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Tuesday, November 3, 2026
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Bahamas-owned treasure hunter rejected misused ‘trade secrets’ BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN-LED underwater explorer rejected a business proposal based on “trade secrets” allegedly misappropriated from the treasure hunting operation headed by Walker’s Cay’s millionaire owner. Jimmy Fox, a Long Island native, and the then-Bahamas Shipwreck Management group, abruptly cutoff all talks and links to Dan Porter, principal of Maritime Research & Recovery (MRR), upon learning he was embroiled in a furious legal battle with Carl Allen, and Allen Exploration, which featured allegations of Customs, Immigration and other Bahamian law violations. Legal filings by Mr Allen and his exploration outfit allege that Mr Porter and MRR misused its confidential and proprietary information to seek business partnerships with Bahamas Shipwreck Management and other rival salvagers by offering the location of sunken wreck “targets” located in this nation’s waters. However, Tribune Business has obtained confirmation that Mr Fox and the Bahamian-led exploration group severed all ties to Mr Porter and MRR during the 2025 first quarter due to the accusations and claims being made against him by Allen Exploration.
Bahamas needs ‘common’ standard’ for digital Gov’t BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE BAHAMAS has been urged to establish “a common standard” for the electronic delivery of government services, with this nation enjoying “one of the strongest connectivity bases” in the region to support the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) era. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in its latest Caribbean quarterly bulletin, argued that The Bahamas can make “swift progress” if the necessary laws and “institutional structure that prioritises innovation and digital technologies” are implemented. Noting that The Bahamas was the top-ranked out of six Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, at 99th in the world in 2024 when it came to the Government’s AI readiness, while also being rated as the region’s closest to OECD levels of broadband development and penetration, the IDB report added that this nation has made much of the required investment. It analysed this nation’s digital public infrastructure progress based on three area - development of a digital identity to enable Bahamians to prove who they are, a digital payments system, and the exchange of data between different government agencies. “Although the three digital public infrastructure elements advance at different speeds, progress could be
ELECTRONIC - See Page B5
Pulled out of deal based on Walker’s Cay owner’s data
Ex-Allen Exploration contractor offered wreck ‘targets’
“As it stands now, with all the negative press toward you in the local papers from your last project, we are going to have to decline involvement with you or your vessels. We will revisit this as per the outcome,” Mr Fox told Mr Porter in a message entitled ‘working relationship’. Despite cutting ties, he nevertheless praised Mr Porter, who had previously worked as a contractor for Allen Exploration until the two sides fell-out and parted ways in August/ September 2024, as “the most professional person I have met in this business”. Mr Fox and his attorneys declined to comment when contacted by this newspaper, but it is understood they felt there was too much negativity around Mr Porter and MRR due to the allegations against them, while also fearing that entering into any business relationship could drag Bahamas Shipwreck Management into the battle with Allen Exploration.
Touted artifact recoveries worth ‘hundreds of millions’
They were also unaware, and had no way of knowing, that the proposal offered by Mr Porter was based on “trade secrets” misappropriated by Allen Exploration, and would not have entertained any discussions or talks had they been aware. Tribune Business understands that Mr Fox and his group hold valid exploration and recovery licences to search for ship wrecks, and associated valuables and artifacts, in areas close to Mayaguana and Bimini. Work is more advanced on the former, and the name Bahamas Shipwreck Management is no longer being used, but the two licence areas are separate and apart from Mr Allen’s. Mr Porter’s bid to strike an exploration deal with the Bahamian-led group and others, in the immediate aftermath of his bitter break-up with Mr Allen, is revealed in documents filed with the North Texas federal court as part of their legal battle. It shows the MRR chief approaching
SEARCH - See Page B4
Top Bahamas shipper urges: ‘Terminate’ China vessel fee BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A LEADING shipping company supplying The Bahamas has joined the Caribbean’s private sector in urging that proposed US sanctions on Chinese-made vessels be “terminated altogether” or the region given a permanent exemption. Tim Martin, president and chief executive of Tropical Shipping, which enjoys a significant share of The Bahamas’ cargo and freight market, made the call in an October 30, 2026, letter responding to the latest public consultation launched by the US Trade Representative’s office over the Trump administration’s plans to combat Chinese ship-building dominance. The initial plan, unveiled last year, mulled imposing a $1m per port call fee on Chinese-made ships, which threatened to increase the cost of goods shipped from Florida to The Bahamas and other import-dependent Caribbean nations by between 50-60 percent. That would have sent already-high inflation and cost of living pressures soaring even further.
Advocacy group challenges MSC’s GB terminal impacts BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net A GRAND Bahama advocacy group has challenged the economic benefits from Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Cruises' proposed Billy Cay terminal, arguing that job creation estimates and local participation have not been sufficiently established. In a formal objection submitted to the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) yesterday, Preserving Paradise Environmental
The US government, facing major push back from American exporters and shipping companies such as Tropical, ultimately modified and deferred its plans by effectively exempting The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Smaller vessels, and those that travel relatively short distances of less than 2,000 nautical miles to service the region, were carved out of the Chinese-made ship sanctions. However, the US Trade Representative’s Office deferred implementation of its revised initiative until next Monday, November 9, 2026, and is now seeking feedback on plans to extend this suspension for two months until the New Year and January 9, 2026. The Caribbean’s private sector is urging that the “exemptions which have shielded Caribbean short-sea shipping” be confirmed and “made permanent”. Mr Martin, in his October 30, 2026, letter confirmed that the Trump administration’s action had allowed Tropical Shipping to maintain uninterrupted service to The Bahamas and Caribbean without having to significantly hike freight tariff rates.
TRADE - See Page B5 Defense & Restoration (PPEDR) said the project's environmental impact assessment (EIA) estimates around 350 construction jobs and 320 full-time positions but does not establish what proportion will go to Bahamians. C Allen Johnson, senior spokesperson for PPEDR, also questioned how much of the economic activity generated by the proposed Billy Cay cruise terminal will be retained within Grand Bahama, adding that projected passenger spending should be distinguished from the actual benefits flowing to local businesses and workers. "Projected economic activity should be distinguished from net
VOYAGE - See Page B2
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Bahama Rock ‘pinch’: Construction prices to increase on 11% concrete cost hike GB plant’s closure starts to bite with $30 per cubic yard jump Bahamas must prevent ‘shortage’ via new local aggregate source Contractor estimates will add up to $10k for building new home BY NEIL HARTNELL TRIBUNE Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIANS were yesterday warned to brace for higher construction costs with concrete prices set to jump by 11 percent, or around $30 per cubic yard, due to the loss of local aggregate supply with Bahama Rock’s ongoing closure. Robert Myers, a former Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president, told Tribune Business that re-opening the Grand Bahama-based plant or securing another local aggregate/rock source is vital if the construction and development industry is “to have a sustainable supply long-term” to avoid shortages and keep costs competitive. He spoke out after Bahamas Redi-Mix, one of the
nation’s major cement and concrete suppliers, warned that having to replace Bahama Rock with aggregate sourced from the Dominican Republic “at almost double the cost” leaves it with “no choice” but to raise prices for customers. Phil Andrews, its managing director, in a message seen by this newspaper, wrote: “Unfortunately, the aggregates from the Dominican Republic are almost double the cost of those from Freeport and we have no choice but to pass the cost along. “We are hopeful that Freeport will resume operations shortly and we can get back to current pricing. The new price for the attached mix design will be $305 per cubic yard plus VAT.” Bahama Rock has suspended operations with
DEVELOP - See Page B5
PAGE 2, Tuesday, November 3, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Ministry boosts Bahamas’ boating competitiveness THE Ministry of Tourism sought to boost The Bahamas’ competitiveness as a boating, yachting and private aviation destination through a ministerial-led delegation’s attendance at one of Florida’s top boat shows. Glenys Hanna Martin, minister of tourism, led a Bahamian group that held a series of meetings with industry stakeholders at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in a bid to forge and strengthen
partnerships that will position this nation for sustained growth in the boating, yachinhg, charter and private aviation markets. Their meetings with boating industry executives focused on deepening collaboration, responding to evolving market dynamics and identifying opportunities to support the continued growth and diversification of The Bahamas’ marine tourism sector.
Staged under the theme ‘Beyond the Horizon’, the event celebrated the connections fostered by the global yachting community, highlighting how shared waterways unite destinations, cultures and expertise across international borders. Mrs Hanna Martin delivered the gala’s closing remarks. The evening concluded with a vibrant Junkanoo performance. Mr Weech said: “The global boating and yachting industry continues to
evolve, and destinations that succeed will be those that align their offerings with emerging traveller expectations while investing in access, infrastructure and service excellence. “The Bahamas is exceptionally positioned to capitalise on growing demand for premium
marine experiences, supported by our proximity to key markets, extensive cruising grounds and unparalleled island diversity. Our focus remains on strengthening competitiveness, encouraging greater exploration throughout the archipelago and maximising the economic
impact of marine tourism across a broader range of communities. “Through targeted partnerships and market-driven strategies, we are creating a stronger foundation for sustainable growth within this vital sector.”
West End GB’s TUC chief and union Prohibition Era history president honoured takes spotlight THE Ministry of Tourism is inviting visitors to experience Grand Bahama’s flavours, stories and cultural traditions when the third annual West End Bootleggers & Seafood Festival returns on Saturday, November 28. Set to be hosted by the Ministry at the Artis Neely Grounds in West End, the festival will offer an evening of Bahamian cuisine, music, culture and culinary creativity. The celebration honours West End’s role in the movement of rum during the American Prohibition era and its enduring identity as a fishing and seafood community. Seafood will take centre stage with a menu featuring Bahamian fried fish, lobster, cracked conch, seafood cakes, seafood pizza, conch fritters, lobster spring rolls and other local favourites. “West End’s story is deeply connected to the sea, and this festival brings that history to life through the food, culture and creativity of the community,” said Jackson Weech, director-general in the Ministry of Tourism. “Its maritime heritage and compelling connection to the Prohibition era reveal another dimension of Grand Bahama for international visitors, while creating opportunities for local businesses and emerging culinary talent. This is tourism rooted in place, with Bahamian communities sharing traditions that are unmistakably their own.” Between 4pm to 10pm that Saturday, the festival will offer six hours of community spirit, entertainment, seafood and authentic cultural experiences in the
area affectionately known as the ‘Best End’ of Grand Bahama. This year’s celebration is supported by Bristol Wines & Spirits, The View, Grand Bahama Power Company, Carnival and the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board. West End’s bootlegging history will be celebrated through the Bootleggers Mixology Competition. Bartenders representing local establishments will demonstrate their skills before lead judge Ramon Webb, a Grand Bahama native and winner of last year’s competition. Separate categories for residents and visitors will invite participants to create cocktails at the festival using local ingredients and rum supplied by event sponsors. The programme will include dance performances by Olivi’A Entertainment and a Junkanoo rush by the West End Conquerors. Featured performers will include Lil Joe Cartwright & The Trouble Band, Phase 4 Band, Larry Johnson & The Island Vibes Band, Rycon Bahamas, Shine242 and Kirkland Bodie. A Visitors Mystery Basket challenge and culinary demonstrations by secondary school students will complete the experience. The programme will also showcase the next generation of Grand Bahama’s culinary talent. The Junior Chefs culinary experience expands this year from three schools to four, with students from Sir Jack Hayward High School, St. George’s High School, Eight Mile Rock High School and Bishop Michael Eldon School preparing dishes live at the festival.
