s route: Windsor Field Road, JFK Drive and its roundabouts, the New Providence Highway, West Bay Street, Bay Street and Paradise Island Drive. From 2pm, West Bay Street will be closed between Nassau Street and Chippingham Road for the youth rally, along with Marcus Bethel Way, Gibbs Lane and access to Arawak Cay. Eastbound traffic on West Bay Street will be diverted onto Chippingham Road, and westbound traffic onto Nassau Street. Between 5pm and 7pm, a
second set of closures will affect Paradise Island Drive, more than two dozen intersections along Shirley Street, Duke Street, Cumberland Street, Marlborough Street, West Bay Street and Bay Street as the convoy passes. Parking has been banned since midnight on both sides of several roads around Clifford Park. These include West Bay Street from Marlborough Street to the area of The Pointe, and from Nassau Street to St Albans Drive. Infant View Road, Chippingham Road and Nassau Street between Bay Street and South Street are also affected. Police said vehicles left there could obstruct the convoy. Designated parking for the rally will be available at Western Esplanade, Fort Charlotte, Xavier’s School, the Hill-Top campus of the International School of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology on Dean Lane, and the western side of Clifford Park. Closures for tomorrow and Thursday will be announced separately. Preparations have drawn criticism. Killarney MP Michela Barnett-Ellis asked last week why it took the King’s visit to get roads repaired. Minister of Works
Foreign Affairs Minister defends royal visit expenses despite having no total figure By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell cannot say how much King Charles III’s visit will cost taxpayers, but insists the spending will not “break the bank” as the monarch arrives in The Bahamas today. Mr Mitchell, one of the country’s most outspoken advocates for a republic, said that as a government minister he is bound to receive the King, who remains head of state, despite his personal view that The Bahamas should drop the monarchy. “I personally am for a republic,” he reiterated yesterday. “But the fact is, that’s the constitutional arrangement we have.” Mr Mitchell said he found it ironic that these arguments were being made. He said the spending was appropriate for a visit by the King of The Bahamas, and that whatever was needed to make the visit a success would be done. That includes security fitting for an international figure and ensuring the country puts its best foot forward. He could not give a total cost or say whether the expenses had been itemised. “There’s no figure, and I’m not sure whether or not that’s been disaggregated or not,” Mr Mitchell said. His comments come after Finance Minister Michael Halkitis told The Tribune last month that the government had yet to determine its contribution towards the visit. Mr Halkitis said government agencies were still calculating the expenses, and that costs were expected to be shared between the government and the Sovereign
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER FRED MITCHELL Grant, the British taxpayer-funded allowance that covers the monarch’s official duties. He could not say how much the government would pay. The King’s Caribbean tour begins in The Bahamas today and runs until November 4. After leaving The Bahamas, he is scheduled to make a state visit to Guyana before travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, where he and Queen Camilla will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. It will be King Charles’ first visit to The Bahamas since succeeding Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, and only his second visit to the country. He last came in 1973, when he represented his mother at the Independence celebrations. The visit has drawn criticism from the Bahamas National Reparations Committee, which has opposed taxpayers funding royal visits in light of Britain’s history of slavery and colonialism. The committee has demanded an apology for slavery and colonisation,
renewed its call for The Bahamas to become a republic, and urged the government to stop preparing for royal visits and leaving taxpayers to cover the bill. Buckingham Palace said earlier this month that the King would not shy away from Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade during the tour, but would not formally apologise. The cost has also been raised in Parliament. Last week, Killarney MP Michela Barnett-Ellis asked why it took the King’s visit to get roads repaired while Bahamians “keep begging for the basics”. Mr Mitchell responded satirically in the House of Assembly, telling her the King was coming to “his territory, so don’t complain”. The government earmarked $636,194 for expenses associated with the March 2022 visit by Prince William and Catherine, then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The spending covered security, accommodation, events, charter flights and other arrangements.
BRITAIN’S King Charles III speaks during a visit to the Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre in Aberfan, Wales, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Photo: Aaron Chown/AP and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting has denied the roadworks are for the King, saying the repaving of Shirley Street was already planned. The cost of the visit remains unknown. Finance Minister Michael Halkitis said last month that agencies were still calculating expenses, which are expected to be shared with the Sovereign Grant, the British taxpayer-funded allowance that covers the monarch’s official duties. The visit has also revived calls for The Bahamas to become a
republic. The Bahamas National Reparations Committee has demanded an apology for slavery and colonisation. A Rastafari group led by Royal Ambassador High Priest Richmond McKinney, of the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress, plans to rally during the visit and present the King with a petition calling for an apology for slavery and reparations. Buckingham Palace has said the King will not shy away from Britain’s role in the slave trade during the tour, but will not formally apologise.
Mitchell tells outsiders to stay out of Freeport’s affairs REBUKE from page one there are no foreign affairs implications in this debate,” he said. “Neither is there any question of expropriation. Folks should stop crying wolf.” Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis unveiled the government’s plan to end the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s governing role under the 1955 Hawksbill Creek Agreement in Freeport last Wednesday night. He declared that “the present way of governing Freeport will come to an end” and that whether change happens is no longer up for negotiation. In an article published last week, Mr Walker said he had read the announcement “with real concern”. He said the plan essentially told investors that in The Bahamas, “the rules can change after you have already made the investment”. Mr Walker agreed that Grand Bahama needed better results, but warned that investors are drawn to jurisdictions where the rules remain “steady”. He said the announcement raised more questions than answers for investors. These include whether their tax and duty treatment, licences and contracts would be honoured, who would set fees, how they could appeal, and what the timeline was. He also pointed to American investment in Grand Bahama’s recovery, including what he described as a $120m redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan resort, Carnival’s Celebration Key cruise port and the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine. It is the second time in a month that Mr Walker has openly taken on the Davis administration. Last month, he dismissed as “fake news” the government’s complaint that undercover US drug agents had operated in The Bahamas without permission. The Hawksbill Creek Agreement runs until 2054. It gave the privately owned Port Authority control over who may do business, who may build and how land is planned in the Port Area, in exchange for tax exemptions. The Port Authority is owned by the Hayward and St George families. It said last week that its rights and those of its licensees “must be respected” and could only be changed by agreement. The Davis administration believes the arrangement is colonial and has outlived its time. Mr Mitchell said the oligarchy that
controlled the country when the agreement was signed was not a representative government. “In a sense,” he said, “the arrangement today would be fine if the current owners of the Grand Bahama Port Authority were able to carry out the promises that they made, implicit and explicit, in 1955. But the evidence suggests that they cannot.” Mr Mitchell said Freeport had been underperforming for years and the government had been carrying the city for decades. He said the government had been forced to take the Port Authority to arbitration to recover fees for its spending in the city. He accused the owners of failing to heed that message and instead doubling down, despite Freeport’s ailing economy. Both sides claimed victory after an arbitration ruling in March. He accused the owners of being “obdurate and recalcitrant”. He also criticised them for selling off assets including the harbour, airport, power company, a hotel and Port Lucaya. Of Port Lucaya, he said: “In the case of Port Lucaya, they are involved in torturous litigation even today that prevents the investors in that asset to move forward with its development, so that Port Lucaya is a wasteland and a dump, and a shadow of its former self.” He said that on his recent visit to Grand Bahama, the roads were clearly in terrible shape, and the budget the owners were promoting to fix them was inadequate. “In fact, if you ride around the city, they haven’t even collected the debris which was left from Hurricane Dorian in 2019,” Mr Mitchell said. He said public reaction to Mr Davis’ announcement had been largely positive and urged Grand Bahamians to back the reforms. He called on Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard to do the same, describing him as “mealy mouthed” and the “gaslighter-in-chief”. Details of the government’s Green Paper on Grand Bahama’s future are available at www. gbframework.com. Public consultation runs from November 1 to April 30, 2027. Mr Mitchell called the consultation “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bahamians to carve out the future of our country, defend, and further define our sovereignty and develop our country”. He said no such consultation took place when the current framework was set up.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 27, 2026
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Concrete firm cuts 20 jobs as owner alleges predatory pricing by rival By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A GRAND Bahama concrete company says it has cut its workforce from 32 to 12 in 18 months, with its owner accusing a foreign-owned rival of predatory pricing aimed at squeezing Bahamian businesses out of the market. Glennette Fowler, president, chief executive and founder of Heroic Concrete and Concrete Products, said her company had cut 20 jobs and reduced its operating days as business declined. She blames Del Zotto Products Company, formerly Gold Rock, which returned to the island's concrete market after shutting its Grand Bahama concrete operations in 2022. "Since 2025, we've been experiencing a downturn not because of the economics of the island per se, but because of predatory pricing practices we believe that are being undertaken by the Del Zotto Products Company," Ms Fowler said. Ms Fowler and Washington Smith, of Smith's Construction, are the only Grand Bahamian operators
in the ready-mix concrete and concrete block industry. Both also claim they have been threatened. At Heroic's plant, the yard was quiet. Cement trucks sat parked, machinery stood idle and no workers were in sight. Stacks of concrete blocks remained on the ground. Mr Smith said his business had seen a sharp drop in work since Del Zotto re-entered the market. He has kept his staff, but only by dipping into his own savings. "To meet payroll, I have to go to my account — my personal account," he said. He also alleged that workers associated with Del Zotto had followed his truck to job sites and told prospective customers they could beat his prices. "We need the government to step in," Mr Smith said. Ms Fowler said Heroic was not opposed to competition. She questioned how one competitor with similar production requirements could sell concrete for substantially less when the industry faces rising costs for cement, aggregates, labour, fuel and electricity.
