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Volume: 123 No. 25, Monday, December 29, 2025

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ONE FAMILY WINS By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net ONE Family reclaimed Junkanoo’s top prize on Boxing Day, ending the Shell Saxons Superstars’ two-year grip on the major

parade titles with a performance that electrified Bay Street and returned the group to the summit of Bahamian culture’s biggest stage. Performing under the JUNKANOO - SEE PAGE TWO

ONE FAMILY Junkanoo Group dancing in Rawson Square during the Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade. Photo: Shawn Hanna

Police Commissioner: We have nothing to hide over man’s death while in custody By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE SHANTA KNOWLES

POLICE Commissioner Shanta Knowles has rejected suggestions of impropriety in the investigation into the death of

Lasheiko Pratt, who died in police custody, insisting offices have “nothing to hide” as the victim’s family pushes for an independent autopsy. Last week, Pratt’s mother, Cheryl Larrimore, said she does not accept the police

narrative and believes her son may have died as a result of police brutality. Pratt, 35, a mechanic with the Ministry of Works, died while in police custody during what officers described as a confrontation as they attempted to

escort him from his cell for a scheduled court appearance. Police said he resisted instructions and became aggressive, prompting officers to intervene. He later became unresponsive HIDE - SEE PAGE FOUR

Engineer falls to his death at Freeport Container Port By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE death of a young engineer technician who fell from a crane at the Freeport Container Port on Boxing Day has cast a harsh spotlight on workplace safety at the transshipment terminal, as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the

early-morning tragedy. Anderson Adderley, 27, was found unresponsive shortly after 5am on Friday, lying on the ground near the stack trailer area of the port with serious injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His death was one of two serious incidents reported at the port on Friday. In a separate incident, police

said another man sustained severe injuries to his legs while working on a vessel docked near the container port, just off Warren J Levarity Highway, after an object reportedly fell on him. The injured man was taken to hospital, where his condition was unknown. Adderley, who worked SAFETY - SEE PAGE FIVE

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ANDERSON ADDERLEY

PAGE 2, Monday, December 29, 2025

THE TRIBUNE

One Family takes Boxing Day Parade JUNKANOO from page one

theme “001 Arabian Nights – Tales of Mystery and Magic”, One Family captivated judges and spectators with desert-inspired colours, mystical characters and fluid choreography, earning 621 points and some of the loudest cheers of the morning. As

fan-favourite tunes echoed through downtown, supporters waved flags and rang cowbells, marking an emotional and emphatic comeback for the group. The Way Forward Valley Boys finished second with 578 points, while the Saxons placed third with 533 points. The World Famous Valley Boys 1958, led by Brian Adderley,

followed closely in fourth with 528 points. Roots placed fifth with 506 points after presenting a dramatic tribute to women, edging Genesis Warhawks, which finished sixth on 505 points. Music Makers placed seventh with 374 points, and Prodigal Sons eighth with 284 points. RESULTS - SEE PAGE THREE

Photos: SHAWN HANNA

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Monday, December 29, 2025, PAGE 3

Colours captures B Division crown RESULTS from page two In the B Division, Colours Entertainment and Junkanoo Organisation dominated the field with 586 points to secure a clear victory. The Immortals Junkanoo & Community Organization finished second with 434 points, Fancy Dancers placed third with 394 points despite a one-point penalty, and Conquerors for Christ finished fourth with 327 points. Redland Soldiers placed fifth with 251 points after a fivepoint deduction, followed by Dynasty with 159 points, Z Bandits with 75, Chipping Knights with 71, Foundation with 69, and Mighty Eagles with nine points. The parade drew thousands of spectators downtown, filling Bay Street and Shirley Street as families, tourists, and die-hard Junkanoo fans gathered for the return of large costumes and thunderous drumlines.

