11132025 NEWS by tribune242

THURSDAY

Your gameday meal is here

‘RESTRAINT WILL BE TESTED’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

CORRECTIONAL

officers’ restraint and professionalism will be tested as they are now tasked with guarding the man accused of killing one of their colleagues, Commissioner of Corrections Doan Cleare admitted yesterday.

“It is our job,” he said at an emotional comfort and healing session for

slain Ashantino Johnson’s co-workers. The room filled with sobs as colleagues mourned the 23-year-old officer who had only months earlier gradu ated from the department’s training programme. Tears flowed freely as officers embraced one another and sang hymns, including It’s So Sweet to Trust in Jesus and Because He Lives. “It is our mandate to take RESTRAINT - SEE PAGE

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

WORK has begun to prepare the Gladstone Road site where the government plans to relocate New Providence’s long-troublesome roadside garages, newly appointed Environment and Natural Resources Minister Zane Lightbourne said yesterday. “Infrastructure work has to be completed before the property can be used,” he said, adding that he has been in talks with the Ministers of Works and of Urban Renewal and Housing, who are collaborating on the effort. The initiative follows

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FATHER-TO-BE James Lambert, known across Nassau’s entertainment scene as “Milky,” died in a car crash as he prepared to welcome his second child.

As tributes flooded in for the 34-year-old, known for organising concerts and parties, his grieving mother Debbie Lambert said it comforted her to see how much he was loved. Friends described him

as joyful, calm, and the life of the party.

“He’s not supposed to go before me,” Ms Lambert said through tears. “We never talked about his death. We always talked about what would happen if I died.” Police said the accident happened shortly after 6am on November 7. Officers who responded to a collision on Bethel Avenue, off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, found a red Nissan Note that

GARAGES - SEE PAGE THREE TRAGEDY - SEE PAGE THREE

Fields: Deactivate inactive taxi and livery plates

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Nassau

Cruise Port director has praised the government’s decision to recall nearly 800 inactive taxi and livery plates, but believes officials should go further by permanently deactivating them and imposing a moratorium to curb the oversaturated market.

Ed Fields, who served as

the port’s director of business development and is the former managing director of the Downtown Nassau Partnership, also urged the government to publish a list of current plate holders, saying he is certain some plates are being held by people who should not have them.

“The distribution of public service franchises is not as a result of any analysis of need, nor is it based on awarding these

franchises to people who are directly engaged in the industry,” he said. “They are coveted gems that serve as rewards to the favoured.”

His comments came after the Ministry of Transport and Energy announced plans to recall 783 taxi and livery plates that had been inactive for more than six months.

Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said

PLATES - SEE PAGE FOUR

JAMES ‘Milky’ Lambert and his mother, Debbie Lambert.

ED FIELDS

PRISON officers mourning their murdered colleague during memorial service yesterday.

Photo: Lynaire Munnings

Mom: Remember James for joy he brought to others

had struck a utility pole and a severely injured man lying unresponsive outside the vehicle. Lambert was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital, where he later died.

Ms Lambert said her son’s long-term girlfriend grew worried when he did not return home the night before.

“When we got there, they were working on him, and two minutes later, we were told he passed away,” she said.

She described her son as the love of her life and said they had spoken the night before the crash. He had been planning to move with his four-yearold son and pregnant girlfriend.

Originally from Grand Bahama, Ms Lambert said she raised her only child largely on her own. Lambert grew up on that island before settling in New Providence, where he built a reputation as an energetic promoter and devoted father.

She said he adored his four-year-old son and was eagerly awaiting the birth of his second child.

“He was very excited and hoping for a girl, and he knew everything. They chose names. So it’s just a whole tragedy.”

Her grandson is now

living with her. She said the little boy does not yet know his father has died, but she already sees glimpses of her son’s personality in him. Lambert’s girlfriend, who is expecting their baby soon, has also been struggling with the loss. Ms Lambert said she is trying to support her as much as possible as they face the months ahead

without him. Since the crash, Ms Lambert said she has tried to keep busy with work but finds the grief unbearable.

She urged people to remember her son for the joy he brought to others, saying he could light up any room he walked into.

Police investigations into the crash continue.

LIGHTBOURNE: LAND HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED OFF GLADSTONE RD AND GOVT WORKING ON

decades of public frustration over garages operating in residential areas and along major roads, where mechanics have carried out repairs, bodywork, and car stripping on verges and sidewalks. Several fires have broken out at these sites, prompting repeated calls for government action.

“It’s already been too long in terms of these garages being moved over decades,” Mr Lightbourne said. “That’s why the government has taken steps to already identify the land, and I think that it’s going to begin to move quickly once we have completed the infrastructure. I think it has been moving fairly quickly for the time it was established.”

He said the government will also hold discussions with the larger

garage owners to ensure a smooth transition once the site is ready.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has previously described the issue as complex, warning that without a designated space, the problem could simply shift elsewhere. In March, Minister of Works Clay Sweeting said an inter-ministerial committee formed by the prime minister had started consultations with garage owners to design a relocation plan that works for all parties.

The late Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Vaughn Miller, who spearheaded the initiative before his death in September, said during the mid-year budget debate that major garages on Joe Farrington Road, Soldier Road, and Augusta Street had agreed to relocate to the Gladstone Road area. Funding for the relocation

was included in the current national budget.

Mr Lightbourne, who previously served as Minister of State and was appointed to the substantive Cabinet post following Mr Miller’s death, said the Office of the Prime Minister granted the land for the project. He said the government is determined to see the decades-old issue resolved once and for all.

“We know that the public is anxious for this to be done, and we’re not going to be satisfied until we have these garages moved out of the community,” he said.

He also paid tribute to Mr Miller for his mentorship and commitment to the project.

Mr Lightbourne said his broader priorities include improving waste collection, expanding recycling, beautifying New Providence, and promoting environmental education.

A ROADSIDE garage seen on Bancroft Lane last year. NEWLY APPOINTED ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL

JAMES ‘Milky’ Lambert with his girlfriend and son.

Fields: Issues go far deeper than a recall will resolve

PLATES

from page one

the high number of inactive plates has “skewed” revenue intake at the Road Traffic Department, with an audit now underway.

Mr Fields called the move a great step in addressing long-standing problems in the industry but said more decisive action is needed, adding that the issues go “far deeper than a recall will resolve.”

He warned that reactivating the plates would worsen the existing imbalance in the market.

“If these plates are

inactive and we are currently in a state of imbalance, re-issuance would only exacerbate the situation,” he said. “That’s just plain and simple math.”

Mr Fields also said the government should release the names of existing plate holders, insisting that public officers and people outside the transportation industry should not possess them.

He further called for a moratorium on new plates until supply and demand are properly balanced and urged political parties to pledge that the moratorium will be maintained and plates will not be used as political

handouts.

He said the “insidious practice of leasing plates” must also end, calling this “akin to sharecropping or indentured servitude.”

“The practice of issuing contracts, permits, plates and franchises to people so that they can lease them out is unfair,” he said, “The practice simply creates middlemen between citizens deserving of those opportunities while enriching those that do not deserve or are, under the law, not entitled to them.”

Industry representatives have long criticised the government’s handling of taxi

plate issuances, with Bahamas Taxicab Union President Tyrone Butler saying officials should have recalled inactive plates before “recklessly” issuing hundreds of new ones years ago. He said the move oversaturated the market, forcing many operators to lease their plates to others, only for many to later go inactive as demand declined.