THE Trades Union Congress (TUC) president and former head of the union representing Morton Salt line staff have been honoured by the umbrella union body with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Obie Ferguson KC and Jennifer Brown, former president of the Bahamas Industrial, Manufacturers and Allied Workers Union in Inagua, received their awards on Saturday in recognition of their service to the labour movement and contributions to advancing workers' rights throughout The Bahamas. The awards were presented during a ceremony held at the Paul Farquharson Centre, Police Headquarters, East Street North, Nassau. The TUC said Mr Ferguson, an attorney, trade unionist and national advocate, has devoted decades to championing fairness, justice and
equitable treatment in the workplace. It added that, as its president, he continues to advocate for workers' rights, strengthen trade union representation and promote constructive dialogue among labour, employer and government. “Receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award is a deeply humbling and profoundly meaningful moment in my life. I accept this honour not as a personal achievement alone, but as a tribute to the countless workers, trade unionists and labour leaders who have stood together in the pursuit of justice, dignity, and fairness,” Mr Ferguson said. “Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment have been the foundation of my life's work. As we look to the future, my hope is that the Bahamian labour movement will remain united, courageous and forward-looking.
OBIE FERGUSON WITH MRS QUEENIE FERGUSON “We must continue to empower our workers, protect their rights, create opportunities for our young people and ensure that economic progress translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of all Bahamians. The struggle for workers' rights is never truly finished. Our responsibility is to leave behind a stronger, more inclusive and more just labour movement for generations to come.” The TUC said Ms Brown's recognition honours her leadership as former president of the Bahamas Industrial, Manufacturers
and Allied Workers Union in Inagua. It added that her service reflects the role of union leaders in advocating for workers, promoting workplace fairness and strengthening the labour movement throughout the Family Islands. The umbrella union said these honours recognise two leaders whose contributions have helped shape the Bahamian labour movement, adding that they will inspire future generations of trade unionists to continue advancing dignity, fairness and social justice for all workers.
water level of The EIA anticipates up ‘Objection’ submits 160 Billy extreme around 5.1 metres above to around 20,000 passengers sea level, rising to on a major operating day, Cay questions to the DEPP mean 6.1 metres under the cli- and around 3.36m annual
VOYAGE - from page B1 economic benefits retained within Grand Bahama,” he said The group called for an independent assessment of direct and indirect employment, Bahamian ownership, local procurement, retained spending, public revenue, infrastructure costs and potential economic leakage before the project’s anticipated benefits are used to support environmental decision-making. It added that the revenue anticipated under certain lease and concession arrangements remains unknown. PPEDR said it does not oppose cruise tourism or investment in Grand Bahama, but believes the proposed development’s economic and environmental implications must be more fully established before regulators grant environmental clearance. “We do not oppose cruise tourism as a category of economic activity. We oppose granting environmental clearance before the environmental risks, technical uncertainties, operational dependencies, cumulative impacts and public interest consequences of this particular proposal have been adequately established and assessed,” said Mr Johnson. He also raised concerns about the adequacy of environmental testing at the proposed terminal site,
pointing to the industrial history of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and the wider Freeport Harbour area. Mr Johnson argued that decades of industrial, manufacturing, petroleum, marine and other commercial activity warrant a more comprehensive investigation into potential historical site contamination, including the possibility of buried pollutants being disturbed during construction. PPEDR identified alleged discrepancies in the EIA’s water and sediment sampling records, including references to five surface water sampling locations in one section but analytical results for three samples elsewhere. It also questioned differences between the sediment sampling locations described in the report and those identified in its tables. “Without a reconciled dataset, DEPP cannot confidently establish where each reported result originated or whether the sampling adequately represents the areas likely to be disturbed,” the objection stated. The group is seeking original laboratory reports, field records, sampling maps and quality control documents, as well as independent confirmation of the testing results. It also questioned the project’s hurricane and flood resilience, highlighting figures in the EIA showing a present day, one-in-100-year
mate-change scenario examined. This compares with a proposed Billy Cay elevation of around 3.2 metres above mean sea level. PPEDR said the EIA acknowledges that Billy Cay and surrounding areas would flood under the modelled extreme conditions, and wants DEPP to require further evidence that critical infrastructure, including electrical installations, fuel systems, wastewater facilities and emergency access, would remain safe. The objection also seeks greater clarity on the relationship between the proposed terminal and Freeport Harbour Company’s east harbour expansion, including whether the development depends on additional dredging, excavation, turning basin works or construction material supply arrangements involving Bahama Rock. The group argued that the environmental consequences of connected harbour works should be assessed cumulatively rather than treated as entirely separate projects. Other concerns include the terminal’s projected passenger volumes, wastewater calculations, water supply, solid waste disposal, marine navigation and the capacity of existing transportation and utility infrastructure to accommodate the development.
passenger arrivals. PPEDR questioned how those projections translate into daily transportation requirements, infrastructure demand and environmental impacts. In total, the group submitted 160 questions to DEPP, seeking detailed responses and supporting documentation covering the project’s environmental assessment, engineering, economic projections, contractual arrangements and regulatory oversight. It has formally asked the department to withhold a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) until the outstanding concerns have been addressed, including through independent technical reviews and additional environmental assessments where necessary. “Environmental approval should follow a reliable understanding of a project’s risks and impacts. It should not be used as a mechanism for postponing the resolution of fundamental uncertainties until construction is underway,” the objection stated. PPEDR also requested an extended written comment period and further public consultation where necessary, arguing that affected communities and other stakeholders should have sufficient opportunity to examine revised technical information before a final regulatory decision is made.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, PAGE 3
Minister proposes responsible councils gain more autonomy BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net A CABINET minister last night proposed that local government councils, which demonstrate they can properly manage public funds and deliver on development priorities, should be given greater autonomy. Clay Sweeting, minister of works and Family Island affairs, unveiled the initiative as he outlined plans to overhaul the administration of The Bahamas’ 33 local government districts. Addressing the Local Government Conclave, he said the existing system has too often reduced councils to administering rather than leading, while island administrators have been treated as messengers between residents and Nassau instead of being empowered to drive change in their communities. He called for a fundamental shift in how government operates across the Family Islands, including expanding the responsibilities of island administrators, introducing individual development plans for all 33 districts and tying budgets more closely to local priorities. "The Councils that show they can deliver should be given more room to lead," Mr Sweeting said, arguing that greater responsibility
must be accompanied by stronger financial management, accurate records and timely reporting. He added that local councils should become "the true voice and the true board of their districts", holding regular town meetings, setting development priorities and reporting to residents annually on what has been accomplished. "That kind of leadership demands discipline: Accurate books, timely reports and careful stewardship of public money, because every dollar belongs to the Bahamian people," the minister said. Mr Sweeting also outlined an expanded role for island administrators, saying they should become the principal c-ordinators of government services in their districts rather than simply processing correspondence and referring problems to Nassau. "The role of the administrator must change from the keeper of the file to the leader of the district," he said. Under the proposed approach, administrators would serve as the face of the entire government in their districts, co-ordinating the work of the ministries and agencies responsible for infrastructure, healthcare, education and social services. "When a road fails, a clinic is short, a school roof
North Guana Cay nears 10 days without energy BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net NORTH Guana Cay residents are approaching ten days without electricity after Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) diverted a replacement generator originally intended for the community to Man-O-War Cay. The development comes as residents have endured around 216 hours without power, with BPL yet to provide a revised restoration window and its dive team still awaiting favourable weather conditions to investigate a subsea cable fault between Matt Lowe’s Cay and mainland Abaco. In an update yesterday, BPL said technicians conducting final testing on the generation unit at ManO-War Cay determined that additional time was
needed to complete repairs before it could safely supply electricity. As a result, the replacement generator originally earmarked for Guana Cay will instead be transported to Man-O-War Cay. BPL said it was working to secure a charter to move the equipment, while its team was disassembling the existing unit to make room for the replacement. Meanwhile, BPL’s dive team is waiting for improved weather conditions before continuing efforts to locate the subsea cable fault between Matt Lowe’s Cay and mainland Abaco. BPL said an updated restoration window would be provided once available, leaving affected North Guana Cay residents without a confirmed timeline for the restoration of electricity. The prolonged outage has affected a significant
leaks or a dock is damaged, the administrator should know before the resident has to call, and should be the one pulling the right people together to fix it," said Mr Sweeting. He proposed regular meetings involving the heads of government agencies in each district to co-ordinate responses to local problems, adding that administrators must be equipped with the authority, tools, training and support to carry out the expanded responsibilities. "We will measure your success not by how many letters you send, but by what changes in your district," the minister said. Mr Sweeting said the reforms will also require a departure from the onesize-fits-all approach to local government, with each of the 33 districts developing its own District Development Plan based on the needs and priorities of its residents. He argued that the development pressures facing each island are different and thus need a specialised plan. "I want every one of our 33 districts to have its own District Development Plan. Not a plan written in Nassau and mailed out. A plan built in the district, with the people of the district," he said. The plans would be developed through consultation with residents, churches,
businesses, fishermen, farmers and Junior Councils, and should identify the most pressing community needs, the actions to be taken over the following 12 months and how residents would assess whether those commitments had been fulfilled. Mr Sweeting said district budgets should then be built around those priorities rather than simply carrying forward previous years' allocations. "And what is spent, and what it delivered, should be published, so that every resident can see it," he added. The minister said each district participating in the conclave should leave with three immediate priorities identified, one existing practice it intends to discontinue and one new initiative it plans to introduce. Those commitments are expected to develop into the first drafts of District Development Plans over the following 100 days, with Mr Sweeting noting the next gathering should focus on reporting actual results rather than simply delivering presentations. He also called for changes within the Department of Local Government, stressing it should move away from acting as a gatekeeper and instead become a service centre supporting the districts. Mr Sweeting proposed establishing a clear point of contact within the
Department for every district, with questions from the Family Islands answered within set and published timeframes. Routine services, including licences, applications and payments, should also be moved online to reduce the need for residents to travel to New Providence to access government services. "It means moving routine services, such as licences, applications and payments, online so that a resident in Ragged Island is served as well as a resident in New Providence," the minister said. Mr Sweeting said the Local Government Act 2024 has established a modern framework with stronger provisions for accountability, public participation and financial management, but acknowledged that legislation alone will not resolve the long-standing challenges facing communities. He questioned the effectiveness of a system in which residents could approach their local government office with a problem but still find themselves dependent on Nassau for a solution. "Too often a resident must get on a plane or a mailboat for a service that should be available at home," Mr Sweeting said. He also acknowledged that reports were sometimes late, funds remained
unspent and development plans existed only on paper, arguing that the existing arrangements could no longer adequately serve the country's geographically dispersed communities. "The Department must move from gatekeeper to service centre. Its job is not to hold the districts back until Nassau is ready. Its job is to clear the way," Mr Sweeting said. "When an island comes to Nassau with an idea, the first answer should not be 'no' or 'wait.' The first answer should be 'how can we help you do it?'" Mr Sweeting said the objective was not to impose identical development approaches across the country but to give individual districts the leadership and resources needed to respond to their own circumstances. "The old way has carried us this far. It will not carry us further. Let us leave this conclave and build the new one together," he said.
