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The Tribune PUZZLER

RICK FOX JOINS FNM

AS TWELVE RATIFIED

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER NBA star Rick Fox threw another political curveball last night when he was ratified as the Free National Movement’s candidate for Garden Hills despite months of publicly criticising both major parties and teasing a possible run as an independent. And despite previously

rebuffing calls from PLP chairman Fred Mitchell to step aside as a diplomat, Mr Fox also revealed that his three-year contract as an ambassador-at-large was not renewed when it expired in 2024. Mr Fox was among 12 candidates ratified at the party’s headquarters on Mackey Street, bringing the FNM’s slate to 39 as the party accelerates preparations for the next general election. Notably, the process saw the FNM deny a nomination to Long Island MP Adrian Gibson, who is before the courts on an ongoing crim inal matter, and instead chose former Fort Char lotte MP Dr Andre Rollins as his replacement.

Speaking after his ratifi cation, Mr Fox said he felt overwhelmed but grateful

Pharmacy practices exposed by Tribune ‘unlawful’ and ‘unsafe’ says government

By TRIBUNE STAFF

THE government has committed to long-prom-

ised legislative reform to clamp down on the illegal sale of prescription medicines after a Tribune investigation exposed how easily powerful drugs are being sold over the counter without prescriptions.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Wellness

condemned the practice as ‘unlawful’ and ‘unsafe’ which posed a ‘serious risk to public health.’

“The Ministry wishes to be clear; prescription medicines are regulated for specific purposes and are guided and guarded by regulated protocols,” the statement said.

“When medicines such as antibiotics, strong pain relievers, and other

controlled products are dispensed without appropriate medical oversight, patients are placed at risk of adverse drug reactions, incorrect dosing, treatment failure, antimicrobial resistance, and exposure to potentially substandard or counterfeit products.”

The statement added that legislative changes

BIA: ‘LUCAYAN SALE IN FINAL STAGE AS WORK START IMMINENT’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Lucayan’s prospective purchaser was yesterday said to be “finalising” its development plans and brand/operating partners with the processes for obtaining the necessary permits to launch its $827m development set to begin imminently.

Phylicia Woods Hanna, the Government’s investments director and head of the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA), told Tribune Business that the Davis administration plans to form “a special team dedicated” to managing and expediting the approvals process for Concord Wilshire so that long-awaited

CPSA president warns PMH is in its worst state in 22 years

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

CONSULTANT Physicians Staff Association

president Dr Charelle Lockhart says Princess Margaret Hospital is in the worst condition she has seen in her 22 years working in public practice, a reality she says means people must take

responsibility for their own health as the public healthcare system struggles with chronic shortages of staff, equipment and supplies.

Dr Lockhart, who has been vocal for several years about deteriorating conditions at the hospital and has repeatedly called for systemic reform, made the

CPSA president Dr Charelle Lockhart.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Lucayan staff have gone five weeks without pay for a second time, it has been confirmed, with the resort now owing a total $17m to its Bahamian and international suppliers and other creditors.

Well-placed Tribune Business sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that workers - including in-house security staff responsible for protecting the Bahamian people’s nine-figure investment in the property - have not received any salary payments and other due compensation since December 22, 2025, when the Government covered five weeks’ wages that were previously outstanding.

Rollins replaces Gibson as FNM reshuffles ticket

for the trust placed in him to represent Garden Hills. He said he chose to enter politics now because of the struggles Bahamians face — struggles he claimed he has experienced firsthand.

“The urgency increased,” he said. “I don’t have time to wait until I’m 65 to maybe entertain the idea of getting into frontline and being part of the policy changes.”

The former NBA star has been openly critical of the country’s political parties, frequently using social media to call for reform, transparency and national development, while condemning what he describes as blind party loyalty.

Asked about this, he said his criticism has always been directed at the political system, not individuals.

“This is the first time I’ll be doing this job so I don’t know what that’s like to do so I have a lot of respect for the people that have put themselves forward in service,” he said. “It’s not

about criticising them.

It’s about looking at the results we got in the system and realizing that across the board, it’s not an easy system to operate in and to run.”

“So, why now? I met the leader and I got to know him.”

Mr Fox acknowledged that he previously declared his interest in St James given his ties to that community, but said discussions with the Mr Pintard focused on broader strategy.

“It’s not about me and where I want to serve,” he added, noting that the focus was on where the team could be most effective.

Mr Fox was also pressed about his role as a government-appointed diplomat and whether he intended to resign.

“I move like an ambassador always so if he’s looking at me and he sees and ambassador representing the people of The Bahamas, I’ve been doing that for 30 years so maybe he is confused,” he said, referring to Mr Mitchell. “Maybe you should ask him why he didn’t know that I had resigned or hadn’t

extended my contract because it was confusing to me as well.”

The Tribune understands the decision to ratify Mr Fox caught some FNM supporters off guard, as longtime aspirant D’Angelo Ferguson had been widely viewed as the frontrunner after months of campaigning in the constituency.

Mr Ferguson declined to comment when approached but was later seen taking photos with Mr Fox.

Several Garden Hills residents who spoke to The Tribune last night appeared supportive of the move.

“I didn’t hear it until tonight,” said longtime resident, Jeffrey Clarke, “But whoever they send there, we’ll try to help them out as best we could.”

Also ratified were FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright for St James and Carlton Bowleg for Bimini and the Berry Islands, along with Jay Philippe for Bains and Grants Town, Jamal Moss for St Barnabas, Janice Oliver for North Andros, Mike Holmes for Cat Island, Rum Cay and

San Salvador, Dr Charlene Reid for Pineridge, Darvin Russell for Centreville, Julian Gibson for Mangrove Cay and South Andros, and Gadville McDonald for Nassau Village.

Dr Rollins told

reporters last night that he had not yet spoken with Adrian Gibson, the current MP, but hoped to do so and secure his support.

“I have no animosity toward Mr Gibson,” he said, adding that Mr

Gibson was entitled to run if he so desired and crediting him for his advocacy on behalf of the island.

He described the FNM as his political home, saying there would be no other stops after this and that he never truly wanted to leave. However, he added that faith led him to take time away. Mr Cartwright, meanwhile, defended his legacy in St Barnabas, saying he was proud of the work he’s done in the area despite criticism from some quarters.

He added that his move to St James was a party decision, noting the leadership felt he was best suited for the constituency given his local ties.

Pineridge emerging as key election battleground

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PINERIDGE is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched battlegrounds of the coming election, with at least four candidates expected to contest a seat many voters describe as a true swing constituency.

Dr Charlene Reid is set to be ratified as the Free National Movement’s candidate tonight, Fred McAlpine is preparing to run as an independent, and Ginger Moxey was ratified Monday night as the Progressive Liberal Party’s standard bearer once again. On the ground, several residents said party labels matter less than visibility, delivery and whether a representative serves the entire community.

Florence Deveaux said

she and her husband want

“a representative who does not just talk, but who delivers on the promises that they make.”

She said party affiliation is secondary to fairness and inclusion.

“We will support a candidate who is really looking out for everybody and not just for who are in their party. That’s not right,” she

said. Ms Deveaux said Pineridge needs a homeless shelter, a youth centre and a recreation centre for seniors, and that these should be priorities for the next member of parliament.

“What we would really like to see these things in Pineridge, particularly a shelter for the homeless.”

While noting that “anybody is free to run,” she said she is leaning towards Dr Reid.

“Right now I am leaning towards Dr Reid because she has been on the ground meeting constituents and she helps everyone, it does matter who they are,” she said, adding that Dr Reid has made donations to students at two schools in the area.

