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RBPF declare ‘restricted area’ Downtown and merchants told to use plastic cups only By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER of Police Earl Thompson speaks during a press conference yesterday. Photo: Nikia Charlton
Grand Lucayan workers receive overdue pay before Christmas By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Frepport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net AFTER weeks of uncertainty and mounting frustration, workers at the government-owned Grand Lucayan Resort began receiving overdue pay this week, days before Christmas. Payments started on Sunday and continued into Monday, following
repeated delays that left employees without wages for at least three consecutive weeks earlier this month. Latrae Rahming, director of communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed yesterday that outstanding payments to staff had been resolved. “The Government is happy that we were able to resolve this heading into the Christmas holidays,” Mr Rahming
POLICE are tightening the security net around Friday’s Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade, banning licensed firearm holders from bringing handguns downtown, ordering strict screening at entry points, and launching operations to find and remove any weapons hidden in advance. Assistant Commissioner Earl Thompson said yesterday that all special licence holders who are permitted
said. According to information obtained by The Tribune, workers initially received one week’s pay on Sunday, followed by the remaining two weeks on Monday, along with a Christmas bonus. For some employees, however, the relief came too late. “It’s disappointing. At this hour, when Christmas time is upon us,” one worker said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The banks are even closing early tomorrow. It’s still a slap in the face.”
BAHAMIAN marinas have warned the Prime Minister that up to 1,500 Bahamian jobs are “at risk” from the 40 percent decline in boating traffic amid signs of progress towards an acceptable compromise for both the Government
BANNED - SEE PAGE FOUR
AVIATION AMBULANCES ARRIVE FOR FAMILY ISLANDS
OVERDUE - SEE PAGE FIVE
MARINAS WARN 1,500 JOBS ‘AT RISK’ AS BOAT TRAFFIC SLOWS By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
to carry handguns will be barred from taking those firearms to the parades. He said it was the first time the Royal Bahamas Police Force has prohibited licensed firearms from Junkanoo parades. “There will be no allowances for police officers to hold, secure those items,” ACP Thompson said during a press briefing at Police Headquarters. “If you do approach the various checkpoints, you will be turned around to secure your firearms. The
and private sector over the Budget fee hikes. Peter Maury, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM), in a letter to Philip Davis KC’s office that has been seen by Tribune Business, called for reforms that will slash the time taken for visiting vessels to clear Customs FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
THE FIRST of six aviation spec’d ambulances from Response Plus Medical in Abu Dhabi have arrived in Nassau. See PAGE TWO for Story
THE NEXT EDITION OF THE TRIBUNE WILL BE MONDAY DECEMBER 29
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PAGE 2, Wednesday, December 24, 2025
THE TRIBUNE
First six ambulances arrive for Family Islands THE first six aviation-spec ambulances destined for the Family Islands have arrived in New Providence under a Heads of Agreement between the Government of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Aviation Climate
and Severe Weather Network (BACSWN). The ambulances are the first of an estimated 50 bound for The Bahamas facilitated through BACSWN’s strategic alliance with Response Plus Medical (RPM), the
largest pre-hospital care and emergency medical services provider in the Middle East. The first vehicles are earmarked for Cat Island, San Salvador and the islands of MICAL. Their deployment forms part of a strategic
collaboration between RPM and BACSWN to strengthen the country’s emergency response capabilities to meet to resolve the glaring deficiencies in its mandatory obligations under the Chicago Convention. The ambulances will be fitted with modern medical equipment and safety features to improve emergency medical services across the archipelago. Robert Dupuch-Carron, BACSWN founder, said: “We promised they would be here before
Christmas and thanks to Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder-Chairman of Burjeel Holdings and Board Member of RPM, and Dr Rohil Raghavan, Chief Executive Officer of RPM, they are. So we can all say with pride: so said, so done.” BACSWN has been tasked by the Government of The Bahamas with establishing the Caribbean’s first NextGen Meteorological Watch Office. The facility will have the capacity to track flights in real time, coordinate
crash response and search and rescue operations, and provide live meteorological updates affecting flight and vessel movements across the country’s 173,000 square miles of archipelagic airspace. The initiative is intended to support the safe, efficient and timely movement of commercial, cargo and private aircraft operating within The Bahamas’ sovereign airspace, in keeping with the country’s binding obligations under the International Civil Aviation Organization.
ONE OF SIX ambulances destined for the Family Islands (starting with Cat Island and San Salvador) have arrived as part of the Heads of Agreement signed between govt and BACSWN. Photos: Shawn Hanna
Dr Charles Diggiss to step down as Doctors Hospital CEO in 2026 By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net DOCTORS Hospital Health System has announced that Dr Charles Diggiss will step down as chief executive officer effective February 1, 2026, while continuing in his role as president, marking the end of a leadership chapter that has shaped the institution for decades. The Board of Directors said a successor will be announced imminently. The announcement, made on Monday, brings to a close Dr Diggiss’ tenure as both president and CEO, a dual role he assumed in 2021. “It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this extraordinary institution as President and CEO,” Dr Diggiss said. “Doctors Hospital Health System is widely respected for its clinical standards, patient-centered care, and dedication to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals.” Dr Diggiss’ relationship with Doctors Hospital spans more than 40 years. He began his career there in the early 1980s, working night shifts to meet patient needs, before rising through clinical and leadership ranks. A general surgeon by training, he was instrumental in developing laparoscopic surgery at the hospital in the mid-1990s and later established contracted emergency room physician services. Under his leadership, Doctors Hospital expanded into a leading private tertiary healthcare system, earning six
consecutive accreditations from Joint Commission International and becoming the first hospital in the region to achieve that distinction. The organisation also grew significantly during his tenure, expanding to two hospitals and 13 primary and specialty care clinics. It launched the LAMP affordable care programme and established a NAECOB-registered allied health training institution. Today, Doctors Hospital Health System employs more than 800 team members and affiliated physicians. Reflecting on his service, Dr Diggiss described his career with the organisation as deeply meaningful. “Serving Doctors Hospital Health System has been the privilege of my lifetime,” he said. “From my early days moonlighting at Doctors Hospital to cover nighttime patient needs in the early 1980s, to assuming the role of President and CEO in 2021, I have been inspired by our mission to provide exceptional care to every patient.” He said he remains grateful to patients, staff and leadership and looks forward to continuing to contribute as president. Board chairman Felix Stubbs credited Dr Diggiss’ leadership with shaping the institution’s standing and reputation. “Dr Diggiss’ vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping Doctors Hospital Health System into the trusted institution it is today,” Mr Stubbs said. “We thank him for his extraordinary service.”