He said some plates belong to retired or deceased holders and that he supports the government recalling those. However, he believes people should still be allowed to update their plates if necessary.

NJC: Over 120 apply to serve as judges for 2025 Junkanoo parades

MORE than 120 people have applied to serve as judges for the 2025 Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades, according to the National Junkanoo Committee.

Officials have foreshadowed different rules for the upcoming parades as they proceed without involvement from the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence, the longtime manager of the parades.

The Parade Management Team (PMT), working in collaboration with the

National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), said about 85 of the applicants are based in New Providence, with the rest from the Family Islands who want to support their local parades.

PMT Chairman Douglas Hanna said in a statement that the process to finalise the judging panel is progressing on schedule, with training and orientation sessions already underway. These sessions, he said, have seen strong participation and focus on traditional Junkanoo judging rules,

along with a few refinements suggested by parade groups. Those proposed changes will be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday with group leaders and representatives from all categories before the final rules are set.

“Once input from the various groups is received, the final tally of judges will meet the traditional complement required for Bay Street,” said Mr Hanna. “We also want to assure the public that the judging pool will consist entirely

of individuals with proven experience in judging parades and cultural events. Our goal is to ensure a fair, consistent, and transparent process reflective of the spirit of Junkanoo.”

He said the PMT expects to release the final rules and judging framework as early as next week.

“Fair play, transparency, and accountability will be the hallmarks of this year’s judging,” Mr Hanna said. “The groups have called for it, and we are responding.”

At a press briefing last month, Calvin Greene, deputy chair and grand marshal of the Parade Management Committee, said the new body is now assembling judges and other key personnel for the parades. He said the committee will soon meet with Junkanoo leaders to ratify rules and ensure they align with the committee’s vision. Mr Greene added that all A Groups will be allowed to compete this year and that disqualifications will be replaced with point deductions.

ED FIELDS

Cleare: The 2024 squad is close knit and have take Officer’s death hard

RESTRAINT from page one

the worst of the worst,” added Commissioner Cleare. “It is our mandate to make the worst of the worst the best of the best upon their release. It would be a difficult task, but we have to exercise restraint and carry the mandates of the courts. The courts place persons here in our care for us to protect them and to bring them back to court for justice. Although it will be difficult for staff, we have very, very good staff, and they will do their job.”

The healing service, hosted by the Department of Correctional Services Chaplaincy Unit, was held for Johnson’s colleagues, especially his 2024 squadmates and officers of “A” Division in maximum

security. The service followed the charging of a man with Johnson’s murder and two counts of attempted murder. Two other officers injured in the attack were also present and are said to be recovering well.

“The 2024 squad is one of the most cohesive squads that we have ever had,”

Commissioner Cleare said. “This squad is made up mainly of persons from the Family Islands, and they became very close. That’s why they have taken this so hard. We had to work extremely tirelessly to bring in professional counselling for them. We have had full-time psychiatrists, psychologists, and outside counsellors speak to them. What you saw today was just a part of that process.”

Johnson was fatally stabbed and two of his

colleagues wounded during a fight at Blu Ice Restaurant & Bar shortly before 2am on November 5. Videos circulating online showed a chaotic scene inside the lounge as patrons looked for safety while a man swung at others. Outside, the suspected attacker reportedly confronted an off-duty police officer, leading to a scuffle during which the officer’s service weapon was discharged, grazing the suspect’s head.

Johnson, originally from Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, died just months after fulfilling his dream of joining the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His family said the achievement reflected his determination to build a better life.

His sister, Corrections Sergeant Clendina Johnson Smith, described him

as loving, funny, and the life of the party. She said their father cried proud tears when Johnson graduated, and her brother was excited to begin his new career.

Before joining the department, he worked at North Eleuthera Airport and played on the prison’s basketball team, carrying the national flag during parades.

The department called his death a “tremendous loss.”

Commissioner Cleare said the government has directed the department to ensure new recruits are better prepared to protect themselves.

“This is not an easy job,” he said. “This is a dangerous job, like any other uniformed branch. We’ve got to realise that the country is changing and the world is changing, and we have to adjust to meet those challenges.”

Man accused of stabbing prison officer charged with murder

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday in connection with the fatal stabbing of prison officer Ashantio Johnson at Blue Ice Bar & Restaurant earlier this month.

Police allege that Michael Petty, 21, fatally stabbed Johnson, 23, around 2am on November 5 on Baillou Hill North.

Petty is also accused of

attempting to kill two of Johnson’s squad mates, Perry Butler and Gregory Bullard, who were reportedly injured during the same incident.

Johnson’s death marked the country’s 71st murder for the year. The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services described his death as a “tremendous loss.”

Petty was not required to enter a plea to the charges of murder and two counts of attempted

murder when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. The matter is expected to proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment.

He was advised of his right to apply for bail through the higher court and was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on March 5, 2026.

Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted the case.

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Correction officers mourn during the memorial service for Ashantino Johnson (pictured right) who was killed during a stabbing incident at the Blu Ice Bar (pictured bottom right) last week.

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

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test of justice and restraint

IT is a terrible thing to have lost a loved one, a friend, a colleague to violence. The Tribune knows that from first-hand experience.

As prison officers grapple with the knowledge that one of their own has been murdered, the Commissioner of Corrections, Doan Cleare, talked of the challenge those officers would face dealing with a man accused of that killing, and the “restraint” they would have to maintain.

We shall come to that restraint shortly, but we would share our own experience with the loss of a close colleague.

Ericka Fowler was stabbed to death outside her home in 2006. She was a remarkable woman. She was ambitious with a promising future. She came to The Tribune nine years before her death, through an employment agency. She joined as an office cleaner – but swiftly proved to be a misfit. She was a smart woman, and we have never seen anyone so keen to learn. With her winning smile and her enthusiasm, she found her way into the hearts of the rest of the staff and, soon, showed a willingness to try new things. Our little cleaner became the assistant librarian. She was a wonderful organiser, filled in on the switchboard, took photographs for our advertising department, delivered The Miami Herald alongside The Tribune in the early mornings, began to write news stories – and as we approach the festive time of year, we are reminded she was an expert Christmas decorator in our offices. And then she was murdered. Her death was witnessed by her mother and her children.

It was a horrific crime – and the horror was compounded by the long drawn-out nature of the prosecution. It took more than 13 years for a sentence to be given.

The man accused, who finally confessed to manslaughter, had initially been arrested after the murder, and remanded in custody before being released from prison about 14 months later. Staff members talked in shock of meeting him unexpectedly and the

grief that rose again knowing there had still been no justice for far more than a decade.

It is, of course, our job to report on court cases – and so we did, for hearing after hearing, for year after year. And we did so the way it should be done, the same as we report on every other case, without bias.

After all, for all that we had heard of the murder, until such time as a court delivers its verdict, the accused is innocent until proven guilty. It would be wrong to presume otherwise until the court has had the opportunity to hear the whole story.

That is what prison officers must do too in this situation. It is their duty to guard, not to be judge and jury, and certainly not to inflict punishment.

