business@tribunemedia.net
Monday, December 22, 2025
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Road carnage: 40% of Nassau hit by accidents By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net SOME 40 percent of New Providence residents have revealed they or a close family member have been involved in a traffic accident within the past five years, leading an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report to brand Bahamian road safety as “a significant public policy issue”. The frequency of vehicle crashes is disclosed in a study conducted by the multilateral lender on the Nassau ‘school run’, which analysed the negative social and economic impacts for Bahamian families from increased traffic congestion; deteriorating and inadequate infrastructure such as pedestrian sidewalks; reckless driving and the failure to properly enforce the traffic laws; and unreliable public transportation (jitney) services. Besides the traffic-related dangers, crime and the fear of children being caught up in crime represented the greatest fear for Bahamian parents interviewed by IDB researchers through ‘focus groups’ and surveys. Some 75.6 percent, or more than three-quarters, voiced concern about becoming a victim of robbery, while 88 percent expressed fears about
• IDB: School commute crime fear unnerving some 88% of parents • School run expenses ‘consume half’ of lower income family budgets • ‘System isn’t designed for the poor; it’s designed for those who have’ being exposed to crime in general during the school commute. All these factors, together with “harassment” of female students by jitney drivers and older pupils, were said by the report to have driven ever-increasing numbers of parents to drop-off and pick-up their children from school themselves. And, with this burden falling disproportionately on Bahamian women, the report added that having to take time out from the working day is resulting in reduced productivity and lost economic opportunities for many. The IDB study, entitled ‘Navigating school journeys: Barriers and enablers for children and caregivers in Nassau, Bahamas’, said lower income households suffer the greatest financial effects from transportation deficiencies related to the
Print shop owner loses $266k insurance battle By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A PRINT shop owner’s bid to obtain $266,000 in damages against a Bahamian insurer for failing to pay-out and cover losses associated with Hurricane Irma’s passage in September 2017 has been dismissed by the Supreme Court. Justice Loren Klein, in a December 11, 2025, verdict rejected the claim by Ronald Deveaux, proprietor of Bahamas Rubber Stamp Printing, for breach of contract and negligence against Security & General Insurance Company
by finding that what caused rainfall from the storm to enter his business was an “excepted peril” or excluded under the terms of the insurance policy. Mr Deveaux had alleged that the water intrusion resulted from unknown persons trying to break into his business through the roof between Friday, September 8, 2017, and the following day, which created a hole that allowed Irma’s rainfall to enter and damage both his machinery and stock. He argued that the hole was the key cause, but Justice Klein sided with the property and
HOLE - See Page B10
‘Meaningful reductions’ in property coverage unlikely By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net INSURERS are warning Bahamian businesses and homeowners that there are unlikely “to be meaningful reductions” in property coverage costs in 2026 after the multi-billion dollar damages inflicted on Jamaica by Hurricane Melissa gave their key partners pause for though. Several local property and casualty underwriters told Tribune Business that reinsurance treaty renewal negotiations have extended
into Christmas week after the impact of the Category Five storm on the southern Caribbean nation prompted that sector to take a second look at the pricing and capacity it is willing to make available to The Bahamas and the region for next year. Timothy Ingraham, chief executive of Summit Insurance Company, through which Insurance Management places much of its property and casualty business, said that while “the picture will become
PROTECT - See Page B8
morning and afternoon commutes. It added that “limited household budgets” have resulted in costs related to the school run competing with essential expenses such as food and utility bills. “The findings consistently underscore how socioeconomic status shapes exposure and vulnerability to school transportation barriers,” the report, which had six authors, asserted. “Families with fewer resources disproportionately struggle with unreliable public transportation, longer and more dangerous commutes, and the direct costs of transportation. “As one janitor bluntly stated: ‘The system isn’t designed for the poor; it’s designed for those who already
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‘Nominal’ 50 cent sugary drinks tax can raise millions • National Health Strategy ‘no pie in sky wish list’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net IMPOSING just a “nominal” 50 cent tax on sugary drinks would raise “millions” towards closing The Bahamas’ public healthcare financing shortfall, a Cabinet minister disclosed yesterday, while asserting of the new National Health Strategy: “It’s not a pie in the sky wish list.” Dr Michael Darville, minister of health and wellness, told Tribune Business via a series of messaged replies to this newspaper that levying extra taxation on alcohol and tobacco products - as well as sugary drinks - “in such a way that they impact the affordability of these vices” - remains one option open to the Government for closing a healthcare funding deficit that is estimated to be at $24m in the upcoming 20262027 fiscal year.
DR MICHAEL DARVILLE He added that studies conducted in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Bank have already been conducted to determine how much revenue could be generated from a tax specifically focused on sugary drinks, which are viewed as significant contributors to the high level of diabetes, obesity and other chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that
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PAGE 2, Monday, December 22, 2025
THE TRIBUNE
Risk analysis must go beyond just structures R
egulatory expectations are high when it comes to enterprise risk management (ERM) by financial institutions. Across the industry, frameworks, policies and reporting structures have been well-established. Yet, through discussions with industry stakeholders, supervisory outcomes continue to show that the presence of such a framework does not guarantee effective risk management. I
believe this is a behavioural rather than a technical gap. This article examines what effective risk leadership in a financial institution requires beyond formal compliance. It focuses on four areas that consistently determine outcomes: Enterprise risk integration, governance and escalation, risk culture and institutional resilience. Enterprise risk must influence decisions, not merely describe them. Most
supervised financial institutions can demonstrate that risks are identified and reported. A much smaller number of companies can demonstrate that risk has a meaningful impact on strategic decisions. Enterprise risk leadership ensures that risk factors are considered during planning cycles, product decisions and operational priorities. Risk is considered before commitments are made, not after results are known. This requires clarity on risk tolerance at the Board level, concise reporting that highlights trends and interdependencies, and escalation mechanisms that detect emerging concerns early. Decision quality improves, and surprises are reduced, when enterprise risk is considered an input to judgment rather than a post-mortem. Governance weakens long before performance deteriorates It is rare for financial institutions to fail suddenly. Due to unresolved audit issues, repeated control weaknesses, slow regulatory responses and unclear
accountability, they drift into difficulty. First, a strong governance system interrupts this drift by enforcing issue ownership, establishing escalation thresholds and disciplining remediation timelines. Additionally, it ensures that Boards receive accurate, timely information rather than filtered assurances. Second, risk leadership plays a central role by maintaining independence, challenging prolonged acceptance of known weaknesses, and treating regulatory observations as early warnings rather than compliance tasks. Governance is not about restricting activity. It is about preventing known risks from becoming institutional failures. Risk culture is revealed through action, not intention Risk culture is often discussed in aspirational terms, but it is visible in daily behaviour. It shows up in how quickly issues are raised, how leaders respond to bad news, and how consistently consequences are applied. Training programmes matter, but they do not create culture on their own. People escalate concerns when experience tells them it is safe and valued to do so. Silence emerges when escalation is ignored or penalised. Risk leadership
shapes culture by reinforcing early escalation, modelling constructive challenges at senior levels, and ensuring accountability is applied fairly and predictably. Culture follows behaviour, not statements. Resilience is a test of governance under pressure It is common to treat business continuity and crisis response as operational requirements. However, they serve as governance stress tests in practice. Resilient institutions are not those that avoid disruption, but those that respond with clarity. Decision rights are understood. Communication flows. Information reaches the right people quickly and accurately. Here again, risk leadership contributes to resilience by ensuring crisis frameworks are understood at the executive and Bboard level, aligning incident response with regulatory expectations and using post-incident reviews to strengthen governance rather than assign blame. In short, effective risk leadership in a financial institution is not defined by ownership of individual risk types. It is defined by the ability to integrate risk into decision-making, enforce governance discipline, shape company behaviour and maintain credibility under pressure.