GLENNETTE Fowler (far left), owner of Heroic Concrete and Concrete Products, stands with Shania Smith (centre) and Washington Smith of Smith’s Construction. They say their businesses have experienced a significant decline amid alleged aggressive price undercutting by Del Zotto Products Company and are calling on the government and relevant authorities to investigate pricing practices and ensure a level playing field for Bahamian-owned businesses. Photos: Vandyke Hepburn "We want to understand how this one competitor versus all of the competitors in this country can provide a substantially lower-priced product, and we are not," she said. She called on the relevant
authorities to urgently review pricing and market conditions in the sector, including an impartial examination of pricing, access to raw materials, supply arrangements and concessions.
"If there's any concessions that are being extended to any company, all of us should have those concessions extended to us," she said. Ms Fowler said she had written to the Grand
Bahama Port Authority several times seeking an investigation, and had also written to the government, the Consumer Affairs Department and the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce. She also alleged that foreign competitors were operating in a sector that should be reserved for Bahamian businesses under the applicable licence agreement. She said that agreement covers the retail and wholesale sale of concrete and concrete products. Both owners said they were not seeking special treatment, only a level playing field. "We are looking for any operator that chooses to be in this ready-mix concrete production industry to have the same opportunity to compete and earn a profit," Ms Fowler said. They warned that losing locally owned suppliers would leave Grand Bahama with less competition and more exposure to price increases. Government representatives did not respond to requests for comment up to press time.
Teachers’ pay dispute ends with new industrial agreement By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net BELINDA Wilson signed her final industrial agreement as president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) yesterday, in the same conference room where she helped negotiate
the union’s first agreement 20 years ago. The five-year deal, which follows more than a year of negotiations and threats of industrial action, raises the maximum teacher salary to $54,000 and entry-level pay to $30,100. It also addresses maternity and paternity leave. Mrs Wilson said the
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology had committed to a breastfeeding pilot programme, which she said was important because 85 percent of BUT members are women. The agreement runs from 2025 to 2030 and is retroactive to July 1, 2025. Teachers will receive
lump-sum payments of $700 in the third year and $750 in the fifth year. Either side can return to the negotiating table within three years. Other benefits include rental disturbance, hardship, special education and geographical posting allowances, as well as a retention bonus based on a trained teacher’s maximum annual salary. Asked whether the benefits would help keep more teachers in the profession, Mrs Wilson said they could. She said that while teachers remained committed to their jobs, they also needed to earn enough to pay their bills. Mrs Wilson, who is due to retire on July 5, 2028, said she will not seek re-election, which means she will be gone before the fiveyear agreement expires in 2030. She was joined by members of her team at the Ministry of Education for the signing. She said her team had been undergoing professional training in negotiation skills to prepare for her departure, and that she would watch from the sidelines to see the great work they do. “I want my team to also know too, you have a privilege and an honour to be serving thousands of teachers from Grand Bahama to Inagua,” she said. “They could have chosen anyone else, so don’t take it lightly. It’s service and it’s service above self.” Permanent Secretary
BAHAMAS UNION OF TEACHER PRESIDENT BELINDA WILSON in the Ministry of Education Neil Campbell said officials stood behind Bahamian teachers. He said both he and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology Chester Cooper had worked as teachers. “Sometimes when you sit on different sides of the table people remove themselves from who they are, and from whence they came,” Mr Campbell said. “I never got that feeling from our very own minister, who really wanted to deliver on all the promises he would have made.” The signing ends a dispute that pushed teachers to the brink of industrial
action at the start of the school year. Last month, the union placed more than 1,400 members on “industrial action alert” after teachers rejected the government’s financial counterproposal for a sixth time. Members had already voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. Days later, Mrs Wilson and BUT members met Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, Mr Cooper and officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Service at the Office of the Prime Minister, where the outstanding financial matters were settled. Mrs Wilson said afterwards that the union was “elated”.
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Search for missing teen stalls due to weather
THE TRIBUNE
MISSING from page one Sands Beach, on the eastern side of Harbour Island near the Coral Sands Hotel. Resident Eddie Major said Jayden’s mother was left traumatised. He said she sat at the edge of the road access to the beach, which the high tide had cut off. “She just sat there, just staring at the ocean,” he said. Asa Brown, who has been helping with the search, said the island is in shock. Speaking on Monday, he described the surviving teenager. “When I arrived on the beach yesterday, he was, like, traumatised, like crying. He was hollering. He was screaming,” Mr Brown said. He said the boy’s mother or guardian took him away from the beach to comfort him. Police said a vessel initially launched a search, but the operation was suspended because of the severe weather. Officers and residents then searched the shoreline without success. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) were notified. Police, assisted by 35 residents, resumed shoreline
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, PAGE 5
searches shortly after 6.30am yesterday, but Jayden was not found. Unfavourable conditions continued to prevent searches at sea and from the air. Mr Major said residents also searched rocky stretches of the coastline, walking along the rocks even as huge waves crashed against the shore. “A lot of people got up between five in the morning to search both end of the beach, north and south,” he said. “But the weather was really, really bad. I mean, the ocean was raging. You couldn’t get on the beach basically. The water was like in the bushes.” Mr Brown said more than 40 people had taken part in the wider search. Another search was expected to begin around 2pm yesterday, when the tide was lower. He said police responded swiftly and the community had rallied together to help find the missing teenager. Mr Brown said he hoped the continuing search would bring the family some closure. Reflecting on the boys, he said he understood how they could have underestimated the sea. “I felt like, you know, they kids. They did not know the danger because when we was growing up, I used to come on the beach.
JAYDEN FERGUSON Me and my friends, we used to do the same thing,”
he said. Severe
weather
also
forced the temporary closure of the Glass Window
Bridge and Queen’s Bath in North Eleuthera yesterday.
