VENDORS’ HEARTACHE
AS STALLS RANSACKED
Displaced vendors lose thousands in theft amid complaints of poor security and relocation delays
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
A REGULAR morn-
ing turned into dismay for straw vendors at Fort Charlotte yesterday when they opened their tent stalls to find them ransacked and stripped of merchandise worth thousands of dollars just weeks before Christmas.
The scene was grim as vendors surveyed their losses. One said the “heart-aching” discovery left some so emotionally overwhelmed they went home because they could not bear to work. Others trudged through the rain, trying to salvage the day by approaching tourists directly to make up for their losses.
Margarette
Rahming-Jones, visibly shaken, said nearly $30,000 worth of inventory was stolen from her stall, including jewellery, bags, sweatshirts, stuffed animals, customised souvenirs, and other goods. A long-time vendor who once operated at Fort Fincastle, she said petty thefts have been happening for months, but
VENDORS - SEE PAGE FOUR
‘I woke up with him on top of me,’ woman testifies during rape trial
By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune
Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A WOMAN testified yesterday that she woke up to a man on top of her as the trial into her alleged rape in Andros in 2022 continued. The complainant, whose name is being withheld to protect her identity, testified in the rape and burglary trial of 27-year-old Garnet “GJ” Thompson Jr before Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns.
of her. She said that as she shoved him off, she felt his penis in her vagina.
Prosecutors allege Thompson broke into the complainant’s Cargill Creek, Andros home on the night of November 18, 2022 and raped her. She was 27 at the time. The victim said she woke up to the defendant on top
The defendant allegedly cursed as he was pushed away and stumbled back into a corner.
The victim said she did not know how long the defendant had been inside the home, but that he fled
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A GRIEVING mother yesterday welcomed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution’s decision to appeal a direct acquittal and a judge’s refusal to hear an
anonymous witness application in the trial of two men once accused of killing her eight-year-old son. Kendra Woodside described the appeal decision as a “step in the right direction”, even as she continues to struggle with being excluded from the collapsed trial into her son Eugene
Woodside
“I will allow
what they
said, but adding that she wouldn’t call herself
Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Fraizer confirmed yesterday that an amended appeal was filed
RAPE - SEE PAGE FIVE APPEAL - SEE PAGE THREE
Eight held as RBDF disrupts suspected human smuggling plot
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force said officers disrupted a suspected human smuggling operation on Wednesday following coordinated surveillance and patrol activity over a two-day period. According to the RBDF, intelligence officers first received information from partner agencies on December 2 about a suspected 32-foot Donzi Contender–type vessel, registration FL5631JP, reportedly preparing for a smuggling attempt. Surveillance units monitored the vessel overnight but detected no activity.
On December 3, at about 4.20pm, an RBDF Harbour Patrol Unit intercepted the vessel in
the area of John Alfred Dock. Eight people were on board. During boarding and inspection, Defence Force officers identified multiple Customs and Immigration discrepancies. The vessel and all persons were taken into custody and escorted
SMUGGLING - SEE PAGE FOUR
Walker is now officially the 14th US Ambassador to The Bahamas.
See PAGE TWO
Jr’s slaying.
them to do
have to do,” she
happy.
Herschel
EUGENE WOODSIDE
KENDRA WOODSIDE
Walker officially assumes post as US Ambassador
THE United States Embassy in Nassau announced yesterday that Herschel Walker has officially assumed his post as the fourteenth US Ambassador to The Bahamas after presenting his credentials to Governor General Dame Cynthia Pratt at Government House.
Mr Walker was confirmed by the US Senate on October 7, and sworn in at the White House on October 17.
The embassy said he will immediately begin meeting Bahamian government officials and leaders in business, education, culture, and sports, while also receiving briefings from embassy staff responsible for security and consular matters.
In a statement, Mr Walker said he is honoured to serve and looks forward to strengthening ties between the two countries and engaging with communities across The Bahamas.
Mr Walker becomes the first US Ambassador to The Bahamas since Nicole
Avant’s departure in 2011.
The official residence, Liberty Overlook, has been readied for occupancy after more than a decade of vacancy. He was nominated in December 2024 by President Donald Trump, a longtime associate, and confirmed by the US Senate in a 51–47 vote.
During his September confirmation hearing, Mr Walker said his priorities would include countering China’s influence in the region, strengthening anti-drug-trafficking efforts with the DEA and regional partners, and encouraging US investment to support Bahamian economic growth.
A household name in American sports, Mr Walker’s career spans college football, the NFL, Olympic bobsledding and mixed martial arts. He also served as the national spokesperson for the Patriot Support Programme, visiting military bases to promote mental health support and share his own experiences.
From 2017 to 2021, he co-chaired the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, and for more than 18 years he led National Health Through Fitness Day, helping connect fitness advocates with lawmakers.
He later entered national politics, running for the US Senate in Georgia in 2022 as a Republican candidate. His campaign was overshadowed by controversy, including allegations of domestic abuse and claims that he paid for a girlfriend’s abortion despite publicly opposing abortion.
Mr Walker’s arrival brings an end to years of unsuccessful nominations. Since Ambassador Avant’s departure, several nominees failed to advance: Cassandra Butts, who died before her hearing; Trump nominees Doug Manchester and William Douglass, whose nominations were withdrawn; and President Biden’s nominee, Calvin ww, who never proceeded to confirmation.
US Ambassador Herschel Walker and Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis exchange handshakes and gifts during a courtesy call yesterday.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
GOVERNOR GENERAL Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt accepted Letters of Credence from Herschel Walker, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, during a Presentation of Credentials Ceremony at Government House yesterday. Photo: Letisha Henderson/BIS
DPP explains why mom wasn’t
told of trial as appeal filed
last Friday, expanding an earlier challenge which had focused solely on the witness anonymity issue. The matter is set to be heard in the Court of Appeal next Wednesday (December 17).
Ms Fraizer said the original appeal against the refusal to hear the anonymous witness application was filed and served last Monday, before the judge directed the acquittals. It was amended last Friday to include the acquittal itself.
Mrs Woodside previously revealed that she learned of the directed acquittals of Lloyd Minnis and Perry Pickering only after waking to messages and social media posts last week. She described the moment as reopening her deepest wound, saying it “feel like the day I watched my child bleed out.”
2026. The case opened and closed without her knowledge when prosecutors gave no opening statement and called no witnesses.
She said she received no phone call or notice that the trial had begun, after years of being told it would not start before
Explaining why the child’s mother was not notified of the proceedings, Mrs Fraizer said: “The mother wasn’t informed because the prosecutor never imagined that the court would proceed to hear a matter it had an inability to facilitate at this time. My understanding is that this type of trial will be capable of being heard next year, January 2026.”
Mrs Woodside’s son had been doing homework in their Chippingham home in 2017 when a stray bullet tore through a wall and struck him in the chest. Pregnant at the time, she held him as he died, an event that sparked national outrage. Ms Woodside said the loss shattered her family: her daughter, who witnessed the shooting, needed years of help, and her marriage did not survive the trauma.
As year draws to a close still no clear indication of compliance
when contacted by The Tribune yesterday. Asked whether all MPs and senators had filed, he said: “I don’t think so.”
He said officials were still sending letters out to people to prompt them to begin the process.
“We sent letters out to remind them of their declarations coming in for the end of the month, end of December,” he said.
He then said those declarations were sent for the March deadline.
He added that the committee has completed its review of declarations submitted last year. Asked whether
the December timeline was intended for those who missed the March deadline, he said: “Not necessarily. These are people must report now for the year.”
Pressed further, he said: “No, I’m not saying in December we’re going to report. I’m saying the letters are coming in.”
When asked again if December was an extension for those who missed the deadline, he said the submissions will represent a new reporting year. Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard has repeatedly criticised the country’s disclosure system, saying it fails to hold public officials accountable as delays continue. In March, Mr Pintard said he was increasingly concerned that the Public Disclosures Committee had not released a full compliance list, despite the legal requirement for MPs, senators, and senior civil servants to file by 1 March.
The committee has blamed accessibility issues and challenges with facilities for the delay — explanations critics dismiss as excuses.