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 24, 2025, PAGE 3
Sister calls for charges after hit-and-run death By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE sister of a 63-yearold retired customs officer killed in a hit-and-run earlier this month is calling for charges to be brought against the driver, saying her brother might still be alive had the motorist not fled and left the vehicle on top of him. Patrick Vernal Gibson was killed on December 9 at the intersection of East Street and Andros Avenue. Police said Mr Gibson had just left a convenience store and was attempting to cross East Street when he fell onto the roadway. A vehicle travelling north at a high rate of speed struck him, dragging him several feet before the driver fled the scene. Officers later found Gibson’s body trapped beneath a Honda Accord. His sister, Rosemary Thompson, said the family is struggling not only with the sudden loss but with unanswered questions surrounding the driver’s actions in the moments after the crash. Ms Thompson said she believes her brother’s chances of survival may have been different had the driver remained at the scene. “I feel like if he did stay there, maybe instead of them having to lift the car up, he could've just eased like reversed, and he might have come off of him and I mean, maybe he might have been in the hospital today,
PATRICK GIBSON but at least wouldn’t have been in the morgue,” she said. Ms Thompson said she did not learn of her brother’s death until days later while travelling in Florida. She said she was still in The
Bahamas on the night of the crash, preparing for the trip, when she saw reports of the accident online and immediately feared the victim might be her brother. The siblings had lived together for nearly a
decade. Gibson was unmarried and had no children. She said she searched for him that night, knowing he sometimes stayed away from home for days, but was reassured by two people that the victim was not her brother. She proceeded with her trip, only to receive a call from police a day later confirming his death. “The trip ended then, and I did just reach there the day before. So like, my trip was just in vain. I love my brother,” she said. “As soon as I see that flash over eyewitness page I say, Patrick, my brother,” she added. “I should have dressed and go to that accident because the feeling was just so real.” Ms Thompson described her brother as sweet and loving and said he did not deserve to die in such circumstances. She said police told the family a suspect had been taken into custody for two days before being released after his lawyer intervened. She said officers explained that the matter must first go before a Coroner’s Court before a determination is made on whether charges will be pursued. She said the family remains adamant that accountability is necessary. She said she will miss her brother’s cheerfulness and the quiet ways he contributed at home, from keeping the house tidy to tending the yard. Another sister, Theresa Capron, travelled from
Grand Bahama to New Providence after learning of his death. She described the loss as devastating for the close-knit family, recalling how her brother often complimented her when they spent time together,
telling her she was pretty even in her old age. “Our plans dashed right now,” Ms Thompson said of the family’s holiday season. “We had plans, but I don't see myself like celebrating.”
PATRICK GIBSON WITH HIS SISTER ROSEMARY THOMPSON
PLP to re-nominate Petty for North Eleuthera seat By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has decided to re-nominate North Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty as its candidate for the next general election, The Tribune can confirm. Harbour Island businessman Joseph John “JJ” Percentie and Oscar McPhee have both been
informed by party officials that they will not receive the nomination. The decision comes weeks after the hopefuls were interviewed by the PLP’s candidates committee. The Tribune understands that the party plans to ratify additional candidates early next year. Mr Percentie said yesterday that although he was unsuccessful, he would continue to support Mr Petty and the PLP.
“With Mr Petty now getting the nomination, he is the incumbent. He respects the party. I am a PLP and I will be supporting Mr Petty in any capacity that he asks me to do so,” he said. “The north is very, very special to all of us. We all live here and this government has done a lot to ensure that the north got the attention that it needed and I know that this government
NORTH ELEUTHERA MP SYLVANUS PETTY
will continue under the Chester Cooper-Davis administration.” The first-term MP, elected under the PLP’s banner in 2021, originally said he would not seek renomination, citing the need to “refocus, reposition and recalibrate” to support his family. At the time, he vowed to remain a PLP supporter and even declared his ambition to one day become prime minister. His return to politics
had stirred debate inside the PLP and the wider North Eleuthera community. Several voters who spoke to The Tribune earlier this year expressed frustration about representation, with some saying they don’t want to see Mr Petty back. Residents cited ongoing water, electricity, and internet disruptions in recent years, describing the situation as the worst they have experienced in
decades. In October, Mr Petty acknowledged their concerns but said the government is working to improve living conditions. “We’re gonna have the same support as we did in the last election,” he said at the time. “So I’m confident that we’re gonna win it. I mean, it’s a lot of work to do so we’re gonna push and we’re gonna fight for the people of North Eleuthera. They know they have a fighter.”
PAGE 4, Wednesday, December 24, 2025
THE TRIBUNE
Police tighten security net for Boxing Day BANNED from page one only exception to this is law enforcement officers. So law enforcement officers are exempted or accepted from this initiative.” He said the decision to treat Bay Street and the surrounding areas as a “security restricted area” is intended to allow police to manage the event more efficiently and reduce the risk of violence during performances. He said specialised units will be deployed downtown, supported by both uniformed and plainclothes officers positioned throughout key locations. Private security personnel will also patrol alongside police through the night. Senior Assistant Commissioner Roberto Goodman said the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force will work together to secure both the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. He said attendees will be required to pass through scanners upon entry to check for weapons. He also warned that bottles and cans will not be sold to customers during the parades, urging merchants to serve alcoholic beverages only in cups. “We are asking those merchants who have those businesses who normally open during the Christmas or during this festive season, to ensure that whatever they selling in terms of alcoholic beverages, ensure that there’s cups that these items will be poured out,” SACP Goodman said. Police also urged the public to use designated parking areas so officers can better assist in keeping vehicles safe. Residents were cautioned against parking in vulnerable locations and advised not to leave valuables inside vehicles. Meanwhile, several downtown streets will be closed as preparations continue, including Shirley Street between Elizabeth Avenue and Frederick Street, and Navy Lyon Road between Woodes Rodgers Walk and Marlborough Street. Bay Street, Parliament Street, Prince George Wharf and other surrounding areas will also be closed.