Pilot swims to safety after Cat Cay crash A PILOT swam to shore after a small plane developed mechanical problems and ditched in shallow waters off Cat Cay on Sunday night. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) said the pilot, the only person on board, reported mechanical difficulties while en route and tried to land at Cat Cay Airport at about 9pm. The aircraft, a Tecnam P-Mentor with United States registration N102US, could not complete the landing and went down about 1,000 feet south of the runway. The pilot got out of the aircraft, swam to shore
and was taken for a medical assessment. The pilot was reported to be in good health. The Tecnam P-Mentor is an Italian-made, two-seat, single-engine aircraft designed mainly for training pilots. It was introduced in 2022. Cat Cay Airport is a private airstrip in the Bimini district that serves the Cat Cay Yacht Club. The AAIA said it is investigating the crash under international standards for aircraft accident investigations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as local regulations. It said updates would be
provided as necessary. The AAIA did not say where the flight began or where it was headed, the pilot’s nationality, or what mechanical problem was reported. It is the latest in a string of aviation accidents in the Bimini area this year. In April, a Piper Navajo bound for Opa-Locka, Florida, crashed into shallow waters shortly after taking off from South Bimini International Airport at night. Kyle Wade, 20, was killed, and his father, Andre Wade, the pilot, was seriously injured. A preliminary AAIA report later said the
aircraft may have climbed only between 50 and 100 feet before it came down. In August, a Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American tourists and two crew members slammed into a
dock while trying to take off near a resort in North Bimini. All ten people on board were rescued and no injuries were reported. Cat Cay has seen a similar ditching before. In 2023, a single-engine
Piper PA-28 suffered an engine malfunction after taking off from the island and was ditched in waters off its northern end. The pilot and two passengers, all Bahamians, swam to safety.
PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 27, 2026
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The irony of the recordings Michael Pintard is no stranger to the political damage a recording can do. In 2016, amid controversy involving recorded conversations, he resigned as FNM chairman and from the Senate. His political career survived. The memory, however, makes this latest episode particularly ironic. Fate indeed has a cruel sense of humour. Over the weekend, the Free National Movement gathered for its “Family Affair” conclave. The public presentation was one of fellowship, unity and a party preparing to find its way forward. Then came the recordings. Whatever comfort the leadership hoped to draw from the weekend, the leaked exchanges revealed a family with some very uncomfortable questions to answer. Chief among them was whether the party had assembled to examine its election defeat honestly or to find a way of explaining it without requiring meaningful accountability at the top. Long Island MP Dr Andre Rollins was plainly unwilling to accept the presentation without scrutiny. The Jamaican consultants brought in to assess the defeat had singled out five constituencies as being on a “knife’s edge”. Dr Rollins questioned the selection and the emphasis. “We are here to do a post mortem,” he said. “We are not here to do a prospective analysis going forward.” Dr Rollins is right. An examination of why a party lost must begin with what voters rejected, what the campaign failed to communicate and whether the leadership inspired confidence. It cannot become an exercise in warning potential challengers about the vulnerability of their own seats while treating the leader’s position as a separate consideration. Whether that was the intention of the presentation remains a question. That it invited such suspicion tells us something about the distrust within the organisation. Dr Rollins also challenged the description of Mr Pintard as an asset in Grand Bahama while questioning the treatment of the party’s declining support there. The consultants themselves reportedly identified Mr Pintard as the least popular of the three main party leaders, while
pointing to wider failures in messaging, candidate visibility and planning. Those wider failures deserve examination. A political party is larger than one man. But leadership cannot claim authority over the campaign and then become merely one small consideration when the result is assessed. The person who asks to lead must also be prepared to answer for where he has taken the organisation. Dr Rollins’s most important intervention concerned the willingness to confront the truth. “What I’m trying to do is, we will not get to where we need to go and want to go if we are afraid of the truth and if we are afraid to discuss the full issues.” Quite so Dr Rollins. Party supporters are entitled to ask difficult questions. They gave their time, their money and their credibility to the campaign. They should not now be treated as the explanation for a leadership image they were expected to sell. Nor should disagreement automatically be dressed up as disloyalty. A party that hopes to govern must demonstrate that it can tolerate scrutiny within its own ranks. Unity built on silence lasts only until somebody presses record. There is also a larger national interest here. The Bahamas needs an effective Opposition capable of scrutinising the Government, developing credible policies and presenting voters with a serious alternative. That work becomes harder when the Opposition remains consumed by questions about its own leadership and whether its internal processes can be trusted. Mr Pintard may believe he remains the best person to lead. He is entitled to make that assumption. That does however not make it fact. His colleagues and supporters are equally entitled to test his leadership. The answer must come through an honest assessment and a credible democratic process. The irony is that a gathering intended to bring the family together has allowed the country to hear its arguments through the walls. The recordings did not create those divisions. They made them audible.
The metamorphosis of The Bahamas EDITOR, The Tribune. SOCIAL and political change require a fundamental shift in systems, laws, and collective mindsets. Leaders, activists, and thinkers throughout history have noted that radical systemic change demands persistent action and a transformation of the public consciousness. “To surmount the situation of oppression, people must first recognise its causes, so that through transforming action they can create a new situation.” ~ Paulo Freire As I look out on the Bahamian landscape from afar, not only in distance but also in time, I cannot help but wonder how a string of beautiful islands could have changed so much from what it was and metamorphosed into what it is today! I keep asking myself how the peaceful place where I was born some eighty years ago could have changed so radically from what it used to be; not for the better, but for the worse. Let me, in fact, say that in all reasonableness there is no place on earth that is perfect because mere human beings govern all countries, including the Bahamas; hence there is no government on earth that can brag of being perfect; however, imperfection cannot be used as an excuse always to make effort to conduct the people’s business honestly and fairly. The Bahamas, in this regard, is not, and never was, a perfect place, but for all it could have become, I certainly did not expect the place where I was born, once referred to as a “paradise”, to have morphed into the “jungle” it has become…. So much so that many of my Bahamian compatriots have left and are still leaving that place which was near and dear to our hearts…as we in our young days, despite the shortcomings of those who governed us, were a place no matter where we roamed we always returned in our minds, hearts, and souls to the places where we were born. However, looking back at our history, I realised something was wrong before we achieved Majority Rule in 1967. Yet, even as we made strides, we made too many missteps as we moved toward independence (1973) and beyond. Too many Bahamians were deliberately excluded from the economic mainstream of the Bahamas; the health system was allowed to reach a point where its
Royal visit proves roads can be fixed when government wants them done EDITOR, The Tribune. KING Charles’ imminent visit to The Bahamas has dispelled of many myths regarding the resolve of successive governments to complete even the simplest tasks. The current rate of completion of capital and ancillary works baffles the mind. Let’s examine a few of them. I long held the view that milling old roads and preparing them for resurfacing could not be done in the rain. Further, I believed that installing new asphalt after dark or on weekends was not accepted best practice.