number of residents and personnel associated with Baker’s Bay, according to one North Guana Cay resident, who said about 80 to 90 per cent of the development's leadership team, along with several management personnel and other residents, were also without power. The resident said the community was approaching its 10th day without electricity and expressed frustration over the length of the disruption and the perceived lack of urgency surrounding restoration efforts. While acknowledging the challenges involved in repairing the infrastructure, the resident questioned why the difficulties involved in securing specialist assistance have effectively become the responsibility of customers left without electricity. The prolonged disruption also raises concerns about the vulnerability of businesses and residential communities in the Family Islands when
critical electricity infrastructure fails, particularly where alternative supply arrangements are limited. For businesses dependent on reliable electricity, extended outages can create additional operating expenses through generator use, while potentially disrupting services for
residents, employees and visitors. The resident said the impact was being felt across the community, regardless of whether those affected were Bahamian or foreign residents, adding that the length of the outage and uncertainty surrounding
restoration had become particularly difficult. BPL apologised for the inconvenience and thanked consumers for their patience, stressing its team was working safely and quickly to restore electricity supply.
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PAGE 4, Tuesday, November 3, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Planned GB cruise terminal can flood in extreme storm BY FAY SIMMONS TRIBUNE Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net THE BILLY Cay cruise ship terminal proposed by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) could face flooding under extreme hurricane conditions, it was revealed last night. The public consultation on the Freeport Harbour project revealed environmental modelling showed water levels at the Grand Bahama development site could rise to 6.1 metres above sea level under a future climate scenario. The project’s environmental consultant said Billy Cay and surrounding areas could flood under
exceptionally severe conditions. “Based on this modelling, the cay and surrounding areas can flood, but this is only under very extreme conditions,” they said. Wave modelling estimated an extreme onein-100-year water level of 5.1 metres above sea level under present-day conditions. This is projected to increase to around 6.1 metres under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s RCP 4.5 scenario. The consultant noted that the project site is within the harbour, which is sheltered and typically experiences very low water-energy levels. During the consultation, a participant raised concerns
about the long-term effects of hurricanes and flooding on Grand Bahama, questioning whether sufficient measures were being taken to mitigate future risks. The environmental assessment outlines several proposed safeguards, including elevated buildings, stormwater drainage systems and measures to secure infrastructure ahead of hurricanes. “All buildings will be elevated,” the consultant said, explaining that stormwater management measures would also be implemented to address potential flooding. The assessment identified the potential for standing water and localised flooding during construction
Bahamas-owned explorer cut off ties due to ‘negative press’ SEARCH - from page B1 Allen Exploration rivals with offers of “target” wrecks and the use of his Freeport-based salvage vessels. The business proposal rejected by Mr Fox and Bahamas Shipwreck Management also provides an insight into the vast potential wealth source hidden beneath this country’s waters - long-lost artifacts of significant cultural, heritage and monetary value amounting to millions of dollars - provided they actually exist and can be recovered. Mr Porter, in a September 12, 2024, e-mail said he had identified “two areas that I believe warrant serious archaeological investigation” - one on the northern Great Bahama Bank, and the other south of Bimini. The first, he asserted, contained as a “primary target” the wreck of the San Antone Del Brasil 1551, for which he possessed “sound locational information”. Also present in the same area, Mr Porter added, was the wreck of the Santa Maria de la Concepcion. He wrote that this vessel, weighing 110 tons, was “lost north of Bimini” in 1528 carrying “an unspecified amount of plunder” that the Spanish conquistadors had seized in Mexico. Suggesting that the northern Great Bahama Bank is a fertile exploration and recovery ground for treasure hunters, he also identified the Santa Maria de los Remedios, which was wrecked in 1559 “while returning to Spain carrying 768,110 pesos in gold and silver”. “Area number two is located south of Bimini,” Mr Porter added. “The primary target there is known as Santiago El Grande, lost
in 1765, with a large amount of treasure said to be southeast of Beaks Cay by seven miles.” However, Mr Allen and Allen Exploration, in their court filings, alleged that much of this target location information was based on Mr Porter and MRR misuing “trade secrets” misappropriated from them. They specifically cited details obtained from log books produced by an earlier underwater explorer, Bob Marx, in the 1970s. “The Marx logs and related materials were part of the archives purchased by Carl Allen from the Marx estate and kept at Allen’s Bahamas Maritime Museum,” Allen Exploration alleged in May 5, 2026, legal filings. “Porter had access to those materials through his AEX-related position, including access to the locked room in which the archives were kept. Porter nevertheless used the information to generate project opportunities………. By September 11 and 12, 2024, Porter had prepared and circulated co-ordinates and materials for areas to be pursued through Bahamian participants.” Allen Exploration alleged that Mr Porter, in seeking to exploit its “trade secrets” to find new business, first reached out to Ricky Darville, a now-deceased “Bahamian treasure salvor” before finding his way to Mr Fox and his group. It claimed that this was “not an accident”, because Mr Porter was seeking to use their exploration licence and have them act as a ‘front’ for him. Doing so, Allen Exploration asserted, would “provide the veneer of Bahamian cultural heritage being recovered by a local Bahamian citizen”. However, this never happened because
no deal between Bahamas Shipwreck Management and Mr Porter/MRR was ever sealed or finalised. Mr Porter, giving evidence under oath before the North Texas court, denied that he had misappropriated Allen Exploration’s trade secrets and used them to tout for business with other underwater explorers. He argued that much of the information said to have been misused came from publicly-accessible databases. “I believe that Allen Exploration believes that they have the only information out there in the shipwreck industry, and they haven’t been in the industry long enough to realise that there’s a wealth of information out there through archival data,” Mr Porter argued. “There’s public forums, like TreasureNet, where a lot of the old-timers will post a lot of information, a lot of the lore; you kind of have to filter through some of it. There was also lot of information from Bob Marx that was shared with many people. And there’s archives of shipwrecks, of galleons and other financially feasible targets that are out there. “One of my biggest sources for the information that I had on the northern area of the Grand Bahama Bank, not the Little Bahama Bank where Mr Allen’s lease is at, on the Grand Bahama Bank, and then also south of that, came from a gentleman named Allan Gardner. He gave me thousands of targets, and he gave me a list of over 20 shipwrecks,” the MRR principal continued. “The same wrecks that he was looking for are the wrecks that I have listed for Mr Fox. And there’s lists of archivist Jorge Proctor, stuff off of TreasureNet, Luis Camacho, they all have lists, Robert Westrick. When I put
and operations, particularly as the development would increase the amount of impervious surfaces on the site. An efficient drainage system is expected to be installed and maintained during operations, while green spaces incorporated into the development would help increase water absorption and infiltration into the ground. Both the construction and operational environmental management plans (EMP) are expected to include emergency response procedures addressing hurricane watches and warnings, including securing materials and infrastructure and evacuating the site where necessary.
Beyond the environmental considerations, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for Grand Bahama residents, with around 350 workers anticipated during construction and a further 320 permanent positions during the operational phase. The consultant said priority would be given to hiring Bahamians during both phases, while construction work is also expected to benefit local suppliers. The project is expected to create additional entrepreneurial opportunities as development at the site progresses. MSC’s proposed Billy Cay facility is planned for a reclaimed industrial site within Freeport
Harbour. The development is intended to accommodate mega cruise ships and includes berthing infrastructure and supporting visitor facilities. The public consultation period remains open until December 1, with residents invited to submit questions, concerns and comments to the Department of Environmental Climate Protection and JSS Consulting. Officials said submissions could lead to changes to the environmental assessment or other project documents, which would subsequently be made available online.
