‘CHRISTMAS COME EARLY’
Looters raid boatloads of goods from container barge stranded on North Abaco reef
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
CANE toads have become a permanent part of The Bahamas’ ecosystem, a local expert has warned, as sightings surge across New Providence and officials advise residents to kill the invasive species on sight to protect pets, wildlife and themselves. The warning comes amid
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
IN scenes of modern-day piracy, scores of looters in small boats swarmed a stranded container barge yesterday, hauling away goods in such volume that some joked “Christmas come early for Abaco” –while others phoned around asking if anyone had a boat to spare.
The grounded barge, The Brooklyn Bridge, quickly became the centre of brazen daylight raids, sparking wild scenes as people climbed containers and tossed supplies down to boats waiting below. Videos captured residents shouting, laughing, and transporting away everything from toilet paper and dog food to appliances. One resident described it as a “free-for-all.”
The barge was reportedly being towed by the Southern Dawn from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, when its steel line snapped in bad weather, drifting the vessel onto a reef near Nunjack Cay in North Abaco on Wednesday. Residents learned of the incident early yesterday and headed out before authorities arrived. Defence Force and police officers were later deployed to secure the scene until a replacement tug could return. Stephen Wilson, island administrator for North Abaco, told The Tribune a second tug was
SCORES of boats tie up alongside stranded container barge The Brooklyn Bridge raiding the vessel of its cargo yesterday in North Abaco.
what Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) general manager Deon Gibson described last week as a noticeable uptick in cane toad reports in both the far west and eastern New Providence. Mr Gibson advised residents to euthanise captured toads by sealing them in a bag and freezing them, or killing them from a safe
TOADS - SEE PAGE FIVE
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net
CHINA has pledged new disaster relief support to The Bahamas after Hurricane Melissa, with the Chinese government approving about US$84,665 under the China-Caribbean Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Fund. In a statement, Chinese officials said they were
“highly concerned” about the impact of recent storms on The Bahamas. Shortly after Hurricane Melissa, the Chinese Embassy received a diplomatic note from the Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlining the storm’s effects, prompting Beijing’s latest contribution. Chinese Ambassador Yan Jiarong said that in November last year, shortly after
Pirates of Abaco
expected to arrive today.
Mr Wilson condemned the looting but said police are unlikely to pursue those who took supplies. “It might be illegal, but at the same time they’re lightening the weight on the boat,” he said.
He estimated more than 20 boats converged on the barge, saying many people assumed the goods were abandoned. He stressed the cargo had not been left to residents and should not have been taken.
“What we will try to do in the
morning is try to prevent persons from being around the craft so that when the other boat comes, they won’t be in the way in the event that the line fully pops or breaks away and cause anyone to get hurt,” he said.
The Ministry of Transport said it is in direct contact with the barge owners and that an assessment team has already examined the vessel.
Officials said: “At this time, no environmental impact is anticipated,” adding that a full environmental assessment will follow once the vessel is removed.
LOOTERS - SEE PAGE THREE
SCORES of boats gather around to loot a container ship stranded on a reef near Nunjack Cay in North Abaco yesterday
LOOTERS from page one
‘Treasure’ hunters raid stranded cargo ship
LOOTERS from page two
Mr Wilson said the barge held “everything you can think of,” estimating millions of dollars’ worth of supplies aboard. An insurance representative was also on the vessel yesterday.
Images circulating online show piles of dog food, washing machines, rugs, fitness equipment, furniture, and other goods stacked inside opened containers. The Tribune understands vehicles were also onboard, but obviously could not been stolen. Reaction online was divided. Some residents condemned the looting, while others celebrated the haul.
Bishop Cedric Bullard of the North Abaco Pastors Association defended the residents’ actions, calling it a “normal thing” in the islands.
“People are not really checking like that to say, well, it belongs to me or you,” he said. “If they see it on the water and no one is guarding it, and I shouldn’t use this term, but it’s like back in the day when dope used to be running around, you grab what you want.”
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister last night said that the RBDF has deployed a Quick Reaction Force and additional assets to Abaco following reports of looting. “This is illegal behaviour, and we strongly discourage anyone from taking part. Law enforcement will act where required,’ the statement said.
“If they see it on the water and no one is guarding it, and I shouldn’t use this term, but it’s like back in the day when dope used to be running around, you grab what you want.”
IMAGES circulating online show piles of dog food, washing machines, rugs, fitness equipment, furniture, and other goods stacked inside opened containers. The Tribune understands vehicles were also onboard, but obviously could not been stolen.
Health conditions will play part in US visa application process
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A VISA consultant who assists applicants says the Trump Administration’s recent immigration directive on health screenings will heighten fear among people applying for an American visa.
American media reported last week that the US State Department issued a cable instructing embassy and consular officers to weigh applicants’ health conditions when assessing visas.
ABC News reported the cable warned that illnesses such as cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and metabolic diseases, cancers, diabetes, and mental health disorders can generate medical expenses of “hundreds of thousands of dollars”.
While assessing an applicant’s health has been a part of the process, it has been noted the new directive has expanded the list medical conditions
The Tribune understands that the heightened focus applies mainly to immigrant visas, not short-term B-2 visitor visas for people who can fund their medical treatment and plan to return home.
Officers must also evaluate whether the applicant has sufficient financial resources to pay for their medical needs throughout their lifetime without relying on U.S.
government assistance.
Leonara Coakley of Coakley Consultancy said she has not been questioned by clients about the directive, but business has slowed significantly since September because persons do not understand policies
She determines the type of visa a client needs, provides a document checklist, completes digital applications for those unable to do so, and prepares them for both the interview and travel by advising on required documents.
Around September/ October, Ms Coakley had a client with a heart condition B-2 visa extension was denied despite her ongoing medical treatment and doctor appointments in the US.
The visa consultant noted people's concerns are driven more by fear than actual policy, largely influenced by news reports about immigration enforcement and ICE actions.
“After you finish talking to them it’s like ‘Oh boy, I am going to hold off. I'm going to see what happened after the Trump Administration to see if things can die down’. It’s that fear,” she said. “To be honest with you, the embassy isn’t, for all of the applications that I have sent in, they're not just going to deny people. But again I have to stress Because of the fear of what's going on in the US they're just not applying.”
“Don’t care what you tell them. You tell them, you know your profile looks really good. You have a good chance, because for me, I do not process any application if I know that you have a high chance of being denied.”
She explains that visa denials at the embassy can be based on the officer’s judgment or feelings. If denied, individuals can reapply the next day with additional proof or evidence to challenge the
officer's decision.
The officer may also request a medical certificate to verify health-related claims.
The directive tells visa officers to factor in conditions like obesity—linked to asthma, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure— when assessing whether
an applicant may become a public charge requiring costly, long-term care.
State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “It’s no secret the Trump Administration is putting the interests of the American people first. This includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden on the American taxpayer.” It is further understood by The Tribune that the Department has the authority to deny visas on the likelihood of the applicant becoming a public charge in the US for more than 100 years.
ALBANY DEVELOPER RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL PARDON FROM TRUMP AFTER INSIDER TRADING ADMISSION
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net
ALBANY developer Joe Lewis has received a presidential pardon from US President Donald Trump, clearing the way for The Bahamas-based billionaire to re-enter the United States after pleading guilty to insider trading last year.
The New York Times reported that Lewis — the British investor behind Albany, the luxury marina community in southwestern New Providence — was granted the pardon to allow him access to medical treatment and to visit his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the US.
Lewis, whose family controls the vast majority of the shareholding in English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, admitted in a New York court in 2024 to charges of insider trading. He was fined US$5m and given probation, avoiding prison time. The NYT said prosecutors noted he did not personally profit from the stock-trading tips at the centre of the case, and that his age — 88 — was among the factors considered.
The pardon lifts
restrictions that had prevented him from travelling to the United States since his sentencing, according to the report. Despite his high-profile ties to Tottenham, the NYT said the pardon will not change the ownership structure of the club or Lewis’s position. He stepped away from any formal controlling role in 2022, and management of the team’s affairs is now largely handled by his daughter, Vivienne Lewis, along with other relatives. Lewis said in a statement that he was relieved to put the criminal case behind him and looked forward to retirement while his family continued to oversee their
global business interests. The report noted that the pardon is one in a growing list granted by President Trump since returning to office, following recent high-profile clemency decisions involving former congressman George Santos and retired baseball star Darryl Strawberry. Lewis pleaded guilty in early 2024 to a conspiracy charge and two securities-fraud counts after admitting he tipped associates about confidential corporate information. His lawyer previously said Lewis was ashamed of the conduct and had apologised to the court and his family.