SENIOR ASSISTANT Commissioner Roberto Goodman briefing press on upcoming Junkanoo Parades at Police Headquarters. Photo: Nikia Charlton
NJC to recognise group as World Famous Valley Boys By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net THE National Junkanoo Committee will recognise the Brian Adderley-led faction as the World Famous Valley Boys 1958 following an interim Supreme Court order in the group’s favour, NJC chairman Andrew Pinder confirmed yesterday, bringing a heated naming dispute days before the Boxing Day and New Year’s parades to a temporary close. Mr Pinder confirmed this during a press conference ahead of the upcoming parades. The clarification follows escalating tensions between the NJC and the group, which spilled into court last week after a Supreme Court judge ordered the NJC to refer to the group as the Valley Boys. The NJC subsequently described the group’s decision to seek judicial intervention as “deeply disappointing”.
The interim order, issued by Justice Leif Farquharson, also directed the Registrar General to immediately restore the group’s registration as a nonprofit organisation. According to a statement released by the World Famous Valley Boys, the court further ordered the Department of Inland Revenue to reinstate the group’s business licence and tax identification number once all statutory requirements are met. Although the written ruling has not yet been publicly released, the decision followed an emergency application filed by the group challenging the NJC’s refusal to recognise it by its full name. The dispute drew public attention late last month after the NJC referred to the group as the “World Famous 1958” in a post announcing the parade order. The group objected, saying the name change was made without its consent, undermined trust and exposed members to
potential victimisation. After issuing a cease-anddesist letter that it said went unanswered, the group escalated the matter by filing an emergency court application addressing the naming issue and other related concerns. Mr Pinder declined to comment when asked about the NJC’s earlier statement expressing disappointment over the group’s legal action. Contacted by The Tribune, frontline chairman of the World Famous Valley Boys John Williams said it was regrettable that court intervention was required to secure recognition of the group’s name. “We’re just happy that the NJC is adhering to the court order,” Mr Williams said. The development comes as Junkanoo groups make final preparations for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades, with several bands telling The Tribune they are eager to deliver strong and visually striking performances on Bay Street.
TEENAGERS ON PROBATION FOR ABACO BREAK-INS By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO teenage males were placed on probation yesterday after admitting to breaking into two homes in Abaco last week. A 16-year-old, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, and Lovevingsley Auguste, 18,
broke into the home of Frederick Whyly on S C Bootle Highway on December 16. Later that same day, the pair also broke into the home of Roger Sands in Marsh Harbour. Both defendants pleaded guilty to two counts of housebreaking before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr. They were each placed
on two years’ probation and ordered to complete 150 hours of community service. The younger defendant was also ordered to observe a 7pm to 6am curfew. Failure to comply with the conditions would result in a $3,000 fine or a oneyear prison term. Alex Dorsett represented the accused, while Sergeant 3004 Forbes prosecuted.
FOUR ACCUSED OF STEALING $60,000 FROM AC STORE By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net THREE men and a woman were accused yesterday of stealing $60,000 worth of electronics and appliances from an air-conditioning store on Wulff Road earlier this month. Police allege that Peterson “American” Louis, 40,
Kervins “Ashley Dames” Lorgil, 50, Alfredo “Fredo” Destamar, 50, and Sharron Bastian, 43, stole electronics, appliances and tools valued at $60,000 from Leonardo’s Air Conditioning between December 7 and 15. All four defendants pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing from a shop and receiving
before Magistrate Abigail Farrington. Bail was set at $7,000 for each defendant, with one or two sureties. As part of their bail conditions, all four will be fitted with monitoring devices. The trial is scheduled to begin on February 6, 2026. Alex Dorsett and Maria Daxon represented the accused.
Resort staff receive overdue wages after weeks of delay
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 24, 2025, PAGE 5
OVERDUE from page one
Another employee, Joseph Cooper, said staff were left confused even as payments began to appear. “We got our money this morning, but it was only one payment,” Mr Cooper said. “They say the rest of it is in the bank and should be distributed to our accounts today.” Mr Cooper, a permanent employee, said morale remains low after weeks without pay and little communication. “I’m not too happy about it,” he said. “It shouldn’t be this late in the game with Christmas right around the corner. Nobody wants to give you an answer, and you don’t know when you’re going to get paid.” The resort remains largely shuttered, with only a limited number of staff reporting for duty, including employees in finance, human resources and engineering. Some departments have reduced workdays, while the Reef Golf Course has reportedly scaled back operations to just two days a week. Another worker said employees were initially paid only for hours worked, despite being sent home when operations slowed. “We didn’t want to go home – they sent us home. So you’re supposed to pay us for the week,” the worker said. “I didn’t go home on my own. You sent me home. “We didn’t ask for any of this, but now we are the ones suffering,” the
THE GRAND LUCAYAN Resort in Grand Bahama. employee added. The payment delays drew political criticism earlier this month from Michael Pintard, who accused the government of silence and a lack of transparency over the resort’s finances and the proposed sale to Concord Wilshire.
Mr Rahming acknowledged ongoing concern among industry stakeholders, the public and residents of Grand Bahama about the future of the property. “The Government of The Bahamas remains confident about the future of the Grand Lucayan project,”
he said. “I know there are a lot of questions about the future of the project, the details and the progress.” He said the Prime Minister is expected to deliver a national address in the new year, providing a broader update on the project and its role in the
government’s wider development plans. Asked whether aspects of the redevelopment would begin coming on stream in January, as previously suggested, Mr Rahming said the project is still moving through required approval stages.
“There are aspects of the project that require sign-off,” he said. “They are working with the Bahamas Investment Authority to ensure they are able to move smoothly in accessing the relevant approvals moving into the new year.”