While the atmosphere was festive and energetic, long pauses between groups sparked frustration among sections of the crowd. New U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas, Herschel Walker, attending his first Junkanoo Parade, described it as “very, very impressive.” This year’s Boxing Day Parade was the first

overseen by the National Junkanoo Committee following the government’s public fight with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence. Addressing concerns about delays, the committee said the disruptions were caused by multiple operational challenges rather than any deliberate obstruction by

participating groups. “Initial reviews indicate that parade flow was affected by a combination of factors, including route obstructions, sequencing and readiness challenges, and isolated incidents requiring law enforcement intervention. These issues occurred at different points along the route

and collectively disrupted timing and spacing,” the NJC said in a statement. “The NJC wishes to be clear that no group was authorised to obstruct another, no participant was intentionally disadvantaged, and no single incident defines the operational challenges experienced today. A full operational review is underway, including vehicle staging, marshal authority, timing procedures, and coordination protocols, with the aim of implementing immediate corrective measures ahead of the New Year’s Day Parade.” Security arrangements also became a point of public discussion during the parade, prompting clarification from Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles. She said: “The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture hired a private security firm to help out with certain areas of the Junkanoo

The Way Forward

Valley Boys

Shell Saxons Superstars

route, and of course, we wanted to make work in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, so there’s no confusion there. I think where the confusion came in was suggesting that the Royal Bahamas Police Forces hired them. We did not hire a private security firm. We have over 600 officers out here, along with 70 to 80 officers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. But we welcome the help of the private security firm through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.” The tightening of the security net around Friday’s parade also meant licensed firearm holders were banned from bringing handguns downtown for the first time. Attention now turns to the New Year’s Day Parade, where One Family will attempt to secure back-to-back victories. Photos: Shawn Hanna

PAGE 4, Monday, December 29, 2025

THE TRIBUNE

Knowles predicts independent autopsy will show same results HIDE from page one and was pronounced dead. Ms Larrimore said she saw no visible marks or bruises on her son’s body and learned of his death only through social media, despite being at the Magistrate’s Court that morning to sign bail for him. She described her son as quiet and well-liked and said the family does not trust the explanation provided by the police and intends to pursue legal action. Commissioner Knowles extended condolences and said the family is entitled to seek an independent post-mortem examination. “She has a right to ask for an independent autopsy, of course, that is at her own expense, and if she gets it, I do believe she will get the very same results,” she said. The commissioner said police are continuing their investigation, which will be submitted to His Majesty’s Coroner, who will determine whether an inquest or criminal proceedings are

warranted. “We have nothing to hide as we investigate this matter, and I’m hoping that we can have it quickly, our part of the work quickly completed, so that we can send it off over to His Majesty’s coroner,” she said. “We will not prosecute this matter. This is something that the coroner will deal with.” Asked whether she had spoken personally with Pratt’s family, Commissioner Knowles said she had not, but confirmed that police have been in contact with relatives. Pratt had no children and lived with his mother off Faith Avenue. He was arrested days before his death on burglary allegations arising from a long-standing dispute with a neighbour. Ms Larrimore has said her son was “healthy, good as ever” when taken into custody and remains adamant that “something ain’t right,” insisting he should have been safe while in police care.

POLICE COMMISSIONER SHANTA KNOWLES

Commissioner says she is unaware of detention claim involving MP By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net DESPITE weeks of public scrutiny and repeated media coverage, Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles says she is unaware of allegations by an Andros man that he was detained for more than 24 hours without charge in a case linked to a sitting Member of Parliament. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 2025 Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade, Commissioner Knowles said she had not been briefed on the matter but insisted that police

procedures require officers to inform detainees about why they are being held. "I don't know about that case, but everyone who comes into custody is told of the reason why they are in custody," she said. "One of the greatest powers of arrest of the police is the suspicion, and when anyone comes into custody, a detention record is made, and it outlines why they are in custody." Her comments follow public discussion of claims made by Andros resident Zakari Campbell, who detailed his experience in a Facebook post that has circulated extensively