By
Derek
Smith Financial institutions that perform well over time treat risk as a leadership responsibility, not a compliance exercise. The work is often quiet, but its impact is visible long before problems reach the balance sheet. • NB: About Derek Smith Jr Derek Smith Jr has been a governance, risk and compliance professional for more than 20 years with a leadership, innovation and mentorship record. He is the author of ‘The Compliance Blueprint’. Mr Smith is a certified anti-money laundering specialist (CAMS) and holds multiple governance credentials. He can be contacted at hello@ pineapplebusinessconsultancy.com
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 22, 2025, PAGE 3
URCA’s innovation plan to hit Reef in ‘26 launch By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN utilities regulators are planning to launch the ‘Innovation Reef’ “regulatory sandbox” in 2026 to help drive the electronic communications industry’s innovation and creativity through fostering a “safe” environment for product development and testing. The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) unveiled the move in its draft 2026 annual plan,
which it is now seeking sector feedback an comment on, as part of a bid to allow current and potential communications licensees to “trial new solutions” via a temporary licensing structure that ensures both consumer protections and regulatory supervision. Disclosing ‘Innovation Reef’s’ creation as part of its 2026 projects, the regulator said: “URCA will establish ‘Innovation Reef’, a regulatory sandbox designed to allow controlled, timebound testing of innovative
electronic communications technologies and services. “In the same manner that a reef supports the safe growth of new life, the objective of ‘Innovation Reef’ is to provide an environment where new and emerging electronic communications technologies, services, networks and solutions can be safely tested, refined and developed before wider deployment. “This framework will enable existing and prospective licensees to trial new solutions under a temporary licensing structure
while mitigating risks to consumers and other operators. Innovation Reef will enhance regulatory certainty and promote a more vibrant, innovation-driven electronic communication sector environment.” A so-called ‘regulatory sandbox’ is a controlled environment where companies can test innovative products, services or business models - much in the manner of FinTech or artificial intelligence (AI) type solutions - on a small scale with real customers under a regulator's supervision. This
BPL fuel hike probe set for early 2026 unveiling By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net REGULATORS say they plan to release findings from the probe into the up to 163 percent fuel charge hikes that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) imposed during 2023 during the first quarter of the New Year. The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), unveiling its 2026 draft annual plan for industry feedback and comment, said that the investigation into the state-owned energy monopoly’s fuel charge ‘glide path’ strategy to reclaim over $100m in under-recovered fuel costs had “progressed substantially” during this year. While giving no indication of the findings to-date, the energy sector supervisor said the probe was assessing whether BPL’s fuel charge hikes had complied with the law and regulations or violated them. It is also designed to ensure the fuel charge component of customer bills, which typically accounts for between 50 percent to 60 percent of the total amount, represents efficiently incurred costs.
“The review of BPL’s fuel cost recovery mechanism, initiated in response to the company’s 2022 announcement of a revised fuel charge, has progressed substantially throughout 2025,” URCA said. “The objective of this project is to assess whether the fuel tariff complies with the law and applicable regulatory frameworks, and to ensure that fuel costs passed on to consumers reflect efficient procurement and operational practices consistent with URCA’s consumer protection mandate…. “Following an initial round of bids in 2024 that exceeded the project budget, the scope was refined and the consultancy was rebid, allowing work to advance steadily in 2025. URCA expects the findings of the audit to be finalised and released during the first trimester of 2026.” It is unclear whether this will occur in time for the upcoming general election. Bahamian businesses and households alike are likely to be keen to know why they were burdened by such excessive charges for at least a 17-month period
from October 2022 to February 2024 as BPL’s ‘glide path’ strategy sought to regain what was described as ‘under-recovered’ fuel costs. Tribune Business reported at the time that the BPL ‘glide path’ initiative violated the law and accompanying regulations in at least two instances. In the run-up to the ‘glide path’s’ implementation, the state-owned energy monopoly seemingly breached regulations introduced in 2020 that mandated it pass 100 percent of incurred fuel costs on to consumers via fuel charge portion of their bill. For the period from November 2021 to October 2022, BPL seemingly failed to do this by keeping its fuel tariff at a constant 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour (KWh) even though its fuel hedge was unwinding because the newly-elected Davis administration had elected not to carry out the trades required to source more low-cost oil/fuel to support this price. As the hedge unwound, BPL’s rising fuel costs were not passed to customers.
And, in the second instance, several sources suggested there was no legal or lawful basis for BPL to segment clients into two groups based on whether they consumed less or more than 800 kilowatt hours per month and charge them different fuel tariffs based on this. They explained that the law and regulations only allowed BPL to charge the same rate for all customers on the fuel charge portion of the bill. Elsewhere, URCA’s annual plan shows it expects to cover its communications and energy sector regulatory operating costs through the payment and collection of licensee fees. However, the sums projected to be paid by communications licensees - the likes of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and Cable Bahamas - are
is typically done for a limited time, and with relaxed rules, but supervisory safeguards remain. This ‘safe space’ also allows regulators to understand new risks and opportunities, while helping businesses accelerate bringing ideas to market without immediately facing the full force of traditional regulations, fostering innovation while protecting consumers. Elsewhere, URCA says it plans to develop a national electronic communications band plan “that aligns with national spectrum
priorities and policy objectives, supports regional harmonisation and meets international obligations”. This is being implemented with one eye on fifth generation (5G) mobile technology development, the Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M (machine to machine) communications. URCA added that this project will “serve as a core tool for objective, transparent and fair licensing decisions that balance commercial demand, public
forecast to increase by more than $3.5m in just two years. URCA is now forecasting it will collect $8.919m in 2026 compared to just the $5.315m in fees that was budgeted as recently as two years ago. The regulator’s total operating budget is forecast to rise by 12 percent year-overyear for 2026, jumping from $10.522m to $11.818m. “Four new positions are proposed to support URCA’s expanding regulatory remit, particularly within the natural gas sector, while also strengthening operational expertise across the Authority. Increases in base salaries, along with corresponding growth in employee benefits - health insurance, pension and gratuity - result in a 15 percent increase in staff costs,” URCA added. “Budgeted expenditure for professional services, including legal, risk and compliance, is projected to decrease by 48 percent in 2026. This reduction is
primarily due to regulatory projects being completed in-house or deferred. Where un-utilised 2025 allocations can be applied to viable 2026 projects, these have been carried forward, generating cost efficiencies for the sector. Additionally, lower funding is required for Supreme Court matters in 2026.” Spending on conferences, training and travel is projected to jump by 246 percent in 2026, which URCA largely attributed to it hosting the World Telecommunications Policy Forum in The Bahamas as well as the local National Cyber Security Forum. “Expenditure on regulatory fieldwork is projected to increase by 225 percent, reflecting enhanced monitoring and oversight of regulated sectors, including the natural gas sector,” URCA added.
