11172025 NEWS

The Tribune HOUSE & HOME

‘There’s no maritime law that justifies that kind of tiefing’

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

WHAT began on Thursday as a jubilant rush to loot a grounded barge off Abaco became a criminal scandal over the weekend, with at least two arrested and National Security Minister Wayne Munroe denouncing the mass theft as “criminal behaviour” that “gave Abaco a black eye.”

Mr Munroe told The Tribune yesterday that the scale of the theft and the number of residents defending it made the ordeal especially disturbing.

“There’s no maritime law that justifies that kind of tiefing,” he said. “What is more reprehensible is how widespread it was and how many Bahamians you see online seeking to defend

By JADE RUSSELL and KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporters

HEARTBREAK and disbelief swept through Arawak Cay yesterday as a fast-moving fire tore through a section of the popular food strip, destroying at least six stalls and severely damaging two others.

When the smoke cleared, stunned owners confronted the reality that their busiest season, the Christmas rush, had vanished – along with the structures they spent years building. Their livelihoods had literally gone up in flames – none of the destroyed properties were insured as they were all deemed ‘uninsurable.’

The blaze erupted around 8am at Goldie’s Conch House and quickly spread to neighbouring wooden structures. Within minutes, thick smoke blanketed the area as firefighters battled the flames and patrons looked on in shock, some throwing buckets of water in a vain attempt to help. Women who work at Goldie’s clung to one another as the restaurant burned.

INFERNO - SEE PAGE FOUR

TRIBUTES AND TEARS AS FAMILY AND FRIENDS REMEMBER MADILYN

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

GRIEF hung heavy over St Joseph’s Catholic Parish on Thursday as the mother of 16-year-old Madilyn Thompson described how “alive” and full of joy her daughter had been just hours before her fatal fall in Panama earlier this month.

Classmates, teachers and teammates from Saint

Augustine’s College filled the church with songs, tributes and tears, remembering Madilyn as bright, gentle and fiercely talented. Her family received a jar of handwritten messages from classmates, a keepsake meant to honour a life cut short.

“She lived. Madi enjoyed life. In Panama, Madi was alive. She really was the life

FIREFIGHTERS battle a massive fire at Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry on November 16, 2025. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

AERIAL view of the Arawak Cay fire which destroyed six restaurants Sunday.

Photo: Marvin Thompson

RBDF and RBPF were diverted to secure stranded container vessel

seen in modern times.

the behaviour which was clearly criminal and unacceptable.

“You’re not salvaging goods because salvaging goods means that you collect them and take them to the owner. That’s one of the ten commandments: Thou shall not steal.”

The looting began Thursday after the barge’s tow line snapped in severe weather, grounding it on a reef near Nunjack Cay.

Residents converged in small crafts before officers arrived, forcing open containers and carrying away food, appliances, electronics, medical supplies and other goods. The brazen theft even made international news, with organisations describing it as piracy rarely

Trailer Bridge, the US-based operator, said an estimated 90 percent of containers were compromised. CEO Mitch Luciano said yesterday: “We made the difficult decision to return our barge back to Jacksonville and abort our original plan for delivering goods to Puerto Rico.” The company insisted that claims residents were invited aboard to help or to “lighten the load” were “entirely false.”

Mr Munroe said the theft hurt the island’s reputation. “It was a bad showing for Abaco. It gave Abaco a black eye,” he said, urging residents there to help police recover stolen goods and identify offenders.

He said investigators will rely heavily on

open-source footage posted by offenders themselves and noted that vessels carrying uncustomed goods can be seized under customs law.

In its statement, the barge company claimed Bahamian police initially avoided confronting looters “due to concerns of possible violence,” saying the delay “created a dangerous situation that could have easily resulted in injury, or worse, to our US personnel or others.”

Mr Munroe, however, said authorities mobilised once it became clear the Brooklyn Bridge barge had been left unsecured by its owners. Defence Force and police units, including a 30-metre patrol craft and a quick-reaction team, were diverted to the scene, ultimately arresting two

found on

situation to abandoning a shopping mall without security and said the government redirected limited patrol assets usually assigned to anti-poaching and migrant-interdiction duties to secure private property after it was left vulnerable.

He rebuked the barge’s owners, saying: “The owners of this thing are ungrateful.

“To basically redirect one vessel to secure personal property that the owner could have put security guards on, is something that the state did at great expense in terms of manpower,” he said, adding:

“That comes at a cost.”

He described the owner’s response as “really annoying and discouraging.”

“You have to muster a crew,” he added. “You have to put hundreds of gallons of diesel in the vessel. For the owner not to appreciate it and to suggest that we are supposed to have people standing by to secure personal property which is not the primary duty of the police or the defence force?”

The US Embassy, meanwhile, condemned the incident and said the US Coast Guard supported patrol flights and security efforts.

Government officials said the barge could face environmental penalties once reef damage is assessed after its removal.

• See PAGE 10, 11 for more on wrecking and piracy.

Police Superintendent Stephen Rolle, the northern division’s press officer, confirmed two arrests and urged residents to immediately return any stolen goods. He warned that anyone found with items from the vessel will face prosecution, adding: “Once you turn those other items in, they will take it from there.”

Rosewood developer to file revised plan amid protest

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE developer of the proposed $200m Rosewood Exuma resort on East Sampson Cay says it will file a revised site plan with the Town Planning Committee, following community feedback and ongoing controversy surrounding aspects of the project.

Yntegra Group said the new submission follows public consultation for its Certificate of Environmental Clearance and an assessment by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP). The company said it adjusted the planned location of its service dock, increasing its distance from the neighbouring Turtlegrass Resort property, which now requires a revised plan.

eager to resume progress as soon as possible and to fulfill its commitments to create local employment and meaningful, long-term benefits for Exuma and the Cays, and opportunities for Bahamians across the country,” Mr MacLean said.

service dock, if permitted, will forever change the tidal flow, alter nearby beaches and create a dangerous situation for fisherman, recreational swimmers and local tour providers.”

SEA said the petition, hosted on Change.org, had reached 7,031 signatures as of today.

“Yntegra wishes to peacefully co-exist with its neighbouring resorts for the benefit of the community in the Exuma Cays, and we are committed to transparency and responsible development,” said Yntegra CEO Felipe MacLean. “In light of recent claims that have contributed to delays in the project’s progress, we have chosen to submit this revised plan to bring clarity and resolution to the concerns raised.”

Yntegra said it has already received its Certificate of Environmental Clearance from DEPP and that resubmitting the plan will allow all stakeholders a renewed opportunity to review and provide feedback. “Yntegra remains

Foul play not expected by police after man’s body found on Linda Cay

A MAN who left Lisbon Creek by dinghy on Saturday night was found dead on Linda Cay the next morning, after his abandoned vessel was discovered drifting near the shoreline.

Authorities said the man departed Lisbon Creek around 8pm in a 16-foot dinghy with a 40hp engine and did not return. At about 7am the following day, his dinghy was found near Linda Cay, opposite Lisbon Creek, docked with the engine cover removed.

The project has drawn sustained criticism from the neighbouring Turtlegrass Resort and Island Club, whose owner, Bob Coughlin, is part of the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA). Opponents have said the Rosewood resort is “vastly oversized” and warned that the development of a service dock in Sampson Cay’s north bay would destroy coral reefs, disrupt tidal flow, and harm marine life. Eric Carey, a leading environmental expert and former executive director of the Bahamas National Trust, launched a petition to halt environmental clearance for the project, saying: “That massive seawall and

The government has defended its handling of the matter, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investments Chester Cooper telling the Exuma Business Outlook that the administration “will not be bullied by, or bend to the will of any investor,” and insisting the Turtlegrass development and Rosewood Exuma “can coexist.” Meanwhile, a petition opposing the proposed Yntegra Rosewood development in the Exuma Cays has passed 7,000 signatures, according to the Save Exuma Alliance (SEA), which is urging residents and visitors to continue voicing objections to the project’s planned dredging works.