This myth is being shredded every day in Nassau! I was under the impression that the government and its contractors only had one full set of paving equipment with a matching set of human personnel to operate them. Now I have observed that there are at least three sets being operated simultaneously. Myth smashed! I thought for sure that given the number of events held at Government House annually, no official attending them travelled north on Cumberland Street towards Dunkin Donuts. Surely when the event was
too large for the confines of Government House and the party was moved to Atlantis on Paradise Island, no dignitary travelled on Shirley Street west of Mackey Street to get to their homes in the west. Editor, if the above facts were not true it would be quite hilarious. But sadly, for most hardworking taxpayers this entire preparation for the royal visit is like pouring salt in an open wound. Many of us have suffered expenses related to damages caused to our vehicles by poorly maintained roads. To witness our tax dollars being
expended at such an alarming rate is nauseating. And to see them only being spent where the king will travel is even more distressing. Carmichael Road. East Street. The road west of the runway at LPIA. West Bay Street from Margaritaville all the way to The Office of the Prime Minister. And especially in front of former PM Perry Christie’s house! The optics is horrible but the feeling of being overlooked and neglected while your tax dollars go AARON WOODSIDE Nassau, October 25, 2026.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net services became inadequate to serve the needs of Bahamians; however, our political leaders and their families and even those who were once politicians, and in some cases their families, benefitted by being able to be sent abroad for medical assistance. At the same time, there were educational scholarships available; it appears that those students whose parents were supporters of the Party In Power, in many instances, less qualified students were “pushed” ahead of those students who were qualified. Sadly, families in islands known to support the opposing political party were denied improvements in their islands! Victimisation, while always present among Bahamians, became institutionalised after 1967. Promotions in the Public Service, for the most part, became institutionalised, interspersed with a few other public servants to give the appearance of fairness. Further, transfers were also used as a tool of victimisation. In many cases victimisation and transfers were used as tool to break up families who were suspected of not supported the government of the day! Promotions in the Public Service were withheld from those public servants who were suspected of being supporters of the opposing political party. Now please do not get me wrong because All of the political parties in the practiced victimisation in one form or another. However, after 1967, all political parties that came to government institutionalised victimisation. If not for God’s mercy and the backlash from those international organisations, many families in the Bahamas would have been left weeping and gnashing their teeth…Sadly, I know of many Bahamians who supported the party of their choice who knew of family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors and their families who suffered the humiliation of victimisation. My reflection is meant to be deeply moving and thought-provoking to my compatriots and others who will take the time to “chew” on its contents and “walk” away with a changed
perspective of their Motherland. In this regard, I speak with the heavy heart of someone who loves his/her homeland deeply, yet feels the profound ache of watching it drift away from the “paradise” of “its” youth. The transition from the pre-1967 era through Majority Rule (1967) and Independence (1973) was supposed to ignite the fire that would bring equity and internal self-determination to All Bahamians. Instead, the transition from the pre-1967 era through Majority Rule and beyond Independence often became a game of political musical chairs, where exclusion and victimisation tactics merely changed hands between the political parties after each election period. The account of institutionalised victimisation—whether through withheld promotions, punitive island transfers designed to splinter families, or partisan favoritism in healthcare and education—is a painful reality that many historians and citizens have echoed and others have pretended, but there will not be “peace in the valley” until every “lost child” comes “home” in peace and welcomed with open arms. When political loyalty becomes the currency for a citizen’s basic rights, such as medical care abroad or a child’s scholarship, a parent rights to find employment to provide for his or her family is railroaded, and society’s foundational trust and ruptures are repaired, then there will true justice, healing, and as the old hymn says, “There will be peace in the valley…” and Until then my heart will go on singing “ until justice brings peace to the the land that we all love. Indeed, it is a tragedy that the very mechanism meant to liberate the people was and continued used by successive governments to penalise those who dared to think and act differently. It is my hope and sincere prayer that these words serve as a vital, living history. These words express in my weak offering remind All of us that national progress is not measured only by new buildings or independence dates and celebrations, But by how fairly a country treats its own people. DR DONALD M McCARTNEY Freeport, Grand Bahama October 21, 2026.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, PAGE 7
men aged 64 and 70 deny Man granted $9,500 bail Two indecently assaulting teenage girls on drug supply charges By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net A 22-YEAR-OLD Bahamian man was granted $9,500 bail yesterday after being charged with three counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. De’onte Hamilton, of Kings Count Avenue, was accused of committing the offences on October 21,
2026, in New Providence. He was granted bail with one or two sureties and ordered to sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station every Thursday before 9pm. His matter was adjourned to March 22, 2027. In a separate matter during the same court session, a 48-year-old Bahamian man was granted $2,000 bail after being charged with assault. Darvin Demeritte, of
Sequoia Street, was accused of unlawfully assaulting Ashantian Smith at his residence on October 5, 2026. He was granted bail with one surety and ordered to sign in at the East Street South Police Station. His matter was adjourned to March 25, 2027. Assistant Superintendent Audrey Deveaux prosecuted both matters before Magistrate Abigail Farrington.
Teen granted $15,000 bail over jewellery store break-in By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net AN 18-YEAR-OLD Bahamian man accused of breaking into a Carmichael Road jewellery store and stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of watches and jewellery was granted $15,000 bail yesterday and ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device. Kendrick Strachan was charged with shopbreaking, damage, stealing and receiving in connection with an alleged break-in at Sierra Jewels between September 19 and 20. He was accused of breaking into the business with intent to steal
and of causing $962.50 worth of damage to two hurricane-impact windows and a hurricane-impact shutter. The items allegedly stolen included Technomarine and Invicta watches, gold-plated chains, bracelets, rings and religious charms. Strachan was separately charged with receiving several watches and pieces of jewellery belonging to Sierra Jewels, allegedly knowing they had been obtained through an offence. Acting Assistant Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville granted him bail with one or two sureties across the matters and ordered him
to sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday before 7pm. Strachan was also placed under a daily curfew from 10pm to 6am, despite information that his job involved both day and night shifts. Because prosecutors allege Strachan acted in concert with others, Magistrate Serville warned him that associating with other people wearing electronic monitoring devices would breach his bail conditions. Inspector Cordero Farrington prosecuted the matter. Strachan’s next court appearance is set for May 12, 2027.
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
TWO Bahamian men, aged 64 and 70, were each granted $7,000 bail after pleading not guilty to separate charges of indecently assaulting teenage girls. Nemiah Bowleg, 64, of Beatrice Avenue, was accused of indecently assaulting a 17-year-old
girl on June 19, 2026, in New Providence. Prosecutor Audrey Deveaux did not object to bail, and Bowleg was granted bail with one or two sureties and ordered to sign in at the Elizabeth Police Station every Thursday before 7pm. His matter was adjourned to March 24, 2027. In a separate matter, Patrick Tucker, 70, of
Farrington Road, was accused of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old girl on October 24, 2026. He was granted bail with one or two sureties and ordered to sign in at the Nassau Street Police Station every Friday before 7pm. His trial is set for March 18, 2027. Magistrate Abigail Farrington presided over both matters.
WIFE CLEARED IN ALLEGED DRILL AND ROCK ATTACK By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net A 43-YEAR-OLD Bahamian woman accused of assaulting her husband with a drill and a rock was acquitted and discharged
after he asked the court to withdraw the complaint. Kimberly Chalumeau faced two charges of assault with a dangerous instrument following an alleged altercation with her husband, Mark Chalumeau, on October 23,
2026, in New Providence. Assistant Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville allowed the withdrawal when Mr Chalumeau appeared before the court, and Mrs Chalumeau was acquitted and discharged.
NIGHTCLUB WORKER GRANTED BAIL ON THEFT CHARGES By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net A 25-YEAR-OLD nightclub worker pleaded not guilty yesterday to stealing $3,500 from a Commonwealth Bank account and money laundering. Shaniqua Moxey, of Toot Shop Corner, was accused of stealing the money, which belonged to Alvin
Duncanson, on January 19, 2026, in New Providence. She was also charged with money laundering for allegedly knowingly acquiring the $3,500, representing the proceeds of crime. Moxey appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville and elected to be tried in the Magistrate’s Court. The court heard she worked at V12
nightclub. Inspector Cordero Farrington did not object to bail, while the defence asked that it be set at a nominal amount. Moxey was granted $3,500 bail with one or two sureties and ordered to sign in at the Quakoo Street Police Station every Sunday before 7pm. The matter was adjourned to May 11, 2027.