on social media and has been the subject of multiple Tribune reports. Mr Campbell alleges he was taken from his workplace, questioned about a missing firearm allegedly belonging to a sitting MP, and held overnight without charge. In his account, he said the matter stemmed from a Friday night outing at Round Two bar, where the MP was reportedly socialising with several people. He wrote that around 2am, the manager attempted to close the establishment but claimed the MP “objected and signalled the DJ to continue playing.” According to the post, the

group remained inside for another half-hour before leaving. Mr Campbell said no concern was raised about missing property when patrons exited the bar. “No one expressed concern. No one searched. No urgency was shown,” he wrote. He added that the following day, he learned police were reviewing security footage after the MP reported having “lost something”, though the nature of the item was not immediately disclosed. He said officers arrived at his workplace the following Monday and took him into custody. He wrote that he

had only recently started the job, which involved handling large sums of cash, and said the experience was humiliating. He claimed police told him they had a search warrant for “stolen property” linked to the bar, but could not explain what item was allegedly taken. “I was told they could not tell me,” he wrote. Mr Campbell said police later searched his home in the presence of his mother but found nothing. Despite this, he said he was taken to the station, where he noticed another man from the bar in a holding cell. It was then, he alleged, that

officers first accused him of taking the MP’s firearm. He said he denied any knowledge of a gun and was placed in a cell without being told how long he would be held. He claimed he was released around 4.50pm the following day after his mother intervened. “I spent over 24 hours in a police cell. No charge. No explanation. No apology,” he wrote. “This is not about drama. This is about power, protection and the unequal application of the law.” The MP at the centre of the allegations has not responded to calls or requests for comment.

JET SKI RIDER DIES IN HOSPITAL Man killed in Christmas Eve shooting AFTER BEING SWEPT FROM CRAFT A JET SKI rider died in hospital on Friday evening after a wave swept him from the craft. It was one of a spate of incidents that kept police in New Providence and Bimini occupied during that day. Police said preliminary reports indicate that shortly before 6pm, two people were riding a jet ski off West Bay Street when a wave caused both to fall into the sea. Bystanders helped the pair back to shore, but one of the men became unresponsive. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered until Emergency Medical Services arrived. The man was transported to the hospital, where he later died. Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Less than an hour later, officers responded to another critical incident. Shortly before 7pm, police were alerted to an injured person in a parking lot off Coral Harbour Road. Upon arrival, officers found a woman suffering from injuries and drifting in and out of consciousness. She was transported to the hospital, where she remains listed in critical condition. Further information suggests the victim was outside a business establishment when she was approached by a man she knew. The suspect allegedly assaulted her

with an unknown object, causing injuries to her right hand and head, before fleeing the scene with her personal belongings. Earlier in the day, police also carried out a series of firearm recovery operations in New Providence and Bimini, resulting in four arrests. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, shortly after 3pm officers assigned to Operation Black Scorpion arrested a 30-year-old man in New Providence after recovering a firearm containing ammunition. Police said officers, acting on information, searched a male on East Street near Palm Tree Avenue, leading to the discovery of the weapon. In a separate operation in Bimini, three men were arrested after another firearm was recovered during the execution of a search warrant. Police said that shortly before 4pm, officers conducted a search at a residence in South Bimini occupied by three men. During the search of the premises and its occupants, a firearm containing ammunition was found, resulting in the arrest of the men, aged 55, 48 and 36. Both firearm recovery operations involved joint efforts between the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

GUNFIRE tore through the Yellow Elder community on Christmas Eve, killing a 25-year-old man and leaving another wounde. Police later recovered two illegal firearms in separate incidents hours apart. Officers were called to the area of Graham Drive and Lime Streets shortly after 7pm on Wednesday, where they found a man unresponsive inside

a red Nissan Cube with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services examined the victim and confirmed he had sustained gunshot injuries to the upper body and showed no vital signs of life. A second man, 27, was also injured in the shooting. Police said he was shot in the left leg and transported to the hospital by a private vehicle,

The body of a man who was fatally shot on Christmas Eve is removed from the scene on Graham Drive in Yellow Elder. Photos: Nikia Charlton

where he received medical treatment. An illegal firearm was reportedly recovered at the scene and seized as evidence. Police have not disclosed the circumstances that led to the shooting. Later that night, officers assigned to Operation Black Scorpion recovered another illegal firearm during a separate operation in Culmersville.