SEA said the petition’s momentum reflects growing concern about the project’s environmental impact, particularly dredging in the North Bay that would affect a 176-acre seagrass meadow. Comments posted with the petition include warnings from people who say the development threatens coral reefs, seagrass beds and marine nursery habitats.

SEA pointed to an Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) survey it says supports these concerns. According to SEA’s summary of the findings, 96 percent of Exuma residents want the environment protected, 75 percent were worried about the proposed 390ft seawall, and 72 percent expressed concern about dredging.

Government officials and police launched a search of the cay, where they found the man unresponsive. He was taken to the local clinic and pronounced dead by a doctor.

Investigators said foul play is not suspected, but an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

men

the vessel. He likened the

Defence Force officers stand guard aboard the container barge The Brooklyn Bridge on Friday after numerous locals seized the opportunity to loot cargo from the ship that was stranded on a reef in North Abaco since Thursday.

NATIONAL SECURITY MINISTER WAYNE MUNROE

RENDERING of Yntegra’s prior proposed seawall and service dock.

don’t know what I’m going to do now,’ says tearful worker

INFERNO from page one

don’t know what I’m going to do now,” one said through tears.

Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association and owner of the Red Snapper, said he lost everything and that none of the impacted stalls carried insurance. Among the businesses destroyed were On the Edge, South of Florida, Brother Eddie’s Kitchen, Goldie’s, Rake N Scrape, and the Red Snapper.

Teshell Mackey, owner of On the Edge, arrived to find her restaurant reduced to rubble two and a half years after she opened it.

Superintendent Quincey McGregor, Fire Services administrator, said crews arrived at 8.45am to find a two-storey wooden building engulfed. Three fire engines responded. One officer suffered first-degree burns. The cause remains under investigation.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis visited the scene, embraced distraught vendors, and committed the government to urgent support. He said the tragedy underscores the need to upgrade the site and promised immediate cleanup and rebuild planning, adding: “This gives us that

“It’s hard to come here this morning to actually see that,” she said. “You come to work, a full day’s work, with your employees to make sure everything goes smoothly, and this is what happens.”

INFERNO - SEE PAGE FIVE

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis at the scene at Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry where a fire destroyed several establishments yesterday.

GOLDIE’S manager and daughter of the establishment’s owner “Goldie,” Kenya Mitchell along with members of Goldie’s staff and loved ones at the scene at Arawak Cay’s Fish Fry where a fire destroyed several establishments including Goldie’s, Rake and Scrape, Red Snapper and On The Edge yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Govt exploring temporary facilities and financial assistance for victims of Arawak Cay inferno

from page four

opportunity to continue, particularly to start on this side, and that that will be starting as soon as we start cleaning up this area.”

He hopes businesses can reopen within 60 days.

Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell said the government is exploring temporary facilities and financial assistance, noting many vendors were uninsured.

Goldie’s manager, Kirklynne Evans, said the 36-year-old restaurant — employing about 70 staff — was a family institution now gutted. All employees escaped safely, she said.

Mr Russell estimated his losses at $300,000, adding that damages across the strip range from $150,000 to $1.5m. He praised firefighters for their persistence despite “obsolete” equipment.

Political hopefuls Sebas Bastian and Travis Robinson toured the wreckage, calling for infrastructure improvements and updated building codes.

The owners of Goldie’s Conch House last night vowed to rebuild. A statement said: “This chapter is painful, but it is not the end. We will rebuild, return, and come back stronger.”

“in the days ahead, we will share updates on our progress and ways you can support or get involved. For now, we ask for your continued prayers as we begin the

process of restoration.” It added: “Goldie’s has always been much more than a restaurant; it’s a gathering place, a family legacy, and a piece of the Bahamian story. Seeing it impacted in this way is

truly heartbreaking, but we are choosing hope. We are choosing resilience.” The statement also praised the emergency services who raced to the scene of the fire, and for loyal customers for the outpouring of love.

AERIEL view of Arawak Cay where a fire destroyed several establishments including Goldie’s, Rake and Scrape, Red Snapper and On The Edge yesterday.

Photo: Marvin Thompson

THE CHARRED remains of stalls at Arawak Cay Sunday where firefighters battle a fire which destroyed several establishments including Goldie’s, Rake and Scrape, Red Snapper and On The Edge.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

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-

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Disastrous lesson - if we’re willing to learn

FOR the restaurant owners who saw their businesses at the Fish Fry go up in flames yesterday, it was a disaster. Thank goodness it was not a bigger tragedy. There were, it seems, limited injuries as six stalls at Arawak Cay were destroyed and two more damaged. One officer suffered first-degree burns as fire services responded to the blaze. But it has since emerged that not only were properties there uninsured, but they were deemed to be “uninsurable”.

How can this be? These are businesses that have been open for many years –Goldie’s Conch House, where the blaze started, is a long-time favourite and has served many, many locals and tourists alike over the years.

How are restaurants able to even get a business licence without being able to show proof that their property is insured? How do they pass inspections if they are deemed to be so unfit for purpose that insurance companies will not even touch them?

We can be thankful that there were not worse injuries, but if there had been, there was no insurance in place to help cover the harm done to those who might have needed hospital attention and the bills to go with it.

The proximity of the wooden buildings is a feature of Arawak Cay, but it also meant that when the flames took hold, they ripped through a number of the properties in a hurry.

Arawak Cay is one of the regular locations that tourist trips call in at when they bring visitors to see local parts of The Bahamas. That now seems like an invitation to a whole mess of lawsuits that the nation would never have wanted any part of.

How many other food places at the Fish Fry are unable to get any insurance? Indeed, how many across The Bahamas?

It is one thing for a property to have perhaps lapsed in its insurance, it is another when the insurance company simply hangs up the phone and tells you that you are too high a risk.

Presumably, this has been something long known.

Prime Minister Philip Davis yesterday visited the scene and said the blaze shows the need to upgrade the site, which sounds very much like he is locking the stable door long after the horse has bolted.

Regular visitors to Arawak Cay

know this is how the location has been for years – why all of a sudden are we talking an upgrade now after a disaster rather than pre-emptively to stop such a tragedy taking place at all?

For the business owners, they have to pick up the pieces knowing they will have to carry the cost of rebuilding completely. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association, saw his business, the Red Snapper, go up in flames. He estimates he will have lost $300,000 as a result.

Also destroyed were On The Edge, South of Florida, Brother Eddie’s Kitchen, Rake N Scrape. Goldie’s had been there 36 years – and is now gone, while the 70 staff employed there will be wondering what happens next.

Would-be politicians Sebas Bastian and Travis Robinson visited to call for improvements and updated building codes. Were they there last week, or is this more kneejerk response rather than anticipating the problem in the first place?

Dare we be so bold to say that if your property is not fit to be insured then it should not be fit to open its doors to the public?

Hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage – into the millions, even – has been done in this blaze. The fire hopped quickly from shack to shack and we are lucky that it was not even worse.

Fire is not a mystery. Closely-built shacks are vulnerable to flames spreading, especially when built of wood as well. It is the same fear that firefighters have in dealing with closely-packed properties in shanty towns – except here we have cooking facilities, gas and oil, and crowded bars all added to the mix.

No one who is wondering what is going to happen to their job or what is the future for their business this morning will be thinking they have been lucky, but it could have been much worse still if injuries or fatalities were added on top.

There are, without a doubt, lessons to be learned here. They should have been learned before disaster struck. Quite what action will be taken to ensure properties are required to be fit enough to be insured, we must wait and see.

Bahamas and missing opportunity

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS I approach my thirtieth birthday and reflect on my roles as an observer, researcher, advocate, and architect of economic change, I’ve reached a personal but important observation: The Bahamas has largely missed out on many foundational and frontier economic opportunities since the start of the 21st century. This period coincides with most of my life. For the past twenty-five years, the world has transformed the foundations of economic development through data, decentralised finance, platform economies, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and innovative ownership models, while we have remained stuck in cycles of debate and inaction. Consequently, our nation is progressing at a twentieth-century pace in a twenty-first-century world.