CHRIS BROWN AVOIDS PRISON TIME FOR BRAWLING AT A LONDON NIGHTCLUB By BRIAN MELLEY Associated Press GRAMMY-WINNING singer Chris Brown avoided prison time Monday for beating a music producer with a tequila bottle at a London nightclub three years ago. The 37-year-old was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for a year. He had faced up to three years in prison after pleading guilty to a count of affray in July for the attack on the dance floor of Tape, a private club in the swanky Mayfair neighbourhood in February 2023. Video footage played in court showed Brown having to be pulled away from the victim, his former friend Abraham Diaw, after striking him twice in the head with a bottle. “The repeated use of a glass bottle in that way, especially aimed at the head, was plainly dangerous. It carried the risk of delivering a more serious injury than was ultimately sustained,” Judge Tony Baumgartner said in Southwark Crown Court. Despite the seriousness of the attack, Baumgartner said Brown did not qualify for a custodial sentence because he pleaded guilty and there were several mitigating circumstances, including stable employment and charity work. The judge acknowledged Brown’s previous convictions but said he had maintained a clean record in recent years. Previous brushes with the law Brown has faced repeated
R&B singer Chris Brown arrives at Southwark Crown Court to attend a plea hearing in London, Friday, June 20, 2025. Photo: Frank Augstein/AP legal trouble since his felony conviction in the 2009 assault of his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, hours before the pair were due to perform at the Grammys. He has been arrested in several US states over altercations but was either not charged or prosecutors later dropped the charges. In 2019 he was arrested in Paris and questioned on suspicion of rape, but was released without charge. In return for his guilty plea, prosecutors dropped charges
of assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and having an offensive weapon, a bottle. Brown’s friend and vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu also pleaded guilty to affray and was given a four-month suspended sentence. Affray is the use or threat of unlawful violence that leads someone to fear for their safety. Brown has apologized for the attack Prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe said Brown played a leading role
in the attack. “By any circumstances, when one watches that footage, it is Mr. Brown that moves first,” Stonecliffe said. Defense lawyer Sallie Bennett-Jenkins said Brown apologized to all those at the club that night, though she emphasized the attack lasted no more than 20 seconds. “This is an ugly and unattractive incident,” Bennett-Jenkins said. “It is something which undoubtedly would have caused
distress to those who are present and for which Mr. Brown … offers a profound apology to all those present.” Diaw was discharged from the hospital with head and knee injuries, Stonecliffe said. Crowds greet Brown outside court Brown was cheered outside the courthouse by fans who came from as far as Italy and the Netherlands. His face was covered by a black mask and dark glasses and his bleached hair was mostly hidden from view under a black ball cap. He wore a black leather jacket and light-coloured turtleneck. He blew a kiss to one fan and appeared to sign an autograph for another as he moved through a pack of photographers and onlookers. Not everyone was cheering for him. When he arrived at court in the morning, a lone voice could be heard shouting at him to ask when he was going to learn that violence is not OK. Brown left the United Kingdom after the brawl but was arrested in May 2025 at a Manchester hotel after flying to the city for a concert. He had been free on bail of 5 million pounds ($6.7 million), which allowed him to tour Europe and North America the past two summers. Brown rose to stardom as a teen in 2005 and won his first Grammy for best R&B album in 2011 for “F.A.M.E.” He earned his second in the same category for “11:11 (Deluxe)” in 2025.
Property Administration Associate Key Responsibilities: · · · ·
Address tenant inquiries, concerns, and complaints promptly and professionally Oversee daily front desk operations, including check-ins and check-outs Manage front desk schedules, maintain records, and prepare reports as needed Invoice clients and collect payments via bank transfer,cheque and credit card
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Associates Degree in Business Management or related field. Proficient in Quickbooks & Microsoft Office. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Minimum 2 years experience in related field.
Please send resume, police record and 2 references to hrdevelopment242@gmail.com.
PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 27, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Legendary Bimini fisherman laid to rest decades after his marriage made global headlines By ALISON LOWE FORMER boat captain and dockmaster Captain Patrick Brown was laid to rest in Alice Town, Bimini, on Saturday, aged 82. A legendary fisherman, Brown competed in fishing tournaments and took tourists out on charter trips. In later life, he operated Capt Pat’s Golf Cart Rentals
from the Seacrest Hotel and Marina. Speaking to The Tribune, his younger brother Tom described him as a “nice, hardworking person” who would be remembered above all for his generosity. Another Bimini resident recalled Capt Pat simply as “the kind old man who used to hail everyone on the road”. Brown also found himself
at the centre of an extraordinary international story in 1969, when his marriage to American beauty queen Corinne Huff made headlines in the New York Times and other leading newspapers. Huff was the first black woman to compete in the Miss USA pageant, representing Ohio in 1960. She had also been the companion and secretary of Reverend Adam
Clayton Powell Jr, the influential Harlem congressman and civil rights campaigner. Powell chaired the powerful House Education and Labor Committee but came under scrutiny over allegations of misconduct, including the misuse of congressional travel funds. In 1967, the House excluded him from Congress pending an investigation. After being re-elected, he spent much of the period away from Washington in Bimini, where
FORMER BOAT CAPTAIN PATRICK BROWN fishing became a favourite pastime. Brown captained Powell’s boat, Adam’s Fancy, and it was through this association that he met Huff. The pair married in October 1969 at Our Lady and St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Bimini, reportedly before about 200 guests. Brown was 25 at the time. The relationship also brought the island into the spotlight of a congressional investigation. Huff had been named president of Huff Enterprises, a Bimini-based company linked to property associated with Powell. The firm became a subject of inquiry as investigators examined whether congressional funds had been used for private or commercial purposes. Contemporary reporting
noted that the committee was racing to establish the company’s activities as it considered Powell’s status in Congress. Then Bahamian prime minister Lynden Pindling was also mentioned in reports about the company’s incorporation and ownership. Brown came from one of Bimini’s well-known families. His uncle, Harcourt Brown, owned The Compleat Angler hotel and bar in Alice Town, a celebrated gathering place for local and visiting anglers that became closely associated with the legendary American writer Ernest Hemingway. The historic establishment was destroyed by fire in January 2006. The blaze also claimed the life of its caretaker, Julian Brown, a former Bahamian Olympian and a cousin of Patrick Brown’s.
AMERICAN beauty queen Corinne Huff, the first black woman to compete in the Miss USA pageant, representing Ohio in 1960.
PRISON CHAPLAINS NETWORK OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES IN NASSAU
CORRECTIONAL officials and chaplaincy leaders gathered at Faith United Baptist Church in Nassau on Monday for the official opening of the British Overseas Territories Prison Chaplains Network, featuring remarks from Global Chaplains Alliance representative Dr. Monica Dennis-Jones, Deputy Commissioner of Corrections Bernadette Thompson-Murray and Fred Mitchell. Photos: Shawn Hanna
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, PAGE 9
Ivoine Ingraham • Facing Reality
There’s no royal Bahamian family we owe you nothing . . .