China has donated $140k over last three years to Bahamas disaster-readiness efforts
Hurricane Milton, she visited a restoration village in Grand Bahama built after Hurricane Dorian and delivered a donation. She noted that although five years have passed since Dorian, “its devastating impact can still be felt.”
China said it has been a consistent supporter of Bahamian disaster-readiness efforts. Over the past three years, Beijing has donated US$140,000 to The Bahamas through the same regional disaster prevention fund. After Hurricane Dorian, emergency supplies — including necessities, hygiene products and tools — arrived at the National
Emergency Management Agency’s relief centre, escorted by the then Chinese Ambassador. China also provided more than US$600,000 in cash and material aid. Beyond financial support, Chinese officials said the country has organised workshops and seminars for Bahamian professionals in disaster response and climate adaptation to help strengthen long-term capacity. China said it “deeply understands that the risks facing The Bahamas reflect the special vulnerability of small island states in the era of climate change.” Its statement added: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” It said that “in
critical moments, China has always stood firmly with The Bahamas.”
Calling climate change an issue that “bears on humanity’s shared future,” China said cooperation is the only viable path and reaffirmed its position on “common but differentiated responsibilities.” Officials said that together with The Bahamas, China has “spoken out for fairness and justice.” The statement added that during COP30, China “actively calls for translating climate commitments into action and deepening openness and cooperation,” and pledged to continue contributing to global climate governance.
CHINA from page one
THE US Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas.
ALBANY developer Joe Lewis.
UB students ordered to sit exams in rooms deemed unusable due to mould
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
CONCERNS about mould in several classroom blocks at the University of The Bahamas intensified this week after students claimed they were instructed to sit end-of-semester exams in a room that had recently been deemed unusable.
A student post circulating on social media alleged that a maths class had been shifted online for weeks because of mould in the assigned classroom, only for students to be told that the final exam would be held in that same space and that masks would be required.
Acting Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas
President Dr Anastasia Brown said she was aware of mould complaints in more than one building and said the union had been told the problems would be addressed. “They promised to deal with them. It is not only the maths building, it is also in the CATS building,” Dr Brown said.
She linked the situation to longstanding maintenance challenges on the Oakes Field campus.
“My understanding is that because of the location of the University of The Bahamas, remember it was on a pond, it was important that regular maintenance be done. And if it is not done, that is what happens,” she said.
Dr Brown added that the union had repeatedly raised concerns about air-conditioning vents and filters that were not being replaced on schedule. “We are supposed to change the vents on the AC regularly. If the vent in the AC is not changed, there is nothing we can do," she said. "When you call and ask for them to change it, the guys say we do not have the resources to change it. So that has been the issue, resources, for the maintenance department to do their work.”
She said faculty, staff and students had been feeling the effects of the poor air quality. “If you hear my voice, I can barely breathe,” Dr Brown said. “Faculty staff and students all are affected.”
She said the union was told last month that
resources would be provided to clean the affected spaces.
Student Government Association President Edwin Waldron said the specific complaint circulating online had not yet reached the SGA, but confirmed that mould issues had been raised earlier in the semester. “We have had complaints about mould and we have had sit-downs with the president,” Mr Waldron said. “The president of the university has committed a few hundred thousand dollars to fix those problems. Those problems are a work in progress, and the money has already been allocated. Me and my team have confirmed that.”
Mr Waldron said the university told the SGA that bids were already in place
Govt acquires seven desalination plants across the Family Islands
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
SEVEN desalination plants across the Family Islands are now under government control after Water and Sewerage Corporation’s new subsidiary bought the facilities from Aqua Design Bahamas Limited for about $16m.
The acquisition follows years of legal friction between Aqua Design and the government over water supply contracts for the Family Islands. In April, Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder granted WSC an injunction preventing Aqua Design from ceasing operations at its desalination plants in San Salvador, Exuma and Eleuthera after the company signalled plans to withdraw from its Bahamas business.
The plants — four in Eleuthera, one in San Salvador, one in Georgetown, Exuma, and one in Inagua — will continue operating under Aqua Design
Locals have to ‘learn to live with’ cane toads and learn about risks it poses to us
distance with a long, piercing tool such as a pitchfork or fishing spear.
for a six-month transition as WSC Desalco Company Limited assumes full management.
WSC General Manager Robert Deal said all Bahamian employees, roughly 12 to 15 people, have been retained and will be assessed for permanent roles under the new company.
“That involves training and development,” he said, adding that WSC is “now in the process of identifying leadership for the new company, recruiting a general manager and other executives to lead that operation.”
During the transition, the government will begin “addressing various upgrades” to modernise and expand the plants. “We expect that we will identify what’s required and then execute those works,” he said. “Those will be in the hundreds of thousands, if not a few million, because there’s quite a bit of expansion and other improvements required
to further upgrade our systems across The Bahamas.”
Asked whether the transition or upgrade works will affect residents, Mr Deal said the corporation aims to maintain service stability while fortifying systems that have long been vulnerable — particularly in Eleuthera, where power reliability has repeatedly disrupted water supply.
“Our focus is to reinforce those operations, to build resiliency and limit the challenges we’ve had,” he said, noting efforts to ensure standby generation, adequate staffing, and preventative maintenance to “limit any impact on customers.”
He said WSC has already invested millions in Eleuthera in recent years, including new storage tanks at the naval base in Central Eleuthera and the Bogue in North Eleuthera, as well as ongoing works in Harbour Island to improve reliability.
for repairs and renovations, and that any class affected by mould would remain online until the issue was resolved. He said he was unaware of the exam claim and would check with his team.
Dr Brown said she understood why some students were being instructed to sit exams in person despite earlier mould concerns, noting that the university was attempting to protect the integrity of assessments. She added that the affected areas still needed to be properly cleaned and said she hoped the institution would secure the resources required, which she said had been promised by both university officials and the government.
The Tribune understands the university has been preparing for accreditation exercises, though both Dr Brown and Mr Waldron said maintenance shortcomings needed to be resolved regardless of any external timelines.
Dr Brown stressed that safety must remain the priority. “We understand we want to do accreditation, but you have to make sure that we are around to enjoy accreditation,” she said. “We have been turned back repeatedly but faculty and staff and our students need to be safe.”
UB officials did not respond to requests for comment up to press time yesterday.
Dr Ancilleno Davis, assistant professor of small island studies at the University of The Bahamas, said the country must now prepare to live with the species permanently. “It is impossible for us to kill off all the cane toads,” he said. “Once they are here, you have to start learning to live with them and educating your community about them, especially kids and pet owners.”
Dr Davis said the toads’ reproductive ability and lack of predators virtually guarantee their long-term establishment. “Over the course of a life, an adult female could lay, you know, hundreds of thousands of eggs,” he said, adding that the animals face few threats once matured. “Those little cane toads, they pretty much, once they get to adult size, they do not have any predators that could take them, and the predators that try to take them might then end up dying.”
“Every time a wild animal kills one of them, that animal also dies, so it does not get to kill any others.”
Mr Gibson warned that cane toads pose a fatal risk to pets and can cause non-life-threatening reactions in humans. Their toxins can contaminate food and water sources left outdoors, potentially triggering seizures and death in small animals.
Dr Davis said the ecological impact will take years to stabilise, stressing that the toads prey on birds, frogs, snakes and other small animals while also poisoning local predators. “A stray dog or cat will think that its an easy meal, they bite into it and they will die,” he said. He added that children are especially vulnerable because they may pick up the animals without understanding the danger. “You could have significant reactions. Some people don't even feel it and then other people have major allergic reactions.” He said toxins from the toads’ skin can trigger nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, with severe exposures linked to cardiac effects such as rapid heartbeat or heart block.
Dr Davis said the current spike in reports is partly due to increased public education and the speed at which information spreads online. “Sometimes it is not necessarily that it just started happening, but now more people are educated, and now people know that cane toads are an issue, and so when they see one, they will report it as a cane toad,” he said.
Cane toads were first reported in western New Providence as early as 2013, and multiple official alerts have been issued since, alongside identification guides and public warnings as the species became more widely recognised.
TOADS from page one
A CANE toad caught in 2023 in New Providence.