LaToya Lowe voiced strong support for an independent candidate, saying Rev Fred McAlpine would best represent the

constituency based on past experience.

“When he was the MP for Pineridge we had a voice and he stood for the people,” she said.

“We need a voice,” Ms Lowe said. “He’s the type who actually helps and not close the door, turn off that phone, and we can’t get him.”

She acknowledged that some progress was made under the current member but argued that many initiatives were already in motion before she took office.

Agnes Taylor also praised Dr Reid’s presence in the community.

“I am excited and elated that Mrs Reid is being ratified. She has been very visible in the community.”

Ms Taylor said accessibility and transparency are key when deciding who to support.

“I am looking for basically transparent

transparency and active representation, and Dr Reid has been walking the ground in Pine Ridge,” she said.

Savion Bethel said the number of candidates reflects growing public interest in leadership but said visibility alone is not enough.

“I’m more concerned about representation of your voice and that you are actually standing up for your constituents,” Mr Bethel said. He added that Pineridge has not been “as well represented as it should have been,” saying the sitting member has “catered to a particular segment of Pineridge, and not Pineridge in its entirety.”

Mr Bethel said he supports Mr McAlpine.

“I think it is something to be said about an individual who is willing to go up against their party,” he

said. “The mere fact that you are able to stand up and go against the grain, go against the party line says a lot.”

Tiara Williams accused the current PLP candidate of favouring supporters.

“I’m just hoping that Ginger doesn’t go back in the seat,” she said. “How could you speak on my behalf if you don’t even listen to my concerns and you are only helping those who support you.”

“I haven’t seen Ms Moxey at all in the four years she represented Pineridge, only on TV and on social media saying happy birthday. I haven’t gotten one happy birthday song.”

She said she will support Mr McAlpine.

“We need someone who will speak up and let their voice be heard,” Ms Williams said.

Hospital in crisis: ‘Healthcare is not free’

comments yesterday while appearing as a guest on Guardian Radio’s Morning Blend.

”We are in dire straits, I would say, and I’m going to say some things that probably would not be popular with the administration, and that might not be popular with the Bahamian people,” Dr Lockhart said.

“At the end of the day, as an individual, you have to take responsibility for your healthcare. You cannot expect for the government to take responsibility for your healthcare because what’s going on in our public healthcare system is scary to say the least. We lack resources, we lack supplies, we lack human resources, and there’s only so long that the few can continue to keep the seams together.”

Dr Lockhart, a paediatrician, said conditions have steadily deteriorated over time, despite recent capital investments at Princess

Margaret Hospital, including the construction of a paediatric unit and the Accident and Emergency Department. She said those facilities remain unequipped and understaffed, limiting their effectiveness.

“It is worse than I’ve ever seen,” she said. “I’ve been in the public hospital for the last 22 years.”

She recalled returning to Princess Margaret Hospital in 2011 after completing her specialisation overseas and described the hospital at that time as a place she enjoyed working.

“I enjoyed going there every day and taking care of sick kids,” she said. “I was coordinator of the Neonatal Intensive Care Transport programme, loved it.” Dr Lockhart said the gradual erosion of the system has been driven by administrative restructuring involving the Public Hospitals Authority, the Department of Public Health and the Ministry of Health, which she said has worn down healthcare professionals.

“Over time it wears on you, because you think you’re going to come in and save everything and the machinery of the public hospital system, the PHA, the change from Department of Public Health and PHA and Ministry of Health, and bringing all those things together, it has worn on me over time, and that’s me personally. So I’m sure it’s happening to other physicians as well,” she said. She said the lack of a clearly defined national vision for healthcare has contributed to burnout and the loss of skilled staff.

“I really have to, you know, take some Biblical words – where there’s no vision, the people perish, and I feel like we cannot see the vision for healthcare in The Bahamas,” she said. “And so I implore the government and the Public Hospitals Authority and the Department of Public Health, you need to show your healthcare staff what your vision is, otherwise you will never get buy in from them.”

‘We lack resources, we lack supplies, we lack human resources, and there’s only so long that the few can continue to keep the seams together.’

- Dr Charelle Lockhart CPSA president

Dr Lockhart said the impact of shortages is felt daily in patient care. She noted that as recently as Monday, she was unable to treat a child in the paediatric emergency unit because basic medical equipment was unavailable.

“I had a kid with a foreign body in her nose, and in the paediatric emergency room, I don’t have instrumentation to take the tissue out of her nose,” she said.

“I don’t have the tools with which to take the tissue out of the child.”

She said she ultimately retrieved the instrument from her private pratice in order to treat the patient.

“I cannot sit there and not be able to do something in the pediatric emergency room that I can do in my office,” she said. “It’s crazy to me.”

Dr Lockhart also highlighted what she described as poor deployment of specialised staff, citing cases where nurses trained overseas in neonatal care were reassigned to unrelated wards upon returning to Princess Margaret Hospital.

“You have a specialty nurse that takes care of the sickest of the sickest of the tiniest babies, and you’re gonna send her to male medical. Why?” she asked.

She said staff losses

extend beyond physicians to nurses, technicians and other healthcare workers.

Dr Lockhart also challenged public expectations surrounding healthcare costs, arguing that the perception of free healthcare is unsustainable.

“Healthcare is not free,” she said. “You cannot come into a public hospital and pay $0 and expect to get the mall looking hospital that you see in the US.”

“Those two things do not go together and so when our government decided to, you know, show people that you can do that, you can go in the hospital, pay $0 and get the best care, that was where we made the mistake. You cannot. We have to pay something. The money has to come from somewhere and if you can eat fast food every day, and I speak to parents every day about what they’re feeding their kids, and it is fast food every single day, if they can afford fast food, every day, they can afford to pay $15, $20, $30, when they present at the hospital.”

‘Bahamas taxi industry modernising on its own terms - no need for Uber’

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

AS debate grows over the possible introduction of an Uber-linked ride-share platform in The Bahamas, a local taxi operator says the industry is already modernising — on its own terms. Taxi driver and entrepreneur Lamont Nixon said his digital platform, Aqua Rides Bahamas, shows that Bahamian taxi drivers have already moved into the app-based era without foreign control or changes to existing laws.

“We just put what we already have as taxi drivers on a digital platform,” Mr Nixon said. “We are modernising the whole taxi situation here in The Bahamas.”

Aqua Rides, which Mr Nixon said is recognised by the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union, allows users

to book taxis anywhere in the country through a mobile application, offering options from sedans and vans to luxury vehicles and sprinters.

He said the service has

been operating in a beta phase since August last year and is already being used by both locals and tourists. He said around 200 licensed taxi drivers are currently registered

on New Providence, with the service recently introduced in Exuma and plans to expand to other Family Islands.

Mr Nixon said the platform replaces older call-in systems such as Meter Cab and makes it easier for residents to secure rides for work, errands and daily travel.

Fares, he said, are based strictly on government-set taxi rates and calculated by distance in line with existing regulations, including additional passenger charges where applicable. The app also offers local discounts of between five and ten per cent.

He acknowledged that the taxi industry has often been viewed as slow to

adapt but said the challenge has been scale, not ideas.

“You have a lot of people in the taxi scene who basically came up with this idea even before me,” he said. They’re saying this ain’t nothing new. The only difference is what we’re doing is making it more national and advertising it as the staple people would now use to order taxis. The idea is to get everyone on board.”

Mr Nixon said concerns within the taxi sector about the potential arrival of Uber are rooted in what drivers have seen happen in other countries.