On January 1, 2026, we will collectively step into the second quarter of the 21st century. It’s a moment that invites reflection on how far we’ve come and the opportunities that lie ahead for all of us. This moment calls for a decisive choice: we can either accelerate our progress and seize the opportunities ahead or risk fading into irrelevance.

Incremental changes may once have felt safe, but in an exponential world, they signify a slow surrender. The future punishes hesitation and rewards those who act with imagination, speed, and courage.

The Bahamas urgently requires strong and capable leadership to emerge, not only in politics but also across various sectors, including energy, finance, education, tourism, technology, agriculture, and the creative industries. Effective leadership today goes beyond simply managing existing systems; it requires the ability to create what has yet to be developed. We must cultivate visionaries who can blend technology with culture, sustainability with profitability, and innovation with inclusivity.

We cannot achieve relevance through simple reforms; we must reinvent ourselves. The global economy is already being reshaped by tokenised assets, digital governance, circular value chains, and ownership models that empower citizens rather than exclude them. Given its size and sovereignty,

the Bahamas possesses a unique opportunity to spearhead this transformation, provided it chooses to take decisive and assertive action rather than adopting a more cautious approach. The time for gradual changes has passed. We have a choice: we can either embrace acceleration as our national strategy or continue to manage a decline with impressive speeches and outdated systems. Our future depends on whether we see ourselves as caretakers of a fading economy or as creators of a new one.

The next 25 years will not wait for us. As I approach the milestone of 50, similar to the Bahamas today, I want to ensure that I won’t need to explain to my children the opportunities we missed because we failed to act now. To forge a brighter future, let’s unite our efforts and collaborate passionately toward our shared vision and dreams. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Rewards will be given to those who take initiative and build, not to those who make excuses for inaction. With eyes on tomorrow.

EDEN MERRY JOHNSON Freeport, Grand Bahama November 9, 2025.

Transportation and enforcing road traffic laws

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WRITE to express serious concern about the continued violations of the Bahamas Road Traffic Act as it relates to the movement of passengers by bus. The law is clear: only pre-arranged passengers may be transported by bus, and those passengers must have purchased their tickets at least one day in advance through a reputable tour company located outside of The Bahamas prior to their journey. This requirement was established to ensure proper regulation, fair competition, and—most

importantly—the safety and accountability of all operators in our transportation sector. Unfortunately, these rules are being ignored daily. Passengers who have not pre-arranged their travel are being openly picked up and moved, contrary to what the Act allows. These ongoing breaches undermine lawful Bahamian operators who comply with the law and disrupt the order and credibility of the industry. If we expect professionalism and safety within our transportation system, then the laws governing it must be enforced. I respectfully

call on the relevant authorities to uphold the Act as written and to ensure that only compliant, properly licensed operators are permitted to move passengers. The Bahamas cannot continue to tolerate unregulated practices that jeopardise both our tourism product and the livelihoods of those who operate within the law.

Zendall Uriah Roberts, Past Present, General Security and Trustee of the Grand Bahama Taxi Union.

ZENDALL U ROBERTS Grand Bahama, November 14, 2025.

HEADS UP, EVERYONE: there’s a new cartoonist in town – and nobody in authority or power should consider themselves safe from his pointed pen. The Tribune’s brilliant new cartoonist, Lamaro Smith, will be skewering hypocrisy, highlighting absurdity, and giving readers plenty to think about. You can follow Lamaro on Instagram @lamarosmith

Mother taking comfort

‘lived a good and faithful life’

of the party,” her mother, Shenik Thompson, said, recalling her daughter dancing at the convention centre. “She soaked up that atmosphere.” Madilyn died on November 1 after falling from a hotel balcony in Panama City while attending the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing Panamanian officials, have said the death was accidental. Madilyn’s robotics teammates finished the competition in her honour, placing 71st out of 181 countries.

Terran Nottage, her classmate, said her death felt “unreal.” He remembered her as the quiet force

behind their robot’s coding and digital modelling. “Her work was thoughtful. Her ideas, creative. Her contributions, invulnerable and her presence simply irreplaceable,” he said. He said she “lived with kindness, purpose and grace.”

Classmate Jordyn Lloyd called her their “second teacher,” saying Madilyn made others “feel safe, encouraged, loved.” The memorial blended heartbreak with celebration. Mrs Thompson traced her daughter’s journey from childhood to a driven young woman who loved God, prayed in Spanish and chased every challenge, from spelling bees to robotics.

“Madi was so loving, so kind,” she said. “She was a

helper.”

Mrs Thompson recalled speaking with her daughter’s maths teacher last year, when he mentioned he needed a five-member robotics team and saw Madilyn as a natural fit.

“I said alright, I guess you’re going to find four more kids then,” she recalled. “You already have Madi and so Madi them travelled, and as always, daddy said, ‘you going with them right?’ and I would say ‘ yes, I’m going,’ because at first I was like, Madi gonna be fine and he was like no, you goin.”

She said her daughter loved charity work and travelling, and dreamed of seeing the world, but had little patience for shopping.

Madilyn was also competitive, Mrs Thompson added,

Family of Gus Cooper distances themselves from Way Forward Valley Boys faction

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE family of the late Winston “Gus” Cooper has publicly distanced itself from the Way Forward faction of the Valley Boys and declared that only the World Famous faction, led by Brian Adderley, could host this year’s birthday celebrations in his honour.

In an online statement, the Cooper family, led by Cassandra Cooper, said this year’s commemoration will be held with the World Famous Valley Boys Junkanoo Group. Mrs Cooper said the observance is especially meaningful because it honours the group Mr Cooper built and dedicated his life to.

The celebration took place yesterday at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium during the World Famous Valley’s practice session.

Sources told The Tribune that the Way Forward faction, led by Trevor Davis, had circulated a flyer advertising a separate event in

Mr Cooper’s honour at Potter’s Cay Dock last night. “Let it be known that no member of the Cooper family has endorsed, supported or aligned with the other faction of the Valley Boys,” the Cooper family said in a statement. “The Cooper name will not be used as leverage, decoration or as a shield.”

“Gus’ legacy belongs to the Bahamian people, but his stewardship and dignity shall remain with his family. We will not allow the name of Winston Gus Cooper to be manipulated, misrepresented or weaponised. His life’s work deserves better and the Bahamian people deserve the truth.”

The Cooper family also thanked the chairman, executives, and members of the World Famous Valley Boys for their support over the years. “Your continued commitment to upholding Gus’ legacy and supporting the Cooper family is deeply appreciated,” the statement said.

The Valley Boys split in 2023 after internal divisions produced two

factions: one led by Mr Adderley, who has chaired the group since 2014, and another led by Mr Davis, who accused the former

leadership of mismanagement and non-compliance with the NPO Act. The dispute has since moved to the courts.

Mr Cooper, born on November 17, 1941, founded the Valley Boys in 1958 and became one of Junkanoo’s defining figures, celebrated as a “cultural and sports icon” who helped elevate the festival into a

on June 11, 2013.

noting that her determination to excel showed early, especially in spelling bees after initial setbacks. Breaking down in tears, she said the

major tourism attraction. He died

Shenik Thompson, mother of Madily, speaks during memorial for her daughter on thursday.

WINSTON ‘GUS’ COOPER rushes with the Valley Boys on Bay Street.

Rick Fox claps back at PLP suggestion he must mute himself during by-election

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

RICK Fox has blasted Progressive Liberal Party critics who say his ambassadorial post should silence him, arguing he cannot be told to stay quiet on political matters while “a sitting ambassador with a portfolio is openly endorsing a candidate while currently running for office himself” — a clear reference to non-resident Ambassador Sebas Bastian, who is running for Fort Charlotte.

The former NBA star and Bahamian Ambassador at Large said in a Facebook post on Friday that he serves the Bahamian people, not a political party, and rejected suggestions that ambassadors must mute themselves during by-elections. Mr Fox said that if “silly season” demands placing party interests above the national interest, it would contradict what Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis told him when he accepted the role. He added: “If that ever

becomes the expectation, he can call me in and ask for my resignation directly."