UNION of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) Acting President Dr Anastasia Brown speaks to reporters during a protest by Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) staff members in front of the BTVI campus on July 16, 2024. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas entrance.
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A glimpse from our past
A GROUNDED barge meant a flashback to centuries gone by yesterday, with looters making off with whatever they could find in the containers on board the vessel stuck off Abaco.
Videos soon started circulating of people laughing and grabbing all kinds of items from the stricken vessel, The Brooklyn Bridge. Defence force officers and police were soon on the way – but not before plenty of people had made off with what they could.
Illegal it may be, but it is also something deeply engrained in Bahamian history. It is called wrecking – and while this grounding came about through accidental means, wrecking was sometimes a very deliberate tactic to lure vessels to wreck on the shores.
History records the Eleutheran Adventurers indulging in the practice, despite their religious beliefs as a group of Puritans who settled on Eleuthera in the 1640s.
Indeed, the adventurers wrecked themselves as they arrived, as the ship of William Sayle, named the William, ran aground onto rocks at the Devil’s Backbone near Spanish Wells. The ship’s complement found its way ashore, but had lost their provisions.
The struggle to make a place they could call home saw religious beliefs take a back seat to the need for survival, and the practice of wrecking began. Plundering ships lured onto the rocks was soon a practice that spread throughout the region and was a major part of the country’s economy for centuries.
Indeed, salvage laws eventually included official licences – with wrecking ship crews having to be of a fixed size according to the size of the vessel. The government charged 15 percent customs duty before off the items would go to auction.
There were formal rules – with the Grand Bahama Museum having extensive information on the practice, such as the first ship to reach the wreck being deemed the “wreck master” with the captain having the authority to direct the salvage and to try to preserve life and property.
The practice was so widespread that in 1856, about ten percent of the then population of 27,000 was licenced as wreckers.
In 1850, wrecked goods accounted for 18 percent of the total imports of the nation. By 1865, the entire population of Bimini was reported to be “engaged in the occupation of wrecking”.
Anne and Jim Lawlor’s book, Harbour Island Story, notes that in the 1850s-60s, 26 sloops “purposely built for wrecking”, averaging 47 tons each, that were completed at Harbour Island.
The eighth commandment, thou shalt not steal, was not a major encumbrance to such actions – nor does it seem to be now.
A bishop from Abaco yesterday noted that scavenging wrecks is a “normal thing” and that it was “like back in the day when dope used to be running around, you grab what you want”. He did note that he “shouldn’t use this term” when saying that, though.
The island administrator, meanwhile, has warned that the goods should not be taken – and that police were on their way, arriving later on the scene. He admitted though that there was probably not much the police would do about those who had already looted the vessel – even saying that the goods taken away were “lightening the weight on the boat”.
So off people went with, it would seem from photographs online, pet food and toilet paper, washing machines and furniture, rugs and fitness equipment, and more, more, more.
One important bit of good news is that it seems as if there is no environmental risk from the vessel. It is grounded, but not leaking, seemingly. At some point, another vessel will pull it free and off it will go, with whatever remains of its load.
There may well be a rush of products being sold unexpectedly – perhaps online on the likes of Facebook marketplace, or in pawnshops or other locations. A few families might have a new washing machine in time for Christmas. Don’t count on the warranty, however.
Wrecking is deeply rooted in the history of our nation – and the stories of shipwrecks are deeply fascinating, including those told fortnightly by our columnist, Eric Wiberg, every other Friday.
Today, those looting expeditions are caught on camera and video, and shared on Facebook and Whatsapp. The accessories change, but the history carries on, as much as the authorities might have now brought it to a halt – this time.
Housing: Two problems, one conversation
EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE so-called “Housing Crisis” in The Bahamas is more complex than a single issue with a straightforward solution. It involves two interconnected yet separate challenges: housing availability and housing affordability. Until we recognise and distinguish these issues, our efforts will be ineffective.
“Housing Availability” refers to the presence of enough suitable homes for those in need. It’s not just about handing out keys; it’s also about providing the right types of housing in accessible locations. Delays caused by permitting and utility issues can lead to shortages. Additionally, focusing solely on large homes overlooks the demand for affordable rental units near job centers.
“Housing Affordability” refers to whether average families can manage their monthly expenses without experiencing financial strain. It encompasses more than just rent or mortgage payments; utilities, insurance, and transportation also contribute to the overall cost of living. In The Bahamas, the combination of high land and construction costs, along with slow wage growth, makes
affordability a significant issue. Therefore, merely constructing more houses does not guarantee a decrease in costs.
Confusing Availability with Affordability can lead to misunderstandings about the housing situation. Counting replacement homes as new supply exaggerates progress and obscures real gaps in the market. It’s important to monitor the types of housing being constructed, their locations, and how effectively they meet the needs of each community.
Homeownership is only one aspect of the housing landscape. It is essential to distinguish between properties that are for sale and those that are available for rent, as well as to differentiate between new constructions and existing homes. Additionally, we should assess the affordability of homeownership with the same thoroughness as we do for rentals, taking into account all monthly expenses in relation to income.
Misunderstanding these issues has significant consequences. When housing availability is low, families may double up or accept less suitable living conditions, while rising costs can lead to financial crises. This negatively impacts employers’ ability to recruit and retain staff, weakening communities.
This letter does not provide housing and funding solutions, nor does it address the debate on available financing (locally and globally) or the Census Report on Housing. I will address these topics in future letters. This letter simply calls for clear language and accurate data. We must report separately on housing backlog and new supply, clearly distinguishing Availability from Affordability. Doing so will enable a grounded public discussion that genuinely reflects the realities of our housing market. Only then can we begin to effectively address these urgent challenges.
E M SOPHIA-CHOKHMAH Freeport, GB November 13, 2025.
wreck and masked butterfly fish.
Cold hard truth
By ED FIELDS
BRACE yourselves, this is going to be hard to hear. It’s cold, hard truth time.
I wish to emphasize that this is not a blame discussion, but a discussion based on simple observation. Those offended by these observations are equally victims of these truths as are the citizenry in general.
Public Transportation, Healthcare, Education, BPL, The Judiciary, Police, Force, Ease of Doing Business, etc.
What do they all have in common? They are all government-managed enterprises or under the purview of government. The list of these enterprises is not limited to the list above, either. Indeed, almost every facet of our daily lives is impacted in some way by the public sector.
In fact, it could be said that the public sector holds the welfare of our country in its hands (or maybe as hostage to it). A simple question for all to answer: How is the public sector performing?
I give it a big, whopping F.
But don’t take my word for it. A 2018 report done by the IDB did just that.* The report was not complimentary. Here is how they scored quality indices for our civil service, Indeed, the head of the public sector at the time, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service are all referred to in the report.
“According to the IMF (2017a), non-essential temporary workers account for as much as 30–40 percent of public employees. The Head of the Public Service indicated that the public service is overstaffed by as much as 40 percent. The PS in the MPS indicated that, while the staff numbers were high, the civil service had a “hollow middle” and lacked essential skills. The Cabinet Secretary and several Permanent Secretaries, as well as external stakeholders, reaffirmed this assessment of the lack of essential skills. In fact, the Cabinet Secretary described the cadre of Deputy Permanent Secretaries (DPS) as “extraordinarily weak.”
Given the gravity of these findings in 2018, one would have expected robust public debate with respect to civil service reform. However, although reported in the media, the IDB findings did not represent more than a blip in the public discourse. Why is that?
Could it be because the public sector is comprised of so many of our citizens, that self-examination is not comfortable nor desirable? Or that politicians fear making any waves in such a big voter pool? Or maybe we have collectively come to accept things the way they are?
Here is my take: The impact of the public sector has The Bahamas spiralling toward a social and
economic abyss, largely because the public treasury funds salaries more than services and solutions. Services have deteriorated to such a level today that we have all been reduced to simply mumbling the catatonic and robotic phrase “it is what it is.”
The civil service malaise has been fuelled further by successive governments that have failed in three aspects:
1) Expanding our economy beyond tourism
2) Preparing our people for opportunities in the existing and expanded communities
3) Not daring to even mention Civil Service Reform
As the Minister of Labour and Public Service, Pia Glover candidly stated in September, the rate of unemployment is due to a “mismatch of skills and available jobs rather than a shortage of opportunities.”
Let us not fool ourselves. Eighty-five percent of what we do is related to tourism.