In March, the FNM said all of its parliamentarians met this year’s filing deadline under the Public Disclosure Act. Several Davis administration officials also previously confirmed to The Tribune that they filed their disclosures, including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper; Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin; Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey; National Security Minister Wayne Munroe; Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle; Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis; Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg; Social Services Minister Myles Laroda; Central and South Abaco MP John Pinder; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Leon Lundy; Health Minister Dr Michael Darville; and Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis. The Tribune was unable to reach several other elected officials for comment. DISCLOSURE from page one
EUGENE WOODSIDE’S mother Kendra Woodside (second from left) and family members.
EUGENE WOODSIDE
Fort Charlotte vendors devastated by break-ins
this time the burglary was extensive.
“They been tiefing long time since we move here,” she said. “It’s over $30,000 worth of stuff they steal last night my stall alone.”
She said only one security officer patrols the area.
Vendors said they have complained repeatedly to the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) and the Straw Market Authority about inadequate security, mould growing in the temporary tents, and flooding when it rains. Ms Rahming-Jones said conditions are so poor that the tents fill with water when the weather turns.
“The water was all the way to my ankle when it rained, and they still didn’t do nothing,” she said, noting she has spent more than 35 years in the straw industry.
Their relocation to Fort Charlotte was meant to be temporary. In March, the government closed Fort Fincastle for four months to restore the water tower, displacing the vendors. That four-month timeline has long passed. AMMC announced last week that the Fort Fincastle water tower and Queen’s Staircase were expected to be handed back during the first week of December, signalling near-completion of the $3m restoration. But vendors have remained stuck at Fort Charlotte, facing hardship and insecurity.
Ms Rahming-Jones said vendors have reached their breaking point. She
acknowledged the government allowed the tents to be rented free but insisted they are unsafe for long-term business. She described being relocated as vendors being treated “like a piece of garbage”. “I’ve been on Fort Fincastle from 2016 and I would not lie on the government or nobody, I’ve never had a break-in,” she said. She has since reported the theft to police.
Another vendor, Sonia Murphy, said about $2,700 worth of merchandise was taken from her stall. Ms Murphy said vendors have been left in temporary conditions for far too long and want to return to a stable site.
Free National Movement Fort Charlotte candidate
and Deputy Chairman Travis Robinson was at the scene, hearing concerns.
He said vendors have shown patience, but the government must address relocation delays, mould problems, and safety risks. He said he has been in discussions with the security firm responsible for the Fort Charlotte site about adding manpower, and noted that his team will also be dispatching security.
The $3m contract awarded to SJK Construction in May 2024 covers interior and exterior work to address structural issues at the long-inactive water tower, a project whose delays continue to take a heavy toll on vendors displaced in the interim.
said they have complained repeatedly to the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) and the Straw Market Authority about inadequate security, mould growing in the temporary tents, and flooding when it rains.
Over 100 Club Med staff to return to work this weekend
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
MORE than 100 Club Med employees in San Salvador are expected to return to work this weekend, nearly two months after Hurricane Melissa damaged the resort and disrupted operations, according to the head of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union.
Union president Darrin Woods said the prolonged closure created major uncertainty for workers who typically enjoy highly stable employment. He noted that Club Med usually operates with about 90 percent occupancy yearround, providing staff with at least five days’ basic pay. The resort had already closed temporarily in September for its annual break and was scheduled to reopen in October.
Hurricane Melissa forced that reopening to be pushed back again. “They should have been back to work, but they're going back as of this Saturday, because the club was damaged by the hurricanes,” Mr Woods said.
“So, you're talking effectively, October, November, and pretty much half of December, where they have either worked with the construction company and all of the cleanup or received unemployment benefit.”
Mr Woods said the union met with workers earlier this month and pledged support for those who went without income.
“Those persons who didn't want who did not work at all, which is almost about 100 plus, definitely, I mean, we have an obligation to do as much as we can, whatever we can, to assist those person and when I met with them, I committed to do to do that for
them,” he said. He also addressed the broader hotel sector, noting that this year has been slower than previous seasons and has forced some staff to work reduced days. He attributed the weaker occupancy to tariff pressures but said bookings suggest improvement in the coming months.
“It’s a little bit softer this year, a little bit softer, but we are expecting it to really pick up. Some areas have strong bookings for the Christmas where persons are being ramped up but it not ordinary outside of COVID for this time of the year to be soft,” he said.
“But based on all accounts, it is going to pick up just before the Christmas and take us into the winter season. All it means for us is that the winter season starts or is starting a bit later for us in all intents and purposes.”
Suspected smuggling ring disrupted after RBDF surveillance operation
SMUGGLING from page one
to the Harbour Patrol Unit base, where further searches and assessments were conducted. The RBDF said the operation disrupted a
suspected smuggling attempt involving four Ecuadorian men, two Ecuadorian women, one Dominican man and one American man. The Bahamas Customs Department and Department of Immigration
CLUB MED IN SAN SALVADOR.
TRAVIS ROBINSON, FNM candidate for Fort Charlotte, speaks to reporters about the robbery of multiple tents owned by straw vendors that took place at Fort Charlotte yesterday. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
VENDORS from page one
VENDORS
Accuser says man on trial for rape was her ‘distant cousin’
after the incident.
Under questioning from defence attorney Nathan Smith, the victim said she was close with the defendant and had known him for 20 years. She said he was probably her distant cousin.
She told Mr Smith that she and another cousin had hosted a grill out that started at 6pm the evening before the alleged rape. She said they went to Killa’s (James Bodie) bar around 9pm.
She said she told the defendant at the bar not to bother any of the girls as he was not supposed to be there. She said she was looking out for him.
After arriving home at 12.15am, the victim said she spoke briefly with her mother, got some water, checked the windows and went to bed.
In her room, she watched a Lifetime movie on YouTube while lying on her side before falling asleep. She estimated she slept for 30 minutes to an hour as the movie was still playing when she woke up with the defendant on top of her.
The victim told Mr Smith that she had nothing to drink that night.
When asked whether she felt the defendant move her onto her back, she said she was a deep sleeper, though it was possible she turned over herself.
She recalled the defendant wearing a bright yellow shirt and that his pants were down while he was on top of her.
She said it was incorrect for Mr Smith to suggest she had invited the defendant to watch a movie that night or permitted him to wash dishes in their house.
She also rejected suggestions that she put her legs over the defendant’s
shoulder, or that she mistook him for her boyfriend. She maintained that he had sexually assaulted her and did not have permission to be in her home.
The victim told prosecutors she had been wearing a T-shirt and a panty at the time of the assault, which police collected in a plastic bag.
Responding to a jury question, the victim said her mother had told her the defendant had been inside the house two nights before the alleged rape.
The victim said the defendant appeared stunned when she woke up, and that they locked eyes. She said she did not feel his weight on her until she woke.
Detective Corporal
Dario Stubbs testified that he interviewed the defendant on November 22, 2022. DC Stubbs said the defendant, whom he identified in court, denied the
Two men charged with having sex with 14-year-old girls
By DENISE MAYCOCK
A GRAND Bahama father of two accused of having sex with a 14-yearold girl was charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The 58-year-old appeared before Magistrate Uel Johnson, charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. It is alleged the offence occurred between June 2025 and September 2025. He was represented by attorney Rengin Johnson, who told the court her client is employed and has no criminal history.
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A 24- YEAR-OLD Grand Bahama man accused of a fatal stabbing at a nightclub was charged with murder in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Arthur Minnis appeared before Magistrate Uel
“He has a good record as a teacher, father, and husband. He lives here and has two children,” Ms Johnson said. Prosecutor Veron Rolle did not object to bail but asked the court to impose a condition prohibiting contact with the virtual complainant. Magistrate Johnson granted $9,500 bail with one or two sureties. The accused was ordered not to interfere with witnesses and to sign in at the Central Police Station on Mondays and Fridays before 6pm. Ms Johnson informed the court that her client and his family planned to travel to the United
Johnson, represented by attorney Brian Hanna. He was not required to enter a plea.