Mr Fox said he was recently advised to seek guidance on what he is “allowed” to say as an ambassador — a suggestion he described as surprising — insisting no one ever told him the title came with restrictions on free expression. He said he has represented The Bahamas globally for more than 30 years, long before holding an official post.

“Some supporters of the

current administration have suggested that because I am an ambassador, I should not be commenting on the Golden Isles by-election,” Mr Fox said. “Yet at the same time, a sitting ambassador with a portfolio is openly endorsing a candidate while currently running for office himself.”

Mr Fox asked whether ambassadors are free to speak on national matters or whether some are allowed to speak “only on party lines.” He continued: “If one ambassador is

permitted to speak, endorse, and advocate, then I am certainly permitted to speak respectfully and truthfully in service to the people. I will not be discouraged from speaking about the future of our country.”

His comments follow posts about the Golden Isles by-election, including criticism of politicians who, he said, show up “as Action Heroes” only near elections. In a commentary titled Trick or Treat: A Halloween Political Party in Golden Isles posted on X, he accused candidates of paving roads only when “the polls roll around,” calling it a “real scare” that “someone had to die and a by-election had to be called before a single pothole got filled and a single road got paved.”

The advanced polls were set to open today, with the PLP defending the seat following the sudden death of Minister Vaughn Miller. Darren Pickstock is the PLP’s candidate.

Mr Fox said he was asked to endorse Mr Pickstock

but replied that he did not know him as a leader. He said some people felt Mr Pickstock’s status as a lawyer made him a good candidate.

The former Lakers standout contrasted political attacks with private respect among leaders, saying former Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie, and Prime Minister Davis have fought publicly for years but maintain respect behind

the scenes. He compared it to his days playing with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, saying great teams often clash publicly but unite privately. He said he would not hold back his views out of fear, friendship, or family ties, and noted the prime minister has never expressed public or private concern about his commentary. He hinted this year that he is considering entering frontline politics.

Pintard accused of ‘desperate’ and ‘extremely reckless’ passport claims

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

DIRECTOR of Communications Latrae Rahming has accused Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard of making a “desperate” and “extremely reckless” allegation after the opposition chief claimed a bag of passports was found on a Bahamasair flight and triggered an internal probe.

Mr Rahming said that if Mr Pintard truly believes a crime occurred, he should take his evidence to the Commissioner of Police rather than airing it at a political rally on the eve of the Golden Isles by-election.

Mr Pintard told supporters on Thursday night that Bahamasair recently investigated “unaccompanied passports,” claiming he was advised the probe was completed and people were fired. “Somebody else tell the story this way, that the bag burst and the passports fell on the ground and an investigation had to happen,” he claimed, adding that the flight was heading south and had a package of passports on board.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mr Rahming rejected the claim outright. He said officials spoke with the Commissioner of Police, the Chief Passport Officer, the National Security Minister, and other authorities, and none had heard of any such incident. He called the allegation “extremely reckless” and said anyone with knowledge of wrongdoing has an obligation to report it. “If he's confident in the claims, he should refer the matter to the commissioner of police,” Mr Rahming said.

Mr Rahming acknowledged “fear” heading into the election season about false narratives circulating in the public and said that is why the Office of the Prime Minister responded quickly on Thursday night.

During the same rally, Mr Pintard questioned why the minister responsible for Bahamasair, the National Security Minister, the Foreign Affairs Minister, and the Chief Passport Officer had not publicly addressed the alleged investigation. “Now let me be honest,

when I heard the story, I refused to say anything about it because it’s too ridiculous to be true. There couldn’t have been an investigation. It could not have been completed,” he said, pressing the government to respond. “Is there a racket going on that you’ve discovered?” he asked. “We haven’t said yet that you are responsible, but your silence makes us wonder.”

In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said no authorities — including the Managing Director of Bahamasair and the airline’s chairman — confirmed any such incident occurred, and called on Mr Pintard to withdraw the allegation and apologise.

This is not the first time the Davis administration has faced politically charged claims about passports. Coalition of Independents chairman Charlotte Greene previously alleged the government was “selling passports like candy.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred that matter to the police, and Ms Greene was questioned in September.

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, speaking at an event on Friday, urged calm and sought to reassure the public. “It's important to say, since there's a lot of stuff in the air about our own documents, to reassure the Bahamian public that Bahamian documents are secure.” He said “the release of those documents are done to very, very strict guidelines.”

“When loose attacks are made in public for what seems to be reasons other than common sense and evidence, it undermines the authenticity of our documents, and no Bahamian, regardless of their standard, should be engaged in undermining the authenticity of our documents,” he said.

"So I want to take this opportunity to reassure the public about the security of the documents and the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes its job seriously with regard to the issue of documents.”

Mr Pintard did not respond to questions about the veracity of his claims before press time.

RICK FOX

Monday, noveMber 17, 2025

Wrecking: A history of survival and adaptation

By ERIC WIBERG Grand Bahama Museum

FEW chapters in Bahamian maritime history capture the tension between survival and morality like the era of wrecking. From the 17th to early 20th centuries, the shallow banks and reefs around The Bahamas shaped a unique industry that influenced island life, community identity, and seafaring traditions.

The Bahamas can be both beautiful and treacherous. For centuries, these islands located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean lay on vital trade routes connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, requiring ships to navigate tight channels and unpredictable currents.

With limited tools and unreliable charts, many vessels wrecked along the coasts of Abaco, Eleuthera, Bimini, Grand Bahama, and other islands. In 1846, records show that over 2,000 ships passed Abaco Light — not all of them reached their destinations. Poor charts, sudden squalls, and shifting sandbanks made Bahamian waters both a graveyard and a source of livelihood.

The Eleutherian Adventurers, settlers from Bermuda in the mid-17th century, sought religious freedom and new beginnings. Their hopes for agriculture faltered against

this soil and harsh island life. Survival required adaptation, and wrecks offered unexpected help. The salvaging of shipwrecks, or “wrecking,” supplied vital goods to remote Bahamian communities. Over time, this need developed into a unique occupation, deeply rooted in Bahamian identity and folklore.

Although some accounts accused wreckers of intentionally luring ships onto reefs—an accusation often exaggerated by outsiders and rivals—their actions were more frequently acts of salvage and rescue rather than deceit. By the 18th and 19th centuries, wrecking had developed into a regulated and taxed maritime industry. The British colonial administration, aiming to reduce lawlessness and generate revenue, implemented licensing systems and salvage laws. Every wrecker and crew member was required to have an official license. Additionally, the number of crew members was linked to the tonnage of their vessel. Salvaged goods, rope, fine wines, clothing, and livestock were taken to Nassau for auction. Customs duties were paid before the sale, and the money was split among the shipowners, captain, and crew. In 1856, 302 ships with 2,679 men were licensed as wreckers, making up about 10%

of the 27,000 Bahamian residents.

The industry supported related trades, from shipbuilding to sail making.

Between 1855 and 1864, Harbour Island alone produced 26 “sloops purposely built for wrecking,” elegant vessels averaging 47 tons, designed for speed and shallow-draft manoeuvring. Abaco and Ragged Island were other notable hubs for boat building.

Wrecking accounted for approximately one-third of Bahamian imports in the mid-19th century, indicating its significant economic impact.

The 19th century transformed global commerce. American trade through New Orleans and the Gulf increased maritime traffic, creating more opportunities—and risks—for Bahamian wreckers. During

the Civil War (1861–1865), blockade-running revitalised Nassau’s economy, though wartime restrictions decreased wrecking.

Even during these turbulent years, salvage continued to be a crucial source of income. Reports from 1865 indicate that the value of salvaged goods was £28,000. By 1870, the annual value of salvaged goods had increased to £154,000.

ACTS OF RESCUE AND HUMANITY

Beyond commerce, the history of wrecking in The Bahamas is characterised by episodes of extraordinary humanitarian efforts.

