WEEKEND
‘ZERO INTENTION’
OF STEPPING DOWN
Former NBA player Rick Fox urges Mitchell to focus on the real challenge facing the country: voter apathy
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
AMBASSADOR-at-
Large Rick Fox said yesterday he has no plans to resign despite Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell’s call for diplomats who cannot support the government’s mandate to step aside. Speaking to The Tribune last night, Mr Fox urged Mr Mitchell to focus on the real challenge facing the country: voter apathy.
“Just as Papa gave Daddy some advice the other night, my advice to the Chairman of the PLP would be to heed the words of a man we both can agree is an astute long standing PLP Leader Sean McWeeney KC who sees what I see which is that we no longer live in a majority rule Bahamas,” he said.
“We live in a minority state of mind and what we should really be focusing
FOX - SEE PAGE THREE
Sickle cell patient left ‘lying in urine’ overnight after surgery at PMH
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
nurses.
The incident is the latest case to put PMH’s quality of care and services in the public spotlight. The institution has legacy issues, with its head recently revealing it is short of 500 registered
A 28-YEAR-OLD sickle cell patient recovering from surgery at Princess Margaret Hospital was left lying in her own urine overnight without help from nursing staff, her family said — an ordeal they believe has shattered trust in the nation’s primary public hospital.
Branyiell Hall, mother of a four-year-old daughter and a lifelong sickle cell patient, underwent surgery on Wednesday in the Female Medical-Surgical Ward East. Her relatives said she was weak, numb,
NEGLECT - SEE PAGE FIVE
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
THE decades-old Ranfurly Home orphanage is warning it may be forced to shut its doors as dwindling donations and a shrinking pool of benefactors push the institution into a severe financial
CRISIS - SEE PAGE FOUR
Davis government defends $20m annual price tag for pay rises as unions cry foul
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Davis administration will spend $20million a year to sustain its recent civil service salary increases, a cost officials defended yesterday as unions intensified criticism that the adjustments were too small. OPM Director of
Communications Latrae Rahming said the government’s salary update was a “complex” exercise, adding that questions about the size and timing of the increases could not be answered in isolation. He also revealed that over 17,000 civil servants received their salary adjustments on Wednesday. His comments came as some
union leaders derided the adjustments as “crumbs” and others claimed certain workers received nothing.
Mr Rahming said the increases varied across categories but rejected suggestions that lower-level staff benefited the least.
He said those employees saw the biggest percentage
- SEE PAGE FOUR
crisis. Leaders say the strain mirrors what many local NGOs face as they try to meet rising demand for help, particularly heading into the holidays. Families of All Murdered Victims (FOAM)
RICK FOX
SALARY
OPM Director of Communications Latrae Rahming
Baranyiell Hall and her mother during hospital visit.
Junkanoo groups support new rules but concerns persist over vetting of judges
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
JUNKANOO groups are broadly supportive of the National Junkanoo Committee’s newly released rules for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades, according to NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder, though several groups say concerns remain about how judges are vetted.
Groups told The Tribune they want clarity on the selection of judges, the training they receive, and the qualifications required.
One Family Chairman Vernon Rolle said leaders recently met to review the NJC rules, with much of the discussion centred on how the judging process will function under the NJC’s new management.
Doubts about the judging system have persisted for years. In January, frustration
erupted among groups that described the process as broken and biased. Leaders from Genesis, Roots, Music Makers and the Junkanoo Commandos held a press conference at the time, stressing they were not “crying over” the Saxons’ recent parade wins but calling for fairness and transparency.
Mr Rolle said groups want answers about the number of judges, vetting protocols, and how volunteers being trained as judges will be compensated.
“Our biggest, biggest challenge right now, the judges of the parade,” he said.
He said this year’s NJC rules are largely unchanged but noted the removal of automatic disqualification as a meaningful improvement for groups.
“We understand some groups are being threatened by sponsors because they were getting disqualified.
We really want to take out the harsh word disqualified, and we’ll just levy a heavy penalty on them,” he said.
“This shift allows the PMT and judges to address infractions in a measured and consistent way without removing groups from competition,” the NJC said in a statement.
Roots public relations director Kyle Stubbs pointed to a new requirement for all costumes to be QR-scanned at the entry gate — a move intended to strengthen eligibility checks, prevent category disputes and improve transparency. He said groups have long raised concerns when costumes awarded top prizes did not complete a full lap.
Mr Stubbs said some groups remain doubtful about the judging process because of past incidents.
The rules were presented to all participating
FOX SAY HE PLANS TO SEEK OUT LIKE-MINDED BAHAMIANS WHO WANT MORE FOR THE COUNTRY
FOX from page one
all our energy on is solving voter apathy, which has stolen the last three elections and stands to steal the General Election in 2026, that is if Country over Party is important still.”
His comments came after Mr Mitchell doubled down on earlier remarks about ambassadorial conduct, advising that diplomats who cannot fully support
the government’s mandate should “know what must be done.”
While he did not name Mr Fox, the renewed comments come after the former NBA star publicly declared his intention to seek elected office while still holding his diplomatic post.
Mr Fox told The Tribune yesterday that he is still deciding which constituency to contest and whether to run as an
independent or with a political party. He said he’s still looking for the right team and teammates to work alongside, adding: “I am exploring incoming and outgoing options.”
Mr Fox also noted that he plans to seek out likeminded Bahamians who want more for the country.
“I don’t believe in wasting energy or time looking back on what has been or hasn’t been,” he added.
GENESIS rushing on Bay Street during 2025 New Year’s Day Parade. groups at a meeting last Wednesday, chaired by Parade Management Team Chairman Douglas Hanna, and have been formally adopted for this season. Mr Bowleg said any questions should be directed to the PMT chairman. Mr Pinder said the
new rules ensure groups will not face disqualification this season
Former NBA basketball player Rick Fox attends the Los Angeles Film Festival in Los Angeles, June 8, 2015.
Photo: Chris Pizzello/AP
Officials insist lower-level staff saw biggest gains in $20m salary review
gains because fixed increments were applied.
