01272026 NEWS

WOMAN & HEALTH

HAITIAN PASTOR IN

$14,000 VISA SCAM

Foreign Ministry staffer demanded money in Island Luck account

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AN employee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and three Grand Bahama residents are accused of orchestrating a visa fraud scheme that prosecutors say siphoned more than $14,000 from a church-linked effort to bring a Haitian pastor and his wife and their eight children to The Bahamas.

Clevette Simmons of New Providence, along with

Grand Bahama residents Gonesha Joseph, Margaret Mathieu, and Mark Rolle, are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretences. The case, which involves 73 counts, is being heard before Magistrate Charlton Smith in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court. Prosecutors allege the defendants arranged for payments to be funnelled through an Island Luck account and a

Commerce’s president says.

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Wellness

Minister Dr Michael Darville has expressed concern over why the government was not notified earlier that the Public Hospitals Authority had exhausted its overtime funds for medical staff, suggesting a breakdown in communication between the PHA and the government. Dr Darville said the delay in overtime payments owed to medical staff is a serious matter that officials are actively addressing, with him and PHA officials holding several meetings to resolve the issue in a

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Prime Minister must lay out “concrete plans” for the Grand Lucayan and Grand Bahama International Airport when he speaks to the island’s future today, Dillon Knowles, the Grand Bahama Chamber of

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

SENIOR Progressive Liberal Party figures and supporters are split over whether the party should stage a voting convention next month, with critics questioning its value so close to a general election and backers urging a show of strength and momentum. The debate has intensified as attention turns to

“We need particulars we can sink our teeth into,” said Mr Knowles, adding that Philip Davis KC cannot rely on more “promises” and “theoreticals” as he called on the Prime Minister to provide “clarity” for the island’s business community so that they can plan for their immediate and long-term futures with confidence. Warning that Grand Bahama “doesn’t take promises well in the best of times”, he added that the island was in desperate need of a major investor or project to “plant the flagpole” and undertake a development that will attract more investment capital to both Freeport and outside the Port area.

Communications Director,

possible contenders for senior party posts, including

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE killing of a 69-yearold homeless man on East Bay Street has left his family struggling to understand how a routine weekend night ended in violence, insisting he was not confrontational and never troubled anyone. Felix Morley died after being assaulted near Dunmore Lane on Saturday.

Police said officers on patrol saw a man striking Morley with a stick during an altercation. They intervened and found Morley unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. A 39-year-old man was taken into custody. Morley’s nephew, Cordero Seymour, said the family remains deeply confused about what led to the fatal encounter. While

Next generation eyes PLP leadership roles

“I think the convention is just a trivial exercise in futility because it has nothing to do with how people are going to vote in this coming election in my opinion, nothing.”

FORMER TALL PINES MP LESLIE MILLER

VOTING from page one

the Office of the Prime Minister’s Communications Director, Latrae Rahming.

Former PLP MP Shane Gibson, who withdrew from the party’s last chairmanship race, said he does not see a compelling need for a convention at this stage, though he would support the party if it decides to proceed.

“I don’t know what would be the purpose except highlighting all of the achievements of the government,” he added.

PLP Deputy National Coordinator for Elections Valentine Grimes has also expressed reservations, warning that internal contests can be divisive. He questioned whether it would be prudent to hold internal elections so close to a general election, and whether there is a real need for such a process at this time.

Former PLP MP Leslie Miller was more blunt, dismissing the value of a convention altogether and arguing that internal votes have little bearing on the outcome of a national election.

“I think the convention is just a trivial exercise in futility because it has nothing to do with how people are going to vote in this

coming election in my opinion, nothing. Bahamians ain’t gonna get serious on who they are going to vote for until March,” he told The Tribune.

Party chairman Fred Mitchell has already signalled that he does not expect to campaign again for the chairmanship, saying he has “one campaign left” focused on retaining his Fox Hill seat.

Asked directly whether he would consider a run, Mr Gibson told The Tribune “absolutely not,” adding that he is finished with politics. He has, however, voiced support for Mr Rahming, describing him as a good option.

Privately, some PLP members have also pointed to Senator D’Asante Small as a potential contender. When contacted, Mrs Small did not rule out a possible run, saying she is prepared to serve in whatever capacity the party sees fit. She said she remains committed to strengthening the PLP by building on its legacy, supporting emerging leaders, expanding membership, modernising party operations, and ensuring it evolves to meet the needs of Bahamians.

“It is also my hope that other young PLPs like myself will step forward, because it is clear that our party is ready and open for

more of us to help move it forward,” she added. Mr Rahming declined to comment on his own intentions but said he was humbled to be mentioned as a potential successor. Not all party supporters oppose the idea of a convention. Joe Johnson, chairman of the PLP’s Men’s Branch, said he believes a pre-election convention could inject energy into the party ahead of the campaign.

“That’s the kickoff,” he said. “I would call it a launch. Bring everybody and let’s launch, a massive launch, and we go to create some history — two straight. That’s not happened in a long time.”

Mr Johnson said he has no preferred candidate for the chairmanship and would support anyone willing to step forward, while cautioning that the role demands resilience and preparation.

The PLP last held a pre-election voting convention ahead of the 2017 general election, when Alfred Sears challenged then Prime Minister Perry Christie. Mr Christie won that contest decisively amid high visible levels of enthusiasm before the party suffered a sweeping general election defeat.

PM receives warm welcome from supporters upon arrival in Grand Bahama

Bahamasair operations

‘not affected immensely’ by MIA bomb scare

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMASAIR’s operations were disrupted for just over an hour by Sunday’s bomb scare at Miami International Airport, Managing Director Tracy Cooper said, despite widespread evacuations and delays that left dozens of Bahamian travellers stranded and anxious.

Mr Cooper said the airline was able to resume normal operations quickly because of the timing of its afternoon Miami service, even though passengers who had already checked in were temporarily forced to leave the terminal.

“This did not affect Bahamasair immensely because we have a flight that goes into Miami in the afternoon and that flight arrives in Miami around 6.30 in the evening and leaves at 7.45,” he said. “Although our passengers who checked in early had to vacate the airport, we were able to get them back in and for us, Bahamasair flight was only disrupted for about an hour and fifteen minutes” because of backup traffic at the airport at that time.

The incident caused panic for many Bahamian travellers at the airport. Videos sent to The Tribune showed passengers huddled together and lined up as US security personnel moved through the terminal.

One Bahamasair passenger said he arrived at the airport around 5.15pm to check in and was met with chaos.

“Evacuations were already underway, and it turned out to be our area where the ticket counter is located,” he said.

“Police were everywhere. Task forces were out in full force, and people had to scatter, even outside the airport. The only thing I was worrying about is if we had to change our date to another departure.”

As the situation unfolded, multiple passengers aboard a Bahamasair flight arriving in Miami were forced to remain on the aircraft for hours while authorities worked to clear the terminal. Flight data showed the aircraft departed New

Providence shortly after 5.30pm and arrived about 40 minutes later, but passengers said they had not deplaned as of 8pm.

“It was a 7.45pm flight departure. Now it looks like we’ll be leaving out here around 9 to 9.30pm,” the passenger said, adding that the flight appeared to be full.

International reports said Miami authorities responded shortly after 5pm to reports of unattended luggage deemed a suspicious item on the departures level of the terminal. As a precaution, everyone in the surrounding area was evacuated.

The all-clear was reportedly given around 7.40pm, after which airport operations gradually returned to normal.

MINISTRY EMPLOYEE, THREE OTHERS CHARGED IN $14,000 VISA FRAUD

Commonwealth Bank account in exchange for Bahamian visas for a Haitian pastor, his wife, and their eight children — visas that were never delivered.

All four defendants are represented by attorney Ernie Wallace. Assistant Superintendent Veron Rolle is prosecuting.

The court heard testimony from complainant Guerda Monestime, who said the matter began in March 2023 after her mother learned of a Haitian pastor during a mission trip and sought help securing visas for his family.

Ms Monestime testified that she contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in New Providence and spoke with a woman who identified herself as Clevette Simmons. She said she was told a single-entry visa for Haitians cost $250, while a one-year visa cost $850. She relayed the information to her mother.

She said she called the ministry again the following day and spoke with Simmons a second time, receiving the same information. According to Monestime, Simmons then provided her personal cellphone number and suggested it would be easier to speak outside of work. Monestime said she added the number to her WhatsApp.

Ms Monestime further testified that Simmons gave her the cellphone number of a supervisor identified as Gina, whom she said could assist further. When she called the number, a woman answered and identified herself as Gina. Monestime said she explained she was seeking visas for a Haitian pastor, his wife, and their eight children, and was told the cost would be $350 per person for a single-entry visa.

She said she sent deposit receipts to both Gina and Rolle via WhatsApp and was later informed that the amount paid covered only entry fees. She was then asked to pay the balance. Ms Monestime testified that she later deposited $4,600 into Mark Rolle’s Commonwealth Bank account, using funds from a $6,000 ASUE draw. When asked about the bank receipt, she said it had been turned over to police investigators.

She also told the court that she met Rolle in person at Port Lucaya Marketplace, where she worked, and handed him $2,000 in cash. She said she met him more than four times after that, giving him cash payments ranging from $1,500 to $2,000.

According to Monestime, she wrote receipts for the cash payments in her own handwriting, listing her name, Rolle’s name, and Gina’s name, and said Rolle signed the receipts. She testified the payments were for visas for the Haitian family.