Police allege that on December 4, in Freeport, Minnis intentionally caused the death of Taran Hanna. Officers responded to the scene shortly after 2am, where the victim was reportedly involved in an altercation
States between December 20 and 30 and requested adjustments to the sign-in schedule. The magistrate allowed the travel, excusing sign-ins on December 22, 26 and 29. Sign-ins must resume on January 2, 2026. The matter was adjourned to April 13.
Meanwhile, in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court, a second man was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse involving a 14-year-old girl.
Michael Cartwright, 30, appeared before Magistrate Simone Brown and pleaded not guilty. He was denied bail and remanded to custody.
with several men at a nightclub on East Sunrise Highway. The victim was taken to hospital after being stabbed multiple times and later died of his injuries.
Minnis was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The matter was adjourned to February 26, 2026.
Woman accused of knife assault at restaurant denied bail
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
allegations.
DC Stubbs said that during the interview the defendant said it was untrue that he entered the residence through a broken back door. The defendant claimed he entered through the front door carrying dishes from the grill out and fell asleep inside the home.
While reading Thompson’s voluntary statement under caution, DC Stubbs said the defendant claimed he went into the complainant’s room later asking where his glasses were. He claimed she “played dumb” and that he began watching a movie with her while he sat on the floor.
Thompson claimed the complainant threw her legs over his shoulder and that he moved them away. He claimed that when she did it again she yelled at him, saying she thought he was her boyfriend. He
claimed she ran out and told her mother that he had raped her. DC Stubbs told Mr Smith that he cautioned the defendant only for the rape charge. He agreed that the defendant was cooperative and gave blood for DNA analysis.
Dr Marlon Moxey testified that he examined the victim at the Fresh Creek Clinic on November 18, 2022. He said the alleged assault occurred at about 1.30am and his examination, using a rape kit, occurred at 11.45am.
Dr Moxey said the complainant admitted bathing and urinating after the assault. He said she told him the defendant put his penis in her vagina and did not use a condom. He said there were no injuries to the complainant’s privates that resulted in bleeding. He recalled the victim saying her assailant was a
distant relative and that he caressed her face and whispered “this is GJ” during the assault.
Dr Moxey said the complainant appeared agitated, shocked and frustrated during the examination but was dressed appropriately. He said her hymen was not intact, indicating that she may have had sexual intercourse before.
While he said the pelvic examination was normal, he noted this did not preclude a sexual assault from having occurred.
He said in his opinion the collection of samples would have been compromised because she had cleaned herself.
He told Mr Smith there were no marks or bruises on the complainant.
The prosecution closed its case after Dr Moxey’s testimony.
Kristin Butler-Beneby and Betty Wilson are prosecuting.
Canada adds direct flights to LPIA from Ottawa and Halifax
AIR Canada has launched new non-stop flights from Ottawa and Halifax to Nassau, a move designed to meet surging demand from Canadian travellers seeking a winter escape.
The new weekly services, which began on December 5, come as visitor numbers from both regions show significant growth. According to tourism data, travel from Ottawa to The Bahamas is up 54 per cent year-overyear, while travel from Nova Scotia has increased
by 85 per cent.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism I. Chester Cooper welcomed the increased airlift as a vital step in the destination’s growth strategy.
“The Bahamas continues to strengthen its position as a favourite destination for Canadians, and expanding airlift is essential to keeping pace with this growing demand,” Mr Cooper said. “These new flights deepen our connection in Canada and make it even easier for visitors to
enjoy the
said the new routes offer customers more choice and convenience.
The new Friday flights from Ottawa and Halifax complement the carrier’s existing schedule, which includes six to seven weekly flights from Toronto and seasonal service from Montreal.
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Staff Reporter
A MAN awaiting trial for allegedly possessing an unlicensed firearm had a bail violation charge withdrawn after proving his bail conditions had been amended.
Lawes pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault with a dangerous instrument before Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs.
Inspector T Bain, who prosecuted the matter,
A WOMAN was denied bail on Monday after she was accused of assaulting another woman with a knife at a restaurant last month. Prosecutors allege Davanya Lawes, 27, assaulted Shaquae Butler with a knife at East Point Restaurant and Bar on November 24.
Prosecutors alleged Kirkwood Rolle, 34, breached his residential curfew at 8.57pm on December 5. Rolle is on bail for pending charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. Although he pleaded not guilty to violating bail conditions before Magistrate
objected to bail, citing that the accused had a recent conviction of a similar nature for which she served one year in prison.
Lawes was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until her trial begins on January 22, 2026.
Lennox Coleby, his attorney, Ian Jupp, indicated that his bail had been varied and that he was not in breach.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie, who prosecuted the matter, confirmed that Rolle’s bail had been amended, and the charge was withdrawn.
Tribune Freeport Reporter
natural beauty, culture, and warm hospitality that define The Islands of The Bahamas.” Alexandre Lefevre, Vice President of Network Planning at Air Canada,
The Tribune Limited
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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.
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Nine months and still no answers
IF you look back over previous Tribune articles about the financial disclosures required by law from our politicians, you will notice the same words time and again – “failure”, “still no answers”, and “delinquent”.
The deadline for filing financial disclosures for this year, 2025, was a whole nine months ago and there is, wait, here are those words again, still no answer on who did or did not file in time for the March 1 deadline. There will have been people who have had a whole child in the same time as the Public Disclosures Commission chairman has been unable to find his way to an answer.
That chairman is Bishop Victor Cooper, and yesterday he said a bunch of words, none of which provided anything close to an answer, and which seemed to do nothing but add confusion.
Asked whether all Members of Parliament and senators had filed, he said: “I don’t think so.”
Just for clarity, this is Bishop Cooper’s job. He is the chairman of the committee and he really ought to know on the day of the deadline who has or has not complied with the law, let alone nine months later.
The law is simple. You can go and read it yourself. It is the Public Disclosure Act. It says that every senator and MP in that role on December 31 must declare their assets as of that date before the following March 1.
Then the commission “shall examine every declaration furnished to it and may request from a senator or member of Parliament any information or explanation relevant to a declaration made by him which, in its opinion, would assist it in its examination”.
The law the requires the declarations to be published in the Gazette. If someone does not provide the declaration, the commission “shall report the matter… to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition”, who may then publish that information to the House of Assembly.
Those who fail to declare, or who knowingly makes a false declaration, could face a fine of up to $10,000 or be jailed for up to two years. Or both. Jail time for MPs or senators – this is no small thing.
And yet the head of the commission, nine months after the deadline, simply says “I don’t think so” when asked if everyone filed on time.
Bishop Cooper then went on to muddy the waters with his comments, talking about letters being sent out for “their declarations coming in for the end of the month, end of December”. Is this an extension to March or the start of the process for the next year? It is hard to tell.
It seems to be to do with the new reporting year, but it would be nice to
know – and by nice, we mean a legal requirement – the outcome of the current year.
Previously, Bishop Cooper has talked about setbacks this year, saying in March that “the office is unable to operate as it should”, the commission’s offices being affected by mould leading to them relocating to the Cabinet office, and more. In April, Bishop Cooper said disclosures were still coming in, after the deadline, though he did not say an exact number.
The Tribune has tried to do its part.
In the absence of a report from the commission, we have asked numerous officials whether they have disclosed.
The FNM said all of its parliamentarians had met the deadline, while PLP officials who told The Tribune they had filed include Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin, Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle, Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg, Social Services Minister Myles Laroda, John Pinder, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister Leon Lundy, Health Minister Dr Michael Darville and Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis.
People do not have to declare to The Tribune by law, they do have to declare to the commission by law – and yet, we have given more answers than the commission.
Bishop Cooper should have long ago been able to give a clear answer. Frankly, the day after the deadline, he should have had a list of names. It is December. By now, even Santa has a list and is checking it twice.
At this point, we are not even talking about actually checking and verifying the contents of the disclosures, or even the legal requirement to gazette the declarations – just who hit the deadline, as required by law.
Frankly, at this point, whether by inability or by design, the commission is not fit for purpose. Year after year, there is little respect for this procedure, designed to keep a check on the finances of parliamentarians to ensure they are not enriching themselves inappropriately.