So as Commissioner Cleare says that professionalism will be tested, we hope that all remember that all manner of people stand under the officers’ guard. Some are surely guilty, and some have been shown to be innocent. There are murderers and rapists and thieves all awaiting their day in court, and others who are accused of such crimes but will go on to clear their name.

We hope that all prison officers refrain from any attempts to exact their own form of justice. After all, that would make them criminals, just the same as those they are there to guard.

“It is our mandate to take the worst of the worst,” said the commissioner. “It is our mandate to make the worst of the worst the best of the best upon their release.”

Most crucially, he said: “It is our job.”

Ashantio Johnson, the prison officer who was slain, will be much missed by his colleagues, it would seem. To do him justice, there must be no interference with the process of justice. Anything less would be a disservice to the uniform.

Let the man accused have his day in court. Let the evidence be heard, and a jury decide. Justice can be hard, but it is very, very necessary.

Mayaguan evacuation a failed effort

EDITOR, The Tribune. WHAT unfolded in Mayaguana during this week’s evacuation effort was not just a failure of logistics; it was a failure of leadership and compassion. As a major storm approached, families, children, the elderly, and persons with medical needs were left stranded for hours at the Mayaguana Airport with no shelter, food, water, or bathroom facilities. Reports from those on the ground indicate that some elderly residents were forced to relieve themselves in nearby bushes while waiting for a single 50-seater aircraft sent to evacuate more than 150 people. Even more troubling, residents were made to sit outside a newly constructed airport terminal that remained locked throughout the ordeal, a building reportedly built for their use, but closed to them in their time of greatest need.

That image alone should shame any administration that claims to serve the Bahamian people. Meanwhile, multiple flights were reportedly sent to Inagua and Acklins, while Mayaguanians, who faced equal or greater risk from the storm’s path, were left behind. The absence of a sitting island administrator only deepened the disorganization and confusion, leaving residents without clear communication or coordination.

Mayaguanians are Bahamians. They deserve the same urgency, care, and dignity afforded to every other island in this country. To treat them otherwise is to reveal how disconnected this government has become from the people it governs.

The government must immediately ensure the safe evacuation of all remaining residents, provide proper humanitarian support,

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Call for responsible dog owners

EDITOR, The Tribune. I AM relieved to hear that the young boy attacked on Saturday past in the Rosetta Street area is stable, and that his injuries are not life-threatening. Animal Control acted swiftly and the pitbulls involved have already been euthanised.

including food, water, shelter, and medical care, and explain why the Mayaguana terminal was locked and inaccessible during a declared emergency. A full investigation must follow to determine how such a gross failure in disaster management occurred — and to ensure that it never happens again. This was not an unforeseen storm. The government had time to prepare but failed to act with urgency or empathy. Once again, ordinary Bahamians are paying the price for poor planning and weak leadership. As a nation, we must do better. Every Bahamian, whether in Mayaguana, Inagua, or Grand Bahama, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. The safety and well-being of our people must never again be left to chance.

MARIA CLARKE

Mayaguana, November 11, 2025.

Dog attacks are not rare in The Bahamas. In May, a five-year-old girl was bitten in the capital. A year ago, a woman faced charges after her pitbulls mauled a man in New Providence. In 2019, a man riding his bicycle in Grand Bahama was attacked by three pitbulls. In 2022, a man was found dead on a sidewalk on Palm Tree Avenue, suspected to have been attacked by dogs. In 2023, a toddler in Grand Bahama was attacked at preschool. Also in 2023, an elderly woman was viciously attacked while exercising in Lucaya. In January 2024 a runner in the capital described being backed up against a wall on Nassau Street when two pitbulls disrupted his morning jog. This is not a complete record of attacks. Each incident is a warning we can no longer dismiss.

Too often, people breed dogs, mix breeds, or even train them to

be aggressive, yet fail to secure them properly. That failure puts others at risk. We must do better.

The protection of human life is paramount, and part of that protection depends on responsible dog ownership. This is not about vilifying dogs because it is not their fault, their owners are to blame.

Many Bahamian families love and care for their pets responsibly. Dogs provide companionship, emotional support, and life-changing assistance to people with disabilities. They are loyal, loving creatures, but compassion for animals must never come at the expense of public safety. Both matter. Both must be protected. I often see stray dogs roaming the streets of New Providence, and I question where we would be without organizations like BAARK!, The Bahamas Humane Society, and others who dedicate themselves to spay and neuter programmes. Their work is vital, and it deserves national support, even as we tackle the root causes with

stronger enforcement and coordinated action.

Ferocious or aggressive dogs have no place in residential areas. All dogs, indoor and outdoor, must be securely enclosed, with shade, water, and space to exercise. They must not roam freely or intimidate passersby, like students walking to and from school and working adults heading to bus stops. Beaches and parks are shared spaces. We live in a beautiful subtropical climate, and the outdoors are a divine gift that we should be able to enjoy without compromise. I have said it multiple times before, no one should be forced to navigate fear while enjoying life in public settings. I encourage citizens to report violations. We must protect our citizens and residents, especially the most vulnerable, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, while caring for our animals with dignity and responsibility. Prevention is better than cure. Accountability is better than regret. Let us do better. Warmly, MAXINE SEYMOUR Opposition Senator & Shadow Minister for Social Services, Information, and Broadcasting November 12, 2025

WEST Indian woodpecker (Melanerpes superciliaris) is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the

woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Cuba.

Photo: Milan

Information does not good communication

ITIS CURIOUS,the number ofsupposedly seasoned politicians with many yearsin thearena, who still seem incapableof appreciating thegulf between giving votersinformation and communicating effectively through poetry, simple prose, colloquialisms, andmemorable stories.

Public officialsshould strive toprovide accurateand timely information, often gravelylacking inTheBahamas. Still, information alone (or mostly) doesnot tendto elicitfeelingsand move most human beings.

Highly educatedand high information politicalleaders and voterstypically believe that others willalso be moved to action bysimply informing them of “the facts.” Even whenfacts arenotdisputed, facts alone are woefully insufficientin gettingaudiencesto respond in a desired manner.

The best communicators appealtothe heart,guts,and parts ofthe brainthat lightup and triggeremotional desires and responses. Think of a successful television advertisement.They sellproducts through emotions.

Coca-Cola, one of the bestknownglobal brands,advertises continuously. A current advertising campaign places individualnames onbottles and cans--evoking individual identities withinspecific countries--with the global brand.

A good story, well told, beats beingbombarded with informationat 100mph bya politiciantrying tocramfacts intoa voter sbrainthat ispreoccupied with daily struggles.

Human beings are some-

times rational, but mostly emotional andoften highlyirrational. Given certain cultural and emotional appeals, voters often act against their own interests.

Donald Trump s political careerhasbeen builtonfalse orpartial information.Nevertheless, he has a feral genius forunderstandingwhatmotivates enoughvoters tosupport him, includinggenuine concerns on theeconomy and other issues. He excels at base appeals to emotion.

Many in the intellectual, media,andpoliticalcirclesare oftenexasperated thatlessinformed voters simply do not respond to the facts.

Many of thesesame people fail tounderstand thathuman beings aremore typicallymotivated by certain worldviews, prejudices, self-interests, values, andpersonal experiences that facts donot easily penetrate.

Information must be presented repeatedlyin ways thatare understandableand memorable andthose who present theinformation must appreciatehowitisprocessed. This is whysocial media can be highly effective.