This we know, as we saw the impact of no tourism during the Covid Pandemic. The Bahamas was “CLOSED FOR BUSINESS.” And since we are not expanding or preparing ourselves for things other than tourism, we sit on the precipice of economic implosion. The signs of are evident. Two recent examples of this are the incidents related to the taxis/livery debate and the discussion revealing the conditions at the Princess Margaret Hospital. These are case studies in oversaturation and mismanagement In the case of the taxi quandary, it is clear that supply and demand has not been appropriately managed. All the dissatisfaction expressed by taxi drivers is directly related to supply and demand. Supply has increased when the market does not require it, resulting in long waits for fare, as taxis service only visitors who promise significant fares. They are virtually
unavailable for local use.
In addition, all of the “points of sale” jobs are at privately-owned or managed facilities. Despite exhaustive efforts by the managers of those properties, they have not able to resolve the issues confronting the industry. Each of those properties have only so many customers who require taxis, but the flow of taxis keeps increasing. Added to this, is less-thanstringent enforcement for the many infractions by taxi drivers, including, drinking, smoking (not cigarettes) and non-adherence to the gazetted rates. The conditions at the hospital also emanate from oversaturation. Like all government entities, the Ministry of Health is disproportionately staffed with non-essential personnel. While the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and Ministry of Health and Wellness budget format is not easily deciphered, one can conclude that the ratio of personal emoluments to the total expenditures are not what anyone would define as “best business practice.” Therefore, neglect of capital works, supplies and repairs, and maintenance all fall prey to the wage roll. The formula TE-PE=0 (total expenditure minus personal emoluments equals zero) is what has landed us in this twilight zone, a place and time where: public servants are unhappy with wages and working conditions, skill sets do not match needs, and service to taxpayers is mediocre at best, but where the tax bill keeps increasing while affordability issues impact both the private sector employer and employee . . . etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. If we do not face these truths head on and take bold, innovative steps to reform the civil service, expand the economy, and prepare our people for the new age, we will not escape the vortex of discontent, despair, and deterioration that currently prevails.
*The State of the Civil Service in The Bahamas - IDB Publications, Inter-Amer-
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UNDERWATER
Photo: Frantisek Hojdysz
ED FIELDS
Prosecution rests case in 2022 murder trial
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
THE prosecution has closed its case in the trial of the man accused of murdering Emmanuel Brown, who was gunned down on Seventh Street in 2022.
Prosecutors allege Donte “Drey” Deveaux, 28, shot and killed 34-yearold Emmanuel “Manny” Brown and attempted to kill Samuel “Fish” Joseph during a shooting on Seventh Street, Coconut Grove, on the night of 2 May 2022.
Officer Lightbourne, an investigating officer, testified before Justice Jeannine Weech-Gomez that on the night of the incident, he went to the crime scene and saw the body of the deceased between a carwash and an unfinished building. He said there were multiple bullet casings near the body.
Under cross-examination from Dr K Melvin Munroe, the defendant’s attorney, Officer Lightbourne
confirmed that Deveaux voluntarily turned himself in for questioning on May 9, 2022. However, he told prosecutor Calnan Kelly that it was not unusual for suspects to turn themselves in. He could not recall whether a wanted poster was ever issued for the accused.
Detective Constable Nicholas Farrington testified virtually that he also visited the murder scene at 10.25pm as part of CSI. He said he saw the body of a lifeless male in a torn white shirt and long pants suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
DC Farrington said he collected six 9mm casings, a blood-stained grey baseball cap, two swabs of blood, and a single dislodged tooth from the scene. While he said he sent these items to the police forensic lab for analysis, he never received the results because they would have been sent directly to the investigator.
After Dr Munroe pointed out a discrepancy
between his statement and his report, DC Farrington agreed that his written report indicated he collected only five bullet casings. He explained that it had been a while since he last read the report. He confirmed to the defence that all evidence was collected the night of the shooting and into the following morning.
DC Farrington said the body and casings were found between a carwash and an abandoned structure. Although he could not remember the precise placement of the casings, he said they were near the body. He also noted the area was dark but illuminated by torchlights.
After the Crown closed its case, Deveaux elected to remain silent and called no witnesses in his defence.
Closing arguments from both sides will be submitted next week.
In addition to Mr Kelly, Tenielle Bain and Timothy Bailey were the prosecutors.
Car wash owner identifies shooters in 2022 attack
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN testified yesterday that he survived being shot four times by two men he had known for years, telling a Supreme Court jury he recognised both attackers as they opened fire on him at his East Street car wash in 2022.
Adam Newbold gave evidence in the attempted murder trial of Mauricio Webster Jr, 23, and Malik Hanna, 27, before Justice Franklyn Williams. Prosecutors allege the pair tried to kill him around 11.50am on December 18 2022 near “Big Yard” in Coconut Grove.
Mr Newbold said he had just started opening his car wash and rental business around 10am when he heard gunfire. Moments earlier, he said he had spoken with his sister and given money to his niece and daughter before they left. While sitting on one of his cars watching a woman open a nearby church, he said shots rang out without warning.
He testified that he ducked for cover beside his office as two men dressed in black jumped out of a white Japanese vehicle and opened fire from behind his business’s fence.
He said they remained outside the fence only
because they could not get through. According to his account, one man carried a rifle while the other had a handgun, and the attack unfolded quickly.
Mr Newbold identified Webster and Hanna in court as the shooters. He said nothing obstructed his view and that he recognised both men immediately. He told jurors he knew Webster, whom he called “Bunwood,” because they lived in the same house at one point when Webster was on bail and staying with his cousin. He said he would greet Webster in the mornings when passing him. He said he had known Malik for about 12 years because they had “come up together” in the same neighbourhood, though he could not recall the last time he saw him before the shooting.
Mr Newbold told the court he was shot four times — in the leg, stomach and back — and grazed once on the shoulder. He said he spent eight days in hospital after his cousin, Michael Johnson, drove him to Princess Margaret Hospital in a Nissan Cube. He said: “I went through the full process because God was with me,” adding that the pain only began once doctors started treating him.
Mr Newbold said he identified “Bunwood”, or
Webster, in a photo lineup on 23 December 2022 while still in hospital on an IV. He said he later identified Malik in a second photo lineup on December 29. He told the court that a brown Nissan Note photographed outside PMH was the vehicle that transported him, saying most of its windows had been shot out.
Mr Newbold again identified the defendants in surveillance footage, saying they were the men who exited the white vehicle. Under cross-examination by defence attorney Al-leecia Pickstock, he said he knew the shooting occurred around 10.03am because that was the time he usually opened his business and the church across the street began its activities. He said he could not remember when he gave his police statement.
He told the court his office had been shot up and that bullets were flying everywhere from the rifle. He also said his daughter and niece were inside a nearby house at the time. When Ms Pickstock suggested the shooting lasted only eight seconds, Mr Newbold shrugged.
Desiree Ferguson and Gwendolyn Brice-Adderley prosecuted the case. In addition to Ms Pickstock, Keith Seymour represented the accused.
Man waiting trial for murder has bail application denied
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
A MAN awaiting trial for the murder of Anthony Sullivan was denied bail earlier this week. Ricardo Green, 50, had his bail application rejected by Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson. Green is accused of shooting and killing Sullivan on Plantol Street on May 4. During his initial arraignment in the Magistrate’s Court, he indicated he was taking medication for schizophrenia. In reviewing the matter, Justice Grant Thompson said
to participate in Junior Junkanoo parade
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has announced that 34 schools will participate in this year’s Junior Junkanoo Parade, marking the largest number of entries to date.
During the official launch, Chairman of the National Junkanoo Committee Andrew Pinder said it was encouraging to see the continued enthusiasm of students and educators. “It’s fun to see the rivalry, to see that our educators are all into it and committed to ensuring that our juniors are the future of Junkanoo,” he said.
This year’s parade will feature five preschools, nine primary schools, five junior and senior high schools, eight all-age schools, and two community groups.
The preschools are One on One Preschool, Tiny Tot Preschool, Precious Kidz, Coconut Grove Preschool, and Buttonwood Preschool. The primary schools are T.G. Glover, Woodcock Primary, Eva Hilton Primary, Carlton Francis Primary, Cleveland Eneas Primary, Yellow Elder Primary, Uriah McPhee Primary, Judith P. Thompson Primary,
One on One Primary, and Ridgeland Primary. The junior and senior high schools are C.H. Reeves, Donald Davis Primary, Anatol Rodgers, T.A. Thompson, H.O. Nash, Government High, C.V. Bethel, C.I. Gibson, and R.M. Bailey. The all-age schools are St John’s College, St Anne’s, Discovery Learning Centre, Atlantic College, Windsor, and Jordan Prince William. The community groups are Genesis Teen Hawks and Forest Academy.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg noted that participation continues to increase. “Last year we had about 31 schools participate, which was record-breaking, and I’m proud to say this year we have 34, which is another record-breaking number,” he said. “Of course, the Ministry is happy to partner with Sol and Scotiabank, who made our lives much easier to ensure that these parades come off smoothly.”