Asked how much she paid in total, Monestime told the court the sum was $14,850. She said $6,000 came from her own funds, while the remaining amount was raised by church members in the United States through MoneyGram and Western Union.

Monestime testified that no visas were ever issued. She said she received receipts via WhatsApp from Gina— whom she later learned was Gonesha Joseph—and that all payments were made to Mark Rolle. She said she submitted the receipts into evidence and testified that Rolle told her Joseph was his mother.

The case was adjourned to February 23 for the continuation of the trial.

After further discussions, Monestime said Gina instructed her to deposit the funds into an Island Luck account in the name of Mark Rolle, whom Gina described as her son. When Monestime questioned why the funds could not be deposited directly into Gina’s account, she said she was told that Rolle worked for the government. She testified that she made an initial deposit of $550—$300 to Mark Rolle’s Island Luck account and $250 to another account in the name of Shandice Russell or Rolle, details of which she said were sent to her via WhatsApp by Gina. Monestime said she contacted Rolle to confirm the deposit and was told the funds were received.

Winter Storm Fern strands Bahamians across the US

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A DEADLY winter storm tearing across the United States has paralysed travel, knocked out power to hundreds of thousands, and left Bahamian travellers stranded far from home as airlines struggle to recover from days of cancellations and delays.

Dozens of people were reported dead as Winter Storm Fern dumped snow, ice, and freezing rain across wide swathes of the country, shutting down roads, grounding aircraft, and overwhelming airports. By yesterday afternoon, about 5,300 flights had been cancelled and more than 4,300 delayed, according to FlightAware, which said more than 11,400 flights were cancelled on Sunday alone.

The storm brought daily life in many cities to a standstill. Major roadways were buried under heavy snow, while bitter cold strained power systems. More than 670,000

customers were still without electricity yesterday evening, according to poweroutage.com. Images circulating online showed baseball stadiums blanketed in snow, plough trucks battling blizzard

conditions in Philadelphia, and grey, freezing skies stretching across New York and Texas. Some residents embraced the weather with sleigh rides and snowball fights, but for many others the storm meant prolonged disruption and danger.

Airports were among the hardest hit. Freezing rain, sleet, and snow triggered widespread shutdowns, with chaos reported at major hubs including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Dallas.

Several Bahamians caught in the turmoil described exhausting and confusing efforts to get home.

Kaylee Roberts, 22, of New Providence, said she travelled to Dallas last Wednesday to visit a friend in college and attend a concert, only to find herself trapped as the weather worsened. She said she began worrying about her return on Saturday as conditions deteriorated but did not receive a travel advisory for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport from American Airlines until the following day.

Once she received the alert, she rebooked her flight for Monday, but that flight was cancelled later that night around

9.30pm. She was then forced to rebook again on a longer route with additional stops before being switched to a direct flight to Miami. That flight, scheduled to depart around noon, was delayed repeatedly without clear

information. Ms Roberts said airline staff later told her the delay was caused by a flight attendant being unable to arrive from Portland, Oregon, because icy conditions had prevented crew members from reporting for duty.

“I went to talk to an agent to ask about possible accommodations if needed and was told there would be none and my only option was to change or cancel my flight,” she said, adding that she had been at the airport since 5am.

“I was unable to get any information about if the flight from Portland had left or what time it would arrive to know if I would be able to wait and still make the flight. I was sent back and forth between the agent and the gate with no help from anyone.”

She described the airport as overwhelming and chaotic, with thousands of travellers competing for answers, and said the prolonged uncertainty left her mentally exhausted. She was eventually able

to board a direct flight to Miami before continuing on to New Providence and later received a hotel voucher once the delay was confirmed to not be weather-related.

“As cool as it was to see snow for the first time, this was not worth it,” she said.

Earl Thompson said he travelled to New York with relatives to attend a funeral. They boarded their flight on Sunday but were later removed because of the storm. He said they were eventually told their Delta flight had been cancelled, leading to hours-long waits to retrieve luggage as snow blocked airport entryways.

“Some people got frustrated because, you know, I guess they were looking forward to their life,” he said, adding that the disruptions left many travellers in panic.

Mr Thompson said he was fortunate to have a relative’s home where he could stay, noting that others were forced to sleep at the airport. He said he is now scheduled to return home today.

Darville slams PHA ‘silence’ as overtime crisis deepens

LATE from page one

“timely fashion”.

He described it as unfortunate that doctors, nurses and support staff were not being paid what is owed to them after carrying out their duties.

“There are some concerns of why it was brought to our attention in such a late time, but that’s something for the future,” Dr Darville said.

His comments came after key unions warned of a potential breakdown in the public healthcare system after the Public Hospitals Authority ran out of overtime funds. Consultant Physicians Staff Association president Dr Charelle Lockhart warned that nurses are leaving “in droves”, not because they do not care about patients, but because they feel overworked.

The crisis escalated following a January 13 internal PHA memorandum, which said that overtime payments would no longer be processed unless first approved by the managing director’s office. Unions argue the move amounts to punishing frontline staff for government mismanagement. At the time, Bahamas Nurses

McAlpine to run independent again:

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

MONTHS after announcing his intention to contest the Pineridge seat as an independent candidate, former area MP Frederick McAlpine has officially launched his campaign, telling supporters: “We gon’ be ready this time.”

Mr McAlpine addressed residents in a video on social media, flanked by supporters dressed in purple paraphernalia bearing the name of his “Mac Pac” team.

The move could position himself as a potential spoiler

after a strong second-place finish in the constituency in the last general election. Mr McAlpine first announced intentions to run independent in July in a voice note to Pineridge constituents. He last ran as an independent in the 2021 general election, where he garnered 1,175 votes, trailing only the PLP’s Ginger Moxey, who won the seat with 1,423 votes. The FNM’s then candidate, Welbourne Bootle, finished third with 886 votes. Pineridge had 5,670 registered voters in that election.

Mr McAlpine was first

elected as the Member of Parliament for Pineridge on May 10, 2017. In June 2018, he was dismissed by then-Prime Minister Hubert Minnis from his post as Chairman of the Hotel Corporation after he, along with fellow FNM MPs Travis Robinson, Vaughn Miller, and Reece Chipman, voted against the government’s proposed increase of value-added tax from 7.5 percent to 12 percent. As an FNM member, he frequently criticised his party, ultimately severing ties with the FNM in July 2021 before running as an independent in the subsequent election.

Union president Muriel Lightbourn and Bahamas Public Service Union president Mr Kimsley Ferguson urged members not to work beyond their scheduled shifts until outstanding overtime payments were made, describing the situation as unacceptable and disrespectful.

PHA officials said the directive was necessary to preserve funding for urgent priorities, including critical hires, and to strengthen oversight after the authority exhausted its overtime allocation.

Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle was also asked for an update on the issue yesterday. She said the Ministry of Labour is not directly involved in the matter, but noted that the PHA is a state-owned operation. She said a recent meeting had been held between the PHA and the Ministry of Finance, and that she had been advised overtime payments would be made. Mrs Glover-Rolle was unable to say when payments would be

issued, but advised reporters to contact the PHA chair. When contacted by The Tribune, PHA Managing Director Dr Aubynette Rolle said efforts are underway to ensure all outstanding overtime payments are made. However, she said she could not provide a timeline for when the process would be completed.

The Tribune understands that a meeting was held between PHA officials and medical staff yesterday. Ms Lightbourn said nurses were left disappointed after a nearly 20-minute meeting with PHA officials. She said Dr Rolle did not indicate when staff would be paid for overtime, only noting that work had been done over the weekend to address the issue and that another update would be provided. “No one had any opportunity to ask any questions,” Ms Lightbourn added. “Some of the nurses felt disappointed and expressed their disappointment in the meeting.”

“We gon’ be ready this time”

First-time voters express apathy towards participation in election

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AS The Bahamas edges closer to a general election this year, signs of voter apathy are emerging among some first-time voters, many of whom say they are unlikely to cast a ballot because they feel uninformed, unconvinced by political parties and doubtful that any election outcome will deliver meaningful change.

The mood among young voters comes as both major parties intensify election-readiness efforts amid speculation of an early poll.

The Tribune canvassed views at the University of The Bahamas on Friday, where several students spoke candidly about their voting intentions, impressions of political parties, and concerns about the country’s direction.

Rowan Sands, 19, a mechanical engineering student and first-time voter, said he remains undecided about whether he will vote and would need to do more research before making a decision.

He said party loyalty would not determine his choice, explaining that he would instead focus on individual candidates, their ideas and what they propose to bring to the country.

Reflecting on national issues, Mr Sands said The Bahamas needs stronger fiscal discipline, better infrastructure — particularly roads — and greater economic diversification.

“I think we need to branch out in terms of income, because tourism from, at least from COVID, we kind of found out that tourism isn’t cutting it for the bulk of our needs,” he added. “So, we definitely have to expand and use more of our natural resources.”

Paige, 21, a nursing student, said she was not enthusiastic about voting and was unsure whether she

would participate at all. She said she does not feel adequately informed and believes political parties have failed to meaningfully engage and educate first-time voters about their plans.

She identified tourism, culture and the economy as areas requiring greater focus and expansion, and said the Davis administration could perform better. She added that the Progressive Liberal Party should only be granted a second term if it delivers on its promises.