“For example, a employee in the M6 scale who was making minimum wage in January 2022 would have experienced an increase in salary of 27.5 percent since through wage adjustments, excluding increments,” he said. “For a trained teacher, the increase would be 19.8 percent. In addition, this latest increase of $1,400 would be equivalent to the largest annual increase given to any trained teacher in the BUT’s latest industrial agreement.”
For a deputy permanent secretary, he said the increase would be 15.8 percent.
Mr Rahming said this is the first
government-initiated salary review exercise in more than two decades, aside from union-negotiated increases. He added that the annual cost of the recent adjustments is about $20m, and that more than $60m in salary adjustments have been provided to public officers over the past four years. He said civil servants have received yearly salary increases under the Davis administration — consistency he said had not been seen in more than a decade.
He cited upgraded pay, allowances, insurance, and retention bonuses for teachers and nurses; improved entry-level rates, allowances, and overtime systems for law enforcement; and higher scales and increased allowances for line and administrative staff.
“This review focused on correcting the pay system for government employees whose scales had fallen behind for many years,” he said. “ All of this prepared the way for the National Salary Review — the first full modernisation of public service pay in fourteen years.”
He added: “With the final group updated yesterday, every officer in the public service is now in the new structure. Every officer has received an increase. Every officer has received the retroactive amount owed.”
In a statement yesterday, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard called the payments a “slap in the face” and urged civil servants not to accept “crumbs.” He accused the government of misplacing its priorities by spending on
Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard called the payments a “slap in the face” and urged civil servants not to accept “crumbs.”
lavish trips and overpriced consultants while failing to properly compensate workers.
He said a Pintard
administration would be inclusive, transparent, and open to communication, with a focus on fair contracts, improved training,
clear promotion pathways, and better pay.
will not make promises that we can’t keep to you,” he said.
Ranfurly president: Home lacks financial donations for necessities like food and electricity
President Khandi Gibson, who operates a private six-bedroom shelter, said more people are turning to her organisation simply to survive — from young fathers needing diapers to single mothers and even employed Bahamians who cannot keep up with the cost of living.
Ranfurly Home President Joey Premock said sustaining support for the home’s 25 children, aged 12 to 17, has become increasingly difficult. She said the institution needs several hundred thousand dollars to regain stable footing.
She said the home receives only about 25 percent of its funding from the government, calling that level of support barely “significant” given its estimated $55,000 in monthly
expenses. While donations arrive, she said most come in the form of gifts or clothing — helpful, but no substitute
for the cash needed to cover food, utilities, medical care, counselling, and staff salaries. She said the Home currently has fewer than
five donors. She described the finances as unstable and said closure is possible if conditions do not improve.
“The Ranfurly Home can close down without financial support to help facilitate us with purchasing food, continuing to pay our light bill that is not sponsored by the government,” she said.
Ms Premock said the public often assumes the home is financially comfortable when it is not. She urged Bahamians to contribute time or donations to protect some of the country’s most vulnerable children.
Ms Gibson said her shelter now houses 22 people — women, children, and men — many seeking refuge after eviction or
“The Ranfurly Home can close down without financial support to help facilitate us with purchasing food, continuing to pay our light bill that is not sponsored by the government.”
- Joey Premock Ranfurly Home president
unsafe living situations. The shelter costs $2,500 a month to operate, not including food, monetary assistance,
and other support provided to people outside the facility.
“People asking you if they could go on a waiting list until a space becomes available. It is rough out here,” she said. “It’s only so much the government can do. But if we all come together, pull our weight, and share our resources, we could help so many people.”
Ms Gibson said she often spends her own money to help those who turn to her organisation. She said it is painful to see so many Bahamians — young and old — struggling to the point of contemplating suicide. She estimated that $100,000 would significantly strengthen FOAM’s financial position and allow it to assist far more people.
Man granted bail after alleged assault with Guinness bottle
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN has been granted $6,000 bail after he allegedly injured a woman and intentionally damaged her phone and car tyres earlier this month. Prosecutors allege that Everton Wright, 41, assaulted Denisha Roberts with a Guinness bottle and damaged her iPhone 12 screen, along with the four tyres and licence plate of her white 2009 Suzuki Swift on Charles Avenue on November 16. Wright allegedly injured Ms Roberts again on Cordeaux Avenue that same day. He pleaded not guilty to charges of assault with a dangerous instrument, damage, and causing harm before Magistrate Abigail Farrington. With no objection from the prosecution, bail was granted at $6,000 with one or two sureties. As part of his conditions, Wright must sign in at the Quakoo Street Police Station on the last Sunday of each month. He is due back in court for trial on March 10, 2026. Levan Johnson represented him.
BAIL BREACH FINE WHILE WAITING GUN POSSESION TRIAL
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN awaiting trial for alleged firearm possession was fined yesterday for failing to sign in at his local police station. David Bain Jr, 31, who is on bail for charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition, failed to sign in at the Wulff Road Police Station for 18 days between September 15 and November 15. He pleaded guilty to violating his bail conditions before Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville. Bain was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine or face a threemonth prison term. He was warned to take greater care in following his bail conditions or risk having them revoked.
Inspector Cordero Farrington prosecuted the matter.
WOMAN ACCUSED OF STEALING MORE THAN $12,000 GRANTED BAIL
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A WOMAN was granted bail yesterday after she was accused of stealing more than $12,000 from a medical centre on Thompson Boulevard over a six-year period. Prosecutors allege that Marva Thompson, 60, stole $12,820.45 while employed at the OBGYN medical centre between June 24
2015 and October 20 2021. She pleaded not guilty to six counts of stealing by reason of employment before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly-Burrows. Prosecutor Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom raised no objection to bail, which was set at $5,000 with one or two sureties. Thompson is scheduled to return to court for trial on February 2 2026. Bjorn Ferguson represented her.
“We
FNM LEADER MICHAEL PINTARD
FOAM president Khandi Gibson.
Family demands accountability after patient claims neglect by night staff
NEGLECT
and unable to move after the procedure, leaving her completely dependent on staff through the night.
Her sister, 24-year-old Branae Russell, said she stayed until the end of visiting hours, feeding her sister and trying to make her comfortable before leaving. “I fed her Gatorade, tried to prop her up, and I left trusting that the nurses would take care of her since she couldn’t move,” Ms Russell said.