“Uber itself, based on how our laws are set, is

illegal here in The Bahamas,” he said. “A lot of drivers fear what Uber did in other places in the world, where they basically threw out the taxi drivers.”

He argued that locally developed platforms like Aqua Rides protect Bahamian ownership and economic interests.

“If you look at it from the perspective of Uber or Lyft, that’s something Bahamians don’t own, that ain’t even something we could necessarily buy shares into,” he said. “My thing is to keep these things local so that Bahamians could benefit from it, especially if we go public and people are able to buy shares.”

Smith backtracks on Grand Lucayan ‘non-sale’ remarks

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

WEST Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Kingsley Smith backtracked yesterday on remarks he made about the sale of the Grand Lucayan resort after telling reporters the transaction had not happened despite government officials saying otherwise.

In a statement, Mr Smith, the parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Grand Bahama, said his choice of words could have been better to avoid confusion about the project’s status.

“My position is, and remains, entirely consistent with the government’s stance,” he said. “Having been personally present for the execution of the legal documents and the signing of the conveyance, I have no doubt about the reality of the sale.”

He dismissed suggestions of a rift between himself and the Office of the Prime Minister, describing his earlier comment as a misunderstanding made “in the heat of a media scrum” amid the complexities of

People may say that just because the hotel transaction did not happen at this time and progress is moving at the airport, they will use that as if nothing is happening.

international business.

Mr Smith’s clarification followed scrutiny over his earlier statement that “the hotel transaction did not happen at this time”, which directly contradicted comments by Prime Minister Philip Davis. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters on Sunday, shortly after Mr Davis said the resort had been sold and that his government was waiting on the operator's plans.

While defending the project, Mr Smith said: “People may say that just because the hotel transaction did not happen at this time and progress is moving at the airport, they will use that as if nothing is happening.

“But we all know when it comes to business dealings, things can happen, things

can fail. Obviously we are looking at investor’s money and not the government money to do it.”

The Davis administration announced the $120m sale last May to US-based Concord Wilshire Capital, which plans to invest $827 million into redeveloping the Grand Lucayan property and the adjacent 160-acre Reef Golf Course.

Since the highly publicised signing, however, few details have been released about the sale or the current status of the project.

Mr Smith claimed that when he referred to the transaction, he was speaking about the ongoing internal progress of the project, adding that at no point “did I imply or suggest that a sale had not occurred”.

IT staff protest outside OPM over outstanding unresolved promotions and regularisations

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

STAFF of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) yesterday staged a protest outside the Office of the Prime Minister over outstanding promotions and regularisations.

DICT staff stationed at the Office of the Prime Minister gathered near the vehicle of Prime Minister

Philip “Brave” Davis in a demonstration. Protesters held signs reading, “Silence is compliance. We choose to speak” and “No fight. No fuss. Just pay us.”

Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) president Mr Kimsley Ferguson told reporters he has attempted to engage several officials, including Minister of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis, regarding unresolved promotions and regularisations affecting

DICT staff. He also raised concerns about the implementation of a new career path developed for workers. According to Mr Ferguson, the introduction of the new career path has left employees who qualified for promotion under the previous scale uncertain about their status.

“We are concerned about getting that rectified, because when you implement something new and there was something that

He said that to some — including what he described as “an opportunistic opposition” — the lack of visible construction at the property might suggest a lack of progress, but he insisted that work is happening behind

the scenes. “Where the opposition is concerned, because they cannot see the internal work being done, they would have the public believe the deal is nonexistent. I refuse to let my words

was old, you are impacting the terms and conditions of these particular individuals,” he said. He added that the new system should not have been implemented without consultation with the union.

Mr Ferguson also highlighted the irony of DICT staff, many of whom work inside the Office of the Prime Minister, having to leave their desks to protest outside, describing the situation as “disappointing.”

He called on the government to resolve the workers’ grievances before the next general election, noting that DICT staff play a critical role in ensuring government agencies can deliver digital services. He further urged the prime

minister, Mr Halkitis and other officials to meet with union representatives to address the concerns.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) evolved from the government’s Information and Communications Technology operations (ICT) and is responsible for overseeing digital systems across the public sector.

Jannette Pratt, a senior system network officer, said line staff within the department have not been reclassified or promoted for years despite the introduction of a new ICT scale.

“Within the next two weeks or so, we just need management to come and sit with us, just to give us a word, to tell us what is going on,” she said. “They have already been straight. They are locked into the scale. We now need to know what’s happening with us, and that’s why we’re here.”

Asked whether recent industrial action by nurses over unpaid overtime influenced DICT staff to protest, Ms Pratt said it did. She noted that some DICT officers would be responsible for processing the nurses’ back pay.

Ms Pratt said that under the new scale, only five executive managers have benefited through promotions, reclassifications and back pay, while line staff remain uncertain about when they will receive similar consideration.

New bill to target ‘unlawful’ drug sales

are being advanced to modernise outdated and fragmented pharmaceutical laws that regulators say have left serious gaps in oversight and enforcement. The Ministry said it is working with the Bahamas Pharmacy Council and other agencies to ensure reports of illegal dispensing are investigated and addressed, and urged members of the public to report suspected breaches.

“The Ministry of Health & Wellness remains fully committed to protecting the health and safety of the Bahamian public,” said the statement.

The ministry’s acknowledgement of the problem follows this newspaper’s undercover investigation, which found prescription-only drugs could be purchased at multiple pharmacies in New Providence without presenting a prescription.

Senior figures in the pharmaceutical community did not dispute those findings, but said the situation reflects deeper structural failures that only strong laws, proper inspection and meaningful enforcement can fix.

Former Chairman of the Bahamas Pharmaceutical Council and former President of the Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association

Phillip Gray said yesterday: “Wherever there is the authentic, there is always the counterfeit or what goes against the standard, so we shouldn’t be surprised. As in every other profession, the untoward might happen, so we should put proper measures to minimise the activity.”

Mr Gray acknowledged that pharmacists have a duty to properly advise customers and admitted some are failing in that duty. He also pointed to the absence of pharmacovigilance – the practice of monitoring the effects of medical drugs after they have been licensed for use – in The Bahamas, noting the country is one of only three in the region without it.

“What we need is a proper inspectorate, along with all that is required, so that those who are in breach of the appropriate practices are dealt with,”

Mr Gray said, adding that

members of the public are also complicit when they seek out those willing to ignore proper protocols.

Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association President Dr Marvin Smith made a similar call for independent inspectors, updated legislation and firm sanctions backed by enforcement.

“We are not going to bury our heads in the sand,” Dr Smith said. “We should look at this as an opportunity to address some very real issues in a manner that

places the industry and its practitioners in high esteem and educates patients on what the expectations are. This is an opportunity for those that are not operating to standard to clean up their act rather than to try to put up a defence when and where breaches are pointed out.”

Dr Smith also suggested that a portion of taxes collected on the importation and sale of medications be dedicated to funding a modern inspectorate.

The Tribune’s investigation showed that prescription medicines are entering the country through formal ports and informal channels, often from unverified overseas manufacturers, and being sold without prescriptions, proper labelling, dosage instructions or medical oversight.

An undercover operative on August 8 2025, obtained antibiotics without a prescription at three pharmacies in under 90

minutes. Follow-up visits between January 22 and January 26 this year found drugs obtained without issue in eight of 13 encounters across ten pharmacies.

Chief Pharmacist at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Gina Archer, previously said outdated legislation severely limits regulators’ ability to act.