Title sponsor Sol Petroleum has contributed $50,000 toward this year’s event. General Manager Valentino Hanna said the company’s support for Junior Junkanoo now spans 36 years. “This is our 36th year of supporting the talents, creativity
the defendant was positively identified as the shooter in a photo lineup. She refused bail, finding he posed a flight risk, and noted he was also being remanded for his own safety due to the prevalence of retaliatory killings.
Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier represented the Crown.
Jury dismissed after defendent claims he formerly worked with one of jurors
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A JURY in an armed robbery trial was dismissed yesterday two weeks into a trial after it emerged that the defendant had previously worked with one of the jurors.
Justice Joyann Ferguson Pratt discharged the jury in the case of Donald “Don” Tucker, 34, who is accused of robbing a downtown Subway restaurant of $4,412 on 15 March 2024 while armed with a box cutter. Justice Pratt said in open court that a lead investigator reported the defendant had approached him and said he was “straight with his trial” because he used to work with one of the jurors. In dismissing the panel, she said the
complaint of approaching a prosecution witness and the potential for jury contamination undermined the criminal justice system at its core.
Tucker was remanded to prison until Monday, when the court will decide whether to revoke his bail.
Sonia Timothy Knowles represented the accused, while Brad McKenzie and Tyler Murray were the prosecutors.
and spirit of our young people,” he said. “We are particularly pleased to witness the growth of the parade over the past few years. The number of schools participating continues to grow, and so has the enthusiasm and support of spectators.”
Mr Hanna also announced the continuation of Sol’s “Pennies at the Pump” initiative, under which a portion of each gallon of fuel purchased at participating stations will be donated to Junior Junkanoo.
Scotiabank’s District Head North, Roger Archer, said the bank views its sponsorship as an investment in young Bahamian talent. “We view this as an investment in talent, in musicians, artists, and persons who will lead this nation in the upcoming years,” he said. “This is a truly talented country, and investing in that talent is something we are really proud to do.”
The Junior Junkanoo Parade, traditionally held on the last Thursday in January, provides students with an opportunity to display their creativity and cultural expression through Junkanoo music, dance, and costume design on Bay Street. A definitive date was not confirmed as yet.
A well-established, independent early years school in Nassau is seeking a part-time qualified Pre-Kindergarten Teacher to join our Early Learning team.
We are looking for a warm, nurturing, and enthusiastic educator who has a genuine love for working with very young children (ages 18 months – 3 years) and a strong understanding of early childhood development. The ideal
demonstrate creativity, patience, and professionalism in supporting each
and academic growth.
Key Responsibilities:
• Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning experiences tailored to toddlers and early learners
• Support children’s emerging language, motor, and self-help skills through handson, age-appropriate activities
• Foster a safe, caring, and stimulating classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with parents regarding student progress and daily routines
• Maintain consistent classroom structure and positive behavior management
• Work collaboratively with Assistant Teachers and the wider Early Years team to ensure smooth daily operations
• Participate in school events and contribute to a positive, caring school culture
• Adhere to all safeguarding policies and uphold the highest standards of professionalism
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Education (Early Childhood or Primary preferred)
• Previous classroom experience with toddlers or preschool-aged children
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• A nurturing, patient, and team-oriented approach
If you are passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and thrive in a caring and creative environment, we would love to hear from you. We are seeking someone who is available to start as soon as possible.
THE MINISTRY of Youth, Sports and Culture announces 34 schools will participate in this year’s Junior Junkanoo -five preschools, nine primary schools, five junior and senior high schools, eight all-age schools, and two community groups.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
Training Eleutherans to achieve self-reliance
Terann is the Dean of Training and Innovation, CTI
WHENI madethedecision torelocatetoEleuthera,itwas more than a professional move; it wasa deliberate step toward purpose. I knew I wasn t just changingmy address;I waschanging thedirection ofmy life.I joinedthe team at the One Eleuthera Foundation(OEF) toserveas the Dean ofTraining and Innovation atthe Centrefor Training andInnovation
turned for vacations, drawn again by the warmth of the people and the quietmagic thatseemstoliveineverysettlement. Those memories camefloodingbackwhenIarrived, a reminder that Eleuthera is not justbeautiful; itishomeinthetruestsense.
Withfamilyroots ontheisland, I’ve seenfirsthand how havinga tradecan changea person’slife. It’smore thana meansof employment.For many, it’sa foundationfor independence and entrepreneur-
(CTI), with aclear goal: to help create lasting pathways for learning, opportunity, and empowermentthat willreach every corner ofthis tranquil island. It didn t take melong to rememberwhy Eleutheraisso special.My connectiontothis island runsdeep. Asa child,I spent summers here, exploring its shores and enjoyingits easyrhythm oflife. Later,as ayoungadult, Ire-
ship. Skilled hands havebuilt homes, supported families, and sustained communities across Eleuthera for generations.
Although I was blessed with the opportunityto travel abroadto pursuemyeducation, Ihave never lostsight of the valueof practicalskills. A tradecan opendoorsthat formaleducation alonesometimescannot. Itprovidesstability,pride,and alegacythat
of One Eleuthera Foundation
extendsbeyond oneindividual.
Yet,like manyofour Family Islands, Eleuthera continuesto facethechallenge oflimited accessto higherand continuingeducation. Too manybright, talented Bahamians must leave their homeisland tofind opportunities elsewhere.When thishappens,we losenotonly skilled workers but also mentors, role models, and community builderswho makeour islandsstrong.That realityis preciselywhy Iaccepted this position,tohelp bridge thatgap andwork with CTI to ensurethat the people of this extraordinary island canaccessthe toolstheyneed to thrive, right where they are.
OEF has long championed educational advancementon the island. Foundedon principlesof communityempowerment, sustainability, and equity, OEF smission is to create opportunitiesfor Bahamians to thrive where they live and toensure that Eleutherans are not just participants in development, but leadersandbeneficiariesofit.
At the heart of this movement isthe Centrefor Training andInnovation (CTI), OEF s education and workforce developmentarm. CTIwascreated torespondto areal need:the gapbetween traditional education and the practical skills required in today’sBahamianeconomy.It is a space where hands-on trades meetinnovation, where learning isnot justabout theory, but about application, creativity,andconfidence.
My roleas Dean isto expand accessto continuingand vocational educationacross Eleuthera in practical, inclusive, and transformative
ways. Thatmeans blending hands-on trades trainingwith knowledge-based theories, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It means ensuring that residents don’t have to leave home to gain world-class skillsor pursue meaningfulcareers.
Our goal isto empower Eleutherans tobuild, manage,
can we use what we have, right hereon Eleuthera, to solve ourown challenges?
How can we ensure that development isn tjustabout new buildings, but about building people?
At CTI, we begin answering thosequestions by providing resources, training andsupport toEleutheransby expandingaccess toadultand continuing education that will fosterchange andimpactgenerations.We arechargedwith
and innovatethemselves; reducing dependence on outside labor and helping the island achieve greater self-reliance. Whether it istraining local electriciansto installsolar systems, helpingartisans bringtheir productstoglobal marketsonline, orteaching basic bookkeepingto small business owners,every new skill learned strengthens the foundation ofour islandeconomy. Innovation, forus, isn’t just about technology.True innovationis aboutcreative problem-solving rootedin local realities anda paradigm shiftthatemphasizespotential instead oflimitations. How
EU, Latin America and Caribbean nations hold summit overshadowed by US military operation
By ASTRID SUÁREZ
Associated Press
BOGOTA, Colombia
(AP) Representatives of European, Latin American and Caribbeannations on Sundaybegan atwo-day summitinColombiatotryto strengthen ties despite questionson thegathering'srelevance and divisionsin the Western Hemisphereover the U.S. military operation targeting alleged drug-carryingvessels. Colombian officialshave indicated theywill seekthe
signing ofa declarationon renewable energy, food security, financingand technologicalcooperation at the end of the summitof theCommunityof Latin Americanand Caribbean States andthe EuropeanUnion. The deadly U.S. operation, however, willlikely becomea key pointof discussionas Colombian PresidentGustavo Petro is among its strongest critics.