Police said officers, acting on information, proceeded to an abandoned building sometime around 9pm. A search of the area led to the discovery of an illegal firearm along with a sealed package containing suspected marijuana. No arrests were made in connection with the seizure. The weight and estimated value of the suspected drugs have not yet been determined.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 29, 2025, PAGE 5

Family devastated by loss of ‘only child’ in port accident SAFETY from page one in the port’s Engineering Department, had been employed there for about a year. He was reportedly not wearing a body harness at the time of the incident. When The Tribune arrived at the port shortly after 8am, co-workers and friends had already gathered near the entrance after learning of the incident. Shortly before 9am, a hearse and several police vehicles were seen leaving the compound. Superintendent Nicholas Johnson, officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, said police were alerted by port personnel around 5am that an adult male employee had been found in the area of the stack trailers with serious injuries. Officers, along with Emergency Medical Services, responded to the scene, where they observed the man lying on the ground. Supt Johnson said preliminary investigations indicated that Adderley

ANDERSON ADDERLEY had been assigned to work on one of the cranes at the dock site. The port operates 14 cranes and is currently undergoing upgrades and expansion valued at approximately $100m.

“We are in the initial stages of our investigation, and we are speaking with a number of witnesses who are assisting us at this time,” Mr Johnson said. The tragedy has devastated Adderley’s family,

who say they are now waiting for answers from police investigators and port officials. His uncle, Andrew Forbes, described the death as a profound blow. “We really don’t have many words,” he said. “This is a freak accident that was unexpected. Our family has actually been going through a whole lot over the past four years. We literally had a death every year within the past four years, starting with his aunt, and nine months later, his uncle died, and nine months later, his granddad died. And now here we are.” Mr Forbes said his nephew was two months away from celebrating his 28th birthday on February 28. “His mother is not doing very well as expected; he is an only child. We’re a tight-knit family, and so it’s a lot to manage and kind of just wrap your minds around.” He said the family is focused on understanding how the incident occurred. “So we are really just waiting to hear from the

investigators and the container port as to exactly what happened, and how a tragedy of this nature could have occurred.” Mr Forbes said Adderley had previously spoken with him about aspects of his work environment. He explained that his nephew initially pursued studies in police forensics before switching to engineering and earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of The Bahamas. “After he graduated, the opportunity came up to work at the container port. He was very excited to be able to join their team and kind of work in the industry. And so, he was doing very well,” he said. “You know, going into a new organization, you sitting down and you looking at some things. And he and I had a couple of conversations about the work environment, and so forth. I told him to kind of make it work for what it is, and then he can figure out what he wanted to do.” Asked whether his nephew had raised specific safety concerns, Mr Forbes declined to elaborate.

“I wouldn’t comment on that just in this moment, but you know, different companies they got different things going on. I wouldn’t get too deep into that conversation just in this moment. We want to see what the preliminary investigative results from the police department is, and hopefully the container port. “If there’s something that needs to be looked at in terms of enhanced safety mechanisms and so forth, we hope that they use this as a learning opportunity so other families would not have to experience what we are facing and having to experience.” In a statement Friday, Freeport Container Port chief executive officer Godfrey Smith extended condolences to Mr Adderley’s family, loved ones, and colleagues. “The Royal Bahamas Police Force is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident with the support of FCP in-house security and safety teams,” the company said.