accused of ‘There is no law that protects 16-year-old stealing car at gunpoint Bahamians’ access to beaches By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net A LOCAL beach-access advocate is calling on the government to enshrine public shoreline access in law, warning that without legislation, Bahamians remain vulnerable to losing beaches through behind-the-scenes deals with private developers. Selina Archer of Dis We Beach, a volunteer advocacy group formed this year, said there is currently no law guaranteeing public access to beaches across the islands. As a result, she said, access depends on negotiations between whichever government is in power and private investors, leaving Bahamians without enforceable rights. The issue resurfaced earlier this month after the House of Assembly passed a resolution authorising a land exchange on West Bay Street, triggering renewed debate over public beach access and concerns that Bahamians are increasingly being pushed out of prime shoreline areas by commercial tourism interests. Opposition MPs warned that access to popular beaches, including those near Paradise Island, could be further eroded. Ms Archer said developments near coastlines consistently raise red flags because of the absence of legal protections. “I have a concern for any development that happens near the coastal line or areas, any coastal areas, whether it's on New Providence or other islands, because, again, there is no law that actually protects Bahamians,” she said. She said the lack of transparency surrounding negotiations deepens
A TEENAGE boy was accused yesterday of robbing a man of his rental vehicle at gunpoint on East Street last Saturday. Police allege the 16-yearold, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, was armed with a handgun and acted with an accomplice when he robbed Andre Walkes of a purple 2013 Nissan Cube around 1am on December 20. Police said officers later encountered the stolen vehicle, leading to a brief chase that ended at Strachan Corner after the suspects’ vehicle crashed into a parked car. One suspect escaped on foot, but the juvenile was THE BEACH at Goodman’s Bay with Baha Mar in the background. public mistrust, particularly in cases involving beach access points. “We're not in the back rooms when the negotiations are happening. We're not sure what we're giving up. It has not been the public knowledge. We can't even get clear information on who actually owns the gate down there, about the Paradise Island Beach Club. We have written to Atlantis, we've written to the office of the Prime Minister. We've written to the registry.” Ms Archer said the Registrar General’s Department told her that ownership information was held at the Office of the Prime Minister and that the arrangement appeared to be governed by a heads of agreement not available to the public. “So when these deals are happening, people can come out and tell us anything, right? ‘Oh, we're we're making provisions for you’, but we wouldn't have to rely on that if there were laws in place,”
she said. While Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper has reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting beach access for Bahamians, Ms Archer said verbal assurances are insufficient without legislation. “I think the government needs to make it into law that we have beach access around each of our islands. Whether that is per mile, whether that is per mile and a half. Whatever it is, we clearly mark our beach accesses and make them accessible by law,” she said. She said codifying access would remove the issue from partisan politics and prevent the need to fight closures on a case-by-case basis. “That way, we don't have to depend on whichever party is in. We don't have to have government intervene, and we don't have to fight beach closures one by one. So anything that is pretty much said at this point, again, respectfully, is not
enough. It's a little too, little too late because we've seen the amount of closures,” she said. Ms Archer noted that other countries protect beach access through legislation by establishing fixed public entry points along coastlines. Using Cabbage Beach as an example, she suggested legally protected access points at set intervals, backed by fines or penalties to deter obstruction by developers. She pointed to Mexico, where all beaches are legally public under a Federal Maritime Zone extending 20 metres inland from the hightide line, and Scotland, where a Right to Roam framework allows public access to most beaches and coastlines, subject to responsible use. Ms Archer said similar safeguards are needed in The Bahamas to ensure future development does not come at the expense of public access to the country’s most valuable natural asset.
arrested at the crash site. The key fob for the stolen vehicle was allegedly recovered from him. The teenager was not required to enter a plea to charges of armed robbery and receiving before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr. He was arraigned in the presence of his guardian. He was told the matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment and informed of his right to apply for bail through the higher court. The accused was remanded to Simpson Penn until April 14, 2026, when he is scheduled to return to court for service of his VBI. Alex Morley represented the accused, while Sergeant 3004 Forbes prosecuted.
Murder accused fined $300 for curfew breach By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN awaiting trial for murder was fined yesterday after admitting to breaching his curfew last week. Jermaine Scott, 43, breached his nightly residential curfew at midnight on December 20 while on bail for murder. Earlier this year, Scott was also charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. Prosecutors allege he was found with a grey and silver Ruger P90 pistol and eight rounds of ammunition
outside a bar on January 5. At the time of those alleged offences, Scott was on release awaiting trial for murder in connection with the April 20, 2013, death of Alejandro Bain. Scott pleaded not guilty to a charge of violating his bail conditions before Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville but apologised for breaching his curfew. After warning Scott to comply more strictly with his bail conditions, Magistrate Serville fined him $300. Failure to pay the fine will result in one month in prison. Inspector Cordero Farrington prosecuted.
PAGE 6, Monday, Wednesday, December 24, 2025
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Make our country better this Christmas WE stand on the eve of another Christmas. The Tribune would like to thank all of our readers, all of our advertisers, and all of our staff for being part of our year. We wish you all a wonderful Christmas. For some, it has been a tough year. For some, it has been a year of making ends meet the best they can. We have seen that in recent weeks, with the long lines at food giveaways and the tough times the helpers face in making their own ends meet. That has been the case at the Ranfurly Home, where the monthly costs of keeping the place going to support young people who have nowhere else to go have been laid bare. The scale of the need so often exceeds the scale of the support, as much as every piece of support is welcomed. We have seen it at Great Commission Ministries, where the money was so close to running out. If you have passed the commission at any stage when people come for one of its feeding events, you have seen the number of people that would impact. We have seen it at the Bahamas Feeding Network, where there are always more people to help than there is help to give, though the effort is always there to match the need. We have seen it most notably in recent months in the vindication felt by those who led the National Food Distribution Task Force after an audit found no wrongdoing despite criticism that had been levelled at the programme by the prime minister, no less. It is hard enough for those trying so hard to help without such turbulence.
But as much as organisations can find it tough to help, sometimes the toughest battles are fought alone. This can be a time of year when many feel isolated or alone, a time when some fear that no one can help. In the editorial last Christmas, we called on readers to make a resolution to help in any way they were able. That could be in your time, offering support to those who feel isolated, or to offer skills you have where they are needed most. That could be in money, whatever you can spare, to keep the organisations going who are already out there fighting the fight. Looking back on the year, we hope that some of you did indeed make that difference. The opportunity is still there for those who want to make that difference. A new Christmas has come. A new year lies ahead. You are still needed. You can still reach out and help. As we go to church over the coming days and hear the sermon, listen closely to the story. Listen to how our Lord was welcomed into the world. No room at the inn, but still people came bearing gifts. They came to help. From those very first moments, we should take our own cue. This coming year will of course be a momentous one. An election looms. Your choices will be crucial. But the task will be the same. Make our nation better. Whether it is through our own actions, or the choice that lies before us. Make our nation better. We wish you all a merry Christmas, and remember – try to make others’ season a little easier, a little better too.