In 1816, a Spanish slave ship wrecked near Green Turtle Cay, and Bahamian wreckers rescued over 300 African captives bound for Cuba. Under British law, all were freed in Nassau, showing how wrecking supported abolitionist goals and compassion. Sadly, rescue did not guarantee complete freedom everywhere.

Throughout the 1850s, wreckers rescued hundreds of European emigrants fleeing famine and poverty. The wrecks of the Cato, Ovando, Osborne, and William and Mary all occurred in Bahamian waters, where local schooners transported survivors to Nassau.

Robert Sands, a Bahamian mariner described as “a man of colour,” was awarded the silver medal of the National Life-Boat Institution for rescuing 160 passengers from the William and Mary in 1853. Governor Gregory later praised the wreckers of Abaco, commending their shipbuilding and seamanship skills, and recognising their “humanity and courage” in saving both cargo and lives.

Although some accounts accused wreckers of intentionally luring ships onto reefs—an accusation often exaggerated by outsiders and rivals—their actions were more frequently acts of salvage and rescue rather than deceit.

As the century progressed, technological advances brought an end to the wrecking era. The construction of 37 Imperial Lighthouses across the Bahamas, along with improved Admiralty charts and the rise of steam navigation, significantly reduced maritime disasters.

Unlike sailboats, which were at the mercy of wind and current, steam vessels stayed in deeper waters to avoid reefs and banks. With safer routes, there were fewer wrecks, leading to the decline and eventual disappearance of the industry that had supported many, much like how horse-drawn carriages disappeared after the rise of the automobile.

The last major Bahamian wrecking operation occurred in 1905, when 500 men recovered cargo from the steamer Alicia, earning a total of $17,690. By 1920, the last local wrecking company had been absorbed by an American firm, ending nearly 250 years of Bahamian wrecking tradition. Although wrecking decreased with the rise of modern shipping, its legacy continues to influence Bahamian

identity. Wreckers’ skills— boatbuilding, seamanship, diving, and navigation— continue to be part of local culture. Some reputations were damaged by stories spread by competing wreckers and shipowners trying to shift blame for their own mistakes. The values of resilience and cooperation endure from the wreckers' way of life. Living by the sea, these men and women faced uncertainty with courage and community—a reminder that loss and survival depended on determination and skill, both on land and at sea. Wrecking in the Bahamas was more than an occupation—it was an adaptation to geography, a response to hardship, and ultimately, a reflection of the Bahamian spirit itself. Wreckers transformed calamity into opportunity, mastering the same seas that once threatened their existence. The Grand Bahama Museum invites readers to explore its online exhibit, Wrecking in the Bahamas, at https://www. grandbahamamuseum.org/ exhibits/maritime-and-aviation/ wrecking-in-the-bahamas.

1775 MAP of the Peninsula and Gulf of Florida or Channel of The Bahamas with the Bahama Islands - From the private collection of Mr & Mrs Orjan Lindroth.

HMS THESEUS Vice Admiral Dacres, in the Hurricane which happened in September 1804, in the West Indies.

BLOCKADE Running, American Civil War - 1980 Scott 470

Wreckers

Albury

‘Christian nation’ status being put to the test

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

WE often hear it said that

The Bahamas is a Christian nation – but sometimes that seems open to question judging by the actions of our people and the decisions of our leaders.

When the barge The Brooklyn Bridge ran aground off Abaco, the looters came out in force.

Videos and photographs soon started circulating of people making off with whatever they could. One video I saw showed a car so heavily laden with appliances and boxes of goods that it was being pushed rather than driven – the driver’s view completely obscured by more and more boxes piled on the front of the car as well as the back.

Elsewhere, people talked about getting there as quick as they could to grab things from the grounded vessel. It didn’t matter what, no thought, no plan, just “tings”. Meanwhile, social media commenters joked about how Santa’s sled had grounded, or how it was a good day in Abaco, or if anyone had a boat to spare. People talked about it being an early Christmas or how the spirit of wrecking lives on.

Plenty were saying how it was perfectly legal to do this – the ship was abandoned (which it wasn’t really) so it was a free licence to loot the containers.

Not so many talked about how we are a Christian nation and should refrain from such behaviour.

It really should not take much explaining that taking something that isn’t yours is an unchristian form of behaviour. There are many things in the Bible that can be discussed and debated, but “You shall not steal” is about as clear as it gets.

If you want more, how about the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus told people to “do to others as you would have them do to you”. If those were your belongings stuck on a reef, would you expect people to help or would you expect them to snap them up and drive away joking?

If you want even more, how about St Paul in his letter to the Ephesians where he said: “Let the thief steal no longer, but rather let him labour, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”

It really should not take much explaining that taking something that isn’t yours is an unchristian form of behaviour. There are many things in the Bible that can be discussed and debated, but “You shall not steal” is about as clear as it gets.

Now those apologists who claim this is not stealing because it’s salvage – despite the police showing up and putting the boat under heavy guard – might want to consider the second part of St Paul’s letter. You might quibble over the legalities, but this surely is not honest work with your own hands.

Right here, writ large, shown in live streaming and social media likes and shares, is the lip service we give to the idea that we are a Christian nation.

We are a performative Christian nation with every ceremony starting off with a prayer even if what follows does not reflect everything that precedes the “Amen”. We sometimes hear the phrase “Christian nation” used as an argument to limit the rights of others – or as a lament after a particularly heinous crime.

Even constitutionally, we are not a Christian nation. Yes, the preamble to the constitution talks about having “an abiding respect for Christian values”, but the preamble does not have legal weight. Article 1, however, says the country “shall be a sovereign democratic State”. Article 1, you don’t have to read too far.

That said, while the constitution does not legally frame it, Christian belief is the strongest faith group within our nation. In that sense, we are a Christian nation – but too many take a pick-and-choose approach to that.

I have a very good friend who is a priest, who gets more than a little grumbling from his congregation because of his opposition to gambling.

Oh, the church fair is coming up, can we do a raffle to raise money? No, he says, gambling does not abide with Christian principles, he insists.

Consider this – the very act of holding a raffle is to make money. The very foundation of your action is to deprive others of money while making them think they will come out with the

upper hand. The way raffles work are to reward a few while depriving more. Sure, it can be fun. But the principle of how it works is to cover your losses from everyone’s spending, and make more on top. That is without even taking into consideration those who have an addiction to gambling – is it Christian to put temptation in the path of such people? Indeed, is using temptation at all any kind of Christian behaviour?

Which brings us to the second story recently that puts a question mark after the words “Christian nation”.

The Bahamas Christian Council is to release a statement on Sebas Bastian running as a candidate for the PLP in the next general election.

As readers will know, Mr Bastian is well-known as a web shop boss, the head of Island Luck, although his portfolio has certainly diversified over the years.

Still, he was certainly a beneficiary of the decision to regularise web shop gaming despite the outcome of the 2013 gaming referendum when the voters said no, loudly and clearly, to both legalising web shops and establishing a national lottery. About 60 percent of those who voted said no to each of the questions.

When the government went ahead with regularising web shop gaming anyway despite the vote, the Bahamas Christian Council, under then president Rev Dr Ranford Patterson, criticised the decision.

Dr Patterson said at the time: “Why come to me for my advice and I give it and you determine that my advice isn’t worth anything.”

He added: “The Church has always stood diametrically opposed to any form of gambling in this country… the Church has always been good at picking up the pieces and the Church will continue to be there to pick up the pieces for those who fall through the cracks. But we cannot support the

legislation of numbers in The Bahamas because we see too many of our people hurting.”

It is absolutely, 100 percent consistent for the Bahamas Christian Council today, under president Bishop Delton Fernander, to express an opinion on the matter – although we wait to see what that is.

He said: “I think it’s dangerous to try to put the church against politics, especially in political season, but what we say has to be from the majority of

the churches.” Now let us be honest here – the church goes up against politics all the time. By its nature, any time the church speaks out on public issues, it ventures into the realm of politics. When it campaigned against a yes vote in the gaming referendum, when it campaigned against yes votes in the equality referendum, when Bishop Fernander himself only in September acknowledged that a Pride group was free to host events but said the council would

condemn what it considers wrong, that is venturing into the political realm. There is nothing wrong with doing so – acting on faith inevitably involves interaction with the politics of the world – but let us not pretend that the two are entirely separate.