Other students expressed deeper scepticism, saying they do not plan to vote because they see little distinction between political parties.

Tina, who recently turned 21, said she does not see the point in voting, arguing that outcomes remain the same regardless of who is in power.

“It don’t matter what party in power; it’s always the same results,” she said. “I think the only thing that they usually change is just VAT, oh, we’re gonna take VAT off of this and increase VAT on this.”

The architecture student said the government’s recent VAT cut announcement would not influence her vote, adding that she believes such measures often come with hidden consequences.

She said the country has significant untapped potential but criticised the concentration of essential services on a handful of islands. She highlighted the lack of hospitals on many islands and described conditions at Princess Margaret Hospital as poor and in urgent need of improvement.

“I think the citizens themselves need at least some type of union, because no party is doing great,” she said. “I think citizens for every country need to unite and just do something.” Angel, another nursing student, said she is also

apprehensive about voting, describing political parties as self-serving and disconnected from the needs of ordinary people.

“The people who get in power, they only look after their families,” she said. “I feel like they should do more for the community and the people who are in need.”

She was critical of the Progressive Liberal Party, saying that while it may appear effective on paper and during campaigns, it fails to deliver for the public. She said improvements are needed across government, particularly in healthcare.

“But if it comes down to me voting, I’ll vote for the FNM because I grow up around people who vote for the FNM,” she said.

An 18-year-old nursing student, who asked not to be named, was blunt about her decision not to vote.

“It don’t make no sense,” she said. “Like, everybody just going back and forth with the PLP and FNM, and none of the parties are making sense to me, to be honest.”

Not all students, however, were dismissive of the electoral process.

Malik, an 18-yearold accounts major, said he plans to vote largely because of family pressure, though he admitted he does not fully understand the appeal.

He said he is undecided about which party to support, noting that the platforms often seem similar and confusing. Still, he said he is moderately satisfied with the Davis administration’s performance but believes more needs to be done, particularly with job creation outside tourism and another increase to the minimum wage.

“I would rate them around a seven,” he said.

“Overall, the government’s service is a little bit good. I’ve noticed some great changes in government buildings and stuff.”

Mom pleads - ‘I want to put my son at rest’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE family of a motorcyclist who died weeks after a Christmas Eve crash say they are trapped in limbo, unable to bury their son while waiting for answers they say police have yet to provide.

Charlene Forbes said her son, Llewellyn Forbes, was injured in a traffic collision on December 24 and died in the hospital on January 8, yet the family has not received the official traffic report, autopsy findings, or medical records needed to move forward.

She said repeated requests to the police have yielded no documentation and little clarity, leaving the family without closure and unable to lay him to rest.

“Yesterday made a month, and I have yet to hear what’s going on,” Ms Forbes said. “I want to put my son at rest. I need closure.

“I’m still waiting on the autopsy. I’m still waiting on the police report.

I haven’t gotten anything official yet,” she said.

“Please, I need someone to reach out to me and let

me know what’s going on.

That was my baby.”

According to relatives, the crash occurred at the intersection of Pioneer’s Way and East Atlantic Drive. A vehicle reportedly driven by a woman was travelling along East Atlantic Drive when it was in collision with two motorcyclists, including Llewellyn Forbes. He died two weeks later in the hospital. The family said no one has been charged. Superintendent Christopher Farquharson, officer

in charge of the Traffic Division, said the matter remains under active police investigation and that, upon completion, all relevant information will be shared with the family.

He said the family visited the Traffic Police Station on two occasions, during which condolences were extended on behalf of the Assistant Commissioner and the Commissioner of Police. He added that the family was updated on the matter and provided with an

Family: Slain homeless man was ‘not confrontational’

DEATH from page one

acknowledging that his uncle lived on the streets, moved around frequently, and struggled with drug use, he said Morley was not aggressive and generally kept to himself.

Mr Seymour said relatives were told Morley may have done something to provoke the confrontation, but they have not been given clarity on what that might have been.

“We don’t know what he did, and he just beat him to death,” he added, questioning whether his uncle may have been targeted because he was homeless.

He described Morley as intelligent and articulate, noting that he graduated from St Augustine’s College and later attended college abroad. Despite living on the streets, Morley remained in regular contact with his family and often spoke fondly about his past. Relatives said he was fiercely independent and preferred not to rely on family support, believing in handling matters on his own terms.

initial report on the accident investigation.

“Upon completion of the investigation, the file will be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for review,” he said.

Ms Forbes said the loss has been especially painful, noting that she has already lost her husband and another son.

“That’s three men in my life that are gone,” she said. “He took care of me. I don’t have a husband. He was my all in this world.”

Llewellyn’s sister, Shacoda Forbes, described her brother as quiet, hardworking, and skilled, saying he worked as a welder and could turn his hand to almost anything.

“He was a jack of all trades,” Ms Forbes said. “He wasn’t loud. Sometimes you wouldn’t even know he was in the room. But he was very impactful. If you asked him for help, he would show up.”

She said he was an avid motorcyclist and a member

of the GB Bikers’ Association. She echoed her mother’s frustration, saying police have offered assurances but no concrete information.

Ms Forbes said the family wants to establish where any fault lies. “The police are only giving us dates and promises. We’ve been told we should hear something by the end of the week, but it has been two weeks now,”

She said the uncertainty has left the family unable to finalise funeral arrangements.

“We’re trying to figure out whether we can meet our expected funeral date or if it will be further prolonged,” Ms Forbes said.

Family members, she added, have visited the police station at least three times seeking updates. They were also told they would be allowed to view traffic footage connected to the crash, but that has not happened.

“We were told when we identified my brother that

we would see the footage that same week,” she said. “That was two weeks ago. We still haven’t seen anything.”

Ms Forbes said the family has spoken with Chief Superintendent Henfield and that no charges have been laid.

Chante Wright of the Grand Bahama Bikers’ Association said about 20 riders were travelling together on Christmas Eve when a vehicle struck the last two motorcycles in the group.

“It is a great loss,” Ms Wright said. “Llewellyn had been riding for about two years and was one of our executive members. He was very impactful and a big contributor to our organisation.”

She warned that road safety is becoming an increasingly urgent concern.

The GB Bikers’ Association said it stands with the Forbes family as they continue to seek answers, accountability, and justice.

“He was normal,” Mr Seymour said. “He just was on drugs and just wanted to live how he wanted to live, so it wasn’t like we had to go on like ‘hey, we gotta go get him from walking the road acting crazy.’ He just was on drugs.”

Police are treating the matter as a death investigation as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the altercation.

“He always had a lot of antics about him being excited,” Mr Seymour said. “He had a lot of talks in his mouth, and he just loved to be around his family.” He stressed that while his uncle struggled with drugs, he was not mentally unstable and was streetsmart. Morley often picked up odd jobs and, according to his nephew, routinely represented himself when he encountered legal trouble.

The Tribune Limited

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Systems in a mess and families seeking justice in limbo

Delays to justice and the tangle of red tape that slows down our systems are not just an inconvenience, they affect grieving families.

In this column, we have talked often over the years about the hold-ups in the justice system, whether it is criminal cases lasting for years, or coroner hearings that leave people waiting for explanations over the fate of their loved ones. At the most basic level, the case of the death of Llewellyn Forbes is being held up even before reaching any of those stages. Right now, his family simply want to be able to lay him to rest.

Llewellyn died on January 8, following a traffic collision on Christmas Eve. As yet, the family has not received the traffic report on the incident, the autopsy findings, or the medical records they need.

Time and again, Charlene Forbes says she has asked police for documentation and explanation – but received neither.

“Please,” she said, “I need someone to reach out to me and let me know what’s going on. That was my baby.”

Llewellyn was one of two motorcyclists in a collision with a vehicle on East Atlantic Drive in Grand Bahama. No one has been charged, says the family.

Explanations were not provided by the police yesterday when approached by The Tribune. The family is still left to wait.

Imagine the horror of having lost a loved one and you cannot even get straightforward paperwork in order to carry out a funeral – or the explanation of why that is not possible.

It does little to clear up the impression that simple procedures are in somewhat of a mess.

In this column yesterday, we talked for example about how the halt on

overtime payments for Public Hospitals

Authority staff, with the health service short-staffed, suffering an exodus of workers and having blown through its overtime budget in the first months of the budget period.

Yesterday, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville expressed concern over why the government was not notified earlier about the shortage of overtime funds.

Why is the minister’s hand not at the tiller as the authority navigates such choppy fiscal waters? Why does the minister not know exactly what is going on financially at any stage in the areas under his authority?

“There are some concerns of why it was brought to our attention in such a late time,” he said, “but that’s something for the future.”

No, Dr Darville. It is something for right now – or else you will be doomed to go through the same mistakes all over again.

Again, it gives the impression of confusion running rampant in the system. Whether it is the paperwork to carry out a simple funeral or the paperwork behind the operation of our healthcare, neither seems to be running smoothly.

The ones who suffer in the end are the ones at the sharp end. The Forbes family.

The healthcare workers left waiting for pay for work they have already done.

Do we really think those are the only areas in which confusion and delays are affecting people?

At the very least, though, families who are grieving ought to be able to expect answers. They ought to know when they can say farewell. They should not be caught in limbo, not knowing when they can ever move forward.

Anything else is simply unjust.