“The Bahamas currently does not have a national drug registration system,” Dr Archer said. “This limits what regulators can

lawfully do when medicines are imported from unauthorised sources, brought in beyond what could reasonably be considered personal use, or sold as prescription-only medicines without prescriptions.

“While there are legacy laws such as the Penicillin Act that regulate specific classes of medicines, the penalties are minimal and do not function as an effective deterrent in today’s market.”

Haiti flights ‘mule’ unregulated drugs into LPIA

THIS is part of the haul of unregulated drugs seized after being brought into the country on flights from Haiti in a single day by customs officers at Lynden Pindling International Airport. Monday’s confiscations at LPIA came on the day a Tribune investigation revealed medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, abortion pills, and even cosmetic products like skin bleaching creams are arriving in The Bahamas in bulk at airports and in shipping containers.

The drugs seized on Monday included Fluconazole (brand name Diflucan), a prescription triazole antifungal medication; Kamox 500mg, a broad-spectrum, penicillin-class antibiotic containing Amoxicillin, used to treat various bacterial infections;

Nexafeno" (often spelled Nexafen, a combination tablet containing Tranexamic acid and Mefenamic acid, primarily used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.

Persons unknown attempted to bring the medication, some prescription-only, into the country without it passing any of the official importation protocols.

Following our investigation, the Ministry of Health & Wellness issued a statement warning of the dangers of selling unregulated drugs to consumers, saying it was ‘unlawful, unsafe’ and posed a serious risk to public health.

Former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said The Bahamas was in a ‘far darker place than a decade ago’ over the sale of

unapproved and ‘grey market’ medicines, and called for regulatory oversight to be strengthened.

Agriculture director admits ‘weak enforcement’ as stray dog crisis grows

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune

Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

ENFORCEMENT of animal welfare laws needs strengthening, Director of Agriculture Dr Jason Sands admitted yesterday, while acknowledging that addressing the country’s stray dog problem is not an easy task.

Dr Sands was responding to concerns raised by several animal welfare organisations, which have argued that the government has failed to enforce existing animal welfare laws. While acknowledging those concerns, he called on organisations to work together rather than assign blame.

“I will say this rather than point fingers at other organisations in this battle to control this problem,” he said yesterday. “I will say that the government funds the department and these not-for-profit organisations in its effort to try to control this problem. So we are in the same battle, and we should all be cooperatively, trying to solve the problem.”

The Bahamas has for years faced a stray dog population, with roaming animals visible across streets, businesses, school zones, and residential communities. Members of the public

and non-profit organisations have repeatedly called on the government to expand spay-and-neuter efforts or increase the use of pounds to manage the issue. The Tribune recently reported that animal welfare organisations raised concerns about weak enforcement of existing laws, with some explicitly blaming the Department of Agriculture for failing to play its role in reducing the stray dog population.

Lisse McCombe, vice-president of the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK!), said humane population control — not eradication — depends on enforcement. BAARK has said The Bahamas can significantly reduce the stray dog population through sustained spay-and-neuter programmes, but warned that progress depends on government action.

“The primary obstacle is the continued failure of the Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of the Minister of Agriculture, to enforce existing animal welfare legislation,” Ms McCombe said. Under the Animal Protection and Control Act, it is illegal to allow dogs to roam freely or to abandon, neglect,

or keep animals in hazardous conditions. The Act also empowers authorities to seize animals, issue fines, and prosecute offenders.

Dr Sands said the department does not control regulations, adding that responsibility for imposing effective legislation rests with the government. However, he said work is being constantly being down to lower the number of stray dogs. He gave an example taht some dogs regularly roam one neighbourhood, then casually residing a property of a resident. That resident may then claim that animal.

Asked whether the government has done enough to ensure dogs are spayed and neutered, Dr Sands said the procedure remains a

voluntary choice for animal owners. Culturally, he said, spaying and neutering is not automatically considered when people acquire dogs or cats.

He identified illegal dog breeding as one of the main contributors to the growing stray population, noting that because such operations are unlawful and unadvertised, they are difficult to detect.

Dr Sands also said the department plans to host an animal expo to educate the public on purchasing animals legally and ensuring pets are vaccinated and licensed.

Meanwhile, he said the department continues to respond to complaints involving dangerous animals and cases of animal mistreatment.

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What are you going to believe?

THE state of the deal for the Grand Lucayan resort remains unclear –but the failure to pay staff yet again speaks volumes.

One thing seems clear. There is no point listening to Kingsley Smith. The West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP had seemed to undercut Prime Minister Philip Davis on the deal when he said “the hotel transaction did not happen at this time”. Yesterday, he said a whole bunch of words to try to cover that comment, saying his position was consistent with the government’s stance – when his words were not – and suggesting that at no point did he “imply or suggest that a sale had not occurred”, even though he did.

He then seemed to suggest we should not trust our own eyes, saying that “a delay in visible activity does not equate to a non-sale”. It reminds us of the old Marx Brothers line, “Who are you going to believe? Me? Or your own eyes?”

When it comes to hard facts, today we report that staff at the resort have again gone without pay for five weeks. That is perhaps the most telling fact in the smokescreen over what the state of the Grand Lucayan deal is.

Tribune Business reports that the resort now owes $17m to its creditors, both here and overseas.

The last pay staff received was December 22, meaning pay for the end of December and the whole of January has not been received. Even worse, there is no indication of when that will end – and staff have not been officially terminated so they cannot claim unemployment benefits.

Trades Union Congress president Obie Ferguson says he has never seen anything like it – and that there have likely been breaches of the Employment Act, the industrial agreement and individual worker contracts. Despite the importance of the Grand Lucayan deal and the limbo that staff have been left in, Mr Ferguson says he has not been able to arrange a meeting with Mr Davis.

The government’s investment chief says the payments could be made “any day now”, while also saying that the administration plans to form a special team to expedite the approvals process.

Consider that for a moment. The deal which was much trumpeted last year when it was announced, and for which we were previously told would get started in the first quarter,

is missing a number of approvals. Worse, the government is only now going to put together a team to sort out the process. Not three months ago, not six months ago, but only now. We are told that executives from the company behind the deal, Concord Wilshire, are on site at the resort almost every week for inspections and planning. As yet, however, not one has found their way to a microphone to explain what is the state of the deal, and when staff at the resort can expect a clear answer over their futures.

Do those staff hang on, waiting for pay that is overdue for the second time, and not knowing when they can expect those issues to be resolved? Or do they quit, in the hope of finding a job market that is not overly blessed with opportunities in Grand Bahama? Stick or twist? It is not an easy position to be – not when you have bills to pay and mouths to feed.

All of us should be rooting for the success of this deal. If the Grand Lucayan can at last get back on the right track, it can help to kickstart the seemingly ever-struggling economy in Grand Bahama.

It will not be enough on its own – that was not the case when it was fully open for business before all these deals, it will not be enough even if everything else goes smoothly from here on in. But it is one part in the revival, and that is something we should all be hoping can begin to happen.

However, there needs to be concrete information about the state of the deal. People cannot just rely on hope and trust in the sometimes shifting words from government.

The staff deserves that, the unions deserve that, the suppliers who are owed money deserve that, and so do the taxpayers.

The uncertainty does not inspire confidence in the government’s words, which are hard to take at face value when even one of their own MPs cannot seem to get the story straight.

The government must give us a reason to trust, a reason to have faith that all will indeed work out well. And it can start by putting overdue pay in people’s pockets.

Grand Bahama needs a renaissance. Our second city deserves better treatment than just second best.

We hope for everyone’s sake that this deal will indeed make a difference.