But when it comes to the issue of gaming, it is absolutely consistent for the church to speak out on the issue of gaming even as the party in power chooses a candidate that is not representative of living up to the ideals of a Christian nation as they define it. We do have one law that serves as a limitation on gaming and its interaction with politics – the Gaming Act bars Cabinet ministers and their immediate family members from holding gaming licences.

Mr Bastian says he is stepping aside from his gaming business. Is that a sign that we still cling to some of those Christian ideals? Or will we soon see that particular clause removed? Prime Minister Philip Davis says there will be no changes to the act –but then, as church leaders well know, the outcome of the referendum was very different from the actions of government in the past. Whatever the future may hold, between the looting we have seen and the pathways we have created to let gambling flourish, our Christian nation aspirations are being put to the test.

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A wolf and a raven

FOR thousands of years and across multiple continents, a quiet partnership thrives between two unlikely allies. In frozen terrains across North America, Asia and Europe and the lush, dense forests of North Africa, a wolf and raven coexist in a symbiotic relationship that has inspired folklore as old as time. They speak different languages and yet they communicate effortlessly moving together through the open wild. To the casual observer, their connection appears so threadbare it must be coincidental. But, to those who know better, they share an alliance that exponentially increases their chance for survival.

In a clever, calculated dance, ravens circle from above providing an aerial account of all the prey nearby. Then, like an elite military unit, they signal the wolves and guide them to attack. As wolves hunt, ravens surround the wolf cubs for protection and squawk garishly should any predators approach. And for their trouble, they are quickly rewarded as the wolves tear open the carcasses of their prey and invite their winged accomplices to join in on the feast. Interestingly, even with the opened carcass before them, ravens won’t feed unless a wolf is nearby. It is a powerful display of cunning, brawn and intelligence that is relatively unmatched throughout the animal kingdom. Their mutual trust yields both safety and food in an often scarce, unpredictable terrain.

On the surface, as hard as it may be to imagine, this relationship is not so different from the one that exists between doctor and patient. Within this analogy, doctors represent ravens watching and signalling any potential disease, then later standing guard as patients guidedly attack. There’s a small window of opportunity for success. Movements of all involved must be quick, coordinated and precise. Any lack thereof can prove fatal. While the bond between a wolf and raven still exists with flawless harmony, buoyed by ancestral trust, the bond between patient and physician is more fragile. There was a time when patients rarely hesitated to seek guidance from their doctors but over the years, for many reasons, trust between the two has been disproportionately eroded. Today, patients often attempt to manage their symptoms in isolation, choosing to self-care in consultation with family, neighbors, close friends and work colleagues rather than seeking professional treatment.

There’s no better proof than the human body that our systems don’t act alone. The brain relies on nerve impulses to transmit signals. The heart relies on its network of vessels to circulate blood throughout the body. Muscles rely on tendons. Bones rely on connective tissue. The human body functions the way wolves and ravens do in nature; communicating, cooperating and supporting. If one entity fails, the entire system collapses.

Rising healthcare and insurance costs coupled with ease of access to online medical sources have become key drivers in this shift. The most troubling for the medical profession is when patients turn to Google. Troubling because while the internet, and particularly AI, have stockpiles of information about all things medical, the internet doesn’t have access to the individual seeking help and is unable to assess the patient in real time and provide an accurate assessment.

But humans, like wolves and ravens, were never built to navigate survival alone.

Optimum health requires a strong partnership between doctor and patient and today’s column will explore this changing dynamic.

Over the years, I’ve treated numerous patients who simply waited too long to seek medical attention. In one such instance, I vividly recall an elderly patient (hereafter referred to as) Hazel who sought my help for the treatment of a foot wound. Hazel had this wound for over a year

and was self-treating with various home remedies including aloe, ocean water, peroxide and the like with minimal to no improvement. On the contrary, her wound was getting progressively worse and yet she waited. By the time she sought professional help, what had started as a small blister had now engulfed her entire foot and distal lower leg to the point that she could no longer weight bear on the affected limb.

The wound was notably malodorous with exposed bone, muscle and tendons vigorously infiltrated by maggots. At that point, there was very little that I could do. I cleansed her wound copiously with an antibiotic solution, then dried and redressed it. She was referred to the hospital and an amputation was performed within a week. An amputation that would not have been necessary if only she had sought my help – or the evaluation and continuing care of any podiatrist, vascular or wound care specialist – sooner.

I often wonder why Hazel and so many others

By DR KENNETH D KEMP

like her choose to wait. In her case, she’d seen another doctor early in her treatment, when it was just a small unhealing blister. He had advised her of her poor circulation but she never returned for a follow-up visit because of lack of funds. She says she never went to the public hospital or clinic because of long wait times, rude staff and deteriorating infrastructure that she feared would make her sicker than when she went in. For public note, her assessment may be accurate but it may have also been exaggerated to detract from her negligence.

Hazel is not alone. Many patients, particularly those on a family island with limited access to professional care, view health as a solo-expedition. It is comforting to see that some improvements are occurring, especially on Eleuthera where Bahamas Wellness has opened a full urgent care unit and the first private hospital on a Family Island. But generally, and in other places, patients tend to wait and see if their symptoms will

“...humans, like wolves and ravens, were never built to navigate survival alone.”

disappear without professional intervention, whether it be pain in their heel, an ingrown toenail that keeps recurring, swelling with no precipitating trauma, a non-healing wound, a persistent rash or numbness.

Afraid of doctors, some try alternative natural pills and ointments from local sources. Others consult Google and YouTube.

But there are patients who truly believe that prevention is better than cure. These are individuals who view health as a partnership and present to the office annually for an exam. They show up quickly when a new symptom presents itself, ask questions, follow their treatment plan and, in every scenario, their recovery is swift with fewer complications and better outcomes.

The lesson is simple. Survival requires the kind of partnership that has supported the wolf and raven through harsh winters and uncertain landscapes for centuries When we listen and partner appropriately, we give ourselves the best chance for a successful outcome. Foundational principles therein entail listening to your body, seeking help early, keeping follow-up appointments and adhering to treatment recommendations. Doctors should never be emergency-only allies. In the cold silence of the dark northern woods, a focused, determined, raven soars across the land scanning for danger and opportunity. And somewhere below, a wolf by virtue of undaunted trust follows this shadowed path with equal purpose. Doctors and patients, much like a wolf and raven, represent two halves of the same survival story. Physicians offer training, experience and access to diagnostic tools and medicine while patients offer context, trust, payment and accountability. Experience has taught me that the relationship is strengthened when we recognise that our strengths are interdependent and we continue to choose dialogue and collaboration over doubt and conflict. Animals have always been quiet teachers. Dogs teach us loyalty and unconditional love. We learn teamwork from ants and honeybees. Turtles teach us to stay calm as life rolls on by. A wolf and raven teach us how enduring relationships with trusted partners can help us survive. But these lessons are only valuable if we’re willing to abide by them.

This is The KDK Report. • Nicknamed ‘The Prince of Podiatry’, Dr Kenneth D Kemp is the founder and medical director of Bahamas Foot and Ankle located in Caves Village, Western New Providence. He served as the deputy chairman for the Health Council for five years and he currently sits on the board of directors for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in his role as co-vice-chairman.

Govt takes Labour on Campus career fair to Doris Johnson Senior High School

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE Department of Labour took its Labour on the Campus career fair to Doris Johnson Senior High School on Friday, pushing students to confront the realities of the job market as officials warned that unfilled skills gaps will be taken by foreign workers if Bahamians do not seize opportunities now.

Simone Thurston, manager of the Public Employment Services Unit, said the fair was revived last year to give young people a clearer view of what employers expect. She said students needed to understand “the skills that they would need to acquire in order to obtain these positions” and urged them to speak directly with recruiters about requirements, internships and training paths.