TheU.S. strikesagainstalleged drug-carryingvessels in the Caribbean Seaand Eastern Pacifichavekilledmorethan60
people sinceSeptember. Petro has called the deaths "extrajudicial executions" andhas identifiedatleast oneofthekilledasaColombian citizen. Oneof two knownsurvivors oftheattacksisalsoColombian.
"What arewe doingwith thismeetingintoday'sworld amidst missiles?"Petro asked attendeesin hisinaugural remarks after mentioningthewar inGazaand the strikes obliterating the vessels. He then added that his wishwas forthe summit "to bea beaconof light amidstthebarbarity."
But the relevanceof the summit in the northern Colombia cityof Santa Marta has comeinto question because ofthe absence of heads ofstate and senior officials,includingEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Chancellor FriedrichMerz.
Colombia's ForeignMinistry has attributedthe issue to schedulingconflicts with a United Nations climate summit and hassought to downplayconcerns byhighlighting thepresence of Spanish Prime Minister
Pedro Sánchezand Brazilian PresidentLuiz InácioLulada Silva.
Following Petro'sremarks, someleaders highlightedthe increase in trade between the regions andjoint progressin digital connectivityprograms, thegreen transition,socialdevelopment and artificialintelligence.
"We choose dialogue, not division;we choosecooperation, not confrontation;we choose partnership, not isolation.And inthismultipolar world of ours, what is needed isa multilateralresponse," European Council President António Costasaid without mentioningthe attacksonthe vessels.
Lula surprised observers Wednesday by announcing thathe wouldattendthe summit eventhough Brazil was hosting theCOP30 climate conference. Brazilian Foreign MinisterMauro Vieiratold reportersthat Lula'sdecision toattendthe summit inColombia reflects regional solidarity with Venezuela.
Brazilian AmbassadorGisela Padovan, secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean, said Thursdaythat ad-
not onlydeveloping skilled workers, butcultivating leaders, trailblazers,and problem-solvers who will shape Eleuthera’s next chapter.
Todate,CTIhastrainedand graduated more than 600 students, providing NAECOBaccreditedand nationallyrecognizedcertifications. Asa Small IslandDeveloping State,werelyheavilyonjusta few sectors tourism, banking, fisheries and public service - makingit difficult to absorb alljob seekers,especially highschool graduates entering the jobmarket each year.The developmentof technicaland vocationalskills
(TVET) is not optional, it is essential.Studiesshowthatinvestments inTVET canincreaseemployability byupto 40% anddrive sustainable localgrowth. Education is the bridge between whatis andwhat can be. Through the ongoing work of OEF and CTI’s main campus in RockSound and satellite schoolon HarbourIsland, we willcontinue to bridgegaps andconstruct pathways tosuccess, one learner, one skill, and one communityata time.Byinvesting in peopleand practical skills, weare buildingthe human infrastructure for sustainablegrowth,strongercommunities, greateropportunities, anda futurewhere no oneisleftbehind. Relocating toEleuthera has beenoneof themostfulfilling experiences of my career. Everyday, I m reminded that transformation happens not through grandgestures, but through consistent investment inpeople.AsDeanofTraining and Innovation, Iam committed tohelping CTIexpand its reach,deepen itsimpact, and prepare Eleutherans for the evolving demandsof a global economy. My aspiration is tosee Eleuthera increase its capacity as a hub of skilled,confident,andcreative Bahamians who are building their own future, right here at
dressing U.S.President DonaldTrump'sthreatsofmilitary action againstVenezuela andrecent boatstrikes inthe Caribbeanwould beanatural topicatthesummit.
"It's clearthat thetopic will comeup, becausethe Venezuelan delegationwill bring it up,"Padovan said. However,she didn'ttellreporters whether the gathering's final statementwould include theissue.
Lula has urged Latin American nationsto helpprevent conflict in Venezuela. On Tuesday, he told reporters that he had alsourged Trump during their meeting last month inMalaysia tofollow the example offormer U.S. President George W. Bush, who participatedin effortsto pacify Venezuelafollowing a
2002 coup attempt against thenPresidentHugoChávez. "I told Trump that Latin Americaisaregionofpeace," Lulasaid.
Alexander Main, international policy directoratthe Centerfor Economicand PolicyResearch thinktank, said thegathering in Colombiaisthelasthigh-level multilateral summit to be held intheregion in2025following thepostponement of the Summitof theAmericas. Thiscouldmake iteasierfor governments to frankly addressthecentral issueofmilitary deployment, given that theUnitedStates isn'taparty tothesummit. "It isclearly apriority for several regionalleaders," Mainsaid.
Fedora man unmasked: Meet the person behind Louvre mystery photo
By THOMAS ADAMSON Associated Press
PARIS (AP) When 15-
year-oldPedro EliasGarzon Delvaux realizedan Associ-
ated Pressphoto of himat the Louvreonthe dayofthe crownjewels heisthaddrawn millions ofviews, hisfirst instinctwas notto rushonline
andunmaskhimself. Quitetheopposite.
A fan ofSherlock Holmes and HerculePoirotwho liveswithhis parents andgrandfather inRambouillet, west ofParis, Pedro decided to play along withthe world's suspense. As theories swirled aboutthesharplydressed stranger in the "Fedora Man" shot detective, insider,AIfake hedecidedto staysilentand watch. "I didn't want to say immediatelyit wasme," he said."With thisphoto thereisamystery,soyou havetomakeitlast."
For his only in-person interview sincethat snap turnedhim intoaninternational curiosity, heap-
pearedfor theAPcameras athis home much as he did that Sunday: in afedora hat,Yves SaintLaurent waistcoat borrowedfrom hisfather, jacket chosenby hismother, neat tie,Tommy Hilfigertrousers anda restored, war-battered Russian watch. Thefedora,angled justso,ishis homage toFrench Resistancehero JeanMoulin. In person,he is abright, amused teenager who wandered, by accident,intoaglobalstory.
From photo to fame Theimagethat madehimfamous wasmeantto documentacrime scene. Three policeofficers lean on asilver carblockinga Louvreentrance, hours after thieves carried out a daylight raidon French crown jewels. Tothe right,a lonefigure in athree-piece ensemblestridespast; aflash offilm noirin amodern-day manhunt.
Theinternet didtherest."Fedora Man,"as users dubbed him, was cast as an old-school detective,aninsideman,aNetflixpitch,ornot humanatall.ManywereconvincedhewasAIgenerated. Pedrounderstood why."I'mastar," hesays less bragthan experiment, as ifhe's trying onthewordsthewayhetriesonahat."I'llkeep dressinglikethis.It'smystyle.". He is relaxed aboutwhatever comes next. "I'mwaiting forpeopletocontact mefor films," he said, grinning."That would be very funny."
The real question: are you a Todd or a toad?
MEETJEFFTODD.
He’s a45-year-old slim, good-lookingman withbrilliant blue eyes, dressed in casualpants, wornbaseball capand ashirtthat couldbenefit from an introduction to aniron. GQcover materialhe isnot,unlessyouarefeaturing noneed toimpress whensuccessisthesuitofchoice.Married with twingirls, age 12, Todd works full-time as the communications specialist in abusy firmspecializingin philanthropic givingwith investmentandtaxincentivesin Ontario,Canada.
Formostmen hisage,that would be enough tofill a day or aportfolio. Notfor Todd. He isalso the authorof seven books, two not yet published, and aboutto starton the eighth. Heruns, skis, cycles, and plays just aboutany sport available. And, while he wasrun ning in Exuma, he realized itwas a greatplace fora racethat would raise money forschol arships. So he or ganized Run for Pompey, acommunityevent thatwilldraw morethan300 tothestartline in Regatta Parkin Georgetown this weekend,for the 11thrunningof theeventthat he co-founded andhas continued tohelp organize, manage, and participate in for thelast11years.
ming pigs, a phenomenon experiencedby dozensof boaters over the years who kept the porcinepresence on Big MajorCay a yachtie s secret untilTodd wrotethe book “Pigs inParadise” (author pseudonym TR Todd) and co-anchored the film by thesamename.Heliterallylet the pig phenom outof the bag
fromthefirstdayhelandedin Nassaufor whatturned outto beabouta three-yearstintat the NassauGuardian asBusiness Editor. Yet it was only this week, when he passed throughNassauon hiswayto Runfor Pompey,thatIrealized how productive he was. By the way,Jeff not onlymanagesthe event withcofounder Kevin Taylor, but runs the full marathon distance as a participant.And that gotme to thinking – what makes a person like Jeff Todd tick?
world.