The COVID-19pandemic was a master study in public healthand politicalcommunication. Many believed that thefacts theywereoffered were false. Still, despite variousevidence, manygot sick ordied becausethey clung to theirversion of reality.

Humanbeings dailyengage in magicalthinking, superstition, and emotional patterns whichguidehowtheyact.Appeals toso-called “reason” alone do not move voters.

Effectiveverbal, print,and audiovisual communications areclusters ofartforms, sharing differencesand similarities. For example, some who are adeptat writinga speech maynot beas capable of producing a 30-second meme for social media.

Still, good communications have several things in commonandit beginswitha clear, compelling, and authenticmessage, whichtakes considerable experienceand thoughtfulness to get even partially correct.Authenticity and believability are key to the messenger andthe message.

Thereisa strategyandnarrative structure togood communications, whichincludes superior storytelling, vivid imagery, andemotional appeal.Onceamessageishoned itmust berepeated ad nauseum

Compelling storytelling is a form of magic.Words, im-

Online gambling is everywhere. But it's all about risk after all

By CORA LEWIS Associated Press

ONLINEBETTING ismoreaccessiblethan ever,with14% ofU.S. adults saying theybet on professional or college sportsonline either frequently or occasionally, according to a Februarypoll byTheAssociated Press-NORCCenterforPublicAffairs Research. It's also inthe news, with a growinglistof sportsbettingscandals making headlines.

Public health advocates and personal finance adviserssay it's important to knowtherisks ifyou're going to gamble online.

"Gamblingand 'responsibly'seem tobeoxymoronic, becauseifyou're gambling it'sall aboutrisk," said Caleb Silver, editor in chief of personal finance siteInvestopedia. "But people still do it. Online gambling and sports betting are only becoming more popular."

Since theSupreme Courtstruck down aban onsports bettingin 2018, 38statesand Washington,D.C.,have legalized gambling, according to the American Gaming Association. Forthosenewtoonlinegambling,it can behelpful toset limitsin advance on howmuch you'rewilling tolose and howmuch timeyou're willingto

spend.Manyoftheplatformsandapps that offer gambling, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, include optional safeguardstolimit timeorlosses.Other apps can block access to the platforms for set amounts of time.

Here's what to know:

Online gambling can be riskier than gambling in person

The potential losses of digital betting canoccurmore quicklythanina physical casino, accordingto Heather Eshleman,directorofoperationsatthe Maryland Center forExcellence on Problem Gambling, since people can bet somuch so easily andquickly on the internet or apps, with less friction.

Thenew prevalenceofprediction markets,such asPredictIt andKalshi, hasalso creatednew opportunitiesto placewagers onlineoneverything from election outcomesto celebrity news to the weather.

Howto tellifyouhave aproblem with online gambling

According topublic healthadvocates, the biggest warning sign of a problem is if you'redevoting time to onlinebettingthat's takingawayfrom otherthingsin yourlife especially your relationshipswith friends, family,andwork. Ifyou'respending money on gambling that could instead

ages, and emotions are magic

beads. When mixed into an elixirorpotion theycanhelp reapenormous rewardsfor someoneseeking tobecomea primeminister orpresident. Good communicatorscopy the bestcommunicators and communications.

TheSermon ontheMount, found in Matthew 5-7, is a collection of sayings by Jesus, themasterofparables.Itisnot called Policy onthe Mount. Instead ofbasic prose,it is suffused with poetry.

The language is textured, pictorial,pastoral, andevokes emotionsin readersand listeners. Itappeals toevery humansense,asJesusseeksto convert andchange those hungry for acompelling message of hope.

“You are the salt of the earth. Butif thesalt losesits saltiness, howcan itbe made salty again?It isno longer goodfor anything,exceptto be thrownout andtrampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A townbuilt ona hill cannotbe hidden. Neitherdo peoplelighta lampandputit under abowl. Instead,they put it on its stand, and it gives light toeveryone inthe house.

“Inthesame way,letyour lightshine beforeothers, that theymay seeyourgood deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Sermon includes instructions cum appeals on fulfilling the law,murder, adultery,divorce, oaths,limiting retribution,love forenemies, giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting.

Most recallthe brilliant spiritualand moralpassages

gotowards unmetbasic needs,that's also a warning sign.

"Weencourage peopleto onlyuse moneythey woulduse forfun andentertainment, notmoney thatshouldbe used to pay the mortgage or the rent or to pay for food," said Eshleman.

Silver echoed this.

"You haveto know before youdo it how muchyou can afford tolose," he said. "Whatis your 'tapout point?' Those rules have tobe firmly established."

Ways to limit online gambling

Most sportsbetting platformsoffer "responsiblegambling tools,"according to Eshleman.

"You canset limits ontime, money, deposits, wins,and losses,"she said. "The goalis to set thoselimits before youstart,becauseifyoudon'tsetthem inadvance, they'renotreally goingto work for you. Once you're into the excitementofit,you're notgoingtostop and use those tools."

Eshlemanrecommendsappssuchas GambBanand BetBlocker,which limit accessto gamblingsites externally. She also directsthose who suspect they may have a problem to use the 1-800-GAMBLER hotlineor contact Gamblers Anonymous.

Know the risks and downsides

Silver, the head of Investopedia, said hestarted addingdefinitions of onlinebetting andgambling termsto the personalfinance sitewhen hesaw an increasingly"closer connection

on reliance onGod, not judging others, true and false prophetsanddisciples,narrow and widegates, andwise and foolish builders.

ThelanguageoftheSermon is extraordinary, utilizing master metaphors,hyperbole, similes, personification,and

Even when facts are not disputed, facts alone are woefully insufficient in getting audiences to respond in a desired manner.

synecdoches. Theseliterary devices seize thehuman imagination, embeddingthemselvesin ourconsciousnessin waysthat blandinformation and boring prose do not.

Recall some ofthe images and metaphorsdelivered by Jesus inthe Sermon:salt and light, cityon ahill, narrow gate, eye-for-an-eye, log and speck, and others that many know by heart.

Like a good politician, a capable communicatorrequires a complex set of skills andgifts.Theseincludeanappreciationof psychology,sociology, and history.

Social mediagiants like Facebook,and publicrelations and marketing firms, typically hire individuals with experienceor educationinthe

behavioural sciencessuch as anthropology, social psychology, and sociology. Such companies also hire experts inareas suchas neuroscience and sociobiology to help them better understand how humans think and operate. Somehire individuals with degrees in literature, folkloreand film,andother forms of storytelling.

The best political communicators are strategists and storytellers, whocan help create anddeliver clear,compelling, and simple narratives and messages thatmove audiences.

Whenpoliticianslitigatethe past, or facts, or speak in dense policyformulations they losetheir audiences. When they speakin stories, master images and metaphors, and digestiblepolicy ideas theywin theiraudiencesand are betterset to winat the ballot box.

A political leader, especiallytheleader ofapolitical party, wears many hats. Amonghisorhercriticalroles is that of amagician in the bestsense, onewhohas acertain charisma, whocanconjuremagic togarner afollowing, earn support,andwin elections.

Theaphorism, “You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose,” captures theimperativefor politicianstospeak andrhyme inpoetry andshort storieswhen courtingvoters, mostof whomdo notunderstand highfalutin’ talk.