Govt has priorities wrong in Pinewood EDITOR, The Tribune. THIS government’s priorities are mixed up like conch salad and nowhere is that clearer than in Pinewood. I recently watched a news clip showing the Minister of National Security standing alongside the Minister of Social Services and the Member of Parliament for Pinewood to announce a $5 million community center project. The timing alone tells the story. After nearly five years in office, the government has suddenly discovered Pinewood, just as the country heads toward a general election. Pinewood residents are not fooled. Why now? And why should we believe this announcement when so many others have gone nowhere? If a community center was such a priority, it should not have taken four and a half years to surface, especially when we are left in the dark on how the annual constituency fund is spent. Imagine that. A constituency fund of $150,000 while parks remain rundown, youth programs are limited, infrastructure is deteriorating, and basic
community needs continue to be ignored. What makes this announcement even more troubling is the claim that the community center would be built to function as a shelter. That statement alone shows how disconnected this government is from the realities Pinewood residents face every day. Pinewood does not need a shelter because of hurricanes alone. Pinewood needs shelter because flooding has become a routine part of life. Heavy rainfall often turns streets into rivers, homes are damaged, and families are displaced. Tropical Storm Imelda was only the latest reminder of a problem this government has known about for years and failed to address. Instead of pouring $5 million into a building, the government should be investing in real flood mitigation. Practical, cost-effective solutions exist and have been discussed repeatedly, including mini pumping stations, permeable asphalt on the most affected corridors, and converting the pond at Pinewood Park into a proper retention pond. These are the kinds
of investments that would bring immediate relief and protect any future development. This issue also fits into a larger pattern. Across the country, this government has shown a troubling willingness to spend big on travel, consultants, and announcements, while communities struggle with basic infrastructure and services. Millions are found for headline projects, yet neighborhoods like Pinewood are left dealing with flooding, neglect, and broken promises. Fix the flooding first. Then build. That is not complicated. It is responsible governance. Pinewood residents are tired of election-season politics and last-minute announcements. They are tired of being asked to celebrate promises instead of results. What they want is leadership that listens, acts, and delivers real solutions. That is the kind of leadership Pinewood deserves, and that is exactly what I intend to provide. Denarii Rolle FNM Candidate for Pinewood DENARII ROLLE Nassau, December 23, 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 STARFISH Christmas tree.
Photo: Konstiantyn
Bahamas’ wealth gap crisis EDITOR, The Tribune. THE growing wealth gap in The Bahamas is becoming a national emergency. I am not using that phrase lightly. A national emergency is what we call a problem that threatens stability, safety, and the future. That is what happens when many working people cannot keep up with the cost of living, while a smaller group keeps building wealth through property, business ownership, and investment. We should also be clear about a major strength we still have: The Bahamas has strong foundations we can build on. We have a world-class tourism brand. We have a strategic location close to major markets. We have a hardworking population. We have growing talent in entrepreneurship, trades, and services. We also have strong communities, churches, civic groups, and families that still look out for each other. These strengths matter because they mean we are not powerless. We can fix this if we choose to act. But we must face the facts. The economy can grow on paper while households struggle in real life. Even when inflation slows, prices can still be high. Rent can still be too expensive. Food can still cost too much. Wages can still fall behind. So the right question is not only “Is the economy growing?” The real question is “Are ordinary Bahamians able to live and build wealth in that economy?”
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Housing is one of the biggest pressure points. When too many people must rent for life, they are paying someone else’s mortgage instead of building their own assets. Renting is sometimes necessary, but when it becomes permanent for a large share of the population, the wealth gap widens automatically. Homeownership is one of the main ways families build stability and pass something on to their children. A country that makes homeownership unreachable for its working people is planting future social problems. Another strength we must recognise is that we are capable of big national action. After storms, we mobilise quickly. We coordinate resources. We rebuild. That same energy and focus can be used to fight this economic problem. A wealth gap is not a “normal” issue that we can ignore until the next election. When people lose hope that the system works for them, trust breaks down. That hurts everyone. Here are practical steps that use our strengths: First, the government should publish a simple national cost-of-living report every month. Track a basic basket: food, rent, electricity, transport, and medicine. Break it down by island. Make it plain
and public. We cannot manage what we refuse to measure. Second, treat housing as national infrastructure. Set clear targets for affordable homes and build them with serious partnerships: government, private sector, and local contractors. This creates jobs now and stability later. Third, manage shortterm rentals in a balanced way. Tourism is a strength, but Bahamians must still be able to live near jobs. If too many homes shift to short-term rentals, local rents can rise. We need fair rules that protect communities while supporting tourism. Fourth, focus on an “ownership agenda.” Jobs are important, but ownership is what closes the wealth gap. Expand pathways to homeownership, support small business growth, and create safe, transparent ways for ordinary Bahamians to invest and build assets. The Bahamas has what it takes: talent, location, brand power, and community strength. But we need leadership that treats this as urgent and measurable. A nation cannot thrive when too many citizens are locked out of real opportunity. This is not just an economic issue. It is a national stability issue. NOĒSIS — CRITICAL THINKER Freeport, Grand Bahama December 23, 2025.