Early the next morning, she awoke to a 57-minute voice note from Ms Hall — crying, shaking, and unable to control her emotions — describing what she endured.
“From I come off of theatres yesterday, I was peeing,” Ms Hall said in the recording. “When I come on the ward, the night shift didn’t change my pamper or nothing. My whole bed was wet up and come this morning nobody change me and I just here laying in piss. This new nurse who come on this morning, they just finish trying to clean me up. Where I so painful, and she went and got me something for pain.”
The family said Ms Hall lay soaked in urine for hours through the night and into the morning without being checked on, changed, or repositioned. Ms Russell
said her sister tried to call for nurses repeatedly but her calls went unanswered. She said Ms Hall had not been changed since immediately after surgery.
“She slept in pee all night and all morning,” Ms Russell said. “She didn’t sleep at all. She was up the whole night in pain, uncomfortable, and embarrassed. She kept calling for them, but nobody came. She felt disgusted laying in her own urine all night, and then the scent, it was terrible.”
Ms Russell said this
was not the first time her sister experienced neglect at PMH, describing past occasions when night staff were slow to respond. She said this incident was “the final straw” and fears other patients may be suffering silently when families are not present.
“My only concern is, not being there, not knowing what’s going on,” she said.
“Because rather than just having her lay up, what else are they neglecting a patient of? This isn’t the first situation — not
with my sister alone, but other patients as well. It’s frightening because when we leave, the patients are vulnerable.”
In distress, Ms Russell posted her concerns on Facebook on Thursday, calling for intervention by the Minister of Health and the media. The post was shared hundreds of times. In it, she wrote: “Patients cannot be left vulnerable and helpless, especially after surgery. We deserve a healthcare system where staff not only do their jobs, but care about
the people who depend on them. PMH needs accountability. PMH needs urgency. And PMH needs staff who treat patients with dignity — not as burdens.”
Ms Hall, who has battled severe complications from sickle cell disease for years, had been hospitalised at Rand Memorial Hospital in August before being transferred to PMH in October. In a GoFundMe launched later that month, she wrote: “I urgently need two surgeries — one to remove painful gallstones
and another for my spine. On top of that, I’m currently unable to walk due to extreme weakness.”
Ms Russell said that despite the daytime shift cleaning her sister and administering pain relief, the ordeal left her emotionally traumatised. “She has some time where she is like very discouraged, where she’s ready to give up, but my family is just try to encourage her all the time,” she said. “That’s why I go there every day, to be able to make her feel comfortable, even when I’m tired from work all day I still go.”
She stressed that her criticism was not aimed at all hospital staff, saying there are “dedicated, compassionate healthcare workers,” but insisted systemic improvements are urgently needed. “I just really want the nurses to actually care because, you know, the family isn’t there, so you want to have someone that actually care about the patients that’s there,” she said.
Public Hospitals Authority Managing Director Aubynette Rolle, who was off-island when contacted, said she was initially unaware of the incident but has since alerted administrators. Ms Rolle said the complaint is now being reviewed internally. Ms Hall remains hospitalised.
Winter residents launch petition over ‘golf crisis’ as last GB course cuts hours
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
AS THE once-strong golf industry has diminished to the point of near collapse in Freeport, Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President Dillon Knowles says the island’s lack of an operational golf course has become a serious concern for both winter residents and locals.
The Reef Golf Course, which is part of the Grand Lucayan Resort property and the only functional course, has reduced its operations to weekends only. Golfers can now play solely on Saturdays and Sundays.
Concerned winter residents, particularly from Canada, have described the situation as a “golf crisis” on the island and have launched a petition calling for intervention. The current situation is troubling for the large number of seasonal visitors who traditionally choose Grand Bahama specifically for its golfing amenities.
When contacted on Thursday, the Chamber president said he is aware of the petition but has not seen it and does not know what it entails.
“Obviously, you know,
winter residents come down specifically to be able to play golf in Freeport, and to not have a golf course available to them, and as well to the local fulltime residents of Grand Bahama, is a serious challenge,” he said.
Of the six golf courses once operating on the island, Mr Knowles said the Reef Golf Course is the only functioning one.
“The golf course is owned by the hotel. So, I mean if the hotel is closed, it’s hard to see how they are going to continue to operate the golf course during this period if they don’t have staff,” he said.
Mr Knowles said he would prefer to see the course remain accessible to the public for as long as possible.
“As a golfer myself, I would love to know they keep the golf course open for as long as possible until they have to do whatever renovations to it that they need to do,” he said.
In May, the Davis administration signed a heads of agreement with Concord Wilshire for the sale of the Grand Lucayan property. The new owners announced plans for an $827 million redevelopment of the resort, including transforming the
golf course into a new Greg Norman Signature Championship Golf Course.
The lack of information surrounding the future of the last operational course—due to uncertainties tied to the sale of the resort—has added to frustrations. With recreational options dwindling, winter residents argue the situation is affecting tourism, local sports activity, and the overall appeal of the island for those who typically spend winters here. They hope that presenting a petition to government and tourism officials will prompt intervention or at least provide clarity on the fate of the remaining golf facility.
Chamber president Knowles is concerned about the lack of golfing facilities on the island, describing the situation as “critical.”
“We had six and a half one time ago,” he said.
“Sometimes these things happen in life.”
“I don’t even know at this point who owns the hotel legally, whether it’s the Concord Wilshire or the government or some combination of the two. So I wouldn’t even know who to approach on the matter,” he said.
“If it’s the government,
I would hope that they would find a way to keep it open in the interim. I would like to think that
they would want to keep it open in the interim.”
Mr Knowles believes there may be about 100
local golfers on the island.
“I don’t know, that would be my guess. But it’s a difficult situation,” he said.
Memorial Service For
of Pelican Point, Matthew Town, Inagua, Bahamas will be held at Sunset Beach, Gregory Street, Matthew Town, Inagua, Bahamas on Saturday, 29th November, 2025 at 10:00am. Officiating will be The Rav’d Fr. Dwight Bowe.