Itisoften mostlythrougha mix of charisma, and superior, authentic messaging and storytellingthat anadept leader helps to define reality and offer hope to a country.

FanDuel, DraftKingsandother onlinegamblingappsaredisplayedon aphonein SanFrancisco,Sept.26, 2022.Online sports gamblingapps are facing taxhikes in somestates this year.

betweensports betting,day trading, optionstrading, and cryptocurrency trading." He encourages those whoare interestedin digitalbettingto makesure theyknowwhat they're getting into.

"Before anyoneeven gets an online(gambling) account, they should be required to know the fundamental terms and rules about the way sports betting works," he said. "What's the 'moneyline' or 'parlay?' How doodds work? WhatisthemaximumIcould lose on this bet?" Theotherthing todoisto "playwith noexpectationof areturn,"hesaid."Thelikelihoodisthatyouwilllose.So, if you're willingto lose, how muchare youwillingto lose?"

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

US government shutdown rooted in Obama-Trump feud

THE news this morning should be full of reports that the US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would end the seven-week shutdown of the US government once President Donald Trump signs it into law, as he is widely expected to do. This legislation brings to a halt the longest such stoppage on record. It had its roots, at least partly, in perhaps the most explosive animosity in contemporary American politics – the ongoing feud between Republicans, Trump, and Barack Obama.

The most significant American government shutdowns include the 35-day shutdown of 2018–2019 during Trump’s first term, over barriers on the southern US border; the 21-day shutdown of 1995–1996, over opposition to major spending cuts, and the 16-day shutdown in 2013, over implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The other seven shutdowns lasted five or fewer days.

That 2013 shutdown, under Obama, is especially interesting and relevant today because the most recent shuttering of the US government was largely predicated on the same issue – GOP obdurate resistance to, and resentment of, Barack Obama’s most significant legislative achievement during his two terms in office ending in January 2017. That was the Affordable Care Act.

Democrats have overwhelmingly refused to support various GOP attempts to pass government spending bills this fall because they have not included provisions to subsidize provisions of the ACA that lower costs to make it accessible to poorer Americans. When they relented this week, the shutdown was nearly over.

The Affordable Care Act is not known informally as ‘Obamacare’ for no reason. When he took office in January 2009, Obama made no secret of his priorities. He wanted to take big steps to reduce or eliminate altogether the structural inequities in American society. He was aware that in the US, health care is dramatically more expensive for its citizens than in any of the other major developed democracy in the world.

Of course, many of us

STATESIDE

already are well aware of the high cost of health care in the US because Bahamians have experienced it personally and painfully, usually in Florida. What do the numbers say?

The most recent data from the nonpartisan Peterson Foundation shows that, in 2024, the United States spent an estimated $14,885 per person on health care — the highest costs per capita across similar wealthy countries. The average for other wealthy OECD countries, excluding the United States, was $7,371 per person. For comparison, Canada spends an annual per capita average of $7,301, while the UK allots $6,747. Like many countries, but not the US, those nations have some kind of national health care scheme.

The Peterson Foundation data leads them to the following discouraging conclusions: “In fact, prices in the United States tend to be higher regardless of utilisation rates. For example, the United States has shorter hospital stays and fewer

angioplasty surgeries than in other wealthy democracies, yet the prices for each are higher in the United States.

“There are many reasons for higher US health care costs than in other countries, ranging from the consolidation of hospitals and resulting lack of competition to the inefficiencies and administrative waste from the complexity of the US health care system. In fact, the United States spends over $1,000 per person on administrative costs. This is approximately five times more than the average of other wealthy countries. That is also more than the US spends on long-term health care. In contrast, Sweden spends 22 times the amount on long-term care as it does on administrative costs. The United States spends approximately the same amount on both.”

The annual estimated per capita American cost of administering health care is $1,076; in the UK it is $92. In Canada it is $231. You can draw your own

diabetes, and safety during childbirth.”

While it’s easy to rush to resentment of such a deplorable situation, and impatience at the unwillingness of the US Congress to figure out how to legislate down the costs of health care, the high US costs are not entirely due to monopolistic behaviour by hospital groups or medical associations. For example, higher education cost in the US is also absurdly high when compared to the other nations Peterson surveyed in compiling its data.

A key factor in US health care costs, interestingly enough, is the estimated average tuition cost for medical school in the US: $230,000.

Few can afford that kind of expense without securing loans, which need to be repaid with interest. The costs of offices, staff, and equipment can be staggeringly high as well, depending on geographical location and medical specialty. These costs can be prohibitive for new entrants to the medical profession. Would-be doctors face daunting financial barriers to entry into their chosen profession. They need to be able to survive financially.

conclusions from that. But it does help to explain the decision of a US government economist about 25 years ago, when he was considering early retirement. He sought the advice of several trusted friends and experts and their counsel was almost unanimous. They urged him to pursue a certificate in hospital administration. “That’s where the most growth and good salaries are likely to be,” the economist recalls.

So, health care is more costly in the US. But what about the outcomes?

“Higher health care spending can be beneficial if it results in better health outcomes,” according to Peterson. “However, despite higher health care spending, America’s health outcomes are not any better than those in other developed countries. In fact, the United States actually performs worst among the surveyed wealthy nations in some significant health metrics like life expectancy, infant mortality, unmanaged

For whatever reason, Republicans have fought against Obamacare for the past 15 years, since it was enacted in 2010. And the ACA became a favourite tag line for Obama’s opponents, as they stubbornly picked away at his legacy. Added to this ‘structural’ resistance by Republicans is the deeply felt animosity and resentment Trump clearly feels toward Obama. And these personal feelings are richly reciprocated by Trump’s immediate predecessor. At the Democratic convention last summer, Obama’s abiding scorn toward Trump was clear for all to see and hear.

These two men seem to be as close to personal enemies as the American political system has produced in many years.

Some claim this is because Trump is racist. Who knows if Trump is really a racist? Some pundits have opined that the president’s embrace of individuals and policies that undermine affirmative action and DEI prove it.

They also point to Trump’s enthusiastic roll-back of the Biden-era removal of names of Confederate generals from US military bases.

The notion of Trump as a racist probably got its biggest early confirmation from his now-infamous remark upon learning of the death of a young woman in the leafy university town of Charlottesville, home to the prestigious University of Virginia. Right-wing leaders had targeted Charlottesville for a so-called Unite the Right rally after the city voted to take down a large statue in the city centre of Confederate general Robert E Lee.

On the night of Aug. 11, 2017, Neo-Nazis, Ku Klux Klansmen and other white supremacists marched through the University of Virginia campus bearing torches and terrorizing students with chants of “Blood and soil” and “Jews will not replace us.” The next day, they rallied downtown around the Lee statue. “This represents a turning point for the people of this country,” then-KKK leader David Duke declared. “We’re going to fulfil the promises of Donald Trump because he said he’s going to take our country back.”

A young woman was killed in the melee that ensued, along with a couple of Virginia state policemen who were monitoring the situation from a helicopter flying above. Most Americans were horrified at this deadly reminder of a racist past that many had hoped was over, with Obama’s election often offered as proof. Trump reacted differently. At the time, Trump condemned what he called an “egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides.” This was interpreted by some as equating neo-Nazis and white nationalists with the anti-racist demonstrators. When reporters questioned his response a few days later, Trump declared that there were “very fine people on both sides.”