CREATE - See Page B7
PAGE 4, Monday, December 22, 2025
THE TRIBUNE
Forestry Unit teams with UN body for climate workshops THE Government’s Forestry Unit teamed with a United Nations (UN) agency to host two climate change-related workshops at the end of November 2025. The Unit, which is part of the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, partnered with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to host workshops on National Forest and Climate Strategy and on the concept note to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). These events form part of the GCF-funded ‘Preparation of strategic framework to reduce deforestation and forest degradation’ project, a joint initiative aimed at strengthening The Bahamas’ forest monitoring systems to support climate change adaptation and mitigation goals, while enhancing access to climate
finance mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund. The Forestry Unit said the workshops provided an opportunity for identifying priorities towards the development of the Forest and Climate Strategy. Participants from key government ministries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society and academia explored ways to improve national forest data systems, advance transparency and align national priorities with international climate finance opportunities. Discussions also focused on the factors driving deforestation and forest degradation, relevant policies and measures, institutional roles and opportunities to scale-up ongoing initiatives, contributing to more robust monitoring systems and informed decision-making for the forestry sector.
“The recent in-person workshops with the FAO demonstrated the power of technical co-operation. By bringing our teams together, we were able to identify national priorities, refine our strategy, and build a shared vision for a forest monitoring system that supports both conservation and climate resilience,” said Danielle Hanek, the Forestry Unit’s acting director. The Forestry Unit added that the project is part of The Bahamas’ efforts to mobilise climate finance. It aims to build and develop a robust strategic framework for reducing deforestation and forest degradation; enhance the adaptive capacity of national institutions; and improve the management and monitoring of Bahamian forest resources.
WORKSHOP participants are shown from the following organisations: Climate Change & Environmental Advisory Unit (CCEAU); Forestry Unit; Bahamas Development Bank (BDB); sustainable tourism; Bahamas National Trust (BNT); Bahamas Mangrove Alliance (BMA); Bonefish & Tarpon Trust; Creative Nassau; the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP); Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI); Office of The Prime Minister (OPM); Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BahWEN); Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF); The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and FAO.
TOURISM BODY HAILS SUCCESS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SUMMIT THE Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) is hailing the success of its 2025 Entrepreneurship Think Tank, which was held on November 13 at the National Training Agency. The event brought entrepreneurs, business owners and tourism professionals together for an open conversation on how Bahamians can responsibly
access capital to start, grow and scale their business. Attendees learned how to prepare their businesses to obtain funding, strengthen their operations and taking meaningful steps towards expansion. The evening also featured the Entrepreneurship Jackpot, a $6,000 prize package designed to support one entrepreneur with business planning, website
TDC representatives are shown with other government officials. From L to R: Dwight Gibson; Latia Duncombe, Ministry of Tourism director-general; Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation; Rafique Symmonette;, and Ian FergusonFrom L to R: Ian Ferguson, TDC chief executive; Kevin Sterling; and Tefarrah Williams. development, and a small business grant. Hartley Thompson, chief executive of Microblink, encouraged participants to focus on readiness and clarity as they pursue funding. “Access to capital is important, but being prepared for growth is even more important,” he said. “When entrepreneurs understand their numbers,
their customers and their goals, they put themselves in a stronger position to succeed.” Ian Ferguson, the TDC’s chief executive, said: “Talk to people who’ve been through the journey and can help you avoid unnecessary hurdles. The energy in the room tonight reminded us that Bahamians are ready to build, create and lead.
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We don’t have to leave this country to make an impact; we can create greatness right here at home.” The TDC also visited ISBET School to recognise students who participated in the Youth Entrepreneurship think tank earlier this year. It presented the school with a laptop and tablet as a show of support
for the students’ interest and participation. Mr Ferguson said: “If we can ignite the spark of entrepreneurship and tourism at a young age, we help shape confident, creative future leaders. ISBET’s students showed us what curiosity and opportunity can do.”
N O T I C E EXXONMOBIL E&P QATAR VENTURES LIMITED Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by The Registrar General on the 19th day of November 2025. Dated the 22nd day of December, A.D., 2025. Michael Gilroy Liquidator of EXXONMOBIL E&P QATAR VENTURES LIMITED
NOTICE
Vinson Investments Inc. Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the abovenamed Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 9th day of December 2025. Brian Selvadurai Liquidator of Vinson Investments Inc.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 22, 2025, PAGE 5
Entrepreneur’s Kelly’s launch hit by China shipping difficulty By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net SHIPPING challenges have delayed the planned December product launch in Kelly’s House and Home for a Bahamian business. Gina Luree, owner of Cultureware, told Tribune Business several weeks ago that her Junkanno dinnerware line would be featured in Kelly’s indefinitely as part of its bridal selection from December 2025 onwards. However, just a few days before Christmas, she is now holding on to hope that the items will arrive in The Bahamas and reach Kelly’s shelves by tomorrow in time for the last-minute holiday rush. “Well, I spoke to them [Kelly's] and they told me 'Let's see what happens' because I was trying to get it here before Christmas so that they could start the
promotion for it,” Ms Luree said. “You know, when Christmas goes, nobody has money. “So we were trying to hold on to see what's going to happen. But, like I said, they're going to carry the product indefinitely. It's just that we were hoping to get on the spending part of December. So we'll see what happens. I'll lose faith after the 23rd but I'm still holding faith until the 23rd.” Blaming shipping woes, Ms Luree said the delay stemmed from her products sitting in a warehouse in China for at least two weeks as the company involved sought additional information from her suppliers. While she initially cited an investment of $30,000, which included the production and the container costs - a 20-foot container cost amounting to about $20,000 - Ms Luree added that due to the delay she has had to pay $4,000 to bring in 20
Red Cross targeting Bahamas expansion By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Red Cross plans to expanding its physical presence across The Bahamas in 2026 through its branch development strategy, its president has revealed. Edison Sumner said the organisation has already begun extending its reach as far as Exuma, Andros and Abaco through the branch strategy as well well as appointing new chairpersons for them. “Well, in the New Year, we're going to continue with our branch development strategy,” Mr Summer said. “We are going to be re-establishing branches throughout the country, and that's going to mean looking to establish physical presence throughout the islands. “We've already started the process in Exuma, Andros and Abaco, and we're going to be moving throughout the country in 2026 re-establishing our branches, installing new branch chairpersons, and working to establish physical presence on the islands, meaning that we are hoping to have a Red Cross office on every island
where there's a Red Cross representative. “That's an event, an activity, that we've already started, and I'm hoping that through the course of 2026 that's going to become a major focus of ours, and it's really called just our general branch development strategy.” Mr Sumner said more schools were brought into the Bahamas Red Cross’ junior links programme during the 2025 fourth quarter and more are being targeted for 2026. “We also going to be working to engage more of our young people,” Mr Sumner said. “I was very pleased in the last quarter
of the 50 boxes that Kelly’s ordered on British Airways (BA). “Twenty boxes cost me $4,000,” she said. “And that's only 20 of the 50 that Kelly's ordered. Kelly's wanted to start December with 50, but I was only able to pay for 20. The rest has to come by sea. If it gets here by the 23rd we could still push it, because we have the 24th to really blow it up.” Moving forward, Ms Luree said she will try new freight forwarders to avoid similar situations. “I have to find a freight forwarder, a good freight forwarder, a reliable freight forwarder, one that is really knowledgeable in the market,” she said. “And I think I've found one, and I'm going to give them a try in January to bring the rest of my stuff in. “So I'm going to test them out. You just got to have somebody who is reliable and knowledgeable, and can give you really good prices.