the list of these shipwrecks together that we wanted to target, I talked to all these guys. “They gave me their files on these wrecks. There was a wreck known as the San Anton, and the - El Dorado, they called it. And there’s a gentleman named Tony Kopp that lives in Sweden. He posts on TreasureNet all the time. And he’s been posting on TreasureNet about working on that particular wreck since 2005. He’s got pictures of the anchors that were found by Bob Marx in 1983. He’s got the pictures, he’s got the logs, he’s put large reports on TreasureNet about some of the targets that we’re looking for.” But Judge Reed O’Connor, the North Texas chief judge, in his October 21, 2026, decision found there was “a preponderance of evidence” to support the allegation by Allen Exploration that MRR had failed to return a “search database” and breached the two sides’ confidentiality agreement. He found that Mr Porter had provided no evidence to substantiate his claim that the information cited by Allen Exploration was already publicly accessible and available to anyone. Still, the two separate proposals produced by Mr Porter for Bahamas Shipwreck Management give a fascinating insight into the history, value and wealth potentially lying on this nation’s seabed. “After nearly three decades of moratorium imposed by the Government of The Bahamas, we are poised to dive into these fertile waters, uncovering treasures that have remained hidden for generations,” Mr Porter gushed, in a seeming pitch to investors, over what he termed the ‘Great Bahama Bank expedition 2025’. “We have identified four high-potential shipwreck targets within our two lease areas, each promising extraordinary artifacts and treasures. Our dedicated team has already initiated
preliminary visual site location based on our historic shipwreck index…. “We anticipate uncovering additional historic shipwrecks that could dramatically exceed the value of our initial objectives. This venture is not only an adventure but also holds the potential for remarkable financial returns… Join us on this thrilling expedition into the clear Bahamian waters, where history, adventure and significant treasure await.” Giving more details on the targets he had identified, Mr Porter wrote: “If a successful salvage operation were conducted on the San Antón do Brasil, the projected rewards could be substantial, both financially and culturally. “The ship was believed to carry immense wealth, with estimates suggesting over 780,000 castellanos in gold, silver and precious stones, which could yield hundreds of millions of dollars. Additionally, the galleon was thought to carry culturally significant artifacts, such as gold statues, jewellery and Inca relics, likely fetching high prices in the art and antiquities markets…. “The site could also become a destination for adventure tourists, creating new economic opportunities for local communities. Moreover, museums and educational institutions could develop programmes centred around the story of the San Antón do Brasil, enhancing public engagement with maritime history,” he continued. “Overall, a successful salvage operation could yield significant financial rewards while making valuable contributions to the rich cultural heritage, education and scientific research for The Bahamas.” Turning to the Santiago El Grande, Mr Porter branded it as “undoubtedly one of the ten richest shipwrecks lost in the Western Hemisphere” and ranking “among the five richest still awaiting discovery”. He said
its registered cargo included 240 tons of silver bars and ingots; 1.85m pesos in silver coins; two-and-a-half tons of gold; 12 chests of pearls; and 27 chests of emeralds and stones. “The potential rewards from the salvage of the Santiago El Grande could be substantial, considering the estimated value of its cargo. The ship is believed to have carried an impressive amount of treasure, which could easily exceed hundreds of millions of dollars in today’s market, especially given the rising prices of precious metals and gemstones,” Mr Porter wrote. He made similar assessments of the Santa María de la Concepción and Santa María de los Remedios wrecks, asserting that the latter was carrying 768,440 pesos in registered gold and silver “which could translate into tens of millions of dollars” and a value in the hundreds of millions. However, just one month after telling MRR members and investors on February 12, 2025, that he was “in the final stages of completing our agreement with Mr Fox and his team”, Mr Porter admitted in an e-mail that the deal was off and there was no prospect of a tie-up or doing work for Bahamas Shipwreck Management. “I wanted to give you an update on the situation in The Bahamas,” Mr Porter wrote to a potential MRR investor on March 25, 2025. “Following discussions with Jimmy Fox, we have mutually agreed to disassociate from one another due to ongoing issues with the Government. “While the underlying causes of these issues are not my concern (as that is a separate matter), the fact remains that the involvement with me is hindering the project’s progress. Regrettably, I did not anticipate it would come to this point, but it has.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, PAGE 5
Bahamian concrete prices set to be 31-41% higher than US DEVELOP - from page B1 effect from September 16, and temporarily laid-off 69 hourly-paid workers for up to 60 days, amid the ongoing wait for the necessary regulatory approvals and permits for it to access and mine a new aggregate source on the 515-acre former Bahamas Cement Company property that it acquired last year. There has been no indication of whether a go-ahead will be received, or when, with many residents in Eight Mile Rock and communities surrounding the old Bahamas Cement Company site vehemently opposed to Bahama Rock’s plans because of the alleged damage its previous blasting has caused to their properties along with environmental impact concerns. In the meantime, though, the anticipated negative impact from Bahama Rock’s closure to the construction and development industries Bahamas-wide is already being felt. Mr Myers said that, compared to US prices, Bahamian concrete costs per cubic yard are now - at $305 - around $95-$125, or between 31 percent to 41 percent, higher following the latest hike. Bahama Rock, in a presentation made during the July 29 town hall meeting
on its project, disclosed that The Bahamas requires more than 350,000 tons of aggregate per year. It warned that the loss of its supply source would double the cost of such materials for the Bahamian construction industry and result in delivery costs per ton being “up to 150 percent higher” due to extra import-related expenses - a reality that is now starting to play out following the temporary closure implemented six to seven weeks ago. “I would say it depends on your design mix, but it’s probably about an 11 percent increase,” Mr Myers told Tribune Business of the price unveiled by Bahamas Redi-Mix. This, he added, translated into around a $30 increase per cubic yard, and compared the $305 cost to the $180-$210 per yard delivery cost cited in the US ‘national guide’ for 2026. “The cost of concrete in The Bahamas is 30 percent higher than the average cost in the US,” he said. Mr Myers, also a former Bahamas Chamber of Construction and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) chairman, said the ultimate impact will be higher construction costs - for homeowners building new homes or undertaking
major renovation projects involving concrete, plus developers and even the Government with infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, docks and airport aprons. “I don’t know what percentage concrete costs are of the total, but on an average home you are probably talking about a $5,000 to $10,000 increase depending on the type of home and it size,” he explained. “Based on an average home you are probably talking about a $5,000-$10,000 increase. “No matter how you make concrete - batch on-site by hand or ready mix - you are going to have an increased cost of aggregate. We have not had any concrete on-island for the last two weeks; no reliable supply of concrete on-island for the last two weeks. There’s no aggregate. The country has run out of aggregate. “Now they are telling us it’s going to be 11 percent more per yard. We talked about this a while ago and now it’s manifesting itself. We are going to be subject far more to supply chain reliability because it’s [aggregate] coming from elsewhere… This is a significant problem on top of everything else that has Mr Myers said hurricanes, and the rough seas
Caribbean seeks permanent ‘exemption’ from US initiative Describing the Caribbean, Central and South America regions as a combined $100bn-plus market for US exporters, Mr Martin added: “A fee of the magnitude that was originally proposed by the US Trade Representative, without targeted coverage provisions, would have disproportionately impacted American shipping companies like Tropical, operating smaller or specialty vessels on short sea shipping routes, and would have been cost prohibitive for the thousands of US exporters that rely on Tropical and similar carriers to transport American products to Caribbean basin markets. “If anything, Tropical encourages the US Trade Representative to stabilise the international shipping
market by terminating the action all together. This would have the effect of stabilising freight rates and creating more certainty in the shipping market for US companies like Tropical and the US exporters that rely on them. “Nevertheless, if suspension of the action is lifted, Tropical requests that the US Trade Representative impose the action as implemented with targeted coverage provisions for US-owned companies’ vessels, smaller-sized vessels and vessels engaged in short-sea shipping.” Mr Martin’s call was echoed by Dr Patrick Antoine, chief executive of the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), said to represent 6,250 firms
IDB: Bahamas digital identity can ease banks’ KYC burden
mechanisms and grievance redress mechanisms,” the IDB added. “The precedent exists, as Parliament legislated a biometric credential at the border in 2025. The pay-off to adoption reaches beyond identity itself - systems that today work around the gap, such as Click2Clear relying on the National Insurance Board card, would finally have a general credential to draw on… “None of these efforts require new technology, only the documentation and reporting that could turn existing investments into visible, accountable services.” The IDB report described digital government, and the development of a national digital identity system, as “the area of greatest promise”. It added: “The country has already placed many public services online and built a significant part of the infrastructure that connects them. What remains is a credential that allows residents and businesses
TRADE - from page B1 “These targeted coverage provisions allow Tropical to continue to operate its fleet of 19 shallow draft vessels, including three vessels that were built in the US, ranging in size from 145 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to 1,100 TEU capacity, and serving over 30 ports throughout the Caribbean basin,” the Tropical Shipping chief said. “Tropical continues to maintain that, if.. fees were implemented as originally proposed and without the targeted coverage provisions, they would have a significant, disproportionate and negative impact on American-owned shipping carriers like Tropical and the US exporters that rely on such carriers.”
ELECTRONIC - from page B1 swift if the legal foundation and an institutional structure that prioritises innovation and digital technologies are in place,” the multilateral lender added, noting the creation of the Ministry of Innovation and National Development headed by Sebas Bastian. “Across both digital public goods, and programmes that use digital technologies for interventions, The Bahamas has made all the necessary investments, and the legal and regulatory frameworks are mostly in place, albeit more advanced in some areas than in others.” Setting out potential reform and improvement priorities for The Bahamas, the IDB urged that the existing My Gateway platform for the delivery of digital government services, such as driver’s licences and passport renewals, which has 120,921 users and handled 222,168 transactions for 19 agencies, develop and publish a common service standard for all of the 135 products and services offered. “Publish the rules of the systems already built,” the IDB argued. “This would apply to the operating framework of the data exchange platform, and the standard of service for MyGateway. Both are missing documentation needed for their implementation. “MyGateway, for example, could send citizens reminders and persuasion messages for various agencies such as passport renewal, tax services, etc. A common standard would apply to all agencies, replacing the agency-by-agency
discretion that currently governs response and resolution times.” It also called on the Government to better monitor and measure the effectiveness and efficiency of its digital platforms, adding that updated data on the Click2Clear Customs system, for example, is lacking. “Where uptake is measured, as in Upskill Bahamas, telehealth and MyGateway, the numbers support further investment. Where it is not, as with Click2Clear, last reported in 2020, valuable programs go unrecognised,” the IDB warned, also urging this nation to “complete the legal foundation for digital identity”. “A road map, an implementing office, a dedicated ministry and a modern data protection statute are all in place. What remains is a law establishing credential status, enrolment
and stormy weather typically encountered in winter months, threaten to disrupt concrete supplies if key materials have to be sourced from elsewhere. “We need to find other sources of aggregate in the country if we can,” he added. “Bahama Rock were shipping aggregate rock to other places in the world and now we are out of rock and have to pay more for concrete. That doesn’t make any damn sense. We gave all our rock away and have to get it from another country.” The former BCA chief said the Government must take situations such as this into account for its national planning, and ensure The Bahamas has its “own sustainable supply” of aggregate to last for up to 25-30 years “if we are going to continue to develop and do so at competitive prices”. Mr Myers said road building costs will also likely increase given that aggregate is a key component, and added that the Government’s own asphalt plant has already increased prices “significantly” for 2026. Among the projects set to be impacted are the Glass Window Bridge in Eleuthera. “On the upside, there’s a considerable amount of
construction and projects in the pipeline for the next 18-24 months, and there’s going to be an impact on the cost of those projects without a doubt,” the former Chamber chair said. Leonard Sands, the current BCA president, echoed and backed Mr Myers, telling Tribune Business that the imminent increase in concrete prices “is not reversible unless we find more local aggregate, which does not seem likely”. “All this could have been avoided if we had found a solution to the Freeport rock problem,” he added. “To me, I believe there is still an opportunity to address it because there are not a lot of things that can be solved by bringing in aggregate from the Dominican Republic. “If we have a hurricane, you cannot run a boat in a storm, and we will have a shortage of supply. It’s not solved by sourcing. It’s solved by going back to a local supplier. It will not reduce demand with a price hike, and we are all going to feel the pinch. “I’m expecting price increases across the board for concrete come January 1. We’re not going to go into 2027 with 2026 prices. They’ll [suppliers] have absorbed as much as they can.”
Mr Sands agreed that homeowners will have to pay more for constructing new housing or renovation projects involving concrete. “I’m not raising the alarm bell,” he said, “but there are increased costs to be expected. “Infrastructure projects, the new hospital under construction in 2027, you can put down that all those projects will have an increase in cost, so those budgets will have to be looked at again when they price it. It’s not going to blow it, but it’s certainly going to impact what the fixed numbers were.” Mr Sands said the only solution is for there to be a compromise, and Bahama Rock re-open and start producing aggregate again. “The Government, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the stakeholders need to come together to get the plant open and re-engage employees,” he added. “The plan has made a request for expansion, and that needs to be seriously considered because we’re at the stage where we need to expand not contract. We need more, not less. More product to build, not less. The wider repercussions and impact are starting to be felt beyond New Providence and Grand Bahama.”
across the Caribbean, who backed the Chinese-made ship sanctions suspension for a further two months and called for the exemption for The Bahamas and wider region to be “made permanent”. Describing the shipping market that serves the region as “the most cost-fragile segment of the maritime economy”, Dr Antoine wrote on October 29, 2026: “A measure calibrated for the world’s largest trades can therefore produce, in the Caribbean, effects out of all proportion to its purpose. “On the CPSO’s estimates, the per-entry fee first proposed in February 2025, in the order of $1m per port call, would have added 50 percent to 60 percent to the freight cost of goods moving between Florida and CARICOM ports, carried on vessels for which no US-built replacement exists on any foreseeable timeline.