If Bishop Cooper cannot provide the answers at this stage, he should hand the baton on to someone who will. Are we to go through another year – with election coming – without knowing which of our parliamentarians can be bothered to respect the law?
As for those parliamentarians not listed in the names above, The Tribune will welcome your clarification on whether or not you obeyed the law. You know where you can reach us.
Shameful neglect of Ragged Island family
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I AM beyond appalled by the horrific situation faced by a grieving family on Ragged Island — forced to wait 24 hours with their deceased loved one before help arrived. According to the recent report, after a 57-year-old man died, no official came to recover the body for an entire day. This is not a remote-island logistical hiccup. It is a glaring display of callous indifference and systemic failure. A family mourning a life lost should never have to endure such neglect — in any community, in any part of our country.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Two FNM parties to fight in election
EDITOR, The Tribune. I REMEMBER reading a front-page photo caption in an August edition of The Tribune about Free National Movement political aspirant Andrew “Blue” Johnson and his supporters watching on as Lincoln Deal was officially announced as the Opposition party’s standard bearer for the Freetown constituency. I had a gut feeling that that would not be the end of what appeared to be another looming saga within the FNM.
The Tribune obviously recognised this also. In the December 8 edition of The Tribune, it was published that Mr Johnson had officially launched his independent candidacy for Freetown over the weekend, with former FNM Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis making an uninvited guest appearance. Minnis’ presence can be legitimately interpreted as a tacit endorsement of Johnson’s candidacy. Minnis has been rejected by the FNM leadership in Killarney for Senator Michaela Barnett-Ellis. I suspect that both Johnson and Minnis are finding solidarity and common ground due to their rejection by the FNM. I find it interesting that neither has announced that they have resigned from the Opposition party. I believe, and I stand to be corrected, that the FNM Constitution states that any card-carrying member who runs against an official FNM candidate is in danger of being ousted from the party.
Where was the compassion the MP spoke about while in opposition? Where were the emergency protocols, the respect for human dignity, the basic decency toward Bahamians in their darkest hour? As the potential representative for Exuma and Ragged Island, I demand immediate accountability. I demand to know who failed these people, why no resources were available, and what concrete steps will be taken to guarantee that no family on our islands ever suffers such disgrace again. If trusted with the privilege of representing you, I will bring this matter before Parliament. I will fight to overhaul protocols for remote communities to ensure timely, dignified support — because every Bahamian deserves respect, alive or deceased.
This shameful incident must serve as a turning point. We must do better. Our people deserve better. FNM Candidate for Exuma and Ragged Island.
DEBRA MOXEY-ROLLE Nassau, December 8, 2025.
If true, it would be a threat that rings hollow to both Minnis and Johnson. And even if the FNM hierarchy were to follow through with what is required in its constitution, it would open a can of worms at a time the party can ill afford another major distraction months ahead of a general election. With a defiant Minnis and Johnson in Killarney and Freetown respectively, I see no path to victory for Deal and Barnett-Ellis. The campaigns of the two men will harm the FNM -- not the Progressive Liberal Party. Thousands of FNMs still hold Minnis in high regard. His rejection by the FNM hierarchy does not sit well with them.
I personally know of two former hardcore cards carrying FNMs who have defected over to the PLP over the matter of Minnis perceived maltreatment by the FNM. I know of several others. These are just a tip of the iceberg. Political scientists would also harp on the importance of a political organisation maintaining its base of support as a key element in winning a general election. I was initially naive enough to downplay the waning influence of Minnis within the FNM. Yet I find myself now wondering if that influence is substantial enough to harm the party. It now appears to be so. Judging by the Golden Isles by-election results, and even by the rallies in the lead up to the November 24 electoral contest, the FNM’s base seems to have eroded. Anyone who denies this is deluding himself. Despite Brian Brown’s continued presence in Golden Isles since 2021 where he invested a significant amount of his own personal resources, he was not able to beat a PLP candidate who was only on the ground for about a month. Yes, Darron Pickstock only gained the support of 1,873 or 23.63 percent of registered voters. Golden Isles has a staggering 7,926 voters listed on the register. Brown, however, fared worst. He gained the support of only 20.64 percent of registered voters or 1,636. Once again, FNMs aren’t showing up at the polls. This points to an erosion of its base of support. This was also evident in the elections in 2021 and 2023. FNMs, not PLPs, will support the campaigns of Minnis and Johnson in the general election. Accordingly, I see this latest development as an intramural feud between FNMs that has spilled over into the national stage for all Bahamians to witness. Bahamians who love old school professional wrestling would remember the Jim Crockett Promotions and its National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
affiliate that aired on Saturday afternoons on ZNS TV13 during the early to mid-eighties. I recall watching a feud between two wrestling tag teams calling themselves The Midnight Express, one with manager Jim Cornette, the late Beautiful Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane; the other with manager Paul E Dangerously, Ravishing Randy Rose and Dennis Condrey. The latter called themselves the Original Midnight Express. The feud played out in late 1988, which captivated its Bahamian ZNS TV 13 viewers each Saturday afternoon. Both teams were claiming to be the one and only Midnight Express. One of the former FNMs referenced above told me numerous times that he never left the FNM.
According to him, he was told to leave, and that the FNM can win without him and other disgruntled FNMs. He views himself and other Minnisites as legitimate FNMs whose views are more in line with the Dissident Eight than with the current FNM hierarchy. They view themselves as the original FNM party. The other FNM party is unrecognisable to this group. The disgruntled FNM’s defection to the PLP reveals a deeply rooted pain and disillusionment with the party he once fought valiantly for. Defecting to the PLP is his coping mechanism. According to him, he will relish in the FNM’s looming defeat at the polls. His reaction to the FNM’s loss in Golden Isles was one of glee. It was his “I told you so” moment. The Minnis iteration of the FNM seems to be far more determined to witness the demise of the Michael Pintard iteration of the FNM than the PLP. The Pintard FNM can no longer ignore this small but influential group. In the coming months, it will get louder. Going into the general election, if reconciliation isn’t achieved, the Pintard administration will have to devote significant resources and manpower in campaigning against the other FNM party.
KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama December 9, 2025
Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net
A PAIR of pink flamingos.
Photo: Victor Korchenko
Pintard vows to repeal new smuggling bill if FNM elected
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard says an FNM administration would immediately repeal the newly passed Smuggling of Migrants Bill, calling it a “far cry” from any real immigration crackdown.
His comments, a day after government MPs passed the legislation, came even though officials removed a clause that would have shielded smuggled migrants from prosecution for offences directly linked to being smuggled.
The legislation would tighten penalties, expand enforcement against human smuggling, and reduce the number of migrants entering the country illegally. Officials have said that it does not alter the state’s authority to arrest, detain, charge or deport migrants under the Immigration Act.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Pintard reiterated his
criticisms, saying the proposed amendments cannot fix what he believes are fundamental flaws in the legislation.
He argued the bill still treats smuggled migrants as victims, even when people allegedly paid smugglers or knowingly chose to enter The Bahamas illegally.
He said this approach is inconsistent with international practice and stressed that the FNM’s position is clear: those who willingly participate in smuggling should face penalties, not receive protections.
“Inexplicably, the Bill places operational authority, including temporary residence decisions, under the Minister of National Security rather than the Minister responsible for Immigration. This makes no sense,” Mr Pintard said.
“The PLP’s main defence is that the Bill is needed to meet international obligations. That is simply not true. International protocols do not require The Bahamas to soften penalties for smuggling or blur
Beach access fears raised as land swap resolution passes
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A RESOLUTION
authorising a land exchange on West Bay Street passed the House of Assembly yesterday, sparking a forceful debate over public access to beaches amid warnings that Bahamians are increasingly being crowded out of shoreline spaces by commercial tourism interests.
While government ministers touted the proposal as a long overdue infrastructure upgrade that will improve safety and provide better access and parking near the coast, opposition MPs cautioned that the measure will mean little if Bahamians cannot freely traverse the beach, a problem they said is already evident in hotspots like Goodman’s Bay and Paradise Island.
