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The Tribune L AT E S T
Volume: 123 No. 50, Wednesday, February 4, 2026
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RICK FOX JOINS FNM AS TWELVE RATIFIED Ex-NBA player joins opposition despite criticisms of political status quo as Adrian Gibson out 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 criminal matter, and instead chose former Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins as his replacement. Speaking after his ratification, Mr Fox said he felt overwhelmed but grateful RATIFY - SEE PAGE TWO
RICK FOX
Pharmacy practices exposed by Tribune BIA: ‘LUCAYAN SALE IN FINAL ...MEANWHILE ‘unlawful’ and ‘unsafe’ says government STAGE AS WORK START IMMINENT’ STAFF NOT condemned the practice controlled products are By NEIL HARTNELL Phylicia Woods Hanna, PAID IN OVER By TRIBUNE STAFF as ‘unlawful’ and ‘unsafe’ dispensed without appro- Tribune Business Editor the Government’s investments director and head of THE government has which posed a ‘serious risk priate medical oversight, nhartnell@tribunemedia.net patients are placed at risk the Bahamas Investment FIVE WEEKS committed to long-prom- to public health.’ 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
“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
of adverse drug reactions, incorrect dosing, treatment failure, antimicrobial resistance, and exposure to potentially substandard or counterfeit products.” The statement added that legislative changes REFORM - SEE PAGE FIVE
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.
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 SEE BUSINESS FOR STORY
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 WORST - SEE PAGE THREE
CPSA president Dr Charelle Lockhart.
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
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. SEE BUSINESS FOR STORY