I think I found one, but I'm going to check them out in January for them to bring the rest of my shipment over. “So that's what I working on now; to make sure I have a reliable freight forwarder. I've already gotten a broker, a good broker that's going to be assigned to me to deal with my products. I think that's very important, especially when you importing. And so those two things, once they align, then there's no telling what all I'm going to be able to do.” Kelly’s, according to Ms Luree, had planned to conduct a promotion for her product once it reaches New Providence and have a launch where the public could meet her. Ms Luree said that due to the delay, they will try to push the product but a more extensive launch and celebration will have to happen later. While Kelly’s will sell the dinnerware by the box, The
Green House, located in Old Fort Bay will sell individual items from the line. “That [The Green House] is a home decor store,” Ms Luree said. “So Kelly's is going to sell them already boxed, and Greenhouse is going to sell them individual pieces. “Like you could purchase one plate, if you want one plate, or if you want just a cup and saucer, you could purchase just a cup and saucer or bowl. So they're the only two persons that are going to carry the product. And then I'll do all the wholesale to the restaurants, the hotels, the Airbnbs. I'll do that.” In 2026, Ms Luree plans to expand throughout the Family Islands. With vendors carrying her products in Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and Abaco, she is looking to have her products sold in Andros, Bimini, Exuma and Long Island as well. She will also
focus on marketing and upgrading her products in 2026. “I'm going to spend the rest of the year really fine tuning our way forward, because there's some new stuff that we want to bring to the market,” Ms Luree said. “And then we're going to upgrade the product. We're going to upgrade mugs, and we want to focus on packaging. And so I just want to fine tune those things, and I'll spend the time for the rest of the year focusing on that. And then, 2026, we want to get into Andros, Bimini, Exuma and Long Island.” In the 2026 first quarter, she will also debut a new colour scheme for her line of paper products that are sold in Super Value.
of this year that we were able to onboard several new schools into our junior links programme, and that programme is growing. “So we're hoping that in the New Year we'll be going to see a lot more schools, both the public and private school sectors coming on board as new members of our junior links programme and, of course, that programme feeds into the larger Red Cross membership as many of those young people who are junior links volunteers become active… “So you want to ensure that we continue to harness that programme amongst our high schools and primary schools throughout the country. And that's part of many, many other things, but that's one of our core goals and objectives going into 2026. So that'll be an area of branch development strategy, as well as enhancing our youth development programme.”
Nicolette Fountain Archer, the Bahamas Feeding Network’s executive director, said during its annual giveaway sponsored by Royal Caribbean the group gave away 39,000 pounds of hams and turkeys.
“We do that every year,” she said. “So in terms of plans for the New Year, it is just to continue to do what we do - raise funds, purchase food, give it away. We are hoping to increase our donors, our sponsorship, so that we can increase what
we give away. But nothing new. We also had our golf tournament last week, Sunday, which will probably take us through the first two, maybe three months, of 2026, and as always, we are looking for sponsors - sponsors and donors.”
EDISON SUMNER
PAGE 6, Monday, December 22, 2025
School commute worsening gender, income inequalities TRANSPORT - from page B1 have.’ This sentiment reflects a reality where lower income households have fewer choices and less capacity to buffer against systemic failures. “Financial strain forces difficult choices, with limited household budgets meaning transportation costs directly compete with essential needs like food and utilities. One participant estimated transportation and rent consume over half - $200 to $350 - of a typical weekly income in their area, leaving ‘very little for food, school supplies or even utilities’.” The IDB study, authored by Lynn Scholl; Daniel Oviedo; Orlando Sabogal-Cardona; Camila Casas-Cortes; Llando Chea; and Jose Luis Saboin from the IDB’s transport division, added that “this economic pressure often necessitates complex coping strategies” such as older students having to escort their younger siblings to school. This, in turn, negatively impacts the focus of high and junior high students who have to undertake long journeys by foot. “A frequently cited example was older siblings assuming responsibility for transporting younger ones, navigating complex public transportation routes or walking long distances, often involving multiple school drop-offs before reaching their own,” the IDB study said. It quoted an unnamed CV Bethel High School teacher who said such responsibilities can be overwhelming “especially for teenagers who are also trying to keep up with their own studies”. This, the report added, can “directly impact the older child’s own educational access and participation, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage”. It said the already-challenging school commute
is made worse by existing economic and income inequalities in Bahamian society, as well as an unsafe transportation infrastructure and road safety environment. “With over 6,000 traffic accidents reported annually, road safety constitutes a significant public policy concern,” the IDB report added. “The road traffic fatality rate in 2024 is estimated at 16.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021. Moreover, approximately 40 percent of residents in New Providence report that they or a household member have been involved in a traffic accident within the past five years.” It added that New Providence’s population grew by 20.38 percent between 2010 and 2022 to hit 296,522, with a similar increase in car use and ownership per capita. “The motorisation rate increased from 0.39 to 0.64 vehicles per capita in the same period,” the IDB study said. “Particularly in the capital city of Nassau, congestion is a significant problem, with several intersections exceeding their design capacity, exacerbated during peak hours. The city’s transportation system and related infrastructure tend to incentivise private vehicle usage over sustainable modes of transportation, exacerbating the problem.” The IDB report focused on four schools - Uriah McPhee Primary School on Kemp Road, which it said was selected to understand the challenges faced in “disadvantaged” and low income neighbourhoods; Sybil Strachan Primary School on Carmichael Road, due to the inadequacy of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings; CV Bethel Senior High School and Doris Johnson Senior High School. Interviews were conducted with school principals, administrators,
THE TRIBUNE teachers, counsellors, bus drivers and security guards as well as parents. Some 477 survey replies were received from the parents of schoolage children, which revealed that 83 percent of those organising or performing the daily school drop-off and pick up were women. Some 54 percent of these women were household heads, and 51.3 percent held a college or university degree. “The over-representation of women suggests a gendered division of care work,” the IDB study said. “Testimonies behind the numbers make this bias tangible. ‘I’m a single mom with three kids, and it’s overwhelming trying to get everyone to school on time,’ one mother explained. A father acknowledged the imbalance: ‘I help with the morning drop-off, but my wife handles the rest she’s better at co-ordinating everything.’ “Another caregiver captured the difficulties school transportation responsibilities impose: ‘I’m always rushing, juggling between work, school runs and household responsibilities.’ Together, the statistics and voices confirm that school transportation in Nassau is a gendered responsibility with significant costs for women’s time, energy and opportunities.” Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, especially the lack of proper and well-maintained sidewalks and road crossings, was cited by survey and interview participants as a key factor undermining school commute safety. Some 72.3 percent of respondents asserted that there was no protection against flooding, making routes to school dangerous and/or impassable for parents and students on foot. “Public transportation, primarily jitneys, serves a substantial portion of students, particularly those travelling longer distances or from lower income households. A school principal estimated that 70-75 percent of their high school
students rely on jitneys or walking. Yet this mode presents considerable challenges: Buses are often overcrowded, especially during peak morning hours, forcing students to wait and risk tardiness,” the IDB study said. “As one administrator described: ‘Some students have to take two buses, and in the morning, the buses are full, so they have to wait.’ The journey itself can be taxing: A high school counsellor observed students arriving ‘already drained’ from long walks or waits in the heat.” One high school principal said parents dropping children to school by car “are usually more middle class” and their “children tend to perform better because they don’t face the same challenges”. The IDB study found that more than 57 percent of survey respondents believe that traffic laws are being enforced consistently and properly. “The effectiveness of traffic regulations and their enforcement in school zones emerged as a major concern impacting safety,” it added. “Participants frequently cited a lack of enforcement of speed limits, with one crossing guard stating: ‘It’s supposed to be 15 mph (miles per hour), but they’re going 50 mph or 90 mph, especially in the mornings when they’re late for work.’ Only 42.9 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that school zone traffic laws are enforced. Parents expressed alarm at the risks posed by speeding and reckless driving near schools.” While the presence of crossing guards was viewed as vital to curbing reckless driver behaviour in school zones, the IDB report added that their number and availability are inconsistent. “Additionally, the absence of proper horizontal and vertical signage at these crossings presents significant road safety risks for the students and crossing guard,” the IDB study added.