Fox won’t win St James with scoial media posts

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN an earlier opinion piece, I had expressed optimism that former NBA player Rick Fox would align himself with the Free National Movement after announcing that he would run for the House of Assembly in 2026. His latest announcement that he’ll be contesting the new St James constituency will place him in a quandary with the FNM if he desires to join the official Opposition. That’s because FNM Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright is also eyeing St James. Would FNM Leader Michael Pintard view Fox’s celebrity status as being so invaluable to his political organisation that he would be willing to leapfrog him over the second most powerful figure in his party? Would Cartwright be willing to stay put in St Barnabas to accommodate Fox? Or would Fox, as ambassador at large who has been very critical of the Progressive Liberal Party, be open to joining that party, even though his relationship with PLP Chair Fred Mitchell might be strained? Fox’s criticism

of the recently passed Smuggling of Migrants Act must have also offended high ranking PLP executives. What’s more, the PLP already has an eye on a potential candidate for St James. In the event Fox runs as an Independent, I do not believe he will win. The Bahamas is an established two-party state where independent candidates are mostly unsuccessful. In fact, the only Independent candidates I can recall off hand being successful in election bids in recent years are Larry Cartwright (Long Island) and Whitney Bastian (South Andros) in 2002; and former Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie in 1987. Cartwright was helped by the PLP and both Ingraham and Christie were helped by the FNM.

As an Independent, I cannot imagine any of the two major political parties helping out Fox by not fielding a candidate in St James. Fox will need to run under the umbrella of either the PLP or FNM if he wants to become an MP. Fox’s calls for accountability, transparency, energy reform

The myth of the ‘clever ant’

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WRITE at a moment of profound national vulnerability, as our government rushed to sign a major hospital infrastructure project with a Chinese state-owned enterprise.

This move, nakedly timed for electoral appeal, is not merely domestic politicking. It is the latest and most dangerous symptom of a foreign policy disease that threatens our very sovereignty. Therefore, I submit an urgent postulation, grounded in the cold reality of power politics.

The Bahamas is engaged in a reckless and self-deceptive diplomatic tightrope walk, publicly embracing America’s chief rival while being existentially dependent on the United States - a patron that is now led by an administration explicitly committed to confronting China and hardening its immigration and regional stance.

The evidence of this dangerous dissonance is now inescapable. Domestically, we witness the reckless rush of a multi-million-dollar, generations-long healthcare commitment to a Chinese firm during an election season. This is not sober planning; it is a political gambit using our nation’s health as a chip, negotiated without apparent regard for the geopolitical hurricane it invokes. It makes us a glaring target.

This domestic decision collides with an immovable external reality. The United States under the current administration is pursuing the most aggressive, transactional, and nationalist foreign policy in decades. Its sole bipartisan obsession is countering China.

Further, its immigration policy is designed to externalise its problems, with Caribbean nations being forced to accept deportees.

The coincidental timing of our own rushed immigration bill with the arrival of the first US Ambassador in years is not subtle; it is a sign of quiet, coercive pressure. We are the third border, and the sheriff is demanding that the fence be raised.

Yet, simultaneously, our foreign policy seems designed to provoke that same sheriff. While our

and its indirect contribution towards strengthening the domestic economy; a sound immigration policy among other (what I call) First World proposals are all noble goals. In fact, Fox does not sound like the typical, run-of-the-mill Bahamian politician. His Facebook posts and press releases are very informed, detailed and non-partisan. Having said that, I believe Fox must resist the thought of believing that he can win St James by strictly posting on Facebook or issuing press releases. Fox will have to get out of his comfortable surroundings and work the grounds in St James if he wants to make any headway. He will have to go door to door campaigning and he will have to hold at least several rallies. He will have to meet the voters of his constituency in order to forge alliances and build relationships. That’s how it is done in The Bahamas. Fox will not be able to rely strictly on his celebrity status to pull him through.

KEVIN EVANS

Freeport, Grand Bahama January 18, 2026.

economy - our tourists, our imports, our financial links - is utterly chained to the US, our diplomacy performs a very public “sweet hearting” with Beijing.

From Baha Mar to stadiums to this hospital, we are planting the flags of America’s primary adversary in its own backyard. We are the tenant, whose entire lease depends on one landlord, brazenly decorating the apartment with gifts from the landlord’s sworn enemy. This is not clever hedging; it is strategic suicide. China does not see a partner but as a useful lever against the United States. When the leverage is spent, what remains for us?

The narrative we will undoubtedly hear from the government’s Foreign Affairs Minister will be one of sovereign choice and diversification. He will speak of “friendship to all” and the needs of our people for modern healthcare. He will imply that only a naïve populace fails to understand complex global politics.

This is the myth of the clever ant. The truth is, we are not demonstrating strength like Barbados’s Mia Mottley, who speaks boldly from a platform of domestic reform and clear regional principles. We are demonstrating profound fragility.

We are an ant, convinced it is directing the elephants, dancing while ignoring the tremors. This hospital deal is the culmination of a policy that mistakes signing ceremonies for statecraft and confuses political headlines with long-term national security. We are “sweet hearting” in public while our survival hinges on the very power we are trying to embarrass.

The questions this forces upon every citizen is this. What is the credible, cost-benefit analysis that justifies gambling our primary economic relationship and our national security for a politically-timed hospital deal?

And what is Plan B when the United States - under this or any future administration - decides to call

in our debts and enforce total primacy over its third border?

We must demand answers beyond political slogans. We need a grand strategy based on realism, and we need it now.

Where is the explicit, legally-binding “firewall” in this hospital agreement that prevents it from becoming a geopolitical Trojan horse, potentially triggering devastating US secondary sanctions on our financial sector?

What specific, guaranteed concessions did we secure from the US in exchange for our inevitable compliance on immigration and security? Or did we get nothing but promises?

What is the actual plan to house, feed, and provide for thousands of potentially repatriated Haitians - a direct consequence of US policy of removing their protected status - especially as we borrow millions for a single hospital?

The truth we must accept is that our sovereignty is being auctioned for votes. This hospital deal is the physical manifestation of a foreign policy that is delusional, not diplomatic. The United States will always view us through the lenses of border security and regional control. China views us as a transactional pawn. By gleefully playing this role, we are not asserting independence; we are inviting our own domination.

The elephant may not notice the ant’s dance for a time. But when it does - when it decides to reset relations with a recalcitrant “partner” through tightened banking channels, revised travel advisories, or a freeze on critical cooperation - the consequence will not be a diplomatic spat. It will be an economic and social cataclysm. We are risking the well-being of generations for the appearance of progress in an election season. This is not leadership. This is a historic and potentially tragic betrayal. A citizen fearful for our future in a geopolitical storm

B AZZAN JOHNSON Freeport, Grand Bahama January 25, 2026.

Take Smith at his word and fire him

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE one advantage West End voters have before going back to the polls is that their last voting exercise was a mere two years and a couple months ago. The many extravagant campaign pledges of MP Kingsley Smith are still vividly fresh in the minds of West End people. I am a grandson of a West Ender who hails from the Barr clan. We are also related to the Wilchcombe family. West End is a close-knit community that has been taken for granted by the PLP. As one whose historical roots are also buried in West End, I implore the voters to take Smith at his word and not reelect him to Parliament.

I am not stating this with malicious intent. Smith made a deal with West Enders. It was a three-year deal in which he solemnly pledged to accomplish at least ten items for the people in that community.

One was job creation. This promise is hard to quantify. Which jobs in West End did Smith create in his over two years as MP? I will give him a pass with this one.

Two, Smith promised a Royal Bahamas Defence Force base in West End. That never materialised.

Third, he promised a new police station. This too remains unfulfilled with elections months away. Fourth, He promised a new School. The Holmes Rock Primary School does not count. The construction of this school spanned three governments, going back to the PLP under Christie. His fifth pledge was a new resort in Bootle Bay. This too is unfulfilled. His sixth promise was new docks in West End for the fishermen. I do not believe that this one has been fulfilled.

His seventh pledge was a new fish house in West End.

The only fish house I know of in West End is the one owned by the family of the late Artis Neily. Smith also pledged a new fish village project. Unfulfilled. He pledged an affordable housing project in West Grand Bahama. I know of no such undertaking over the past two years. He also pledged to invest millions in home and roof repairs, which sounds like a thing socialists would do. Why

spend public funds to repair privately owned homes? West End people need jobs -- a hand up -- not a handout doled out every five years by politicians who will change their phone number immediately following the election. And finally, Smith pledged to install free Wi-Fi in all parks in West End and Bimini. I have not heard if this pledge has been fulfilled. And even if he has kept his word, who will pay for this endeavor? Smith told West End voters before the election in 2023 that he will not make wild promises. Yet if the listed promises aren’t wild, then the word itself has lost its meaning. Smith is right though when he said West End people deserve better. In fairness to Smith, he still has about eight months remaining to fulfill his promises to West End. And if he fails to fulfill his pledges, then the people of West End must take him at his word and not put him back in Parliament.

THE WHISTLEBLOWER Freeport, Grand Bahama January 26, 2026.

‘General Orders don’t require ZNS chief to tender resignation’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

PUBLIC Services Min-

ister Pia Glover-Rolle has pushed back against opposition demands for the resignation of ZNS General Manager Clint Watson, insisting that General Orders do not require public officers to step aside while engaging in political activity unless and until they are formally ratified as candidates.