He was predeceased by his parents: Erma Daxon Graham and Felix Daxon; brothers: Benjamin and Dr. Terry Daxon, Christopher Capron, Anthony Graham; sister: Ruth Belle. He is survived by his wife: Kathleen Vankoughnett Daxon; sons: Jason and Tom Daxon; daughter: Jennifer Knowles; sisters: Tracy Collins and Portia Graham; brothers: Lionel, Moses, Trevor and Sidney Deleveaux; grandchildren: Raymando, Raynaldo, Jarvis, Alfonzo and Raygina Knowles, Wayochea Spence; great grandchildren: A’mari, A’mani and Rilee Leadon, and Jarvis Knowles Jr.; aunts: Lucy Weech, Hazel Bullard, Theresa Neymour and Beryl Johnson; uncle: John Neymour; nieces: Requeal Davis, Tracylee Culpepper, Jessica and Cindy Daxon, Tamera and Tiara McDonald, Ianthia and Tica Deleveaux; nephews: Dr. Kenneth Miller, Moses Capron, Joshua Capron, Robert, Scotty, Billy Joe Daxon, Sinardo Deleveaux, Sidney Deleveaux Jr. and Tristan Rolle; 1 sister-inlaw: Juliet Daxon; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Branyiell Hall pictured in a hospital bed with her mom and sister.
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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We must all step-up and help
THE Ranfurly Home for Children is a valued part of our country. It stands to help those who cannot help themselves. It stands to support the children with nowhere left to turn. And it needs our help. The finances for the centre are not adding up. That should not come as a surprise. It is not a business to generate income and profits. It is there purely to support the children who have no homes, no place and, without the work of the Ranfurly Home, the prospect of no future.
It costs about $55,000 a month to run the Ranfurly – of which about a quarter comes from the government. The rest has to come from private donations – and we have heard many times at The Tribune how it has been getting harder and harder to generate donations in our current landscape, despite the talk of how our economy is supposedly booming.
Just this week, we heard how Great Commission Ministries, another safety net in our society for those in need, was down to the last few hundred dollars in its account, even as it tries to continue to serve meals for those with nowhere left to turn.
It is a very simple picture. The donations are drying up. Those who are trying to help are running out of money. The safety net is not going to be there to catch people before long if things do not change.
This is far from the first time the Ranfurly Home has been in need. How else could that be the case when it has to constantly generate income from donations in order to keep the doors open? That is a challenge in itself, even before the challenge of helping the children living there.
Back in 2014, there were moves by the government to step in to assist the home. Minister of Social Services at the
time, Melanie Griffin, talked of assessing needs.
At the time, the home had $37,000 in its bank account, and it cost $20,000 a month to run. Again, the numbers did not add up. But it survived. Again, in 2023, the home warned that inflation made it harder to function. At the time, government support covered about 18 to 20 percent of its annual costs, said to be “not nearly enough”. Once again, the home kept going.
Current president Joey Premock has described the finances as “unstable” and said the home may have to close if things do not improve.
There are two problems here – the short-term problem and the long-term issue. Right now, Ranfurly needs your help. It is the Christmas season. Add a financial gift to Ranfurly would help them immensely right now. Reach out and you will find grateful hands awaiting you.
Longer-term, it may well be time for the current Minister of Social Services, Myles Laroda, to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps and step in to work out what help can be given, be it financial or administrative support.
Given that we are on the cusp of a general election, that would be best done as a bi-partisan effort with the FNM’s social services representative, to ensure all are working together on the problem, regardless of where the voters place their X.
But we also need to look at the bigger picture. If the economy is thriving, where are the donations going? If the donations are not helping support our nation’s safety net, then what must we do to keep helping those most in need?
For now, we must step up. The helpers need our help. But we should also press to make sure that they are helped tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow.
The need is not going away. Neither should the support.
Why no bathroom at public library?
EDITOR, The Tribune.
VERY grateful in the interim for allowing me to pass on this total neglect by the public works department. For the last two (2) weeks, the library staffers and patrons have had to endure no facilities and the closure early because of no working lavatory. Even though they have been told, yet no repairs have taken place.
The very brief opening has been a complete inconvenience, just when I was getting into the crux of
many of my matters, to be told by the security officer at the library that I have 15-minutes, or that they will be closing at 1:00pm, is very stressful admit. But why is it so hard for workmen to investigate the malfunction and make repairs?
Editor, can you please rush this to the head of operations at the MOW, JFK Drive?
NB: this is a daily occurrence all across the country where complaints, upon complaints have been made,
PICTURE OF THE DAY
FNM have been out manoeuvered again
EDITOR, The Tribune.
but weeks upon weeks, no resolution, or even an effort to address those complaints were forthcoming, why though?
Perhaps, this is evident of the kinds of slackness being allowed to fester in some of the government departments, firing from head on down will be in order, as we give the jobs to people desirous of working, I think?
FRANK GILBERT Nassau, November 27, 2025.
IT is unfortunate that in our Bahamian society when one compliments a politician or, indeed, any other public figure, many of us seem to believe, bogusly, that one is a sychophant or worse. Well, I make no bones in asserting that the Rt Hon Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, KC, MP, is a Master Politician, with no dead or living equal in this modern dispensation. Brave learned at the feet of the late great and deeply lamented, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, our first Prime Minister and so called Father of the Nation. There were, of course, two other students. One was crafted in the mold of Sir Lynden; the Rt Hon Hubert A Ingraham and the other one who never developed the art of the deal, the Rt Hon Perry Gladstone Christie. They both over the years were able to ‘win’ elections but I submit, with all due respect that Ingraham, up to that point, was a better student than Christie. Brave, in a few short years at the helm of the iconic PLP, has Demonstrated three (3) times that with ‘the stuff’ he uses he simply, at this juncture, cannot lose and, indeed, politically, may be unstoppable. As the then undisputed Leader of the sump PLP back in 2021, Brave was able to cobble together a winning coalition of right thinking and hard-working members and supporters to take on the then politically hated Minnis led
Moral
FNM. Within a year or so into this current term, the late Hon Obediah Hercules Wilchome, the former MP for Bimini & West End, passed away a bit unexpectedly. A bye-election had to be held. Mr Ingraham, Pindling’s second best student, bluntly advised the leadership of the then and still rump, FNM, Not to contest that election. They paid him absolutely no mind and the FNM went down in flames. That party. Foolishly, in my view, Never invited its former Leader and a former PM of our wonderful nation, to participate in that campaign. Some, inclusive, of a now shell shocked Pintard & Sands, browed that the ‘Minnis Era’ was over and done with!!