St Anne’s MP Adrian White argued the realignment could worsen — not improve — access unless rights are clearly preserved.
Referencing the project map, he said: “The plan that I was pointing out is that there is a space between two parcels on the sea, which, as a real estate attorney with some familiarity with property plans, would indicate to me that this is likely a beach access.”
“It would be interesting to know whether the government had considered whether that beach access there is open and accessible to members of the public once they access that beach access, whether they can go east and west along the beach, up to the high water mark, without interruption. Basically, free use to traverse the beach to the east and the west.”
He also pressed for protections against what he characterised as creeping exclusion of Bahamians from major beach areas, pointing to current concerns on Paradise Island.
Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis echoed the warning, pointing to Goodman’s Bay. He said large portions of that beach are now occupied by tourists and commercial operators. “Goodman’s Bay is a large, open area expending from the hotel heading east and that hotel on the western side but what been happening half of the beach facility is now being utilize by the tourist, guest of the cruise ship etc.”
He continued: “There are multiple umbrellas, chairs etc therefore if this is not seriously looked at we’re gonna run into the same problems that they have in Paradise Island. So at this
the line between trafficking and smuggling. They do not override Parliament’s duty to protect the peace and security of our country.”
He also criticised the bill’s provision granting migrants access to urgent medical care, arguing that many Bahamians struggle to receive timely treatment in an overstretched healthcare system.
Mr Pintard said this provision “rolls out the red carpet for lawbreakers while our people suffer from unacceptable delays.”
He added the government should have conducted wider consultations, arguing that if they did, they would have understood “how many new loopholes they were about to create.”
In a statement yesterday, the Progressive Liberal Party doubled down on its defence of the bill, insisting it does not interfere with the enforcement of
laws.
point, half of Goodman’s Bay during the day may not be necessary be available to residence because its all utilize as a commercial entity.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said these concerns are recognised, adding that Goodman’s Bay is under Beaches and Parks, which has already addressed avoiding further commercial expansion there. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting beach access for Bahamians.
The resolution passed after Works Minister Clay Sweeting said the longstanding deficiencies on that portion of West Bay Street — including dangerous curvature, elevation problems, and chronic flooding — make realignment unavoidable.
He showed pictures of vehicles partially submerged. “These cars look like they are not driving, but trying to float like a boat, but this is the extent of flooding that happens here in this road corridor,” he said.
“These one of the reasons why this realignment is necessary,” he added, noting that the concept dates back to the 1960s, and portions of the land were acquired in 1970. The work was never executed and later stalled when a 2001 contract was cancelled in 2013 and omitted from the revised JCCC contract.
He said the Rock Point project is a partnership between the Ministry of Works and developer Vakis Ltd. Vakis will fund road design, construction, utility relocation and drainage upgrades; the government will provide lighting and utility materials. Under the land swap, the government receives 44,639 sq ft while the developer receives 34,123 sq ft—a net gain for the public.
Mr White noted the rock wall at the site is historically significant and was featured in the James Bond film Thunderball. While saying he recognises the safety problems the realignment addresses, he questioned whether the alignment could have been designed to connect to the current roadway.
Freetown MP Wayne Munroe described the plan as mutually beneficial. “It happens to be a good deal because we get 30 percent more land than we give up,” he said.
Mr Sweeting said that the no-build zone will extend to the wall and that public visibility of the coastline while driving will be maintained.
the country’s immigration
The party accused Mr Pintard of acting like “a performer, not a leader” and said it is not too late
for him to put politics aside and do the right thing.
OPPOSITION LEADER MICHAEL PINTARD
The rights of every human, everywhere
What are you prepared to do? What stops you from taking action?
TODAY, December10, is Human Rights Day.And the theme this yearis “Human Rights,Our EverydayEssentials.” Thistheme wasset by the UnitedNations to re-engagepeople withhumanrights byshowing howtheyshape ourdaily lives,often inways we may not always notice.”
Wecan lookat ourdaily livesin TheBahamas incontrasttothe livesofpeoplein Palestine today.We candrive oneplaceto thenextwithout having to dealwith checkpoints. We can collect rainwater. Foodand watercan be shipped into the country. Many ofus donot haveto givemuch thought to these activities, beyond affordability,so we maynot recognisethemas human rightsas weenjoy them. The rightto fulfil our most basichuman rightsgoes unnoticed,butisintegraltoour daily lives and our wellbeing.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rightsset a common globalstandard on December10, 1948,atthe United Nations General Assembly, setting out fundamental rightsand freedoms. TheDeclaration remainsthe mosttranslated documentin theworld--having beentranslated into more than 500 language--and is the foundation formany national,regional, and internationallegal instruments, includingtreaties and legislation.
Availability of the Declaration in hundreds of languages, however,hasnot ledtoalevel of understandingand acceptance of human rights that leads topolitical commitmentand universal enjoyment of all human rights. It’s not written intechnical language.It s not particularly difficultto derive meaningfromit.Thereissome other reason orset of reasons for the failure to
make all humanrightsaccessible to everyone.
tinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional, orinternational status of the country or territory to whicha personbelongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governingor under anyother limitationof sovereignty.
Article1begins,“Allhuman beings areborn freeand equal in dignity and rights.” This is a simple statement. But aligning with it requires an understandingofequality thatisnot linked to any social, economic, or other factors. In the absence offully realisedhumanrights, people haveallowed their judgment of othersto affect their perceptionof others worth. Was theperson bornout of wedlock? Is theperson now unmarried?Does theperson own a house? Does the person have abank account?What passportdo theyhold?How manychildren dotheyhave, with how manydifferent parents? Where do they work? Respect is oftengiven, or
withheld, based onfactors like these. While this may seem normalfor interpersonalrelationships, it’s not an acceptable wayto allotrights. Humanrights arefor everyone. Human rights are notafiniteresourceanddonot need to be shared. Everyone shouldhaveaccess toandexperienceall humanrights. From birth, we are all free. From birth,we areall equalin
Again, theDeclaration itselfaffirms theentitlementof all peopleto all therights and freedoms articulatedin the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Identity markers areoften usedto targetpeople anddenythem the fullenjoyment oftheir humanrights. Womenare denied access totheir human rights in manyways, from medical professionalsrefusing to perform procedures that give patients greater con-
dignity and rights.There is nothing that can change that.
Article2 states, “Everyone isentitledto alltherightsand freedoms setforth inthis Declaration, withoutdistinction of any kind,such as race, colour, sex,language, religion, politicalor other opinion, national or social origin, property, birthor other status.Furthermore, nodis-
sionalshavebeentargetedand killed, severelyimpacting access to healthcare. People are livingintents, andeventheir tentsare beingbombed.They are forced to move from place toplace,withsafezonesbeing declared unsafeovernight. Their land isbeing poisoned and the air is polluted.
Organisations that set standards andengage with States ontheir humanrights organisations--including the United Nations--haverefused to intervene.Many systems are failing the Palestinian people and, byextension, all ofus.What ishappeningin Palestine isnot isolatedfrom other acts of settler colonialism, genocide, landtheft, and capitalism. It isone test runthat, uninterrupted, will be run again at different scalesand indifferent parts of the world. All of our human rights are connected, and weare only free when we are all free.
trol overtheir bodies,tothe constitution thatlimits women s nationality rights andprevents theautomatic conferral of Bahamian nationality from mother to child.
Statesmayusethelanguage ofhumanrightsinmultilateral spaces,while activelypreventingparticular groupsof people fromaccessing allof theirhuman rights,despite knowingthathumanrightsare interdependent. No one can fullyenjoy allof theirhuman rights while access to any human right is blocked.
The human rights of Palestinianpeople arebeing violated every day.Their access tofood andwater,includingrainwater, hasbeen cut off. Hospitals have been bombedand medicalprofes-
If you have never read it or ithasbeen alongtimesince you have,read theUniversal Declarationof HumanRights onthis HumanRightsDay. Identify therights thatare most and least accessible to youand/or thepeoplearound you. Which rights are accessible to you, but not to people of differentidentity markers? Which rights haveyou never hadto thinkabout?Which rights are inaccessible in The Bahamas, and why? Who does that inaccessibility affect most? Consider your position, your privilege, and your ability to agitate for change. Whatare youpreparedto do? Whatmight stopyou from taking action?What do youstillnotknow,stillnotbelieve, stillnot careabout? Whatwouldit taketogetyou to do more?