“Enforcement issues also extend to public transportation operations. Participants reported that jitney drivers often disregard rules, stopping unsafely or driving recklessly ‘Jitney drivers don’t always follow the rules. They’ll stop anywhere... putting the kids at risk’….. Operational inefficiencies within the transportation system create significant daily hurdles. “Public bus (jitney) services were frequently described as unreliable and unpredictable, posing a major barrier, particularly for families without private vehicles. Issues included inconsistent schedules: ‘Some days, the buses come two at a time, and then you don’t see one for an hour. It’s so unpredictable’, leading to prolonged waiting times,” the report added. “This lack of predictability makes planning commutes difficult, turning the daily journey into ‘a gamble every morning’ for parents lacking real-time information or tracking systems…. School operational hours frequently clash with parental work schedules, creating significant logistical challenges. The standard school day often misaligns with typical work hours.” This, the IDB study said, often forces parents to drop children off very early and/ or pick them up late - leading to significant time when they are unsupervised. And this leads to even greater traffic congestions, with parents arguing that the morning commute is made even more dangerous by having to “dodge” potholes. Speeding drivers are another hazard, with only 57 percent of respondents saying they stop correctly at crosswalks. “Broader concerns about crime during the school commute were prevalent. Fear of robbery was substantial, with 75.6 percent of survey respondents expressing worry, alongside a general worry about crime enroute (88 percent),” the report added. Gang and
neighbourhood rivalries were a particular concern, along with complaints about “verbal harassment” of female students by jitney drivers and older pupils. Others reported being followed and approached by predatory adults. “A high school counsellor noted an ‘unfortunate culture where some bus drivers or strangers... harass the girls’, suggesting a normalisation of such behaviour,” the IDB study said. “These experiences and fears strongly discourage the use of walking and public transportation for girls. “The quantitative data underscores these pervasive anxieties: 84.3 percent of survey respondents worry about harassment, 79.7 percent worry about sexual violence, and 88.9 percent worry about strangers approaching children…. Participants consistently expressed heightened fears about harassment and potential violence targeting female students during their commutes. “This anxiety translates into protective behaviours, primarily by mothers, who often adjust personal schedules, incur extra costs or sacrifice work opportunities to provide private transportation.” Jitney drivers were also accused of being sometimes “unresponsive or dismissive” to the bullying of students by others on their bus, with one even telling the victim to get off their vehicle. “Ultimately, the culmination of physical, functional and social barriers, mediated by socioeconomic status, directly impacts children’s access to education and their learning experience in tangible ways,” the IDB study said. “Financial constraints are a direct barrier, preventing some families from affording bus fares or associated costs like lunch money, leading to absenteeism.” One parent said of her children: “If they don’t have bus money or lunch money, they just stay home”. And a school counsellor added: “Some families can’t afford transportation, so their children miss school.” The report added: “Transportation difficulties related to unreliable services, long commutes, weather disruptions or sibling care duties contribute significantly to tardiness and absenteeism. This not only disrupts the child’s learning but can have formal consequences, jeopardising their ability to meet attendance requirements crucial for graduation. “The commute itself can be physically and mentally taxing. Students arrive tired, stressed or hungry after difficult journeys, negatively affecting their concentration, mood and ability to learn. Missing crucial instructional time due to late arrivals, particularly in foundational subjects like reading, creates cumulative academic disadvantages that hinder overall educational progress.”
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 22, 2025, PAGE 7
‘Uncomfortable decisions’ needed on national health PLAN - from page B1 Bahamians are currently suffering from. Governments worldwide typically impose relatively high tax rates on so-called ‘sin’ products, such as alcohol and tobacco, both in a bid to curb their consumption on health and social grounds as well as a mechanism to raise revenue because demand will remain high despite the higher cost. Dr Darville, though, said “health insurance contributions” as well as public-private partnerships (PPPs) are other potential tools to close the funding gap. And, while acknowledging that the National Health Strategy 2026-2030 is “ambitious”, he argued that it had no choice but to be crafted as such given the challenges facing The Bahamas, and described the numerous goals as “practical and achievable” if all stakeholders work together. The minister added that reaching them will also require Bahamians to make “some uncomfortable decisions” about their collective health and well-being. The full National Health Strategy Report, which was released to the wider Bahamian medical community last week, warned that financing for Bahamian public healthcare is “on an unsustainable track” with a $24m annual deficit predicted by the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal year, with this shortfall set to worsen due to an increasingly elderly population. It disclosed that this widening financing gap which is forecast despite a total $35.3m increase in the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ budget allocation
for the current 2025-2026 fiscal year - threatens to expand inequality and “impoverishment” by forcing more families to fund medical care from their own funds. To address this shortfall, and improve the public healthcare sector’s financial governance and transparency, the Health Strategy Report sets out a number of goals and ambitions although it does not lay out an implementation road map or timeline. Among the proposals is to “explore innovative and sustainable revenue sources” such as a “carbon tax, sugar tax” and cruise ship departure levies to diversify funding. This, the report adds, would also help to increase public health funding such that it would improve from the current 4.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to 5 percent of Bahamian economic output - the latter being regarded as the global standard, or benchmark, for sustainably financing universal health coverage (UHC). Dr Darville yesterday told Tribune Business several healthcare funding options remain at the Government’s disposal. “Regarding closing the funding gap, the Government may need to explore things such as health insurance contributions; deepening PPPs; leveraging fiscal measures such as taxation on SSBs (sugar-sweetened beverages), alcohol and tobacco in such a way that they impact the affordability of these vices,” he said. “The Ministry of Health and Wellness has done studies with the support of the World Bank and WHO to understand what revenue can be generated from SSB
taxes. With a nominal tax of 50 cents, the collection of funds would be in the millions. This can go a long way to supporting health promoting and disease prevention initiatives.: Dr Darville did not provide any dollar figures for what could be generated, and it is unclear whether the “health insurance contributions” reference relates to National Health Insurance (NHI) which has increasingly become the main mechanism for providing primary care services offered by the public healthcare sector. The recently-passed NHI Act effectively leaves the door open for contributions by employees and employers. “The National Health Strategy is a five-year plan with practical actions to improve governance, our equity and health profile, and see reductions in NCD mortality and morbidity. It is also intended to spur greater research and innovation, and realise greater system efficiencies and more sustainable health financing,” Dr Darville told Tribune Business. “While the strategy is ambitious, as it ought to be, I believe our plan is achievable. It is not a pie in the sky wish list. It is a practical and achievable strategy, which requires all us working together and making some uncomfortable decisions about our personal and collective health and well-being. Our indicator metric will outline the specific targets we hope to achieve by 2030.” The National Health Strategy Report revealed that seven Family Islands currently lack resident doctors. While data showed The Bahamas had around 1,000 doctors in both the private and public healthcare sectors in 2022, the report added that more than 30 percent are over the 65 year-old retirement age