At the 11th hour before the now concluded bye-election over in Golden Isles, Mr Ingraham, God bless his soul, again, bluntly. advised the crumbling leadership of that politically doomed, FNM, that if it were left up to him, he would have had the party and candidate stand down and concentrate on the scheduled general elections. Messrs. Pintard & Sands, both politically dumb as a rock, in my view, ignored him, again.
Poor Brian Rolle, who, by his own admission, was
chomping at the bridle, was all gong ho and eager, apparently, to receive the political cut backside and more. I told him, to his face, both within the precincts of the Honorable House of Assembly and at a church service at my church home, Life Changers Ministries International that unless he appeared on my Talk Show, The Final Word, that he and his ill fated candidacy would go down in flames, as they did.
Brave has now ‘beaten’ the FNM and it’s varied ‘leaders’ trice. The 2021 general elections; Bimini & West bye-election and now the mercifully concluded bye-election over in Golden Isles...The FNM has been out manoeuvered again by Brave. All that is left for the demoralised Pintard led FNM is for that party to do one of two things. Number One, get rid of the puerile and ‘the boy cried wolf’ sort of leadership or lack thereof and/or Number Two and to bring former PM the Rt Hon Doctor Hubert A Minnis (Killarney) back into the fold and, eventually the leadership, Congratulations are in order to the newly elected MP for Golden Isles, Darron Pickstock and to the unstoppable machinery of the iconic PLP. To God then, in all things, be the glory.
ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, November 26, 2025.
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Great Commission serves Thanksgiving feast as founder honoured for 38 years of service
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
GREAT Commis-
sion Ministries marked Thanksgiving yesterday by serving meals to residents who might otherwise go without, continuing a tradition that has anchored its mission for nearly four decades.
The organisation aimed to feed up to 1,000 people this year.
The luncheon doubled as a tribute to founder Bishop Walter Hanchell, honoured for 38 years of work supporting the homeless, hungry and disenfranchised through feeding initiatives and a network of social support programmes.
GCM executive director Dr Tamalia Gibson, his daughter, thanked supporters for rallying around her father after he was diagnosed with two forms of cancer. “He has so much to do still, the work is great, and we thank God for him,” Dr Gibson said.
Lynden Nairn presented Bishop Hanchell with a plaque recognising his decades of service and his willingness to “do what most people turn their backs on — serving the poor, homeless and hungry.” He told the crowd: “How many of you know that during all that time he has not had his eyes on receiving a reward from man, but rather from a heavenly reward,” prompting applause.
GCM office manager
Iris Deveaux said Bishop Hanchell’s commitment to vulnerable families has long defined the organisation. She recalled how he regularly brought meals to widowed single mothers and children. “Bishop Hanchell would take lunch and sometimes a drink every day to the people he came across while driving around Nassau,” she said. She described one memory of him rolling up his trousers during heavy flooding so he could carry groceries to families in need.
Bishop Hanchell said he was moved by the unexpected tribute. “I came here just to celebrate with my people — the people that God has called me to serve, that I love, that I sacrifice,” he said, noting that he had been delivering food earlier in the day, with his last stop on Market Street.
Dr Gibson said GCM remains determined to push through rising challenges, believing a “shift” is emerging in public awareness and generosity. “More people are becoming aware of what’s needed at Great Commission Ministries — our biggest needs are groceries, meat and money — and we rely on kindhearted donors to keep this great work going,” she said. “There are many whose cupboards are empty that Great Commission is able to fill.” She added that GCM’s delivery trucks reach elderly and disabled residents, “covering all bases”. She encouraged the public to support GCM’s
upcoming fundraiser, HopeFest, scheduled for December 6 at Collins House, calling it an opportunity for people to “laugh, relieve some stress and enjoy themselves.”
GCM maintains a register of people needing assistance and allows residents to schedule grocery collection through its website. Dr Gibson did not provide the total cost of the Thanksgiving initiative, describing it only as “great,” but she thanked partners such as Baha Mar, SMG Construction and Bahamas Striping Group for contributions that are often non-monetary but essential.
Attendees spoke of gratitude and resilience as they headed into the holiday season. Warren Arnold said that despite economic strain, giving thanks is important. “We must not just give God thanks on one specific day — we ought to give him thanks at all times,” he said.
Cambridge Cooper, from West Grand Bahama, said he felt encouraged by the ministry’s outreach. “No man, no man, God is good. I’m thankful, I’m straight,” he said.
Ricky Thurston said the luncheon offered relief during a difficult stretch and praised Bishop Hanchell’s efforts. “I thank God for him because there’s some children who may have nothing to eat,” he said. “I take it one day at a time… sometimes I can get little jobs here and there to provide my needs.”
FATHER TESTIFIES THAT MOTHER OF HIS CHILD CLAIMED STEP-DAD ‘WOULD NOT STOP TOUCHING’ DAUGHTER
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN testified yesterday that the mother of his child told him in 2022 that her stepfather had sex with her and would not stop touching her.
Shawn Buchanan gave evidence in the trial of Yuel Major, 58, before Justice Joyann Ferguson. Major is charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a person suffering from a mental disorder and one count of assault with a deadly weapon.
Prosecutors allege that Major had sex with a woman suffering from a mental disorder and assaulted her with a knife sometime in May 2022. He is further accused of having sex with her again on June 5 2022.
Mr Buchanan said that on June 5, 2022, he visited the complainant’s residence and brought her food. He said she appeared angry, and he was trying to calm her down. He said she told him the defendant was always touching her and that she was tired of it.
He said she also told him that the defendant had sex with her.
Mr Buchanan said the complainant confided in him about the alleged abuse, saying “he always (expletive) me”, and that she asked him to make it stop.
He said he advised her to report the matter to the police. Although she was afraid to go to the station, he said he had given a statement to the officers.