Her comments come amid a row over Mr Watson’s role as a Progressive Liberal Party aspirant for Southern Shores while continuing to lead the stateowned broadcaster — an arrangement the opposition says undermines public trust in ZNS. The controversy has been further sharpened by the recent resignation of a ZNS journalist aligned with the Free National

Movement. Jay Phillipe, a sports reporter at ZNS’ Grand Bahama station, stepped down last week to pursue the FNM nomination for Bain and Grants Town, saying he did so to avoid any perception of conflict while seeking political office.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Ms Glover-Rolle pointed to General Order 949, which governs political participation by public officers, and said the rules are clear.

“General orders, I think it's number 949, speaks to political participation. No one has to resign if they're participating in the process until they are ratified, which means until you're confirmed, you should not resign,” she said.

“There's no need for you to resign your post, and that's because you are in a competition. And unless you win the competition, you're chosen, and you're

going to move forward in the political race, then it is not required of you to resign.”

However, FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands has argued that Mr Watson’s continued leadership of the stateowned broadcaster while pursuing political ambitions raises concerns about impartiality and public confidence in the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.

He has argued that the appearance of impartiality is critical for a national broadcaster and that public confidence is eroded when its chief executive is engaged in partisan political activity.

Mr Watson has previously said he would resign if formally nominated as a Progressive Liberal Party candidate, a position Dr Sands has rejected as insufficient to address concerns over neutrality and public trust.

‘No minimum wage rise before election’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

MINIMUM wage is unlikely to rise again before the next general election, Labour Minister

Pia Glover-Rolle said, as the government instead focuses on training and upskilling initiatives aimed at moving workers beyond entry-level pay.

Ms Glover-Rolle confirmed that the national minimum wage, which rose by 24 percent in 2023 from $210 to $260 per week, is not expected to increase again in the near term, noting that discussions on a broader shift toward a livable wage remain ongoing.

“I don't think that is likely,” she said. “We just had a 24 percent increase in our minimum wage, and we're awaiting NTC guidance on how to move

Paternity

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

LONG-awaited reforms to The Bahamas’ maternity and paternity leave laws remain on track for implementation by mid2026, Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said, describing the overhaul as historic and overdue.

“I’m very pleased to say that this is an historic amendment to our labour

to a livable wage, but that also lies in the hands of the Prime Minister and the cabinet to make that determination.”

She stressed that the government’s policy direction is centred on helping Bahamians advance beyond minimum wage jobs through education, training, and skills development.

“Minimum wage is an entry-level starting salary,” she said. “What we have done is provide solutions to ensure Bahamians are able to earn higher wages through upskilling and training initiatives.”

Among the programmes highlighted was the Creative and Performing Arts School (CAPAS), which offers free training up to a bachelor’s degree in the performing arts, as well as the National Youth Guard, a stipendiary initiative that provides training in trades

legislation,” Ms Glover-Rolle said. “Labour legislation in The Bahamas hasn’t been amended for our generation, practically.”

Asked whether the legislation would be passed before the next general election, she said: “I don’t know when the election is, that would be the prime minister that would have to say when the election is, but the drafting is going on. We’ll go to final consultation. It goes to Cabinet,

such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, office administration, and first response for young people aged 18 to 25.

Ms Glover-Rolle also pointed to the National Apprenticeship Program, which allows participants to earn while they learn. The programme’s first pilot cohort focused on maritime and construction fields, with future cohorts set to include construction, customer service, and hospitality. Other initiatives include Upskill Bahamas, DigiLearn, expanded Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute campuses across the Family Islands, and new offerings through the National Training Agency.

“We're encouraging Bahamians: yes, you begin at entry level, yes, you begin at minimum wage, but what are you doing to

and it goes to Parliament. It’s urgent, so as soon as possible is when we intend to get it through that process.”

Ms Glover-Rolle explained that her ministry is currently drafting amendments to the Employment Act, the Industrial Relations Act, and General Orders. Once drafting is completed, the proposals will return to stakeholders for final consultation before being submitted to Cabinet and

improve your skill set so that you can attract higher wages and greater income,” she said.

While labour unions initially welcomed the 2023 increase, some have continued to press for further adjustments in light of rising living costs. Business groups, meanwhile, have urged caution, warning that further increases could strain small and medium-sized enterprises. Ms Glover-Rolle reiterated that, while further minimum wage hikes may not be imminent, the ministry remains focused on equipping Bahamians with the tools needed to earn higher incomes and sustain long-term economic mobility. Her comments were made on the sidelines of the Ministry of Labour and Public Service’s annual planning symposium, themed “Reimagination Secured: System Strength in Securing Results”, which tracks progress on the ministry’s 10-point transformation plan.

subsequently laid before Parliament.

Public consultations held several months ago focused on expanding maternity leave and introducing paternity leave for the first time under Bahamian law. Under the proposed framework, maternity leave would increase beyond the current 12 weeks to at least 14 weeks, while paid paternity leave would be formally introduced.

Draft recommendations

circulated by the ministry propose two weeks of paid paternity leave, accessible once every three years, along with expanded maternity benefits designed to align The Bahamas more closely with regional standards. The minister’s comments build on statements she made in November 2025, when she said the country was preparing to overhaul its maternity and paternity leave regime by mid-2026 and warned that

The Bahamas was “on the lower end of the threshold” both globally and regionally. Ms Glover-Rolle has also said the government is moving to ratify key International Labour Organisation conventions on maternity protection and occupational safety and health, arguing that stronger parental leave protections are essential to strengthening the country’s social and economic fabric.

• Oversee daily accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions.

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Please send resume, police record and 2 references to:

Officer: Attempted murder accused gave ‘no comment’

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A POLICE officer testified yesterday that a man accused of shooting at two officers in Elizabeth Estates in 2022 gave no comment during his police interview. Antonio Cartwright, 34, is standing trial before Justice Franklyn Williams on charges of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Prosecutors allege that Cartwright shot at and attempted to kill Sergeant 3614 Danielle Wilson and Police Constable 4318 Whitley Brown while they were

on patrol on May 5, 2022.

Detective Inspector Melbert Munroe said that at about 4pm he received information that fellow officers had been assaulted with a weapon in the area of St Lucia Crescent. He went to the scene, where he met several officers.

Inspector Munroe said Sergeant Wilson walked him through what had occurred. He added that he had inquired about nearby homes with security cameras, but without success. Later that day, Inspector Munroe interviewed the defendant in the presence of his attorney, Wendawn Miller-Frazier. After informing Cartwright of the charges

against him, the officer said the defendant gave no comment when asked whether he shot at police officers or threw an AR-15 rifle into nearby bushes.

Inspector Munroe said the defendant also gave no comment when asked about resisting arrest at his residence.

He identified Cartwright in court. Under cross-examination by defence attorney Stanley Rolle, Inspector Munroe confirmed that the weapon involved was fired. He also said his investigation was not biased.

Janet Munnings and Jacklyn Burrows are prosecuting the case.

Accountant charged with abetting $240k theft

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN accountant at Asa

Man charged with indecent assault of 17-year-old girl

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of indecently assaulting a teenage girl twice last week on John F Kennedy Drive and at Junkanoo Beach was granted bail yesterday. Prosecutors allege that Vickfred Victor, 32, inappropriately touched the private parts of a 17-yearold female in the Red Cross parking lot on John F Kennedy Drive on January 18. Victor is further accused of inappropriately touching the same girl later that day at Junkanoo Beach. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecent assault before Magistrate Abigail Farrington. Victor’s bail was set at $6,000 with one or two sureties. As part of his bail conditions, he must sign in at the Nassau Street Police Station on the last Sunday of every month. He returns to court for trial on April 24. Glendon Rolle represented the accused.

MITCHELL MEETS WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE HOLY SEE, CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

H Pritchard Ltd accused of aiding in the theft of nearly a quarter of a million dollars from the company over a four-year period was granted bail yesterday. Prosecutors allege that Deanna Wilson, 44, aided and abetted the theft of $241,517 from Asa H Pritchard between August 21, 2020 and December 4, 2024.

Wilson pleaded not guilty to seventeen counts of abetment to commit the offence of stealing before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly Burrows. She was granted bail in the amount of $6,500 with two to three sureties.

As part of her bail conditions, Wilson must sign in at her local police station every Thursday by 6pm and was warned not to interfere with any witnesses or risk having her bail revoked.

Her trial is set to begin on April 14.

Murder suspect fined $1,500 for bail breach

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial for the 2019 murder of Jermaine Williams was fined yesterday after breaching his bail conditions for 35 days.

Ombre Moss, 24, failed to sign in at his local police station between November 3, 2025, and January 21. Moss is accused of fatally shooting Williams on Second Street on December 29, 2019. He pleaded guilty to

violating his bail conditions before Assistant Chief Magistrate Kara Turnquest Deveaux.

Moss was fined $1,500 or faces six months in prison if he fails to pay.

Inspector K Wilkinson prosecuted the matter.

Krystle Sauders represented the accused, while Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom prosecuted the matter. To advertise in The Tribune, contact

502-2394

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, on Friday to discuss climate change, global security, and the ongoing humanitarian crises in the Caribbean. Accompanied by Director General Jerusa Ali and Ambassador Joseph Curry, Minister Mitchell engaged in high-level talks focused on the moral responsibility of the international community toward vulnerable populations. The delegation

specifically highlighted the urgent need for “consistent and sustained support” for the people of Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to multilateralism as the primary tool for fostering peace and protecting human dignity. Both parties reaffirmed that pastoral care and social responsibility are essential when addressing the human impact of geopolitical instability. The Commonwealth of

The Bahamas and the Holy See have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1979. Currently, Ambassador Joseph Curry serves as the non-resident representative to the Vatican, while Archbishop Santiago de Wit Guzmán serves as the Apostolic Nuncio to The Bahamas.