while almost 20 percent of nurses are foreign-born. “Recruitment delays, limited professional incentives and challenges with workplace culture continue to affect job satisfaction and retention in the public health sector. These factors contribute to workforce instability and hinder efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery,” the National Health Strategy conceded. “Migration further compounds shortages. Many nurses and physicians trained locally leave after graduation to pursue better pay and career opportunities abroad, particularly in the US, UK and Canada. This trend places additional strain on the system. While overall physician density is moderate, critical gaps persist in specialties such as radiology and public health. “Rural and underserved areas face severe shortages, with seven Family Islands currently lacking any resident physicians. The absence of a national Human Resources for Health (HRH) plan has limited co-ordinated workforce planning, despite progress in infrastructure and legislation,” the report continued. “Demographic trends also pose sustainability challenges. More than 30 percent of physicians are aged 65-plus, and nearly 20 percent of nurses are foreign-born, leaving the system heavily reliant on international recruitment. The age dependency ratio is projected to rise steadily, increasing the proportion of older adults relative to the working-age population. “This shift will place added pressure on workforce capacity and financing, as a smaller contributor base supports a growing number of retirees and older patients with complex health needs.” Dr Darville yesterday said that while The Bahamas’ healthcare workforce
ratio, as a percentage of the population, exceeds the benchmarks recommended by the WHO it still needs to be beefed up as he pledged an end to the “haphazard” approach to training and recruiting healthcare workers. “While The Bahamas’ workforce density of 61.18 per 10,000 exceeds the WHO density of 44.5, it still requires augmentation to address our unique health context. While the Ministry of Health and Wellness and its agencies still are aggressively seeking to augment its health workforce complement, the cadre of workers available to us today are skilled to address the needs of the population,” he told Tribune Business. “Do we need more physiotherapists, ICU (intensive care unit) nurses etc? Yes. But, this has not crippled our capacity to care for those walking through our doors. In the coming year, my Ministry will accelerate a process to understand the key enablers and barriers for addressing our health workforce realities. “We intend to use this data to formulate an evidence-informed approach to our health workforce recruitment, retention and planning. We will no longer have a haphazard approach to human resources for health, but an approach rooted in the needs of the people and the workers.” The National Health Strategy also revealed that recent infant and maternal mortality rates in The Bahamas were above Caribbean healthcare indicators. “Certain population groups experience additional barriers,” it said. “Maternal and child health indicators remain concerning, with maternal mortality peaking at 248.8 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 and infant mortality reaching 29 deaths per 1,000 live births
in 2022, both above regional benchmarks. Gender-based violence is under-reported and poorly managed due to the absence of formal care pathways and co-ordination. “Demographic shifts are reshaping health service demand; declining birth rates - from 14.6 per 1,000 in 2010 to 11.5 in 2024 - and an aging population, up 1.9 percent between 2012 and 2023 with a declining demand for obstetric services, while increasing the need for long- term, geriatric and home-based care,” the National Health Strategy Report continued. “These trends will add pressure on the health system’s ability to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as older populations experience higher rates of chronic conditions. Overall, health equity in The Bahamas is challenged by geographic dispersion, financial fragility and service gaps that disproportionately affect rural and vulnerable populations. “Yet progress is taking shape. NHI is expanding access, digital health tools are advancing, and reforms are laying the groundwork for change. With continued investment in transport, workforce distribution and technology-enabled care, The Bahamas can close critical gaps and build a health system that delivers for every community. Dr Darville said: “Regarding the health challenges, more than 75 percent of the disease burden and 80 percent of deaths in the country are related to NCDs. Additionally, the elderly population is increasing. And with aging comes specific health needs. That said, the manifestation of NCDs in our population is more about the choices made during life to protect and maintain health.”
Electromagnetic field Family Islands. The updated URCA added of infrastruc- infrastructure assessments, Regulator unveils its plans (EMF) exposure regula- framework will incorpo- ture sharing. site evaluations, staketions will also be developed rate modern performance “URCA will evaluate holder consultations and for communications sector to “ensure the safe deploy- metrics, refined measure- neutral-host models, miti- the drafting of regulatory
CREATE - from page B3 safety, innovation, spectrum efficiency, international co-ordination requirements and The Bahamas’ positions in regional and global fora”. Also included in the regulator’s plans is a regulatory framework for submarine cable communications systems. “Given The Bahamas’ heavy reliance on submarine cable infrastructure, URCA will develop a modern framework governing the deployment, operation, maintenance,
resilience and protection of these system,” URCA added. “It will also address licensing considerations for submarine cable landing and operations, including requirements related to permitting co-ordination, environmental considerations, resilience standard, and incident reporting mechanisms. The goal is to strengthen national communication resilience and long-term infrastructure sustainability.”
Legal Notice of Dissolution
International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000) In Voluntary Liquidation
Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, (No.45 of 2000) the Dissolution of Springly Limited has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 13th day of November, 2025.
ment of networks such as 5G and small-cell systems consistent with global best practice, while clarifying licensee responsibilities for monitoring, and reporting, and demonstrating ongoing compliance. The resulting regulations will promote the safe deployment of electronic communications networks and services in The Bahamas”. URCA also pledged that it will continue to work on updating quality of service regulations, adding: “This review responds directly to persistent concerns about reliability throughout the
ment methodologies and strengthened compliance mechanisms while employing a technology-neutral approach.” Included on the regulator’s agenda are a review of infrastructure sharing regulations plus the obligation to provide universal communications services and the creation of a universal service fund (USF). “Deferred to 2026 to align with the outcomes of the 5G regulatory framework, this review will examine shared use of towers, ducts, fibre and other infrastructure,”
gate anti-competitive risks and ensure equitable access to essential infrastructure to support more efficient nationwide deployment of networks, including 5G. The review will also consider competition-related concerns, including ensuring fair access to essential infrastructure, preventing anti-competitive conduct in the provision of shared facilities, and maintaining a level playing field for all licensees.” As for universal service, URCA added: “Significant progress was made during the year, including
frameworks. These foundational efforts now position URCA to complete the work responsibly and effectively in 2026. “When finalised, this work stream is expected to expand broadband access to underserved communities and reinforce URCA’s commitment to ensuring that all Bahamians, regardless of geography or income, have access to safe, reliable and affordable communications services.”