Under cross-examination by defence attorney Jairam Mangra, Mr Buchanan said the complainant had difficulty communicating. He said she received low grades in school and described her as slow. He said she became frustrated when too many people spoke to her at once.
Mr Buchanan said he has a child with the complainant and had worked with her before. He said his relationship with the defendant had been fine until the allegations emerged.
He said he never confronted the defendant about the alleged abuse because he believed it was not his place.
He said that, to his knowledge, the complainant did tell her family about the alleged abuse.
Mr Buchanan acknowledged that he never saw the defendant having sex with the complainant but maintained that she told him the accused had sex with her a couple of times. He said he believed she began staying with him more frequently to escape the alleged abuse and that she complained about the defendant multiple times, saying the incidents happened at her home.
He said the complainant never told him the defendant used a weapon to force sex. He said he took her to hospital once for an injured wrist but that she never explained how it happened. He said he never saw any cuts to her hands.
Although he said the complainant told him the abuse occurred when he was not present, he also said he would not be surprised if she later claimed he was there when it happened.
Rashied Edgecombe prosecuted the case.
ABANDONED BUILDING DESTROYED BY FIRE IN GB
AN abandoned building was destroyed by fire in Grand Bahama on Wednesday. Police responded to the blaze at a single-storey structure in Coral Harbour shortly before 8pm. Upon arrival, officers found the roof fully engulfed in flames.
The fire was extinguished, and the building was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported, and investigations are ongoing.
GREAT COMMISSION MINISTRIEs served thanksgiving meals for up to 1,000 people, as the organisation took time to honour founder Bishop Walter Hanchell for 38 years supporting the work of assisting the homeless, hungry and disenfranchised. Photos: Nikia Charlton
General Election – a lot like company comin’ for dinner
IFYOU'RE Bahamianora resident ofThe Bahamas,you gottalove thenewsof ageneral election comingsoon to a neighbourhoodnearyou.Suddenlythe MPwhopromised tostayintouchhowevermany yearsago, rememberstoactually look youup and see what s on your mind. The roadsget fixed,the potholesfilled, theverges clearedand cleaned.Awhole lot of sprucing up gets done in a surprisinglylittle spaceof time.
There’s a party feeling in the air. It’s a lotlike having company for dinner and discovering you can repair that chip in the oldwooden table. And theburners thathaven t worked for yearson the old gas stove canbe fixed, and now you have three good ones working, though that fourth burner is still defying your determination to light. (Please light.)
Yep,elections area lotlike
having companyfor dinner. They trigger thesmall actions thatmakefor aprettierface –and everyoneis grateful.A kind of dusting off and taking a fresh look.The big stuff, well,unfortunately, thatgets left for another time.
There s still nofreedom of information act, transparency orcommitment toaccountability.We haven’t accepted the fact that businesseswill only absorb so muchin fees before theystartto lookelsewhereor wonderwhy theybotherto open theirdoors ona daily basis.
We haven’t accepted the fact that businesses will, sooner or later, turn talk, complaintsand justifiablebellyaching aboutconstantly increasing taxes andcosts and justgoelsewhere,asadreality whenthe cureis rightbefore
oureyes.Astandardcorporate tax that’s clearanddoesn’t waiver because someone needstoraise fundsandsends inspectors tofindthemoney. How longwill wecontinue a regressive taxregime where highvolume andlow returnis taxed unduly, orthe poorest among uspay thehighest percentage of theirwages? How are we ever supposed to attractnew businessbasedon thecurrent businesslicense fee scheme? We haveyet tostandardize expectations, requirements, and regulations for development witha scheduleand formula: x number of units means yamountof greenspace,or park or playgroundor clinic or community centre or ambulance. That stuffis still the stuffof headsofagreements, behind-closed-doors negoti-
and let nature take over, while leaving neighbourhoods to deal with repossessed homes thatdegradepropertiesaround them andinvite rodentsto move rightin. You re welcome here. But there is, as I said, the good news about an election announcement. We clean upthe junk cars andabandoned vehiclesand order streetsideliquor windows to close. Hanging baskets with a little greenery dot Bay Street. Small contractors get jobs. Work crews line highways andbyways. Stores selling cutlasses and lawn mowersscramble, tryingto order more, especially cutlasses. Too bad aboutthe signage blight, it’s abouttohit analltime high.Carmichael Road’s billboard trail,snipe signsand
party they lean toward, but for theissuesandthecountrythey want to see. Whatifeach ofussenta personalwish listtocandidates andthose wishlists became a registry of requests for governance? Weteach our kids todo it. We sitwith them as they write their letters to Santa,or kneelwith themas theysaytheirprayers.Why--if we can tellSanta what we wantas achild oncea yearat Christmas, or begGod for favoursevery night--can’t we register our wants and needs and begs with our own government?And whatbetter time than pre-election? Or we can justdo what we alwaysdo:be gratefulforthe foodatrallies andthankthe MP for remembering we live
ations that resemblea movie set reserved for the privileged few.Thiskindofsetmakesinvestors nervous and puts the government in the position of requesting, demanding, wriggling, negotiating,wrangling and leveraging, all of which could bemisinterpreted asa shakedown. Itwould beso mucheasier to juststandardize requirements. We haven’t tappedintothe basics of why weare such enemies toour ownenvironment. Wehaven t takenthe draconian Singapore approach--or evena South Beach stab--atpenalizing those who abandon properties and think it s perfectly acceptable to walk away from them
storefront lettering, already explosive, goesinto hyperdrive.And cornerslikeMilo Butler Highway and TWD become insults to sensitive eyes. It’sokay,though.Therewill beapartyor rallytogoto, withlotsof foodandcamaraderie and cheer and colours. Yep,elections area lotlike having companyfor dinner. Themoments beforethemare filled withfast actions toset a prettytable. Potsofflowers, butno plantingof seeds.This time won tbe anydifferent, but whatwould itlook likeif itwere? Supposethere werea check list, a national survey in which every citizen entitled to vote registerednot forthe
in his or her constituency (and, oh yes,a special thank youformowing thatlawnon the roadside in front of us.) We call in to radio and listenasthe samefewvoices demandtobe heard.Wecall out toeach otherin Whatsapp groups and family gatherings inloudvoices, andthensit back and obedientlysettle for toolittle.Wearestillyoungas a nation, they tell us. What are wesupposedto doorexpect? After all, the place is peaceful and relativelysafe. Weshould be grateful. When willwe learnthat we get what we demand? And when what we demand is forthe good ofthe country, notjustourselves, wegetthe country we deserve.