And--I almost forgot to mention--Todd is alsothe cofounderof TourdeTurquoise, thecycling eventthatraises morethan $100,000annually for Exumacauses. Heis also, quitepossibly, thefatherof thefascinationwiththeswim-
Listing his achievements runstheriskoflosingyourattention, I get that. Butthere is areason:I justwanttounderstand why somepeople are so incredibly productiveand othersamongusarenot. What is the difference between aTodd, wholooks at somethingandjustgoesabout gettingitdone,andatwo-toed sloth that starts to climb the treeandforgetswhyhestarted outin thefirstplace bythe timehegetstothetop?
AreyouaToddoratoad? I ve known Jeff Todd for more than 15years, almost
BNT honours
How canone persondoallthat?Or,whyare some peopleso productive andothers, likethetwo-toed slothoratoadthatjumpsfrom placeto placeortask totask without achieving much to jumphomeabout? In other words,what exactlyisthedifferencebetween aToddandatoad?
Theanswerisn’tsimple,but what I vefigured outisitis notwhere thetoad landsthat matters. It’s why and how he leaps.DoeshemovewithpurposelikeaToddordoesheflit likea frog?It sall inthe habits andthe thoughtprocess.
So I went backto theproductive husband-father-author of seven books published by
conservation legends, signs landmark agreement at AGM
THE BAHAMASNational Trust (BNT), the nation s leadingenvironmentalconservation organization, hostedits Annual GeneralMeeting (AGM)onOctober 22atThe Retreat Gardenon Village Road.The eventhighlighted majororganizationalprogress, including therecognition of three conservation legends andthesigning ofalandmark co-management agreement with the San Salvador Living Jewels(SSLJ).
The AGM brought together BNT membersto reviewthe past year’s achievements, elect new council representatives, andreceive anupdate on the organization s progress duringthefirstyearofitsnew five-yearstrategicplan.
Akey highlightofthe meetingwas theBNT’s formalrecognitionofthreeindividualsas conservationle-
gends.Glenn V.Bannister, Macgregor N.Robertson, OM, andthe Hon.Sandra Buckner, OE were celebrated fortheir extraordinarydedicationand lifelongcommitment to protecting The Bahamas natural resourcesand inspiring futuregenerations to become environmentalstewards.
Thesigning oftheco-management agreement with the San SalvadorLiving Jewels marked a major conservation milestone. BNTExecutive Director Lakeshia AndersonRolle reflected on the 14-year partnership that ledto the establishment of five national parks onSan Salvador.The agreementformalizesashared commitmentto protectkey biodiversity areas and establishes asustainable, community-led frameworkfor managingthe island s pro-
tectedareasystem.
MichaelGoffe, Presidentof the SSLJ, thankedMrs. Anderson-Rolle, BNT staff, and TheNature Conservancyfor their years of collaboration. Weareexcitedtobeworking withtheBNTandseethisCoManagementAgreementasan importantpilot initiativefor future co-management partnerships in TheBahamas, he said.
Formalizing thisco-management agreement is a defining moment for collaborative conservation in The Bahamas,” saidMs. AndersonRolle. This partnership brings together theBNT’s national resourceswith theinvaluablelocal knowledgeof the SanSalvador Living Jewels,strengthening ourcollective stewardshipof these vitalecosystems.”
BNT President Joanne
realpublishers, co-founderof events andcreator-of-phenomena Todd and asked, ‘When you start a new book, whatisyourfirstthought?’
The beginning is the hardest,” he said. “That’s when you have to establish voice,what toneisit goingto be, what does this person soundlike?
Starting point
The metaphorwas masterful.Whereyou startiscritical.AsGolden Girlandtwotime Olympic gold medallist Pauline Davis alwaystells the students shecontinues toinspire,“It’snotwhereyoustart that matters. It show you finish.”
So, the differenceinproductivity begins justlike the opening chapterof abook. How youview something straightahead isyourstarting point.Whetheryoulookatthe problem andsee achallenge or turnyour back onit, figuringyouwilltackleitlateror someoneelse willis thefirst markofclaimingtitletobeing a Toddor a toad.That doesn’t meanyouhavetotackleevery problemor conditionyousee, but picking theone that captures yourinterest oryou think you canhandle rather than procrastinating or avoidingcountsforalot.
Themostproductivepeople are superior problem solvers. They lovea challenge.But how do you getto be the one who looks at aproblem as a challenge and sets about finding ways to solve it, insteadof someonewhothinks it stoomuch forthemto handle, and subconsciously decidestodistancethemselves from whatever itis, ignore its existence, or figure someone else willtake care of itif you don’t.
Powering your way to productivity
The original 7Habits of Highly Effective People has a companion now inthe library ofprint andaudio bibleson
productivity.I’vementionedit before in a column,but it is worthy of asecond pass. Called Atomic Habits, the volumeby JamesClearis packed with ideas on how to poweryour waytochange, whetherputting anend toa bad habitlike smokingor losing your temper.Or creatingagoodhabit,likegetting abetter handleon apersonal budgetoreatinghealthier.According tothe author,changingthe badhabit startswith giving it up byone percent on the first day,gradually increasingthetimeuntilyoucan dropitforlonger.Onepercent becomes two,and thenfour andmoreand littlebylittle you haveeased intowhere you want tobe. Use language that matters. Do not say I am trying to quitsmoking,’ becausetheword“trying”leaves room forfailure. Instead,say ‘I nolonger smoke’ or ‘I am notasmoker. Establishinga newhabit, says Clear,takes three months. He breaksit down intowhat hecallsthe Ruleof
3s – doit for three days, then aim for three weeks, then three months He also laysout what he calls the essential four steps –makingit obvious,makingit easy, makingit attractiveand most of all, making it satisfying. The firsttime you choose a platterof fresh fruit instead of chocolate cake for dessert, reward yourself. WatchanextraepisodeofYellowstone instead of washing the dishes.Treat yourself kindly. Believeme, itwould bea lot easierto think thatbeing a Toddisgenetic,thatsomehow the 40-somethingsuper-producerof workand booksand eventsandideasthatshookup atourism-based economyinherited the traits todo all that. Butthe realityis wechoose our ownpath. Wedecide whether we wantto be the frogthatleapsortheToddthat produces. Sorryfor thebad news,butthatitisnotamatter ofgenes. That would havebeen so mucheasier.Darn.
BNT President; Hon.SandraBuckner, OE,ConservationLegend;Lakeshia
Director and Ellsworth Weir, BNT Director of Parks. Smith updatedmembers on progress duringthe firstyear ofthenewStrategicPlan.She emphasized the importance of theongoingorganizationalrestructure,whichisdesignedto strengthennational parkmanagementand ensurethelongterm financial sustainability of the Trust. Key operational advancements and achievementssharedduringtheAGM included:
Enhanced Enforcement: The BNT has strengthened its park protectioncapabilities through the recent training of eightBNT wardensinadvanced aerialsurveillance, utilizing twofixed-wing drones.Supported byagrant
from theBuilders Initiative, this technology enables wardenstoefficientlymonitorexpansiveandremoteareas.
• Educational OutreachExpansion: New fundingfrom the DisneyFoundation will support expanded education andoutreach fortheAbaco NationalPark, aswell asa special educational program forstudents inSouth Eleutherato experienceboth the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserveand SeahorseNational Parkat Sweetings Pond. New CouncilMembers Elected: BNTmembers elected five Council members toserveathree-yearterm.Re-
turningfora secondtermare Geoffrey Andrews, Janet Johnson, Neisha Roberts, and Tanya Woodside. Newly electedtotheCouncilisTellis A. Bethel,former CommanderoftheRoyalBahamas DefenceForce. About theBahamas National Trust The Bahamas National Trust(BNT) isanon-governmental, non-profitorganization dedicated to theconservationofthecountrysnatural resources. The BNT manages theNational ParkSystemof The Bahamasand promotes conservation andenvironmental educationinitiatives throughoutthearchipelago.