The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to continue using diplomacy to deliver sustainable, peaceful solutions for the common good.

Are we following the Pastor or the Master?

THE CHURCH is quieter now.NotjustonSundaymornings, but in spiritas well. The pews thatonce groanedunder theweight offaithfulbodies now echo with absence, and the silence raisesa question many are afraid to ask aloud: what happened?

We were raised differently. Churchwasnotoptional,not negotiable,and certainlynot convenient. Sundaymeant threeservices, morningworship, Sundayschool, and eveningservice,punctuatedby prayer meetings, Bible study, youth fellowship,choir rehearsal, and whateverelse the church calendar demanded. Attendance was not driven by mood, but byduty. We went because our parents went, and theywentbecausetheirparents had gone before. Church was woven into the rhythm of life. Forour forefathers,the church wasmore thana building. Itwas arefuge. Ina hostileworld,thechurchwasa placeofsafety,dignity,andbelonging. It waswhere burdens were shared,where dignity was restored, wherehope was preachedto peoplewhohad littlereasontohopeelsewhere. Faithwasnotflashy,butitwas steady.It didn t promise riches, but offered refuge. It didn’t sell miracles,but cultivated endurance.

The church was an oasis for the broken spirit.

Over time,however, habit replaced hunger.Many attended out of routinerather than conviction. We feared breaking tradition more than we feared losing truth. We memorised scripture,not always to live it, but to prove we belonged. Quietly, without realising it, we began followingmenasmuchaswefollowed theMaster. Instructions fromthepastor begantocarry the same weight as the gospel itself. Questioningbecame dangerous. Obedience became confused with loyalty. That tension--betweenloyalty to leadership and obedienceto Christ--nowsits atthe heart of the church’s crisis.

The church thatonce spoke boldlyfor Christasmerciful, forgiving, andcompassionate has, intoo manyplaces, becomesomething elseentirely. Manipulation and exploitation have creptin underthe banner of faith. Weakness, once met withtenderness,isnowmonetised. Brokenness once treatedwithcare,isnowmined for revenue.

Nowit’s“lights,camera,action.

Charismatic performances have replaced soul-searching, and high drama substitutes for repentance. Worshipservices resemble productions,complete with choreographed dancers,expensivesoundsystems, LED screens, smoke machines,and perfectlytimed crescendosdesigned tomanufacture emotion. The atmosphere is electrifying,but the spirit isoften untouched. People leave feeling entertained, even inspired,but not transformed.

The original church quiet, grounded, deeplyspiritual-has been swallowed by a Las Vegas–style spectacle. Bright lightshavereplaceddeeplight. Noise hasreplaced stillness. Ambiguous messagingmakes people feel good, but rarely callsthemto grow,repent,or change. Conviction has been replaced with comfort. Charisma has replaced character And with spectacle has come branding. Churches nowspeak fluently inthe languageof marketing. Logos,slogans, social mediastrategies, andfollower counts dominatepriorities. Popularity is mistaken for faithfulness. Likes,”“shares, and “views” are treated as evidenceofimpact.Thegospel istrimmed andsoftenedto maintain audienceretention. Hardtruths areavoided. Sinis renamed asstruggle. Repentance is optional.The message isdesignednot todisturbthe conscience, but to preserve attendance.

Egos are being fed. Pastors areno longer simply shepherds.Many havebecomecelebrities. They arestyled, promoted,defended,andinsulated.Their wordsare scrutinised lessthan their image is protected. Insome churches,the pastor’sauthority isabsolute. Boards exist in name only.Accountability istreated asan attack.Dissent islabelled rebellion.

Touch notthe Lord s anointed” is weaponised, notas acall torespect,but asagag order. This unchecked power createsfertile ground for exploitation, especially of the vulnerable. Intoo many churches, titheshave been stretched into second and third offerings, seed sowing, “sacrificial giving,” and prophetic pledges. The language is spiritual,but the outcome is financial. Single mothers, theunemployed, the elderly, and the desperate are urged togive beyondreason, beyond wisdom,and beyond their means.

posed to dowhen the shepherds fight like wolves?

And thepromise isalways the same: a miracle is coming. Giveyourlastdollarandexpect a breakthrough. Sow a seed and wait fora return. The mechanics resemblea lottery more than faith. Desperation is baptisedas belief.Hopeis leveragedas currency.The giver s uncertainty is cloaked inscripture, whilethecollector’s certainty is hidden behind the pulpit.

Whenthepromisedmiracles donotcome,theblamequietly shifts back to the giver: you didn t believe enough. Faith becomes aperformance metric. Meanwhile, leadership lifestyles continueto ascend. Luxuryvehicles,lavishhomes, designer clothing, and conspicuous comfort stands in stark contrast to the gospel being preached. Humility gives way todisplay. Servanthood gives waytocelebrity. Theshepherd beginstoresemble a CEO. This is notmerely financial exploitation. It isspiritual betrayal.

Thechurch wasmeant tobe ahospitalforthewounded,not a marketplace formiracles. It was meant to be an oasis for the broken spirit, not a well where the thirsty are charged admission todrink. Christ never charged the desperate with hope. Henever promised financial returns in exchange for obedience.He warned against lovingmoney. He overturnedtables whenfaith became commerce.

And yet, here we are. Even more troubling is how conflict is handled.When disagreementsarise, astheyinevitably do,the fracturesare public and ugly.The church, whichshould modelforgivenessandreconciliation,instead erupts in gossip, lawsuits, factionalism, and power struggles. Congregations split. Membersare publiclyshamed. Dirty laundry is airedfor all to see. Thewitness isdamaged beyond repair.

The contradictionis glaring: a communitypreaches love whilepracticing hostility;that teachesforgiveness whileharbouringresentment; thatcalls people to beChristlike while behavingno differentlythan the gangsters on the street. What are thesheep sup-

Weare toldto forgive,to turn theother cheek, tobe examplesfortheweakamongus. But when leaders abandon theseprinciples, confusionreplacesconfidence. Faithbecomes fragile. Trusterodes. Peoplewithdraw, notfrom God, but from the institution that claims to represent Him.

Everyoneneeds anoasis,a placeto runwhenspiritually weakorstarved. Butifthe place werun tois riddledwith holes, how can we rest?

Howcanwe drinkfroma well we suspect is poisoned?

This conversation simmers quietlyamong believerswho are afraid tospeak. The warningis alwaysimplicit: don t asktoo manyquestions. Discernment isrebranded as disloyalty. Accountability is framed as persecution. Silence becomes theprice ofbelonging. But what happenedto truth spoken inlove? What happenedtothecouragetosay, “this is not right”?

Weoften romanticise that old timereligion,” but perhaps religionitself hasbecomethe problem. Rules, rituals, hierarchy, and spectacle have swallowed Christianity whole. Christ’smessage wasnever aboutaccumulation orapplause. It was about humility, service, sacrifice, and love. He washedfeet.He atewithoutcasts. He lifted the broken without exploiting their pain. Today, however,charity is shrinking, whileself-interest thrives. The mission to “feed the sheep” has been overshadowed by thedesire to fleece them.

It is deeplytroubling how manychurch leadersnow chase politicalinfluence, court government favour, pursue land andassets, andentangle the church in power games. Some justify thisas an expansion ofthe ministry,but the outcomes suggestotherwise. The church begins to resemble a corporation chasing assets rather thana bodytending souls.

Scripture, whenstripped of context andconscience, can justify almost anything. But honesty remains theone thing thatcouldcalmallseas.Transparency would heal more wounds than a thousand sermons. Integritywould restore trust fasterthan anyrevival campaign.

The mysteryof dwindling worshipis nomystery atall.

PeoplearenotrejectingChrist; they arerejecting hypocrisy. They are notabandoning faith, they are fleeing exploitation. Theyarewearyofbeingtoldto give while watching others take.Tired ofbeingpreached at while beingtalked about. Tiredofthe silencewhereaccountability should be. By nomeans isthis anindictmentofall pastorsorall churches. Thereare faithful, humble shepherdswho serve

quietly and sincerely. They visit thesick withoutcameras. Theygive withoutapplause. They lead without entitlement. They recoilfrom recognition and shrinkfrom praise.These servants still exist.

But thenoise increasingly drowns them out.

Description

If thechurch isto survive, not as an institution, but as a living witness, it must ask itself an uncomfortablequestion: Are we following the pastor, or arewe following the Master?

Until that question is answeredhonestly, thepews will continue to empty. And the silence will only grow louder.

Thechurch wasmeant tobe a refuge,not ashowroom. A sanctuary,not astage. Aplace where mercyis practiced,forgiveness is lived, andthe broken arerestored, notharvested.