Four men denied bail over $18.4m cocaine seizure By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

FOUR men were denied bail after appearing before magistrates in connection with an $18.4m cocaine seizure uncovered during a maritime interdiction near Cuba earlier this month. Prosecutors allege the men were aboard a Bahamian-registered vessel intercepted in international waters on

December 7, carrying large quantities of dangerous drugs and an unlicensed firearm. The accused are Howard Edney Rolle, 57; James Levy Jones, 44; Zenard Endeo Rolle, 30, all of Mangrove Cay, Andros; and Nicholas Duckinson, 36, of Negril, Jamaica. The court heard on Friday that the four were on board vessel NP014346 when they were allegedly found in possession

of cocaine with intent to supply. Prosecutors further alleged that between December 3 and December 7, 2025, the men conspired together and with others to import cocaine into The Bahamas. Additional charges allege conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply during the same period while the men were in international waters aboard the vessel. Similar charges were

MAN HELD OVER SEX WITH 14-YEAR-OLD CHARGE By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net A 26-YEAR-OLD man accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl was remanded to custody when he appeared before the Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday. Latrelle Rolle, of Sandy

Lane, is charged with three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse arising from alleged incidents said to have occurred on December 16, 17, and 19 in New Providence. Prosecutors allege that on each of the three dates, Rolle had sexual intercourse with the minor, with each charge corresponding to a

separate incident. The court heard that the matter is to proceed by way of a voluntary bill of indictment. Rolle was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The case was adjourned to March 26, 2026, for further proceedings at the next scheduled hearing.

MAN ADMITS SWINDLING $54,000 IN CAR SCHEME By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net A 23-YEAR-OLD man admitted to swindling five people out of more than $54,000 in a failed vehicle-purchase scheme that unfolded over several months last year, a court heard. Jaheim Dixon pleaded guilty before Magistrate Abigail Farrington to multiple counts of stealing by reason of service. Prosecutors said that between June and

December 2025, Dixon received a total of $54,672 from at least five individuals who had entrusted him with money to purchase vehicles on their behalf. The court heard that no vehicles were ever produced and that Dixon subsequently avoided contact with those who had paid him. The charges outlined a series of transactions in which Dixon obtained cash by reason of his service, with some complainants making multiple payments.

The victims were identified as Jennifer Felix, Raquel Saunders, Sheena Gilbert, Raymond Paul, and Tekaye Minus. During the hearing, Dixon told the court that he intended to repay the money and asked for one month to do so. As a condition of bail, he was fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet. Sentencing was adjourned to January 30, 2026. Dixon may be sentenced on that date if the victims have not been refunded.

MAN DIES BY ELECTROCUTION WHILE PICKING FRUIT A 53-YEAR-OLD man died on Christmas Eve after he was electrocuted while attempting to retrieve fruit from a tree on Wilton Street, according to preliminary information from police. Officers were called to the area after reports that the man had become unresponsive while using a silver pole to reach fruit from a tree. Police said the pole reportedly came into contact with an overhead electrical power line during the fruit-picking attempt, causing the man to collapse. Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and determined

POLICE at the scene where a man was electrocuyted while picking fruit on Christmas Eve in Culmersville. Photo: Nikia Charlton that there were no vital signs of life. An autopsy is expected

to be conducted to assist in determining the exact cause of death.

laid in relation to Indian hemp, including possession with intent to supply, conspiracy to import, and conspiracy to possess with intent to supply. The men also face firearms charges stemming from allegations that on December 6, 2025, they were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm while aboard the vessel. Prosecutors identified the

weapon as a silver and black Smith & Wesson .40 calibre pistol bearing serial number PBP1605. They were further charged with possession of ammunition after allegedly being found with four unfired rounds of .40 calibre ammunition without holding a firearm certificate. The charges arise out of a December 7 interdiction

by the United States Coast Guard near Cuba, during which authorities reported seizing an estimated 2,252 pounds of suspected cocaine valued at approximately $18.4m, along with suspected marijuana, from a go-fast vessel. Bail was denied to all four men. The matter was adjourned to April 16, 2026, as investigations continue.