I want to be a PLP consultant when I grow up

EDITOR, The Tribune.

NURSES employed at the Public Hospitals Authority have complained in recent times about not getting their overtime pay, the lack of meds at the two major hospitals in New Providence and Grand Bahama, in addition to poor working conditions. I consider nursing to be an essential career. Many of them are being wooed to the US and Canada, because the pay is far more attractive. A nurse can earn over one hundred dollars annually in North America, while they are severely underpaid, understaffed and underappreciated in The Bahamas, despite being qualified.

In two of the dailies on February 2, PM Philip Davis expressed disappointment in the industrial actions taken by the nurses. But these nurses read the same newspapers as Mr Davis. They watch the same evening news. They would have read

in a local daily in June 2024 Davis announcing during his 2024/2025 Budget Communication that his government had allocated $76.6 million for consultants for the upcoming year. In the previous fiscal period, Davis and Co. had set aside $64.4 million. In 2022, $76.2 million. And in 2021, $49.6 million. I am counting $266.8 million. That’s over a quarter billion for a group of PLP consultants for just over a four year period.

To appreciate this massive amount of money, Davis those paid on average over $65 million for consultancy services annually, when the government already has professional technocrats in each of the government’s ministries and departments. And we’re not even factoring in the bloated Cabinet. Now I can better appreciate why PLP big wigs are so passionate about politics. Now I understand why they are so disheartened when their

Rick Fox gives Pintard a chance to win

EDITOR, The Tribune.

OUR News Bahamas posted on its Facebook page breaking news that former NBA player Rick Fox will be ratified by the Free National Movement for Garden Hills. This is a significant development on the political front. Let’s be honest; the FNM, once embroiled with internal dissent between supporters of FNM Leader Michael Pintard and those of former Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, did not live up to its potential as the Opposition. The governing Progressive Liberal Party encountered very little resistance from the FNM, as resources were spent dealing with the turmoil created by those who opposed the leadership of Pintard. What’s more, the media offered scathing assessments of Pintard, which I believe was unfair, considering the circumstances which were no fault of his own.

As The Nassau Guardian editorial stated awhile back, there doesn’t seemed to have been an appetite among Bahamian voters to change the government. This voter apathy will give way to election fever once we draw closer to the election. Getting back to Fox’s ratification, this must be viewed as a big catch by the Pintard team. Fox is by far the most influential and impressive candidate fielded by either the FNM or the PLP. An accomplished professional basketball career in the NBA that spanned 13 years, Fox was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1991 in the first round after a successful stint on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Fox had the distinction, as a Bahamian, of playing alongside the legendary Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. With the Los Angeles Lakers, he played with Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Eddie Jones, Nick Van Exel, Robert Horry and Derek Fisher.

As stated in a previous write-up, Fox was a member of an explosive

LETTERS

triangle offense that included Shaq and Kobe. Coached by the legendary Phil Jackson, who himself had coached Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen on the Chicago Bulls, this iteration of the Lakers won three consecutive NBA titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002. When Fox announced his intentions on running for the House of Assembly in late 2025, international media houses, such as ESPN, carried the news. This underscores the international appeal and celebrity status Fox brings to the FNM table. Not only did Fox excelled at professional basketball, he is also an accomplished actor, having a played one of the lead roles in Tyler Perry’s 2008 film Meet the Browns. Acclaimed actress Angela Bassett and actor Lamman Rucker also starred in the movie. An entrepreneur, Fox is CEO of Partanna Global. As a civic minded Bahamian, he established the civic program dubbed Bahamas Future Movement. This shows his willingness to roll up his sleeves and contribute towards nation building. Bahamians, most notably, FNMs, should be ecstatic about the thought of Fox being sworn in as the next MP for Garden Hills. Fox will help to further legitimise the leadership of Pintard, after having to suffer the indignity of being unfairly raked through the coals by the media. Also, Fox will help the FNM mount a far more effective fight on New Providence. If the FNM is to be successful, it must fare much better than it did in 2021, when it won only Killarney, St Barnabas and St Anne’s out of the 24 constituencies. The PLP won 21. Fox can help the FNM win at least half those seats by wooing tens of thousands of young voters who are so

prone to being apathetic towards the political process. I believe the voter turnout will be high as it has traditionally been prior to 2021. Fox’s presence alone will make this the most interesting election in recent memory. If the FNM can win 13 of the 25 seats on New Providence, plus four of the five seats on Grand Bahama, coupled with the two seats on Abaco, that’s 19 seats. And Long Island is an automatic win, bringing the total seats to 20. The FNM would then need just one more seat to capture the government, with the House of Assembly having 41 seats. This is all now made possible with Fox on the FNM ticket. This hypothetical scenario assumes that Fox will unseat the PLP incumbent in Garden Hills, Mario Bowleg. I believe he can, and I also believe he will. What’s more, Fox’s presence within the FNM will bring international spotlight to this general election. The eyes of the sports and entertainment industries, especially Hollywood, will be on The Bahamas in general and the FNM in particular. It might even woo many visitors to The Bahamas during the election period to get a firsthand look at the process. One of the highlights of this election cycle will be getting to hear Fox at FNM mass rallies lay out his vision for Garden Hills and the entire Bahamas. Pintard must be commended for wooing arguably the most famous candidate to ever run for the House of Assembly. It was difficult to imagine Pintard becoming prime minister. But with Fox running under the FNM banner, Pintard now has a puncher’s chance of pulling off the upset win in the general election -something no one thought possible this time last year.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama February 3, 2026.

PM should ignore calls for fixed election dates

EDITOR, The Tribune. WITH the recent roll out of the remaining candidates for the iconic PLP, it is clear that The Bahamas is rapidly approaching general elections. Many arm chair politicians and opinion makers have suggested that there should be a fixed date for such elections. I, with all due respect, do not agree. May I explain why, Editor, with your leave?

party loses. The PLP pays its own handsomely. These people are earning hundreds of thousands like the consultant hired by the Ministry of Tourism under the last Christie government. This consultant was paid $400,000 a year to advise the government on matters relating to culture. This while nurses and teachers are severely underpaid. Why should I study hard, play by the rules when all I need to succeed in life is to become a PLP consultant? That’s what I would encourage every school kid to become. Because being a PLP Consultant is the most lucrative career in the country. You are making millions just to tell Davis what his Cabinet and government technocrats are paid to do.

THE WHISTLEBLOWER Freeport, Grand Bahama February 2, 2026.

Historically, elections are called by the sitting Governor General once advised by the sitting Prime Minister and not before then. In reality, one individual actually ‘knows’ in his head (of course he would have close advisors who would have some degree of input into the setting of a date) when that date would occur. This is one of the most important privileges of being Prime Minister.

General Elections are called at a date when maximum positive

publicity and advantages would accrue to the incumbent party and its leadership. The nation has recovered nicely from the dreaded COVID-19 which wrecked absolute havoc on the entire world, inclusive of our wonderful country.

During the period 2017 t0 2021 our economy had gone far South. There was literally zero employment and very little commercial activity. In short, collectively, we all were catching Hell right here on Earth. To compound this dismal situation, we had recently suffered two back-to-back very powerful hurricanes. Hundreds of lives were lost and residential structures decimated.

Yet, in the midst of all of this, former Prime Minister Hubert A Minnis (FNM-Killarney) decided, presumably along with his then kitchen cabinet, to call a snap general election. Any political ‘fool’ could have told him that that would have turned out,

as it did, a massive defeat at the polls. The average Bahamian was dead mad with Minnis and the entire FNM team.