“The targeted-coverage exemptions adopted on April 17, 2025, recognised this. The CPSO asks that this recognition endure…. Applied to Caribbean short-sea shipping, the action would disrupt US-CARICOM supply chains built up over three decades and reflected in that $30.1bn of two-way trade. The US also runs recurring annual surpluses with CARICOM in services traded. “The CPSO requests that the US Trade Representative confirm, in any notice that resumes the action, that the targeted-coverage exemptions, as clarified by the notice of October 16, 2025, remain in full force so that the thousands of US and CARICOM private sector firms which rely on efficient maritime services to move goods between CARICOM and the US may continue to plan on a settled basis.”
And Dr Antoine continued: “The benefit of the exemptions is best measured by what did not happen. Between April 17, 2025, and the suspension of the action on November 10, 2025, and since, no liner service to a CARICOM port was withdrawn and, to the CPSO’s knowledge, no carrier serving the region levied a Section 301 surcharge on Caribbean trades, in contrast to the deep-sea trades, where some carriers announced fee recovery surcharges ahead of the October 14, 2025, effective date. “The five lines that provide CARICOM’s consistent service, several operating China-built tonnage, held their schedules, frequencies and rotations. For CARICOM states consistently served by only two, and at most three liners, continuity of service is the difference between stocked and empty shelves.”
to prove who they are and then reuse that verification across agencies. “This would make the existing digital infrastructure more useful by allowing the same identity verification to be reused across multiple government services and, potentially, private sector transactions. Research on Latin American and Caribbean governments documents large efficiency gains from digital transactions, with processing times falling by 74 percent
and institutional delivery costs slashed by at least 44 percent. “Neither estimate is a forecast for The Bahamas, but both illustrate the potential gains from reusable digital identity. These gains could extend to banks, insurers and fintech (financial technology) entities, which must repeatedly verify customers,” the IDB continued. “A trusted government credential could reduce these costs and complement the Sand Dollar and
fast payment trail by providing a common means of establishing identity. The geographic structure of The Bahamas makes this particularly relevant: Digital transactions cannot eliminate distance, but they can reduce the number of interactions for which distance matters. “For Family Island residents, establishing identity once and reusing it across services could therefore lower the recurring cost of accessing government across the archipelago.”
PAGE 6, Tuesday, November 3, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
More drops for AI and tech stocks overshadow gains for most of Wall Street By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer A MORNING rally for U.S. stocks petered out on Monday as the tech and AI industries remained shaky following their sell-off last week. The S&P 500 sank 0.5% after erasing a gain that had reached 1.1% early in the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 213 points, or 0.4%, while the Nasdaq composite fell 1.1%. The mixed performance for indexes came even though the majority of stocks within the S&P 500 climbed. They benefited from a 7.6% drop for the price of a barrel of Brent crude to $104.77. It’s the latest yo-yo move for oil prices on uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow the global industry to return to normal. The price for the most actively traded contract in the Brent market has been veering between roughly $70 and $120 per barrel since just before the war with Iran began, and it’s been quick to reverse direction. So have stocks in the artificial-intelligence industry, which have been shaky for months amid criticism
that they surged too high and are in a bubble. Worries are growing that all the hundreds of billions of dollars Big Tech companies are pouring into AI data centers won’t yield enough productivity and profit to make the investments worth it. The latest profit reports from Alphabet and other Big Tech companies also showed how AI may be dragging on their own businesses. Not only did Google’s parent company burn through more cash during the latest quarter, as measured by something called free cash flow, it also reported slower-than-expected growth in its search business, which raised worries about AI undercutting its cash cow. That caused Alphabet’s stock to drop more than 12% Thursday for its worst day on record. On Monday, Alphabet initially rallied 2.6%, but it later erased the gain and then finished with a loss of 0.3%. Nvidia, meanwhile, went from an early gain of 2.6% to a drop of 1.3% following its 4.2% slide on Friday. Such swings dragged the rest of the market with them. Adding to the weakness in tech was Marvell Technology, which fell 12.7%
after saying it would buy Lumentum. Marvell said it will give 4.5 of its shares for each share of Lumentum, which sells lasers and other products that power the networks and infrastructure behind AI and cloud computing. Lumentum’s shares fell 18.6%. Outside of AI and tech, the U.S. market did much better, and nearly seven out of every 10 stocks in the S&P 500 index rose. Monday’s ease in oil prices helped lift stocks of companies with big fuel bills. United Airlines flew 4.8% higher, Southwest Airlines climbed 3.6% and cruise operator Carnival rose 4.2%. Marriott International rose 4.3% after reporting strength for its hotels around the world. Even in the Middle East, where the war has affected its business, CEO Anthony Capuano said that “trends improved meaningfully” from the spring. Idexx Laboratories leaped 21.8% after it likewise reported stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company, which sells diagnostic equipment and other products to veterinarians, also raised its forecasts for
TRADER JOSEPH STEVENS, left, works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, on May 5, 2026. Photo:Richard Drew/AP revenue and profit for the full year of 2026. All told, the S&P 500 slipped 38.67 points to 7,541.40. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 213.67 to 51,983.98, and the Nasdaq composite fell 272.68 to 25,164.32. Expectations are high for all kinds of companies to continue to deliver big gains in profits as the U.S. economy keeps chugging along, even with high inflation and interest rates. That’s what helped send the S&P 500 to its record last month. A report on Monday said that growth for U.S. manufacturing was better last month than economists expected. Perhaps just as importantly, a measure of inflation in the survey by the Institute for Supply Management showed prices were rising at a slower pace. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe.
The swings were larger in Asia, where South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2.2% on renewed strength for the tech giants that dominate its market. In China, indexes rose 1.1% in Shanghai and 0.4% in Hong Kong to recover some of their steep recent losses. Stocks in Shanghai
finished October more than 15% below a peak reached in May. The People’s Bank of China said Monday that around 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) would be deployed under a new program that could help support the market.
NOTICE KOURO PALATES FZCO LTD. (Voluntary Liquidation)
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, the above-named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 29th day of October, A.D., 2026. The Liquidator is Galnom Ltd., CUB Financial Center, Western Road, Nassau, Bahamas.
GALNOM LTD. Liquidator
NOTICE is hereby given that I YVONNE SEYMOUR of Pitt Road P.O.Box N9426, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 3rd day of November, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE STUDIO ELEVEN FZCO LTD. (Voluntary Liquidation)
28th August
28th August
Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, the above-named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 29th day of October, A.D., 2026. The Liquidator is Galnom Ltd., CUB Financial Center, Western Road, Nassau, Bahamas.
GALNOM LTD. Liquidator
NOTICE
NOTICE
CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL SALES INC.
CHEVRON PHILLIPS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a)
CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL SALES INC. is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.
(b)
The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 29th day of October, 2026 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.
(c)
The Liquidator of the said Company is Mr. Dayrrl R. Butler of #15 Retirement Road P.O. Box N-7777, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
Legal Notice NOTICE NIA ADVISERS INC.
N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) CHEVRON PHILLIPS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said Company com menced on the 29th day of October, 2026 when its Articles of Dissolution were submit ted to and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Mr. Dayrrl R. Butler of #15 Retirement Road P.O. Box N-7777, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a)
NIA ADVISERS INC is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.
(b)
The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 29th day of October 2026.
(c)
The Liquidator of the said Company is Delnom Limited of Deltec House, Lyford Cay, P.O. Box N-3229, Nassau, Bahamas.
Dated the 3rd day of November, A.D., 2026
Dated the 3rd day of November, A.D., 2026
Dated 29th day of October A.D. 2026
HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company
HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Compan
Delnom Limited Liquidator
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, PAGE 7
Reflecting Pool vs the state of the economy: Trump and Dems clash in closing messages By MICHELLE L. PRICE and STEVE PEOPLES Associated Press LESS than 24 hours before polls opened across America, Democrats on Monday fought to stay focused on the economy and move past intraparty infighting in the Midwest, while President Donald Trump promoted construction projects in Washington and cast his Democratic opponents as dangerous radicals. The dueling closing messages came as the nation’s two major parties battled for control of Congress and key governors’ offices. The outcome could fundamentally reshape Trump’s final two years in the White House — and the level of power that comes with it. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s request to sideline thousands of disputed California mail ballots, and the president separately raised the prospect of voter fraud in Alaska. Overall, Democrats expressed overwhelming optimism about their party’s chances Tuesday, while Trump, who has struggled to control rising prices as the war in Iran continues, acknowledged that the midterm election may not go well for him or his party. “For some reason, the sitting president doesn’t win the midterms, but we gave this a very strong shot,” Trump said in remarks at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where he talked extensively about new grass, rusty pipes and algae. “We have a lot of great things planned for Washington, and I could get into (more about) the nation, but for that you don’t have enough time.” The speech at the National Mall, where Democrat Kamala Harris delivered her final address before Election Day 2024, marked Trump’s final scheduled public remarks before Tuesday. The Republican president was also scheduled to participate in nine telerallies for Republican midterm candidates.
that voters are fired up and demanding change. “People are mad, and people want to see change,” said Taylor, who has run on an anti-corruption platform and focused on the cost of living. In Michigan, Democrats deal with fallout from a dramatic split
MICHIGAN Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed speaks during a campaign rally at Eastern Michigan University, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Ypsilanti, Mich. Photo:Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Emboldened Democrats, meanwhile, spent election eve pressing their economic message in places like Iowa, Ohio, Kansas and Texas — red states that have emerged as a central front in the 2026 midterms given Trump’s unpopularity. In the Midwest, however, Democrats worked to contain the fallout from a messy intraparty fight a day after Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens stunned her party by endorsing Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed ‘s Republican opponent, Mike Rogers. El-Sayed made no mention of the controversy at an event Monday at Eastern Michigan University, instead emphasizing that his campaign was about voters, not himself. Asked afterward what he would tell supporters nervous about the impact of Stevens’ endorsement on the race, El-Sayed had a simple message: “Go vote.” Trump focuses on Washington renovations as voters worry about the economy Trump, in his final speech before polls open, delivered rambling remarks Monday afternoon at the Reflecting Pool, where he repeated false statements that the project was sabotaged by vandals. The Justice Department has acknowledged in court that the new blue liner he had installed on the pool
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I DACIA SMITH of, Seabreeze Drive , New Providence, Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 3rd day of November, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I SHENIEL DEBRA ARMBRISTER of Ramry Street, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 3rd day of November, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that I ROLAND JOSEPH of #54 Third Street, Coconut Grove, Robinson Road, New Providence, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration /naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 27thday of October, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
surface peeled and detached because of a rushed repair job. He said little about the national economy, which voters say is their chief concern, aside from insisting it was “great.” “Our country is doing great. I think it’s the greatest we’ve ever done,” Trump declared. “We had a great first term in terms of the economy. We had the best term ever. We had the most successful economy.” The president spent the majority of his remarks focused on the Reflecting Pool renovation, reflecting on the challenge of removing algae and installing new grass, among other things. He also promoted new Washington-area construction projects, including a golf course and a “promenade” that would let people walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River. “It’s a great architectural concept, simple and beautiful and white stone,” Trump said.