Dozens of employers participated, including

first-time attendees such as the Department of Meteorology, air traffic control representatives, Bahamasair, Atlantis, the Bahamas National Trust, the Department of Immigration, BTVI, LJM Maritime Academy, Sun Oil and the National Airport Development Company.

“We have any number of areas that really we have in demand right now,” Ms Thurston said, pointing to shortages in engineering, accounting, human resources and culinary fields. She warned that unfilled roles would remain vacant or be filled by immigrants.

Guidance coordinator

Demetrea Knowles said the school pushed students to treat the fair like a first step into the workplace. “Get your resumes together, get a good talking point together, look spiffy today,” she said, adding that many twelfth graders intend to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

Vice Principal Lakell

Johnson said the event offered a level of access older generations never had. She noted strong student interest in hospitality, construction, technical trades and BTVI’s dual-enrolment programmes. Technical agencies also used the fair to introduce lesser-known professions.

Jason Saunders of the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority said many students were unaware of air traffic control. After a simple demonstration, he said he was struck by the amount of children interested in the profession.

Students described the fair as “very good,” “educational,” and a chance to see “what they want to do in life.”

Labour officials will shift next week to job seekers already in the market, hosting an employability workshop and job fair at Epiphany Church Hall on Prince Charles Drive.

Govt launches Upskill Bahamas offering free online courses

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff

Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

EIGHT thousand Bahamians now have access to free online courses from some of the world’s top universities after the government launched its Upskill Bahamas initiative, promising what officials call a large expansion of public learning opportunities. The platform, unveiled on Friday, offers more than 40 courses from over 30 institutions, including Harvard, Oxford and Columbia. Bahamians aged 16 and older can study technology, business, finance, health, marketing, hospitality, foreign languages, Artificial Intelligence and skilled trades, earning certificates

at no cost.

Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said the programme is intended to remove barriers and give citizens of all ages a fair chance at self-improvement. Her ministry signed a contract with Forte Global to operate the platform and connect learners with training providers.

“This is essentially a programme for lifelong learning,” she said. “Life is short, that's the truth but once you are alive, you have life. So whether you are 16 or 85 or beyond or anywhere in between, this is an opportunity to realise what might have been a latent passion that has been buried by years of reality and necessity. But also for young people who are fired

up and yearning for new opportunity.”

Officials said the courses are aimed at people seeking new jobs, promotions, career changes or entrepreneurial skills. Upskill Bahamas was first announced in the 2025/26 budget and is a centrepiece of the Davis administration’s push to expand digital learning.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the programme is part of a wider effort to “bridge digital divides” and ensure Bahamians have tools to advance. “I know what it’s like to worry you’re missing education or missing tools others have,” he said.

Courses begin December 1. Enrolment is first-come, first-served, and applicants may choose multiple courses.

A Celebration For The Life Of Basil McKinney Beneby, 86

of Snug Corner, Acklins, Bahamas and formerly of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas who died on Tuesday, 4th November, 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas, will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, Trinity Place and Frederick Street, Nassau on Wednesday, 19th November, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

Officiating will be Rev. L. Carla R. Culmer assisted by Rev. Carl Claudius Campbell and Rev. Cecil Newbold. Interment will follow in Ebenezer Methodist Cemetery, East Shirley Street, New Providence. He was predeceased by his parents, Alphonso and Belinda Beneby; siblings, Welborn, George, Floyd, Petson Beneby, Shirley Dames and Maxine Hanna.

Cherished memories are held by his devoted widow, Ruby Nadeen Beneby; his loving children, Philippa Beneby, Rev. Brian Beneby (Nakessa), Carol (Stavros) McIntosh, Elder Todd (Sherry) Beneby and Linda (Michael) Roach; grandchildren, Brian Jr. and Bria Beneby, Stavros Jr., LeAndro and Celeste McIntosh, Brittany Simone (Rayon) Jeffrey, Shelby-Nicole Beneby and Vernon Sturrup; great grandson of Jhett-Michael Jeffery; sister-in-law: Omese Wilson, Esther Turnquest; nieces, Felicia Beneby, Sharon Rolle, Gail Smith Jacquline Perpall, Lenora Dames, Margo Cox, Laurie Dames, Tanya Moncur, Sabrina Beneby, Bernadette Burrows, Christin, Lynn, Cynthia Beneby, Barbara Wright, Theresa Hanna, Patricia McDonald, Valencia Hanna, Christine Fernander, Natasha Davis; nephews, Dennis, Marvin and Wilmore Dames, Petson Beneby Jr. Lester, Stephen (Stevie), Alphonso, Baron, Floyd Jr., Stephen and Gregeory Beneby; Brian, Stanford and Assistant Superintendent of Police Glen Hanna; numerous grandnieces and nephews; first cousins, Canon Harry Ward, George Ward, Alin Hanna, Ehud Hanna, Maraline LaFleur, Rev. Thelcene Simms, Shelia Johnson, Velma Ferguson, Arthel Gibson, David Levi, Rupert Cox, Eliza Taylor, Malcolm Nouguez, Duke Errol Strachan, Cordy Taylor, Lilly bell Taylor, Naomi Taylor, Louise Hanna, Elton Ferguson, Robert Ferguson, Virgina, Mable and Adaline Ferguson, Henry Taylor, Albert Taylor, Joy Olga Taylor, Carl, Edna, Sheril, Beral Brennen, Ida Johnson, Otine Pandora Hall, Clayton Moss, Dorcas Ferguson; other relative and friends, Naketra Malcolm, Lambert, Rev. Carl, Wesley and Peter Campbell, Dr. Susanna Campbell, Brenda Simms, Patricia and Eleanor Campbell, Monique Glinton, Rosamunde Carey, Donna Albury, Laura Albury, Desmond Bootle, Mrs. Shavonne Ferguson and Family, The Rotary Club of Abaco, staff of Water and Sewage Corporation, Permanent Secretary Anya M. Symonette, Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs and the staff of the Human Resource Unit, staff of Ministry of Health and Wellness, staff of C. V. Bethel Senior High, Dr. Shakira Jones and St. Thomas Medical Center, Oak Tree Medical Center, Kemps Funeral Home, Curry Memorial Methodist Church Family, Nassau Methodist Church, Gabrielle Pinder, Mrs. Raquel Gibson and Family, Bishop Deron Smith and Family, Pastor White and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Ford, Louis Hanchell and Family.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited, 19 Palmdale Avenue, Palmdale, New Providence on Tuesday, 18th November, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

There will be no viewing at the Church.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin introduces Upskill Bahamas - a programme to remove barriers for Bahamians to improve themselves.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

THE DEPARTMENT of Labour hosted a job fair for 12th grade students of Doris Johnson Senior High School to expose the students to the job opportunities.

Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

Man awaiting murder trial

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial for a 2024 murder that prosecutors say was carried out in retaliation for his brother’s killing has been denied bail for the second time this year. Justice Franklyn Williams rejected the latest bail application from Mitchell Fox, who is accused of fatally shooting Eddie Miller during an ambush on Cowpen Road on September 5, 2024. Prosecutors allege Fox targeted Miller after he left a store. Fox is also accused of attempting to kill Rodlyn Henfield and Sheron Thompson on Ida Street six days later, on September 11. He has been on remand since last November and was previously denied bail

in April by Justice Neil Braithwaite. Prosecutor Betty Wilson objected again, arguing that evidence recovered from Fox’s phone linked him to the plot. The prosecution said the device contained text messages between Fox and a co-accused, including a photograph of Miller’s home and a voice note discussing buying gloves, confirming the victim’s death, and referencing the convenience store where the murder occurred.

Prosecutors said the messages pointed to a retaliatory motive for the death of Fox’s brother, Michael “Wheelchair” Fox, an alleged gang leader killed in an ambush on Fleming Street on May 6 2024. One text reportedly read: “That one for bro. Eddie needed to get he head bust. I going to bust couple more.

He was one of the main one to bring heat on bro.”