"Wicked" hat goes to auction
By ALICIA RANCILIO Associated Press
JUST INtime forthe theatrical releaseof "Wicked: ForGood," fans willget achance toown memorabiliafromthe1939 originalfilm, "TheWizard of Oz," and oneitem is especiallywitchy. HeritageAuctionsisputtinganiconicblackhatthat MargaretHamiltonworeas theWicked Witchofthe Westup forsale. Thewool hat is quitelarge, measuringnearly14-incheshigh with a 19.5-inch diameter brim. Italso hasa 22-inch elastic chin strap worn by
Hamilton duringflying scenestokeepitsecure. Designed by costume designer AdrianAdolph Greenburg, who went by Gilbert Adrian professionally, thehat wasput touse after filmingbegan because the oneoriginally chosen didn'tappearscaryenough. "When Dorothy Gale becomes Dorothy of Oz, it's when she putson the ruby slippers,"said JoeMaddalena, EVPof Heritage Auctions. "Whenthe WickedWitch becomesthe WickedWitch, sheputson the hat. So it's this transformationalmoment ofthe birthofthewitch.Ithinkthe
importanceofthe hatisjustincredible.It's onpar withthe slippers." Heritage will holdthe auctionDec.9 and10,bothonline andatitsDallasheadquarters. Last year, Heritage sold a different pair ofruby slippers fromthefilmfor$28million.
Picturedfrom left:Glenn VBannister,Conservation Legend;Macgregor Robertson, OM, Conservation Legend; Joanne Smith,
Anderson–Rolle, BNT Executive
Davis calls for urgent action on rising seas which threaten existence of Small Island Developing States
‘International cooperation must be grounded in fairness, in justice, and in tangible support for those of us on the frontlines.’
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip Davis warned that rising seas are eroding not just The Bahamas’ shorelines but also its “sense of security, heritage, and children’s future,” as he urged urgent international action to confront what he called an existential threat to Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Speaking at the COP30 High-Level Session on Addressing Existential Threats Posed by SeaLevel Rise, Mr Davis said the crisis is already transforming life across The Bahamas.
“For The Bahamas,
sea-level rise is not an abstract concern – it is our daily reality. Our islands, our people, and our livelihoods stand on the frontlines of this crisis,” he said. He claimed that each hurricane season grows more intense, and that erosion and flooding are worsening yearly. The Prime Minister cited Tropical Storm Imelda and Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which caused billions of dollars in damages and claimed dozens of lives across the Caribbean, as examples of the growing danger.
Mr Davis said the global community must act with “greater urgency and solidarity” and called for the 2026 UN Sea Level
Rise Summit to deliver an ambitious declaration that safeguards statehood continuity, preserves maritime zones, and protects the rights of people displaced by climate impacts.
“The Bahamas believes this Declaration must go beyond words. It must commit the international community to a coordinated, well-financed global response,” he said.
Mr Davis urged greater partnerships between governments, scientific institutions, and financial agencies to support community-led adaptation and resilience. He also highlighted the inequity faced by small islands that contribute less than one percent of global emissions
but bear the greatest burden of climate change.
“International cooperation must be grounded in fairness, in justice, and in tangible support for those of us on the frontlines,” he said.
The Prime Minister praised the Communities Climate Adaptation Facility (C-CAF), which provides up to US$100,000 in quick-impact grants to communities within 90 days of application. The initiative funds projects that help residents remain in place and strengthen local resilience.
“I want to commend the success of the Communities Climate Adaptation Facility, or C-CAF, which provides quick-impact
grants directly to communities within 90 days of application – up to $100,000 US dollars each. This Facility supports community-led solutions that enable people to remain in place, respond to immediate threats, and build resilience,” he said.
“This is exactly what The Bahamas needs, and we look forward to participating in C-CAF. Mechanisms like C-CAF need dedicated funding. That is why I support a community levy of at least 3% from voluntary contributions to international climate financing institutions — earmarked specifically to enable community-led action.” He proposed a three
percent community levy from voluntary international climate contributions to ensure steady financial support for local action. Mr Davis also called for a “global ecosystem for climate mobility” that guarantees the right to stay while protecting those forced to relocate due to climate impacts.
“The Bahamas remains committed to working with Champion Leaders and partners across the Caribbean and around the world to address the existential threats posed by sea-level rise,” he said. “We continue to be one of the most outspoken voices on climate change in the developing world, and I certainly intend to keep it that way.”
19-year-old turns lunch money into boutique business
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
AT 19, entrepreneur
Dashia Moxey is running a growing clothing boutique, juggling multiple side businesses and studying law, after turning the lunch money she saved in high school into the capital for her own store.
Ms Moxey opened Astra Boutique in February, months after graduating from Temple Christian High School in June 2024. She said watching her parents struggle financially drove her to start earning on her own at 14, first by launching a skincare line funded with her lunch money, then offering locs hairstyling and selling candied fruit.
She said she saved everything she made in school with a single goal in mind: opening a clothing store. Along the way, she said a supportive dean encouraged her entrepreneurial ambitions while she balanced her studies and growing ventures.
Asked how business has gone since Astra Boutique opened, Ms Moxey said there have been more good days than bad, but admitted the early months were tough.
“When I first opened, I was getting a lot of recognition online, but it wasn't the same as in the store,” she told The Tribune yesterday. “Everyone was saying ‘oh y’all should support her, y’all should come through.’ But
no one was coming through, it was really slow.” She said the slow start made her question whether she made the right decision, but ultimately deepened her faith. “That's when I realised I can't joke around with my faith,” she said. Astra Boutique now sells clothing, handbags, jewellery, skincare, hair products, and accessories. Ms Moxey has also moved into event services, offering a “Sip and Paint” rental business that provides supplies for customers. She described it as a “blessing” to have something she can call her own and said opening the boutique was the best decision she has made so far. The business recently allowed her to take her mother on a trip, a milestone she said made her especially proud. On top of running her enterprises, Ms Moxey is studying law at the University of The Bahamas. She said she hopes to enter politics one day to advocate for young entrepreneurs and push for more youth involvement in national development.
Ms Moxey said she wants her journey from school-born side hustles to business ownership to show other young people that their ambitions are attainable if they work hard and stay committed. “But also you shouldn't be afraid, because God wouldn't put you in a position that you can’t handle,” she added.
DASHIA MOXEY
PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS
FNM holds rally in Golden Isles
DPM DISMISSES WHITE’S MATURITY AMID ROADWORKS CRITICISM
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
DEPUTY Prime Min-
ister Chester Cooper has accused Free National Movement MP Adrian White of lacking “maturity and decency” after the opposition representative blasted the government’s nationwide roadworks as politically motivated.
“I don't follow what Adrian White says,” Mr Cooper told reporters yesterday. “I think there's something called maturity in politics. There's
something called decency in politics that we must observe. I hope for him it will come over time, but right now, I'm not responding to anything that he has to say.”
Mr White courted controversy after a video widely circulated on social media showed him stepping on and dusting his feet on Progressive Liberal Party paraphernalia. He said he was subjected to racial attacks after the clip spread online, adding that he does not regret his actions and would repeat them.
He also criticised the government for repaving deteriorating roads in the Family Islands, calling the work reactive and politically driven. The criticism comes as both parties intensify their efforts ahead of the 24 November Golden Isles by-election. FNM leader Michael Pintard has previously questioned the timing of the resurfacing works, suggesting the government is attempting to curry favour with voters.
Mr Cooper said he is confident the PLP will retain the seat, noting
strong engagement in the constituency. “People want to see more progress. They want to see the progress that we have started continue. I expect that the advanced poll on Monday is going to speak positively to the impact that we are already making during this campaign period,” he said. Flooding and infrastructure problems remain among the chief concerns for Golden Isles residents.
Mr Cooper said a town hall meeting was scheduled last night at the Coral Harbour base to discuss a drainage system for the
community.
“We're making progress for Golden Isles, but this progress is going to spread all across New Providence and all across these islands. As I've said before, I'm confident that Golden Isles will remain in the fold of the Progressive Liberal Party,” he said.
The by-election will fill the seat left vacant after the death of PLP MP Vaughn Miller. It will be the country’s 12th by-election in more than 50 years. Since 1971, the PLP has won eight by-elections and the FNM three.
RBDF claims victory in annual law enforcement shooting competition
FREE National Movement Leaders and supporters all gather at Dignity Gardens to ralley up support for their nomeniee for Golden Isle Brain Brown on november 13, 2025.
Photos: Chappell Whysm Jr
ADRIAN WHITE