PRESIDENT Donald Trump speaks in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Washington. Photo:Mark Schiefelbein/AP Tuesday’s elections were largely an afterthought in the president’s speech. He did, however, briefly portray his political rivals as extremists, claiming that Democrats had “nominated the most extreme and dangerous slate of candidates in American history.” The president’s message in the midterms’ closing days was similarly detached from voters’ concerns about the high cost of living. He’s called affordability a “hoax” along with repeatedly praising the physiques of the GOP’s nominees. Vice President JD Vance stuck closer to the party message while campaigning Monday in Rome, New York. He touted Trump’s moves to end taxes on tips and overtime and secure the border while branding Democrats as “lunatics” who have contempt for American voters. Democrats try to flip Republican-favored seats while grappling with fractures
Democratic candidates were working to capitalize on widespread disaffection over high prices, the fallout from Trump’s war with Iran and historical trends that typically favor the party out of power in midterm elections. In places like Iowa, where voters have not elected a Democratic governor in two decades, Democrat Rob Sand was asking canvassers knocking on doors to help break that streak. “This is it,” said Sand, who faces Republican Zach Lahn. “We have 30-whatever hours to change the direction of the state of Iowa.” He was appearing with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, who cited his own races as proof that a Democrat can win over Trump-backed candidates in states like his own and Iowa. And in Virginia, Democrat Shannon Taylor, a prosecutor seeking to oust longtime GOP Rep. Rob Wittman in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District, said
Democrats in Michigan — a key state in their efforts to try to retake the Senate — were trying to keep their coalition together after a shock on Sunday when Stevens announced she would back the GOP candidate instead of her party’s nominee, appearing at a church service with Rogers. Stevens — who lost in the primary to Abdul El-Sayed — is a staunch supporter of Israel, while El-Sayed is a fierce critic of the U.S. ally. He has also been criticized for past remarks regarding a Michigan synagogue attack and for appearances with controversial streamer Hasan Piker. El-Sayed tried to ignore the controversy on Monday, simply encouraging his supporters to go vote. “There’s only one thing we can do to control the outcome,” he said as he campaigned with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and his grandparents, who greeted the crowd. With over 2.3 million Michigan voters having already cast their ballots as of Monday, the question is whether the extraordinary political drama will matter to those who have yet to vote. Nearly 4.5 million people voted in the 2022 midterms. The state’s regular early in-person voting period ended Sunday, with polls reopening statewide Tuesday.
ARROW-WORD
PAGE 8, Tuesday, November 3, 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
BLONDIE
School Prince William attended
Cigarette substance
Tea, slang
Eyeball layer
Stately, regal
Major artery
Branch of Islam
THE TRIBUNE
Scavenging doglike mammal _ Lumley, pictured
Bleat
Generation
Ingenuous _ hell or _ the roof
WORDSEARCH JUDGE PARKER
As well Extremely drunk
_ justice, fitting Functions retribution
N A I N O I O D E R E T L A F P D C I T A M G I N E A G S E H I O Q M R I M T E M D M D Z R Z E C R D Z N Y Z B N S Z X Y O V I N M Y L A X C C Q L A G R G T A E E O Y I G Y P S Y I D N S G N M D T D S H S A G A N I U V F T A N A I R O D N N E G O K J M A L R C A E B A A L F C Z O I Y A F Q R N P I I S P A R R M J N S G B Q S R L H E H E G O E I A N L W H C O Q C G T S D D N O X U M J O E X L J H J B T P U I E J A L A A F I C E T H E E K S H G G
Top card
Burden
Australian state
Foreign language Hugh _, pictured Road vehicle
CARPE DIEM
_ Witherspoon, actress
Pinch
Wading bird
Use scissors
Bird's beak Language
Tun (anag.)
Tree type Rik _ starred in Bottom
Highpitched cry
Exchange Rate Mechanism (abbr.)
Desert's fertile Annotation spot
Star sign
Give out, apportion
Based on truth
Primate Number Ancient artefact
MARVIN
MUSICAL MODES AND SCALES Find all the terms listed below in the grid. Solution tomorrow ACOUSTIC ● AEOLIAN ● ALGERIAN ALTERED ● BLUES ● CHROMATIC ● DORIAN ENIGMATIC ● FLAMENCO ● GYPSY ● HEXANY HIRAJOSHI ● IONIAN ● LOCRIAN ● LYDIAN PERSIAN ● PHRYGIAN ● SLENDRO
Vend
Immense
Strong brown paper
Nice Silly show of courage
Mineral spring
Canvas shelters
Wanderer
Digging tools
Gemstone
Illinois (abbr.)
Ale
Scene of an event
Use up
French city
Back of the neck
Fencing sword Piece of bread with a savoury topping
Burn or scorch
Region
Fuss
Puts one's feet up
Peaked soft hat
Cognisant
Over there
_ Deighton, author
Discover
Stair surface
FRIDAY’S SOLUTIONS TIGER
ARROW-WORD
DITLOIDS
Black squares: 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 27, 30, 33, 35. Across: Straight, Ahead, Above, Wickedly, Feast, Bran, Sty, Elf, Ahoy, Quick, Seraphim, Dukes, Gamin, Suffuses. Down: Subject, Exam, Your, Ravish, Happens, Vitriolic, Talking, Queues, Daze, Jail, Lackeys.
Across: Davina, Panels, Eli, Tow, Neap, Sect, Oak, Her, Oats, Hemp, Cleanse, Ill, Indus, Ilk, Teachers, Ace, Steal, Guys, Not, See, Lewd, Ups, Airer, Ida, Edge, Bloom, Woo, Nee. Down (left to right): Gaga, Like, Treads, News-reel, Axe, Wig, Libel, Alec, Andrew, Lincoln, Halo, Jars, Eta, Side, Turbo, Then, Rag, Pose, Discussion, Maul, Eye, Doe, Kip, Ska, Sesame. Shaded letters: Jethro Tull
1 5 Children and It by E Nesbit, 2 20:20 Vision, 3 2 Wings on a Plane, 4 6 Chambers in a Revolver, 5 12 Numbers on a Clock, 6 Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams
THE ALPHAPUZZLE
CALVIN & HOBBES
Across: Sift, Paroxysm, Utensil (clue), Hound, Gorge, Mirage, Locate, Warren, Jocund, Sisal, Asked, Guzzles, Hedgerow, Less. Down: Squiggle, Mash, Freer, Clocked, Aspect, Undue, Aplomb, Adagio, Other, Assize, Younger, Salve, Mode, Analysis.
TV CROSSWORD Across: 1 Stuke, 6 Milo, 8 Mosquito, 10 Aggie, 11 Mavis, 12 French, 15 Nick, 17 Bart, 19 Younger, 21 Neve, 22 Takes. Down: 2 Tina, 3 Empson, 4 Duff, 6 McGarty, 7 & 5 & 16 One Born Every Minute, 9 Spencer, 13 Home, 14 Ben Fogle, 17 Bean, 18 Time, 20 Una. TV show: Rooster
PUZZLES@REACHPLC.COM
DENNIS THE MENACE
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE SUDOKU EASY
THE ALPHABEATER
WORDS GIVEN
MUDDLESOME Nico Rosberg Sebastian Vettel Lewis Hamilton
CLOCK-WISE Zebu, Bude, Dear, Aral, Alda, Daze
QUIZ OF THE WEEK 1 Said, 2 Tier, 3 London, 4 1960s, 5 New Kids On The Block, 6 Wagons, 7 Sword, 8 Happy Valley, 9 J. M. Barrie, 10 Recto.
TRIVIA WORDSEARCH 1 Jerry Lee Lewis, 2 Tom Hanks, 3 Rhodes, 4 Mira Sorvino, 5 Roscius, 6 Island, 7 Ozymandias, 8 Malaya, 9 P T Barnum, 10 Brobdingnag
8 4 2 6 9 1 7 5 3
5 1 3 4 7 8 2 6 9
9 7 6 3 2 5 8 1 4
6 5 9 2 1 3 4 7 8
7 8 1 9 5 4 3 2 6
2 3 4 7 8 6 1 9 5
4 2 5 8 6 7 9 3 1
SUDOKU MEDIUM 3 6 7 1 4 9 5 8 2
1 9 8 5 3 2 6 4 7
BATTLESHIPS
6+7=13, 3x5=15, 9x2=18
Across: INCUR Down: WRATH
9 1 4 7 8 5 3 6 2
3 7 8 4 6 2 9 1 5
5 6 1 8 7 9 4 2 3
4 9 2 5 3 1 6 8 7
1 3 6 9 2 8 5 7 4
2 5 9 6 4 7 1 3 8
SUDOKU DIFFICULT
8 4 7 1 5 3 2 9 6
KAKURO
4 1 9 8 2 6 7
SMALL CROSSWORD
CROSS DOUBT
6 8 3 2 1 4 7 5 9
KEIJO
1 2 1 6 3 9 4 7 2 5 1 5 3 1 2 1 2
SUMTHING
Across: 1 Predicate, 7 Rage, 8 Prism, 10 Rub, 11 Terror, 13 Electrons, 14 Zebras, 16 Dot, 18 Event, 19 Rile, 20 Distances. Down: 1 Pretended, 2 Rarely, 3 Dear, 4 Cry, 5 Airport, 6 Embassies, 8 Protect, 9 Creates, 12 Enable, 15 Barn, 17 Ant.
7 2 5 3 9 6 8 4 1
1 1 3 2 2 3 8 7 1 3 9 8 1 1 6 4 2 3 9 1
4
2
3
1
3
1
4
2
1
3
2
4
2
4
1
3
QUICK CROSSWORD
TARGET
Across: 7 Extraordinary, 8 Sediment, 9 Ewer, 10 Enmesh, 12 Obtuse, 14 Allays, 16 Scheme, 18 Plea, 20 Inherent, 22 Foolhardiness. Down: 1 External, 2 Arrive, 3 More, 4 Editions, 5 Intent, 6 Urge, 11 Hospital, 13 Sameness, 15 Arable, 17 Hiring, 19 Loot, 21 Hide.