PAGE 6, Monday, Monday, December 29, 2025

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Thank you for letting us see the world as you saw it TANYA Smith-Cartwright was a journalist who gave her all. She was a veteran in a journalism field sometimes short of veterans, she was a talented writer and, perhaps most of all, she was passionate about what she did. The news of Tanya’s death was a shock. The acting news director at ZNS was known widely throughout the field – and beyond. Tributes started to flow – Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas executive chairman Picewell Forbes calling her newsgathering “second to none”, and the ZNS Network calling her “one of the legends of producing here in The Bahamas”. For The Tribune, this is the loss of one of our own too. Tanya worked at The Tribune – most notably during the period of COVID-19. She was an experienced voice, and plunged wholeheartedly into all manner of stories. She also laughed, and made others laugh around her. She talked of how she became friends with former Tribune managing editor Eugene Duffy – and on his passing in 2022 she wrote about their “crazy, but very respectful friendship” in her column, As I See It. She wrote of how she “froze in disbelief” on hearing of his passing, a sensation we feel today at the news of Tanya’s death. She wrote: “Just when I was about to break down in the worst level of emotional display, a calming spirit passed through me. I could almost hear his voice telling me to suck it up and so that is what I did.” She said Eugene told her: “Any time you want to start feeling stupid about

yourself, take a look at that fantastic resumé, girl.” He was right. Her resumé took her through all parts of the nation’s bastions of journalism. She was a writer of the Insight column here at The Tribune. She spoke up for press freedom, talking on Journalism Under Surveillance at an event organised by the Bahamas Press Club 2014 and the US Embassy for World Press Freedom Day in 2022. She broke stories, she kept in touch with those involved, she told their stories over time and not just for one moment and then gone. She showed the wider picture. After moving away, she kept in touch. Earlier this year, she was in touch with The Tribune discussing her As I See It column, and whether there might be a way to give it a home in our pages once more. Tanya genuinely cared about journalism, and about getting the job done. Even when a story might come along that might take a bit more work or be a bit more frustrating to work on, she would step up to the plate. Out would emerge the story, polished and great to read. Equally, she had no fear on taking on the powerful when needed, and holding them to account when necessary. We hope she will forgive us for not taking Eugene’s advice too quickly in her case. We will mourn first before we suck it up. Tanya’s loss will be felt wherever her presence was known. Thank you for letting us see the world as you saw it.

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 ONE FAMILY bird costume during Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade.

Influencers should cease and desist EDITOR, The Tribune.

The audacity of the Prime Minister EDITOR, The Tribune. I BEG a bit of your valuable space to first congratulate you for calling out the prime ministers audacity in seeking to rebrand himself as a defender/supporter of the Press. Elections must be near! As you’ve aptly pointed out, this is from a man who did his best to decimate the press corps upon his victory at the polls in 2021. Most of the strongest voices in the Press suddenly found themselves in great demand by their country and in short order were ensconced in plum positions both here and abroad! I must also commend you for highlighting the hypocrisy and law bending position adopted by Prime Minister Davis and his government regarding Clint Watson, the present general manager of ZNS, the peoples’ station. Hired almost immediately by Prime Minister Davis upon

assuming office as his Press Secretary, many believe as a reward for his (Watson’s) sharp critique of former Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis, some go further and say savaging of Dr Minnis, Watson’s fortunes did not end in the OPM. In June 2023, Watson was given the role of General Manager of the Broadcasting Corporation. In a flowery press release, Watson was credited with building the first press office in the country, totally discounting the work done by the true creator of the role, the award winning broadcast journalist and national honoree, Anthony “Ace” Newbold, OMM, who also built the briefing room now used by the prime minister and his band of merry men and women, in an attempt to convince the Bahamian people they are doing a good job, all evidence to the contrary! That Watson is allowed to lead the peoples

station after revealing and demonstrating through campaigning, a partisan desire to stand as a Progressive Liberal Party candidate in the 2026 General Election is an insult to the Bahamian people whose funds support that station, many of whom do not support the governing PLP. I for one believe the idea is to hold the official announcement of Watson’s candidacy for as long as possible, while he continues to do the work of the PLP! My hope is that the Bahamian people reward him accordingly for disrespecting them. Thank you again for continuing your tradition of professionalism that many journalists entering the profession would do well to emulate. It would be good to hear from the Press Club! RYAN THOMPSON Nassau, December 23, 2025.