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THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, December 24, 2025, PAGE 7
Bishop Delton Fernander: Love each other all year-round MY BROTHERS and Sisters In Christ We have, once again, come to the time of year when we commemorate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He was God's gift to a world in need of a savior. His life was the greatest example of love, obedience, leadership and humility. As we move about preparing for gatherings and gift giving and receiving it is imperative that we remember that He is the reason for the season. It is very easy to get caught up in the commercialisation and materialism of the holiday and forget the intangible gifts we should exchange year-round. How we treat one another on a daily basis should be given more consideration than what we can buy and present on one day of the year. It is written in the book Mark 12:30-31, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.And the second, like it,
is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Thankfully, The Bahamas passed through another hurricane season with minimal damage to our islands. However, we must remember our Jamaican brothers and sisters as they grapple with rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. It was not so long ago that we were faced with recovering and rebuilding post Hurricane Dorian. We should also remember the less fortunate among us, those who have lost loved ones and those struggling with what may seem like insurmountable issues. It is our duty as the church of God to spread his love and light across the world. This year we were blessed to witness less people lose their lives to violence on our streets and more people find their way up the economic ladder at various stages. It is my prayer that these positive trends will continue as we grow and develop as a nation. God has provided
us with every gift and capability needed to build this country. It is for us to ensure that our gifts contribute to the strength and reach of the church and to the advancement of our nation through service according to His word. My hope is that this Christmas season will bring families together, that more of us will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and that we will spend time reflecting on His goodness to us over the past twelve months and before. On behalf of myself, my family, the Bahamas Christian Council, Bahamian Baptists and the wider Christian community I extend warmest wishes to everyone for a joyous Christmas holiday and a happy and prosperous new year. Please visit the church of your choice as we praise our God for his gift of incredible love. May God bless you all and may God continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Rt. Hon. Bishop Delton Fernander Bahamas Christian Council – President Bahamas National Baptist Missionary & Educational Convention – President
Bishop Laish Boyd: Family matters most this Christmas “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name” (Ephesians 3:14-15) As we share in another Christmas we remember the Diocesan Theme for 2025, “Family Matters”, and we celebrate the best of family living, whatever form our family may take. Consider the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. The couple travelled together to Bethlehem to register in the census. When they arrived, the hotel was full, so they had to lodge in a stable. Despite this inconvenience, they kept their focus on their soon-to-beborn baby and felt joy and thankfulness when he was born. They found happiness in being together as a family. This is one of the most important things about being in a family: not having all of the material things we may want or need can be made easier by a family’s love. Being together and staying together through sunshine or storm is what counts. No matter how your
The Rt. Rev’d. Laish Boyd, Bishop of The Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands. family is made up, or what challenges you face, the family that sticks together and seeks to walk in the
way of Christ will make it through. Here in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos
Islands, an important part of Christmas is getting together, fellowship, laughter, eating, debating sports,
junkanoo, and politics, being with those we do not see all the time. Let us treasure this. Seek to maintain and
to build family life so that others may feel the love that only family can radiate. Modern western culture puts heavy emphasis on having, giving and receiving material things, but the real and lasting joy of life - and of Christmas - is relationship, love we have to give and receive. Let us observe and celebrate what the Holy Family teaches us at Christmas: being together no matter what and finding security, comfort, and contentment in that unity. This is God’s invitation to us all. Let us celebrate relationship this Christmas like we never did before. This is a gift from the God who is the God of ALL of the families of the earth (Genesis 12:3; Acts 3:25; Ephesians 3:15). May our family time cause Christmas to be more meaningful. May we build family togetherness against all the challenges that may come our way. May we and others feel God there. Merry Christmas from the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Bishop Patrick Pinder: God is not distant in our struggles In his annual Christmas message, Catholic Bishop Patrick Pinder reminded Bahamians that despite the hardships still prevalent, the spirit of Christmas can remain strong in our hearts. “As we come to this joyful feast once again, we can imagine ourselves standing with the shepherds under the open night sky, listening to the words that changed the course of history.” He noted that in the Bible, Isaiah speaks to a people who knew oppression, fear, and uncertainty. “Yet into that darkness, the prophet announces a promise. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. That light is not an idea or a policy but a child. A son is given to us. In the birth of Jesus, God answers humanity's deepest longings, not with power as the world understands it, but with vulnerability, tenderness, and love. The child in the manger is named wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of
peace. These titles remind us that the one who lies in straw in the manger is the very one who holds all things together,” he said. Bishop Pinder noted just like in Bibilcal times today Bahamians face similar obstacles. “Jesus comes to free us from whatever enslaves us and to shape us into a people who live with hope, integrity, and love. Christmas then is not only about what God has done for us, but also about who we are becoming because of him. In our own time, in our own lives, many still walk in darkness, fear of the future, violence, financial strain, loneliness, and loss. The message of Christmas does not deny these realities,” he said. Instead he said people can draw comfort in the fact that God is not distant in their struggles. “The child of Bethlehem assures us that God is not distant. He is Emmanuel. God with us in our struggles, our families, our
communities, our nation. Like the shepherds, we are invited not just to hear the message, but to receive it, to welcome Christ a new into our lives, to allow his light to guide our decisions, his peace to calm our fears, his love to flow through us to others, especially the forgotten and the weary… Grace has appeared not as an abstract concept, but as a person. Jesus comes to free us from whatever enslaves us and to shape us into a people who live with hope, integrity, and love.” In wishing the country a Merry Christmas, Bishop Pinder said: “May this Christmas renew our faith in God's promises. Strengthen our hope in his saving grace and deepen our commitment to live as people of light and not darkness. May the joy announced by the angels echo in our hearts and in our homes. Indeed to us a child is born and his name is Prince of Peace. Merry Christmas.”
Catholic Bishop Patrick Pinder.
THE TRIBUNE
PAGE A8, Wednesday, December 24, 2025
FCC bans new Chinese-made drones DIDI TANG, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission on Monday said it would ban new foreignmade drones, a move that will keep new Chinese-made drones such as those from DJI and Autel out of the U.S. market. The announcement came a year after Congress passed a defence bill that raised national security concerns about Chinese-made drones, which have become a dominant player in the U.S., widely used in farming, mapping, law enforcement and filmmaking. The bill called for stopping the two Chinese companies from selling new drones in the U.S. if a review found they posed a risk to American national security.