PATRIARCH apart carp chap chapati chip chirp haptic harp paca pact pair para parch pariah parr part patch path PATRIARCH pica pitch pith raphia rapt tapir trap trip
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, November 3, 2026, PAGE 9
‘You go girl!’
SECTION D
TuESDay, NOvEmbEr 3, 2026
Lori serenaded by rap star Common at festival
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net RAP star Common turned an evening at Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club into an unforgettable experience for Lori Edmonds Gregory when he serenaded her on stage during the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. Lori was among the scores of music lovers who attended Nawlin’s Nightcap, featuring chef Nina Compton and The Essence Band, at Baha Mar. Guests arrived dressed to impress in vibrant dresses and dancing shoes as cocktails and food were served. The atmosphere became more lively when Common took the stage. The Grammy Award-winning rapper delivered a medley of classic hits, including “Come Close”, a song about love and choosing a soulmate. The crowd erupted when he invited a free-spirited woman to join him on stage. Lori, who was seated in the front row, seized the opportunity. She was escorted to a chair beside the rap star, who held her hand as he performed. Dressed in a lemon-yellow outfit, she was cheered on by the crowd, with one woman shouting: “You go girl, dance the night away.” Common also delivered a freestyle that incorporated Bahamian culture, mentioning “conch and Bamboo Shack”. Speaking to The Tribune, Lori described the experience as amazing and the highlight of her day. The unexpected moment added to her planned weekend of masterclasses with world-renowned chefs. Lori, a chef and caterer based in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, said it was not her first time attending the festival. After attending last year, she knew she had to return.
Cartwright urges richer Commonwealth nations: "adopt" smaller states in push for women's equality ST. JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda – Wealthier Commonwealth countries should put their resources to work for women by helping smaller states expand access to financing, training and economic opportunities, Minister of Social Services Senator Barbara Cartwright told the Commonwealth Women's Forum yesterday. Speaking alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Ms Cartwright made a direct appeal to delegates. "Adopt a member state. Share policies, training and programs with them," she said. The Bahamas chairs the Commonwealth Women's Affairs Ministers Meeting (WAMM), a role it assumed in August 2023 under the late Obediah Wilchcombe. It is now serving beyond the customary three-year cycle after accepting an invitation to extend its chairmanship so a new chair can be elected. "A prosperous and resilient Commonwealth requires a Commonwealth where the wealth is made common," Ms Cartwright said, calling for equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities for all.
She stressed that women's prospects should not depend on the size or economic strength of their country. Women in advanced and developing economies alike, she said, need access to resources, markets, financial tools and decision-making roles to contribute fully to national development. "Thriving women drive prosperous economies," she said. Ms Cartwright singled out small island developing states such as The Bahamas, where limited funding can constrain support for women's organisations and the training needed to advance equality. She also urged investment to reflect the realities of an ageing population, noting that women carry much of the responsibility for caregiving. Investment in care, she argued, would widen women's economic participation and strengthen family wellbeing. While acknowledging the gains women have made across the Commonwealth, she warned of policy reversals and organised resistance to gender equality, and urged member countries to protect progress by strengthening laws, policies and programmes. Empowerment efforts, she added, must reach women and girls from
She said she had learned new cooking techniques during the masterclasses and believed The Bahamas was the best place to be. “I just feel they do a superb job of throwing the festival and the food is out of this world,” she said. The evening also featured a curated menu blending New Orleans and Bahamian flavours. Dishes included chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, barbecue shrimp with coconut grits, and bread pudding with rum caramel and soursop cream. Nadia Bowe, Baha Mar’s executive director of sales and marketing, said the event was sold out. She said Common’s interactive performance brought an electrifying energy to the evening. Nawlin’s Nightcap was held on October 22 as part of the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, which ran from October 21 to 25 at Baha Mar.
disadvantaged communities who face the greatest barriers. At home, she said, her ministry's Poverty Reduction Outreach and Expo, held to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, brought resources and services into inner-city communities and connected women and girls with non-governmental organisations offering support. Ms Cartwright also called for greater collaboration to dismantle systemic barriers, including discriminatory restrictions on employment and unequal marriage laws. She advocated continued training on gender-based violence, wider access to digital financial services and stronger data collection to measure the results of investment in women. She is accompanied by Sharmie Farrington, director of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, whose work includes advancing gender equality, strengthening families and addressing gender-based violence in The Bahamas. The forum, officials said, offers a chance to exchange practical approaches and build partnerships. Ms Cartwright paid tribute to her predecessors, the late Mr Wilchcombe and former Social Services Minister Myles Laroda, as she pledged to carry forward The Bahamas' work as WAMM chair. "I am happy and humble to receive this baton and to continue the work," she said. The Bahamas hosted the WAMM in Nassau in August 2023, helping shape a shared agenda on women's leadership, economic empowerment, ending gender-based violence, and gender and climate action. The 2026 forum brings together representatives of government,
civil society, development organisations and youth groups. Its outcomes will inform discussions among Commonwealth leaders. Ms Cartwright urged delegates to honour women who have
overcome adversity and championed equality by continuing their work through sustained cooperation and action.
Senator Barbara Cartwright at her first official CHOGM as Minister of Social Services
PAGE 10, Tuesday, November 3, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
Bored, not hungry:
How to break the snacking habit A Cleveland Clinic psychologist says the fix starts with a pause YOU didn't want the drivethrough meal. You were just tired of the long, dull commute, and now you're uncomfortably full. It's a common story, and it has a biological explanation. Boredom is an uncomfortable state of under-stimulation tied to a dip in dopamine, said Susan Albers, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic. Food is one of the fastest ways to activate the brain's reward center. "Boredom eating is something we do primarily to create stimulation, comfort or a change in mood," Albers said. Hunger or boredom? Before reaching for a snack, Albers recommends a quick check-in: Is this physical hunger, boredom or both? Real hunger builds gradually and shows up in the body as stomach sensations, low energy and trouble concentrating. Boredom hunger arrives like an alarm, urgent and sudden. If the craving seems to come from nowhere, Albers suggests asking when you last ate, whether you're tired, stressed or lonely, and what you might want that isn't food. If you are physically hungry, eat, even if you're also bored. The goal is to understand your needs, not ignore them. And if you can't tell the difference, don't scold yourself.
"A little bit of emotional eating isn't a bad thing," Albers said. The trouble comes when it becomes your only way of coping. Seven strategies If you aren't hungry for food, Albers offers these steps: Plan ahead. Most people have predictable triggers, such as commuting, scrolling on a phone or watching TV. If backto-back meetings send you to the vending machine, schedule a walk or an outdoor break afterward. Change locations. Environment can fuel the habit, especially during transitions like the commute home. It can also break it. Moving to another room, a different chair or outside can re-stimulate the brain. Make a menu of alternatives. Write a list of small tasks to turn to when the urge hits: a puzzle, a drawer to organize, a call to a friend, some light cardio or an errand. Get outside. Nature stimulates the senses, lifts mood, reduces stress and sharpens focus. It's also energizing, which helps when afternoon sluggishness masquerades as hunger. Try the 5-5-5-5-5 exercise. When boredom is severe, list five things you could do, five people to contact, five reliable distractions, five calming places nearby and five ways to relax.
Health and wellbeing of elderly central to Sip N Paint event
opportunities to remain active in community life. The event ended the month on a joyful note, with creativity and companionship reinforcing its wider message—that older persons’ health, voices and wellbeing deserve continued attention throughout the year.
Paintbrushes, conversation and camaraderie brought a colourful close to Older Persons Month as seniors gathered in strong numbers at the Department of Social Services Multipurpose Room for a Sip N Paint event. The well-attended gathering placed the health and wellbeing of older persons at its centre, offering participants an opportunity to relax, explore their creativity and enjoy the companionship of others. Organised by the Department’s Disability Affairs/Senior Citizens Division, the final event rounded
appointments or managing physical conditions. Opportunities to socialise, participate and feel valued are also an important part of older persons’ wellbeing. The Sip N Paint gathering brought those priorities into focus through an accessible, shared activity. It followed other Older Persons Month initiatives, including “Seniors: Let’s Talk!” and the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre Caregiver Symposium, which addressed healthcare, mental wellbeing, family support and the needs of those caring for older Bahamians. movement. Just as valuable is the satisfaction of creating something of their own, with room for individual expression and a sense of accomplishment. The group setting added another dimension to the experience. Participants shared the occasion with friends and fellow seniors, supporting one another as they worked on their canvases. The camaraderie reflected the importance of community connections in supporting emotional wellbeing in later life. Healthy ageing involves more than attending medical
off a month of activities focused on seniors’ rights, care, inclusion and quality of life. Painting offered a therapeutic outlet for self-expression. Choosing colours, working with a brush and watching a picture take shape gave participants something enjoyable to concentrate on, while creating space for conversation and encouragement around the tables. For older persons, activities such as painting can provide meaningful opportunities to keep the mind engaged and exercise coordination through gentle, purposeful
Think of it as an expanded alternatives menu. Do something new. The brain craves novelty much as it craves food. Small changes help, such as a different route home, a new podcast, unfamiliar music or a dance routine. Doing things your brain finds rewarding keeps boredom from setting in. Be kind to yourself. Albers' guiding principle for food concerns is "be curious, not critical." Skip the negative self-talk and ask what your body needs right now. Gentleness makes the question easier to answer. When to seek help Eating from boredom is extremely common, whatever your health history. Though it can be linked to conditions such as ADHD, autism or an eating disorder, it isn't necessarily a sign of one. Albers advises contacting a health care provider if the habit causes shame, guilt or distress. The same goes if it brings side effects such as weight gain or digestive problems, feels out of control, involves eating large amounts quickly or is a constant source of worry. A provider can help identify what's driving the pattern and recommend support. You don't have to wait until it feels severe. The aim, Albers said, isn't perfection. It's a more flexible, comfortable relationship with food, without judgment for the times you eat simply because you're bored. Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center. I can also put this in a Word doc if you'd like.