Junked cars in the middle of a quiet neighbourhood in the Eastern district.
Photo by Dante Carrer
Photo credit:Vecteezy.com
The wrecks and tales of San Salvador, Conception Island and Cat Island
LITTLESan Salvadorlies
right inbetween Orange Creek,North CatIsland,and Bannerman Townon the southern tip of Eleuthera. It was justa reef-surrounded isletin themiddleof ashippingchannelinto andoutof The Bahamas,until inrecent years itwas soldor leasedby a cruiseship conglomerate. Outof sight,less oftenvisited by Bahamian mailboats, this uninhabitedisland hassince been renamed “RelaxAway” and“HalfMoon”Caybymarketingmanagers forcasino magnates milesaway, slipping furtherfrom itsnatural stateandour graspwithevery tide.From the1880s tothe 1980s the Newbold family owned mostof the2,400 acres. Hereare asampling ofthe incidents and wrecks which haveoccurred inLittleSan Salvador, Cat Island, San Salvador, and Conception Island overtheyearsuptill2025.We learn ofthem manyfrom Wrecksite, Wikipedia, wreck historian Jim Jenney,and the log of yacht Illusion V. In 1874 thesteamer City of Guatemala groundedon the northwesterntip ofSanSalvador, and the American passengerandcargoshipof1,505 tons was wrecked. During September 1883,Captain Dorseyof theship Carleton, enroutefrom NassautoInagua with 14 passengers,
soughtshelter fromahurricane in LittleSanSalvador. “Theshipwas blownoutof the safety ofthe harbour, and asaresultmultiplepassengers
died, including Rev.J. S. J. Higgs,the rectorof theparish ofSan SalvadorIsland.” (Wikipedia). In 1889 the 2,116-ton
British steamer Chancellor hit Low Cay in Snow Bay at southeastSanSalvador,andwrecked. AnAustralian steamerof1,852 tons named Frascati hit the northwest coast of San Salvador nearthe present-dayClubMed, and wrecked. On New Year s Day, 1902, thisfruit trader ship ship struck areef, was abandonedoffshore, andsankjust aftermidnight. TheBritish sloop Lizzie Culmer was blown ashoreandwrecked onSanSal in Juneof 1901,while heading toNassaufrom RumCaywith cargo and passengers. Fortunately the schooner William F. Campbell, laden with pineapples, rescued survivors, however not until a woman perished.
This was followed in 1937 by theCanadian sailingschooner of1,035 tonsnamed Avon Queen whichsank offSanSalvador indeep waterandwas abandonded. The ship was over 20yearsold.In 1907,Dr.N.L. Britton ofthe NewYork BotanicalGarden ledaparty tofind new plantspecimens onLittle SanSalvador.In 1958adiesel motorshipnamed Island hit the eastern coast ofcentral Cat Islandat HartsBay,and theCypriot-flagged boat of927tons was wrecked.
largearea thereweremany wrecks, spreadapart geographicallyand intime – no doubtmany shipwrecksthan are known, given how thinlypopulatedmany oftheislands
The Duke of Windsor and US President FranklinDelano Roosevelt consideredconverting Little San Salvador into alarge USNaval baseduring WorldWar II.The island'spopularity for US Presidents continued, withFDR in1935 being escorted fishing there by USS Farragut and USS Potomac, andthe1940s, whenhefished off Little San Salvador. Then in
exploredtheislandbytender, a groupof recreational sailorsapproachedthemwith thealarmingnewsofKevin s predicament and requested assistance. His teamthen
After their aircraft crashed, two survivors from Michigan, in the US, were marooned on Little San Salvador early in 1976.
were and still are. OnConception Islandjust this yeara shipwreckedsolo sailorwasrescued byacommunity of boaters and returnedto hisfamilyand fellow fishermen in Acklins. Thestory istold byone ofhis
1957 President Eisenhower trolled there aswell. Voluntarilycast ashorethere,rather than shipwrecked,in 1972 “a group from Boston University visitedtheislandforanecological survey.” Around Christmas of 1975 the skipper of the touristic tall-ship Phantome informed authoritiesof“asuspiciousmidnight rendezvous betweena 28-foot boat and a freighter off Little San Salvador.After theiraircraft crashed, two surivovors from Michigan,in theUS, were marooned on the island early in 1976.
In1978 aPanamanian cargoshipof 386tonsnamed Palmetta waswrecked north of Conception Island,in the directionofCatIslandandthe dieselship of386tons foundered.In 1980themotor ship Zeilen of575 tons was wreckedon thenortheast coastofSanSalvador.Thenin 1981the motorship Nathaly grounded incentral SanSalvadorat FortuneHill. Overa
rescuers, Chief Officer Wesley Walton. OnApril 18, 2025he published “M/Y Illusion V s CrewHelp Rescue a Shipwrecked Localin theBahamas.” He tellshow “Kevin Buzzard found himself stranded on the remote ConceptionIsland a44-year-old fisherman fromAcklins [he], wasdelivering a26-foot center console boat from Nassau toAcklins.” During this nearly 250-mile voyage alone, off Conception Island, Kevin ran outof fuel, leaving him adrift andheading toward therocky reefsurroundingthe island. Thenon Valentine s Day, his vessel wrecked,forcing him toabandon ship and swim to the safety of dry land. Strandedwithout food,water, or any meansof communicationon anuninhabitedisland, his situation became increasingly dire.