PAGE 8, Monday, December 22, 2025
Protracted reinsurance talks after Melissa causes rethink
THE TRIBUNE were as high as $4bn, with payouts for onshore property damage pegged at between $2.4bn and $4.2bn. Bahamian property and casualty insurers, due to their relatively thin capital bases, have to purchase huge quantities of reinsurance annually to enable them to underwrite the multi-billion risks present in this nation. This means that the premium prices Bahamian households and businesses pay for coverage are largely determined by what reinsurers charge. Stung by previous multi-billion dollar losses from major hurricanes hitting the US and Caribbean, as well as other catastrophic event payouts, many reinsurers had either pulled out of the region altogether or reduced the capacity and availability of coverage here. The reduction in reinsurance supply resulted in Bahamian insurance premiums increasing in cost by as much as 20 percent since 2022. This resulted in escalating affordability concerns, and fears that growing numbers
of Bahamian homeowners and businesses were being increasingly priced out of the insurance market and unable to afford the necessary protection for arguably their most important asset - their real estate. However, they have been warned that cutting, or dropping, property coverage will be “a false economy”. Tom Duff, who retired as Insurance Company of The Bahamas (ICB) general manager in 2023 after 26 years in the post, warned clients in the company’s 2022 annual report that while they may save premium dollars they run a huge risk of becoming “financially crippled” if their property assets are devastated by a Hurricane Dorian-style storm. Acknowledging that the affordability of insurance is becoming an increasing concern, with reinsurance costs at their highest-ever level during ICB’s existence, Mr Duff wrote: “The cost of catastrophe reinsurance has risen quite dramatically for 2023 and, as a result, customers will be faced with an
unwelcome increase in their renewal premiums. “Although some may be tempted to cancel or reduce cover, doing so may prove to be a false economy as uninsured losses from a major storm can be financially crippling...... The recent phenomenon of the ‘super storm’ is unfortunately a reality that the region can no longer deny. Scientists are predicting that, because of global warming, the region will likely experience an increase in the frequency of these destructive storms. “This probability represents a major threat to the well-being of The Bahamas and the population at large. It is therefore vitally important that homeowners and businesses take every measure they can to mitigate their risk of incurring serious financial loss from a major hurricane. I encourage all of our policyholders to consider the vulnerabilities of their individual properties and take steps to make them more secure against the risk of hurricane and any other perils.”
IRAQ'S POLITICAL FUTURE IN LIMBO AS FACTIONS VIE FOR POWER
said that he believes now the coalition "will not give al-Sudani a second term as he has become a powerful competitor." The only Iraqi prime minister to serve a second term since 2003 was Nouri al-Maliki, first elected in 2006. His bid for a third term failed after being criticized for monopolizing power and alienating Sunnis and Kurds. Jiyad said that the Coordination Framework drew a lesson from Maliki "that an ambitious prime minister will seek to consolidate power at the expense of others." He said that the figure selected as Iraq's prime minister must generally be seen as acceptable to Iran and the United States — two countries with huge influence over Iraq — and to Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
by the Coordination Framework parties — secured 187 seats, Sunni groups 77 seats, Kurdish groups 56 seats, in addition to nine seats reserved for members of minority groups. The Reconstruction and Development Coalition, led by al-Sudani, dominated in Baghdad and in several other provinces, winning 46 seats. Al-Sudani's results, while strong, don't allow him to form a government without the support of a coalition, forcing him to align the Coordination Framework to preserve his political prospects. Some saw this dynamic at play earlier this month when al-Sudani's government retracted a terror designation that Iraq had imposed on the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group and Yemen's Houthi rebels — Iran-aligned groups that are allied with Iraqi armed factions — just weeks after imposing the measure, saying it was a mistake.
PROTECT - from page B1 clearer in the coming days” reinsurers are focused on maintaining the prices his and other carriers must pay for the industry’s continued risk support at current levels. Reinsurance availability, though, “does not appear to be an issue”. “This reinsurance treaty renewal season is running a bit late as we are just now seeing reinsurers starting to commit for 2026. While The Bahamas escaped the main fury of Melissa, the storm appears to have reminded reinsurers of the risk of providing protection in this area and focused them on ensuring that rates are maintained as near to current levels as possible,” Mr Ingraham told this newspaper. “From our perspective we are not seeing what we would consider to be meaningful reductions in
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA Associated Press POLITICAL factions in Iraq have been maneuvering since the parliamentary election more than a month ago to form alliances that will shape the next government.
reinsurance rates. The picture will become clearer in the coming days as markets work to complete placements prior to the holidays and end of year. Capacity does not appear to be an issue for the market, and so I suspect that regional insurers will be able to secure the level of capacity they require, though at rates dictated by reinsurers.” Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, while agreeing that there will be no increase in all-perils catastrophe coverage premium prices for Bahamian property owners next year, differed from Mr Ingraham by suggesting that capacity - the availability of sufficient reinsurance support to underwrite all risks in this nation - is “the challenge” at present. “The negotiations are not complete,” he told Tribune Business. “We’re still in negotiations, back and
The November election didn't produce a bloc with a decisive majority, opening the door to a prolonged period of negotiations. The government that eventually emerges will be inheriting a security situation that has stabilized in recent years, but it will also face a fragmented parliament, growing political
forth, with the reinsurance market. We should have a firm idea [this week]. The rates are not going to increase for sure. Whether they are going to decrease or not, we are hoping we are going to get the capacity we want. That’s the challenge right now. “Some reinsurers are more [reluctant] after Melissa. We’re going through that negotiation process now. Hopefully, by December 22 [today], we should have some firm news on where we are going.” Foreign reinsurers largely dictate Bahamian insurance premium costs due to the domestic industry’s heavy dependence on them to help fully underwrite risks domiciled in this nation. Melissa, a Category Five storm when it devastated Jamaica, emerged just as local carriers had begun negotiating their reinsurance treaties for 2026. Jamaica is still calculating the total losses and damage from Melissa, with the initial estimates placing the latter as high as $8bn. Projections for insured losses
influence by armed factions, a fragile economy, and often conflicting international and regional pressures, including the future of Iran-backed armed groups. Uncertain prospects Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's party took the largest number of seats in the election.
Al-Sudani positioned himself in his first term as a pragmatist focused on improving public services and managed to keep Iraq on the sidelines of regional conflicts. While his party is nominally part of the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Iran-backed Shiite parties that became the largest parliamentary bloc, observers say it's unlikely that the Coordination Framework will support al-Sudani's reelection bid. "The choice for prime minister has to be someone the Framework believes they can control and doesn't have his own political ambitions," said Sajad Jiyad, an Iraqi political analyst and fellow at The Century Foundation think tank. Al-Sudani came to power in 2022 with the backing of the Framework, but Jiyad
Al-Sudani in a bind In the election, Shiite alliances and lists — dominated
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THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 22, 2025, PAGE 9
JUDGE PARKER
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DENNIS THE MENACE Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.