The prosecution also noted that one of the attempted murder victims was a blind man who did not know the accused.

Fox argued he is not a flight risk, that the evidence does not connect him to the offences, and that continued remand breaches his constitutional rights.

Justice Williams found the evidence strong and noted Fox was already on bail for unlawful sexual intercourse and child pornography at the time of the alleged murder. He said the offence occurred in front of the victim’s wife and children and that the risk of further retaliatory violence was high.

Bail was refused for Fox’s safety and for public safety.

Geoffrey Farquharson represented the accused.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

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 candidate will demonstrate creativity, patience, and professionalism in supporting each child’s social, emotional, 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.

Please forward your résumé and a brief introduction letter to hrbahamas2014@gmail.com.

CARJACKING SPREE ACCUSED ALSO CHARGED WITH PUTTING WOMAN IN FEAR WITH HANDGUN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison on Thursday after he was accused of a spree of armed carjackings earlier this month.

Prosecutors allege that Shawnrick Forbes, 25, while armed with a handgun and accompanied by others, robbed Elliott Morrison of a white 2018 Honda Civic on November 6 in New Providence.

Forbes and his accomplices allegedly robbed Shauniqua Seymour at gunpoint of her white 2018 Honda Civic Coupe on November 7. He is further accused of putting

Ms Seymour in fear with a handgun. On November 9, the defendant was allegedly found with a brown and silver .380 auto Llama pistol, a black and silver Glock 17 pistol, and three rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Prosecutors also allege that on August 29, Forbes and accomplices stole a white 2004 Nissan X-Trail from Santia Jean Baptiste. Forbes was not required to enter a plea to two counts of armed robbery when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly-Burrows. He pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing, receiving, possession of a firearm with intent to put another

in fear, two counts of possession of an unlicensed firearm, and two counts of possession of ammunition. The defendant was told that the armed robbery charges would be sent to the Supreme Court by way of voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He was advised of his right to apply for bail in the higher court. Forbes was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until he returns for service of his VBI on February 24, 2026. His trial for the remaining offences is set to begin on the same date. Barry Sawyer represented the accused, while Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom prosecuted.

Painter dies after fall from rooftop

A MAN died on Friday after falling from a roof he had been hired to paint at a home on Ocean Drive in western New Providence.

Police said the homeowner told officers he left the man working on the

roof shortly after noon to get lunch. When he returned about 30 minutes later, the painter was no longer on the roof where he had left him.

He found the man lying unresponsive in bushes on the eastern side of the

residence.

CPR was performed at the scene. Emergency Medical Services examined the victim but found no signs of life.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Man in hospital after stabbing attack in GB

A 37-YEAR-OLD man was left hospitalised on Saturday night after he was stabbed multiple times during an attack outside a business in Mack Town, Grand Bahama. According to initial reports, the assault happened shortly after 9pm when a group of people allegedly set upon the victim and stabbed him several times about the body. The man attempted to flee the scene in his vehicle but crashed into a wall at the Rand Memorial

Hospital moments later. He was taken inside for treatment and was scheduled to undergo emergency surgery.

Police later arrested a 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman in connection with the incident.

Bahamas Striping donates J$16m

to

Jamaica’s hurricane recovery effort

BAHAMAS Striping Group of Companies has announced a contribution to Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa recovery effort, donating J$16m — about US$104,000 — and pledging 5,000 school bags valued at US$20,000 to support students affected by the storm.

The donation forms part of a broader partnership between BSGC and Sygnus Group through the newly launched Hurricane Relief and Rebuild Initiative, which aims to restore education, healthcare, and agriculture sectors devastated by the hurricane. The company said its support reflects a long-standing

commitment to giving back to Caribbean communities.

Atario Mitchell, president of BSGC, said the decision to help was personal for his team because of the company’s history with Jamaican investors. “From the very beginning, Jamaicans believed in us; they invested in our growth and in our dream,” Mr Mitchell said. “When we saw the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, standing aside was not an option.”

The company highlighted its early struggle as a small Bahamian enterprise seeking capital to fund major projects. BSGC principals said the business has since grown into a medium-sized company serving communities across The Bahamas and the region.

Dominic Sturrup, executive chairman, said Jamaican financial institutions played a decisive role in that growth. “It was the Jamaican financial and capital markets that first believed in our vision.

Sygnus was the very first company to fund our initial Public-Private Partnership (PPP), investing $25 million into Phase One of the Exuma Road Improvement Project — an investment that helped propel Bahamas Striping Group of Companies into a new era of growth and capability,” he said.

He added that the National Commercial Bank of Jamaica later supported BSGC with a US$19m factoring arrangement that

strengthened the company’s expansion into South and Central Eleuthera for its second PPP. Sturrup said this level of support is why the company now “stand[s] firmly with Jamaica in their time of need.” Hurricane Melissa caused severe destruction across Jamaica, damaging towns, schools, and livelihoods. Officials say the recovery effort will require extensive resources.

Berisford Grey, president and CEO of Sygnus Capital, said the initiative is built on resilience and reconstruction. “The damage left by Hurricane Melissa has tested the strength of our communities, but it has also reminded us of our collective power to rebuild better,” Mr Grey said. “This initiative is about more than restoring what was lost. It’s about creating systems that will endure, powering schools and hospitals with renewable energy, revitalising agriculture with modern tools, and ensuring that our families and communities not only recover but also thrive, building a stronger, more resilient foundation, and we are so happy that BSGC immediately jumped on board without asking any questions.”

BSGC said its support reflects its belief that “whether Bahamian or Jamaican, we are one people,” united by shared hope and a regional vision for resilience.

SENIOR executives and staff of the Department of Aviation paid a courtesy call on Governor General, Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt, Friday at Government House. During the visit Director of Aviation Dr. Kenneth Romer conveyed appreciation for Her Excellency’s support over the years, and presented her with a floral arrangement on the occasion of her 80th birthday on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

Photos: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS

British School of Etiquette, Corporate and Social Protocol launches

Recently installed Brit -

ish High Commissioner

Smitta Rossetti made an appearance at the official launch of Nassau-based British School of Etiquette, Corporate & Social Protocol, offering courses on social skills, business etiquette, and personal development for both youth and adults.

The institute, represented by owner Loretta Thomas, is partnering with the original British School of Excellence in London, which won the Best of the

Best Etiquette, Social and Corporate Protocols in Europe 2025. A ceremony was held for the opening where invited VIP guests enjoyed

SMART-STORAGE SERVICE OPENS TO ASSIST US EMBASSY VISITORS

A NEW smart-storage service aimed at solving a longstanding frustration for US Embassy visitors has opened on Shirley Street, after its founder turned her own stressful visa appointment into a business idea.

Embassy Lockers, located at 107 Shirley Street East, was officially launched on Friday by managing director Gejonte Miller, alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and Transport and Housing Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis.

Mrs Miller said the concept was born in December 2021 when she arrived for a visa appointment with her five-year-old daughter and realised she would have to leave her belongings in her car. With mobile phones, tablets, keys, large bags and other personal items banned from the Embassy, she said she found herself repeatedly circling back to her car trying to hide her key. She added that others faced similar dilemmas, leaving valuables with security guards or scrambling to find someone to hold their

belongings.

“That’s when it hit,” she said, describing the need for a structured solution.

Embassy Lockers says it offers secure storage for personal items and large luggage, as well as printing, photocopying, scanning, emailing, passport photographs and form assistance through an on-site Wi-Fi Copy Centre. The businesses operate cashless, with a SunCash kiosk available for bill payments, mobile top-ups and Western Union transfers.

Mrs Miller partnered with Tanya Kemp-Sawyer, who has operated the Wi-Fi Copy Centre and The Visa Place for 15 years. She said she waited for the opening of the new US Embassy across the street to launch the service.

Mr Mitchell said the facility supports a more “humanising” visa process and helps safeguard important documents. Storage prices start at $14. The business operates Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

The Embassy Lockers team with Gejonte Miller, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service Fred Mitchell and Minister of Transport and Housing JoBeth Coleby-Davis