After four days, the author and his crew dropped anchor offConception Islandinthe earlymorning.Whilethecrew
gathered “essential supplies of foodand water and set offtowardsKevin.“Uponarrival, they quickly assessed Kevin’s condition and recognised theurgency ofthe situation. He was severely sunburned, dehydrated, covered in sand,and inshock, not knowing where he was. You could not only see but feel his desperation. Despite the remoteness, to the extent thateven BASRA couldnotget assetstohimin time, the mega-yacht “crew organizeda rescueboatto ensure his safe return home earlythe nextmorning. The[y even]made contact with Kevin’s wife, Diane, sending her avideo letting her know thathe was alive andhadfood andwater. Finally, FirstOfficer Walton writes, after “alot of back and forth communication between Dianeand theIllusion V crew,a local rescue boatfrom Acklins” went to hisaide andrescuedKevin Buzzard,reuniting himwith his wife and family. For the past few hundred years, manyofthe storiesofshipwreck in these southern waters as oftenend with survival and rescueand reunion.
THE officers and crew of Illusion V in the Bahamas.
KEVIN Buzzard,the Acklinsfisherman rescuedat Conception Island this year. The-Triton.com
Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise supports Gov anti-trafficking efforts
THEROTARY Clubof Nassau Sunrise hasbolstered the national fight against humantrafficking witha donation of computers and equipment tothe Ministryof Social Services, Information and Broadcasting. Minister
Eleuthera. The initiative aims to reach individuals in safe, private spacesand increase public recognitionof trafficking indicators.
During his remarks, MinisterLarodaspoke totheimportance of genderissues
expanding protective services for those indanger. As the country observes the16 Days of Activism, the donation un derscores howcommunity partnershipscan turnad vocacyinto tangibleactionfor those most at risk.
Larodaattended theclub s meeting toreceive thecontribution,which willsupport victims housedin government-operated safe shelters.
Thedonation, valuedat more than $10,000, includes five desktopcomputers with monitors andan industrial printer.Dr SophiaRolle,past president ofthe RotaryClub ofNassau Sunrise,presented Minister Laroda with the gift.
Alsoin attendanceforthe presentation werePatrick Newman, current president of the RotaryClub ofNassau Sunrise; district governor Dr BillAiken; andassistantgovernor Valentino Hamilton.
“The government hasone shelter that hasalready been renovated, we re justfurnishing; andthe secondone is on theway,” Minister Laroda said as he thanked the club for its support. Henoted that the equipment will be used by women andgirls rebuilding their lives with the government's assistance.
Technology playsa pivotal role in therehabilitation process for survivorsof human
withinhis portfolio,noting his ongoing roleas Chair of theCommonwealthWomen’s Affairs Ministers Meeting (WAMM). WAMM serves as the principal decisionmaking body for Commonwealth women’s affairsministers and tracks progressin four priorityareas: womenin leadership, women s economic empowerment, ending violence againstwomen and girls,and genderandclimate.
Thedonation comesata timely moment as The Bahamas joins theglobalobservance of the 16 Days of Activism, thisyear underthe theme"End digitalviolence against all womenand girls."
Theannualobservationofthe 16DaysofActivismstartson November 25,International Dayfor theEliminationof Violence Against Women, and ends onDecember 10 which isobserved asInternational Human Rights Day. We haveseen throughsocial services andstatistics an uptickin violenceagainst women, inparticular," MinisterLarodaconfirmed,while
trafficking anddomestic viol-
ence. Access to computers enables residents to learn new skills, pursue online courses, applyfor employment,communicate securelywith service providers, and begin restoring financial independence -key stepstowardlongterm stability.
Aspartof itsbroaderactivism this year,the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise soughtand wasgrantedpermissionbytheMinistryofSocial Services to placehuman trafficking awareness posters in publicbathrooms across New Providence,Abaco, and
inrecognizing theimportance of these times of advocacy. Headded thatthe government isalso mindful oftherisksfacedbyboysand men.
Partof thegovernment s positionisthat menandboys need to know, to be sensitized, hesaid,referencingthe human trafficking posters that willalso beplaced in male restrooms nationwide.
The Rotary Club s contribution, he said, represents meaningfulsupport asthe government strengthensits response togender-based violence and trafficking while
DISTRICT governor Dr BillAiken and assistant governor Valentino Hamilton also attended for the special presentation
LEFT to right: Hon Myles Laroda, Minister, MOSSIB; Dr Sophia Rolle, past president, Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise; Patrick Newman, president, Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise
REPRESENTATIVES fromthe RotaryClub ofNassau Sunrise along with one of the anti-trafficking posters to be mounted in all public restrooms
Senior executives of Scotiabank
pay visit to Prime Minister
SENIOR Scotiabank executives visited The Bahamas last week to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to the country and the wider Caribbean, a region the bank says remains central to its international growth strategy.
Francisco Aristeguieta, Group Head International and Global Transaction Banking, and Jabar Singh, President and CEO of Scotiabank Colpatria and Head of Caribbean and Central America, led the strategic visit, which underscored the importance of collaboration between global and regional leadership in accelerating innovation and client-focused solutions.
The executives, joined by Roger Archer, Scotiabank Vice President and Country Head, met with Prime Minister Philip Davis, senior government officials, and business leaders. Their discussions focused on economic opportunities, financial inclusion, and
sector development, reinforcing Scotiabank’s view of itself as a trusted partner in The Bahamas and across the Caribbean.
Mr Singh highlighted the region’s significance within the bank’s global priorities. “The Caribbean is not just part of our footprint— it is core to our growth strategy,” he said. “We are channeling incremental capital, expanding digital capabilities, and building partnerships that drive sustainable development and financial inclusion. This region offers unique opportunities, and our ambition is to grow alongside our clients, supporting sectors that power economic progress such as real estate, hospitality, and energy transformation.”
The visit also emphasised the strength of Scotiabank’s people and culture, with meetings involving frontline staff and branch teams focused on talent development, collaboration, and
delivering strong client experiences across the Caribbean.
Mr Archer outlined the bank’s priorities for The Bahamas. “Looking ahead, we are accelerating digital transformation and operational modernisation to deliver faster, simpler, and more accessible banking services. Another key priority is supporting The Bahamas’ energy transition—a critical step toward meeting 2030 climate goals—by partnering with industry leaders to create sustainable solutions that reduce costs and enhance resilience across the archipelago.”
He noted that Scotiabank has been part of the Bahamian community for 70 years and said the visit reaffirms the bank’s commitment to continue innovating, investing, and growing with its clients and communities.
The visit concluded on November 19.