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PAGE 10, Monday, December 22, 2025
‘Mysterious circumstances’ over roof break-in claims HOLE - from page B1 casualty underwriter’s argument that it was the rain. As a result, the judge found that Mr Deveaux’s damage and losses were excluded from the insurance policy’s coverage by its clause eight, which stipulated Security & General would only make a payout if the rain/water intrusion stemmed directly from hurricane or storm damage to the property not a break-in. Justice Klein noted that the print shop owner had described the storm as “just a pass over” which did not directly hit The Bahamas. The judge also asserted that Mr Deveaux was not “a credible witness”, describing him as “evasive and argumentative” when giving evidence during the trial and giving answers over the amount of water he found in the building; the size of the hole in the roof; and what caused the damage to the roof as “wholly inconsistent” with his written submissions and pleadings. Justice Klein, noting Mr Deveaux’s admission that the machines and equipment were more than 20 years’ old, said he preferred evidence given by Laurie Johnson, a loss adjuster with Technical Adjusters Bahamas and who inspected the purported damage, that some of it at least was “not fresh” - indicating not all of it was due to the purported water intrusion. And, describing the roof damage and purported
break-in as “rather mysterious circumstances”, with nothing stolen or taken from Bahamas Rubber Stamp Printing, Justice Klein wrote that it “seems strange” that Mr Deveaux admitted that 2017 represented the first time he obtained insurance for a business he had operated for 38 years. And the policy was taken out just four-five days before the incident that sparked the claim on September 4, 2017. “It is alleged that at some point over the period Friday 8 to Saturday September 9, 2017, burglars attempted to gain access to the building through the roof by prying open the plywood,” Justice Klein wrote. “As fate would have it, Hurricane Irma passed just west of The Bahamas that weekend. While it did not have any significant wind impacts, it is thought to have brought a significant amount of rain. The plaintiff [Mr Deveaux] claimed the rain from the storm entered through the opening that had been created in the roof and water damaged his printing machines and stock beyond repair. “He reported the incident to the insurers on September 12, 2017, and shortly thereafter made a claim for damaged stock in the amount of $19,610 and equipment replacement in the amount of $103,328.” This, though, was based on a report by a US printing and graphics specialist who had yet to physically visit Mr Deveaux’s business to
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THE TRIBUNE inspect the damage himself, and was rejected by Security & General. Mr Deveaux initiated legal action against the insurer for breach of contract under the insurance policy, and negligence, one year later in 2018. He demanded $234,448 for lost printing equipment; $25,000 to cover written-off stock; and $6,500 for the costs of having to fly an inspector to The Bahamas to assess damages and prepare a report. He also sought an unquantified sum for loss of income. Security & General, though, stuck to its position that Mr Deveaux’s claim was excluded under the policy’s terms and “no insurable risks” had arisen to require payout. Mr Deveaux, in his evidence, asserted that when he entered the store on September 9, 2017, he stepped in water on the floor. “Waddling through the water, I looked up and noticed a rip in the roof. Then I noticed that the equipment and materials in the room were extremely damaged and/ or destroyed as a result of rain entering the building through the hole in the roof,” he alleged. The Bahamas Rubber Stamp Printing proprietor called the police, assuming there had been a break-in, but their investigation revealed nothing had been stolen. He contacted Security & General, which later received a letter from the Royal Bahamas Police Force stating that unknown “culprits removed the plywood to the northern section [of the shop], gained entry and searched but nothing was stolen”. Ms Johnson, the loss adjuster, inspected the premises a few days later. Larry Cabrera, the US print specialist, eventually flew into Nassau on November 28, 2017, to conduct a physical inspection after Ms Johnson said no report would be published unless it was done by someone who actually visited Bahamas Rubber Stamp Printing. “Concerned that the process of dealing with his claim was taking too long, the plaintiff’s attorney wrote a demand letter to the insurance company
following up on the claim. This letter sought the replacement value indicated in the second Cabrera report, which far exceeded the original estimates, which as noted were based on second-hand information,” Justice Klein noted. However, the loss adjusters replied on Marcy 18, 2018, informing Mr Deveaux that his claim had been denied on the basis that the loss and damage was “not caused by the direct force of the hurricane”, which meant it was excluded under the policy’s coverage terms and that there would be no payout. Hurricane Irma was also not mentioned on any of the property loss forms he filled in. But Ms Johnson, in her evidence on Security & General’s behalf, wrote: “Upon examination of the roof, it was apparent that only a relatively small section of it had been exposed, and it appeared to me that only a few items of equipment could have been exposed to rainwater. I took photographs during my initial site inspection. These photographs show that the equipment was aged and looked obsolete…. “Based on my observations at the site and the thorough investigations conducted, I do not accept that the alleged damage was caused by the direct force of Hurricane Irma.” Ms Johnson later testified during the trial that the impact to the machines and equipment from the water intrusion “did not look like fresh damage”. Justice Klein, summing up his observations of the trial, wrote: “I have given careful consideration to the evidence of the plaintiff, and I conclude with some regret that I did not find him to be a credible witness. At times he was evasive and argumentative, and there were significant gaps in his evidence that were never logically explained.” After initially stating that the water inside the business “was just a flood” that he had been “waddling in”, Mr Deveaux - when cross-examined by Raynard Rigby KC for Security & General - was unable to confirm whether
it was one-inch deep as he originally suggested. And, despite describing it as a “large hole” in the roof in his insurance claim, he instead told the Supreme Court that the plywood was “turned up” at one corner or side. Justice Klein said Mr Deveaux was “also equivocal about what caused the damage to the roof”, adding that his answers were “were wholly inconsistent with his case and evidence” and that other “gaps” in his evidence were exposed - including that the raised plywood was not sufficient t allow someone to enter the building. “He certainly could not have known that they were ‘destroyed’, even accepting his explanation that printing equipment needed to be kept dry,” Justice Klein added of the machines. “I prefer the evidence of the adjuster that the damage or certainly some of it - was not fresh damage. By his own evidence, the machines were over 20 years old. “Furthermore, the plaintiff falsely stated that the technician had travelled and physically inspected the equipment, when this was clearly not the case. The plaintiff attempted to walk this back only when the claims manager caught him in the false statement, but it was a clear representation that the inspection had been done.” It was eventually performed several months later by Mr Cabrera. “I must say that the damage said to have been done to the roof occurred in rather mysterious circumstances. It seems strange also that the plaintiff admitted in cross-examination that in the 38 years or so that he operated the business, this was his first time taking out insurance on the equipment, which was effective from September 4, 2017, to September 3, 2018. The incident allegedly occurred on the 8th or morning of September 9. “In any event, I accept the evidence of the adjuster that only a relatively small section of the roof had been exposed, and even if rain came in, only a few items could have been wet from the rain. It was unlikely that it could have caused the full-scale damage alleged by the plaintiff, as the plywood was not completely removed and only one of the ends raised. By his own evidence, the standing water was only half to one inch on the floor, and
therefore it could not have damaged the machines by immersion.” Justice Klein said the key issue for him to determine was whether the hole in the roof was caused by “alleged burglars” or directly by Hurricane Irma. He added that it also revolved around the doctrine of “proximate insurance”, which is the primary reason for loss or damage that can be directly linked to an insured event. It is the factor that sets the events that caused a loss in motion. “The plaintiff argues that there were concurrent causes - the hole in the roof and the rain - and that the hole was the proximate cause. The defendant argues that the rain was the proximate cause, and the manner of its ingress was an excepted peril under the terms of the insurance policy,” Justice Klein wrote. “In my view, having regard to the facts of this case, the proximate cause of the loss was the ingress of the rain through the hole created in the roof. I accept that while damage caused by rain or water would otherwise have been an insured peril, it was excluded under the clear terms of Clause eight unless the water or rain entered the building through ‘openings in the roof or walls made by the direct force of the said contingencies’ - hurricane, tropical storm, windstorm, tornado.” Justice Klein said there was no evidence that Irma caused structural damage to Bahamas Rubber Stamp Printing’s business and triggered the insurance policy. And he backed Security & General’s argument that there was no evidence of malice or a burglary. “The fact that a hole was created in the roof, while it may have provided an opening that allowed the ingress of the rain, was not in my view a proximate cause of the damage. Had the hole been made and no hurricane was travelling, or there was no rainfall, the damage to the equipment and stock would not have occurred,” he added. “So it cannot be said that X (the hole in the roof) caused Y (the damage to the equipment and stock). As noted, there may have been no loss or damage at all if there was no rain.” As a result, Justice Klein dismissed Mr Deveaux’s claim.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that DJIMMY LAMOUR of #4 Malcolm Road, Nassau, The Bahamasis applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration/ Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 22nd day of December 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that RICARDO WILSON of Cordeaux Avenue, Market Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of December, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that SHANNIQUA WILSON of Cordeaux Avenue, Market Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of December, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 22, 2025, PAGE 11
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THE TRIBUNE