The month also coincided with the historic passage of the Older Persons Rights, Protection, Care and Support Bill, 2026, through both the House of Assembly and the Senate. That parliamentary milestone marked a significant step towards strengthening the framework for older persons’ dignity, protection, care and support. Alongside that legislative progress, the closing celebration highlighted the everyday experiences that also matter to seniors: being welcomed, sharing laughter, building friendships and having
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, PAGE 11
Sister Sister salutes the strength, resilience and love of Bahamian women
The photographs make room for joy. Their smiles and poised expressions offer an uplifting close to a month devoted to awareness, while recognising that every survivor’s experience is deeply personal. That spirit of connection is central to Sister Sister’s work. Guided by its motto, “Women Helping Others,” the organisation provides emotional and spiritual encouragement alongside practical assistance, including help with chemotherapy ports and other medical needs. Its survivor network offers patients something equally meaningful: the companionship of people who understand. The close of Breast Cancer Awareness Month also leads into November’s celebration of Bahamian women—a fitting moment to honour the women who face illness, those who stand beside them and
Leshia Devoe Butler AGAINST blue skies and turquoise waters, flowing pink fabric catches the breeze. At the centre of each portrait stands a woman whose life holds a story of courage, survival and hope. As its October advocacy campaign came to a close, the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group celebrates Bahamian women through a striking photographic series by Warren Grant, honouring women who have faced breast cancer and survived. Featured are Leshia Devoe Butler, Rochelle Bain, Cheryl Seymour and Shantell Cox Hutchinson. Wearing pink with purpose, the women bring warmth, confidence and individuality to portraits that celebrate life beyond a diagnosis.
Cheryl Seymour
Shantell Cox Hutchinson
Rochelle Bain
those whose lives remain cherished in memory. Through Grant’s lens, these four survivors help carry that tribute forward. Sister Sister salutes the resilience, strength and love of Bahamian women: those receiving treatment, those embracing life after cancer, and those supporting a sister, mother, daughter or friend. The pink ribbons may mark a month, but the care and commitment continue throughout the year.
Ladies With Chapters inspires women to own their Stories at “Next Chapter with Shem Neilly” An empowering gathering centred on the blueprint to Accept, Embrace 2 Inspire NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Garden of Eden. October 31, 2026 — Ladies With Chapters brought women together for Next Chapter With Shem Neilly, an intimate gathering focused on owning their stories and stepping boldly into their next chapter.
Shem Neilly, professional in the Electrical Industry, founder of Ladies With Chapters, author, empowerment speaker, and The visionary behind No Breaks Just Power Her International Women’s Conference. Shem poured
into the women with heartfelt encouragement and practical guidance. Her message reminded participants that their experiences hold value, their voices matter, and they have the power to shape what comes next. Through her signature Accept, Embrace 2 Inspire framework, Shem shared a
blueprint for moving forward with intention: accept where you are, embrace the lessons within your journey, and use your story to inspire others. The session encouraged women to reflect on the chapters that shaped them, recognize their strength, and identify meaningful steps toward the future
Foreign Affairs hosts 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Health Expo and Screening NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Continuing the global fight against breast cancer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted its Second Breast Cancer Awareness Health Expo and Screening at the Passport Office grounds, October 29, 2026 -- this year to the theme, ‘Passport to Hope: Together We Fight, Together We Rise.’ The initiative fostered community wellness, encouraged active living, and raised funds for the Cancer Society of The Bahamas. Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville views some of the stalls and exhibits that catered to health screenings, informationals, and being a part of an important community effort. (BIS Photos/Patrice Johnson)
they envision. At its heart was a powerful reminder: no one knows your story like you do—and owning it is part of moving forward. More than a seat at the table, Next Chapter With Shem Neilly offered space for honest conversation, connection, and renewed purpose. Women were encouraged to give
themselves permission to grow, pursue their goals, and turn reflection into action. The gathering reflects Ladies With Chapters’ continued commitment to creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to write their next chapter with courage.
PAGE 12, Tuesday, November 3, 2026
THE TRIBUNE
The
(gender-based) good food guide Believe it or not, more and more experts believe we should be eating differently depending on our biological sex. By TANITH CAREY
E
ating together is one of the most bonding activities we do regularly with our partners. But if we’re in a heterosexual relationship, should we really be sharing all the same meals? While the foundations of a healthy diet are the same for everyone, a growing amount of research is finding that men and women don’t get the same benefits from the same foods. Differences between the sexes in muscle mass, hormones, reproductive organs and metabolism affect our body’s ability to use nutrients.
SAY NO TO ANOTHER GLASS, ESPECIALLY WOMAN Sharing a bottle of wine over dinner? If you’re a woman, it may be wise to stop after a glass or two. One reason is that women produce far less alcohol dehydrogenase in their stomachs, a group of enzymes that help break down alcohol. As a result, when a woman drinks alcohol, it enters her bloodstream more quickly.
EAT MORE TOMATOES, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE A MAN
Tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse for everyone, but they seem to offer even more benefits if you’re a man. For example, if you’re planning to become a father, the antioxidant lycopene, the pigment that gives tomatoes their rich red colour, has been found to improve sperm quality. In one clinical trial, healthy men who took a daily supplement containing the equivalent of around two tablespoons of concentrated tomato purée made sperm that were more likely to swim well and showed fewer signs of DNA damage. The benefits don’t stop there. As men age, lycopene seems to protect against cell damage and mutations, lowering the risk of prostate disease. This is when the prostate – a walnut-sized organ located below the bladder which produces seminal fluid – gets gradually bigger, making men want to go to the loo more as they age. It also has a protective effect against prostate cancer, according to a 2016 review published in the journal Scientific Reports. The good news is you don’t have to eat tomatoes raw to get more of them into your diet. In fact, your body will absorb lycopene better from cooked or processed tomato products, like tomato purée, passata, soup and sauces. Nutritionist Kirsty McNiven, co-founder of geno3.com, which helps people understand their own health patterns by combining genetics and lifestyle, says: “Cooking tomatoes can help break down the plant structure and make lycopene more available for the body to absorb. Adding a healthy fat source, like olive oil, can also support absorption because lycopene is fat soluble. “Simple options like cooked tomatoes, passata, tomato sauces or adding tomatoes into Mediterranean-style meals are also easy ways to include more.”
BEWARE INSTANT NOODLES, IF YOU’RE A WOMAN
They’re cheap, convenient, ready in minutes and all you have to do is add boiling water. But that bowl of ready-made noodles may be worse for your health if you’re female. A 2014 study, published in the journal Nutrition, analysed the eating habits of almost 11,000 Korean adults aged 19 to 64. It found that women who ate instant noodles more than twice a week were much more likely to have metabolic syndrome. This is a cluster of conditions that includes high blood sugar, rising cholesterol levels and added fat around the tummy. However, this rise in metabolic
have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers believe flavonoids increase the production of nitric oxide, a compound in our bloodstream that helps boost blood vessel flexibility and circulation. So if you’re a man who doesn’t overdo it and chooses brands that don’t have lots of added sugar and fat, it may even help reduce the risk of strokes. In one 2012 study by the University of Aberdeen, platelets – the cells in the blood that make it clot – were found to clump up less in men’s bodies after eating dark chocolate, compared to women. According to Professor Baukje de Roos of the university’s Rowett Institute of Nutrition Health: “Although we found that dark chocolate is beneficial for both men and women, different mechanisms appear to be at work, and the effect we observed was larger in men.”
‘A growing amount of research is finding that men and women don’t get the same benefits from the same foods’ syndrome was not seen in men, even when they ate the same amount of noodles. The researchers believe women’s hormones make them more sensitive to blood sugar fluctuations, which can be triggered by high-carb foods. Other reasons could include the fact that fast food can contain preservatives which may disrupt women’s metabolisms more. According to Hyun Shin, a cardiologist and nutrition epidemiologist who co-authored the study: “Although instant noodles are a convenient and delicious food, there could be an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, given the food’s high sodium content, unhealthy saturated fat and glycaemic load.”
DARK CHOCOLATE IS BETTER FOR MEN
Sharing a bar of dark chocolate with your partner? If you’re a man, you can argue that you deserve to have the last few squares because it’s better for you. Dark chocolate, particularly the kinds that contain at least 70% cocoa solids, is rich in plant compounds called flavonoids, which
IF YOU’RE A WOMAN, UP YOUR TOFU Soybeans contain natural plant compounds called isoflavones, which have a weak oestrogen-like effect in the body. While they’re far less powerful than the body’s own oestrogen, some research suggests soy – found in foods like tofu, edamame, tempeh and soya milk – can help take the edge off some of the uncomfortable side effects of the hormonal changes during menopause. Nutritionist Kevin Greene says: “Research shows that regular consumption of soya foods may help to modestly reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flushes in some women and can support heart and bone health as women age. Men needn’t avoid soy either. Large reviews have found no proof eating soy foods lowers testosterone levels or affects their fertility. “But it appears that women are more likely to benefit from soy’s natural plant oestrogens, particularly during and after menopause.”
Women also have a lower percentage of water in their bodies than men – on average around 50% compared with about 60% – because of differences in fat and muscle composition. This means the same amount of alcohol is more concentrated in a woman’s blood and, over time, does more damage to the female liver, brain and cardiovascular systems. What’s more, alcohol is more damaging for women because it affects oestrogen levels and produces DNA-damaging chemicals. This seems to affect women’s breast tissue more than men’s breast tissue, according to a 2025 meta-analysis presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Breast Cancer Congress. Nutritionist Kevin Greene, from weight management company almased.co.uk, says: “My advice would be to treat alcohol guidelines as an upper limit rather than a target. Try to spread alcohol intake across the week, include alcohol-free days, avoid binge drinking and be mindful of portion sizes.”
IF YOU’RE A WOMAN, UP YOUR KALE AND LENTILS, BUT BEWARE OF TOO MUCH TEA
The NHS recommends getting 14.8mg of iron a day if you’re a woman aged 19 to 50 – almost twice the amount advised for men. That’s because during a typical period, women lose around 1mg of iron in their menstrual blood. Iron is vital for making haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Without enough, you can feel tired, weak and short of breath. To replace this loss, women are encouraged to eat plenty of iron-rich foods, including beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, oily fish and green leafy vegetables like kale. But there is one surprising catch: your cup of tea could be getting in the way. Tea contains natural plant compounds called tannins, which can bind to iron, particularly when you’re eating it from plant foods, making it harder to absorb. Drinking tea with or soon after an ironrich meal can reduce iron absorption, in some cases by more than half, studies have found. To get more iron, try leaving a gap of an hour or two between drinking tea and eating your main iron-rich meals.
IF YOU’RE A MAN, HELP YOURSELF TO OYSTERS
Zinc is an essential mineral for everyone. It helps our bodies make the enzymes needed for cell growth and repair, wound healing and a healthy immune system. Because our bodies can’t store or make zinc, we need to get it regularly from what we eat. But men need more of it than women. The NHS recommends 11mg a day for men, compared with 8mg for women. That’s because zinc plays a key role in making testosterone, the main male sex hormone. Too little can leave men feeling tired, with a lower sex drive. It’s also crucial for making healthy sperm and supporting the normal function of the prostate gland. One of the richest natural sources is oysters. Just three oysters could provide around 74mg of zinc, almost seven times a man’s recommended daily intake. Nutritionist Cassie Bali, of valehealth. co.uk, says: “Zinc is essential for men and women, but it’s certainly one of the minerals I come back to time and time again when I’m working with men on their sperm health. “It’s required in the production of sex hormones, and for making new sperm cells. It’s used therapeutically for infertility, low testosterone and erectile dysfunction.”