While the debilitating challenges which confronted and defeated the hapless Minnis administration, are not present today, there is still much more work which the PLP has to complete Before the PM go back to the people. If he were to do what Minnis did, the odds could go against the PLP. I caution the PM to dismiss all talk, at this juncture of fixed elections dates. The call for such is a mere political ploy. General Elections are constitutionally slated for September, 2026. Simply go down to July or August and vastly increase the chances (pardon the pun) of a second consecutive term for the ascendant PLP. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, February 3, 2026.

Weaker cold front to bring cool weekend weather

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

WEATHER officials

say a weaker cold front is expected to affect The Bahamas from Thursday through Sunday, bringing cool but far less severe conditions than the unusually cold and windy system that impacted the country last weekend.

Forecasters say the approaching front will

reach the northern islands by Thursday evening and move through the remainder of the country on Friday, with temperatures remaining cool into the weekend.

“We are talking about the low 60s on Friday to mid 60s, and then by Sunday, we looking at upper 60s, low 70s,” weather officials said.

Tribune First Alert Weather cautioned that the combination of

strong winds and cold air increased risks for elderly residents, children and pets, and urged the public to continue monitoring official forecasts. The front is forecast to approach the northern region — including Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini — on Thursday afternoon. By early Friday morning, it should move over the north-western Bahamas, affecting Andros, New Providence, Eleuthera,

Cat Island and the northern Exuma Cays. It is expected to move into the central Bahamas by Friday evening, then pass through the south-eastern Bahamas on Friday night before exiting into the Atlantic.

The system follows a powerful cold front that swept across The Bahamas last weekend, producing near-record low temperatures, gale-force winds and dangerous marine conditions. That system, which

Driver of crashed gov’t truck still under probe one month later

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

MORE than a month after a government-issued truck was captured on video speeding, swerving through traffic and crashing into other vehicles before driving off, police are still investigating the matter.

Police Liaison Chief Superintendent Sheria King said the driver, a government employee, was issued a Notice of Intended Prosecution as the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s

Traffic Division continues its probe.

She said an internal investigation is also underway within the relevant ministry, but declined to say which ministry employs the driver.

The incident surfaced in late December when a video spread across Bahamian social media showing a white Toyota truck bearing government plates seemingly striking multiple vehicles.

In the footage, a man and woman said their vehicle was hit while they followed

the truck. The video shows the government vehicle speeding and weaving along the road before colliding with a white Toyota Cube, damaging its front bumper and hood, and then continuing on.

The recording later shows the truck stopping, with the driver exiting and approaching the person filming. The licence plate “GV4625” is visible on the back of the vehicle.

At the time, Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister Latrae Rahming

said the matter was under investigation and reminded public officers of their obligations under the government’s vehicle-use policy when assigned state vehicles.

He said government employees are financially responsible if found at fault in an accident and may also lose the privilege of being assigned a government vehicle.

He added that while government vehicles are insured, that coverage applies to damage caused to other vehicles.

wrapped was expected to wrapup today, was driven by a strong low-pressure system that developed off the south-eastern United States coast. During that system, wind gusts reached up to 50 knots, with Atlantic seas building as high as 20 feet and waves on the Bahama Banks reaching around 14 feet. Boaters were urged to take safe harbour, while residents were advised to avoid swimming due to

rough surf and dangerous rip currents. On land, strong winds caused unsecured objects to become airborne, while coastal communities, particularly along western and northern shorelines, experienced flooding, erosion and heavy sea spray during periods of high tide. Behind that front, temperatures dropped sharply, with wind chill values falling to near-record lows.

THIRTY-six Panamanian nationals and twelve Haitian nationals were convicted in separate Magistrate’s Court proceedings yesterday after pleading guilty to immigration offences stemming from a recent enforcement operation in New Providence.

The Panamanians appeared before Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms, where they were convicted of overstaying.

The Haitians appeared before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley and were convicted of overstaying and illegal landing.

All defendants pleaded guilty. Fines and sentences ranged from $300 to $3,000, or custodial terms of four

months to one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The court matters followed a targeted operation carried out on January 31 by the Enforcement Unit at a warehouse off Fire Trail Road, New Providence, where 58 foreign nationals were apprehended. Those detained included 44 Panamanian nationals, seven Colombians, five Ecuadorians, one Haitian and one Venezuelan.

All were taken to the Detention Centre for further investigation and processing under the Immigration Act.

Officials said the operation was executed based on actionable intelligence received by the department.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 32-YEAR-OLD man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting his sixyear-old daughter in 2022 was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The defendant, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor, was sentenced for one count of incest before Justice Dale Fitzpatrick. He admitted to having unlawful sexual intercourse with his underage daughter in New Providence in March 2022. Under the terms of his plea deal, time already spent on remand at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services will be deducted from his sentence. Miranda Adderley represented the accused, while Gary Rolle III and Rasheid Edgecombe were the prosecutors.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to attempting to break into a shop on Robinson Road.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN denied illegally dumping waste in wetlands near Marshall Road West last month.

Magistrate Reckley warned that if Storr fails to appear on that date, a warrant will be issued for his arrest.

His co-accused, another 16-year-old boy, denied both charges.

The damage charge was withdrawn against both minors.

The teenage defendant, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, tried to break into I-Cart Bahamas Shop on January 29. He allegedly caused $880 worth of damage to rear windows and hatches at the premises belonging to Janovia Frazier. While the juvenile admitted to the shop-breaking charge, he denied the damage charge before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr.

The first boy was ordered to spend 18 months at the adolescent unit of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The second boy was granted $6,000 bail with one or two sureties and must obey a 5pm to 7am daily curfew.

The matter returns to court on February 24.

The defendants’ guardians were present for their arraignment.

Sergeant 3004 Forbes was the prosecutor.

Prosecutors allege that Shaquoan Storr, 31, dumped green waste and damaged the environment near Bonefish Pond on January 11.

Storr pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal dumping and environmental damage before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. He was informed that he is due back in court on March 25.

Before his initial court appearance, Storr was issued a $20,000 spot fine for environmental damage, which he refused to pay before the January 27 deadline.

A video, said to show Storr dumping materials near the wetlands while being told to stop by authorities from a red Mack heavy-duty truck, circulated on social media.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Forrester Carroll prosecuted the case.

• To provide support and guidance to the General Manager and Management Team on all matters relating to finance and established business and Group internal controls.

• To manage the accurate and timely preparation, review and submission of the Monthly Management Accounts (MMA) pack- including reliable Next Month and YTG forecasting for set KPIs of Portfolio, Revenue, PBT, Capital Expenditure, SOS and Operating Cash Flow. To manage the effective functioning and performance of the Finance, Credit Control, IT and HR functions for the business.

• Oversee and administer the department’s management development process and ensure policy documents are in line with Group requirements using best practice.

• Adherence to Rentokil Initial’s chosen financial reporting requirements; currently International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

To be the key liaison with the Internal and External Auditors of the Business

• To identify colleague training and development needs

• Responsible for the Human Resources function liaising with HR Manager Caribbean for functional oversight

• Manage entire employee lifecycle by implementing and maintaining systems related to recruitment, on boarding, case management, staff communication, staff exit management etc.

• Prepare the monthly payroll and payments for staff salaries and / or allowances in accordance with local employment regulations, ensuring that all required statutory deductions are made and paid.

•

Requirements First Degree in Finance, ACCA or equivalent accounting qualifications

or

Celeb Celebrarat

REMEMBER. REMEMBER. GET TO WORK.