in Photo: K
/Pexels g RDNE
A DANGEROUS disease is spreading through The Bahamas, and too many of us have become so accustomed to it that we no longer recognise the symptoms. It’s entitlement. Not ordinary ambition. Not wanting a better life. Not expecting fairness from your government. I’m talking about the extraordinary belief held by some Bahamians that their surname is an asset belonging on the national balance sheet, and that because a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent once contributed something to this country, successive generations are entitled to collect dividends from the Bahamian people. It’s nonsense. If we do not confront it, this mentality will keep eating away at our institutions, poisoning our politics, and turning government into an enormous dispenser of favours for people who believe the country owes them something. Let's say something that apparently needs saying: The Bahamas owes your family nothing. Your grandfather may have been a national hero. Wonderful. Honour him. Your grandmother may have helped build a political party. Celebrate her. Your father may have campaigned from settlement to settlement when campaigning was difficult and dangerous. Your mother may have given decades of distinguished public service. Their contribution belongs to them. It’s not a promissory note redeemable by their descendants. Yet, we have developed a strange culture in which some people behave as though public service is hereditary. We see the same surnames appearing around political parties, public appointments, boards, honours, government opportunities, and positions of influence, generation after generation. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that if each person deserves to be there. But that is the question we are increasingly afraid to ask: Do they deserve to be there? Not who their father is. Not who their grandmother was. Not which politician answers their telephone call. Not how long their family has been "with the party." Are they qualified? Can they perform? Have they earned it? Those questions should determine who gets a public opportunity in a serious country. Instead, too often, we whisper about lineage. We have almost created a Bahamian aristocracy without the titles. Some people seem to believe they were born with an invisible deed that grants them a share of the state. Nowhere is this more ridiculous than after an election. The votes are barely counted before the invoices start arriving. "I was there." "My family has always supported the party." "My daddy did plenty for them." "My mummy never got anything." "We carried our constituency." "I deserve something." "My children need something." And, of course, the granddaddy of them all: "It's our time." Our time for what? To raid the public purse? To get a government job when someone else is better qualified? To jump ahead of a public officer who has worked diligently for 15 years? To be placed on a board whose subject matter you barely understand? To receive a contract because your family has political currency? To have your children accommodated because somebody remembers what their grandfather did in 1977? This cannot be how a modern country operates. Political parties make the problem worse when they encourage supporters to believe elections are national lotteries and that victory means everyone in the winning colours should line up to collect. Then governments discover the monster they helped create. People begin demanding "the lion's share." And when they don’t get it, suddenly everything is wrong with the government. The same government they praised six months earlier is now useless. Every appointment becomes an insult. Every contract somebody else receives becomes a betrayal. Every person promoted ahead of them becomes evidence that "they're forgetting who put them there." Some become professional complainers, attacking anything and everything because the personal reward they imagined would come hasn't materialised. This is not patriotism. It’s political extortion dressed up as loyalty.
Supporting a political party does And no, government does not not make you a shareholder in owe you "something" because you the Treasury and voting is not an helped it win an election. Imagine the liberation that investment for which government would come from politicians owes you a return. Campaigning does not pur- saying chase an option on a government those contract, and being born into a politically-connected family does not give you preferred shares in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The Treasury is not an inheritance fund. The public service is not a family employment programme. Government corporations are not warehouses for politicians to store supporters. Boards are not consolation prizes. National honours are not family heirlooms. And promotions should not be awarded to silence troublesome people. This entitlement culture is particularly destructive inside the public service. Imagine working diligently for years, developing expertise, earning qualifications, taking on difficult assignments, and demonstrating leadership—only to watch someone leapfrog you because he or she has the right surname, the right relationship, or access to the right minister. What exactly are we teaching the competent employee? We are teaching that person to stop working and start networking. Why pursue Photo: Bengy J Jolibois/Pexels another qualification when a telephone call works faster? Why develop expertise when political pressure produces better words—and meaning them. But results? Why become excellent entitlement survives because politiwhen being connected is more cians feed it and citizens demand it. It’s a mutually destructive arrangeprofitable? This is how institutions rot. Not ment. Government gives favours to always through spectacular cor- maintain loyalty. Citizens offer loyruption. Sometimes they die one alty expecting favours. Eventually favour at a time. One unnecessary neither side remembers that govappointment. One undeserved ernment exists primarily to serve promotion. One contract awarded the national interest. And perhaps the ugliest expresto appease somebody. One job created because a minister cannot sion of this mentality is what we tolerate another are teaching some of our children. week of tele- Too many parents are trying to phone calls. hand their children connections One unqual- instead of competence. We make ified relative telephone calls instead of demanding that they improve themselves. squeezed into an We ask somebody to "look out for them" rather institution than telling already them to become carrying too many so good they cannot reaemploybe ees. One sonably overlooked. incomThen we petent release adults person society was pro- into who genuinely tected believe that because because of who "that's their parents someare, ordinary body's rules should child." around Mul- bend them. That’s not tiply helping your that child. That’s manufacturing entitlement. Your child behaviour over decades, and then act surprised may carry an when institutions become ineffi- important surname and still cient, bloated, and demoralised. nothing We complain endlessly about have government inefficiency while useful to offer. demanding that government That sentence offend practise the very behaviour that will produces inefficiency. We want some people. It professional public service, until shouldn’t. Every family our child needs a job. We want difmerit-based promotion, until our produces relative is passed over. We want ferent levels of Intelgovernment spending controlled, ability. until our organisation wants fund- ligence is not ing. We want contracts awarded hereditary command. transparently, until our friend on needs one. We condemn political Competence favouritism when someone else does not autobenefits from it and call it "recog- matically pass through bloodnition" when it benefits us. Neither That hypocrisy is strangling lines. the country. And politicians must does leadership. A brilliant accept their share of responsibility. For generations, Bahamian politics statesman can has too often encouraged citizens have an unimto see politicians less as policymak- pressive child. A great busiers and more as providers. nesswoman Get me a job. can produce Get my child transferred. an incompeGet my nephew promoted. tent son. A Get my cousin a contract. hero Get my organisation some national can have grandmoney. children who Put me on a board. have contribRecommend me for something. uted absolutely Do something for me. A minister can hardly concen- nothing of sigto trate on transforming a ministry nificance when half the political ecosystem national life. There’s no expects them to operate like a concierge. And because politicians shame in that. shame fear offending influential sup- The when porters and familiar families, they begins entertain too many unreasonable those descendants demand demands. Sometimes leadership requires recognition based on sometelling people no. body else's No, you’re not qualified. No, your surname does not achievements. If your grandchange that. No, your father's service does father built a not entitle you to a government legacy, add to it. Don't live off it. position. If your No, your grandmother's political history does not entitle your busi- mother opened doors, walk ness to a contract. them No, your years of complaining through accomdo not constitute qualifications for and plish something. promotion. No, your children do not auto- Don't spend the matically inherit your political rest of your life connections. demanding that
others open every door because of her name. If your father served The Bahamas, serve it too. Do not send the country an invoice for his sacrifice. The Bahamas cannot become a collection of family franchises. This country belongs just as much to the brilliant child from an unknown family as it does to the child whose surname everybody recognises. In fact, the true test of our institutions is what happens when those two children arrive at the same door. One has the surname. The other has the qualifications. Who gets through? Our answer will determine what kind of country we become. Because if the surname wins often enough, the qualified child eventually gets the message: Leave. Take your talent elsewhere. Stop believing the system is fair. Or, worse, learn to play the same game: Find a politician. Build connections. Join a camp. Become useful to somebody powerful. That’s how meritocracy dies. And small countries must be particularly vigilant. The Bahamas still suffers from too much village thinking in national affairs. "That's so-andso's daughter." "You know who his daddy is?" "Their family been with us from way back." "Don't do them that." "Try to find something for the boy." That may be how favours operate in a village, but it cannot be how a nation is governed. A country requires standards that are stronger than relationships. It requires institutions that can tell powerful people no. It requires promotion systems that can withstand telephone calls. It requires hiring processes that do not collapse when a famous surname appears. It requires politicians willing to lose a few friends rather than compromise the public interest.