Todaymarks theend ofthe Global 16 Days Campaign (Against Gender-Based Violence).At 6pm,EqualityBa-
hamasis hostingadiscussion with humanrights expert
Gaynel Curry atthe National Art Gallery ofThe Bahamas onbuilding acultureof human rights. Bring your questions about human rights, the law, and our reality in The Bahamas. Registerfor the event at tiny.cc/16daysrights
Support Jamaican-led Hurricane Relief Efforts
Jamaican nongovernmental organisations and community groups continue to work to meet theneeds ofcommunity members who were directly affected byHurricane Melissa. Fromtarpaulin for damagedroofs todrinking water,theyarepurchasingand delivering supplies,often traveling longdistances to reach peoplein areasthat are more difficult to access.
Herearea fewoptionsfor direct support:
E GirlsCARE Jamaica centres women and girls in its work at the intersection of climateand gender.Itprovides hygiene kits,water, power banks,mosquitorepellent,tarpaulins,food, babyitems,and other necessaryproducts. Donationscan bemadevia PayPal to girlscareja@gmail.com
EWE-Change Jamaica prioritises LBQ+ women and providesdirect cashassistancetoaffectedpeople.Donations can be madevia GoFundMe at gofund.me/5b6a69a3f
EKindredon theRock is a 70-acre farmthat isbuilding community, teachingnew skills, andcreating jobs.Its founder, StaceyannChin, leads a groupin purchasing supplies, making packages, and delivering themto people in someof theareas that suffered the mostloss and damage. Donationscan be madevia GoFundMeat www.gofundme.com/f/support-menddigap-incs-vitalmission.
Want that tattoo erased? It's going to hurt (and it's going to cost you)
By COREY WILLIAMS Associated Press
DETROIT (AP) Colin Farrell's had it done manytimes.Sohave AngelinaJolie and Megan Fox. Heck, even Bart Simpson did.
Whether it'sMarilyn Monroe'sface, Billy BobThornton's name,a sultryrose oreven Bart'spartially inscribedhomage tohis mother, sometattoos simply have togo for one reason or many others.
Butthe processof takingthem offis longer,much morecostlyandouch extremelymorepainful thangettingthemput on, according to professionals in the industry.
Also, due to healthreasons, some souls whobravedtheinkneedle,shouldbewaryof thelaserwhenhavingtheirbodyarterasedor covered up.
Tattoos have been around for centuries
The oldest known tattoos were found on remains of a Neolithic man who lived in the Italian Alps around 3,000B.C. Many mummies from ancient Egypt also have tattoos, as do remains from cultures around the world.
Tattooremoval likelyis almostas oldas the practiceof inking andincluded scraping the skin to get the pigments off or out.
Amore"civilized" methodevolvedinthe 1960swhen LeonGoldman,a Universityof Cincinnati dermatologist,used "hotvapor bursts" from a laser ontattoos and the skin that bore them.
Many choose tattoos to honour someone A2023 surveybythe PewResearch Centre determined that 32% ofadults in the United Stateshave tattoos.About 22%have more than one, according to the survey.
Honouring orremembering someoneor somethingaccounts forthe biggestreason Americansget theirfirsttattoo. About24% in the survey regret getting them.
Tracy Herrmann, 54,of Plymouth, Michigan, just west of Detroit, has eight tattoosand isintheprocess ofgettingfour phrases, including "One step at a time," "Surrender," and"Through itall," removedfrom her feet and arms.
She started inking up about six years ago and says she doesn't regret getting tattoos. "Maybe adifferent choice,maybe," Herrmann saidfollowing her fourthtattoo re-
movalsession atChromaTattoo Studio& Laser TattooRemoval inBrighton, Michigan.
"Therewas aperiod inmylife thatI feltI neededsome extrareminder," Hermannsaid. "I thoughtI wouldjust embracethe periodin my life, sothat helped and thenjust to surrenderand giveit overto God.So, halfof them were really, really pivotal to getting me over a hump in my life."
Boredom among reasons to remove tats
Herrmann says the fourgetting lasered are part of her past and that's where she wants them to stay.
"Now, I just want tomove forward and go backtotheoriginalskinIwasbornwith,"she said."But theother fourI'mgoing tokeep. They still meana lot to me,but they're more hidden."
Reasonsforgettingatattooremovedareas varied and personal as the reasons for getting them in thefirst place, says RyanWright, a registered nurse and ownerof Ink Blasters Precision LaserTattoo Removalin Livonia, Michigan.
"A lot of people, whenthey get a new tattoothat makessomeoftheir oldtattoos look bad they get (the older tattoos) removed or reworked," Wright said. Chroma owner JaimeHoward says boredom plays a role, too.
PEOPLE walk among destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.
AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi
Photo: Tribune/file
TRACY Herrmann has one of her tattoos removed by Chroma Tattoo Studio Laser Tattoo Removal, in West Bloomfield, Mich.
AP Photo/Corey Williams
Get your Christmas shopping game on this year with AI tools
By KELVIN CHAN and ANNE D'INNOCENZIO AP Business Writers
SHOPPING assistant chatbots werea noveltya year ago. Now,they're everywhere.
After rolling out AIpowered assistants,online retailers andtech companies havebeen addingmoreartificial intelligence featuresto make online shopping easier and more convenient.
Thelatest cropofAIpowered shoppingservices andtools madetheir debutin recentweeks,just intimeto kickoff theholidayshopping season that begins with Black Friday.
Here's a rundown of existing andnewly releasedAI servicesthat canhelpwith your search for the perfect gift in the run-up to Christmas:
Retail chatbots Amazon led theway by rollingoutitsRufuschatbotin 2024. Other ecommerce websites followed with their own AI assistantsto enhancethe online shopping experience. Walmart's Sparky chatbot is available on the retail giant's appand cansynthesizereviews oroffer productrecommendations basedon occasions, such as Christmas. Targetrecently unveiledagift finderchatbot onits app,but it'sonlyavailable fortheholidayseason. RalphLauren partnered with Microsoft on the "Ask Ralph"chatbot to provide style recommendations.
Theaim ofdeployingchatbotsisto makeiteasierfor peopleto findwhatthey're looking for. Insteadof entering search terms and keywords, you can type or use voice dictation for a conversational back-and-forth.
Theresults, inmyexperience, can be mixed. I tried Rufusrecentlyto finda replacementaftermarket stainless steel pot for my rice cooker, as well as a protectivetrivet formykitchen sink faucet. Inboth cases, the resultsweren't quite right and didn't seem to capture the wide range of products available.Sometimes the results were completely unsuitable.
I ended up doing a more painstaking search of product listings' pictures and specifications to find theright items. The problem, I suspect, is partlybecause Iwaslooking for generic products. Searches for name-brand products may produce better results.
AI-powered buying advice
Perhaps you don'twant to limityourselfto asingleretailer's website inyour Christmas shoppingsearch. Or you'renot surewhere exactly to find that perfect gift.
Tech platformshave rolled out AI-poweredshopping tools that can casta wider net by searching multiple sites.
OpenAIaddedanew"shopping research"feature to ChatGPT last week that can provide personalizedbuying advice for productsthat are
heavy ondetailed specs,like electronicsor appliances.The feature will activate if you ask ChatGPT ashopping-related questionor manuallyturnit on in thechat window. OpenAI says it can go beyond simple questions,such as checkinga priceorfeature that regular ChatGPT can easily answer.
Google userscan geta similar experience whenthey use its search engine in AI Mode, whichrecently gota bigupdate for shopping searches. The company says users can describe whatthey're looking for as if talking to a friend and get an"intelligently organized response" based on50 billion product listings, with pictures alongside prices,reviews and inventory info.
Google added similar shopping features toits Gemini AI chatbot app for U.S. users last month.