Photo: Shawn Hanna

OVER the weekend I viewed a two-minute video by Latrae Rahming about a famous social media influencer who was retained by the police last week. The two are related. Rahming addressed the matter pertaining to some libelous comments allegedly uttered by the individual in question. I wholeheartedly agree with Rahming. Tearing down the character and reputation of people should have no place in our political discourse. On the night of the Golden Isles by-election, another “celebrity” social media influencer was seen on a massive social media platform using a broom as a symbol of the Free National Movement candidate being swept, although both candidates had failed to attain the support of 25 percent of registered voters. This individual has a massive following like the first one. Their videos usually draw thousands of views, which speaks more of the moral condition and frame of mind of the newer generation of Bahamians. These people are popular because Bahamians live listening to gossip. You see, as long as it isn’t

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net about us, we don’t care that a fellow Bahamian is being ruthlessly slandered on Facebook. In these videos, profanity, slander, scurrilous accusations and vile ad hominem attacks are aimed at political opponents. Sometimes respected ministers of the gospel and high-ranking civil servants are the targets. Normal citizens are not immune from a vicious verbal backlash for simply disagreeing with these people. Reputations are ruined forever, all in the name of politics. These social media influencers rarely have anything worthwhile to offer. They have nothing to add in terms of offering ideas on advancing the economy, the healthcare system, education, family, industry, sports, etc. Instead, they routinely engage in smut. Apparently, these people are unaware of the potential distress they are causing the targets of their vile attacks. Imagine claiming, without ironclad evidence, that the Rev John Henry Spong is a closet homosexual.

Even if he can produce evidence that contradicts your claim, there will still be thousands who will doubt Spong’s heterosexuality. James 3:8 describes the human tongue as a deadly poison. Anyone who uses his tongue to assassinate the character of a fellow human being will be held accountable on Judgment Day. Politics won’t save those who use their tongue to harm people. These social influencers have used their massive platforms to ruin the lives of countless individuals who they either don’t like or have crossed swords with. And unfortunately, certain big wigs in the two major political organisations have turned a blind eye to this destructive, unhealthy practice. The time has come for individuals such as Rahming to use his government platform to speak out against the social media influencers, and not just when impacts him personally. The time has come to end their propaganda of lies, halftruths and slander against our fellow Bahamians. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama December 22, 2025.

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 29, 2025, PAGE 7

Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade

Photos: Shawn Hanna

The World Famous

Valley Boys

ROOTS

PAGE 8, Monday, December 29, 2025

THE TRIBUNE

Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade

Photos: Shawn Hanna

Colours - First Place - B Division

Monday, December 29, 2025

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Freedom of Information Act must be key election issue By MACLOLM STRACHAN

n a dusty corner of Facebook, you will find a page that has not been updated since 2021. Blow away the cobwebs and you will find the official page of the Bahamas Freedom of Information Unit. The last post was in November 2021, declaring “we are excited to serve the public” and urging people to follow them on social media and help spread the word. After that, silence. That shows more enthusiasm than there has been ever since for actually delivering on legislation passed in 2017. Back in June this year, Prime Minister Philip Davis said that the Freedom of Information Act was not currently a priority of his government. No kidding. The Budget allocated just $140,000 to the act. Given the lack of progress on implementation of the act, it is perhaps more of a surprise that it got any money at all. As we enter a new year, we do so in the knowledge that 2026 will bring an election. It is highly unlikely that this administration will change course in the closing months of its first term in order to implement freedom of information – so again it becomes an issue for the campaign trail. If you want freedom of information, it seems clear this leadership is not going to deliver it for you. I would pose this as a question – why is freedom of information important – but the answer should be self-evident. The leaders of our country are not the ones ultimately in charge of our country. We are. The citizens of the nation have the final say. We vote MPs in, we vote them out. Freedom of information, properly implemented, gives people the chance to be fully informed of issues so they can be properly assessed. The first swing at freedom of information was back in 2012 – passed but never enforced – then revised and a new bill passed in 2017. Some parts of that 2017 bill have been implemented – but not in