And it requires citizens mature enough to understand that equality sometimes means you do not get what you want. We should honour our great Bahamians. We should teach their stories. Name buildings after the deserving. Preserve their records. Celebrate their sacrifices. But we should stop treating their descendants as royalty. The Bahamas has no royal families. There should be no political princes and princesses. No hereditary government positions. No inherited entitlement to contracts. No family claim on promotions. No permanent reservation at the national table. Come with your qualifications. Come with your record. Come with your ideas. Come with evidence that you can perform. Come prepared to compete with everybody else. And if somebody from an unknown family is better than you, have enough respect for your country to accept that the better person should get the opportunity. That’s nation-building. The alternative is national decay disguised as loyalty. Entitlement is a monster because it’s never satisfied. Feed it one appointment, and it wants another. Give one relative a job, and another appears. Award one favour and yesterday's favour becomes tomorrow's expectation. Eventually government spends so much energy feeding expectations that it loses the courage to govern. We cannot continue down that road. The Bahamas owes every citizen fairness. It owes every child opportunity. It owes taxpayers competent government. It owes public officers fair treatment. It owes future generations institutions stronger than the personalities temporarily occupying them. But there is one thing The Bahamas does not owe anyone: A reward for having the right last name. Your ancestors may have helped build this country. Thank God for them. Now tell us: What have you done?
PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 27, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
World News
Lula secures victory in Brazil's election, but faces challenge as Bolsonaro contests results By ANNA-CATHERINE BRIGIDA and MAURICIO SAVARESE Associated Press
BRASILIA (AP) — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva 's comeback to win Brazil's presidential runoff Sunday is already facing its first hurdle as his competitor, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro challenges the results, setting the stage for a possible showdown between the country's two polarizing political forces. Lula, who convinced an extra 10 million voters to support him in the runoff, is expected to take office on Jan. 5, 2027 for his fourth non-consecutive term. He will serve as a counterweight in a region where leaders are shifting to the right and aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump. Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, promised to cozy up to the Trump administration. In a press conference Sunday, Bolsonaro said he planned to request an annulment of the election following a chaotic extension of voting at the request of both candidates. However, it's unclear what legal avenue he would seek to do that. His father also
contested his loss to Lula four years ago and now serves a 27-year prison sentence for a coup attempt. Early signs from Bra-
more than 64 million votes compared to just under 60 million for Bolsonaro, a margin of nearly 4%. President of Brazil's
OPPOSITION presidential candidate Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro speaks after the presidential runoff in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. AP Photo/Eraldo Peres
zil's institutions and from leaders across the region suggest the results will be respected nationally and internationally. Trump has yet to weigh in. Even with the vote extension, Lula's win was decisive. The soon-to-be 81-year-old incumbent won
electoral authority, Kassio Nunes, who was appointed to the Supreme Court by ex-president Bolsonaro, was among those who recognized Lula's victory Sunday. "This is a really uphill battle for Flavio Bolsonaro. Important Brazilian
'Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers' brings artistry to a Halloween tradition By TERRY CHEA Associated Press
HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) — When fall arrives and leaves start changing color, Mike Valladao, a systems engineer
than four decades. Wearing his trademark orange overalls and farmer hat, he's sculpted hundreds of gourds into ghoulish faces, seaside landscapes, witches, dragons and pop culture figures such as Yoda and
"Sometimes I'll look at somebody and I'll think, oh, I like the teeth or I like ears or the way the nostrils flare," Valladao said. This year, "Farmer Mike" celebrated 40 years of Halloween artistry at
FARMER Mike Valladao poses next to a pumpkin he carved at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Half Moon Bay, Calif. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
at a cybersecurity company, slips into his alter ego, "Farmer Mike," also known as the "Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers." Farmer Mike has been chiseling whimsical faces and comical creatures into big pumpkins for more
Charlie Brown. Valladao doesn't have any formal artistic training, but he's always looking for inspiration. He gets ideas from looking at art in a museum or just walking down the street.
the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, which is held in mid-October and is best known for its giant pumpkin weigh-off. At the two-day festival on the coast south of San Francisco, Valladao works on stage so people can watch.
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power brokers are closing ranks behind Lula, sometimes begrudgingly," said Brian Winter, Brazil analyst and editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly. "I sense that Brazilian power brokers that matter don't really want to go down the path of a truly contested election," he said. Brazil's voting system and Sunday's disruptions Brazil holds general elections every four years, and its electronic voting machines have made the tallying process quick and secure. Brazilian authorities adopted electronic voting machines in the 1990s to combat fraud and the system has been largely reliable since then. Results are usually reported mere hours after polls close. In the lead-up to the 2022 vote, Jair Bolsonaro repeatedly cast unfounded doubts on Brazil's electronic voting system. No significant fraud has ever been detected. But the usually swift voting process was thrown into disarray Sunday after a last-minute decision
to extend voting nationwide at both candidates' requests. Lula made the request because of issues with public transportation in metropolis Sao Paulo and northeastern city Salvador, two of his strongholds. Bolsonaro requested it after heavy rains in the south, which he won by a strong margin in the first round. The
annul the results could be difficult for Bolsonaro. Regardless, Lula still faces challenges moving forward, including political polarization in the country, a possible fiscal crisis and a right-wing Congress where Bolsona-
His pumpkin carvings have drawn requests from across the US Valladao stumbled into his artistic hobby after he began growing big pumpkins at his San Jose home in the mid-1980s. He didn't know what to do with the massive gourds, so he pulled out a knife and started slicing faces into them. "I'm an engineer by trade and I tend to look at it as building something the same way I would build a piece of hardware, one layer at a time," he said. In 1986, festival organizers saw a picture of Valladao's pumpkins and invited him to showcase his carving skills in Half Moon Bay, where his family opened the town's first feed and seed store in the 19th century. He grew an 800-pound (363-kilogram) pumpkin once, but it was a lot of work, so he doesn't participate in the giant pumpkin contest. His art has since taken him to different parts of the country, including an appearance on "The Tonight Show." He has gotten requests to carve pumpkins at venues such as the San Diego Zoo, the California Academy of Sciences and the State Fair of Texas. 'It's about the illusion of depth' He uses Atlantic pumpkins that weigh from 100 to 1,000 pounds (45 to 454 kilograms). They have thick skins that allow him to cut protruding facial features shallow or deep. "It's really about the illusion of depth," Valladao said. "I can make it so that it's three-dimensional, such that the eyes are inset and the nose sticks out. So it's a little bit of carving, but it's just adding a little more magic to it." Valladao said he doesn't name his creations because he recognizes the ephemeral nature of his art, which only lasts a few days. "It never really bothers me when a pumpkin starts to age because in some cases they'll build character," Valladao said.
The building housing London's oldest restaurant donated to a conservation charity
decision was made by a Supreme Court justice mere minutes before polls were set to close at 5 p.m. PRESIDENT Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addresses supand porters during a victory rally after winning a fourth the term in the presidential runoff on Paulista Avenue in speed Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. of BraAP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko zil's counting process meant many ro's party will have more polling stations didn't seats than any other. receive the news until they "We shouldn't underwere already wrapping up. estimate the power of the Yet given the reliability Bolsonaro family," Winter of Brazil's voting system said. "They can make life and Lula's win by a significant margin, a path to difficult for Lula for weeks and months to come."