FEBRUARYis recognisedas Black History Month in the US.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Associationfor theStudy of Negro Life and History now known as theAssociation for the Study of African American Life andHistory (ASALH) in 1915. In February 1926,the historian startedNegro HistoryWeek.In 1976,the weekwas expandedto the entire monthof February, and President Ford issued a message of observance that was continued by subsequent presidents of the US.

In 1986, Congresspassed a law recognisingFebruary 1986asNational Black (Afro-American) HistoryMonth andcalling onthe president to issuea proclamation encouragingpeople tocommemorate the month with relevant activities. Black History Month is widely celebrated,even beyond the geographic borders of the US, and is seen as a time to learn about the past, acknowledge the progress made, andenjoy theart createdby black people.

Many ofus haveto work through thecomplicated process ofunlearning yearsofinaccurate historylessons tounderstandthe realitywe arelivingtoday. Wereject thefalse claims ofa genocidal manas a “discoverer,” and the suggestion that there was a “good” kindof slaveryor enslaver.We challengethe misconceptionthat racism does and cannot exist here, in The Bahamas, because it’s a majorityblack country.We refuseto dodge the discomfort of conversations about raceand the ways black people have been and continue to be oppressed.

This requires a different understanding ofour history, human rights, the

struggle forliberation, andour responsibilities to one another. During the holidays, people are interested in giving. Donations go up andthere ismore carefor people in need. Januarycan be a difficult month, as people try to recover from overspending in December. BlackHistory Month comes right in time for everyone to start thinkingabout andbeing more attentive tothe needs that exist all around us. It’s a good time to be intentional in the ways we spendour timeand engagewith people. As far as we have come, we have quite a distance to go. Racism is still areality, andit canbe internalised.We arecalled tosupport one another,to celebrate each other s wins, tocollectively envision aworld of equality,and to work together to achieve it.

Theworkwehave todoiscollective. It cannot depend on any individual. Weare calledto build movements. In order to do this, we havetoknowthe paththatourancestorstook. Wehaveto befamiliar with the toolsthey used and how theymay or maynot work today.

Wehave tobuildcommunity and value theknowledge, skills, and perspectives thateach person brings. Wehave tobe preparedto take strong, clearpositions, stand in the face of opposition, and demandjustice. Thediscomfortof the oppressorcannot moveus. We must be resolute.

Ourcollective liberationdemands that we acknowledge our differences andunderstand what they mean for the way we show up inmovements andlive ourlives. To be black and to be woman, to be

black and to have a disability, to be black and to experience poverty, to be black and to be LGBTQI+, to be black and tobe an immigrant allaffect thewayswe areperceivedand treatedbyothers. Our difference cannot be ignored, even as we focus on our shared identity, shared struggle, andthe liberation we march toward.

Thismonth, wecan connect with one another, readtogether, enjoy themusic and visualart wehavecreated, organise ourselves, and build communities that form movements, drive change, andcreate an equitable world.

Recommendations

Women s Wednesdays: Fem inist Standards for Governance in Education. Asa partof aseries of workshopsto developapeople’s agenda for 2026 to 2031, Equality Bahamas is hosting a session focused on Education,at 6pm today. Beat theNationalArt Galleryof The Bahamas onWest Hill Street to discuss issuesin this thematic area, identifyingthe rootcauses, theresponsible parties,and theactions we need totalk to solve them.

Toregisterand seetheremaining Feminist Standards for Governance session ona rangeof themes includingEnvironment and Labor andEconomy, go to tiny.cc/feministstandards

The showingon Thursday,February 19is alreadysold out,so purchase ticketsonline orat the box office as soon as possible.

To acknowledge our ancestors means we are aware that we did not make ourselves, that the line stretches all the way back, perhaps to God; or to Gods. We remember them because it is an easy thing to forget: that we are not the first to suffer, rebel, fight, love and die. The grace with which we embrace life, in spite of the pain, the sorrow, is always a measure of what has gone before.”

-Alice Walker

“For nothing is fixed forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. Generations do not cease to be born, and we are responsible to them because we are the only witnesses they have. The sea rises, the light fails, lovers cling to each other and children cling to us. The moment we cease to hold each other, the moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.”

Thereisalwayssomethingtodo.There are hungry people to feed, naked people toclothe,sick peopletocomfortand make well. And while I don t expect you tosave theworld,Ido thinkit’s not asking to much for you to love those with whomyou sleep, sharethe happiness ofthose whomyou callfriend, engage those among you whoare visionary, and removefrom your life those who offer you depression, despair, and disrespect.”

-Nikki Giovanni

-James Baldwin

“There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don’t expect you to save the world, I do think it’s not asking to much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary, and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair, and disrespect.”

-Nikki Giovanni

Easy Car Salesbrings China'smost prestigious EV brand to Bahamas

EASYCAR Salesiselevating the nation's automotive landscapewith theintroduction of HongQi,China's most prestigious luxury automotive brand.

The first shipmentof 30 HongQi EHS5 luxury electric SUVs isarriving thisweek, marking a significant milestonefordiscerningBahamian drivers seekingsophisticated style, cutting-edge technology, andenvironmental responsibility. HongQi originally served as theexclusive transportation for heads of state and high-ranking governmentofficials. Now,this distinguished heritage arrives on Bahamian shores, offering localdriversthe samelevelof prestige and innovation trusted by world leaders - but at an affordable cost.

"We're thrilledto bring HongQito TheBahamasas Easy CarSales marksa decade of pioneering electric mobility in ournation. We’ve come along wayand sohas EV technology - with HongQi

TikTok

reallyexemplifyingthat,"says Pia Farmer, Director of Easy CarSales.TheHongQiEHS5, launching thisFebruary, showcases the car company’s commitment tosophisticated design and advanced engineering.Step insidetheEHS5 and experiencewhat Farmer describes as"streamlined luxury, butwith distinctiveelegance." The spacious cabin offers acombination ofrobust safety featuresand first-class comfort.

"You need to seethis careven better,drive it- totruly appreciate what HongQi brings tothe table, interms of traditional craftsmanship combined with cutting-edge technology" Roseanne Johnson,Easy CarSales’ Headof Salessaid."This brandbrings tothe tablean extra level of luxury, comfort andconnectivity thatdoesn't compromise on environmental responsibilityand still helps driverssave 65%of theirgas andmaintenance costs.

Sincelaunching in2016, Easy CarSales hasput over 1,400electric vehiclesonBahamian roads,helping drivers significantly reducefuel costs while loweringemissions. The company continues to expand access topremium electric vehicles that suit every lifestyle and budget, backed by the bestwarranties in the business. Withconvenient locations on Abundant Life Road and Gladstone Road, plusflexible leasingoptions, EasyCar Salesmakesthe transition to electric luxury accessibleto moreBahamians than ever. Formore informationabout the HongQiEHS5 orto schedule atest drive,visit www.easy242.com orcontact EasyCarSales attheirGladstone Roador theHighway at Abundant Life Road locations.

About Easy Car Sales

As the nation's most experienced and trusted EV provider,Easy CarSalescon-

tinues to setthe standard for electric mobilityin TheBahamas. Established in 2009, Easy Car Sales is the first and only fully electric, new vehicle dealership inThe Bahamas.