France probes 'foreign interference' after remote control malware found on ferry JOHN LEICESTER Associated Press
A WAYMO vehicle sits idling at an intersection with no operating traffic lights due to power outages, in San Francisco, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Waymos blocked roads and caused chaos during San Fran power outage By JAIMIE DING and MICHAEL LIEDTKE Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Many of Waymo's self-driving cars blocked streets of San Francisco during a mass power outage Saturday and forced the company to temporarily suspend service, raising questions about the cars' ability to adapt to realworld driving conditions. Social media users posted videos of Waymos as they encountered traffic lights that were off. Some cars' hazard lights blinked and they abruptly stopped in place, failing to cross the intersection. Others stopped in the middle of the intersection, forcing other cars to swerve around them. The power outage affected 130,000 homes and businesses in San Francisco, nearly one-third of the customers served by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. It was caused by a fire at a power substation, officials said. On Monday, the utility company was still
working to restore power to thousands of customers. Waymo operates hundreds of robotaxis in San Francisco, but it wasn't clear how many cars were on the road at the time of the outage. The company paused service Saturday evening and resumed it Sunday afternoon. The road-blocking problems that prompted Waymo to suspend its service during the weekend power outages revived concerns that city officials raised about the robotaxis periodically coming to abrupt and inexplicable stops before California regulators approved them as a commercial service in August 2023. Tyler Cervini, who lives in the Mission District, said he was calling an Uber to bring him to the airport since his train station was not operating due to the outage. At the traffic light outside his apartment, there were five Waymos crowding the intersection, he said. He got into his Uber right outside where all the Waymos
were, but his driver "had to swerve through them to pick me up," Cervini said. "He seemed extremely frustrated by what was going on." Waymo said that its vehicles are designed to treat nonfunctioning traffic signals as four-way stops, but the scale of the outage created unusual conditions. "While the failure of the utility infrastructure was significant, we are committed to ensuring our technology adjusts to traffic flow during such events," a Waymo spokesperson said. "Throughout the outage, we closely coordinated with San Francisco city officials." The company said most active trips were completed before vehicles were safely returned to depots or pulled over. Philip Koopman, professor emeritus at Carnegie Mellon University and expert on selfdriving vehicle safety, said the scale of the traffic disruption was concerning. Autonomous vehicles are generally pro-
PACIFIC Gas & Electric crews walk around the substation building at 8th and Mission streets, in San Francisco, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, as they work to repair infrastructure that failed and caused massive power outages across the city. Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via AP
grammed to come to a stop if they are unsure or confused on what to do and ask for remote assistance, he said. Koopman said it did not appear to be a software failure in the cars themselves, but an "operational management failure" where the company did not have the capability to deal with so many robotaxis needing assistance at once. Waymo should have suspended service earlier — as soon as their vehicles started having issues, he said. "If you have thousands of robotaxis that stop, you have a problem," he said. "What if this had been an earthquake? You would have thousands of robotaxis blocking the road." Waymo, which started as a secret project within Google in 2009, has steadily expanded its operations in San Francisco while also introducing its robotaxis into other California cities such as Los Angeles and San Jose, in addition to other U.S. markets in Texas, Arizona, Florida and Georgia. In the months leading up to the approval from the state's Public Utilities Commission, San Francisco's transportation and fire department leaders flagged dozens of reports about robotaxis coming to standstills, blocking traffic. Besides inconveniencing other drivers trying to get to their destinations, the roadblocking robotaxis were viewed as a possible impediment in life-threatening emergencies when firefighters and police officers were responding to calls for help. Waymo's fleet of robotaxis is on pace to complete more than 14 million rides this year, more than tripling from last year, according to the company. California is considering expanding approval for heavy-duty autonomous trucks and vehicles carrying up to 15 passengers to operate, a move opposed by unions representing truck drivers.
PARIS (AP) — France's counterespionage agency is investigating a suspected cyberattack plot targeting an international passenger ferry, authorities said Wednesday. A Latvian crew member is in custody facing charges of having acted for an unidentified foreign power, French officials said. But Interior Minister Laurent Nunez appeared to hint that Russia is suspected, saying: “At the moment, foreign interference very often comes from same country." France and other European allies of Ukraine allege that Russia is waging “hybrid warfare” against them, using sabotage, assassinations, cyberattacks, disinformation and other hostile acts that are often hard to quickly trace back to Moscow. Intelligence shared by Italian authorities tipped off the General Directorate of Internal Security — France's special counterespionage and counterterror intelligence service — that software sometimes used by cybercriminals may have infected computer systems aboard a ferry docked in the French Mediterranean port of Sète, the Paris prosecutor ’s office said.
India's Parliament approves bill to open civil nuclear power sector to private firms RAJESH ROY Associated Press
NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s Parliament approved new legislation Thursday that enables opening the tightly controlled civil nuclear power sector to private companies. The government termed it a major policy shift to speed up clean energy expansion while the opposition political parties argued that it dilutes safety and liability safeguards. The lower house of parliament passed the legislation Wednesday and the upper house on Thursday. It now needs the assent from the Indian president, which is a formality, to come into force. The move carries global significance as India seeks to position itself as a major player in the next wave of nuclear energy, including with small modular reactors at a time many nations are reassessing nuclear power to meet climate targets and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Ooops. Instacart ends program where users saw different prices for same item at same store
NEW YORK (AP) — Instacart said Monday that it’s ending a program where some customers saw different prices for the same product ordered at the same time from the same store when using the delivery company’s service. The program was meant to help grocers and other retailers learn more about what kinds of prices customers would pay for items, similar to how stores offer different prices for the same products at different locations. But it raised alarms after a report from Consumer Reports and two progressive advocacy groups, Groundwork Collaborative and More Perfect Union, said Instacart offered nearly three out of every four grocery items to shoppers at multiple prices in an experiment.
THE TRIBUNE
PAGE A10, Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Tis the season to help eliminate food insecurity
“THE STATE of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 - Addressing high food price inflation for food security and nutrition” estimated that “between 638720 million people--corresponding to 7.8-8.8 percent of the global population--faced hunger in 2024.” While expected to decrease between now and 2030, “512 million people are still projected to be facing hunger in 2030.” Food insecurity exists when people don’t have access to enough nutritious food to support their growth and development for active, healthy lifestyles. In the FAO’s “Latin
Hands for Hunger This is a “humanitarian organisation committed to the elimination of unnecessary hunger and the reduction of food waste through the creation of meaningful and engaging partnerships formed amongst all sectors of the Bahamian community” which engages in food rescue, food distribution, and education. Hands for Hunger operates a food pantry which enables clients to make their own selections from a variety of offerings. Donations can be made at handsforhunger.org/donate.
America and the Caribbean Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition,” The Bahamas has a food insecurity rate of 17.2%, a cause for concern for many reasons. We know that some noncommunicable diseases are rampant in our population, and that are affected by our diets and lifestyles. Many of us have also heard the stories of children going to school without having had breakfast, and little or nothing provided for lunch. Food insecurity is directly related to poverty, which not only affects people’s ability to pay for food, but the time to procure, prepare, and eat it. Taxation on food has negatively and disproportionately impacted people experiencing poverty, and there is little attention to this worsening issue. Addressing food insecurity requires a change in systems.
Bahamas Crisis Centre This is a nongovernmental organisation that provides free counselling services, particularly people experiencing domestic violence or related crises. It provides support to its clients beyond counselling, including through its food pantry. To donate, contact administration at 328-0922 to make arrangements.