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• Arranging the dropping off and collecting vehicles for servicing

• Maintaining an inventory tracker of company owned vehicles and assignments of such

• Coordination of uniforms and equipment

• Assisting the business with ordering and issuance of staff uniforms

• Tracking issuance of staff uniforms

• Conducting physical Stock Check

• Assist in full Stock Audit to be carried out every month

• Reconciling the inventory report

• Prepare inventory forecast

• S.H.E. Management System

• Co-operate and support the company’s S.H.E. (Safety, Health, and Environment) initiatives

• Adhere to employee’s duties in accordance with the OSH Act

• Adhere to all HSSE policies and procedures

• Assist in any other area as necessary in support of Company activities as required.

Benefits

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Qualification (Degree, Diploma, or Certificate) in Business, Logistics, or a related discipline.

• Over 1–2 years of hands-on experience in warehouse operations and inventory control

• Proficient in (ERP) software, specifically Microsoft Business Central and QuickBooks, alongside advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities.

• Experienced in customs brokerage procedures and logistics, a plus.

• Hold a valid driver’s license.

Competencies Required

• Computer literate in Microsoft Office, Google docs and Google Sheets

• Demonstrates exceptional organizational and planning capabilities

• Proficient in auditing processes and drafting precise, data-driven reports.

• Engage effectively with diverse teams and departments

• Customer-focused mindset with a track record of service excellence.

• Adaptable and autonomous, capable of managing priorities in a fast paced environment.

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with minimum supervision

Apply for this job

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Israel recovers remains of the last hostage in Gaza as ceasefire moves into tricky new phase

JERUSALEM Associated Press

Israel brought home the remains of the last hostage in Gaza on Monday, closing a

painful chapter for the country and clearing the way for the next and more challenging phase of its ceasefire with Hamas.

The next step is likely to

be the reopening of Gaza’s border with Egypt, enabling Palestinians to travel in both directions and eventually allowing more aid to enter the territory devastated

Bayside Executive Park• Building #2, 2nd Floor P.O. Box N 7776 • Nassau, The Bahamas

JOB VACANCY ACCOUNTANT

LOCATION: Nassau, The Bahamas

REPORTS TO: The Assistant Financial Controller

First Trust Bank Limited is seeking a skilled and experienced accounting professional. The successful candidate will be responsible for the ongoing updating and maintenance of the books and records of the bank’s managed entities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes, but is not limited to:

• Pull transaction data from custodians’ online portals.

• Preparation and entry of journal entries into the accounting system.

• Record corporate actions and investigate any differences with custodians.

• Pricing of securities at month-end.

• Perform month end reconciliations with bank and custodian statements and prepare reporting packages.

• Communicate with custodians, managers, and service providers.

• Monitor receipt of monthly and quarterly reporting by external asset managers.

• Recalculate custodian fees.

• Monitor compliance of Managed Entities.

• Assist with the annual audits of the Managed Entities.

• Assist with other accounting/financial projects as assigned from time to time.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field from an internationally recognized, accredited university or college is required.

• Professional accounting certification is preferred.

• 3 or more years professional experience as an Accountant in a finance and/or accounting environment.

• Professional experience at a fund administrator / private bank is preferred.

• Project management skills

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE REQUIRES:

• Passionate commitment to the vision and mission of Sir John Templeton.

• Intellectual curiosity.

• Humble spirit and desire to work for the benefit of others.

• Maturity and discretion.

Competitive salary & benefits packages are commensurate with experience. Bahamians and residents with the right to work only should apply.

Interested candidates can submit their resumes and cover letters via email to hr@ftbbahamas.com or before Friday, February 20th, 2026

by two years of war. The ceasefire’s second phase also calls for deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, pulling back Israeli soldiers and rebuilding Gaza.

The remains of police officer Ran Gvili were found in a cemetery in northern Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “an incredible achievement” for Israel and its soldiers. He said Gvili, who was killed during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war, was among the first to be taken into Gaza.

Dozens of people, including relatives, military officials and friends from Gvili’s police unit, received his coffin at an army post on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza.

Many more Israelis lined nearby roads to pay their respects as a convoy carrying the coffin made its way to Tel Aviv, where it arrived Monday night.

“You should see the honor you’re receiving here,” Gvili’s father, Itzik, said, kissing his son’s coffin, which was draped in an Israeli flag. “The entire police is here with you, the entire army is with you, the entire people. I’m proud of you.”

The return of all remaining hostages, living or dead, had been a key part of the Gaza ceasefire’s first phase. Hamas said it now has met those terms.

Netanyahu’s office said Sunday that once the search for Gvili was finished, Israel would open the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which Palestinians see as

their lifeline to the world. It has been largely shut since May 2024, except for a short period early last year.

The ceasefire’s next phase will confront thornier issues, including transitioning to a new governance structure in Gaza and disarming Hamas, which has ruled the territory for nearly two decades.

“The next phase is disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip. The next phase is not reconstruction,” Netanyahu said Monday while addressing the Israeli parliament.

Palestinians react to recovery of last hostage’s remains Palestinians in Gaza were optimistic that opening the Rafah crossing will allow travel to and from the enclave along with the evacuation of people needing medical care.

“We hope this will close off Israel’s pretexts and open the crossing,” said Abdel-Rahman Radwan, a Gaza City resident whose mother has cancer and requires treatment outside Gaza. Ahmed Ruqab, a father who lives with his family of six in a tent in the Nuseirat refugee camp, called for mediators and the U.S. to pressure Israel to allow more aid.

“We need to turn this page and restart,” he said over the phone.

An official with the United Nation’s children’s agency said Monday that there is backlog of supplies in Egypt ready to move into Gaza whenever the crossing opens to aid traffic.

The next phase needs to include bringing not only more humanitarian and commercial supplies but also permanent shelter materials and items to repair infrastructure, said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF’s deputy executive director.

Gvili’s relatives last week repeated calls for Israel’s government and U.S. President Donald Trump to ensure the release of his remains.

“Most thought of it as an impossible thing to do,” Trump posted on social media.

Gvili’s mother, Talik, thanked the Israeli government and security forces as well as Trump for allowing the family to “achieve closure.”

Israel had repeatedly accused Hamas of dragging its feet in the search while Hamas said it had provided all the information it had, accusing Israel of obstructing the efforts.

How the remains of last hostage were found

Gvili’s remains were found right along the “yellow line” dividing Gaza just on the Israeli side, according to a military official, speaking anonymously under army protocol.

The October 2023 attack on Israel that launched the war killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer known affectionately as “Rani,” was killed while fighting Hamas militants.

On a call with reporters Monday, two U.S. officials credited Egypt, Qatar and

Turkey with helping to get Hamas to release Gvili’s body, and said Hamas was very cooperative in making it happen.

The officials, who insisted on anonymity per the rules of a call setup by the White House, said they now expect Israel to help both sides move forward into phase two of the ceasefire and they want Hamas to disarm in accordance with the agreement and believe they will.

Before Gvili’s remains were recovered, 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others had been returned to Israel since the ceasefire, most recently in early December.

Israel has released roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners under the ceasefire deal, many who were seized by Israeli troops during the twoyear war and held without charge. It also has released the bodies of more than 300 Palestinians back to Gaza, where officials have struggled to identify them.

In a symbolic act, Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday removed a yellow pin worn by many to show solidarity with the hostages and their families.

Hundreds of Palestinians killed in Gaza since the ceasefire Palestinians in Gaza who spoke to The Associated Press in recent weeks questioned whether the ceasefire’s next steps will improve conditions, pointing to ongoing bloodshed and challenges securing basic necessities.

Israeli forces on Monday fatally shot two people in Gaza, according to hospitals that received the bodies. One man was close to the area where the military was searching for Gvili, according to Shifa Hospital.

Israel’s offensive has killed at least 71,660 Palestinians since 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry — with more than 480 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the latest ceasefire began. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.

Israel’s top court considers petition to open Gaza for international journalists

The Foreign Press Association on Monday asked Israel’s Supreme Court to allow journalists to enter Gaza freely and independently. The FPA represents dozens of global news organizations and has been pushing for independent media access to Gaza. Israel has barred reporters from entering Gaza independently since the 2023 attacks by Hamas, saying entry could put journalists and soldiers at risk.

FPA lawyers told the court that the restrictions are not justified and that with aid workers moving in and out of Gaza, journalists should be allowed in. They said tightly controlled visits under strict military supervision are no substitute for independent access. The judges are expected to rule soon.

Int'l Day of Education: the power of youth in co-creating learning

By ALLANDRA RUSSELL

FORmuch ofhistory,edu-

cation followed a familiar pattern.It wasteacher-centred. The teacher determined what was taught, how it was taught, andwhen itwas taught.Students were largelypassive recipients of information, expected to absorb,repeat, and comply.Their rolewasclear: listen, learn, and move on.

Overtime, thatmodel beganto shift.We movedtowardstudent-centredlearning, placinggreater emphasison how children learn, how they process information,and how instruction couldbe adapted to meetdiverse needs.This evolutionmarked progress.It acknowledged that students arenot blankslates andthat learningis notone-size-fitsall.

Yet,even withinstudentcentred learning, much of the decision-making hasremained firmly in the hands of

adults.

International Day of Education, led byUNESCO, was created tohighlight education as a fundamental human right and a shared global responsibility. Eachyear, theobservance encouragescountries to reflect notonly onaccess to education,but onitsrelevance, quality, and long-term impact.

This year’s theme, The Powerof YouthinCo-Creating Education,pushes that reflectionfurther. Itreminds us that education cannot be shaped solely by policymakers, curriculumdevelopers, or educators no matter how well-intentioned. Education cannot exist only in boardrooms or policy documents. It must be built in partnership with those who experience it every day: our students.