Meanwhile, Perplexity unveiled its ownshopping assistant featurelast weekthat can tailor recommendations based on previous searches.
I asked all three to find a softcotton flannelshirt.Both ChatGPT and Perplexity asked me forspecific requirements, such as budgetand must-have features. ChatGPT's responsewas the most detailed, with options from six brands including its top pick, and included pictures, pricesand point-form summaries foreach shirt.It alsocompiled theresultsinto a comparison table.
ResultsfromGoogle,which didn'task followupquestions
after myinitial request,felt themost general.Perplexity's results fell in between. Try it on virtually So,you thinkyou'vefound astylish cardiganforyour spouse.But you'renotsure about the silhouette or vibe.
GenerativeAI"tryon"tools let users see whata piece of clothing mightlook likeon the wearer.
Existing virtualdressing roomtools havereliedon complex 3D rendering, real photoshoots andaugmented reality. Often, shoppers were limitedtopickingamodelthat best fittheir bodytype tosee how clothes fit.
Google is nowtapping AI to allow shoppers to virtually tryon garmentsandshoes using pictures of themselves in simple poses.Among the exceptions: accessorieslike hats or jewellery, bathing suits and lingerie.
To use this feature, which is available throughGoogle's shopping desktop search and mobile app in Australia, Japan Canadaandthe U.S.,justtap the"Try iton"button ona product's photo and then add a full-lengthphoto ofyourself. Youcanthen savetheimage of yourselfwith thetested item orshare it.The original photo is also saved to your account so you don't need to keep uploading fresh images.
If you're shopping for a gift for someone, Google says you canupload theirphoto,but onlyifyou havetheirpermission.
AI agents buy it for you
Now that you've figured out what exactly to get for those special people onyour Christmas gift list, it's time to buy. Butif you wantto outsource someof thelegwork involved, there are "agentic AI" tools that can help.
Amazonusers canusean "AIagent"tobuyaproducton their behalf if the price falls to a desired level.Google has launchedits own"agentic checkout" feature,which can automaticallybuy aproduct you're keeping aneye on with its price-tracking feature. Google'sfeaturehasrolledout toasmall groupofretailers, includingWayfair,Chewyand Quince we wellas some Shopify merchants.
Both companies say they'll always confirmwith youbefore the AIagent makesthe purchase.
Around the world
Microsoft investing $17.5B in India (AP) – Rajesh Roy NEW DELHI Microsoft onTuesday announced its biggest-ever Asia investment, amounting to$17.5 billion, in Indiaover the next four years to advance the country s cloud andartificial intelligence infrastructure.
CEO Satya Nadella revealed thisin anX postaftermeetingwith IndianPrimeMinisterNarendra Modi in New Delhi.
Google faces EU scrutiny (AP) – Kelvin Chan
LONDON Google faces freshantitrust scrutiny fromEuropeanUnionregulators,whoopenedaninvestigationTuesdayintothecompany'suseofonlinecontentfor its artificial intelligence modelsand services. TheflurryofregulatoryflexingbyBrusselsthathastargeted BigTech risks antagonizingPresident Donald Trump's administration,though EU officialsdenied they were singling out American companies.
Mass. court hears app addiction case (AP) – Michael Casey
BOSTON (AP)
Massachusetts' highest court heard oral arguments Friday in the state's lawsuitarguing thatMeta designedfeatures onFacebook and Instagram tomake them addictive to young users.
The lawsuit,filed in 2024 byAttorney General Andrea Campbell, allegesthatMetadidthisto makeaprofitandthatitsactions affected hundreds of thousands of teenagers in Massachusetts who use the social media platforms.
IBM to buy stream platform Confluent (AP)
IBM said Monday it's buying data streaming platform Confluentinadealworth$11billionthatwillhelpbolster the technology company's artificial intelligence strategy. The two companies saidthey signed a definitive agreement” forIBM toacquire allof ConfluentInc.'s issued andoutstanding commonstock for$31 pershare in cash, which represents an enterprise value of $11 billion.
Georgia utility grapples with data centre demand (AP) – Jeff Amy ATLANTA (AP) With data centersflooding into Georgia, utilityregulators face a bigdecision: Should theyletGeorgiaPowerCo.spendmorethan$15billionto increase its electricity capacity by 50% over the next six years toserve computercomplexes? Orcould theutility overbuild and stick other ratepayers with the bill? It would beone of the biggest build-outs inthe U.S. to meet the insatiable electricity demandfrom developers of artificial intelligence.The build-out will boostthe state's economy and “allowGeorgia tocontributetothenation’s focus onthe global importance ofartificial intelligence and the digital economy,” the company said.
How to find Spotify Wrapped, YouTube Recap as 2025 comes to a close
NEW YORK (AP) The end of2025 is near.And the season of unwrappingour online lives orat least a glimpseof whattheylooked likeover thepastyear is well underway.
Music streamers,social media sites and a host of other apps havealready starteddelivering their annual recaps into customers'inboxes. That gives users apeak at anything from the topsongs they had on repeat andthe videos they streamedthe most,toonline language-learning or everyday tips they turned to
Party" within the app.
This year,the music streamer isalso introducing "Wrapped Party" a feature that allows you to compare listening habits with friends who useSpotify, too. Wrapped Party isonly available on Spotify'smobile app. You canstart itwithin Spotify'sWrapped hubor searching for "Wrapped
the internet for in 2025. Here's some ofthe biggest platforms that have already released their 2025 recaps (coveringdatafor atleastthe majorityofthe year) and where tofind them.Most instruct users todownload the latest versionof theirapps to get the best experience. Spotify Wrapped Spotify released its Wrapped on Dec.3. The platform will promptusers to view theirannual "yearin audio" recapping the top songs, artists, podcasts and more they streamed the most in 2025 (or,more specifically, January throughmid November). Youcanotherwiseclick on"Wrapped"on the topbanner onthe appto view yourstats anddownload your yearly playlist.
YouTube Recap Google's streaming giant unveiled itsnew "YouTube Recap"on Dec.2, startingin NorthAmerica. Recapgives an overview of YouTube users' watchhistory overthe lastyear including top artists and songsif you listenedto musicon theplatform.
YouTubesaid Recapwould rollout worldwideoverthe first week ofDecember. According to theplatform, it can be foundon theYouTube homepage or underthe "You"
profiletabon themobileapp or desktop. You must be signed into theplatform and have the latest update.
Apple Replay AppleMusic releasedits annual "Replay"on Dec.2 which givesits usersa lookat their top songs,artists, genres and morestreamed onthe platform over the past year.
To find Replayon the AppleMusicapp, youneedto goto theHome tab,scroll downto "YourTopMusic" and thenclick "Goback in time," Apple says. On the web, you canalso sign into
your accountat replay.music.apple.com and click "Jump In." Amazon Delivered Amazon's musicand podcasting service also has an annual recap, which is called "Delivered." 2025Delivered rolledouton Dec.2 available for Amazon Music customerswithat leastafew hours oflistening historyin a dozen countries. According toAmazon, you can see Deliveredby tapping the"Find" buttoninthe Amazon Music Appand navigating to "Listen Your Way.
BLACK FRIDAY Shoppers wait in line to enter Macy's flagship store on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 in New York.
AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis
New Senator pledges to fight for missing persons and mental health
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
NEWLY appointed Senator D’Asante Small yesterday pledged to use her platform in the Senate to push for stronger protections for vulnerable Bahamians, including missing persons, victims of gender-based violence and those facing mental health challenges.
At Government House, she outlined five priorities after receiving her Instrument of Appointment, noting her focus is on public safety, mental health, youth intervention, women’s leadership, and addressing gender-based violence.
She said she intends to advocate for a stronger national response to missing children and missing adults, particularly those suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, stressing that every missing person is a parent, child, relative or friend.
She described mental health as a national issue
affecting homes, schools and workplaces. She intends to advocate for a dedicated mental health emergency hotline, improved community-based services and better support for affected individuals and families.
She said people should not have to suffer in silence or feel ashamed to seek help, and that mental well-being deserves the same attention as physical health.