its entirety. Freedom of information is a global desire – with many, many countries already being able to make use of such legislation. Transparency International warns: “People can hid corrupt acts behind a veil of secrecy. Those with privileged access to information can demand bribes from others also seeking it... Governments can hide their actions by controlling or censoring the media. This prevents the facts from being reported. The truth is gagged.” Consider how that applies to us. How many times have we heard government say there will be a probe, there will be an investigation, only for the results to never appear. How many times have people called for the information that led to a decision to be made public only to be left shouting in the dark?

“The government works for us. Why do our employees get to keep information from us, their employers?” Take the recent row over marina fees, for example, where people were calling for the financial comparison information over how our fees would compare with other nations, only for it to finally come out after an outcry rather than simply being able to apply for the information under freedom of information. There is plenty more that should be available as part of that discussion – all the paperwork through the Ministry

of Transport, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Tourism, for example. We should be able to examine the process to better understand the decision – and be able to criticise from a position of knowledge rather than from a position of guesswork. There has been much noise of late in the US over the release of documents as part of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the manipulator and abuser who welcomed rich and powerful individuals into his den. The documents give people a clearer idea of the scale of the operation he ran and raises some very pointed questions of those who were close to him. Imagine if we had the same kind of access here to the matters surrounding Peter Nygard, the sexual predator now found guilty in Canada but known here for the same kind of behaviour as Epstein, welcoming powerful people to his home in Nygard Cay. That kind of information might lead to the kind of pressure to ensure a real investigation of what happened here – and punishment for those who enabled it to happen. For local non-profit group Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG), there is a simpler way to put it – created a level playing field for everyone. In a position paper last year, ORG wrote: “By fully implementing the Freedom of Information Act, the Bahamian government can level the playing field, allowing all businesses

– regardless of size or connections – to access the same information. This includes data on upcoming tenders, contract awards, and procurement processes, enabling businesses to make more informed decisions and submit more competitive bids. With access to detailed and timely information, local businesses will be better equipped to tailor their proposals to meet government needs, ultimately increasing their chances of winning a contract.” We have already passed the legislation for that to happen – why wouldn’t we want to rush that into use seeing as we already decided it was good thing? It would work like this – you make a request of a ministry, statutory body or public corporation, in writing, and within 30 days they have to respond, either with the information or an explanation of the delay or denial. You don’t have to explain why you want it, you just ask. There are exemptions – such as national security – but within limits. So, for example, if you wanted to ask the Ministry of Health for the plans for the new hospital, or if you wanted the Ministry of Social Services to detail the process for budgeting, buying and opening a new domestic violence shelter including consultation, you ought to get an answer within 30 days. Think how long neighbours of the hospital have been asking for more information or activists have been campaigning

for that shelter. Back in May 2023, the Information Commissioner said the public might be able to request information under the act by September or October of that year. We know where that went. The international voices are loud and clear. UNESCO says: “Access to information serves as an integral part of freedom of expression and is an important tool for promoting the rule of law, other rights and building trust.” In the US, the Drug Enforcement Agency notes: “The main purpose of the law is to ensure an informed citizenry and provide a check against corruption by holding the government accountable.” In the UK, the director of freedom of information and transparency at the Information Commissioner’s Office, Warren Seddon, wrote that freedom of information “has become an essential and entrenched part of our constitutional framework”, while Access Info Europe notes that “most governments, however, prefer to conduct their business in secret. In Swahili, one of the words for government means ‘fierce secret’. Even democratic governments would rather conduct the bulk of their business away from the eyes of the public... too often governments treat official information as their property, rather than something which they hold and maintain on behalf of the people”. And that is the key. The government works for us. Why do our employees get to keep information from us, their employers? So if such freedom is important to you, when any government says it is not a priority for them, remember that voting for them does not have to be a priority of yours. Watch how quickly priorities change when there are consequences for ignoring them. The power should be where it always has been – in your hands.

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