Co-creating education means inviting young people into the conversation not symbolically, but meaningfully. It means recognising thatstudents arenotsimply the futureof education.They are itspresent. Theirinsights, questions, frustrations, and ideas matter now.

Whenstudentsareexcluded fromdecisions abouttheir learning,disengagementisnot surprising. Many students

struggle to see relevance in what theyare asked todo because they were never invited into the process.We often question whystudents appear unmotivated ordisconnected, without acknowledging that they may simply feel unheard. This year’s themecalls for a shiftaway frompassivityand toward partnership.

Imaginewhat couldhappen if studentswere consultedon anational levelabouttheir learning experiences.What motivates you? What helps you learn best? What no longerworks? Whatshould classroomslook like?These arenotradicalquestions.They are necessary ones. When students arepart of the process,buy-in increases, ownership deepens, and learning becomes something they participatein ratherthan endure.

This conversationis especiallyimportantin atimeof rapid technologicalchange. People under theage of 30 now constitutemore thanhalf of theglobal population,according to UNESCO. They are growing upin a world defined by instantaccess to information and digital tools. Yet too often, education systems respond by restricting the very toolsthat define their era, rather thanteaching students how touse them re-

sponsibly,ethically, andpurposefully.

For manystudents, theunderlyingquestion issimple: why?

Why learn this?

Why do it this way?

Whyignore thetoolsthat already exist?

If the purpose of education doesnotalign withthereality students live in,relevance is lost. Andwhen relevanceis lost,engagement soonfollows.

As technology andinnovationcontinue toreshapethe world, education cannot remain tethered to the same curriculum structures,teaching strategies, and expected outcomes ofthe past.In the words of philosopher John

Dewey, If we teach today s studentsas wetaughtyesterday s,we robthem oftomorrow.” Thequestion, then, is not whetherchange is needed, buthow willingwe aretoinclude youthaspartners in that change.

Co-creating education means training students from ayoungagetounderstandthat their voices matter.It means shifting away from compliance and toward active participation. It means building education with students, not simply delivering it to them.

OnthisInternationalDayof Education, the call is clear. If wewant aneducationsystem that isrelevant, responsive, and future-ready, we must be willingtolisten and truly

listen tothe young people it’s designed to serve.

Educationworks bestwhen everyone has aseat at the table.It islongpast timethat our students are given theirs.

Allandra Russell isan educator with nearly two decades ofexperience inTheBahamas. She holds degrees in both Generaland Special Educationandis theownerof Turning PagesLiteracy Center as well as the founder of The Teachers'Hub. Deeply passionate about literacy, student success, and teacher empowerment, she believes that with the right tools and support, every child can thrive, and every teacher can lead with confidence.

National apprenticeship programme aims to bridge workplace skills

NCA Student of Year champions inclusion

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

INCLUSION is often discussed by policymakersand professionals,but agrowing numberofyoungpeople areshapingtheconversation. Tre vianRobinson, a Grade6 studentatNassauChristianAcademy,isusinghis platform toadvocate forgreater accessibility in schools and public spaces.

Tre vian is NCA'sPrimary School Student ofthe Yearfor the2025–2026 academicyear, and he recently shared his advocacy journey duringan appearanceonthe100 Jamzpodcast, hosted by Rica C and Cool Breeze. During thepodcast discussion,Tre vian explainedthatinclusionbeginswithsmall,intentional actionsthat can make ameaningful difference in everyday spaces.

He offered practical ideas for improving ac-

cessibility forpersons whoare deaf,hard of hearing, blind, orhave mobility challenges, and highlighted howstudents can actively helpshapemore inclusiveschoolenvironments and communities.

As part of his roleas Student of the Year, Tre vian hascommitted toa fullacademic year offocused advocacyfor disabilityinclusion, particularly within the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Inbringinghismessagetolife,hehasactivelyengagedthewidercommunitythrough publicoutreachandyouth-ledinitiatives,including inclusive digital story time sessions with his peers.

Throughout theyear, he plansto engage the public,schools, andcommunity spaces inconversationsaboutaccessibility,demonstratingthatadvocacyis notlimitedbyage, but strengthened by purpose and action.

THE Government has launchedthe country’s first National Apprenticeship Programme,aimed atexpanding access to paid training and long-term employmentfor youngBahamians andother jobseekers.

Minister of Labour and the Public ServicePia GloverRolle said the programme was created withthe nextgenerationin mind,recognisingthat young peoplewill eventually takeover thecountry’s workforceand mustbeequipped with the skillsneeded to succeed. OurvisionistobuildaBahamaswhere opportunityis accessibleand availableto everyone, the ministersaid while addressingparticipants at theOpportunity Hubevent held at the Nassau Village Community Centre on Friday.

The Opportunity Hub is intended to connect Bahamians directly with information on trainingand employmentopportunities and how to access them. PrimeMinister and Minister of Finance Philip Davis,employers, andprogrammeparticipantswerealso in attendance.

Ms Glover-Rollesaid expanding opportunities has been a cornerstone of the government s nationaldevelopment agenda, supported through investmentsin education, workforce development, and employment pathways.

Shenoted thattheMinistry ofLabourand thePublicServicehasregularisedmorethan 700 participantsfrom the Public ServicePersons Em-

ployment Programmeinto government roles and connected thousandsof Bahamians to private sector employers through job fairs.

Despite thoseefforts, she saidskill developmentremains a keychallenge, which the National Apprenticeship Programme isdesigned toaddress.

According to the minister, financialconstraintsoftenprevent peoplefrom completing training programmes,even whentuitionis free.Shesaid the programme’s inclusion of paid training and employment at standardentry-level salary rates helps removeincome as a barrierto participation.

Through theprogramme, apprentices receive hands-on workplace experience alongside accredited instruction and mentoring, enablingthem to gainskills, build confidence, and transition intolong-term employment. Pilot cohortshave already been launched in the construction and maritime industries. Recruitmentis currently underway for a Hospitality and Customer Service cohort, withplans toexpand into additional fields includingenergy, healthand allied services, and information and communication technology.

Ms Glover-Rollesaid

the programme is designed to ensurebroadaccess,including participationby menand women, Family Islanders, young people,persons with disabilities, and individuals seekingto re-entertheworkforce after past convictions. She addedthat whilethe Departmentof Labourhas hundreds of unfilled job openings on record, the issue is not a lackof jobsbutamismatch between availableopportunities andworker skills.The apprenticeship programme, shesaid, isintended tohelp closethat gapbycreating direct pipelines between training and employment.

Sorority packs 3,500 kits to help girls navigate ‘first cycles’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FOR many young girls, getting their first menstrual cycle can be a frightening experience, particularly for those who may not fully understand what is happening to their bodies. It is a moment members of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, hope to make easier as they distribute more than 3,000 feminine hygiene kits to nine primary schools nationwide.

The “Pretty Period Packs” include sanitary napkins, wipes, hand sanitiser and other toiletry items. Over the weekend, dozens of sorority members gathered at T.G Glover’s Professional Development and Research Centre, where the initiative began, to assemble the kits. In total, 3,540 kits were packed—nearly tripling the original goal of 1,908.

Ramona Wells, president of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter in Nassau, said her years as a teacher and her current role in policy development at the Ministry of

Education exposed a recurring issue faced by schools. She explained that guidance counsellors often shared stories of young girls experiencing incidents after starting their menstrual cycle at school, sometimes without proper sanitary supplies readily available.

In some cases, staff members were forced to purchase products themselves, while custodians attempted to remove blood stains from students’ uniforms to prevent embarrassment during the school day.

Mrs Wells told The Tribune the hygiene kit initiative was created when she became the sorority’s programme chairwoman. She said she wanted to introduce an initiative that would empower young girls by providing comfort and dignity as they navigate bodily changes.

The initiative began last September with a pilot distribution at T.G. Glover Primary School. Following its success, several other schools expressed interest in participating in the next rollout.

Mrs Wells recalled a

guidance counsellor sharing how one kit assisted a Grade Five student who experienced her first menstrual cycle while at school. She said the student was able to receive support in a discreet and respectful manner.

“The parent was grateful to know that there was support of the school, that there was a package there,” Mrs Wells said, noting the kit resembles a pencil case, allowing the student to receive assistance without drawing attention.

“That level of dignity and not being embarrassed about a journey that’s going to happen for all our young women was something we wanted to make sure our girls experience.”

The rollout of the kits was expected to start yesterday. Primary schools in New Providence set to receive the kits include TA Thompson Primary School, SC McPherson Primary School, Garvin Tynes Primary School, Sybil Strachan Primary School and Palmdale Primary School. Kits will also be distributed to schools in Andros, Grand Bahama and Abaco.

Mrs Wells said many sorority members contributed personal funds to purchase the supplies, noting that many are mothers, sisters and aunts who understand the importance of support and sisterhood. She said members want young girls to know they are not

She added that the chapter also hosts health and wellness sessions aimed at educating women on proper self-care.

Mrs Wells said the sorority continues to prioritise empowering women through education, service and sisterhood. She noted plans are also under way to honour outstanding 12th-grade female students who have demonstrated academic excellence in public and private schools. Those students will also be eligible for scholarships to attend universities abroad.

Bahamas Customs Department celebrates International Customs Day