As the only local AuthorisedDistributor andWarranty Provider for international brands likeBYD, JACMotors, HongQiand Geely,Easy Car Salesoffers cutting-edge models to suit every budget and lifestyle,including commercial fleets. Withleasing options andin-house financing,we aremaking EVsan accessible andpractical choice, empowering Bahamianstoreducetheircostof vehicle ownership every day. Focusingon education,exceptional customerservice and after-salessupport, Easy Car Sales isthe undisputed leaderin electricmobility, with more than1,400 EVs alreadyon ourroadsdriving the EVolutionof transportation in The Bahamas.

settles as social media giants face landmark trial over youth addiction claims

By KAITLYN HUAMANI and BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writers

LOS ANGELES(AP) TikTok agreedtosettle alandmarksocialmedia addiction lawsuitjust beforethe trial kickedoff,the plaintiff'sattorneysconfirmed. The social video platformwas one of three companies along with Meta's Instagram and Google's YouTube facing claims that theirplatforms deliberately addict and harm children.A fourth company named inthe lawsuit,Snapchat parent company Snap Inc., settled the case last week for an undisclosed sum.

Detailsofthe settlementwithTikTok werenot disclosed,andthe companydid notimmediately respondtoa requestfor comment.

At the core of thecase is a 19-year-old identifiedonly bythe initials"KGM," whose casecould determinehow thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social mediacompanies will playout. She and two other plaintiffshave been selectedforbellwether trials essentially

test casesfor both sidesto seehow their arguments play out before a jury and what damages,ifany, maybeawarded,said Clay Calvert, a non-resident senior fellow of technologypolicy studies atthe American Enterprise Institute.

Joseph VanZandt, co-leadcounsel for the plaintiff,said in astatement Tuesday that TikTok remains a defendant in the other personalinjury cases,and thatthe trial willproceed asscheduled against Meta and YouTube.

Jury selectionstarts this weekin the Los Angeles County Superior Court. It's thefirst timethecompanies willargue theircase beforea jury,and theoutcome could have profound effects on their businesses and how theywill handle children using their platforms.The selection process is expected to take at least a few days, with 75 potential jurors questioned each day throughat leastThursday.Afourth companynamedin thelawsuit,Snapchat parent company Snap Inc., settled the case last week for an undisclosed sum.

"This wasonly the first case there are hundreds of parentsand school districts in thesocialmedia addictiontrials

thatstart today,andsadly, newfamilies every day who arespeaking out and bringingBig Techtocourtfor itsdeliberatelyharmful products,"saidSacha Haworth, executivedirector ofthe nonprofit Tech Oversight Project.

KGM claims that her use of social mediafrom anearlyageaddicted herto the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidalthoughts. Importantly, the lawsuitclaims thatthis wasdone through deliberatedesign choicesmade by companiesthat sought tomake their platformsmoreaddictive tochildrento boost profits.This argument,if successful,could sidestepthecompanies' First Amendment shield and Section 230, whichprotects techcompanies fromliability for material postedon theirplatforms.

"Borrowing heavily fromthe behavioural and neurobiological techniques used by slotmachines andexploited bythe cigarette industry, Defendants deliberately embedded intheir productsan arrayof designfeatures aimedatmaximising youth engagement todrive advertising revenue," the lawsuit says.

Apple's iPhone sales surge to new quarterly high despite early AI missteps

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer

Apple’s iPhonesales soared to anew quarterly recordduring theholiday season, despiteartificial intelligence blunders that prompted the technology trendsetter to get a helping handfrom Google.

The OctoberDecember results announcedThursday reflecttheallegianceof Apple s fans, whoeagerlysnappedupthe latest iPhone 17 models even thoughthe companystill hasn tdeliveredon its 2024 promise to smartenup the device’s Siriassistance with AI. Apple tried to offset its AImiscues with a new liquid glass” design for the iPhone 17 and older models installed bywayofafreesoftwareupgradereleasedlastSeptember. ThatformulahelpedproduceiPhonesalesof$85.3billion, a 23%increase from thesame timein the previousyear. It marked Apple'shighest iPhone sales fora three-month period since the device’s debut in 2007.

Bolivia kicks off school year with ban on cellphones

LAPAZ, Bolivia(AP) Bolivia beganto implementa banon cellphonesinclassroomsMonday, astheschool year starts in the landlocked South American nation. Children in Bolivia, and teachers,will be askedto keep their cellphones in lockers or in their bags while they’re in classrooms.The measurewill beimplemented inboth private andpublic schoolsand appliesto pupilsof all ages. Severalcountrieshave alreadyimplementedmobile phonebans inschools inaneffort toincrease theattention span of children andreduce distractions, including Brazil France and South Korea.

JBL introduces BandBox: brand new, AI-powered amp and speaker AP BUSINESS WIRE

STAMFORD, Conn.- JBLis redefininghow musicians createmusic withthe launchofJBL BandBox, an AIpowered smartpractice amp and portable speaker range designed for beginner and experienced musicians alike. The all new JBL BandBox Soloand JBLBandBox Trio,feature AIpoweredreal timevocalandinstrument separation,rich signatureJBLsoundandbuilt-ineffectsandpracticetools. Blending the freedom of portable audio with powerful, musician-focusedtools,BandBox empowersyoutopractice, jam and create anytime you want.

JBLBandBoxSolois engineeredforindividualplayers whowanttobothsimplifyandlevel-uptheirpracticesetup without sacrificingsound quality or creativecontrol. Despite its compact size,Solo is afully featuredmusical tool that lets you plug in, play, and create with ease.

At the heart of BandBox is Stem AI, an intelligent vocal and instrument separation technology that lets you isolate or removevocals, guitar,or drumsfrom anytrack inreal time on the device. Whether you're learning a solo, rehearsing withfriends orimprovising overyour favorite song, BandBox makesit easy to turn anytrack into a custom backing mix tailored to your instrument.

Robotaxi pioneer Waymo gets $16 billion injection to accelerate its expansion plans

By

MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer

Robotaxi pioneer Waymo hasraised another $16 billion to help fuelits ambition for its fleet ofself-driving cars to provideridesthroughouttheworldwhileotherdeep-pocketedrival servicesbacked byTesla andAmazon tryto catch up.

The fundraisingannounced Mondayvalues Waymoat $126 billion.

Theappraisal underscoresinvestors' desireto owna pieceof therapidly expandingrobotaxi market,as wellas howfarWaymohascome sincestartingasa “moonshot” projectwithinGoogle17 yearsago.AnalystshadestimatedWaymo wasworthabout $30billionjust fiveyears ago after a flurry of fundraising.

Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture mural painting in Bimini

to host open house at Old Trail Road Campus

THE Bahamas Tech-

nical and Vocational Institute will host its spring open house on February 6 at its Old Trail Road campus, inviting the public to explore its programmes under the theme “True Blue and You.”

The admission-free event runs from 10am to 4pm and will allow prospective students, parents and community members to tour the campus, meet faculty and

students, visit information booths and take part in live demonstrations and do-it-yourself workshops. Entertainment and giveaways are also planned.

Admissions Officer Paulette Richardson said the open house is intended to give visitors a realistic look at what the institute offers beyond brochures and websites.

“The open house allows prospective students to move beyond brochures

and websites by directly engaging with instructors, current students and others, gaining realistic insight into programme expectations, career pathways, certification outcomes and enrolment requirements. This will enable them to make confident, informed decisions about their educational future. It also provides a low-pressure opportunity to explore multiple fields in one place,” she said.

Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles recognised during Women in Leadership service

St Thomas More Catholic School

Commissioner

addressed students of St Thomas More during Catholic Schools Week. She spoke under the theme, “Women in Leadership,” sharing insights on leadership, responsibility and the role women play in shaping strong communities. She encouraged students to pursue excellence, lead with integrity and believe in their ability to make a positive impact on society.