In deciding whom to blame for this latest government shutdown, Americans would do well to consider the folly of allowing personal animosity to inform public policy.

with Charlie Harper

PRESIDENT Donald Trump stands beside outgoing President Barack Obama after his victory for his first term as president in November 2016.

Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

FNM candidate for Fox Hill claims latest

office break-in caused $8k in damages

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement candidate for Fox

Hill Dr Nicholas Fox said “everything that could break was broken” after vandals smashed glass, overturned files, and caused about $8,000 in damage at his Collins Avenue medical clinic over the weekend — the second break-in there this year. Police said officers arrested a 25-year-old man early Saturday morning after he was caught inside the building. The suspect reportedly tried to escape through a hole in the roof before being captured. A backpack containing coins, food, and a cellphone, believed to have been stolen during a previous break-in, was recovered.

Dr Fox said staff were left shaken and frustrated by the repeat attack. “The

staff was a bit shaken up, more so disappointed that these people would target a medical facility again, with nothing in it,” he said. “It didn’t seem like it was a robbery this time. Everything that could break was broken. All the glass, both in the clinic and in the pharmacy, files were strewn all over the place. Nothing’s missing. No files were missing. Computers were untampered with, just a lot of destruction.”

He said repairs to replace glass, doors, and counters would cost about $8,000. “The cash register was totally destroyed in the pharmacy,” he said. “We found his backpack with items that were missing from the previous robbery, the cellphone from the pharmacy, food from the kitchen, and small items, but nothing significant — probably less than $50 in coins.”

The vandalism disrupted operations after security

FOUR JUVENILES IN CUSTODY OVER SCHOOL STABBING INCIDENT IN GB

FOUR juveniles are in custody after two students were stabbed during a fight at JC Academy in Freeport on Tuesday afternoon. The incident happened around 1pm on the school’s campus on Adventurers Way during regular class hours. Police said the victims suffered a head laceration and a cut to the mouth. Both were treated in hospital and later discharged.

Superintendent Stephen

Rolle, press liaison officer for Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahamas, said the suspects and victims attend the same school and that the matter was confined to that institution.

“This is an isolated incident and has no affiliation with any other school in Grand Bahama,” Supt Rolle said, reversing his previous comment.

He said the investigation is still in its early stages.

camera and internet wires were cut, forcing the clinic to process patients manually. “We were unable to use our credit card machine and could not log into our electronic medical records, so everything had to be done by hand,” Dr Fox said. “Despite that, we saw an excess of 100 patients (yesterday). They were all served pleasingly, professionally, and properly.”

The clinic has since resumed full operations and introduced stricter security measures. Dr Fox said he could not say whether the latest incident was politically motivated, but insisted the work of the facility would continue uninterrupted. “We were able to commence what we do — serve the Bahamian people and give them the best healthcare that we can offer with compassion and empathy,” he said.

The attack was the second at the same clinic

this year. In July, shortly after Dr Fox was ratified as the FNM’s Fox Hill candidate, surveillance footage captured an intruder climbing onto the roof, cutting a hole in the

ceiling, and dropping into the building. That earlier incident resulted in the theft of three iPads containing sensitive patient data and more than $2,000 in cash.

Files were scattered, and FNM campaign paraphernalia was disturbed. The clinic’s electronic medical records provider later remotely wiped the stolen devices.

National study shows employability and GDP as top productivity indicators

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

EARLY responses to

the National Productivity Council Stakeholder Survey show Bahamians hold varying views on how the country’s productivity should be measured, with employability and GDP per capita emerging as the two leading indicators so far.

The survey, launched Tuesday, has already drawn nearly 300 responses — about 60 percent from the public sector — and will remain open until December 12, 2025. It features roughly 30 questions exploring wage-productivity relationships, technology, national output measures such as GDP per capita and unemployment, and the role of training and development in career advancement.

National Productivity Task Force (NPTF) chair Edison Sumner said the survey is already producing valuable insight as part of a wider effort to guide legislative and policy reform. Data analysis will begin in

December, with preliminary results expected by late January.

“We have had some diverse opinions, one of which was that it should be measured by the level of employability and the rate of employment in the country, and the second highest to date would have been measurement based on the GDP per capita in the country,” Mr Sumner said. “Those have been so far, the two major determinants of the measurement of our productivity outputs, labour and employment rates at the rate of employment and employability, and the GDP in the country.”

He said respondents

also pointed to leadership, work environment, and wages as major influences.

“Some think it has to do with the leadership of the organisation. There have been already some diverse responses on what individuals in these organisations think productivity looks like and what impacts the level of productivity.”

The survey targets a broad cross-section of Bahamians, from students and civil servants to professionals, retirees, and academics across every island. Its findings will feed into the creation of the Bahamas Productivity, Innovation and Competitiveness Council (BPICC),

a statutory body intended to boost efficiency, innovation, and collaboration across sectors.

Mr Sumner said the task force has completed its work plan, secured office space, hired staff, and submitted a first draft of the BPICC legislation to the government for feedback before public consultation. A final draft is expected by March 2026.

Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said improving productivity is essential to the country’s future competitiveness. She said the government’s goal is not to make people work harder or longer, but to address skills gaps and modernise workplace culture.

“Now, when I speak about increasing productivity, I don't mean just working harder or

MAN CHARGED

working longer, but we see productivity as a multi-dimensional issue,” she said.

“For example, when young people enter the workforce, some of them lack basic soft skills. We often take those soft skills for granted, and they include punctuality, teamwork, something that we also call emotional intelligence and maintaining a positive attitude.”

She said the government is using the opportunity to target training for young people to help them develop the habits and attitudes needed to thrive in the modern workplace.

The NPTF includes Deputy Chair Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, National Trade Union Congress of The Bahamas representative Jewel Fountain, Bahamas National Trade Union Congress

president Darrin Woods, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce executives Dr Leo Rolle and Peter Goudie, BTVI chairman Kevin Basden, and Deputy Director of Labour Patrenda Russell-Brice.

The task force’s work aligns with the International Labour Organisation’s Decent Work Agenda, which promotes fair conditions, productive employment, and social protection through innovation and inclusivity in the labour market.

Mr Sumner said the council’s creation marks a major step toward building a culture of accountability and performance. The goal, he said, is to give policymakers hard data to guide reforms that help Bahamian workers and businesses operate at their best.w

WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER IN DAYLIGHT DRIVE-BY ATTACK ON EAST STREET

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

POLICE statements read in court yesterday described how a man was shot in the right thigh and abdomen during a broad daylight drive-by attack on East Street, as the trial for a 2022 attempted murder continued.

Mauricio Webster Jr, 23, and Malik Hanna, 27, sat in the prisoner’s dock as two police statements and a hospital form were read into evidence before Justice Franklyn Williams.

The men are accused of attempting to kill Adam Newbold on East Street, near “Big Yard” in Coconut

Grove, around 11.50am on December 18, 2022.

A Princess Margaret Hospital form indicated that Newbold was shot multiple times about the body, suffering gunshot wounds to his right abdomen and thigh.

Detective Inspector Rodari Francis’s statement said that on December 21, 2022, Webster Jr was asked to participate in an identification parade. After the process was explained and he was informed of his right to have a lawyer present, he declined to participate and was returned to his cell.