By PAN PYLAS Associated Press LONDON (AP) — The building that houses London's oldest restaurant has been donated to Europe's biggest conservation charity, a move that will, it is hoped, secure one of the U.K. capital's go-to eateries for centuries to come. Established in 1798 by Thomas Rule as an oyster bar when Europe was in turmoil in the aftermath of the French Revolution, Rules has survived the British Empire, the Blitz and even plans for a new road layout that would have seen it demolished. Its menu expanded to traditional British fare and the restaurant welcomed generations of high profile figures from Charles Dickens to Charlie Chaplin, David Bowie to Madonna. King Edward VII would even rendezvous with his lovers there. Owner wants Rules to endure the test of time Now, the four-decade owner of the building that houses Rules, J-P Mayhew, has made the selfless decision to donate 34-35 Maiden Lane in bustling Covent Garden in central London to the National Trust, itself a British institution hailing back to 1895. "There are few restaurants in the world that have endured the test of time like Rules," Mayhew said Wednesday. "The
Trust will protect this place in a way that no one else could, safeguarding its bricks and mortar, its famous interior and its invisible atmosphere, too." The charity, which seeks to save important sites while opening them up for everyone to enjoy, said that the 11 million-pound ($14 million) donation would secure the future of a building where "kings dined and writers and politicians plotted." Along with the fourstory building, the donation includes items such as visitor books, menus, caricatures, photographs, stained glass and signs. The gift also includes the annual rent from the ongoing restaurant business, which will go into conservation work each year. The trust described it as a "rare example of living heritage" where both the historic structure and the original use of the building — a restaurant — remain intact. "This place is an outstanding piece of living history, with its corners where kings dined and writers and politicians plotted, and the traditions it kept alive through wars and upheaval," said Hilary McGrady, director-general of the National Trust. "It has defied the odds to be standing here today, doors still open and treacle sponge still on the menu."
A MAN walks past London’s oldest Restaurant ‘ Rules’ which has been donated to Europe’s biggest conservation charity in London, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, PAGE 11
From Space Science to Geospatial Week: Akhepran student shines as youngest presenter By Fay Simmons Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
AT an age when many students are just beginning to explore career possibilities, 15-year-old Lorrie Deus has already experienced hands-on satellite education in India and shared her learning with fellow students and professionals in The Bahamas. The Akhepran International Academy student was the youngest presenter at Geospatial Week 2026. Lorrie, a Grade 12 honour scholar and Head Girl Elect, shared her experience with the ShakthiSAT satellite education mission during a programme at the BEMU STE facility in Nassau. Approximately 75 Akhepran students attended the session, which connected her international learning experience with the growing role of geospatial technology in The Bahamas’ development. Lorrie’s journey began in September 2025, when Akhepran President Dr Jacinta Higgs introduced students to ShakthiSAT. Following months of online study and preparation, Lorrie was selected to represent The Bahamas in India, accompanied by fellow Bahamian co-ambassadors Daphney Towns and Lillian Flowers. Created by Dr Srimathy Kesan and led by Space Kidz India, ShakthiSAT aims to engage approximately 12,000 girls from 108 nations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and satellite education. At Gautam Buddha University, Lorrie joined girls from around the world
for lessons and practical activities involving satellites, payloads, electronic components and spacecraft technology. She built miniature satellite models and participated in soldering and wire bonding exercises. A drone simulation also introduced her to mapping and scaling, linking her experience in India to the technologies explored during Geospatial Week. Geospatial Week 2026 brought together students, educators, surveyors and other professionals under the theme “Geospatial Intelligence for a Climate-Resilient Bahamas.” Akhepran International Academy was among the organising partners, with Delarease Allen of the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors assisting in facilitating the event. The programme explored how geospatial information can support coastal resilience, environmental protection, agriculture, infrastructure planning and community development. Students were also introduced to career opportunities in surveying, drone technology, geographic information systems (GIS), hydrography and land planning. The programme examined land and property rights, including land registration, through discussions featuring professionals from surveying, public administration and the legal sector. The
AN ATTENDEE raises concerns about generational land in the Family Islands during Geospatial Week 2026. Panellists highlighted how surveying, mapping and geospatial expertise complement the work of the Land Reform Committee in addressing longstanding land ownership issues across The Bahamas.
sessions highlighted how technical expertise, mapping and data can inform
all-girls STEM pro-
ABOVE: Seated from left: Akhepran International Academy board member Dr. Bernard Young; attorney Khalil Parker; former Family Island Administrator Mr. Hart; Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors President Rodrick Wood; and Dr. Stephen Djaba, vice-president-elect of the International Federation of Surveyors. They are pictured with Akhepran students, international guest speakers, local geospatial experts and other attendees, including Delarese Allen of the Bahamas LEFT: Akhepran International Academy’s Lorrie Deus, 15, was Geospatial Week 2026’s youngest presenter, sharing lessons from her participation in the ShakthiSAT space education mission in India.
decisions about land ownership, resource management and national development. Lorrie’s presentation brought a student perspective to these discussions, demonstrating how international learning experiences can connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications. Since returning from India, she has continued sharing her experience and encouraging other students, particularly girls, to pursue STEM opportunities. She was also selected for IGNITE-HER, an
gramme, alongside fellow Akhepran student Zoe Storr. Her participation reflects Akhepran’s emphasis on STEM education, leadership, environmental AKHEPRAN International Academy students listen attentively during Geawareness and ospatial Week 2026, joining discussions on land ownership, surveying and the role of technology in national development. Approximately 75 global citizenship. At 15, Lorrie has students attended the Wednesday programme at the BEMU STE facility progressed from studying satellite peers. Her journey demon- themselves contributing to science to participating in strates how practical the science and technolan international educa- learning and global opporogy shaping their country’s tional mission and sharing tunities can help young future. that knowledge with her Bahamians envision
PAGE 12, Tuesday, October 27, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
al iv st fe ar M a ah B es lin ad he lic ub ep R One kickoff with night of food and music By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net THE sounds of OneRepublic’s biggest hits, the aroma of dishes prepared by Baha Mar’s signature restaurants and the clinking of cocktail glasses set the scene for the Taste of Baha Mar kickoff party, an evening of food, drinks and live entertainment marking the resort’s fifth annual Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. Guests began the evening sampling dishes from across the resort, mingling over handcrafted cocktails and
taking photographs at themed photo booths before making their way to the concert grounds for the highly anticipated performance by the American pop-rock band. The event brought together the resort’s culinary offerings and live entertainment, giving attendees an opportunity to experience several of Baha Mar’s dining concepts in one setting. The food stations featured a variety of dishes, ranging from Italian-inspired fare to Asian cuisine. Among the offerings were eggplant parmesan, farro and vegetable risotto,
Bahamian singer, songwriter Stazzie.
vidalia-braised short rib ragù, Peking duck served with steamed pancakes, char siu pork and mushroom pan-fried bao, and steamed scallion rolls. The assortment allowed guests to move between stations and sample different flavours while enjoying drinks and socialising ahead of the concert. The culinary showcase was a central part of the kickoff experience, highlighting the range of dishes available across the resort’s restaurants.
OneRepublic’s lead singer Ryan Tedder on stage at the Taste of Baha Mar kickoff party last week.
OneRepublic took to the stage for an approximately one-hour performance, delivering some of the band’s bestknown songs, including
Good Life, Apologize and Counting Stars. The group also performed covers of Beyoncé’s Halo and Adele’s Rumour Has It, adding two familiar
hits to its set. “When I die, I want to come back as Lenny Kravitz,” the band’s frontman, Ryan Tedder, told the crowd, referring to last year’s headliner, before expressing his love for the Caribbean. The performance drew together guests on the concert grounds, shifting the evening’s focus from dining and socialising to live music. The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival featured several experiences beyond the Taste of Baha Mar event, including interactive chef demonstrations, intimate masterclasses and the fourth annual FUZE Art Expo, a Caribbean art showcase highlighting the region’s creative talent. The event opened with a performance by Bahamian singer, songwriter Stazzie. Elsewhere in the resort, Oscar award-winning rapper Common drew a crowd to Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club, where he performed Thursday evening to kick off the festival. Through its culinary and artistic programming, the festival offered guests opportunities to engage with chefs and artists while exploring the resort’s collection of signature restaurants, bars and other experiences. Now in its fifth year, the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival has become a signature event on Baha Mar’s calendar.