She said she would use her role to expand opportunities for women in national leadership by encouraging training, mentorship and meaningful inclusion in decision-making spaces. She said there are many capable women who simply need a fair chance and that when women advance, families and communities advance with them.
She said gender-based violence continues to create fear within Bahamian homes, and she intends to elevate national urgency around prevention and response through stronger protections, improved reporting channels,
survivor-centred services and ongoing public dialogue. She stressed that no Bahamian should feel unsafe in their home or in their country.
Prime Minister Davis said her appointment was part of a wider effort to place more young Bahamians and more women in significant public roles. He described the day as a proud moment for the country and for Small’s family.
He traced her path from Girls Brigade and church band to St John’s College, the University of Tampa, work with the Public Hospitals Authority, national events surrounding the fiftieth anniversary of independence, international representation at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, and her involvement with workforce development boards. He said her life experience belongs at the legislative table and that she comes to the Senate as someone who has already carried substantial responsibility.
Seide celebrated as a man ‘worthy of honour’ for service to youth
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahama community and youth leader Dudley Seide was celebrated as a man “worthy of honour” during a special recognition event over the weekend.
Many attended, including government officials, corporate partners, and civic leaders who paid tribute to his decades of devoted service to at-risk youth.
Mr Seide, founder of Reach Out Youth Organisation, was also recently inducted into the Youth Leaders Hall of Excellence Class of 2025 by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. He was among five Bahamians honoured for their longstanding work on behalf of young people.
Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey attended and brought remarks, praising Dudley for his unwavering commitment to redirecting the lives of troubled young men.
She recalled first meeting Dudley and his wife Katie when she served at the Grand Bahama Port Authority and immediately recognized the significance of their work. She said she felt compelled to strengthen their organization, which was making a difference and impacting lives in the community.
Winston Pinnock, owner of Jamaica Bahama Imports, said his company has increased its support for Reach Out over the years, noting the growing needs on the island.
He said the work of Dudley and Katie has become even more vital.
“Those of us like myself in Grand Bahama have seen the decline of this island, the ups and downs, and it seems like we have more now. The need is greater than I’ve ever seen it, and those of us, the corporate citizens, have to do more,” he said.
He added that supporting Reach Out has been a fulfilling and rewarding journey, and pledged his continued partnership.
Minister Moxey said Dudley’s leadership has “created hope and second chances where many believed none existed,” and highlighted his efforts in mentoring young men, securing expungements, and partnering with government and private sector initiatives.
the Grand Bahama Port Authority, said Dudley has done remarkable work.
She also commended Katie for launching her own girls’ ministry, saying that their work must continue to be supported. Ian Rolle, President of
“We are just not simply honouring a man, but a movement shaped by grace, propelled by purpose, and grounded in the undeniable, unstoppable power of God Almighty,” he said.
Mr Rolle said when he first met Mr Seide, he
immediately recognized a man with a pure heart who was refined through his own struggles and led by God.
He described Dudley and Katie as “a true power couple,” noting their humility and quiet service. He urged them to “stay the course.” Bahamian Ambassador
“There are no words to truly give credit to the work that you have done,” he told Dudley.
The ceremony drew community members, youth, and supporters who applauded Mr Seide. Speakers included Pastors Robert Lockhart and Simeon Outten, who both credited him with saving lives, restoring hope, and lifting families throughout Grand Bahama.
Dudley Seide with his wife, Katie, of Reach Out Youth Organization, was honoured for his commitment to youth and the community of Grand Bahama on Friday, at the City of Lights.
Governor General Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt swears in newly appointed senator D’Asante Small yesterday at an offical ceremony at Government House. Photos: Shawn Hanna
New health strategy targets ‘structural problems’ in system
By Keile Campbell Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE government has released a sweeping fouryear National Health Strategy aimed at tackling structural problems in The Bahamas’ health system, warning that financial pressures, inequity in access, workforce shortages and fragmented governance threaten sustainability.
The 62-page report highlights fragmentation between agencies, unclear responsibilities, duplication of effort, insufficient accountability, and slow progress in adopting innovation. It also acknowledges disparities in care between New Providence and the Family Islands, rising non-communicable diseases, and ageing infrastructure vulnerable to climate events.
Despite some gains from past reforms, the report says separate planning documents, inconsistent funding mechanisms, and opaque lines of authority have weakened governance. It notes that the Ministry of Health and Wellness “has limited capacity to act as system steward” and that overlapping mandates have led to “uncertainty around execution responsibilities”.
Officials cited a major sustainability challenge: the report forecasts a $24 million deficit for health financing in the next fiscal year. It warns that treating health as a cost rather than an investment has hindered long-term planning.
One-third of health costs are already paid out of pocket, creating inequities, especially for catastrophic and specialised care.
Geography remains a central barrier to equity. More than 90 percent of hospital beds are located on New Providence, and high travel costs make timely access to care difficult for residents on remote islands. Services such as blood transfusion, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation are
limited outside the capital. Seven Family Islands currently have no resident physicians.
Non-communicable diseases, meanwhile, dominate the country’s health burden.
Hypertension affects 36.7 percent of the population, diabetes stands at 11.5 percent, obesity affects 76 percent of adults and 25 percent of adolescents, and physical inactivity is widespread.
The report notes that “low health literacy around lifestyle choices continues to hinder progress” and that cancer and diabetes screening are not systematically implemented. Infrastructure deficits are pronounced. Many facilities are ageing, short on bed capacity, and illequipped to withstand severe weather. Rehabilitation services are almost non-existent outside New Providence, while emergency response infrastructure is “uneven”. Digital systems remain fragmented, with electronic medical records still paper-based in many public clinics.
Workforce pressures are severe. The report notes migration of doctors and nurses abroad, shortages across specialities, and the absence of a national workforce plan. With more than 30 percent of physicians nearing retirement and the population ageing, officials warn of mounting strain unless coordinated planning occurs.
Still, officials pointed to signs of momentum. The 2025–26 national budget increased funding to the Ministry of Health and Wellness by $22m, alongside a $13.3m boost in capital spending. National Health Insurance Authority benefits have been expanded, and work has begun on a financing framework to improve fiscal sustainability.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry on Monday formally launched the Bahamas National Health Strategy 2026–2030. It is structured around eight pillars: governance and leadership; collaboration
and partnerships; health equity; prevention and early intervention; infrastructure and maintenance; workforce; financing and system efficiencies; and innovation for health.
Public Health Practitioner and Health Policy
Lead Dr Cherita Moxey likened the structure of the strategy to “a house the country is building”. She said Pillars 3 and 4 represent people and equity, Pillars 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 form the system foundations, and Pillar 8 focuses on future-ready systems. All components must operate within the “reality of responsible cost management”. Under the system foundation cluster, she said the strategy commits to clarifying the stewardship role of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and building stronger coordination mechanisms with the Department of Public Health, Public Hospitals Authority,
National Health Insurance Authority, private providers, and international partners. It also commits to modernising facilities, improving digital systems, implementing a human resources plan, and improving how financial resources are used “so that the system is not only bigger, but smarter”.
A monitoring and evaluation framework will track impact through indicators covering service coverage, health outcomes, workforce, infrastructure, finances, and readiness. Officials stressed that
regular reviews would focus on learning rather than blame.
Health and Wellness
Minister Dr Michael Darville said the previous strategy saw progress in some areas while other weaknesses persisted or worsened. He said: “I believe all of us who work in the public healthcare sector are striving towards the full adoption of a people centered healthcare model governed by patient satisfaction, fueled by good medical care, aim at the delivery better clinical outcomes in our
hospitals and our clinics at all healthcare facilities throughout the country.” He stressed that the strategy must be paired with “a robust monitoring evaluation framework”.
Dr Ed Fitzgerald, consultant of KPMG, said the new strategy reflects six months of work including more than 30 workshops and interviews and a national survey of over 1,300 respondents. He said the aim was to understand true priorities and “give individuals and communities a voice in shaping the strategy”.
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER at the Ministry of Health and Wellness Dr Pearl McMillan speaks during the launch of the govt’s National Health Strategy.
Photos: Jeffery Mackey