On December 29, Hanna also declined to take part in an ID parade, saying he was already wearing an electronic monitoring device (EMD).

Corporal Marcian Pinder’s statement said that while on mobile patrol, he received information that Webster Jr, who was wanted for attempted murder, was wearing an EMD. Officers went to the East Street area before proceeding to the Grove, where they saw a man dressed in black near Ragged Island Street. After identifying himself as Webster Jr, the man was arrested and taken to a police station. Desiree Ferguson and Gwendolyn Brice-Adderley prosecuted the case, while Keith Seymour and Al-leecia Pickstock represented the defendants.

LABOUR MINISTER PIA GLOVER-ROLLE

Fourteen young Bahamians graduate government’s 2025 National Lifeguard Certification Programme

FOURTEEN young

Bahamians are now fully certified lifeguards after completing the 2025 National Lifeguard Certification Programme, an initiative designed to strengthen water safety and expand youth employment across the

country.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture hosted the graduation ceremony at Pelican Bay Resort under the theme “The First Wave: Building a Safer Bahamas.” The programme, launched in 2024, is the first of its kind in

The Bahamas and is a partnership between the Ministry, the YMCA Family Centre, and Bahamas Swim and Scuba.

The initiative provides Caribbean-standard aquatic training, opening doors to sustainable employment in a field with high demand

across resorts, cruise ports, and aquatic facilities. All 14 graduates are already employed in the lifeguard field.

“This government continues to invest in programmes that build confidence, discipline and opportunities for Bahamians of all ages,” said

the Hon. Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. Karon Pinder-Johnson, Executive Director of the YMCA Family Centre, called the initiative a “national investment” in human capacity and the safeguarding of lives,

showcasing the success of public and private sector collaboration.

Several graduates were recognized for exceptional performance, including Laban McIntosh Jr. (Rising Star Trainee Award) and Stephen Davis (Most Improved Lifeguard Award).

MINISTER of Youth Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg (seated second from right) along with Karon Pinder-Johnson, Executive Director of the YMCA Family Centre and several graduates of the government’s 2025 National Lifeguard Certification Programme at the ceremony that took place at Pelican Bay Resort in the Delphine Room. Photos: BIS

Remembrance Day service at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Grand Bahama

The nation observed the 63rd Annual Remembrance Day on the second Sunday of November, aligning with the solemn tradition across the Commonwealth to honour those who died in service and the line of duty.

The observance brought together community members and officials in a procession and ceremony at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. The event paid tribute to the brave men and women who served in defence of The Bahamas and global peace. Parliamentarians, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and uniformed officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force participated, alongside students from various schools and community organisations.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers were entrusted with the ceremonial task of flag-bearing, symbolising the next generation’s commitment to duty.

During the service, Reverend Joshua E V Davis encouraged the congregation to cultivate spiritual discipline and live in the peace for which the servicemen and women fought. A central feature of the day

was the wreath-laying ceremony, during which over 17 wreaths were placed. Dignitaries laying wreaths included Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Senator James Turner, Assistant Commissioner of Police Alvardo Dames, and Commander Valentino Rolle.

The red poppy, worn by many in attendance, served as a poignant symbol of remembrance and respect. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silent reflection, underscored by the haunting notes of the Last Post and Reveille, reaffirming the nation’s enduring commitment to honour the fallen.

Red Ribbon Ball sees major donations from John Bull and Atlantis Resort

Red Ribbon Ball of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation was held at Atlantis Grand Ballroom on Saturday evening, to raise funds for, and awareness of, the continuing fight against AIDS. Ann Marie Davis, of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, was special guest among many community leaders and corporate notables. The Red Ribbon Ball was supported by a number of businesses, notably John Bull and Atlantis, which donated $15,000 and $10,000 respectively. Photos show the guests at this 29th annual ball, to the theme, ‘New York, New York,’ enjoying the festivities.

THE

Photos: Anthon Thompson

Exuma survey reveals Sampson seawall concern

A NEW survey has found that the vast majority of people areconcerned about the impactof aseawall planned in Exuma – with 75% of thosequestioned worried aboutits impactonerosion and water quality.

TheOrganisation forResponsible GovernanceExuma Cays CommunitySurvey sheds lighton community concern over the 390 seawall thatispartof aplanputforward bythe YntegraRosewood development project in Sampson Cay.

The proposed planfor the Yntegra Rosewooddevelopment has been approved by the Departmentof EnvironmentalProtection andPlanning (DEPP)to installa massiveseawall inanenvironmentally sensitive bay on the northend ofSampson Cay.

According to the survey, theseawall wasapproved without any publicly disclosed analysis ofthe impact on the surrounding environment. It isclaimed the seawall will impact thecoastal and marine environment by changing currents,significantly blocking tidal flows, and causing erosionon nearby beaches.

In addition tothe seawall fears,72% ofthe localcommunity members who participated inthe surveyexpressed concern about plans for dredging thatwould be detrimental to the existing healthy seagrass, coraland ju-

venile conch. Participants fromthe Staniel Cayand Blackpoint communities, thatneighbour the Yntegra development, were nearly unanimous (96.8%) in sayingthat protecting seagrass,reefs, marine life, beaches andclean water is extremely important to them. The SaveExuma Alliance (SEA) welcomed the survey, saying: “The peoplehave spoken. A seawallhere is a

hard no .This surveyhas foundwhat reallymattersto people,is toprotect theenvironmentwedepend on.Thisis notjustanarrowmajority,this is what mostpeople care about, and we should listen to their concerns.

SEA has long supported development in the Exumas and requiring that they adhere to sustainable developmentsthat are appropriate forthe location, a view the Exuma community agrees with.

Gulls snatching your food? Just shout!

By BRIAN MELLEY Associated Press

SWEETTALKwon'tget you far if you want to scare off aseagull tryingto snatch your food. Try shouting. Researchersset outto findifa man'svoicewas enoughto deterbandit gullsfrom theirpenchant forpurloining foodinseaside towns and found it was effectiveif delivered with more urgency. "Talking might stop them in theirtracks, but shoutingis moreeffective at makingthem flyaway," said Neeltje Boogert of the University ofExeter's Center forEcology and Conservation at the Cornwall campus. The researchers placed fries in a Tupperwarebox in townsacross thesouthwest coastof Englandand tested how 61 European herring gullsreacted torecordings of a robin's song, a malevoice saying,"No, stay away, that'smy food," and a voice shouting those words.

Previous researchhad shown that gullscould be dissuaded from snatching snacks by approaching them or making eye contact withthem. Theywere alsoaverse toshouting thelouder, thefasterthey fled. But thenew studypublishedWednesday inthe peer-reviewed journal Biology Letters aimed to measure the difference between speaking and shouting ifboth were played at the same volume.

The survey found that 65.3% of locals prefer small, low-impact eco-resortsdesigned to minimiseenvironmentalimpact, withsustainable operations such as solar power over mid-sized resorts requiring destructive methods such as dredging. Simply put, people preferprojects witha lighter footprint.

SEA said: “The scientists have had their say on the dangersof thisprojectare. Neighbouring businesses have

spoken out andnow the local residents have added their voices.Across theboard, there is concern about this project – especially theseawall and the dredging. It is not toolateto changecourse,and toproceedwith aprojectthat fits the surrounding environment rather than destroyingit. Ifsomany voicesareagainst this plan,what moredoes it take for officials to listen?