because they can’t afford a “big shop” and/or are unable to properly store food for more than one or two days. There are people who can buy enough food, but don’t have the means (including time) to prepare it. So they opt for fast food or packaged food products. The circumstances vary widely but bring us to the same place. People are unwell, tired, underperforming, and stressed because of their inability to meet their most basic needs. When politicians come knocking, trying to secure your votes, ask them what
While immediate, direct assistance is necessary until we Soup kitchens reach a state of food security, it’s not going to solve the problem. People need to be These are often operated able to afford food. Both the by faith-based organisaimport of food and the taxations. Find the one nearest tion on food are drivers of to you and ask how you food insecurity. Combined can help. From grocery with the lack of a liveable shopping and delivery to wage, we have a dangerous serving and cleanup, there situation. is no shortage of work to People are working full do. time, often holding more than one job, and still cannot afford to buy nutritious food. Some don’t have a stove and some don’t have electricity. Many they have done and what they must buy a few items every plan to do to increase food sesingle day for their survival curity. Ask them what support through Social Services is like now, and how it will change in the coming five years. Ask them which schools Bahamas Feeding have breakfast programmes, and which do not. Network Ask them how they will encourage backyard farming. Thirteen organisations Ask them about community formed a group to “pergardens and food pantries in form as a hub for the colyour constituency. lection and distribution of Ask them about taxation, food items and financial particularly on food. and physical resources to Tell them this is a priority the entities that interact issue, and that you need to see daily with thousands a plan for addressing it. throughout the archipelago Between now and the point plagued with the uncerof food security, there are tainty of knowing where people who need help, and their next meal is coming there are organisations from.” Donations can be working to fill the gap. made at bahamasfeedingYou can help support those network.org/donate. helping to end food insecurity, listed throughout this article.
Fraser wins two National Book Awards for Shallow Water and The Island of Shelbie Mott
Image: Freepik
Ways to Give Cash. Few people seem to be willing to give money to people in need of assistance. Some want the gratification of purchasing items themselves and being able to give physical items. Some want to control what others consume, particularly of those people in need. They seem to want people to have only what they deem acceptable. There is a refusal to trust people in situations of vulnerability to make the best decisions for themselves. The fact is that people know what they need better than anyone else. Being able to purchase items themselves also prevents accumulation of individual products in excess, reduces storage issues, avoids issues with allergies and other dietary restrictions, makes healthier options possible, and allows for treats that might be otherwise overlooked. Giving cash recognises people’s agency. Gift certificates. An easy way to support people in different families and a wide range of situations is through gift certificates to grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. This enables people to make the most appropriate selections available to them on an asneeded basis. At certain time of the year, like the holiday season in December, there is an increase in giving. There is only so much that each person and/or family can accept and consume in a short period of time. Gift certificates have a longer life and make a great alternative to giving canned goods, which are high in sodium. Those with cars appreciate the gift certificates for gas, enabling them to get to and from stores in addition to the school run, work commute, and job interviews. Fresh produce. When supporting a particular family or organisation, be sure to include fresh fruit and vegetables. Onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and lime go a long way in helping canned goods to reach their flavour potential. Bananas, apples, and oranges make great, quick snacks for everyone. If you have fruit-bearing trees, share the bounty. There is nothing quite like native fruit, and it is a special treat when discovered in a mix of necessities. Canned goods with manual can opener. When canned goods seem like the best option, remember to include a can opener to ensure that the people you are helping do not have an additional barrier. Choose a variety of canned goods. Be sure to include canned vegetables and beans. When people are sleeping in their cars and parked on lines for hours and hours to receive vouchers and food, it’s clear that we have a problem. No one should have to do this for food. Sustainable Development Goal two is to end hunger, and 2030 is not very far away.
BAHAMIAN author, poet and educator Ernestia Fraser has been awarded two National Book Awards, earning national honours in both Poetry and Fiction during the National Book Awards ceremony held in observance of National Cultural Heritage Month. Ms Fraser received the National Book Award for Poetry for her collection Shallow Water: a short history of where I’m from, and the National Book Award for Fiction for her middle-grade novel The Island of Shelbie Mott. The awards were presented by the Ministry of Youth,
Sports and Culture. The ceremony was held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Harry C. Moore Library, University of The Bahamas, under the National Cultural Heritage Month theme “Crafting Our Legacy: Culture, Creativity and Community.” Ms Fraser’s work has been widely recognised for its sustained engagement with Bahamian identity, memory and storytelling traditions. Shallow Water explores personal and collective history through poetry grounded in island life, while The Island of Shelbie Mott centres Bahamian childhood, imagination and community within fiction. Her literary career spans more than a decade. She began with her memoir Carnival of Love: A Tale of a Bahamian Family, written at age 21 and traditionally published in 2010 by Caribbean Studies Press. The work has since been regarded as a notable contribution to Bahamian literature. She is also the author of several children’s books, in-
cluding Too Many Toys, I Am Loved, Mummy, Daddy, I’m Hungry, and Pray With Me, titles aimed at supporting literacy development and values-based storytelling for young readers across The Bahamas. Beyond literature, Ms Fraser has received recognition in screenwriting and poetry. Her screenplay Inside the Fallen Moon won First Prize in the 2011 Hollywood Black Film Festival’s International Storyteller Competition, and she later received the 2014 Daily News Prize for Poetry. Most recently, her featurelength screenplay White Raven (formerly Inside the Fallen Moon) was named a quarterfinalist in the 2023 ScreenCraft Sci-Fi & Fantasy Screenwriting Competition. An assistant professor at the University of The Bahamas, Ms Fraser teaches creative writing and composition, while mentoring emerging writers and contributing to national literary development through education, public programming and community engagement.
THE TRIBUNE
Record turnout for Fidelity Tee-Off for Hunger Golf Tournament raises over $80k
THE Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) raised more than $80,000 at its fourth annual Fidelity Tee-Off for Hunger Golf Tournament this week, an event organisers hailed as the “most successful” in the non-profit’s history. Held for the first time at Baha Mar’s Royal Blue golf course, the tournament attracted a record 106 golfers. BFN Executive Director Nicolette Fountain Archer said the proceeds will cover the organisation’s expenses for the first quarter of next year. Fidelity Bank returned as the title sponsor for the
fourth consecutive year. A Fidelity team comprising Jayson Clarke and Crestwell Gardiner took top honours at the event. “We know the vital work that BFN does to support those who need it most,” said Fidelity CEO Gowon Bowe. “At the most basic level, making sure people do not go hungry is the least all of us can do.” BFN Chairman Felix Stubbs thanked the sponsors for their compassion and volunteerism. In addition to Fidelity, major support came from The Beck Group, Sagoma Construction International,
Doctors Hospital, Paradise Games and Simplified Lending. Since its formation in 2013, BFN has served more than five million meals through a network of over 100 churches and soup kitchens. Looking ahead, Mrs Fountain Archer said the network aims to raise $2m next year to allow them to service their partners monthly rather than every other month. “If everybody who has the ability to donate can give a little or donate $50 a month, that would make a huge difference,” she said.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025, PAGE 11
PAGE 12, Wednesday, December 24, 2025
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