Protestors claim the Yntegra Rosewood plan for a

seawalland dredginginthe North Bay willdirectly impact a176-acre seagrass meadow – roughly the equivalentof 100professional soccer fields.

In arecent interview, Deputy PrimeMinister

Chester Cooper told travel newsand marketresearch websiteSkift Researchthat businessesthat didharmto the environmentwould have no place inThe Bahamas, saying: “If youareprepared to doquality businessin a sustainable, environmentally friendlyway, wewelcome you. Andif you plannot to conform, there’s no place for you. Aseries ofenvironmentalists have welcomedMr Cooper swords – including Joseph Darville, chairman of Waterkeepers Bahamas,who lastweek calledforYntegra tobe preventedfrom dredginginthearea.SEAapplaudsMr Coopertoo,and asksforthosewordstobeput into action.

The Save Exuma Alliance is a coalitionof community leaders, localbusiness owners, and residents of the ExumaCaysworkingtosafeguard Exuma’s uniqueecosystems and quality of life from unsustainabledevelopment. SEA has also launcheda petition to halt environmental clearance for the Rosewood/Yntegra project, whichhas beensignedby nearly 7,000 people.

US Mint to press final penny as 1-cent coin gets cancelled

1793,

PHILADELPHIA (AP) BACKIN

apenny couldget youabiscuit, acandle ora pieceofcandy.Thesedays,manysitindrawers orglass jarsandare basicallycastaside orcollected as lucky keepsakes.

But their luck is about to run out.

The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia is set to strike its last circulating penny on Wednesday as the president has cancelled the 1cent coinas the cost ofmaking them became more thantheir value.

President Donald Trump has orderedits demise ascosts climb to nearly 4 centsper penny and the 1cent valuation becomes somewhat obsolete.

The U.S. Mint hasbeen making pennies in Philadelphia, the nation'sbirthplace, since 1793, a year after Congress passed the Coinage Act.Today, therearebillionsof themincirculation, but they are rarely essential for financial transactions in the modern economy or the digital age.

"For far too longthe United States has minted pennieswhich literally costus more than 2 cents," Trump wrote in an online post in February, ascosts continued to climb."This is so wasteful!"

Still, many people have a nostalgia for them, seeing themas lucky orfun tocollect. And some retailershave voicedconcerns inrecent weeks as supplies ran low and the last productionneared.Theysaidthephase-outwasabrupt and came with no guidance from the federal government on how to handle customer transactions.

Some rounded prices downto avoid shortchanging people, others pleaded with customers to bring exact change and the more creativeamong themgave outprizes,such asa free drink, in exchange for a pile of pennies.

"Wehave beenadvocatingabolition ofthe penny for 30 years. But thisis not the way we wanted it to go," JeffLenard of the National Association of Convenience Stores said last month.

Some banks, meanwhile, began rationing supplies, asomewhat paradoxicalresult ofthe effort to address what many see as a glut of the coins.Overthelast century,abouthalfofthe coins made at U.S.Mints in Philadelphia and Denver have been pennies.

U.S.Treasury SecretaryScott Bessentand Treasurer BrandonBeach were expectedto be inPhiladelphiaonWednesdayafternoonforthe final production run. The Treasury Department expects to save$56 million per yearon materials by ceasing to make them. But they still have a better production-costto-valueratio thanthenickel, whichcosts nearly14centsto make.Thediminutivedime, bycomparison, costslessthan6 centstoproduce and the quarter nearly 15 cents.

Ministry of Tourism links with AI firm to offer visitors a "mind trip"

Platform provides recommendations, chat, and detailed itineraries

By TRIBUNE STAFF

MINDTRIP,anartificialintelligence travelplatform basedin SanFrancisco,has partnered withThe Bahamas to offertravellers customised itineraries thatshowcase the country s diverseattractions from pink-sandbeaches to its rich culture and cuisine.

The partnership integrates Mindtrip’s technologyinto the official Bahamas tourism website, allowingvisitors to chat with an AI assistant that recommends experiences,answers travel questions, and creates detaileditineraries complete with photosand interactive maps.

Mindtrip s Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Andy Moss saidthe collaboration capturestheessence oftheislands whilesimplifying trip planning.

“The Bahamas is the perfect partner for Mindtrip for Businessbecause thedestination offerssomething for every traveller, he said. “Whether it’sfamily fun,ro-

mance,ecotourism, oroutdoor adventure, Mindtrip makes discovering and experiencingthe islandseffortless. It’s travel planning reimagined for today smodern explorer.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Ministerof Tourism,Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper said the initiative aligns with the government’s push touse technologyto enhance visitor engagement. “In our ongoing commitment to enhance the visitor experience,we areleveraginginnovative technology to revolutionizehow travelersare planning their getawayto The Bahamas, he said.

“This partnership with Mindtrip isan excitingand importantstep forwardin making trip planning more personalised, ensuringevery visitor to our world-class destination can immerse themselves in ourculture, adventures,and naturalbeautyeven before they arrive.”

The AI tool will also provide real-time weatherupdates andsafety information by linking to the ministry s hurricane page. Itwill guide travellers throughthe country s 20 international airportsand highlightcon-

venient flight connections from NorthAmerica, Europe, and Latin America, including regular service from Panama and London.

Latia Duncombe,Director General ofTourism, saidthe partnership reinforces The Bahamas’ reputation asa premier destination. Through this partnership with Mindtrip, weare showcasing the vibrant culture and richdiversityofour16unique islands, whileconnecting travelers toexperiences that matter most to them and offering a truly immersiveview of The Bahamas,” she said.

Founded in 2023, Mindtrip hasalso partneredwithmajor tourism bodies including Brand USA,Visit California, DiscoverPuerto Rico,and Visit CostaRica. Thecompany saysits AIplatform combines conversational technology with a proprietary knowledgebase toprovide accurate, engaging,and easyto-use trip planning tools. The Islands of The Bahamas, comprisingmore than 700 islands andcays, continuesto promoteitsnatural beautyandculturalheritageto international marketsunder theslogan ItsBetter inThe Bahamas

Charlton takes top honours at national awards

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Deyvnne Charlton won the Prime Minister’s Award for National Pride at the 2025 National Sports Awards, held on November 8, 2025, at Sandals

Royal Bahamian on Cable Beach. Rounding out the top three awards were Minister of Sports Awards winner Jazz Chisholm; and Tourism Impact Award winner VJ Edgecombe.

Among senior government officials taking part in the awards ceremony as presenters were cabinet ministers: Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg; Minister of State with Responsibility for Disaster Risk Management the Hon. Leon Lundy; and Minister of State for the Environment the Hon. Zane Lightbourne.

A listing of the awards presented:

Junior School Student Athlete of the Year

(Male) Eagan Neely – Track

Junior School Student Athlete of the Year (Female)

Jazae Johnson – Bahamas Association of Athletics of Associations

Senior Student Athlete of the Year (Male) Marvin Johnson – Aquatics

Senior Student Athlete of the Year (Female)

Eliza Denning – Bahamas Sailing Association

Family Island Student Athlete of the Year (Male)

Tristen Hepburn (Grand Bahama) –Aquatics

Family Island Student Athlete of the Year (Female)

Keyezra Thomas – Bahamas Association of Athletics of Associations